Morris 51 Information, Review, Specs

From its inception, the Morris 51 was intended to be a leader in a new breed of "long, lean, and fast" cruising yachts, offering exceptional handling and seaworthiness. She represents the pinnacle of Morris Yachts' focus on creating boats that assure "pride of ownership and outstanding" sailing, a philosophy instilled by founder Tom Morris.

History and Design

The Morris 51 commenced production in 2003, emerging from the boatyards of Morris Yachts on Maine's Mount Desert Island. The design was penned by Chuck Paine & Associates, a naval architecture firm known for its well-designed, meticulously constructed, and valuable yachts. Paine's vision for the Morris 51 (sometimes known as the Apogee 51 or Apogee 50 with a new deck) was to create a high-speed cruising yacht that did not compromise on the builder's exacting standards.

During this era, Morris Yachts had firmly established its reputation for hand-crafted sailboats. While maintaining their foundational values of quality and exquisite finish, the company embraced technological advancements, including fiberglass construction, which allowed for greater efficiency and consistency in their builds. The Morris 51, like all Morris yachts, was hand-built using high-tech materials and processes, with significant customization available for each owner, reflecting the builder's ethos of bespoke craftsmanship.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Morris 51 is engineered for balanced performance and ease of handling, qualities highly valued in a luxury cruising yacht. Her calculated sail area to displacement ratio (SA/Disp) of approximately 16.5 suggests a boat capable of respectable performance across a range of wind conditions, leaning towards a good turn of speed without being overly aggressive. This indicates she will likely perform well in light to moderate airs while remaining manageable as the wind builds.

With a ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.33, the Morris 51 offers a moderate degree of stiffness, providing a comfortable motion and stability in a seaway. This ratio, combined with her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, contributes to a good balance between stability and maneuverability. Her displacement to length ratio (Disp/LWL) of approximately 171 signifies a moderately light displacement for her impressive length overall of 51 feet and a waterline length of 45 feet. This combination suggests a relatively easily driven hull, contributing to her "slippery fast" nature and ability to "slice through the steepest chop." The masthead sloop rig, complemented by a high-performance carbon fiber mast and powerful sail plan, ensures efficient power delivery and responsiveness.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior details for the Morris 51 could vary significantly due to the builder's emphasis on customization, the overarching philosophy focused on maximizing space with open interior plans and exceptional craftsmanship. Morris Yachts often assigned an interior designer to work closely with owners, allowing for optional layouts, wood choices, and varnish finishes tailored to individual needs.

In line with Morris Yachts' reputation, the interior of the 51 would feature exquisite joinery and meticulous attention to detail, characteristic of their luxury bluewater yachts and comfortable family cruisers., 8] Common features in yachts of this caliber typically include well-appointed galleys, comfortable saloon areas, private cabins, and ample storage, all executed with a high standard of finish and premium materials. Ventilation would also be a key consideration for extended cruising comfort.