Yachting_Monthly_2016-01

JANUARY 2016 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com 77

PHOTOS: GraHam-SnOOk.cOm

LEFT: She has a NEW BOAT TEST

pleasing sheer line and she’s easy to handle

short-handed

Evolution not revolution, the MkII has a number of subtle differences from the MkI

is electric as standard, for the other it’s optional – and the genoa by a pair of Lewmar 68STs. All are set are within
reach of the helm. The twin electric headsail furlers and all the electric winches – including the Lewmar 54ST on the coachroof – can be controlled from
buttons on the binnacle.Design & constructionApart from the addition of extra vertical
hull ports to give a better view out from the aft cabin, the hull is unchanged from the Mk1. It’s vinylester resin, with a foam core throughout. Kevlar is used forward
of the keel. Up forward she has two watertight bulkheads. A half-length skeg supports her semi-balanced rudder.
SailplanShe is a Solent-rigged ‘slutter’ with a 90% self-tacking jib and a 140% genoa; both live on their own Furlex 400E
electric furlers (manual is standard for

both). She also has a jib on a self-tacking system, but I found it necessary to ease the sheet before it would go across during

a tack – frustrating, as the winch is on the coachroof and needs to be eased by hand.tacking, as with any ‘slutter’ rig – a trade-The genoa requires furling when

off for having a more versatile sailplan than a sloop. An asymmetric spinnaker can either be taken to a U-bolt and block on the substantial bow roller or to

an optional carbon bowsprit to ensure clearance from the pulpit. Optional twin poles stow on the front of the mast to make downwind work

easier. This setup works very well – the only downside, as ocean cruising guru Jimmy

Cornell points out in his books, is that it could leave you with no spare poles to construct a jury

rig in the event of a dismasting.Deck layout

The aft end of the coachroof grabrail curves around to the cockpit to greet anyone going

forward. It’s a small detail, but it’s typical of the extra thought that Discovery puts

into its yachts. by large, teak-capped toerails and oversized scuppers drain to below the The decks themselves are surrounded

waterline. The pulpit is taken well aft, which adds greatly to the feeling of security on deck. It incorporates dolphin-watching seats, which I felt obstructed the

substantial mooring cleats beneath. long way forward, almost to the back of the centre cockpit, with liferaft stowage It was good to see the pushpit come a

in its port side too. There is also an option for well-engineered boarding gates amidships on each side, which fold down

to make boarding ladders. It is possible for sheets to get caught in the curved corners of the gate, but a Velcro strop

would prevent this happening. This isn’t a problem with the standard wire gate.3in) deep forward bosun’s locker, or the Deck stowage is either in the 1.3m (4ft

twin lazarette lockers on the aft deck.Living belowFor a yacht designed to be sailed short-

handed, she offers some lovely berths for guests, as well as the wonderful full-width owner’s cabin in the stern. The maple interior is beautifully

constructed: shut lines are parallel, inlay detail is faultless.The raised saloon

brings the outside closer – it feels as if you’re sitting in the landscape, rather than hunkered

down inside the hull. The galley is a few steps down and aft of the saloon, but dishes can

be served with ease to the table or over the aft side of the C-shaped seating. Our test boat’s

saloon was the open-plan version. I’d opt for enclosed saloon, with more handholds and

windscreen add ventilation to the saloon at anchor, while two large, opening Two opening windows in the deckhouse bracing points.

overhead hatches also do their bit. The forward and Pullman cabins share a heads and shower forward. It’s not the most spacious of heads, but it widens in the

shower compartment aft. The aft cabin floods with natural light, and mirrors enhance the feeling of space. The owner’s heads is well laid out with access to the

washing machine and the engine room, both from the shower compartment of the en suite heads.

The dolphin-watching seats are nice, but I’d want them to flip up for access to the mooring cleats underneath