WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...
Duncan Kent: ‘A rounded stern has pros and cons. Its main advantage is apparent sailing downwind, when the reduced width and buoyancy stops quartering waves from lifting her stern and knocking her off course. Another bonus is the lack of ‘slapping’ that wide, flat sterns are prone to when anchored. The main points against are reduced stowage and accommodation in the stern and no boarding platform.’ ‘Double-enders’ were popularised in the 1970s by designer, Robert Perry – architect of Valiant, Tayana, Cheoy Lee, Baba, Ta Shing, Islander, Passport and Saga yachts. Robert says: ‘All boats pointed at both ends are ‘double-enders’, including canoe stern boats. Years ago, a sailing magazine asked me to write about double-enders as I’ve probably created more than any living designer. I called a few well-known designers, including Olin Stephens, and asked them ‘Why a double-ender?’ While they nearly all liked them, they couldn’t give me an objective reason why. One, the late Bill Crealock, said there were advantages but explaining further would give away his ‘secrets’.
‘I don’t claim double-enders offer any advantage as sea boats as there are far too many great transom-sterned boats. You hear about ‘more reserve buoyancy’, but it’s the opposite – a pointed stern reduces volume aft. If I had to give an advantage to double-enders I’d say tucking the lines in at the stern produces more balanced waterlines. A boat that retains its shape as it heels offers a more balanced helm. If you compare a classic Colin Archer double-ender to my canoesterned Valiant 40, they are very different. The advantage of an overhanging canoe stern is it allows the designer to draw the buttocks out for a flatter and fuller run. In the Valiant 40 I tried my best to pull as much volume aft as possible to increase sailing length and stability.’
Nick Vass, marine surveyor says: ‘When surveying an American-built yacht the first question I ask is if it has an RCD Certificate of Conformity. If it doesn’t, you will need a Post Construction Assessment to certify it complies with the RCD (Recreational Craft Directive). Compliance can be problematic as it’s unlikely the engine would pass emissions tests. Also, the shore power electrics would have to be revised as the US uses 100V/60HZ AC. Most US yachts are fitted with Yanmar engines that can be serviced anywhere. They also have excellent Groco bronze seacocks, although American hose sizes are incompatible with BSP or metric hoses.’