Designed as a coastal and cross-Channel family cruiser, the Sabre 27 is renowned for its solid construction, high ballast ratio and good sailing ability. Consequently, with a little modification, it can become a seaworthy and economical offshore or even bluewater yacht.
Compared to modern designs the freeboard is low which means the cabin windows could be vulnerable to a breaking wave. When I first started sailing my Sabre Tabitha offshore I fixed 6mm perspex over the insides of the windows to give a second line of defence while preserving the attractive external appearance. However, before embarking on a trip to the Azores, I decided the best solution would be to reduce the size of the windows by fitting portholes instead.
This might seem a little niche but older boats often have leaky windows and the method I used could be adapted to replace them without much change in appearance. Also, if you want extra windows, this method works just as well for anyone with a GRP boat and basic fibreglass laminating skills.
Preparation
The work can be completed either with the boat afloat or on the hard. The first task is to preparejob with a good deal of dust being made.
