Welcome to the Windcraft Winter newsletter. The last couple of months have been an exciting time at Windcraft. We have recently taken delivery of some new yachts, never before seen in Australia and are pleased to report we are extremely happy with what we have seen! Sanctuary Cove Boat Show confirmed that the interest in the new boat market has returned with a vengeance and we are busily planning for a strong turnout at Sydney Boat Show.
As well as the full line up of Hanse models we will have all other brands imported by Windcraft represented at the show this year – Moody, Dehler, Dragonfly and Fjord. From cruising to racing we have the solution. Team Windcraft Sydney is now up and sailing - specialising in the larger models and the racing scene. The new offices are officially open - call in to meet Tim, John and Greg or meet them at this years' Sydney Boat Show.
Our Team are also delivering the amazing Dragonfly 35 down the coast from Queensland and she will be on display at the Sydney Show. Full details of the dleivery trip will be available soon.
As Team Windcraft expands so does the scope of our services on offer. The recent addition to our Service Centre of a full time shipwright has already proven invaluable to owners. Did you know that the team also includes a Technical Sail Advisor?
Read on to find out more.
Kind Regards, Team Windcraft
Moody 41 Classic No other boat has created such enthusiasm and excitement as this elegant Classic that arrived in June. Photo’s do not prepare for the impact on going below for the first time – the magnificent finish and attention to detail has to be seen to be believed. It is very much lush leather and polished wood evoking evenings of backgammon with a vintage scotch.
And then to the sailing – in a word “awesome”. Graceful and responsive with a perfect balance of a firm but light helm. All the elements for goose bumps. No wonder this boat sold within two weeks of arriving in the country.
Team Windcraft Sydney has been created through a joint venture with the owners of the highly successful yacht brokerage firm YOTI, a well respected Sydney Harbour company.
Peter Hrones, managing director of Windcraft Australia, said “Windcraft has always been proud of the relationship and service we offer to our customers. With Sydney Harbour being one of our major markets it is only natural that we would one day have a permanent presence on Sydney Harbour. “
“Strategic decisions in business are not something to be implemented on a whim; we have spent considerable time ensuring that our partnership on the harbour is one that will produce long term benefits for both our existing and future owners. The new Team Windcraft Sydney, under the direction of the team that spearheaded the success of YOTI, is the solution we have been searching for", he said.
Tim Vine, co-founder of Yoti said “we have been an admirer of the Windcraft range of products for many years. We are all very excited to be involved in this joint venture and look forward to growing the brands on the harbour.
Team Windcraft has also recently opened a new office in Melbourne, under the leadership of Roger Poulter, our well respected dealer for the past few years. Roger is preparing for the commissioning of two new yachts and is almost as excited as their new owners. Full details of the launch of Team Windcraft Melbourne will be on the website soon.
More on the Team As the number of our Australian owners increases to over two hundred then so must our owner support network. Our After Sales and Service centre now has a full time staff of 5. Nick Jones, the manager, has returned this week from a 26,000km trip around the continent – much to the relief of the other staff. Nick is the very able contact for all service enquiries.
2010 has seen David Griffin join us as a full time shipwright. Dave is a highly respected 3rd generation boat builder. Already this year Dave has worked on owners Hanse yachts in Hobart, commissioned a new Dragonfly in Queensland and is completing the Hanse 545 commissioning before flying to Melbourne for the arrival of two new boats. Dave’s expert advice is already proving invaluable to owners wanting to set their boats up for their dream cruise or racing project.
Sailing Advice needed? We have Ric Hawkins on the team as technical sailing advisor. A highly experienced sailor with the ability to impart his knowledge to sailors at any level, Ric is proving very popular with Hanse owners. This year has seen him assist with race training on a 430 and 400 on the harbour. Ric also provides boat familiarization sessions with new owners - whether new to sailing or seasoned sailors wishing to realize the potential of their yacht. Read some comments at http://www.windcraft.com.au/testimonials.php
Something for a Rainy Day It is the school holidays so for kids of all ages (yes grown up ones too) we have a way to pass some time on a cold winters day, yet still test that brain and give you a sailing fix - well of some sort anyway.
Hanse 545 Sailing On Pittwater The flagship of our Hanse fleet is now here and hit the water in spectacular style on Saturday. Leaving everything in its wake, the 545 streaked across Pittwater rendering crew and spectators speechless! Check out the video clip here.
This boat will deservedly have a prominent position at Sydney Boat Show. It is once again an example of how Hanse continue to set trends and break rules to stay at the forefront of production boat design.
This striking yacht has a vast cockpit with two areas, an innovative coach-roof design and vertical hull windows which make for a saloon with a view. It is however, the sheer cleanness of the lines and clear expanse of teak decking that captures your attention – especially from behind the black carbon wheel.
If you can tear yourself away from this vision to go below, the accommodation is as expected, luxurious with plenty of choice including the much requested aft owners stateroom. . For more info please click here
Dehler 35 A brand new model for Australia, she has only just hit the water at the time of going to press – it is clear that this heralds the return of the Dehler brand to Australia. The Dehler quality is undisputed and now the brand has the support of Windcraft’s established position in the Australian market and completes the racing niche for Windcraft. We look forward to seeing the new Dehlers at the front of the racing fleets.
The recent results from the Keel Race Week series in Europe are all positive as they report "The conditions during the 7 Races was always very light, with wind speeds from 3 to 10 knots, we had 2 Boats in ORCi Class2. The boats performed well - the Dehler 35 was the big champion and won the class dominating all competing boats. The Dehler 32 as smallest boat in the group had more problems to cope with than her big sister, but with a 8th rank we are also very satisfied”
For more information contact Peter Hrones on 02 9979 1709
