SailTime comes Down Under

by Angela Raspass on 30 Apr 2009 SailTime, the world’s most successful fractional sailing and membership based group with over 60 bases in North America and Europe, will be officially launching in Australia at the Sydney Boat Show in July 2009 and in New Zealand at the Auckland Boat Show in March of 2010.

SailTime provides an innovative and accessible way for experienced or budding sailing enthusiasts to beat the escalating cost of sailing and access a luxury yacht without the level of expense or challenges that often come with traditional ownership. It is a perfect model for the current economic times with an affordable all inclusive membership. Members also have access to the unique SailTime Plus model which provides the opportunity to sail at any of the 60 SailTime bases around the world.

'SailTime is an amazing concept that has taken North America and Europe by storm since its launch in 2001. In a very short time the organisation has grown to over 60 bases with a fleet of more than 160 yachts and powerboats. In Australia and New Zealand we are initially launching sail only and we have formed a partnership with Beneteau Yachts to supply our members with the very best sailing experience' said Graham Raspass, Managing Director.

Graham stated that 'in the first three years of operation we are aiming to launch 10 bases in the key Australian sailing areas of Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Frankston, Geelong, Adelaide, Perth and Freemantle. The first New Zealand bases will include Auckland (the 'City Of Sails') and Whangarei and we are actively seeking to recruit Base Owners to run the bases independently as Franchisees'.

Brendan Hunt of Vicsail, prime representative for Beneteau in Australia and New Zealand said, 'We are extremely impressed with the SailTime concept and believe its entry into the Australian and New Zealand markets is perfectly timed'. Yves Mandin, the Sales Area manager for 'Grande Exports' at Beneteau, added 'as one of the worlds leading yacht manufacturers, we are delighted to be the chosen boat for the SailTime fleet down under, and will commit our support to SailTime.

The first SailTime base, SailTime Newport in Pittwater, will be opened in July by Australasian Master Distributors, Graham and Angela Raspass. Pittwater is approximately 18 nautical miles north of the Sydney Harbour and is renowned for its natural beauty, long stretches of open beach, native bushland and great combination of both of sheltered and open waters

On display at the Sydney Intentional Boat Show will be SailTime Adventurer, the first boat for the SailTime Newport fleet, a Beneteau Oceanis 34 fully equipped with GPS navigation systems, auto pilot, Furling Jib, bimini, dodger, electric windlass anchor, full galley, fridge/ freezer, hot and cold showers and much more. To celebrate the arrival of Sailtime Adventurer introductory specials for members, owner members and for the SailTime Sailing School will be available at the Sydney Boat Show. The SailTime stand will be located in the Marina next to Beneteau.

The SailTime experience goes beyond just the enjoyment of sailing. Members also enjoy the camaraderie of being part of a club – the opportunity to sail with fellow members in regattas and flotillas.

For more information about the Australasian SailTime experience, please call Graham Raspass on (61) 418 168 231 or visit www.sailtime.com/au