From its humble beginnings in Australia, Sydney Yachts, originally Bashford Boats, carved a formidable reputation for producing high-performance sailing yachts that excel on the racecourse while offering a surprising degree of cruising comfort. The company's journey, marked by innovation, a dedication to one-design racing, and a significant change in leadership, has left an indelible mark on the global marine industry.
The Origin Story
The story of Sydney Yachts begins in the early 1980s with the late Ian Bashford, a figure well-known in Australian sailing circles for his success in classes like the Hobie Cat, J-24, and Etchells. Bashford founded Bashford Boats, with an initial focus on producing popular one-design yachts. The company quickly established itself by building Etchells 22 and J-24 sailboats, contributing significantly to the growth of these classes in Australia. From 1991 to 1996 alone, Bashford Boat Builders produced 111 Etchells for the Australian market. This early period laid the groundwork for a builder deeply rooted in competitive sailing.
History and Evolution
The early 1990s marked a significant shift for Bashford Boats with the launch of the new, larger "BH Boats" line. The Sydney 41 (originally known as the BH 41) was the first yacht off the drawing board and into production, setting a new direction for the company. This was followed by the BH 36.
A pivotal moment in the company's history came with the untimely death of founder Ian Bashford in April 1996. Following this, Charles Curran and acclaimed Australian sailor and yacht designer Iain Murray joined the company. This new leadership ushered in a new era, with the company rebranding as Bashford International and its new line of yachts being known as "Sydney Yachts." Under this new banner, the company expanded its range considerably, focusing on performance-oriented designs that could also appeal to cruiser-racers.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Sydney Yachts quickly gained a reputation in the sailing world for producing yachts that delivered impressive performance without sacrificing comfort, often striking a desirable balance between grand-prix racing capabilities and live-aboard amenities. Their identity became synonymous with fast, exciting, and easy-to-sail yachts, particularly known for their strength in one-design racing fleets.
A key element of Sydney Yachts' success was its collaboration with renowned naval architects. Iain Murray, who became integral to the company's leadership, also played a crucial role as a designer. Murray, along with his partners Burns and Dovell, designed several of the brand's iconic models, including the Sydney 32 and the Sydney 47CR. This partnership with Murray, Burns & Dovell ensured that Sydney Yachts maintained a sharp focus on speed, handling, and competitive edge.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Sydney Yachts has introduced several highly successful and impactful models throughout its history:
- Sydney 41 (BH 41): As one of the first larger yachts from the company, it set the precedent for future performance cruisers.
- Sydney 38: This model became one of Australia's largest fleets of one-design oceangoing yachts, solidifying Sydney Yachts' commitment to competitive one-design racing. By 2004, 35 Sydney 38s had been sold into the Australian market alone, making it a significant class. Known for its "grand-prix style racing" and "racing in comfort," it remains a popular choice for club racing.
- Sydney 32: Designed by Murray, Burns & Dovell, the Sydney 32 was conceived as a versatile performance cruiser, capable of both high-level racing and comfortable family enjoyment. It proved its mettle in various races, including the Sydney-Gold Coast Race, showcasing its all-around capabilities.
- Signature 39 (Sydney 39CR) and Signature 47 (Sydney 47CR): These models further emphasized the cruiser-racer philosophy, combining race-winning performance with enhanced live-aboard comfort. The Sydney 47 CR, for example, was built with robust construction and designed for both offshore racing and comfortable cruising.
The consistent design philosophy and strong performance of these models established Sydney Yachts as a go-to builder for sailors seeking competitive edge without compromising on the joy of sailing and cruising.
The Builder Today
Since 2013, the production of Sydney Yachts has transitioned to AD Boats in Croatia, marking an international expansion for the brand's manufacturing. While the core design principles of performance and quality remain, this move reflects the evolving landscape of global yacht production. Modern Sydney Yachts continue to appeal to sailors who value a combination of speed, responsive handling, and practical comfort, whether for competitive racing or spirited cruising. The brand's legacy of fostering strong one-design classes also contributes to an active owner community, particularly around its popular models like the Sydney 38.
