RP56

Vasara was built by McConaghy Boats at our shipyard near Sydney, Australia, with naval architecture by Reichel/Pugh and an interior by Design Unlimited.

The owner’s brief was for a yacht capable of safely cruising with family in and around the San Francisco Bay, yet one that was able to race competitively in inshore and offshore races along the US west coast.

Vasara has been designed and built to ISO Ocean Category A and the offshore Category 1 of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations. Reichel/Pugh teamed with Pure Design and Engineering to develop the structural engineering for the design. The design includes many aspects that allow the yacht to effortlessly convert between a comfortable family cruiser to an elite racer. The backstay configuration is a single fixed backstay for cruising, and this can be modified to a split topmast backstay to fit a square-top mainsail for racing. The anchor arm and chain box can also be removed for racing. A dodger can be added for cruising to give protection from the elements, and a bimini awning system provides shade at anchor.

Vasara has a lifting keel with draft up of 2.4m to permit access the owner’s harbour and draft down of 4.1m to give exceptional stability under sail.

The exterior design features a low freeboard and coachroof, while achieving comfortable headroom throughout the interior. Aft coamings create a safe and comfortable cockpit, with sail handling controls hidden below decks and in lockers for a clean and safe working deck.

Adhering to carefully calculated weight requirements was key. This carbon yacht was built for performance and McConaghy’s experience in this field was essential to the successful outcome.

Design Unlimited were tasked with creating a lightweight, versatile, and dynamic interior that achieved dual purpose, complementing both this yacht’s performance edge and providing the ability for comfortable cruising and overnight stays.

The layout features a master cabin forward, a central saloon with a lounge and dining area to port, and a navigation desk to starboard. The saloon is open plan to the galley, creating a great social arrangement, and enhancing the perception of space. To aft, there are two guest cabins that share a bathroom.

The accommodation has been configured for sailing with friends and family, primarily. When speed takes precedence, however, the two guest cabins can be converted to crew accommodation with fold-down pipe cots.