Written by Suellen Tomkins, owner of the Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, Wild Heart. So, you’ve bought your new catamaran and have opted for a factory pick up in Europe? Brilliant! An incredible cruising adventure waits; but before you set sail, let’s talk about the necessary customs and immigration formalities for a bit. You’ll be sailing … Continued
By Caroline Strainig for Boat Gold Coast Magazine Gordon and Louise Fraser are working like a well-oiled team, as they head out from their marina berth at Manly on their Fountaine Pajot Salina 48 sailing catamaran. Louise has the mooring lines all neatly organised and casts off and steps back on board at the transom … Continued
Written by Suellen Tomkins, owner of FP Helia 44 ‘Wild Heart’. Have you seen the classic John Cusack film High Fidelity? He’s a depressed record store owner who compulsively creates his top 5 lists of films, records and ex-girlfriends. Inspired by High Fidelity‘s list-making, I’ve created my own top 5 list of “must haves” on … Continued
Written by Suellen Tomkins There’s a romantic notion of cruising at night; sails billowing in a steady breeze and the ocean shining in the moonlight; nothing but the peaceful sounds of the sea. The reality can be far from this idyll. Firstly, there’s darkness and lack of visibility. Throw in fishing pots, unlit fishing boats, … Continued
Simply Purrfect By Caroline Strainig for Boat Gold Coast The breeze is light but steady, the sun is shining, and the boat is slipping through the water effortlessly. Everyone on board is smiling, savouring the moment. ‘œIt doesn’t get much better than this,’ I reflect, as I sit back and take in the luxurious catamaran we’re … Continued
Denis Spooner and Suzi Kerr found their pre-loved Helia 44 catamaran in Tahiti, combining their dream of a bigger boat with an extended cruise. Caroline Strainig asked them about their adventure. “The waters are crystal-clear and incredibly blue, and the sunsets are breathtaking. We snorkeled and swam almost every day.” When Australian couple Denis Spooner … Continued
First the apprehension, approaching the entry channel and then, the wonder of the first lagoon ‘¦ Channels Rangiroa : 14°58’S – 147°37’6W Fakarava Nord : 16°05’S – 145°43’W Toau Otugi : 15°55’S – 145°53’W Faaite : 16°42’S – 145°21’W Apataki Nord : 15° 19’S – 146°24’W Tikehau : 15°00’4S – 148°16’9W The dangerous archipelago! One is apprehensive when preparing to enter the first … Continued
Written by Craig and Bodil Norwood, new owners of Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40 now lying in Singapore. Route: Ao Po Grand Marina, Phuket – Keppel Bay, Singapore Date of Departure: 1700hrs, 4 December 2019 This was trip was part of the delivery of Double Cove, our new Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40, to Singapore. It had … Continued
Written by Tim Armstrong, Delivery Skipper for Beachspace Marine Having delivered lots of types of cruising boats over the last four years, covering over 50,000nm, I am often asked for my view on various boats. One of the most common discussions I have with prospective buyers are the pros and cons of buying an ex-charter … Continued