Views of Drifter: Note the underwater photo showing double rudders and double sail drives. |
Courtesy Fontaine Design Group |
Jimmy Buffett has a new yacht that’s designed to perform equally well, whether you’re sailing between ports or motoring to that one particular harbor.
The 48-foot Drifter is the first hull built to Ted Fontaine’s Surfari 50 design. Pacific Seacraft of Washington, N.C., built the vessel. The design emerged from feedback Fontaine received while marketing Friendship 40 and 53 designs.
In promotional materials, the Portsmouth, R.I.-based Fontaine Design Group describes the vessel as a “modern performance sailing yacht with as strong an emphasis on speed under sail as speed under power.” It also touts the single-level cockpit-living area that’s relatively unique in the industry.
Notable features include twin 80-hp Yanmar JH85 engines capable of making 10 knots, carbon fiber mast, carbon fiber construction materials and push-button sailing system for simpler handling and performance.
“The combination of exceptional sailing and motoring speed, when matched with the single level living, creates the ‘get there fast, have fun and get home fast’ lifestyle that most families’ shrinking leisure time allows,” according to Fontaine Designs.
With its sharp lines and teal hull, Drifter cuts an impressive figure on the water. Not bad for the son of a son of a sailor. The sale price has not been disclosed.