This 44-foot-2-inch masthead sloop wears its racing pedigree openly, but C&C offered it in both cruising and race-oriented Custom versions. The result is a moderate-displacement yacht intended to serve on the starting line as well as in the anchorage.
Design and Construction
Ball gave the hull a bevelled bow, flat forebody, ample midship sections, and a creased stern. These features were retained for rating advantage rather than purely for their appearance.
The hull is built as a sandwich of triaxial fiberglass cloth over a three-quarter-inch end-grain balsa core. Its fin keel bolts to a deep sump, formed as a hollow extension of the hull to maximise stability. Buyers could choose among wing, centreboard, deep-fin, and elliptical keel configurations. The deep-fin version draws 8 feet 3 inches, while the centreboard model draws 5 feet 6 inches with the board up and 8 feet 6 inches with it down. The board retracts hydraulically.
On the deep-fin version, a thicker lower tip puts more weight low down, reducing the centre of gravity of the 9,850-pound ballast. The Custom edition used more exotic construction materials and had a flush transom. The standard boat came with a raised reverse transom, swim platform, and ladder.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The standard masthead rig has a tall mast and 924 square feet of sail area. The test boat carried a two-spreader offshore spar with rod rigging throughout, although a three-spreader version was also available.
All running rigging led aft to cockpit stoppers. One reviewer, however, questioned the aft placement of the genoa sheet track after being unable to obtain a fair lead through the deck car to the turning block. The mainsheet track spans the forward width of the cockpit and takes up considerable seating space. The same tester suggested moving it above the companionway to reclaim room for cruising.
Under sail, the C&C 44 proved fast, responsive, and easy to steer, especially on a reach. On a beat, it powered through 15 to 20 knots without hobby-horsing. A sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 19.6 helps it approach hull speed readily, while its 47.1 percent ballast ratio means it stands up to its canvas in a blow. Writing in Canadian Yachting, Lloyd Hircock rated the boat up there with the best of them. Sail magazine noted that it could race on Saturday and cruise on Sunday.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The cockpit is large but fairly shallow. Two shallow lockers sit to either side, while two deep stern lockers extend to the transom radius and provide stowage for fenders. A stainless rail flanks each side of the bridge-deck companionway entrance. The racing-oriented helm seat, however, was found uncomfortable during long cruising stretches.
Below, the starboard settee converts to a double berth. The aft cabin sleeps two, though it benefits from leeboards on offshore passages to keep its occupants away from the wood side panelling. Ventilation in this cabin drew a complaint despite its five opening ports, and a portable fan was recommended even in temperate climates.
The layout includes two heads: a large aft compartment with a full shower ensemble, and a forward head beside the V-berth. The moulded head unit has pressurized hot and cold water and an electric sump pump rather than a stainless sink.
The L-shaped galley includes a three-burner propane stove, double stainless-steel sinks, and a large refrigeration chest. One less successful detail was a garbage chute cut into the countertop: during the test, it fell unnoticed into its own bag and was thrown away.
Side skylights, the companionway, and the bow hatch bring natural light below. The navigation area was typical C&C—well thought out and functional. The standard boat sleeps up to seven, while the Custom version has a simpler interior with fewer amenities and more stowage. Velcro-fastened ceiling-light covers were considered too flimsy to remain in place during heavy sailing.
Machinery and Systems
Routine engine access is through the galley side panel or by removing the lower companionway steps. The Yanmar 44-hp raw-water-cooled diesel used less than a gallon per hour at 2,200 rpm.
Four plastic freshwater tanks feed a conveniently placed bank of shutoff valves beneath the cabin sole. The electrical installation combines 12-volt and 110-volt shore-power systems. Sources disagree on fuel capacity: one gives 40 gallons and another 33 gallons, though the tank provided a useful range under power.
Passage Experience and Known Issues
A 1,600-mile passage completed in 10.5 days under a cruising mainsail and number-two genoa demonstrated the boat’s self-sufficiency. During the test, however, the rig pumped a couple of times. That experience prompted a preference for running backstays on future voyages.
Other shortcomings were more closely tied to comfort and fit-out. The cockpit prioritises a race crew over lounging space, the helm seat is uncomfortable for extended cruising, and the aft cabin needs better airflow despite its five opening ports.
The Verdict
The C&C 44 is a dry, kindly, strong, and seaworthy sea boat that bridges the race-cruise divide with unusual conviction. Its Ball-designed hull and range of keel configurations allow an owner to match draft and stability to the sailing venue. Its record under sail points to a boat that handles heavy weather without drama.
The compromises reflect its era and purpose: a cockpit designed more for a racing crew than for cruising comfort, along with several interior details that may need owner refinement.
Pros
- Stands up to its canvas and powers through heavy seas without hobby-horsing
- Four keel configurations, including a hydraulic centreboard for variable draft
- Balsa-cored sandwich hull with a deep sump for stability
- Efficient sail plan that is easily adjusted for different wind speeds and angles
Cons
- Mainsheet track takes up valuable cockpit seating space
- Aft-cabin ventilation is weak despite five opening ports
- Rig pumping was observed; running backstays were considered advisable
- Racing-oriented helm seat is uncomfortable for extended cruising
