aluminium centreboard yacht

Yachting World

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Jimmy Cornell: Why aluminium centreboarders are ideal for serious explorers

• Jimmy Cornell
• November 12, 2020

Having covered 100,000 miles in his aluminium centreboarders, Jimmy Cornell explains why he rates them so highly for adventure sailing

A true exploration yacht: Jimmy Cornell’s Ovni 43 Aventura III in Antarctica

Both Aventura III , an Ovni 43, and Aventura IV , a Garcia Exploration 45, were aluminium centreboarders. Having clocked some 100,000 miles with them, including passages to Antarctica and the North West Passage , I can state unequivocally that for safety as well as convenience, a centreboard is a great advantage on a cruising boat.

In my case, the choice of aluminium for a boat intended for exploring areas off the beaten track was logical, and so was that of a centreboard. One of the main reasons for the latter was to increase my cruising options. The ability to reduce draught instantly is also a safety factor, as it allows access to a protected shallow spot if needing shelter in an emergency. Also, with a flat bottom, the boat can dry out.

Another advantage is that the board can be used for sounding when entering an unfamiliar anchorage, a new meaning for the term ‘sounding board’. While in the North West Passage we hit an uncharted rock quite hard, but the centreboard did its job and swung up, scraped along the top of the rock, then dropped back into its lowered position. The only damage was to my ego, but any other boat would have been in serious trouble!

Both yachts have integral centreboards, so that when fully raised, the board retracts into the hull. The ballast is also internal, with a ratio to displacement of 32 in both cases, which is similar to that of most modern cruising yachts. This brings considerable performance advantages.

The main role of the board is to provide lift when sailing close-hauled, and to reduce leeway when reaching. With the board fully down Aventura III drew 2.4m, and, when trimmed properly, it could point as high, or almost as high, as most fixed keel cruising boats. With a draught of 2.8m with the board down, Aventura IV performed even better than her predecessor.

To take full advantage of this special feature, a centreboarder needs to be sailed quite differently, both on and off the wind. This is when the centreboard becomes a true asset as it allows the wetted surface to be reduced. The technique is to lift the board gradually as the apparent wind goes past 135°, and continue lifting it up to the point where the board is fully retracted. This is, for me, the greatest advantage as the risk of broaching is virtually eliminated.

Article continues below…

Zero-carbon cruiser: Jimmy Cornell explains his electric multihull project

In 2010 I sold my [Ovni 43] Aventura III and, as I was 70, I felt the time had come…

Allures 40.9 vs Ovni 400: French aluminium centreboarders go head-to-head

Back in the mid-2000s the niche market for aluminium centreboarders was disrupted by the arrival of a new upstart, Allures…

The absence of a keel to act as a pivot in a potential broaching situation means that the boat does not tend to round up when, in a similar situation, a fixed keeled boat would do just that. This has allowed me to keep the spinnaker up longer than I would have done otherwise.

With the board up, steering the boat in strong winds was easy, as there was no keel to act as a pivot if the person at the helm made a mistake, or a large wave forced the boat into a broach. With a flat bottom and no keel, Aventura III acted just like a large windsurfer, with the rudder having no difficulty keeping the boat on course. Aventura IV has twin rudders so tracked even better and was a joy to helm.

Alloy alternatives

If you are considering an aluminium centreboard, make sure to read our head-to-head test of the Allures 40.9 and Ovni 400 . If neither of those suit, you probably need to go up a level in size and price, to the more semi-custom options offered by shipyards such as Garcia, Boreal or even KM. It is pertinent, however, to note that many of these traditional monohull brands are now branching out into the multihull market too.

Photo: Morris Adant

Designed in collaboration with Jimmy Cornell to transit the North West Passage, this model set a new rugged standard for mid-size exploration yachts. In inclement weather, watchkeeping can be done from a completely protected position at the forward end of the cockpit, or from the helmstation inside the pilothouse.

Price: €498,000 (ex. VAT)

Boreal 44.2

Boreal is a brand born from the experience of Jean-François Eeman, who spent six years sailing around the world with his four children. The new 44.2 will replace the ten-year-old, award-winning, Boreal 44. It has the same interior as the 47.2 (pictured), but with a single helm and rudder and a more enclosed cockpit.

Price: €485,520 (ex. VAT)

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia is maintaining its exploration focus with its first catamaran. Once again there is plenty of protection on offer. A hard-top runs almost back to the transom and there is a complete interior navigation station similar to Garcia’s monohulls. The Explocat also has a forward cockpit accessible from the saloon via a watertight door.

Price: €1,159,000 (ex. VAT)

Vaan is a new brand, which uses recycled and sustainable materials – its first 42ft R4 is due for launch in early 2021. The aluminium hulls are formed from drinks cans, road signs and window frames, it uses cork decks and the upholstery is made from bio fabrics. It’s offered with electric propulsion and an optional regeneration system.

Price: €399,000 (ex. VAT)

Allures & Ovni catamaran update

Plans to launch the first Allures multihull, the aluminium hulled and glassfibre decked C47.9 (above), have been put on hold due to the success of its sister company’s new Explocat 52.

Ovni’s multihull solution, meanwhile, is the Ovnicat 48, which has been on the drawing board for a couple of years but has yet to be built.

First published in the October 2020 issue of Yachting World.

ALUMINIUM CENTREBOARD SAILBOAT WITH A PILOTHOUSE

LI YACHTS 40 TECHNICAL DATA

Material : sea water resistant aluminium 5083 H111

Hull length : 11,98 m

Maximum length : 12,80 m

Load waterline length : 11,15 m

Beam : 3,97 m

Beam at waterline: 3,22 m

Draft centreboard down : 2,78 m

Draft centreboard and rudder up : 0,86 m, beachable

Displacement full load : 11200 kg

Ballast : 3300 kg all internal, non-ballasted centreboard

Rig : masthead cutter

Total sail area : 94 m²

Sail areas : m ainsail 35 m², g enoa 41 m², s taysail 18 m²

STIX: 35,8, AVS:  122°, RM max:  6982 kgm at 50°

Category : CE-A

Main designer : Jean-François André

Velocity prediction diagram indicating steady performance in all points of sail.

Stability curve showing small negative area achieved by the volume of the pilothouse.

The standard interior is designed for crew of two making it open and light. The centreboard's housing divides the space in safe way for offshore use giving also lots of worktop surface to the galley.  The pilothouse offers a dry and warm place to keep watch.

Many sailors in high latitudes need a boat which allows them live on board for extended periods of time even in the coldest climates. In addition, the perfect boat is also a floating home which carries its crew to far-away destinations. Other main criteria behind the concept are safety and self-sufficiency.

During many voyages, there is a need for the yacht to have shallow draught. In this way the crew can explore remote reefs or easily enter natural harbours everywhere in the world. Shallow draft gives also more possibilities to to seek a shelter from violent winds which is important for safety. When running downwind the centreboard is retracted giving the boat great dynamic stability in heavy seas.

Topsides of the hull are unpainted for easy maintenance and minimized use of oil based products.

To reach their destination, experienced sea farers also want to maintain at least a moderate speed in all kinds of conditions. The hull is designed for keeping up good average speeds, that is more important for long distance bluewater cruiser than reaching high top speeds. When a yacht is easy to run and safe for the people it carries, then the crew will arrive at the destination rested. Safety also includes good air quality inside the vessel. An environment of the unpainted aluminium boat without solvent emissions in the breathing air is also an important consideration.

The power sources of their boat are based on renewable energy and their use is simple. In the -zero fossil fuel- concept the hydrogeneration mode of Ocenvolt's electric motor provides ample source of power to all systems on board during the ocean passages.

Another thing on the wish list of a modern sailor is to cause as little harm to the marine environment as possible, whether we are navigating in the tropics or Arctic waters. Overall, the design criteria behind a future yacht need to be in harmony with sustainable development of the planet. As to the life cycle of the materials used, after a lifetime of use, the boat would still need to be as strong as the day when it was built. Regarding money, an ideal boat will be a safe investment. Life-long ownership is a tempting option when the yacht is both durable and easy to navigate for the young and old.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE DESIGN

The main designer  Jean-François André  has sailed more than 160000 miles and most of it with his own designs. He started his career as an engineer in the shipyard constructing commercial boats. By following his personal ambition he focused more on the sailboat design in the beginning of 1980’s. In 1985 he started a thirteen years voyage using the boat as a design office. I came a across with his designs after reading a blog post of a Finnish cruising couple, by the time Jean-François was sailing in Alaska with his Patago 50. I contacted him in early spring 2015 and asked his interest to our design project. I was immediately convinced by his sailing experience and attitude to our project.

Simo Nyrönen , fellow who started the project. He has worked last ten years mainly as a commercial diver in his own company . instagram .com/allyouneedisocean/  twitter .com/simonyronen

Janne Sipilä  is an industrial designer (MA) who has worked previously in different types of marine product design projects. Janne will produce 3D-visualizing and detail design in cooperation with me. We will also work together with the interior design of the boat.

COOPERATION PARTNERS

Oceanvolt is our cooperaton partner in the zero fossil fuels concept beginning at technical support for the design project. Oceanvolt is pioneering manufacturer of electric propulsion systems for sailboats. I have always been fascinated about the idea of sailboat traveling on the ocean energy self sufficient like the satellite rounding the earth. With the modern day electric devices on board the power supply might be a challenge. The Oceanvolt’s engine serves as a powerful hydrogenerator while sailing providing solution for the problem.

The system arrangements will be designed hand in hand with the hull design to achieve the best fully integrated entirety. Li Yachts wants to be pushing forward the change towards freedom of fossil fuels with our little input. The boat will be capable of producing it’s own energy by the power of wind, sea and sun. I contacted Janne Kjellman, the founder of Oceanvolt, at the early design stage and he had encouraging approach to our design project. Oceanvolt supported  Conrad Colman in Vendée Globe 2016-17 . Colman became the first sailor to complete the Everest of ocean racing without burning fossil fuels.

Mikko Brummer  will provide consultancy for sail planning and rigging for the design project. He will also make CFD-analysis for the hull and appendices. Mikko is the founder and CEO of  WB-Sails , Finnish sailmaking company with a  long history  in  differend fields of sailing . Functionality of the sails is essential for efficiency and safety in sail handling. That’s the reason I wanted the sailmaker to be involved in the design project from early stage. I remember Mikko’s name from my childhood following news about Whitbread Round the World Race 1989-1990 while Mikko was sailing on Belmont Finland II as a crew member. I contacted Mikko in autumn 2016 and he gave straight away feedback to my early sketch.

CMPF Trisbal 42 Aluminium centreboard

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Be Bold. Be Antifragile.

New inverted bow provides a longer waterline for improved performance and expanded interior volume

Alubat’s experience in building with centreboards combined with the Mortain/Mavrikios and CBA design offices reputation, bring together a fantastic model in terms of comfort and performance. The lifting keel sailboat integrates the design criteria of long range cruising (Category A certification).

NACA profile centerboard with manual lift. 

The lifting centerboard allows access to shallow, protected waters, and the ability to beach without sacrificing performance or safety.

The price represents an example of a fully equipped OVNI 370 with premium items for the long-distance sailor. Link for full equipment list

Interior Gallery

The raised salon aboard the OVNI 370 provides a panoramic view. Large windows surround the interior space and have 5 opening portlights to bring in lots of light and ventilation. Seating for 6 to 8 people around the table and plenty of storage under the bench seats, floors and galley for the liveaboard sailor.

A raised chart table is located on the port side and provides lots of visibility while keeping watch. Access to the electrical panel is also found here. 

The two cabin layout, one forward and one aft, offers plenty of storage with an option for a third cabin aft in the technical room. 

A bright forward cabin has a separate shower. A separate head with sink is located aft. 

exterior Gallery

Hull design.

The unique hull design of the OVNI range is suited for long-range sailing. The inverted bow gives a longer waterline length, improving performance and expanding the interior volume. 

Large, deep anchor lockers are divided fore and aft for properly storing chain and rhode. There is crash box beneath the floor, below the waterline. The bowsprit with a double roller also places the headsail forward for better performance. 

Flat decks are easy to maneuver. There are 6 cleats attached, and the stanchions and handholds are welded directly onto the toerail and deckhouse. 

The cockpit can be completely enclosed and the aluminum dodger ensures all-weather protection. The two helm stations provide easy access to the winches with optional electrical equipment, engine control and remote windlass control.

There is plenty of exterior storage in the cockpit and aft at the swim platform. The aluminum arch is ideal for installing optional solar and communication equipment as well as for stowing the dinghy.

Price & Equipment

Integral aluminum chine construction with a watertight bulkhead at the front and a crash box

Welded structural reinforcements

Welded and Bolted mooring cleats

Aluminum toe-rails

Welded seacocks

Marine-grade plywood and solid wood trim

Iroko hardwood for external trim

Stainless steel double lifelines on stainless steel stanchions with side opening gates

Storage for dinghy engine on the bathing platform

Aluminum chain-plates with stainless steel bushes

Complete painting process with primary epoxy

Non-skid paint on horizontal areas

1 fore cabin hatch

2 additional hatches on the coach roof with ventilation with blinds

4 fixed hull portholes

2 opening aft portholes on each side of the companionway

Panoramic Plexiglas coach roof with 7 portlights and curtain for privacy

2 blocks for mainsail sheet

All centralized maneuvers on either side of the companionway with  2  x  48 winches mounted on coachroof, one manual and one electric. 2 x 48 manual sheet winches in cockpit

2 Genoa sheet tracks with 1 piston adjustable traveller car

2 double pulleys with clamps, return sheet leads on winches

2 locking winch handles

2 sheaves boxes (x6) leading to halyards and reefs back to the cockpit

Cam clutches on the coach roof for halyards, reefs, downhaul

Aluminum grab rails welded on coach roof and 2 aluminum grab rails welded on transom

Bathing platform with stainless steel swim ladder and lockable liferaft storage

Water, fuel and black water deck fittings

Hot and cold water shower on bathing platform

4 harness clip-in attachment points (companionway, helm station and bathing platform)

Aluminum aft arch for accessories and mooring cleats for lifting dinghy

Block and fairleads with cam clutch for Genoa furler line feeders

Aluminum bow nose with two bow rollers

Self-draining chain locker, cable clinch and cleat

Vertical electric windlass 1200W chain grab Ø10mm

Anchorage Pack (fore & aft): Spade Anchor 20kg + 60m of  Ø 10mm chain grade 70 & 7,1kg Fortress Anchor + 40m of mixed rope/lead Ø18mm anchoring line

Windlass control at the helm station

2 bow and 2 stern mooring cleats 330mm, 2 midship spring cleats 330mm, additional 2 mooring cleats on foredeck 330mm

Mooring Pack: 6x fender with sock + 1x White Step-fender, 4x 10m Ø16mm mooring ropes + 2x 15m Ø16mm mooring ropes

Sails are all high tech Pro Radial woven polyester radial sails made by Incidence Sails in La Rochelle, France. Included are the following:

Square-top full batten mainsail 42 m2, 3 reefs including 2 automatic reefs, lazy bag and battens, Spectra halyard. Running backstays and blocks. Pro Radial cut grey sailcloth.

Furling Genoa (33 m2), UV stripe, bag. Pro Radial cut grey sailcloth.

Furling Code 0 with sheets, blocks, and Dynema halyard

Furling Staysail

1 mainsail halyard, 1 Genoa halyard, 1 boom topping lift, 2 Genoa sheets, 1 mainsail sheet. Additional halyard for Code 0/Spinnaker

Anodized aluminum deck stepped mast, double swept aft spreaders, 4 mast steps include 2 to reach mainsail and 2 mast steps at the head of the mast.

Mooring and masthead navigation lights, halogen deck floodlights and tri color mast head

Tri color and white LED mast head light

Girouette WINDEX at mast head

Anodized aluminum boom fitted with outhaul and 3 reef lines

Rigid boom vang with tackle

Mast step/pod with blocks

Stainless Steel standing fractional rigging: 1 forestay and 2 backstays, 2 upper shrouds, 2 inner shrouds, 2 aft shrouds

Large self-draining cockpit with direct access to bathing platform through aluminum tipping bench

Aluminum cockpit table with synthetic white tabletop

Synthetic teak on bathing platform

Synthetic teak on bench seats and and helm seat with upholstered seats and backrests in choice of color marine fabric

Welded instrument mount

800 twin steering wheels, compass at one helm station

Engine control on main starboard station

2 LED lights under dinghy davit aft arch

Storage and gas lockers on the rear skirt

Manual bilge pump

Smoked Plexiglas sliding companionway hatch

Smoked vertical sliding Plexiglas door

Dodger with vertical canvas enclosure with an open central part

Iroko hardwood frame

1 leather-wrapped s/s grab rail and 1 grab rail in wood bulkhead

Solid wood 3 non-slip companionway steps with additional LED lights

2 opening aft portlights on each side of the companionway

Engine access located under companionway steps via hydraulic cylinders

Chart table and seat with storage

Electric control panel with 12V, 1 x 220V and 1 USB outlets, leak meter, water and fuel guage

1 directional chart LED light in red and white

Starboard side L-shaped bench seat with bench seat opposite on centerboard casing. Storage under seating

Ash Wood Finish

Large fixed table with double berth conversion

Upholstered foam cushions, 12cm thick with backrests

12 volt 85L refrigerator, 1 drawer

5 fans 12 V

Handrails throughout

Vinyl lining on ceiling and wood lining on hull sides

Locked wood flooring

Opening portlight in the panoramic roof for ventilation. Panoramic roof comes with curtains for privacy

2 LED spotlights

Varnished aluminum mast support

Wet jacket cupboard

White worktop with fiddles.  Stainless steel sink with pressurized hot and cold water

Gimballed s/s two-burner stove with over with s/s protective rail. Shelf behind stove.

Storage cupboard under sink with shelves and bins.  Drawers under worktop. Tall cupboards with door and shelf

Opening porthole in the panoramic roof

2 LED lights in red/white

Central double berth

12cm thick upholstered mattress on slatted bed base

Storage lockers under berth

Wardrobe, cupboard and shelves for storage

Opening deck hatch for ventilation

2 fixed portholes with closures

1 overhead light, 2 adjustable LED reading lights with integrated USB outlets

Separate shower with hot and cold pressurized shower head located in master cabin

Washer/dryer DAEWOO mini 3 kg

Cabinet with countertop and cupboard

Electric sump pump

White countertop, 2 shelves and mirror mounted on bulkhead

Manual pump toilet with holding tank

Sink with hot and cold pressurized tap

Separate shower with hot and cold pressurized shower head

Opening portlight on panoramic roof for ventilation

1 LED overhead light

Double berth with 12 cm thick upholstered mattress on slatted bed base

Wardrobe and shelves for storage

Engine inspection hatch in cabin

Opening portlights on the panoramic roof for ventilation

Fixed portlight

Overhead light and 2 adjustable LED reading lights with integrated USB outlets

Located starboard of companionway

Option for either workshop or two bunk berths

Access technical room via hatch in the cockpit and Suspended storage in the aft cabin

LED reading light with USB outlet

Nanny N4-38 shaft drive, 40hp diesel engine in a soundproof, ventilated compartment

Dual fuel filters

MAX PROP Three blades feathering propeller

Rope cutter SPUR   for engine transmission Shaft drive

Tunnel bow thruster 80kg / 12V

Solar panels 600 W on aluminum support and MPPT regulator

Air conditioning reversible 16000 BTU/ 220V ( 2 Units )

Generator 4Kw Fisher Panda Néo 5000i

230V AC 50Hz Circuit includes Shore-power outlet, bi-polar leak detector and electric panel

3 AGM 130Ah batteries

Battery charger 25A and 120A load distributor

Converter 12-220v

Additional 12-220V and USB sockets

Water maker AQUABASE – 12 V – 65 l/h with automatic rinse

Maintenance Kit (anodes, led, fuses, hydro-lube rings etc)

20L water heater, 220V supply and via engine heat exchanger

Custom welded plastic water and fuel tanks

2 automatic electric bilge pumps with switch located at control panel

B&G Electronics Package Includes (example of installation): 

• Triton Navigation Pack and 2 displays
• Automatic Pilot on cylinder Lecomble and Schmitt with display
• VHF AIS transmitter and receiver
• Radar B&G HALO 20+ – 36NM range
• ZEUS 3S 9″ touch screen at the chart table
• Pilot remote control

Fusion bluetooth radio + 4 speakers

Lifting full body aluminum centreboard – NACA profile with manual lifting system

Twin helm stations in cockpit with twin self-aligning rudders

Commissioning includes: launching, masting & rigging adjustment, one day coaching & 5 days in the marina

Customized vinyl sticker with boat name + home port initials

The price  represents an example of  a fully equipped Ovni 370 with premium items for the long-distance sailor. 

SPECIFICaTIONS

• Architect : MORTAIN/MAVRIKIOS & CBA
• Material : Aluminum 5083 H111 and 6060 T6 profiles
• Hull Length : 11.95 m | 39.2 ft
• Length at Waterline : 11.40 m | 37.4 ft
• Maximum Beam : 3.99 m | 13.1 ft
• Air Draft : 16.7 m | 55 ft
• Draft with Centerboard Down : 3.08 m | 10.1 ft
• Draft with Centerboard Up : 0.92 m | 3 ft
• Light Displacement : 9,400 kg | 20,723 lb
• Ballast Weight : 3,000 kg (6,613 lb) with a keel of 260 kg (551 lb)
• Water Tanks : 300 l | 79 gal
• Fuel Tank : 300 l | 79 gal
• Black Water Tank : 50 l | 13 gal
• Mainsail (classic / square top) : 36 m² (420 sq ft) / 42 m² (452 sq ft)
• Solent : 33 m² (355 sq ft)
• Engine : Nanni N4-38 27.6kW (40 hp) shaft drive
• C.E. Certification : Class A

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• Sell a boat

Aluminium centerboarder sailboats

Seen as the 4 wheel drive vehicle of the seas, aluminium centerboarders are an interesting choice for travelling, it is an internationnally accepted idea as a French shipyards speciality.

Accepting heavy loading due to their wide hull shapes, offering offshore safety thanks to the aluminium strength, allowing to go to the most beautiful moorings and go up rivers thanks to her centerboard. The most recent boats offer two rudders that providing more stability, requiring less autopilot.

AYC, the choice of seamen

• Grand Soleil
• Long trips yacht
• Used powerboat
• Cruise catamaran
• Aluminium sailboat
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Mary blue iii.

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David Walters Yachts

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Garcia 63 MARY BLUE III 

Built in aluminium and designed by the famous Berret-Racoupeau architects, MARY BLUE III has been developed for real world-wide navigation as a fast and safe sailing yacht capable to anchor in the most remoted areas, thanks to her lifting dagger board and twin rudder offering a minimum draft of 1,45 m.

Entirely refitted during Summer 2023 by a famous shipyard, with a new engine and shaft line, new electrical system, new plumber, new hydraulic system for the transom door, new electronic and a lot more, MARY BLUE III is ready to go again at sea without no work anymore. The cockpit area is completely closed with a hard top structure where you find a navigation desk and engine control.

This yacht is now looking for a new life on the ocean!

This listing is courtesy of the BoatWizard MLS and may be centrally listed with another broker. It is offered as a convenience by David Walters Yachts to its clients and is not intended to convey representation of a particular vessel.

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Out of the Centre

Savvino-storozhevsky monastery and museum.

Zvenigorod's most famous sight is the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery, which was founded in 1398 by the monk Savva from the Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, at the invitation and with the support of Prince Yury Dmitrievich of Zvenigorod. Savva was later canonised as St Sabbas (Savva) of Storozhev. The monastery late flourished under the reign of Tsar Alexis, who chose the monastery as his family church and often went on pilgrimage there and made lots of donations to it. Most of the monastery’s buildings date from this time. The monastery is heavily fortified with thick walls and six towers, the most impressive of which is the Krasny Tower which also serves as the eastern entrance. The monastery was closed in 1918 and only reopened in 1995. In 1998 Patriarch Alexius II took part in a service to return the relics of St Sabbas to the monastery. Today the monastery has the status of a stauropegic monastery, which is second in status to a lavra. In addition to being a working monastery, it also holds the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum.

Belfry and Neighbouring Churches

Located near the main entrance is the monastery's belfry which is perhaps the calling card of the monastery due to its uniqueness. It was built in the 1650s and the St Sergius of Radonezh’s Church was opened on the middle tier in the mid-17th century, although it was originally dedicated to the Trinity. The belfry's 35-tonne Great Bladgovestny Bell fell in 1941 and was only restored and returned in 2003. Attached to the belfry is a large refectory and the Transfiguration Church, both of which were built on the orders of Tsar Alexis in the 1650s.  

To the left of the belfry is another, smaller, refectory which is attached to the Trinity Gate-Church, which was also constructed in the 1650s on the orders of Tsar Alexis who made it his own family church. The church is elaborately decorated with colourful trims and underneath the archway is a beautiful 19th century fresco.

Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is the oldest building in the monastery and among the oldest buildings in the Moscow Region. It was built between 1404 and 1405 during the lifetime of St Sabbas and using the funds of Prince Yury of Zvenigorod. The white-stone cathedral is a standard four-pillar design with a single golden dome. After the death of St Sabbas he was interred in the cathedral and a new altar dedicated to him was added.

Under the reign of Tsar Alexis the cathedral was decorated with frescoes by Stepan Ryazanets, some of which remain today. Tsar Alexis also presented the cathedral with a five-tier iconostasis, the top row of icons have been preserved.

Tsaritsa's Chambers

The Nativity of Virgin Mary Cathedral is located between the Tsaritsa's Chambers of the left and the Palace of Tsar Alexis on the right. The Tsaritsa's Chambers were built in the mid-17th century for the wife of Tsar Alexey - Tsaritsa Maria Ilinichna Miloskavskaya. The design of the building is influenced by the ancient Russian architectural style. Is prettier than the Tsar's chambers opposite, being red in colour with elaborately decorated window frames and entrance.

At present the Tsaritsa's Chambers houses the Zvenigorod Historical, Architectural and Art Museum. Among its displays is an accurate recreation of the interior of a noble lady's chambers including furniture, decorations and a decorated tiled oven, and an exhibition on the history of Zvenigorod and the monastery.

Palace of Tsar Alexis

The Palace of Tsar Alexis was built in the 1650s and is now one of the best surviving examples of non-religious architecture of that era. It was built especially for Tsar Alexis who often visited the monastery on religious pilgrimages. Its most striking feature is its pretty row of nine chimney spouts which resemble towers.

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