The Discovery 57 was so new you could almost still smell the varnish drying within as she made her world debut at the 2012 Southampton Boatshow. The week following the show, we took her out in 30 knots, trialling her for the European Yacht of the Year, before finally getting a long-awaited proper passage-style test on her in November, from which this video footage has been taken.

The 57 has traditional Ron Holland drawn hull lines, with some contemporary styling inside and out from Ken Freivokh – but with the likes of Oyster, Amel, Halberg Rassy, and Gunfleet all building in this size range, competition in this sector is rife. Having had their 55 on the market for 13 years now however, Discovery have gleaned invaluable feedback from over 40 owners already sailing.

Having seen the 57 in design and in build stages in Discovery’s yard in Marchwood, Southampton, right through to taking her on her maiden voyage out of the Solent, the more I got to know this new 57, the more I respected her, as the yard has shown the real quality they are capable of. This is a boat designed to take a couple bluewater cruising with ease and in absolute comfort.
The full report is in the February 2013 issue, out now.

Video by Paul Wyeth. pwpictures.com