Far Reach Voyages.Com

The endstate of the restoration and refit is to have a boat that is simple, well laid out for extended cruising for a small family, easy to maintain, and sails as well as possible. 

Sailing performance will be emphasized at every opportunity.  An S&S designed fin-keeled boat that can sail 35 degree upwind angles and has a SA/D ration of 21 is not necessary to have a fine sailing boat.  The heavy displacement of the Far Reach will make for a more gentle motion when the sea-state is up.  If kept moving in light air her weight can work to her advantage.  Removing the engine and fuel tank saved nearly 1000lbs, eliminated a lot of complexity, and freed up a tremendous amount of space.  Filling in the propeller aperture--in the keel and rudder--will make a huge difference in sailing performance in all wind conditions but especially in light air.  A smooth run aft will reduce weather helm and improve the maneuverability, weatherliness, and general handling of the boat.  A new bowsprit design could provide opportunity for some additional sail area and slightly reduce sheeting angles. 

The interior accommodations plan will provide two permanent pilot berths outboard in the main saloon.  Opposing settees will be located inboard of the pilot berths.  With the water tanks located in the bilge area, there will be unobstructed storage under the pilot berths and settees.  The chart table will be converted from a sitting table to a standing table to eliminate the wasted foot/leg space underneath.  The port side galley will retain its basic design--for the moment.  The starboard aft quarter berth will be significantly modified with a single width berth well above the current double berth which will be converted to more storage.  The old head will be modified to accommodate a sitz tub and toilet.  The forward cabin will be modified from the former v-berth to a port side double berth with storage to starboard.    The compartment that used to contain the diesel engine will be a large storage area.

There is plenty of time to think through the details and options as the early restoration work is carried out.  Full sized mock-ups and templates will be used as required to ensure proper ergonomics. 

We intend to keep the decks uncluttered.  There will be no water or fuel cans stored along lifelines.  We will avoid arches and davits.   The ground tackle system will be kept simple and designed to make it as easy as possible to deploy and retrieve multiple anchors.   

We will not be experimenting with the boat, per se.  The accommodations and layout, as well as many of the other ideas we have, are well documented in other boats . . . however, many of these "traditional" ideas have fallen victim to more "modern" trends.  We are not strictly following any single person's ideas.  Our restoration/refit plan is based on the ideas and recommendation of many noted and highly experienced sailors . . . as well as our own experience. 

Simple but elegant will be the watch word.  Clutter will be avoided.  Reliability will be a part of every decision when it comes to mechanical or electrical devices.  What is good for one person may not work for another . . . these are just personal choices.