Motorboat & Yachting

FIRST-TIME BUYER

Having just watched your excellent review of the De Antonio 36, I am seriously considerin­g buying one

– but I was wondering if you had any other recommenda­tions for a boat of similar size and price point?

I’m looking to use the boat on the Intracoast­al Waterway in South Florida with my young family. The 36 was appealing for its deck space and ability to entertain, because as a first-time buyer, I have limited knowledge of day boats and south Florida seems to be filled with centre-console fishing boats. Any help you can provide would be immensely appreciate­d. JORDAN BITOVE

This is a nice simple one. The De Antonio 36 is a fantastic boat for a family on relatively sheltered waters like you describe. It delivers loads of sociable day space, plus a novicefrie­ndly drive and the luxury of overnighti­ng cabins that double as really impressive below-decks lounges. There are plenty of other brands doing clever things at this kind of length – not least Axopar, Saxdor and Galeon. But for a family with young kids in search of an open boat that delivers just that bit more volume and flexibilit­y, the De Antonio remains a clear class leader. ALEX

SEAFARERS’ CHARITIES

I live in Sweden and have followed your magazine for a long time now. I get it from a bookstore in the centre of Stockholm and I look forward to the third week of each month when it becomes available there. Compliment­s on the amazing work. The love of the sea is self-evident but even more importantl­y, you brilliantl­y highlight the human creativity and the detail that goes into creating these beautiful boats.

On another note, I was wondering if there is a charitable organisati­on for sea personnel in the UK or elsewhere that you would recommend for contributi­ons and even sponsorshi­p? Retired seafarers who may have sustained injuries in the course of their work perhaps? Any guidance would be greatly appreciate­d. ANDREW DAVIES

Thank you for the compliment­s, they are appreciate­d. As for seafarers’ charities, I can’t claim to have personal knowledge of this sector. The obvious choice seems to be The Seafarers’ Charity that started life in 1917 as the King George’s Fund for Sailors and is dedicated to improving the lives of seafarers and their families. There is also the Shipwrecke­d Mariners Society for seafarers who have fallen on hard times. If any readers have any further suggestion­s, please get in touch. HUGO