Sabre has just completed the first flybridge version of its 66 Dirigo, and the Maine-built boat is on its way to its new owners in Florida. The company launched the very first 66 (pictured above) more than a year ago and I was fortunate enough to be on the final leg of its delivery, also in Florida. My conclusion: That Downeast beauty is one of my favorite boats, both for its overall cruising performance and comfort, and for its classic good looks, inside and out.
I wrote at the time that the first Dirigo was ready for superlatives, since it was the largest Sabre yet, the most sophisticated Sabre yet, and, to my mind, the best-looking Sabre yet. A three-stateroom, three-head luxury express cruiser, Dirigo was five years in the making. Kevin Burns, Sabre’s VP for design, said the boat was meant to be owner-operated, and it had to be “nautically authentic,” where the lines, hardware, joinerwork, and all the equipment and materials “were thoughtfully incorporated to be a constant reminder of the nautical environment. They all say you are on a real boat on a real ocean.”
When I was on this real boat in the real Atlantic, we relaxed at a rock-solid 27.6 knot cruise, burning 60 gph. And the ride was quiet. I measured just 71 dB(A) at the helm. The boat topped out at 32.5 knots. I have to assume that the new flybridge will be just as impressive.
Specs, for the original: LOA: 67’10”; Beam: 18’1”; Draft: 5’1”; Disp.: 82,500 lbs.; Fuel: 1,000 gals.; Water: 300 gals.; Power: 2×900-hp Volvo D-13 diesels with IPS 3 drives. Base price: $3,150,000.
