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360 DEGREE DOCKING:

The Sun Odyssey 509 that arrived just in time for the boat show is the first yacht to NSW with Jeanneau’s 360 degree docking system. This ingenious technology combines a bow-thruster with a sail-drive leg that rotates 360 degrees, and some clever electronics that use the rudder reference unit of the autopilot to centre the rudder on engaging the system. The joystick control is simple to use and allows full control of the yacht with the ability to move sideways to come alongside, or move and turn the yacht in any direction. It is currently available on the 43 to 53 footers, but will soon be available on the smaller yachts in the range. Interestingly we are told the option has been taken by well over 50% of buyers of the models that it has been available on, so is becoming a sensible solution to maneuvering yachts shorthanded.