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THE NEW ISLAND PACKET SP CRUISER
(January 30, 2006)

For years we’ve all been aware that a growing number of Island Packet owners – and cruising sailors in general – are looking at trawlers and similar yachts for the three-season boating comfort and enhanced livability and motoring performance they offer. However, if you want all these features and to continue cruising under sail as well the choices are few and can be very expensive. Of course, if you no longer care about sailing and just want to transition to a trawler, you certainly have your pick. Island Packet has been thinking and working on a design for this emerging market sector for a number of years now, and we’re pleased to announce that tooling is finally underway for the first Island Packet model to focus on this growing market segment…the all new Island Packet SP Cruiser!
We think you will agree that the SP Cruiser is a very attractive deckhouse design with unique dual cockpits and self-tending, roller furling sloop rig. The hull shape incorporates broad stern sections with a relatively flat run aft, allowing higher motoring speeds while retaining good sailing characteristics. A Full Foil Keel is incorporated as well for all its well-proven benefits of moderate draft, exceptional stability, rugged double-bottom structure, protected prop and rudder, and great sea keeping qualities. Two engine choices are being considered with Island Packet working closely with Yanmar on this issue.

Island Packet has already made a mock-up of the full interior and we can enthusiastically say the accommodations are incredible! Below deck are two staterooms – including an island berth forward and twin berths aft – a head compartment with dedicated stall shower and access from either the forward stateroom or nav/desk/office area aft, a large galley with center sink island, and room for a dealer/owner installation of a washer/dryer or an under counter refrigerator or wine cooler.

The raised deckhouse has a central helm at its forward end with a commanding view in all directions through the large windows. Side and aft windows slide open, and the central forward window hinges upwards to include the helmsperson in the forward cockpit social activities. The doublewide helm seat has a high/low position and movable backrest that allows it to also become a forward seat at the dining table or part of a convertible double berth with the table lowered. The aft cockpit has a transom gate and built-in seats at each corner, which also serve as steps to the side decks. A hand-held remote autopilot control (dealer/owner provided) will allow steering from either cockpit. An optional stern platform includes a swim ladder.

The standard sloop rig has an in mast furling system and roller-furling jib. The combination outhaul/jib sheet leads through a traveler-mounted block on deck making it self-tending when tacking. Note that while the sail-plan is sufficiently large to provide nice sailing qualities, there is also provision for optional headsails (like the new Code “0”) to be mounted forward of the jib for improved light air or off-wind performance. Sail control lines lead (below decks) to the aft cockpit where a multi-clutch organizer and single winch (with optional electrical upgrade) are mounted on a control console. Island Packet’s engineering crew is also working with some of our vendors to crate a (optional) fully automatic “push-button” sail control system (outhaul, furl and sheet) much like a scaled-down mega-yacht system. It is still too early to provide details or a timetable, however we feel this has a big future in sailing and are very excited about the project.

While the fundamental build quality will be “all Island Packet”, the factory is evaluating alternative interior finishes, materials, and equipment to deliver the best possible value. All in all, we believe we will have a GREAT new boat that will deliver a combination of quality, features, benefits, and value that should dominate this emerging (and potentially large) market segment.

To recap:
· SP Cruiser Preliminary Dimensions/Specs:
LOA: 41’ (incl. bowsprit and (opt) swim platform; 39’ w/o swim platform)
Beam: 12’9”
Draft: 3’8”
Displacement: 21,000 lbs. (approx. @ half load)
Fuel: 230 gallons
Water: 150 gallons
Holding Tank: 55 gallons
Power: TBD
Mast above DWL: 55’
SA/D: 15 (100% fore triangle)
D/L: 286 (half load)
· Deckhouse and enclosed helm; settee/dinette convertible to double berth
· Forward and aft cockpits, transom gate
· Forward stateroom with island berth, two hanging lockers, bureaus
· Head with separate shower
· Nav/Office/Desk area
· Aft cabin with twin beds, enclosable with fabric pocket door
· Large galley with live-aboard features, room for washer/dryer or under counter refrigeration/wine cooler
· Fully roller furling self tending sloop rig with aft cockpit controls

As mentioned earlier, even as easy as we have made the SP Cruiser to sail (especially with the automated control system in the future), there will be those of you who are ready to move into a powerboat. For you, a rig “delete and credit” of the spars, sails, and line and sail handling equipment will be available, providing you with a very livable “trawler” with ten foot bridge clearance.

During the development of this exciting new project, Island Packet is allowing you to make a fully refundable “Pre-Announcement” deposit of $10,000 to hold one of the first pre-production priced yachts. As we obtain performance details and complete specification and pricing in February 2006 and we’ll request another $20,000 fully refundable deposit to secure a production slot and guarantee the special introductory price (if you choose to wait at that time, we can either refund the $10,000 or move you to a “non-intro” price status). Depending on how many initial $10,000 deposits come in, Island Packet may have to end the specially priced units before the formal February 2006 announcement. The plan is to begin shipments no later than June 2006 as 2007 models.

Please let one of us know if you have any questions. We look forward to working with you on this exciting concept.

Best regards,

Ed Kurowski, President
Jack Heffner, Vice President

P.S. Gratitude has taken 4 deposits already!