After having such positive communication with the folks at Robbe last year when I wanted to acquire the genoa sail set as an addition to my first build, the Robbe Smaragd, I wanted to look no further than Robbe for another kit build. Atlantis did cross my mind at the end of last year when I saw it in Model Boat magazine write up, but I resisted the temptation. While holidaying in MayJune 2012 at the in laws in the UK I experienced the sailing of the Gaf rigged Moonbeam that my father in law built at the same time as I build the Smaragd last year. I spent ages surfing the net in the evenings after everyone was asleep and found out as much as possible about the Valdivia. I studied Patrick Mathews write up, downloaded the build manuals, studied Taylor Sparks' excellent build log as well as his conversion to the Baltimore and by now the drug of the next build was firmly imbedded in my conscious thought. I contacted Robbe by email as I couldnt seem to find the ballast set on their website and from then on again they accepted my order by email (still having my account details from my genoa direct purchase from November 2011 on their system). I must compliment Robbe again here as when the Smaragd genoa set was no longer in production and after I asked after the plans and details of how to build the parts myself, they put together a genoa set for me. I was extremely impressed with their desire to satisfy my request. I am very excited now as my kit will arrive in Cape Town tomorrow morning - I have tracked it for the last 10 days from Germany to South Africa and have befriended some very helpful people at the SA Post office who have gone out of their way to ensure that I could get the kit before this weekend. Just a small note also to add - I purchased my Smaragd via Westbourne Models in UK last year, but the Robbe people in Germany have now won my confidence by addressing the little matters with such care and attention to detail. Talk is over and the action is about to begin!