C&C 57 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The C&C 57 entered production around 1988, a period when C&C Yachts, founded by influential partners George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, had long established its reputation for innovation in fiberglass boatbuilding. While the exact production end year is not widely documented, the vessel is now out of production. True to the builder's ethos, the C&C 57 likely incorporated pioneering construction techniques, such as balsa-cored fiberglass hulls, which C&C helped popularize to improve stiffness while simultaneously reducing weight. The design reflected C&C's commitment to creating "performance cruisers"—yachts characterized by their rakish lines and efficient hulls that offered a competitive edge without sacrificing interior volume or comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Designed as a masthead sloop, the C&C 57 boasts a reported sail area of 1313 square feet. With a displacement of 45,700 pounds and a waterline length of 56 feet, the C&C 57 presents as a moderately heavy cruising yacht, yet still capable of reasonable performance. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.51 suggests a vessel that performs adequately across a range of wind conditions, being neither under-canvassed in light airs nor excessively overpowered in heavier breezes.

The yacht's ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.387, indicates a solid degree of stiffness and stability, enabling it to stand up to significant wind pressures and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio of approximately 260 further categorizes the C&C 57 as a substantial, stable cruiser. Naval architects likely opted for a slightly more speedy hull design, making the C&C 57 comparatively slimmer than many other designs in its class, which contributes to its reputation for combining performance with sail-ability. With a calculated hull speed of 10.03 knots, the C&C 57 is capable of good speeds for its size.

Accommodations and Layout

As a large cruising yacht of its era, the C&C 57 was designed to offer expansive and comfortable living spaces below deck, suitable for extended periods aboard. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively publicized, listings describe a conventional interior featuring handcrafted teak, which was a hallmark of quality in yacht construction during that period. Owners and guests could expect ample headroom and well-appointed areas for relaxation, dining, and sleeping, commensurate with a yacht of 57 feet overall length. The emphasis would have been on creating a luxurious and welcoming environment, utilizing quality materials and finishes consistent with C&C's reputation for high-quality yacht building.