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New boat: Norstar 40

2010 January 4
Robert Perry designs vary from one-off luxury-filled cruisers to peppy sport boats, but he's best known for offshore cruisers that offer great performance in a sturdy, seagoing package. The Norstar 40 fits that mold perfectly.

The boat, previously built as the Nordic 40, has been relaunched as the Norstar 40 by Norstar Yachts in Washington state.
Although the 40 is built using thoroughly modern methods, including a fiberglass lay-up done by skilled craftsman, there's nothing newfangled about this boat. Instead it relies on tried and true design principles accompanied by luxurious finishes.
This includes a cockpit almost identical in size to that of her big sister, the Norstar 44, a wide beam carried aft and a large rudder hung on a high-aspect-ratio skeg.

A good amount of hatches and ventilators offer excellent airflow throughout the cabin. Most control lines are run aft for easy access from the cockpit, allowing the boat to be sailed shorthanded.

Down below, fine craftsmanship takes center stage. Hand-rubbed paneling with teak trim and yellow cedar hull ceiling strips are the more obvious traditional details. Less obvious areas receive equal attention, such as insulation under berths and the inside of lockers that are finished with as much care as areas open to view.
Two interior layouts are available.

Other features may seem obvious but will be welcomed by serious sailors, including an easily accessible engine compartment, a deep bilge pump and a one-piece fuel line between the propane tank and range to eliminate leaking at connections.

LOA 39'8"; LWL 32'6"; Beam 12'5"; Draft 6'6"; Displ. 18,000 lbs.; Sail area 756 sq. ft.; Auxiliary 40-hp Yanmar; Fuel 45 gal.; Water 120 gal.

Sailaway price: $390,000

Norstar Yachts
1366 Roy Road
Bellingham, WA 98229

(360) 223-2399
www.norstaryachts.com

Perhaps the Norstar 40's bestselling point is its previous incarnation's proven track record. Nordic 40s are well-known bluewater cruisers whose owners have sailed them all over the world.
The Norstar 40 will have its public debut at the Seattle Boats Afloat Boat Show at the end of the January.