Discovery 57 sailing
In 1998, after searching for but failing to find what they considered the ideal boat for short-handed bluewater cruising, British sailors John and Charlene Charnley commissioned the well-known yacht designer Ron Holland to create what became known as the Discovery 55. Now, a little over a decade later, with over fifty Discovery’s roaming the watery world—including a 67-foot model and even a 50-foot catamaran—the company has upgraded that original Holland design with a slightly larger cruiser.
The first Discovery 57, the hull of which is also from the board of Ron Holland, made her debut last fall at England’s Southampton Boat Show, where the firm is also based. The powerful all-oceans cruising yacht sports a double-headsail Solent rig, a flush foredeck, a raised coachroof with sleek cat’s eye windows, and an ample cockpit. Yet everything is led and arranged so an experienced couple can easily operate the boat. The rich and spacious interior was fashioned by Ken Frievokh, while credit for the structural engineering goes to the composite wizards at SP High Modulus, which is also headquartered in the U.K.
In-mast furling is standard, as is the generator, washer/dryer, central heating, and a long list of other features. Discovery currently builds ten yachts a year with close input from their owners, which means a high level of customization goes into every yacht. Different accommodation plans, joinery woods and furniture, upholstery, and countless other details can all be chosen or modified. Visit their website to learn more.
