Waarschip 21 CR Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Waarschip 21 CR began production in 2014, drawing inspiration from the design of the earlier Waarschip 570, a model famously sailed by Dutch watersports journalist Henk Bezemer on extensive voyages, including two trips to the Azores. This heritage underscores the 21 CR's design philosophy, emphasizing seaworthiness and reliable performance in a smaller package.

Waarschip Werft, founded in 1968, has always championed wooden construction, particularly marine plywood, which is evident in the 21 CR's hull and deck construction. The builder is known for its durable, capable yachts designed to withstand demanding conditions, often incorporating modern epoxy coatings to enhance longevity. While Waarschip originally catered significantly to the do-it-yourself market with kits, they also produce fully finished boats from their shipyard, ensuring high quality standards for models like the 21 CR. A notable feature of the 21 CR is its availability with an optional lifting keel, offering versatility for shallow water cruising and ease of trailering.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Measuring just over 20 feet in length overall with an 18.04-foot waterline, the Waarschip 21 CR boasts a hull speed of 5.69 knots. Designed as a monohull with a fin keel (and an option for a lifting keel) and a spade rudder, the boat offers responsive and predictable handling characteristics. Despite its compact size, the 21 CR is noted for its ability to perform admirably. Owners and reviewers describe it as seaworthy enough for short sea shipping on larger bodies of water, handling well and inspiring confidence even when faced with significant winds, such as 25 to 32 knots. This solid performance underscores Waarschip's design philosophy of creating yachts that offer genuine sailing pleasure and capability.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact length overall of 20.34 feet, the Waarschip 21 CR offers accommodations typical of a small cruiser designed for weekend trips or day sailing. While specific interior layout details are not widely published, boats of this size often feature a V-berth forward, a simple salon area that may convert into additional berths, and provisions for a basic galley and a marine head. The wooden hull construction contributes to a warm and traditional interior aesthetic, aligning with Waarschip's commitment to classic craftsmanship. Practicality and efficient use of space would be paramount in such a design, prioritizing essential cruising amenities within its limited footprint.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Waarschip's cruiser line, including those familiar with the brand's design principles, frequently laud the solid construction and dependable sailing characteristics of these vessels. One owner, remarking on a similar Waarschip model within the cruiser line, praised its robust feel, commenting that "The boat feels like a 40-footer" even when encountering strong winds. This sentiment likely extends to the 21 CR, reflecting a common appreciation for Waarschip's ability to build small boats that punch above their weight in terms of stability and seakindliness. While specific recurring problems for the Waarschip 21 CR are not widely reported in public forums, the general maintenance for wooden boats, including engine checks and hull inspections, is always important.