Sailing News

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 Arrives in America

Jeanneau America announces the arrival of the exciting new Sun Fast 3200 to North America. Fast and fun, this new design offers racers an affordable option for a high performance race boat with a comfortable interior. Chosen as the 2008 "European Yacht of the Year" under 10 meters, the Sun Fast 3200's North American debut will be at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis this fall.

Conceived by Andrieu Yacht Design, the Sun Fast 3200 utilizes Jeanneau's infusion construction technology to create the hull and deck. Lightweight yet strong, infusion construction produces a performance boat affordable enough for the average racer. A simplified sail plan and clean deck layout mean it can be raced either at a top level with full crew, or easily handled short-handed. The unique twin-rudder and tiller configuration offers the helmsman a precise feel from either side, while its integrated bow sprit allow the 3200 to take advantage of modern asymmetrical downwind sail performance.

Despite the Sun Fast 3200's race oriented pedigree, it also features a comfortable full-featured interior not available in most other race boats of this size. The straightforward layout provides a bright and comfortable space below, perfect for getting out of the elements during offshore races. The standard interior includes two large aft cabins, large head with shower and a large main salon with a sensible galley.

"For the past 50 years, Jeanneau has been a part of the world's premier racing events. Today, Jeanneau continues this long-standing tradition with the launch of the Sun Fast 3200" says Paul Fenn, President of Jeanneau America. Fenn, who recently returned to Annapolis after participating in the 100th running of the Chicago to Mac Race, looks forward to entering a Sun Fast 3200 in next year's fleet. "The boat has already had a great reception in Europe," Fenn says, "and we look forward to introducing it this fall in the U.S."

The French-based company has been building innovative, forward thinking boats since 1957. Jeanneau's broad range of vessels includes several lines of both sail and powerboats. From their traditional Sun Odyssey sailboats and more cruiser oriented DS line to the performance based Sun Fast models, Jeanneau is positioned to meet the needs of almost any sailor.

Jeanneau America
www.sunfast3200.com
www.jeanneau.com

Used Boat Buyers Beware:

How To Steer Clear Of A Hurricane Damaged Boat

By the time the new owner of a nine-year old, $35,000, 24-foot fishing boat approached the BoatU.S. Consumer Affairs Department for help, it was too late. Shortly after purchasing the vessel the new owner discovered that the boat had been subjected to "excessive trauma" from a hurricane that caused serious structural damage. Unfortunately, the new owner was now left with only one expensive option: litigation.

While buying a used boat is never easy, recent hurricanes could lead to an increase in the number of hurricane-damaged vessels for sale on the used boat market. While many boats are properly repaired and sold, sellers don't always tell the whole truth and sometimes just finding out whether a boat has been hurricane-damaged can be difficult - especially if cosmetic repairs have been made. Here are some tips that could help protect you from inadvertently buying a hurricane damaged vessel:

• Vote "independent": Having a survey done by an independent surveyor is key. In the case of the 24-foot fishing vessel, the new owner hired a surveyor - who was recommended by the dealer - for the pre-purchase inspection. The true extent of the hurricane damage was never fully revealed until after the boat's new owner, who lived in another state many miles away received delivery, became suspicious, and then hired his own surveyor.


• State line shuffle: Anyone wishing to obscure a boat's history need only cross state lines to avoid detection. That's because unlike automobiles, there are few states that have laws requiring the titles of junked or salvaged boats be "branded" as such. And only 36 states even have a requirement that powerboats be titled. In the case of our 24- footer, the boat was damaged in Texas when a hurricane struck. The absence of salvage title allowed the unscrupulous seller to simply trailer the boat to Ohio to list it for sale with a dealer. A seller who is not willing to document where a boat has been berthed or registered for the past few years should be a red flag that extra vigilance should be taken during the inspection and pre-purchase survey.


• Fuzzy "background" checks: Although a few Web sites purport to provide comprehensive background information about used boats, consumers should be skeptical, since there is no one national clearinghouse for boat information, short of checking the records of each boat by calling the boat registration agencies in every state. And be aware that even if you do that, state boat registration records do not include information about accidents or insurance claims.


• "As Is" could mean "expensive": Protections afforded consumers by federal warranty laws and state implied warranty provisions are limited when products are sold "as is". Without a thorough inspection and pre-purchase survey, you may not find any storm related damages until something major happens and new repair efforts reveal their true extent. And your insurance policy won't cover the repairs since most don't cover pre-existing conditions. If you do buy "as is", consider adding a statement in the sales contract that says the seller has revealed everything they know about the boat's existing or repaired damages.


• Eyes Wide Open: For certain buyers, purchasing a hurricane damaged vessel may be appealing, provided they have the time, budget and sweat equity needed to facilitate repairs. However, knowing it's a "hurricane boat" is a must.

Man watching sailboats saves sailor in distress on Lake Superior

Curt Bush from Cloquet, Minnesota was watching the sailboats in Duluth Harbor from a friends deck high above the water.

Superior was kind of rough when Bush using binoculars saw several sailboats far off on the Lake and something unusual closer to shore. Near Minnesota point, he saw what looked like a sailboat with its mast down. He could not see anyone aboard, and decided it might be a good idea to inform the Coast Guard.

Bush called to report a boat in distress. The Coast Guard called back immediately. They had had another report of a sailboat in distress about 2 1/2 hours earlier, said First Class Petty Officer Derek Franklin. A crew had been searching for the boat but was unable to locate it in the rough water, he said.

The crew headed back out again, this time in cell phone contact with Bush. Keeping an eye on the sailboat and one ear to his phone, Bush was able to vector the rescue crew to the sailboat.

A single person was aboard, the mast was strapped down, and the sailor had first- and second-degree burns on his legs and hands. He apparently had extinguished a small fire on his boat.

The Coast Guard crew towed the disabled boat into the harbor where the sailor was transported to Miller- Dawn Medical Center. He was treated and released.

Petty Officer Franklin said, the Coast Guard frequently makes use of help from the public.

Bush said his role in the successful rescue "made me feel real good." Next summer, Bush plans to spend as much time as possible on Lake Superior aboard his newly acquired 26-foot sailboat.

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