I love my Saga 43 which I have owned since 2001. It's easy to sail
singlehanded, it sails well in light winds, is a sturdy cruising vessel
(I'm a cruiser, not a racer), and is easy to care for. VoltAire is
currently in Rio Dulce, Guatemala being re-powered from an electric
hybrid system back to conventional diesel. I am a single female who
feels comfortable cruising in this boat.
The main negatives were the rudder bearings, which I (and several other
owners have needed to replace) and chronic leaky fixed portlights (no
matter how many times these are rebedded, replaced and resealed, they
eventually leak, and ruin the wood below).
My boat is a shoal draft keel, which could benefit from an additional
shoe to increase the stiffness and dancing at anchor.
Other than that, the SAGA is a great boat.
Ursula Loucks / Sept. 2008
SAGA 43 #32
Swept Away
Hi Terrence,
I am the owner of hull 32 (Swept Away). She is a great sailing boat in light and heavy airs. It responds to tweaking amazingly well.
The interior amenities are well laid out and high quality equipment was used throughout. The boat is exceptionally dry in rough seas. The design is a winner, very few boats in her size range can keep up with her under sail or under power. The boat like anything else is not perfect however minor modifications during the build would address the minor problems.
Best Wishes,
Dan Douenias / Sept. 2008
SAGA 43 #28
Alcid
Don't know if you have heard but Alcid did the Saga name proud and was first to finish in both the St. Augustine to Bermuda race and the Bermuda to the Azores run. We beat an Oyster 62 a Beneteau 48 and a whole lot of 40-45 footers. The new keel is superb and we're going so fast that some of the boats thought we were a catamaran! We hit 13.6 knots surfinga new record for our boat!
Frank & Gail in Horta
SAGA 43 #2
Dreamcatcher
“My Saga 43, Dreamcatcher, is without a doubt the best of the nine sailboats that I have owned, or that have been in my family. She can comfortably do eight plus knots whether under sail or motor. I like the fact that I can single handle her which I frequently do when I want that feeling of sheer joy and peace that comes from being alone at sea with a good boat. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
I love my SAGA! Thank you for making it possible!"
William T. Rich IIII
SAGA 43 #7
Wind Seeker II
“You know that my requirements for boat selection prior to this trip were 1) safety, and 2) performance, especially upwind. I am extremely pleased to report that our Saga 43 excelled in both categories. At no time, in spite of 50 plus knots of wind and 20 foot seas at times, did we feel out of control or in danger. Steering and directional control were always predictable and easy, with none of the fighting of the wheel that I've known from other boats. The upwind performance truly exceeded expectations (even though my expectations were high). Several times boats (heading south or anchored) would hail us on the VHF, and compliment us on how we looked and the speed we were making.
After 15,000 miles with this boat, neither my wife or I would hesitate to take off again with Wind Seeker II across an ocean. The safety, comfort, pride in exceptional performance and self-sufficiency were ideal for the two of us.”
Bruce Macdonald
SAGA 43 #4
Solar Wind
“We found Saga 43 to be very easy to handle especially for two people or even single handed. It self steers nicely on all points of sail with very little helm as well and handles beautifully in all types of seas. Down below the craftsmanship is exemplary and one of the reasons I fell in love with the Saga. It is obvious that the people at Saga care about their product.”
Karen and Larry Lee
Shelia May
“Shelia May really was a joy to drive and to surf with the large following seas. The reefing set up from the cockpit made controlling the main very easy. The large cockpit, large wheel, elegant below decks, more than adequate storage, and the galley layout made the passage comfortable. At no time did I feel threatened or insecure about the performance of the Saga 43.”
Michael Denham
SAGA 43 #19
Kinship
Tim and crew completed the 1999 Carribean 1500. “A wonderful experience. We beat many larger boats by days. The crew sailed the boat hard, the boat tracked like a dream and came off the waves perfectly.”
Tim Szabo
SAGA 43 #20
Still the Bear
“The boat has nice creature comforts yet still goes fast, which is one reason we wanted this particular yacht. In broadreaching, with the reacher out, we've seen 10 knots on the speedo. A fabulous boat, great for two people to handle.”
SAGA 43 #5
Bold Spirit
“When sailing, sailors are always concerned about getting places 1st. We always have a moment of silent glee as we walk away from others. The Saga is a quality built fast cruiser.
"We have completed a successful summer cruise in our new SAGA 43, Bold Spirit, hull # 5.
"We want to thank the crew at SAGA for the work you've done to make Bold Spirit a success. We are sure that at times we seemed to ask a lot, what with custom interior, other non standard items and our drive to get the final details right. This Summer we got the payoff: The SAGA's performance is remarkable for a cruising boat, especially in light to moderate air; the sail handling gear makes it possible to handle the large sail plan with ease under most conditions and the accommodation is very comfortable."
John Heinz, Ted Heinz