Cayenne 12.5 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Cayenne 12.5 in 1982 marked a distinct design departure for Comfortbåtar AB, a company established in 1972 by Kenneth Albinsson and Ingmar Boding. During this era, Comfortbåtar AB championed fiberglass as its primary construction material, a standard for production yachts of the time. The builder's philosophy consistently prioritized perfect sailing characteristics, safety, speed, and a high degree of comfort within an elegant Scandinavian aesthetic. Håkan Södergren, a pivotal figure in Swedish yacht design, brought his vision to the Cayenne 12.5, creating what is considered a "bigger sister" to his earlier Carrera 38 design. Södergren's enduring legacy in the industry is built on crafting yachts that are both beautiful and functional, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Cayenne 12.5. While the standard rig configuration is commonly found, the Cayenne 12.5 was also offered with a "Tall Rig I" option, providing enhanced sail area for even greater performance in lighter conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Comfort Cayenne 12.5 is designed to offer a rewarding sailing experience, blending lively performance with a stable motion. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 18.91 for the standard rig, and an even more potent 20.41 for the tall rig option, she exhibits strong light-air capabilities, allowing her to accelerate and maintain speed even in marginal conditions. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.43 indicates significant inherent stability, suggesting she is a stiff boat that can stand up to a strong breeze without excessive heeling. Further underscoring her performance-oriented design, the Displacement to Length ratio (D/L) of approximately 180 classifies her as a lighter, more nimble vessel for her length. Owners often find the Cayenne 12.5 to be a "very comfortable boat" that is "easily sailed shorthanded," a testament to its well-engineered handling characteristics. Her Comfort Ratio of 35.79 also suggests a smooth motion in a seaway, indicating she is "more comfortable than 76% of all similar sailboat designs," making her suitable for moderate bluewater cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented in available public records, the Comfort Cayenne 12.5, as a product of Swedish design, typically features a practical and comfortable Scandinavian-style interior. The builder, Comfortbåtar AB, was known for coating interior surfaces with varnish from 1980 onwards to enhance durability, suggesting a quality finish. The boat features a generous water capacity of 80 gallons (303 liters), supporting extended cruising. While some anecdotal reports suggest a "sort of low headroom" in certain areas, the overall design would prioritize functionality and efficient use of space typical of a performance cruiser of its era. It can be inferred that the layout would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, and a navigation station, along with appropriate storage solutions.