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2016 July 1

Valiant 40

The performance cruiser that defined the category and sparked a career

By Robert H. Perry
 
 I chose the Valiant for the cruising category because it is generally considered the boat that began the move to “performance cruisers.” There were plenty of fast cruising boats before the Valiant but I think the Valiant is remembered for a couple of reasons. The term “performance cruiser” was attached to the V-40 early on and it became an easy way to identify the type. Also, the V-40 was a distinctive looking design that was very easy to recognize. People like what they know. And yes, I can’t deny it, I am the proud designer of the V-40. So with that in mind I will try to be objective.
2016 July 1

Four decades of Perry on Design

By Charlotte Peterson
 Four decades ago, yacht designer Robert H. Perry challenged a review of one of his designs that had been published in SAILING Magazine, saying he could do a better job on design reviews. Then-editor Micca Hutchins took him up on his offer and his first design review—of an Allton Dunsford and Son-designed 26-footer called Carolina—was published in the April 1975 issue of SAILING.
2016 May 1

Westsail 28

Marketed as an alternative to the pricier Westsail 32, this compact cruiser is capable of offshore voyageing

By David Liscio
 The 1975 sales brochure described the Westsail 28 as a world cruiser and the boat lived up to that promise. Although only 78 hulls were built, far fewer than the impressively popular Westsail 32, most of the small cruisers are still sailing the far-flung corners of the globe. 
2016 May 1

MC 31

This one-design speedster is sporty and sleek, with lots of sail area for sizzle

By Robert H. Perry
The MC31 one-design, built by McConaghy Boats in Australia, looks to be a very fast boat. The design is most interesting but I really had to dig through the company’s material to find the designer’s name, Harry Dunning. 
2016 May 1

Salona 35

A dual-purpose design that doesn't sacrifice good looks

By Robert H. Perry
The Salona 35 is built in Croatia and was designed by the Slovenian design team J&J. This is a very nice looking boat in the genre of the true dual-purpose boat. You can race this boat or you can cruise this boat. It is designed to be well suited to both uses. Kind of the way Islanders, Pearsons and Ericsons were back in the 1970s. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
2016 May 1

Marlow-Hunter 47

Comfortable, shoal-water sailing is on the agenda for this family cruiser

By Robert H. Perry
 Here’s a handsome, raised saloon-type design from Marlow-Hunter. This general configuration has been gaining in popularity for many years. I can remember the first time my wife went below on one of my early raised-saloon boats. She looked around and said, “I don’t know why all boats aren’t like this.” Wives are so honest.
2016 April 1

wallycentro #4

A compromise-free top-notch yacht

By Robert H. Perry
 I have some great drawings from Mark along with some very nice three-dimensional images of the interior layout. On a project like this, Mark would be responsible for the design of the hull, rig, appendages and deck layout. Pininfarina, a very famous name in the world of Italian design, is responsible for the design of the interior.
2016 April 1

Didden 34-foot Daysailer

Sparse details with this design, but room for quality and creative interpretation

By Robert H. Perry
I need to vent. I don’t think I have ever vented in the years of doing the reviews. Let’s give it a whirl: These are not boat reviews. These are design reviews. It would be impossible for me to actually see and sail every boat I review. Many, like this Didden 34 Daysailer, are not even built yet. Some never get built.
2016 April 1

Saffier SC 6.50 Cruise

Dutch class and comfort come together in a small but fun package

By Robert H. Perry
 For some reason, lately I seem to be drawn to designs that can be comfortably operated by an old man. It’s a hard reality to face but my days of hanging on a trapeze or hiking in almost any form are behind me. Today I need a boat that I can sit in and not on. 
2016 March 1

Baba 35

A beautiful and rugged offshore cruiser that is perfect for a small family or a couple

By David Liscio
 Sailors who admire the Baba 35 are quick to point out that the bluewater cruiser possesses both beauty and brawn. The full-keel, double-ended cutter was designed by naval architect Robert H. Perry. When it first splashed in 1979, the boat was dubbed the Flying Dutchman.
2016 March 1

Tartan 3600

Classic design coupled with modern adaptions make for a cool cruiser

By Robert H. Perry
I really like the look of this new Tartan. It reminds me of the classic Sparkman & Stephens-designed Tartan 37. 
2016 March 1

Melges 14

Panache and power come in a speedy dinghy design

By Robert H. Perry
 I can’t imagine being a sailor and not wanting one of the new Melges 14’s. I can picture myself in this new Reichel/Pugh design rocketing across the bay, just me and my dog. All the car
2016 March 1

Catalina 425

Incorporating European design is a new and successful tack for a venerable American builder

By Robert H. Perry
 Here is something new and a bit different from Gerry Douglas and his design crew at Catalina. In the past Catalina has stuck to a very conservative look that in time has distinguished it from the more contemporary or Euro-influenced designs. But with its new 425, Catalina has moved in the Euro direction a bit and is producing a boat that is aesthetically on a new tack. 
2016 January 25

Hanse 315

This cruiser packs plenty of bells and whistles in a compact hull

By Robert H. Perry
This new 31.5-footer is obviously aimed at getting the very most you can out of that LOA. Let’s take a look and see how it went about doing that.
2016 January 25

Beneteau Oceanis 41.1

Options abound in this updated cruiser

By Robert H. Perry
 Here is a handsome new design from the Finot-Conq design group and built by Beneteau.
2016 January 25

Club Swan 50

All racer on deck, this cutting edge design offers comfort down below

By Robert H. Perry
Swan considers the new Juan Kouyoumdjian (aka Juan K) design the “cutting edge of contemporary yacht design.” Seems like the company has used all the buzz words, and from the look of the boat, I’d say it was warranted. This is a very exciting looking design.
2016 January 25

Catalina 22

This pint-sized daysailer and family weekender packs a lot of sailing into a small package

By David Liscio
 Frank Butler had a dream. In July 1969, he designed and built the first Catalina 22 in North Hollywood, California. This petite, family-friendly cruising sloop was his fledgling company’s inau
2016 January 1

New boat: Reach 14

By SAILING Magazine
 Maine is home to many artists whose inspiration is the sea and whose mediums of choice are teak, mahogany and fiberglass. This 14-foot beauty is, at first glance, a true child of Maine.  The lines are curved and sexy. The hardware is custom built. The ropes are all three-strand, leading through bronze fittings and secured on handmade teak cleats. The woodwork trim is beautiful African mahogany and reflects the history of this fishing vessel. 
2015 November 24

Dubois 35m Super Stern

Luxury sailing comes with its own dock off the transom

By Robert H. Perry
The designer drawings from Ed Dubois’ office are beautiful, precisely crafted drawings that well convey the nature of this design.
2015 November 24

Discovery 48

Cruising comfort is the hallmark of this spacious design

By Robert H. Perry
The new Discovery 48 is a big leap from the Pogo, but it’s a very comfortable jump with a plush landing. 
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