Bolger's cruisers - WDJ
Dear Pippo,
As already mentioned by Jack, your description of the ideal family cruiser fits WDJ. I do not know much about blue water sailing or cruising for that matter. I certainly will not try to compare Bolger's different designs like AS 29 with WDJ. However, I advice you to order the video, "WDJ - Man and Boat" from PCB & F. I doubt you can get a more detailed description of any boat you have not sailed yourself for five days under various conditions.
My own specs are very similar to yours: I have four children, however I will mostly sail with my to sons, 13 and 9, or with my wife and the two youngest, 2 year old Helena and the toddler Bendik. Originally I planned to build Micro, Long Micro or MJ. I asked PCB for advice and he suggested the WDJ. Part of my specs was that the boat should be able to cross the Skagerak (a piece of open ocean between Norway of Denmark). Now we have heard about how Bill has stiffened his boat by shortening the mast, hollowing the gaffs and booms and adding lead to the water ballast. Bolger says crossing the Skagerak should be within the boats capabilities. Being an ex dinghy sailor with no experience from bigger sailboats you will have to wait till next year to hear about my and WDJ II's blue water adventures.
My two kroner
Bjorn
As already mentioned by Jack, your description of the ideal family cruiser fits WDJ. I do not know much about blue water sailing or cruising for that matter. I certainly will not try to compare Bolger's different designs like AS 29 with WDJ. However, I advice you to order the video, "WDJ - Man and Boat" from PCB & F. I doubt you can get a more detailed description of any boat you have not sailed yourself for five days under various conditions.
My own specs are very similar to yours: I have four children, however I will mostly sail with my to sons, 13 and 9, or with my wife and the two youngest, 2 year old Helena and the toddler Bendik. Originally I planned to build Micro, Long Micro or MJ. I asked PCB for advice and he suggested the WDJ. Part of my specs was that the boat should be able to cross the Skagerak (a piece of open ocean between Norway of Denmark). Now we have heard about how Bill has stiffened his boat by shortening the mast, hollowing the gaffs and booms and adding lead to the water ballast. Bolger says crossing the Skagerak should be within the boats capabilities. Being an ex dinghy sailor with no experience from bigger sailboats you will have to wait till next year to hear about my and WDJ II's blue water adventures.
My two kroner
Bjorn