26 Boating New Zealand
market – people who prefer to savour life at a more
measured pace and like arriving at an anchorage with
thinning hair intact.
The clearest example of the E40’s purpose though, is her
interior layout. And you don’t have to go any further than
the saloon to appreciate it. Here you will find a midships
helm station located right at the aft end of the saloon.
This causes an immediate double-take – aren’t helm
stations meant to be at the forward, starboard end of a
saloon? Well, generally they are. But the benefit of the
E40’s helm location becomes apparent when you slide back
the enormous windows/doors in the rear bulkhead.
Closed, they separate the saloon from the cockpit – but
when they’re open there’s an instant rapport between
skipper and the ratbags quaffing his most expensive,
special wine in the cockpit. That free-flowing space and
easy interaction between saloon/cockpit is very appealing.
It makes for ‘inclusive’ conversation with the skipper – and
he might even get to sample an occasional glass of his wine.FAR RIGHT The stern cabins are
fitted with spacious double beds
and share a single bathroom
RIGHT A comfortable layout with
contemporary styling.