With her BPA epoxy resin infused e-glass and synthetic core hull laminate, BPA epoxy resin infusion deck, and a carbon-fiber mast and rudder as standard equipment, the 115 attains high octane performance ratios. Her interior features two separate cabins, luxurious main cabin, sit-down nav station, large galley, and head with a stall shower. Others try to match what we're doing at C&C Yachts, but without the advanced building technology they simply do not have the tools required.
The C&C 115's long waterline (33 feet) produces a very impressive 147 displacement/length ratio. Her BPA epoxy hull laminate consists of an all uni-directional e-glass structural laminate locally reinforced in high load areas and sandwiched on sythetic foam coring. The laminate is carefully placed in the mold dry, and vacuum bagged and the resin is then infused into the matrix. Building the laminate this way produces the lightest, strongest, and stiffest structure possible. The weight saved can be used for interior appointments and additional ballast further enhancing the 115's performance and livability. The bulbed 4,200-lb lead keel has an extremely low center of gravity producing a high righting moment allowing a powerful sailplan resulting in a sail area/displacement ratio of 23.1.
The infused deck's laminate is structured from unidirectional e-glass, sealed end grain balsa coring, and BPA epoxy resin. Using resin infusion with these materials results in a lighter, stiffer, and stronger deck than those produced with the antiquated, low-tech polyester resin laminating techniques favored by most other builders.
The mast on the 115 has been co-engineered by C&C Yachts and SP Systems, the world leader in composite engineering and materials technology, to produce an optimal section for the boat. Built using prepreg carbon fiber laminates and cured under pressure (100 psi) at 250 degrees F, the 115's mast is less than half the weight of a comparable aluminum mast yet is stiffer and stronger. The weight saved aloft adds to the 115's stability advantage and reduces pitching moment maximizing her performance. A carbon-fiber mast, once an expensive option or custom raceboat feature, is standard equipment on the C&C 115, further testament to C&C's dedication to advanced yacht construction.
The boat's fractional rig features a 108% One-Design genoa, sheeted to Harken adjustable jib tracks with inhaulers for tight upwind sheeting angles. Offwind performance is optimized with a One-Design 15' 11" spinnaker pole allowing for an oversized symmetrical spinnaker. For daysailing or cruising, there are plenty of options for sailing with an asymmetrical spinnaker whether in a snuffer or not.
C&C's distinctive deck design is continued on the 115. Wide side decks with molded-in non-skid provide safe and secure maneuvering in a seaway. The signature “slash” style portlights and classic C&C styling makes the 115 a head-turner in any harbor. The cockpit puts comfort and function first. The helmsman is pampered with a wrap-around helmseat with the 60" wheelwithin fingertip reach for upwind sailing. The main trimmer is given a convenient position just forward of the helmsman and has the mechanical advantage necessary in the Harken mainsheet system to tweak the best performance possible. The cockpit seats are over 6 feet long and have high seat backs for comfort. C&C's custom toerail and stanchion design maximizes on deck space and offers a necessary toehold when moving forward in challenging conditions. With the racer/cruiser in mind the deck for the 115 is designed for maximum performance while offering comfort for after the race or when cruising.
The 115 interior belies her raceboat capabilities. Using lightweight composite laminates, cabinetry is abundant and attractively finished in varnished cherry with laminated, curved trim. Bulkheads are attached to the interior components using Plexus methylmethacrylate adhesives providing additional stiffness to the hull structure without adding weight. Accommodations for six are provided in fore and aft double cabins and bunk-length main cabin settees. The forward facing nav station is designed to accommodate full navigational instrumentation. The galley is fit with a two burner gimbaled LPG stove/oven, large icebox, deep sink, and ample storage for provisions. A stall shower and large head are located aft and to port. By concentrating on weightsaving construction technologies the 115 delivers an interior befitting a comfy cruiser without giving up her dedication to top racecourse performance.
Through attention to construction details and by utilizing state-of-the art technology the 115 will lead the fleet on the racecourse and cruise back to her homeport in comfort. A worthy addition to the illustrious line of C&C sailing machines, the C&C 115 is a yacht of uncompromising performance and comfort.
The Height of Competent Duality
We sailed the C&C 115 with the boat's designer, Tim Jackett, and he and the experienced crew quickly helped us see what the 37-footer was all about. The three judges and I first took turns driving upwind, and rotated crew positions, all of which helped give us a feel for the boat's capabilities. "The boat has nice groove upwind and locks into the numbers," says Allen. "Downwind is even better, as the boat sails very low with excellent pace." Allen also had high praise for the boat's interior design. "The C&C 115 is about the best balance between racing and cruising that I've seen," he says. "I favor the racing end, but with some nice comforts the 115 works well.
