Reader Boat: Cape Henry 21

Almost 15 years ago a friend came into my workshop waving around a copy of Watercraft magazine and said “Have a look at this boat—I’m going build one for myself some day.” That boat was the Cape Henry 21.

- Ron Jesche

I liked the design instantly, but went on to build myself quite different and much larger boats. Then around four years ago I realized that I needed to have a good look at what kind of boating I wanted to do in the future. I have a beautiful 11-meter motorsailer, but we hardly use her, and I enjoy sailing smaller boats much more.

I’ve always built boats as an outlet for my restlessness, but after 12 boats it was time to do more sailing rather than building.

I love the look of the cutter rig , wanted a long bowsprit, comfortable accommodation for a few nights onboard, and the boat had to be trailerable. Good performance under sail was important, as well as looking bit traditional. I still had the magazine from 15 years ago and the Cape Henry looked like it would fit the brief nicely. Dudley Dix is a performance-oriented designer, so even his traditional looking boats perform well. I didn’t really have to think about it much more, and soon had a set of plans.

The plans come with full-sized mylar patterns for the bulkheads and backbone structure, with the option of full-size mylar patterns for the planking as well. The plans are very detailed and extremely accurate—impressive enough that during the build I became the Australian agent for Dudley’s designs. As a shipwright I have lofted many boats and have always enjoyed the process, but as we have all become so time-poor now I can see the value of CNC kits and am now able to supply kits for all of Dudley’s designs. (Many designers offer the option of CNC kits, and they help to achieve a fair and accurate boat much quicker, which helps to keep motivation levels up.)