One of the fun things I get to do after boats shows is to go sailing on the new designs that have recently been introduced. On the Tuesday following the Annapolis show last weekend, I sailed the brand new Jeanneau 410 and the new Hylas 48. Both are pure cruising boats but they are very different and will appeal to different types of owners. The Jeanneau 410 is a thoroughly modern Marc Lombard design with a hard chine, twin rudders a short bow sprit for down wind sails; it has a bright, light interior with warm teak trim and white fabric bulkheads. The 410 is thoroughly modern and sails quickly and fast with a small headsail and large main. This is a boat for those looking for the latest and newest and fastest new cruising boat. Well equipped, the 410 will set you back about $270,000.
The Hylas 48 on the other hand is a classic Bill Dixon displacement cruiser with a full body hull, a large 135% headsail and an in-mast mainsail. At 40,000 pounds it is heavy and moves through the water deliberately. The center cockpit is snug and suited to ocean sailing. The interior is traditional highly varnished teak with huge double cabins fore and aft. The atmosphere is warm but dark and reminds me of the classics built by earlier Hylas yachts and other boats built in the Far East. The 48 sailed well in the mild breeze and seemed to make her own wind with the angle well forward of the beam. Her motion was slow and comfortable. With everything you could want on board, the 48 will cost you in the neighborhood of $850,000.
Which boat is for you? Only you will know but its good to know there are distinct choices out there. So, it comes down to whatever floats your boat.
