Design: Core Sound 17
Designer: Graham Byrnes, B and B Yacht Designs
Builder: Peter Batchelor, 2006
Current owner: Gary Hardy
LOA……………5.2m/17′ 0″
BEAM………… 1.78m/5′ 10″
DRAFT…………20cm - 1.06m/71/2″ – 3′ 6″
SAIL AREA …….11sq. m/119 sq. ft.
HULL WEIGHT…158 - 181kg/350 – 400 lbs

I bought “Kirsty Ann”, via an ad in “Shavings”, in November 2018.  Peter Batchelor did a very nice job with the build, and the boat was awarded the WBA's perpetual trophy for the best wooden boat at the 2006 Melbourne Boat Show.  

One feature we have particularly appreciated is the pop up spray dodger, which makes a very cosy shelter out of wind and rain for the crew. We have had many fine sailing adventures with this boat. As I usually sail single handed, I have added more cleats for tying off jetties and hanging fenders.  I converted the sails from the sleeve arrangement to sail track, to enable easy reefing and dropping the sails, and added oarlock sockets and a pair of 9’6” oars.   I have added a mizzen stay sail to the sail wardrobe, which is great for light airs.  I have just acquired a second hand Torqeedo outboard, which looks like it will be more than adequate for getting me in and out of my usual launch spot. I will be glad to be rid of the smell of petrol. 

I think the Core Sound is a splendid design. For what is essentially a large unballasted dinghy it is wonderfully stable, and that cat ketch rig with the unstayed masts and leg-o-mutton sprit sails is easy to balance, very maneuverable, and gives lots of options. The big open cockpit is very comfortable, with plenty of space for four adults and a dog.  I particularly like the lightness of the boat, which makes it a doddle getting the boat on and off the trailer.  Because it is relatively easy and quick to rig and launch, we have used this boat a lot, and because it is so comfortable, we have made some good long voyages, including some overnights. Strangely, though, the masts seem to be getting heavier every year. I might look at getting balanced lug sails which would allow shorter, lighter masts, at some stage in the future.