Taswell 43 RS Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Taswell 43 RS can be traced to 1990, the year it entered production under the skilled hands of Ta Shing Yacht Building Ltd. Ta Shing, established in its modern form in 1978, has garnered a global reputation for its unwavering commitment to hand-crafted quality, meticulous attention to detail, and robust construction methods, often employing solid fiberglass for their hull layups. The Taswell range, encompassing yachts from 43 to 60 feet, represents Ta Shing's "own brand" and was entirely designed by Bill Dixon.

Bill Dixon, known for his sound design principles and proven naval architecture, aimed for spacious and functional yacht designs, as evidenced by the generous hull volume of the Taswell 43 RS. Ta Shing's manufacturing ethos during this era emphasized the use of premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, ensuring both the longevity and aesthetic appeal of their vessels. While the standard Taswell 43 RS features a maximum draft of 6.25 feet, a shoal draft option of 5.25 feet was also available, offering versatility for different cruising grounds. Records indicate that the Taswell 43 also offered multiple interior layout options, allowing for a degree of customization for owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taswell 43 RS is engineered as a moderate performance cruiser, prioritizing stability and comfort in a seaway over outright speed. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.73, she is well-suited for a range of wind conditions, demonstrating respectable performance without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in stronger breezes. Her substantial Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of around 0.4085 highlights her inherent stiffness and excellent stability, allowing her to stand up to a good deal of wind and providing a secure motion offshore.

Further emphasizing her robust cruising credentials is a high Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 419.18, classifying her as a heavy displacement vessel. This characteristic contributes significantly to her comfortable motion and ability to carry stores for long voyages. The cutter rig, an intentional design choice, further enhances her offshore capabilities by dividing the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, making reefing and handling easier for a cruising couple or single-hander. Owners and reviewers often describe the Taswell 43 RS as a "solid blue water cruiser," offering "top safety at sea" and dependable handling characteristics. While generally praised, some anecdotal comments suggest she may not always feel "especially 'kindly'" in certain performance aspects, though this largely depends on specific sailing conditions and setup.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Taswell 43 RS is designed to offer ample space and comfort, a hallmark of Bill Dixon's design philosophy and Ta Shing's commitment to quality. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the "Raised Salon" (RS) designation suggests a brighter and more voluminous main living area compared to traditional designs.

Interior layouts for the Taswell 43 RS were not entirely uniform, with multiple configurations available to buyers. A common arrangement includes a spacious aft owner's cabin, often featuring a centerline queen berth, providing privacy and comfort for long-distance cruising. The main salon typically features comfortable seating, a dining area, and a well-appointed galley, benefiting from the natural light provided by the raised salon windows. The overall finish quality aligns with Ta Shing's reputation for using premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, resulting in a warm, inviting, and durable interior. Storage is generally abundant, designed to accommodate the provisions and gear required for extended voyages. Ventilation is typically achieved through numerous opening ports and hatches, crucial for comfort in various climates.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Taswell 43 RS consistently praise its robust construction, seaworthiness, and comfortable motion, affirming its reputation as a capable bluewater cruising yacht. Many appreciate the solid feel of the vessel, a direct result of Ta Shing's heavy-duty build quality. The security offered by the cutter rig and the overall stability are frequently highlighted as significant strengths for those undertaking serious sailing trips.

While generally well-regarded, a recurring maintenance point occasionally noted by owners relates to the potential for original deck windows to develop leaks over time, necessitating re-bedding or replacement. Despite this, the collective viewpoint of Taswell 43 RS owners underscores a deep satisfaction with the yacht's ability to safely and comfortably transport them across oceans, reinforcing its position as a highly respected cruising platform.