Evelyn 42 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Evelyn 42 is defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio. Built with a light-displacement hull, the boat behaves more like an oversized dinghy than a traditional 42-foot cruiser. On the racecourse, it is known for its "downwind sled" characteristics, capable of surfing in conditions where heavier yachts remain trapped in their bow waves. The boat typically utilizes a fractional rig with a large mainsail and a significant overlapping genoa, a setup that demands an active and experienced crew to manage the high loads and fine-tune the sail shape.

Handling is characterized by extreme sensitivity. Sailors often report that the boat responds instantly to minor adjustments in traveler position or backstay tension. Because the hull is relatively narrow compared to the "beamy" IOR designs of the same era, it tracks well and maintains a high degree of "feel" through the helm, though it can become "tender" (leaning easily) if the crew is slow to reef. According to retrospective design notes from the period, the Evelyn 42 was intended to outpace heavier competitors like the Swan 44 or Baltic 42 in light-to-moderate air, relying on its low wetted surface area to maintain momentum when others stall.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Consistent with the racer-cruiser ethos of Formula Yachts, the interior of the Evelyn 42 is functional but avoids the heavy cabinetry found in pure cruising yachts. The layout was designed to keep weight centralized, featuring a midship galley and a large navigation station that served as the nerve center for offshore passages. Most hulls were finished with a mix of white laminate surfaces and teak trim, providing a clean, bright aesthetic that maximized the feeling of space despite the boat’s relatively narrow beam.

Accommodations typically include a V-berth forward, which was often used for sail storage during races, and twin aft quarter berths that provided stable sleeping quarters for the off-watch crew during offshore deliveries. While the headroom is generous for a boat of this profile, the focus remained on ergonomics for a racing crew rather than luxury amenities. Sibling models, such as the Evelyn 32 and the later 32-2, followed a similar interior logic, though the 42 offered significantly more volume for a dedicated head with a shower and a more expansive salon area for post-race debriefs.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Evelyn 42 earned its reputation through prestigious offshore events, most notably the Newport to Bermuda Race. One of the most famous examples of the model, Fastlane, became a staple of the East Coast racing circuit, proving that Evelyn’s designs could hold their own against the high-budget custom builds of the era. The boat’s success helped cement the legacy of Bob Evelyn, who was recently honored for his contributions to the sport in a memorial feature by Sail Magazine, which highlighted his unique ability to blend scientific rigory with an intuitive "feel" for hull speed.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of an Evelyn 42 should approach the vessel with a focus on its high-performance construction. Because these boats were built to be as light as possible, they require rigorous structural inspections:

• Balsa Core Integrity: Like many performance boats of the 1980s, the decks and potentially the hull are balsa-cored. Use a moisture meter and a percussion hammer to check for soft spots, particularly around stanchion bases, chainplates, and the mast step.
• Chainplate Reinforcement: Given the high rig loads, the areas where the shrouds meet the hull should be inspected for stress fractures or signs of "working" in the fiberglass.
• Rudder Bearings: The large, high-aspect rudder places significant stress on the bushings and bearings. Owners have frequently noted that play in the helm is often a sign of worn rudder stock components.
• Keel Attachment: The deep fin keel exerts immense leverage on the hull grid. A "smile" at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint should be investigated to ensure the internal floor timbers and keel bolts are structurally sound.

Community & Resources

The Evelyn 42 benefits from a small but dedicated fraternity of owners who value the boat's "sleeper" status on the racecourse. Technical support and historical documentation are often shared through regional groups like the Eastern Connecticut Sailing Association (ECSA), where many of Bob Evelyn’s designs originated. While no formal "class association" for the 42 exists due to the low production numbers, the broader Evelyn owners' community remains a vital resource for sourcing replacement parts or rig specifications.

The Verdict

The Evelyn 42 is a specialist's yacht, offering a level of performance and "soul" that is rarely found in mass-produced fiberglass boats. It is an ideal choice for the sailor who prioritizes the joy of the helming experience and the thrill of passing modern yachts twice its price.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and downwind speed.
• Timeless, aggressive lines that still look modern on the water.
• Direct, communicative handling that rewards a skilled touch.
• High-quality design pedigree from a legendary American naval architect.

Cons:

• Requires a large, active crew to sail to its full potential.
• Interior is functional but lacks the luxury of dedicated cruising models.
• Maintenance-intensive due to its light-displacement racing construction.
• Extremely limited availability on the brokerage market.