Wednesday, March 10, 2010The 384

Jane BakewellA New Line of Cats at Sunsail

The first one arrived on Totola’s shores from the Robertson and Caine factory in South Africa in November and was promptly whisked away by a sailing magazine editor for a test spin with his family. The other dozen “cutting–edge 384 Cats” are due over the next few months. In a bid too upgrade their fleet for entry level investors, Sunsail employed well–known multi-hull architects, Morelli and Melvin (known for the famous round the world racer “PlayStation”) to design this special fleet of 384 catamarans exclusively for Sunsail. The company hopes to place these vessels in their bases through out the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

Josie Tucci, Global Project Manager from Sunsail headquarters in Florida speaks about the new design like a writer with an exclusive scoop. “For an entry level catamaran this is really top of the line” Tucci enthuses. “It is designed for high performance, yet great detail has gone into insuring that it is highly practical and easy to sail.” “The bonus,” Tucci continues, “is that there is no wasted space – from roof to flooring this catamaran is maximized for use.”

The layout of the catamaran follows closely other models of a similar size: 4 and 2: four double staterooms and two heads. The difference in that having six foot six inch headroom in a ‘38 cabin is pretty remarkable and consolidating storage in under bunk lockers gives the cabins a more spacious feel. An additional single forepeak birth on both sides is ideal for families with children or just extra storage space.

There are two things Josie Tucci feels will make this catamaran stand out in a harbour of look-a-likes. “The edgy design will catch people’s eyes. It is more angular with a longer water line in relation to the length which will minimize pitching.” The aft stepped transom is also unique being flat and open, so that when coming off a dock or dinghy with groceries or luggage, one does not have to step over the transom, allowing for easier boarding.

The other feature in the hull design is that it offers a smooth ride while maximizing load carrying capacity. Steering with the specially crafted twin helm engines makes even a fairly large boat easy to maneuver in tight docking situations. The design also considered the captain, who never has to move far with a centralized sail control system within arms reach, which ensures that helming is both a simple and comfortable task.

“The Sunsail 384 is yet another example of our commitment to investing in our 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,” comments Lex Raas, Sunsail President and CEO.

Performance and ease of use are not the only selling features on the 384, but some “green” technology has also found its way onboard. Mounted on top of the large bimini hardtop that extends over the cockpit are solar panels. It is estimated that these panels will generate enough electricity to save approximately 20 percent on engine hours. This is in turn will increase the lifespan of the outboard batteries by up to five years.

“The design emphasis for these boats is living outdoors, utilizing the sun and providing for ample shade,” Tucci explains. The trampoline on the foredeck, perfect for sunbathing, extends all the way across and is made of high quality comfortable Farrari fabric, which does not leave a “grid pattern” on your backside. The large shaded cockpit with additional seating gives cool sailing comfort on the warmest of days. The other luxury components of the 384 include shore-powered air conditioning and electric dinghy davits for hoisting the dingy for sail verses trailing it behind on a line.

However, what will catch the eye of potential investors is the entry-level affordability. Priced for purchase through the Sunsail Yacht Partnership Program, the 384 Catamaran fully equipped with electronics and sails start at $339K. And even the frugal traveler on a budget will find the charter sail experience an affordable option. At current BVI rates, the 384 Catamaran charter cost is approximately $650 a day - split between a party of eight, the cabin cost a night is only $81 per person. For a floating hotel room in the Caribbean, this is a value hard to beat.

“We know this new fleet will add exceptional value to our yacht offerings in the BVI,” Josie Tucci explains. “We already have the entire fleet booked for the upcoming Kite Jam in March 2010.” This first of its kind water sports event organized by the BVI Tourist Board is aimed at promoting kite boarding. Organizers were looking for live aboard boats and Sunsail’s new 384 fleet of catamarans were selected and will most likely enjoy their own promotion at this event as well.

Oyster Publications Inc, PO box 3369, Road Town Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110