Description
The First Mate is a versatile 15-foot stitch-and-glue plywood beach cruiser sailboat designed by renowned Australian naval architect Ross Lillistone as a user-friendly adaptation of his popular glued-lapstrake Phoenix III, emphasizing ease of construction, lightweight portability, and multi-mode capability for solo or small-family coastal exploration. Measuring 15 feet in length overall (with a 5-foot-1-inch beam and a draft of just 5.5 inches board-up), it features a sharp entry fine bow for dry sailing in chop, a flattish aft section for planning under sail or power, and built-in buoyancy tanks for self-righting after capsize—demonstrated in real-world tests where the boat floats high and stable upside-down. The internal layout mirrors Phoenix III's efficient setup, with a forward V-berth platform for overnight camping (sleeping length ~5 feet 9 inches), a central rowing station with thwarts for two, a small locker, and space for an outboard up to 4 hp, while the hull's low weight (~250-300 pounds finished) enables easy trailering or car-topping. Multiple rig options—such as a balanced lug (76 sq ft), sprit-sloop (104 sq ft main + 23 sq ft jib), or Bermuda sloop—provide balanced performance (SA/D ~18-20) for spirited sailing in 15+ knots, complemented by excellent rowing efficiency (up to 4 knots with two oarsmen) and motoring versatility, making it ideal for sheltered bays, micro-cruises, or shallow-water adventures. Plans are available from Duckworks or directly from Lillistone (~$135-165 USD), and the design's popularity stems from its quick build (no strongback needed), forgiving handling, and proven seaworthiness in Australian and international waters.
