C&C 51 Custom Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The C&C 51 Custom first emerged in 1986, a product of C&C Yachts' ongoing commitment to developing high-performance cruising designs. As a "Custom" model, it likely represented a semi-custom build or a design tailored for a specific niche within the larger C&C fleet. C&C Yachts, founded in 1969, had already established a formidable reputation for pioneering balsa-cored fiberglass hulls and lightweight construction techniques, which contributed to their yachts' celebrated performance on the racecourse. The builder's ethos during this era emphasized creating vessels that were both fast and well-built, a characteristic evident in the C&C 51 Custom. Robert W. Ball, a key in-house designer for C&C from 1973 to 1991, played a significant role in shaping the C&C fleet during this period, and his design influence on the 51 Custom is notable. While specific design philosophy for the 51 Custom beyond its general purpose as a performance cruiser is not widely detailed, it aligns with C&C's overall strategy of blending speed with cruising comfort. The yacht's production began in 1986, and while the exact end year for the "Custom" designation is not definitively cited, the broader C&C 51 model continued to be produced, even after ownership changes, until the mid-1990s.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C 51 Custom is characterized by its impressive performance ratios, indicative of its design as a capable and spirited sailor. With a displacement of 33,800 lbs and a waterline length (LWL) of 43.92 feet, its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio calculates to approximately 178. This relatively low D/L ratio suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented hull for its size, indicating good speed potential. The yacht's Ballast to Displacement ratio, at approximately 0.408, is robust, contributing significantly to its inherent stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to a good breeze and offering an excellent righting capability.

Equipped with a masthead sloop rig and a reported sail area of 1,333.9 sq/ft, the C&C 51 Custom boasts a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 20.37. [1, This high SA/D figure typically suggests strong performance in lighter air conditions. However, some anecdotal descriptions suggest the C&C 51 Custom might be considered "underpowered" in certain contexts, which could imply that while capable in light winds, it might demand active sailing to maximize its potential, or that its upwind performance characteristics might differ from those of a purely racing design. The keel/centerboard configuration provides a versatile draft, ranging from 5.92 ft with the board up to 9.92 ft with it down, allowing for both access to shallower anchorages and enhanced upwind performance when the board is deployed. Its spade rudder further contributes to responsive and precise handling. The Capsize Screening Formula of 1.68 also points to its inherent stability and safety for offshore passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts and extensive photographic documentation for the C&C 51 Custom are less commonly found in general public databases, the yacht was designed for comfortable cruising typical of C&C's larger offerings. Generally, C&C yachts of this era were known for their well-appointed interiors, often featuring ample use of wood trim and robust joinery, contributing to a warm and traditional aesthetic. Owners could expect a layout conducive to extended periods aboard, likely including a spacious salon, a functional galley, and multiple private sleeping cabins, often with a V-berth forward and quarter berths aft, along with a dedicated head compartment. Storage was typically generous, and ventilation would have been provided through opening ports and hatches, consistent with the standards for performance cruisers of its size and era. Given its generous beam of 13.58 feet, the interior volume would have allowed for comfortable living and entertaining spaces.