Designing sailboats is often an exercise in compromise: racing boats usually have lighter hulls and narrower berths, forfeiting stability, durability, and comfort; cruising boats are heavier and roomier, which increases durability and stability but decreases speed. In the mid 70s, respected Canadian sailor Gordon Fisher sought out St. Catherine’s-based boat designer Mark Ellis in the hopes of creating a boat that was fast, stable, and (most importantly) easy to sail. The result was the Nonsuch class of yachts – a boat that combines the best elements of cruisers and racers using innovative techniques and unexpected inspirations. Nonsuch class yachts feature a distinctive freestanding mast with single sail rigging and no boom. Inspired by windsurfing, the main (and only) sail sits within a wishbone that allows for easier maneuvering and reduces unnecessary and often complicated rigging. A wide stern and symmetrical hull improve stability without requiring excess weight in the keel, meaning that Nonsuch class yachts perform admirably whether the wind is gusting or barely there. Best of all, Nonsuches can be sailed short-hand at sizes up to 40 feet. The Nonsuch class is a favourite of ex-racers and cruisers alike, and in the last 30 years more than 900 Nonsuches have been produced for devoted fans worldwide.