Yesterday was the annual open house for the sailing club/school that hails out of our marina and they were offering complimentary outings on the some of their charter fleet with their instructors. My wife and I were planning to do a sail on our Cherubini Hunter 36. But we got a later start than usual and for only a couple of hours sailing, we weren’t too motivated to get our boat ready and then button things up afterward. So we opted instead to take a sail on the club’s Beneteau 393 (manufactured 2001-2006). I had the opportunity to spend time at the helm in a moderately brisk wind and also while motoring. Definitely a fine boat – and it did feel bigger. The in-mast furling makes dealing with the main sail a snap. The cockpit area was very roomy. Down below, plenty of shiny teak trim and new/modern features. With the 4-cylinder diesel residing somewhere way below, motoring is very quiet.
But as we left this fine Beneteau at the end of the sail, neither of us felt any big/new boat envy. Our Cherubini is also a fine boat. For us, the sailing experience wouldn't be enhanced any greater with a new bigger boat. Since I’ve been into almost every spot on my Cherubini doing repairs, improvements and maintenance, it’s definitely our boat more than a new boat would ever be. We’ll keep it.
But as we left this fine Beneteau at the end of the sail, neither of us felt any big/new boat envy. Our Cherubini is also a fine boat. For us, the sailing experience wouldn't be enhanced any greater with a new bigger boat. Since I’ve been into almost every spot on my Cherubini doing repairs, improvements and maintenance, it’s definitely our boat more than a new boat would ever be. We’ll keep it.