“Capella C was supposed to be Capella Sea but transport Canada didn’t understand and gave us CAPELLA C. So we kept it. Also, Capella is one of the 57 navigational stars.“
Capella C, C&C Landfall 38′
Interview with the Captain — Jason Ellis
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy this particular boat and what else did you consider?
We purchased our 81 C&C landfall 38′ after a lot of reading and visiting other boats. Our list wasn’t extensive for haves, just because we wanted to do it all ourselves and make it ours. But we did need certain basics like closed rooms for intimacy, large salon and a cockpit to fit 4 comfortably. This boat was our ocean crossing, blue water boat final purchase (we hope). Our boat length we looked at was between 36′ and 43′. Because of the draft and the cost involved in maintaining the boat, this was something also to consider.
We looked at the bigger production boats, they had all our wants but all of them had one problem… How do you cook or hold yourself while walking in bigger seas? They are awesome at anchor, but, as an example, while crossing on a Jeanneau I broke a finger and my nose. Plus, we had to sleep under way and I looked like a Swiss roll in my blankets after just 1 hour.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
We fell upon a website that mentioned 10 old boats that were ahead of their time and still cut it today. A lot of the 180 38’s are afloat and quite a few crossed an ocean or more. Plus, one was available for sale at my wintering marina.
What boats have you previously owned?
We owned an array of boats such as a Sunray 169, which we kept while we had fewer kids and a smaller budget. Then we bought a Bayliner 2550 that the kids loved, and so did we. It could sleep 6 easy, pull a water tube, and was affordable.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
We have moved aboard 2 years ago and have been living on it 24/365 since. My wife and 15-year-old son included.
We went all over the thousand islands with this one. When the money got easier, we purchased a Searay 460 EC 1986. This boat was 51 foot overall and 15-foot beam. Twins double with an ensuite for the guests or kids, and our queen size with our own ensuite. It was huge and we loved that boat. But as you can imagine, $24,+++ in fuel alone for a trip to Halifax from Kingston Ontario, and that’s without the other costs, we realized for longer trips and what we had in mind for destinations, it just wouldn’t cut it. This is where myself and my wife Anne started arguing a bit. I wanted a sailboat, she wanted a flybridge. So, we got a Flybridge Bayliner 3855. We purchased the boat in March and sold it in August. The style of boating and what we expected from our vessel could not be achieved with a boat like that.
Then it was my turn. We bought a Ticon 30 1986. The price was right, but Anne didn’t like sailing. She called us turn coats, rag head and wind fairies. Early that summer, we went out in high winds on Lake Ontario. Open the sails and she fell in love with it. The boat was as sturdy as our Searay but minus the sounds. Once she loved sailing that was my cue to find a boat so I could retire and do our travels.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Speed, sturdiness (stiffness) under sail, and adaptability.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go? What are your immediate plans?
We took her in the Ontario Lake for 2 years while we tried her out and did some improvements. Now we are taking the trip of our lifetime, leaving Canada out of the east coast. Currently going to Halifax.
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
We redid our beautiful Capella C from top to bottom. Repainted her from bottom of keel to the top of doghouse. All new electronics, arch, solar, inverters, motor, rigging and you name it we did it. Even have a water maker and a separate freezer for meat and stuff.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
We joined Thousands Islands Yacht Club (TIYC) a few years ago and plan on staying with them. It’s a super fun gang and it’s nice to be part of such an organization.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
The fact that we added a bigger motor makes it a little tricky to service it. But all in all, we had all the new things planned so we could make it easier on us to maintain and service all the different systems.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a C&C like yours?
These boats are cored, make sure you have good bones to build on. Surveys and inspections can’t beat a weekend on it, try it out. Don’t buy any boat in February while it’s on the hard.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
Capella C was supposed to be Capella Sea but transport Canada didn’t understand and gave us CAPELLA C. so we kept it. Also, Capella is one of the 57 navigational stars. So, Capella Sea would of meant star of the sea lol
Any recent boating-related purchase you’ve been enjoying (e.g.product/tool/equipment etc)?
We actually can’t live without 2 things onboard. Our water maker and our hand/cordless tool. Without water or ways to fix the breakdowns. We’d still be at the dock somewhere.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
Always have backups of backups. We have Navionics on our plotters, our phones and our tablets, sonar charts on our hand held devices is a life saver for unknown anchorage along with daily undates that you don’t get on your plotter. Autopilot that can hold course in 3-5 meter waves is also a must.
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Capella C!
