Chartering New Waters: How a Sabre 38 Inspired the Move to a 43
In 2019, Rick and Cheryl purchased Theodora, a Sabre 38 they found through Bellingham Yacht Sales. Since then, they’ve logged thousands of nautical miles exploring the Pacific Northwest, including a three-month journey through the Inside Passage of Vancouver Island. Now, with a deep love for their boat and confidence in the Sabre brand, they’re preparing to take delivery of a Sabre 43 — a natural next step in their cruising lifestyle.
Falling for Sabre
Their jorney with Sabre began on the advice of a trusted friend — a seasoned boater who owned a Sabre 42.
“He said he loves walking down the dock and seeing his boat. They’re just beautiful,” Rick recalled.
At first, Rick didn’t fully grasp what made Sabre so special — until he owned one. Theodora quickly proved herself in handling, craftsmanship, and design. Joystick control made maneuvering simple for Cheryl, and the walkaround safety and solid construction made every cruise feel secure.
“It’s the smallest big boat I felt comfortable with,” Rick says. “And now, I honestly think the Sabre 38 is the perfect cruising boat for a couple.”
Orcas Below, Rainforests Ashore
Among their many adventures, a few stand out. One highlight was cruising up Chatham Channel when a pod of orcas passed directly beneath Theodora.
“There was nowhere to go, so we put the boat in neutral and let the orcas swim by… They went down, the water was silent, then all surfaced behind us at once.”
Their time at Neemo Bay — a remote wilderness resort in the Great Bear Rainforest — was equally unforgettable, with floating saunas, kayaking beside bears, and hikes through untouched forest. Stops at Dent Island Resort and Sullivan Bay rounded out the kind of adventure most boaters only dream about.
Weathering the Waters
While beauty is part of the appeal, performance is what kept Rick and Cheryl loyal. From handling strong currents in Johnston Strait to accidentally striking a log at 20 knots, the Sabre 38 proved itself resilient. Despite bending all four props, the pod drives were unharmed — a testament to Sabre’s engineering.
“Theodora handled it well. The boat was more comfortable than the crew that day.”
Why the 43?
After five years aboard the 38, the couple decided to upgrade — not because they were dissatisfied, but because their love of cruising had become a way of life.
“We realized this wasn’t a passing fad,” Rick says. “So we felt good investing in the next step.”
The Sabre 43 offered something just right: a second lounge space for remote work (thanks to Starlink), ample storage, and a layout built for two. They didn’t want more staterooms — just more comfort, flexibility, and the same attention to detail they’ve come to trust.
Looking Ahead
Their 43 is currently in production, and the couple is eager to see their choices come to life — from interior colors and tile to the fit and finish that Sabre is known for.
As for their cruising goals? They plan to continue exploring the Inside Passage, this time pushing all the way to Alaska.
Advice for Future Cruisers
Rick’s biggest piece of advice? Stay active. The couple travels with Oru folding kayaks and Brompton bikes — perfect for port days and backwater exploration.
“They fit easily in the Sabre 43 and give us range at every stop. Just because you’re on a boat doesn’t mean you can’t get moving.”