The recently launched Onora, a 63ft Chuck Paine design, fulfills the requirements of owners Jim and Jean Foley for a strong, low maintenance boat that would protect them from the elements in their favourite cruising grounds around the world's colder regions.

Onora is very strongly built in aluminium, with additional frames strengthening the overall structure and 8mm aluminium plating deployed below the waterline and in high impact areas.

Down below, the well-protected pilothouse is open to the interior where the saloon, dining area and galley combine in a comfortable open-plan arrangement.

The master cabin with ensuite is situated forward of the saloon. A narrow berth in the companionway from the saloon to the large engine room can expand to a cosy double and a day head is situated amidships on the port side.

The deck layout is well designed with lines handled by four electric Harken winches and two manual winches directed through a system of jammers. All sail handling functions, apart from setting the downwind pole, can be managed from the protection of the cockpit.

The maiden passage from New Zealand to Fiji confirmed that Onora is a very competent passagemaker, capable of reeling off big mileages at average speeds over 10 knots in a half decent breeze.

After the shakedown cruise in the Pacific, Onora has a two-and-a-half-year programme, which includes plans to venture into the Antarctic and the Arctic.

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