FIRST TEST BTC-22
Yachting Monthly|May 2020
As the first sporty 22-footer we have seen from a British builder in a long time, the BTC-22 is set to fill a significant gap in the market
David Harding
FIRST TEST BTC-22

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.

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.

MORE STORIES FROM YACHTING MONTHLYView All
TECHNICAL 'OUR BOAT WAS FULL OF WATER'
Yachting Monthly UK

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

time-read
8 mins  |
April 2024
HOW IT WORKS OPTIMISING SAIL TRIM
Yachting Monthly UK

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).

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
HEBRIDEAN HIDEAWAYS
Yachting Monthly UK

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

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
Mark lines to save miscommunication
Yachting Monthly UK

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.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
It's time for Deliveroo by canoe
Yachting Monthly UK

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
Freak waves are lurking closer than you think
Yachting Monthly UK

Freak waves are lurking closer than you think

Salvage tug captain Nick Sloane can claim a library of feats of derring-do.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
£33m government funding to develop green technologies for ports and ships
Yachting Monthly UK

£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.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Eight bells for C&N yacht designer Raymond Wall
Yachting Monthly UK

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024
OGR IRC leader returns with severe damage
Yachting Monthly UK

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.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2024
Celebrating 200 years of the RNLI
Yachting Monthly UK

Celebrating 200 years of the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) officially celebrates its 200th birthday on 4 March.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2024