Had a great time in Chicago this weekend. I found it interesting to compare the Hunter Edge and the 25 against my 1995 26. Came away feeling there was no comparison. Wouldn't have either one if it was free. I personally don't feel the need to ski behind a sailboat, so the Edge isn't for me. The 25 was shallow draft fixed keel, but that made for much less than standing headroom below. The cabin was small and crowded, and not as comfortable as my boat. The mast had a huge amount of bend to it, induced by tension on the aft shrouds. I'm not sure why, maybe better sail control. I have to wonder if the bend would hamper lowering the sail?The mast and boom were smaller in diameter than the 26, therefore lighter. I didn't get the numbers to compare sail area, but main and jib looked smaller than mine.
It was fun to look at all the different boats, but I came away more content with what I have. It meets my needs, and its paid for!!!
The only boat that I would consider moving up to was the Island Packet Estero. Its huge at 38' LOA and 12' 4" beam, but the cabin is laid out very much like a 26/260 with the table forward, galley and head mid, and cabin aft. If only I lived on big water (sigh).
The best part of the show were the endless seminars available all day. Racing, cruising, sail handling, line splicing, seamanship, the list was endless. Only problem was coordinating what to see when.
Getting there was easy. Flew in and stayed at a Best Western near O'Hare that had free shuttle service 24/7. You can take the train from the airport, and switch to a bus that will drop you off at the Navy Pier where the show is held. Simple to get around, and no parking to deal with.
I highly recommend the show to all. Great way to think warm in the middle of winter.
It was fun to look at all the different boats, but I came away more content with what I have. It meets my needs, and its paid for!!!
The only boat that I would consider moving up to was the Island Packet Estero. Its huge at 38' LOA and 12' 4" beam, but the cabin is laid out very much like a 26/260 with the table forward, galley and head mid, and cabin aft. If only I lived on big water (sigh).
The best part of the show were the endless seminars available all day. Racing, cruising, sail handling, line splicing, seamanship, the list was endless. Only problem was coordinating what to see when.
Getting there was easy. Flew in and stayed at a Best Western near O'Hare that had free shuttle service 24/7. You can take the train from the airport, and switch to a bus that will drop you off at the Navy Pier where the show is held. Simple to get around, and no parking to deal with.
I highly recommend the show to all. Great way to think warm in the middle of winter.
