Title: The story of Evolution Yachts
Jolly Roger - March 30, 2006 09:53 AM (GMT)
Evolution yachts were constructed in the late 70’s and early 80’s in a range of sizes, all designed by Julian Everitt. This produced sleek, uncluttered lines which were aesthetically pleasing and with a strong commitment to lifting keels throughout the range. Despite the lifting keel, the yachts retained an inherent stability and were designed to sail as fin keel yachts, having a sensible weight distribution.
The following information is an extract from the Evolution Yachts brochure when they were still in production.
EVOLUTION UP FRONT
Unlike many companies who are just now entering the field of shoal draft boats as an option to their fixed keel range, Evolution Yachts have remained wholly committed to the principle of the lifting keel as designed by JuIian Everitt and now offer the largest range of Lift keel sailing boats in the country. As you will find, there is no substitute for experience, Evolution Yachts keel lifting system is perhaps the most solid.
STABILITY
Julian Everitt designed the Evolution range as proper yachts with inherent stability. You will find nothing in our boats which suggests the sacrifice of strength or stability for the sake of a lifting keel capability. The boats have been designed to sail as fin keel yachts with the correct ballast ratio and with the weight sensibly distributed. In the case of the Evolution 26 & 25 the ballast ratio is 44.5% consisting of 800lbs of steel glassed into the bottom of the boat and a further 800lbs in the solid cast keel. Tests have proved that the Evolution 26 & 25 are fully self righting from 90 degrees of heel even with the keel fully raised. The keel lifting arrangement is a solid stainless steel and aluminium assembly engineered as a self contained unit. The keel is no featherweight and is lifted with ease by means of a hydraulic ram operated remotely in the cockpit.
PERFORMANCE
The Evolution 26 & 25 have been designed to outsail most of her competitors of equivalent size, while retaining a high standard of comfort and seaworthiness. Boats fully equipped for racing have been consistently successful against the best in the fixed keel fleets. A choice of either masthead or fractional rig is offered, the masthead rig carrying a Portsmouth Yardstick measurement of about 108 and the
fractional of about 97. Although not specifically designed for IOR racing, Evolution 26's have been rated and have acquitted themselves well against the top % tonners.
CRUISERABILlTY
As a family cruiser both afloat or ashore the Evolution 26 & 25 have much to recommend them. Designed from its inception as a lift keel yacht the keel box is fully integrated into the cabin layout. The generous beam of 9'4" allows a measure of spacious living not normally associated with a 26 foot yacht. Even" with the double bunk in position to port and two bunks to starboard there is still clear access through the boat. The separate toilet compartment divides the accommodation into two sleeping areas each containing the facility for a double berth. The galley features a cooker with grill and a large oven. There is ample stowage throughout the boat. The space available in the main cabin allows the provision of both chart and dining tables which can be independently stowed when not in use. The large main hatch, completely removable in fine weather makes for a light and airy living space in which the family will be happy to spend time. Topside, the clear uncluttered deck allows ease of movement in safety. The foredeck is sufficiently large for a small inflatable to be stowed ready for use. The cockpit can accommodate the whole family whether sailing or while eating in harbour. Cockpit lockers, served by large access hatches facilitate stowage of all sailing gear and outboard motors of up to 10HP. Ample space beneath the cockpit can house an inboard engine of up to 12 HP.
CLEAN LINES
Your Evolution 26 or 25 exhibits the classic good looks which go hand in hand with good design. Afloat she is an eye-catcher while ashore she pulls the crowds. Consider her appearance and you will see that the boat is a proper yacht of good proportions with grace and power in her lines.
TRAILERABILlTY
The Evolution 25 encourages long passages both at sea and on land. There is more to lift keel boats than creek sailing and drying out upright. With keel fully raised the mere 12 inches draft eliminates the headaches of launch and recovery and the low centre of gravity promotes peace of mind when trailing. All this opens up new cruising grounds. The Mediterranean is just at the end of the Motorway!
ECONOMY
Both in purchase and use the Evolution 26 and 25 are value for money.
- requires inexpensive shoal or drying moorings.
- can be launched and recovered by the family.
- can be laid up at home saving on storage and boat yard expenses. - eliminates hotel expenses while on the road.
- reduces dependence on marinas.
EVOLUTION - The Solution to the Yachting Family's Needs
_
The following information is an extract from the Evolution Yachts brochure when they were still in production.
EVOLUTION UP FRONT
Unlike many companies who are just now entering the field of shoal draft boats as an option to their fixed keel range, Evolution Yachts have remained wholly committed to the principle of the lifting keel as designed by JuIian Everitt and now offer the largest range of Lift keel sailing boats in the country. As you will find, there is no substitute for experience, Evolution Yachts keel lifting system is perhaps the most solid.
STABILITY
Julian Everitt designed the Evolution range as proper yachts with inherent stability. You will find nothing in our boats which suggests the sacrifice of strength or stability for the sake of a lifting keel capability. The boats have been designed to sail as fin keel yachts with the correct ballast ratio and with the weight sensibly distributed. In the case of the Evolution 26 & 25 the ballast ratio is 44.5% consisting of 800lbs of steel glassed into the bottom of the boat and a further 800lbs in the solid cast keel. Tests have proved that the Evolution 26 & 25 are fully self righting from 90 degrees of heel even with the keel fully raised. The keel lifting arrangement is a solid stainless steel and aluminium assembly engineered as a self contained unit. The keel is no featherweight and is lifted with ease by means of a hydraulic ram operated remotely in the cockpit.
PERFORMANCE
The Evolution 26 & 25 have been designed to outsail most of her competitors of equivalent size, while retaining a high standard of comfort and seaworthiness. Boats fully equipped for racing have been consistently successful against the best in the fixed keel fleets. A choice of either masthead or fractional rig is offered, the masthead rig carrying a Portsmouth Yardstick measurement of about 108 and the
fractional of about 97. Although not specifically designed for IOR racing, Evolution 26's have been rated and have acquitted themselves well against the top % tonners.
CRUISERABILlTY
As a family cruiser both afloat or ashore the Evolution 26 & 25 have much to recommend them. Designed from its inception as a lift keel yacht the keel box is fully integrated into the cabin layout. The generous beam of 9'4" allows a measure of spacious living not normally associated with a 26 foot yacht. Even" with the double bunk in position to port and two bunks to starboard there is still clear access through the boat. The separate toilet compartment divides the accommodation into two sleeping areas each containing the facility for a double berth. The galley features a cooker with grill and a large oven. There is ample stowage throughout the boat. The space available in the main cabin allows the provision of both chart and dining tables which can be independently stowed when not in use. The large main hatch, completely removable in fine weather makes for a light and airy living space in which the family will be happy to spend time. Topside, the clear uncluttered deck allows ease of movement in safety. The foredeck is sufficiently large for a small inflatable to be stowed ready for use. The cockpit can accommodate the whole family whether sailing or while eating in harbour. Cockpit lockers, served by large access hatches facilitate stowage of all sailing gear and outboard motors of up to 10HP. Ample space beneath the cockpit can house an inboard engine of up to 12 HP.
CLEAN LINES
Your Evolution 26 or 25 exhibits the classic good looks which go hand in hand with good design. Afloat she is an eye-catcher while ashore she pulls the crowds. Consider her appearance and you will see that the boat is a proper yacht of good proportions with grace and power in her lines.
TRAILERABILlTY
The Evolution 25 encourages long passages both at sea and on land. There is more to lift keel boats than creek sailing and drying out upright. With keel fully raised the mere 12 inches draft eliminates the headaches of launch and recovery and the low centre of gravity promotes peace of mind when trailing. All this opens up new cruising grounds. The Mediterranean is just at the end of the Motorway!
ECONOMY
Both in purchase and use the Evolution 26 and 25 are value for money.
- requires inexpensive shoal or drying moorings.
- can be launched and recovered by the family.
- can be laid up at home saving on storage and boat yard expenses. - eliminates hotel expenses while on the road.
- reduces dependence on marinas.
EVOLUTION - The Solution to the Yachting Family's Needs
_