Newport Show
- Thread starter Maine Sail
- Start date
I did go on Sunday. What a magnificent day. The show was jamming. That's the most sailboats I've seen on display in years. After touring the Oyster 625, the Admiral expressed a desire to charter one in the Caribbean. I said ok. On a more likely note, we also checked out a Passport 45 cat; also a candidate for a charter. She said she could definitely see herself on one of those for a week (with a cook and a captain). Anything for the cause.
I made sure to show her my favorite: the Seaward 32RK. If I ever buy new, that's the boat for me. Big enough to cruise comfortably for a week, small enough to singlehand. The 26RK was also on display; when we were boarding the 26, we found out that the couple that was on board were the owners. They were taking delivery right after the show. I have to admit, I was jealous.
The show was well attended, but it wasn't insanely crowded. Some other highlights: the Beneteau "Sense" series of boats were there. I had read about them but never seen them. As the salesman said: these are boats made for socializing. A huge cockpit, a short three steps down into the salon, and all accomodations forward, leaving the bulk of the boat open for socializing. Not my cup of tea, but the Admiral did like the styling.
Of all of the mass market boats, I still like the styling of the Catalina's the best. Some nice boats at a good price.
I made sure to show her my favorite: the Seaward 32RK. If I ever buy new, that's the boat for me. Big enough to cruise comfortably for a week, small enough to singlehand. The 26RK was also on display; when we were boarding the 26, we found out that the couple that was on board were the owners. They were taking delivery right after the show. I have to admit, I was jealous.
The show was well attended, but it wasn't insanely crowded. Some other highlights: the Beneteau "Sense" series of boats were there. I had read about them but never seen them. As the salesman said: these are boats made for socializing. A huge cockpit, a short three steps down into the salon, and all accomodations forward, leaving the bulk of the boat open for socializing. Not my cup of tea, but the Admiral did like the styling.
Of all of the mass market boats, I still like the styling of the Catalina's the best. Some nice boats at a good price.
We were there, as well, on Fri-Sat. Unfortunately, I didn't read MS's post until tonight.
We also fell in love with the Seaward 32rk, but then, we're a little biased. I see one (likely a used one) a few years in our future. Just enough room more than our 25 to make longer cruises more comfortable, but still able to tow (albeit with permits). Dropping the retractable keel down would improve upwind performance over our shallow wing keel version.
Now if I were in the market for a 40, the Blue Jacket 40 looked pretty nice. Way out of my league, though.
We also fell in love with the Seaward 32rk, but then, we're a little biased. I see one (likely a used one) a few years in our future. Just enough room more than our 25 to make longer cruises more comfortable, but still able to tow (albeit with permits). Dropping the retractable keel down would improve upwind performance over our shallow wing keel version.
Now if I were in the market for a 40, the Blue Jacket 40 looked pretty nice. Way out of my league, though.