Press release re visit to Wharram Built Yard in the Philippines
By James Wharram Designs

October 2007

Wharram Built Yard in the Philippines

James Wharram, pioneer ocean catamaran sailor and designer, like many other British firms, is outsourcing the building of his designs in SE Asia, with franchised yards in the Philippines, Thailand and India. He, with design partner Hanneke Boon have just returned from a visit to their Philippine yard, ‘Andy Smith Boatworks’ (www.andy-smith-boatworks.com) in Panglao Island, near Cebu, to inspect and discuss the final design details of their new 20m Islander 65 that is in build there.

The Islander 65 is a sailing ‘workboat’ that can carry 10 tons of cargo at an average sailing speed of 8-10 knots, can be beached and floats in 1.20m – 4ft of water, it is the answer to many Pacific, Indian Ocean transport needs. She is primarily a sailing vessel; her slim hulls require only small auxiliary engines for calms and entering harbour.

This first Islander 65 is being built for charter use in the Seychelles as well as charity/relief work in Madagascar, with a flexi-space interior suitable for both usages.

In Indian Ocean and Pacific waters the Islander 65 design with its eco aspect of ‘sail power’ and minimum carbon footprint in building methods and material usage, is attracting much interest, particularly from charitable organisations.

At the other end of the scale, Andy Smith Boatworks has built three Hitia 17 beach catamarans, which will be used on the local tourist beach for day charter and teaching sailing. The Hitia 17 is built in wood/epoxy and carries a low centre-of-effort rig, which makes her far more stable and therefore more suitable for families than similar size sports cats like the Hobie 16. The yard hopes to build many more for other beach resorts in the Philippines, or export overseas.

Then finally there is a Tiki 30 reaching completion at the yard. This boat is built in strip planking and epoxy/glass, giving a beautiful sculptural feel to this design.

This visit was very encouraging as there was a real sense of ‘working together’ and trying to ‘achieve excellence’ between the 20+ builders at the yard, the office staff and the customers, who had flown out specially to meet us.

James Wharram Designs
Truro, Cornwall
www.wharram.com