[JT1019]

I don’t know why but I feel the need to opine on this subject. I don’t own a Hinckley, I never will. Not because some say they are slow, not because of the upkeep, not even the cost would deter me…I just prefer a more modern design. That being said I own an extremely rare boat that 99% of you have never heard of…a Belliure. My particular boat is the Ron Holland 12.5 sloop (not the raised pilot house atrocity) and I love her. She is one of two in the world and everywhere I go I am told she is the new standard by which to measure sailboats. Why do I tell you this? Well almost everyone I know told me not to get the boat based on one internet article and a complete lack of personal experience and knowledge. The cost was significant, the upgrades needed were going to be extensive and the upkeep will rival the Hinckley but I don’t care. The second I put my hands on her wheel and took a look down the deck I fell for her and I fell hard. Now that I own the boat and know her inside and out I have taken all those naysayers out with me…guess what? They all want one, they pine over her, they beg to go sailing and they admit she is something special. If you feel that connection to a Hinckley, get one. Life is too short to own an ugly boat or to wish you had something different.