Spanker 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Spanker 42 emerged from Southern Ocean Shipyard's commitment to producing high-quality, capable, and timeless ocean-going yachts. The shipyard, founded in 1959, transitioned from marine supplies to boat building, quickly becoming known for vessels designed for the rigors of ocean voyaging. During the era of the Spanker 42's production, Southern Ocean yachts were notably constructed using hand-laid, marine-grade glassfibre reinforced polyester, often exceeding the stringent standards set by Lloyds, contributing to their reputation for exceptional strength and durability.

E. G. Van de Stadt, the designer, was a highly regarded figure in naval architecture, known for creating seaworthy and often performance-oriented designs. The Spanker 42's design aimed to blend speed with comfort, catering to discerning owners looking for a robust platform for both spirited sailing and comfortable cruising. The choice of a masthead sloop rig was likely influenced by its simplicity and effective utilization of sail area.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Spanker 42 is characterized by a design that balances performance with stability. With a sail area to displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 21.76, she exhibits strong light-air performance, suggesting she is responsive even in lighter breezes. Her ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.415 indicates a significant proportion of her weight is dedicated to ballast, contributing to excellent stiffness and stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze and maintain a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Her displacement to length (D/L) ratio of approximately 274.3 places her in the moderate-to-heavy cruiser category, affirming her suitability for serious offshore work rather than being a lightweight racer. This moderate displacement, combined with a "slightly more speedy hull design," suggests a vessel that is not only robust but also capable of respectable speeds. Owners generally find the Spanker 42 to be a high performer and very stable, described as having an excellent righting capability. She handles well and is considered more comfortable than many similar sailboat designs. The Spanker 42's fin keel and spade rudder further enhance her maneuverability and upwind performance.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Spanker 42 are not widely documented in available information, Southern Ocean Shipyard's overall design philosophy emphasized comfortable cruising capabilities for their yachts. Given her generous length overall of 42.26 feet and a beam of 12.24 feet, the Spanker 42 would typically offer a spacious interior for a vessel of her era. Owners could generally expect well-appointed accommodations finished with quality materials, reflective of Southern Ocean Shipyard's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. Such yachts often featured a practical layout for offshore living, providing ample storage, a functional galley, a dedicated navigation station, and comfortable sleeping berths, all designed for extended periods at sea.