Yellow Submarine for Super Yachts

Mini Submarine Makes Superyachts More fun to be on

Triton Submarines are displaying a small, lightweight yellow submarine designed and built exclusively for super yachts here at the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

Triton Submarines CEO Bruce Jones told us that his mini submarine is special for several reasons in it can be easily deployed by a crane on the deck of a yacht 100 feet or longer, it is safe and stable to board from a small tender in the water and it provides 360-degree visibility through an acrylic sphere surrounding the passenger compartment.

The submersible, weighing 3,000 kilos, has a top speed of about three knots for unhurried sightseeing. An underwater tracking system enables the support crew on the yacht to follow the sub's progress and assist to navigate after the earthbound GPS signal is lost.

The craft has already successfully dived to 300 metres off Bimini Cay in the Bahamas recently and did so with a surveyor from the American Bureau of Shipping on board who has issued certificates for the submarine declaring its compliancy with regulations.

Super Yacht Crew Can E Mail and Text Home

New Satellite Service Gives Superyacht Crews Cheaper Communication

Marlink, a maritime satellite communications provider, has chosen the Fort Lauderdale Boat show which opens today to launch a new email and SMS service enabling yacht crew to easily stay in touch with friends and family ashore

CrewEmail(T) is a new email and SMS solution that can be fully integrated with a super yacht's existing Inmarsat or Iridium hardware to provide owners guests and crew with a familiar and simple to use service.

Users of the new system can take advantage of a straightforward email and SMS send and reply service, which enables vital contact with friends and family while at sea. Furthermore it can be accessed remotely via the public Internet enabling customers to use the same service from any location ashore. This allows crew members moving to a new yacht to redirect emails and internet credits to their new location, without changing email address.

A number of payment options are available, including pay-as-you-use via on-demand services Inmarsat or Iridium. Prepaid Internet and calling cards can be sold to crew members onboard or given as rewards and incentives, with management in control of the email sent usage.

Additional Features

• The personal filter allows users to pre-select who they wish to receive emails from and the file size they are able to receive.
• Users can forward emails to and from other email systems.
• Address books and email can be synchronised with a shore based user account.

Super Yacht Models on Show

Dutch Superyacht builder to present scale models at Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

Dutch Superyacht builder Oceanco will present four scale models of recently designed superyachts at the 2009 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

They will also introduce their 110m PA107 design, a new styling concept based on a newly developed platform, in accordance with SOLAS rules for 36 passengers.

Powered by a hybrid propulsion system, ensuring minimum fuel use and maximum power, the yacht can easily reach a speed of 21 knots. One of the most remarkable architectural features is an exterior glass elevator, rising from the boat deck to the helicopter platform. Glass is prominently present in the design of the PA107, where it is not only applied in a functional manner, but also serves as an important aesthetic element.

Another model on display will be that of the Y708, measuring 85.6 meters and scheduled to launch in 2012.Her many assets include a spacious swimming pool convertible into a helicopter landing area and a completely private owner’s deck.

Super Yacht Marina in Turkey

Work begins on Superyacht Facility at Çeşme Marina

Work to create a new superyacht marina at Çeşme Marina, on the Izmir Peninsula, in the Aegean has begun.

The marina is a joint investment between Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, and local investment company IC Ibrahim Çeçen Holdings, who have leased the marina for 25 years under a “build-operate-transfer” scheme. Founded in 1969, the company is active in the building, industry, tourism, energy and operations sectors

Construction is expected to take eight months with the opening scheduled for May 2010.

Turkey, with its incomparable coastline and long history of seafaring, is one of the most important super yacht cruising areas in the Mediterranean.

Set in a natural harbour and, when complete will provide 400 berths up to 60m in length this marina will offer access to one of the world’s most beautiful cruising grounds.

Services will include fuel as well as fresh water and electricity. An 80 ton travel hoist will also be available for haul-out, along with technical support for yacht maintenance, engine repairs and electronics

The site is a 45 minute drive from an international airport in Izmir and is located right at the western end of the Izmir peninsula with easy access 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.

The investment value of the Çeşme Marina Project is 12,000,000 Euro. The total project area is 34,500 sq m. Buildings for marina services and commercial use amount to 7,500 sq m.

Architectural plans have been prepared by Atelier Xavier Bohl and Ayyapı Architects with attention being paid to the historical and cultural inheritance of the area around Çeşme.

There are many historical and cultural sites to visit within easy reach of the marina and an excursion to try the healing and restorative properties of the hot springs and spas is an attractive option.

Yachtsman Saved by Vigilant Walker

A man out walking on the coast with his dog on a path overlooking the Bristol Channel saw a a yacht drifting out to sea, with torn sails flapping in the wind. Sensing something was wrong the man informed the Coastguard.

Swansea Coastguard called out a rescue team who went to a location where they could keep a visual watch on the yacht and made a broadcast on VHF radio to try and gain communication with the yacht and also ascertain whether there were any vessels nearby that could go to the yacht and assess what the situation was with anyone on board.

After receiving no response from any vessels in the vicinity, and with growing concern from the team watching the yacht, it was decided to launch a lifeboat, the Burnham RNLI lifeboat was launched. Upon arriving they found a lone sailor who was struggling with his vessel and the weather. It was ascertained that the man had been sailing from Falmouth to Penarth. He had lost all power to his yacht, no engine power and no VHF radio and he had not slept for three days. He had experienced difficulties off Hartland Point in the fog, and then between Ilfracombe and Burnham where he had lost power and radio and his sails had become damaged.

After placing two lifeboat crew on the stricken vessel, the yacht was towed to Burnham Yacht club.

Steve Jones, Watch Manager, at Swansea Coastguard said: “We would always recommend that sailors let the Coastguard have a passage plan and register their craft and shore contact on the Coastguard CG66 scheme. If you find yourself in trouble and have lost use of your radio, call for help using other alerting means such as distress flares.”

Super Yacht Show Hero Honoured

Kaye Pearson the driving force behind establishing the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and creating what is today one of the most important shows in the Super Yacht show circuit will be honoured as part of the International Superyacht Society's 19th International Design Awards Gala at the Harbor Beach Marriott hotel on the first night of the show.

"We needed to recognize him," said Bob Saxon of Bob Saxon Consulting Services, who noted Pearson was one of the founders of ISS in 1989.

"Kaye's contributions to the global yachting scene are noteworthy and commendable, his philanthropic efforts and leadership energies helped to initiate and bring the International Superyacht Society to prominence."

Pearson will be posthumously honoured with the society's President's Award, which will be presented to his widow, Cheri. She also will be given a bronze bust of her late husband sculpted by the wildlife artist, Kent Ullberg, which will be unveiled at the gala.

Super Yachts Could Carry Anti Pirate Water Cannons

In a fight against piracy Superyachts turn to non lethal protection

Crude oil carriers have for years carried a device for cleaning tanks that is now being put to a new use in a fight against piracy at sea. What is more it does not require the carriage of firearms or costly protective service agents

Scanjet Marine AB, a producer of fixed and portable cargo tank cleaning equipment on board crude oil carriers has now adapted their devices to create an anti-pirate water cannon. The Swedish company has developed its marine protection system based on existing tank cleaning technology.

The patented anti-pirate water cannon system is powered by an integrated turbine, driven by water flow and can remain running until the vessel is clear of dangerous areas and pumps are switched off.

This new water cannon defence system will protect the crew and vessel and making boarding at sea virtually impossible, and all this without a single shot being fired.

Magnus Wallin, Company President says, ”By strategically placing the water cannons around the vessel, 100% coverage can be obtained, boarding becomes very difficult.

The system can be remotely and safely operated from any look out post around the vessel. When the pirates approach, the system comes to life and crew and guests remain safe. The system will also work continuously in dark and night-time conditions.

Super (Small) Yacht in Transatlantic Bid

Hardly a superyacht, the tiny sailing boat makes trans-Atlantic bid

Imagine sailing across the Atlantic in a yacht so small that you cannot stand up inside it and have to curl into a semi prone position in order to get some sleep. But that is what the ‘Crazy Sailor’ Tom McNally is about to do as he readies himself to set off on an epic trans-Atlantic voyage in the world’s most diminutive sailing boat the amazingly small 3-foot 10-inch Big C. This tiny vessel just 46 inches or 1.7 metres long is expected to take 10 months to sail both ways across the Atlantic.

The voyage will start from Cadiz with a shakedown cruise to Gomera in the Canary Islands which should take 25 days. The next leg, from Gomera to San Juan in Puerto Rico, will take about 80 days, aided primarily by the Trade Winds. From there, Tom will journey north along the Eastern seaboard of the USA, helped by the Gulf Stream, and then back to his home port of Liverpool via the historic and often treacherous Atlantic northern route.

Tom, who is sailing for the Sail 4 Cancer charity, had hoped to embark on his adventure last year; but his plans were scuppered when thieves stole his main battery-housing and the lead-filled keel bulb for their scrap value.

For any sailing vessel this voyage would be a serious challenge, for one man in this tiny boat, it will be a truly epic ordeal and the boat’s tiny size presents its own challenges for vital bodily needs. Tom sleeps semi-prone in a sling and can only stretch out by standing precariously on the deck. To bathe, he has to wait for calm weather and jumps overboard with his soap. To obtain essential fresh water from seawater Tom must operate a manually-powered desalinator, however, he can only do so at night, because during the day he would loose more fluid through sweating than his exertion would create.

Tom considers the Bahama Channel to be one of the most hazardous legs of the voyage. With massive cruise ships to starboard and Cuba to port for safety reasons he will probably cut across the Bahama Banks to head for Fort Lauderdale; a tactic he has used once before during an earlier voyage. “In places there is less than 6-feet of water, so it will be a good place to stretch my legs,” says Tom. “In 1993 I remember walking along the sea-bed, accompanied by an inquisitive manatee about twice the size of my boat.”

Super Yacht Secret Name is Out

Amels Mystery Superyacht Named as Addiction

Amels a member of the Damen shipbuilding group recently delivered hull number 455, their fifth in the line of semi custom LIMITED EDITIONS AMELS 171, yachts. The 52.30-metre yacht, designed by Tim Heywood, has an interior styling resulting from collaboration between Laura Sessa Romboli and Nuvolari Lenard. The yacht, which the company originally refused to name and has since tried to suppress was completed in the Dutch company’s Vlissingen complex. The yacht is managed by Imperial Yachts of Monaco. Photo credit: Arthur Lavooij

Super Yacht Boadicea Renamed

70 m superyacht becomes Reborn

Laywers Jérôme Cohen in the Paris office and Albert Levy in the London offices of shipping specialists Ince & Co recently assisted the buyer in the acquisition of the 70.5m Amels built motor yacht Boadicea and have announced that under her new ownership she is to be renamed Reborn. The sale was handled by Burgess of London. Registered in the Cayman Islands and launched in 1999, Boadicea was built to Lloyds class and is fully MCA compliant and with a Terence Disdale designed interior, offering accommodation for 14 guests in a master, five doubles and a twin.

Tamsen to Build SuperYachts in Germany

Assets of SMG Werft set to become Superyacht Yard

Flushed with the success of his Tamsen 41 range of super yachts built in Turkey, Hamburg business-man Heiner Tamsen has acquired the assets of the insolvent SMG Werft in Rostock and plans to create a superyacht building refit and repair facility in the city under the name of Tamsen Maritim.

Having sold his luxury car dealerships, Tamsen is bucking the trend at a time when the yachting industry is suffering a shortfall in new build orders but he is confident that with the facilities at the shipyard backed by the experienced work force he will turn the company around.

His desire to build yachts with “Made in Germany” presence does not signify any dissatisfaction with the production facilities, which continues to produce yachts. To date three of the 41 metre yachts have been sold with delivery of the first unsold hull available for delivery in Spring 2011. The first new project to be built at the Rostock facility is likely to be a 55 metre superyacht that has already been commissioned and whose designs are being finalised.

Virgin Super Yacht

Branson’s superyacht Necker Belle joins Burgess Charter Fleet

Launched in 2003 as Lady Barbaretta at the CMN shipyard in France, the 32 metre and now renamed Necker Belle has just emerged from an extensive two year refit at Azzura Yachts in Australia. Not only is she a new addition to the Burgess central agency charter fleet, but she is also the latest offering in the portfolio of Virgin Limited Edition the private collection of luxury retreats owned by Sir Richard Branson’s.

A carbon fibre catamaran with an significant beam of 14 metres (45.9ft), Necker Belle provides accommodation for eight guests in a master suite, a double cabin and two twin/double convertible cabins, all with ensuite shower rooms. A further two guests can be accommodated in the main cabin’s lounge area which converts to a double cabin. Her contemporary interior is simple yet sophisticated, epitomising 'beach house' living with that Caribbean feel.

In addition to a cruising speed of 18 knots under power, Necker Belle is a swift performer under sail, capable of reaching speeds in excess of 20 knots, while her minimum draft of 1.8 metres (5.9ft) gives her plenty of flexibility when cruising shallow waters.

Operated by a crew of seven, Necker Belle will be available for charter in the Caribbean from February 2010 with a weekly rate of US$88,000 on MYBA Terms for the winter season. Summer 2010 will see her in the Mediterranean.

Super Yacht Dockage in New York

Across the Hudson River the Newport Yacht Club & Marina offers berths for Superyachts

Newport Yacht Club & Marina situated on New York Harbor in Jersey City, New Jersey and directly across the Hudson River from downtown Manhattan, has become the latest marina to join the ever increasing portfolio of marinas operated by Island Global Yachting (IGY).

Newport Yacht Club & Marina is a modern marina offering 154 berths – including 12 large enough for super yachts up to 60 metres.

Features include: an inner basin with along side berthing for superyachts; transient finger pontoons for vessels up to 20 metres with 30, 50 and 100 amp single-phase and 100 amp three-phase power; water, cable and telephone hook ups; indoor parking; bathrooms, showers and laundry; 24-hour dock and perimeter security with close circuit cameras for monitoring and taping; in-water winter storage; on site PATH subway train; and a helipad.

The Marina provides an ideal yacht base in New York. Located directly across the Hudson River from the World Financial Center and Battery Park City. With its own PATH subway station, it is only a 10-minute commute from midtown Manhattan. It is conveniently located near major highways and the Holland Tunnel, and it is only 15 minutes from Newark International Airport

Additionally it offers a selection of on-site restaurants, two hotels, a 12-screen cinema, 4 department stores and nearly 200 maller shops. For owners, guests, captains and crew, Newport Yacht Club & Marina offers safety, comfort and convenience.

Super Yacht Show Gears Up

Superyacht Builders and Designers Tent to be Erected

The 50th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show an event that this year celebrates its Golden Anniversary from October 29 until November 2 Bahia Mar Yachting Center, 801 Seabreeze Blvd.

With less than two weeks to go until opening day, the organisers crew are now beginning the task of erecting the mammoth event that attracts crowds from all over the world.

On Monday, October 12 the largest clear span tent in the United States will be assembled, hoisted and fully setup. The crew will begin setting the tent up at 8 a.m. and will have it fully erected by Noon.

The impressive structure, which is larger than an American football field 164 ft. wide takes 40 people to put up. It becomes the Superyacht & Designers tent that will house the world’s finest builders and designers along with extraordinary accessories.

Super Yacht Seminar Series

YachtInfo Provides a Day of Superyacht Crew Seminars and Captains Briefings

YachtInfo a group created by the international Superyacht Society, The Marine Industries Association and the US Superyacht Association has put together a comprehensive training day to coincide with the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.

On Friday October 30^th starting at 9 am at the Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center a series of seminars will run through the day giving captains, crews and industry leaders the opportunity to mix mingle and network at the time as sitting in on seminars given by leading notables in the Super Yacht World.

Topics to be discussed in sessions that include Piracy and the law and what to do if the worst happens and crews are taken hostage. There are also sessions on Flag Operations Financial Management and Yacht Operations. Full details of the course contents’ are available at www.USyachtinfo.com.

Each seminar costs US$25 but a day pass costing $35 covers the complete days events including a cocktail party and Captains briefing.

Pirates hit wrong ship

Navy Supply Ship hit by Pirates in Error

Super Yacht Captains who fear Pirate attacks in the Red Sea and around the coasts of Somalia may have little to worry about given the recent news that a group of Somali pirates has been captured after attacking La Somme a French Navy Supply ship by mistake, believing it to be a harmless cargo ship

Pirates attacked the ships using small boats with outboard engines late at night some 500km (310 miles) off the Somali coast but the auxillary support vessel: La Somme, which gave chase and intercepted one of the pirates' boats the occupants of which were seen to toss weapons into the sea. Five suspected pirates are now being held on board the ship.

Admiral Christophe Prazuck, a spokesman for the French Navy said, “Once they realised they were facing a ship that was responding and was heading towards them, they stopped shooting and attempted to flee.” He told the French TV station La Chaine Info that the pirates seemed to be surprised that the navy ship fought back. He added, "Once they realised they were facing a ship that was responding and was heading towards them, they stopped shooting and attempted to flee."

Super Yacht Security Firm Appoints Commercial Director

Dryad tasks Karen Jacques with New Responsibilities

Dryad Maritime Intelligence www.dryadmaritime.com , the south of England based intelligence firm specializing in military-grade predictive intelligence for superyachts and commercial vessels and shore based maritime operations staff has announced the appointment of Karen Jacques as Commercial Director.

"Karen is a key member of the team. With her understanding of the maritime environment she is the perfect individual to supply expert customer support. " said Managing Director Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, "As a former Royal Navy Officer she understands our technology and very special methodology but most importantly she understands what our customers need."

In her role, Jacques will be responsible for marketing strategy, sales and after sales customer service.

"After graduating with an Honours Degree in Maritime Defence Management and Technology from Plymouth University and the Royal Naval College Greenwich, Karen served in the Royal Navy for 14 years as a Warfare Officer spending 9 years at sea. A Navigator by trade with several years as a boarding officer, she has a broad range of maritime experiences as well as an appreciation of maritime history."

Dryad services all maritime sectors, at sea and ashore and specialise in providing systematic analysis of the epidemiology of Piracy, Human Traffic and Maritime Terrorism, using a bespoke operational tactical picture providing swift and highly accurate threat assessments. Dryad's expanding client list includes leading names in the Super Yacht, Commercial shipping and the Oil and Gas industries.

Lantic Goes for Gold

Super Yacht Captain Receives Gold Remote Control

The Danish based company Lantic Entertainment Systems who manufacture of audio‐visual entertainment and are subsidiary of Alewijnse Marine Systems, presented an especially constructed gold plated remote control to the captain of the 42m motor yacht Life Saga at the 2009 Monaco Yacht Show.

The yacht recently completed a major refit at Holland Jachtbouw that included the installation of a 15‐zone system.

The presentation was made in appreciation for all the enthusiasm that the owner and captain of the yacht showed for the system and its technology. In particular they generously allowed the vessel to be used as a test case for installation and operational demonstrations.

The presentation was made by Eric Van De Hammen, Operations Director of Alewijnse Marine B.V. (pictured left) to Captain of David Dimech (centre) Master of the yacht Life Saga and watched by David Milner, (right) head of sales and marketing at Lantic.

Super Yacht Auction at International Boat Show

37 M Superyacht May Go Under the Hammer

If the 37 metre custom motor yacht Java is not sold privately prior to 3 pm on Monday, November 2, she will be auctioned off at her dock in the Las Olas Marina on the day after the Fort Lauderdale International Yacht Show closes with the auction held on board the yacht itself.

“This is a rare opportunity for a buyer looking for a reasonably priced, beautifully outfitted and meticulously maintained megayacht,” said Bruce Schattenburg, Managing Director of listing broker; The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals.

He feels that the best deals for super yacht purchases right now can be found in the U.S.A, especially with the dollar still weak against the Euro.

He says, “Java represents an excellent investment for the right owner.” He added, “At the recent Monaco Yacht Show, we were surprised at the high prices listed for many of the European brokerage yachts on display. We feel.”

Auctioneer Kurt Bosshardt of Bosshardt Luxury Collection agrees saying, “Java is a well-established luxury charter yacht and already has at least two charters reserved for the coming season, worth in excess of $150,000, which will go with her to the successful bidder.”

The auction will be open to pre-registered yacht brokers, whose commission will be protected by the rules of the event. Any broker bringing a buyer to the auction, and acting clearly as a disclosed agent of the bidder, will be guaranteed at least a four percent commission.

Launched in 1990 at Broward, Java features a contemporary interior that has been updated by an extensive refit. She accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, including a full-beam master suite, two queens and two twins, each with en suite bath. Java has a formal dining area and an informal Country Kitchen, as well as al fresco dining options. Her sundeck with an eight-person Jacuzzi and her water-sports toys are popular with guests. She is available for charter in the Caribbean this winter starting at U.S. $69,000 per week, plus expenses.

The rules of the auction are:

• Auction participants will be required to register and place a fully refundable “participation deposit” of $150,000 in a designated escrow account prior to noon on November 2, in order to inspect the yacht and engage in the bidding.
• Inspections, walk-throughs and viewing of Java will be permitted by registered brokers and buyers from 1 to 3 pm on November 2. The auction will follow immediately afterward.
• The auction will be conducted on an “open-bid” sequential-order basis, meaning each participant’s bid will be open to review by the other bidders at the event. Each bidder will be entitled to enter his or her bid in the order in which their “participation deposit” was received by the yacht’s Central Listing agents. Bidding will occur in this order until all but one bidder has dropped out.
• The auction will be subject to a sealed minimum bid; if no bidder reaches the minimum bid, the seller will have the option of accepting the highest bid or cancelling the sale and refunding all deposits.
• Subject only to clear and marketable title being conveyed to the successful bidder, the auction will be final. An offshore closing can be arranged to accommodate bidders agreeing to remove the yacht, or register her under a foreign jurisdiction.
• Up until 3 pm on Monday, November 2, the yacht may be sold at private sale, and if so, the auction will be cancelled.

Blohm & Voss Shipyards Update

Seeking to clarify the situation reported earlier with regard to situation about the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Group Michael Brasse Senior Communication Manager has told me that the restructuring concerns the facilities in Emden (TKMS Blohm + Voss Nordssewerke) and Kiel (HDW).

He said, “Blohm + Voss Shipyards, as part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Hamburg, will adhere to its strategy as builder and designer of worlds leading yachts in the premium segment over 90 m in length and not only concentrate on naval vessels and submarines.

The international market for shipbuilding activities is dominated by over-capacity and finds itself in a consolidation phase. In recent months in Germany and internationally a number of shipyards, including some with a long tradition in the industry, have become insolvent or have only been able to continue operating with state support.

Against this background, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems – like its competitors – conducts discussions in both the national and the international context on ways of dealing with the structural and cyclical crisis which has affected shipbuilding particularly badly.”

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will not comment further on the subject and declines to respond to speculation and rumour