Concordia 47 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Concordia 47 are defined by its racing lineage, specifically its development from the Farr-designed Corel 45 (an International Measurement System one-design). With a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 111, it sits firmly in the light-displacement category, allowing it to accelerate rapidly in light air and maintain high speeds with minimal drag. The boat features a powerful fractional rig with a carbon fiber mast from Hall Spars, which eliminates the need for running backstays and allows for easier handling by a short-handed crew.

Under sail, the boat is described as exceptionally responsive. According to Sailing Magazine, the twin-wheel steering system provides "fingertip control," maintaining sensitivity even as wind speeds drop. The hull’s fine entry and narrow waterline sections allow it to track cleanly to weather, while the deep 9.5-foot keel and lead bulb provide a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of 47%, ensuring the boat remains stiff and stable under large sail plans. This performance profile means the 47 will often outpace the cruising fleet in nearly any condition, particularly in 6 to 10 knots of breeze where heavier cruising yachts would be forced to motor.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Concordia 47 reflects a philosophy that John Kretschmer described as "refreshingly ahead of its time," balancing racing weight-consciousness with the "warmth and style" expected of the Concordia name. The structure utilizes epoxy composite bulkheads bonded directly to the hull for maximum rigidity, skillfully finished with matched-grain hardwood veneers to avoid a sterile, "all-plastic" feel. The layout is typically configured with two or three cabins, featuring a spacious V-berth forward and a refined saloon with a U-shaped settee to port.

Ventilation is provided by multiple Lewmar hatches and opening portlights, creating an airy atmosphere. The galley is unusually long for a performance boat, stretching over seven feet along the port side, equipped with a two-burner stove and significant refrigeration capacity. While the boat is a 47-footer, prospective owners should note that storage is "adequate but not excessive," as the hull tapers significantly toward the ends to reduce wetted surface. This is a boat designed for sailors who prioritize sailing speed over the ability to carry heavy, "floating cottage" levels of cruising gear.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a high-tech composite build from the late 1990s, the Concordia 47 requires a more specialized inspection than a standard production fiberglass yacht.

• Epoxy/Gelcoat Adhesion: Because the hulls are vacuum-bagged epoxy, there have been documented instances of gelcoat failing or "blistering" due to the difficulty of getting traditional gelcoats to bond permanently with epoxy resins. A thorough survey of the topsides for any signs of delamination or cosmetic failure is critical.
• Cored Hull Integrity: The hull uses a "Superlite" balsa core. While this creates an incredibly stiff and light boat, any hardware added after the factory build (such as new transducers or deck fittings) must have been properly de-cored and sealed with solid glass. Moisture in the core is the primary concern for any Carroll Marine-built vessel of this era.
• Draft Limitations: With a standard draft of 9.5 feet, the Concordia 47 is excluded from many shallow cruising grounds, particularly in the Bahamas or parts of the U.S. East Coast. Buyers must evaluate if their home port and intended cruising routes can accommodate such a deep keel.
• Rigging and Carbon Spar: The Hall Spars carbon mast should be inspected by a professional rigger every 5–7 years for signs of UV damage, hairline cracks at the spreaders, or electrolytic corrosion where stainless steel fittings meet the carbon.

Community & Resources

The Concordia 47 occupies a unique niche, bridging the gap between the classic wooden boat community and modern grand-prix racing.

• Concordia Company: Based in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the company still maintains records for many of the hulls and offers high-level technical support for restoration and maintenance.
• Farr Yacht Design: The designers maintain a technical archive for "Design #369," which includes original sail plans and construction specifications useful for owners undertaking refits.

The Verdict

The Concordia 47 is a "purist’s" performance cruiser, designed for the experienced yachtsman who finds joy in the act of sailing itself rather than just the destination. It successfully marries the engineering of an Admiral's Cup racer with the aesthetic dignity of a classic New England yacht, though its deep draft and lightweight storage capacity make it a specific tool for a specific type of sailor.

Pros:

• Exhilarating, race-bred performance even in light air.
• High-quality composite construction using epoxy, Kevlar, and carbon fiber.
• Elegant, lightweight interior that avoids the "production boat" look.
• Easy handling for a small crew due to the non-overlapping jib and swept-spreader rig.

Cons:

• Extreme draft (9.5 ft) limits access to many harbors and anchorages.
• Limited storage for long-term provisioning or heavy cruising gear.
• Requires specialized maintenance for epoxy hull and carbon mast systems.