Cherubini 44 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Cherubini 44 in 1977 marked a pivotal moment for Cherubini Yachts, setting the stage for their reputation as a builder focused on quality over quantity. John E. Cherubini, a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, infused his vision into the 44, aiming to create vessels characterized by classic lines and exceptional seaworthiness. His design philosophy, widely recognized as a blend of art and engineering, drew significant inspiration from the work of legendary naval architect L. Francis Herreshoff, particularly his schooner Tioga II (later Ticonderoga).

Cherubini Yachts maintained a steadfast commitment to meticulous craftsmanship throughout the 44's production. The original models featured a robust construction of fiberglass hulls and molded cockpits, complemented by cold-molded marine plywood decks and solid mahogany cabin sides. This dedication to quality ensured high levels of customization for owners, with each vessel often constructed with exquisite teak joinery. The 44 was offered with versatile rig options, including cutter, staysail ketch, or schooner, allowing owners to tailor the boat to their specific sailing preferences, 17]. Decades after its initial launch, the company introduced the Cherubini 44 Mk II in 2007, an updated version that subtly enhanced the original's design with slightly higher bulwarks and a molded fiberglass composite deck structure, utilizing a foam core and Vinylester resin for improved systems, 1]. A distinctive design advantage of the Cherubini 44's hull form is its shallow, long Scheel keel, a patented design by naval architect Henry Scheel, which contributes to stability, a shallow draft, and efficient upwind performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cherubini 44 is lauded for its balanced performance, offering a sailing experience that is both spirited and comfortable. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.44, the Cherubini 44 demonstrates good potential for performance in lighter winds, allowing her to move well even when the breeze is shy. Her ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.43 highlights her inherent stiffness and stability, indicating a boat capable of standing up to significant wind pressures without excessive heel, providing a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, with a displacement-to-length ratio of about 195.31, she falls into the category of a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented cruiser for her size, suggesting an efficient hull form.

Anecdotal reports consistently praise the 44's ability to sail fast without jarring discomfort. Her fine entry, long keel profile, and keel-hung rudder contribute to excellent directional stability, allowing her to track exceptionally well, even when reaching through challenging conditions against strong currents. Owners often commend her balanced helm and predictable behavior across various sea states, underscoring her reputation as a capable bluewater yacht known for both aesthetics and seaworthiness, 7].

Accommodations and Layout

While the detailed interior specifications for the Cherubini 44 were often customized, leading to variations among individual boats, a consistent theme of warmth, spaciousness, and practicality emerges. Most 44s were built on a semi-custom basis, allowing original owners significant input into their specific layouts, though generally adhering to a common arrangement.

The interiors frequently feature a warm and inviting ambiance, often enhanced by cherry wood paneling. The layouts are typically described as spacious and well-lit, providing comfortable living spaces below decks. Common arrangements include a two-stateroom, two-head configuration with a generously sized salon and galley, sometimes in a traditional Herreshoff style. A notable feature on some models includes an aft deckhouse, which houses the owner's pilot berth, a navigation station, galley, settees, and additional pilot berths to port and starboard. Uniquely, the Cherubini 44 is recognized for its twin cockpits—an elliptical steering cockpit aft for the helmsman and a rectangular crew cockpit forward, a design praised for its aesthetics and functionality.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners consistently praise the Cherubini 44 for its solid and robust construction, with many noting that any issues typically arise from a lack of routine maintenance rather than fundamental design or build flaws. The impressive sailing performance, including notable victories in races such as the Ft. Lauderdale-to-Key West SORC race and the Marion-Bermuda race, is frequently highlighted by owners. The yacht's enduring appeal is also reflected in its strong resale value, a testament to its meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design. The Cherubini 44 is widely appreciated for its comfortable motion in a seaway, a direct benefit of its stable and seaworthy hull design, making it a favored choice for those undertaking long-distance cruises.