This is one good looking boat.

First thing that I noticed when seeing it in the flesh was how it doesn't appear a volumious as in the pics. Also the comparison to the FX-one is totally off. The Blade looks different, more elegant. So appears much more slender.

I was actually very impressed with it, now that I've seen it in the flesh. The laminate work is excellent. Very smooth and clean lay-up. Insides the hulls clean and tidy. The sides are impossible to flex. Mostly because of the large reinforcing rib that is inside the hull. And this rib really works extremely well. There is absolutely NO FLEXING of the side under pressure. The beams have been seated and so it is a tight fit. This must be good for stiffness.

Overall, this boat looks completely finished and is completely finished. The custom fittings or nice smooth and well manufactured. Attention has been spend on such things and it shows. This is really a boat fully fit for promotion, there is just nothing wrong with it. Everything is very pleasing to the eye and feels stirdy.

I really like the anti-slip treatment of the decks. Goog grip but still smooth enough to not wear down the wetsuits and elbows/knees. Really impressed by that.

Another great detail are the inspection hatches. The ones behind the front beam will in a little reces and the cover also covers the ring and screws that fix it to the deck. So the deck is just level there and it looks really clean.

All the gear and fittings came nicely wrapped with labels. Everything was very well packed. I love the idea of plastic bags with selfsetting foam. Of course you can destray any packing when driving a fork lift at full speed into it. But the hulls and gear were extremely well secured inside the boxes.

Truly, this is the design to conquer Europe with.

Matt, my highest appreciation of the workmanship. I really didn't expect any mediocre work but despite my raised expectations you really did succeed in impressing all of us. THAT is an extremely good sign.

If the boat handles anything like the reports suggest than I fully expect 3 more sales to Dutch sailors before this year is over. Probably several more. It is just that good !

Lets run with this.

Wouter