Main Saloon of the new Amel 60 - photo © Amel
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Normally you would be concerned about that, figuring some punishment was just about to be delivered. However, it was just that Boot Düsseldorf really does offer a lot of new craft up for consideration, and there where more that also chose the same time to launch, even if they were not exhibiting there.
As is quite the rage at the moment, many a manufacturer uses a drip feed system to firstly garner interest, and then come launch time, the ability to talk about how many sales have been signed up in the ensuing 12 to 18 months. We spoke about Amel's new 60 in Single Stick, and shortly thereafter a whole bunch of renderings arrived, some of which we are using here.
It clearly marks a modernisation, without losing the essence of an Amel. I guess this is why they state, "...dynamic evolution and complementary to our existing range...". The press release also goes on to say, "AMEL's savoir-faire, the refinement and elegance of the brand are exemplified in this magnificent yacht, designed to offer even more enjoyment during long-distance or coastal cruising, whether sailing short-handed or with friends." Seeing as January is just about over, it wont be long before Cannes arrives from 10-15 September 2019, which is when this boat will be unveiled in the flesh.
Some preliminary data sort of confirmed what you might expect too. She is hefty at 26 tonnes, has a 180hp Diesel to push that around, a 78m2 main, 92m2 heady, and the optional staysail is 36m2. The new look and feel is splendid, so those wanting to do all the bluewater sailing that is on offer, and have the budget to match, now look to have a wonderful choice with the new boat.
Mutis continue to attract buyers looking for practicality and volume. Some go all out, and get a speed demon as well. Gunboat chose the time to launch the first of the new 68s. They did a video as well. One thing you will notice are her long, reverse bows. It is just two and half years since Gunboat was purchased, and this whole new model has been developed and delivered in this timeframe. We ran the full press release here.
A bit further back down the budget scale, and adding another hull, is Corsair's new 880. It too has go-faster bits if you need them, but the premise seems to be about taking the tri to the next level of usability, tractability and appeal. The new boat has "full boat systems meaning electric lighting, refrigeration, manual or electric toilet, and even air conditioning is available. A small generator complements a lightweight air conditioning or heating unit, and providing comfortable electrical independence when cruising in hot or cold climes."
"In true Corsair fashion, that generator and air conditioner are removable to reduce excess weight when racing, or reduce trailer weight when on the road. And this is where the 880 is the revolutionary boat it promises all of that comes in a folding, trailerable package well below the trailering weight limit of most passenger cars. Racer, Cruiser, Trailer-sailer."
The new 29-foot tri will go from trailer to sailer in 45 minutes, and as we mentioned, comes as either a racer with a 13.5m carbon wing mast and black sails, or a more cruisy version with all the mod-cons. She will also sleep up to five, has a galley and enclosed head with shower, and a saloon with full standing headroom. YeeHaaa!
Another to use the pre-launch marketing campaign to its fullest is Beneteau's new Excess cats. You can even win one at a value of 300k! Their excess challenge has opened up. All you have to do is pass South of Menorca and head towards the Northern tip of Sardinia. After sailing between Corsica and Sardinia, pass East of l'île de Beauté, before reaching the finish line off the port of Cannes. You even get three goes to get it right! It all finishes on August 31 and your best time will be taken into account to determine your final ranking, and improve your chances in the draw. There's a video here and more information can be found at excess-catamarans.com/en/challenge. Remember, at the end of it, someone will have a new boat. Could be you is all I am saying....
Maybe a pre-loved multi is your bag? Are you in the Southern Hemisphere? More precisely Coomera in Queensland on March 23? Multihull Solutions is having their famed Multihull Boat Show & Open Day with 20 plus multihulls of all different sizes, makes and models on display. You can even talk new boats with them if you like... They will also present numerous information sessions for interested clients. Chris Tilley from Pantaenius Sail and Motor Yacht Insurance will conduct one of those sessions.
Earlier on I grabbed the chance to find out what he would be talking about, to which Tilley responded, "Unpacking Insurance - Named Storm Events, to international and offshore cruising coverage." As I say, Chris has met many, many people at all the shows he's attended, and he added, "I would be happy to meet and talk to anyone in further detail afterwards should they have any questions. It has been great working closely with Multihull Solutions over the years, so I know there will be plenty of people coming to the expo and the seminars."
Just the other day I had the great fortune to correspond with the remarkable and oh-so-inspirational Jeanne Socrates. What a sailor. She said to me, "Presently hove-to... yet again. Expecting a deep low from Brazil to pass SE over where we are, followed almost immediately by a Cold Front passing by from a big system to S... No winning...! Can't believe how much bad weather systems have slowed me down this time around.... BTW, your (Southern Hemisphere) readers might be interested in the fact that my father was John Alexander Falkiner, son of Otway Falkiner, of sheep-breeding/F.S. Falkiner fame (My father was killed in WWII piloting a Halifax bomber when I was just five weeks old). I look forward to getting to Oz very soon after I complete this sail."
And we very much look forward to you getting the record and coming here Jeanne!
OK. Today you will find that we have information for you about Mexico to the Marquesas, Columbia, when a pick is an anchor, the Whitsundays, Multihull Solutions Pittwater Rally goes off, saving yourself, pirates, climate change, when the boat gets a long sleep over, ARC, FP Alegria 67 gets an award for design, the Caribbean, Antarctica, Morocco, as well as much more.
So you see, there are stories, lessons, inspirations and history to regale yourself with. Please do savour... We're really enjoying bringing you the best stories from all over the globe. If you want to add to that, then please make contact with us via email.
Remember too, if you want to see what is happening in the other Hemisphere, go to the top of the Sail-WorldCruising home page and the drag down menu on the right, select the other half of the globe and, voila, it's all there for you.
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...
John Curnow
Editor, Sail-WorldCruising.com
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