50th SIBS sets sail!

Sailing boats are well represented at this year’s Sydney boat show, with several major model launches and experts on hand to guide prospective sailors through the various virtues of each.

From Ensign Ship Brokers, the largest display for the company at SIBS with 16 boats on-water, covering power and sail in the brands Sanlorenzo with the new 106 model, Nisi, Italia and Bavaria.

In the Italia range, the new 13.98, which is remarkable for its elegant, clean lines and rope-and rigging-free deck, thanks to the innovative internal diagonal path and to the ‘inverted-T’ mainsheet solution.

“This boat is top of the line, very special – the sportscar of cruisers. It was designed by iconic designer and experienced offshore sailor, Maurizio Cossutti. There will be four factory representatives from Italia Yachts, including company owner Franco Corazza,” said Ensign director, Tony Ross.

The Bavaria sailing models on show will include the 51, the latest version of the 46 Style, a 37 and 34, plus the highly-awarded Bavaria Open 40 Catamaran. “We have sold quite a few of the Open 40 and Open 46 models. Since Bavaria bought Nautitech 18 months ago, we are beginning to see many more exciting features, adapted to the market. We will have a few racing at Hamilton Island Race Week this year, as well as the Italia 13.98, unless it sells at SIBS, or the new owner wants to be a rockstar at Hamo!”

From Performance Boating, standouts from Dufour, including the Dufour 56 from the Exclusive Range together with a beautiful, fully-optioned Dufour 460.

Director, Matt Hayes promises a showcase of the “largest and most impressive display of Dufour Yachts ever in Australia”.

“Six in total from the Grand Large 310 to the 56 Exclusive. We will also have on display the exciting Elan S4 plus the French Bali Catamaran in collaboration with Dream Yacht Charter.”

Beneteau will also be on show in force, represented by Vicsail Sydney and Flagstaff Marine, Graham Raspass stating “The 50th Anniversary Show promises to be bigger and more exciting than ever. The indoor and outdoor displays are back in one place and we are proud to be involved with our Beneteau and Amel yachts on display.

“For Amel we will showcase the 55 and we will present the all new Amel 50 via a virtual reality show. In the Beneteau range, we will have the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1, Oceanis 41.1, Oceanis 48 and Sense 50, and an example of the new Sense 51.”

Team Windcraft will exhibit a diverse line-up of boats, featuring three Dehler and five Hanse models, the premiere of the Dehler 34 and Hanse 455, plus exceptional ‘boat show specials’ across all

Team Windcraft pointed out this year’s show will be special for the company as it’s the first under new owner, Anthony Bishop. Mr Bishop is currently at his first Hanse Dealer meeting at the factory in Greifswald.

A range of new Hanse models has just launched so Mr Bishop will be at SIBS with hot news.

“I am very excited that my first Sydney Boatshow as an exhibitor and as the proud new owner of Team Windcraft coincides with the first time the show is in the brand-new ICC and back in its true home of Darling Harbour. The 50th celebrations make this an all-round significant event.”

From the Dehler brand, the new 34, 38 and 46. Under new ownership, the world’s leading design team Judel/Vrolijk have penned the incredibly successful Dehler 29, 34, 38, 42 and 46, and seasoned Aussie and Kiwi sailors who recognised the unique combination of superb design, performance and quality have snapped up the new models.

Team Windcraft will host the much-anticipated Australian premiere for the exciting new Dehler 34. Setting new standards, the 34 is a luxurious performance cruiser blending innovative design with excellent sailing properties. A boat born to win.

Hanse is the German yacht brand that rocketed the Hanse Group and Team Windcraft to spectacular success over the past couple of decades. The innovative brand continues to go from strength to strength. Many experienced yacht sailors choose Hanse because of the responsive handling and superb sailing experience. The trademark Hanse original self-tacking headsail is intrinsic to the overall yacht design.

This year’s SIBS will be the Hanse 315’s first show. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ is sporty and sleek and for buyers interested in racing, cruising or are new to sailing, it’s the perfect yacht.

Other Hanse models on show are the 345, 385, 415 and 455, Hanse’s current best seller with 10 percent more sail area than the previous model and the largest and most innovative cockpit in its class.

Enjoying a surge in popularity as the ideal long-range cruising platform, the multihulls spoil for choice. From The Multihull Group (TMG), the popular Lagoon 42 and 52 and McConaghy multihull range.

“The Multihull Group is delighted to show the hugely popular Lagoon 42 and luxury cruiser Lagoon 52 Flybridge at SIBS this year,” said Managing Director, John Cowpe. “Information sessions will also be available with the experts from TMG on the entire Lagoon Range, including the latest information on the New Lagoon 40 and 50. The European launch option is a pathway being embraced by many Australians through TMG.  We will be on hand to discuss this option with those ready for an adventure of a lifetime.”

According to TMG, the newly-designed Lagoon 42 is simply sublime, known for her record-breaking sails and fabulous performance across oceans. The new 42 is defined by sleek curves and a ground breaking single level cockpit for free-flowing indoor-outdoor living.

The ergonomic helm station at the coach roof bulkhead offers direct communication between the cockpit and saloon, improved circulation, direct access to the coach roof for easier access to the boom, a composite bimini with a sliding panel to ensure a good view of the sails and a closure panel for helm station safety when you’re underway.

Master designers VPLP have moved the mast further aft guaranteeing performance under sail. The self-tacking head sail and the innovative layout ensure easy handling when sailing short-handed. The Lagoon 42 boasts a larger fore-triangle for a greater choice of downwind sails, a shorter boom for ease of manoeuvring and a mainsail broader near the head, taking advantage of less turbulent wind for a real improvement in performance. Her weight has been re-centred, greatly reducing pitching. Designed by Nauta, the 42’s Italian Flair is noticeable in her stunning curved wood finishes delivering supreme elegance and outstanding functionality.

“With more opening hatches and natural light than any other catamaran in her class the 42 is perfect for Australian conditions.”

The Lagoon 52 Flybridge is the ultimate luxury cruiser and it will take you anywhere you want to go, comfortably, safely and quickly.

It’s one of the first cruising catamarans to benefit from VPLP’s revolutionary approach to move the mast further aft. And her performance does not come at the expense of comfort, luxury and safety. With thoughtful design, wide clear side decks, flush fitting hatches, direct access to the flybridge, ample sun protection and several cosy relaxation areas all contributing to your on board enjoyment, you get it all.

Each of the 52F’s four cabins has boasts a private bathroom and independent shower. The galley is fully equipped with a fridge, freezer, hob and oven. Interior and exterior areas flow together seamlessly to provide ample entertaining and relaxing areas suitable for every occasion.

The flybridge is a sailor’s dream: all controls intelligently grouped together and within easy reach. You can lock the steering pedestal in three positions so you can make sure your visibility is perfect in every direction. Your guests will enjoy the extra living space and modular sun bathing area. The optional bimini has opening ventilation and roof access steps. Direct access to the cockpit below provides more relaxation and entertainment options. The aft-centred mast, well balanced sail plan and thoughtfully positioned fuel and water tanks mean you’ll notice very little pitching. Powerful downwind sail options help take full advantage of this catamaran’s performance potential.

Mr Cowpe and the TMG team are looking forward to entertaining clients and newcomers to the multihull lifestyle.

“SIBS is the envy of show organisers the world over,” he said. “It’s a truly international boat show in the heart of the city both in water and inside the new convention center, there is nowhere in the world that can replicate the experience this show provides.

“With the consistent and impeccable leadership the BIA team, we as exhibitors know that the marketing and resultant attendance will be second to none in the Asia Pacific region.  At the entrance to the show on the cockle bay wharf entrance, we will be proudly showing off the world’s number 1 catamarans from Lagoon.”

From Multihull Central, the Australian launch of the Privilege range.

Privilege has an impeccable pedigree, founded in 1985 by world-renowned sailor, Phillipe Jeantot who has twice won the BOC and founded the famous Vendee Globe yacht race. Since then, Privilege has become an industry leader, dominating the USA cruising catamaran market and scooping numerous awards including International Trophee of Quality in 1992, and several USA Boat of the Year titles.

“Once again, Multihull Central is delighted to be participating in the Sydney International Boat Show, celebrating 50 amazing years in 2017,” said Multihull Central Managing Director, Brent Vaughan.

“It is encouraging to see the growing contingency of multihulls and we think we will have one of the largest displays this year. We are excited to be launching the Seawind 1260 for their first time at SIBS.

“I have participated for over 18 years and it is the pinnacle event of the year on our calendar. SIBS is a great opportunity to have our customers come on board our boats, touch, feel and experience the different models that we represent in the Australian and New Zealand markets.

“We have traditionally had a lot of success in Sydney and look forward to repeating that again.”

Also on show from Multihull Central, an impressive array of Seawind models including the Seawind 1260 (new to the Sydney market) a Seawind 1160 Resort, a Seawind 1160 Lite, and the Takacats, a superb range of roll-up inflatable catamarans that make ideal yacht tenders.

At its usual spot in Cockle Bay Marina at Darling Harbour, Multihull Solutions will be exhibiting the Fontaine Pajot Helia 44 Evolution, the first time the sailing catamaran has been displayed in New South Wales. The Helia 44 Evolution captured the attention of visitors at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May, with four orders taken on the boat during the show.

Multihull Solutions will also be promoting the few remaining syndicate shares in a Helia 44 Evolution syndicate based in the Whitsundays later in 2017.

www.sydneyboatshow.com.au