1980 Alden 44

Step aboard and you’ll notice how much “Vi” feels like a proper seagoing home, not a stripped-out racer. Sightlines from the companionway let you keep an eye on sails and sea state without shouting, and the cockpit depth inspires confidence when the rail’s buried. Her hardware layout is old-school practical: winches where you can really brace, stout handholds everywhere, and seakindly berths you can actually sleep in underway. The Alden sheer and overhangs aren’t just pretty; they soften her motion and keep spray down. She’s the kind of boat that makes long watches less tiring and short harbor hops feel like small expeditions—classic looks backed by purposeful, working-boat detailing.

An Alden 44 is an appealing choice for these waters because she blends shoal-access versatility with genuine passagemaking ability. The centerboard lets you sneak into thin, tucked-away anchorages that deeper fin-keel boats have to bypass, yet still claw to windward efficiently when the breeze pipes up. Her cutter rig shines when local conditions serve up squalls, shifting fronts, and lumpy chop, giving you balanced sail plans without drama. Ample tankage and real offshore storage mean you can provision once and roam for weeks. In a region where weather windows and coastal hazards demand respect, this design offers a reassuring mix of maneuverability, protection, and classic offshore pedigree.