- Single-handed cruiser...

From a dedicated multihull enthusiast who has sailed most things the twister would be a good choice within the perameters described. Sea safe, easy to handle, will perform well under windvane, and if I had to go back to one keel a proper long one is best! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
S&S 34. An older one with the lovely sloping doghouse. Powerful, weatherly and a sheer and tumblehome to die for. Also (just) in the budget you specified. Hard to find though.
Nicki
 
S&S 34. An older one with the lovely sloping doghouse. Powerful, weatherly and a sheer and tumblehome to die for. Just beautiful. Also (just) in the budget you specified. Hard to find though.
Nicki
 
[ QUOTE ]
I bought a Contessa 32 whilst looking for a Twister and have not come to regret the impulse.

[/ QUOTE ]
Couldn't agree more. I've always found the Contessa to be the perfect boat for singlehanding - everything is to hand in the cockpit, down below is practical layout, and she looks after you when things get sticky. no doubt some of the other cruisers mentioned are also nice to handle alone, but the Contessa has the advantage of better performance compared to the more cruisy types. And upwind in a blow she's a rocket. Which is just the most important time for a single hander to have a boat that will get him (her) out of the soup.
 
Agreed absolutely with Nicki re S & S 34s! Simply gorgeous.
I sailed on a friend's S & S 34 up to Maine from St Maarten in June '95, and she was an absolute dream to sail. They had crossed from the Canaries in the ARC the previous winter, and showed up many much more 'racy' vessels on elapsed time, never mind that they were in full (ie heavy) cruising mode.
Here is one for sale on Yachtworld at
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/b...=46386&url=

While here is an early Beneteau First 32 (although they say it is 34'?) - one of Full Circle's favourites (?) at http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/b...amp;searchtype=

And as noted elsewhere above, Albin Singoallas are nice boats too - I know one who lives on the Hamble, and has been under the same ownership for at least 20 years now, which has to be a good recommendation!
 
I asked the same question a few years ago and bought a Prout Quest 31 which fits the bill nicely.

Looks like a proper boat from the side (not a floating block of flats like many small cats) - floats in 1 metre so lots of nice anchorages that a mono would not dare try, drys out without problems - quick passages provided you don't want to plug to windward all the time - lots of space on deck and below - can keep look out from the saloon / galley / and to a lesser extent from the heads - sailing gear nice and light (I can lower and raise the mast singlehanded given a couple of hours) stable platform, no need to stow everything securely before heading out to sea - comfortable to live aboard at sea and at anchor . . . etc etc.

Delivery trip from Plymouth Sound to Orkney singlehanded. Boat sailed itself to windward for two days without autopilot (belt broke) in winds from F2 to F6.

I often go out for an afternoon sail using only the head sail, quite confidently tacking in tight spaces. Have sailed in and out of my marina berth single handed.

Suits me, might suit you if you care to look beyond the small monohulls.

Have fun.
 
Someone else the other day (I think) remarked that the Fastnet 34 was the wettest boat he'd ever been in, everything coming over the side to meet the helmsman. I've been looking at one but haven't sailed one. Do you also find them v wet?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top