Lightwave catamaran owners have been out and about proving that these yachts not only look good, but are serious bluewater cruisers.
A Lightwave 45 is currently participating in an around-the-world rally and another recently returning from completing the Louisiades Rally.
“There are many well-organised rallies for cruisers to participate in that offer the confidence and support that goes with venturing out for a bluewater passage in foreign waters in the company of other yachts,” Roger Overell, Lightwave builder and MD said.
“Additionally, organisers oversee logistics, taking care of the woes that go with International travel, and often incorporate land-based sightseeing activities.”
After completing the first leg of their around-the-world journey in association with Blue Water Rallies, global cruisers Peter and Penny from the LW 45 Innforapenny II will be competing in the ARC world rally, which sees a fleet of more than 200 boats racing across the Atlantic. The race starts mid November, and the 2700nm passage on the NE tradewind route takes on average between 14 and 21 days. An annual transatlantic rally, it is the largest trans-ocean sailing event in the world.
LW 45 5 O'çlock Somewhere recently returned from participating in the Louisiades Rally with 26 other boats. The Louisiades Rally, organised by EcoSustainAbility and experienced cruising yachtie Guy Chester with the support of the Yorkeys Knob Boating Club and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, took yachts in company for four weeks to the Louisiades, 500nms from Cairns. Visiting many Islands, the crews from the fleet participated in organised events from traditional dancing, a skull cave visit, a traditional sailing canoe regatta, to school visits and many other events.
Owner Rob Robson said one of the highlights of the rally was acting as a ferry for some 29 passengers.
“After the festivities of the Misima Showcase Weekend many locals had travelled across Misima Island from the north coast village of Goolawa,” he said.
“We decided to take the villagers back on our boat and some 29 passengers boarded for a sea trip around from Misima to their island.”
The fleet were also provided support such as arranging customs clearance and flying in the PNG customs officer to the yachts. Safety briefings and updated weather reports were given throughout the rally.
