MY FANTASY FLEET
Name: Ian Stone Current boat: Formula 419SR-1 Berthed: Portsmouth
Starting boating at an early age in tropical conditions instilled a love of all things on the water, with sun, fun and long weekends on the South China Sea. Over the years boating continued to provide fantastic experiences. We have a Catalina trailer-sailer and an F400 Fletcher. Our latest acquisition is a Formula 419 SR1, fitted with triple Nanni diesel engines, giving the ability to cover large distances, quickly and in comfort. Based on those, my fantasy fleet would be:
HUNTON H55 £2,350,000
Hunton is at the pinnacle of luxury power boating and the forthcoming H55 would fulfil our needs to cruise quickly and in comfort, enabling time to be spent exploring interesting ports, rather than hours of long, arduous passaging. The boat, powered by twin MAN V8-1000 engines with Arneson ASD11 surface drives would give the speed, whilst two separate cabins would provide the comfort. The sleek lines keep a sporty feel, and the hull can take whatever is thrown at it. Based somewhere in the South West, a trip to the Channel Islands or Northern France for lunch would be a realistic run.
OYSTER 595 £1,700,000
In-keeping with our sailing roots, an Oyster would have to be part of our fleet – a solid British boat, capable of being taken around the world. Being large enough to accommodate both owners and guests, the new 595 would be a great entertaining venue, but as it will be fitted with powered winches and in-mast furling, it would also be easy to sail short-handed.
Based further afield, say the Mediterranean, for the summer and then perhaps far-flung places each winter, the boat would soak up year-long sun, being a floating holiday destination for those stolen weekends when the rain falls at home.
BLADERUNNER 35 £300,000
Finally, we’d need a fun day boat, so a Bladerunner 35 would have to be in the mix. Fitted with twin Mercury Verado 400hp Supercharged 4-stroke outboards, the boat would be capable of 90 knots and of bringing the largest of smiles to all on board! Boating is fun, and this would provide the fun factor in buckets, whilst still being practical for family and guests to enjoy without the hassle of a big boat. Most likely Solent based, the boat would be a total toy, and bringing Cowes within a few minutes of Southampton or Hamble, would be quite a thrill, with possibly an entry into the Classic Offshore Powerboat Club’s Speed Weekend off Yarmouth, or the Cowes-torquay-cowes on the cards!
Send in your suggestions to mby@ti-media.com with My Fantasy Fleet in the subject line