Boating NZ; Boat test of “Averone”
Excerpts from a Boat Test carried out by Boating NZ reporter Sarah Ell.
Is it a Sailing Cat? Is it a Powercat? Can it be both? Neville Solley of Southern Cross Marine thinks so.
The new design incorporates aspects of both; although primarily a yacht, she is designed to offer the cruising capabilities of a powercat.
Under power she can cruise at 14 knots; under sail she can reach at roughly half the wind speed; motor sailing she can reach as high as 18 knots. When in powercat mode the vessel is driven by a pair of Volvo sterndrives, (165hp per side) that tilt up when the vessel is being sailed.
The “power” when sailing comes from a moderately sized two spreader rig with electric halyard winch and Harken furler for the genoa.
Down Below;
Inside, the boat’s substantial volume has been well utilized. There is a feeling of space throughout the vessel, from the airy central saloon to the roomy galley and the generous cabins and ensuites. The boat is well ventilated with large hatches in the saloon and cabins, and opening ports in the outside of the hulls.
The saloon, on the wingdeck and opening onto the cockpit is large and comfortable, with generous headroom of around 2m. The settee wraps around the table allowing easy access for 12. Seated, there is an excellent 180 degree view forward and to both sides through the tinted pilothouse-style windows. Two large hatches in the cabin top and spot lighting complete the feeling of airiness.
From the saloon, steps lead down to the galley, in the port hull. The outer wall has a comprehensive network of cupboards, finished in an attractive Honduras mahogany. Opposite the cupboards is the bench top with twin sinks, a domestic sized gas oven and a four burner gas hob with the fridge is built into the inner wall above the sinks. There is plenty of room to move in this 4 metre long area and an immense amount of storage space.
Forward of the galley in the port hull an athwartships double berth with an ensuite forward in the port bow. At the aft end of the hull is the skipper’s cabin and storage.
In the starboard hull the forward layout is repeated, aft of that is a single berth athwartships and a day head (with shower) and another double cabin aft.
The level of finish throughout the boat is high, with particularly attractive and practical textured vinyl on many surfaces.
On Deck;
The cockpit is very large, with comfortable seating for 12 in a central area on the same level as the saloon, and stepped up sides. This area would be ideal for cruising the tropics, with a bimini top and cockpit table, (these have since been added) it would be great for outdoor living. There is a “park bench” style seat in the centre of the stern. At the transom of each hull is a boarding platform, accessed through a stainless gate. (This is great area for diving and fishing). There is a shower on the port transom.
All lines are clear of the cockpit. The mainsheet traveler is mounted on an arch above the cockpit, the genoa sheet winches are well out on the side decks and the mainsheet winch on the cabin top forward of the helm.
Going forward to the bow is easy with wide uncluttered side decks and a foredeck that looks big enough to play tennis on.
Sea Trial;
The boat is initially used as a powercat, as we motor up to the Tiri Channel. As a yachtie, and an opponent of badly designed launches which dig huge holes, I am pleased to note that the wake is more than acceptable. Powering into the headwind we record speeds of 14 knots on the GPS. Once the wind is abeam we unfurl the sails and reach off toward Kawau. Despite the swell we are recording speeds of between 10 and 11 knots. The sea flattens out as we approach Kawau. We drop the sails at the entrance to Bon Accord and return to powercat mode, no doubt turning a few heads in Mansion House Bay as we power past at 15 knots.
Summary;
The vessel certainly seems to deliver on her promise. The boat is a little on the large size for private use, but would be ideal for charter, or for those that like plenty of space. Despite the dual role she doesn’t look at all like “a powercat with a rig stuck on it”. She looks stylish from all angles, and equally at home under sail or motor. The sight of a “sailing cat” cruising past at 15 knots will certainly turn a few heads, as we found out at Kawau. The concept of a boat which can get you where you want to go, and back again, at the speed of a launch, while also offering the considerable pleasures of a sailing catamaran deserves to become popular. We can only hope that this new 13.2 metre vessel is the first of many.