Yachting Matters - 33 - Autumn/Winter 2017 by Yachting Matters

YACHTING AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY FILE

MAN AT THE TOP CPT. SIMON JOHNSON ST BARTHS BUCKET 2017 IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CLASS BORNEO’S WILD COAST THE LAND BELOW THE WIND PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER STUART PEARCE MYSTIC SEAPORT THE SCHOONERS OF THE GRAND BANKS THE TOP RESTAURANTS OF GREECE ENJOY THE RENAISSANCE

A Colin Squire Publication

Featuring The

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THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.yachtingmatters.com 10

CONTENTS ST BARTHS BUCKET 2017

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CLASS

BORNEO’S WILD COAST 54

24 34

THE GRAND BANKS SCHOONERS

THE 35TH AMERICA’S CUP

54 59

CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

THE QUEEN OF SARDINIA

85 96

AND THE LOVE OF AN ISLAND

2017 MONACO YACHT SHOW 100 THE MADE-TO-MEASURE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE

MYBA 2017 CHARTER SHOW – BARCELONA 102 ONEOCEAN PORT VELL – RECORDS BROKEN

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS

THE PALMA SUPERYACHT CUP

105

PO Box 7, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2QD UK +44 (0)1986 894333 PUBLISHER & EDITOR Colin Squire E-mail: colinsquire@yachtingmatters.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Karen Leggett – E-mail: karen@yachtfile.com EDITOR AT LARGE Norma Trease – E-mail: norma@yachtingmatters.com PRINTED BY Fuller Davies, Ipswich

THE SUPERYACHT CHARITIES FOUNDATION

158

YACHT NEWBUILDS

163

THE BEST IN YACHT BUILDING AND DESIGN

THE INDUSTRY MOVERS

171

A RECOGNITION GUIDE

SUPERYACHT SECURITY

176

IN A MODERN WORLD

TO BIN OR NOT TO BIN

180

THAT IS THE QUESTION

REFIT & REPAIR FACILITIES

183

THE INDUSTRY FILE LIST OF ADVERTISERS

190 192

REFLECTIONS

COLIN SQUIRE PUBLISHING

SuperYachtWeb.com – why not join today?

148

AND THE AC SUPERYACHT FAMILY

A GUIDE TO THE YARDS

THE PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW 104 148

125

IT STARTED QUITE SIMPLY!

ENJOYING THE RENAISSANCE

118

PYA NEWS SUPPLEMENT THE LATEST NEWS & VIEWS

THE TOP RESTAURANTS OF GREECE

118

UNDER PRESSURE

THE GLORY DAYS OF FISHING

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

STUART PEARCE

MAN AT THE TOP

117

WHAT’S ON WHERE 2017 – 2018

‘THE LAND BELOW THE WIND’

PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER

THE EVENTS PLANNER

COVER PHOTOGRAPHS: Michael Kurtz – Pantaenius

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Colin Squire – colinsquire@yachtingmatters.com Karen Leggett – karen@yachtfile.com This magazine is a YachtFile publication. Whilst the publishers have taken every care to ensure the contents are correct they cannot take responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of any editorial or advertisement. The opinions do not necessarily reﬂect those of the publisher, who therefore cannot accept any legal responsibilities for opinions expressed herein. We acknowledge the right of reply. All rights are reserved in the format and content of this magazine and no part may be reproduced or stored without prior permission.

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR HERE HAVE ALL THE BIG YACHTS GONE?

cruise. What do you need, a bigger yacht is normally at the top of

We see reports of new builds coming out of

the list. Buy one second hand and give it a facelift is the quicker

Germany, Holland, Italy and the USA, where do they

option, the interior will normally get the overall treatment but

go? These are not small yachts by any stretch of the imagination,

of course the build of a new yacht is an Owner’s dream, finances

these are yachts built to travel vast distances in comfort, a

and time allowing. Most have plenty of the former but not

few with outlandish profiles, but mostly, to a traditionalist like

much of the latter, meaning one has to entrust the dream to

myself they are vessels beautifully crafted to provide head

a proven management company and an experienced designer.

turning profiles. Many of these new builds are an Owner’s

With the design it is all down to where the yacht is expected to

second, third or fourth yacht, the culmination of a generation of

go. Expedition yachts are currently in vogue, they do look great

luxury yachting. Having dipped a toe into luxury yachting many

in pack ice and certainly are built for big seas and exploration,

years ago and discovering how wonderful it is to wake up every

and they can also look quite cool anchored off St Tropez, but a

morning in a new setting, surrounded by the same crew, the

more contemporary design can encompass all that is needed. The

same service and the same exemplary standards and not having

safety aspect of a polar vessel, or certainly one that can visit all

to meet strangers at breakfast or in the foyer of some posh hotel,

corners of the world, has been proven over time and one may

it is tough to give it up.

find the need for deeper pockets than expected but peace of

Modern technology and the rules laid down by the many Classification Societies ensure that modern yachts do not have

As many of these new vessels leave the yards they are

the dramatic breakdowns of past years and fires are almost as

destined to take their Owners on magnificent journeys of

rare as sinkings. Yachts are now safer than they have ever been

discovery and intrigue. In the magazine we have embraced

and to take a line from an old Quantum advert, they don’t ‘Rock

this trend for many years and as we have done so we have

& Roll’. Also crew are now trained to standards unthought of

endeavoured to bring a great many exciting destinations to our

during my days at sea, and working on board a power yacht,

readers attention. But there are so many, with over 70% of the

as 80% of crew do is relatively simple compared to a life of

earth’s surface covered by water it is possible to spend days

sail, there is no need to know about the foibles of sail handling,

without seeing another yachtsman in the most beautiful, or

rigging or masts, you either have sail yachts in your blood or

rugged of settings. Many of these bio-diverse areas are under

not, and when the boss says ‘Let’s go racing’ he means ‘Let’s

almost irreversible pressure, sadly if an ex-yacht owner, President

go racing’ and let’s means, we are all going to have fun with

Trump has his way, simply for votes, this can only get worse. Note

my boat today. It’s a different lifestyle. But power yachts are

our editorial on the Great Barrier Reef and even my recent visit

different, comfort throughout is the name of the game, no

to Iceland where, it was pointed out, bird and fish populations are

heeling to port or starboard, not much water on the decks, it

also in a state of flux, all possibly due to warming seas.

mostly comes from the morning wash-down, more room to

But getting into politics, which maybe I shouldn’t, one

relax, it’s a big difference. The Owner only wants to see his crew

more reason to own one of these floating leviathans is security.

when he needs them, they are the silent service. The world is his

With the borders between Europe and Russia under increasing

oyster and as a rule he will pay his crew a better salary, he has

tension, China showing the world that it can expand its borders

too if he wants to keep them, good Captains, Engineers, Chefs,

almost unchallenged, a strange little man in North Korea

interior and deck crew are not always easy to find and when

wanting to begin the first nuclear holocaust, the problems in the

cruising to far flung places, not only do you need a vessel that

Middle East that are not going to disappear soon and just about

will not break down, you also need crew that will be able to

every civilised country in the world fighting terrorism of one kind

stand the daily stress.

or another, having a 300 ft yacht that allows an Owner and his

These large yachts are designed for world cruising, hence we do not see much of them. Once an Owner has conquered the Mediterranean, thoughts are then consumed by the world

mind has to be invaluable.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

family to sail away over the distant horizons to safety is maybe a good idea. Who knows what the futuree holds!

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

OF CARPETS

OLIVER TREUTLEIN YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

ST BARTHS BUCKET 2017 IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT CLASS WORDS BY JOHN BURNIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM WRIGHT

HE ST BARTHS BUCKET UNDOUBTEDLY holds the crown as the ‘big daddy’ of all the Superyacht Regattas that take place in the world today. Size is not necessarily always a recipe for success – but The Bucket in St Barths regularly attracts a fleet of 35+ Superyachts for solid reasons. The event is run in conditions that are nothing less than spectacular. There is French Chic on an island renowned for its beauty and charm and the organisers offer great entertainment as well as challenging race courses around a beautiful and rugged coastline. This clearly engages the interest of the owners of a plethora of diverse, interesting and grand

THIS SPREAD: SPIIP

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SUPERYACHT RACING

ABOVE: WISP

yachts – so it is hardly surprising that many of these iconic yachts

are calculated on time on time/time on distance. The J Class

regularly return to St Barths to attend the event.

Association however has evolved its own class rule and has a

In 2017 the presence of 6 J Class yachts in St Barths,

handicapping system based on VPP principles – this allows all the

racing head to head, provided an extra frisson of excitement

yachts participating to start on one line together, creating a great

and interest for all. The growth of the modern J Class Yacht

spectacle for all.

has been extraordinary – the number of these grand yachts

In 2017 the Bucket organisers also introduced a Corinthian

racing today has already eclipsed the number of active boats

class for owners who might prefer to sail in the regatta in a ‘white

in their former years – and in Bermuda and Newport in 2017

sail’ format (i.e. no spinnakers). This racing method inevitably

there could be as many as 8 on the circuit. Superyacht Racing is

requires less crew as the yachts are subjected to less force and

normally run under pursuit formats or staggered starts – results

stress. The idea in the Corinthian class is that the crew can be

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

made up with fewer professional sailors who would normally be

water to watch the two windward/leeward races for the six

flown in to help safely manage the large systems on the yachts.

J Class participants on their first day. The winds were elevated

Racing got underway on Thursday 16th March for the

(15 – 22 kts) for the yachts and the dark sails and rigs on the

J Class fleet while the rest of the Superyacht fleet (some 32

newer and larger yachts dominated the start – all dwarfing

yachts) were preparing or practising for their racing the following

Shamrock, the smallest and the most traditional yacht in the

day. The Superyacht/Pursuit Classes were scheduled to be racing

fleet. Lionheart unfortunately had to retire in the first race

in a usual three day format whereas the J Class fleet had four

and Hanuman corrected out to tie with Velsheda with Topaz

days of racing organised – two days of windward leeward courses

third respectively. This was a good outing for Topaz, one of the

(one day with two races) and two days of island courses (with

newer J Class Yachts built. During the second race the positions

five races in total). So there were plenty of spectators on the

were reversed with Velsheda ripping out a great start, pipping

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SUPERYACHT RACING

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SUPERYACHT RACING

PREVIOUS SPREAD: ELENA OF LONDON ABOVE: PERSEUS 3

Hanuman to the post and winning the coveted Kings Hundred

Corinthian Class – proving that, with care, you can sail in these

Guineas Cup which was awarded for the day’s racing. A great

events with friends and family if you wish to.

result for Velsheda, one of the older and more original yachts.

scoreboard – the six historic sloops sailed another windward-

five separate classes, each designed to include yachts of similar

leeward race to make theirs a three-race series thus far. The plan

characteristic if not size. These were composed of A: Les Gazelles

was now in place for the J Class yachts to join in the coastal races

Des Mers (fast performance/modern) B: Les Elegantes des Mers

that the pursuit classes had planned for Saturday and Sunday,

(mid performance/modern) C: Les Mademoiselles des Mers

rather than racing separately.

(Spirit of Tradition style) D: Les Grandes Dames Des Mers (Perini style) E: Les Voiles Blanches (Corinthian Division).

Velsheda won the J Class race to remain at the top of the

The following day the Superyacht fleet lined up in their

The second day of the Bucket Regatta unusually provided six new winners in all six classes after the 38-strong fleet sailed

The pursuit classes at the Bucket enjoyed mild conditions

a long ‘Not So Wiggly’ course around the north and west of St.

on the first day, with mostly 15-16 knots of breezes and a

Barths. In classes A – E the winners were Unfurled, SPIIP, Axia,

moderate sea state over courses ranging from a 19 – 23 miles

Rosehearty, Koo – Hanuman prevailed in the J Class. In this race

in length that circled the island in a counter-clockwise direction.

the tacticians on the J’s had to be extra vigilant as the SYRA rules

WinWin, Ganesha, Wisp, Perseus^3, and Q took the spoils

regarding the right of way apply when a J Class yacht meets a

respectively in classes A-E. The new owners of Q (ex- Mondango

superyacht on the course. On a windy day (20 plus knots at times)

2) who also own Parsifal 3 were especially pleased with their win

some bigger boats like Rosehearty chose not to fly a spinnaker.

as they were racing their yacht with a ‘detuned’ crew in the new

This proved to be good tactics in the end as Perseus^3 did put one

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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SUPERYACHT RACING

Unfurled, looked to be the overall winner after the final

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: UNFURLED

up and lost ground trying to control the enormous sail (said to be

PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: ADELA

The J Class started with an exciting 2.5 nm downwind leg

successful protest by WinWin dropped them to third overall

with all the yachts revelling in the lively conditions. Yesterday’s

behind second-placed Visione with WinWin taking the class

leader Velsheda suffered a penalty after the start, clearing the

overall as a result of the protest.

ABOVE: HANUMAN AND LIONHEART

the largest spinnaker ever made).

way for Hanuman to lead the entire way around the 26-mile

The Royal Huisman sloop SPIIP won Class B for Les

course. With no clear winners in all classes at this point the

Elegantes des Mers following a tight battle with the recently

stage was set for a final day of competition where there was

refitted Sojana and Ganesha who sadly lost points on the second

everything to play for.

day having been forced to retire from racing. SPIIP’s tactician Tom

It’s hard to remember a Bucket Regatta where so many

Whidden revealed that the yacht lost its hydraulics in the last race,

trophies were still undecided going into the last day of racing.

making it a great win for the team despite their obvious handicap.

The last race traditionally is clockwise around the island of

The Royal Huisman sloop Wisp won Class C for Les

St Barths and ends with a colourful and exiting downwind finish

Mademoiselles del Mers, particularly pleasing for the owners

to the line off Gustavia.

participating in only their third regatta. The defending class

In conclusion in the J Class Hanuman, tied on points scored with Velsheda, who finally won the series on a count back.

days racing in Class A for Les Gazelles des Mers – however a

champion Axia, after a disappointing 7th in the second race managed a third place to finish third overall behind Rebecca

Amazingly third and fourth place, between Lionheart and Ranger,

The Perini Navi ketch Rosehearty successfully defended

also had to be decided by a tiebreaker, showing just how close

her class title Class D for Les Grandes Dames des Mers. In the

the racing had been.

last race she held off Meteor in the downwind run to the finish

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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SUPERYACHT RACING

ABOVE: WIN WIN

and Perseus^3 blew out her spinnaker wrecking her chances of

John Burnie was a Co-Founder of the RORC Caribbean 600 race

taking the class. ‘We are thrilled,’ said Rosehearty’s owner Joey

with Stan Parson and Eddie Warden Owen, the CEO of RORC.

Kaempfer, who also took home the Perini Navi Trophy for Best Contact: John.Burnie@berthon.co.uk

Performance by a Perini Navi yacht. In the newly established Corinthian Class, Class E for Les Voiles Blanche, the Vitters Sloop KOO prevailed and took home the spoils after taking over the lead from Q in the final part of the last race. This was a great success in the new class which hopefully will attract even more owners who prefer to race in this more genteel manner. good winds on the courses and final positions only decided in the closing stages of the last race. The Overall prize for the St Barths Bucket is nowadays chosen from the group of boats in the most competitively contested class – and in 2017 the trophy

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

Overall prize for the St Barths Bucket J Class

2017 was indeed a vintage regatta for the Bucket with

deservedly went to SPIIP.

ST BARTHS BUCKET 2017 RESULTS

>||

A: Les Gazelles Des Mers

SPIIP Hanuman WinWin

B: Les Elegantes des Mers

Spiip

C: Les Mademoiselles des Mers

Wisp

D: Les Grandes Dames Des Mers E: Les Voiles Blanches

Rosehearty Koo

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AMED AS THE LAND UNDER THE TYPHOON BELT,

With a history of being a sailing destination harking back

Borneo can also boast of having the best and basically, only

1500 years, Borneo has remained a tribute to her ancient natural

marina between Singapore and the Philippines.

and wild beauty. ‘Superyachts are discovering these unique

‘The west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is relatively well

natural attractions and word is spreading within the superyacht

travelled and documented by cruising superyachts. But East

worldwide community’, adds Captain JF. He and his team provide

Malaysia, also known as Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan – or “Malaysian

the far-reaching services and support along with a custom

Borneo”, offers an altogether more adventurous prospect’, reports

itinerary to ensure a memorable superyacht journey.

Asia Pacific Superyachts Captain Jean-Francois (JF) Cormerais. Cruising grounds are easily reached in this relatively small

SANCTIONS LIFTED

area and largely unexplored. Here you’ll find some of the most

Captain Jean-Francois, a marine consultant with 40 years sail and

spectacular and beautiful waters in South East Asia, with deserted

motor yachting experience and sailing three times around the

islands (some yet to be discovered!) and mainland attractions that

world, reports most areas of Borneo are now deemed safe once

rival the best in the world.

again for vessels, based on the new JWC insurance underwriter’s

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

CRUISING BORNEO

listed in these areas. As well, they no longer must pay additional and costly premiums for this purpose. A lot is said about safety around this area and when studying the history, for the last 30 years there had been no incidents involving a pleasure yacht. Not too many places can state this which is, by itself, a proof of security’. Sabah can also offer private jet, helicopter, luxury car rental, and a high standard of medical care with an ever increasing

ABOVE: A TYPICAL SCENE – ONE OF THE MANY STUNNING ISLANDS THAT ARE CLOSE TO KOTA KINABULU LEFT: BOHEY DULANG – NEAR SIPADAN ISLAND, SABAH

choice of food & beverage. BORNEO TREASURES Experts say that nowhere else on earth nurtures such an extensive and diverse collection of orchids as Borneo. Approximately 3000 magnificent species of orchid can be found here, more than anywhere else in the world and boasts of the most orchidées endémiques in the world. On the slope of Mount Kinabalu you’ll find the biggest flower in the world (the ‘Raflesia’) and perhaps rare orchids and carnivorous plants. Sabah’s surrounding waters boast some of the best dive sites on the planet. These include Layang, Sipidan, Kapalai and Lankayan on the east coast and Banggi and Balambangan on the committee issuance of the updated JWLA 022 bulletin as of Dec. 10, 2015.

north coast. When cruising or taking a one-of-a-kind boat safari on

‘Vessels no longer need to seek special approval from

the Kinabatangan River you can see orangutans, pigmy elephants

insurance underwriters to enter, operate and stopover at any port

and monkeys. There are infinite opportunities in trekking, jungle

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

CRUISING BORNEO

Harbour, the only fully equipped marina in Sabah and strategically situated between the city centre and the airport. KK is an ideal hub to explore the interior of Sabah. You don’t want to miss a visit to Mt. Kinabalu in the Kinabalu National Park towering above Borneo. Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia and beneath it ancient virgin rainforest conservation areas unfold with waterfalls, canyons, exotic wildlife, flora and fauna and a myriad of adventure and eco-tourism activities. Captain JF says, ‘A reasonably fit person can climb Mt. Kinabalu in a day, without serious mountaineering gear or ropes, and Sutera Harbour operates the only rest house near the summit, complete with hot showers and restaurant.’ ISLAND LEGENDS Scientists estimate the Borneo rainforest at 130 million years old, making it the oldest in the world and 70 million years ABOVE: A MAGNIFICENT VIEW OF MT. KINABALU ABOVE: SUTERA HARBOUR

exploration and possibly staying in one of Borneo’s stunning

the senior of the Amazon! Then there are the approximately

rainforest lodges.

15,000 species of plants and trees, 221 species of terrestrial

A natural paradise, Borneo is one of the most diverse cruising playgrounds in the world, combining azure waters, tropical islands and mainland coastal bays with an extraordinarily diverse selection of mainland beauty, river cruising and land adventures.

mammals and 420 species of resident birds and more of the various species are being discovered every year. Some of the mammals of Borneo include the severely endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, Asian Pigmy Elephant and the Bornean Clouded Leopard, along with the utterly charming

KOTA KINABALU

Orangutan of Borneo and the Proboscis Monkey. A visit to Sukau

Checking in at the capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu

along the Kinabatangan River can take you to an area rich in

(affectionately known as ‘KK’) you’ll find many anchorages close

wildlife and the only place on earth to view the entertaining and

to the city along with excellent facilities at the marina at Sutera

droll Proboscis Monkeys.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

CRUISING BORNEO

ABOVE: BORNEO RAINFOREST

Malaysia. It’s in the midst of the rainforest along the banks of the Lipad River and is a great place to track orangutans in the wild.’

RIGHT: PROBOSCIS MONKEY

He further suggests a trip to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, with an extensive network of trails through the

BELOW: CLOUDED LEOPARD

forest to view wildlife. A ‘Canopy Walkway’ is suspended from the treetops 27 metres high above the forest floor for the bravehearted and here visitors can enjoy the night safari drive on an open truck or walk along the nature trail. STUNNING DIVING The islands offer the serious and amateur diver alike a huge array of underwater attractions and plenty of adventures and experiences for the non-divers. Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands are known as the ‘Golden Triangle of Borneo’ diving destinations and a diving utopia. Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea) and the geographic position puts it in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world and ‘One of the top five best dive locations in the world’. ‘Layang Layang, an atoll 170 miles west of KK is also a very good dive option and best when whales are around although it

Not to be missed is a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan

is not open the entire year. The name means ‘Place of Swallows’

Rehabilitation Centre to meet orphaned orangutans up-close.

and refers to the migratory birds that inhabit the island. A bird

Another option suggests Captain JF, is: ‘The Tabin Wildlife Resort

sanctuary, the island is a world renowned dive destination’, reports

located within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in

Captain JF, adding: ‘KK, surprisingly enough, has quite nice diving

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

CRUISING BORNEO

RIGHT: SABAH BELOW RIGHT: POLICE BEACH BOTTOM: PULAU TIGA

off the bay, allowing owner and guests to go a couple of miles to the dive start using their tender.’ UNIQUE ITINERARY PLANNING Borneo provides an astonishing number of surprises for superyacht visitors as the vessel journeys through an itinerary of stunning attractions along the east and north coast areas. Even today a lot of places along the coast are rarely visited by yacht, reports the Captain: ‘I’ve developed various week/10 day cruises and afterwards owners have told me how pleased they were to spend a week away from it all’. Some of these places high on the list include: Pulau Tiga – (only 30 miles south of KK), is also known as ‘Survivor Island’, the location for the first of the popular ‘Survivor’ series, offering many anchorages and uninhabited places. Captain JF adds, ‘You can anchor in Police Bay on the North of Pulau Gaya near the lighthouse, it’s well protected except from north winds. The islands of Sulug, Manukan, Mamutik and Gaya provide a beautiful Borneo sunset experience’. Mengalum Island – the island where Captain Magellan supposedly dropped an anchor is 30 miles west of KK. Though people are not allowed to stay on this island, in the evening the beaches are quiet. There is a nice anchorage on south side of the island and long deserted beach for beachcombing and snorkelling.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

CRUISING BORNEO

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Mantanani Island – (about 50 miles north) Mantanani is a bit

It is a great experience to anchor and visit some of these islands

overrun during the day but very nice in the evening with fine

where friendly locals can be seen living in a very basic way.

TOP LEFT: BANGGI ABOVE LEFT: LANKAYAN

white sand beaches, good snorkelling, diving and shoreline and a traditional remote village to visit. This location also provides

Lankayan Island Resort – Cruise south to Lakayan Island resort

secure sheltered anchorage overnight, according to direction

for great snorkelling or diving options (don’t miss the wreck

of the wind. Visit the NW side of the island at sunset for a

diving!). Night turtle watching can be pre-arranged and an

spectacular site of thousands of frigate birds arriving to nest for

interesting diving site with spectacular diving surrounds this

the night.

island. It’s best to anchor overnight at the west side of the island and enjoy a good meal on shore.

Balambangan Island – is further north and the biggest of the islands in Borneo with very few people and a very well protected

Sandakan & Wildlife – Travelling south you’ll come to the

and secure anchorage. Balambangan, Banggi & Maliangan Island

big and well protected bay of Sandakan. Anchor at the port

are within the Tun Mustapha Marine Park and offers shore-based

designated area near to Sandakan Yacht Club, utilising yacht club

activities of snorkelling, kayaking and seasonal turtle beach

jetty facilities pre-arranged with management. Here you can visit

safaris. Overnight anchorage at a sheltered bay with a scenic

a World War II memorial, a reminder of the prison camp.

saltwater mangrove spread across the bay between the straits separating Balambangan and Banggi islands.

Here you have an option of a land excursion for a private visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and a close

Between Krabi (the main town of Banggi) and Maliangan

encounter with the primates. This can be followed by a visit

is a deep bay with reefs around but offers a great anchorage

to the Borneo Sun Bear Research Centre, providing a rare

for the night. Depart though the Malawi channel which is well

opportunity to view this near-extinct species. Close by is the park

marked and you’ll find many small islands to visit and stopover.

for the Proboscis Monkeys.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

BELOW: THE RAIN FOREST AT SEPILOK

Kinabatangan River – If you are adventurous your vessel

Borneo Rain Forest – Another option is to depart Sandakan via

can even enter the Kinabatangan river at this point; however

helicoptor or comfortable 4WD to the Borneo Rain Forest Lodge

you must be sure of draft, tide and have knowledge of the river.

near Lahad Datu and experience the rain forest atmosphere for a

The rewards are spectacular and a must is the ‘night safari’

3 day 2 night stay at the exclusive 6 star jungle resort (the famous

where guests to see an abundant wildlife from the back of a

Danum Valley Rainforest Reserve was visited by the Queen of

pick-up. Exciting!

Sweden and also Prince William not too long ago, notes the captain).

Depart early morning from Sandakan and cruise south 30 miles to the Mumiang Rivermouth, a branch of the Kinabatangan

Semporna – Located in Tun Sakaran Marine Park and consists

River. There’s good anchorage at the inner river mount for any

of Mantabuan, Gaya, Sibuan, Bohey Dulang, Tetagan and other

boat with less than 4.5 m draft. Travel up to 40 miles upstream

smaller islands. Anchor overnight at east side of Bum Bum Island

to explore and experience the vast landscapes and village life

if weather conditions are calm or on the east side of Larapan

along the river shoreline with an overnight stay at one of the

Island for shelter from bad weather. Many other anchorages are

comfortable jungle lodge resorts along the river banks, or on

possible in this large bay.

board. Before reaching the village of Sukau a power line crosses the river so most yachts cannot venture further up river.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

However, there’s lots of activity in Sipandan with smaller craft sailing from one island to the other as it is the hub for all

CRUISI CRU ISING ISI NG BOR OR RNEO N

the Sipandan diving. Cruise down through the channel between Bum Bum island and land to reach your anchorage near Kapalai Island for snorkelling or diving in the underwater universe of the world famous Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai dive resort. The reef or wreck diving at Kapalai Island is stunning and near Kapalai is a pretty resort on a reef where you can dive on a on a wreck, specifically prepared for diving. *The above recommendations (in part or whole) have been adopted by superyachts such as M/Y Mayan Queen IV,

ABOVE: SEMPORNA LEFT: BORNEO SUN BEAR BOTTOM LEFT: AN ORANGUTAN FROM THE SANCTUARY AT SEPILOK BELOW CAPTAIN JEANFRANCOIS CORMERAIS

S/Y Gygnus Montanus, M/Y Double Haven, S/Y Naos, M/Y Northern Sun, M/Y Braveheart, M/Y Andiamo and M/Y Karima during their trips in past years. The two main seasons (SW and NE wind) could affect the plan for anchorage etc. reports Captain JeanFrancois: ‘The

weather

Borneo is heavily influenced by the northeast monsoon from December to March and the southwest monsoon from June to September, though this in turn makes it easy to predict the best times for a visit’.

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

E MAY LOOK EVERY BIT THE ROCKER OF yacht photography with his tousled hair and deep tan but Stuart Pearce, considered one of the top yacht photographers in the world, only entered the industry in the latter years of his career. Despite living in the yachting hub of Mallorca all his life and building up a reputation as a photographer of worldwide repute, an early experience as a young freelancer made him think he didn’t have the legs for yacht photography. ‘I’ve always loved the sea but my first experience of shooting on a boat was a music video, with a band and film crew, and just as everything was ready to roll I started feeling so sick they had to put me ashore to shoot from the coast’ recalls Stuart. ‘I’ve always taken my work really seriously so was mortified and for years never took on another assignment which involved being on the water.’ Indeed, over the next 20 years, Stuart concentrated on building up a freelance career producing stock photography

whole new world of photography that perfectly employs his 30 years of experience.

for picture agencies around the world, concentrating on travel

‘The offer came at just the right time, and I was tempted

and lifestyle and earning a reputation for photographing fine

for two reasons really; the first was that travel and travel

hotels and exclusive properties. He also worked with top

photography is a passion I share with my wife Britt and our three

agencies in ad campaigns for companies like Nivea, Carlsberg,

boys which has taken us all over the world so I’ll go anywhere

Nestlé and Danone.

new at any opportunity. The second reason was that it coincided

Fortunately for Stuart, an offer about 10 years ago from

with the advent of the digital age and the big stock agencies

a charter agency to travel along the Turkish coast with a bunch

were getting images from anyone with a digital camera and

of bikini-clad models proved too hard to resist and opened up a

no longer relying on professionals. I realised that I had to find

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

another avenue and knew that living on an island, working with the yacht industry was an obvious choice. ‘Needless to say, I was terribly nervous about the whole thing because there were 30 people on the shoot so if I started feeling queasy it would be a disaster but I dosed myself up to the eyeballs with caffeine-laced seasick tablets and they worked a dream. By the end of the shoot I forgot to take them but was also happy to discover that I no longer needed them.’ A few more yachting assignments followed but then, a few years ago, Stuart went to the Virgin Islands to photograph the 80 m MY Nero and he and Britt stopped over in Antigua where two of their sons, the middle son Tom and the youngest Jack were working on sailing yachts. Tom, who was working on SY Adela at the time, introduced him to Captain Greg Perkins and his wife La at a party at their home near English Harbour and that led to new hatches being opened with the photography for Adam Bateman on 46 m SY Unfurled and Richard Humphreys on 86 m SY Aquijo. Since then Stuart has worked with most of the exclusive yachting brokerages and his work features regularly in fine yachting magazines.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

His sons tease him that everyone thinks it must be easy for them to find work on yachts because their dad is so well known, but they claim that in fact he’s become more well-known because of them! Stuart and Britt’s oldest son Stroud is following Stuart in the creative world as a cinematographer and is currently studying at the prestigious National Film School of Denmark in Copenhagen. Stuart’s entrée into photography started in 1985 with a three-year apprenticeship in Palma. Having grown up on the island he was keen to get off and ‘explore the world’ and before that he spent a couple of years in London before going to live in the US for five years. ‘I started out in the Kodak days of Ektachrome 64 as an assistant to Mallorcan photographer Pedro Coll. We spent three years travelling the world shooting exclusive hotels on Hasselblad and bulky Pentax 6x7 cameras, with cumbersome lighting equipment, Polaroid backs and light meters. A lot of our time was also spent on trips back and forth to the lab – a far cry from the instantaneous results of today’s equipment. Pedro

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

was an excellent teacher and I gained invaluable experience in

lifestyle, advertising and working with models and even food

lighting interiors and working with professional models.’

images all comes together in yacht photography, because there

In fact, one of these models is the supermodel Claudia

are so many aspects to it. Sometimes I’ll spend a whole day

Schiffer. Stuart spotted her in Tim’s bar in Andratx and persuaded

just working with models and another day I might spend the

her to let Pedro photograph her. ‘I remember we had to ask her

day doing food photography, focusing on the signature dishes

mother to sign the model release. Although I can’t claim to have

of the chef.

discovered her, we were definitely the first to take professional photos which lit the fuse for her subsequent rise to fame.’

also have to be taken into consideration, but sometimes it’s just

Stuart now considers the fact he spent half his career

about being in the right place at the right time. ‘I’m also reliant

working in the analogue side of photography and the second half

on and grateful for an energetic and positive crew as they are the

with digital photography an advantage.

ones running around, are putting out all the toys and props and

‘When you shoot with film you spend a lot more time

‘Light, location and the fact a boat is a moving object

making sure the boat is 100% perfect.’

getting it right from the very first shot as there is no margin of

From a man who was once worried about sea-sickness,

error. Absolute precision is called for because you’d load a film of

Stuart’s exploits in order to capture the perfect shot are sometimes

36 and need to get a perfectly exposed shot.’

enough to turn even a hardened sea-dog green at the gills. One

Asked what makes him a leader in his field, Stuart gives

of his most hair-raising experiences was when he crossed the bow

a modest shrug. ‘I suppose it helps that I am an all-rounder

of a motor yacht travelling at 30 knots with just a few metres

who works off gut instinct and that I have a creative as well as

between them. ‘I learned one fast lesson: never ask the chef to

commercial eye. My training doing travel photography, interiors,

drive you in the tender. He misunderstood my instructions but,

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PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

of course, other members of crew would have realised how dangerous the manoeuvre was.’ Now Stuart’s preferred tender driver when needing a particularly dramatic angle is Tomeu Salas who for many years was the captain of the Spanish underwater spearfishing federation. ‘He’s a fearless maniac in his 70s but he’s extremely confident too. I’ve realised from hanging out of helicopters and off the back of tenders that if you want to get the shot it can be quite petrifying. Some of my best shots have involved a lot of faith in competent crew. ‘In another incident I was in a helicopter in Monaco when the pilot got so close to the motor yacht I was photographing that all the giant cushions on the bow were blown into the sea as we flew a little too

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

close. ‘The pictures were dynamic – luckily I got them before the cushions blew away because that meant the end of the shoot. ‘Another occasion which sticks in my mind was when I was in Curaçao in the Dutch Antilles photographing SY Highland Breeze for the owner of Gaastra nautical clothing. I had just reached the top of the mast when the captain decided to move the yacht a few miles down the coast without lowering me first. Again the shots were great – not so sure about my nerves.’

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memorable occasions was when I was shooting MY Nero for a charter promotion with amazing Chief Stewardess, Valve Saarma, 20 more crew and six models. Britt and I stayed on board for two nights and on the last night had a full silver service dinner with the models and captain. On another yacht he hung out in the galley with top Spanish chef Paco Perez who had cooked for King Juan Carlos on his yacht Fortuna. ‘He was such a larger than life character and I really enjoyed chatting to him and watching him prepare the

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PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS – STUART PEARCE

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‘The people in the yacht industry are generally very open and positive and that makes my job so much easier and keeps it exciting. After 30 years in photography I still look forward to each and every assignment and I am still as passionate about what I do as I was when I started out. FAVOURITE FOOD? ‘When it comes to food I have simple tastes and Spaghetti aglio olio e peperoncino couldn’t be simpler but when cooked by Michelin Star chef Antonello Sardi on the Burgess yacht SY Satori, it’s ridiculously good’ FAVOURITE TIPPLE? Spanish red wine – I love Mallorcan wine or those from the Ribera del Duero region. Although I have to say wherever I am I always like to enjoy a drink of the country – nothing beats a dark ‘n’ stormy in the Caribbean. HOW DO YOU UNWIND? Chilling out in the garden of our country home in Es Capdella where I have lived for the past 26 years, perhaps wandering down to the village bar to have a sundowner with some of the locals. Interestingly, the village has recently become home to a few yacht captains. I suppose, like me, they enjoy the peace of the Tramuntana Mountains and the fact it’s a different world from the one at sea.

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was definitely a favourite holiday that produced some amazing images. From a yacht photography point of view I’d love to do the Northern Passage, Alaska and Greenland, the South Pacific and closer to home, Croatia.

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THE GRAND BANKS SCHOONERS

THE GLORY DAYS OF FISHING BY DAN McFADDEN

ABOVE: THE L.A. DUNTON AT HER BERTH AT MYSTIC SEAPORT, WHERE SHE HAS BEEN RESTORED TO REPRESENT WHAT SHE LOOKED LIKE DURING THE 1920S.

HE GLOUCESTER FISHING SCHOONERS ARE

of 7.6 metres (24 feet 11 inches). Although auxiliary power was

legendary in the annals of western maritime history. Built

widely accepted at this time, she was not originally equipped

to pursue their trade in the face of the worst conditions the

with an engine and was probably one of the last large, engine-less

sea could throw at them, they are also famous for their beauty

schooners to be built (her owner installed a gas auxiliary the next

and speed. The schooners of their heyday from 1870 to 1930

year). She was named for the Boothbay Harbor, Maine, sailmaker

are a case where the practical requirements of the job created

Louis A. Dunton.

something truly special. Form followed function, but the form was more than just a seaworthy work boat.

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS ©MYSTIC SEAPORT

The design came from the drafting board of Thomas McManus (1856-1938). The son of Irish immigrants who grew

On the continental shelf off the United States and Canada,

up on the Boston waterfront, McManus produced more than 450

between the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and the cold flow

designs of fishing vessels and yachts over his career. His roots in

of the Labrador Current, shallow plateaus called banks are fertile

the fishing community led him to produce design innovations that

grounds for marine life. For more than 500 years, fishermen

would improve the safety and working conditions on board. He

have come to the banks seeking the natural bounty of cod,

introduced the convex bow and outside ballast, which increased

haddock, halibut and other edible fish. Sailing from the principal

the vessel’s stability. His ‘knockabout’ schooners eliminated the

New England fishing ports of Gloucester and Boston, the fishing

bowsprit and extended the bow. Without a bowsprit, only one

schooners worked these waters, from Georges Bank 100 miles

crew member was needed to handle the job on deck and no one

east of Cape Cod, to the Grand Bank of Newfoundland, 800 miles

needed to clamber out on the icy, wave-swept footropes of the

east-northeast of Gloucester.

bowsprit. The longer bow also reduced the pitching motion and

One of the last remaining examples of the type is the L.A.

provided extra deck space for work. Beyond safety, the McManus

Dunton, which is a permanent exhibit and part of the historic

boats were consistently proved to be among the fastest in the

watercraft collection of Mystic Seaport, the American maritime

fleet, an important factor in the fishing trade.

museum located in Mystic, Connecticut. Built and launched in

Dunton’s first captain was Felix J. Hogan, a native of

1921 in Essex, Massachusetts, by the Arthur D. Story Yard, the

Newfoundland who had come to Massachusetts and found

Dunton represents the apex of the Gloucester fishing schooner’s

success in the fishing trade. He commanded a succession

development. She is 37.5 metres (123 feet) long and has a beam

of schooners starting at the turn of the century. Hogan was

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE GRAND BANKS SCHOONERS

LEFT: AN UNIDENTIFIED SCHOONER USES THE POWER OF HER 10 DORIES TO TOW HER OUT OF THE HARBOUR IN ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND, SOMETIME IN THE MID-1920S

an expert in the halibut fishery, which he pursued on the

bottomed boats, the dory was known for its flaring sides and

Grand Bank off his homeland, and at times even further east in

raked stem and stern. Originally a beach-launched fishing boat,

the waters off Greenland. Those trips could last 30 days. From

its stability, large capacity, and ability to be stacked on deck with

Labour Day to Easter, the Dunton would make trips usually a little

the thwarts removed made it the boat choice for schooners on

longer than a week to catch haddock and cod on Georges Bank.

the offshore banks beginning in the 1850s.

Schooners of this era used small boats called dories

Once on station, the schooner would reduce sail so that a

to harvest their catch. Derived from French and colonial flat-

minimal crew – often just the captain and the cook – could slowly

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THE GRAND BANKS SCHOONERS

RIGHT: THIS MILTON J. BURNS ILLUSTRATION OF COD FISHERMEN HAULING A TRAWL LINE FROM THEIR DORY WAS PUBLISHED IN HARPER’S WEEKLY, OCTOBER, 1885

The fishermen kept a relentless schedule while on the banks. The typical day would start at 4 am with coffee, followed by a session baiting hooks – each man baiting as many as 7501000. By 5:30 am, the dories would be launched and rowed out to set the trawls. Once set, the crew would return for breakfast and then row back out to haul in their catch, anywhere

BELOW RIGHT: FISHERMEN BAITING THEIR HOOKS. EACH INDIVIDUAL TRAWL LINE COULD HAVE AS MANY AS 1000 HOOKS

from 0-900 kilograms (2000 pounds) of fish. Returning to the

BOTTOM: THE LAUNCH OF THE L.A. DUNTON IN ESSEX, MASS. ON MARCH 23, 1921

This cycle was repeated in the afternoon and supper would

schooner, they would clean and pack the catch. Dinner was served in two shifts from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. When not eating, one would be baiting hooks. close out the day at 6 pm, unless the captain called for a third set, in which case the crew would row out for a third trawl and be lucky to turn in at 11 pm for a scant five hours of sleep. In addition, every few evenings dorymates would stand a two-hour watch on deck. This was tough work and produced tough men. A Banks fisherman was proud of his trade and he knew resourcefulness, teamwork and trust were essential to success and survival. Fishing was a year-round occupation and the stormy, cold, fog-

sail back and forth while the balance of the 22-person crew would

bound conditions on the Banks were unforgiving. Many a dory

launch the 10 dories and head off fishing, two to a boat. It is

went missing in fog or bad weather, never to be seen again.

hard to imagine today what it was like to venture off for a day

This practical, hard-driving quality of the fishery lent

of fishing in the middle of winter in a tiny boat – a typical Banks

itself to racing, which was a logical extension of the business.

dory was only 5.5 metres (18 feet) long.

The crew were paid on a shares system of the trip’s revenue.

Fishing was done by long trawl lines that would be

Therefore, everyone had a financial incentive to be first to

fed out over the side of the dory. Trawls could be 550 metres

market with their catch as the first boat in received the best

(1800 feet) long and would sit on the bottom. About 150 x

price. It was a point of honour for a captain to carry a full press

2 metre (5-foot) ‘gangings’ of smaller line were spaced regularly

of sail in the teeth of a storm and drive his boat as fast as he

along the length and attached the baited hooks to the ground

could – especially in the presence of a competitor. Impromptu

line. Cod trawls could be hauled up by hand, but the heavy catch

races to and from the fishing grounds were good for morale and

of the halibut trawls required the mechanical help of a winch in

enhanced the reputation of the captain, which helped attract a

the bow called a ‘hurdy-gurdy.’

high-quality crew.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE GRAND BANKS SCHOONERS

Informal racing among the fishermen was organised by McManus in 1886. These were simple races: skippers were only allowed time to haul their schooners, clean and paint their bottoms, and then race. They were to be back on the fishing grounds with ‘a minimum of expense and delay’. This culminated with the inauguration of a Canadian-American challenge in 1920, the Halifax Herald Trophy. Won the first year by a true working schooner, Gloucester’s Esperanto, the following matches were dominated by boats specifically designed and built more to race than fish, a situation that generated some grumbling and ill will on the Gloucester waterfront. Regardless, the races featured some of the most beautiful schooners ever launched on either side of the border: Bluenose, Mayflower, Henry Ford and Columbia to name a few. Today, there are only a few examples of these grand

museum is planning a comprehensive restoration of her hull

schooners left. The Adventure of Gloucester and the Lettie G.

and is seeking financial support for the project so that she can

Howard of the South Street Seaport Museum in New York have

continue to tell the story of the Gloucester fishermen.

been preserved for public display. The Ernestina-Morrissey is

The L.A. Dunton can be viewed and boarded at Mystic

being restored in Maine and should find a new homeport in New

Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut. The ships plans of Thomas

Bedford, Massachusetts.

McManus can be accessed at the Smithsonian Institution and at

After 11 years on the Banks, the L.A. Dunton was laid up

the Daniel S. Gregory Ships Plans Library at Mystic Seaport.

ABOVE: THE L.A. DUNTON UNDER REDUCED SAIL ON GEORGES BANK IN JULY 1927

>||

in 1932 and in 1934 was sold to interests in Newfoundland. She continued to fish until 1955, when she was repowered

Dan McFadden is the Director of Communications at the Mystic

and converted to a freighter. Mystic Seaport acquired her in

Seaport Museum.

1963 and returned her to her 1920s appearance. The Dunton was designated a US National Historic Landmark in 1994. The

Contact: www.mysticseaport.org

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

INTERVIEW BY COLIN SQUIRE

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

BELOW RIGHT: SIMON’S FAMILY CIRCA 1969 BOTTOM RIGHT: SIMON WITH SISTER TESSA IN 1970 RIGHT: SIMON WITH HIS TWO SISTERS IN CAPE TOWN – 1971 OPPOSITE PAGE: THE FAMILY HOME – 1974

HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF SITTING WITH CAPTAIN Simon Johnson on the bridge of the 63.5 m Lioness IV in Antigua at the end of the ACYM show. I have known Simon for many years and like many in the industry consider him to be a true friend. It is certainly an honour to be able to talk to him and be able to share his life’s many wonderful experiences with you. Simon where were you born? I was born in Mangula, Rhodesia, now the Republic of Zimbabwe, on 18th January 1965. Mangula is a mining village with a population now of around 10,000 people (then it was around 1000 people) which grew up around a major copper deposit. From what I have read the mining ceased in the late 1990’s and

What was the population of Zimbabwe at that time?

the place has now become a bit of a ghost town. I lived with my

There were about 220,000 white people then and about six

family in a house without electricity and running water, it was raw

million black people in a country about the size of France, it was

and open to the Bushveld. I remember it as an invigorating part of

a sparse country with lots of open spaces that were full of animals

central Rhodesia with one road in and one road out – an amazing

and wildlife. There were only 9 or 10 large towns dotted around

place that sits always on the edge of my memory, it was beautiful

the country. As you can imagine it was a big country.

and it was my childhood home. How did your parents end up there? My mother came from quite a few generations of Rhodesians; her great grandfather came out with Cecil John Rhodes and formed the country in those times. My father came out in his early 20s and joined the police force, met my mum and then fell in love, they met over rowing. My mother is deaf, she had been deaf since birth and it took quite an ambitious person to take her on as a spouse, I have always had tremendous respect for my father due to this. It was a tough life living in Africa and if you have a crying child because he or she has been bitten by a snake and you were deaf, you just wouldn’t hear it. It was challenging for her, we always had dogs around us that would be her ears and these were trained to run to her if there were any problems. What was your mother’s name? Janet Tobilcock, one of the last Tobilcocks in the world, her name was a corruption of Trebelcock which is a Cornish derivative and it was probably a spelling mistake at some point that created the Tobilcock name. I did consider name changing, I felt Tobilcock was a memorable name, but stayed with my father’s name in the end. And your Dad? He was born Henry Howard Vaughan Johnson. You mentioned to me in an earlier conversation that your father was involved in a court case involving Mugabe? Yes, he was part of the prosecution when Mugabe was charged for murdering his own brother. Mugabe was convicted and put into jail from where he escaped and then subsequently ended up running the country and by this time my father was in

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

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Government, we had to get out fast, there was no question about it, the writing was on the wall. I will never forget how one day in late 1978 my father came back home and announced that we had to go, we could not take anything, we had two suitcases each and just £640 between the whole family. Tell me more about your life in Rhodesia, it must have been primitive? Towards the end, when my father was in parliament, we went to Salisbury, which was the capital later to be renamed Harare. I went to a fantastic school there, St Georges College, where most of us were aiming to become Rhodes Scholars. It was a very good educational system run by Jesuits, a very good, sound, strict and

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ethical background, which I enjoyed. It was a delightful town because when you bumped into someone in the street you would

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say ‘I am so terribly sorry’, it was a very polite society. I guess it was like living in England during the 1950’s. I was brought up

but when I was 13 I read Swallows and Amazons, a book that was

with a sense of politeness, please and thank you were very much

totally inspirational for me. It captured my imagination and after

part of our culture and, to this day, I have found everything falls

reading it all I wanted to do was to get on a boat and set off on

beautifully into place if you use those words, it is a culture that I

an adventure. My life, of course, had been an adventure up to that

still insist upon on the boat today.

time, but here in this book was the prospect of another adventure that I hadn’t even contemplated, I was totally wrapped up in the

You were a long way from the sea, Zimbabwe is a landlocked

story and I think that this fired the embryonic change that was to

country, I am still trying to get my head around what led you into

dominate my life, but at that time I had no idea that I was going

having such an illustrious career in professional yachting?

to leave my country of birth.

An interesting thought, most of the time that I spent in the

Of course there were lakes around that I could go to and

Bushveld I was surrounded by rocks and stones and I enjoyed that,

then one day we went to Cape Town via a four day steam train

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

ride. The steam train itself was such an adventure, I was allowed

You have a twin sister?

up in the loco to chat to the drivers and they allowed me to help

I have two sisters, my twin, Tessa, is obviously my closest and best

shovel coal in and in fact drive the train, it did not take much.

friend ever and three in Africa is good because if you have one

I can still remember stopping in the middle of Botswana and

injured child with a snake bite, one can stay with the injured one

seeing the streams of locals who brought the water needed to

and the other can go and get help, so three is the secret number

fill the loco on their heads and then going to Kimberley to pick

for African children. My other sister is Colette. We always played

up more coal, that train was an adventure before the holiday

together and we would look after each other, a culture I have

began. We went into Cape Town and the steam train locos were

brought with me to the yachts – we have to look after each other,

changed over and I loved the shunting that went on and the noise

every person is important and it is about being self-sufficient.

as guys were tapping the wheels to make sure all was ok...it was just so exciting. My whole formative life was an adventure. Going

Did you ever get bitten?

to Cape Town, which is an invigorating place and seeing Table

Oh yes, it was always dangerous, I wasn’t frightened, I remember

Mountain and where the South Indian and South Atlantic oceans

waking up one morning and a snake was lying alongside me. It

collide left an indelible memory. It was an adventurous place, it

had wanted the warmth of my body and I had to get out of my

was clean and beautiful. There were the Dutch Cape Houses, the

bed very carefully, if you weren’t frightened of them they would

sea was beautiful and then travelling on to Mozambique was just

not bother with you. There were lots of spiders around and I

as amazing, it was run by the Portuguese at the time, the streets

was fine with them until one day I ran into a web that was just

were lined in marble, there were fountains – it was just like Lisbon,

full of them and I was completely covered in what seemed like

Lourenço Marques (now Maputo) was such an exciting place. We

enormous creatures, my skin crawls now just at the thought.

also went to Inhaca Island and Madagascar which were simply

We had black widow and tree spiders that could jump on you,

stunning places to experience.

I became good at spotting them, you also had to look were you put your feet to make sure you didn’t stand on a snake, or a

As a kid you were certainly having an exciting life?

scorpion, everywhere there was danger. There were even little

The sense of adventure was with me every day in Africa, I had

ants with a powerful venom, spitting cobras, we always had to be

great fun around where I lived and the car and train trips were

very responsible and always wear long socks, boots etc. if we were

real eye openers.

going out in the bush. The sun was there and we were conditioned to never go out in it without being covered as best we could be,

How did you manage to get on board a boat?

people couldn’t understand how white I was when I arrived in the

Every single Rhodesian, white or black, were pioneers, the

UK, but we just never went out in the sun, it’s dangerous stuff,

objective was to be self-sufficient. 1965, was the year of UDI, the

today of course everybody is warned of its dangers, back then it

Declaration of Independence from Britain, which was a big bold

was simple common sense.

move, but I can remember there being nothing on the shelves in

the shops. Apart from flour, salt and for some reason Smarties,

How about big cats, did you ever tangle with them?

all the shelves were bare, if we wanted food we had to grow it.

Hyenas were the worst, they are clever things, they are pack

We grew all our own food and amongst other things we had

animals and they are bold when it comes to food, they have the

mulberries, strawberries and asparagus. I tended to them and we

ability to put a humans head in their mouth and crush it, that’s

ate from the land, we wanted for nothing. Rhodesia at the time

how powerful their jaws are and they are very clever. Lions are a

became the bread basket of South Africa. I am not sure why I

little lazy, they will sit and wait, but the hyenas will go out and

mention this but grapefruit is very difficult to grow, it needs lots

hunt. In a fight between a pack of hyenas and a lion it would be

of water, but we were able at one point to grow them and lot’s

interesting to see who would win. You could hear the wild animals

more. Dams were built as a part of the big plan and I was aware

and growing up with the noises of the animals all around was

that my father was a part of all of this. From the dams it was

exciting, it is strange that we took everything for granted in such

possible to irrigate the great plains of Rhodesian Africa where

a wild place. Could you imagine a lion or whatever running loose

the farmers grew the most amazing fruit and vegetables that

in Europe or America, all hell would be let loose.

were exported all over the place. The lakes that the dams created

I absolutely loved the wild birds that were around, I could

then provided the sailing ground that I was desperate to get on. I

distinguish all the birds, I could identify them by the noise they

managed to get a little boat and I loved it. I think the combination

made or their tracks. As a youngster I had so much to discover,

of Swallows and Amazons and the lakes inspired my sea going

I did not wait for the world to come to me, I went out and

career, all I wanted to do was carry on with the adventure.

discovered it, we did not have the internet, we had to learn as

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

people had for thousands of years. Once we discovered some new creature we would get our books out and look it up, we also learnt how to identify animal tracks by scratches, paw prints and even dung from which we could work out how many hours or days away they were. I was bought up as a boy scout and the ways of Baden-Powell with his sense of getting out into the world and learning about it rather than waiting for it to come to you, which

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it mostly does not. Looking back it was truly amazing to grow up the way I did.

• • • • • • •

How did you get out of the country? We had to fly out and I hate to say it but I have never been back, it would break my heart to see the ravished country that Zimbabwe has become. My father did everything he possibly could to get the family the British passports that would enable us to get to the safety of England. In the first place we stopped, which was in Pretoria, South Africa and using all the strings that

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he could pull we were each given a Passport. We could not fly over Africa at all so from Pretoria we went on a 747 that carried extra fuel that took us around the big bulge of Africa. By the time

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long trip. When we landed at Heathrow my father was met by a cousin who had a cousin who had a big house that they were rattling around in up in Kettering, where we asked if we could stay whilst we got ourselves sorted out. There we lived in the dining room which was a bit of a shock. It was the winter of 1978/9, the winter of discontent as it became known. Margaret Thatcher was taking over from James Callaghan in government and there were riots, miner strikes and all sorts of other strikes going on throughout the country, it was political chaos, high unemployment and soaring interest rates didn’t help, it was a hard time for England and we had arrived in the thick of it. It was also one of the worst winters we had known, I had never seen snow before and it was cold and a great struggle. I can remember how, when at school in Zimbabwe, the teacher would say this is what we are reading ‘The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck’ and we would study it through and try and get the

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with the class so that they would keep quiet, it was alien to me. I wanted more knowledge and I found that I gained more from reading my own stuff than I was gaining in school, I was again reaching out and taking my own path and learning what was important to my dreams. I decided to learn navigation, the days were dark by four in the afternoon and there was nothing I could do to occupy my

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MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

BELOW: SIMON WITH RYA STUDENTS IN GIBRALTAR – 1986

brain and so I enrolled on a National Marine Correspondence

did not like him either, we knew these people and what they were

Yacht Master course. At 14 my life was set alight by my maritime

capable of and we were right. He killed a lot of his own people

studies, my school work I breezed through. My navigation studies

and to this day that is how he stays in power. The country that I

assumed O Level maths which at this stage I had not done, I had

knew has gone, I do not have a yearning to go back, I will never

to learn how to add and subtract to base 6, I had to learn about

go back, it is just knowing that the country I was part of has been

minutes and seconds and I didn’t even know how many degrees

lost to this world.

there were in a circle, but I had to learn it all and that’s what I did. I wasn’t that particularly interested in making friends because

Of the 220,000 whites that were there at the time, how many do

I had no connections with anybody, they would ask ‘who I

you think remain?

supported?’ and I just didn’t understand the question, I wanted to

It’s not many, maybe 20,000, Zimbabwe has been decimated, we

talk about Lions and stuff and they wanted to talk about football,

have all lost.

it was just a different language and a different culture – but I was quite happy.

I assume you passed your Yachtmaster course? Yes, I did all my studies for my Yachtmaster, all my theory and

Did you not feel lost or abandoned?

then as you can imagine I was desperate to get onto a boat. I

No, not at all, I felt that I had had the best that the world could

knew that spring was coming and I went down to the boats and

offer me as I grew up, my life seemed so full and yet now empty

with all of the pocket money I could muster I paid for and went

compared to the young kids I now found myself surrounded

on my first Competent Crew Course. I really was so excited that

by. I cried myself to sleep every night for four months because

I would now have a chance to sail a boat. In fact I was so excited

I missed Africa. It is difficult to describe to anybody how I had

I simply couldn’t sleep.

evolved to have such a love of such a place, of such a life as I had

experienced, I missed it so so very much. I didn’t feel abandoned

How big was the boat?

as I recognised the sacrifice my parents had made, I knew that our

It was 31 foot wooden boat, a beautiful little thing, it had cost me

cards were marked and we would not survive the Mugabe regime

£45 to go on the course and I had saved and saved from doing

– I had met him myself and I did not like him, my memory is of

odd jobs and cleaning windows etc. I was so excited, my dad had

this weak handshake he gave me. His son went to my school and I

dropped me off and my heart was racing. I stepped on the boat

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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and met the crew, I had never seen a tiller, a winch or a proper

and we were given tidal streams for every 100 feet which enabled

compass before. In Africa I had only ever been on my little dinghy,

me to draw my own atlas which I presented to the RYA and they

I was so excited â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this was a real boat, I was touching everything

then validated our school.

and of course I had never flaked a sail before, that was so much

We basically set up this company and it did very well. At 22

fun, I absorbed everything around me, I was where I wanted to be,

years of age I had 20 + boats and all the yachts in the fleet were

it all seemed so natural. I learnt everything, I was so keen. We had

managed except for four which we bought. Tony and I were equal

a fantastic Captain, we sailed around a little bit on the Solent and

shareholders and directors and we built the company up to be

then went across to the Channel Islands. I did night sailing for the

representatives of Westerly Yachts, which had a range from 29 to

first time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was amazing.

39 feet. People would come out to rent the boats, I would teach

I was 14 in 1979 and the Captain was Anthony W. (Tony) Harris, he had recently written a book called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Master Under Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

sailing on the boats, I loved it, I taught sailing there for several years. At 22 we sold the company.

He defined my life that man, he is still alive, he was born 18th March 1936. I then hung around the marina and cleaned boats, I

Trying to get a link here, you came to the UK, you went to school

just wanted to stay around boats. I traded my cleaning of boats

and also did your navigation course, did you stay on at school?

into miles and the story unfolds from there and I soon got the

What was really interesting in the Spring of 1979 was when I

reputation for cleaning boats in return for going out on little trips

went on the boat and became so invigorated with the Channel

to build my miles up. I got my Yachtmaster, I was the youngest

Islands and sailing. Back home I had the opportunity offered of

Yachtmaster at the time and I still hold the accolade of being the

becoming a full time boarder at St Georges College, it was a

youngest instructor before becoming an examiner. Then the very

private school. But then fate played its beautiful hand, at that

same Tony Harris brought me in as a partner to the business he

time our family had nothing, my father had died penniless leaving

was running and I set up a sailing school called Scimitar Sailing

me to look after my mother, which I have done ever since. My

in Gibraltar. I was soon doing ocean sailing with passengers

Godmother had left me a pocket watch and I went to Christies

down to Gibraltar where we started the first ever RYA teaching

in London and auctioned it which made me enough money to

establishment outside of the UK.

pay to be a boarder at Elizabethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College in St Peters Port in

The reason we could set up in Gibraltar was that it was

Guernsey, I never went home. During school holidays I stepped

British, it has tidal waters and currents, something you have to

straight out of my uniform and onto a boat. Tony would pick me

have to run an RYA course and we convinced the powers at the

up in Guernsey and I would sail. I could merge the two, I did O

time that there was sufficient there to warrant a school. Tony

levels and A Levels and I sailed and sailed.

and I set the business up, we were friends of the Governor and he managed to pull some strings to get us some classified tidal

After College came to an end what happened?

stream atlases, classified because of a lot of submarine activity

It was then that Tony suggested we run the school and I did

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MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT

different types of yachts and went on to experience a great many more. I knew inside me that there was something waiting for me out in the world, I was 22 and I could feel it, that’s when we put the company up for sale. I had always yearned to complete my education and with the business sold I went off to Manchester University to do Maths and then two months in, a recession hit. I was high and dry, I had the money to go to university, the whole world was scrabbling about with credit problems and companies were folding and I was sitting pretty, my return to the university was well timed. When I came out of University I went to an auction where there was a boat being auctioned called Robert Gordon. She had just been caught smuggling the largest amount of Cannabis resin into the UK that has ever been seized, then or ever since. In 1984 she had brought 4.3 tons of high grade Lebanese Gold worth at the time £10.8 million into the country, that’s about £31 million today. The yacht had been tracked from Cyprus when operation Bishop was put into place by the British customs who allowed the vessel to come into the River Crouch before boarding her. You can still read about this online. They arrested everyone and found this massive stash of drugs, seized the boat and put it up for auction. I went to the auction, there were quite a few people there, but I bought her for £33,000. Was it a big boat? 22 m, and I owned it and I was thinking what can I do now. I had 86 tonnes of long keeled schooner rusting away and I managed to get friends and family involved who helped me with her my first Ocean trip down to Gibraltar, coming back through the

refurbishment, I took everything out and needle gunned her and

French canals. It was amazing, we set up the school and returned

re-plated her where she needed it.

through the Canals and then we did it again. We soon established

She was designed by John Illingworth, who is noteworthy

a reputation amongst people who wanted us to manage their

because he designed Gypsy Moth, he was also the first architect

yachts and then I found that I had built a tremendous reputation

to ever design a yacht which could get up on the plane, which was

for delivering them. I found it so exciting; I was the only person,

the J24, a famous Olympic boat, nobody could ever believe that

other than Robin Knox-Johnston, who had the insurance cover

a keel could plane and to this day in the America’s Cup they are

to sail any month of the year across the Bay of Biscay. I had the

all running around on the plane, that’s where they get the speed

best reputation for it because my astro navigation was supreme; I

from. It came from the board of John Illingworth and was built

was bang on all the time. It was before GPS and there were very

in Holland by Van Bennekum for the Robert Gordon Institute in

few people that could navigate over long distances confidently; I

Aberdeen. The Robert Gordon Institute is famous to this day and

was doing the Atlantic, I brought all my own charts and was self-

is a proving ground for safety at sea and all that encompasses. It

sufficient, I would simply bring everything on board and deliver

was formed by Robert Gordon himself, who died several hundred

the boat. I had my own crew, they travelled everywhere with me.

years ago leaving a lot of money to set up the school as he believed that men will be made of boys ‘through a seafaring and

Did you pay the crew, many would, I am sure, have sailed with you

religious education’. The school still exists today, in fact it is a

for nothing, just the experience?

university with a very noteworthy degree. I visited the Dean and

Of course I always paid my crew, I charged a pound a mile plus

discovered that the boat was built along with the philosophy of

all expenses and I popped deliveries out one after another, it was

teaching boys to sail. It was one of the first training sailing vessels

a hell of a whirl at the time, a lot of the boats in the Med were

in the UK and I now had the honour of owning it. I threw my heart

being delivered by me. By that time I had experienced many

and soul into it and did the refurbishment slightly differently

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON’S BOAT, ROBERT GORDON AT THE ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA IN 2003

Where was she reﬁtted? I refitted her myself, I did all the plating in Strood on the Medway, then I sailed it bare-hulled around to the Universal Yard on the Hamble. We did everything ourselves, I didn’t use the yard workers. My brother in law was the cabinet maker, I had a friend who was a shipwright, my sister helped me with the buying, she bought anything that was under £300 and I bought anything over. I rented a 1000 square foot work-shop, I bought an overhead router, a thicknesserplaner and a mortise and tenon machine. I put three phase into the workshop. I bought the wood, American white oak, maple, sycamore, poplar and re-did the interior from scratch. I put the floors down first and then marked the berths, knowing I needed to fit six cabins in, then walled it, then put in bulkheads before the MCA rules came in, it was the Board of Trade to begin with and then it became the Department of Transport before becoming the MCA. I got everything from the MCA, it was still in hand written form, everything I decided on was with the approval of the MCA. Did you have any tough experiences with the boat? I re-built the boat so that we could survive anything. In those days, before all of today’s

from anyone else. I used Colefax and Fowler fabrics, I installed

modern aids came along, weather forecasting was an art. It was

dentil cornice work and water colour paintings on the walls and

the art of being able to look at what was happening around

used Damask linen and Royal Doulton crockery, it was a bit like

you, to be able to taste the air, look at the clouds, look at the

fitting out an English Mews Cottage. I prepared it for charters in

barometer, read it. Even until this day, as I describe to anyone

the Caribbean.

who cares to listen, you need to start thinking about the weather

She had 3500 square feet of sail and no hydraulics at all.

a week before setting out to get a sense of what is going on. In

It had cable steering which I took out and kept in reserve just

those days you always planned for being in a storm. Nowadays

in case, but I designed a system myself, a Seatrack auto pilot

how people get caught in storms is uncanny as we have so much

system which was important as I could then manage the ship

information. In those days boats were better built and I had

myself. Robert Gordon had been designed to be run by 12 cadets

picked my boat with that in mind, she was built for around the

and I needed it to be run by three people, myself, a chef, and one

world sailing. At 86 tonnes, with her big solid masts and rigging,

deck crew. I reconfigured the sail handling system and had the

she was built to take whatever was thrown at her, after all she

new sails made of heavy 15 oz cloth with triple stitching that

was built up in Aberdeen to handle the North Sea at the worst of

had UV protection. I prepared the yacht for use in the sunshine

times and if she could survive that she could survive just about

of the Caribbean and heavy charter use. When she was finished

anything. I didn’t have any fear that the boat couldn’t cope, it was

I brought her across to the hornet’s nest of chartering, here in

just making sure the crew could. There were some quite dramatic

Antigua and started my new venture.

times when the seas were big, but I cannot begin to describe how

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

LEFT: SIMON WITH THE ROBERT GORDON CREW IN 1994

good it felt to have the Robert Gordon under my feet. She looked big and chunky, but my goodness she took the seas well. She never let me or my guests down during the 20 years I had her. It was a vibrant time for me, I was one of those guys that had no shoes on his feet as I had no money to buy them, I put everything into the boat. I paid my crew, every week I paid them, I survived that way, I was an impoverished sailor who took great pride in his boat. I was so impoverished that everyone knew me as the guy who went through the bins. Did you really go through the bins? I did, I absolutely did. If I could reuse somebody else’s old kit

either pay the crew or buy the halyards, I needed both. I walked

I would. One of the most fortuitous things I did was to find a

the docks and asked people if they were throwing anything out. I

broken generator sitting in the dock as the crew of the vessel

was very good at asking and splicing!

it belonged to could not get it too work. I offered to take it off

Motor-Boat Yachties can be a bit snobbish but real sailors

them, I stripped it down, found out what was wrong, put it back

completely understood me, there is a difference, one is money,

together and put it on my boat – I had it for years. There was lots

one is passion, the motor boat professionals where a bit ‘ooh

of stuff I recycled, that’s the modern phrase, people can tell you

you are wearing a ripped t-shirt can’t you afford a decent one?’

throughout the islands how they would see me going through

I was one of the few owner operators out there, I had entered

bins looking for stuff, it must have looked odd but that was how

chartering not knowing any other way, but I realised I was a dying

it was. At one time I can remember I had to change the halyards

breed and I guess today owner operators can be counted on one

but they would cost $600 each and I had to pay my crew, it was

hand. Then we were a little tight-knit community always looking

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MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON WITH GOOD FRIEND PAUL COLWELL – CIRCA 1993

most important decision I make as a Captain

BELOW: SIMON WITH SISTER TESSA IN 1994

of the road, for example if a pump fails, explore

is the make or buy, or the repair or buy new decision. To explore the repair right until the end rewinding before committing to re-purchase mainly for two reasons, firstly to see if you can get extra life out of something, for instance the KVA generator I repaired, it only had a faulty oil sender and I ended up with a perfect generator which had cost me nothing and lasted for years and years. Secondly a lot of the new stuff comes from China and it is inferior. You will not get any better than say some of the old Feadship pumps that were built 30 years or so ago that need a simple repair to keep them running. This out for each other, generally we had no money, nothing, At one

philosophy works in my favour now and the reason I do well on

time I had $68 and had to pay my crew, I was going to write to

boats and stay within budget is because I have this in mind from

my past guests and say if you transfer money now I will give

my days on Robert Gordon and it sets me apart.

you 30% discount on your next visit. I managed to wangle many charters that way, often undercutting Michael Howarth, who was

You must have had some interesting charters on Robert Gordon.

running Red Hackle at the time, the regular charterers would play

There are so many stories of amazing charters, but maybe one

me off against him. Michael came to me once and said ‘I guess

that stands out is where I couldn’t get a starter motor, so I ran the

you undercut me so much that you did not make any money’ I

whole charter for a month without an engine. I blagged it with

had because I knew I would make enough on the tips to pay my

the guests saying ‘you came on a sail boat to sail and that’s what

crew. I just had to keep the boat running and it was hard. To run

we are going to do’. Whatever it took we sailed, it sounds cute,

that boat cost $14,000 on average per month, sometimes up to

but it is tremendously challenging because if you sail to Green

$16,000, I was chartering out at $14,000 per week. I needed two

Island say, there is no ‘Plan B’, you can put the anchor down, but

weeks per month, every month, for her keep.

then I would have to make up a story for the guests as to why we couldn’t instantly get it up and go.

What did you do if you were out of season?

During this time I realised that the reason English Harbour

I stayed in Antigua, I could not afford to cross and did in-between

is the success it is and the reason that Nelson chose this as

hurricane charters, it was really tough. Naturally my life involved

his base was simply because it is the only harbour in the Caribbean

a lot of very careful decisions about buying, I had to repair as

that you can sail into, which sounds absolutely extraordinary, but

much as I could and it is still a philosophy I use until this day. The

all the other harbours are in the lee of the land which sensibly is where harbours ought to be. You cannot sail if you are in the lee of an island, for instance in Martinique you cannot sail, it might be raging 40 knots on the east side when there is nothing in the lee and you will be becalmed for days. That is what is crucial in my appreciation of English Harbour as a strategic centre, not only for that, but it has a hidden entrance. In the old days you could be on Shirley Heights as a look out and see a foreign fleet pass by and they would not see the British fleet, the mast height could not be seen above the entrance. I have had some great guests, for instance Alan Thicke he married his second wife, Gina Tolleson a former Miss World on my boat and

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

BRADFORD MARINE

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we had a great time. We have had great charters, the reason why Robert Gordon was so successful was that I always had the very best food, we would have the best chef I could possibly afford to ensure the food would be extraordinary. The yacht also involved a lot of effort, it took two hours to polish the brass every day, every day of my life. I would get up at 6.30 and do the hull and tender, polish brass, lay the table, do the beds whilst guests were having breakfast, take the awnings down, put the sails up – the whole day was a workout, I was as fit as a fiddle. I remember someone coming to the island to set up a gym. ‘Are you serious’ I told him, ‘it will be a flop, no one will go to a gym, like most people here

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my whole life is a workout’, sure enough it failed, us sailors back then, we were as fit as fiddles.

I was shattered, bearing in mind I had been working so hard what with forming the company and then the chartering. I really

What happened to Robert Gordon in the end?

couldn’t do the bookings but I couldn’t afford to say no and I was

I was exhausted, I was doing 27 weeks of back to back charters,

spending all my money on the boat and the more I used it the TOP LEFT: SIMON TRIES TO TAKE IT EASY DURING THE ROBERT GORDON DAYS LEFT: SOUTHERN CROSS III

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

I remember one of the parties you held on board her only a few yards from where we are sitting now, that has to go into the history books. You ﬂew in a bunch of Transvestite imitation lookalike stars just for the night, I even met up with the Prime Minister at the time, Lester Bird, on board. I had taught him to ski in 1980. Partying on SC III was off the planet, at the end of the year I was able to give the owner a cheque for £1.2 million, the boat cost £3.3 million and we made £4.5 million and I was able to give him that cheque, we were doing double seasons and making money. What is your most favourite memory of that boat? There were so many stories and so much fun, for example we were in Portoferraio, Elba, and I had a call from the guests as they were trying to have dinner. There were about 1000 people taking pictures from the shore which understandably was annoying ABOVE: HANG GLIDING IN FRANCE – 1989 BELOW: SIMON ENJOYS A NIGHT OUT

more it broke. I then thought I would work for someone else and

them, they just wanted a quiet dinner. I visited the table a few

slow the pace of the boat right down to work on the bits that

minutes later and it was obvious what the problem was, they

needed fixing. There was one time that a deck fitting popped

could see our main guest. He stood up and they all started

up and it had rusted through, this was the time I knew I had to

shouting ‘Sean, Sean, Sean Connery’ he went red and sat back

stop, the final straw if you like. I always had a couple of spare

down. He simply looked like Sean! I had a plan and arranged for

deck fittings so none of the guests knew what had happened but

two of my beefiest crew, with me clearing the way, to escort him

I knew what was going on under the paint and varnish and it

to the tender alongside the dock, he got in and disappeared into

needed a serious looking at.

the distance. I then deliberately let it be known that he had gone

I joined the famous schooner America for a brief while

to a famous bar along the coast and everybody rushed off to find

before I went onto the Southern Cross III. Southern Cross

him there. We soon had the tender back and with our guest hiding

III was amazing, Stephen Spielberg, Elton John, Lady Diana,

in it we hoisted him back on board to finish his meal in peace.

Jeffrey Katzenberg, I met everybody, we did the premier charters,

It was so much fun, every year I would arrange a

we were the best. I recruited great sailors to work with me,

crew party at the end of the season. What is important to

everyone on board was a true sailor, we were the best charter

me is crewmanship, bringing people together and so when

boat in the world, nobody could touch us. It was an incredible

we were in Cap d’Ail I said ‘guys let’s have a party.’ During

opportunity for me, it was high octane, high delivery and the

the course of the summer I had taken their measurements

forming of my career.

and had costumes made for them, all of my 16 crew had something different to wear. They were shocked when they learned the theme for the night, they were all Teletubbies. I was in full leather, I had my harness, my hat and my whip, chains and chaps. You can imagine the scene, a fabulous band, lights rigged around the place and all my crew as Teletubbies and on the back of the boat, just for good measure, I have the biggest, fattest lesbian stripping under flood lights. It was just a random event in my head that I wanted. It was cracking, people were coming from all over trying to get in to this party. Eventually the police came ‘We need to speak to the captain!’ and I thought they cannot see me like this so I rushed to get changed. ‘What is wrong, I have permission from the captain of the port, don’t make this a problem’, ‘No no, we have had complaints’ and they told me I had to make a statement and I had to stop the whole party. I sent the crew to Stars and Bars and went to make the statement at which point they said that they thought the party was amazing, but we have to go through the due process.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

LEFT: M/Y SAMAR

They politely asked if I could do them a favour and apologise to

for breakdowns, which upset me as it is either 10% or 48 hours

the ‘German’ that they had been nasty to when they first came

whatever is the least. I said to the guests ‘you like Monaco, why

on board!

don’t I rent a Mangusta for you and they will do the out and

There are loads of stories. One time we had a six

backs and we will stay on the dock in our privileged berth, you

week charter and on week four we were stuck as one of the

can have the best of all worlds.’ They thought this was amazing

MTUs had gone, I had to think, you are only allowed 48 hours

and had no idea that I had an engine failure, I rented this

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MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON WITH THE CREW OF M/Y SAMAR

I was put in charge of his fleet including Kalamoun, Shergar, Alamshar, in all seven boats. Of course I was taken on

OPPOSITE: M/Y ELISABETH F

as captain of Alamshar but ended up running Shergar, which

BELOW: M/Y LADY LAU

turbines, 571 Alyson KFs, that did 48 knots if pushed. She was a

was great. I wanted jet boat experience, I had two fantastic 47 m Lürssen built boat and at 48 Knots I could go from Nice to Mykonos in 20 hours. What was the fuel consumption? With the two turbines it was 3500 litres an hour, but one turbine was actually more economical than running the main engine, so Mangusta as I flew the MTU guys in, I knew I couldn’t afford to

I would run on those, it was a very efficient form of power. It can

lose the money from the charter.

either be zero or full power, this is the difference, turbines have to be run on full power, this is the only way the cooling happens,

Why did you leave Southern Cross?

this is why Project 305 blew up twice because instinctively she

The reason I left her was that the Owner’s rep wanted a share of

was throttled back when she was overheating and what you have

the tips, they were averaging $6000 EACH per month per crew

to do with a turbine is push more power in.

member, I used to split the tips equally amongst them. I said to him that basically he had asked me to open the crew member’s

Did you get to drive 305?

wallets and take from them, which would never happen under

No I never got to drive it. I moved from Shergar to do a short spell

my watch. I will not have the owner or his representatives taking

on Helena C and then almost a year on Midlandia before being

the crew’s money or having the crew unpaid, my resignation

headhunted to join the 77 m Samar another Devonport built

comes first.

yacht. I did 30 months on her and by the end of that spell I was exhausted, every time I went to New York to talk to the owner I

What happened after you left?

would sit in the atrium and his PA would come out and say ‘He

I went to the Aga Khan in 2002, I was brought on for Project 305.

is going to give you €5000 more per month’ I didn’t want more

Built by Devonport Yachts, I was taken on as the Captain, and it

money I wanted him to find someone to take over the boat so

has only just, within the last year, left the yard, it is possibly the

that I could go away and have a break, I had only been off the boat

longest build on record.

twice, I was running a full office with 24 crew and no management

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

and no time off. I left Samar, I enjoyed the boat, I enjoyed the

I came on board a few days ago for a party, I liked your attitude,

owner, but the job was difficult and I left to keep my sanity.

start at 7pm and ﬁnish at 9pm.

After Samar I slowed down a bit and in 2008 undertook

Well, I know from experience that you get the freeloaders who

a relief job for three months on board the 82 m Amevi during

want free drink and a good time, I am here to impress the brokers,

a dry docking and then took a break before joining the 53 m

we can do that in just a couple of hours, that’s my job, I need

motor yacht Elisabeth F for three years. After Elisabeth F I joined

to be cost effective, this party is going to cost me $15,000 or

the 65 m Lady Lau for 18 months and from her I became the

whatever, just for two hours and if I lose control of the bar it

Captain of the 61 m St David in the June of 2014. I stayed with her until I joined Lioness IV. How long have you been on Lioness IV? Around 10 months now, she is Philip Green’s old Lionheart, she has never been seen under this name and so being at this show has been the big re-launch of a wonderful yacht. Do you have clients that follow you? Absolutely, yes they know I am on here and there are already enquiries, we are going to do well. My next challenge is crew training and selection, that is what I am doing, most of my crew are from my past commands; you don’t get better crew than that. Crew training and selection? Crew selection is important, you have to find the right crew that want to do the job and then give them specific training to make them very thorough in everything they have to do. We will get there soon on here, I only felt that we had all bedded down a few days before the start of the show, it is not easy when we are all coming to terms with a new yacht, what is great though, as I said, my crew are mostly all from my previous boats and they know me and I know them and they know their jobs.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

ABOVE: M/Y ST. DAVID

will soon be $30,000. If I had an open account I would happily

a yacht is the comfort guests feel when they have to interact with

let the world join in but I don’t and I do not see why the owner

the crew, the style of the crew and how they present themselves;

BELOW: M/Y LIONESS IV

of the yacht should fund people who are never going to bring us

you can see this during a party. She charters out at $425,000 low

business, in fact they are here to take business from us, they want

season $650,000 high season a week, if you are paying that kind

us as a client.

of money you expect perfection.

Do you see value in the parties; you are certainly the person to ask?

Talking of perfection I know you have a thing about ﬂag etiquette.

Absolutely, because all the brokers can see how we behave as a

Flag etiquette is a code that for me serves as a ‘salute’ to past

team, we have engineers serving drinks, they can see we are a

history and to seafarers who have given their lives in making things

tight team, they are not just renting the yacht for their clients,

as safe as they are today. It was interesting that at a recent Monaco

there are many great yachts available, but they need to ensure

Grand Prix, we were possibly the only yacht who correctly dressed

their clients are going to be well looked after. Attending a party

ourselves overall with code flags. (In the right order from bow to

is far better than just being escorted around the boat, you do not

stern: A B 2 U J 1 K E 3 G H 6 I V 5 F L 4 D M 7 P O Third Repeater R N

see the teamwork during a tour. I reckon that 60% of the draw of

First Repeater S T Zero C X 9 W Q 8 Z Y Second Repeater).

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

Counteract your carbon footprint today

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: YACHT4 DRESSED OVERALL IN GENOA

You have two planes? Yes, they are beautiful, one I restored, it was an old classic bi-plane, a Stearman that was as close to a Fairey Swordfish as I

BELOW: SIMON PARTIES IN ANTINGUA – 2016

could find and my yacht is a 28 foot Fairey Huntsman, a wooden boat. You may wonder why I would want them?

FAR RIGHT: SIMON WITH HIS STEARMAN

Tell us why?

FAR RIGHT BOTTOM: SIMON’S 28’ HUNTSMAN

It is history, on the 26th May 1941, a Fairey Swordfish strike was launched against Bismark from Ark Royal jamming the Bismarck‘s rudders with 15° port helm on, making the warship unmanoeuvrable. The courage of the Swordfish crews was noted by the commanders on both sides: British Vice-Admiral Bertram Ramsay later wrote ‘In my opinion the gallant sortie of these six Swordfish aircraft constitutes one of the finest exhibitions of self-sacrifice and devotion to duty the war had ever witnessed’, and even a German, Vice-Admiral Otto Ciliax remarked, ‘the mothball attack of a handful of ancient planes, piloted by men whose bravery surpasses any other action by either side that day’. Not every charter yacht makes a proﬁt, why own a yacht of this size?

Finding an airworthy Swordfish proved impossible and led

If you can’t afford a boat, or do not want the hassle of ownership,

me to find a similar aircraft – the Stearman. My particular plane,

then don’t buy one. The point is if I own a boat, which I do

which is based in an airfield in Derbyshire, had to be CAA certified

because I own a boat plus two aeroplanes and eight classic cars,

to earn its upkeep with joy flights, training flights, Bouncing Bomb

I know the problem, it is not the value I get out of them but the

tours and Wing-Walking.

pride that I have in owning them.

The Stearman type E75N1 was built in 1943 with a Lycoming R-680-17 Radial engine. They were used as a military trainer aircraft during the 1930s and 1940s and throughout World War II. It is a conventional biplane of rugged construction with a large, fixed, tail-wheel undercarriage and accommodation for the student and instructor in open cockpits in tandem. Another great story that inspired me was how an architect at the time was commissioned by the War Effort to provide a hull-design to pick up the downed Spitfire Pilots. The design was revolutionary in producing high speeds in all manner of sea states, to rescue them, turn them around and send them back up again to fight in the Battle of Britain. ‘Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few’. This formed the start of Fairey Marine. Fairey Marine Ltd was a boat building company created by Sir Charles Richard Fairey. The design of my own 1961 28’ Huntsman was by Alan Burnard and is hull number 11. The planing hull has been copied in various guises since. The hull is a relatively deep V with single chine and spray rails. The construction is of laminated mahogany. Once laminated the hulls were cooked in an autoclave to cure the glue. The two Cummins x 160Hp engines are placed amidships under a sloping deck to the cockpit. The craft also starred in the James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love.’ Sean Connery as James Bond can be seen driving a

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

white Fairey Huntress and being chased by my very own Fairey

in hotels and be well fed and there was I haemorrhaging money

Huntsman 28!

into this boat and giving everything I had year after year. I will

So my own connection with Fairey Aviation and Fairey

never forget that night, Rob the owner of Valsheda went up on

Marine has been made. I am very pleased to have finally realised

stage first, there was ‘Clap, Clap, Clap’ then someone else went up

my lifelong dream – since I started my yachting career in 1979

‘Clap Clap Clap’ all the normal winners all the moneyed people,

– to be the proud owner of both the Huntsman, and a faux

then suddenly they announced that the winner was Robert

Swordfish of this great British Story. I have always been so proud

Gordon. I couldn’t believe it, I had won the trophy. The applause

of the British Contribution to both sailing and flying the world over, and most particularly to the Superyacht Industry today. Who did you sell Robert Gordon to? I don’t ever want to talk about it as it was with sadness and the end of a love affair that I had, I just don’t want to know. It was a tough sale. What caused my decision to sell was I had left the boat to get the money from Southern Cross that was basically all of my tips, to finance and keep the boat, I had a Captain on board and so I could use it when I wanted. I would fly in to be an owner with a Captain and do the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Every year I entered, I wanted to win, I came 2nd and 2nd and 3rd and 2nd and 2nd and eventually in 2006 I came first. I have never ever been so happy, wow, I had been getting fed up as I had put so much money into this boat to win, I put everything into sailing in those three days, I was the only one that could do the last tightening up. I was up against these Owners and the loads of money that they could throw in, they would fly in with 30 crew and stay

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON’S PRISTINE MGB ROADSTER V8 BELOW: THE EQUALLY PRISTINE MBG GT

Do you have any houses? The first time I could get a mortgage was 2002, it was the first time seafaring and yachting were considered a reputable business/career and I could get a loan. When the Olympics in London were announced I looked for properties in Zone one, close to a tube and I installed flat screen TVs with Sky assuming if it were ever a tossup between two different properties mine would always get it as they could get Sky. They are all furnished, I have a great portfolio, they look after themselves and the rental yield has done very well. I love classic cars, as mentioned I have a fleet of them all over 30 years, my oldest one is 58 and is an MGA, I have an MGB, an MG Roadster V8, a Porsche 928, a Jaguar Sovereign and a Camper Van, I have three garages in London and the South of France where I keep them. My toy cupboard is full. When I come home I put my hang gliders on the roof of my Camper Van, pick the weather and drive to the South of Wales or drive to the Peak District. I can also have my planes up in an instant. When did you learn to ﬂy?

could have easily been three-fold that of the others. It was

At some point, way back when, I was given a scholarship by the

overwhelming support by the sailing community recognising that

Royal Navy and they selected me and taught me to fly. The deal

it’s not only money that can win. I walked around for three weeks

was that if we went to war I would be called up, that was the

with the biggest grin on my face. I can remember the applause

condition of the scholarship and they paid for everything. My

and cheers to this day.

plane licence came first, then my boat and then my car licence,

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

RIGHT: SIMON’S IMMACULATE MGA BELOW: SIMON PREPARES FOR ANOTHER FLIGHT IN HIS HANG GLIDER

so to fly a plane I had to take a bus to the airfield. I love it, it is so

the intention of taking as much money as they can in as short a

exciting, I can look at the weather and fly to the Channel Islands.

time as possible. We, both you and me, were very privileged to be

The new adventure that is about to happen will be to fly my 1939

in this business back when because of our pure passion and now

bi-plane there.

we have a situation where people are looking for rock star wages and you have to teach them as well. The threat to the business

Where do you see the luxury yacht industry going?

is not getting the quality of candidates from the outset that will

It is not where it is going, it is where the threat is, I have not been

do the job with a passion. Good crew placement agencies are the

asked this question before, but here we go, off the hip. I love all

key. Once you find one of these passionate crew you have to train

the new rules, lots of brain power has been put into errors and

them to get as far as they can go so that they can become the

accidents with all the training implemented to ensure they do

future. It needs to come from the heart, not ‘it’s good money and

not happen again. Training to get people to become the best

my friend told me I will get good tips’ I am not interested in this

experts possible on sea going vessels is absolutely the quest we

or those that get a job and then start looking for the next one

should all have. Sadly what this business has attracted, that did

that will pay a few dollars more.

not happen when I started, are those individuals who join it with

When I walked into this industry, I did not even know it existed, I walked on a boat and found myself involved in Charter which was a privilege, even now it is, but with the amount of boats around now you are just not going to get enough people with the passion, you are going to get people who want to take what they can before moving on. There were perhaps some 2500 people in the industry when I joined and it may now be some 50,000, but in terms of me as a Captain when it comes to crew selection I have to go through a great deal more screening than I ever have. I simply need the best crew, if a crew member makes a mistake there is a lot riding on it. Mistakes are not made when you have quality people as they think ahead all the time. I will go to the ends of the earth to make sure my crew are the happiest and most trained glorious people on the planet. Owners need to understand where I am coming from, it is a difficult subject, finding good crew is one

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

thing, having a yacht Owner who appreciates them is another.

I went up the stairs and he said ‘there you go help yourself’ and

Many of the Owners I have worked for in the past have kept their

pointed down to his coffee table and there sat a line of Coke for

crew for many years, they have realised that good people do not

me, I said ‘I don’t do drugs, I have never done them in my life and

need shouting at and how good it is to keep the same people year

I will never do them, but it is very kind of you to offer me’ and

after year.

he said ‘Do you mean to tell me that for the last 20 years you have been coming to my club and partying as crazily as you have

Are there any particularly good after dinner stories that you like

without drugs!’ I enjoy a great night out with my crew, my team

to tell?

but drugs are a no no.

I think the islanders here in Antigua know how much I party and every night I am out I am sure creates another story of my antics.

What about Owners, you must have been out with a few Owners?

I just love to see people laughing and not just being a stiff in the

I can tell you this, most of the Owners do not have as much fun

corner, not getting to know anybody. My mission is simply that

as I do. One time I said to one of the Owners, who would always

my foolishness, my behaviour, is there to make them smile and

travel with his bodyguards and tasters, ‘Why don’t you just come

that is what it is all about, I take my profession very seriously

out with me and have a coffee and watch the world go by’ I

but that does not mean that I have to be a stressed out yacht

persuaded him to put some old jeans on and that no one would

Captain. It is very funny. For example I have this habit of licking

know him. He came, I told him he had to pay and he had never

people’s calves, I will pick someone’s leg up and lick their calf, it

done that before, he had a whale of a time. Sometime you can

is completely random and harmless fun, the boys like it, the girls

miss all the fun, the fun is not the amount of money and a display

like it and it always brings a smile.

of wealth, it is about being real and getting on with things.

All the people around here know the stories of my past. I

It must be awful, I know a lot of Owners will read this, I

can remember one night when my crew were invited to a club

have worked for some great people during my career, some of

by the Owner, I loved it, the environment was fun and we were

them crave fame and others crave anonymity but I always felt

having a BBQ by the pool and he said to me ‘Would you like to

sorry for the people that wished they did not have the money as

come up stairs, I want to show you the view from my living room’

it had become a big problem to them.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MAN AT THE TOP – CPT. SIMON JOHNSON

thing about them. The planes I bought, because they make me smile. I do not follow trends, I simply like to have what makes me happy, everything is an adventure. The other thing I have done is to spread my wealth, I have gold, property, cars and planes, I have spread it out to protect it and maybe at some point I will start cashing it in. My aim is to die poor, but having enjoyed rich experiences. But you have many good years ahead of you. Yachting is an industry in which the older you get, the more grey hair you have, the more yacht Owners want to employ you. They are getting more experience – I have travelled 315,000 nautical miles which is the equivalent of 15 times around the world and includes a hell of a lot of marinas, ports and bays, and knowing what is safe and what is not, that is what people get when they employ me. Also my relationships ashore are fantastic in Antigua, Monaco, Genoa, Venice, West Palm Beach, the list is endless, I have created real relationships that have been going on for a long while, to run a yacht like Lioness needs these relationships, knowing who to call on to get things done. If I was going to come back again as a human being I would do this life all over again. There are a great many Captains that share their passion for the sea with fantastic Owners, it is indeed an incredible life, a yacht Owner has to simply bring in the money and sharing it with genuine crew on board his yacht has to be one of the most satisfying ways of spending it. I think that my DNA has been pre-programmed to make other people happy and as a result I am happy, looking at one’s own DNA is a very deep and personal thing to do and all being well it should help to ensure ones happiness and wellbeing, something that can and should be shared, if that’s not achievable then maybe a good psychiatrist could help. You certainly have a very special personality, everyone I speak to I admire those that have worked hard and either built their

says fantastic things about you. What thoughts would you like to

house on the hill or built their fortune, but I am allergic to lazy

leave us with?

people that have wealth, I think the biggest challenge is that they

I enjoy listening to and telling stories. I am also very truthful.

do not know who their friends are. I think this must be very scary

My honesty, however, seems occasionally to be my slight

especially for those that have suddenly gained lots of money. I

downfall, but it is important to me and that is all that matters.

think that the scariest thing would be to wonder if money is the

There are two things I always say to my crew, there are two

only thing that people saw in me and that was why they wanted

things they need to get as quickly as they can – have passion and

to be friends, it must be awful to live like that, a dark place I would

opinion. Put your stake in the ground as soon as you can. Make

not wish to go.

your decision and stick by it, that’s what will keep you going. >||

Would you like to be as rich as the people you work for? I am not interested in accumulating wealth, I have these cars

and of course I brag about them, I am very fond of them and

Photographs: With thanks to Simon’s friends and Family.

passionate about them, every car has a story, I know every single

Contact: www.captainsimonjohnson.com

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE TOP RESTAURANTS OF GREECE

PHOTOGRAPH: KATERINA AVGERINOU

ENJOYING THE RENAISSANCE BY ROSEMARY PAVLATOU REEKS HAVE FOR CENTURIES LIVED A LIFE STYLE

that has brought convenience food, the likes of Coca Cola and

recognised some years ago by Unesco as part of the

the need for more working women in society thus causing

intangible heritage of humanity, the Mediterranean

families to eat less frequently together.

diet, siting the many skills involved from farming, fishing, animal

It is considered that the health benefits of the

husbandry, cooking and the sharing of food. The latter is one of

Mediterranean diet are not derived just from what is eaten but

the most important elements of the Greek way of life as it is

also from the way of life that is enjoyed by traditional families.

part of the culture of sharing and neighbourliness that so binds

Experts have been unable to disassociate the benefits of the

the society. Both dining out with friends and family, as well as

food alone from the benefits of the lifestyle associated with its

the cafe culture, are deemed essential to the Greek way of life.

production in the traditional way which incorporates the hard

Like most things however the traditional way of life in Greece is slowly declining, perhaps as a result of globalisation

work involved in tending, harvesting, preparing and then cooking the food.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

GREEK RESTAURANTS

ABOVE: SHRIMP – VAROULKO SEASIDE RIGHT: APRICOT – SPONDI

Indeed I was fortunate enough to have known a family who did live the Mediterranean traditional life and the mother lived a healthy life well into her nineties, having never been to a dentist, nor losing a tooth to decay. She baked bread every

PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: CHOCO BOMB – FUNKY GOURMET

Monday, drank her own wine at each meal during the day,

PREVIOUS PAGE BOTTOM: THE FANTASTIC VIEW FROM THE TABLES OF VAROULKO SEASIDE, ATHENS

they ate fish she would not buy it unless it was still alive and

including breakfast, made her own cheese and grew her own vegetables. The family also raised their own sheep and goats. If finding her youngest daughter and me making traditional Greek biscuits she derided our efforts as she was not a sweet eater. She was a happy woman though a busy one, but never too busy to enjoy a glass of wine, a convivial meal and a dance afterwards. The Mediterranean diet consists basically of local fruit and vegetables, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, courgettes, potatoes, onions, beans, peas, oranges, lemons, figs, grapes and melon. Legumes and pulses such as beans, chick peas and lentils as well as nuts, add protein and interest but the mainstay of the whole diet is usually considered to be olives and olive oil which were and are used liberally in Greek cooking. Limited amounts of fish and chicken and a very infrequent addition of red meat to the diet were typical with some additions of eggs and dairy produce. All of these would have been hard won items for the table. Land is scarce and difficult to cultivate in most places. Fields are small and sometimes widely spaced making farming arduous and

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

GREEK RESTAURANTS

RIGHT: A BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED FISH DISH FROM VAROULKO SEASIDE

PHOTOGRAPH: KATERINA AVGERINOU

FAR RIGHT: BEETROSE – FUNKY GOURMET BELOW: UPSTAIRS DINING ROOM – FUNKY GOURMET, ATHENS

yields commensurately low. Mediterranean peoples would have

Locally grown food is seasonal, something most

struggled to provide for the family which means a lean table and

people who don’t grow their own food don’t even consider

lean people!

with supermarkets bulging with every kind of green grocery

A typical meal consists of many dishes with small

imaginable at every time of the year. The best vegetables

portions of a wide variety of foods; dips such as hummus, fava

and fruit though are those in season locally that come with

(yellow split pea dip), tzatziki (yoghourt with cucumber and

the vastly superior flavour that we have all but forgotten. Living in

garlic), various salads, heaps of bread often served with olive

a still fairly seasonal market, I personally enjoy the anticipation of

oil, beans or chick peas in tomato sauce, octopus, squid and

melon season, grapes coming to their best in late summer, figs in

perhaps an aubergine dish would make for a start. Being served

early summer and the eager anticipation of the first really sweet

in this way and all dishes shared, makes the meal inevitably, very

oranges in winter. Enjoying fruit and vegetables in season is part

social. It is rare that individual plates are brought at this stage in

of the Mediterranean way of living and an important part. That

the meal at least.

is why the new interest in locally grown food is so encouraging.

PHOTOGRAPH: KATERINA AVGERINOU

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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GREEK RESTAURANTS

ABOVE: FINE DINING AT SPONDI RIGHT: FISH FRICASSEE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SPONDI BELOW RIGHT: FISH FRICASSEE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FUNKY GOURMET

Although a good variety of fresh produce is now more than ever easily and liberally available there were times when it was very challenging to find even the most basic of vegetables during the winter in local shops. Potatoes were at a premium at times and onions were not always good prompting us all to became inventive basing menus around what was to be found each day with no preconceived ideas, just, I imagine, as many women had done for millennia. Of course none of these are issues that a diner at the restaurants in Greece need concern themselves with today, but still many people like the idea of experiencing true Mediterranean cooking. Increasingly restaurants base their menus on traditional dishes but use modern ideas to freshen and add interest to them. Many prize winning chefs seem to have done this, which is both interesting and delicious. Since the end of WWII, when everything was scarce for many years, the renaissance in food and its preparation has been marked alongside the sophistication of Greek wine, both of which have developed out of all recognition. You can still find the traditional, homely, Greek taverna with simple homemade dishes that are delicious with an authentic feel. These have an undeniable charm and are definitely worth trying if you can find them. Simple, local, fresh produce simply prepared are delicious but sometimes

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

PHOTOGRAPH: KATERINA AVGERINOU

GREEK GRE EK RESTAU RES ES STA TAU URAN RANTS

ABOVE: THE STUNNING SETTING FOR LYCABETTUS RESTAURANT – OIA, SANTORINI

a little short on decoration. What more can we ask for in looking for the Mediterranean diet. Take your friends and enjoy the experience. But now you can also experience a new Greek cuisine based on traditional dishes, traditional ways of cooking and fresh

LEFT: CANOPÉ OF GREEK SALAD WITH SANTORINI CHERRY TOMATOES, AN AIR BAGUETTE WITH BOTTARGA, COD CROCKET AND CAPERS – LYCABETTUS

ingredients, but with a modern twist, to them to make them fresh and interesting. There are a number of Michelin starred restaurants in Greece and some with a local award – the Golden Chef Hat. These awards can be taken as an indication of quality but we should not

FAR LEFT: SEA BASS TARTAR WITH BLOOD ORANGE GEL, SALICORNIA, LIME AND WATER MELON RADISH – LYCABETTUS

necessarily exclude those restaurants that are not on these lists as many offer an excellent dining experience too.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

GREEK RESTAURANTS

The main restaurants to win the top prizes in the Golden Chef Hat awards are, unsurprisingly also those with Michelin stars. THE MICHELIN STAR RESTAURANTS – CONCENTRATED IN ATHENS: ANETON MAMA TIERRA ATHIRI NOLAN BOTRINI’S OIKEIO COOKOVAYA PAPAIOANNOU CTC PREMIERE FUNKY GOURMET SPONDI GB ROOF GARDEN SUSHIMOU HYTRA VAROULKO SEASIDE KUZINA ETRUSCO – CORFU

2 CHEF’S GOLDEN HAT RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 16.5/20 ETRUSCO: CORFU FUNKY GOURMET: ATHENS 1 CHEF’S GOLDEN HAT RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 16.5/20 BOTRINI’S: ATHENS VAROULKO SEASIDE: PIRAEUS SPONDI: ATHENS 1 CHEF’S GOLDEN HAT RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 15.5/20 BILL & COO: MYKONOS TREEHOUSE: VOURVOUROU, HALKIDIKI TUDOR HALL: ATHENS MATSUHISA ATHENS: ATHENS WATER RESTAURANT: HALKIDIKI SQUIRREL: NIKITI, HALKIDIKI

ON THE VERANDAH – SPETSES

SQUIRREL – NIKITI, HALKIDIKI

1 CHEF’S GOLDEN HAT RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 15/20 ALFREDO’S GRAND DINING: LYCABETTUS: SANTORINI THESSALONIKI MATSUHISA: MYKONOS CALYPSO: CRETE OCEAN RESTAURANT: CRETE CTC: ATHENS PATIO: ATHENS G.B. ROOF GARDEN: ATHENS SANTORO: SANTORINI HYTRA: ATHENS SELENE: SANTORINI KOUKOUMAVLOS: SANTORINI TOMATA: HALKIDIKI GREEK CUISINE AWARD RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 14.5/20 MILOS ESTIATORIO: ATHENS ALERIA: ATHENS MYLOS: SANTORINI BUBO FINE DINING: HALKIDIKI OLD MILL: CRETE ELIA’S RESTAURANT: SKIATHOS PAPAIOANNOU: PIRAEUS FERRYMAN: CRETE KENSHŌ RESTAURANT: MYKONOS RED BICYCLE: SANTORINI MARINA: HALKIDIKI TELEMACHOS ATHENS: ATHENS MAVRIKOS: RHODES GREEK CUISINE AWARD RESTAURANTS – POINTS AWARDED: 14 /20 KONTOSOROS: FLORINA 6 KEYS: THESSALY KRITIKOS: ATTIKI ALEXIS: HALKIDIKI ALFREDO’S GARDEN: THESSALONIKI MARIGOULA: HALKIDIKI ARGENTINA: CRETE NAOUMIDIS: FLORINA ATHIRI: ATHENS ON THE VERANDAH: SPETSES AVLI: CRETE TASOS: THESSALONIKI BOUKADOURA: HALKIDIKI TAVERNA: PELOPONNESE CHRISOSTOMOS: CRETE THE ZILLERS: ATHENS FEEDЯе URBAN GASTRONOMY: ATHENS THOMAS: FLORINA GASTRODROMIO: PIERIA XASTERIA: CRETE KASTRI BISTRO: ATHENS

KENSHŌ RESTAURANT: MYKONOS

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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TIME OFF. INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL AREAS TO VISIT Rhodes island is particularly beautiful and steeped in history. To make the most of the island, A 1 offer a concierge service to support all clients spending time in Greece.

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

GREEK RESTAURANTS

BELOW: ORANGE EXPLOSION – FUNKY GOURMET

There are other restaurants that we find our clients enjoy that

MARCO POLO – RHODES

don’t appear on these lists and local agents can of course always

Marco Polo, in the heart of the old town, offers dining in the

offer their advice on this as can the A1 concierge service.

courtyard of this small boutique hotel. Green and lush the courtyard garden is an ideal place to enjoy the interesting menu

TASSIAS – FISCARDO CEPHALONIA

offered which consists of both meat and fish dishes.

Right on the quayside it is possible for yachts to berth just opposite. Enjoy the enthusiastic welcome of the eponymous

ERICOS – MEGANISSI

Tassia and her brother who run the restaurant. The last time I

A waterfront taverna with a very local ambiance allows you to

was there one of clients had dinner there and declared it the best

watch the passing visitors and enjoy the sea view while enjoying

evening they had enjoyed for a very long time. The lobster pasta

the excellent local flavours produced by this tavern.

was memorable. Booking recommended. MILLS – ITHACA AGNI – CORFU

Popular with our clients on the seafront in Ithaca with fresh, well

Agni is a taverna on the sea to the north east of the town which

presented food including fish and most Greek traditonial dishes.

serves fresh seasonal produce and the menu depends very much on the catch of the day. There are also meat options. Booking

CAPTAIN PIPINOS – ANTI-PAROS

is recommended.

A fish taverna serving catch of the day and many authentic flavours of Greek traditional cooking.

>||

DOURABES – PIREAUS Dourabes is found in an out of the way corner near Toukolimano offers the very best of seafood and my favourite salad. A sympathetic atmosphere with good service. This is a haunt of the local shipping fraternity both winter and summer.

Contact: Rosemary @A1Yachting.com

PHOTOGRAPH: KATERINA AVGERINOU

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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See us at Monaco Yacht Show 27.30.9.2017 YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

AND THE LOVE OF AN ISLAND ENATO AZZARA OF SARDINIA YACHT SERVICES

The crew played the role of Sardinian Ambassadors as they

wins the Giraglia Rolex Cup 2017 on Adelasia di Torres.

also took part in Sailing Arabia – The Tour 2017, which took a

The yacht, named not only after a Queen but also

course through four countries in the Middle East. Organised by

after a Foundation, of which Renato is President. Adelasia – the

Oman Sail this challenging 763 nautical mile race saw Adelasia

Foundation, works for the sustainable development of Sardinia,

win first place in her class and third overall.

to provide young people, particularly living within the interior

Speaking about the Giraglia Rolex Cup, Azara says: ‘It was

of the Island, reasons not to abandon their land and traditional

an important opportunity to involve Sardinia in a major sporting

activities by using the modern technology now available to them,

success, because Adelasia has a name and a story to tell. All this

renewable energy and new cultivation methods on their farms.

gives us inner strength as a crew because we represent Sardinia

Also with the help of dedicated researchers and technicians

and that belongs to us.’

knowledgeable in environmental protection they are working to

Adelasia will meet new challenges when takes part in the

promote sustainable tourism development throughout the island.

Formenton Trophy, (August 20th 2017) to be raced around the

Adelasia di Torres was the last reigning Queen of Sardinia. She was born in Ardara in A.D. 1207. Adelasia is regarded as a symbol of pride and strength throughout the Island and in ancient history she is shrouded in a certain mystery but is seen now as a symbol of the cultural and environmental heritage of Sardinia and an appropriate name for both the Foundation and the yacht. Both were conceived to defend the values and culture of Sardinia and to bring them proudly to the world’s attention. The yacht, which Renato captained, was ranked first in its class, first overall and first in the combined classification of the inshore and offshore Giraglia Rolex Cup 2017 – ORC Class. The crew were brought together by Duccio Colombi who, along with Renato Azara and the DHL sponsors, were able to create their winning team in just a few months.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

beautiful islands of the Maddalena Archipelago.

>||

I’m Renato Azara, CEO of Sardinia Yacht Services. My promise to you is that my highly professional yacht agency team will ensure that all of your requirements are met quickly and efficiently during your cruise around Sardinia.

Tel. +39 0789 906021 Fax. +39 0789 906123 E: sardinia@sardiniayachtservices.it www. sardiniayachtservices.it Porto Cervo Marina 07021 Porto Cervo (OT) Italy

• BERTH RESERVATIONS • ITINERARY PLANNING • YACHT CLEARANCE • FOOD & BEVERAGES • BUNKERING YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 97 • TECHNICAL SUPPORT • LOGISTICS & FORWARDING AGENT • ACCOUNT & BANKING • GENERAL ORGANISATION ISSUE 33

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HIS HIGHNESS ALBERT II OF MONACO

House of Fine Yachting 27 > 30 SEPTEMBER 2017

MONACOYACHTSHOW.COM

OFFICIAL SPONSOR

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE 2017

MONACO YACHT SHOW 27TH-30TH SEPTEMBER 2017

THE MADE-TO-MEASURE SUPERYACHT EXPERIENCE OR MANY YEARS NOW THE WORLD SUPERYACHT

to maximise direct contact between exhibitors and the shows

community has gathered for four days on the quays of Port

clientele of visiting prospective owners and industry professionals.

Hercules to visit yachts, discover the latest market trends

On September 26th, the 2nd edition of the Monaco

and promote business and public relations within the show and

Yacht Summit will again welcome a delegation of hand-picked

in the evenings throughout Monaco’s top hotels and restaurants.

visitors. The day will take the form of workshop discussions

For months before the Monaco Yacht Show opens its doors

and be deliberately restricted to a clearly-identified audience of

the organisers have been sending updates to industrial decision-

people interested in the purchase or management of a superyacht

makers and private clients around the world about this eagerly-

(participation by invitation only).

awaited event. 87% of exhibiting companies from 2016 are returning

personal insights and provide unbiased information about the

again for 2017 and about forty superyachts, recently delivered,

fascinating world of these extraordinary vessels. With tools to

will make their public debuts on the docks and will be among the

easily understand the charter, or purchase decision-making

125 superyachts that will be present for viewing.

process, delegates will afterwards be well informed to enjoy four

The quality of the exhibition, due to the circa 590 participating companies that are at the heart of the success of the

100

Six table-talks, led by industry leaders, will present

enthralling days of the Show. You may apply for participation by emailing: concierge@monacoyachtshow.mc

MYS, is matched by the efforts made by the organising team over

In the evening 400 guests – top managers of yachting

the last four years to attract more buyers (both private and trade)

companies and private clients – will be invited to the opening

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MONACO YACHT SHOW 2017

ceremony of the 27th MYS, which will also incorporate the

personal assistants to wealthy individuals and celebrities from

Show’s 4th Yachting Awards ceremony.

the United Kingdom.

These two events organised on the eve of the Monaco

An exhibition of unmatched quality The Monaco Yacht

Yacht Show are part of a premium visit program conceived

Show is reorganising its exhibition layout with new thematic

exclusively for those considering the purchase of a superyacht.

presentations devoted to the superyacht lifestyle.

Launched in 2014 the Sapphire Experience offers a concierge

The Car Deck, launched last year, will present 10 or

service to potential Owners so that they can better plan their

so prestige vehicles, some of which will be available to the Show’s

time during the Show. By being a part of the Sapphire Experience

premium clients for test drives (exhibition relocated on the

it will be simple for premium clients to organise personal visits

Quai Antoine Ier).

to superyachts that are officially participating in the Show, in

Next to the Car Deck visitors will find, in the Tender & Toys Show, some of the trendiest nautical accessories on the market,

coordination with the exhibiting brokers and shipyards. This year the Monaco Yacht Show has chosen to develop

visible on the quay or afloat.

its network of private clients by holding public relations events in

The Quai Antoine Ier will also be the site of a new space

two cities that are rated among the top five in the world when it

for exhibitors’ booths and a reception for yachting clientele: the

comes to the billionaires living in them.

Starboard. Other facilities offered here to visitors and exhibitors

At the beginning of May the MYS hosted two private

include a cafe-restaurant with a terrace, a lounge where they can

events in New York and one in London for a selection of high-

consult international yachting and lifestyle magazines, the MYS

profile guests. The evenings in New York took place in the St.

official press centre and private meeting rooms (free of charge,

Regis New York Hotel, one of the Big Apple’s most luxurious

for exhibiting companies only).

>||

establishments, and in the Consulate of Monaco. The participants were residents of the hotel, VIP guests of the Consulate, members of the American associations of asset managers that cater to

www.monacoyachtshow.com

wealthy clients or the personal assistants of celebrities from

#mys2017

Los Angeles and New York. In London too, the MYS joined up

@mys_monaco

with the Monegasque Embassy to receive privileged guests

Facebook/monacoyachtshow

and members of two London-based companies that operate as

Instagram: monacoyachtshow_official

VISIT THE YACHTING MATTERS/YACHTFILE STAND AT BOOTH AL13 – MONACO YACHT SHOW

AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

33 3

Featuring The

INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY FILE

A Colin Squire Publication

Supplement

Visit us at Monaco Yacht Show – ‘Quai Albert 1er’ tent - AL47

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A Colin Squire Publication

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AUTUMN/WINTER 2017

OWNER

MATTERS

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27 SEPTEMBER 30 SEPTEMBER

2 017

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

101

MYBA 2017 CHARTER SHOW – BARCELONA ONEOCEAN PORT VELL – RECORDS BROKEN BY COLIN SQUIRE

102

HE MYBA SHOW THIS YEAR DECAMPED TO

the hospitality offered by the Pesto family and MYBA itself. From

OneOcean Port Vell, Barcelona, it was an exciting and

memory the show grew at one point to include over 90 yachts with

interesting change of venue as for many years the show had

three docks being used, tenders and shuttles ran between them,

taken place in Italy. Since being founded in San Remo in 1984,

but in recent years the numbers of yachts attending dropped to

when yacht charter was a very niche business, in fact miniscule

the mid-forties. The 2016 show in Genoa, it has to be said from an

in comparison to today’s fleet of stunning yachts, the amount of

organisational viewpoint, was one of the best ever, new facilities

money that changes hands has grown to make this a multi, multi-

were brought in for conferences, new registration areas were used

million $/€/£ and a highly professional industry as is reflected in

but the show had the one main dock that could only contain around

the standards expected of the show itself.

65 vendor stands. This had its advantages as, when it rained it

The show moved to Marina Molo Vecchio in 2001 and for

was possible to stay undercover as one moved around. The event

many years brokers and trade members came in large numbers to

welcome party held at the Aquarium was exceptional, as had all of

view and network along the docks. Over the years MMV perfected

the welcome events been in previous years.

the show and for many of us that attended during those years we

But change was in the air. The focus recently for charter

grew to enjoy the city, its history, its plethora of restaurants and

has shifted significantly Westward, problems in the Eastern

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

MYBA 2017 CHARTER SHOW

Mediterranean and even along the coast of France, added to the

around the show was good and as with any large City one

recent relaxation of charter laws in Spain has seen a significant

had to be aware when walking around, or driving, not to carry

migration of the fleet and in effect this has created Spain’s

expensive items, I have not heard of anybody having a problem.

own milk run, a golden triangle. Barcelona, which has several

The registration/breakfast area did not seem quite big enough

good marinas in the city and nearby is a good base to operate

for the number of attendees and the Opening Cocktail evening

from, then a mere 200 km or so away you have the burgeoning

needs to be improved, it was a networking event in a wonderful

marinas of Mallorca, all based in or near Palma, and then if you

setting but it did not meet the expectations of previous years for

swing to port leaving the Bay Of Palma you have the relevant

some of those that attended.

tranquillity of Minorca, a beautiful destination Island or to

I discussed this with Paul Cook, GM of OOPV and I totally

starboard you end up in the hedonistic island of Ibiza. Ibiza has

agree with his sentiment, ‘2017 was a ground breaking event

without doubt always been a party destination with its clubs,

for the Marina, we wanted the show here, we achieved that but

beaches, restaurants, anchorages and crowded marinas but of

with only nine months to pull the whole show together in a

late the Island has exploded as a yachting destination and the

new venue, I can assure you, we spent many hours working on

recently opened Sovren (Superyacht) Marina, alongside Ibiza

our plan of delivery. We could only look back on previous years

Old Town has become another welcome facility.

and the attendance exceeded our expectations. From what we

MYBA, I am sure, having watched this migration unravel,

have heard everybody felt that they had a good show. Of course

decided that maybe a change of venue was in order as the

we have learnt massively from this show and we are already

contract with MMV expired, due to the timing of the Show

planning for the 2018 event (23rd-26th April) and we will make

it could not be held in Palma, even if that was on the list of

improvements to any area that needs looking at.’

possible venues. The Palma Superyacht Show collided date-

Personally I enjoyed the Show and have to thank Fiona

wise and this show is still growing since it launched just a few

Maureso and her MYBA team for organising it for so many years.

years ago. But Barcelona stood out as a perfect venue and the

I consider it an important part of my annual Show calendar and

recently upgraded OneOcean Port Vell (OOPV) stood out as an

at times looking down those sun drenched docks teaming with

ideal marina, importantly it has dock space aplenty, dockage

people during the first two days it struck me that it looked more

for the largest of Superyachts with beautifully crafted facilities,

like a major Superyacht Show rather than a Charter Show. The

wide docks for the vendor stands, a major airport nearby, hotels,

final two days were rain drenched, as in any year always bring

restaurants, an underground car park within metres of the

warm weatherproof clothing to the MYBA show! I have already

entrance and good communications.

booked my hotel for 2018 and I am looking forward to my next

Nobody quite expected the response from the industry,

visit, it really is one of those rare networking events that allow

57 exceptional yachts were on display, the largest the Indian

visitors the time to talk, enjoy each other’s company and above

Empress at 97 m, Nero at 90 m, I could go on, but a new record

all do business as they plan for the busy summer ahead.

>||

has been claimed, that of tonnage, this show had more tonnage than any previous show in history. But it does not stop there, over

Contact: www.MYBAshow.com

450+ brokers attended, another record, the number of stands at the show increased to an incredible 107 against approximately 65 in Genoa, thus bringing the number of vendors to a record high. How did it all work out, the consensus of opinion points to it having been a great success, the effort put in by the marina management, who only had nine months to organise this from scratch, was monumental. The yachts looked, as they should, perfect, as they greeted brokers on board, the crews were perfectly turned out and the Chefs competition was well supported, (for results see the PYA section page 147) and the Yot Hops, as always, fantastic. (For on board parties see page 75 in Man At The Top). The distances between the separate docks within OOPV, the show set out was in three sections, were considerable if you had to move between them for appointments, lunches etc., but there were many Golf Buggies available should anybody have needed them. The security

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THE PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW

PHOTOGRAPH: SOFIA WINGHAMRE

28TH APRIL â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2ND MAY 2017

BURSTING AT THE SEAMS BY COLIN SQUIRE S PALMA CEMENTS ITSELF AS THE SUPER Sailyacht Capital of the world this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show reflected

concentration of yachts and yachties and I can see the show

that in the diversity of the 70 yachts being displayed,

growing well into the future, in fact it has a great deal in its

not only for sale but also for charter. The split was approx.

favour, an international airport, many inexpensive hotels and

50/50, something I have not seen at any other show and there

restaurants and a well-established infrastructure to care for the

were many impressive vessels to be seen. The docks were full, as

vessels that call the Island home.

were the various display areas, with approximately sixty stands

I met up with a

catering to all sizes of yachts, in all a show that encompassed not

plethora of old friends

only the Superyacht end of the market up to 194 ft but also the

at the show, on the

lower end with yachts from around 70 ft. There is no doubting

stands

the popularity of the show, with attendance in the region of

visiting, some for just

34,500 and from reports, not only was the show attended by

a day, others were

a great many Captains and Crew there were also many parties

there

interested in purchase and the possibility of charter.

the five days that

and

those

throughout

One has to wonder, having organised the superyacht side

the show ran for,

of this show now for several years, where can expansion locate

making good use of

itself. Already STP are allowing the use of one of their docks,

the networking opportunities. A new area within the show this

not easy to arrange as they are crammed with refit activity

year was the Refit & Repair section and with its Captains Corner,

throughout the winter months, but if they were amiable the show

this encompassed a large area of the showground, a space that

could expand further into the shipyard, this would be perfect

professionals could visit to discuss the needs of their vessels.

of course and the timing of the show is such that the yard

The Captains Corner was set up for discussions on a variety of

should be emptying by then. Palma has an incredible

subjects, the most popular being the new charter rules that have

PHOTOGRAPH: GASTON WESTPHAL

had a dramatic effect over the past few years on the cruising PHOTOGRAPH: SOFIA WINGHAMRE

grounds of Menorca and Ibiza and of course Mallorca itself. Being Palma the beer tent saw good trade, it was a great spot to sit and enjoy a cooling drink, and the restaurants around the show certainly thought it was Christmas again and it could well have been with all of the parties taking place. All in all an event well worth visiting and following on from the MYBA Charter Show in Barcelona I was able to spend nine days, not only distributing magazines and YachtFiles, but also meeting a great many people from the yachting industry during two back to back events, a wonderful ending to my four week, 2017 Spring delivery trip.

Contact: www.palmasuperyachtshow.com

104

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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NEW N WS 105

THE PALMA SUPERYACHT CUP 21ST-24TH JUNE 2017

REFLECTIONS WORDS BY DANIELLE BERCLOUW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL KURTZ – PANTAENIUS

HE SUPERYACHT CUP, A REGATTA RENOWNED FOR

senior yacht, the 32 m German Frers-designed Bolero launched

its warm atmosphere and fierce racing, is not only

in 1991. The largest yacht in the fleet was the 46 m classically

one of the most hotly anticipated events on the superyacht

lined Windrose of Amsterdam. Another former competitor, an

sailing circuit, but also the longest running regatta of its kind

enchanting example of Dutch boat-building expertise, is the

in Europe. Moreover, this thrilling four-day event unites

27.5 m Atalante 1. This stunning Truly Classic, designed by Hoek

sailors from all corners of the globe and boasts being a regatta

and built by Claasen, was the smallest entrant this year.

where the camaraderie on board and between boats always reigns supreme. BELOW: THE OWNER AND CREW OF BOLERO

106

The fleet’s 10 yachts, split into classes A and B, had to race three challenging coastal courses, selected on the morning

The entrants in this year’s fleet added up to a total of

of each race. New for the 2017 edition were the Daily Race

362 m of sailing talent, and ranged from the newly-launched

Awards which added celebratory sparkle to the ‘regular’ end-of-

34 m Malcolm McKeon-designed sloop Ribelle to the most

day cold drinks.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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Germany · Great Britain* · Monaco · Denmark · Austria · Spain · Sweden · USA** · Australia YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

107

*Pantaenius UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Authorised No.308688) **Pantaenius America Ltd. is a licensed insurance agent licensed in all 50 states. It is an independent corporation incorporated under the laws of New York and is a separate and distinct entity from any entity of the Pantaenius Group.

THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2017

The Superyacht Cup’s spirited social programme kicked off in the evening prior to the start of racing with the ‘Welcome Cocktail’ held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Silver sponsors Astilleros de Mallorca who are renowned the world over for the quality of their Superyacht refit and repair facilities, both at their shipyard and in STP. DAY 1. WIN WIN AND BOLERO TAKE NO PRISONERS As most owners and sailors know each other from having gone head-to-head during previous Cups the previous night’s revelry was abundant with animated catch-ups and the clinking of glasses. Needless to say the day’s opening race was yesterday’s hottest topic as anticipation brewed for this first day of racing sponsored by Pantaenius insurance. For the 34 m fully carbon-built Ribelle today’s racing marked her very first spin on the SYC-circuit. Her crew were roaring

108

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2017

to show her adversaries that she was as impressive on the racecourse as she looked in port. The 32 m Farfalla was also set to go, she had already taken third in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Zealand Millennium Cup. Last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s victor, the 33 m Win Win had already seen many racing miles pass under her keel this year and boasted having had a Class A win during the recent St. Barths Bucket.

FACING PAGE TOP: ATALANTE FACING PAGE BELOW: FARFALLA BELOW: WIN WIN

The day saw a sea breeze build to approximately 10 knots at the start line and the fleet had to face patchy wind conditions throughout the afternoon. The race committee selected course 4 for both classes, but, as conditions turned out lighter than expected, class B was shortened, while class A went on to complete the full distance. Racing commenced at 13.00 and saw Bolero slip over the start line first. Win Win who got off to a champion start crossing the line a mere two seconds after her start time. Ribelle rounded mark one and two first, with the aforementioned Win Win and repeat contender the 45 m Saudade hot on her heels, treating spectators to some really tight racing. Win Win kept her fast pace and sped over the finish line ahead of Ribelle and Saudade. The action in Class B started with a duel between Bolero and Atalante. The latter rounded the first three marks ahead, while This is Us and Atalante 1 rounded Illetas with a nerve-racking 18 seconds between them. Bolero is not only a beautiful looking yacht but was also a rocket on the circuit. She stormed across the finish line 1 minute before Atalante 1, who took second just ahead of Atalante.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

109

110

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2016

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

111

THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2017

PREVIOUS SPREAD: WINDROSE OF AMSTERDAM AND ATALANTE ABOVE: INOUI, SAUDADE AND FARFALLA

112

DAY 2. ANOTHER BOISTEROUS DAY ON THE WATER

exhilarating as top-gun-trio Win Win, Ribelle and, now, Saudade

Hot sunshine and nice sailing conditions forecast for mid-

all rounded within two minutes and seven seconds of each other.

afternoon set the scene as the race committee selected an

Top performer Win Win refused to back down and slipped over

exciting course for each class ranging from 20-25 nm, the shorter

the finish line ahead of Ribelle and Saudade.

course was sailed by Class B.

Class B saw yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruler Bolero maintain her front

Racing kicked off at 13.00 and saw Farfalla get off to a

position albeit with Atalante and Atalante 1, breathing down her

flying start. The talk of the regatta this year, Ribelle, staunchly

neck. Atalante then made a bold and early move into clear air

held on to her lead at the start as she rounded the third mark

which served her well and she managed to edge out Bolero as they

in Class A. However Win Win crept up from behind, which

rounded mark 4. At this stage Windrose of Amsterdam, muscled her

resulted in a thrilling overtaking manoeuvre that put her at the

way into third. Atalante kept her leading position and proved her

head of the pack when rounding mark 4. The next point was as

Dutch sailing credentials by flying over the finish line first, followed

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

AYSS is the only worldwide network of the world’s best superyacht agents approved by Superyacht Captains

ASSOCIATION OF YACHT SUPPORT SERVICES Come join us at our networking event in Monaco at La Rascasse Thursday 28th September at 16.00 MonacoNet in partnership with ACREW

by Bolero and Windrose of Amsterdam. However, although this classicstyle stunner was first over the line, she was not the elapsed time victor. This was Bolero. Bolero’s owner recalls: ‘Today was a wonderful day. We

email admin@ayss.org

have a great crew, very knowledgeable and we enjoyed the race very much, it was perfect, and another win today makes it a great day for myself and the crew.’

celebrating over

Sponsors North Sails hosted Happy Hour at the Regatta Bar, where cooling drinks took some of the bite out of a very tense second day. As tales of the day’s adventures were swapped on the dock, Owners headed to the stunning St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca to enjoy a welldeserved mid-summer BBQ.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

www.ayss.org 113

THE H SUPER SUPERYAC YACHT HT C CU UP U P 20 017 7

ABOVE: WINDROSE OF AMSTERDAM

DAY 3. THE SUPERYACHT CUP ENDS ON A HIGH The morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on board briefing saw concentrated faces as the

highly-competitive yachts in Class A got the racing underway.

race committee set the courses for the day of the St. Regis

Ribelle led the fleet with gusto around the first, second and third

Mardavall Resort Race. The yachts were sent on two riveting

marks with Win Win and Farfalla in hot pursuit! Farfalla stayed

custom courses that ranged between 17 and 22 nm to befit the

behind Win Win on her way to mark three, which resulted in Win

days forecast of light winds (varying between six and ten knots).

Win rounding five minutes and eleven seconds before her. A tough

The shorter 17 nm course was sailed by the yachts in Class B.

tussle ensued between Ribelle and Win Win as they sailed neck-

Two was the magic number as Class A Win Win went

and-neck towards the fifth mark, which the uncompromising Win

into the race holding a two point lead over Saudade. This well-

Win managed to round first by a hair-raising 32 seconds. Previous

powered Wally was separated from Ribelle (who sat in third)

event-winner Win Win was unstoppable as she flew over the

by two points. In Class B Bolero went into this third race with

finish line a mere 39 seconds before Ribelle.

a margin of two points over Atalante 1. Two points also stood between her and her sister Atalante.

114

The first boat, Farfalla, slid over the line at 13.05, as the

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

After corrections were applied, the final calls were made it was Win Win whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s powerful performance over the last three

days consolidated her Class A win by 2 points over second place finisher Ribelle.

Teams of at least 20 beaming sailors besieged the stage as 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded in each class. Amidst

In Class B the delightful Atalante 1 sailed a flawless race,

the cacophony of whistles and bravo’s from the convivial crowd

not leaving a second behind on the race course, which put victory

opponents were assured they would be able to get their own back

in the bag for this modern classic. However, the overall class win

during the 2018 edition. The best part of the evening was, beyond

went to Bolero. On learning team Bolero had bagged overall

question, the announcement of this year’s overall winner, Bolero!

victory, a beaming captain commented that: ‘Winning the regatta

The Superyacht Cup and its competitors also presented

this year was the cherry on the cake.’

a cheque of €5000 to the long running local charity Joves

This 21st edition of the regatta concluded spectacularly

Navegants. Initiated by an enthusiastic group of sailors, the

with a festive prize-giving ceremony which saw all the competing

foundation reaches out to some of the island’s less privileged

yachts empty and the Superyacht Cup’s main tent packed with

boys and girls through the practice of sailing.

hundreds of smiling sailors, all still enthusiastically talking about the day’s exhilarating racing.

Bringing once again this year a fresh international flair to the regatta event was the attendance of four teenage

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2017

RIGHT: THE FOUR VISITORS FROM MARINE INSPIRATIONS BELOW: SAUDADE BELOW FAR RIGHT: RIBELLE BELOW BOTOTM RIGHT: THIS IS US

Southern African student-sailors, who were hosted for ten days in Mallorca by Anthony Just and Phil Wade’s Marine Inspirations initiative that introduces less-advantaged youth to yachting. The four young sailors, Mihle, Junias, James, and Mphumzi, were warmly embraced and welcomed at the SYC Race Village by Kate and her team of organisers, the yacht owners and their captains and crews. The youngsters were invited individually to race aboard different yachts during the event, and a very special thank you is extended to the owners of ‘Win Win’, ‘Atalante 1’, ‘Farfalla’, and ‘This Is Us’, and to all of the race crews and organisers for providing this unforgettable opportunity for the boys and sharing their valuable knowledge and seamanship expertise. As the winning teams embarked on a big celebratory night out the sun set spectacularly on the Regatta Village, thus marking the close of another sunny and highly successful edition of Palma’s Superyacht Cup. Contact: www.TheSuperyachtCup.com SYC 2018: 19TH – 23RD JUNE

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

>||

EVENTS ROUND UP CANNES YACHT & BOAT SHOW 12 – 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.cannesyachtingfestival.com

ANTIGUA CHARTER YACHT SHOW 4 – 10 DECEMBER 2017 www.antiguayachtshow.com

ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA 18 – 24 APRIL 2018 www.antiguaclassics.com

SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW 15 – 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.southamptonboatshow.com

ASIA SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS 16 – 18 DECEMBER 2017 www.asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com

MYBA CHARTER YACHT SHOW – BARCELONA 23 – 26 APRIL 2018 www.mybashow.com

THE MONACO YACHT SHOW 27 – 30 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.monacoyachtshow.com

LONDON BOAT SHOW 5 – 14 JANUARY 2018 www.londonboatshow.com

AYSS/ACREW – MONACO 27 – 30 SEPTEMBER 2017 www.ayss.org

BOOT DUSSELDORF 20 – 28 JANUARY 2018 www.boot-dusseldorf.com

LES VOILES DE ST. TROPEZ 30 SEPTEMBER – 8 OCTOBER 2017 www.lesvoilesdesaint-tropez.fr

THE SUPERYACHT CHALLENGE – ANTIGUA 1 – 4 FEBRUARY 2018 www.thesuperyachtchallenge.com

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 9 – 20 MAY 2018 www.festival-cannes.fr

MIAMI INT. BOAT SHOW 15 – 19 FEBRUARY 2018 www.miamiboatshow.com

MONACO GRAND PRIX 24 – 27 MAY 2018 www.formula1.com

RORC 600 – ANTIGUA 19 FEBRUARY 2018 (Starts) www.caribbean600.rorc.org

LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA (BVI) 8 – 11 MARCH 2018 www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 26 FEBRUARY – 3 MARCH 2018 www.boatshowdubai.com

EAST MED. SUPERYACHT FORUM – ATHENS 31 MAY 2018 www.quaynote.com

ST BARTHS BUCKET 15 – 18 MARCH 2018 www.bucketregattas.com

THE SUPERYACHT CUP – PALMA 19 – 23 JUNE 2018 www.thesuperyachtcup.com

SINGAPORE YACHT SHOW 12 – 15 APRIL 2018 www.singaporeyachtshow.com

ALWAYS CHECK DATES ONLINE BEFORE COMMITMENT

THE PINMAR GOLF TOURNAMENT 19 – 21 OCTOBER 2017 www.pinmargolf.es FORT LAUDERDALE INT. BOATSHOW 2 – 6 NOVEMBER 2017 www.showmanagement.com GLOBAL SUPERYACHT FORUM – AMSTERDAM 13 – 16 NOVEMBER 2017 www.globalsuperyachtforum.com METS & THE SUPERYACHT PAVILION – AMSTERDAM 14 – 16 NOVEMBER 2017 www.metstrade.com ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 24 – 26 NOVEMBER 2017 www.formula1.com

PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW 27 APRIL – 1 MAY 2018 www.mybashows.com MEDITERRANEAN YACHT SHOW – GREECE 28 APRIL – 1 MAY 2018 www.mediterraneanyachtshow.gr

www.superyachtcaptains.com Over 1350 Professional Captains beneﬁt from this private & professional shared knowledge base. SYC is private & free to join (after approval of membership) Only professional Captains need apply. To apply for membership go to www.SuperyachtCaptains.com

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

117

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF UNDER PRESSURE BY JENI BONE

USTRALIA’S GREAT BARRIER REEF, OFF THE NORTH

wonder and thousands of sq km remain in a stable and healthy

coast of Queensland, is the largest structure of living

condition. Coral bleaching occurs when the corals become

organisms on Earth and is visible from outer space.

stressed, mainly due to higher water temperatures following

Boasting an area of a staggering 350,000 sq km, this World

sustained periods of warmer temperatures, Cyclones and changes

Heritage-listed natural wonder is larger than Italy and comprises

The Great Barrier Reef occupies a shelf 150 m deep – a

hundreds of islands with sun-soaked golden beaches. It is formed

geological feature of the north-east coast of Queensland that

by 600 types of hard and soft coral and is home to countless

stretches for 2300 km – not something you can cruise around in

species of marine life, from fish and mollusks to turtles, dolphins

a day or two!

and sharks.

The most recent bleaching, due to hot air temperatures

A large part of the reef is protected by the Great Barrier

impacted the Reef north of Cook Town. The impact gradually

Reef Marine Park, which helps to minimise the impact of human

diminishes towards Townsville, the mid-point of the Reef, while

use, such as fishing and tourism. Other environmental pressures

further south, there is no evidence of bleaching.

include runoff and climate change that has caused mass coral bleaching .

118

in water quality can also cause the bleaching effect.

a complex ecosystem of around 3000 individual reefs and

The charter market and tourism are the main industry in North Queensland and this tourism generally has a positive

While global media coverage has focused on the recent

impact. More than two million tourists per year visit the Reef and

bleaching episodes on parts of the Reef, the experts at the

the tourism industry is a global leader in sustainable coral reef

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Great

tourism. Superyachts over 35 m are now permitted access to key

Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) state that severe

parts of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park making this array of

damage is limited to the northern tip of this massive natural

colour and wildlife a ‘Bucket List’ must.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

ABOVE: GREEN ISLAND MAIN PICTURE: WHITEHAVEN BEACH

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

119

THE BARRIER REEF

Among the most popular destinations for divers is Hastings Reef, set on the Outer Edge Reef about 30 nm from Cairns, it was here that the reef began to grow more than 15,000 years ago. Today, it is a flurry of colours spanning a 10 sq km patch of the ocean. The area abounds with anemones, clumps of Staghorn coral, giant clams, schools of Butterfly, Angel fish and Cod, as well as brilliantly hued polyps. It is a diver’s delight due to its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the water is crystal clear and the visibility good. There are coral caves, overhangs, water drop offs, canyons and shallow bays to explore coupled with an amazing display of wildlife. Osprey Reef is a submerged atoll which covers around 195 sq km, with a central lagoon only 30 m deep and it sits in an isolated location some 60 km from other reefs. Great visibility and big fish action make this the ‘ultimate reef diving adventure’. The reef boasts thriving communities of soft corals, Nautilus and ABOVE: AGINCOURT TOP: THE FAMOUS REEF

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Generally departing from Cairns, charter itineraries include

the sharks of the Great Barrier Reef, Grey Sharks, Silvertip Sharks,

the islands and atolls of the Reef, perfect for guests seeking to

Great Hammerhead Sharks and the rare Tiger Shark. Osprey

enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or heading underwater

Reef attracts numerous pelagic fish, Barracudas, Giant Trevallies,

in submersibles to experience the profusion of coloured corals

Mackerel, Rainbow Runners and Big Dogtooth Tuna. If you are

that teem with marine life in the azure waters. Guests can also

lucky enough a magnificent Eagle or Manta Ray may glide past.

see the majesty and extent of the Reef from above by seaplane

To the north of Cairns and Port Douglas and finishing to

or a chopper jaunt between coral cays and idyllic, deserted

the east of Lizard Island lie the Ribbon Reefs, a 120 km stunning

white-sand beaches.

turquoise string of 10 individual coral reefs, considered home to

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE BARRIER REEF

some of the best dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef. Relatively isolated, these reefs support a huge range of biodiversity from the giant clam with its stunning violet interior and the elusive leafy Scorpion fish. Spectacular dive sites abound including Pixie Pinnacle, Challenger Bay and the famous Cod Hole that is home to a family of Potato Cod that resemble docile puppy dogs, these fish are approachable and often keen to pose for photos. Cathedral Reef, as its name suggests, boasts fantastic pinnacles and Bommies rising up like towers to 5 m above the top of the reef and a huge cave at 32 m offers a great swim through experience. Nearby Opal Reef, a shallow, crescent shaped reef near the edge of the continental shelf, with clear waters and a shape that provides shelter from the prevailing wind, offers

smaller ribbon reefs. Here snorkellers will find some of the

superb snorkelling opportunities.

most vibrant aquatic animal and plant life, totally unique to

Then there’s pristine Agincourt Reef on the very

ABOVE: LIZARD ISLAND

Australia’s coast.

outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, touted as being one of the

Scientists and researchers at AIMS, GBRMPA and James

best snorkelling sites in the world it is comprised of numerous

Cook University are working together with international agencies

Benetti Vision 145’ draws 2.7 metres. We draw some of the best superyachts on the water.

THE ‘BLUE CARPET’ TREATMENT GOES GLOBAL. Abell Point Marina has a strong reputation with world-class services for superyachts up to 70 metres, right on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef. Your guests and crew can expect our famous Blue Carpet Treatment as they explore our vibrant Marina village and the Whitsundays. Drop anchor with us soon.

ABELLPOINTMARINA.COM.AU YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 121 ISSUE 33

THE BARRIER REEF

ABOVE: HELICOPTERS OR FLOAT PLANES CAN BE USED TO VISIT SOME OF THE MORE REMOTE LOCATIONS RIGHT: DIVING NEAR PORT DOUGLAS OPPOSITE PAGE: RIBBON REEFS – QUEENSLAND

to address the natural and man-made hazards that threaten the health of the Great Barrier Reef: cyclones, water quality, climate change, coastal development and fishing. By far the greatest challenge long-term is climate change, according to the experts. Summers are getting hotter and hotter, more extreme than ever before, and winter recently broke high temperature records. Corals fare better in the natural cycle of winter and summer. In a normal cool winter, bacteria and disease die back. This is a global trend, affecting coral reefs throughout the entire world. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is no exception and it will take a worldwide effort to protect and

122

preserve them. The AIMS Long-term Monitoring Program recently

The work of GBRMPA and AIMS is focused on protecting

released an update on the condition of the Great Barrier Reef

the parts of the Reef that have good coral cover and the water

based on survey data gathered across the entire region over the

quality around the currents that take their spawn – key to

past 32 years. The update, which assesses data captured up to

nurturing the next generation on all the reefs around it. A new

February 2017, describes a system under considerable pressure,

report commissioned by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, with

but with the innate ability to grow back given the right conditions.

support from the National Australia Bank and the GBRMPA, has

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

THE BARRIER REEF

estimated the Reef’s economic, social and iconic value. It is the first time that a natural asset has been assessed and valued. Considering all the data, Deloitte Access Economics valued the Great Barrier Reef at AUD$56 billion, contributing AUD$6.4 billion to the Australian economy in 2015-16 and supporting 64,000 full-time jobs. Scientists, environmentalists, charter operators and the broader tourism and marine industry believe this is a positive step forward in conservation of the world’s largest living organism. In May 2017, Reef experts from around the world met in Townsville, north Queensland for the Great Barrier Reef Summit to focus on securing the long-term health of the Great Barrier Reef. The event involved more than 70 regional, national and international delegates representing marine park managers, traditional owners, government agencies, research institutions, industry groups, Reef users and other stakeholders with the objective of developing resilience initiatives for the world’s coral habitats. The take away message from the Summit was clear: only working together to address climate change and factors such as plastics and contaminants from land-based activities will we be able to secure the future of the Reef and all >||

the others worldwide.

For more information: www.gbrmpa.gov.au www.aims.gov.au

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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The Diploma in Superyacht Operations is supported by: Professional body

SUPPLEMENT AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

The voice of international yacht crew since 1991

Photograph: Katie Jane Howson

The PYA’s mission is to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Personnel and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards AU S T R A L IA • CO RF U • G IBRALTAR • G REECE ITA LY • M A LTA • M O N TEN EG RO • N EW ZEAL AN D PA LM A • R H ODES • SO UTH AF RICA • SPAIN S T M A A RT E N • TURKEY • UK ( THE WIRRAL ) U K (ISL E O F WIG HT) • USA

www.pya.org

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

Letter from the President Andrew Schofield OH, DON’T WORRY, THE OWNER WILL JUST HAVE TO PAY.

‘That’s

true!’

shouted the seventh Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten

man. ‘Why should he

comes to £100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would

get £10 back, when I got

go something like this...

only £2? The wealthy

The ﬁrst four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

get all the breaks!’

The ﬁfth would pay £1.

‘Wait a minute,’

The sixth would pay £3.

yelled the ﬁrst four men

The seventh would pay £7.

in unison, ‘we didn’t get

The eighth would pay £12.

anything at all. This new

The ninth would pay £18.

tax system exploits the poor!’ The nine men surrounded the tenth and

The tenth man (the richest) would pay £59.

beat him up.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy

nine sat down and had their beers without him. But when it came time

with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve ball.

to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have

‘Since you are all such good customers,’ he said, ‘I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by £20’. Drinks for the ten men would now cost just £80.

enough money between all of them for even half of the bill! And that, boys and girls, journalists and government ministers, is how our tax system works. The people who already pay the highest

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes.

taxes will naturally get the most beneﬁt from a tax reduction. Tax them

So the ﬁrst four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But

too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show

what about the other six men? The paying customers? How could they

up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas, where the

divide the £20 windfall so that everyone would get his fair share?

atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

They realised that £20 divided by six is £3.33. But if they

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those

subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the ﬁfth man and the sixth

who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.

Reprinted by kind permission of David R. Kamerschen,

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce

Ph.D. Professor of Economics.

each man’s bill by a higher percentage the poorer he was, to follow the principle of the tax system they had been using, and he proceeded to

If we are serious about growing our sector and making large yacht

work out the amounts he suggested that each should now pay.

ownership an attractive proposition, we have to learn how to nurture that

And so the ﬁfth man, like the ﬁrst four, now paid nothing (100% saving).

endangered species – the yacht owner. Owners need to be made to feel

The sixth now paid £2 instead of £3 (33% saving).

that they are receiving value for all the money they spend on owning and

The seventh now paid £5 instead of £7 (28% saving).

operating large yachts. Too often in our industry the attitude of yachting

The eighth now paid £9 instead of £12 (25% saving).

incumbents is out of sync with this goal. The concept of ‘value-add’

The ninth now paid £14 instead of £18 (22% saving).

rather than just plain old ‘add’ is not respected.

The tenth now paid £49 instead of £59 (16% saving).

The prospect of social security payments throws this topic into sharp relief. It is only now, 11 years after MLC was published, that we

Each of the six was better off than before. And the ﬁrst four continued

are starting to see the full scope and power of this remarkable document.

to drink for free. But, once outside the bar, the men began to compare

MLC was billed as a seafarers’ bill of rights. This is true up to a point

their savings.

however, it is arguably more an employers’ bill of rights. The convention

‘I only got a pound out of the £20 saving,’ declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man, ‘but he got £10!’ ‘Yeah, that’s right,’ exclaimed the ﬁfth man. ‘I only saved a pound too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more beneﬁt than me!’

126

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

aims to level the playing field between first world ship operators and those that operate in the 2nd and 3rd world. France’s decree of the 7th of March is the first example of a signatory to MLC responding to the implementation of national

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

legislation regarding access to Social Security for mariners who are

aim to do exactly this. PYA is part of this movement. We should use the

foreign nationals but resident in France. It is not just France that will be

opportunity to work with France to mould its implementation of the

required to do this, every other nation that signed MLC will be obliged

decree into something practical for all concerned. If we can achieve that

to do something similar.

then other nations will follow suit.

Social Security in itself is not a bad thing. It has the potential to

Whatever ends up being implemented represents something of

give far more than any insurance policy ever can. That said, it needs

a paradigm shift, and to expect the owner to pay for both employee

to be implemented in a way that is meaningful and relevant to the

and employer contributions is not realistic. The employee needs to

individual and the employer alike. Clearly, what France proposes has

participate. When contemplating this new reality, it is worth bearing in

ﬂaws that need to be addressed. There are several industry initiatives that

mind the anecdote about the 10 friends above.

Letter from the PYA CEO Andy Crawford Engineers are often required to complete specialist training on new plant in order to meet the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacture) requirements on warranty. My theme for this supplement is simply ‘standards’. The PYA

In yachting, the PYA has developed, in conjunction with other

was formed and exists to promote professional standards in

partners, deﬁned standards in interior training through its GUEST

yachting. So what does this actually mean in reality for you as

program. This is now an excellent vehicle to combine and deliver the

crew?

essential skill sets for those seeking a recognised portable qualiﬁcation Mariners worldwide have to operate to quite a long list of

in hospitality.

mandatory standards. These include those formulated and enacted

Professional standards also mean the Esprit de Corps (deﬁned

under IMO Conventions (e.g. STCW, ISM, MLC, ILO, IRPCS,

as ‘a sense of unity and of common interests and responsibilities’).

Class Rules etc.) to ensure that people, equipment and vessels remain

What does this mean in yachting? I think it requires us all to take some

in compliance with all of these in all their various interpretations by

responsibility for self-regulation. What’s that then? Well for example,

ﬂag states. You could say that these are non-negotiable mandatory

in a health and safety perspective it places a responsibility to look

requirements and therefore are the minimum we are all required to

around and react to situations outside of our own work area – e.g. a

meet without choice.

problem or an un-safe practice observed on the vessel alongside or

Another type of standard is the additional qualification

even along the jetty. Any matters affecting any of us on health and

(AdQual). This is often non-mandatory as far as the legal Regulator

safety has to be communicated in order to aid reduction of the risk as

is concerned but can be hard to get employment without in some

low as practically possible. It also acts positively to raise standards by

sectors of the industry.

encouraging best practice.

Examples of this in the maritime industry is Dynamic

Lastly, professional standards also mean conducting ourselves

Positioning Certiﬁcates where the Nautical Institute manages over

as professionals. An example of this is fulﬁlling commitments to

20,000 qualiﬁed DP Operators in certiﬁcation worldwide. Another

attend seminars and training events even those offered free of charge.

is tug-handling training especially on omni directional propulsion

Someone will have put in a lot of effort to get us to attend and we need

systems (e.g. Azimuth stern drive – ASD). You cannot drive one of

to respect and encourage this support to our profession. It is in all our

these vessels without such training but although it is not mandated by

interests to remember that ‘every day is a learning day’ no matter who

Flag states, they support and encourage such specialist training.

you are.

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

Changes to MCA Sea Service Veriﬁcation Procedure are now active MIN 543 and its effect on your sea service

THINGS HAVE CHANGED FOR SEAFARERS

HOW CAN THE PYA HELP BOTH MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS

24th May 2017 marked the coming into effect of the MCA notice

WITH SEA SERVICE VERIFICATION?

MIN 543, which implemented new arrangements for the veriﬁcation

Members of the PYA receive unlimited sea service veriﬁcation as part

of Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) in the yachting sector.

of their subscription to the association. There will be no change in the

Prior to this M notice, the MCA were happy for seafarers to

procedures for these members who are already using a PYA Service Record

submit their sea service directly to them. They have now transferred

Book and who, as present, will need to submit only a correctly entered

the responsibility of verifying sea service testimonials from their

SRB to the MCA. However, the PYA is now approved by the MCA to

own staff to an approved ‘verifying organisation’. The Professional

verify sea service for non-members, for which there will be a charge of

Yachting Association has held this status since 1994, when it was ﬁrst

€50 per testimonial.

approved to verify sea service by the MCA on its behalf.

Both members and non-members can upload their sea service testimonials directly to a secure online area, where they can log in to

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YACHT CREW?

see the status of veriﬁcation for each period of sea service.

From now on, all seafarers in the yachting sector who wish to apply

128

for an NoE or for the renewal of a CoC will be expected to have their

WHY CHOOSE THE PYA AS YOUR VERIFYING ORGANISATION?

SSTs veriﬁed by an approved organisation, such as the PYA, PRIOR

MIN 543 requires compliance with quality management protocols

TO SUBMISSION to the MCA.

which make the processes undertaken on its behalf now subject to

The MCA has stated in the MIN that failure to submit pre-

strict audit and control measures by the MCA. The PYA has been

veriﬁed sea service under these revised arrangements ‘will cause

authorised and audited by the MCA to verify sea service on its behalf

severe processing delays of around 160 days’. They have strongly

for 23 years – no other verifying organisation has this track record. If

recommended that seafarers in this industry use a Service Record

there are problems with your sea service, our highly experienced team

Book such as that issued by the PYA, as this is the ‘preferred method

are able to assist you and solve any problems, ensuring that everything

of sea service veriﬁcation of the MCA’.

is ready for your application.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

Tips for recording sea service to avoid delays in veriﬁcation

If you have any questions on sea service, please do not hesitate to contact the PYA’s Expert Sea Service team, who will be able to clarify the issue for you.

SEA SERVICE ‘DO’S AND DON’TS’ • DO NOT confuse sea service and yacht service. Time signed on board should not usually equal sea service. • DO NOT calculate your days at sea + yard service and enter the balance as stand-by service. • DO NOT calculate watch keeping service if you have not yet obtained your OOW 3000 certiﬁcation as this is only required for Chief Mate/Master. • DO NOT enter any qualiﬁcations or experience at sea into your own Service Record Book. Only certain PYA staff are allowed to

The PYA has been verifying sea service for over 23 years, and during this time, we have seen many mistakes made by

do this, and if entered by anyone else (including PYA regional ofﬁcers), your book may be rejected by the MCA.

crew recording their sea time. In order to avoid delays to the

• DO make sure contact details for verification purposes

veriﬁcation of your sea service, and therefore to the issue of

(captain/ management company/ owner) are clearly indicated on

your NoE or CoC, it is important that you follow our tips below

the testimonial.

and, in particular, understand the differences between the sea service deﬁnitions when calculating your days at sea.

• DO use the PYA sea service testimonial format wherever possible as this includes everything that is required by the MCA. These can be found on our website, and we will also include one in your SRB.

SEA SERVICE DEFINITIONS

• DO allow a minimum of 10 working days for the veriﬁcation process.

ACTUAL DAYS AT SEA

Vessel leaves port/under way/ at anchor associated with a 24 hour passage plan

• DO sign your SRB on page 3 and complete personal details on

STAND-BY

Waiting for owner, i.e. uniformed/standing-by, waiting (max. 14 consecutive days)

• DO contact the PYA if you are in any doubt about the deﬁnitions

SHIPYARD

WATCH KEEPING

YACHT SERVICE

Time spent in yard (max. 90 days per application, not per testimonial) Only for seafarers who hold OOW 3000. These hours may be calculated on a cumulative basis (every 8 hours of watchkeeping completed may count as 1 day of watchkeeping service until the 9/04/2015 and every 4 hours of watchkeeping may count as one day after the 09/04/2015.) Time spent at anchor associated with a passage whilst on a bridge watch may also be accepted Time spent signed on a yacht irrespective of vessel activity i.e. dates of employment

page 24 in order to validate your book.

of sea service. Misunderstandings cause delay in the veriﬁcation of sea time and subsequently in the processing/updating of your SRB, which in turn will delay your MCA application. • DO ensure that if you are going for OOW, you spend at least a year completing your Training Record Book. This is taken extremely seriously by the MCA and must not be rushed through. Certain seafarers with at least 36 months Actual days at sea on vessels of over 24 m may be exempt from the Training Record Book, so please enquire with the ofﬁce staff if you have any questions regarding this.

ANY FALSE INFORMATION OR VERIFICATION SUBMITTED COULD LEAD TO THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE SIGNING OFFICER’S COC.

Find Yachting Matters online at

www.yachtingmatters.com PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

The French Social Security decree On Wednesday 17th May, the Professional Yachting Association, along with the yachting associations GEPY and Italian Yacht Masters, organised an invited panel of experts from the French government, ENIM and the University of Nantes to address the yachting industry about the new French Social Security decree at the Yacht Club de Monaco’s Captains’ Forum. The aim of the seminar was to seek explanation of the background to this new law, the legal application and tax implications for seafarers and owners in the large commercial yacht sector based

• Route 1: The vessel spends signiﬁcant time in French waters, which

and/or tax resident in France or French Territories, and to test the

is deﬁned as 181 days. Days will be counted from 1st January and

practical aspects of implementing the decree with the invited panellists.

examined over a calendar year, not a rolling 365-day period.

The seminar was attended by around 400 crew and shore-

• Route 2: The crewmember is a French resident. The deﬁnition of

based professionals; it was clear that this is an important subject the

a ‘French resident’ is determined by the questions below. If you

yachting industry is universally passionate about. It was also very

answer ‘yes’ to any of the following you will deemed as a resident: The Seafarer has his home (foyer) in France. In general, an

apparent that the representatives who were present did not have all

the answers themselves, evidence of how poor the consultation with

individual’s home is the place where he or his family usually lives,

the maritime industry had been prior to the decree being issued.

i.e., his usual place of abode. This deﬁnition allows France to

The power of the collective force who were present on the

tax an individual working abroad if family (spouse and children)

day will make it hard for the government NOT to consult with the

lives in France.

yachting sector going forward.

II. The Seafarer has his principal place of abode in France. This

The three Crew Associations (GEPY, PYA, IYM) intend

criterion focuses on where the individual spends most of his time, even if

to offer their services to ENIM to assist them in gaining better

it is in a hotel while his family lives abroad. In general, if an individual

understanding of employment in the large yacht sector. It is hoped

spends more than 183 days in France during a calendar year, he or she

that this will allow some ﬂexibility in the application and management

will be deemed to have their principal place of abode in France.

of seafarer social charges in the future.

III. The Seafarer engages in a business activity in France. This

The PYA and GEPY, in partnership with other French

criterion attracts an individual into the French income tax net if he

associations in the super yacht sector, have written a joint letter to

engages in a remunerative activity in France (whether salaried or

both ENIM and Maritime Affaires protesting on the application of

not), unless the business activity is simply accessory.

this decree to yachting. Separately several owners’ associations and

IV. The Seafarer has the centre of their economic interest in France. An

organisations have instructed legal action challenging against its

individual has the centre of his economic interest where he manages his

implementation on the grounds of excessive powers.

investment activity or where he has the headquarters for his personal

At the time of going to press, there are still many unanswered questions, but the PYA continues to work with the government to

business activities. This could be the place from which he earns the majority of his income.

clarify these and disseminate the information to its members as soon as it is known. For now, here is a summary of the facts that we DO know,

Fact 2: At the time of going to print, ENIM had not yet published the exact

kindly summarised by Patrick Maﬂin of Marine Accounts –

percentage of social security charges to be levied for employers and

www.marineaccounts.com

employees. However they have begun to set out the process they will apply to yachts:

THE FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY – WHAT WE DO KNOW Fact 1: We now know that there are two routes that will result in crew and yachts alike being subject to the changes from the decree:

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

1. The employer will need to provide crew details, including salary of those who are residents of France. 2. ENIM will calculate the monthly contribution and multiply it by six and this will be the security deposit to be paid by the employer.

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

3. This process will be repeated every six months, with leavers and joiners being taken into account. 4. Statements need to be submitted on 25th of each month.

Fact 4: Private or Commercial; There is no precedence in French or EU law to exempt seafarers on private yachts from being regarded as employed and therefore pay social security contributions under the

Fact 3:

decree. If such an exemption were to be given by ENIM, the case

If you are a French resident or your yacht spends ‘signiﬁcant time’ in

would almost certainly be challenged at the EU.

French waters, then providing your domicile or you are resident in another country, then you can opt to make social security payments in that country prior to 1st July. If you do not start making social security

Disclaimer:

payments in another country prior to 1st July you will have to make

Everyone’s ﬁnancial situation is unique and readers are strongly encouraged

them in France by registering with ENIM.

to take relevant professional advice before making any ﬁnancial arrangements.

A LOOK AT EMPLOYMENT FROM A CREW PERSPECTIVE – AN UPDATE By Capt. Richard Le Quesne An overview of the key employment points of MLC 2006, seafarers’ rights, Crew agreements for non-commercial yachts, and advice for crew on what to look for in a work contract and what to do in the instance of being ﬁred from a yacht, written by long-standing PYA Council member and working captain, Richard Le Quesne.

WHAT’S THIS ALL ABOUT? Back in 2013, the coming into effect of MLC 2006 brought about profound changes in the terms and conditions of employment for crew working on yachts. Although MLC 2006 only applies to crew working on ‘commercial’ yachts, it has, slowly, come to be regarded as a benchmark for crew employed on ‘pleasure vessels’, and we are seeing increasing numbers of these crew being employed on SEA-

– or should be – spelled out in the national legislation of all the

type contracts – even though they don’t enjoy the legal protections

participating Flag States.

provided by the Convention.

By contrast, those of us working on pleasure vessels – yachts

However there are still many yachts offering contracts much

not in commercial use – are not affected by MLC 2006 and our

inferior (from the seafarer’s perspective) to an SEA and, indeed, some

employment continues to be governed by the existing national laws

that don’t provide any contract at all!

of the various Flag States.

This is an updated version of a piece I wrote several years ago, and is intended as a guide for those crew, especially new entrants to

EMPLOYMENT ON A COMMERCIAL YACHT

our industry, who are not sure what to expect when discussing the

One of the main effects of the Convention will be to set the minimum

terms and conditions for a possible position aboard a yacht.

level for the employment conditions for seafarers all around the world. However, for this to beneﬁt them, seafarers must know their rights, so

THE BIG DIVIDE

here is a summary of the main parts concerning employment matters.

The coming into effect of MLC 2006 in August 2013 can be

As stated above, the Convention sets out the minimum terms

said, without exaggeration, to have changed everything to do

and conditions of employment. Nothing prevents the employer from

with employment for those of us who work on yachts in commercial

offering better terms and conditions!

use. MLC 2006 (The Convention) sets out the minimum terms and conditions of employment for seafarers and these are now

For more information, the full text of the Convention may be downloaded from the PYA website.

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

MLC 2006 AND EMPLOYMENT

commercial use continue to be those of the Flag State (country)

Reg. 2.1 – Seafarer’s Employment Agreement

where the yacht is registered and they vary widely between countries.

Under the Convention, all of us who work on commercial yachts are

It’s not possible, in the space available, to look at the laws and

supposed to have been given a Seafarer’s Employment Agreement

regulations for all the commonly found ﬂags so I will restrict my

(SEA) to replace any previous employment contract. The SEA must

comments to those of what is called ‘The Red Ensign Group’ ﬂags.

contain the following:-

The ‘Red Ensign Group’ comprises the UK plus a number of

a) The seafarer’s name, date of birth and place of birth

British colonies, dependencies and other territories of which the best

b) The name and address of the shipowner (or employer)

known are the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Gibraltar, Bermuda and

c) Date and place of signing the SEA

the Cayman Islands. The local administrations of these territories all

d) The seafarer’s job on board

operate their own ship registries, according to local laws, but they are

e) Details of the seafarer’s pay including, if relevant, how it’s calculated.

under the overall control of the UK government and all follow, more

f) The seafarer’s entitlement to paid holidays

or less, the lead of the UK’s maritime authority, the MCA. However

g) Termination arrangements. Note: The notice period for the

it must be understood that there are signiﬁcant variations between

employer cannot be shorter than the notice period for the seafarer. h) Health and social security beneﬁts to be provided by the employer

them, especially with regard to such things as employment laws. An example of these variations is that UK pleasure vessels

i) Repatriation details

employing crew are subject to the UK’s Occupational Health & Safety

j) Reference to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, if any.

regulations whereas other Red Ensign territories have different (or,

k) Any other particulars required by the law of the Flag State.

sometimes, no) health and safety regulations for yacht crew.

This regulation also requires that the seafarer be given an

CREW AGREEMENT

opportunity to study the SEA before joining the vessel and, if

Under the British system, any vessel, commercial or pleasure that

he/she wishes, seek advice before signing it.

employs more than four paid crew and makes voyages other than ‘coastal’ voyages, must use a ‘Crew Agreement’. This is a standardised

Other important requirements of the Convention include:-

contract, with a history going back centuries that sets out the terms

• Reg. 1.4 – A seafarer must not be made to pay in any way for

and conditions of the crew’s employment. It was originally introduced

obtaining a job. • Reg. 2.2 – Wages must be paid, in full, at least every month. • Reg. 2.3 – Hours of work / Hours of rest must comply with international rules and must be recorded. • Reg. 2.4 – In general, all seafarers must be given at least 2.5 days of paid holiday per month worked. • Reg. 2.5 – In most circumstances, a seafarer leaving a ship must be

to try and prevent exploitation of crew, who were often ill-educated (and sometimes illiterate), by unscrupulous ship-owners. A Crew Agreement is still required on UK pleasure vessels employing more than four crew and, in varying circumstances, on those of the other Red Ensign territories. MGN 474, which gives information about Crew Agreements as applicable to UK vessels, may be downloaded from the PYA website.

given free transport back to his/her home. • Reg. 4.1 – In most circumstances, a seafarer must be provided with free medical care.

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS It is quite common for crew on a pleasure vessel to be given an

• Reg. 5.1.5 – There must be an established on-board complaints

employment contract that is separate from the Crew Agreement. This

procedure and every seafarer must be given a copy of it when joining.

is perfectly acceptable but the law stipulates that the terms of the

• Reg. 5.2.2 – Seafarers have the right to make a complaint to a shore

Crew Agreement will prevail if there is any conﬂict between the two.

ofﬁcial and this ofﬁcial must follow set procedures in dealing with it.

One of the advantages of a separate employment contract is

Although MLC 2006 has done a lot to standardise the terms

that it can spell out, in greater detail than the Crew Agreement, the

included in an SEA, there are still variations between SEAs, and

terms and conditions that have been agreed.

seafarers are recommended to study carefully each clause of the contract they are offered and to ask about anything that does not look

SOCIAL SECURITY

right. The PYA has been shown a number of SEAs containing clauses

Regulation 4.5 of MLC 2006 requires, in rather vague terms, that

that were in conﬂict with MLC 2006.

seafarers shall have access to social security protection but, until now, this does not seem to have had much impact in the yachting sector.

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EMPLOYMENT ON A NON-COMMERCIAL YACHT (PLEASURE VESSEL)

However in the spring of 2017 the French government, because of

The laws and regulations governing employment on yachts not in

an obscure dispute relating to French resident seafarers working on

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

a Bahamas-ﬂagged ferry based in a French port, published a decree

The topics that need to be discussed and agreed should include:-

requiring that payments will have to be made into the French social

• Your position on board and the duties this entails

security system in respect of all seafarers resident in France and

• The duration of the employment: indeﬁnite or for a ﬁxed period?

working on non-EU vessels unless those seafarers are covered by an

• The salary (amount and currency) and any bonuses such as a 13th

agreement between France and their home country. At the time of writing there is considerable confusion about what the practical effects of this decree will be and a legal challenger has been announced. Please refer to the PYA website for the most up

month • How will the salary be paid? • What is your social security status and will payment be made on your behalf?

to date information on this decree.

• Your entitlement to paid holidays and to free travel for holiday

ADVICE FOR CREW

• Duration of the trial period and the notice to be given during the

purposes

Although, as you have seen above, MLC 2006 sets out the minimum

trial period

terms and conditions for those working on commercial vessels, it is

• Notice to be given after the trial period

still necessary to discuss and agree the actual terms and conditions of

• The date and place of joining and who pays for your travel to get there

your employment before you accept the job.

• The repatriation destination and who pays for your travel to get

By contrast, the terms and conditions offered by pleasure

back there from the yacht

vessels vary enormously, from very generous to deplorable, so it’s

• Normal working hours? Saturday working?

terribly important, especially for those who are new to the industry,

• How are tips handled?

that you don’t accept a job until all the terms and conditions have

• Will time off be given for outside training? Will the time be paid or

been spelled out and you have compared them to what’s being offered on other yachts.

unpaid? Will the training be paid? • What medical cover is provided? Does it cover you when not

Also, do not agree that any part of your salary will be held back

working? Does it have any restrictions?

until the end of the season (which is illegal under MLC 2006) because this

• If you’re a smoker, the rules about smoking on board

can leave you in a very weak position if you wish to give notice and leave.

• If you’re drinker, the rules about drinking on board Some employment contracts, but not SEAs, may include a

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

clause that allows the employer to set off any accrued leave against

Whether you will be working on a commercial yacht or a pleasure

the notice period when you leave. Watch out for this because it can

vessel, we strongly recommend that you reach an agreement with the

come as a nasty surprise.

Captain on all of the terms and conditions of your employment before you join the yacht.

Having reached an agreement, it’s wise to make a record of what has been agreed. The simplest way to do this is to ask the

As these discussions are likely to take place during a period of

Captain to send you an e-mail containing the job offer and stating the

some stress and the Captain may be pressing you to sign on quickly, it

agreed terms and conditions. Many Captains do this anyway as part

is sensible to have a little checklist to ensure you don’t miss anything.

of their crew recruitment procedure.

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

IF THINGS ARE NOT GOING WELL

contract and so possibly liable for expenses incurred in replacing you

Almost everyone, sooner or later, ﬁnds themselves in a situation

but it will be a blot on your record and may make ﬁnding a job harder

where, for one reason or another, they are not happy with their job.

in the future.

When this happens, the ﬁrst thing to do is to grab a period of quiet

When the time comes to leave the yacht you may be asked to

time to ﬁgure out exactly what the problem is and to look at all the

sign a document setting out the ﬁnancial details (salary owed, accrued

possible ways of putting it right.

holiday pay, etc.) of your departure.

If you think the cause of the problem is something that can

Remember to ask the Captain or the Mate to make an entry in

be put right, you should ask for a private meeting with your Head of

your Discharge Book and to give you a Certiﬁcate of Discharge – in the

Department (or, on smaller yachts, the Captain) and discuss whatever

form of a Sea Service Testimonial, ideally on the PYA’s template, as this

it is that’s troubling you. If your HoD is part of the problem, you

covers all required information. They can refuse to give you a reference

should go direct to the Captain.

but they must give you a Certiﬁcate of Discharge if you ask for it.

When doing this, you should keep a positive attitude and try to work with your superior to ﬁnd a solution that is good for you and

IF YOU ARE FIRED

good for the yacht.

In reality, there is no job protection in yachting and anyone can be

If this does not lead to a satisfactory outcome and you feel

ﬁred at any time, without reason.

that you are being badly treated, you can make an ofﬁcial complaint.

Your SEA or Crew Agreement will have in it a list of serious

On commercial yachts you should have been given a copy of the

faults that can lead to instant dismissal but it’s very unusual, in

complaints procedure when you joined. Many pleasure vessels,

yachting, for these to be invoked. Much more common is for the

especially the larger ones, also have a formal complaints procedure.

Captain to tell you that you are to be ﬁred for some other reason – but

Remember that you have the right to have a friend accompany you when making a complaint. Whether or not there is a formal procedure, the superior to whom you are making the complaint should meet you in private,

he does not have to specify it. Commercial yachts and larger pleasure vessels will have a set disciplinary procedure with a series of formal warnings before you are dismissed.

should make a written record of your complaint and of what he/she

In theory you can be asked to work out the contractual

has decided to do about it and should give you a copy of this record.

notice period but this rarely happens because it’s uncomfortable for

It is important that, when making a complaint, you keep calm

everyone to have to live and work with a colleague who has been ﬁred.

and maintain a professional approach, sticking to the facts and not

Much more common is for the Captain to offer you a ‘payment in lieu

making any allegations that you cannot substantiate.

of notice’ and a prompt departure from the yacht.

On a commercial vessel, if you are not satisﬁed with the outcome of your formal complaint, you have the right under MLC

If ﬁred, you should insist on being provided with transport back to the agreed repatriation destination.

2006 to take it to the shoreside management and, ultimately, to a

If ﬁred, you are entitled to ask to be paid in full on the day you

Port State Control inspector or a Flag State representative. On a

leave but, if you have conﬁdence in the Captain, you can, instead,

pleasure vessel you may have the right to take your complaint to

accept a written undertaking that you will be paid a stated amount by

shoreside management.

a stated date. As mentioned above, ask for your Discharge Book to be completed

IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE

and for a signed Sea Service Testimonial /Certiﬁcate of Discharge.

As explained above, your terms and conditions of employment should

Once off the yacht, don’t bad-mouth the owner, the yacht or

include speciﬁc arrangements for ending your employment. In most

the crew because it makes you look unprofessional and could rebound

cases, notice of one month is required but longer notice periods are

on you in the future.

sometimes used for senior crew. Always give notice in writing, even if you have ﬁrst done so verbally. Regardless of the contractual notice period, it’s desirable to give as much notice as possible so as to make the task of ﬁnding your replacement easier for the Captain and so increase the chances of getting a good reference. Do not, except under the most extreme circumstances, quit without giving notice. Not only does this put you in breach of

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

IN CONCLUSION Employment on yachts has, sadly, moved a long way from the old formula of ‘I work and in return you feed me, house me and pay me’ and it is now becoming a mineﬁeld of laws and regulations. I hope this summary will give you, a working seafarer, a broad understanding of what’s now involved when you take a job on a yacht. Finally, always remember that the PYA is there to answer your questions and to help, if we can, when you get into difﬁculties.

The Small Vessel Engineering Structure – Implementation

An RYA & MCA training provider that undertakes training needs analysis and offers guidance to crew at any level.

“Home of the original oral preparation course” - oral prep for Deck & Engineering orals is our speciality, with a high pass rate on ﬁrst attempt. • RYA Shorebased Courses • MCA Yacht OOW & Master Modules

By Tim Moss, Engineering Instructor, Bluewater Yachting

• MCA Y4, Y3 & Y2 Modules • Master (<200gt, <500gt, <3000gt), OOW <3000gt and Engineering Oral Preparation Courses • Mini ISM and Technical Management • Ship Stores Service (charts, publications, ﬂags etc)

It has been a while since MIN 524 heralded the arrival of the new Small Vessel Engineering structure and understandably, many questions have been asked by both existing and prospective

We limit class sizes to ensure the student:instructor ratio gives the best possible outcome for your exam and student experience.

engineers in the Superyacht industry. At Bluewater Yachting we have ﬁelded many questions and the aim of this update is to clarify a few points that are not obvious in the MIN and hopefully put people on the right track for promotion and recognition.

Celebrating 20 years in the Yachting Industry

The MCA should always be consulted on an individual basis for the deﬁnitive answer to your own circumstances and previous experience. Candidates are reminded that the PYA is a great source of help in verifying your sea time and making a case for accreditation of prior learning and experience, but in the end the MCA decide. Bearing in mind the new structure had to satisfy all sectors of the Small Vessel community – Fishing Vessels, Yachts, Tugs, Workboats, Standby, Seismic Survey, Oceanographic Research Vessels and Government Patrol Vessels, along with the constraints of STCW, the overall outcome has served to beneﬁt the yacht engineer in many ways.

EXISTING YACHT ENGINEERS For existing engineers, you can keep your current CoC for as long as you like, but it will retain its current limitations. If you are midtraining you will have to continue in the current system as you cannot mix and match the current Yacht (Y) and the new Small Vessel (S.V.) courses and exams. You can only convert a CoC. The current Y courses and exams are planned to run until 2021. The new S.V. courses and exams will be delivered by Bluewater

JOHN PERCIVAL MARINE ASSOCIATES (part of Hoylake Sailing School Limited)

from September 2017 onwards.

Marine House, 86a Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside CH47 3BD. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 (0) 151 632 4000 / +33 (0) 970449543 Skype: johnpercivalmarineassociates E-mail: purser@hss.ac.uk • Web: www.sailorsworld.co.uk

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

If you already hold a Y engineering CoC, you can easily

FOR THOSE STARTING IN THE INDUSTRY (OR NOT YET Y4)

transfer it to the new system by following one of the routes shown in

You may recall in the new experienced seafarer route shown on

MIN 524. The MCA have made the following routes available:

page 34 of the MIN, that the existing AEC and a new 1 week course

UK CERTIFICATE HELD

COC REQUIRED

CONVERSION (REFER TO SECTION 10.1 OF MIN 524 FOR DETAILS)

YACHT 4 COC (Y4)

Any SV Certiﬁcate of Competency

A1 to A3

YACHT 3 COC (Y3)

Chief Engineer SV less than 3,000 kW, less than 500 GT

Chief Engineer SV less than 9,000 kW, less than 3000 GT

YACHT 2 COC (Y2)

Chief Engineer SV less than 9,000 kW, less than 3000 GT

YACHT 1 COC (Y1)

Chief Engineer SV less than 9,000 kW, less than 3000 GT

AEC 2 is the start point for all new engineers to the structure (unless exempt by MCA through previous experience). If you have already undertaken AEC 1 you do not need to do it again. The skills test and MEOL(Y) have been absorbed into the new S.V. syllabus and a 2-week workshop module to gain the Second Engineer CoC. Some student engineers already part way through their initial training may still want to do MEOL(Y) and the skills test this year or next to get a job or gain experience.

THE NEW STRUCTURE FROM ZERO TO HERO The new courses will be available after the summer for you to work through to Second Engineer quicker than the existing route and with the following beneﬁts: 1. The new S.V. courses and exams have been redesigned to suit candidates from small vessels, rather than from Large Ship or Merchant Navy backgrounds and are therefore more relevant.

PLEASE NOTE: For Conversions A2, A3 and C, the written exams listed refer to the requirement for the new (S.V.) exams NOT the current Y examinations

2. The routes to promotion are quicker in the new structure. 36 m to Second Engineer instead of 42 m to Y4. 3. The infamous Auxiliaries course has been split into 2 parts, reducing the volume of the syllabus where Part 2 will be undertaken

SO WHY BOTHER TO CONVERT YOUR YACHT COC TO THE NEW SMALL VESSEL COC?

at the higher level CoC (limited Chief 500GT) (Old Y3). 4. The new Auxiliary Equipment 1 course syllabus has been

Advantages:

further reduced by transferring Clutches and Gearboxes to S.V.

Moving up the ladder once in the new system is faster in most cases

Marine Diesels.

and the new S.V. courses and exams are more relevant.

5. The mandatory Training Record Book will improve training standards and aid proof of experience and actual sea service days.

A summary of the advantages of converting your CoC are as follows: 1. Y2 Advanced Hotel Services has been removed from the New S.V. syllabus, so for current Y3 CoC holders, transferring to the new S.V Chief Engineer 9000 kW is quicker and cheaper (conversion C page 21, MIN 524). 2. A fast track route now exists (conversion (A3) page 20, MIN 524) from S.V. Second Engineer to S.V. Chief Engineer 9000 kW 3000GT. 3. There are no offshore mileage limitations for the new Small Vessel CoC’s, unlike the current complex manning scales system. 4. The new S.V. CoC’s are Interchangeable with other Small Vessel Sectors such as Fishing Vessels, Yachts, Tugs, Workboats, Standby, Seismic Survey, Oceanographic Research Vessels and Government Patrol Vessels. 5. The new S.V. CoC should be recognised by all STCW signatory nations. 6. Each sea service day underway will count as 1.5 days whilst holding an S.V. CoC for Yachts only. 7. There are new routes to the Merchant Navy higher power tickets routes 11 – 11.4 on pages 30 and 31 of MIN 524.

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

This should be available from the MCA soon.

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

Something ﬁshy going on… By Joshua Conquest, Captain, M/Y Gazella

had succumbed to sun stroke having been outside in the sun all morning on the hottest day we’d had so far, our Bosun was being attended to by a fellow crew member. Red faced, dizzy, with a severe headache, she was close to blacking out when she stood up from eye balling the steering gear. The general consensus was dehydration, and some electrolytes, fluids, a cold shower and a lie down were prescribed. A few minutes later, I was testing ahead and astern when I suddenly had to sit down on the bridge sofa, feeling light headed and suffering from a throbbing headache. Suspecting something was up, I went to see how the Bosun was getting on. Whilst we were talking, my head began to feel like it was swelling and I was told that I had gone very red. I called everyone to the crew mess and asked if anyone else was feeling ‘weird’. All hands went up, and we started noticing how red everyone

The crew of of the Motor Yacht Gazzella were in for a nasty surprise

was. On closer inspection, most of the crew had a bright red rash

after a delicious ﬁsh lunch led to the whole crew coming down with

all the way from their head down their arms and back and over their

Scombroid poisoning. In this article the yacht’s captain, Joshua

torsos. A quick phone call conﬁrmed that the chef and stewardess,

Conquest, recounts what happened to his crew so that others can

who were still at the supermarket, were also experiencing the same

become aware of this strain of food poisoning. Scombroid can

symptoms, thinking they had sun burn and dehydration from having

impact the running of the vessel (in the short term at least), so

waited on the street for a taxi for too long.

it helps if you are able to quickly recognise the problem should it happen to crew or guests on your boat.

Fortunately for the rest of the crew, the Bosun had had these symptoms twice before and recognised the rash, correctly diagnosing it as Scombroid food poisoning (something the rest of the crew and I

It was a sunny Thursday lunch time and we were set to depart the

had never heard of).

shipyard in Malta and head back to the marina. Not in any particular

Scombroid food poisoning is a foodborne illness that results

rush, we decided to have a quick lunch before heading over. The time

from eating spoiled (decayed) ﬁsh. Along with ciguatera, it is listed

was 1200 and the chef had laid on a lovely spread, perfect for a hot

as a common type of seafood poisoning. The toxin believed to be

summer’s day; seared tuna, risotto, salad and nibbles.

responsible is histamine, formed as the ﬂesh of the ﬁsh begins to decay.

After lunch was devoured, the chef and a stewardess headed to the supermarket and pre-departure checks were well underway. I then got one of those radio calls when you know something has happened but it doesn’t fall into the emergency category. It was

As histamine is also the natural agent involved in allergic reactions, Scombroid food poisoning often gets misidentiﬁed as a food allergy. The cause of the contamination was clearly the tuna we’d eaten for lunch, which had been purchased from the local supermarket,

now 1240, and as I got to the Lazarette where the deck crew were

At this point I need to clarify that there was nothing our Chef

prepping for departure and the Bosun was attending to the steering

could have done differently in preparing the tuna to prevent this. It

checks the situation became apparent. Looking very much like she

had come vacuum packed and looked lovely when it had been served.

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It was a busy time and the doctors at the hospital tended to the worst-affected of us first. Another stewardess was put on a drip, and the rest of us, whose symptoms had somewhat subsided by now were given a week long course of 150 mg Ranitidine. Ranitidine works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces. It is commonly used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also treats conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ranitidine also treats gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the oesophagus, causing heartburn. By 1800 the same afternoon, we had been released from hospital, and were off the dock and sailing around the corner to the marina. Apart from some stomach cramps and headaches, we had all made a full recovery. If the first symptoms had not been felt for another 10 minutes, we would have been off the dock and sailing around the busy port of Valletta in the middle of a summer’s day with a crew incapacitated by Scombroid poisoning. The swelling on my head and the fever-like symptoms really knocked me and my colleagues for six. I feel that whilst we were very unlucky to contract this, we were also lucky to not be at sea when it happened. We were also lucky that one of the crew was aware of Scombroid as we were able to diagnose and treat it very quickly without a long drawn out process of diagnosis and panic. The Chef, although distraught and wrongly blaming herself for the crew’s predicament, spoke with the supermarket’s manager, who it has to be said, took the news very seriously. He removed the batch of fish from the shelves and called in Health & Safety who quickly tested the suspect tuna. The results came back positive for Scombroid later that same day. What we understood from the Bosun’s previous experience was that an antihistamine could be used to neutralise the Scombroid

Histamine formation in ﬁsh depends on the temperature at which the

(a histamine). As a subscriber to Medlink, I called the hot line for a

ﬁsh is kept from the time it is caught until it is consumed. So to avoid

professional opinion, a much quicker option than calling the agent to

scombroid poisoning, it is very important to keep ﬁsh refrigerated

ﬁnd a local doctor available.

when it is being transported and stored.

Speaking to the doctor over the phone, they insisted we all head straight to hospital as a precaution. Whilst on the phone, they arranged

Histamine is heat stabile: cooking, freezing, smoking and canning will not destroy the toxin.

for us to be seen immediately at a private hospital, 19 minutes away.

Buy seafood from reputable sources to ensure that products are

A mini bus was ordered and an ofﬁcer from one of the only other

properly chilled. Retail employees should be able to answer questions

yachts in the shipyard (who happened to have an old friend working

on freshness.

aboard) was summoned to babysit our yacht. At 1420, I was having a

The best way to avoid Scombroid poisoning is by preventing its

cold shower which did nothing for my fever, throbbing headache and

production. This can be accomplished by ensuring that:

bright red rash from my head to my ribs.

1) Fish is refrigerated to 4°C (40°F) at all times.

The 8 of us in the minibus arrived at the hospital at 1500 and were ushered through to the emergency ward where we found the crew who’d been out shopping already on a drip, getting a concoction of antihistamine and electrolytes.

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HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR CREW AND GUESTS FROM SCOMBROID POISONING?

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

2) You reject fresh ﬁsh which exceeds 4°C at delivery. If concerned, review the delivery vehicle temperature logs. 3) Fresh ﬁsh is used within 48 hours at refrigerated temperatures.

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

YOUR MONEY: Y

Q Questions yyou should ask yourself By Tim Reedman

are beneﬁtting from all tax allowances you are entitled to and that everything you are doing is legal.

What would I do if I suffered an illness or injury that kept me out of work in the longer term? Protect yourself, your family and your income, so that if something unfortunate happens, you and those close to you are secure in the future. Make sure that you have a will and if appropriate, a Power of Attorney.

The fast-paced nature of a career in Superyachts often means

Most yachts have some form of sickness and injury cover,

we rarely ﬁnd time to take care of the necessary precautions to

though this is often for a very short period of time. When you consider

ensure that our future onshore is more secure. At this point in

your career may be 20-30 years, being paid for the ﬁrst 3 months

your career, you may be enjoying a high, tax free salary with, as

following an injury may mean the end of your seafaring career comes

a result of living onboard, minimal expenses. So, what happens

in a very short period of time. It is possible to obtain protection that

when you get home, how do you take care of your future from

continues through to retirement to protect a good portion of your

the sea?

maritime income.

Here, Tim Reedman, of Reedman Wealth Management shares valuable insight into what you should be asking yourself and how to

Have I invested enough for my future and is it in the right place?

consider and best approach your future ﬁnancial situation.

It can be difficult to find time for yourself, let alone consider financial

Some of this information is speciﬁc to UK passport holders, but there is valuable advice here for all nationalities.

investments and managing savings accounts whilst getting on and enjoying your career. In an ever-changing industry that requires continuous attention and commitment, source a trusted ﬁnancial

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

advisor who will keep you up to date with changes that affect you and

Is my salary paid into an account in the same currency?

who will adapt your plans automatically, to your beneﬁt. There are

Receiving payments in a currency different to that which your bank

many options available to you, regular and lump sum investments,

account is registered could mean you become subject to the current

Individual Savings Accounts and Personal Pensions that beneﬁt from

exchange rate, potentially losing money and what you receive even

tax relief. Ensure you ﬁnd a well-regulated, highly recommended

after that could be subject to additional bank charges. By opening

adviser as all investments do carry a risk.

an offshore bank account, with a multiple currency facility you can better manage this. Also using a fully regulated International

Tim Reedman is a Charted Financial Planner and has over 25 years

Currency Trader, to manage the repatriation of your funds to your

of experience in the industry. Reedman Wealth Management is a partner

home country when you return home will ensure you do not lose your

practice of one of the biggest wealth management organisations in the UK,

hard-earned money to unnecessary banking charges and ﬂuctuating

St. James’s Place.

exchange rates. www.reedmanwm.co.uk Should I submit a tax return in my home country every year? In order for UK passport holders to claim valuable SED (Seafarers

The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly

Earning Deduction), Crew must submit a tax return every year.

linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise.

This can be used as evidence that you are still a UK tax resident,

You may get back less than the amount invested.

preventing other countries presenting a challenge that you should pay tax to them if you spend a large amount of time onboard yachts in another country.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances. The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial

Even though I am offshore can I beneﬁt from tax allowances in

Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s

the UK?

wealth management products and services, more details of which are set

Everyone has their own individual set of circumstances and there

out on the Group’s website at www.sjp.co.uk/products. The `St. James’s

is no ‘one size ﬁts all’ answer to this question. By speaking with an

Place Partnership’ and the titles `Partner’ and `Partner Practice’ are

experienced wealth adviser, you can gain peace of mind that you

marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

JOIN THE PYA!

an MCA-approved Service Record Book in which the member’s Sea

Become a part of the only association to represent yacht crew

members who are now working ashore as managers, superintendents

around the world and beneﬁt from:

etc. and wish to keep their CoC valid.

Service Testimonials will be recorded after being veriﬁed (at no extra charge) by the PYA to accurately prove time spent at sea. This category is also appropriate for formerly seagoing

• Sea Service Veriﬁcation – the MCA requires all sea service for an NoE or revalidation to have been veriﬁed prior to submission

ASSOCIATE MEMBER – €75 PER YEAR

to them. If there are any problems with your sea time, the PYA can

This category is appropriate for those working at levels that do not

ensure these are sorted before your application. The PYA has been

require them to have a Service Record Book (SRB) or to have their

authorised by the MCA to verify yacht sea service in its Service

Sea Service Testimonials (SSTs) veriﬁed by the PYA. Instead, they

Record Book since 1994 – no other organisation has this track

receive the PYA Crew Work Book, in which they can have their sea

record, and as such the PYA Service Record Book is extremely

time stamped in by their captain. This can be used to show sea time

highly regarded by the MCA and in the industry.

for a Yacht Rating Certiﬁcate but cannot be submitted to the MCA.

• Training Record Book – if you are working towards your OOW and require an MCA Training Record Book, you can get one free

SHOREBASED MEMBER – €75 PER YEAR

of charge when you join the PYA (usually €30). The PYA will also

For those who are working in the industry but are not (or are no

provide you with advice on how to complete it.

longer) serving at sea and so do not need an SRB or veriﬁcation of

• Yacht Rating Certiﬁcate – if you need a Yacht Rating Certiﬁcate

SSTs.

at the time of joining (as a Full member only), the PYA will do this for you free of charge (usually €80)

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORY

Full Member

Associate Member

Shorebased Member

Nil

€175

€75

MCA-APPROVED SERVICE RECORD BOOK

SEA SERVICE TESTIMONIAL VERIFICATION SERVICE

CREW WORK BOOK

TRAINING RECORD BOOK (IF APPLICABLE)

YACHT RATING CERTIFICATE (IF APPLICABLE AND ONLY IF REQUESTED UPON JOINING)

FULL ACCESS TO ONLINE PYA MEMBERS’ AREA

ADVICE AND SUPPORT FROM THE PYA

RECEIVE PYA PUBLICATIONS

PARTICIPATION IN PYA ACTIVITIES/ WORKGROUPS

REDUCED / FREE ENTRY TO PYA EVENTS

PYA-NEGOTIATED DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS

VOTE AT GENERAL MEETINGS

• Information – The PYA sends regular news updates to its members, providing accurate, up to date and impartial information

JOINING FEE

on the most important issues in yachting.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE

• Advice – The PYA helps out its members on all sorts of issues, from non-payment of wages to unfair dismissal, regulatory queries to on-board problems and much more. With over 20 elected council members with a wealth of combined yachting experience, the PYA is here to support you at every stage of your career. • Careers guidance – The PYA can assist members looking to advance through their careers with help on certifications, qualifications and transitional arrangements. • Representation – The PYA is the only organisation committed to acting on behalf of professional yacht crew, ensuring that your voice is heard. It regularly seeks feedback from its members and take this to administration level to ensure that the future of the yachting industry reflects those who are actually working on-board. • Event invitations – Throughout the year, the PYA organises a range of extremely popular educational and social events. PYA members will always receive either free or discounted entry. • Special offers – PYA members benefit from a range of deals offered by its partners.

FULL MEMBER – €175 PER YEAR For those serving at, or working towards, officer level, for engineers from MEOL or Y4 upwards, for interior crew applying for a GUEST CoC, and for anyone else who needs to submit verified Sea Service and qualifications to the MCA. For these members the PYA provides

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PYA SUPPLEMENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

A very successful PYA crew workshop day in Antibes!

On Saturday 8th April, the Professional Yachting Association

2017 a new IMO regulation is coming into force regarding ballast

hosted a full day of free crew workshops; offering something for

water discharge. Some people are under the misapprehension

all departments. The day was a huge success, with over 150 crew

that the regulations only apply to large commercial vessels. However,

participating throughout the day.

if the length of your yacht is greater than 50 metres and if it

The day kicked off with Floristry tips for Superyacht

has a ballasting capacity of more the 8 cubic metres, then it will

stewardesses and stewards, hosted by Sachiko Katsurada, a PYA

have to abide by the rules from September onwards. During

GUEST approved trainer. Sachi showed the crew (who were

the session, Sam Wand explained to captains and engineers

of varying levels of experience) bouquet preparation, flower

what they would need to do to comply with the new legislation,

arrangement, orchid maintenance and some great tips to make ďŹ&#x201A;owers

the different types of technology available, solutions for installing

last longer on-board.

BWT equipment within the space limitations of a yacht engine

We moved on to a session on Ballast Water Management, facilitated by Ballast Water Treatment experts, Cathelco. In September

room and the importance of having a Ballast Water Management Plan on-board.

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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Our ﬁnal session before lunch covered Scuba Diving Safety

Next up was the most well-attended session of the day, called

for Superyacht Crew. Alex Diamond, from Diamond Diving in

‘French Social Security and what crew need to do’. Speaking to a

Golfe Juan, ran through a range of topics with the crew, including

huge audience, Patrick Maﬂin from Marine Accounts, Peter Brooke

safe scuba equipment storage and maintenance, emergency assistance

from Horizons / Spectrum IFA Group and Rod Hatch from the PYA

plans for diving, extra skills needed for Superyacht diving, managing

explained the implications of the new Social Security decree, who is

client expectations and demands and the importance of regularly

affected, and what the solutions are. Whilst at the time of the event,

maintaining crew dive and rescue skills. The key message for the crew

not all the answers had been provided by the authorities, the session

was that are whilst there are certainly challenges and risks involved

provided a great deal of clarity to many of the questions that crew

in organising diving for Superyachts, with proper training, planning

have, enabling them to start making the appropriate arrangements for

and procedures these can be minimised, leaving the crew to be able

their own situation.

to deliver life changing experiences to their guests, safely.

Throughout the afternoon, we also ran a series of one-on-

The PYA team laid on a buffet lunch for all the attendees and

one career clinics for engineers. Tim Moss, head of engineering at

workshop facilitators, with wine kindly provided by Riviera Yacht

Bluewater Yachting, took the time to assist 7 engineers at different

Support. It was a beautiful sunny day, so the crew were able to spill

stages of their careers on the best routes for their own progression,

outside onto the Esplanade du Pré aux Pêcheurs next to the port.

gaining a certiﬁcate of equivalency, transferring skills and more.

After lunch Joey Meen and Alison Houghton from the

Our ﬁnal session of the day was run by Master of Wine,

PYA hosted a session on preparing for the OOW qualiﬁcation.

Louise Sydbeck, who gave 40 crew a crash-course in wine-tasting

There are many insider tips on Training Record Book do’s and dont’s,

and food pairing. In the 90-minute workshop, the crew learnt a huge

sea service veriﬁcation, exam expectations etc. that Joey (Director

amount about pairing food and wine, a valuable skill to enhance their

of Training and Certiﬁcation for the PYA) and Alison (Service

guests’ experience.

Record Book Manager for the PYA for 11 years, and now Service

To ﬁnish off the day the PYA arranged complimentary

Record Book Ofﬁcer) were able to share with the deckhands looking

drinks for the crew who had attended the workshops. It was a great

to further their careers. This kind of information is offered to all

opportunity for crew of all ages to network and to ask the PYA team

our members, and if you are thinking about that next rung of the

questions about their careers and sea service.

yachting ladder and have not yet joined the PYA, now would be a

Thank you to all those who attended, to our wonderful

good time to do so. Not only will you beneﬁt from advice, support

workshop facilitators, and of course to our generous sponsors,

and information, but we will verify your sea service on behalf of the

Roaming Expert, Cathelco, Riviera Wine and Riviera Yacht Support,

MCA, a service that is essential for you to progress your yachting

without whom the event would not have been possible.

career to the next level.

www.SuperYachtCrew.com Crew – to join for free visit the above website and click on ‘Apply for membership’

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

PHOTOGRAPHS: CARMEN BLIKE PHOTOGRAPHE

G.U.E.S.T Workshop

Royal Hotel | Antibes | June 2017 By Joey Meen, GUEST CEO

‘It was a fantastic experience. Having over 10 years in hospitality and seven years onboard yachts, it is great to ﬁnally have appreciation and attention to the interior crew. I hope this training will improve future crew member’s work ethics and knowledge’ From an attending Chief Stew.

a few more senior interior crew members willingly sharing their own experiences and issues. The trainers worked their magic and with their professionalism, dedication, and humour they drove the day to ensure that the participants gained the maximum from the snapshot sessions provided. From Etiquette to Service, Laundry to Cabin set up, Care of Surfaces and Teambuilding to Food Safety and Wine Appreciation,

On Saturday 24th June a selection of interior crew congregated

we offered a wide range of interesting and interactive sessions for all.

at the Royal Hotel in Antibes to participate in a day of training

Audience participation brought the workshops to life and turned the

workshops offered by the PYA G.U.E.S.T Program.

day into a real success.

G.U.E.S.T is the established industry standard for Interior

Those attending were able to learn from the best; with Peter

Training within the yachting sector and there are now 24 accredited

Vogel who is Principal Trainer of Luxury Hospitality, Lynne Edwards,

training schools worldwide offering the training programme.

the Senior Training Manager for The Crew Academy, Sophie Leach

What a wonderful day we had, with fantastic feedback from

who is a Trainer for The Crew Academy, Kim Woodey the CEO &

the participants who attended the event. Fully booked, with a long

Trainer for KDW Training, Georgie Vintner the Hotel Fleet Training

standby list, this workshop was dedicated to the Crew of the industry

Consultant for Carnival, Terry Gilmore the Director of Interior

(although we did open up a small handful of places for local Crew

Training Academy and Helen Brotherton Director and Trainer for

Agents too). The majority of the participants were junior level, with

Fine Wine Works.

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

trust and respect within their teams’. We had the groups tangled up

‘I was truly thankful for the opportunity to have come to this one day workshop which was ﬁlled with a wealth of knowledge that I will forever be thankful for. GUEST is paving the way for not only yacht crew, but professionals as a whole. I would love to come back one day to be a GUEST Trainer’

in a practical exercise ‘the human knot’, which set the tone of the

A statement from one of the more experienced attendees.

A delicious lunch was served to our guests, the trainers and partners, who all enjoyed the hospitality from the hotel, and joined in to share industry experiences and network. The afternoon began with the teambuilding session run by Peter, whose aim ‘was to demonstrate to crew the importance of

interaction for the day. Georgie led the teams through the essential elements of Food Safety, emphasising that ‘it’s the responsibility of all crew, especially

acceptable when dealing with yacht owners and guests. Lynne ended

food handlers, to ensure due diligence and duty of care with regards

the session by giving invaluable information as to what line of action

to safe practices for guest and crew alike’. One of the participants

can be taken if crew members experience challenging situations

commented that ‘It’s scary to see how much can go wrong if you don’t

aboard.

know or understand what you’re doing’.

much better informed, this session was very interesting and a part

Food and Beverage service to the group, highlighting a wide range

of yachting that I hadn’t really appreciated before. It’s good to know

of service styles and emphasising the importance of understanding

there are people you can turn to for help’.

the needs of owners and guests in order to fulﬁl their particular

Kim presented the care of fabrics and furnishings session,

requirements whilst on board. GUEST Partner Boutsen kindly

beginning with a fun quiz to introduce some of today’s more unusual

supplied the exquisite Aston Martin range of cutlery and beautiful

fabrics and continued the session with introducing terms used for the

ﬂatware and table linens for use during the session. Creative ﬂoristry

identiﬁcation of various linens, essential for the ordering, care and

supplied the ﬂowers for the centrepiece. One junior crew member

maintenance of fabrics and furnishings aboard. Terry Gilmore used

stated that ‘this session conﬁrmed to me how high end the service

his expertise and experience to show how to correctly iron shirts of

onboard really needs to be’.

different fabrics.

The Cabin session, ‘Eye for detail’ run by Peter and Georgie,

The grand ﬁnale was showcased by Helen from Fine Wine

with beautiful linens and bedding supplied by GUEST Partner

Works, who added her own ﬂair and experience as an actress to her

Talisman, got the teams thinking as they had to learn best practices

session on Wine tasting & Food Pairing to the great delight of our

for making beds and cabin etiquette as well as playing a fun ‘game’ of

guests after a long but certainly inspiring day.

‘list what’s wrong with this room’.

144

One new crew member stated that ‘I learnt so much, and fell

Lynne and Kim demonstrated some of the intricacies of

The day was made possible and certainly enriched by the

Lynne created an interactive sketch to help the attendees

presence of our PYA GUEST Partners who contributed to the

understand what sorts of behaviours they might expect from

training workshops by providing their luxury and high end products.

owners and guests of different nationalities and cultures. She and

With our thanks to TeslaMall, White & Green by The Winckworth

training partner Sophie underlined the importance of clear and

Collection, Aqua Air by Real Sphere, Yachtneeds, Superyacht

accurate communication, as well as what behaviour is and what is not

Operating Systems, Boutsen Design and Carmen Blike Photographe.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 33

PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

MYBA Charter Show 24th – 27th April 2017, Barcelona This was the 29th Edition of the MYBA

Peter Vogel (GUEST Trainer) represented the

Charter Show and this year was hosted for the

GUEST Program as a Judge for the MYBA Chef

ﬁrst time at Marina Port Vell in Barcelona.

Competition and Table Scaping and was wowed

Tagged as one of the most important

by the amazing chefs and interior crew who made

international exhibitions in the yachting calendar,

each experience a pleasure. Well done to all the

the MYBA show has consistently attracted high

wonderful crew who participated.

numbers of the world’s leading professional Charter yacht brokers and Superyachts. Offering the chance for the attending crew and Captains to showcase their yachts in style to the hungry Charter Brokers who are always looking to meet their clients’ needs. MYBA Charter Show leads the way in providing multi-faceted platforms through various

ART IN A GLASS RESULTS FIRST / OVERALL WINNER KATE BARNET – M/Y CHEETAH MOON RUNNER UP / CREATIVITY AWARD CHRIS SNYDER – S/Y TWILIGHT BEST GUEST EXPERIENCE MADHI MEISTER – M/Y JAGUAR

targeted networking events, competitions and

CHEF AND TABLE SCAPING RESULTS

social programmes, making it easy for all to get the

WINNING CHEFS 1ST PLACE: DEAN CONBEER – ICON 2ND PLACE: LEE EASDON – NERO 3RD PLACE: SIMON PHILLIPS – DOUBLE DOWN

most out of the show. A huge thank you to MYBA for sponsoring the PYA to attend the event again this year. The PYA & GUEST Program were involved with this year’s MYBA Art in a Glass Competition and famous MYBA Chefs’ Competition. Joey Meen was one of the judges for the MYBA

WINNING TABLE SCAPING: 1ST PLACE: CAIRINE WHYTE AND ALY MERRILL – DOUBLE DOWN 2ND PLACE: DANIEL WELLMAN – SILVER ANGEL

Art in a Glass cocktail competition, sponsored by Diageo with Tanqueray Gin being the show piece for the cocktails. Well done to the winners and all those who participated – it was a tough call to judge and everyone did an amazing job!

CHEFS WINNERS IN YACHTS FROM 40 TO 54 M 1ST PLACE: MIKELDI CORCUERA – MQ2 2ND PLACE: JAMES PERRY – NASSIMA 3RD PLACE: SPIRO PAVLIC – PRIDE TABLE SCAPING WINNERS IN YACHTS FROM 40 TO 54 M 1ST PLACE: MALCOLM BOWERS – TALISMAN MAITON 2ND PLACE: MEGAN RUTTY – MIRAGE CHEFS WINNERS OF YACHTS UP TO 39 M 1ST PLACE: JEAN MATTHEE – TWILIGHT 2ND PLACE: DANIEL WILBOR – TAKARA 3RD PLACE: MARK ROSTANT – CHEETAH MOON TABLE SCAPING & SERVICE WINNERS OF YACHTS UP TO 39 M 1ST PLACE: HOLLY ECCLESON – CHEETAH MOON 2ND PLACE: CHRISTINE SNYDER – TWILIGHT

PHOTOGRAPH: MYBA AND BLUEI PROD

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2017

The PYA at the Monaco Yacht Show 2017 Sea Changes Forum During the second session, we will be providing an update The Professional Yachting Association will once again be

on the status quo regarding the application of the Maritime Labour

running its hugely popular Sea Changes Forum at the 2017

Convention by ﬂag states with respect to seafarers employed in

Monaco Yacht Show. The event will take place on Thursday

yachting. It is hoped to include a speciﬁc update on the French

28th September at the Headquarters of the International

Decree on social charges issued earlier this year and provide some

Hydrographic Organisation, which offers close proximity to the

guidance on its current application in France from an invited panel

show and excellent seminar facilities.

of experts. Further information to follow.

The event is attended by many Captains, Heads of department,

The seminars are followed by a networking reception on the

key media ﬁgures and decision-making industry professionals. The

stunning rooftop terrace of the IHO Building, which has an unrivalled

ﬁrst session will provide invaluable insights into the latest news and

view over the port. This event provides the perfect opportunity for all

changes to the Superyacht industry. With experts from the MCA,

our sponsors to mingle with their target clientele over relaxed drinks.

RYA and PYA, amongst others, this is the place to be for the latest regulations, training updates and careers advice, often direct from the

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

horse’s mouth.

marketing@pya.org.

Post Monaco Boat Show Crew Recovery Day Antibes, Sunday 1st October

This event is being brought to you by St James’s Place Wealth Management, Warsash Superyacht Academy, IFX, Marine Accounts and the PYA, and representatives from all companies will be present

Come and relax after a busy season and the Monaco Yacht Show

to answer any questions you have about either your yachting careers

at the ofﬁcial Crew Recovery Day in Antibes. It will be the perfect

or managing your ﬁnances.

opportunity to unwind with a few drinks and mingle with other crew after all your hard work.

Save the date and keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more details and a link to register nearer the time!

www.SuperYachtChefs.com Chefs – to join for free visit the above website and click on ‘Apply for membership’

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PYA Christmas Ball 15th December 2017 Join the PYA once again for its celebrated annual Christmas Ball, taking place on Friday 15th December at the stunning Carlton Hotel in Cannes. This is a night not to be missed, with fantastic entertainment,

‘The best ball I have EVER been to, thank you!’ Emma Henry, SudMarine Shipyard

‘Thank you again SO much for the brilliant night – you really do know how to throw a great party, it was a great success and everyone I spoke to had a brilliant time!’ Alison Rentoul, The Crew Coach

ﬂowing drinks, superb food, brilliant music and the company of everyone who’s anyone in the yachting industry. Booking details will be available from www.pya.org closer to the time.For sponsorship opportunities, please contact marketing@pya.org

FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS PYA CHRISTMAS BALLS

‘Thank you for organising such a terriﬁc PYA Ball on Friday. The organisation was fantastic from the timing, to the band through to the sponsorship. Every little detail had been taken care of – it was great thank you!’

‘The whole night was perfection. The best ever ball to date!!! Really well organised and worth every penny.’

‘The PYA Ball is “the” Christmas ticket to have!’

Debbie Small, Marine Medical

Susan Allen, Currencies Direct

Gabi Gruber, Gourmet Deliveries

PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THE 35 AMERICA’S CUP TH

AND THE AC SUPERYACHT FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY BY INGRID ABERY URING JUNE 2017, THE SAILING WORLD’S

flawless regatta to take the win and the Cup with an impressive

collective attention was brought to the stunning island

7-1 score line. Where and how will the next event take shape, only

of Bermuda for the 35th edition of the world’s oldest

time will tell, but without doubt the next AC will again, maybe,

trophy in international sport, the America’s Cup. AC catamarans,

take off in a new direction and on the other side of the world.

able to reach speeds of over 50 knots, now literally fly around

‘On behalf of Oracle Team USA I want to congratulate

the race course and have thrilled those of us lucky enough to

Emirates Team New Zealand,’ said skipper Jimmy Spithill. ‘They

be here with scrapes, jaw dropping crashes, and astonishing

were the complete package and fully deserving of the win. I’d

tactical battles. Teams that represent countries from around the

also like to thank Bermuda for hosting a fantastic America’s Cup.

world, give the event a World Cup feel as well, where spectators are encouraged to unfurl their flags adding another level of drama and excitement that few sporting events can offer. These elements, coupled with dramatic improvements in live video coverage and ‘made-for-TV’ graphics makes the AC one of the most intriguing spectacles in sport today. After the 2013 spectacle when Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill led his team to one of the greatest comebacks in sport, his team went out to Bermuda’s Great Sound race course on what was to be the final day in a familiar but uncomfortable position – staring down multiple match points in the America’s Cup Match. But in Bermuda there was to be no replay, the New Zealand team were too fast and sailed the last day of a near-

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AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CUP

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AMERICA’S CUP

What you saw here was some of the best racing in the history of the event and you have to credit the vision of Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts for passing the event over in such a strong position.’ Team founder Larry Ellison addressed the team after racing, saying: ‘I am very proud to be a part of this team. We gave it everything. When you compete against the very best in the world, you aren’t going to win every time. We did in Valencia in 2010 and in San Francisco in 2013. But this was New Zealand’s time and we congratulate them for a great win.’ While these spectacular catamarans and world-class sailors battled each other and the elements on a daily basis, two other participants in the event conspired to make AC 35 certainly the jewel of the 2017 racing calendar, and perhaps even one of the most exciting sailing events of all time. First, the island of Bermuda deserves a tremendous amount of recognition. Long

AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CUP

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AMERICA’S CUP

and to an island of considerable size (22 square miles) and infrastructure which makes it unparalleled in the yachting world. Visitors could choose to bask in the warmth of those around them, or strike off on their own to discover the island and relax in the sun of a stunning beach that they were able to call their own for that special time. Second, the America’s Cup Superyacht Program (ACSP), which saw the presence of over 50 of the world’s most stunning Superyachts, added another layer of elegance and exclusivity to the event never before seen. The Bermuda ‘skyline’ was dramatically changed with the presence of these beautiful yachts, offering a breathtaking image of known for its world-class beauty, AC 35 allowed the island nation

masts and gracious silhouettes.

an opportunity to display itself as never before. In addition to its

Of course the presence of the seven J Class yachts in

famous beach and anchoring opportunities, visitors were treated

Bermuda, here to race in the J Class Regatta as well as the

to the warm and welcoming nature of the Bermudian people

Superyacht Regatta was a coup for all concerned, the race crews,

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AMERICA’S CUP

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Owners, Spectators and of course the AC itself, who would ever

which was launched last year. Volvo Ocean Race winner Ian

have imagined 80 years ago that these magnificent ladies would

Walker and Shirley Robertson, double Olympic gold medalist,

still be competing and, in part, stealing the show. Lionheart

sailed on Action, the Dykstra-designed Royal Huisman 40 m,

came first in the J Class Regatta after the five races followed by

which won Class B with back to back wins on Wednesday and

Velsheda, Hanuman, Ranger, Topaz, Shamrock and the recently

Thursday. ’This has been such a celebration of sailing this month

launched Svea. JH2 Rainbow attended the event but did not race.

in Bermuda and we are so fortunate to be part of it with these

The America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta itself brought

beautiful yachts,’ said Robertson. ‘It’s been really special both

13 superyacht crews and six of the magnificent J Class yachts

watching the America’s Cup but also in our own way being able

together for another three days of enthralling racing. This was

to take part in it.’

an exciting event to be a part of for dozens of race orientated

Class C saw the sweet looking spirit of tradition yawl 27.7 m

sailors and many enthusiastic owners who often come together

Bequia take the honours. Designed by Stephens Waring Yacht

to compete in the unique atmosphere of a regatta, here they

Design, she had Tom Whidden, former America’s Cup winner

enjoyed three different short and simple coastal races around

with Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes, calling tactics. ’It has been

courses set out on this beautiful island’s turquoise waters.

fantastic to bring superyachts into this scenario. People love a

The magnificent new Vitters built Svea was competing in

reason to go racing and here it is. I am loving the America’s Cup,’

her first races on the Wednesday and Thursday, winning on

Whidden commented. ‘The regatta has been great. There is a lot

the second day. Lionheart, won the J Class section and with

of excitement being in Bermuda at this time and the island has

it the top prize for the regatta: the America’s Cup Superyacht

been a great host.’

Regatta Trophy. The historic sterling silver two handed cup

These boats joined the month-long ACSP organised by

made by Garrard dates back to 1872 and was first presented

Laura Esteve of BWA Yachting with the local support of Mark

to the winner of the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta – 55

Soares and Bermuda Yacht Services that allowed boat owners

metre Adela – in San Francisco in 2013.

to get to know the island of Bermuda at their own pace, take

Class A was composed of some of the racier,

part in the actual racing from exclusive front-line race course

performance orientated superyachts and was won by

viewing positions and casually get to know one another at

Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s Highland Fling 15, the Nautor’s Swan 115

exclusive private events against the backdrop of the exiting

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CUP

racing calendar which, in addition to the AC events, included the Superyacht, J-class and Red Bull Youth regattas as well. Members of the ACSP were offered unprecedented access to the AC team members and the racing facilities that go into making and maintaining these state-of-the-art racing machines. In the end, the personal touch that Mrs Esteve and her team offered the ACSP participants created an AC Superyacht community which will tie these dynamic and special groups together from here and into the future. There is no other way to say it, the feedback from Captains and owners alike was overwhelming: the magic combination of thrilling racing, the close access to the AC teams and facilities, a fantastic social calendar and the beauty of Bermuda that resulted in unprecedented success and left all hopeful for the opportunity to participate again in the future. A special thanks to the BWA team for their two-year preparation for this event and daily attention to the needs of ACSY members and to Bermuda

Contact: info@bwayachting.com

which has been proud to welcome the ACSP and looks forward

Web: www.bwayachting.com

to welcoming Superyachts back to their beautiful island.

>||

Ingrid Abery: www.ingridabery.com

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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BARCELONA PRIVATE YACHT SERVICES SL HAS BEEN APPOINTED THE CENTRAL AGENT FOR THIS 35 m X 9 m BERTH IN THE ONLY MARINA DESIGNED BY PHILIPPE STARCK. Thanks to new Spanish regulations introduced in 2016, Mallorca has become the ideal island for embarking and disembarking yacht charter guests and Port Adriano is also a perfect marina for private yacht Owners to make their home port. The Port enjoys an exceptional location for exploring the Mediterranean and is only a short distance from the beautiful islands of Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca.

Port Adriano is only a 30 minute drive to both Palma airport and historic Palma and a five minute drive to two 18 hole golf courses. The marina offers world-class yacht facilities for maintenance or refit work and has since its launch become a haven for yacht Owners, Captains and Crew. We are offering Berth No. 64, which can be leased until May of 2037 for â&#x201A;Ź2,520,000 + VAT, this

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THE SUPERYACHT CHARITIES FOUNDATION IT STARTED QUITE SIMPLY! BY COLIN SQUIRE MPRESSED BY THE TURNOUT OF ALMOST 500 ELITE

and a couple of friends, Vanessa Hodgson and Kerry Pettit

revellers – many flying in from around the world – the

sat having a lunch one weekend and as the conversation

setting, the evening itself, the fun everybody had and, above

progressed realised that the beginning of the year was for some

all, the amount of money raised for charity, I asked Derek Munro

reason very quiet on the social front and that the UK needed

if he would allow me to publish an article on the Foundation’s

something special to kick it off, something that would bring

short history.

people from the superyacht world together to do good and

In June 2014 a small group of yachties were sailing in

In February 2015 they concluded that it would be great

life-raft to raise funds for Sail4Cancer. After reaching the sum of

idea to arrange a party and as they all worked full time it was

£27,000 and having a good time doing so, they then arranged a

decided that extra help would be needed and they approached

one day cycle ride through the New Forest to raise further funds

both Ken Hickling and David Goldie, both stalwarts of the

for the charity. Another £4500 was put into the purse.

industry, who unselfishly threw their hats into the ring to help

Then, after the crazy show season that the Superyacht

158

their thoughts were set in motion.

the ISS regatta and took up the challenge to spend 24 hrs in a

in spreading the word and assisting in the planning.

industry has, from September through to November,

The consensus was that it would be possible to get

Cannes, Monaco Yacht Show, PINMAR, METS etc., Derek

around 150 people between them to fill a hall somewhere and

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THE SUPERYACHT CHARITIES FOUNDATION

ABOVE: KEN HICKLING, VANESSA HODGSON AND DEREK MUNRO RIGHT: DEREK MUNRO AND ROBIN YOUNG ENJOYING A SCOTTISH TRADITION

have a good evening, little did they know! Having just raised funds for Sail4Cancer it was decided that they would try and raise more for this excellent cause. An event was planned for April 18th giving them 12 weeks to make all the required preparations, find a venue, get the word out, get a band, get food arranged, tickets printed and put to bed a dozen other things that had to be resolved, they got to work. They soon had a venue booked that could hold 200 guests, the Southampton St Mary’s stadium. Within three weeks all tickets had been sold and they had to ask if the venue could increase the numbers to be catered to. The good news

underprivileged or ill and knowing it is being spent wisely is rewarding in itself. In April 2015 344 guests attended the first ball, at St Mary’s Stadium, and raised £48,000.

was that they could open the central wall in the ball room and

The significant result of the evening was that the

double the capacity and instantly they had space for 400. With

funds raised enabled Sail4Cancer to launch their program for

one week to go they had sold 344 seats, arranged the band, DJ,

terminally ill single parent families. Family members are given

food, beverages, flowers, excellent sponsors, courtesy cars and

the chance to say their final goodbye in a happy environment

the fine weather and thanks to their fantastic supporters and

with their family and friends plus the knowledge that their

friends, they raised the unexpected sum of £48,000.

family will get some help once they are gone.

Raising funds for a good cause is a very personal thing, it is never easy to do, it takes effort and often a great deal of valuable time, having given from the heart is a great feeling and seeing those efforts rewarded in the way that they were inspired the team to keep the momentum going. The domain name www.superyachtcharities. com was purchased with the intention of raising the profile of what was to become the Foundation and also the profile of other charities that are doing good within yachting, not only within the UK, but worldwide and also create a point of contact. The team believed there to be a huge interest for charitable donations within our industry, the team could donate their time, others do not have this to offer, but they do have

160

the fruits of their labours, ‘money’ and giving this to help the

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

In April 2016 the second ball was held at St Mary’s Stadium where 388 guests raised £41,000.

THE SUPERYACHT CHARITIES FOUNDATION

In 2016 they once again supported Sail4Cancer but

The SYC charter states:

also added two further charities, the Rona Trust and Antibes

1) We are to help those in our industry suffering from cancer,

Lifeboat. The amounts donated to each were significant to their

to protect and to promote good health among people

overall funding requirements. Sail4Cancer received 18% of their

suffering from cancer, their families and carers in such ways

funding for 2016 from the SYC Ball whilst Antibes Lifeboats had

as the Trustees shall determine.

never been given so much and in fact were given enough to run their maintenance programme and operate their vessel for a whole year. In April 2017 the third ball, held at The Hilton Ageas with 482 guests, raised ÂŁ71,000.

2) The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, illhealth, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage in such parts of the world as the Trustees shall determine where yachts and yacht crew travel.

In 2017 they are supporting Sail4Cancer, Turn to Starboard and finally they are starting the Superyacht Charity Fund. The

In 2018 the ball will once again be held at the Hilton Ageas,

SYC Fund is for individuals in our industry that need respite

Southampton which will have space for up to 500 guests. (24th

or help due to cancer or similar. Industry individuals need to

March 2018). There will be three hours of indoor cricket played

contact SYC if they know of anyone they may be able to help.

earlier on the Saturday afternoon between numerous teams.

SYC wants to ensure that worthy causes receive as much of the funding as possible and help the growth of

If you wish to enter a team or are an individual that wishes to play please contact SYC.

>||

the smaller, not for profit and non-government funded charitable organisations.

Table bookings through: info@superyachtcharities.com

Over 98% of all funds that have been raised have been given to the various charities mentioned above that are related

Excellent promotional opportunities also exist and can be

to the aims of SYC.

arranged on request.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

161

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73.00 M

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WINCH DESIGN

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WINCH DESIGN

LENGTH OVERALL:

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DELIVERY:

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13.00 M

BUILDER:

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM:

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DELIVERY:

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BUILDER:

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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166

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167

YACHT NEWBUILDS

T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

EXTERIOR DESIGN:

RWD DESIGN

MY FAITH

INTERIOR DESIGN:

RWD DESIGN

LENGTH OVERALL:

96.55 M

DELIVERY:

BEAM:

14.50 M

BUILDER:

T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

EXTERIOR DESIGN:

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INTERIOR DESIGN: LAURA SESSA ROMBOLI

LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM:

168

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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TIM HEYWOOD 2017 AMELS

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INTERIOR DESIGN:

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13.45 M

BUILDER:

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

169

www.YachtingDomains.com SUPERIOR, EYE-CATCHING, QUALITY DOMAIN NAMES

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To look for your domain please visit: www.YachtingDomains.com Email: | info@yachtingdomains.com

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INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE

THE INDUSTRY MOVERS THE YACHTING MATTERS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; SNAPPED AROUND THE WORLD The full list of all those that have appeared within The Industry Movers section can now be found at www.yachtingmatters.com

ALLAN FOOT & ASHLEY HURRELL

AMY OLIVER - SQUIRE & RICHARD MASTERS

BARBARA MULLER

CAROLINE HILLIER & KOSTAS SKIATHITIS

CPT. ALI AKER

CPT. ARNAUD MATTER

CPT. CHARLIE ROWLANDS

CPT. DAVID CHERINGTON

CPT. DAVID PURCELL

CPT. FERGUS ROE & JOHN AUDABRAN

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE

172

CPT. GORDON PERCY & STEPHANY RAIMOND

CPT. IAN HAWKINS

CPT. JAMES MCDONAGH

CPT. JAMES OLLEMANS

CPT. JANUSZ WALINSKI

CPT. JASON CHAMBERS

CPT. JOHN MASTERS, NANI MAS & LALA MASTERS

CPT. JOHN WILLETT & CPT. JAMES KENNEDY

CPT. JORDI SOLER

CPT. JOSE ANTONIO VILCHEZ

CPT. JOSE BELLIDO FABRA

CPT. JOSEP MALVESI

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE

CPT. JUAN ALVAREZ

CPT. KATHERINE PENNINGTON

CPT. KERRY FLANNAGAN

CPT. KYLE VAN GUIZEN

CPT. LUCIO PROSPERI

CPT. MARC BONGUARDO

CPT. MARCEL VAN DEN HOUDT

CPT. MILEM AUGELOV

CPT. NICOLAU MALLOL

CPT. NOLAN ROSS & CPT. DAVID MORROW

CPT. OWAIN ROWLANDS & CPT. JORGEN GORMSEN

CPT. PABLO PIRENACK

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

173

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE

CPT. PETER LEEMING

174

CPT. ROB SHELNUT & CPT. JIM LIVINGSTONE

CPT. STEPHANE BILLY & CPT. MARK GIBLIN

CPT. TOM FILBY

CPT. TONI BROK

CPT. STEVE EMMERICH & CPT. COLIN RICHARDSON (BOTTOM)

CPT. CRAIG PACKETT

DECLAN Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;SULLIVAN

EDWARD PEGAN & LUISE DEL SORBO

GUY ROYFFE & EDWARD THOMAS

JOANNE MUTON & CPT. NICHOLAS SMITH

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE

KATHERINE HUGHES & CPT. NIGEL SEABRIGHT

LUIGI VIALE

MASSIMO LUISE & FRANCESCO LUISE

MICHAEL WHITE & CPT. DEAN PILATTI

OLA HIIS BERGH

ONNO EBBENS

PETER BROWN

SARAH SEBASTIAN & ANNIE BERNARD

TANIA SOFIKITOU

DO YOUR BIT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! Recycle this magazine by passing it on to a colleague!

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

175

SUPERYACHT SECURITY IN A MODERN WORLD BY JAMES HILTON

176

EING A SUPERYACHT CAPTAIN IS AN OFTEN

individuals from thrill seeking nightclub doormen to Hell’s Angels

dubious honour. Both feared and revered but generally

were able to get a foot in the door. Thankfully, the industry has

respected, it really can be the best job in the world. Being

come a long way since then but the door remains wide open for

able to drive a vessel at the absolute cutting edge of technology,

‘snake oil’ salesmen, fantasists and pretenders, selling services to a

that looks and handles beautifully with the opportunity to rub

generally ill-informed customer base.

shoulders with the great and the good whilst travelling the world;

Daniel Pink, the former US presidential speech writer and

what’s not to like? Well, the burden of responsibility seems to be

New York Times bestselling author writes in his latest book ‘To

growing exponentially and may certainly be off putting for some.

Sell is Human: The Surprising Truth about Moving Others’ that

From crew recruitment to vessel maintenance, and getting to

in today’s world we’re all in sales. Selling has a bad rap because

grips to the ever increasing sophistication of on board technology

most of what we know about it arose in a world of information

whilst having to meet often seemingly impossible expectations, a

asymmetry – where the seller always had more information

Captain’s job is 24/7. Throwing security and risk mitigation into

than the buyer and therefore could rip the buyer off. But today,

the mix can really complicate things. But it needn’t be this way.

information asymmetry is giving way to something at least close

The private security industry today is a multi-million

to information parity. This works when it comes to transactional

pound business that is now well and truly ‘mainstream’. Once

purchases such as used cars but when buying specialist services,

the preserve of former Special Forces operators and very much a

the relevance of which is often subjective, finding honest, objective

niche sector, the 2003 invasion of Iraq gave rise to private security

and credible resources can be a minefield.

on an industrial scale. This served a purpose when large numbers

Security risk management is an emotive subject that

of armed guards were required to protect reconstruction efforts

inevitably invites a stream of contradictory opinions. Is it art

on the ground but it came at a cost. Poor vetting standards and

or science? This depends on the context and your perspective.

a need for numbers meant that unqualified and ill experienced

Business operations, which would include the safe day to day

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SUPERYACHT SECURITY

operation of a superyacht, are likely to be

targeting both underway and anchored vessels in the Caribbean

viewed as more of an art because a precise

and Latin America, particularly St Vincent and the Grenadines,

answer is generally not needed to make a

Trinidad and Tobago.

decision. Information or Cyber security on the other hand is open

Outside of the physical risks is the increasingly pervasive

to a more scientific approach to manage the risks. Regardless, a

Cyber threat. As vessel systems become more sophisticated,

superyacht Captain has an obligation to understand the threat

automated and online, so the vulnerability to malicious activity

and associated risks to the safe operation of his vessel. It’s worth

increases. As recent Cyber-attacks demonstrate such as those

mentioning at this point that there is an important distinction

on the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, the use

to make between threat and risk. The former being anything

of malicious software (MALWARE) in making ransom demands

that can exploit a vulnerability, intentionally or accidentally, and

is becoming much more frequent. This type of attack is tantamount

obtain, damage, or destroy an asset for example and the latter; the

to common theft and therefore anyone is at risk. Whether it’s

potential for loss, damage or destruction of an asset as a result of

the forced encryption of critical data or reputation damaging

a threat exploiting a vulnerability.

information that can be used as leverage, superyachts and their

But let’s get things into perspective – what’s the risk? The

owners make attractive targets. Again, this can be a confusing risk

answer to this question varies wildly from factors such as the

management space with conflicting advice and a tendency to

threat profile of the owner to the location and planned cruise

overdramatise the threat, likely impact and appropriate mitigation.

itinerary. In general terms, the physical security risk to superyachts,

Having an underlying grasp and working knowledge of

perhaps counter-intuitively, remains low. There are of course ‘hot

security risk management is of course teachable but it’s mostly

spots’ all over the world where specific mitigation is required

common sense. That’s easy to say when that common sense

but for the most part, common sense, planning and sound crew

approach is often born from experience and that’s why it’s

preparation and awareness are all that’s required to ensure

important to establish trusted partners who can be relied upon

incident free cruising. Unless transiting high risk areas and piracy

for objective, no obligation advice. Any security solution should

prone waters, the primary risks are in port and ashore. However,

be discrete, advisory and practical. It is often seen as an expensive

there does seem to be a concentration of armed, violent robberies

inconvenience which frankly, at times it can be. The superyacht

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

177

SUPERYACHT SECURITY

necessarily experienced or competent in the softer skills required to run a successful and sustainable business. Whilst yacht management companies generally provide a full spectrum of operational support services, there can be gaps with no obvious place to turn to fill. Whether that’s advice on tour operators ashore, in country ‘fixers’ or secluded beaches in obscure locations, getting the answers in the melee of running the vessel can be quite the challenge! That’s where Halcyon Security Concierge can assist. Concierge services are a familiar fixture in yachting. The meaning of the word has been somewhat distorted from its original French origin which was a person who has charge of the entrance of a building and is often the owner’s representative; doorkeeper. The concept has a basis in security and that is what we are trying to bring it back to. We aim to be the doorkeeper to our clients, offering a discrete, no obligation service – more of an Alfred to Bruce Wayne, than Kevin Costner to Whitney Houston! We offer a consultative service that provides captains with the common sense, practical answers they need, when they need them.

industry is open to exploitation as suppliers see customers with

Halcyon Security Concierge is a bespoke Superyacht security division

deep pockets and the opportunity for a disproportionate and

of Protection Vessels International Ltd (PVI). With thousands

unjustifiable mark up on services. Whether you’re a billionaire or

of successful transits of the Indian Ocean High Risk Area (HRA),

a single parent family on the breadline, everybody wants value for

protecting ships for some of the world’s largest and most prestigious

money. Like any other purchase, security services must add value.

commercial fleets; our operational experience is unrivalled. PVI is

The best way to achieve this is to build long term partnerships

a wholly owned subsidiary of Protection Group International (PGI)

with vetted service providers who have a demonstrable track

and forms the physical security division of this market leading risk

record. This shouldn’t just be operational, but also the commercial

consultancy. PGI aims to make the world a safer place to do business,

track record of the business.

through intelligence-led and technology-enabled solutions.

The private security industry is dominated by former

178

>||

military, law enforcement and intelligence operators who, for

Contact: James Hilton – Managing Director

the most part, are all good at the ‘guns and Kung Fu’, but not

Email: James.Hilton@pviltd.com

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

179

TO BIN OR NOT TO BIN THAT IS THE QUESTION

BY ANNA PERCIVAL-HARRIS

INCE THE REVISION OF MARPOL ANNEX V SEVERAL years ago, we have seen much cleaner seas, particularly in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, both of which are ‘special areas’. Yachts have been forced to rethink the way they dispose of their domestic & operational waste and review their garbage management plans. However, there is a different kind of ‘waste’ in the superyacht industry. In our family holiday home we have a microwave. It’s

original prices rather than disposing of them. It was the first time

a very ordinary microwave. It’s brushed steel. It came from a

he’d seen something like this, and he knew this new Boss was

yacht that was moored in the local marina and skippered by

going to be an environmentally friendly one.

a friend of my father. The yacht had ordered a stainless steel

There are plenty of yacht owners who don’t unfortunately

microwave, but when the brushed steel model arrived, instead

think this way. How many people reading this have worked on

of going to the trouble of parcelling it up and returning it, they

yachts where you have been told to throw away all of the leftover

simply ordered the stainless version again, and were about to put

food after a Boss trip, even if it’s good for another week? Why

the first one in the nearest skip. My father stepped in and asked if

can’t the crew consume this food? I once heard of a yacht that was always provisioned with

we could have it, rather than waste it. Of course the answer was ‘go for your life, mate!’

week. A little forethought on the Boss’s behalf would have meant

on board, post-refit, and decides she doesn’t like the €200/m2

a lot less waste, but billionaires don’t have to plan ahead, do

carpet. The carpet is ripped out and replaced with something

they?

equally extortionate. What happens to that carpet? I’m not

My article for this issue was inspired by a Facebook post

suggesting that it’s float tested, but I can almost certainly say it’s

from a Captain friend of mine – it was a simple picture of his

not going to be re-used anywhere else.

Chief Stew girlfriend standing outside a hospital entrance, holding

How much unnecessary waste from yachts is going to

180

food and flowers, just in case the Boss decided to turn up that

We’ve all heard these stories – the Boss’s wife comes

two vases of flowers. The caption was:

landfill that could be reused or rehomed? My dear husband

‘Vases from dollar store – $5

once joined a yacht during a refit and the Boss allowed the crew

Leftover flowers from family trip – $0

to hold a sale of the old furniture, inviting the locals to browse

Making patients happy at the local hospital – priceless.

and buy designer chairs and coffee tables for a fraction of their

Donate your yacht’s leftovers, whatever they are.’

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

RECYCLING ON BOARD

Flowers are much easier to donate than food (we don’t want to

to advertise our company, to minimise the resources we use up.

give food poisoning to half of the local village…), but there must

We try to think of items that people will actually keep and use –

be more items we can recycle or donate.

I’m not trying to start a ‘responsible advertising’ movement, but

After seeing this Facebook post I spoke to another friend of mine who said ‘we are very aware of waste on board… we were

this is just one more piece of the puzzle when it comes to the waste generated by the yachting industry.

certainly more wasteful in previous years. We give away unused

MARPOL doesn’t just apply to seagoing vessels – the IMO

and old uniforms to a charity in Africa – we used to give it away

themselves point out that for MARPOL to be effective, and for ships

locally but had to stop when we spotted a homeless chap in

to be able to comply with the discharge requirements depends

Antibes wearing a crew jacket! There is still a lot of waste when

largely upon the availability of adequate facilities in port. IMO.org

you think about how many guests we have on board, but I like

states that Annex V ‘obliges Governments to ensure the provision

to think about how many people we employ and how many

of adequate reception facilities at ports and terminals for the

companies we give our business to.’

reception of garbage without causing undue delay to ships and

There are many companies that provide various services

according to the needs of the ships using them’. Unfortunately,

to yachts. It’s a competitive market – just look at how many of

this doesn’t seem to be happening everywhere our yachting friends

them exhibit at boat shows regularly taking place around the

travel. A Chief Stewardess tells me ‘we do our best to separate and

world. How do they grab your attention? With a squeezy duck or

recycle our general waste, but find it’s the ports or local facilities

a pair of sunglasses bearing their logo? What do you do with those

that are the limiting factor, and don’t offer adequate recycling bins

items once the show is over? You probably throw them away. As

etc.’ Another crew member I spoke to said that he was once in

a training provider, we generate a lot of paper during our courses

a port where there were three separate bins for glass, paper and

and students build up a fair few air miles getting to us. Therefore,

general waste – he was impressed, until he saw the refuse collectors

we think long and hard about the promotional items we give away

pull up and empty all three bins into the same truck.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

181

RECYCLING ON BOARD

perhaps charities could walk the docks every few weeks and collect items. I am sure this would help out quite a lot. In regards to recycling, I think this is picking up in general. The main problem I find here is that many marinas still do not do this. If marinas do not then crew do not. The marina where we are currently based has a very strict recycling policy and in fact we need to use clear rubbish bags so when collecting the rubbish they can see and make sure we are recycling properly. If not, the rubbish is returned. We have not been recycling for the last six months as the marinas we have been visiting do not do this, it is funny how easy it is to do when needed and then how easy it is not to do when there are no facilities. We separate our plastics anyway so we can record them for our rubbish log, even though at times, they are thrown in with the same rubbish in the marina/yard.’ It seems that we need a global accord, to put facilities and services in place to enable vessels to carry out the regulations of MARPOL, at the very least, and to be able to recycle larger re-usable items. Perhaps crew would be more inclined to think of the next home for that mattress or microwave if there was someone on the dock willing to help them. We also need the local councils to ensure that the crews’ efforts don’t go to waste (excuse the pun) outside of the marinas and ports. If they know that the garbage is all going to end up in the same landfill anyway, why bother taking the time to separate it in the first place? If we expect vessels to comply with tighter rules and be

I’m not going to talk about how ridiculous

able to go above and beyond them, then the facilities must be

the yachting industry actually is when you think about the

put in place for them to do this. A Captain I spoke to was recently

amount of money pumped into it every year, because it pays

replacing the master cabin mattress. It was barely slept on, but

my mortgage and possibly yours too. However, there are regular

it was going, nevertheless. How was he going to dispose of this

opportunities to pay it back. Next time you’re on board and about

huge mattress? He would have to rent a car and find somewhere

to throw something away, think about the next person who could

locally to take it. But he didn’t know the area and didn’t have

be using it.

>||

much time. Luckily they found someone to come and collect it and re-use it, but he says: ‘Sometimes, with the fast pace of yachting, time runs out for crew to run around delivering goods. You do not know how many times stewardesses have filled up the car to take clothes to the second hand goods store and a few days later the car is being

Anna Percival-Harris is the Managing Director of John Percival

returned and the clothes are still in there. These then need to go

Marine Associates, a UK based training provider.

in the bin as the boat is leaving and there is no time. Perhaps a recycling bin for this type of stuff at marinas may help. In fact

182

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

Contact: Anna Percival-Harris – mate@hss.ac.uk

THE YACHTING MATTERS GUIDE TO

SUPERYACHT REFIT & REPAIR FACILITIES

IN THIS EDITION: AMICO & CO AMICO LOANO ASTILLEROS DE MALLORCA LUSBEN MONACO MARINE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; LA CIOTAT

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

183

SHIPYARD FACTFILE

AMICO & CO SRL

MICO & CO IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW MAJOR SUPERYACHT REFIT AND REPAIR

AMICO & CO SRL Via dei Pescatori, 16128 Genova, Italy Contact: Mr. Filippo Censi Buffarini Technical & Customer Care Manager Tel: +39 0102470067 Email: amico.yard@amicoshipyard.com Web: www.amicoshipyard.com

centres worldwide and has developed facilities at its Genoa yard to meet the precise requirements of superyacht refit and repair. Amico & Co can cater for all work, whether the project is just to refresh the paintwork or a major conversion that may take a year or more. The yard can handle any type or size of yacht including the latest generation of large sailboats. It also specialises in working on classic and antique yachts where dedicated care is required.

SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF: 18 M – 170 M

Since 1991 the continual growth of the Amico & Co shipyard has given testament to its leadership

IN HOUSE FACILITIES: 12 paint-refit sheds, 24 berths max 140 m LOA, in-house departments: Engineering, shaft alignment, engine and generator servicing and reconditioning, ship’s technical systems. Paint work, from primer application to topcoat refinishing. Wood carpentry, teak decking and yacht interior refurbishment. Electrical workshop. Official services: MTU, Caterpillar, Northern Lights and Idromar.

in the refit & repair industry and the yard itself has a 30,000 m2 surface which includes 12 refit and repair

MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Drydock: Max length of vessel 170 m Travel lift: 320 and 835 t Cranes: 18 t and 45 t Hard standing area: 30,000 m2 of docking and yard area Alongside berthing: Max 140 m Stern to berthing: Max 110 m Covered sheds: 12 x sheds up to 102 m LOA, brand new dry-dock shed 90 m LOA and 102 m covered graving dock inside the yard Tenting available: Yes Dayworkers allowed: Restricted Project ofﬁce available: Yes

of up to 90 m LOA, with a 90 m brand new painting shed in the fore-section opened in late 2015.

covered areas and paint sheds specifically designed for projects up to 102 m in length and equipped with forced ventilation systems to maintain necessary temperature/humidity/emission conditions. The company offers multiple dry-dock solutions: in 2014, Amico & Co inaugurated a new 102 m sheltered graving dry-dock with a 31 m airdraft inside the yard area, equipped with state-of-the art and environmentally friendly technical systems for paint overspray recovering and treatment, heating & lighting. The company also exclusively manages Dry-dock #2 in Genoa Port, a 200 m dry-dock suitable for two yachts The company is particularly renowned for its painting skills, whilst for engineering Amico & Co is an official contractor for leading companies such as MTU, Caterpillar, Northern Lights and Idromar. The company headquarters boasts a crew area equipped with satellite tv and Wi-Fi with 24/7 access by using the company provided crew badge. A dedicated multilingual concierge service caters for all accommodation, transport and any other client and crew requests. The yard is just minutes from central Genoa, a lively metropolis perfectly located for crews during their refit periods, with an international airport and great connections to all the major Italian cities and nearby ski resorts. The large number of clients who bring their yachts back to the shipyard for repeat work is testimony to the dedicated service and skill that Amico & Co can bring to repair and refit work. Amico & Co is a world leader in this field and has the in-house skills and management to make each job a satisfying experience for owners, captains, managers and crews as well as the shipyard. Project organisation and management procedures are fully integrated thanks to a management system which has been perfected over 25 years. This is an indispensable tool for both the Amico & Co team and for the Client, who is kept constantly informed and who can monitor the state of progress of his project. Amico & Co has a long experience of working to meet all Flag State and Class regulations and interacts with important associations such as Confindustria and ICOMIA and was the first shipyard in Italy to attain the environmental management standard certificate ISO 1400.

184

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SHIPYARD FACTFILE

AMICO LOANO

MICO LOANO IS A REFIT AND REPAIR SHIPYARD FOR YACHTS UP TO 50 M LOA. It is the newest addition to the Amico Group and benefits from the long experience and excellence achieved throughout the twenty years that the Amico name has been associated with the world of yachting. Throughout the Amico family’s refit and repair experience in the maritime sector of over 100 years, quality, flexibility and reliability have always been considered points of strength, a strength that has permitted Amico to establish itself as an Italian leader in the refit business. The relationship of clearness, and the co-operation between the Customer and the Shipyard make Amico the ideal partner to evaluate and to perform every kind of project onboard as well as becoming the key reference point for the long term functionality of your yacht. Amico Loano is located within the beautiful confines of Marina di Loano, a facility that has been designed and developed to comply with very high qualitative standards never reached in Italy before, thus Loano is able to offer customers and visitors facilities and services that are able to satisfy every kind of request. The shipyard is able to perform work, from simple specialised services to more skilled refits, both on large and small vessels, thanks to its fully equipped facilities that are linked to the professionalism and know-how of the Amico Loano staff. MAIN SERVICES OFFERED FOR SAILING AND MOTOR YACHTS: • Maintenance of hull & engine repairs. • High quality wood, iron, stainless steel, alloy, fibreglass & carpentry work. • Surface protective treatments, plus hull & tank painting. • High quality paint re-finishing. • Specialists for mechanical projects.

AMICO LOANO Lungomare Madonna del Loreto, Porto di Loano, Loano, Italy Contact: Mr. Franco Cattai - Shipyard Director Tel: +39 019 673765 Email: franco.cattai@amicoloano.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS:

UP TO 50 M

IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Engineering and ship systems. Anticorrosive treatments and ﬁnishing painting work; equipped spray cabin. Wood carpentry, ﬁbreglass works and joinery. Yard assistance and services. Technical support and project management. MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Yard area: 8500 m2 Technical Marina: up to 70 m LOA Docking areas: 2 Covered shed: up to 24 m LOA Travel lift: 550 t Self-moved crane: 35 t Davit: 25 t Trolley lift n° 1: 300 t Trolley lift n° 2: 25 t Painting shed: Yes Workshops: 300 m2 Warehouse: Yes Storage areas: Yes

• Hydraulic, electrical and electronic ship system maintenance. • Rig & deck equipment service. • Gear storage in a secure area, open and/or covered.

SERVICE DEALER: MTU, Caterpillar, Northern Lights, Berg Idromar

• Long term berthing available.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

185

SHIPYARD FACTFILE

ASTILLEROS DE MALLORCA

STILLEROS DE MALLORCA IS A REFIT AND REPAIR SHIPYARD FOR LUXURY

ASTILLEROS DE MALLORCA Contramuelle Mollet, 11 E-07012 Palma de Mallorca Baleares, Spain

sailing and motor yachts. It was first established in 1942 and pioneered the construction of a great variety of vessels. In the early 90s Mallorca started to become the focal point for Superyachts that run both the Caribbean and Mediterranean

Contact: Diego Colon / Stefan Enders Tel: +34 971 710645 Email: info@astillerosdemallorca.com Web: www.astillerosdemallorca.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF:

seasons. Astilleros de Mallorca adapted to the requirements of this up and coming market and is considered today to be Mallorca’s Premier Shipyard. This recognition has been backed up by important awards such as the Boat International’s ‘Best Superyacht Refit’.

IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Hull & structural work in: steel, aluminium, wood and composite plastics. Engineering: pipe-work, tanks, electrical and wiring, machinery overhaul and repair, shafts and propellers. Fitting-out work: joinery, furnishings, interior finishing, electronics, television, sat-com, sourcing/supply of fittings. Exterior work: hull cleaning and painting, deck refinishing, woodwork, sanding and varnishing. Exterior painting: afloat under cover, ashore under cover. MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Slipways: 4 x Max length 74m, Beam 11.5 m Weight 1700 tons, Draught 5.5 m Cranes: 3 x Max weight of lift 20 t Alongside berthing: Max length 100 m Max draught 7 m Stern to berthing: 4 available. Max 80 m Tenting available: Yes Dayworkers allowed: Controlled Project office available: Yes

186

The yard’s workforce is proud to conserve the rich heritage of the old artisan’s tradition

25 M+

while constantly keeping an eye on the future. Astilleros de Mallorca has recently invested heavily with the purchase of state of the art equipment, the latest in technology and new machinery. Also the redefined workshops have contributed to upgrade the facilities. The shipyard offers a full range of in-house services that include mechanical, electrical, stainless steel, carpentry, electronics and upholstery work. Despite having all their own departments and specialities, a yacht’s favourite supplier is welcome to join the project within the facilities. They will be supported by the experienced management team that will provide assessment in all the yacht’s requirements and needs. Astilleros has embraced the opportunities that the STP facilities have offered and expanded their business premises into this new working area; increasing their haul-out and working capacities. The professional Astilleros STP Team is based in offices 17 & 18 in the ‘RS Global Building’ and the unique, fully functioning mechanical and metal workshops are available for any specific job or complete refit. With more than 30 years of experience completing refits and repairs on approximately 120 yachts every year, the shipyard is honoured with a long list of loyal clients.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

SHIPYARD FACTFILE

LUSBEN

VIAREGGIO

LIVORNO

HE LUSBEN REFIT & REPAIR FACILITIES AND ORGANISATION ARE BASED BOTH in Viareggio and Livorno and offer a wide range of services to cover all the assistance, maintenance and repair needs of superyachts and megayachts from 20 m to 120 m in

LUSBEN – REFIT AND REPAIR Viareggio: Via Coppino, 441 – ITALY Livorno: Piazza Mazzini, 92 – ITALY

•

Refit and repair

•

Berthing

Contact: Paolo Simoncini - Marco Nuovo Tel. +39 0584 3801486 (Viareggio) Tel: +39 0586 415621 (Livorno) Email: service@lusben.com

•

Documentation management and technical supervision

•

SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF: 20 M – 130 M

Across-the-board assistance

length. The services that make Lusben your ideal partner include:

In order to provide a comprehensive assistance service covering all owners’ needs, Lusben not only performs ordinary maintenance work, but also deals with administrative formalities, the most common being class renewals and upgrades in compliance with register rules, and assistance to other Shipyards that need our Services. Lusben performs significant mechanical, structural and interior refits, as well as providing the necessary support to upgrade systems, subdivision and insulation to meet the strict safety regulations in force for charter class vessels. All refit and repair services are performed with the support of marine engineers and specialised technicians. REFIT AND REPAIR SERVICES Refit and repair work is performed with the help of the best craftsmen in Viareggio and Livorno, the internationally recognised centres of yacht building excellence. The work is carried out by specialised workers for each individual area, with constant cost control. BERTHING Viareggio can offer over 15,000 m2 of water surface and moorings for about 40 yachts ranging in length from 20 m to 65 m. Livorno can offer moorings for 20 yachts ranging in length from 20 m to 65 m.

IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Project management, engineering, mechanical, joinery, stainless steel. MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS : All trades REFIT & REPAIR – VIAREGGIO Travel lift: 600 t Crane: 30 t Trolley: 250 t Trolley: 80 t Seafront area: 30,000 m2 Paint shed: up to 60 m Environmentally controlled and dust free Crew Accommodation: Yes REFIT & REPAIR – LIVORNO Travel lift: 300 t Yes Cranes: Trolley: 1050 t Floating dock: (110 m) 18,000 t Drydock: 145 m Ship lift: 2500 t Seafront area: 45,000 m2 Crew Accommodation: Yes

Quality, financial transparency, good planning, superb craftsmanship, internal project management, full warranty on the jobs carried out and spirited co-operation with owners, owners representatives or yacht management and Shipyards. This is what has made the Lusben refit yard today one of the most successful and respected refit yards in the world.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

187

SHIPYARD FACTFILE

MONACO MARINE – LA CIOTAT

MONACO MARINE – LA CIOTAT 46 Quai François Mitterrand BP 80039 13600 La Ciotat Cedex - France

ITH SIX SHIPYARDS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA LOCATED IN Monaco, Beaulieu Sur Mer, St Laurent du Var, Antibes, Golfe de St Tropez, La Ciotat, Monaco Marine can support and assist you during your stay in

Contact: Vincent Larroque Group Sales Director Tel : +33 (0)4 42 36 12 12 Email: mmlaciotat@monacomarine.com Web: www.monacomarine.com

the area and beyond.

SUITABLE FOR VESSELS:

from 20 to 45 m (300 t travelift) and position them on 10 hard standing berths.

20 m – 200 m+

IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Project management, 3D modeling, hull & structural work in steel, aluminium & wood. Engineering: Electrical & wiring, pipework, mechanical, machinery overhaul, shaft & propeller, stainless steel. Painting. Interior finishing, carpentry. 24 hard standing berths MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Travel lift: Max weight of vessel 300 t Lifting dock: 2000 ton Yachtlift® Cranes: Max weight of vessel 250 t Hard standing area: 45,000 sqm Alongside berthing: 1500 m Stern to berthing: N/A Covered sheds: 90 m hard standing paint shed Tenting available: Yes Dayworkers allowed: Restricted Project office available: Yes

188

serviceshipyards

Monaco Marine shipyard in La Ciotat is dedicated to superyachts and is today the largest facility of its kind in the Mediterranean. It can haul out yachts between 45 and 85 m (2000 t Yachtlift) with a total of 14 hard standing berths for them. It can also haul out boats Thanks to the unique layout and transfer system of the La Ciotat shipyard, yachts can be hauled out or launched in less than a day, independently from one another. Monaco Marine shipyard in La Ciotat has gained the confidence of more than 100 yachts that have been serviced there since its opening in 2007. The specialised staff can perform any task from simple maintenance to complete refit and they can benefit from established relationships with leading contractors in various specialties. The yard can count on a proven track record of successful high quality paint jobs thanks to the qualification of its teams and contractors and to its unique 90 m paint shed equipped with a complete air ventilation and heating system. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications are a further proof of Monaco Marine’s commitment to quality and to customer service. Our team of project managers will ensure a close follow up of your repair project and help you prepare for your next sailing while remaining available afterwards to assist you in any follow up you may need during the course of the season. The 6 shipyards of the group : Monaco • Beaulieu sur Mer • St Laurent du Var • Antibes • Golfe de St Tropez • La Ciotat

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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AGENTS

ALL SERVICES S.R.L Via Del Castillo, 17, Portosole, San Remo 18038, Italy T: +39 0184 533533 F: +39 0184 531035 E: as@as1980.com www.as1980.com Contact: Dr. Alessandro Sartore – Broker/Ship Agent

MID ATLANTIC YACHT SERVICES Rua Cons. M. da Silveira, 3, Horta, Faial, Azores PT9900-144, Portugal T: +351 292 391616 E: mays@mail.telepac.pt Contact: Duncan Sweet – Managing Director www.midatlanticyachtservices.com

All Services, a highly reputable ship agent based in Sanremo Italy, has been assisting Yachts throughout the Mediterranean since 1980. Whatever your needs in all ports along the Cote D’Azur, the entire Italian coast and beyond, All Services are there for you.

The one address for all crew/vessel needs in the middle of the North Atlantic, specializing in full services for Trans-Atlantic yachts crossing to Europe. Founded in 1993 Mid Atlantic can address all needs of Yacht Captains, vessel and Crew and provides customized shore support in all areas, be it a mid passage stop-over or as critical shore based support when cruising the Azores with owners and guests. Specializing in yacht agency, bunkered fuel, VAT payment/importation & chandlery. Advance notice of arrival always encouraged and appreciated.

AGENTS

S & D YACHTS LTD. Seabreeze. Guiseppe Cali Street, Ta’Xbiex MSD 14, Malta T: +356 21331515 F: +356 21332259 E: info@sdyachts.com www.sdyachts.com Contact: Peter Fiorini Lowell – Director

ALPHA YACHT SERVICES Marina Zea 64 akti moutsopoulou 18546 Piraeus Greece Mykonos island: 3 pigadia 84600 Greece T: +30 210 898 3590 F: +30 210 898 3115 E: info@alpha-group.gr www.alpha-group.gr Contact: Nikos Politis

S&D Yachts were established in mid 1976 to cater for all the visiting yachtsmen to Malta. We offer berthing arrangement, Customs & Police Immigration clearance in/outwards, Duty-free fuel & Provisions, in-water repairs as well as yard repairs. We are now also operating from Tunisia.

Alpha Yacht Services a member ofthe ALPHA MARINE GROUP of companies is a proven International companymanned by multilingual highly experienced and qualiﬁed marine professionals. We are known in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering a wide range of services throughout the entire region. We also have a FUEL company Alpha Marine Fuels with our own tracks we supply fuels at yachts around Greece.

CARPETS

DECK FITTINGS/SWIM LADDERS

TAI PING CARPETS EUROPE S.A Hôtel de Livry, 23, rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris - France T: +33 (0)1 53 45 90 65 F: +33 (0)1 40 20 90 71 M (France): +33 (0)6 09 76 83 75 M (UK): +44 (0)7800 848 973 Tai Ping Chelsea Harbour, 406-407 Design Centre East, London, SW10 0XF T: +44 (0) 207 808 9655 F: +44 (0) 207 808 9659 E: xavierbonnamy@taipingcarpets.com www.taipingcarpets.com Contact: Xavier Bonnamy – Yacht Division Global Manager

MULTIPLEX GMBH Zur Westpier 3 28755 Bremen T: +49 421 8350 100 F: +49 421 67 88 68 Email: contact@multiplex.com www.multiplexgmbh.com Contact: Jan Reiners – CEO

Tai Ping Carpets is the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury custom carpets and has developed a special Yacht Division. Yachts recently delivered: MY Dilbar, SY A, MY Golden Odyssey, MY Mistral, MY Vertigo, MY Aquarius, MY Nero, MY Queen Miri, MY Aquila, MY Plvs Vltra, MY Albatross, MY Elixir, MY Kamino, MY Moon Sand II, MY Ocean Victory, MY Quantum Blue, MY Symphony, MY Inﬁnity, MY Vava II, MY Ace, MY Musashi, MY Hampshire II, MY Grace E, MY Madame GU, MY Chopi Chopi, MY Stella Maris, MY Z, MY Como, MY Kiss, MY Hey Jude, MY Okto, MY Formosa, MY Madame Kate, MY Vanish, MY Moon Sand.

GLASS AND TANK MONITORING

LAWYERS – MARINE SPECIALISTS

TILSE INDUSTRIE-UND SCHIFFSTECHNIK GMBH Sottorfallee 12, 22529 Hamburg, Germany T: +49 (0)40 43 20 80 80 F: +49 (0)40 43 20 80 888 E: tilse@tilse.com www.tilse.com Contact: Hans-Joachim Tilse – Managing Director

HILL DICKINSON LLP 105 Jermyn Street, St James’s London SW1Y 6EE, UK T: +44 (0)20 7283 9033 E: tony.allen@hilldickinson.com Contact: Tony Allen Palais Saint James, 5 avenue Princesse Alice, 98000 Monaco T: +377 9770 0460 E: david.reardon@hilldickinson.com Contact: David Reardon www.hilldickinson.com/yachts

Founded in 1974 TILSE Industrie specialises in the design, production and installation of marine glass to power and sail vessels in the Superyacht Industry worldwide. Amongst our many specialities is the production of curved glass that helps to complement the graceful lines of today’s modern yachts. Our well-known brands are FORMGLAS SPEZIAL® plane and bent glass, MICROCLEAR® heated glass made out of FORMGLAS SPEZIAL®, SOLARDIM® compound glass made out of FORMGLAS SPEZIAL® with dimmer function. NEW PRODUCT – ﬁre-proof glazing A0/A60.

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Multiplex GmbH was established in 1986 and specializes in the design and production of light weight marine composite solutions built from carbon ﬁbre such as Sun Awning Systems and Swimming Ladders. Consistently supplying top notch services and products.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

Hill Dickinson’s yacht team is the market leader in the provision of legal services to the superyacht industry. In addition to its yachting and yacht ﬁnance capability, the ﬁrm’s expertise in all areas of marine law is internationally renowned.

NETWORKING

ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB MARINA Falmouth Harbour, Antigua T: +1 (268) 460 1544 F: +1 (268) 460 1444 E: aycmarina@candw.ag www.aycmarina.com Carlo Falcone - Managing Director

JPMA (JOHN PERCIVAL MARINE ASSOCIATES) Marine House, 86a Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral CH47 3BD, UK T: +44 (0)151 632 4000 F: +44 (0)151 632 4776 E: mate@hss.ac.uk www.sailorsworld.co.uk Contact: Anna Percival-Harris – Managing Director

Situated in Falmouth Harbour the marina is a complete facility ideally located for all services in the English and Falmouth harbour area. We can accommodate boats up to 400’, that draw up to 25’.

Shorebased RYA/MCA training courses to Yachtmaster Ocean, MCA Deck and Engineering modules and STCW courses. Oral preparation for OOW, Master & Engineer Oral Exams, ISM related matters, Specialist supplier of Hydrographic Ofﬁce and Publishers charts.

PAINT SURVEYORS

PROPELLERS

MARTEN YACHT PAINTING ADVICE AND INSPECTION Van Ommenstraat 3, 8326CP St. Jansklooter NETHERLANDS T: +31 527246855 F: +31 527245688 M: +31 620429425 E: info@mypai.nl www.mypai.nl Contact: Marten Heetebrij – Managing Director

PIENING-PROPELLER Am Altendeich 83, 25348 Glückstadt, Germany T: +49 4124 916812 F: +49 4124 916852 E: pein@piening-propeller.de www. piening-propeller.de Contact: Mathias Pein – CEO & COB

Steered by over 40 years of experience we offer a superb knowledge of modern yacht paint and application systems to captains, owners, management companies, paint suppliers, applicators, insurance companies, etc.

PIENING-PROPELLER supplies complete propulsion systems, from gearboxes to propellers, including struts, for MEGA yachts and HIGHSPEED yachts. The company designs and produces various types of propellers from a diameter of 800mm upwards and shafts with a several length up to 16,000mm. PIENING-PROPELLER is ISO 9001/2008 certiﬁed by DNV GL

REFIT & REPAIR

ROPES

ASTILLEROS DE MALLORCA Contramuelle-Mollet 11, 07012 Palma de Mallorca, Spain T: +34 971 710645 F: +34 971 721368 E: info@astillerosdemallorca.com www.astillerosdemallorca.com

ARMARE ROPES Via Meucci, 3 Z.I. Aussa Corno 33058 San Giorgio di Nogaro (UD) Italy T: +39 0431 65575 F: +39 0431 621351 E: info@armare.it www.armareropes.com

Our growing list of established clients help to justify our claim to be the Superyacht Repair Centre of the Mediterranean. Astilleros de Mallorca has four slipways to 74 m plus 220 m of outfitting quays and have expanded into the STP refitting area.

Over 200 years in the production of ropes, composite cables, accessories and high quality running and standing rigging equipment, in particular for Super Yachts. Fast deliveries, warranty of safety and reliability, customization of any product, ability to make particular handmade ﬁnishing and splicing, constant research of new production technology and innovative materials, these are all hallmarks of Armare.

STABILISERS

TEAK DECKS

NAIAD DYNAMICS UK LTD Unit 3 Nelson Industrial Park, Manaton Way, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 2JH UK T: +44 (0)23 92 539750 F: +44 (0)23 92 539764 E: ukspares@naiad.com www.naiad.com Contact: Steve Colliss – Sales Manager

TEAKDECKING SYSTEMS 7061 15th Street East, Sarasota, Florida 34243 USA T: +1 941 756 0600 F: +1 941 756 0406 E: yacht.services@teakdecking.com www.teakdecking.com Contact: Alan Brosilow – Manager USA

Naiad Dynamics, recognized world leader in the design & manufacture of Ship Motion Control Systems and equipment for yachts of all sizes. AtRest® and AtSpeed® Roll Stabilizers, Advanced Ride Control Systems, Interceptors, Bow &Stern Thrusters, and Integrated Hydraulic Systems. OEM support for all Vosper, Naiad, KoopNautic and MDI systems

INDUSTRY FILE

MARINE SCHOOLS MARINAS

Teakdecking Systems pre-manufactures teakdecks in pre-trimmed panels for ships and yachts. Planks can be straight or curved to the planksheer of the vessel. Our craftsmen also create beautiful custom interior floors. We perform installations and refurbishments worldwide and carry TDS caulking, cleaners, epoxies and adhesives.

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

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THIS EDITION WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ADVERTISERS A and D Yachting A1 Provisions

CARD

Kelvin Hughes Superyacht Maldives Yacht Support

A1 Yacht Trade - Consortium

Marina Papagayo

A1 Yacht Trade Consortium - Provisioning

Maritime Innovation

Abell Point Marina

121

Master Yachts

Absolute Boat Care

151

Megafend

ACDC

Mid Atlantic Yacht Services

Alexseal Yacht Coatings

Monaco Yacht Show

Antigua and Barbuda Ship and Yacht Registry

Mypai

Naiad Dynamics

Antigua Charter Yacht Show Armare Ropes Srl

Card

National Marine Suppliers

Asia Pacific Superyachts

Card

Neptunea

Astilleros De Mallorca Atlas Paint Consultants AYSS Barcelona Private Yacht Services Best Service Group Blue Fin Yachts

105 & Card 63 113 156 & 157 Card 155

Oliver Treutlein Pantaenius Yacht Insurance Piening Propeller Plan B Safety Quantum Rafnar

Boatworks Superyachts Guernsey

S & D Yachts

Bradford Marine Inc

Sardinia Yacht Services

Card IFC 27 Card 7 1 & Card 25 98 & 99 159 45 52 & 53 21 8 & 9 & Card 107 133 Card IBC 32 58 & Card 97

BWA Yachting

149

Sevenstar Yacht Transport

Card

Carbon Yachts

Solent Refit

Card

Composite Works

Square Foot Storage

Cook Island Registry

Sturge

162 81

Superyacht Docs

D-Marin

Superyacht Tenders and Toys

Deckers

189

Teak Decks

Card

Technocraft

161

Costityan

DYT Transport

Card 4&5

Termopetroli Versilia S.R.L.

Tilse Industrie - und Schiffstechnik GmbH

Epic Marina

Trade Ocean

Femobunker

Underwater Lights

Flisvos Marina

Van Allen Group

Freestyle Cruiser

Yacht Coating Solutions

Hill Robinson Yacht Management

YachtFile

179

Yachting Matters

129

Efficient Sea App Ensign Large Yacht Services

Hoylake Sailing School

192

123

135

65 166 & 167 61 39

International Paint

Yachting Singapore

153

Kahlenberg Industries Inc

Yachtingdomains

170

YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 33

Of course it’s possible to do this on a yacht... but in 2 meter seas!

The DYNA-FOILTM is a NEW dual purpose fully retractable ship stabilizer system that provides exceptional roll reduction for vessels at both Zero SpeedTM and underway. The stabilizer system utilizes a unique foil design that allows for a dynamic self-induced lift for outstanding Zero SpeedTM operation. ƥ ƥ Ǥ These desirable characteristics coupled with Quantum’s unrivaled SMC4000 series control system, provides the most technologically advanced stabilizer system in the world.

Call Quantum today for more information on the DYNA-FOILTM and how to improve the comfort of your superyacht.

Call Quantum today to discuss the stability and comfort of your superyacht. 8685 S.W. 30th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 T. +1 954.587.4205 M. +1 954.330.8081 F. +1 954.587.4259 E. marmstrong@quantumhydraulic.com www.quantumhydraulic.com

8685 S.W. 30th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 T. +1 954.587.4205 M. +1 954.330.8081 F. +1 954.587.4259 E. marmstrong@quantumhydraulic.com www.quantumhydraulic.com

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