wendy wrote:
This sounds like the ravings of an
incurable romantic I know, but if, at the end of the day, this
obsession with craft that ghost along on the wind isn't a romantic
one, then what is it?


rhys wrote:
Not really. I love the Shearwater 45's lines, but there are better
boats. If I'm going to spend $400,000, that is.

Exactly.

.... Why, I could buy a
Saga 43 or 48...probably an excellent sailing machine, but if I wanted
a shuttlecraft I would've joined Starfleet, right? G

For the money, I'm not tempted by one of those. You could get an Able or
Morris or Baltic or Swan etc etc.


At the end of the day, you've got to love the boat you are going to
live aboard. That means (to a point), the "look" has to appeal on some
level. There are a LOT of "pretty" boats out there today, but not so
many that will increase your odds of living out a bad blow. If all
else is equal, why not go for the prettier boat?

Now, if J-Boats did proper cruisers...aaahh...that would be great!

What's wrong with the J-32, the J-35C, the J-37, or (since you're
talking about spending the money) the J-42? To my eye, they're not
"beautiful" but they are certainly good looking and good sailing boats;
plenty habitable enough (and also seaworthy by all accounts) to be a
"proper cruiser."

Fresh Breezes- Doug King