The Star Attraction
How many cruising yachts could complete a circumnavigation of Australia and then go on to take a close second in a cruising division at Hamilton Island Race Week?
In 2005, Melbourne businessman Richard Buxton sailed the Cavalier 395 Epsilon around Australia, gathering material for the book “If Matthew Flinders Had Wings”. One of his crew, Annie McCombe was so impressed by the ease of handling and performance that she sold her house, purchased the boat and moved aboard. Annie has sailed Epsilon up and down the East Coast from Tasmania to North Queensland, single-handing at times and has raced the boat in a Melbourne-Launceston, finished a Three Peaks Race and in 2009 competed successfully at Hamilton Island Race Week.
Designed by Laurie Davidson, designer of superyachts and race-winners, the Cavalier 395 combines ease of handling and a spacious, luxury teak fitout with real performance. And all this in a hull that is sleek and attractive. The Cavalier 395 demonstrates that when it comes to quality, Australian boatbuilders can compete with the best in the world.
Epsilon (named after a star in the southern constellation Eridanus) offers very comfortable cruising with fore and aft double cabins and two bathrooms. Interior styling is clean, light and modern. On deck, gear has been carefully placed for simple sail-handling. Much thought has also gone into the additions like the stainless targa which supports solar panels and dinghy davits.
Even the most died-in-the-wool cruising sailor enjoys sailing a responsive, well-set up yacht. Epsilon is a true performance cruiser, so while she offers all the home comforts, she is a thoroughbred capable of swift, effortless passage-making.
Epsilon has been a big part of Annie McComb’s life and Annie has maintained her in excellent condition, upgrading equipment each year. Now a boat has to make way for a house and Annie looks forward to handing this special boat on to new owners, enthusiastic to add to her colourful history.