[PUP] motor sailor

[Philip Eslinger]

In this time of high fuel prices, which will probably only go higher,  
the concept of a motor sailor is an intriguing one.    One of the  
best responses I have ever heard from a power boat captain to a sail  
boter occurred down in the French Marquessas.  A Nordhavn 57, Bagan,  
had just arrived in a harbor and was the only power boat there.   
Immediately Bagan became the party boat of the day.  During the  
party, one of the sail boters asked the Captain of Bagan how he  
managed to get that big thing down there.  His response was classic:   
"Just like you, I motored!"   I guess that makes all of those sail  
boats motor sailors.

Scott is correct when he says we need more alternatives to  
evaluate.   Sometimes it takes risks on the part of a company to  
provide such alternatives.  There have been many motor sailors  
around, but they have never had much of an impact.  PAE, the folks  
who build Nordhavns, are currently building a new motor sailor  
design.  I have been watching this with interest because of the  
extensive background this company has in passagemaking boats. Their  
background actually started in sail boats: the well built Mason  
line.   The design of this motor sailor has already evolved  
considerably during the conceptual phase.  It is now under  
construction and will be 56'.   It is a very thought provoking design  
from a company with well established credentials.  Perhaps this is  
one of the alternatives that is presently being brought to mainstream  
cruising.

http://nordhavn.com/news/pressrelease/motorsailor.php4

Phil Eslinger
Flat Earth N50
Ko Olina, Hi