Taswell 50 Information, Review, Specs

Produced between 1999 and 2002, the Taswell 50 quickly earned a reputation for its timeless design and solid construction, reflecting Ta Shing's commitment to hand-crafted quality and meticulous attention to detail. It represents a culmination of the builder's ethos for creating enduring yachts capable of extensive voyages.

History and Design

The Taswell 50's lineage traces back to the successful Taswell 49, with the 50 often regarded as an extended version of its predecessor. Designed by Bill Dixon, who shaped the entire Taswell range, the yacht's creation was driven by Ta Shing's ambition to establish a new benchmark for excellence in passage-making yachts. Dixon's design philosophy typically focuses on creating sailing yachts that balance performance with comfortable long-distance cruising capabilities, a characteristic evident in the Taswell 50.

Ta Shing, with its heritage in robust vessel construction and a transition to high-quality fiberglass yachts, brought a tradition of meticulous craftsmanship to the Taswell 50. The builder is celebrated for its unwavering commitment to solid fiberglass hull construction, premium wood interiors, and hand-joined cabinetry, all contributing to the longevity and aesthetic appeal of their vessels. During its production run, the Taswell 50 was offered with several keel options, including a standard fin keel with a maximum draft of 6.75 feet, as well as shoal keel (6.08 feet) and Scheel keel (5.5 feet) variants, providing flexibility for different cruising grounds. Notable variations also included the "RS" (Raised Salon) model, offering enhanced interior volume and natural light.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taswell 50 is configured as a cutter rig, a setup frequently favored for offshore sailing due to its ability to divide the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails. This makes the yacht easier to handle in varying wind conditions and allows for greater versatility in sail trim.

Analyzing its performance ratios provides further insight into its capabilities:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 14.8: This figure suggests that the Taswell 50 is a moderately powered cruiser. While not an ultra-light racer, it indicates a respectable ability to perform well in a range of wind conditions, offering comfortable cruising speeds without being sluggish in lighter airs.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (Bal/D) of 28.75%: Falling on the lower side for a dedicated bluewater yacht, this ratio implies that much of the yacht's stability likely derives from its hull form, complemented by a substantial lead ballast keel. The fin keel design enhances maneuverability, a trait often praised in sailing vessels of this type.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of 242.6: This places the Taswell 50 firmly in the moderate cruiser category. It suggests a yacht that is substantial enough to handle challenging sea states with a comfortable motion, yet not so heavy as to sacrifice overall performance, striking a balance between swift passage making and stability.

Collectively, these characteristics indicate that the Taswell 50 is a well-balanced vessel, designed to provide a powerful yet easy-to-handle sailing experience suitable for long-distance voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Taswell 50 is widely recognized for its luxurious appointments and highly functional layout, meticulously designed to enhance the owner's cruising experience. While specific headroom details are not always published, the design prioritizes expansive salons with ample natural light, creating an inviting and comfortable living space.

Many Taswell 50s feature a center cockpit design, which is highly advantageous for a liveaboard cruiser, offering abundant deck space for activities and providing a secure, protected area for watchkeeping during passages. Below deck, the interior arrangements typically include well-appointed V-berths or island berths forward, spacious main salons, a well-equipped galley, and comfortable quarter berths or aft cabins. The general finish quality is consistently high, utilizing premium wood trim and hand-joined cabinetry, which are hallmarks of Ta Shing's construction philosophy. Storage is typically generous, and ventilation is well-considered to ensure comfort in various climates. The "All Season" or Raised Salon versions further enhance interior volume and panoramic views, making the living spaces exceptionally bright and airy.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Taswell yachts, including the 50, frequently commend Ta Shing for its unwavering commitment to robust construction and attention to detail. The brand has fostered a strong and loyal following among knowledgeable owners, many of whom have completed extensive global voyages aboard their Ta Shing-built vessels, underscoring the brand's reliability and seaworthiness. Broker descriptions often highlight the thoughtful layout as a reflection of an experienced owner's input. The Taswell 50 is generally regarded as a "good boat" within the sailing community, admired for its sturdy build and its capability as a serious bluewater cruising yacht.