Sail

A surprise to many people is that the Lagoon brand is part of the Beneteau Group, a respected leader in the pleasure boat industry with renowned brands such as Jeanneau, Wauquiez, and CNB. This affiliation alone ensures a long-standing commitment to advanced moulding technology and manufacturing practices. Based in southern France. the company’s roots go back to building racing boats, and this passion for competition and high-tech construction boasts over fifty high-tech competition prototypes including formula 40, maxi-multihulls, 60’ trimarans, One Tonners, F1 monohulls, America’s Cup Boats, Globe Challenge etc. The focus today is on leveraging this pedigree into building boats that pay attention to the details, have an edge in design and still perform on the water.

There is something about the look of the Martin 242 that makes it stand out in the gaggle of 24-footers you find in most marinas today. It's difficult for it to hide. The tall fractional rig, with its huge main, is a dead giveaway. This is not your ordinary weekender. There is something about its knuckled forefront and wide, slightly racked transom that suggests speed and power.

It was right in the middle of hot, muggy weather in July when we would have given anything (except our air conditioners) to be out on the water. We had been riding a seesaw with the weather all week waiting for the perfect time to test the new Mirage 275 in Whitby, Ontario.

In 1977, George Hinterhoeller commissioned the design of a contemporary cruising boat from Argentinean designer German Frers. Frers had developed a reputation on designing racing machines and performance cruising boats. Hinterhoeller wanted a boat that was easily handled by a husband and wife crew, a boat with high initial stability and good all around performance.

The Niagara 35 is neither traditional cruiser (the fin keel and spade rudder are modern), nor modern racer/cruiser (the fin keel and spade rudder are too traditional). Indeed, it notable sheer further confuses the matter. The Niagara’s high topsides compare to contemporary designs but its coach house hints at the traditional shapes and trim of older designs.