Super welcome for Clippers new Hudson Bay

A balmy autumn evening and a gleaming new million-dollar boat high on the hardstand greeted guests to the official world launch of the Clipper Hudson Bay 50 on the Gold Coast on Saturday, March 31.

More than 70 guests celebrated the occasion at Clipper headquarters on the water’s edge at Gold Coast City Marina.

The new Hudson Bay, fresh from early sea trials, photo shoots and media attention, was given its first public airing and, under the glare of spotlights, the guests were all eager to take a look over the boat.

Ramps on either side of the boat led to a viewing platform across the aft end of the boat and around the revolutionary Hydra Swim platform with its tender secured. Everyone admired the demonstrations as the platform rose in an arc to become a metre-high diving board and then lowered away from the boat. In the water, the platform submerged enough to launch the tender and provide a fun swimming platform.

“The kids are going to be ecstatic about this,” said one admirer as the platform arched to full height, displaying the three built-in steps up to the platform. “And it makes tender launch a simple one-person exercise. With a remote, I could sit in the tender and launch it!”

One guest described the new Hudson Bay: “This is more a small superyacht than a cruiser!” he said. “Beautifully designed and fitted out.”

After inspecting the boats they enjoyed drinks and a delicious array of finger foods, including stuffed mushrooms, warmed scallops with a tangy pineapple-based sauce, barbecued meats and, exotically presented, prawns supplied by Waterlife Cafe.

Guests mingled inside a large marquee and listened to the two-piece band who provided a musical background as the calm, warm evening air also had many guests outside admiring the boat.

Guests also took advantage of an interactive display of Simrad navigation electronics in the marquee. Simrad representatives were on hand to provide demonstrations of the new touch-screen NSS 12 electronics installed on the Hudson Bay 50.

Seven Clipper owners came by boat and berthed overnight at the marina, specially organised by Brett Thurley and his team at Clipper Motor Yachts Australia.

“As well as a showcase for the new Hudson Bay 50, this event was a thank-you to our loyal owners,” said Brett. “It was great to see owners respond so well to our offer of overnight berthing. The flotilla included a flagship Cordova 60, three of our most popular 48s, as well as Heritage 40s and a 36-footer, all lined up at the marina. They made a great sight for the guests with their lights ablaze throughout the evening.”

Brett Thurley was excited by the reception.

“This is the first opportunity for the boating community to see the Hudson Bay up close,” he said. “We could not have asked for a better event and the comments have been super positive. I was certain when the boat left the factory that the Hudson Bay’s contemporary design is a winner and this evening has confirmed it.”

The Clipper Hudson Bay is now available for client sea trials on the Gold Coast.