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At SAGA they think you deserve something new and truly refreshing to cruise into the 21st Century. They've taken advantage of a lack of corporate dogmatism and started from a clean sheet of paper. SAGA started out making waves in the sailing industry and continues to with its latest creation... the new SAGA 48 Deck Saloon.
 An exciting new Robert H. Perry design with an ICW friendly standard rig - or deep keel/tall rig for awesome performance.
Hmm ... you won't find one of those "wedding cake" high-rises here -- the Saga 48 raised salon design remains properly low and sleek and yet still features the very desirable "galley up" design!
Owner's centerline 'king" suite. Captain's office featuring executive swivel chair, dedicated space for PC and flat screen monitor! Plus an inside helm/navigation station with raised love seat.
 Wow, I think I need to find my checkbook. Read on to find out why...
But first, a few words from the President
We wanted the lowdown, so BoatersLIFE caught up with Allen Poole, President of SAGA Yachts, at the Newport boat show and asked a few questions about the company, it's design direction and the new Saga 48 being shown in Annapolis.
Allen started out with a few words on their company's philosophy. I must confess that I had some fear of being swamped with boring corporate tripe. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I liked what I was hearing, and here's why:
Allen: "We specialize in a specific type of boat.. well, first of all I enjoy sailing, I guess I am passionate about sailing. I like the process and I like the sport of sailing. I've raced for many years internationally and I like going fast, ... I like being safe,... and I like an easy sail so I can go with my wife."
"At SAGA, we make single couple boats for people who are going to cruise, that is to fast cruise, ... just the two of them. To that point, we chose a designer, Bob Perry, that is renowned for fast cruising boats."
"Our boats are longer and narrower. Our boats are low maintenance, there is no wood on the outside of the boat so you can spend most of your time sailing. You will find that all SAGAs display stellar sailing characteristics that will please any performance sailor, yet have full luxury accommodations for extended cruising and living aboard."
Rex: As Allen went on, I looked over his shoulder to check out his boats... this didn't seem right to me, ... no wood?
Being a traditionalist, I expected to miss the glowing teak and the varnished brightwork, but looking over the boat I didn't miss it at all. What I saw was just the pure elegance of form and function. SAGA was onto something and I wanted to hear more.
Allen Poole, President |
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The founder and president, Allan Poole is an internationally known sailboat builder.
His initial foray into sailboat building was in the role of founder and CEO of MG Yachts in Great Britain. Allan eventually sold MG Yachts and moved to North America where he worked in upper management posts at several of the most respected boat-building companies in Canada and in the US.
Together, Allan and a team of the finest skilled boat-builders in Canada opened SAGA YACHTS in St. Catharines, Ontario, a well-known boat building center. | |
Consistent with his reputation as a trendsetter and maverick in the industry, Allen is outspoken about what he believes in.
Allen: "Our boats don't have the massive voluminous accommodations of those 'accommodation bags'. If you want that you should buy a cat or a powerboat".
Rex: That comment certainly underscored the sailing focus of the SAGA line and its intended use. But, I didn't interrupt him.
"Passage making speed, excellent ventilation, a high level of detailing, and low maintenance exteriors are our hallmark. One of the differences between our boats and other manufacturer's here at the show is that 90% of our owners are sailing our boats all the time."
I couldn't let that one pass...
Rex: "So, are you are telling me that SAGA can now guarantee the wind?" I was being a wise guy, but he deftly used that to his advantage.
Allen: "Well, that's another thing about our boats, if you must power... they power over 9 knots so you can make 200 mile days. And the big, spade ruder is as far aft as I could put it giving the 48 good tracking characteristics."
 "Arriving is everything. Getting to your destination is what it is all about. Having the first choice in moorings for the evening is better than not finding one at all."
Rex: I was getting this feeling that he's been there before and that SAGA understands. Things were ringing true.
"Our boats are not cheap, in fact they're expensive." Well, there you go. That was it. But, before I said anything, he continued...
Allen: "But, we're built in Canada which provides a much better value,... that means you get a lot more for your money and our fit and finish is very, very good. Our quality is superb."
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