According to feedback from many of the shipbuilders that attended the Monaco Yacht Show the industry is definitely showing signs of recovery. For the most part sales figures showed increases of as much as 18%, indicating that people believe now is an excellent time to invest in the future.
As an exciting example, last week at the show a contract was signed between Amsterdam syndicate leader Simon Dierdorp and Dutch superyacht builder Holland Jachtbouw (HJB) to build a replica of the 1930 US-built J-Class racing yacht YANKEE.
The original 122’ YANKEE was designed by Frank C. Payne and launched in 1930 to defend the America’s Cup in 1930, 1934 and 1937. The modern 128’ version, YANKEE J-H3, has a goal to star as both a winning racer and an elegant charter yacht. Scheduled for launch in early 2012, YANKEE J-H3 is intended to participate during the UK 2012 Olympics at the J-Class regatta events in June and July of that summer, after which she will be available for charter.
YANKEE J-H3 features all-aluminum design by Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects, with aluminum and teak deck, 170-foot carbon mast, rigging and 3-DL sails with a 10.005 square-foot area. Interiors feature accommodations for a crew of seven with pipe cots for an additional 21 racing crew. For charter purposes, YANKEE J-H3 is being constructed in accordance with Lloyd’s A1 and MCA standards.
Keep checking boatbloggings.com for progress updates on YANKEE J-H3. For current sailing charter availability visit Sailing Vacation Destinations | Sailing Events and Regattas | Our Charter Sailboats and Sailing Yachts at Boatbookings.com