Corribee Mk Iii Information, Review, Specs

The Corribee lineage, including the Mk III, originated from the design board of Robert Tucker, a designer known for creating numerous boats, often incorporating features like bilge keels and plywood construction in his work for accessibility and practicality. Newbridge Boats, established in 1963, built a reputation throughout the 1960s and 1980s for producing dependable, affordable, and practical sailing yachts, with a significant shift to GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) for their hulls to enable efficient mass production. The Corribee Mk III, introduced in 1982, emerged as a refinement of its predecessors, the Mk I and Mk II. Notably, the Mk III is often described as a late Mk II with a rearranged interior layout and some minor modifications to the deck moulding. This evolution aimed to enhance the living space and overall functionality of the compact vessel. Production of the Mk III continued into the mid-1980s, reflecting Newbridge's commitment to well-built, accessible designs before the company's liquidation and rebranding as N.B. Yachts in 1987.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its modest size, the Corribee Mk III is widely celebrated for its robust sailing performance and exceptional handling characteristics, particularly its good sea-keeping ability. Owners often express enthusiastic praise for their boats, highlighting the design's inherent seaworthiness. The Mk III, like many Newbridge designs, often features bilge keels. In the Corribee's case, these twin keels are of an asymmetrical aerofoil design, specifically engineered to optimize windward performance, a crucial attribute for a shallow-draft vessel. This design choice allows the Corribee Mk III to stand up well to a breeze and track reliably, making it a confident performer in coastal waters and capable of handling varied sea states with a comfortable motion.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Corribee Mk III was subject to a "rearranged interior layout" compared to earlier versions, with the goal of providing "more living space inside." Some Mk III versions were configured with two berths and ingeniously managed to incorporate a heads compartment, maximizing the utility of its compact dimensions. While specific details on the finish quality and materials are not extensively documented for the Mk III specifically, Newbridge Boats generally focused on practical and durable construction suitable for their target market of affordable cruisers. Owners often find the interior to be functional and well-suited for weekend trips or single-handed sailing, offering basic but adequate amenities for its class.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Corribee Mk III consistently demonstrate a high level of enthusiasm for their boats, a testament to the model's enduring appeal and practical virtues. The vibrant and active Corribee Owners Association provides a strong community network, offering invaluable support, shared knowledge, and camaraderie among enthusiasts. Owners frequently praise the boat's solid construction, its capability to handle challenging conditions, and its remarkable ease of handling. Its shallow draft, often facilitated by bilge keels, is also a highly valued feature, allowing access to shallower anchorages and the ability to dry out on suitable moorings, particularly beneficial for UK sailors. While general maintenance is to be expected with any vessel of its age, the Corribee Mk III is generally regarded as a robust and reliable small cruiser that continues to provide enjoyable sailing experiences.