Sydney Yachts history 1980 - 2010

The late Ian Bashford founded Bashford Boats (now known as Sydney Yachts) in the early 1980’s. Ian was extremely well known internationally in most sailing arenas particularly the multihulls classes where he won many state, national, and world events. Amongst his achievements the Worrell 1000 Endurance Race – 2 times Champion - 1000 miles up the coast of Florida on a Hobie Cat, and being the first non-American to win the North American J24 Championships.
 
Ian began the company utilizing his expert skills in boatbuilding and naval architecture and a unique ability to combine this with his experience and knowledge of sailing and the ocean. The company was dedicated to producing one design yachts such as the International J24 and the International Etchells 22 to the most exacting standards.

In the late 80’s the company became export focused after identifying a niche for their products. In 1994 their efforts were formerly awarded by the achievement of the Federal Award for the Australian British Chamber of Commerce Export Award.

The beautifully built and expertly crafted yachts have won numerous world and National Titles and in turn earned the company a reputation for producing world class yachts. Many of the world’s great sailor’s own boats built by Sydney Yachts.

With the desire to move into larger racing and ocean going yachts the company planned its expansion including the building of a new, larger facility, purpose designed for yacht manufacture.

The early 1990’s brought the launch of the new larger yachts, BH Boats. The first yacht off the drawing board and into production was the Sydney 41. Within 3 days of launching "Raptor" was heading south competing for the winning place in the 50th Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. This memorable occasion was marked, "Raptor" was announced Overall Winner of the Anniversary Race, from the largest fleet of 362 yachts. Today, we see the Sydney 41 still competitively racing in all parts of the world. The Sydney 41 of today is now reconfigured for the changing racing and measurement conditions.
 
Shortly after, the BH 36 was launched. She also achieved a successful debut winning the Nissan Regatta in Melbourne. The Sydney 36 is also a successful racer and cruiser but again is reconfigured. Today we see the Sydney 36 as the "M3 of the Water", fast with sport styling.

Following the sudden death of Ian Bashford in April 1996, a new shareholding was established. An injection of funds, the company’s profile was boosted, giving birth to the new company, "Bashford International" and their signature range "Sydney Yachts".

Since, late 1996 the company has expanded its range considerably. With the Sydney 38 becoming the most succesful Australian One Design ever produced. In 2004 the Sydney 32 is set to continue the trend having already exceeded the sales record set by the Sydney 38 in its first 12 months. Along side of these two impressive One Design racers comes the latest designs from the Sydney Yachts Team, the Sydney 39CR and Sydney 47CR,  which are set to be the benchmark in Performance Cruising Yachts across the globe.

Sydney Yachts use advanced technology to build cost effective grand prix and custom sailboats. Strong light construction and attention to detail are the secret to race winning and competitive boats. On the racecourse, quality is outstanding and wins in the long run. Over the years, Sydney Yachts have compiled an incredibly outstanding array of class, overall and line honours wins.