Justin C wrote:
....
But, give me a Nonsuch 26 and no ties ...

I'm not keen on those rigs. I've never sailed on, but they just don't
look right to me.

I have to admit the wishbone looks weird, and sometimes the boat can
feel odd with the weight and windage aloft. But the ability to
singlehand in tight quarters with little effort makes it worthwhile. I
did much more sailing in my Monsuch 30 than I do now in the bigger
catamaran, because I use to raise sail 100 feet from the slip and tack
out of the harbor. The 30 felt small once the sail was up, but the
weight of the sail (for raising) and the boat (for docking), not to
mention the windage makes it a tad too big for one person. That's why I
tend to think of a Nonsuch 26 (or even the 22) for when my horizons are
not quite as far. (And yes, I know its hard to heave to in a Nonsuch,
but double reefed they can handle any wind I'd care to be out in.)


Given the budget I'd leave the Folkboat and be on a
Francis 26 - that Chuck Paine can certainly design sweet looking boats.

A lovely boat for sure, but rather pricy for what you get! Most don't
even have standing headroom, I think. I'd rather have one on the
mooring next to mine, so I could admire it from a short distance.