This month, we take delivery on two of the first electric engine sailboats from Hunter Marine. In both instances, the primary auxiliary propulsion is provided by an electric motor. Both yachts have a diesel generator to charge the batteries if needed. There has been much talk in the industry about greening the sailing experience and certainly many DIY sailors have converted but the e36 is the first production sailboat manufactured new with this type of set up.
Our Newport Beach, California base is currently readying their new e36 to be on display at the Dana Point Boat Show, May 31 to June 3. Not only will the new boat be shown and available for you to step onto, an electric engine will also be on display on the docks to help people understand the new system better. Given the interest in SailTime around that part of California, though, it’s possible Membership positions could be sold out before the show. So, contact the base now to get more info. The e36 will join three other Hunter 36’s at this base which also recently added a Hunter 45, now the largest SailTime yacht on the west coast! This base offers one of the top ASA traininig facilities on the West Coast and has a full slate of social functions planned annually for its Members.
The Miami sailing base is taking delivery of the second e36, there. In addition to the diesel generator, this yacht also features a solar panel and wind generator to keep the batteries topped off. The Miami version also has air conditioning. This much anticipated new boat, joins two other Hunter 36 yachts in the fleet. all are berthed at the convenient Dinner Key Marina at Coconut Grove. The base also offers an ASA sailing school and has powerboats available for those not looking to sail. The e36 here, aptly namd “Sparky,” will be available for viewing and member sailing right around Memorial Day weekend.
Both of these new e36’s are outfitted with the “Performance Package.” This special order package consists of a “flat top,” full battened main sail which has 211 square feet more sail area than the stock sail and a 120 percent jib instead of a 110%.
SailTime’s evolution is fully underway in our 10th season of operation. Since inception, we have offered Hunter sailboats which are manufactured in the USA. Two years ago, we began to offer Rinker powerboats that are beginning to be found in many bases across the country and are also built in America. This year, we introduced the Gemini Catamaran and have already delivered one to Annapolis and one to Philadelphia, with more on the way. All boats in the SailTime fleet are owned by individuals we call, Owner Members. These sailors see a great advantage in buying a boat through our program. They get to sail as much as they want but don’t have all the associated hassle and cost that traditional private boat ownership creates.
