100 and counting e3 Systems signs 100th VSAT Superyacht contract

Electronics supplier e3 Systems has announced their 100th VSAT contract.


The company have been supplying VSAT satellite services on super yachts since 2003.

In addition to installing the first ever VSAT antenna on a super yacht in 2003, they have provided VSAT services on the world’s largest yacht, Eclipse.


The communications integrator claim that their eVSAT service makes buying a VSAT solution simple, fast,  and easy to understand.


They are able to deliver the antenna, below deck equipment, service installation, service contracts, training and support, together with 3G and Inmarsat services, all in one package.


 Roger Horner, MD of e3 Systems commented:


“We are delighted to have achieved our target of 100 VSAT contracts. We have become synonymous with VSAT communications and we are confident that our service provides the ultimate in end to end satellite broadband solutions which is guaranteed to work, fits any vessel and will run a whole host of best of breed proven applications."


As an integrator the company operate with six different VSAT services so that coverage can be obtained in more places than any one satellite operator can provide. 

Is it Time That Superyacht Stews Were Better Trained?

There has long been a feeling within the super yacht industry that the crew members with the most direct contact with owners and guests (and therefore the greatest potential to enhance or ruin the experience that they have on their yacht), have the least training.

When it comes to training Interior crews, have been largely neglected, despite having contributed hugely to the recent success of the Superyacht Charter Industry.

While well developed programmes of training now exist to support the deck and engineering departments makes the neglect of the humble stew all the more regrettable.

All may be put to rights now that a workshop organised by the Professional Yachtsmen’s Association (PYA) and sponsored by Bluewater Yachting and John Percival Marine Associates (JPMA) is to discuss the setting up of a standardized training scheme.

The by invitation only seminar will take place in the conference tent at the Antibes Yacht Show at 1530 on the 7th of April 2011.

It is hoped that this will, in time, lead to establishing a training structure for Yacht Hospitality crews along the same lines as those, which exist for other departments.

While not mandatory it is hoped that by setting an industry standard for training providers to work to, they will better serve the needs of the yachting fleet.

Instead of dozens of separate courses, with different titles, different lengths, different content and different standards, we propose that there be one unified structure, managed and kept relevant to the needs of the industry by regular consultation.

Chief Stewards, Stewardess or Captains who would like to attend, are invited to contact the PYA office.  They plan to send all attending an invitation and two specimen course definitions to read in advance.

YPI Creates Joint Venture in Asia

French based Yachting Partners International (YPI Group), one of the world’s longest serving full-service brokerage houses, believes that Asia is potentially one of the most interesting emerging markets in yachting anywhere in the world today.

Eager to get into the market CEO, Bertrand Vogèle began looking for someone who had established solid roots in the region – who understood the needs and way of working in that part of the world.

Having found Olivier Besson at the Monaco Yacht Show the pair have now created YPI Asia as a joint venture dedicated exclusively to serving clients in Asia.

Starting off with two offices – one in Shenzhen, China, the other in Aberdeen, Hong Kong.

The joint-venture’s first big outing is the Hainan Rendezvous taking place in the first week of April on Hainan Island sometimes referred to as the Chinese Riviera.

There they will present the biggest yacht ever to attend that Show the 65-metre custom-built Benetti Ambrosia.

Bertrand said, “YPI has almost forty years specialised experience in superyachting. That’s a lot of expertise and know-how that’s invaluable to our Chinese contacts today. Olivier and his team have an amazing local know-how and an acute understanding of what our Asian clients are looking for, what they expect and how they want to do business. Putting the two together will ensure our Asian clients receive nothing short of the very best service, advice and know-how right on their doorstep.”

Where are the Super Yachts at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show this year?

Just a handful of superyachts have made it to the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, now underway at Yas Marina. Last year, there were 34 lining the docks.

Piracy and regional unrest have both plagued the show this year with show organizers the Informa group blaming the high cost of insurance premiums

Add in the political instability surrounding the Arabian Gulf States at the moment, with the unrest in Bahrain still smouldering and it is easy to see why many people are staying away from the show.

In January, the organisers were confidently predicting between 20 yachts over 30 metres would attend the show.

Palmer Johnson was planning to bring one 46-metre yacht and a 41-metre yacht to the show from the Mediterranean, but subsequently decided against it.

They said that underwriters were unclear on whether insurance would even fully cover the costs if superyachts were lost to piracy.

Regulations, and excessive red tape, including visa regulations and procedures for importing superyachts, have also deterred visitors and exhibitors alike.

We would love to hear from visitors to the show.  If you have attended, please comment below.

The Port State Control Inspection Campaign is gaining momentum.

Commercial superyachts in the territory of the Paris MOU Port State Control Inspection organisation (in the European coastal states and North Atlantic basin) can, we are told, anticipate an enhanced inspection campaign for the coming season.

Commercial yachts which have not been previously inspected should be prepared for a full PSC inspection which could include a general check of certificates and documentation, the overall condition and hygiene of the yacht including navigation and bridge facilities, accommodation and galley, working areas including forecastle and engine room, structural condition, emergency systems, lifesaving and fire safety, pollution prevention and other areas of the yacht's operation.

Yacht Managers at Fraser Yachts suggest that generally inspections are held at the instigation of local port inspectors and do not account for the Owner's schedule or charter calendar.

Superyacht Crews Must Have Proper Contracts of Employment

Regulations governing the new Marine Labour Convention (MLC) require all seafarers and that includes crews working on superyachts, to have a proper contract of employment.

The convention sets out seafarers’ rights to decent working conditions and has been designed to complement the key conventions of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under which all employers will be expected to meet the requirements as defined in the Convention.  Vessels and employers will be subject to regular audits to ensure compliance and ratification of the MLC is set to take place during the next 18 months

As yacht owners become increasingly aware of the stringent statutory regulations and significant employment liabilities that are involved in employing crew members so there has been a surge of new business such as the bespoke service arranged by a subsidiary of the ICM group, Dominion Crew Solutions.

Currently they have 67 superyachts using the service and the figure is rising each month. Simon Roberts, the man in charge, says,  “The challenge now is for us to continue to meet and exceed the requirements of our ever expanding fleet of clients.”

He added: “It is a crew employment and payroll service which includes the verification of crew qualifications, management of crew employment disputes and the maintenance of employment contract compliance both now and following the forthcoming ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC).

Effectively, the employment of the yacht’s crew is transferred to outside of the EU and away from the vessel owner and the new service provides seafarers with an employment contract which is tailored to the needs of the vessel and crew members.

Significant growth, in superyacht business but less than expected

Hopefully, the strong start to 2011 for the superyacht business is an indicator of good things to come for the rest of the year. Hein Velema 
CEO at Fraser Yachts suggests, “Perhaps we could even drop the term "cautiously optimistic" and just reduce it to "optimistic".

Fraser Yachts have sold on average one superyacht (over 24m) per week in the year to date.

“If that carries on at a steady rate,” says Velma “Then things on a global level will definitely be looking up by the year end.

The world of superyachts moves fast and industry players need to have fingers on the pulse in order to spot the good opportunities before they pass you by.

Fraser Yachts believes that over the course of 2010 the luxury yacht market experienced a 30% increase in sales over the total figure from 2009, with a value in excess of €2.5 billion.

There was a steady and significant increase both in the number and value of yachts sold, however the growth was not as significant as many industry commentators had anticipated.

It was also interesting to observe an increase in demand for new construction projects.

Frasers are optimistic based on results for January and February 2011 that the brokerage market has hit bottom and that 2011 will be a year of consolidation. Last year the average asking price across all yachts over 24m on the worldwide market was €13,400,000

Shipyard Cup

Big boat racing as it should be is the proud boast of the organisers of the Shipyard Cup, an event taking place in Boothbay Harbor in Maine this summer.

Super sailing yachts are signing up for three day series of racing in the traditional Corinthian style that starts on August 12^th.

Organisers promise it will be set against a background of relaxed Maine hospitality, wonderful sailing vistas, camaraderie cocktail parties, Bucket Protocol Racing Rules and of course a genuine Maine lobster bake. www.shipyardcup.com

72 Metre Superyacht Talisman C Launched in Turkey

The new 72m Talisman C has been launched at the Proteksan-Turquoise in Turkey.  The second yacht of that name from the same yard for the family that owns her

H2 the design team headed up by Jonny Horsfield have been responsible for both the exterior and interior design of this most strikingly sleek new yacht, the biggest yet to come out of this Turkish yard.

The design team have incorporated many new features into this superyacht including tender garages, a large transom folding platform, as well as a substantial extra ‘crows nest’ deck on the sundeck roof to add to the already substantial deck areas.

Inside the ‘Art Deco’ theme dominates with a rich palette of materials. The centre piece has to be a stunning spiral staircase with a beautiful, custom made chandelier travelling through three decks.

Exciting new superyacht tender for Berkut

An exciting new superyacht tender has been delivered to her owners by Philippe Cabon, the designer, naval architect and founder of Tender Shipyard  in Olonne sur Mer, France.

The 7 metre custom built tender is to be fitted aboard the Motor Yacht Berkut (ex Baraka) a 58.2 metre vessel launched by Proteksan Turquoise last year.

Built in carbon fibre and epoxy resin, the hull was constructed using prepreg and infusion for the deck.

Her first trials we are told went very well, amid adverse weather conditions. Those on board described her as very stable, comfortable and safe.

The boat comes equipped with:

• Hydraulic removable hard top that covers guest seating spaces
• Front removable dodger.
• Ski pool
• Swim ladder
• Fishing rod holder
• Underwater lights
• Teak deck
• Bow thruster.

The tender is lifted using two points after the hydraulic hard top has been removed and the steering console moved clear.

Specifications:

• Length overall                                    7.40 m
• Maximum beam                                 2.80 m
• Draught                                               0.5 m
• Freeboard Without engine              1.45 m
• Light Displacement                          1.45 tonne
• Maximum loaded displacement     3.0 tonnes
• Maximum engine power                  260 Hp
• Maximum speed with 260 Hp        45 kts            
• Fuel tank                                            240 litres
• Water tank                                         40 litres
• Maximum passengers                      14 people

Two Superyachts Ready to Go at CRN

Two launchings in less than a week is an uncommon event for any shipyard especially one building superyachts, but this is exactly what is being done CRN, the Ferretti Group shipyard in Ancona

On 22nd March, the 43 metre Navetta Lady Trudy, built in composite will be launched.

Four days later an unnamed CRN 130 will follow.  She will be the sixth 60 metre steel and aluminum superyacht to be launched by the shipyard since 2005. 

Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman of CRN and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of the Ferretti Group commented “These launchings are a further example of quality and continuity of the shipyard within the nautical world context which has unfortunately been downsized in recent years

St Barts Squadron Superyacht Fashion

Not since World War II ended have aircraft of that era made such a long flight over water as one which begins today.


A privately owned squadron of lovingly restored aircraft have begun an epic journey that will see them fly  from the USA to the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten and then on to St Barths in time for the ultimate in superyacht racing the St Barts Bucket.
The squadron consists of:

• B-25 called Betty's Dream
• 
  
• P-40 Alecian called Tiger
• 
  
• P-51C called Dakota Kid,
• 
  
• Corsair FG-1D known as Kathleen

They will be flying from their base to Fort Lauderdale then on to the Turks and Caicos to arrive on Tuesday PM in St Maarten flying cross some 1100 miles of open ocean after they leave Fort Lauderdale.
What they are going to do and their role in the Bucket is at the movement a closely guarded secret known only to a few of us.
But if you want to find out you need to watch this space.
Watch the video above for a quick inflight preview of footage shot from on board the B-25

£350 million Marina development backed by Cyprus Government

With waters free from yacht congestion experienced elsewhere in the Mediterranean, Limassol Marina is expected to offers an exceptional place to provide dockage to superyachts once development has been completed towards the end of 2012.

The £350 million Marina development project, backed by the Cyprus Government, will have apartments, villas, restaurants, bars, fashionable shops and leisure facilities.

The marina, to be operated by Camper & Nicholsons, will provide 650 berths for yachts from 8m to 100m superyachts, a full range of nautical services will include dry docks, refuelling, crew facilities, yacht provisioning and 24-hour security.

Cyprus sits at the crossroads of three continents and has a proud cultural heritage reflecting both East and West, stretching back more than 9,000 years. The historic and cosmopolitan city of Limassol is building on its ancient links with the sea with its new sculpted waterfront blending with the ramparts of the capital’s mediaeval castle where stylish new restaurants, set in the fort walls, attract the cognoscenti.

Limassol’s history is inextricably linked with the sea and the new marina will bring an exciting new fashionable destination to the island.

The city offers a mix of traditional tavernas and markets, glamorous clubs, restaurants and fashionable bars. It also celebrates its history, with cultural festivals throughout the year, including:

• Shakespeare theatre season in June in the 2nd century BC amphitheatre of Kourion
• Wine festival in September
• Sailing events and regattas 

The development has captured the interest of yacht owners and others who enjoy the buzz of a smart waterfront lifestyle. Cyprus is a perfect yachting hotspot, with 400 miles of beautiful coastline, steady westerly winds and relatively quiet waters compared with busier parts of the Mediterranean.

The island has much to offer: a year-round destination with 340 days of sunshine every year, a rich cultural heritage and an exceptionally high quality of life.

Not One But Two Blind Dates Are On Offer

Burgess have been appointed Joint Central Agents for the sale of the 49 metre Trinity built Blind Date and the 41 metre Lurssen built Blind Date originally launched as Xenia

Both yachts have also been signed by the brokerage house for charter as sole Central Agents and have joined the company’s fleet of operationally managed yachts.

Blind Date 48.9m (160.5ft) – 2009, Trinity Yachts Inc, USA

  

One of the newest Trinity 161s, she has  a strong charter track record and a solid following. 

Available for immediate purchase, is heading to the Mediterranean for the summer season where she will be available for inspection according to her charter schedule. This yacht comes with USD 1.5m of guaranteed charter income in the first year of ownership.

Form, function, colour and texture have been combined to fulfil the owner’s brief of fun, relaxed superyacht living.  With sophisticated interior styling by the renowned designer Patrick Knowles, a neutral, light palette is highlighted by accents of silver, grey and wood creating a theme of old-school glamour from the Hollywood era.

Designed to maximise outdoor enjoyment, the yacht features a spectacular sundeck with a centrally-located jacuzzi surrounded by enormous sunpads.


Numerous other seating, lounging and dining areas are spread across her spacious decks.

Accommodation is provided for up to 12 guests in five cabins.


A stunning forward-facing, split-level owner’s suite on the main deck is an entirely private area and contains a private lounge with panoramic views, his and her bathrooms and excellent storage facilities.


Elegantly appointed guest accommodation is housed on the lower deck in three double cabins (one with pullman), and one twin cabin (with pullman), which can be converted to a double. 

The highly regarded, innovative  superyacht represents an opportunity to acquire a project with a turnkey charter business in time for this summer. 

Asking Price – USD 31,000,000 NOT FOR SALE OR CHARTER TO US RESIDENTS WHILE IN US WATERS

Summer 2011 Charter Rates - Mediterranean:

USD 280,000 per week - high season, MYBA Terms

USD 238,000 per week - low season, MYBA Terms

Blind Date  41m (134.5ft) – 1995 Refits (2004/5), Lurssen-Werft, Germany

Lurssen pedigree combines with stunning new interiors from award-winning designer Patrick Knowles on board this 41m yacht. Outstanding engineering and excellent build quality are evident throughout.

Originally built as Xenia for a European owner she was housed out of the water in covered facilities each winter,.


She was refitted in 2004/5, during which time the interior was entirely rebuilt to create a calm, 'Zen-like' environment throughout. The yacht has subsequently benefited from the care and attention of an experienced owner together with a thorough, ongoing maintenance and upgrade schedule.

Her shallow draught allows her great flexibility in accessing diverse cruising grounds and anchorages.  She also runs to an impressive maximum speed of 22 knots.  

Accommodation for 8 guests is provided in a fantastic forward facing VIP cabin on the main deck with 180 degree panoramic views, a full beam master suite, which includes its own lounge area and two further double cabins.


The interior layout is extremely well conceived and affords a feeling of space that belies a yacht of this length.

Blind Date is commercially registered and is a proven, highly successful charter yacht in good condition. Her fantastic deck spaces and light-filled interior offer wide appeal to both the private client and charter markets. 

Asking Price – USD 9,500,000

Summer 2011 Charter Rates - Mediterranean:

USD 133,000 per week - high season, MYBA Terms

USD 112,000 per week - low season, MYBA Terms

Race Across Russia in a RIB

RIBS from 200 producing companies from 29 countries around the world are expected to arrive in St Petersburg during the closing days of July for a race by RIB across Russia that starts in August.

The boats and their crews of between 4 and six will travel 5000 kilometres from St. Petersburg to Sochi, with intermediate stops planned in the Russian cities of Cherepovets, Moscow, Yaroslavl, Nizhniy Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Saratov, Volgograd, Rostov-na-Donu, and Novorossiysk.  The River Volga plays host to the rally for over 3,500 kilometres of the race route.

On the way across Russia, organisers plan promotional programs for race participants and the citizens of the towns the race runs through. Millions are expected to watch the race as it unfolds and will do so using the Internet.

Any outboard powered RIB over 6 metres in length can be entered and teams can enter even if they do not have a RIB of their own with organisers offering the rental of a suitable 7.5 metre craft and 250 hp motor as part of a comprehensive package.

For more information, or to register your team, become a sponsor or a partner of the race, contact Svetlana Yudina on yudinasvl@gmail.com

Could Jersey Law Be Changed so that Superyachts Can Fly the Islands Defaced Red Ensign

With the Red Ensign conference in May being held in Jersey there are moves afoot that could see the islands registry able to register superyachts.

On the agenda for the body of 13 Crown dependencies and overseas territories that can register vessels under the Red Ensign flag, is the proposal for a law change which could allow large vessels to register in Jersey.

Piers Baker, the Registrar for Shipping, said it could benefit the finance industry adding "There are a number of companies that are linked to Jersey's finance industry who handle the assets of high net worth individuals.


"This is an important part of Jersey's expertise.


So, by taking more superyachts onto our Flag we would increase the work for the finance industry and other related industries in the Island."

Already ships that register in Jersey can fly the defaced Red Ensign flag which features the three leopards and the Plantagenet Crown and reflects Jersey's strong links with the British Crown.

Accounting Help for Superyacht Captains

Photograph Frances Howorth

Ask any superyacht Captain what he would most like help with, as he goes about running his yacht and chances are, he will say; accountancy.

The fact is Captains are trained as seamen and not as the managing directors of small companies which is effectively describes the jobs they have to do.

Recognising what he perceives is a gap in the superyacht support services market.

Duncan McAuslin who has in the past served as crew aboard these yachts has set up

Superyacht Accounting Services Limited a yacht specific, bespoke, book-keeping support and solutions company, which helps ensure the Superyacht Captain is informed with prompt, comprehensive, real-time, on-time, financial information & reports.

He is particularly keen to address the matters that are typically raised by captains & owners and highlighted in yacht magazines, and on blog forums.

Superyacht Accounting Services Limited will provide online, 24/7 assistance with processing and preparing the yacht’s accounting routines and extensive financial reports, to ensure that:

• Captain and crew are financially aware, financially articulate and professionally assisted and supported. 
• Owner’s concerns regarding: financial transparency, audit, accountability and financial control are addressed.
• The yacht’s financial systems, processes and controls are comparable to those of a successful, modern commercial company.
• Improved time management for Captain affording him the chance to re-assess and refocus crew workload priorities and allocation/s.
• Change in emphasis of Captains role from number crunching, bean counting & financial spade work duties to more involvement with planning, controlling, managing, supervising, reviewing, reacting and informing on maritime, crew and other matters.
• Comprehensive financial reports are of assistance during yard refits, the sale of the yacht, insurance, tax & port authority support.

YPI Seeks Superyacht Crew and recruits from UK

No stranger to thinking outside of the box when it comes to the search for bright, young talent, Laurence Reymann, Director of YPI Crew, and Fiona Albert, Recruitment Consultant, headed to the UKSA, the United Kingdom Sailing Academy, on the Isle of Wight last week to recruit Junior Deck Cadets along with some Junior Stewardesses already in training for a move to superyachting.


“Over the last few years Fiona has been successful in placing a number of young recruits from the Academy,” explained Laurence. “Many as Deckhands. So this year, we decided to make our way back.”


“It’s important to meet everyone in person and interview them,” says Fiona. “That way we get a head start on our competition who generally wait for everyone to arrive in Antibes. Already, since we’ve been back, I’ve already placed one of the juniors on the motor yacht Lady Rose. A great result for everyone.”


“It’s so important to make contact and establish a relationship with the students before their graduation,” says Laurence. “We are able to help them properly prepare for what lies ahead. And it’s not a smooth road either. We get to follow them as their yachting careers evolve and then place them on what we hope will be the perfect yachts.”


For more information on Crew contact: Laurence Reymann on +33 492 904 610

Antibes Superyacht Show

Members of the MYBA Sales Committee have recently reported to their parent board on the difficulties of staging a MYBA Selection in September, due to the lack of a suitable venue.

In the past this brokerage event has run alongside the Monaco Yacht show each September.

Brokers urged MYBA, their association, get behind a spring brokerage event, suggesting that this seemed like a more appropriate time of the year for buyers to view yachts in a show.

It is against this background that MYBA has pledged their support for this year’s Antibes Yacht Show, taking place from April 7th – 10th.

A spokesman for MYBA told us, “This year will be the event’s fifth, and its growth over that time has been impressive.  There is a real will among the organisers to attract quality brokerage yachts and to ensure that the event offers the best possible opportunity for brokers to exhibit their CA yachts, both to the public and to the industry."

Naturally, for the event to be successful from a MYBA perspective, sales brokers have to get behind it bringing yachts to the show.

Currently there are no published lists of yachts attending nor anyone prepared how many are likely to attend.

BlueOceanYachting Launches Global Yachting Portal

BlueOceanYachting is a Global Yachting Portal, the first of it's kind. 

Aimed at the global yachting community its owners are creating the first online home for Yachting. 

With the maritime community covering the entire globe to date there is not one Online resource that combines it all.

The hope is for BlueOceanYachting to build over time, with new apps and more and more maritime related content being added all the time.

BlueOceanYachting will then become the single resource available to all corners of the Globe.

Creating one home for all of Yachting online also creates the opportunity for business and individuals to all come together.

Communal share of information, yachting news, new designs and ideas can all be shared under one roof!

So join in, contribute and be a part of the new home for Yachting Online.

Superyacht Brokerage Brochure Gets iPad Treatment

Featuring a hand-picked selection of over 70 of the world’s best yacht offers for sale and charter, interviews with top designers and yards, and a look behind-the-scenes at the people who make up their team, Yachting Partners International (YPI) has published The YPI Selection - Spring/Summer edition.

This edition is for the very first time, available in an iPad downloadable version.

It includes a Market Intelligence Report, a feature on the team behind YPI Management and tips on how to recruit the best people for your yacht with YPI Crew.

Download the I-pad friendly version or request your own hard copy by going to the YPI website

Superyacht Crews Rally to Aid NZ Quake Victims

'The bidding led by auctioneer PJ Montgomery gets underway at the Superyacht Support Christchurch Earthquake Appeal fundraiser'

Ellie Brade - Superyacht Support

When the shallow earthquake of 6.3 magnitude, rocked Christchurch, New Zealand, it left the city devastated.

With the need to help the many affected by the disaster apparent, the superyacht community in New Zealand rallied.

At a fundraising night in Auckland, organised by YachtAid Global and Superyacht Support Ltd NZ$55,000 raised for the cause.

Hosted at HQ Bar in Westhaven, Auckland, the fundraiser event was attended by superyacht crew, owners, industry and guests.

The evening began with a Maori blessing followed by a live rendition of the New Zealand national anthem.

Chef Hamish Watson of the superyacht Galaxy, who was in Christchurch during the earthquake and who remained there afterwards assisting the Red Cross by helping feed those affected, spoke of his experience. He said, 'It was shocking seeing streets I had driven down the day before just destroyed.' 

Fastest Long Range Superyacht in the World For Sale

Burgess, the London based brokerage house has signed the sensational 73.5m Silver Zwei for sale



Designed by Espen Oeino and built by Hanseatic Marine in close collaboration with the owner to meet the highest standards of performance and environmental awareness, the ground-breaking superyacht Silver Zwei is now offered for sale for the first time.

Not only is she the fastest long distance cruising yacht in the world with effortless trans-Atlantic range at 22 knots, she is also the most fuel efficient, with a consumption of only 360 litres per hour at 18 knots extending her range to 4,500NM.

This yacht has operated seamlessly since her delivery in December 2009, demonstrating performance credentials with passages between Australia, Asia and the Middle East, including a record breaking 8 day voyage of 4,000NM from Dubai to Singapore at an average 20.1 knots.

SOLAS and MCA compliant, the yacht is able to accommodate 90 guests for day cruises and accommodation for up to 20 guests is arranged over 9 cabins including a large owner's suite with private lounge and veranda deck. The versatile guest cabins are designed to convert to 4 superb VIP suites, each with two bathrooms and a day room.

The yacht's sleek contemporary exterior lines are complemented by her elegant minimalist interior filled with light and airy spaces.

Exceptional deck areas are designed to provide the ultimate in outdoor living with an open-air cinema and jacuzzi on the sundeck, a large sunpad which converts to a dance floor complete with disco features, and a sea level beach club with integrated sauna.

The decks are clear of tenders and waverunners, thanks to ingenious stowage arrangements, supported by a unique launch and retrieval system.

A "touch and go" helipad is conveniently located on the foredeck.

A true world cruiser with charter potential, the superyacht is equipped with high security and communications systems and her shallow draught is ideally suited for regions such as the Bahamas and the South Pacific. 

Silver Zwei

LOA: 73.5m (241.2ft)

Beam: 10m (32.8ft)

Builder: Hanseatic Marine Pty. Ltd, Australia 

Year: 2009
Naval architecture & exterior styling: Espen Oeino

Top speed: 27 knots.

Cruising speed: 25 knots

Range: 5,000NM at 18 knots

Guests: Up to 20 guests in 9 cabins

French Riviera Superyacht App for Smartphones

Riviera Escape is the first French Riviera yacht charterer guide to become available as a stand alone app for the iPhone, iPad or Android phones.

Produced by Charterminute it is an independent Mediterranean superyacht charter portal that offers a selection of crewed yachts for charter.

It can be used to find charter deals and enjoy the most competitive charter rates, to book inclusive charter package with confidence, take part in the most prestigious Mediterranean sailing races, or wow guests with the fastest Mangusta in St Tropez.

Charterer, boater and travellers can now all browse their favourite destination guide, take advantage of last minute deals, explore the Connoisseur guide, or browse the beach guide.



Key Features
 Include:

• What's on
• Riviera People
• Latest events
• New openings
• Crazy gadgets
• Top yacht charter
• Top Riviera Beach guide from Monaco to St Tropez
• Anchorage information

WEBSITE
http://www.charterminute.com

Contact: info@charterminute.com

Defunct EPIRBS Could Endanger Superyacht Crews

Photo Caption: Sartech is offering big rewards for old EPIRBs, dead or alive!

As part of its seasonal service campaign Sartech is offering big rewards to all owners of 406 MHz EPIRBs. It’s ‘Wanted, Dead or Alive’ promotion highlights the problem of unmaintained lifesaving equipment.

“It’s pretty simple,” explains Peter Forey, company Managing Director. “If your EPIRB isn’t working properly, then it won’t save your life when you really need it. We’ve used a poster campaign to remind boaters why they first bought their EPIRB and what they have to do to keep it working.”

Considering that an EPIRB could represent your last chance of survival, the operational stats are nothing short of shocking. The company estimates that of all the EPIRBs installed in the UK, perhaps 60% do not work, or have time-expired batteries.  The MCA’s figures show that more than 50% of those that actually transmit do not have the correct owners details registered at Falmouth.

Proper servicing and registration is essential and to raise awareness Sartech has set up an amnesty to discover the UK’s most out-of-date 406MHz EPIRB. The amnesty is open to all UK boat owners who service their unit with them before the end of June 2011.

The worst offender that comes forward will get a brand new GME MT403G GPS EPIRB worth over £450. All other delinquents will be rewarded with 20% off the price of a full service and a free registration check with the MCA to ensure that the rescue services have the best contact information in case of an emergency call out.

Remember, just because the lights come on when you press the ‘test’ button, don’t assume that your EPIRB will work properly in an emergency,

The batteries that power all EPIRBs have a limited shelf-life and need to be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually every five years, to ensure you have enough power to transmit in a real emergency.

Why Are We Doing Our Industry Such a Dis-Service?

Why are those who are involved in writing blogs, tweets and magazine articles so intent on advertising to all and sundry that the price of this, or that, superyacht has been reduced?

Every day we are being assailed by more and more messages spreading doom gloom and despondency.

Surely by doing so they are sending the wrong message to those from outside the industry.


We will not publish such bad news on these blogs and twitter postings.


What does everyone else think?  Are we right not to do so?

There is a discussion on Linked In about this if you want to join in.  http://linkd.in/dVHuiP