GABO – not just a little island…

by John Curnow on 3 Jun 2017 Off the East Coast of Australia there is a wee island called Gabo. It is roughly where the coastline stops being mostly East/West, and in turn becomes North/South. Water and wind usually run hard here, more often than not they won’t be in the same direction, either, which is why the acronym took the name so seriously. Got A Bit On.

There has been a lot of activity of late, and trainspotters would have noticed that last week’s newsletter did not go out. Apologies, but it does mean that this week we are sort of providing a bumper issue. And to make it big, we’ll be taking a really close look at the Sunreef 60 cat, which was at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and welcomed us aboard. For the record, this is a big cat, which kind of makes it a lot like having your own little island.

Sunreef certainly build luxurious sailing catamarans (and power ones too for those that have to be able to point at zero degrees AWA), yet they also provide for a level of pace. Marcus Ashley-Jones is pretty familiar with that concept, as he is an 18-footer skipper in his spare time, and said, “The Loft 60 we are on is the smallest craft in the Sunreef range, which is kind of funny, given how spacious it is. We are really excited to have one here in Australia at last, albeit for a small amount of time. There are a lot of Sunreefs out there plying the seas and they can be hard to catch, so it is great to have, In The Wind, stop by for the show.”

“She is large and very comfortable vessel for up to eight guests and two or three crew, but Sunreef are more than able to have your boat meet your needs. These are as big as you can go as a husband and wife team, yet still be very easy to sail, and manage everything. So it is entirely up to you how you want your boat laid out. Either configuration is purposely designed to be operated shorthanded, as you can see from the big, powered primary winches.”

“Sunreefs are ocean performers, and will do eight knots uphill at 35 degrees and then march off up to 16 when off the wind, and with the spinnaker deployed. The Sunreef DNA is luxury performance, and those sorts of numbers ratify that. Narrower hulls, carbon mast sections and booms are all part of the programme.” Indeed the spaces are grand, for sure, but not stupendous, and you sleep athwartships on raised island beds, where there is more space to be had.

It is also important to note that whilst the carbon rig section is utterly huge, it is spreaderless. Designed by multihull racing experts, it allows for less weight up top, and in a seaway, that means less pitching. The canoe boom (with lazy jacks) is also very impressive, and it swallows the square-top, fully battened and two-reef mainsail. You can also opt for in-boom furling if you choose.

“This keeps the ease of sailing, and doing so shorthanded, front and centre. All in all it offers up the power to handle her mass, and still make her feel like a true sailing cat. In other words the people sailing her can still also enjoy the whole experience as they get about seeing the globe”, said Ashley-Jones.

“There are great developments coming from Sunreef very soon, which will join all the others out gallivanting around the globe right now, so it has been good for people to see the boat here at the show. The reception to this, our Australian premiere, has just been fantastic. The difference that Sunreef offer the market is now better understood.”

“People can see that this is not prêt e porter, and so it really means starting with a blank canvas. It is not a tick the box scenario at all. It is done in conjunction with your stylist or designer. Finally, pride of build means all the team are behind getting your project to your exacting standards. They are as luxurious as they are well made.” The Sunreef 60 starts at about $2.2m and presently you will have to wait until April/May 2018 to get your hands on one.

As for In The Wind, she is under the command of Bernard Coetzer, who is a certified open water diver. Bernie loves spending time out on the water and finds great pleasure surfing, wake boarding, diving, and fishing during his free time. Now the chef on board is Angelique Coetzer, who commented, “From the Gold Coast we are heading up to Eastern Indonesia (off West Papua) to the archipelago, Raja Ampat. It is said to offer the best diving in the world, and has the highest recorded marine biodiversity in the world. What a perfect location for an exclusive and completely private charter experience.”

“Not only is the scenery unreal below the surface, but the islands themselves are so worth seeing as well. Of course, you’ll also have it all to yourself, as well. A day on board In The Wind is something that even the best resort cannot deliver, not only because we are here to look after you, but because of what you will do and see, which is never the same.”

“Naturally, we are also here to ensure you get your coffee just way you like it, as well as drinks served just so. After all, it is always five o’clock somewhere in the world! After diving, or even surfing (Bernie may even loan you one of his boards), it is time to think food. As a marine protected area you cannot source your produce right there, yet all the colours and species will have inspired you, so I think a seafood dish is on the cards for sure. I am thinking scallops to start with, then Schnapper with truffle and white wine sauce and finally something sweet to complete your five-star dining experience.”

At $30k for eight days for six guests with unlimited diving, food and beverage it certainly does sound better than good. In The Wind are also able to cater for guest wishing to look at 10 or 12 days, as well, and you can pick up the conversation with them via their website

Now then, are you out there plying the seas and got something to say? We’d love to hear from you via editor@sail-world.com – In the meantime, do you love being on the ocean? Well remember to love them back too. They need our help. Now more than ever! Until next time…


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