Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Best boat award 2021, The winner is dufour 530

“After SAIL’s editors spent months sailing, studying, evaluating and discussing the latest the boat-building industry had to offer, SAIL Magazine announced the eight winners of its 2021 Best Boats Awards in its January/February issue.

“Given the pandemic and lack of boat shows, we weren’t entirely sure we were going to be able to pull it off,” said SAIL Principal Editor, Adam Cort. “But in the end our 2021 Best Boats contest far exceeded any of our expectations, both in terms of the number of boats we were able to sail and the boats themselves. A special thanks and congratulations not only to our winners, but the boat-building industry as a whole for doing such a great job in these trying times.”

This year’s team of Best Boats judges included SAIL’s Adam Cort, charter editor Zuzana Prochazka, veteran boat-reviewer Tom Dove and SAIL’s contributing editor Tom Hale . ”

The Dufour 530 has won the Best Boat Award in the category of ‘Best Large Monohull 50ft and above’.

The stunning new yacht has been designed with optimal versatility to cater for all clients’ sailing requirements. Available in three models, the Dufour 530 has been celebrated for her ease of handling for cruising through to her ultimate performance in offshore and racing conditions.

The “Easy” model features minimal sail controls that are ideal for charter, an “Ocean” version has upgraded sail controls for more serious cruisers and passage makers, and a “Performance” model designed for racers featuring a larger sail area, performance orientated sail controls and a deeper bulb keel.

Developed on the architectural premise of the shipyard’s Performance range, its authentic racer hull has been designed with exhilaration in mind. Comfort is key when cruising so Dufour has combined the main Grand Large features with an open, secure, fully equipped deck.

The Dufour 530 will hold particular appeal for Asia Pacific sailors with its innovative new outdoor galley located aft between the twin wheels that creates a spacious area for alfresco entertaining. It can be topped by a cushion for relaxing, and there is also another pair of sunpads for catching the rays on the foredeck.

The Felci-designed Dufour 530 has optimised customisation with five available layouts offering three to six cabins, two to four heads, an option for an outdoor galley, two keel depths and a choice of rigs.

Following a test sail of the yacht, the judges reported, “The Dufour 530 not only made the most of the 20+ knot conditions but felt downright regal, revelling in the chop like a kind of waterborne Cadillac.”

The Yacht Sales Co is the exclusive Australian dealer of Dufour Yachts and is driven by a dedicated team of highly experienced sales professionals in centres across the company’s regional network.

Interest in Dufour Yachts has surged since the brand was taken over by the Fountaine-Pajot Group with an impressive strategic plan implemented to re-establish Dufour as a market leader.

The Yacht Sales Co sales manager Bob Vinks said there has been a huge increase in enquiries from Asia Pacific buyers, particularly surrounding the new Dufour 470 that is due to arrive in Australia in April 2021.

The Dufour 470 will celebrate its Australian launch at the 2021 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, and the yacht is set to become an iconic model with its combination of stunning design and high performance.

Available in three versions to cater for private owners, charter operators and performance racing enthusiasts, the Dufour 470 delivers exhilarating performance, classic styling and luxury in an exciting new way.


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Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Yacht Maintenance - The Future

Yacht Maintenance & Guardiennage Services – Post Lock Down

We are still able to offer a full range of services for owners and have full access to all the local marina’s. It is not going to be long until restrictions are eased so plan for happier times and make sure you are fully ready so that you can enjoy your time on the water again.

Commit to our Guardiennage Package for 6 months and receive the first month FREE


  • Hamble and Southampton Water – £100
  • Portsmouth Harbour – £125
  • Chichester Harbour – £150
  • Beaulieu and Lymington – £150

Benefit from our experience

All prices exclude VAT / Per Month

  1. We can still access all the marina’s within the Solent and are able to carry out a wide range of works.
  2. Let us finish off any winter works so you are fully prepared to get out on the water as soon as we are able.
  3. We use a video service so we can take footage of your yacht giving you peace of mind and allowing us to easily discuss any works needed.
  4. So if you can’t get down to your boat at the moment then let us know and see how we can help.


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Friday, March 5, 2021

Lockdown Easing - When you can go sailing

Following recent announcements we are required to remain closed until the 12th April but from the 21st June if nothing changes we can open up freely without restriction.

In between there are two key stages…

From 12th April …..

Bareboat

  • Day charters for up to 2 families or a mixed group of 6 people.
  • Overnight charters for a single family / household.

Skippered

  • Day charter for a single family / household.
  • Day charter for up to 5 individuals from different households
  • Overnight charters for families & skipper sleeping ashore

RYA Courses

  • Family courses day run from Hamble & skipper sleeping ashore.
  • Moving around the Solent & skipper sleeping ashore.
  • Courses for mixed groups of up to 5 people with everyone sleeping ashore.

From 17th May ….

Bareboat

  • Day charters fully open to any mixed groups.
  • Overnight charters for up to 2 families / households.

Skippered

  • Day charters unrestricted
  • Overnight charters 1 family & skipper sleeping onboard or
  • 2 families & skipper sleeping ashore

RYA Courses

  • RYA courses for 1 family & skipper sleeping onboard or
  • 2 families with skipper sleeping ashore.


We are continually monitoring all the latest advice from the government and health authorities and naturally follow all guidance as and when issued.

Booking Guarantee

Book now in confidence knowing that if your booking is affected by anything related to Covid-19 then we will re book your charter or course (subject to availability) at no additional cost. In the event that it is not possible for you to re book this year then we will offer a full refund or roll your booking over to next year.

Pop Up Day Sails            RYA Courses          Yacht Charter



Monday, February 15, 2021

Yacht Charter in The Solent - Your UK Staycation 2021

We have every reason to be optimistic as we head into 2021. And now is the time to contemplate and plan how you will spend your leisure time this year. More and more people are looking for alternative things to do and there are plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and enjoy your free time safely.

In 2020 there was huge interest in sailing holidays with people wishing to explore the Solent and South Coast and whilst, inevitably. The effects of Covid will remain with us for some time, the experiences of 2020 mean everyone is far better prepared for this year. Every business has learnt how to operate safely within the guidelines and as the situation changes we know how to react and adapt.

If you want to take a holiday on the water, here’s how our experiences of 2020 can help you make the most of your 2021.

Chartering a yacht – how to start

Bareboat chartering is quite simply a term for boat hire, not dissimilar to hiring a car, and a ‘bare-boat’ simply means you are in charge! We will ask you to show evidence of your sailing experience, and any sailing qualifications you may hold.

Qualifications Required for Bareboat Yacht Charter
 
If the idea of a holiday afloat appeals, yet you are new to chartering or don’t have much sailing experience, there are two ways to get started.

Take a skippered charter for a day or two – this involves hiring a yacht with a qualified skipper to experience what’s involved and get the feel of whether sailing will suit you and the family.
 
or
 

Learn as a family – under the current regulations (and when not in lockdown), as a family you can start sailing with a qualified instructor on board and work through the RYA competent crew and day skipper courses. Learning as a family builds everyone’s confidence and with some practice and a good sea school. You’ll be able to progress to taking a boat out without the instructor.

Get ahead of the demand

When restrictions were lifted in July 2020 everyone rushed to book their UK staycation and many companies experienced a huge increase in demand for their boats. As this left some disappointed our advice is to book up early rather than waiting until the last minute.

With the on-going pandemic effects, we expect to see more people continuing to holiday in the UK. So 2021 looks set to be even busier than 2020.

We offer Flexible Booking Conditions and in the event of any Covid related issues, we will move your booking to another date, if necessary.

Size of yacht

Decide which is the most suitable yacht for your sailing plans. UK chartering is different from locations like the Mediterranean, where typically people try and hire the biggest yacht they can afford. Manoeuvring a large yacht in a tightly packed marina with a strong current is somewhat different, so consider what you feel most comfortable with.

Your itinerary

Of course, the UK cannot offer the same sunny weather guarantees of the Mediterranean. Although we generally have better sailing winds. However, with a little planning and imagination, you can be ready for every eventuality and have a fantastic time too.

Consider our Top 10 UK Charter Tips:
  • Assess your crew’s capabilities and confidence as well as your own.
  • How many hours sailing a day do you / your crew want to do.
  • Understand your crew’s holiday ambitions and be prepared to compromise.
  • Avoid pushing yourselves too far this is a holiday and you all want to relax and have fun.
  • Build-in flexibility in your plan for the weather – take games, books, podcasts & films for downtime.
  • Enjoy some quiet moments – there are some delightful anchorages.
  • For different experience and an adventure take a few nights at anchor away from the familiar marinas.
  • Mix things up for the family and have some shore-based days – walk, hire bikes or simply swim and have a beach day.
  • Bring a paddleboard with you or hire one from your charter company.
  • Spend time to explore each destination and visit some of the amazing local sites.
Solent staycation ..

It was interesting hearing how many people felt they had re-discovered the Solent and were reminded of how much it has to offer.
There is plenty of fun to be had sailing around the Solent whether visiting historic attractions, exploring the natural harbours or just taking in the views. For an extended adventure, head down to the Jurassic Coast and the West Country, nip across to France or explore the Channel Islands (regulations permitting!).

Remember not to put yourself under too much time pressure. Not everyone may want to be sailing daily and avoid over-stretching yourself and then pushing hard to return to the charter base on time.

Take advice…

If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask us and we will guide you through what is realistic, the best spots to visit and options you may not have considered. The more advice you can get during your preparations will undoubtedly result in everyone having a better time.

Book your berths…

One of the key learnings from this pandemic year is that many Solent marinas may have visitor berth limits. Plan ahead and don’t leave booking marinas until the last minute, as it will get busy, especially in the summer.

How prepared are you?

In 2020 we booked charters with many people who ordinarily sail in the Med, whether on a flotilla or bareboat. Whilst no one had any significant difficulties, for some sailing in UK waters certainly came as a surprise.

If tidal sailing is unfamiliar to you, or you want to refresh some skills. It’s worth considering some form of course before your main holiday. Whether it’s an RYA course or bespoke coaching, with your family or on your own. If you want to get the most out of your main summer holiday then a few days training in advance is a great start.


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Sunday, December 20, 2020

Dufour 530 - Nominated Best Cruising Yacht 2020

Dufour 530 Best Cruising Yacht : After a successful launch at the beginning of 2020 the Dufour 530 has exceeded all expectations and won rave reviews around the world.

Now nominated for Best Cruising Yacht 2020

The 530 is a yacht that genuinely pumps up the volume, offering masses of interior space married to a powerful hull. Smart extras such as the innovative Bimini design help set this yacht apart from the chasing pack.

The 530 is a merger of Dufour’s Grand Large and Performance ranges. A key difference is this yacht is available in three versions with distinctly different deck layouts.

Comfort, speed and a whole host of options, Dufour’s 530 has it all, discovers Sam Jefferson, editor of Sailing Today with Yachts & Yachting.
Read what he thought of the 530 during their recent test.
download


Thursday, October 8, 2020

Ways To Get Afloat - Sailing Courses & Rates for Individual Places

 

…Individual Places…

Bringing individuals together from different households is more of a challenge than family groups. Sailing Courses for a maximum of 3 people per course day running out of our base on the Hamble River.

What Sailing Courses Can We Offer

The RYA have relaxed the rules for certain courses so we are able to run the following courses Start Yachting, Competent Crew and Day Skipper Courses without having to stay onboard over night.

Other Courses

Following the same principles we are able to offer the following
  • 1 Day Sailing Experience
  • 1 Day Boat Handling
  • 2 Day Rusty Skipper Course
  • 3 Day Flotilla Training

    Course Listing

Individual Courses & Rates

1 Day Boat Handling / Try Yachting (Weekend)£245 pp
1 Day Boat Handling / Try Yachting (Midweek)£195 pp       
 

2 Day Start Yachting (Weekend)£425 pp
2 Day Start Yachting (Midweek)£375 pp       

2 Day Rusty Skipper (Weekend)£425 pp
2 Day Rusty Skipper (Midweek)£375 pp       
 
 
3 Day Flotilla Training/ICC (Weekend)£545 pp
3 Day Flotilla Training/ICC (Midweek)£495 pp       
 
 
5 Day RYA Courses *(Over a Weekend)£545 pp
5 Day RYA Courses *(Midweek)£495 pp       
 
5 Day RYA Courses *(2 + 3 Day)                                £975 pp       

       
 
 

Monday, September 14, 2020

OCEAN VILLAGE BOAT SHOW – 2020

 



We’re delighted to announce that we’ll be exhibiting the following models

at the Ocean Village Boat Show between the 11-20th September.

Set in MDL’s stunning Ocean Village Marina, the show promises a really special end to what’s been an unusual year.

This means you’ll have to book an appointment in advance, and turn up a maximum of 30 mins beforehand (although you will have the opportunity to look around afterwards). 

We’ll be cleaning our boat(s) between each appointment. The organiser’s allowed plenty of time between each appointment for us to make sure everything is ready for our next guests. And, numbers on the pontoons are being carefully managed so that there’s a steady flow of 

people around the site and pinch points are mitigated in advance.

We can’t wait to see you, so please book your first appointment today via the following Booking Link or find out more. 


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