Terrorists Generate Monster Killer Waves in New Thriller

"The Tsunami was barely a ripple, compared to Soliton," says Roger Marshall while telling me about his new book in which terrorists generate monster killer waves


There are giant waves lurking at sea, they just don't come ashore very often, according to a report by the European Space Agency. A high tide comes ashore in a Maine port, raising boats and then disappearing.


Then a giant wave, known as a Soliton, washes ashore and destroys part of a fleet of sailing yachts racing to Bermuda, killing Kate James' husband of four months along with thousands of other people.


Kate sets out to find out what caused the waves and why a single giant wave could cause so much damage.


What Kate James finds in Soliton, is a sinister plot aimed at eliminating a large part of the world's population and putting its resources under the control of a small cabal.


Kate travels to England, the Caribbean and back to the US tracking giant killer waves - and the entity behind them.


In a shattering climax, Kate and an old beau escape capture by the terrorists and set out to gain control of the largest of a fleet of wave-creating terror ships - just as the cabal are about to unleash a devastating string of solitons on an unsuspecting world.


Soliton has been published as an e-book (ISBN 978-0-9849713-0-5). Price: US $3.99.
The Kindle edition is available from Amazon.com.


Download chapter 1 of Soliton: 

Man-Overboard Product that integrates AIS and GPS

Overall winner of the 2012 Pittman Innovation Awards is the Kannad Marine SafeLink R10 SRS (Survivor Recovery System) from McMurdo Ltd


This is the first year an overall winner of the Pittman Awards (named in honour of SAIL magazine’s technical editor for 14 years, who died in 1996) has been selected by the judges. 


The SafeLink R10 is a man-overboard product that integrates AIS and GPS into a personal distress beacon and is a significant innovation in sailing safety. 


Designed for use with a lifejacket, the wearer, while in the water, activates it by sliding off the safety tab and lifting an arming cap that deploys the antenna.


The compact, lightweight unit sends alert messages, GPS position and a special identity code directly to AIS receivers within approximately a four mile radius.


A unique, built-in, high precision GPS receiver - which updates every 60 seconds – assures accuracy of the transmitted data.


With precise location, distance and bearing data, fellow crew members (and nearby AIS-enabled receivers) receive all the information they need to locate the position of the person in difficulty and to enable a speedy recovery.

It can also be fitted to the lifejacket and a flashing LED light aids location at night. The R10 SRS will transmit continuously for up to 24 hours and has a seven year battery storage life.


It is made of ultra durable ABS and is waterproof to five meters.

Free Online Cruising Guide for Australian Waters

Two veteran sailors have circumnavigated Australia in Banyandah their homemade yacht.  It was a voyage that that took them through crocodile infested waters to some of the world's oldest rock paintings, into pristine coral atolls, and through Hell’s Gates itself.


They set off on a 9,000 mile journey around Australia, crossing six climatic zones to witness Man’s effect.


During this odyssey they wrote many stories peppered with facts and historical notes, all interwoven with the happenings of two grandparents alone, manning a their sailing machine through some of the world’s most dangerous waters.


These were edited,with additional material and photographs added to become a book entitled Twos a Crew


Now they have created a free online cruising guide for Australian waters with diagrams, aerial photos of anchorages, guide to dangers, marina fees, and best fishing. 

Silverline and Organic Furniture Designs for Superyachts

Since 1985 Silverlining has been creating bespoke furniture for superyachts, embassies, museums and private residences worldwide.


In the course of doing so they have won numerous awards and earned a reputation for the highest quality in the industry, innovative design, imaginative use of materials and exceptional craftsmanship.


Now there work has become the feature of an article in a book


Megayachts 2012 published by Boat International Media features a 10-page article charting the company's approach to organic furniture design. The feature looks at some of the latest superyacht projects, completed by Silverlining (including Palladium), as well as more recent concept projects.


The article focuses on the future of yacht design and construction. It explores the "what-ifs" and the "why-nots?" in the minds of today's international design and engineering professionals and look at where cutting edge materials can take us tomorrow with innovative techniques from the world's best companies.  


In 2011 the books editor, Marilyn Mower, invited the design team to share their views on the future of organic design. In the article they discuss the history of the organic design, current examples and future potential.


Several concepts were created by the design team specially for the publication.

Download full article pdf

Two Superyachts Opt to Offset their Carbon Emissions

Two significant superyachts have introduced a policy of carbon offsetting fuel burned going beyond the required standards of environmental management.

Imagine, the first Limited Edition Amels 212 and Baton Rouge, the 62.5m motor yacht from Icon are both now pro-actively reducing their net carbon footprints by financially counterbalancing the greenhouse gas emissions of the engines with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects.

Yacht Carbon Offset has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification and provides this specialist service for those that own and enjoy using superyachts.

Grahame Shorrocks, the Captain of Imagine said: “More and more of the guests who come onboard Imagine are increasingly aware of the environmental impact yachting has and are interested in how we can offset these effects.”

Joss de Rohan Willner, Master of Baton Rouge commented: “In reviewing our environmental procedures, we decided to address greenhouse gas emissions but it needed to be practical, effective and flexible to suit the yacht’s busy schedule.

Tim Wiltshire a Director with Burgess manages Baton Rouge, on behalf of the owner.  He explained: “Having decided to proceed with carbon offsetting, the Owner needed to be sure of the beneficial impact.  We reviewed the options and were happy to recommend this as a fully documented service.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson commented: “We warmly welcome both yachts to the growing fleet of leading superyachts that have decided to take practical steps to offset emissions. We have seen that Carbon Offsetting is a priority for many of those that own and enjoy the world’s finest yachts. The environmental leadership shown by the owners of these yachts acknowledges the high expectations of her prominent charter clients.”

Yachtique Unveils New Design Showroom

Spread over two floors a new purpose-built design studio has been unveiled in Viareggio by Yachtique Elite Yachting Services the marketing department that encompasses all of the luxury yacht services offered by the Azimut Benetti Group.

Deigned to display all of the latest materials, fixtures and fittings to create the ultimate superyacht interior, the Styling Lounge has been fitted out with elegant storage cupboards, created by expert craftsmen from the Benetti shipyard.

Each cupboard is a veritable Aladdin’s cave, filled with:

• Fabric samples
• Leathers
• Woods
• Mosaics
• Tiles
• Marbles

All sourced from the world’s top designers and craftsmen.

It has been designed as a one-stop-shop for yacht owners to review, compare and select the finest materials on offer.

The showroom is finished in high-gloss lacquered Zebrano wood with cream leather furniture and smoked glass screens.

Its classic elegance is in contrast to a second Styling Lounge, located just 50m away, which has a slightly more contemporary feel, and is used almost exclusively by Azimut customers.

Over 80 people, including captains, brokers, suppliers attended the opening night party.

Cork, an eco-friendly material for superyachts

Antonio Costamante, a project manager and quality surveyor for superyacht fit-outs, has created the Save Cork Association*, engaged in the research and development of all the possible applications of cork on superyachts, as well as other eco-friendly and low-impact materials for superyacht building and refitting.

During the interior fit-out of Damahwil a Dubois 121’ sailing yacht, launched in Lorient in July 2010, Costamante worked in cooperation with LIEGE HPK , a French company.  They specialise in studying and producing cork engineered components, who selecte cork agglomerate plates for use as anti-vibration and acoustic insulation of the floor boards of the yacht.

The HPK strips of cork guarantee the same performance as sylomer synthetic foam, but do so using an organic and recyclable material.

*SAVE CORK is the project launched for the “eco-refit” of CORK, a 20-metre, one-off custom sailing yacht, built in Italy in Mahogany wood in 1974. Discover the Cork refit project on http://www.savecork.com

On-line Caribbean Travel Guide has been launched on the Internet

A FREE and independent on-line Caribbean Travel Guide highlighting the best the Caribbean has been launched on the Internet

Written by well-known travel writers and Caribbean travel experts, DefinitiveCaribbean reviews give users reliable, up-to-date information with direct links to the best Caribbean sailing opportunities and shore based accommodation.

We are proud to announce that we are the yachting experts the Web site chose us to consult and write the pages about sailing and yachting in the Caribbean.

Check it out for:

• Crewed Charters
• Bareboat Sailboat Charters
• Bareboat Motor Boat Charters
• Fun Day trips and Boating Opportunities

It has everything you need for the perfect Caribbean sailing trip.

The sites selective policy means that it highlights only the very best opportunities.

Using over 80 years of combined Caribbean knowledge, the operators have graded all accommodation and sailing trips by facilities and key features so that once users have entered their preferences, the best matches will come up.

Take it off the Market

The superbly refitted and well maintained 37.8 metre Calaf has become the 2^nd superyacht to be sold by YPI in two weeks

Built by Hessen in 1992 Calaf, is a long standing and successful charter yacht, that has been superbly maintained and is still fresh from her major hi-spec refit in 2007.

New construction broker, Matt Albert who acted in both of the company’s recent sales, this time represented both the buyer and seller.

He said, “The yacht offered all the renowned finish and class of one of the world’s leading Dutch builders together with the added benefits of a yacht superbly refitted with the very latest technology.”

He added, "With a Frank Mulder design offering a blend of the classic with a touch of the

contemporary, Calaf  is both spacious and comfortable and sleeps up to 10 people in 5 cabins."

Unfortunate Advertisements in the light of the Costa Concordia Tragady

The publishers of the Belfast Telegraph may have done well to study their issue dated Monday 16th of January


So too should the publishers of  Il Gazzettino an Italian newspaper which featured the story of the sinking on is front page while displaying a full page ad for a luxury cruise on the back page of the same newspaper  The headline is translated as “WIN a cruise for the best day of your life.”

Party on a Charter Yacht During MIPIM

Lady Belmore the 39.6 metre superyacht based in Cannes is still available over the period of MIPIM the world's leading real estate exhibition and conference at the special price for €15,000 per day through Sofia Penvern at CSO yachts.


It is still possible for the yacht to obtain a berth inside Cannes should it be required.


For those seeking to use her as a party yacht she is able to carry up to 80 guests when safely moored in harbour.


She has 5 Cabins (3 Double, 2 Twin) and can accomodate 12 Guests

For More information please contact Sofia or call +33(0)493 382 270

Floating Life adds the 33 metre fast commuter Marhaba to Charter Fleet

Floating Life has added the 33 metre fast commuter Marhaba to their expanding Charter Fleet.

Marhaba was designed by Joubert – Nivelt and built by the French yard Ocea during 2007.

Her timeless classic lines and spacious interiors offer supreme comfort with service from a crew of 4

Accommodation in 4 staterooms carries 9 passengers in 1 Double and 3 Twin Bed Cabins + 1 Pullman bed

This very elegant fast commuter yacht is available for charter from March 2012 in the Cote d'Azur,

She is available through Floating Life from €46,000 a week (MYBA Terms) for long a romantic weekend charter in Portofino or for an Easter week long vacation in the same area. 

Believe it or not this really happened!

We have all had our moments dealing with surveyors representing Flag States.

Some have been good and easy to handle discussions, others have left us, as professionals, wide eyed and open mouthed in surprise at the attitude some take.

Recently we became aware of one such conversation and we report it here verbatim.

Needless to say our lips are sealed when it comes to identifying which Flag State Surveyor said this!

First lets set the scene – The Flag State Inspector is at a Managers office discussing the carriage of armed guards and the additional proviso that those doing so must be classed as seafarers and signed on as crew.

Flag: “OK you can have armed guards on board - but they have to pass a seafarer’s medical examination

Manager:  “Oh but what if the guard fails the lantern test?”

Flag: “OK they can still have a certificate but it would be limited and they wouldn’t be allowed to keep a lookout”.

Manager: "But they’re employed to do precisely that.”

Flag:  “Well they won’t be very effective if they can’t differentiate between side lights and mast head lights, will they?”

Manager “ Er.. to our knowledge, pirates tend not to exhibit navigation lights.”

Flag: “OK then. Well they can keep a lookout as long as it is a lookout for pirates but they mustn’t keep a look out for ships.”

Manager: “Perhaps then we’ll tell them to look the other way if they see a ship coming”

Flag: “That would work”

Fraser Yachts Out in Front

Fraser Yachts lead the field in superyacht brokerage sales during 2011 with sales statistics gathered for the year showing the company had the largest share of the superyacht market.

The report (see below) created by an industry source of statistical data shows that Fraser Yachts is significantly ahead of the other players in terms of total sales and the total combined length of all yachts sold.

The total value of sales unfortunately cannot be tracked since final sales prices are not in the public domain.

Patrick Coote, Global Marketing Director of Fraser Yachts said, “In recent years, the superyacht industry has seen numerous brokerage houses clamouring for market share, each trying to claim the number one spot and attempting to gain prominence with bright colours and big logos”

He added. “Our philosophy has simply been to work hard and get the best results for our clients. Our whole company ethos is founded on expertise and integrity and the new Market Intelligence statistics reassure me that these are the values our clients respect.” 

Five 50 Metre Superyachts Will Attend Hainan Rendez-Vous

Over 130 yachts are expected to on view at the Hainan Rendez-Vous 2012 during April.  They will moor inside Sanya harbour for the event, a good number of them sailing all the way from Europe. The fleet will include at least five 50 metre plus superyachts.

With three months left till the yearly Hainan Rendez-Vous is again wooing China's millionaires with superyachts, private jets and every other category of high-end lifestyle luxuries.  The organisers now announced that exhibitor and sponsorship slots for the event have entirely sold out.

Taking place for the third consecutive year from April 5th to April 8th on the shores of Sanya, the event comprises Asia's largest yacht show, a private jet exhibit, and showcases of luxury brands, fine art and international real estate. Visitors to the four-day affair also enjoy a steady flow of entertainment, seminars, fine dining, parties and celebrity appearances.

Last April's Rendez-Vous drew some 15,000 visitors from across greater China, as well as many from international yacht and private jet industries. Throngs of reporters from overseas and domestic media reported on the event.

Indications are that an even greater spectacle will surround this years edition, for which organisers are using a special purpose barge to extend the show area out over the water, adding over 1,000 more square metres of additional exhibition area.

More than 300 VIP guests will be flown to and from the show aboard private jets, and the presence of 21 of the world's most advanced private aircraft have been confirmed for the show's static display at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.

Organisers say that the overall exclusivity of Hainan Rendez-Vous will be raised to a whole new level at the 2012 edition, with more private parties and rare brands that are the ultra-lifestyle world’s absolute crème de la crème.

A new and exciting highlight for the 2012 show will be "Design for Mobility", an exhibit created by the founders of Born Designers, the yearly gathering of avant-garde artists in Courchevel, France. Their exhibit will bring several internationally acclaimed designers to Sanya, along with the latest design concepts for land, sea and air travel.  Also making a visual splash will be the show’s fine art showcase, once again brought together by famous Paris and Shanghai gallery owner Magda Danysz.

Further activities and attractions under consideration include an art forum, a wealth seminar, special VIP lounges, gala dinners and after parties, and other surprises. 

LY3 Details Announced

LY3 will, when it is launched at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2012, incorporate many changes not least of which will be the inclusion of MLC 2006 substantial equivalence for crew accommodation.

Chapter 16, the section that deals with radio is to be totally rewritten and will bring new carriage requirements for all new yachts in line with GMDSS 'sea area' concept.

Existing yachts will be allowed to continue with distance from 'safe haven' but there will be an increasing of the reserve source of energy for Yachts <300GT from 1 to 3 hours.

All other amendments result from the MCA’s experience in applying LY2, Edition 2, Industry feedback, Accidents and the need to clarify some text and correct errors.

These will include:

Rules governing the carriage of Rescue Boats. Rescue boat and launching appliances will not now be allowed forward of the collision bulkhead and must be capable of being launched down a flat section of the yachts hull.

Galley boundaries in yachts of <500 GRT will have to be rated B-15 and a fixed means of fire extinguishing in the galley exhaust duct will have to be fitted with shut downs located outside the space at risk.


Lint traps in laundry extract ducts will become a mandatory feature.

Underwater lights fitted in to the hulls of yachts will in future have to be of an approved type while any cabling for any critical system should not pass through high risk areas.

All new sailing yachts will be obliged to obtain a 'Rig Design Certificate and all mast, spars and standing rigging will have to have reached Class standards.

All yachts will have to comply with Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) regulations Bridge Navigation Watch Alarm System (BNWAS) will become compulsory for yachts over 150GT.


Emergency towing procedures will in future have to be included in the Ships Management System (SMS).

230mm between the deepest loaded waterline and the bottom edge of side shell door will become the new standard and there will be updates to other convention references.

There will be new and updated Polar region operational guidance’s, revised standards for over side working rails and directives on the carriage and use of Submersibles from a superyacht. Updates to maintain equivalence to SOLAS & Load Line conventions will be introduced and there will be new directives on the carriage of Oversize and Infant lifejackets.

While it is the hope of the MCA to issue the new code in time for Monaco no one can be quite sure that will happen.  


Before publication the Code has to pass several milestones among which are:

An assessment into the impact or cost of compliance changing the code will bring, has to be submitted to Department for Transport (DfT), then agreement to consult the public has to be sought from the Ministry.  There then follows a three-month public consultation during which responses gathered by Large Yacht Code Working Group will be considered.  After that the final draft code has to be re submitted and revised impact assessment passed to the Minister for his agreement before the launch at the Monaco boat show 2012 can be considered.

One thing is for certain. There will be a review to LY3 after 5 years during which the MCA will assess new developments and customer requirements along with other changes brought about by new technologies.

The most likely date for implementation of LY3 is January 2013.  So watch this Space!

3rd Amendment to MCA LY2 will Never Happen

Those waiting for the long overdue 3^rd amendment to the MCA’s Large Yacht Code 2 (LY2) need hold their breath no longer.  There is not going to be one!

The amendment has been cancelled and instead the MCA will push forward to publish a brand new LY3 in time for the Monaco Boat Show in September 2012.

The UK General Election of May 2010 was just one of the reasons given for the decision not to push ahead with the amendment as was the new government’s policy of "one in, one out" when it comes to new legislation.  The edict that no new legislation should be allowed to add additional financial burden to the industry simply added to the decision.

LY3 will, when it is launched, incorporate many changes not least of which will be the inclusion of MLC 2006 substantial equivalence for crew accommodation.

All other amendments result from the MCA’s experience in applying LY2, Edition 2, Industry feedback, Accidents and the need to clarify some text and correct errors.

Paradise is Best Viewed from the Deck of a Yacht Sailing on Blue Warm Water

Paradise is described a place in which existence is positive, harmonious and timeless.  It is a state of contentment, happiness and bliss and a place of extreme beauty and delight.

For us Paradise is about all this but only if it can be done from the deck of a yacht sailing on blue warm water

From the pristine beaches of the Bahamas, through the emerald waters of the Caribbean, the golden sunshine of Florida and the fascinating remains of ancient civilisations in Mexico, the Americas is a place where dreams are made and what way to see them other than aboard your very own chartered motoryacht.

We have been looking around to see what there is in the way of Sunseekers for charter in these areas and this is what we have found:

The Caribbean

As the ebb and flow of the tide pushes and pulls the tropical waters back and forth, the colour of the sea flickers and changes from brilliant blue to emerald green in the sunlight.

With famous visitors such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Lord Nelson, the Caribbean is a place where history and romance meet.

Watch a sailing regatta from onboard your chartered yacht, drop anchor in an isolated bay and swim in warm crystal waters, or simply sit with a glass of champagne in hand and watch the sunset at the end of another perfect day.

Sunseeker Charters has the stunning Manhattan 64 Connie Belle available for charter in the Caribbean and she charters between: $30,000 and $40,000 USD per week

Florida

The sunshine fun-time state!  Warm climate, clean blue water, and tropical coral islands - it's no wonder people keep going back to the USA's Sunshine State. With its two coastlines Florida offers long and wide child friendly stretches of beach including Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Palm beach along its 'Gold Coast' leading down to Miami, which is full of the energy of Latin America.

On the west side of the Sunshine State is the more placid Gulf of Mexico - a utopia for the watersport lovers! Superb beaches can be found at Captiva, Clearwater, Naples, Sanibbel, Sarasota, and St. Petersburg..

The Predator 82 No Compromise charters here at: $40,000 per week and she is also available in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Mexico

Mexico is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world. From ancient archaeological sites and breath taking scenery to night clubs, modern tourist resorts and everything in between - Mexico has it all.

Sunseeker has Florestan, News, First and Itaca all available for charter in this idyllic location with charter rates from $28,000 - $65,000 per week