Sadler 26 v Westerly Centaur

[Rivers & creeks]

All this talk of sailing performance versus comfort and such like. There's only one consideration worth a bean - which of the two will mean you explore the coasts together? Speed only matters on a passage, not pottering or day sailing, and speed only matters on a passage if you want to get past the interesting places en route as soon as possible and reach your destination first. A boat that's comfortable and a good enough sailer will always beat a boat that fast and sort of OK to live on.

 

[dylanwinter]

All this talk of sailing performance versus comfort and such like. There's only one consideration worth a bean - which of the two will mean you explore the coasts together? Speed only matters on a passage, not pottering or day sailing, and speed only matters on a passage if you want to get past the interesting places en route as soon as possible and reach your destination first. A boat that's comfortable and a good enough sailer will always beat a boat that fast and sort of OK to live on.

I completely agree

although I welcome the comments on getting first to the blubhouse for a G and T it is of little interest to me. A dry slow boat is better for me than a fast wet one

D

 

[yachtorion]

Got to be the Sadler. Why? Because it's a boat that's always interested me and I'd like to see how Dylan gets on with it.

 

[rogerball0]

Hi Dylan, a tricky decision indeed, both are great boats - most will know where my loyalties lie but the Sadler acquits itself equally well, sure its tighter than the Centaur inside but if its just yourself and Jill aboard it wont make much of a difference plus you'll be able to indulge your still unquelled inner racer. I've sailed a 26 and chased its larger sister (a 29) up Southampton water in an impromptu match race aboard a mates Beneteau, we kept up covering him tack for tack that was until he let out the rest of his genoa and left us for dead. Very unsporting!

 

[sadlerbob]

There is one consideration which I failed to mention in my last post is, the Sadler has insulation which if, 'Up north' will be a benefit.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Individual choices are of course dictated by lifestyle and philosophy but you have done the Centaur "experience".

Convenience, comfort and speed are no guarantee of satisfaction and enjoyment , but I reckon most of us would like to see
you sail the Sadler , for our own interest if nothing else, and it could be a "tapping" winner.

Perhaps you could set up a poll ? Then if things go wrong you could blame us.

 

[Big-Bang1]

" ***** A dry slow boat is better for me than a fast wet one ***** "

If that's how you feel it's gotta be the Centaur. I've sailed both (Although the Sadler was a fin) and enjoyed sailing both! They are different and the Sadler was a more slippery/involving boat for sure but for me with a slightly nervous wife, 3 young ish children and a delinquent Jack Russell the Centaur was/is my boat of choice. That said, given the cost of the Saddler you've been offered I'd be very tempted to go for it, especially with the delivery voyage you get thrown in!

Can I ask, have you ever ended up with a crab pot marker wrapped around your keel/prop? Only it seems to be a big concern.

 

[Billows]

I for one would love to see Dylan fettling and describing another boat type. It's a no brainer for me.

 

[Simonpk]

Back in the old days when you were either an MG man or a Triumph man? Once you have chosen you couldn't switch sides. Is this the same as Westerlies & Sadlers? You may be "blackballed" by the Westerly group.