C&C 50 Information, Review, Specs

As a product of C&C Yachts, a Canadian boatbuilding powerhouse established in 1969, the C&C 50 emerged during a period of significant innovation for the company. C&C quickly earned a formidable reputation for their "performance cruisers" and pioneering use of advanced construction techniques, including balsa-cored hulls to enhance stiffness while reducing weight. The C&C 50, designed in 1971, was built between 1972 and 1975, reflecting the design group's commitment to creating yachts that excelled on the racecourse while offering considerable comfort for cruising 3, 4, Builder Article. While specific design goals for the C&C 50 emphasized a balance between performance and comfort with a generous sail plan for light air, the core ethos of C&C's design group, including Cuthbertson and Cassian, focused on lightweight construction and sleek, effective racing designs. No significant variations like MkI/MkII or tall rig options were prominently noted for the C&C 50 specifically during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 50's specifications reveal a yacht designed for a blend of speed and stability. With a length overall of just under 50 feet and a waterline length of 39 feet, she boasts a substantial platform for offshore sailing. Her sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 20.57 suggests excellent light-air performance, indicating that the C&C 50 is well-powered and capable of moving efficiently in lighter breezes. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.482 points to a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good amount of wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 233.9 positions the C&C 50 firmly in the moderate to heavy displacement category, characteristic of a robust cruiser, yet still light enough to leverage its ample sail plan for performance. Generally, C&C yachts are praised by owners for being fast, well-built, and capable of handling various conditions with "gentle handling characteristics".

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the C&C 50 are not widely documented, C&C yachts of this era were generally known for their quality construction and functional, albeit sometimes spartan, interiors that prioritized seaworthiness and practicality. Given its generous beam of 14.5 feet, the C&C 50 would typically offer a spacious interior for a vessel of its size, featuring a classic layout commonly found in performance cruisers of the 1970s. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a dining table, a U-shaped galley, a dedicated navigation station, and one or more quarter berths or aft cabins. Interior finishes would generally have featured a blend of fiberglass surfaces with warm wood trim, characteristic of C&C's craftsmanship. Storage capacity would have been ample for extended cruising, and ventilation would have relied on a combination of deck hatches and portlights.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of C&C yachts, including those of similar vintage to the C&C 50, consistently laud the brand for producing well-built, robust vessels that stand the test of time. There is a dedicated and active owner community, frequently engaging in forums and discussions, which speaks to the enduring appeal and quality of these boats. Among the common strengths highlighted by C&C owners are their boats' solid construction, excellent sailing performance that allows them to be faster than many other cruisers, and their ability to handle challenging conditions confidently.

However, like many older vessels, some common maintenance issues have been noted. A recurring concern for C&C owners is what is colloquially known as the "C&C smile"—a breakdown of the rubber-like sealant used where the keel meets the hull, which can lead to leaks and requires re-bedding. Owners often mention the need to address original deck fittings, which can develop leaks over time and also require re-bedding. Despite these potential maintenance items typical of a boat approaching its 50th year, the strong owner community and the enduring appreciation for their sailing qualities underscore the C&C 50's legacy as a cherished performance cruiser.