At the annual boatshow in IJmuiden we met the Zilt editors and through them we got the opportunity to communicate to a wide audience the unique investment structure we can offer those supporting us in expanding our fleet.

Click on the picture to open the magazine. You will find the article on page 52. Unfortunately for those not mastering Dutch: the article is in Dutch.

Here you will be informed on the specifics of investing in our fleet, on what you may expect in terms of financial input and return on your investment on one hand, and on what we would expect from you on the other.  Should you desire any additional information after having studied this site, please contact us. We will be happy to answer your questions. For those of you who master Dutch a memorandum is available, detailing the legal and tax structure and the relevant financial statistics. Please contact us for similar information in English.

Depending on their tax status, the investors may expect a taxreturn of their cash investment nearly in full, within one and a half years from the moment they invested. The Tax Authorities will push a proportianally smaller claim into the distant future. This makes investing in Long Tall Sally even more atractive: the nearly full cash investment will be reimbursed without loosing the investor’s rights to a share in the profits. From this share the remaining future taxclaim should be easily payable by the way. For those interested a detailed memorandum has been drafted, detailing the structure and conditions allowing the investors to profit from the taxprogramme.

Key issues in this respect are:

• investment from € 162.500 without further placement cost
• participation is open to private persons liable to pay taxes under Dutch taxlaw*1
• expected returns 14%
• participation open untill December 20, 2010
• start operation of the vessel ultimately per December 31, 2012
• private investor’s warranty for € 262.500 for each participation

*1: it would also be possible to participate through a limited liability company. However different tax rules and regulations would aply.

Please download the  for detailed investor’s information. Since the taxprogramme applies to people paying taxes under Dutch taxlaw, the memorandum is only available in Dutch. We gladly answer any questions you might have. Please contact us with specific queries.

Long Tall Sally looks a no nonsense nautical workhorse. She’s all about exploring, adventure, the idea to step ashore where hardly anyone has landed before. This requires a sturdy, seaworthy and safe ship, on which a scratch here and there would not upset its owners or captain. Her interior should offer all modern creature comforts, without overdoing it. One should feel at home, safe and snug.

Long Tall Sally’s design is by world reknown naval architect Gerry Dijkstra and his team. A modern underwatership and an easy to handle sailplan, promise safe and speedy passagemaking.  Her retractable keel will allow for trips up rivers and into shallow bays, places’where a keelyacht would feer to tread.

Long Tall Sally is for sale under a fractional ownership program. Joining the team of owners, you will invest in making your nautical dreams come true. Simultaneously you will invest in a start up company with an innovative approach to yacht ownership and the way it should be run commercially.

Explorer/photographer, Daniel Fox follows in the footsteps of his childhood heroes, David Attenborough and Jacques Cousteau, navigating the waters of Earth’s remote places. His lifelong passion for adventure and nature, and his commitment to inspire change and improving lives have led him to create the Wild Image Project, with the mission to motivate others to alter their perspective on global issues by aesthetically presenting information and ideas that stimulate engagement, involvement and transformation.

The moment Daniel, searching for his ideal expedition platform, got introduced to the Long Tall Sally expedition vessel concept he realised he had met his future means of transportation, house and workstudio. He got in touch with us through a brief email: ’I am interested in Long Tall Sally but I am afraid I can’t be part of a team of co-owners. Is Long Tall Sally for sale? Could I charter her for say five years?’  After having gotten acquainted a bit more thoroughly we agreed our cooperation would make a perfect fit. Through our joint venture we have taken a giant step towards making a mutual dream come true.

In 2012 Wild Sally should be on her way mostly to islands and far lands: Falklands Islands, Tristan da Cunha, St-Helena, Ascencsion, South Georgia, Antarctica, Bouvets, Prince Edward Islands, Crozets, Kerguelen, Heards, Australia, Aucklands, New Zealand, Chatham, Kermadec, Ogasawaras, Japan, Kurils, Aleutians, Alaska, Arctic.

Daniel Fox:

 ‘Wild Sally is more than an expedition vessel. It is a vision, a mind set, a way of living – a standard in expedition! Edo Ankum and his team exemplify exactly the spirit of what the Wild Image Project stands for.’

Now the work has been finalised. The printer has been told to go ahead. Simultaneously we have contracted a professional translator to transform the Dutch text into an English one. In two weeks from now, the English version should be ready for print as well. And that is about time since we are getting more and more requests for information from abroad.

De brochure is available upon request at De Valk International, the yachtbroker assisting us in bringing together the required start  up capital. De Valk can be contacted by email: international@devalk.nl, or phone: 035 582 9014 of 062 444 6977. Ask for Derk Jan Rolff.

The information provided to the press turns up at a lot of internet websites. Google ‘Long Tall Sally Sailing’ and a lot of fora will turn up mentioning the project: superyachts.com, superyachttimes.com, liveyachting.com, charterworld.com, boatinternational.com, to name a few. Her increasing ‘google cloud’ assures the project gets a much larger coverage within the relevant target audience that we would ever have achieved by ourselves.

A couple of interested parties got in touch with us over the last few weeks. We gladly schedule in an apointment to personally set out the details of the project and its investors’ role therein. Again and again we happily note that the project appeals to a variety of adventurous people. In the same time, we have to accept that the decision to join the team of owners, is not taken overnight, not even over a fortnight.

But nevertheless, people looking for a yacht either search on ships’ length or within budget. How to draw them to Long Tall Sally? Would someone get interested when looking at a relatively small budget and finding a boat much larger than he or she imagened possible within the budget? Or the other way around, would someone looking for a large yacht of around 33m. get interested when he or she notices a price well below the amounts usually corresponding to yachts that size?

Within the existing search criteria, it turns out very hard to get through to the right audience. But still, we would like to reach both groups: those able to spend a lot less but still wanting to buy a large yacht, and those looking at very large yachts. We decide to do the only thing that can be done: have two listings in stead of one. Now it seams De Valk has been commissioned to sell two Long Tall Sally’s.

And why not, in the end we are optimistic about the posibilities of developing and managing a modest fleet of at least three expedition vessels.

Our final draft version has been circulated around all parties involved: the yard, the designers, the yachtbroker, de lawyers, the taxadvisors and even the taxinspector. Their remarks, without exception containing positive feedback, led to a constant stream of alterations, changes to details and fine tuning. Choices to amend or change one detail, resulted in changes to the legal and tax structure discussed earlier. Nothing could be altered just like that.

Ultimately the proces we are going through resembles that of designing the ship. We started out with a rich diversity of options. But as requirements got more focussed and practical use dictated a lot of details, choices were made naturally and options narrowed down to a managable few. Long Tall Sally wasn’t designed in a few weeks, it took us many months. The same goes for the development structure and for the way we intend to run the ship. If we do not succeed in getting the details right, the yacht will never be launched.

Investing in Long Tall Sally could have certain benefits for those owners income taxed under Dutch law. We are currently in dialogue with the Dutch Tax Authorities regarding the status of the company that will ultimately own the vessel, with her owners as investors in that company.

Many details regarding the investment, the company structure and the individual circumstances of the owner, ultimately will determine the exact ins and outs of the benefits. As soon as we are certain as to the tax regime that will be applicable to Long Tall Sally’s investors, we will update this website post.

For those mastering Netherlands language, we advise to check out the following website: vlootmaatschapswebsite by shipping company Flinter. The construction of two multipurpose freighters was made possible by Flinter using the tax ruling’s benefits. Sally Lightfoot would be the first expedition sailing shipping company to offer her investors the same benefits. Thus co-ownership becomes an even more attractive way to explore destinations well off the beaten track on a co-owned keel.

As the showpiece of the fleet Mustang Sally will be used for promotional and entertainment purposes by the owners. She will partake in regatta’s, boat shows and big sports and sailing events. In between she will be available for short term use by her owners in Europe and the Caribean. Through her regular presence she will strengthen Sally Lightfoots marketing efforts, thus generating charter income and possibilities to further expand the fleet. That would directly benefit the existing owners since it will yield profits and they shall be able to swap routes and vessels, should their own vessel not be available at the preferred location.  

As owner, you will purchase part of one of our vessels, probably the one with the route you like best. It will be possible however to sail along with any of our other vessels, either on top of the time spent on your vessel or in exchange for such time. Of course, this should not interfere with other owners’ wishes and preferences. For such incidents we have incorporated a fair and straightforward set of ‘terms of use’. Right from the start each owner knows his or her rights to the vessels of the fleet.

For those part time explorers Sally Lightfoot has put together a comprehensive package making the investment in their nautical asset profitable and the use thereof affordable. Combining private use and commercial charter, and structuring it in a transparant company, allows both owners and charter passengers to enjoy a crewed mega yacht at the world’s last really remote destinations, at very attractive prices. Owners purchase part of one of our fleets vessels, and simultaniously invest in a startup company with lots of potential.

Sally Lightfoot BV was incorporated in June 2009 by initiator Edo Ankum. The limited liability company is registered at the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce under number 34.34.51.02

Jointly the owners put up € 2,8 million in equity. This corresponds with € 175.000 per 1/16th fraction. The remainder of the development costs will be financed through a bank loan. Each owner will have to guarantee his or her pro rata parte of all payments due under the bank facility. Therefor the owners will have to be acceptable to the bank.

As soon as we will hear from the Dutch Tax Authorities regarding the tax regime applicable on the ship owning company, such regime shall be confirmed in an official agreement. Untill that moment, unfortunately we can nog guarantee any tax benefits for the owners related to their investment.

Once you purchase your fraction, you simultaneously join the company as shareholder. As owner you will contribute to the companies’ turnover by payment for your private use of the vessel. Your return on investment comes from your sharing in the companies’ profits. The downside is you might have to step in financially should the company results not be sufficient to cover all operating expenses.

While budgetting future running costs of our vessels, we have made conservative assumptions based on our market research. We have also drawn on a wealth of experience assembled in the project team. We foresee an equal distribution between private use by the owners and chartering to passengers, each seperately roughly four months a year.

For a 1/16th fraction your annual compensation for private use will amount to € 28.000. Adding al owners’ compensations, increasing this with annual revenues through chartering, and setting the agregate amount of against all operational costs, we expect to be able to distribute a modest profit share to each owner.

Interested? We would welcome the opportunity to meet face to face and explain the ins and outs regarding your possible investment in one of our vessels. We have prepared a detailed investment memorandum which we will hand out once we meet. This should enable you to study the details we will set out, in order for you to come to a balanced decision whether or not to join the team of adventure capitalists. Please get in touch with us either by email or by phone to set a date for our meeting.

Since I graduated a professional mariner just before we sailed from the Netherlands, I decided upon our return to terra firma, to develop an expedition sailing vessel for those part timers. On their expedition yacht they could explore destinations well of the beaten track, with the aid of a capable crew, and with their family, friends or likeminded people. Since most yacht owners use their asset only for a very limited amount of weeks a year, co ownership seemed the logical way to go. According to the same train of thought, chartering would come in handy to reduce running costs. Having been involved in ship finance deals as a lawyer and inhouse counsel for financial institutions, I knew  substantial cost benefits were to be had, should the vessels be employed commercially under exotic laws.

But this time I decided something simple and straightforward would do much better. Our vessels fly the Dutch flag. I believe in a transparant structure, no offshore registrations, exotic flags and dubious leases. I was convinced this program would be attractive for the co owners. That it turned out this attractive, took even me by surprise. But even though investing in the Sally Lightfoot fleet might yield a financial profit, the main thing of it is that owners invest in their dreams. On their own yacht, they explore the last unexplored waters of our planet. That in itself is the reward, the biggest non financial profit their money can buy them.’

Edo Ankum, founding father of Sally Lightfoot

Without any revenues from chartering each owner would be liable to pay 1/16th of the total annual running costs of the ship. Combining income out of private use, with charter income, your annual compensation for private use should amount to € 28.000. Depending on the companies’ profits, your actual annual expenses might turn out to be less.

Budgetting and calculating we have made many assumptions, based on our market research and our joint experiences. We can not guarantee the numbers and costs as such. In real life the might deviate from our prognosis. What we can guarantee is that however minor or even major the numbers and costs deviate from our forecast, they will all have to be multiplied by at least two in order for your annual expenses to come at the level they would be should you own you private 60 ft yacht.

Based on the premise that owners and passengers will spend one month or more on board, a radically new concept has been introduced in the aft section, accommodating owners and passengers in 4 en suite cabins. These can be joined to form two identical, spacious suites, allowing on board privacy for families.

Of the four owners/passenger cabins, the two most aft accommodate two up to four guests. Occupied by only two, they have an option either to have a twin bed, two single berths or two bunkbeds with a comfortable sofa opposite. The more forward owners/passenger cabins are even more spacious than the aft ones. These are the real ‘owner cabins’. In the suite scenario, the passageway to the aft cabin is integrated into the owners cabin, making it even more roomy. The ‘owners’ can opt for a twin bed or two single berths. One of these single berths can easily be converted into a day sofa, creating a comfortable unit to relax away from the other passengers. Click on the thumbnail picture below to see the three different cabin options.

The deck saloon forms the focus of all social activity on board. It easily seats twelve passengers, to relax or to dine. To port, facing aft, is the nav station, with direct contact with the helmsman. It also allows passengers to become involved with navigation. To starboard is the pantry, providing snacks and  hot and cold drinks.

Further forward, below decks to starboard, is the saloon sporting two very comfortable sofas around a fire place. To port is the galley, it’s floor lowered to create direct line of sight between galley crew and guests. To further stimulate interaction the saloon and galley are joined by a countertop which doubles as a bar, with swiveling saloon chairs.

Further forward are the crew quarters with an dedicated office to port, a crewmess, two identical cabins accommodating two and the captainscabin to starboard. The crew has a seperate exit, enabling them to get onto deck without having to disturb the guests.

Rhoades Young succeeded in creating a very comfortable and flexible interior catering for a wide variety of requests by Long Tall Sally’s various owners and guests.

Gerard Dijkstra & Partners

Our vessels are designed by Gerard Dijkstra & Partners. Gerry Dijkstra and his team are well known for their J-Class designs as well as other mega yacht projects such as Maltese Falcon and Athena. But Dijkstra & Partners has a wide variety of high profile projects in its portfolio: such as square rigged full ship Stad Amsterdam and Greenpeace’s newest campaign vessel Rainbow Warrior III. Dijkstra’s own yacht, Bestevaer II, was our inspiration and zero point for the design of Sally Lightfoot’s vessels. 

Rhoades Young

Our ships’ interiors are done by Rhoades Young. Dick Young started his career working for renown interior architect Andrew Winch. The Oyster yacht restyling was done by Young. His studio has a long standing cooperation with many of the Netherlands’ famous yards.  

Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw

Production of high quality hulls up to 130 ft. for many Dutch superyacht yards is Bloemsma’s day to day work. Upon delivery the hulls are shipped to various yards, amongst which Claasen Jachtbouw.

Claasen Jachtbouw

Located at spitting distance from the world famous windmills at ’Zaanse schans’, Claasen Jachtbouw specialises in construction of large, very luxurious sailing yachts, many of which have become known as ‘Truly Classics’.

Cornelis Jongkind Scheepstechniek

Jongkind installs all on board machinery and technical installations on large to very large classed vessels. Jongkind has a long standing cooperation with Claasen.

Tax & Legal

Our tax and legal advisors are Ernst & Young, Caraad Belastingadviseurs, and Loyens & Loeff.

Down to earth Dutch quality

Sally Lightfoot has brought together a top quality design and construction team to expand its fleet. In the world of mega yachting we run ahead, but always with a very Dutch down to earth mentality.

Possible tax benefits have not been mentioned yet. Currently we are having talks with the tax inspector. Hopefully these talks will result in the confirmation that the owners may deduct most of their investment from their taxable income. Their investment would thus, for a large part, become available to the owners, reducing the annual expenses with an amount equal to their pro rata part of the assets depreciation.

Costs and revenues are based on market conform prices and assumptions. We can not guarantee those but we do guarantee that your annual owners expenses will not come close by far to the expenses you would have owning your private yacht.

In Cape Town Sally Lightfoot was sold to Dutch owners. During the 9000 mile delivery trip to Amsterdam, to hand over Sally Lightfoot to her new owners, Ankum came up with the idea for a new project, the Long Tall Sally project, for ‘part time’ yachties sharing yacht ownership. In this project Ankum combines his travelling and working experience to form a fresh and new approach to travelling and yacht ownership.  

Before setting sail for his five year cruise, Ankum got educated a professional sailor on oceangoing sailingvessels at the naval college in Enkhuizen. Prior to that he worked for ten years as an attorney at law and later as inhouse legal counsel at two major Dutch banks. There he got involved in project finance, working for instance on large shipping and offshore projects. Simultaneously he converted a 120 ft former cargo barge into a fashionable Amsterdam house boat. With family and friends he spent many weekends and holidays sailing the barge along the inland rivers and lakes of the Netherlands and Belgium. 

While cruising Ankum published a series of articles for a Dutch sailing magazine. The series has been published as a glossy coffeetable book. After having resettled on terra firma Ankum kept writing articles for various magazines and his book ’Around Africa’ was published. He also turned the Long Tall Sally project from a mere idea into a real company. With his family or by himself, Ankum travels to adventurous destinations with the sea always close at hand. He gives lectures on his voyage and on the Long Tall Sally project.

With their sturdy, no  nonsense looks they are clearly designed for long distance sailing to remote locations. Belowdecks you will find all creature comforts for a very relaxing stay on board. A flexible interior allows for lenghty on board stays with a wide variety of passengers, families or charterguests. Our yachts will combine comfort with seaworthyness. An oversized sailplan and a 100 ft waterline guarantee 10+ knots of cruisingspeed and exciting topspeeds.

The hulls will be reinforced to withstand the impact of light ice. A retractable keel reduces draught to 6 ft allowing for exploration of rivers, delta’s and shallow bays. From the shelter of warm the decksaloon 12 passengers will enjoy 360 degrees views. The vessels aft section is dedicated to her owners. Four large and comfortable double cabins, two of which have an option to accommodate up to four, all have en suite facilities. Further to the front, you will find the galley to port, with a cocktails bar amidships and the library with fireplace to starbord. Even further to the front the crew has its quarters. Those include an office cum communication centre.

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Vital statistics

Belowdecks the aft section is dedicated to the owners. It features a special design element: its four double cabins can be connected to form two identical double family appartments. Both aft cabins usually acomomdate 2 passengers, but they can be converted into 3 or even 4 passenger cabins. If used by two passengers, they have the option of two single beds or bunkbeds with a sofa opposite.

The two double cabins a bit further amidships are slightly more spacious. When connected to an aft cabin in the family suite option, the hallway forms an integral part of this cabin. Its two occupants can opt for one double bed or two singles. One of these is easily converted into a daysofa.  

The engineroom seperates the owners’ section from the galley and saloon cum library, accessable from the decksaloon.  The belowdecks saloon to starboard sports two large sofa’s, centred around a fireplace. The galley is to port, with a cocktails bar in the middle with comfortable swivelling chairs.

Further to the bow the crew has its quarters, with an office/communication centre to port, a crewmess, two identical double cabins and with the captainscabin to starboard. The crew has a dedicated  entry and exit, so not to have to disturb passengers when arriving to or leaving from their quarters.

All in all, we have created a very comfortable and flexibel interior, very well suited for the different requirements any group of owners or passengers might come up with. Below you will be able to study the various interior components in detail. Also included are some other Rhoades Young interiors, as impression of the style and quality we will implement.  

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