Ideal for cruising, innovative charter catamaran is Sunsail’s first to feature solar panels
(Carrick on Shannon, Ireland , August 12, 2009)
Sunsail celebrated the launch of the new Sunsail 384 catamaran from the Robertson and Caine factory in Cape Town, South Africa. The first yacht in a major charter fleet to feature solar panels, over thirty of the new catamarans are heading for Sunsail destinations across Asia and the Caribbean this fall and the Mediterranean next spring. Sunsail’s total fleet purchase plan for 2010 is over 140 new yachts, demonstrating confidence in customer demand and in line with Sunsail’s strategy of continued growth with an exceptional fleet.
The Sunsail 384 has been exclusively produced for Sunsail, with the design completed by performance multihull architects Morrelli and Melvin. This catamaran is a market leader, designed for high performance with a generous sail plan, yet is also highly practical and easy to sail, making it an ideal entry level catamaran.
The hull design has been carefully studied to offer a smooth ride and maximize load carrying capacity. Unlike a typical cat, the finely-tuned steering system gives exceptional feel at the helm, plus the centralized sail control system ensures simple and comfortable helming. An abundance of outdoor space capitalizes on sailing in the warm breezes of the Tropics and Mediterranean.
« The Sunsail 384 catamaran is yet another example of our commitment to investing in our high quality charter fleet. By commissioning the best designers and builders, we have been able to produce a supremely comfortable and easy to sail catamaran that places sailing performance and customer comfort at the forefront », comments Lex Raas, Sunsail President and CEO.
Inside, comfort as ever remains a top priority. The spacious four double cabin, two head layout gives plenty of room for groups or families, plus an additional forepeak berth is ideal for children or simply extra storage. Generous headroom of 1.95m/6ft 5in throughout, plus substantial storage capacity as a result of under-bunk lockers in each cabin, gives even more space for onboard relaxation.
The exterior of the Sunsail 384 is equally well thought out, with a large cockpit hardtop providing excellent shade and weather protection and a powerboat-style stepped transom enabling easier boarding. Vertical front windscreens give superb panoramic visibility, maximize ventilation, and really open up the salon area and interior headroom. Environmental considerations were also central to the design, with solar panels installed on the bimini hardtop that save an estimated 20 per cent on engine hours, increasing the lifespan of the onboard batteries by up to five years.
Sail the Sunsail 384 this fall in the Indian Ocean from our bases in Malaysia and Thailand, then in the Caribbean next winter and the Mediterranean in the summer of 2010.