| The Sadler 29 is part of British yachting
history. Since 1981 over 380 have been launched and this evergreen design has firmly
established itself as one of the all-time favourites of her size. Though conceived as a fast cruising yacht, like all Sadlers the 29 has a surprising turn of speed. However, she sacrifices none of her good manners, or easy handling qualities to achieve this. |
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Like her smaller sister, the 29 has a deep, well protected cockpit and a rig which is exceptionally easy to manage for short-handed crews
Again, she has a full length skeg in front of the large, transom-hung rudder to ensure superb directional stability and a beautifully light helm. Her moderate beam, fine bow, distinctive sheer and sensible displacement give her a remarkably comfortable and dry ride and superlative handling qualities in heavier conditions. Sadler have not forgotten that a boat has to be able to handle the sort of weather in which her crew would not necessarily choose to go sailing.
Creature comforts have not been overlooked on the Sadler 29, which below decks offers six full sized berths, plenty of headroom, a fixed forward-facing chart table, well designed galley and spacious heads/shower compartment. The layout follows the tried and tested theme, which most yachtsmen believe has yet to be improved upon for a boat of this size.
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The galley by the companionway steps allows efficient operation in a seaway. |
Whilst the aft quarter berth imposes no restriction on the depth of the cockpit and allows for plenty of cockpit locker space on the opposite side.
The spacious saloon has a generous sized, fixed table with a dinette to port converting to a comfortable double berth. Importantly, for a yacht, which is designed not just to be day sailed, the saloon settees also make good sea berths.
Here is what one West Country Sailing School had to say about their 1983 built Sadler 29 after 60,000 miles:-
"We use her for instruction in our sailing school, and she has proved superb for the job …. She is fast for her size, which makes it easier to practice sailing alongside with confidence. Manoeuvrability is excellent too. We think she is exceptionally roomy for her size, and her layout is admirably suited to a cruising life both at sea and in harbour. By force 8 or more, we have three slabs in the main plus the storm jib if we are beating. We have quite a lot of experience in these conditions. Downwind in heavy weather, she handles with a precision that continues to delight us. Even surfing at upwards of 12 knots, she remains fully controllable."
Praise indeed from people who give their boat harder use in tougher conditions than most owners ever will.
The Sadler 29 was the oldest design to take part in Yachting World’s Mini Rally in April 1988. She was liked for her classical appearance, tough build and obvious cruising ability. Once again, the judges had only praise for her handling characteristics under sail.
The Sadler 29 has always been a sailor’s boat. There is a "go anywhere" look about her outboard profile with its relatively high bow, strongly raked stem and bold sheer. The coachroof, too, is bold and the designer has been economical with window area – no bad thing if the sailing becomes too exciting. On the latest boats however, a third middle window was added to let more light into the saloon.
Sensibly, the rudder is transom-hung and fully skegged. This latter feature offers protection to the rudder blade, improves tracking and helps to lessen steering loads on the tiller because the fixed skeg is essentially the leading section of the steering control surface. It also allows the cockpit to remain useful right to the after end. The cockpit itself is deep and well-protected and the coamings are angled comfortably.
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Yachting World Quotes
"An absolutely delightful boat to sail . . . very light on the helm."
"This boat, even in the light conditions we sailed her in, was responsive and a really beautiful boat to sail."
"She exactly achieves the aims of being an all round cruising yacht, but still has some pretensions towards racing."
Quote from a Sadler 29 owner
"We have been very happy with our 29 and have never wished we had chosen differently. The layout both above and below decks obviously owes a lot to experience. There is remarkably little we should want to change!"