Jetsettersblog

CHARTERING with the world’s largest sailing holiday company is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of the new 384 catamaran to the Australian fleet.

Sunsail Sailing Holidays will soon take delivery of the innovative Sunsail 384, which has been exclusively produced for the global operator – whose Australian base is located in the Whitsundays – in conjunction with world renowned yacht builders Robertson & Caine, in South Africa.

It is the first yacht in a major charter fleet to feature solar panels – saving about 20 per cent on engine hours and increasing the lifespan of onboard batteries by up to five years – and the yacht’s design was completed by performance multihull architects Morrelli and Melvin.

“This catamaran is a market leader, designed for high performance with a generous sail plan, yet it is also highly practical and easy to sail, making it an ideal entry level catamaran,” said Sunsail marketing manager Kim Lehmann.

“The hull design offers a smooth ride and maximises load carrying capacity and the finely-tuned steering system gives exceptional feel at the helm, with the centralised sail control system ensuring simple and comfortable helming.

An abundance of outdoor space capitalises on sailing in the warm tropical breezes of the Whitsundays.”

Ms Lehmann said the Sunsail 384 catamaran was another example of Sunsail’s commitment to investing in its high-quality charter fleet.

“By commissioning the best designers and builders, we have been able to produce a supremely comfortable and easy-to-sail catamaran that places sailing performance and customer comfort at the forefront,” she said.

Inside, comfort is a top priority. The spacious, four double-cabin, two-head layout gives plenty of room for groups and an additional forepeak berth is ideal for children.

Generous headroom of 1.95m/6ft 5in throughout, plus substantial storage capacity as a result of under-bunk lockers in each cabin, gives extra space for onboard relaxation.

The exterior of the Sunsail 384 is equally well thought out, with a large cockpit hardtop providing excellent shade and weather protection and a powerboat-style stepped transom enabling easier boarding. Vertical front windscreens give superb panoramic visibility, maximise ventilation and really open up the salon area and interior headroom.

More than thirty of the new 384 catamarans are heading for Sunsail destinations across the world, with Sunsail’s total fleet purchase plan for 2010 at more than 140 new yachts, in line with its strategy of continued growth and an exceptional fleet.

In 2009 alone, Sunsail’s Australian base took delivery of two ‘flagship’ Sunsail 44i high-performance cruising yachts, a new 49i, a new 39i and a new Sunsail 464 catamaran, making its 37-strong fleet one of the most-up-to-date in Australia and the world.

The new 384 catamaran is due to arrive in Australia in early January 2010. Specs and imagery available on request.

For more information visit: www.sunsail.com.au