LEISURELY LIFE STYLE ON BOARD THE FAIRLINE TARGA 40 IN CAPE TOWN

What to do with leisure time is not a question for Fairline owner Jacques Taylor who looks for every opportunity to cruise off Cape Town in his Fairline Targa 40 which he bought from Boating World a year ago. On a balmy evening he will even spend a Friday night on board in order to make an early start to a weekend’s cruising!

Moored at the V&A waterfront this luxury cruiser is ideally positioned for a quick getaway for day trips to Clifton or Robben Island – and longer holidays have great appeal.

He and a party of three friends took off for a four-day break over the festive season setting their sights on Langebaan up the West Coast. A howling South Easter of around 20 – 24 knots blowing from behind created some challenging chops and swells but they proved no match for the Fairline Targa 40.

“We were virtually surfing at times but I set my trim tabs all the way up, hit 2,900 rpm and did around 22 knots all the way. She handled the water incredibly well - I am so happy with her!” he said.

Arriving at Langebaan at 14:00 the exhilarated party took time out to relax for the afternoon and unwind after this rather adrenalin pumping ride. Although there was no opportunity for dolphin or whale watching during the trip because of the wind this Fairline Targa 40 is ideal for this type of activity with her comfortable cockpit seating conveniently wrapped around a table in the cockpit.

A BBQ griddle built-in behind the pilot seat is the entertainment hub as Jacques and his guests enjoy many a meal from hamburgers to steak cooked right there out in the open.

He and one of the passenger’s lived on board the boat (for the three nights) which was moored at Club Mykonos which is situated at the end of the 8km long and 2km wide Langebaan Lagoon. Four people can comfortably enjoy overnighting in the two cabins (fore and aft) with the convenience of a full head with shower.

The slipway restaurant was a great spot for a lovely meal and the friends spent several hours on the water each day where the Fairline Targa 40 performed to perfection.

A memorable visit to the popular Kraal Baai saw them swimming and enjoying much watersport action – as a friend arrived with an 18ft speedboat for hours of waterskiing fun. Jacques added that afterwards the outdoor shower on the transom was put to good use in getting rid of the sticky salt water.  Snacks and drinks at sundown were a fitting way to set the tone for chilled evenings.

Sadly all good things come to an end and it was time to leave. Jacques hit the sea at 9am and this time there was no wind at all! They had a fantastic trip home which took three hours at around 2900rpm with the trim tabs all the way out – talk about a thrill!

 Needless to say this intrepid cruise-lover is already planning his next holiday on board his Fairline Targa 40.