Australia Brief

Australia Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Superyacht Pavilion for the first time at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

February 02, 2012

Exhibitors and visitors to the 24th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held in May 24-27, 2012, will have one more marvel to admire, together with world and national launches, astonishing exhibits and excellent show deals. Brand new, not only to this year’s boat show, but the first of its kind in Australia, exhibitors will have a revolutionary new marquee that will serve as the Superyacht Pavilion.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

While there are no changes to the footprint or layout of the area, the structure itself is entirely new, right down to the impeccably engineered new flooring system.

According to Tony Butler from Butlers Events & Staging, the marquee is similar to a “Meccano set” and specifically designed and constructed in Germany.

“This is purpose designed and built by Roder HTS in Germany,” he explains. “It has a curved roof – just beautiful – and the floor is made up of a cassette system, so it’s solid, stable and durable, during all kinds of weather. There are emergency fire doors and internal locks. The walls, glass windows, roof and floor all fit together.”

Another amazing attribute is the revolutionary “tite liner” ceiling, which is a new style of liner stretched taut between the rafters to give a seamless, snug fit, adding to the crisp, clean lines of the interior. “It is exceptional,” says Tony. “Exhibitors will be very pleased with their new pavilion and visitors will notice the difference too.”

The marquee had a test run during this year’s BMW Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club in January, where it was used as the VIP Marquee. “It stayed up for two weeks in total,” says Tony, “and had to endure all kinds of weather and activity. It’s really the new generation of structure, so it stands up to a lot and will look superb for years to come.”

Butlers have 40 years’ experience with events and staging, including most recently, the multi-million dollar staging requirements of The Big Day Out in Australia and New Zealand.

There are many more exhibitors and special attractions to be confirmed for this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Sevenstar Yacht Transport load and discharge first yachts in Australia in 2012

February 02, 2012

In 2011 Sevenstar Yacht Transport achieved 23 sailings for loading and discharge in Australia. Sevenstar is on its way exceeding this amount in 2012, already having two sailings bound for Australia into both Newcastle and Brisbane over the past week. Other ports to be called into this year are Fremantle, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

Sevenstar Yacht Transport load and discharge first yachts in Australia in 2012

Sevenstar Yacht Transport load and discharge first yachts in Australia in 2012

For 2012 – Sevenstar Yacht Transport has already had its first two sailings for the year bound for Australia calling into both Newcastle and Brisbane bringing a mix of both used and new vessels for local owners and boat brokers. “It’s an interesting time to be working within the marine transport industry” says managing director of Sevenstar Yacht Transport Australia – Mr. Dean Sharples “We’re seeing interest in both imports and exports of yachts with plenty of people taking advantage with the strength of the Australian Dollar.”

Just one and a half hours north from Sydney lies Newcastle City. Newcastle is the largest city within the Hunter Region of NSW and lies at the mouth of the mighty Hunter River. A City that is famous for its heavy industry as well as being one of the major coal export regions within Australia is now adjusting with the increasing culmination of yachts arriving on its doorstep. With the growing interest in yachts, Newcastle has become the gateway to endless possibilities for the yachting community. The region is becoming the embarkation point for those looking to cruise Australia’s shores or for those looking to ship their yacht overseas. This includes those eager to experience new cruising grounds abroad.

The ongoing arrival of Sevenstar Yacht Transport’s vessels, carrying dozens of yachts to and from the USA and Europe has seen this interest grow. Yachts, both power and sail, converge on the seaside city, bringing in work for the local marine industry. The managers at the Newcastle Yacht Club are kept busy with new customers and returning clients alike; all looking for somewhere to berth or engage one of the many local marine services in maintaining their pride and joy.

Sevenstar is currently planning for the next shipment of yachts for the end of February, loading in the USA and a March loading in the Mediterranean. As well as these sailings, the upcoming export loading of yachts from Australia across to New Zealand and back to the USA and Europe is closing in fast. The first of these shipments for the year will see a range of yachts loaded in Newcastle; local Australian builders taking advantage of selling on the international market; charter yachts looking for new opportunities of work in other regions and those looking for a new holiday experiences aboard on their own privately owned vessel. “The strength of the Australian dollar against the Euro and US Dollar is making holidaying on your own yacht in either the Caribbean or Mediterranean much more appealing.” says Dean. “And with the broad range of sailings that Sevenstar offers worldwide, now is a great time to see the world.”

Sevenstar Yacht Transport is the world’s leading provider of yacht transportation services on a lift-on-lift-off basis. A global network of destinations ranging from the familiar to the exotic, and its own fleet of around 125 independent carriers have propelled Sevenstar to the peak of its sector in just more than 25 years. Innovation, flexibility and competitive pricing have been the key to Sevenstar’s success. The companies’ customized approach and unique package of services is only set to increase as nobody else offers such a comprehensive service.

New Attractions at 2012 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

January 30, 2012

The 24th annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held in May 24-27, 2012, has been supercharged and amped to the max with a large number of new attractions to deliver outstanding value for money for visitors to the show.

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show 2011

Sanctuary Cove Boat Show 2011

As well as new infrastructure, with the superyacht pavilion replaced by a brand new marquee and greater flexibility for exhibitors, there will be a host of demonstrations and marine-themed activities to ignite visitors‟ imaginations.

Along with dozens of world and national launches of boats of all sizes, equipment and all manner of ideas for enjoying the great Aussie ocean and waterways lifestyle, the line-up of awe-inspiring show-stoppers aims to bring a new generation of visitors to the Boat Show, while thrilling loyal show-goers with world-class exhibits.

The Cove Tavern has opened and is destined to be the show‟s social hub boasting good old fashioned pub-grub with an “urban edge”.

The Cove Tavern is the latest venture by one of the Gold Coast‟s most experienced restaurateurs, Max Alfieri who is the owner-operator of the popular IoEsco restaurant in The Marine Village. His vision for the Tavern is “a place where visitors and locals can relax and enjoy a traditional pub menu, complete with bangers and mash, shepherd‟s pie, chicken Parmigiana, fish and chips and fisherman‟s baskets”.

“We are thrilled that exhibitors, visitors and guests will have a brand new venue for socialising and „sealing the deal‟,” says Sue Thomson, General Manager Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

“2012 will certainly be a year for new additions – a new Tavern, reworked venue for optimal display and traffic through the show, and a diverse program to give the show an added boost in its 24th year.”

For the first time in Australia, visitors will be able to behold the gravity-defying JetLev R200, the coolest way to hit the waves! Drawing inspiration from the James Bond flick “Thunderball”, the JetLev is winning devotees around the world since its US launch last year. Shooting 30ft (9m) in the air with just a hose linking it to the water, the JetLev will be on display throughout the four-day event.

Also, on show for the first time Downunder, the incredible Seabreacher X from Innespace – the latest and most advanced submersible watercraft. This exciting new version has an aggressive Shark-style body. The X model boasts a 260hp supercharged engine, propelling the vessel to a top speed of 43 Knots (80km/h) on the surface and 22 Knots (40 km/h) below. The Seabreacher X can sustain high speed dives and then breach the surface, launching the entire vessel clear out of the water. The custom tuned exhaust system also gives the vessel a throaty growl as it tears across the surface.

For those who want to admire the views, above and below the water, there‟s the Ego, “compact semi-submarine” from Korea, heralded as the most environmentally-friendly and commercially viable concept of its kind. The developers are looking for international distributors, so Sanctuary Cove could be the place for tourism operators or researchers to get on board!

Due to popular demand, the „Women on Water” program will be back for another year, with the glamorous “High Tea on the High Seas” concept combining fashion and fine jewellery on cruises around the Broadwater, as well as cooking and interiors seminars and hands-on practical experiences such as Skipper Training Sessions.

176th Australia Day Regatta: Century of Yacht Design on Show

January 25, 2012

This Thursday’s 176th Australia Day Regatta on Sydney Harbour will be presenting more than a century of Australian yacht design and construction as well as a near century of development by Sydney’s iconic 18-foot skiffs.

176th Australia Day Regatta preview - Weene sailing on Sydney Harbour Photo Andrea Francolini

176th Australia Day Regatta preview - Weene sailing on Sydney Harbour Photo: Andrea Francolini

More than 140 sailing craft including state-of-the-art ocean racing yachts, harbour racing keelboats, classic yachts, many gaff-rigged, along with state-of-the-art modern 18-footers and replicas of the skiffs that raced on the harbour early last century, have entered the regatta with racing on the harbour and offshore.

The 176th Australia Day Regatta is the oldest continuously-conducted sailing regatta in the world. First held in 1837 to celebrate the founding of the Colony of New South Wales, it has been held every year since, including through times of war, with Sydney Harbour today the centre of celebrations of Australia Day throughout the Commonwealth of Australia.

The Australia Day Regatta Inc management committee, headed by John Jeremy, organises the regatta, with three Sydney Harbour clubs whose own history dates back to the 19th century,  Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Sydney Flying Squadron and Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, still involved in the on-water conduct of the regatta. Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron this year is celebrating 150 years of conducting yacht racing on Sydney Harbour, the Sydney Flying Squadron began running skiff races in 1891, while ‘The Amateurs”, as it is fondly known, has officially existed since 1872.

Antares won the Classic Yachts division of last year’s 175th Australia Day Regatta Photo John Jeremy

Antares yacht won the Classic Yachts division of last year’s 175th Australia Day Regatta Photo: John Jeremy

The 2012 Regatta will comprise the traditional Sydney Harbour races, a short ocean race to Botany Bay and return, as well as keelboat and off-the-beach regattas on the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, on Pittwater, Botany Bay, Lake Macquarie, and Lake Illawarra and at Port Hacking and Gosford, more than 600 boats are expected to take part in New South Wales.

There is also a link with another traditional regatta, the Australia Day Sandy Bay Regatta on the Hobart’s River Derwent, first held in 1849. Australia Day Regatta medallions will be presented to dinghy class winners at the Sandy Bay Regatta.

In a further connection to early sailing on the Derwent, among the entries in the Classic Yachts division of the 176th Australia Day Regatta is Weene, a Tasmanian One Design yacht launched in Hobart 101 years ago and still racing competitively.

Weene is the oldest boat among the fleet of more than 30 yachts in the Classics division, among the line-up being the 1966 Sydney Hobart winner sailing yacht Fidelis and other former ocean racers Anitra IV and Mister Christian.

176th Australia Day Regatta preview - Australia Day Regatta president Charles Curran’s 60-footer Sydney Photo John Jeremy

176th Australia Day Regatta preview - Australia Day Regatta president Charles Curran’s 60-footer yacht Sydney Photo: John Jeremy

The Classics also includes the gaff-rigged sloop Ranger whose octogenarian skipper Bill Gale has sailed in every Australia Day Regatta since he was a young lad.

At the modern end of yacht design are the recently launched, state-of-the-art ocean racers, Ed Psaltis’ Ker 40 AFR Midnight Rambler yacht and Warwick Sherman’s Occasional Coarse Language, heading a fleet of nearly 30 boats entered for the City of Sydney Sesquicentenary Cup as part of the Grant Thornton Short Ocean Point Score. Among these and other yachts that contested the bluewater classic, the recent Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, is the Corby 49 Vamp, skippered by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia commodore Garry Linacre.

The SOPS fleet, together with another 26 boats entered for the Grant Thornton Short Haul Series, will set sail from Sydney Harbour at 11am, with the return leg retracing the short voyage of the First Fleet on from Botany Bay to Port Jackson on Australia Day 1788 to found the colony that was to become the Commonwealth of Australia.

Heading the 176th Australia Day Regatta fleet racing on the Harbour will be the 60-footer Sydney yacht, owned by Regatta president Charles Curran, with the yacht being skippered by David Kellett, treasurer and executive member of the International Sailing Federation.

As president, Curran will be entertaining special guests aboard HMAS Sydney which as Flagship is maintaining the strong link between the Australia Day Regatta and the Australian Defence Forces, with the Royal Australian Air Force and the Royal Australia Army also participating in events in the air and ashore.

Racing on the Harbour for more than 90 keelboats, a dozen or so modern 18-footers and seven historic skiffs will start from a line near the flagship, with the warning signal at 1.15pm. Division 1 of the Classic Yachts will head off first on a course around fixed harbour marks. The finish line will be in a similar position near the Flagship.

Prince of Wales Bay Marina – a $3m Superyacht marina in Tasmania

January 25, 2012

Lara Giddings, premier of Tasmania, has presented a new $3m Superyacht marina in Prince of Wales Bay, Tasmania. The 160-slip marina is due to be completed by March, 2012. The development is a joint venture between CleanLIFT Marine and INCAT. It will comprise 160 berths for yachts up to 35m, dry-stack storage for yachts up to 10m as well as chandlery, brokerage and shower facilities.

Prince of Wales Bay in Tasmania

Prince of Wales Bay in Tasmania

“This $3m investment is another sign of growing confidence and prosperity in the Tasmanian economy,’ Giddings said in a statement. ‘Private capital investment has been growing for five consecutive quarters, with more than $4bn invested in the past year. The project will have positive flow-on effects for the Prince of Wales Bay area, including existing businesses.”

Giddings said that the marina is near boat refit and maintenance services, and that a Derwent Maritime Industrial Sites Master Plan is currently under development.

“There has been significant growth in the recreational boating market and a clear trend in boat owners moving their boats to marinas,’ said Giddings. ‘This has led to a shortage of quality marina berths in southern Tasmania, with waiting lists at all existing facilities – this project will help fill a gap in the marina market.”

Prince of Wales Bay is located on the western shore of the Derwent River in southern Tasmania, Australia. The area is home to two public parks, Giblin Reserve and Prince of Wales Bay Reserve. It is also the location of Catamaran construction company Incat.

World First Melbourne Summer Boat Show 2012

January 19, 2012

The 2012 Melbourne Summer Boat Show, held in February 3-5 at Melbourne’s water wonderland – the Docklands – is expected to be an amazing event with all types of yachts being open to the public to peruse, plus a huge variety of on and off water activities for the entire family.

Melbourne Summer Boat Show

Melbourne Summer Boat Show

Exhibitors include Melbourne Boat Sales who will be displaying the new yacht Dyna 52 Hardtop, an elegant yet sporty vessel powered by Twin Diesel Volvo IPS 800 propulsion systems with a top speed of 32 knots. The IPS gives operators joystick control, allowing effortless driving.

Pleasure Cruising Club offers Melbourne‘s only luxury sports cruiser club memberships, and will be featuring a spectacular step on / step off valet service with a pay by the month option. Pleasure Cruising Club is also offering an incredible Boat Show Prize – a chance to win a fabulous 4 day free membership on a Pleasure Cruiser 28, including skipper training (Value $4990).  Applicants must fill in a coupon on the Pleasure Cruiser 38 yacht at the floating stand at the Marina to be eligible to win.

Windcraft will also be debuting a number of new yachts at this year’s Melbourne Summer Boat Show including the Dehler 41, Dehler 32, Hanse 385, Hanse 495 and Moody 41 Classic. The Dehler 41 is a performance yacht designed to win races whilst providing top quality for weekends away with the family. Dehler yachts are known for being uncompromising on quality with the hull being formed from vacuum infused vinylester hull with foam core. Floor beams are glued and laminated into the hull to distribute mast and keel forces, and supporting bulkheads are bonded to the hull.

Savwinch will be launching their all-new world first Electronic Fast Fall (EFF) variable speed Savwinch (Sav EFF) which drops anchor up to three times faster than normal speed and as fast as a free fall system. The new EFF model has been heavily researched, tried and tested and is already receiving excellent feedback from those lucky enough to have one fitted on board.

Visitors to this year’s Show can fully immerse themselves in the boating lifestyle not only by stepping on board fantastic vessels, but also be by enjoying a plethora of family friendly activities including a half hour yacht ride run by the Trailerable Yacht Association and dinghy sailing with Yachting Victoria.

The Coast Guard and Water Police will also be running mock water rescues featuring the Westpac rescue helicopter. There is plenty to do on land too with roving street performers entertaining the crowds and face painting for the kids, with crowds also guaranteed to be amazed by the stunts and acrobatics in the waterski show.

The Yamaha Supertank Fishing Show can help the public to hone their fishing skills whilst Club Marine’s Cooking Demonstrations will provide those recipes for cooking fish to perfection!

Other features of the 2012 Melbourne Summer Boat Show include boat license courses, the Bream Fishing Classic and weigh in, Dragon Boat races, observing the restoration of the Alma Doepel and cruises on Melbourne’s tall ship The Enterprize, departing from Docklands.

Many of the show’s attractions are free to the public with only a small charge to access the yachts on the marina with tickets available online.

Show hours are: Friday 3rd February: 10am – 8pm; Saturday 4th February: 10am – 6pm; Sunday 5th February: 10am – 6pm

Melbourne Summer Boat Show 2012: Visitors given chance to win two catamaran yacht Seawind 1160 holidays

January 19, 2012

The well-known Melbourne Summer Boat Show, held in February 3–5, 2012 at the Docklands seems to be a massive family event with some very special new exhibitors and features now confirmed.

Melbourne Summer Boat Show

Melbourne Summer Boat Show

This year, the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) along with Australia‘s largest manufacturer of cruising catamarans – Seawind – are very pleased to present a special talk by the Margetts family whose intrepid adventure around Australia on the sailing yacht Seawind has been making waves since her departure last May. The Margetts family including mum, dad, their two children, family dog and a few select crew, departed Brisbane for the trip of a lifetime, and have been circumnavigating Australia onboard their ex charter cruising catamaran yacht Seawind 1160. They will be sailing through Melbourne in February 2012 after having sailed around the Top End of Australia and more recently, crossing the Great Australian Bite in the Southern Ocean.

Luxury catamaran yacht Seawind 1160

Luxury catamaran yacht Seawind 1160

The Margett’s first presentation will be at the Melbourne Summer Boat Show on Saturday, 4th February as part of the many family festivities on offer.

To celebrate the launch of the 100th Seawind 1160 yacht – the vessel the Margetts have been using for the entirety of their trip – Seawind have teamed up with Whitsunday Escape and Multihull Central to give away two holidays in the Whitsundays as the “Ultimate Test Sail” with the first prize winner being announced at the Melbourne Summer Boat Show on Sunday, 5th February. The prize includes a spot as a crew member onboard a Seawind 1160 at the legendary Seawind Whitsunday Rally in June 2012 for an entire week of sailing.

Sailing yacht Seawind 1160 - Saloon

Sailing yacht Seawind 1160 - Saloon

The prize also includes:
•Accommodation in one of two queen sized cabins onboard Whitsunday Escape’s Seawind 1160 “Lady L” (suitable for a single or couple) during the Seawind Whitsunday Rally (16-23 June, 2012).
•FREE regatta entry fees including up to six social races around the Whitsundays stopping at a new island each night.
•VIP Entry to up to five parties and functions at different locations around the Whitsundays.
•Coaching by Multihull Central expert skipper – so one can be on the helm and become a better cat sailor!

DYT´s Super Servant 4 in Brisbane to unload $35 million worth of yachts

January 18, 2012

The city of Brisbane, capital of Queensland and Australia’s third most populous city, will host Dockwise Yacht Transport’s (DYT) 556´ ship Super Servant 4 with open arms this month when this 169.49m electric orange semi-submersible vessel berths at Fisherman’s Island Terminal to unload a cargo of yachts totaling approximately US $35 million.

Dockwise Yacht Transport’s (DYT) bright orange semi-submersible ship, Super Servant 4, picks up yachts in Golfito, Costa Rica before heading to Brisbane, Australia. (Photo credit Onne van der Wal)

DYT´s bright orange semi-submersible ship, Super Servant 4, picks up yachts in Golfito, Costa Rica before heading to Brisbane, Australia. Photo credit: Onne van der Wal

It has been more than a year since the ship’s last trip here was diverted to Sydney due to extreme flooding that devastated Brisbane and many other Queensland locations. Jason Roberts, President of Aurora Global Logistics and DYT’s exclusive commercial agent for Australia, sees the ship’s return as proof positive of the rebounding yacht manufacturing and boat transport industries as well as the cruising market that Brisbane so well serves in the South Pacific.

Brisbane is in the process of rebuilding,” said Roberts, explaining that when the Brisbane River’s riverbanks broke last January, an overflow level of 4.45 meters (14.6 feet) was reached, and approximately 20,000 houses were flooded.

“At the same time, the Australian economy has survived the global downturn to be quite strong, and this DYT voyage adds momentum to both of those things. We are excited for this voyage as well as many more to come in the future.”

Super Servant 4 coasts through the Panama Canal after a stopover in Golfito, Costa Rica before beginning its voyage to Brisbane, Australia. (Photo credit: Onne van der Wal)

Super Servant 4 coasts through the Panama Canal after a stopover in Golfito, Costa Rica before beginning its voyage to Brisbane, Australia. Photo credit: Onne van der Wal

Roberts added that Brisbane’s location halfway between Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef make it a perfect drop point for DYT, which operates on a regular schedule to deliver private yachts and charter boats to prime cruising destinations around the world.

Looking something like a giant moving marina when it comes to town, the Super Servant 4, once docked will submerge itself by pumping nine million gallons of water into its ballast tanks. After scuba divers remove sea-fasteners from each yacht, captains, owners and/or crews will be free to disembark under their own power and be off to new adventures.

Super Servant 4 departed Palma de Mallorca (Spain) in December 2011 and will have made stops in Martinique (France), Port Everglades (Ft. Lauderdale, Florida), and Golfito (Costa Rica) before arriving in Brisbane. From Brisbane, it will head to Auckland (New Zealand) and return to Port Everglades before heading to Toulon (France) in early April.

DYT’s second “float-on/float-off” voyage to the South Pacific this year will begin in Palma de Mallorca in November, with stops in Martinique, Port Everglades, Golfito, Brisbane, and Auckland, and return to Port Everglades and the Mediterranean in spring 2013.

47m motor yacht and 8m superyacht tender by C.Way and Imaginocean Yacht Design

January 16, 2012

Australian C.Way Pty Ltd, based in Sydney has presented their two latest projects: an 8m superyacht tender and a 47m C.Way motor yacht. C.Way was established to create luxurious custom and semi-custom yachts in a streamlined and rational way, so that costs can be contained without compromising on quality.

47m motor yacht and 8m superyacht tender by C.Way Pty

47m motor yacht and 8m superyacht tender by C.Way Pty

C.Way’s first major project, the 37m super yacht Tango, was partially built at Oceanfast-Austal, before being fitted out by C.Way. Proof that it is possible to build a vessel of the highest quality, without the excesses that are commonplace in the sector.

The decision to custom build a yacht tender was born out of the need for an attractive, functional day boat that offers protection from the weather, whilst still permitting the enjoyment of water sports.

Tasmania-based Imaginocean Yacht Design (IYD) was commissioned to bring the project to fruition. Designer, Will Allison says, “There’s any number of limousine-style tenders out there: but they are a single use vessel. The objective here was to create a practical boat that would serve as a comfortable tender, but also be suitable for a range of other activities”.

C.Way Pty 47m Super Yacht and 8m Yacht Tender

C.Way Pty 47m Super Yacht and 8m Yacht Tender

The result is an edgy-looking 8m yacht with seating for up to eight guests and crew. IYD employed a combination of aluminum for the hull and structure, with composites for much of the interior, to produce a durable vessel that is also light enough to be lifted onto the aft deck of the mother ship. Hull number one is currently under construction in Hobart and is due to be launched by the middle of 2012.

Early on in the yacht tender’s design process, it became apparent that the two firms shared an enthusiasm and vision that would be ideal for the refinement of the motor yacht concept. Allison says, “Even at the larger end of the spectrum, owners are looking for improved efficiency. So we based the design on a longer, lower platform that still remains under the 500GT limit. The longer waterline length allows for higher displacement speeds, with lower fuel consumption; whilst reducing the height improves stability. The motion is more comfortable, with less reliance on active stabilisation and the yacht is simply more pleasant to be aboard. It’s a win-win-win.”

The result is a dramatic looking luxury yacht where indoor / outdoor living is the driving force behind the design. There are a variety of spaces that open up to give a connection to the sea that is often missing in larger yachts. In the full-beam main saloon, for instance, the little balconies that are becoming increasingly common these days are eschewed in favour of almost full height windows, that slide back to completely open the interior to the outside. An expansive “beach club”, a second open-air saloon on the upper deck and a foredeck spa / lounge, ensure that there will always be a perfect spot for every occasion.

8m yacht tender by C.Way Pty Ltd

8m yacht tender by C.Way Pty Ltd

The Master Suite is located a half deck down from the Main Saloon and enjoys the full width of the vessel, with his and hers bathrooms, separated by an enormous walk-in robe. Aft and down a few more steps are four en-suite guest cabins. All feature large windows and extensive storage, ensuring that guests will enjoy a comfortable stay.

The crew are equally well catered for, with four much larger than usual en-suite cabins and a private lounge and galley facilities. From here there is also access to a cavernous lower deck storage space: evidence that this is a yacht designed by and for experienced owners. Further evidence of this is to be found in the galley, which is located immediately up and forward of the Main Saloon.

This is surely a chef’s dream come true instead of the usual cramped facilities, the galley is not only larger than the norm (with yet another large store room) but features direct access to the decks and all of the entertainment spaces. It even has a view!

With the extensive range of tenders and toys in the water, the upper deck is simply enormous. The aforementioned second saloon opens onto this, and like the main, can be opened up completely on three sides for what must surely be the ultimate place to enjoy an alfresco breakfast. Or, if one prefers the view looking forward, there is an open air bridgedeck that features a second helm.

C.Way and Imaginocean Yacht Design have created a yacht that promises to be quite unlike anything else in this segment of the market. The high Australian dollar has given C.Way the confidence to build the hull in Asia and fit her out in Australia. They intend to market both the luxury yacht Tango and the two new vessels into an international market. This is the time for change in the superyacht industry and the C.Way / Imaginocean team are certainly showing the direction.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012, August 17-25

January 16, 2012

Sailing superyacht owners are welcome to experience the unique on-water and party pleasures that have propelled Audi Hamilton Island Race Week to a point where it is ranked amongst the world’s best yacht regattas.

One of the popular Australian yacht charter destinations - Hamilton Island

One of the popular Australian yacht charter destinations - Hamilton Island

The Superyacht Division will be a key element in the 2012 series, which will be staged from August 17 to 25 at a venue that is the centrepiece of what is becoming the world’s latest superyacht playground, and Australia’s answer to the Caribbean.

Yacht owners and their guests will experience an exceptional racing agenda, one which will see them engaged in stimulating competition over courses that take in many of the 68 uninhabited Whitsunday Islands that are in close proximity to Hamilton Island.

Back on shore, the party schedule for Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2012 will set new standards for what is a truly world class yacht regatta. There will be more stunning fashion, delicious food, fine wine, wellbeing and camaraderie throughout the entire week.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2010

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2010

Luxury carmaker, Audi, returns as the main partner for Race Week in 2012. The German premium brand will offer a range of high-end events on the island for yacht owners and guests to enjoy.

Such is the status of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week that the America’s Cup made an appearance at the 2011 event, and the man who brought it to the island from San Francisco – America’s Cup legend of 30-years, Tom Ehman – returned home quite amazed by what he had experienced: ‘Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is the best kept secret in the world of yachting. The organisers of any major race week should look at how Hamilton Island makes this more than a sailing event: it’s also a social and cultural happening. Through resources, imagination and hard work it has really come into its own.’

AHRW 2010

AHRW 2010

Bob Oatley, who owns the 30-metre supermaxi racer, Sydney-Hobart race record holder super yacht Wild Oats XI, is the owner of Hamilton Island. Since taking possession in 2003, he and his family have invested an enormous amount to ensure the island stands with the best of the world’s superyacht destinations. For example, the island’s exclusive qualia resort is internationally acclaimed and highly awarded, while the avant-garde design of Hamilton Island Yacht Club is quite breathtaking. As well, there is a championship standard 18-hole golf course which embraces sweeping views of the Whitsunday Islands and mainland. Hamilton Island also has its own commercial jet airport.

The region is safe, uncrowded, easily accessed and offers many fabulous experiences. The Whitsundays comprise a total of 74 islands on Australia’s northeast tropical coast, and Hamilton Island is the largest of the six that are inhabited. Incredibly, every one of the Whitsunday Islands – and the Great Barrier Reef – are within a radius of just 40 nautical miles from Hamilton Island. The coast of the state of Queensland is 20 miles to the west.

Each year around 200 keelboats from across Australia and overseas compete at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, which was first staged in 1984. The entries range from superyachts and supermaxis through to Grand Prix level racers, cruising yachts, high performance multihulls and sports yachts. It’s a wide spectrum of sailboats and competitors, and organisers make sure that everyone is well catered for.