Northshore Southerly 35RS in PBO

[Ric]

Has anybody read the review of the new Northshore Southerly 35RS that is in this month's PBO? PBO is not commonly available in France, and am interested in reading their review of this boat.

In particular, interested to hear a third party opinion on Northshore's claim that the "helm is indistinguishable from a fin keeler". And is the self tacking jib any good?

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[Birdseye]

I read the review and it was generally very favourable. The boat was described as performing very well to windward, possibly giving some highly rated boats a run for their money. Self tacking jib made tacking very easy, but is obviously less attractive once you get off the wind and on to a beam reach. The only hint of criticism was when they had some difficulty with rudder grip when using a crusing chute on a reach with (I think) 25 knots of wind. Apparently, Northshore are doing some mods since the trial boat was number 1.

Best order a copy from PBO or wait till YM produce a report probably next month. My comments are from memory so they might not be totally accurate. pm me if you want more detail.

If you want a boat that will take to the ground but still sail well, there isnt much choice. Boats like the Benjans and the Ovni dont have the same ultimate stability according to their own figures for the AVS, and I wouldnt consider the Legend bilge keel. So I'm thinking of a Southerly despite the silly price level and the companies "cost accountant" approach to flexibility and extras.



<hr width=100% size=1>this post is a personal opinion, and you should not base your actions on it.

 

[LORDNELSON]

Would you like to send me your e-mail address and I will scan the review and send it as an attachment?

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