Luxury Catamarans Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Luxury Catamarans
Luxury catamarans are increasing in popularity worldwide, both for yacht charters and as private yachts, as newer and better catamarans are being designed and built. Catamarans are still predominantly sailing yachts, by number, although there are some important larger motor yachts that are being designed and built, chartered and sold.

If you are interested in chartering a large crewed luxury catamaran for your vacation, please browse a selection of the charter boats here. You can also contact us for charter yacht offers or yacht sales directly here. If you are interested in the latest luxury catamaran yacht launches and designs have a look at luxury catamaran news here, at the bottom of the page. More About Luxury Catamarans

Sailing yacht Cartouche delivered – A Blue Coast 95 catamaran

April 08, 2011
Sailing yacht Cartouche, the Blue Coast 95’ luxury catamaran of 28.9m in length that launched last year at reputed shipyard H2X in the south of France has now been delivered.  Yacht Cartouche is the first superyacht created in a collaboration between Blue Coast Yachts, Jean-Jacques Coste Designs and H2X Shipyards. The mega catamaran was delivered to her owner and will now be based in the Caribbean and hopes to be present at the 2011 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which will take place October 27th thru the 31st. Blue Coast naval architect, Jean-Jacques Coste, will be at the Boat Asia show held in Singapore, May 12th – 15th to discuss his latest projects and his work on the luxury catamaran Cartouche.
Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing yacht Cartouche the Blue Coast 95’ catamaran was designed by the renowned naval architectural office of Coste Design & Partners and heralds a new generation of high tech opulent sailing yachts. With a length of 28,8m and a beam over the 12m the Blue Coast 95′ is one of the most elegant luxury catamarans ever built. Along with timeless elegance, the Blue Coast 95’ Cat offers premium performance and superior comfort combining modern styling with elegant aerodynamic lines.

Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

The BC95 superyacht Cartouche is built for ease of handling and fast cruising with a minimal need for crew and to date the biggest luxury sail catamaran to be equipped with a fully automatic furling boom allowing safe and easy sail reduction. Her sporty appeal and comfort at sea provide an idyllic means of enjoying the thrills of luxury sailing with all the high-end amenities of an exceptional cruising vessel.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Interior - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Interior - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

CONCEPT

The deck sloop rigged Blue Coast 95’ catamaran Cartouche was designed to exceed modern super yacht standards, equipped with all the amenities of a motor yacht with the performance of a fast sailing vessel. Her high cruising speeds under power as well as using her efficient sail plan allow long-range cruising in every condition.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

The well known catamaran’s stability is such that rolling and heeling are reduced to the minimum at anchoring and while sailing in rough conditions, thanks to her long narrow hulls. The hulls’ shallow draft enables anchoring and cruising close to shore, an option not possible on many monohull sailing yachts.

The Blue Coast 95’ has a beam of 12m, a rotating carbon wing mast measuring 33m in height, a carbon furling boom and an overall weight of 60 tons. This is an outstanding yacht in every respect and one of the most refined and beautifully appointed sailing vessels in its class.

DESIGN

The concept of the Blue Coast 95’ cat Cartouche is the result of highly advanced naval architectural studies including high tech computer simulations. Extensive research using high end Computational Flow Dynamic studies has developed hull lines capable of remarkable performances and sea worthiness.

Cartouches’ structural calculations were executed by Finite Element Analysis to optimize weight/resistance while maintaining optimum integral and at-sea safety.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Jacuzzi - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Jacuzzi - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

The following powerful design and testing tools enabled Coste Design to conceive of the vessel’s foundations while taking into account the owner’s wishes as to the yacht’s layout:

•3D modelling

•Naval architecture

•Computational Flow Dynamic

•Finite Element Analysis and structure calculation

•Interior design

•Exterior styling

•System engineering

•Deck and sail plans

BUILDING

The Blue Coast 95’ yacht Cartouche is built of high tech composite materials for their light weight, strength and extreme durability. The construction process combines the infusion of epoxy resin / Glass fibre/Carbon fibre and PU foam core. The project is then subdivided into smaller individual modules, including two full beam carbon fibre composite bulkheads bonded into a single symmetrical arrangement. All structural elements (bulkheads, frames, roof and decks) are carefully integrated with the interior.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

During construction, the vessel’s weight was continuously monitored and compared with studied estimates. Each separate structural component must be approved by laboratory testing.

The yacht is built in a weather protected and temperature controlled construction hall, in accordance with Bureau Veritas (BV). Weight, quality of finish, solidity and ease of maintenance are all determining factors in the choice of materials and construction methods. The exterior composite is finished with an Awlgrip system.

EXTERIOR

Sailing yacht Cartouche, the Blue Coast 95’s exterior lines are the result of hydro & aerodynamic research, speed performance, comfort, ergonomics, interior layout, safety and the owner’s particular aesthetic wishes.

The exterior aft salon offers shaded lounging with unobstructed panoramic views and is separated from the large interior salon by a wide sliding door. The aft stairs pertaining to each hull lead to Lazarette compartments and down to the transom where one can store personal watercrafts, scuba diving equipment and other water sport toys. On each hull a swim ladder grants direct access to the water.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Aft Deck - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Aft Deck - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

From the aft one reaches the fly bridge via a comfortable stairway to starboard. The helm station is amidships and the rigging equipment is located to port and starboard for ultimate control and ease of handling. A second, vast sunbathing area is located on either side of a Jacuzzi and amidships there is a dining area where guests can enjoy remarkable views with sofa and bar. A dumbwaiter has been installed to bring food directly up from the galley.

Yacht Cartouche is also equipped with a hydraulic swim platform that drops 60cm below water level to facilitate the launching of the main tender. This platform can also be used as a sunbathing deck and is the perfect support to water sports.

The anchoring and running rigging equipment has been incorporated seamlessly into the deck’s layout.

INTERIOR:

The Blue Coast 95’s interior accommodations and décor meet the latest standards in comfort and luxury using lightweight materials and state of the art craftsmanship. The yacht is equipped with a high-end entertainment system that includes flat screen TV, audio and video on demand, high speed internet access, and the like.

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Interior - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Interior - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Cabin - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Sailing Yacht Cartouche Cabin - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Interior accommodation includes:
Owner cabin on main deck+ ensuite bathroom
3 guest cabins + bathroom and shower
1 crew cabin + bathroom and shower
Lounge
Dining area
Galley
Navigation station

Different layouts can be conceived to make the boat usable for either commercial or private yacht use. Blue Coast Yachts is the leader in mega yacht catamaran and continuously sets new standards in sailing performances and comfort.

MAIN DECK ARRANGEMENT
•Main salon
•Dining area
•Panoramic view from the owner’s suite
•Control and navigation helm to port
•Aft covered exterior salon with bar and dining area

STBD HULL:
•Lazarette with watercraft storage
•Engine room
•Two guest cabins + en-suite bathroom
•Owner’s bathroom
•Forward peak

PORT HULL:
•Lazarette with diving equipment and gangway
•Engine room
•Galley + mess
•One guest cabin + en-suite bathroom
•Crew cabin with bathroom
•Forward peak
•FLY BRIDGE:
•Helm station
•Sun bathing areas
•Dining area
•Bar and Grill
•Spa

RIGGING

The Blue Coast 95’ is built to be manned by a minimum crew. All the sails and mooring commands are operated from the helm station.

All the sails are made in 3DL by North Sails. The sail plan shows a full battened 235m² fat head main sail with carbon furling boom, a 115m² hydraulic furling self-tacking jib and a 280-m² Gennaker which provides additional power in light wind conditions.

The Blue Coast 95’ is equipped with a very efficient high modulus carbon wing mast build by

Petitjean Composites. The Kevlar standing rigging promotes simplicity, light weight, low drag and high efficiency. Mast and boom are studied using 3D technology and finite elements analysis.

With the Blue Coast 95’, Blue Coast Yachts is reinforcing its advance regarding its competitors, the BC 95’ is to date the biggest luxury sailing catamaran to be equipped with a styled hydraulic furling boom operated from the helm station and with an automatic bagging system to protect the sails. This allows a very safe and easy sail reduction and open new perspectives in the manoeuvring of giant sailing catamarans.

Luxury Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

Luxury Yacht Cartouche - A Blue Coast 95 Catamaran - Photo Credit Gilles Martin-Raget

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Vessel Type: Luxury Cruising Sailing Catamaran
Builder: H2X
Naval Architecture: Coste Design & Partners
Exterior Styling: Coste Design & Partners
Interior Design: Coste Design & Partners
Length LOA: 28.8 m – 95’
Length WL: 25.8 m – 85’
Maximum Beam: 12.00 m – 39.5’
Draft: 2.00 – 6.5’
Displacement: 65 t
Construction: Sandwich Epoxy resin and glass/carbon/PU foam core with infusion process.
Paint System: Awlgrip
Classification: Bureau Veritas
Certification: According to vessel’s flag
RIGGING/SAILS
Main Sail: North Sails 235 m²
Solent: North Sails 115 m²
Storm Jib: North Sails 24 m²
Gennaker: North Sails 280 m²
Mast: Petitjean Composites Rotating wing mast 33m / 110’ full high modulus carbon fiber
Boom: Petitjean Composites Carbon Hydraulic furling boom
DECK EQUIPMENT
Main Sail: Hydraulic +1 x Harken 1110 STH
Solent/ Storm Jib: 2 x Harken 990 STH
Gennaker/Spinnaker: 2 x Harken 1110 STH
Main Sail Track: Tenderlift Magic Trim
Solent / Gennaker Halyard: 1 x Harken 74 STH
PROPULSION
Main Engines: 2 x 425hp Cummins QSB 5.9
Maximum speed under power: 15 knots
Range at Cruising Speed: 1500 Nm
Propellers: 2 x Max-Prop three blades auto fathering
Steering Gear: Tenderlift hydraulic system
AC POWER GENERATION
Generator: 2 x 26 KW, Onan
Shore Connection: 220 V, 50 Hz
ACCOMODATION
Guests: 8
Crew: 4
TENDER
Tender: 1 x Zodiac 4.50m with a 40hp Yamaha
Jet Ski: 1 x Kawasaki STX 15 F
ANCHORING SYSTEM
Anchors: 2 x 120 kg CQR
Anchor chain: Studlink 16 mm
Windlass: 2 x Lewmar V8– hydraulic with capstan
ELECRONIC NAVIGATION
According to owner’s request
ON BOARD EQUIPMENT
Water Maker: 2 x 210l/h Sea Recovery
Air Conditioning: 145 000 btu Webasto
CAPACITIES
Fuel: 8000 liters – 2115 us/gal.
Fresh Water: 3000 liters – 792 us/gal.
Grey and Black Water: 1000 liters – 264 us/gal.

Sailing yacht Aeroyacht 110 – A mega catamaran to be built by Sunreef Yachts

April 07, 2011

Sunreef Yachts is delighted to announce that it has a new, exciting project in its portfolio – the Aeroyacht 110 sailing yacht, a high-performance, exclusive super catamaran.

Sailing yacht Aeroyacht 110 – A mega catamaran to be built by Sunreef Yachts

Sailing yacht Aeroyacht 110 – A mega catamaran to be built by Sunreef Yachts

The yacht is designed by Gregor Tarjan founder of the international renowned multihull brokerage company Aeroyacht Ltd in conjunction with Morrelli & Melvin. The agreement gives the Polish shipyard Sunreef rights to build this yacht and market it as Aeroyacht 110 by Sunreef Yachts. The shipyard has already been approached by a client interested in this spectacular design, and the first sale is expected to follow soon.

 The partnership agreement between Sunreef Yachts and Gregor Tarjan also includes a dealership agreement giving Aeroyacht Ltd non-exclusive rights to sell all Sunreef yacht models in the USA and to his worldwide customer base.

 “His deep understanding of the luxury catamaran concept and all its assets makes Gregor Tarjan the perfect advocate of the Sunreef Yachts brand overseas. We are delighted to be able to build his super multihull project in Poland. We are also working on selling a couple of Sunreef catamarans to his clients,” says Maciej Stompor, Sunreef’s Sales Director.

 The Aeroyacht 110 catamaran is a spectacular multihull indeed. She is a high-performance sailing superyacht with eco-friendly features including wind and wave generators and solar panels that allow the yacht to run silently. The mega-catamaran’s lightweight composite structure considerably reduces fuel consumption.

Sunreef Yachts to build mega catamaran Aeroyacht 110

Sunreef Yachts to build mega catamaran Aeroyacht 110

The yacht defines the “next generation” of high-performance sailing vessels and perfectly fits Sunreef’s new range of fast cats called ULTIMATE. With high average speeds, similar to an offshore powerboat, she will have an unlimited operating radius under sail and a range exceeding 2800 nautical miles under power. The generous 44′ beam provides zero heel while under way and no roll at anchor. Guests can enjoy an extremely spacious saloon rivalling those of 300 feet motor yachts. As an extra option, the yacht can even be equipped with a personal exploration aeroplane – the 2 seat Icon-A5 amphibian , launched and retrieved from a hydraulic platform on the aft deck.

Sunreef Yachts to attend Hainan Rendez-vous, Antibes Boat Show and La Grande Motte

March 31, 2011

Sunreef Yachts will exhibit its most popular yacht model, the Sunreef 62 Sailing, at the incoming HAINAN RENDEZ-VOUS in 1-4 April 2011. The boat was delivered to its Chinese client in November 2011 and her permanent location is Sanya, Hainan. Sunreef Yachts will be exhibiting in conjunction with its exclusive broker for China, Speedo Marine. The successful cooperation between two company’s results in a strong promotion of the Sunreef brand in China and first sales concluded a year ago. Soon more luxury catamarans will sail on Chinese waters.

The 70 Sunreef Power Catamaran ABUELO

The 70 Sunreef Power Catamaran ABUELO

Sureef Yachts will also be participating in two forthcoming Spring boat shows in the South of France, namely, the Antibes Yacht Show 7-10 April 2011 and the multihulls show in La Grande Motte 14-17 April 2011. The shipyard will display its luxurious power catamaran, the 70 Sunreef Power ABUELO, with stunning red hulls and exclusive owner version layout. This yacht is available for charter this Summer in the Mediterranean.

Prout International starts construction of second Prout PT 138: The World’s largest sailing trimaran

March 30, 2011

Prout International has started the construction of their second Prout PT-138 catamaran. Measuring 42.06m, the Prout 138’is the world largest sailing trimaran and the first sailing trimaran super yacht intended for luxury global cruising. The Prout PT-138-02 was infused in early March and construction on both of the world largest sailing trimaran yachts continues.

Prout International starts construction of second Prout PT 138 The World’s largest sailing trimaran

Prout International starts construction of second Prout PT 138 The World’s largest sailing trimaran

After weeks of preparation, it took only 3 hours for the PT-138 hull 02 to be completely infused. The advanced construction method of composite G.R.P. with carbon fiber reinforcements is believed to be the largest single piece epoxy infusion in the world and was completed at the factory in China under the auspices of RINA.

The Prout design PT138 is fitted with a Caterpillar C-12 on the center hull and Steyr Hybrid diesel engines fitted on the port and starboard wing hulls. The vessel achieves a cruising speed under power of 15 knots. Computer polar projections indicate excellent boat speeds under sail ranging from the low teens to the 20-knot range with 814.7 sqm  (8,771 sqft) of sail area.

The PT-138 sailing trimaran superyachts are expected to be delivered in late 2011 and in 2012 respectively.

Watch the world’s largest single piece epoxy yacht infusion in the video below.

40th Anniversary BVI Spring Regatta fleet features firsts and favorites

March 29, 2011

The final countdown has begun and racing will commence next week at the 40th Anniversary BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival (March 28-April 3, 2011), giving attending sailors reason to celebrate. Historically, the BVI Spring Regatta has attracted some of the world’s fastest yachts and sailors, and this year’s exceptional entry list is proof that this tradition continues.

A glance at this year’s scratchsheet reveals a unique entry, namely the biggest catamaran to have graced this stage to date. Sir Richard Branson has entered Virgin Limited Edition’s catamaran Necker Belle , a 105-foot, CPA-designed carbon-fiber cruising catamaran that looks as quick as she is opulent.  “I have always been an avid sailor,” said Branson, whose recent adventures include a transatlantic attempt on the specially chartered Juan Kouyoumdjian-designed super-maxi, Virgin Money (formerly Speedboat, now Rambler 100), as well as some “thought-provoking” kiteboarding. “I live in the BVI on Necker Island and in the past I’ve seen glimpses of the boats sailing in the distance and I’ve always thought that [the regatta] looks like fun. The great thing is that it’s a local event but it’s known worldwide, [making it] a fantastic way to promote the BVI as the world’s best sailing grounds.”

Catamaran NECKER BELLE to sail in BVI Spring Regatta

Catamaran NECKER BELLE to sail in BVI Spring Regatta

While not every skipper is a celebrity, plenty of attending yachts hail from exotic ports yet none have travelled as far to participate as Blue Night, Tea Ekengren-Sauren’s Finnish-flagged Swan 45. “I’m the only female owner and helmsman in the [Swan 45] class,” said Ekengren-Sauren. “We have a mixed Finnish-American crew, some of whom I have sailed with for years and who are good friends. I’ve been racing in the competitive Swan 45 class, where almost all the boats have America’s Cup sailors aboard, and where the most active fleet is in the Med. Now, I’m looking forward to enjoying sailing, friends and the beautiful islands.”

Swan-only class at the BVI Spring Regatta - Photo Credit Tim Wright Photo Action

Swan-only class at the BVI Spring Regatta - Photo Credit Tim Wright Photo Action

Ekengren-Sauren will find herself in good company, as our 40th Anniversary celebration marks the introduction of several event firsts, including a Swan-only class. “It will be a nice addition to an already spectacular regatta—a chance to see the evolution of the Swan models over the years,” says Neil Harvey, skipper of the Swan 77, La Forza Del Destino and a veteran of some 20 BVI Spring Regattas, dating back to 1979. “The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is conducted in one of the world’s most spectacular yacht-racing venues. It’s [also] one of the world’s best-run regattas, so much so they don’t need a pre-race skipper’s meeting.” As always, boats will race under the Caribbean Sailing Association’s (CSA) rating rule, which is another draw for Harvey. “The CSA rule equates a wider range of boats than any other rating rule that I’ve raced under—from bareboat charters to TP52s and Volvo 70s.”

Expect this year’s fleet to be diverse and the competition hot. Warm Water — Hot Racing. Guaranteed.

Judy Petz, BVI Spring Regatta Director

Greenline Yacht Interiors to complete 8 RFF135 motor yachts by the Royal Falcon Fleet

March 29, 2011

Based on the existing contract with Royal Falcon fleet to complete the interiors of the first two units of the series of superyacht catamarans, Greenline Yacht Interiors has recently finalised the agreement to complete a further eight RFF135, which is merely the dawn of a visionary superyacht fleet programme.

Greenline Yacht Interiors to complete 8 RFF135 motor yachts from the Royal Falcon Fleet

Greenline Yacht Interiors to complete 8 RFF135 motor yachts from the Royal Falcon Fleet

The first two 41m catamarans, which have been beautifully designed by Porsche Design, are currently under construction in Sweden and in conjunction with Kockums AB at their facilities in Muskö. Both vessels are expected to be delivered within 2012. Following a similar Agreement for the additional eight superyachts, Greenline will be providing the full turn-key Interiors for the yacht including owners, VIP and guests areas as well as service and crew areas.

Greenline Yacht Interiors signs deal with Royal Falcon Fleet for 8 RFF135 superyachts

Greenline Yacht Interiors signs deal with Royal Falcon Fleet for 8 RFF135 superyachts

70 Sunreef Power Catamaran JAMBO breaks records in fuel economy

March 12, 2011
The 70 ft Power catamaran JAMBO is a rare example of a luxury medium-sized power yacht (60-80 feet) with extremely high fuel efficiency, trans-Pacific range and top speeds reaching 20+ knots.

Power catamaran JAMBO in Tahiti

This exceptional yacht was conceived by Sunreef Yachts with the help and advice from Laurent Bourgnon, a famous sailor with a wealth of experience in catamaran regattas. His expertise has been invaluable in the design of the first Sunreef power yacht. All other semi-custom yachts from the Sunreef power line have maintained the same hydrodynamic and performance-oriented line of the 70 footer.

Power catamaran JAMBO - Tahiti Reef

The luxury expedition catamaran JAMBO was designed to undertake round-the-world trip in the most comfortable conditions and using the lowest amount of fuel possible. The yacht is currently cruising around Raiatea, French Polynesia, where the Bourgnon family has been settled for a while and enjoys the relaxed local lifestyle.

Sunreef 70 Power catamaran JAMBO

The fuel consumption was originally 13 litres/ hour/ engine at 10 knots at 2,300 RPM. Following structural and technical modifications made by Sunreef Yachts (installation of water bulbs of 5.5m, and additional aft swimming platforms, increasing the JAMBO’s LOA to 85feet) and other companies (remapping of the engines for optimal use, and new sustainable and smooth antifouling), these numbers have been significantly reduced. The consumption now is 7.5 litres/ hour/ engine at 10 knots at 1,500 RPM, or 15 litres /hour!

Power catamaran JAMBO South Pacific

“Thanks to the remapping of the engines, they now generate 420HP (instead of the original 370HP each), increasing the maximum speed to 22 knots. To cruise at a top speed of 22 knots, JAMBO needs 160 litres/ hour for both engines at 3,400 RPM, which is a very good result,” confirms Laurent Bourgnon.

Yacht JAMBO in Tahiti

Power catamaran Jambo can be chartered here.

Example Itinerary/ Budget/ Fuel Consumption/ Range

Port Camargue (South of France) – Puerto Montt (West Coast of Chile):
Distance: 8,500 nautical miles
Time: 1,000 hours (with several stopovers along the way)
Total fuel consumption: 15,000 litres, or 1,000 hours x 15 litres per hour at 10 knots
(Lower consumption on the Atlantic Ocean due to good currents; higher consumption in the Patagonian channels with opposing currents, strong wind and speed reaching 15 knots to reach safe harbour for the night)

Consumption per mile: 15,000 litres divided by 8,474 miles = 1.77 litres per hour
Range at 10 knots with 20,000 litres = 11,300 nautical miles
Budget : 15,000 litres at 0,50 Euros: 7,500 Euros

To continue from Puerto Montt to Raiatea, JAMBO needed only 5,000 litres of the total 20,000 litres of its reserves.

A perfectionist to the last, Laurent is still working on improving JAMBO’s performance and fuel efficiency. He is now working on new propellers, which are far more efficient that the original ones. Another remapping of the engines is also planned. The proposed changes will further increase the top speed, and bring an additional 20% improvement in fuel consumption. All together it makes the 70 Sunreef Power the best yacht for travelling to the most remote places around the world at a reasonable cost while maintaining luxury and maximum safety.

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2011: An unforgettable experience in St. Barth’s Shoulder Season

March 08, 2011

When the stage lights are switched on for the second annual Les Voiles de St. Barth, it is a sure bet that the production, set for April 4-9, will deliver an unforgettable experience for its participating sailors, their friends and families.  After all, what other regatta claims Jimmy Buffett as its “godfather” or the world-famous French fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier as one of its devotees?  And what other regatta reaps the benefits of being held on an unspoiled yet sophisticated island, during its off-peak tourist season, no less, when fine French food and wine are in abundance without the wait at popular harbor-side restaurants and where accommodations at boutique hotels and private villas—the most stylish of which are coveted by celebrities in the high season–are easier to come by and, better yet, less pricey? 

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2011 - Photo Credit Christophe Jouany

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2011 - Photo Credit Christophe Jouany

“The Les Voiles de St. Barth is about the whole island of Saint Barthelemy in the shoulder season and how it represents a West Indian paradise like no other,” said Donald Tofias, a Newport, R.I. (USA) resident who ships his two W-76 yachts White Wings and Wild Horses to St Barts every year in late October and, like Buffett and Demarchelier, has established himself as more than just an accidental tourist here.  “It is about the island’s personalities, the local bands playing every night on the docks, the top chefs and wine cellars being involved, and the entire community being involved in the experience of a friendly, easy-going regatta.”

Last year, Tofias, whose W yachts have claimed a bundle of trophies from victories in New England, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean, won his class skippering Wild Horses, and will steer White Wings this year with a “United Nations of crew” comprised of 15 or more from the United States, St. Barth, St. Martin and Antigua.

As for Demarchelier, he also will steer his own yacht, the Swan 45 Puffy, in the regatta.

Since the late 1970s, Demarchelier has photographed covers for nearly every major fashion magazine in the world, including Vogue and Elle, and has—better than anyone perhaps–brought global attention to the island’s idyllic settings by his own through-the-lense infatuation with them.

“I have not too much time to do other regattas, so this is special to me,” he said about his upcoming get-away from his busy schedule and studio in New York.  “The conditions are always fantastic, with 15-20 knots, blue sky and beautiful waters.”

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2011 - Photo Credit Christophe Jouany

Les Voiles de St. Barth 2011 - Photo Credit Christophe Jouany

With a mix of professionals and island locals included on Puffy’s initial crew roster, it will not surprise anyone if the President of St. Barth, Bruno Magras, showed up to sail, since he did so last year with Demarchelier and has gone on record as being fully committed to raising the status of Les Voiles de St. Barth as a premier sailing event in the Caribbean.

James Dobbs of Antigua, who races and lives aboard his J/122 Lost Horizon in the Caribbean in the winter, will be one of Demarchelier’s main competitors, as he won his class here last year (the same one in which Puffy sailed), and he has every intention of doing so again this year.  Even with only just one year under its belt, the Les Voiles de St. Barth is already a fixture on Dobbs’ competitive racing schedule.  “For me, it is on the way back to Antigua,” said Dobbs.  “I enjoy it because it has a different French flair to it.” 

That is not to mention the intimate harbor of Gustavia serving as regatta central or the magnificent Caribbean Sea, which serves up dependable trade winds and stunning vistas with every new tack—those are at the very core of every racing sailor’s best dreams.

“The regatta got a great start last year, and you will see a whole range of sailors and boats that typically race in Europe, New England and the Caribbean showing up here,” said Donald Tofias.  “Word has gotten around, people love coming here, and all the right things are in place.  Soon it will be the size of some of the other Caribbean events; that is my prediction.”

And where will Jimmy Buffett be in all this? Suffice it to say, he owns a home in St. Barth, is an avid sailor, and often jams with local musicians.  His blessing of the regatta is inherent in his “godfather” title, so other than that, the organizers are being hush-hush.  Like fine wine, some things uncorked are better if they sit for a bit before being savored with the main meal.

The regatta has thus far signed up 50 yachts in five classes: Super Maxi, Racing, Racing/Cruising, Classic, and Racing Multihull. Among other notables registered are Mike Slade’s (UK) 100-foot Farr design sailing yacht Leopard 3, George David’s (Hartford, Conn.), Rambler 100, Richard Balding’s (UK) Swan 60 Fenix, Jim Swartz’s (Park City, Utah) Vesper/Team Moneypenny and Lloyd Thornburg’s (Santa Fe, N.M.) multihull Phaedo.

Sunreef Yachts adds new venues to its boat shows list

February 28, 2011

Every year stronger and bigger, Sunreef Yachts will now be represented also in Russia and Brazil. You are welcome to visit Nautica Boats stand at the Moscow International Boat show in February 2011 or meet their team at the Rio de Janeiro boat show in April 2011.

Sunreef 74 Catamaran CHE

Sunreef 74 Catamaran CHE

Also, Sunreef’s Chinese broker, Speedo Marine, is now exhibiting with Sunreef Yachts brand in many fantastic locations such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Sanya. Prometheus Marine will display a Sunreef 62 in May in Singapore and Multihulls Solutions from Australia is getting ready for the Sydney and Auckland boat shows.

Following AMERICA’s CUP progress

Sunreef Yachts has also been given official accreditation to follow the AMERICAS CUP, the most prestigious race in the world and with the longest tradition. It will be celebrating its 34th edition in 2013. The time has come for giant catamarans to show their full potential! Stay tuned!

Catamaran Necker Belle to enter BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

February 15, 2011

Virgin Limited Edition is delighted to announce that Necker Belle, its 105ft luxury catamaran, will be racing in the ‘2011 BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival’ which takes place in the British Virgin Islands between the 28th March and 3rd April 2011 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the BVI Spring Regatta.

Catamaran Necker Belle to enter BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

Catamaran Necker Belle to enter BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival

Luxury catamaran Necker Belle will also be setting a new record as ‘the largest catamaran to ever enter’ the race as no other sail boat that has competed in the race in previous years has been over 100ft.

Richard Kellett, Necker Belle’s Captain, commented: “The entire crew of Necker Belle are thrilled to be racing in the regatta for the first time. Not only will it be incredible fun for all involved, it is a great local event but is known worldwide and a fantastic way to promote the Bristish Virgin Islands as what is undoubtedly the best sailing ground in the world.”

Necker Belle will also be participating in the 40th anniversary celebrations taking place that week which will include live music and fireworks. Sir Richard Branson will be sponsoring the live music band – Elvis White, on Friday 1st April.

Today the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the Caribbean’s premier annual racing events and one of the largest in the world. Held annually, the BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival is now a seven-day event with two events back-to-back attracting an average of 150 yachts per year with eighty percent of the competitors from overseas.

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