SuperYacht Pari Plucked from Rocks

Stranded superyacht towed safely around Cap Ferrat and into dry dock

Pari the 39.8m Maltaese registered Alucraft motor yacht has been freed from the rocks on which she was aground having dragged ashore in the early hours of Saturday 30th May.

Commander Michael Healy formally the owner of Rivera Charts in Antibes and now a yacht reporter with Riviera Reporter tells me “She has been towed to the graving-dock in Villefranche entering there late on Saturday last. Her sunken stern would not clear the sill of this ancient dock, so old it is listed as a classified monument, so the main dock pumps had to be harnessed so as to empty the water faster than it was coming in through the leaking bottom of the dock. The stern parachutes, in place to keep her afloat had had to be removed to enable her enter the narrow dock entrance, and she was listing 8° to starboard. This meant workers had to lift her starboard side to get the stabiliser to clear the narrow dock sill. She remained afloat with pumps running until Monday when the dock gate was fitted and the ship was successfully docked down.”

The Commander describes the removal of the yacht from what he calls the Mirabella-Five rocks, a remarkable salvage operation, and adds that the weather has remained favourable throughout the period since her stranding. He remembers Midsummer which was successfully restored after dragging ashore in Villefranche Bay 10 years ago but says it remains to be seen whether this yacht is worth rebuilding. He believes she will be patched and towed to the IMS yard in St Mandrier, who lengthened her several years ago.

Super Yacht Sale nets cool Profit

Russian makes £47 Million selling Superyacht to Saudi Businessman

Serial super yacht owner, Boris Berezovsky has sold his 110 metre super yacht Project Darius, built by Lurssen and launched by them in April, to a Saudi Arabian second hand car dealer. Built to rival and out-do Pelorus, owned by the tycoons arch enemy Roman Abramovich, the yacht is currently undertaking sea trials and is due for delivery later this summer.

The cost of building the yacht has been reported in the British Sunday Newspaper The Sunday Times as being £170 million and the sale price as £217 million meaning the Russain has collected a cool £47 million on the transaction.

Designed by Tim Heywood, the yachts accommodation spans seven decks and features, a helipad, a gymnasium, cinema, mini hospital and a spa.

It is however the security specifications that are the talk of the super yacht scene with reports that the yacht has been equipped with a personal “escape launch a tender with twin turbo-charged diesel engines capable of exceeding 75 knots. The yacht is also fitted with anti pirate low-frequency sound wave guns used to deter approaching assailants.

Super Yacht Owner battles with Broker

Russian owner to sue Edmiston over commission

Writing in the Sunday Times, journalist David Leppard tells of Boris Berezovsky, the exiled Russian super yacht owner, who has fallen out with brokerage firm Edmiston after he sold one of his super yachts to Abdulla al-Futtaim, a billionaire car dealer from the United Arab Emirates for a reported sum of £217 million. Edmiston is reported to be mortified to discover that the Russian had sold the yacht without paying him a commission.

Berezovsky has issued a High Court writ against Edmiston to establish that he is not entitled to any commission and the broker is expected to countersue for his 10% commission.

Super Yacht Marina Opens Phase One

Montenegro hopes new port will become like St Tropez

Phase one of the new Porto Negro super yacht marina development has been opened and among the visiting superyachts moored there to take part in the ceremony was the 73 metre Queen K owned by the Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska.

The Russian mega yacht owner is a minority shareholder in “Adriatic Marinas” the company which is building and plans to run the development. Majority owner with a 54 % stake in the company, is Canadian billionaire Peter Munk who opened the first phase of the new marina at the inauguration ceremony. Stage one will offer 85 marina berths for yachts between 12 and 100 metres.

Super Yacht Designers Split

Tim Saunders Leaves Firm and Rupert Mann Rebrands

The dynamic duo that formed Rainsford Saunders Design have split apart with Tim Saunders leaving, and the company renamed.

Announcing the split, Rupert Rainsford Mann said that the company will be making a significant transition over the next few weeks. He added, “After eight years of successful partnership with and in an amicable arrangement, Tim Saunders will continue his career in yacht design independently. Rainsford Mann Design will become the company’s new name with Mann becoming the sole owner. RMD will continue to focus on its core business of designing motor yachts for both the new build and refit markets and, with its established team of talented designers, the transition is expected to be smooth. “Tim leaves the company in good shape for the future,” said Rupert Mann. “We wish him every success in his new venture.”

Tim Saunders leaves to work on a range of new projects under the banner Tim

Saunders Yacht Design; providing distinctive design solutions to owners and yards around the world. With his strong connections in Turkey and a good working relationship with many of the country’s top super yacht building yards, it is likely that the new firm will have a base in Bodrum, a city that is evolving dynamically as it embraces super yacht construction. “The partnership was a great experience,” commented Saunders, “but after eight years I feel ready for a fresh challenge.”

Lets Go Kill Pirates

Luxury yachts offer pirate hunting cruises

This is a headline under the quirky news section of the Ananova news site. It raises some serious questions not least who are the owners of the luxury yachts and what are they smoking? The article reads:

Luxury ocean liners in Russia are offering pirate hunting cruises aboard armed private yachts off the Somali coast.

Wealthy punters pay £3,500 per day to patrol the most dangerous waters in the world hoping to be attacked by raiders.

When attacked, they retaliate with grenade launchers, machine guns and rocket launchers, reports Austrian business paper Wirtschaftsblatt.

Passengers, who can pay an extra £5 a day for an AK-47 machine gun and £7 for 100 rounds of ammo, are also protected by a squad of ex special forces troops.

The yachts travel from Djibouti in Somalia to Mombasa in Kenya.

The ships deliberately cruise close to the coast at a speed of just five nautical miles in an attempt to attract the interest of pirates.

“They are worse than the pirates,” said Russian yachtsman Vladimir Mironov. “At least the pirates have the decency to take hostages, these people are just paying to commit murder,” he continued.

Checking on AIS sites I can find no yachts in and around that area and so it could be that whoever translated the article from the original article in the Austrian newspaper could have his wires crossed.

Getting the wires cross is better than a skull and crossed bones

Super Yacht Builder Sets up Down Under Distribution

Princess Yachts changes distribution network in Australia and New Zealand

Following the decision by Australia’s Riviera Group’s to go into voluntary receivership Princess Yachts International plc has been forced to set up a new distribution network throughout Australia and New Zealand to handle yacht sales and after sales servicing.

The new distribution network will work directly with the company’s manufacturing, marketing and sales facilities which are based in the UK.

Will Green, Sales Director at Princess Yachts International plc, said: “Princess Yachts has been working with R Marine, the retail division of The Riviera Group, since August 2006. The cooperation between our companies has been a very positive one in terms of brand representation and in maintaining the highest levels of quality, service and customer care for our owners.

“Through our relationships with Princess owners throughout Australia and New Zealand have gone from strength to strength and we are grateful for their efforts. Our relationship with Riviera has remained strong through these difficult times and it is our intention to work together over the coming months to realise a new and high quality distributorship structure for Princess with the help and assistance of Riviera and their network of R Marine dealers, whom we have found to be dedicated and highly professional”.

The new division will have a corporate display on the marina at the forthcoming 2009 Sydney International Boat Show. Alan Paterson is handling enquiries in Australia and New Zealand.

Super Yachts Visiting Italy to Suffer Delay

Bad News for Captains with non European Crews

Super yacht Captains visiting Italian ports are likely to see bureaucratic red tape increased even more than is the norm during the period of the central Italian region of Abruzzo hosting the next summit of G8 leaders.

Ships agent Francesco Luise of J. Luise & Sons Ltd
 has been informed by the Immigration Office in the Port of Naples that because of the G8 Summit, Italy will be temporarily considered to be an extra Schengen country; for security reasons, from 28th June 2009 to 15th July 2009. Clearance procedures will as a result be more time consuming and will also require the full checking of all passports, regardless of nationality.

Free to Super Yacht Captains

Expanded second edition of The Great Southern Route

Every captain loves a freebie and at Monaco two years ago every super yacht captain received a heavyweight gift that turned out to be worth its weight in gold. Now they are about to be given a second bite of the cherry now that Ocean Media has announced that an expanded second edition of The Great Southern Route (GSR) super yacht cruising guide, will be released and distributed free at this year’s 2009 Monaco Yacht Show

The GSR is a hefty but much-needed, revolutionary maritime road map for yachts considering a visit to the Antipodes.

This latest edition will include totally updated Fact Files of key superyacht contacts in some 83 ports and countries across eight regions, book-ended by the two great canals of Suez in the West and Panama in the East. Including the first-hand advice of over 30 super yacht captains, GSR’s Captain’s Log editorial contributions from mariners who have actually cruised these waters offer the benefit of priceless experience. The new edition will now also include countries in South-eastern Africa, the Northern Pacific and the Americas.

Super Yacht Crew Agency forms Alliance with Training Group

Dovaston and John Percival Associates team up

Dovaston the specialist super yacht crew agency has formed an alliance with John Percival Marine Associates a training establishment that offers all levels of training to the super yacht industry commercial vessels of the merchant fleet, who specialize in MCA oral exams for both deck and engineering claiming a first time pass rate of 83%.

Both organisations see the alliance as a vital tool in their joint aim to provide a total quality service to both super yachts and their crew. Managing Director of Dovaston, Phil Edwards says, “Being a crew agent is more than matching CVs to jobs. Most agencies, although reliant on crew registering on their databases, are only really interested in the placements they make.

Semi Custom 60 metre yacht to be Revealed at Monaco Yacht Show

Semi production super yachts catching on

Semi production super yachts seem to be catching on with news that Amels the Dutch yacht builder, part of the Dammen Shipyard Group is to unveil an all-new model to compliment its LIMITED EDITIONS range. Like the three existing semi custom models the new 60 metre yacht can be delivered in significantly less time than a new fully customised design. The concept design will be officially introduced at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2009

Designed by the British designer Tim Heywood, with interior styling by Italians, Nuvolari Lenard, at 1,045 Gross Tons, the yacht sets a new standard for super yacht owners wanting a 60 metre yacht in search of the ultimate in comfort, safety, performance, and lasting value.

Heywood gave the design a gentle tumblehome, curved vertical stem, bridge-wing pods, arched deck supports, flared wings, round port holes, and vertical mullions. The form creates large outside areas with access to all accommodations. It also results in a 59.8-metre waterline on a 60-metre hull.

This inspired naval architects to create a low-resistance under body, using Computational Fluid Dynamics and extensive tank testing. The result is a high volume, hull with sea keeping qualities, high fuel efficiency, and long range, and assures a 16.5-knot top speed (comparable to yachts of 66 or 67 meters LOA).

Engineering the new yacht design utilised 3-D design to optimize all features. Noise and vibration are as a result, greatly reduced. Machinery, systems, and safety components have a higher degree of redundancy and reliability. “Green” features include: low-power LED lighting; HUG filters to eliminate genset exhaust soot. Generator energy output has been put to use allowing it to heat fresh water while fully insulated glass, ecologically safe refrigerants and sewage treatment plants are also on the list of specifications. Hi-fog fire fighting systems and other safety measures required by it’s the yachts Gross Tonnage, make her compliant with ILO, LRS, and MCA rules, and Lloyd’s Environmental Protection (EP) notation.

Two 8-metre tenders plus lots of water toys, handled by overhead cranes, are stowed behind the forward topsides; the helipad can be added atop the reinforced bridge when required.

The design has a 23-metre Sun Deck with protected dining aft and a Jacuzzi forward. The Bridge Deck has a lounge aft, and a private social area forward with Jacuzzi. There is direct access between the VIP/owners suite and the foredeck lounge, and between the three guest suites below and the 35 m2 beach club and 29 m2 swim platform.

Nuvolari Lenard created an attractive interior that fits perfectly into the overall style and structural possibilities of the design. Their “transitional” tailoring benefits from both traditional and contemporary styles. To their strong use of woods including bleached stained oak, they will apply natural colours and warm materials, then select lighting to enhance colours and volumes. Within the General Arrangement, each owner can then choose materials, joinery wood, panel style, trim, loose furniture, and add other details such as artworks, to personalize while remaining within project’s time frame and budget.

Strong Demand for Super Yachts in the 30m to 40m Range

What is selling and What is not?

It is clear from brokerage advertisements that an increasing number of yachts are being listed for sale. This is of course a concrete indication that owners are prepared to sell - but what do buyers want?

Hein Velema
CEO of Fraser Yachts says, “The superyacht industry is still highly dynamic and can change very quickly. Yacht sales are fairly strong and charter bookings are coming in steadily however not all size ranges are being affected in the same way. Most sales have been in the 30m to 40m range with 27 yachts sold so far this year. This is more than double the number sold between 24m and 30m. In the same period there have been only eight yachts sold in the 40m to 50m range and just two over 50m.”

There are it seems plenty of larger yachts on the market but owners are not willing to drop prices much so there are very few bargains to be had. However, we suspect that while a few large yachts will be sold in the next three months with serious discounts, the majority of sellers will hold on to their yachts and wait for the market to improve.

Super yacht still under construction for sale

New construction superyacht, Lady Ann Magee II on the market

Her bottom has not even got wet yet but at 1,300 gross tonnes, this 65-metre Codecasa, due for delivery in 2010, and one of the largest volume yachts for her size is already for sale.

The Italian shipyard that is building her is still a family-owned and operated business, and is considered by many to be one of the most financially stable, builds yachts for many high profile, multi-repeat clients.

When delivered, she becomes the largest volume yacht Codecasa has launched to date Her sea-kindly hull promotes fuel economy and will be constructed to fully comply with MCA regulations allowing for Commercial Certification and legal charter use if desired.

Lady Ann Magee II offers buyers the opportunity of owning and enjoying a spectacular 65-metre custom-built motor yacht, from a highly specialised and world-recognised yard, that will be ready for sailing from next summer.

With capacity for 18 guests in 9 staterooms, the yacht is set to be one of the most significant launches now expected in 2010.

For sale through YPI, the asking price is Euro 47,000,000 with an Owner very keen to receive offers now.

Super Yacht Macalulu Sold

The 43m Baglietto Macalulu has been sold

William Bishop, the Sales & New Construction Broker with Yachting Partners International (YPI Group), has sold the 43m Baglietto: Macalulu.

The yacht first drew some very admiring glances during last year’s Monaco Yacht Show and was seen again during the Genoa Charter Yacht show now, shet has been sold for what the brokers call a “very correct price”.

“The sale was the result of some very close co-operation across our Divisions,” says Alex Braden, YPI Group Chairman, “notably Brokerage, Charter and Management. And there was an exemplary flow of know-how and networking with our broker colleagues which culminated in what was a very well negotiated sale.

Super Yacht designers set up brokerage

Humphreys Yacht Design Sets up Own Brokerage Division

With over 3,000 boats designed by Humphreys Yacht Design on the water the company has decided to set up their own Brokerage division which will allow existing and future owners to sell and buy through the design office’s parallel business, leaning on the support that the extensive design archive provides and bolstered with the design team’s instant availability to answer technical questions.

Heading up the new division is Paul Kelly. Based in Lymington, Paul skippered one of the 12 Challenge 72s in the Global Challenge Round the World race. With 10 years in the industry he brings a wealth of knowledge from both on and off the water as well as a passion for sailing.

As Humphreys Brokerage kicks off it is rewarding from them to see that the total listing comprises over 100 boats, many of these are pre-owned raceboats - Open 60s, Volvo70s/60s and Class 40s to name but a few, but the main body of the listing comprises Oysters, Elans and Southerlys from the Humphreys stable.

Londons Super Yacht Hotel Concept Dropped

Super Yacht Hotel Plan Scuppered

Plans to build the worlds largest super yacht specifically to serve as a luxury hotel have been shelved. Aquiva the Dubai based company behind the concept had hoped its new superyacht hotel gambit would offer additional bed space in London during the Olympic Games but now says that because of the downturn in the worlds economy, they will not proceed with the plan.

The idea was to permanently locate superyachts to serve as hotels in top international locations worldwide with London’s Canary Wharf being the first site. Each yacht was to have been specifically designed to suit the location and whilst the design ethos was to have been consistent, each yacht would have been individually styled to suit the location.

London’s super yacht hotel was to, be manoeuvred alongside Canary Wharf and be fully operational in time for 2012 despite local opposition to the plans by residents who had originally claimed the yacht would ruin the views from their homes.

At 170 metres long with a beam of nearly 24 metres and a height of 30 metres this yacht would have become the largest yacht commission in the world. With striking styling, the plans provided 7 decks creating living quarters on a grand scale, all connected via a central atrium serviced by 2 full height glass lifts. Designed to full SOLAS regulations, the planned yacht featured full energy efficiency creating a low heat signature and carbon rating.

With 7 decks creating living quarters on a grand scale, all were to be connected via a central atrium serviced by 2 full height glass lifts, the planned yacht featured 180 rooms, including 22 suites with standard room sizes of 40m2, that would have been among the largest in the City, with many of the suites, up to 90m², featuring private decks on which guests could relax. Exclusive executive deck levels would have further raised the hotel's standards, with additional lounge and spa areas. At the higher levels duplex suites would have offered the incredible views and spacious floor plans usually accredited with central city apartments

Designed to full SOLAS regulations, the yacht would have if built, featured full energy efficiency creating a low heat signature and carbon rating. She will carry a ‘Clean Seas’ policy utilising new technology for the reduction of emissions and waste products.

The company had earlier reported securing site options in prominent international cities around the world, to allow rapid international roll out in a strategy to ensure cost benefits result from consecutive building of yachts and that the rate of building is optimised by having numerous sites pre-secured.

Eclipse-ski the New Super Yacht

Russianillionaire launches new Super Yacht

The world of super yacht aficionados is, this week, agog with the news that the worlds longest super yacht has been launched for the Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich by the German yard of Blohm & Voss. Just feet longer than Dubai his new yacht Eclipse pushes that yacht into second place in the list of the worlds longest superyachts

Super yacht Big City on the Market

Twenty Seven Million and she is yours

Big City, the 43 metre super yacht launched late last year by Trinity, and one of the stars of this years Genoa Charter Yacht show is now up for sale. Joint central agents have been appointed with IYC and Denison & Daves handling it. US $26.95 million will secure a boat that is so new she her paint is hardly dry, and add to that she still has a full yard warranty.

Read all about a charter we made on her at http://superyachtblogger.blogspot.com or catch the very next issue of SuperYacht World magazine

The yacht has accomadation for 10 guests in five staterooms including a full width main deck master suite. Built to class with ABS she is fully compliant with the MCA regulations.

Flagged in the Cayman Islands the yacht is not for sale to US residents while in US waters.

Sleek and Stealthy Super Yacht

Power comes from a combination of solar technology and Formula 1 engines

Code-X a Swiss company based in Meggen on Lake Lucerne, has created a super sleek high speed motor boat whose power comes from a combination of solar technology and Formula 1 engines.

The uncompromisingly designed yacht, symbolises a dream come true for the designers who seek to unite radical purism and optimal benefit of renewable energy with the sheer power of a racing machine in one hull. A flexible solar hybrid propulsion system enables both quiet, environmentally friendly cruising in ports and coastal areas as well as the exhilaration of high speeds up to 90 knots in open waters

The twin cross-mounted V10 marine combustion engines are Ilmor MV10-710 where the 710 figure indicates the torque of each at the maximum 6300 rpm. The yachts range at 4800 rpm is 880 nautical miles

The company started with the goal of developing products with maximum exclusivity that use renewable energy sources to serve a common good in the mid to long term and serial production maturity subsequent to further development.

Italian Villa Over looks Super Yacht Cruising Grounds

Perfectly priced for super yacht owners, a villa that over looks the water

The Amalfi Coast in Italy is hugely popular as a cruising ground for super yachts that enjoy the beautiful and renowned stretch of mountainous coastline south of Naples, in Campania.

Now, perfectly priced for super yacht owners, is a property that over looks the water. Nestled into this striking coastline is an enchanting villa close to Marciano, which boasts beautiful views across the Island of Capri and the Bay of Naples. The 110 sq m property enjoys a privileged location close to Pompei, Herculanum, Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.

The villa is situated on three floors it is surrounded by a 150 sq m tropical garden with olive trees, palm trees, lemon and orange groves, bougainvillea, jasmine and climbing roses. It has a lovely dining terrace in order to enjoy evening sunsets.

The villa’s owner, Colin Gold, has been a professional interior designer for 35 years and has worked on a wealth of prestigious and luxurious residential projects, both in Italy and across the globe.

The house was designed to reflect clean, fresh lines, with uncomplicated, uncluttered and understated interiors. It offers a beautiful backdrop to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle and views of the Bay of Naples and the islands of Capri, Ischia and Procida.

The property was created to be a private "paradise" surrounded by citrus trees, palms and cacti and offering stunning sunsets throughout the year.

The property is on the market for a guide price of € 1,750,000

Tunisia, the Next Super Yacht Destination

Prices are low, and ideally positioned geographically

Tunisia is emerging as the next super yacht hot spot and marina berths and the associated property market is likely to take off. Prices are low, and ideally positioned geographically, it serves as a gateway between Africa & Europe, especially the south of France. This stable Arab country is regarded by many as more Mediterranean in nature with its prime spot in the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

With waterfront property in high demand and the world’s natural resources limited, it has been announced that a consortium will now create a new destination in itself on the country’s Mediterranean coast that will be when finished a whole new city. It is they say designed to fuse the 21st century pioneering spirit of Dubai with the sophistication of European elegance. The International resort development will comprises of 60,000 wholly–owned & shared properties as well as casino complex, golf, spa, marinas, retail and several well–known hotel brands. The same developer has also signed a letter of intent with the Chinese government for a similar development in China.

Super Yacht Fortress

A very distinctive if a somewhat aggressive look.  

Described by Messerschmitt Yachts as a Fortress for owner guests and crew, the German company’s newly released concept range of yachts under their Bulwark range is probably well described.  A high blunt nosed axe bow and an extra long aft deck give this explorer yacht a very distinctive if a somewhat aggressive look.  The hull which renderings show in either white or battleship grey is to be built capable of passing all classification requirements for ice class.  Several lengths of yacht are proposed in this conceptual series ranging from 35 to 55 metres with two sizes between those.  Designed by Roland Friedberger, the yachts are described as offering; maximum safety in extreme weather conditions and also being capable of top speeds approaching 22knots with an expected economical cruising speed of around 18 knots.  Specially constructed security systems are an option and perhaps this is where the opening description emanates.  All components will, they say, be constructed for endurance and longevity with materials mainly coming from Germany.  The interiors will be custom built to the designs of the Italian yacht designer, Filippo Rossi

How Big Can a Super Yacht Become

Stretching the term super yacht just a little comes news that the French Compagnie du Ponant have ordered two new super yachts form the Italian ship building yard, Fincantieri where construction has already begun.

Le Boréal, the first of two, 264-passenger sister-ships has been ordered for delivery in spring 2010. The second, L’Austral, will follow in 2011.

But are they small ships or large yachts?  With an overall length of 140 metres, carrying 264 passengers and 140 crew they have to be built and operated under Passenger ship rules so why are they to be called superyachts?

Family & Friends Fund Search for Missing Sailor

Where is Joe Dunsavage?

The coastguard and government authorities in Central America might have abandoned the search for missing American sailor Joe Dunsavage but his family and friends continue to privately fund a full on air and sea search raising the cash to do so using credit cards and by holding money raising events.

Joseph Dunsavage (49) set out for an afternoon fishing trip on May 10th leaving West End Beach Roatan in the Bay Islands off Honduras around noon piloting a rented small twin hulled boat equipped with a Mercury outboard engine and reported as being unsinkable.

It is thought that he could have encountered engine problems early in his trip with the boat drifting westwards out of control adrift.

When he failed to arrive back, friends in Roatan organised a local search using motorboats and jet skies.

The next day after he again failed to show up, or phone in, worried family and friends began to campaign to gain government support with an organised and more coordinated search effort.  Again they paid for and used boats and private planes to search waters around Roatan and Utila, another island nearby.

Two days after his initial disappearance, the Honduran and U.S. Navies began searching, committing two UH60 Blackhawk Helicopters and two Honduran Navy vessels to the campaign.

Even though Joseph has access to fresh water and recovered rain, friends fear for his safety and have begun an intensive fund raising campaign in an effort to pay for a prolonged search involving the chartering in of private helicopters and airplanes from Belize to search the reefs and islands off the coast of Belize.  Believing this to be the case, on May 14th the Belize Coast Guard also joined the search but the very next day, and just five days after Joe was last sighted all Government agencies pulled out of search.

This left the family in a quandary and several of them flew from their homes in the USA to take personal charge of their privately funded rescue operation.  Son, Joe

Dunsavage Jr. arrived in Roatan and chartered as many as five planes and two helicopters every day searching for his father spending around US$2,000 every day and yet, found nothing, not even the wreckage of a small boat.

Sophisticated high-resolution imaging systems have been used to scan the area and a professional Hydrologist created a revised current flow analysis suggesting a high probability that Joe could have made landfall near Cuyamel in Honduras or could yet be marooned on a remote beach in an uninhabited area of either Honduras or Guatemala.

So the search goes on each and every day privately funded until the money runs out and donations cease.

In the same waters that Joe disappeared and during the same period, Ernest Williams a local fisherman was rescued after he and his 4 metre fishing dory had been missing for 18 days while out fishing for conch.  The question now being asked is why was the search for him kept active for that long when the search for an American citizen was halted after just five days.

These are questions that will if not answered to the satisfaction of US citizens persuade them not to leave the security of their own shores.

Permanent Yacht Exhibition will Feature Super Yachts

Ferretti Group sets up Easy to see yacht show

Hot off the heels and following their financial restructuring the Ferretti Group have devised away in which would be buyers can visit a private yacht show at any time they wish avoiding the crowds and inconvenience of a public show.

Branded as Easea>show the company has set up a permanent exhibition of its line of yachts at the Cattolica Marina on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.

Initially displaying Ferretti, Pershing Itama Mochi Craft and Custom Line yachts the display will expand in the autumn when more yachts are added.

Having the yachts on permanent exhibition will mean that they are forever ready for would be buyers to take out for a sea trial.

Owner declares super yacht a piece of art

The first 60m yacht is launched in Cherbourg and exceeds owners expectations

At the naming ceremony in Cherbourg of Slipstream the first in a line of 60 metre superyachts to be built by CMN, the Australian owner announced that Slipstream was “more than a yacht, a piece of art”.

“This yacht has exceeded my expectations’’ and added “My friends and colleagues in Sydney were intrigued to know why I had chosen a French yard to build my new yacht, my answer was simple, the French build the Airbus, the best aircraft in the world, so they will be able to do the same job with my boat’’

Tried-and-tested around the world Netanya 8, the predecessor, to this yacht was used to further develop this larger version with refined hull length and characteristics with specific refinements requested by the owner, his captain and team. The hull of is deeper, raising the main deck but with lower bulwarks keeping the same profile. The increased internal volume has created a full height engineering deck allowing for an workshop facility in the tank area and also enabling the crew to access all technical areas right through to the aft garage.

Short List of Buyers for Super Yacht Refit Yards in Malta Revealed

Negotiations concerning the sale of super yacht refit facilities in Malta continue to progress, all be it slowly.

It now appears, according to di-ve.com, a local news outlet, that the initial short list of five has been whittled down to just two potential bidders.

One bidder is a consortium made up of the Hili Group, Francis Busuttil (of Foster Clark), Falzon Fuels, local super yacht agents S&D Yachts and RLR along with local surveyor Paul Cardona. The consortium has an agreement with a French company, which is also interested in acquiring shareholding.

The other bidder is the Melita Group, which has as its partner, a Spanish shipyard group.

The larger of the two facilities for sale, Malta Super Yacht Services, has become a leading super yacht repair and maintenance centre in the Mediterranean over the years since it began operating in 2003.

The facility has a totally fenced and secure area and offers over 600 meters of quay for afloat repairs, a 140 metre long, dedicated covered dry-dock, adjacent facility for project management and dedicated shops.

A retracting cover 30 metres high and 28 metres wide can accommodate the largest yachts for complete paint jobs A second graving dock 170 metres long and 28 metres wide gives it an increased capability to handle the largest of current yachts.

Super Yacht Offers Solar Eclipse Experience

Experience a total solar eclipse in French Polynesia onboard Askari

Viewing the total eclipse of the sun when it takes place in July 2010 is going to be difficult unless you happen to be in French Polynesia

That is unless you charter your own super yacht in the remote Tuamotus Islands and the prime candidate right now would be Askari a fully crewed luxury motor yacht available in the area. 
 She constantly cruises the remote corners of the South Pacific as well as the more familiar island destinations.

Total eclipses often occur in some of the most isolated places on earth and this one is no exception, the track barely touches land while it crosses the remote Southern Pacific Ocean from north east of New Zealand and, by the time it reaches South America, the totally eclipsed sun will be setting fast.

The yacht is available through 37 South in New Zealand and next year plans to visit the chain of tropical and sparsely inhabited atolls known as the Tuamotus. These islands have been identified as the prime location in to experience the solar eclipse and her Captain will ensure the ship is positioned for the best sighting.

The yacht is available from US$65,000 plus expenses per week, for up to 10 guests.

Super Yacht on the Rocks

Pari the 39 metre superyacht hits the rocks off Cap Ferrat

In almost the same spot as claimed Mirabella V when she took the ground on the Cote d’Azure, the 39 metre motor yacht Pari has been swept ashore onto rocks after having dragged her anchor over the weekend Strong wind from the east are said to have caused the yacht to drag anchor, according to an article published on Varmatin.com.

Six crew and two guests were on board the Maltese flagged Pari during the incident. Three people were taken to a local hospital as a precautionary measure but were released shortly thereafter

Of immediate concern to the local authorities is the damage the yachts fuel may do to the surrounding area.

A team from SDIS (Service Départemental d’Incendie et de Secours) having assessed the threat of pollution pronounced it as slight.   Once pollution has been contained thoughts will turn to the possibility of salvage and there are reports of a tug being dispatched from Toulon.  Professional yacht crews who have seen the damage have given the unqualified opinion that there seems little chance of the yacht being successfully recovered.

The blue hulled yacht was built in 1989 by Alucraft in Turkey.

Photograph: Andrew Clelland / SuperYachtPhoto.com

Super Yacht Owners Conciergerie Card

Conciergerie Card for Super Yacht Owners Gives added Benefits

CRN Conciergerie Monaco is an exclusive service that Italian super yacht builder CRN offers to its current and past clients. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The “club” is strictly reserved to super yacht owners and their families, who can benefit from the dedicated services: including hotel and restaurant reservations and events; ranging from theatre tickets to a boat parking space; from private planes to helicopters.

A Conciergerie Card gives clients access to the services being offered, presently active all over the Italian peninsula and Costa Azzurra and will soon be available throughout the Mediterranean.

The yacht builder has also set up a reserved area on its website, www.crn-yacht.com, giving access to a virtual window on the shipyard such that owners can obtain the latest updates regarding their own yacht while in build, making it possible to enjoy the step by step birth of their yacht.

Superyacht and Aircraft Conference

The Isle of Man's first Superyacht and Aircraft Conference

A conference, run by the Isle of Man Yacht Forum, will be held in association with the Isle of Man Ship and Aircraft Registers, and is the first event of its kind to be organised by a flag state.

The event will take place on Wednesday 2nd September 2009 at Canary Wharf and will showcase the many benefits of the Isle of Man as a financial jurisdiction as well as a leader in yacht and aircraft registration and management.

The conference will bring together intermediaries, lawyers, brokers, insurers and builders in the ship and aircraft sector to discuss the outlook for the industry in the current economic climate, as well as the challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in this sector. It will give those attending the opportunity to not only hear of the benefits of the Isle of Man, but also to meet with leading government figures and those in the private sector who have made the Island a market leader.

The programme of the conference will cover: corporate structuring, choice of registry and flagging, crewing, VAT and tax, and aircraft registration and management. Case studies will be used to give detailed examples of possible problems and solutions. The presenters will be professionals and specialists drawn from the Yacht Forum's membership.

Keynote speakers include:

• Martin Redmayne (Chairman), Editor in Chief, The Yacht Report Group
  
• Dick Welsh, Director of Isle of Man Shipping Registry
  
• Brian Johnson, Director of Isle of Man Aircraft Registry
  
• Malcolm Couch, Assessor of Income Tax Isle of Man Government
  
• Roger Nightingale, economist and strategist
  

More information about the conference and how to reserve your place:

Isle of Man Yacht Forum Conference

Super Yachts Will Best See Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Yas Island development that will be used to berth super yachts during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Picture by Andrew Henderson / The National

Super Yachts Get Best View of Formula 1 Grand Prix

The National the Abu Dhabi National Newspaper, reports that work on creating Abu Dhabi’s newest marina, on Yas Island, has been completed just months before it hosts super yachts that will gather to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The 143-berth marina, will give superyacht owners some of the best views of the F1 race circuit, which is to be the venue of the motor race on November 1st this year.

The marina will be able to accommodate super yachts, up to 66 metres in length with a controlling depth of 6 metres. Costs for berthing have not yet been released yet despite this, many of the large berth vacancies for Nov 1 have already been taken up.

Close to 42,000 labourers continue to work on the associated infrastructure, which is scheduled to finish at the end of August.