Performance cruising yachts is riding the wave with a raft of new models and a new distributorship.

Since 2003, Performance Cruising Yachts has been importing yachts, adding to its one stop shop with sister company – Sydney by Sail – offering sail training, yacht share, corporate and leisure activities. The company is the importer for Elan Yachts of Slovenia, Dufour Catamarans, Ice Yachts and Italia Yachts of Italy with the new addition being Catalina Yachts, based in the USA. We take a look at new models from these impressive brands – both sail and power – either already released, or on the way.

Italia Yachts’ 43 Veloce to make waves

“The idea [of the Veloce 43] was born from the need to offer our customers the opportunity to choose a motor yacht with the same stylistic features that distinguish our sailing series, with a classic and modern line, recognisable at first glance,” says Daniele De Tullio, CEO of Italia Yachts. “With that mix of style, technology, innovation, encapsulated in an elegant form, the Veloce 43 embodies the essence of Italian craftsmanship and elegance.” Crafted entirely at the Fano Shipyard in Italy, and launching at the Genoa Boat Show in September 2024, this first model of an exciting new powerboat series merges timeless design with cutting-edge performance. Prepare to turn heads and leave others in your wake as you glide through the water in this masterpiece of speed and sophistication.

Featuring a versatile layout designed for both relaxation and performance, the Veloce 43 offers ample deck space for leisurely days on the water, along with customisable cabin options below deck. With a top speed of 40 knots, powered by either twin inboard stern drive engines, IPS units, or two-three Mercury outboards, the Veloce 43 delivers an exhilarating experience on the water like no other. Interest in this new line has been soaring; be one of the first to own one in Australia!

All-New Elan GT6 Explorer

For those with an untamed heart and a soul that yearns for the vast, endless expanse of the open sea, meet the Elan GT6 Explorer, arguably a contender for the ultimate blue water cruiser on the market. The equipment and features aboard the GT6 Explorer are meticulously selected to ensure reliability, functionality, and ease of use. Notably, the striking carbon cockpit arch to house the German mainsheet sheeting system elevating it off the deck, and additional forestay to allow a staysail with self-tacking enabling smooth short-handed manoeuvres, simplify the sailing process. The laminated bulkheads, both in the bow and aft, have been fortified to be watertight, ensuring the utmost protection against water ingress. The custom-made davit system will also allow the placement of solar panels and allowance for lithium batteries for power storage.

Range and autonomy are paramount for a blue water cruising yacht of this calibre. With a larger fuel tank and the ability to generate power and make water, the GT6 Explorer can take you where you yearn to be. The Explorer offers a choice between a two-cabin or a three-cabin layout to suit your specific needs and preferences. Opting for the two-cabin configuration repurposes the third cabin into a versatile utility hold. This thoughtful design decision creates dedicated spaces for wet and dry storage, accessible from the cockpit and the interior, or even the inclusion of a washing machine with dryer, adding another layer of practicality to this luxurious vessel. The Elan GT6 Explorer is more than a yacht; it’s an invitation to embrace life’s adventures on the open sea.

The new ICE62, an exciting evolution

The ICE62 is the second model in the series, designed to offer an even more refined sailing experience with superior performance. Based on the successful legacy of the previous ICE Targa, the new ICE62 promises to redefine the standards of luxury, comfort, and innovation in the world of fast cruisers. The ICE62 embodies sportiness at sea, combining the elegant lines of the ICE62 Targa with the dynamic essence of the ICE60 and ICE70. With a cutting-edge design by Felci Yacht Design and production at the historic CN Yacht 2000 facilities, known for the creation of over 80 prestigious maxi yachts, this new model promises extraordinary performance and an unparalleled sailing experience. The ICE62 is crafted for phenomenal performance with meticulously engineered waterlines and appendages, allowing for remarkable upwind sailing at tight angles and

exhilarating off-the-wind reaching angles. With a generous maximum beam of 5.20 metres, and powerful, flat stern sections, the ICE62 delivers outstanding stability and extraordinary planing capability. At just 19 tons, the ICE62 is 25 per cent lighter than the average yacht in its class. Its impressive sail area spans nearly 220sqm upwind, and about 450sqm downwind, offering a perfect blend of lightness and power. The yacht’s robustness is assured by its advanced fibreglass and carbon fibre structure, meticulously laminated with the latest technologies and subjected to rigorous quality controls. Every detail of the ICE62 speaks to its strength and durability.

New 6 Series Models from Catalina

The newest member of the Performance Cruising Yachts stable, Catalina Yachts continues to offer the sailing community timeless models with great sailing performance and has been an innovator with its design features and solid construction. All new 2025 models will include the new 6 Series features that showcase the legendary quality craftsmanship and value, along with a focus on improved performance, technology and

luxury. Performance Cruising Yachts has a 426 on order, which will be making its way to Australia in the not-too distant future. Catalina has long been known to offer one of the most comprehensive lists of standard inclusions among all leading brands, yet they have taken a step further and now include an even larger complement of items designed to make life even easier aboard. This includes a new Selden mast allowing for weight saving aloft and tighter sheeting, new Selden electric sheeting options for sail deployment and recovery, new solid surface galley bench tops, new style steering pedestal for enhanced ergonomics, new Sensar Marine Boat Monitoring system as standard, new aluminium toe rail design and new Quick Nautical LED lighting.

Own shares in the Catalina 426

Make your dream yacht a shared reality. Yacht Share is easy, economical and hassle free. This new syndicate will commence on a 2025 Catalina 426 on 1 February 2025. Every share purchase comes with a comprehensive package of sail training to get you internationally certified, and become a confident and competent sailor. Enjoy Walk On/Walk Off service, with a monthly management fee covering all running costs of the yacht; including insurance, berthing, fuel, and more! Manage your bookings using the 24/7 Online Booking System. Upon the yacht’s sale at the end of three years, you can estimate a return of 60-75 per cent of that share cost back in your pocket. The Catalina 426 is an award-winning design of exceptional quality oozing with American luxury from the largest boat builder in the USA.

Italian style Cervetti Catamaran

The Cervetti 44 by Dufour Catamarans is a new and exciting Italian-designed-and-built sailing catamaran featuring the latest in design and production techniques. Available with a master suite and two luxury double cabins with ensuite, or four luxury spacious double cabins, open plan living area, gourmet galley and abundant entertaining areas throughout. What makes the Cervetti 44 a stand-out model is the huge flybridge with internal stair access from the lower aft deck that leads to further entertaining areas, sunbathing space and the helm station. The panoramic views from up high give a commanding position for the helm to easily manage the catamaran. Signature features include sliding doors and windows opening up the galley to the lower deck entertaining area, the beautifully appointed cabins all with ensuite, and opening front window connecting the salon to the forward deck.

The Cervetti 44 Power Catamaran

A new addition to the Cervetti Series is the 44 Power Catamaran. Developed in cooperation with the team of Italian designers and engineers from yacht design studio Skyron, this catamaran combines all the characteristics one could wish for in a boat. The spacious lower deck cockpit area is the heart of the boat where friends and family can gather in comfort. The signature sliding doors connect the galley and the lower deck seating area making it ideal for entertaining. There is plenty of storage space, while the hydraulic platform, which comes as an option, serves as a dinghy lift or as a floating swim deck. The spacious flybridge provides an oversized sunbathing area that is easy to access from the inside of the cockpit. The large console integrates all the navigational equipment, allowing easy manoeuvring.

For more information: performancecruising.com.au; sydneybysail.com; yachtsharesydney.com.au

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