Thrills & Spills in the Yachting World Round Antigua Race

Start of Yachting World Round Antigua Trophy Credit: Tim Wright/photoaction.com

There was drama right from the start of the 2012 Yachting World Round Antigua Race.


Squally conditions intensified the trade winds to churn up the swell into a foaming powerful sea state with rogue waves reaching over three metres. The feisty conditions off the coast of Antigua caused at least two retirements due to gear failure.


Hermosita suffered a damaged rudder and Blackbird was another casualty. The Mini Maxi suffered a ripped mainsail as the mighty yacht pounded through the surf. This was much to the frustration of the crew including our colleague and Editor at Yachting World, David Glenn who had joined Blackbird for the day.

The Yachting World Round Antigua Race was quite an experience for the crew of Smile and Wave, as Jaime Torres explains: "Mario Martinez is skipper for the week and our only real preparation for this race was to sail to the start line, but the team did exceptionally well. However, I didn't take into account Sunken Rock off Indian Creek and as a result we hit.


Nobody was hurt and we continued racing, but the error let Lancelot get away and we could only match them for speed downwind around the windward side. However, we played the shifts well on the beat to finish and managed to make a big gain. I have to say I am really looking forward to Sailing Week, I am sure we are going to have a great battle with Lancelot."

Sojana got a great start and powered away upwind as a torrent of spray engulfed the magnificent ketch's bow. Working the maneuvers on Sojana is a skillful and hugely energetic team effort, which is fraught with danger and later in the race that peril was to manifest itself in no uncertain terms.

Sojana had a cracking race, touching close to 20 knots of boat speed down the windward side of Antigua. Crew work had to be slick, even on a long race, corners come up alarmingly fast and with pressure loads measured in tens of tons, even a small error can be a real problem. One hyper gust sent Sojana's enormous spinnaker bellowing to leeward, the main sail boom perilously close to digging a sizeable whirlpool into the hissing blue water, the big ketch was pushing hard.


With just nine miles to go, Sojana needed to average 10 knots to break the record when foredeck crew Maurice Belgrave fell off the bow to leeward. With Pol Ho-Jensen at the helm, Sojana pulled off a text book recovery. Without using the engine, Maurice was in the water for less than five minutes before the bow crew plucked him to safety, pulling Maurice out of the water and up a full three metres of freeboard. Apart from a small gash, he was unharmed in the incident, which is a credit to the entire crew of Sojana.

Despite Sojana's excellent efforts, on corrected time Passion 4C won by just over two minutes with Sojana second with Locura third. The trimaran, Paradox blistered around the 55 mile course in 4hrs 15mins 39 seconds.

After the prizegiving for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race, the Antigua Sailing Week Welcome Party kicked off in Nelson's Dockyard. Hon. John Maginley MP, Minister of Tourism joined the Antigua Sailing Week organisers in welcoming competitors to the 45th regatta.


With the official English Harbour Rum caps being distributed and entertainment courtesy of the Vision Band and DJ Prebble, a fantastic night was in store of all. 

Former Salvage Tug now Superyacht For Sale at 20 Million

The former Smit Salvage tug converted to become the ultimate expedition boat is for sale through Y.Co and on the market at US$ 20 million.


Now sailing under the name Lone Ranger this 78 metre superyacht was launched in 1973 by the Schichau Seebeck Shipyard  in Bremerhaven as Simson, she was built to two structures at low speed and prowl the oceans as a salvage tug.


She proved good at her job and salvaged several stricken tankers and towed oil rigs around the globe

French yachtsman Jackie Setton bought her in 1994 renamed her Simpson S after an extensive refit that did little to alter her unique appearance.  He sold her when he launched Sences.


She was purcahsed by an American Insurance magnate who loved to use her as she was intended to be on long globe encircling expeditions.  Over her years at sea, Lone Ranger has travelled extensively, exploring the Northern and Southern hemispheres alike. 

Sailing the Seychelles, crossing the Equator to arrive in the Maldives, spending time in Micronesia, she has graced the coasts of South America, cruising extensively in Antarctica via Montevideo in Uruguay, Ushuaia in Argentina and Cape Horn.


Lone Ranger is no stranger to Europe, either, cruising Ireland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands and visiting the Balearic Islands, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily the Amalfi coast.


This unique superyacht’s interior can accommodate 10 privileged guests in 5 beautifully appointed staterooms, all ensuite.

Her extremely private master suite is on a separate deck and has its own library/office. The full width main salon has large windows to either side with doors opening aft onto an outside seating area.

Stealth Ship is a Superyacht Conversion Possible Project

Forget converting deep sea tugs into superyachts here is an exciting project for would be converters.  The US Navy has a stealth ship for sale


Developed by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency for the Navy in 1984 and kept secret until 1993, the experimental stealth ship is up for auction block with bids exceeding $99,000 already on the web site for the boat. 


Sea Shadow said to be the inspiration for the stealth ship in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies is 500 tons and cost over $195 million to develop.


She was designed to test out what the Navy called "advanced hull forms and structures, automation for reduced manning, sea keeping and ship signature control."

Sea Shadow has a SWATH hull design. Below the water are submerged twin hulls, each with a propeller, aft stabilizer, and inboard hydrofoil. The portion of the ship above water is connected to the hulls via the two angled struts. 


The shape of the superstructure has sometimes been compared to the casemate of the ironclad ram CSS Virginia of the American Civil War.


It was never intended to be mission capable and was never commissioned, although it is listed in the Naval Vessel Register.


Sea Shadow was revealed to the public in 1993, and was housed at the San Diego Naval Station until September 2006, when it was relocated to the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet in Benicia, CA. 

Dorade Cleans up Awards in Antigua Classic Race Week

 Photos: DORADE performing close by schooner ELENA Photo: Tim Wright / photoaction.com

Racing off Antigua, Dorade won its Vintage Class in the 2012 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, following on from overall class wins at the St Maarten Heineken Regatta and Les Voiles de St Barth. 


Dorade  also won the Concours d'Elegance for Vintage Yacht and Overall.


Matt Brooks, owner of Dorade , says: "Team Dorade was thrilled to win the Vintage Class at Antigua Classics. This was our third victory out of three Caribbean regattas but, for me, Antigua was the sweetest. I feel confident that Dorade is in good shape to take on the elements in the Newport-Bermuda Race starting on 15 June and that the crew is in equally good shape, with good chemistry between us all having bonded in these fun regattas!  Winning the Concours d'Elegance overall was the icing on the cake.  We hope to win a Panerai watch too one day!" 

The 1929-built, Olin Stephens-designed Dorade  – recently appointed S&S flagship after an extensive restoration – was a hugely successful racer, winning the 1930 and 1932 Bermuda races, 1931 Transatlantic race – both line honors and overall – and the 1931 and 1933 Fastnet races overall. Dorade is the only yacht to win the triple crown of ocean racing: the Transatlantic Race, Fastnet Race and the TransPac Race, a record that stands unbroken to this day. 


Matt Brooks is taking Dorade offshore racing again, starting with the 2012 Newport-Bermuda Race - progress may be followed at www.dorade.org

Recognising Green Hybrid Developments

Developments in hybrid technology in the marine industry will once again be recognised in the 2012 competition for the biennial Mansura Trophy arranged by the Royal Thames Yacht Club and supported by Bosch Engineering GmbH. The Trophy, inaugurated in 2006, is the most prestigious international maritime award presented for the latest innovative developments in hybrid power.


The Trophy also has strong support from The Green Blue, a joint environmental initiative from the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and the British Marine Federation (BMF). Vessels eligible for consideration must have at least two independent sources of propulsive power and the final drive system must be electrical.


“We have seen a substantial growth in hybrid technology in marine applications and a variety of other industries.” said Jack Edwards from the Royal Thames Yacht Club, “The most visible are in the automotive industry, some involving our partner Bosch Engineering, and we know that the Mansura Trophy both reveals and encourages such developments in the marine industry. We also believe that hybrid technologies could cross over from one industry to another and we hope to further encourage this with the 2012 Trophy”.


The judging panel, members to be announced shortly, will consider not just the innovative engineering of the development, but also, in a new development for the competition as the technology becomes more established, the marketing, distribution and servicing of production craft. Both commercial and leisure craft up to 122m LOA are eligible.


The 2012 Mansura Trophy will again have divisions in the competition for both Offshore and Inland waterway craft and excellence awards within each for the following categories:

• Technology involving concepts and innovation
• Production covering development, manufacturing and conversion
• Execution considering passage-making, versatility, sales, distribution and support.

All entries for the 2012 Mansura Trophy must be received by the Royal Thames Yacht Club by 7th January 2013. The award will be made in March 2013.


Full details and entry requirements and forms are available by visiting www.mansuratrophy.com

Edmiston Appointed Charter Central Agent for Pegaso

Edmiston have been appointed as the exclusive central agents for chartering Pegaso, the 74m research and exploration vessel designed by H2 design with an interior by Mark Berryman.


Built for an experienced yacht owner with a passion for the sea, Pegaso is the only true, privately owned expedition and research vessel afloat today. Built to Lloyds’ commercial research vessel standards by the Friere shipyard in Vigo, Spain and delivered to her owner just this month, Pegaso is one of most significant new launches and is the latest addition to the world’s Top 100.

Specifically built for worldwide cruising and exploration with a 10,000 nautical mile range at 14 knots, submarine and a commercially certified helipad, there are few corners of the world’s oceans, which are out of reach.


Pegaso will cruise the Mediterranean this summer and the Caribbean winter season and then on to important South Pacific expeditions in 2013.


With over 880m² of luxurious accommodation across 4 decks, Pegaso has 5 guest suites and a ‘penthouse’ owners deck with 360 degree views, office and private terraces forward and aft.

The helideck, rated for an EC 130, doubles up as a huge sundeck with jacuzzi and state-of-the-art gym and observation lounge forward. Whether guests want to entertain or relax, the bridge deck caters for all with a dining area and bar, and a large salon which converts into a cinema with 120” screen.


The aft deck has extensive seating and a large dining table and bar for entertaining. The VIP and 4 guest staterooms are located on the main deck and are accessed forward from the central lobby, as are the 3 additional staff cabins The main galley is situated on the lower deck along with accommodation for 


Pegaso carries an extensive range of exploration and watersports equipment from the 5 man submarine certified to 160 metres to 2 large tenders including a Goldfish sportsboat, 4 jet skis and the latest scuba diving equipment.


An additional sports/crew tender and a SOLAS rescue boat are stored on the bow. Forward of the tender bay on the main deck is a fully equipped science laboratory with wet lab and a film production centre.

Calendar of Events 2012

• YARE Yacht Repair and refit Exhibition, Viareggio – 26th  – 29th April
• MYBA Charter Yacht Show, Genoa – 30th April – 4th May
• Antigua Race Week 28th April – 4th May
• Boat International Superyacht Awards, Istanbul – 5th May
• Festival De Cannes – 16th – 27th May
• American Superyacht Forum, Fort Lauderdale – 21st – 23rd May
• Korea International Boat Show – 30th May – 3rd June
• The Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta, Italy – 4th – 9th June
• HISWA Yacht Valley Tour, Holland – 4th Jun – 8th Jun
• The Boat International Rendezvous, Monaco – 21st – 24th June
• The Superyacht Cup Palma – 20th – 23rd June
• America's Cup World Series, Newport – 23rd June – 1st July
• The Superyacht Cup Cowes – 22nd – 25th July 
• Sydney International Boat Show – 2nd – 6th August
• Cowes Week 2012 – 11th  – 18th August
• Newport Bucket – 24th – 26th August
• HISWA In-Water Boat Show, Amsterdam – 4th – 9th September
• Festival De La Plaisance, Cannes – 11th – 16th September
• Southampton Boat Show – 14th – 23rd September
• Monaco Yacht Show, 19th – 22nd September
• The Boat International Superyachts Book Launch Party, Monaco  – 23rd September
• Interboot Watersports Exhibition, Germany – 22nd – 30th September
• Istanbul International Boat Show, 29th September – 7th October
• Genoa International Boat Show 6th – 14th October
• Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, USA – 25th – 29th October
• Hanseboot International Boat Show, Hamburg – 27th October – 4th November
• Global Superyacht Forum, Amsterdam – 12th – 14th November
• METS, Amsterdam – 13th – 15th  November
• Antigua Charter Yacht Meeting – 2nd – 8th December
• Salon Nautique International De Paris – 7th – 16th December

For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Yachting World Round Antigua Race Starts Tomorrow

The Devil's Bridge, just one of the stunning vistas for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race                 

Photo: Louay Habib/Antigua Sailing Week

With over 20 knots of warm trade winds forecast for this Saturday's Yachting World Round Antigua Race, a blast around the windward side of the stunning tropical island is a virtual certainty.


43 yachts will tackle the 55 nautical mile course and crews from over 20 different nations are set for a Caribbean thrill of a lifetime. Besides some truly awesome sailing conditions, crew will enjoy some spectacular views of Antigua's mesmerizing coastline.

Peter Aschenbrenner's 63-foot trimaran, Paradox, completed the circumnavigation in less than four hours back in January. Since then the ballistic multihull has been ripping it up at several Caribbean sailing events and the crew and yacht are fully tuned up for the race.


Paradox will have America's Cup and round the world legend Cam Lewis on board for Antigua Sailing Week and Paradox is odds-on to take line honours.

"Given the current forecast, I think that Paradox is capable of going around Antigua in three hours, it is achievable but heavily dependent on sea state," commented Cam Lewis. "The reach around the windward side will be a blast; Paradox just loves trade wind conditions and should be able to really get up and go. Most of the course is off the wind but the last few miles should be upwind, which will also be a factor in the elapsed time."

Peter Harrison's Farr 115, Sojana will be hoping to secure line honours for the monohulls and also has the potential to set a new record. Sojana completed the race in 4 hours, 37 minutes and 43 seconds in 2009 at an average speed of just over 12 knots. Since then Sojana has been modified with a retractable bowsprit flying an enormous 800 square metre spinnaker with 25% more sail area than before.

"Given the current weather forecast, Sojana is capable of surfing at up to 20 knots on the windward side of Antigua - that's a lot of inertia for a yacht of well over 100 tons," explained Skipper Marc Fitzgerald. 

Sojana may well be in the reckoning for the overall win on corrected time, however several other yachts may well be in the running including:
German skipper Stefan Lehnert helming his Tripp 53 Passion 4C
American Jan Rupert, skipper of Tripp 75, Blackbird.

The first warning signal to start the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will fire at 0800 local time on Saturday 28 April.

Antigua Sailing Week; Where World Class Sport & Entertainment Meets

Photo Tim Wright photoaction.com

Bringing Caribbean sailing to life with thrilling entertainment both on and off shore, the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda plays host to one of the biggest regattas in the world next week.


The annual Antigua Sailing Week the jewel in the regions sailing calendar runs from 29 April to 4 May.


Over 100  high-tech racing machines and performance cruising boats will be challenged with a variety of coastal race courses.


The week attracts some of the world’s greatest sailors and sport enthusiasts to sample the party atmosphere created by such a spectacular event. This years event is likely to be every bit as exciting as earlier years.


Entertainment is not just provided on the glorious clear blue waters, but on land too. Everyone can get in on the action and enjoy everything from the vibrant welcome party to the mid week live music concert and the famous Dockyard Day closing ceremony.


Each day also ends with a prize-giving party, rewarding those that have achieved sailing success in the day.


Visitors looking for a break from the upbeat atmosphere will find one of the 365 white sandy beaches on the island will provide the perfect spot.  Recently we featured one of our favourite hotels in Resort Report in SuperYacht World magazine.


The coral reefs surrounding the island bring great snorkelling opportunities and the waves are ideal for the adventurous surfer.


Those not sailing can explore the island in greater detail with a whole host of activities to include a helicopter tour rides, hikes through the rainforest and day trips to Barbuda.


The island’s restaurants also need to be explored as Antigua and Barbuda boasts not just fantastic Caribbean cuisine but also fine French, Italian and British options.

Blohm and Voss Maps Out Future Plans

Three months after the company was sold to British based Star Capital Partners, German yacht builders Blohm & Voss chose the RAC club in London's Pall Mall to outline its strategy for the future


Dr Herbert Aly Managing Director told an assembled audience of top brokers, designers and project managers that the choosing of London for such an occasion had nothing to do with the new owners being British based.  Instead he insisted it was because London is where deal makers are based.


Openly admitting that the previous owners Thyseenkrupp had lost all appetite for building superyachts he introduced the Founding Partner of Star Capital Tony Mallin who he described as the company's saviour.  Mallin agreed saying that the previous owners had done its best to destroy the brand but conceded it was the enthusiasm shown by staff at the shipyard that had convinced him that the Blohm & Voss brand was worth saving.

“We have now capitalized the business to give it the security it needs to survive.  Behind the scenes there is already a great deal of activity and it all points to the fact that Blohm and Voss are not only back in the market place but are open for business.


“I bought this yard because of its globally acclaimed quality brand and because it was going cheap.  By supporting the brand and giving it stability we as owners can only help it improve until it’s time for new owners to take it on. 

“How long that will be is a difficult question to answer.  Ten years if you want, I do not mind.  What you have here is a clear demonstration of my own personal commitment because my own capital is invested here.


“I have never bought a brand name before and turned it around but that is what I am going to do here


“He confirmed that an 80 + metre yacht was under construction and that the owners of another yacht of around 130 metres were in active and meaningful discussions with the yard.  

YARE 2012 Begins in Viareggio

Organised for representatives of the international superyacht community including: Captains, Brokers, Management companies, Surveyors and Owners' representatives the second edition of YARE (Yachting After Sales & Refit Exhibition) is to take place in Viareggio again this year beginning tomorrow.


Controlled by the organisers of Seatec, CarraraFiere, have set April 26th as the start of the four day event. To be held in the heart of Viareggio's harbour and down town organisers are planning a full four-day event structured around five interactive sections:

• After Sales & Refit - an exhibition centred on the harbour
• Refit Route - to include guided visits to yards in town 
• Second Life - an in-water display of pre-owned boats
• Belle Époque - an area dedicated to restoration of classic boats
• Focus - a list of conferences, seminars and forums

The Perini Navi Group will have its own stand inside the Superyachts Builder Tent in via Coppino. Here visitors will find staff and information on the Group’s activities and can schedule guided tours of the shipyards in Viareggio and La Spezia.

The Group has always combined Refit and Repairs services with the design and construction of large sailing and motor yachts putting their vast experience acquired over the years at the disposition of all kinds of yachts. Their Refit and Repairs services, performed directly at the Group’s own shipyards, use the Picchiotti shipyard in La Spezia as their hub, as there they can count on an infrastructure that is truly unique and on dedicated, experienced personnel.

Lusben the Refit Division of Yachtique have two yards, one in Livorno the other in Viareggio.  Contact their stand at YARE to arrange an on the spot visit to their facility in Viareggio.

Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference Signals Market Growth in Area

The Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference opens today.  It is a 2 day event and has become over the years an increasingly important platform for superyacht industry professionals to scope out the business opportunities in Asia Pacific.


Taking place just before the Singapore Yacht Show it offers an international line-up of key yacht industry players, together with plenty of networking opportunities and an opportunity to learn more about this up and coming region. 


Last years conference, set a clear mandate to all superyacht industry players in Asia Pacific, which was to collaborate and work together to promote the Asia Pacific region as a yachting destination.


Then, over 150 delegates from 35 countries agreed that Asia Pacific has some of the most exotic, yet untapped cruising grounds in the world. The region has huge potential to attract new customers into superyacht ownership and yacht charter, and there is an increasing number of superyacht construction and refit businesses.


Simon Turner, the Singapore-based director of yacht brokers Northrop and Johnson, has proof that the wealthy in Asia think little of spending on a big boat, which they buy for both prestige and fun.  He told reporters working for Reuters, "We had a guy turn up a few weeks ago in a Lamborghini and say 'Look, my friend has just bought the same Lamborghini. What can we do different?  So we got some boat brochures out and he said 'I'll buy one'. It was a $10 million yacht deal was done in just minutes"


Less than 5 percent of the world superyacht fleet is based in Asia yet the figures are on the rise.  With western economies faltering Asia has sailed along calmly growing as it does so. According to a report into World Wealth published by Merrill Lynch-Capgemini, Asia has 3.3 million people with high net worth, a figure one point behind the 3.4 million in North America but ahead of the 3.1 million in Europe.

Nicolle Associates Brokerage Office has had a Busy Time of Late

Adrian Nicolle who heads up the Nicolle Associates brokerage office has had a busy time of late 

He represented the purchaser in the sale of the sailing fact Bristolian working with Joost Goverts at Northrop and Johnson Spain acting for the Vendor in a deal very close to the asking price.


He also recently completed on the sale of the 2009 Oyster 655 Daena in a deal close to the 1.69mil euro asking price acting for both Purchaser and Vendor


Carl Whitewood has listed the beautiful the 33 metre TSDMY Kiara from Senci in Cape Town asking 1.8mil euro

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's (YCCS) 2012 Sporting Calendar Presented

The Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's (YCCS) 2012 sporting calendar was presented to journalists this morning in Milan Italy.


In addition to the international sailing events 2012 also sees the consolidation of the Club's initiatives in the Caribbean and through Audi Azzurra Sailing Team.

2012 Regattas. The YCCS 2012 season kicked off with the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous held at the Club's Virgin Gorda, BVI base in March. 

Superyacht racing will begin off the Costa Smeralda with the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta (4 - 9 June) and continue in September with the two classic events organized with the support of the Club's historic partner Rolex: the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship (2 - 8 September) and the Rolex Swan Cup & Rolex Swan 45 World Championship (10-16 September).


YCCS Virgin Gorda and YCCS Marina. With YCCS Marina operational since 2010 and the new Clubhouse officially inaugurated in January 2012, the Club's new Caribbean home is now complete.


The Clubhouse, which has been designed and completed to the highest standards, offers indoor and outdoor dining, a bar on the panoramic terrace, private function room, an infinity edge pool, locker and shower facilities and an event lawn for functions. The adjacent YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda provides a range of services and is protected from surge and swell, making it an ideal base from which to explore the neighbouring Caribbean islands.


In addition to the Loro Piana regatta in March, the Club will welcome the arrival in December of the Transatlantic Superyacht & Maxi Regatta , which sees a fleet of sailing giants race from Tenerife to Virgin Gorda and rounds off the YCCS 2012 season.

For further information visit the websites www.yccsmarina.com www.yccsmarina.com and www.yccsmarina.com 
  

Singapore's First Newbuild Superyacht for More than 20 years

Megaway Engineering in conjunction with the Asian offices of brokers Northrop and Johnson have successfully launched Singapore's first newbuild superyacht for more than 20 years.


The Megaway 128 was recently launched and completed sea trials and will be on display at the forthcoming Singapore Yacht Show held April 27-29 at Sentosa Cove.


Mr SL Ho of Megaway Engineering and the driving force behind the project commented, "we are absolutely delighted to once again put Singapore on the world superyacht map and it is a testament to the creativity and hard work of our team that we have been able to design, build and launch this superb superyacht."


Simon Turner, Director of Northrop and Johnson and the agents for the sale of the yacht added, "this is a very spacious yacht and will be fantastic for private use or corporate entertaining.  We look forward to a fast sale of the yacht so that we can immediately begin plans for the next project with Megaway"

Permanent Yacht Painting service Set Up at Vilanova Grand Marina

The technical area within Barcelona’s Vilanova Grand Marina has set up a painting division to provide clients with a permanent yacht painting service, following an agreement with the Spanish company ADP (Alfonso de Prada). 


Operating since March, the new yacht painting service offers a wide array of solutions that include painting of hulls and superstructures, antifouling removal, application of epoxy rust inhibitors, osmosis treatment, mast painting and burnishing, amongst others.

ADP’s 25 years experience in the nautical industry enables Vilanova’s technical area to offer a certified professional quality service with the use of cutting edge technologies in maintenance and application of products that aim to achieve high customer satisfaction levels, such as metalized finishing and propellers and shafts silicone treatments… In this sense, Vilanova’s technical area, through its partner ADP, has agreements with the industry’s top brands such as:

• Awlgrip
• International Marine Coatings
• Antifoulings,
• Epifanes Varnishes
• West System
• Propspeed

The division employs a team of professionals permanently based at Vilanova’s facilities and offers a technical management service led by engineers for the supervision of applications and treatments. 

PlanetSolar Will Complete World Circumnavigation in Monaco

On Friday 4th May 2012, the arrival of the PlanetSolar, the first exclusively solar-powered boat to sail around the world, will mark a turning point in the history of new environmentally friendly technologies.


The largest solar-powered catamaran in the world – 31 metres long – left Monaco on 27th September 2010, after an official presentation by H.S.H Prince Albert II, for a round-the-world trip from East to West along the equatorial route.


PlanetSolar crossed the Atlantic to Miami in the United States, and then headed to Cancun in Mexico and Cartagena in Colombia before travelling along the Panama Canal in January 2011. 


The solar catamaran then had a stopover in French Polynesia, Noumea and Brisbane, Australia, before sailing north of Australia, close to Papua New Guinea. PlanetSolar is expected to arrive in Monaco on Friday 4th May 2012. By then, she will have sailed for 28,618 nautical miles.


She will be moored by the Quai Antoine 1er, opposite Monaco Yacht Club, and will remain in the Principality until Sunday 6th May. Various activities and events will take place that weekend.


"The 536.65 m² of photovoltaic solar panels allow her to be propelled by solar energy alone.  Everything on board is solar powered - the water, lights and telephone - apart from the cooking stove, which runs on gas," explained the boat's designer, Raphaël Domjan.  The six-man crew who made the Atlantic crossing has since been reduced to four, to demonstrate "that it is not necessary to have a large crew to operate these technologies."


This initiative is part of the environmental policy that Monaco has been pursuing for many years.  It is supported by a consortium composed of Monaco Tourist and Convention Authority, the Prince Albert II Foundation, the Société des Bains de Mer and Monaco Yacht Club.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

By invitation Only the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous

The growing reputation of Phuket Island as a ‘Superyacht Hub in Asia’ is supported by the annual Asia Superyacht Rendezvous.


The largest gathering in Asia of both motor and sail superyachts from around the world is held over the holiday season December 16-18 in Phuket, Thailand.


Now in its 12th year, the invitational event will once again be the focus of the owners, captains and crews of the beautiful Superyachts moored in Surin Bay in December 2012. 


A welcoming cocktail party aboard one of the attending Superyachts jump-starts the fun and laid back sociable events. Featured are competitive sailing races, accompanied by the mammoth power boats, and opulent yet casual parties and festive activities to engage the 200 attending superyacht owners, captains, crew and VIP guests.


Owners and captains of motor and sailing vessels of 100’ (30 metres) or greater in length are invited to register their interest in attending the exclusive event. Superyacht captains and owners are invited to visit www.asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com and email charlie@asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com to view past events and request an invitation.


As more and more superyachts make their way to the untouched cruising grounds of Asia, the event continues to flourish and grow. A huge benefit of attending the Rendezvous is to visit Phuket in Thailand, one of the top five cruising destinations in the world and located in the heart of the popular and emerging ‘Andaman Marine Triangle’.
  
Many vessels stay on for post-event holiday cruising in the Triangle, a favorite of the world’s superyachts and pushing Phuket to the forefront of Asia’s growing marine leisure industry.


The provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi offer some of the most stunning sailing and cruising grounds in the world and share the same coastline and marine environment. Together they are becoming known as the marine playground for superyachts and luxury boating within Asia.

According to organisers, vessels attending the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous in 2012 are expected to represent an estimated value of US$150 million, including those built by the Rendezvous Principal Sponsor, Feadship Royal Dutch Shipyards. 

Honoured to Be Chosen to Sail in Westward Cup

We have just been invited to sail in Mariette during the Westward Cup off Cowes


Eight of the most beautiful Big Class yachts in the world are lined up to come and grace the shores of the Solent and race in the second edition of the Westward Cup regatta, taking place 11-16 June 2012.


Run in association with the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) with the RYS as the Organising Authority, the Westward Cup was first held in July 2010 and was a tremendous success for everyone taking part. It marked the revival of and interest in Big Class yacht racing in the Solent and around the world.


The following yachts will race in June:

• Altair
• Cambria
• Elena
• Eleonora
• Lulworth
• Mariette
• Mariquita
• Moonbeam IV

This exquisite fleet of Big Class yachts will, for most of the races, be sailing within the confines of the Solent and anyone wishing to see them will be able to watch the starts and finishes from Cowes during the Westward Cup regatta. The key vantage points will be along the Cowes Parade below the RYS battlements and along Prince’s Green to the West.


It is incredible that these huge yachts who carry a racing crew of up to 40 can take up to half an hour to put up and another half an hour to take down their sails.


Owing to the amount of room these boats need to manoeuvre, there will be strict on-water guidelines in place for all spectator and pleasure craft and there will be safety boats patrolling during the racing.


Provisional schedule
The provisional schedule comprises four days of racing and one lay day. The yachts will be racing for a different Trophy each day after which owners, captains and their guests will be able to enjoy an evening ashore in Cowes.

• Tuesday 12th June: Race 1 for the Yacht Club de Monaco Trophy. 
• Wednesday 13th June: Race 2 for the Boat International Media Trophy.
• Friday 15th June: Race 3 for the New York Yacht Club Trophy.
• Saturday 16th June: Race 4 for the Royal Yacht Squadron Trophy 

Prizegiving ceremony taking place at the RYS Pavilion


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

J Class Yacht Fleet Sailing UK Waters Shrinks

Just four of the expected J Class yachts will take part in the UK racing programme and not the six that had been expected and planned for.


Shortly after the end of the St Barths Regatta, Hanuman, who had come last of the four Js by the smallest of margins, was withdrawn from the 2012 UK events programme.


Endeavour has also announced that the owner has business elsewhere in June and cannot now attend the Falmouth Regatta.


Even though this is a big disappointment for those who expected a mighty fleet, four of these massive yachts sailing in Falmouth bay will still offer a spectacular sight - not to be missed.


Velsheda is due to arrive in Falmouth shortly. Her support yacht Bystander has already arrived.


Ranger will berth first in Ocean Village, Southampton, before repositioning to Falmouth by early June.


The new yacht Rainbow, launched just before Christmas 2011, is now on sail trials in Holland in preparation for the event. She will be supported by the 57 metre motoryacht Holland.


Lionheart is also scheduled to arrive in Falmouth shortly.


The Js are planning to leave at the end of the Falmouth event, and reposition at Solent Refit, in preparation for the Solent regattas.


Endeavour is currently still planning to compete, together with the other four yachts, making a fleet of five.

Superyacht Experts Appointed Judges for Asia Boating Awards

A panel of glittering names from the world of superyachting have been invited to participate in the 2012 Asia Boating Awards.


We are hugely honoured to be among this years list of nominated Judges

Hosted by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines, Asia Boating Awards is today’s most acknowledged and prestige award in the yachting industry of Asia-Pacific region.

This year, awards have refined down to 19 categories.  First a public nominations process selects the shortlist then the judges are given detailed and comprehensive pack detailing each of the shortlisted boats of service.


The Categories consist of:

• Best Asian Yacht Builder (30m and up) 
• Best Asian Yacht Builder (15m to 30m) 
• Best Asian Built Yacht 
• Best Custom Built Yacht 
• Best Semi Custom Built Yacht (30m and up) 
• Best Production Motor Yacht (24m to 40m) 
• Best Production Motor Yacht (15m to 24m) 
• Best Production Sailing Yacht (15m to 30m) 
• Best Production Sailing Yacht (up to 15m) 
• Asian Marina of the Year 
• Asian Yacht Club of the Year 
• Asian Regatta of the Year 
• Asia-based Charter Yacht of the Year 
• Personality of the Year 
• Print Ad of the Year 
• Best Yacht Design of the Year 
• Best Yacht Designer in Asia of the Year 
• Best Asia-based Charter Company 
• Best Brand Presence in Asia

The result will be announced during the 2012 Asia Boating Awards ceremony on 10th May 2012 at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong.


Following after the event, the result will be published in both Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating Jul/Aug 2012 issue.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Fastmount Appoints Distributor in Middle East

Established in 2004, the international award-winning Fastmount set a new world standard for mounting removable panels. Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, it was developed for the demanding superyacht industry.


Its patented and EU design-registered system allows panels to be easily removed and refitted in any sequence time after time.

Keen to conquer markets in the middle East they have appointed Exalto Emirates Marine Equipment to act  as distributor in the area.


Founded in 1993, Exalto is the largest marine equipment supplier in the Middle East and offers an extensive range of high quality marine parts and equipment. Based in Sharjah, Dubai their facilities include a large modern warehouse and spacious showroom. Customers can expect prompt delivery from their warehouse stocks in Sharjah and Dubai.


Fastmount 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.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Sanlorenzo Launch Fifth in Their 38 Metre Series

Souraya, the fifth semi-displacement Sanlorenzo SD122, 38m yacht has been launched in Viareggio.

Described by her builders as elegant and technologically advanced, her modern lines with retro shapes, recall the great transatlantic liners of the 1930s.

The interiors are characterised by an interesting choice many exclusive materials, including eucalyptus wood parquet floors with opaque finishing that perfectly match the furniture made in gloss eucalyptus wood with stainless steel inlays.


All the bathrooms are fitted with Marfil Cream marble and Tobacco Brown marble.

Able to comfortably accommodate up to 10 guests and 7 crew members Souraya has the unmistakable style that is Sanlorenzo.


In more than 50 years of history the Italian Shipyard has became synonymous with excellence in terms of quality and attention to details.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

Beirut Based Superyacht Seeks Crew

A Captain of 35m yacht based in Beirut is seeking crew.  His request to crew agents Acronautic Yacht Crew has inspired visions of travel and cruising the wonderful islands around Greece and Turkey this Mediterranean summer.


The agency has been appointed the recruitment agent to source appropriate crew and are seeking experienced, qualified and enthusiastic candidates to submit application.

Stephen Crone of Acronautic Ltd, has said, "This is a wonderful opportunity for experienced crew seeking a challenge that is a little different, visiting new countries and exploring fresh cruising grounds."


The Captain has told of the wonderfully kind owners that use the boat exclusively for themselves during the summer, they are very private and like to enjoy their time aboard the yacht for relaxation and an escape from the day to day routines.


For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com

BroadBEAM Customers Can Access Marine VSAT services Using iPhone

Specialist in networking and communication solutions for the marine industry OmniAccess, has launched a new web based Customer Service Portal (CSP) and an iCSP, the world’s first iPhone App to allow its BroadBEAM customers to access useful information about their marine VSAT services at any time and location around the world via a mobile device.


The portal, which was developed by the in-house technical team, offers a broad range of functions, statistics, documentation, manuals and support operations within an easy-to-use real-time web portal.  

One of the key benefits to superyacht Captains and engineers is that there is now no need for them to be on-board the vessel in order to monitor the VSAT system, providing greater flexibility as well as time and cost savings. It is also possible to detect and escalate any problems, and to see an historic overview of the account.


From a single dashboard within the secure password-protected portal, customers can use the new CSP to check the current status of their VSAT equipment, the yacht internet connection state and bandwidth usage per vessel or fleet, as well as a host of additional information such as the vessel position. They can also access support tickets and manuals/helpdesk information, or contact the Technical Support team. 


The new CSP and iCSP services are included free of charge with any OmniAccess BroadBEAM service subscription. The iCSP can be purchased via the AppStore at http://itunes.com/apps/icsp for $0.99.

Les Voiles de St. Barth release Racing Dates for 2013

Racing under Spinnaker at Les Voiles de St. Barth ©: Christophe Jouany / Les Voiles de St. Barth

For the third consecutive year, the island of St. Barth, in the French West Indies, provided an exceptional week of racing. Consensus of the 700+ sailors racing there is that in just three editions, Les Voiles de St. Barth has become a must-do event on the Caribbean race calendar.


Buoyed with such enthusiasm Organisers have announced the dates for the fourth edition: April 8 – 13, 2013.


This year competitors enjoyed four days of racing in an extremely wide range of conditions, from five to 25 knots, on different courses, each of them highly tactical and spectacular. The Maxi class, which numbered nine boats, attempted in vain to chase George David’s Rambler 90, the winner of a second trophy after her success in 2010 (Rambler 100 won in 2011).


Each of the seven classes competing saw some bitter-fought, yet friendly struggles. The quality of the international crews many of them professionals from the America’s Cup, Olympics, and other grand-prix events meant that this event in St Barth had an excellent line-up, which included:

• Bouwe Bekking aboard Nilaya
• Scott Vogel, Shannon Falcone, Jerry Kirby aboard Rambler 90
• Steve Benjamin and Dee Smith aboard Decision
• Gavin Brady aboard Vesper
• Cam Lewis aboard Paradox
• Charlie McKee and Ross MacDonald aboard Mayhem
• Tony Rey, Jeff Madrigali and Nacho Postigo aboard PowerPlay
• Jean-Paul Mouren aboard Med Spirit
• Lionel Péan and Jacques Vincent aboard Sojana

All the sailors enjoyed an amazing week of racing on the waters around St. Barth.


The event enjoys the continued support of watchmaker Richard Mille and sportswear brand Gaastra. Other event partners included leading St. Barth villa rental agencies WIMCO and Sibarth


While race organisers are extremely pleased at the continued success of the Les Voiles event, their team is already looking forward to the 2013 event. Said Francois Tolède, “The harbour in Gustavia cannot grow in size, and we shall soon be reaching the limit on number of yachts we can accommodate, around the 80 - 90 mark. Management will become an even greater issue and we want to maintain a stress-free, easy-going way of organising things.”

For final results
For Les Voiles de St. Barth video racing highlights
Race website

For More News Visit www.thehoworths.com