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New Kid on Our Block
Light and fast always equals fun. The original "fast is fun" term was coined by some weirdo in Northern California, but since then, it has taken on a whole new dimension. Today's modern sport boat is a very logical and obvious development of the original ULDB's, taking the concept and making a simpler, better, and faster boat. Having said that, one of the unfortunate factors of today's high-performance boat has been the accompanying high-price tag. $100k and above for 30 footers is the norm these days. Even a Melges 24 will set you back $50k for a new boat. That's a lot of buck for the bang. There has been much talk, but little action, in regards to getting an affordable sport boat into the market. However, there does seem to be at least one new player to the game, the Blusail 24. You may have read about this boat, which is an Italian (Luca Brenta) designed and built speedster, very similar to the Melges 24. It is now being imported and available in the U.S. The Blusail is being imported into North American by James Kaspersetz of Newport Yacht Club. This is the same guy who recently brought UK Sailmakers into the Ontario market where they are building a presence at the local club level. James currently holds the distribution rights to the Blusail for both Canada and the United States. As we understand it, dealer inquires are welcomed.
Statistically, the boat is similar to the Melges, with a few features that the Melges does not have, most notably more interior accommodations, and the ability to fly both symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers. The Blusail weighs more, but has more sail area, so one could expect very similar performances, with perhaps the edge going to the Blusail upwind, and to the Melges downwind. Construction-wise, the Blusail is a Vinylester foam core boat with carbon sprit, aluminum spars, and all pulpits and lifelines come standard. Where it differs greatly from the Melges is in one very critical area: Price. The Blusail 24, complete with all Harken and Ronstan gear, running rigging, and 3 class sails, costs $27,000 FOB East Coast. Add $2,200 for a trailer. By comparison, A Melges 24, with trailer is about $46,000. Yes the Melges has a carbon mast and some other bits, but still that is a big price difference.
We've not seen the boat, but we like what we've seen from pictures and drawings, some of which we've included here. First of all, Brenta is a well-respected and innovative European designer - just look at some of his work with Wally Yachts. He's also involved in America's Cup design as well. Second, the shape and specs of the boat put it right in the thick of the modern sport boat paradigm. And third, the boat has a bit more versatility than some comparable boats, in terms of accommodations (four bunks, lockers, sink) and sail plan (carbon sprit and standard pole). It is also IMS, CHS and IRC legal - advantages that may be important to some. But what has to be considered a major selling point is quite simply the price. With a savings of between $15,000 and $20,000 over a Melges, this would have to be a boat that would get a hard look from potential customers. We
do not know how fast the Blusail ultimately is, but as most of you
know, we like to get behind a product that seems to make sense from
a design, construction and performance perspective, and also one that
has good value. The Blusail 24 appears to be that. Click on www.blusail.com
or email James
Kaspersetz
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