Northshore 108 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Northshore 108 is closely tied to the well-regarded Northshore 369, from which it derives as a dedicated racing variant. Northshore Yachts, originating as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s, established itself as a builder committed to robust and adaptable GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) yachts, though it is more widely known for its shallow-draft Southerly range Source: Builder Article. The Northshore 108 was introduced in 2003, aligning with the builder's broader portfolio that included well-regarded Vancouver and MG lines.

The design of the Northshore 108 is attributed to Scott Jutson, a naval architect known for his expertise in high-performance sailboats. Jutson Yacht Design, founded in Sydney, Australia, in 1985, has a proven track record of creating race-winning yachts, aligning perfectly with the 108's racing pedigree. While specific design philosophies for the 108 are not widely detailed, it can be inferred that Jutson's goal was to optimize the proven platform of the 369 for competitive racing, focusing on speed, stiffness, and responsiveness. The deep 7.41 ft draft suggests a design aimed at maximizing hydrodynamic efficiency and righting moment for racing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Northshore 108 exhibits characteristics indicative of a high-performance racing sailboat. With a reported displacement of 8796 lbs, it is remarkably light for its length overall of 35.56 feet. This low displacement, combined with a significant sail area, results in a very high Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 31.76. This high ratio suggests the Northshore 108 is exceptionally powerful for its weight, translating to excellent performance, particularly in light to moderate wind conditions, where it can accelerate quickly and maintain speed effectively.

Its deep 7.41-foot fin keel with a bulb and a highly efficient spade rudder are critical components of its performance profile. This configuration is typical of racing yachts, providing maximum lift and control while minimizing leeway. Although the exact ballast figure for the 108 is not available, estimations based on its sister model, the Northshore 369, suggest a ballast-to-displacement ratio in the range of 37-40%. A ratio in this range indicates a relatively stiff boat, capable of standing up to its sail plan in stronger winds and providing a stable platform for racing. The Northshore 369, and by extension the 108, is described as a "stiff well-balanced yacht" that is "easily handled with great all round performance". This suggests a responsive and engaging sailing experience, likely rewarding skilled helmsmanship with precise control and good tracking.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed interior specifications for the Northshore 108 are limited, insights can be drawn from its cruising counterpart, the Northshore 369, which is described as "surprisingly spacious, with a fantastic layout for socialising or for comfortably sleeping up to six". As a racing version, the 108 would likely share the fundamental hull dimensions and potentially a similar general layout, though often with a more minimalist finish and fewer creature comforts to reduce weight.

Typically, a sailboat of this size designed for racing might feature a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can double as berths, a functional galley, and a compact head compartment. Storage would likely be optimized for gear rather than extensive cruising provisions. The focus would be on functionality and weight reduction. The builder, Northshore Yachts, historically utilized GRP for robust construction, suggesting a durable and straightforward interior structure. Specific details on headroom or interior finishes are not readily available, but the overall impression points to a functional space primarily serving the needs of a racing crew, with secondary consideration for basic overnighting capabilities.