New Sunsail 404 available in the BVIs from September 2015

by Marion Telsnig, Sunsail 28 Jan 2015 10:25 GMT 28 January 2015

Sunsail is delighted to announce the new Sunsail catamaran 404, currently in production by the South-African boat builders Robertson and Caine, available for charter in the British Virgin Islands from September 2015. The 40ft cat has already been on sea trials early December in Cape Town and all is going according to plan.

The experienced naval architects Simonis and Voogd have created a modern catamaran which resembles her predecessors in speed, agility and blue-water performance, and her enhancements include an increased volume in the hulls allowing for additional interior space and an innovative interior layout.

Offered in a four cabin layout with two heads, the Sunsail 404 will be ideal for charter parties up to 10. The fully appointed galley is located forward and adjacent to a spacious settee located aft. Oversized sliding glass doors open to the aft cockpit, providing panoramic views from the interior and the best of indoor and outdoor living. This arrangement promotes easy communication for guests and an open flow between the saloon and the aft cockpit. With ample seating in both areas, this new layout lends itself to a spacious, social ambiance and increased ventilation throughout, especially when the forward access door is open as well.

This door opens to a forward area with a trampoline perfect for sunbathing and relaxing. When it comes to navigating, the Sunsail 404 features a raised helm station with a full range of Raymarine electronics, supplementary power from dual 29 horsepower engines providing superior agility and speed on the water.

John Robertson, managing director and co-founder of Robertson and Caine, said: "This catamaran has taken the unifying concept dramatically further by a complete redesign of the seating arrangements from the cockpit to the saloon and moving the galley forward. A large door and window combination opens to allow flow between the two areas, and the floor and seating throughout is on the same level aiding social interaction."

Prices from £4,970 for a one week charter including outboard and cruising permits.

Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

Sunsail's base at Wickham's Cay II, Tortola, is the best located and best equipped yacht charter base on the island. Situated on the outskirts of Road Town, it is the perfect start point for an incredible British Virgin Islands' sailing adventure. In fact, the sailing is so fantastic that Sunsail has more yachts here than anywhere else in the world.

At the base, the reception area opens on to a landscaped plaza, with panoramic views of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. From here visitors can stroll among the retail shops or stop in the café serving island pastries, ice cream and gourmet coffee. A full service spa is also available, providing the latest in relaxing treatments.

Charlie's Bar & Restaurant, built over the water and overlooking the harbour, offers the coldest cocktails and a sumptuous yet informal menu. A business centre with free Wi-Fi internet access is also on site, along with a swimming pool, full service restaurant and dockside market.

Hotel rooms offer luxury accommodation overlooking the harbour, perfect for those wishing to extend their holiday by a few days.

The British Virgin Islands have all of the essential elements for the ultimate sailing experience in one perfect place: easy deep-water island hops, consistent trade winds, line-of-sight navigation and plentiful sheltered anchorages make this an excellent family-friendly location, perfect for sailing adventures.

Striking white sand beaches boast extraordinary rock formations and a great selection of laid-back bars and restaurants. Water visibility of 100-130ft makes snorkelling, kayaking and paddle-boarding a real thrill, spotting hawksbill turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, trumpet fish and angelfish. For even more adventure, Sunsail can hook you up with local dive schools and all kinds of other cool activities on the water, under or over it.

Sunsail is dedicated to preserving the cruising grounds it operates in, and therefore environmental considerations are central. A desalination plant provides 60,000 gallons of water daily, plus the laundry operation recycles treated water that saves 12,000 gallons. The marina also includes a flow through breakwater assisted by a pump to greatly improve the quality of water in the harbour.

For more information see www.sunsail.co.uk or call 0844 2732 177.

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