The Major Differences
The Seacracker has a slightly shallower draft at 1.42m vs. 1.68m and
yet the Seacracker is heavier at 4,730 Kg vs. 4,310 for the Contessa. The
Seacracker has more headroom than any but the modern Contessa's, having a raised doghouse aft
of the mast providing 6' 2" headroom compared to the rather cramped
nature of the Contessa which is uncomfortable for anyone over 6 feet tall. While
the Contessa tends to bury her rail and be quite wet, the
Seacracker-Trintella is stiffer and responds best to a reduced angle of
heel, usually obtained by putting in an early reef. Curiously, the first
reef tends to have no impact on speed!
The Extra Foot
LOA!
It is unbelievable the difference an extra foot in the
LOA can
make; it's certainly been put to good use on the Seacracker: the cockpit
seats four adults in comfort and the huge stern locker will comfortably
accept two large sail bags or a sail bag and an inflatable dinghy.
When mooring stern-to this also provides a useful poop deck! This aft sail
locker (or whatever) frees up the forepeak lockers for other gear it makes
a nice alternative to lugging wet sails through the boat. This contrasts
with the Contessa which has a tiny space aft of little particular use as
Contessa's often have the engine instrument panel mounted here.
The Seacracker owner also
benefits from the following:
