yachting 50p

Sailing 50p: Are They Rare and How Much Are They Worth?

The Sailing 50p is worth £0.87 according to the most recent values on eBay in 2022, but what makes the coin worth almost double face value, and is it actually rare?

Let’s see what makes it worth this amount by diving into the mintage and commemoration behind the coin.

Sailing 50p Coin Mintage

When looking only at mintage numbers, the Sailing 50p is the 15th rarest in the set of 29 coins. There were 1,749,500 of these coins minted.

In terms of all 50p coins, this mintage is very low, but there are quite a few other Olympic 50ps with lower mintages like the tennis or goalball coins.

All 29 coins in the series, including the Sailing 50p Olympic coin, were also minted in a Specimen in Card. The Sailing Coin is labelled 20/29 as well as a Silver Brilliant Uncirculated 0.925 Silver variety.

Additionally, two sets of the Sailing Coin were minted with unknown mintage as follows. One set was minted in 0.925 silver.

The artist, Bruce Rushin, received the only Gold Proof FDC 0.917 Sailing 50p coin.

Sailing At The Olympics

Olympic Sailing was called yachting until the 2000 Olympics. A sailing regatta has been part of the Summer Olympic Games since the Athens Games. However, the first Olympics had to cancel the races because of severe weather conditions.

Sailing competitions are done in a fleet race format and sometimes a match race or mixed fleet format.

Sailing has historically been a sport in which males and females competed together with no distinction between men and women’s events. In 1988, a women’s sailing event was introduced.

The Sailing event at the 2012 London Summer Olympics included a total of 10 events with 8 different classes. Events were held in Weymouth on a variety of courses.

Eleven fleet races were scheduled off the coast of Weymouth Bay for each event except the 49er and the Elliott 6m.

The sailing events included:

• RS:X for men and women
• Laser Radial for women
• Laser for men
• 470 for men and women
• Elliott 6m for women
• Star for men

A total of 380 competitors from 63 nations took part in sailing from July 29 through August 11, 2012.

Australia topped the leader board with an overall medal count that included 3 gold medals. Spain followed in second place, and Great Britain placed third.

Olympic Coin Design

As part of the standard 50 Pence coin design, the Olympic 50p coins hold the heptagon shape that is sometimes called a Reuleaux. The coins measure the same across regardless of where you take the measurement.

Like all 50p coins, the face value of the coin is 0.50 pounds sterling. They consist of a Cupro-nickel alloy with an 8.00g weight, a diameter of 27.3mm, and 1.78mm thick.

The Obverse of the Olympic 50p coins is the profile of Queen Elizabeth II crowned and facing right. She is wearing is the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland diamond tiara and was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. His initials of IRB are seen under the Queen’s neckline. The words ELIZABETH * II * D * G REG * F * D * 2011 encircle Her Majesty’s image.

The edge is plain with no inscription.

To celebrate the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the Royal Mint released 29 special commemorative 50p coins in 2011. Each coin depicted a different sport.

To design the series of Olympic 50p coins, the Royal Mint invited the public to become the designers of the entire 50p coin series.

To determine each of the Olympic coin’s reverse side designs, the Royal Mint launched a contest to select who would be the designer of each individual 50p Olympic coin. About 30,000 entries were submitted, and 29 designs were chosen.

Bruce Rushin was chosen to design the Sailing 50p coin.

Sailing 50p Coin Design

The Sailing 50p coin features three dinghies with sailors in gold, silver, and bronze position sailing on waves. The image is set against a backdrop of a chart or map made up of longitudinal lines. Instead of depicting clouds and sky, the artist chose to use a map of the coast of Weymouth where the Olympic sailing events took place.

In keeping with the layout of the 29 coin designs, the Olympic logo is positioned at the top of the reverse side. The logo was designed by Wolff Olins consultancy firm.

Slightly curved upward and centred at the bottom of the coin are the words 50 PENCE.

Who Designed The Sailing 50p?

Each of the 29 Olympic 50p coins was designed by individual designers who were the winners of a contest to determine who the Royal Mint would use for each coin. The Sailing Olympic 50p coin was designed by Bruce Rushin.

If the name of the designer sounds familiar, it is probably because he had competed and was chosen to design the new Two Pound coin in 1997. Since that time, he has submitted other coin designs, but none had been chosen again until now.

Bruce Rushin was an art teacher from Brundall in Norfolk, United Kingdom when he entered and won a 1997 competition to design the British Two Pound coin. At that time, he had no experience in coin design. He illustrated technological progress with Sir Isaac Newton’s words, “Standing on the shoulders of giants.”

This time, he had assisted some of his students with their designs for the Blue Peter competition. Blue Peter is a children’s television show who hosted a contest of its own to select a child’s entry of the 50 pence Olympic and Paralympic coin.

Once again, he entered a design for a coin design competition and won. This time, it was to design the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics 50p sailing coin.

He has shared that the key to a good design is keeping it simple. He added that you have to be able to envision your design almost as if it is a miniature 3D sculpture. Of course, he admits that there is also a bit of luck involved. Just because the artist is satisfied with their creation does not mean the Royal Mint judges will be.

He is not a sailor himself, but he chose to represent sailing because he lived in Norfolk Broads where he has seen many great yachts. He loved watching the sails and the fields pass by which he could see from his kitchen window. He was also inspired by Ben Ainslie who ended up taking the gold medal for the fourth time at the 2012 Games.

He wanted to illustrate a sport that he knew the nation had been successful in before. When he learned that the Olympic sailing events were going to take place off the coast of Weymouth, he was inspired all the more. He wanted to incorporate the interesting coastal shape of Chesil Beach and Portland Bill.

Where You Can Buy The Sailing 50p Coin

Going online to eBay is one of the quickest and easiest ways to find the exact coin you are looking for. Of course, be sure to look carefully at the pictures listed and the description to be certain of what you are getting.

The average selling price on eBay is £0.99 for this coin, so make sure you are paying somewhere around this price.

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UK 2011 Sailing 50p

Available now from the Coin Hunter Royal Mint Shop

Coin Rarity / Mintage

The Sailing 50p can be found in your change: 1,749,500 coins dated 2011 were struck to enter circulation.

This fifty pence was available to purchase in Uncirculated (UNC) quality from release date: 22 July 2010.

Coin Value - How much is my Sailing 50p coin worth?

The circulation (CIRC) 50p is worth £2.25. The Uncirculated (UNC) Sailing 50p was available from £2.99 on issue, in as new condition this UNC 50p coin is worth about £4.50.

There are many 50p coin designs that can be found in your change - find out which 50p coins are the most valuable?

This coin is sometimes called the sailing boat 50p.

Sailors complete in 11 races, sailing around a course marked with buoys, points are received based on finishing positions 1 for first, 2 for second etc, the 10 sailors with the least points compete in the final where lowest points total wins gold.

In a Royal Mint video interview with the Sailing coin designer Bruce Rushin (click image above to view), asked what was the inspiration behind your idea?, Bruce said: I was certainly inspired by the successes of Ben Ainsley and was surprised when I started to research just how small the dinghy’s are that he sails and that is the kind of yacht I tried to show in the design, I also found out that the sailing regatta was going to take place off the coast of Weymouth and so I wanted to get that very interesting coastal shape of Chesil Beach and Portland Bill into the design and for the background rather than using clouds or sky I decided to use latitude and longitude lines of a nautical chart.

A design which depicts three sailing boats accompanied by a map of the coast of Weymouth, with the London 2012 logo above and the denomination, "50 PENCE", below

4th portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS with the inscription "ELIZABETH II • D • G • REG • F • D • 2011 •".

Coin condition and quality

The value of a coin is always related to the condition. A UK 2011 Sailing 50p coin in good circulated condition (A few small contact marks on the coin, but retains some original shine and most of the original design detail.) is more desirable to a collector than a worn down battered coin.

Prices shown on this page relate to coins created for circulation (CIRC) and coins available to buy in Uncirculated (UNC) quality.

Some coins made for circulation remain "Uncirculated" as they have been kept in or taken from the original sealed coin bag they were packed in after being sent out from The Royal Mint. These are still circulation quality coins - but may keep more of the orginal shine and have a few less contact marks.

Coins not in sealed bags or held in a collection out of the 1,749,500 coins struck, will now have been in circulation for 13 years.

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2011 London Olympics Sailing Circulated Fifty Pence Coin

Buy a 2011 London Olympics Sailing Circulated Fifty Pence Coin

London Summer Olympics 2011 Sailing circulated Fifty Pence piece.

Circulated Sailing UK Olympic Fifty Pence

• Obverse : Ian Rank-Broadley's fourth definitive portrait of Her Majesty the Queen with the legend: 'ELIZABETH · II · D · G REG · F · D  · 2011'
• Reverse : Three sailors and boats, one centred and the other two behind going into the distance to the left of the design. The bottom third of the coin has lines representing the sea and waves, the upper two third has a grid, and to the top right is the coastal shape of Chesil Beach and Portland Bill. Above is the 2012 Summer Olympics' Logo and below are the worlds '50 PENCE'
• Specification : Circulated coin, struck in 8.00 grams of cupronickel. Diameter: 27.30 millimetres. Face value: 50p / Fifty Pence
• Presentation : One of 1,749,500 minted with this design and released into circulation

Product Summary

• 2011 Sailing 50p
• Circulated UK coin celebrating the 2012 Summer Olympics 
• Reverse features Bruce Rushin Olympic Sailing design 
• Obverse shows Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Elizabeth II
• Bruce Rushin also designed the UK Two Pound Coin
• Design chosen from 30,000 public submissions
• Struck in 8.00 grams of cupronickel
• Diameter: 27.30 millimetres
• 1,749,500 total minted in this design
• Offered in good, circulated condition with free UK shipping

Steeped in more than 1,100 years of history, The Royal Mint supplies all of the United Kingdom's coinage as well as currency for nations around the world. Renown for craftsmanship and thoughtful design, The Royal Mint also produces commemorative coins, favoured by investors and collectors.

A Millennia of Minting

Founded in the reign of  Alfred the Great , around the year 886, The Royal Mint was originally one of several mints which were centralised to London in 1279. For more than 800 years the Mint was based at the  Tower of London  before moving to Royal Mint Court where it remained until the 1960s.

The Royal Mint has always been on the forefront of economic, technical and artistic innovation. Its skilled craftsmen minted coins that would reach the far corners of the  British Empire , establishing the image and reputation of Britain for all whose pockets they ended up in.

In 2010 The Royal Mint became a limited company owned by Her Majesty’s Treasury. In recent years the Mint has struck medals for the  2012 London Olympic Games  and opened a visitor centre,  The Royal Mint Experience , in Llantrisant, Wales: the current home of The Royal Mint.

Collecting and Investing

The Royal Mint's commemorative and bullion coins – often minted to mark important national events and anniversaries – are not intended for circulation. They might look like ordinary coins but they are generally worth much more, thanks to their scarcity, finish and composition.

Most commemorative coins produced by The Royal Mint are available in a range of  striking standards  including Gold Proof, Silver Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated and Bullion. Some are also available in collectors sets. Gold and Silver Proof coins are minted in small numbers, making them rare and desirable.

The Royal Mint's commemorative coins are both  VAT -free and  Capital Gains Tax  (CGT) exempt, making them an attractive and valuable investment. Whether you are diversifying your investments or simply appreciate world-class design, commemorative coins from The Royal Mint are a great buy.

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Sailing 50p

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A list of rare 50p coins and how much they’re worth

By Author Pete Chatfield

Posted on Last updated: 15/02/2024

Are you wondering if you have a rare 50p coin? There are certainly a lot of 50 pence pieces around, but which are the valuable coins and which are worth, well, 50p? Let’s take a look at the coins you should keep your eye out for.

Not long ago, I wrote a post about some of the most valuable and rare coins in the UK and I was quite surprised by how much a single coin can be worth. But another thing that shocked me was the sheer number of 50 pence coins that were in circulation, so I thought I would search for the rare designs and see how much they are really worth.

List of 50p coins worth money

• 2011 London Olympics Aquatics (first design) – 600 coins minted
• 1992-1993 Single European Market – 109,000
• 2009 Kew Gardens – 210,000
• 2011 London Olympics Wrestling – 1,129,500
• 2011 London Olympics Football – 1,161,500
• 2011 London Olympics Judo – 1,161,500
• 2011 London Olympic Triathlon – 1,163,500
• 2018 Peter Rabbit – 1,400,000
• 2018 Flopsy Bunny – 1,400,000

The numbers after the coin show how many of that issue were released.

A brief history of the 50p coin

The coin was introduced into the UK back in 1969 in preparation for Decimal Day which took place on 15 February 1971. The 5p and 10p coins had already been issued the previous year, with the halfpenny, penny and two pence coins being released on Decimal Day itself. The idea behind a staggered release of coins was so the public could gradually get used to them, without six coins all being introduced at once.

Many items were priced up in both currencies sometime before and after Decimal Day so that people could get used to the change.

The government had planned for the coins to be called “new pence”, but the public decided to shorten it to “pee”, which is what many of us still use today.

The size and the shape of the coin didn’t change until 1997 when it was reduced to a 27.5mm diameter to match the reduction in the size of the 5p and 10p coins.

Why are there so many different 50p coins?

Since its introduction, the 50p coins have often been used to commemorate important and big events, such as the 50 th anniversary of the D-Day landings, the 50 th  anniversary of the NHS and the 2012 London Olympic Games. In total, it is thought that 75 commemorative 50p coins have been released since 1971. Because these coins are issued in limited numbers and there are so many variations of the 50p coin, it gives them far more potential to become valuable collector’s items.

How many 50p coins are there?

Royal mintage figures in 2014 estimated that there were around 948 million 50p coins in circulation, which means there could be close to 1 billion now.

Since the new 50p was introduced in 1997, there have been 87 designs released and 70 are still in circulation and could end up in your pocket.

Rarest 50p coins in the UK

The below values are based on the coins being in great condition. A coin’s value will decrease if it is damaged.

London Olympics Aquatics 50p Coin 2011 (First Design)

There were a total of twenty-nine differently designed 50 pence coins released between 2009 – 2011 to celebrate the return of the Olympics to the UK. With designs including, Archery, Badmington, Football and Tennis, they are all sought after by collectors. But there is one coin, in particular, that is more valuable than the rest.

When the Aquatics coin above was initially released, it was decided that the waves hid the swimmer’s face too much. A new coin was issued, this time with the waves above the face. The change meant that you can find very few coins with the initial design, making them far more valuable. In total, mintage numbers are estimated to be around 600.

Estimated value for the Olympics Aquatics 50p: £800 .

Single European Market 50p Coin 1992-1993

Only 109,000 of these coins were released to celebrate the UK’s Presidency of the Council of Ministers and the completion of the Single European Market. This is actually an old-style 50 pence and was taken out of circulation five year later.

Estimated value for the Single European Market 50p: £50.

Kew Gardens 2009 50p Coin 2009

210,000 of the Kew Gardens design were released to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the gardens, making it the second-rarest 50p coin on the list. Many made their way straight to collectors, which meant that relatively few hit circulation. Because this 50p is so hard to come by, it’s now considered a very collectable coin.

Estimated value for the Kew Gardens 50p: £170.

London Olympics Wrestling 50p coin 2011

Although there are fewer Olympic wrestling design coins compared to the football coins issued in the same year, the value of this 50p hasn’t risen quite so much.

Estimated value for the Olympics Wrestling 50p: £6.50

London Olympics Football 50p Coin 2011

This is the most valuable coin from the 2012 Olympics (excluding the first design Aquatics coin), which goes to show that the number of coins isn’t always the deciding factor when it comes to value. 1,125,500 of these were minted and the design explains the offside rule. Because of the lower numbers and the unique talking point, it considerably increases the value.

Estimated value Olympics Football 50p: £13

London Olympics Judo 50p Coin 2011

The 5th coin on our list pays homage to the popular sport of Judo. Although considered rare, there were still well over 1 million Judo coins minted.

Estimated value for the Olympics Judo 50p: £8

London Olympics Triathlon 50p Coin 2011

Although there were 2,000 more of these coins minted compared to the Judo issue, it hasn’t stopped the Triathlon 50 pence from rising in value quickly.

Estimated value for the Olympics Triathlon 50p: £10

Peter Rabbit 50p Coin 2018

Now, there have been several Peter Rabbit designs released over several years. But this 2018 version is the rarest and most popular. Why not take a look at how much other Beatrix Potter 50p coins are worth ?

Estimated value for the Peter Rabbit 50p: £3.50

Flopsy Bunny 50p Coin 2018

Another coin released to celebrate Beatrix Potter’s novels. Although there was exactly the same number issued as the Peter Rabbit 50 pence, the Flopsy Bunny has increased in value more.

Estimated value for the Flopsy Bunny 50p: £5

Best of the rest – other rare 50 pence coins to look out for:

• 2017 Royal Shield – 1,800,000
• 2017 Sir Isaac Newton – 1,801,500
• 2016 Jemima Puddle-Duck – 2,100,000
• 2003 Suffragettes – 3,124,030
• 2011 WWF – 3,400,000
• 2008 Britannia – 3,500,000
• 2016 Squirrel Nutkin – 5,000,000
• 1998 NHS – 5,001,000
• 1998 EU – 5,043,000

The not-so-rare or valuable 50 pence coins…

There are some coins out there that are rumoured to be worth a lot of money due to the fact they are so rare when in reality, they are quite common. Even the 50p pieces with a lower mintage, aren’t even worth much.

Here are some examples to look out for.

European Economic Community 50p Coin 1973

This 50 pence coin was introduced in 1973 to help celebrate our entry into the EU. There were 89,775,000 coins minted in total. The coin was also produced in silver (estimated to be around 5000) with the majority being given to senior officials. This is considered worth around £3,000 if you ever see one.

Estimated value for the European Economic Community 50p: £3

Sherlock Holmes 50p Coin 2019

This coin was released to celebrate what would have been Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s 160th birthday, the creator of Sherlock Holmes. But there were 8,602,000 coins minted, which means that it isn’t rare at all.

Estimated value for the Sherlock Holmes 50p: £2

Sir Isaac Newton 50p Coin 2017

This is actually the 3rd rarest 50p coin in circulation, with just over 1.8 million coins issued. Created to mark the 375th anniversary of his birth, the rear represents one of Newton’s theories – showing the Sun at the centre and three ellipses as the orbits of different planets.

And although it’s one of the rarer modern 50p coins, it isn’t worth much.

Estimated value for the Sir Isaac Newton 50p : £3

Brexit 50p Coin

As the UK decides to go it alone, the Mint chose to release a coin saying “Peace, prosperity and friendship with all nations.” With 3 million of these coins released in 2020, they aren’t very rare. However, the historical relevance could prove significant and they may increase in value with time.

Estimated value for the Brexit 50p : £3

Battle of Hastings 50p Coin 2016

This coin was released to mark 750 years since the Battle of Hastings, with around 6.7 million coins minted. As you can see, that means the coin isn’t particularly rare. However, in June 2020, one of these coins sold for £63,100 on eBay. This goes to show that coins are worth as much as anybody is willing to pay – even if they aren’t rare!

Estimated value for the Battle of Hastings 50p: £2.

Mrs Tittlemouse 50p Coin 2018

Another coin that has fetched a hefty price at auction. Mrs Tittlemouse was released in 2018, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s own watercolour illustrations. However, 1.7 million of them were released, so they weren’t actually that rare. It’s quite puzzling why one coin sold on eBay for £430.

Estimated value for the Mrs Tittlemouse 50p : £4.

Tom Kitten 50p Coin 2017

This is one of the most searched coins on the internet when people are looking for coin values, which tells you one thing… it’s very common. There were 9.5 million of these minted, which means there are plenty about.

Estimated value for the Tom Kitten 50p: £1.30

Royal Shield 50p Coin 2017

Between 2008 and 2017, The Royal Shield 50p was issued seven times. At its peak, 49 million were issued in 2014. But 2017 saw just 1.8 million, making them the 2nd rarest 50 pence coin in circulation after Kew Gardens

So, you would think this would make it pretty valuable? Not at all. In fact, it’s the least valuable on this list.

Estimated value for the Royal Shield 50p: £1

Can you make money selling 50p coins?

If you have access to plenty of 50 pence coins and you have the time, it’s certainly possible to make money by selling them on. Making £1 or £2 each time might not sound like much, but just think, there are 3 million Brexit coins. If you could sell all of them for £3 each, £1.5 million worth of coins is suddenly worth £9 million.

Of course, this does depend on the condition of the coin, you’ll need to find buyers and there could be fees involved. But making a profit from selling coins is certainly possible.

Should you invest in 50p coins?

It’s worth keeping an eye out for a new 50p coin and adding it to your collection. Although it’s unlikely that one day it will be worth a small fortune, there’s no harm in keeping them.

And many people do collect these coins in the hope that one day, they will be worth far more than their original value.

You can purchase commemorative 50p coins directly from the Royal Mint which aren’t released into general circulation. They’ll usually cost £10 and by the time it reaches you, it will be worth around £5. It could take 20+ years before some of these reach their initial sale price and that’s not taking into consideration inflation. Keep an eye out on the  Royal Mint website  as they regularly release new 50p designs.

The best value is to be found with coins that have a minting error or those with very few released. Although the chances of finding these are very slim. The truth is, 50p coins aren’t generally worth vast amounts of money.

If you like the idea of making money from coins, why not take a look at my post on  rare and valuable stamps in the UK?

Where to sell rare 50p coins?

If you think you have a rare or valuable 50p coin, there are several places you can try to sell.

By far the biggest marketplace out there, you have the potential to reach millions of coin collectors through an online auction. You’ll find that the Olympic-themed 50ps sell really well here. But unless you set a reserve price on your coin, it could sell for far less than market value. Conversely, there are some examples of coins below that have sold for far more than their worth through eBay.

You need to bear in mind that eBay does charge a 10% fee and you have to rely on honesty with both parties. Both buyers and sellers have been dishonest with each other in the past. Although eBay provides some cover, you can’t rue out fraud.

Facebook Marketplace

This probably doesn’t have the reach of eBay, but you don’t have to pay any fees. The majority of transactions are made in person, but you don’t have to rule out sending by post.

Dealing in person is always preferable as you can examine the goods and money before you exchange. If you decide to complete a sale by post, remember that there will be very little protection.

Here, you will find plenty of experts who can give you a more accurate valuation of your 50p coin if you’re not sure. They take place all over the UK on different dates and are probably one of the best places to visit if you hold one of the rarest coins.

Take a look at when the next Coin Fair is.

Coin dealers

Also known as a  numismatist , there should be a coin dealer close to you. They will be able to give you a figure of how much your coin is worth and may even buy it from you or put you in touch with somebody who is looking. A quick search on Google should bring up a list.

How many 50p coins are in the Beatrix Potter collection?

In total, there are 13 coins. These are:

• 2016 Peter Rabbit
• 2016 Beatrix Potter
• 2016 Jemima Puddle-Duck
• 2016 Mrs Tiggy Winkle
• 2016 Squirrel Nutkin
• 2017 Peter Rabbit
• 2017 Mr Jeremy Fisher
• 2017 Tom Kitten
• 2017 Benjamin Bunny
• 2018 Peter Rabbit
• 2018 Tailor of Gloucester
• 2018 Flopsy Bunny
• 2018 Mrs Tittlemouse

Are 50p coins made of silver?

No, they are made up of Cupro-nickel, which is 75% copper and 25% nickel.

Which 29 coins make up the Olympic 50p set?

• Modern Pentathlon
• Table Tennis
• Weightlifting
• Wheelchair Rugby

Monday 1st of July 2024

Hi I’m new to this how much is the 2016, team GB swimming worth? Thanks in advance.

Pete Chatfield

Hi Lynne. These coins haven't really gained much in value and generally sell for between £1 and £2.

Thursday 11th of April 2024

How much is the pride 50p worth?

Saturday 13th of April 2024

Hi Callum. The Pride 50 pence coins usually sell for between £1 and £2.

Saturday 22nd of July 2023

Hi, I have a 2016 milners tower 50p coin is it worth anything?

Money Saver Pete

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Brian, these coins usually sell for around £1.50 to £2.

Monday 15th of May 2023

hi there i have a jubile 70th coin is it worth anything

Hi. The Jubilee coin is very much still in common circulation. It will sell for around £1 on eBay.

Friday 5th of May 2023

I have a 50p coin with "VC MEDAL" background I have kept for sentimental reason and wonder what value nowadays?

The Victoria Cross 50p usually sells for around £1-£1.50.

• HOME > NEWS & EVENTS >

Owner Reveal and Test Sail of the Leopard 50P

[april 1, 2019].

It was the trip of a lifetime for these two-time Leopard owners. Sailing the first ever performance version Leopard 50 in 40 knots of wind, visiting the production facilities of the Leopard 50, and revealing the first Leopard 50P in Cape Town were just a few of the highlights. The couple were previously owners of a Leopard 48 and they sailed her throughout the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal. The Smiths absolutely loved their Leopard 48 and had no intentions of ever trading her in for another yacht. 

That was until we announced the launch of our Leopard 50. The launch video which revealed a computer animation of the new yacht exiting the factory. For many Leopard Owners and new buyers, it was love at first sight. The dramatic appeal of the music in the video was helpful too..

The Leopard 50P is a one of a kind sailing yacht that provides sailors with the perfect blend of comfort and sport. With the flybridge removed, she is fast, sleek and ready to take on anything.This yacht was build to cross oceans and you will soon learn why. 

The Big Reveal

The adventure started with the purchase of their second Leopard Catamaran and wanting to come see the delivery and discover the boat in Cape Town where she was built. 

Randy and Lennie Smith embarked on a two week trip to South Africa and the first stop was a game reserve in northern South Africa. And whether it was fate or just plain luck, they were able to see a Leopard, which is the most difficult animal to spot.  After spending four days at the game park, they were certain that would be the best part of their trip– but the best was yet to come when they arrived in Cape Town. 

When they flew into to Cape Town they didn’t know what to expect from their experience. Upon their arrival at 4pm to Cape Town, they contacted the local Leopard Agent and they were informed that the first item on the agenda was going to be the big reveal of their yacht– the wait was over but the anticipation was building! At 5pm they were brought down to the water to see their boat for the first time.

Happy Together, as the boat is named, is the first Leopard 50 to come out of production as the performance version. The Leopard 50P doesn’t have a flybridge and she has a lower boom which adds more sail area. As Randy explains, “She is designed for people like us that plan to cross oceans as well as do some far and wide cruising. We just didn’t need the platform on the second floor, but for some people I am sure it’s nice to have. Ours is the first one that Leopard Catamarans produced. We placed this order one and a half years ago, and then walking down the dock and seeing your new boat for the first time is a once in a lifetime experience. The reveal was really special.”

The Factory Tour

Another big event was getting to visit the Robertson and Caine factory. Although the couple has owned many boats, this is the first time they have had the opportunity to visit a boat manufacturing facility. When they arrived at the factory they were greeted by the managing director of Robertson and Caine who gave a personal tour of the Leopard 50 factory. “For us, we have had two experiences with buying a Leopard and it has been great. So seeing the factory was amazing. The systems that are in place and the quality control that is in place was really impressive,” Lennie explained. Having the opportunity to see where the 50s are built was a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these owners.

When they were wrapped up at the Leopard 50 factory they had the opportunity to discover the Leopard 45 line, which is in a different location and also where the moulding shop is located. At this location they were able to see the hull taken from the mould to the whole layout process, including vacuum and resin infusion, how the boat moves down the line every four days, and then into the pool for testing of the engines, generators and air conditioners. They also discovered the components that go into the boats at different times. Finally, they got into the last bay and saw where the boats are splashed in the water tank at the factory, then were shown the last section where the boats are taken to be cleaned and polished up before putting them on a truck to be launched.

Randy concludes, “Although they are called production boats, it’s hard to say production because it’s not as though they are building thousands of boats each year, it is not a car manufacture.  It takes a tremendous amount of handwork to build a structure like a catamaran. And they build a few hundred boats a year– it’s not an iPhone and it’s not a BMW. In my opinion it is semi- custom. And if you look at the options list, you can outfit it to your liking a thousand different ways.”

But what do you think was the best part of the factory tour? Randy reveals, “Meeting the people who work on the boats. Everyone was working hard and fast, with smiles on their faces. I know they have seen plenty of people on tours before, but they took pictures with us, they showed us what they were doing and then we specifically got to meet the team leaders and group leaders on all of the different stations and they showed us their QC (quality control) processes. In fact, the QC process was one of the big things that everybody focused on, along with the assembly.”

Overall, the Smiths were really happy with the opportunity to see where Leopard Catamarans are built. The couple states, “It was a wonderful experience that changed our whole outlook on Robertson and Caine. I will never look at my boat the same again because now I don’t see a Leopard 50, I see all of the people working on it, what went into it and how it was manufactured. We left that night and I thought that I would never look at our boat the same again.”

The Test Sail of the Leopard 50P

But the fun wasn’t over yet! They had the opportunity to take the Leopard 50P out for a test sail the following day. This was the moment the couple had been waiting for, the moment to put their yacht to the test– and what better way to do that than off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, where the winds whip unlike anything sailors of the Caribbean Sea will witness.  They were able to sail her in the bay, right off of Cape Town, with winds in excess of 30 knots. They were able to tack the boat upwind, jibe downwind, and it was quite an experience. “It was great to see what the boat can do, and what the boat can do in these conditions, which is something completely different than what we’ve ever seen,” Lennie explains. They were able to raise and use all of the sails, and see how she preformed. The vessel did not disappoint.

The couple was also able to go on another test sail with Naval Architect and Designer of the Leopard Catamaran line, Alex Simonis. They were able to put 60 miles on the boat in one day. There was one moment where they tacked it down at Cape Point and at one time had 42 knots of wind coming over the deck. “Watching a naval architect and long-time professional sailor and sailing expert push the boat through the paces, it was no longer Lennie and I sailing the boat, it was Lennie and I watching Alex sail the boat, and we learned a lot. One thing I can tell you is don’t be afraid to sail this boat in 40 knots of wind. The boat can handle it– they are designed for it. But you should reduce sail. We got the boat moving at 15 knots in some cases. She really flew and it was a wonderful test sail,” Randy reveals. 

Where to next?

I had the distinct pleasure of greeting this Leopard 50P upon her arrival to Fort Lauderdale, FL. The boat looked absolutely stunning. We offloaded her from the freighter and safely pulled her into her space at Harbour Towne Marina. Here, she will be commissioned and prepared to join the World ARC in January of 2019. 

To see Randy and Lennie’s visit to Cape Town, as told by them, check out the video here on their YouTube Channel.

Related articles

Ask a Leopard Owner: Natalie + Moritz

September 6, 2024.

United States Sailboat Show

August 27, 2024.

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show

August 20, 2024.

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How to choose the right boat propeller

• Sam Fortescue
• June 20, 2024

A change of boat propeller can dramatically improve a yacht’s performance while saving money on fuel. Sam Fortescue reports on the latest options

A well-known truism of boat ownership is that sailing with a fixed propeller is akin to towing a bucket astern. We all know that a feathering or folding propeller has huge advantages under sail, but what are the costs of motoring with a sub-optimal propeller? Even purists will use the engine to manoeuvre in and out of busy harbours, and most of us are willing to fill in with horsepower when the wind drops.

You won’t be surprised to hear that propeller manufacturers believe that sailors often have the wrong screw fitted. And if that delicate balance between the propeller size, engine power and the boat’s speed potential don’t align, you’ll be losing money to inefficient performance under power.

‘It’s pretty common that props aren’t the right size,’ explains David Sheppard, managing director of Bruntons, maker of the Autoprop. ‘The usual first sign is that the engine is being overloaded or underloaded. If it doesn’t reach its full rpm, then it’s overloaded. And if it’s underpropped, you’ll get revs above the rated rpm. It’s more difficult to tell with modern diesels, but in the old days, you’d get black smoke coming out of the back because there’d be too much diesel going in and the engine wouldn’t be able to turn fast enough to burn it.’

There are some reasons why you might want to be overpropped, but engine manufacturers will often void the warranty if the propeller is incorrectly sized. Worse still, you’ll be putting additional wear and tear on the engine which will result in a shorter service life and greater maintenance. With labour rates of £50-80/hr, even minor repairs can cost hundreds of pounds, with any new parts taking it into the thousands.

Check that you have a viable engine-to-prop gear ratio. Note that additional blades can be used where there isn’t sufficient space for a larger diameter prop, as on this four-bladed Maxprop. Photo: Jack Patton

Prop mismatch

A mismatch between engine and prop often creeps in when a boat is repowered. ‘We usually get customers ringing up after their boat’s been re-engined,’ explains Chris Hares of Darglow Engineering, which manufactures the FeatherStream propeller. ‘If you just take out an old 30hp engine and replace it, you can end up with a different gear ratio that requires a different propeller.’

For many cruising boats with faster turning engines, a 2.6:1 gear ratio gives the best balance between prop diameter and speed. A low 2:1 ratio means a higher propeller speed and therefore a smaller diameter. The opposite is also true. There is a lively trade in 10-year-old Bukh DV20/24 lifeboat engines, which have to be replaced by law but have seen little use. They use a high 3:1 reduction ratio which requires a bigger-than-average propeller, and most sailing boats simply don’t have the space for it.

‘People can spend £9,000 repowering the boat and then find it performs worse than it did beforehand because it’s got a higher shaft speed and isn’t efficient,’ says Hares.

And don’t think that new boats are immune to this problem, either. When Yanmar replaced its popular 3YM30 with the 3YM30AE, it took time for some boatbuilders to notice the max revs had been cut from 3,600 to 3,200.

‘Designers usually know what they’re doing, but what goes wrong is when the supply of engines or gearboxes changes and nobody connects the dots,’ Hares says. ‘We saw it a lot during Covid because of the supply problems.’ Ideally, you want the engine to hit its rated rpm with the throttle fully open, and it is simple enough to test. ‘You need to take the boat out on a fine day before it gets covered in barnacles and going full throttle,’ says Hares.

An Autoprop consumes a third less diesel than a fixed propeller

Money savings

If you’ve established that your engine and propeller combination isn’t giving you the performance it should, or if you’ve decided it’s time to invest in a feathering or folding prop to increase your sailing speeds and reduce passage times, what next? Well, working out a budget is a good first step.

Feathering props are on average 20 per cent more expensive than folders, if you overlook the good-value Kiwiprop. This alone might be enough to steer you one way or another.

Set against this is the efficiency of the propeller itself under power. Trials by French sailing magazine Voiles offer a good insight. In tests with a 34ft Jeanneau using a 29hp Volvo engine with a top rpm of 3,600, the Autoprop, Gori and Flexfold all outperformed a fixed prop.

The Autoprop consumes a full one-third of a litre less diesel per hour to maintain six knots of boat speed – a saving of around 50p/hour at current pump prices. The difference between the Autoprop and the worst performing feathering propeller was starker still – nearly one litre per hour.

But perhaps more striking than the potential fuel savings is the gain in range. At six knots, the Autoprop could manage 42.5 miles on 10 litres of diesel. The fixed prop gave 34.6 miles and the Maxprop managed just 27.2 miles.

The test was done in flat water conditions, but it illustrates the big differences in safety cushion offered by the different prop designs.

The most efficient pitch-to-diameter ratio is 2:3

What size boat propeller do you need?

Sailing boats should have large propellers, turning slowly with minimal slippage. However, there is limited space under the hull, so the smallest blade and least amount of drag, is best.

‘The most efficient pitch-to-diameter ratio is 2:3,’ explains Hare. ‘But it’s not always possible to do that because there isn’t always enough room to accommodate that diameter.’

Pitch is the distance the prop would travel forwards in a rotation through a soft solid. Thus, a 15in pitch means that the propeller blades are angled so they would advance 15in in a single rotation if there were no slip.

‘There’s an optimum diameter and pitch,’ adds Sheppard of Bruntons. ‘If you can’t fit that, you get a restricted-diameter prop, with greater pitch. The more you compensate, the less efficient the prop becomes. You don’t always notice it on a heavy sailboat, but it’s important because you get more prop walk due to the greater paddlewheel effect.’

Space below the hull limited prop diameter on this boat hence the five-bladed Maxprop, at the cost of additional drag

How many blades?

For engines below 100hp, you don’t need more than three blades. On saildrive yachts with plenty of hull clearance, it’s common to have a larger two-blader, which is efficient but subject to vibration. It’s essentially a case of having sufficient blade area to handle the horsepower. More blades means more drag, but when there isn’t space to fit the right size prop you might need an extra blade.

The Featherstream hybrid propeller with stainless steel blades and a bronze body

What’s the best material for a boat propeller?

We tend to think propellers should be made from honey-coloured bronze, but they are, in fact, usually made of a complex alloy involving copper and tin plus differing amounts of aluminium, nickel, manganese, zinc and iron, which results in a material with good corrosion resistance that’s easily machined.

Italian firm Ewol, however, builds beautiful, but expensive, feathering props from polished stainless-steel because it is less susceptible to galvanic corrosion from stray current while offering greater strength for a finer profile.

Seahawk, meanwhile, has less expensive stainless props with its Autostream and Slipstream cast in 316 and 2507 steel, while Darglow has developed a bronze body with stainless steel blades in a hybrid called the Featherstream.

Polished stainless-steel prop from Ewol. Note the bronze bushings to prevent steel-on-steel wear

‘All-bronze props will wear out quicker and need reconditioning sooner on the blade bearing surface, where it rubs against the hub,’ explains Hares. ‘But, it’s very difficult to have an all-stainless prop. You can’t run stainless steel on another piece of stainless as a bearing surface, where they catch each other and get stuck. So, you need a bronze bushing between blade and body, which tends to wear down quite fast.’

Composite propellers are a cheaper solution to the corrosion problem, with the best-known being the Kiwiprop, whose black Zytel blades are mounted on a stainless steel pin and never wear. They’re not the most efficient blades, due to their broad, flat profile, but they are the cheapest feathering option.

Flexofold also produces a folding two- and three-blade prop with a composite boss, which provides the same galvanic isolation.

Gori’s folding propeller can swivel to offer the leading edge in reverse

Folding vs feathering boat propellers

Compared with a fixed propeller, either option will offer massive improvements in hydrodynamic efficiency under sail. You can expect 10-20 per cent more boat speed in given wind conditions – at least half a knot and possibly more than one knot for bigger boats, enough to save an hour sailing a 40ft yacht from Dartmouth to Plymouth.

It’s harder to draw a distinction between the drag from a feathering propeller, such as the Autoprop or the Kiwiprop, and a folding prop.

‘Feathers have flat blades which reduces their efficiency a little, to perhaps 95% of a folding prop,’ says Hares at Darglow. ‘But most sailing boats have more than enough power in the engine, so you’re going to hit hull speed with any of these, but you’ll burn less fuel with a folding prop.’

The Flexofold feathering prop is having success with electric motors

Of more concern are the other variables around prop design, such as maintenance, performance astern, regeneration potential and noise/vibration. Folding props tend to be easier to maintain with fewer wearing parts and no annual greasing. They may also be more efficient motoring ahead. A feathering prop, meanwhile, will go much better astern.

With the exception of the Gori, folding props can’t swivel to offer the leading edge in reverse, which makes them just as inefficient as a fixed prop. Their design also means that the thrust they generate astern is trying to close the propeller, so, you need to give the engine higher revs, and that means more prop walk.

‘If you’re struggling with a fixed prop, that’s going to get worse with a folding prop. Feathering props are much better at stopping the boat and give less prop walk than folders as you can manoeuvre with a modest amount of throttle.”

SPW’s new Variprop GP has been specifically designed to offer efficient regeneration

Boat propellers for electric

There is no real difference between the dimensions of a prop for electric vs diesel operation if all other variables remain the same. However, the high torque often means electric systems have lower shaft speeds, which will require a bigger prop or an extra blade to increase power transmission.

‘If you’re putting in an electric motor, we specify a very slow shaft speed and a slow-turning prop because the torque is flat, which is good for a propeller,’ says Sheppard. ‘Otherwise, considerations are broadly the same.’ But because regeneration is so important in an electrical system, feathering props dominate. The hybrid folding-feathering Gori can regenerate, and Flexofold reports some success too, while the Kiwiprop and Seahawk’s Autostream are not suited.

Of the feathers, Bruntons has re-engineered its Autoprop specifically to increase regeneration potential. Called the Eco Star, it can produce 200W at five knots of sailing speed or 550W at seven knots. Ewol has also developed an expensive regen version of its three-bladed Orion called the EnergyMatic, and SPW’s new Variprop GP has been fine tuned for regeneration.

Oceanvolt’s award-winning HighPower ServoProp 25

Variable pitch boat propellers

Variable pitch propellers are commonly found on large ships, but Oceanvolt has developed a small-scale product for the cruising market as part of its electric propulsion package. Its ServoProp is a unique feathering three-blader for saildrives, which can rotate more than 180 degrees to present the leading edge both forward and astern. But its clever electronics are all directed at a single purpose: generating power. Paired with an Oceanvolt electric motor, the ServoProp can be used to make electricity when the boat is under sail.

It adopts an optimal pitch for being dragged through the water to produce around three times as much power as a fixed-pitch propeller. The latest HighPower ServoProp 25, launched this year, has continuous pitch control for even better regeneration and more efficient motor sailing. Ideal if you’re looking to fill a big battery bank and give yourself near endless range.

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37 Facts About Novosibirsk

Written by Adelice Lindemann

Modified & Updated: 17 Sep 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

Novosibirsk, often referred to as the “Capital of Siberia,” is a vibrant and dynamic city located in southwestern Russia. With a population exceeding 1.5 million residents, it is the third most populous city in Russia and serves as the administrative center of the Novosibirsk Oblast.

Nestled along the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scientific advancements, and picturesque landscapes. As the largest city in Siberia, it offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional attractions, making it a fascinating destination for both locals and tourists.

In this article, we will delve into 37 interesting facts about Novosibirsk, shedding light on its history, architecture, natural wonders, and cultural significance. Whether you are planning a visit or simply curious about this intriguing city, these facts will give you a deeper understanding of what Novosibirsk has to offer.

Key Takeaways:

• Novosibirsk, the “Capital of Siberia,” is a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, and a strong sense of community, offering a high quality of life for its residents.
• From being a major industrial and transportation hub to hosting world-class cultural institutions and scientific research centers, Novosibirsk is a dynamic city with a diverse culinary scene and a thriving IT and tech industry.

Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia.

Situated in southwestern Siberia, Novosibirsk has a population of over 1.6 million people, making it one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the country.

The city was founded in 1893.

Novosibirsk was established as a railway junction on the Trans-Siberian Railway, playing a significant role in the development of Siberia.

It is known as the “Capital of Siberia”.

Due to its economic and cultural significance, Novosibirsk is often referred to as the capital of Siberia.

Novosibirsk is a major industrial center.

The city is home to a wide range of industries, including machinery manufacturing, chemical production, energy, and metallurgy .

It is famous for its scientific and research institutions.

Novosibirsk hosts several renowned scientific and research institutions, contributing to advancements in various fields including nuclear physics, chemistry, and biotechnology.

The Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre is one of the largest in Russia.

This iconic cultural institution showcases world-class ballet and opera performances and is a must-visit for art enthusiasts visiting the city .

The city has a vibrant theater scene.

Novosibirsk boasts numerous theaters, showcasing a wide variety of performances from traditional plays to experimental productions.

Novosibirsk is a major transportation hub.

Thanks to its strategic location on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the city serves as a crucial transportation hub connecting Siberia with other regions of Russia .

The Ob River flows through Novosibirsk.

The majestic Ob River adds to the city’s natural beauty and provides opportunities for recreational activities such as boating and fishing.

Novosibirsk is known for its harsh winter climate.

With temperatures dropping well below freezing in winter, the city experiences a true Siberian winter with snowy landscapes.

The Novosibirsk Zoo is one of the largest and oldest in Russia.

Home to a wide variety of animal species, including rare and endangered ones, the Novosibirsk Zoo attracts visitors from near and far.

Novosibirsk is a center for academic excellence.

The city is home to Novosibirsk State University, one of the top universities in Russia, renowned for its research and education programs.

The Novosibirsk Metro is the newest metro system in Russia.

Opened in 1985, the Novosibirsk Metro provides efficient transportation for residents and visitors alike.

Novosibirsk is surrounded by picturesque nature.

Surrounded by stunning landscapes, including the Altai Mountains and the Novosibirsk Reservoir, the city offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

The Novosibirsk State Circus is famous for its performances.

Showcasing talented acrobats , clowns, and animal acts, the Novosibirsk State Circus offers entertaining shows for all ages.

Novosibirsk is home to a thriving art scene.

The city is dotted with art galleries, showcasing the works of local and international artists .

Novosibirsk has a diverse culinary scene.

From traditional Russian cuisine to international flavors, the city offers a wide range of dining options to satisfy all taste buds.

The Novosibirsk State Museum of Local History is a treasure trove of historical artifacts.

Exploring the museum gives visitors an insight into the rich history and culture of the region.

Novosibirsk is known for its vibrant nightlife.

The city is home to numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, ensuring a lively atmosphere after dark.

Novosibirsk has a strong ice hockey tradition.

Ice hockey is a popular sport in the city, with local teams competing in national and international tournaments.

The Novosibirsk State Philharmonic Hall hosts world-class musical performances.

Music lovers can enjoy classical concerts and symphony orchestra performances in this renowned venue.

Novosibirsk is home to the Akademgorodok, a scientific research town.

Akademgorodok is a unique scientific community located near Novosibirsk, housing numerous research institutes and academic organizations.

Novosibirsk has a unique blend of architectural styles.

The city features a mix of Soviet-era buildings, modern skyscrapers, and historic structures, creating an eclectic cityscape.

Novosibirsk is an important center for ballet training and education.

The city’s ballet schools and academies attract aspiring dancers from across Russia and abroad.

Novosibirsk is a gateway to the stunning Altai Mountains.

Located nearby, the Altai Mountains offer breathtaking landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Novosibirsk hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year.

From music and theater festivals to art exhibitions, the city’s cultural calendar is always packed with exciting events.

Novosibirsk is a green city with numerous parks and gardens.

Residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature in the city’s well-maintained parks and botanical gardens.

Novosibirsk is a center for technology and innovation.

The city is home to several technology parks and innovation centers, fostering the development of cutting-edge technologies.

Novosibirsk has a strong sense of community.

The residents of Novosibirsk are known for their hospitality and friendly nature, making visitors feel welcome.

Novosibirsk is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.

The city is dotted with shopping malls, boutiques, and markets, offering a wide range of shopping options.

Novosibirsk has a rich literary heritage.

The city has been home to many famous Russian writers and poets, and their works are celebrated in literary circles.

Novosibirsk is a popular destination for medical tourism.

The city is known for its advanced medical facilities and expertise, attracting patients from around the world.

Novosibirsk has a well-developed public transportation system.

With buses, trams, trolleybuses, and the metro, getting around the city is convenient and efficient.

Novosibirsk is a city of sport.

The city has a strong sports culture, with numerous sports facilities and opportunities for athletic activities .

Novosibirsk has a thriving IT and tech industry.

The city is home to numerous IT companies and startups, contributing to the development of the digital economy.

Novosibirsk celebrates its anniversary every year on July 12th.

The city comes alive with festivities, including concerts, fireworks, and cultural events, to commemorate its foundation.

Novosibirsk offers a high quality of life.

With its excellent educational and healthcare systems, cultural amenities, and vibrant community, Novosibirsk provides a great living environment for its residents.

Novosibirsk is a fascinating city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene . From its origins as a small village to becoming the third-largest city in Russia, Novosibirsk has emerged as a major economic and cultural hub in Siberia . With its world-class universities, theaters, museums, and natural attractions, Novosibirsk offers a myriad of experiences for visitors.

Whether you’re exploring the impressive Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater, strolling along the picturesque banks of the Ob River, or immersing yourself in the city’s scientific and technological achievements at the Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk has something for everyone.

From its iconic landmarks such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to its vibrant festivals like the International Jazz Festival , Novosibirsk has a unique charm that will captivate any traveler. So, make sure to include Novosibirsk in your travel itinerary and discover the hidden gems of this remarkable city.

Q: What is the population of Novosibirsk?

A: As of 2021, the estimated population of Novosibirsk is around 1.6 million people.

Q: Is Novosibirsk a safe city to visit?

A: Novosibirsk is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, it is always recommended to take standard precautions such as avoiding unfamiliar areas at night and keeping your belongings secure.

Q: What is the best time to visit Novosibirsk?

A: The best time to visit Novosibirsk is during the summer months of June to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities. However, if you enjoy the winter chill and snow, visiting during the winter season can also be a unique experience.

Q: Are there any interesting cultural events in Novosibirsk?

A: Yes, Novosibirsk is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The city hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the International Jazz Festival, Novosibirsk International Film Festival, and the Siberian Ice March Festival.

Q: Can I visit Novosibirsk without knowing Russian?

A: While knowing some basic Russian phrases can be helpful, many establishments in Novosibirsk, especially tourist areas, have English signage and staff who can communicate in English. However, learning a few essential Russian phrases can enhance your travel experience.

Novosibirsk's captivating history and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination for any traveler. From its humble beginnings as a small settlement to its current status as Russia's third-largest city, Novosibirsk has a story worth exploring. If you're a sports enthusiast, don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the city's beloved football club , FC Sibir Novosibirsk. With its rich heritage and passionate fan base, the club has become an integral part of Novosibirsk's identity.

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Novosibirsk Oblast, Russia

The capital city of Novosibirsk oblast: Novosibirsk .

Novosibirsk Oblast - Overview

Novosibirsk Oblast is a federal subject of Russia, part of the Siberian Federal District. Novosibirsk is the capital city of the region.

The population of Novosibirsk Oblast is about 2,780,000 (2022), the area - 177,756 sq. km.

Novosibirsk oblast flag

Novosibirsk oblast coat of arms.

Novosibirsk oblast map, Russia

Novosibirsk oblast latest news and posts from our blog:.

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History of Novosibirsk Oblast

Over thousands of years, the territory of the Novosibirsk region, due to its location on the border of natural zones and cultural regions (the Siberian taiga and the Eurasian steppe), played the role of a buffer zone or border zone of different peoples.

In the 13th-15th centuries, this land was the eastern outskirts of the Golden Horde. Later, until the end of the 16th century, it was part of the Siberian Khanate. In the 18th century, the territory of the present Novosibirsk region became part of the Russian Empire.

Despite the relatively favorable climate, the Russians began to settle here relatively late. The Barabin Tatars were the indigenous people. Today, their total population is about 10,000 people living mainly in the western parts of the region.

The Barabin Tatars were subjected to constant attacks of the Kalmyks (the Oyrates and Teleuts). Russian villages were also under the threat. That’s why people preferred to settle in the north, near Tomsk. Only at the end of the 17th century, Novosibirsk province became attractive to settlers.

More Historical Facts…

The first settlement was founded by the boyar son Alexey Kruglik in 1695. Later, this settlement became the village of Kruglikovo. Today, it is located in Bolotninsky district. In the early 18th century, Berdsky stockaded town was built. Over time, the threat from the nomads decreased and the number of settlers increased.

In 1722, the Siberian line of fortresses along the Irtysh River was constructed. The locals were mainly engaged in soil tilling, fishing and hunting. In the early 19th century, the famous Ural manufacturer Akinfiy Demidov constructed two copper melting plants here - Kolyvansky and Barnaulsky.

In 1893, due to the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway and the railway bridge across the Ob River, Alexandrovsky settlement was built (from 1895 - Novonikolayevsky). Thanks to its convenient geographical location (the Trans-Siberian Railway crossing the Ob River, transportation ways connecting Siberia with the European part of the Russian Empire), its trade importance grew rapidly. In 1909, Novonikolayevsk became a town. In 1925, it was renamed in Novosibirsk.

Before 1921, the territory of Novosibirsk oblast was part of Tomsk gubernia, from 1921 to 1925 - of Novonikolayevsk gubernia, from 1925 to 1930 - of Siberian krai, from 1930 to 1937 - of West Siberian krai. September 28, 1937, West Siberian krai was divided into Novosibirsk oblast and Altay krai. This date is considered the official date of the region formation.

Novosibirsk Oblast - Features

Novosibirsk Oblast is located in the south east of the East-Siberian Plain, in the steppe, forest-steppe and taiga zones, between the Ob and the Irtysh rivers. The length of the region from west to east - 642 km, from north to south - 444 km.

The southern part of Vasyugan swamp, the largest swamp in the world, occupies the territory in the north and north-west of the province. In the southwest, it borders with Pavlodar oblast of Kazakhstan.

There are about 3,000 lakes on the territory of the Novosibirsk region. The largest lakes are Chany, Ubinskoye, Sartlan. Novosibirsk Reservoir also known as “the Ob Sea” (1,082 sq. km.) was created for Novosibirsk Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The climate is continental. The average temperature in January ranges from minus 16 degrees Celsius in the south and minus 20 degrees Celsius in the north. The average temperature in July - plus 18-20 degrees Celsius.

The largest cities and towns are Novosibirsk (1,621,000), Berdsk (103,500), Iskitim (54,700), Kuybishev (43,000). Novosibirsk is one the largest industrial, transport, scientific, and cultural center of Russia, the third most populous city in the country after Moscow and St. Petersburg. It is also the capital of the Siberian Federal District.

In the historical part of Novosibirsk you can find a lot of preserved monuments of the Russian Empire times. The Soviet era is presented by numerous scientific and cultural attractions, as well as beautiful parks.

There are more than 500 deposits of various mineral resources in Novosibirsk Oblast (coal, refractory clay, peat, anthracite). Natural gas and oil fields are located in the north-western part of the region. There are significant reserves of underground thermal and mineral waters. Forests cover about 4 million hectares, more than 20% of the territory.

Novosibirsk Oblast is one of the most industrially developed regions in Siberia (metal processing and machine building, food, power engineering, non-ferrous metallurgy industries). Heavy industries are concentrated in Novosibirsk, Iskitim and Berdsk.

The regional agriculture specializes in the cultivation of grain, potatoes and vegetables. Dairy cattle breeding, poultry farming and beekeeping are developed. The production of flax plays an important role too. Agricultural development of the territory is not high (about 48%). In general, it has about 25% of all agricultural land in Western Siberia.

Novosibirsk oblast of Russia photos

Nature of novosibirsk oblast.

Novosibirsk Oblast nature

Author: Klemeshev

Novosibirsk Oblast scenery

Author: Mikhantiev Zhenya

Sunflower field in Novosibirsk Oblast

Author: Sergey Savchak

Pictures of the Novosibirsk region

Steppe landscape in Novosibirsk Oblast

Author: Alex Strekhletov

Orthodox church in the Novosibirsk region

Author: Sergey Bulanov

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Amel 50 review: An indoor sailing experience to excite even hardened sailors

• May 9, 2019

The Amel 50 is the French yard’s first sloop in over 20 years, Pip Hare takes a 48-hour test to see if the new format works

Amel has a long established following for yachts designed and built to match the needs of liveaboard and bluewater cruisers. It is reputed for its singular way of doing things and is famed for its ketches , designed for ease of sailing by a couple.

So when the La Rochelle yard unveiled this Amel 50, its first sloop since 1997, one with a broad, modern hull shape and twin rudders, it was met with surprise. Had Amel abandoned its heritage in favour for what’s in vogue?

Fortunately not. Step aboard and you quickly understand why this is a brilliant new model, one true to the brand’s DNA but versatile enough to suit everything from coastal sailing to global cruising.

Jib, staysail and main halyards are managed at the mast using a track and car system that locks the halyards in place. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

When I arrived in La Rochelle for my two-day liveaboard test, I wasn’t greeted with the sparkly weather I’d seen in Amel’s brochure. It was a dark, wet, windy and cold December morning. But, with its fully enclosed doghouse, the Amel 50 was made to take on weather like this. Would ‘indoors’ sailing leave me metaphorically cold, I wondered – surely the beauty of our sport is achieved through connection with the elements?

Setting out in a brisk westerly wind and lumpy seas that broke over the foredeck, the heat from below decks soon flowed up the companionway to fill the enclosed doghouse, bringing with it the aroma of fresh bread and coffee.

Within minutes we were punching our way confidently upwind, oblivious to the weather raging outside. I sat in the doghouse, feeling overdressed in salopettes and sea boots, and with every wave that crashed into the windscreen I felt my need to be out in the elements melting away.

Bold first impressions

The Amel’s lines follow modern trends including a blunt stem, full volume bow, high topsides, modest sheer and a beamy transom. But this latest model from the Berret-Racoupeau design team has rung some substantial changes. Amel’s first sloop in two decades, it is also the yard’s first model with twin rudders and the first built using resin infusion techniques.

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For close to 30 years Amel has favoured ketch rigs in the belief that splitting the sail area across two masts should make large cruising yachts more manageable for couples to sail. Ironically this way of thinking may have put off some sailors who actually consider two masts to be double the work, not half.

With the new 50 being the smallest in the range, the sail area was considered small enough to be comfortably handled as a sloop. Losing the mizzenmast unlocks additional benefits of reduced build costs, a larger cockpit and more below-deck versatility, making the Amel 50 an attractive package.

Absorbed or alienated?

Taking the helm for the first time I was acutely aware of my position on the boat – at the front of a central cockpit and offset to port. Looking forward, with only half the boat ahead and a small wheel in my hands I had the impression of sailing something much smaller.

The helmsman’s chair swivels and adjusts in height and there are reasonable views of the sails. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

The pillarless windscreen offers a panoramic view and the cockpit is high enough to give vision to windward, even on a starboard tack. The mainsail can be seen through hatches in the doghouse roof, while the view of the jib luff is great on a starboard tack – straight up the slot – but more difficult on port as the forestay sags to leeward. There’s a helmsman’s chair behind the steering position but I found standing more comfortable as, when seated, my arms were at full stretch.

The steering system uses push-pull cables onto the port rudder quadrant resulting in a helm that is sensitive to movement, but has little feeling. The rudders are a good size and the linkage direct, so small wheel movements have immediate impact, but as the cables do not load up no feedback can be felt through the wheel.

Once I’d acknowledged this I tuned into other performance indicators, using angle of heel particularly to guide me upwind. Immediately the helming experience came alive, I was watching for gusts, reading the waves, taking note of everything around me. Before I knew it, I was fully absorbed and unquestionably engaged with the sailing experience.

Joystick sail handling

The mainsail unfurls from the mast at an impressive speed using joystick controls in front of the wheel. The outhaul runs at the same pace on a continuous line system, which moves the clew in and out via a boom track. To avoid damage, both use a current-sensitive ‘time out’ feature – so if either is placed under heavy load they will momentarily stop, alerting crew to a potential sail jam or rope snag.

The jib sheets neatly through a wide shroud base, via coachroof tracks outside the doghouse and on to electric primary winches. Manual secondary winches allow jib cars to be trimmed while sailing. Powered-up under full main and genoa in 18 knots of wind we ploughed through waves at a decent 8.1 knots with a true wind angle of 50°, which is perfectly acceptable for offshore passagemaking.

The Amel 50 is a Berret Racoupeau design. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

Our test boat had the optional cutter rig adding a 24m 2 self-tacking staysail to the 126m 2 sail plan. Setting the staysail while beating in 20 knots gained a further 0.3 knots of boat speed, with no adverse effects to balance. Personally, I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t tick the staysail box; it adds a manageable sail area to the forward triangle, while providing a dedicated heavy weather sail.

Finally calling an end to our upwind slog, we put the bow down looking for a lunchtime anchorage in the lee of Isle de Rey. Off the breeze we waddled a little with jib alone. A furling gennaker soon saw us scooting across the waves reaching 9 knots of boat speed in 20 knots of wind. Helming required concentration, but once again it absorbed me and I unashamedly grinned at this ‘dry’ sailing experience.

In the blink of an eye, the sails were away and the anchor deployed using the remote windlass controls behind the wheel. With the cockpit table extended to full size and set with warm food on china plates the full transformation was complete and our rugged sailing experience of the morning was definitely a thing of the past.

The Amel philosophy

Over lunch I learned more of Amel’s ‘maximum enjoyment, minimum work’ philosophy, which not only covers sail plans but every aspect of design and construction. These boats are built to stand the ravages of time and the sea while incorporating details to reduce maintenance, make repairs uncomplicated and ensure life on board is simple and safe.

It seems that Amel has thought of everything, whether it is the specially extruded four-compartment mast section that keeps halyards, electrics and furler separate, the spyglass in the bottom of the hull giving direct sight of the propeller, or chafe protection at every point a locker lid might scratch the stainless-steel handrail.

The saloon table folds out to seat eight – the small tables double as stools. Photo: Julien Girardot

With every new detail I became more impressed by the Amel 50. It’s as though the everyday inadequacies and compromises I’ve grown to accept as part of yacht ownership have been wiped away in this boat.

After lunch, with the sun breaking through, I put my hosts to work; first poling out the headsail with the huge, vertically mounted jib pole, then trying the Code 0.

The white sails downwind set-up is good. There is a welded tang mid-boom that allows a preventer to be attached from inside the footprint of the deck, and the substantial jib pole, though a bit of a handful to lower in a rolling sea, is utterly fit for the job once in place.

Downwind performance was comfortable and efficient, making close to 9 knots dead downwind in 22 knots true. As the breeze died we maintained our VMG by setting a Code 0 with the jib pole. Sailing like this in the sun felt heavenly and the whole crew naturally gravitated to the aft deck, leaving the autopilot to drive while we took in the stunning islands of the Charente.

As the light faded on our first day we found a mooring buoy on the shores of Isle d’Aix and I took the controls on approach. This didn’t prove easy in the gusty breeze as there’s a lot of windage on the hull and superstructure, which makes manoeuvring the Amel 50 at low speeds tricky.

The twin rudders provide little prop wash effect to counteract any last-minute gusts so on my second attempt I resorted to the bow thruster, leaving the wheel in the centre and driving using throttle for speed and thruster for direction – this proved equally efficient when reversing into the berth at the end of the test.

From the bathing platform to the bowsprit the attention to detail on this Amel 50 is phenomenal. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

The cockpit sole lifts to reveal an impressively spacious and entirely watertight engine room, accessed via a small ladder. In line with the ‘trouble free maintenance’ approach, everything in this space is well set out with good access and room to work.

As well as the 110hp Volvo engine, the test boat housed a generator, watermaker, air conditioning unit and two inverters. Through-hull fittings have been kept to a minimum using a single inlet and seawater manifold.

All tankage is housed under the cockpit sole, including a grey water tank set in the bilge sump, which collects waste from all sinks and showers, serviced by a float switch for automatic emptying. This system ensures a dry, clean bilge elsewhere, creating extra room for storage.

Luxury for serious sailors

Below decks the Amel 50 is every bit as luxurious as you’d expect for its €790,000 price tag. The test boat finish was light oak with stainless steel details, which give a contemporary vibe, though may require endless wiping to remove finger marks.

There is a great feeling of space throughout, especially in the saloon, which, despite the raised cabin sole, has nearly two metres of standing headroom. Natural light floods from mid-height windows in the topsides and high-level coachroof hatches.

The use of a passageway galley helps to open up the spacious living area. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

A snug chart table surrounded by switchboards and repeat navigation instruments is set into the aft corner on the port side, while to starboard there is a step down to the corridor galley.

Two large sofas flank the saloon, one wrapped around the dining table to port. A couple of occasional tables can double-up as stools and provide all-round seating when the dining table is extended. These are anchored away under the folded table while sailing.

The Amel 50’s master cabin is situated aft, accessed through the galley passageway. It has a large double island bed, writing desk, sofa and en-suite facilities. Another big double in the bow shares a heads and shower with the bunk-bedded cabin to starboard. This twin cabin is disproportionately small compared to the space everywhere else, but the top bunk folds away to create a little more room if required.

Living on board the Amel 50 would be no hardship. I spent the evening in perfect comfort, eventually retiring to a fantastic night’s sleep in the forward cabin, leaving the blinds open so I could watch the twinkling lights ashore, through the large hull portlight from my bunk.

The aft island berth lifts up with stowage beneath and can be fitted with lee boards. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

Aside from the five-star hotel experience, the thing that really grabbed me below decks was how well this luxury combines with a set-up for serious sailing. All bunks come with well-fitting leeboards or cloths making even the island beds into usable sea berths.

The accommodation is separated from bow locker and lazarette by watertight bulkheads and internal bulkheads can be made watertight using clamps across the doorframes with their special seals.

The galley is large and well equipped with a proper sink, pull-out fridge and freezer drawers and plenty of worksurface. The passageway is wide enough for two people to pass, yet slim enough to brace while at sea.

The head-height storage lockers open to reveal a drawer front that slides out on tracks, keeping the contents retained when the locker is ‘uphill’ while still allowing access to the contents at the back.

The galley is overflowing with sensible and user- friendly storage. Photo: Julien Girardot

The only area that doesn’t seem commensurate with a life offshore is the passage forward from companionway steps across the saloon. This open space has few grab handles and would be a challenge to cross while pressed up on port.

The Amel team has addressed this in more recent builds by lengthening the stainless steel grabrail on the folded dining table-top, while repositioning and adding other holds at the bottom of the companionway steps.

The full sailing experience

The sun rose on the second day of our test to reveal, flat water, light winds and a cloudless sky. The change in weather gave great opportunity to try all aspects of the Amel 50 sailing experience and we spent a fun morning, hoisting and dropping every sail in the inventory.

In a wind range from 8 to 12 knots true, with a Code 0, gennaker and downwind asymmetric, no matter which way I pointed the bow, the boat performed. Speeds were less spectacular under white sails alone, so for those who like to sail until the last I’d recommend some additional offwind sail area.

The twin bunk cabin forward is a little cramped. Photo: Jean-Sébastien Evrard

Moving about the deck hoisting and dropping sails, I become more aware of the solid handrail and the security it offers. Not only is this feature higher than normal guardrails but it will take the weight of a person should they fall. The Amel teak – the company’s trademark gelcoat deck made to look like planked teak – offered good grip under foot.

The morning disappeared in sunshine and sails. Now it was warm I opened the central windscreen to get the feel of wind on my face while helming, though in these conditions it was a shame to stay ‘indoors’ and the best place on the boat became whichever pushpit seat had the sun.

With the rise in temperature the breeze died away and just when I thought we’d seen the limit of this boat’s sailing ability, it surprised me again. I have come to accept that poor lightwind performance is the trade-off to make for comfort in boats of this genre but, as the breeze died, the Amel 50 just kept going. With the jib set in just 5 knots of true wind speed we maintained a boat speed of 4.5 knots at a 60° true angle.

We were blessed with perfectly flat water and a stable wind direction, but this final flourish of performance confirmed my growing feelings of admiration for the boat and reminded me never to judge a book by its cover.

Our verdict

I can’t sit on the fence about the Amel 50; it is a brilliant boat. It’s neither revolutionary nor showy, and the unequivocal adherence to making everything maintenance light and easy-to-handle results in a boat that is not at all svelte.

I arrived with some heavy preconceptions perhaps as much about the kind of sailor I am as the kind of boat I would be sailing. I was treated to the full Amel 50 experience and my hosts did everything possible to show this boat in the best light.

But if you take away the fine food, endless espressos and crisp white bed linen, the Amel 50 still shines. It sails well, it is beautifully built and it made me smile. I left surprised and ever so slightly in love.

Specification

LOA: 16.50m (54ft 2in) LWL: 14.50m (47ft 7in) Beam: 4.79m (15ft 9in) Draught: 2.15m (7ft 1in) Displacement (light): 18,750kg (41,336lb) Ballast: 5,360kg (11,817lb) Sail Area (100% foretriangle): 126m 2 (1,360ft 2 ) Sail Area/displacement ratio: 19.9 Displacement/LWL ratio: 171 Berths: 6 Engine: 110hp shaftdrive Water capacity: 600lt (132gal) Fuel capacity: 675lt (148gal) Price from: €790,000 (ex VAT) Price as tested: €940,000 (ex VAT) Design: Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design