New or Used, the C&C 99 Is Not Going to Fit into Everyone's Budget, but It's a Lot of Boat for the Money for a Marquee Brand.

With the accent on "racer," C&C Yachts, named for co-founders George Cuthbertson and George Cassian, may not have coined the term "racer/cruiser" but the company certainly set the standard for it. C&C is again setting the standard for this genre. I have little doubt that the two Georges, if they were still with us, would wholeheartedly approve of the C&C 99.

Designed by Tim Jackett when he was Fairport Marine's chief designer as well as chief operating officer, the C&C 99 was introduced in late 2001. Why C&C 99 you might ask? Well, because it's shorter than C&C 9.906M, which is the metric equivalent of 32 feet and 6 inches – the overall length of this model.

Originally the C&C 99 was offered with deep or shoal draft keel configurations drawing 6 feet, 6 inches, or 5 feet, 5 inches. To encourage and promote one-design sailing, however, the shallow draft model has been agreed upon as standard and currently is the only version offered. To further encourage and help build one-design fleets, C&C offered owners of deep draft models the option of converting to the shallower draft keel at minimum cost.

Since its inception, C&C has been at the forefront of production boatbuilding technology – a tradition the newest C&C models continues. While not as high-tech as the current crop of custom offshore racers or Americas Cup contenders, the C&C 99 utilizes the most advanced materials and techniques you are likely to find in an off-the-shelf production sailboat. Hulls are composite constructed with unidirectional "E" glass fiber cloth, CoreCell foam and epoxy resin. They are vacuum bagged and post-cured to 145 degrees. Sounds a bit techie but it means more stable composites that are pound-for-pound 10 times stronger than conventionally constructed composites. The hulls themselves are not necessarily 10 times stronger because they are half the weight of those with conventional construction. The hull of the C&C 99, for example, weighs a mere 780 pounds. But C&C is so confident of the product that the company offers a 15-year transferable warranty.

The only downside to this high-tech construction could be that repairs following a mishap will be more expensive and will require the attention of someone who has who has the facilities and experience to work with these materials.

Starting with the 2004 model year, C&C upped the ante further, making carbon fiber masts standard equipment on all its models. And, as with the keel changes, owners of boats with aluminum masts were offered an upgrade to a carbon fiber mast at bargain basement prices, according to Mike Titgemyer of Tartan C&C Yachts of Annapolis.

The company itself has changed hands a few times since the C&C 99 came on the market. Novis Marine took over Fairport, which also makes Tartan yachts, and in early 2008 Novis sold its assets and brands to Grand River Investments of Cleveland, Ohio. When the sale was announced, Grand River said it would expand the Tartan line with a 60-foot model and possibly a 57-footer. For C&C, more upgrades and exploration of the open-class racing market could be in the cards. Jackett remains as designer and chief operating officer.

But the C&C 99 remains a solid craft. Although a bit cramped for a full racing crew, the cockpit of the C&C 99 provides a balanced, convenient layout for racing or cruising. The helmsman can easily reach the 40-inch wheel even when seated all the way outboard either to weather or leeward. The mainsheet, traveler and self-tailing primary winches are within easy reach so the helmsman doesn't have to leave the wheel. All halyards are led to two self-tailing winches on the cabin top each side of the companionway.

The helm seat is hinged and lifts out of the way for unobstructed access to the transom swim deck. A molded locker on foredeck provides for anchor storage; the 99 comes with two cockpit storage lockers and a third for propane tanks.

Unlike some racer/cruisers, the C&C 99 has what I consider sensible cruising accommodations for her size. The C&C 99 offers 6 feet and 2 inches of headroom, a suitable galley, a large head with shower and adequate storage. It can sleep six, with a V-berth forward, opposing settees in the main salon and a double berth tucked in under the cockpit. That said, not many would want to share this space with five of their best friends for very long. And, most are likely to find the double berth under the cockpit a bit confining for two adults.

A 19 HP diesel Volvo Saildrive beneath the companionway steps provides auxiliary power. This is a proven and dependable power package for boats of this size and access for routine maintenance and service is acceptable.

With a sail area/displacement ratio of 21.5 and a displacement/length ratio of 167, the C&C 99 will not offer the exhilarating performance of a sport boat but these are very sensible numbers for a racer/cruiser. Although she has a rather shallow draft, the combination of bulb keel, light hull and carbon fiber mast result in an unusually low center of gravity. The C&C 99 has enough sail area for good performance in light air and enough stability to stand up to a blow. She is easily balanced and has a large rudder for responsive steering.

So what's not to like about this boat? Well, nothing really, but the construction methods and materials clearly cost more. The good news is that used models seem to hold their value well. New or used, a C&C 99 is not going to fit into everyone's budget, but this is a lot of boat for the money from a marquee brand.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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