Sure I did, or did I? That’s the problem with these shows: All the toys in one spot. You can walk from one brand to the next, compare, feel and almost taste “the new boat smell”.
After years of research, visiting boat shows, chartering various types and models we finally made the decision: The FP Helia 44 is it. That’s our boat. Bamm. Took the plunge, deal organized and signed (but yet to be delivered) with Dream Yacht Charter’s DreamEasy program for charter in Croatia.
Along comes the Sydney 2018 Boat Show. Why did I even go there?
I wanted to meet some of the people I started dealing with throughout the purchasing process and this was to be a perfect opportunity to put names to faces.
The problem with these shows is; they confuse you. Because of all in a sudden the brand new model xx – bigger, more modern and ‘better’ is out. And you can touch it.
If only I would have know. Can I change or upgrade to the newer model? I mean, they really thought about everything … you know, the bits you didn’t think were quite right on your model but everything is a compromise …. but now its been fixed on the new model!
First-world problems, really! I am almost ashamed of myself for even thinking that way. Here I am, lucky to be able to have purchased such an awesome yacht in the first place and now this. So why do I bring this up?
The mental issue when buying a yacht through a charter program is that you don’t get your hands on “your yacht” for approximately 5 years.
A lot will change in that time. Improvements in technology, change in fashion and styling, new players on the market. Most of all, as you charter other yachts during these 5 years as part of your “free sailing allowance”, you get a different feel for what’s right for you and what works best.
Basically, you develop a different perspective. As with all things in life, as you learn new skills, you grow. I guess that’s another advantage of these ownership programs: You get to sail a lot and try a lot. If you don’t like the type of yacht after 5 years, you can always sell it and get the ‘perfect one’ then. That could be another brand new one or second-hand, whatever suites you better at the time.
Lucky I went. I even met a few Helia 44 owners during said boatshow. You get a chance to talk face to face, exchange thoughts, discuss.
There was a lot of first hand experience. No armchair opinion – real life experience. Priceless. There is only so much you can get from reading forums, blogs and articles. Ultimately you’ve got to go out there and meet the people who sail these boats for real.
So yes, it appears I did buy the right boat after all. The right boat for what I want to do …….… but did you see the extra galley space on the Leopard next door?
See you out there on the oceans.
I Nils,
We are also in reciprocal charter program of DYC.
We have booked those Lagoon for next summer (in Belgium) the 2 last week of July 2019.
On witch base of DYC in Croatia will be your Helia next year?
The only one that I know is in Dubrovnik.
The Guys there seems to really take care of the boat.
We haven’t been given base yet. Great to hear Dubrovnik looks after their boats – ‘No Shoes’ might end up there for all I know at this stage.
Enjoy your trip in Thailand, we always have a great time there. Keep us posted on your charters, with pictures if you could. I can publish it here for you.