2024 News highlights
looking back on 2024
As we reflect on a successful year, here's a selection of our key highlights. Click on the titles below to jump to each story.
MOODY DS48 HANDOVER
first moody ds48 handover
One of the most talked about new model launches of 2024 is the new Moody DS48, which is also nominated to pick up the coveted European Yacht of the Year award when it is announced in early 2025.
We were lucky enough in the UK to have one of the first models built and to say it has been impressing far and wide would be an understatement, including the extended cross channel test carried out by Yachting Monthly earlier this year.
In November we spent 4 days carrying out an extended familiarisation process with the new owner of the first UK based DS48 covering everything from the systems onboard as well as redundancy and troubleshooting to help ensure maximum enjoyment.
Now all work is complete, we wish them many happy adventures for the future.
Photos below show this boat on handover morning, testing the owner's spinnaker, the impressive engine bay and the first test sail with her new owner.
Keen to learn more about the Moody DS48?
hanse 360 test sail with sailing today
What looked to be a very light wind day ended up with a fairly gusty 15 to 20 knots, which was a great opportunity to get a feel for what the Hanse 360 has to offer.
One thing that stood out in those conditions was how well she managed, holding full sail in 20 knots of heavy autumnal air. At no point did the rudder give any indication whatsoever of having had enough, which is testament to the design team and as you would expect from a Hanse, very solid and reassuring under way.
Speed is always a hot topic and we managed just over nine knots on the run back downwind, with a very respectable and consistent 7+ knots upwind at 30° AWA.
Look out for the full report in Sailing Today soon. Watch the behind the scenes video below for an in-depth look at the layout, sails, build quality and performance of this latest Hanse.
NEW fjord 490 due to launch 2025
The Fjord 490 is an impressive addition to the Fjord line, showcasing sleek Scandinavian design with core Fjord DNA.
Offering a vast T-top, spacious deck layout, hi-lo platform and optional folding balconies, the 490 is due to be one of the most exciting Fjord models to hit the water.
Find out more at fjordboats.co.uk
The FJORD 490 Sport boasts triple Mercury Verado V12 outboards giving 1800hp.
Both models feature a luxurious master cabin in addition to a spacious VIP, both with an abundance of natual light.
new hanse yachts available now
The majority of our 2024 model display and demonstration models have now been sold during the Autumn boat show season, but we do still have a couple remaining.
You might find that an ex-demonstrator isn’t your perfect selection in terms of specification, but as we benefit from an additional saving when we order these boats, we can pass on a deal, which eclipses anything else available and can often make the overall package pretty tempting.
If a Hanse 360, 410 or 460 is on your wish list, please get in touch for more details.
current delivery dates – just enough time to order for Summer 2025
Thankfully delivery lead times are now back to more normal levels after the post COVID disruption and increased order intake. Instead of 18 months the lead times for a new build are back to 6-7 months, which makes the planning the delivery side of things much easier for us.
Nearing the end of the year it does however remind us that the opportunities to deliver a new build in time for the 2025 season are running out quite quickly.
If you were thinking of a new boat for 2025, please get in touch before too much more time passes, so we can help ensure you maximise your time on the water in the 2025 season.
customs warehouse – new client facility now secured
With many clients who choose to sail in the Mediterranean (or beyond) taking advantage of Temporary Admission (TA) as a relief from paying EU VAT upon arrival in EU waters, we are now starting to have discussions with owners who are considering selling or moving into another new boat.
This has highlighted for many that whilst TA is a great way to obtain a relief from VAT during your ownership, it can cause a real headache when you decide to sell....and even the risk of having to forcibly pay EU VAT.
Aside from needing to plan a departure and re-entry from the EU before the 18 month clock has ticked by and document your boat movements more carefully than pre-Brexit, TA is a relatively simple concept to adhere to, but there is a sting in the tail.
It is a little-known rule that a boat cannot be placed on the market whilst under Temporary Admission and doing so could trigger the VAT becoming due in the country the boat is currently lying.
Many EU brokers we have spoken to are unaware of this rule and so are unwittingly exposing their clients to the risk of VAT penalties.
Options are relatively limited - take the boat to a VAT-free jurisdiction or pay the VAT in the EU country of listing. Neither are particularly appealing, so we are pleased to now be an authorised HMRC Customs Warehouse Operator at Hamble Point Marina. We can now bring non-UK VAT Paid vessels into the UK and sell them from here using our expert team, and then re-export or release into the UK, handling all the VAT and Customs obligations on your behalf.
You benefit from a trusted and professional UK Broker with UK banking and UK brokerage contracts, meaning you have greater protections as a seller, plus you can rest assured the VAT and Customs status of the sale will be handled correctly.
If you are currently operating your boat under Temporary Admission and would like to place it on the market, please get in touch to discuss how this can be achieved without triggering a VAT liability.
Finally, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our clients for making this such an exciting year. The best part of what we do is to see you achieve your dream of boat ownership, and embark on your adventures.
