21. The Search For Heavy Weather: How WIND HORSE Changed Offshore Powerboat Design - with Steve Dashew

21. The Search For Heavy Weather: How WIND HORSE Changed Offshore Powerboat Design - with Steve Dashew

The Search For Heavy Weather: How WIND HORSE Changed Offshore Powerboat Design, with Steve Dashew In this episode, Sue Grant is joined by renowned yacht designer, sailor, author and offshore passagemaker Steve Dashew to discuss FPB 83 WIND HORSE, the yacht that became the genesis of the FPB fleet and fundamentally changed the way he thought about offshore powerboats. Sue and Steve discuss: *  The origins of FPB 83 WIND HORSE  *  The transition from sailing yachts to offshore powerboats  *  Designing for heavy weather  *  Stability, safety and offshore survivability  *  Fuel efficiency and long-range cruising  *  The evolution of the FPB fleet  *  Testing boats in real-world conditions  *  Challenging conventional thinking in yacht design  *  Lessons learned from decades of passagemaking The conversation begins with a simple question: why go looking for heavy weather? For Steve, the answer was straightforward. When designing WIND HORSE, "the bottom line was how comfortable they would be at sea and how they'd handle heavy weather." After decades spent designing and sailing some of the world's most capable offshore sailing yachts, he had never encountered a powerboat that inspired confidence in difficult conditions. Steve explains how the journey towards WIND HORSE began aboard his final sailing yacht, BEOWULF, a 78-foot water-ballasted ketch capable of remarkable passage times. Yet an unexpected boom failure during a passage from Panama ultimately forced a rethink. Faced with the prospect of spending another three or four years designing and building a new sailing yacht, Steve and Linda began exploring an idea they had previously dismissed: a serious offshore powerboat. What followed was a design process that challenged almost every accepted convention. Naval architects questioned the concept. Experienced boat owners doubted it would work. As Steve recalls, "everybody said we were nuts." The result was WIND HORSE, a yacht designed around efficiency, comfort and offshore capability rather than traditional powerboat thinking. Yet even after years of design work, there was only one way to know if the concept really worked. Steve admits that they "wouldn't know the answer" until they had been offshore in genuine heavy weather. The episode explores the early sea trials in New Zealand and the growing realisation that the boat was attracting attention from experienced commercial operators. Ferry captains and fishermen began taking notice. According to Steve, "when you start attracting the attention of the professionals in a country like New Zealand, you know you're onto something." One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion centres around a passage from the Bay of Islands, where WIND HORSE encountered a confused sea state made up of multiple crossing wave systems. Steve explains that "the seas from one direction aren't what get you in trouble or make you uncomfortable. It's when you get a crossing sea state, or sometimes two or three seas crossing." It was during this voyage that the FPB concept truly proved itself. Passing through squalls and breaking seas, Steve experienced something entirely new. After decades of offshore sailing, he suddenly realised that there was "nothing to do." The absence of sail handling, reefing decisions and constant weather management created a very different offshore experience. Reflecting on those early passages, Steve admits that he "had never realised up to that point how stressful it was" sailing BEOWULF. WIND HORSE offered something different: the ability to maintain passage speeds while dramatically reducing the physical and mental workload associated with long-distance cruising. Sue and Steve also discuss the realities of yacht design, the limitations of modelling and CFD analysis, and why real-world experience remains irreplaceable. As Steve puts it, "you really don't know until you get the boat in the water in a confused sea state." Despite decades of technical development, many of his final design decisions are still guided by instinct, explaining that "the final decisions are always made by feel." The conversation goes beyond heavy weather and into the philosophy behind the FPB range. Steve discusses reliability, simplicity, maintenance and why accessible systems matter offshore. In his view, if "you have good access, then you can check things," preventing small problems from becoming large ones. The episode concludes with the story of how WIND HORSE evolved from a personal project into the foundation of an entirely new fleet. Steve never intended to return to boatbuilding and recalls that "when we built WIND HORSE, we thought that was the last boat." Yet demand quickly emerged, and before long the FPB 64 was on the drawing board. For anyone interested in offshore passagemaking, yacht design, heavy weather seamanship or the origins of the FPB fleet, this is a fascinating insight into one of the most influential cruising concepts of the modern era. Host: Sue Grant Guest: Steve Dashew About This Series The Dashew Talking Books is a special podcast series exploring the life, experiences and ideas of Steve Dashew. Across these conversations, Steve reflects on decades of innovation, offshore cruising, yacht design, business, adventure and the many unexpected stories that shaped his remarkable career. To explore more of Steve and Linda Dashew's work, visit SetSail for articles, owner stories and technical resources. You can also watch more conversations and videos on the Dashew Offshore YouTube channel, and explore FPB Motor Yachts at Berthon International to learn more about the cruising yachts that grew from Steve's pioneering design philosophy. To explore more of Steve's writing, technical articles and cruising knowledge, visit: SetSail: SetSail.com [https://setsail.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Dashew Offshore YouTube Channel: YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DashewOffshore?utm_source=chatgpt.com] To learn more about FPB Motor Yachts: Berthon FPB Motor Yachts: FPB Motor Yachts [https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/fpb-motor-yachts/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Steve Dashew - Dashew Offshore [https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/fpb-motor-yachts/] Iconic yacht designer and one of the true legends of modern ocean cruising. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

20. Inside the Market - Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for May 2026 - Berthon International Yacht Brokerage

Inside the Market: Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for May 2026 | Berthon International Yacht Brokerage In this episode of Inside the Market, Hugh Rayner is joined by Ben Hitchen to discuss the latest trends, activity and observations from across the international yacht brokerage market. Drawing on conversations with Berthon's teams in the UK, Sweden, Spain and the USA, Hugh and Ben explore what they are seeing on the ground as the season gains momentum and buyers return to the market. After a quieter start to the year, May has brought a noticeably more positive tone. Viewings have increased, enquiry levels are improving, and there is growing activity across the core brokerage sector. However, buyers remain selective, with condition, presentation and realistic pricing continuing to play a critical role in determining which yachts attract serious interest. As Hugh explains, "there is a lot of really encouraging activity across our core brokerage space, but the boats still have to be well-presented yachts and realistically priced for the market." The discussion covers Berthon's Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for May 2026, including: * The continued resilience of the brokerage market between €300,000 and €400,000 * Strong demand for quality cruising yachts such as Hallberg-Rassys, Sweden Yachts, Southerlys and smaller Oysters * Why good listings remain in short supply * The importance of realistic pricing and presentation * Increased viewings and buyer engagement during the latter part of the month * Activity levels across Scandinavia and the wider European market * The challenges currently facing larger yachts above 65 feet * How buyers are approaching value and condition in today's market Ben also shares his experience of increased demand for quality cruising yachts, noting that there remains "a decent amount of interest in the well-regarded quality boats" and that viewings, walk-ins and enquiries have all increased as the season progresses. The conversation explores how the market is rewarding owners who are realistic about pricing, while boats that are overpriced or poorly presented continue to struggle for attention. Hugh reflects on the impact of recent price adjustments, explaining that even small corrections have resulted in direct enquiries and renewed buyer interest. The episode also looks at regional differences, particularly the continued strength of the Scandinavian market, where healthy levels of activity, new listings and steady sales continue to provide positive signals. As the discussion concludes, both Hugh and Ben reflect on a market that feels more active than it did earlier in the spring. Serious buyers remain present, particularly in the core cruising yacht sector, but they are informed, selective and looking for genuine value. For yacht owners considering selling, buyers looking to enter the market, or anyone interested in the current state of international yacht brokerage, this episode provides a useful snapshot of what Berthon's brokers are seeing across the market in May 2026. Host: Hugh Rayner Guest: Ben Hitchen

19. Palma International Boat Show 2026 | Yacht Market Trends, Brokerage & Solaris Yachts

Back from Palma International Boat Show 2026, Tim Carbury and Alan McIlroy sit down to reflect on one of the Mediterranean yachting calendar’s most important events. Recorded just days after returning from Mallorca, this episode looks at the mood of the market, the atmosphere on the dock, and what Berthon observed across both brokerage and new yacht sales during the week. The discussion covers Berthon’s presence at the show, including the HH66 NO CODE [https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/hh-catamarans-hh66-no-code/], Spirit 76 NAZGUL OF FORDELL [https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/spirit-76-nazgul-of-fordell/], Swan 77 INVICTUS [https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/nautor-swan-77-invictus/], and the Solaris 50 [https://www.berthoninternational.com/new-yacht-sales/solaris-yachts/solaris-50/] and Solaris 64 RS [https://www.berthoninternational.com/new-yacht-sales/solaris-yachts/solaris-64-rs/], as well as wider observations from across the industry. Tim and Alan discuss whether footfall really felt lighter this year, why targeted enquiries still matter more than general crowds, and how Palma compares with shows such as Cannes and Düsseldorf. The conversation also explores: * the continued appetite for quality bluewater and performance cruising yachts * the growing confidence returning to parts of the market * why classic and modern-classic yachts continue to attract strong attention * the realities of exhibiting at major international boat shows * the importance of broker networking and industry visibility * and why Palma remains such an important event despite changing buyer behaviour There are also some behind-the-scenes reflections on the practical side of getting five yachts prepared and presented for an international show, alongside discussion around current brokerage trends, enquiry levels, and the state of the Mediterranean season as a whole. As Alan notes during the episode: “The dream is more alive when the boats are on the water and the sun’s out.” A relaxed and honest conversation from two brokers fresh off the dock in Palma.

18. Inside the Market - Yacht Sales Insights & Trends for April 2026 - Berthon International Yacht Brokerage

The 2026 sailing season is now properly underway, and with boats launching across Europe and the Mediterranean season beginning to gather pace, the market is starting to reveal where confidence, caution, and genuine activity currently sit. In this episode of Inside the Market, Ben Cooper and Alan McIlroy discuss the Top 7 Yacht Sales Insights for April 2026, drawing on conversations from across Berthon’s international offices in the UK, Spain, Sweden, and the USA. The picture, as ever, is mixed. General enquiry levels remain noticeably lower than this time last year, but the quality of enquiry has improved considerably. As Ben explains, “the people that you are talking to, those targeted enquiries, they’re quite focused and they want to buy boats.” Fewer casual browsers perhaps, but more serious buyers prepared to make decisions. One of the clearest trends emerging this spring is the pressure on the production yacht market between 40 and 60 feet. Buyers appear to be waiting for further price adjustments, even as the season begins. In a crowded marketplace, pricing and presentation are becoming more important than ever. At the other end of the spectrum, well-prepared quality yachts continue to attract strong interest. Bluewater cruisers and proven offshore brands remain particularly resilient. “There’s always a market for those well-presented quality marques that represent good value,” Alan notes, reflecting a trend being seen across multiple territories. The discussion also looks at the Palma International Boat Show, which Berthon has just returned from. While general footfall may have felt lighter than previous years, both Ben and Alan highlight that the show remains hugely important from a brokerage perspective, particularly for networking, getting brokers aboard yachts, and generating future sales conversations. As Alan puts it, “what we as an industry use Palma for really is to show other brokers the boats.” New yacht sales remain more measured overall, although there are signs of renewed confidence within the quality segment. Both Pegasus and Solaris are seeing more serious discussions beginning to develop again, particularly where buyers are looking for well-built, performance-oriented cruising yachts designed for long-term ownership. The episode also touches on broader regional differences. Sweden continues to see a highly active and liquid local market, while elsewhere some owners are choosing to hold onto their yachts for another season rather than bring them to market after investing in spring preparation and refit work. As always, the fundamentals remain remarkably consistent. High quality yachts, properly presented and realistically priced, continue to find buyers, even in a more selective marketplace. Key Points • The 2026 sailing season is now underway, with activity increasing across all Berthon territories  • Enquiry levels are lower than in 2025, but conversion rates are significantly stronger  • Production yachts in the 40–60 foot segment remain under pricing pressure  • Palma Boat Show delivered focused, high-quality brokerage interest despite lighter footfall  • Sweden and parts of Northern Europe continue to show strong local market activity  • New yacht sales are showing signs of renewed confidence in the premium segment  • Well-presented, high-quality yachts continue to sell at sensible price levels

17. UK VAT for Yachts Explained: Is the UK a Strategic Cruising Choice? | PKF Francis Clark & Berthon International Yacht Brokerage

About VAT – Is The UK A Strategic Cruising Choice? | PKF Francis Clark VAT is one of the most discussed, and often misunderstood, areas of yacht ownership. In this episode of the Berthon Podcast, we take a closer look at whether the UK has become a genuinely strategic cruising choice from a tax and customs perspective. Joining the conversation is Joe Francis, Director of VAT and Customs at PKF Francis Clark. With more than 20 years’ experience across a range of sectors, including marine, Joe brings a clear and practical view on how VAT is being applied in today’s post-Brexit landscape. The starting point is simple. As Joe explains, “If the rules are applied correctly, the UK should offer multiple well-defined routes to manage VAT and customs exposure.” What follows is a detailed but accessible discussion on how those routes actually work in practice. Temporary Admission remains one of the most important tools available to yacht owners entering UK waters. With the time limit now extended to 24 months, it offers a straightforward way for many non-UK flagged vessels to cruise without triggering import VAT, provided the conditions are met. The conversation also explores some of the more nuanced areas that owners and brokers regularly encounter. One example is the commonly used “12-mile dip”. While this is generally accepted from a customs perspective to reset Temporary Admission, Joe highlights that it may not always qualify as a valid export for VAT purposes. As he puts it, “they may not accept that as an export for VAT purposes,” which can create significant exposure if relied upon incorrectly. Returned Goods Relief is another area covered in detail. While it can allow a vessel to re-enter the UK without triggering VAT, the conditions are strict, particularly around maintaining the vessel in the same condition. Even relatively routine work can fall into a grey area, making early planning and proper documentation essential. For commercially operated yachts, the position shifts again. Temporary Admission is generally not available, but alternative reliefs may apply, particularly where vessels are providing passenger transport. In some cases, this can allow operations to continue in UK waters without a formal import, depending on how the activity is structured. The discussion also touches on one of the least understood areas of the current framework, Unfettered Access Relief under the Northern Ireland protocol. While complex, it can offer unique advantages in certain scenarios, including the ability to move vessels into Great Britain without triggering import VAT, although not without trade-offs. As the episode makes clear, the UK’s VAT and customs position has evolved into something far more structured and, in many cases, advantageous. However, the detail matters. As Joe explains throughout, “you’ve got to plan it out,” because getting it wrong can result in significant and unnecessary cost. This is a practical conversation around real scenarios, offering clarity on a topic that continues to shape buying, selling, and cruising decisions across the market. PKF Francis Clark [https://www.pkf.co.uk/] Specialist VAT and tax advice for yacht owners, brokers and marine businesses. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.