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43 Saga 1998 Boat For Sale

Asking price: $219,000.

• Yachts for sale
• 43' Saga

Last updated May 27, 2024

43' Saga 1998

When only the best of world cruisers will do. S/V “Sophrosyne” (Hull #17) from the desired design table of Robert H. Perry, this thoroughbred is ready for the PNW or where she's comfortable, offshore as a world cruiser!

• Professionally Re-Rigged (2018)
• "Stack Pack" Main Sail - *Not Shown In Photos*
• Mast & Boom Removed and Painted (2018) 
• Yanmar 54 HP Engine (2013) 
• Hard-to-get “OC” Tender Package (2018)
• New Hard Dodger with Divinicell Foam and Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre Reinforced at Key Stress Points, Included Sunshade Cover (2023) 
• Planar Forced Air Diesel Heating (2022) 
• Macerator Pumps Replaced (2022)
• Fresh Water Lines Replaced (2022) 
• Deep Draft and Desired Lead Foot Option
• Full Winter Cover **October 2023 Haul Out - New Transmission, New Engine Mounts, Shaft Trued, Bottom Paint** 

Call our office today to schedule a tour! 

**SPECIFICATIONS**

• Engine: Yanmar 54 HP 4JH5E (New in 2013) 
• Transmission: Replaced in (New 2023) 
• Engine Mounts: Replaced in (New in 2023)
• Engine Panel: Yanmar Engine Panel (New in 2022) 
• Prop: 3-blade feathering Flex-o-Fold Prop 
• Spare Prop: 3-blade Fixed Prop 
• Filters: Racor Diesel Fuel Filters 
• Fuel: 90 gallon, aluminum 
• Fresh Water: 120 gallon, stainless steel (New in 2017)  
• Holding: 32 gallon, plastic 

Domestic Systems 

• Heating: Planar forced air diesel heating (2022) 
• Water Maker: Echotec 40 L/hr with Carbon Block water filter 
• Hot Water Heater: 10 gallon hot water tank/heater 
• Cockpit Shower: Scandvik cockpit shower (2023) 
• Pumps: Macerator pumps (2022)
• Propane: Propane system with solenoid switch 
• Stove/Oven: Seaward Princess 3-burner propane stove with oven (2013) 
• Refrigeration: Isotherm 12V fridge with separate freezer (2010) 
• BBQ: Magma infrared outdoor grill (2015) 
• Fresh Water: Pressurized pump or through Whale manual foot pump 
• Countertops: Corian 
• Safety: Stainless steel grab bars 

Electronics & Navigation: 

• Offshore Connectivity: Iridium GO! Data hotspot for offshore text, data, and weather 
• AIS: Vesper XB 8000 AIS transponder and multiplexer 
• Radar: Raymarine 18” Digital radome on gimballed mast (2015) 
• Auto Pilot: Raymarine SXP 30 Course computer and linear drive auto pilot 
• Auto Pilot Display: Raymarine ST70 (2014) 
• Handheld GPS: Garmin GPSMap 76 (2015) 
• Instrumentation: Raymarine ST60+ Wind speed and direction, vessel speed, and depth indicators 
• VHF: iCOM IC-802 SSB Radio with insulated backstay 
• VHF: iCOM M-602 VHF with DSC and Remote cockpit microphone 
• Handheld VHF: (2x) iCOM Waterproof submersible handheld VHF Radios 
• Spares: Raymarine Fluxgate compass, speed transducer, sonar transducer 
• Main: "Stack Pack" Doyle Dacron main with three reefing points  (Not shown in pictures)
• Genoa: 130% Doyle Dacron 
• Jib: 100% Quantum Laminate Jib 
• Storm Jib: Halsey Lidgard Storm Jib 
• Service: All sails serviced by North Sails in (2022) 
• Vessel Professionally Re-Rigged in 2018
• Furlers: Harken Mark II Roller Furlers (2018) 
• Standing Rigging: New in 2018
• Main Halyard: Replaced with Dyneema in 2022 
• Spinnaker Halyard: Replaced in 2018
• Traveler: Self tacking Harken traveler with blocks (Sheet led aft to cockpit) 
• Backstay: Hydraulic backstay adjuster (Rebuilt 2018), Harken Backstay adjuster on a split backstay 
• Tracks: Harken Battcar Tracks - Low-friction, ease of use for raising and lowering main sail 
• Mid-boom Sheeting: Harken 4:1 Mainsheet Traveler system added to mid-boom sheeting 
• Vang: Forespar rigid boom vang 
• Aft Leading Lines to Cockpit: Main halyard, three reefing lines, main traveler control lines, self-tacking jib boom vang 
• (2x) Harken 53.2 ST 2-Speed primary winches 
• (1x) Harken 40.2 ST 2-Speed Electric Halyard Winch (Cabin Top) 
• (1x) Harken 40.2 ST 2-Speed Winch (Cabin Top) 
• (2x) Harken 32.2 ST 2-Speed Winches (Mast) 
• (3x) Spinlock Line Clutches on Mast 
• (9x) Spinlock Line Clutches on Cabin Top 
• (1x) Spinlock Line Clutch (Aft Starboard Deck - Boom Preventer) 
• (3x) Harken Winch Handles 

Electrical Supply Systems 

• Solar Package: (3x) Kyocera KC-65 Solar Panels: 135W (Charges house bank) (2015) 
• Solar Controller: (2x) Blue Sky 2512 MPPT Solar Controllers with Remote Programmable Panel (2015)
• Wind Generator: Air Breeze Wind Generator (2014) 
• Inverter: Xantrex 1800W 
• Alternators: (2x) High output Balmar alternators 
• House Batteries: 400 Amp/hr Lithium Ion house batteries with BMS System 
• Spare House Battery: 200 Amp/hr Lithium Ion house battery with BMS System 
• Start Battery: Entrant start battery (2018) 
• Isolator Switches: (2x) Blue Seas House/Start Isolator Switches 
• Volt Meters: AC/DC Blue Sky Volt Meters with Battery Test System and Reverse Polarity Indicator 
• Shore Power: 30 amp shore power 

Ground Tackle

• Main Anchor: 20 kg. Rocna Anchor with 328 ft galvanized chain 
• Secondary Anchor: Delta with rode 
• Storm Anchor: Fortress with 450 ft of storm rode 
• Stern Anchor: Fortress 
• Windlass: Lofrans 12V 
• Anchor Setup: Dual case pipes leading to a divided chain locker with access from forward head 
• Rollers: Double bow rollers 
• Wash Down: Anchor salt water wash down pump 
• Mooring: (7x) Mooring cleats: 2-bow, 2-midship, 2-stern, 1-transom 
• Rails: Slotted aluminum toe rail, 30” stainless steel double bow rail, 30” high stern rail (gate to gate), 30” high stainless steel life lines
• Dorades: (4x) Stainless steel dories with stainless steel guard bars 
• Safety: Pad Eyes for Jack Lines 
• Dodger: Hard Dodger constructed with Divinicell Foam and Fibreglass, Carbon Fibre Reinforced at Key Stress Points, Included Sunshade Cover (2023) 
• Bimini: Bimini with stainless steel mounts for solar and wind generation 
• Length: 7’6” long cockpit with deep seats and high coamings providing exceptional comfort and sense of safety 
• Cushions: Sunbrella cockpit cushions (2015) 
• Table: Cockpit table with storage locker and stainless steel grab bars 
• Safety: (4x) Cockpit pad eyes for jack lines, swim platform with boarding ladder on walk-through transom 

Safety Equipment: 

• EPIRBS: ACR Automatic 406 MHz (Aft cabin), McMurdo G5 406 MHz (Ditch bag) 
• Sea Anchor: Paratech sea anchor with 78” paratech drogue deployment line 
• Bilge Pumps: Electric with foot switch, (2x) manual pumps 
• Emergency tiller 
• Jack lines 
• Fire blanket 
• Bosun chair 

Tender Package

• Tender: OC Hard Bottom Tender (2018)
• Kicker: Yamaha 2-Stroke 8 HP Outboard (2018) 

Accommodations 

The expansive living quarters invite owners and guests aboard with 6’5” headroom and handcrafted cherry-wood joinery. Upon entry, you’ll find a large galley to starboard with all the comforts of home, ample stowage, and stainless steel grab rails for added safety. 

To port, there is a large day/guest head with a separate shower featuring a semicircular acrylic door on tracks. The head is made of one-piece molded fibreglass with large windows for ventilation. Aft of the head is the guest stateroom, well-ventilated with two opening ports and an overhead hatch. A cedar-lined hanging locker, with drawers and Corian countertops.

The main salon features a navigation station with an electrical panel and instrumentation to starboard. Two large settees with stowage behind the seatbacks line both sides of the hull, with ultra suede upholstery and terrycloth cruising covers. A drop leaf centreline cherry table with centre storage seats six. There are cabinets and a bookshelf above the settees and grab rails throughout for added safety. 

The master stateroom forward has a port pullman berth with storage cabinets, a bookshelf along the forward bulkhead, and two hanging lockers and drawer storage to starboard. Access to the decommissioned owners head (able to be reversed) is through the forward bulkhead, featuring a large molded fibreglass space with plenty of ventilation and storage.

Vessel & Sailing Characteristics

The Saga 43 is a near-perfect live-aboard cruiser for a world-cruising couple, precisely what Bob Perry and the Saga Concept team envisioned when they introduced the model in 1997. With over 55 Saga 43s sailing worldwide, its design has proven itself time and time again. 

Drawing inspiration from shorthanded offshore racing fleets like the Whitbread and BOC around-the-world races, Saga maximized waterline length for increased interior space, judiciously pared weight, and retained a relatively narrow beam. This approach results in a more suitable and comfortable offshore cruiser with a high range of positive stability and superior seakeeping qualities compared to boats with extreme beam. The hull’s ultra-fine entry angle and low drag allow it to easily drive through water and chop with less sail area, reducing strain on the rig, lowering sheet and winch loads, and most importantly, lessening crew effort. The longer waterline length translates to higher speeds under both power and sail then other boats with the same LOA. 

The 43s ‘solent rig’ features tandem roller furling units for the headsails, making it neither a traditional cutter nor a sloop. The rig is proportioned to eliminate the need for overlapping headsails when sailing close-hauled. The inner furler manages the self-tacking jib for windward work, while a custom Harken traveler on the foredeck simplifies tacking up narrow channels. For downwind power, the crew can easily deploy the high clew reaching Genoa on the outer furler, and furl the jib out of the way. 

The design results in a light, balanced helm pressure and superior control, particularly in conditions that cause wider beamed boats with conventional rigs to experience heavy helm pressure and a tendency to round-up or spin-out. Owner’s appreciate the Saga 43 for blue water cruising due to its impressive sail area-to-displacement ratio of 20.01. 

For enhanced performance, an asymmetrical spinnaker can be flown for the stainless steel bowsprit, avoiding the complications of a conventional spinnaker pole. Mainsail hoisting, sheeting, and reefing are managed from the safety of the cockpit with the push of a button on the Harken 40.2 ST 2-Speed Electric Winch, and further simplified by a Harken ‘Batt-Car’ System.

The boat is a rare mix of speed and comfort, designed by Robert Perry. With an efficient sail plan and easily driven hull, it excels in light air conditions and is truly a thrilling boat to sail. For pleasure sailors, few boats in its class can match the delight of sailing a Saga 43. They can be found worldwide, whether for bay sailing, coastal cruising, or ocean crossings. “Sophrosyne” comes with a globally recognized pedigree and a proven track record for blue water cruising.

Denison Yachting is pleased to assist you in the purchase of this vessel. This boat is centrally listed by Charles David Yachts.

Denison Yacht Sales offers the details of this yacht in good faith but can’t guarantee the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of this boat for sale. This yacht for sale is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal from that yacht market without notice. She is offered as a convenience by this yacht broker to its clients and is not intended to convey direct representation of a specific yacht for sale.

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43' Saga HIGHLIGHTS

• Yacht Details: 43' Saga 1998
• Location: Nanaimo, BC, Canada
• Engines: Yanmar
• Last Updated: May 27, 2024
• Asking Price: $219,000
• Max Draft: 6' 3''

43' Saga additional information

• Beam: 12' 0''
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Displacement: 19,842 lb
• Fuel Tank: 1 x 90|gallon
• Fresh Water: 1 x 120|gallon
• Holding: 1 x 32|gallon

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SIMILAR YACHTS FOR SALE View All

51' itama 1993, rome, it-rm, italy, 51' sunseeker 1997, miami, fl, us, 51' cranchi 2003, athens, greece, port huron, mi, us, 51' riva 1989, italia, italy, almost heaven, 51' hyatt 1999, ruskin, fl, us, 51' riva 1990, v, it-vr, italy, other saga yachts for sale view all, 48' saga 2004, jacksonville, fl, us, 43' saga 2003, tracys landing, md, us, 43' saga 2000, bellingham, wa, us, nanaimo, bc, canada, 43' saga 1997, georgetown, me, us, 41' saga 2005, charleston, sc, us, price watch.

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• Sailboat Reviews

An all-new look and bulletproof hull distinguish this fast, versatile, but pricey cruiser.

Allan Poole was no stranger to boat-building when he founded Saga Yachts. In 1995, when he launched his “new-kid” company on the performance cruising block, he had already spent three decades developing, producing, and selling production sailboats. Poole, Saga’s owner and CEO, is a Scot who got his engineering training at Strathclyde University in Glasgow, and his jollies racing dinghies and IOR boats during the golden era of the grand-prix circuit.

Poole initially owned MG Yachts, Ltd., a firm in the U.K., which produced several Ton Cup champions. Then he sold off and emigrated to Canada, where he landed at CS Yachts in Brampton, Ontario. Poole later became director of marketing for Tartan Yachts and then president of Hinterhoeller.

In the mid-’90s, when boatbuilding was a survival exercise, Poole and three partners were brash enough to establish a new and different company of their own—Saga Yachts. The company grew out of Poole’s conviction that there was a significant and relatively under-served niche in the market.

”We started the company with a clean sheet of paper and a genuine lack of corporate dogmatism. We’re building primarily for the experienced cruising couple. Our boats emphasize performance and can be sailed to their maximum by two people. They can be (and have been) sailed virtually anywhere. Instead of the plethora of beds and heads that you find in today’s beamy boats (targeted primarily for the charter trade), we offer real cruising comfort for a family, plus room for their guests. Our boats are fast—very fast—yet they are seakindly, moderate-beam designs, easy to handle, and fun to sail. We build and outfit them very well.”

Poole’s vision was validated. His company grew to occupy a 20,000-plus sq. ft. facility in St. Catharines, Ontario, and has sold more than 70 boats so far. Looking more like an offshore racer than most cruisers, Saga’s debut boat, the 43, was launched in 1996 and has remained a mainstay. Designed by Bob Perry, the godfather of performance cruising, her plumb ends, low profile, and twin roller-furling headsails were a departure from rugged icons like the Valiant 40, and subsequent Valiants, Tayanas, Cheoy Lees, et.al., for which Perry is best-known. A 35 and a 48— both also by Perry—followed in the ensuing decade. The Sagas, Perry writes, “incorporate the lessons learned by watching substantive improvements in hull shape pioneered by the short-handed offshore racing fleets,” plus an exhaustive search for a rig configuration to best combine efficiency with versatility and convenience.

Design Given Perry’s stamp on the Saga family, we asked Poole about the choice of Tony Castro to design of the new 409.

“We wanted to add rather than imitate, and because we hoped to avoid competing with our own boats (all of which, even the 43, still have lots of life left), we went to a new designer. It was more than our long-standing friendship that brought me to Tony. His performance credentials are virtually unsurpassed. He’s won four world championships and the Admiral’s Cup under IOR, developed the new Laser sportboat, designed a world champion 6-Meter and the British America’s Cup contender Blue Arrow. And he has produced some spectacular projects (like the recent 32 meter performance cruiser executed for Jongert) that combine speed, comfort, and flair.

“With the 409, we were after a more ergonomic and contemporary feel,” said Poole. “In addition, Tony has a full-service office. We needed a designer to focus on performance, structure, and exterior style, but we also wanted to add to the boat’s appeal belowdecks. I felt that Tony could do that much better than we could.

“I use the metaphor of the Volvo cars,” Poole continued. “Volvos from the ’70s and ’80s were safe, efficient, durable and performed very well, but they were boxy. The contemporary Volvos are certainly just as solid and efficient. They just look better.”

Castro expanded that thought: “The challenge was to take the no-nonsense Saga and wrap it in a more-modern package. There’s always a tension between function and style. In the end, of course, you have to blend all of the elements into a seakindly and pleasing sailboat. What it boils down to is bringing what style and design you can to what features you can without ever letting style affect use.”

We must agree. From her tiger-eye portlights to her slightly-sprung sheer and saucy counter, the 409 is snappy, modern, and, well, almost sexy. It’s certainly not your grandfather’s performance cruiser.

We asked Castro what he did to assure that the Saga 409 would be as fast as she looks despite the fact that she is burdened with cruising tankage and the need to haul all of the impedimenta that cruisers normally bring with them.

“First you have to make sure that you don’t forget any of those cruising realities,” he explained. “You must calculate a realistic weight from the beginning or the boat won’t float on her lines. I still fight like hell to make sure that nothing is heavier than it has to be, but you know, no matter how you slice it, you’re dealing with considerable displacement. How you distribute the volume to carry that payload is your next decision. This boat has much less beam than most modern cruisers. That means, of necessity, that her ends are fuller. Back aft that helps clean up waterflow and adds stability, which are good things. In general, her low prismatic (relatively full-bellied with considerable rocker) hull form suits her well for light air when sailing is most enjoyable, at a small sacrifice in top-end potential where comfort is generally the greatest priority. I also think it’s always the case that deep, narrow boats have a better motion in a seaway than beamy boats with flat bottoms.

“Stability is like money,” Castro continued. “You can never have enough.”

The 409 has a ballast/displacement ratio—37 percent—at least the equal of all of her cruising competitors and carries that ballast in a modern bulb keel that’s hydrodynamically clean and lift-effective, which works to create a very low center of gravity. This boat relies less than most contemporary cruisers on beam for initial stability; that allows her to achieve ultimate stabilty “well in excess of 120 degrees” according to her designer. “A narrow boat is more easily-driven, more seakindly, more mannerly. If you have enough stability in your pocket you can get all of that.”

The 409’s sailplan is based on a simple, slightly-swept, three-spreader rig. It entails a good-sized main for all-round power, versatility, and maneuverability, married to a unique (trademarked as Variable Geometry Rig) iteration of the “twins” first developed for BOC and other offshore racing boats: On the aftermost headstay is a 110% working jib. It’s small enough to handle easily, high enough in aspect ratio to be efficient, with a clew cut high enough to offer adequate visibility. It’s definitely the sail to use upwind, in a breeze, and for kick-around daysailing. This headsail sheets inside the cap shrouds and thus offers tight sheeting angles for pointing. On a permanently mounted sprit forward is a Code Zero (the newly-developed ballooner that’s tough enough to go almost upwind, full enough to go well downwind, and big enough to virtually double your horsepower). A removable forestay that tacks to the mid-point of the foredeck—the ideal arrangement for storm conditions—completes the set-up.

Comparison with competing performance cruisers (J/42, Tartan 4100, and the Sabre 386 and 426) spotlights some numbers that speak very well for Castro’s achievement. The 409’s SA/D ratio (which we calculated to be 17.6) is better than all but the J/42 (18.3). Even figured using the industry standard 100% sail area and light ship displacement numbers as we did, however, we couldn’t come up with the same SA/D number of 20 advertised in some Saga literature. Certainly this measure of horsepower to mass is an inexact predictor of sailboat speed. Given the tendency of some builders to juggle the numbers (by calculating, for instance, both a staysail and an overlapping jib as part of the “100% foretriangle”) it’s not even always an accurate relative measure of performance capabilities. Still, the difference between the 409’s SA/D ratio and those of the other two boats is, we felt, significant.

Fuel and water are cruising necessities. Castro didn’t make his boat fast by cutting back on her tankage. Several of her competitors carry as much water as the 409’s 103 gallons, but no other boat in this group carries more fuel than she does (75 gallons).

A third significant number is mast height from the waterline. Why design yourself out of access to critical places like the Intracoastal Waterway for a few feet of mast? That’s why the 409’s designed clearance— 61′ 6″ in view of the ICW’s 65′ minimum height limit—makes sense.

Deck Layout In general, we liked the deck layout. While the step from the cockpit coaming to the side deck seemed awkwardly long, the combination of space and protection achieved here seems worth the occasional stumble. The boat’s broad hindquarters allowed Castro to center the cockpit between wide side decks. That facilitates both traffic flow and offshore protection. Seat backs are a minimum of 16 inches high, the cockpit seats are sleepable (over 6 feet long), and a rugged grab-bar/table-stand is in the right place for a handhold and foot brace. The twin wheels open up a myriad of sighting angles and steering positions. They also offer a clear walkway fore and aft right through to the gated, open-style transom. This creates a seamless traffic flow and the feeling of sufficient elbow room, both of which make the 409’s cockpit an achievement. Comfortable, padded corners and a house that’s low enough for even a five-footer to see over further contribute to making the 409 comfortable and efficient to steer.

Other cruising realities have been considered. Poole pointed out the fuel filter installed in the engine overflow vent-pipe. “You don’t want to inadvertently pump fuel overboard or have it slosh out when you’re heeled. The fines for polluting aren’t getting any smaller these days.” Equally thoughtful, we felt, was a dedicated locker for safety gear hard by the starboard steering station. “It’s big enough for a (tethered) life raft canister, a sizeable ditch bag, or emergency dock lines, and it puts them all where you can lay hands on them instantly.” The port cockpit locker is cavernous. We saw two motorbikes in the bottom. “Lockers can be too big,” admitted Poole, “but this one’s certainly big enough to let the owners organize and compartmentalize it on their own.”

Saga’s system for handling the dinghy shows similar forethought. It utilizes brackets on the transom swim platform. Hook the dink athwartships across the stern, attach the fall from a single davit, and hoist the inflatable (or even rigid dink) flush across the transom. Extra-high (30″) and extra-stout (1-1/4″ diameter rail) the aft pulpit and lifelines surrounding the cockpit continue the concern with security begun by the cockpit coamings. A uniform geometry between backstay, radar arch, and bimini supports indicates attention to the details of both style and function.

“I put in a lot of effort on the back end of the boat and the bimini in particular,” Castro explained. “Saga let me make it a part of the boat’s overall style. It’s not often that designers get that kind of opportunity.” We are perhaps more wedded to watching our sails than most modern sailors, so biminis always seem to cause isolation and claustrophobia. Despite some big flexible windows in the overhead, we had those feelings sailing the 409. Still, for living aboard and sailing anywhere the sun shines, having a bimini is advantageous. The 409’s twin steering stations partially resolve the problem of seeing the sails while underway because they offer numerous steering positions.

The deck hardware is primarily Harken. While would we like better access to the mainsheet from the helm than her mid-boom traveler affords—especially for shorthanded sailing—we applaud the webbed jacklines for safety harnesses that come as standard equipment, and we appreciate the hidden nicety of a chain locker divided for chain and rode A Muir 1250 electric anchor windlass with cockpit remote is standard. Halyards are led through cabintop “tunnels” to rope clutches on the house. Tails stow in bags. This relatively common arrangement is executed with precision; i.e. all of the leads are good and the stoppers work well under load. The mainsheet traveler is affixed atop the arch that supports the dodger. The arch is fabricated from thick aluminum which is bolted to the cabinhouse. The track itself is four feet in length, adequate to provide some depowering for the full-battened main.

Belowdecks Castro described the interior: “The design follows an established layout, prioritizing the owner’s cabin (in the bow), but having a good-sized guest cabin (aft) as well, all with above-average headroom. The styling is more modern than that usually seen on sailboats, but it incorporates all the required amenities and is ergonomically friendly with good storage and lots of wood.”

Wood is the primary medium by which Castro gave the 409 interior its feel and flair. The broadest surfaces are done in cherry. Lighter than teak, redder than oak, it’s unique and pleasant. Despite its relatively soft sheen and light color, however, it can become overwhelming. We sensed that up forward where there is a minimum light and contrast. In the saloon, where the lighter shades of the upholstery, house sides, and overhead brighten things up, the cherry bulkheads, furniture, trim, and cabinetry seem warm and appropriate.

“Some of it is pure styling. I’ve used the wood to create a feeling that the boat is chunky and well-built. The details are a delight in themselves. Moldings, hand rails, locker fronts, they all have a function, but they all are a part of an aesthetic. I’ve gone for softer corners, curved doors, bulkier trim.” We think Castro’s designer use of wood makes the 409 feel both shippy and contemporary.

We liked the U-shaped galley to port. Bigger than those on most 40-footers, it’s still centralized, organized, and in a good spot hard by the companionway. We wondered about the efficiency of a sidedoor-opening (as opposed to top-opening) refrigerator. Poole assured us that, “We religiously followed the instructions of the experts at Glacier Bay.” Still, it’s hard to discount the fact that cold air escapes fast from the bottom of a box. With full recognition that the efficiency of any system depends on design, precision, execution and insulating properties, we still wonder whether home-style reefers that open from the side are ultimately as efficient as top-opening boxes.

Some 40-footers have raised saloons. Aboard the 409, however, you are sitting in the boat rather than up high with a spectacular view of the outside. There are no hull ports. Still, interior space is light and open. Good light comes from the large windows and an overhead “windscreen.” The view is unobstructed fore and aft, offering an airy feel. Though hatches and dorades should make for reasonable airflow at anchor, the boat also has air-conditioning. Yet one area where we feel style dominates function is in the absence of opening ports for cross-ventilating the saloon. The small-sized hatches overhead here hardly seem like they’ll promote sufficient natural airflow in warmer climes.

Castro spent a lot of time on the folding table, and it worked out. It’s more solid and less awkward than most such applications. Seat-back stowage is generous, and a wide shelf outboard the settees is good, if not ample. The bilge sump, at 28 inches, is deeper than most found aboard even bigger boats. The electrical system is all tin-wired, clearly labeled, and accessible via a panel that takes just four screws to loosen. The clear, radiused shower door is clever, stylish, and substantial. For a boat with a single head, however, we felt the lack of elbow room in the w.c. was a negative. We generally favor owner’s cabins that are located closer to the steering and nav stations, but this one near the bow is replete with hanger and drawer space sufficient to the task and sports a vanity that deserves to be termed elegant. Unlike the saloon, the after cabin has more than enough ventilation with an overhead hatch and ports in either bulkhead.

Construction The 409 is the first boat to be built using a new hull laminate that tests (conducted by Maritime Technical Services, Ltd., Southampton, UK) show to be twice as strong as conventional glass/epoxy lay-ups. “When I say ‘strong,’ I’m talking about impact resistance,” Poole explained. “Do you know how many containers fall off ships? No one knows for sure, but it’s more than we’re comfortable with. We want a Saga to be able to withstand collisions with that sort of sharp, puncturing object. Like they found out with Titanic, watertight bulkheads aren’t the complete answer.

“We embarked on this over three years ago. We talked to expert builders like Barry Carroll,” Poole added, “and collaborated with DuPont (for a glass-kevlar hybrid cloth), JB Martin, Ltd. (Quebec) for an improved vinylester resin compatible with it, and MTS in Southampton for testing. We’ve achieved a skin that is three times stronger than aluminum.”

The 409 is balsa-cored (hull and deck) with a solid (1-3/4″) glass bottom. The laminate is tailored to address localized loads and laid by hand. “To work with Kevlar,” Poole said, “you need a compatible resin.” The company offers a 10-year warranty against osmotic blistering. Both structural bulkheads and furniture components are structurally bonded to the hull and deck. This boat is quiet under sail, but we found weather stripping used to tighten the fit of the floorboards. “With the amount that wood swells,” explained Poole, “we’ve had to do that to keep the boards from swelling shut.” Given the impermanence of the solution and the messiness of the fix, we thought Saga should find a better way to outwit Mother Nature.

The sub-floor framing structure, designed to anchor the rig, utilizes bi-directional E-glass reinforcements. The hull-deck joint is a flange bonded with 3M’s 5200 and through-bolted on 4″ centers. The slotted aluminum toerail encapsulates a full-length PVC rubrail, and is likewise through-bolted. The solid bottom portion of the hull is 18″ deep and made of six layers of 2408 matt.

The rudder is all carbon fiber, making it light and strong.

We found the building practices at Saga very similar to those at other top-shelf shops, and we commend the company for developing this new, safer laminate.

Performance Making 6.9 knots in 8 knots of true wind convinced us that there were good grounds for considering the 409 a speedy boat. The secret was the Code Zero. It proved the difference between ghosting and charging when we set it and rounded onto a close reach on the flat water of Biscayne Bay. Her convenient rig and clean, balanced hull seemed ideal for the big balloon jib. All of this hammered home Poole’s claim that the 409 was meant to make sailing “more fun more of the time.”

It was hard to tell in light air, but the tight sheeting angles for the jib and the high-lift potential of the keel should make the 409 quick upwind. Despite the light air, we tacked through just over 90 degrees. Additionally, the 409 is fun to drive. Castro said that he modified a deep, high-aspect ratio, NACA section foil by adjusting both leading and trailing edge to lighten the feel and increase effective control.

From what we could tell in Biscayne Bay, Castro’s modifications work. The 409’s Westerbeke 55B is self-bleeding and develops 55 horsepower at 3000 rpm. A two-bladed fixed prop is standard, but a boat with the capabilities of the 409 seems to cry out for the optional feathering three-blade that Saga does offer. She powered quite easily to her 8-knot hullspeed on our trial sail with 500 to 600 rpm left in reserve. There was, however, considerable engine noise. Checking it out, we obtained readings of 80 db (in the forecabin), 96 (saloon), 98 (aft cabin) and 88 (cockpit) while running at 2500 rpm. That’s hardly excessive, but louder than you’d expect in a premium-quality boat.

Conclusions With the 409, Allen Poole, Tony Castro, and the people of Saga Yachts have done a lot to resolve the time-honored comfort vs. speed dilemma. Builder and designer have drawn heavily on remarkable banks of experience to create a boat that delivers much of what cruising sailors are seeking. Without being radically or offensively new, the 409 is a bundle of fresh solutions, valuable developments, praiseworthy evolutions, and common sense ideas. At a base price of $329,000, she’s one of the highest priced boat in her class. And this boat isn’t perfect, especially in the areas of zero-tolerance joinery and soundproofing. Still, it strikes us that her combination of top-drawer performance, full-bore cruising efficiency, and head-turning style, makes her not only unique, but a good value as well.

Contact – Saga Marine, 905/646-4040, www.sagayachts.com .

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Saga Sailing Adventures

Imagine this….

A gentle warm breeze is blowing. The sun is low in the sky as it starts setting in the west. The water on Charlottetown Harbour is like glass as you head out on the water aboard The Saga – a beautiful 36′ sloop. Now, add some drinks, some friends…

Come sail away with us into some of the most pristine scenery in the world

Come explore the beautiful south shore of Prince Edward Island, with its rocky sandstone cliffs and beautiful beaches and wildlife. After leaving Charlottetown Harbour we can explore nearby Saint Peters and Governors Islands that provide a haven for seals and birds.

Relaxation or excitement, you choose

Relax and enjoy the sail with your qualified captain , or participate in the activities on board such as adjusting the sails or the thrill of taking the helm of a powerful 36 footer known for it’s speed and agility.

Charter the 36′ Sloop “ Saga “

Saga Sailing Adventures offer many exciting sailing packages :

Perfect for Special Occasions

The yacht can be the perfect setting for your special occasion – anniversaries, birthdays, parties, corporate meetings and client entertainment – all fully catered if required.

We also offer many charter options including full day and moonlight charters.

Contact us and we’ll tailor a package that suits your needs.

Our regular cruises

• Morning Sail : 10:00AM – 12:30AM
• Afternoon Sail : 1:00PM – 3:30PM
• Evening Sail : 5:00PM – 7:30PM

Contact Kurt

Your qualified captain Kurt Martel has over 20 years sailing experience in Maritime waters and in the Caribbean. Contact Kurt to discuss your next sailing adventure:

Arctic Raven  was designed by Robert Perry and launched in 2004 by SAGA Marine in St Catherines, Ontario, Canada. She was awarded Cruising World’s “Best Full-sized Cruiser” that year. She continues to thrive and impress today, receiving major refits from 2019-2022.

Designed to be sailed shorthanded, both above-deck and below-deck spaces provide for luxurious, comfortable, and easily navigated movement. Power winches for sail management, dual helms, and the space to move in the cockpit make sailing a dream. The headroom and light below are unique, making it a pleasure to be below. The raised interior navigation position makes the rainy northwest days of cruising, warm and dry. The forward cabin sports a king-sized berth, lots of storage and its own head. The galley is perfectly efficient with both a refrigerator and freezer and four-burner Force-10 range.

This is an opportunity to take advantage of a desire by the live-aboard owner to upgrade the primary components and prolong the life of the boat for years to come. Highlights of the refit are:

• Rebuilt top end of the Westerbeke 82B, including head, exhaust manifold and injectors
• Replaced exhaust hose
• Complete most tasks raised in purchasing survey and moved to CSR Marine in Seattle
• Painted the mast, specs available
• Replaced rod and running rigging on the mast
• Replaced Tides Strongtrack and luff slides
• Rebuilt both headsail furlers
• Inspected and repaired main, jib and genoa sails by Ballard Sails
• Rebuilt hydraulic vang and backstay cylinders
• Upgraded masthead lighting to LED
• Re-bedded deck grab bars and head vent scoop on port cabin top
• R & R keel and inspected bolts, faired keel into hull upon replacement
• New boot stripe and naming
• Replaced water pressure pump and hot water tank
• Replaced aft head sump pump and box
• Replaced Muir anchor windlass and install cockpit remote
• Replaced main salon Lewmar hatch
• New B&G Zeus3S chart plotter and Halo 20 radar. Installed NMEA 2000 backbone to Raymarine and Seatalk Electronics.
• New Amec AIS SOTDMA Class B transponder
• New raw water pump on Westerbeke
• Replaced exhaust elbow on Westerbeke
• New fuel solenoid on Westerbeke
• Cleaned and scrubbed diesel tanks and repaired leak in starboard tank
• New black bottom paint; 2 coats Amercoat 214
• Replace deck safety lines
• New carbon rudder and bearings. Custom rudder to Perry’s original design by Waterat of Santa Cruz, California. New Jefa self-aligning bottom and top bearings.
• Rebuilt aft head (top end)

ACCOMODATIONS:

Access to the interior is relatively easy over a 6” high threshold. The companionway is closed with two hinged/removable smoke acrylic doors and a fiberglass sliding hatch. A set of washboards and canvas cover with screen allow other closure options suitable to the conditions. Washboards store in a dedicated cockpit locker box. From the cockpit, a companionway ladder with three curved cherry steps leads to the raised salon. Handrails on the overhead and sides help this transition. Thanks to the large side and forward windows and tall cabin, the raised salon is bright and inviting.

The interior is crafted from steamed American Cherry and finished in satin varnish. Quality materials , thoughtful design details , and skilled workmanship are immediately apparent. Trimwork is mitered and bent to eliminate sharp corners. Cabin and locker doors are solid wood and paneled. Latches are positive push button style with interior metals having a bronze/brass finish. Hull sides are covered with white ash staving. Countertops are dark blue quartz with gray flecks. The cabin sole is teak and holly plywood and fully removable to access bilge spaces. Overhead spotlights are controlled by wall switches and reading lights are well placed. Blue courtesy lights illuminate the cabin sole at night. All overhead hatches are fitted with Oceanaire skyscreens. The salon overhead has white panels secured with cherry battens, screwed in place for easy access.

Starting forward is the master stateroom. Entrance is through a locking privacy door in the main bulkhead. Headroom measures 6’ 6”. The centerline berth measures 6’ 5” long by 7’ 2” aft and 4’ 1” forward. A HMC custom split 6” thick sprung mattress has a 3” thick foam topper. Bin storage and four drawers are below the berth. Eight cabinets are outboard below the deck edge. Aft, to starboard is a 22” wide by 47” tall cedar-lined hanging locker, three drawers, open counter, and mirror faced-cabinet with shelves. A narrow cabinet with selves is secured to the aft bulkhead on centerline. Six overhead spotlights, a cabin fan, air conditioning unit, heater outlet, three 110 V outlets, stereo speakers, overhead hatch, opening port, and two reading lights complete this comfortable stateroom.

An ensuite owner’s head/shower is entered through a door to port/aft in the stateroom. Both head compartments are built from molded fiberglass with white gelcoat finish; easy to clean, bright, and water resistant. Cherry trim and quartz counters provide a nice level of functional elegance. Headroom measures 6’ 5”. A Vacuflush head is forward and a 14” x 9” x 6” deep oval, stainless steel sink is outboard and mounted below a quartz countertop. Medicine cabinets with sliding mirrored doors are above the countertop. A wood trimmed 13” x 16” mirror is on the aft bulkhead. The sink faucet is a Borma single lever with chrome finish. An opening port, two 110V outlets, and two spotlights finish this space.

Aft of the head through a sliding white opaque door is a shared stall shower . A Borma mixer valve, spray nozzle, hose, nozzle bar, outboard seat, towel bar, two acrylic shelves, overhead hatch, cowl vent, overboard drain pump, and spot light make this shower suitable for use in port or underway.

The guest head is entered through a locking privacy door in the lower salon/workshop area. A Vacuflush head is outboard. Storage cabinets are further outboard below the deck edge. A vanity with sink, quartz counter, and storage below are along the aft bulkhead. An 18” x 16” wood framed mirror on the aft bulkhead is angled for tall shavers. The overhead is opaque/translucent acrylic, allowing light from the forward-facing salon windows to illuminate this space during the day. An opening port, 110V outlet, overhead bar light above the mirror, and grab rail complete this space.

Forward of the raised salon, along the starboard side, is a workshop/storage area. A 68” long x 24” wide countertop/bench is fitted with a 2” high fiddle. Outboard/forward are open bins. Aft is the electrical switch/breaker panel. Below the counter, all the way aft is a washer/dryer. Twelve drawers with dividers hold an array of tools, spare parts, and consumables. Headroom measures 6’ 6”. A hanging rod runs full length above the workbench. Two overhead spotlights, a task light, cowl vent, overhead hatch, and 110V outlets finish this area.

• Pinnacle 17-2015 110V 60 hz high efficiency washer/dryer

From the lower/forward level, one steps up nine inches to the raised salon . Headroom in this area measures an impressive 6’ 9”. A U-shaped, 7’ 3” long by 4’ wide dinette is to port. Cushions sculpted for comfort and covered with off white Ultraleather. The dining table has two leaves and measures 51” long by 28” wide with both leaves deployed. Fiddles on pins can be used with or without the leaves. The table is an adjustable single pedestal. Above and outboard of the dinette are three double door cabinets. Additional bin storage is outboard of the seat backs and below the seats. Two cabin fans, two swing arm shade lamps, 110V duplex outlet, two cowl vents, ten overhead spot lights, and an opening hatch complete this dining area.

• 27” LG flat screen TV
• Lee cloth for salon settee

The inside pilot station is forward and to starboard in the salon and raised up 12” above the cabin sole. A 40” wide bench seat with 12” high back and flip up footrest allows forward visibility through the slanted forward pilothouse windows. A 38” wide by 19” chart table has a hinge top 3” deep chart drawer. A low-profile console with navigation/communication electronics is forward. An engine control is outboard. An array of drawers, bins, and lockers is below the seat and chart table. A cabin fan, 110v and 12V outlets are fitted to this pilot/navigation area.

The large galley is immediately to starboard of the companionway with ample light and space to keep the ship’s cook well connected with socializing in the cockpit or dinette. Two inch high fiddles surround the quartz counter. Starting forward, there are double stainless-steel sinks measuring 13” x 13” x 8” deep. A hinge-out trash bin is below the sink and a white plastic cutting board covers one sink. A Bormo single lever gooseneck chrome faucet serves both sinks. The gimballed stove/oven is outboard where a stainless-steel safety bar is fitted for safety. A top opening freezer and front/top opening fridge are aft. Above counter cabinets, drawers, and below counter cabinets will store galleyware and food. Toe kicks around the galley cabinets are a good example of the design detail found on Arctic Raven . Under cabinet lights, overhead spotlights, cabin fan, opening ports, overhead hatch, and 110V outlets are fitted in this galley.

• Seagull water filtration system at port galley sink
• Danby microwave oven
• Force Ten four burner stove with oven and broiler
• Whale freshwater foot pump
• Whale saltwater pump with valve for fridge/freezer drain pumping
• 9 cubic foot top loading freezer
• 6 cubic foot front/top loading fridge
• BEP cooking gas sensor/control (new 2021)
• 20lb & 10lb aluminum propane tanks
• (2) Frigoboat K50F refrigeration coolers with keel coolers (freezer evaporator new in 2020)
• ECM freezer and refrigerator controls

The aft stateroom is to port of the companionway and entered through a paneled privacy door. Headroom measures 6’ 7”. The berth is aft and measures 6’ 8” long by 53” wide. A 5” thick divided mattress is covered with blue upholstery. A removable forward section and screwed in panel provide access to the engine’s port side. Storage bins and batteries are below the berth. Hull sides are covered with white ash staving. A 20” wide by 50” tall cedar-lined hanging locker is forward. A bank of three four drawers and storage shelf are aft of the hanging locker. A cabin fan, two reading lights, two spot lights, 110V duplex outlet, two opening ports, and an overhead hatch finish this stateroom.

ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION:

• B&G Halo 20 radar antenna on stern arch (2021)
• Masthead VHF antenna

At Cockpit Helms:

• B&B Zeus 3S multifunction display at port helm (new in 2021)
• (2) Ritchie 4” Powerdamp steering compasses
• (2) Raymarine ST290 graphic displays
• (2) Raymarine ST290 wind displays
• Raymarine E80 radar chartplotter- starboard helm
• Polyplaner stereo remote control – starboard helm
• Raymarine ST290 autopilot keypad – starboard helm
• Raymarine ST6002 autopilot control – port helm
• Lewmar Integra Mamba autopilot drive
• (2) 6” Exterior stereo speakers in cockpit

At inside pilot station:

• AMEC WideLink B600 AIS Class B Transponder (SOTDMA)
• Raymarine ST8002 autopilot control
• Raymarine E80 chart plotter
• Raymarine ST290 graphic display
• Icom M802 SSB radio with AT-140 antenna tuner (no antenna)
• Icom M602 VHF radio
• Flex arm chart light
• Icom M1V handheld VHF radio
• Sony DSX-MS60 stereo with speakers in master stateroom, salon, cockpit, and aft cabin

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:

• Prosafe FS60 Galvanic failsafe shore power isolator
• (2) 110V 30 amp shore power inlets and 50’ cord sets
• Marinco 50 amp to (2) 30 amp “Y” connector
• (2) Optima SC34M engine start batteries
• (8) 12V house batteries totaling 860 12V amp hours (2012)
• (1) 12v electronics battery
• 200 amp 12V engine alternator with dual belts
• Balmar ARS-5 alternator regulator
• Xantrex SW 3000 inverter/charger with remote control panel
• BEP 12V and 120V switch/breaker panels with digital DC volts and amps, and 120V AC volts, amps, and frequency metering
• Xantrex Linkpro 12V DC house battery monitor
• Waterproof toggle switches at port helm for: cockpit light, blower, compass light, windlass light, and foot lights
• 12V outlet at port helm
• Lightning ground system and bonding system

MECHANICAL & PLUMBING SYSTEMS:

Arctic Raven has a reliable and efficient Westerbeke diesel engine. Engine access is below the companionway stairs, through doors in the cockpit locker and a removable panel in the port aft stateroom. Soundown lead/foam insulations reduce engine noise. Dome lights, dripless shaft seal and other features are appreciated by those doing maintenance. Engine exhaust hoses were replaced in 2019.

• Westerbeke 82B 82 hp diesel engine (2955 hours)
• ZF Hurth model ZF25 A – 2.7 transmission
• (2) ZF Microcommander electric shift/throttle units at port cockpit helm and inside pilot station
• Centek composite muffler
• 1-1/2” prop shaft
• PSS shaft seal
• Three blade feathering Maxprop
• Westerbeke engine panel at port helm with tachometer, hour meter, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and volts
• Emergency engine stop button at inside pilot station
• Main and starboard fuel tank level gages
• Dual Racor 500FG fuel filters with vacuum gage
• HFC 227 automatic fire extinguisher in engine space
• (2) aluminum propane tanks with Cavagna 924N auto changeover regulator
• 33” Leather-covered dual spoke steering wheels
• Whitock/Lewmar geared and shaft mechanical steering system
• Waterat (Larry Tuttle/Santa Cruz, CA) carbon fiber spade rudder (new 2022) with new Jefa bearings
• Hurricane hydronic diesel heating system (2525 hours) with thermostats and fan speed controllers in each cabin
• Racor R15S filter for Hurricane heater
• Cruisair 16K btu air conditioning in forward stateroom (new control board in 2021 but currently non functional – needs new compressor)
• Isotemp 40 liter 750 watt water heater (new 2021) – 110V, engine, diesel heater
• Parmax Plus Model 82600-0092 water pressure pump with accumulator tank (new 2021)
• Shurflo 12V salt water washdown pump
• Rule 3700 high-capacity bilge pump
• Rule 2000 high capacity bilge pump
• Rule high bilge level alarm
• Whale foot salt and freshwater foot pumps in galley
• 40 gallon PVC holding tank and 12V macerator overboard discharge pump(new overboard macerator in 2021)

DECK & HULL:

Arctic Raven’s hull is finished in white gel-coat with narrow blue cove stripe and blue and black boot stripes. The bottom paint is black. The bow is nearly plumb and fine for optimizing waterline length and cutting through rough seas. A bowsprit fabricated from 2 3/8” stainless steel pipe extends the genoa forward. Anchor rollers allow for deployment of two anchors, well forward and clear of the hull. Beam is carried well aft to the reverse transom. There is a slight knuckle at the swim platform level 18” above the waterline. A removable washboard and flip-up coaming section allow “walk-through” into the cockpit, making transition from dinghy to cabin easy between the twin wheels. A hot/cold freshwater shower, swim ladder with grab rail, and foot lights enhance this great cruising stern . A recessed locker in the port transom is long enough to hold a life raft. It currently holds the outboard engine’s gas tank and other gear.

Decks and cabin top are white gelcoat with contrasting light beige molded-in non-skid. The 26” high cabin has large, fixed side and forward windows providing light and visibility in the raised salon. Forward of the mast, the coachroof is 13” high. Stainless steel grab rails are fitted on each side of the cabin top. Numerous overhead hatches and opening ports provide lots of natural light and ventilation—all of which are fitted with screen and shade hardware. Side decks are wide, secure and easy to navigate from cockpit to bow with good handholds. The bow pulpit with double 1” diameter railing extends well aft for security. Thirty one inch high wire double lifelines run from bow to boarding gates on each side. Side boarding gates, fitted with snap hooks, are located on each side even with the forward end of the cockpit. Railings run aft from this boarding gate to the stern pushpit and their solid grasp is greatly appreciated by crew entering and exiting the cockpit. A 2” high aluminum toe rail with oval holes is bolted on 4” centers above the inward turning flange hull to deck joint. This toe rail section protrudes outboard sufficiently to act as a hull side rub rail.

The cockpit nicely balances the rigors of offshore passage making (security and function) with the comfort and space desired when anchored. Tooling and design details will be appreciated by racing and cruising sailors alike. A light gray canvas dodger is forward and matching bimini is aft over the helms. A connector panel and full enclosure allow a multitude of shelter options to suit the season or region. Fourteen inch high stepped side coamings extend aft from the cabin around the quarters and are fitted with line storage bins outboard. Cockpit seats measure 6’ 1” long by 20” wide with 15” high well-angled backs. Dual helms are aft, each with a 34” x 16” seat and slightly raised/sloped platforms. The walk-through transom is 25” wide and closed with a washboard and flip-over coaming when offshore. A dual leaf, centerline cockpit table is securely mounted on stainless steel pipe. White plastic leaves hinge up and measure 44” x 31” table, ideal for four diners.

Deck accessible storage is frequently overlooked on boats designed to display and sell at boat shows. The Saga 48 is meant to cruise and has all the storage space you’ll need. A large climb-into bow locker runs between the stem and watertight bulkhead. Access is through a 20” x 20” Lewmar deck hatch. A shelf located 24” below the deck divides this space with storage bins in the aft corners and two tall anchor bins (good chain hang to prevent castling) below the floor. A 17” x 31” gasketed and guttered hatch (held open by gas strut) below the starboard cockpit seat opens into the massive stern locker. Space for machinery, systems, and storage occupies the entire volume below the cockpit and outboard of the cockpit to starboard. Access to steering, engine, pumps, and other equipment is excellent while leaving space to store cruising toys and gear. A bar for hanging lines, dome lights, 110V outlets, and fiberglass grating serve this huge space. A propane locker with two large bottles is below the starboard helm seat and divided storage bins are below the port helm seat.

Arctic Raven ’s stern arch is fabricated from 2-3/8 stainless-steel pipe and well designed to meet the needs of long-distance cruising sailors. Radar and other antennas are mounted atop this arch while still leaving ample space for mounting future solar panels or wind generator. A hinged spreader bow with block and lifting tackle led to an electric winch can hoist and stow the tender. White plastic seats are fitted on each quarter.

• Stainless steel Delta primary anchor with 300’ of G4 galvanized chain
• Anchor chain stopper forward of windlass
• Muir 1200 watt 12V vertical capstan anchor windlass with up/down foot switches on bow and wired remote control at helm (new in 2021)
• Secondary anchor rode with line and chain
• Newfound Metals washdown hose deck fitting on bow with coil hose and nozzle
• Seadog stainless steel chain hook with anchor snubber bridle
• (6) 12” long stainless-steel mooring cleats
• (6) Stainless-steel open mooring chocks
• Telescoping stainless steel fold-over swim ladder on swim platform
• Edson outboard storage mount on stern rail
• Lifesling Man Overboard retrieval system stored in white plastic case on port quarter rail
• New uncoated wire double lifelines in 2022
• (4) 4” Diameter stainless steel cowl with guards and mushroom closures
• (3) 18” x 13” Lewmar deck hatches
• 20” x 20” Lewmar deck hatch
• 18” x 18” Lewmar deck hatch
• 14” x 8” Lewmar deck hatch
• (2) 15” x 8” Lewmar opening ports between cockpit and galley & port aft stateroom
• (6) 14” x 4” Lewmar opening cabin side ports
• 23” x 5” opening port from cockpit to port aft stateroom
• 15” x 20” Lewmar hatch under port cockpit settee to port aft stateroom
• Black mesh covers for large salon fixed windows
• (6) Polyform HTM-3 cylindrical fenders
• (2) Polyform A-2 round fenders
• Danfender fender step
• Webbing jacklines
• (4) Drink holders recessed into cockpit coaming
• Mastercraft Titan 280AL inflatable aluminum RIB (2009)
• Mercury 9.9 hp 4 stroke outboard engine

SAILS & RIGGING: 

The SAGA 48 would fall easily into the performance cruiser category with its powerful rig and efficient hull form. Electric winches, mainsail sailbag/cradle, dual headsails on furlers, and all lines led aft to the cockpit will allow a mature cruising couple to safely handle this boat in varied conditions.  The mast is keel stepped and spreaders are swept aft for rig stability. A self-tacking solent jib is fitted to the stemhead furler and a large genoa is bent on the bow-sprit mounted furler. The keel-stepped, triple spreader mast is tapered at the top to reduce weight aloft. Continuous rod rigging also reduces weight and windage.

Arctic Raven is fitted with oversized Harken hardware and winches. The mast was pulled and repainted in 2019 at CSR Marine in Seattle. A Tides Marine Strongtrack was added for the mainsail luff and new sheeves fitted for halyards. The Doyle cradle cover mainsail bag, lazy jacks, and single line reefing allow mainsail management from the cockpit. Standing rigging was replaced at this time, and jib furlers serviced. Most running rigging is low-stretch high strength line with recent replacement.

• White LPU painted aluminum, keel stepped, tapered top mast with three sets of swept back spreaders
• Sailtec hydraulic vang and backstay (rebuilt 2020) with cockpit control panel
• Rod rigging replaced in 2019
• Doyle full-batten mainsail with three reef points (2008)
• Doyle solent jib (2010)
• UK 130” radial-cut genoa (2016)
• Sail repair kit including sail cloth, sale tape, needles, awl, and twine
• LED foredeck, steaming, and masthead tricolor lights
• Masthead Windex wind direction indicator
• Spinnaker pole topping lift
• Spinnaker pole with track on mast allowing pole storage on mast
• Spinnaker halyard
• (2) Harken MKIII furlers with control lines led aft to cockpit
• Self-tacking solent jib with curved Harken track just forward of mast
• (2) signal halyards to 1 st spreader
• (2) Harken 40ST winches on mast
• (4) Spinlock stoppers on mast for halyards
• Canvas storage bag under boom for jib halyard tails
• Doyle Cradle Cover lazy bag and spectra lazy jacks (new 2019)
• Tides Marine Strongtrack low-friction plastic mainsail luff slide track on mast
• Harken 5:1 mainsheet 75mm air blocks
• Harken 4:1 Big Boat series mainsheet traveler
• (3) Single line mainsail reef lines led to cockpit
• Sailtec hydraulic vang, backstay, and cockpit control panel
• 92” Long 1-1/4” T tracks for Genoa lead cars located just outboard of cabin
• 3:1 Harken pullers for genoa lead cars
• (8) Spinlock stoppers on cabintop just forward of winches
• Harken ST40 winch on starboard cabintop
• Harken STE46 electric winch on port cabintop
• (2) Harken STE53 electric primary sheet winches on cockpit coaming
• (2) Harken STE40 secondary winches on cockpit coaming

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The Saga 43 Sailboat Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Saga 43, a double-headed masthead sloop, was designed by Robert Perry and built in Canada by Saga Yachts.

Published Specification for the Saga 43

Underwater Profile:  Bulb fin keel and spade rudder

Hull Material:  GRP

Length Overall:  43'3" (13.2m)

Waterline Length:  38'11" (11.9m)

Beam:  12'0" (3.7m)

Draft:  6'3" (1.9m)

Rig Type:  Masthead sloop

Displacement:  19,842lb (9,000kg)

Designer:  Robert Perry

Builder:  Saga Yachts (Canada)

Year First Built:  1996

Number Built:  55

Published Design Ratios for the Saga 43

Sail Area/Displacement Rati o:  20.9

Ballast/Displacement Ratio:  39.3

Displacement/Length Ratio:  150

Comfort Ratio:  27.9

Capsize Screening Formula:   1.8

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Saga 43

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 20.9 suggests that, in the right hands, the Saga 43 will have enough performance to leave most other sailboats of similar waterline length well astern. 

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 39.3 would usually mean that the Saga 43 would have a tendency to heel excessively in a gust, and need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze.

However, as she carries much of her ballast concentrated in a bulb at the foot of the keel, she's likely to be considerably stiffer than her published Ballast/Displacement Ratio might suggest.

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 150, tells us the Saga 43 is clearly a light displacement sailboat. If she's loaded with too much heavy cruising gear her performance will suffer to a degree.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 27.9 suggests that crew comfort of a Saga 43 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a coastal cruiser with moderate stability, which is not encouraging news for anyone prone to seasickness. 

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.8 tells us that a Saga 43 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Saga 43 Sailboat: A Fast and Efficient Cruiser

If you are looking for a performance cruiser that can handle bluewater sailing, you might want to check out the Saga 43 sailing boat. This is a boat that was designed by Robert Perry, one of the most respected naval architects in the industry, with a specific purpose: to combine speed, comfort and function in a sleek package. The Saga 43 yacht has a lot of features that make it stand out from other cruisers in its class. Here are some of the main aspects of this boat:

Overview The Saga 43 is a 43-foot masthead sloop that was first launched in 1996 by Saga Marine, a Canadian company founded by Allan Poole, a former manager of CS Yachts and Tartan Yachts. The boat was designed to appeal to owners who value performance and efficiency, as well as spaciousness and quality. The boat has a fine entry, with beam carried well forward, giving it a long waterline that increases speed and interior volume. The boat also has a low-profile cabin trunk, a large cockpit, and a wide transom with an integrated swim platform. The boat is steered by a single wheel mounted on a pedestal.

The Saga 43 is powered by a Yanmar diesel engine that delivers 56 hp. The engine is located under the companionway stairs and can be accessed from three sides. The boat has a fuel capacity of 60 gallons and a water capacity of 100 gallons. The boat also has two holding tanks, one for each head.

Accommodation The Saga 43 has a spacious and bright interior that can accommodate up to six people in comfort. The interior is finished in cherry wood and has plenty of storage space and ventilation. The layout consists of two cabins, two heads, a saloon, a galley, and a navigation station.

The forward cabin has a large V-berth with an insert that can be removed to create more space. There are shelves and lockers on both sides of the berth, as well as an overhead hatch and two opening ports. The forward cabin also has an ensuite head with a marine toilet, a sink, and a shower.

The aft cabin has an athwartships double berth that can be accessed from both sides. There are drawers and lockers under the berth, as well as shelves and cabinets on both sides. There is also an overhead hatch and two opening ports for light and air. The aft cabin shares the aft head with the saloon. The aft head has a marine toilet, a sink, and a separate shower stall.

The saloon has an L-shaped settee to port that can be converted into a double berth. There is also a drop-leaf table that can seat up to six people. To starboard, there is another settee that can be used as a single berth. There are cabinets and shelves above the settees, as well as opening ports and hatches.

The galley is located to port of the companionway. It has an L-shaped counter with a double stainless steel sink, a three-burner propane stove with oven, and a top-loading refrigerator/freezer. There is also ample storage space in drawers, cabinets, and lockers.

The navigation station is located to starboard of the companionway. It has a large chart table with an adjustable seat, an electrical panel, and space for instruments and radios.

Hull and Deck The hull of the Saga 43 is made of hand-laid fiberglass with vinylester resin and balsa core. The hull is reinforced with longitudinal stringers and transverse frames. The deck is also made of fiberglass with balsa core and is bonded to the hull with epoxy adhesive and stainless steel bolts. The deck has molded-in nonskid surfaces for safety.

The deck layout of the Saga 43 is designed for easy sailing and comfortable living. The cockpit is large enough for six people to sit comfortably or lounge around. It has two long seats with cushions and backrests, as well as a folding table that can be stored under the helm seat. The cockpit also has a dodger and a bimini that provide shade and protection from the elements. There are two large lockers under the seats that can store sails, lines, fenders, and other gear. There is also a propane locker and a liferaft locker in the transom.

The helm station has a pedestal with a stainless steel wheel, a compass, and engine controls. There are also instruments and displays for speed, depth, wind, autopilot, and GPS. The cockpit has a traveler for the mainsheet and two winches for the jib sheets. There are also two more winches on the cabin top for the halyards and reefing lines. All the lines are led aft to the cockpit through rope clutches for convenience.

The deck has wide side decks that allow easy access to the bow and stern. The bow has a double anchor roller, an electric windlass, and a chain locker. There is also a bow pulpit with two seats and a stainless steel rail. The stern has a sugar scoop transom with a swim ladder and a shower. There is also a stern pulpit with a stainless steel rail and davits for a dinghy.

Mast and Rigging The mast and rigging of the Saga 43 are designed to provide optimal performance and ease of use.The mast is made of aluminum and is deck-stepped on a compression post. The boom is also made of aluminum and has an outhaul, a vang, and a preventer. 

Keel and Rudder The keel and rudder of the Saga 43 are designed to provide stability, maneuverability, and performance. The keel is a fin keel with a bulb that lowers the center of gravity and reduces drag. The keel is made of cast iron with lead ballast. The keel is bolted to the hull with stainless steel bolts that are accessible from inside the boat.

The balanced rudder provides good steering response and control. The rudder is made of fiberglass with foam core and stainless steel stock. The rudder stock passes through a self-aligning bearing at the hull bottom and another bearing at the cockpit sole. The rudder has an emergency tiller that can be accessed from the cockpit.

Conclusion The Saga 43 sailboat is a boat that offers a lot of advantages for recreational sailors who want to cruise fast and comfortably. It has a sleek design, a spacious interior, a large cockpit, and a simple but efficient rig.

The above text was drafted by sailboat-cruising.com using GPT-4 (OpenAI’s large-scale language-generation model) as a research assistant to develop source material; we believe it to be accurate to the best of our knowledge.

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Bruckmann will build Saga Yachts

• By Bill Springer
• Updated: September 20, 2010

The Saga 409 will now be built by Bruckmann Yachts.

J.J. Taylor & Sons Ltd., owner of the SAGA brand and Bruckmann Yachts, have entered into a strategic alliance to have the SAGA line of ocean cruising sailboats built by Bruckmann at their yard in Mississauga Ontario.

The SAGA line consists of the Bob Perry designed 35, 43 and 48 and the Tony Castro designed 409. SAGA will offer the line on a semi-custom build-to-order basis to join the nearly 100 Saga vessels currently doing service around the globe.

Perry says: “Bruckmann is a near legendary yard and these designs are near and dear to me. I am very happy to hear that SAGA will be working with Mark Bruckmann to continue the legacy of these break-through sailboats.”

The Bruckmann family has been building sail and motor yachts for over 40 years. Mark Bruckmann says: “The SAGA designs are proven blue water performers that will compliment our existing offerings from designers Mark Ellis and Doug Zurn. We look forward to carrying forward our traditions of quality in building SAGA Yachts.”

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11 of the best Northern Lights cruises, from Iceland to Canada

R ibbons of brilliance, dazzling displays and ethereal stargazing – the Northern Lights are a lifetime highlight for those lucky enough to witness the intriguing spectacle.

Famously, orchestrating a glimpse of the elusive celestial ballet requires that a lot of factors fall into place. Clear viewing conditions, a great vantage point and a lot of patience are a must to watch the lights dance at their most visible between September and March.

To maximise your chances of a rare Northern Lights sighting, you’ll need to head for locations with the latitude to host nature’s best performance, and chances of a successful sighting soar on the remote Arctic Ocean .

Forget shivering on city-side snowscapes you were ferried to by coach, and instead float far from light pollution, gliding past giant ice cubes on luxury vessels beneath the dramatic backdrop of the aurora borealis.

With cruises bound for Norway , Iceland , Canada and Greenland chasing the cosmic whisps of purple and green, here’s our guide to the sailings primed for illuminated skies.

Read more on cruises :

• The best winter cruise holidays for winter sun, city breaks and the Northern Lights
• Best Caribbean cruises for a holiday on the water
• The best river cruises in Europe, from the Douro to the Danube

Best for: Aurora guarantee

The north cape line, hurtigruten.

Departs: Oslo, Norway

Arrives: Bergen, Norway

Hunting the aurora borealis with  Hurtigruten  entails a journey from capital  Oslo  to North Cape on the Arctic Norwegian coast, in the hopes of watching the ultimate light performance. Think frost-tipped mountains, icy fjords and some serious snow with stops at Tromsø, aurora hotspot Alta, and Honningsvåg, Norway’s northernmost city, along the way.

A voyage on the 14-day The North Cape Line costs from £1,851 pp, with multi-course dining, flights, port transfers and on-board activities – such as photography workshops – on MS Trollfjord included in the price. The cherry on top of the cake? Hurtigruten promises an additional six- or seven-day Norway voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights don’t put on a show during your original cruise of 11 nights or more.

Departures from 9 December 2024

Best for: Illuminating science

Greenland and iceland, celebrity cruises.

Departs:  Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives:  Boston, Massachusetts

For a surreal sea voyage across the Northern Hemisphere’s wild terrain,  Celebrity Cruises  provides a slice of volcanic Iceland with six ports, including Greenland and Nova Scotia . At Reykjavik’s Northern Lights Center, you’ll also learn the science behind the spectacle and its cultural significance on a cruise that could yield a sighting of the unpredictable aurora.

Spend 12 nights onboard the decadent Celebrity Eclipse from $1,423pp (£1,115). Cruise in style on the ship complete with a European shopping piazza, yoga studio and a martini bar that boasts a whole portfolio of vodkas.

Departing 16 August 2024

Best for: Cruising and perusing

Iceland and greenland cruise, royal caribbean.

Departs: Southampton, UK

Arrives: Boston, USA

To peruse eight port cities during a round trip of the Arctic Circle’s Norweigan aurora belt, Royal Caribbean’s 15-night Iceland and Greeland cruise to Reykjavik, Qaqortoq and Nuuk provides the ideal glide through remote dark skies.

It’s £1,640pp for an interior cabin including daring dining from sushi rolls to plates of steak and glasses of fine wine. Entertainment-wise, musical performances, rock climbing walls and mini golf fill days anticipating nature’s displays after dark.

Departing 30 August 2024

Best for: Sustainable sailing

Norway round voyage, havila voyages.

Departs: Bergen, Norway

This coastal express cruise by Havila Voyages visits 34 Norweigan ports across 12 days including travel wish-list staples such as the Lofoten archipelago and the sensational North Cape landscape. There are few places better to watch the lights dance.

Lucky travellers will be able to watch the sky illuminate in secondary colours through the glass ceiling of the ship’s observation lounge as they sail sustainably by battery for up to four hours of silence – a Northern Lights promise also applies to this magical £2,347 pp voyage from Bergen to Kirkenes. If spectacular green light does not dance across the night sky during your trip, you get a new six or seven-day voyage

Departing 3 October 2024

Best for: Exhaustive expeditions

Greenland, canadian arctic and atlantic, seabourn.

Departs: Reykjavik, Iceland

Arrives: Bridgetown, Barbados

Onboard  Seabourn’s  Venture ship, this 25-day journey starts with the Northern Lights and then ends up with the heat of Puerto Rico and Barbados. There’s a constellation lounge with floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which offer views of penguins and killer whales by day and the light’s wonders by night when the boat sails past Kangerlussuaq, Jakobshavn and Uummannaq in Greenland.

The cruise costs from £15,698 for a veranda suite; not cheap, but not many cruises combine the glacier-carved Canadian Arctic with the warm waters of the British Virgin Islands, Martinique and Barbados

Departing 12 September 2025

Best for: Intimate adventures

East greenland explorer fly & cruise, secret atlas.

Arrives: Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

To explore Greenland’s breathtaking Scoresby Sund fjord, the colossal ice columns of Viking Bay and the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, Secret Atlas has an impressive  East Greenland cruise . Groups of just 12 intrepid travellers can board MV Vikingfjord to reach Greenland’s mammoth fjord, from €9,900 (£8,579) for eight days of lectures, zodiac shore landings with polar bear protection guides, and full-board dining.

An on-deck sauna, comfortable cabins and an open-plan observation lounge primed for photographing the Northern Lights complete the intimate adventure. Float to the northern wilderness in September when there is little light pollution to get the best chance of being mesmerised by the vivid aurora.

Departing 4 September 2024

Best for: Starting and ending in the UK

P&o cruises norway 12-night voyage, aurora.

Arrives: Southampton UK

If you want to start and end your holiday in the UK, P&O Cruises can take you to magical places like the Arctic beauty of Tromsø to the dramatic landscapes of Stavanger without the need to get on a plane. The 12-night Norway Cruise is exclusively for adults and there’s plenty to keep travellers busy while they’re waiting for the lights to show, including three swimming pools, a sports court and gym, all for £1,099 pp.

The boat stops in several ports in the northern area of Norway, including Tromsø and Alta, offering the best chance to witness Mother Nature’s very own mystical light show. In Alta, a Northern Lights expert will board the ship and talk to passengers about how to best photograph the Northern Lights as they wait for them to dance in the sky.

Departing 9 December 2024

Best for: Over 50s

Saga norway and the northern lights, spirit of discovery.

Departs : Portsmouth, UK

Arrives: Portsmouth, UK

This 16-night cruise around Norway and the Arctic Circle stops for a night in Tromsø in the Aurora Belt, to maximise the chances of seeing the Northern Lights. Excursions are included when the boat stops in Tromsø , Alta, Honningsvåg and Bergen so you can see picturesuqe villages, the globe monument of the North Cape and scenic railways up the majestic mountains.

The £5,975pp cost includes all meals and planned excursions. The main lounge has a glass ceiling, so you can relax in comfort with a drink, and admire the spectacular panoramic views.

Departing 24 February 2025

Best for: Affordable luxury

Cunard norway and the northern lights, queen mary 2.

Departs: New York, USA

Arrives: New York, USA

If the idea of a city break to New York before you leave civilisation for the middle of the Arctic Circle floats your boat, then Cunard offers a 26-night cruise that starts and ends in New York City. With prices from £2,599pp on the Queen Mary 2 , it works out as excellent value per night. And with a two-night stop in Tromsø, you can enjoy Scandinavian nightlife and tour distilleries while you’re waiting for the lights.

On the cruise, each evening brings theatre, food and music to keep you busy while you’re sailing towards the glacier views. See a stage show, watch a live band or dance into the early hours.

Departing 31 October 2025

Best for: Animal lovers

Fred olsen cruise lines in search of the northern lights, balmoral.

Departs: Newcastle, UK

Arrives: Newcatle, UK

With 710 cabins accomodating up to 1,325 guests, the Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. There is plenty of open-deck space so that everyone can go outside when the Northern Lights make an appearance during the 10-night Northern Lights cruise . If you want to admire them from your cabin, ocean view rooms start at £1,499 pp.

When the cruise crosses into the Arctic Circle, guests are invited onto deck to celebrate. This could be with a ceremonial ritual, such as a ‘baptism’ where ice-cold water is poured down your back. As well as potentially seeing the Northern Lights, you may encounter whales who visit the seas around Tromsø in winter in search of food and breeding grounds. You can also do husky dog excursions or reindeer sledding during certain stops.

Departing 10 October 2024

Best for: On-board entertainment

Ambassador cruise line norway’s land of the northern lights, ambition.

Arrives: Newcastle UK

This 14-night cruise takes in three different countries and has 10 ports of call, giving you a lot of time to immerse yourself in Norwegian culture in places like Alta, Tromsø and Trondheim. But while you’re sailing, there’s some top class entertainment to enjoy each night on board the Ambition , with special appearances from comedians Rudi West and K-Lo. During the day, ocean conservationists will on the deck, showcasing the incredible diversity of wildlife that can be spotted from the deck, helping everyone learn more about the marine environment around them from whales and dolphins to porpoises.

Ocean view cabins start at £1,616 per person, which includes full-board, a captain’s gala dinner and a Baked Alaska parade, where the desert comes to the table on fire.

Departing 7 November 2024

Read more on the best cruises for 2024

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Maps show Tropical Storm Ernesto's path and forecast as it moves away from Bermuda

By Emily Mae Czachor , Kerry Breen

Updated on: August 17, 2024 / 11:21 PM EDT / CBS News

Tropical Storm Ernesto  was moving away from Bermuda Saturday after making landfall on the island as a Category 1 hurricane. 

The British territory remained under a tropical storm warning Saturday evening after getting hit with heavy rains and powerful winds, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center reported in its latest advisory. 

As of 11 p.m. EDT, Ernesto was centered about 140 miles northeast of Bermuda and was inching north-northeast at 6 miles per hour, with maximum sustained winds of 70 mph, the NHC said, a significant weakening from the 100 mph it reached Friday when it was at Category 2 hurricane status. Forecasters said Ernesto could regain hurricane strength Sunday, but would likely weaken before passing near southeastern Newfoundland late Monday.

Swells fueled by Ernesto were forecast to cause "life-threatening surf and rip current conditions" on the East Coast of the U.S. and Atlantic Canada over the next couple of days, the hurricane center said. 

Ernesto had strengthened from a tropical storm into a hurricane Wednesday morning while moving north of Puerto Rico, as forecasters had predicted. The hurricane center upgraded Ernesto once its maximum sustained winds reached 75 mph.

Ernesto knocked out power to about 72% of customers in Bermuda Saturday, according to utility provider Belco. The island was expected to see rain totals of up to 9 inches. Although the storm was moving away from Bermuda, tropical storm conditions were expected to persist for the island into late Saturday night, the hurricane center said. 

Before making landfall in Bermuda, Ernesto brought heavy flooding to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands earlier in the week while gaining strength as it went through the Caribbean. Torrential downpours blanketed parts of Puerto Rico for much of Wednesday, dumping nearly 10 inches of rain, swelling rivers and flooding roads.

In the process, Ernesto knocked out power to about 750,000 homes and businesses in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's electricity provider, LUMA Energy, said  about 101,000 customers still didn't have power as of Saturday night, a significant drop from when service outages peaked on Wednesday afternoon, the provider  said .

According to the utility tracker PowerOutage.us, just over 3,400 customers in the U.S. Virgin Islands had no electricity Saturday night, down from a peak of about 46,000 on Wednesday.

Ernesto became the fifth named storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season when it formed Monday on a fast-moving path to the Caribbean. The storm came on the heels of Hurricane Debby , which lashed parts of the southeastern United States last week with disastrous flooding and severe weather that ultimately touched much of the East Coast. Ernesto isn't expected to strike the U.S. mainland, the hurricane center said.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story reported 975,000 customers had lost power in Puerto Rico, but that was the number of customers who still had power, according to Puerto Rico's electricity provider.

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Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She covers breaking news, often focusing on crime and extreme weather. Emily Mae has previously written for outlets including the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek.

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Canadian among 6 people missing as yacht sinks off Sicilian coast, Italian Coast Guard says

Boat left sicilian port of milazzo on aug. 14 and was last tracked sunday evening near palermo.

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One man died and six people were missing after a luxury yacht was struck by an unexpectedly violent storm and sank off the Sicilian capital Palermo, the Italian Coast Guard said on Monday.

The 56-metre-long sailboat, which was British registered, sank with 22 people on board shortly before sunrise, the coast guard said in a statement.

The missing people were of British, American and Canadian nationality, the coast guard said.

"The wind was very strong. Bad weather was expected, but not of this magnitude," a coast guard official in Palermo told Reuters.

Eight of the 15 people rescued, including a one-year-old child, were transferred to local hospitals. All were in a stable condition, local media reported.

The captain of a nearby boat told Reuters that when the storm hit he turned the engine on to keep control of the vessel and avoid a collision with the Bayesian.

"We managed to keep the ship in position, and after the storm was over we noticed that the ship behind us was gone," Karsten Borner told journalists.

He said that his crew then found some of the survivors on a life raft, including three who were seriously injured, and took them on board before the coast guard picked them up.

Borner said "a little baby and the wife of the owner" were among the survivors, while the owner of the sunken ship and another child were among those missing.

The coast guard said the boat had been found at a depth of 49 metres and that divers were inspecting the wreck.

Prosecutors in the nearby town of Termini Imerese have opened an investigation to look into what had gone wrong.

Heavy rains in recent days

The coast guard named the yacht as the Bayesian, built by Italian shipbuilder Perini in 2008.

The luxury ship has an aluminum hull and can carry 12 guests and a crew of up to 10, according to online specialist yacht sites.

The boat left the Sicilian port of Milazzo on Aug. 14 and was last tracked east of Palermo on Sunday evening, with a navigation status of "at anchor," according to vessel tracking app Vesselfinder.

A U.K. foreign ministry spokesperson said British officials were in contact with local authorities over the incident and were ready to provide consular support for Britons who were affected.

Storms and heavy rainfall have swept down Italy in recent days — with floods and landslides causing major damage in the north of the country — after weeks of scorching heat.

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