Zana to go under the hammer

Bakewell-White supermaxi to be auctioned at the Sail, Power and Watersports Show at Earls Court in November

The Sail, Power and Watersports Show today announced that they will be hosting the world’s largest boat auction at the pre-Christmas event at Earls Court over 26-30 November.

The auction will be run by BoatBid.com throughout the course of the show at Earls Court in November and will be making available a unique selection of boats from 10ft to 110ft in length. There will also be a range of boats representing the best British and International brands available today.

The BoatBid.com system has been developed and tested over the last 18 months and was successfully trialed at Earls Court last year when Michael Perham’s Cheeky Monkey was sold.

One lot that is sure to attract a lot of attention and bidding is that of the Bakewell-White supermaxi Zana(read more about her here). Built in 2003 for offshore racing, Zana (also known as Konica Minolta) is one of New Zealand’s most successful offshore racing yacht in recent years. Measuring 30 metres long and built out of carbon fibre-nomex sandwich, Zana had an original build value of over$5million.

James Brooke, MD, The Sail, Power and Watersports Show, said, "We've looked at how to take the show forward and there is a thriving market for used boats with a unique history, such as record holding powerboats and classic yachts. We're delighted to be announcing our first super yacht, Zana, with a true racing pedigree and many other fascinating boats will be announced over the coming weeks. We’re delighted to have developed a partnership with Boatbid.com and to be hosting a ground-breaking feature for any boat show. It will ultimately attract many more potential boat buyers to Earls Court , which will be to the benefit of all our exhibitors.

BoatBid.com offers the closest thing to actually being on the boat itself - every single boat has been inspected personally by a member of the Boatshedteam and a gallery of up to 70 photos for each will be posted online for prospective buyers to check out prior to bidding. All boats are offered subject to survey so buyers are guaranteed a safe and easy buying experience – whether online or at the show.

As the show approaches, bidders will be able to find information on all theboats listed and how to bid at www.earlscourt2008.com

The auction catalogue will include up to 100 boats available in the following 10 categories:
1. Personal Water Craft
2. RIBS
3. Sail boats under 27 foot
4. Sail boats 27 to 34 foot
5. Sail boats 35 to 50 foot
6. Sail boats over 50 foot
7. Motor boats under 27 foot
8. Motor boats 27 to 34 foot
9. Motor boats 35 to 50 foot
10. Motor boats over 50 foot

Boatbid.com is a subsidiary of the Boatshed.com Yacht Brokerage Group,which now has over 65 offices in Europe and the USA.

BoatBid.com auctions are all operated along established Boatshed.com yacht brokerage standards and systems, operating under the standard terms andconditions of the British Marine Federation (BMF).

The auction will be available to potential bidders across the world and the auction catalogue will be officially open 30 days prior to the opening of theshow (27 October 2008) and will be available up to 24 hours prior to the close of the show.

Auctions will close at 17.00 each day of the show.

A selection of boats will be available on site for viewing at The Sail, Power& Watersports Show 2008 at Earls Court in a totally new boat auction area.