Cruising World 'Boat of the Year 2012'
Fri, 02 March 2012
Passport Vista 545CC Cruising World Boat of the Year 2012
Before the judges began to weigh the merits of the Passport Vista 545CC, round the world voyager Alvah Simon delivered an impassioned plea to his fellow judges to evaluate the boat from a slightly different perspective.
"This is a very high quality boat," he said. "I realise that it sounds expensive initially, but think of the formidable resale value of Passport Yachts, think of after sales service, think of all the ongoing costs associated with boats over the years. Also consider the time sailors sit in port waiting for parts, it is impossible to quantify that financially, but nevertheless an important point. This will not be an issue with the Passport Vista 545CC you are going to sail around the world whilst enjoying the voyage and really enjoying the boat."
Ultimately the other judges agreed 100% which is why the Passport Vista 545CC was unanimously voted Boat of the Year 2012
The winning details noticed by all judges were:
- Superb craftsmanship to fit and finish throughout, from hull construction to cabinetry work to systems to engine room.
- The boat is a true all-oceans and all-latitudes, long-distance voyager of the highest pedigree.
- The passport is not inexpensive, but the workmanship, hardware and overall quality constitute superb value for money.
Comments from some of the distinguished panel of experts:
Beth Leonard, Round the World Voyager and Author. "Everything is of the absolute highest quality, walking along the deck and down below you are just amazed at the attention to detail - the incredible louvered lockers and joinery work, the huge backing plates on every piece of deck hardware, the elegance of the curved shower stalls...it truly is magnificent."
Ed Sherman, Systems Expert. "The theme of excellence carried over into features that were less obvious to the untrained eye. The craftsmanship is outstanding from the electrical panel to the valves and manifolds right down to the finish of the bilges. Of all the boats we have inspected over the years, there is no question that this one is of the highest calibre and a true ocean passemaker. Simply add water!
