PAGE 6 • AUTUMN 2006 THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SAILING ASSOCIATION
FEATURED SAILBOAT • SP CRUISER
By Bob Johnson, N.A.
T
he design for the new Sail Power Cruiser
is a response to my lifelong interest in the
motorsailer type combined with the
realization that an increasing number of cruising
sailors would like to have trawler-like comforts
and motoring qualities while retaining the ability
to make passages under sail with simplified,
easy-to-control systems. The new SP Cruiser
delivers all this and more.
The 41.1-foot SP Cruiser is unique in many
ways from the numerous motorsailor designs
created since the 1920s. It features two
cockpits (one aft, with a transom door to a large
stern platform - similar to many trawlers), plus
one forward (similar to many mid-cockpit
sailboats), a large, enclosed helm station at the
Island Packet’s SP Cruiser provides sailors with the comforts of a trawler
forward end of the deck house (with a large and the savings of a sailboat, all while maintaining traditional quality.
overhead hatch and opening central window
adjoining the forward cockpit), a simplified roller furling
sloop rig (with sail controls leading to the aft cockpit), a
On the Web
second (optional) roller furling headsail forward of the
For more on the SP Cruiser, go to www.ipy.com.
jib (allowing for use of a large reaching sail), and
remarkable accommodations for a yacht of this size. As
is now increasingly popular in the world of cruising
tending jib and a sail control console in the aft cockpit
trawlers, the single helm station may be supplemented
leading all sheet, furler, and outhaul lines to a single
with an auto pilot, providing the ability to steer the boat
electric winch, sailing the SP has been made easier than
from virtually any location with a wireless handheld
ever before. This rig also allows the addition of an
control.
optional second roller furling headsail for reaching in
light to moderate air with the working jib furled. While
One key difference in the SP Cruiser from our
it’s too early to describe in detail, we are also
previous Island Packet designs is a new hull form,
planning to offer optional self-stowing electric sheet
providing increased hull speed and virtually
controls that can be operated from the helm
level running under power, even at full throttle.
position. These have been used on large sailing
While the signature Island Packet Full Foil
craft for some time, but none have been
Keel has been retained for its many
developed for more “popular sized” yachts. We
attributes (shoal draft, low ballast center of
plan to make this available within the year,
gravity, protected prop and rudder,
after thorough development and evaluation is
integral structural attachment, superb
completed, with the ability to retrofit these
seakeeping, double bottom protection,
winches into any SP built prior to their
etc.), the SP’s broader stern sections,
introduction. I believe that these electric,
with a flatter run and less deadrise
self-stowing sheeting systems will have a
(vee), provide improvements under
big future in cruising yachts.
power. The large fuel tank allows
extended range under power with
Exterior and interior trim materials
very economical fuel
have evolved as well on the new SP.
consumption. Of course, one
In response to many owner
can also augment powering
comments, exterior teak is now
performance with the sails,
used only on several small step
increasing speed and/or reducing fuel usage.
surfaces. The molded deck cap rail with a black vinyl
and stainless steel rubrail replaces our usual teak detail.
The SP Cruiser’s sloop rig is also a departure from our
usual Island Packet Hoyt Boom® cutter rig. With a self- continued on page 16
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