Corsair 31AC

Brand:: Corsair

Designed by:: Corsair Marine Inc. (based on original Ian Farrier design)

Yard(s):: Corsair Marine Inc.

Description:

The Corsair 31 brings the ingredient of 'liveability' to the Corsair concept of fast, comfortable and flexible sailing. Previous smaller Corsair boats were equipped for short cruises or 'weekending' whereas the 31 has the accommodation space and facilities to rank it as a comfortable coastal cruiser. Yet the 31 still has the exhilarating performance and convenient trailerability of the hugely successful F-27.

The 31 was introduced in aft (AC) and centre cockpit (CC) models, each of which has a racing (R) version. The ‘R’ versions were discontinued as model denominations in 2004, following the introduction of the 31-1D; however, the 'R' components (carbon fibre rig and retractable bowsprit) can still be ordered as an alternative configuration for AC, CC and UC versions. The 'R's are extremely fast competitive racing machines with winning performance and top speed of around 25 knots, though the standard models are almost as speedy. With the introduction of the 31-1D One Design Racer, Corsair intends to establish a new racing class. - There is also a UC version (Ultimate Cruiser) configured with longer range cruising in mind. All models have standing headroom in the main cabin. See also OSTAC F-31.

Corsairs are renowned for being very safe, seaworthy and easily handled in all conditions and points of sail. The 31 models carry on in the same theme of refining and extending an outstanding original design. They all have the patented folding system that enables the boat to be rigged and launched from a trailer in 30 minutes by two people. Trailer width, weight and length is within standard limits for most countries and the boat can be towed without requiring special arrangements by a suitable vehicle. The combined towing weight of trailer and boat, plus gear is approximately 2.7 tons. Folding the floats while afloat and motoring is quick, allowing easy access to a narrow berth.

Corsair 31 achievements:

Corsair 31 voted Australian Boat of the Year in 1992
Corsair 31 OSTAC-TRIUMPH wins Australian Multihull Offshore Championship series, 1992
SALE GOSSE becomes first Corsair 31 to cross Atlantic, then goes on to take first in class during Heineken Cup regatta at Saint Maartens' 1996
Corsair 31 HANOMAN is first to finish on elapsed time and sets new course record in 100 mile Cape Flattery race during Swiftsure International Yacht Race, 1996
Corsair 31 BAD BOY completes first Pacific crossing winning first in class during Single-handed Transpac, 1996

Type:: Cruiser-racer

Multihull type:: Trimaran

Construction:: Hulls: foam sandwich construction; unsinkable
Folding system: solid aluminium folding struts with stainless steel pivot pins
Construction techniques: vacuum bagging throughout lamination process to maintain high resin-to-glass ratio
Construction materials: rigid PVC foam core; carbon fiber reinforced cross beams

Sails and rigging:

Fractional sloop rig
Aluminium rotating wing mast (fixed on earlier models, carbon fibre on 'R' model)
Fully battened, square-topped main with slab or jiffy reefing
Bowsprit (retractable, carbon fibre on 'R' model )
Jib; screacher (449 sq ft, 41.6 sq m); asymetrical spinnaker (996 sq ft, 92.2 sq m)

Deck layout and gear:

Large cockpit, seats 6
Transom swim step
Tiller steering
Winches, halyards, sheets as well a controls for the daggerboard, rudder and outboard all operated from the cockpit
Storage in floats

Accommodation:

Main cabin with standing headroom; galley with enclosed head opposite; bench seating with folding table - converts into two berths
Double V-berth forward