The Excalibur 36 is a classic cruiser-racer designed by E.G. van de Stadt and built by Southern Ocean Shipyard. I have gathered enough information from the provided, builder article, and search results to generate the article.
Here's a breakdown of how the information will be used for each section:
Introduction:
- Essence: Classic cruiser-racer, well-regarded, capable offshore yacht.
- Designer: E.G. van de Stadt (Dutch maritime architect).
- Builder: Southern Ocean Shipyard Ltd. (from builder article and notes, confirmed by search).
- : LOA (36.0 ft), LWL (26.25 ft).
History and Design:
- Production: Started in 1963. End year not explicitly stated, but Southern Ocean Shipyard operated until 1987. Search results mention "At the end of her production run in 1970" for the Excalibur SK variation, implying the main Excalibur 36 production might have continued beyond this. Another source says "The real start of production was the Excalibur 36". I will focus on the 1963 start year.
- Designer philosophy: E.G. van de Stadt designed it primarily as a long-distance cruiser, but it also had a successful racing career. It's described as ocean-worthy and suitable for short-handed or solo sailing.
- Builder ethos: Southern Ocean Shipyard known for high-quality, capable offshore yachts, using hand-laid marine grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, often exceeding Lloyds standards. Hulls molded by Tyler Boat Co. and finished by Southern Ocean Shipyards or van de Stadt yard in Holland.
- Variations: Original spade rudder, later available with a cutaway keel and skeg rudder. Mention of "short keel" Excalibur.
Sailing Performance and Handling:
- Ratios (calculated previously):
- SA/D: 17.22 (suggests good all-around performance, capable in varying winds, not an extreme light-air boat).
- Ballast/D: 0.407 (indicates good stiffness and stability).
- D/L: 333.16 (suggests a heavier, more traditional cruiser, emphasizing seaworthiness over outright speed).
- Anecdotal: Known for its sailing ability. Described as a classic cruiser-racer. Can be easy to operate from the cockpit. The spade rudder version might lack directional stability downwind in large seas, but this is not a universal experience. Later variations with skeg rudders could address this.
Accommodations and Layout:
max_headroom_ftis null in. Search found "Approximately 6' headroom in the saloon".- Interior description: Typically offers five berths in two cabins, with a V-berth forward. Layout works well at sea and is a good option for offshore cruising. Mention of a "blister" companionway which is a van de Stadt feature. Solid fuel cabin heater mentioned.
Owner's Perspectives:
- Strengths: Solid design, built to exacting standards, great reputation for sailing ability, well-loved and used. Owners praise its seaworthiness, comfortable accommodations, and enduring design. Described as a serious and solid design. Ocean-worthy and suitable for short-handed sailing.
- Weaknesses/Issues: Original spade rudder might lack directional stability downwind in large seas. Owners mention re-engining is common for older models.
I have sufficient information now. I will proceed to generate the article.