[MARCH 2022 ]
B RO KE R’S B E ST BY RANDY WOODS
1999 Hallberg-Rassy 31 Sail into spring on this impressively appointed, impeccably maintained sailboat available at Elliott Bay Yacht Sales. This well-maintained sloop is ideal for single-handed cruising on the Salish Sea, but also roomy enough for entertaining up to six people. To date, the Nordic Star has had only two owners and has performed well in all types of Northwest weather. The interior provides a surprising amount of space for a 31-footer. Accommodations include two separate double cabins—one forward and one aft—plus a full-size salon and chart table. There’s even an ample galley that includes an Optimus two-burner propane cooktop, a Frigoboat refrigerator, a Goldstar microwave, and a double stainless steel sink. The salon, fitted with a Kenwood CD/stereo receiver, has two settees on opposite sides with cushioned seats that can convert to wide-single berths. The entire lower deck is made of teak and holly flooring, protected by carpeting throughout. To keep out any rough weather elements, the aft cockpit can be fully enclosed and has access to most of the lines. The cockpit includes a mounted chart Raymarine C90W chartplotter, a Furuno NAVpilot-511, and Autohelm radar, depth, and windspeed controls. The chart table is also stowable in a lazarette. A couple of 2-meter-long teak seats in the cockpit also contain more stowage space on the starboard side. 44
Sails include a North Sails fully battened main, gennaker, and riding/ anchoring, plus a Port Townsend Sails roller-furling genoa, all guided by responsive tiller steering. Deck elements include teak handrails, an aluminum toe-rail, a Lewmar windlass, an easy-to-see compass in the instrument console above a sliding hatch, port and starboard kayak racks, and a rail-mounted Magma gas BBQ. The stern has an integrated bathing platform and a folding ladder. The HR 31’s medium-displacement monohull is fitted with an efficient keel, rudder, and a modern fractional rig. The hull is made of isophthalic polyester and protected by NGA-gelcoat, providing insulation above the waterline against heat and cold. A reliable inboard, 16-hp Volvo Penta MD 2020 diesel engine with a three-blade folding prop provides power in a slack wind. To keep the Nordic Star in top condition, all rigging was inspected by Yacht Fitters in 2020 with minor repairs completed. The sail drive, prop shaft, and oil and fuel filters were all serviced and replaced last year. Upgrades in 2022 include the Volvo Penta heat exchanger, exhaust elbow, and waterlock muffler.
