Evelyn 42 Information, Review, Specs

The Evelyn 42 was conceived and built by Robert Evelyn's own company, Formula Yachts, which operated from 1979 to 1985. Evelyn's vision for his yachts, including the Evelyn 42, prioritized speed and performance, aiming to produce "light displacement, fast racer-cruisers" that would excel on the racecourse without entirely sacrificing amenities for recreational sailors. The production of the Evelyn 42 began in 1985, aligning with the latter period of Formula Yachts' operation. While the exact number of Evelyn 42s built is not widely detailed, forum discussions indicate a limited production run, with at least seven hulls having been discussed or produced. Some examples of the Evelyn 42 have seen custom modifications, including altered keels, such as one hull reportedly fitted with a longer custom keel or another having its original keel replaced with a Dobroth hollow stainless steel fin keel. These variations suggest a design adaptable to specific racing or performance requirements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Evelyn 42's design clearly emphasizes performance. With a reported sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of 28.93, she is categorized as a very powerful and performance-oriented sailboat, suggesting excellent speed potential, particularly in lighter air. Her displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 189.5 further underscores her light-displacement design, indicative of a fast and responsive vessel. The hull is designed for efficiency, boasting a theoretical hull speed of 8.15 knots.

Anecdotal reports from owners highlight the Evelyn 42's racing prowess. She has been described as a "beating machine," implying strong upwind performance, and has been noted for her competitive standing in racing, even participating in events such as the Bermuda races. Her fin keel and spade rudder contribute to her sharp handling and responsiveness, allowing her to stand up to wind and maintain control during competitive sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While the Evelyn 42 was primarily designed as a racer-cruiser, detailed information regarding her interior accommodations and standard layout is scarce in publicly available records. The focus on performance often means that the interior spaces are more functionally oriented and less voluminous than those found in dedicated cruising yachts. Specific headroom measurements are not readily available in provided data. One reported instance of an Evelyn 42, specifically hull #7, mentions modifications to "open up the interior" and the replacement of floors with a "nomex core carbon laminate," suggesting that owners may have customized interiors to suit their preferences, potentially leaning towards lighter, race-focused finishes. This aligns with the boat's overall performance emphasis, where weight savings are paramount.