Save Our Skills, Wild Oats XI secret weapon, Clipper Propels into 2013
by Jeni Bone, editor on 18 Dec 2012
Sweltering in to the Christmas break, it's comforting to know most of us will have enforced time off to relax and enjoy time on the water. Our trailer has arrived, the RIB is ship shape, engine primed and life jackets fitting, and most importantly, fishing rods and bait are at the ready!
No doubt, we will regale you with our on-water triumphs in the New Year . . . but for now, we are planning to see Santa, arriving to our shores by boat at Southport Yacht Club on Saturday afternoon ahead of his Aussie run next Monday night. Kids can't wait and SYC has a packed program of Carols and cuisine on the cards for visitors and members. See you there?
As we count down the '12 minutes til Christmas', which is what is seems as we jam in so many things before corporate Australia grinds to a halt, it's a great time to reflect on what we would wish for the year ahead.
Experienced builder and one of the industry's good guys, Terry Vine, highlights this in a story about the drain of talent at a senior level, leaving the boating industry for other countries and industries. Plenty to ruminate on, and if you're placed to back his concept of Aussie powercats, perhaps an alluring venture to consider for 2013?
Lots and lots of holiday reading this week, and more to come, can't type fast enough. There's news that Clipper Motor Yachts has signed up the dynamic Lauren Brittain of Propel Public Relations to take the company to the next level. A great combination!
There are a slew of launches in the first weeks of 2013, innovative new models across various brands, including the first of the covetable Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 which is due to arrive in WA to be unveiled at the 2013 Hillarys Boat Show, 15-17 March.
Speaking of highly desirable, we have the scoop on the orange vision of sophistication that will be seen by all at the start of the Rolex Sydney to Hobart next week - Mark Richards' latest Palm Beach in burnished amber, which will be pilot boat for Wild Oats XI on Boxing Day. Interiors designer, Sarah Egan from Boat Style shares her inspiration and some of the new generation materials used onboard.
The experts rate Wild Oats XI's chances for this year's race - likely to blitz the competition with its new wingtips, hull and sail configuration - aiming for a sub-24 hour dash, all things going smoothly.
And just in - Riviera built Belize Motor Yachts has received an enormously prestigious accolade, named the ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM awards. Congratulations to our friends at Riv/Belize and its inspired creator, Wes Moxey.
Well, that's it from me. Have to entertain the kids with a dry run (wet run) around the canals before heading out on the Broadwater Boxing Day. Cheers to all our loyal and intermittent readers. Thanks for the feedback, a year of reading and commenting, your support, friendship in many cases and camaraderie which is why I persist.
Happy Christmas to you and your families! Enjoy the break! Best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous 2013. Look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year!
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/104800