Born in Sevilla, Southern Spain, Borja Melgarejo has dealt with the sea since he was a small boy. His first multihull, bought in 2001, was a 53 footer and served him for more than 3 years. Within some time, Borja wanted to change the boat for a bigger cat. Finally, after a closer look of catamarans currently available on the market, along with his brother Javier, co-owner of the yacht, he decided to go for a [link=http://www.sunreef-yachts.com]Sunreef 62\\\’ for he claims that there was nothing better in terms of quality and price in this size complying with the best European standards. In addition to that, they could customize his yacht maintaining reasonable price. Sunreef seemed to be an ideal choice for their plans: round-the-world trip in two families and a couple of weeks of charter a year. For that purpose, this particular Sunreef 62 was laid out in exceptional way and can accommodate up to 14 guests and two crew.
The catamaran, called ZAHORA after the beautiful beach of Zahora in Andalucia, left the Sunreef yard at the beginning of September 2008 and sailed away to to Portimao in Algarve, Southern Portugal. It was just in time to assist the grand final of Med Cup 2008 regattas TP 52 where the boat was used as a VIP yacht for Oracle and Audi special guests and families.
After that, Borja spent some time with his family and friends enjoying Zahora before the crossing to the Caribbean, where the yacht was to be displayed at the Antigua [link=http://www.sunreef-charter.com]Charter Show. Along with his wife Gadea, his three children and his brother\\\’s family, they sailed to Ishla de Culatra in Portugal where they met another Sunreef 62\\\’, ready to head for Central America. After the short holidays Zahora moved to the Canary Islands where she was used for 6 days as a day charter yacht for AUDI VIPs during the world finals of TP 52 regattas. From Gran Canaria they left for Barbados on the 3rd of November 2008.
Borja and Javier with a couple of friends successfully crossed Atlantic in 15 days and 7 hours. Zahora passed this difficult test brilliantly. The team could enjoy good wind of 15-20 knots with some gusts of 30/40 knots, maintaining cruising speed at 10 knots and reaching 15 knots of maximum speed. They travelled about 150 and 210 miles per day.
Once on place, they were joined by Gadea and Veronica, Javier\\\’s wife, at the Grenadines from where they departed for a weekly trip to the Tobago Keys, Moustique Island, Dominica, st Kitts and Nevis. Next stop: Antigua Charter Show, where Zahora was exhibited for the first time ever and welcomed new charter crew on board, an Aussie chef Sharon Stannard and Kiwi skipper John O\\\’Connell.