Sunsail Launches the new Sunsail 384 Catamaran

CARRICK ON SHANNON, Ireland - New Generation Sailing Catamaran Ideal for Cruising

CARRICK ON SHANNON, Ireland, April 27 /PRNewswire/ –

Sunsail are delighted to again be extending their fleet, with the launch of the new Sunsail 384 catamaran (www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/fleet/catamaran/l38?redirect=true) in destinations across the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia.

The Sunsail 384 is the newest generation of cruising catamarans, focusing on performance, comfort and offering an abundance of outdoor space to capitalize on sailing in the warm breezes of the Tropics or Mediterranean. Offering high performance including a generous sail plan, this catamaran is a market leader yet also is highly practical and easy-to-use, making it an ideal entry level catamaran.

The Sunsail 384 has been specifically produced for Sunsail, with the design completed by Morrelli and Melvin and the build by Robertson and Caine. Superb performance from the Sunsail 384 is guaranteed, with the large sail area combining with a high-volume hull that offers both improved pitch resistance and load carrying capacity. The balanced spade rudders, with their Edson wire and chain steering, plus the centralized sail control system ensure simple and comfortable helming.

“The Sunsail 384 catamaran is yet another example of our commitment to investing in our high quality charter fleet. By commissioning the best designers and builders, we have been able to produce a supremely comfortable and easy to sail catamaran that puts sailing performance and customer comfort at the forefront,” comments Lex Raas, Sunsail President and CEO.

Inside, comfort as ever remains a top priority. The spacious four double cabin, two head layout gives plenty of room for groups or families, plus an additional forepeak berth is ideal for children or simply extra storage. Generous headroom of 1.95m/6ft 5in throughout plus substantial storage capacity as a result of under-bunk lockers in each cabin gives even more space for onboard relaxation.

The exterior of the Sunsail 384 is equally well thought out, with a large cockpit hardtop providing excellent shade and weather protection and a powerboat-style stepped transom enabling easier boarding. The vertical front windscreens give superb panoramic visibility, more effective use of interior volume and also sun protection. Environmental considerations were also central to the design, with solar panels installed on the helm hardtop that are able to charge the onboard batteries; giving an estimated 20 per cent saving on engine hours and therefore increasing the lifespan of the onboard batteries by up to five years.

Sail the Sunsail 384 this fall in the Indian Ocean from our bases in Malaysia (www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/destinations/south_east_asia/malaysia/ langkawi - Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser’s URL address field. Remove the space if one exists.) and Thailand (www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/destinations/south_east_asia/thailand/phuket) , then in the Caribbean (www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/destinations/caribbean) next winter and the Mediterranean (www.sunsail.co.uk/yachts/destinations/mediterranean) in the summer of 2010.

Media Contact (www.sunsail.co.uk/media)

For images of the new 384 catamaran, Sunsail yachts, possible press trips or further information about Sunsail please do not hesitate to contact me on sandral@tuimarine.com

About Sunsail (www.sunsail.eu)

In 2009 Sunsail celebrates its 35th anniversary, offering a wide choice of sailing vacations for all skill levels, with nearly 1,000 yachts in over 29 locations worldwide. In addition to bareboat and skippered yacht charter, Sunsail provides social flotillas, sailing school courses, beach resorts, corporate and team building events. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel PLC.

Contact: Sandra Lehmann, +353-71-96-27603, sandral@tuimarine.com.

Source: Sunsail

Contact: Sandra Lehmann, +353-71-96-27603, sandral at tuimarine.com.