One of the fundamental aspects of the design is the sailboat’s lines. The S8 is purposely crafted to be a fast cruiser. So that the navigator feels the speed when sailing. This feeling is enhanced by the materials from which it is built. The raw materials used make it a light sailboat. A combination that made me glide through the waves and convey sensations like few boats I have tried so far.

Everything has been thought of in the manufacturing process. For example, Sarch gives the possibility to choose the S8 with an outboard or inboard engine of up to 20 hp. With an electric start and remote control. If you opt for an inboard engine, it is installed in a compartment in the cockpit, without taking space away from the cabin.

For the sails, the shipyard relies on a classic: North Sails. They generally install a set with a larger Squarehead and a furling genoa jib. But they can be changed for Sport Pentex or 3DI models, depending on the sailor’s preference. Knowing how important safety is for all sailors, the S8 has a composite keel with a lead bulb. This way, the heaviest part of the boat is deeper into the water, and thus the sailboat becomes more stable.

Sarch S8, Onboard Comfort

To design the interior of the Sarch S8 the first thing that was taken into consideration was the owner’s comfort. A comfort that surpasses any boat in our segment, within the possibilities that a cruiser of 8 meters in length has.

The cabin is the perfect height to make getting in and out as simple and effortless as possible. And the spaces are spacious and bright. Although they may seem unimportant details, when you are inside the sailboat you still have the same feeling of freedom that you have on deck.

To make the boat like a house on the sea, on the inside, there is a triangular bed on the bow, a cabin in the stern with 1 double berth, a separate toilet, a kitchen bar, a lounge area, and a large storage space. You also have the possibility to place an electric fridge. And all of this was built with the utmost care.

It is not the most luxurious hotel suite in the world, but on the S8 you have everything you need to spend the summer nights on board as comfortably as possible. One of the things that made us fall in love was the fact that we could anchor practically on the shore of a cave, without the need of an inflatable boat to approach the beach, since it has a fantastic system of a lifting keel.

The experience of sailing with a Sarch S8

Beyond the technical data, there is no better way to know if a sailboat is suitable than talking about the sailing experience. Hear from those who have experienced firsthand the sensations it transmits with changes in wind gusts, how maneuvers are made or the ease of handling to have a more realistic and sincere vision of the cruise.

One of the most striking features of the S8 is its dynamism and speed. A speed that you can control thanks to its ease of movement. When you try it, you’ll feel like you’re flying over the sea. And the scent of the foam from the waves crashing against the hull will make the experience even more captivating.

The composite keel model with lead bulb means that, despite being a light boat, it is not affected by the wind gusts or destabilized by the force of the waves. A single piece that transforms this Sarch sailboat into a safe vessel, making it surprisingly stable, which constitutes one of its great qualities. A soft rocking that makes the experience of sailing a S8 sublime.

It should be noted that the cockpit is protected, so the owner will be able to keep dry during the entire voyage.

Operating this cruiser is quite simple. Maneuvering has been simplified to be easy, centralized over the cabin with 1 main winch and 2 cockpit winches, which are sufficient for the main maneuver and trim controls. This allows for solo sailing. On deck, the helmsman has the necessary space to sit comfortably and make the whole journey pleasant.

Sarch S8 Specs

The post Sarch S8, a Small 8 Meters Sailboat to Cross The Oceans  appeared first on Sail Universe.

The convenience of proximity 

The convenience it provides is one of the key benefits of renting a party house close to your yacht party. A neighbouring party house enables everyone to stay together in one location rather than having your guests disperse to various accommodations following the yacht adventure. This facilitates a sense of community, simplifies the logistics, and ensures a smooth transition from the yacht to the after-party.

The night is never over

The fun can go on long after the boat has been moored if you rent a party house. Imagine getting off the boat with pleasure and laughter still permeating the air before gliding into the party house’s energetic and vivid environment. Having a designated area for your post-yacht party guarantees that the fun doesn’t have to stop, whether you decide to prolong the celebration with music, dancing, or stimulating conversations.

Plenty much room for socialising

The purpose of party houses to rent is to provide lots of room for socializing and entertainment. These large houses frequently have a number of rooms, lounges, outdoor spaces, and recreation areas, offering plenty of space for mingling and maintaining the party atmosphere. A party house offers the adaptability to meet diverse preferences and activities, whether your guests want to lounge by the pool, play friendly games, or simply enjoy the excellent company.

An inviting retreat

Your visitors will value having a cosy and friendly place to escape to after a day of fun on the yacht. Every amenity and luxury one would anticipate from a vacation rental is often included in party houses, ensuring that your visitors can unwind, recharge, and enjoy a good night’s sleep. Everyone can now completely enjoy the entire experience, from the moment they step onto the boat until they say goodbye to the party house, thanks to the convenience and comfort that have been provided.

Unique privacy

The exclusivity and solitude that come with renting a party home improve the whole experience for you and your guests. A party home offers a private location where you have complete control over the guest list and the ambience, in contrast to more conventional lodging options. This makes it possible for you to design a unique experience that is catered to your tastes and guarantees that your guests will feel special throughout the celebration.

Conclusion

Hiring a nearby party house is a suggestion worth taking into account while throwing a yacht party. Because of the ease, continuity, and comfort it provides, you and your guests may have a better overall experience, extending the party outside of the yacht and making lifelong memories. In order to experience a yacht party extravaganza that will astound everyone, set sail on a sea of joy.

The post Sailing into Fun: A Yacht Party Extravaganza appeared first on Sail Universe.

“My voyage was born out of passion to surf the world and find a way to live lighter on the planet. And this film was created thanks to collaboration and support from loving friends and companies. I hope it inspires you to hear the callings of your heart.”

Liz Clark

About Liz Clark… in her own words

I learned to sail at seven years old in San Diego, California on a little red sailing dinghy. At ten, I completed a 5,000-mile, 6-month cruise in Mexico with my family on our sailboat, The Endless Summer, experiencing a different culture, the freedom and beauty of sea travel, and opening my mind to horizons beyond my hometown reality. I credit the origin of my environmental concern to my exposure to the contrasting landscapes of grave pollution and radical natural beauty in Mexico.

Albeit very young, this trip profoundly impacted me. Two things were clear when we returned to San Diego in 1990: I wanted to protect the natural world from human destruction and, one day, I wanted to be the captain of my own sailboat.

At fifteen, my love of the ocean and natural athletic inclination led me to try surfing. Soon after, it was all I wanted to do. Determined to excel in the sport, I spent all my free time in the water and eventually started competing. I surfed in private contests and for the UCSB surf team while studying at UC Santa Barbara. My competitive career culminated in a win at the NSSA Nationals, making me the 2002 College Women’s National Champion. Although I enjoyed pushing my level of surfing through competition, I was more inclined to chasing nature saturated, exploratory surf experiences. I enjoyed surfing most for the adventures leading to remote breaks, the connection with the elements, and the opportunities for self-discovery. I was full of bigger questions that needed answers.

I began taking surf trips during summers and school breaks to Barbados, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, Nicaragua, and a ‘study abroad’ trip Australia. As I finished up my degree in Environmental Studies, I remember feeling frustrated by the direction the world seemed headed. Our distance and apathy for the natural world and failure as a country to seek and promote environmentally sustainable living left me disappointed and frustrated. I clung to my dream as a ‘way out’.

My surfing obsession further fueled this fire. The pressures of increasing crowds and urban pollution made the idea of a free-ranging life on the sea seem even more appealing. After graduation, I crewed on different boats to gain experience for about a year, and then spontaneously came upon the chance to become the captain of my own sailboat. Thanks to the generosity of my friend and mentor, Barry Schuyler, along with support from my family, Swell and I were united.

Through this stroke of serendipity, my intense determination, and the generosity and advice of innumerable people in Santa Barbara and beyond, Swell was converted into an ocean-worthy vessel. For almost three years, I worked with local professionals–mechanical, rigging, sail repair, radio, fiberglassing, and others, learning and overhauling each of Swell’s vital systems in order to prepare myself and my ship for sea. Only having sailed the boat a handful of times during this busy preparation period, I honestly didn’t know whether I would be capable of a captain’s tasks and responsibility. Although the uncertainties ahead petrified me, the alternative of not going seemed even more unthinkable. And so in October of 2005, I pointed Swell’s bow south from the Santa Barbara harbor.

Over the 20,000 nautical miles of ocean I’ve sailed since, I’ve discovered that the most important sort of exploration happens within. The enormous sense of fulfillment I’ve gained from following my dream, delving into self-awareness, and living a simple life close to nature motivates me to continue sharing my experiences in hopes of the same for others.

A few powerful lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• We really do have immense inner power to create the life we desire and manifest our dreams.
• By using the challenges and adversities in life as opportunities to grow and learn, something positive can come out of almost any difficult situation.
• We’re all just doing our best, so instead of pointing fingers or placing blame, it’s always more useful to look within for solutions.
• Practicing relentless positivity and loving-kindness has the power to completely change one’s reality.
• WE ARE ONE! Nature, humanity, and all life on Earth are inextricably and fantastically connected. Seeking to understand and participate in this Greatness is not only a path to immense personal fulfillment, but also to healthy, peaceful planet and a populace that could exist in harmony with nature!

The post Steer With your Heart: A film from the Voyage of Swell appeared first on Sail Universe.

Are cruise ships with sails the norm?

Cruise ships with sails are definitely far from the standard, but they’re not unheard of. They make for a journey that is not to be forgotten. A cruise is turned into a high sea adventure, with classic luxury accompanying the adventurous feel that the sails give.

If you’re still worried, you can look into insurance for cruise vacations here. Travel insurance for cruises covers cancelled and interrupted cruises for covered reasons, medical expenses, lost luggage and more.

However, there are a few standout vessels that feature sails and offer a great option for hopping around the world.

Le Ponant

Le Ponant is a beautiful, sleek, three masted yacht that screams exclusivity and luxury. It’s a more intimate cruise ship, with only 16 cabins to book. When she was created in 1991, there were 32 cabins to choose from, but she underwent a refurbishment in 2019, halving the number of rooms but doubling the size.

This refurbishment also included the touch of designer Jean-Philippe Nuel to the yacht’s public space. It is the most modern of our picks here, with furnishings that give elegance and simplicity. Sit on the comfy round sofa with a glass of wine, or your cabin’s balcony with a cocktail pleasantly watching the world pass by.

Golden Horizon

Golden Horizon is the complete opposite, considered the “world’s largest square-rigged sailing vessel” with a capacity of 272 and almost 9,000 tonnes behind her. Having only taken her first season of voyages in 2021, she’s also the youngest on this list but ironically has a more classic look to her. Inside this five-mast ship is a mid-century modern French aesthetic, with perhaps a touch of dark academia.

And we don’t say “French” lightly. The Golden Horizon was created to be a “near-replica” of the 1913 France II ship. The bookshelves are mahogany, the sofas look at home in a Chanel boutique, and it looks like a delightful place to eat cake.

Rembrandt van Rijn

Named for the famed Dutch painter, the Rembrandt van Rijn is designed to give you an adventure at sea. Amongst its many luxuries is a lecture room, which seems about right for a pioneer of academics and particularly painting techniques.

The look of this adventurous cruise ship intends to instil the feel of adventure in every aspect. The ship itself is not bulky and white, but navy blue long and traditional. It has a common area where everyone can mingle, but its bunk beds suggest its stops on the cruise and the new community feel is really the point.

The post Are Cruise Ships With Sails Common? appeared first on Sail Universe.

The boat’s name is a play on the 1947 Kon-Tiki raft used to sail across the Pacific by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl, and its voyage roughly followed the same route.

On March 20, 2010, the sailing vessel set off from San Francisco, California to cross the Pacific Ocean with a crew of six: British skipper Jo Royle, co-skipper David Thompson, expedition diver Olav Heyerdahl, filmmakers Max Jourdan and Vern Moen, and expedition leader David de Rothschild. The expedition projected landfall in Sydney, Australia and included plans to visit several sites en route of ecological importance or which were susceptible to environmental issues caused by global warming, for instance the current sea level rise, ocean acidification and marine pollution.

Plastiki arrived in Sydney Harbour on July 26, 2010, accompanied by a small flotilla of boats. Shortly afterwards, it was towed to the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour, where it was on display until late August.

This 8000-nautical mile journey across the Pacific Ocean from San Francisco to Sydney is a revolutionary expedition of ecological importance with a mission and dream of giving our oceans a voice. Plastic pollution has been plaguing our planet, from the peaks of mountains to the depths of the ocean. Throw-away single-use plastics are the culprit, with over 74 million pounds of plastic bottles floating in our oceans. 

But how, you ask, did they build it?

The Plastiki team found the solution to the technological challenge in 2008 by using srPET, a material similar to fibreglass but made entirely of recyclable plastic. The bottles were filled with dry ice and then sealed and heated, to turn the dry ice into carbon dioxide gas and pressurise the bottles, making them rigid.

The post Plastiki, a Fantastic Sailing eco-adventure appeared first on Sail Universe.

Introduce your pet to the boat gradually

Introduce your pet to the boat gradually, starting with short trips and gradually increasing the duration of the trips. This will help your pet become accustomed to the motion of the boat. Familiarize your pet with the various sounds and smells of the boat. This can help reduce anxiety and stress during the trip.

Before you leave

Travel regulations for animals vary from country to country so make sure to inform yourself ahead of time about the necessary documentation as well as the regulations about animal quarantine in your chosen travel destination. It’s best to contact the local authorities for this information. With as many people opting for the different profiles of veterinary jobs available, you can get in touch with any one of them, and clear all your doubts, before you set to set to sail with your pet.

If you’re traveling in Europe, for example, you will need a pet passport which needs to be signed by an officially approved veterinary surgeon.

You should also make sure that your pet is microchipped, as this is a requirement in almost every country.

Take care to keep your pet’s vaccination record up to date and plan ahead if you think your pet might need additional vaccines.

Sailing with pets is easily done but it’s advisable to start planning early, as vaccines and applying for documentation can take a while.

Before booking a boat for your sailing holiday, ask your charter agency whether they welcome animals on board or whether you need to plan with certain extra costs.

Safety on board when sailing with pets

If your pet is active, and depending on weather conditions, it might be advisable to secure the outside of the boat with a net.

Furthermore, cats and dogs should always wear life jackets on board (as should their owners, of course).

You can also use a harness if it’s too warm outside for your animal to wear a vest. That way your pet will be more comfortable and you can still easily help it out of the water. You can get different harnesses for different dogs so make sure you get a suitable harness that fits securely. Check out www.jugdog.co.uk to look at the pros and cons of various harnesses.

When choosing a pet flotation device, there are a few things you should consider:

1. Size: Make sure the flotation device fits your pet properly. It should be snug enough to stay in place, but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes discomfort.
2. Buoyancy: The flotation device should provide enough buoyancy to keep your pet afloat in the water.
3. Visibility: Choose a flotation device that is brightly colored or has reflective strips, so your pet is easy to spot in the water.
4. Durability: The flotation device should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand rough conditions.
5. Ease of use: Look for a flotation device that is easy to put on and take off, and that has adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit.
6. Comfort: Make sure the flotation device is comfortable for your pet to wear.

Toilet

Going to the toilet on the high seas can be especially tricky for dogs. Think about constructing a special dog toilet, like a patch of fake lawn or a cat toilet filled with sand.

Try and acquaint your dog with this new technique at home, so it will feel comfortable from the minute it sets foot on board.

If you think this isn’t an option for your pet, plan shorter sailing trips of around 3-5 hours so that your dog can comfortably go on land. Even though cats have it significantly easier, please remember that you should place the cat toilet below deck where it is more stable.

Sun protection and sea sickness

Animals can get seasick on a sailing holiday, just like us humans. Make sure that there are always enough shaded areas onboard for your pet to take a rest, and that there is always fresh water available.

It’s easier on your pet’s stomach if you halve food portions. There are many remedies available (even from human medicine) should your four-legged friend still become sick. Ask your favorite vet about putting together a little first-aid kit!

Further tips for sailing with pets

Playing on the beach and in the water can be a real treat, especially for dogs. But remember that even on board, when the rest of the family is relaxing in the sun, your little one shouldn’t be allowed to get bored.

So pack enough toys and make sure that your pet is always occupied.

Create a little personal corner on the boat where your cat or dog can feel safe if they want to relax during your sailing holiday. Put some blankets or toys from home in this corner, so that your pet will feel as comfortable as possible.

The post Everything You Need To Know About Sailing With Pets appeared first on Sail Universe.

At 40 years of age, the South African Kirsten Neuschäfer completed an eight-month long journey, alone in the face of the elements, without contact, collecting rainwater to survive. Her feat is all the more impressive as her world tour was marked by a rescue. In the heart of the Indian Ocean, she helped Finnish sailor Tapio Lehtinen. Kirsten welcomed him on her boat before he was transferred to a cargo ship and Kirsten continued her journey.

Kirsten’s performance is as unprecedented as it is impressive. The first woman to round Cape Horn in a race last February, she also became the first to win a race around the world. Many in the world of ocean racing are congratulating the South African. Yann Eliès, a regular in the sailing world, praises the sailor who “loves adventure with a capital A“.

“What she has achieved is incredible,” said Catherine Chabaud, the first woman to complete the Vendée Globe (1996-1997). “There is something extraordinary in the air,” said the sailor.

The post Kirsten Neuschäfer Makes history as the First Woman to Win the Golden Globe Race appeared first on Sail Universe.

The dismasting occurred just after 0500 UTC (0200 local time) on 27 April, on the fourth day of leg 4.
Team Holcim-PRB, the overall race leader, was in the lead at the time, 9 miles ahead of 11th Hour Racing Team.

We will have more information as soon as it becomes available.

The post Team Holcim-PRB has dismasted – all crew safe appeared first on Sail Universe.

“Following Baron D, Nahita and the Wally 144 Full Custom of the last few years, this is the 48th full-carbon sailing superyacht built by Wally, continuing the company’s remarkable contribution to the advancement of sailing design and technology.,” says Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director. “Launching a fully custom 101-footer is a great milestone for us, which demonstrates once again the ability of Wally and Ferretti Group to always place themselves at the forefront, even in the competitive market of sailing superyachts“.

“I’m extremely proud of the results achieved with the wally101 Full Custom. The light ship displacement is just 55 tons, almost 15% less than yachts of similar size and configuration, and with 40% of the total weight placed in the keel”, adds Luca Bassani, Wally Founder and Chief Designer. ”This achievement is accomplished thanks to the latest carbon fiber technology pioneered and developed over the years by Wally, using a high-tech sandwich composite with pre-preg carbon fiber”.

Judel/vrolijk & co. has provided the yacht’s naval architecture alongside exterior and interior design from Wally’s sailing design team led by Luca Bassani and Studio Santa Maria Magnolfi. The new full custom yacht features the Wally Enhanced Hydraulic System comprising multiple hydraulic pumps technology to further speed up sail handling. The lifting keel increases the draft from 4.70m to an extraordinary 6.80m, for unparalleled upwind performance.

The new wally101 Full Custom can easily reach high performance at all speeds and in all configurations.  When not sailing, the 425hp engine will provide a top speed of 11.5 knots.

This cruiser racer combines a high-performance platform with a family-friendly exterior and interior layout. The yacht’s deck plan features an amidships cockpit with a table seating up to eight and an aft sunbathing area for ultimate relaxation. The owner’s cabin has an ensuite bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe. Two further ensuite cabins complete the guest accommodation for six, and the saloon includes a living and dining area with seating for up to 10-12. The service area is comprised of a crew mess, laundry, galley and two ensuite cabins for four crew.

The post Wally Launches the New wally101 Full Custom appeared first on Sail Universe.

To incorporate the owner’s wishes, the interior layout has also been extensively customized by YYachts‘ design team. The main salon is a sumptuous area that includes a relaxing lounge plus an exclusive dining area. This space can be used as part of the salon or, by closing the doors, can enlarge the master cabin converting into a fully equipped seagoing office. For this reason, here there are lockers dedicated to galley utensils and cutlery on one side and to office materials and equipment on the other side
The crew quarters are located aft and are separate from the rest of the boat. The crew has two entrances, one connected to the cockpit and one close to the salon.

Thanks to this special configuration, the Y8 Custom’s coachroof is now longer and very sleek, creating a large cockpit for relaxing and enjoying days at sea or when moored.

YYachts’ founder Michael Schmidt concludes: “The Y8 is the perfect size for me and it’s no coincidence that I once owned one myself. With the Y8 Custom, we can now serve almost every customer’s taste and requirements in this size category.”

Every owner can bring in their own preferences – the Y8 Custom interior is very much a blank sheet of paper and the YYachts team is available to offer a more tailored and refined experience.

The delivery of the new Y8 Custom will be in January 2024.

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