The Don Giovanni, using the proven hull of the Apreamare 11-meter, turns likes she's on rails. To avoid a few traps off our bow, I nudged her wheel. She responded effortlessly. Playing in our own wake, there was no pounding thanks to the sharp entry and solid hull. She remained dry, even going through the sloppy Ft. Lauderdale inlet.

There are no helm seats, but the two bolsters work fine. Grabrails are within reach. The engine gauges are in the line of sight, an important factor when you're cruising at 30 knots. The dash to port could house large electronics displays. Our boat was equipped with a navy top, but I would have to be stuck on the equator before I opened it and fouled the Don Giovanni's profile.

The afterdeck has two curved settees facing the "lips," providing a nice conversation and dining area. Two ladders offer access to the huge teak-grate swim platform. The lazarette has plenty of space for cruising stores and a couple cases of Chianti.

Engineroom access is in the middle of the deck. If the engineroom were a mess or an afterthought, it could almost be forgiven on this special craft. However, this space, too, is beautifully executed. Wiring is run in an art-like fashion, and items are neatly placed and easily serviced. Our test boat had an easy-to-reach 6.5kW generator forward of the engines.

A king-size berth dominates the interior, although Apreamare left room for a galley, a large head and a leather settee to starboard. The glowing cherry joinery is well finished, and Apreamare resisted the growing trend of putting the interior together with vinyl panels and thin veneers. This will still look like a yacht 10 years from now.

A friend of mine is the Apreamare dealer in Annapolis, and you'd better believe I'll be giving her a call for that cruise. Nowhere far, just up the alley. One good turnaround and I'll be happy.

Apreamare of North America Inc., (954) 525-7447; fax (954) 525-7451; www.apreamare.it.