19 May
The all-new Moody DS48 will be headlining Windcraft’s impressive four boat line-up at SCIBS.
The Sanctuary Cove show will be the first chance for many who have been following the overseas release of Moody’s new luxury bluewater cruiser to see for themselves just why the Bill Dixon design has been attracting praise and accolades from the international boating press.
The imposing Moody DS48 is a totally new boat – new hull, new deck and a completely new interior. The first thing that stands out is the huge volume of the boat and the space in the aft cockpit area.
Ever since the Moody DS48 was unveiled at last year’s boot Düsseldorf there’s been a steady stream of enquiries about the DS48 and its ‘monomaran’ concept: giving a monohull the same kind of single-level cockpit-to-cabin flow, as well as 360-degree views in the main living spaces, that one might expect on a multihull.
The wait has been worth it. Walking along the dock you immediately notice the Moody’s high freeboard, accentuated by solid raised bulwarks and stainless-steel life rails that run from stem to stern.
As Yachting Monthly’s Theo Stocker noted in his review:
High topsides, muscular bow sections and a formidable deck house make the Moody DS48 an imposing sight, even standing alongside her on the pontoon. Point her bows towards the open sea, set all 165m2 of her canvas and with 21 tonnes of boat in full motion, she becomes even more formidable.
But that’s not to say the Moody’s lines aren’t pleasing – far from it. Hull #16 that will be on display at the Sanctuary Cove sports a gleaming ‘Infinity Blue’ paint job with light chines, a plumb bow and stern, and a generous beam of 4.85 metres or 15’ 11’’ that is carried well aft. There’s little sheer, and the deck is dominated by the huge, curved deck saloon which is both unmistakable and highly individualistic.
The Owner of hull #16, an experienced and knowledgeable sailor, elected to have synthetic teak on the recessed side decks, cockpit floor, as well as the folding helm seats, cockpit benches and the large swim platform, which is ideal for cooling-off and doubles as the launch pad for the DS48’s 2.8m tender. It is securely housed in a stern garage and quickly deployed thanks to the Moody Smart Tender System that was introduced on the Hanse 510. This is a game changer for using the tender with an electric arm mounted in the tender garage that lifts the tender in and out of the water with a remote control.
Underway, a stand-out feature is how quiet is in the Moody’s expansive saloon. The crew can relax out of the weather but still control the big cruiser’s stately progress via an internal helm to port with its remote autopilot and electric engine control. On extended passages you can recline on the lounges, close to the galley and take-in the panoramic views as the Moody easily tracks along at 8 – 10 knots.
The saloon’s interior trim of floorboards from New Zealand Acacia, agreebly contrasts with the Oxford Blue of the lounges and traditional mahogany satin finish of the cabinetry, creating an overall feel of luxurious comfort.
The stylish trim choices are continue through the DS48’s three cabins, each with its own private en-suite.
The Owners cabin boasts enormous volume thanks to the DS48’s full bow sections and features a very large (2m long and 1.87m wide), semi-walk around double bed, its own head and shower compartment, along with ample cabinetry for clothes and personal items.
Hull #16 has the layout with the VIP cabin to starboard with two single bunks, the slightly sunken floor enhancing space and light. The guest cabin port has a single bunk with loads of storage space that would welcome on extended stays away from port.
The Dixon design team was very conscious of the Moody ethos which is a Moody has to sail as well as it looks. To achieve that they worked really hard on reducing wetted surface with well-balanced lines. The DS48’s flexible sail plan means it can shift gears quickly and includes a self-tacking jib, over-lapping genoa on a furler and an in-mast furling main. The sails are tri-cut cruising laminate from Quantum, while the rig is from Selden.
Hanse 460
Also on display at SCIBS will be the Hanse 460, which represents represents a step-change in technology, innovation and space in the family cruiser category of yacht.
Awarded European Yacht of the Year 2022, the 460 combines powerful lines from renown French naval architecture firm Berrett-Racoupeau and precision German engineering inherent across the entire Hanse sailing range.
The 460 on display at SCIBS is a highly spec’d version three cabin two-bathroom version with a utility room to starboard just forward of the aft cabin, Acacia floorboard and French Oak furniture trim, as well as an optional shallow draft keel of 1.75 metres, especially well-suited for cruising on Moreton Bay and the Great Barrier Reef.
Sealine C390
Making its Australian debut at SCIBS is the popular Sealine C390. Combining flexibility, space and luxury the Sealine C390 has attracted a dedicated following among power boaters seeking an attractive crossover between day boating and comfortable weekend family cruising.
Designer Bill Dixon has given the 12-metre C390 a signature swooping hardtop, sliding roof panels and a spacious aft cockpit that is easily adaptable for changeable weather, complete with an outdoor galley and barbecue. Sliding bi-fold doors and a hopper window mean the saloon and the cockpit can be combined into one extended single level al fresco space, perfect for entertaining or relaxing.
The C390 on display at the Show and destined for a home dock on the Gold Coast is a stylish two-cabin, two-bathroom with storage room version, loaded with options including air-conditioning, a door on the starboard side near the helm station for easy access to the side decks while tying-up in a marina pen or at a dock. An electric convertible back rest in the cockpit in tandem with the high-lo table, easily transforms into a large sun bed.
Those features make the C390 a perfect choice for enjoying the Coast’s relaxed boating lifestyle, while the Owners’ decision to upgrade to twin Volvo Penta D6-380 HP stern drives delivering 34 knot performance means they and their family can quickly be out on the Broadwater heading north to Tipplers on South Stradbroke Island or cruising down to the dock outside Marina Mirage.
Ryck 280
Rounding-out Windcraft’s offering of premium yachting brands at SCIBS is the RYCK 280. Since its launch in 2022 the Bill Dixon designed RYCK 280 has won many coverts to the day boating lifestyle with its combination of distinctive lines, dynamic performance, good sea-handling, quality appointments, safe walk-around decks, and genuine weekender credentials.
At 8.8 metres or nearly 29 feet, the German built RYCK 280 has proved a hit due to its savvy use of space, offering room for up to eight people across three deck spaces including a large shaded cockpit with fridge, outdoor galley, comfortable lounge and removable table at the stern, a bow lounge with twin sunbeds and the well-laid out helm area with its nicely stitched helm chairs.
RYCK’s are on the water from Melbourne to Moreton Bay where’s its 0.53m draft with the engine up makes the centre-console an ideal way to get to a favourite beach or secluded anchorage.
Elevating the RYCK above its rivals in this category is its forward cabin with generous double vee-berth, plus infills to make a queen-sized bed. To starboard is a separate toilet with hand basin and storage cupboard. To port of the steps is a galley cabinet for a microwave.
Underway, the RYCK 280’s twin-stepped hull with reverse bow easily gets onto the plane powered by the powerful Mercury 350hp Verado engine, controlled by Mercury’s incredibly smooth digital throttle and shift (DTS). Top speed is an exhilarating 40 knots, but the RYCK has a range of well over 100 nautical miles at its fast cruising speed of 25-26 knots.
The Windcraft Team will be on-hand for personal tours of each boat, and to discuss any model from our Dehler, Solaris, Contest and Privilège sailing ranges. We invite you to come to the Show and stop-in at the Windcraft Stand, on “F” Arm of the Marina.
See you at SCIBS!
For more information contact info@windcraftyachts.com or (02) 99791709 or call Gavin Ward on 0418 402 809.
