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490 added to Jeanneau’s impressive range

BY ADMIN • APRIL 27, 2018 • OLDER, YACHTS • COMMENTS OFF • 183

This new French design has the same super innovations on deck as the Sun Odyssey 440 that was launched in the autumn of 2017, while offering significantly more space all round. The inclined walkways that lead from the helm positions up to the side decks are very well executed, and will make a huge difference to the ease of moving around, especially when handling lazy lines while docking.

At the same time this arrangement also makes deckwork and sail handling easier for older owners who are perhaps no longer as agile as they were in the past. The 490 is also offered with the same optional conversion as the 440 that turns the cockpit seats into a pair of huge double sunbeds, without interfering with the cockpit table, or impeding the access from the transom to the main companionway.

In the saloon, in addition to the spacious main seating area, there is an unusual but useful mini dinette with seating for three people. It’s clear the primary purpose of this area is a navigation station, but in port it could equally be used by children to draw, write or play cards. Alternatively, an additional heads compartment can be fitted in this area. A big u-shaped galley takes up the whole of the port side of the saloon – it’s a great place for preparing food, with ample worktop space and good stowage.

The aft cabins feel spacious and light, with the latter enhanced by a hull window and large glazed panels in the bulkhead at the aft end of the coach roof. On the downside easily accessed stowage is limited in these cabins compared to some other yachts of a similar size.

The well fitted forward cabin is of an impressive size and benefits from a separate washroom. In all, this owner’s suite therefore has two washbasins, one in toilet, the other opposite the shower. This is an indication of the extent to which boat builders and designers are catering for owners whose key priorities are comfort on board. Optional layouts include two double cabins in place of the owner’s suite, plus a small crew cabin right forward that’s accessed solely from the deck.

Length overall 14.42m

Hull length 14.0m

Waterline length 13.24m

Beam 4.49m

Draught 1.65 or 2.24m

Standard sail area 110.4sq m

Performance rig 122sq m

Displacement 11,290kg

Fuel capacity 240 litres

Water capacity 640 litres

via 490 added to Jeanneau’s impressive range | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

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Exploring the humble Hamble

BY ADMIN • APRIL 27, 2018 • DESTINATIONS, OLDER • COMMENTS OFF • 126

This relatively narrow and winding river is one of the jewels in the UK’s booming yachting industry. It may lack some of the glamour of the wall to wall superyachts of Palma, Mallorca, not to mention the sheer buzz of that city. However, the lower three miles of this picturesque estuary is crammed with more than 3,000 boats of all descriptions. They range from the most humble of craft to the very latest carbon fibre Grand Prix racing yachts, large luxury cruisers and ocean voyagers.

While there’s ample depth at high water, deeper draft vessels should take care closer to low tide, especially on spring lows, which occur in the early morning and late afternoon. Equally the tidal streams can run fast, which must be remembered when manoeuvring into a berth.

Much of the UK’s marine industry is based in this area, with a huge number companies in or around the half-dozen marinas. All of these have large associated boatyards at which it’s possible to get any type of work carried out. Equally, chandleries abound – there is probably a greater concentration here than anywhere else on the planet. Many are part of the well-stocked Force 4 group, which includes a very large store near the bridge at Bursledon, which restricts access to the upper reaches for sailing yachts.

Despite all this commercial activity, much of the river and the adjacent shores remain unspoilt. There is plenty of woodland, meadows and salt marsh, plus pleasant footpaths along both sides of the river. It’s worth taking a dinghy trip beyond the motorway bridge, a further half mile upstream from Bursledon, to the totally unspoiled upper reaches, adjacent to the Royal Victoria Country Park. This is best done the couple of hours before high water, when the old market town of Botley can be reached.

Hamble village itself, which is most easily accessed from Port Hamble Marina, retains its quiet old-fashioned ambience, especially on the waterfront, up the hill in the Square and along the narrow, almost traffic free, hill that connects the two. There are numerous restaurants and pubs, some with excellent views over the water. Warsash, on opposite shore, is a smaller, but still thriving village, with small shops, plus a number of pubs and restaurants, including the Rising Sun that overlooks the river and popular public slipway.

Both sides of the river are also home to a number of clubs, notably Warsash Sailing Club near the entrance on the eastern side, Hamble River Sailing Club, the RAF Yacht Club and the Royal Southern Yacht Club on the

via Exploring the humble Hamble | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

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Caribbean Regatta season overcomes adversity

BY ADMIN • APRIL 27, 2018 • OLDER, RACING, REGATTAS • COMMENTS OFF • 238

A battle for position at the start of the Racing Division in the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival © Alastair Abrehart

Despite the devastating hurricanes of 2017, this year’s Caribbean regatta season has gone ahead with little disruption, much to the relief of the communities involved. In some cases, overall numbers have been down, but long-term sailing enthusiasts who recognise the importance of re-establishing the tourist industry in the affected islands have given enthusiastic support to their favourite events. Many of these sailors travelled from across the world in the knowledge that the people and communities that have worked hard in the past to produce hugely enjoyable and rewarding regattas are now themselves in need of help and a boost to get business started again.

On one of the worst affected islands, the St Maarten Heineken Regatta took place at the end of March. Despite the devastation wreaked on the island, the event was one of the first to commit to running this year, a move that created a deadline by which to get things done, and even then, a change of venue was needed. The event attracted an impressive 100 yachts.

The new docks at Nanny Cay Marina were abuzz for the BVI Spring Regatta © Alastair Abrehart

“This regatta is massive for the island of St. Maarten, and it shows that the yachting world is leading the recovery by holding these events,” said race director Paul Miller. “One hundred boats bring in close to 4,000 people, and that’s 2,000 hotel rooms, 16,000 dinners. It all adds up and is a huge boom to the island’s economy.”

Even though the weather during the event was atypical, with unusually light westerly winds and challenging swells, there was still great racing, followed as always by a fantastic après sail scene. “On Sunday, I realized that we hadn’t run a great regatta by overcoming adversity; we had simply run a great regatta. It’s not a matter that we did it despite Irma; we just did it,” Miller added.

This regatta was followed by two further iconic events on islands that were equally badly devastated by the hurricanes. Barth’s Bucket again attracted a stunning selection of the world’s largest, and most competitive, sailing superyachts to St Bartholomew.

Competitive racing in the Bareboat class at the start of the Round Tortola Race © Alastair Abrehart

Well before the approach of Easter, it was clear that Nanny Cay Marina on the main British Virgin Island of Tortola was going to achieve what at one stage must have appeared impossible to any sane onlooker. Despite the devastation in the marina, which included scores of sunken yachts, plus havoc wreaked by airborne inverted large cruising catamarans, the facility restored enough infrastructure to host almost 70 yachts competing in the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.

“We’re incredibly grateful to all the volunteers and people who have made this week possible,” says Race Director Judy Petz. “Nothing has changed on the water – we still have exquisite turquoise waters and beautiful white sandy beaches.”

via Caribbean Regatta season overcomes adversity | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

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Volvo Ocean Race Southern Update

BY ADMIN • MAY 22, 2018 • BREAKING NEWS, HOMEMOSAIC, RACING • COMMENTS (0) • 45

Credit: Timeline Photos

The 7,600-mile Southern Ocean leg, from Auckland around Cape Horn and up the east coast of South America to the Brazilian port of Itajai proved to be the most challenging and interesting leg of this edition of the Volvo Ocean Race to date.

Sadly, it is also one that saw tragedy, when John Fisher, a crew member of SHK/Scallywag was lost overboard deep in the Southern Ocean in 45 knots of wind and could not be recovered. He is believed to have been wearing full safety gear, which includes an AIS unit that activates automatically when the lifejacket inflates, as well as a Personal Locator Beacon, and a survival suit. However, he had unclipped his harness to move forward in the cockpit when the boat crash gybed while surfing down a wave at close to 30 knots and he was struck by the mainsheet.

On board Brunel in the Southern Ocean. Credit: Yann Riou/Volvo Ocean Race

Although this type of sailing takes place in extreme conditions in some of the most remote places on the planet, it has a remarkably good safety record: only one other person – Hans Horrevoets – has been lost on this race for almost three decades. It’s a stark contrast to mountaineering, where loss of life is an annual event. Fisher’s loss therefore came as a shock to the sailing community and his fellow crewmates.

They spent four and a half hours searching in vain for him, before being forced to call off the search to reduce risk to the boat in an approaching storm. They then sailed to Puerto Montt on the west coast of Chile, where a delivery crew took over to take the boat to Itajai via the Magellan Straits, in preparation for the start of Leg 8 to the sailing mecca of Newport, Rhode Island.

Satcey Jackson on Vestas 11th Hour Racing ready to grind, before the boat lost its rig. Credit: Jeremie Lecaudey/Volvo Ocean Race

Overall race leader, Mapfre, was leading the fleet heading into Cape Horn, but had sustained damage to her mainsail track – and split the sail itself from luff to leech. This necessitated a 12-hour stop for repairs after rounding the Horn, which allowed Bouwe Bekking’s Team Brunel to win the leg just 15 minutes ahead of Dongfeng Race Team. Rounding off the podium was Team Akzonobel, two days behind the leading duo. Dee Caffari and her mostly young team of men and women on Turn the Tide on Plastic took fourth place – their best in the race so far and an impressive achievement for a relatively inexperienced team in an extremely tough leg.

A disappointing fifth place for Mapfre saw the overall lead change to the Chinese registered Dongfeng, with a one-point advantage. Another of the front-runners, Vestas 11th Hour Racing also experienced difficulties. After running second for much of the leg, the American/Danish flagged team dismasted just south of the Falkland Islands. This forced them to retire from the leg, completing the distance to Itajai under a combination of jury rig and engine power.

Captions/credits

On board Brunel in the Southern Ocean. Credit: Yann Riou/Volvo Ocean Race

Satcey Jackson on Vestas 11th Hour Racing ready to grind, before the boat lost its rig. Credit: Jeremie Lecaudey/Volvo Ocean Race

via Volvo Ocean Race Southern Update | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

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Compact and Comfortable – Sun Odyssey 319

BY ADMIN • MAY 22, 2018 • BREAKING NEWS, HOMEMOSAIC, YACHTS • COMMENTS (0) • 220

The smallest boat in this big-selling Jeanneau range has twin rudders and a chined hull with a broad transom. The good size cockpit has a single folding wheel and wide side decks, although without the ramps to the foredeck seen on the two largest recent models in the range, the Sun Odyssey 440 and 490.

The 319 has a well-executed transom swim step, but not a full fold-down bathing platform. This is a sensible compromise on a boat that needs to be competitively priced and is an arrangement that’s less vulnerable to damage when berthing stern-to Mediterranean style. A two-inch teak toe rail gives significantly more security than the standard minimum height of one inch. For those who want sailing with minimal effort there’s an optional furling self-tacking jib, although this inevitably sacrifices some sail area compared to the standard arrangement.

The interior has impressive headroom for a boat of this size – despite the model name, the hull length is a shade under 31ft – and the forward cabin has equally generous proportions. There’s plenty of standing room, again with great headroom, as well as good stowage for clothes. Yes, the double berth here is a triangular shape, but it’s of a good size, with lots of width even at the foot.

In recent years many manufacturers have jettisoned chart tables in favour of providing more space elsewhere in the yacht, but the Sun Odyssey 319 has an aft facing navigation table of a useful size. The enclosed double aft cabin is also well executed. Granted, this isn’t of the proportions of those on today’s 40+ft yachts, but it’s still a decent space for a comfortable night’s sleep.

Arguably the biggest compromise that highlights the boat’s size is the small galley that lacks fixed worktop spaces, even if it gains marks for having ventilation in the form of an opening port above the cooker.

Length overall 9.8m

Hull length 9.44m

Light displacement 5,100kg

Standard keel draught 1.85m

Fuel capacity 100 litres

Water capacity 150 litres

Engine Yanmar 21hp diesel

via Compact and Comfortable – Sun Odyssey 319 | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

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Swedish yard offers Najad 395

BY ADMIN • MAY 22, 2018 • BREAKING NEWS, HOMEMOSAIC, YACHTS • COMMENTS (0) • 59

This is the first boat introduced by the company’s current ownership. It’s a solidly built serious cruiser that embodies all the traditional hallmarks of the brand, including a solid windscreen and single wheel, but within an updated all-new design by Farr Yacht Design. Construction is of vinylester resin throughout, with keel and rig loads distributed through a substantial grid system.

It’s offered in both centre cockpit and aft cockpit formats, with interiors by renowned superyacht stylist Ken Freivokh. Both models are very spacious inside, with good use of space with excellent stowage, plus plenty of grab handles for moving around safely.

The forward cabin has a big peninsula bunk, plenty of stowage and options of a heads compartment, heads plus separate shower, or simply a large walk-in closet/wardrobe that adds an enormous amount of easily accessed stowage space. The galley is similarly excellent, with worktop space, amenities and storage that would put many larger designs to shame.

A high degree of interior customisation is possible – one of Najad’s key claims is that the company will build exactly the boat each client wants. For instance, the standard specification shows a small navigation station, but this can be replaced with a larger forward facing chart table, which would double as a decent office area when in port.

The aft cockpit version has a drop-down bathing platform, but this is not an open transom design, which gives the impression that you are further from the water than some recent designs. It’s a size of boat, combined with style and quality of build that promises supremely comfortable living along with relative ease of handling.

A high level of specification is fitted as standard. For instance, all switching functions of the electrical system and electronics can be controlled from the on deck or nav station MFDs, or via smartphone or tablet. However, there’s also an expansive options list with several hundred options to allow buyers to hone the boat to their requirements. From previous experience the yard expects most owners to specify around an extra €70-100,000 of extras.

Length overall 11.99m

Length waterline 10.98m

Beam 4.00m

Draught 2.10m (shoal keel 1.8m)

Displacement 12,400kg

Ballast 4,400kg

Upwind sail area 89sq m

Code Zero 76sq m

Spinnaker 123sq m

Gennaker 125sq m

Air draught 20.15m

Engine Yanmar 4JH57 (57hp)

Fuel capacity 370 litres (extra 165 litres optional)

Water capacity 370 litres (extra 165 litres optional)

Holding tank capacity 75 litres

via Swedish yard offers Najad 395 | Yachting News Update | The Business of Boat Ownership and Marina Berths.

Oyster has restarted manufacturing at its Wroxham site

Oyster Yachts has restarted manufacturing from the company’s Wroxham site.

The company, that was bought out of administration by Richard Hadida, has begun work on an Oyster 675, the first of two yachts the company has contracts for.

The yachtbuilder has hired 50 yacht builders – all of whom previously worked for Oyster – with the hiring push expected to be scaled up as more order contracts are signed.

“It brings me real pleasure to announce that the production of Oyster yachts has recommenced in Wroxham,” said Richard Hadida, Oyster’s CEO. “Whilst we are moving into a new chapter for the business, we always knew that staying true to the company’s roots was vital.

“I am incredibly proud that we have been able to hire previous employees of the business, as it is their expertise and craftmanship which will ensure we maintain the mark of quality Oyster yachts are known for.”

He added: “As both CEO and a member of the Oyster family, I am delighted that we can now begin to fulfil existing client orders which were interrupted by the administration process, as well as look to the future with genuine confidence as we accept new contracts and return to full-scale production.”

The company has also re-launched the Oyster World Rally with 17 Oysters set to leave Vanuatu in the Pacific islands shortly, setting sail for the Whitsundays in Australia.

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Inland boating attractions were said to have been a success at LBS 2018INDUSTRY DATABASEBRITISH MARINEThe 2019 London Boat Show will not take place.Show organiser and owner, British Marine, says the decision was made after independent research by exhibition company, Zing Insights, showed there was insufficient support from a large proportion of the marine industry to the show with its current format, duration and location.“The decision to put the London Boat Show on hold is naturally very disappointing for the British marine industry,” said David Pougher, BM president, “British Marine and its board of directors has a responsibility to its members and we cannot commit to running a show which is clearly forecasted in its current format to be commercially unviable and will not meet customer satisfaction levels.”Lack of confidenceA statement from BM said interviews carried out with 67% of exhibitors found although a five-day show was preferable to a ten-day show, a large number of key exhibitors were not prepared to commit to exhibiting in January 2019.Consumer satisfaction was also found to be below acceptable industry standards, particularly the number and diversity of sailing and power boats exhibited.In addition, there is a lack of signed contracts of commitment to the 2019 show which affected confidence from other potential exhibitors.In contract, BM says it is in talks with relevant landlords to increase the footprint of TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show, which last year had close to 500 exhibitors and more than 106,000 visitors and has the support of a title sponsor.Significantly aheadBM says the 2018 event is significantly ahead in terms of ticket sales and exhibitor sign ups compared to this time last year.“TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show produces a positive contribution to the industry, is well supported by exhibitors and visitors alike and is a highly successful event and we are now able to put all our energy, expertise and enthusiasm into this event,” added Mr Pougher.And he said new opportunities will now be sought to support the industry.“We are very aware that many companies in the marine industry look at a sales activity such as the London Boat Show in January as an excellent way to kick start the year, but times change and we must do the same in order to offer events which are affordable, accessible, welcomed and supported by the industry and its customers and are financially viable for all involved,” he said.SHARE THIS ARTICLEFacebookLinkedInTwitterNEXT ARTICLE FEATURED NEWS WILL THE FIVE-DAY LBS WORK?22/01/18 MORE THAN 75 NEW VESSELS AT LO…10/01/18 ROCKLEY BRINGS WATERSPORTS TO …09/01/18LATEST PRESS RELEASES

via Boating Business | 2019 LBS is cancelled.

‘Vijonara’ is the second hull in Hoek Design’s ‘Truly Classic 128’ series. Credit: Pendennis/ Andrew Wright

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PENDENNIS

3D scanning technology has been used by Pendennis Shipyard to ensure millimetre precision in an Andre Hoek-designed 39m long sloop.

Vijonara is the second hull in Hoek Design’s Truly Classic 128 series and is the result of an 18-month build programme at Pendennis’ site in Falmouth.

“Based on a proven hull specification, the owners had a distinct vision for her customisation to suit their lifestyle and she has been optimised extensively for performance,” explained Andre Hoek. “A new addition to the 128ft design is a bow sprit that houses the downwind sails such as A-symmetric spinnaker or a Code sail, as well as paying homage to true vintage sailing yachts.”

Strategic positioning

The helm station is positioned in front of the aft deckhouse. The central steering wheel with two adjacent side consoles are flanked by winches and hydraulics for performance sailing by a small crew.

The yacht features an open-plan owner’s suite with two bathrooms, a private seating area, study and an oculus with its own underwater lighting.

Forward of the owner’s cabin on portside is a large salon with a TV and library, whilst a gym is positioned on the starboard side.

Luxurious styling includes Sapele mahogany flat panelling and traditional detailing, plus Italian walnut-laid floors with a 6mm maple margin seam alongside Hermès-created interior fittings. The interior and exterior joinery was installed by Ruiter Quality Interiors and Pendennis.

via Boating Business | Hoek-designed yacht delivered by Pendennis.

IC37 by Melges will feature hull and deck moulds built by FIBRE Mechanics. Credit: Stuart Streuli/New York Yacht Club

FIBRE Mechanics has been named as the second builder of the 37ft Mark Mills-designed IC37 by Melges one-design keelboat.

Licensed by the New York Yacht Club and Melges Performance Sailboats, UK-based FIBRE Mechanics will join US-based Westerly Marine as an official builder of the keelboat. The vessel was designed to a concept created by the New York Yacht Club, which has ordered the first 20 boats for use in the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and as a member charter fleet.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected to join the IC37 project team,” said Geoff Stock, FIBRE Mechanics MD.

One-design priority

Maintaining the strict one-design characteristics of the burgeoning class will be the top priority for FIBRE Mechanics, which will be building its hull and deck moulds from the original plug created by Westerly Marine.

The plugs and other associated tooling are currently en route to the FIBRE Mechanics shop in Lymington, with construction of the first boat scheduled to begin by mid-summer and the first vessels available early in 2019.

New York Yacht Club Commodore Phil Lotz added that a second builder in England would allow demand to be met more quickly and help grow the European fleet.

The first IC37 is currently undergoing sea trials off Rhode Islan

via Boating Business | FIBRE Mechanics is second builder for Melges IC37 keelboat.