Monday, April 28, 2008

Pacific Sail Expo

What a whirlwind that was, Boat Show Week.

It’s our re-entry into boat sales. The Ultimate 20 we were displaying was fresh out of the molds, second boat from the new production line. Lots of jobs still to do finishing up the boat...gear to install, hatches, blocks, cleats, etc. Had to haul the boat up from Southern Cal, fit it with a keel in Santa Cruz, deliver it to Alameda (Thanks Rob and Jeff) for a ramp launch and quick motor to Jack London Square.

We borrowed an Ultimate 24 from a great owner (Thanks Peter) cleaned her up and put her in as well. The Antrim 25 is based on the Ultimate 24 with the addition of the Antrim Articulated Bowsprit, a different main hatch and an improved roller furling deck site. Peter’s boat is fresh out of the yard with a freshly painted carbon spar, sprit and boom. He keeps the boat nearly new so it was perfect for the show. This boat has over a hundred races on it and people at the show were surprised it wasn’t a new boat. Good luck on the Coastal Cup with her Peter!

First day of the show was filled with the usual last minute hustle...all normal stuff. The gates open and viola, Ultimate 20’s are back on the sportboat scene. Woohoo!!! Lots of U20 owners came by to check her out and many, many prospective new owners. It’s obvious that this little sportboat has been sorely missed in the market.

The weather was forgiving (for once, no rain), for at least the first few days, then the weekend turned cold and uberwindy...20-25 in the afternoons. Too much for demos but we still managed some on Sunday, thanks to Trent Watkins for bringing UFO down from Richmond. Trent took a prospective boat owner out on Thursday as well, but broke a 14 year old rudder strap at the weld and had to RTB (return to base).

The show was smaller than in years past, due to the ongoing construction at JL Square but I think this is a good thing. It was easier to see everything and revisit the vendors you really liked.

I attended a preview of the upcoming major film release of the movie ‘Morning Light’ given by it’s producer, longtime sailing aficionado Roy Disney. In a word, stunning. Sailors and those yet to be introduced to our wonderful sport will all love this film. It’s all about the 11 kids who sail the TransPac aboard the Grand Prix TP52 racing yacht after which the movie is named. It focuses on the people, reality style, but there’s non of the back biting that you see in the television version of the real world. This movie is all about teamwork and positive influences...truly inspirational. Make sure you go see it’s early October release.

Highlights of the show for me were; The Andrews 28, a 3800 lbs, trailerable carbon fiber sportboat with standing headroom, inboard diesel and yes, even a private head; The new Catalina 37, replacing the venerable 36 but with many improvements over it’s predecessor; The Hunter 50, certainly the boat Hunter should try to emulate in it’s smaller designs and the Lagoon 42 Hybrid, the wave of the future in sailboat propulsion.

Great people, great parties, great fun....I’m glad it’s all over. I need to get some rest!

The best thing to come for the show for me was be able to confirm the delivery of our first U20. She’s in production and slated for the second week of June !!! More to follow.

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

New Boats, Boat Show & More

Now Hear This !!  We’re very proud to announce that we’ve been awarded the sportboat sales dealership for the Ultimate 20, the New Antrim 25 and the venerable Antrim 27. A new Southern California production facility has been established and the Ultimate 20’s are cranking out now with the Antrim 25’s to start coming off the production line mid-May. It’s been over 15 years since Spinnaker sold new boats with the last ones being Hobie Cats, Banshees and Gryphons. After a year of serious research, we are so stoked to have this line of boats. Jim Antrim is at the top of our favorite designer list and once you see the boats, you’ll understand why. American production quality, outstanding Antrim design, established fleet and ocean capable...these sportboats are just what the doc ordered to put a huge smile on your face...forever!

Come by the Pacific Strictly Sail show to see all three in the water. We’ll also have Ultimate 20 demo sails Fri, Sat and Sun at the show. Here's a DISCOUNT coupon for Spinnaker Guests. (Kids under 15 are FREE !)
National Class website for the Ultimate 20 http://www.u20class.org
National Class website for the Ultimate 24/Antrim 25 http://www.ultimate24.org
National Class website for the Ultimate Antrim 27 http://www.u27class.org



Strictly Sail Boat Show
April 16-20, Jack London Square, Oakland
http://www.strictlysail.com/shows/pacific.asp?show=pa
We’ll be there selling Ultimate 20, Antrim 25 and Antrim 27 Sportboats. It’s our first time selling watersports equipment since our days in the windsurfing business and selling and sailing Hobiecats. We’re really looking forward to this exciting line of Jim Antrim designs (one of our favorite designers). There will be demo sails on the Ultimate 20 available at the show so make sure to come out and try one of the best sportboats on San Francisco Bay. Click HERE for discount admission !

Fair Winds....Drew

PS - Tell A friend to come to the boat show. Kids under 15 are FREE !!!

Monday, April 7, 2008

Sailing on an Ultimate 20


My friend Garett and and I spent the afternoon sailing the Ultimate 20, UFO with owner Trent Watkins and his pal and fellow U20 owner, Tom Hughes. Another 4 Ultimates joined the action. A small course was setup just outside Richmond Yacht Club and we ran 5 quick races. A LOT of fun and a great way to get initiated to the boat. Trent was gracious and spent the day coaching Tom and us on how to sail a U20 fast. Start, beat 1/4 mile to weather, round a mark, set the asymmetrical kite, toss in a couple of quick gybes and blaze downwind to the finish. Tom put a small video camera on board and hopefully some of the footage will come out. I'll post it if it does.

Prior to the race Trent's routine is to put the boat into a hard crash so everyone sees how easy it is to recover. Well, he's right, we laid the boat over, keel out and she popped right back up. Amazingly he's spun 360° turns with the kite up, on purpose! Certainly a solid testimony to this great boat.

This is the BIGGEST 20 footer I've ever sailed. Felt much more like 24 feet. You can even sleep in the interior if that's your thing. Lots of storage and I looked hard and found no telltale stress cracks. Mind you, this is a 13 year old boat that's sailed hundreds of races, HARD. Very well built, as is typical of California built boats. Deck layout is great, no winches! Everything is pretty simple, though certainly a good workout.

The U20 Class Organization is a fun group of people. There's a real camaraderie among the owners. The best thing is that this boat is now back in production after a couple of years hiatus. Spinnaker will be selling these boats at the Pacific Sail Boat Show  April 16-20 and there will be U20 demos, Fri, Sat & Sun.