The New Lagoons Arrive –

On the Tuesday following this winter’s Strictly Sail Miami boat show, the two Lagoons that debuted at the show were cut loose from the docks so we could get a chance to sail the innovative new designs from the world’s leading builder of cruising cats.

Despite the ongoing recession in new boat sales worldwide, Lagoon—like its sister companies in Groupe Beneteau—has made a commitment to introducing new models that steadily advance the way we think about catamaran cruising. Renowned French multihull designers VPLP have designed the new boats so the hulls, which are roomy, have good fast shapes that allow them to sail well.

NEW THOUGHTS ABOUT CATS
Probably the biggest change in the new Lagoons is the rigs. You can see in the photographs that VPLP has moved the mast well aft instead of placing it right on top of the forward main bulkhead. By reducing the mainsail in size and increasing the size of the genoa, the designers have made the boats easier to sail with the same or better performance.

To give the new designs a unique look that enhances the brand, a look that is both familiar and thoroughly new, Lagoon turned to famed French designer Patrick le Quement who made his name in automobile styling and is on the board of The Sustainable Design School.

The look le Quement delivered is certainly all Lagoon, but with a modernist twist. The three signature elements of the new design are, first, the integral cockpit hardtop that flows seamlessly into the line of the cabin top. Second are the plumb bows that give the new boats a jaunty, purposeful look while extending the waterlines for added speed. And, third, is the distinctive bevel that has been built into the bows and hull deck connection; this detail reduces the height of the hulls and smooths out the look from the side.

Because of the change to the rig and to make sure the boats are as safe as possible, Lagoon had to come up with a way to support the mast on top of the bridgedeck instead of at the forward bulkhead. The solution was to create a massive structural grid in the bridgedeck with a large fiberglass girder running from the aft to the forward main bulkheads that is in turn secured to the hulls on both sides with lateral stringers.

Reports from the crew that sailed the 52 across the Atlantic from France to Miami are that they have never sailed a stiffer catamaran, even in big ocean waves.

SAILING THE 39
We picked up the 39 in Miami’s Government Cut and motorsailed out into the open ocean where we hoisted the small main and rolled out the genoa. The wind had been piping all morning but by the time we got out there it had moderated to 15 knots and the lumpy seas were calming down. It was one of those perfect Miami days with warm sun, a good breeze and puffy trade wind clouds. And, to the west, the loom of possible thunderstorms gathered over the Everglades.

The 39’s raised steering station on the starboard side of the cockpit has a comfortable double seat and offers good visibility forward. All sheets and control lines are led to the helm through clutches and are trimmed using an electric winch. With this set up, the 39 is very easy for one person to sail. That’s what we did. While the crew ate lunch, we hoisted the mainsail, rolled out the genoa and took off for a lovely sail along Miami Beach.

The 39 sails upwind best at about 50 degrees off the true wind and makes a slight touch of leeway when close hauled. But, it likes to sail quickly so we were seeing steady sevens on the GPS as we rode easily through the swells and chop. Throwing the cat through a few tacks, we confirmed that 50 degrees is indeed the right angle upwind and that she will tack sensibly through 100 degrees. I was able to tack her myself as the jib was self tacking. On our way back toward the cut and Miami Beach Marina, we eased sheets and felt the 39 really pick up speed yet she was incredibly easy for a single person to manage. We brought her into the marina and easily docked her using the twin engines. You can just about make a cruising cat crab sideways up to a dock or spin in its own length while maneuvering in tight quarters. The 39 was no exception.

The new 39 was designed to fit into the Lagoon line between the 380 and 4000S2. Almost 700 380s have been built, making it one of the most popular cruising cats in the world. The 39, with the company’s new design thinking and its position in a sweet spot in the market, should become as popular as the previous model.

The 39 has four layout options. The two cabin owner’s version can be built as either the standard model or upgraded to a very well equipped Premium version. You can have the boat built with three sleeping cabins for families with children. Or, if you sail with lots of friends or want to put the boat into charter you can have a four cabin version.

The 39 is a very comfortable boat and offers a lot of amenities for its size. There is an outside table in the cockpit that will seat six and a table in the saloon that will also seat six. The galley to port faces aft and has a large opening window so those preparing meals can still chat with those in the cockpit and drinks and plates can be passed back and forth with ease. The nav station is also to port and faces sideways; visibility from here is excellent so this will be a good place for standing night watches. The boat is finished with a light colored, attractive Alpi wood veneer, white ceilings and molding and light colored fabrics. With the huge windows in the saloon and large square windows in the cabins, the 39 is filled with natural light and effuses warmth and hominess. A couple or a family of three or four could very happily cruise the Lagoon 39 for days and weeks on end.

FLYING THE 52
The sun was getting a bit low when we got the Lagoon 52 away from the marina docks and headed out the cut toward the open sea. Compared to the 39, the 52 felt vast yet was similar to the little sister in many ways. The bigger boat has the same rig with the mast placed quite far aft and the headsail set up to be self tacking. Still, the mainsail was large and required serious effort from the electric winch to get it hoisted and quite a lot of thumb pressure on t

S & S 30 •

For those who may have forgotten, Olin Stephens was the Twentieth Century’s resident genius of yacht design, our own nautical Da Vinci. In every aspect of the sailing game from dinghies like the Lightning to offshore racers like Finisterre to America’s Cup defenders, Stephens created fast boats that were always a step ahead of their time.

Some years ago, when asked which of his designs he would like to see brought back and renewed, Stephens immediately suggested design number 97, a 30 foot racer-cruiser named Babe. Designed and build in 1935, Babe was a noted performer in coastal and offshore races—yes, regular people used to race 30 footers offshore. And, she was an able, compact coastal cruiser for a couple or small family.

The new boat, which is the brain child of yacht dealer and broker Glenn Walters, founder of Bluenose Yacht Sales, takes the pretty lines of the original design, including the thoroughly modern plumb bow and square transom, both of which look current by today’s standards, and marries them to a new underwater profile that includes a shallow hull form, bulbed fin keel and spade rudder. Plus, with a high-tech, cored hull, the 30 is both light and very stiff.

Up top, the 30 has been given an aggressive rig with a tall, full roach, slab reefing mainsail and a 100-percent self tacking, roller furling jib. A Selden top-down furler is used for the asymmetrical spinnaker.

The result is a new boat that is truly the best of both worlds. The hull looks sweet and right, like most of Stephens’ designs. The rig has the horsepower to make the boat sprightly to sail and competitive around the buoys. And, the interior is large enough for a family of four to enjoy a weekend cruise.

SAIL TRIAL
We met up with Glenn Walters in Miami after the Strictly Sail Miami show and had the chance to take a brief sail in the flat waters of Government Cut. We motored from the Miami Beach Marina, with the little 14-horsepower diesel and saildrive shunting us along easily and, once in the channel, hoisted the mainsail and rolled out the jib.

With the engine switched off and a fair breeze blowing into the cut, the 30 reacted immediately to the press of sail. The 30 is quite narrow by modern standards, similar in some ways to the modern fleet of J Boats, so the hull is very easily driven. We sheeted in the main, trimmed the self tacking jib and away we sailed, carving a course very close to the wind.

If you haven’t sailed a boat with a tiller in a while, we have to say that this is how a little thoroughbred should be steered. With the wind puffing and gusting between the condo towers, the tiller gave an immediate and visceral feel for how the boat was performing and allowed us to feel the puffs and steer up and through them without having to think about it.

We threw the 30 through a few tacks and noted that she was able to hold happily at about 40 degrees from the true wind and tacked through about 80 degrees. The self tacking jib makes tacking effortless. The mainsail is rigged with a four-part tackle that gives you plenty of mechanical advantage and it has a fine-tuning tackle that lets you trim in minute detail. The traveler runs across the cockpit so you can power the big mainsail up and down as the breeze dictates.

We didn’t get a chance to sail with the spinnaker flying, but we did sail next to the 30 when it had the chute up and noted with pleasure that the boat is very quick and lively. And, with two people aboard, the spinnaker with the top down furler is a cinch to fly.

There are some other good boats in this category, such as the Morris 29, Alerion 28 or the J/100 and each has its own characteristics. When it comes to pure sailing, the new S&S 30, with its long waterline and slippery hull form, will certainly hold its own with all of these and in the right hands will be a winner around a race course or in point to point events. After all, Babe won the 184-mile Miami to Nassau Race in 1936 and 1937, the same years another pint-sized thoroughbred, Seabiscuit, won his first races.

CREATURE COMFORTS
The S&S 30 has a large, comfortable cockpit. In the days when the first Babe was drawn, her owners would have said, “she drinks eight, eats six and sleeps four.”

The cabin house is low and fits neatly onto the hull, yet it offers a surprising amount of space and headroom below decks. The cabin has bench settees on both sides and a small galley forward with a stainless steel sink and room for a portable cook stove.

The head is enclosed in its own compartment for a modicum of privacy and forward there is a large V-berth. The hull is lined with a fiberglass ceiling that looks like old fashioned planking. There are cabinets and small storage lockers for essential gear and clothing and tanks for water, fuel and waste water.

With bunks for four people, you could certainly take the S&S cruising and would have a fine time exploring your nearby coastlines, coves and harbors. And, for longer runs, you could even store your small inflatable dinghy on the afterdeck.

A pretty and sweet sailing newcomer in the daysailer and weekender fleet, the S&S 30 is easy on the eye, fun to sail and capable of taking you around the buoys or around the islands in real style at a price that won’t make your banker hiccup.

S&S 30
LOA 30’6”
LWL 27’6”
Beam 8’3”
Draft 5’6”
Displ. 5,640 lbs.
Water 12 gals.
Fuel 13 gals.
Waste 6 gals.
Sail area 462 sq, ft.

Bluenose Yachts Sales
Newport, RI and South Portland, ME
Ph: (877) 695-6538
www.bluenoseyachts.com

Hunter 40 •

Last year, when Hunter filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was subsequently purchased by Marlow Acquisitions, LLC, it was hard to see what direction the new company would be headed. The big question within the industry was will this be a Hunter of the past or will the new owner, who builds cruising trawlers in China, take the company in a different direction? With that in mind, I arrived to test sail the new Hunter 40 in Annapolis, Maryland, and came away with a positive understanding of what Marlow-Hunter, LLC, has on the horizon.

Having sailed quite a few brand new Hunters over the years—ranging from the 36 to the 50 and most recently the newest Hunter 39—I thought I knew what to expect before meeting up with Steve Pettengill to give the newly minted Hunter 40 a test drive. I was wrong.

Walking up to the boat, I could clearly tell this wasn’t a Hunter of old, as a host of new features caught my eye before stepping aboard: hard chines, razor sharp cabin windows, a hard Targa top, a fold-down swim platform and a beautiful blue hull with contrasting tan decks. This boat looked like a Hunter, but with a whole new attitude. Clearly, the fresh look is not only a celebration of Hunter’s 40th year of boat building, but a sign of the direction the new company is headed.

Steve and I chatted about the design and evolution of the 40 as we motored our way through anchored boats and out of Back Creek. From our conversation, I got a sense that Hunter and their designers, chiefly Glenn Henderson, are making a concerted effort to breathe new life into their products. To achieve that goal, they are taking what they’ve learned in 40 years of boat building and design and incorporating recent industry trends to make a cruising boat that is fun to sail, easy to use and forgiving at sea, without breaking the bank.

SAILING TRIALS
Once we cleared the channel, Steve passed me the helm and I took us up into a stiff northeasterly breeze to roll out the main. The control lines, led from the deck-stepped Selden mast and in-mast furling mainsail, run neatly back to the cockpit, which allowed Steve to make quick work of rolling out the vertically battened Doyle mainsail. When the loose-foot was trimmed tight, I fell off the wind to get the main drawing and shut down the 40 horsepower Yanmar diesel. We then rolled out the 110-percent jib and, as Steve trimmed for a close-hauled course, the 40 gently healed and accelerated.

With the wind at a steady 18 knots and gusting to 25, I wanted to see how this blue beauty handled going to weather and positioned myself to leeward at the starboard helm for a clear view of the tell tales. This was one of the first test sails on the boat, so Steve spent time tweaking leech lines on both sails before settling into one of the stern seats to enjoy the ride.

I rarely expect in-mast furling mainsails to perform well in the wind range we had, so I was surprised as we clipped upwind at an easy 7 knots at 45 degrees off the wind. The boat pushed hard, yet forgivingly, to weather and I could tell the hard-chines gave the 40 a little more stability than her predecessors.

We decided to throw in a couple tacks and as the bow moved through the wind it was easy for the two of us to get the jib trimmed in a timely manner. The cockpit of the 40 is similar to Hunters of recent past, sporting a stainless steel arch with a redundant mainsheet, which gives crew the ability to trim from the helm or at an electric winch to starboard of the companionway. The jib sheets are led aft to well-placed winches near the helms and halyard and control lines are conveniently located within arms reach under the dodger, all making for seamless line handling.

Like all newer Hunters, the 40 has a B&R rig with swept-back spreaders that eliminates the need for a backstay and allows for a high-roach, full battened mainsail if the buyer opts to go with a standard main. In the breeze we had, I felt that any extra mainsail area would have given us just a tad too much weather helm, but a single reef would have kept the rail out of the water.

After tacking upwind, I wanted to fall off onto a reach and Steve obliged by trimming the sails as needed. On a beam reach, we effortlessly hit the boat’s hull speed of 8 knots and I hooted-and-hollered as we got close to 9. When broad reaching, the 40 had a nice feel to it and we settled in before putting the boat through a few jibes. Once again, sail handling was smooth and I enjoyed how the arch configuration kept the mainsheet and boom well above the heads of the crew, especially in the moderate to heavy wind.

Though it may have been the last thing we wanted to do given the breeze, we reached towards Back Creek to test the new Spade anchor hanging on the bow roller. After rolling the sails up just as easily as they came out, we turned into the wind, stopped the boat and dropped the anchor over the bow. As the wind blew us down, we rolled out the anchor and chain, which made a quick and abrupt grab that snapped the bow back up into the wind. We don’t often anchor on test sails and I was happy with both the Spade anchor and Lewmar windlass in releasing and retrieving our ground tackle.

When the hook was firmly set, we tested out the fold down transom, which is a first for Hunter. The platform size is generous and Hunter has creatively designed a ladder that is swimmer friendly and stows away smartly. The platform itself was easy to deploy and retrieve and is a perfect height to swim from or to load and unload from a dinghy.

I was still at the helm as we entered Back Creek and I wanted to see what the boat could do under power. With the 40 horse power Yanmar and saildrive, I powered up and we quickly hit 7 knots of boat speed. After whipping by anchored boats at a good clip, I slowed down to see how well the boat would back-and-fill in a tight space without a bow thruster. Much to the chagrin of the occupants on nearby anchored boats, I spun the 40 around like a ballerina in nearly her own length, then zigged-and-zagged in reverse to get a feel for her handling.

Overall the Hunter 40 was a spirited sailing boat on all points and my pre-conceived notions from other Hunters were proven wrong as the hard chine provided more stability than her D/L ratio of 183 suggests. With an SA/D of 20.38 she is a relatively sporty boat that sails fast and would probably do just as well in light air as in the breeze we had. Under power the 40 operated with ease and I would have felt comfortable backing into a narrow slip or making a hairpin turn in a tight fairway.

LIVING ABOARD
The style shift for Hunter continued below decks as what I thought would be a standard interior from their previous models gave way to a living space that clearly got a joinery upgrade. The first thing that caught my eye when I stepped down the companionway was the hardwood cabin sole. Gone were the shiny laminate floors that had a nice appearance, but turned into an ice skating rink when wet—which I experienced first-hand a few years back during a particularly rough delivery. The new hardwood sole was impressive as I lifted it to poke around the bilge, not only was it more stout and better fitting, but it looked much cleaner as well.

The Hunter 40 comes in two cabin configurations, a standard two-cabin layout with a v-berth and large aft cabin, or a three-cabin version with a v-berth and two aft cabins. The boat I sailed was the two-cabin version and from first inspection it would be hard to choose between them, as they are both roomy with plenty of storage and good access to heads and showers. Aft cabins are typically not blessed with an abundance of headroom above the bunk, but the 40’s aft cabin had a good bit more than I expected. Hanging lockers to port and starboard, plus storage bins on either side of the island queen berth make for enough space to house gear and clothing for a long weekend or a month. Direct access to the head and shower on the port side give the cabin a functional walk-through style and the easy engine access from this cabin will appease any discerning engineer.

From the companionway, an L-shaped galley is set to starboard and the navigation table is to port. Corian countertops give the galley a nice aesthetic touch and separate refrigerator and freezer units offer plenty of room for food and drinks. Above the counter is Hunter’s unique storage cabinet that is fitted with a small fan and LED light that acts as a dryer and dish storage rack. Forward of the galley is a U-shaped dinette to starboard with a table that drops down to make an extra bunk and a settee to port with storage cabinets above. Large windows and hatches make for good lighting and ventilation and handholds on both sides allow you to move forward and aft with ease while underway.

Just like the aft cabin, the forward cabin is another comfortable living space. With a large centerline bunk, hanging lockers and cabinets for storage, a bench seat and direct access to a head and shower, you couldn’t ask for anything more in a guest cabin.

BWS’ THOUGHTS
After sailing this boat, I got a clear sense that while the Hunter 40 is similar to its recent relatives, there is clearly a change going on in the way the company is designing and building boats. With this new model, Hunter has borrowed some popular features from their previous designs—the overhead arch and B&R rig to name two–and added a handful of new features—the cabin sole, hard chines, hard top and fold down transom—to give the boat a fresh and appealing look. I envision the Hunter 40 as an excellent coastal cruising boat for a family or a couple, and like with most Hunters in this size range, the 40 is clean, easy to use and comes in at a price point that will make any potential buyer happy.

Hunter 40
LOA 40’0”
LWL 36’3”
Beam 13’2”
Draft 5’2” (shoal)
Draft 6’8” (deep)
Displ. 19,700 bs
Mast height 61’9”
Sail area 1,006 sq. ft.
Fuel 50 gals.
Water 90 gals.
Holding 40 gals.
Engine 40-hp diesel

Marlow-Hunter Sailboats
Route 441, Post Office Box 1030
Alachua, Florida USA 32616
www.marlow-hunter.com

Tartan Fantail 26 •  The new daysailer-weekender from Tartan Yachts packs a lot of performance in a compact package.

We had our first look at the new Tartan Fantail 26 at the Annapolis sailboat show last fall, and we must admit—of all the boats we planned to test after the show, the little 26-footer was one we really looked forward to sailing.

Tartan hasn’t built boats under 30 feet in many years, so this new Tim Jackett design is an interesting development. The company started life in the 60s with the Tartan 27 and later came out with the racing Tartan 26. But since then, the trend has been to build larger, more luxurious cruisers and racer-cruisers.

With the crew from Tartan aboard, we set off from the docks under power. This is a big part of the Fantail story—the boat was conceived to be “green” and is powered by a Torqeedo electric outboard. The engine is mounted inside the lazarette and can kick up out of the water when under sail. Under power in the down position, the little engine pushes the Fantail along at a good clip. Torqeedo engines have a lot of torque, so you feel the acceleration as soon as you push the throttle forward.

Technically, the Torqeedo is a very interesting propulsion system for a small sailboat. The throttle and gear shifter is linked to a GPS and has a small LED readout that gives you course, speed and remaining powering range. The electric motor is powered by two 4D AGM batteries and a third Group 27 battery is used to power onboard systems such as running lights, reading lights and electronics. With a full charge, the motor will drive the boat at half speed or about 4 knots for 16 hours before the batteries need to be charged again. Tartan provides a shore-power battery charging system and, for those who will keep their boats on moorings, they offer wind and solar charging systems as options.

Once we motored down Back Creek and into the bay, we hoisted the big mainsail and shut down the Torqeedo and tilted it out of the water. Under mainsail alone, the Fantail slipped along nicely; with the addition of the small, self-tacking jib, the boat really put her shoulder down and started to move.

The late afternoon breeze was fairly light but steady at about 8 knots. This was a perfect wind for the Fantail. Sailing upwind, she tacked at about 40 degrees from the true wind and was able to maintain about 5 knots. Tacking the Fantail involves nothing more than steering the boat through the eye of the wind and settling onto the new angle.

We tacked up the Severn River next to the U.S. Naval Academy and then turned to run back out into the Chesapeake Bay. With the wind behind us, we rolled up the jib, deployed the retractable bowsprit and hoisted a big asymmetrical chute. The response was immediate as the 26-footer took off like a rocket.

THE DESIGN
The design of the Fantail is a pleasing mixture of traditional good looks with a modern fin keel, spade rudder configuration under the water. The keel is fitted with a lead ballast bulb that lowers the boat’s center of gravity and improves stiffness so it will stand up to a blow and sail at low heeling angles.

The boat’s bow is nearly plumb and the sprit is housed in a tube built into the bow on the centerline, not to one side. This complicates the build a bit but is the better way to go and looks just right with the sprit all the way in or out. Control lines for the sprit run under the deck to line clutches in the cockpit.

The boat has a traditional counter and stern that looks handsome and provides the locker space aft of the cockpit to house the Torqeedo. The daysailer and weekender versions of the boat come with handsome teak toe rails, cockpit trim and companionway trim. On the boat we sailed, the teak had been left natural. For those wanting true yacht style, a few coats of varnish on the teak trim would add some flair.

The cockpit is nine feet long, so four adults can fit comfortably and still manage the sheets and control lines without getting in each other’s way. The self-tacking jib certainly reduces sheet clutter in the cockpit. The main sheet is all the way aft, where it is handy to the helm.

The design of the hull and the height of the topsides are configured to allow you to sit in the boat securely instead of being perched on deck and to sit on the bunks below decks without bumping your head. The cockpit seatbacks are contoured to provide support and comfort. Tartan offers cockpit canvas as an option. With a dodger fitted over the companionway, you will feel very secure in the cockpit and will be able to get out of the wind and spray.

DOWN BELOW
We sailed the daysailer version, which has a low cabin and a small interior. Down below there was a V-berth all the way forward that would be fine for an overnight with sleeping bags—camping style. There is space for a 48-quart, 12-volt cooler, a porta-potty, and gear and equipment. The spinnaker lives in the V-berth when not in use.

The weekender version of the Fantail has a larger cabintop, more headroom below, and a finer level of finish and trim detailing. Plus, it can have a proper marine head with a holding tank and pump-out deck fitting. For weekend cruising, you can add a small galley unit that has an alcohol stove.

With the big chute drawing nicely, we sailed the Fantail right out into the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, making a steady 6 knots and getting over 7 in the puffs. The helm was light to the touch, but because the sail we were using was a tad on the large side, we had to pay attention to avoid rounding up in the stronger puffs, as you would on any small boat with a high aspect spade rudder under a press of sail. By keeping the sailing angle quite low, we were able to get her going as if on rails.

We have something of a soft spot for smaller Tartan designs since we grew up sailing a Tartan 27—parents and three large sons—all over New England as we cruised to PHRF regattas, raced over weekends and then sailed home again. The new Fantail updates the concept by a country mile. The Fantail 26 is less of a cruising boat than a fine daysailer and weekender, which suits today’s sailing styles. Yet, you could take the weekender off for a week at a time and have a very pleasant small boat cruising experience.

By the time we got the Fantail back to the dock, we had enjoyed an excellent sail aboard a sweet little boat that exceeded our expectations. For 2012, the Fantail is one of the finest new boats to come on the scene.

Tartan Fantail 26
LOA 26’0”
LWL 22’2”
Beam 8’5”
Draft 4’6”
Displacement 3,050 lbs.
Ballast 1,200 lbs.
Ballast/Displ .39
Displ/LWL 125.6

Tartan Yachts
www.tartantachts.com
440-392-2628

Beneteau Sense 46 •

As I stepped out of the car, clouds hurried across the sky, giving way to sunshine and what promised to be a picture-perfect day to sail the new Beneteau Sense 46 in Annapolis, MD. With hard chines, a generous beam and large cockpit, it was easy to spot the Sense 46 from the parking lot. Up close, the boat looked as though it could sail well and carry all of my friends, family and co-workers at the same time.

The Sense 46, which rounds out a fleet that includes the 43, 50 and 55, had debuted just days earlier at the United States Sailboat Show. I was happy to climb aboard for the first time, as I had failed at several prior attempts during the show due to a constant crowd.

Glistening as the sun worked to dry off the morning dew, I walked the deck while we motored out and could not help but feel seduced by the boat’s clean and functional layout of running and standing rigging. The mainsheet is out of the way, conveniently located on an arch above the companionway, and halyards and control lines are led aft under the deck to well-placed clutches and winches that make for easy sail handling when shorthanded.

After picking up a few extra crew members, we rolled the sails out and were soon slaloming our way through anchored boats in Annapolis Harbor. The breeze was at a consistent 15 knots and we smoothly reached downwind away from the waterfront. With five of us in the cockpit, there was plenty of room to spread out and we tucked in a few jibes before turning upwind to see what this beamy broad could do close-hauled.

The 46’s beautifully cut radial mainsail and slightly overlapping genoa efficiently devoured every bit of wind coming at us. The boat we sailed had a roller furling main and genoa, though there are several sail plan options including a full-batten main with lazy jacks and a lazy bag, a code zero, an asymmetric spinnaker with sock, and an inner forestay with a self-tacking staysail.

With just a slight heel, we turned 15 knots of true wind into an effortless 6 to 7 knots of boat speed. Taking every wind shift that came off the Naval Academy in stride, the 46 easily tacked between 90 degrees and I was astounded at how quickly this 14.5-foot wide, 26,000-pound boat accelerated each time the jib was trimmed on our new course. This immense stability and responsiveness were part of the strategy laid out by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design when they sat down to design the Sense fleet. With an LWL of 42’5’’, a wide beam and hard chines, the designers clearly meant for this to be a fast and stable boat. In creating the Sense series they are really trying to attract boat buyers who might be looking towards a catamaran, and in my mind, they’ve come about as close as you can in matching the stability of a multihull.

Not only was I thoroughly impressed by the Sense’s stability and performance, but I marveled at how easy she was to steer. I positioned myself to leeward so I could get a clear view of the telltales, and with just a few fingers on the helm, I steered the boat upwind. I couldn’t help but think I wasn’t doing much as it seemed the Sense was driving itself—I was merely there as a guide. I wondered aloud if the boat had twin rudders and was told it does, which made sense as steering seemed almost too easy.

Though I didn’t want the ride to end, we sailed back for the channel, fired up the 75-horsepower Yanmar and made quick work of putting the sails to bed. In the flat water of Back Creek I gave the 46 some power and we easily jumped up to 7 knots of boat speed. Fitted with Beneteau’s joystick “dock and go” system, sail drive and bow thruster, the boat was incredibly easy to maneuver under power in a tight space. I was charged with the task of backing into a slip that the Sense’s beam made look very narrow, but even with a stiff crosswind she handled easily in reverse and I only needed one slight touch on the bow thruster to keep us in line.

The Sense 46 was a fun and easy boat to sail. I have sailed a lot of newer boats in this size range and the 46 clearly has a uniquely stable design. I was impressed with her upwind and downwind performance and ease of handling under power. I can definitely see this boat doing as well as her fleetmates.

LIVING ABOARD
Space is not at a premium on the Sense 46. Starting with a huge open cockpit, it just gets better as you go forward. Keeping with the desire to lure potential catamaran and powerboat buyers, the designer of the Sense series split the boat into three distinct living spaces—a patio-esqe after deck, a communal living room and galley amidships, and two private sleeping cabins and heads forward.

Because the beam is carried so far aft, the cockpit becomes a spacious area not only for sailing the boat, but for entertaining as well. I can easily imagine this boat parked in a far-flung anchorage with a dozen dinghies attached to the stern and a party of people enjoying a sunset.

Not only is the cockpit a great place for entertaining, but it is also functional. The winches and lines are placed in easy to get to (and trim from) locations, and the helmsman has multiple steering options, including port and starboard two-height adjustable steering seats. The stern access for swimming and getting in and out of a dinghy is one of the best I have seen on boats in this size range. Also, because the boat does not have starboard and port aft cabins, there is abundant storage space on deck, including a locker to store gas, a liferaft storage compartment, and space for a generator (which we had).

Moving forward into the saloon and galley, you take a couple easy steps down and are instantly dazzled by the top-notch interior design done by Nauta Design. The lighting is soft and comfortable, with LEDs used throughout and large windows and hatches that let in an abundance of fresh air and sunlight. The Fruitwood Alpi joinery adds to the light and airy feel and perfectly compliments the cutting edge Euro styling. The interior headroom ranges from 6’1” to 6’7”, and handholds are well placed for moving around the cabin while underway or in a rolling anchorage.

To port is an inline galley with a substantial amount of counter space, top-loading fridge, two-basin sink and plenty of storage. The rest of the saloon is well laid out, with a large, U-shaped settee, functional nav station with a 15-degree tilting seat to compensate for heel, and a center island perfect for leaning against while cooking at sea or holding onto as you pass forward. Plus, it has more storage space and can be fitted with a flatscreen TV that pops up from the inside.

Forward of the saloon are two staterooms and heads. The guest cabin is to port with a queen-size berth and an en suite shower room and sink. Across to starboard are the head and another sink—easily accessible for visitors. The forward cabin is clearly the owner’s suite and features an island berth and an en suite head and shower. Large windows to port and starboard, coupled with a hatch above the bed, give the cabin a nice open feel. Hanging lockers, cubbyholes and cupboards are well placed in each cabin and offer enough space to store clothing for a week or a year.

BWS THOUGHTS
Beneteau clearly has something good on their hands with the Sense 46. The boat exceeded my expectations in terms of sailing ability, and the open aspects of its design—both inside and out—really caught my eye. I envision this boat as an excellent family cruiser, and every owner will want to invite friends out for afternoons and weekends of smooth sailing.

The Sense series is certainly unique, and discerning buyers who take a good look at its features and design will fall in love. And when they do, I hope they invite me along for a sail!Andrew Cross is a USCG licensed captain and US Sailing certified sailing and navigation instructor. After putting thousands of miles under his keel on the East Coast and in the Caribbean, he and his wife Jill now reside in Seattle on their Grand Soleil 39, Yahtzee. Catch more of Andrew’s expertise in each week’s edition of www.cruisingcompass.com.

Beneteau Sense 46
LOA46’4’’
LWL45’4’’
Beam14’6’’
Draft6’9”
Draft (shoal)5’9”
Displ.26,007 lbs
Sail area1072 sq. ft.
Fuel 106 gals.
Water182 gals.
Engine 75 hp

Beneteau USA
1313 West Hwy 76
Marion, SC 29571
843-629-5300
www.beneteauusa.com

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS •

The October afternoon we set off from the docks in Back Creek near Annapolis, we had aboard Jeanneau America president Paul Fenn and national sales manager Jeff Jorgenson plus BWS’s new online editor Andrew Cross. Good sailing hands all around. Andy took the helm as we dropped the mooring lines and expertly backed the 41DS out of the marina and into the channel, then spun it around and put the throttle down as we headed down creek and into the Chesapeake Bay.

Under power, the 41DS handles easily and well. With a sail drive powered by the standard 40hp diesel, the prop is well positioned to keep water pressure on the rudder, thus even at slow speeds the boat turns with assurance. Straight ahead, the boat will motor at 6.5 knots at a conservative 2000 rpms, yet will climb to her theoretical hull speed of 8.04 knots without much bother at 2800 rpms—just short of the maximum we noted given the fixed three bladed prop.

Out in the bay we rolled out the mainsail and then headed off to roll out the jib. As we did this we made use of the electric winch on the cabintop to haul out the main’s clew and then trimmed the main with the cool new reversing sheet winches built by Harken. The mainsail has been set up with a double-ended main sheet that tails to sheet winches at both helms (the 41 has twin wheels). This arrangement allows the helmsman to trim the main from either wheel, and the reversing winch action allows him to do so with the push of a button—in or out.

With battenless mainsail drawing, we next rolled out the 106 jib and sheeted it in. There is a story about the small size of the jib that has a lot to do with the action of the reversing sheet winches. In the not too distant future, you will be able to instruct your autopilot to tack. The instruments will change the helm appropriately and then ease the working, leeward sheet while the windward winch grinds in the new sheet as the boat’s bow passes through the eye of the wind. What you have is a self-tacking sloop with a slightly overlapping jib. This is new technology that Harken and the major electronics companies are working on in order to make sailing simpler and easier.

With the sails drawing, we hardened up onto the wind and trimmed for close-hauled sailing. The main was fairly flat, so we could crank it in to an impressive degree. The jib, with tight sheeting angles to the genoa cars on tracks on top of the cabin house, was a handsome blade sail that trimmed up well and gave the boat a remarkably close sailing angle of 40 degrees true wind. In the 10 to 12 knots of breeze, we were able to eek out nearly 7 knots upwind.

As we fell off the wind we could feel the 41 make use of her highly efficient hull despite the lack of sail area in the headsail. For cruising, sailors would want to add a fairly flat cut reacher on a roller to give the 41 some sporty speed and deeper angles off the wind.

The 41DS showed itself to be a handy cruiser that motors well and maneuvers easily in tight quarters and a fine sailing design that is intended to make performance cruising easier than ever. This boat can certainly be handled by a couple and is also a cinch for those who sail alone.

THE DESIGN
Philippe Briand did the basic hull design work when he drew the lines for the Jeanneau 409. The 41DS uses the same hull, keel and rudder as the 409 but has been given an entirely different deck and interior. The 409 was one of the most successful new designs in Jeanneau’s line in recent years and has earned the reputation of being a quick and capable racer-cruiser.

The distinctive features of the hull are the nearly plumb bow, the forward-raking stern profile with a modest swim platform, and the hard chines in the after sections of the hull, which expand interior volume in the after cabins and add a touch of hull stability when power reaching.

On deck, the cockpit of the 41DS makes you feel like you are on a 45-footer, with twin wheels, a handsome teak table and long bench seats. The stern platform has a telescoping swim ladder, a locker for masks and snorkels, and a hand shower. The cockpit has a teak floor and inlaid teak in the seats. The helming positions from both sides are comfortable, secure and close to all sheets and winches.

The raised deck design creates a very secure cockpit as the coamings rise to meet the curved angle of the cabintop and form one simple arch profile. When you climb out to go forward, a well-placed teak step gets you to deck level. Going forward, the sidestays run to chainplates at the cabinside so they are not in your way. The foredeck is large enough to carry an eight-foot RIB upside down when on passage.

All in all, the cockpit and deck layouts are the result of extensive design experience that puts safety and sailing qualities on level footing with style and comfort.

The 41DS’s non-dimensional design numbers are right in the middle of production cruisers, with a displacement-to-length ratio of 166, a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 17.2 and length-to-beam ratio of 2.77.

LIVING ABOARD
The 41DS comes in only one version, with a master cabin aft featuring a huge double berth, a large en suite head and a separate shower. We tested the headroom of the berth since it is tucked under the cockpit sole, and yes—a six-foot human can sit up without banging his or her head.

The forward guest cabin is only slightly less elegant and commodious, with a double V-berth and a second large head and shower.

The saloon has an L-shaped galley to starboard at the foot of the companionway stairs; the galley has twin stainless steel sinks with a unique sink cover that folds back to offer a useful place to store cups and so forth in bouncy weather. The fridge is huge and the propane stove more than adequate for two couples living and eating aboard.

The dinette will seat six around the table with four on the fixed seats and two on a portable bench. Across from the dinette is a bench settee with the chart table at its after end.

The boat is illuminated during the day via a host of opening hatches and windows and at night by arrays of flush-mounted LEDs and LED lamps at the berths and chart tables. The interior spaces feel huge and bright and will make anyone comfortable, whether sailing offshore or moored to a marina.

The fit and finish of the new generation of Jeanneaus continues to impress with attention to detail and the depth of the seamanship that informs decisions about where to put things and how to build them—enough to make any owner proud.

BWS THOUGHTS
BWS was the first magazine in North America to test the new 41DS and the first to publish a review based on a test. And we feel honored to be the first to say that the new Jeanneau takes sound production building efficiencies and methods and uses them to create a new boat that can fulfill the sailing desires of almost any cruising couple.

The 41DS is easy and fun to sail and fast to boot. The cockpit is as comfortable as any you will find in this size range, and the sailing systems are innovative. Down below, the somewhat traditional interior (by modern Euro standards) will appeal to the American market, as will the overall quality of the craftsmanship that goes into the boat.

Like the 409 in the racer-cruiser slot of the market, the new 41DS promises to offer her owners a ton of great cruising at a price that is a very good value both today and in the future, when you may want to move up to a larger boat.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 41DS
LOA40’6”
LWL36’0”
Beam13’0”
Draft6’9”
Draft (shoal)5’0”
Displ.17,330 lbs.
Sail area720 sq. ft.
Water50 gals.
Holding40 gals.
Fuel40 gals.
Engine400hp
SA/D17.2
DL166
LWL/Beam
2.77

Jeanneau America, Inc.
105 Eastern Ave. Suite 202
Annapolis, MD 21403
410-280-9400
www.jeanneau.com

Blue Jacket 40 •

The new Blue Jacket 40 that is scheduled for launch in December is a unique project among American builders and promises to be one of the most interesting new boats to come along in years. Tim Jackett, who was CEO and chief designer of Tartan and C&C Yachts for many years, went out on his own last year after building more than 2,500 boats to his own designs. When Island Packet’s founder, CEO and chief designer Bob Johnson, who has also built about 2,500 yachts, heard that his old friend was setting up his own design shop, he made a phone call that got the ball rolling on a new line of performance cruisers to be built in Island Packet’s facilities in Largo, Florida.

The brief for the new design, called the Blue Jacket 40, was to create a true performance cruiser that would provide exhilarating sailing performance and acquit itself ably around the buoys and in point-to-point events while maintaining a level of cruising comfort that modern sailors, racers and cruisers have come to expect. No small task.

The result is a stylish, modern, fin keel, spade rudder sloop that benefits from the vast design and building experience of two of America’s premier yacht designers and builders. The hull has sleek lines with a fairly plumb bow, a nicely squared off transom and just a hint of a curve in the sheerline. The hull carries maximum beam fairly far aft so the cockpit and after cabins are as spacious as possible.

The numbers tell the tale of the Blue Jacket 40’s performance pedigree. The standard design with the deep keel has a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 21.8, which means the rig has plenty of horsepower. The displacement-to-length ratio of 172 puts the boat in the “moderately light” category and indicates that the design will be quick but should also have a pleasant motion going through and over waves. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of 39 percent indicates that the 40 will stand up nicely to the breeze and should easily convert pressure into boat speed.

The 40 has a double headsail or Solent rig with the self-tacking jib on a carbon fiber Hoyt Jib Boom. Forward of the jib, a reacher is fitted with the tack mounted on the small prod or sprit that has been built off the bow. For upwind sailing, the self-tacking jib will provide very close sheeting angles and effortless tacking. The reacher will be deployed when off the wind for maximum sail area and performance. Both sails are on Harken roller furling units and can be handled from the cockpit. The full battened mainsail is handled with a double-ended sheet from either side of the cockpit and furls neatly into a carbon fiber pocket-style boom.

The Blue Jacket 40 is being built by the craftsmen who build Island Packets, so we can expect to find very high quality and integrity in the boat. The hull and deck are vinylester-infused moldings with Divinycell foam cores. The hull is reinforced with a laminated grid and an interior molded unit stiffens the hull and anchors the bulkheads, tanks and chainplates. You will find a belt and suspenders approach throughout.

The new Blue Jacket 40 is a uniquely American sailing yacht that evokes the best in this country’s boat building traditions, and was drawn and is being built by two friends who between them have built more than 5,000 high quality, innovative, ocean sailing yachts. Look for a full review of the Blue Jacket 40 early in the New Year. For more information, contact Blue Jacket Yachts at 727-535-6431 or visit www.bluejacketyachts.com

Dufour 36P •

The summer afternoon we test-sailed the new Dufour 36 Performance was warm and clear and the promise of a sea breeze was turning steadily into a reality on the waters of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay.

With six of us aboard, including Olympic sailor and author Carol Cronin, we hoisted the big mainsail and rolled out the 114 percent working jib. The 36P, which displaces only 14,000 pounds, feels very nimble underfoot, and even though the breeze was still an hour away, the boat put her shoulder down as we sheeted in and accelerated very smartly.

With Carol at the helm, we threw the 36P through a series of tacks. We were pleased to see the new design tack through 33 degrees apparent wind while making 5.5 knots in 7 knots of true breeze. It’s always fun to do boat tests with a sailor like Carol aboard since she raises everyone’s game just by being there.

The twin wheels, which are mounted on diagonal pedestals, are fairly far outboard, so you have an excellent view ahead and of the headsail from both the leeward and windward sides. The fractional, slightly overlapping jib trims inside the sidestays, which allows for tight sheeting angles and very close-hauled sailing.

The cockpit has the main traveler running across the sole just forward of the wheels; the sheet is double-ended, which means you can trim from either side of the cockpit. The cockpit lockers are demountable so you can open up the cockpit when racing with a full crew or you can leave them installed when cruising. Aft, the low transom folds down to make a swim platform with a sturdy stainless steel ladder. A life raft can be stowed aft in a compartment under the cockpit sole.

It is not often that a builder supplies a spinnaker for sail trials, but the 36 Performance is designed to be a true dual-purpose boat, so we had a chute to fly. The big sail was in a snuffer, which made it simple to hoist and deploy. Tacked down to the retractable carbon bowsprit, the asymmetrical chute really pulled the 36P along sweetly. Sailing at about 150 degrees apparent, the boat sailed as if on rails and accelerated noticeably in the early puffs of the sea breeze.

All in all, the 36P was a true pleasure to sail. We did not get the chance to crank it up around a race course, but later in the summer the Dufour dealers at North Star Yachts and a crew took the 36P to the Buzzard’s Bay Regatta in Massachusetts and won the 22-mile distance race on the first day.

CRUISING ACCOMMODATIONS
The 36P has simple yet elegant accommodations for living aboard. The forward cabin has a V-berth with storage underneath and lockers for clothes. The after cabin has a large double berth and plenty of locker space; ventilation is via a large vertical hatch in the cockpit well.

The galley is surprisingly large for a 36-footer, with a Corian counter, double stainless steel sinks, a large fridge and a two-burner propane stove. Across from it is a large head compartment with an integral shower. The head is spacious enough to be a good wet locker for foul weather gear when racing or sailing in heavy weather.

The bench settees to port and starboard are long enough to be extra berths. Between them is a centerline table with drop leaves and a top-loading wine locker. The whole atmosphere below decks is bright and modern without being too Euro-trendy. The fixed ports in the hull and the cabin sides are long and narrow but let in a lot of light and provide a limited outside view when seated. Overhead white panels highlighted with wood battens provide a pleasant traditional yacht finish to the cabin.

Two couples will be very comfortable cruising aboard the 36P. For regattas, you can fit six with two sleeping forward separated by a bundling board, two in the saloon and two in the aft double. The boat can be raced with six, although you may want an extra body or two in windy conditions.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Designed by Italian Umberto Felci, the 36P has a distinctive look with a plumb bow, fairly plumb stern, very long waterline and flat sheer. The hull has a slight chine in the after sections that adds to hull volume aft and should add a bit of power when the boat is reaching.

Under the water the boat has a high aspect, cast iron fin keel with a standard depth of seven feet, two inches. A shoal draft keel is also available. The spade rudder has been designed with a semi-elliptical shape that gives it a good bite on the water and a great feel when sailing upwind in the groove.

The 9/10ths fractional rig, with two swept back spreaders, has an aluminum mast that is stepped on the top of the keel. The standing rigging is discontinuous stainless wire so you can tune the rig accurately. It comes with a rigid boom vang and a carbon sprit forward that fits neatly inside the starboard bow.

The hull is foam core above the waterline and solid composite below the waterline. Wide longitudinal stringers run the length of the hull on both sides just above the waterline, which adds to hull stiffness and strength. Inside the hull, the builders use a pan liner to add stiffness, which becomes the foundation for interior joinery and the engine mount, chain plates and keel bolts.

With a displacement of 14,000 pounds and a working sail area of 776 square feet, the 36P is fairly light and powerful. The sail area to displacement ratio is 21.6, which fits right into the racing end of the racer-cruiser fleet.

A solid, well built boat, the 36P benefits from Dufour’s long heritage building production boats and their more recent commitment to designing and building boats that sail better and faster than many production designs.

Dufour 36 Performance
LOA 36’0”
LWL 33’6”
Beam 11’10”
Draft 7’0”
Displ. 14,109 lbs.
Ballast 4,188
Sail area 776 sq. ft.
Mast height 57’8”
Engine 29 hp diesel
Water 53 gals.
Fuel 24 gals.
Holding 12 gals.

Dufour Yachts

Phone: 352-871-0362
eric.macklin@dufour-yachts.com

Morris M52 • A graceful Sparkman & Stephens design, the new M52 is a sailing craft of which dreams are made.

In an age when so many cruising boats are evolving toward hulls with large interior volumes, long waterlines and short rigs suitable for the Intracoastal Waterway, the new Morris M52 looks like a throwback to another simpler, more gilded age. With her long, sweeping sheer-line, graceful overhangs fore and aft, and low, squared-off cabin with a classic butterfly hatch, the 52 evokes the beautiful classics from the days of Herreshoff, Alden, Rhodes and Burgess. Even among all of the amazing sailing yachts that were in Newport, RI last summer when we sailed the new 52, the boat stands out as a true thoroughbred.

We joined the 52 at the Newport Shipyard and were happy, in this instance, to remove shoes before climbing aboard—not something I generally like to do. But the immaculate teak decks, the shining stainless stanchions, hardware and winches, and the varnished teak toe rail and trim together announced that this was a proper yacht that we did not want to scuff.

We fired up the engine and were pleasantly surprised at how quiet it was in the cockpit; the splash of the exhaust was louder than the engine itself. We dropped lines and motored carefully from the crowded marina into Narragansett Bay. The 52 has a high aspect spade rudder and a bulbed cruising fin keel. Under power it steers effortlessly and when we had to back the boat into her slip at the end of the day, it steered in reverse without griping or sideways prop walk.

The 52 is rigged with an 80-foot tall carbon spar, an in-boom roller furling mainsail and a self-tacking fractional jib. All of the running rigging leads belowdecks via conduits and aft to the control stations, i.e. huge electric winches and line clutches on either side of the helm. This keeps the decks free of clutter and enables one person at the helm to manage all aspects of sail trim with the push of a button or two.

In-boom furling mainsails can be tricky to furl and unfurl without getting overrides on the boom’s mandrel since the boom itself has to be set up when furling at an 89.5 degree angle to the mast. The 52, however, was equipped with the new Holmatro boom vang, which has a preset adjustment that positions the boom exactly with the press of a button. The main unfurled and hoisted and later rolled up without any snags or overrides. This detail says a lot about how the 52 has been set up for simple but precise sail handling.

The 52 was equipped with beautiful sails and the rig itself was tall by modern standards, so we had a lot of mainsail to control. We rolled out the jib on its Harken electric furler and trimmed for close-hauled sailing out of the mouth of the bay. The first sensation when she puts her shoulder down and accelerates is the sense of raw power in the rig; then you notice how close you are sailing to the wind. Being long and narrow and with tight sheeting angles, the 52 claws to windward like a 12 meter, and once in the groove she stays balanced and straight as an arrow. In light airs, she is a rocketship to windward.

We tacked out to sea for a while and then flopped over and broad-reached our way homeward, jibing from reaching angle to reaching angle as we went. With the small self-tacking jib, you can’t run dead downwind efficiently, so tacking downwind is the way to go. Off the wind, the 52 slipped along gracefully and had a remarkably good turn of speed.

Like her little M-Yacht sisters, the 52 is a fun and fast boat to sail. With all lines led aft to the helm, it is easy for one person to manage trim, and with the rig set up for multiple sail adjustments it is easy to perfect sail shape to the breezes and angles you find when coastal sailing.

MORRIS STYLE
Below decks, the 52 offers a simple, elegant interior finished in the finest Maine-built fashion. With only 14 feet of beam to work with, the saloon feels narrow by modern standards, but has everything you need for comfortable living aboard and fine entertaining.

The master stateroom forward has a queen-size berth built on the centerline, a full height hanging locker, and plenty of storage space for clothes, shoes and linens. The master head compartment is well laid out with a separate shower stall.

The saloon has a U-shaped dinette to port and a bench settee to starboard with the chart table at its after end. The galley is compact but has ample counter space for preparing meals and washing up, and easy access to the fridge and storage compartments.

The 52 comes standard with a guest cabin aft and to port, with a day head just forward of it. The version we sailed had this good-size cabin plus a single pilot berth built into starboard aft of the galley so there was room aboard to sleep five comfortably.

With raised panels on the bulkheads and doors and the antique white and varnished cherry joinery, the 52 has a classic look that has endured aboard American yachts for generations and will no doubt endure for generations to come. Not opulent, but certainly very elegant, the 52 has the feel of a family heirloom.

BWS THOUGHTS
We have sailed and reviewed a lot of boats over the years and always enjoy the opportunity to sail a new Morris. Like his father Tom, Cuyler Morris understands that there will always be a market for craft that are built with passion to a very high standard. Throughout the boat, every detail has been thought through and then crafted by hand to be highly functional and amazingly attractive. Whether you are staring at your own reflection in the deep varnish of the saloon table or trimming the mainsail to the nth degree with well-positioned winches, clutches and buttons, you know that sailing an M52 is a very special and unique experience.

Morris M-52
LOA 52’11”
LWL 38’02”
Beam 14’00”
Draft, standard 6’8”
Draft, shoal 5’8”
Displacement 34,064 lbs
Ballast 11,391 lbs
Ballast, shoal 11,947 lbs
Sail area 1,414 sq ft
Air draft 80’
Water 100 gals
Fuel 80 gals
Holding 40 gals

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509 •

The trade winds were huffing and puffing the afternoon we got out on Miami’s Biscayne Bay to test sail the new Jeanneau 509, which made for fun and sometimes exciting sailing. The big Philippe Briand design was certainly up to every bit of it.

I had come aboard on the fly from another much smaller cruiser and was immediately taken with the stability and poise of the 509. As I took the helm, the crew aboard tightened the sheets so we could head up to close-hauled. With a flat cut in-mast furling mainsail and a 125 percent genoa, the 509 was not overpowered even as the breeze gusted to 18 knots or so. And because of her generous beam she sailed very flat and transformed wind energy almost directly into boat speed until we were sailing along happily at 8.5 knots upwind.

We threw the 509 through a few tacks to see how she behaved and can report that she carried her moderate displacement through the tacks well and maintained boat speed as we trimmed and then accelerated up to 8+ knots again in a few boat lengths. Philippe Briand certainly knows how to design slippery boats.

Cracking off to a broad reach we felt the 509’s real power. We were at 9 knots more often than not, which is getting close to hull speed in about 13 knots of apparent wind.

For the fun of it, we sailed the 509 back up the narrow channel to Miamarina and, having got our signals crossed, parked her for a moment on a sand bank. With the mainsail aback and the engine in full reverse we got her off again without fuss and discovered that the boat handles very well under power and in close quarters.

The 509 is a fine sailing boat that has a good turn of speed. She is easy to handle, and with roller furling sails can be got underway in a heartbeat and put to bed just as quickly.

COMFORT ABOARD
In the 1990s, Jeanneau came up with a design concept for their boats that has evolved ever since, but is still very much true to the philosophy that the boats, particularly the larger models, should be comfortable to live aboard, have excellent sailing characteristics and be convenient for the crew.

It starts with an open transom and swim platform aft, which makes a good boarding platform from the dinghy as well as a swim platform and an outdoor shower. In the current models such as the 509, the old sugar scoop design has given way to a square stern profile with a central panel that folds down to make a huge aft platform.

The helm is divided into two wheels, so the helmsman always has a good view forward and there is a clear passageway to the aft platform. This idea really developed when the boats grew a lot of beam aft, and in the 509—with a chine in the aft sections—the cockpit is wider than ever. This makes for more room in the cabins below and adds to the volume and comfort of the cockpit, where the crew will spend most of its time in summer weather. The cockpit table, with the chartplotter mounted neatly in its aft end, will seat eight for dinner and the whole cockpit area will be comfortable for 12 or more for sundowners.

Down below, the new 509 has four optional interiors—three with an in-line galley on the starboard side and one with an aft galley. And, you can have it with four double cabins or three double cabins. You can also add or subtract heads as your cruising style and family requires. The owner’s version has a large double cabin forward with an en suite head and shower stall. The two guest cabins are aft in the stern quarters, yet they are very spacious and comfortable because of the extra hull volume in the aft sections. The saloon has a U-shaped dinette with two freestanding chairs to complete the seating. Across from it is a bench settee that can convert into a shorter bench with a table at one end. The chart table is just aft of the dinette and faces aft.

Jeanneau has always finished its interiors with fine marine-grade woods, whether teak or other types. The new boats use a synthetic wood called Alpi that has a uniform color and grain and will not delaminate. The interior of the boat we sailed was a very warm honey-colored veneer offset by white overhead panels and attractive off-white overheads and hull liners. The net effect is of a boat with very good ventilation and tons of natural light in all of the living spaces.

Over the years, Jeanneau has built many boats with variations of this layout that have proven to be excellent cruising homes for couples and families. And, in our experience, the larger Jeanneaus are excellent sea boats with long legs for quick passage-making and reliable systems and rigging setups for safety and performance. Whether coastal cruising with nightly anchorages and easy daysails or passage-making, the overall design and execution of the new 509 will get you home better rested than when you left. And that makes for happy and safe cruising.

BWS THOUGHTS
As part of the enormous Groupe Beneteau, and now as a market leader in North America, Jeanneau has the ability to build boats that maximize the group’s economies of scale while keeping pricing at reasonable levels. This combination has made it hard for others to compete. In the end, sailors will benefit from this evolution.

It is now possible to buy a 50-foot cruising boat such as the 509 at a relatively fair price and know that you are getting a high quality, durable and safe boat that combines the latest in modern construction technology with the design brilliance of Philippe Briand and the in-house Jeanneau engineering team. Rest assured that with the 509, you can sail anywhere you want in comfort and style.

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 509
LOA 50’5”
LWL 45’8”
Beam 15’8”
Draft (std.) 7’5”
Draft (shoal) 5’8”
Displ. 30,644 lbs.
Water 163 gals
Fuel 63 gals
Sail area 1,227 q. ft.
www.jeanneau.com

2012 BOAT SHOW PREVIEW: MONOHULLS •

While the design trends over the past few years have been dominated by the new crop of angular and voluminous cruisers from Europe, it is interesting to note that several quite traditional looking designs—large and small—are appearing from U.S. builders. The boats will surely stir up the American fondness for sweeping sheers and traditional transoms.

Among the more modern boats, the sugar-scoop transom long favored by cruisers seems to be fading away, being replaced by fold-down transoms that offer huge areas for sunning, swimming and tending the dinghy. And when folded up, the new look provides the designs with a pleasing, purposeful look.

This year, we continue to see innovation from designers, whether in the form of twin rudders, drop keels or cockpit arches. The state of sailboat design remains vibrant and intriguing. Here are 28 new boats to dream about owning and sailing into the sunset.

BAVARIA
Bavaria USA has spent the last 12 months launching a new company in North America. Their first office opened in Annapolis, MD, and their second is opening this fall in Mystic, CT. Bavaria USA sells their Farr-designed, German-built cruising boats factory direct, so you can order your new boat exactly as you want it and have it delivered in about eight weeks.

Last year, Bavaria launched their new Cruiser line. They put the 32, 36, 40 and 45 into a charter fleet in Annapolis and sold direct to customers. This year, they are bringing in a new Cruiser 50 and the classy Vision 46.

The 50, similar to the rest of the Cruiser line, is a roomy, easy-to-sail performance cruiser that will appeal to families who need a lot of space or couples who will be living aboard for long periods. BWS sailed the twin-wheel, twin-rudder 50 last year in Turkey and found it to be a remarkably good sailboat that is close-winded and slippery off the wind.

The new Vision 46, which debuted in Annapolis in July and will be shown at the Newport and Annapolis shows, is a raised deck saloon design with a sweet curved cabin house, a huge cockpit, a fine sailing hull, and a truly innovative approach to living and entertaining aboard. See our full review on page 70. www.bavariayachts.com

BENETEAU
Over the last three years, as the sailing market has been in a deep recession, Beneteau has taken the opportunity to reinvent the Oceanis line of cruising boats and to introduce a completely new line of cruisers under the Sense brand.

With the Oceanis 45 and 41, the company developed the theme of sleek-hulled, low-cabin styling on hulls that have added beam and a slight chine aft to increase cockpit volume. The addition of a cockpit arch for mounting the mainsheet out of the cockpit adds to the distinct look and functionality of the new designs. This fall, Beneteau will introduce to the U.S. market the new Oceanis 48, which extends the brand and emphasizes modern styling and commodious living aboard. The 48’s cockpit has twin wheels and a centerline table with folding leaves and a pod on the aft end for the chartplotter. The stern folds down to make a wide swim platform. The new 48’s interior is a study in understated elegance. The boat comes standard with a mahogany-colored finish on the Alpi wood surfaces, offset by expanses of white overhead panels and light-colored fabrics. The aft cabin, aft galley configuration will make the 48 a fine sea boat.

The new Sense 55 follows on the heels of the Sense 50 and 43. The boat has a definite “wow” factor, as it is a true indoor-outdoor cruiser that offers many of the benefits of a cruising catamaran combined with the convenience, elegance and practicality of a monohull. Like its little sisters, the 55 redefines the living spaces into the outdoor “patio,” the living room-like saloon and the private sleeping quarters forward. The living spaces flow together smoothly, and huge windows and opening ports enhance ventilation, brightness below and communication between crew. The new boat has highly lacquered cabinet surfaces, finely finished built-in furniture, and a clean and elegant look on deck and below. See our full review in the August 2012 edition of BWS. www.beneteauusa.com

CATALINA
Catalina Yachts, once the largest sailboat builder in North America, if not the world, has seen its horizons narrowed during the recession. Nevertheless, over the last three years Gerry Douglas and Frank Butler have come up with four new boats that have set a new design trend for the company and given Catalina owners a reason to buy a new boat. It all started with the 445, which was an immediate success. The boat had a sleeker cabin top than previous models, a finely fitted out interior, and a sensible rig with roller furling on both the headsail and mainsail.

The 445 was followed by the 385 and the 355, and then last winter the company introduced the nifty little Catalina 315. The 31-footer was a hit right from the start as it filled a need for a capable small cruising boat at a reasonable price. We sailed the 315 in Florida last winter and came away thoroughly impressed with the boat’s sailing qualities, fine turn of speed and big-boat feel under a press of sail. Even better, we were stunned by the amount of living space—it felt like a 35-footer below deck. A great little cruiser, the Catalina 315 is a fine starter boat or a really fun cruiser for an experienced couple. See our review in the July 2012 issue of BWS. www.catalinayachts.com

COM-PAC
Com-Pac Yachts began building small cruisers and daysailers in 1974 and has led the way in building trailerable pocket cruisers for real people for almost 40 years. Their range includes beamy little cat boats, sleek daysailers and innovative cruisers to 35 feet.

This year the company launched the new Com-Pac 23 Pilothouse. The boat is 23 feet overall, but has been designed and fitted out to be a capable cruiser with three full-size berths, an enclosed head and an inboard diesel.

The 23 has a tabernacle mast that can be lowered easily. The boat’s beam is small enough to allow it to be trailered on any road. There are two helming stations—one in the cockpit and one in the pilothouse, both with engine controls. The saloon has a small dinette, galley, and plenty of storage for a week or two of cruising. The water tanks hold 20 gallons. The V-berth forward is surprisingly large, and two hanging lockers and cabinets have been provided for clothing.

With a 12 hp diesel to get you home when the wind dies and a true shallow draft for coastal gunkholing, the new Com-Pac 23 Pilothouse is the epitome of the perfect little pocket cruiser. www.com-pacyachts.com

DUFOUR
French builder Dufour has been building stylish modern cruising boats and racer-cruisers for almost 40 years under various owners and management teams. Now part of the Bavaria and Grand Soleil group, Dufour is redefining its position in the marketplace with two lines. Grand Large-branded designs are modern cruising boats with an emphasis on elegance, comfort and sailing convenience—even though the boats BWS has sailed are very fast, too. The Dufour 405 and 445 are two of the GL line, from 33 to 50 feet, that you will see at the fall shows. BWS sailed the 405 last year and found it to be a lot of fun and a very capable cruising boat. See the review in the September 2011 issue. And we sailed the 445 in Annapolis recently and will be running the review in an upcoming issue. The Performance line has been created to offer skippers a real shot at the silver whether racing around the buoys or in longer point-to-point races. The new 36P will make its debut at the fall boats shows in Newport and Annapolis and will no doubt turn a few heads. The hull is optimized for good sailing qualities with a high aspect rudder and a deep T-bulb keel. The tall rig gives it plenty of horsepower in light or heavy air, and the sailing or racing layout makes it easy for a crew to manage sheets and halyards. The cockpit lockers are removable to make sheet trimming easier. Down below, the boat is more “cruise” than “race” and has the finely finished feel that discerning owners—whether they’re cruisers or racers—prefer. Dufour has always stood for innovation, quality and fine sailing, and the new 36P fits that legend well. www.dufour-yachts.com

HAKE SEAWARD 46
Nick Hake at Hake Yachts has been building innovative retracting keel cruising boats for 30 years and has earned a reputation for coming up with original and practical solutions in the design and construction of shoal draft cruisers. The Seaward 26 and 32—the current models in his fleet—have proven to be both excellent thin-water cruising boats and fine sailboats. Late last year, Hake introduced a new flagship to the line. The Seaward 46RK is the retracting keel concept on steroids. The new boat is one of the most innovative designs to join the cruising fleet in many years. The boat has a retracting keel that offers seven-and-a-half feet of draft for upwind sailing and two-and-a-half feet when poking around the shallows or even running downwind. The two rudders are also retractable, so you can beach the boat without worry. The mast is deck-stepped in a tabernacle so it can be lowered easily and quickly if you need to get under a fixed bridge or haul out in a yard with overhead power lines. Hull number one was equipped with twin 54 hp auxiliary engines for reliability and speed. Down below, the chart table/pilot’s station is at the foot of the companionway and from there you have good visibility to both sides and forward. The accommodation plan has been set up for a cruising couple who have the occasional visit from friends and family. The boat holds 180 gallons each of water and fuel, so you have a wide cruising range. A perfect choice for the west coast of Florida, the Bahamas, the Chesapeake Bay and many other shoal cruising grounds, the new Seaward 46RK is a truly interesting and unique cruising boat. www.seawardyachts.com

HANSE
German builder Hanse Yachts has been pushing the design envelope as hard and far as any builder in the last few years. Their boats are designed to be both ultra-modern cruisers and commodious homes afloat. And, they are also set up to be easy to sail and very swift through the water. BWS reviewed the new Hanse 495 in the June 2012 edition and concluded that the boat and the company are on the leading edge of the sailing market. This fall, Hanse USA will bring three new boats to the shows that will certainly turn heads. The Hanse 385, 415 and 445 are all cut from the same modernist fabric. With self-tacking jibs and large, slab-reefed mainsails, the boats can be handled by one person. The cockpits are huge, with centerline tables that will seat up to eight for al fresco meals. Down below the styling is simple, elegant Euro-modern with an emphasis on lightness, open spaces and pleasing sightlines. Hanse specializes in building boats that are configured just how each owner wants them to be. On their website, you can select the model you are interested in and open the Hanse Configurator to view all of the cabin, color, rig and equipment options. If you press “send,” the choices you select will be sent to a dealer near you who will respond shortly with a price quote. Not only are the boats thoroughly modern, but the way you buy them is modern, too. www.hanseyachts.com

ISLAND PACKET
A new cruising boat from Island Packet is coming this fall, but at press time IPY’s owner, Bob Johnson, and VP of marketing, Bill Bolin, had their lips tightly sealed. The secret boat is in build, but we won’t know what it is until the fall. All we can say at this point is that IPY is going to bring their loyal fans a cruising boat that is new and a little different. Stay tuned. www.ipy.com

JEANNEAU
Jeanneau, a division of Group Beneteau, has been on a roll the last few years, and according to those who know these things, the company has gained significantly in market share in the U.S. The reasons for this success are many, but at the most basic level it is because the company consistently provides good cruising boats at fair value. They compete primarily with their sister company, Beneteau, and we have heard that the rivalry is spirited. The current Sun Odyssey models that have been so popular in the U.S. all have something to do with the number nine. We are not sure what this means, but the launch of the SO 409 was followed by the 439, the 379 and the 509. And next winter we will see the launch of the 469. The boats in the “9 Line” all have powerful hulls with a slight chine aft and sleek decks with many windows and hatches. The cockpits are large and well laid out for sailing as well as entertaining at the dock. Down below, you will find the styling to be somewhat traditional and the color schemes pleasantly evocative of teak and holly. BWS sailed the 509 in Florida not long ago and found it to be a fine ocean sailing yacht that embodies the Jeanneau philosophy of delivering quality and value in a package that is both comfortable to live aboard and fun to sail. Look for our review of the SO 509 in the upcoming October issue of BWS. Also new this fall is the Sun Odyssey 41 DS. A deck saloon design, the 41 has a raised deck and large cat’s-eye windows on both sides. The hull has a chine that runs almost all the way forward from the stern, which enhances interior volume, and a hint of added stability. Down below the 41DS offers a huge owner’s stateroom aft, a large guest cabin forward, and a roomy and sociable saloon with a large galley. The new 41DS packs a lot of cruising accommodations and style in a 41-foot hull. www.jeanneau.com

MOODY
Several years ago, the Moody brand was bought by Hanse in Germany and relaunched as a luxury yacht brand with an innovative 45-foot raised pilothouse cruising boat. Following that, the brand was supplemented with a more traditional-looking sloop design that evokes a North Sea or Scandinavian style. The Moody 41 will be on display at the fall boats shows. The boat has a traditional transom, which folds to make a swim platform, and a fairly plumb bow. The cockpit has twin wheel, a centerline table and a partial windshield as in a Hallberg Rassy or Najad. Down below, the 41 is fitted out in classic Bristol fashion with white bulkheads and highly varnished mahogany cabinets, drawers and details. It all looks very elegant, comfortable and delightfully traditional. The Moody 41 will make a fine world cruiser for a couple who wants modern design with a traditional touch. www.moodyboats.com

MORRIS
The new Morris 52 is the latest and largest M Yacht in the Morris line of classic-looking daysailers, weekenders and cruisers. The 52 has a sweeping sheer, long overhangs, a low-slung cabin and a large, deep cockpit. Her beam is modest by modern standards and her rig large enough to be really impressive. The sail plan offers a huge mainsail and a self-tacking jib. Unique among modern designs, the 52 has no bow or stern pulpit, so her lines look uncluttered and sweet. Down below the 52 has a bright interior that evokes centuries of classic sailboats and the sea. A standard layout would offer a large double cabin aft and a master suite forward with a comfortable saloon and small galley in between. The bulkheads and doors are raised panel joinery that is either painted white or varnished with the typical Morris deep shine. BWS sailed the 52 last summer, so look for the review in the October issue. www.morrisyachts.com

TARTAN and C&C
This fall at the big boat shows, you are bound to find a good collection of Tartans and C&Cs on display. Tartan now builds their classic American-style cruisers in sizes from 34 to 53 feet, and each is created with an epoxy hull, carbon spars and Cruise Control headsail rig. Under new ownership, Tartan and C&C seem to be finding a new lease on business life and have been able to introduce two all-new designs to their fleet this year. The Tartan Fantail 26 is a nifty little daysailer or weekender that has traditional lines above the water with a counter stern, pleasant sheer, fairly plumb bow and a short bowsprit. Below the water, the boat has a spade rudder and a high aspect bulbed fin keel. The rig will be self-tacking and in downwind conditions you can fly an asymmetrical chute from the sprit. The Fantail will have a small auxiliary engine and accommodations for a couple overnighting in simple style. The Fantail 26 was conceived to be available as a daysailer, a club sailboat and a weekender. www.tartanyachts.com The first new boat from Tartan and C&C not designed by Tim Jackett in many years, the new C&C 101 was drawn by Tom McNeill, who works as an in house designer at the company. A flashy little sprit boat, the 101 has a thoroughly modern and powerful hull with nearly 11 feet of beam and a six-foot, six-inch keel. The boat will be able to carry a lot of sail. No doubt the 101 will be a winner on the racecourse. Down below, the boat will have the simple but refined accommodations one expects from a C&C. For those looking for a true racer-cruiser in the small end of the fleet, the new C&C 101 will fit the bill. www.c-cyachts.com

Pacific Seacraft 61: Catari • People who build boats—particularly those who create custom boats for special clients—are in the business of making dreams come true. It’s not always easy, but put together a collaborative client who knows what he wants, a famous designer who has the skill and imagination to bring the vision to life, and a builder with the skills and integrity to turn the drawings and specs into reality, and you have something very special.

That’s just what has been happening over the past two years, as yacht designer Bob Perry has worked with a special client in Annapolis, MD. The client was already working with Steve Brodie, owner and president of Pacific Seacraft Yachts in Washington, NC, and their mutual goal was to come up with a suitable cruising boat for a family to roam the planet’s oceans. The result, as shown here, is a truly handsome 61-foot ketch that is long and lean and appears to be itching for blue water. Catari has a traditional flair with a springy sheer, ketch rig, counter stern and raked transom. On deck, the design has been given two cockpits—one for handling the ship and one for relaxing and light sheet handling. The aft cockpit has a rigid dodger that will protect the crew in sour weather.

Under the water, Catari has a fairly high-aspect spade rudder and modern cruising fin keel with the ballast positioned quite low to enhance stability. Although it is hard to see from the drawings, the hull appears to have a sweet shape that will reduce—if not eliminate—pounding when sailing to windward.

Below decks, the custom cabin layout is very much the client’s choice. In the instance of Catari, there are two entrances below decks—one into the aft cabin from the aft cockpit and one into the saloon from the center cockpit. The master cabin aft is spacious with a big double berth, a sea berth, and a huge head and shower.

Perry is a good cook and has drawn many excellent galleys for his discerning customers over the years. His client for Catari is also a foodie, so the galley looks like a masterpiece. In fact, Mario Batali will probably want to start sailing if he happens to catch a glimpse of Catari’s kitchen.

Pacific Seacraft is building the hull mold this summer and will start work on Catari in the fall. The idea is to make the 61’s hull and deck the key elements of future semi-custom yachts for owners who want to create an interior and sailing rig that fits their own sailing dreams.

Making magic. Fulfilling dreams. Not a bad way to spend a day—or two years. For more on Bob Perry, visit www.perryboat.com. For the scoop on Pacific Seacraft, visit www.pacificseacraft.com.

DESIGNER’S COMMENTS: ROBERT H. PERRY
This design project started life as a 49-foot “simple” cruising boat for an Annapolis couple. But there was no hurry, so the client and I took our time and indulged ourselves by exploring a myriad of approaches. In time, our simple 49-footer became a fairly complex 61-foot ketch with design solutions to satisfy all of the client’s potential cruising needs. It’s been a long process, but one I have enjoyed every step of the way. The client is happy and I am happy.

But I can’t take all the credit. Over time, the client and I assembled a team to work on the project. There is, of course, Pacific Seacraft owner Steve Brodie, and Steve’s foreman, Thumper Brooks. A buddy of mine, world-class sailor Tim O’Connell, came on board to help with the deck layout and sailing systems. All of the conceptual 3D rendering work was done by my pal Rick Beddoe. Engineering is being done by Ivan Erdevicki, a long-time associate of mine who works in Montenegro. Final 3D renderings are being done by Jody Culbert, who has the daunting job of translating my 2D scratches into extremely accurate and very beautiful 3D models in preparation for CNC tooling.

The most unique feature of this big, fast ketch is the dual cockpit configuration. We tossed around ideas about where the cockpit should be, but couldn’t decide whether to have an aft or center cockpit. Each has distinct advantages, so we went with both. The handling of the boat will be from the aft cockpit, while the center cockpit will be for lounging and al fresco dining. Some halyards and controls are led to the center cockpit to minimize the pile of lines aft. PSC has done extensive, beautiful, full-size mock ups of both cockpits to verify that the details and contours all work.

The interior revolves around the big galley, as my client is a great cook. The workshop adjacent to the engine room has been designed to double as a nursery should a small child be aboard. I have given a lot of attention to every available cubic inch of interior volume in keeping with the client’s demanding requirements.

Because we have a traditionally raked transom and counter stern, a swim step aft was out of the question. Instead, I have gone with a transom door that hinges down to provide a boarding platform.

The ketch rig was the owner’s preference. Why? Because he likes ketches. The ketch rig offers unique advantages for a large cruising boat and suits the classic hull proportions of this design. I have configured the rig so that the mizzen will be a true driving sail and not just an ornament or a place to mount the radar.

I like to think I am my own worst critic. It often takes me a while to warm up to my newest design. But at this stage, I know Catari very well and I really like it.

BAVARIA VISION 46  • Last summer, we spent a day in Annapolis, MD with the Bavaria USA team getting a first look at the brand new Bavaria Vision 46. Included in the party was Daniel Kohl from Germany, who is the chief of new sailboat development for Bavaria. Among other achievements, Daniel sailed Star boats for the German team in the Olympics. He definitely knows the pointy end from the square end.

As we expected, the Chesapeake was a millpond all morning, so we spent a few hours pulling the boat apart and delving into the process of how the new Farr design came about.

THE VISION
Two years ago, Bavaria was acquired from Bain Capital by a new investment group, which brought in a new set of managers to run things. With this sweep at the top, the company was poised to build on existing strengths and then move in new directions that they see as the future of yacht building. The Farr-designed Cruiser series that was introduced to North America last year was a theme created by the prior management team and tweaked and improved by the new team.

The Vision 46 is the first of the Bavarias to come from the new management team and from Daniel, who spent six months traveling to seven countries to meet with dealers and interview Bavaria owners, prospective buyers and cruisers. With reams of hard and soft data in hand, Daniel and his team sat down with the designers at Farr to come up with a hull and layout that satisfied the needs of the market.

The result was the Vision 46, which was created to make the most of elegant on-the-water living, provide true comfort at sea and at the mooring, and act as a modern push-button sailboat that will be easy for a singlehander or a couple to handle in all conditions. That was the vision.

PUSH-BUTTON SAILING
With the sea breeze still hours away, we took the opportunity to put the 46 through its paces under power. The boat is equipped with Bavaria’s Dock Control system, which allows joystick maneuvering in very tight quarters. The system employs retractable bow and stern thrusters and the main engine to maneuver the boat forward, backward, sideways and at any angle fore and aft.

The 46 was moored in a tight berth next to the Chart House with a boat ahead of us and only about 25 feet of channel to navigate out to the open water. We dropped the mooring lines and Daniel manipulated the joystick so the 46 crabbed directly sideways. Once clear of the boat ahead of us, he pushed the joystick forward and the boat motored ahead; all he needed was a couple of small tweaks to keep the boat straight and the topsides clear of the boats on both sides.

Once in the clear, Daniel handed over the joystick and, with about a minute of instruction, left me in control. Even if you didn’t grow up playing video games or toying with model cars or airplanes, the joystick is easy to use. I was able to get the boat to spin neatly in circles, crab sideways, and move at any angle I chose. In 10 minutes I had it nailed enough to be confident I could back the 46 down the narrow channel and into her slip in reverse.

I lined up the channel and then backed slowly, moving the bow and stern back and forth to keep us in mid-channel. I stopped the boat abreast of her slip and then held the joystick over and we crabbed sideways up against the dock. Nothing to it.

Another push-button option that Bavaria will make available is the new Trim Control system. Using Lewmar captive winches on the main and jib sheets and the auto-tack function on the autopilot, Trim Control allows you to trim, ease, tack and jibe by pushing buttons at the helm. The boat we sailed in Annapolis did not have the Trim Control option.

While Trim Control and Dock Control add a level of complexity that may be daunting to some, the technology is not particularly exotic and both systems can really enhance the whole sailing experience. The only physical hazard will be thumb calluses from button pushing.

LUXURY
In the many interviews that Daniel and his team conducted, the overwhelming majority of skippers and couples emphasized how heavily comfort and style weigh on their decision about which boat to buy.

Starting with the cockpit, the 46 has a fold-down transom that makes a good swim platform and dinghy landing. The aft back seat between the helms folds up to allow you to step down to the platform. With twin wheels, access aft is easy and the helmsman has great visibility from both sides.

The companionway has been offset slightly to starboard, which makes room for an L-shaped dinette to port and a bench seat to starboard. The outside dinette has a table that can be lowered and incorporated into the seats to make a large sunning bed where two adults can stretch out comfortably.

The low arch of the cabintop gives the 46 a contemporary look without making the boat look bulbous in any way. The angle of the cabintop as it runs into the cockpit provides a nice high back to the bench seats on both sides. These two nooks in the cockpit, well protected by the cabintop and a dodger, will be where you hang out while on watch or just reading at anchor. The design of the backrest all around the cockpit is ergonomically perfect for old backs like mine.

Down three steps in the saloon, you have the galley to port with the sinks on the boat’s centerline so they will drain on both tacks and the huge fridge and stove outboard. The aft cabin is accessed through the galley. There, you will find two large single berths with ample space between them for climbing in and out. This is a great guest cabin or will work well for two children.

The main head and shower stall are to starboard and the space is large enough to double as a wet locker while underway. Aft of the head, there is another cabin that can either be a huge starboard cockpit locker with adjustable partitions, or a third sleeping cabin with a single bunk.

The dinette is L-shaped and, like the cockpit arrangement, has a table that can be lowered to form a large double berth. To port is a bench settee that has a table in the middle section that can raised and lowered to suit your needs.

The master stateroom forward has a centerline double berth with storage under it and plenty of hanging space. The cabin can either have a small enclosed head or the space can be used to build a desk that can be used as an office or as a vanity.

The finish of the interior joinery is of a very high quality and the construction of drawers, doors, cabinets and bulkheads has a traditional quality about it that belies the ultra-modern look.

There are seven deck hatches, a large forward window and large side windows, so the boat’s interior is flooded with a huge amount of light and there is excellent ventilation. The boat we sailed had Oceanair screens and blinds on the hatches, and Venetian-style blinds on the forward and cabin-side windows.

The large square ports in the hull in each of the cabins gives a great view of the harbor outside when you are lying on your bunk or seated in the saloon.

The living spaces of the 46 have been laid out for the way we live—outdoors during the day and perhaps for the evening meal, and then down below for the evening and night. The boat will entertain a small crowd (say 20 people), can accommodate up to eight for meals, and happily sleeps four with room for two more in a pinch.

WIND AT LAST
We set off in mid-afternoon in search of the sea breeze. Off the U.S. Naval Academy we rolled out the big mainsail with its vertical battens and then the 110 percent genoa. The Elvstrom sails on the boat were as nice a set of roller sails as I have seen. No doubt an Olympic sailor is particular about the sails he specs for the boat.

All of the halyards, the mainsail control lines and the vang run through a deck-top conduit to a winch on the cabintop, and the two jib sheets run aft to the primary sheet winches on the coaming. The mainsheet does not have a traveler; instead, the sheet is double-ended and led through blocks on the cabintop, then along the boom to the mast, then aft on both sides to after winches next to both wheels. This arrangement allows you to use the mainsheet and the vang to shape the mainsail, whether by hauling it to windward in the light stuff or to leeward to depower the sail. Very simple.

The jib sheets inside the lower shrouds, so the sheeting angles are tight. This translates into excellent close-winded sailing. We tacked the 46 inside 80 degrees.

The wind stayed light until it was just about time to come in, but did in fact start to puff above 10 knots for a while. In the stronger breezes, the 46 showed what she is made of Upwind, she put her shoulder down and steadily accelerated. We suspect the new instruments had not been calibrated so the 21 knots on the speedo was probably a bit high. In fact, in 10 knots of wind and cracked off slightly, the 46 sailed easily at 6+ knots; off the wind she held 6 and probably hit 7 in the puffs.

The boat sails easily, is handy, and the sailing rig has been very well thought out. The new Vision 46 will make a handsome and comfortable family cruiser that can take you anywhere you might choose to go in luxury and style.

Bavaria Vision 46
LOA45’10”
LWL42’2”
Beam13’8”
Draft5’6”
Displ.27,116 lbs.
Sail Area1,109 sq. ft.
Air draft63’6”
Water153 gals.
Fuel55 gals.

Bavaria Yachts USA
Annapolis, MD
410-990-0269
www.bavariayachts.com
info@bavariayachts.com

Beneteau Sense 55 •

On the Saturday afternoon of the Strictly Sail Miami show, Beneteau USA’s president Wayne Burdick and a few others played hooky from the show and slipped away for a sail on the brand new Sense 55. “Slipped” is probably not the right word, as we intentionally caused quite a stir—a stir that you can only make with the patented Dock & Go system that Beneteau now offers as an option on their larger boats.

Here’s what happened: we dropped the stern lines, and using the fully rotating sail drive unit aft and the bow thruster forward—both of which are linked to a joystick at the helm—Wayne maneuvered us forward so we could remove the bow lines from the slip’s piling. Then, he steered us into a fairly wide spot between the docks at the boat show and the opposing slips and proceeded to spin the beamy 55-footer in fast pirouettes that basically had her twisting herself in circles. To say we attracted a crowd on the docks would be understatement. People all over the show stopped in their tracks and watched with mouths agape. It was quite a display.

SEA TRIALS
Point made, Wayne switched to standard motoring mode and drove the 55 from the marina down the channel toward Government Cut. We were headed for the open sea. It was a lovely tropical afternoon with the sun slowly setting. The easterly trade wind was light but steady and building as we got closer to open water.

We rolled out the mainsail and then the 105 percent jib so we could tack our way seaward in the narrow channel. The 55 handled well as we threw her through tack after tack. The boat has twin wheels and twin rudders, so even when heeled slightly the rudders bite the water firmly. Plus, you can always steer from whichever side of the cockpit gives you the best view of the sails and surrounding channel. The 55 tacked inside 90 degrees and the small headsail was a snap to trim.

In the building breeze, the 55 tended to translate wind pressure into forward motion more than into heeling angle. The boat has 16 feet, four inches of beam, which gives the hull a lot of initial stability. With a very broad transom, that stability is enhanced, while the hull has been given extra volume aft to accommodate the large cockpit and storage lockers.

The 55, like her little Sense sisters, likes to be sailed very upright. The hulls have chines in the after sections and you don’t want to heel the boat beyond the chines. The chines do not add a lot of stability as they do in Volvo or Open Class ocean racers, but they do add a little and enhance volume. The Sense 55 is quite like a catamaran or trimaran that always sails upright—hence the “mono-maran” moniker.

We close-reached out into the open waters of the Florida Straits at a very pleasant 7 knots and then cracked off a bit more so we could watch the speedo climb past 8. With the twin rudders, the 55 steered like she was on rails and held her line very nicely—easy on both the helmsman and the autopilot.

The sun was just setting as we turned for home. Easing sheets even more, we ran up the channel toward the bright lights of Miami with the genoa and main pulling us along at a good clip. Under sail, the Sense 55 has an easy motion, a good turn of speed in all wind angles, and is set up well for a couple to manage all sheets and control lines. Under power, the boat is fast and maneuverable. And with the Dock & Go feature engaged, moving in and out of slips and negotiating tight docking situations is a snap.

LIVING ABOARD
The new 55 is the third boat in the Sense line and also the largest and most elegant. The Sense concept is based upon the company’s desire to create boats that truly embrace indoor-outdoor living in much the same manner as cruising cats. Plus, Beneteau wanted to separate the private sleeping cabins from the public living spaces—again, in the same way catamarans do.

The result is a layout that has three distinct tiers designed for three specific purposes. Starting with the feature you notice first—the stern—the cockpit is exceptionally large due to the expansive beam and the added space provided by the fold-down transom. With long bench seats, two helmsman’s seats and a huge drop-leaf table, the cockpit can accommodate 10 to 12 adults for sundowners and eight for a meal. The cockpit is the “patio” for outdoor living in warm climates. The boat we sailed in Miami had a dodger and bimini top installed to provide shade and a third insert could be zipped into place for full coverage.

A very interesting feature aboard the boat we sailed was a cockpit arch incorporated into the bimini that was used to mount three large solar panels and two high output Air Breeze wind generators. In addition, the arch had davits built in so the dinghy could be raised out of the water. This green energy system can deliver in excess of 150 amp hours daily without the need to run a carbon-emitting genset or engine.

Another option in the cockpit is to upgrade the large port sail lockers into a small sleeping cabin. The cabin has an opening port into the cockpit for ventilation, and in good weather you can sleep in the cabin with the lid of the cockpit seat raised.

The companionway has only three steps, so you are not descending into the boat but simply migrating down and forward into the interior “living room.” This is where the family or crew will assemble in cooler climes or at night for dinner around the large dinette table to port. People always gather in the kitchen at mealtime, so the layout is perfect, with the long galley to starboard, the couch-dinette to port and the opening windows facing aft into the cockpit for the overflow crowd.

In the middle of the living room there is a pedestal that serves several functions. It is a good place to brace your behind when cooking on the starboard tack—not that you want the boat to heel very much. It has a fold-down seat that adds three dining positions to the dinette. And, it houses the retracting flat screen TV.

The chart table faces aft next to the companionway. Because most sailors use their chartplotter or laptop for navigation, the table has been kept small and unobtrusive.

In the new 55, Beneteau has pulled out all the design and quality stops. The floors are a handsome parquet configuration. The countertops are Corian and the cabinet and locker doors are highly lacquered with a crisp and shiny white finish. Throughout the saloon, windows and hatches admit bright light and plenty of ventilation.

Going forward, you enter the private area of the 55, where there are three large sleeping cabins, each with an en suite head and shower. The master cabin forward has a centerline double that you can climb into from the sides, which makes nocturnal errands less disturbing to one’s partner; this design also makes the bunk easier to make than a standard V-berth. On the after bulkhead, a neat desk—which could be a computer platform or a vanity for powdering noses— has been included. The forward head and shower are separate compartments, so they can be used at the same time.

The two guest cabins are across the hallway from each other and have good double berths, hanging lockers and plenty of storage. The heads do not have separate shower stalls. The Pullman-style berths are angled in such a way that they will be fairly easy to make up and will allow partners to come and go without having to perform acrobatics.

The finish of the Sense 55 is very much up to custom yacht style and detail, as is true of the Oceanis models in the 55+ range. In this new Sense you have a boat that is as thoroughly innovative as any in the marketplace and designed not just for modern chic, but for the way we like to live on our boats. For a family of four or three couples, the Sense has ample room—everyone can have their own private cabins and heads, yet all can gather in the galley-saloon at mealtime or lounge in the cockpit when the weather is warm and fine.

Underway, the 55 delivers the sailing performance that makes cruising modern designs so much fun. You will be sailing at 8 knots most of the time and will see speeds over 10 regularly, particularly if you upgrade to a folding or feathering propeller. This speed enables you to cover lots of ground in short amounts of time and adds to the excitement and fun of passagemaking.

Under power and around the docks, the 55 really shines. She can achieve very high average speeds on windless days and deliver easy and trouble-free docking if the optional Dock & Go system has been installed. Those looking for a large family cruiser that offers all of the performance and comfort you could need, plus the elegance of a large luxury yacht, will find that the new Sense 55 fits the bill very nicely.

Beneteau Sense 55
LOA 55’0”
LWL 52’3”
Beam 16’4”
Draft 7’9”
Displ. 40,000 lbs.
Ballast 10,800 lbs.
Sail Area 1,600 sq. ft.
Fuel 219. gals
Water 256 gals.
Mast height 78’5”

Beneteau USA
www.beneteauusa.com
843-629-5300

Seaward 46RK by Hake • Smooth sailing on Biscayne Bay in Hake’s newest model.

Tacking was easy, with the helmsman just turning the wheel until she was on the new tack while watching the self-tacking jib come over on its own. We tacked through 90 degrees sailing at 5 knots in the light wind. We hardened up to close-hauled with the apparent wind at 13 knots and 30 degrees off the bow with only five to 10 degrees of heel. The retractable keel was set at halfway down, as were the twin rudders, yet the 46RK tracked with almost no leeway.

Off the wind we unfurled the colorful gennaker and broad reached in only 6 knots of apparent, making 4.3 knots with no heel. The retractable keel offers a quick way to reduce wetted surface area, allowing the 46RK to maintain good speed off the wind in light air.

Nike Hake, designer of the Seaward 46RK, noted that there are skegs in front of the props to protect them when beaching and these, combined with the twin rudders, allow her to both track and maneuver well. The 46RK has rack-and-pinion steering, which is bulletproof but usually stiff, yet on the 46RK it was smooth and the helm had a very balanced feel.

In Miamarina, the 46RK showed off catamaran-like maneuverability, turning around in the tight fairway using only her twin Yanmar 54hp engines and not even touching the bow thruster. The twins allow very smooth operation in their best power/efficiency range. At 1200 RPM we made 5.4 knots with the engines so quiet we barely knew they were on. Powering up to 2400 RPM, the 46RK easily did 8.1 knots with the engines still at a comfortable sound level.

Biscayne Bay was calm, so our only experience with waves involved taking the wakes of Miami power boaters. In the wakes, the 46RK handled like a much heavier boat, taking them with little pitching and smooth roll damping. Yet, when sailing and tacking, the 46RK handled responsively like a smaller and lighter boat.

RETRACTABLE KEEL AND TWIN DAGGER RUDDERS
In yacht design, there are many tradeoffs, one of which is often swapping the windward performance and stability found with a high aspect ratio fin for the shallow draft desired for cruising in waters like South Florida and the Bahamas. Seaward Yachts has addressed this challenge with the retractable keel (RK) design pioneered in their successful 26RK and 32RK models. The 46RK cleverly hides the sleeve/housing for the keel as part of the main saloon forward bulkhead and inner bulkhead for the forward head. The keel is raised and lowered using an electric winch, with the equipment located well above the waterline to resist corrosion.

With the solid lead ballast in a trailing bulb at the bottom of the keel, the 46RK remains stable with the keel up or down. The keel housing is built with laminate integral with the hull and deck, and is two inches thick at the foot. Thus, there is no chance of water intruding into the cabin and the keel is supported along its entire vertical length as opposed to only at the bolts like a traditional keel. Seaward uses ultra-high-molecular-weight (UHMW) material inside the keel housing to provide low friction, high resistance to abrasion and very high impact resistance. The construction keeps the keel housing intact in worst case scenarios like grounding at high speed. The use of UHMW also makes for smooth yet tight operation and the keel can go from full up to full down in about 45 seconds.

A shallow draft keel is of little use if the rudders are fixed, and the 46RK addresses this with twin dagger rudders. The rudders are buoyant, so they are easy to lift. Lowering is also easy and can be done in seconds—just kick a lever free, push down until the desired stop is reached, and swing the lever back into the locking position.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Below decks, the 46RK is bright and airy with full pilothouse windows, liberal use of port lights, and—rarely seen these days—deck prisms! The interior layout is as unique as the keel system, with a mezzanine-like raised area just inside the companionway. This area has the twin engines set underneath and a captain’s chair on top offering 360-degree panoramic views through the pilothouse windows. With a flat screen display mounted in front of the chair, the autopilot remote, and all of the electrical panels and meters alongside, Captain Kirk would be right at home taking command.

From the raised pilothouse, the saloon steps down both to port and starboard. To port, tucked just outboard of the companionway, is an aft-facing nav station. Moving aft is the port stateroom, which can be converted from a double to a single, or to storage space.

Forward from the nav station is the main saloon with the galley along the port side and the dining area to starboard, followed by the forward stateroom.

The forward stateroom is the master and has a spacious feel with an island queen berth, large hanging locker and clever vanity tucked on the port side. The master stateroom has an en suite head with separate shower stall and vacu-flush toilet and one of those beautiful deck prisms that brings sparkling sunlight into dark places.

To starboard of the raised pilothouse area, the cabin steps down into the aft double stateroom, which also has an en suite head. The galley has many interesting features, including handsome cane covered cabinets that allow air circulation while offering a warm look, a large top-loading deep freezer to go along with the large refrigerator, and a double sink.

Seaward even includes an espresso machine and icemaker with the 46RK galley setup! There are far too many clever, well thought out features on the 46RK to list them all. A few of our favorites are a sump in the fuel tank plumbed with a drain to allow removing any water that might have gotten in the tank, “foot stools” that fold up at the port and starboard aft cockpit seats, line stowage compartments at each winch built into the deck mold, and windlass control at the helm station.

DETAILS
The Seaward 46RK has a plumb bow and a moderate beam and displacement. The hull is constructed with solid fiberglass below the waterline and composite-cored topsides and deck. The deck is vacuum-bonded to the headliner, so it is strong and light. The 46RK’s uniqueness extends into the deck layout, which has been configured to make it easy for a couple to handle.

Sight lines are good from the helm station, and all sail controls are led to the cockpit, with a power winch for the main halyard and electric furling for the jib. Stainless handrails are everywhere, and along with wide side decks, they make moving to the foredeck more of a comfortable walk than a chance to practice one’s ballet skills.

The 46RK has been designed with distance cruising in mind and has good stowage, including a large forepeak locker with volume for bulky items. The 46RK rig sports double spreaders with moderate aft sweep, twin backstays, discontinuous standing rigging, and—on the vessel we sailed—Sta-lok fittings connecting the stays to the turnbuckles. The chainplates are bolted to the inside of the hull. The traveler is mounted on a stainless traveler arch that frees up cockpit space and yet still makes it easy to access.

Yet another unique feature is that the mast is stepped on a tabernacle, which will be integrated with a system that will allow owners to lower and raise the mast without the use of a crane. Seaward Yachts is advancing state of the art sailboat design.

They are pursuing creative solutions to age-old compromises, while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.

We were impressed with the sailing characteristics, build quality, and fit and finish of the RK46. This is a vessel we would happily sail across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas and on to points over the horizon.

Jeff grew up sailing in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. He has been actively sailing for more than 45 years. Jean has been sailing since she was 12, first on the Chesapeake Bay and then in the Caribbean on vessels ranging from Sunfish to 80’ schooners. Jeff and Jean have extensively cruised the Caribbean and Florida on their current boat, a Skye 51. Both are 100GT Masters and ASA Certified Sailing Instructors.

Visit www.twocansail.com for information on their seminar series.

Seaward 46
LOA 48’
LOD 45’4”
LWL 44’10”
Beam 13’3”
Draft (board up) 2’5”
Draft (board down) 7’6”
Disp. 23,000 lbs.
Ballast 7,500 lbs.
Sail Area 1006 sq. ft.
Mast height (above water) 62’
Engines (as tested): Twin Yanmars 54Hp each
Fuel 180 gals.
Water 180 gals.

Hake Yachts
772-287-3200
rparks@hakeyachts.com
www.seawardyachts.com

Catalina 315 • The new Catalina offers sprightly sailing performance in a hull with a remarkably spacious interior

The morning after last winter’s Strictly Sail Miami show wrapped up, I met Gerry and Tina Douglas on the deserted piers at Miamarina so we could take Gerry’s new creation, the Catalina 315, out for a test sail. The day had broken clear and fine, with the easterly trade winds rattling the palm trees and a light dew still wet on the decks.

We unmoored the 315, and with coffee cups in hand motored southward into Biscayne Bay. The 315 handled sweetly under power. With only a 21 hp diesel that literally sips fuel, the boat motored at 6 knots at cruising revs and maxed out at 6.5 knots with the hammer down. The 315 has a big rudder that gives the helm a positive feel and allows it to turn in tight circles. Backing, the boat steers almost as well in reverse as it does going forward.

Even though the boat is a small cruiser and all her gear and rigging are light, the 315 has been equipped with both a roller furling genoa and an in-mast roller furling mainsail. Sailing her is a snap. Once we cleared the William Powell Bridge to Key Biscayne, we rolled out the main and then set the genoa.

As the sail filled and we hardened up to close-hauled, the 315 leaped forward and seemed to relish the breeze and the close angle of sail. When we test new boats, we always work the boat hard to windward first if we can so we get a good feel for how weatherly the design is, whether it has any vices like lee helm, and how well it falls into the groove with the sails properly trimmed.

The 315 exceeded expectations. She put her shoulder down and accelerated neatly. As we trimmed sails, we were able to dial in as much weather helm as we wanted, which is about five degrees, or just enough to give the wheel a positive feel.

In the 10 knots of breeze, the 315 sailed to windward at close to 6 knots and was able to tack inside 90 degrees. We could pinch her up closer to the wind, but that killed her boat speed and robbed the helm of the nice sprightly action.

We tacked our way down the bay for an hour or so until we met up with a Catalina 385 that was also out for a test sail. The 315 is seven feet shorter than the 385, but side by side the two boats seemed amazingly equal in sailing ability, which told us just how well the little sister sails.

Heading back to the marina we rolled out the screecher, which was rigged to a demountable Selden bowsprit, and had a really fun run up the bay. The wind was puffing to 15 knots so we had plenty of breeze, and in the stronger puffs the 315 would absorb the punches like a pro and accelerate sweetly. With the big sail flying, you have to stay alert at the helm to keep her from rounding up in the puffs, but once you get the feel this is not a problem.

Sailing the 315 on that lovely day with a good breeze blowing left us all smiling. Here indeed is a fun new design that puts the emphasis solidly on ease of handling and really good sailing qualities.

THE INSIDE STORY
The 315 has a beam of 11 feet, seven inches, so even without looking at it you know the hull has a lot of volume. And the design has a broader stern than you would see in earlier Gerry Douglas designs, so the wide beam is enhanced by extra volume aft. But even knowing this, when you go below it is almost as though you are stepping down from the cockpit of a 31-footer into the interior of a 37-footer. I found myself in a true optical illusion and was left wondering how on earth Gerry did it.

Douglas was trained as an architect before he got a real job as a yacht designer and builder with Frank Butler at Catalina, so he knows a lot about light, space and the sight lines that enhance the sensory impression of both. To make the maximum use of the boat’s beam, he has pushed the furniture out to the hull as far as possible and made the cabinets that run along both sides shallower than you would find on larger designs. Combine that with large windows, ports, hatches, and an off-white headliner and the effect is amazing.

From the base of the companionway ladder, you have the compact but complete galley to port with the U-shaped dinette just forward of it. The dinette can be converted into a double berth with the table lowered and a cushion inserted.

The open area of cabin sole down the middle seems enormous for a boat of this size. The bench settee along the starboard side is long enough to be a good berth, too, and has the aft-facing chart table at the after end and a two-drawer side cabinet at the forward end. Just forward and across from the head is a large hanging locker.

The dinette will seat four, the settee three, and you could certainly fit four or five more standing about the cabin. If the urge arises, you could happily host 10 to 12 friends for a party—not counting those who have snuck off to the forward and after cabins.

The forward cabin has a good-size V-berth that is easy to get in and out of, with large storage lockers and drawers beneath it. The forward hatch provides good ventilation and adds a lot of natural light.

The after cabin has a large double berth tucked under the cockpit, a hanging locker and storage cabinets for clothes. Both cabins can be closed off with solid teak doors.

For a couple who cruises with friends, or a family of four, the 315 offers amazing communal space in the saloon and very livable private spaces in the cabins—all of which is pretty unusual in a 31-foot cruising boat.DETAILS,

DETAILS
Catalina has always built honest, straightforward boats that do their jobs well without gimmicks or marketing slights of hand. And they have been able to keep their pricing in line by using efficient build techniques and top quality (but not exotic) materials.

The 315 has a lot of features that make it a good cruising boat and that set it apart from the fleet. From the collision bulkhead in the bow to the seats built into the stern rails, the life of cruising sailors has always been kept at the forefront.

Mildew can be a problem on a cruising boat, so the hanging lockers are lined with cedar panels that will help combat it and there are opening ports in every cabin to enhance ventilation.

You should check the engine’s crankcase oil daily and top up the engine coolant regularly, so Catalina builds in special small hatches that give you access to the dipstick and the fill caps for oil and coolant. And you need good access to the whole engine now and then, so the cabinet around the engine is completely demountable.

These days, sailors tend to come aboard with their laptops, iPads and smartphones—all of which need charging—so the chart table has been designed to accommodate laptops, and outlets are provided for 12 volt and 110 volt power.

The 315, like the rest of the fleet in the new Catalina 5 series, offers a lot of value in a very well thought out package. The boat sails well and is fun and easy to handle. It motors well and maneuvers easily around the docks. And, the interior living spaces are as large and commodious as you will find on any 31-footer.

How’d he do that? The old-fashioned way. Attention to detail.

Catalina 315
LOA 31’0”
LWL 26’0”
Beam 11’7”
Draft (fin) 6’3”
Draft (wing) 4’4”
Displ 10,600 lbs.
Ballast 4,400 lbs.
Sail area 506 sq. ft.
Fuel 27 gals
Water 41 gals
Holding 17 gals
Engine 21-hp. Diesel

Catalina Yachts
Woodland Hills, CA
818-884-7700
Largo, FL
727-544-6681
www.catalinayachts.com

Hanse 495 •

Hanse Yachts of Germany has been exporting their modern cruisers to North America for nearly a decade. We have reviewed several of the models in the pages of BWS and have discovered that the designs tend to stir definite responses from sailors. When you climb aboard a new Hanse at a boat show and mingle with showgoers—often couples who are seeing the boats for the first time—you get a lot of spontaneous reactions.

Some couples take one look and say, Nope, not traditional enough for us, while others stop in their tracks and utter Wow, this is the future.

Both are right. The newest designs from Hanse are not at all traditional; instead, they reflect the future with as much pizzazz as boats from any builder in the world. The hulls have plumb bows and sawn-off sterns that contain huge fold-down swim platforms. Under the water, the keels are often racy T-bulbs and the rudders deep, high aspect shapes you would expect on a grand prix racer. The tall rigs have large, full-battened mainsails, while the working headsails are small and self-tacking. The cockpits are huge, have twin wheels and are equipped with big drop-leaf tables. And often the sterns are wide open to the sea.

The Hanse 495 is not your granddad’s cruising boat by any stretch. The new boat, like its sisters in the Hanse fleet, is an eye-catching statement of modernist form following modernist function.

SEA TRIALS
It was a flat, calm morning off Manchester, MA when I met up with Bump Wilcox, the local Hanse dealer, to take the 495 for a test sail. An old Yankee, Bump assured me the fog would soon lift and a sea breeze would build. And so it did. By noon, we could see the harbor entrance and the surface of the water had a few ripples. We fired up the engine, dropped the mooring lines, switched on the bow thruster and pivoted the big sloop in its own length so we could motor down the narrow channel toward the sea.

As we cleared the harbor buoy and started to hoist the big mainsail, the ripples on the water were turning into waves and the sea breeze began to gain enthusiasm. The main has a double purchase, so the halyard is incredibly long, but it is a snap to raise the big, heavy sail. We got it up and drawing and soon had the small 100 percent jib rolled out and trimmed.

The North Shore is iron bound with rocky isles and reefs and coastal cliffs, so we had to pick our way seaward carefully as we tacked into the still building breeze. The 495, trimmed for close-hauled sailing, tacked effortlessly and accelerated quickly after each tack, all without any sheet trimming. We were sailing at 42 degrees true and making 8.5 knots in 15 knots of true breeze, and she felt well settled, had no weather helm and the decks were mostly dry.

Within an hour, the sea breeze was now a proper wind of more than 25 knots, so we decided to spare the new boat and headed off onto a power reach for a mile or so, then jibed around and ran for home. On the reach, with the wind just aft of the beam, the 495 had no trouble sailing at 10 knots and hit 12 a couple of times in the puffs. And off the wind on a broad reach, she was able to sail at 9 and 10 without trouble.

The one hitch with self-tacking headsails lies in the position of the sheet cars on deck; the tack trims well inboard on both sides, so when you are reaching, the head of the sail tends to twist off and lose power. The result is that you have to sail at about 160 degrees from the true wind and jibe your way toward your destination. For those who want to sail effectively downwind, you need to rig a lazy sheet to the jib that can be trimmed properly or you need to fly a reacher or code zero on a free flying roller forward.

We made it back in one piece and had a truly exhilarating sail. The Hanse 495 is a remarkably capable design that is easy to handle, has a pleasant motion in square chop and offers a fine turn of speed.

LIFE ABOARD
The Hanse 495’s interior layouts make optimum use of the huge amount of volume the designers have allocated in the hull. The topsides are quite high, so the underside of the decks inside the boat are not an impediment to lockers and sight lines. The hull carries its volume quite far forward and aft, so there is plenty of room for large cabin and storage spaces. And the hull has enough rocker under the water to make room below the floorboards for wine lockers and other storage areas.

The boat Bump and I sailed had the standard layout, with a large double berth in the owner’s cabin forward and two large quarter cabins aft under the cockpit. The forward head arrangement puts the toilet and sink in a closet to port and the shower in its own closet to starboard, so both spaces can be used at the same time. Aft, there is a single head and shower that serves both aft cabins and that will be a good wet locker for foul weather gear when underway on a foul day.

The saloon and the fit and finish of the cabinetry are what give the interior its wow factor. The galley lies along the port side of the saloon and is equipped with, naturally, a roomy wine cooler, a two-drawer fridge-freezer, a dishwasher, a three-burner stove and oven, a microwave oven, and two large stainless steel sinks. The granite-colored Corian counters add an elegant touch.

The dinette to starboard is U-shaped and huge. Eight adults will fit around the table, so you can entertain handsomely. The bench amidships doubles as a wet bar and storage area for wine and bar supplies. The table has drink holders built into it that will keep cups and glasses in place while underway.

The chart table on the starboard side is small for laying out large ChartKits, but well suited to the size of a laptop computer and smaller charts. Above it, a removable panel for electronics will be home to the chartplotter, radios, AIS and other navigation instruments.

Headroom throughout the boat is exceptional. The interior is full of light that flows through the large rectangular windows in the hull and the big windows that wrap around the cabin top. Plus, two large opening hatches overhead provide light and ventilation.

The boat we sailed had a light beech wood interior that was warm and attractive. The cabin soles were a very light-colored maple, which added to the interior’s brightness and gave the boat a completely nontraditional ambience. The blue faux leather upholstery in the dinette was handsome and set off the woods nicely.

For a family of four or a couple cruising with friends, the interior works very well. And, the saloon is large enough for about 20 of your friends to gather for sundowners. Add the huge cockpit into the mix and you could entertain 30, which is about as nontraditional a concept as you can get in an oceangoing cruising boat.

Hanse pioneered the “have it your way” process of personalizing your own boat through their online “configurator.” Similar in concept to the way you can customize a new BMW, the website allows you to choose your own layout, keel configuration, rig size, hull colors, interior finishes and much more. Once you have your boat just the way you want it, the website passes the information on to the nearest dealer, who will then call you for a more in-depth discussion. Very smooth.

If you are looking for a cruising boat that will take you boldly into the future as well as safely and comfortably to sea, the purposeful and handsome new Hanse 495 is well suited for the job.

Hanse 495

LOA 50’6”
LOD 48’9”
LWL 44’5”
Beam 15’7”
Draft 7’8”
Draft (shoal) 6’6”
Displacement 30,900 lbs.
Ballast 8,830 lbs.
Sail area 1,390 sq. ft.
Mast height 72’6”
Engine 72 hp. Diesel
Fuel 75 gals.
Water 165 gals.
DesignersJudel/Vrolijk

www.hanseyachts.com
www.usa.hanseyachts.com

Moody DS 45 Magic •

We sailed the Moody DS 45 in Newport, RI on one of those clear, warm fall days that make me realize how lucky I am to go sailing as part of my job. I was out with my old friend Alan Baines, who is the dealer for Moody in the Northeast and an accomplished sailor in his own right.

The Moody was lying to a mooring off the Jamestown Boat Yard, so we hitched a ride from a boatyard hand—the launch service had ended for the season—and climbed aboard just as the breeze began to build. There was still a little warmth in the sunlight, and across Narragansett Bay several classic 12 meters under charter were tacking easily seaward.

From your first look at the Moody DS 45, you know you are not dealing with a Moody from the old days. Hanse Yachts purchased the Moody brand some years ago and immediately set out in a completely new direction. And the new deck saloon design is certainly something different.

We opened up the boat, got the engine going and dropped the mooring so we could motor away from the mooring field before rolling out the main. The 45 has in-mast furling on the main and roller furling on the 100 percent self-tacking jib. I have to say that pilothouse designs make me think of motorsailers, which in turn dampens any expectation that the boat will sail nimbly or quickly. But the 45 is different. Designed by Bill Dixon, the boat is a sailboat first and a deck saloon cruiser second.

We rolled out the mainsail and jib, then fell off onto a close reach to get the boat going. And go she did. The long waterline, big mainsail and jib got to work, and soon we were sailing upwind at 5, then 6 knots in 10 knots of true breeze. And because the headsail sheets at a very close angle, the 45 was able to sail very close to the wind, higher in fact than the 12 meters with the big overlapping genoas ahead of us on the bay.

The cockpit layout makes it a little tricky to see forward while sailing. If you are steering from the leeward side, you can look down the decks to keep the jib’s telltales in sight and you can see through the saloon windows as you look forward. From the windward side you have to stand up to see forward clearly.

Alan had to take a phone call, so I put the 45 through a series of tacks—with a turn of the wheel—and then eased sheets to reach off.

The boat slipped through the water very sweetly and maintained good momentum through the tacks. Off the wind, the long waterline provided a good turn of speed. I have to say, I was surprised by the 45’s sailing characteristics, ease of handling and speed, not to mention the proper sailing feel of the helm. This is indeed a sailboat first.

ON DECK
The brief that Hanse handed Dixon when the project began must have simply said, “And now for something completely different,” because that is exactly what they got. Once upon a time there was a deck saloon charter boat called the Jeanneau Atoll that was sort of like the Moody…but not really. And back in 2001, Dixon created a custom 44-foot deck saloon design called Silver Phantom that may have had a tad of influence on the 45.

But the new design goes much farther in its innovations. The more recent Nor’east 400 and Bruckmann 50 by Mark Ellis are examples of traditional visions of the pilothouse motorsailer, but the DS 45 is a more modern iteration. The hull has high slab sides, a plumb bow, and a square stern with the hint of a chine in the quarters. The stern folds down to make a swim platform and an in-hull dinghy dock for a small inflatable. The cockpit and saloon are on one level, so when you have the large sliding doors to the saloon open, the two spaces merge into one indoor-outdoor living room.

Over the cockpit, there is a hard bimini top with a retracting center panel that opens to the sky so you can have as much sun or rain protection as you desire. There are twin wheels and large comfortable seats behind each. The sailing instruments are mounted in pods on the after end of the bimini top.

Going forward, the decks are surrounded by quite high bulwarks that keep water off the deck and provide a real sense of security for those going forward—almost like on a large powerboat. Instead of lifelines, there are solid stainless steel rails on top of the bulwarks from bow to stern. The anchor locker and anchoring system are truly innovative. The foredeck and bow are clear and uncluttered with the anchoring system, until you open the anchor locker’s lid.

Beneath it, you will find the anchor upside down on its roller, the windlass and chain locker. With a flick of the wrist, you can deploy the whole anchor roller and anchor so it is securely in position over the bow and ready to drop. Then, with the push of a button, the anchor and chain run out with the anchor well away from the gelcoat on the bow.

The 45’s decks are clean and well laid out, with all halyards and control lines led aft to the cockpit winches via conduits in the cabintop and cockpit seat backs. The mainsheet runs from a fixed point on the cabin top—no traveler, thank you—up the boom to the mast and then aft. The leach of the sail is controlled with the vang, which can also be adjusted from the cockpit. The whole feel of the 45 on deck is of space well used, of comfort carefully planned for, and of sailing made fun, convenient and effortless.

YACHT STYLE LIVING
I don’t use the word “yacht” very often in reviews. It evokes, in my mind, large and expensive vessels with crew and too much of everything that a couple or family doesn’t need, or even want. But yacht style is a definite quality that you find in certain traditional brands such as Hinckley and Morris, or in high-end luxury custom boats from the likes of Lyman Morse, Oyster and others. You know it when you see it. And you definitely see it in the Moody DS 45.

The cockpit offers it first, with the inlaid teak of the helm seats, the fine teak decking, and the handsome cockpit table between bench seats that are softened with proper cushions, backs and bolsters. The sliding saloon doors are of the bulletproof variety for seagoing integrity, but they look stylish and modern with bright stainless steel trim and hardware.

The boat I sailed had a varnished mahogany and white interior that is the old Herreshoff signature that became classic American yacht style. A lighter-colored maple finish is also available. The deck saloon on the 45 is not large, but manages to offer a dinette to starboard that will seat six, a full galley with all of the normal appliances, and a forward-facing pilot and nav station where you can sit and run the boat. I like sitting in this seat, autopilot in hand, as the rain pelts down on the cabintop.

As in large yachts, the sleeping and head compartments are completely separate from the open living spaces and down three steps going forward. The master stateroom with a centerline double berth, vanity or desk, and storage lockers lies all the way forward. There is a large deck hatch over the bunk for ventilation and light.

The master head, with a separate shower, is just aft and to port. The guest or day head is across from the master head and accessible from the corridor. In the standard layout, two guest cabins lie aft on both sides of the corridor. The starboard cabin has twin singles with a nice leg space between them and ample storage. The port cabin has a double berth that you mount from the forward end; this can be awkward for large or older people, so it may make sense to offer twins in this cabin as well. The port cabin can be redesigned as an office with a large desk for those who want to mix business and cruising.

The concept of creating truly separate living and private spaces in a boat of this size mirrors what can be achieved in cruising catamarans, plus in the 45 you get the same 360° view. It is, in a way, a “monomaran” that seems like a hybrid of the two types of boats. And it is a concept that others are gradually imitating. The Moody DS 45 is an altogether innovative cruising boat for a couple or a family.

Being able to sail or motor from the warmth and comfort of the deck saloon is a huge benefit. Also, indoor-outdoor living on one level in the saloon and the large cockpit is just what most cruising folks are looking for. Having the private spaces be truly private will appeal to most of the family members and guests you bring aboard, while the huge master suite will feel like the best home away from home you can imagine in a 45-footer.

This is a boat that has a whole lot going for it, all wrapped up in a very stylish package that will set it apart as a design for real cruising folk.

Moody DS 45

LOA 45’00”
LWL 42’42”
Beam 14’12”
Draft 6’34”
Displacement 30,864
Ballast 9,479 lbs.
Engine 106 hp.
Fresh water 200 gals.
Fuel tank 150 gals.
Mast height 78’
Sail area 1,300 sq; ft.
Design Dixon Yacht Design

www.moodyboats.com

Hylas Yachts makes a luxurious world cruiser for a couple or family •

So when Dick and Kyle Jachney, owners of Hylas Yachts, decided to add a new boat to their line in the mid-50-foot range, they had the interesting challenge of taking what was best in the 54 and melding it with the latest thinking in cruising boat design and construction. The result is the new Hylas 56, which bears a strong family resemblance to the 54 but is also a confident step forward.

I got to sail the new 56 last fall after the Annapolis sailboat show. The weather had turned decidedly fall-like, with an easterly wind blowing sheets of rain descending on the Chesapeake Bay. It was a good big boat day when we could really see how the new boat sails and handles the square waves that were building.

As we motored out Back Creek, we put the 56 through its paces in forward, reverse and turning. The boat is driven by a 150 hp Yanmar diesel, which is a good size for a hull that displaces 50,200 pounds. Going from a dead stop to full speed took just under a minute, and the boat stopped when thrown into reverse in under three boat lengths. With the large rudder mounted on a half skeg, the boat circled on itself in about a boat length and half. All of this indicated that the 56 is handy under power, and—with the bow thruster engaged—simple to moor and unmoor, even in the gusty breeze we had that day.

Out in the bay we rolled out about two-thirds of the mainsail and set the roller furling staysail instead of the genoa. This reduced sail plan was perfect for the wind conditions, and the 56 was quickly close-reaching at 8.5 knots. As we trimmed and brought her close to the wind, the angle of the waves sent lots of spray onto the foredeck, but we did not get wet in the cockpit behind the dodger, and deck wash drained quickly aft. She settled down at about 48 degrees true off the wind and maintained 8 knots while heeling at about 15 degrees. Sighting aft, we appeared to be making very little leeway despite the waves and the strong breeze. And, the ride was remarkably stable and comfortable.

By the time we had thrown the 56 through a series of tacks, we were out in the middle of the bay and had a good angle for reaching back toward Back Creek. We rolled up the staysail and rolled out the genoa; with the added horsepower and the broad reach sailing angle, we started to fly. The speedo jumped to 10 knots, and occasionally we’d see 11 in the stronger puffs. The helm felt positive but light and the boat tracked well even though we had square waves rolling under the broad transom.

Off Back Creek, we rolled up the genoa and then turned into the wind to roll up the mainsail. With electric winches and furling systems, handling the big sails in the strong breeze was no problem at all. The 56 proved to be a very able boat under sail and power. She is stable, solid and inspires confidence while still turning out good speeds at all angles of sail. The design has a limit of positive stability of 125 degrees. For passagemaking, the new design will provide fast and comfortable passages anywhere in the world and will look after you when it gets bouncy out there.

DETAILS, DETAILS
The Jachneys have been building cruising boats for a long time, listening to their customers every step of the way. It is interesting to note that they seem to have tapped into the young CEO market of sailors who are looking for a luxury cruising boat with offshore capabilities at a competitive price. These guys do their homework, and when they compare a Hylas 56 to other boats in that size range, they have a hard time beating the combination of traditional styling, solid construction, seakeeping qualities and value.

Value is an interesting word that can connote low price or a lot for the money. In the case of the Hylas family of boats, which are built in Taiwan, the value lies in getting a lot for what you pay. And you will find it in the 56’s details.

The Frers-designed hulls are engineered for strength and durability instead of lightness. They are laminated of hand-laid glass fiber with alternating layers of Twaron, a carbon aramid fiber, in vinylester resin. The gel coat is an isophthalic resin for ultimate blister resistance. Below the water, two barrier coats of epoxy resin are applied as insurance against blisters.

The hull has two watertight bulkheads. The aft bulkhead seals off the rudderpost, so even with the rudder and post missing, the boat will still float. Forward, a collision bulkhead ensures that even a direct hit on a submerged container won’t violate the main hull.

Instead of using a balanced spade rudder, all of the Hylases designed by Frers have skegs that are integral with the hull laminate. This prevents flotsam damage underway and prevents rudder damage during a grounding. If you are venturing far afield, this extra level of rudder strength and protection is a real boon. The lead keel is a modified cruising fin with a small bulb that helps lower the center of gravity. For those who can’t work with the standard seven feet, four inches of draft, a keel-centerboard that draws only six feet, four inches with the board up has been designed.

The rig has been set up for long haul sailing with a minimum number of crew. Both the mainsail and the genoa have primary and backup halyards. Instead of using the single lowers made popular by masts with aft swept spreads, the 56 has fore and aft lowers that add extra support to the middle of the mast—particularly important when battling headwinds under a reefed main and staysail. The mast has discontinuous Hasselfors standing rigging with mechanical Sta-Lok end fittings, thus ruling out the dangers of going to sea with a cracked swage fitting.

The anchor locker is divided for two complete anchor rodes and there are two permanent anchor rollers at the stem head. The 56 is meant to be cruised far from the marina, so it needs to be securely and easily anchored by a couple.

A lot of thought has gone into the 56’s basic engineering and systems. The 150 hp Yanmar diesel is fitted with an easily used manual crankcase oil pump, so changing the engine oil every 100 hours is not a chore. That means you will actually do it, adding thousands of hours of life to your engine. Plus, the fuel system has two Racor filters that can be linked together or set up so one bypasses the other during maintenance. Finally, the engine compartment is fitted with a complete set of sensors and alarms, so any malfunction will be made known almost instantly.

You can tell a displacement cruising boat by its tanks. Not going anywhere? Small tanks. Exploring the world? Big tanks. The 56 has tanks for 280 gallons of fuel and 275 gallons of water—enough for four people, who conserve fresh water, for a month. And, it will power at low revs at about 6 knots for close to 1,000 miles.

One final detail: The 56 comes standard with four AGM 8Ds, which provide 840 amp hours of house battery storage and separate starting and bow thruster batteries. Such an ample reserve will mean you can run all of your systems with confidence.

LIVING ABOARD
The 56 was conceived as a passagemaking cruising boat for a family of adventurers. The saloon is open with ample headroom and will easily accommodate a party of 12 for cocktails and a family of eight for dinner at the dinette to port. The settee to starboard is a great place to lounge and will make a good sea berth.

The galley has been placed in the long passageway from the saloon to the master stateroom aft. The stove, fridges and several storage cupboards are mounted below the counter outboard, while the sinks are mounted above the engine compartment on the centerline, where they will drain on both tacks.

The master suite aft has a raised centerline double berth that will be easy to make up and comfortable to climb in and out of from both sides. There is ample storage space and hanging lockers for a couple living aboard in a variety of climes, and with opening ports on both sides and a large hatch overhead, ventilation will be great in the tropics. The master head is huge, with lots of lockers and a true separate shower stall.

Forward of the saloon, there is a snug upper and lower cabin to port that will work well for crew or children. Across from it lies the forward head, which also has a separate shower stall. The large guest cabin forward is virtually a second master cabin since it has a double centerline berth, a large hanging locker, and plenty of drawer and cabinet space.

One of the design touches we like aboard the 56 is the command center just aft and down a step from the dinette to port in the saloon. Here, you have a wraparound desk or chart table where you can install a full computer, run your laptops, operate the SSB, talk on the Iridium and navigate with your side-by-side multifunction displays. Or, if you are not headed to sea, you can run your company virtually from this executive suite of a nav station.

The new 56, like the recent Hylas models, is fitted out with teak panels, solid wood doors, teak or bamboo floors, and off-white overhead panels. The large wraparound windows in the saloon provide plenty of light without too much heat.

Furniture is built with traditional care. You will find louvered doors, solid door panels, fitted solid wood corner posts, and nicely handcrafted laminate pieces in the heads. Underfoot, you can have a traditional teak and holly sole or opt for more modern-looking bamboo floor panels. It is worth noting that all floor pieces have positive latches, so they won’t move or get loose when things get bumpy at sea.

A thoroughly warm and inviting interior is much prized by families living aboard for any length of time. The cabins offer great private spaces, while the saloon and large center cockpit provide plenty of room for socializing.

The new Hylas 56 is a lovely evolution from the 54. And, like the earlier design, this 56-footer has the legs to take you anywhere you might want to sail.

Hylas 56 specs
LOA 56’4”
LWL 50’5”
Beam 15’10”
Draft (deep) 7’4”
Draft (shoal keel/cb) 6’4”/10’
Displacement 50,200 lbs.
Ballast 20,200 lbs.
Sail Area 1821 sq. ft.
Water 275 gals.
Fuel 280 gals.
Mast height 73’0”

Hylas Yachts
Marblehead, MA
800-875-5114
www.hylasyachtsusa.com

The Island Packet 360 debuted at last fall’s Annapolis sailboat show and caused a nice stir among the boatbuilder’s many fans. The new boat shows some definite evolutionary traits while maintaining the qualities that make Island Packets so admired in the cruising fleet.

The 360 is built using the same hull as the popular Estero, which was launched a few years ago. The hull has a slightly more plumb bow than the current fleet of Island Packets and stirs memories of the great early boats that made Island Packet famous. The boat’s bowsprit is a bit longer than we see in the larger boats, which spreads out the sailing rig, provides a good anchoring platform and gives the 360 a decidedly classic and salty look.

Under the water, the 360’s hull has the same Full Foil Keel, shallow draft and attached rudder that you see on her sister ships. The hull design offers a sea kindly motion, a high degree of stability, some positive lift when sailing to windward and, of course, the minimum draft that allows you to really gunkhole close to the coastline. For those who are sailing far afield, this hull shape will take a grounding better than a fin keel design, will better protect the rudder and propeller, and will allow you to dry out or careen the boat for quick repairs or refreshing the antifouling paint.

The 360 has a fairly tall cutter rig with the staysail flying on the patented Hoyt Jib Boom. With roller furling on all three sails and a self-tacking staysail, the 360 is an automated cruising boat. And because the sails are all fairly small, even the lightest and smallest crewmember can trim, reef and furl them.

The 360 sports an all-new interior that combines the warmth of traditional varnished teak joinery with the brightness of light-colored laminates and countertops. The boat offers two large, private double cabins and has a large head forward with a separate shower stall. The galley is huge and has twin refrigerators (either of which can be used as a freezer), a propane stove and oven, a microwave, and plenty of storage above and below the counters.

The L-shaped settee to port has a table that folds down from the main bulkhead, and across from the dinette are two swiveling easy chairs. There are storage lockers behind the settee and the chairs, and a small table fits neatly between the chairs for drinks or playing cards. The chart table folds up from the galley cabinet, where the navigator can use it while sitting in the aft easy chair.

The interior is spacious and homey, with plenty of natural light and ventilation. For a couple who likes to cruise with another couple or their children, the 360 offers a lot of accommodations in a manageable and affordable package.

After the Annapolis show, we had the chance to sail the boat before it was delivered to the nearby dealership at Gratitude Yacht Sales. The morning breeze was light and the Chesapeake Bay was lovely in the early autumn warmth. Off the Naval Academy we rolled out the mainsail and then the genoa and the 360 responded nicely. At 19,300 pounds, she is no lightweight, but even so the ample sail area easily turned the light breeze into 5 knots of boat speed. She seemed to almost be making her own wind.

We tacked up the Severn River next to the Academy where the breeze was building. The 360 tacked easily through 90 degrees and maintained her way while making very little leeway.

At the fixed bridge across the river, we bore off onto a broad reach and rolled out the staysail to give us maximum sail area. The 360 responded well and soon the bow wave was hissing nicely along the hull and the wake stretching away smoothly. This is the kind of pleasant sailing that we would have been happy with all day.

But we didn’t have all day, so after a few jibes downwind, we rolled up the sails and headed back into Annapolis under power. The 360 motors efficiently and is easy to steer and maneuver. We brought her in alongside a dock in town without any fuss and then backed and turned her within a boat length.

The new Island Packet 360 does a lot of things well. She is a capable ocean sailing boat with excellent accommodation for living aboard. She is built to the highest standards and carries ABYC and CE offshore ratings. If you are looking for a handy, mid-size blue water boat that is also a lot of fun to sail, the new 360 should definitely be on your list. Take her sailing and you won’t look back.

Island Packet Yachts
1979 Wild Acres Rd.
Largo, FL
33771
727-535-6431
www.ipy.com

Island Packet 360
LOA 36’5”
LWL 31’6”
Beam 12’4”
Draft 4’0”
Mast height 54’0”
Water 110 gals.
Fuel 55 gals.
Displ. 19,300 lbs.
Sail area 831 sq. ft.
Engine 40-hp.

Catalina 385 •

The afternoon we test-sailed the new Catalina 385 on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, the breeze was a pleasant 10 knots out of the northeast and the bay fairly calm. As we motored out of Back Creek, we rolled out the mainsail and then rolled out the red, white and blue screecher. The 385 put her shoulder down and started to really scream as we watched the speedo climb from 5 to 6 and finally 7 knots.

With the wind just forward of the beam, the 385 heeled to about 10 degrees. The helm was incredibly light despite the big headsail. With a tweak of the main traveler, we were able to balance the helm to neutral so the boat steered herself straight without a finger on the wheel. This is the mark of a boat that has her proportions just right.

We flew out into the bay and then rolled up the screecher to see how she sailed with the 135 percent genoa. Hard on the wind, the boat maintained a happy 7 knots in the 10 knots of true breeze and tacked inside 90 degrees quite easily. The boat we were sailing has the shoal draft winged keel and a slightly shallower rudder than the deep draft version, but this did not seem to affect her performance upwind and we noted that we were making very little leeway. Again, hard on the wind and heeled to almost 15 degrees, the 385 had a very light helm that was easily balanced with traveler adjustments.

Running back into Annapolis, we hauled the genoa to windward so we could run squarely downwind wing-and-wing. This is not the fastest point of sail, but we still maintained close to 6 knots, which proved that despite a moderate-displacement cruising hull, the 385 is a slippery and handy sailing boat.

The deck layout works really well for a couple sailing together or a larger group. The mainsail controls and traveler are all managed with line stoppers and a winch next to the companionway. The genoa sheets and control line for the headsail are within reach of the helmsman. The cockpit is not overly wide, so you always have a good foot or hip brace point, which allows you to work with both hands. Visibility from the raised helm seats to windward and leeward is excellent.

The Selden spar and headsail roller furling gear work easily and have very smooth actions, so deploying and then furling the sails was a cinch. The Selden bowsprit for the screecher fits neatly in the stemhead fitting and bow rollers so we could tack the big sail down well forward of the pulpit to keep it clear of any potential snags.

Back in Back Creek we put the boat through its paces under power. At cruising revs she will cruise at 6.5 knots easily and can get close to 8 when pushed. The boat has a nice tight turning radius for maneuvering in close quarters, and with a three-bladed prop will stop in two boat lengths from cruising speed. We had to back her into the marina slip in a crosswind, so we gave ourselves plenty of distance and then backed steadily and surely into the slip and managed to pick up both bowlines on their pilings as we slid by.

A couple’s cruising boat, the 385 packs a lot of performance and ease into the moderate hull and benefits from the developments and evolutions that went into the new 445 and 355, which have both proven so popular over the last two years.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The interior of the 385 is finished in hand rubbed and varnished teak and teak veneers, so the whole cabin feels warm and traditional. The saloon has a U-shaped galley with a large fridge, twin sinks and a propane stove and oven. The navigator’s desk faces aft and has a folding top that will accommodate a laptop computer. The electrical panel is outboard and shielded by a tinted acrylic door so you can monitor the panel without having it glaring in your face.

The L-shaped dinette to port has a quad-leaf folding table that will seat several people when open, but takes up very little space when folded. On the boat we tested, the table was varnished to a very high gloss and looked magnificent. Across from the dinette, the twin easy seats are separated by a folding table that will be useful for playing cards or board games. The bench in the dinette will make an excellent sea berth.

The owner’s cabin and the spa-style head are forward. The large double berth with an inner-spring mattress has an articulated tilt mechanism, so you can lounge in bed in the “up” position or sleep in the normal “down” position. The head has a designer sink, a huge shower stall and plenty of storage for bathroom articles and the medicine kit.

The 385 holds 100 gallons of water, so you will not have to skimp on washing up. Plus, with a six-gallon hot water heater, you should have plenty of hot water for short showers. The guest cabin aft has a large athwartship double berth and a small bench where you can sit while putting on your shoes. Plus, there are large lockers for storage of your guest’s gear and for spare parts and all the sundries cruisers collect along the way.

For a couple or a family, the 385 is laid out to provide comfort and privacy in the sleeping cabins and open living in the saloon. You could literally fit a dozen people below decks for, say, the boat christening party.

DETAILS
The 385 is a production built cruiser that employs proven production techniques. The hull is a one-piece hand laid fiberglass molding with a large internal grid fixed in place with aerospace adhesives and fiberglass tabbing. The deck is a cored composite molding that offers stiffness under foot and good heat and sound insulation. A large molded deck liner provides a fully finished ceiling that complements the teak joinery.

The forward section of the hull has what Catalina calls the Strike Zone; this is a watertight compartment forward of the forward bulkhead that will prevent water ingress should you run up on a half submerged object such as a container.

The mast is deck-stepped with a large compression post beneath it, which transfers compression loads to the internal grid and the keel. The mast shrouds run to Catalina’s unique Secure Socket chainplates, which in turn transfer sidestay loads to the chainplates that are firmly glassed into the boat’s structural grid; this system also helps to prevent deck leaks around the chainplates.

The boat’s engine and systems have been installed with regular maintenance in mind. The well insulated engine compartment keeps engine noise to a minimum. And special hatches and doors have been provided, so you can check and top up engine oil and cooling fluid quickly and easily. Should you need to get to the whole engine, the engine box slides out for full 360˚ access to the motor.

Under the water, Catalina uses lead for their keels and engineers massive, robust stainless steel bolt attachments to the integral hull grid. The rudder is a hand-molded fiberglass part with a stainless steel rudderpost and internal stainless steel framing for strength. The rudder post is fixed in place with a large watertight rudder bearing and is operated via the Edson steering system and quadrant.

Down below, you will find that the furniture is assembled by hand and all pieces have solid teak corner posts and solid wood cabinet doors and drawer fronts. The main interior doors are solid teak as well and have top and bottom louvers that enhance ventilation to inhibit mildew growth. Drawers are all wood with stainless self-closing steel sliders.

The engineering and construction details that go into modern Catalinas combine the best in traditional production construction techniques with a definite emphasis on quality, not only in the manufactured parts but also in the choice of OEM equipment such as hatches and ports, and optional equipment such as inverters and battery chargers. The company strives to build boats that are safe, sail well, are easy to maintain and will hold value for a long time. In the 385, they have certainly succeeded.

Catalina 385
LOA 39’2”
LOD 38’2”
LWL 34’5”
Beam 13’1”
Draft (shoal) 4’8”
Draft (deep) 6’10”
Ballast (shoal) 6,200 lbs.
Ballast(deep) 5,200 lbs.
Displacement 16,000 lbs.
Sail Area 802 sq. ft.
Water 100 gals.
Fuel 40 gals.
Holding 31 gals.
Engine 40-hp.
Mast height 54’0”
Displ/LWL 179(w)/168(f)
Sail area/Displ 19.3(w)/20.6(f)
Ballast ratio 37.6(w)/33.5(f)
Base price $208,495

Catalina Yachts
Largo, FL
727-544-6681
www.catalinayachts.com

BENETEAU OCEANIS 45

Last summer I signed on to crew aboard the brand new Beneteau Oceanis 45 on the delivery leg between the Newport, RI boat show and the Norwalk, CT boat show. It’s a run of about 140 miles across Block Island Sound and down Long Island Sound, which we planned to do in a straight shot through the night. That sounded like fun and would be a great way to get to really test the new Berret-Racoupeau designed cruising sloop.

But Irene got in the way. She was a wicked fall hurricane that slammed into mid-Atlantic and New England coastlines and left in her wake a mass of waterborne debris. Everything from trees to refrigerators could be found floating in the waters along the coast, so we made the decision to make the delivery a two-day affair.

We set off from Newport in the early afternoon with the 54 horsepower Yanmar and three-bladed fixed prop shunting us along at 6.5 knots as we maintained a constant 2200 rpms—the “break in” revs for the new engine. There were five of us aboard, including me, the delivery skipper and his mate, and two prospective buyers who had flown in to Newport just to make this trip. Needless to say, we were overstaffed. But that was fine, as we all fit into the huge cockpit or around the saloon dinette table with room to spare.

The Oceanis 45 is the little sister to the new Oceanis 50 that debuted last year. The themes that made that boat so popular have been refined in the new 45-footer. The mainsheet runs to an arch at the forward end of the cockpit, so the cockpit is not obstructed by the sheet and tackle as you tack or jibe.

The 45 has an attractive cockpit table trimmed in teak, with a pod at its aft end for the chartplotter. Five of us ate comfortably around the table and we could have fit three more in a pinch.

The 45 has a nearly full-beam folding transom that works as an aft bench when it is up and as a huge water-sports platform when lowered. It is large enough for swimming and sunning, using SCUBA gear or rigging a sailing dinghy. The ladder is demountable and is designed like a swimming pool ladder so it is really easy to climb.

All of the working sheets and control lines lead aft to the cockpit and most run through conduits on the cabintop to winches on both sides of the companionway. As we motored out of Narragansett Bay, we rolled out the in-mast roller-furling mainsail and trimmed for motorsailing. The afternoon sea breeze had stalled, so we were forced to motor for a couple of hours as we rounded Point Judith and steamed along the coast to Fisher’s Island Sound. With the sail full, our speed bumped up nicely to 7 knots.

Finally, as the sun was getting low, the breeze kicked in and we were able to put the boat through her paces and sail the last 10 miles to our destination in Mystic, CT. Fisher’s Island Sound is a large, protected body of water with reefs and sand bars, so we tacked carefully to windward along the island shore. The 45 handled well under full main and genoa. The beamy hull, with the extra beam at the chine aft, stood up very nicely to the puffs and was happiest sailing very flat.

One of the benefits of the roller furling sails on both the main and the genoa is the ability for you to dial in just as much sail power as you need. With the new vertical batten, roller mainsails, or with a in-boom furling main, you can roll in just as much sail as you want to keep the helm balanced and the boat trimmed for optimum speed. If you are used to sailing narrow older designs that like to sail upwind at 15 degrees of heel or more, then the almost flat sailing angles of modern designs like the Oceanis 45 will be a pleasant adjustment.

Storage on deck is often an issue in boats with two aft cabins and a full width forward cabin. In the 45, lockers have been included under the cockpit sole aft, under the cockpit seats and in a huge locker forward of the forward cabin. This “garage” is deep and large enough for all of your fenders, docking lines, a couple of spinnakers, and possibly a couple of folding bikes.

The chain locker has the windlass built in under the lifting hatch cover so it is out of the way when sailing. The locker is large enough for 250 feet of chain and there is also room for a second rope-chain rode and a second anchor.

We sailed the 45 upwind for a while and found that she tacked easily inside 90 degrees and was capable of 7+ knots in 12 knots of breeze. Off the wind, as we headed toward Mystic, she slid along nicely at 7 to 8 knots and was easy to steer even through some strong puffs.

Like the Oceanis 50, the 45 feels like a big boat underfoot and has plenty of space on deck for a big sailing party. But, the boat sails well and is simple and easy to handle for a couple or even a singlehander.

ACCOMMODATIONS
The Oceanis 45 has two cabin variations. The boat we sailed had a large master cabin forward with its own head and two quarter cabins aft. You can also opt to have only one quarter cabin, which converts the port cabin into a huge sail and storage locker. The two-cabin layout will work well for owners who will be living aboard for long periods and may want to add a genset, extra tankage, and all of the sundry gear and equipment cruisers always collect along the way. The aft cabins are large by any standard. The berths are wide and long enough for standard-issue Americans and there is plenty of headroom. Quarter cabins can be dark and cavernous, but the 45’s designers solved this problem by adding large windows—with shades—facing aft into the cockpit and ample ventilation via the deck hatch and opening port.

The forward cabin has a queen-size double berth on the centerline so you can make the bed easily from the sides and climb in and out without trampling your bedmate. The storage and hanging lockers offer plenty of space for a couple’s clothing and stuff, and the large drawer under the berth will be a great home for linens, blankets and offseason clothing.

Both of the heads on the 45 have separate shower stalls that are partitioned with bi-fold acrylic doors. The forward head is slightly smaller than the aft head, but is still plenty large enough for all of its intended purposes. The after head will double as the wet locker for foul weather gear while underway since it is at the foot of the companionway ladder.

The saloon has the L-shaped galley to port, a bench settee to port and the eight-person dinette to starboard. At the foot of the companionway, the galley is well lit, well ventilated and has plenty of storage space for living aboard. There is a top-loading fridge-freezer and a side-loading fridge, so you will never run out of cool beverages and can carry a lot of perishables for the long haul. The double sinks are outboard, so they may not drain when hard on the starboard tack; but if they don’t drain, the skipper has probably got the main strapped in too tightly, which makes the boat heel more than it should!

It is interesting that chart tables have gradually disappeared from modern cruising boats over the last decade. Now that most of us navigate with chartplotters in the cockpit, that means that we also have our paper charts, tide tables and cruising guides in the cockpit in fine weather. This makes sense. On the 45, the port settee is the nominal chart table and has been configured with a creative system of three folding seats that each convert into a table. So, you can have three side-by-side seats or you can flip up a table to create a chart table, or a serving table next to the galley, or a card table between two forward and aft seats. Radios, sat phones, instrument repeaters and other nav instruments can be mounted in the cabinet above the seats.

The fit and finish of the new Beneteau has been styled by Nauta Design with a very modern, somewhat angular look. The veneer on the boat we sailed was a teak-like wood called Alpi that has a uniform grain and very consistent color. The interior is warm and nods to tradition but is still very 2011.

Four of us slept on the boat that night—one in each of the separate cabins, and I on the bench in the dinette. This worked well and if anyone snored, no one complained, or possibly no one heard it.

BWS THOUGHTS
The new production boats coming in from Europe, where the companies are coming out with new models every year, are evolving quickly. The extremely wide transoms—and now the chines we see in the Oceanis 45 and other production boats—look massive next to a more traditional boat. The high topsides and low cabintops add to the visual mass of the boats, so they again look huge in comparison to traditional designs. Yet, form follows function. The new designs sail flatter and faster and are easier to sail than traditional boats, and the accommodations below are simply vaster and more comfortable.

Modern production techniques and economies of scale allow companies like Beneteau to buy materials, gear, spars and engineering at very competitive prices, which allows them to pass along savings to their owners. In our view, the value proposition of the new Oceanis 45 and other boats in this category has never been better. In the Oceanis 45, you really do get a lot of boat and a lot of ocean sailing capability for a very reasonable price.

Beneteau Oceanis 45
LOA45’5”
LWL42’10”
Beam14’9”
Draft7’1”
Draft (shoal)5’9”
Displacement21,048 lbs.
Ballast6,191 lbs.
Ballast (opt)6,693 lbs.
Sail area1,130 sq, ft.
Fuel53 gals.
Water151 gals.
Engine54-hp. Yanmar
Design: Berret- Racoupeau
Styling: Nauta Design

Beneteau USA
Marion, SC
Phone: (843) 629-5300
Fax: (843) 629-5309
www.beneteauusa.com

Bruckmann 50 MKII

The breeze was light and there was a little chop, but the boats were able to fill their sails and gathered speed to about 4 knots in the 8 knots of wind. The boats were sailed by their owners—Dan Betty from Andover, MA, Keith and Diana Anderson from Montgomery, TX, and John Cryer and Edna Ramos from Houston, TX—so they were somewhat shorthanded for close maneuvers. Still, one by one, the 50s formed up on Dan Betty’s 50 and we were able to more or less get them sailing in formation through all angles of sail. You wouldn’t normally think of displacement motorsailers as nimble, but the 50s were fully capable of sailing close and turning smartly when called upon to do so.

As we wrapped up the photo shoot, the three boats waved so long and headed off in their own directions for the choice cruising grounds of Nantucket Sound. It was only by coincidence that the three owners and their boats were all together in Falmouth at the same time. Yet it is no coincidence that Falmouth Marine has become the boatyard and marina favored by Bruckmann 50 owners over the years. Dan Betty has been keeping his boats at the yard for many years and has worked closely with the yard to maintain and improve his own 50. So when new owners come along, Dan often persuades them to join him in Falmouth. The yard is now the certified Bruckmann service yard in New England.

The Bruckmann 50 has earned the reputation of being one of the best-designed, best built cruising motorsailers available anywhere. The hull was designed from the keel up to combine the best qualities of a displacement sailboat with the load carrying ability and buoyancy aft of a displacement powerboat. This was no easy task, but Canadian yacht designer Mark Ellis got it right. The 50 is a true 10 knot boat that can achieve top speed under power, under sail with 15 knots of breeze or more, and when motorsailing.

DESIGN CHANGES

Over the years, owners have worked with Mark Bruckmann and Mark Ellis to create their own semi-custom 50s, and with yards like Falmouth Marine to modify and upgrade the boats. This year, Mark Bruckmann took many of the ideas that owners have put into their boats to create the new Mark II version.The biggest change to the design is the addition of an extended stern platform that lengthens the waterline, adds balance to the boat, offers an excellent boarding and swim platform, and provides a place to stow a dinghy while underway. The platform looks good on the stern and completes the boat in a very useful way.

The other significant design change is the addition of a 200hp John Deere engine as an optional upgrade. The boats so equipped have proven to be true 10 knot cruisers and can maintain near hull speed while burning less than five gallons of diesel per hour. The John Deere engines are quiet, powerful and have long lives when well maintained. Since you tend to use the engine all the time aboard a motorsailer, these qualities are important.

Owner Keith Anderson has been involved with farming all of his life, so when he learned that the 50 came with a John Deere engine as standard equipment he took it as a sign that the boat was right for his family.

LIVING ABOARD
Before we set out for some synchronized sailing, I was offered tours of the three Bruckmann 50s in Falmouth. They were all similar on deck, with roller furling headsails and Forespar Leisure Furl booms for the mainsails. The boats are designed to be cruised by a couple, so sheets, halyards and reefing control lines all lead aft to the cockpit and electric winches are standard.

Down below, each boat reflected the subtle differences between the owners in the layout of the furniture, the type of seats and the navigator’s chair in the pilothouse. Yet each offered complete 360º visibility through the huge pilothouse windows, so the inside steering station was the spot for standing watches and handling the boat at night or in cold, wet weather. For those who cruise in the higher latitudes, the Bruckmann 50 is truly a three- or even four-season cruising boat.

But the 50 is also set up for real indoor-outdoor living when cruising warmer climes. The pilothouse and large cockpit are linked via a large, watertight door and two opening windows. The cockpit has long benches and a lovely teak table with drop leaves that will seat six for dinner. In the tropics or on warm northern evenings, this is where the family will gather for sundowners and meals.

Forward and down two steps from the pilothouse, you’ll find the huge ship’s galley to port and the study or lower lounge to starboard. Keith and Diana Anderson love to cook, so the galley was a huge factor in their choice of the 50. It wraps around in a large U-shape with the stove and oven outboard, the sinks on the centerline forward, and the huge fridge freezer under the counter aft. With cabinets and drawers everywhere, the galley is truly a seagoing kitchen.

Across from the galley is the study, library or TV nook depending on how you want to set it up. On all three of the boats, this was also the laundry since the owners had full frontloading washers and dryers built in with access through two low doors. With gensets and high capacity watermakers, these boats are truly self-sufficient and as convenient as any home.

The guest cabin lies off the hall that runs forward to the master stateroom and can be set up in a number of configurations, including converting it into an office. The master stateroom forward has a large centerline double berth, ample drawer and locker storage, and two large hanging lockers. The forward cabin is large and airy and will be a very comfortable home while cruising.

John Cryer noted that he and Edna had looked at a lot of boats. They had owned a Beneteau 47.7 and were looking for what John called their “last boat.” They had discussed a custom design and met with several high-end semi-custom builders.

“It came down to the Y-Factor,” said John. “When Edna compared the living spaces and cruising accommodations on the boats out there, nothing suited our needs better than the Bruckmann 50.”

Dan Betty is a serial boat owner and has enjoyed both sailboats—a Mason 44 and a Northeast 400 motorsailer—and powerboats—a Hatteras 41, a Mathews 46 and an Atlantic 47—so he knew what he was looking for in his next and perhaps last boat. The 50 combined the best qualities of all of the great boats that he’d already owned.

One of the qualities in the boats that sets them apart is the classic Bristol or Herreshoff styling in the finish work below decks. Mark Bruckmann creates interiors that have white bulkheads that are trimmed and detailed with brightly varnished mahogany or teak. Drawer handles, hinges and latches are sturdy classic designs. Ports and hatches are all top of the line. The engine room under the raised pilothouse is a joy to look at and work in, with good access to all engineering systems.

The Bruckmann 50 MkII is a lovely and capable cruising boat, and with the addition of the stern platform and the optional 200hp engine, this great design has only gotten better.

BRUCKMANN 50 MKII
LOA51’2”
LWL44’6”
Beam15’5”
Draft6’0”
Displ.45,000 lbs
Ballast16,000 lbs.
Sail area1,135 sq. ft.

Bruckmann Yachts
2265 Royal Windsor Drive
Mississauga, ON L5J 1K5
CANADA
Ph: 905-855-1117
www.bruckmannyachts.com

Tartan 4700 •

Last fall, a customer from Long Island Sound approached new Tartan dealer McMichael Yachts in his search for the perfect family boat. He had been looking at the Tartan 5300, which he thought was too large for his needs, and he liked the Tartan 4400, but felt it was too small. What to do?

McMichael’s sales manager threw the question to Tartan’s design chief Tim Jackett and new owner Steve Malbasa, who came back with a solution. Expand the 4400 by three feet to accommodate a larger after cabin, add an upper and lower cabin forward next to the master cabin, and build a really tall rig that will spread enough canvas to perform well in the light summer airs commonly found on Long Island Sound.

And so the new 4700 was born. Amazingly, Tartan was able to deliver the new boat six months later, just in time for the 2011 summer cruising season. Meanwhile, Tartan was also developing the new 4000 for this year’s launch and starting a new racer-cruiser for their sister company C&C—all of which means a lot of creative activity in the midst of the current recession.

SEA TRIALS

BWS had the opportunity to test sail the new 4700 in June. The afternoon was sharp and clear and the sea breeze was filling in nicely as the land around Mamaroneck, New York, heated up in the midday sun.

We motored out into the sound, giving the boat a bit of a run through under power. The engine is mounted below the raised saloon floor and the room is well insulated, so we could barely hear the motor from the cockpit. With a folding prop on the shaft, the boat powered up nicely and slipped along at a comfortable 8 knots at cruising revs. The boat has a single wheel with a rack and pinion steering system, so the feel of the rudder under power is positive.

The boat we were sailing, Glory, has a Leisure Furl in-boom mainsail system instead of the standard Tartan pocket boom. We powered clear of the channel and headed into the wind. The big mainsail rolled out neatly with the halyard on an electric winch and looked great with full and half-length battens. Falling off onto starboard tack, we rolled out the self-tacking jib and sheeted it home. The big 47-footer put her shoulder down and gradually gained speed until we were sailing at 7+ knots in the 10 to 12-knot breeze. The helm still felt positive and the balance was very good.

We made a few tacks without having to trim at all and then fell off the breeze, rolled up the jib and rolled out the flat cut reacher. Tartan calls this headsail arrangement with a self-tacking jib and a reacher their Cruise Control Rig.

Off the wind with the reacher drawing, the 4700 really gathered her skirts and began to fly. As mentioned, the rig is tall—almost as tall as that on the 5300—so with full main and full reacher, we were spreading a lot of canvas. But even so, the 4700 didn’t lose her footing in the puffs and stood up very nicely, transforming wind pressure into boat speed.

The boat is easy to sail from the cockpit, so a cruising couple who are comfortable handling an in-boom roller furling mainsail will find the boat fast, weatherly and a real pleasure to sail. For those who want simplicity to rule, the pocket boom system with lazy jacks will also work very well.

LIVING ABOARD

The owner of the new 4700 sails with his wife and children and often with the children’s friends as well. The boat needed to accommodate at least six sleeping and six on a single berth so they could all watch a movie together.

The configuration that Tim Jackett and the owner came up with is a modification of the 4400. The after cabin in the 4700 now runs the full width of the boat and has full headroom across the forward end of the big double berth. There is a large TV mounted in the bulkhead so the family can all lounge on the big berth. The aft head has been positioned at the level of the raised saloon and has a full shower stall.

To fit in the two cabins forward, the master stateroom has been slightly reduced in size and the forward head shifted forward into the cabin and made a bit smaller. There is no shower forward. The smaller second cabin forward has upper and lower bunk berths, which have proven very popular with the kids.

The galley on the 4700 is very similar to that on the 4400, which is to say that it is an amazing seagoing galley for a boat of this size. The top-loading fridge and freezer are under the main counter. The four-burner stove is outboard. The twin sinks are nearly on the centerline, where they will drain well on both tacks. Under the sinks, you have access to the fresh water manifolds and other systems that need to be handy.

The raised saloon is somewhat unique among boats of this style since you can sit in the dinette and actually see through the large windows all around you. The dinette is oval and four or five can sit comfortably around the table. With the addition of two folding chairs, six can dine together.

The chart table to starboard has a proper table that will hold a ChartKit and ample vertical surfaces for mounting radar, chartplotter, radios and more. This will be the 4700’s command central with the added advantage that you can see forward and to both sides while seated—a valued feature when making cold or rainy passages.

The 4700 has a lovely finish down below with solid stock cherry doors, cabinet fronts and drawers, all with elegant raised-panel styling. The bulkheads are cherry veneers, while the overheads and the inside of the cabin sides are an off-white laminate. The combination of varnished cherry, meticulous joinery, white laminate and large windows creates a living space that is warm, homey and bright.

For living aboard over a weekend or a year, the 4700 has the space, the light and the atmosphere to make life extremely comfortable.

CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING

Among production boat builders, Tartan sets themselves apart by using exotic materials and building techniques to create hulls and decks that are lighter and stiffer than average. The hulls are foam-cored, epoxy-infused laminates that offer superior strength-to-weight ratios. The vacuum bag technique enables the company to build with very high glass-to-resin ratios, which makes the hulls light and extremely strong. The insides of the hulls are painted with epoxy to completely seal the laminate. Because of this building method, Tartan offers a 15-year hull warranty against structural or blister damage.

The decks are epoxy and E-glass structures with end-grain balsa coring for stiffness and strength. Like the hulls, the decks are vacuum bag-infused laminates. All stress areas, such as under winches or high load deck fittings, are solid laminate and supported with backing plates. When you walk on deck, you never feel the flat areas flexing; down below, the balsa core acts as sound and heat insulation, too.

The 4700 can be built with either Tartan’s shoal draft Beavertail keel or a traditional keel-centerboard configuration. In either case, the keels are high quality lead castings that are faired and sealed with an epoxy overcoat. The rudder is a high aspect cruising spade with a carbon fiber rudderpost and a rack and pinion gearing system.

Tartan uses Forespar’s Marelon thru-hull fittings and seacocks, so you never have to grease them and they will never fail due to corrosion. The rudder hangs are high-density synthetic bearings and the post is sealed with a Gator rudderpost seal.

The 4700’s rig, like all of the rigs in the Tartan line, comes standard with a carbon fiber mast and unique carbon fiber pocket boom; the use of carbon fiber reduces weight aloft significantly, thus reducing the boat’s tendency to pitch and roll. Plus, lighter weight adds to sailing performance. The Leisure Furl boom on Glory was added as a labor saving option.

The Cruise Control Rig on the new 4700 has Harken electric roller furling systems on the jib and reacher so we were able to deploy, reef and furl the sails with buttons on the binnacle at the helm. Very convenient.

The engineering systems are all assembled with ease of maintenance and sound insulation in mind. The engine room lies beneath the raised saloon floor, so you fold up the floor and climb down into the space to work on the engine and genset. The compartment is well insulated with lead-foam insulation.

A lot of equipment that might be an option on another boat comes standard on the 4700. The alternator has been upgraded to 100 amps and supplied with a smart charger. The battery bank, which can be expanded, starts at 480 amp hours with two 8D house batteries. A Mastervolt sine wave inverter allows you to run all of your 110-volt appliances, such as a microwave oven.

The plumbing system includes two marine heads and two 24-gallon holding tanks with Y-valves for overboard discharge at sea. With 200 gallons of fresh water in the tanks, a watermaker is not a necessity. And the 10-gallon hot water heater provides ample hot water for everyone to have quick “navy style” showers.

As we poked around the 4700’s engineering spaces, we were impressed at how neat and seamanlike all of the installations are and how well Tartan’s craftsmen have finished all of the hidden spaces.

For those who want a boat with reliable long-term systems that are installed so you can easily perform routine maintenance, the 4700 is a shining example of how to do it right.

BWS THOUGHTS

We sailed the Tartan 4400 offshore from Newport, RI to Annapolis, MD several years ago and were impressed by the boat’s sea-keeping qualities and high average speed on a long haul.

No doubt, the 4700, with its extra tall rig, will offer even better performance. And, with a longer waterline it will be less liable to pitch in a seaway. The 4700’s transom looks right on the boat and adds just enough to the lines to really enhance the hull’s overall look. Plus, the extra length adds to the spaciousness of the cockpit and after swim platform. The

Tartan 4700 is a great family cruising boat that has been built to last and equipped to serve her owners well for generations. The new boat fulfills the demands of Tartan’s 50-year legacy extremely well by combining design integrity with high quality construction and a dedication to delivering the best solutions for cruising sailors.

Tartan 4700
LOA 47’0”
LWL 39’0”
Beam 14’1”
Draft 6’3”
Ballast 9,750 lbs.
Displacement 28,000 lbs
Sail area 1,038 sq. ft
Water 200 gals.
Fuel 80 gals.
Holding 48 gals
Engine 100 hp. Diesel
Sail area/Displ. 18.09
Ballast/Displ. 35
Displ./Length 210

Tartan Yachts
One High Tech Ave.
Painesville, OH 44077
Ph: 440-357-7777
Website: www.tartanyachts.com

The new DUFOUR 405 GRAND LARGE

So it was a pleasure to see several other mid-size sloops tacking down Narragansett Bay one afternoon last July when we were out sail-testing the new Dufour 405 Grand Large. We had motored out of the marina at New England Boatworks, rolled out the in-mast furling mainsail and the genoa, and set off to see how the new design sails. The 405 does not come standard with a roller furling mainsail, but this boat had been spec’d out with one by the local dealer Northstar Yacht Sales, so launching the mainsail was a snap.

With twin wheels in the cockpit, I was able to sit to leeward, where I could see the genoa telltales and keep an eye on the mainsail trim. While you can’t see anything to windward from the leeward steering position, I did have a great view of everything to leeward and for me this is the place to sit when sailing upwind.

We threw the 405 through a few tacks to see how she performed and were pleased to see that the boat tacks comfortably inside 85 degrees and makes very little leeway when hard on the wind, even with the optional shoal draft keel. The afternoon sea breeze was building, so we had a pleasant 10 to 12 knots of wind. The 405 sailed comfortably at 7 knots hard on the wind in this breeze.

The cockpit is well laid out for handling the sheets with the mainsail trimmed on a winch on the cabintop and the genoa on large cockpit winches that are at a good height and easy to crank. Under the cockpit sole between the twin wheels, a neat life raft locker has been built in. And, the 405’s transom folds down, creating a large and useful stern platform with a retractable swim ladder built into it. We took a long board across the bay so we could engage the other boats tacking southward into the sea breeze. There were two production racer-cruisers in our size range and a couple of smaller boats. We reeled in the smaller guys effortlessly and soon had the larger boats in our sights. We were probably paying closer attention to sail trim than the other guys, but still the 405 sailed higher and faster than they did. From a mile astern, it took us less than an hour to get almost a mile ahead.

Satisfied that we had won, we eased sheets and jibed our way back toward the marina. Downwind, the 405 can be sailed wing and wing, but we wanted to see how the boat would do at deep reaching angles. At about 150 degrees apparent wind, with the genoa drawing fully, the 405 slipped along at an easy 7 knots in the 10 to 12 knots of true breeze. The boat seems to make its own wind once it gets in the groove and moving nicely. The new Dufour 405 was a pleasure to handle under sail. The helm was light, the boat sailed very close to the wind, and both up and downwind showed a good turn of speed. Whether cruising or racing, the boat will show her stern to a lot of boats in her class.

LIVING ABOARD

The 405 comes in two- or three-sleeping cabin versions. The boat we sailed had the two-cabin layout with a large centerline double berth forward and a double cabin aft to port. The opposite space where a third cabin could be installed is a handy cockpit locker and garage on the two-cabin version.

Both versions have two heads, with the after head home to the separate shower stall. The after head also has the commode facing forward, which is the best arrangement for use when at sea and heeled over.

The two-cabin version has an L-shaped “American-style” galley to starboard at the base of the companionway ladder. This will be a good seagoing galley and has plenty of counter and storage space. The fridge has both top and side access. The counters are Corian. The double sinks are in the outboard counter. The under-counter drawers and storage areas are neatly hidden behind doors that can be latched so you will never have the galley’s contents scattered across the floor when the boat lurches on a wave. The two-cabin version does not have a separate chart table, but uses the table between the single seats to starboard as command central. Instruments and the electrical panel are installed outboard. Most owners will install a chartplotter, which will be mounted on the after end of the cockpit table in full view of both helms. The table can be lowered to complete a full length settee that will also be a good sea berth.

The U-shaped dinette to port seats six with two sitting on the bench amidships. The bench provides a large central storage area. Additional storage is built in under the sole, including a large wine locker with built-in wine racks.

The interior is finished in a mahogany-colored wood called Moabi that has an attractive and traditional feel. The cabin sole is a modern Moabi veneer instead of the traditional teak and holly pattern. The cabintop and sides are off-white panels that really brighten the cabin and give it a Bristol-fashion feel. With two overhead opening deck hatches and opening side ports, the saloon will be well ventilated and bright. For a couple who often sails with friends, the two-cabin version will work nicely. For a family with children, the three-cabin version will certainly work better. In either case, the 405 offers a well thought out interior that works well underway or at anchor and is as modern and elegant as any of the new boats now offered on the market.

BWS THOUGHTS

The Dufour 405 Grand Large does just about everything right despite its somewhat redundant name. The boat sails well and will be fun for competitive sailors and cruisers alike. The boat has a Cat A Offshore rating, so you can feel comfortable taking on long coastal runs or going offshore for a ocean passage.

The cockpit and decks are well laid out, uncluttered and easy to move around, and forward, the anchor system has been set up for easy regular use. The fold-down stern platform will make getting in and out of the dinghy easy and is a great sunning and swimming platform.

The boat’s systems have been installed with regular maintenance and occasional repairs in mind. The engine compartment has good access from three sides. The fuel and water tanks, batteries, plumbing and electrical systems all meet or exceed the top Euro zone regulations and ABYC standards.

The Dufour 405 GL is a production boat with a difference. You can feel the company’s nearly 50 years of boat building experience in every aspect of the boat and can rest assured that it will serve you and your crew well for generations to come.

Dufour 405 Grand Large
LOA 39’10”
LWL 34’10”
Beam 13’2”
Draft (stand.) 6’7”
Draft (shoal) 5’8”
Sail area 881 sq. ft.
Water 100 gals.
Fuel 52 gals.
Engine 40-hp. Diesel

U.S. Contact: Eric Macklin
North American Representative for Dufour Yachts
www.dufour-yachts.com
eric.macklin@dufour-yachts.com
Cell: (352) 871-0362

2011 BOAT SHOW PREVIEW • BAVARIA CRUISER 32 •

The 32 has an in-mast furling mainsail and a small roller furling jib. The jib is only 108 percent of the fore-triangle and sheets inside the shrouds. With tight sheeting angles, the boat sails to windward like a dream and tacks inside 80 degrees. Off the wind, the 32 is very easily driven and offers excellent speeds when broad reaching.

Down below, the 32 is huge for a boat of this size. The master cabin has a large double berth tucked aft under the cockpit and a smaller double cabin forward for kids or guests. The benches in the saloon can double as berths, too. The galley is aft at the foot of the companionway ladder with the aft-facing chart table next to it. The L-shaped dinette will seat four for dinner.

A great starter cruiser for a young family or a perfect downsize for an older couple who want to simplify their sailing life, the Bavaria Cruiser 32 offers great sailing qualities and a lot of living space below.

Specifications: LOA 32’9”; LWL 29’0”; Beam 11’3”; Draft 4’11”; Displ. 11,464 lbs.; Sail area 549 sq. ft. For more information, call 855-222-1120 or visit www.bavariayachts.com.

BAVARIA CRUISER 36 • Like its little sister, the Bavaria Cruiser 36 feels much larger than its length might imply. In fact, this boat feels bigger when stepped aboard, when it is hit by a puff of wind, and when you go below into the cabin.

The 36 has the same style rig as the 32, with an in-mast furling mainsail and a small jib that sheets inside the shrouds. Because the headsail is small, the boat is easy for a couple to tack and the sail can often be trimmed without having to grind the sheet winch.

The cockpit has long bench seats and the backs are ergonomically shaped to give lumbar support for comfort. Like all of the Bavaria Cruiser fleet, the 36’s transom folds down to create a large platform aft for sunning, swimming, donning SCUBA gear or climbing into the dinghy.

The 36 comes in either a two-cabin, one-head layout or a three-cabin, one-head plan. The first will probably appeal to couples who sail with friends, while the latter will be a good layout for a family. The boat has only one head, but the compartment is large and has a partition that converts it into a shower.

The interesting thing about the new Bavaria line is that owners have a lot of options when they spec out their new boats. You can choose from three different wood styles, floor patterns and numerous fabrics and colors. Bavaria has the capacity to build 3,000 boats a year, but they build each to its owner’s own personal requirements.

The Cruiser 36 will make a great family cruising boat that is small enough to be affordable but large enough to really be a floating home away from home.

Specifications: LOA 37’1”; LWL 32’5”; Beam 12’0”; Draft 5’4”; Displ. 15,432 lbs.; Sail area 742 sq. ft. For more information, call 855-222-1120 or visit www.bavariayachts.com.

The BAVARIA CRUISER 40 takes the company’s theme of large interiors in boats that sail very well and really puts it to great use. The 40 comes with only one accommodation plan—a three-cabin, two-head layout that emphasizes comfort.

The 40’s rig is proportionally slightly taller and larger than that of the 36 and thus the boat has a bit more sail power. This boat will sail at 8 knots in 12 knots of wind, so you get the idea.

The cockpit is large and laid out for easy sailing and outdoor living. With twin wheels, you always have a good view forward while steering or maneuvering around a marina. Plus, twin wheels open the aft end of the cockpit so you have direct access to the huge aft platform that is formed when the transom is folded down.

The interior has the galley along the port side of the saloon with a dinette that seats six to starboard. There is a good-sized chart table aft of the dinette. With almost seven feet of headroom throughout the interior and plenty of overhead hatches and ports in the cabin sides and hull sides, the interior is flooded with natural light and extremely well-ventilated.

The 40 will be plenty of boat for many couples or families since the sleeping cabins are so large, the heads so roomy, and the dinette and cockpit table well-designed for meals in all weather. Plus, the 40 sails very well indeed.

Specifications: LOA 4’6”; LWL 35’3”; Beam 13’0”; Draft 5’5”; Displacement 19,135 lbs.; Sail area 883 sq. ft. For more information, call 855-222-1120 or visit www.bavariayachts.com.

Bavaria builds three larger Cruisers—the 45, 50 and 55—but of these, only the CRUISER 45 will be in the U.S. this year.

The 45 is a big boat for a 45-footer. In fact the transom and after sections of the hull are so wide that Farr Yacht Designs equipped the boat with twin rudders to go with the twin wheels in the cockpit. This configuration means that one rudder is always in the water and fully functioning even when the boat is heeled over and clawing to windward. Twin rudders also make the 45 sail as if it were on rails, with fingertip control at all times.

The 45 has the same simple and efficient rig as the smaller boats, which drives it well even in light breezes. The cockpit is huge and has a drop-leaf table that will seat eight adults for a meal. The chartplotter can be installed neatly on the after end of the table, so it can be seen from both helms. The transom on the 45 has an electric motor to raise and lower it so you don’t throw out your back hoisting it into place. The platform is large enough for several people to sunbathe.

Down below, the 45 can be arranged with either a three-cabin, three-head plan or a four-cabin, three-head layout. The galley runs along the saloon’s port side and offers an acre of counter space. To starboard, the dinette wraps around a handsome dining table that will also accommodate eight for dinner. The chart table just aft of the dinette faces aft and has a nifty folding seatback that is part of the dinette.

The 45 will be a good family cruiser or will fit very nicely into a charter fleet. The cabins are large and comfortable, the living spaces huge and airy, and the eating arrangements great for crowds. The Cruiser 45 is a true liveaboard yacht.

Specifications: LOA 46’10”; LWL 41’8”; Beam 14’3”; Draft 5’8”; Displ. 27,777 lbs.; Sail area 1,151 sq. ft. For more information, call 855-222-1120 or visit www.bavariayachts.com.

BENETEAU OCEANIS 41 & 45 • This fall, Beneteau will unveil two new Oceanis models that carry on the Oceanis cruising traditions while incorporating some truly innovative design features to make the boats easier to sail and more comfortable to live aboard. The most notable feature in the new design is the high cockpit arch that anchors the main sheet and provides a rigid frame for a dodger and other cockpit enclosures. Both boats are truly set up for indoor-outdoor living, so the cockpits are huge and access up and down the companionway ladder is excellent.

The cockpits have twin wheels and an innovative folding transom system that fully encloses the cockpit when underway, then folds down electrically to form a swim platform when at anchor. Designed by Finot-Conq, the 41 and 45 have thoroughly modern rigs with the mast set fairly far aft and the headsail reduced to a slightly overlapping jib that sheets inboard of the side stays, which in turn have been moved outboard to the gunnel. With tight sheeting angles, the boats promise to be handy and close-winded while being easy to tack and jibe. For off-the-wind sailing, a reacher or asymmetrical chute will really add fun and power.

The Oceanis 41 has three accommodation plans to choose from. The two-cabin, one-head version offers a good quarter cabin aft and a large V-berth forward; this plan has a huge sail locker and storage area under the port cockpit seat. The three-cabin, one-head plan uses the sail locker space for a second aft cabin. The three-cabin, two-head version tucks a second head into the forward cabin, which replaces the small desk or vanity found in the other accommodation plans. In all three layouts, the after head has a separate shower stall. The saloon remains the same in all three versions, with the L-shaped galley aft to port and the dinette forward to starboard.

The Oceanis 45 is also offered with three optional accommodation plans. The two-cabin, two-head version has the same large storage area aft as seen in the 41. The three-cabin, two-head plan replaces the storage area aft with a second aft cabin. And, the three-cabin, three-head design equips each of the three cabins with its own en suite head; in this version, the shower stall in the aft head has been replaced with an expanded dinette storage compartment. Both of the new boats are being built in Beneteau’s plant in Marion, South Carolina, so they are truly American boats.

The new designs will be fast, weatherly and very comfortable to live aboard. And they offer the great value that Beneteau is known for worldwide.

Oceanis 41 specifications: LOA 41’9”; LWL 38’1”; Beam 13’9”; Draft 6’9”; Displ. 18,386 lbs. Oceanis 45 specifications: LOA 45’5”; LWL 42’10”; Beam 14’9”; Draft 7’1”; Displ. 21,054 lbs.

For more information, call 843-629-5309 or visit www.beneteauusa.com.

HAKE SEAWARD 46 • An innovative design from Hake Yachts in Florida, the new Seaward 46 is a shoal draft cruiser that is capable of extended offshore sailing. With a ballasted retractable keel and retractable rudders, the 46 can cruise in less than three feet of water. Yet, with the keel and rudders fully deployed, the boat will draw over seven feet and will be a stiff and stable platform for blue water sailing.

The big sister to the Seaward 32 and 26, both of which are shoal draft cruisers with retractable keels, the 46 is a raised deck saloon design with a large aft cockpit. The boat can be configured with either a single 75-horsepower diesel or twin 54-horsepower engines. And there is a “fishing” option that fits a fighting chair and rod holders at the stern.

The 46 has a fairly narrow 13-foot beam and a small but handy rig with a 100 percent self-tacking jib, so it should be easily driven even in light airs. The 46 has been in the works for a while and has already stirred up a lot of interest since there are not many retracting keel cruisers on the market, with the exception of Southerly Yachts in England. Look for the boat at the Annapolis Sailboat Show in October. Specifications were not available at press time.

For more information, call 727-287-3200 or visit www.seawardyachts.com.

HALLBERG-RASSY 372 • The new German Frers-designed Hallberg Rassy 372 is another cruiser under 40-feet that will appeal to couples and young families. The 372 replaces the popular HR 37.

HR has built more than 8,000 cruising boats over the years, so it is well established as one of the world’s cruising yacht leaders. The new 372 is slightly longer, beamier and more streamlined below the water than the 37. The rig is more than a meter taller, and the sail plan has been configured to fly a large mainsail and a small headsail that will be easy to tack and trim. A self-tacking jib option is available. The three-spreader rig can be fine-tuned with the standard backstay adjuster, and the chainplates for the shrouds are far inboard, allowing tight sheeting angles and keeping side decks uncluttered.

The 372 has a clean deck layout. The furling drum for the genoa is mounted below decks, as is the anchor windlass at the bow. Down below, the 372 offers classic HR quality with a U-shaped, seagoing galley, bench settees and storage for gear, groceries and spares. The chart table is across from the galley, while the head and shower are behind it. The forward cabin sports a large double berth, a vanity, hanging and storage lockers, and bookshelves. The after cabin has a huge double berth and additional storage.

The 372 was voted European Boat of the Year in 2010. The new design is a fine example of the great work HR does and just how much you can fit into a sleek and speedy 37-foot hull.

The HR 372 will make a great voyaging boat for a couple who like to sail fast and want to bring their comforts with them to sea.

Specifications: LOA 33’6”; LWL 29’5”; Beam 11’6”; Draft (deep) 5’6”; Displ. 12,400 lbs.; Sail area 625 sq. ft. For more information, contact Eastland Yachts in Essex, CT (860-767-8224), Free State Yachts in Deal, Maryland (410-867-9022), Swiftsure Yachts in Seattle, Washington (206-378-1110), or visit www.hallberg-rassy.com

HANSE 495 • This year, Hanse will introduce several new models, among them the stylish and innovative 495. A powerful modern cruising sloop, the 495 has a Judel-Vrolijk hull with a nearly plumb bow and squared-off transom. The hull’s sheer is fairly straight, so the boat’s profile makes it look purposeful and fast. Think of that long waterline.

On deck, the broad beam and low cabin house make the boat feel spacious. The cockpit is open aft, so the floor flows between the twin wheel back to the transom. The decks are uncluttered, and because the jib is a self-tacker on its own track, the chainplates and shrouds were moved outboard to allow unimpaired passages along the side decks. With teak decks and recessed hatches, a 495 will have a Wally Boat modern Euro look.

Down below, the 495 offers a large owner’s cabin forward with a centerline double berth and plenty of storage space. The head and shower are in separate compartments port and starboard. In the standard layout, twin quarter cabins aft have good headroom and plenty of lockers. Ventilation is via open deck hatches and ports that open into the cockpit. The aft cabins are served by a single head to port that has a nice big shower stall. The standard saloon plan has the galley along the port side and the large U-shaped dinette to starboard with a bench amidships to seat two more guests. The chart table is just aft of the dinette and close to the companionway. The styling evokes modern European furniture, with contrasting light and dark woods, sharp angles and expanses of open floor.

Hanse offers so many ways to customize your new boat that no two 495s will ever be the same. Fun to sail, comfortable down below, and a truly modern statement in cruising, the Hanse 495 will appeal to those who want the latest thinking and the ability to customize the look of their boat to a great extent.

Specifications: LOA 50’6”; LWL 44’5”; Beam 15’7”; Draft 6’9”; Displ. 30,900 lbs.; Sail area 1,390 sq. ft. For more information, call 978-903-0380 or visit usa.hanseyachts.com or www.hanseyachts.com.

MOODY 45AC • Hanse Yachts in Germany bought the Moody brand several years ago and came out at once with a truly innovative deck saloon or pilothouse model that turned a lot of heads. Since then, the company has gone back to designer Bill Dixon for a more traditional aft cockpit luxury cruising boat to fit the Moody brand.

The Aft Cockpit 45 is a modern sloop with a tall fractional rig and a sweet, traditional-looking hull with balanced ends and a springy sheer. The full battened mainsail is standard, but in-boom furling could be added without degrading sailing performance. The jib is self-tacking and runs to a track athwart the forward cabintop, making upwind sailing a snap. The 45’s cockpit has twin wheels, a folding transom and a lovely varnished table with folding leaves. A low windshield wraps around the companionway, keeping spray out of the cockpit and providing a good base for a canvas dodger.

Down below, the furniture is finished in varnished mahogany around accents of white panels and trim, so the whole effect is of traditional Bristol Fashion neatly modernized. Raised panel doors and drawers, some with wicker inserts to enhance ventilation, add a classic touch. The seagoing galley is at the foot of the companionway to starboard, while the head and shower are to port. Aft, the 45 AC has twin quarter cabins while the master cabin is forward with its own en suite head and shower. The dinette amidships is huge, and across from it are two easy chairs on either side of a small table that doubles as the nav station.

Hanse has made a serious effort to offer Moody as a truly upscale brand that will appeal to sailors who want a well designed, fine sailing yacht that is finished to the highest degree. Specifications: LOA 45’0”; LWL 40’1”; Beam 13’8”; Drat 7’3”; Displ. 26,895 lbs. Sail area 1,205 sq. ft. For more information, call 978-903-0380 or visit www.hanseyachts.com.

ISLAND PACKET 360 • Island Packet Yachts has been building seaworthy cruising boats for 30 years, and you will find them in the world’s best cruising grounds. With designer Bob Johnson’s Full Foil Keel, moderate sail area-to-displacement ratios, cutter rigs and self-tacking Hoyt Jib Boom Staysails, the line has a well earned reputation for easy motion in a seaway and high average speeds over the long haul. On IPY designs, you arrive at the end of the passage more rested than when you began.

This year, the company is adding to its line a 36-footer that is an evolution of the handsome and sweet sailing Estero.

The 360 is a salty and capable cruiser with a nice springy sheer, a short bowsprit that houses the anchors as well as the roller furling headsail, and a fairly low profile cabin that fits the hull neatly.

The cockpit has been designed for comfort and safety, so it is not overly large and will drain quickly if ever a wave came aboard at sea. All sailing sheets, halyards and control lines run aft, so you never have to leave the cockpit to add or reduce working sail.

The accommodation plan below offers a large double cabin aft with a neat V-style berth that allows you to swing your legs easily to the floor when getting up. This is a pleasant quarter cabin with ample ventilation, a hanging locker and plenty of space for clothes. The forward cabin has a traditional V-berth, hanging and storage lockers, and a private door to the large head. The saloon has the huge galley aft to starboard and an aft-facing chart table. The L-shaped dinette to port will seat four at the fold-down saloon table. Across to starboard, two swiveling easy chairs will make lounging, reading and watching TV just as comfortable as at home.

A great mid-size cruiser, the new IP 360 is a go-anywhere blue water yacht that will look after her crew as a proper yacht should.

Specifications: LOA 36’5”; LWL 31’6”; Beam 12’4”; Draft 4’0”; Displ. 19,300 lbs.; Sail area 831 sq. ft. For more information, call 888-724-5479 or visit www.ipy.com

HUNTER e33 • Hunter has long been a leader in offering sailors a wide range of boats, from sailing dinghies to 50-foot ocean cruisers. But the company may be best known for its mid-size cruisers, which offer expansive living spaces in boats that are easy to sail and handle.

The new e33 fits right into that mid-size segment and introduces an attractive new look for the Florida-based builder. With a sleek deck design and large cabin windows, the boat looks modern and fast. The hull has a wider transom than the earlier 33-footer and the bow has been given a narrower entry. The cockpit is large and comfortable for a boat of this size and has a neat fold-down transom that becomes a large swim platform. Hunter uses unique B&R rigs, with sharply swept back spreaders and no backstay. The main is quite large, while the headsail is small enough to be easy to tack. This rig is simple for a couple or even a singlehander to manage.

Over the last decade, Hunter has steadily refined their interior arrangements and the fit and finish of the joinery down below. The e33 has a large athwartships double berth in the after cabin that is tucked in under the cockpit and side deck on the starboard side. The forward cabin has a V-berth and plenty of storage for clothes, linens and towels. The galley has Corian counters, a large fridge and a two-burner stove with an oven below. The dinette to port will seat four easily. To starboard, the bench settee with be a good berth, or the middle section of the bench can be converted quickly to form a chart table. All of the boat’s instruments are accessible from the starboard settee.

A handsome addition to the Hunter line of sailboats, the new e33 offers a lot of accommodations in a cruising boat that will be easy to sail and comfortable for extended cruises.

Specifications: LOA 33’6”; LWL 29’5”; Beam 11’6”; Draft 4’6”/5’6”; Displ. 12,400 lbs.; Sail area 625 sq. ft. For more information, visit www.huntermarine.com.

JEANNEAU 379 • The success of the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 409 that was introduced at last year’s Annapolis show, with its hard chine aft, fold-down stern platform and simple but powerful sloop rig, primed the market for more Jeanneaus of the same style. So this year, Jeanneau is launching the Sun Odyssey 379 and Sun Odyssey 439.

The 379 has a modern hull style with a nearly plumb bow, a squared-off transom and a low slung coach roof. The sloop rig has been set up for ease of handling and good performance. The mainsail is a slab reefed full batten main with lazy jacks. The mainsheets run aft on both sides of the coach roof to the cockpit winches, so the helmsman can trim while steering. The cockpit has been laid out for efficient sail trim. With twin wheels, access to the fold-down swim platform is excellent.

Below decks, the 379 comes in a two- or three-cabin version, both with a large head and separate shower stall. In the two-cabin version, the port quarter becomes a huge sail and storage locker and a small wet locker adjoins the head. In the three-cabin version, the port quarter becomes a sleeping cabin and the head is moved forward. The L-shaped galley is useful, and the dinette forward seats six with the drop leaf raised.

Specifications: LOA 37’0”; Beam 12’0”; Draft 5’0”; Displ. 14,740 lbs.; Sail area 753 sq. ft.

The new JEANNEAU 439 has a larger, beamier Philippe Briand hull that will translate into greater cabin volume and stability. The bow sections have a bit more hollow for a narrow entry, which will improve the boat’s motion and windward ability.

Like its little sisters, the 439 is all about good sailing aboard a comfortable boat.
Twin wheels give the helmsman great visibility forward and open the cockpit to the large swim platform.

Down below, the 439 makes use of the extra beam to offer an unusual four-cabin, two-head layout with two double quarter cabins, a V-berth cabin forward, and an upper and lower cabin forward of the main bulkhead. In the three-cabin, two-head version, the forward cabin gets a large centerline double berth and a large vanity or desk. The saloon has the seagoing galley aft and to starboard, where it is convenient to the cockpit and large dinette.

The fit and finish of the 379 and 438 is bright and airy, and multiple hatches and ports provide natural light and excellent ventilation.

Specifications: LOA 44’0”; Beam 14’0”; Draft 7’0”; Displ. 21,736 lbs.; Sail area 1,004 sq. ft.

The 44 DECK SALOON (DS) Sun Odysseys are all about elegance, style and comfort. From the swim platform aft to the bow rollers forward, the 44DS embodies the latest in Euro styling. The Philippe Briand designed hull is similar to the 439, but there the similarity ends.

The deck saloon cabintop has a kind of Audi TT curve that flows for the full length of the cockpit and cabintop to the foredeck. The huge side windows are tinted black and set off by dark gray moldings that run along the edge of the cabin. The halyards, sheets and control lines from the mast run in conduits on the cabintop, and the two-ended mainsheet runs under the deck to winches aft by the twin wheels.

The 44DS has a huge aft cabin, with a queen-size double berth under the cockpit and bridgedecks. For added headroom, cockpit soles have been raised and a wide bridgedeck added. The cockpit has a large table with drop leaves and a built-in chart plotter. Down below, the furniture is more angular and the cabinets are lower with an “interior designer” feel, which is not surprising since the styling was done by Franck Darnet. The use of bright white and contrasting black counter and tabletops sets off the wood veneers, cabinets and bulkheads, and the sharp stainless steel latches and fittings are a statement in elegance.

Aside from the full width after stateroom, the 44DS has two guest cabins forward and a second head. One of the cabins has a V-berth, while the others have an upper and lower single berth. The saloon is a trendy modern living space with a large galley, U-shaped dinette and bench settee.

The 44DS will make a fine cruising boat for a couple or family who wants their leisure time to be as elegant and modern as can be.

Specifications: LOA 44’0”; Beam 14’0”; Draft 7’0”; Displ. 21,450 gals.; Sail area 835 sq. ft. For more information, call 410-280-9400 or visit www.jeanneau.com.

The new OYSTER 625, which has been nominated for 2012 Boat of the Year in Europe, is a Rob Humphries design that dramatically upgrades the already popular previous boats in the Oyster line, the 61 and 62.

A center cockpit desk saloon design, the 625 has a modern sheer line capped by the new style of wraparound deck saloon windows that Oyster has used so successfully in recent models. The standard rig will have an in-mast furling mainsail and a cutter rig forward. This gives you a lot of trim choices and allows you to shorten sail in rising weather without leaving the cockpit. A Solent headsail rig and in-boom mainsail furling are options.

Down below, the 625 offers a true master stateroom aft with a queen-size double and plenty of storage and comfortable amenities. An owner and spouse will really feel at home here. Forward, two guest cabins are shown in the standard accommodation plan—a Pullman double cabin to starboard and an upper and lower cabin to port. The forepeak has been reserved for a single crewmember, with access to one of the en suite heads that adjoin the forward cabins. The saloon is spacious and will be full of light. The dinette is huge and will seat eight. The galley is in the passageway aft to port and will be an excellent seagoing galley. The chart table at the base of the companionway is a proper navigation command central where you can mount all of your radios, sat phone, chartplotters and radar. Plus, the table is large enough to spread out an old paper chart.

The new Oyster 625 is a handsome, high quality ocean sailing yacht that will keep you safe at sea, get you home quickly, and provide you with elegance and comfort along the way.

Specifications: LOA 63’7”; LWL 56’7”; Beam 17’10”; Draft 9’2”; Displ. 73,854 lbs.; Sail area 2,538 sq. ft. For more information, call 401-846-7400 or visit www.oystermarine.com.

The SABRE 456 was launched late last year and has drawn a lot of attention from both Sabre owners and would-be Sabre owners.

The Jim Taylor design is an upgrade of the Sabre 452 that was introduced several years ago with a new keel, new rig and modernized interior.

On deck, the 456 has a large, secure cockpit with high seatbacks and a single large destroyer wheel. The main sheet runs to the traveler forward of the dodger so the cockpit is not cluttered. The chainplates for the shrouds are well inboard for close sheeting angles on the genoa and to make going forward easier.

Down below, the forward cabin offers a large centerline double berth and a large en suite head with a separate shower stall. The guest cabin aft has a large double berth and plenty of storage space. The 456’s galley is one of the largest and best laid out in any boat of this size. Since you tend to live in the kitchen, the saloon has the feel of a large, homey country kitchen. The drawer-style pull-out fridge is an innovation that we feel sure will catch on in other designs. Sabre has revamped their interior joinery style with a slightly Japanese flair to the doors and cabinets, making great use of the spaces available and adding light to the cabins. Because the 456 is built to order, Sabre can really work with an owner to customize the boat to his or her needs.

A fine offshore quality boat built in “Maine style,” the 456 will carry you across oceans or the bay swiftly and comfortably.

Specifications: LOA 45’6”; LWL 38’4”; Beam 14’1”; Draft 5’6”; Displ. 27,150 lbs.; Sail area 1,043 sq. ft. For more information, call 207-655-3831 or visit www.sabreyachts.com.

The new Tim Jackett-designed TARTAN 4000, which was introduced last winter, embodies a lot of the new thinking that has gone into the boats and the company since it was purchased by Steve Malbasa last year. The new company is all about delighting customers with great boats and great service.

The 4000 really speaks to that mission. The cockpit is large and secure, with twin wheels for easy access to the fold-down stern platform. The seats are contoured for optimum comfort around the stowable cockpit table or when sailing hard. Tartan used their patented Cruise Control Rig, which uses a fully battened mainsail with a double headsail rig that deploys an inner upwind jib and a larger reacher on the outer roller. The CCR offers the best in both upwind and downwind sailing without forcing you to fly a spinnaker or even leave the cockpit.

Tartan is unique in the market by offering carbon spars, booms and rudders as standard equipment. Equally unique are the epoxy-infused hull and decks that are tougher, lighter and virtually impervious to osmosis. Down below, the cherry interior has a large centerline double berth and en suite head in the forward cabin. The sofa-style saloon with a fold-down table will be comfortable for up to eight. The galley offers lots of counter space, a large fridge and double stainless steel sinks. Across from the galley, the chart table is a traditional nav station where the skipper or navigator will be in command of all of the ship’s systems.

A fine new entry to the 40-foot cruising fleet, the new Tartan 4000 will be a great couple’s boat and is built to be a family heirloom, albeit one that you could sail across the ocean.

Specifications: LOA 40’ 8”; LWL 36’4”; Beam 13’0”; Draft 7’6”; Displ. 20,104 lbs.; Sail area 893 sq. ft. For more information, call 440-357-7777 or visit www.tartanyachts.com.

A semi-custom design that was spawned last year and launched late last spring, the new TARTAN 4700 expands upon themes introduced in the 4400 a few years ago.

On deck, the cockpit is huge and deep and will be very secure at sea. With twin wheels and a folding transom, the living space will feel vast while at anchor and with the platform lowered.

At sea, all buttoned up, you won’t mind running down the face of ocean rollers. The 4700 has Tartan’s Cruise Control Rig, so it is easy and efficient to sail upwind or off the wind and actually sails higher and faster than the 4400. The extra three feet add to the boat’s balance and waterline length, which translates into better performance all around.

Down below, a lot of attention has been given to making the boat a comfortable family home with good communal and private spaces. The large aft cabin is tucked under the cockpit, and the bridgedeck has been raised to provide full headroom across the cabin. The large aft head is next to it to starboard.

The 4700, like the 4400, has a raised dinette that offers good views through the deck saloon windows. And the chart table is raised as well, so you can easily stand watches inside the cabin with great visibility forward and to both sides. The engine room is beneath the raised saloon floor, where you have great access to the engineering systems. Forward, there is a large master cabin with an attached head and a third cabin with upper and lower bunks, which will appeal to children and their friends.

A fine new model in the Tartan line, the 4700 is a liveaboard, offshore quality yacht that offers all of the attributes of Tartans—epoxy hull and deck, carbon rig, carbon rudder, Beavertail shoal draft keel—in an exciting new package. Look for BWS’s full review and the new boat’s specifications in the October issue.

For more information, call 440-357-7777 or visit www.tartanyachts.com.

BAVARIA RISING •

After an overnight flight to Turkey and a good night’s sleep, I set off from the Alacati Marina aboard the brand new Bavaria 50 on a crystal clear morning for a day of sailing trials. Around us, the brown hills rose above a rocky and often chalk-white coastline. In the distance, hilltop wind turbines spun slowly, hinting of better breezes as the day wore on. Onboard was Daniel Kohl, product manager of sailboats for Bavaria, and sailing consultant Pete Meyer, who works closely with Kohl. Both are Olympic-quality sailors, so the day promised to offer a clear look at just how well the 50 performs despite the light breeze.

The 50 is a sister ship to the Bavaria 45, 40, 36 and 32, all of which were designed by Farr Yacht Design and styled by BMW Designworks USA. The Bavaria 55, which I have not yet had a chance to test, is the fleet’s flagship but has some noticeable design differences.

Up until recently, Bavarias were designed by the Slovenian J&J Yacht Design Group. The boats were traditional, 1990s-style moderate displacement cruising sloops that had proven very popular but had become dated. When Bavaria’s new corporate owners decided to completely redesign the product line, they aimed at improving the boats’ sailing performance and opening up and brightening the interiors.

The choice to partner with Farr ensured that the new line of cruisers would be fast, easy to sail and weatherly. On that lovely Med day in early June, we got a chance to put the new 50 through its paces and to have a thorough look at how the design and construction of the boat fulfills its purposes.

The Bavaria Cruiser design comes standard with in-mast roller furling mainsails and roller furling jibs. The 50 we were testing had a custom set of laminated sails that were handsome and purposeful as we rolled them out to meet the moderate but building westerly breeze. The mainsail had full height vertical battens with fractional battens between them to give the sail a nice roach and to keep the laminate flat and aerodynamic. The jib was cut to 108 percent of the foretriangle, so it could sheet inside the outboard shrouds and chainplates. This headsail arrangement makes the foresail easy to handle during tacks and jibes, while the close sheeting angle enables the boat to sail very close to the wind.

An interesting solution to mainsail trim, given the in-mast furling sail, is the way Bavaria has set up the main sheet. Leach tension and draft are always issues with in-mast furling sails since they have no battens on the leach and because the sail has to be cut flat to roll up neatly. Usually, such rigs have both a boom vang and a traveler to control sail shape. The vang trims the leach, while the traveler adds or subtracts power from the sail. Bavaria has eliminated the traveler, which many cruisers never use, replacing it with a dual mainsheet, mid-boom sheeting system. This setup allows you to adjust the angle of the sail relative to the wind in minute increments, acting just like a traveler, but simpler to use.

As we tacked out the channel and into the Med, we got a good feel for how the 50’s rig works with the hull design. The boat was a cinch to tack and trim. In the moderate breeze, we found that we had plenty of sail area upwind and that the 50 would carry her way through tacks nicely. The narrow sheeting angles allowed us to tack inside 80 degrees to the true wind—very close indeed for a full volume cruising boat with a roller furling rig.

Both the 50 and her smaller 45-foot sistership have twin rudders under the extra wide transom. These prevent the boat from stalling when heeled over and give the helmsman the feel of a boat running on rails. The 50 steers beautifully and surely, and you can find the “groove” upwind with fingertip control.

Off the wind, we hoisted the big reacher, which was stowed in a full-hoist spinnaker sock similar to an ATN snuffer but built by Elvstrom. The sail tacked down to the anchor rollers on the bow and sheeted through snatch blocks near the quarters. With the big sail drawing, the 50 leaped ahead nicely. Sailing at 140 degrees to the true wind, we achieved near hull speed of 9 knots in the modest 10 to 12 knots of wind. The 50 is a slippery design that will make enthusiastic sailors happy with its upwind and off the wind performance. And with the reacher really drawing in the puffs off the hills, the twin rudders kept the boat completely under control; even the autopilot had no problem steering through puffs.

On our way back to the marina, we rolled in the sails in order to put the boat through her paces under power. The 50 had the optional 72-horsepower Volvo diesel and a three-bladed Gori folding prop on the saildrive, so it was optimally set up for powering. With the prop in normal mode, the engine maxed out at 3400 rpms and drove the 50 at 9 knots in flat water. From full speed to full stop, with the engine hard in reverse, the 50 needed only three boat lengths. In reverse, there was no prop walk to speak of. And, with the Gori in “overdrive” mode, a unique function of these propellers, the engine maxed out at 2200 rpms and still achieved hull speed. The only hiccup with a single prop, twin rudder design is the lack of prop wash on the rudders at slow speeds around the docks to give you steerage; the 50 has to be moving for the rudders to bite the water effectively.

The 50 was a lot of fun to sail and easy for two people to handle upwind with the plain working sails and off the wind with the reacher flying. It was close-winded, fast on all points of sail and sailed best when trimmed for minimum heeling angles, which will please most crew. Under power, the boat handled surely underway and around the marina docks; with the lack of prop walk and the bow thruster, it was simple to moor despite its length and ample beam. The 50 is a great sailing family cruiser, but it can certainly be handled effectively by a couple on their own who will appreciate the rig’s simplicity and performance.

LIVING ABOARD

The Bavaria 50, like her sisterships, can be built with a fairly wide array of owner-specified arrangements and interior details. Because the boats are built to order in a high volume production facility in Bavaria, Germany, you can select the interior veneers, fabrics and cabin configurations to suite your tastes and needs. And you can add to the boat’s equipment from a long list of options. Boats that will be imported to North America by the new Bavaria distributor will have a lot of “options” spec’d out as standard equipment, so buyers can truly take possession of their new boats in cruise-away condition. Interestingly, if you order a Bavaria today, your brand new, semicustom boat can be in your slip and ready to cruise in about eight weeks.

The 50 we sailed was fairly tricked out with options. It had the three-cabin, three-head layout, which will be preferred by families who won’t be chartering the boat or sailing with masses of relatives. Four- and five-cabin versions are also available. Because of the 50’s 15 feet of beam and generous hull volume, it is possible to have side-by-side double cabins forward, quarter cabins aft and a pullman cabin with bunk berths tucked in forward.

The 50’s saloon has the chart table and galley to port and the huge dinette to starboard. With seven deck hatches, opening ports, sealed hull portlights and a light-colored vinyl overhead, the interior is full of light and well-ventilated. Each of the cabins and heads had opening deck hatches and cross-ventilation with opening ports.

The galley to port has a unique layout for a side-galley design since it is U-shaped and offers a sea cook plenty of places to brace a hip or knee while working with both hands in bumpy conditions. A stainless steel rail runs along the whole galley, so you always have a secure handhold and a place to fasten a galley belt.

The dinette will seat six comfortably and can accommodate eight in a pinch. There is a lot of storage under and behind the bench seats. This is where the family will gather for most evening meals and in cool or rainy weather; it is just like sitting around the kitchen table at home. In warmer conditions, the cockpit will be the center of family life since it is large enough to fit a crowd, and the centerline table will seat the whole family for al fresco meals. With a dodger and bimini fitted, the cockpit will be almost like a covered porch or patio.

One of the signature design features of the new Bavaria line is the wide, fold-down transom that converts from the back bulkhead of the cockpit into a nearly full-beam swim platform. On the 55, 50 and 45, the platform is raised and lowered with a small motor; on the smaller boats, you operate it by hand. The platform on the 50 is wide enough for four people to sit abreast and has a mountable ladder with four teak-clad steps that makes it simple to climb out of the water. With the stern platform raised, the cockpit is completely enclosed and secure; with the platform down, the aft quarter of the boat becomes a huge outdoor living area.

With lots of interior volume and headroom, a commodious saloon, large sleeping cabins and heads with showers, and the spacious cockpit and swim platform on deck, the new Bavaria 50 offers her owners a truly spacious and comfortable floating home.

CONSTRUCTION AND DETAILS

The Bavaria factory in Germany has become famous as one of the most modern and largest production facilities in the world, capable of turning out as many as 3,000 boats a year if the demand is there. But that doesn’t mean all of the boats come out of identical cookie cutters.

Instead, Bavaria allows you to choose the color and type of fabric you want, the interior veneers—mahogany, oak or walnut—and the type of floor laminates that will match your fabric and veneers. In all but the 32, you can opt for several different layouts. There is an extensive array of options to choose from, including engine size, prop, sail quality, cockpit canvas and cushions.

As noted above, the boats coming to the U.S. will have a baseline specification list that includes Garmin navigation and wind instruments and an autopilot. While you can make a lot of decisions about the boat before it is built, the basic construction and engineering that goes into each boat remains the same. The hulls are hand-laid fiberglass with Coremat coring below the waterline and Airex coring above the waterline and in the deck; Coremat adds bulk and panel strength, while Airex adds panel strength and a high level of noise and heat insulation.

Leaping around on deck while setting the reacher and handling docking lines, we were impressed by the boat’s stiffness underfoot. And, with the engine revving high and the prop churning on the saildrive, the noise level in the cockpit was insignificant. The hull is laminated with anti-osmotic isophthalic resins to prevent water penetration and hull blisters.

Boats imported to the U.S. and Caribbean will have an additional barrier coat of Interlux’s epoxy Interprotect 2000E. The hull-to-deck joint is glued with a space-age adhesive, then tapped and screwed together with the toe rail at eight-inch intervals. The keel-to-hull joint is extremely robust with large steel backing plates for each bolt that are then glassed into the hull.

Both the deck and hull have been stiffened with top-hat style grid sections that spread the loads of the rig and keel to the whole boat, thus eliminating any twist or movement as the boat moves through waves or reacts to strong winds. With the mast’s shrouds moved outboard to accommodate the small headsail and inboard sheeting, the chainplates become an integral part of the hull and deck construction. The chainplates are tabbed into gussets inside the hull that are in turn tabbed into the internal hull grid; the net result is a structure that can’t move even under the greatest loads.

As we poked around the interior of the new 50, we were impressed with the thought that has gone into the layout of systems, seacocks, plumbing, wiring and the installation of optional equipment, whether that be air conditioning or a genset. Access to engineering is as good as you will find on any boat, so general engine and genset maintenance and system troubleshooting will not require a contortionist.

The new Bavarias have definitely been designed and engineered by sailors who know the difference between what works and what doesn’t aboard a well used cruising boat.

THE FLEET

The week following my trip to Turkey, I had the chance to visit with the new principals at Bavaria Yachts USA in Annapolis, MD. I was fortunate to test-sail the four smaller boats in the new Cruiser line, which recently arrived in America. The new company is owned and run by Andrew Thompson and Sylvia Driver, who are the Caribbean Bavaria dealers and owners of Horizon Yacht Charters, and by their partner Kenny Feld, a serial entrepreneur and keen sailor. The Annapolis operation is run on a day to day basis by Jeff McCord, who has more than 30 years in the sailing industry, many of those with Beneteau USA as a senior sales executive. The depth of experience this management team brings to Bavaria USA is impressive.

The four boats we sailed in Annapolis—the 45, 40, 36 and 32—are variations on the themes we noted in detail in the 50 that we sailed in Turkey. The design characteristics, build quality and owner input into everything from fabrics to engine size remain the same. Yet, each is unique in its own way and will suit quite different needs and pocketbooks.

BAVARIA CRUISER 45

Although five feet shorter than the 50, the 45 offers a lot of the same details. The cockpit has twin wheels for good visibility forward and access aft to the wide stern platform, which is electrically operated. The 45 has twin rudders and a shoal draft cast-iron winged keel. A bow thruster is standard in the U.S. The rig is very similar to the 50’s, with an in-mast roller furling mainsail, 108 percent jib and outboard chainplates. A conventional slab-reefing mainsail is available as an option, as are laminated sails and a reacher in a snuffer. Below decks, the 45 can be arranged with a three-cabin, three-head plan or a four-cabin, three-head layout. The saloon is similar to the 50 with the galley to port and the dinette to starboard. The chart table on the 45 faces aft and has a nifty folding seatback that is part of the dinette. Under sail, the 45 handled much the same as the 50. With twin rudders and a roller furling rig, the boat was easy to tack and jibe and managed to sail just as close to the wind. The boat is incredibly solid underfoot and gives the impression of a larger vessel. We noted during a change of crew on the fly that one of our larger sailors did not cause the 45 to heel at all as he climbed aboard from the chase boat. As very close sister to the 50, the 45 will appeal to those who want a big cruising boat with a lot of volume but do no need the size and extra volume the 50 provides.

BAVARIA CRUISER 40

Of the four boats tested in Annapolis, the 40 was the first I sailed. I had the good luck to be out on the Chesapeake Bay in the late afternoon when the breeze was blowing nicely and the afternoon sun not too intense. With just Andrew Thompson and me aboard, we close reached out of Annapolis harbor and then started short tacking southeast into the breeze. Andrew is a crack sailor in the Caribbean and handled sail trim as I helmed the boat through her tacks. To my delight, we found that the 40 was capable of saiing 8 plus knots when well trimmed in a moderate breeze of 10 to 12 knots, easily tacking inside 75 degrees of true wind. Modern racing boats do this or even better, but it is a rare cruising boat, with all that furniture down below, that so nimbly gets out of its own way. The 40 has only one layout option—three double cabins with two heads—which makes it great for a couple who enjoy sailing with their friends. The galley lies along the port side, and the dinette to starboard will seat six. There is a good size chart table aft of the dinette. The 40 is a lot of fun to sail, close winded and very well laid out for cruising.

BAVARIA CRUISER 36

After sailing the 45 and 40, we expected the 36 to feel like a much smaller boat when we stepped aboard. But that was not the case at all. The 36 feels big underfoot, big when puffs fill the sail, and big when you go below to the cabins. There are two interior plans for the 36—a two-cabin, one-head layout and a three-cabin, one-head configuration. Big quarter cabins are rare in 36 footers, but aboard the Bavaria, with all of the volume and beam, the two cabins aft work well. Although the boat has only one head—plenty for a 36-footer—the compartment is large and has a glass partition to make it into a shower, too. Under sail, the 36 surprised us again by being extremely quick. We crossed tacks up the Severn River with the 45 and found that in the light airs, we were able to point a little higher and sail just about as fast. More breeze would have tipped the scale in the 45’s favor, but in the light stuff, we did very well. A great couple’s cruiser, the 36 will really appeal to those who want to sail wherever they go and want the ability to go to windward handily. Also, the 36 offers more interior volume than many 38- or 40-footers.

BAVARIA CRUISER 32

The 32 was the last boat we sailed over the two days we spent in Annapolis, and in many ways it was like saving the best for last. Not that the 32 surpasses her bigger sisters in any particular way; it was simply obvious that here was a little boat with a big heart and a lot of room for a young family or an older couple looking to simplify their cruising life. First and foremost, the 32 sailed like a dream and was as weatherly as the bigger boats. With the small headsail, the 32 is easy to singlehand and will be fun for those who like to sail to and from their moorings. The Farr Yacht Design pedigree really shines through in this boat. We were equally impressed with the 32’s two-cabin, one-head layout, which offers a double cabin aft under the cockpit and a smaller guest or kid’s cabin forward. The benches in the saloon can double as berths, too. The galley is aft at the foot of the companionway ladder with the aft-facing chart table across from it. The L-shaped dinette will seat four for dinner. A perfect weekender with the capability of carrying you off for weeks of vacation at a time, the Bavaria Cruiser 32 will make a perfect starter boat or an equally fine last cruiser for those who have seen it all.

Here are quick looks at the four boats that will be available in Annapolis this summer:

CRUISER 32

The Cruiser line was launched in Europe in 2009 with the Cruiser 55, which set the tone for the line by producing a boat that combined thoroughly modern styling, good sailing characteristics and an unusually vast interior. The new 32 is the baby sister of the Cruiser fleet, but lives up to the standards laid down by the 55. The little boat has two sleeping cabins and one head. The saloon has six-foot headroom, white interior headliners, two deck hatches and six opening ports so you will never feel claustrophobic below. The huge cockpit has a single wheel. All control lines for the Selden main mast and roller furling headsail lead aft to the cockpit, so you can reef both sails without going on deck. Like all of the Cruiser line, the 32 has a fold-down transom that becomes a huge, full-beam swim platform. For novices getting into their first cruising boat or veterans looking to scale down to an easily handled cruiser, the new Bavaria Cruiser 32 offers a lot in a very attractive package.

CRUISER 36

The 36 has an interior plan that looks like most production 36s, so it’s no surprise that it feels like a 40-footer below decks. It comes in two- and three-cabin versions, both with a single head and shower compartment. The 36 has all of the features of the 32 on a larger scale, including the easily handled rig and the fold-down transom. Owner options abound for interior joinery (Bosse mahogany, oak or walnut) and fabric choices. Plus, you can add a demountable bowsprit—the perfect way to deploy a cruising chute or self-rolling Code Zero for some spirited sailing. The voluminous 36 will make a fine liveaboard boat for a couple who want to keep life simple but demand a thoroughly modern design that sails well.

CRUISER 40

Once below on the 40, you will swear you are aboard a 45-footer. The design has an almost full-length waterline that runs from the plumb bow to the wide transom. This hull shape offers good windward sailing ability, stiffness under a press of sail and excellent reaching characteristics. With the beam carried so far aft, the boat has lots of space for the aft cabins, plus ample storage and locker spaces. The 40 is a three-cabin, two-head design with the galley built in along the saloon’s port side. The dinette seats eight and the amidships seat has a stainless steel rail that you can use to brace yourself while cooking at sea. With twin wheels, the same simple rig as the smaller boats and the fold down transom, the Cruiser 40 is a voluminous family cruising boat that would also do well in charter to help defray the costs of owning a 40 foot boat.

CRUISER 45

We have noted that the Cruiser designs have long waterlines and carry their beams all the way aft. In the Cruiser 45, the beam aft is such that the designers and builder opted to go with twin rudders as well as twin wheels. This is an excellent solution to keeping the rudder in the water when the boat is heeled. Also, the twin rudders make the boat track like it is on rails when running and reaching, even in rolling seas. The 45’s fold-down swim platform has electric motors that deploy and retrieve it, as you will see on superyachts. With the platform down, the cockpit offers a huge space for lounging and entertaining. The 45 comes in a three-cabin, three-head version or a four-cabin, three-head plan, the latter being better suited to large families or those who want to put their boats into charter. Like the rest of the Cruiser fleet, the 45 can be personalized for each owner with a choice of joinery finishes and fabrics.For more information, visit www.bavariayachts.com or contact Kenny Feld in Annapolis (855-222-1120).