Rebel 41 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Rebel 41 begins in the mid-1960s, a period when fiberglass was revolutionizing boat construction. The hull of the Rebel 41 was molded by Tyler Boat Co. Ltd., a company known for producing fiberglass hulls, often supplied to other builders for finishing. These hulls were then expertly finished by Southern Ocean Shipyard in Poole, Dorset, UK, which commenced its operations in 1959. 3, 7, Builder Article Southern Ocean Shipyard earned a reputation for constructing yachts using hand-laid, marine-grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, frequently surpassing the rigorous standards set by Lloyds, ensuring exceptional strength and durability crucial for offshore sailing.

E.G. Van de Stadt, a pioneer of modern yacht design, was responsible for the Rebel 41's lines, known for creating vessels that combined sleek aesthetics with impressive sailing capabilities. While specific design goals for the Rebel 41 are not extensively documented, Van de Stadt's broader philosophy emphasized creating ocean-going yachts. The collaborative effort resulted in a vessel described by some as "ahead of its time" in its solid fiberglass layup and design features geared towards serious offshore sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Rebel 41’s design metrics paint a clear picture of its intended purpose: a heavy-displacement cruiser built for comfort and stability in a seaway. With a displacement of 29,120 lbs (13,208 kg) on a waterline length of 30.16 feet (9.19 m), her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is approximately 474. This exceptionally high ratio firmly places her in the category of a very heavy, traditional cruiser, indicating tremendous structural integrity and a motion offshore that is likely to be comfortable and confidence-inspiring rather than fast or nimble.

Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio, calculated at approximately 16.0 (using a reported sail area of 958.1 sq ft, encompassing main and genoa), suggests moderate performance. While not designed as a light-air flyer, the Rebel 41 is expected to perform reliably in moderate to stronger winds, reflecting her offshore pedigree. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of approximately 0.31 indicates a moderate degree of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a reasonable press of sail. With a hull speed calculated at 7.36 knots, she is designed for steady progress rather than outright speed. Owners and enthusiasts often praise Van de Stadt designs for their good sailing characteristics, balance, and the attention they command in any port due to their classic, sleek lines. She is noted for being a stout sloop or capable of being cutter rigged, further enhancing her versatility for ocean passages.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Rebel 41 are not widely publicized, the general reputation of Southern Ocean Shipyard for building high-quality, capable, and comfortable ocean-going yachts provides a strong indication of her interior ethos. Southern Ocean Shipyard aimed to produce vessels offering both performance and comfortable cruising capabilities, appealing to owners seeking robust yachts for extended voyages or luxurious private use.

Given its 41-foot length overall and the design philosophy of the era, the Rebel 41 would typically feature a traditional cruising layout. This would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley, a navigation station, and possibly one or more quarter berths or aft cabins. Storage would be ample, consistent with an offshore design. The finish quality, in keeping with Southern Ocean Shipyard's standards, would have been high, likely featuring well-crafted wood trim and joinery. While the maximum headroom is not specifically documented in available data, a vessel of this size and era would typically offer standing headroom throughout most of the main cabin areas, contributing to a comfortable living space for extended periods at sea.