All-weather-protected cockpits: A game-changer for cruising
When it comes to performance cruising yachts, having an all-weather-protected cockpit isn’t just a luxury – it’s a game-changer. A well-designed cockpit enhances comfort, boosts safety, and improves the overall experience on board, no matter what the conditions.
Hard-top roof vs. fabric-based protection
Not all cockpit protection is equal. The Pegasus 50’s hard spray hood is hugely preferable to the more common fabric-based arrangements. Here’s why:
Durability: Drawbacks of these include a limited-service life, the need for periodic maintenance and the fact that the fabrics can be difficult to keep clean. They are also vulnerable to damage at sea in heavy weather and may need tedious set up or adjustment before going to sea, or after berthing or anchoring.
Ease of use and convenience: By contrast, a solid arrangement requires no more maintenance than the rest of the boat’s structure, is easy to clean and there’s no need to swap between sailing and harbour modes. On arrival in an anchorage, you’re therefore free to go for a swim, or fire up the barbecue, as soon as the anchor is dug in.
Superior cockpit design for maximum comfort
A great deal of thought and planning went into the Pegasus 50’s cockpit shelter to maximise protection from sun, wind and water, while also providing as much visibility as possible. For ventilation in warm weather, the top half of the forward windows fold down to promote a through draft, while opening overhead hatches are positioned to maximise airflow over the seating areas.
Key features of Pegasus 50’s cockpit shelter include optimal visibility and ergonomic design, creating a cozy seating area with deep backrests and enhanced protection.
Perfect for shorthanded sailing
The Pegasus 50’s layout breaks the mould of traditional cruising yachts, offering seamless transitions between the cockpit, saloon, and galley:
- Connected living areas: The cockpit and saloon are configured as integrated spaces, allowing easy movement and interaction between areas.
- Social interaction: Thanks to the lower cockpit floor, those seated outside are at eye level with people in the saloon or galley, making solo watchkeeping or meal prep more enjoyable.
- Effortless navigation: With just two steps between the cockpit and galley, and one step to the transom, moving around the Pegasus 50 is a breeze.
The lack of aft cabins allows the cockpit floor to be positioned at an optimal height for comfort, protection and ergonomics. This is around 60cm lower than that of most 50ft cruising yachts, allowing for a much more comfortable sitting area, with deeper supportive backrests and better shelter from the wind. This low floor also means anyone sitting in the cockpit is at eye level with those in the saloon or galley. As a result, being on watch alone when short-handed need not be a lonely experience, and neither is cooking a meal or clearing up afterwards.
In this respect the Pegasus 50 offers an entirely different experience to conventional monohull yachts whose interiors are, at best, at a semi-basement level. It’s impossible to fully appreciate the fundamental difference this makes without seeing the boat firsthand. In addition, moving around the Pegasus 50 is super easy – there are only two steps between the cockpit and galley, and just one at the transom to step off onto a dock or into a tender. Given that the saloon and cockpit are configured as connected living spaces, this allows seamless movement from the open areas of the cockpit to the shelter under the forward section, to the saloon and the internal navigation station with its 360-degree views.
A unique experience in performance cruising
The thoughtful design of the Pegasus 50 creates a cruising experience unlike any other. Its innovative cockpit and living space arrangements prioritise comfort, safety, and social interaction in ways traditional yachts can’t match.
To truly appreciate these advantages, you need to see the Pegasus 50 in person. Experience firsthand how this yacht redefines performance cruising with its unmatched blend of practicality and comfort.