Redline 41 (2014) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Redline 41 (2014) marked a significant new chapter for the C&C brand, which, despite numerous transitions, continued its commitment to performance-oriented yacht design. Production for this model began in 2014, with one of the initial hulls being built for a British ocean racer intending to compete in the demanding Newport Bermuda Race. The design ethos behind the Redline 41 (2014) reflects the IRC rule's encouragement of versatile yachts capable of both competitive racing and comfortable cruising. Mark Mills, known for crafting designs that strike a balance between speed and interior liveability, continued this philosophy with the Redline 41. This boat distinguishes itself from earlier Redline 41 models, such as the Mk I and Mk II originally designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian in the late 1960s, by being a completely new design rather than a direct evolution. C&C Yachts, historically known for pioneering balsa-cored fiberglass hulls and lightweight, rakish designs, brought these construction techniques and a performance focus to this modern Redline.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C Redline 41 (2014) is widely regarded as a fast and enjoyable boat to sail, demonstrating considerable speed and power in various conditions. Its design incorporates a narrow waterline beam, optimized for performance in light to moderate air. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 26.36, the Redline 41 is a powerful boat for its size, indicating strong performance in lighter winds and excellent upwind ability. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 152 categorizes it as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel, aligning with its IRC racing intentions. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 48% (7,232 lbs of lead ballast in a 15,100 lbs displacement) contributes significantly to its stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up well to stronger winds and maintain an efficient sail plan. The yacht features a fin keel with a bulb and a spade rudder, elements characteristic of modern performance designs aimed at maximizing hydrodynamic efficiency and control.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed for performance, the Redline 41 (2014) also offers accommodations suitable for cruising, aiming for a dual-purpose appeal. The boat features a low, aerodynamically sculpted cabin trunk, which is typical for a performance-oriented design. The cockpit is notably spacious, providing ample room for crew during racing or comfortable lounging during cruising. Internally, the head is described as spacious, though its location might require those sleeping aft to access the forward cabin at night. Detailed descriptions of interior finish, specific materials, storage solutions, or ventilation systems beyond these general observations require more specific owner reviews or direct boat walk-throughs.

Owner's Perspectives

Owner discussions and forum threads indicate an active community around C&C yachts, including modern iterations like the Redline 41. Some online conversations, such as those on "Sailing Anarchy Forums," touch upon the Redline 41 (2014)'s positioning in the market and its comparison to competitors like the X41. While specific comprehensive reviews detailing common owner-reported strengths and weaknesses for the 2014 model are not widely available in aggregated forms from general searches, the general sentiment for C&C yachts often praises their robust construction and sailing performance. The continued activity around C&C vessels, as noted by the C&C Photo Album & Resource Center, highlights the enduring quality and appeal that many owners find in the brand's designs.