The new McConaghy 31 is turning heads. Described as a TP 31, it's a smaller version of a TP 52, rather than a production boat. Think a pure race boat that's suitable for one-design and offshore racing with numerous options to configure for both disciplines.
The first boats were launched in late January 2016 and already eight have been sold. Five are in Australia and there is one each in the USA, Hong Kong and Sweden, where the owners are hoping others see the future in this design and build a fleet for one-design racing.
In terms of construction and fitout, the boat is described as “future proofed”. It has the following standard features, that really are the norm for 2016.
- Southern Spars carbon fibre mast, spreaders and boom.
- Integral, internal mast jack to adjust rig tension across all conditions.
- Carbon fibre bow sprit with tack lines run internally and aft to cockpit.
- Carbon fibre tiller.
- Carbon fibre stanchions.
- Control lines, halyards and sheets running under deck for a clean, Grand Prix layout.
- Grand Prix forward hatch with smooth radius for spinnaker dropline system, closing system and pneumatic, watertight seal both operated from the cockpit to keep weight off the bow.
- All mainsail controls led back to main trimmer including traveller, fine tune, outhaul and cunningham eye.
- Vang run under deck to aft end of cockpit for adjustment when all weight is aft.
- Fractional gennaker halyard as standard.
- Optional bullet lock for Fractional Code Zero
- Optional Genoa Staysail halyard
- Optional 2nd internal tack line
- Optional 2nd masthead Gennaker halyard
- 2nd battery as standard
New South Wales agent Andrew Parkes says the boat was designed and specified for Australian conditions. It has a deep cockpit and offshore-friendly foot chocks.
The MC31 is Cat 2 compliant for coastal offshore races like the Pittwater to Coffs, Sydney Gold Coast or Brisbane to Keppel. She has a measured ORCi stability index of 125.8 which considering that the minimum stability for the Sydney to Hobart Race is 115 shows that although she's a race boat she will be capable of handling the conditions.
Andrew Parkes says, “The MC 31 is designed as a modern, fun, fast and functional race boat. The reaction to the boat at Sydney International Boat Show was extremely positive and a number of test sails are booked for potential buyers from Western Australia, NSW and Queensland. The extremely high level of standard specification and the pedigree and reputation of McConaghy Boats really impressed potential purchasers.
“The Australian Circuit is still being planned, but the Sydney Harbour Regatta, Sail Port Stephens and a number of Sprint Series are confirmed for the coming season.”
Click on the image above to see the photo gallery by Andrea Francolini. And for more information about this exciting new boat go to http://www.mcconaghyboats.com/mc31.html.
