Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Mediterranean base For Pendennis in Palma


The British shipyard Pendennis has announced the opening of a new technical refit office and workshop in the busy Mediterranean port of Palma.

More than just a sales office the new facility that opens this Summer will be based in STP in central Palma and will provide an extension to the UK based company’s facilities and services.

The company plan to locate a dedicated full time project manager from the UK to work there. 

He will be responsible for the running of an office and a workshop facility within STP

Targeting the ports large superyacht community, Pendennis will focus on providing support to yachts looking for short works and running repairs.

The company already has a strong presence in Palma, with a large number of  clients calling the port home, as well as links with several respected sub-contractors.

Situated within the port of Palma de Mallorca within easy walking distance of the City centre and attractions, STP are the operators of the shipyard facility in Mallorca.

This facility consists of 55,000 m2 of hard standing for vessels up to 60m, and more than 50 berths for vessels up to 90m. These facilities are for the repair and maintenance of yachts by the many local professional businesses.

Timesaving Solutions for Production Yacht Builders

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Boat builders around the world are turning to New Zealand for a small yet essential component for a fast, time saving solution to production construction.

It comes from Fastmount a company that specialises in panel mounting systems based in Auckland.

Production boatbuilders around the world are purchasing the patented award winning clip fasteners by the tens of thousands.

The neat and nifty self-tapping clip set is used throughout the UK built Sunseeker range to fix panels into position. It is particularly popular where all panels that need to be accessed by crew are fixed to the superyachts structure using the two part clipping system.

Graham Lodge, development manager at Sunseeker, says: With our extensive range of yachts it was essential for us to source a complete panel securing system that would provide exceptional ease of installation and removability with perfect panel alignment every time. Since introducing the Fastmount system in 2006 we have proved that the build teams here at Sunseeker have saved us both time and money using this highly versatile securing system, with its endless applications for both inside and outside spaces.

Fastmount has provided Sunseeker with a complete solution in securing deckhead ceiling and wall panels and even cockpit upholstery.

Their service and dealer networks around the world are now able to remove and replace panels with confidence, knowing that they will not break and fit back perfectly into place when they finish their work.

Fastmount recently demonstrated their versatility outside the marine world as they begin to explore other markets.  At BuildNZ a building and Construction exhibition the company won Best Product of the Show Award demonstrating quite how versatile the clever little clip is.

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Perini Navis Fidelis to take part in Perini Navi Cup

The Perini Navi Group have certainly made their mark on the SuperYacht World and continue to launch one stunning yacht after another.  The latest is the 56 sailing ketched rigged superyacht Fidelis, launched privately in April.


This the builders 51st launchings will spend the entire summer cruising in the magnificent waters of the Mediterranean and will then participate in the Perini Navi Cup that will be held in Porto Cervo from the first to the fourth of September.

Green in the Heat

The hotly debated topic of global warming has ignited proactive response from Festival Marina in Dubai.

In addition to building environmental awareness through annual events and standards already in place, the Marina Management is ensuring that environmental conservation is further integrated into daily operations at the marina.

This year kicked-off with their implementation of the Clean and Green program, which will see eco-friendly initiatives become a way of life at the marina.

A few examples to demonstrate their commitment to the cause are Berthing Masters on stand-by to assist boat captains dispose of their waste in recycling facilities at the marina; teams dedicated to a daily clean-up of the water and internal promotion of “go green” tips.

Operated by Mourjan Marinas IGY, Festival Marina works towards the environmental awareness guidelines and criteria set by the world’s leading marine industry associations and organizations. These include monitoring of water quality, environmental education and information as well as carbon reduction programs.

A further drive is the annual “Whatever Floats Your Boat” recycled boat competition held in conjunction with the InterContinental Hotels Group properties and Dubai Festival City. Teams participating in the event have to construct rafts made from recycled materials to race along the Dubai Creek during a fun-filled afternoon at Festival Marina.

Along with generating environmental awareness, a donation of AED 7,000 will be provided by each competing company, with every Dirham raised going directly to the Emirates Wildlife Society in association with World Wide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF). The EWS-WWF plans on using the funds raised to support the ongoing conservation in the UAE.

40 Metre Yacht for Burger

Conceived by Canadian designer Ivan Erdevicki Naval Architecture & Yacht Design for Burger Boat Company is a new 40 metre pilothouse yacht with a spacious main salon and formal dining room.

The yacht features a full beam, main deck master stateroom including his and hers en suite bathrooms and generous walk-in wardrobes.

The main foyer features a splendid looking curving staircase to the lower guest accommodations where four double guest cabins with en suites baths are located.

The galley makes the most efficient use of space by providing a pleasant informal dining area for the owners and their guests.

Aft of the engine room is yet another feature not many yachts of this size can claim, a tender garage to conceal her 2.7 metre tender.

Powered by twin MTU 16V2000 M94 main engines, this new design has a cruising speed of 22 knots and provides an extended range of 2500nm at a speed of 11 knots.

The Wave in Muscat, Oman

The Wave in Muscat, Oman is the first integrated resort and residential development to be undertaken in the region.

The destination combines more than 4,000 beautiful properties, a 400 plus berth marina, a Greg Norman signature golf course, four premier hotels and new retail, leisure and dining opportunities, all situated at a seafront address.

At the heart of The Wave, Muscat lies the marina which will be home to over 400 vessels up to 65 metres and supported by state-of-the-art eco-friendly facilities, extra wide walkways and on-water lounge areas with contemporary shade structures.

Surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafés and a setting conducive to socializing and unwinding, the marina is simply the place to be.

Day or night, there’s a vibrancy here that compels residents and visitors to mingle against a backdrop of stunning ocean vistas.

A graceful corniche perfect for late evening strolls, fantastic harbour-side views, dining options ranging from al fresco to quaint coffee shops, and a retail promenade offering trendy fashion stores together with traditional Omani flare are all part of the collective marina experience.

Ideal for sailing enthusiasts, the marina will be home to Oman Sail and provide a great venue for hosting sporting events, such as the Extreme 40 sailing race.

These attractions, along with the harbour front village set around its fringes, make the marina a social hub for the local community of Oman and resort residents.

To Russia With Love


Italian superyacht builder Sanlorenzo has launches 3 new super yachts inside a week and all of them were for for 3 Russian owners:

During just a week from the Viareggio boatyard of Sanlorenzo were launched three superyachts: Rêve d’Or  at 46 metres, Scorpion at 40 and Santa Anna at 38 metres.

First to be launched was Scorpion, the sixth in the award winning series of Sanlorenzo 40 Alloy she was designed by Francesco Paszkowski and ordered by a Russian owner. The result is a unique yacht with smart lines and innovative elements as the folding platforms, two each side, becoming exclusive terraces for owner and guests or the gull‐wing doors on the wheel room.

Next into the water was Santa Anna, the fourth in a line of the Sanlorenzo SD122, semi‐displacement GRP fleet.  She was also designed by Francesco Paszkowski and is a small‐large three‐deck vessel that in this fourth unit was positively changed in the main deck layout, to obtain a larger salon and a more intimate and lighted dining room.

Finally Rêve d’Or, splashed into the water.  She is the third of the Sanlorenzo 46 Steel series.

She is a semi‐displacement super yacht with a bulbous steel hull and aluminium superstructure. She features unique characteristics in her category, as the Beach Club obtained by folding the transom to water level or the under lower deck, a fifth deck that hosts many a technical device, very easy to inspect and maintain. Her gross tonnage is less than 500gt, to dodge the more demanding SOLAS regulations.

She has a LOA of 46 metres with 9,30 metre beam and fits two CATs 3512B DITA‐SCAC High Displacement, outputting 1,500 kW for a top speed of 17 knots and an endurance of 4,000 nautical miles @12 knots.

Before the summer cruising season is finished Sanlorenzo plan to launch seven more yachts from their Ameglia and Viareggio shipyards.

Monday, 27 June 2011

Duel - Ten paces, turn and fire!


Alex McDiarmid, the yacht designer based in the South of France, has been attracting the attention of the superyacht media with his futuristic design concepts.

First he had Dramatic a 46m concept and he followed that up with Iwana an 85m design that pushes some of the boundaries in Superyacht styling.

Now he is at it again with yet another project that sees a fresh thinking approach to the styling of a 100m Superyacht.

As always, inspiration is diverse and of a non nautical philosophy and this time he has created  Duel a 100 metre that has been inspired by the hand crafted duelling pistols of a by gone era. 

Dueling is the engagement in combat between two individuals with matched weapons and was practiced from the 11th to 20th centuries in Western societies.

More applicable to the yachting industry, battles between two warships are referred to as naval duels, especially during the 'Age of Sail' when such encounters were common, men were men and blowing the enemy out of the water was all in a days work.

The master gun makers and engravers of the day displayed their craft producing truly beautiful fire arms through their metal work, inlaying of precious metals, stones, pearls and corals through to the use of decorative shaped, turned and polished woods and veneers.

These beautifully hand crafted objects mixed the highest standards of craftsmanship and machine shop abilities of the times to give the owner a very personal product, much like owning a yacht.

The profile of Duel is inspired by the silhouettes of such pistols, particularly the colourful 17th - 19th Century European versions.

Notice that the profile of the yacht is low in comparison to others in her class size.

Eliminating one deck reduces weight and in turn energy/power consumption is reduced and coupled with the latest green, hybrid power technology through a Diesel Electric propulsion systems with pod drives.

The pistols hammer inspired the design of the communication tower while the deep-cut "Asprey Scroll" engravings found on some pistols were added as a  little piece of artistic licence on the part of the designers.

Other details on the concept include the reintroduction of the figurehead on the bow for good luck as sailors are supposedly a superstitious breed. 

The figurehead protected the ship and inspired fear in the hearts of enemies if legends are to be believed.

Similar to panoramic roof windows on modern cars, the super structure integrates a full length panoramic roof window running over the yacht, similar in principle to our Iwana 85m but incorporating solar panel technology into the 'smart glass' to avoid a floating greenhouse.

Principal Characteristics:
  • Length overall:100m / 330'
  • Beam:18m / 58'
  • Engines 4 x MTU 3600 kw or
  • A hybrid power Diesel Electric propulsion system with pod drives.
  • Cruising Speed: 15 Knots estimated
  • Maximum Speed: 20 Knots estimated
  • Berth capacity for guests: 14
  • Berth capacity for crew: 24

The hull would be made from steel while the superstructure would be in aluminium. All aluminium construction would further reducing weight and therefore power consumption and this option is also under consideration.

Ellix Too

Due to finish a major refit this month, in which her superstructure is being repainted and her generators replaced, Ellix Too is an opportunity to buy a 47 metre yacht in exceptional condition.

One of the successful ISA 47 series, Ellix Too has modern, exotic interiors by Walter Franchini. The sleek, eclectic design is both stylish and comfortable, with:
  • Leather
  • Wenge
  • Onyx
  • Oak and
  • Brightly coloured and patterned fabrics.
On the main deck, there are three distinct entertaining areas to suit every guest’s mood: main saloon, separate full-beam media room with 60-inch plasma television screen and an aft deck with a dining table and full-beam sofa.

Additional al fresco dining can be found on the sun deck, which also features a Jacuzzi and a full-beam sunpad as well as gym equipment for more active guests.

The entire upper deck is devoted to the master suite, with a private foyer and private aft deck that can be completely closed off by glass panels. Additional guests sleep in a large main deck VIP, three double and one twin cabins on the lower deck with ethernet and WiFi internet throughout.

With only one owner since her launch, Ellix Too has been maintained to a very high standard, fully in class with Lloyds and MCA compliant for her new owner.

Built by ISA in 2004 refitted during 2011, this 47.5m / 156ft superyacht accommodates 12 guests, and is available for €14.95m through Alex Busher: at Edmiston +377 93 30 54 44, ab@edmiston.com

Palumbo launches 54 metre yacht Prima

Palumbo the Naples-based ship repair and refit company has launched the 54 metre mega yacht Prima built for Columbus Yachts.

The yacht is expected to be on show at the Monaco Yacht Show this September and will be the first Palumbo built yacht to do so.

Palumbo recently expanded its superyacht capabilities by winning the bidding war created when the Government of Malta sold off its ship yard and superyacht repair facilities,

The interior portion of this new yacht has been designed by Studio Spadolini while the exterior was designed by Hydro Tec.

The yacht will feature a master stateroom with a capacity to house up to 14 guests, VIP-type stateroom, two doubles, two twins as well as two pullman berths.

Prima features a hull made of steel with a light alloy superstructure. The vessel, powered by dual MTU 16V 4000 M60 engines, comprises a total beam of 10.20 metres.

She is expected to have a top speed of 18 knots with a range likely to be about 5,000 nautical miles on a little less than about 120,000 litres of fuel.

Flashing the Codes

Originally developed in 1994 by Toyota for tracking car parts, QR codes can be scanned by any smart phone or tablet to take the user directly to details of a related special offer or more in-depth news or even a video or photo presentation illustrating more about a certain product or service – and all without having to type in a web address or a long URL.

Now superyacht companies are embracing the new technology to capture and promote brokerage deals and charter opportunities

“QR codes and new technology like mobile augmented reality are essentially bridging the gap between what we see in the real world and the extra stuff we can access in the digital world through our smart phones and tablets,” explains YPI Group Marketing Manager, Mark Duncan. “Mobile phone sales increased by 35% last year, smart phone sales increased by three times that amount. And it’s a trend that’s speeding up as more people of all ages turn to mobile communication for reading emails and getting information quickly.”

Latest statistics show that already 25% of subscribers in the US say they never or rarely use anything else other than their phone to access the web - a figure that increases to 59% in India and a massive 70% in Egypt.

“As part of an overall drive to ensure clients can always have the maximum quality information at their fingertips wherever they may be, we started using the codes last month in our ads, directing clients interested in certain yachts to more information and photos.”

It is an initiative that has taken some planning and resulted in some important improvements to the website.

“We invested some time and money in optimising our website to ensure all smart phones can quickly and properly access the information,” explains YPI Group Web Manager, Olivier Palayan. “Not all our clients rely on mobile technology or know about QR codes yet…but for those that do, we want to make sure we open up immediate mobile access to a whole new world of yacht information and imagery.

Largest Carbon Sloop Launched

Vitters Shipyard in Holland has launched its largest sloop to date.

At 42.6 meters (138ft), Sarissa is the largest carbon sloop ever built in the Netherlands, and one of the largest worldwide.

Her hull was built by UK based Green Marine a company now owned by the Vitters Group

Her lightweight construction and rigging with her state of the art systems and lifting keel are only a few characteristics of this performance focused design by naval architect Bill Tripp.

The distinctive interior design by Rhoades Young, ensures a stylish and comfortable stay on board and combines various finishes including:
  • Carbon
  • Glass
  • Stainless steel
  • Leather and several types of wood
Sarissa was transported by barge from Vitters Shipyard in Zwartsluis to Harlingen where the 51 metre (167ft) mast was stepped.

Specifications
  • Length hull overall                        42.6 m (138 ft)
  • Beam (max)                                    8.6 m (28 ft)
  • Draft                                                4.0 m (13 ft) keel up / 6.2 m (20 ft)
  • Ballast                                              38 tonnes
  • Hull                                                  Carbon composite, Green Marine
  • Mast                                                 51 m (167 ft)
  • Main engine                                   Caterpillar C12, DI-TA, C-rating
  • Power                                              490 bhp (366 kW) at 2300 rpm
  • Fuel tank capacity                         12.000 litres
  • Architect                                         Bill Tripp Naval Architecture Inc.
  • Interior architect                           Rhoades Young Design Ltd.

YCO Group Sells Superyacht Fuel Division

Seeking to focus on and invest in the development of its core services of superyacht brokerage and management, the YCO Group is to sell off its Yacht Fuel Services business.

The Group has reached an agreement with World Fuel Services Europe, Ltd. for the sale.  

Yacht Fuel Services was founded over 20 years ago as a global fuel provider for privately owned superyachts. It quickly became one of the top suppliers and a global leader in the yacht fuelling business.

The company provides customers with competitive pricing for premium grade yacht fuel, aviation fuel and lubricants. Yacht Fuel Services provides fuel in more remote cruising areas worldwide and offers superyacht credit terms.

World Fuel Services will retain the Yacht Fuel Services brand and key personnel. Customers will benefit from an established global supply and service footprint, in addition to online purchasing with its Bunkerline web-based procurement system.

The sale of YFS forms a part of YCO Group’s stated strategy. Net proceeds of the sale will be used for working capital purposes to expand operations globally and to further enhance YCO’s offering in these areas.

Sunday, 26 June 2011

3rd New Office For YPI Asia


Just three months after it was first incorporated, YPI Asia, the specialist Chinese division of YPI, is now in the process of opening a new office at the exciting new Nansha Marina development.

Located at the heart of the Pearl River Delta between Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macao, the Marina covers 22 km2, is accessible by 5 major airports and sits at the heart of a new luxurious tourist destination.

“We are at the very beginning of a new industry and pastime in China,” explains YPI Group CEO Bertrand Vogèle. “There is an estimated 1,300 privately owned yachts in this country compared to 17 million in America but the interest is here and the industry is growing.”

According to the Hurun Report, China’s equivalent to the Forbes Rich List, of the 875,000 millionaires that live in China, nearly half intend to buy a yacht.

“That may be a little optimistic,” says YPI Asia MD, Olivier Besson, “but the Government with some private investment is fast developing the infrastructure needed to make superyachting not only a viable proposition here but an attractive one worldwide.”

The new Nansha Marina is just one of a series of ports under construction along China’s 9000 mile coastline with the city of Tianjin building what will be the country’s largest offering 750 berths up to 295 feet long at a cost of just under 9 billion Yuan ($1.4 billion).

“Positioning in China is everything,” explains Olivier. “Our offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen are very strategic. The new location in Nansha puts us at the heart of one of the most exciting new developments today giving us the space to show and store the sort of superyachts we are most used to seeing outside of this region.”

To further ensure the consistent and successful growth of YPI Asia within China and Hong Kong, the company has recruited Estelle Zhang as Marketing & Communications Manager.

“We have so much interest from the Chinese press right now,” explains Olivier, “not only in YPI Asia but in our knowledge of luxury yachting. We realized how important a Chinese speaking communications person on site was going to be.”

A university graduate from Shanghai, fluent in Chinese, French & English, Estelle comes to YPI Asia with a strong background in luxury media and two years at the successful private jet & yacht show, the Hainan Rendez-Vous. 

Super Yacht Management Takes to the Radio Air Waves


Radio is not a media support normally associated with the world of superyachts and superyacht owners.

But when that radio happens to cover the whole of the French Riviera from Monaco to St Tropez...and in English - capturing some of the world’s most influential leaders, business people, entrepreneurs and landed gentry as listeners - it’s a support that can’t be ignored.

Riviera Radio has been broadcasting across the Riviera for almost 25 years and is widely accepted as being the radio of choice for many of the 200,000 expats for whom the region now provides a primary or secondary residence.

YPI Head of Marketing, Mark Duncan was for many years the station’s Sales & Marketing Director. “It has a unique audience, the like of which doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world,” he explains. “Our crew division, YPI Crew, has been using it as part of its communication strategy for almost 10 years and with great success.”

Franc Jansen, Head of YPI Management, wanted to reach owners and captains to tell them more about the advantages of professional yacht management today – inspired by YPI Crew, he was keen to test Riviera Radio.

“Because it is one of the few English stations in the area,” he explains, “it is one so many of our clients and captains from all over the world listen to when they are in the south of France. So I really wanted to give it a go.”
Initial feedback to the campaign, a combination of 30” spots and interviews broadcasting until after the Monaco Yacht Show in September, is very encouraging .

“It’s another way of getting the message of super yachts and luxury yachting out to people who are interested but have not yet had the time to find out more," says Mark. 'If only one person were to discover just how amazing luxury yachting is…I think we have succeeded.”

OCI Opens Office in Auckland

Lars Bjorklund, John Vitali and Debbie Gribble have come together to create an Ocean Independence office in Auckland, New Zealand.

Auckland is a city steeped in maritime history and considered by many to be one of the most advanced yachting centres in the Southern hemisphere.

The addition of a new OCI office there adds both a strategic location and an experienced local team to their worldwide network.

Lars, John and Debbie together offer three decades of experience in sales, charter, management and new construction and will continue to operate as Diverse Projects Ltd

But they will also dedicate their time and resources to looking after the growing number of OCI clients in the region and exploring new avenues for business.

Yacht broker Lars Bjorklund’s experience began with captaining charter yachts before creating his own sales and charter brokerage (BCR yachts) in the South of France. He then moved to New Zealand in 2007 where he formed a partnership with yacht manager John Vitali to create Diverse Projects Ltd.

John has raced thousands of ocean miles on maxi yachts and has built strong relationships with contractors and suppliers ensuring the success of the projects he manages.

Completing the trio is charter broker Debbie Gribble, a seasoned superyacht chief stewardess who brought her expertise ashore and has been organizing high-profile event charters and top class charter vacations as well as providing full shore support service for more than a decade.

Solar Superyacht Charters

Now you can enjoy the sun in more ways than one this summer.


Solar is the second 26 metre Arcadia 85 built with solar panels in order to significantly reduce her effect on the environment. These solar panels recharge the service batteries to power all of the basic services on the yacht such as:

  • Refrigeration
  • Water pumps and
  • Lighting.

This means no more noisy generators when at anchor and much fewer carbon emissions. Her ecological impact is further reduced by an onboard treatment plant to treat all organic waste, biological cleaning and beauty products and a delicious selection of organic cuisine cooked by an expert chef.


At top speed Solar reaches 18 knots but when cruising economically at 9 knots the diesel engines use only 30 litres of fuel per hour – the lowest emissions of any motor yacht in her class.


Her environmental credentials are not the only radical aspect of Solar. The exceptionally voluminous main saloon is almost entirely surrounded by glass with full-length, full-height windows and sun streaming through the solar panels in the ceiling.


Fast gliding canvas blinds ensure that privacy is always possible. Huge glass doors open onto a vast 60 square-metre aft deck with outdoor lounge and dining areas.


Eight guests sleep in a full-beam, 33 square-metre master suite, a spacious VIP and two twin cabins all on the lower deck, which share the yacht’s minimalist and contemporary villa-style interior design.


Solar can accommodate 8 guests, from €49,000 per week and is available through Edmiston.

Friday, 17 June 2011

American Superyacht Yard Gets New Owner


Started on the Miami River  during the 1920’s and once the mainstay of the area, the Merrill Stevens Dry Dock was shut down in late 2009 and has lain dormant ever since.  Now the facility has a new owner.

David Marlow, Chairman of Marlow Yachts of Palmetto, Florida, has ambitious plans to renovate the facility over the next two years having paid $6.6 million to acquire the 5.9 acres of property, equipment and the name from the Coconut Grove Bank, which took title in a foreclosure action completed in early 2011.

The price paid recently is roughly half of that paid by Hugh Westbrook when he bought the facility from the Merrill family in 2004.

Merrill Stevens began operations in 1885 in Jacksonville, opening the Miami location in 1923 to service commercial, pleasure and military boats. Superyachts owned by the likes of Malcolm Forbes and Ivana Trump, have in the past used the shipyard.

The facility can handle about 20 yachts over 30 metres each.

Thursday, 16 June 2011

Concours D’Elegance at The Hurlingham Club


The Concours D’Elegance - a unique and opulent three day extravaganza runs from July 27th to the 29th.  It is organised by Eton Events representing the lifestyles of the rich and famous and brings together a true mix of the most exclusive brands in the world.

The Definitive Luxury Lifestyle Event is held within the main building and the magnificent grounds of The Hurlingham Club and has a rich 20 year heritage, and draws together everything that epitomises luxury.
  • From Speed Boats to Private Jets
  • From Helicopters to Luxury Property
  • From Designer Clothing to Jewellery
  • From Vintage and Classic Cars to Super Cars
  • From Art to Antiques
  • From Electronics to Luxury Hotels and Holidays

Yet to date no one representing superyachts have stepped up to the mark to exhibit at this exclusive, intimate, invitation only event, which attracts loyal and long-standing patrons from the UK and across the globe, and comprises high net worth individuals, stars from stage and screen, musicians and models.

The Hurlingham Club has hosted a Concours D’Elegance for over 20 years and it has established itself as an internationally recognised event attracting a mix of influential guests from all over the world. It is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest private members’ clubs, and retains its quintessential English traditions and heritage, while providing modern facilities and services for its members.

This is one of the few events in the year where the Hurlingham Club opens its doors to invited guests. Bordering the Thames in Fulham and set in 42 acres of magnificent grounds, The Hurlingham Club is a green oasis of tradition and international renown.

Concours D’Elegance is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the sights of some of the most exclusive brands in the world while sampling delectable cuisine and the finest drinks.

As Concours D’Elegance diversifies and broadens in scope for its 2011 edition, so the exclusive guest list works to complement the event, providing brands with the perfect opportunity to meet its target demographic in the refined surroundings of the illustrious Hurlingham Club.

The Strictly Limited to 60 Exhibitors is already signed up by the likes of:
  • Ferrari
  • Lamborghini
  • Rolls Royce
  • Aston Martin
  • Alfa Romeo
  • Porsche
  • Jaguar
  • Sunseeker Yachts
  • Art of Kinetik
  • Aztec Yachts
  • Privilige Yachts
  • Elektra Yachts
  • Atlas Helicopters
  • Rizonjet
  • Oryx JetFine & Country
  • Giorgio Armani
  • Hydropool
  • Jacuzzi UK
  • Neville
  • The Luxury Network
  • The Bond Street Association
  • Jade Jagger
  • Veuve Clicquot
  • Searcys and The Princes Trust

Why Does it Cost so Much to Service an EPIRB?

Distress beacons can lead to distress purchases

“Don’t let your distress beacon lead you to a distress purchase.” Peter Forey, Sartech
 The cost of getting the original manufacturer to service an EPIRB is being kept artificially high in a bid to get owners to buy a new one, – says Peter Forey of Sartech an independent specialist in search and rescue technology, has compared market prices to try and establish why original manufacturers charge over the odds to repair your EPIRB.

“Ever wondered why it costs so much to get your EPIRB serviced? Simple, the original manufacturers are trying to convince you to buy their latest product” he says. “Replace or Repair is a bit of a conundrum for EPIRB owners.  The more expensive manufacturers make it to service your old unit, the easier it becomes for customers to justify the purchase of a shiny new model. The truth of the matter is – you don’t need a new one.”

“Almost all of the units that we see at our facility can be returned to perfect working-order with a full service, giving owners five more years peace of mind. However, getting an expensive service quote from the original manufacturer can lead some owners into a distress purchase - pardon the pun - of a brand new unit.”

The headlines from one like-for-like price comparison are;
Much lower cost for a complete service
Faster turnaround time (while-you-wait compared to 10 working days)
Full 5-year warranty (compared to 12-month labour warranty and 5-year battery warranty).

Full Service for a EPIRB at Sartech includes:
  • Unit tested for operation and to establish any faults
  • Stripped down, perishable items, o-rings, seals and old battery are discarded
  • Rebuilt with a new battery, seals and o-rings
  • Immersion test to verify that all seals are watertight
  • Activated in a test chamber, radio outputs monitored and recorded to ensure correct operation
  • Internal GPS receiver checked to verify that correct location is transmitted
  • External items checked; water switch, lanyard, data labels updated and tamper seals replaced
  • Check owner registration with UK EPIRB Register
  • Warranty – Serviced unit gets a 5-year warranty on both the labour and the battery
  • Turnaround – Within 1 week, service can be done while-you-wait if you call in advance

£183.33 + VAT (£220.00)
Return postage £11 + VAT (£13.20)
All in Price = £233.20 which is £109.63 less than the manufacturers price

Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Killer Whale - Perhaps the Ultimate Superyacht Toy

Innespace Productions, the company that released their shark inspired Seabreacher X power boat last year, has just unveiled a new recognizable underwater animal to add to the fleet.  This time it’s a killer whale.

This new killer whale vessel, which is similar in size and scale to the real thing, incorporates new Orca-inspired design features, including a more rounded off nose, large whale tail, new pectoral fins, and a taller dorsal fin.

The new large rear tail was added to help the boat achieve a 180 degree back flip, which continues to be a goal for Innespace. The new Seabreacher Y comes standard with the 255hp supercharged engine found in the X model and offers the same high performance capabilities, but has the panoramic bubble canopy of the popular dolphin style J model.

The killer whale has an upgraded 300hp engine kit, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 55mph on the surface of the water.

This particular vessel was custom built for a special customer in Abu Dhabi.

While it is perhaps the ultimate in superyacht toys, Innespace designed the new boat with the primary intention of performing aquatic shows and displays, so the new vessel comes with riding pegs and grab handles to allow a trained stunt person to ride on the back and perform tricks similar to real whale-riding shows seen throughout the world.

The big advantage of riding this killer whale is there's no risk of being eaten by your ride!

Tug to Superyacht Conversion Sold

Working together the Zürich and UK offices of Ocean Independence (OCI)  have sold the 49m tug conversion Asteria with brokers Peter Hürzeler and Axel Douqué representing the owner and Peter Thompson representing the buyer.

The sale was concluded less than 6 months after being listed for sale by the company.

Built by Anastassiades and Tsortanides in 1970 in Greece she was converted in 2000/2002 by Northport Engineering in New Zealand into a world cruising explorer yacht.

Now fully Lloyds classed, she accommodates 12 guests in six cabins and carrying a heli-deck, is fitted with zero speed stabilisers and comes complete with a large Northwind aluminium RIB tender.

Malta Superyacht Registry Doing Well

In a recent report published by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for Transport Malta it has been revealed that, at the end of 2010, no less than 213 superyachts were registered under the Maltese flag.

These have generated around in excess of £200K in revenues and fees annually.  It goes on to suggest that there is substantially more work generated for local surveyors, corporate services providers and specialist marine lawyers.

The accountancy firm estimates that the gross direct superyacht output in Malta during 2010, excluding tax receipts, stood at £27 a figure that could grow substantially even without additional capital investment.

Malta’s value added tax policies, make it tax-efficient to buy and import superyachts in the jurisdiction, and these policies are yielding a further £7 million a year.

Heesen Yachts deliver Aurelia, after sea trials in the North Sea.

Project-managed by Nakhimov, Aurelia is the tenth in the successful 37metre class built by this Dutch shipyard.

Powered by two MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesel engines, she is an all-aluminium hard chine vessel with the ability to reach a maximum speed of 30 knots.

Styled by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, her sleek and elegant lines are enhanced by a paint scheme inspired by Gulf Racing colours, with a number 10 (that relates to the hull number) on her quarters. Dobroserdov Design repeated this decal on the 14foot Castoldi tender to celebrate the Owner’s true passion for sport and racing cars.

In fact the whole yacht is inspired by racing cars: the name that she bears is a tribute to the first ever GT Lancia Aurelia. The theme is carried out throughout the whole vessel with all the cabins named after racing car designers.

Nakhimov introduced Bannenberg & Rowell to the Owner who was impressed by the richness of materials and elaborate details that characterize the style of this design firm and decided to hire them to create Aurelia’s interiors.

Aurelia perfectly exemplifies the ability of Heesen Yachts to fully customize a yacht. While the other 37metre vessels sport five cabins, the Owner of Aurelia wanted to offer more comfort to his guests and more space for his crew, so designated a guest cabin for the captain and made more room for the laundry. Comfort on board, especially when at anchor, is improved by a pair of Seakeeper gyro stabilizers that are incredibly efficient under all conditions and require no through-hull fittings.

The main salon is divided in two; a dining area with a large rounded table and a cozy lounge space with an L-shaped sofa, two design armchairs and a fire place (by Australian company Eco Smart) that uses Bio Ethanol – a wonderful piece of design. “We gave it a pretty low level streamlined style, slightly masculine…inspired by the Dunhill cigarette lighter aesthetic” says Simon Rowell, from Bannenberg and Rowell.

Eight guests can be accommodated in Aurelia’s four cabins. The master suite is traditionally located forward on the main deck and the three double guest cabins – all with ensuite shower rooms – are positioned on the lower deck. Bertone (orange Lamborghini), Pininfarina (red Ferrari), and Zagato (green Aston Martin) are the race car designers who inspired the décor of the guest cabins.

Guests can enjoy life at sea in three exterior social areas: the partially sheltered aft cockpit; the vast sundeck with its comfortable sitting area and convivial bar; or can take the sun on the large mattresses located in front of the wheel house.

Aurelia will be on show at the Cannes Festival de la Plaisance in September 2011.

Aurelia main characteristics
  • Naval Architecture:                       Heesen Yachts           
  • Exterior Designer:                         Omega Architects           
  • Exterior Paint Scheme:                  Dobroserdov Design           
  • Interior Designer:                          Bannenberg and Rowell
  • LOA:                                                 37,30 m           
  • Beam (maximum):                         7,50 m           
  • Draft extreme (50% load):            2,20 m           
  • Displacement (50% load):            155 tonnes           
  • Fuel capacity:                                  30,000 litres
  • Fresh Water capacity:                   8,000 litres
  • Maximum speed:                           30 knots
  • Range at 12 knots:                         1,900 Nm
  • Classifications:                               ABS
  • Compliancy:                                    MCA / LY2, short range
  • Main engines:                                 2 x MTU 16V4000M90
  • Stabiliser:                                       2 x Seakeeper Model 21000

Yacht Specialist Confirms Place At Monaco and METS


UK based bespoke interior and exterior yacht specialist, Contechs Marine is exhibiting at two major events this year as the company expands into the global superyacht and refit sector.

The company has secured its place at the Monaco Yacht Show in September and the Superyacht Pavilion of METS in November, where the company will be presenting its custom design, engineering, feasibility and manufacture services to designers, yards and owners.

“With our expertise in providing design solutions, testing and manufacture to help design ideas materialise in the leisure marine and automotive markets, it was a natural progression for us to expand into the superyacht sector. We are highly experienced in design and project management and will work with designers, naval architects and yards as early as the initial design stage thorough to build.

“Our design feasibility and technical consulting is just one of our services that can be invaluable to designers to help free up time for them to concentrate on other areas of yacht design. We will investigate whether a design is viable and make amendments to take it through to production, such as testing the ergonomics of a helm seat and sourcing materials before building the seat in-house, to reviewing the entire interior layout of a yacht,” says Peter Jarvis, Owner and Managing Director.

The company has a strong interior design background operating in the high-end automotive market, providing interior design for brands such as Bentley and Jaguar.

They have been working within the luxury boatbuilding sector for six years, helping to bring designs to life whilst keeping in style with the yacht’s intended specification and layout. In addition to its extensive interior and exterior outfitting and project management services, the company’s specialist in-house team provides installation support and training to support yards throughout the entire build.