Cornish Yawl Information, Review, Specs

The Cornish Yawl emerged in 1988, designed by Roger Dongray, who was instrumental in shaping the iconic Cornish Crabbers range. It followed in the footsteps of successful models like the Cornish Crabber 24, with some sources suggesting it shared a similar hull molding but featured a distinct deck design. This period marked Cornish Crabbers' embrace of fiberglass construction for series production, allowing wider accessibility to their traditionally styled boats. Dongray’s overarching design philosophy, evident across the Cornish Crabber fleet, emphasized robustness, seaworthiness, and practical features such as lifting keels, making boats well-suited for exploring varied waters, including the often-challenging conditions of British shores. While other models saw variations like MkI and MkII, information regarding significant production variations for the Cornish Yawl itself is not readily available.

Sailing Performance and Handling

At 24.51 feet in length overall with a waterline of 20.73 feet, the Cornish Yawl is designed for confident cruising. Its monohull design, coupled with a generous beam of 8.5 feet and a displacement of 7826 lbs, suggests a stable and forgiving motion at sea. A key feature of the Cornish Yawl is its centerboard keel, offering a variable draft between 3.0 feet and 5.0 feet. This allows sailors to navigate shallow creeks and estuaries, expanding cruising grounds considerably, a hallmark of Cornish Crabbers' design philosophy.

The yawl rig itself, with its additional mizzen sail, is widely regarded for its ease of handling and versatility, particularly when sailing short-handed. Owners often note that the mizzen can contribute positively to windward performance, helping to balance the sail plan and allow for easier trim in varying conditions. With a reported sail area of 379 sqft, the Cornish Yawl offers a good balance of power for its displacement. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 6.1 knots. Many owners find the Cornish Yawl suitable for single-handing, and some have undertaken extensive cruises, including living aboard for prolonged periods in the Mediterranean and French canals, underscoring its capabilities as a competent cruiser. The boat is typically powered by a 12hp Beta diesel engine, providing reliable auxiliary propulsion.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior layouts of the Cornish Yawl require consulting original reviews, the vessel provides a maximum headroom of 6.25 feet, offering comfortable standing room for many sailors within its compact length. The interior design by Cornish Crabbers typically emphasizes a blend of functionality and traditional charm, often incorporating wood trim and practical storage solutions consistent with their "modern classics" approach. Given its designation as a competent cruiser, the interior would typically include essential amenities for overnight stays and coastal voyages, such as sleeping berths, a galley area, and a marine head, configured efficiently within the available space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Cornish Yawls frequently praise the boat's solid construction and its comfortable, forgiving motion in a seaway, echoing the broader reputation of Cornish Crabbers for building robust and seaworthy vessels. The ability to single-hand the boat with ease is a commonly cited advantage. Many appreciate the versatility offered by the centerboard keel, which opens up opportunities for exploring shallower waters. While online forums and discussions exist among owners, specific recurring problems or widespread design flaws for the Cornish Yawl were not highlighted in public discussions, suggesting a generally positive ownership experience.