The Sigma 38 plays tricks on me. No matter how long I look, I can’t decide whether it’s a sharp-nosed racer or a gently curved cruiser. Seen from the bow she’s a lean, mean, wave slicing machine. But step to one side and the sheerline is beguiling. Walking past the rows of production yachts in a marina, a Sigma 38 always makes you look twice.
Fifteen years ago I sailed one to Norway from the Orwell but I can’t remember much about it apart from that, in our hubris, we carried the kite right up to the southern harbour entrance in Utsira. I do recall that we cruised the fjords comfortably with six on board but that is about it. So when Paul Margan invited me to join him on his first-ever yacht, Gallant, I was pleased to be re-introduced.
A BOAT TO GROW INTO
Paul started sailing in 2020 and was immediately hooked. He knew he had to buy a boat and after the instructor on his RYA Day Skipper course waxed lyrical about the Sigma 38 his mind was made up. ‘It’s not renowned for being a beginner’s boat,’ I remarked. ‘No, but I wanted one that would reward the learning experience, and that I could grow into,’ he replied. ‘I knew she was the one as soon as I saw her,’ he continued, ‘she saloon,’ he said as I gazed at the immaculate upholstery he’d inherited. I have the impression that under his ownership she’ll only improve with age.
