The Cape Cutter 19 was developed by Nick & Lyndsay Voorhoeve. Their mission was to provide an outstanding classic yacht for sailing pleasure. Their love of traditional boats developed in the Caribbean where they purchased and renovated a Dix designed Shearwater excursion schooner for day sailing. Impressed by her good looks and sailing ability, Nick and Lyndsay contacted Dix on their return to South Africa and commissioned him to design the Cape Cutter 19.

The Cape Cutter 19 design originates from the classic old gaff cutter work boats and successfully combines old world charm with modern day advancements in construction, performance and comfort.

The Cape Cutter 19 boasts a high peaked gaff cutter rig. She is a lively performer due to her wide stern section, slippery underwater shape and large but manageable sail area. The light weight genoa provides for performance sailing in light airs whilst the heavier working jib (hank on) offers an efficient sail set in stronger winds. The cutter rig provides versatility and can be sailed with mainsail and one or two foresails flying. The Cape Cutter 19 can be easily single handed - all the sail handling can be managed from the cockpit as all lines lead aft. The genoa is on a furler (in or out) with the control line led to the cockpit. The inboard working jib is hank on with a downhaul. The mainsail has two reefing points which can be tied in from the companionway step, with lines lead along the boom (no need to go on deck). The mainsail can be lowered from the cockpit as the halyards, throat and peak, are lead aft through jammers and a winch on the cabin console to the cockpit. For ease and convenience, the gaff is controlled by lazy jacks. The main sheet is lead through a jamming block on the transom.

Drawing only 45 cm with the centerboard lifted, the Cape Cutter 19's shallow draft makes her ideal for exploring estuaries and anchoring in minimal depths. Bilge runners enable her to dry out safely. (She could be kept in a mud berth if required). Weighing in at just under a ton, she is within the towing range of a medium to large family car. Her shallow draft and full length keel make it easy to get her on and off her trailer.

With 4 berths and a roomy cockpit for her size, the Cape Cutter 19 is an ideal cruiser for couples, families and friends to get away. She has a full size V berth forward and 2 full length quarter berths aft. The quarter berths double as saloon seats. The galley area comprises space for a single burner stove - perfect for a cup of tea under way or simple meals aboard, with a sink area opposite. Storage is provided beneath the berths and cockpit. Cockpit lockers stow fenders and fuel tank. There is a dedicated space for a porta potti. The large, self draining, sea kindly cockpit is dry and comfortable. At 1.95 m long and 50 cm wide, the cockpit seats are big enough to stretch out on and nap under the stars.

Click here to discuss the Cape Cutter 19 trailer sailer in the Go Sail forums.