Demand for brokerage boats in UK and Ireland is exceeding supply and now is the perfect time to sell your boat with Key Yachting.

There has never been a better time to sell your boat, with yards expected delivery slots creeping well into 2023 for new boats, demand for pre-loved boats has never been greater.

UK Sales director – Hannah Le Prevost “Currently we have clients waiting for new listings to come on to the market and some brokerage models don’t even make it to the open market before they are sold, as demand is so high.”

The Brokerage Market in both UK & Ireland has been very buoyant recently with sales of second-hand J 109, J99, J122, J70 and J 80 all recently completed. Key Yachting Ireland currently has three Brokerage boats under offer and is looking for further performance-orientated and cruising boats to list.

Irish Broker – Mark Mansfield “We have more buyers than sellers, so now is a great time to list with above-market prices being achieved. If you are not planning to use your boat in 2022, why not talk to the Key Yachting team, in UK or Ireland – as It really is a seller’s market!

Juggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United States

Why use Key Yachting to sell your boat?

Key Yachting UK & Ireland has an unrivalled knowledge of J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech, which not only benefits the seller but the new owner as well. Key Yachting’s Headquarters based in the UK is located in Hamble the home of the UK yachting industry. Its modern office holds a prime position in MDL Hamble Point Marina. Brokerage boats are within view of the office, offering both ease of access for potential clients and first-class care during their time with us.

Wakey Wakey - J109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful Dodger

Key Yachting’s Ireland office is operated on a mobile basis, with Broker “Mark Mansfield” travelling to boat locations for valuations and viewings. Key Yachting uses two online marketing forums – Yacht World, the world’s leading brokerage marketing service, where your boat will have maximum exposure to the global boat purchasing market. Additionally, your yacht will be displayed on Key Yachting’s own website alongside the new models and be promoted out via social media.

Key Yachting has built a database of prospective owners, which is unequalled by any other company and produces regular brokerage e-shots with a reach of over 4,000 recipients, in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Worldwide. Key yachting has years of practical experience in new and used boat sales, the team will be able to analyse the market and advise on market positioning, providing documented details of similar boats sold, and currently on the market, so you know your boat is strategically positioned to sell. Prior to listing your boat, key yachting will usually visit the vessel to complete a thorough checklist of her condition and inventory, allowing us to suggest ideas to improve appearance and saleability keeping costs in mind, as you can only make one first impression.

Photos, video clips and comprehensive video are produced at the earliest opportunity of the sales process, to show the boat at her very best and allow us to share the details with prospective buyers.

Following a successful sale, the Key Yachting team can offer ongoing support to the buyer in the form of spare parts, upgrades, berthing etc.

Key Yachting’s primary business is the sale of new and brokerage boats but Key Yachting also offer marine services including marina berthing, storage ashore, and professional boat maintenance, spares, commissioning, and upgrades.

For more information email Irish Key Yachting Agent, Mark Mansfield: [email protected]

Britain's biggest boating festival, the Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park, is coming soon, 10-19 September 2021. With Government travel restrictions having lifted, those double-vaccinated can enjoy a trip "abroad" by visiting Southampton, which is currently competing for the UK City of Culture award 2025.

The show features everything the leisure marine industry has to offer. Ranging from paddleboards to superyachts and all the products and services you need to enjoy life in, on or around the water – you will find it at the show.

The Key Yachting team will proudly showcase three exceptional boats for this year's event, the Nautitech Open 46 (4 cabins), J/99 and Grand Soleil 42 LC (2 cabins).

The Nautitech Open 46 (4 cabins) is an excellent catamaran offering cruise, volume, speed, comfort, and a sleek and elegant design. The living room and the cockpit have been merged to gain space - it's the essence of the "Open" concept. The living room of the Open 46 offers beautiful volumes, like an invitation to enjoy daily life in an exquisite and warm atmosphere. The interior is chic, made of dark wood with bright natural light and neat details in stainless steel. Come and be inspired by this elegant boat.

Nautitech 46 Photo: Nautitech Boats.com

The J/99 does it all - combining excellent sailing performance and stability with below-decks comfort in a boat that just one or two people can sail. The deck layout and sail plan are optimised for easy handling, while the roomy cockpit accommodates 8+ for fun day sailing. Want to jump into the next adventure-style overnight race or cruise rally and can't find crew? No problem. The J/99 will reward you with easy, high-speed sailing, whether solo, twin, or with the whole gang.

J/99 Snapshot Photo:Bob Bateman

The J/99 is a standout and a new boat into Ireland, with "Snapshot" owned by Michael and Richard Evans winning its class in a competitive fleet at the Sovereigns Cup 2021, one of Ireland's biggest regattas.

The Grand Soleil 42 LC (2 cabin) is a model of the Blue Water line. This boat offers comfort, generous spaces and sailing autonomy. The 42 LC is available in two versions: standard or sport. The former is equipped with aft benches and a carbon arch over the cockpit, designed to keep this area free of the mainsheet traveller. This boat is a fantastic pedigree and a premium brand, always offering good performance and speed, even in cruising models.

Grand Soleil LC42 Photo: Grand Soleil

The Southampton International Boat Show organisers have taken Covid precautions seriously and added new features and more space – making the show bigger and better than ever before.

If you are looking for some sailing inspiration, to enjoy some social time, fine dining, or just the opportunity to attend a real-life event, then this is a show not to miss.

Come and say hello to Mark Mansfield, our Key Yachting Irish agent. Mark is a top-level competitive sailor, and his experience includes competing in four Olympics from 1992-2004 and has been professionally sailing and consulting since 2015. Book a meeting for the show now.

Tel: +353 87 2506838 and email: [email protected]

Following on from the excellent showing in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race, The Grand Soleil and J Boats brands have again displayed their racing prowess by winning the Sovereigns Cup Overall, coming first and second in the Largest IRC Class—Coastal, and finishing in all three podium position in the hotly contested Class 1.

As previously reported, The Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race was won by the Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo, owned by the Murphy Family from RCYC, who also took Class 1. All class two podium positions were taken by either Grand Soleil or J Boat models. The J/99 Juggerknot 2, owned by Andrew Algeo from the RIYC, took the class win.

Roll on two weeks, and many of the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle boats were again in action at the O'Leary Insurances Sovereigns Cup. The two big classes were Coastal which had 17 entries, and Class 1, with 13 entries.

In IRC Coastal Class, first, second (joint) and third on the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race were competing. Also competing was Bob Rendell's new Grand Soleil 44, Samatom, which raced with cruising headsails in the D2D race. For Sovereigns Cup, she had her new racing headsails. A very tight regatta in varying conditions over the four days brought very close racing, with the results going down to the wire.

In the end, Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44, Samatom, from Howth Yacht Club, with Key Yachting Irish Agent Mark Mansfield calling tactics, took the class win by 1 point, counting a first and 2 seconds.

Second overall was the Murphy Family's Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo. The one-off Ker 37, Jump Juice, rounded off the podium.

The Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo, owned by the Murphy Family from RCYC, took second in IRC Coastal Photo: Bob Bateman

In Class one, 10 x J 109's and a new J99 went head to head. Mike and Richard Evans new J/99 Snapshot got the better of all 10 x J/109's to take the class win by 9 points and, in so doing, was also awarded the overall Sovereigns cup as the top IRC performer of the regatta. Second overall was the J/109, Artful Dodger from the home club, recently purchased through Key Yachting brokerage by Finbarr O'Regan.

A great result in his first big regatta. Third overall was the J/109 Storm owned by Pat Kelly from Howth.

In her first regatta, Richard and Mike Evans new J/99 Snapshot, Winner Class 1 IRC and Overall winner of the Sovereigns Cup Photo: Bob Bateman

If you want to compete at the top end of IRC racing in Ireland, look no further than the Grand Soleil and J/Boats models. Not only are they fast, but they are also very comfortable and are true cruiser racers. Key Yachting is also the agent for Nautitech Catamarans and Tofinou dayboats.

For further information on any of the Key Yachting brands in Ireland, contact Irish Agent for Key Yachting, Mark Mansfield, at [email protected] or 087 2506838.

Day One Report (24 June 2021) Racing at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup started today with two windward-leeward races in the Eastern Solent. North Sails weather forecaster Chris Tibbs predicted a building southwesterly breeze and he was spot on. 50 J/Boat teams, racing in five different classes, enjoyed excellent sailing conditions for the first day of the regatta. Congratulations to today’s race winners. Robin Stevenson J/92s Upstart, Jack Banks J/92 Nightjar, Paul Ward’s J/70 Eat Sleep J Repeat, Martin Dent’s J/70 Jelvis, Johnny Cooper’s J/112E Jooped, David Richards’ J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, Mike & Susie Yates’ J/109 JAGO, and Chris Jones & Louise Makin’s J/111 Journeymaker II.

After racing, a sit-down prize giving was held on the Royal Southern’s al fresco Quarter Deck. Key Yachting Sales Director, Hannah Le Prevost announced the winners. The J/Boats family enjoyed complimentary burgers and a bucket of beer from the ‘Southern. Singer/Song Writer Jonny Moody played a great live set with sailors grinning from ear to ear after a fantastic day on the water. Today’s prizes were generously donated by North Sails and Wight Vodka.

Racing at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup continues on Friday 25th June with three races scheduled for all classes.

Results here

Key Yachting is the Irish Agent for J Boats and Grand Soleil (also Nautitech Catamarans and Tofinou Day boats).  They are thrilled to see models from each of the Grand Soleil and J Boat ranges perform so well in the D2D race.

Overall Winner and winner of Class 1 was Denis and Annamarie Murphy's Grand Soleil 40 Nieulargo. Warmest congratulations to Denis and the Murphy family, plus all their crew.

Winner of Class 2 was Andrew Algeo's J/99, Juggerknot 2. Second in Class 2 was Simon Knowles J/109, Indian, and completing the Key Yachting Brands hat trick in Class 2 was John Treanor's Grand Soleil 34, Justina.

Andrew Algeo's J/99—Winner Class 2

Simon Knowles J 109 Indian, second in Class 2

John Treanor's Grand Soleil 34—Justina 3rd in Class 2

On Line Honours, Robert Rendell's beautiful new Grand Soleil 44, Samatom took second over the line, followed closely by Chris Power Smith's J/122 Aurelia in third.

Robert Rendell's New Grand Soleil 44, Samatom—2nd on line honours

Showing the dual purpose nature of the J Boats and Grand Soleil brands, many of the above-mentioned yachts are taking a few days cruising back to Kinsale for Sovereigns Week, or back to their home ports.

If you are looking for a boat that will win prizes at a top-level and where you can also cruise in comfort, look no further than the J Boats or Grand Soleil ranges.

Mark Mansfield is the Irish Agent for Key Yachting and can be contacted at [email protected] or at 087 2506838.

Key Yachting will be at the South Coast Boat Show Southampton from 7-9 May 2021 with the following boats on the water: J/99, Grand Soleil 46LC and Nautitech Open 40 Catamaran 

Mark Mansfield Irish agent for the Key Yachting brands, Nautitech Catamarans, J-Boats and Grand Soleil on the Island of Ireland, is delighted that the Boat shows are back in the UK.

This May, the first of the UK boat shows will kick off in Ocean Village Southampton, the show will be subject to certain requirements such as by appointment only advance bookings and strict covid regulations which will have to be adhered to.

Though it may not be possible for people based in the Republic to visit, there will be many Afloat readers in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland and indeed ex-pat Irish living in England that could attend.

For those in the Republic that cannot currently travel, a virtual boat show will run alongside the main show, and you will be able to access all the boat specifications, download brochures and even chat to dealers online. The virtual boat-show will be available once the show goes live between 7-9 May here

Key Yachting will be exhibiting three very different boats:

J/99

The J/99 (32.6′) which does it all – combining great sailing performance and stability with below decks, comfort in a boat that can be sailed shorthanded. Two j/99's are now in Ireland and another coming to Wales this summer.

J/99 Juggerknot 2 racing in Dublin Bay Photo: Afloat

Nautitech 40

Nautitech 40 Open Catamaran is the perfect Bluewater adventure boat providing the perfect balance between performance and lifestyle.

Nautitech 40 Open showing the roomy cockpit and saloon space

Grand Soleil 46LC

Grand Soleil 46LC features a hull shape designed by Marco Lostuzzi. The LC range, with its deeper hull, provides luxurious accommodation and exterior comfort. Whether day sailing or living onboard, the Grand Soleil 46LC delivers high performance as standard.

Grand Soleil 46 LC

Join us 7-9 May 2021, by appointment only!

Book here

For further information on these models or indeed any models in the J Boats, Grand Soleil, Nautitech Catamaran and Tofinou ranges

Contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or call on: 00 353 87 250 6838.

Did you know that demand for brokerage boats is currently exceeding supply – which makes this a seller's market?

Mark Mansfield, Irish Agent for the four Key Yachting brands, advises, "Key Yachting has an unrivalled knowledge of J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech, which not only benefits the seller but the new owner as well".

Why sell a boat with Key Yachting:

• Key Yachting has built a database of prospective owners, which is unequalled by any other company.
• Key Yachting only sells premium + performance boats.
• Key Yachting is a company you can trust.

"It looks very likely, that at long last, we can all look forward to sailing this summer. The next new boat orders are already being taken for the autumn and into the 2022 season, with many clients choosing to optimise on good exchange rates and current pricing. This high demand to get out on the water has seen the sales soar for high-quality second-hand boats right across the spectrum. With boats selling before they reach the open market." Key Yachting Sales Director, Hannah Le Prevost.

If you have a good quality yacht that you would like to sell, please get in touch with us to discuss how we can help and let us produce you a complimentary market analysis for your boat, which will show what similar boats have sold for recently and also at what price similar boats for sale are presently being advertised.

For more information, email [email protected] or call Mark on 087 250 6838

UK and Ireland J boat agent Key Yachting has announced the launch of its 2021 Landsail Tyres J-Cup on June 24-26th.

The organisers say it will be the first major regatta in England following the proposed final stage of the UK Government roadmap to cautiously ease lockdown restrictions.

Hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, well over 50 teams are expected for the exclusive J Boats regatta. Three one-design classes will be competing including the J/70 Class and J/109 Class. The J/111 Class has the added thrill of competing for the National Championship. A variety of J Boats, crewed by friends and family, as well as professional sailors, will be racing in organised IRC Classes. 

The Landsail Tyres J-Cup invites all J Boats owners and crew to take part in three days of exciting racing in The Solent with daily prize givings. The most coveted award at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup is the J-Cup itself, which will be awarded at the J-Cup 2021 Dinner.

“A big thank you to Landsail Tyres for their continued support of the J-Cup, this is going to be a lot of fun,” commented Key Yachting’s Wayne Palmer. “For over 20 years this has been the event that brings the J Boats family together and that is especially important in the current climate.

The Key Yachting team is just as passionate about the regatta as the hundreds of sailors that will be taking part. We are determined to make it a memorable event for everyone involved.”

Mark Mansfield, Irish agent for Key Yachting, has announced that two Grand Soleil designs have been shortlisted in the 2020 British Yachting Awards.

In the Cruising Yacht of the Year class, The Grand Soleil LC42, which premiered at the 2020 Dusseldorf boat show last January has been nominated.

In the Performance Yacht of the Year, The Grand Soleil 44 performance has been nominated. The Grand Soleil 44 performance has just premiered at the Genoa Boat show this month and will be on show at Dusseldorf in January.

In addition, the J Cup Regatta, successfully held just a month ago, just for J Boats, has been nominated as Event of the Year.

To Enquire about either of these nominated Grand Soleil Models, or any others in the Key Yachting range (Grand Soleil, J Boats, Tofinou or Nautitech ) contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 087 250 6838

Key Yachting is delighted to scoop three nominations in the  British Yachting Awards 2020

Key Yachting is thrilled to have received a nomination for this prestigious award that is decided by the sailors themselves. We are extremely grateful for all the support we have received from the J Boats community for the J-Cup in 2020, so please do support us again by casting your votes.

The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup celebrated the 21st birthday of the annual regatta, with 50 boats and some 200 sailors competing. The event included racing for two national titles, as well as Covid-secure socials in Cowes.

Cruising Yacht of the Year: Grand Soleil 42 LC

Grand Soleil 42 LC

Italian boatbuilders Grand Soleil have once more excelled themselves with the introduction of the new 42 LC. This is a performance cruiser that simply oozes class topped with plenty of clever touches for the long-distance sailor.

Performance Yacht of the Year: Grand Soleil 44 Performance

Grand Soleil 44 Performance

Grand Soleil has struck a balance between cruiser and racer with the sporty 44 providing thrilling performance on the racecourse while remaining a well-mannered yacht.

Voting is now open and the winner in each category is often decided by a handful of votes, so every vote counts!

Vote here

Voting closes at midnight on 15 November.

Everyone who votes will be entered into a prize draw to win a 40L DryBag.

50 J Boats have entered the Landsail Tyres J-Cup and the sizeable fleet had a thrilling start to the three-day regatta with a fresh south-westerly breeze gusting over 25 knots. The RORC Race Team, led by PRO Stuart Childerley, completed one race for all classes before the tide changed, stirring up an already agitated Solent. Class winners on the opening day were Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’ronimo, Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly, Simon Perry’s J/109 Jiraffe and Paul Ward’s J/70 Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat.

In IRC One, three former J-Cup winners filled the podium for the first race of the regatta. Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris won by just 22 seconds on corrected time from David & Kirsty Apthorp’s J/88 J-Dream. Chaz Ivill’s J/112E Davanti Tyres was third.

“I am delighted with the team’s performance today,” commented Gavin Howe. “The race was very competitive. In the conditions, we decided not to hoist our spinnaker on the downwind leg and J-Dream decided to go for it and passed us. However, Tigris fought back to win, which was delightful.”

In IRC Two, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’ronimo revelled in the conditions to take line honours and the race win after time correction by nearly three minutes. Nick Munday’s J/97 Induljence was second and Becky Walford’s J/92 Brenda’s J was third.

Volvo Ocean Race sailor Libby Greenhalgh is navigator and tactician for her father driving J’ronimo. “We went for an early reef on J’ronimo and sailed the course that suited our boat rather than following the fleet,” she commented. “Our overall strategy was to minimize tacks and race in flat water, rather than use the tide.”

Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly Photo: Paul Wyeth

In the J/111 Class, Tony & Sally Mack’s McFly opened their defence of the J/111 UK National Championship with a solid performance taking the race win. Chris Jones’ Journeymaker II was second and Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2 was third.

In the J/109 Class, also their UK National Championship, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe was today’s race winner. Mike & Susie Yates’ Jago was second and David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish was third.

Paul Ward's J/70 Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat on the charge. Photo: Paul Wyeth

Paul Ward’s Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat won a high-speed encounter in the J/70 Class. Nick Phillips racing RTYC Charter boat Chaotic, only racing in a J/70 for the second time, was runner up. Tim Collins racing EV Experts was third.

The daily prize givings were held at the RORC Clubhouse. Dividing the fleet for social distancing, the J Boat family enjoyed complimentary pasta and a bottled beer and applauded today’s prize winners. Racing continues tomorrow, Friday 4th September, with lighter winds forecast for the Landsail Tyres J-Cup.