You have to admit, the current spate of larger sport boats such as the Melges 32 and Flying Tiger 10m are pretty darn cool. But if you have family and friends left at home wondering when you're going to take them on a nice relaxing weekend cruise, you may want to look at something with a little more interior. The new A31 from Archambault Boats may just be the thing to satisfy your need for speed without having to sacrifice time with loved ones.

A true dual-purpose boat, this racer-cruiser has a powerful, purposeful hull and sail plan with enough beam and freeboard to create a comfortable interior. Down below you'll find sleeping for six, with a double berth aft, V-berth forward and opposing settees in the saloon. An L-shaped galley with stove is to port, while an enclosed head can be found to starboard aft of a spacious nav station. A "technical" room aft is ideal for storing sails, toys and other gear.

Designed by Joubert/Nivelt/Mercier to the IRC rule, the A31 puts a premium on ballast, with a 40-percent ballast-to-displacement ratio. Combined with an L/B of 2.95, this should make the A31 a very stable platform for racing or cruising. An S/A of 23.43, meanwhile, will ensure plenty of power in light air.

The big cockpit is ideal for racing, with an open transom and a wide traveler just aft of the tiller for end-boom sheeting. Foot chocks for the helmsman will help when heeling. The fractional rig features double swept-back spreaders and jib cars set well inboard for tight sheeting angles. This is no Sunday-driving cruiser.

The A31 uses vacuum-infused resin, glass sandwich construction for the hull, along with an injection-infusion structural liner and composite deck. In keeping with the "green" theme, this building method reduces toxic emissions and is more environmentally friendly.

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A31
LOA 31'4"; LWL 27'10"; Beam 10'7"; Draft 7'10"; Displacement 6,710 lbs.; Ballast 2,684 lbs.; Sail area 538 sq. ft.; SA/D 23.43; D/L 139; L/B 2.95; Auxiliary Nanni 14-hp; Fuel 8 gals.; Water 27 gals.

Archambault Boats
234 Spinnaker Dr.
Halifax NS,?B3N 3C6, Canada
(902) 476-5200
www.archambault-boats.ca