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ESSENTIAL KIT New for next season BUDGET BOATS 36 of the best
Highlights of the year ahead
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Foulies not included. Flee southwest this winter, and chill out without getting chilly. With the wind in your sails and the sun at your back, explore turquoise seas, warm trade winds, and spectacular barrier reefs. Embark on a Caribbean sailing adventure stretching from the Bahamas to Grenada, where the only cold thing is the drink in your hand.
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WELCOME
TO THE YACHTING YEAR CHELSEA MAGAZINES
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Classic Boat NOVEMBER 2018
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AMERICA’S CUP LATEST: AINSLIE’S TEST BOAT LAUNCHES
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Make trade wind sailing a breeze
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The hottest racing in the biggest fleets
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Race the Atlantic Tick off your bucket list
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REVIEW
Exploring the Emerald Isle's east coast
CLINKER ADVENTURE Sailing around a lighthouse
BOOKS OF THE YEAR Best nautical literature
WINSTON CHURCHILL Boat that carried his coffin
THE BIG CLASSICS Where they are today SPIRIT OF TRADITION
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The ultimate brain teaser for the cruising sailor
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High performance hit-list to fast-track your dinghy racing
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elcome to The Yachting Year 2019, a glorious celebration of the leisure boating universe – over the next 130 pages you’ll find boats of all sizes, ages and persuasions, you can read of growing trends and great traditions, we cover innovative kit and the latest wooden yacht restoration projects. Whether you are a dinghy sailor or a classic yacht owner or a once-a-year charterer, our expert authors will have much to turn your head. The opening page of The Yachting Year twelve months ago saw me getting excited about the events of the 35th America’s Cup, where the sailing world was taken to new levels of competition, speed and televisual wow-ness in the crystal clear waters of Bermuda. On page 16 of this issue my colleague Georgie Corlett-Pitt shares the exciting news that that same spectacle – not the America’s Cup but similar boats and a similar audience-friendly idea – will have its own global series in 2019, kicking off in Sydney and coming to Cowes in the summer. This is just one of many exciting events coming up for sailors and shoreside observers over 2019. The editors of our three sister titles – Georgie from Yachts & Yachting, Sam Jefferson from Sailing Today and myself at Classic Boat – take you through what we see as the big things to look forward to. There is something else to be excited about for 2019 and beyond. The recent Volvo Ocean Race, which we review on page 36, introduced the revolutionary concept (I use the term with tongue firmly in cheek) of encouraging women participants. This has resulted in women winning the toughest race in the world for the first time. All of those involved believe it will help change for the better the improving but often still traditional perception of women in sailing. Elsewhere we meet two major figures of sailing, one the fastest man around the world who is at the helm of one of the most innovative boats afloat, the other an America’s Cup legend who recalls the most innovative boatbuilder of all time, his grandfather Nat Herreshoff. I hope Nat Herreshoff would be pleased to see that in this issue we feature not only the cutting edge yachts of our time, but also the cutting edge yachts of his time. Our article on ‘the big classics’ showcases some of the most stunning yachts ever built, and we include their price tags where we can, in case you have a few million going spare. Our selection of ‘10 affordable classics’, however, is just as mouth-watering. I hope you enjoy reading about them and everything else in this issue of The Yachting Year. THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 3
Contents
28
THE YEAR AHEAD FOR CLASSIC BOATS
By Classic Boat editor Rob Peake
16
THE YEAR AHEAD FOR PERFORMANCE SAILORS By Yachts & Yachting editor Georgie Corlett-Pitt
22
FLEXIBLE SAILING How to earn money from your boat
36
VOLVO OCEAN
RACE What legacy has the race left?
46
THE YEAR AHEAD FOR CRUISING SAILORS By Sailing Today editor Sam Jefferson
60
IONIAN CRUISING
Charter heaven
52
THE WORLD OF BIG CLASSICS We look at the most stunning yachts afloat
78
GRAND BANKS
A sturdy example from a great marque
108
AFFORDABLE CLASSIC BOATS 10 for less than £10k
68
BOOKS OF THE YEAR All your nautical reading for the next 12 months taken care of!
114
FRANCOIS GABART
72
BOATS OF NOTE The major launches for 2019
We meet the record-breaker
118 HALSEY
HERRESHOFF A legend looks back
84
120
KIT FOR NEXT YEAR For dinghy sailors, big boat
REGATTA PLANNER
cruisers and classic afficionados, something for all
Dates for your diary
4 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
98
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN Cruising the Grenadines with an all-female crew
65’ sloop Anna From cold-molded Spirit of Tradition yachts, to carbon fiber catamarans and composite motor yachts, Lyman-Morse builds them all. Ever evolving with the current technologies, our team of Maine boatbuilders takes pride in the craftsmanship that goes into every yacht we build. The result is a boat built with soul – a boat that is built to move yours.
BOATBUILDING | SERVICE | BROKERAGE | MARINA | FABRICATION | TECHNOLOGIES Thomaston, Camden, Southwest Harbor, Maine | Newport, Rhode Island +1 207.354.6904 | www.lymanmorse.com | info@lymanmorse.com
The toughest race PICTURE SAM GREENFIELD/VOLVO OCEAN RACE The Volvo Ocean Race may have largely taken place hundreds of miles offshore but those following it at home were treated to some of the most exciting sport imaginable, as the world’s best sailors went head to head, battling literally for each mile, while enduring conditions that most of us wouldn’t put the bins out in. Read our review of the race on page 38 and meanwhile you can catch all the latest performance sailing news at yachtsandyachting.co.uk
FIVE GO ROUND THE ISLAND The Nutter family – Craig, Kate, Jack, Molly and their Harrison Butler cutter Sabrina – enjoy a day to remember in the Round the Island Race WORDS CRAIG NUTTER
6 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2018
WATERCOLOURS SUE PEAKE
THE YACHTING YEAR 2018 | 7
Wish you FIVE GO were here
ROUND THE ISLAND PICTURE MATS GRIMSAETH
Cruising off the beaten track is this 44ft (13m)
Bavaria, operated by SailNorway, – pictured in The Nutter family Craig, Kate, Jack, Molly and the stunning waters of the Lofoten Islands. The their Harrison Butler cutter Sabrina – enjoy a company runs adventure sailing holidays for those who fancy something a little more than day to remember in the Round the Island Race a trip round their local headland. We’re assured the foredeck yoga is optional. For more cruising inspiration and for trusted boat and gear reviews, plus practical cruising advice, visit sailingtoday.co.uk 8 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2018
THE YACHTING YEAR 2018 | 9
FIVE GO ROUND Blue sky THE ISLAND thinking
The Nutter family – Craig, Kate, Jack, Molly and PICTURE GUIDO CANTINI their Harrison Butler cutter Sabrina – enjoy a The boat on the left here, Kismet, spent 50 years as a houseboat on the UK east coast. day to remember inherthe Island Race A no-holds-barred restoration brought back Round to her original the 1898 condition and she celebrated her 120th birthday in 2018 with a series of podium places at regattas in the UK
WORDS CRAIG NUTTER WATERCOLOURS PEAKE and Med, including at Panerai Cannes RegatesSUE Royales, pictured here. To windward of her and not to be outdone is the West Solent One Design Arrow, built in Lymington in 1924. Traditionally maintained and aptly named, Arrow is still winning regattas 94 years on. For more amazing stories about the most beautiful boats ever built, visit classicboat.co.uk 10 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2018
THE YACHTING YEAR 2018 | 11
Atlantic 69.24m | W.Gardner 2010 | 12 Guests
Moonbeam IV 35m | William Fife 1914 / 2001 | 6 Guests
The Edmiston Classic Yacht Fleet The No.1 specialists for classic yachts proudly presents a selection from its peerless fleet. The finest yachts, beautifully maintained and presented, keenly for sale and available to view. Contact Mike Horsley and the Classic Yacht Team today and allow us to introduce you to some very special vessels. Antibes office - Tel: +334 93 34 68 98 MJH@edmiston.com
Eileen II 28m | A. Mylne 1934 / 2016 | 7 Guests
Candida 39.65m | Camper & Nicholson 1929 | 4 Guests
Kelpie of Falmouth 25m | F.Sweisguth 1928 / 2014 | 6 Guests
ANTIBES: +33 493 34 68 98 |
MONTE CARLO: +377 93 30 54 44 |
edmiston.com/classic-yachts
LONDON: +44 20 7495 5151
|
NEW YORK: +1 212 792 5370
Thendara 36.5m | A.Mylne 1936 / 2014 | 6 Guests
Mariquita 38.1m | W.Fife 1911 / 2004 | 4 Guests
2
THE
YEAR AHEAD FOR RACING SAILORS
SAILGP The racing year begins with a good dose of glitz and glam,
Editor of Yachts & Yachting Georgie Corlett-Pitt on what she is looking forward to in the racing world in 2019
as Larry Ellison’s new fan-centric, grand prix racing circuit launches in Sydney, Australia in February. Ratified by World Sailing and overseen by CEO Russell Coutts, the series promises to redefine sailing, racing modified AC50s at electrifying speeds of up to 50 knots – as seen in the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda. Teams from six nations have entered, with the British team skippered by Dylan Fletcher with Chris Draper as CEO. Don’t miss the UK leg in Cowes (10-11 August) to coincide with Cowes Week. Other events take place in San Francisco (May), New York (June) and Marseille (September) – the latter featuring a winner-takes finale with a $1million prize up for grabs.
16 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
2013 DESTINATIONS
AMERICA’S CUP BUILD-UP
MAIN New boats for
New Zealand, but with details yet to be confirmed, will be
The intrigue around the keel-less, foiling monohulls
the La Solitude du
two World Series events due to take place in the second
intended for the next America’s Cup in Auckland, 2021,
Figaro
half of the year.
looks set to step up a gear in April, as teams will by then
INSET TOP
be officially permitted to launch the first of up to two
UK team SAILGP
LA SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO
official test boats. INEOS Team UK have already given the
ready to go
Late May into June sees the semi-foiling Beneteau
world a glimpse of what’s possible with their modified
INSET BOTTOM Ben
Figaro 3 make its much-anticipated debut in the offshore
Quant 28 test platform – dubbed T5 - approximately
Ainslie in his new
race scene. Beneteau have been hard at work rolling the
one-third the scale of an AC75, seen flying above (and at
America’s Cup
one-design boats off their purpose-built production line
times, crashing into) the Solent this summer. The first
trial-horse
to meet demand in time for the start. The new boat,
team to launch a 75ft version and thus prove this
which supersedes the old Figaro 2, promises superb
revolutionary design concept will definitely be granting
foil-assisted performance and is widely anticipated to
themselves a huge advantage in the battle for overall
shake up the status quo, even among the top-ranked
Cup glory. Also, promised by Defender Emirates Team
offshore sailors, making this a must-follow event. THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 17
MAIN Alex Thomson
handed division is being introduced, reflecting the growing
and Hugo Boss are
trend in this discipline. The 2,960nm race was last run in
With 2020’s Vendée Globe race looming large, things are
due to launch a new
2015, when a new 24-hour record resulted. Whether it’s the
getting interesting indeed in the offshore world, with all
2020 Vendée Globe
sheer adrenaline of some of the world’s most prestigious
eyes turning to Les Sables d’Olonne for the race start next
challenger
40ft+ race yachts hurtling across the Atlantic, or the
November. In the meantime, fans of the foiling IMOCA60
INSET LEFT In the
post-race gathering in Cowes, there will be plenty to
were wowed when the first of the latest generation foiling
2015 Transatlantic
admire.
IMOCA60s, Jérémie Beyou’s VPLP-designed CDK-built
Race the MOD70
Charal, was launched in September. British offshore fans
Phaedo came home
ROUND THE ISLAND RACE
will no doubt be in for a treat when British offshore legend
in a fastest elapsed
The not-to-be-missed Round the Island Race takes place on
Alex Thomson launches his radical new Hugo Boss,
time of 7 days, 2
29 June, as hundreds of boats race the annual 50nm course
expected June 2019, and begins his final preparations for
hours, 4 mins
westbound around the Isle of Wight. With last year’s event
the non-stop solo circumnavigation. With a second place to
INSET RIGHT Round
a light airs marathon, pro and amateur crews alike will be
beat from the last edition in 2016, Thomson will be pulling
the lsland Race
hoping for a bit more breeze to carry them around, and
HUGO BOSS LAUNCH
out all the stops to tame his cutting edge monohull in time
perhaps the chance to topple the race record, set the
– and if past form is anything to go by, we expect one or
previous year by Tony Lawson’s MOD70 Concise, the fastest
two stunts along the way!
multihull round at just 2hrs 22mins 23secs.
TRANSATLANTIC RACE
CLIPPER RACE
The prestigious Transatlantic Race, run jointly by the New
The twelfth edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht
York Yacht Club, Royal Yacht Squadron, RORC and Storm
Race is due to begin next summer. While the exact route
Trysail Club, sets off from Newport on 25 June, heading for
and details are still being finalised, organisers have
a timing gate off Lizard Point, with the fleet thereafter
confirmed three stopovers in China – returning to Qingdao
bound for the finish off Cowes. Alongside existing IRC,
and Sanya, with a debut in Zhuhai. Over 500 people have
classic and superyacht divisions, new for 2019, a double
already signed up to the race, the brainchild of Sir Robin
18 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
,¥- JLM[r§ l�lElFl[T§ & l�E§TOl�ATl[ON§ ,¥Rll[on1E ][§JLANDt U§A ~ www.lLM[l[NJEWPOR1[',C0M ~ Ji<Ol<e@JLM[][NewpOlll"t.cc(Q)]□m
Photos here capturing the theme of our process and production. Bringing some tired but significant yachts back to, or a level above, their former glory. Not only saving the yacht but providing their owners with a whole new platform for success either racing or concours d'elegance. The key aspects of project management, design, coordi-
nation of shipwrights, spar builders, cabinet makers, systems and engineers all here in a local radius centered at LMl's refit bay in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, USA. Now including an emerging composites department. We look after an array of Ps, Qs, Rs and S Boats, 6 and 12 Meters. Several race management teams base camp with us.
69ft Lawley ~ Carina --,
Centennial Carina underway after a twelve year rolling refit process.
Carina last year at the important stage of her restoration with new stem, keel, frames and floors.
1936 Bermuda Race winner Rhodes Kirawan receiving a new backbone, deck, interior and rig.
53ft Rhodes Kirawan currently very much in restoration process for a dedicated owner.
S&S ~ Santana 2015-2016
S&S Yawl Santana is returning to LMI after a successful Med Season.
S&S ~ Dorade 2008-2011
The mighty Dorade - after two refits can speak for herself!
lU01LJ[GlH[]B\(0]RJ01LJ[GrlH[ M[Ali:llNlE lN1[']Eli:llE§1['§ ]ULC ,,.._, "'vwwJLM[lNEWJP>ORT.COMl
MAIN The Fastnet
topped by the traditional fireworks display. As mentioned
Race takes place in
previously, new this year will be the SailGP spectacular,
2019
after racing on 10-11 August.
INSET TOP The women’s 49erFX
OLYMPIC TEST EVENT
fleet will do battle in
Gathering in the shadow of Mount Fuji, Olympic hopefuls
the Olympic test
are set to do battle on the waters of Enoshima, Japan, from
event in Enoshima
25 August to 1 September. This World Cup event will come
INSET BOTTOM
less than 12 months out from the 2020 Tokyo Games. The
Lendy Cowes Week
British Sailing Team scored four medals (two gold, one
LEFT Clipper Race
silver and one bronze from the 49er, Laser and Finn
Knox-Johnston, which sees paying crews of amateurs
BELOW RIGHT
classes) at the 2018 warm-up event. Stiff competition will
racing 40,000nm around the globe with a professional
J/70 Worlds comes
come from the Dutch, Australian and Japanese teams.
skipper on board a fleet of matched Clipper 70s.
to Royal Torbay YC
As an interesting aside, in the last race Coppercoat was
J/70 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
used to antifoul the Clipper fleet at the start. Fourteen
Rounding up the season is the J/70 World Championships
months later, at the end of the global slog, the hulls were so
at Royal Torbay YC in late August/early September. With
clean that they will not be cleaned or antifouled again
recent class worlds attracting in excess of hundred boats,
before the next race. Worth considering if you are
this one-design pocket rocket (the world’s fastest growing
antifouling your boat this winter!
sportsboat fleet) is sure to produce some exceptional
FASTNET RACE A date change sees the 2019 Rolex Fastnet Race move from its usual post-Cowes Week slot to Saturday 3 August, two weeks earlier than the original published date. Organisers have cited a number of reasons, including weather concerns, for the decision. In light of the 600nm race’s sell-out popularity in recent years, the entries are unlikely to be affected.
COWES WEEK The regatta takes place from 10-17 August with support once again from title sponsor Lendy. A unique blend of modern and traditional, as club crews line up against elite teams, not to mention the buzzing après-race social line-up
20 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
racing, with pro and Corinthian titles up for grabs.
ENGINEER CONSULTANT BUILDER STUDENT FARMER DENTIST
ACHIEVE SOMETHING The Clipper Round the World Yacht race is a challenge like no other, raced by people like you. Sign up for the Clipper 2019-20 Race and circumnavigate the globe, cross an ocean or combine several legs.
FREE INFO PACK
PUBLIC TALKS
Have you got what it takes to embark on The Race of Your Life?
Email OceanRacer@Clipper-Ventures.com quoting TALK TOUR for updated venues and dates.
To receive your free information pack please email us at OceanRacer@Clipper-Ventures.com quoting FREE PACK.
Join us for a behind the scenes insight into the Clipper Race. Discover more about the selection process, training, the fleet, stopovers, and most importantly the Race Crew. You’ll either walk away inspired or scared. One thing you won’t be is bored.
Join the race: clipperroundtheworld.com/apply
W
ith more and more boat owners recognising the benefits of the ‘sharing economy’ there has been a huge surge in those offering their yacht for water-based B&B-style accommodation as well as greater flexibility through peer-to-peer chartering. Matt Ovenden, the entrepreneur behind Borrow a Boat, says pulling privately owned boats into the charter market creates greater choice and value to the charterer, as well as bringing benefits to boat owners. “This is the sharing economy in action for the boating industry. The sharing economy is all about monetised under-utilised assets and boats are the most prolific under-utilised asset, with marinas full of boats that don’t often get used.”
Beds on the water
Whether it’s for crew accommodation at a regatta, or perhaps a mid-week business trip, staying on board a yacht in the location of your choice, rather than in a potentially non-descript hotel, has infinitely more appeal. It is now possible to stay on the water, in a marina or waterway, virtually anyway in the world on a boat of your choice. As well as being a unique way to stay, this type of accommodation offers great value for money with some of the most popular boats costing less than local hotels or B&Bs. Pioneering this sector is Beds on Board, launched two and a half years ago by brothers Tim and Jason Ludlow as the first ever on the water B&B-style accommodation model. With boats based in over 80 countries and an easy to navigate website, this is a great option for a truly unique experience. Beds on Board is a peer-to-peer platform, meaning that guests and owners deal directly with each other, so any
questions can be answered directly before booking. Tim Ludlow, joint CEO, says with 25 per cent of guests having owned a boat, Beds on Board has a very boat savvy audience. “There’s a huge range of choice from welltravelled yachts to luxury motor yachts, from barges to houseboats and even some tall ships and superyachts. Popular destinations include The Solent, London, Palma, Liverpool and Barcelona.”
Boat swap scheme
Alternative models see companies offering flexible accommodation choice through a day charter, either with or without a skipper. In a growing market, one company, Boataffair, has found a way to stand out from the crowd and not only offers on board accommodation through day yacht charters across Europe, and luxury yachts for hourly and day rentals in hot destinations such as Dubai, Miami, California and Monaco - but it also runs a unique Boat Swap scheme. According to Adrian Walker, founder and CEO, Boat Swap is aimed at private boat owners who do not wish to rent their boat out for actual income, but who still want to get more out of their boat. “When you become a member of our newly launched scheme, you can exchange boats with other owners in our unique community worldwide.” As far as yacht charter goes, Walker says customer relations and quality of experience are very important: “At Boataffair we believe quality, transparency and trust are key values. We enforce a vetting mechanism before any boat goes live to ensure that all experiences offered on our boats meet our clients’ high expectations. “We realised that a boat renter doesn’t just want to rent a boat anymore. They are looking to invest in an experience, which centres around adventure and trust. Our boat
BOAT WITH A VIEW
From water-based B&B-style accommodation to peer-to-peer chartering, we investigate what the sharing economy is bringing to sailing WORDS SUE PELLING
22 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 23
renters can rest assured that they are in safe hands with our boat owners because we accept quality boats only: all the yachts on our platform have directly signed up with us.”
Peer-to-peer charters
Borrow A Boat offers customers the ultimate flexibility of being able to sail the boat, as well as sleep on it. Launched in 2017, Borrow A Boat now has 13,000 boats on its books in 60 different countries, from Thailand and Myanmar to the Norwegian fjords and Cornwall. Boats are available for short durations, at short notice, and with or without skippers on board. Matt Ovenden explains that the company aims to be flexible. “Borrow A Boat is the only UK-based peer-topeer boat charter marketplace, and we pride ourselves on offering ultimate flexibility. Whereas some companies let you sleep aboard privately-owned boats, we let you charter and sail them, or just sleep on them if you choose to, or do a mixture of the two.” Borrow A Boat launched a new app earlier this year to make booking more straightforward. Ovenden adds: “People can take this app on holiday with them or use it from the comfort of their own home, and be able to access boats from the palm of their hand in an instant, without the burden of ownership.” Another flexible peer-to-peer charter company is Click&Boat, which offers yacht charter anywhere around the world. This French company is also keen to highlight 24 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE With many boats lying unused for much of the year, boat rental schemes are growing in popularity BELOW Liverpool is a great central city option
the importance of flexibility when it comes to booking. Click&Boat’s Alex Katsomitros describes it as a one-stop yacht charter shop, saying: “It is ideal for customers who want to book a yacht charter at the last minute for a few days, say, a weekend break on a boat. They can compare prices, contact the owner, check reviews and book in a few clicks. “Another advantage is that customers have the opportunity to meet boat owners from other countries and cultures. You are immersed into their world: you live like a local, eat and drink like a local, and sail like a local. “Although it is difficult to pin it down to a specific price
because it depends on the type of boat, season and destination, a day charter of a 32ft yacht can start from £49,” he adds. Other companies are seeking to combine peer-to-peer charters with the more traditional option of charter brokerage, giving customers the widest possible options to find their ideal boat through one platform. Netherlands based Boatsters is one such example, currently offering over 12,000 boats in more than 60 countries, bookable either directly with the yacht owner, or via one of their global charter partners. Technology plays a key part in what this new generation of charter companies has to offer. David Ramljak, head of operations for Boatster, explains that the company is constantly seeking new ways of using the latest technology on offer: “We recently decided to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option for luxury yacht charters, through our self-developed wallet-to-wallet solution. We think this is a very big step for the yachting industry to move forward and in making it accessible for as many people as possible.”
Benefits for boat owners
Glance at any marina and you’ll notice the long-termers, the yachts that never, or rarely, ever leave the dock. Maybe the owners have moved away, lost interest, or love owning the boat but simply don’t have the time to commit to a day on the water. Sadly the long term scenario is often a forced sale. Thanks to a new wave of boat rental options available, these situations are becoming a thing of the past. Tim Ludlow from Beds on Board says he has boats on his books that have covered their mooring fees and annual 26 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE A wide variety of boats can be rented
maintenance from bookings alone, but he stresses it is not just about the money. “Owners also benefit from their boat being ready for them when they want to use it – it’s been aired and professionally cleaned, making a change from how owners often arrive to find their boats. It’s all about keeping the owner engaged with their boat, and getting some pleasure from it being used. The reviews on the website show how much the guests respect the boat and appreciate their time on board – which make the owner feel good, while the income makes sure that Beds on Board owners stay owners, keeping them from feeling they may have to sell their boat.” Signing up is simple: “All you need are some good photos and five minutes to create a listing. It’s completely free to list, with Beds on Board taking just 5 per cent of the rental income,” concludes Ludlow.
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THE
YEAR AHEAD FOR CLASSIC SAILORS
Editor of Classic Boat, Rob Peake, on what he is looking forward to in the classic world in 2019
DRAGONS TURN 90
man’s Bugatti....good looks coupled with supreme perfor-
One of the racing world’s most enduring designs, the
mance that has sustained their popularity for 90 years.”
Dragon, celebrates its 90th birthday in 2019. Designed as
To mark the anniversary, the Yacht Club de Cannes, in
an affordable cruising boat for young people, by Johan
association with the International Dragon Association, is
Anker in 1929, the Dragon was an Olympic class from 1948
inviting all Dragon sailors to join a celebratory regatta with
to 1972 and remains popular, with around 1,500 racing
a gala dinner, as part of Regates Royales, the final event in
boats registered with the International Dragon Association
the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge in the Mediterranean,
worldwide as well as countless other cruising Dragons.
from 23-27 September 2019.
Vanessa Bird, in her excellent book Classic Classes, says: “The Dragon is a pure racing thoroughbred, the sailing
28 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
But get in quick, as Cannes can only accommodate 120 participants. This will be one seriously exclusive party. We
can only imagine that Johan Anker would have been quite
MAIN Dragons will be
created the first Spirit of Tradition class, an idea that didn’t
surprised and delighted to see how well his slender creation
racing en masse in
come without its detractors but which has subsequently
is faring on her 90th. Those who can’t be at the regatta
Cannes to mark the
spread like wildfire to almost every major classic regatta
might be tempted by the 2019 Dragon anniversary calendar
class’ 90th birthday
worldwide. Yet the modern classic concept is still evolving
available from dragon90years.com
INSERT Forthcoming
and in 2018 we saw an exciting development with the
Britannia 74, designed
launch of a new brand that aims to become a serious
by Paul Spooner
production Spirit of Tradition yacht builder. The Britannia
Design
brand has been launched by Discovery Yachts, a main-
SPIRIT OF TRADITION It seems incredible today that the Spirit of Tradition concept is so young. It was only in 1996 that Antigua
stream builder of blue water cruising yachts with high spec
Classic Yacht Regatta recognised a growing movement and
fit-out and a strong customer base. The first model will be THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 29
the Britannia 74, a handsome looking craft that boasts classic lines in its overhangs and aesthetic, but offers modern performance through its sail material and fin-andskeg underbody. The boat is due for launch this year, surely bringing with it new customers from mainsteam yachting and a general injection of funds and interest for the wider classic world.
NEW YORK YACHT CLUB Newport Harbour in Rhode Island will be the place to be this summer as the New York Yacht Club celebrates its 175th anniversary with a major regatta for modern and classic boats. The regatta is likely to attract a serious fleet of International and Universal Rule boats, including 12-Metres and J-Class yachts, two classes with long histories in Newport. TOBIAS STOERKLE
Classic Boat will be there and we will be bringing you all the action on the water and from inside the famous club building overlooking the harbour. It’s interesting to note that the club, founded in 1844, was only a few years old when it sent the yacht America acrosss the Atlantic to pitch the new world against the old in the famous race around the Isle of Wight of 1851, which in
TOP: The impressive
later years would become the America’s Cup.
surroundings of the
Yachting historians will need no reminding that America left
New York Yacht
the opposition for dead, a coup for the young club and by
Club, founded
no means its last success on the water, as subsequent
in 1844
America’s Cup challengers were to find out.
30 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
“
Cowes is hosting an extraordinary triple whammy of 8-Metre events
”
8-METRES IN COWES
before 1960, but with modern rigs, hardware and sails; and
There are few more stunning sights on the water than an
the International 8-Metre Cup, for which all Eights with a
8-Metre yacht. Clearly, my preference is for a wooden one,
valid rating certificate are eligible. In theory, any boat could
but even the moderns have their magic. Those who agree
win this cup, but in reality modern (wing-keeled) boats are
will be interested to know Cowes on the Isle of Wight is
so much faster that they are unbeatable. The Cowes event should see a host of British-based
hosting an extraordinary triple whammy of 8-Metre events
boats, hopefully including the modern Miss U, based on the
in July and early August 2019.
Hamble River, which was world champion two years ago.
Firstly, from 13-20 July, we’ll have Panerai British Classic
Finally, at least some of the 8-Metre fleet will likely stay
Week, the annual event organised by the British Classic Yacht Club from Cowes Yacht Haven. There is always a
CSY02 Bonati.indd 22
29/05/2012 14:57
on for a third regatta, the massive Cowes Classics Week,
good smattering of Metre boats there and in recent years
TOP Captn Nat
which runs from 29 July to 2 August and often attracts a
the well-known Eights Helen and Saskia have been regular
Herreshoff and his
strong collection of classic Metre yachts. The international
competitors.
designs, the subject
Metre boat clientele at Cowes Classics this year will be a
of a major show in
glamorous fillip to an already thriving regatta and the week
because the 8-Metre Worlds is taking place immediately
New England in 2019
will round off an 8-Metre Solent summer to remember.
after the event, from 20-27 July. This will be hosted by the
ABOVE Angelo
Royal Yacht Squadron and is likely to see 8-Metres old and
Bonati has retired
PANERAI TRANSAT CLASSIQUE
new gather for a magnificent regatta. Any regular readers
after having a huge
The last year saw the retirement of Angelo Bonati as CEO
of Classic Boat will know from our coverage that the
impact on the classic
of watchmaker Panerai. Bonati is not a name known to
8-Metre Worlds always produces some stunning images
world
mainstream sailors, but he has been one of the classic
This year the fleet is likely to be significantly boosted
and very close racing. An 8-Metre World Championship offers four cups to
world’s most influential players. His sponsorship of a series of classic regattas in the Med, and in the Solent and the US
fight for: the First Rule Cup for yachts designed before
too, changed the landscape of classic sailing. The Panerai
1920 or fitted with a gaff rig; the Neptune Trophy for yachts
Classic Yachts Challenge has given shape to a regatta
designed before 1960, whose rig and deckware are still
circuit. It is a beautiful array of wooden yachts gathered
period correct (wooden spars, Dacron sails and no
in some of the world’s most stunning old ports. I heard
self-tailing winches); the Sira Cup for yachts designed
it described recently as one of the seven wonders of the THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 31
Anne T. Converse PHOTOGRAPHY MARINE • TRAVEL • EQUINE PEOPLE
P.O. Box 209 Marion, MA 02738 | USA 508 728 6210 anne@annetconverse.com www.annetconverse.com
2013 DESTINATIONS
modern world! The regattas have attracted wealthy owners,
ABOVE Great racing
staging an exhibition of Herreshoff ’s works titled Stronger,
who have taken on major restorations, they have driven
at British Classic
Lighter, Faster.
a greater competitiveness, in some ways, certainly at the
Week, which takes
It features rarely seen objects from the museum’s Hart
top end, these events have driven the whole classic scene.
place in July from
Nautical Collection and many other sources. Nat Herreshoff
Bonati, a keen sailor, went further than mere sponsorship,
Cowes organised by
graduated from MIT in 1870 and built eight consecutive
by restoring the Fife Eilean and having her raced (skip-
the British Classic
America’s Cup winners, the first modern catamaran, the
pered by personable English skipper Andy Cully) in every
Yacht Club
first torpedo boats for the US Navy, the first US steam-
one of the Panerai-sponsored Med events. So Bonati’s
powered fishing vessels and the first aeroplane to cross the
low-key stepping down in 2018 was a moment to pause and
Atlantic, in 1919. “It’s wonderful for us to be able to bring to
ponder his influence. He took no public bows, but as a kind
the public a fitting tribute to the life work of one of our
of swan-song he was due to be visiting the Canary Islands
greatest innovators,” said John Durant, museum director.
in January 2019 for the start of another successful Panerai-
I look forward to seeing the exhibition myself sometime
sponsored event, the Transat Classique. The 2019 edition of
in 2019. If you can’t get over to Massachusetts, have a look
this four-yearly race will see a fleet of sturdy classics set sail
at the website, which is impressive enough.
for the Caribbean, including Eilean. There will be many hand-
http://herreshoff-legacy.squarespace.com
shakes and many memories as Mr Bonati waves the fleet off towards the sun.
HERRESHOFF ON SHOW
HISTORY ON HARD-DRIVE As part of the exhibition project mentioned above, in a monumental piece of work over five years, the Massachu-
A fascinating new Herreshoff exhibition is on in
setts Institute of Technology (MIT) museum has
Massachusetts until May 1, 2019. Captain
digitised the entire Herrshoff archive – more than
Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, otherwise known as the Wizard of Bristol, was not only history’s greatest designer of yachts, but one of the earliest undergraduates to read at the now famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The MIT Museum, in Cambridge, Mass, is now
25,000 documents – so that it is freely available
GOING GOING G O N E...
online. It is one of several projects in recent years to make yachting history accessible to many, the most notable of which was the Association of Yachting Historians’ digitisation of the Lloyds Register.
They scanned 104,000 pages and the whole lot is available THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 33
The ‘field of dreams’ in Suffolk offers a host of fascinating but not insignificant restoration projects
for £70 on a searchable memory stick. The tireless association is now turning its hand to digising The Yachtsman and old issues of The Field. Both will yield fascinating results. Meanwhile other digital archive projects are ongoing worldwide, from the British National
Awards 2019
has been bought by a discerning owner and a restoration is underway in time for the boat’s 100th birthday in 2020. Jo is a First Rule 6-Metre yacht built for the Ostend Olympics of 1920. She’ll be a fine sight afloat again. Now, are there any takers for the rest of the ‘field of dreams’?
Yachting Archive, to work carried out by the Yachting Heritage Centre in Germany.
THE MISSING LINK
FUTURE AWARDS WINNERS
Europe is crying out for a dedicated wooden boat show, I
One thing I love about the Classic Boat Awards each year is
wrote in the November 2018 issue of Classic Boat. The
how they show the vast spectrum of what a ‘classic’ boat
USA has events in Port Townsend and Mystic Seaport, the
can be. In 2018 we had a clinker larch-on-oak rowing boat,
Aussies and New Zealanders have an event in Tasmania
used by one woman as a ferry on an east coast estuary. We
– each a glorious celebration of timber craft big and small,
had an aluminium J-Class with state-of-the-art fittings and
attracting visitors and exhibitors from across the world. Us
electronics, crewed by a small battalion. We also had a
Europeans have some wonderful shows, not least the
jaw-dropping mahogany runabout that can do 60 knots. In
Thames Traditional Boat Festival and the Beale Park Boat
between there were amateur builds and professional jobs,
& Outdoor Show, both in the UK, and we have the
all launched after months or often years of graft and care.
beginnings of a good event in the Antibes Classic Boat
Each of the boats on our shortlist, published in our
Show, launched last summer. But these are relatively small
February 2019 issue, deserves the highest commendation.
scale affairs. Of the mainstream events, The YachtMarket.
The winners are chosen by public vote online via our
com Southampton Boat Show has a selection of modern
dedicated website awards.classicboat.co.uk.
classics and smaller wooden boats, and Düsseldorf’s ‘boot’
In the May issue of Classic Boat 2018 we featured the ‘field of dreams’, a field in Suffolk owned by Demon Yachts in Aldeburgh in which sits a mouth-watering collection of decrepid old classics, just waiting for somebody’s love and finance. Any one of them, I wrote at the time, would be a monumental commitment, but it would be nice to think they all would have their moment at Classic Boat Awards ceremonies of the future. Since then, one of those boats
34 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
“
Europe is crying out for a dedicated wooden boat show
”
has a traditional section too. But in a continent that sees dedicated classic regattas taking place all around its coast virtually every weekend over the summer, the audience for a single show devoted solely to wooden and classic craft is surely there. Meanwhile, I look forward to seeing how the events I mention above grow in 2019. If you’re a wooden boat lover or not, I highly recommend each of them as a great day out.
g n i t Yach St Helena welcomes visiting yachts to its unspoilt destination. St Helena is conveniently positioned for passing sea traffic as it sits in the middle of West Africa and South America. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popularity as a port of call for passenger liners has now been taken over by sailing yachts, a large number of which stop to St Helenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shores every year. A warm welcome awaits the visiting sailor ashore in Jamestown.
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@sthelenatourism
THE
CLOSEST EVER FINISH After 45,000 miles, Dongfeng won by minutes. How did this extraordinary edition of the Volvo Ocean Race unfold and what legacy has it left for sailing? WORDS ROB KOTHE 36 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
PHOTO: ELOISE STICHELBAUT/DONGFENG RACE TEAM
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 37
T
he 2017-18 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race was undeniably one amazing race, beginning from Alicante and spanning 45,000 action packed miles to the closest finish the race has ever seen, in The Hague. In all, seven teams battled against some of the planet’s most extreme conditions, through highs and lows – tragedy at times and jubilation at others – in a gripping race that has without doubt won its place in the history books. From the off, Xabi Fernandez and his Mapfre crew came out of the blocks fast, with a second and two leg wins. Then from Auckland onwards eight times VOR veteran Bouwe Bekking’s Team Brunel sailed brilliantly with a win, then a second and two more victories, while Charles Caudrelier and his French/Chinese crew on Dongfeng was a podium player leg after leg, but kept the best to last. Caudrelier began racing the Volvo Ocean Race in 2011-12 as part of Frank Cammas’ winning Groupama crew. He says: “We have been campaigning since 2013, but much of our time before the last race we were teaching the Chinese sailors. This time we started our serious training early, then did a big one-on-one training block with Mapfre. “We discovered a new way of positioning the keel which gave us a significant speed advantage from the race start. Unfortunately, one Volvo Ocean Race race expert looking at our race telemetry realised what we were doing and shared that with the world via their Twitter account; that allowed others to copy our technique. “Leg after leg we sailed well. We were very disappointed to have been leading into Newport (at the end of the 5700nm Leg 8 from Itajaí, Brazil) with 15 miles to go and then to finish fifth, but we kept pushing hard.”
Danish coast with an unfavourable angle cost them significant miles. Carolijn Brouwer, Donfeng headsail trimmer, takes up the story: “As we came towards the finish, we couldn’t see any other boats on our AIS. After the one o’clock positions report, it seemed the western leaders would finish two miles ahead of us. But then we had more breeze than the GRIB files had been showing at the last routing and the wind direction was a bit better for us, and a recomputation showed if wind strength and direction stayed we would win by a mile. “About 12 miles from the finish with binoculars we could see three little dots on the horizon. When we passed the last mark with seven miles to go, and they were still in the middle distance, we realised we had won!” Caudrelier says: “We had a powerful team with a wonderful spirit both on the boat and shoreside. Our experience from the last campaign helped us to know where we could improve. “The quality of the sailors was the best it has ever been: multiple Volvo Ocean Race winners spread across the fleet, five or more Olympic gold medallists, the winners of the America’s Cup... You don’t need to say more than that. “This race is part of my life. A great race, the toughest one but the best one,” he concludes.
So near
PHOTOS: AINHOA SANCHEZ; JEREMIE LECAUDEY; MARTIN KERUZORE/VOLVO OCEAN RACE
Crucial decision
With just the final leg to be sailed, Dongfeng, Mapfre and Brunel lay equal with bonus points attributed. The winner of Leg 11 would be the overall race winner, and AkzoNobel still had a slim chance to make the podium. Dongfeng and Mapfre sparred against each other along the Danish coast. Then came the most crucial decision of the entire 45,000 nautical mile race. Dongfeng’s navigator Pascal Bidégorry explains: “The Traffic Separation Scheme decision – whether to go east or west – was critical because you could not cross back.” Caudrelier adds: “Our shoreside navigator said we should take the inshore route. Pascal pushed a lot too and said, ‘we must go there’, and we backed ourselves, knowing it would cost us early but we expected to gain at the end.” After a wind shift the Mapfre afterguard decided they should sail the westerly course to which AkzoNobel and Brunel were already committed, but to sail wide from the LEFT: Blair Tuke on board Mapfre just missed out on claiming the triple crown of Olympic, America’s Cup and Volvo wins
38 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Mapfre skipper, Xabi Fernandez, recalls how overall victory slipped from their grasp in the very final stages of the nine-month long race: “The last leg was played out on just one card. It was one of the best legs Mapfre sailed until we made a decision that didn’t work out. “We won three of the legs and had the chance to win the race right up until the last few hours. I think that it has been the best campaign since we began with Movistar in 2005, then our two campaigns with Telefónica and Mapfre in the last edition. If we can, we will do it again.” Bouwe Bekking, skipper of Brunel, gave an honest reflection after settling for third place overall, saying: “The first half of the race was very tough for us. We had started late, just two months before the race start, with a small budget and that meant little shore navigation support. But from Auckland on, we had great results and it was great to have a winning chance going into the final leg. “Had the wind direction changed as it was forecast in the last few hours, our dreams would have come true. But that did not happen.” And with a rueful smile, Bekking concludes, as he has so many times before on this race, “but that is yacht racing.” For Simeon Tienpont, skipper of fourth placed AkzoNobel, looking back at the race brought mixed emotions: ‘‘We broke our mast track in the Southern Ocean, and that meant we could not win the overall race. But from Melbourne onwards we sailed podium positions in six legs of the seven legs. We set a record for the fastest monohull in the world under 100 feet and the fastest boat in Volvo Ocean Race history, and of that, I am incredibly proud.” And despite not walking away with a podium spot, AkzoNobel watch captain Chris Nicolson sums up the excitement that this closest-ever race has presented, as he says: “If we hadn’t damaged our mast and Vestas not had a terrible run of bad luck, you could have seen maybe four or five boats able to win at the end, and we have never seen, in offshore racing, that level of competitiveness.”
TOP: Dongfeng with as much cloth up as possible ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Close racing has been a feature of the last two editions; Vestas 11th Hour Racing had a run of bad luck, finishing fifth; Caudrelierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s predominantly French/Chinese team hard at work on a sail change LEFT: Mapfre was the star performer over the first few legs. RIGHT: Brunel excelled at tight reaching and in big breezes THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 39
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What future for sailing’s toughest race? The Volvo Ocean Race has a new team in charge and changes have already been announced, with more to follow for the next edition
R
ichard Brisius is the new Volvo Ocean Race CEO. His background was as manager of Team SCA, and he and Johan Salén have been running this edition since Mark Turner stepped down in 2017. They will head up the event with their Atlant Ocean Racing Spain taking ownership. First of the changes under this new stewardship has been the swift confirmation of a much-rumoured switch to IMOCA 60s for the 2021 edition of the race onwards. “We have been consulting with skippers, crews, current and potential sponsors on how we should reshape the race,” Brisius explained. “We will continue that process to reach the critical decisions in the next three to 12 months, on the crew rules and routes.” The two Swedes have been very supportive of women in the race and say they want to keep the gender rule in place. The VOR 2021 Notice of Race including the Crew Rules is expected to be public this year, and with smaller crews overall likely following the change of class, just how that will be achieved will be a strategic challenge. As such, a committee has been set up to manage what are expected to be compromises on the rules for the IMOCA 60 fleet and from the Volvo Ocean Race side. While the VO65 has provided close racing, it has not delivered bigger fleets, with one of the purpose-built boats unused in this edition due to lack of a crew and sponsors,
ABOVE: An early render of the proposed IMOCA 60 made suitable for the crewed race RIGHT: The Volvo Ocean 65 has provided very close racing, but could IMOCA 60s withstand being pushed so hard?
which surely counted against it when looking to the future. The Vendée Globe, however, regularly sees a 30-boat fleet of IMOCA 60s – though these are predominantly French-backed teams. In an ideal world the move could increase the numbers for the next Volvo while increasing the global appeal of IMOCA 60 racing.
Re-design?
There were several diverse opinions doing the rounds at the end of this edition of the race, when all the talk dockside was of the potential move to the IMOCAs in the coming months. THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 41
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the world. The reason we adventurous thrill-seeking guys and girls race as a team 24/7 for nine months, is that it’s the ultimate challenge physically and mentally. “I’ve heard suggestions of autopilots on the boats reducing the crews to five. That for me is a no go.” Brouwer adds that it will be interesting to see how the solo sailing events such as the Vendée and the short-handed events will be incorporated.
Shaping the future
Six-times race veteran Chris Nicholson, says: “The race is addictive for both sailors and spectators. In the existing format, I think the return on value for the sponsors has never been better. Our flyby into Aarhus [during the final leg] was fantastic: to come right to the audience, that’s the future.” However, Nicholson feels there will need to be substantial changes to any current IMOCA 60 to make it suitable for a fully crewed race where the stresses on the boat are naturally higher. “While the attraction of the IMOCA 60 is a bigger fleet, it is going to have to be a structural redesign, new rig, possibly new foils to withstand being a fully crewed boat, around the world, under reduced sail, surfing down waves at 35 knots.” Ian Walker, four-race VOR veteran and 2014-15 winner, agrees that structural integrity will be key. “Times have changed, they need a bigger fleet. But I suspect a Volvo race team would break an existing IMOCA 60, because we push the boats hard, in a way the single-handed sailors can’t afford to do. “In theory, going with IMOCAs is a way of almost guaranteeing a bigger fleet because you have got a readily available boat, which could potentially be used either fully professionally or on a more amateur level. But it is a different type of sailing. Even if you sail with six, that’s not fully crewed as we know it. “It is almost certainly going to be furling sails and a lot of sailing from the shelter of the cabin or even down below, and that’s not what the Volvo Ocean Race has been about; you have got your kit on, and you have taken what’s been thrown at you, and you have pushed as hard as you could for your four hours on deck, and then someone else has taken over and done the same. “Part of the move to IMOCAs is to get with the foiling generation but you can’t have too many crew (to keep the boat foiling) which takes you further away from the original Volvo Ocean Race. That’s the difficult balancing act.” Carolijn Brouwer from Dongfeng, who first sailed the race in 2001-02, says that for her, the worry is that the two types of racing cannot easily be reconciled. She says: “The Volvo Ocean Race is the toughest fully crewed race around
ABOVE: Brunel skipper Bouwe Bekking took the race as a learning curve, despite being an eight-time veteran; the IMOCAs will present entirely new challenges BELOW: Charles Caudrelier raises the trophy that has been his focus since 2013
It seems that the intention is for compromise from all sides, as one of the most prolific current-generation IMOCA 60 designers, Guillaume Verdier confirms: “We’re trying to make a boat for the future that is capable of doing both short-handed and fully-crewed races. “My opinion is that it is do-able with a bit of compromise from both worlds to meet in the middle.” Dee Caffari, skipper of Turn the Tide on Plastic has already stated that she wants to lead another team in 2021. For her, the future of the race is a question of balance between moving forwards and retaining elements of tradition that are synonymous with the race. She comments: “As a sailor you want innovation, and you want the chance to open up some elements so that you can be creative; it attracts technology, innovation and sponsorship as well.” “This change is very exciting,” comments winner of this edition, Charles Caudrelier, who had been an advocate of moving the race to multihulls, but says: “The IMOCA 60s are just amazing boats. I really enjoy sailing on these boats and I think when people see it, they will enjoy it. If the two best offshore races in the world are going to join the same class, to me it’s good news.” Simeon Tienpont, AkzoNobel’s record-setting skipper, believes shaping what the race needs to look like first should be a priority. “A strengthened IMOCA 60 could bring us 20 boats, smaller crews and way more nationalities and a bigger audience. We need an innovative boat; that is what excites me as a sailor and a professional. We sailors will sail the boats as fast as we can, but the shape of the event will determine if we want to be there. “When I arrived dockside in The Hague, I looked at my wife without speaking, and she looked back at me, smiled and said: ‘I know, I already know, you don’t have to ask, yes, you can do the next race!’.”
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 43
Women top the podium...At
last
Carolijn Brouwer, Marie Riou and Justine Mettraux were part of the winning team, making them the first females to win the race. In all, 23 female sailors sailed thanks to a crew rule which rewarded teams who sailed with women
Dee Caffari The only female skipper in this race, sailing with five female sailors – more than any other team – on board Turn the Tide on Plastic: “With the new women-in-crew rule, we had at least two females on every crew and we now have female winners of the Volvo. If we didn’t have the rule a lot of the guys wouldn’t choose to have girls in the team going forward, so I think without that rule we would end up stepping backwards, which would be a massive mistake.”
PHOTOS: RICHARD EDWARDS; MATT KNIGHTON; ELOI STICHELBAUT; AINHOA
Ian Walker Three-time Volvo veteran and 2014-15 race winning skipper of Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, now RYA Director of Racing: “The rules of this race have helped spread the experience for women, and that’s been [previous race CEO] Mark Turner’s legacy. He drove that through, despite a lot of criticism from the stalwarts of the race. “You only get better by sailing with and against the best people. I got better by sailing with the likes of Justin Slattery, Neil McDonald, Damien Foxhall – and up until this race female sailors haven’t had that chance. “Now they have had that chance, and that’s the key thing to getting better – not whether you are a man or a woman.”
Carolijn Brouwer One of the first female sailors to win the Volvo Ocean Race as three-race veteran and trimmer on Dongfeng: “The Volvo has started to roll the ball in the right direction, but it is a heavy ball. To keep it moving, you need to keep giving it a push, and I think maybe it will take more than one edition, maybe two. After all, the difference between crew languages, culture and ages are much bigger on the boat than the differences between men and women. “We are counting on the new race owners Richard Brisius and Johan Salén who worked with Team SCA in the last race to keep supporting us there.” 44 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE LEFT: Dee Caffari was the only female skipper in the race and already wants to go again in 2021 ABOVE RIGHT: 49er FX Olympic gold medallist Martine Grael set a new race distance record as part of the AkzoNobel crew
Charles Caudrelier Skipper on board the winning boat Dongfeng and three-times race veteran: “If there were only men in the world there would be a lot more wars! Women, I think, are always crucial in the world to provide balance. I think we are complementary and it is good to have women on the boat, and for me, it was a pleasure to sail with our girls, and I would be happy to do it again. “Up to now when you picked a team, you don’t think about girls, because of the small number who have the Volvo Ocean Race experience. This rule will eventually change that.”
Abby Ehler Boat captain on Team Brunel and three-time race veteran: “If one of the girls had not worked out in this race, whether due to injury, character or skill set, there are not hundreds of other experienced women to draw from for a replacement, whereas if it was a guy who had to be replaced that would be the case. “The rule must stay for another edition or two until we have a talent pool, which will only happen if opportunities are created, in a slightly forced way. I think it’s essential to run a successful mixed team in the upcoming race, not looking for either men or women, just looking for the best of the best for specific roles. “There is so much to be taken from diversity in the commercial world, in terms of why it’s such a strength, and that should translate across to sailing.”
Simeon Tienpont Skipper of AkzoNobel, fourth overall and record setter as the fastest monohull under 100ft: “I enjoyed having women on the boat a lot. We communicated better. We had fun, and there was more openness. The rule should remain for the next race or two; it’s providing chances for the top professional sailors to show their skills and for them to be watch captains or skippers in the next race and we grow the sport in that way.”
THE
YEAR AHEAD FOR CRUISING SAILORS
Editor of Sailing Today, Sam Jefferson, on what he is looking forward to in the cruising world in 2019
2
Y
acht cruising is by definition a formless activity.
RALLYING ROUND
Fluid, you could call it. A yacht cruise need
Because of course, there is some sort of form to yacht
neither have a fixed destination or timetable. In
cruising and generally it is driven by the seasons. Many
fact, a schedule of any sort on a yacht cruise is
cruisers, like the darting swift, head south for the winter
generally the sort of damned nuisance that mother nature
and these days that natural migration has become an
rapidly sees off with a persistent headwind. Anyway, the
‘event’ in the form of rallies. The World Cruising Club are
thrust of my meanderings is that to write about the year
the maestros of the cruising rally and they have an
ahead, scheduled events and so on, is to many of us
impressive selection of options available. Of course, the big
cruising sailors the very antithesis of what we are here for.
one is the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which kicks off every
Barring the scheduled events of spring, summer, autumn
November. This is the granddaddy of all the rallies that
and winter, we like to see ourselves as free spirits,
really got the ball rolling and it has become something of a
unfettered by such vulgar words as schedules and events.
mass movement – an exodus if you will – although in this
But needs must: schedules and events are out there. I think
case, Canaan is the Caribbean and the need of the wage
it was Bernard Moitessier who once said: “Quand les
slaves looking to escape the rat race is slightly less pressing
mouettes suivant le pecheur c’est parce qu’il y a des
than it was for the Israelites. Anyway, this is widely viewed
restes.” Anyway, having scored that superb own goal to
as the best way to make the long hop across the Atlantic in
open proceedings, here is a look at the year ahead.
company. It doesn’t end there though as the rally planted
46 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
2013 DESTINATIONS
OSCAR JACKSON
the seed that has led to a rich crop of offshoots including
ABOVE: Another
distilleries that pop up with pleasing regularity among the
the World Rally which caters for those who wish to expand
gruelling stopover
highlands and islands. So that’s a range of rallies distilled.
their horizons yet further after making the Atlantic crossing.
on the Oyster World
Some may find them preferable with warm water, others
Another option is ARC Plus which allows yachts to deviate
Rally
not.
from the traditional course straight from the Canaries to St Lucia in order to enjoy a fascinating detour and explore the
UNCHARTERED WATERS
Cape Verde Islands. Other events organised by the World
When Sir Christopher Columbus clapped eyes on the new
Cruising Club that you can look forward to throughout the
world in 1492, he turned to his mate, Romeo and uttered
year include the ARC Baltic, held over a six week period in
these words: “Romeo (for ‘twas he) we have discovered a
July and August and giving you the opportunity to explore
land that is perfect for bareboat chartering.” And, of course,
this cruising ground in company. In fact, the World Cruising
he was right (an observation all the more impressive given
Club almost holds too many events to list, but before
that he thought he was looking at Japan). This great
slipping anchor and moving on, it’s worth giving a special
pioneer of yacht cruising had spotted a gap in the market
mention to the Malts Cruise, held in July and allowing
and, over the centuries, his prophecy has been proven
cruisers to explore the enchanting cruising ground of
correct. What is even better news is the just like old Chris
western Scotland with the added benefit, not to mention
back in 1492, charter operators keep pressing forward into
motivation, of an enticing stopover at one of the numerous
the unknown in their quest to provide you with the perfect THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 47
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ABOVE Beneteau
Pilsner and gaze in wonderment at the vast array of
just opened up a new base in Belize for your yachting
Oceanis 46.1
nautical paraphernalia on offer.
pleasure. It’s pioneering stuff but there is more closer to
INSET Southampton
home, where Sunsail have set up an all new base on the
and Cannes boat
disappearance of the London Boat Show – much maligned
often overlooked island of Mallorca in the Balearics and are
shows
in recent years, but increasingly mourned by many in the
enticing people to this beautiful cruising ground with the promise of an extended sailing season, anchorages aplenty and a warm Balearic welcome.
The big hole in the yachting calendar has been the
industry. On a more positive note, the yawning hole in everyone’s January is being filled by the brand spanking new British
Switching back to the Caribbean, the good news this
Yachting Awards. This is an amalgamation of the Yachts
year is that the BVIs are back in business after the dreadful
and Yachting Awards and the Sailing Today Awards and
walloping the island got by Hurricane Irma. Everyone knows
makes for a bigger, better event which is being held
the BVIs is one of the finest cruising grounds known to
annually at the Royal Thames Yacht Club – so pack your
humanity and the fact that it is back on its feet is good
blazer and tie and prepare for an awards ceremony that is
news not only for cruising sailors but also for the people of
packed with fun and laughter, trials and tribulations. Keep
the BVIs themselves. There has never been a better time to
your ear to the ground too as this year there will be a
visit the islands and show your support of these islands that
mystery host.
have given sailors so much over the years. Elsewhere, Sail Grenadines moves to Bequia, making exploring the Grenadines that much easier.
BOAT SHOWS
NEW BOATS And, of course, no boat show would be complete without new boats and there are some fantastic new models this year. Innovation is not always the watchword of modern
Another great marker in a sailor’s calendar is boat show
designers, but It has to be said that Beneteau’s Oceanis 51.1
season – in many ways it’s the harbinger of winter for us
was a bit of an eye-opener last year. I tested the boat when
UK-based sailors. Things kick off in Cannes in the blazing heat and Southampton generally enjoys warm September breezes, but by the time Düsseldorf comes around in
it first came out and was impressed at the French manufacturer’s willingness to innovate. The company presented a yacht with
February, the chill has set right into the bone and the best
unusual ‘champagne glass’ sections
thing you can do is tuck into a Bratwurst and a hot stein of
forward that allowed for greater THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 49
internal volume at the bow without compromising the need
Falmouth and is due for launch in spring 2019. She
to keep wetter surface area low in light airs. The good news
promises to be an absolute beauty. Third up in an increas-
is that Beneteau is now unveiling the next yacht in the
ingly crowded market is Kraken Yachts’ new 50 which also
range – the Oceanis 46.1 – which follows a similar concept. I,
looks like a great yacht. These blue water cruisers have
for one, am looking forward to test sailing her. Elsewhere,
been developed by two Brits who were intent on building
Hanse continues to revamp its range and there are
their dream cruising yacht. They decided that the most cost
mutterings about a new Moody too which would be
effective method of putting such a yacht together was to
interesting after all these years. Things are also looking up
build it in China, so the company is based in Hong Kong.
on the boatbuilding front after a pretty turbulent 2018
Their yachts are very interesting and having tested their Kraken 66 in extreme conditions in Cape Town, I can assure
which saw both Bavaria and Oyster Yachts both stumble. Happily, both are now back on their feet with new backers.
TOP The new
you they are very much the real deal. The new Kraken 50
Both were developing brand new lines when they got into
Oyster 595
looks the business too and features what her builders term
financial trouble and the good news is that both have been
INSET Rustler 57
a ‘zero keel’ – a fully encapsulated keel that has no bolts
able to carry on with the development of these new boats.
ABOVE Richard
whatsoever – so there is zero chance of it falling off.
The arrival of Richard Hadida at the helm of Oyster Yachts
Hadida, at the helm
has certainly reinvigorated the marque and, when I caught
of Oyster Yachts
up with him earlier this year he was deeply enthused about
RIGHT Kraken 50
his new acquisition and was talking about developing a smaller ‘baby’ Oyster in the sub 50ft bracket which would be very interesting indeed.
BLUE WATER FEVER The Brits are seeing a bit of a blue water cruiser revival at present. First up Discovery Yachts has hit the ground running since new CEO Sean Langdon took the reins and under his stewardship the range just keeps expanding. The latest model is the Discovery 54 but watch this space as there might well be another one along any minute. Another powerful symbol of the market for serious blue water cruisers is the new Rustler 57 which I saw in build in
50 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
There is a great deal to look forward to this yachting year and I, for one, can’t wait for it to get started.
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BIG CLASSICS
TODAY We take a look the stunning big designs from yesteryear still sailing
I
t used to be the case that a big boat was a classic boat. The large gaff cutters and schooners of the first part of the last century, and the sloops that followed in the 1930s, were a pinnacle of yacht design and build that was only reached again when the modern superyacht world caught up in the 1980s and 1990s. Even today, the Big Class and J-Class yachts are far from dwarfed by the latest carbon and aluminium megayachts, but their elegance is if anything even more pronounced. You have only to see one Med classic regatta, and the crowds gathered on the quay as the big schooners tie up, to know that our fascination with the ‘big classics’ is as 52 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
strong as ever. There are so many elements to these boats’ stories that make them interesting, from their design, to their first owners, to their race results, to their restorations and current status quo. Each has a story to tell of high life and low life, of being feted and being abandoned. Today, with many of them lavishly brought back to life, these boats are at the pinnacle of their world once again and are a magnificent showcase of what yacht building once was. Over the next few pages we look at some of the big classic designs sailing today, some originals, some replicas. We hope you enjoy a taste of life at the ‘big’ end of the gloriously varied classic boat world…
What is it about the great classic
jibs, traditional spars and rigging, and
yachts that remains so impressive?
so on. I would like to see even more
In a word I would say ‘power’. The
penalties in the handicap system for
sight of a large two or three-masted
non-traditional additions to rigs, gear
gaff schooner powering along in a
and sails.
stiff breeze is, to coin an overused Below decks, generally, have these
word, awesome.
boats been adapted for the modern How regularly do the big classics
charter market?
change hands?
Again, very difficult to generalise. In
From a broker’s point of view, not
the 1960s and 1970s old yachts were
often enough! It varies hugely.
‘modernised’ for the charter market,
Mariette has changed hands twice in
with Formica being king, but
24 years and is unlikely to do so again
thankfully we now see them as
soon; Thendara three times in the
classics and appreciate their innate
same period, and looking for a new
qualities for what they are – a
owner now; Moonbeam IV three times
reminder of the days when boats
in 17 years, most recently last year;
were built by hand, by craftsmen.
Moonbeam III seven times since 1979, twice at auction; Shamrock V once in 20 years; Mariquita once in 14
Q&A
Even so, en-suite heads and showers are a must these days and the need for freezers, fridges, washing machines and
years.
dishwashers have Is the cost of owning
transformed galleys.
and maintaining a big classic greater today
Do you have a
than it was in the
favourite ‘big classic’?
1920s/1930s?
Mariette of 1915 has
There has been a trend
topped my bill since
towards greater
the day I sold her to
professionalism in the industry, making the cost of permanent crew greater than in the days
Mike Horsley, Edmiston
when they were mostly
Tom Perkins in 1994, when he restored her to gaff rig and started campaigning her on the regatta circuit, and
east coast fishermen. The level of
again when I sold her to the current
maintenance is a lot higher today. It
owner, who continues in the same
has always been a sport for the
great tradition. She’s not only fast and
wealthy and will remain so.
beautiful, but also has the loveliest
JAMES ROBINSON TAYLOR
saloon of any of the classics. After a Are most still sailed as they were?
comprehensive refit at Pendennis
Luckily there has been a move in the
finished this year [see January issue
Med for greater authenticity in rigs,
of Classic Boat for full feature], she is
sails, appearance and so on, led
ready for another century. A tribute
largely by the CIM (Comité
to the owner, captain and crew.
Internationale de la Mediterrannée) and encouraged by sponsors such as
How are these big boats used?
Prada and now Panerai. In the US it
Some owners prefer to remain low
has taken slightly longer to take hold,
key. Altair is off on a round-the-world
but with authentically restored yachts
cruise and Mariette has had a couple
As the first of the bermudan-rigged Big Class, launched in
such as Spartan now on the scene,
of years cruising. But there has been
1928, Cambria led an extraordinary period of design and build
the message has been taken on
a general increase in racing these big
that gave birth to some of the most famous large yachts of all
board. There are of course owners
classics. The lure of Saint-Tropez or
time. Today, she is in immaculate condition, with a new mast in
who will push guidelines to the limits
Antigua Classics is hard to resist.
2005 and a full refit at Southampton Yacht Services completed
in order to win (I shan’t name them
three years ago. She is a staple of the Med circuit, privately
here!) but that is racing. The
Is the market changing in any way?
owned and crewed by a long-serving team under skipper Chris
restorations of such impressive
Since the famous crash of 2008, the
Barkham. Designed and built by William Fife for press baron Sir
vessels as Mariquita and Moonbeam
market in brokerage generally has
William Berry, her vast proportions are still a magnificent sight
IV were done with great respect for
been quieter. There has been an
the original deck layouts – no
increase in the construction of
winches, only handybillies, balloon
replicas, such as Elena, Eleonora,
CAMBRIA
on the water and a great affection remains for Cambria. Undoubtedly one of the best-loved of all the big classics.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 53
BIG CLASSICS Atlantic, Germania Nova and Naema, which gives new blood to the market,
FOR CHARTER, FROM
EROS Launched in 1939, her maiden sail
although there is no doubt that actual
from Lowestoft was cut short as
selling prices are lower than 10 years
she was commandeered by the
ago. It is a good time to buy.
Royal Navy to assist in the war
$35,000
effort as a coastal patrol boat.
In terms of charter, how popular are
Later she was owned by Stavros
big old yachts?
Niarchos and played host to King
Surprisingly enough, some of these
Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of
charter quite well, although
Spain on their honeymoon. Today
sometimes it is the replicas that outshine the ‘real’ classics in terms of weeks sold. Clients expect endless hot water, room to store ‘toys’, fast and comfortable tenders, and impeccable service from the crew.
she has been thoughtfully refitted for high end charter work and is a keen competitor in many New England and Caribbean regattas, while logging up some impressive cruising miles. sy-eros.com
But for standing out from the crowd, there is no doubt that a large gaffer is better value pound for pound than say a Mangusta, a Sunseeker, or some other ‘plastic fantastic’.
FOR SALE
€12.8m
Looking back to 30 years ago, what were most of these boats doing? That would be 1988. Moonbeam III had just finished what is generally considered to be the first of the authentic restorations from 1979-88. Altair had just been purchased by Albert Obrist and underwent another Yacht Services, very faithful to the original. The ‘modern’ philosophy of restorations had begun. In 1984 Elizabeth Meyer bought and saved Endeavour, during another landmark restoration. Over the next 20 years or
FOR SALE
so, many large classics were restored,
€17.5m
or in some cases replicas made of no-longer existing yachts.
ENDEAVOUR Nat Herreshoff called her “the perfect boat” and this ground-breaking Nicholson design came close to
Are there more big classics out there
reclaiming the Cup for Britain,
awaiting restoration?
in 1934. The 1980s rebuild by
There are one or two, but not with
Elizabeth Meyer kickstarted
many original features left. The big
the classic boat revival. Today Endeavour is lying in France,
sistership to Mariette, Vagrant, is
awaiting a new owner, but she
undergoing a restoration at the Royal
remains one of sailing’s most
Huisman yard, but I don’t know how
treasured possessions.
faithful to the original it will be. The ones left in Asia and the US have no or little original features and will need deep pockets to bring them back.
RAINBOW The original Rainbow Rainbow, designed
How long will they be around?
by W Starling Burgess, won the
There is no reason why it should not
1934 America’s Cup against
be for ever. With the right ongoing
Endeavour but was scrapped in
maintenance, the shape and soul of the vessel will remain. It may be like your grandad’s original hammer that has had three new heads and four new shafts, but it is still your grandad’s hammer.
54 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
FOR SALE
€8.75m
1940. Then after years of backroom negotiations, another Rainbow, based on Burgess’ lines Rainbow and optimised by Dykstra for the modern J rule, was launched by Holland Jachtbouw in 2012. See interview opposite for more.
INGRID ABERY
INGRID ABERY
famous restoration by Southampton
HANUMAN A nail-biting second in the inaugural J-Class World Cup last year, Hanuman is a modern take on the lines for Endeavour II, challenger against Ranger in the 1937 America’s Cup. Not that One of the so-called ‘super-Js’ for her 138ft 1in (42.1m) LOA, she has won classic and superyacht regattas worldwide. Less than 10 years old and having been given a complete overhaul of all her racing and sailing systems for
RICK TOMLINSON
Hanuman’s crew are used to coming second.
the historic 2017 season, she is now on the market, lying in the western Med. She may not have won the America’s Cup, but her modernday triumphs place this Nicholson design as one of the fastest Js ever built.
Q&A
MARIETTE OF 1915 One of nine legendary steel schooners designed and built by Nat Herreshoff, of which only two remain, Mariette of 1915 is fresh from a major refit at Pendennis and after a cruise of Norwegian waters was back in the Med for the late season regattas in 2018.
How’s Rainbow doing?
crew and insurance, but then there
right. I think there’s an attraction for
We’ve just had a price drop on her, so
are huge variables like fuel, dockage
some of them in being at the top of
from the new breed of aluminium
and your regatta programme. As a
their game – you have to be to race a
hulls she’s now the most
management company we can advise
J competitively. That’s why new Js
competitively priced J on the market.
owners of different running costs on
are still being built. There is no more
She’s got a particularly light
a case-by-case basis.
competitive racing unless you get
displacement compared to the
Will Bishop, Sales & New Construction Broker, YPI
into the likes of the TP52s.
others, the design won the America’s
Is a modern J really a classic yacht?
Cup back in the day and she has
I would call them modern classics.
This world is often perceived as
great pedigree.
The design is from the original lines
separate to the everyday classic
plan but Rainbow has been heavily
scene. Is that the case?
Do these boats get much use away
optimised, with carbon spars and
They are all classic designs but to
from the big regattas?
carbon rigging, so consequently it’s a
some extent it is a budget-driven
Rainbow is fully outfitted for racing
different experience from the days of
world. We all enjoy sailing a smaller
but the present owner has used her
sailing Shamrock. Regardless of the
boat with friends. But when you get
primarily for cruising the Med and
different materials, when you have
into racing a big classic at the top
Caribbean. She’s been a family boat.
the likes of Svea, Lionheart and
end, you need professionals and that
The minimum crew you need to run a
Rainbow on the start line, there isn’t a
is a different league to sailing a small
J is seven, unless you change the
more beautiful sight on the water.
gaff cutter out of Falmouth.
Js have done to make handling easier.
Is there an ‘average’ J owner?
How important are classics to YPI?
She can accommodate seven guests.
All of the J owners are passionate
Immensely important. Owners like to
about sailing, either about the history
deal with knowledgeable individuals.
How about running costs?
of the class or about the boats
That’s what we focus on providing at
You can’t put a single figure on it.
themselves and how they sail. They
YPI and consequently our fleet has
You’ve got fixed running costs, like
are all capable sailors in their own
gone from strength to strength.
forestay to a roller furler, which some
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 55
BIG CLASSICS
ORION OF THE SEAS
FOR SALE
€POA
This 1910 Charles Nicholson schooner, launched as Sylvana, is described as a ‘cult’ boat by broker Barney Sandeman, less well-known than some of her ilk but a magnificent design that reflects Nicholson’s standing at the time. Recent years have seen her restored to gaff rig and a modern refit brought with it a host of 21st-century amenities, while retaining the original pre-war aesthetic and feel. She has used her 90ft 3in (27.5m) waterline to good effect on the race course, but Orion has been used as much as a private cruising boat in the Med, her highly atmospheric period interior well suited to the task.
SISTER SHIP FOR SALE
$18.9m COLUMBIA The original Columbia was one of the great New England fishing schooners of the 1920s. To recreate her impressive Starling Burgess lines was a boyhood dream of one Brian d’Isernia, a dream he realised in 2014 when his yard, Eastern Shipbuilding in Florida, launched the replica. She is sailed widely in the US and Caribbean as a family boat. Meanwhile a second hull has been built and awaits completion.
SOLD!
€2.5m (asking price)
MOONBEAM IV One of the more memorable sights of any Med regatta is Moonbeam IV leaving or coming onto the dock, her crew dressed in white smocks and often with a piper on the foredeck as a nod to the Fife design’s Scottish heritage. Sold last year through Mike Horsley at Edmiston after an asking price of €2.5m, the largest in the Moonbeam
NICO MARTINEZ
series, once owned by Prince Rainier of Monaco, was launched in 1914 and commissioned after WW1.
56 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
FOR SALE
ATLANTIC
€POA
Dutch yachtsman Ed Kastelein has been the driving force behind numerous replica builds and restorations of big classics. His minutely faithful 2010 recreation of Atlantic, legendary winner of the 1905 Transatlantic Race, stands among the most extraordinary projects of the classic boat revival. She flies a staggering 18,836sq ft (1,750m ) of sail, positively dwarfing that of the J-Class, and measures 183ft (56m) on deck.
NIGEL PERT
MARIQUITA
FOR SALE
The iconic Fife 19-Metre that is held
€3.5m
by many to be world’s most beautiful yacht has spent the last two years under covers in Lymington Harbour, her owners awaiting serious offers. Famously saved from a domestic fate as a houseboat and brought back to sail with block and tackle again, her modernday race results from the Med to Cowes are testament to Fife’s BEN WOOD
talent and a skilled crew who have kept her in top condition. Those who see her underway never forget it.
ELEONORA In 1910 the Herreshoff schooner Westward swept across the Atlantic under Captain Charlie Barr to take 11 firsts in 11 starts
FOR SALE
€7.9m
against the pride of Europe. Ed Kastelein’s replica, launched 90 years later and named Eleonora, recreated the magic. Current JAMES ROBINSON TAYLOR
owner Zbynek Zak has continued to race her widely in authentic fashion, as Tom Cunliffe’s article about sailing the RORC 600 on her in Classic Boat #356 attested.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 57
BIG CLASSICS
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THE NEXT GENERATION...
VIJONARA The second of Hoek Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Truly Classic 128s, newly launched, is as lavishly finished as the first (features include an oculus down below
AQUARIUS
to see underwater), but these are real sailing boats too, as our experience aboard the sister ship told us. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise to hear the
A brand new ketch built at Royal Huisman in Holland to naval architecture by Dykstra
new boat will be owner-steered, with the helm sited directly behind
and boasting a stunning interior by Mark Whitely Design, this 184-footer (56m) sails at
the cockpit. Completed by Pendennis Shipyard with the hull by
16 knots and represents the top end of the modern classic concept.
Bloemsma.
royalhuisman.com / dykstra-na.nl / markwhiteleydesign.com
hoekdesign.com / pendennis.com / bloemsma-holland.com
SPIRIT 111 The biggest single-masted wooden sloop to be built in Britain since Shamrock V in 1930, the forthcoming launch from Spirit Yachts is a ground-breaking machine with a host of eco-friendly features and has been designed to be sailed short-handed by the owner. spirityachts.com
58 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
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THE IONIAN AT
CRUISING PACE A keen racing sailor heads to the northern Ionian to see if she is suited to sailing at a more leisurely pace WORDS JODIE GREEN
60 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
M
y friends and I, having raced competitively for numerous years in various dinghy and yacht classes, have always wondered what it would be like to go on a yacht charter holiday. Previously, we had never found the time to do so due to busy racing schedules, until this year when we decided to bite the bullet and book a week with Dream Yacht Charter. The first step to booking a yacht charter holiday is choosing when and where you are going to charter from. Probably the most important things to consider when making this decision are the prevailing conditions you will face and any
particular sights you would like to see on land. Not everyone wants 20kts each day and a constantly heeling and bouncing yacht is not conducive to tanning, younger kids or people who get seasick. For us the decision was easy in selecting Corfu, as we were heading to Greece for a wedding and we had heard many great stories from friends having sailed in the Ionian. Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve settled on a charter base the real planning can start. This is where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work out a rough plan for the week. Many charter companies and online blogs will give you a few suggested itineraries. For the lazier among us THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 61
there’s no need to go much further than these itineraries, a quick Google of the locations, and a couple of emails to friends who’ve visited before. All you really need is a list of a few “must sees”.
ABOVE: Village scene on the island of Paxos
Avoiding the crowds
However, if you’re travelling in peak season, want to avoid crowds, or, like us, have people in the group who like to pre-plan in meticulous detail, then getting hold of the local pilot book is a great place to get further information. For the Mediterranean, Ionian Islands included, Rod Heikell’s guides are the perfect place to start (so good, that there are usually copies on the charter boats themselves). These guides are great for those useful details. Think depths, shelter in prevailing conditions, shore-side facilities, and general travel tips. It’s particularly useful to know where tavernas (restaurants) or shops are so that you can plan your all-important meals and refreshments.
PASSAGE PLANNING We chartered from Gouvia, Corfu, and in fairness we could have easily spent the week simply exploring the island and nipping down to Paxos and Antipaxos. There were, however, a few people in our party who were keen to explore further afield and Lefkas was well within reach from Paxos. There was a choice of sailing around the western side of Lefkas or heading through the Lefkas Canal. We decided it was probably going to be quicker and more relaxing to go via the canal and were rewarded with an enjoyable sail south. If it had been a case of motoring all day then it would have felt like a bit of a slog but we were very fortunate and were rewarded with the chance to explore Meganisi
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 449 Capri Built in: 2013 Designer: Berret/ Racoupeau
and Lefkas itself. To be honest, if you had two weeks or
Length: 13.7m
ten days then I would definitely recommend this.
Draught: 4.24m
It is tempting to head NE from Corfu and explore the Albanian coastline, which lies tantalisingly close and looks very beautiful with huge mountains plunging down to the coast. Unfortunately, the requirement for a visa and other documentation means the country is off-limits for charter yachts by and large.
62 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
On arrival at the Dream Yacht Charter base in Gouvia Marina after a smooth and stress-free booking process, the team was very welcoming and spoke numerous languages. You run through all the usual paperwork as you’d expect and receive a thorough introduction to your boat, on deck and down below. Our home for the week was Capri, a virtually new Sun Odyssey 449 – she was well thought out and equipped with everything you need. We had a sailor in our group that has his ICC qualification, which is the minimum qualification required for insurance purposes. Without this, you will require a skipper for your charter. Depending on your experience, and certainly if it’s your first charter, being briefed on everything from electrics, to the rigging and plumbing certainly puts your mind at ease (top-tip – get at least two people to listen. It can be quite a lot to remember but is also all repeated in the boat’s documents). Being the competitive and slightly overexcitable sailors we are, we rushed through a supermarket to stock-up (Gouvia Marina has a small supermarket onsite that has everything you need and offers free delivery to your boat) and set off from the dock keen to see what Capri was capable of under sail. We had originally planned to stay in the marina overnight, but with the bonus of our boat being available earlier than the standard collection time of 5pm and facing sunshine, 15kts of wind and 25 degrees, we decided to push on for the afternoon and into the sunset to get a head start.
A new routine
We headed 12NM south, down the beautiful east coast of Corfu island and past the old town and fort to a small fishing village called Petriti. You’ll probably have worked out during your planning that mooring in the Mediterranean is often quite different to the UK. Abundant marinas and mooring buoys are replaced by anchoring and “med mooring”. For the first night we elected for the easier option, dropping an anchor on the electric windlass and setting the anchor alarm. All that was left was to settle into what would become a familiar, but no less enjoyable routine. Dinner, drinks, conversation and games into the small hours of the morning around the cockpit table. It hadn’t taken us long to find the appeal of warm weather cruising, certainly something we could all make a habit of!
‘
As soon as we lifted anchor in the morning our racing instincts (at least for the boys) kicked in
’
Gouvia
GREECE
TOP LEFT A shady hideaway in Lakka, Paxos
Petriti
TOP RIGHT Loggos on the island of Paxos is an idyllic place to stop for lunch
Mongonissi Antipaxos
ABOVE A quiet anchorage on the east coast of Antipaxos LEFT Moored stern-to outside a taverna in Gaios Port, Paxos
Kapali Sivota
Abelike
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 63
‘
By now we’d truly settled into the cruising life of late mornings, frequent swims and plenty of relaxing
That being said, as soon as we lifted anchor in the morning our racing instincts (at least for the boys) kicked in. Halyard tensions, jib cars, and sheets were all played with. We soon worked out that cruising yachts don’t point very close to the wind and about 6kts of wind is needed to make reasonable headway without the engine. Our next stop was Paxos. This island and it’s diminutive neighbour Antipaxos, are absolute must-sees. We stopped for lunch in Lakka (13NM from Petriti), unassuming as you enter, it opens into a stunningly beautiful sheltered harbour with clear blue waters, great for swimming and snorkeling. The depth is shallow throughout, so yachts can anchor with ease, making this a very popular spot. Ashore, there are a couple of electric plug-ins on the front, and the picturesque town has plentiful tavernas and food and gift shops. Lakka has a real ‘wow’ factor and we recommend adding this to your
’
TOP: The rugged fortifications of Corfu old town RIGHT: The quayside at Lakka
USEFUL THINGS TO PACK 12V charger You don’t get power from the two pin sockets unless plugged into power
WHEN IN GREECE... 3 tips to help you enjoy the islands
onshore Clothes pegs For drying clothes and
DON’T DRINK RETSINA
towels on guard
Retsina is a Greek speciality, a white
rails
wine flavoured with pine resin. It’s
Pilot book We
delicious, but it gives you a killer
used ‘Ionian’ by
hangover!
Rod & Lucinda Heikell (9th
SAIL IN THE AFTERNOONS
edition)
Summer mornings in the Ionian are
Goggles and
calm with a sea breeze building over
snorkel We were
the day and generally peaking around
fortunate enough
4pm. It’s often still blowing at 6pm
to have been
when you are trying to moor but by
provided these by
7pm things are calm again.
DYC – the Ionian is beautifully clear
DINE AT THE TAVERNA YOU
Mosquito spray
MOORED NEXT TO
Say no more
The Greek islands operate on a policy
Torch For getting
of Baksheesh when it comes to moor-
back onto the boat
ing. It’s generally free but you are
after an evening at
expected to dine at the taverna in
the taverna
exchange.
64 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
itinerary when chartering in the Ionian. After a few pleasant hours in Lakka, we made the 5NM short hop down the coast to Mongonissi, another lovely, sheltered anchorage with a small and popular taverna ashore. It is worth getting there at a reasonable time to get a good anchorage spot, especially in peak season.
Lefkas bound
Day three and we’d made the decision to make the longer passage towards Lefkas. There’s easily enough to occupy yourself for a week in the Northern Ionian, and if conditions don’t look suitable, you are less experienced, or you want to spend more time ashore then this is what we’d recommend. Nonetheless we’d heard enough about Lefkas and the “inland sea” to push the 32NM south to the Lefkas canal (situated on the north coast of Lefkas). Flat calm turned into a gorgeous E-SE 15kts with Capri pushing a consistent 6-7 knots at 60o AWA. We could see mainland Greece in the distance on our left, but soon lost sight of Paxos over the horizon. It’s at times like this that you really appreciate the joy of cruising in such a wonderful area. After a few hours, each taking a turn on the helm, we pass over to the autohelm. Modern autopilots are great for navigation, simple to use and relaxing for longer passages. However, for the speed obsessed, nothing quite kept up with human steering when trying to go close to the wind, so the boys took back the helm. That extra 0.5kt of speed made all the difference and the VMG to waypoint data on the Raymarine Axiom chart plotter can provide endless hours of competitive fun. Through the floating bridge that opens once an hour, the view from the Lefkas canal opens into the stunningly beautiful and breathtaking inland sea. We were full of anticipation of what the inland sea would bring, and we were not disappointed. Favouring the quiet overnight stops we headed for Abelike Bay on the northern shores of
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MED MOORING Although experienced UK sailors, this was something new to us but we rapidly developed a method that may help others.
‘
Prepare fenders Prepare the fenders on both sides
Lakka has a real ‘wow’ factor and we recommend adding this to your itinerary
’
Meganisi – another quiet, pretty and sheltered spot. This was also our first experience of med mooring, whereby you anchor with lines from the stern to the shore, stopping you from swinging. We enjoyed a long evening swim in the crystal-clear water admiring the fish followed by first experience of local Greek taverna ashore. Many small bays and harbours in the area have a taverna or two lining the shore. Not haute cuisine, but gorgeous local food and exactly what we were after. The Greek people are extremely friendly and could not do enough to ensure we had a lovely evening. The next two days were spent exploring the wonderful inland sea, principally the islands of Lefkas and Meganisi. We sailed round the east coast of Meganisi down to the southernmost point and up the west coast to explore the stunning Papa Nicolis’ Cave on the way round. Our overnight stay this time was in Sivota, situated on the south coast of Lefkas. Sivota, slightly larger than our previous overnight stops, but no less beautiful, and was a perfect place to re-stock the galley for the second half of the week.
66 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Have steerage in reverse Reverse and make sure you have steerage while moving astern slowly towards your spot on the quay. Drop anchor at five boat lengths When roughly five boat lengths from the shore (more if particularly deep water) start to drop your anchor.
ABOVE: Plenty of room to anchor in
Reverse toward crosswind If there’s a crosswind,
the bay outside
reverse towards it, before turning sharply towards
Lakka on the island
the shore at the point where you drop your anchor.
of Paxos BELOW: Papa
Stop anchor When just over a length from the
Noicolls
shore, stop dropping the anchor so that it begins to take up tension. Two sternlines Take the two sternlines from both quarters ashore. Tension anchor chain Take up the tension on your anchor. Don’t rush That’s where the accidents happen, and don’t worry if you don’t get it first time, many don’t!
more. With more time, we certainly would have. We’d adjusted our original plan and aimed for Lakka (48NM motor/sail from Kapali), as it was too gorgeous not to spend our final evening out of a marina there. A happy consequence of the early start was the chance for an afternoon swimming in the crystal waters. The final day had arrived all too soon, and we were still 27NM away from our base – not too bad when you consider that as four and a half hours sailing at 6kts. Mildly more annoying when it turns into motoring due to lack of wind, although the sunshine, heat and beautiful scenery do somewhat make up for that. A short queue at the fuel pontoon, followed by a quick check over the boat and final meal at a marinaside restaurant brought our holiday to an end.
Homeward bound
By now we’d truly settled into the cruising life, late mornings, frequent swims and plenty of relaxing. The next morning involved a quick trip west to see what the dinghy holiday mecca of Vassiliki was like, before a trip back east and up the Meganisi passage, linking the zephyrs along the way to avoid using the engine. We popped into Nidri, which was very sheltered and perfect for bad weather, but a little busier than we tend to like. So then decided to head back east a couple of miles to the more isolated bay of Kapali on Meganisi. The sail across saw our top speed under sail at 8kts on a beam reach. By our estimations, not a bad effort for a white sail cruiser in no more than 15kts of wind! Another relaxed evening was followed by a distinctly less leisurely morning. The side effect of our decision to push south to Lefkas during the trip was a need to push back north to return to our charter base. This involved a 6am start heading northbound through the Lefkas canal and back towards Paxos, stopping at the tranquil Antipaxos on the way for a spot of lunch. Unfortunately, we were on a tight schedule, so could not explore the area
and a larger fender to the stern.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Useful contacts
Jodie Green lives
CHARTER
and works in London
We chartered with Dream Yacht Charter which has a base
and is a keen racing
in Gouvia, Corfu: dreamyachtcharter.co.uk
sailor. She campaigns a Merlin
NAVIGATION
Rocket dinghy over
Navigation by day is relatively simple but we found Rod
the season
Heikell’s book Ionian invaluable: imray.com.
BRISTOL, RHODE Island
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BOOKS THE BEST FOR 2019 Sailing yarns, cruising advice, novels, histories and more...
South: The Race to the Pole EDITED BY PIETER VAN DER MERWE WITH JEREMY MICHELL
Ocean Meets Sky
Published to accompany the National Maritime Museum Greenwich’s new Polar Worlds gallery, which opened in September, this softback offers an
BY THE FAN BROTHERS
assimilation of multiple sources by two respected maritime historians,
A children’s book with imaginative illustrations
looking at expeditions led by Shackleton, Scott, Amundsen and others in the
about a young boy who sets sail to find a place
race to reach the South Pole. Photos and an accessible text bring these ever-
his grandfather told him about... the place
remarkable stories to life again.
where the ocean meets the sky. £12.99 Lincoln
£18.99 Conway
68 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
How to Build a Boat
Sonderklasse
Harbor of Spies
RICHTER AND SCHMIDLEITNER
ROBIN LLOYD
There are few sailing books that a sailor could
The Complete Yacht Security Handbook
recommend to anyone, but How to Build a Boat is one
VON BERSWORDT
Beautifully illustrated
man’s moral journey in
of them, a first-person narrative about boatbuilding
How to sail in uncertain
coffee table hardback
colonial Havana. Many
and fatherhood by former Times writer Jonathan
areas, by someone
in German about the
of the boats mentioned
Gornall. Becoming a father again aged 58 and realising
who’s done it.
Sonder Class.
are still afloat.
he is not going to be around forever for his young
£30 Adlard Coles
€48 KP Publishing
$24.95 (£17) Amazon
Learn the Nautical Rules of the Road
HMS BELFAST
a timber dinghy into a real page-turner.
JOHN BLAKE
Astronauts of Cape Horn
£16.99 Simon & Schuster
PAUL BOISSIER
A pocket hardback
NICHOLAS GRAY
Former Admiral breaks
offering everything you
The stories of the first
down the COLREGS so
ever wanted to know
11 sailors to round Cape
we can all understand
about the famous ship
Horn solo, from Slocum
and remember them.
moored in London.
to Blyth.
£14.99 Fernhurst
£8.99 Osprey
£16.99 Conrad Press
memoirs and logs, as well as photos from the
World Cruising Routes
In Bed with the Atlantic
voyages, to tell the story of Henri Beaudout
JIMMY CORNELL
KITIARA PASCOE
Knox-Johnston on Seamanship & Seafaring
and the teams he put together to cross the
Eighth edition of this
Unfailingly honest
Sir Robin remembers
north Atlantic from Canada to Britain by
bible detailing 1,000
account of an Atlantic
boats, people, races
home-made raft in the 1950s. Graphic novel-
sailing routes around
circuit by a young
and places he has
style illustrations add character.
the world.
woman battling anxiety.
known over a life at sea.
$24.95 (£19) Firefly
£40 Adlard Coles
£11.99 Fernhurst
£14.99 Fernhurst
JONATHAN GORNALL
A novel about a young
daughter Phoebe, the author decides to build her a 10ft clinker dinghy despite a complete lack of experience. The story he tells is moving, funny and perceptive. His boatbuilding endeavours are overseen by a kind but candid Fabian Bush and he weaves into the tale his two failed transatlantic rowing attempts (one nearly cost him his sanity, the other his life) and his own rather neglected childhood (including a thrilling, illicit night-time raid on the River Orwell aged 12). But this is no self-absorbed Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance – the book’s principal subject is exactly the one in the title, and it is Gornall’s biggest achievement to turn a detailed description of building
The Raftsmen BY RYAN BARNETT WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY DMITRY BONDARENKO Author Barnett mines original interviews, archival documents, newspaper stories,
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 69
bookings@sailcharterinternational.com www.sailcharterinternational.com +44 208 133 9914
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BOOKS
A Race too Far CHRIS EAKIN
A Voyage for Madmen
Pacific Exploration
A first-class piece of
PETER NICHOLS
RIGBY, VAN DER MERWE, WILLIAMS
investigative journalism
Gripping re-telling of
Well-illustrated account
Ivy’s Journal
as Eakin tracks down
sailing’s greatest yarn,
of voyages by Cook,
JANE SHADDICK
the Golden Globe Race
republished on the
Bligh, Vancouver,
The hitherto unpublished diaries of the remarkable Ivy
survivors. Republished.
race’s 50th anniversary.
Flinders and others.
Carus-Wilson, who became Frank Morgan-Giles’s wife,
£8.99 Ebury Press
£9.99 Profile Books
£18.99 Adlard Coles
Shakedown Cruise
Water Ways
NIGEL CALDER
JASPER WINN
Technical sailing writer
A year exploring 1,000
Calder tells of his early
miles of Britain’s
PETER CLUTTERBUCK
cruises with his young
waterways on foot and
Adventurous series of
family through the
by bike, in a kayak and
real-life voyages in a
Caribbean.
on narrowboats.
Wayfarer, told in a
£20 Adlard Coles
£16.99 Profile Books
down-to-earth manner
put together by her grand-daughter. Ivy’s accounts of dinghy racing in south Devon before the First World War, when she was a rare and highly successful female at the helm, are worth reading for their historical value and for Ivy’s pithy, no-nonsense commentary. Male prejudice, particularly as she became more successful, was rife. Archive and modern photos add to the tale. Making this small volume all the more fascinating is a full reproduction of the Morgan Giles & May sales booklet from 1911, with boats, lines plans, specifications, kit and prices listed. £20, order by email to janeshaddick@hotmail.co.uk
The Sea Takes No Prisoners
with much humour. £14.99 Adlard Coles
London Light: a sailorman’s story BY JAMES LAWRENCE Jimmy Lawrence was already an east coast
The Portsmouth Dockyard Story
winter hobby of fixing sails into a business
Sentinels of the Sea
Where the Magic Happens
– and it went global. This autobiography
RG GRANT
CASPAR CRAVEN
From King John’s
focusses on Lawrence’s early life and barging
Beautiful hardback
How one young family
decree to build the
career and is packed with fascinating and
celebrating historic
upped sticks and
dockyard in 1212 to the
hilarious anecodotes. The latest addition to a
lighthouses, their
cruised the world in a
present day. An
series of superb barge memoirs from
design and build.
modern yacht: 84
exhaustive account by
Chaffcutter (such as Whe’re Yer For? pictured).
£19.95 Thames &
harbours, 26 countries.
naval historian Brown.
£14.99 Chaffcutter Books
Hudson
£18.99 Bloomsbury
£20 The History Press
barging legend when he decided to turn his
PAUL BROWN
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 71
Boats of
NOTE From blue water cruisers to wooden dinghies, 2019 promises a bumper crop of exciting boats. We take a look at recent launches and what is to come
SELECTED BY THE EDITORS OF SAILING TODAY, CLASSIC BOAT AND YACHTS & YACHTING
ENDEAVOUR More 40
Hanse 508
More Yachts is a Croatian outfit demonstrating that the country
Hanse’s upgrade of its range continues with the 508. The yacht
is about more than just stunning islands and footballing excel-
features a combination of a powerful rig married to a self-
lence. The boat builder is unafraid to innovate and the 40 is the
tacking headsail. The addition of a second stay for a genoa also
second in the More range behind the larger 55. What makes her
adds another string to her bow. The addition of an innovative
fascinating is that the yacht was designed specifically to cater
mast-keel connection combined with a carbon composite main
for the requirements of More Charter. They were after a fast
bulkhead should increase stiffness. Down below, the theme of
yacht that you could race off-season, but also use for charter
innovation continues and this is the only Hanse in the range
in the summer. She boasts slippery lines and internal volume.
to feature a longitudinal galley. There is also a utility room.
£161,000 more-boats.hr
£244,000 hanseyachts.co.uk
72 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Beneteau Oceanis 46.1
Southerly 435
Cruising yachts are rarely game-changers but last year’s
Southerly Yachts always had a sterling reputation and many
Oceanis 51.1 came with an unexpectedly radical hull form. The
welcomed the news that the marque had been bought and
‘Champagne glass’ hull sections with a huge step out just above
revived by the Discovery Group in 2017. The 435 has therefore
the waterline provided loads more volume forward without
made a welcome return as a bit of a development of the South-
increasing wetted surface area in light airs. The Oceanis 46.1,
erly 420. Design-wise it’s a case of ‘brand new second-hand’
designed by Finot/Conq, has the same hull sections which allow
as the new owners have taken the best features from the range
for class-leading volume in the forward cabin. Early renderings
and honed the product with an exceptional interior and a swing
ENDEAVOUR hint at a remarkably roomy 46-footer. Price: £tbc Beneteau.com
keel for ultimate cruising versatility. Price: £tbc Southerly.com
Swallow Yachts Coast 250
Jeanneau 410
Pembrokeshire-based Swallow Yachts is known for innovative
Jeanneau’s hugely successful Sun Odyssey range is now in its
weekenders combining crisp performance and classic looks. Its
eighth iteration and it’s fairly clear they must be doing some-
latest offering is Coast 250, which moves away from classic styl-
thing right. The 410 follows on from the launch of the 490 and
ing with a Dreadnought bow and chined hull. The principle of
440 which were both very well received due to their innova-
performance with practicality remains and the yacht has a swing
tive approach to design. As such, the hull is heavily stepped
keel, carbon rig, is trailerable and displaces only 1400kg. She
out above the waterline which makes for an easily driven hull in
can be motored at up to 15kn without her sailing performance
light airs combined with masses of extra internal volume that is
being compromised. £39,000 swallowyachts.com
particularly noticeable at the bow. £tbc jeanneau.com
ENDEAVOUR
Ofcet 32SC
Arcona 435
Even their name marks out French manufacturers Ofcet as
Sweden’s Arcona is a byword for comfort, quality and blistering
being a little bit different and their 32SC is part of a stable of
speed. The new 435 promises to reinforce that; she’s a develop-
innovative, sporty yachts that could sit in their very own genre.
ment of the Arcona 430 and should be a polished performer.
Taking a lead from makers such as Pogo and Django, Ofcet’s
This is not a simple MkII either; she has a wider stern which
32SC is lightweight but still offers light, roomy accommodation.
increases her sailing abilities, also giving her a more spacious
In terms of hull design, well-known racing man Marc Lombard
saloon and a larger cockpit. An efficient sail design in combina-
has drawn a radical shape with a slightly bulbous bow similar to
tion with optimised weight will ensure a higher performance.
Beneteau’s Figaro 3. There is a hard chine and a deep bulb keel
The Arcona 435 made a successful debut at the Southampton
combined with twin rudders. £126,000 chantier-ofcet.com
Boat Show 2018. Price: £poa arconayachts.com
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 73
X4 (6)
Rustler 57
X Yachts makes beautiful boats but the branding can be confus-
Slowly but surely Rustler Yachts has been assembling a very
ing. The X4(6) is part of the new line of cruiser/racers that sits
impressive fleet of blue water cruisers and the new 57 will be
between the Xc range of cruiser/cruiser (racer) and Xp range of
its flagship. Like all Rustler’s recent boats she’s been designed
racer/cruiser. She follows on from the X4(3), X4(9) and X6(5).
by Stephen Jones with predictably pleasing results. There’s no
All clear? Never mind, she’s lovely looking and like her prede-
pandering to fads in her relatively narrow lines and she retains
cessors should offer the best of both cruising and racing in one
the fully enclosed cockpit and single helm position. In fairness,
ENDEAVOUR bowsprit. £388,500 x-yachts.com
sleek package. The hull is 44ft 3in long without the integrated
her lines look pleasingly slippery and, although she displaces 56,000kg she should perform well. c£1.2m rustleryachts.co.uk
Bavaria C65
Discovery 54
Bavaria’s new C65 is the biggest yacht the company has ever
Discovery Yachts has added the lovely 54 to its growing range.
built. She is sleek with a long waterline length off-setting the
She makes an interesting contrast with the evergreen Discov-
generous freeboard. She has twin rudders and a decent rig,
ery 55. While this staple of the Discovery range was designed
while the cockpit features twin tables, bar and barbecue area.
by the venerable Ron Holland, the lines of the 54 were penned
Sail controls are push button and there is a dinghy garage
by Ed Dubois. So no shortage of yacht design legends there,
underneath. The four layout options include a plethora of
then. Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted that the yacht bears
choices. The master bedroom is huge and she has all the bells
a similarity with the Southerly 540. That is because she uses the
and whistles you’d expect. c£1.1m Bavariayachts.com
same hull, but no swing keel. £tbc discoveryyachtsgroup.com
Kraken 50
Privilege Signature 510
Hong Kong-based Kraken Yachts produces boats for blue water
Those who keep an eye on industry news may already be aware
cruising. The yard has already launched a Kraken 66 and next in
that French multihull manufacturer Privilege has been acquired
line is the 50, which has similar features, including a skeg hung
by German giant Hanse. As such, production has been stepped
rudder, narrow, easily driven hull, keel with a huge chord width
up and the 510 is one of the latest additions to a swelling range.
and lead ballast to ensure integral stability. The key feature is
Privilege states that the Signature 510 is bult for blue water
the Zero Keel, which has zero bolts and is fully encapsulated
cruising and also that she boasts the largest state room in her
into the hull. The yacht is designed for couple’s sailing with
class which also affords excellent all round visibility. The price,
controls led aft to the cockpit, while the comfortable quarters
meanwhile, is remarkably competitive and she looks like a very
have many clever touches. from £567,000 krakenyachts.com
smart and purposeful yacht. from £1.28m hanseyachts.co.uk
74 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
McConaghy MC50
Baltic 67
McConaghy Yachts is generally noted for racing monohulls such
There was a time when Finnish Baltic yachts was a staple of
as Wild Oats and ICAP Leopard. It’s therefore rather interesting
the solid, high-quality, mid-range cruising yacht market. These
that they are putting out what is essentially a fast 50ft
days the company is generally associated with top-end carbon
cruising catamaran. She’s designed by Jason Ker and she
custom yachts in the 70-100ft plus category. The announcement
looks very purposeful in a sort of brooding way. Naturally she’s
of the new Judel/Vrolijk designed 67 is a bit of a step down in
towards the performance end of the cruiser spectrum and con-
terms of size but it will be semi-custom and feature extensive
ENDEAVOUR extremely luxurious. c£1.12m mcconaghyboats.com
struction has been kept light. On the other hand the interior is
use of carbon in construction to keep weight down. The hull shape is modern but not extreme. £poa balticyachts.fi
Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42
Solaris 68
Fountaine Pajot’s all new 42 is designed to be the ultimate
Solaris Yachts has developed a reputation for top end, classy
cruising catamaran and features a high level of comfort com-
yachts and its 68 is the latest example. Like all of the really big
bined with a thoughtful deck and cockpit layout that makes this
yachts in the Solaris range, she’s very much on the custom end
an extremely easy yacht to handle short handed. Inside, she is
of the spectrum and can therefore be tweaked extensively to
available with two different layout options: owner and the some-
meet an owner’s requirements. In common with most of the
what intriguingly named Quatuor. Whatever this may mean, the
yachts in the Solaris range she is designed by Soto Acebal and
boat offers a remarkable 12 different layout options so owners
he has penned a set of suitably pleasing lines with a dramatic
really are spoilt for choice. from £308,000 multihull.co.uk
Dreadnought bow. £poa Solarisyachts.com
Outremer 51
N-Fun 30
Outremer’s range of multihulls offers a combination of cruising
The N-Fun 30 has been around for a couple of years now. We
comfort and performance with the intention of opening up the
tested it in Yachts & Yachting and found it to be a great IRC
horizons of a cruising sailor by substantially shortening passage
racer, which could also offer comfy cruising for the family. The
times. The 51 is a step up in size from the very popular Outremer
raisable keel, and a mast which can be lowered on its own
4x and certainly doesn’t want for comfort, featuring a well
A-frame gantry, make it a real ‘go anywhere’ yacht. Now the
appointed saloon and generous accommodation plus a nicely
boat has finally found a dealer in the UK. There have also been
enclosed yet spacious cockpit area. Yet this is a purposeful look-
a number of additions to the boat in the last couple of years
ing yacht and performance has certainly not been neglected.
including better fit-out below and improved racing sail options.
She features twin daggerboards. £635,000 multihullworld.com
The boat is heavily customisable. £POA nfunyacht.com/en
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 75
RS21
Mayfly 16
The RS21 keelboat was developed primarily for clubs and other
Designed by Andrew Wolstenholme and being built by the
organisations wanting to buy a fleet of boats. Key requirements
Landamores Yard in Norfolk, she’s a 16ft (4.9m) six-seater,
were simplicity to minimise gear failure through misuse, to max-
transom-sterned river launch, and the yard, the founder builder
imise durability and for forgiving, yet exciting, sailing for a broad
of Oyster Yachts back in the day, are building it anew, to what it
spectrum of people from newcomers to top-level match racers.
calls “Oyster quality” standard. The elegant form and tumble-
It’s easy to see it gaining popularity among both experienced
home towards the stern give this boat a great river style and
ENDEAVOUR From £24,980 rssailing.com
sailors and those taking their first steps on a performance boat.
the details seem to be well thought out too. Drive is electric as standard. Price from £23,450 landamores.co.uk
Grand Soleil 34
Cockle
The Grand Soleil 34 is intended as a model that will help take
The Cockle design came to be when designer Andrew Wolsten-
this well-known Italian yard back to its roots and attracted
holme was looking for a tender to his Broads yacht and the late,
much admiration from successful racing sailors when it was first
famed builder Jack Chippendale was looking for a pram dinghy
unveiled in 2018. The company’s first boat, launched some 40
to build and sell. Most prams are a length of ply [8ft/2.6m] long.
years ago, was a Grand Soleil 34, successful as a racing design
This one is 9ft (2.7m), meaning she can take three adults under
and capable cruiser. The new boat was conceived with the same
oars. The rig fits in a canvas bag and the boat is light enough
ethos, while incorporating modern design knowledge, materials
(100lb/45kg) to be “cartoppable”. Plans for Cockle £110 + P&P.
technology and sail handling systems. £POA keyyachting.com
wolstenholmedesign.com
J/21
Koalen 26
The latest 40 footer from J/Boats is a clear development of
The trailable cabin sailing yacht range from Francois Vivier has
the company’s existing successful ideas, but with a twist. It’s
now grown, with the addition of the Koalen 18 and 26, pictured.
intended to be easily handled by small teams – anything from
The look of these craft is derived from the traditional fishing
one to five people – and, as would be expected of the J/Boats
boats of Northern Brittany. The boats can either be ordered
stable has impressive performance. It’s the company’s first boat
from a professional builder (Icarai and Grand Largue in France
with water ballast, with capacity for a hefty 400kg each side,
are both approved builders) or built from kit, in which case the
the equivalent of five average size crew. 22 boats had been sold
home-builder buys the CAD les and has them sent to someone
worldwide as of early 2018. It’s clearly a boat that will be very
with a CNC cutter (jordanboats.co.uk would be one option).
quick and fun. £POA keyyachting.com
Cost of CNC FILES €1,250 vivierboats.com, jordanboats.co.uk
76 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
The multi-season anti-foul
Coppercoat® is the most long lasting anti-foul coating available, with a treatment commonly remaining effective for a decade or more. “The Clipper Race fleet has been exposed to a vast variety of conditions during the 2017-18 circumnavigation. After over 40,000 nm of racing the Coppercoat ® remains well adhered and the hulls have been noticeably cleaner, a major contributor to performance. Coppercoat ® has surpassed our expectations and as our preparations commence for the 201920 edition, we have every confidence that the anti-foul will allow superb performance of our race yachts for many circumnavigations to come.” Image: Clipper Race
Mark Light Clipper Race Director
+44 (0) 1258 861059
www.coppercoat.com
Custom designing, Custom interiors, Restorations, Custom built spars, Custom built Bronze hardware, Building your Dreams cold molded or traditional construction
50 years of building and designing
Brion Rieff Boat Builders Inc.
www.rieffboats.net
76 Flye Point Rd. Brooklin Maine 04616
Tel. 207 359 4455
MADE IN HONG KONG
The Grand Banks 32 Freya was built in a world that no longer exists, and restored in Brighton WORDS STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES PHOTOS MIHOW KOSAKOWSKI
78 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
T
he Americans have a tradition of designing transportation vessels that combine a casually robust style with high utility and, above all, long production lines, to the point where many go on to become global icons. Just think of the Model T Ford, B52 bomber and Harley Davidson motorcycle. The list includes seemingly half the world’s man-made objects of the last century or so, in every field of endeavour from space exploration to art, where Andy Warhol toyed with the idea of art as commodity. It’s the same on the water: no nation has created so many craft with such distinctive silhouettes, including the mahogany runabout, famously copied in Italy by Riva and the trawler yacht: we are talking of course, of Grand Banks, instantly recognisable, and lusted after by anyone who wants to go places slowly, economically and in comfort. And even the smallest in the range, the ship-like 32-footer, has proper liveaboard potential: it’s the perfect ‘bug-out’ boat. Derek Stubley found Freya in Brighton Marina, being used as a liveaboard, settling in for her last voyage to a new life as a boxy houseboat... or dereliction. He made a bid of £9,000 to the owner, a man living in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, who had received an offer twice that from a buyer who wanted to strip out the strong, 2in-thick mahogany hull and rebuild her as a houseboat. But feeling ran deep, and he chose Derek to be the next owner, on the promise that Derek would put the ‘grand’ back into her and revert her to original. That process began two years ago, in a boatshed in Britain’s first and largest marina at Brighton on the East Sussex coast, not a place you associate with the classic boat movement, but it’s a place that is mellowing, and growing a bit of character as it gently ages into its surroundings, with a community of bohemian liveaboards, and Brighton just a walk away along the esplanade. When we visited in 2016, the scale of work was
ABOVE: the inside helm is mostly original but the Rototherm cabin thermometer and Ford badge are owner’s touches. ‑ builder’s plate showing that Freya is the 112th GB32 built, just four years after production began. She was launched in 1969
clear to the eye. There was not much wrong with Freya’s hull, but on a boat like a GB32, the hull is the least of it. There is a truism about buying tired wooden boats that revolves around the supremacy of “a sound hull.” The reverse is frequently true; it’s everything else on a boat that takes the time and money to renovate, and of nothing is this truer than a Grand Banks motoryacht, with its massive superstructure and full interior. This must be the biggest 32-footer there is, and it’s obvious to see, stepping aboard, how even the baby of the range might make a good liveaboard for one or two people.
Budget restoration
Derek’s challenge was to restore the boat on a budget, using freelancers and friends, while project-managing the restoration himself. His current job as a buildings surveyor specialising in demolition and his time in the Navy gave him a grounding in practical matters, but the project was daunting, probably overwhelming, at times. The main challenges were rot from freshwater ingress that ran through much of the superstructure and into the bilges, destroying everything in its path. The problem was not the quality of the original build, by American Marine in Hong Kong, but what Derek calls a “DIY-quality refit” by a previous owner. The main problem with that refit was the use of mild steel screws that had rusted out, letting the fresh water in. Apart from the hull “everything was shot” remembers Derek. There were mushrooms growing under the deck and the wardrobe was coated with an inch of the stuff. The port side upperworks were “like Weetabix” and the rear deck had sagged down five degrees, thanks to the leaky water tanks rotting out the supporting timbers, a common problem on old wooden Grand Banks, remedied by a new bulkhead. Derek started work afloat and soon realised Freya would need hauling out and partially rebuilding on land. Planning it alone took six months, but it was clearly time well spent, as the THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 79
restoration, once started, only lasted a year and three months. As well as managing the project, Derek acted as “dogsbody,” while running his surveying firm. It meant 80-90 hour weeks and a few moments of doubt. “The hardest decision,” Derek says with no hesitation, “was to keep going. I was chasing payments due to me to keep on top of the bills.” Carpenters Pat Martin and Tim were working six day weeks at one point and various friends did what they could, among them Kevin Martin, who took on the job of painting the large, under-sole engine compartment, but died just before the boat’s re-launch in September 2017. The compound-curved canopy that now sits over the rear deck was one of the biggest jobs, taking three weeks to build in a custom jig. It’s a common aftermarket addition on Grand Banks boats, and a sensible one for someone spending a lot of time aboard in British weather. The boat’s new timber is mostly American white oak, balal, marine plywood and century-old reclaimed mahogany from the staircase of a hotel. The mast, which is designed with a steadying sail in mind – although few Grand Banks owners use one – was built anew from the template of the rotten original. The engine parts and stainless steel exhaust system were refurbished or rebuilt to original by Mike from West Marine, a principal agent of Freya’s renaissance. The engine is the original six-pot, 120bhp Ford Lehman diesel running through a Borg-Warner Velvet Drive gearbox. The Lehman is known for its reliability, and runs as well now as it did 49 years ago. The restoration of Freya has been the biggest refurb project at Brighton Marina for years, and the marina staff rallied around with enthusiasm, help, tea, chatter and a real concern for the boat that made Derek feel at home. In the end, the restoration cost £65,000 – half the boat’s current value.
At sea
It was a mad September day as Freya bucked over the steep chop past the forbidding marina caissons, the motion exaggerated by the pendulum effect on the high flybridge helm, where I sat with Derek and Mike from West Marine. At sea, she settled into her groove and trucked. It was one of her first sea trials, in readiness for her first proper trip to Yarmouth to show the last owner what became of his tired boat. The Ford purred smoothly, not that you hear it up top. Seagulls gathered around and we ran along the coast, the white cliffs of the South Downs rising to port. Steering Freya takes just two fingers on the wheel: nothing happens fast and the long keel keeps her tracking, but she still has her 1960s electro-mechanical autopilot in the deckhouse below. It’s easy to imagine steaming for miles with the choice of indoor or outdoor helm for all weathers, a teak swim platform and that 1,000-mile range. Below, she’s just as homely and spacious. Where possible, Derek has left things as they are to preserve patina, a light bubbling on the chrome here and there and the teak sole gently worn; she’s one of the more original GBs out there, inside and out. Derek plans to use Freya as his floating, roaming home when he retires. Or as Freya’s compatriot, country rocker Alan Jackson, once put it: “If the phone’s for me, you can tell them I just sailed away.” Turn the page for the history of builder American Marine 80 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
MAIN PICTURE: motoring out of Brighton Marina on a bumpy autumn day. ABOVE, LEFT TO RIGHT: outside helm; original teak parquet sole; double cabin; original door handle; characteristic Grand Banks scrollwork in the wooden guard rail; bronze lifting rail gate BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: saloon and cockpit/rear deck; on the hard showing hull form; owner Derek Stubley
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 81
LEFT: Grand Banks production manager Mr Kong left and Robert Newton centre. RIGHT: Spray, the first Grand Banks, designed by Kenneth Smith. LOWER LEFT: factory in Junk Bay. LOWER RIGHT: boats in build in one of the 12 sheds.
American Marine: the greatest builder of all? Hong Kong in 1956: the time and date alone brim with overtones of
popular of all, sold 1,560 boats. An aerial photo of the time shows
colonial glamour and the port, then under British rule, was a hive of
twelve large, metal waterside sheds, and in those sheds, an army of
immigration and manufacturing. One man, the American Robert J
skilled Asian shipwrights worked with adze, handsaw, hand-drill
Newton, was running a soft drinks bottling plant and decided, in
and hammer to build an armada of yachts the likes of which had
1956, to start building boats in the factory’s outdoor yard. You
never been seen before and never will again. Hulls were in
might be excused for assuming it would turn out to be a glorified
mahogany, and most of the rest of each boat was in Burma teak.
hobby for a man with an established business in the late summer of
The 32, according to the marketing literature of the day, was
his life, but you’d be wrong. At first, the fledgeling yard
designed as a “1,000-mile range, dependable diesel cruiser
concentrated on custom builds; yachts and motorboats built to
designed specifically for comfortable cruising with five aboard.
designs by the greatest designers of the day, like Olin Stephens and
Her generous beam, hard chine, 3ft 6in (1.1m) draught and
Ray Hunt. But in 1962, one design would turn American Marine, as
17,000lb (7.7-tonne) displacement create a degree of stability and
the yard became known, into probably the biggest production
performance unmatched in any other boat of her size.” The
builder of wooden boats, by mass, that the world has ever seen.
brochure goes on to talk about the outside spaces, like 88sqft
The design, from Kenneth Smith, was for a 36ft (11m) semi-
(8.2sqm) in the cockpit, same again on the flying bridgedeck, and
displacement motor yacht powered by a single diesel, with the
the broad side decks. The GB32 is unfathomably large for a yacht
appearance of a fishing trawler. These had a similar appeal to the
of her length, thanks to the broad hull that carries its beam along
‘MFV (motor fishing vessel) yachts’ that had captured England’s
most of its length and the towering superstructure that, as well as
imagination a generation earlier, but in a much bigger way.
the outside space, gives a very good saloon with galley and inside
That first boat, Spray, was launched in 1963 and caused an
helm, and a double cabin and heads in the forward, lower part of
avalanche of demand. To respond to it, American
the boat. Economy and comfort are good (5-6 litres of
Marine moved to new premises in Junk Bay, still in
diesel per hour at a cruising speed of 6 knots) as is, by
Hong Kong, abandoned the custom builds, and
all accounts, rough-weather capability. The
concentrated solely on building their range of
compromise, for the Grand Banks, was the
motor cruisers – the Grand Banks trawler yachts.
displacement single-figure speed (Freya will hit nine
Official production started in 1965, and American
knots, which is more than hull speed), but speed was
Marine launched a new wooden trawler yacht
clearly irrelevant for the purposes of a Grand Banks,
every other day for eight years straight – totalling
and it seems the world agreed, voting not least with
around 1,400 boats. In 1973, they switched to GRP
their chequebooks. The trawler yacht is now a
and over the next 35 years built another 2,600. The
recognisable type, built to this day by Grand Banks
GB32 was one of the most popular, with 831 built in
(ex-American Marine and under new ownership), not
total. The GB36 sold 1,124 and the GB42, most
to mention a host of other pretenders to the throne.
82 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
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shotleymarina.co.uk
Shotley Marina
Located at the center of East Coast’s sailing and motor boating. Located at the veryvery center of East Coast’s sailing and motor boating. Located at the very center ofthe East Coast’s sailing andOrwell motor boating. The marina provides instant access torivers the rivers Stour, and open sea. The marina provides instant access to Stour, Orwell and open sea. The marina provides instant access to the rivers Stour, Orwell and open sea. Located at very center of East Coast’s sailing motor boating. Within a radius ofthe ten nautical you canthe visit theand ports of Ipswich, Mannigtree and Harwich, Within a radius of ten nautical milesmiles you can visit ports of Ipswich, Mannigtree and Harwich, Within a radius of teninstant nautical milesto you can visitStour, the ports of Ipswich, Mannigtree and Harwich, The marina provides access the rivers Orwell and open sea. Rivers Alde and Deben, the Walton Backwaters (Swallows and Amazon country), ancient Pin Mill thethe Rivers Alde and Deben, the Walton Backwaters (Swallows and Amazon country), ancient ancient Pin MillPin the Rivers Alde of and Deben, themiles Walton Backwaters (Swallows and Amazon country), Mill Within a radius ten nautical you can visit the ports of Ipswich, Mannigtree and Harwich, and numerous beautiful creeks and inlets. and numerous beautiful creeks and inlets.
Showers, Laundry andToilets, Disabled Facilities Showers, Laundry and Disabled Facilities Showers, Laundry and Disabled Facilities Electricity, Modern � Water, Showers, Laundry and Disabled Facilities
Stores Stores Stores � Ships � Ships � Ships WiFi Internet Access Ships Stores Access WiFi Internet Access � WiFi� Internet � WiFi Internet Access
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15/01/2014 13:41:41
SEXTANT A replica vernier sextant dedicated to the memory of Royal Navy Captain John Campbell, who developed this model in 1757. Hardwood handle and protective box. Instrument 20cm x 16.5cm. £149 force4.co.uk
BREGUET WATCH The Marine Équation Marchante 5887 is new from the prestigious watch manufacturer and bears a host of nautical features. £172,800 for the Platinum version, or £161,300 for the Rose Gold version
SPOIL YOURSELF
marine.breguet.com
Treats for you and your boat
YOWZAH! A colourful addition to the Sperry range, with canvas upper and all the bits you need in a yacht-bound deckie. £115 peterchristian.co.uk
CUTTY SARK CUFFLINKS These brass cuffinks are inlaid with reclaimed wood from the Cutty Sark restoration and are available exclusively through the Royal Museums Greenwich shop. £100 shop.rmg.co.uk
MUSTO BR2 OFFSHORE There are a lot of sailing jackets out there and many of them do exactly the same thing but some do it better than others. Musto is definitely one of the best, and their new BR2 Offshore is a perfect example. Constructed from breathable, waterproof and windproof BR2 fabric, it features double cuffs, adjustable hem, double storm flap with a drainage channel over the zip, and roll-away fluorescent hood so you’ll stay dry and visible on the wettest of days and in the highest of seas. £275 musto.com
84 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
OVERBOARD BAGS
PROPELLER LAMPS
Perfect for active racers, these
After graduating from the Boat Building
Pro-Sports Waterproof Backpacks
Academy in Lyme Regis, the man behind this
protect your gear from all the stuff
propeller lamp (right) formed Hollygrove
you want to stay away from your kit,
Woodworking to design and make bespoke
with welded seamless construction
products. Each is individually hand-made
and a two-way roll top sealing
using vintage propellers which have reached
system. There is also a ventilation
the end of their working life. This one is gunmetal
system for comfort, and D-rings for
bronze, 14in in diameter and weighs 6kg (13lbs).
multiple attachment options.
By feathering the blades you can change the
£49.99
lamp’s look and reflect light elsewhere. Each
over-board.co.uk
product is bespoke so woods can be specified. From £225 hollygrove.woodworking@gmail.com
ANDERSEN WINCH Andersen stainless steel winches are renowned for their high quality and elegant appearance. Two models have recently been launched. The 34ST is dimensionally the same as the 28ST but with a low first gear ratio for fast trim. The 50ST, shown, replaces the 48ST model, which is the same size as the 46ST, but provides more trimming power in second gear, an ideal option for genoa sheets on 10-12m yachts or halyards on 12-14m boats. Price for manual winches from £435 improducts.co.uk
ROOSTER THERMAFLEX We tested the new Rooster Thermaflex range at Merlin Rocket Week in Salcombe. The longjohn and top were extremely comfortable to wear and
STAR OF DAVEY
felt like a second skin due to their soft material
These ‘good fortune stars’ are
and 1.5mm thickness, which also helped prevent
produced by Davey & Co in
overheating on warmer days. This, paired with
three sizes, either polished
the longjohn racer shaped back allowed for
bronze or chrome-plated. Is
greater freedom of movement and mobility
your boom-end looking a
around the boat and the front zip makes it easy
little bare.
to get on and take off.
From £12.43
£115 longjohn; £70 top
davey.co.uk
rooster.com
PAINTING OF YOUR BOAT Artist and experienced sailor Anna Boulton displays her latest oil, of Velsheda racing at the J-Class World Championships in Newport, Rhode Island, last summer. Anna has painted many modern and classic boats and takes commissions for portraits of private yachts. Prices for drawings start at around £800, oil paintings £2,000 to £30,000. annaboulton.com THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 85
DOCK STEP This foldable teak dock step is made by East Passage Boatwrights in Bristol, RI. When collapsed it can be stowed in the tightest quarters on board. Watch a video of it in action on the Classic Boat website. $2,950 epbws.com
B&G WIRELESS WIND SENSOR The WS320 is a new wireless wind sensor aimed at yachts with masts up to 25m. B&G have worked to keep the new sensor as low weight as possible while offering no compromises when compared to a wired unit. The wind sensor offers high
SAILOR’S SMOCK
performance, improved aerodynamics and accuracy, and the company says the smart rechargeable solar power management
Made from tough
system ensures that data is always available to your instruments
natural sailcloth, it
and autopilots, no matter what the weather.
won’t mind a splash of
From c£530
varnish, it has a loop
B&G.com
for a lanyard, an inside pocket for glasses or phone, outside pockets for tools and it features a tiny red ensign.
FUSION RA770
£45 arthurbeale.co.uk
Fusion Entertainment was showcasing its latest range of marine audio entertainment systems at the 2018 TheYachtMarket.com
GARMIN GHS 20I REMOTE VHF
Southampton Boat Show. Included in the range on display was the Fusion RA770 marine stereo – the flagship product of the
This new remote VHF will come in handy in lots
company’s new Apollo Series. Featuring a one-piece glass
of situations, particularly when approaching a
touchscreen display, built-in wifi streaming, Digital Signal
marina. The GHS 20i allows full remote control
Processing Technology (DSP) and PartyBus capabilities, the
of your VHF radio. It has a backlit LCD display,
RA770 marine stereo promises to take marine audio
soft keys and volume control, squelch and
entertainment to the next level. To keep the Apollo Series of
channel selection. A Channel 16 softkey
products totally up-to-date, over-the-air software updates are
automates distress calling, while a large
available from a smartphone or compatible device via the free
rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides
Fusion-Link app.
quicker charge and a longer range.
£799
£340 garmin.com
fusionentertainment.com
POWERBOATS OF YORE A handsome poster showing
Made in Essex by Bruntons, the
the winners of the Daily
Autoprop debuted in 1987. The hub
Express International Cowes-
uses a system wherby each blade
Torquay Offshore Powerboat
swings independently from the rest
Race from 1961 to 1978, as
depending on the power being
drawn by the talented Charles
applied, resulting in a self-adjusting
Lawrence, who also offers
pitch. Bruntons says this returns better
other posters including one of
fuel economy due to reduced RPM and
Fairey Marine sailing boats.
reduces drag under sail by 85%.
£25
From £1,380
charleslawrencechiswick.co.uk
86 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
BRUNTONS AUTOPROP
bruntonspropellers.com/autoprop/
DECKIES IN COLOUR This colourful array of deckies forms Chatham’s summer collection, under the banner of ‘Made in Britain’, and it is suggested that you mix and match contrasting colours for a real impact on the pontoons this season. From £120 chatham.co.uk
BAG OF STYLE 2019 sees another edition of biennial event Monaco Classic Week. The ‘Monaco’ will carry your kit there in style. Navy canvas with a citrus orange
ZHIK WATERSPORTS SHOE
leather trim for added zing. £425 pickett.co.uk
Zhik’s first shoe, the ZKG trainer, was a popular choice for many and won plaudits for its performance on deck and trainer-like
BOOTS
styling. Now the company has launched its new edition ZKG
Simple but chic, these rubber sailing
watersports shoes. Again, these have trainer styling. The quick-drying mesh inner and outer fabric is combined with a
boots are from global sports kit
neoprene upper that has larger perforations to promote air flow
department store Decathlon and are
and water drainage. The inner shoe also has anti-bacterial
significantly more affordable than
treatment, which should prevent bad odours.
some branded ‘marine’ options. Decathlon offers a full range of sailing
£92 zhik.com
kit. Blue ladies boot £26.99. Red children’s boot £6.99
GILL NAVIGATOR JACKET
decathlon.co.uk
A combination of thermal insulation and two layers of waterproof material make this jacket ideal for winter sailing. Yet Gill has designed the jacket to be breathable, comfortable and
TOUGH STUFF It is quite nippy in the
lightweight. Waterproof seams,
northern hemisphere at
adjustable cuffs and a rollaway hood
the moment and this
with adjustable neck have been built
Endurance jacket from
into the design to allow the wearer
new brand Shackleton will
plenty of freedom to perform whilst
ward off the winter chills.
staying warm and dry. The jacket
Your foulies can enjoy
comes in a number of striking colours.
some time off.
£150 gillmarine.com
£1,425 shackletoncompany.com
DIVE WATCH Like the finest boat fittings, the bronze on this handsome timepiece begins to oxidise on contact with moisture in the air, so each watch develops its own patina over time. The C65 Trident Bronze SH21 Limited Edition (only 150 will be released) is new from British watch manufacturer Christopher Ward, offering a retro look with the latest technologically advanced timekeeping. £1,850/ $2,110 christopherward.co.uk
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 87
CREWSAVER LIFEJACKET Launching to the public at The Yachtmarket.com Southampton Boat Show in September was this lifejacket from Crewsaver. The Crewfit 180N Pro is available in two colours - black and red, and white and red. From £95 crewsaver.com
RONSTAN CAM CLEAT Adding to Ronstan’s long-standing line of composite cam cleats, these new aluminium cleats are built to provide impressively high levels of grip and to handle the high loads and small rope diameters which are increasing in high performance small boats at a significant rate. They are available in two sizes, with the RF5510R (pictured) for 3-12mm ropes. £39.95
sailtek.org.uk
HARKEN PROTEXIT BLOCK This new Protexit sheave blocks from Harken have been designed to prevent damage from side loads when hoisting or dousing a spinnaker or other free flying sail. The block’s allaluminium, hard wearing, water resistant housing has been meticulously shaped to help deflect lines onto the sheave, preventing halyard wear and increasing the longevity of the block itself. They are available in 30, 40, 50, and 60mm sheave size in single block configuration, with a 30mm double block option also available. £71.86 harken.com
MOB LIGHT Exposure Lights has launched the OLAS Float-On, a pocket-sized floating torch, which when immersed will automatically set off a 24-hour strobe for visibility in the water and meanwhile will trigger a piercing alarm on a smartphone app on board the yacht. The app then gives clearly readable, visual directions back to the point of the incident, using large arrows and numbers. The strobe is visible from more than three nautical miles away. The app sends an alert when the yacht is within 20 meters of the incident spot. The screens walk the crew through the MOB emergency process and provide the MOB position and boat data the coastguard needs when you call them.
ROOSTER KNIFE This safety knife from Rooster features a moulded body with a replaceable stainless steel blade. The slope of the blade combined with the shaped plastic top part reduces friction resistance, which enables a smoother and more effective cut. The blade can easily be changed and the
£84.95 (€99.95 or US$109.95)
whole design has been
exposurelights.com
created to be as light as possible to fit easily into a pocket when heading out
LIFE CELL
chance of accidentally cutting
Life Cell Marine is changing how safety
yourself. £9.95
equipment is stored on boats and creating a
roostersailing.com
new category of equipment. The Life Cell is in essence a buoyant device that can be used to much like a grab bag. The main difference here
HARKEN CUFFLINKS
though is its ability to float, which turns
A scaled-down Harken
it into a combination of both grab bag
block as a solid silver
and life ring. It was designed by a
cuffink. Size 8 x 12mm.
survivor after a rapid sinking off the
£90
coast of Sydney, Australia.
cestlaviejewellery.com
store all essential marine safety equipment,
£249.95 force4.co.uk
88 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
racing, while reducing the
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MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN
Winners of The Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18
ELECTRIC WINCH HANDLE The Ewincher electric winch handle has three modes: assisted, manual and combined. The latter allows you to add your own power to that of the winch. Racers should note, however, it would be banned during racing in some circumstances, so check your class rules! £1,800
ewincher.com
KIAMA COAT
ZHIK DRY UV TOP
Waterproofed in and
ZhikDry LT is a lightweight, quick drying range
out, so it can go on
of performance tops for summer sailing and
over a damp shore
watersports. Styles include T-shirts and polo
jacket or wet sailing
shirts in short and long sleeves for maximum
gear, preventing
cover-up, in a range of smart colours. The
chilling between
ZhikDry LT fabric provides UPF50+ protection
races or if de-rigging
from the sun, and is treated with an anti-
in a cold boat park.
microbial finish to reduce any post-sailing
£195
odours. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps you
zhik.com
cool and dry during peak activity and hot conditions. Water and moisture quickly evaporate, leaving your skin dry. £52 zhik.com
SERVING MALLET An increasingly sought-after product at our friends Classic Marine is this serving mallet. Wooden boatowners will need no telling that this traditional tool is used to help get the outer twine wrapped around rope or wire as tight as possible. Despite the name (arising from its shape) the serving mallet is not used to hit anything; it forms a guide and tensioning lever for applying the twine to the rope. The serving mallets sold by Classic Marine are made in Norfolk as ash handles and oak heads and then they are assembled in the workshops at Classic Marine’s parent company, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, on the River Orwell. They are
SEAGO RESCUE SLING The rescue sling does exactly what you would expect it to do. Simply inflate it by pulling a tab, before throwing to the person in distress. This new version features flaps to reduce water entry and has a new cover with webbing tab for for quick and easy use by the MOB. A webbing handle sits on top of the float. £56.95
seagoyachting.co.uk
available from either the Classic Marine outlet at Suffolk Yacht Harbour or its online shop.
From £44.10 inc VAT classicmarine.co.uk
STEEL GAFFER Stainless steel sculptures hand-made by Richard Vasey
ON DECK TIPPLE
of Cornwall can be ordered online or at Michael Wood
Shatterproof Govino glasses, with a ‘thumb
Fine Art in Plymouth (tel:
notch’ to aid grip in those moments when you
01752 225 533.
have to take the tiller in one hand and a glass
Prices from £1,200
in the other. Use responsibly.
astins.co.uk
7.50 per glass (available as tumblers or tall) devonbeachcompany.com
90 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
USA
ROAD TRIP As Independence Day weekend looms each year, the eastern seaboard of the USA rings to the sound of hammer and saw as traditional boats are readied for a summer afloat. We visited some of the key yards ON THE ROAD WITH STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES
LOUGHBOROUGH MARINE INTERESTS, RHODE ISLAND
Bermuda winner
For English émigré Joe Loughborough, who runs LMI Marine Interests in Rhode Island, the big project right now is Kirawan, pictured. She's not a famous yacht by a designer with the kudos of Herreshoff or Stephens, but certainly she deserves to be. She was drawn in 1936 by Philip Rhodes, one of the most prolific and diverse of all naval architects who designed as many as 50 one-design classes, motor yachts and military and cargo vessels of all sizes. His triumphs include Carina II, a 1955 yawl that won two Transatlantic Races, two Fastnets and a Bermuda. The only Metre yacht he ever designed, the 12-M Weatherly, won the 1962 America's Cup. Kirawan herself won the 1936 Newport-Bermuda Race in 45 knots of of wind, beating the S&S Stormy Weather boat for boat. The 53ft (16.2m)
EM CROSBY, CAPE COD, MA
Catboats and Cotuits
fractional-rigged cutter, built by Jakobson and Peterson of Brooklyn, NY, has had a difficult history of half-completed restorations, the first of which Joe describes as "lots of lipstick on a pig", and the second of which, a replank, was good, but the owner ran out of
In a sleepy side road by a farm shop and surrounded by caged
money. She was found recently by a new, local owner, who has sent
peacocks, we found Karen Crosby, eighth generation of a family
her to LMI for the full works. As for the new interior, he showed Joe
who have built boats here from 1744. EM Crosby is one of only two
a photo of the 1937 Alden yacht Sonata, featured in our December
yards offering new Wianno Seniors (pictured above) and when we
2017 issue, and said simply: "I want that!" He aims to take Kirawan back
visited the yard was busy finishing more than a dozen boats for
to the scene of her former glory, in the 2020 Newport-Bermuda
summer, among them a large, cabin catboat and at least two of the
Race.
crazy Cotuit skiffs, a local class that falls between a sharpie and a
Next to Kirawan is Belle, Joe’s own Luders 24. Joe has had her for
catboat. These 14ft (4.3m)-long, century- old boats are "out of
more than 29 years and done much work in that time. She is now
control" downwind, says Karen, who races one. In two years, the
nearly complete.
yard will move back to the sea at nearby Osterville.
Among the dozens of boats in storage is the next big project: a Clinton Crane First Rule 6-Metre. Joe also has an 80ft (24.4m) Alden schooner project for anyone with $10 million or so to spare.
92 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Kirawan, returning to form for another stab at the Bermuda Race
“She won the 1936 Bermuda Race in 45 knots of wind. She beat Stormy Weather, boat for boat!”
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 93
ABOVE Head boatbuilder Steve Schaefer (left) RIGHT Name on door of pickup truck BELOW Rare Concordia 28
BALLENTINE'S BOAT SHOP, MASS
Rare Concordia 28 in rebuild "Let's go!" said head boatbuilder Steve Schaefer (above, wearing braces) excitedly, waving a large hammer at Classic Boat's Hugo and I as we pulled up at Ballentine's Boat Shop in Cape Cod. Steve and his colleague Tyler Fields were on hand to show us around the large yard, with its various hangars where more than 100 boats winter every year. It's like a museum of American classics: Herreshoff 12.5s, Doughdishes (the GRP equivalent that Ballentine's is well known for), Haven 12.5s (Joel White's centreboard take on the 12.5), Stuart Knockabouts (28ft day sailers), and larger yachts. A Herreshoff Bullseye in a corner here, a Lyman-Morse runabout there. The most arresting sight, however, was the Concordia 28 underoing major surgery. The photo above centre shows its new keelson, deadwood and some new frames. She's been at the yard for 15-20 years and this winter was completely refastened and reframed. The boat is typically American in build, in cedar planks on white oak frames, and unlike the later, larger Concordia Yawl that came to define the builder and designer (Waldo Howland and Wilder Harris) she is a bermudan sloop with a self-tending jib.
94 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
FIRST LIGHT BOATWORKS, CHATHAM, MASS
RIGHT Yard co-
34ft double-ender
owner Jim Donovan
There is a palpable feeling of activity at the First Light
ABOVE Empress of
Boatworks yard, which runs out onto a jetty over the
Blandings
picturesque Mill Pond. Much of that activity is above our
BELOW Painting
heads, where three boatbuilders are putting the last-minute
the Monomoy
beside the latest Monomoy 26
touches to a stunningly unusual yacht called Empress of Blandings, a name with more than a whiff of PG Wodehouse. She's a 34ft (10.4m) double-ended dayboat, ketch-rigged with a full keel, custom designed jointly by owner and shop with some inspiration taken from Danish workboats. It’s been an 18-month build and by the time you read this, she will be afloat and sailing. More on this to follow. Inside, we see a Monomoy 26, the new name for the yard's First Light 26 series, which won a Classic Boat Award for powered vessels under 26ft last year. This one is hull number 11. The Monomoy 26 is a clinker, firplanked, open motor launch on a ply bottom with a teak transom. The 140hp inboard/
“Some of the inspiration is from Danish workboats”
outboard engine will give you more than 30 knots.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 95
Orca Bay +44 (0) 1249 750 785 www.orcabay.co.uk info@orcabay.co.uk
Solent rubber sailing boot RRP
£60
This is the life…
A welcoming yacht harbour anchored by the country’s finest sailing waters.
· 3mm neoprene lining ·
· premium rubber · cushioned footbed · · siped rubber sole · European sizes 38 - 46
• Contemporary marina and safe moorings • One of the largest visitor pontoons in the south west • Full service boatyard • Boat lifting and shore storage • 1st class shore side facilities
Image © Aerial Cornwall
VHF ch. 37/80
• All tides access and prime sailing location
mylor.com 01326 372 121 enquiries@mylor.com
EAST PASSAGE BOATWRIGHTS, BRISTOL, RI
A rare and very original Elco launch "Make sure you nominate this one – I want to come back to
RIGHT The
London!" says East Passage Boatwrights boss Carter
Saskonnet OD
Richardson with a laugh, as we admire the motor yacht he
INSET Luci's
and his team are working on. Carter made the trip to
still-original helm
London last year to pick up a Classic Boat Award for
station
Restoration of the Year – the boat was the S&S yacht
BELOW Carter
Santana, restored jointly by East Passage and LMI (previous
Richardson
page). This boat, Luci, is not nearly as famous as 'Bogey's Boat' (Santana belonged to Humphrey Bogart) but she's a rare and lovely thing, built in 1932 by the Elco Motor Yachts (formerly the Electric Launch Company). She's a very original example of her type, the popular, interwar 26ft (8m) Cruisette, albeit these days powered by an Isuzu diesel – "it'll run forever," says the surveyor. The boat belongs to new owners, a young couple who are having her put right over a five-year plan. This is year one, and the main job has been refastening about a third of the bottom. A third more fill follow in autumn, then topside fastenings will be done. The couple are sensibly leaving the almost entirely original interior until they know the boat better, and intend to keep it as original as possible. Next door is Batchelor Button, a Saskonnet OD, named after the nearby Saskonnet River. She is an 18ft (5.6m) keelboat designed by Alden and this one was built in the 1950s. The boats are keenly raced. BB has had a new deck, deckbeams, frames and more.
AREY'S POND BOAT YARD, SOUTH ORLEANS, MA
Scores of catboats
The award for the most picturesque boatyard on our trip goes to this one. The scores of boats on Arey's Pond (we counted 50) give the impression that the whole pond is a living museum to Arey's-built catboats. Apart from its catboat activity, the yard is busy with sail-making, steel fabrication and many other on-site services. Meanwhile a timber 22-footer is in build, which yard owner Tony Davis (inset) showed us, due for launch this summer.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 97
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN Beautiful beaches, bright blue waters, incredibly strong rum and knife-wielding maniacs. An all-female crew gets a taste of the Grenadines WORDS EMMA BAMFORD
98 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
W
e are going to the Grenadines,” the email from my friend Vic declared. “It’s Colette’s birthday and she’s trying to get a flotilla together. Come and join.” When I arrived in St Lucia in mid-April I was told the plan: Vic’s 40ft yacht Papagayo, two charter catamarans we would pick up in St Vincent, and another private St Lucia-registered monohull, Breeze Away, would spend a week cruising the islands of the Grenadines. In total we would be a giant party of 25: six men and 19 women. Vic’s partner, Ben, with whom she co-owns Papagayo and Rodney Bay-based sailing school First 4 Sail, would need to skipper one of the charter cats once we reached
St Vincent. So, after the crossing, for a week Papagayo would have an all-female crew: skipper Vic, me as first mate, Jo, Sam and, for the last few days, Yvonne. We had a mix of experience: Vic sails most days in the Caribbean and is a Yachtmaster Offshore, I’ve got a fair few sea miles under my belt and the others had all done some sailing. Apart from the odd day in the Solent reporting on events for Sailing Today and Yachts & Yachting, I have never sailed with an all-female crew for an extended period and I had my own private theories about what the issues might be: would everyone be too polite to say what they really felt? Would we feel comfortable enough to be able to give orders? Would we have enough physical strength? THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 99
We set off from Rodney Bay with a heavily laden boat, both in terms of crew (we had our crew plus Ben and friends Barb, Monique and Christina on board for the passage down to St Vincent) and booze – we had stocked up well on rum and Prosecco for the birthday celebrations. After clearing out at Rodney Bay marina, we followed the west coast of St Lucia until it was time to leave the Pitons behind and point our bow towards St Vincent, which lies slightly to the south west. Winds varied from 15kts to 28kts. (A note in the log reads: “Emma – waves and spray, very wet”). Our average speed for the passage was 6.1kts and our peak was 9.6kts. We were quite close to St Vincent before we could see the 3,000ft peak of Soufrière volcano and make out through the haze the landscape of steep and rumpled, rich green lands punctuated every now and then with white houses. Once we were past the zones where the wind whips around the peak and well into the lee of the island, a pod of 60 dolphins came to play. We arrived at Cumberland Bay at 6pm, just before sunset. A local boat man, Ivor, came in his dinghy and told us where to drop anchor. The beach shelves steeply here so he brought us a long line to tie to our stern – the other end was fastened around a tree. We spent a quiet night at anchor enjoying the country and western music that
100 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE Decent shelter and azure waters at Tobago Cays BELOW LEFT Long lining to a palm tree at Cumberland Bay BELOW RIGHT The author at the helm of Papagayo in fresh conditions (right)
floated out from the small village into the still bay. It was a windless morning as we left Cumberland Bay at 9.30am so we motored out. An hour or so later we had 22kts. Once more we passed very few houses until we got nearer to Kingstown, the main city. We headed past Young Island towards Blue Lagoon marina, where Ben, Barb, Monique and Christina were jumping ship to join the charter catamarans. The lagoon is fringed by reef and there is an entrance channel marked by tall red and green posts but it is recommended that you pay a pilot $20US (£15) to take your yacht in. It is worth it as the breakers on the reef are huge. The depth inside the lagoon is 7ft 6in max (tidal range is less than 2ft) and Papagayo’s draught is 7ft so we anchored just outside. It was very rolly outside the lagoon – and rolly inside it, also. Rollyness aside, Blue Lagoon is a very nice little spot, with a restaurant, small supermarket and bar/cafe. It is a port of entry and clearing in was very quick, with customs and immigration at the same office (charges were $35EC (£10) per person for a month, though extensions are possible). We met the rest of our party here, including the Away. St Lucia-flagged Breeze Away
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Rodney Bay
CARIBBEAN
Cumberland Bay
Kingstown
TOP Landing the dinghy at the Barada Cay turtle sanctuary ABOVE Anchored off Blue Lagoon,
Admiralty Bay
Kingstown, St Vincent LEFT Mayreau, and another perfect landing with the
Saltwhistle Bay Chatham Bay
Petit Rameau
ubiquitous beach shacks in the background
The next morning, as Ben was now skippering one of the charter cats, Papagayo and her female crew of four set off for the 32nm journey past Mustique and Canouan to Mayreau. Getting the anchor up was very hard (Papagayo doesn’t have a windlass) but we managed in the end and headed out early, setting two reefs in the main and half the jib and still making an average SOG of 7kts on a beam to broad reach. By that evening we were also adept at getting the dinghy on and off the deck and into the water and the outboard off the pushpit and onto the dinghy and I felt proud of how quickly we all gelled as a team. Mayreau (pronounced My-rohw) is a gem of an island: small, at 1.6 miles across, with a steep peak and a choice of two anchorages; we chose Saltwhistle Bay in the north west. On our approach we had made sure to leave Baleine rocks well off to our port side. There were lots of local boatmen vying to be the one to guide us in to the bay – and none seemed surprised to come across an all-female crew. Alex came out to help us take a mooring, which cost $60EC (£17) and some of our wider group booked a lobster barbecue at his beachside 102 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
restaurant. Along the beach sit low shacks selling cold drinks, ice creams, tropical fruits, sarongs and, of course, beer and rum (we went ashore in the evening and tried the local Sunset Very Strong Rum. At 85 per cent ABV, it really is). Half an hour’s walk away, up a steep incline, is the characterful village of Mayreau, with a great lookout point behind the church across to the Tobago Cays. Even from two miles away the water looked a vibrant, shimmering turquoise. After lunch the next day we departed for Chatham Bay at Union island. With the wind behind us and only 4.2nm to go, we motored. It was easy line of sight navigating and we were guided into the bay and anchored where we were told to in 15ft in a quiet spot where turtles swam around the boat. The birthday celebrations began in earnest with a meal for all 25 of us at Sunset Cove, a spread of local fish, chicken, lambie (conch), sides and salad all enjoyed with a beer, a glass of wine or a rum punch (or two). In the middle of the night, back on Papagayo, we were jolted awake by a bang. Had we dragged? Surely not in these light winds?
ABOVE Our flotilla anchored off Tobago Cays in the Grenadines
Up on deck, in the dark, it was hard to make out what was going on but we were definitely still anchored, although our nose had turned the other way. A small French-flagged 20-odd foot yacht was much closer to us than it had been the previous afternoon – our very light GRP yacht and this heavy steel boat were swinging very differently in the light wind and current. Its occupants didn’t seem to be bothered by the clipping of hulls and there was no damage. With everyone still sleepy (and tipsy) it was too risky to mess about leaning over the rail, manually hauling up the anchor, so we did a rough fix to make triple sure we hadn’t dragged, moved the dinghy round to act as a fender, then went back below. Just after dawn there was another bang. And this time the after-effects were very different. The husband from the French boat was standing on the deck, shouting over, asking to speak to the captain. “I’m the captain,” Vic called over. “Not you. Get the guy! Get the guy!” the man repeatedly shouted back (together with a lot of other more vitriolic things that I won’t repeat here). He must have seen Ben on THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 103
First 4 Sail’s top tips for sailing the St Vincent Passage Going south, be careful that the lee of St Lucia (or if going north, St Vincent) doesn’t lull you into a fall sense of security – winds could be 15kts here but 30-40kts in the channel (we had 28kts). Sail or motorsail under a reefed main and be ready to furl the jib away once you get into the channel. You might have to motorsail in heavy winds and lumpy seas for a while; it can be unpleasant. The southern end of St Lucia and the northern tip of St Vincent are marked by mountains, and the channel is only 22 nm across, but you can quickly lose sight of land, which can be disconcerting. Going from St Lucia down, your heading will be about 200-210 (T). If chartering or new to the region, be aware of variation, which is 15 degrees west. You might feel that you are pointing too high but the westwards current will take you down and if you don’t you might miss the island There is shipping and ferries but the channel isn’t too traffic-heavy and there are no other hazards.
board at some point and presumed he was the skipper. Papagayo’s crew of women did not take kindly to being told that a woman could not be a captain and a heated discussion fitting of historic Anglo-French relations ensued. “I give you one hour to go,” the man said, wielding a large knife above his head. “One hour. Then I cut your line.” He said it enough times that we started to wonder if he was being serious. As a temporary solution and to humour him we pulled in some of our anchor line to readjust our position relative to his boat and once he had eventually stopped shouting and waving his knife, Ben went over to talk to him, “man to man”, and eventually both parties agreed that there was no damage done and these things happen in busy anchorages. 104 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE Three different snapshots of life on Bequia
As we motored out of Union our female egos were a little bruised by the chauvinist experience, but we concentrated on our 7nm passage back up the western side and over the top of Mayreau to reach the Tobago Cays via the northern approach (the southern approach is closer to Union but heavily littered with reef) – and all was forgotten as we entered the breathtaking waters of the Tobago Cays. I’ve been lucky enough to have sailed in some of the world’s loveliest waters – the gin-clear Tyrrhenian, the teeming-with-life Celebes, the bright blue Exumas. But I’ve never seen water quite the colour of the Tobago Cays, where it is a cross between turquoise and bright aquamarine, just as beautiful in reality as in any picture. We were guided to a group of four mooring balls
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between Petit Rameau and Petit Bateau ($45EC (£13) per night) and we were itching to get the dinghy into the sea before we’d even finished tying off the lines on the bow cleats. We dinghied out to Barada Cay, passing turtles, and dragged the dinghy up a soft white beach dotted with the odd conch shell and, in the shallows, some pretty green stones that can only be found in the Grenadines. From here we could see the other mooring field south east of Petit Bateau and there were a lot of boats there – not Mediterranean-in-August numbers, but an amount that surprised me considering it was April, and not exactly peak season. A lot were private boats carrying flags from all kinds of countries: cruisers, come to see the famous Tobago Cays for themselves. There are no facilities here and if you need anything you have to buy it from a local boatman who has brought it over that morning from Union in his fast skiff – and you’ll pay handsomely for it, so be prepared. A 500ml bottle of drinking water, for example, costs $10EC (£3.30); a bag of ice $25EC (£6.50). A couple of companies run beach barbecues ($100EC (£29) a head) on Petit Bateau at night, bringing all the food, drinks and ice over each time. Well, not all – one local guy, swimming naked, pulled a lobster from the mangrove right next to our boat. 106 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ABOVE Another beautful beach!
It was a lazy couple of days we spent here, swimming, relaxing, paddleboarding, reading – even hanging off coconut palms for Instagram-worthy photos. The wind made dinghy rides a little wet but also kept the inside of the boat cool. Yvonne joined us, coming over in a water taxi from Union, swelling our ranks on board from four women to five. Our last stop was to be Bequia, with the 23nm passage there, back past Mayreau and Canouan, taking us a chunk of the way back home to St Lucia. Port Elizabeth at Admiralty Bay is a pretty and proper working harbour, with boatbuilders repairing wooden launches by the water’s edge, a sailing school for local children, a string of cute cafes and restaurants along the shore, as well as facilities such as a supermarket and a bank. We stopped for amazing ginger ice-cream and coffees at the Gingerbread Cafe and walked along the coast to Jack’s bar, a chic day club where you could happily spend an afternoon alternating between taking a dip in the sea and ordering a drink at the bar. It was almost a shame when Ben climbed back on board Papagayo the next morning as we headed back to St Lucia. Not only because I could have happily spent a week on Bequia, and I would have loved to have carried on down to Carriacou, but also because our all-women crew had worked together so well. My earlier worries had proved unfounded: we were definitely able to say what we really felt (and not to take offence at it), we were all happy to give and take orders, and when we struggled with a physical task we improvised and found a way round the problem. I’d definitely be happy to sail with a group of women – especially this lot – again. Women make just as good (if not better) skippers and crew as men. If only certain sexist, knife-wielding French maniacs could see that.
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CLASSICS A wooden boat is a great way to get afloat. Here are 10 of our favourites, each available for less than £10k on the used market SELECTED BY STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES
Stella
The Stella is the archetypal, small post-war British cruising yacht and in many ways it has it all – great looks, proven sailing ability, good for racing and for cruising, solo or with a family, for a day or for much longer, with proper accommodation below. There is a steadily growing fleet, with many in restoration (both professional and amateur) and a great owners’ association. The Stella was drawn by the English naval architect Kim Holman as a ‘bigger Folkboat’ and the first, La Vie en Rose, was launched in 1959. Just two days later she swept the board so thoroughly at Burnham Week that some questioned her rating! The Stella was, according to our late technical editor Theo Rye, “a careful piece of work”, with a fairly full waterplane, higher than average beam and near 50 per cent ballast ratio, creating a winning formula. They have a reputation for being slippery in light airs as well as standing up to the heavy stuff, yet that waterplane carries enough buoyancy aft to take a full cockpit load without squatting. The Stella has bags of freeboard, which is not immediately apparent, as the clinker planking breaks up the topsides visually. This is a pretty boat and although it gives a little away to the extreme elegance of the Scandinavian Folkboat that inspired it, the gains in accommodation
EMILY HARRIS
will be a bargain many will settle for happily.
108 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Blackwater Sloop
The Blackwater Sloop story starts around 1930, when boatbuilder Dan Webb received an order for a two-berth cruising sloop for an owner who wanted a capable coastal cruising yacht. The result was an 18ft sloop of traditional appearance and build, good freeboard, two settee berths, a place for a heads bucket forward by the chain locker and a cooking shelf for a primus stove close by the after bulkhead. An early devotee was sailor and author Francis B Cooke, who wrote a number of books detailing his experiences in the boat he had built for him in 1938, the gaff-rigged Iolanthe. He relates that the gaffer beats bermudanrigged variants “good and proper” to windward. The interior, he tells, is “not very large, but there was room for a Lloyd’s Yacht Register and a dozen
VANESSA BIRD
Penguin books”.
Memory 19 The Memory 19 belongs to a very specific and popular genre: the 19ft (5.8m) GRP-built, traditional-looking, trailable, gaffrigged yacht, exemplified by the Cornish Shrimper that has sold more than 1,100 boats since its inception in GRP in 1980. The Memory 19 was the first of the genre, launched in GRP in 1976. She was designed by Tony Robinson for his own use, then built by Eric Bergqvist, then Liverpool Boat Company, and in more recent years by Salterns Boatbuilders. Collars is now the builder, but the cost of a new one (over £30,000 by now) against the very good and plentiful examples on the used market, means none have been built in years. You wouldn’t buy the Memory 19 for long-distance cruising, but for daysailing and weekending it will come into its own with its huge cockpit and ample rig. The Memory 19 is a fast boat – in fact, they have won more races than any other design in OGA
ENDEAVOUR
racing. The big rig means these boats go in very little wind and reach hull speed in as little as 10-12 knots with the right sails up. “It’s quite easy to sail,” says Greg Dalrymple of Salterns, “but you do have to keep reefing it down.” You will find the Memory 19 in various guises. The early boats, built by Eric Bergqvist and then the Liverpool Boat Company, were sold as bare hulls with deck and centreboard case for the buyer to
VANESSA BIRD
complete, with varying results. Besides their long (9ft) open cockpits, they offered two full-length berths under the foredeck, once you had crawled in. Some had sliding hatches to improve access. Liverpool Boat Co added a very small cabin to some boats, giving sitting headroom.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 109
Z4 Tonner If all you knew about the Z4 Tonner is that it was designed by an amateur to be as cheap as possible, then built on a production basis by a door and window frame manufacturer in Essex, you probably wouldn’t picture the yacht you see to the left here, with its heart-shaped transom, spoon bow and big sheer. But the yacht designer was the well-regarded Dr T Harrison Butler (‘THB’ as his followers call him); and the door and window manufacturer, Alfred Lockhart, proved to be competent, fast, and innovative, turning out good boats, whose longevity is proved by the high percentage of them still sailing today. And the era – the 1930s – was arguably the pinnacle of beautiful small-yacht design. No one would seriously call the Z4 a fast boat (some have, of course, tried). But if your objective is mainly coastal cruising with good accommodation for two, and the enjoyment (and kudos) of a boat with serious classic status, seakindly ways and drop-dead looks at a very good price, the Z4 is hard to beat. The story started in 1937, with THB’s Zyklon design, an evolution of his 1919 Cyclone design. The sheer on the Cyclone, THB felt, was too flat, which might explain the joyfully perky sheer on the Zyklon. Also, THB was then an ardent believer in the (now MARCEL VAN COILE
discredited) metacentric shelf theory, and the Zyklon was built to satisfy its requirements, which included minimal overhangs. Today, we might associate that look with a workboat aesthetic, but the full hull shape and resultant good accommodations are the happy legacy of his thinking at the time.
Contessa 26 Like the Stella featured on the previous page, the origins of the Contessa 26 lie in the famous Nordic Folkboat of 1942, the most popular cabin yacht of all time, but one with limited accommodation. The Contessa story starts with boatbuilder Jeremy Rogers of Lymington, who was, in the early 1960s, building modified Folkboats in wood, but with masthead, rather than fractional rig. One owner, the engineer David Sadler, raced particularly successfully with his boat, Contessa of Parkstone, named after his wife, Tessa. The Folkboat Association, however, took a dim view of this, so Jeremy moved away from the class identity and tooled up to build the boats in GRP in collaboration with David Sadler and thanks to the backing of grocer Vernon Sainsbury, who paid up front in full, for the sixth boat, to be sure of having one with the teething issues ironed out. The first boat, Contessa of Lymington was followed by nearly 350 sisterships over the next 11 years, and later spawned the Contessa 32. The 26 is heavier than the Folkboat, with a rig set up for a lower centre of effort, so the mast is 2ft (60cm) shorter, and the upwind sail area slightly lower. But with the more modern topmast rig, the
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Contessa can set more sail area before the mast. The Ports-
110 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
mouth Yardstick favours the Folkboat (1067, with 1166 for the Co26), but this is from data derived from round-the-cans racing. Where the Co26 really excels is off the wind and in heavier conditions, with her higher freeboard, vastly improved accommodation and greater beam. These little yachts have been regularly used for grand bluewater feats like round-Britain and transatlantic voyages, and more than one global circumnavigation.
South Coast One Design
The SCOD is typical of many of the boats on this list: she is a product of middle-class, post-war England, of Cowes and the Solent, and of the wish for a craft capable of cruising with the family or racing. Designed in 1953 by Charles Nicholson, the nephew of the great Charles E Nicholson, and proved immediately popular. Compared to its peers, like the Holman-designed Stella, it was heavily RICK TOMLINSON
built, spacious with its deep draught, and although intended to be “affordable”, was considerably costlier than other boats of the era. It didn’t stop people queuing to own one. They were very successful in racing on the Solent, taking the top six spots in the 1956 Round the Island Race. They race keenly to this day, as a one-design fleet, but also under the ISC handicap, where their good rating makes them as competitive in the annual Round the Island Race now as they were back in the 1950s.
The clinker dinghy One of the entries listed in the recent BBC and British Museum’s ‘History of the World in Objects’ starts with this sentence: “Boats are the single most important objects in the history of the world.” The photo they chose to back up this grand and true statement was one of a bright-finished, clinker, wooden rowing dinghy, an implication that this sort of vessel has come, at least in the western mind, to embody the word ‘boat’. The clinker planking recalls the most pivotal moments in waterborne history, from the Vikings to the first International Class dinghy in the world (the 1913-designed International 12) while the simple form, with its open interior, perhaps a small foredeck, wooden thwarts or benches, a pair of bronze oarlocks and a simple sailing rig, is instantly recognisable to all. A two-horse on the transom (preferably a Seagull or similar guts-on-show old-style outboard), and you have a light, strong craft that can be propelled by three means (four if you use a scull through a transom cut-out) and capable of traversing lake, river, estuary or coast. The delight of these sorts of boats lies not just in their timeless good style, but in their comfort. They are, as they say, boats you sit “in” rather than “on” and the sound of a clinker dinghy splashing through waves, accompanied by the creaking of wooden mast, boom and tiller, has to be experienced to be understood. NIC COMPTON
These are very usable boats: a typical 12ft (3.7m) example will weigh around 100kg (220lb), so they are a bit much for two to handle out of the water, but very easy on a trolley and towable by any car. The 12-footer will comfortably accommodate two adults and a child or two.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 111
Nordic Folkboat It has been described as a nautical Volkswagen Beetle. It has been hailed as a rare example of a good thing designed by a committee. The Folkboat is the most popular, successful and influential sailing yacht of all time. It comes in various guises and has Scandinavian Sailing Federation launched a design competition for a cheaply built boat that would be easy to sail. No entry satisfied the judging committee, who nevertheless saw admirable traits in six different entries, and commissioned the yacht designer Tord Sunden to draw these elements into a unified whole. The result was a clinker-built fractional sloop with a simple rig (two shrouds each side, jibstay and backstay) and a small, low-profile cabin, on a lively sheer with a raked transom stern. Our late technical editor Theo Rye described the Folkboat as “approaching perfection”. The boat is suitable for almost any role, offering one of the best one-design
SHANE HOADLEY
racing classes, with active fleets worldwide, it has been sailed across oceans and it serves as a pocket knockabout for a young family.
TIM WRIGHT/PHOTOACTION.COM
spawned several derivatives, but the Nordic Folkboat is the original. The Folkboat story started life in 1941 in neutral Sweden when the
Dauntless
The Finesse 21 and 24
The Dauntless’ chief attraction was its price. Again, the era was
You don’t buy a Finesse for racing. These are not the quickest
post WW2, when the Dauntless Boat Company of Leigh-on-
boats, although the 24s have regularly averaged 4.5 knots on pas-
Sea in Essex speculatively put a basic cabin over one of its 16ft
sage and 7 knots on occasion. But with their huge, and very cosy,
(4.9m) clinker power launches and gave it a gaff rig. It sold imme-
ship-like accommodation, bags of headroom, an easy nature, the
diately to a local customer, who took it apart and started build-
fairly seaworthy shape with the weight to punch through typical
ing a series, much to the vexation of the Dauntless Company,
Thames Estuary conditions (they are popular elsewhere too), and
who responded by offering a 20ft (6m) version. This evolved
the fact that most are kept in very good condition, they attract
into the standard 22ft (6.7m) boat, with gaff or bermudan rig.
fierce owner loyalty. They change hands very seldom, so examples
Everything about it was low-key, built to a price by a team of 22
don’t often come to the market but when they do, they are some-
apprentices managed by two boatbuilders. Sailing performance
times single-owner boats. Decent 21s run from £3,000 to £7,000
was as you might expect, leading most owners to later add a
while good 24s run from about £3,500 to £13,000, occasionally a
bowsprit for better performance. But the low price (a brochure
little more. There are no particular vices on the Finesse boats to
from the late 1940s quotes £491 – about £15,000 today) put a
report because they are relatively young and because, in the words
whole generation of sailors on the water.
of builder Alan Platt, they were “intended to last a lifetime”.
112 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
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FLYING
FRENCHMAN With a Vendée win, a singlehanded round the world record and a new foiling Ultime trimaran in build, François Gabart’s sailing career is going from strength to strength WORDS TOBY HEPPELL
F
rench offshore sailor François Gabart shot to international fame when he took victory in the Vendée Globe in 2012, then aged just 29 years old. For most offshore sailors, a Vendée victory would be the pinnacle of their career but not so Gabart, who in 2017 went on to top his achievement with a new solo round the world record, sailing his Ultime Trimaran Macif. His final time from Ushant (in the southwest Channel) round the great capes and back was a mere 47 days, 16 hours and 40 minutes. Stunningly that’s the third fastest lap of the planet either crewed or singlehanded, only just slower than Loïck Peyron’s 2012 crewed record (45 days) and Francis Joyon’s 2017 crewed record (40 days).
Dinghy beginnings
Gabart didn’t start out doing his serious sailing in big boats, however. “In my very early years I have happy memories of sailing with my family on little cruising yacht that we had,” he tells me. “But my main racing was in smaller boats. Like a lot of others, I started out racing in Oppies when I was a kid and then carried on dinghy racing for many years.” So it was a childhood messing around in boats with his parents in a cruiser and racing his Optimist. But things started to get more serious when in 2003 Gabart started to sail the Tornado, training with the French team with the 114 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
ultimate goal of the Olympic Games in mind. “I was very lucky to be sailing the Tornado with the French national team at a time when it was a really strong boat for us. So I was learning so much,” Gabart recalls. “It was great to get to learn so much but it also was bad luck for me, as I don’t think I was ever likely to get to the Olympics.”
Heading offshore
At the same time as sailing the Tornado, Gabart was also able to take part in the Tour de France à la Voile, initially competing with a university team. Here he got a taste of racing on longer legs, sailing at night and navigation – all of which appealed to his analytical nature. “I moved over to offshore sailing a little more than 10 years ago now. I had done some time in the Tour de France but it was when I moved into the Figaro that I was actually moving over to a different type of sailing. “I would also say that that is the time I really became a professional sailor. For an offshore sailor the whole programme is non-stop, whether you are on or off the water, and it requires you to be full-time. “I always knew that I enjoyed studying the weather when I was dinghy sailing and I was doing a lot of that back then. Once I moved into offshore sailing that side of me clicked and I realised then that I am probably better
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 115
suited to offshore sailing. I seem to work at my best when I am managing the fleet and managing my sleep and navigating. It is still sailing obviously, but there is a lot that works well for me. “If you look at a solo offshore sailor compared with an Olympic sailor, then the Olympic sailor is probably sailing 250 days in a year and the offshore sailor will be doing much less than that, as there is lots of shoreside planning and managing to do. I really enjoy that part of it too. Don’t get me wrong, if I didn’t get to go sailing then I would not like it – but an offshore sailor’s life feels like it fits me better.” I ask Gabart whether, given his dinghy sailing background and specifically the time spent sailing two-up in a Tornado, he gets lonely at sea by himself, particularly when record-setting with no one else out there, even to race against. “I don’t think lonely is the right word. I am by myself but I am not alone. I think I am very privileged to be able to do what I do and I don’t think I have the right to feel lonely. “And anyway, what do we really mean by that? When I am out at sea by myself I often think about people in Paris or in London who are getting the Tube into work every day. They can be surrounded by other people but not speaking to or interacting with anyone. That person can be lonely, but I do not feel that when I am at sea; there is the sea and me, and I know there are people following me ashore so I am not lonely, even if I am alone.”
Looking ahead
Currently Gabart is in the midst of a particularly busy time on shore. Following his record-breaking lap of the planet, his Ultime, Macif, went into the shed for a refit ahead of a busy programme for 2019. The Macif team is also launching a new IMOCA 60 for the next Vendée Globe – a project Gabart is involved with even if, ultimately, he will not be skippering the boat. If these two major undertakings were not enough already, Macif have recently confirmed they will be launching an entirely new Ultime, the building of which was due to start late in 2018 – this new boat should be Gabart’s boat for the 2019 World Tour, which will see a number of Ultimes competing in a solo round the world race, departing from Brest, France. The refitted Macif has been widely reported to be receiving lifting foils like those currently on display on Banque Populaire IX and Gitana 17. Is there truth in the rumours? “Yes we will be fitting some lifting foils, or at least, foils that will give us greater lift; our current [C-Board] foils do lift us out to skimming and sometimes more, but these should get us out the water for more of the time.” He goes on to clarify, however, that although merely adding the foils will improve the performance of the boat,
ABOVE: Macif can be fully sailed from within her covered central pod BELOW LEFT A headsail change while solo at sea BELOW RIGHT: The scale of the 35m mast is shown during a spot of rigging work while ashore
to really take advantage of the very latest foiling technology merely replacing the boards is not enough and the boat needs to be designed from the ground up with foiling in mind – as the new Macif Ultime will be. Though there some out there who remain unconvinced about fully foiling offshore trimarans, Gabart is convinced this is the future of the sport. “The feeling [of foiling] is just amazing in these boats, just incredible. I think my best day setting the record was 35 knots [average over a 24 hour period]. It can be tricky but it feels safe, like the boat is designed for it. It’s a really good feeling because speed is like a drug. You adapt after a while to going that fast all the time. “The feeling of flying is difficult to describe but you feel the faster you go, the more control you feel to keep going faster in the future. “I was able to sail 35 knots for a whole day on the current Macif but I am quite sure that it will be flying 40-45 knots soon as an average. At the moment, the boats with foils are not flying all of the time and it can be difficult to fly down and then over big waves, but I think we feel we can overcome that barrier in the coming years. The revolution we are living now with flying, I feel like it is a very big revolution and is going faster than many people realise right now.”
Sailing ambassador
Offshore sailing in France is very big business indeed and big names in the sport are typically household names. As such Gabart’s profile in France is pretty huge. The Frenchman says he is very aware that his profile can be used to help encourage others into, or back into the sport. 116 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
I don’t think lonely is the right word. I am by myself but I am not alone. I think I am very privileged to be able to do what I do
“I remember that even when I was very small sailing on a cruising boat with my parents, I would see those boats left being unused and think it was so sad that people have these boats that could be sailed on and yet they were just left there, unused.” It was in part this frustration that recently led Gabart to invest some money in (and more importantly put his name to) a start-up in France, called Click&Boat. “When I read about what they do, it seemed like a great idea to get those unused boats sailing even when the owners do not have the time to sail them,” Gabbart explains to me. “It was also practical for me. I still like to go cruising and have a boat for that. If I have time off work, I go out. It reminds me of sailing with my parents when I was young. I like that sometimes you can look at the weather and think ‘this is a day for staying at anchor and relaxing in the sun’. But as my racing takes up so much time there are long periods of time when I am not able to sail it, so it is just another one of those boats sitting there unused. Having invested in Click&Boat, I can make sure that if I am not on the boat then other people can hire it out, maybe people that do not want to buy their own boat; it helps more people get out sailing and stops my boat just sitting there not being used.” Ultimately, speaking to Gabbart, whether discussing encouraging others into the sport, Olympic sailing or offshore records, what stands out the most is the absolute passion with which he talks. At the time of our conversation his focus was on relaunching Macif Ultime with her new foils and preparing for the Route du Rhum in November, 2018. If you followed the race, you’ll know he came second – another gong for the trophy cabinet!
ABOVE: Displaying his new solo record time 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes, 35 seconds. RIGHT: Rounding the Cape of Good Hope (Le Cap de Bonne Esperance) after just 11 days at sea
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 117
.
HALSEY HERRESHOFF
Keeper of the flame The grandson of Captain Nat talks boats, family, sailors and the Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup
WORDS STEFFAN MEYRIC HUGHES PHOTO C/O HERRESHOFF MUSEUM
118 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
R
hode Island in late June is not the worst place to be kicking your feet at the end of a week’s driving tour of New England’s boatyards. On Burnside Street, just up from the seafront, a wide workshop door hangs open. In the still darkness inside, an old-timer is busy fixing up a modest plywood skiff laid out on workhorses. On closer inspection, it is Halsey Chase Herreshoff, naval architect, America’s Cup sailor, philanthropist, grandson of Captain Nathanael Green Herreshoff – the wizard of Bristol – and holder of the Herreshoff flame. Over the next three hours, Halsey shows colleague Hugo and me his yacht Rugosa, the Herreshoff museum, and grandfather Nat’s model room within it, where Herreshoffs from the wizard onwards have worked on their ideas and built models for some of the most famous vessels the world has known. We sit in the cockpit of Rugosa, moored on the waterfront in early summer sun. Rugosa is Halsey’s New York 40, the yacht that won the biggest regatta of the classic boat movement: the America’s Cup Jubilee in 2001. After that event, Halsey took a revolving crew of family and friends on a grand cruise that took in Scandinavia, Russia (“we were the only US boat there and everyone was so friendly in St Petersburg”), Norway, Scotland, Ireland, the western Med, the Greek Islands (“I loved Greece”), the Canaries, the Caribbean, and finally the eastern seaboard of the USA. In total, 160 different people crewed on the five-year voyage. Halsey pauses at the end of the itinerary and says: “It was about the nicest thing I ever did, that cruise. I love cruising in Maine, but the Baltic and Greek Islands are better!” It’s hard to know where to start with someone like Halsey: he’s a Bristol, RI, native born in 1933, who learned to sail aged in a Herreshoff 12.5 and started racing at the age of five. He went on to read naval architecture at degree level and mechanical engineering at MIT as a post-grad, and whose entry in the Encyclopedia of Yacht Designers tells us that more than 10,000 boats have been launched to his designs. He was instrumental in the founding of the Herreshoff Museum, just yards away from where we are sitting, and founder of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. He crewed in four America’s Cups from 1958 to 1983. But perhaps the most obvious question is what memories Halsey has of grandfather Nat. “I have one,” he says brightly, as though no one has ever asked. “I was four, and my grandfather was 90 and ailing. He called for me and produced a globe on a wooden stand, for my brother and me. He wanted to inspire us to travel the world. The press always portrays Nat as a stiff, technical man, but he was happy and fun, had children, played with them, sailed every day.” These days, Halsey is a grandee of American sailing himself, not to mention a great public servant to the town of Bristol: the park behind us has just been named after him, for his “tireless, unprecedented” advocacy of its improvement. But we’re not here to talk parks. “The finest seaman I ever met was Rod Stephens [19091995, Halsey’s crewmate on the 1958 AC campaign aboard the 12-M Columbia]. The other was Irving Johnson,” he says. Irving Johnson (1905-1991) was the man who went to sea in 1929 aboard the full-rigger Peking, after training for it by
climbing telegraph poles on the family farm. His film Around Cape Horn is perhaps the greatest documentary about the days of sail. Halsey also has a great affection for Olin Stephens (1908-2008), whom he describes as “the finest man you could ever meet...he was always ready to admit his mistakes”. Turning to offshore sailing in general, he says: “With ocean sailing, you need a combination of boldness and caution. The biggest hazard is falling off.” Peeing overboard while on watch is a particular risk, Halsey says, so he has installed a draining funnel for that purpose at the aft end of Rugosa’s cockpit. Other than that “the two most dangerous things on a boat are Highfield levers and wire winches”. In general terms “races and passages succeed very much on preparation. After that, the essential thing is the crew”. Favourite boats? “Bambino, 1904, built one year before the NY30s, but even better, stiffer, with more ballast. Then the New York 32s – I raced these with Rod Stephens. And the schooner replicas Eleonora and Elena.” Rugosa is obviously very dear to Halsey, but after decades of ownership, she’s for sale. “She’s been a tremendous pleasure racing and cruising. These NY40s are much stiffer than the 30s or 50s, great sea boats. You don’t reef often.” Halsey is about to start restoring his S-Boat yacht for the class centenary in 2019. And aged 85 he has gone into a new business partnership with Tyler Stafford, 21, to build fast, modern motorboats (CB363). He would also like to travel more, the legacy of his boyhood globe perhaps. “I would like to see those parts of the world that I’ve not yet seen.... like Pitcairn Island near Tahiti.”
“The press portrays him as stiff, but Nat was happy and fun”
MODEL ROOM
Halsey walks us to the Herreshoff Museum and we stand in the hushed shade, beneath the hulls of some of the most famous yachts ever built. Capt Nat’s first, last and favourite boats are all here. They are, respectively, Sprite (20ft catboat, 1860), Belisarius (last large cruising yacht, a 40ft LWL yawl of 1935) and the Buzzard’s Bay 25. We marvel at the 24ft scale model of the 1903 AC yacht Reliance, the largest gaff cutter ever built, at 145ft on deck. “She was such a fine yacht that even her cleats were hollowed for weight saving.” In the model room, where Halsey works to this day, using the same tools that belonged to Captain Nat, we look at the model of Gloriana, the boat that launched Nat’s career. On the room’s walls are the first torpedo boats for the US Navy, steamers, catamarans, even NC4, the brusquely named aircraft that was first to cross the Atlantic in 1919 with a Herreshoff-designed and built hull. There is also a model fishing boat by Karl Friedrich Herreshoff, the first Herreshoff emigre, who came from Potsdam to the USA in 1795. “Horrible model,” says Halsey with a chuckle. Young Tyler has joined us at this point and Halsey jokingly picks up an old megaphone and shouts: “Stop slacking!” After nearly three hours of Halsey’s time, it is time to leave. As we walk out of the model room, two tourists wander in through the open door. “I’m John and this is my wife Susan,” the man says, clearly unaware of who he is greeting. “I’m Halsey Herreshoff,” says Halsey, shaking his hand warmly and turning back to show hem round.
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 119
EVENT GUIDE 2019 Don’t miss these highlights of the next yachting year
boot Düsseldorf
RYA Dinghy Show
Antigua Race Week
19-27 January
in association with Yachts & Yachting
27 April – 3 May
One of the world’s leading boat shows, boot
2-3 March
Following directly on from the classic regatta,
Düsseldorf spreads 1,800 exhibitors across 17
Organised by the RYA, this London show is a
thousands of modern race boat sailors
vast halls. Almost every boatbuilder under the
must for anyone interested in dinghy sailing.
descend on Falmouth Harbour for another
sun will be here, along with gear manufactur-
rya.org.uk
serious week of racing and fun ashore.
ers, charter companies and more. It’s easy to
sailingweek.com
get around, dynamic, and all in a city famed
Cherbourg race
for its hospitality. boot.de
19 and 21 April
London on Water
Opening Channel race for Junior Offshore
9-12 May
Group members, departing Cowes. The
Event in the capital with boats, cars and
18 February
excitement continues with a return Cherbourg
entertainment ashore at St Katharine Docks.
Top Caribbean offshore race. The varied fleet
to Cowes race on the Sunday 21st April.
londononwater.com
sails out of Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, for a
jog.org.uk
RORC Caribbean 600
slalom course round the Leeward Islands.
Cowes Spring Classics
Attracts some of the world’s most exciting
Les Voiles de St Barth
boats, modern and classic.
14-20 April
Second year for new event after a successful
caribbean600.rorc.org
Now in its tenth year, this event is for serious
launch in 2018, with a strong fleet of classics
racers in yachts of all sizes.
big and small and a fun atmosphere ashore.
lesvoilesdesaintbarth.com
Dress for the age of your boat!
St Maarten Heineken Regatta
17-19 May
cowesspringclassics.com
28 February - 3 March
Antigua Classics
Sailors from more than 35 countries gather to
17-23 April
Northern Boat Show
race maxis, monohulls, performance multihulls,
Classic Boat magazine is official media partner
31 May - 2 June
holiday-makers on charter boats, live-aboard
for this quintessential event in the classic
Held in Liverpool Docks, this show forms part
families cruising the Caribbean and classics.
calendar.
of the International Mersey River Festival.
heinekenregatta.com
antiguaclassics.com
northernboatshow.co.uk
120 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Rolex Fastnet Race 3 August Entries open on Monday 7 January 2019 for the biennial race which takes place before Cowes Week this year. rolexfastnetrace.com
RORC Easter Challenge 19-21 April Racing from Cowes with highly competitive amateurs and pros. rorc.org
Falmouth Classics 14-16 June Amazing display of classics from old working boats to smart Metre yachts. A sea shanty festival runs as well. falmouthclassics.org.uk
Antigua Classics 17-23 April Legendary racing and partying with yachts big and small. antiguaclassics.com
One Ton Cup 19-22 September Given yet another lease of life, the event is now fought for in the Fast40+ Class and has proved a significant draw. fast40class2018.com
THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 121
Med classic circuit Until October The greatest show on earth, as some of the most stunning yachts ever built gather for regattas in Italy, the south of France and Spain. paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com puigvelaclassica.com lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
Les Voiles dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Antibes
Lendy Cowes Week
5-9 June The Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge (see
10-17 August
photo above) kicks off in style with this
Cowes is packed with
photogenic French regatta which now boasts
sailors, boats, live bands
a concurrent classic boat show held in the old
and much else besides
stone arches quayside.
for a glorious week of
voilesdantibes.com
6 June Talls ships gather in the atmospheric town of Rouen on the River Seine for the first of the summerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tall ships events, this one a feeder event to Aalborg in Denmark, where the Tall Ships Races proper begin. sailtraininginternational.org
Falmouth Classics
THIERRY MARTINEZ
Tall Ships Festival
racing in many classes. lendycowesweek.co.uk
Olympic test event Japan 9-16 September A great chance to see
14-16 June
how the Olympic
Coincides with a sea shanty festival held
hopefuls are shaping
around Falmouth town. Magical atmosphere
up on the water.
with everything from family-owned pilot
sailing.org
cutters to gleaming Metre boats. falmouthclassics.org.uk
122 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Round the Island Race 29 June One of the biggest yacht races in the world, as competitive or as relaxed as you want. roundtheisland.org.uk
Suffolk Yacht Harbour Classic Regatta 22-23 June
Southampton Boat Show 13-22 September
Friendly event from the marina that is a real
Now the only major boat
hub of classic activity on the River Orwell on
show in Britain, the
the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idyllic east coast, with a wooden
event welcomes
boatyard and classic chandlery on site.
hundreds of boats, many
syharbour.co.uk
new launches and you can test sail lots of them. southamptonboatshow.
Youth Sailing World Championships
com
13-20 July The best sailors aged 19 and under head to Gdynia in Poland for the 49th edition. sailing.org
Falmouth Week 9-18 August Cornwallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s answer to Cowes Week, dating back to 1837, with great racing as well as evening entertainment ashore including live bands and
Solitaire du Figaro Aug-Sept, dates TBC The most competitive solo series in the world, breeding ground for the best offshore sailors. lasolitaire-urgo.com
a legendary fireworks display on the Friday night. falmouthweek.co.uk THE YACHTING YEAR 2019 | 123
Brest Oceans Departs 29 December At least six of the 100ft Ultime trimarans are due to set off in this newly introduced round the world singlehanded race. At least four will be fully foiling craft, pushing the very limits of boat design and build technology. Will they be reliable enough to make a lap of the planet unscathed? brest-ultim.fr
Mersea Week 11-16 August Competitive family and friends racing on the
Cowes Classics Week
sheltered River Blackwater in Essex.
27 July - 2 August
merseaweek.com
The Royal London Yacht Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual regatta for
Dartmouth Royal Regatta 29-31 August
oldies has grown into one of the biggest, with
Including a passage race and a cruiser race, as
multiple keelboat and
well as a river procession and fireworks.
yacht classes.
dartmouthregatta.co.uk
cowesclassicsweek.org
Mersea Oyster Dredging Match
J-Cup
8 September Unique event for smacks and bawleys, where
18-20 July Hosted by Key
the winner is the boat to dredge the most.
Yachting exclusively
Lovely atmosphere amid east coast mud.
for yachts of the
mersearegatta.org.uk/dredgingmatch
J/Boats brand in
Cannes Yachting Festival 10-15 September Global event for all kinds of new boats, held in the old port. cannesyachtingfestival.com
124 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
Hamble. keyyachting.com
www.boatbuildingacademy.com
Why not learn a new skill?
Boat building, woodworking and more
La Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan 27 May - 2 June Major international festival of sailing and culture in the picturesque and not unchallenging waters of the Morbihan. semainedugolfe.com
Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez 28 September - 6 October Saint-Tropez’s heady mix of modern and classic is sure to set pulses racing again, on shore and in the gulf’s cobalt blue waters. The Med season closer and one to remember for anyone lucky enough to be there. lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr
British Classic Week 13-20 July The British Classic Yacht Club’s annual regatta always sees an impressive fleet with entries from across the world.
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
britishclassicyachtclub.org
10 November Every November since 1986 the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has set sail from Las Palmas, bound westward to the Caribbean. Three routes are now available. worldcruising.com
Rolex Sydney Hobart Race
Transatlantic Race Departs June 25 From Newport to
26 December – 2 January
Cowes, with a gate
One of the great offshore yacht races, starting
off the Lizard so
on Boxing Day every year and attracting top
world speed records
competition for tough racing, often in heavy
will be up for grabs.
seas.
transatlanticrace.org
rolexsydneyhobart.com
126 | THE YACHTING YEAR 2019
CONSIDERING AN ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR? Epropulsion Spirit vs Torqeedo 1003
FEATURES COMMON TO BOTH: - 1kW Electric Outboards with removable lithium ba eries. Roughly equivalent to 3hp petrol (more torque less power). - Easy to Use. No fiddly starter cord or choke; just switch on, twist �ller and go. Forward & reverse on handle. - Easy to Store. Even in cabin, won’t leak oil or petrol. - Easy to Pass into the Dinghy. With ba�ery removed, what’s le� (sha�/motor) weighs less than 10kg. - Cheap to Own. No Servicing for Eight Years! - Confidence Inspiring. LCD shows ba�ery state. They’re also Waterproof (actually submersible), Quiet, and Pollu on-Free at point of use (no fumes etc). If you’re considering an electric outboard - a genuine propulsion system that is, rather than a slow speed “trolling motor” - there are now two choices in the market.
E-Propulsion has a direct-drive brushless DC motor
In many ways they are similar, but beneath the skin there are marked technology differences, the most notable (but least obvious externally) being the motor type: - Torqeedo has a smaller, faster-turning AC motor (which is efficient, and light), with the propeller sha� speed reduced by use of a gearbox. - Epropulsion has a larger, slower-turning, brushless DC motor, which is heavier, but has direct drive to the propeller (ie there is no gearbox) Because of the different motors, they also make a different noise. The Epropulsion is quieter, and has a deeper pitch/tone. Both are much quieter than petrol outboards! Neither will get a boat on the plane, but both are very efficient in the 4-6 knot range. The Epropulsion - due to its bigger ba�ery - has an advantage in terms of range, but most yacht owners find both plen�ful for use as dinghy motors. You should get 5-6 miles flat out, and 10-12 miles at half power (which isn’t that much slower).
Features Ba�ery floats GPS range/speed Removable �ller Cables to connect 12V charging op�on
Epropulsion Spirit
Torqeedo 1003
1kW (1000W) 1018Wh ~ 5.5 hrs or 2 hrs 19kg 10kg 9kg (1018Wh) DC direct drive 3 (XS, S, L) 2
1kW (1000W) 532 or 916Wh ~ 10 hrs (916Wh) 15kg (916Wh) 9kg 6kg (916Wh) AC with gearbox 2 (S, L) 2
Yes No No, folds 1 Yes
No Yes Yes, fully 2 Yes
PRICES (if you find cheaper please tell us, we’ll try our best to price match!) £1699 £1540 (916Wh) £1529 Complete motor £899 (1018Wh) £749 £670 (916Wh) Spare ba�ery £250 n/a Fast charger £89 £35 12V charger £149 £179 Carrying bag set
Torqeedo has a smaller, lighter AC motor, driving through gearbox
COME & SEE BOTH IN CHRISTCHURCH, DORSET BH23 4FN
Specifica on Power Output Ba�ery capacity Charge Time (approx) Weight - TOTAL Weight - motor Weight - ba�ery Motor type Sha� Lengths Warranty (years)
www.nestawayboats.com mail@nestawayboats.com Tel: 0800 999 2535
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by Steffan Meyric Hughes
HONEY I SHRUNK THE FIFE
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ABOVE: sailing the new model 15-Metre yachts on Frensham Pond in Surrey
hey call themselves the Romeos, but you’d have to be out of your mind to imagine Graham Hetem, Rodney Evans, Peter Mitchell and Paul Brooks serenading below a balcony. But sit them around a long table in the pub with good, local beer and hot baguettes (brie and bacon, since you ask), and the the Rotten Old Men Eating Out come into their own. In fact, they’re probably much better company than Shakespeare’s tragic hero. The Romeos speak not of unrequited love but of cricket, life and sailing. “The only thing that stopped me being swept overboard was that my backside was too fat to break free from the guardrail,” one of them relates, to good-natured guffawing all around. It’s clear that the four Romeos are also pretty serious sailors – of full-sized boats, that is. But we’re not here for the real world, we’re here to enjoy the Lilliputian world of remote-controlled yacht sailing, and after lunch we make our way to nearby Frensham Pond in the pretty Surrey Hills to see the quartet’s new class of R-C pond yacht. It’s a lovely spot on a sunny, August day, and so windless that big dragonflies are hunting in the tall grass by the water’s edge. Here’s one advantage of model yachting over real yachting: model boats can sail in dragonfly conditions. A few feet off the jetty, four miniature Fife 15-M yachts are enjoying hot competition, nodding their masts lightly to the tiny gusts, then taking off on new tacks as they
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match-race their reflections. The reflections are there because the water is totally unruffled, something else that could never occur with ‘real’ boats. These tiddlers are gunning along in wind that, on the bank at least, would not even worry a dandelion clock. Rodney Evans, who first came up with the 15-M idea a couple of years ago, hands me the control to his yacht. The left-hand control is on two axes: ‘up’ sends the mainsail out, ‘down’ pulls it in. ‘Left’ winds the port sheet winch, pulling in all three headsails (staysail, jib and jib topsail); and ‘right’ does the same on the other side. The right-hand lever controls the rudder. The rudder is, frankly, the only thing I get to grips with over the next hour. It is like real sailing, but much, much harder, combining as it does the cognitive challenge of trying to learn a new video game with the difficulty of having no feel for what the wind is doing. And half the time, when the boat is sailing towards you, everything has to be done in mirror image. On a real boat, facing the direction of travel, you feel the wind on your face or in your ears and everything flows from that elemental knowledge. Here, you need to work out what the wind is doing by the boat’s attitude. It feels very academic, particularly when the wind, as it is now, is shifting. The upsides, of course, are a lack of personal risk or discomfort and the fact that these boats sail so easily that they will forgive almost anything, going where you want just on rudder control, giving you time to sort out the sail trim later. It takes a while to sail them well, perhaps a couple of years of weekly racing (R-C pond yachts are for competition; you’d hardly send one out for a cruise). These mini 15-Ms are strict OD classes, modelled on a roughly 1:20 scale after Fife’s 15-M The Lady Anne, built in 1912. The other details – rig and deck lay-out – are an amalgamation of the other three Fife 15-Ms still sailing today: Hispania, Tuiga and Mariska. The class was born from a want of an attractive class of classic R-C boats, and as a tribute to the beauty of Fife’s designs. The class builder is Graham Hetem, lifelong sailor, surfer and boatbuilder. He builds the models in GRP, with the traditional long keel built into that unitary mould. The near-4kg lead bulb is held to the body of the yacht with a single, long keel bolt that is easy to remove for transportation in a car. It also means that the boat can be displayed as a static model at home when it is not being sailed. The boats cost about £2,500-£3,000 and a fifth is now in build for a new Romeo.
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