Never mind the Côte d’Azur, Take a look at Holland’s Côte Flushing!

Photo credit: Dennis van Overbeeke

Dutch superyacht builder Amels has been part of the locally family-owned Damen Shipyards Group since 1991. With approximately 6,000 employees and 34 shipyards worldwide, around 150 vessels are delivered each year. The group turnover in 2011 was 1.3 billion Euro and it is showing an annual growth of around 10%.


With four yachts to be delivered this spring the superyacht builder is helping that growth and defying the economic gloom with the busiest workload the company has ever known.


With 12 new construction projects and two major refits underway the next few weeks, will see the yard deliver two of the 180 and one of the 212 range.  That is in addition to two extensive refits.


The company’s SEA AXE Fast Yacht Support vessel concept is also proving successful. With its high performance and high quality of finish, the concept is redefining the image of the support vessel as more than just a second-class work horse. 


This is a purpose-designed vessel developed and built by the firm’s parent company and during the summer the latest 67 metre version will be delivered.


Hopes of it going on display at the Monaco Yacht Show this September are high.


Two 50-metre yacht-support versions have already been delivered and are in operation, with another 67-metre under construction.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Floating Asset a new digital only SuperYacht lifestyle magazine

The way we all get our information about Superyachts is changing rapidly.  There was a time when to get news we all waited for the monthly and two monthly missives to hit the door mat.  Now with a click of the mouse and the mention of www we can now access up to the minute Internet news.


Our own Web site is but one example.  The weekly Superyacht Business Newsletter is another.  Yet hardly a week goes by without some new medium hitting the Ethernet.  Some are good and some simply fade away but one new one that shows signs of surviving the publishing jungle is Floating Asset a new digital only SuperYacht lifestyle magazine from the publishers of the beautiful coffee table book Luxury Yachts of the World


Free to download and available in English Russian and Chinese the publication has already built its circulation to 150,000 readers a figure that print publishers can only dream about.


If you speak only Brazilian Portuguese you will have to wait a month or so. Peter Bryant the editor has told us that is the next language the magazine will be published in.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Ocean Independence Trumps them all with Novel Playing Card Gift

A new XK sports car alongside a C class Jaguar from the 1950's in the Mayfair show room of Stratstone the up market car dealership, hand made chocolates and single malt whiskies from the Keeper of the Quaich what on earth is the connection to Superyachts?


The answer is the London launching of the new Charter Portfolio from Ocean Independence.  This new full colour hardback book is full of ideas on where what and when to charter.


Some of the industry top names were on hand to fly the flag and meet and greet and managing director Nick Dean gave thanks to them all in his welcome speech.


If the Portfolio was the nights Oscar winner then the C Class Jag from Speedmaster now worth over £2 million was the best supporting act. Champagne from Billecart Salmon flowed, Demarquette chocolates were delicious, the food prepared by the London Kitchens was excellent and beautifully served while the lady dishing out the scotch held on to the bottles as if she were paying for every single glass. As we never got to taste it we will not say who she represented!


The goodie bag at the end contained a copy of the Portfolio and a jolly good read it is too, the promised samples of chocolates failed to make it into our bags but we did get the leaflet explaining what it was that someone obviously pinched from our bags! But the real prize inside the bag was a novel pack of playing cards with the complements of Ocean Independence our hosts for the evening.


Not just any old pack of cards oh no!  This is the perfect pack for the yacht spotting card players among you.  The cards offer both information and fun each having details of yachts in the fleet printed on them.


If you would like to get your own pack then write nicely to Amanda Thibaut at Ocean Independeance and tell her that Frances and  Michael Howorth told you about the playing cards on this news site


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Ultrasonic Antifouling Plans UK Installation Network

Ultrasonic Antifouling Ltd (UAL), manufacturer of ultrasonic antifouling systems, plans to create a network of installation centres around the UK to meet growing demand for its antifouling system.


Having concentrated on supply and installation for UK customers from its headquarters in Poole for some years the dramatic increase in interest since the launch of its new Series II has set the company a challenge to find suitable installers around the UK.


Nick Griffin of UAL commented, “We have a strong network in Europe capable of supply and installation but in the past we have only been able to handle the UK from our in-house team. With the new series now fully on stream it is obvious that we are going to need a network round the UK to advise customers on the best solution and provide a quality fitting service. While the product is straight forward for owners to fit themselves, positioning of the transducers is paramount to achieve best results so owners tend to prefer our expertise to provide a trouble free installation that will carry on keeping their hull and stern gear free from fouling for years.”


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

68 Sailing Yachts to Be Shipped to Europe by Freighter

Having sailed across the Atlantic from Saint Nazaire and Barcelona via Porto Santo, Madeira, to Martinique in the Caribbean 68 yachts are being shipping back to Europe aboard two ships operated by Sevenstar Yacht Transport.


The majority of the yachts loaded were participants of the Transquadra race.


Sailing yachts are loaded with mast up and loading aboard the ship was controlled by a team of experienced company loadmasters, together with the vessel’s crew


Yachts will be discharged in the Mediterranean ports of Palma de Mallorca and Port La Nouvelle.
For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Yacht Yards at Opposite Ends of the World Confirm Strategic Alliance

Atollvic Shipyard, in Vigo Spain and the New Zealand based Integrated Marine Group (IMG) are to set up a joint venture


The partnership will ensure that clients of IMG travelling by sea to the northern hemisphere and requiring yacht refit, servicing and repair work while there, will be attended to in a shorter time frame than before.


They will be assisted either at the shipyard in Spain or on location by a project manager from Atollvic. A similar arrangement will apply for Atollvic’s clients when travelling to the southern hemisphere

Clients will also be able to benefit from each of the shipyards expansive dry dock facilities and will have access to all trades and spares required to solve any potential issues with their yachts.

Atollvic Shipyard was founded in 2006 and is an expert in the construction and refit of custom sail and motor yachts in steel or aluminium, up to 70 metres. It is a division of Grupo Vicalsa, an organisation specialist in aviation and military engineering.

Integrated Marine Group was founded in 2003, and provides refit, repair and maintenance, as well as yacht support. Assisting yachts based in New Zealand and across the South Pacific, the company employs a team of approximately 70 highly skilled engineers who have the experience and technical know-how to meet the needs of larger and increasingly complex yachts.

While maintaining the same quality of core services, for which they individually have become renowned, the two companies will both benefit from wider awareness within the global super yacht industry through strategic cross-promotional activities.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com 

Former Yacht Crew Turns Yacht Manager

Established by Graeme Lord, Fairport Yacht Support is an independent shore support company that provides management services to superyachts.  With 16 yachts totalling metres on his books he has found it necessary to expand again and add yet more staff.


Romy Barden is to join the company as Yacht Account Manager.  She brings with her a vast knowledge of Yacht Financial Administration and Accounting as well as Crew Administration, Payroll and Management.


Romy’s background includes four years as a Yacht Stewardess serving aboard

• Unity
• Affinity
• Excellence III
• Independence

She has traveled to Nova Scotia, St Lawrence Seaway, Great Lakes, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Costa Rica, Galapagos Islands, Seattle, Savannah, Spain and Italy; and spent almost four years as a Yacht Administrator at International Yacht Collection (IYC).


At Fairport she will handle International Safety Management; International Ship and Port Security; Yacht Financial Administration and Accounting; Crew Administration, Payroll, and Management; Operations and Technical Management with Flag States/Class Administration; and Worldwide Logistical Support.  

Financial Times to Produce Special Report about Yachting and Marinas in May

The Financial Times proposes to publish an FT Special Report about Yachting & Marinas on May 24th, 2012.


Currently they plan to include 12 features but as always this list is provisional


For copyright reasons that list must be viewed from the FT Web site.  To read it click here 


Special Reports are written by FT staff journalists and a small number of selected specialist freelance writers.  As we have done in the past, we hope to be among those writers selected but until the editor formally allocates the writers list we do not yet know which will be allocated to us.


As always writers will be specialists in the field and already have regular contacts to update them.  It is therefore difficult for an unsolicited submission to be so compelling that it forces its way on to a writer’s agenda. However, it does happen occasionally.


The FT asks that all submissions be sent to ftreports@ft.com, from where they are forwarded to the appropriate writer.


Please also note that due to the volume of material received, it is not always possible to acknowledge or reply to every submission. 


The advertising booking deadline is: April 17th, 2012 with the copy deadline being May 4th, 2012.  For further details of advertising opportunities contact Ian Edwards on 020 7873 3272; email Ian.Edwards@FT.com

Imtech Marine wins Netuba Turkey Trade Award

Imtech Marine received the Netherlands Turkey Trade Award 2012. The award was handed over to Terry van Velzen, Business development director of Imtech Marine, by the Turkish Ambassador, His Excellency Ugur Dogan in the city hall of Rotterdam.


About 230 persons attended the award ceremony. The award is granted every two years, to a company or person who has remarkably contributed to the trade and/or investment relation between Holland and Turkey. The award grant co-incides with the celebration of 400 years of diplomatic relationships between Holland and Turkey.

Henri Lloyd appoints new UK Marine Corporate and Area Sales Executive

Henri Lloyd has added to their UK marine sales team with the appointment of Sophie Bubb as Corporate and Area Sales Executive.

Sophie, who will be starting work on the 16th April has over seven years’ of direct experience and will be responsible for all UK corporate sales, branded crew gear and retail accounts in the South-West of England.

 “I am thrilled to be joining a brand with a rich marine heritage, contributing to their growing UK commercial commercial activity and working with their established sales team” commented Sophie.

Sophie brings with her a wealth of experience of working with top ranked sailing teams, individuals and corporate organisations. Sophie is also a successful and enthusiastic sailor in her own right, having started sailing in Optimists and progressed up to ranks to keelboats and shall be participating this season in the 3 Peaks Race and Pendennis Cup.

Sophie will be based at Henri Lloyd’s Lymington office in Hampshire.

Hopeful Superyacht Captain wins Brain Injury Claim

Solicitors Hodge Jones & Allen acting for a man who was training to become a superyacht Captain have won him a compensation payout expected to reach into the millions, following a car accident that left him severely brain damaged.


Craig Tavares was hit by a car when crossing the road on a shopping street in Southampton, the Southampton Daily Echo reported.


The High Court ruled that one of the contributing factors to the accident was the defendants relative inexperience.


Presiding judge Mr Justice Globe also ruled that the car was driven at "excessive speed" and its driver had a "very poor understanding of the responsibilities of being the driver of a car," the newspaper recounted.


As a result of substandard driving, Mr Tavares suffered severe brain injuries that have impeded his mobility and his ability to keep his balance.


What's more, the claimant has experienced anger management problems following the incident and will be unable to pursue his chosen career as a superyacht Captain.


However, Mr Tavares was found to be partially at fault for failing to look left a second time when crossing the road.


Nonetheless, the Daily Echo revealed that the claimant is expected to be awarded millions of pounds as part of the brain injury claim, because of the extent of his injuries.

For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

YachtInfo Antibes Yacht Show Announces Speakers

Organisers of YachtInfo a free to attend industry seminar to run within the Antibes Yacht show has announced the chairmen and speakers for each of its four 2012 seesions.


The event is being held from 1000-1700 on the 13th April 2012 with luncheon at 1230 and cocktails at 1700.

Session One 1000-1115:
The Challenges of Charters, Sale and Purchase
Including: How crew can help with chartering and selling the yacht
Chair (and speaker): Franc Jansen (YPI/MYBA)
Speakers:
Matthew Fisher (CNI/MYBA)
Sussie Kidd (CNI/MYBA)

Session Two 1130-1245
Communication Triangle, Passenger Yacht Code (13/36 Code) Impact
Chair: Andrew Schofield (PYA)
Speaker: Scott Kennedy (Lloyd’s Register)

Session Three 1300-14015
When the Harbour Master Chains You to the Pier
Including: When the VAT Man comes knocking and Interpol wants to discuss your Money Laundering
Chair: Norma Trease (ISS)
Speakers: Chris Allix (Dominion Marine)
Darrell Bell (Ariadne Yacht Management)
Adrian Jones (BlackStar)

Session Four 1430-1700
Regulatory Changes, Management Training
Including: Engineering, RYA Changes, Manila Amendments with Management Training Rollout, PYA and ICTC Update
Chair: Andrew Schofield (PYA)
Speakers: Richard Falk (RYA)
Joey Meen (PYA)
Capt. Roger Towner (MCA)

Attendees are encouraged to register for the seminars. To do so contact Vanessa Stuart, ISS Administrator, info@superyachtsociety.org, +1 954 525 6625.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Superyacht Experts Launch New Website

We are rather proud of our latest Web site that has now been put on line at www.thehoworths.com.


Not only is it the new home of this News Site but it is also the place to go should you want to update yourself on all the latest superyacht charter news and offers.


Check out a small selection of our huge library of superyacht and industry related photographs.  There are still far too many ever to display so should you want an image for your own Web site or publication be sure to contact us because I expect we already have one.  More photographs will be uploaded soon.


Want to buy one of the books we have written?  If so there is a page for that along with another that gives you access to an archive of recently published full length features we as superyacht experts have had published.


Last but not least we have added a page about our Shoreside Support Consultancy services.  How can we help you?

Film maker invites yachting community to support sail movie with one click of a mouse

Last week we brought news that Independent film maker and superyacht photographer Alexis Andrews was making a film called Vanishing Sail.


Now we reveal how with a click of the mouse you can make that happen.


Alexis Andrews, is in the final stages of filming on his documentary Vanishing Sail: A Caribbean Tradition on the Verge of Extinction.


He is extending an invitation to the sailing community to take an active role in its completion by making donations using a new fundraising medium, Kickstarter.com. Kickstarter is the world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. 


Andrews came up with the idea to invite the public to back Vanishing Sail when he stumbled upon Kickstarter while doing research. “The site stood out. It had an entirely different approach to fundraising than anything I had seen in the past, and some of the projects on the site were so compelling I found myself having to back a few. I thought why not tell the story of the production of Vanishing Sail and give our future audience a chance to become patrons of the film. Filming is eighty percent complete, so we thought we could have some fun together and give the sailing community a chance to help us reach our goal.”


The goal is to raise $48,000 on Kickstarter. Patrons who pledge any amount from $20 - $5,000 will be rewarded with a commemorative gift pertaining to the production of Vanishing Sail. The first six donors who pledge the amount of $500 or more will be offered the rare experience of a crew position on one of the Carriacou sloops during the 25th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta & St. Barth's West Indies Regatta. Vanishing Sail’s project page goes live the first week of April and can be found on www.kickstarter.com.


Filmed in the Grenadines, Vanishing Sail tells the story of trading by sail in the West Indies, and follows a community of boat builders in Carriacou who struggle to maintain their tenuous grip on a dying skill. Through a collection of dramatic sailing scenes, rare archival footage and unprecedented interviews with the last old, Caribbean Sea Captains, Vanishing Sail seeks to preserve the legacy of boatbuilding in the Grenadines, introduced by Scottish settlers in the 19th century and hopes to revive interest in the art form before it expires on the heels of progress.  


To see the trailer visit www.vanishingsail.com
For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Charter Yacht Show Names Official Charity Partner

Crew of the motoryacht Slojo with Yacht Aid Global beneficiaries (photo by Captain Bruno Herregods)

YachtAid Global, a non-profit organization that coordinates the delivery of humanitarian aid aboard superyachts cruising to isolated regions, consists of a network of over a 500 yachting industry professionals including superyacht owners, captains, crew, agents and brokers. 


Now the Newport Charter Yacht Show, wants to give back to the marine community and has announced that it will offer the charity official partner status


The Newport show, now in its 30th year, is the only one of its kind in the U.S. and will be held June 18-21 at the Newport Yachting Center in historic downtown Newport, R.I. The four-day event will host industry professionals and consumers (attending with brokers) and showcase world-class charter yachts ranging from 17 to 70 metres as well as ancillary boating goods, services and educational information.

For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Yacht Offers Ringside Seats at Royal Diamond Jubilee Flotilla

Originally named St Katharine, the vessel now moored on the River Thames sporting the uninspiring name of The Yacht London has quite an interesting past


The Port of London Authority purchased her in 1927 from Philip and Son Ltd of Dartmouth for the princely sum of £21,512.   Employed on survey and inspection work until the outbreak of war in 1939 she was taken over by the Admiralty and fitted with a three pounder and twin Lewis guns and manned by the Royal Navy Reserve Crew.


In November of that year she saw action as guard ship for the Medway Channel in the Thames Estuary.  Enemy aircraft attempting to drop parachute mines into the river were driven off by the St Katharine's fire - she thus holds the distinction of being the first vessel to engage the enemy in the Port of London in World War II.

In 1946 she was released back to the Port of London Authority and, following a complete refit in Southampton, returned to service and became a cruise ship for visiting VIP's welcoming distinguished guests including:

• The Queen Mother
• Prince Philip
• King Faisal of Saudi Arabia
• Clement Attlee
• Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten
• Benazir Bhutto
• Soviet Prime Minister Malenkov
• Soviet Prime Minister Brezhnev

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II herself visited the Yacht in 1949 and subsequently ten years later.


In 1971 St Katharine was sold to Robins (Marine) Ltd to be redeployed as a floating restaurant and after careful restoration, in close consultation with English Heritage and PLA Archivists, has been restored to her former glory retaining many of her original features from the Art Deco era reworked with a contemporary design twist. One such feature is a stained glass window with the Port of London crest and motto "Floreat Imperii Purtvs" - Let the Imperial Port Flourish - which is proudly displayed at the heart of the vessel.

After a two-year renovation costing £500,000, The Yacht London has emerged as one of the city's popular wedding and corporate event venues on the Thames and is privately owned and managed.


In June this year watched by millions around the world, over one thousand boats manned by 30,000 spectators will sail up the river behind the Royal Barge, all within 200 feet of The Yacht London.


For those who fancy ringside seats watching the historic Royal Diamond Jubilee Flotilla, take place in the afternoon on Sunday, 3rd June she is offering a special package.  With boarding from 11.00am it includes:

• Champagne 
• Eight-Course lunch in two sittings with fine wines and champagne
• Traditional High Tea
• Talks and Lectures by guest speakers with knowledge of the Royal Family
• Live music and dancing until late on the Top Deck to the music of the Kent Sinfonia brass quintet. 

The Royal Diamond Jubilee Promotion is priced at £695 per person, excluding VAT, which is we are reliably informed, cheaper than a day at the Panorama Restaurant at Cheltenham!
For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Renamed as M5, Mirabella V Arrives for Refit in the UK

Built as Mirabella V for Joe Vittoria the worlds largest slooped rigged superyacht was sold recently to an owner who has renamed her M5.


Assembling a team that includes Naval Archeitects Ron Holland Design and Interior Designers Redman Whiteley Dixon the yacht is to be refitted at the Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth where she has now arrived


During the visit the stern will be redesigned and extended by 3m. Alongside this other exterior restyling work will include the installation of a side boarding platform. 


Green Marine from Lymington in the UK will undertake structural fabrication of the composite stern, with support from structural engineers High Modulus Europe Ltd. 


The full extent of the engineering commission will involve replacing the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant along with an upgrade of the air conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system.


A 10 year DNV survey will complement these works. A full hull repaint with mast and rig overhaul completes the list of major structural tasks. 


The interior aspects of the refit will see the main and lower decks undergo a complete restyle.  The main deck in particular will be completely transformed once all joinery is replaced to complement the new interior design.




The yacht’s captain, Rocka Romke, said of the British-based team: “The team assembled for the works are testament to the quality of the workforce and facilities available in the UK.  I believe the collaboration between these parties will elevate M5 to be one of the most impressive and original sailing yachts in the world both in structure and style.”
For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

PYA To Survey Members

Having recently changed their name The Professional Yachting Association (PYA) the professional body for yacht crew is looking for ways to improve the services it offers to members and the yachting industry in general.


It has instigated an on line survey to find out:

• What would crew like to gain, see, receive from the organisation?
• What would they like to learn as yacht crew?

The survey seeks to target as many Captains and yacht crew as possible worldwide to find out what they are looking to gain from the professional body for yacht crew.


Help the PYA improve its services and automatically enter into a prize draw:


Completing it will automatically register those who do into a draw to win one of several prizes on offer.

To answer the questionnaire will only take a few minutes. Do so Here

Prizes include:

• Three New iPads sponsored by Bachmann Marine, Crew Unlimited and AMPM Yacht Management
• Two cases of wine sponsored by Captain's Concierge and Fine Wine Works
• €50 iTunes voucher sponsored by Magnums Butlers
• €100 Amazon voucher sponsored by Sturge International Services
• 45 minute strategy session to be held by phone or Skype with The Crew Coach.

Prize winners will be chosen from a random draw taken from completed surveys received


The winners will be announced at the end of the Antibes Yacht Show YachtInfo forum

• When: On Friday 13th April.
• Where: The conference tent. Antibes Yacht Show

For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Superyacht Crews Can Now Donate Unwanted Yacht Shirts to Charity

ECO Crew is a new French registered charity set up to work with the super yachting community.


They collect sort out and distribute clothes discarded by yachts in the South of France. Clothes with yachts’ logos are sent to Eastern Europe, clothes without yachts’ logos and other items are given to local charities. All reiepts are fully logged and traceability maintained.


To donate clothing your yacht no longer needs:

• Contact them on their Face book page
• Email  info@environmentalyachtservices.com
• David on 00 33 676 40 7606
• Telephone Sheila on 00 33 666 342 064

They will then set up a time and date to collect the items


They ask crew to help them by separating items into the different types.  This helps in making sure they get to the right charity.


Boxes have been donated by Smurfitt Kappa in Brignols France for this


ECO Crew will officially launch at the Antibes Yacht Show, which has donated space and full coverage for no charge


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Virginian Completes Refit in Great Britain

It seems that the owners of the superyacht Virginian have a penchant for refitting their yacht in Great Britain


She was the first ever superyacht to be fitted out in the Royal Navy’s Shipyard in Plymouth during 1999 and more recently by the Falmouth based Pendennis shipyard.


During her time in Falmouth works undertaken included general maintenance work, minor interior modifications and an annual survey alongside a full topside repaint and installation of new Naiad Zero Speed stabilisers.  


The very distinctive blue hulled 62.23m superyacht was built by Feadship in 1990 and handed over to the Blandford Family in 1991


Specifications

• Builder: Feadship, 1990
• Naval Architect: De Voogt Naval Architects
• LOA: 62.23m
• Beam: 10.2m
• Draught: 3.25m
• Speed: 15 knots
• Cruising Speed:  11.5 knots
• Hull:  Steel
• Superstructure: Aluminium
• Guests: 12
• Crew:  18 

The Estonian Maritime Museum Will re Open This May

The Maritime Museum in Estonia is about to get a massive facelift when it re opens in May this year


Originally founded in 1935, main exhibition of The Estonian Maritime Museum is currently located inside a cannon tower called the Fat Margaret in the centre of old Tallinn. 


Spread over four floors of exhibits this window into the maritime history of Estonia includes exhibits on ship yards and boat building sheds, ports, navigational aids used onboard ships and lighthouses


For years the Museum had been searching for a harbour in which to display its growing museum fleet.


Then in 2003 came the opportunity to do just that when a disused Seaplane hanger was offered for development.


The edifice was not in the best of conditions to put it mildly but after some basic maintenance the first ship was ready to be transferred onto the new site.

She is the ice-breaker Suur Tõll and she arrived there on January 26th, 2004. By the end of that year, all the museum's other ships had been re homed inside Seaplane Hanger.


Other exhibits include the British built Submarine Lembit, and a Short Type 184 seaplane.


Work on the museum has not been of the fastest kind.  In fact it took until 2007 to get the design plans finalised.


Construction did not begin until 2010 but now two years later the museum is about to proudly open its doors to a patient public

Future plans include enlarging the open air areas that surround the hanger and in the future the hanger will be the starting point of the coastal promenade that will stretch to the centre of Tallin.


Watch the Video

Future of Superyachts Conference

The 7th edition of the annual Future of Superyachts Conference is sheduled to take place at Nixe Palace Hotel in Mallorca Spain spanning the 19th and 20th June 2012


Produced by Quaynote the topics to be covered include:

• Investing in and developing the Superyacht Industry
• Regulation and Compliance
• Crew and Owners
• Finance, Insurance and Tax
• Future of Yacht Design and Technology

Conferences such as this are designed to make money for the organisers.  Speakers are seldom paid to talk and very few get their expenses paid which means that they all come with a pre prepared marketing agenda.  What makes this conference a little different is that the organisers are not a magazine publishing group and therefore welcome coverage from independent media an attitude we find wonderfully refreshing and a welcome break from the closed shop conferences operated by others.


Speakers currently booked include:

• Ayuk Ntuiabane, Director, Moore Stephens 
• Bransom Bean, Moore Stephens 
• Derik Wagner, Managing Director, MTN Satellite Services
• Diego Colon, President, AEGY
• Gabriel Gonzalez, Sovereign
• Ken Hickling, President, ISS
• Laurent  Perignon, COO, Camper & Nicholsons
• Mark Cornell, CEO, Edmiston 
• Martin Bellamy, Group Chairman and Chief Executive, Salamanca Group
• Neil Anderson, Dupont 
• Nick Saul, Managing Director, Bachmann Marine
• Paul Hailwood
• Tine A. Willumsen, CEO, Above & Beyond
• Toby Allies, Sales & Marketing Director, Pendennis
• Tony Allen, Partner, Hill Dickinson

As well as the conference sessions there are frequent debating sessions, a cocktail party at the end of day one and a break out session over a glass of champagne to ensure that delegates get what they really pay for when attending these events, that is the chance to network and debate in a informal atmosphere.


The full conference programme can be seen by clicking here or you can download the latest conference brochure here 


Early birds who register quickly get a £50 Amazon gift voucher 
To register online click here 

YPI Asia, at this year’s 3rd Hainan Rendez-Vous.

It has been almost exactly one year since YPI launched YPI Asia, the company dedicated to serving the needs of superyacht owners and charterers across the Asian region and in particular China. 


It is now the only full service brokerage house with three dedicated offices in China and Hong Kong, having have grown from just one office in Aberdeen Harbour, Hong Kong to three offices with optimal locations in Shenzhen and Nansha.


All three offices will be represented at this year’s 3rd Hainan Rendez-Vous 


With China the world’s second largest economy claiming 1,226 billionaires on the recent Forbes List 2012 coming from China and Hong Kong (133 in total) and one billionaire, 83 year old Li Ka-Shing, adding a record the value to his wealth to become the 9 richest man in the world there is every good reason for those in the superyacht industry to expand into Asia.

“The names change on the List,” says Managing Director, Olivier Besson, “But the wealth remains constant in China today.”


 Marina construction is at an all-time high and Chinese investors and industry are buying into some of Europe’s ailing but renowned yacht brands.

Medical Training Afloat in the BVI

If it is medical training on the water, then what place to do the training than the British Virgin Islands


The Moorings and MedSail have announced the upcoming 10th Annual Medicine for Mariners and Safety at Sea conference will take place February 2-9, 2013 in the British Virgin Islands.

The Wilderness Medical Society, the world’s leading organization devoted to wilderness medical education and research, supports and accredits this seminar that is designed for physicians, health professionals, and sailors who have a special interest in medical care in the marine environment.


Participants live aboard their chartered yacht for the entire event, which includes seminars at a different island location each day.


The event speakers are highly experienced educators and widely recognized experts in their fields, with a goal of providing participants with a first class learning and recreational experience in a stunning tropical paradise.

The sailing is designed to be easy and relaxed, appealing to inexperienced and seasoned boaters alike.  The flotilla of yachts is organised by The Moorings Sailing Vacations and includes choice of sail-it-yourself yachts, or crewed catamarans with captain and chef for those who wish to leave the details of sailing and meal preparation to a professional crew.

Each morning starts with a 2 and half-hour seminar ashore at a different island beach bar or restaurant—some participant favorites include Foxy’s, Cooper Island Resort, Pirates Beach Bar, and The Bitter End Resort. After morning conferences, the group sets sail to a new island, leaving plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, organised scuba diving, beach combing, or just relaxing.

Superyacht Photographer Alexis Andrews to Film Vanishing Sail Documentary

"When you see a beach built Carriacou Sloop or a West Indies Schooner sail by - even if you're not a sailor - you know you have witnessed something special."


Directed by Superyacht photographer Alexis Andrews a documentary is being made. Filmed in the Grenadines and mixed with rare archive footage and interviews with the last old Caribbean sea captains, the documentary due for release in early 2013 combines dramatic sailing scenes with narration and an original soundtrack to tell the story of trading by sail in the West Indies and it’s legacy in the islands today.


The film will include footage shot on the island of Carriacou, where the last boatbuilders maintain a tenuous grip on their traditional skills. In St. Barthelemy, where the smuggling trade in alcohol & cigarettes thrived until the 1970's. And in Antigua where the restored and newly built West Indies vessels race each year among vintage yachts in the Classic Regatta.


To see a trailer click here

Fastmount Wins International Business Award in New Zealand

The award for best business with revenue under $10m in the 2012 New Zealand International Business Awards, has been won by Fastmount a supplier of fixings to the superyacht industry


The Awards held in Auckland, New Zealand, celebrate business success in the world and recognises professional excellence and innovative practice with exceptional export success in international markets.


Fastmount a prodcut line that has already won 4 other international innovation awards, is used by more than 1,000 boatyards in 50-plus countries, and boasts many of the world’s award winning Superyachts and top boatbuilders among its clientele.


The Kiwi company Fastmount was established to meet the demanding requirements of the Superyacht sector. Director and boat builder Gregg Kelly saw the opportunity to develop a custom made solution and together Kelly and fellow director Ron Hanley designed the innovative fixing clip system, creating an entirely new category in the global marine industry.


The clever concealed mounting system delivers a flawless finish and perfect alignment every time. Panels can be easily removed and refitted in any sequence time after time. Increasingly, Fastmount is seen by many as an enabling system by designers and interior fit-out companies around the world.


Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, the Fastmount product range was established in 2004. Ninety five percent of their revenue is now off shore with the company’s largest markets in Europe. 


Fastmount has experienced steady growth despite the global downturn, working closely with their worldwide network of distributors and listening to their customers. It sees plenty of potential globally by offering several innovations sparked from clients and distributors sharing a problem, with the company moving swiftly to design the right solution.  


The Awards programme is a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) initiative. NZTE is the New Zealand Government’s national economic development agency.

More Than 20% of St Barth's Bucket Fleet are Perini Navis

Forty-seven yachts will make up the fleet of this year’s St Barth's Bucket Regatta, an international regatta that draws yachts and designers from all over the world to the Caribbean, for a fun yet competitive regatta where safety is held supreme. 


No fewer then ten of the participating yachts are Perini Navis.

They are:

• Andromeda la Dea
• Antara
• Baracuda
• Clan VIII
• Fidelis
• Helios
• P2
• Panthalassa
• Parsifall III
• Zenji

Racing is divided into three categories:

• Les Gazelles de Mer is the Racing category with 20 yachts enrolled
• Les Grandes Dames de Mer is the Cruising category with 15 yachts enrolled
• Les Elegantes del Mers a category reserved for the 12 J Class yachts

The regatta will begin on March 22nd and will have a full programme. Starting with registration and a J Class Exhibition Race, the Captain’s Meeting, the Fleet Welcome Party and the Owner’s Reception.


The first regatta will follow the Around the Island course and will begin in the morning of March 23rd followed by the Dock Party & Fleet Open House in the evening.


The second race will be the next day and will be along the Not so Wiggley course and will be followed by the Bucket Bash.


March 25th will see the last race along the Wrong Way Around course and will be followed by the prize ceremony and a cocktail party.

Go to Brazil Advises Feadship

The 39 metre Go has arrived in Brazil: the first occasion that Feadship has taken one of its superyachts on a tour of South America.


Accompanied by senior members of the Feadship management team, the yacht visit will give invited guests the chance to enjoy an exclusive private viewing of a yacht the Feadship brand. 


The builder has an unrivalled heritage in the superyacht market, with a history that goes back to 1849.


The Dutch specialists have been building large yachts for individual clients in various South American countries over the past decades, with the first Brazilian owner taking delivery of the Lafitte in 1948.


She had a composite construction of mahogany planks with and aluminium and steamed ash frames. It demonstrated the yards ability to work with innovative solutions and new materials, and was an important moment in the group’s expansion onto the world stage. 


Now, with the arrival of Go in Brazil, the company is firmly setting its sights on a new era of superyacht history in the south of the continent.


In March and April the yacht will be cruising in the Rio and São Paulo area. 


At 39 metres in length, Go is one of the smaller superyacht built in recent times by the builder, whose current order portfolio includes the first Feadship to pass the 100-metre barrier. 


Nonetheless, she is a superb example of the distinctive Feadship merits of first-class design, construction, engineering and fine detailing. Her large master stateroom epitomises the calm atmosphere onboard, while the smart layout offers the option to transform two of the four guest suites into one full-beam VIP stateroom complete with lounge. A wide variety of ‘outdoor-in' facilities make Go ideal for chartering should her owners choose to do so.


“Each Feadship is unique and reflects our commitment to perfect craftsmanship and superior technology,” comments director Bas Nederpelt, who will be accompanied on the visit to Brazil by the director of Feadship America, Timothy Hamilton.

Chunky Little Trawler Yachts are all the Rage

It seems that the pint-sized superyacht is back in favour with news of several being built.


First we hear of Vripack designing a 17m Family Trawler for Brazilian owners to use in home waters.  Making it a Brazilian bonanza the yacht will also be built in Brazil.

To make it possible for the family to explore their beautiful South American waters, their yacht will be equipped with have exceptional seagoing cruising characteristics.


The layout of this steel trawler with aluminium superstructure has been designed in close deliberation with the owner


His wishes were clear; large exterior living area’s to provide maximum outdoor pleasure and functional storage for several water sport accessories.      


The flybridge is equipped with a newly designed radar arch and bimini above the outdoor steering position and comfortable L-seat. Aft a dinghy and sailing boat can be stored beside the crane. Along the stainless steel safety railing, the designers have created plenty of space for surfboard storage.


In the Salon on the main deck a large lounge area is situated together with a spacious galley and, just a few steps up, the professionally built wheelhouse. On the fore deck you will find a large lounge area and aft a comfortable sun protected area with a large family bench and access to the swimming platform. 


The interior is designed to accommodate a family and their guests in separate cabins with several bathrooms. The lower deck is divided in to an Owners cabin with spacious bathroom in front, a portside VIP cabin with twin bed, a starboard Guest cabin with bunk bed and a separate bathroom with day head. Aft is situated a large lazarette for inflatable gadgets with integrated passarelle and a large electric hatch for easy entrance to the engine room.


The modern chunky appearance is created by the higher bulwark, bridge windows for a more sturdy appearance and by removing the traditional dodger.


This yacht with high flared bow sections is propelled by two diesel engines and with her specially designed lines plan, this semi-displacement yacht reaches a maximum speed of 12 knots.


The 3500 litre fuel tanks are ample for a ship this size providing 2550 nautical miles of range at a cruising speed of 8 knots.


Then we hear that  


Seaton Yachts from Newport, RI, USA have announced plans to develop and market their Expedition Eighty-Three ICE CLASS 1D standards by building them at at Burger’s shipyard in Manitowoc, WI, USA.

The Chunky 25 metre yacht is designed for unlimited ocean service, with the range to cross any ocean at 10 to 12 knots.


Commercially-rated diesel engines provide redundancy and safety for extended cruising in remote areas. With twin engines, bow and stern thrusters, and hydraulic mooring capstans, the yacht is an exceptional seaworthy, long range yacht that is easy to manoeuvre.


The tri-deck configuration will be finished with plenty of living space. Designed to be operated and maintained solely by the owner (despite the fact she is over 24 metres), she offers self-contained crew quarters for owners choosing to have crew.


The main deck will feature full walk-around side decks and high, solid bulwarks, providing on-deck protection and security in any sea conditions. Watertight exterior doors, heavy-duty windows, and big-ship features such as automatic tank vent closures are all part of a motor vessel designed for ocean travel. She is designed and built for extended life aboard at sea, at anchor or dockside.


The foredeck houses a large primary tender and a small flotilla of waterborne toys and shore-going necessities such as motorbikes. All can be launched from either side using the high-capacity hydraulic foredeck crane.


The idea is that when delivered, the yacht will be “bring your toothbrush—complete” and ready to go cruising.