New HH42 is just Simply Fun
I was quite excited to be asked to go for a sail and do a review on the new HH42 Simply Fun. Owned by Phil Coombes, the boat had been attracting quite a lot of attention around Port Phillip. I…
Boats & Gear
The latest insights on racing and cruising yachts, keelboats and dinghies. Plus all of the latest gear, boating accessories, equipment and sailing clothes from Australia and around the world.
Hudson Yachts announce the HH55 performance catamaran
Hudson Yachts, Morrelli & Melvin and HH Catamarans have announced its newest project, the HH55. The yacht is an all carbon affair with rig, hulls and structures offering safety, strength, and weight saving properties. Similar to the HH66, the HH55…
SailTimer wind instrument new mounting options released soon
The wireless, solar-powered SailTimer wind instrument has a number of mounting options. It is supplied with a vertical mounting rod which can be attached to the top of the masthead. The mounting rod is 22.8 centimetres (9″) long and marine-grade…
Doyle Sails will be exhibiting at METS 2014
Doyle Sails New Zealand will once again be exhibiting in the Superyacht Pavilion at the upcoming Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS), running from 19-20 November in Amsterdam. Their stand will be in its usual spot in the main hall –…
Elan launches the new Impression 40 performance yacht
At the recent Biograd Boat Show, Elan gave European customers their first look at the latest in the Impression range of performance cruising yachts, the Impression 40. Elan says the new model is “an impressively fast cruiser” with well thought-out…
The Fold it Cart is big on haulage but small on storage
The Fold it Cart can carry up to 150kgs and is constructed from sturdy marine grade aluminium that is rust and corrosion free. The cart is designed so loads are dispersed evenly over the axle and two 20-inch wheels that…
Garmin releases details of latest marine product line up
Due to be available in Australia from Q2 next year, this is a preview of some of Garmin’s 2015 marine product range. echoMAP dv/sv: available in 10.2cm (4”), 12.7cm (5”), 17.8cm (7”) and 22.9cm (9”) sizes, these sonar/chartplotter units feature…
Kiwi design student comes up with new stackable Optimist
Industrial design student Tim Arbuckle wants more young people to get into the sport of sailing and he believes he may have the design to get nine to 15 year-olds messing about in boats. The Auckland man has taken The…
Big job cuts as Kiwi superyacht builder hits troubled waters
New Zealand Herald. By Holly Ryan: The superyacht manufacturer Alloy Yachts has announced it is cutting up to 130 jobs after lower demand and a high exchange rate put pressure on the business. The Henderson-based company is one of four…
Mastervolt and the Volvo Ocean Race meet the challenge head on
Chosen as the official electrical supplier to the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015, Mastervolt has risen to the challenge with seven identical systems. Each yacht is entirely dependant upon electrical power for providing drinking water, communications and to shift the massive…
North Technology Group announce acquisition of Future Fibres by Southern Spars
North Technology Group (NTG)has announced the acquisition of Future Fibres by Southern Spars. Founded 20 years ago by Tom Hutchinson and based in Valencia, Spain, Future Fibres is a marine industry leader in high performance carbon cables, masts, booms, spreaders…
Andersen extends its electric winch range
Andersen has extended its offering of electric winches to include a line of self-tailing winches designed for almost any size boat. Ideal for the family, sailing couple or singlehand sailor, the new E1 electric winches feature push button sheet and…
The RS Aero arrives in Australia
The RS Aero, a revolutionary new single-handed boat from RS Sailing, will arrive in Australia at the end of November 2014. Four demonstration boats are being shipped to Sailing Raceboats which is based in Sandringham, Victoria. The RS Aero was…
Beneteau owners line up for annual Beneteau Cup on Sydney Harbour
On Friday November 21, 2014, Beneteau owners on both sides of Sydney Harbour Bridge, from Woolwich and Gladesville across to Middle Harbour and then up to Pittwater on the northern beaches will gather for another Beneteau Cup. For the past…
Luff loading batten-end receptacles from C-Tech
C-Tech have added a CT22 carbon luff receptacle with a side loading option to its range. This completes the product variations to work for all batten loading and adjustment needs. They will be on display at METS 2014. This addition…
Pelican Products introduces three safety approved headlights
Based on its established models from the Pelican ProGear consumer line, each headlight is IECex approved for hazardous environments, available in either black or safety yellow and equipped with a wide range of features, allowing for multiple applications. All three…
Isara 50 video currrently on show in the USA soon for Australia
The Isara 50 on show – watch the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB1-kjWQ47A More information Southern Yachting jon@southernyachting.com.au
The world's first portable powered desalination system debuts at METS 2014
Rainman Desalination, an Australian designer and manufacturer of portable desalination systems has launched its range of fully portable, high flow water makers at METS 2014. Ron Schroeder, director at Rainman Desalination, said “we are excited about our innovative approach to…
Christmas comes early for Sailors with disAbilities
Windcraft's MD Peter Hrones said he “felt like Father Christmas” this week as he handed over the keys of a brand new Hanse 345 yacht to raffle winner John Scott and a cheque for $174,550.37 to David Pescud the founder…
US Yachts becomes Performance Cruising Yachts
One of Australia's oldest production yacht importers has changed its name to more accurately reflect the products on offer. Effective from October 17, US Yachts will be known as Performance Cruising Yachts. Explaining the name change, former Olympian and Managing…
Wichard Pacific to distribute Navtec and Facnor in Australia
Wichard Pacific, Sydney based distributor of the French deck hardware company Wichard, Profurl furling systems and the TYE TEC loop range, has taken on board the distribution of Facnor and Navtec. Facnor was previously distributed by Strong Ropes and was…
Exposure Marine launch new MOB search light at METS 2014
Exposure Marine claim that its man overboard (MOB) strobe and search light, will ensure you can be found fast. The light, designed to save lives at sea, does not need to be switched on. Its motion activated technology means it…
MC38 Spring Regatta won by Dark Star
New Australian champion Leslie Green and his Ginger crew may have fired off the first two bullets at the MC38 Spring Regatta at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron over the three days of the long weekend, but it was payback time…
The Oyster Palma Regatta ends on a high note
Last Saturday was the final race and party day of the Oyster Regatta Palma 2014, and with the five-race series already in the bag hopes for a bonus pursuit race hung on a… zephyr. Those lucky, early gradient winds of…
Five award nominations for Bavaria in Europe
Bavaria have been nominated for five awards in Europe, the Cruiser 46 in the new sailing yacht range and Sport 360 and 400 in the Bavaria Sport range. The Cruiser 46 has a good chance to be European Yacht of…
Oyster Palma Regatta race day one
As crews busied around in final prep for the first day’s racing in the Oyster Regatta Palma 2014, some were already out in the bay testing conditions and feeding back good news. What seemed only a light breeze in the…
SOS Marine and Mobilarm announce the new sMRT inflatable Dan Buoy
Mobilarm has integrated its emergency electronic MOB beacon, the sMRT V100 Locator Beacon, with the inflatable SOS Dan Buoy marker. Once thrown into the water and inflated, the SOS Dan Buoy becomes a visual marker and at the same time…
Have you considered investing in a charter yacht?
It is rare to be able to have your cake and eat it too, as the old proverb goes, but investing in a charter yacht is probably the closest thing. When you buy a yacht and place it in charter,…
Personal locater beacon RescueMe PLB1 activated in successful rescues
Ocean Signal has emphasised the importance of carrying a personal locator beacon both at sea and on land after details emerged about three recent rescues involving the company’s RescueME PLB1. Claimed by the manufacturers to be the world’s smallest personal…
B&G introduce Zeus 2 Glass Helm sailing navigation system
B&G has introduced its multifunction navigation system, the Zeus2 Glass Helm. Suited to bluewater cruisers and super yachts, the Zeus2 Glass Helm brings together sail-specific features with a dual independent output for unprecedented sailing navigation. Zeus2 Glass Helm features fast…
B&G introduce ForwardScan a forward looking sonar system
B&G announced ForwardScan, a forward-looking sonar device for finding anchoring spots and highlighting rocks and obstructions below the water’s surface. ForwardScan allows sailors to avoid potentially dangerous areas and sail with confidence in unfamiliar waters. With an effective range of…
Bushnell release the Marine range of binoculars
Bushnell’s range of optics and gadgets encompasses a vast range of outdoor activities and the Marine is the latest set of binoculars tailored specifically for boating. Fully fog-proof and waterproof to stand up to the changing conditions on the water,…
Jeanneau Australia offering Black Label price savings
Jeanneau has announced a special offer on select models within the Sun Odyssey range with special prices under its 'Black Label' promotion. The Sun Odyssey 409 won the European Yacht of the Year Award upon its launch. Now available in…
New Lewmar custom swing retracting bow thrusters for boats 9m to 20m
Suitable for boats from 9m to 20m, the Lewmar range of swing thrusters are designed to provide a completely fair hull with minimal drag when raised, offering an advantage for higher performance sailing yachts and fast planning or semi-displacement hulls….
Bavaria and Nautitech step into the future as one company
Since 2012 it has been on Bavaria's agenda to enter the market for catamarans over 35 feet. They have been investigating various strategies and negotiating with several potential partners. “The first contact with Nautitech Catamarans and its founder Bruno Voisard…
Pro-Ma marine diesel treatment to eradicate diesel bug
What is it? Diesel bug is the common term given to the myriad bacteria, mould and other micro-organisms found in diesel fuel. These organisms live in the water (a result of contamination or condensation) and feed on the intermediate by-products…
The OK Dinghy – standing the test of time
Few classes have stood the test of time as has the OK Dinghy. As a concept it was born in the mind of the same Danish sailor who brought the Optimist dinghy to Europe, but the designs were laid down…
Espresso 12 coffee machine available for yachts
The Espresso 12 was designed by people who enjoy coffee who wanted to ensure that the quality of the coffee was not compromised by the portability and practicality of the machine. Weighing just 3.9 kilograms the compact design draws 350…
Isara Yachts appoint Southern Yachting as distributors for Australia/NZ
The range of Isara catamarans, built at the company’s Ta Yang yard in Taiwan, includes a 45, 50, 55 and 65 footers. Southern Yachting is headed by Jonathan (Jon) Harris. Jon is a long term member of the Australian Olympic…
Marlow Ropes appoint Harken as new distributor in Australia
Sydney-based Harken Australia provides technical support, supply and distribution to the Australian leisure marine industry. The company already handles product ranges from marine deck hardware manufacturers, including Harken, Spinlock, Edson Steering and McLube. Paul Honess, Sales Director for Marlow Ropes Ltd…
