SUNBEAM 32.1

VERDICT

I was very impressed with the quality of build and finish throughout . Though in some ways this is a simple boat, she is far from basic. With a price tag of £313,000 as tested, you’d expect her to be nicely built, and she was.

I half expected the boat to be as radical a sailer as she is in appearance. If you want rocket ship, there are plenty of options out there, but this isn’t what the boat is about. The juxtaposition of radical design and conservative displacement and performance at first seemed jarring, but the concept makes sense; a refined and reassuring sailing experience with commendable performance and plenty of enjoyment.

The steering system could do with a little tweaking to improve feel on the helm, and the coachroof could use a bit of grip tape adding here and there where the side decks are a little narrow when heeled, but these are minor things. I also felt the boat would sail better with the lightweight electric motor she was designed for rather than a 150kg lump of metal in the stern.

That said, I was surprised with how well balanced, powerful and close-winded she felt with the sail plan of self-tacker and furling main, though I wouldn’t do without a Code Zero when speccing her up.

WOULD SHE SUIT YOU AND YOUR CREW?

This boat may offend the traditionally inclined and those who value understatement. If you’re looking for a headturner, however, this boat is like nothing else on the market. If ‘weekending’ accurately describes the kind of sailing you do, then what’s the point in buying a boat that crams in cabins, systems and clutter for long-term cruising? Hop aboard for an afternoon, or a night at anchor, sail to a decent waterside pub, then sail home again, step off and you’re done. What could be simpler?

The boat is undeniably fun to sail whilst being simple to step aboard and go. Novice crew will thank you for having a boat that will tack itself. Powered winches, remote anchor control, electric bathing platform, bow thruster – all the modern touches are used to good effect to make this boat a doddle to sail and handle. The question is, do you like Marmite?