Copland 28 Information, Review, Specs

The Copland 28 began production in 1988 under the Copland Boats marque. While Copland Boats, founded by John Macintosh, had a significant history on the Isle of Wight, the company's main operations are noted to have ceased in 1985. Despite this, the Copland 28, designed by Julian Everitt, specifically commenced its build years later, highlighting the enduring appeal and potential for the Copland name or designs to continue. Julian Everitt's design philosophy for the Copland 28 centered on creating a "family cruiser racer". A key feature of this design is its twin-winged bilge keels, which were intended to offer an "excellent performance with the advantage of shoal draft". This innovative keel configuration allows the boat to access shallower areas and potentially sit upright on a tidal drying berth, expanding its cruising grounds considerably. Only around seven units of the Copland 28 were built, making it a relatively rare vessel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Copland 28, with a length overall of 28.3 feet and a waterline length of 23.5 feet, exhibits characteristics of a moderately heavy cruiser. Its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) is approximately 14.7, suggesting that while capable, it might not be a powerhouse in very light winds, performing optimally as the breeze picks up. The ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of roughly 0.347 indicates a reasonable level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a moderate amount of wind without excessive heeling. With a displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of around 258, the Copland 28 falls into the category of a moderate to heavy displacement vessel for its size. This ratio typically translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it suitable for coastal cruising where a stable platform is appreciated. The designer's notes emphasize "excellent performance" despite the shoal draft twin keels, indicating a focus on achieving good all-around sailing characteristics. However, its capsize screening value of 2.15 suggests it would not be accepted for ocean races, underscoring its design as a coastal and family-oriented cruiser rather than an offshore racer.

Accommodations and Layout

Specific detailed information regarding the interior layout and finishes of the Copland 28 is not widely documented due to its limited production numbers. However, given its designation as a "family cruiser," one can infer a typical arrangement aimed at comfortable living for its size. Boats of this era and type often feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a compact galley, and a small head compartment. Storage solutions would likely be integrated throughout the cabin, with lockers and shelves designed to accommodate provisions and personal gear for coastal voyages. While material specifics are scarce, boats built by Copland Boats were generally known for producing practical and enjoyable sailing yachts, suggesting a functional, if not luxurious, interior finish suitable for its purpose.

Owner's Perspectives

While extensive owner reviews for the Copland 28 are scarce due to the limited number of boats built, one notable point of feedback emerged regarding early models: a design issue related to the mast configuration. Some owners reported problems with the sweep-back spreaders and the positioning of two of the three shrouds on the cabin. This suggests that potential owners of early Copland 28s should investigate the mast and rigging setup to ensure any such issues were addressed.