New Dufour range available now!

Spring 2024 will see the arrival of a new range of monohulls in our Sunsail fleet. The first Dufour yachts are being delivered at the time of writing and will be completed by this summer. In total, 25 new monohulls will be delivered to our Sunsail bases in the Mediterranean over the next 3 months. 

 

This new partnership with Dufour Yachts is not just a change of partner shipyard. It's also a new philosophy, or rather a rediscovered philosophy. Just over a year ago, we started to think about what the future of the sailing monohull might look like. We've seen a number of innovations in the catamaran world over the last few years, but certain aspects (such as the handling of the tender and the outboard engine) had remained static for years in the monohull segment. We wanted to design the monohull of the future, and that's what we've done.

In partnership with Dufour's technical department, we have made substantial modifications to the boats we have ordered, to make your Sunsail voyages even more unforgettable. Even though we don't own a shipyard, but we have nearly 100,000 customers on board our boats every year. We wanted to share this all of our experiences, that we've been cultivating since 1974, with our new partner shipyard. From onboard comfort and performance to maintenance and product lifecycle, we reviewed all the technical specifications with the shipyard to ensure that ‘our’ Dufour monohulls meet your requirements.

 

We have concentrated our efforts on 4 models:

•    the Dufour 37 becomes the Sunsail 37.3 (3 cabins)
•    the Dufour 41 becomes the Sunsail 41.3 (3 cabins)
•    the Dufour 44 becomes the Sunsail 44.3 and Sunsail 44.4 (3 and 4 cabins)
•    the Dufour 530 becomes the Sunsail 53.5 (5 cabins)

They have each benefited from ‘Sunsail’ modifications. Some are highly visible, such as the Yanmar engine (exclusive to Sunsail), while others are more discreet, such as the quality of our reinforced rigging. If you look closely, you may see an extra step on the transom to make it easier to move around, or even an extra tap in the galley (our water purifier).  You get the idea, your Sunsail boat is not like the others. As usual when it comes to equipment, we haven't hesitated to choose numerous options to improve comfort on board: solar panels, generator, air conditioning and a watermaker are now part of our quality standard. 

If these few lines have woken your appetite for more, we invite you to take a look at our Yacht Ownership offers so that you can enjoy up to 12 weeks' sailing a year on your Dufour or equivalent boat anywhere in the world for 5 years. Choose a model below to obtain an exemplary financial simulation on our latest models.

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SUNSAIL SETS SAIL ON A EXCLUSIVE JOURNEY WITH DUFOUR YACHTS!

Get ready to hoist the sails and join the celebration as Sunsail embarks on an exciting voyage alongside the legendary French yacht builder, Dufour. With over half a century of seafaring craftsmanship, Dufour has earned its stripes as a top-tier yacht builder. This partnership is more than just a handshake; it's a nautical love affair that makes Dufour Yachts the exclusive supplier of sailing monohulls for Sunsail.

 

Our Sunsail technical department has been working their magic with Dufour to make sure their new creations not only meet but exceed our sailors' wildest dreams. Picture this: in the spring of 2024, we'll be welcoming our first fleet of 25 Dufour monohulls to our Mediterranean playgrounds. This flotilla will showcase four dazzling models ranging from 37 to 53 feet: the Dufour 37 (aka Sunsail 37.3), the all-new Dufour 41 (meet the Sunsail 41.3), the sleek Dufour 44 ( new Sunsail 44.3 and Sunsail 44.4), and the majestic Dufour 530 (also known as Sunsail 53.5).

But this is not even all! In autumn 2024, just in time for the 2024/2025 winter adventures in the Caribbean and the 2025 Mediterranean season, we'll be receiving another batch of these yachts. 

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Dufour yachts are amongst the fastest of the sea - speedy, stylish and oh-so-stable. They're designed for sailors who crave modern elegance, decked out with alluring finishes. Sailing them is a breeze, and they've been known to leave the competition eating their wake.

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Press conference on 12 September 2023 - Cannes Yachting Festival 

Franck Bauguil, Vice President of Yacht Sales and Product Development for Sunsail, says: "Sunsail is delighted to announce a new partnership with Dufour Yachts for all new monohulls arriving in our charter fleets. We look forward to a long-term partnership and close collaboration on product development. There is a high level of convergence between the two companies in terms of product design, comfort levels, and sailing sensations, laying the foundations for an unrivaled charter experience".

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Press conference on 12 September 2023 - Cannes Yachting Festival 

Romain Motteau, Deputy Managing Director of Dufour Yachts, expressed his enthusiasm by saying: "We are delighted with this new partnership, built on a shared long-term vision. At Dufour Yachts, we strive to design yachts that meet the evolving requirements of owners and charterers looking for a dream holiday. Our three fundamental pillars of comfort, sensations and respect for the oceans are perfectly aligned with Sunsail's philosophy".

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The new Dufour yachts will be available for charter as well as through Sunsail's management charter programmes. This is the ideal solution for those who dream of owning a boat but have limited leisure time and/or budget. The programme guarantees a regular monthly income or a reduced purchase price and offers a wide range of sailing opportunities throughout the year. It gives access to a wide range of destinations around the world without the usual expenses associated with ownership (insurance, maintenance, berths).

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Franck Bauguil concludes by expressing his gratitude to the people who helped build this partnership: "I would like to thank the Dufour management team, Romain Motteau and Steven Guedeu, and also Laurent Fabre in the United States, for making the process easy and enjoyable. Special thanks to the Dufour team, Nicolas Berenger and Romain Lucas for their expertise and listening skills, and of course to my team, Antony Wighting, Technical Director at Travelopia and John Lefevre, our Purchasing and Logistics Director, for their unwavering commitment throughout this process

With Sunsail's 50 years of seafaring expertise and Dufour Yachts gearing up for its 60th anniversary in 2024, consider this partnership the launch of a thrilling new era in the world of yachting. So, ready your crew and plot your course because the seas are calling, and adventure awaits…

Owner's adventures: Fern's co-ownership story

We’ve just bought our second Sunsail boat, well, actually my third and Garry’s second. This time another friend has joined us in our sailing investment too which makes it a three-way ownership split. Our new boat is a Sunsail 46, located in Croatia as part of the Option to Purchase programme.

Garry and I met whilst racing in Portugal, got on well and of course spent a lot of time chatting about our sailing experiences. I was already a Sunsail owner but getting close to the end of contract time. I had some last-minute points I couldn’t use because of my work schedule and offered them to Garry. He did a fortnight in the BVI with his friends and had a great time. The following year we sailed together in Croatia with my original boat, then decided when my contract ended that we would roll over together onto a slightly bigger yacht. I had more free time so bought a larger share and we split the ownership one-third/two-thirds. 

We’ve spent time together afloat in Thailand, French Polynesia, the Caribbean and all over the Med. The scheme has worked well. Often, it’s nice to do a one-way charter, so you don’t double back. With two owners who both are competent to skipper, we’ve occasionally booked a fortnight. I take the first week with my friends, say from Dubrovnik to Split, I then hand it over to Garry, and he does the return trip. We both get a great week that way and avoid any extra costs normally associated with a one-way charter.

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Now we’re joined by another friend who isn’t (and I’m sure she’d be the first to admit this) really a sailor. She’s a corporate lawyer who just loves the complete change of lifestyle that a sailing holiday offers. She wanted to secure her sailing holidays for the next 6 years so said she’d buy in with us. She’d been a guest on board with both Garry and myself several times. She’ll never skipper the boat so will always need one of us with her to sail the yacht whilst she sunbathes. It works. Garry and I get more helm time that way too. 

We don’t have any formal divisions of sailing time between us. It’s just a chat to discuss where and when we want to go, and who fancies what. Being Europe based it a pretty formulaic sailing season. We plan to use an exotic pre-booked in March, then standby off-peak in the Med early and late season, normally ending up with a fortnight in November/ December somewhere in the Caribbean. Garry might take a week or two by himself with his family and friends and I’ll fill the rest of the time, giving 1st choice to my non-sailing owner and Garry. 

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The scheme is good value and, having just sold my private yacht, I can say with a good deal of certainty, it’s very cost-effective. With multiple owners, you can maximise the weeks and we do intend to use all our allotted time including the short notice. I would certainly recommend this as a great way to sail all over the world in relatively new boats without the hassle and cost of maintenance, insurance and berthing fees. 

 

Click below to download a financial example of co-ownership.

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Could shared Yacht Ownership be the perfect partnership?

With the Sunsail yacht ownership programme, sailing has never been easier or more cost-effective, but did you know that it is also possible to buy your boat jointly? Whether it's a larger boat, or simply to reduce the cost of becoming a Sunsail Yacht Owner, we can tell you all about this easy way to optimise your sailing experience, which has already won over many Sunsail Owners. 

At Sunsail, we are particularly generous with our sailing time, with up to twelve weeks of access to your own boat or an equivalent boat available in our worldwide fleet. Though not everyone’s work and family commitments will allow them to take full advantage of this allowance. To avoid this extraordinary advantage being underutilised, many Sunsail customers have decided to buy their perfect yacht with a friend. In addition to reducing the investment for each person, this can also be an opportunity to choose a larger model or to upgrade from a monohull to a multihull for example. In any case, with up to twelve weeks available two or even three co-owners can all enjoy many weeks on the water for just a fraction of the full Ownership cost. 

 

All the advantages of co-ownership, WITHOUT compromise!

Co-ownership can be structured between family members such as brothers and sisters, or with neighbours or members of your local sailing club. The possibilities are endless. The purchase financials are not complicated by the presence of several co-owners in the contract. In fact, by combining income, the financial outlay is reduced, but for a few weeks use each your sailing time is not compromised. The use of the boat is shared between the co-owners, according to their wishes, and this creates total flexibility to maximise the value year-to-year. None of the traditional ownership pitfalls risks tarnishing the beautiful friendships or family harmonies you share, because, in the Yacht Ownership contracts, we cover all the costs and management responsibilities. This means there is no risk of disputes over maintenance, berthing and similar financial or time cost. Sunsail takes care of everything, so your only concern will be deciding where to sail next!

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Together everything is possible...

Above and beyond the purchase formalities, there is above all the pleasure of sailing, because the many weeks of use of the boat offered in our contracts open up a world of possibilities. The group of co-owners, whether friends or family, can of course decide to sail together for all the weeks available or to sail separately. Co-owners can also rent two or three boats in the same place, at the same time, to sail as a private flotilla, thanks to the possibility of using sister ships of the equivalent value. It is also possible to imagine yourselves sailing at the same time but to different destinations, which is made possible with access to our many bases around the world. Perhaps one Owner prefers being able to take their family for a fortnight in the West Indies whilst the other for a fortnight in the Mediterranean in summer. The flexibility is yours to sail how you want. All of this can be enjoyed at no extra cost, as long as your joint sailing time requirements don’t exceed the contracted weeks available and the value of the boats booked is the same as your own.

 

Sharing the joy of sailing

Sunsail's Yacht Ownership programme is therefore perfectly suited to opening up to groups of friends or families who wish to sail together... or not. It is also a very practical response to the rising cost of boat purchases, creating the possibility of accessing yachts that you may never have dreamed of alone. Several dozen boats in Sunsail's European fleet are already co-owned and though it’s not for everybody, it can be the ideal solution for some of those limited in leisure time or budget. Some of our co-owners are even on their second or third boat bought together, confirming the validity of a solution that makes the joy of sailing anywhere in the world accessible to even more enthusiasts.

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Click below to download a financial example of co-ownership

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Sunsail 454 – the even sweeter « Sweet Cat »

Almost as soon as it was launched, the Sunsail 454, later nominated as “Boat of the Year” by the Cruising World magazine, became widely considered to be the model of what a catamaran should be. Indeed, just as sound buffs strive to find the « Sweet Spot »  (the perfect acoustic point from which to listen to their hifi), boating experts quickly came to consider the Sunsail 454 as being the perfect cruising catamaran, offering the perfect balance between space, comfort and performance. Below we present the new, improved and upgraded version which is even more state-of-the-art and more eye-catching than ever.

All seasoned twin-hull skippers agree that you only really start to have fun on a multi-hull when you are at the helm of a 45-footer. At sea, just as in life in general, everything is a question of balance and the length of the Sunsail 454 (13.72 m overall) has proven to be just the right compromise for the architects, Simonis-Voogd, to be able to overcome all the inherent issues posed by the design of a cruising catamaran. Indeed, owners expect a boat measuring 45-feet at the waterline not only to be able to sail quickly but also to be able to glide comfortably over and between waves even in choppy conditions. This length makes it possible to design twin hulls of sufficient size to create interior volumes and, very importantly, a loading capacity that is perfectly suitable for cruising purposes.




Out at sea, 45-footers win hands down

Those advantages are obviously even more applicable to sixty-foot, or even bigger, models. However, on boats of that size, the efforts required, the complexity of the manoeuvring techniques and the high level of maintenances constraints are such that the recourse to a professional crew becomes inevitable. This is clearly not the case with the Sunsail 454, which is sufficiently compact to be easy to handle when cruising with either family or friends and yet is big enough to comfortably fit up to four double cabins with independent bathrooms in its twin hulls while still having enough space left to house a skipper in a separate cabin, if required.

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Let the light flood in and enjoy the space

The Sunsail 454 interior has been completely made over, making it even more stunningly attractive than before. The whole crew can sit inside the vast, U-shaped salon, bask in the light flooding in through the panoramic windows, and, as all the seats look forwards, enjoy the panoramic view out front. As for the style, it is as up-to-date as ever. The “silver riftwood” furniture contrasts handsomely with the Corian white of the spacious kitchen and the white oak flooring. The hulls are similarly designed to let in as much natural light as possible. The beds have been redesigned to allow a more convenient, access from either side and the enlarged portholes give an even greater impression of spaciousness.

 

A lounge to relax in and enhanced performance

Although the modifications below deck have been introduced gradually, from one version to the next, outside the upgrade is blindingly obvious. The 454’s silhouette is stylishly outlined by the long row of steel-rimmed portholes which immediately identify it as belonging to the long line of Sunsail catamarans. The main, forward cockpit is still as comfortable as before, whether at anchor or in port, but there is now an additional, perfectly-designed upper lounge, perched upon the rigid hardtop bimini. It is located close to the sheltered helm station, where all the lines are centralized, and where the crew can enjoy a full 360° view of the boat and sails. The layout of this newly-designed space is perfectly functional. With its sunbathing area at the fore and the banquette and table at the rear (the perfect place for sipping a cocktail out in the fresh air), the 454 seems to have taken on a new, fourth dimension. However, let’s not forget there is still the traditional aft cockpit below, itself very roomy and so easy to move through or around.

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The boat has generously-dimensioned sails (more than 120 m² in all) including notably, a large genoa, and so both is quick over the water and a real pleasure to sail. Various press reviews have pointed out the boat’s “ingenious hull design”, its “remarkable stability” and its ”ideal size for open-sea cruising”. (Multihulls World). Canadian Yachting raved about it being “quick, roomy and stable, what dreams are made of!” Who could put it better than that? Well, maybe you will one day, should you wish to buy or rent out a Sunsail 454?

 

Click below to download the financials, then book your meeting with one of our experienced Yacht Ownership experts.

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Interview: Discover the Marina Agana base with Antonio

Ready to embark on an epic adventure in Europe’s sailing mecca next summer? Why not brush up on your knowledge get to know Agana a bit better before deciding on joining the yacht ownership programme with a boat located there? Our base manager Antonio Liponavić is here to answer all of our questions.

1. How DID YOU START OUT IN THE YACHTING INDUSTRY?

I've been close to boats and the sea my whole life. When I was younger I rowed and spend lots of time on the water. After I finished school I wanted to stay close to the boats and sea so the yachting industry was a logical choice for me. I applied for the job with Sunsail in 2002 and luckily I got a job. After some time then I've started working for both Sunsail and The Moorings.

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Antonio (right) checking up on yachts.

2. Have you always been based in Agana, Croatia?

I started with Sunsail when the base was in Marina Frapa in Rogoznica. We moved base to Marina Kremik the following year where it stayed until 2009. After this, I moved with The Moorings to Marina Agana, where Sunsail joined us in Agana a few years after.

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marina agana from above

3. Has this part of Croatia always been popular or did it grow significantly as a yachting destination over the recent years?

Croatia has definitely grown in popularity over the last 10 years, and today probably has one of the largest charter fleets in the world – over 4000 yachts are registered for the charter industry. We are not surprised, of course, the sailing ground is amazing and versatile, and tourist boards are doing a great job at promoting our small country, so we have more and more customers each year.

4. The Dalmatian coast is seen as one of the most picturesque spots to sail in Europe - what makes it so special in your eyes?

Probably the variety this coastline has to offer, it is really unique in the world. One who hasn’t been to Croatia before may not guess it – but it really is part of the cradle of European civilisation. People have lived and sailed here since the Greek times, hence the ancient names for some places, like Faros for Stari Grad on Hvar, or Issa for Vis island. Most of the buildings, however, come from Venetian times, the architecture is really appealing. SO, in regards to sightseeing aspects, there is really a lot to discover in every single town dotted along the coastline. Some people like to hide in secluded bays, of that there is plenty. Normally, as the number of tourists increases in the high season, those get a little bit more difficult to find, but we are always happy to advise on their whereabouts. And that is what I feel draws people here the most – the Croats. We have a special vibe about us, I would say, mostly it is friendly and very supportive, and we like to help our visitors and brag about our traditions which prove to be very interesting to any listener. That helping nature also comes forward in the nautical tourism – there isn’t a single dock or mooring buoy that doesn’t have staff attending to it, ready to help out with parking manoeuvres and advice.

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marvellous sights at the marina

5. How would you describe the sailing conditions to our Owners?

The sailing conditions in Croatia are typically Mediterranean – in the summer months there are wonderful breezes of north-westerly wind during the afternoon and it can be very hot, while out of season there are periods of some stronger winds and storms with rain that are possible. Around late April, beginning of May, the sea is starting to be warm enough for swimming, depending on the year, and usually, the sunbathing season lasts well into October, sometimes even November.

6. Other than diving straight into the balmy water…what is a real must-see or must-do when sailing in this region?

There is really so much, everybody can find something they like. I would single out the gastronomic part of the holiday – the Croatian cuisine is delicious and accompanying wine diverse. Every island has its own unique wine sort, and going to wine tastings is something our guests enjoy with a lot of fervour. There is also diving which is still a bit underestimated, but amazing in the area of Vis and Kornati islands. For those who enjoy old buildings, fortresses and sightseeing in general – every little town is perfect, especially the likes of Trogir or Stari Grad which also have UNESCO protection. National and nature parks are also within reach – Krka, Kornati, Lastovo, Mljet can all be reached by boat and are very picturesque, as well as a great way to actively relax via hiking or bike riding.

7. Why would you recommend Agana as a top spot a base to have their yacht managed at?

A great deal of our fleet is a part of the ownership program, and we believe that our work speaks for us, in a way. A lot of owners come by the base and start enquiring about conditions to have their yacht based in Agana, and we take it as a compliment. We are proud of the effort we are putting into our yachts, and their maintenance, and believe we have a strong and responsible team that are delivering a great product and service to our guests, especially owners.

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the kornati islands

8. How much time would you advise our Owners to come to spend sailing around?

Some of the owners spend all their points on sailing in our area, especially in the last couple of years when travel was restricted. When one is not in a rush and just wants to revisit some of the favourite spots, 2 weeks is a beautiful time to spend on board, once out of season, once in high season. A lot of owners come 3 or 4 times, depending on the conditions and the crew – they are just people who love spending their time on the boat, so once it will be the north region, once the south, once it will be a 2-week combination in order to get to Dubrovnik and back… The beauty of sailing here is the choices, we are always happy to suggest new places that we know our owners will love – if it is a new bar that opened, for those travelling with a crew looking for a good time; or a sandy beach they haven’t been in yet if they are sailing with their family.

 

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city of trogir 

You can currently join the Yacht Ownership Programme in Agana with two different models, click on the buttons below to check out your options.

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Keep the sun in your sails

Travelling is one of the most enriching activities we can embark on in our lives. And as we all do our best to weather the storm of the pandemic, let's dive into the adventures of Vincent and his daughter Jade who embarked on an unforgettable trip in St. Martin recently. 


As soon as "the Friendly Island" announced that they're welcoming back our international visitors to their beautiful shores, Vincent didn't hesitate and booked his plane tickets. Vincent has been a Sunsail-owner since 2018, his Sunsail 454 yacht is based at our Tortola base. Since entering the programme Vincent has been on many yachting trips whilst apart of the YO-programme all over the world! 

His first trip with us took him to the tropical shore of the Seychelles, afterwards he took on the Mediterranean waters of Greece, Croatia and Spain. As a huge water sport-enthusiast (Vincent loves sailing, diving, kiteboarding and windsurfing), St. Martin was the perfect destination to get to splash around some balmy waters after a long time of not being able to travel. He's got his next trips planned already, he wishes to visit the British Virgin Islands and Raiatea (French Polynesia) in the near future.

We hope that Vincent's journey inspires you and that we can welcome you onboard soon!

 

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Lefkas; your gateway to the Ionian Islands.

Corfou, Ithika, Naxos…. names which conjure up images of idyllic cruises that Sunsail can organise for you in a beautiful sailing area around our base in Lefkas in the Ionian Islands on the West coast of Greece.

but, why choose lefkas in particular? 

Well, apart from all the beautiful islands you can visit, the clement wind and weather conditions (the Meltem is a long way away!) make this area popular with those with relatively little experience in windy conditions and/or wishing to make the most of their limited time on board actually sailing, bathing and snorkelling rather than being stuck in a port waiting for Aeolus, the Greek God of the Winds, to calm down!

Our base manager in Lefkas, the charming Claire Shields, will be delighted to greet you and ensure your arrival is as seamless as possible. The other good news is that there is an international airport on the island at Preveza and the base is just a short taxi ride away from Preveza airport.

The facilities provided in Lefkas are top rate too: safe and comfortable docking, a mini-market for provisions, water, electricity, telephone and refuelling services, well-maintained washing and showering spaces and even a book swap area.

 

 

 

the perfect sailing route

Once you’ve taken possession of your boat, there are a host of places to sail to. Here is just one example for a one-week cruise of just over 100 nautical miles:

Day 1: Lefkada – sailing route Lefkas-Preveza:  +/- 10nm
Day 2: Meganisi – sailing route Preveza-Parga: +/- 29nm
Day 3: Poros – sailing route Parga-Sivota Mourtos: +/- 15nm
Day 4: Ithaca – sailing route Sivota Mourtos-Lakka, Paxos: +/- 12nm
Day 5: Fiscando – sailing route Lakka, Paxos-Giaos, Paxos: +/- 4nm
Day 6: Kefalonia – sailing route Giaos, Paxos -Lefkas: +/- 36nm

Check that out on Google Earth (not bad hey?).

 

how about otp in lefkas? 

Since we are discussing sailing in Greece, we’d like to mention a special programme we can offer there.

In one or two countries Sunsail have a specific programme for would-be buyers called OPTION TO PURCHASE (OTP) and may be of interest to you.

It is particularly attractive as, although it does not generate any regular income from monthly rentals (as our other programme does), it can allow you to become a boat owner for only 65% of the initial price! At the outset, it requires only a very low initial down payment amounting to just 45% of the buying price. Then, after the regular 6 seasons period of cruising in our bases around the world, customers have the choice of either:

  • making a final 20% payment (+vat, if applicable) and becoming full owners of their boat, or
  • opting out and receiving a no-nonsense, guaranteed refund amounting to 20% of the initial price!

Either way, it is a win-win deal, isn’t it?

If you’d like some more detailed information about the Option to Purchase programme click here or contact us on +44 (0)23 9222 2225.

 

our most popular boat? the sunsail 38.

The Sunsail 38 is the most popular monohull at our Lefkas base. This is certainly because it is very pleasant to cruise on as it is relatively spacious, uncluttered, bright and airy and, unlike most models of this size, comes equipped with twin helms. In addition, its specially designed chined hull ensures excellent performances, particularly upwind. If you’re interested in buying a Sunsail 38 in charter management with Sunsail, you can download our latest special offer here.

If you’re looking to charter this boat from one of our Worldwide bases, click here.

In case you’re interested in buying a second hand 38 foot monohull, discover your options here.

 

 

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Is Guaranteed Income always guaranteed?

September 15, 2020 | Offers

Sunsail and sister company, The Moorings are credited with creating the “guaranteed income” ownership model that has become the most popular plan among the world’s largest charter companies. This attractive option aims to remove all risk to the owner as it ensures their loan or lease payment will be covered in the form of a guaranteed monthly payment from the charter company. Boat buyers are reassured during the sales process that no matter what, they will receive this payment, regardless of the actual charter activity of their boat. This guarantee is the cornerstone of the entire program. Without it the model fails, and the owner can be put in a very difficult situation.
But can all these charter companies guarantee they’ll remain able to send out hundreds of payments each month ranging from £1,000 to £10,000, no matter what trials and turmoil come? The fact is some of them can’t.

We never miss a payment

Whether it was the 9/11 attacks, the worldwide recession in 2008, or the more recent devastation of hurricanes Irma and Dorian, many charter companies folded under the circumstances and found themselves unable to honour their guaranteed income commitment. Meanwhile, Sunsail (and sister company The Moorings) never missed an owner payment.
The world again finds itself under the weight of another crisis. This time in the form of a global pandemic that has shut down travel and tourism completely and has sent global markets into uncertainty and disarray. Honouring our guarantees to our owners is more important now than ever. We can, and will, continue to do so. This is also attesting of the financial strength of our company, and our commitment to our owners.

what other charter companies are doing

We have however, learned over the past few weeks that some of the other large charter companies find themselves unable to pay their owners. They have officially ceased all owner payments for several months, sometimes even until 2021 and the resuming of those payments may be conditional.

It is important for anyone considering purchasing a yacht through a guaranteed income program to be aware that “guaranteed” sometimes only means guaranteed during the good times.

Our Promise

We believe guaranteed means guaranteed, no matter what.
So, please make sure you do as much research and fact-checking as you can before entering into a partnership with a group that may be unable to fulfil their obligations to you.

Check out the latest video update from Yacht Sales President, Franck Bauguil, below specifically addressing this reality.

Stay safe out there and we’ll see you on the water soon!


 

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Why is it the best time to buy your yacht?

What if this troubled period was in fact the ideal time to embark on the project that has been close to your heart for a while now?

You have repeatedly turned the subject in your head: "I only sail a few weeks a year, I do not have the time or the skills to take care of a boat and I cannot afford to leave it at the pontoon for long. I like comfort, quality of service, sailing holidays without a hitch and I like to discover new moorings and routes. "

… No doubt, you would make for  a satisfied Sunsail owner!

Yes, but why start now, in the midst of a major crisis that prevents us from leaving our home? Is it really sensible?

Let's be clear: the prices and conditions have never been more attractive, here is a summary of this unprecedented situation that should convince you to take the plunge:

1 / The combination of a production tool in the nautical industry which was running at full speed with large orders and the sudden cessation of the market linked to the health crisis allow you to benefit from the choice of models, their availability and a level of discount never seen before! The prices and conditions have never been so attractive, the hardest part will be choosing the boat!

2 / On most of our special offers, we offer a program extension which makes it possible to recover the time of use lost because of the Covid-19, while continuing to increase its investment thanks to the guaranteed rental income which is paid to you every month. Earn more and sail as much. Clever, right?

3 / To reassure you about the quality of our Brokerage network, our 50-years mastery of the second-hand market and our ability to resell your boat, we are temporarily committed to a guaranteed recovery at the end of the program.

4 / France has benefited for many years from an exclusive flat-rate VAT system at 10% instead of 20% on all units delivered in France and armed with deep-sea, applicable on leasing rents even if the boat does not leave Community waters. This extremely advantageous exception was to end on April 1, 2020 (no, this is no joke) at the urgent request of Brussels. Who, given the current situation, agrees to postpone the implementation of this change. So? Ready to pay 10% less for your boat? And also benefit from historically low rates on your financing?

5 / It is at the height of the storm that we recognise the most solid structures. The Moorings, which invented the management program on sailboats, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, and since its marriage with Sunsail, has gone through financially trying times like the economic crisis of 2008 or Hurricane Irma and the losses and extraordinary damage he sowed. It was during these crises that our group demonstrated its strength and its concept of contractual commitment. Our owners have always received their rental income despite a very sharp drop in activity in boat rentals or immobilisation of their boat for several months for repair.

Backed today by the KKR investment fund, one of the most powerful in the world, Travelopia offers you more than ever the comfort and security of a well-kept investment.

6 / When the market picks up again (which will happen soon and hopefully as soon as possible), we will probably no longer have the boat of your desire, the prices will unfortunately have resumed their slow and inexorable rise as well as the financing rates, and at this moment you will regret not having jumped on this unique opportunity that would have made you a happy owner but above all an opportunist!

So in short, now is the time to buy at the best price!

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