Classic Corsaire 58

Towards the mid-1970s, the Carabela yard began to build a series of large ships based on designs by its usual suppliers: Sparkman & Stephens (Carabela was one of the few shipyards recommended by the demanding American firm) and Holman & Pye, mainly. The difference between the two firms lay in the price of their designs, which could be almost double. Don Pye built four units of the Corsair 47 and one of the Corsair 58, the Meltemi. Both models, somewhat modified, were later continued in fibreglass production by the British shipyard Bowman. The request for the Meltemi was for a fast, spacious and manoeuvrable family cruising boat for a small crew, and the result did not disappoint, as the boat remained in the hands of the same family for more than 45 years. The hull lines are very modern for their time, with a separate rudder supported by a skeg, a relatively small keel area and deep shapes. They are certainly not linked to any racing formula (as was the case with the IOR, for example), but at the same time they give the boat the agility and performance required, especially upwind. Overhangs, remarkable for today, although moderate for their time, give the hull a timeless elegance. The issue of ease of manoeuvrability is fulfilled by the splitting of the sails into a ketch with foresail and by a manoeuvring rig based on powerful winches, two of which were electrified in a major refit the boat underwent in the first decade of the 2000's. The curious arrangement of two steering positions, with separate and independent fwires circuits, also aids in offshore sailing, with an excellent view of the sails or in mooring manoeuvres. The deck, characterised by a large central cockpit, has plenty of space for sunbathing, whether at anchor or under sail. The dinghy cradle is easily removed, leaving the foredeck free. The elegantly rounded cockpit is very low and forgives the perhaps somewhat excessive height of the bulwarks. All of this translates into a habitability below deck that is out of the ordinary. The interior finish follows many of the typical Carabela guidelines, specifically those of Pepe Medina: elegantly finished beams, stylised columns in the middle and full at the ends, worked mouldings that follow each other, rounded bulkheads and lockers that follow these shapes, lots of coffered ceilings. In short: an apotheosis of good workmanship, of elegance without falling into baroquism or useless workmanship. As well as elegance, the Meltemi oozes practicality, with cupboards, lockers and storerooms for all your stowage needs. It also has a very spacious galley with all the comforts for long stays on board: fridge, freezer, oven and microwave. The large master cabin is served by a dedicated toilet. The forward cabin has two twin berths and two single berths and the forepeak has been fitted with a double V-berth. Each has a washbasin. The Meltemi was born as a ship for family cruises and has fulfilled this programme throughout her life, sailing all over the Mediterranean and being a regular presence in the Balearic archipelago. In 2007/2008 the Meltemi underwent an updating process, in order to continue sailing with a reduced crew: electric winches and a bow thruster were added, among other modernisation works, such as the installation of the two bow furlers. Many years later, the current owner had to repair some rotten areas of the hull and, taking advantage of the dryness of the hull after some years out of the water, he proceeded to cover the hull with a light layer of fibreglass to protect it from humidity. Its reduced selling price allows the next owner to proceed to replace the original exterior plywood coating, although it is not an urgent job. And even if the Meltemi has to be entered in the Spirit of Tradition category for the classic boat races because of this layer of fibreglass and the presence of the bow thruster, its true vocation is that of a comfortable, elegant and fast offshore cruiser, and she fulfill it with advantage.