tophatyachts.com

Hi Lake Macquarie Hatters,

I am looking at buying a small yacht suitable for lake and coastal sailing. A colleague who owned a Top Hat yacht for a number of years recommended a TH would be a good one to consider. Finding this forum and reading numerous posts from happy and satisfied TH owners has only further strengthened his recommendation. Whilst I have seen photos of THs, I have am yet to see one close-up. I was wondering if there may be an opportunity to meet up with one of you and have a look over your TH and chat about your experiences. I'm retired and live at Merewether. Over the last few years I have been crewing on a boat out of Newcastle sailing in club offshore races and overnight races. This has given me a basic level of sailing knowledge and a desire to take the next step to owning and skippering my own boat.

Thanks in advance for any assistance you can provide.

Cheers,
Neil

Hi Neil, I am way too far for you to check out my boat, Windchaser, but I am sure you will hear from someone closer. Definitely worth considering a Top Hat for lake and coastal cruising. Before I decided on Windchaser I thought I needed a 27 footer or something but the 25 feet of a Top Hat is very well designed, seaworthy and comfortable. Awesome boats.

troppo

G'day Neil, Galini is located in Tanilba Bay and I'm more than willing to show you over her if you would like.

I can also confirm their sea keeping abilities having brought her up from San Souci. About 2+ meter following seas and never any concern that it was beyond Galini's ability to cope.

Hi Troppo. I'll keep you in mind when it gets too cold down here

Hi Alyosius, I was up your way during the week (well nearby anyway) as I was crewing on a boat in the first half of the Sail Port Stephens regatta. No silverware but the sailing was good and I got to see areas of Port Stephens I hadn't seen from the water before.

Thanks for the offer to look over your boat; that would be much appreciated. Let me know some dates/times that suit your schedule; I'm pretty flexible nowadays however I'll be away next Thursday through Monday.

Cheers, Neil

Hey Curryhouse,

I'm away with work for a couple of weeks, I'll send you a PM when I get back with some possible dates.

Regards Alyosius

Thanks Alyosius. That works for me. If you're sailing, enjoy!!

So, a few months have passed since my original post re potential TH owner. Now I am a proud owner Found a Mk3 TH for sale through word of mouth. The previous owner used it as a 'live aboard' so it's no longer a traditionally fitted out TH. Previous owners have named the boat; 'N' Tails; Flotsam; and ESEL. I've named her Periwinkle. Located on a swing mooring adjacent to the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. Only a short trip in the tender from the ramp but I'm making it look a lot harder than it needs to be. A one legged duck would be proud of my rowing style. Periwinkle has a relatively new mainsail and sail cover; three headsails (#1, #2 & #3) and a spinnaker. The iron sail is a 8hp Yanmar. I'm looking forward to spending some time sailing on the lake and hopefully meeting up with other TH owners on this forum.

Congratulations Curry,

Greg with Felicite is just near there too, he lives locally in Belmont. Bear is an ex-Hatter, with a lovely Swanson now, but is also pretty knowledgeable if you need any help. They don't charge much....

Enjoy the boat, you're in a great sailing area and there'll be plenty of places to explore.

Hi Neil,
I find myself in the same situation that you were in when you created this post on the forum. The TH's look like fine entry level cruisers.
I'm in the Hunter Valley and would love to chat to someone about what to look for in a Top Hat when purchasing, and any advice you might have on the topic.
Many thanks,
Andrew

Hi Andrew, there seems to be a problem with the PinotNoir user name, seems to be generating random emails to people, I've had to de-activate it, can you send me an email to admin and I'll sort it out,
Cheers
Shaun