C&C 121
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 40 ft |
| LWL | 35.5 ft |
| Beam | 13.08 ft |
| Draft | 6.5 ft |
| Deep keel | 8.0 ft(2.44 m) |
| Displacement | 14,100 lb |
| Ballast | 5,500.4 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 8.0 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 57 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 15 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 51 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 16.33 ft |
| FLforestay | 15 ft |
| Mainsail | 877.2 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 427.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 823.7 sq ft |
About the C&C 121
Shallow keel: 5.0'/1.52m ** Ballast: 6200 lbs./2812 kg First introduced as C&C 121 EXPRESS.
Designed by Tim Jackett and built by C&C Yachts, the C&C 121 is a 40-foot masthead sloop with a production run starting in 1999. With a displacement of 14100.0 lb and a beam of 13.08 ft, this vessel combines performance-oriented dimensions with substantial build quality, though the exact total hulls built remains unconfirmed in available records.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and active racers who prioritize performance and modern amenities, as evidenced by the high prevalence of B&G electronics, bow thrusters, and North sails in the fleet.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low capsize ratio of 2.17 and a comfort ratio of 19.27, the C&C 121 is well-suited for offshore passages, provided critical structural integrity issues like deck core moisture and rudder shafts are addressed.
- Comparables:
- Comparable to other late-90s performance cruisers like the Beneteau First 40 or O'Day 40, the C&C 121 distinguishes itself with a higher D/L ratio of 140.7 and a wider beam of 13.08 ft, offering greater interior volume and stability.
Performance
ORC Performance Data(3 certificates)
Measured performance data from ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) certificates.
Polar Diagram
Boat speed (kn) vs. true wind angle. Source: ORC
Racing Ratings
Triple Number
ORC Measured
Sail Areas (ORC)
Speed Table (kn)
| TWA \ TWS | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52° | 5.8 | 6.8 | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| 60° | 6.1 | 7.1 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.1 |
| 75° | 6.3 | 7.3 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.5 |
| 90° | 6.3 | 7.2 | 7.7 | 8.0 | 8.3 | 8.6 | 9.0 |
| 110° | 5.9 | 7.1 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.6 | 8.8 | 9.3 |
| 120° | 5.7 | 6.9 | 7.7 | 8.1 | 8.6 | 9.0 | 9.7 |
| 135° | 5.2 | 6.4 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 9.7 |
| 150° | 4.4 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 8.2 | 9.0 |
| Beat VMG | 3.8 | 4.6 | 5.2 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 5.7 | 5.7 |
| Run VMG | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 7.0 | 7.6 | 8.3 |
Market Price
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 40ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
12 reported issues across 7 systems for the C&C 121, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a C&C 121? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 12 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your C&C 121?
We haven't confirmed the engine for this model yet. If you own or know one, tell us — as owners report in, we build an accurate picture over time.
Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar, Volvo Penta, Volvo-Penta, Bukh — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the C&C 121
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…