Originally established in Canada in 1995, Saga opened its doors with its seminal design aimed at serious cruising sailors and especially well tuned into shorthanded cruising couples. The initial Saga 43 by Robert H. Perry was based on lessons learned from the single-handed open class ocean racers of the previous decade. Performance, offshore comfort, safety and ease of handling were the outstanding advantages of the design.
The Saga 43 set a new standard for the “performance cruising” genre. Highlights were its long waterline, moderate displacement, big easy-to handle rig, and a moderate beam (almost narrow by current standards). With the Saga 43’s advent, cruisers were offered a higher level of speed and performance, not achievable by the heavier traditional cruisers of the day. The Saga 43 also offered luxury accommodations, an expansive galley, low maintenance exterior, and an uncommon package of “live-aboard cruising systems” demanded by modern cruisers, not willing to “rough it”. It became an instant winner!
In short order, Saga owners were establishing an enviable record in the major long distance cruising rallies and ocean races – including podium finishes in the Single-handed Trans-Pac (San Francisco-Hawaii), numerous Caribbean 1500 finishes, and overall line honors in the Trans-ARC rally (Trans-Atlantic). In 2005 more Sagas owners participated in the Caribbean 1500 than any other brand (in spite of the inherently low production nature of Saga)!
At any time, Saga built yachts can be found in exotic cruising destinations all over the world. Both coasts of North America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere! Saga owners certainly get the most of their yachts and consistently a high percentage are actually “out there” living the dream.