Young 12 M Information, Review, Specs

The Young 12 M began its production run in 1990, emerging from the boatbuilding yards of McDell Marine in New Zealand. The design comes from Jim Young, a well-regarded New Zealand naval architect. During this era, McDell Marine, under the leadership of Kim McDell, had established itself as a builder focused on precision, robust construction, and efficient production, frequently bringing high-performance designs to life. The company's ethos emphasized "Kiwi craftsmanship" and a "steadfast commitment to quality," even as it navigated economic challenges like a significant boat tax in New Zealand. The Young 12 M's cutter rig, characterized by its division of sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, suggests an intention for offshore sailing, offering flexibility and ease of handling in varying conditions. Information regarding specific design philosophies Jim Young held for this particular model, or significant variations during its production, is not widely detailed.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Young 12 M is characterized by its fin keel and spade rudder, a configuration generally associated with good maneuverability and responsiveness. Its sailing characteristics can be further understood through its calculated performance ratios. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 179.37, the Young 12 M falls into the category of a relatively light to moderately heavy boat, suggesting a design that leans towards performance-oriented cruising rather than being a heavy displacement offshore cruiser. This allows for an engaging sailing experience. The Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 17.06 indicates moderate performance, suggesting the boat will perform capably in a decent breeze and offer a balanced sailing experience, though it may not be a dedicated light-air performer. The cutter rig further enhances its versatility, allowing for efficient sail configurations that are well-suited for offshore passages and easier management in stronger winds. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are not extensively available, the combination of its fin keel, spade rudder, and cutter rig generally points to a boat that is responsive, easily handled by a small crew, and capable of standing up to a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Young 12 M are not widely documented, a vessel of its 39-foot length would typically feature a comfortable cruising interior designed for extended stays aboard. Common arrangements for a boat of this size from its production era would likely include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a functional galley, and a dedicated head compartment. Storage capacity would generally be ample for cruising provisions and gear. Given McDell Marine's reputation for quality craftsmanship, the interior would likely feature durable materials and a practical finish, although specific details on wood trim, fiberglass use, or ventilation features are not readily available in public records.