Time was when anyone wanting a lively 22ft (6.7m) family cruiser with a lifting keel was almost spoiled for choice. Popular home-produced examples included the E-Boat, Evolution 22, Seal 22, Anderson 22, Atlanta Catch 22, Fox Terrier, Eclipse, Limbo 6.6, Timpenny 670 and Skipper 700. Then there were alternatives such as the Jaguar 21, Parker 21 and Parker 235, not to mention European offerings such as the Etap 22.
So what happened? Well, for some time now, would-be buyers in the UK in search of a trailable boat of this size have had a choice between a European lake-sailer and something that strikes a rather more traditional note. Modern trailable all-rounders suited to British coastal waters have been few and far between, leaving those in search of one to find and import a boat themselves and then face the possibility of having the only one in the country.
Given the versatility of a good 22-footer – capable of crossing the Atlantic, as the Anderson and E-Boat did, yet small enough to trail to new cruising grounds – it’s refreshing that, at long last, a British builder has introduced a new one. It comes in the form of the BTC-22, designed by Buckley Yacht Design and built in Southampton by Composite Mouldings (CML), which is also run by the Buckley family. Although CML might be an unfamiliar name to many, it was born out of Blondecell (Tradewinds, Cromarty 36 et al) and has built over 400 Hawk 20s for Reid Marine. Supplying composite mouldings to builders such as Oyster, CML is experienced in resin infusion, structural analysis and the use of carbon- fibre and aramids.
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Yachting Monthly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2020 edition of Yachting Monthly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TECHNICAL 'OUR BOAT WAS FULL OF WATER'
After an afternoon away, Roger Hughes had to act quickly when he found his schooner-rigged yacht sinking at its Florida marina mooring
HOW IT WORKS OPTIMISING SAIL TRIM
It is difficult to describe ‘correct’ sail shape, but the three most important things to consider are: sail draft (the fullness of the sail), draft position, and twist (controlled by the kicker /vang and leech tension).
HEBRIDEAN HIDEAWAYS
There are some incredible hidden harbours along the west coast of Scotland, many offering 360° shelter, although some may be rather challenging to enter
Mark lines to save miscommunication
This year, I spent my holidays working in the French Figaro class. My role was to be a préparateur – the French name for someone whose job it is to prepare and fix boats before and after races.
It's time for Deliveroo by canoe
Can we agree that it’s an old myth that sailors survive entirely on Fray Bentos pies and ‘pot mess’? Certainly on Skylax mealtimes are something to look forward to as both Rod and I love cooking.
Freak waves are lurking closer than you think
Salvage tug captain Nick Sloane can claim a library of feats of derring-do.
£33m government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships
Maritime Minister Lord Davies has announced the winners of £33 million of government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships as part of the decarbonisation of the sector.
Eight bells for C&N yacht designer Raymond Wall
Yacht designer Raymond Wall passed away in November at the age of 91 after a long and illustrious career.
OGR IRC leader returns with severe damage
Translated 9, the leading IRC yacht in the Ocean Globe Race was forced to divert to the Falkland Islands after discovering two cracks on the hull, one of which was big enough to sink the boat in heavy weather.
Celebrating 200 years of the RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) officially celebrates its 200th birthday on 4 March.