Yachting_Monthly_2016-01

76 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com JANUARY 2016

NEW BOAT TEST The UK’s most comprehensive yacht tests

It’s been 15 years since Discovery Yachts launched its first boat, the Discovery 55. Graham Snook tests

the new mkII version to see what’s changed

Discovery 55

Discovery 55 Performance on testPoint of sail Apparent wind angle Apparent wind speed Boatspeed

Close-hauledFetch 30°-34°60° 13-16 knots11-13 knots 7.3-7.5 knots7.4-8.4 knots

Beam reachBroad reach 90°120° 8-10 knots6-6.7 knots 6-6.8 knots4.6-5.4 knots

Run 180° 5.4-7.9 knots 5-5.5 knots

PerformanceWe left Lymington in a Force 3, with full mainsail and 90% jib, close-hauled at around 30º off the 13-16 knots of apparent

wind. Her speed was lacklustre at fi rst, so we furled the jib and set the 140% genoa. She quickly accelerated to 7.3-7.5 knots and the feel on the helm through

the Whitlock steering changed instantly, becoming responsive and rewarding. Under power, she cruised at 7.3 knots on smooth water at 1,800rpm with a Gori

three-bladed feathering propeller. At the helmFew helms are so comfy. You really have

to try hard to fi nd an uncomfortable place

I

t’s never easy fi nding your perfect boat, as John Charnley, the founder of Sunsail, and his wife Caroline discovered when they were looking

in the late 1990s. Unable to satisfy their desires, they commissioned Ron Holland to design a 55ft hull, Ken Freivokh her for their ultimate blue-water cruiser

interior and in 2000, the fi rst Discovery 55 was launched at the Southampton Boat Show. Fourteen years later, John and

Caroline’s company Discovery Yachts now builds a range of four boats and the original 55 is now in her second incarnation. ‘Evolution, rather than

revolution,’ as John is quick to point out.

to sit. The high coamings are beautifully rounded with large-radius curves, and there is also good leg support if you

sit facing inboard. The view forward is commanding, you are high up but it doesn’t feel exposed. This boat was fi tted with optional electric furling headsails,

but electric in-mast mainsail furling is standard. The mainsheet was controlled by a pair Lewmar 54ST winches – one