Bavaria sale rumours
Reports by the German press rumoured offers to buy Bavaria Yachts are untrue, according to Australian distributor Tony Kirby from North South Yachting. He is in Dusseldorf, Germany and has confirmed with the families who own Bavaria Yachtbau that there is no intention now or in the immediate future to sell the company and it is not on the market. “It's business as usual” the company confirmed. The company recently launched their flagship yacht, the Bavaria 50 Vision at the Dusseldorf boat show.
Northshore distributor sought
UK builder Northshore Yachts Ltd is seeking an Australian distributor for its range of Southerly cruisers. The latest in the range, the new Southerly 42RST debuted at the London Boat Show. The Rob Humphreys designed hull is built at the company?s new factory in Chichester and features twin wheels and an unusual aft cabin with a large double centreline berth with seating both sides. Contact +44 (0) 1243 512611or email: claire.horsman@northshore.co.uk
Liferaft recall
If you purchased a BFA Marine Pacific or Atlantic or Baltic or XM/BFA Offshore Liferaft between August 1995 and June 2000 there could be valve problems with these units. For BFA liferafts please contact savmarineinfo@zodiac.com and for XM/BFA liferafts call the UK on 0870 751 4666 or contact sales@xm-yachting.co.uk.
Skipper & crew wanted
Western Australia is set to defend its title of Clipper Round the World Yacht Race champions later this year when a Clipper 68 yacht representing the State takes part in the Clipper 07-08 Race. The race will start from Liverpool on September 16, 2007, visiting ports including Durban, Singapore, Qingdao and Fremantle before returning to Liverpool in July 2008. The search is now on for Australian crew to take part in Clipper 07-08. For more information email Clipper Crew Recruitment Manager, David Cusworth on dcusworth@clipper-ventures.com or call +44 2392 526000. Applications to skipper the Western Australian entry are also welcomed from suitably qualified candidates. Contact Clipper Race Director, Tim Hedges on thedges@clipper-ventures.com
Heritage fleet dinner
A fundraising dinner is scheduled for March 30 in aid of the Sydney Heritage Fleet. Those wishing to attend will rub shoulders with celebrities and sailing legends including John Bertrand. Alan Jones AO will be the Master of Ceremonies and country singer James Blundell will play. Tickets are $250 per person for the dinner, to be held at the Westin Hotel, No 1 Martin Place, Sydney. Contact Katie Hoskins, Markson Sparks!, (02) 9699 2000 katie@marksonsparks.com
Solomon Islands
Commodore Ian Hawes, from the Solomon's Gizo Yacht Club reports that the islands are once again a great cruise destination, after some political turmoil. The Brisbane-Gizo yacht rally is planning to depart in late April/early May 2007. A stopover is planned at Frederick?s reef to break the 1200 mile trip across the Coral Sea and allow the participants to regroup.
Once again a warm welcome is planned in Gizo, the centre for cruising in the Western Solomon Islands, where arrival is planned to coincide with the start of the local Vaka Tepe (Festival of the Sea).
For more information: www.gizoyachtclub.com.sb and email gyc@solomon.com.sb
WA man's America's Cup
Perth based Sebastien Destremau has re-established his America's Cup career by joining the Chinese team. The former tactician on Le Defi Areva in the 2003 America?s Cup, will use his experience of three Cups during the two big events of the year – the 12 team Louis Vuitton events during April-June and if successful the two boat finals in July 2007.
Yacht transporter
Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT), the world's only float-on/float-off yacht transport service, has launched its newest ship, 686 Yacht Express. Built at the Yantai Raffles Shipyard in China, it is the largest vessel of its kind in the world, purpose-built with a semi-submersible dock bay that allows yachts of any size to be safely floated on and off as cargo. Primarily for the Atlantic, Yacht Express will join four other dedicated yacht carriers, all semi-submersible, in the existing liner service of DYT.
Following sea trials in mid-May, it will call in Australia and New Zealand, on its way to Florida before making a special appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, 2007.
