Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

The only solution to a miserable summer is a new boat. A large contingent of Irish dealers will be at the Southampton Boat Show and such is the competition among them there is little doubt any of up to 30 dealers could point you in the right direction of a gleaming new ship. If, that is, the arrival of a Hollywood star to Mayflower park - the tall ship 'Bounty' – is not too much of a distraction for everyone.
The famous replica of Captain Bligh's ship (the same seafarer who planned Dublin's great North Wall) is a star attraction this year, fresh from her role in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' blockbuster.
Aside from a range of sideshow features, Southampton's Autumn show has a reputation as a 'serious buyers' event – a place where those who are genuinely interested in buying marine hardware start the search for a new boat. And UK dealers are very aware these days that Irish visitors to Southampton are typically buyers and not just show-goers.
"We really are excited about Southampton this year. All the indications from events like Volvo Dun Laoghaire and Sovereigns Week are that a large number of serious sailors will be at the show, and that they'll be there with both the money and the intention of buying," said Bernard Gallagher of BJ Marine.
The show’s organisers are gearing it towards family fun on the water, continuing the marine industry's attempt worldwide to introduce more people to boating.
The emphasis is on getting newcomers out on the water - there is a Try-a-Boat feature where a selection of the latest Ribs, powerboats and yachts will be on offer to suit any needs whether you're a beginner or a professional.
Mukti Mitchell, fresh from his low carbon sailing tour of the UK, will be show-casing his innovative yacht 'Chance'. Zero emissions is Mukti's ambition and he has made a great start with this 15ft yacht made from sustainable timber. Mitchell is on stand B523, where you can learn more about low carbon lifestyles and how a few simple changes can make a huge difference.
The show runs from 14 - 23 September at Mayflower Park and, according to the British Marine Federation, it promises to be a spectacular day out for everyone with a passion for the water and all things boating.
Irish interest in the show remains high and, thanks to a number of convenient air links, getting to Southampton from Dublin or Cork has never been as easy, or as cheap.
"It's become very competitive in sales at shows like this - and the buyers know it,” said the Irish Marine Federation's Steve Conlon. “If I were buying a boat for 2007, I'd make sure I was at Southampton. Go to this one, and go to Malahide in April, and you'll have all you need to make the decision."
 
Show attracts new Prestige
Jeanneau will have a strong presence at this year’s show, having just released six new models in its Prestige line. Jeanneau has built over 2,000 Prestige motor yachts in the last eight years, and has now launched the Prestige 42S, the Prestige 38S, the Prestige 50 Fly, the Prestige 42 Fly with three cabins, the Special Edition Prestige 36 Fly, and the Special
Edition Prestige 30 S.
The Prestige 42 Sport Top, which will be presented at the Cannes and Southampton boat shows, is the Prestige event of the season. Jeanneau is developing a complete line of Prestige Sport Tops, aimed at the highly competitive global market of 40-45’ sport tops.
"At €399,000 on the water ex-Dublin, she represents excellent value for money," says Martin Salmon of MGM Marine.
As with other Sport Tops in the Prestige range, the area under the hard top is not closed off with a set of aft patio doors and retains the style and feel of an open cockpit thanks to a large opening sunroof overhead. The saloon and galley are below decks, separating the two generous en-suite cabins.
Key features include: an innovative design concept by Garroni Designers, a hull by Michael Peters and Jeanneau construction; a new Volvo IPS propulsion system with twin Volvo 370hp engines; a large opening sunroof; a luxurious and spacious interior layout boasting two large cabins including a full-beam, centreline cabin with island berth; a stylish exterior with an open saloon beneath the sport top, an open-air galley, two large sundecks forward and aft, a wide swim platform and a tender garage.
On the sailing side the new Sun Odyssey 32i Performance is set to turn heads on marinas throughout Europe. Using the Philippe Briand-designed performance hull, and the interior layout and comfort of the Sun Odyssey version, Jeanneau has added an impressive list of equipment and upgrades. Larger winches, a taller keel-stepped mast, Quantum Mylar/taffetas sails, upgraded standing and running rigging, a folding propeller and cockpit-mounted Harken traveler are all standard on this model.
It’s the combination of comfort and volume down below and a performance exterior that makes the Sun Odyssey 32i Performance an attractive proposition.
MGM Marine are the Jeanneau agents in Dublin and they will have a large sales force in Southampton at various stands including: Sunseeker (Gerry Salmon); Maxum Boats (Paul Gavin); Jeanneau Power (Martin Salmon); Jeanneau Sail (Ross O’Leary); Aquador Boats (John O’Kane), and Bella Boats. The Irish agent for Jeanneau in Cork is HM Yachts, headed up by Hugh Mockler.

Six of the best
There will be six Elan boats on display on stand 7003. These will be three from the Elan performance cruiser range, E31, E340 and the new E410. From the Elan Impression range there will be the I344, I434 and the new I514. Lee Stevenson and Russell Murphy will represent Whiterock Yachts and James Lyons will represent Sovereign Yacht Sales (the new Cork agent) on the Elan stand.
The Elan Impression 384 will be on show at the Premier Yacht sales yard at
Swanick, transport can be provided for anyone wishing to view this vessel.
As for Feeling Yachts, Whiterock Yachts have recently been appointed agents for the Feeling range of fixed and lifting keel yachts for all of Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. There will be a Feeling 44 on show on berth 92 and Whiterock Yachts will be represented by Kirstie Harper.

Muse takes to water
Whiterock Yachts are the Irish agents for the Rodman Muse 54, which is to be
shown on the water at Southampton Show for the first time. With the impending launch of the Muse 74 and the debut in Barcelona of the new Muse 44, specifications on both will be available at Southampton. First presented to the public at Barcelona Boat Show last November, the entire production run for the Muse 54 in 2007 has been sold out, with orders now being taken for Spring 2008.
The 54's sleek lines highlight her sporting credentials and belie the fact that she is immensely built – adhering to Lloyds Registry of Shipping’s rigorous standards. Her accommodation features a full-beam owner’s cabin with a private en-suite bathroom, a twin guest cabin and a forward VIP double cabin with private bathroom, while the saloon contains a forward high-level galley, socially positioned just by the dinette and U-shaped
lounge area.
Her cupped bow creates space on deck and volume in the forward cabin and an
expansive flybridge offers space for sun-bathing, alfresco dining and a
great social platform.
Two new additions to the Rodman Muse family are to be launched later this
year. The Muse 74 will be the largest in the present range, followed by the
Muse 44 - detailed drawings and pricing will be available at Southampton.
Both models are set to be extremely popular following the success of the
Rodman Muse range to date.
The 74, which will have a top speed of 33 knots ensuring swift
passage-making, even through the most testing conditions, is a distinctive,
thoroughbred performance craft easily accommodating eight guests in
luxurious surroundings, with two single crew cabins aft. The spacious
flybridge is ideal for entertaining al fresco and a bespoke range of options
is available to each owner.
The Rodman Yacht range of motor cruisers up to the Muse 54 will be on berth
192. Whiterock yachts will be represented on the Rodman stand by David
McKnight.

Bavaria’s good sport
After four years of successful production, Bavaria’s best selling power
model, the 32, has been replaced with the all-new 33 Sport & HT which is now
available to order through Irish agents O’Sullivan Marine and Boyd Boats.
IMF Chair Brian O'Sullivan of O'Sullivan's Marine will be busy at the Opal
stand and is joined by Dublin dealers Paddy Boyd and James Kirwan of Boyd
Boats.
The 33 has a separate forward cabin with large walk-around double berth and
a spacious aft cabin, with two single berths plus a clever in-fill cushion,
should you need to convert to a double berth.
At 10,40 m, the new Bavaria 33 Sport & HT is a larger boat at 20cm longer
(34’) and 25cm wider than its predecessor. While there are petrol options,
the 2 x Volvo D3-190hp diesel option will undoubtedly be favoured.
The cockpit layout is similar to the 42 - there is an excellent, roomy
U-shaped seating area for dining, which can be converted into a large sunpad
for relaxed lounging in the sun, combined with a convenient and large
storage locker beneath, perfect for hiding a dingy and fenders.
As well as the standard wetbar, there is now a double helm seat to starboard. The saloon, head and galley are all nicely proportioned and well-lit with plenty of skylights.
For complete shelter from the elements and an extended cruising season,
Bavaria offers the 33 with a hard top option as well as the Sports layout.
For those finer days, the electric sunroof slides back.

Oceanis 37 makes a show
The Bénéteau Océanis 37, distributed in Ireland by BJ Marine, will make her
debut at this year’s Southampton Boat Show.
To produce the new Océanis 37, Bénéteau has worked with the world’s top
yacht and interior designers – Group Finot and Nauta Design – providing
great attention to detail.
The 37 has clean, elegant lines, giving a high performance hull; a cruising
cockpit which doesn’t compromise on space, safety and ease of handling and,
lastly, a below decks layout that continues the Bénéteau tradition, while
reflecting the brand’s innovative profile in terms of value, storage,
mouldings, light and style.
Two large windows are incorporated into the sleek roofline giving maximum
light below decks. The cockpit has plenty of room to move around, with ample
storage including a large transom liferaft locker. A cockpit table adds to
the social side of the yacht.
A well-designed, practical companionway door and generous treads give easy
saloon access and there is a choice of either two or three cabins.
The forward cabin is a generous size, with good headroom and
ventilation, and a berth wide and long enough for real comfort and plenty
of storage.
The galley is well-equipped with refrigeration, fresh water and stowage
capacity for long-distance cruising. The 37 is the fifth in Bénéteau’s
upgraded Océanis range and combines comfort and ergonomic design wutg
performance and designer looks.
BJ Marine will have a large presence at the show. Bernard Gallagher and Noel
Davidson are looking after the Oceanis 50 and First 50 respectively,
although Bernard will be arriving late from Cannes after a week on the
Ferretti stand. Marie Parkes of BJ will be on the Oceanis 40. Alan Corr will
be there with the Beneteau trawler yacht; and new BJ man from Bangor Paddy
Graham is on Beneteau's Monte Carlo 37 footer.
On the Cranchi stand, BJ's Paul Bowen will be on the Italian-made 50-footer
with IPS technology as standard. It has had a complete redesign and is
attracting a strong following.

Shaws launch new Broom
Billy and Leslie Shaw of Portumna Marine - based on the shores of Lough Derg
in Co Galway - will debut the Broom 425 at the show. They will also be showing
the 365 which is available in single or twin engine versions, a 39 with a
single 370hp, also available with twin engines, a 450 and 50.
On the Monterey stand, Leslie will be launching the new 330 model and will
also show the 180, 214, 250, 270 and 290 models. Most of these models are
available with diesel engines.

Show expects Monsoon
Irish Delphia dealer Gavin Tobin is back from a two-week holiday off the
Wexford/Waterford coast on a new Delphia 33 that is going on display in
Southampton. "We’ve called her Monsoon for obvious reasons," he jokes.
Marketed as a good value yacht, she is comprehensively equipped for cruising
with a full battened main and furling jib, Selden mast, self tailing winches
and wheel steering. The accommodation is spacious for a yacht of its size
offering a double cabin forward with hanging lockers, a double cabin aft and
separate heads and shower compartment accessed from the main saloon. The
main saloon features a large mahogany table providing comfortable seating
for six adults and the galley is fitted with Corian work surfaces, hot and
cold water with twin sinks and a range of storage cupboards.
The Delphia 33 has been nominated for the 2008 European Yacht of the Year
Award and she is afloat on berth 131.

Trophy for Carrickcraft
Carrickcraft of Lurgan will have their own Bayliner Trophy stand as well as
the main Bayliner stand run by US Marine where the 175 and 185 speedboats
and a range of cruisers are on display.
John Morton and Nigel Sands of Carrickcraft will be promoting the new
Bayliner Trophy in their new role as distributors for Britain and Ireland.
On the Trophy stand at J780, there will be a 2359 with 200hp diesel, a 2052
Extended Hardtop with 120hp diesel, a 2103 Centre Console with 200hp
Optimax outboard and a 1703 with 90hp Optimax outboard.

Sun comes out
Sunseeker will be debuting three exciting new Sunseeker craft at this year's
show. These include the Manhattan 70, the new Manhattan 52
and the stunning Predator 52.
The Sunseeker Manhattan 50 has proved very popular for MGM Boats so the firm is now
looking at her bigger sisters, the Manhattan 60 and 66, and up again to
the 75 and 82 yachts. A distributor for Sunseeker and ‘factory direct’, MGM
can also sell to any location in Europe, offering first class service and
support in all Mediterranean boating havens. Gerry Salmon of MGM Marine will
be on the stand to welcome Irish visitors.

Sealine arrives in convertible
Sealine will be unveiling its latest sports convertible - the SC35 – at the show, as well as featuring other models from the S-series. The F-series includes the award-winning F34 (Motorboat of the Year), and the T-series is headed up by the luxurious flagship T60. Visitors will also have the chance to try out the SC29 on the water. You can pre book your Sealine trial by ringing the showroom on 02890813121 or booking online at www.sealine.com
Space and light are key elements of the SC35. It’s characterised by clean crisp lines and a modern spacious, stylish interior. The boat’s design incorporates a range of innovative features, including the hull which has been designed in collaboration with Ocke
Mannerfelt.
Cyril Johnston Marine of Carryduff in Belfast are the all-Irish agents for
Sealine. Executives on the stand will include David Johnson, Robin Cockram, Michael
Currie and Mark Mallon.


Hanse launch 320 and 350
The new Hanse 320 and 350, which have just been completed at the
factory in Germany, will be launched in Southampton.
Both yachts are designed by Judel Vrolick and follow the strong customer
demand for even more stylish deck lines plus extra light, vision and
space in the main saloon area.
Although below 13 metres, Hanse claim the models possess all of the
characteristic features of larger and more luxurious boats. The 430e, 540e and the flagship 630e will also be present.
Paul Kingston from Kinsale is on the Hanse stand along with Philip Watson
from Dublin.

Dufour to feature new 425
Donal McClement (Crosshaven Boatyard) and Mick Loughnane will be on hand to
show Dufour's 365, the new 425 (first appearance at Southampton), the 455
and 525 from the Grand Large Range and the 34 and 40 from the Performance
Plus Range.
In addition, Dufour will have a 325 and 385 available at nearby Shamrock
Quay for viewing, having secured just six slots at the show.
The 34 and 40 have a further performance upgrade and with almost 500 40s and over 600 34s already delivered, these models have been extremely successful. In this year’s Round the Island race, a Dufour 34, Pickle, won her Class from more than 50 entries.

Pearl 60 runs for top title
Pearl Motoryachts and Sonas Marine (the Irish distributor) will be
exhibiting the Pearl 50 and Pearl 60 on the water in Southampton.
Nominee for 'Motor Yacht of the Year' awards, the Pearl 60 aft-cabin yacht
"leads the range, offering eight full berths in comfort and with elegant
styling", says David Maguire of Sonas.
The acclaimed design team, fronted by Bill Dixon and Evan K Marshall, has
created a very spacious motor yacht. With the master and VIP
staterooms separated by the full length of the boat, occupants of both are
afforded maximum privacy. The flexible guest cabins offer the option of twin
or double berths as well as the opportunity to specify the port cabin as an
office.

X marks new entrant
X-Yachts will be displaying the new X-34 performance cruiser, a direct
replacement for the successful X-332. Also on display will be the new X-41
from the racing line, and the X-46 Performance cruiser.
Conor Fanning and Debbie Weldon, who are X-Yachts distributors for both
Ireland and the UK, will be on the stand for the duration of the show.


NordWest presence in Ireland
 
Shane Grey and Ian O'Meara from Viking Marine will be attending the show and will be on the NordWest and Harmony stands as well as spending some time with Evinrude outboards. The French yacht manufacturer will displaying their new Vintage series 38 and 47 Featuring a darker interior with traditional brass fittings this limited editon of 100 boats per model may well be of interest to those looking for a more traditional boat combined with a modern hull and rig. and Nordwest will have its 420 Flybridge cruiser with IPS joystick technology displayed.
Bombardier are making a big play of the Evinrude E-TEC range of outboard engines featuring ultra clean emissions and no servicing for three years. Details of new engines for 08 will also be announced at the stand.
 
Other major marques at the show will be Princess, manned by Tom Brennan;
Fairline, exhibited by Ed Brennan and Stephen Duffy; and Azimut by Paul
Brennan and Anthony Camilleri.