Controversy 27 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Controversy 27 in 1960 marked a continuation of Mount Desert Yacht Yard's commitment to distinctive sailing yachts. Under the leadership of E. Farnham Butler, and with the naval architectural expertise of Cyrus Hamlin, the yard had established a reputation for developing light displacement, reverse sheer cruising boats. The "Controversy concept" defined this series, emphasizing a blend of speed and stability.

While Mount Desert Yacht Yard primarily utilized traditional wooden construction, often employing strip-planking for lightweight yet strong hulls, the Controversy 27 saw a notable variation in its production. Beyond the original wooden builds, the model was also constructed in fiberglass by Miles Marine and Structural Plastics Ltd. in the UK, showcasing an adaptation to evolving boatbuilding materials. A key design feature included a built-down keel to provide a deeper bilge, with a centerboard housed entirely within the ballast keel, a practical solution for varying draft requirements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The design philosophy behind the Controversy 27 translates into a distinctive sailing experience. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.36, the boat demonstrates a good capacity for performance in lighter winds, suggesting it can be lively and responsive when the breeze is gentle. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 180.29 further categorizes it as a lighter, more performance-oriented vessel for its size, rather than a heavy, traditional cruiser.

Anecdotal descriptions indicate that the Controversy 27 is a light and capable performer. While it may not be characterized by initial stiffness, implying it might heel readily in a breeze, it possesses good righting capability, allowing it to recover effectively from heeling moments. This characteristic aligns with a light displacement design that often trades some initial resistance to heel for overall nimbleness and efficiency across a range of conditions. Detailed ballast weight information for the Controversy 27 is not readily available in public specifications, preventing a calculation of its Ballast to Displacement ratio.

Accommodations and Layout

Information regarding the specific interior layout and accommodations of the Controversy 27 is not extensively documented in widely available resources. However, given its length overall of 27.5 feet and its design era, a typical layout for a cruiser of this size would likely feature a V-berth forward, serving as the primary sleeping area. A compact head compartment would generally be situated between the V-berth and the main salon. The salon usually comprises settees that can double as berths, often surrounding a folding table. A small galley area, typically to port or starboard, would include basic amenities like a sink and perhaps a stove, suitable for coastal cruising or weekend trips. The builder's emphasis on reverse sheer for increased interior volume would suggest that the Controversy 27 likely offered commendable headroom for a boat of its size, enhancing comfort below decks. Materials would typically reflect the standards of the era, with a combination of wood trim and fiberglass surfaces.