NOVEMBER 2015 http://www.yachtingmonthly.com 75NEW BOAT TEST
using the staysail in the conditions
we had. Sheeting is between the
cap shrouds (which are taken to the
toerail) and the inners (attached to
the corner of the coachroof).
Deck layout
The cockpit is perfectly laid out for
short-handed or singlehanded sailors:
the Lewmar ST40 winches for the
genoa are well inboard at a height that
makes it easy to stand and winch; the
coachroof-mounted Lewmar ST30s are
also brought well inboard either side of the
companionway – which makes excellent
bracing for using either set of winches.
Their location is both ergonomic and
safe. Instruments sit forward of the genoa
winches, these might be vulnerable from a
wayward winch handle.
There’s no access to the technical
storage area (aft of the heads) from the
cockpit, which is a shame because any
dinghy will have to be lifted through the
heads and up the companionway. There is
a hull-depth lazarette locker to port in the
cockpit sole. To starboard is the excellent
liferaft locker, which is accessible from
the cockpit and is open at the transom
allowing access from the water.
Stepping forward, out of the cockpit,
the non-slip is good, as is the 3cm deep
solid toerail. It’s a shame the top of the
toerail lacks non-slip – it would be nice
to have some at the shrouds to make
boarding a bit more secure. Handrails
are good up to the shrouds, but disappear
further forward. The large forward window
without any grip makes the area forward of
the mast a potential hazard. The foredeck
is vast and fl at: ideal for sunbathing or
pumping up the dinghy.Living aboard
For a boat constructed mostly of wood
it’s curious that, apart from a couple
of pieces of teak trim on the forward
cabin shelves, there is none visible
below decks. There’s nothing wrong
with this, the interior is modern,
bright and clutter free (until you put
things on the shelves that is). But the
paint fi nish isn’t the most practical:
scratch varnished wood and the grain hides
the damage, scratch a plain painted surface
and it stands out like a tangerine hull in a
marina of white boats – RM does include
touch up paint to ease the pain.
The saloon has two facing bench-seats,
which taper towards each other at the
forward end. The seatbacks lift up, out of
the way, to make the 2.01m (6ft 7in) berths
30cm (1ft) wider for sleeping on. There’s
a decent 1.33m (4ft 4in) long saloon table
between them, with a top-opening locker
that offers stowage for four bottles and
an aft-opening locker. The hinged seat
bases beneath the saloon seating
are ventilated and have soft-closureShe’s small, fast and fun to sail. We had perfect conditionsEven if she wasn’t
bright orange she
would still stand out