v_manus

Victor,
Welcome to sailors forum and thank you for your interest with Colvic. I had no many chances to try my boat in tough conditions, so my question regarding stability and handling in rough seas still open. As to my experience in force 7, my boat (CW28.6) show good behavior under jib only, but I think mizzen will add balance if you will get ketch rigged version. Friend of mine have CW31 with more space inside for big, tall bloke and probably with better sailing abilities, but for couple or small family CW28.6 is adequate. Also CW28.6 looks more elegant if fishing trawler can be elegant. Also I am speak Russian, but based in UK. As to your plan to go North, I suggest that this boat is right to do the job, but I would recommend spend time and money to the proper insulation as this will be always demanded but not easy if good decoration in place. I start insulate my boat just now and this will be a pain for next few winters ashore as internal works completed.
Kind Regards
Anton