My adventure with Antares 42 – Q&A with Brian Bounds

What boat do you currently own?

I currently own a Beneteau Antares 42 (Sea Motion).

How did you get to buy this boat and why this one?

When I arrived in Singapore for a 4-year assignment, my plan was always to buy a boat as my wife and I love boating. I contacted a handful of brokers and looked at a range of motor yachts ranging from 28-36ft from the likes of Sea Ray, Meridian, Sunseeker. All the boats I looked at were pre-owned and they all had their good and bad points.

I then visited Simpson Marine at ONE°15 Marina Club and I was introduced to the Beneteau Antares range starting at 30ft and up to 42ft. I knew of Beneteau as I had sailed many sail boats of theirs many times but never a motor boat. The reason I was choosing a motor boat was because I wanted to travel good distances and quickly visiting Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia. It all came down to budget, practicality and ultimately how often it would be used.
I very much liked the Beneteau Antares 32 even though I had only seen it in a brochure but from experience and discussions with Simpson Marine plus the fact that it would be used frequently for holidays I decided to purchase it. Now after a few weeks of departing with a large deposit, I changed my mind after considering the larger options and before my original order of the Antares 32 was put on a ship for delivery, I upgraded to the Antares 42. I am certainly glad I did, as this boat offers so much room and comfort. But ultimately it is a boat that can be used long range with great speed and efficiency.

Where is the boat based?

Singapore (Sentosa Cove)

How do you use your boat?

I use my boat many times whether it be for entertaining friends or family trips out and around Singapore but mostly for longer trips.

Your favorite moment on your boat?

My favourite moment on my boat was actually blessing her with some champagne across the bow as she was lowered into the water and the first time we sailed it together as a family soon after delivery.

Your most memorable trip/ experience and why was this so important for you?

My most memorable trip on my boat was to be my last and it was to the Anambas Islands, Indonesia, with my wife and eldest son. They are such a beautiful group of islands and totally unspolit from tourism. The cruising is wonderfully peaceful and the diving is seriously fantastic. It made it ever more memorable as the boat is named Phenomenon after our son James who suffered a near fatal accident as a baby.

Your favorite place on board?

My favourite place onboard has to be from the helm on the flybridge.

Which Asian cruising destination do you recommend to your fellow yachtsmen to visit?

I would have to recommend cruising the Anambas Islands in Indonesia.

Please share your sail plans for the next 2-3 years

Unfortunately, my assignment has come to an end and I must return to the UK and thus has my time enjoying my Antares 42. With three children under the age of 4, it will be some years before I buy another boat for all the family to enjoy.

Why joining yachting community, what attracted you to this lifestyle?

Sailing is something I enjoy and so wherever I am in the world it is nice to be amongst those that also enjoy it whether that’s joining a club or making friends with others you meet on your travels.   What attracted me to this lifestyle was the sheer enjoyment of navigating to new places and the excitement when you have reached your destination.

If you could change your boat for another one day, what would be your next one and why?

Being a lover of sail boats as opposed to motorboats then I would have to say it would have to be a 50ft sailing yacht for all the family to enjoy and for even longer passages across great oceans.

And how about your experience in working with Simpson Marine?

My experiences with Simpson Marine have all been great. From the sale of the boat to the exceptionally after sales care. A genuine team of people who make every effort to continue friendships long after selling you a boat with organized sailing events or a gathering to enjoy a drink just to tell sailing stories.

THANK YOU!