The sailing season has ended and with it, our journey aboard Veloce, our Jeanneau Sun Fast 32i.
We have had 4 fantastic seasons, 3 of which, racing.
When I acquired Veloce, I only intended cruising her during summer. Thus, the choice of a Sun Fast 32i, which ticked a lot of boxes:
- good stability
- deep keel and very solid rig
- fun sailing characteristics
- luminous interiors
- an unusually high deckhead for a 32 footer at 188cm
- huge berths and all commodities of vacation life
Nevertheless, after the first season, I could not hold in check the need for speed and racing.
With the challenge of a few friends insisting that the boat was not a racer, I embarked on the journey to optimize Veloce for racing and in fact sailed and raced it…with ever improving results.
Over the following 3 years, the bottom was sorted out with a race finish, blade-like trailing edges and faired keel and rudder. The sail inventory was re-adjusted a few times. Systems on board simplified, weight lost and trimming option increased (here some of the upgrades).
Cruising shrank, while racing grew.
We realised that Veloce was not really used for vacation for more than a few days a year any longer. Neither myself nor the autopilot (which could not cope with the vibrations) appreciated motoring and none of the comfort systems aboard were really ever exploited (except berths). Nonetheless engine, plumbing, heads, heater, sofas, stoves, oven, fridge, sink, furniture, all needed regular maintenance and repairs, wanting most of the time and a big chunk of the budget.
With some sadness I decided to let go of her. Veloce is therefore now moving on to her next journey and so are we. Yeah, I know, cheesy. But boats have always an aura and personality, don’t they? You take care of them and get used to their moods and needs.
Alright, get a grip! Time to look forward…
The next Veloce will need to tick her own boxes
- highest rate “time sailing / time at the boat”
- sportboat for racing and day sailing. Possibly with the possibility to overnight in camping mode
- manageable enough to race solo or doublehanded and relaxed sailing with family
- light displacement, but safe and solid enough for open waters, max 2 nights at sea
- asymmetric spinnaker
Candidates are under scrutiny.
STAY TUNED