Newbridge navigator - how do these sail

[AngusMcDoon]

How do these boats sail, particularly upwind? What would be the maximum wind strength before they get scary?

Thanks

 

[Romeo]

I wouldn't say that sailing performance was their greatest strenth.

 

[Lakesailor]

It's a question I have pondered.

 

[BruceDanforth]

Did you have one at any stage? Would you take it cross channel?

 

[Lakesailor]

I looked at one once, but after reading about their amazing accommodation and less than generous sailing performance I decided that the priorities were in the wrong order, for me.

 

[mainmarine]

I used to have a Navigator but it was junk rigged, so upwind was slow, I have no idea about the bermudian version, you can get more info here: http://www.newbridge-nava.co.uk/

 

[halcyon]

Had one called Relax back in 1990, last I knew a forum member had her now. I remeber sailing not bad, you would be relaxing and a gust of wind came through, you were suddenedly standing on the lockers looking at the sea. She then dropped back down and you carried on, as though nothing had happened. We became nervous wrecks after the second season, and moved onto a Hurley 27.

We sold Relax to the chap next door who was a ex-dinghy sailer, and he thought her fantastic. He could get a good tern of speed by sailing her as a big dinghy, so it may depend on your sailing background to your view.

Under engine Relax did not like any rough sea state, so if you could not sail, unless flat calm, you did not go. In reverse it was worse than any long keeler, it would go astern to starboard only, not straight, not to port. I found by fitting a bungy cord to the engine, it held it straight ahead, but you could rotate the engine by hand and go astern were you wanted.

In hindsight, as a lake boat I would possibly have one, for crossing the Channel no.

Brian

 

[stevebirch2002]

I owned one for two months and that was two months too long! Awful sailing performance and would never take her across the channel. Furthest I ever dared take her was from Fawley to Yarmouth (IOW)..... Westerly Centaur even outpoints them!

 

[LittleSister]

According to PBO publication 'Which Boat' -
"A chubby little cruiser, the Navigator attracts those who like pottering more than 'performance'. By the same token she's not the most close winded of boats, and there are many which are lighter to steer on a beat. But owners like the sensible outboard well which saves unnecessary acrobatics - and the roomy accommodation."

 

[AngusMcDoon]

Thanks for all the replies - and any more that come along.

AMcD