C&C 45 Information, Review, Specs

The C&C 45 officially began production in 2000, marking a significant entry into the world of International Measurement System (IMS) racing. Designed by William Tripp III, the C&C 45, often referred to as the IMS 45, was conceived to be a prime example of the developing IMS yacht type, showcasing the direction that racing designs were heading. Despite its primary focus on racing performance, C&C Yachts aimed to exceed the "rule minimum interior" often seen in pure racing boats, demonstrating their commitment to blending speed with a degree of liveability.

C&C Yachts, established in 1969, was known for its innovative approach to boatbuilding, particularly its pioneering use of balsa-cored fiberglass hulls for improved stiffness and reduced weight, along with an emphasis on lightweight construction and rakish designs that proved successful in competition. The collaboration with prominent designers like Tripp for the IMS 45 further solidified C&C's reputation for producing cutting-edge yachts., 9]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 45's specifications reveal a design unequivocally geared towards high performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 24.92, she falls firmly into the category of high-performance racers, suggesting excellent responsiveness and speed, especially in lighter air. Her high ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.513 indicates a remarkably stiff and stable yacht, capable of standing up to significant wind pressure and maintaining her sail plan effectively. Furthermore, a very low displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 142.9 points to a light, nimble, and highly performance-oriented hull form.

Anecdotal reports from sailors who have raced on new IMS boats, including models like the C&C 45, consistently praise their impressive boat speed compared to older designs. The C&C 45R, a designation for this model, was considered a significant contender in the "IMS horsepower race," affirming its design for competitive sailing. These characteristics align with C&C's general design philosophy of creating yachts with superior sailing prowess.

Accommodations and Layout

While the C&C 45 was fundamentally designed as an IMS racer, with a focus on performance, C&C Yachts made efforts to provide an interior that went beyond the absolute minimum required by racing rules. Though specific details on the typical interior arrangement are not widely documented, it can be inferred that the layout prioritizes functionality and weight distribution for racing, while still offering basic cruising amenities. The boat is equipped with a water capacity of 227 liters (59 US gallons). Given its racing pedigree, the interior finish and materials would likely be practical and durable, rather than opulent, ensuring ease of maintenance and contributing to overall weight savings.

The absence of a specific owner's perspective section is due to the limited availability of detailed owner reviews or common problem discussions directly related to the C&C 45 (IMS 45) in grounded search results.