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HANDS-ON SAILORFEBRUARY2016cruisingworld.com3-inch fl oor sill can turn the
passage into a steeplechase.
The largest of galleys is still
only miniature compared to
land-based counterparts. Ef-
fi cient use of space is critical.
The stove-top cutting board
on the Dehler 46 doubles the
counter space and catches
those pesky croissant crumbs.
For those that inevitably es-
cape, a removable dustpan well
recessed into the galley sole, as
on the Dufour 382, makes for
a quick sweep-up — as does a
countertop lid that opens di-
rectly into the trash bin. If
that bin is on a slider beneath
the galley sinks, and separates
trash and recyclables, cleanup
is that much easier.
Twin sinks are effi cient and
versatile. The modern addi-
tion of a small slot sink with a
built-in dish-drying rack opens
up counter space and secures
dishes and cutlery until they
are dry.
On the topic of sinks, the
ever-so-chic birdbath sinks
strike me as a triumph of style
over substance; their very
shape ensures that they will
not hold water in the slightest
of seaways. Decorative splash
screens between the galley and
saloon contain the accidental
spray and keep upholstery dry.
Perhaps the subtlest yet sav-
viest galley innovation I found
during BOTY tests was a cut-
lery drawer located just above
sole level on the Hunter 31. At
fi rst, one might question the
wisdom of bending down to
pull out the knives and forks
— that is, until you endure a
night in a rolling anchorage,
driven to near-madness by the
incessant cacophony of clang-
ing cutlery.
The Italia 13.98 took this
noise reduction a step fur-
ther with sophisticated door
latches that eliminate all rat-
tle, as well as padded spacers
on all fl oorboard edges.REST AND RELAXATION
Rested and fed, we hit the
decks for an active day. Being
on, in and under the water is
a major part of tropical recre-
ation. Until recently, stowing
water toys such as surfb oards,
paddleboards and kayaks hasKayaks, surfb oards and stand-up paddleboards are great to have aboard, but where do you
store them? This custom swinging rack on the Bavaria Open 40 solves the problem.The award-winning Italia 13.98 is full of smart details, including this ingenious compan-
ionway hatch that slides in and out of a dedicated nook for quick, easy accessibility.The Oyster 475 is another boat with nifty little features, including dorade guards to keep
jib sheets from fouling (left) and a cool storage bag fi tted beneath a hatch (right).
BILLY BLACK