Pearson Yachts Portal

The Sailor's Sailboat

theBoat

The 365 is my personal idea of what a boat should be. Oh, I like to race and, in fact, like to think that I've got a few more good ones in me. But my real delight comes from skiing (surprised?) and lazy cruising the waters of New England.
Having put a reasonable number of lighthouses astern in boats from 24' to 72', I have come to the conclusion that the absolute ideal lies between 35' and 38'. And since our kids have either grown into other pastimes or taken up contact sports (hockey), the boat must be something Beth and I can sail alone or in company with a few good friends. It should be tradtional and stable, easy on the helm, with good tracking ability. Big, but not overpowering,and sensible in terms of cost.
36' provides the designer with room to maneuver. Bigger provides luxury. Smaller throws up some obstacles that have to be overcome by adjusting the ideal size of something, leaving it out or sacrificing the appearance of the boat. What this means is that at this size I can put absolutely everything in the boat that I want and not get into a this or that situation. The split rig makes shortening sail a cinch; the bulwarks make wandering around on deck more comfortable; the fully enclosed shower provides all kinds of niceties; the navigation center lets me play with time, speed, distance, charts, and electronics while someone else drives; and the U-shaped galley aft close to a big cockpit encourages conversation underway when Beth is fussin' around with the food and I'm half-asleep at the wheel. The galley, buy the way, is important. It should be super-efficient and an area in which the chef feels comforatble both underway and swinging on the hook.
My years of racing have left me with a competitive spirit that won't quit. So the 365 is not a slow boat. I've always felt that I've got just as much right to get to my favorite watering hole as my friends in their racing machines. Sure, they may rate better, but who's concerned with rating when cruising? It's speed over the bottom that counts. So the 365 is efficient and quick. Who wants to be the last one to crack ice?
If this leads you to believe that I designed the 365 for myself, you're absolutely right. She's all I personally want in a boat. I hope you will feel the same way.