Katherine Stone

As usual, the 2018 United States Sailboat Show did not disappoint. Held at Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Sailboat Show invented the in-water concept in 1970 and it remains the last of its kind. Every year they introduce sailing to 400-500 new people through their Take-the-Wheel and Cruisers University programs, which are completely sold out, and encourage people to enter the boating lifestyle, learn to live on a boat, or just to up their game. Next year will be their 50th anniversary and they are looking for memories that you might want to share from your earliest recollection of the show. https://www.facebook.com/AnnapolisBoatShows/

The Sun Odyssey 319 galley is small but very efficient and well-thoughtout.

The weather was terrific with the start-up on Dealer Day Thursday getting up to 31 degrees and then a surprise for the official opening to the public on the Friday at only 18 degrees! What could be more fun than checking out these five new boats that will be available through Canadian Dealers in 2019. All five boats have been nominated for Cruising World’s Boat of the Year and SAIL Best Boat 2019 awards.

Let’s start out with the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 319, for young people wanting to get into the market for the first time and older, long-time sailors who want a smaller, less expensive boat that is easier to handle, yet will give them the “comforts” that they are used to having.

“Keeping it simple” and creating as much quality and room as possible are the challenges when creating smaller volume boats. The Jeanneau team has risen to the challenge with only one collapsible wheel, allowing more room in the cockpit, where sailors spend most of their time.

As the perfect family cruiser for an entry-level sailboat, there is standing headroom throughout and long coachroof windows and hull ports for maximum light below. The coachroof is also rounded for better drainage.

With the swim ladder incorporated into the swim platform it’s fun to go for a dip from the Jeanneau 319.

Down below, this model features two complete cabins, a surprising amount of storage, a fully efficient galley, and a head complete with shower to add to the cruising experience.

Under sail, the Sun Odyssey 319 is very stable with twin rudders and a beamy hull, which allows the boat to stay on track even when well-heeled over.

Next up is the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410, a completely new boat from the 419, with obstacle-free sidedecks and no step-ups from bow to stern.

The single collapsible wheel allows for easy entrance onto and exit off the Jeanneau 319.

An offset cockpit table to the port side makes it easy for passengers to move in and out of the cockpit without disturbing people sitting on the starboard seats. There are great rounded hand holds in front of the double wheels and on the cockpit table. The navigation screen is easy to see on the wheel support.

The full chine increases the stability of the boat with a flying bow, which slices through the waves rather than engaging them.

Going below, there are only three steps, angled at 45 degrees, and fixed cockpit doors. Everywhere below one can see outside, whether standing or sitting. The U-shaped galley is the best spot to see everything and good for bracing yourself with the boat moving. There’s even a spot on the counter for your phone and keys where they won’t slide off. When the sink cover is removed it becomes the splash guard.

The U-shaped Jeanneau 410 galley also has a key-phone area where items won't slip off the counter.

Multiple versions are available with two or three cabins and one or two heads, all with mega storage areas. See the full Jeanneau 410 review in this issue on page 81.

The newly designed Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is based on the same full-length chine as 51.1, its predecessor, which offers not only great stability and fine entry into the waves, but also maximizes the accommodation in the owner’s cabin. Twin wheels and rudders ensure you always have control in heavy winds. The anchor/sprit combination helps to keep the gelcoat safe when using the hook.

Catching up on work or watching the TV is comfortable on the Beneteau 46.1

The furling mast and self-tailing jib along with all the halyards and sheets are brought back to a single winch at each of the helm stations which maintains the focus on short-handed sailing and it is also rated for ocean going. The massive drop-down swim platform is impressive.

Numerous large, rectangular portholes let in a considerable amount of natural light. Although there is a three-cabin minimum, the floorplan can be readily customized to make her unique. The off-set starboard dining table easily drops down to the settee to form a massive play area for the kids.

The owner’s cabin is very roomy and outfitted with two heads. The port side has just wash basin and toilet and the starboard side has a full head with shower. A full review of the Beneteau Oceanis 46.1 is coming in the April 2019 issue of Canadian Yachting.

Tartan Yachts has resurfaced, back on the scene with their new, sporty Tartan 395 cruiser designed by Tim Jackett. The company is well-known for the best looking, best built, and best performing sailboats in the business and the 395 does not disappoint. This coastal cruiser can work equally well on ocean crossings with a double-headsail rig and boom-rolled mainsail. There are three keel options available in 4.3-, 5-, and 7-foot depths.

Book shelves and soft lighting enhance the enjoyment of the Beneteau 46.1.

Sail controls are led aft through rope clutches to cabin top winches with the headsail winches within reach of each helm.

The carbon fibre mast is half the weight of common aluminum masts and is better able to handle a larger sail plan to deliver in extreme conditions and still have great light air performance. This, coupled with the lead keel and infused epoxy/vinylester hull, result in greater stability, especially the fore and after motion. The rudder and helm pedestals are also carbon to cut down on weight.

Known throughout the industry, Tartan’s superior interior joinery and craftsmanship are evident. The light maple, solid wood cabinet faces and doors are finished with a satin varnish that makes for an airy interior. Countertops are a composite material that won’t crack – truly a well-thought out American boat.

Finally, we come to the only catamaran in the group, the Lagoon 50. Quoted as being “the most open-minded catamaran on the market,” she is unbelievably spacious, elegant, and the most comfortable in her class now available.

The in-boom roller furling mainsail on the Tartan is a must for solo and couples before sailing

With a larger, self-tacking jib and a smaller mainsail, the crew’s work becomes more manageable. However, she is quite quick, especially off the wind with a Code 0.

Lounging space abounds on this cat with a panoramic view from the main salon, which is elevated from the outside dining area for even better vistas. The salon table serves as a coffee table in the middle of a U-shaped couch, then pops up for dining. It also houses a retractable flat-screen TV! While prepping meals, the chefs in the large galley can easily converse with guests in the aft or forward cockpits. The forward cockpit is also a dining area with sofas, dining table, removable benches, and storage.

Carbon fibre rudders and helm stations are a signature of the Tartan 395.

Storage abounds everywhere from hanging lockers to open bookcases. Lounging space is overwhelming in common areas as well as the cabins with pop-up chair backs. There are three (the enviable owner’s expansive starboard hull), four, or six cabin options available.
Communication is superb from bow to stern to upper bridge. Check out the Lagoon 46 review in this issue of Canadian Yachting, starting on page 86.

The electronic dinghy platform on the Lagoon 50 allows all crew members to easily lower and exit the dinghy

Well, there you have it in a nutshell – some great boats to try out for 2019 and available through the Canadian dealers listed below:

Jeanneau – Navy Point ON, Marina Lennox PQ, Sunnybrook Yachts NS, Fraser Yachts BC

Tartan - Sunnybrook Yachts NS

Beneteau – Anchor Yachts ON, Marina Gosselin PQ, Ocean Yacht Sales NS, Grand Yachts BC

Lagoon – Anchor Yachts ON, Marine Lennox PQ, Fraser Yacht Sales BC

(Left)The starboard side owners cabin has so much room that you instantly feel at home on the Lagoon 50.

(Right)Storage abounds on the Lagoon 50 with flexible seating configurations.