YACHT & POWERCRAFT DESIGN SERVICES

Once again there was plenty to see at the 35th Southampton Boat Show held in September 2003.  

Two world-girdling boats lay almost side by side on the end of one of the pontoons.  The replica of Sir Francis Drake’s “Golden Hind” (1) which circumnavigated the world in 1577 and possibly the modern equivalent some 426 years later, the Open 60 class yacht “Ecover” (2).  This beautifully finished sailing machine can undoubtedly sail round the world in a fraction of Drake’s time, the crew knowing where they are at any time and without the need to carry live pigs and chickens for food.

With around 350 boats to see afloat (3) as well as another 500 on land, buyers (and dreamers) were able to choose from a variety of boats within one size range and type from power cruisers to sailing yachts, as well as motor sailers and dayboats.  Although there a lot of people on the pontoons looking at the boats, it was never a problem to go aboard and look over any boat and then discuss the specification and details with the sales agent, or builder.   

On shore in a fairly low-key setting beside the toilets (why are the Brits so modest about their achievements?) it was possible to inspect the record-breaking Revenger 29ft RIB (4) that went round Britain in an astonishing time of just 33hr 11mins and 3 seconds at an average speed of  43 knots, taking around 9 hours off the previous record.  Rather them than me.

For those who prefer to cruise at a more gentle pace the Dudley Dix designed Cape Cutter (5) looked an attractive alternative to the popular Shrimper and will now be built in the UK.

Lymington-based dinghy builder JohnClaridge was offering his new Lymington Pram (6)  - not really a pram dinghy at all but a nice sturdy pottering dinghy for the whole family - a worthy big sister to his Lymington Scow.

Honda racing showed their lean and mean 225hp racer (7) but kept the engine running the whole time to show its gentler side - almost inaudible at idle speed.

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Yacht & Powercraft Design Services Ltd
 Email:  info@yacht-designer.co.uk
Tel. 44 (0) 1489-583346   Fax. 44 (0) 1489-583346  Mobile  07803-724317