Her AIS was switched off nearly two months ago. During her short trails she stayed on inland waters: rivers and the "Haringvliet" (large inlet closed off by a dam) I assumed she was a the yard in Groot Ammers the past 60 days. If she has run aground somewhere, it would be logical for them to get Sofia into a drydock? So perhaps she hit a quay? But at what speed?
From what I understand, a buddy of mine said they lost steering in the river and crashed into a barge crushing the bow. I have actually heard this from a few sources. They must be back at Moonen for repairs.
She's not at the yard in Groot-Ammers, so she will probably be in a drydock somewhere if she has hit something?
While driving on the highway grom The Hague to the south of The Netherlands I passed the little village of Moerdijk and I could see They were testing the new Moonen 100ft explorer. I wasnt able to take Amy pictures whilst I was driving 160km an hour. But I must admit see was looking mighty fine!!!!
no speculation gentlemen, reading through your posts, i felt that i owe some explanation to the forum members as a member of the forum; as you may have followed in the forum, i was building the 100 explorer for myself for the round the world trip i've been planning. however, last year i decided to have a change in my plans and bought the sail yacht in the picture to do this trip. i am hoping to start the trip this fall and will try to share the trip in the forum. in the meantime, i have completed the explorer and decided to offer her for sale. she is not a spec boat for the yard. if you have any specific questions, i would be delighted to reply them as best as i can.
Nilo, I must admit that I really like the design of your 100ft explorer. Without getting into personal details, what was the reason to go for a round the world trip on a sailing yacht instead of this Moonen beauty?
Moonen Explorer Well, she is indeed a yacht i am proud of having involved in the building process. I was aiming for a very capable explorer yacht and during her sea trials this week she came out with flying colors. She is quiter than her specs, very agile; can literally turn around a dime at her full speed. She has a low consumption to easily fulfill her 5000 miles range at 10 knots. So, why have i decided to go for the sailboat? I realized that i wanted more involvement and something to play with. Although i pilot all my boats, for long passages there is not much to do on a motor yacht, other then watch keeping. Hence, i decided to do this trip on a sailboat and be more active.
Something on the adventures of the Moonen 84 "Etoile d'Azur" Etoile d?Azur?s transatlantic adventures - Moonen Yachts
Seems as though the Moonen "Crystal" will be put up for sale in the Summer. She just had a refit and spruce up at Solent Refit.
Moonen appears to be in some trouble financially. Those two yachts currently under construction in the Caribbean series perhaps will be immediate victims.