Over 40 feet is where a designer can have some real fun. The cubic footage you're working with allows you to let all the creative juices flow. It's no longer a case of "It's gotta go here because that's where it fits." In short, it gives me all kinds of choices.

The new 424 is a beautiful example of what I'm talking about. First of all, the overall length has allowed me to offer two companionways below. One leads directly from the cockpit into the owners' cabin and navigation center. The second, amidships, leads into the main salon.

Then there's the matter of the forward stateroom. Normally, in a tri-cabin boat, that's where your friends sleep. And I've got some nice friends. So why not make that end a appealing as the owner's stateroom aft, including a place to wash up? We succeeded with this boat.

The middle is where most of the after sundown action is. It not only housed the food and drink but more often than not, it turns into the equivalent of a cozy den where everybody sort of sits around with their feet up chewing the fat about everything from the day's sail to next year's ski trip. So it makes sense to combine the efficiencies required in a shipboard galley with the homey comfort of a country kitchen. You know, the sort of place that encourages elegant cuisine, conversation and catnaps.

Finally, I've raced a lot in my day and that old competitive spirit keeps rearing up. Even in a cruising boat, who wants to be looking for the channel when your friends have got the hook and ice bucket ready to go simultaneously. So the 424 is deceptively quick. I see the 424 as the boat for the real sailor who not only knows what he wants, but is aware that oftentimes your competence is judged not only by the way you sail, but what you sail.

 Sincerely,

William H. Shaw
 

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