The Channel is still a challenge for two octogenerians (From Boating Cornwall)

The Channel is still a challenge for two octogenerians

11:34am Friday 3rd July 2009

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Two octogenarian Sunseeker powerboat enthusiasts turned back the clock when they crossed the English Channel in a fully restored Sovereign ‘Hostess 17’, one of the very first models built by Sunseeker when it launched its building programme over 40 years ago.

The voyage of rediscovery was an opportunity for the pair, who began their sea-faring careers together, to celebrate the success of Sunseeker and the quality of the craft’s build, which has been in regular use during the 40 years since its production.

Now completely restored to its original condition, the Hostess was discovered over six years ago near the Sunseeker yard in Poole, Dorset, and has since been displayed by the company at various international boat shows and more recently in the latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Setting off from London’s Chelsea Harbour at 5:45am the two men, Geoff Tobert, who is just months away from his 81st birthday, and boating journalist Ray Bulman, 79, travelled the 280 miles within 15 hours in triumphant style.

The journey began with a smooth run down The Thames, which was followed by more challenging conditions off North Foreland where the Thames Estuary meets the English Channel. Refueling at Ramsgate, the pair later stopped in Calais to toast the completion of half the journey with a glass of Sunseeker Champagne, before heading back to Chelsea, where they were greeted by Sunseeker staff, family and friends who were eagerly awaiting their arrival at 8.30pm.

Crew member, Geoff Tobert, sold the original production moulds to a young Robert Braithwaite, Sunseeker founder and CEO, in the 1960s while Ray Bulman tested the boat in 1970.

After the crossing Ray Bulman said, “I supposed it was a long way for a couple of oldies like us but I must say both Geoff and I couldn’t get over how well the Hostess performed. We may be suffering a few aches and pains but the Hostess didn’t miss a beat, and a testimony to its builder is that the boat felt it could have gone on forever.”

The Sovereign 'Hostess' was acclaimed for her quality of performance and exceptional comfort and this philosophy in design has prevailed through to today's range of models, which now includes super yachts in excess of 130 feet with new models of up to 170 feet planned for launching in the very near future.

Have you cross the channel in your boat? Why not tell Boating Cornwall about your experience? Contact Boasting Cornwall now.

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