Absolutely looove these boats!!! Thankfully the Southerly saga continues as Steve Edwards, formerly of Discovery Shipyard, has founded Ocean Shipyard, who are continuing to build the Southerly 42 and 48. I very much hope they stay afloat until I have saved enough to buy one!
This is a stunning boat. The possibilities are superb and the phrase, "but hey; you do you" is so very fitting and sums up the capabilities in styling and interior design from Discovery. All in all, I think that you'll be incredibly happy with your new catamaran, as it will be giving you fabulous fit and finish, done to your very knowledgeable desires. Can't wait for you to be back in Vietnam, showing off the progress on Ruby Rose II.
I like the raised saloon for the ability to see - but you really nailed it on something I've never quite being able to articulate. The *feel* of a raised saloon doesn't quite replicate the homely feeling of a lounge around living room that the lower saloon does. It feels more like a plush office meeting space or formal corporate dining room in some ways. You can't just sprawl out like you would in, presumably, your own living room at home. I've never been able to put my finger on exactly why I feel like raised saloons are missing something until your comment now.
We’ve just seen RR1 on a mooring in southern England. Spoke to her new owners (they bought her from the previous owner a month ago). Lovely people - Ruby’s in good hands and looking wonderful.
One of my Sea Scouts has just got an apprenticeship with the yard building Southerly’s and Discovery’s. They’re definitely continuing with the Southerly’s not sure about the Discovery’s. Hopefully they manage to get going again properly as they’re my dream boats too.
That's interesting. Also great news, two very worthy brands. The website looks very recently updated, it had been frozen since the liquidation. I have to say I think someone made a complete dog's dinner of the managing of the brands when southerly was bought out. The range was confused and I thought Southerly got a raw deal, Southelry became the lesser, sub 45ft brand (they had been working on a 675 previously that never saw the light of day) and Discovery the larger yachts. They had two very well respected brands with unique USP's but they muddled it. I also personally don't think the later designs looked as attractive. Fingers crossed this time.
If the Ruby Rose II build goes on for awhile, maybe consider visiting older sailboats (from the 70's and 80') and see what people have done with these older ones. Many of these older vessels have been brought back to remarkable condition, rivaling many new builds. It would give people who want to have this life, but can't afford the brand new boats, an idea what might be obtainable, and more affordable. There's a lot of mighty fine restos and proud owners who would like to showcase their efforts.
It’s nice, I’m not sure if I would buy one new without knowing the company is sound, and I totally agree with you Terysa the rear hatch would be a pain in the azz, you can open it under way, and it’s completely in the way at anchor, eg fishing, swimming, raising and lowering the tender..
Great review! With the plumb bow, and flat/ round bottom, I would expect this boat to pound/ slam going upwind in meter+ seas? Any thoughts on upwind/ heavy weather sea kindliness/ comfort vs. a V shaped hull with a raked bow?
Beautiful for sure....I remember the couple from Distant shores mentioned that working on the systems was a major problem especially under the saloon table. Very small hatches and you had to work upside down to work on the systems....Almost impossible to get to major red Flag in my opinion. But she is beautiful !!!
So here is what I don’t understand… most cats have the entire cockpit covered and provide protection at the helm station(s). But monohulls almost never provide the same. Why??
There certainly will be! Next build update coming out in a few weeks. Patrons are getting weekly build updates, and public videos are resuming beginning of July
I'm wondering if it makes sense, in your analysis of these monohulls, to provide data as to velocity made good (vmg) or SOG, ie. at various wind angles and various wind speeds; say direct downwind, beam reach, close hauled, etc. to give us some idea as to performance. Just a suggestion. Another great video sir!!
I noticed some of the wood work is book matched with the grain running straight through cabinets, doors, bulkheads. yet others (which really stand out) are completely different grains, different veneer. the eyes go right to it after seeing other parts running through & matching. maybe it's just me since I built many yachts in my lifetime.
It is not surprising companies like Southerly find it challenging to stay in business. Fantastic boat, but when you start to look at the value for the dollars you are spending compared with other options, it just isn't there. We spent a lot of time aboard this boat in Dusseldorf and it is great, but when you can purchase a new 45'-50' performance catamaran made with better materials for the same price, the market for these is going to continue to shrink...and the price will go up, which is too bad because I really liked it.
They’re also really expensive to build, partly because of the swing keel but mostly because they’re built in the UK and are a premium product, so profit margin is really slim.
@@sailingrubyrose Boat building isn’t a business for the faint of heart! So would you really rather sail this around the world vs. the 1370? I’d take the Seawind in a heartbeat (plus the $500k you’d save), but I understand the allure of the Southerly and what it brings to the table.
Still like the reviews BUT without your scoring matrix they do feel more like a Tour than your older and in my humble opinion far better catamaran reviews 👍🏼
The scoring system was very good! And the cat reviews were probably more in depth with sail area, performance graphs under different wind speeds/directions, which were great. I liked the 'Value for Money' aspect, too because you could work out the cost of adding Li batteries, maybe electric motor etc or whatever tickles your fancy. What does the galley have as standard - fridge, freezer, water-maker? But they are still independent, honest, reasonable, well thought out reviews
Just to clarify, are you asking if Nick scripted my voiceover? No, believe it or not, I have a brain in my head and actually do know a thing or two about boats, sailing and living aboard.
I am really in confusion …what to choose a monohull or a catamaran . I mean these mono hull costs a million dollar and for that much money one can buy outremer 55 . I don’t know which is better
In coastal areas with a large tidal range the ability to anchor without worrying about ending up on your side is not to be underestimated. You can get closer in, choose less crowded spots, maintain and check on the hull between tides.
Nick, I'm confused as to why you say that boats with broad transoms sail less well downwind. One of the known issues with narrow sterns and downwind sailing is the death roll, the lack of form stability being the reason. Stern sections that broaden rapidly as the yacht heels vastly reduce this characteristic and allow downwind sailing in a much more controlled and comfortable way. You've obviously had experience that contradicts this, can you comment?
@@bobjohns8914 'Sailing with Thomas' has a newish Bavaria 55 which he sails single handed, it's a typical modern wide sterned boat but he's been getting 12-14 knots downwind in some boisterous conditions, all looking very well controlled and clearly fun. This is what they do so well, hence my confusion with Nick's comments. Boats are being designed like this because they have no real downsides i.e. better performance all round and much more space.
We'll start putting out RR2 build updates again in a few weeks, our patrons already get weekly build updates but the public videos are still a few weeks away. 👍
Nice boat, I wonder why all yards go bankrupt these days? The demand is probably going down due to the coming recession. For somewhat more money you can get a Dutch custom aluminium explorer sail vessel, with lifting keel and all.
Yes, I think the profit margins are extremely slim for companies such as Discovery, particularly since they're building in the UK. Looks like the Southerly 42, 48 and the Discovery 50 catamaran will continue to be built by another shipyard which is great news.
I have to differ with you guys on twin rudders. I do not believe any true blue water cruiser should have them. As you mentioned at the outset, they're totally exposed, no keel never mind skeg protecting them and double the opportunity for catastrophic failure.
I find a bit of hypocrisy in reviling teak decks, while employing lithium batteries. From what I understand, lithium batteries are very detrimental to the environment, and there is a questionable human rights aspect to them as well. Lithium batteries are not exactly made from renewable sources. China is not exactly a benevolent nation. Rebuke aside, I really enjoy your videos, especially the boat review. Best wishes to both of you, Steve.
You have a fair point, but as a counterpoint, batteries are a necessity for a boat. Modern tech means lithium is the best you can get for a modern cruiser. I am also typing this using a phone with a lithium battery. A teak deck isn’t necessary or modern
🚨Just a heads up🚨 I’m seeing numerous catamaran sailing channels having catastrophic issue/failure with their bulkheads, particularly on Lagoon 40 to 45’s, maybe before your boat builders close in Ruby Rose II, they can add some bulkhead reinforcements or at least you can ask the manufacturer to warranty against possible failure. -concerned viewer
yeah, I think the boats that were under construction when Discovery went into liquidation are being completed by another shipyard, but I don't think they're operational. I hope someone buys the moulds and restarts construction because there's not many swing keel boats like this on the market.
Lovely boat! Hopefully someone with some money and business sense can pick up the Discovery Yard assets and keep the company going. Sure would like to hear your opinion of the Kraken 50
Sorry Nick but disagree, there is no such thing as the best/perfect or whatever other titles you wish to use for a yacht. Every boat is a compromise and everyone’s requirements are different. Swing keels cost more to manufacture and are only of any use if you need to venture into shallow waters. Explain why only few manufacturers build swing keels and many have gone bust. Describing boats isn’t too different than cars. The best and most expensive super car in the world is useless for a trip to the supermarket.
I think Nick has gone beyond his knowledge is these reviews. I'm no fan of the modern Vendee inspired cruising boats. Nor am I a fan of the current range of boats where the design brief is driven by internal volume. I think those boats are awful. But, I think Nick's rational for his reviews rings hollow and not technically quite right. Also, why would i listen to reviews by a man whose moved on to catamarans? I'd far prefer he focus on his new build and why he's passionate about that.
You don’t have to listen. It is, as stated an opinion piece. But I know monohulls far better than I know catamarans. The entire review series we made is about discovering catamarans and their sailing Characteristics. All the discussion with naval architects was designed to educate where I clearly had no knowledge. However……… I know monohulls. I’ve spent 20 years in boatyards. My friends are mostly shipwrights and I’ve earned my stripes across multiple oceans and living on board for 7 years. So yeah, we are moving onto a catamaran, but it doesn’t diminish the knowledge base. You are however making a fair point. Why would you listen? I have no answer except that I give everyone. The internet is awash with information. Some good and some bad. Make your choices, back up your decisions using peer reviewed information and be balanced
@@sailingrubyrose Hi Nick. "i dont have to listen...." But I want to listen. I just don't agree and think your a little over your skis right now. I watched a Yachting World review by Toby Hodges of the Beneteau First 53. It was such a horrible boat (see your criticisms in general) and his review was so lack luster. I think he felt the same way you and I do. So I get what your saying. And I wonder why I'm disagreeing with you. :) I just see people reviewing mono hulls for all their multi hull features and then criticizing them for the bad characteristics that result from trying to provide those features. Lets be honest. A mono hull is not a multi hull and visa versa. Any attempt to make one the other is likely to end up with the worst of both. Anyway, look forward to you next video
