January 12, 2011
Azimut 53 Sedan Bridge
The brand new Azimut 53 Sedan Bridge is a yacht for entertaining. The owner of our test boat, Tony Romanelli of RCC Media has made his new Azimut 53 the centerpiece of his lifestyle. His young family includes a preschooler; their home is a downtown waterfront condominium, within walking distance of the marina. On a summer morning, he can walk to the boat to check it out, enjoy some coffee plan his day, set up meetings and even use it as a floating boardroom. His physical company offices are north of the city so this represents significant time saving.
January 11, 2011
Laser Radial
As we look forward to the 2012 Olympics in London, two classes will be front and center: the Laser for Men and the Laser Radial for women. The Laser Radial might be, for some, a non-event, but for those who started to learn the sport for fun (and for racing), the Laser Radial was a monumental leap in design, taking a great concept and making it better. The "Laser" was brilliant at the time and still is today. Low cost, strict one design specifications, performance, both easy to rig and sail were all great features built around a two-section mast that slipped together for sailing but came apart easily for trailering or car topping.
January 11, 2011
Hunter 39
For 2010, the Glenn Henderson/Ron Humphries designed 39 Hunter replaces the 38. Everything that made the 38 so popular and desirable has been retained in the new model and many new features have been incorporated into the 39 to raise the bar substantially. The new model although similar to the 38 maintains its beam much further aft than did the 38. This gives the boat better performance and a larger cockpit further enhanced by the twin steering wheels.
January 11, 2011
Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU
For more than half a century, Grand Banks has delivered salty looks, spacious accommodations and impressive fuel economy to cruisers through its line of trawler yachts. The new Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU is powered by Cummins MerCruiser Zeus pod drives and while all the traditional virtues are there in spades, this yacht has gained a whole new level of performance and economy.
December 30, 2010
Buzzards Bay 33
We were pacing along side a nice new deep vee express cruiser heading deep into Halifax harbour. We were making an easy pace for the water conditions but the express cruiser was dragging a huge wake with its bow way up. The Buzzard's Bay 33, at the same speed, was leaving a wake like a 14-foot aluminum boat would with two fishermen aboard.
December 24, 2010
PDQ 41
While this yacht may not have been designed to suite every taste, long range cruisers and live-aboard couples have taken to the PDQ 41 Power Catamaran with enthusiasm. This Canadian-made cat hails from the Whitby area in Ontario but PDQ cats have found loving homes in harbours around the world.
December 21, 2010
Bavaria 31 Cruiser
One of my dearest friends always says while hoisting a cold malt beverage "how do they make something that tastes so good so well-priced?" Clearly here 'cheap' is referring to a reasonable price and with this Bavaria my thoughts while sailing was how can they make such a great little boat with all the value for this price? All in, it's under $120,000.
December 20, 2010
Sea Ray 330 Sundancer
The big guy blasts it out of the park. When you are the big guy like Sea Ray is, the world expects a lot and luckily, the new 330 Sundancer is a home run, with plenty of "big boat" features packed into a size that is affordable and manageable. By manageable, we mean that this is a boat that is both easy to handle around the docks and at the bank.
December 17, 2010
Beneteau Oceanis 50
Having the pleasure of attending the Miami boat show this year, we made it a point to see the new Beneteau 50. First impressions at dockside were that this boat was a perfect fit in the high performance cruising niche. The surprise is that new manufacturing methods and processes employed in making this boat have reduced the selling price putting this boat in play especially with our present dollar leverage. Honestly, for those wishing to cash in and sail into retirement, this boat might be the ticket.
December 15, 2010
Bavaria 32
The new Bavaria Cruiser 32 arrived at Yacht Sales West in Vancouver in early April. Its North American debut will be in Victoria in early May 2010. This is the first in the series of Bavaria cruisers that include a 45 and 55 foot version designed by the well known and wonderfully prolific Farr Yacht design. Teaming up with BMW Group Designworks USA, these new boats are evidence of a new modern direction adopted by Bavaria that combines great looks, solid sailing characteristics, and some neat touches that won't disappoint.
December 15, 2010
Sea Ray 350 Sundancer
It is a brilliant move on Sea Ray's part to make its 350 Sundancer standard with the new Axius 360 Control Propulsion System. It's just what owners want and having Axius really sets this boat apart from earlier models from before the introduction of Axius Joystick manoeuvering.
November 3, 2010
Delphia 33
When The Delphia line first came to North America, it did so with little fanfare. Though it managed to win the Import Boat of the Year at Annapolis in 2008. Having sailed it, it's easy to see why. Terribly affordable at about $170,000 Cdn., this boat has a wonderful feel and look – both above and below decks. It's perfectly finished , equipped and boasts two double cabins below.
November 3, 2010
Restoring Darling
The air in O’Rourke’s Boat Repairs on Penetang Bay is thick with white dust. A grinder churns across the fly bridge, spewing showers of tiny particles in its wake. Raw fingers of fiberglass cloth protrude from the bare hull. The rear deck plates have been removed revealing decades of grime, unfinished surfaces and the skeletal stringers.
November 1, 2010
Hunter 31
If you want a boat with a solid value proposition – that makes boating affordable and easy – then the Hunter 31 is your boat. Replacing the 306 and designed by Glenn Henderson and the Hunter team, Hunter has, yet again, found a way to combine all the important attributes of easy sailing characteristics, solid value and wonderful features above and below decks. By using the latest in technology and smaller and lighter components, the Hunter has created a boat that's forgiving but still offers great performance credentials.
October 28, 2010
Bavaria 43
What a wonderful boat! To see where it came from was one thing; to sail one of the first in North America was another. The latest addition to the Bavaria cruising line is spectacular above and below decks and nowhere does it disappoint. From the large welcoming cockpit, its twin steering wheels and luxurious below deck offerings, it brings a ton of value to the potential buyer. All in, this boat will sell for just under $300,000 Canadian and would rival any cottage investment anywhere. The live aboard attributes are stellar.
July 8, 2010
TES 28 Magnam
Recognizing this growing niche, I have reviewed a few of these trailerable boats. It’s funny how a traditional sailor like me can get seduced by the practicality and simplicity of these boats. This trailerable compact cruising yacht offers a neat option for those who want the flexibility to be able cruise in many places and explore places where traditional boaters may not be able to. While our friends in cottage country might not want to hear this, a TES Magnam 28 opens up this area to more sailing adventure than ever before. My recent trip to New York from Bellville through the Erie (barge) Canal could easily be done in this boat with the simple mast system that drops the spar effortlessly.
June 23, 2010
60′ QuadZeus.com
I don't remember the last time Canadian Yachting reported on a big yacht that was just in the development stages but that's exactly what our QuadZeus.com test boat is – an experiment by the Cummins MerCruiser people to showcase a Quad Zeus installation. It features four Cummins QSC 8.3 600 HP high tech diesel engines with ZF Zeus pod drives that push this big sport fishing yacht.
June 22, 2010
Sailtime – Fractional Use for Sail and Power
Become a member of Canada’s boating lifestyle at a fraction of the cost. Canadian statistics suggest that the average boater goes boating 10-12 times each summer. If your summer is two months long, that’s 6X a month. Although the pride of ownership is half the fun, SailTime offers you and your family and friends another way to experience the joy of boating with all the joy and none of the pain.
June 18, 2010
Grady-White 330 Express
Here is an express cruiser that may stimulate the rethinking of what a cruiser could be here in Canada. Saltwater fishermen in the US are quite prepared to spend big money for sportfishing boats but these rigs are less common in Canada. We've got excellent fishing in the Great Lakes as well as along our coasts, so the Grady-White 330 Express will be attractive to people who are into fishing, but we think the Grady-White 330 Express represents a whole cruising lifestyle alternative.
June 16, 2010
Beneteau First 45
The automotive industry coined the term crossover; I guess that should be the word we now refer to for those boats that have high performance and comfort cruising. In this vein, the Beneteau First 45 is just that boat. At first glance, I could see why Anchor Yacht's affable Colin Andrews was so excited about this boat. The hull shape just breathes 'power to burn'; our test sail proved that point first hand. Its acceleration and tracking are amazing; it's definitely got a home in the performance cruiser market.
June 15, 2010
Hanse 430
What we like about Hanse is – first, performance – and second, price. The Hanse 430, like its siblings, tends to have a large sail area to weight ratio and a sense of simplicity few have been able to even consider. But I sense that it's the performance moniker that drives the Hanse team every day. Sailing a Hanse is a treat in both light to medium and heavy air. The design team has been able to balance such a wonderful hull – known for its volume and size – with stability. Every time I step onto one of these boats, I sense performance and speed.
June 14, 2010
Chaparral Signature 350 EC
The jet black hull sides of our Chaparral test boat were impressively free from ripples or imperfections which is a hallmark of a well-built fiberglass boat; the black color minimizes the height while the white decking which sweeps up from the swim platform and arches towards the bow gives the boat a racy appearance.
May 27, 2010
Island Packet SP Cruiser
Island Packet set the benchmark for cruising yachts design almost from the get go. Their formula was to match the aspects of speed and comfort with performance, 'sailibility' and safety. Their new motorsailer extends this beyond their sail experience; they have another winner for sure.
May 26, 2010
Rinker 330 EC
Rinker Boats are part of the Nautic Global Group of boat companies and Rinker has a history that dates back to 1945. Their latest line of express cruisers is right up to date and our Rinker 330 EC test boat offers a compelling value proposition. The 330 EC is, in fact, 35'8" long on an 11'4" beam. The deep vee hull has 18 degrees of deadrise for a soft ride. It is a conventional mid-cabin express cruiser but Rinker has added some appealing new features to boost your enjoyment onboard.
May 25, 2010
Beneteau First 10R
I first saw a 10R in Annapolis and then again in Toronto at the recent ABYC one design regatta. It’s a boat that catches the eye, especially with the likes of Jamie Kidd at the helm. Kidd has won more world championships than most and is probably one of the top talented sailors that never made our Olympic team. He is knowledgeable and competitive. Top sailors in Canada and around the world are flocking to this boat because it does not compromise in performance, look or style. The local Toronto results are a Canadian testament to the solid racing characteristics of this boat.
May 21, 2010
Marquis 40SC
You can tell what time of day it is perfectly well with a Timex. So why do so many people wish that they owned a Rolex? It's the same kind of comparison you might make between the Marquis 40SC and any other 40-footer that's on the market today. Italy's Nuvolari Leonard designed the Marquis 40SC and it combines genuine, cutting edge European flair with American-style muscle to produce a boat that is breathtaking both visually and in terms of its performance.
May 19, 2010
Sea Sonic 270 Centaur
Power and elegance has always been a winning combination when it comes to building a boat that people will walk down the dock to take a second look at. This is exactly what British Columbian craftsman, Chris Casparis, has achieved with the 28-foot, Sea Sonic Centaur – a boat that people actually do walk down the dock to see and take pictures of at boat shows and launch ramps around Okanagan Lake.
May 18, 2010
Hunter 45DS
Hunter turns 35 years old this year. It’s amazing just how far they’ve come and what an integral role they have played helping sell the sport and lifestyle. How? Hunter has worked hard to build affordable, quality boats that were easy to own and, more importantly, easy to sail. This review on the Hunter 45 DS reflects a lot of what Hunter has learned over its 35 years in business. Co-founder, Warren Luhrs – a knowledgeable sailor – helped the company grow to a global brand with over 80 models launched from its design boards.
May 14, 2010
Catalina 375
Gerry Douglas, the chief designer for Catalina, has hit a home run with the new Catalina 375. It is a fact: they have regrouped and rethought out the concept of a solid family cruising yacht that provides great features, value and performance. Filling the niche previously held by the Catalina 36, this new boat is a product of obvious experience and input from owners and the Catalina design team.
May 13, 2010
Hanse 400
When Tom Penton wanted to move up, he consulted with his trusted yacht broker, Pat Sturgeon (now along with Hans Fogh) who represents Hanse Yachts. They worked together to ‘spec’ out Tom’s new Hanse 400. Having the luxury of living on Georgian Bay where Tom and his wife moor the boat, I have watched it round the point several miles off my house and knew right away who it was. The distinctive look and presence of this boat makes it stand out from the crowd. The sleek Judel/Volijk design is strikingly modern; the dark blue hull complements the low profile cabin top and reverse sheer line work perfectly. The distinctive fractional 9/10 rig with double spreader mast and sail plan was a telling sign of the arrival of the distinctive Hanse to Georgian Bay.
May 12, 2010
Larson 370 Day Cruiser
As soon as we stepped into the cabin of the Larson 370 Day Cruiser, we knew we had found something special. There are quite a few express cruisers out there, especially in the 30-40 foot range. Frankly, the competition is fierce so it's refreshing – even surprising – to see somebody take an all whole new approach to cruising boats, but Larson has done that with this boat.
May 6, 2010
Delphia 37
Just when you did not expect it, a surprise comes along that reminds you that underlying yacht design and building, there is a constant evolution. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived to sail test the Delphia 37; a new brand and a new builder enter the Canadian market. Now Polish craftsmanship is evident in many boats we see now; the Delphia is a great example of the complete package.
May 5, 2010
Lagoon 380
A surprise to many people is that the Lagoon brand is part of the Beneteau Group, a respected leader in the pleasure boat industry with renowned brands such as Jeanneau, Wauquiez, and CNB. This affiliation alone ensures a long-standing commitment to advanced moulding technology and manufacturing practices. Based in southern France. the company’s roots go back to building racing boats, and this passion for competition and high-tech construction boasts over fifty high-tech competition prototypes including formula 40, maxi-multihulls, 60’ trimarans, One Tonners, F1 monohulls, America’s Cup Boats, Globe Challenge etc. The focus today is on leveraging this pedigree into building boats that pay attention to the details, have an edge in design and still perform on the water.
May 4, 2010
Tartan 4300
There is something about a Tartan that stops you in your tracks – that makes you look again. It's a beautiful boat that meets the demands perfectly of anyone who wants a comfortable and somewhat elegant option for their offshore adventures. The classic long waterline look is becoming unique in its own right. The evolution and ever increasing presence of the tear drop windows, sloping decks and more truly represent the – if you will – avante garde designs we are seeing in more and more boats.
May 3, 2010
Jeanneau 45DS
Canadian Yachting was at Annapolis this year and walking down the main dock we were stopped in our tracks by several boats, not by their size or position but their look and feel. The Jeanneau 45DS is a great advertisement for the modern sailing lifestyle and it's no wonder as the show opened it was a popular stop on the dock.
April 30, 2010
Campion Explorer 822
I confess that I rarely go out fishing. It's not my thing. So, you may be surprised that I am so pumped about what is basically a fishing boat. What excites me about the Campion Explorer 822 is that it is so much more than just a fishing boat that it literally changes my reality on cruising. Honestly, this boat could make me fall in love with fishing!
April 27, 2010
Beneteau First 50
The Beneteau First 50 also stopped us in our tracks last fall in Annapolis and it apparently got the vote of confidence from a fellow Canadian who purchased it the very first day. And when you had the chance we did to pour all over the boat how can you blame him. This boat looks beautiful at the dock with her long waterline and narrow entry and low clean look but one can easily see her bashing anything the sea can through at her. The 72 foot mast looks awesome from the dock and one can only imagine this boat as happy on the race course as it would be cruising. Philippe Briand has done a masterful job with this yacht. Its modern look is one that challenges and makes a statement in any harbor.
February 23, 2010
The Whaly – Functional, Practical and Affordable
Long time family friend Tom Wharton and his Partner the well respected yachtsman Heider Funck recently invited me to join them and TSCC's director of sailing Brian McLennan to test their new boat being imported into Canada. On an overcast rainy day they introduced me to the Whaly and despite its different utilitarian look it's a winner for anyone running a sailing program or requiring a functional rugged boat. I think their goal was to get this old racing sailor hooked on their new boat and to that end they have a new disciple. I wish I had one of these when I was instructing rather than the old heavy boats we had back then that tended to be more a liability than a tool…
November 14, 2009
Sabre 38 Hardtop Express
One glance tells you this is a traditional looking, down-east yacht; the kind you see around Cape Cod or Annapolis. The bow cuts gracefully through the water and it looks smooth and comfortable…but probably not fast. Wrong. We maxed out at 38 mph which is really cooking along for a 38-footer.