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Testimonial - Knysna 500
YACHT ALLEYCAT – KNYSNA 500 Catamaran, slot 70
When Heiko & Allison decided to purchase a cruising catamaran in March 2012 a new journey started
“Firstly we travelled all over the world and South Africa to investigate and compare over 15 different catamarans. We quietly realized that apart from the various price ranges, the single biggest factor which differentiates one boat from another is the yard who builds the boat. With Kevin & Rika from Knysna Yacht Company in South-Africa, we found the ideal match and boat that suits our needs & is build by people with passion & ownership. We were confident that the boat would firstly be built to exceptional standards, secondly that we would be able to customize the boat according to our often “over the top” expectations and thirdly, that we would receive good after sales service. This was corroborated by present boat owners we spoke to.
Now, finally in October 2012 Alley Cat is in the water and we can confirm that all of the above expectations have been met.
On 9 October we sailed Alley cat to Cape Town for the annual Cape Town Boat Show.
I am in danger of boasting, but I need to mention that she was the star of the show. Kevin refers to themselves as “Boutique” boat builders; this was certainly evident.
We have since sailed her back to Knysna and are truly happy with the sailing ability and handling of the yacht and the quality of craftsmanship.
Performance? What more do you need to add when surfing down the waves at
19 knots, in very strong westerly winds and big swell with just the Genoa sail flying, but always felt comfortable and secure in the cockpit!
We are now living on-board Alleycat in Knysna and spending quality time familiarize ourselves with the owner’s manuals and marine systems. There are still a few tasks that still needs to be completed by the boatyard and a further “wish” list, yet again, Kevin has not batted an eyelid about any of our further demands.
The plan is to cross the Atlantic Ocean in February next year and to spend a few years cruising the beautiful Caribbean Islands. Although this is our first catamaran and boat of this size, myself and Allison are not daunted by the prospect of handling a 50 ft. boat on our own.
Thank you Kevin and Rika & the team for making sure that we are getting our dream boat.
From Kevin and Rika,
Building Alleycat for Heiko and Allison was a challenge for sure, but also a positive experience.
From the moment Heiko and Allison laid eyes on the Knysna 500 it was clear that they had found the boat of their dreams. Her sleek lines and good looks aren’t the whole story by any means, but the quality finishes, luxurious accommodation; detailed specification list, reasonably priced, and customisation available completed the deal. We know very well that ordering a new yacht is a big decision for anyone to make – and an exciting one too.
Heiko and Allison, we hope you have enjoyed the building process; this is where the pride of ownership really starts... We really appreciate your fresh and innovative ideas you brought to the build.
We also want to thank you that the Knysna 500 became your preferred choice – we want you to think of Alleycat as your “villa” on the water, just a lot more flexible as you can move her around the islands to exotic places of your dreams.
Launching 'Ocean Sapphire'
Latest news on launching Ocean Sapphire – Wednesday 18 April 2012
Congrats to owners Cesar and Maria Fernandini on the launch of Ocean Sapphire. The big moment was in the early mornings of Wednesday 18 April 2012 when boat builder Kevin Fouche and his team launched the awesome KNYSNA 480 CATAMARAN gently & successfully.
The couple from Lima, Peru viewed a Knysna 480 catamaran at the 2011 Miami Boat show and was invited to the boatyard in May. After a visit to the boatyard in Knysna, South-Africa, they were introduced to Kevin’s team. Kevin also showed Cesar and Maria other Knysna 480’s with different layout options. Cesar and Maria really fancied the owner’s option and an order were placed after lots of planning and discussions. The boat building journey took 9 months to complete. Rika was taking photos of the building process and email these updates through on a weekly basis so that the couple could follow the building of their dream yacht carefully.
Cesar and Maria will be flying to SA beginning of May to take pride ownership of this fully equipped custom yacht. Skipper Malcolm van der Merwe will be joining them for a sail to Vilankulos to explore the Bazaruto Archipelago and Benguerua Island. This area is stunningly beautiful and Malcolm has sailed here before. This trip will also be ideal as a “shake down” for the new yacht and on returning from Mozambique they can stop in Knysna to iron out any teething problems before departing to Lima, approximately 8,377 nautical miles and +/- 83 days of sailing, excluding stops en-route.
Ocean Sapphire’s journey back home will be via Fortaleza (Brazil), Chaguaramas (Trinidad), Aruba, Cartagena (Columbia), Panama (Boat builder Kevin and Rika Fouche are keen on joining the yacht on this leg!) and then to Puerto Del Callao in Peru before finally arriving in Lima where Maria will be waiting with the Champagne!
Good luck to Ocean Sapphire and Skipper Mal, may God keep you guys safe on your long journey to Lima!
Launching of Yacht Meka – Knysna 480 Charter Version
Yacht Meka is the latest Knysna 480 catamaran that has been launched in Sept 2010.
Owned by Elli Peinke the yacht will be the first of the Knysna 480 range available for bareboat or crewed charter in Tortola BVI. With her distinctive lines and sleek good looks, she is going to prove to be a great hit in the British Virgin Islands, Caribbean.
Meka is fully air conditioned, with a generator, TV, DVD, surround sound system, BBQ area with station to cut the catch of the day, dive cylinders, rods, fins, luxury spacious cabins and all that is needed to make sure that guests will have lots of fun.
The cockpit area has roll-down blinds to protect the guest against the sun and rain. The cockpit also offers a bar fridge to keep drinks cold, the galley is fully equipped with stove, oven, microwave, etc.
The British Virgin Islands is an ideal sailing destination for everyone, with crystal-clear waters, picture-perfect beaches and a host of island restaurants and bars.
For bookings on Yacht Meka in the British Virgin Islands, contact Elli Peinke– This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sailing to Durban Boat Show 2010
Owners Kevin and Laura Katzke of Yacht "Catatude" and Ian Galacher from Yacht "Jangles" enjoyed a relaxed evening with boat builder Kevin and Rika Fouche prior to sailing to Durban on Sunday 25 April 2010 where they attended the Durban Boat show.
Laying on anchor at Featherbed Bay, captain and crew waited patiently for better conditions before attempting to sail through the Knysna Heads, an area well known for unpredictable conditions. The rest of the sail was slow with almost zero winds and flat seas! They arrived in Durban on Wednesday evening where Grant Sieberts wife Lola awaited them with some Kentucky Fried Chicken!
All our thanks to girls Laura (and Woolworth's!) and Le-Anne for spoiling us on route to Durban!
Launching Jangles Knysna480
We launched this morning in rainy weather! All went well, Southern Spars and Kevin are still busy stepping the mast, etc. Jangles is beautiful and looks very elegant, the 480 has stunning lines, we've had so many compliments this morning! The dark captain navy stripe is a good match for the light grey hull, I will take more photo's tomorrow once the navy blue stack pack & sails are up.
We also took Mike and Debbie's hulls out of the mould this afternoon. Kevin and Jeremy are extremely happy and Clinton our "laminating professor" is very proud!
Tonight we are going to celebrate!
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