Sail Boat Racing & Fundraising for a Worthy Cause

Britain’s favourite yacht race; the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race raises thousands of pounds for good causes.  This year’s chosen charity is once again the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. 


26 young people recovering from cancer and leukaemia will be competing in the race on board four boats, joined by Trust patron Dame Ellen MacArthur.


Ellen MacArthur, racing on Dream Sailing's Dark Star, said before the race: “Everyone is really looking forward to it. There will be seven of us on board and at this stage I don’t know what I will be doing. My job is mainly looking out for the young people, talking to them, helping make sandwiches and the tea. I love sailing with the youngsters.” 


Seventeen-year-old Esme Macintyre from Kinloss, Scotland, will be sailing with the Ellen MacArthur Trust. She said: “I have sailed a bit before, in dinghies but this is my first Round the Island Race. I had cancer a few years ago and I have been a long time learning to walk again. I am kind of getting back on track. Sailing has really kept me going and having trips like this planned is something to look forward to.”

The sailors will also be ‘raced’ on land by 125 cyclists pedalling around the Island to raise money for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust.  Representing J.P. Morgan, cyclist Andy Graham explained: “Some of us will try to beat the sailing record time.


Over the last five years we’ve raised £83,000 for the Ellen MacArthur Trust so the aim is to break the £100,000 barrier this year. We only need about £10,000 now so we are on track. Those who want to donate should go to justgiving.com.”


With tomorrow’s south-westerly breezes forecast to build from 20 knots throughout the day the cyclists will have a race on their hands to get round before the first yachts.


Raymarine race meteorologist Libby Greenhalgh commented: “The forecast is starting to be fairly consistent. We have low pressure dominating the area and as we’ve gone through the last few days the wind strength has been building and building, and it is looking like quite a windy race.


At start time we will have between 15-20 knots from the south-west but we will see this build fairly quickly and as these early boats reach the Needles it will be at 25kts. Round the back of the island the sea state will be quite rough as an effect of the big winds over the last couple of days.


Thankfully the wind will not be squally but just a solid 20-25knots and stronger breeze will be coming in at 1800-1900hrs in the evening which means those taking the longest time to get round will be finishing in the strongest breeze up to 30 knots.”

Fly Bridge Motor Sailer Queen of Andaman is For Sale

The 41-metre super yacht Queen of Andaman is for Sale at of asking price Euro 4,875,000 through James Greenwood, at De Valk  


A spacious fly bridge motorsailer, comfortably she accommodates eight in four equal-sized suites, with a possible two more in a main deck cabin.

She has the volume of a motoryacht and the lines of a classic sailing ketch. Suiting an owner who is looking for a comfortable home on the water who likes to save fuel when the right conditions present themselves, 


She cruises under power at 12 knots and can sail at up to 10 knots. 


Turnkey, with a Cayman Island ownership structure, she is ready to sail away from her home port Porto Montenegro  having recently been extensively refitted in Palma.


Benefiting from an enormous 90-square-metre sundeck-cum-flybridge and large aft and fore decks, she has hosted parties for up to 150 guests.


For parties of eight to 10 guests, there are a number of private deck areas to enjoy time alone, the forward seating area being a popular one.


Proven offshore, the yacht has cruised South East Asia and the Mediterranean, with the same owners since newly launched five years ago. She is equipped with a compressor for diving enthusiasts.


She offers good charter potential and comes with glowing references from top superyacht brokers.


For full-on service, she can accommodate a crew of seven, located aft.

On-site Propeller Repair and Modification Avoids Drydocking

A superyacht with bent or cracked propeller blades might experience severe vibrations while sailing. The classification society might demand a repair before the vessel is allowed to sail on.


Straightening the blades or cropping them underwater can restore the propeller’s balance and result in a green light from the class society allowing the yacht to proceed on its way.   


A propeller modification can easily be combined with any other maintenance or repair operation that needs to be carried out on the vessel, as was the case with several of the examples that can be found below. Firms with underwater repair capability like Hydrex allow a vessel to keep to its schedule. 


Blade straightening 
By taking advantage of the in-house developed cold straightening technique, damaged blades can be straightened underwater, allowing the ship to return to commercial operations without the need to dry dock.


Optimum efficiency of the propellers can be restored by bringing the blades back close to their original form. The cold straightening machine has been in use for quite some time now but the Hydrex research department has been looking into ways to enhance the technique even further to improve our services. A new model of the straightening machine was recently put into service. It is compatible with the existing model and is used to restore more severely bent propeller blades.  


Cropping 
If straightening is not an option, the affected area on the blade will be cropped to restore the hydrodynamic balance. This is done to achieve the greatest possible efficiency for the vessel. This kind of repair is carried out with the propeller blade cutting equipment that was also developed by the company's research department. First a detailed underwater inspection is performed by a diver technician team to obtain the exact parameters of the damage which are then used for a detailed calculation of the ideal cutting line. This allows the customer to know in advance what the result of the operation will be. He can then make an informed decision.  


On some occasions an entire blade has to be replaced on a variable pitch propeller. This work can also be carried out by Hydrex divers who are trained to perform a wide variety of operations, both above and below the waterline, anywhere in the world and sometimes even in the most extreme conditions.

YCO to Drop PLC Status and Become Private Company Again

At the annual general meeting of YCO Group plc, held yesterday 25th June all resolutions put to the meeting were passed on a poll.


This means that the company will be delisted and that the last day of dealings in the company’s Ordinary Shares will be 2 July 2012.


Earlier, the Board had determined that the interests of all Shareholders would be best served by the proposed Delisting.


In particular, it believed that the benefits of Admission are no longer aligned to the strategic focus of the Company and that the stock market has not recognised the underlying value of the business.  


Delisting will allow the management team to increase their focus on the business itself by reducing the time and costs currently spent adhering to the administrative and regulatory requirements brought about by Admission.  


The Company re-joined AIM via a reverse takeover by YCO SAM in May 2008 as part of the wider strategy to form a full-service yachting group.  This strategy included the potential acquisition of established companies and brands from within the superyacht industry.  It required the Company to have access to capital markets in order to fund this strategy and to use its Ordinary Shares for acquisitions.

Kanga an Ugly Duckling of a Superyacht Takes to the Water

Launched recently, she may not be the prettiest of superyachts but Kanga the new WallyAce 26m is an innovative displacement motor yacht like no other. 


With huge open spaces, massive interior volumes and a degree of light and quality of design she is unmatched by any yacht in its class.


Whisper-quiet, fuel-efficient diesel engines can take the guests non-stop from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, while an exceptional hull design and gyroscopic stabilisation ensure a smooth and stable ride. 

Carbon Offset Programme Secures Credits from Renewable Power Station in the Galapagos Islands

Wind Turbine on San Cristobal

For superyachts who have an affinity for the Galapagos, and care about the world in which they travel Yacht Carbon Offset has secured carbon credits from a renewable power station in the Galapagos Islands.  


These are available now on a first come first served basis for allocation to yachts that wish to select this project for their offset programme to balance your yacht’s greenhouse gas emissions.  

The small project consists of three wind turbines, with a combined generating capacity of 2.4MW, on the island of San Cristóbal in the Galapagos Islands.  The units displace the use of diesel-fuelled generation units, and in the first year of operation (2007-08) they provided 31% of the island’s electricity supply.  The first 3km of power lines has been placed underground to minimise the hazard to the endangered indigenous Galapagos Petrel, and other bird species.

Galapagos Petrel

Yacht Carbon Offset provides a fully-documented service for those that own and enjoy the world’s leading superyachts and has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification. The company's Managing Director, Mark Robinson said: “ The project has taken account of the extreme ecological sensitivity, and contributes to a reduction in the frequency of fuel deliveries required by the island, with a corresponding reduction in the risk of spillages."


Importantly, the project meets our stringent requirements for independent verification (in this instance by TÜV Nord) so Owners and Charter Clients can have full confidence that their carbon offset is based on real, measurable greenhouse gas reductions.

Mini Cruise Liner Ripe for Conversion to Superyacht is For Sale

The 70 metre Tu Moana is for sale at an asking price of 8.5 million Euros through YPI and Burgess both acting as co central agents.  Her disposal represents a rare opportunity to purchase a stripped down commercial vessel in need of a total refit and conversion into either a luxury mini-cruise ship or a very special luxury superyacht.


Tia Moana, the yachts sister ship with who she worked in tandem cruising the French Islands of the South Pacific, was sold last year by Richard Shepherd of Edmiston USA.


Bertrand Vogèle CEO of brokers YPI said, “The Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships are known for their quality builds, and this one has an excellent hull and technically superb structure."


He added, "All the necessary surveys and reports have been carried out and, as a vessel that wasn’t sailed very often, she offers the perfect basis for an owner who wants to refit entirely according to his own tastes and needs.” 

With five decks she offers superb cruising possibilities with a draught that allows her to enter the extremely shallow coastal waters, such are found in the islands of French Polynesia.

Both Tia Moana and Tu Moana were built to ABS class in 2003 and were run as mini cruise ships, sleeping 78 guests served by 42 crew.  The accommodation in that configuration consisted of 2 large VIP suites on the bridge deck, with 14 double suites on the upper deck and 9 further double suites on the main deck. Tia Moana was, when sold, asking €20 million.



Originally classed with Bureau Veritas, she is presently out of class and can be seen in Tahiti where she is laid up unused.  The yacht offers great potential to an owner who seeking a large, well-built 69.5 metre, 1,697 ton vessel offered at a very low price but with unlimited potential when it comes to refitting her out. For the right owner, she is an offers an investment opportunity. 


Specifications 

• Length: 69.5m (228ft)
• Beam: 13.8m (45.3ft)
• Draught: 2.3m (7.6ft)    
• Guests: 78
• Cabins: 37 double
• Crew: 37
• Cruising Speed: 14 knots
• Max Speed: 17 knots
• Builder: Austal Ships
• Year: 2003

Charter Yacht E&E Wins Two Top Design Accolades at Industry Shows

E&E the 46 metre superyacht with a can-do attitude to family charter groups has picked up two more accolades.


At the World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul during May this year E&E received The Judges Commendation.


Then again one month later, at a ceremony in Monaco she was selected as the Best Interior Layout in the Show Boats Design Awards.


The specialist jury making the commendation at Istanbul did so after considering the layout of each deck and the practicality of movement around the vessel, both for the yacht's guests and its crew.  They took into account the ratio of the space allocated to the owners and their guests, the technical areas for stores and crew areas, and gave the yacht extra credit for exploiting all available volume to its full potential.


It is easy to see how E&E has won such praise.  The layout positions guest cabins on the upper deck where some with direct access onto the side decks as well as from the interior.


The lower deck is allocated to crew and the operation of the yacht while the main deck carries the saloon, galley and the delightful Master Suite in the conventional manner.  


This division of space and layout is highly functional and well divided between guests and those who work on board


Crew are provided with good accommodations and working spaces which while essential in providing a crew happy to serve guests on charter grants the yacht every technical element she needs to perform her chartering duties well.

Fort Lauderdale Promises Show Will Be Better This Year

Themed areas, layout changes and entertainment are just some of the all new features designed to wow attendees and exhibitors at the 53rd edition of what it bills as the world's largest boat show.


Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show strives to be the world's greatest showcase of the boating and marine lifestyle.  Now owners and operators of the show, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and Show Management, respectively, have developed a strategic plan of exciting enhancements, scheduled to begin in 2012 and continuing to roll out over the next several years, to  ensure that remains the case.

Attendees at this year's show, scheduled for October 25-29 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center, will be greeted by a freshly designed show entrance and guided through the pedestrian-friendly layout with newly designed navigation and communication tools.


A touch of Disneyland Magic is promised with attractive themed areas being created to engage each marine market's respective fans. Entertainment of various sorts, for show-goers of all ages, is being planned to create a great experience for everyone who loves to get out on the water.

Enhanced Navigation and Communication
Introduced at last year's show the show's smartphone app MyBoatShow, designed to help navigate the show's docks, land areas and tents, has been upgraded.  Finally after years of complaints the show organisers report that cellular phone service should improve with the addition of a mobile cell site providing more cellular network coverage. There also will be free cell phone charging stations located throughout the show.

Themed Areas
New this year, attendees will enter the in-water portion of the show at The Bahia Mar Yachting Center through the new Performance Village, located along H/I Dock.This redesigned section of the show will feature a layout highlighting the boats and accessories comprising the performance boat market, including new boats from Cigarette and other industry leaders.

The largest boats and their builders will be represented inside the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) Pavilion, located on the Face Dock.


In true international boat show fashion, the Yacht Builders Tent is a "village of villages" with displays from countries including

• German
• Italy
• New Zealand
• Australia
• British Columbia
• Cayman Islands
• United Kingdom
• The Netherlands.

Other show enhancements include an expanded and revamped Electronics Pavilion with a more pedestrian-friendly layout.


Covering six locations with more than 3 million square feet of space, the show's network of water taxis, riverboats and shuttles transports visitors to see the amazing array of boats ranging from astonishing super-yachts to fishing boats, runabouts and boats for every budget.


WHEN:

• Oct. 25 through Oct. 29, 2012  10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

PRICES:

• Prime Time Preview  $36.00 or $34.00 online
• 2-Day  $38.00 or $36.00 online
• General Admission $20.00 or $18.00 online
• Child (6-15)  $ 5.00 or $3.00 online
• Children under 6 FREE

New Construction Projects Increase While Refit Season Remains Weak

There is still an increasing demand for new construction in the superyacht business. Most builders are reporting more enquiries than last year and the number of contracts signed is beginning. However according to a market status report issued by Fraser Yachts, shipyards are still having to reduce their prices in order to secure a new contract.


The company’s CEO Hein Velema said, “We expect that the profitability of shipyards will be problematic over the coming years. Potential buyers of new construction yachts should be careful in their selection of a shipyard.”


Most refit yards had a weak winter season, the company said. Both in Europe and the US the yachts spent less time in the yards and the jobs were limited in comparison with last year.


Some suppliers said that there was an increase in yachts that organised the maintenance and refit works themselves from the dock where they were berthed.

Mark Whiteley to Leave Design Team Redman Whiteley Dixon

Twenty Years after founding Redman Whiteley Dixon one of its three founders is to leave the firm at the end of the year for pastures new.


Mark Whiteley had set up the firm with Justin Redman and Tony Dixon and together they have owrkded from design studios in Beaulieu Hampshire 


Mark cumulates his career at RWD with the launch of the magnificent 78m Feadship Hampshire II. Very appropriately she will be seen for the first time this summer on the Solent, England's epicentre of yachting and a sketch book throw from his waterside studio, where she was designed by Mark and his colleagues.


It has been confirmed that the company will continue to trade as Redman Whiteley Dixon once Mark leaves

Vicem Launches 46 Metre Composite New Build Superyacht

With the launch of a brand new 46 metre yacht, Vicem the Turkish yacht builder better known for could moulded wooden yachts have entered into the composite superyacht market with a bang


With Frank Mulder undertaking exterior and naval architecture, and Art Line looking after the interiors, Vicem set out to build this 46 meter semi-displacement yacht which is lighter and faster than the industry standard, achieving 25 knots as top speed, while maintaining high-efficiency cruising and long range capability of 4,000 Nm @ 12 knots, thus creating an extremely versatile ship.


She was sold recently while in build to a British businessman for €27 million to a British client through Antoine Lereque at Fraser Yachts


The yacht be exhibited at the Monaco Yacht Show this September


The 460-ton yacht, is powered by twin 3,650 HP MTU engines, delivers efficient ocean-crossing range at reduced speed.


Her three decks plus Sun-deck design allows for six double guest cabins. Her signature open atrium design provides 45 feet of unbroken natural lighting, from the very top of the Sun-deck all the way down to the Lower Deck.


The main deck’s Master Suite uses every inch of this yachts’ 30 foot beam, and includes a CEO’s office and a private gym. A graceful wraparound entry way leads to an inviting Jacuzzi and an arcing full-width head.


Farther aft is the galley, a dining area for ten, and a relaxing lounge and a spacious upper lounge area. 

Rent Before You Buy

With submarines that can be carried on superyachts costing up to €2.5m it is no wonder that clients want to experience them before deciding if they want to purchase or not. With this in mind Superyacht Tenders and Toys, who specialise in the sale of such toys have decided to offer a range of high value luxury yacht toys to rent.


Items include the

• Jetlev-Flyer,
• Submarines,
• Seabob
• Jet-ski and more

All items come with full training and in the case of submarines a pilot, support crew and even a support vessel if required. 


Company founder Josh Richardson comments "This growth is due to owners and managers requests with a number of clients either asking to try before you buy, or just looking at just having items on board for a week or twos summer cruising without the high outlay cost of purchasing." 

Mediterranean Season Starts as Crew Seek New Jobs

"Be organised to get the job working on a superyacht" says the crew recruitment agency The Crew Network.  Early summer is normally a good season for crew placement. Yachts that had a skeleton crew in the winter need new crew for the coming summer season and spring is also a natural time to change yachts for crew that are looking for career opportunities. 


Whilst there are many opportunities to get a job on yachts at the moment, crew members with certificates in order, good references and longevity have a greater chance than others without to get the jobs available.


The agency reports that recent weeks have also shown a large increase in the number of newbies trying to enter the market and looking for work as well as the usual high demand for licensed engineers.

Monaco Yacht Club Nominates its First Russian Ambassador

The Superyacht Rendezvous in Monaco, saw ten outstanding superyachts from 38m to 67m docked at the Quai des Etats-Unis. 


At a La Belle Classe Superyachts Cocktail, an event organised in collaboration with Moët & Chandon, onboard Quinta Essentia, the 55m motor-yacht built in 2011 by his Heesen shipyard, the club appointed Valentin Zavadnikov as its first ever Russian Ambassador for La Belle Classe Superyachts

In line with the wishes of its President, HSH Prince Albert II, who is seeking to position the Principality as a centre of luxury yachting excellence, the Yacht Club de Monaco welcomes, supports and raises awareness of our maritime culture among superyacht owners through its La Belle Classe label.


The ultimate aim is to “Encourage innovation and support the development of yachting”.

Knowing that yachts owner Valentin Zavadnikov is committed to values promoted by the YCM, and competes at a high level with his Synergy Russian Sailing Team in the RC44, TP52 and Louis Vuitton World Series, the YCM was keen to welcome him into La Belle Classe Superyachts.

“As someone who is very active on the race scene with his Synergy team, Valentin is a true ambassador for yachting. His performances help promote our sport and the development of this sector in Russia,” said Bernard d’Alessandri, Secretary General of the YCM.


Alongside François Fiat, the first La Belle Classe Superyacht ambassador, Mr Zavadnikov will be responsible for promoting the values of this label, which unites all owners around a philosophy that respects etiquette and the environment, contributing to making Monaco the Capital of Yachting.

Sellers are now becoming more realistic in their original asking prices.

Hardly a day goes by without one brokerage house or another boasting that a yacht they represent has dropped its asking price.  To me this says one of two things.

• Either the brokerage house originally advised the seller that his yacht was worth more than it is and has now chosen to change its mind

or

• The seller is desperate to sell.

Either scenario is a poor reflection on the industry and publicising price reductions seems to do little to promote the industry we all depend on


Hein Velema the CEO of Fraser Yachts has said in a statement issued recently that the brokerage market for large yachts is still very weak.  He points out that only 4% of the yachts sold were over 50 metres.  He confirmed that the number of superyachts (over 24 metres) sold by brokerage houses during the first four months of 2012 is the same the number sold over the same period last year.


Yet despite this dismal sounding remark he highlights the fact that the total value of those sales is in fact 12% higher this year when compared to figures for the same period last year.


Research carried out by Fraser Yachts suggests that many yachts are still being sold with a high discount. This can be looked at this in two different ways. Compare the “selling price” with the original “asking price” and the average discount so far in 2012 has been 36% while it was an average of 46% in 2011.


However since many yachts gradually lower their “asking price” over the period they are for sale these figures can become skewed.  So if the “selling price” is compared with the latest “asking price” the discounts year to date have been closer to 25% compared to 28% in 2011.


This complicated calculation shows that there is a third alternative that I should have mention above and it is a very simple fact: Sellers are now becoming more realistic in their original asking prices.

Superyacht Christened to the Sound of Music

Photo credit: Amels /  Arthur Lavooy

More than 600 people gathered to witness a musical Christening of the 65 metre Sea Rhapsody christening, at the Amels shipyard in Vlissingen, Holland


They included Tim Heywood who drew the lines of the yacht, and Andrew Winch who designed the interior. The sleek curves of Heywood’s exterior looked spectacular as different coloured spotlights lit up the gleaming superstructure.


Guests were treated to a video on the big screen, which detailed the building process and demonstrated the tremendous skill and complexity involved in building a modern superyacht.


The yacht was then serenaded by a choir on her foredeck, accompanied by a live orchestra.


The shipyard’s managing director Rob Luijendijk said “Sea Rhapsody is a unique piece of art, she looks stunning and we’re very proud of this project. We thank the owners for their trust in Amels.” Representing the owners, Nicholas Dean of Ocean Independence said: “The owners cannot wait for their first family cruise and truly enjoyed the building process.”


Her interior designer Andrew Winch said, “The architectural design has been subtly developed, incorporating new material choices to create an individual signature, specific to the Client. Whilst her large volume interior, complete with second full-beam Master Suite, is complimented by a soft and harmonious decorative scheme inspired by the Client’s love for Asia."


Statistics: 

• LOA: 65.50 metres
• Beam: 11.88 metres
• Gross Tonnage: 1503 Gross Tons
• Owner & Guests: 14
• Crew: 16 plus Captain
• Speed: 17.0 knots

Sanlorenzo expands Brand Representative Network to Turkey

Turkish boat builders have for years been eating into the market dominated by Italian yards but now it seems one Italian company is fighting back.


Italian boatbuilder Sanlorenzo has tackled the situation head on by opening a new Brand Representative office in Turkey, at the Marinturk Istanbul City Port Marina.


Murat Bekiroğlu, the General Manager of the newly created Sanlorenzo Istanbul said, “Being in the marine business for more than 15 years has allowed me and my company to grow and to succeed. Today, I am very excited and happy to announce that we are already delivering our first Sanlorenzo motoryacht sold, into the Turkish market.  She is a brand new SL72, Custom Build.”

Glimpse Into the Future of Yachting at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth

Usually the pontoon outside the Maritime Museum in Falmouth Cornwall is home to historic yachts and boats from the past, but from 29 June to 1 July, visitors to the museum will be able to get a glimpse into the future of yachting

Moored on the pontoon will be what appears to be a standard cruising yacht, but you should never judge a boat by its cover.  Look below decks and visitors will discover that it houses a state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system – the most advanced of its kind in the world.

Armorelbias been converted to hybrid propulsion as part of an EU funded research project called HYMAR (Hybrid Marine).  She is being used as a floating laboratory to test the latest developments in hybrid technology, a system which provides a mixture of electric and diesel propulsion.  In harbour the boat uses electric drive and only switches to diesel once at sea.  The project is led by the International Council for Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) and has taken three years of work by nine partner organisations from six different countries across Europe.


Falmouth based Triskel Marine Limited (TML) developed the unique energy management and control system for the boat and the conversion was carried out at Mylor Yacht Harbour.

HYMAR Project Manager Ken Wittamore said: “The key objective has been to demonstrate that hybrid propulsion in small craft is practical and delivers worthwhile results.  Virtually all boats run on diesel fuel at the moment and we all know that it is a finite resource.  On the HYMAR boat we’re using cutting edge technology to minimise the use of diesel and maximise the use of electrical power.  To do this we are harvesting energy from the marine environment by using wind and solar power whenever we can.  Alongside we can plug in and use electricity from the grid to recharge our batteries. On a good day we won’t need to run the engine at all!"


"With Cornish firms TML and Mylor Yacht Harbour heavily involved in the project it’s great to have the opportunity to reveal our boat to the public for the very first time at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.”

Recent sea trails have resulted in some very strange looks from people ashore. Not because the hybrid looks different from any other boat but because it makes no noise.  Leaving port, she cruises along at 5 knots under electric power and onlookers are puzzled because while clearly moving the boat is silent.

The HYMAR hybrid will be officially unveiled to the world at the PSP Southampton Boat Show from 17 to 19 September, but for an exclusive preview visit the National Maritime Museum Cornwall from 29 June to 1 July.

Vicky is the Largest Motor Yacht to be Launched in Turkey

Just over a year has passed since Proteksan Turquoise made superyacht news with three launches in as many months. Now the largest motor yacht to be launched in Turkey is on final sea trials before making her debut on the world’s oceans.


The 72.6 metre Vicky is the latest and to date the largest new build from the Turkish builder in Tuzla and will be ready for delivery at the end of June 2012.


The yacht is expected to make her public debut at the Monaco Yacht Show this September.


The yacht is another stylish collaboration between the talented in-house naval architecture team and H2 Yacht Design in London, and follows directly on from the last launch by this collaboration, the 70.54m Talisman C.


A defining feature of this new yacht is the forward deck, circular helipad. Considering the hull platform and overall size is very similar to Talisman C, the exterior styling could not be more different with the sweeping curves of the glazed upper windows and side balconies echoing the refined upper superstructure design.


Like her predecessor, Vicky has a top speed of 17 knots delivered by twin 2447 BHP Caterpillar’s and a substantial 7000nm range at 12 knots.


Specifications

• Length overall: 72.6m 
• Length waterline: 64.40m 
• Draught: 4.100m 
• Displacement: 1391 tons 
• Gross tonnage: 1760 GT 
• Range at 15 knots: 4750 nm
• Range at 12 knots: 7000 nm 
• Speed, max: 17 knots 
• Speed, cruise: 15 knots 
• Speed, economic: 12 knots 
• Fuel tanks: 205,000 litres 
• Freshwater tanks: 36,176 litres 
• Black water tanks: 38,744 litres 
• Guest Accommodation: 1 x Master, 2 x VIP, 4 x Guest stateroom
• Crew Accommodation: 1 x Captain, 10 Crew Cabins (18) 
• Lloyd’s Register of Shipping; 100 A1 SSC Yacht Mono G6, LMC, UMS
• Flag: Cayman Islands 
• Compliancy: MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2)
• Operation Area: Unrestricted 
• Exterior Styling: H2 Yacht Design
• Interior Design: H2 Yacht Design
• Naval Architecture: Proteksan-Turquoise 
• Main engines: Caterpillar, 2 x 3516B HD A-Rating
• Power Output: 2 x 2447 bhp
• Diesel generators: Caterpillar, 4 x 200kW C9 DITA 
• Emergency generator: GM, 136 kWe 
• Stabilisers: Quantum QC2200, Zero-speed 7sqm fins
• Bow Thruster: HRP, Electrical 190 kW 
• Windlass and Capstans: DATA, Stainless Steel 

London’s Royal Docks offering superyacht berths in new location even closer to Olympic park

The Royal Docks in London are now offering superyacht berths inside the Victoria Docks, a new location which is even closer to the Olympic park than their earlier offerings


Situated in the heart of the Olympic East End, superyachts will now have the opportunity of berthing inside the Royal Victoria Docks for the very first time. 


With a setting provided by the new £60m Emirates Airways cable car service that spans the River Thames, the Excel centre and historic docklands architecture, the Royal Victoria Docks, promises to offer an incredible backdrop for superyachts visiting the capital in just five weeks time. 


As well as the sporting action at the nearby Olympic park, yacht owners and their guests will also be within minutes of London’s latest arts and entertainment destination, The London Pleasure Gardens. 


The Royal Docks is set to be transformed into an incredible luxury destination with a 65 metre sandy beach, VIP lounge areas and an exclusive pop-up restaurant and bar.  


Working in partnership with Royal Docks 2012, is the London based superyacht concierge company, MGMT, who will provide a complete range of services for yacht owners and their guests throughout their time in London. 


Benjamin Sutton, Director of Communications at MGMT, said “This is a really incredible and unique location for superyachts. Not only is the Royal Victoria Docks within close proximity to the Olympic park, but it is also perfectly positioned for those looking to experience world-class 
music, arts and fine dining." 

Y.Co Continues to Expand

Despite the hammering it received at the hands of a British Newspaper the publicly quoted Y.CO group continues to expand its superyacht operations.


Top broker Steve Elario formerly with IYC and then Sapphire Seas has written informing us he is joining Y.CO as they set up a new office in Fort Lauderdale.


He writes I will be handling Charter and Sales, Management, New Construction, Personal Service all over the Globe. The  job that I have done in the past handling all Charter and Sales needs will not change. As always I will give my 100% dedication to assure all trips go smoothly.


His new contact details are:

• Steven M. Elario 
• Y.CO
• Charter & Sales Broker
• 945 East Las Olas Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301, USA
• www.ycoyacht.com
• +1 954 830 0288
• +1 954 278 3970
• steve.e@ycoyacht.com

• 16°30'1"S 151°44'29"W

Uncomplicated Yacht Insurance Policy Aims to Sweep Away Confusion

The Shipowners’ Club, a Protection & Indemnity insurer has launched a new simplified, All Risk Policy specifically aimed at yachts.  The new policy is designed to simplify liability insurance cover for yacht owners and operators worldwide.  The group seeks to de-mystify aspects of the traditional wording contained in typical P&I insurance Rules and make the conditions understandable to non-specialist yachtsmen and brokers.


Conventional yacht insurance policies offered by both general commercial insurers and P&I clubs have traditionally, featured complex wording using legal and maritime jargon, which can be difficult to understand for anyone who is not a specialist in marine insurance.


The Shipowners´ Club is a mutual marine liability insurer and has been providing insurance to small vessels since 1855 and currently insurers almost 29,000 vessels from 5,624 Members worldwide.


Ian Ferns, Research and Development Manager of Shipowners’ explains how the Club has tackled this problem.  He said, “Our new policy document, running to just 2,000 words instead of the original 40,000, takes a common-sense approach to losses and liabilities and has very few excluded risks; the assumption being that everything is covered unless the policy states specifically that it is not. The policy aims to be all-embracing, making it much easier for brokers to recommend it to a client as a single package, rather than having to put together a variety of separate types of cover”.


A number of new features which will make the policy attractive to yacht owners; all-risk water sports cover, including what are sometimes perceived as risky pursuits such as water-skiing, jet-skiing and diving; greatly relaxed voyage restrictions in many regions of the world and cover for sailing yachts participating in organised races.


The policy can also be extended to include personal accident cover for crew, whatever their employment status or nationality.


The Shipowners’ Club hope that their new wording will appeal to areas of the yacht market that have previously found the P&I world a bit of a mystery such as the brokers who are not marine specialists but have yacht owners, fleet managers or agents as clients and wish to offer them uncomplicated, all-risk liability cover. 


Ferns explains the Club’s strategy, “We knew that we had to adjust and simplify our traditional Rules if we were to be successful in attracting more business from the wider market. We spent a lot of time with our existing clients and brokers, discussing what they would like to see in a truly comprehensive liability policy. As a result I think we have come up with an extensive cover that is based on common sense, has far fewer restrictions, is easy to understand, and will appeal to the majority of yacht owners and their brokers.”


Members of the International Group of P&I Clubs the Club has branches located in Luxembourg, London, Singapore and Vancouver. 

Team Synergy/Heesen win the match race in the RC44 Austria Cup 2012

Photo credits: Guido Trombetta (Studio Borlenghi)

Team Synergy sponsored by Dutch superyacht builder Heesen has stayed on top of the season's rankings in that format by winning first place in the match race and sixth place in fleet racing at the RC44 – Austria Cup, which was held in Gmunden, Lake Traunsee from 30th May to 3rd June.


The RC44 Austria Cup is the only leg of this circuit held on a Lake: the high mountains that soar around the racing course create unpredictable wind shifts that make this race extremely challenging – and exciting.


Team Synergy/Heesen has not lost a single match race in RC44 for an impressive run of 16 weeks, one of the longest winning streaks in this class’ history.


Unfortunately, because of bad weather conditions, only eight races out of twelve could be run. Led by tactician Ed Baird, with Valentin Zavadnikov and Leonid Lebedev at the helm, the team chose conservative tactics in the fleet race and achieved sixth position overall.


Fabio Ermetto, Sales and Marketing director at Heesen Yachts was pleased to comment: "Congratulations to the Owners and their team for this great success. At Heesen we are very proud to sponsor such a winning team!"


The next legs, which will complete this year’s RC44 circuit are:                    

• 18th - 22nd July Marstrand Sweden
• 3rd -7th October World Championship Rovinj Croatia

Bespoke Tender Builder Wins Brand of Tomorrow Status

Walpole is a non-profit organisation that has acted as the voice of the British luxury industry in the UK and overseas for the past 22 years.  Its annual Walpole Brands of Tomorrow scheme is designed to nurture and support the UK’s finest new talent within the luxury sector.


The handful of companies that are finally chosen receive a bespoke mentoring and coaching programme sponsored by law firm Mishcon de Reya to help them develop their full potential.


The judging panel is comprised of leading individuals from top media, venture capital, retail and marketing companies from the UK luxury industry.


Now Patterson Boatworks, the Cumbria-based builder of bespoke timber and composite yachts and tenders, has been selected to become a Walpole Brands of Tomorrow 2012


They received the award alongside seven others, selected from an original 100 applicants.  The other winners included a chocolatier, a children’s clothing designer, a lifestyle accessories brand and a maker of luxury headgear.  Patterson is the first company from the UK leisure marine industry to be nominated since the award scheme started in 2007.


John Ayton, founder and chairman of Walpole Brands of Tomorrow, commented: “We chose Patterson Boatworks because we were very impressed by the quality of the design and building of the vessels, the incorporation of modern technology especially the application of clean propulsion, and the degree of customisation.  It was a business we admired and felt we could help as it developed its business internationally - it has great potential."


In order to be eligible for the scheme, companies are required to demonstrate the highest standards of quality, style and craftsmanship, as well as entrepreneurial management, a clear vision for the future of the brand and a turnover between £100,000 and £2 million.
           
Patterson Boatworks was founded by Simon and Hamish Patterson in 2004, and together they head up a team of experienced boat-builders who specialise in timber and composite boat-building. Using the very best of today’s resin and reinforcement technologies combined with traditional timber techniques and materials, the company was set up to offer a complete boat-building and restoration service for modern racing yachts, superyacht tenders, traditional and composite boats.


Patterson Boatworks supplies the bespoke market that values performance, styling and finishing, as well as the racing market that is looking for innovative construction methods and an informed knowledge of modern timber, composite hull and deck construction techniques. The company endeavours to source timber locally, with oak, Douglas fir, cherry and other fruit woods providing the mainstay of production, and tropical hardwoods such as mahogany and teak being very carefully selected for quality and sustainability.


Simon Patterson of Patterson Boatworks added: “We are delighted to have received the recognition and access to expert advice that comes with this award.  The opportunities that it presents are a once in a lifetime event and we look forward to making the most of them to build an international brand.”


The Patterson yard currently has two 42ft day-sailers (one for Italy and the other for Australia), five superyacht tenders and a Hoek 37 pilot classic in build.  Its Elektra range of composite timber superyacht tenders with electric propulsion designed by Nigel Irens has also received wide acclaim.

Ilona went home to Holland for major refit

Photo credit: Amels / Flying Focus

No one seemed to have any complaints about the way the superyacht Ilona performed.  Indeed the yacht was reported to be functioning perfectly since her launch in 2004.  But the owner wanted a major re-design to accommodate some new ideas and, as owner’s representative David McQueen explained: “He wanted to have a large swimming pool and a helipad large enough to take his 3 tonne Agusta 109 helicopter.” 


And so, last August, the yacht returned to Amels in the Netherlands for an extensive reworking of her interior and superstructure. 


The below-deck helicopter hangar would be removed to make way for the swimming pool with a movable floor, enabling the pool to be replaced by additional deck space depending on the needs of the owner and guests. “With a variable depth floor with maximum depth of 1.5m, the 10m x 3m pool can be filled with 40,000 litres of sea water, which is then purified through a filtration system,” says McQueen. “The water can be heated to up to 6 degrees higher than the original sea temperature in just one hour.”


Aside from the engineering task, there was also the challenge of making these significant alterations without ruining the yacht’s profile.


Additional superstructure was added to accommodate the helipad would have affected the lines of the yacht, so the Owner’s deck and the bridge deck was extended by 2 metres in order to bring the aesthetic appearance back into balance. Metallic grey paint was used to reduce the visual impact of the helideck.


The refit went ahead as planned, with all tasks completed and the yacht delivered on schedule for her relaunch. Captain Kenan Seginer oversaw the work and commented: “For sure we’ll be coming back to Amels again.”


This was the 37th refit to have been carried out by the dedicated Amels Refit Department.  With annual growth of 10% over the past four years.  Already 2012 has been a busy year, with three new-builds and two refits successfully delivered on time, and with another nine new construction projects underway.


Specifications

• LOA: 74 metres
• Beam: 12.1 metres
• Gross Tonnage: 1836
• Owner & guests: 14
• Crew: 18 
• Speed: 17 knots