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