The Boat

Berkana is a Valiant 40, a fast pedigree cruising boat. Her clean and efficient design gives her the ability to point high while footing fast, and makes her a safe comfortable cruising boat.

She has a stable easily driven hull, powered by a close winded versatile rig. The rudder, skeg and keel shapes are derived from NACA foil sections, and have been proven in years of ocean racing to provide excellent tracking, windward performance and maneuverability.

The boat steers itself nicely off the wind and has just enough weather helm when close hauled to give her a solid “feel”. The vessel handles exceptionally well in close quarters, both under sail and power.

"I took my Intermediate Cruising Course with Jim Lavers in September 2005. We spent four days sailing in the Gulf Islands and it was a great learning experience. Berkana has a beautiful motion in rough seas and is tough as nails. Jim has fitted her accordingly, with solid reliable gear and an absence of toys. I particularly appreciated the time I spent at the helm of Berkana, with Jim beside me quietly offering guidance and support. She is a lovely boat and Jim an excellent instructor, I thoroughly enjoyed the course."
Bill Haymond; Barnet Sailing Club