“She sails like a dream, and also races to her handicap rating fairly easily. I also like having standing headroom below (I’m 6’).”
Nonpareil, C&C 31.5′
Interview with the Captain — Tom Anderson
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a C&C?
When my wife and I started looking for a larger boat we considered Sabre’s and other models, but decided to look at C&C’s because we had been racing on C&C 38 and a C&C 40 and it seemed a natural progression for us to get our own C&C.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this particular model (and how did they compare)?
Sabre.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing (and what’s the boat’s history if you know it)?
We used Westy Adams at Sailboats Northeast. Our C&C 32 was listed with him. We were apprehensive about looking at our boat at first because it had been totaled in Hurricane Bob in Padanaram. But that’s when we learned that boats can be fixed just like cars and Nonpareil had been repaired by Fairhaven Shipyard to a high standard. When she passed a pre-purchase survey with flying colors we made an offer and she became our new boat!
What features/improvements have you added or do you plan to add?
This list could go on and on! Just for starters the first year was an autopilot, all new sails and a teak cockpit table. 2nd year was a solid vang, new primary winches and a stereo. It seems that every year there are always new wants and needs. We always thought we would sell her after 10 years and probably go bigger, but this is our 24th season, and we keep her because she is just perfect for us and our dog Harry.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
Number one is she sails like a dream, and also races to her handicap rating fairly easily. I also like having standing headroom below (I’m 6’).
Who first introduced you to boating/sailing?
My parents had a 12′ O’Day Sprite and a Sunfish. A good friend, David Felsenthal, introduced me to big boat racing on his Redwing 30 called Scarlet Fever.
Do you belong to a yacht club or other boating/sailing organizations?
Marblehead Yacht Club and Mass Bay Sailing.
What boats have you previously owned?
Cape Dory, Typhoon, Weekender.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
We used to primarily race Nonpareil with an occasional one to two week cruise either to Buzzards Bay or Downeast to Maine. We are now slowly switching over to primarily day sailing, and we hope to go back to Maine for an extended cruise soon.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Other than the normal unavoidable costs of boat ownership like hauling, insurance and off-season storage, it’s just trying to stay on top of maintenance of which I do 99% myself. Luckily there are excellent marine professionals in this area to help out when I get stumped.
Do you have any notable boating resources you use?
All our sails are custom made by Chris Caldwell’s Piranha Sails here in Marblehead. We use Cloutman’s Marine for engine work, and the guys at Marblehead Trading Company are top notch for hauling and launching.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a C&C like yours?
Just do it! Life is short.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
While antiquing in Vermont with family we saw a painting titled Nonpareil. We were curious what Nonpareil meant so we asked our sister-in-law who was a French teacher and when she told us the definition (Nonpareil is an anglicized French adjective meaning unparalleled or having no equal) my wife said “That’s the name of our next boat!”
CHECK IT OUT
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Nonpareil!
