Sydney 32?

[jbarros]

Just saw an add for them. They look like they''d be reletivley fast and fun. Aside from the head taking a beeting in a seaway (possibly minimized by the fine entry?) any thoughts on the design?

Thanks.

-- James

[Jeff_H]

I basically like the Sydney line of boats. I have not been aboard the 32 but have had the chance to spend time on the 38 and 40. These are modern racer/cruisers with the emphasis on racing rather than cruising. In my mind they are what the C&C 99 should be and at least last time I saw prices are way less expensive.

These boats should offer excellent performance and a comfortable motion on all points of sailing. As you note, the fine bow, long waterline length and vee''d bow sections should produce a boat that is comfortable going up wind.

The interior layout is adequate but not great, especially if your goal is long distance cruising in a rough sailing venue. I have a problem with the galley being so far forward (hard for heat to escape) and with the open head (no place to brace yourself while sitting on the throne).

Similarly the deck layout is strictly Euro-racing with a two part mainsheet run from the end of the boom forward and then back down the decks, split foreguy, and hydraulic backstay adjuster. This is great racing set up but is not a good set up for cruising. The halyards a lead aft which is a good thing but are set up for a pit person which is a good race set up, but are quite far forward for a cruiser to reach. Similarly the wide open racing style cockpit is great for racing but have no where to lounge when on the hook. Also typical of a racing oriented boat, here is no provision for anchor storage or handling.

Sydneys seem to be relatively well constructed. The materials and methods described on their web page sound quite good.

Anyway, seems like a great race boat, cool boat in so many ways and a so-so cruiser if that is still what you are thinking.

Jeff