Hello Friends,
How are you? This may seem an odd question with so many of us locked down or facing plentiful restrictions amidst the new years’ round of COVID rules. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, we hope you’re safe and well.
Who else is dream boat hunting?
I don’t know about you guys but being somewhat lacking in exploration and adventures over these past months I’ve found myself trawling Yacht Brokerage listings, drooling over Amel Maramu’s, whilst dreaming of taking off and sailing into the turquoise blue waters of a COVID-free sunset!
Well, it turns out I’m not alone. According to the New Zealand Marine Association boat sales (since June) have doubled, compared with those in the same period of 2019. Enrolment in marine courses has also seen an increase.
Who else out there is using their down time to plan the next big adventure?
Check out the biggest sailing yachts to join the market in 2020
From 54.27 metre Alloy sailing yacht Tiara to 59.47 metre Germania Nova, Boat International recently released this jaw droppingly impressive list of stunners! View the full list.
U.S. boat sales reached a 13-year high in 2020
It turns our New Zealand friends aren’t the only ones seeing a boost in the boating business. The USA’s recreational boating is booming, a trend that looks set to continue into 2021. With social distancing becoming a more normal part of life, more and more people are taking to the water to make the most of healthy outdoor recreational fun. So much so that an estimated 310,000 new powerboats were reported to be sold in North America within 2020, especially on the East Coast USA.
“We expect consumer interest in boating to remain strong through 2021 and beyond, with millions of Americans discovering the mental health benefits and joys of being outside and on the water,” Read more here.
Savvy navvy for motorboats
Incase you missed it, savvy navvy now supports motorboats - we’re so excited. Check out your boat settings here and give it a go!
It’s about coping with adversity on your own.
Photograph: Richard Langdon | Ocean Images
Many of us are more isolated than we would like to be, so if you’re looking for some advice on how to make the most of your time, why not hear from round the world solo sailors, who have going it alone down to an art!
Click here to hear skipper Pip Hare talks of the dangerous thrill of sailing solo.
Jules Verne Trophy: Charles Caudrelier and five other crew members set off on a mission to break the record for sailing around the world.
British skippers will not be able to captain Spanish yachts
From January 1, 2021, in accordance with current Spanish regulations, British citizens can skipper boats registered in the United Kingdom but cannot continue to benefit from the recognition of their nautical qualifications to skipper recreational boats under the Spanish flag, as the UK is now considered to be a third country. The same applies to boats for charter-hire.
Meet the boating barista who brings coffee to Sydney Harbour's rich and powerful
Australian barista Garry White has cruised Middle Harbour on his boat making coffee for sailors, swimmers, kayakers, beachgoers and even nudists! Some say, he’s got the best job IN THE WORLD. Take a look here.
Until next time
That's all for this week guys, we hope our news updates helped keep you entertained! Hopefully we'll all be back out on the water soon, until then stay safe and well.
All the best,
Hannah and the savvy navvy crew.
