Coromandel Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Coromandel begins with the enduring legacy of the Corribee, a 21-foot sailboat designed by the prolific British naval architect Robert Tucker in 1964. Tucker's design philosophy centered on creating "pocket cruisers" in the 16 to 25-foot range, offering a blend of seaworthiness and a lively feel akin to larger racing yachts, but with genuine cruising capabilities.

Newbridge Boats, known for its commitment to producing affordable, practical, and seaworthy GRP sailing yachts, adopted the Corribee hull to develop the Coromandel. Production of the Coromandel commenced in 1982. What set the Coromandel apart was Newbridge's decision to offer it as the first production yacht designed specifically with a standard junk rig, a feature that defined its character. Throughout the 1980s, Newbridge Boats, and subsequently N.B. Yachts, continued to build these sturdy vessels, leveraging widespread adoption of glass-reinforced plastic for efficient manufacturing. The Coromandel was available with twin (bilge) keels as standard, a popular feature in the UK for drying out on moorings, but could also be specified with a fin keel., Builder Article] Owners also had the choice between an outboard engine in a well or an inboard engine.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its length overall of 20.75 feet, the Newbridge Coromandel falls into a size category where performance ratios are less indicative of its character. Instead, its reputation for seaworthiness and ease of handling is paramount. Sharing the same hull as the Corribee, the Coromandel inherits a design proven capable of significant voyages, with some Corribees successfully completing Atlantic crossings.

The defining feature of the Coromandel's sailing performance is its junk rig. This traditional, easily managed rig is highly praised by owners for its simplicity and the ability to be sailed effectively single-handed. While not typically considered a high-performance racing boat, the Coromandel is known to handle well, even sailing effectively to windward with its junk rig. Owners frequently describe the boat as sturdy, capable, and dependable in strong winds and challenging sea states, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Newbridge Coromandel, like its Corribee progenitor, is designed for practical cruising within a compact hull. Typically featuring an open-plan layout, the cabin offers accommodations for up to four berths. As expected in a 21-foot vessel, standing headroom is limited. The interior design, which was notably influenced by Design Council planning, aimed to maximize the available space. While the basic hull remained consistent, variations in interior layouts and coachroof designs could be found across different Corribee marks, suggesting potential minor differences in Coromandel configurations over its production run.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Newbridge Coromandel consistently commend its robust construction and remarkable seaworthiness for a boat of its size, often highlighting its comfortable motion even in adverse conditions. The standard junk rig is a significant draw, highly valued for its straightforward operation and ease of handling, especially for those who sail solo. The Coromandel benefits from a vibrant and supportive community, notably through its association with the Corribee Owners Association, where owners share knowledge and experiences. While generally praised for its reliability, some owners of Corribee variants have noted potential maintenance considerations with early inboard engine installations and the headlining within the cabin.