Flying Cruiser C Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Flying Cruiser C was built by SUDPLAST between 1971 and 1975, following in the successful wake of its predecessors, the Flying Cruiser A and B. Heribert Streuer, a key designer for the "Flying" series, aimed to create a family-friendly cruising boat, even at this smaller scale. SUDPLAST, whose legacy continues today as BWC Illmensee, was known for its commitment to practical, well-built sailing vessels. Their manufacturing ethos during this era centered on robust two-shell GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) construction, where cavities between the deck and hull were foamed. This technique contributed to the boats' renowned durability and buoyancy, often rendering them unsinkable. The Flying Cruiser C, with its fin keel and bulb, reflects this commitment to solid construction and a design intended for approachable sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its diminutive size, the Flying Cruiser C is characterized as a good performer on the water. With a length overall of 17.72 feet (5.40 meters) and a waterline length of 15.26 feet (4.65 meters), it presents a nimble profile. It features a masthead sloop rig, which is appreciated for its simplicity. Owners and reviewers describe the Flying Cruiser C as a light sailboat with good performance characteristics. It is considered to be very stable and stiff, capable of standing up to wind. With a maximum draft of 4.0 feet (1.22 meters), the boat can access shallower waters, including many marinas. Overall, the Flying Cruiser C is best suited for day sailing and cruising, offering balanced and manageable handling for a broad range of sailors.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact dimensions, the interior accommodations of the Flying Cruiser C are necessarily modest, designed to offer basic shelter and simple overnighting capabilities rather than extensive cruising comfort. While specific details on the "C" model's headroom are not widely documented, the broader "Flying" series is known for offering cabins with full seat height, aiming to provide as much usable space as possible within the confines of a small vessel, 4]. It would typically feature a basic cabin, likely incorporating a V-berth or similar simple sleeping arrangement, alongside minimal storage suitable for short trips. The focus would have been on practical, durable materials, reflecting the builder's emphasis on functionality and ease of maintenance.