SAIL'S BEST BOATS AWARDS
There was a buzz around the docks at the Annapolis and Newport shows, and itwasn't the sound of the plague of locusts we were half expecting, given thedisasters of recent months and years. No, the sun shone, the water sparkled,the brightwork gleamed, and you all came to the show. Well, it sure seemedthat way. on the opening day at Annapolis it seemed the docks might sinkbeneath the throngs of visitors; boats were being sold, business was beingdone, and the retail outlets did brisk trade. It's too soon to tell if consumer confidence has truly returned, but the signswere good as the judging team for SAIL's Best Boats awards trolled the docks.
There were fewer new boats than in previous years, but the fleet lacked fornothing in variety and quality. From entry-level dinghies to fully kitted-outglobal cruisers, every sailing niche was represented. Here are our choices for
SAIL's Best Boats Awards:
- Cruising Monohull Under 50 feet: Catalina 445
- Performance Boat: J/95
- Cruising Multihull: Leopard 38/Sunsail 384
- Small Boat Under 25 feet: K650
- Dinghy: Topaz - Systems: Passport 615
- Deck and Cockpit Plan: Morris M52 - Accommodations: Island Packet Estero
- NEW Green Award: Eko 6.5
Full details: http://sailmagazine.com/boat-reviews/best-boats/best_boats_2010/
Check out page 7. Nice video by David Schmidt as well.
Sam
11/24/2009
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