Admirers of the growing armada of beautiful daysailers should be familiar with the work of Doug Zurn. The Marblehead, Massachusetts-based designer drew the gorgeous Bruckmann 42, a fast daysailer/weekender with traditional lines above the waterline and ultra-modern foils down below. Zurn’s latest design is the Marblehead 22, which builds on the blend of classic looks and up-to-the-minute performance that characterized the 42-footer.
The Marblehead 22 is an intriguing boat with several features that set it apart from its rivals in this competitive niche market. Most obvious is the unstayed carbon fiber spar with its large square-topped mainsail and wishbone boom, a rig that combines plenty of power with easy sailhandling.
A sail area/displacement ratio of 24 indicates that this boat will be no slouch. Beam, at just 6ft 10in, is modest, and at 3ft for the shoal keel option, so is draft. The pretty hull has a near-plumb stem and a hansomely styled transom. Displacement is just 2,300lbs, which makes trailering a viable option.
At just under 12ft long, the cockpit has plenty of room for family and friends. The small cuddy provides dry stowage and a place for the smallest crew members to hide from the sun.
The Marblehead 22 will be built in cold-molded wood/epozy by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Hull #1 is expected to hit the water in September.
Zurn Yacht Designers: www.zurnyachts.com;
Samoset Boatworks, Inc: www.samosetboatworks.com
