Boot 2018 claims to be the world’s largest boat fair, and probably it is true. The purpose of our mission was not to see boats, but to concentrate on things mentioned previously in the Ofelia’s improvement plan. Therefore, we just passed by the huge motor boat halls, and had a look at only a couple of sailboats.
Pentry peep
Beautiful wood work in a Hallberg-Rassy
A catamaran cytokinesis going on?
Another device to repair… (Najad)
Frankly speaking, the 40+ ft sized sailboats seem to somehow loose their charm. It is purely a matter of taste, of course. It should be mentioned, that the author has learned to sail with old wooden boats, where the cabin was luxurious if it had a decent crawling height, and the only electric devices were the round battery operated running lights, which were not really necessary, as the wind usually died before it became dark. Some people had fancy Seagull outboards, but they were noisy enough to wake up the surrounding archipelago.
Why aren’t the bigger boats cozy? The modern, wide sailboats resemble motorboats or modern living rooms, the interior colours are light, amplified by a powerful lightning. Just like visiting a block of flats, not a boat. In addition, it seems like the designers would become indolent when planning the interiors of a larger boat.
The electrical side of the modern boats is massive. Seeing the wrist thick cable bundles hidden behind the panels I find somewhat horrifying a) how much electricity is needed, b) how many devices may – or merely will – be decomposed at sea. The comfort has its price, and not only in monetary terms.
The wide sterns allow roomy cabins, but it usually means also a need for two helms, doubling the cost of expensive electronics. The cockpit may also become unpleasant, when the boat is healing, and sometimes downright dangerous. A boat with two rudders is easier to handle, but like the Bavaria in the picture below, has only one. A gust may surprise the helmsman…
A A modern, wide stern 34 footer (Bavaria)
Ofelia’s helm in winter. The boat has the same length as the Bavaria above!
The present Volvo Ocean Race proves that the wide stern sailboats can reach terrifying speeds. Therefore, larger interiors are not limiting sporty sailing, which in turn probably means that the wide stern trend has come to stay. It means also that the Mediterranean mooring will be more and more common in the Nordic countries.
Four 400 hp outboards. Enough, I presume?
Why?
The main purpose, getting acquainted with the solutions mentioned in the improvement plan for the next season, and equipments needed for Ofelia, proved to be more difficult than anticipated. The majority of the exhibitors seemed to be mostly German retailers, not OEM representatives. There were a number of OEM retailers, but our visits at their stands seemed to be less important than the beer glass in front of an agent. For instance, we tried twice to get attention at Dometic’s toilet section without success. A new toilet is, however, the key improvement goal for Ofelia.
We were much better welcomed by the boat representatives, especially at Hallberg-Rassy. We also had a nice discussion at the Estonian tourist stand. Estonia was in general rather well represented, and the blue-black-white flag was visible at least in three places. There was an impressive Saare-boat section, too.
The fair had a large, colourful and noisy beach department. One could also try surfing.
Oops!
Although our visit was unsuccessful in terms of obtained information or purchases, it became evident the fair is so large, that a person who is seriously interested to buy a new boat, especially a sailboat, should invest in a ticket to this fair and see what the boat market can offer.
Ofelia II ja muita juttuja 