Originally published in SAIL Magazine, 1989 Just Launched – Island Packet 32 by Tom Dove Island Packet has been building a reputation on its modern full-keel yachts for ten years. The newest model, the Island Packet 32, continues the company’s tradition of solid, spacious, well-detailed cruising vessels with good speed and easy handling. It is Read More …

First published in SAIL Magazine, 1989 Just Launched – Jeanneau 36 by Tom Dove There will be no neutral feelings toward the Jeanneau 36. Boat show visitors either stepped aboard and stayed to inspect it closely or took a quick look and left immediately. The double aft cabin layout with two semicircular private heads will Read More …

Originally published 2/16/90 in several Maryland newspapers The Four Ages of Boating by Tom Dove Boating is a sport for all ages but it is not the same to all ages. At different times in our lives we draw different things from the boating experience. I can identify four ages of boating: youth, young adult, Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 1990 Good new sailboats by Tom Dove The sailboat market has been depressed for several years, and that bad news for builders is generally good news for boat buyers. You can get a high-quality vessel at a reasonable price on the used market and only the most successful builders Read More …

First published in SAIL Magazine, 1988 Just Launched – Kanter 42 by Tom Dove From the time you see the Kanter 42 dockside, with her graceful, moderate lines and strong rubrail, you know this is not a floating condo, but a seagoing yacht. Manfred Kanter Senior and Junior continue a family tradition of building high-quality, Read More …

First published in SAIL Magazine, 1989 Just Launched – Navy 44 by Tom Dove A rollicking sail in 20-25 knot winds at Annapolis convinced all 13 of us aboard that the U.S. Naval Academy was getting exactly what it wanted in the new Navy 44. What the Navy asked for was a replacement vessel for Read More …

First published in SAIL Magazine, 1988 Just Launched – Pearson 34 by Tom Dove Pearson Yachts has a long reputation for building substantial, good-performing sailboats. They continue it with the new Pearson 34, a comfortable, fast vessel easily sailed by one or two people of average skill. The wide side decks, modified T-shaped cockpit and Read More …

Published in SAIL Magazine, 1988 Just Launched – Sabre 34 Targa A-C by Tom Dove Sabre yachts occupy a niche between custom vessels and standard production boats; they are upscale without being unaffordable. Catering to the experienced sailor who wishes to race competitively and cruise long distances comfortably has provided steady growth for the company Read More …

Published in SAIL Magazine, 1988 Just Launched – Taswell 49 by Tom Dove Any list of the world’s top quality yacht builders would have to include Ta Shing, and their new Taswell 49 illustrates the reason. This center cockpit long range cruising cutter combines a moderate hull form with intelligent detailing and an interior that Read More …

First  published in SAIL Magazine, 1989 Just Launched – PDQ 34 by Tom Dove If you can keep your way when those about you are losing theirs, you are probably sailing a PDQ 34. This spacious catamaran has remarkable light air ability. According to Canadian builder David Slater, the PDQ 34 is at its best Read More …