What would your favourite yacht be?

[Bajansailor]

I know what I want now, which ticks every box, even though it isn't a cat. And I can afford one! Unfortunately they're so rare, I'm not even going to name it, lest I give someone else the idea. ?

Conversely, if you do disclose what this dreamboat is, somebody on here might know of one in need of a good new home?
Go on, spill the beans.......

 

[Greenheart]

I keep my internetic ear to the ground...when one pops up, I'll be on it like rust on mild steel...

...then a year or two later when I've Danified it, I'll show photos of it here, to gasps of horror and hoarse laughter.

 

[E39mad]

Money no object would be either a Spirit 72DH or a Neel 51 Trimaran

 

[cherod]

Money no object would be either a Spirit 72DH or a Neel 51 Trimaran

The Neel does look like something special ( thi i might prefer the earlier one ) not sure just how robustly built they are . I expect you know about the you tube chanel who have one , riddled with osmosis .

 

[Daydream believer]

I keep my internetic ear to the ground...when one pops up, I'll be on it like rust on mild steel...

...then a year or two later when I've Danified it, I'll show photos of it here, to gasps of horror and hoarse laughter.

I know what it is
It is an Osprey, with a cabin, 4 berths & a 20 Hp inboard, Heads, galley etc. Plus trapeze & asymetric on a 20 ft bow sprit
Launching trailer with split back.

 

[Daydream believer]

Gang Warily….extended by three feet…….designed and built for M Drummond….J Francis Jones built by Whistocks in 1972

Dream yacht? & you are looking at a thing about 50 years old. Probably with loads of work needed to keep it afloat.
What are you thinking?
I cannot believe the number of people who dream about MABs & not something newer & ready to go actually go sailing.

 

[robmcg]

Dream yacht? & you are looking at a thing about 50 years old. Probably with loads of work needed to keep it afloat.
What are you thinking?
I cannot believe the number of people who dream about MABs & not something newer & ready to go actually go sailing.

Cos they don't make them like they used to (looks not necessarily build quality).

 

[Daydream believer]

Cos they don't make them like they used to (looks not necessarily build quality).

Yes I agree with that. They look much nicer now than the older ones. Both in & out. Far more user friendly in a lot of cases as well

 

[doug748]

Cos they don't make them like they used to (looks not necessarily build quality).

Modern cruising yacht design is running up a blind alley, even people with 15 year old boats are starting not to fancy a new one. More size, more bulk, more electronics, more complication. More tricks needed to get alongside, to raise sails to make the thing go in a straight line

The pleasure of sailing is based on a very simple transaction between boat and wind. How people love to tell that this boat or that boat is faster and has more accommodation; some even experienced folk can't handle the proposition that a small, simple slow boat might well be as good as anything and better than most. Here (again) is Carol Hasse:

Mind you I think I would still have the aft cabin Fulmar rather than the quarter berth.

.

 

[E39mad]

The Neel does look like something special ( thi i might prefer the earlier one ) not sure just how robustly built they are . I expect you know about the you tube chanel who have one , riddled with osmosis .

No haven't seen that. Osmosis in a modern yacht is pretty rate these days with improved resins and moulding techniques.

 

[Frogmogman]

Modern cruising yacht design is running up a blind alley, even people with 15 year old boats are starting not to fancy a new one. More size, more bulk, more electronics, more complication. More tricks needed to get alongside, to raise sails to make the thing go in a straight line

The pleasure of sailing is based on a very simple transaction between boat and wind. How people love to tell that this boat or that boat is faster and has more accommodation; some even experienced folk can't handle the proposition that a small, simple slow boat might well be as good as anything and better than most. Here (again) is Carol Hasse:

Mind you I think I would still have the aft cabin Fulmar rather than the quarter berth.

.

Speak for yourself.

 

[Bobc]

One man's dream is another man's nightmare.

 

[Greenheart]

How true, Bob.

It's quite interesting how one's sailing dreams and preferences do (or don't) evolve with age and experience.

I often used to, and sometimes still do, dream of a traditional looking, not-very-big (say 50ft) gaff schooner, but even built new in epoxied steel, it would need time and commitment and physical effort (and learning, and remembering) to get from the boat all the many rewarding sights and sensations that its complicated, not-very efficient rig would offer.

Do I want one? I do not. Plenty of excellent, admirable (mad) fellows out there, own historic and eccentric boats; they worry about them and sink fortunes into maintenance and upkeep; meanwhile I get to see these detailed, coddled, precious vessels at play, from the convenience of a boat that requires almost no effort or resources. It's one of the finest freebies I know.

That, and the freedom to set sail, stop where I choose and watch a summer day become a fabulous night, sleep aboard and wake to another...I believe that will be enough, and seeking grander boats from which to experience it, is wasting limited time.

I'd only qualify that by saying I'd like to be able to sit outside at the helm when it's warm, sit at the helm indoors when it's not; sail in a gale without risking capsize, and park the boat upright in a tidal creek or at a sandy beach. That acquired, I don't think I'll ever lust after anything grander, whatever resources I command. I no longer envy the involvement required by big-boat ownership...

...especially when the owner still has to sit outdoors to steer through foul weather! No better than a ruddy dinghy. ?

 

[scottie]

Best times were an Albin Cumulus biggest problem storing the silverware

 

[fredrussell]

She 36 for me. Yum.

 

[Daydream believer]

How true, Bob.

It's quite interesting how one's sailing dreams and preferences do (or don't) evolve with age and experience.

I often used to, and sometimes still do, dream of a traditional looking, not-very-big (say 50ft) gaff schooner, but even built new in epoxied steel, it would need time and commitment and physical effort (and learning, and remembering) to get from the boat all the many rewarding sights and sensations that its complicated, not-very efficient rig would offer.

Do I want one? I do not. Plenty of excellent, admirable (mad) fellows out there, own historic and eccentric boats; they worry about them and sink fortunes into maintenance and upkeep; meanwhile I get to see these detailed, coddled, precious vessels at play, from the convenience of a boat that requires almost no effort or resources. It's one of the finest freebies I know.

That, and the freedom to set sail, stop where I choose and watch a summer day become a fabulous night, sleep aboard and wake to another...I believe that will be enough, and seeking grander boats from which to experience it, is wasting limited time.

I'd only qualify that by saying I'd like to be able to sit outside at the helm when it's warm, sit at the helm indoors when it's not; sail in a gale without risking capsize, and park the boat upright in a tidal creek or at a sandy beach. That acquired, I don't think I'll ever lust after anything grander, whatever resources I command. I no longer envy the involvement required by big-boat ownership...

...especially when the owner still has to sit outdoors to steer through foul weather! No better than a ruddy dinghy. ?

Dan, Until you have had a season in a proper decent sized, modern, boat with all the trimmings, going to places you never dreamed of- even cross channel, having the joy of not only sailing there, but arriving somewhere new & then exploring, then moving on at will without having to bother about towing the boat down the slip & wondering if it is too windy or not.
Being able to go 60 miles or more. Nip across the channel ( B word accepted now) without worrying. Being able to just drop the mooring lines, slip out of the pontoon, pack away the fenders etc simply hoist the sails & go; you will never know what you are missing. And I do not mean a few days chartering either. I mean proper ownership & total freedom . Freedom can be on your own- (as I do, because I do not have to ask others opinion, or permission)- or with friends if that is your way.
There is NO COMPARISON with a dinghy,. Believe me.
As for time spent working on it- I have had my boat 19 years & I am surprised how little the maintenance has been. Compare that with my last 2 Stellsa & they did take a lot of work. Forget silly gaff cutters & MABs. A modern boat is designed for owners to go sailing, not maintaining.

 

[Greenheart]

Thanks DB, sincerely. But I had an Achilles for a couple of years, and I wasn't wild about it.

Been out on Westerly and Victoria yachts since, and French AWBs, and even though I now could dive in and buy, I don't want to, anymore.

I'll get another cabin-boat in good time, but it will need to fulfil several particular characteristics which (to my mind) combine practicality, comfort and versatility.

All I'll have to forego, is pure sailing performance, and I won't mind that trade.

 

[Daydream believer]

Modern cruising yacht design is running up a blind alley, even people with 15 year old boats are starting not to fancy a new one. More size, more bulk, more electronics, more complication. More tricks needed to get alongside, to raise sails to make the thing go in a straight line
The pleasure of sailing is based on a very simple transaction between boat and wind. How people love to tell that this boat or that boat is faster and has more accommodation; some even experienced folk can't handle the proposition that a small, simple slow boat might well be as good as anything and better than most.

Has it ocurred to you that more size, more electronics & gizmos to hoist sails are there because owners demand them. there is a thread about electronics & the general opinion is that owners DO have a liking for them. As for size, Just look at the size of starter boat over the last 50 years. Boats have become so much easier to sail & so much more user friendly that a starter boat is now in the 35ft plus bracket. When I was 12 years old our family starter boat was a 17ft 3ins Silhouette. At 21 it was a 26 ft Stella.
I can park my 31 ft boat far easier than some of our readers can park their Twisters, from what they say ( probably just need a few lessons, because my Stella was easy SH) My current boats sails are as easy to hoist & trim & easier to reef than my Stellas. Certainly easier than my friends gaff cutter.
As for your example perhaps it is because that is what the owner happened to be able to afford & what was available. If a 35 ft Halberg or X yacht had been about for the same price, I wonder if she might have changed her mind. we all talk well of our boats & having spent years working on it she is hardly likely to say it is a load of s..t is she.
As for speed- Yes every time. I simply hate watching a boat overtake me. But then i spent the first 10 years of my first Stella ownership thrashing it round the cans every weekend & years dinghy racing & crewing race boats as well, so it is in the blood.
But speed can often be ( not always) an expression of the art of sailing well.

 

[Daydream believer]

Thanks DB, sincerely. But I had an Achilles for a couple of years, and I wasn't wild about it.

Been out on Westerly and Victoria yachts since, and French AWBs, and even though I now could dive in and buy, I don't want to, anymore.

I'll get another cabin-boat in good time, but it will need to fulfil several particular characteristics which (to my mind) combine practicality, comfort and versatility.

All I'll have to forego, is pure sailing performance, and I won't mind that trade.

Achilles, Westerly & Victoria ??? Heaven forbid== That lot would put anyone off. Now I can understand how you feel

 

[KompetentKrew]

If I won the lottery I'd commission a yacht along the lines of Dashew's Beowulf:

I love the idea of 200-mile days.