Cookson 50 – TestaCuore

Description

The Cookson 50 is one of the most iconic ocean racing yachts ever built.  Put together by the kiwi boat builder Mick Cookson and the Farr office, the outcome achieved was a sleek, stylish race yacht that combines performance racing with an unusual level of comfort (compared to other 50 foot Grand Prix racing yachts). With a canting keel, twin carbon wheels, hydraulic winches (to do the heavy work for you) and a large sail plan, the Cookson 50 is sublimely fast, strong and easy to sail.

TestaCuore has seen a very thorough programme of maintenance and upgrades over the past 2 years, with a very strong sail wardrobe, upgraded canting angle and bulletproof hydraulics. A real turnkey option for the serious competitor for the world’s offshore circuit. She is currently being optimised with a new deeper keel (3,5 meters instead 3) and a lighter bulb (about 400 kg).

The Cookson 50 is a fantastic choice for serious racing teams, she is easy to power up and eats up the miles on the race course. These boats are strong yet still light enough to give adrenaline junkies a nice hit as they pop an ‘A’ sail up and head off downwind.

What makes the Cookson 50 so exceptional?

The Cookson 50 has been a prominent contender in major offshore races around the globe for years, including prestigious events like the Sydney Hobart, the RORC Caribbean 600, and the RORC Transatlantic Race and they continue to top leader boards around the world. What are the secrets of this “evergreen” racer-cruiser ?

The Designer

First of all,  the genius of its designer, Bruce Farr, who crafted an ultralight displacement hull weighing just 7 tons. This design, reminiscent of the TP52s, features an exaggerated beam and minimal draft, paired with a relatively high freeboard to enhance underdeck space, making it comfortable for cruising as well.

Under the Hull

The Cookson 50’s sailing performance is bolstered by a canting keel with a steel fin and lead bulb, offering a draft of 3.00 meters (extendable to 3.25 meters) and a hydraulic control system allowing a maximum heel of 35°. Additionally, a central canard positioned forward of the mast enhances its sailing capabilities. One of the boat’s major strengths is its ease of handling, a reflection of the modern design trend towards reducing crew requirements—a concept that was revolutionary twelve years ago.

Construction Materials

The construction materials of the Cookson 50 are top-tier. The hull, crafted from carbon fiber with a Corecell foam core, is formed using a female mold. Laminates are infused with epoxy resin and consolidated under vacuum and controlled heat, with load points reinforced by carbon laminates. The deck is outfitted with a full array of winches, stoppers, a mainsail traveller and other essential sailing equipment. The twin wheels also made of carbon are mounted on carbon pedestals. The standard engine is a 54-horsepower Yanmar with saildrive.

Below deck

Below deck, the design emphasises practicality and elegance. The layout includes two single berths aft to starboard and port, a spacious saloon with a galley, L-shaped sofas, and an ultralight carbon chart table. Forward, there is a double master cabin with a small bathroom. This minimalist yet functional interior design is impressive for a boat primarily built for racing.