boats Archives

Guest Review: Catamaran ‘No Shoes’ Helia 44 after 2 seasons in charter review… still as new!

Through July 2020, we have had the pleasure of a 20-day sailing trip onboard the bareboat catamaran ‘ No Shoes ’ – a 2019 Fountain Pajot Helia 44 Evolution – across the North Adriatic in both Croatia and Italy. The catamaran is in charter with Dream Yacht Charter, based in…

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August 27, 2020

sailing / sailing trips

3 Best Places to Sail in Hong Kong

Over 261 outlying Islands, UNESCO-listed rock formations and white beaches provide a perfect playground for boat lovers and water sport enthusiasts, all on the doorstep of one of the world’s busiest cities. Whether you are looking for a day charter or an overnight sail, there is a trip for every…

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August 12, 2020

retirement / sailtraining / yacht ownership

Retiring on a boat … a sea change contemplated by many right now

The current COVID situation has certainly changed my perspective on life and what is important. Postponing dreams is no longer an option. I want that lifestyle change. Some of us are financially secure and retiring on a boat seems a great idea. For others the thought of operating a yacht…

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June 26, 2020

Bare Boat Ownership / Yacht Management Systems / yacht ownership

I bought a boat, now I own a business … From Yachtowner to Businessmen. A change of course!

A few months ago someone posted the question here " is buying a yacht a good business decision". I wanted to answer then but did not have time. Well... plenty of time now. By Derek Hunsinger, Owner OperatorObviously, it depends. It depends on your tax/wealth situation. It depends on how…

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June 22, 2020

yacht ownership

Manufacturer’s operational instructions … and why you should follow them!

A recent Facebook post on whether to put your Saildrives in neutral or reverse whilst sailing and the vast variety of comments posted prompted me to write the following article. The aim: to prevent you from failing your equipment on the open ocean. Yes, you read this right … you…

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June 12, 2020

AI / surveillance / system monitoring / Yacht Management Systems / yacht ownership

Streamline your yacht charter business and gain the edge over your competition …with Sailsense Analytics

Last week I identified 10 opportunities for your charter operation to be an industry leader, ensure growth and stay profitable - using the Sailsense 'Smart Boating Assistant'. After 3 successful years in Europe, we are now looking for an operator to be the launch customer for our system in Australia…

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May 23, 2020

Bare Boat Ownership / catamaran / interview / Operator Review / sailing / yacht ownership

9 successful years in bare boat charter … from an owners perspective

Paul Roger has over 9 years of successful dealings with his charter management company, his Lagoon 421 is still in great shape and he made some money. Why it's worth the effort! On my most recent trip to the Whitsundays, I finished next to yet another well maintained Lagoon 421,…

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May 16, 2020

Bare Boat Ownership / catamaran / interview / Operator Review / sailing / yacht ownership

Interview with DYC Australia’s Managing Director Christophe Vanek.

COVID-19 impact on business, the future of the bareboat charter industry and talk about Dream Yacht Charter's 20 years on their Australian base. How to not make a new friend: walk right past him on the dock, introduce him by the wrong name to others and then bag his favourite…

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March 28, 2020

Boat Review / catamaran / sailing / sailing trips / yacht ownership

FUSION 40 CATAMARAN ‘KANGAROO’. Good things come in small packages.

Published in Not strictly speaking a charter yacht review but nevertheless a long journey worth following. ‘Kangaroo’ first came to my attention in around 2011 when it was up for sale after having made quite a splash in the media at the time – before Instagram and YouTube got started.I was…

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January 24, 2020

Bare Boat Ownership / catamaran / sailing / yacht ownership

All Aboard for the 2020 Sailing and Charter Season

Welcome aboard to all new subscribers and thank you for submitting your charter yacht reviews. As you can see, Davor and his Team at DYC Pula are getting "No Shoes' ready for the 2020 seasonThis website's origin was to follow the journey of my FP Helia 44 'No Shoes' through…

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January 21, 2020