After the first round of Mediterranean salons (Cannes, Monte Carlo and Genoa), it is now time for the American ones. It begins with the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis (October 8-12, 2015).
Once again it is with some pride (and a good, healthy dose of optimism) that we find so many Old World boats on the docks of the Maryland town, making their debut on American soil. We start with an Italian builder, Cantiere del Pardo, which brings its Grand Soleil 43 to the dock. A boat that our market is familiar with (and which has had considerable public success), but which Americans are learning to discover now. Claudio Maletto’s design calls for a hull with little wetted surface area and powerful stern sections. A boat with undoubted Italian style, but at the same time very marine, as the U.S. market especially wants.
The European novelties then count a large French representation. Taking the lion’s share is the Dufour shipyard, with two of the newest models in its Grand Large range, the 350 and 382. These are boats designed like everything else in the line by Umberto Felci. He’s banking on a decidedly larger size Jeanneau, which brings its new 54-footer to Annapolis, fresh off its world debut just a month ago in Cannes. Also arriving from France are two catamarans: the Bali 4.3, the catamaran that marked the entry of Catana’s new range in an increasingly contested segment, and the Bavaria (Nautitech) 40 Open. Both, in our opinion, have the potential to strike a chord with overseas audiences as well.
Finally, we take a look between the drifts. Britain’s RS Sailing officially launches its Quest, a 4.29-meter designed for doubles outings or sailing schools: an instructor and two children quietly find their place on board.
