Antigua Beefs up Security as Super Yachts Arrive

Shortage of Funds may not give Superyacht crews what they ask for

As the Caribbean super yacht season approaches, Antigua is preparing to beef up security in and around the dockyard area. Community Policing has been expanded to both discourage any criminal activity but also to increase the amount of information the public can give to the police on any criminal elements.

Inspections of vessels entering the waters of Antigua & Barbuda has been introduced with a view to curtailing the importation of illegal goods and drugs.

Not everything however is going to plan. The introduction of CCTV cameras in the English Harbour and Falmouth areas was discussed immediately following the death of Captain Drew Gollan earlier this year. Whilst it is still the intention of the community to introduce cameras, raising the funds in the current economic climate has proved difficult. It is hoped that some cameras will be in place before the start of the season but it is unlikely that the full scheme will be installed until the economic situation improves.

A drugs awareness programme has been implemented in primary schools in an endeavour to tackle the problem of drugs and other social issues before it starts.

Throughout the season, there will be a continuation of the 24 hour foot and mobile patrols with random vehicle checks, all of which will be increased at times of higher activity. Vehicles with dark tinted windows, illegal in Antigua & Barbuda, will be particularly targeted.

A new Vendors Act will soon be in place to control the sale of goods to tourists in the main tourist areas including the beaches. All vendors will be required to be licensed and any person attempting to sell goods without a licence will be challenged.

Bar and restaurant owners are being encouraged to be more responsible in the selling of alcohol and to ensure that illegal drugs are not sold on their premises. If illegal drug trafficking is happening, the police at Dockyards should be notified.

Super Yacht Owners Guide 2009

New Guide Book for owners of Superyachts is published

Published at the Monaco Yacht Show this year’s edition of SYOG builds on the success of the first edition. Over 60 pages of editorial from renowned industry journalists and professionals make SYOG the essential resource for advice, tips and contacts for anyone involved in the purchase of a new or pre-owned superyacht.

Chapters include:

• Charter
• Marinas
• Charter Management
• Yacht Management
• Project Management
• Refit
• Design and Build
• Equipping your Yacht
• Services for your Yacht

From their first charter experience to launching their very own superyacht, the book offers prospective owners real-life advice from other owners and industry professionals to ensure they make the right decisions at the right time and on top of this guide provides a full directory of all the top companies in each given field of interest, including an easy-to-follow reference chart of new build shipyards.

Published by Cloud Hill Enterprizes

Format Hardback 148x210mm mm.

Link: http://www.yachting-pages.com/news-item.php?id=52

Super Yacht Alfa Nero Offered for Sale

Edmiston list 82 metre superyacht for US190 million

Built by Oceanco and designed by Nuvolari & Lenard with interiors by Alberto Pinto, the 82 metre Alfa Nero has been listed for sale with Edmiston & Co for €129,750,000. Launched in 2007, for the Greek owners of the shipyard the yacht features over 370m² of guest spaces, accommodating 12, guests served by a crew of 28. Three separate dining areas, a leather-stepped staircase and glass-enclosed elevator, a grand piano, cinema lounge, dance floor, gym, and beauty salon are just some of the guest amenities to be found on board. Exotic Italian marbles, goatskin wall panels, sycamore and brushed stainless steel flooring, and tropical wood are featured throughout. A swimming pool on the main aft deck converts to a helipad.

Rina Green Plus certification awarded to new Super Yachts

Three new Superyachts receive New Environmental Notation

The Italian classification society RINA has granted its new environmental notation Green Plus to three new superyachts.

• The 62m yacht, Candyscape II built by Viareggio Superyacht
• The 62 m RoMa, also built by Viareggio Superyacht
• Ocean Emerald the 41m Norman Foster designed yacht from Cantieri Navali Rodriquez

A fourth currently in build in China was announced during the 19^th Monaco Yacht Show in Monte Carlo.

She is China's Kingship Marine 45m Green Voyager designed by the Axis group of Viareggio. The yacht is expected to be the first anywhere to surpass the society’s Platinum standards.

Super Yacht Singapore Association (SSA), Conference

The 1st Asia Superyacht Conference to be held 13-15 October

The 1st Asia Superyacht Conference will take place on 13-14 October at ONE°15 Marina Club (one of the sponsors) on Sentosa Island in Singapore. The two day conference will be followed by a day of marina visits in Singapore on the 15th to view Superyacht facilities.

The main conference, lead sponsored by MTU, aims to set an agenda for the Asian superyacht industry by understanding the opportunities and limitations for both superyacht cruising and building in the region. The conference includes over 25 speakers from 15 different countries with a focus from China to Australia.

Keynote speakers will include

Dr Aji Sularso, Director General of Marine & Fisheries Surveillance of Indonesia, who will be discussing both the opportunities for cruising superyachts in Indonesia and also how the Indonesian Government can expand the opportunity through marine tourism investment and deregulation.

Danielle Mass will add her international superyacht insurance experience to the programme and will be delivering a presentation on behalf of Chartis Insurance covering transport, operation and maintenance insurance considerations for superyachts in Asia.

Nick Coombes of Asia Pacific Superyachts. Nick has 16 years experience as a Superyacht captain and is also a regional expert on maintenance and refit. In addition to the presentation,

Asia Pacific Superyachts will be hosting a networking drinks reception on the floating bar at ONE°15 Marina Club on Monday evening, 12th October.

A formal dinner on Tuesday 13th October which will be hosted by the Official Conference Hotel, Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa. The dinner will follow the networking drinks reception sponsored by Sevenstar Yacht Transport.

The conference continues to book well with delegates attending from over 30 countries from around the world.

For more information, please contact Ms Priscilla Tang at marketing@superyacht.sg or download the latest programme brochure at http://www.superyacht.sg/images/stories/gallery/1stASCbrochure/1stasiasuperyachtconferencev5.pdf

Super Yacht Slipstream Scoops Design Prize

Superyacht Designer Andrew Winch Wins at Monaco Yacht Show

Each year, a yacht exhibited at the Monaco Yacht Show wins the Prix du Design an award for design considered by the judges to be the most innovative, greatest and distinguished.

This year thee award was presented to the Australian owner of Slipstream by H.SH Prince Albert on board the yacht in Monaco Harbour.

The yacht is the culmination of a three-year Anglo French alliance between U.K. based designer Andrew Winch Designs and the French shipyard, CMN Yachts now Abu Dhabi Mar

She is the second yacht in the fleet built by the alliance; the third Cloud 9 was launched in June

The high interior volume allows for a spacious master cabin, which stretches the breadth of the boat’s main deck, with a dressing room and two private bathrooms. It also boasts a raised private observation lounge opening onto a private sundeck giving panoramic views over the bow.

The yachts interior has been influenced by a blend of styles including modern urban living and the ethnic crafts from Pacific tribes. Using natural woods such as walnut and the exotic West African wenge wood the overall effect is that of a cultured opulence. Features of the yacht include, three custom-made Native Canadian Totem Poles by Canadian artist Stanly Clifford Hunt, a Kwaguilth artist. His work can be seen at The Castle of Mey, former Scottish home of HRH The Queen Mother.

The upper deck saloon creates an indoor/outdoor feel, using limed wenge accompanied by silver and black fabrics, creating a perfect link between the interior and the striking black and silver exterior. The sundeck is ideal for entertaining guests, with the forward facing Jacuzzi, sun bed areas, bar, BBQ and shaded and non shaded dining locations. Sleeping a maximum of 12, there is also an indoor cinema with a vast 4 metre plasma screen with surround sound that appears as if by magic from a piece of furniture, gymnasium and five guest cabins.

Sir Roger Moore launches Super Yacht Tender

J Craft boats launches their Torpedo at the Monaco Yacht Show

Sir Roger Moore was the guest of honour at a champagne reception to launch the new boat from the Swedish boat design and manufacturing company J Craft Boats.

The new 12 .6 metre Torpedo is a luxury yacht tender that has a sprint speed of 44 knots and is powered by two Volvo Penta IPS 500 engines and transmission system which allows manoeuvring through 360 degrees using a joystick.

More than just a very expensive motor yacht, it is a statement of personality and lifestyle. It is ideal for the most discerning and demanding clientele.

The superyacht tender exudes elegance and a touch of extravagance featuring silver cutlery designed by Prince Carl Philip of Sweden and a Nardi hand-carved steering wheel also seen on another design classic, the Ferrari 250 GTO. Each individual detail comes together to form an unsurpassed whole, creating a boating experience unlike any other.

Sir Roger Moore said, “I can certainly see James Bond arriving in a boat like this at an exclusive party somewhere on the Riviera and I think any of my seven Bond Girls would have loved it too!”

J Craft is a relatively new company, founded in 1998 by Björn Jansson. The first boat manufactured by was the Cabrio Cruiser, which left the shipyard in 2000 and was delivered to the King of Sweden, who still uses it today.

In the past nine years, only seven of the exclusive Cabrio Cruisers have been constructed for discerning customers.

Super Yacht Catamaran to be unveiled at Monaco Yacht Show

Superyacht sailing twin hull will be marketed by YCO

Aeroyacht Limited has chosen the Monaco Yacht Show to officially introduce the a range of super catamarans and announce its partnership with YCO Sail as its sales and marketing agents to promote the. A model of the 33 metre twin hulled yacht will be exhibited on their stand Quai Chicane (QC16). Headquartered in Monaco, YCO Sail was launched in June 2009, and is a division specialised in super sailing vessels and provides yacht management, project as well as a charter service dedicated to sail.

Britain’s Super Yacht Industry Doing Well

Turnover up 15% and growth up 5%

At the at the Monaco Yacht Show which starts on Wednesday of this week, Superyacht UK, will report a 15.3 per cent increase in industry turnover to £410m in the year to June and a 5 per cent increase in people employed to 3,600, They attribute this success in part to the weakness of the pound against the euro, boosting sales of equipment supplies, which is one of the UK’s strongest segments. In a report published by the Financial Times Brian Groom, the papers Business and Employment Editor said, “The UK performance is in stark contrast to that of continental Europe, where manufacturers that dominate the luxury yacht market have seen orders collapse since the failure of Lehman Brothers, the US bank, a year ago.”

The report continues, “Thousands of jobs have been lost as orders from investment bankers and Russian entrepreneurs dried up. In Italy, the market leader with €6bn (£5.4bn, $8.8bn) turnover a year, the nautical industry federation said orders came to a “violent stop” at the end of last year.”

Superyacht UK represents more than 160 companies involved the Super Yacht Business report that Fifty-six per cent of companies rated next year’s prospects “good or excellent” and 39 per cent “OK”. Most revenue growth was down to new-build orders, with 76 per cent involved in such projects over the past year.

Do not miss tomorrow’s edition of the FT. It contains a special report on the Monaco Show and the state of Super Yacht Business and will feature articles written by us.

Superyacht Designer Sets up Shop in Turkey

Tim Saunders Yacht Designs Chooses Bodrum as New Base

With Turkey experiencing an unrivalled expansion in superyacht construction Tim Saunders has chosen Bodrum in Turkey to open a new office.

Based on his wealth of knowledge and skills evolved over 19 years working with the likes of Andrew Winch, Espen Oeino and Frank Mulder he has chosen Turkey as a base because it is well placed in the south-west of Turkey, ta one of the World’s great continental crossroads. From there he will serve clients and projects in Europe, Russia, Middle-East, Far East, the Pacific Rim and the Americas.

Tim Saunders originally set up his own specialist, international superyacht design studio in 1999. He teamed up with others to create Rainsford Saunders Design, a firm that has recently been renamed when he chose to concentrate on his own client base.

He and his staff now provide high-level and innovative design solutions for local and international clients and shipyards working on custom, production and refit projects varying in style and length from 20m to 200m.

Launching his new website at http://www.tsyd.com in time for the Monaco Yacht Show he said “I have, built up a large network of clients, and have had the pleasure of working alongside many more interesting names in the Superyacht Industry; Pieter Beeldsnijder, Felix Buiterdijk, Redman Whitely Dixon and Guido de Groot. Now that I am trading again under my own name I plan to renew my acquaintances with Amels Shipyard, Royal Huisman Shipyard, Heesen Shipyard, Hakvoort, Mulder Shipyard with whom I have worked in the past.

The independence that now affords freedom to work on numerous fascinating projects and developing his own superyacht designs, begins now with Marketing in the Yachting Media and being present at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Super Yacht Regulators look to the Future

The MCA Gazes into a Crystal Ball

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to have a question and answer session with a senior UK policy maker, Captain Roger Towner, the UK Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen at the M.C.A

Subjects to be discussed are:-

• The forthcoming STCW review
• “Efficient Deckhand” and the “Able Seaman’ rating”
• “Entry into Enclosed Space” training
• The “ECDIS” course
• The “3000gt” Limit for Yachtsmen. Can they go higher?

The session will conclude with an open forum followed by drinks and nibbles provided by Blue Water Yachting. Entrance is free and open to all superyacht crew members!

The session will be held at 1800 on Tuesday 22nd September at Le Salle du 8 Mai, in Antibes, and is sponsored by Bluewater Training

Super Yacht Sinks on way to Boat Show

29 metre Motor Yacht founders on voyage to Cannes superyacht show

Mediterraneo, a brand new motor yacht owned by Luca Cordero di Montezemolo President of Ferrari and Fiat S.p.A has foundered on its way to the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes.

The blue hulled Morgan 93 built by Aicon Yachts had been purchased by him at the Genoa Boat Show and was making her way to the Cannes Boat Show when the incident occurred.

After leaving Milazzo in Sicily the yacht encountered trouble some 35 miles south west of Palinuro when water rushed into the yacht. Her eight man crew raised the alarm issuing a Mayday message on VHF Channel 16 before taking to the liferaft.

CP 814 an Italian Coastguard Cutter was dispatched to the scene but first to arrive was the commercial ship Joker Amaranth who gathered the crew to safety. No one was injured during the incident and the crew were later landed ashore in Palinuro by the coastguard cutter

Five Steps to Super Yacht Refit Success

Design Team Publishes Critical Path Analysis for successful superyacht refitting

With the Monaco Yacht Show just around the corner attending yacht designers are keen to draw attention to the fact they are attending.

Among them is Managing Director of H2 design, Jonny Horsfield who has identified five key steps to a successful Refit, which he believes are:

• Survey, report and discuss the scope of work
• Create concept design, bid proposals and selection of shipyards
• Create definitive design drawings and lay down budgets
• Select, control, purchase and deliver interior fabrics & furnishings
• Supervise, supervise and supervise

Following the recent refitting of Eric Claptons yacht Va Bene refit at the Pendennis shipyard, the company has taken the opportunity to launch a new division called H2 Refit which will specialise in offering design services focused on the refitting of yacht interiors and exterior modifications.

H2 design started life 15 years ago specialising in refit work, and while the firm has subsequently deviated into new build projects, they still have the same core design team who have completed over 20 refit projects. Horsfield said, “I feel now is the time to harness this experience and through this new division we can bring a level of service required to complete a successful refit”

Sailing Around the World

The Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race started today

More than 100,000 people lined the banks of the Humber to watch the start of the Clipper 09-10 Round the World Yacht Race today. As the cannon fired, the ten internationally sponsored yachts crossed the start line at 1400 BST (1300 GMT) to the roar of the crowds at the beginning of their 35,000-mile challenge.

Edinburgh Inspiring Capital led the charge across the line, followed by the Irish entry, Cork, and Spirit of Australia. The first race takes the fleet from the east coast of the UK to La Rochelle, France. The northerly breeze at the start and the weather conditions forecast for the next few days indicate that the 780-mile race will be a fast one.

By the time the fleet had rounded the second mark Cork had overtaken the Scottish boat, Team Finland had moved up from sixth place to second and Edinburgh Inspiring Capital had dropped back to third.

Before the race start the RAF areobatic team, the Red Arrows, gave a display of precision flying, Hawk jets flying just two metres apart during some of the formations. On the ground the Band of the Royal Marines played as the home team, Hull & Humber, left Hull Marina to join the rest of the fleet on the river.

The Clipper Race is the only race in the world where the crews come from all walks of life, all ages and with all levels of experience. Prior to their training, some 40 percent of the crews had never stepped aboard a sailing yacht before. Race start day was an emotional experience for the crew and their families and friends who had come to support them on their challenge of a lifetime.

Ahead lies a ten-month-long, 35,000-mile course that will take the race to France before crossing to Brazil, South Africa, Australia, Singapore, China, California, Panama, Jamaica, New York, Cape Breton Island, Cork and the Netherlands. The race will make its triumphant return to the Humber on 17 July 2010.

The Clipper Race is the brainchild of yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail non-stop single handed around the world. He wanted to open the sport of long distance sailing to all and allow others to experience the challenges of ocean racing.

“The reception on the Humber has been simply fantastic,” said Sir Robin. “The enthusiasm from the city, and, most especially, from the people has been incredible. It is wonderful to see the interest they are taking in ordinary people going out to do something quite extraordinary.”

More than 400 crews have signed up for Clipper 09-10. Some will complete a full circumnavigation while others will race one or a combination of the seven legs available.

Each Clipper yacht is entered by a city, region or country and sponsors use the event to showcase themselves to the world. On the last running of the Clipper Race, more than 212 million people worldwide followed the adventure through television, print media, radio and online.

Super Yacht Yards Sign Co-Operation Agreement

Two superyacht service yards in Bahamas to work closely together

Bradford Grand Bahama and the Grand Bahama Shipyard Limited have signed a Mega-Yacht Service Agreement that will enable haul outs and below-the-water line services in Freeport for the world's largest superyachts. Under the new service agreement, both companies will work together to provide service to the largest of superyachts. With 600 metres of deepwater docks, yachts will clear customs and immigration and be prepared for haul out

With easy port access, a 10 metre depth, a 1,200-tonne floating dry dock, and a 150-tonne Travelift, Bradford Marine Bahamas’ shipyard in Freeport, on the island of Grand Bahama is able to service superyachts of all types. In addition, they provide towing, salvage, and vessel brokerage services throughout the Bahamas

Paul Engle, company President, said, “We are very pleased about our mega-yacht service agreement and the ability to expand both of our companies' capabilities and our businesses. It's a much-needed service that previously was unavailable in South Florida and the Bahamas. Using both companies' resources and workforces gives us a large labour force with all trades to provide the finest service to these vessels."

Grand Bahama Shipyard is a commercial, deepwater shipyard facility located in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island. With their 27,600-, 55,000-, and 87,500-tonne dry docks, they have the ability to haul out and provide bottom-related services for large commercial vessels.

Peter Luijckx, Vice President of the commercial department at company, said, "This agreement will enable us to expand by providing services to the world's largest pleasure craft."

Solent Set to Attract Super Yachts

Southampton and Portsmouth could see more superyachts

With superyachts the likes of Pelorus, Ecstasea, Maltese Falcon, Mirabella V, Samar, Leander, T6 and Le Gran Bleu using harbour facilities you would think I was describing Monaco rather than Southampton or Portsmouth but if port authorities and local ships agents have their way, the number of superyachts using UK ports in the Solent is set to rise.

Tim Wainwright, managing director of Southampton based Superyacht Agency, a division of local shipping company Wainwright Bros & Co Ltd said: “Already we are getting requests for a good berth in an attractive location near the city centre. Super yachts want good facilities, water and electricity and parking for drop offs and we can offer a 120 metre superyacht berth, close by the Ocean Cruise Terminal that has all that and even a helicopter landing pad for the use of super yacht owners seeking to join the yacht”. In addition to offering domestic inward and outward customs clearance, the company offers; bunkering, provisioning, husbandry requirements, ground transport and accommodation.

Gun Wharf Quays in Portsmouth frequently play host to visiting superyachts with Complete Freight now part of Peters and May and Royal Oceanic acting as yacht agents for the purposes of clearing in and out. Numbers of superyachts using Solent ports are expected to rise especially with the London Olympic Games offering an additional attraction.

Superyacht berths in prime city locations like Portsmouth and Southampton will obviously attract more superyachts to these cities and several agencies are in the process of marketing the concept and are working with port authorities to make it happen.

Many major ports around the world already capitalise on their port facilities that are less used now that containerisation has left conventional cargo docks under used. Southampton has the added benefit of close road and rail links to the country’s capital and has its own airport at nearby Eastleigh.

Refit facilities such as are offered by the likes of Southampton Yacht Services in Saxon Wharf and Marina Projects in Gosport add practical value to calls into Solent ports.

Marine interiors specialist Trimline also intend offering superyacht refit services in the area. The company will operate from Halmatic's former yard in Trafalgar Wharf, Portchester, with access to a 122 m wet dock, 121 m x 4 m shed and a lifting capacity of up to 60 m and 877 tonnes. The company has appointed Roger Nicholson, founder of UK joinery firm Nicholson Interiors as the group's new director of business development. Nicholson, in Southampton, he has held a similar role with Struik & Hammerslag for the last four years.

Yacht Club Offers Catamaran Holiday Voyages

The Club La Costa Yacht Club is offering a 12-year time share style membership on five different levels ranging from a sailing week in one cabin every other year, to four cabins or the whole yacht every year. A sailing week purchase entitles members to a week’s sailing holiday in a private double cabin on a fully-crewed, 60-foot catamaran each year, over a period of 12 years, for just £22,370.

Members have access to a fleet of Eleuthera cruising catamarans, built by Fountaine-Pajot, on which accommodation comprises salon areas and four air-conditioned double cabins with en-suite bathrooms.

The yachts take advantage of summer and winter-sun opportunities, sailing out of Turkey and Israel along some of the most beautiful beaches, exploring hidden coves.

Members use the yachts based on the number of cabins/weeks owned which could mean having a catamaran to themselves, either by purchasing enough cabins/weeks or by saving/borrowing from another year’s entitlement. The membership price includes everything needed for the ultimate holiday, including the week’s activities and all equipment required, including one complimentary ‘dive a day’. The all-inclusive fee also includes all food and drink cooked and served by a private chef.

The vessels are fully equipped for almost all water-sports, including; scuba-diving, snorkeling, water-skiing, wake-boarding, deep sea fishing, sea kayaking and windsurfing.

Summer 2010 sees the new destination of the Greek Islands being added to the routes.

The winter 2009 sailing schedule includes the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba taking in three countries: Israel, Egypt and Jordan giving guests the option of exploring historical sites such as Petra and Jerusalem or relax on the beaches of Jordan along the way or by staying on after the sailing week is over.

The Club La Costa Yacht Club is affiliated to RCI which means its members benefit from being able to exchange their week’s sailing for an entirely different holiday experience in the diverse range of holiday accommodations available at any of the 4,000 resorts affiliated to RCI around the world.

Heesen Yachts delivers My Petra

She will be on display at the Festival International de la Plaisance in Cannes next week

The motor yacht My Petra the sixth in Heesen's semi-displacement, all-aluminium, 4400 Class, has been successfully delivered to her owners in Malta, following a christening that took place at the shipyard in the Netherlands.

Heesen Yachts in collaboration with Frank Laupman of Omega Architects. Frank Laupman created both the exterior styling and the interior of this fast motor yacht, which can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots powered by twin MTU 16BV 4000 M90 diesels, each delivering up to 2,720kW.

Eight guests can be accommodated in two VIP cabins and two twin cabins on the lower deck, all featuring an ensuite bathroom with shower.

The on deck layout allows for making the most out of the outdoor living, and in this respect guests can socialise in four distinct areas. The main deck offers a spacious aft cockpit and an intimate forward cockpit ideal for guest privacy when the yacht is stern docked in the harbour. The aft cockpit on the upper deck adjoins the sky lounge and one deck up there is a spacious fly bridge with a circular spa pool and a dining table for up to ten guests.

Marina Bizerte, a New Mediterranean Marina

Morley Yachts appointed as central agent for the sale of berths

Guaranteed to be completed by May 2011, sales of some 900 berths in a new purpose built luxury marina on the Tunisian Mediterranean coastline are underway with French based Morley Yachts newly appointed as central sales agent for berths inside the complex.

The financial benefits of a buying one of the 900 berths inside Marina Bizerte are competitive, with the annual cost for the duration of the 50 year lease 12 times cheaper than the cost of a similar mooring in Antibes. Furthermore, the fuel costs in Tunisia are roughly 50% lower than European prices. VAT breaks from moving a yacht outside the European Union, provide further significant savings to owners looking to moor their yachts in Tunisia. One Captain of a 57 m yacht said “with the cost savings the owner will make, he can put the senior crew on rotation and still be way ahead.”

Marina Bizerte is well positioned in the heart of the Mediterranean, allowing quick passage to many key yachting destinations. Local cruising opportunities along the beautiful and still mostly untouched Tunisian coastline are abundant. The country has year-round sunshine, and being further south, mostly better weather than France or Italy at the beginning and end of the summer. The Mediterranean sailing season in Tunisia is therefore longer than in other sailing hubs.

The marina development also includes 170 luxury apartments, which at €1,400 per m², are over 7 times cheaper than equivalent property prices in Antibes. The complex when completed will feature a swimming pool, gym, spa, yacht club, sailing school, and even an aquarium. The dedicated concierge office will facilitate any of the owners’ requests; and other services such as childcare, a wide range of shops and a bank will ensure that the guests’ stays are seamless. After sunset, marina visitors can enjoy top quality restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and a nightclub. There is also a new 5 star hotel located next to the marina. The marina has its own helipad, and is 40 minutes from Tunis International airport, which has connections to most European and Middle Eastern cities.

Time Stands Still on Super Yachts

Superyacht Delphine inspires new time piece

Have you ever had one of those moments when you're out on the open sea and you want to stay there forever?

If you want to play with time at sea then perhaps this new time piece due to be unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show is what you need.

'Ultramarinum Marine' a device that gives its owners the power of time is a made-to-measure watch, designed with a nautical spirit by Swiss craftsmen at the luxury watch brand HORUS. It allows its owner to play with time, speeding it up or slowing it down with a clever ships telegraph or chadburn lever, used on ships to send orders from the bridge to the engine room. The owner can play with the seconds, minutes and hours and make them follow the pace of his or her choice, then return to current time at any point.

Rather than presenting this watch in a traditional case, the watchmakers invited Montreux-based designer Mathias Och to create an Ultramarinum Marine presentation box which mimics the luggage trunks that travelled the seven seas back in the days of sailing ships: it is entirely waterproof and shockproof and nobody other than its owner can release the mechanism that activates the hydraulic jack and reveals the treasure hidden inside.

It was the SS Delphine, the stunning steam yacht built in the 1920s, that inspired Andre Grossmann (the founder of HORUS) to create his latest exceptional time-piece, 'Ultramarinum Marine'. Fully restored after 5 years of renovation works, the Delphine, whose homeport is Monaco has no less than a thousand square metres of teak, rare woods and bronze. The beautiful steam yacht is one of the last floating heiresses of the Art Deco style and her beauty and technical prowess is echoed in 'Ultramarinum Marine'.

Yachts Moggie Saved from Drowning

Coastguard and Lifeboat save ships cat and the Captain

In heavy seas of the Scottish coast the Maritime And Coastguard Agency has co-ordinated the rescue of a yachtsman and his cat. They were forced to leave their 22 foot yacht Shaffa, off the Mull of Kintyre coast, when the engine failed in severe weather conditions.

At 3:20pm the yachtsman called the Coastguard informing them that his outboard engine was not working and he was drifting. Belfast Coastguard coordinated the search and rescue for the casualty by requesting the launch of the Campbelltown all weather RNLI lifeboat to the scene.

Ian Murdock, Watch Manager, Belfast Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre said:

‘We have managed to maintain good communications with the yachtsman whilst he was aboard his yacht. I am pleased to say the yachtsman and his cat Sukie are safe and well on the lifeboat which is making its way to Campbelltown with the yacht under a light tow.’

The weather conditions at the time were North West Force 7 with severe overfalls.

The King of Redonda is dead.

Long live the King

In late August the King of Redonda, died peacefully with his family in Canada. In the words of his daughter, Tamara, King Bob “set sail on his final voyage and into uncharted waters. He did so with heart in hand and a true explorers determination.”


The Kingdom of Redonda lies however not in Canada however but in the warm waters of the Caribbean. It is located about 30 miles to the south west of Antigua and 13 miles north west of Montserrat. It is a 1,000 foot high rocky island characterised by sheer cliffs

Redonda is a precipitous and forbidding island circled by the cliffs which fall almost perpendicularly for nearly a thousand feet into the sea beneath the summit which is located on the western side. It is a remnant of a volcanic cone and is one of the smallest islands in the chain of the Lesser Antilles. It is one and a half miles long by half a mile wide with the highest peak, being 971 feet high.

Redonda was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 on his second journey. He claimed it for the Spanish crown naming it Santa Maria la Redonda, but he did not land on the island. In the 1860s the island became a British possession. The Caribs called the island Ocanamanru and it is thought that weary prehistoric seafarers migrating or trading between the islands used Redonda as a way station.

During the ensuing decades, the phosphate deposits of the island were mined with an annual yield of up to 7,000 tons. Only during this time was the island inhabited with a population of 120 in 1901. Mining operations ceased during the First World War and Redonda has been uninhabited ever since.

The history of the Kings of Redonda is an interesting one. Redonda is also known worldwide for its curious catalogue of whimsical ‘Royal Characters’ created by famous literary figures. There have been several 'Kings' of Redonda and numerous pretenders.

It all started in 1865, when, allegedly, a Montserratian ship-owner, Matthew Dowdy. Shiel apparently descended from a long line of Irish Kings, decided to crown his son, Matthew Phipps Shiel, a king, with the help of the Bishop of Antigua.

In 1936, a succession took place making the Irish poet, John Gawsworth, King Juan I. The ‘title’ of King is not hereditary and appears to have been passed from one incumbent to another as a result of literary connections. Gawsworth made several attempts to sell the title, at least three advertisements appeared in the Times and he may have offered it for sale by other means but history does record that he abdicated in 1967 and that the throne has been fought over ever since.

Of those claimants King Bob, had the benefit of living in Antigua and he even had a local navy to defend ‘his’ Kingdom together with several Knights of the Realm also resident in Antigua. He was locally assumed the rightful heir could be seen regularly driving around Antigua in the ‘royal’ car, a rather elderly Mazda 323, topped by a gold crown.

In 2007, the Wellington Arms pub in Southampton, England, unsuccessfully attempted to declare themselves an embassy of the "nation" of Redonda, in order to gain diplomatic immunity from a nationwide ban on smoking in enclosed workplaces, including pubs. Unfortunately, for freedom loving smokers in the U.K. they were unsuccessful.

The earliest written record of a King of Redonda appears in 1929 in a pamphlet promoting the works of Matthew Shiel and it could be presumed that Shiel, a consummate self-publicist, invented the story to increase his book sales.

All that really reigns in Redonda is confusion and, in reality, Redonda became a British possession in 1860 and a dependency of Antigua in 1967. Since the independence of Antigua & Barbuda in 1981, Redonda has belonged to the peoples and Government of Antigua & Barbuda and, therefore, any claims to kingship are spurious but tolerated by the Government for their publicity value.

The next question is, of course, that of succession. It would appear that King Bob did not nominate a successor therefore it has fallen to the Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua & Barbuda to seek applications from literary persons of note to make a case for their nomination as the next King of Redonda. Applications forms are available from the Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua & Barbuda by e-mail TotClub@candw.ag Conditions will apply which an applicant will be required to satisfy.

American Designer and Dutch Shipyard create concept superyacht

Setzer and Icon introduce Vision Line a 70 Metre superyacht

Icon Yachts the Dutch superyacht builder of modular yachts has invited many superyacht designers to produce versions of a super yacht that is individually conceptualised around a standardised platform.

The latest of these is the American yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group, who has introduced the “VL-70,” a sleek, futuristic vessel loaded with all the special features of a world-class Super-Yacht within a standard build-platform.

When challenged by builder to submit a design, Setzer requested that he be allowed to present work with a prominent plumb bow and highly swept and stylised superstructure. To accomplish this, his studio worked closely with Icon to honour the existing platform and yet develop a new bow section for the standard Icon hull form. From there out, the American studio had a blank canvas on which Setzer’s visions for the future of yachting have come to life in detail.

The VL-70 offers six (6) deck levels, from large, below-waterline holds and systems spaces to the top observation deck forward of the mast. With a beam of 11.3M and a draft of 3.4M, the design carries plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels.

To assist with the massive task of filling out a 70 metre interior, Setzer turned to Adriel Design of Seattle. Prior to starting the project, he felt that a collaborative approach would not only demonstrate the talents of the two distinctly different design firms, but it would also prove that collaboration is the key to the future for many areas of the marine industry.

The vessel will be powered by conventional drive systems and capable of cruising speeds of 15 knots. The hull design has been refined to provide world travel capabilities in comfort and style. A twin tender garage sits within the bow and a full beam toy garage/cabana/spa with dockage doors deploying port and starboard add to vessel conveniences aft. There is a large swimming pool on the aft deck with flanking sun pads, all set with a sculpted aft deck. One level above, a hot tub overflow creates a waterfall landing in the main pool. A heli-pad is integrated into the tail section of the fourth level and a two-level observation lounge and viewing deck is forward and at the base of the mast structure.

Within the vessel, a multi-level glass elevator is the central, defining feature, along with unique hull side windows and recessed balconies that offer dramatic views to the sea. There are six large guest cabins within the lower decks and one master with nearby office/den on the main deck. The vessel also features a theatre space on the upper deck with seating for 16. For the crew, the VL-70 can accommodate 16 within private and shared cabins. The lowest level includes the typical crew lounge, galley and utility areas. This space spans beneath the guest staterooms and houses walk-in refrigeration units and a commercial laundry.