Fortuna Island Spirit

[Ostinato]

I own an IS401. We crossed the pond in 2012 and spent 2 years in northern Europe living aboard. We are now in the Med via the Rhine-Danube route. We saw 40+ knots between Bermuda and Horta for 3 plus days avoiding a tropical storm (10 or 12 days at 30+). I never felt threatened nor was slapping a major issue.


The noise from slapping under the table can be minimized by filling the sub-floor with foam and there are numerous other minor improvements that can make her even better. As stated, when loaded for cruising she is not fast but few are when you add a lot of weight.


I strongly suggest you visit the Island Spirit facebook page to at least read the entries. It is mainly focused on technical stuff. https://www.facebook.com/groups/14114077331/ You might also want skim our blog. SV Ostinato It is not very technical but will give an idea of what we have put her through. Good luck!

[travellerw]

Alan (the previous company owner) gave me permission to post the damage pics. This happened over new years this year and like I said, he sailed around like this for 2-3 weeks. Pretty tough boat.

[Sagan]

Many thanks for the helpful responses. We bought a Leopard 40 in the end. There is a great similarity between Leopards and Fortunas so many of your comments have been helpful.
Best wishes

[wideOpenDDS]

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

Does anyone know anything good or bad about the Fortuna Island Spirit 40? I only know that the company closed, Admirial bought one of the molds and that her bridge deck clearance, like most South African Cats is low.

Thanks in advance,

Maje

They are back in production with a pretty unique open40 like design. The gallery and cockpit have become one outside space, with bulheads into each hull like a Maine cat. 38'. Owner is building in Philippines and has a coastal rating (class B?) Do to the difficulty in getting world classifications in those waters. Not a world cruiser but a very cool and unique warm water couples cruiser. Priced +/- $300k. Without the teak decks. The new June '15 FP40 just coming out looks like the a cross bw the current IS38 and a lagoon 450, with more range, fast and hopefully built better quality than other FP's. The push for the ultimate couples production boat is getting closer.

[Napes]

Hi, I completed a one week ASA course from Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. To Biscayne Bay.
We were four students and an instructor. The boat was 37 foot fortuna, island spirit. I liked the boat, It was roomy, well built, solid feeling. We did dozens of drills each day and the boat handled them nicely. Tacking better than my 26M monohull.

Rich Naples

[travellerw]

Originally Posted by Sagan

So it appears the owners and friends of IS 400s love them and think they sail easily and quickly enough. Slamming occurs but not enough to be a problem. I am impressed by the clever design features make specifically for cruisers. Strength appears to be more than adequate.

The sheeting configuration on the one I am looking at seems awkward. To tack short handed it seems you have to set the boat on autopilot, press tack, release the sheet, climb down from the helm, run across the cockpit and climb onto the opposite cockpit seat to sheet in. The winches are on the coach house sides so not easily operated from the cockpit sole. I haven't taken her for a trial sail yet so this is a question. Any comments?

I was still a super newbie (I still am) when you asked this question.. Turns out my boat is rigged so I can run the port gib sheet to the starboard side. This allows me to tack or gybe without leaving the helm. I still need to go forward to reef or haul the main up though.