Ocean 71 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Ocean 71 dates back to 1970, with Southern Ocean Shipyard commencing its production based on Van de Stadt's design #194. The yacht's design drew inspiration from the famed 1969 ocean racer Stormvogel, reflecting a lineage of high-performance vessels. Van de Stadt Design's overarching philosophy, which prioritizes the highest possible levels of speed, safety, and comfort in every creation, is clearly evident in the Ocean 71.

Southern Ocean Shipyard, known for its commitment to building high-quality, capable offshore yachts, utilized hand-laid marine-grade glassfibre reinforced polyester in the construction of the Ocean 71, often surpassing stringent Lloyds standards. This robust manufacturing ethos ensured exceptional strength and durability, crucial qualities for a vessel intended for serious ocean voyaging. The Ocean 71 was remarkably successful, with over 20 units built, and was offered with versatility in mind—configured either as a dedicated racing yacht or a lavish luxury cruiser. Notably, a few of these majestic yachts were even finished by the esteemed Camper & Nicholson shipyard, indicating the model's significant standing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Ocean 71 is characterized by a design that blends performance with stability. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 27.54, the yacht exhibits excellent performance, particularly in lighter air, allowing for spirited sailing even in moderate conditions. Its displacement to length ratio, calculated at around 160.88, positions it as a relatively lighter, more performance-oriented boat for its substantial length of 71 feet overall and a waterline length of 59.3 feet. While the ballast to displacement ratio of 0.273 suggests it may not be as stiff as some heavier cruisers, reports indicate it maintains excellent righting capability and is well-suited as a high performer.

Anecdotal accounts and broker remarks consistently describe the Ocean 71 as a "superb sailing yacht" that delivers "powerful sailing and fast passage times". Owners often praise its capabilities as a wonderful long-distance sailing yacht, highlighting its comfortable and safe motion in a seaway. These characteristics affirm its reputation as a highly capable bluewater vessel, designed to handle diverse oceanic conditions. One owner even recounts surviving a "ferocious winter gale" mid-Atlantic aboard an Ocean 71, underscoring its inherent seaworthiness.

Accommodations and Layout

Befitting a yacht of its size and purpose, the Ocean 71 offers a generous interior layout designed for extended cruising and comfortable living. Typical configurations can accommodate up to 10 berths across four cabins, providing ample space for a large crew or multiple guests. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the sheer scale of the vessel implies comfortable standing room throughout much of the interior.

Interior layouts could vary, reflecting its dual offering as a racing yacht or luxury cruiser. Some examples, such as the 1972-built "OCEAN JOY," featured a "modern" interior, with its foc'sle having been rebuilt and redesigned over time. Generally, the interiors of Southern Ocean yachts were known for their quality, and a vessel of this calibre would likely feature robust, well-crafted joinery, ample storage solutions, and effective ventilation systems crucial for long voyages. The ability for owners to continuously improve and update their vessels, as evidenced by long-term ownership, speaks to the yacht's adaptability and enduring appeal.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Ocean 71 consistently express high regard for its solid construction and inherent seaworthiness, attributes that align with Southern Ocean Shipyard's reputation for building robust, ocean-ready vessels. Many owners cherish their Ocean 71s as wonderful long-distance sailing yachts, valuing their comfort and safety on extended passages. The long-term ownership of many Ocean 71s, such as one family owning "OCEAN JOY" for 25 years and undertaking continuous improvements, highlights the enduring appeal and satisfaction derived from these yachts. The capacity of these yachts to endure severe weather, as demonstrated by an Ocean 71 surviving a mid-Atlantic gale, further reinforces owner confidence in their seaworthy design. While specific common weaknesses are not frequently cited, the natural evolution of any long-lived vessel often includes updates to original systems or occasional refits, such as the redesign of a foc'sle noted in one instance. This adaptability, rather than being a weakness, underscores the yacht's suitability for customisation and longevity in the hands of dedicated owners.