Monday, September 21, 2015

Leisure 18 Yacht






Approximately 4,500 Leisure branded yachts were built between 1967 and 1995, with a variety of designers being involved in producing a range of boats: L17, L17SL, L18, L20, L22, L23, L23SL, L24, L26, L27, L27SL, and the L29.

The Leisure 18 was designed by Simon Cory, and they were built by Brian Cory Boatbuilders Ltd., Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9LY. Very few were sold on account of the exorbitant cost of production because of having to satisfy the RCD (Recreational Craft Directive) requirements and the state of the market in 1970 when she was first built. High production costs inevitably precluded profitability which brought the demise of the venture.

I personally think this was very sad, because on the face of it, the Leisure 18 was well designed for its purpose, i.e., for short-handed cruising and for weekending. The standard boat had three full-size berths, a separate heads, and a galley with a two-burner stove and a sink. There was also a four berth version based on the same one- piece moulded hull with integral twin keels and a skeg mounted rudder. Her shallow draught of only 2’ 3” made her suitable for estuary ramblings and for exploring tidal creeks. There was the option of an outboard in a well or an 8 HP Saildrive diesel engine.

Some would describe her as a trailer sailer, but she’s really a yacht that would most likely have her own mooring, and yet she is small enough to be transported on a road trailer for that special summer cruise.

Dimensions etc

LOA                                        18’
Beam                                    7’ 4”
Draught                                2’ 3”
Sail Area                               190 sq ft
Weight                                 1,800 lbs                                                                                              

Links

Leisure Owners’ Association – Leisure 18 Description

Leisure 18 Brochure

Leisure 18 - Description by Sailboatdata.com

First Sail of Our New Leisure 18 Yacht on Lac Hourtin

Leisure 18 Sailing


1 comment:

Unknown said...

Do you have any advice on unstepping and stepping mast?
Regards,
Bill