Superyacht Law Firm will Rebrand to become Gateley

Top superyacht law firm HBJ Gateley Wareing is to rename and will from, 1^st May 2011, adopt the name Gateley as its new brand.

The change is a natural step for the firm whose HBJ Gateley Wareing name is reflective of the history of the firm but is, they say, too long.  The firm had over the years acquired several other law firms and as it did so, so the name grew!

The firm can trace its Marine Law specialism back to 1808 and has an unbroken record in the marine industry since then.  In recent years it has absorbed the London firms of Shaw & Croft along with Holmes Hardingham both of who were active in yachting and have a long history in servicing the legal requirements of superyacht owners

Already widely known as Gateley the firm has finally acknowledged that clients sometimes struggle to identify the brand. Opening offices recently in Manchester and Dubai they feel the time is right to make the change and allow the firm to focus on a single, strong brand.

The new name is accompanied by a new corporate identity based on current branding, which is reflected in their re-launched website at www.gateleyuk.com

Superyacht Berths for Olympic Games in London

There has never been a more exciting time to bring a superyacht to London than for the Olympic Games in 2012

A limited number of premium superyacht berths at ExCel London, can now be secured through Burgess.

In partnership with ExCel, the brokerage house is offering a select number of exclusive berths for large yachts adjacent to the ExCel Centre in London’s Royal Docks. These unique berths position all of London’s major Olympic venues within easy reach, providing a convenient and prestigious base for the duration of the Games next year.

The 30th Olympic Games kicks off on 27th July 2012 in London’s East End. ExCel’s five massive contemporary arenas will host a variety of Olympic events including Boxing, Judo, Fencing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Weightlifting and Wrestling.

Facilities provided to superyachts will include a dedicated full-time marina/berthing manager for on-site assistance, a secure wharf area with restricted public access, shore power (subject to demand), dedicated car parking and concierge services offering preferential ticketing.  

Opportunities are strictly limited and early booking is strongly advised.

Reserve a Luxury Yacht Charter Yacht for the Monaco Grand Prix 2011

With just six weeks to go it's still not too late to take that luxury superyacht charter you've always wanted to for the greatest F1 race of the year, the Monaco Grand Prix 2011.

Sit back and enjoy all the excitement and atmosphere from the comfort of your own private super yacht charter in the company of family and friends. Alternatively mix business with pleasure on a crewed yacht charter and give your clients the ultimate hospitality venue.

There is still a great selection of private charter yachts to choose from through each with their own, enviously close to the action berths.

Here are just a few of the vessels available from YPI to make the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 unforgettable.

Available with a confirmed berth the Apache II is a sleek 44 metre luxury yacht for charter. Able to sleep 12 she offers a 360 degree view of the event from her large sun deck, perfect to be see and be seen on. Docked just off the T-jetty those onboard will have an excellent view of the Quai Albert 1er. Available for a minimum of 6 days at the rate of EUR 155,000 including berth.

The Stunning Costa Magna is a 44.5 metre vessel that can accommodate 10 overnight guests but for race-viewing can entertain up to 70. This luxury yacht charter has a prestigious berth on the Quai des Etats - Unis.  Available for five days or more at the rate of EUR 13,700 per day, plus berth.

For those who would like to avoid the crush of the race crowds Ava is 40 metre luxury yacht for charter offers as exceptional race-viewing platform on the Saturday and Sunday on the corner of the Quai des Etats-Unis and Quai Albert 1er. With an open bar and delicious buffet lunch she is a great vessel to enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 from. EUR 3,500 per person

Experience the Thrill of Superyacht Sailing

Video shot aboard Marie during the recent St Barts Bucket shows high racing drama and supersailing at its most exciting.


Watch it yourself on uTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iTajdwzXwg

Professional Qualifications for Interior Crew on Superyachts

The Professional Yachtsman’s Association (PYA) has agreed to lead a training project that could in the future lead to interior yacht crew sitting exams for formal qualifications

  

Interior yacht crew who work in the hotel department of the superyacht have the vital and fundamental front line role of service to owners and guests.  It is they who ensure that the service and hospitality provided aboard is of the highest quality.

Yet there has been little formal training available for this role and what training that does exist varies widely in both its objectives and its standards.

Following a well attended public meeting at the recent Antibes Yacht Show and in response to demands from interior crew, Captains and Training Providers; the PYA has agreed to lead the development of a formal career structure for training and certification for Interior crew.

Now that the PYA have established and identified the need for a standard of training, they have agreed to lead an industry working group that will create a formal structure for the training and professional development of interior crew, similar to the existing training route for deck and engineering crew.

The working group is made up of the Association’s own Continuous Professional Development workgroup, along with other industry professionals, such as active crew and leading training providers.

As part of the development process, the committee are keen to have feedback from interior crew and are sending out online surveys to those who have expressed an interest in participating.

The career structure is expected to provide a balance of experience, combining formal training plus onboard work experience to create a training ladder leading from entry-level as a junior stewardess / steward right up to Purser.

There will be a syllabus, setting out the minimum training to be given at each level, and any school that meets this requirement can apply for accreditation to issue PYA endorsed certificates to students who successfully complete these courses.

The PYA aims to announce the results of this project at the Monaco Yacht Show later this year.

To The Monaco Yacht Show by Kayak

Pass me the paddle, I'm off to Monaco

Most exhibitors arrive on the Cote d’Azure for the Monaco Yacht Show using airplanes, boats, cars and even trains as forms of transport, yet one man plans to paddle there.

Chris Allix, a 58-year-old company director is going to leave his base in the Isle of Man and travel to Monaco by kayak!

Even his nearest and dearest doubted his sanity when he first told them of his plan to paddle the estimated 2,000 miles by way of sea, rivers and canals in aid of five children's charities, but they all agreed, he says, that he was mad enough to succeed.

Kayak Chris faces challenge of a lifetime - for charity

Chris, director of the Isle of Man-based ICM Group, has a close relationship with the sea and Monaco through his company Dominion Marine Corporate Services the Manx yacht registration business.

He has spent the last nine months preparing for this his personal challenge of a lifetime. He has done so training in Manx coastal waters and in arduous conditions in the Lake District. Now weighing 16 stone he has lost three stone in weight and learned the hard way how to refine his kayaking skills in some of the toughest white water conditions imaginable.

The planned route, starting this summer, will take him across the Irish Sea to England down through the English canal network to Dover and the English Channel where he hopes to cross to France,"

Then he takes on the French canals and rivers making my way south to arrive in The Principality in time for the first day of the Monaco International Yacht Show on September 21.

He says, "It will be a long and incredibly difficult task but although this will be my challenge of a lifetime, it's really all about raising money for the children's charities - so I need a lot of help and support from sponsors."

To help achieve his objective, Chris has set up his own special website under the banner  'Man to Monaco'. Apart from providing route details, regular information and updates, it also appeals for corporate and individual sponsors. 

Five Carat Crew as Fraser Yachts Introduces its Diamond Collection

Top hotels are accorded five stars and now, if Hein Velma CEO of Fraser Yachts has his way, so will the world's top charter yachts.  Velma is to introduce what he calls, the Diamond Collection, a group of what will be elite charter yachts. 

The concept is borne from the fact that historically, far too many yachts said to be available for charter, are in reality seldom available.  Many Owners prefer to keep peak chartering time slots to themselves.  These yachts are not available to those seeking to pay for charters over popular time periods such as Christmas, New Year, and during key events such as Monaco Grande Prix and Cannes Film Festival.

Velma’s plan is that only yachts seeking to charter at all times will be permitted to enter the Collection.  Further more he intends to ensure these yachts have the elite crews.   

Fraser Yachts are unique among charter brokers in that they publicly recognise the importance of having a top-notch crew on board.  Each year for the past eleven years the company has hosted a black tie Captains’ Dinner during the Monaco Yacht Show.  It is specifically to reward high performance charter yacht crews with top Captains walking away with prizes that include custom made watches.

Velma plans to build on that premise. He is convinced that it is not just the yacht and the destination that makes the unforgettable charter, but the crew and the service they give.  He has added the stipulation that only yachts with crew given special training will be allowed to call themselves Diamond Yachts. To ensure this teaching is to the highest level Fraser Yachts have selected the independent customised training company Triple S Consultancy to instruct the crew and ensure they meet the highest professional standards.

The Diamond Collection will be introduced at the up coming MYBA Charter Yacht show in Genoa during May.

Patrick Coote, marketing manager at Fraser Yachts, said, “the idea is sure to fire the imagination of our competitors and we have no doubt they will copy us.  Rather than fear that we both welcome and encourage them to do so.  We are leading the field and together all charter brokers will help raise the standard of the charter experience and give confidence to those charter Superyachts for the first time.”

Hermann Schaedla of Abeking & Rasmussen has died

A man whose personality, commitment and enthusiasm for large yachts set new standards in the superyacht world, Hermann Schaedla, responsible for the management of the German superyacht builder Abeking and Rasmussen has died suddenly aged 76.

He grew up in America but returned to Germany in his twenties.  In 1959, the 24 year old took over the shipyard from his grandfather and company founder Henry Rasmussen. From that day forward, he transformed his visions of extraordinary, unique ships into reality.

For more than 50 years, he has steered the fortunes of Abeking and Rasmussen, building it into one of the best regarded names in superyacht construction.

He began with sailing ships, later moving onto motor yachts and naval vessels for countries the world over.

His success will be remembered for decades to come.

Aeolian, the 28m sailing yacht sold.

Aeolian, the 28-metre Holland Jachtbouw sailing yacht built to an Andre Hoek design, has been sold.

The deal was brokered by Will Bishop, Head of YPI’s Sailing Division at YPI and William Christie of YCO London

Built by Holland Jachtbouw yard, she has been maintained well since her launch in 1998 with her most recent yard period in 2007/2008 when she underwent a multi-million euro full-refit.”

With ample freeboards, a long coachroof and grand deckhouse, Aeolian has a surprisingly spacious volume for such a slender yacht. Her split sailing cockpit, high-aspect double-head rig and runners ensure that she frequently shows her fine counter stern to the rest of the racing fleet.

Aeolian was listed for sale through YPI Brokerage at an asking price of € 2,650,000.

Specifications

• Builder: Holland Jachtbouw
• Year: 1998 (Refit: 2007/08)
• Length: 27.7m (90.9 ft)
• Beam: 6.6m (21.7 ft)
• Draft: 3.3 (10.83 ft)
• Guests: Up to 8
• Cabins: 3
• Crew: 4
• Cruising Speed: 9 knots

Royal Huisman launches Refit Service called “huisfit”

A new 16 page brochure describing their entry into refitting services, featuring examples of projects recently undertaken has been published by Royal Huisman

Like many yards seeking to fill empty slipways Royal Huisman is being forced to broaden its business model with expansion into superyacht refit and repair business.

While the yard has undertaken refit work for many years, it has now completed an in-depth study pointing to even more efficient deployment of its human and physical resources over a wider range and a greater number of projects.

Managing Director Alice Huisman, said “It is well known that our firm houses a large concentration of expertise, infrastructure and specialist skills, and for customers seeking not just a standard refit but the optimum level of quality, enhancement and added value, the yard has a great deal to offer.

We were determined that this service would only be expanded when we were absolutely certain that our quality could be assured in both custom builds and refit projects. With the full weight of our Intelligent Engineering process behind us, we are now confident that objective has been achieved.”

Work can be undertaken either at the Vollenhove yard or at deep water locations elsewhere in Holland to suit the owner’s or captain’s preference and requirements of the project

Superyacht World Latest Issue Out Now

SuperYacht World the international magazine about superyachts of distinction goes from strength to strength and has in issue 19 produced another stunning read.

Among the features written by us is the cover feature Cream of the Crop in which we highlight the world’s top 50 best charter yachts as voted by the charter brokers themselves.

We polled charter brokers around the world to find out their favourite charter yachts and then we have listed them in five different categories.

• Adventurers
• Yachts for Special Occasions
• Yachts for those who love Water Activities
• Special Yachts for those who travel in larger groups
• Yachts with Family Appeal, great when children are on board!

We also reviewed Mary-Jean II and Remember When.  While colleagues reviewed Blind Date and produced in depth features about Kingship and some great nice to own wrist watches.

Other exciting features include:

• Charter News
• Captains Interview

Which we write along with:

• News
• New Launches
• Around the Yards
• On the Market
• Property 

Superyacht brokers Burgess open fourth location in USA

Burgess, has opened its fourth U.S. location.  This time instead of being at a yachting hotspot it is located inside at the Santa Monica Airport a facility handling private jet airplanes.

Burgess CEO, Jonathan Beckett is hoping he can capitalize on the office's proximity to Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood and Malibu, calling the airport the "private jet terminal of choice for Hollywood's elite."  He added, “With full-service offices on both coasts, we can better serve our existing clients here as well as tap the potential in America.”

"We are very excited about enhancing our yacht service and expanding our outreach in this important market, and one which holds opportunity for significant growth," Beckett said in a press release. "With full-service offices on both coasts, we can better serve our existing clients here as well as tap the potential in America."

The London-based company is aware of the airport's history In addition to being the gateway to Hollywood, the airport possesses a remarkable history as the oldest operating airport in Los Angeles County.  It was once home to the Douglas Aircraft Company, whose clandestine WWII operations built critical military aircraft and it will soon house the Museum of Flying. 

Jay Becker will run the SMO operation. Becker has some familiarity with the airport and its clientele. He is the general manager of Gunnell Properties, which hold the lease on 11 acres of property at the airport, and vice president of North Field Properties Inc., which frequently rents space for movie shoots, fundraisers and other special events. At the heart of the property is Hangar: 8, a 15,000 square foot structure.

"With its jet-set country club ambiance, the elite clientele who frequent the Santa Monica Airport will appreciate the ease and convenience of entrusting their yachting arrangements to people they already know and trust at the same location," Becker said.

ISS Announces 2011 Fort Lauderdale Events

The International Superyacht Society (ISS) now entering its third decade of promoting excellence in yacht design and industry leadership have announced that this years Annual Awards for Design & Leadership Gala Theme will be Launchings

These awards are the only superyacht industry awards program based purely on peer review and selection.

The Society also hosts a number of memorable annual events during the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. Its Annual Membership Breakfast always features a presentation of key importance, is free to ISS members and is open to non ISS members at a nominal cost. YachtInfo, a series of ISS Crew Seminars is now in its third year.

Specific information regarding these events follows.

Annual Membership Meeting & Breakfast

Presentation—Social Media Strategies: Why You Need Them

Sponsored by Marsh

Wednesday 26 October 2011 • 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center – Harbour Lights

Open to all ISS members; $25.00 non-members

21th Annual ISS International Awards Gala Evening

Thursday 27 October 2011 • 7:00 p.m. – Midnight

Ocean View Terrace, Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, Fort Lauderdale, USA

YachtInfo Industry Seminars, Captains Briefing and Cocktail Party

Organised by FYBA, ISS, MIASF and USSA

Friday 28 October 2011 • 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center - Ballroom

For additional information and tickets, call +1 954 525 6625

Superyacht Industry experts endeavour to dispel myths about piracy in Asia

Mr. Arthur Tay, Chairman of the Superyacht Singapore Association opening the third edition of the Asia Superyacht Conference.'    Informa Yacht Group

The inaugural Singapore Yacht Show took place over the period April 8 – 10 at ONE°15 Marina Club. www.singaporeyachtshow.com

Before the event, the third edition of the Asia Superyacht Conference a seminar run by the  Informa Yacht Group was held.

Opening speaker, Mr. Arthur Tay, Chairman of the Superyacht Singapore Association said he hoped the event would help promote Asia as the next playground for superyachts.

In 2010, Singapore alone saw a total of 81 unique superyacht visits – a five-fold increase from 2006.

Delegates were told that region was going to have to work hard to dispel the myth about piracy in the area, while arming superyacht captains and industry players with some useful tips on how to mitigate the risks.

Speakers suggested that regular media reports of the piracy crisis plaguing the Gulf of Aden, did little to help yachts heading for the Indian Ocean.

The recently formed Information Fusion Centre, a multi-national maritime security information sharing centre situated in Singapore, revealed statistics on piracy incidences involving leisure craft in the Gulf of Aden. The Centre also provides intelligence for superyacht captains and owners, as well as advice on security precautions when traversing the Gulf of Aden.

According to figures shared by the Orchid Office, vessels passing through the Gulf of Aden stand a 2 per cent chance of falling into the hands of pirates. There are currently 22 merchant vessels, 5 fishing vessels and 2 sailing yachts in pirate captivity in that region.

Speakers on a panel discussion including superyacht Captains Richard Felton and Craig Mitchell, dispelled myths about attacks in Asia.

They highlighted the world of difference between the occasional attack in the Malaccan Straits – really uncommon nowadays, and then invariably on commercial vessels - as compared to the highly-organised pirate groups operating in the Gulf of Aden.

'In South East Asia, piracy is mainly opportunistic petty theft. Countries in this region are collaborating closely with each other, and by maintaining regular patrols and joint patrol exercises, they have successfully reduced the number of piracy incidents in the region. Superyacht crews need to remain vigilant nevertheless, and having a proper risk-management system in place will ensure that your cruising experience in this region will be a safe and comfortable one,' said Richard Skinner, Director, Orchid Office.

Various countries in the region are also beginning to recognise the economic benefits they can reap from the burgeoning superyacht industry, with, for example, an estimated 100 marinas being planned in China. 

Yachts Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Tofi is the name of an odd looking concept yacht designed by South Korean Kim Hyun-Seok.  He designed the 12 metre, coral-themed, concept, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the sea and its marine life.

The trimaran hulled yacht would, if built, feature a large deck aft with easy access to the sea.  The upper deck is left clear for sunbathing and comes complete with a diving board so that owners and guests can plunge into  the ocean from the top deck

The design of the round, modular interior aims at creating a natural underwater experience on the surface and is divided by coral-themed partitions. Bulkheads are replaced with huge windows that provide panoramic views and plenty of natural sunlight.

The yacht can accommodate up to four guests in two double cabins and is designed to reach a maximum speed of 17 knots.

But the scary thing is that Kim, who has a Master's in mechanical engineering and a degree in yacht design, is apparently already at work on his next project, a 125 metre superyacht complete with helipad and indoor pool.

St Barths Bucket Gets Classic Airplane Flypast

Regular readers will recall that on March 20th we broke the news that a privately owned squadron of lovingly restored aircraft would 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.


Now we bring you a video put together that shows what a wonderful event that fly past turned out to be.  Here is the video of the squadron in action


Planes included in the air show:

• B-25 called Betty's Dream
• P-40 Alecian called Tiger
• P-51C called Dakota Kid II
• Corsair FG-1D Whistling Death 

Superyachts could be in for a Rough Ride now that Hurricane Forecasts Have been Released

Batten down the hatches, the hurricane forecasting team at Colorado State University is predicting an above-average 2011 Atlantic hurricane season.

Superyachts planning to be in waters south of Florida to Grenada may be forced to take evasive actions if the predictions are right.

The team of weather experts is suggesting an active season, based on current La Niña conditions and what influence it will exert during the heart of the hurricane season.

Predictions are for 16 named storms, to form in the Atlantic basin between June 1 and Nov. 30. Nine of those are expected to turn into hurricanes, with five developing into major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or greater.

There is a:

• 61% chance of a major hurricane tracking into the Caribbean where the long-term average is 42%
• 72% chance that at least one major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. coastline in 2011 where the long-term average probability is 52%.
• 48% chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula where the long-term average is 31% 
• 47 % chance that a major hurricane will make landfall on the Gulf Coast from the Florida Panhandle west to Brownsville, Texas where the long-term average is 30
• 
  

Cool or Comic Book

Those who like it, have described it as the Coolest Boat on the water.

Others have suggested the design belongs inside a comic book its lines more reminiscent of a Caped Crusaders Batmobile.

But this boat is very real and her radical hull design could become the superyacht of the future as more and more owners and designers seek the low running cost superyacht.

As it stands at the moment The M80 Stiletto is a prototype naval ship manufactured by M Ship Company in San Diego.  She serves as an operational experiment for the Pentagon’s Office of Force Transformation.

It is an example of the next generation of military vessels that combines new materials (carbon fibre) with a networked architecture and a breakthrough hull design.

The Super stealthy boat is now under the command of the Department of Defence and has participated in Trident Warrior joint-force exercises as well as tests conducted by the U.S. Navy SEALs off the California coast.

Although not intended to become operational, the Stiletto has been deployed to Colombia to help fight the U.S. war on drugs and made a high-speed, shallow-water drug interdiction that resulted in the capture of over 800 kilos. of cocaine.

The Stiletto is a radical new hull platform that was developed for high-speed military missions in the shallow water areas. No other hull compares to its speed, ride quality, payload capability and unmanned vehicle support. 

The twin M shaped hull vessel, is 26.8 metres in length with a 12 metre beam, providing a rectangular deck area equivalent to a conventional displacement superyacht 50 metre in length. The vessel's draught fully loaded is just under 1 metre and is designed for speeds of 50-60 knots.

Superyacht Regatta Gains Extra Day of Racing

The Perini Navi Cup, an inshore regatta for sailing yachts built by Perini Navi. is a wonderful chance for owners and crew to get to know each other and their yachts.  It is a time when these exceptional yachts get to challenge each other for sport and fun sailing in safe conditions.

This year’s regatta in the waters around Porto Cervo will differ from previous editions in that there will be an extra day of racing during the event which runs from September 1st until 4th in Sardinia

The regatta, organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, will also be supported by collaborations with Italian and international companies that work in the luxury goods sector such as:

• Audi.
• Axa Yachting Solutions
• Champagne Pommery
• Icet
• Marina Yachting
• Rolex

JFA Launches 43 Metre Discovery Yacht

Started in 2008 and now just three months away from delivery to her new owners a 43 Discovery Yacht has been launched by the French shipyard JFA.

As yet unnamed despite being launched hull number 22C, designed by Vripack in the Netherlands, is built out of aluminium.

Developed for cruising in remote destinations, her fore deck has been left clear in order to host 2 large 5.6m tenders that will be used for exploration by her owners.

The inside layout is divided in 3 decks. The main deck has a huge Saloon / dining room with large windows. The upper deck houses the wheelhouse, the captain's cabin and a library saloon.

Both these decks have an aft outside saloon. The lower deck offers 4 double guest cabins, the master cabin and the crew quarters. The total inside layout area reaches no less than 340m2 and can accommodate 11 guest and 8 crew members.

Built to class with Bureau Veritas in compliance with the MCA LY2 rules she is equipped with two 750 Hp Cummins engines and three gensets.

Her range at 11 knots is transatlantic at 11 knots and the engine room takes up the whole width of the boat in the after part.

From Russia With Love a Mulder 98 Flybridge

From Russia With Love is the message received at Mulder Shipyard in Holland now that it has been given a new order to build a Mulder 98 Flybridge for a client from Russia.

The all-new, all-aluminium yacht has been developed by the design team and will be delivered in the second quarter of 2013.

 The company’s Flybridge yachts have been a major international success. The Dutch yard delivered a 98 Flybridge to a client from Egypt in 2010 and recently sold a 73 Flybridge to an Australian client

The latter had seen a similar yacht at the Auckland yacht show, a yacht that was delivered in 2007 to a client from New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Mulder has also built several other projects for clients from

• Russia
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy

With a length of 30.00 metres over all, and a beam of 6.90 metres the yacht is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 engines with a capacity of 1600 hp each, offering a maximum speed of 22 knots.

The yacht has a fuel capacity of 17,000 litres, which gives it a range of 4,500 nm at a speed of ten knots. The hull will be built in accordance with Lloyd’s classification.

The interior includes a spacious saloon, with a starboard dining area for eight people.

The galley on the port side gives direct access to the gangway and a day head.

The owner’s stateroom includes a large walk-in closet and three elliptical portholes on both sides.

The yacht also has a VIP suite and two guest cabins, each with their own shower and toilet. The interior will be finished in walnut.

The after part contains crew quarters with two twin cabins with a shower and toilet. These quarters can be reached via the swim platform, and give direct access to the engine room.

The tender can be stored either on the swim platform or on the flybridge. Additionally, that deck is equipped with deck chairs, two U-shaped sofas and a wetbar with grill, icemaker and refrigerator.

This new order will be the first yacht to be built at the new facilities of Mulder Shipyard.

Superyacht Charters Are Looking Positive Again

The regular charterers are definitely back again according to a report from Fraser Yachts.  There are definite signs of a solid recovery in the charter market.

“We had very encouraging bookings throughout the winter and yachts are still being booked so the season looks like it's going to carry on for a few more weeks yet,” said Patrick Coote the firms Marketing Director.

Fraser were fully booked in the Caribbean over the holiday period. Clients from territories that have traditionally had a strong interest in chartering are returning once again.

The dip seems to be over and the once regular charterers are flowing back. The charter clients in the Caribbean this winter were about one third from the United States, one third from the United Kingdom and one third from other areas such as France, Italy, Ireland and Russia.

Enquiries for Mexico are still higher than normal although in general, the more exotic destinations are not selling as quickly as the staple favourites although. Whether this is due to the economy or general security in unclear.

No Holding Back at Proteksan Turquoise

Pictured (left to right) is the 72.64m 'Vicky' (NB 54) entering the shed, the newly launched repeat order 'Talisman C' at 70.54m, centre the 60.20m 'Yogi' and about to sail away completed the 55.40m 'Turquoise'

There seems to be no holding back at Proteksan Turquoise the Turkish Shipyard who having three consecutive launches so far this year are riding a roller coaster wave of success sweeping away thoughts of a doom laden superyacht building business.

First to launch this spring was Turquoise, with history repeating itself.  The first Turquoise was launched in 1994 and became the yacht that launched the shipyard.

Importantly this yacht is one of a series for repeat customers recently.

Following close behind came the 60 metre Yogi and within weeks the 74 metre Talisman C joined her sisters on the dock face at the Pendik shipyard.

Recently the 72.64m Vicky, arrived on the company owned floating dock to begin her fit out inside one of the newly vacant sheds.

Shipyard Director, Mehmet Karabeyoglu, is understandably proud of this outstanding yacht building achievement. “This is a first for us to have three new-builds on the dock at once and a perfect demonstration of our ability to deliver our brand promise because these three yachts are all on-time'.

Two Yard Sisters Battle for Line Honours

There was a dramatic ending to the recent St. Barth’s Bucket regatta, an event, which celebrated 25 years of Bucket racing this year

Two yard sisters each 40m plus sailing yachts battled for the lead on the final race day.

Christopher and classic ketch Rebecca both built by the Cornish shipyard Pendennis performed spectacularly, during a race that culminated in a nail biting downwind leg of the clockwise course with both yachts at the head of the 40-strong regatta fleet.

Christopher completed at the yards Falmouth facility early in 2011 flew through her first Atlantic crossing in 12 days, arriving in the Caribbean in good time to take part in the regatta.

Her 42 metre yard sister Rebecca designed by German Frers was completed by the yard in 1999

Racing at the helm of Christopher, designer Ron Holland commented, 'Racing aboard a yacht, after she directly sailed across the Atlantic to St Barth’s from completion in Falmouth, presented potential challenges. Considering this, I was thrilled with her performance during the Bucket.

We found the yacht capable in all the conditions experienced. The highlight of the regatta was finishing alongside Rebecca on the last race. This was an exciting conclusion to the story of her creation.'

Although the competition between the two yachts was intense, both raced in good spirit, with Rebecca taking the title in the ‘Les Elegantes des Mers’ class and Christopher finishing just behind her in fourth place. The regatta proved a great success for both yachts, and an excellent starting point for the Christopher adventure.

Christopher:

• LOA 46m (150.9ft)
• Draught 3.8m (12.5ft keel up), 9.4m (31ft keel down)
• Beam 9.5m (31.2ft)
• Naval Architects Ron Holland Design
• Interior Design Ron Holland Design, Courtney & Co., Pendennis
• Owner's Representative Duane MacPhail, Palm Beach Yachts International

Accommodation provides three staterooms and a study providing the Owners and their guests with accommodation for up to 12, with a further four cabins to sleep up to eight crew.

Rebecca:

• LOA 42.42m (139ft)
• Draught 4.5m (14.75ft)
• Beam 8.7m (28.5ft)
• Year 1999
• Naval Architects German Frers design
• Interior Design Robin Black

Superyachts Detained by Port State Control Officials

As Port State Control (PSC) Inspections begin to affect superyachts cruising in the Mediterranean news is reaching us that several yachts have been detained because of non-conformities.

Yacht managers have been hastily briefing Captains on correct procedures and the Professional Yachtsman’s Association (PYA) has seen fit to issue a warning note to all members alerting them to the pitfalls of detention.

In the document the PYA reported on the recent detention of three yachts at Genoa in Italy.

The deficiencies found by PSC Officers on one superyacht of 418gt were:-

• Entry missing from Oil Record Book Oil drums improperly stowed in bilge well Flag State Endorsement of Ch. Engineer's CoC missing
• SOPEP - List of national contacts missing
• Self closing valve on sludge tank tied open
• Bilge well dirty
• Bilge high level sensor disconnected
• Quick-closing valve on fuel day tank not operative
• 15ppm sensor not operative
• Oily Water Separator not operative

On a larger yacht of 692gt Inspectors found:

• ISM not operating correctly
• Charts not corrected
• Two Emergency Escape Breathing Apparatus had pressure gauges showing red
• Some ship's papers incorrectly amended with new name by Class, not Flag Original
• CoC for Master & Mate not on board, only copies.
• No passage plan for voyage just completed
• Some nautical publications out of date

On another large yacht this one of 613gt the list included:

• Charts not corrected
• Gyrocompass not operative
• SOPEP - List of national contacts not up to date
• Nautical publications not up to date Crew less then required by Safe Manning Document Annual test of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon not carried out Ship's papers - Long Range Identification & Tracking system not recorded on Form E
• Oily Water Separator not operative
• ISM not operating correctly
• Emergency fire pump not operative

The PYA concludes that for various reasons, Flag and Class surveyors have traditionally been tolerant of minor deficiencies in superyacht documentation and compliance with the various Conventions.

They have taken the pragmatic view that the end result is more important that precise adherence to the rules.

Those days say the PYA are, over and they warn members to prepare themselves and the superyachts they work on for inspection by PSC Officers who know little about yachting and who see no reason to "cut a little slack" when inspecting them.

The PYA concludes with the words, “As may be seen from the three examples above, it's going to be very difficult to get through a More Detailed Inspection without collecting any deficiencies and even a few deficiencies will have long term consequences.”

Useful pre-inspection checklists from Lloyds Register and AMSA may be downloaded from the PYA's website.

Sunreef Yachts to Build Aircraft Carrying Catamaran

A dealership agreement has been reached between Sunreef Yachts and Gregor Tarjan of Aeroyacht Ltd which, could see the creation of the first ever catamaran sailing yacht, to carry its own aircraft on board.

Designed by Gregor Tarjan and naval architects Morrelli & Melvin the yacht is a high-performance 33 metre sailing superyacht with eco-friendly features including wind and wave generators and solar panels that allow the yacht to run silently.

The catamaran's lightweight composite structure considerably reduces fuel consumption

With high average speeds, similar to an offshore powerboat, she will have an unlimited operating radius under sail and a range exceeding 2800 nautical miles under power.

The 13 metre beam provides zero heel while under way and no roll at anchor.

As an option, the yacht can be equipped with a personal exploration aeroplane – the 2 seat Icon-A5 amphibian, launched and retrieved from a hydraulic platform on the aft deck.

The agreement gives the Polish shipyard rights to build this yacht and market it as Aeroyacht 110 by Sunreef Yachts.

A client interested in this design has already approached the shipyard, and the first sale is expected to follow soon.

The partnership agreement also includes a dealership agreement giving Aeroyacht Ltd non-exclusive rights to sell all Sunreef yacht models in the USA and to his worldwide customer base.

Bahamas seeks top end dollars as superyacht charter destination.

The Bahamas is seeking tourist revenue from high end markets and is boosting efforts to develop area as super yacht charter destination.

The Governments Ministry of Tourism & Aviation recently partnered with the US based charter broker International Yacht Connection to host a familiarisation charter hosting 30 international yacht charter brokers.

Brokers, from the USA and Europe, flew into Nassau and sailed to Exuma for a short vacation aboard seven superyachts. Who had made themselves available for the charter

As with similar trips, the ministry is hoping that the charter brokers will be impressed by what they have learned and experienced in the Bahamas.

 Ultimately, tourism officials hope the charter brokers are encouraged to send more business to the Bahamas.

As one of the organizers of this flotilla, Bob Saxon, president of International Yacht Collection, reported that the charter brokers were amazed at the beauty of the Bahamian waters before they landed in Nassau – looking from their airplane windows.

“The Bahamas does not get enough of the world charter work and the whole idea is to at least double this business, to bring people in here who can afford to be on big charter yachts, afford to invest in the islands and to build up the economy of the islands” Bob Saxon, president of International Yacht Collection said.

Earl Miller, Tourism’s General Manager of Vertical Markets – Boating and Fishing, said that this flotilla is only one of several initiatives the ministry will undertake to increase business from the yacht market.

Superyacht Crew Agency Undergoes a Makeover

The Crew Network (TCN), the crew placement arm of Fraser Yachts, received a makeover in the last quarter of 2010 aimed at further increasing efficiency and the level of service.

With new crew placement software trialled in the latter part of 2010 and formally adopted in 2011 staff at TCN have seen a significant improvement in all facets of the placement operations but particularly in the speed at which we're able to respond to the requests from clients.

Another change identified as part of the review and implemented over the first quarter of 2011 has been the consolidation of the satellite offices in San Diego and Newport RI to the Fort Lauderdale Office.

TCN Antibes and Viareggio continue to provide placement services in Europe in conjunction with the head office in Fort Lauderdale.

Superyacht Refits

There has been an encouraging start to 2011
with the business showing significant increases over the same period last year.

In line with the overall luxury yacht market, the refit business also seems to be picking up. So far this year Lusben refit yards have seen an increase of 30% in comparison to the first quarter of 2010.

However, this increase has come in the form of more contracts rather than a greater overall value.

There has been a recent tendency to perform fairly serious refits on smaller boats (20-25m), something that we've not really seen over the last few years.

Owners in this size-range appear keen to refit and refurbish rather than trade-up at present.

During the winter months the yards have been full with charter boats getting ready for the Mediterrean summer season.

Another notable point is that the Russian clients have definitely returned to being some of the key, major contractors for large refits.