Quote:
Originally Posted by kwaltersmi
Those who are pro-Beneteau First 456: Would you take this boat on a bluewater passage or consider it a proper boat for a "world cruise"?
I don't have an opinion (or experience with the First 456), I'm honestly just seeking your personal opinions.
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CD said it all really. What is world cruising ? Something that won't go to windward for love or money but is fast yet comfortable off the wind would be great for a circum. in the forties/fifities.
On the other hand for the run across the Pacific in lowish lattitudes and then plodding around the islands a lighter, nippier thing would be fine.
Reality is while lots of people talk about circumnavigating very few ever do. I'm quite happy to think of my cruising area as Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Tasmania, North East and Northwest Australia. Once I've done all that the who knows. I have a strong desire to cruise Europe and North West America but doubt that I'll sail there from Oz.
No offence meant but your list does indicate a certain lack of experience and an overindulgence in sailing magazines. You really won't know what you want until you have that experience. I'm guessing that maybe this is your first cruising boat ?? Do you like to day sail ? I'd go the Beneteau or the J44. Should be easy to find one and relatively easy to resell provided you screw a good price out of the seller. Do you want to voyage to Antarctica? Steel is good. Swans are fabulous boats but have you had a good look at access from the cockpit in the older designs?
Live aboard and cruise locally for awhile. You'll soon realise what is important to you, the kind of weather you like to stay out in for instance, the type of sailing you like to do and how you spend your time onboard when not sailing.
One of this boards contributers has been looking at the dreaded Catalina. For a first off cruiser maybe not a bad addition to your list. I must admit when looking at the ads in Yacht World I was surprised by how much I took to them.