2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2012 X-Yachts Xc 421988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsWesterly
Year2012–20181988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUK
DesignerNiels JeppesenEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA12.73 m (41.8 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL10.90 m (35.8 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.93 m (12.9 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,800 kg (21,605 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast3,600 kg (7,937 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area79.0 m² (850 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity150 L (39.6 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity300 L (79.3 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
17.52
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
36.73
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
0.74
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2012 X-Yachts Xc 42
18.55
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 measures 12.73m (41.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.93m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 is 1.73m longer than the 1988 Westerly Corsair. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 displaces approximately 54% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 79.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 36.7% for the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.

For racing: The 2012 X-Yachts Xc 42 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

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