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From the Island Packet Yachts Factory

After a successful showing of our new Island Packet 349 at the 2018 Annapolis Boat Show, we had the opportunity to take the 349 out for a test with SAIL Magazine Executive Editor, Adam Cort.

Initially, we were disappointed as we set out because there was very little wind. We soon realized this was actually a blessing and gave us an opportunity to show off her light-air performance. As Adam said, “Island Packets are not exactly renowned for their light-air performance. Ah, Yes. But that was before the advent of the new Solent rig.”

“At one point we actually found ourselves drag-racing a similarly sized lightweight European model and coming out the winner.”

Adam Cort Sail Magazine

All in all we had a great day and Adam “liked the boat a lot”….

“At Island Packet, when they talk a lot about cruising comfort and livability, they mean a boat with a gentle, comfortable, less fatiguing motion. This in turn improves safety, and—because of lack of fatigue—a more rested and alert crew. Their is that every boat should have the following key features: for a start, a comfortable, seakindly motion and an easily manageable sail plan; in plain English, a cutter rig as on most singlehanded round-the-world racing boats. So, on Island Packets, furling sails—main included—are standard equipment. Next, apart from the protected propeller and rudder, they build a bullet-proof steering system, meaning rack and pinion—no cables, no pulleys, no chains. And they are adamant about the need for a recessed foredeck for safe work and immediate anchor access, because for them, an anchor is a piece of safety gear.

With these ideals and very high-quality workmanship in a line of boats based on common sense and simplicity, their boats have kept their value very well over the years…”

From the Sailing Blog of S/V Island Spirit

By SV Island Spirit | MAR 2019

“Arrival in Provo (Turks and Caicos) after a 36 hr motor sail from Georgetown.
The weather window for winds was calm and the east trades were laid down, so we took off. Little did we know, the squall and rain forecast was extremely high. In 8 years of being in the Bahamas, we have never had rain and squalls like this. 

On departure day, we had to wait for several 35-knot squalls to blow over. Then we left at 0900 and within an hour we had our first of many. We motor sailed with the staysail and/or the jib this entire way as the winds never reached over 12-15 knots. Now, most will think that is a great sailing day. Yes, it is, if you are out for a day sail. But, when pushing into 4-foot seas and a 4-6 foot ocean swell for 300 miles, you can not sail in 10-15 knots 40-50 degrees off the starboard bow. Your speed will only be 2-3 knots due to the waves. That would double your time on passage, so you burn fuel and motor sail. 

Fuel became our problem. We wanted to get fuel and KEEP GOING to Puerto Rico as the WX window was amazing. The problem is, you cannot get fuel under the ‘Q’ flag, you must check into Customs and Immigration. This took us from 1130 to 1700, and that delay seemed to make us miss our WX run to PR. 

OH WELL, we are now ‘Stuck’ in Provo at South Side Marina where Bob Pratt built a very cool and peaceful place. The price is $50 per night flat fee with a pub and sunset restaurant on site. We are happy to wait here…”