DATA

10ft 7in (3.25m) 132 imp gal (600 litres) 26 imp gal (120 litres) 3ft 6in (1.1m) B for 6 people Botnia 5.4 tonnes

We extract the table from its neat storage void in the bow and set it up in the aft cockpit, which actually transforms into a useable and reasonably comfortable socialising space. It has nothing on a similarly sized sportscruiser but it’s not bad and a few cushions here and there would make sitting on the hard bench tops that bit more palatable. Being able to switch the table from cockpit to bow is quite useful, too.

A BUMPY RIDE

Lunch over, it was time to head back to Poole and with the tide having turned and breeze increasing, a lively trip was on the cards. The flybridge (if you can call it that) is standard fit on the 30.1 but you can request not to have one if you truly think you’ll never use it. Unless you really want to keep the air draught to a minimum then having the outdoor helm position is a useful addition. Apart from allowing you to escape the shelter of the wheelhouse in good weather, it’s a great place to berth the boat from as you can so easily see all four corners and, if you are coming into an unfamiliar harbour, then the raised position and unencumbered view will be of real benefit.

Driving from the flybridge reveals a totally different side to the 30.1’s character, too. As opposed to downstairs where the total protection of the wheelhouse makes for quiet, refined progress the exposure of the raised driving position creates a far more visceral experience. The breeze howls over you and you can hear the water rushing past the hull. It’s engaging and exciting – it feels like you’ve grabbed the helm of a totally different boat. The unflappable agility that you feel at the lower helm is suddenly a little more precarious as the height of the raised helm comes into play. Of course the boat is no less secure in the water but the lean is far more exaggerated from up top so you think twice before being quite so enthusiastic with the wheel. Chuck in a few lock-to-lock turns, though, and confidence is restored. Throw the boat into a turn, brace, then embrace its tenacity as you power out the other side. It’s great fun and a brilliant spot to drive the boat from in the heaving following sea that has sprung up to wash us back to Poole.

The helm position isn’t as ergonomically sound as its counterpart in the wheelhouse, the wheel and throttles are more of a stretch from the helm seat, which lacks the adjustment of the one below. I stand to give myself the best view and better control of the throttles, which need constant adjustment to allow the fastest progress through the crests. We’re pulling nearly 28 knots, which is staggering given the conditions. We’re taking a bit of a soaking for our trouble but it really doesn’t matter – the feeling of a boat relishing such rough conditions is more than enough to counter some damp clothing.