Overview
About this vessel
About Cinnabar
Cinnabar is a custom Schumacher 52 performance cruiser, exceptionally well-designed and a proven bluewater passagemaker with genuine performance pedigree. Fast, strong, comfortable, and beautifully built, she represents a rare opportunity to own a true Schumacher yacht with an outstanding cruising and racing heritage.
Designed by the late, highly regarded Carl Schumacher and built in 2001 by Ian Franklin Boat Builders in Christchurch, New Zealand, Cinnabar blends offshore racing DNA with true long-range cruising capability. She competed in the Pacific Cup Race in 2010, completing 2070nm in under 10 days. Capable of effortless 250-mile days, she is not only fast but exceptionally responsive, combining performance with practicality and a beautifully finished interior designed for extended liveaboard cruising.
Sails and Rigging
Her comprehensive sail wardrobe is equally impressive. The fully battened mainsail and furling headsails are crafted from Norlam Tour UltraX (NPL Tour Ultra), a high-performance laminated Spectra sailcloth engineered specifically for cruising yachts that demand superior shape retention, durability, and reduced weight compared to traditional Dacron. These sails have been used exclusively for six months per year for cruising and have never been raced.
Storm sails are constructed from heavy-duty Dacron polyester for reliability in demanding conditions. She also includes a ¾ oz North asymmetrical cruising gennaker in nylon, ideal for light to moderate downwind sailing. Additionally, three North spinnakers for racing or cruising are available (currently in USA storage).
Construction and Performance
Her composite hull and deck feature kevlar, E-glass, epoxy resins, and a lightweight balsa core, all heat-cured under vacuum, with kevlar skins providing exceptional collision protection throughout the hull. Carbon fibre is used selectively in key performance areas including the mast, rudder, bowsprit, and rig. A deep bulb keel, efficient underwater profile, and balanced high-aspect carbon rudder deliver excellent upwind performance and precise, effortless steering.
Interior and Accommodation
Below deck, Cinnabar showcases outstanding craftsmanship. The interior is finished in American Ash contrasted with Honduras Mahogany trims. Flooring combines teak inlays with wide ash planks for a warm, elegant feel. The spacious galley is well equipped for passage making, while the saloon features a custom dining table that's testament to the Franklin yard's renowned woodworking skills.
Accommodation includes a forward owner's cabin, an aft guest double with a head and separate shower, and a fully equipped navigation station. A dedicated machinery space houses numerous systems such as the generator, air-conditioning, water-maker, hydraulics, and refrigeration.
Condition and History
Cinnabar has benefitted from meticulous ownership and a significant refit in New Zealand (2019-2021) as well as a full new bottom job completed in December 2025. She has recently passed a pre-purchase survey by respected surveyor Jamie Newcombe. With only two owners since new and over 20,000 safe ocean miles across the Pacific; including Hawaii, Mexico, French Polynesia, Tonga, Fiji, and New Zealand, her pedigree and condition are well proven.
