Hallberg-Rassy
We have a Catalina, which is the most prolific sailboat manufacturer in the world. Our 1979 27'er, is hull number 4144, of which over 6600 were made of this hull design alone from 1970 to 1992 - replaced by the 270. Not made for oceans, but coastal waters. There are other vessels in Catalina's range and price, but none come close to that number of hulls delivered.
HR is somewhat like that. Way different in construction and market than Catalina, they make far more hulls than their competitors. Where some deliver 40 boats a year, they are in the range of 250.
Marcia and I were in Ellos for the Open House, August of 2009. Factory tours, vendors, and a hundred different sailboats in their harbor, including all of their models from 31' to 62'.
Whenever I have been on an HR, the word "Solid" always comes to mind. With immaculate practical construction, a very traditional, time-proven interior that one could live with for a long time, at harbor or on an ocean, we have loooked at Alden, Hinckley, Morris, Oyster, Swan and others, but in the end, it is an HR that always is #1. Far above the others.
For us, an older 39 is ideal for coastal crusing. Also the 40 which replaced it. For an ocean or the Caribbean, the 43 is our sweet spot. Seems, after 30 years of marriage, private bathrooms are our preference.
We were priviledged to sail the 40 and 43 in Ellos. I did not expect alot of diferences, but there are. There too, the 43 for us, was the preferred vessel. More power, larger sail, a tad more room.
But, with an HR, you simply can not go wrong. It will take care of you in complete safety when all that is between you and an ocean, is some frozen snot.
Jon ...
Empty Pockets
Woodbury Mn
+++
"It looks like frozen snot."
L. Francis Herreshoff, looking at a Herreshoff Bullseye built of fiberglass.
Hey my friend!!
So sorry for the delayed e-mail, and delayed response. It's so good to hear from you: I can't wait to write back to you ... It's been a very busy time lately.
I *just got back from Porto, Portugal. Still have so much to write about Italy. I think you'll love my latest food post :) :) :) I warn you though, don't look at it yet if you haven't eaten, hihi.
Anyway T, I just wanted to tell you I'm on my way with e-mails, and that I am loving the window-blog of your sailboat travels... Every moment is amazing.
Talk to you soon! Have an amazing weekend!!!!!
Dakota :)
Hey! Sitting down here in St.Vincent about to go sailing for the week once again. I greatly enjoy reading your blogs. Makes me want to hurry up and get my own boat going.
Keep up the stories!
How do you get back after completing a boat delivery - ferry, fly?