The Bluewater Sailboat Cavalier 36 was designed in the mid-1970s by America’s Cup-winning designer Doug Peterson as a pure-blooded offshore racer. Ganbare, Peterson’s 1973 One Ton Cup winner, was an earlier similar form. Ganbare provided the inspiration for the Peterson 36, a slightly larger and more powerful evolution. This design won the 1974 One Ton Cup, finishing first, third, and fifth out of a world-class field of 30 boats. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Cavalier Yachts, which was quickly becoming the country’s preeminent sailboat manufacturer, required a boat to cover a gap between their popular Cavalier 32 and Cavalier 39. They leased the design and commissioned Laurie Davison to rebuild the deck to their specifications, giving birth to the Cavalier 36 in 1976.
The Bluewater Sailboat 36 shares the same balsa sandwiched GRP construction as its smaller sibling, the Cavalier 32. The hull, and indeed the entire boat, is well-built. Seven high tensile monel keel bolts secure the keel, and the chainplates are integrally molded into the hull and deck. The sleek and simple deck shape, hinting at its race pedigree, has been commended for being practical and safe. The cockpit, which is 7 feet long, can seat up to ten people.
The boat’s 9.1m LWL and 3.5m beam conceal a roomy cabin for a 36-footer, with 7 feet of headroom. Berths for seven people are distributed among the seagoing quarter-berth, settees with pilot-berths, and V-berths. The inside woodwork is finished in teak or mahogany and is of high quality.
She is stiff and quick on all points of sail, with a preference for downwind runs, while her performance on a reach is also superb. Despite its racing history, the boat excels in the cruising arena for those willing to forgo a little luxury for a lot of performance. At least two boats have circumnavigated the globe. Overall, a simple, robust, and easy-to-handle boat. A total of twenty boats have been built.
Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the Bluewater sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Ocean Wave Sail has data for over 10000+ boats that can help you select one to meet your sailing needs.
Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.
© OceanWave Sail. All Rights Reserved 2022
