In this time of high fuel prices, which will probably only go higher, the concept of a motor sailor is an intriguing one. One of the best responses I have ever heard from a power boat captain to a sail boter occurred down in the French Marquessas. A Nordhavn 57, Bagan, had just arrived in a harbor and was the only power boat there. Immediately Bagan became the party boat of the day. During the party, one of the sail boters asked the Captain of Bagan how he managed to get that big thing down there. His response was classic: "Just like you, I motored!" I guess that makes all of those sail boats motor sailors. Scott is correct when he says we need more alternatives to evaluate. Sometimes it takes risks on the part of a company to provide such alternatives. There have been many motor sailors around, but they have never had much of an impact. PAE, the folks who build Nordhavns, are currently building a new motor sailor design. I have been watching this with interest because of the extensive background this company has in passagemaking boats. Their background actually started in sail boats: the well built Mason line. The design of this motor sailor has already evolved considerably during the conceptual phase. It is now under construction and will be 56'. It is a very thought provoking design from a company with well established credentials. Perhaps this is one of the alternatives that is presently being brought to mainstream cruising. http://nordhavn.com/news/pressrelease/motorsailor.php4 Phil Eslinger Flat Earth N50 Ko Olina, Hi