tophatyachts.com

Some of you may remember Kathy, she came out to a regatta about 18 months ago, interested in buying a Top Hat, but was worried about the creature comforts.

She sent me a message just before Easter to tell me she had bought a Northshore 27 and was coming to Pittwater, specifically Careel Bay, to have the annual scrub.

We met up with her, and her husband Shawn for a cuppa and the Northshore was a lovely boat. Very well laid out and spacious for the length. A few foibles, like very weak stanchion points on the deck, which are apparently an inherent fault with Northshores, but in all a great boat. It had a roller reefing boom for the main, self furling genoa and an electric windlass. The best part of the boat IMO was the dunny.... big enough for a shower, and one of the main reasons she bought it.

They seem very happy and asked me to pass on her best to those she's met.

I had a mate who had a North shore 27 for a few years. He found it quite tender and a bit light, particularly in a seaway. He now has an Endeavour 26 and swears it is a more confident sea boat than the North Shore. I always liked the look of the North shores, particularly the 33.

Great to hear Kathy has kept her sailing passion. I remember her saying her husband was the one she had to convince about going to a larger boat. Looks like she succeeded.