29
AUTUMN/WINTER 2015
A Colin Squire Publication
INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY FILE
MAN AT THE TOP CPT. ROCKA ROMCKE BUGGING ON SUPERYACHTS WHO DO YOU TRUST? THE KIMBERLEY CRUISING IN WONDERLAND CRUISING CUBA THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAND REFIT AND REPAIR FACILITIES A GUIDE TO THE YARDS SUPERYACHT BIRTHS EXPECTING EXPECTATIONS
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
1
THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.yachtingmatters.com 8
CONTENTS ST BARTHS
8
THE BATTLE OF THE BUCKET
WHO DO YOU TRUST
CRUISING CUBA 21
21
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAND I HAVE EVER SEEN
PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER
112
32 50
MAN AT THE TOP
THE ‘EVENT’ TO BE CELEBRATED
60
CPT. ROCKA ROMCKE
THE INDUSTRY MOVERS
FANTASTIC FIJI’S LAU ISLANDS 96
A RECOGNITION GUIDE
AND DIVES THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF
TEAK OVERHARVESTING
SUPERYACHT CUP – PALMA
NOW WE PAY THE PRICE
105
EVERY REASON TO PARTY
THE MARINE GALLERY
INTRICATE, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL 112
THE BEST IN YACHT BUILDING & DESIGN IT’S GOING TO GET BETTER (& BETTER)
124
ARE YOU AS SAFE AS YOU THINK?
WHAT’S ON WHERE 2015 -16
A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK
THE MONACO SHOW
BOTH ANCIENT & MODERN
NAVIGATING SAFELY
125
AND THE BURNING QUESTION
25 YEARS IN THE MAKING
REFIT AND REPAIR
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
129
FACILITIES A GUIDE TO THE YARDS
THE MYBA GENOA CHARTER YACHT SHOW
PYA NEWS SUPPLEMENT
131
160 165 168 175 177
CRUISING THROUGHOUT ASIA 184
117
ENTERTAINING GREECE
158
400 YEARS OF SAILING HISTORY & THE 35TH AMERICA’S CUP
THE SCIMITAR BOW
THE EVENTS PLANNER
165
BERMUDA
CRUISING IN WONDERLAND
THE DEFINING WORK OF EOIN TURNER
117
SUPERYACHT BIRTHS EXPECTING EXPECTATIONS
ANDREA FRANCOLINI
THE KIMBERLEY
BUGGING ON SUPERYACHTS 155
LIST OF ADVERTISERS THE INDUSTRY FILE
187 190 193 205 206
THE LATEST NEWS & VIEWS FROM THE PYA
COLIN SQUIRE PUBLISHING 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
SuperYachtWeb.com – why not join today?
SALES AND MARKETING Anne Spyropoulos – E-mail: anne@yachtingmatters.com PRINTED BY Fuller Davies, Ipswich COVER PHOTOGRAPHS: Colin Squire
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Colin Squire – colinsquire@yachtingmatters.com Karen Leggett – karen@yachtfile.com Anne Spyropoulos – anne@yachtingmatters.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.
Visit: www.maritimecookislands.com Email:superyach t s @m arit im ec o o k is l an ds . c o m
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR ILL THE SUMMER OF 2015 BE LOOKED BACK
We love to include cruising guides in Yachting Matters,
on as the summer that the Superyacht fleet went
guides that will give an Owner an insight into what is available
distance cruising again, leaving home ports for
to them throughout the world. After the Mediterranean these
months to travel on extended voyages of exploration? With the
distant off the track destinations refreshingly offer pure white,
advent of cheap (cheaper) fuel and the recent dramatic drop
untouched beaches, reef diving the likes of which can only be
in the Euro exchange rate now is a great time to own a yacht,
marvelled at, game fishing where giant Marlin and similar fish
especially in Europe. Cruising throughout the Mediterranean’s
still exist in large numbers, civilisations that exist, still clinging to
Euro countries this year has become considerably less expensive
old traditions that they are often prepared to share with visiting
for anybody bringing in foreign currency. (We won’t mention
yachtsmen and much, much, more. The beauty of many of these
the Ruble.)
hidden locations is that they can only easily be accessed by water,
Croatia and Montenegro are welcoming more yachts
without doubt a good reason to have a yacht. Many of these
this year, as are Spain and Greece, Italy is doing OK but France
unique and beautiful places are also protected by international
and Turkey appear to be the losers. France has recently had
organisations that have introduced rules to save them from
to drop its proposed anchorage tax and step in line with VAT
destruction. In many cases it is possible to get permission to take
on charters, but, it seems, yachtsmen have already voted with
a yacht to visit these remarkable natural wonders.
their propellers. More yachts are also turning up in Northern
That is what yachting has on offer, there are also yacht
Europe, the result of good exchange rates and cheap fuel or
shipping companies that are very efficient at getting large yachts
simply owners becoming more adventurous with their choice of
to new destinations with minimal wear and tear. Shipping a vessel
destination and leaving the crowded Mediterranean behind.
in this way, albeit expensive, will also allow crew to take a few
Will this trend continue, I believe so, the number of
days of their well deserved vacation and offer an opportunity for
yachts going on extended cruising has been growing in recent
the servicing of equipment. Arrive at the other end and off you go!
years, many of them going worldwide, and new destinations are
Many of us have an ambition to cruise the world and
welcoming them with open arms (see page 184).
if that is your dream and you have a few million, or more, laying
The explosion in new yacht building, yacht size and
around, now is a great time to take advantage of what is on
essentially range, began back in the mid 90’s resulting in the
offer on the used boat market. Rather than wait for a new build
extraordinary world-wide fleet of 5000+ vessels that we have
to be designed and constructed (three to five years) there are
now. As professionally crewed yachts grew in number, they also
many very (very) good deals on large second hand power and sail
grew in size. After the 2008 financial collapse the builders of
yachts to be had. To make the yacht ‘your own’ and bring it up to
smaller yachts suffered terribly, many going out of business, but
standard a bit of refitting could well be necessary. There are many
Superyacht builders carried on, in many cases creating even bigger
very good, honest, specialists available to help you with this, but
examples of their craft for us to marvel at. Those at the top end
essentially you will (quickly) have a vessel that would carry you
of the wealth scale could still find the funds to invest in a new
in comfort wherever you should wish to go throughout the world.
yacht. Many of the well established superyacht brands are to this
There are some beautiful sail and power yachts hosting a ‘for sale’
day sitting with full order books. (It is worth noting the closure or
sign at the moment, in immaculate condition, at far less than a
sale of several sail and power yacht builders in recent months.)
new-build price.
Today’s Superyacht owner will no doubt have a vessel
Many yachts are priced in Euros and there are great
with the range to travel Trans-Atlantic/Trans-Pacific distances
bargains to be had, all you have to do is to pay over your money,
and logically, after having cruised the traditional areas of the
essentially find a good Captain and Crew and then the world is
Mediterranean, Caribbean, Bahamas and the USA he will seek
your oyster.
more adventurous places to visit.
A simpler, smarter yachting experience. www.bwayachting.com
info@bwayachting.com
>||
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8
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
ST BARTHS
THE BATTLE OF THE BUCKET
19th – 22nd MARCH 2015 PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM WRIGHT
N THURSDAY, 19 MARCH, A PACKED PORT GUSTAVIA once again rose to the occasion of The St Barths
presentation at the le Brigantin attended by Owners, Captains and Safety Officers.
Bucket. This year’s 35 entries made an impressive
This rules, being utilised for the first time at St Barths, use
sight with Seahawk being the largest entrant at 58.6 m and the
boat measurements and known design data to bring the varying
smallest, the beautiful Drumfire, measuring a mere 24 m. First
yachts onto a more equal footing, making the race fairer and
timers to the event include Better Place, a 50 m Tripp-designed
more transparent. Other changes this year saw new stewards in
Wally, Thalia, the Vitters built 49 m, 33 m Sunleigh, 29 m
ownership of the Bucket, Perini Navy, Royal Huisman, Rybovich
Windfall , 29 m Freya, Drumfire and the new Elfje. These yachts,
and Vitters Shipyard.
all different, yet made equal by racing in each of the four classes,
Day one, word must have spread as an impressive crowd
Les Gazelles des Mers, Les Elegantes des Mers, Les Mademoiselles
had assembled, many perched near to the Fort Oscar start line
des Mers and Les Grandes Dames des Mers. These yachts had
to witness the formidable spectacle of 35 Superyachts getting
been prepped for racing, along with the new Offshore Racing
underway on their counter clockwise circumnavigation of the
Congress Superyacht rules which were fully explained during a
island. In medium winds and flat seas the Gazelles and Elegantes
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
OPPOSITE: ELFJE BELOW: THALIA
9
SUPERYACHT RACING
ABOVE: P2
were off on the longer course of 25.2 nm whilst the Mademoiselles and Grande Dames set off on the medium course of 20.9 nm. The day’s racing saw four winners, the aptly named Win Win, Marie, Bequia and Rosehearty. In the Gazelles, Marie successfully edged out her long
10
Friday’s leader Marie battled long and hard with the schooner, Adela and had an even bigger battle with Elfje, with Adela finishing first and Elfje second and Marie third, leaving these three teams in a three way tie for first, with four points each after the second day.
time rival Adela by a minute and a half, despite Adela starting 11
Mademoiselles saw victory going to Bequia, the only
minutes ahead. In the penultimate leg Marie was running with her
wooden boat in the Bucket, who failed to put a foot wrong under
chutes towards the last bottom mark and closing on Adela, finally
Jes Staley. She maintained her lead, minimising tacking, hitting
managing to pass just 10 minutes before the end. In Les Grandes
all the sets right and with seamless jibes until losing a dual to
Dames Rosehearty beat Zenji by 13 minutes. She was pushed
Drumfire at the halfway mark, she then had to pass her again and
to her full potential despite being 15 seconds late on the start,
then stave off a challenge from Cape Arrow, who finished second.
Rosehearty tacked early at the first mark which proved critical to
This is Bequia’s fourth Bucket, the last one she won by a hair and
the entire race. Those first day conditions were typical of St Barths
it’s the only regatta she participates in. The counter clockwise
with easterly trade winds that ranged from 13 – 16 knots.
race suits Bequia the most with her toughest day being day three
The crucial second day of racing witnessed the challenges
(around the island clockwise) with a long beat up the back end
of winds that dropped throughout the race, a blessing to some
of the island. She has a beautiful but flared bow, not so good in
and a curse to others, with the Gazelles and Elegantes sailing the
a really hard beat into a good ocean swell that slows her down
long version of the ‘Not So Wiggley’ course of 25.20 nm. The
much more than her modern counterparts.
course was shortened by 2 nm to accommodate a finish that had
Rosehearty maintained her overall lead in the Grandes
to be kept away from the no sail zone required for the Bucket Air
Dames, but Axia won the day with a handsome lead over
Show that afternoon. The Grande Dames and the Mademoiselles
Rosehearty, Zenji came in third.
sailed a shortened version of 20 nm starting near the entrance of
The sloop, Win Win crossed the finish line first again
Port Gustavia and meandering around the several islands that lay
today, but was sadly disqualified after a protest by Inoui when
to the Northwest of St Barths.
it was concluded that Win Win did not give Inoui enough room
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
11
12
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
13
SUPERYACHT RACING
PREVIOUS SPREAD: MARIE AND ELENA
as they approached Roche Le Beouf, the island that served as the
ABOVE: VISIONE AND BETTER PLACE
moving to the top of the scoreboard with P2 following 2nd and
RIGHT: METEOR
leeward mark. This disqualification saw Visione in first place and Inoui 3rd. Day 3 and perseverance was the key to victory as sailing the ‘wrong way around’ course saw the launch of massive spinnakers at the start. Sailing skills were tested with a painful and lengthy beat up the backside, and despite the rules that keep yachts 40 m apart the competition was as close as anyone could wish for. Gazelles saw victory for Visione, who also took overall Regatta honours to win the coveted ‘Bucket’, an award that was held high with pride by owner Hasso Plattner at the awards presentation. Visione had started 18 minutes after P2 and 15 minutes after Inoui. Visione broke a code sail sheet on its approach to the first mark, it was quickly replaced but this highly loaded sail broke again losing them nearly 500 m. They battled
14
to close the distance on P2 and passed them on the other side of
upwind, on the third day they weren’t hoping to win the series
the island in the 10 –12 knot winds that suited her well, on this
but to maintain second, but with a change of rating that occurred
long beat and was able to go further out as she is much faster,
overnight to the leading boat, Bequia, which won both the first
thereby avoiding other boats. Visione was built in 2003 and has
and second days racing she was given five more minutes on her
completed half a dozen Buckets and remains the boat to beat,
handicap on the final day. This rating change did not affect the
especially under the new ORCsy ruling.
overall result.
Cape Arrow turned in all second place finishes to top the
The last day’s racing saw Andre Hoek’s Ketch, Elfje, a
Mademoiselles section. With two good races during the first two
brand new yacht in her first ever regatta, start 21 minutes
days she managed to stay in front of the boats that were faster
behind Adela and dramatically edge her out at the finish by eight
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
YOUR JOURNEY
Management
|
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TRUST Knowledge
Experience
Dedication
www.wrightmaritime.com YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
15
SUPERYACHT RACING
ABOVE: WIN WIN
seconds to win the Elegantes. Adela and Elfje shared the overall
and cocktails and all yachts were decorated to rise to the party
victory in the interest of an amicable resolution to a safety rule
atmosphere. The gathering continued, as is always expected at
debate. Race Chairman Peter Craig said it was one of the most
these events, way past its scheduled close.
interesting dilemmas he had experienced during his 22 years of
The awards ceremony at the Hotel de la CollectiviĂŠ on
race management. The new ORCsy rule rounds to 30 seconds for
Sunday evening saw winners take to the stage with Rosehearty
starts in the interest of safe racing. When the first two races were
winning the award for best Perini Navy yacht in the competition,
rescored because of an inadvertent measurement issue with one
along with the Golden Pineapple award for most gracious and
certificate, the rounding factor was the difference in determining
welcoming hospitality during the yacht hop. Wavelength was
the class winner. The two yachts were overlapped at the finish
declared the yacht that had competed best in the spirit of the
of the deciding race, leading to the suggestion of dual class
Bucket – having fun and looking good at the same time, her
winners, which the crew and owners accepted for which they
Owner was given the Wolter Huisman Memorial Award. Holland
were commended for their spirit of the Bucket event.
Yachtbouw’s All Star Crew award went to Elena of London.
Axia took overall victory in the Grand Dames beating
â‚Ź18,000 to benefit the St Barths Children with Disabilities Project
Rosehearty mainly due to the fact the last day brought a medium
was also handed over. 20 – 30 teams of people storming the
wind day, if it had been a light wind course Rosehearty would
stage for 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each class were certainly an impressive
have been owed more time than the five or six minutes that they
sight, with the climax being the presentation to Visione, the
beat them by.
overall Bucket winner.
Friday’s yacht hop was held at the Quay in Port Gustavia,
The new ORCsy rule proved to work with no teething
with each Bucket yacht berthed stern-to and hosting many
issues. Prior to this they raced under a performance based rule
visitors that were given tours of interiors, hors d’oeuvres, rosÊ
where if you did well one day the next you would not do so well,
“
Global’s new look is a great credit to all involved – from the owner’s refit team at Lßrssen, to the close cooperation with the various contractors who undertook the work.�
1 ( (
Director, Hill Robinson Yacht Management
;+)@A);+ 2/. > EU: +49 (40) 75 10 30 > USA: +1 (843) 654 7755 16
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
17
SUPERYACHT RACING
ABOVE: ROSEHEARTY
now it is boat measurement based. The boat is measured and
Contact: www.bucketregattas.com
things like the hull shape, size and number of sails goes into the
2016 Event: 17th – 20th March
equation, leaving the variables of how well you have prepared, how the crew perform and how good the sails are to eventually >||
decide the winner on the day.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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CRUISING CUBA BY LISA GREENBERG
The most beautiful land I have ever seen Christopher Columbus
OR SO MANY YEARS CUBA HAS BEEN SO CLOSE
ensure that you have a knowledgeable and experienced support
and yet so far. Laying only 90 miles from the United
team along for your visit.
States, this Caribbean island country has been, for many, an unreachable travel destination for decades. Seemingly locked
TRAVEL TO CUBA FOR NON-US RELATED VESSELS
in a time warp from the 1950s, tales of its exotic beauty, vibrant
A common misconception about sailing to Cuba is that all
music and rich cultural heritage have dominated the imagination
vessels are subject to potential penalties for having visited
of curious travellers.
the island when in fact the travel embargo applies only to
Tales of colonial palaces, world-class museums and
persons subject to United States jurisdiction, to US registered
sensual salsa dancers at the famous Tropicana Nightclub would
vessels and aircraft and to those owned in part or in full by a
leak out from time to time, but political restrictions made it
US citizen. A person subject to the jurisdiction of the United
nearly impossible for most individuals to partake on their own.
States includes any individual, wherever located, who is a
An almost unintended consequence of such a long time spent
citizen or resident of the United States; any person within the
in isolation is that the island now boasts stunning ecological and
United States; any corporation, partnership, association, or other
historic wonders reminiscent of times past that are generally
organisation organised under the laws of the United States; and
untainted by the tourist hordes.
any corporation, partnership, association, or other organisation,
The recent thaw in the icy relations between the US
wherever organised or doing business, that is owned or controlled
and Cuba has seen some amendments to the Cuban Assets
by persons specified above. It is important to note that Cuba does
Control Regulations, some of which were formalised by the US
not have an issue with American travellers. On the contrary, they
Department of the Treasury in January 2015, while others will
are happy to receive them regardless of how or by what means
soon come into effect. The excitement around these new and
the visitors arrive and they do not stamp American passports.
more relaxed regulations is palpable in yachting circles.
Some yacht agents, though, have been hesitant to
Yachtsmen and women are lining up to explore this
advise non-US related vessels to depart from or return directly
previously taboo destination and the Cuban people are anxious to
to the United States from Cuba. Clarification, however, has been
receive them as they do best – with a refreshing Cuba Libre in one
received from two senior customs officials at Port Everglades
hand and an aromatic Cuban cigar in the other – both presented
and the Port of Miami that there is no legal reason stopping
with welcoming smiles. Although the desire to please their guests
non-US flagged, non-US related vessels that have no American
is certainly apparent, the current service offerings might fall short
citizens on board from freely coming and going to Cuba from the
of many superyacht owners’ expectations making it important to
US. That being said, however, arriving directly from Cuba could
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
21
CRUISING CUBA
PREVIOUS PAGE: PLAYA ESMERELDA ABOVE: THE NIGHT SKYLINE OF HAVANA BELOW: EL CAPITOLIO, OR NATIONAL CAPITOL BUILDING IN HAVANA
still subject a vessel to higher scrutiny by US Coast Guard and
16, 2015, the new Cuban Asset Control Regulations (31 C.F.R.
Customs officials.
§ 515) went into effect and United States citizens and residents no longer have to ask permission to travel to Cuba if he or she
TRAVEL TO CUBA FOR US REGISTERED VESSELS, CREW
qualifies under one of the 12 ‘General Licences’. Visitors returning
AND GUESTS
to the United States can now bring back up to $400 US worth
On January 16, 2015, the new Cuban Asset Control Regulations
of purchased merchandise, of which $100 can be alcohol and
(31 CFR § 515) went into effect, relaxing the restrictions imposed
tobacco products. A ‘General Licence’ is now granted for the
by the United States government on travel to Cuba and on
following reasons:
transactions with Cuba or Cuban nationals. In order to further
1. Family visits;
engage and empower the Cuban people, the amendments have
2. Official business of the US government, foreign governments
greatly expanded the authorised reasons for travel, creating a pathway for most individuals to travel without consequence. For years laws preventing Americans from spending
and certain intergovernmental organisations; 3. Journalistic activity; 4. Professional research and professional meetings;
money in Cuba have also restricted travel to this communist
5. Educational activities;
island. In the past, Americans were required to obtain a special
6. Religious activities;
permit to travel from the US Treasury Department. As of January
7. Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions and exhibitions; 8. Support for the Cuban people; 9. Humanitarian projects; 10. Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; 11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and 12. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorisation under existing Department of Commerce regulations and guidelines with respect to Cuba or engaged in by United States-owned or United States-controlled foreign firms.
22
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
At last, a dry and comfortable ride Built upon the new OK Hull & Keel concept by Rafnar Shipyard
Daycruiser
After long and intensive testing of the 12m hull-design concept at Rafnar, we are ready to present a new line of ‘Daycruiser’, ‘Half Open’, and ‘Open’ explorer craft. The Rafnar Shipyard philosophy and core designconcept is based upon innovative and unique new displacement hull-and-keel technology. The Rafnar OK Hull is the design-basis for a wide range of our vessels, and gives them incredible ability to deal with heavy weather and to show optimum performance, comfort, and stability in all sea conditions.
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CRUISING CUBA
ABOVE: CLASSIC CHEVROLETS – A COMMON SITE ON THE STREETS OF HAVANA BELOW LEFT: FARO CASTILLO DEL MORRO, THE OLD FORT AT THE ENTRANCE TO HAVANA HARBOUR BELOW RIGHT: THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINT CHRISTOPHER OF HAVANA
24
Should an individual believe that they qualify under any of those
CRUISING CUBA
licences, they do not need to apply for an ‘exception’ and can
There are many viable international ports along the coast of
book their flight with any of the airlines flying charters to Cuba.
Cuba (see end of article for further details). Choosing one depends
They are required to keep all receipts from their trip should their
greatly on the guests’ main interests and vessel specifications,
visit come into question at a future date.
but most travellers to Cuba are first lured by the promise of
US registered vessels can apply for ‘temporary
stepping back in time as they meander through the streets of
sojourn’ and will be required to obtain a specific licence from
old town Havana. The contrasts of metropolitan action in a city
OFAC. Additionally, separate authorisation from Commerce
full of vintage automobiles can be both startling and exhilarating.
Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the US
While a good way of meeting the intent of the US travel laws,
Coast Guard is required for the temporary sojourn to Cuba of
a city tour of old and modern Havana is also the perfect way to
both aircraft and vessels. These vessels and aircraft with guests
experience both personalities of the famed city.
aboard will be required to present a certification indicating the
The historic city centre includes main squares, fortresses
section of the CACR, or the specific licence, that authorises the
and buildings built by the earliest Spanish visitors. A tour should
person to travel to Cuba. This process can take up to 30 days.
include visits to La Maqueta de La Habana Vieja (the Scale Model
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CRUISING CUBA
ABOVE: FUENTE DE LOS LEONES (LIONS FOUNTAIN)
of Old Havana), El Taller de Serigrafía de La Habana Vieja (Old
museum feature galleries divided into Colonial, Academic and
Havana’s Lithograph Workshop), the Artisans’ Market and Crafts
20th-century art. Significant artists whose work is on display
RIGHT: A TYPICAL HAVANA BAR
Fair at San José, El Paseo del Prado and El Capitolio Nacional
BOTTOM: THE FAMOUS HOTEL INGLATERRA
y Julieta’ Cigar Factory. During the evening guests can enjoy
(the old Capitol building). A traveller’s favourite is the ‘Romeo the renowned Tropicana Show at Havana’s most famous and colourful cabaret. Taking place in a stunning open-air ballroom, the vibrant show features spectacular stage choreography, lavish costumes and legendary dancers set to a steamy beat. Another must-see stop is the Hemingway Museum, ‘Finca Vigía’. Hemingway drew great inspiration from his stay here, and his one-time residence is packed with personal belongings, trophies, firearms, fishing souvenirs and other remembrances of his life in Cuba. Guests soon come to understand how his interactions with the legendary boat skipper, Gregorio Fuentes, formed the basis for his main character in The Old Man and the Sea. For a different evening venture that harkens back to historic Cuba, visitors can attend the Cannon Blast Ceremony, held every evening at 9.00 pm at the La Cabaña Fortress. A volley of cannon shots is fired by soldiers who are dressed in 18th-century uniforms to evoke the colonial period. Each day these shots announced to the citizens of Havana that the city gates were closing and access to the bay had been blocked by a chain. A visit to the National Fine Arts Museum, Palacio de Bellas Artes, is certainly no chore. Cuba has a huge art culture, supported by many famous artists. The two upper floors of the
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CRUISING CUBA
ABOVE: CAYO LARGO
include Guillermo Collazo, Armando Garcia Menocal, Leopoldo
RIGHT: CIENFUEGOS
Martinez and Wilfredo Lam.
Romañach, Victor Manuel, Carlos Enrique, Rafael Blanco, Raul Why only visit Havana, though, when there is so much
FOLLOWING PAGES
to explore in the rest of Cuba? Once around the northwestern
LEFT: SANTIAGO CATHEDRAL
peninsula, enjoy an easy cruise along miles of undeveloped,
RIGHT: VARADERO
Cayo Largo del Sur. This largest and easternmost of the coral
glittering coast line that takes visitors to the island paradise of cays that comprise the Archipiélago de los Canarreo is a low-lying sliver of land that boasts some of the most gorgeous beaches in Cuba and perhaps the entire Caribbean. Sugar white sands extend along almost 20 kilometres of pristine shoreline, slowly dissolving into clear turquoise ocean waters. Flanked by incredible live reefs, Cayo Largo offers up some of the best snorkelling in
cities in Cuba. Brimming with gorgeous neoclassical buildings,
the Caribbean, most notably among the reefs off Punta Francés.
this central Cuban province boasts a beautiful port city whose
The seabed is as though it has been unexplored, with a joyful
coasts are bathed by the Caribbean Sea and a wonderful harbour
abundance of underwater caves and valleys that will enchant
that has been prized by pirates and colonisers for centuries.
even the most veteran of divers. Those who prefer staying on dry
Jagua Castle stands guard over the welcoming waters. This city
land are rewarded with an incredible variety of native wildlife that
stands out because it is the only metropolis in Cuba established
includes flamingos, iguanas and Cuba’s tiny bee hummingbirds.
by French settlers. There is a remarkable Gallic influence in the
Note: I have noted in the past that some guests are not interested in making the 450 mile passage from Havana south
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city, which boasts an Arch de Triumph similar to its more famous sibling in Paris.
onboard their yacht, they can enjoy a night on land while the
A visit to the nearby town of Trinidad gives visitors insights
vessel repositions and can later catch up with their yacht either
into a colonial village of the modern times. Known for its lace and
via a three hour ride by land or a thirty minute flight. Permits for
knit designs, guests can enjoy strolling and shopping the quaint
on-board helicopters can also be arranged.
streets of this World Heritage Site. With its charming, colonial
After exploring the outlying islands, it’s back to the
era buildings, Trinidad is one of the first seven towns (‘villas’)
mainland for a visit to Cienfuegos, one of the most historic
founded in Cuba by Spanish colonisers in 1914. Visits should
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CRUISING CUBA
include tours of the Romantic Museum, Colonial Architecture Museum, Cantero Museum, the Cathedral, and the church ‘Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad.’ After enjoying the colonial heritage and sugar mills of this part of the island, it’s time for a four hour cruise to Los Jardines de la Reina (Gardens of the Queen), an ecological protected area. The Gardens are known for the variety of marine species to be found in and around the well-conserved coral reefs in some of the most untouched waters still existing in the Caribbean. Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, and various water-sports are all allowed, but permits for these activities must be obtained in advance.
Are You Ready?
As the journey comes to an end, there is time for one last visit to Santiago de Cuba, a historic coastal city that is rich in Caribbean influence. Founded in 1515, Santiago was the birthplace of the Cuban Revolution and is also known as the ‘Heroic City.’ The exquisitely preserved Diego Velazquez Museum was home to the city’s first Spanish governor. The Moncada Barracks house is a museum dedicated to the revolution and the building’s exterior sports bullet marks from when Fidel Castro’s band attacked the complex. Santiago is also a major sea port, with a bay that cuts into high bluffs. Santiago de Cuba’s Morro Castle sits atop these bluffs. Although originally built to defend the city from pirates and privateers, it now stands as a Caribbean example of renaissance European military engineering. The fortress was declared a Heritage of Humanity site in1997. Guests can take a moment to languish in the centre of town at tranquil Cespedes Park or to visit the historic Cathedral Church. In the evening they can visit the famous ‘Casa de la Troya’ to listen to old-time traditional Cuban music in a very special atmosphere, while sampling different types of Cuban
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For so many people who have only been able to dream about visiting this island paradise since it was closed to visitors from the US, the lifting of travel restrictions offers the perfect opportunity to cruise these once unchartered waters. Why not be one of the first to explore the newly-reopened mysteries of Cuba with an expertly-crafted charter yacht experience. In 1492 Christopher Columbus was among the first of the Europeans to visit the island that would eventually become known as Cuba. He proclaimed it ‘The most beautiful land I have ever seen.’ That astonishing beauty of tropical forests, rivers and ocean delights now spills over into some of the most energetic and historical sites on earth. The time is right to take
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rum and cigars.
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CRUISING CUBA
advantage of the new openness, and plan a trip to explore the wonders that have been hidden for far too long. Mystical Cuba awaits your visit with open arms and a Cuba Libre! This article generally summarises the new regulations adopted by the US Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). It is not an exhaustive list of changes to the OFAC regulations and there may be prohibitions or restrictions not mentioned herein that could apply to a US visitor’s specific activities. This article is intended for informational purposes only and not as legal advice. CUBAN PORTS OFFERING INTERNATIONAL CLEARANCE: NORTH COAST Havana – Hemingway Marina / Havana (Downtown) – Havana Cruise Ship dock / Varadero / Jardines del Rey – Cayo Coco / Bahía de Naranjo – Holguín Province SOUTH COAST Pinar del Río Province / Cayo Largo del Sur / Santiago de Cuba / Cienfuegos Upon entering Cuba’s jurisdictional waters, which begin 12 nautical miles out from the insular shelf, the yacht’s crew must communicate with local port authorities. Travellers must follow all of the instructions given by the port authorities and they need to remain on board until all legal formalities are concluded and permission to enter has been granted.
>||
Lisa Greenberg is the President & CEO of Pacific Bound Yachts, a yacht agency that specialises in custom-designed itineraries and local support for Superyachts. Her many years of hands on experience will ensure your guests have the most authentic and unique experience possible when visiting Cuba and many other exclusive destinations. To contact Lisa: Email: lisa@pacificboundyachts.com www.PacificBoundYachts.com
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ANDREA FRANCOLINI PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
AVING SHOT BOATS FOR OVER 16 YEARS IN
Then you don’t want to get sea sick, you have to be able
Europe and heavily in Australia, the question I am asked
to stand on a boat rocking around while holding your camera
the most is, ‘What is the hardest part of your job?’
with both hands hoping that your ‘sea legs’ can do the rest. You
I still wonder why people don’t take me seriously
then have to download images in a rush for deadlines, have a
when I tell them ‘keeping my cameras dry’. It may seem as a
shower, get changed in under five minutes and rush out to shoot
simple answer but for anyone who has taken a camera out in the
a function or dinner, go back to the hotel and download till late
rain, or let alone on a boat when the sea is rough, they will know
at night, get some sleep and then up again at sunrise for some
what I mean.
pretty pictures the next day. Oh and while you are at it you have to deal with bad weather, no wind, too much wind, cloud, rain, bad chase boat, bad driver, camera breaking, laptop shutting down, boat running out of fuel while a fleet of 65 ft boats under spinnaker are coming towards you, etc. What else can go wrong? Regardless of the problems that arise, there is always something, what I have chosen to do without doubt beats sitting at a desk enveloped in neon light and air conditioning any day! As a photographer the saying: ‘you are only as good as your last picture’ has some truth in it. Over time you build a reputation, a portfolio and hopefully a name. In the meantime the passion for what you do has to build and you have to deal with many unknowns. When my passion became photography I can remember seeing images of Sebastiao Salgado and James Nachtwey as a kid, who are still to this day my ‘heroes’ and wondering how in the world could someone take pictures like that. Bear CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 >
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 >
in mind that at the time I had no knowledge of photography
I would shoot anything and take my camera with
and I think I had only seen my dad’s camera. Yet there was
me on holidays like everyone does and read magazines
something about photography that attracted me. Maybe it
trying to learn new things – no internet in those days!
was also because I could not draw well so I thought that taking
Then one day a cousin of mine asked me to go sailing with him
a picture would be the solution to express what I felt or saw.
as they needed extra weight. I set foot on his 470 Olympic class,
When I was 16 my mother asked if I wanted a camera
slipped and landed in the water. He looked at me, shook his head,
for my birthday. I clearly remember saying: what for? I guess
helped me out and left me on the dock. Good thing it was summer
she has already seen or understood that something was
time and luckily my camera bag was safe. I shot some random
developing in my head. At the age of 19 I bought my first
images of the regatta while the boats passed by and at the end
Canon EOS 1000. The most basic film camera I could afford.
a lady came to me asking if I took pictures of her son sailing. I quickly had the film processed in a one hour lab to see what I had and sold my first two prints on the spot. She paid me enough to cover the cost of the film and processing. The rest is history. Now, nearly two decades have gone past and I have shot everything from dinghies to super yachts. If it floats there is a good chance I took a picture of it. Even though I don’t know how to sail – and have no intention to learn – I love sailing and boats. The way they look, the way the water moves, the reflections, the locations, etc. It is simply stunning and never the same regardless of how many times you take the same picture. When it comes to cameras the choice is wide these days. For sailing I have always shot with Canon EOS. From the basic film model when I first started to the high end EOS 1D X or 5DSr digital cameras we can find these days. The array of lenses I have
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
42
access to go from 14 mm to 500 mm and everything in between
the conditions were like, etc. But the viewer has no idea of what
depending on what I am shooting.
happened behind the lens before the ‘click’ happened.
For my personal work I still use film – remember that
Sometimes I leave my home or hotel room with an idea
thing? Black and White film only. Leica M and R systems (35 mm
in mind, knowing very well that if the weather conditions don’t
format), Mamiya 7 (medium format camera), Hasselblad Xpan
allow the shot to happen I have to look for something else. In
and Toyo 4 x 5 large format. They all have a different usage and
my opinion anyone can take a good action shot when there is
I therefore justify the purchase of them as I am always in denial
wind and rough seas. Those days where everywhere you point
when someone asks me: do you collect cameras? Well. Ok, yes I
your camera something is happening are great days and it gets
do, knowing very well that no camera ever took a good picture,
your adrenaline going, but it is not always like that. Actually it
but the person behind it does. It is a personal thing. I don’t smoke
is rarely like that. I have covered events lasting seven days and
and don’t drink coffee – and yes I am Italian, therefore I can buy
only had maximum ‘gusts’ of 10 knots all week… challenging
cameras. It is a healthy hobby. My daughter (five years old) is the
to say the least. But the client wants and needs pictures
only one who shakes her head when I sometimes take pictures of
regardless of what the weather conditions are so you have to
her on film and she asks to see the back of my camera to approve
deliver. Early morning dockside is a good place to start before
the image only to notice there is no screen... ‘daddy that is not a
everyone is up and about. Reflections, geometry, nice low light...
real camera’ (oh yes it is dear, yes it is!). Film is not dead, but in
are all key ingredients to a successful image. I once remember
the professional event world it has lost its place on the market.
being on the phone with someone and saw a reflection in the
The second most popular question I get when doing
water. I lifted my camera and took a couple of frames. I was
presentations is: ‘what makes a successful picture?’ Well this is
soon busted as the person on the other side of the line said: I
a very personal question as my answer will probably be different
will continue talking when you finished shooting. In the end a
to what the general public would say when viewing my portfolio.
successful image is one which you look at over and over and
When taking a picture it is often hard to be emotionally detached
continue to discover new elements to it, or a picture which
from the image. I remember how hard it was to get a shot, what
after a month you look back at it and say: Wow I took that?
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
When shooting you go through different phases and your style changes as you grow in experience. Now, for example, when it comes to sailing, I am into looking for images which are almost abstract or not that obvious causing people have to stop and look at the image to understand what is happening. It is a bit of a gamble as many things are out of your control and you just have to be on your toes at all times. I once set up a shoot from the stern of a boat at sunset and I was waiting for the perfect light combination between the sun and lights onboard. The client was standing right next to me asking what I was waiting for. I had to block out his voice and concentrate on what I was doing. It was worth the wait. A classic picture with pretty colours that in the end was the money shot for them. Another important element of sailing is the crew. Without them the boats just float. Some crew action shots or posed pictures are also important to give a human element to the sport. Then other times you just try new things. Filters, slow shutter speeds or using a really shallow depth of field, but it should all done in camera, not in Photoshop! Which now brings the question, a question which has the whole photographic world in turmoil regardless of what you shoot. Should you ‘Photoshop’ your pictures? Personally I am old fashioned when it comes to editing my images. First of all I am a firm believer that if you have a nice image you don’t need to do anything to it. The new technologies that Photoshop offer us often distract from the image itself. If you cannot compose an image properly no Photoshop skills will help.
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PROFESSIONAL SNAPPER – ANDREA FRANCOLINI
So to keep it simple, my answer is: if you cannot do it in the darkroom (the old fashioned way) then you don’t do it in Photoshop. But I have noticed that when I give this answer many people have a blank glaze over their face and have no idea of what I am talking about. Darkroom? Why do you work with the lights off? Oh dear people... photography did exist before digital cameras! You sharpen an image, get the white balance right, crop if needed, adjust the levels (or curves) and that should be all you need to do on a picture. If you start using HDR or are making the colours look ‘fake’ then I think the image is not worth keeping. I know I will get hard reactions from these comments but this is my personal point of view. Photoshop has its place and it should be embraced because it is a part of the progress and evolution of our job but there is a place and time for everything. It is a question of style and taste.
Pakistan). My yearly trips since then have allowed me to return
For me, I think the use of Photoshop should be limited.
with funds raised in Australia, and from overseas, with which I
What else does a photographer do in his spare time? Well
can buy much needed goods to improve learning conditions and
I shoot my personal projects (all on B&W film), do corporate jobs,
through a sponsorship program get young poor children into
portraits, events and travel to take pictures for pleasure.
school. The aim is mainly to help young girls get into school. I use
Travels have taken me around the world and sometimes to very remote places. In 2008 I went to Pakistan for the first
my photography to promote this project and raise funds when selling prints, books and doing exhibitions.
time to shoot a three day polo festival in the northern part of
It is far from my comfort near the ocean but
the county. A beautiful trip and an adventure that opened for me
keeps me grounded and allows me to do something very
a new positive view on the country, a country that is always in
different, photographically speaking and give a hand to those
the news for the wrong reasons. I returned again in 2009 for a
who need it.
commissioned job and then in 2010 I established ‘My First School
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Pty Ltd’, (www.my-first-school.org) an Australian charity which
Contact: Email: afrancolini@bigpond.com
promotes education in the area of Gilgit-Baltistan (northern
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BY SCOTT ANSTIS ATED AS ONE OF THE TOP ‘ADVENTURE’ CRUISING
A two week cruise could cover in excess of 1000
grounds in the world the remote and rugged Kimberley
nautical miles as one ventures through a labyrinth of
coastline on the north-west corner of Australia is without
approximately 3500 islands (many still unnamed), numerous
doubt an expanse of breath-taking beauty. For the adventurous
inlets and navigable rivers. This vast area is still largely untouched
yachtsman that seeks peace and adventure the rewards on offer
and offers hundreds of pristine beaches and spectacular
are high.
waterfalls framed by the ancient red rocks for which the
The fortunate few who have accepted the challenge
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Kimberley is famous.
of cruising the Kimberley coastline, sometimes known as the
The climate in the dry season (May – September) has
‘Outback on Water’, rate it highly. Along with its unique and
temperatures ranging from 16˚C to 32˚C with prevailing offshore
rugged beauty, the Kimberley is a vast area that offers an
southeast winds that are very dry after having crossed the
incredible feeling of space and serenity.
Australian continent. The chance of rain is low and the skies are
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
usually clear by day and by night a perfect place to enjoy a starlit meal sitting quietly at anchor. The cruising is mainly sheltered with no shortage of abundant, calm, mud holding anchorages and secluded hideaways with no other vessels in sight. The Kimberley region of 423,517 km2 is about three times the size of England with a permanent population of less than 40,000. Most of this sparse population is confined to a few small inland towns, all a long way from the cruising coast. There is no coastal road, and only a few places near the coast are accessible via rough dirt tracks. This is not a coastline that offers opportunities for visiting towns, shopping or stopping at restaurants. This is the home of the second biggest tides in the world with a range of up to 14 metres in Collier Bay. (The biggest tides are in Nova Scotia.) Geologically the Kimberley is an ancient land where most of the weathered rock formations are made up of Kimberley Sandstone dated to around 1000 million years ago. This is mostly a beautiful and unique landscape that time seems to have forgotten, still unspoilt by humans and all they bring with them. Nowhere else in the world will you find a wilderness area as diverse and unique as the Kimberley. This is an area sought out by the keen adventurer, explorer, fisherman and/or photographer where activities for each day are usually dictated by the tides. Going
THE KIMBERLEY
ashore is easiest on the high tide and by tender which also allow exploration into the many smaller and hidden areas of the region. With so many diverse spaces to explore within the Kimberley the hardest part of arranging an itinerary is deciding what to miss and not what to see! There are many amazing waterfalls scattered along the cruise route with at least two, King’s Cascade and the magnificent King Georges River Falls, where it is possible to gain access from the sea in a 50 m vessel to ‘shower under the falls’ as one stands on the bow of the boat. There are also abundant, pristine, freshwater swimming holes in rivers that can be simply accessed by tender and a short walk.
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THE KIMBERLEY
Swimming is not recommended in any saltwater areas due to another Kimberley attraction, the Saltwater Crocodile. The ‘Salty’ as he is known, is the ‘bad old boy’ of the crocodile world and worthy of considerable respect. Their numbers and average size have been slowly increasing since they were protected in the 1970s. They frequently appear next to a boat at anchor or moored up a river. The presence of the Salty prevents any coastline scuba diving, although there are areas on offshore reefs where scuba diving is possible. One such place is Rowley Shoals, which is rated amongst the world’s best dive sites. There are abundant and ancient, Aboriginal rock-art sites to be found along the Kimberley coast which is also the home of the mysterious Bradshaw cave paintings, unique to the Kimberley and thought to be pre-Aboriginal and over 20,000 years old. With the consent of the traditional owners it is possible to arrange an excursion to view known art sites, or to go exploring to discover your own. It is thought that there remains a lot of yet-to-bediscovered cave paintings in the area. An on-board helicopter can provide access to many spectacular inland locations. A local helicopter operator can be arranged if required or it can be arranged for you to use your own if you happen to carry one onboard.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
Our aim is to ensure your whole yachting experience is a success. By leaving the everyday administration and management to a specialised and reliable shore based team, the captain and crew can focus on the business of looking after the owners and guests.
New Construction and Project Management Technical Support and Refits Safety and Security hrclick Operational Support Financial Administration Crew employment and Payroll Crew Selection and Recruitment Charter Management Corporate Services
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ISSUE 29
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THE KIMBERLEY
The large tides are a feature of the area, at times creating incredible tidal action. They are a manageable attraction. For example, the Talbot Bay gaps, known locally as the ‘Horizontal waterfalls’, are two narrow gaps that provide the only entry into two large bays. The tides cause two very impressive tidal falls that can be ‘shot like rapids’ in a tender – not for the faint hearted I might add. Elsewhere in the Kimberley it is possible to find exciting tidal flows of up to 12 knots, resulting in tidal rapids and whirlpools. Fishing is a major attraction in the area where Barramundi, mud crabs and other tropical estuary and pelagic species are common. Some people visit the Kimberley just to fish. It is considered one of Australia’s best fishing regions and visiting guests can enjoy this to the full, you will never be short of excellent fresh fish on the table. Montgomery Reef is a Kimberley icon and a world phenomenon. This unique reef made up of a huge coral formation measuring approximately 30 km by 20 km making it Australia’s largest inshore reef and it is situated in an area that experiences tides of over 12 metres. Twice a day when the tide is out vast lagoons, sandstone islets and a central mangrove island are revealed. The outward movement of the tide forms a torrent of water, creating a river cutting through the reef and hundreds of cascading waterfalls are revealed carrying food that attract migratory wading birds, feeding Turtles, Manta Rays, Black Tipped reef sharks and Dugongs. At low tide more than four metres
of reef can be exposed. The reef and island were both named by Philip Parker King, the first European to sight the island when aboard the Mermaid exploring the area in 1818. King named the island after the ship’s surgeon, Andrew Montgomery. The King George River is a favourite amongst cruisers. This huge chasm is an impressively navigable river gorge for vessels with a draft of less than about 2.5 m. At its end it has a 90 m high twin falls where, as mentioned before, one can take a shower on the bow. A hike to the top of the fall will be rewarded with a cooling swim in a freshwater rock pool. From July to September Humpback whales migrate to the Kimberley in large numbers to mate and calve and
AC-DC ENERGY Marine & Domestic Lighting Specialist
LED Refitting New builds Upgrading Re-lamping Stocking up Repairs
at approximately 28,000 – 34,000 individuals. Western Australia’s breeding population of Humpback whales is considered the world’s largest. Since hunting ceased in 1963 the whales have staged a remarkable recovery. From as little as 500 individuals, the whale population has been increasing at approximately 10% per annum, so that the current whale population numbers are probably near to those of pre-whaling days. Every year a significant proportion of the population leaves the Antarctic feeding grounds to journey to the warm tropical waters of the Kimberley coast to breed and give birth. Calves are nurtured for several months before attempting the long journey back to the whale’s Antarctic summer feeding grounds.
Call the Specialists for Unbiased Advice & ALL your Lighting Needs
Tel: + 33 685802399 E-mail: info@acdc-energy.com www.acdc-energy.com
D E L I V E RY WOR L DW I D E
THE KIMBERLEY
A Training Provider that undertakes Training Needs Analysis and Plans for Crew and who will formulate a package of courses and modules for the Student that meets their individual needs.
Oral Preparation for Deck and Engineer Orals a speciality, with a high pass rate on first attempt! • OOW <3000gt Modules • Master <500gt 5 day Modules • MCA Celestial Navigation Revision Course • Y4 & Y3/2 Chief Engineer Modules • Master <200gt, <500gt, <3000gt, OOW and Engineering Oral Preparation Courses • STCW Basic Safety and H.E.L.M. Courses
The entire Kimberley coast from just south of Broome to north of Camden Sound is now considered to be an important birthing area for the whales.
• MCA 30 hour Approved Engine Certificate
GETTING THERE
• MCA EDH Course
The most popular time to tour the Kimberley is during the Dry
• Ship Security Officers Courses
season from April to October when the weather is cooler and drier after the cyclone season ends in April. The Ports used for
• MCA Yacht Rating Certificate • RYA Shorebased Courses including Ocean
servicing the area are Broome at the southern end and Darwin or Wyndham at the northern end. For yachts considering arriving
• All RYA 1 Day courses
directly from other countries, the closest Ports of entry are
• PYA GUEST Interior Training
Darwin and Broome. Private Jet access is available in Darwin,
• Mini ISM and Technical Superintendent Service
Broome, Derby and Truscott. Most of the Kimberley can then
• Ships stores service specialising in charts, hydrographic publications, technical books, deck and engine room log books, life-saving equipment, fire-fighting equipment, flags
be accessed by float plane or flying boat. For larger vessels the Kimberley is relatively close to Bali, which is approximately a 600 mile steam directly to Broome. Some of the area’s highlights can be seen in a period of ten
JPMA NEED MORE INSTRUCTORS! Essential requirement for Engineers is at least an STCW OOW(E) or Y4 (Yachts) CoC and for Deck is at least STCW OOW (Unlimited) or Master <200gt (code vessels) or OOW <3000gt (Yachts) CoC. Please email your CV to apply.
days or less. However, if time allows, at least two weeks or more will allow enough time to experience a deep, initial view of the majestic icons of the region. Remember, a cruise through the Kimberley will probably take close to 1000 miles to complete. Navigating the Kimberley coast is interesting, challenging and rewarding. It’s different than most other coastlines in a number of ways. To start with a significant amount of the inshore Kimberley waters are either un-surveyed or insufficiently surveyed. Expect to spend considerable time in uncharted or poorly charted waters. Also, the area is not particularly well documented. The nature of the way the sea floor is made makes
S at up S M ery ee on a u ac ch s o t U in Y K the ac p ht av S illio ho n w
Marine House, 86a Market Street, Hoylake, Wirral, Merseyside, CH47 3BD United Kingdom.
Tel: +44 (0) 151-632 4000 Tel: +33 (0) 970 449 543 Skype: johnpercivalmarineassociates E-mail: purser@hss.ac.uk Web: www.sailorsworld.co.uk 58 YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
it hard to predict where the shallow ground is. The often turbid water with no swell also makes it difficult to spot the shallow ground. Add in some large tides to the equation and exploring becomes quite risky. The way to deal with this challenge is to
THE KIMBERLEY
U LT I M AT E YA C H T F I N I S H I N G
Traditional hand fairing Innovative bespoke coatings Specialists in all cosmetic finishing always stay strictly on tried and proven tracks, only breaking this rule with extreme caution. Cruising the Kimberley is not recommended without an experienced guide, not only for safety reasons, but also to make efficient use of time. A guide will show you where to go, when to go, know the local tide time adjustment for each area, where and when to land, and where to swim safely – there’s nothing quite like a croc bite and remember those tides. Tides usually rule the day’s activities. Landing ashore is usually best around the high tide. Landing at most places on a low spring tide can be almost impossible. The strong currents in some areas mean a lot of time and fuel can be saved by having the correct timing and steaming with the tide. Because of all of these potential hazards it is probably best to engage a guide early in the planning stages of a voyage thus ensuring that a visit to the Kimberley is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. For adventure seekers that visit this unique and ancient part of the world and who are willing to accept the Kimberley’s many challenges it is guaranteed that the memories will last a lifetime.
>||
Scott is a Master Class 4 Captain and a MED II Engineer with a vast Kimberley experience that spans over 22 years, giving him the perfect resume to guide guests throughout the Kimberley wilderness. Scott arrived in the area in 1987 and originally worked as a spear diver before migrating to the Kimberley Charter Industry. He gains great satisfaction in sharing his local knowledge with visiting clients. Contact: scottanstis@hotmail.com
Meet us at
Monaco Yacht Show 2015 Call Nick on +44 (0) 7866 431273
www.kimberleysuperyachts.com Images: Tourism Western Australia
info@bluefinyacht.com 59 bluefinyacht.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
INTERVIEW BY COLIN SQUIRE
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
HAVE KNOWN ROCKA FOR MANY YEARS NOW AND
teenage and high school years. We had a house on the waterfront
watched him build his career to the level of driving the largest
in Green Point near Gosford. We had about six boats at one stage
sloop in the world, Mirabella V. He took command of the
from 10 ft to 30 ft. I raced and sailed in three different sailing
yacht under her original owner and took her through a major
clubs. Great years.
refit and rebuild at Pendennis that ended in 2014. She was then re-launched as M5. He is now at home in New Zealand with his
What was schooling like?
family, taking a break from the sea, where I tracked him down to
Schooling, well, because we moved around a lot of the time,
talk about his fascinating life.
when I started year 8 in Gosford it was my eighth school.
Rocka where and when were you born?
Did all of the moving affect you at all. Did you get qualifications?
I was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1963.
It didn’t seem to worry me at all. All I really gained was my high school certificate, I never finished year 11 and 12 or what was
What did your parents do?
5th and 6th form back then. I started 5th form and it was all a bit
My Dad Ben Romcke was in the plywood business and Mum
much and I decided I didn’t want schooling which left me able to
Rosemary was originally a nurse before becoming a life insurance
join the Navy and so I just took off.
saleswoman for AMP. You could join the Navy at 16? Where did you live?
I had just turned 16, you could join when you were between 153/4
In Melbourne and around the area in the eastern and southern
and 161/2 . As I was still young I actually still had to do schooling
suburbs during the first seven years and after that Dad got a
each day for a couple of hours, I did Maths and English and then
transfer up to Wauchope to manage a plywood mill. We went to
it was all basic Navy training for nine months until I went off into
live in Port Macquarie as that was a nice seaside place to live and
my chosen field, which was marine engineering.
close by. It is about 250 miles north of Sydney. We were there about three years and then the folks got divorced and we all
Engineering, I can remember you getting involved in a revolutionary
moved back to Melbourne where they both got remarried to new
oil filter some while back. Are you still involved?
partners within a year. My brother Jono and I lived with Mum and
I don’t actively sell any, but I still give it a plug to some people
within another year we moved to Gosford, about 50 miles north
as I think it is a wonderful product and also the company CEO
of Sydney. Dad moved back to Port Macquarie, only 200 miles
and Chairman was the Owner of all the Mirabellas. It’s a fantastic
away from us and we could see him at weekends. Those were my
product, I have had them on most boats I have worked on. LEFT: ROCKA WITH HIS FATHER BEN AND STEPMOTHER MARION
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
If I remember rightly they extend the life of the oil by multiples?
replacing it every 300 hours or so is beyond me. Your standard
Yes, and extend engine life. It is hard to say how much, but
oil filters only get it down to 8 microns at best. The huge wear
on Mirabella V we had 6000 hours on the generators at one
saving is when you get it down to below 4 microns. If anyone has
stage on the same oil. It’s not just about yachts, all commercial
a real problem with not changing oil, then change it anyway, but
operations are about profit and saving money, this makes
still use Puradyn.
products like the filters a priority. On yachts it is all about looking after the machinery and making it work better and cleaner, it
Has it been approved by the major engine manufacturers?
depends what your priorities are. The beauty of the product is
No one will approve it, no that’s not strictly true. John Deere
that you can sell it to whatever the priorities are, such as return
have approved it and you can buy it OEM (fitted) when you buy
on investment or cleaner engines. It extends engine life by 10,000
a John Deere, they did three years of testing. We have letters
to sometimes 30,000 hours more than standard. As a marine
from other companies including Caterpillar and they say that
engineer, I have always been into engine improvements and
they cannot recommend these, nor can they condemn them.
efficiency. Oil is a big one. Clean oil, pre-lubricating the engine
They are American companies and not into law suits so they
before starting and pre heating engines are all fantastic things to
neither recommend nor condemn. They cannot stop you putting
have on all engines. Oil doesn’t wear out. Its gets dirty, it gets
them on and they cannot void the warranty if you put them on,
water and gaseous contaminates in it and the additives wear
which goes for any after-market warranty on equipment. There
out. Puradyn filters address all three of these issues, so the oil
is actually a law in the States that says you can’t void warranties
just keeps on going. Changing your oil every 250 – 300 hours
unless they can prove that bit of equipment broke your engine.
is very old fashioned. Caterpillar and others will give you a 500
They are a bypass product so you can turn them off and the
hour or even a 1000 hour oil change. But all they do is give you
engine still runs. This means you can change the Puradyn filter
a bigger sump. You still change the same amount of oil, just less
without even stopping the engine. But they are a great product
often. Puradyn cleans the oil and makes it last longer and keeps
and extend the life of the engine by heaps. For anybody wanting
it cleaner. You should still be doing oil analysis and change the
to see more visit Puradyn Filter Technologies.
oil when the analysis says to change it. On M5 we had our own
www.puradyn.com, info@puradyn.com Or talk to me.
oil analysis machine, so we checked all oil being used onboard regularly. Basically we all want our engines to run on the cleanest
When did you start sailing?
oil possible as clean oil is less wear. Puradyn is the best way to
Dad built a mirror dinghy, a famous Jack Holt design, a build-it
do this. It cleans all the oil down to below one micron of dirt.
yourself kit job. We built one of them in the late 60’s and we
Why anyone would want to let it get dirty and only clean it by
sailed that when I was about three years old.
RIGHT: JOE AND LUCIANA VITORIA
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: ROCKA’S FIRST COMMAND
Did you do any RYA exams? No, not at that age, I just went sailing. I joined the Navy and did six years there and then went off yachting simply because my
BELOW: ROCKA JOINS THE NAVY
Mum and Step dad, Frank Fogo, went off yachting. They did that for 10 or so years in Turkey and Greece. They went there when I was about 17, right after I joined the Navy. So I guess I owe my professional yachting to them. How was the Navy? It was good, it gives you a bit of training and points you in a certain direction whether good or bad. I cannot imagine the Australian Navy having many ships? It’s not huge, I think we had about 20 ships when I was in, then they downsized and now they have grown again. They were reasonably active, but our problem is that we have a big country and long coastline with a small population and not many tax payers to fund everything, we were always budget driven. So you were sailing a mirror dinghy from the age of three. How long
I was on three ships, the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne,
did you sail it for, it must have been inspirational?
HMAS Stalwart which was a destroyer tender, basically a huge
Oh until I was about 11. We had two of them so my Dad and I
floating workshop, and also a small navigation training ship
raced one, whilst my Mum and brother raced the other one. We
named Bass.
didn’t do much racing in Melbourne, just cruising and training, we started when we went to Port Macquarie. It was good fun
You didn’t get involved in any conflicts?
and of course I learnt a great deal. I owe my origins and sailing
No, it was a peaceful time then, we went up to Asia, to India,
start to my Dad.
Sri Lanka, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong and the Philippines; they were good fun trips. It must have taught you to be efficient, there must have been strict rules in the Navy that have served you well in your yachting career? Some of it was strict, the Navy gave me a good grounding, some of it not relative and some very relative, you just have to take what you need in life from what you are shown, that applies to everything. There are many things in the armed forces that are ridiculous but you just don’t follow them through. The Navy is just like the Army, it’s an armed service, you have rules and regulations. Back then, yachting did not have many rules and regulations you just set them up as you saw fit. Now, it is full of paperwork and following the book. You must have left the Navy when you were about 23, why did you leave? Something like that, I left the Navy to get into yachting. My parents were into yachting and the year before I left I had taken some leave without pay and worked a season on their yacht throughout Greece and Turkey, it was great and I had to wonder what I was doing in those stinky engine rooms when I could be yachting. When I returned I put in for a discharge and they let me go and I went straight out to Antigua.
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
What made you wash up there?
She told me Algaiola was down island and I was to fly to
I went to join a boat my godfather was the skipper of, Alan
St Vincent and get an island ferry and to meet them in Bequia
Dunkerely, he also, later, skippered Shenandoah. I went to work
in a few days. This was a huge blow to me as I didn’t have much
for him as Engineer/Mate. We were on a boat called Algaiola II,
money. Then the next day I was told they will be in Martinique at
a 94 ft ketch! I was so lucky to work for Alan. He was mega old
0600 in two days. I had $80 US and some change. Three nights in
school and taught me so much. Anyone who works for a good
the Anchorage cost me $60 and I was eating spam. I cashed in my
old boy like Alan is very lucky to get a good grounding and start
return flight to Miami for a flight to Martinique and hitched to
in the business. Algaiola later became Providence, Robin Wynn
Antigua airport. I got to Martinique and walked around the town
skippered her for ages and took her all over the world. I got him
expecting to sleep under a tree, but it was raining and Martinique
the job on Mirabella and he thrived on her, he took her charters
was not a safe place on the streets. I went into a dirty hotel and
to another level. He was very loved by the Owners.
laid all my money on the table and asked for a room. I gave him some USA and Aussie dollars and some small change Biwi dollars.
In Antigua you started your yachting career proper?
It all added up to about $30 US and luckily he said yes. I didn’t
It was funny, in 1985 I arrived in Antigua with a small wad of
eat that night. With jetlag I got up at 0500 and walked down to
cash, it was before credit cards and ATMs, you had to carry a
the beach and saw Algaiola drop anchor. A fisherman gave me a
bit of cash. If you ran out, your mum or somebody back home
lift and so I made it with not a bean on me.
would send money to Barclays Bank in St John’s and you would produce your passport to collect it. Anyway, I didn’t get there
What were your fondest memories on Antigua during those
on my first attempt as I lost my ticket in LA. I had met a girl in
early days?
Greece the year before from San Diego and I had about an eight
Jol and Judy were my idols, they were incredible people and they
hour stopover there, I rang her up and went to see her. On the
helped me a lot. I was very lucky when I got to Antigua because
way back to the airport I got booked for falling asleep, I showed
I was Alan’s godson, Alan knew all the old guard and whenever
the copper my ticket, and that was the last time I saw it.
he was invited anywhere, he took me along. I would get invited
As I was running to the gate, the stewardess said ‘I
up to the Nicholson’s for dinner and Jol and Judy’s and I got to
know who you are, you must be my missing passenger’, but as I
know them all in a different light, which was just priceless to
couldn’t give her my ticket, despite showing my passport as proof
me, we became true friends. I made good friends with other
of my identity, they wouldn’t let me on the plane. The girl from
oldies like Tony Fincham, Janie Eastern and Geoff Pidduck and
San Diego bought me another ticket and I had to wait 24 hours,
the Nicholsons. I spent a lot of time with Dougie and Dennis
my bag didn’t. I arrived 24 hours after my bag to find it sitting in
Crompton as they were more my age, I was quite honoured to
the airport in Antigua from the day before so I just picked it up
know them all back then as a nipper.
and went down to Nicholson’s and then went and met Debbie at Nicholson’s who was also running English Harbour Radio at
You used to race in the bay with all the guys, didn’t you get wish
the time.
boned once? That was Carlo the Wop who now
RIGHT: ALGAIOLA LEADING THE SALUTE DURING THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO ANTIGUA IN 1985
Owns the Yacht Club Marina. Carlo was in his yacht Caccia alla Volpe and we were racing back in the Thursday races where we finished between the pay office and the slipway. We were racing in and he was calling for water and I wouldn’t give it to him. It is a complicated rule about continuous obstruction and whether he should have been there, I don’t want to go into it. Anyway he didn’t want to run aground so he just swung the wheel and cut me in half. I had to go diving to get the stern section of my boat. We were arch enemies for about a
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: CARLO AND HIS SON SHANNON
is how we got to know Peter Mullins so well, we had such a fun time with him. We had a pesky mouse onboard and couldn’t get rid of him. After Peter had a charter cancelled, he had to use up
BELOW: ROCKA WITH DENNIS CROMPTON AND THE FLYING DUTCHMAN IN ANTIGUA
all his food so we had a joint party. As we were anchored next to each other I just pulled the boats together and we rafted up. Two days after the party we just let go the lines. We never saw that mouse again, but years later I heard Peter telling of a mouse he had. I guess he jumped ship. We used to go racing a lot on the big yachts, and on the morning of a race I would often scuba dive under his boat with ‘G’ clamps and clamp buckets to the back of his keel to slow him down. The things we used to do to rip him off, it was great fun but he would get his revenge. He is such a character? He is a great guy and a great Skipper, we were both chasing stewardesses back then before he changed sides? You must have had some interesting charters? I have been very lucky and only ever had one that was long and difficult. I have some great memories of charter. We only year, but in the end we couldn’t help liking each other and we are
did about three charters in that season and they were all great.
still best of mates to this day.
We had a great crew. Alan and I. Cloggy Paul who later married Ali and ran ‘The Inn’ at English harbour. Pete Savimaki replaced
Did you live on the yacht when you were there?
him halfway through the season. Lyndsay Skidmore who was a
Yes, I lived on the yacht all that first year in Antigua, I did the
fantastic chef. MT who married Dennis Crompton, they had a
summer and winter, which was a great learning experience
son named Joe who is now a yachtie. It was back when Puritan
for me. I loved that summer and have always wanted to do a
was there with Steve O’Keefe running her. What a ledgend he
summer again, maybe one day. Being in Falmouth harbour was
was. Patrick Wetter was Mate back about then before he went
just fantastic and for a short time there were only two boats
skippering and then into Vella Sails. We did a lot with them and
anchored in Falmouth with people living on them. Peter Mullins
Jessica was there also with John Bardon. The next year when I
on Chrismi of Sark and Alan and I and the crew on Algaiola II. That
went back and joined Shenandoah we did a bit of cruising with Jessica, which was fun. She would always out sail us and the crew would enjoy blowing us off with her cannon as she overtook. What happened after the year was up? We went to Italy with Algaiola II and did a three month refit, I left the boat there. There were three of us on the refit. Chris and I had the run of Porto Santo Stefano. We used to chase all the young girls on their mobiletes but the only words we knew were ‘Ciao Bella’. I was impressed when one of them yelled back ‘Ciao Bruto’. Sadly I found out later it means Hello Ugly.
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
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WOW Leathers
Combines tenderwhips and Fenderhooks
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T: +1 561-848-2111 www.fenderhooks.com YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: PETER MULLINS
mate Chris Bowls on ‘Viking Girl II’. I then headed back to Antigua on a mate’s boat. It was named ‘Shibumi’ or ‘Shi-Bum-1’ as we all knew her in Turkey. She was, and still is owned and chartered by Alan Meredith. That’s when Alan got the job on Shenandoah and I had to join her as the 1st mate in Antibes, that would have been late 86. I sadly had to bail from Shibumi in Gibraltar and had to fly to Madrid to get a French visa. This was back before the EEC and borders were regulated. I stayed in a hotel and these models kept calling my room and banging on my door expecting to find someone else. Then I bumped into an Aussie guy in the elevator and he heard my accent and asked have I been getting his calls, then he and all his girlfriend models took me to some clubs in Madrid that I could not believe. The visa was delayed three extra days and I went broke. I had to call the Aussie embassy to get some money. Eventually, broke again, I got to Antibes and got a taxi to the dock and had to ask Alan to pay for it. That was twice I have landed with him for a job totally broke. How long were you on Shenandoah for? Just less than a year. I was going to hang out in Antigua for
70
Then I did a bit of racing on Zoom in the Swan Worlds in
the season, when another hero of mine, Jim Alabaster gave me
Sardinia and met some awesome people. Bad Billy Beer Can (Billy
a job on Vagrant, that was my first Skipper’s job. Vagrant is
Annets) Bruce and Deanie Tedder and Richard Stubbs the Skipper
a 1910 Schooner designed and built by Herreshoff for Harold
of Zoom. After that I headed to Turkey to see my Mum and had
Vanderbuilt. She was rebuilt in the Antigua Slipway before I took
some great times again. I also spent a bit of time with my good
her to the UK.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
That was a leap of faith on Jim’s part?
VHF in Antigua and back then everyone heard everything on the
Yes it was, Jim had been sailing with us on Algaiola II and
airways as there were no phones, I knew his engineer had just left
Shenandoah as he was a good friend of Alan’s. He had been
and I thought he was going to offer me that job. He asked me if
watching me for a year or so and came to the conclusion that I
I wanted to have the skipper’s job and I said ‘that’s nuts, my first
would make a good skipper for the boat. He called me up on the
skipper’s job can’t be a 106 footer’. He asked me to think about LEFT: SHENANDOAH
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: PETER DE SAVARY BELOW: THE LATE JIM ALABASTER
it for three days. I got back to him two days later and said that there were three reasons why I couldn’t do it. Firstly, I couldn’t do accounts and he said don’t worry about the accounts, the owner doesn’t see them, I manage all the accounts and I will show you how to do them. Back then it was a book with three columns, credit, debit and balance and sure enough I lost about £2000 in the first three months, but when you lose a lot of money it soon teaches you. The way I see it the boss never loses money, you do, you have to counteract it and put it in. Secondly, I said I couldn’t do celestial navigation and he said simply take someone with you and learn. I cannot remember what the third reason was, but he shot down all three reasons for not taking on my first skipper’s job. In the end I agreed as long as he helped me out. It was great. I put a great team on the boat from Antigua and skippered her to England. It was a funny, brilliant trip, legendary in fact. We had
We went to Berthons in Lymington to finish the refit and
all the idiots onboard including Graffiti (Julian Godbolt) Padre
hang the paintings etc. Cowes week was incredible. We didn’t
(Ian Lewis) Bruce and Deanie Tedder and Mad Bob Houghton.
race, we hosted all the Owner’s guests and investors for the
I reckon they carried me on my first Skipper’s job. Great people
British Blue Arrow America’s Cup Challenge. We had the best
and all still best mates.
sailing ever.
Did you have any exciting moments on her?
time navigating in tides and currents. Also back then there was
Some great moments. Some of the best times were when the
no GPS, in Solent waters it was all DR as a Sat Nav wasn’t up to
Owners, Peter and Lana De Savary were onboard. They were so
it. As I didn’t know the waters I lined up two locals. Then on the
nice to look after. I am still very much in touch with them.
day before, both cancelled. I had never been out of my depth
I was 25 and this was my first time in UK waters and first
so much in my life. It was a busy manic week. Then we cruised Scotland and wintered in Falmouth. In February, man it was cold, Australians aren’t supposed to be there, we got the boat ready and then did a month in Palma, a month in Antibes, a month in Porto Cervo and then back to Falmouth ready for the start of the America’s Cup training. I had a great crew on Vagrant. Chris, Andy, Sue, Bailer and Brendon my brother was the Chef. I sailed with Vagrant for about four years and with all the other boats and side lines that the Boss threw at us it made it great fun and a great experience. We sat in Falmouth during the winter of 87 and I had five boats to look after, there was Lisanola which a lot of people may remember from Antigua at the St James Club. She was a Magnum 53 ft. Jim Alabaster used to drive it around doing day picnic charters to Green Island amongst other things. We had a little Huntsman 32 and the America’s Cup boat, the 12 m Victory from the 83 campaign to look after, we also had a race guy with us Craig ‘Lightening’ Nutter. He stayed with us for the winter and he was doing refit work on the Victory and a couple of tenders. He was a great guy to have onboard. The tenders were 30 and 40 ft. It was really a lot of fun with Peter De Savary, he is such a fun, flamboyant, magical guy. His wife Lana is just an absolute darling and his kids are wonderful. Some of the best times we had were in the Bahamas and Florida. I had some good mates there. Todd in Florida who also does the odd delivery with me. He designs marinas and I do consulting for him.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
Didn’t he build a boat to challenge for the America’s Cup they
out of the water, in Auckland’s Viaduct basin as a monument. The
held in California when there were only two boats, a big cat and
Americans put a cat amongst the pigeons (literally) by building a
mono hull?
catamaran with 60 ft hulls. 60 and 60 is 120 and that was their
There were three boats, it’s just that ours never made it to San
theory and eventually they got it through the court and it was
Diego. The team built this boat, I was only involved on the side
a whitewash. The cat just whipped the big boat and it was very
lines. It was a radical machine it was 65 ft long and 2½ ft wide,
boring racing. We never made it, our entry as I mentioned was a
with this huge boom or wing which was about 45 ft and below
foil assisted mono hull that looked like a trimaran. Derek Clarke
the wing tips were adjustable foils. So it is now quite strange to
was one of the main masterminds along with about eight other
see the America’s Cup now going around foiling, when we were
designers, it was an incredible boat. It got a lot of hype in the
going around fast and ‘sort of’ foiling back in the eighties. It was
early days but then it got cancelled when the American Company
way ahead of its time.
‘Man Power’ took over ‘Blue Arrow’ and as they were an American company, they pulled the plug on the British entry. That’s why the
Sort of foiling Rocka?
boat never made it to California. We were just weeks away with
Well, we got up and out of the water a few times, she was fast,
flights booked for the crew and boat and everything. During the
I used to drive the chase boat when Jim didn’t drive it and I can
last sail we had a company which had a new 360 degree camera
remember being out there watching the speed. One day it was
that they fitted to the top of the mast. They were out sailing in
an absolutely calm day not a breath of air, unbelievably calm,
winds way above what it was designed for, not the sort of winds
we were following this thing along doing 6.6 knots, I don’t know
you get in San Diego. It was getting late and they surfed down this
how, just ghosting along. I also saw her doing 30 knots, she was
wave and the thing just nosed dived and the front simply folded
an amazing boat. I ended up doing the Blue Arrow America’s
and came off and she cart-wheeled at over 30 knots.
Cup ramp-up when we were in Falmouth. Jim was one of the
I jumped in a boat and went out to pick the bits up. It was
organisers of the Blue Arrow America’s Cup Challenge and I was
a mess. They sort of rebuilt it just for looks. The British Aerospace
basically his side-kick.
museum had accepted it to hang in their roof, but this fell through, it was then put in the shed where is sat for years. I often think it
So what happened to the AC entry that you built?
may have ended its days in the big Pendennis fire some years ago.
It never made it out there. It was the Cat versus the Kiwi big boat in San Diego. The Kiwis tried a big change by challenging with a
Who was the captain on her?
maximum size boat, I think it was about 130 ft and it sits now,
Well Chris Law was one of the major guys behind it, Derek Clarke
RIGHT: VAGRANT
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
into serious racing.
LEFT: THE BLUE ARROW FACILITY WITH THE AMERICA’S CUP CHALLENGER CIRCLED
You must have spent a far bit of time at the Pendennis yard?
MIDDLE: BLUE ARROW
way. I used to do a few Regattas like Antigua Race week and Classics and the Nioulargue on the boats I was on but I didn’t get
A fair bit, we were there originally before it was the UK America’s Cup base because PDS owned A. P. Appledore which owned 75% of all the shipbuilding in the UK, which included Falmouth Docks.
BOTTOM: STILL GOING STRONG – PETER DE SAVARY IN 2014
I was walking around with him, the general manager and a couple of guys with a handful of keys and we opened up this big shed, which became Pendennis. It was full of wheat and grain at the time and in typical PDS style he simply said let’s get rid of this, I am going to turn this into the America’s Cup base, with one wave of the hand it happened. Then the America’s Cup finished and he decided to build a cruising yacht there. He then started Pendennis Shipyard, I was there from the start, which was quite exciting. He built Taramber, the first boat that was built there. Pendennis has always held a soft spot for me and how could any of us guess just how Pendennis would grow into the place it is today. After Vagrant what happened? I left Vagrant in Antibes and joined a 90 ft Jongert Ketch, called Antilla, there was just two of us, myself and a girl with a live aboard owner and his girlfriend. There was way too much work,
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sit there with a little winch handle to control the foils. He sat in this space which was about 18 inches wide and would be screaming along with his bum only about six inches from the water. I don’t know how he didn’t get washed away. It was incredible. Anyway you had a little brush with the America’s Cup, but you
VIAREGGIO
never really got into racing? I never really followed it, it wasn’t my thing really, I love racing small boats and all sorts of racing, but I have never really been into long distance racing and my career never really went that
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
but he said ‘I only want hamburgers and pasta and you do not
three months and decided to do my Australian Master Class V
have to wash the boat everyday’ he was a really laid back guy. I
Certificate. Then I got this call from Joe Vittoria, straight out of
was only on there for a few months as it didn’t go too well. We
the blue and he said ‘Jim Alabaster said I have to hire you as the
took it to Palma and did a three month refit and then headed
captain of Mirabella’. Sitting on Dad’s coffee table at the time,
across the pond. We never made it, I think we got as far as the
was the super yacht book with Mirabella I on the front. He asked
Canaries and got off there.
if I was familiar with the boat and it was strange to tell him I was looking at it.
Why? He didn’t want me on there, I got fired.
You had never met him? No, he is one of the nicest gentleman in the world, totally honest.
Is that the only time you have ever been fired?
I was going to London in three weeks anyway, so met him then,
Ah, no, I have been fired heaps of times. Well three times I think.
but the job was given to me over the phone. Thanks Jim.
On that one the owner eventually ended up going to jail, he was an interesting character, but not a fair man. Another one
He was Avis cars?
was an owner in a fit of anger. He tried to hire me back, but I
Yes he was Avis for about 16 years and Hertz for a few years.
had something else on. The third one was the Bulldog refit. The
He was a shareholder and he turned it into an employee only
Owner’s manager fired me, but when the Owner realised his
company and then they sold that to a public company.
manager was ripping him off he came back and hired me again. In September 1991, I joined The Other Woman, a big 192 ft motor
What’s he doing now?
sailor. She is now a motor boat as they took the masts off it. I
He is now running the Puradyn oil filter company that we
joined it in a shipyard in Brisbane and we took it across to San
mentioned earlier. He turned 80 in May and he still cycles six
Diego, I was only on it six months, I remember 11 of the crew left
miles each day on his bike. He and his wife are as fit as fiddles
when we arrived in San Diego.
and I go to stay with them whenever I am passing by. Mrs. V
I then rejoined Vagrant again in March 92 for a new Japanese owner. I picked it up in Falmouth and took it to Camper
makes me salads to keep me fit and slim. She is such a hoot and so much fun to be with.
and Nicholson’s for a month or two out of the water. We replaced a few planks and got it seaworthy enough, once we were
That Mirabella was the first one of several?
happy we took it to Osaka.
Yes three, the second was named Philanderer, a commission build. Mr Vittoria owned the Shipyard in Thailand and he was
Didn’t the Japanese buy boats for tax reasons?
building these yachts as a business. He built Mirabella I and then
Yes, Vagrant was on the tail end of that time. The owner was
started on the 2nd one. The Philanderer owner answered one of
the Commodore of the Yacht Club there and it was going to
the first adverts and he bought that 2nd yacht. Mr. Vittoria then
be his show boat, he had luncheons on it. It only went out twice
started the 3rd one for himself and named her Mirabella III.
in 20 years. It is still sitting there and about to sink. We looked
76
at it about three years ago, she is rotting away, it’s in worse
How long were you on the first Mirabella for?
condition now than it was when it started its refit in Antigua
I was on her for around 18 months before I left to join Mirabella
all those years ago, a sad waste of a beautiful old yacht. That
III in Thailand. Jim Alabaster did the last six months on MIII as
delivery to Japan was great, we did England, Canaries, Antigua,
build Captain as the Owner wanted me for sailing the boat and
Panama, Galapagos Islands, Christmas Island, Wake Island and
giving him holidays. I only needed to be onboard at the end. I got
Osaka. 16,000 miles in all. It was fantastic and it took four
there the day before it launched. We did the sea trials and the
months. With an 800 mile range and 4000 mile legs we were
day before we left Jim handed me all the paperwork and away I
sailing everywhere.
sailed. I think I had the better part of the deal!
Once in Japan, did you stay very long?
This was in the mid 90s?
No I only stayed a few days as I was going to join Shenandoah
It was March/April 93, we headed over and when I left, I think it
as the Skipper, she was also in Japan, but I was told nothing was
was July 97, I had the wonderful job of choosing my successor, it
going to happen for a few weeks, I thought I would nip home to
took a few months before I found Neil Batt to take over from me
Port Macquarie and then come back to join her. I never got the
on Mirabella III. He was an awesome Skipper and stayed for many
call to return. It just never happened. I stayed in Australia for
years and was the 1st Skipper of Mirabella V.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
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77
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: CPT NEIL BATT
said they could be on board any time that we didn’t have guests on, as long as I could keep the charter schedule and standards up.
BELOW: ROCKA AND JENNY – 1982
I did a year or so onboard with Courtney and Jenny, it was a very busy boat and they were having to get off all the time. We were spending all my wages on hotels, flights and hire cars and tripping around following the boat, it became too difficult. We didn’t want to leave those owners as they were the best owners in the world, but we just couldn’t do it. Mr Vittoria said ‘can’t you get a little place in Newport where they could be and you could be with them on your days off’, but the job was seven days a week. The only thing to do was to part company. That must have been hard to do? It was very hard. Where did you meet your wife?
I understand that, I think that is one of the biggest problems in
I met Jenny in church when I was 18 years old, she was 16. We
this industry.
had 18 months together which I joke was six months of bliss and
Yes for the next six years we only took jobs where they were
12 months of hell. She dumped me and I went off sailing for 10
allowed to be on board all the time no matter what, owners,
years and then when I was home on holidays one year, I called
charters or whatever and that was very successful.
her and we met up again, just before I was starting on Mirabella
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and it was all go again. Jenny and Courtney lived in Australia for
Jenny must have worked when she was onboard?
three years, during this time family ideals started to creep into
Yes when Courtney was young she only really worked onboard
the equation and it was time for my new family to come and join
during guest trips and charter as a stewardess, she is also
me. They came over to Turkey and joined Mirabella III. The boss
big into accounts and management as she came from a
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
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ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: ROCKA AND JENNY IN 1981
because it allowed me get back on deck where I am supposed to be. When we weren’t on charter she didn’t work and she would do home
BELOW: ROCKA’S STEP-BROTHER BRENDON ON THE STERN OF MIRABELLA III
schooling with Courtney and help me out with my bits and pieces. When we got on Mirabella V she was the full time purser, she would be doing all the paper stuff. I really don’t like paperwork, I respect and appreciate it, but I really don’t like it. I have probably managed my family life in a very different way to everyone else, but to me it was the only way. I didn’t want a stay-at-home family. After Mirabella III, in a way I was giving away my career, as I thought that I would just do little fun jobs, not caring too much about the type of boat or where it was so long as it was a nice owner and the girls could be onboard full time. What did you do after Mirabella? We went down to Turkey for three months. My mum and step dad had their 38 footer in Turkey and we lived on that and hung out with them, they would spend six months of the year in Turkey and the rest in Australia. We had a great time cruising. Whilst we were there, I again met
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hotel management background. She did all my paperwork,
a mate of mine Chris Bowles on Viking Girl II, a 65 ft Tiana Sloop,
handled the crew management, Class and MCA, which is great
which had been a very successful charter yacht in the eastern
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
Courtney must have got a big tip at the end of that? She was like a 2nd stewy! It was funny as when we finally got to
LEFT: A YOUNG COURTNEY ROLLER SKATING
New Zealand she pulled out her money bag, she got a dollar a day and we would also pay her a dollar for each meeting we did with yacht designers etc. She was always with us so she had to sit in the background. When I counted it all up, in all the different currencies, she had something like $480 dollars, she was only eight and this was going back 15 years ago, she was loaded! Courtney’s early days on boats was a magic time for us. When Courtney was at an early age, she quickly had to adapt to always wearing a life jacket on deck and in the cockpit and never to venture out without holding someone’s hand. Our favourite years were when Courtney was three till 10 and sailing with us. She was a brilliant child. She is 22 years old now and lives in Pukekohe, South Auckland, riding horses and getting into an equestrian profession. Were you not governed in any way on how you had to educate her or were you left to your own devices? We weren’t residents of any countries so there were no laws, but Australia has been doing home education for many years because Med. Chris has been an owner/operator on there for 20 or 30
of the sheep stations. Distance education by SSB radios etc, so
years. We were cruising one day when he said to me ‘hey, I have
we signed up with Cairns Distance Education and we would get
a great idea, why don’t you go down to the Seychelles. I have
their bundles three times a year for a term’s work. We would do
repeat charters for the boat and my heart’s just not in it, I want
the work and mail it back, it was all very good and usually of high
a season off. I cannot pay you what you are used to but maybe
quality. Every time we went into a school she was assessed and
we can work something out’. So I said, it’s real simple 50/50 with
above the level that they expected. Home schooling continued
any profits we get and he said ‘done!’ We went down there and I
whenever we weren’t on charter.
made about 10 grand in the season, it was the best season I had ever had, it was such a ball. The Seychelles are wonderful and we
Seeing Courtney now, do you think this experience in her youth
had fantastic charter guests.
has helped her to be where she is now, I would think she is very independent, very self-assured.
With Jenny and Courtney on board?
Yes she is pretty good. We will never know how it has affected
Yes and also my brother, who was the chef from my Vagrant
her as you can only do one thing in your life so you do not know
and Mirabella days. He came, so we had a total family crew. It
how it would be otherwise. You can have a very self-assured kid
was a beautiful place. If people ever ask Jenny and I what is the
that would do well anywhere, and you could have one that is the
best place we have ever been, I usually say that I don’t know as
opposite, you just don’t know. Courtney came out fine, she likes
I haven’t been everywhere yet, but the Seychelles are on the list
to pretend that she didn’t like it but she really did love it.
for sure. We had Annie Lennox and her family on board for a charter, that was one of the best charters we ever did. She is a
After Viking Girl II?
lovely lady.
We headed to England to buy a motor home, we bought Basil.
Courtney was five and Annie’s daughters were around six and seven, lovely girls. Courtney probably didn’t realise it, but at
Basil?
the time she was the best babysitter you could ever have. Annie
Basil was a big 30 ft American RV, V8, we went through about a
just said ‘you know what’s the best thing about this holiday’ I said
Euro of fuel for every mile we drove. We did about 11,500 miles in
the sunsets and she said ‘no, look down below, the three girls are
it, 95% on B roads and halfway around we got a call from a Greek
just playing snakes and ladders and if Courtney wasn’t here they
ex charter guest to build his new boat. He was a good friend of Joe
would be up here complaining and never leaving mum and dad
Vittoria and over the next month and when the summer ended we
alone’. The girls were having great fun.
went to Greece to start the design of this 46 m sloop.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: BASIL
go to Vitter’s and so we simply packed up the project, not having much to show for it
BELOW: COURTNEY ENJOYS HER 4TH BIRTHDAY WITH MUM AND DAD
as it was all design work. We headed across to Holland with Basil and enrolled Courtney into Erde International School in Omen as we planned to be there for nearly three years. We sat there for six months and then the owner pulled the plug on it. We had actually bought 35 tonnes of aluminium so that is all we had to get rid of. The owner just didn’t have the time to do it. He went on to buy a Swan 112 years later. At the time it was the right thing for him to do. He was a great guy and he had to pull It never got built, we were down in Greece for about four
out. He was very generous to us and looked after us very well.
months and German Frers and Redman-Whiteley would come
After this we simply set off in Basil and took off around Europe
down for meetings. Courtney would have to sit through all these
for a couple of months.
meetings. One time it was hilarious, we were in a German Frers
As we were touring I got a phone call from an Owner/
meeting and Courtney had been told she would get a dollar if she
Friend, Don Wood who asked me to run his boat for six weeks as
sat in the corner and didn’t bother us. In the middle of the meeting
his skipper had left. We just had to chase the 12 m Classic circuit
Courtney came wandering over with a piece of paper and I thought,
around the South of France at regattas. It was an 80 ft Motor
oh no, no please don’t ruin this important meeting and she simply
Boat out of Cannes. We did that and lived in a house onshore and
said ‘I have done a design for you’. She proudly produced a picture
started looking for a serious job and we found one in Thailand.
of this boat, drawn in typical kid fashion. German who is a typical
So we went out to Thailand and joined Alyssa M which was the
Latino, who has had lots of kids, was blown away by it. It really
old 36 m Columbiao Sky. We cruised Singapore, The Philippines,
broke the ice and it couldn’t have been planned better. She went
Indonesia, Hong Kong and out to the Pacific for a while, including
back and just kept drawing, she was wonderful.
Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand. The whole
Then we went to Falmouth to Pendennis for nine months,
reason I did this job was because we wanted to get onto an
as the owner had chosen Pendennis, much to my delight. It was
expedition ship which was fairly Courtney driven, we wanted to
here that we put Courtney into a real school, she now had to go
be on a big ship with plenty of room, so Courtney could be there
from home schooling in swimmers to wearing a uniform with a
and not be in the way and we could continue her schooling and
tie and bowler hat.
go places.
We carried on with the design and had a tentative contract
I had heard through a friend Andy Wrightson who
signed when the owner changed his mind saying he wanted to
was my Vagrant Engineer that he was going to build one of those so I got on the job. Andy still lives in Subic Bay, Philippines doing refits and stuff, a very good contact for that area. Then we found HMS Bulldog, a British Navy 190 ft hydrographic survey ship. Bulldog and Beagle were sisterships. There were two others, Fox and Fawn which were paid off in the early 90s. Bulldog and Beagle were paying off in 2001 and 2003 respectively. We bought Bulldog, she had only been de-commissioned for six weeks so she looked like a normal Navy Ship. I flew over to Portland and bought her the day before 9/11. We did a bit of work on her, put a crew together and sent her out to Nelson, NZ. I didn’t know we would end up in Nelson which came about through Johnno Johnson,
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
Ex-Mirabella 5 skipper, who had moved to Nelson months ago and I happened to call him and asked what was in Nelson. He said it was an awesome little place, his owner was from there. He said Nelson would be a great place to do the refit as it held
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the 2nd biggest fishing fleet in the southern hemisphere, so there were shipyards, infrastructure, everything, basically everything we needed for the Bulldog refit. It was a pretty cool refit, very low key, the word yacht was a dirty word, it wasn’t allowed to be used. We were going to be a private ship and we were doing it to Lloyds ship rules, not yacht rules. That was just what the boss wanted, he was going to leave it painted grey on a minimal budget, but then it got more and more out of hand. We had a crazy designer from Hong Kong, the only boat he had been on in his life apart from the Kowloon Ferry was the Bulldog! His claim to fame was that he had built a Hong Kong Bank. We had a lot of problems, in the end, after 18 months I got fired by the Owner’s rep in Hong Kong. We decided to stay in Nelson and Jenny was back working
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on Bulldog after 10 days of us leaving, as they couldn’t cope
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without her. They had to double her wage to get her back. She did all the accounts and budgeting and ran the money, we were spending millions of bucks. The owner would put money in her
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account and Jenny would deal with it all. In New Zealand they are very slow bill payers but we paid every Tuesday so everyone liked working for us.
What did Bulldog end up being called? Alyssa M II. You are kidding it must be the longest refit in history, is she still in
BRADFORD MARINE
Nelson? I still talk to them, I do some consultancy for them, they sent me some photos a few months ago and it is actually further back now than when I was on her. She was towed to the Philippines where it sold and then it sold again to another Philippine guy, she is near Manila being refitted now. It’s good to mention that she is a sister ship to Titan, that was the Beagle, and was refitted in Poole by the late, great, Peter Bull. We stayed in Nelson when we finished, as we loved it so much and Courtney was happy at school. We decided to stay and give Courtney her time, we sat there for the next six years. I still did things, I did deliveries and started a refit conglomerate cluster group and we bought into a little shipyard with about 20 guys and a 50 tonne travel lift. It was where Johnno Johnson did his refit on Coconut. They were fun times. Do you still own that?
50
11,000’
70+
150
No we only had it for 18 months, it didn’t go too well. We bought and sold a few houses and ended up getting more horsey based and ended up moving out of town onto 30 acres south of Nelson,
Contact Jimmy Floyd in Florida or Dan Romence in the Bahamas
it was a beautiful place. A horse heaven. It was such a lovely
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
83
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: CPT. JOHNNO JOHNSON
home. Our whole Nelson experience was fantastic. We did all the horse events with Courtney. It was wonderful family times.
BELOW: HOULT VALLEY FARM, NELSON
And that’s where you are now?
BOTTOM: BULLDOG
No, in 2009 we moved up to Auckland and I went back to school to get my 3000 ton ticket which is the exact 100% equivalent of the MCA one. We never went back to Nelson and ended up selling it. We did a bit of boat management whilst we were in Nelson, we managed a 43 m charter boat in the Med for several years and I got into yacht brokering and bought and sold a few yachts and temporarily skippered a few boats and project managed a few as well. Two yachts I sold as the broker, and then skippered them and then managed them. That was Alyssa M the 36 m ketch and Daydream a 43 m motor yacht. Generally doing all sorts of things boat related both in and away from Nelson. Then I had an email from the owners of Mirabella V asking if I could find them a skipper for her. I replied with three words ‘what about me?’ and Mrs. V said ‘you can’t because you haven’t got your tickets’ I told her that I had been at school for the last 8½ months and was two weeks away from getting my ticket. I wasn’t planning to go back for another year until Courtney was a bit older, but four weeks later I was in Genoa joining Mirabella V. I slotted straight back in with my favourite owners, it was great. How long were you on her? I was on her for 18 months with the Vittorias and my mission was to get charters, sail it and get it sold and we managed to sell it to a Texan. We sailed it with him for about eight months whilst planning the refit. We then took her to Pendennis for what was supposed to be a nine to 12 month refit that ended up being a two year refit with three times the amount of work. It had over 500,000 man hours put into it. The shipyard did 360,000 man hours and we had over 20 crew
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
LEFT: MIRABELLA V
on board the whole time and extra engineers and then all the contractors. This included the kiwi company SINZ who did half the interior. That’s massive. She was given a whole new guest interior. The only thing that remain are the two stainless steel posts in the bridge. She had new generators, new engines, a new switchboard, lots of new pumps, a new galley, a lot of rationalising of electrics and plumbing. Why did you put new engines in, they cannot have had much work?
She had a big drop keel?
They had done 7300 hours, MTU’s, but the main thing was that
She still has that, but we replaced all the stainless steel rigging
he wanted new engines in his new yacht. He loves Caterpillars
with carbon, we took 16 tons out of the rig which meant we
and so we put in two big new yellow Caterpillars. It was a great
could take 60 tonnes out of the keel to keep the same righting
move as with an extra 500 horse power, she motored in the sea
movement. We took so much weight out of the keel, we got rid
trials at 16.2 knots, she really flew along.
of the bulb totally so it is just a straight fin now. It still has a
“I dream of painting and then I paint my dream”
our
Masterpieces by www.pinmar.com
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
removable bottom section, we did it with bolts instead of welding
crossed to the Galapagos Islands and then Panama before heading
it, the bottom section is 31 tonnes and we made it deeper so she
back to Galapagos and then Mexico. We were dodging hurricanes
is now 10.2 m down below. It is all fin so there is much less drag
in Puerto Valletta when the big one hit Cabo San Lucas. Together
and there is more lift as you have two more metres of usable keel
with YAG (Yacht Aid Global) we took heaps of aid up to Baja. We
instead of a big bulb that does nothing for you. She sails a lot
delivered 25 tons of fresh drinking water to the area every day for a
better now, we were out sail trialling in Mexico in 5 – 5½ knots
week. YAG is a great set up. They use yachts to transport aid around
of wind and we were doing 7 – 7½ knots of boat speed. Then of
the world. It gives us the chance to help and make a difference while
course in a breeze she can do over 20 knots. She is nearly 800
we are doing our travels. Check it out at www.yachtaidglobal.org
tonnes fully loaded and she is a beautiful wonderful yacht. We
Then we headed up to San Diego for some refit work. After that we
came out of the shed, put the mast back in and we were in the
went back to Mexico for three months, then back to San Diego. I left
water for another six months just finishing off and doing sea trials
M5 in San Diego after 5 ½ years. It was a shame to leave in many
and all sorts of things like that before we left on the 2nd April
ways as I had so much of my time and efforts into her. I also had a
2014 and headed to the Pacific.
great crew. She is now in the South Pacific.
That must have been quite a trip?
What’s it like to sail a yacht like M5?
Yes the idea was to get to Tahiti to start the boss’s holidays and
The loads are incredible, the safest thing to do is not to do
we headed straight to Cape Verdi, stopping in the Canaries to top
anything wrong. Play it easy, if you have a problem it is usually
up with fuel as we didn’t trust our new fuel gauges, then on to
major. My philosophy on sailing these big sloops is twofold.
Rio, where we stopped for a few days for more fuel and supplies
Daysailing we go for it. It may be blowing 40 knots, but waves
RIGHT: M5
and to give the crew a rest. Then through the Strait of Magellan
not swells. With calm conditions on day sailing we can sail the
and to Punta Arenas, which is right near the bottom of Chile and
pants off anyone, but on long trips and crossings we take it really
then up through the fjords, we had to take on two pilots to do
steady and only roll out the jibs and motor sail a lot.
that trip, then onto Porto Montt which is at the top of Patagonia. Patagonia is absolutely amazing, it has been on my list of things
How many crew does she run with?
to do for years and finally I did it and got so see things like
Her crew quarters are now even bigger as we added two extra
glaciers and all sorts, a stunning place.
cabins. Even though we didn’t have to, we exceed the MLC space
Then we headed out to Tahiti, that’s a 4200 mile leg and
requirements which is quite incredible. It just shows how much
with only 2800 miles of fuel and we had to do some sailing. We
space Ron Holland gave her. I think she is running with 15 now,
never fly the mainsail on a crossing as it is too big and dangerous
but can fit 17.
and just not worth the risk. The downtime to repair mainsails of this
86
size is a long time and it depends where you are. Robbie Doyle is
Ron Holland came back to help with the refit?
fantastic with our sails, but even he can’t fix 1.5 ton sails on a small
He did all the design changes in the refit so we were in touch with
pacific island. We were heading out quite south where we expected
him every week, he designed the new stern and organised all the
to get wind and storms, we just had the staysail up (not a Doyle sail)
calculations for the mast, the rigging and keel. He came down to
when we had a big tear and had to turn around and head up the
the boat many times during the refit, he came out for the sea
North coast of Chile. We stopped in Valparaiso to ship the sail off to
trials which is usual, he came down to Mexico with the owner.
the USA, then Lima in Peru for a few small sail repairs and then we
We had a great couple of days out there sailing, it is pretty hard
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
ASSOCIATION OF YACHT SUPPORT SERVICES
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: MR AND MRS ‘V’ WITH RON HOLLAND AT THE WHEEL
to get the old bugger of the helm. Ron and I go way back, we are great mates, sometimes I think he has a permanent cabin on board. He loves coming on board and he is so easy to get on with, he is very much old school. You would think of something and he would say, what about we do this, great common sense and great to deal with. Rocka you have been in this industry when tickets were unheard of, and you have obviously obtained all your tickets quite recently in New Zealand. What are your opinions of this new regime that controls everything? Well I think it could have been implemented a bit better and maybe it could have happened a bit slower, but it is all for a good reason, safety at sea. I can’t knock the reasons it all happened and really all we are
us on the dock without them. Even going off after refuelling we
doing is making the MCA realise that we do take sailing seriously
had to have them and they did nothing, even I did nothing, we
as these toys are now getting as big as some commercial ships,
dropped the lines and blew off the dock without doing anything,
which is why it all came about, and yes, as much as we got
but it still cost us a fortune.
dragged into it kicking and screaming, it’s better than it was. Personally I much preferred it how it was but there is no point
Have you raced M5?
looking back.
She is a pretty amazing boat, she never used to do race weeks or regattas because she was never insured to do it. Then, we finally
88
There are a lot of tickets to be had out there now?
did the St Bart’s Bucket she was fantastic up wind but we didn’t
Yes, I don’t quite understand how all these courses are getting
have any downwind sails, in fact we had to go down wind with
invented it just seems to go on and on with another course for
the small upwind sail because the big genoa was dead. We did
this, another for that, someone must be getting paid to just
not do all that well, but upwind we were brilliant. She really does
dream up courses. Don’t get me wrong all training is good, but it
perform well, but not many people get to experience it because
seems now to be a bit out of hand.
usually when we are sailing we are way offshore.
I have had recent feedback about some of the ports you go into in
Rocka have you ever been in hurricanes?
South America where the cost of having a pilot onboard or having
I have had a few. The biggest wind we ever faced was the winter in
a tug to tow you in, or having a bridge opened are so astronomical.
Falmouth, we had 82 knots. Do you remember the winter of about
Did you come head to head with any of that?
two years ago, we had storm after storm with four or five storms
Yes, but there is nothing you can do about it. When we came
reaching over 60 knots. We were sitting beam to the wind, we
into Chile at Punta Arenas we had to get a pilot for the Strait
put out three two tonne anchors and one eight tonne anchor with
of Magellan which was fine. We met him and we came in and
massive chains, we stuck 2 x 100 ton ropes on them, we spent
anchored 300 m off the dock and that afternoon we had to go
£10,000 on just laying out chain, but it was good insurance. Plus
into the dock to get fuel, which we had to have a harbour pilot
we added a 200 m dock breast line when we could.
for and we had to have two tugs. I did not want any tugs even
Back in 85 in Antigua when a big one came through all
though M5 is pretty hard to drive actually getting on and off
the boats headed into the mangroves laying out anchors as they
docks. Everything is backwards, the propellers spin backwards;
went. We had three anchors out at the stern and nine lines out
you move your throttle levels fore and aft the opposite way to a
to the mangroves, but the hurricane diverted and we only saw
normal boat. But when you put the stern into the wind you can
maybe 50/60 knots. Mangroves are the best hurricane holds
do anything so going alongside stern to the wind is a very easy
anywhere in the world, absolutely fantastic. You are always
manoeuvre and they said no you have got to have these tugs.
sheltered and they are very strong and very flexible so you put
These tugs were just work boats, so with two pilots and two
lots of little ropes out everywhere. It’s a good place to be, if you
boats that did absolutely nothing they charged us $8,000 for that
can go up a mangrove creek and string your lines to both sides
manoeuvre which was absolutely ridiculous. They would not let
you are pretty sorted.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT PIC: ROCKA IN FALMOUTH, 1987 BIG STUD ENJOYING A RED STRIPE ROCKA IN ANOTHER DRESS!
Jol Byley, as usual was commentating it and I won it that year. I did it the following year too and handed in my crown to Mike Tyson who is now on Leander, he was the one we voted in, he was a long blond in a blue bikini, back when he had hair. Rocka, you have quite a sense of humour, but I should imagine, as I notice that in the photos you sent Rocka, that in one or two you
a captain, you have a very serious side. I think people that work
dressed up as a woman. Is this something that you do as a habit?
for you understand that you have a funny side but also understand
Well, it sort of happens occasionally, although when I looked for
that you want a job done properly. Is this something you developed
photos, I cannot believe how many I found, so perhaps a little
after your time in the Navy?
more than occasionally.
I don’t know, I don’t know what it is like to work for me as I have never worked for me, but we do have a job to do and we do need
Is it because you are a pretty boy Rocka or you like to make
to take it seriously. As the boats get bigger we have to take it
people laugh?
more seriously. But in life in general you should be having fun,
I don’t know why, but I haven’t done it for months now, but I
you should enjoy life. Too many people do not have as much fun
have won prizes I will have you know. One I remember well was
as they could or should.
the at Antigua Yacht Club, they have a Miss Round the Island race and the first time they did it, there were just a couple of women
As people we have been very lucky, yachting has to have the
and the second time a couple of guys, and I don’t think there has
biggest expenditure of fun money of any other industry in the world
been a woman in it since. The first time I did it was in the eighties,
and we are fortunate to be involved in it. You must have had times
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
89
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: ROCKA DRESSED IN A MORE TRADITIONAL MANNER
Do you feel crew should feel lucky to have the jobs they do? It is a bit that way, very much so. We all should. Before it was about what you can give and now it is about what you can get. I
BELOW: ROCKA’S MOTHER ROSEMARY WITH HIS STEPFATHER, FRANK FOGO
am old fashioned believing that you give all you can and it comes back to you. Now it is all about what the contract says I can have this or that, it is, in general, a different mentality although not all crew are alike. There are a lot of really fantastic crew out there. I think it’s us, the Captains, that have to change with the times and adapt to this new regulated regime. Sure we have to go with the flow a bit, if you were to sit there on your laurels you wouldn’t have any crew working for you at all. How did you cope with the ‘you will do a certain amount of hours per week’ proclomation? Rocka when you have had crew that have stepped out of line, how
It’s about doing what’s necessary when its necessary. You do not
do you deal with that?
work crew to the bone when you haven’t got the boss or guests
Well back years ago, you just dealt with it all very verbally. Now
coming for a month, you have a slightly easier time. When you
it is all quite professional and people still get fired, probably
have the boss or guests, crew have to put in what they can or
too often, you just have to deal with it. You can try all sorts of
have to. You work them hard when they have to and not when
different types of approaches. I have had some people that I have
they don’t have to, as long as they can see why they are working.
had to fire on the spot and given them hours to leave the boat,
If you get them working 12 hours a day polishing windows and
this has happened once or twice, with others you get a situation
brass when the guest are not due on board for a month they will
where it just isn’t working and you sort of drift apart and then
be fed up. You do what is necessary. Crew want time off so you
eventually they end up leaving the boat, usually because they are
give it where you can. If there is no choice, if the boat is very
not happy and you are not happy, it’s all normally friendly. There
busy, then they can choose to stay or go. You reap what you sow,
are more good apples than bad apples that’s for sure.
so if you look after the crew you’ve got a better chance of them looking after you.
The sad thing is that the bad apples then migrate to another yacht and cause the same problems again. I think people that
Going back to your family life, when did you get married?
cannot live in that close an environment should just leave the
I married Jenny just over three years ago. I gave her a 20 year test
industry and not try to think that they can go somewhere else and
drive and she scrubbed up ok so we married! We were married
it will be different?
in South Devon, we only wanted a small simple wedding. We
Yes as they say a ‘Leopard does not change its spots’.
couldn’t do it in Falmouth as I knew too many people there, so we didn’t tell people it was on. We had 17 people at the wedding and a third of them were family. Phil and Anne Wade were the only yachties that were invited, because we just wanted it that way. The reason we had it in Devon was to get it away from Cornwall and my best man, Wayne Stoneham, was 80 years old. He was my next door neighbour when I was about 14 and we used to play together when I got home from school. He is a fantastic guy, he was also my parent’s best friend and he has been with me on many deliveries. But he is not too healthy now so we wanted it close to him, he lives in Totnes. It all made sense, it was just 15 minutes from his place and we made it happen in five weeks.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: JENNY AND ROCKA ON THEIR WEDDING DAY IN THE COMPANY OF PHIL AND ANNE WADE
And Courtney was a bridesmaid?
She has a lot on her plate. Just looking after six horses and training
Yes we had an 80 and an 18 year old as best man and bridesmaid.
and exercising them is a lot of work. Then she fits in part time work
He has known Courtney since she was three years old and she
at a saddlery and sometimes has horses to ride for other Owners.
is like a daughter to him. It was a lovely wedding, it really was.
She drives a big 23 ton horse truck and rides up to four horses at an event. She has a nice boyfriend named Sean who is a big help to her.
Does Courtney fancy working on boats? No, she comes over and does little trips with us now and again,
Why has she got so many?
she came down when we were in the Shipyard, she came over a
Long story, just don’t head down that route father!
few times and we simply threw her in with the day workers and she worked away.
When we got the new 16.2, Amy, my daughter still had her 14,2 pony, still eating and with vets and shoeing bills, this became
Courtney I know loves riding, when did she get into that?
expensive.Mind you Karen, who works here at the office has seven!
When we were in Pendennis and she went to the private school and
She’s as nutty as us!
had to wear the hat and tie, the school owned two ponies. She did pony rides on these and there was one period in the week where she
Yes, she goes to sales and just rescues them, she has a soft heart
had a choice of either Maths or English or pony riding, so a pretty
Rocka. What’s your future do you think Rocka?
easy choice to make, a stupid idea. She got into her riding then.
Well we left M5 at the end of February and we are now back in
When we went to Holland, there was a riding school just down the
New Zealand where we have 27 acres just south of Auckland.
road, so both her and Jenny got into it. Then we went off sailing
We bought it as a wreck and are doing lots of work to upgrade
again and she didn’t do it, except an odd trek here and there. When
it. It is an equestrian place with two arenas, about 30 paddocks,
we settled in New Zealand she got into it in a big way.
14 stables, a 600 m race track, six yards and a few sheds. It is a really interesting place inside a volcano crater that is 1 km in
92
How many horses does Courtney have?
diameter. The house is on top of the rim of the crater and the
That’s a contentious subject. Seven before, six now, three very soon.
land is down inside the crater. We have tractors and diggers and
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
RIGHT: COURTNEY COMPETING
Didn’t you have a wine business a few years ago? I remember you flogging wine around the Monaco boat show one year and you got me to deliver it to you. It cost you a few cases I think. Yes my best NZ buddy Rob and I went into the wine business together. He is my adopted Grandad and has done many deliveries with me. The company was called ‘Winelord’. We came up with the idea mid Atlantic when I was Skippering Daydream, a 43 m Christensen motor yacht. He was already in the wine business, but we decided to do it for yachts. We would design labels with a line drawing of the yacht on it. We shipped our first pallet to France for the show. Sadly it sat in the hot sun in Singapore for two weeks and all the red went off. The white was average also. Anyway I gave away samples around Monaco to my mates and we ended up giving all of are working hard to get it in shape. All the water comes from
it away. Couldn’t say it was a money maker, as it wasn’t. But we
rain and a spring. It’s an amazing site. Ron Holland gave me a
had a lot of fun. Rob is still in the wine business in a much bigger
bit of advice once, I sent him a photo of me at about 10 o’clock
way and going great.
at night in the rain, digging inside the crater on my digger and he said ‘don’t dig too deep’ There is the old wise wisdom of Ron
Are you a golfer?
Holland right on the ball.
We play golf once a year, but we are 14 years behind.
If I had seen that picture I would have sent you exactly the same
You haven’t played golf for 14 years?
message. I don’t think that is Ron being wise, he just knows what
I have a bit of catching up to do.
you are like. When you are digging a hole for yourself just don’t dig it too deep. You are developing that for Courtney, with her horse
There are two things in this industry one is golf and one is
experience it will suit her.
photography, as you can take these with you and do them when
Yes she lives in a caravan in a shed halfway down the crater
you travel. They are the kind of things that you can do to have a bit
hill, the house is rented out. There is also another girl there who
of a break from the boat I guess. There is always a golf course and
has 10 horses who is running a riding school, it has good rents
always something to photograph?
coming in.
I have always been a bit too busy to do that sort of stuff, for some reason. I would like to think it would happen. I would like
What would you like your next job to be?
to get back into surfing. I have bought and sold two surf boards
I haven’t started looking yet, but in about a month we are off to
when I was heading to the pacific and I didn’t get either of them
Turkey. My brother has a 55 foot yacht which we are going to
wet. I haven’t surfed now for 30 odd years and I am real keen to
steal and get some sun, but we really then need to get back on
do it again now, I have now bought a Kite Surfer and am a Kite
the job again come September/October.
surfing fanatic, although I haven’t got it wet either! I used to have
So my dream job now, well I am up for anything. I love large sailing yachts and I also love expedition yachts. Jenny and I
a paramotor on MIII. I love flying and it was the only way I could get a flying machine on MIII.
just want to work and travel and see places. I remember you were into seaplanes from back in Mirabella days.
94
Jenny would be happy to go back as a purser?
Sea plane flying is my favourite. I got my multi-engine land
Yes, she wants to go back to work now, she is very keen! It is me
and sea licence 20 years ago and have flown tiny Cubs to big
that wants another couple of months off, then I will be keen to
Albatrosses. I have had three yachts with sea planes on or with
get back into it. I am keen to get back into charter again, I miss
them. The Mirabellas had a huge Grumman Albatross that used
it and love it. I love the entertainment value of making people
to follow us around. I managed to get 20 hours logged in her. I
happy, it’s pretty cool.
had a single turbine kit float plane on Bulldog. We had the plane
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
MAN AT THE TOP – ROCKA ROMCKE
LEFT: 27 ACRES NEAR AUCKLAND BELOW: PREPARING FOR THE STORM AT PENDENNIS BOTTOM: PUTTING YOUR FEET UP – ROCKA STYLE!
and flew it in Nelson, but as the refit didn’t get finished, we never had the two together. Then on M5 the Owner got a few seaplanes. A Carbon Cub was put on the new aft deck. Again I missed out on using it as it happened right after I left. A bit of a shame as I organised it all. He also bought a couple more, but I never saw them. Rocka, let me know when you intend to do go kite surfing and I will come along and capture it all on camera! Absolutely, I am going to be really good at kite surfing, I can feel in my bones! (if I ever get to do it). Thank you Rocka, you really are a star......
>||
To contact Rocka: rocka@akcor.net Photographs supplied by friends of Rocka from around the world.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
95
FANTASTIC FIJI’S LAU ISLANDS
AND DIVES THAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF BY LINDA CARTLIDGE
T’S A MIND-BLOWING ARRAY OF MARINE LIFE AND A
Mamanuca Islands; Beqa and Kadavu; the Lomaiviti Group;
gentle, carefree vibe’, declared Forbes Magazine of fantastic
Taveuni, Vanua Levu and The Ringgold’s; and Northern and
Fiji and the Lau Islands. The Lau Archipelago and the Lau
Southern Lau.
group of islands were among the ‘Top 12’ of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Places’, according to the magazine.
least four new marina development/expansion projects planned
For the Superyacht owner seeking to voyage to unspoiled
for Fiji over the next couple of years geared toward providing
tropical islands with unchanged customs and traditions while
Superyacht services, it’s a perfect time to begin planning your
exploring some amazing and out of the ordinary dive spots,
Fiji Superyacht Dive Journey with the best time to dive being
‘…there’s nowhere that can match the Fijian Lau group of islands’,
between November and April.
enthuses Captain David Jamieson of Asia Pacific Superyachts Fiji. With no tourist activity in these islands it is not surprising
The Ports of Entry are located in Suva, Lautoka, Savusavu, Levuka and Rotuma. Vuda
they are known as the ‘Exploring Islands’, with only a handful of
Marina now falls under the Lautoka
Superyachts visiting every year. Captain Dave reports, ‘Cruising
Wharf Boundary and clearance
the idyllic waters of Fiji will bring cruising Superyachts to a
can also be made here during
friendly destination with some amazing dive options. Added to
scheduled
this is Fiji’s reputation, known for its caring and warm heritage,
Denarau Marina can be used
awarding visiting Superyacht visitors a remote cruising journey
as sufferance clearance
full of adventure and memorable experiences.’
ports by prior application
Fiji is a nation comprising 333 islands set in 18,376 km
2
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With over 300 breathtaking islands to explore and at
hours.
Port
and Asia Pacific Superyachts
of the Pacific Ocean, islands range from large and volcanic with
Fiji can navigate the way through
high peaks and lush terrain to sand keys and rugged limestone
the formalities of cruising to and around the
cliffs. The five diverse areas of Fiji cruising include: Yasawa and
country on your behalf and provide top Dive Guides
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
experience and recommendations of dive spots in Fiji with the following descriptions of dive discoveries awaiting Superyacht owners and guests. Sam
reports,
‘Fiji’s
reefs offer an amazing diving experience – from schooling fishes and large Pelagic’s cruising deep walls, to shallow, soft, coralladen ‘bommies’ where cryptic macro critters await – Fiji has it all. Continuing on, Sam reports the following. Fiji is renowned as being the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the world’, but also offers a whole lot more – from Mantas to Mantis to help with
your
Shrimps the reefs are teaming with life. A keen eye will be able to see beyond the kaleidoscope of colour and find those weird and
dive itinerary.
wonderful critters hiding camouflaged on the reef while keeping
Dive Guides are an important
one eye on the blue to be sure not to miss an unexpected visitor
component for a Superyacht Dive
from the deep!
Voyage and Sam Campbell of Superyacht Private
Dendronephthya – soft corals – have thrived in the
Expeditions is highly praised for his diving knowledge of
nutrient rich waters around Fiji and with their array of colour
Fiji, his professional expertise and excellent care. Sam shares his
and sheer abundance they illuminate the reefs. Fiji’s reefs are
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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LAU ISLANDS
spread around over 1.3 million km2 of the South Pacific. The
a-Tack are breathtakingly beautiful and covered in a myriad of
Fijian Archipelago encompasses one of the most extensive reef
reef fishes. Pontohi Pygmy Seahorses defy the current and these
systems in the world, made up of barrier reefs, atolls, patch reefs,
tiny macro creatures cling to Hydroids whilst evading predators.
channels, passages and fringing reefs – offering all types of diving from wild advanced current dives in shark inhabited passages to
LOMOVITI GROUP
calm beginner dives along sheltered colourful reefs.
These are a must see when looking for Fiji’s best dive
To see the best of Fiji dive sites local knowledge is
spots – Wakaya, Gau, Makogai and Naigani make up this
key. Knowing when and where to take the plunge can be the
group to the west of Viti Levu offering a range of diving for
difference between a ‘nice dive’ & ‘WOW’. Some areas are
novices to advanced divers. Wakaya is also the home to a
current dependent and you must dive at the right tidal time to
resident Manta population and ‘Vatu Vai’ or manta rock is a
get the best out of that particular site. Also local guides know the
dive site where you can regularly encounter these majestic
critters and their habitats allowing them to build up a repertoire
creatures. The hard coral gardens on the fringing reef are
of resident animals.
teaming with reef fish – from Garden Eels, Blennies, Turtles
With so many Islands and dive sites to explore around
and Octopus – Wakaya’s intermediate dive sites are a must
Fiji it would be impossible to cover them all. Following is a brief
see. As you travel further south in the Lomoviti chain the
overview from Sam Campbell of Fiji’s finest diving.
Island of Gau and the Nigali Passage offer a truly unique experience with no local dive operators able to access this area
NAMENA MARINE RESERVE
due to its remote location. Nigali Passage is a current swept
Traditionally in Fijian culture the local villages also own their
channel where Grey Reef Sharks congregate to mate and hunt.
fishing ground’s (‘Qoliqoli’) and therefore the reefs. The now
Huge Malabar Grouper, Big Eyed Barracuda and Banded Sea
deceased Chief of the Kumbulau district declared their ‘Qoliqoli’
Snakes are some of the highlights that can be seen during visits
a no take zone – or ‘Tabu’ area over 15 years ago. With the help
to these reefs.
of CORAL Reef Alliance Namena is thriving. The Namena dive
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sites offer world class diving. Huge schools of fish hang out on the
THE VATU-I-RA PASSAGE
drop off whilst grey Reef Sharks cruise in the current. You never
Set to the North East of Viti-Levu is the antipathies of
know what will turn up from the deep – from huge Stingrays and
Fiji’s colourful coral stacked reefs. The dive sites in this area can
massive Dog toothed Tuna to Schooling Hammerheads and sleek
be challenging and strong currents are common, but currents
Silver Tip Reef Sharks. The bommies or pinnacles of South Save-
bring food/nutrients and the reefs are packed with life. Drift
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
LAU ISLANDS
diving here can be wild and most dives are advanced. From Leaf Scorpion Fish to Blue Ribbon Eels Vatu-i-ra is home to some of Fiji’s favourite creatures. KADAVU This island lies to the South of Viti Levu and near the Great Astrolabe Reef. Best known for its Manta population and large schools of fish, diving is for all skill sets around the reefs of Kadavu. THE GREAT WHITE WALL The Wall in Taveuni is one of Fiji’s most popular dives and attracts thousands of people every year to Fiji. Located in the Somosomo straights the dive is a sheer wall blanketed in White Soft Corals. The wall plummets into the abyss, a unique and dramatic dive site. Taveuni is lush and tropica and guided hikes up to scenic waterfalls and stunning scenery make it one of Fiji’s most idyllic spots. BEQA SHARKS If adrenalin and big fish are your thing then the ‘Shark Feeds of Beqa’ can be exhilarating. Here you must dive with a local operator. The feed can attract up to eight species of Shark and if you are lucky enough you may encounter a Tiger Shark – all diving levels are welcome. Beqa Lagoon also has some beautiful
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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LAU ISLANDS
soft coral pinnacles and good diving on the outer reef. The Beqa
knowledge is vital to getting the best out of your time in Fiji – find
villagers are also known for their fire walking and put on a great
remote unexplored dive sites, unique knowledge of critters and
traditional show.
fauna. Most importantly knowing when a reef is gonna go off.’
‘Asia Pacific Superyachts Fiji in partnership with Superyacht
Returning to the Lau Archipelago, a rare cultural adventure
Private Expeditions can provide the best local expertise to
awaits Superyacht visitors and, as Sam explains, etiquette is strictly
superyachts, offering underwater video, cruising/dive guides
observed and wearing the Fijian ‘Sulu’ (or skirt) is very acceptable
and rebreather guides/instructors to visiting Superyachts. Local
for male and female visitors alike. For the ‘Kava Ceremony’ the
UPSCALE MARINA AMENITIES WHERE THE RIVER MEETS THE BAY - 24-hour staff and security - 20-/50-/100- amp service (single and three phase) - 480 volt 200- amp power - Restaurant and spa docking - Yacht catering - No bridges to ocean - Valet parking - Transient, short term and long term docking - Wireless internet capabilities - Crew parking on site
25º 46' 13" N 80º 11' 17" W
A PORT TO CALL HOME
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EPIC IS TRULY THE ULTIMATE LUXURY DESTINATION Located in Downtown Miami, where Biscayne Bay meets the Miami River. EPIC Marina offers direct dockside access and 900 linear feet of full service, deep water slips accommodating yachts over 300 feet. Featuring dining at Area 31 and ZUMA restaurants, plus access to EXHALE spa + fitness 250 Biscayne Boulevard Way | Miami, Florida 33131 T 305 400 7489 | VHF Channel 16 | dockmaster@epicmiami.com |
LAU ISLANDS
With over 20 years marine experience you can be confident in our expertise
guest brings a gift of half-a-kilo of the root of the pepper plant from which Kava, the social and ceremonial drink, is made. Now begins an ancient ritual known as Sevu Sevu. This usually takes place in the village longhouse with the party sitting on the floor opposite the Ratu and his elders. The Ratu appoints a spokesman to speak for the visitors (though the entire proceedings are held in the Fijian language). The spokesman ceremoniously requests the Ratu to accept your gift of Kava, places his hands on the gift and thanks the visitors. All present clap three times. You are now officially the guest of the village! The Ratu will conduct you on a tour of the village (removing footwear before entering a house). Following this you’re free to explore the island and anchor on its picturesque shores to dive and snorkel on
Marine Electrical System Design
From the bridge to the engine room our system design team are experienced in all aspects of marine electrical engineering.
Marine Electrical System Installation
Installation of the latest technology, incorporating data and communications, lighting, entertainment, radar, CCTV, piracy alarms, emergency power generation, motion control and more...
the coral reefs. Sometimes the villagers will stage a ‘Lovo’ for visitors, in which the whole village will participate. This is a feast where meat, fish and vegetables wrapped in banana tree leaves are cooked to a delicious succulence in an earth oven placed over hot rocks. A ‘Meke’ may follow
Marine Electrical Repair
Essential repair work is often time critical, our engineers are experts in diagnosing and repairing faults.
in which all the men, women and children take part in traditional dancing and in singing the harmonious and hauntingly-beautiful songs of the islands. Superyacht visitors will find the Lau islands carpeted by verdant tropical foliage and limestone instead of the volcanic rock (predominant on other Fiji Islands). Dramatic mushroom-shaped islands, some rising to 1000 feet, are created from the sea eroding away the limestone
Prompt and Efficient Response
To meet the needs of Yacht Owners, Fleet Managers, Captains and Engineers.
base. Other than the Lau group, this unusual limestone formation is only found at Vava’u in Tonga and at Palau in Micronesia. The Tongan influence is also reflected in the culture of the Lau Islands, the southern islands being nearer to Tonga than Fiji. The Lau group lies to the east of the main Fijian islands, and comprises some fifty islands, islets and atolls of which about thirty are
Global Reach
Our design team and installation teams are available to work on your yacht in dry dock or at port if it is in need of an urgent repair.
www.seakinggroup.co.uk YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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LAU ISLANDS
inhabited. They stretch north to south for a distance of some 250 miles. A minimum of two weeks is recommended for a one way cruise through the group. An invitation to visit islands in the Lau group can be sought through Asia Pacific Superyachts Fiji; along with advice on safe navigation, itinerary, dive planning, culture guidance and all the Superyacht Services needed to help make Fiji a memorable experience for all. NOTE Port Denarau is 20 minutes from Nadi Airport, the only airport in Fiji to accommodate direct international flights from the United States, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand. For the owner and guests wishing to join their vessel already in situ in the Lau Islands, it is possible to fly from Nadi to landing strips on three islands in the group. Equipment, spare parts and provision can be delivered from Port Denarau to these airstrips within 24 hours. With the Fijian government’s new ‘Super Yacht Decree’ Superyachts are free to charter in Fiji for up to a year while enjoying numerous safe anchorages, beautiful lagoons and cruising destinations.
>||
Contact:
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www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com
Photos courtesy of:
dave@asia-pacific-superyachts.com
Sam Campbell, Wendy McIlroy, Tourism Fiji & APS Fiji
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PEER-SOURCED
EMERGENCY SPARES
Marine Spares Club (MSC) has been founded to provide peer sourced emergency spares to the Superyacht industry. Members of MSC will be able to request and share spares amongst themselves quickly and efficiently. Yachts carry a treasure trove of spares, so by linking inventories member yachts will be able to search and discover an urgently needed spare that could be on the yacht berthed alongside or a nearby marina, getting it onboard within minutes or hours, not days, keeping a cruise on track, but more importantly, Owners and Guests happy. MSC provides the means to securely upload a yachts’ spares inventory, allowing members to search MSC to find the part they require. All members locations are tracked using a custom GPS unit provided with membership.
Yachts can apply to join now! Please contact us for our special ‘Founding Members’ offer.
SITE LIVE 1stAUGUST
2015
If required and as a service to members, we offer ‘Inventory Cleaning’ this is done before uploading to MSC. A member’s location is anonymous to another member until the donor yacht has approved the request for a part. The purpose of MSC is to utilise the spares carried on many thousands of large yachts to the advantage of its members. Our aim is not to sell parts online but to facilitate an exchange between parties. MSC utilises ‘Bank Grade’ security features to ensure the safe storage of members personal details.
marine spares club For further information please contact:
membership@marinesparesclub.com
Tel: + 44 (0) 7768 470 486 www.marinesparesclub.com
THE SUPERYACHT CUP – PALMA EVERY REASON TO PARTY WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN SQUIRE
N THE 17TH JUNE 2015 A PANOPLY OF 21 YACHTS
Gaastra Palma Vela, was going to be a hard act to follow. Yachts
took to the water in the bay of Palma for three days
were split into three classes of comparable speed and, for the
of spectacular racing, including the incredible Ganesha
first time at the Superyacht Cup, the new ORCsy rule, recently
with her recent spectacular victory at the Dubois Cup in Porto
successfully debuted in St Barths and at both Loro Piana Regattas,
Cervo under her belt. There were seven new boats on the block,
was being used. This new rule ensures boats are being treated
the 24 m Tilakkhana, 25 m Maegan, 30.4 m Open Season, 60 m
fairly with a transparent handicapping system, an innovation that
Perseus^3, 33 m Win Win, 26 m Guardian Angel and the 34 m
has brought many yachts back into the racing game.
Blue Too. The competition was set to be tough with several of these iconic yachts (and owners) having previously crossed swords at
Day one, Pantaenius Day, with sunny clear blue skies and a steady breeze of 12 – 14 knots the scene was set with perfect sailing conditions for the boats gathered at the start.
earlier regattas. Visione, although not as young as most of her
In class A the 26 m Tulip charged ahead, but the Vitters
rivals was still the boat to beat and the fully optimised Open
built Marie, with Tactician Tony Rey, rose to the challenge and
Season – fresh from winning both the Menorca Maxi and the
forged past to round the first mark ahead, with the 28 m Kiboko
BELOW: THREE MEN IN A BOAT – MICHAEL, EDWARD AND STUART AT 35 KNOTS FOLLOWING PAGE TOP: SAUDADE BOTTOM: MARIE
THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2015
Dos, Tulip and the 27 m Odin complete with a team, almost half of which were Olympic and Americas Cup Sailors, in hot pursuit. The third mark saw the black hull of Marie with Kiboko Dos challenging her position and then grabbing the lead on the long beat up to the 4th mark. At the finish Marie took first place, and her first bullet of the event, hotly followed by Ganesha with P2 coming in third, with onboard as a part of the race crew, two young South African ‘Lawhill’ Students brought to Palma by the www.marineinspirations.org charity. In the Class B, Visione rounded the 5th mark leading the fleet and proved unstoppable as she ripped across the finish 4.24 minutes ahead of Win Win with the 30 m Open Season finishing a close 12 seconds after. In Class C Clan VIII finished first followed by newcomer Blue Too with the brand new Maegan trailing just in behind in third. With the day’s sailing drawing to a close and dock side entertainment, nearly as important as the water, party time was the next mark for the crew to pass. Swapping their uniform with psychedelic disco wear and flares they filled the dance floor of the disco themed paella party, featuring the possibly the world’s biggest paella. The entire crew of Marie were adorned in orange wigs, pink sunglasses, glitter, gold and green satin suits and quite deservedly won the ‘best dressed in disco’ prize, a perfect end to a great day on the water. Day two came with blazing sun, cloudless sky and a good breeze, predicted to start at 12 – 14 knots at midday and rise
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
In partnership with:
Exclusive Brokerage & Charter Show for yachts from 24 to 60mts
Photos: ® G. Westphal Yachtphotography
4th Edition · 28th April - 2nd May 2016, Palma de Mallorca
· Limited number of berths and stands available · Perfectly timed for the Mediterranean season · Organized by the yachting industry for the yachting industry
All enquiries to: info@palmasuperyachtshow.com
www.palmasuperyachtshow.com YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2015
ABOVE: WIN WIN (A SPINAKER PROBLEM AND A BRILLIANT RECOVERY)
to 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 18 in the afternoon. The impressive fleet headed out to
In Class A, Marie once again proved she was on top form
the start line with yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class C winner Clan VIII off to a
by winning again, with regatta regular P2 taking second and
cracking start but as the yachts were on the first run to the Bahia
Saudade third.
BELOW: PERSEUS
2 mark the race was abandoned with the fleet returning to the start line for a restart at 14.50 and a shorter course of 18.7 m.
In Class B it was not the day for Highland Breeze and Clan VIII with Highland Breeze staying close to the shore which caused her to lose her position and Clan VIII tacking later than her competitors causing her to lose time. The 28 m Southern Wind Kiboko Dos performed well, holding her lead rounding the fourth Illetas mark and firing down to finish an impressive first, 3.27 minutes before Open Season and 4.26 minutes before Odin, much to the delight of her captain Raimon Pasco. First timer 25 m Maegan rounded the Sech mark ahead of the fleet pursued closely by new boat on the block the 26 m Guardian Angel. Maegan was flying at full bore towards Bahia 2, with Kiboko Dos challenging hard and slipping past the mark first. Maegan managed to claw her initial lead back to claim the Class C victory. Day three dawned following on from two days of intense competition with smart finely tuned tactics and fierce battles, the day promised more great racing. Clear skies and the prediction of a SW sea breeze peaking mid-afternoon promised to deliver a treat to the competing sailors. The committee had opted for a riveting and tactical 27.5 m course and interestingly starting the fleet on a downwind leg.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
ISTANBUL, KUSADASI, BODRUM, MARMARIS, GOCEK, ANTALYA
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Member of the Associaton of Turkish Travel Agencies
Chamber of Shipping
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2015
ABOVE: GAIA BELOW: THE LADS FROM S.A. – THAMI HOZA, CARL JAMES (ANTIGUAN OLYMPIC SAILOR) AND ARCHIE LEEU
In Class A the beautiful black hull of Marie, with a lead
did not give an inch and screamed around the 5th, 6th and 7th
of two bullets over her rivals was sitting a comfortable 3 points
mark, leaving Win Win and Open Season to chase her down.
above regatta veteran P2. Class B was even more tense with Odin
Open Season, known for clearing up on the race course, managed
and Inoui sharing 4 points, just one point ahead of yesterday’s
to sneak out in front and around the 8th Porrasa mark first, 2.15
winner Kiboko Dos. In Class C, Maegan was sitting 2 points ahead
minutes ahead of seasoned racer Saudade and she continued
of Clan VIII and Blue Too.
to power down to the finish crossing 2.15 minutes in front of
The fleet set off with Class C, Clan VIII rounding the
Visione and 3.07 minutes ahead of Saudade.
leeward mark first, closely shadowed by Blue Too and a previous
The day’s racing came to an end with unbeatable Marie
SYC winner Heartbeat. The second mark saw Blue Too and
holding on to her A class to win, Win Win secured a win in Class
Heartbeat snatching the lead from Clan VIII. Drama came when
B and Clan VIII took the top slot in Class C.
P2 ran over her kite and it wrapped around the keel, causing the
The 19th Superyacht Cup concluded with prizes being
yacht to bow out of the race. Perseus^3 was also forced to retire
awarded for the three classes to tired, grinning sailors and cheers
after suffering technical issues on board.
from the convivial crowd. The overall winner was the classic Ketch
The elegant Maria Cattiva, on her 5th SYC was first round
Marie. Marie had performed perfectly and was, with her 3 firsts,
Bahia two, ahead of Maegan and Marie. Marie’s black hull chased
deservedly awarded overall winner of The Superyacht Cup 2015,
Maria Cattiva down, rounding Illetas 1.28 minutes before her and
a great way to ease into her retirement from the race circuit,
2.49 minutes before yesterday’s Class C winner Maegan. Maria
probably after the St Barths Bucket next year. Inoui, the carbon rigged bright green hulled racer bagged a Class B win and in Class C the new comer Maegan triumphed. A cheque for 10,500 Euros was also presented to the local charity Joves Navigantes. This charity was initiated by an group of sailors and reaches out to the underprivileged boys and girls through sailing. Victorious crew carried on partying at Pascha’s celebrating another successful Superyacht Cup filled with great sailing and competition and one can only thank the wind gods for consistently delivering great conditions for perfect days of sailing and for next year we all look forward to celebrating 20 years of the Superyacht Cup. 2016 EVENT: June 22nd – 25th (provisional)
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>||
THE SUPERYACHT CUP 2015
EDITOR:
best regattas with big fleets, waves, wind and the enemy of us
During this SYC I was grateful to be able to photograph
photographers; spray and water, our intentions being to get
from the Rafnar experimental rib (please see YM28,
in as close as possible to the racing yachts. I have used tough
pages 166 – 172). During my visit to Iceland to trial
tenders with deep V keels with light but powerful outboard
this new hull shape earlier in the year I had mentioned
engines, these are essential for aspect manoeuvring. First we
to the owner of the Rafnar company that photographers
used LOMAC tenders – but they were too small. For some
would be the best critics to comment on his claims
years we have used a fantastic PROTECTOR from NZ because
regarding the vessel’s stability. True to his word he
of its front cockpit and dry cabin.
shipped a rib to Palma and let me loose. I invited several
During the SY Cup Palma 2015 I was out for two days on
photographers to join me, apart from these few days
the RAFNAR experimental ‘one-off’ boat, to prove its hull, it had
being the driest and most comfortable I have ever
no superstructure etc. What I experienced of this new hull was
experienced during an event onboard a rib I have asked
surprising regarding stability, speed and seaworthiness in rough
for my friends to comment.
seas and yacht wakes etc. I was able to work with my cameras in situations that definitely would not work out in the tenders I have
Ted Fitzgerald
used before.
I need a solid, steady platform to get my video shots and to get
The Rafnar hull was incredibly stable with its unique
me quickly to any action taking place to capture the passage of
design, even at high speed and proved a great platform for
the boats. This is the only rib that has really given me that in all
any kind of work.
conditions, and kept me and my gear dry. Fully recommended. Stuart Pearce Michael Kurtz
The Rafnar hull cuts through the water like a knife, I spent two
I have spent 15 years as a tender driver and a photographer
days shooting the Superyacht Cup regatta in Palma onboard this
with my good Yacht Video friend Tom Nitsch, using very
incredible rib and I could keep the camera steady at 30 knots, in
capable tenders as platforms. We have operated at only the
a perfect world all press boats should have this hull design.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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INTRICATE, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL THE DEFINING WORK OF EOIN TURNER BY OONAGH MONTAGUE
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
ACK IN THE 1970’S ON THE SOUTH COAST OF IRELAND a six-year-old boy got his hands on a vintage copy of the Bosun’s Manual and didn’t put it down till he’d learned every knot in it. That’s an impressive determination for any young boy and a good example of the drive of the man he was to become. Fast forward 40 years and, after a life lived on the high seas – Irishman Eoin Turner is now an internationally acclaimed glass sculptor creating high-end installations for yachts and residences. Turner is by no means a typical artist. This is a man who inherently understands boats and the sea. After studying Fine Art in the Crawford College in Cork Turner spent a decade at sea; fishing the western Atlantic; trawling prawns and hake and long lining for tuna. ‘I stood on decks for 10 years and I know the sense of it – the feel of it – but I also know the structure of ships.’ He says. ‘I worked my way up from deckhand to captain. The last years were spent in the Mediterranean working on yachts.’
For a time Turner lived with the pull of both loves – constantly sketching, using bad weather layups to create and design works, which he exhibited. ‘At sea I’d be planning the work I’d start once ashore again. I loved being at sea — and it was very much a part of me – but finally the desire to create and design was stronger.’ So when in 2001 he stepped off the decks he was ready with a portfolio of ideas forged from the innate knowledge of the workings of a boat. Fourteen years later and Eoin Turner is one of the world’s leading glass sculptors, and while the call of his art might have finally been stronger than the call of the sea the two have merged in his work – intricate, bold and beautiful glass installations for both yachts and land-based projects. Turner is in constant demand by international private collectors and public sectors, churches and cathedrals. Eddie Jordan is a repeat client. ‘There’s a good feeling from Eoin’s work. It’s unique and stunning but it also becomes a real part of its environment. It brings strength with it.’
imagination, freedom meets design. Here glass and sea are
One of the pieces Jordan commissioned was a crystal to-scale
partners to each other, both deceptively strong, equal parts
sculpture of his boat MY Blush. This gorgeous azure blue sculpture
malleable and menacing, reflecting the world and our own selves
now sits in the main suite of the yacht itself. Turner also designed
back at us. In fact the sea and the wind are so much a part of
and created a three-metre long base relief balcony sculpture and
Turner’s work that one could think their inclusion is deliberate
a forged stainless steel and glass table, which stands, pride of
but Turner says it’s something he doesn’t contrive. ‘It rises up,
place, in Jordan’s Monaco apartment.
occurring instinctively and intuitively throughout the process.’
It is when you stand in front of Turner’s incredible glass
‘What’s unusual about Eoin is that there’s two sides to
sculptures that you really appreciate how the man’s disparate
him; on one hand he has the artistic flair, and on the other he
careers have dovetailed perfectly. In these engineering meets
has the structural know how’ says Steve Keeling of DKT Artworks
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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EOIN TURNER
‘That’s the thing with glass – it’s very technical as well as creative and that’s how Eoin is one of the main players in the glass world. And unlike the bigger glass factories Eoin has kept the spontaneous artist thing. That’s his strength.’ This is not Turner’s only strength. He also goes against the idea of the artist as the lone creator, skilled in his craft but adrift in the practicalities. Turner is driven by the twin focus of artistic vision and business acumen and he intrinsically understands when clients want to put their own stamp on the work. For Turner and his team it’s a collaborative process, one which sees them working very closely with the designers and owners to create something original and unique. After all the buyer is the one who will enjoy the piece forever and Turner is very aware of
114
that. ‘I have my own bodies of work – then I work to commission
with him’ says Aileen Rodriguez of Rodriguez Interiors in Miami.
on pieces and installations for yachts and residences. They’re
The first project Turner and Rodriguez worked on together was
never removed from me entirely – they’re always going to look
aboard MY Solange. This was a complex installation in the spa
like an Eoin Turner piece but different projects bring with them
area with static and sliding decorative glass panels designed to
different briefs, different scales and different people. They all
provide privacy and beauty. Eoin describes the project. ‘There
evolve and gain their own personalities but always they’re my
was a potential issue within the transference of heat at 120˚C
work – and the only one of its kind to exist.’
from the steam room through the panels – interfering with
When Turner speaks of yachts he comes alive – in
the controlled air conditioned temperature settings in the
the same way he does when speaking of his sculptures – an
companionways. To counteract this we calculated triple glazed
enthusiasm infectious for those lucky enough to work with him.
composite units that contained the heat within the spa area and
‘I really enjoy working with Eoin – his talent goes without saying
reduced the heat to a level that it had no negative impact in the
but he’s also very easy to deal with. You feel confident working
surrounding areas.’
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
Marten Yacht Painting Advice Inspection
ADVICE SURVEY INSPEC TION TRAINING SEMINARS CONSULTANCY ARBITRATION
info@mypai.nl www.mypai.nl M. +316 204 29 425
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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EOIN TURNER
While Turner works predominantly with glass he also creates and designs in other materials such as steel, wood and precious metals. Collaborating with top Irish Jewellery designer Tuula Harrington of Design Works he recently designed a caviar bowl with diamonds and Tahitian black pearls for a Russian collector. Turner also channels the sea on land as evidenced by a recent ecclesiastical commission at Manresa House, Dublin where he designed a sculpture inspired by the Blessed Trinity in Rublev’s famous 13th century icon of the supper at Emmaus. The final result is a two-metre crystal and bronze sculpture with engraved navigational charts suggesting our calling to work ‘in quavis mundi plaga’ and the triple flames of the Blessed Trinity. But it’s on the sea that Turner really finds his feet. ‘Being It’s obvious Turner and his team are skilled technicians,
part of a yacht being built is a very exciting place to be. It’s at
always updating their knowledge. ‘We are continually developing
the forefront of the creation of new technologies and it’s a home
and testing the structural and safety aspects of glass to comply with
on the sea – an extension of its owner. My work is a part of that
international classifications, integrating fire-rated glass in our cast
process.’ And that’s where Eoin Turner’s true gift lies. He’s a
panels where necessary. One major step forward for safety glass in
passionate and rare hybrid of engineer, businessman and artist.
the marine industry is that we now use the latest generation high
And whether at home in his studios in Ireland or working in
impact waterproof laminate interlayer. This is a major step forward
Cannes, Monaco, London or Miami Eoin Turner carries the song
in that it addresses the age old problem of de-lamination in the
of the sea with him.
marine environment’, Turner says. For Aileen, working with Eoin
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and his team is always a very positive experience. ‘He gives me a
Contact Eoin:
sense of security with his knowledge of sailing and what is needed
info@turnerglass.com
for each project. That’s essential for my client and myself.’
www.eointurner.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
>||
ENTERTAINING GREECE
BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERN BY ROSEMARY PAVLATOU
UE TO GREECEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S RICH CULTURE AND WEATHER
celebrated both in Church and socially with dancing and feasting
conditions that allow events to be planned outdoors
in almost every village in the land.
with great confidence much of what is on offer over
More urban and sophisticated fare is on offer in the
the Greek summer is based around the magnificent, traditional
larger islands and towns, many of whom have summer festivals
open-air theatres and arenas that are to be found in almost every
sporting local artists, often supplemented by international singers,
corner of this ancient country.
dancers and actors. At times the quality of performance can be
A very social, cultural heritage has meant that congregating
astonishing and almost always the setting will be superb.
over the summer months, at almost any opportunity, is key to
On the island of Rhodes a theatre situated in the
life in Greece. Almost every town and village has its own dance
cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medieval Moat hosts many performances each year. The
troupe that practice assiduously, keeping this element of their
backdrop of magnificent, ancient stone walls accompanied by an
culture alive. Frequent dance shows and local concerts are an
ambient atmosphere creates a setting which can only serve to
interesting and touching introduction to local life and visitors can
capture the imagination.
merge easily to savour the local flavour.
In Athens, as with most capital cities, there is a greater
One of the most important festivals of the year and
choice and the options are in general more wide ranging.
celebrated on 15th August is that of the Assumption of the Virgin
The Herodus Atticus theatre is a magnificent venue and
Mary. This is one of the most important events of the year and is
no opportunity should be lost of attending a performance
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
117
GREEK THEATRE
PREVIOUS PAGE: THE WORLD FAMOUS DELPHI THEATRE
there. With wonderful acoustics and a thrillingly grand setting
ABOVE: RHODES’ MEDIEVAL MOAT THEATRE
Pavarotti, has been magical. This year the Andrew Lloyd Webber
RIGHT: LYCAVITOS THEATRE BELOW RIGHT: JAZZ ON THE HILL FESTIVAL, THESSALONIKA BELOW: THE MAGNIFICENT HERODUS ATTICUS THEATRE
everything I have ever seen there, from Greek drama to production of Jesus Christ Superstar and Bizet’s Carmen have been just two of the highlights. In addition Athens offers the Lycavitos theatre which lies on the conical hill in the centre of the city close beside the Parthenon. Wonderful views of the city are to be had from this vantage point and the theatre, which seats up to 4000, is set at the top of the hill which is best reached by the funicular railway after which there is a ten minute walk to the theatre – a charming walk in a wooded area, so unusual in the city. Here
ancient Delphi is used for performances of Greek theatre and the
the concerts are those mainly of modern music and the theatre
town of Delphi itself hosts a programme of events year round.
has played host to such luminaries as Bob Dylan, BB King and Massive Attack.
For those with a taste for the more contemporary the three day Rock Wave festival held annually during July, at the
Just outside Athens the ancient city of Epidauros hosts an
Terra Vibe Park near Malakasa off the Lamia highway out of
annual festival of drama, music and dance. Great actors such as
Athens, might be of interest. The festival plays host to the best
Helen Mirren have performed there and each year this popular
of Greek rock bands and international performers such as Robbie
event is fully subscribed. Set in the magical ancient city, the
Williams, REM, Sting, Oasis, Depeche Mode, Guns ‘n Roses and
theatre has a splendid situation with breathtaking views and
Robert Plant.
renowned acoustics. Just a little way out of Athens the theatre at
On the island of Mykonos, several beach bars host some of the best DJ’s lending the beach to parties on a regular basis. Some of the coolest sounds around can be experienced there. Just outside the northern city of Thessalonika a celebrated annual Jazz Festival takes place at the Sani resort. International greats of jazz perform at this multiday festival in a wonderful, serene, seaside setting. There is the Jazz on the Hill in July hosting international jazz musicians, as well as Greek variations with
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
CONCIERGE SERVICES
Eratosthenes, 279-194 BC Nicknamed Pentathlos, after the Olympians, for his knowledge in every area of learning
Our knowledge of Greece would make Eratosthenes proud A1’s Concierge Service can help you make the most of your valuable time. Because we know Greece inside and out, every minute you spend here will be productive, enjoyable and tailored to suit your every need.
Whether it’s history and places of archaeological interest, stunning beaches, unusual sports, nightlife that lasts all night, customised parties or any other activity, we can make it all happen.
With us by your side, suggesting ideas and responding quickly and efficiently to your every request, you’ll feel immediately at home.
We also take care of luxury transport, exclusive tours, the best hotels and restaurants, private aircraft charter, personal security and absolutely anything else you can think of.
Visit our website for more information about our first class concierge service. EMAIL: concierge@a1yachting.com www.a1yachting.com/concierge
CONCIERGE SERVICES
JET & HELICOPTER SERVICES • LIMOUSINES & GROUND TRANSPORT • TOURS & TRANSFERS MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 119 VILLAS & HOTELS • SECURITY SERVICES YACHTING • SPECIAL EVENTS ISSUE 29
GREEK THEATRE
ABOVE: THE EPIDAUROS THEATRE BELOW: THE NAXOS FESTIVAL
Greek musicians, which lasts into August. The Festival is well
of musical improvisation as well as storytelling. A prominent
known for holding concerts on Sani Hill, with its Medieval castle
event in the Greek festival calendar.
ruin atop the hill with its unrestricted views of the sea. On the island of Samothraki is the Aurora Festival, a
production of Ancient Greek theatre in one of the venues below
modern music event where people can camp and enjoy Sun
which are linked not just aesthetically and artistically with the
music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; up beat rock music and Moon music â&#x20AC;&#x201C; meditative trance
work, but they politically, culturally and intrinsically form part of
music. Hosting around 120 artists from Greece and abroad this
the work itself.
is a large festival set, as it is in dense woodland of remarkable
The Epidauros Theatre was built at the site of the sanctuary
beauty, it takes its inspiration from nature. The entire festival is
to Asklipeon in the 4th Century BC, with later additions during the
organised around the idea of balancing the mind, body and soul.
2nd Century BC. The theatre lies just outside Ancient Epidauros
On the island of Syros, the Festival of the Aegean is held
and is complimented by an impressive access road indicating
in the wonderful Apollo theatre which bears a real resemblance
just how important this place was. A splendid theatre recognised
to La Scala in Italy. Here you will be able to attend concerts
by Pausanias as both beautiful and admirably constructed, he
by artists and singers of international acclaim from Olympia
attributed its design to Polykleitos. The theatre was an intrinsic
Doukakis, the opera star Natalia Ushakova and the Italian choreographer Renato Canela to name but a few. Ballets, opera and plays are staged here and prove immensely popular. The Kalamata dance festival in July hosts classical and modern dance of all kinds from Greece and abroad. For those who love dance, this is a one of a kind event. Hippocrates Festival, Kos in July showcases Greek dancing, modern art exhibitions and theatre performances. The Tinos International Literary Festival hosts distinguished writers from around the world as they gather on this tiny island for a literary festival each July creating a wonderfully international gathering in a determinedly Mediterranean location. A breath of fresh air for many. The Naxos Festival, which takes place in the famous Bazeos Tower built in 1600, includes dance events and seminars
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There is simply nothing to compare with witnessing a
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
121
GREEK THEATRE
part of the complex which included sports facilities, temples and
surrounded by statues of nobility and of Herodotus Atticus’ own
baths, all to the glory of the god of medicine. It became the first
family. Pausanias described it as the finest building of its type.
site where systematic medical care was practiced as well as both
Unfortunately a fire devastated the theatre within 150 years of
athletic and aesthetic contests, which include theatre as a category.
its creation and thereafter it was pillaged for building materials
This has become one of the leading venues for Greek actors and
and used variously as a home and a fort. By 1821 when Greece
was for a while the exclusive venue of the Greek National theatre.
finally became an independent modern state, the theatre had
The Delphi Theatre – the original – was also part of a
all but disappeared and the stage area was discovered under
sanctuary which include the site of the Delphic oracle, a woman
14 metres of soil on which crops were then being grown. A
who ‘channelled’ the gods and could be consulted for advice
restoration plan led to the theatre being reconstructed and today
on matters of state, to personal issues. The site was important
it represents a stunning venue for theatre, dance, opera and music
for many things including the Pythian Games, a precursor to
in a truly unique location, set hard on the rock of the Acropolis,
the Olympic Games, with initially just contests in the arts with
the most iconic location in Greece. Its very steep auditorium
athletics being added later. This remarkable theatre however has
affords all seats a wonderfully unobstructed, though sometimes
been restored somewhat but is not currently in a condition to
distant, view of the stage and orchestra.
allow productions to take place.
BELOW: THE ANCIENT THEATRE OF MESSENE
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If you wish, why not create your own special evening?
The Messene Theatre in the south Western Peleponese
Some of the events most enjoyed by our clients in past years
has just reopened after extensive renovation over the past twenty
have been private and organised specifically for them. Some
years. It is located in the prefecture of Messene, the province
amazing locations are available to those in-the-know and help
of Greece that continued to develop while the major centres
is at hand to plan and arrange everything with you. Local dance
of Ancient Greece were collapsing. The city was abandoned in
troupes and bands are available in most places for a Greek Night
the 3rd Century AD and gradually the inhabitants of the
onboard or in a prime location. For something more elaborate
surrounding areas removed much of the theatres substance to
the sky is the limit, all that is restricting the choice is your
use as building materials.
imagination, time and budget. Given sufficient of all three it is
The Herodotus Atticus Theatre at the foot of the Acropolis
entirely possible to create any event you could wish for; your
in the centre of Athens must be one of the most magnificent
own private performance by international artists as you host your
open air theatres in the world. It was built by Herodotus Atticus
dinner, performing on stage just for you, a spectacular fireworks
in memory of his wife Regilla between 160 and 174 AD. Typical
display, an orchestra playing your favourite piece of music all in
of its time the theatre was large and well appointed with a
a stunning location of historical interest or outstanding natural
magnificent marble auditorium for up to 4800 people. It is clear
beauty; the setting is there for the performance of a lifetime. >||
from archaeological finds that there was at least a partial roof of timber and tile, wonderful decorations in coloured marble
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
Contact: Rosemary@A1Yachting.com
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www.a1yachting.com/provisioning YACHT PROVISIONING
;3/B Â&#x2019; 47A6 A63::47A6 Â&#x2019; 2/7@G Â&#x2019; 4@C7B D353B/0:3A Â&#x2019; 2@G 5==2A Â&#x2019; 4@=H3< >@=2C13 YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 123 0/932 5==2A Â&#x2019; 03D3@/53A Â&#x2019; 16=1=:/B3A 1=4433A Â&#x2019; A>317/:7BG :CFC@G Â&#x2019; /A7/< >@=2C1BA ISSUE 29
EVENTS ROUND UP CANNES YACHT & BOAT SHOW September 8 – 13 2015 www.salonnautiquecannes.com
ANTIGUA CHARTER YACHT SHOW December 4 – 10 2015 www.antiguayachtshow.com
ANTIBES CELEBRATES April 22 – 23 2016 (Provisional) www.antibescelebrates.com
SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW September 11 – 20 2015 www.southamptonboatshow.com
CAPTAIN’S SOIRÉE & CHARITY DINNER – ANTIGUA December 9 2015 www.superyachtcaptains.com
PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW April 28 – May 2 2016 www.mybashows.com
AYSS – MONACONET – MONACO YACHT CLUB September 22 2015 (INVITE ONLY) www.ayss.org
ASIA SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS December 16 – 18 2015 www.asia-superyacht-rendezvous.com
THE MONACO YACHT SHOW September 23 – 26 2015 www.monacoyachtshow.com
LONDON BOAT SHOW January 8 – 17 2016 www.londonboatshow.com
LES VOILES DE ST. TROPEZ September 27 – October 4 2015 www.snst.org
BOOT DUSSELDORF January 23 – 31 2016 www.boat-duesselfdorf.com
IBIZA RENDEZVOUS October 7 – 10 2015 www.ibizarendezvous.com
THE SUPERYACHT CHALLENGE – ANTIGUA January 28 – 31 2016 www.thesuperyachtchallenge.com
THE PINMAR GOLF TOURNAMENT October 15 – 17 2015 www.pinmargolf.es FORT LAUDERDALE INT. BOATSHOW November 5 – 9 2015 www.showmanagement.com GLOBAL SUPERYACHT FORUM – AMSTERDAM November 16 – 18 2015 www.globalsuperyachtforum.com METS & THE SUPERYACHT PAVILION – AMSTERDAM November 17 – 19 2015 www.metstrade.com ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX November 27 – 29 2015 www.formula1.com
PALMA SUPERYACHT CONFERENCES (Various Events) April 27 – 30 2016 www.quaynote.com MYBA CHARTER YACHT SHOW – GENOA May 2 – 5 2016 www.mybashow.com THE LONDON YACHT, JET & PRESTIGE CAR SHOW May 4 – 6 2016 www.londonyachtjetandprestigecarshow.com CREW SHOW PALMA 2016 April (dates to be confirmed) www.crewshow.com
MIAMI INT. BOAT SHOW February 11 – 15 2016 www.miamiboatshow.com
MEDITERRANEAN YACHT SHOW – GREECE May 7 – 10 2016 www.mediterraneanyachtshow.gr
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW March 1 – 5 2016 www.boatshowdubai.com
CANNES FILM FESTIVAL May 11 – 22 2016 www.festival-cannes.fr
ST BARTHS BUCKET March 17 – 20 2016 www.bucketregattas.com
MONACO GRAND PRIX May 27 – 29 2016 www.formula1.com
SINGAPORE YACHT SHOW April 7 – 10 2016 www.singaporeyachtshow.com
LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA June 7 – 11 2016 www.loropianasuperyachtregatta.com
ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA April 13 – 19 2016 www.antiguaclassics.com
THE SUPERYACHT CUP – PALMA June 22 – 25 2016 www.thesuperyachtcup.com
ALWAYS CHECK DATES ONLINE BEFORE COMMITMENT
SPONSORED BY www.marinesparesclub.com
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
marine spares club
THE 2015
MONACO YACHT SHOW
25 YEARS IN THE MAKING A TALE OF ONE CITY AND ITS GREAT EXPECTATIONS PHOTOGRAPHS: COLIN SQUIRE
HE 2015 SHOW THAT WILL OPEN ITS DOORS TO
Show has developed to become the world’s premier superyacht
visitors on 23rd September will be a celebration of
event. Few can argue now that Monaco is the world hub of the
the event’s quarter century. For twenty five years the
superyacht industry and that the jewel in the industry’s crown is
Monaco Yacht Show has been the tale of one city; Monte Carlo and throughout history, it has always successfully developed great expectations.
undoubtedly the Principality’s annual yachting show. In September 2015, the Monaco Yacht Show will deliver its largest ever event unveiling a record-breaking showcase of
Twenty five years ago the Principality of Monaco had no
120 spectacular superyachts afloat. The expected average size of
flagship yachting event of its own, despite being the international
these yachts this year exceeds 47 metres. Five hundred exhibiting
meeting point for large yacht owners and their brokerage agents
companies will display their most innovative, tailor-made products
who would arrive in Port Hercule to discuss sale, charter and
and services lying at the pinnacle of luxury yachting.
refitting. Deals were struck, contracts signed and new yachts built as a result of those meetings and the local authorities realised
WHAT TO EXPECT IN MONACO NEXT SEPTEMBER
that they should develop yacht business activities around this
Much has changed since MYS first opened, but there are
iconic venue.
similarities. Back then, as now, the world was on the road to
Those who attended the very first edition of the Monaco
recovery following a slump in financial markets. The conviction
Yacht Show in 1991 will recall that the entire event was staged
that now buoys up the superyacht industry in today’s commercial
along Quai des Etats-Unis with around fifty exhibiting companies,
climate, resembles that same buoyancy encountered in the early
mainly from Monaco and the French Riviera that were eager to
part of the 1990’s. Then, as is happening now, there was a new
show their wares. Just a handful of foreign companies took stands
air of confidence, orders are being signed, designers are talking
and 30 yachts whose average length was just 32 metres were
of ever larger tonnage and the myriad of service industries that
made available to those who sought to inspect them.
surround the building of yachts are flourishing as a result. Visitors
Two plus decades later, the show has moved on some! The same Monaco-based yachting businesses have grown as the
to this year’s show will have every reason to notice a spring in the step of those walking the docks.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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www.groupecomplus.com
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
UNDER THE HIGH PATRONAGE OF HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO
23 - 26 september 2015 port hercules, monaco
OFFICIAL SPONSOR
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
127
MONACO YACHT SHOW 2015
With improved transportation services and the addition
IMPROVED LAYOUT Extra berths for larger yachts and the need to accommodate
of two car parks offering 600 spaces located close to the new
essential public works scheduled to transform and improve the
entrance, accessing the MYS and reaching the whole exhibition
port over the next three years means the 2015 edition of the
areas in just a few minutes has never been so easy!
show will sport a different look. There has been an exciting reorganisation of the exhibition
ATTRACTING THE UHNWI
area with the relocation of the historical exhibition area that, in
Being part of the enjoyment of the Monaco Yacht Show is
the past, occupied the Darse Nord at Quai Antoine 1er. A new
attractive to many in the industry and as the industry expands
zone, able to accommodate most of the exhibitors from the
so there are many new faces eager to share in that same
former Darse Nord tent will offer 2825 m of surface area divided
excitement. In recent years there has been a surge in the younger
into two air-conditioned tents. The first, Quai Antoine 1er A, will
buyer entering the superyacht market. Now instead of flying in
have an area of 2425 m and the second known as Quai Antoine
from the USA or driving in from mainstream Europe, wealthy
1er B will be given over exclusively to the members of HISWA
visitors are flocking to Monaco from all over the world. They
and will be smaller offering 400 m of space.
bring not just their money, but also a new enthusiasm for tasting
2
2
2
Quai Rainier III, usually utilised by cruise ships during the
the good life of luxury on the water. For many years the world of
show, has been specifically set aside to offer three extra berths
superyachting had been one of the world’s best kept secrets, but
for superyachts in excess of 100 metres during the next few years
the bubble has burst, and this new blood is not only keen to taste
and will become a new and exciting focal point of the show.
the adventure but is also hungry enough to devour it.
Extending the show along Jetée Lucciana down to Quai
Much of this new wave of excitement has come about
Rainier III, has given organisers the opportunity to enhance the
following an awareness programme devised and implemented
reception, information and transportation services area. This
by show organisers working with partners in the Far East. It has
reorganisation has enabled them to plan for a more coherent and
created a better understanding by introducing the superyacht
homogeneous traffic flow between all of the existing and newly
concept to an awakening audience. Organising events like
created exhibition areas.
Monaco Week in Shanghai and Beijing during June 2015 did a great deal to promote Monaco as a destination and also the superyacht industry to a Chinese social elite. Working with the Monaco Embassy in China and Chinese Media Partner, Blu Inc Media has done much to attract the visitor from the Orient. China Night in Monaco and the visit to the MYS by those VIP guests encountered in China will do much to cement a relationship with this burgeoning superyacht owning elite. Specifically catering to that marketplace the organisers have created the Sapphire Experience Pack. This limited edition series of just 100 packs has been reserved for the most illustrious of clients visiting the show. It allows them to enjoy an allinclusive visit to the show that will include the boarding of superyachts, with lunch and champagne offered at the Upper Deck Lounge and notably includes an invitation to the MYS Gala Inaugural Party.
>||
The entrance at Darse Sud will no longer exist and visitors and exhibitors will use the new entrance at the end of Quai Antoine 1er, or the one closest to their stand for accreditation. Both the VIP courtesy car service and the welcome desk will also
USEFUL INFORMATION:
be located beside this entrance. The entrances at Parvis Piscine
25TH MONACO YACHT SHOW
and Quai Louis II remain as before. While the show will still provide a fleet of shuttle boats
128
• From Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 September 2015 • Port Hercules, Boulevard Albert 1er – Principality of Monaco
crisscrossing the busy harbour, a new golf cart service will offer
• Opening hours: from 10 am to 6.30 pm
visitors the opportunity to sedately ride in comfort inside the
• Official sponsor: Ulysse Nardin
show venue.
• All information: www.monacoyachtshow.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
QUALITY OVER QUANTITY THE MYBA CHARTER YACHT SHOW – GENOA BY NORMA TREASE their clients. No kidding – it’s not only champagne, long lunches, and yacht hops; and the top brokers prove it by visiting each and every yacht over four busy days, taking copious notes and tracking the details that make each yacht and her crew unique. There’s no doubt that MYBA works hard to attract the newest yachts joining the fleets, whether it be in Antigua, Genoa – and in the ever-increasing new locations where MYBA is spreading its’ wings, this year including Palma and even Montenegro. It’s a common question in today’s yachting world – are so many shows necessary? Valuable? Worth the cost & effort? That is a question which will continue to plague us for years to come, but according to Coralyn Tracey, MYBA’s most capable Secretary General, it’s entirely possible that a smaller charter show is a harbinger of a busier charter season. In the case of the 2015 MYBA Genoa Charter Show it was definitely a case of quality over HE 2015 MYBA GENOA CHARTER SHOW
quantity, with the smallest yacht attendance in recent memory,
showcased fewer yachts than in recent years, but
but producing a vibrant show with some very interesting vessels,
ushered in a busy Med charter season, and gave many
gorgeous new sailing yachts, sleek go-fast motor yachts, with a
new yachts & crew the chance to shine with competitions and
lot of enthusiastic crew both veteran and brand new. There were
events galore.
a whole raft of new activities and events, exciting competitions,
Life for charter brokers is a constant slog from one yacht
and judging from the bumper charter summer season we’ve all
and charter show to another – trying to remember the constantly
seen – this definitely did the job. Chartering is back in style, with
rotating crew, and choosing the yachts which might best suit
a significant jump in volume, and we saw it all beginning in May. Charter shows are all about allowing the yachts to dress up and impress, and this year’s Genoa show did that in truly yacht-appropriate style. Of course, the annual Chef’s and Service Competition is the hottest ticket, with a sold-out registration and waiting list booked weeks in advance. Besides the yachts, keen chefs and creative service teams, the MYBA Chefs Competition is also a chance for the chefs to also show-off to an increasingly impressive group of judges. In addition to the usual wellexperienced judges including yours truly, this year saw several Michelinstarred chefs representing renowned restaurants from France, Italy and the UK, in addition to daily rotating
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
129
THE MYBA CHARTER YACHT SHOW – GENOA
RIGHT: CHEF SCOT MCDONALD WITH THE INTERIOR CREW OF THE YACHT KERRIE LEE III FAR RIGHT: THE CHEF AND INTERIOR CREW OF VA BENNE
PREVIOUS PAGE TOP: STEPHAN PASKINS’S AXIOMA MAIN COURSE BOTTOM: CHEF STEPHAN PASKINS WITH THE STEWARDESSES ONBOARD AXIOMA
leading charter brokers from top international brokerage houses.
Capt. David ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson keeps his uniform-worthy trim
It seemed to really thrill the chefs and service teams to be judged
figure after all these years! A very intense competition indeed
by the likes of the affable Antonio Mellino of ‘Quatro Passi’
for the Crew Best Fancy Dress Awards, easily won in the Best
(Amalfi and London), debonair Thierry Blouin from French Riviera
Boat category by the wonderfully enthusiastic crew of S/V This
restaurant icon ‘La Mére Gourmande’ and super-star native
Is Us, and Best Individual Fancy Dress went to always creative
Matteo Losio of ‘Braxe’. And who knew that brokers such as Tim
Suzy Sawers, another charter veteran Chief Stewardess from
Clark from MYSEA and Adelheid Chirco of Ocean Independence
yacht Axioma. Even charter brokers were recognised for their
could sling gourmet lingo with such ease? This truly ups the ante
contributions to yachts, including C&N’s Sussie Kidd aka The
of the competition for all of the participants, making the victories
Dancing Queen was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award
all the sweeter for deserving winners.
by YPI, for her 20+ years as one of yachting’s most popular and
With a theme of the Cannes Film Festival, yachts and crew truly rolled out the red carpets, and served up camera-ready fare
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prolific brokers. Bravo to Sussie, and all the winners from the Genoa MYBS Chater Show 2015!
and spectacular themes with table settings worthy of movie
Besides that pesky question of how many shows our
stars. The full list of winners can be found below, but worthy
micro-industry can support, the big question on the charter
of note was the team effort of yacht Aurelia, whose teary-eyed
show horizon is what will happen to the MYBA show after
captain Guy Booth immediately called his owner when chef Ed
the contract expires in Genoa in 2017? Top contenders are
McLahlan’s name was called for 1st Place (yachts 37 – 46 m);
rumoured to include Antibes, Palma, Barcelona, Nice, or even a
young Chef Bradley van Rooyen, who set the gals hearts a flutter
return to Genoa – but the MYBA Board of Directors are keeping
as he placed 3rd for The Wellesley (under 36 m); and ever-
admirably mum on the subject. They hope to announce their
popular yacht Amadeus (over 46 m), who under the command of
decision at this September’s Monaco Yacht Show, so keep your
the very charming Capt. Marcel Busse, swept awards for 3rd Place
radio tuned in to hear this much-anticipated news. No matter
Chef, Best Team Service and Best Chocolate Dessert. It almost
where the MYBA Charter Show migrates to, you can count on
goes without saying that Axioma – always a superstar yacht,
it kicking-off what we all hope continues to be many more busy
would sweep their Chef Stefan Paskins into 1st Place (over 46 m.)
summer seasons ahead.
The awards for yachts and crew didn’t stop there! New
Yachting Matters magazine has for several years supported
to the MYBA Genoa Charter Show was the very popular ‘Fittest
the MYBA Chef and Service Competition by sponsoring the Best
Yacht’, where crew competed by completing classes in yoga,
Yacht Service Award. This year’s three Best Service winners
cycling and other sports – won by the show-stopping brand-
received Go-Pro cameras. For full details on sponsors, winners,
new 60 m Perini Navi Perseus – maybe that’s how her veteran
and more photos, see the MYBA Facebook page.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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SUPPLEMENT AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
The voice of international yacht crew since 1991
The PYA’s mission is to represent the interests of Professional Yacht Personnel and to encourage and maintain the highest professional standards
www.pya.org
A U S TR A L IA • CO RF U • G IBRAL TAR • G REECE IT A L Y • MA L TA • M O N TEN EG RO • N EW ZEAL AN D P A LM A • R H ODES • SO UTH AF RICA • SP AIN S T M A A R TE N • TURKEY • UK ( THE WIRRAL ) U K ( ISL E O F WIG HT) • USA
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Letter from the President Andrew Schofield In 2003, I signed the purchase
For the course of this young man’s life to have been changed so
order for a ‘man rail’ that
catastrophically points to failures at so many levels:
was to be installed on the
– Awareness of the crew member who, being new to the
sides of the new build project
industry, perhaps was unaware of what the correct procedures
I was working on at the time.
were for working over the side.
The rail had been specifically designed with the sole purpose of allowing crew to safely carry out over the side work.
– Acceptance by the deck officer who, after carrying out the prerequisite ‘risk assessment’ found the risk to be acceptable to suspend crew over the side from a fender saddle.
Since then, numerous other yachts have been commissioned and hundreds of thousands, if not more, of over the side jobs have been safely completed. The Merchant Shipping Regulations place the onus squarely on the employer to make sure that ‘no lifting equipment
– Approval from the captain that this kind of practice was acceptable for crew under his command. – The DPA’s lack of awareness that this kind of thing was being done on yachts under his management.
shall be used for lifting persons unless it is designed for purpose’. In early June of this year, I read about a tragic case of a young
I’m not writing any of this to apportion blame on anyone. The point
crewmember who had been asked to carry out over the side work. He
I am making is that the rules and regulations are there for a reason.
was suspended, from the side of a large yacht, on a fender saddle and
Ignore best practice at your peril.
was working just above the water line. The fender saddle came off the
Despite the hard work of thousands of professional crew, there
capping rail and on its way down, hit him on the head. He is now in
remains a lot of ‘grumbling’ about how the rules and regulations have
a coma after suffering from hypoxia (drowning). Reading about this
taken all the ‘fun’ out of yachting. Unfortunately, in many respects,
accident affected me on many levels:
there is an element of truth in this. However, dealing with the
– the sadness I feel for him and his family
aftermath of any accident onboard is not fun either. Now contemplate
– the horrendous effect it must have had on the Captain who was
dealing with the aftermath of an accident that should never have
obliged to don scuba gear to recover him from under water – the first officer
happened: this is no fun at all. For many years now, the PYA has been at the forefront of
– the crew morale
shaping the rules that affect large yachts. The PYA does not invent
– the management company
regulation. Our focus is to work with policy makers to tailor them and
– the owner
so make them relevant to the industry they are designed to protect.
But, after the immediate reaction that is only natural when one hears
Yet, as this accident illustrates, despite all the effort, preventable
of tragic accidents, several other thoughts struck me.
tragedies still occur.
How in the age of health and safety at work can a young life
For me, the upshot of this sad tale is a strengthening of my
be ruined by poor practice? This accident was preventable. It should
resolve to maintain the focus of the association on engagement with
never have happened. What is worse, we all know what best practice
policy makers. We all have a duty of care and the case for advocacy
is – or do we?
of best practice has never been stronger.
Leticia Van Allen, founder and director of Van Allen Group, manages the longest established and highly respected international yacht crew recruitment agency in Spain. Van Allen Group is placing competent crew on board professional yachts globally. We believe that a yacht is only as good as its crew. Yacht recruitment by people who know people. VAN ALLEN GROUP CREW AGENCY Plaza Santa Eulalia no. 7, 2nd Floor, Suite 4, Palma de Mallorca Tel: + 34 871 960694 Mob: + 34 670 532773 E-mail: info@vanallengroup.com
www.vanallengroup.com www.railstarmarine.com 132
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
What is the Professional Yachting Association? The PYA exists to represent and support professional yacht crew
Seaman’s Discharge Book to obtain seaman’s fares and extra baggage
and has members from nearly 50 countries around the world. It
allowances from airlines, and for presentation at job interviews.
is a not for profit association that looks after the interests of crew,
The PYA is authorised to issue Yacht Rating Certificates
and offers accurate, unbiased advice and support on certification,
on behalf of the MCA and publishes an MCA-approved Training
training, welfare, and regulation.
Record Book and Crew Work Book.
The PYA is the ONLY organisation committed to helping professional yacht crew in this way.
INFORMATION The PYA is managed by a board of 30 council members whose many
WHAT IS THE PYA DOING FOR CREW?
years of combined experience in the yachting industry represent an invaluable resource for crew. The PYA’s knowledge of training and
CERTIFICATION
certification requirements for deck, engineering and interior positions
When trying to obtain a certificate of competency, the biggest
is up to date, comprehensive and completely impartial.
problem yacht crew have is to accurately prove their time spent at
Working with Maritime Administrations at all levels, the PYA
sea. The PYA is authorised by the MCA to verify sea service, which
is always first to hear the information that matters, and we accurately
is essential to progress your yachting career. This means there is no
relay everything our members need to know.
need to submit testimonials to the MCA, making applications or revalidations far quicker.
We can assist in queries regarding flag state, port state controls, regulation and much more.
We meticulously verify each sea service entry and add it to your official MCA-approved PYA Service Record Book. As well as
REPRESENTATION
proving your sea service, the SRB can be used in the same way as a
The PYA has helped many members with issues such as non-payment
The voice of international yacht crew since 1991 PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
of wages, unfair dismissal, lack of contracts etc. The power that the
JOIN THE PYA
voice of the PYA has means that we are far better positioned to assist
In order to continue the important work we do on behalf of yacht
crew when things go wrong than if they tried to represent themselves.
crew, we rely on the support of crew becoming members. We can
The PYA consults with policy makers who write legislation
only make changes and improvements if the PYA and the crew all
affecting the construction, operation and manning of large yachts.
work together.
Over the years, PYA has participated in numerous workgroups and
The bigger the PYA, the bigger the voice we all have in our industry. Be part of it!
steering committees to ensure the point of view of those actually working on board is known and understood. The working environment of Seafaring is becoming more and more regulated. Therefore the work we do to champion crew’s
JOIN THE PYA EASILY ONLINE AT: MEMBERS.PYA.ORG/SIGNUP
interests and the PYA’s services have never been more important.
CAREERS ADVICE The PYA encourages and mentors new entrants into professional yachting, as well as offering career advice to seasoned crew. PYA staff and council can assist crew at all stages of their careers, including updates on qualifications, career mapping, CV advice, help with applications for NoE’s, Training Record Books and all aspects of Sea Service and Yacht Service recording. Attending and hosting regular seminars and workshops on various subjects worldwide, the PYA invites renowned industry
JOINING FEE
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Cadet Green with Crew Work Book**
WAIVED
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* Cadet membership is only available for people with less than two years’ sea going experience ** Crew Work Book is accepted by the MCA as a recognised logbook for Yacht Rating Certificates only
professionals with topical and relevant information to inform crew of changes in policy and regulations that affect them.
TRAINING STANDARDS The PYA takes the role of yacht crew representative very seriously when it comes to quality training and professional development. The PYA is also an accreditation administration, and has accredited many courses including IT, Leadership and Management, Chef, Interior, Security and the Superyacht Operations distance learning courses. The PYA encourages continuous professional development through workgroups, seminars and also by being part of the Yacht Qualifications Panel at MCA for the Deck and Engineering departments. We work with the Royal Yachting Association on various educational projects, including the onboard Personal Watercraft Safety course for Owners and Guests, and more recently, following demand for better training at this level, on the RYA/PYA Yacht Tender Certificate for entry-level crew. The biggest professional development provision the PYA has launched is the industry standard of training and certification for interior crew, ‘Guidelines for Unified Excellence in Service Training’ (GUEST©). It is the first time that the yachting sector has developed its own training standards and filled the recognised gaps in training needs with a progressional career path for an onboard department. With the support of industry professionals such as Crew Agents and MYBA Charter Brokers, and with 17 busy Training Schools worldwide offering all levels of the GUEST© program, it has fast become an industry standard.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
Hey Dougward, its time to put the fenders over
All done Captain... fenders over the side!
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Are professionals in the Superyacht industry all at sea when it comes to insurance? by Sarah Allan, Maritime Lawyer When I was 18, I crewed a yacht from France for the Arc Race
familiar with maritime law and multi-jurisdictional disputes should
from Las Palmas to St Lucia. I then spent a year working on
be sought at an early stage (a word of caution not all personal injury
boats, sometimes as a permanent crew member, and other times
lawyers have this experience, so you need to ask).
as a day worker or stewardess. Now over twenty years on as a
As an experienced sailor, I certainly do not wish to encourage
maritime lawyer, I realise that whilst no serious incidents arose,
unwarranted claims within our arena; but instead to make professionals
I was ignorant of what, if any, arrangements were in place in
in the industry, crew and guests alike aware of the potential risks and
the event of a serious or even minor accident, or were I to be
problems in the event of an incident or medical emergency. The starting
seriously ill whilst far from home.
point is knowing what insurance cover is in place and the procedures to
Since then the industry has grown exponentially, the size of
follow in the event of an incident. This is important as, notwithstanding
yachts is ever increasing, and with that, the risk of serious injury or
good intentions, disputes often arise out of misunderstandings, or a
fatalities has increased. There are also more professional crew than
failure to follow the appropriate claims procedure under the correct
ever. From our experience, and indeed simply by speaking to friends
insurance policy in the first place.
who work in the industry, many are still in the dark as I was, even though times have moved on.
For instance, one might correctly assume that an owner of a large yacht has adequate insurance for its yacht. However, whilst this
Disputes can arise where an injured crewmember or guest does
may be the case, the owner’s insurance might not cover a person’s
not wish to make a fuss at the time, but changes their mind when the
expectations of what should happen, or indeed their medical needs, in
full impact of their injuries becomes apparent later on. If significant
the event of an accident or medical emergency.
time has gone by, the notification period to present claims to insurers
One might be surprised that many smaller and/or non-
may have passed. The period in which an injured party has to bring a
commercial yachts are not legally obliged to have any insurance in
claim (known as the limitation period, which may only be one or two
many countries’ coastal waters. Whilst some owners might insure to
years in some jurisdictions) may also have expired in the country where
protect their asset or interests, others may have only done so as it was a
the courts have legal jurisdiction to determine the claim. At worst, an
prerequisite in order to secure a berth in a marina, or partake in a race.
injured party may have commenced legal proceedings in the wrong
They might also have sought the most economical policy possible. For
jurisdiction within time, only to find that the limitation period has
such yachts, a single policy covering hull and machinery, legal liability
expired in the correct jurisdiction. Their recourse may then only be
to third parties and limited liability for guests and crew for personal
against their lawyer. Any such unfortunate scenarios are bound to end
injury and medical expenses, would be quite usual.
up in resentment between the injured party, the owner and the insurer.
However, the position has changed somewhat for larger yachts.
These problems are not uncommon. Establishing the place
This is because many yachts (motor and sail) are now either of a gross
where the courts have jurisdiction to determine a personal injury claim
tonnage subject to international conventions, and/or are chartered.
is not straightforward. Even if that is easily established, it does not follow
Insurance is essential, if not obligatory. However, you might find an
that the same law applies. A familiar story might be an injury caused by
owner instead has a number of different policies to cover the different
an exploding block recently installed by a sub-contractor during a refit
risks, which is arranged by an insurance broker.
at a local yard, occurring off an island in the Caribbean. The yacht is
For instance, a large yacht may now at least have a hull and
registered in the Cayman Islands, the injured crew or guest is British,
machinery policy, and P&I (protection and indemnity) cover
living in the South of France, the owner is a company registered in the
responding to legal liabilities to third parties. This should also cover
BVI, the employer is a management company registered in the Channel
liabilities arising under international conventions such as the Maritime
Islands, and so on.
Labour Convention 2006 for employed crew compensation, sickness
Prompt action is to be recommended in the event of a serious
benefits and repatriation. However, the P&I policy insurance may
incident where these issues come into play. Advice from a legal expert
require an owner to have separate crew medical insurance in place
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
intended to respond to the immediate demands of an incident.
front, or do you or the owner or captain have to pay them in
Therefore, its cover is usually subject to the crew medical responding
the first instance, to be recovered on an indemnity basis upon
first. Personal accident cover may be desirable for employed crew.
receipt of evidence of payment?
Dependent on the cruising range, kidnap and ransom, and additional premium for war risks may also be appropriate (albeit, as regards the former, details may not be disclosed for good reason). Whether working on board any size of yacht as a permanent
emergency under the respective insurance policies? – Does the owner have insurance for personal accident? Does the policy only cover you whilst on board and on a ship’s business,
or temporary crew member, subcontractor or guest, you should find
or would it cover you whilst on holiday and/or away from the
out whether an owner has insurance cover which would cover you
yacht on your own business?
and that it would meet your expectations in the event of an accident
Having an understanding of the insurance arrangements in place
or medical emergency. If racing, the policies may distinguish between
means that you can make an informed decision as to whether you want
paid race crew, and race crew who are friends of the owner or captain
to go on board at all, speak with the captain/owner about obtaining
as opposed to guests. You need to check. Some key questions which
more suitable cover, and/or make your own arrangements.
you should consider are as follows: – Do the policies cover you in the capacity that you are on board
Taking matters into your own hands can be recommended if you are regularly hopping from boat to boat as a crew, or as an industry
in the range that the yacht is operating? For instance, does the
professional (sail maker, engineer or rigger) regularly on board different
policy cover permanent crew only? If so, how many? Does it
yachts in various places in that capacity. If you decide to arrange
cover day workers, or race crew as well?
your own insurance, it is important to check the small print carefully.
– Is there medical insurance in place? Is it sufficient to cover
Professionals in the industry really do need to have bespoke policies,
the cost of flying you as fast as possible to your desired place
which cover the type of work they do. For instance, a standard travel
for treatment, or even home? Even better, does it include a
insurance policy is unlikely to cover superyacht racing, may have very
Medevac scheme?
restricted cruising ranges, and is unlikely to cover someone working in
– Does the insurance provider pay for the medical expenses up
Comanche – photograph courtesy of www.markoconnell.photodeck.com
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– What do you have to do in the event of an accident or medical
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
a professional capacity.
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Additionally, if self-employed, one should consider what cover is
and loads on these yachts which ordinarily cruise. It was evident from
in place in the event of a serious injury resulting in a long interruption
speaking with professionals that there is an element of uneasiness about
to your ability to work. A common misconception is that you may
what could go wrong. The reality is that there will always be risks in
recover under an owners’ insurance policy consequential losses arising
this industry and indeed accidents can and do happen on much smaller
from an injury on board. In fact, unless a policy provides it will pay out
craft. Comparatively the incidents on such large yachts appear to be
a specific sum in the event of an accident, it does not follow that an
few and far between. This is most likely attributable to people in the
owner will be liable for consequential losses by way of damages. Such
industry and organisations such as the Super Yacht Racing Association
liability only arises if, by way of example, there was a legal liability
continually assessing risks and making improvements to make yachting
arising from the owners’ negligence. In cases of a serious injury like
as safe as possible.
loss of limb or head injury, potentially caused by someone’s negligence
This said, professionals and owners should still have frank
it will usually be necessary to involve lawyers to assess these damages
conversations about the insurance cover and arrangements in place in
and legal proceedings may be necessary. If this is necessary, and you
the event of an accident or medical emergency. If everyone knows what
seek advice from a solicitor on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis, ensure that the
needs to be done in the event of a serious incident, and are aware of
costs implications are explained to you and that you understand. In
the correct procedures to be followed, such actions tend to lead to the
some instances part of the solicitor’s fee will come out of any damages
resolution, rather than escalation, of disputes. This can only be good
sum secured.
for the industry, although one might be reluctant to have that “what if”
I have focused in this article on injury or medical emergencies
conversation in the first place.
against which a professional may wish to be protected. However, professionals may also be exposed to claims being advanced by third
Sarah Allan is a senior solicitor with Bentleys, Stokes and Lowless, a
parties against them arising out of incidents, whether ashore or an accident
specialist firm in maritime law who has also been a passionate sailor all of
on the water. One should not underestimate the value of insurance cover
her life, and raced extensively when not at her desk. This article was also
that includes limited legal expenses and legal costs protection.
contributed by her colleague Rachel Butlin, Personal Injury Manager and
Having had my first experience of sailing on a superyacht at
Fiona Milsom, Managing Director of Zorab Insurance Services.
the St Bart’s Bucket this year, I was quite taken aback by the sheer size
DID YOU KNOW? The PYA Confidential Advisory Service Written by a PYA Council member
on a personal basis, using our knowledge and experience, and we are not acting as representatives of the PYA. It’s also important to understand that our service is confidential and we do not discuss any case with outside parties unless we have obtained the specific consent of the member involved. As mentioned above, the majority of cases seem to involve non-payment of wages and/or disputes arising out of the termination
Did you know that one of the many services the PYA provides to
of employment. The non-payment of wages is often fairly simple to
members is a confidential advisory service?
resolve because, in most cases, the owner or manager will pay once
Almost every day the PYA Office is contacted by members wanting advice on a great variety of topics. Many of these requests
138
It should be stressed that my colleagues and I provide advice
they understand that legal processes exist whereby the seafarer can go to court to make a claim against the vessel.
involve purely technical matters and most are answered directly
Disputes about what is due when a seafarer’s employment
by our staff, but a proportion of them concern personal problems,
ends (holiday pay, repatriation, etc.) often arise because the terms
usually related to employment matters, and are forwarded by our
of employment have either not been put in writing or are not
staff to one or another of our small team of senior members who are
sufficiently detailed. In these cases I find it’s usually best that a
available to try to help.
mutually acceptable settlement be agreed.
From my own experience, I would say that around half of the
I get a great deal of satisfaction from being able to use my
problems that come my way concern either non-payment of wages
long experience in our industry to help our members when they meet
or disputes about employment termination. The others involve a
problems, and I like to believe that this service which my colleagues
wide range of problems and I have recently tried to help in cases
and I offer is one of the things that makes membership of the PYA
involving serious injury, physical assault and intimidation.
so worthwhile.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Superyacht Leadership Development This summer the PYA has been working hard on creating the
40% of crew said they had experienced unfair treatment and
framework and curriculum for the leadership element of the
bullying, while 64% of non-leadership position crew said they had left
GUEST© training program. A workgroup comprising Karen
a position due to poor leadership on board. One respondent cited: ‘The
Passman of Impact Crew, Alison Rentoul of The Crew Coach,
Captain was a good boat driver, but had no idea how to behave as a
Peter Vogel of Interior Yacht Services, Angela Wallace of
leader or how to motivate crew. Bullying and chauvinistic behaviour
The Crew Academy and Simon Harvey of Neurons 2 People
of both the captain and deck crew meant that I could not stay any
Skills put their heads together over several weeks to come up
longer.’ Another wrote: ‘I was being micro-managed, there was a lack
with a curriculum that covers all the essential elements of an
of communication and an inability to discipline and confront crew.’
introduction to leadership.
Results like this show it would appear to be more important than
With the intention of creating a course equivalent to the core
ever that the quality of the leadership on board is improved. Most
elements covered in HELM Operational level, but tailored to the
of the current crew development that owners and captains invest in
needs of the Superyacht industry, the aim of the 3 day Superyacht
is focused around yachting-related or service skills. However, many
Leadership Development course is to raise awareness of the impact
crew find themselves escalating through the ranks and needing to
a leader has on individuals’ and team performance aboard, and the
manage increasing numbers of crew, when they are not necessarily
need to be flexible and adaptable in their leadership approach. In
ready for this level of responsibility and may not have the people
addition to this, upon completion of the training, participants are
management skills to support their role. One respondent noted: ‘We
expected to be able to develop, mentor and motivate crewmembers.
witnessed the Chief Stewardess hire and fire 18 junior stews in a
While this course has primarily been created to slot into the
period of 24 months.’
Leadership and Management 3rd tier of the interior GUEST©
When part of the leader’s role is to develop their crew,
program, the workgroup have created a certificate that is relevant
and becoming a teacher is a skill of its own, no wonder many
not just to the interior, but to all crew in a leadership role within
crew complain that they are not receiving the development they
the industry. With the advent of the MLC and introduction of
need. Survey respondents said they felt they needed ‘Better on
compulsory leadership training in the yachting industry, more and
the job training’ and ‘Opportunities to put navigation training
more Captains and crew are beginning to recognise the value and
into practice’. The three-day Superyacht Leadership Development
importance of developing skills in this essential area.
course will include learning about all of these key leadership skills
With many opinions on the relevance and importance of this kind of training in the Superyacht industry, Impact Crew recently
and give crew the confidence and ability to support them in putting these into practice.
conducted a survey to understand the push and pull factors that drive
With these findings in mind and the predicted massive shortfall
high crew turnover in the industry. Over 6 months they collected just
of crew in the coming years, the PYA hopes the move towards
under 1,000 responses from a broad range of crew, revealing some
encouraging leadership and people management skills will see a
very interesting statistics and comments.
reduction in overall crew turnover and a reduction in crew leaving the
It might be surprising to learn that 50% of respondents cited
yachting industry as a whole. Good leadership means happy crew –
crew morale and personality clashes as their primary reason for leaving
happy crew make happy guests – and happy guests mean a financially
a yacht. As one respondent put it, ‘Salary was fine and itinerary was
healthy industry, making leadership training not just a ‘nice to have’
excellent, but crew dynamics needed to improve’. This shows that the
but an essential part of the future of Superyachting.
way teams perform and interact with each other is a very important factor in increasing longevity and loyalty in crewmembers.
www.superyachtcaptains.com Have you joined the free private networking site for professional yacht captains? Almost 1000 members have! PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Cooking up a storm: an update on the Ships’ Cook Certificate (SCC) and the Marine Cookery Assessment by YachtChefs.com
TO CLARIFY: (1.) Existing ships cooks (those holding both Part 1 and Part 2 Ships’ Cooks Certificate of Competency or a recognised equivalent as listed in MSN 1846) and MOD Ships’ Cooks are not required to undertake further Cooks training. However they will need to complete Food Hygiene/Safety, STCW Basic Training and Security Awareness if they have not already done so. Some existing Ships’ cooks may have 5 years sea service as a cook in lieu of their Part 1 . (2.) Otherwise qualified cooks (those holding at least a Level 2 City & Guilds qualification) will be required to complete the Assessment in Marine Cookery before applying for a UK MLC Ships’ Cook Certificate of Competency. Under the previous regulations (Certification of Ships’ Cooks Regulations 1981) this was a pre-requisite for entry to the Ships’ Cook course which was comprised of 2 parts each lasting 6 weeks. In addition to passing the Marine Assessment, holders of these qualifications will also need to complete Food Hygiene/Safety, STCW Basic Training and Security Awareness. (3.) Holders of qualifications at a higher level, i.e. UK Level 4 or above, will need to supply documentary evidence (i.e. their course syllabus) that the course they have qualified in meets or exceeds the learning outcomes of Annex 2 in MSN 1846. They should then send a copy of the syllabus they completed to the MCA to verify that they can apply for the MLC Ships’ Cook
Yachtchefs.com is a yacht chef specialist placement agency based in Antibes.
COC without the need to take any further catering examinations.
The agency is a corporate member of the PYA and its founder, Efrem Leigh
Holders of these qualifications will also need to complete STCW
sits on the PYA Continuous Professional Development Chef sub workgroup.
Basic Training, Security Awareness. If they can demonstrate the
www.yachtchefs.com
course also included Food Safety/Food Hygiene, it may not be necessary to complete further examination in this area. This will
There is still much debate, confusion and misinformation amongst the yacht chef community as to what the Ships’ Cook Certificate and Marine Cookery Assessment entails and who it is relevant to or not.
be checked when the course syllabus is submitted for verifying. (4.) Holders of non-UK issued qualifications are advised to do one of the following:
The confusion relates to who the SCC and Assessment applies to and
(i) Apply to the Maritime Authority from where their
whether chefs with a culinary training or chef apprenticeship background
qualifications were issued for that country’s Ships’ Cook
and relevant yacht chef experience as well as the right sea time will have to
Certificate of Competency. Under the MLC, signatories
sit the Marine Cookery Assessment in order to attain the SCC. ‘Due to the continued requests for information and advice from chefs who are contacting me on a daily basis I launched a website called www.shipscookcertificate.co.uk specifically aimed at
are required to recognise MLC Ships’ Cook Certificates as equivalent to one issued under their own regulations; OR (ii) Pass the UK Assessment in Marine Cookery before applying for the UK MLC Ships’ Cook Certificate.
trying to offer the latest information to chefs on the topic of SCC, the Marine Cookery Assessment and Food Safety’ Efrem Leigh says.
The list of recognised food safety/food hygiene courses and
‘The site features any of the latest updates from The MCA, Secrets
approved bodies/provider is published in MIN 479. The course and
de Cuisine, South Tyneside College and The PYA as well as articles and
examination must be completed at a centre approved by the chosen
feedback from chefs who have done the Marine Cookery Assessment
provider. No online courses are accepted.
themselves and who want to share their experiences with other chefs.’
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Having just spoken directly with The MCA in the UK, Efrem
For further information on anything related to the SCC or Marine Cookery
has the latest update from them in which they stated the following by
Assessment, chefs should contact The MCA directly in the UK by email to
email on 25th June 2015:
mlc@mcga.gov.uk
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
Captains 路 AREA 路
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Your Ingredients Matter
How to stock your summer bar onboard by Jonathan Pogash – The Cocktail Guru Inc. PYA-Accredited On Board and Classroom Beverage Certification Classes – www.thecocktailguru.com With the warmer months upon us, it is vital that we engage each
SUMMER INGREDIENTS
other in some brisk banter, sassy story-telling and refreshingly
Liquor
lively libations. Throughout my 20 years’ experience in the food
You don’t have to pay a lot to get good quality liquor. That being
and beverage industry, I’ve come to the conclusion that stocking
said, you also shouldn’t skimp. There are some great quality spirits
the right bar is essential in creating that perfect guest experience
and liqueurs out there that serve many purposes in cocktails. I’ve
we all strive for.
listed just a few of my favourites, but feel free to
We all know that space is tight on board. So choosing
experiment and learn through trial and error.
a few key essential ingredients and tools for the bar is of the utmost importance. Additionally, using said tools and ingredients
Elderflower liqueur
properly is the key. Remember, as a cocktail-maker, you are an
A deliciously refreshing, tropical, and floral ingredient
artist. So, just as Van Gogh needed the best ingredients and tools
that works well simply mixed with any kind of sparkling
for his paintings, you too need the best ingredients and tools to
wine. Try adding it to a Daiquiri or Mojito variation.
make your liquid masterpieces.
Ginger liqueur TOOLS
If you like the flavour of fresh ginger (NOT sushi
Boston Shaker
ginger), then this liqueur is for you. It’s spicy,
A traditional ‘Boston Shaker’ is what I always recommend.
not too sweet, and works very well in a variety of
This is a 24 or 30 oz. stainless steel vessel that fits securely
cocktails.
onto a traditional 16 oz. pint glass. Make sure the pint glass is heat-treated/tempered.
100% Blue Agave tequila There are many types of tequila out there, but you should only use
Strainers
tequilas that state that they’re 100% blue agave. Tequilas that are
You’ll also need what’s called a ‘Hawthorn Strainer’.
not 100% blue agave, called ‘Mixto’ tequilas, have other ingredients
This is a flat stainless steel contraption that looks
added to them that we wouldn’t necessarily want to serve ve
similar to a sugar sifter. It has coiled springs attached
to our discerning guests.
to it to aid in catching solids when transferring liquid ingredients from the shaker into a glass.
Prosecco We are, of course, all familiar with Champagne..
Muddler
And there’s nothing quite like a glass of Champagne to
If you want to make any sort of Mojito-style drink, you’ll need a
celebrate. However, when it comes to bubbly cocktails
‘Muddler’. This is either made from stainless steel or wood (I prefer
like Mimosas and Bellinis, I would recommend using
the wood variety), and looks similar to the ‘Pestle’ in a ‘Mortar and
Prosecco. This style of sparkling wine is from Italy, is
Pestle’ set.
full of lively bubbles, and is a touch sweet and citrusy, lending itself beautifully to specialty cocktails.
Jigger This is a measuring tool marked in millilitres, centilitres, or ounces. Accuracy is key when mixing a balanced
My main advice would be to always use fresh juices! Stay as far
drink, and the only way to be sure of this is by using a d
away as possible from any sort of pre-mixed sour, drink mixes,
jigger to measure out your liquid ingredients. It takes some ji
etc. These include mainly artificial ingredients and sweeteners,
practice and getting used to, but it is more than worth it
and have no place in good quality cocktails. Some more of my
in the long-run.
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NON ALCOHOLIC MIXERS
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
recommendations follow:
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Fresh citrus:
Seasonal fruit:
An obvious choice in my mind. Either use a hand juicer to squeeze
We all know that there are fruits and
each lemon, lime or orange fresh to order, or invest in an automatic
vegetables that are their best at certain
food-service grade citrus juicer so you can juice ahead of time.
times of the year. Do some research and use these seasonal ingredients in your
Simple syrup:
cocktails. Some examples would be raspberries, strawberries, mangos,
This is just as the name suggests - simple! It’s a blend of equal parts
blackberries, peaches, and blood oranges.
water and sugar, and can be balanced with the citrus from lime or lemon to create your own fresh sour mix.
TECHNIQUE Once you have a grasp on tools and ingredients, you’ll want to
Agave nectar:
practice, practice and practice! Work on proper drink making
An alternative sweetener, much like honey, made from the agave
techniques, like jiggering, shaking, and straining, and experiment
plant (the same plant that Tequila is made from). Use it sparingly
with your skills. You’ll soon come to find that creating new cocktails
and instead of simple syrup.
is fun and easy. If you’re not having fun doing it, then you’re not doing it right!
Fresh herbs:
You may now mix, shake, experiment, and go forth on your There’s nothing like the
‘mixological journey’. Always remember, we learn through trial and
aroma of fresh mint, sage,
error. Ask questions, and feel free to get in touch along the way if you
basil, etc. I use these muddled
need help.
into my drinks, or simply
If you are inspired by Jonathan’s cocktail advice and would
as garnish. Why not make
like to show off your talents, the PYA will be hosting their annual
an on-board herb garden
table setting competition during this year’s Monaco Yacht
specifically for cocktails?
Show, and for the first time, the contest will also include a cocktail
Now there’s a novel idea!
making element.
Table setting and Mixology competition,
Monaco Yacht Show
MEDITERRANEAN
TWIS
The annual PYA GUEST© table setting competition will be held
The table setting
during the Monaco Yacht show 2015, and will incorporate a NEW
and arrival cocktail theme
element this year of an ‘arrival cocktail’.
will be ‘Mediterranean
The objective of the competition is for crew to demonstrate
Twist’. The theme can be
their skills and techniques in accordance with the theme, and to
interpreted in the crew’s
highlight their creativity in producing an original table presentation
own style and imagination.
and cocktail. The crew will be faced with the challenge of artistically decorating an interior or exterior table onboard using the yacht’s own linen, tableware, glassware and decorations. The addition of the ‘arrival cocktail’ supported by World Class and Diageo Reserve (premium brands include Johnnie Walker Scotch
Judging
will
PYA GUEST© Table Setting & Mixology Competition Monaco Yacht Show, Show 24th & 25th September 2015 #MYSmediterraneantwist
be
broken down into over 45 m and under 45 m categories, and the judges will step on-board at a pre-scheduled time during the show. The winner’s announcement and prize giving will take place on Friday 25th September during the PYA Sea Changes Forum for Interior crew.
Whiskies, Cîroc Vodka, Ketel One Vodka, Zacapa Rum, Don Julio
This is a PYA GUEST© initiative to promote continuous
Tequila, and Tanqueray No. TEN Gin), is an exciting bonus for this
professional development and standardisation of training for interior
year’s competition. The cocktail element will encourage crew to be
crew within the yachting sector.
original and innovative, not only in their craft and mixology but in their overall thinking of the theme and presentation.
For further information and details of how to enter, please contact the PYA on training@pya.org.
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
GUEST Accredited Training Schools Directory We have a large number of Training Providers who are still pending accreditation, however this list includes only those who have met the standards and are offering the courses as listed.
Australia SUPER YACHT CREW AUSTRALIA
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Courses Sydney PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course www.superyachtcrew.com.au/courses Also running STCW courses
France INTERIOR TRAINING ACADEMY
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Cocktail and Spirit Advanced Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
FINEWINEWORKS
PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Cocktail and Spirit Advanced Course Also running WSET courses
MAGNUMS BUTLERS
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Barista and Hot Beverages Course PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Service PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Housekeeping PYA Yacht Interior Management Course
Juan Les Pins www.interiortrainingacademy.com in association with Bluewater Yachting
Monaco www.finewineworks.com/ wset_training_courses Juan Les Pins www.yachtstewardess.biz/ yachtstewardess
THE CREW ACADEMY France www.thecrewacademy.com
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Barista and Hot Beverages Course PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Service PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Housekeeping Also running WSET and Purser courses
Italy DE FELICE AGENZIA MARITTIMA Viareggio www.agenziadefelice.it
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping
144
BLUE NATION
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course Also running PBL2 courses
NZ SCHOOL OF FOOD AND WINE
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running WSET courses
MAHURANGI TECHNICAL INSTITUTE www.superyachtcourses.co.nz
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
Auckland www.bluenationcrew.co.nz
Auckland www.foodandwine.co.nz/ Super_Yacht
South Africa SUPER YACHTING SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town www.sysa.co.za
Netherlands IYS INTERIOR YACHT SERVICES www.iys-nl.com
New Zealand
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Wine Intermediate Course PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Barista and Hot Beverages Course PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Service PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Housekeeping
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
Spain THE NAUTICAL ACADEMY PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service Barcelona www.nautical-academy.net
PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
FINEWINEWORKS
PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Cocktail and Spirit Advanced Course Also running WSET courses
Palma www.finewineworks.com/ wset_training_courses
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Turkey D-MARIN
United States of America PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping
ICT
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Barista and Hot Beverages Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
JPMA
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
MPT
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
MARITIME TRAINING ACADEMY
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course ISM (correspondence course) Accounting (correspondence course)
THE COCKTAIL GURU
PYA Cocktail and Sprit Intermediate Course PYA Cocktail and Spirit Advanced Course
UKSA
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course Also running STCW and PBL2 course
WARSASH SUPER YACHT ACADEMY – IN ASSOCIATION WITH IYS
PYA Yacht Interior Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Basic Food Service Course PYA Wine and Cocktail Introduction Course PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Service PYA Yacht Interior Intermediate Housekeeping PYA Barista and Hot Beverages Course PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Service PYA Yacht Interior Advanced Housekeeping PYA Yacht Interior Management Course Also running STCW and PBL2 courses
Didim | Aydin www.d-marin.com
Fort Lauderdale www.yachtmaster.com
United Kingdom Liverpool www.hss.ac.uk
Southampton www.maritimetrainingacademy.com
Isle of Wight www.uksa.org
Southampton www.warsashsuperyachtacademy.com
Fort Lauderdale www.mptusa.com
Fort Lauderdale www.thecocktailguru.com
This directory does not include the PYA accredited Super Yacht Operations online courses for ISM and Accounting: www.maritimetrainingacademy.com/ all-courses/superyacht-operations/
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Get international recognition for your professional engineering expertise! The Professional Yachting Association is working in collaboration
ATTEND THE ENGINEERING SEMINAR AND GET
with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to support
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION ADVICE AT MONACO!
engineers and technicians who are keen to progress their careers,
Following on from last year’s successful engineering seminar attended
by providing a route to professional registration qualifications,
by over 60 technical crew, the PYA and IET will be hosting a further
such as Chartered Engineer, Incorporated Engineer, Engineering
seminar as part of the PYA’s Headline Sea Changes Event at the
Technician and ICT Technician.
Monaco Yacht Show.
If you are part of a technical crew working as an Engineer Officer,
In addition to the seminar, this year the IET will be offering
Electro Technical Officer (ETO), Senior Electro Technical Officer
complimentary professional registration workshops to technical crew
(SETO), Audio Visual/Information Technology Officer (AVIT), you
members on 23rd September 2015, along with the option to pre-book
may currently have vast super yacht industry experience and hold a
appointments with qualified engineering professional registration
certificate of competency alongside other qualifications. Have you
advisors on 23rd and 24rd September. To
considered getting further recognition for your technical competence? The IET-PYA bespoke professional registration programme
attend
an
IET
professional
registration
workshop and/or book an individual appointment with an
will give you dedicated support and guidance to enable you to
IET
Professional
Registration
Advisor
please
contact:
demonstrate your technical expertise, competence and commitment
getregistered@theiet.org – stating your preferred workshop time.
to the engineering profession. Joey Meen, Director of Training and Certification at the PYA says, ‘We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the IET helping technical on shore and seagoing engineers to gain further recognition for their professionalism. We know that crew members have the technical skills to do their jobs, but have yet to be rewarded with a qualification that significantly marks out their expertise and competence. This bespoke route to professional registration will allow these individuals to gain international recognition for their achievements and help to boost their careers.’
IET-PYA SCHEDULE DURING MONACO YACHT SHOW 23 SEPT 2015
IET PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION GUIDANCE 1:1 appointments with an engineering qualified IET Professional Registration Advisor. This meeting can take place during the Monaco Yacht Show or by telephone/face to face at a convenient date/time.
24 SEPT 2015
IET-PYA ENGINEERING SEMINAR & PANEL (AS PART OF THE PYA HEADLINE DECK AND ENGINEERING EVENT) With key speakers including: Michelle Richmond CEng FIET (Director of Membership & Professional Development, IET) Maritime & Coastal Agency Regulator, Roger Towner John Wyborn, PYA Council, Training & Crew Followed by drinks and networking
25 SEPT 2015
IET PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION BESPOKE WORKSHOPS Detailed competence-specific information for technical crew considering professional registration application via the IET-PYA joint programme. Two workshops will be run on this day.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
PYA Activity Report Spring / Summer 2015 The following is a list of external meetings the PYA has attended on behalf of its members. This activity report lists meetings throughout Spring and Summer 2015. A brief explanation has been included to illustrate the relevance of these meetings. For full reports go to www.pya.org
25TH – 27TH MAR
PALMA CREW SHOW
members were able to provide some very
A bespoke crew event hosted by Dovaston in
relevant and topical advice to the audience.
Palma. The PYA had a stand in the main tent
The PYA team were also on our stand to
where we welcomed new and old members, and
meet with crew and industry professionals
joined in the crew seminars and activities run
throughout the event. Supported by MYBA
throughout the two days. Supported by MYBA
– The Worldwide Yachting Association.
– The Worldwide Yachting Association.
Attended by Capt. Rod Hatch, Capt. Adrian Croft,
Attended by Joey Meen
Joey Meen (chair of panel), Lars Lippuner, Carey Secrett, Alison Houghton & Karen Hughes
30TH MAR – 1ST APR PYA ITALIAN ROADSHOW: The PYA went ‘on tour’ to the marinas of
25TH APR
MEETING OF ASSOCIATIONS IN ANTIBES,
Viareggio, Genoa and Imperia. In conjunction
FRANCE INCLUDING MYBA, GEPY, IYM AND
with new PYA regional office, Agenzia
THE PYA:
Marittima De Felice, we hosted a seminar
The associations met regarding concerns for
and drinks reception for crew in Viareggio.
encouraging new crew to come into the industry
Joey Meen presented to the mostly Italian
to meet the needs over the next decade. The
audience, which was very well received by all.
objective is to encourage more professional
We ran a similar event the next evening in
crew to join with backgrounds in hospitality,
Marina Genova Aeroporto which was attended
engineering and maritime. This led to exploring
by crew and industry professionals. It was a
a venture that the Italian Yacht Masters have
very interactive session which really gave us an
successfully been running; they have placed
opportunity to cover the important work that
young crew onboard local Italian yachts for work
the PYA are doing on behalf of yacht crew.
placement periods. This is to encourage young
In between seminars, we visited many yachts in
people from relevant further education platforms
Viareggio, Genoa and Imperia, reaching out to
to complete placements onboard yachts, as part
crew to help them with any queries they had on
of a career choice. PYA consequently sent out
training, certification, careers etc. Supported by
a survey to captains on behalf of the working
MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association.
group to see what interest there would be for
Attended by Joey Meen, Alice Wring and Carey Secrett
such an initiative. Subsequently ISS and YCA have also joined this work group.
24 – 25 APR TH
TH
ANTIBES CELEBRATES YACHTING
Attended by Joey Meen and Rod Hatch
The PYA was present at the first ever ‘Antibes Celebrates Yachting Event’ held in Port Vauban
26TH – 28TH APR
MYBA CHARTER SHOW - GENOA
in April 2015. During the event, we were part
PYA Director of Training and Certification Joey
of a panel hosting an open discussion entitled
Meen made a quick trip over to Genoa for the
‘What captains want in regard to certification
27th MYBA charter show. During this time, she
and training’. As well as contributors from
was involved with various meetings with industry
Bluewater Yachting and Warsash Maritime
professionals and crew members. Supported by
Academy, the PYA was represented by Director
MYBA - The Worldwide Yachting Association.
of Training and Certification Joey Meen, and
Attended by Joey Meen
council members Capt. Rod Hatch and Capt. Adrian Croft. We had a lively discussion with many interesting points raised. The panel
30TH APR – 4TH MAY PALMA YACHT SHOW The PYA were present for the duration of
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
the Palma yacht show. On the first day,
8TH JUN
UK / MCA SOUTHAMPTON IAMI SMALL
Joey Meen held a workshop at the ACREW
CRAFT SUB WORK GROUP MEETING:
lounge for entry level yacht crew, entitled
The workboat modules are near approval stage
‘Introduction to Superyachting’. With many
by the MCA and will hopefully be available by
newbies having recently arrived in Palma, the
the end of the summer. The module writers
workshop was full, and Joey provided lots
concluded the changes and updates in the MCA
of helpful advice to the young, enthusiastic
syllabus for Business and Law, Stability and GSK
crew who were looking to start their careers in
and the dates of implementation. PYA proposed
yachting. On day 2 of the show, the PYA were
making pre-course study available to crew who
invited to speak on the panel at the prestigious
struggle with the short modules – perhaps by an
Quaynote ‘Future for Captains and Crew’
E-Learning route. The MCA and colleges stated
seminar. With a lively audience of over 50
that pre-course learning was always the intention
industry professionals in attendance, and joint
prior to attending the short course (revision)
chaired by Ken Hickling and Norma Trease
leading to exam. The action is to explore ways of
(PYA), the day touched on an interesting and
encouraging a culture of pre-course study. We
relevant array of topics, broken down into three
discussed the changes in MGN 1802 and (soon
categories; careers and training, regulations
to be MGN 1058) and the NoE procedures. The
and duty of care. Supported by MYBA -
IAMI exam system was discussed with progress
The Worldwide Yachting Association.
and feedback reporting. Due to the changes in
Attended by Joey Meen & Carey Secrett
entry requirements by RYA and IYT for the Yacht Master candidates going forward, MCA
6 – 8 MAY TH
TH
IAMI 23
RD
AGM AND CONFERENCE,
has asked for immediate action from the working
AMBLESIDE UK
group to consider another route to OOW.
The annual opportunity for the PYA to speak with
Attended by Joey Meen, John Wyborn and
other maritime sectors regarding the crossovers
Lars Lippuner
in education and career paths between sectors. Our very own John Wyborn is now the IAMI
10TH JUN
INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERING AND
Chairman and opened the meeting with speakers
TECHNOLOGY & PYA MEETING
including
Andy Crawford (IAMI Business
The PYA and the IET are working collaboratively
Manager), Iain MacKinnon (Maritime Skills
to support engineers who are keen to progress
Alliance), Gemma Griffin (DFDS), Roger
their careers through Professional Registration
Towner (MCA), Glenys Jackson (MNTB), Capt
qualifications, such as Chartered Engineer,
D Johnston (Maersk Shipping), Monica Lundh
Incorporated Engineer, Engineering Technician
(Chalmers University), Alexander Ponomarev
and ICT Technician. This meeting included
(Transas) & Steve Sandy (Seaways). This busy
much discussion regarding the MYS events and
and informative three day event is fundamental
follow up from the completed IET Survey.
for networking between the representatives of
Attended by Joey Meen and John Wyborn
maritime education, hosting breakout sessions
148
within other relevant sectors, providing updates
The PYA would like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to MYBA The
regarding the exam procedures
and STCW
Worldwide Yachting Association for their generous sponsorship
requirements, and of course ensuring that the
over the past year. Their continuing support of our Roadshows and
yacht sector does not get left behind and that
other events has enabled us to travel further afield and reach out to
yacht crew training needs are represented and
members and crew around the world to raise awareness of the PYA
voiced for now and for the future.
and to discuss the many issues that we address on their behalf. This is a
Attended by Joey Meen, John Wyborn and
crucial task furthering our position as the representatives of yacht crew
Lars Lippuner
at international regulatory bodies and with worldwide policy-makers.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Upcoming Events Autumn/Winter 2015 23RD – 25TH SEP
PYA SEA CHANGES SEMINAR AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW Following the success of last year’s Sea Changes seminar during the Monaco Yacht Show, the PYA will once again be hosting a series of seminars and workshops at this year’s event. At time of going to press, the exact schedule is still to be confirmed, but the following PYA events have been arranged.
HEADLINE EVENT 24TH SEP AT 16:00 DECK AND ENGINEERING SEA CHANGES SEMINAR AT THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC ORGANIZATION BUILDING (Captains, Senior Crew, Engineers, ETOs, Industry Professionals). Key professionals and influencers in the yachting industry come together to bring us up to date with the latest changes in certification, regulation and training. The seminar will be split into two parts to cover both engineering and deck departments. Speakers include experts from the International Hydrographic Organisation, the Institute of Engineering and Technology, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Royal Yachting Association, Warsash Maritime Academy, Allmode Security, Bluewater Yachting and the Professional Yachting Association. The seminars will be followed by a drinks and networking reception on the roof terrace of the IHO building starting at around 20:00.
OTHER EVENTS (further details nearer the time): • Professional Registration Workshops and 1:1 Guidance for Engineers, run by the Institute of Engineering and Technology. For more details, please see page 14. • ‘It’s tough at the top’ – Join a discussion with industry leaders on the burden of responsibility and unique demands of being a leader in super yachting today. • Superyacht Operations Diploma Workshop, run by the Maritime and Training Academy, including a presentation on the Legal Aspects of running a Superyacht, hosted by Ian Biles and Jonathan Hadley-Piggin. • Interior Sea Changes Seminar: Panel to include Secrets de Cuisine, GUEST© founder Joey Meen and interior trainer Lynne Edwards. Includes updates to the GUEST© program, chef news, the results of the PYA table-setting and mixology competition (judging all day on Thursday 24th), and an update from ‘The Roaming Mixologist’, winner of the Diageo World Class Yachting Cocktail Competition. For more details on the Table setting and Mixology competition, please see page 11. • Cocktail making demonstrations from Diageo
The PYA Christmas Ball Friday 18th December 2015, 8pm Carlton Hotel, Cannes Tickets Drinks and Cocktail Reception 3 course gourmet dinner Music from the one and only ‘Blah Blah’ Raf e ith top pri es Fun & entertainment
Come and celebrate the festive season at THE Christmas event!
€135 pp for PYA members €150 pp for non-members €135 pp if a table of 10 is booked
For bookings contact marketing@pya.org PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 149 ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
Cruising in New Zealand A memoir from Captain Gavin Bladin of S/Y Hemisphere This article was kindly provided by the PYA Regional Office, 37 South
Hemisphere has experienced a very enjoyable 4 months in New
in Auckland, New Zealand, who place charters onboard S/Y Hemisphere.
Zealand’s waters, which has been appreciated by her Owner, the
If you would like to know more about yachting in New Zealand or the
guests who have come onboard, and the crew. During our time
South Pacific, 37 South can advise you.
here Hemisphere has cruised far and wide; from the Bay of Islands
www.37southyachts.com
all the way down to Stewart Island in the far south. New Zealand offers many diverse experiences along the way while all the time being surrounded by stunning scenery. New Zealand is a different cruising ground from the more conventional tropical beach setting on offer in other destinations, but if owners and guests enjoy the great outdoors they will not be disappointed. During Hemisphere’s exploration we visited small seaside villages like Russell in the Bay of Islands which was the first settlement in New Zealand, to the major cities of Wellington and Auckland; we tagged and release striped marlin from our sport fishing tender, to fly fishing for brown trout in the crystal clear streams in the mountains; we covered miles of countryside on foot on the stunning trails of Milford Track, Queens Charlotte Sound Trail and the coastal track at Able Tasman national park; we dived all around NZ from wrecks such
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
as Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior and the navy’s decommissioned 113 m long HMNZS Canterbury and took the opportunity to keep the galley supplied with fresh scallops and lobsters; we immersed ourselves with the Maori culture on land in traditional mareas and villages, to enjoying performances on the back deck and learnt their history; we saw fur seals, penguins, whales and the elusive and rare Kiwi bird, we enjoyed the restaurants and exclusive lodges ashore and visited innumerable vineyards and replenished our onboard stocks, we jumped off Auckland’s main landmark the Sky Tower (192 m) and raced up mountain rivers in jet boats, we chartered helicopters to penetrate deep into the national park of Fiordland to be able to walk around on the glaciers, to see mountain lakes and marvel at the scenery
workforce in Auckland and kept busy keeping up with maintenance
below us; we enjoyed the solitude of idyllic pristine anchorages and all
which has been a very good experience with excellent results.
along we were welcomed by everyone we met. Hemisphere has been cruising the Pacific for nearly two years now so, as well as cruising, we utilised the local skilled
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
So at the end of four enjoyable months what was my most memorable experience? That’s easy…..diving with the great whites in Stewart Island! Thank you New Zealand.
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
PYA Regional Offices
to be scanned and sent for initial membership application & issue of the Service Record Book by PYA HQ in Antibes.
With the International expansion of our representation and the appointment of an increasing number of Regional Offices, PYA
ADVICE AND SUPPORT
is able to offer more on hand and impartial advice and support
Regional Offices have the support of PYA HQ team and Council.
to Yacht Crew worldwide. Each Regional Office representative
With access to latest information and PYA forms and procedures,
is able to assist with processing membership applications and
they can assist PYA members with careers, training and valuable up
with attesting documents for the completion of Service Records
to date information to our ever changing industry.
Books. They have a heightened awareness of the PYA and how we represent yacht crew.
the Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, New Zealand, Rhodes, South
Member applications can be completed online or through the regional office. The Regional office will sight and attest copies of original documents, passports, testimonials and certificates required
PYA Work Groups
We have offices in Antigua, Australia, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Africa, Spain, St Maarten, Turkey, the UK & the USA. For a full list of regional offices and contact details please go to http://www.pya.org/contact
Within the PYA, there are around 29 working groups who actively are researching, discussing and influencing various topics relevant and fundamental to the future of all crew and yachting in general. PYA encourages members to join relevant workgroups if they want a say… Below you will find a list the workgroup and the members involved with these workgroups.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
REGIONAL OFFICES
MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
PYA SUPPLEMENT EDITORIAL GROUP
Jane Hardy, Andrew Schofield, Jeff Marsh, Joey Meen, all office personnel Carey Secrett, Joey Meen, Sam Watson, Alison Rentoul, MYBA
THE WAY AHEAD
Andrew Schofield, Rod Hatch, Russell Lunt, David O’Brien, John Wyborn, Nick Simmons, Joey Meen
ISO 9001 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS STANDARDS
Joey Meen, Carey Secrett Andrew Schofield, Carey Secrett, Richard LeQuesne. Proof readers: Steve Thomas, Alison Houghton
ISM, ISPS
Mike Lamb
Karen Hughes, Andrew Schofield, Jeff Marsh, Jane Hardy, Joey Meen, all office personnel
EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR
SERVICE RECORD BOOK/CREW WORK BOOK
PYA MALTA BRANCH WORKGROUP
Alison Houghton, Peter Evans, Jane Hardy, Joey Meen, Richard Le Quesne
COUNCIL FORUM MANAGEMENT Steve Thomas
Carey Secrett
Andrew Schofield, Jeff Marsh, Joey Meen, Ben Stuart, Anthony Galea, Victoria Meyer, Carey Secrett
MPT / SUPER YACHT OPERATION DIPLOMA
WEBSITE UPKEEP
John Wyborn, Lynne Edwards, Richard le Quesne, Nick Simmons, Adrian Croft, Jane Hardy
OFFICE IT AND COMPUTER SUPPORT
MGN MONITOR
Kenneth Himschoot, Carey Secrett
Russell Lunt, Pascal Berger, Regs4yachts
REVIEW OF INTERNAL RULES WORKGROUP
CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP
Kenneth Himschoot, Andrew Schofield, Carey Secrett
Richard Le Quesne, Steve Thomas, Ian Soutar, David O’Brien
MCA YACHT QUALIFYING PANEL COMMITTEE/ STCW REVIEW/ IAMI Joey Meen, John Wyborn, Anna Percival, Lars Lippuner
FRENCH ASSOCIATION LIAISONS INCLUDING GEPY AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Peter Evans, Eric Petitjean
ASSOCIATION LIAISON EUROPEAN BOATING ASSOCIATION Russell Lunt
ASSOCIATION LIAISON ECPY
Workgroup chairperson required
ASSOCIATION LIAISON NAUTILUS
Ian Soutar, Russell Lunt, Andrew Schofield
CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (SUBGROUPS) CPD SUB WORKGROUP: ENGINEERING (MCA & IET)
John Percival-Harris, John Wyborn, Paul Doherty, Tim Moss, Luke Bonanos, Adrian Coetsee, Joey Meen
CPD SUB WORKGROUP: WATER SPORTS / TOYS MIN FOR MCA Joey Meen, John Wyborn, Mike French, Nick Simmons, Richard Falk, Rachael Andrews, Lars Lippuner
CPD SUB WORKGROUP: INTERIOR
Rod Hatch
Joey Meen, GUEST© Workgroup, all GUEST Training Providers and Trainers, John Wyborn, Lynne Edwards
ASSOCIATION LIAISON MYBA / ISS / IYM / SYBASS / OTHER
CPD SUB WORKGROUP: CHEF
Norma Trease, Joey Meen, Jane Hardy, Rod Hatch
MLC ILO / LEGISLATION / IMO
Rod Hatch, John Cook, Russell Lunt, Cyd Mansell, Peter Evans, Chloe Collett, Laurence Reymann
Cedric Seguela, John Wyborn, Joey Meen, Duncan Biggs, Phil Colicchio, Manny Slomovits, Efrem Leigh
CPD SUB WORKGROUP: MANAGEMENT/ OWNERS REP Rod Hatch, Jane Hardy, John Wyborn
PYA SUPPLEMENT / YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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INCENTIVES AND DISCOUNTS
PYA SUPPLEMENT – AUTUMN / WINTER 2015
FOR MEMBERS
HELI AIR MONACO Heli Air Monaco operates helicopters on scheduled flights between Nice and Monaco. Heli Air Monaco is IATA approved (IATA-YO747) and was established in 1976. With flight times of only 7 minutes duration, departures every 15 minutes and a free car service available at your arrival in Monaco, this makes an attractive alternative to taxi or car transfer. Visit www.heliairmonaco.com for the latest schedule. Reservations can be made by calling +377 92 050 050. Heli Air Monaco also specialise in group transportation, charter flights to all destinations. Of particular interest to PYA members, they are also licensed to land directly on yacht heli decks for drop offs and pickups from yachts at anchor. As a working partnership, Heli Air Monaco offers all PYA members a discounted price of €70 plus tax (normally €25 plus taxes) on regular flights between Nice and Monaco, a 10% discount on private flights and 10% off their helicopter pilot training. Members should present their PYA membership card (with photo) when checking in to qualify for these generous discounts.
G TRAVEL G Travel and The Driver are offering a free transfer between a pick-up point (located anywhere between Cannes and Monaco) and Nice airport for any PYA member whose seaman’s ticket has been bought through G Travel. Members should present their PYA membership card (with photo) when checking in to qualify for this generous offer.
ASKPYA Satellite Tracking of your boat 24h/24 and 7/7. 15% discount to all PYA members on our materiel www.advanced-tracking.com
www.gtravelyacht.com www.thedriverco.com
10 % discount to PYA members on INTERNATIONAL YACHT PAINT duty free products
Super Yacht Safety
www.bcmkotor.com
As a dedicated follower of the PYA, Joey Meen has agreed to assist members with any quick email questions submitted to AskPYA regarding yachting. However for more detailed and personal assistance regarding certification and training, a formal meeting will be arranged and charged accordingly.
askjoey@wanadoo.fr + 33 (0) 6 15 27 02 36
Free introductory safety consultancy during winter months. www.superyachtsafety.com
25% discount to PYA members on the Standard Digital Maritime Regulations service. www.regs4yachts.com
Crew Unlimited offer a 5% discount to all PYA member Captains who hire crew through them. www.crewunlimited.com
ALWAYS QUOTE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER AND MEMBERSHIP EXPIRY DATE WHEN BOOKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE INCENTIVES. COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.
DISCOUNT ON TRAINING COURSES Hoylake Sailing School 5% off selected courses www.sailorsworld.co.uk Australian Superyacht Crew Crew Recruitment and Training 10% off PYA accredited interior courses www. superyachtcrew.com.au 154
Maritime Training Academy Superyacht Operations Diploma – 10 % discount www.marinediplomas.com The Crew Coach 10% off personal individual training www.thecrewcoach.com International Crew Training FL 5% off all courses www.yachtmaster.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER / PYA SUPPLEMENT ISSUE 29
Bond TM offers the following benefits to PYA Members: • 10% Discount on Bond IT email hosting service • 12% Discount on Bond IT Support Service • 10% Discount on Bond TM new build consultancy
www.bondtm.com
OTHER INCENTIVES Reduced membership with Nautilus UK Moore Stephens Isle of Man – preferential rates and discounts on insurances sourced for yacht crew WYCC Insurance – various discounts The Naval Club, London – eligible to join with entrance fee waiver Offshore banking with Lloyds TSB Bank
BUGGING ON SUPERYACHTS WHO DO YOU TRUST? BY DEAN LA VEY
N THE LAST TWO YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT DEAL
Now some readers may think that this is all very
of bugging going on. Audio surveillance by individuals and
sophisticated and ‘James Bond’ but it isn’t. You can buy this
in some high profile cases government bodies, have allowed
type of surveillance device on Ebay for $50 where the market
what was intended to be confidential information to be covertly
is completely saturated! The issue here isn’t the technology
captured; and much of this occurred on yachts – very large high
employed – it’s the fact that no-one is looking for it. So given
profile yachts!
such high profile media exposure, are security staff on yachts
Let’s start with the most high profile case of 2015; the
aware of what can be achieved with a key recording device?
on-going scandal surrounding FIFA. A former FIFA executive
No they’re not – and not even the ‘big boys’! To demonstrate
Chuck Blazer, faced with evading tax in the United States, agreed
the fact, this author purchased a modified BMW key fob audio/
to covertly record secret and sensitive conversations with other
video recorder from Ebay for $35 US dollars to demonstrate to
FIFA executives and representatives from countries bidding to
the owner of one of the world’s largest yachts. I was rigorously
host both the 2018 and 2022 Football World Cup. Much of this
body searched, my shoes and laptop bag x-rayed, and I walked
was part of an investigation by the FBI and Blazer’s co-operation
through a metal detector, but no-one payed any interest to my
was vital; with many of the conversations secretly recorded
key fob! At this stage ‘I’m on the yacht’! The security team (all
while FIFA executives were ‘wined and dined’ during the World
ex-SAS I’m told) has now been trained to detect such devices
Cup bidding process. A great deal of this ‘wining and dining’
after being shown by the owner himself what they missed. I
was on-board major yachts owned by sponsors of the bidding
say ‘after’ because it’s always after! After information has been
countries. Blazer used a solid state recording device disguised as
covertly obtained and the damage already done is the norm!
a car key fob to obtain both audio and video recordings. It was
It is no secret that many high ranking FIFA executives
placed in open view to capture video of exactly ‘who said what
were ‘as a gesture of goodwill’ given the use of some of the
and when’!
world’s largest yachts during the 2014 season. Exactly what
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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BUGGING ON SUPERYACHTS
information was extracted during these excursions is not clear; however most of the FIFA executives concerned are now under arrest and awaiting extradition to the United States. It has been suggested that some used the opportunity to actively place devices on the yachts concerned in exchange for limited prosecution. They certainly had the opportunity, and the threat of spending the rest of your life in prison is incentive enough for a pampered executive. This is however just one case. There are many cases were the bugging was carried out for purely commercial purposes and the yacht chartered by the eavesdropper specifically for that purpose. Let’s face it; you can charter
156
the world’s largest yachts if you have the
is absolutely essential on any yacht where confidential or
resources, and the money spent on the bugging exercise itself is
commercially sensitive information is being discussed. There are
miniscule compared to the possible financial rewards from the
only a small number of TSCM operators (this author included)
information gained.
that specialise in searches of major yachts. It’s not the same as
The solution to the problem is awareness! Most yacht
carrying out TSCM searches on a building as some key TSCM
security teams look for the obvious. Security screening for those
equipment simply does not work on a yacht. And here lies the
boarding a yacht is carried out mainly to detect weapons, and
problem. Yacht owners in general have no interest in the process.
screening for those leaving the yacht is mainly to detect theft.
The tasking of TSCM is left either to the Captain, the yacht’s
The majority (and I do mean the majority), receive no training
Management Company, or general security team. The majority
whatsoever in the detection of covert recording devices during
of these have no idea of what’s involved in searching a yacht for
security screening. In addition to this, Technical Surveillance
electronic eavesdropping equipment. In other words they take for
Countermeasures or (TSCM) as it’s now universally called
granted that whoever they employ knows what they are doing.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
BUGGING ON SUPERYACHTS
There is also the ‘my guys are all ‘SAS’ syndrome! It is apparently
created DuPont’s white paint pigment. He was jailed for 15 years
the world’s largest military regiment – because everyone has
in 2014! It is rumoured he wined and dined key individuals on
been in it! And we wonder as to why serious electronic
chartered yachts. If they paid the guy $28 million, what was it
eavesdroppers are so successful? The truth is this – if you employ
worth to his paymasters?
a security team for your yacht, they have to be aware of audio
Make no mistake here. The guys carrying out surveillance
and video surveillance equipment, and the techniques employed
at this level are not idiots. I say ‘guys’ because it will be a
installing and using this equipment. There are training courses
dedicated team. They’ll study the yacht, the security regime,
out there, but they are seriously under-subscribed. They deal
the security team profiles, and even the TSCM capability – if
with covert body-worn devices and what to look for in supposed
any. Many of these guys attend acting school to be credible in
‘every day items’.
whatever role they feel will fit the operation and most will attend
There are of course other issues to be address in regard to surveillance on a yacht. The predominant move to everything
as many TSCM courses as they can in order to learn counter TSCM search techniques.
controlled by Internet Protocol or (IP) affords eavesdroppers with
Bugging on yachts is not ‘James Bond’. It’s successful
even more opportunities for extracting information without even
because people aren’t aware of it or have the ‘it wouldn’t happen
stepping foot on the yacht itself. An easily found internet site
to me’ attitude. Most searches of yachts however are sanctioned
titled ‘a tour of boardrooms’ gives you unauthorised live access
after the event or when information is leaked that could only
to some high profile company boardrooms via their webcams
have come from the supposed safe confines of the yacht. In truth
and even shows you what to do to access the cameras on other
TSCM awareness for yacht security teams and crew should be
sites you may be interested in. This isn’t just the video, but also
taken more seriously.
>||
the audio! A small computer software program widely available will allow you into the IT system and once in, you can tour
Contact: Dean@SecureYacht.com
the network. It’s similar to the software that allowed a hacker to stop the engine on a yacht in 2013 via the remote engine management system. If you don’t acknowledge the threat or the capability, you’ll never know until confidential information has already been extracted. Other areas neglected are TSCM searches after the yacht has returned from charter where the yacht may have been specifically chartered for the purpose of installing an eavesdropping device, and not even switched on until the intended ‘target’ is on-board. It may also be a ‘trusted’ guest – just like Chuck Blazer! Mobile telephones are a big issue. Consider this – there is nothing electronic that will detect a covert audio recording app on a mobile phone. The phone will look switched off but still record and you can even buy a phone that has a separate hidden battery so it still recoded when you show you have taken the normal battery out! Another ideal time for eavesdroppers is when the yacht is in refit. Don’t imagine that being out at sea gives you audio or video surveillance immunity – it doesn’t! The threat from electronic eavesdropping is very real. ‘Come on you say’ – really? Yes – really! Politicians, World Leaders, Captains of Industry and Celebrities alike have all been on yachts. Information relating to business dealings, government decisions, negotiations and even personal relationships when translated into monetary terms is worth fortunes and people are willing to pay for it. Not convinced? Consider this – in 2009 an ex-DuPont chemical engineer was paid $28 million US Dollars (let’s repeat that – 28 million US Dollars) by a Chinese company for obtaining by ‘illegal’ means and covert surveillance, the technology that
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www.atlaspaintconsultants.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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SUPERYACHT BIRTHS EXPECTING EXPECTATIONS? BY ANNA PERCIVAL-HARRIS
HILST SITTING IN MY LIVING ROOM, HEAVILY PREGNANT WITH TWINS AND ON maternity leave, I began to ponder how lucky we are in the UK to have one of the best government maternity packages in the world. I started my leave yesterday, but could have actually started six weeks ago. Women in the UK are entitled to nine months paid maternity leave, with an optional unpaid extra three months available to them. Since April 2015, partners are now eligible to shared parental leave, making sure that everyone can spend time with the new arrival. My thoughts then turned to how that would work if I were on a yacht. The benefits of yachting mean that my husband can arrange to have three months off, before returning to a rotation position (he’s an engineer, so of course he has a rotation…). How many shore based fathers can guarantee they’ll be home 24/7 for two months at a time? This works well for me and JPH, but if I were onboard too, how would that work? Would I have been able to work until 35 weeks pregnant? Would I be paid during my time off? Would I be able to return to work for just two days per week at first? The answers are highly likely to be a resounding ‘no’. The Maritime Labour Convention covers this subject vaguely, but there don’t appear to be any hard and fast rules by which every boat will abide. These days, it’s common for women to work in all departments on board, but they must be able to perform the same duties, to the same standard, as a male crew member. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has different ideas. The minute people found out I was pregnant, no-one would let me lift anything, stay on my feet too long or work late etc. How can a woman on board continue with her duties? Stewardesses on busy charter boats, or female deckies, can’t put their feet up because they’re feeling tired, or suffering from morning sickness (not a pleasant thought, to be at sea with morning sickness). MGN 460 gives the advice that a pregnant woman on board should have her duties changed – so who launches the jet-ski? Who serves the seven course meal? The M Notice also advises that they may not work on board after 28 weeks of pregnancy. There’s plenty of advice out there – the Ship Captain’s Medical guide has an entire chapter dedicated to ‘women’s problems’, and doctors issuing ENG1 medical certificates are guided as to the risks and limitations of pregnancy whilst working on board. In fact, the guidance leaves it in the hands of the seafarer, to decide if it’s safe for her to work, once she’s been given all the information by the doctor. But how is all of this advice put into practice? I reached out to friends and colleagues, to ask their opinions and experiences. A male captain friend told me that he would send a pregnant crew member home, at the earliest convenience, purely for health and safety reasons. Another captain told me that his wife stayed on board as Chief Stew until she was seven months (around 28 weeks) pregnant. There are so many differing opinions out there, it’s hard to know whether we should be pushing for different
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
SUPERYACHT BIRTHS
treatment of pregnant women on board – should it make a
to her? I’m sure that most guests would be quite happy and
difference if she’s a deckie or engineer? Should she have longer
engage in conversation with her, asking the usual questions. I’m
hours of rest than other crewmembers? Or should we accept that
also quite sure that there are others who would not want her on
she should bow out as soon as she gets a positive test result?
board – for one of many reasons.
The main concern with being pregnant, whilst at sea, would
All that said, are we expecting too much of yachting? We
be the medical treatment and regular check ups that are needed.
know that it’s a fast paced demanding industry – why should we
My experience is not like most – I’ve had multiple scans, blood tests
expect that we can have a work/life balance with a baby, when
and consultant appointments due to how the NHS monitors twin
we’ve never had one prior to this happy event?
pregnancies. Single pregnancies, however, still require two or more
A deck/stew friend told me that in her experience, when
scans, plus regular midwife visits. It can be stressful when a shore
it comes to that time to have babies: ‘most of us are happy to
based staff member requests time off for these appointments, but
give up the crazy non stop life onboard a boat and create a safe
they’re manageable, and usually don’t take that long.
and secure nest of our own, on land, with four walls and maybe
How would that work on board? There are plenty of
even a garden and dog. We crave a “normal” life, in which we
private yachts that are family orientated, whose schedule will
want to bring up a child. We think practically about schools and
allow for a crew member to leave the boat for a short time to
medical appointments, and how being awake with a baby most
have a scan, or check-up, but how realistic is this when you’re
of the night and then having to put in a 16 hour day of cleaning
working on a charter vessel, on back to back charters with a four
and taking care of other people is just not going to make anyone
hour turnaround? The health of mother and baby are the most
happy. I’m sure there are some very career driven women on
important thing, but sometimes it’s hard to see that when you
yachts who wish they could both have a family and keep their
have a demanding guest on board.
job, however yacht life just isn’t a great environment when you
Another friend told me that when she told her Captain
have to still actually work, unless the family are prepared to bring
that she was expecting, he asked her to stay as long as she could.
on a nanny, and you don’t mind not bringing up your child most
She chose to leave, as she was a deckie, and wanted to ensure
of the day whilst you take care of others. I recently heard a story
her baby’s safety. She didn’t return to working on board after the
of a couple who worked for a family for about 13 years and the
birth, but continued to work in the industry in a shore based role.
owner had the captain’s cabin and other rooms up behind the
This seems to be the case for most women – they know that they
bridge renovated to support the wife and baby on board at all
will stop working on board when the time comes. But how many
times – she no longer worked as crew but was allowed to stay
women return to the boat once the baby has arrived? We all
onboard. An unusual and individual situation for sure, the family
assume that she will stay with the baby while her partner works,
you work for has to really see you as family and not employees.’
but are there stay at home dads out there, whose other halves
There doesn’t seem to be a specific answer to this
return to the yacht? The first Captain I mentioned said that he
conundrum – there are women who will leave the boat as soon as
would happily take a new mum back on board, in the same way
they fall pregnant, others who will work through. Some who will
he would a new dad, but he wouldn’t extend to her any special
stay ashore afterwards, others who will find rotational positions
treatment. She would be expected to do her work in the same
and continue their career.
manner that her male counterpart would be, whilst being given the same opportunities as a male crew member.
Physically, being pregnant is hard work. Emotionally, it’s very hard work. Working on a yacht is probably up there with
But would she be seen as cold-hearted? How many
the most physically and emotionally demanding of jobs (yes,
mothers could do this? I’ve seen a number of male friends find it
your friends think you’re having a ball, drinking rum on a beach
heartbreaking to have to return to the boat, leaving mother and
somewhere, but we know the reality).
baby at home. Men feel the same emotions, so why aren’t they given a hard time for going away for months at a time? Another consideration is the boss, or guest – how will they feel, being served by a woman with a large bump? Guilty?
Can these two states of being co-exist? It all depends on the vessel, boss and heads of department, but I’d like to think that there are options for women, rather than just trotting off down the passerelle like a good little girl.
>||
Offended? Intrigued? It’s difficult to know how appropriate it would be. Yachting is a shallow industry, and most girls are required
Anna Percival-Harris is Managing Director of John Percival Marine Associates / Hoylake Sailing School Ltd
to be a certain size. I know boats that order their stewardess uniform in two sizes – if you don’t fit the uniform, you don’t
Contact: Anna mate@hss.ac.uk
get the job. If one of those girls begins to bloom, what happens
Hoylake Sailing School Ltd: www.hss.ac.uk
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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BERMUDA
400 YEARS OF SAILING HISTORY & THE 35TH AMERICA’S CUP BY MARK SOARES N DECEMBER 1ST 2014 AN ANNOUNCEMENT WAS
reputation for fast sailing and good construction. By 1690
made which will change Bermuda’s history forever.
large numbers of sloops were being built in Bermuda to be sold
‘The next America’s Cup will take place in June of 2017
to mainland colonies, and eventually built for Royal English
in Bermuda’.
used them as fast courier vessels, carrying messages and supplies
the 35th America’s Cup venue; certainly the time zone will
between the giant cumbersome ‘Ships Of The Line’. The French
maximise the viewing audience around the world. The beautiful
also used them as Cruisers.
backdrop of Bermuda will also make for great television. Many
Built almost entirely of native Bermudian Cedar, these
of the sailors that participate in the America’s Cup have sailed in
vessels performed well in light and moderate conditions and
Bermuda many times either in the Gold Cup or in the Newport
were exceptional at sailing close to the wind. The Bermuda sloop
to Bermuda Race.
designs seem to have heavily influenced the fast-sailing American
The America’s Cup with its high speed foiling cats
Schooners of the Chesapeake Bay, which came to be known as
and stadium style sailing is well suited for Bermuda’s
Baltimore Clippers. It is highly likely that the Schooner ‘America’
waters. Bermudians and visitor are already enjoying the spectacle
(first winner of the One Hundred Sovereign Cup in 1851 or as
of the AC 45’s flying across the waters of the Great Sound in
it is now known the America’s Cup) was heavily influenced by
Bermuda as they prepare for the World Series events and the
advancements made in these designs.
2017 America’s Cup. The new America’s Cup Class of boats are an amazing example of cutting edge design and innovation.
In 2006 The Bermuda Sloop Foundation launched the Spirit of Bermuda, a training vessel for Bermuda’s youth. The vessel
Bermuda is no stranger to sailing innovations in this
itself is modeled after schooners that were built in Bermuda in
regard. The Bermuda Rig was developed in the 17th century.
the mid to late 19th Century. She is 112 ft sparred length with
Necessity being the mother of invention, Bermudians designed
three raked back masts a low freeboard and plum stem. Still
small vessels with sharp hull entries and triangular sails that
showing off her speed, the Spirit of Bermuda was Fourth across
could allow them to access their fishing and farming grounds on
the line in the modern day 2015 Marion to Bermuda race.
outer islands as quickly as possible.
160
Merchants for West Indian and African trade. The Royal Navy
There are many reasons why Bermuda was selected as
Another great example of Bermuda’s contribution to the
The Bermuda Sloops were starting to make their mark
world of sailing innovation are the scaled down versions of the
on the world in the mid-17th century. These vessels had a
large Bermuda sloops with large sail areas, racing in Bermuda
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
BERMUDA & THE AMERICA’S CUP
since the 17th Century. Racing between local work boats soon developed into a class still raced today called the Fitted Dinghy. These racing class sloops were ‘fitted’ with an extended keel and had large bowsprits indicative of the larger vessels. With a crew of six these non-planing boats can point very close to the wind. The fitted Dinghy rule book is relatively small compared to other sailing sports. Unusual rules include not having to finish the race with the same amount of crew as at the start, and the fact that starboard tack vessels do not have the right of way over port tacked vessels. The last race of the Fitted Dinghy season is a match race for the much coveted Jubilee Cup that has been raced by the same class of boat since 1887. It is one of the oldest trophies in sailing sport and all of sport, second only to the America’s Cup of 1851.
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PREPARE FOR THE FINISH… YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
161
BERMUDA & THE AMERICA’S CUP
ABOVE: THE PROPOSED AC VILLAGE FOR THE 2017 EVENT
Bermuda has an active sailing community, starting as
The First America’s Cup event in Bermuda will be
young as five years old the junior sailors are out in their Optimist’s
the America’s Cup World Series October 16 – 18 2015. These
bashing around Hamilton harbour and the Great Sound. Many of
races will be in the foiling, one-design AC45 catamarans in the
our junior sailors compete overseas in international events. There
Great Sound.
are several active dinghy classes including Laser, Comet, Byte and
The Main Event will be the summer of 2017, during the last
Fitted Dinghy. Other types of sailing available in Bermuda include
week of May. All teams will be competing in the Louis Vuitton
the popular Wednesday night fun races in the summer, which are
America’s Cup Qualifier. This is the first time that the teams will
open for any type of vessel from Vipers to 40 ft cruising yachts.
be competing in the new America’s Cup Class foiling Catamarans
One of the highlights of the sailing calendar is the Bermuda
in the 45 – 50 foot range. If the team that wins the America’s Cup
Gold Cup, usually held in October this event started in 1937 and
qualifier ends up competing in the America’s Cup Match itself,
has been won by the likes of Jimmy Spithill, Sir Ben Ainslie and Sir
they will start with a one point lead. The America’s Cup Playoffs
Russell Coutts, who has won the Gold Cup seven times.
start in June of 2017 with the top four challengers, the winner of
Bermuda is no stranger to the America’s Cup boats and their crew. In 1984 America’s Cup 12 metre boats Courageous
the playoffs will face Oracle Team U.S.A. in the America’s Cup Match that is scheduled to start during June of 2017.
and Defender trained in the Great Sound after being defeated
A custom Superyacht program has been created for the
by Australia II in 1983. Until 1983 the New York Yacht Club had
2017 America’s Cup events specifically designed to meet the
successfully defended the Cup for 132 years. Subsequently Stars
needs of owners, guests and corporate groups. There are a variety
and Stripes won the cup back in 1987.
of packages that include, front row viewing on the race course boundary, various berthing choices, VIP access to AC hospitality areas and functions, personalized concierge assistance, preregistered on-water and on-shore superyacht events and duty free fuelling privileges. The America’s Cup will be offering unique berthing opportunities around the island including several berths within the America’s Cup village. There are other new facilities for yachts on the island that been built in the last few years and more scheduled for completion before spring of 2017. We here in Bermuda are very excited about the events of June 2017 which will also include a superyacht regatta and a J-class regatta; these events have never been seen in Bermuda. The J-Class will return to the cup event after 80 years. It is
162
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
BERMUDA & THE AMERICA’S CUP
Cup is also critical, 65% of Bermuda’s annual yachting traffic of approximately 850 vessels is in the months of May and June. All factors considered the 35th America’s Cup could see record attendance by superyachts. The Bermuda Government and the people of Bermuda see this as an opportunity to showcase Bermuda as a yachting destination (see article ‘Destination Bermuda’ Yachting Matters 23 2012). Bermuda is exploring changes to yacht policy and legislation for the America’s Cup that will create a legacy long after the America’s Cup has left town. No matter who wins the next America’s Cup, Bermuda will be the winner of the long term benefits from the event and its impact on our yachting industry.
>||
expected that all eight J-class boats will be in Bermuda for 35th
Bermuda Yacht Services is the premier yacht service provider and
America’s Cup with as many as six or seven of them racing. If
port agent in Bermuda. Servicing yachts island wide B.Y.S. has over
this comes to fruition it will be the first time that more than
40 years of experience in the marine industry.
five J-Class boats have competed against each other at the same time. The J-Class will be centrally berthed within the America’s
Contact: Mark Soares
Cup village, adding a spectacular historical backdrop for the new
info@bdayacht.com
high speedfoiling cats.
www.bdayacht.com
Bermuda is centrally located within the cruising routes of Superyachts allowing for participation form superyachts as
Bermuda Yacht Services is a proud member of
well as smaller visiting yachts. The timing of the 35th America’s
the AYSS
all your tenders all your toys
BUILD | DELIVERY | AFTER-SALES | BROKERAGE | SLIDES | JETSKIS | SEABOBS | FLYBOARDS | & LOTS MORE
Contact | UK: +44 2380 01 63 63 | FR: +33 489 733 347 | US: +1 954 302 9066 YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER 163 email: info@superyachttendersandtoys.com | www.superyachttendersandtoys.com ISSUE 29
BERMUDA & THE AMERICA’S CUP
LET’S BRING IT HOME!
sixty thousand ACWS tickets selling out in less than two days. In
By Anne Spyropoulos
Portsmouth this summer. Land Rover were recently announced as
fact, over half a million people are expected to watch ACWS in the team’s exclusive Title and Innovation Partner and the team
It seems like yesterday the world was watching the 34th
are also supported by 11th Hour Racing, which is its sustainability
America’s Cup in San Francisco and Ben Ainslie leading Oracle
partner. Not surprisingly, the new team home in Portsmouth is
Team USA to a dramatic come-back win. At that historic
built to BREEAM excellence standards.
moment, Ben could have named his price and sailed on any
Using a new financial model BAR has diversified its funding
boat, yet he decided to start his own British team to ‘bring the
stream with 50% coming from private entities and 50% coming
Cup home’. With 25 million pounds raised in private funding he
from commercial backing. As both a sports team and business,
officially launched the attack in spectacular fashion on June 10,
they have long-term ambitions to win and then host the following
2014, in the presence of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge.
America’s Cup in Portsmouth. One year on, they are ready to race
The training schedule, rigour and intensity to win the Cup
and Ben is ready to win, ‘It’s the only major sporting event that
is comparable to that of the Tour de France cyclists and the UK
we have never won. It is about being the best of British and it is
team are training hard, even now, to produce the physical power
up to us to right that wrong and bring the Cup home.’
>||
needed to achieve a continuous and stable ‘flight’ over the duration of the 25 minute races. ‘If I didn’t think it was possible,
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
trust me, I would not be doing it,’ Team Principal, Sir Ben Ainslie
2015
commented. And following his historic win in San Francisco the
America’s Cup World Series events to take place in Portsmouth (July),
momentum is carrying them forward. ‘If there was ever a time to
Gothenburg (August 27 – 30) and Bermuda (16 – 18 October)
do it, this is it. Now we have to go out and make this happen.’ There are several unique aspects and a lot of ‘firsts’ in how
2016
the team is approaching this challenge. BAR is the only British
Up to six global ACWS events to take place including Portsmouth
sports team to be awarded the Olympic inspired international
July 21 – 24
ISO 20121 standard across all its activities as it prepares for two
164
world-class sailing events to be hosted in Portsmouth in 2015
2017
and 2016. This is the first time a British team has contested an
America’s Cup Challenger Series (Louis Vuitton Cup) – Bermuda
official America’s Cup competition in front of a home crowd
Red Bull America’s Cup Bermuda
since 1851. And the British public is fully behind them with
The 35th America’s Cup Bermuda
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
THE SCIMITAR BOW THE ‘EVENT’ TO BE CELEBRATED BY TIM THOMAS – PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF BROWN T WAS AN INTERESTING PERIOD TO HAVE A NEW
platform because Amels had experience of boats of this size
design, ’begins Tim Heywood, ‘and I wanted to push the
and decided they would try the Limited Editions concept. They
envelope a little bit.’ He is talking about the genesis of Event,
asked me to design an exterior around their general arrangement,
the first Amels Limited Editions 199, and the yacht that broke
and that’s where it began. I was able to create an exterior
the mould for the Dutch shipyard’s platform superyacht range
that really benefitted from my experience on larger yachts, and
and introduced the Scimitar Bow to the world’s superyacht fleet.
I tried to bring my signature trademarks from the larger boats
It all started with a sketch Heywood made in an airport back in
down to this scale. I’m pleased to say it has been extremely
October 2007 following a brief for a new design to slot into the
successful – we were going to build six in six years, but Amels
Limited Editions line-up. At 60 metres, the 199 would be the new
is cutting metal on hull number 20 at the moment! It really has
flagship of the range, and with the technical platform and the key
been remarkable.’
elements already set, it was Heywood’s job to mould the exterior profile and play with the interior layout.
The initial concept for the 199 was developed in conjunction with her owner to become Event and seeing her
One of the most influential yacht designers in modern
in Monaco, her distinctive profile stands out among the crowd
times, Heywood’s history with Amels stretches back to Cleopatra
of yachts lining the Yacht Club de Monaco quay. There’s no
C in the 1980s when he worked for Jon Bannenberg. His
question that she is a departure from the previous Limited
contribution to the Limited Editions range as a whole is
Editions models, which begs an obvious question. Why change
profound, having been brought in by Amels in the mid-2000s
what has proven to be such a popular line? ‘When Amels said
to draw the original LE concept, the 171. ‘It’s been a very
they wanted to do another boat but asked me for something a
interesting and enjoyable experience going back over ten years
little more challenging, I developed the particular design for the
now,’ he continues. ‘The initial idea began with the technical
199,’ Heywood explains.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
165
THE SCIMITAR BOW
In fact, Heywood presented Amels with two sketches
profile is accentuated by the owner’s choice of grey for the hull
of the 199 concept, one of which offered a more conventional
colour. ‘I was very pleased with that,’ Heywood adds. ‘I think
forward sloping clipper bow. ‘The other had what I termed a
Event has a certain masculinity and the grey hull has given her a
scimitar bow,’ Heywood explains, ‘which is like a vertical bow
quasi-military look.’
but with some curvature. I presented the clipper bow first and
When you step on board, however, Event is anything but
they quite liked that.’ Then I said ‘if you really want to push the
military. While her profile remains low and sleek, her deck spaces
envelope, I’d like you to build the scimitar bow version.’ With
are ample. On the foredeck, a helipad offers easy arrival and
that, the course of the design was set. ‘I got the idea from the
departure for owner and guests, while aft on the main deck ample
Damen offshore Fast Crew Supply vessels with the axe bow.
wraparound sofas invite casual conversation. The bridge deck aft
But the axe bow is quite a complex naval architecture structure
offers alfresco dining, while the sundeck – with its island sofa/
and the yard didn’t think it was necessary to build that feature
sunpad aft and huge spa pool forward – just screams party deck.
on a yacht as the operational profile is quite different. After
While Heywood had some influence on the interior
having doubts to begin with, they decided to go ahead with my
arrangement, the style and décor came down to Laura Sessa,
alternative bow shape. I was really pleased because it was such
who had worked with the owner on a previous project and whose
a unique and original feature. It totally changed the look of the
involvement with the Limited Editions range stretches back to
boat to make her something contemporary.’
the first yacht launched, the 171 LE Deniki. ‘The owner was
While the bow shape may have changed, the rest of the
looking for a feeling of warmth,’ Sessa explains, ‘so I proposed
features in the two original sketches remained the same. The
certain details in embroidery, colour and particular materials.
signature styling elements include a combination of sweeping
Everything was custom made for Event.’ The result is stunning,
curves in the profile of each deck with sharp angles and knuckles
with honey coloured woods offset by hints of bright colour and
partnered to those curves. ‘It’s something I hadn’t done before,’
contrasting dark wood details throughout. ‘
says Heywood. ‘Most of my boats have got soft forms and
Up on the sundeck, the original concept was changed
knuckles and the deck edges have radii on them. On the 199 I’ve
at the request of the owner from a fully open space similar to
got really crisp lines, and it’s the combination of those harder
previous Limited Editions model to include an enclosed central
edges and the sweeping curves that give her a unique look. ‘Her
sundeck saloon. Concertina glass doors mean the space can be
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166
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER
+1 941 756 0600 ISSUE 29 | www.teakdecking.com
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THE SCIMITAR BOW
used as an inside/outside space, while full climate control extends the seasonal use of the room. A large, drop-down screen turns the space into a comfortable cinema. Crew routes and crew spaces have also been carefully considered. The double height engine room is a masterpiece of layout, while crew accommodation forward is spacious. The galley is located on the lower deck, but service is easy thanks to a full height dumb waiter serving every deck, with crew pantries on the main and upper deck providing individual tableware storage and a dishwasher. The main change from previous models, however, is the garage location, which on the 199 is hidden under the foredeck. ‘That came from the shape of the bow,’ Heywood explains, ‘because as I took the curved profile line around the side of the bow, the side cheeks of the bow are very full. That meant we could actually move the tenders forward which alleviated a lot of the space aft.’ As a result, not only is access made easier for the crew,
the naval architecture,’ says Hans Konings, head of design at
but all tenders and toys can be launched without interfering with
Amels. ‘Heywood’s curvaceous designs are always challenging for
guests’ enjoyment of the swim platform aft, which links directly to
us to engineer and build, and the 199 is notably different from
a spacious aft beach club complete with Technogym and sauna.
traditional yachts in terms of her exterior lines, interior layouts
For the tenders themselves, Heywood was asked by the
and arrangement of technical spaces.’ It is clear that Heywood’s
owner to create a limo in the style of the mother ship and
alternative bow concept and Amels’ decision to press ahead with
the result is an award-winning tender that borrows key styling
that scimitar bow, have created a magnificent yacht that remains
features from Event’s profile. ‘There are fake ports on either side,’
as contemporary in 2015 as when she was launched at the start
Heywood points out, ‘and obviously the bow is a major feature,
of 2013. And what of the DNA of previous Limited Editions
plus a couple of the knuckle lines, and the way the grey of the hull
models? ‘If you look at the forward end, it has the extending
sweeps down at the aft end echoes the mother ship.’
roofs over the wing stations, so you can see that feature and
After two years’ active operation with her owner, Event
originally it had a very similar mast structure and that was really
has proven herself time and time again. ‘Because her scimitar
it,’ Heywood concludes. ‘Virtually everything else was new and
bow is such a departure from the norm, we invested heavily in
unique for Event.’
ABOVE: TIM HEYWOOD
>||
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
167
THE INDUSTRY MOVERS THE YACHTING MATTERS INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE – SNAPPED AROUND THE WORLD The full list of all those that have appeared within The Industry Movers section can be found at www.yachtingmatters.com
168
ANDREA COCCO, VALERIO LUGLIO & ENNIO LUGLIO
ANNE-CECILE APPIETTO & CEDRIC LEAL
ARTUN ERTEM
COSTAS CHARALAMBOUS & MURIEL PENOTY
CPT. ROBERT SHOVE
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CPT. CHIAN ESER
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
173
INDUSTRY RECOGNITION GUIDE
174
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
TEAK OVERHARVESTING
NOW WE PAY THE PRICE
HE SUPPLY OF THE BEST, SUPERYACHT QUALITY,
stretched. In some current cases the delivery time for wide and
teak has changed dramatically since, in April 2014,
long planks in the quantities required is more than a year.
the Myanmar (Burmese) government reduced the annual
What a potential new build team has to now realise is that
allowable teak log harvest from 300,000 tons (about 540,000m3)
planning for the decks on their new vessel has to be made well in
to only 40,000 tons. They have taken this action due to the fact
advance and the ordering of the wood required has to be made
that in past years too many logs were harvested and traded to
a priority, it can no longer simply be sourced and delivered by a
India, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. This business was mainly
simple phone call or email. The importers now need to be given
performed by four very big log traders. The control of this
early warning of the builders requirements.
business was quite complicated and caused irregularities leading to legal and illegal overharvesting.
Almost all European timber importers now put a great deal of effort into importing sustainable harvested wood from all
This reduction means that, although large quantities
over the world that complies to sustainability rules and has an
of logs had been bought by the big traders before the April
FSC or PEFC certificate that guarantees â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Chain of Custodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
deadline, the availability of the very good, top quality logs
or the route the material has taken to market. Governments that
needed for cutting superyacht standard decking has reduced
comply with this scheme take their duties very seriously with
dramatically. Due to the export ban on these logs teak
checks and audits often being carried out. For instance Royal
cannot be cut in sawmills outside Myanmar to customer
Boogaerdt Timber scores very highly within the industry as, at
specifications anymore.
the moment about 80% of all their imports are certified. It is
Due to the modern trend for yachts of ever increasing length, and decks to match, the top quality teak decking required
worth noting that not all species or suppliers are certified, this is an ongoing process.
for these impressive vessels has increased as well. The industry is
Despite all of the legalities there is still without
finding it more difficult, and expensive, by the day to source good
doubt trade in illegal wood from some countries in the tropical
teak suitable for their needs and delivery times are also getting
regions, possibly shipped into Europe via bone-fide producing
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
175
TEAK OVERHARVESTING
countries to give it credibility. The European Commission wants to end the use of illegal wood in Europe as it is accepted that the illegal trade often damages the ecosystem, the climate and also the interests of those traders working legally. As of March 2013 another European legislation came into force: the EUTR regulations (very stringent controls on the legality of ALL European wood imports). This new law will control the exact provenance of all imports into the European Union. Importers in the USA, Japan and Australia have to follow similar regulations. Importers have to provide written proof that all imported wood is legally harvested. This sounds easier than it is in reality, documenting all imports as requested is open to all kinds of abuse by illegal traders, the very thing the rules are trying
decks have been found as the specific properties of teak cannot
to eradicate.
be replicated. Artificial products, and there are some good looking
We do not know if all EU governments implement this
ones on the market, can be suitable for garages and heli decks,
legislation in a serious way but we can be sure that many country
but for the well manicured feet of the owners and guests onboard
NGO’s will be watching the behaviour of the importers very
a yacht teak cannot be beaten. Many artificial decks, in full sun,
closely. In a case that it can be proven that the law has been
are more suitable for baking eggs than walking on.
infringed, not only will a big fine be given but also the wood
Maybe the future in teak decking could be in laminated or
will be confiscated. What the reader has to be aware of is that if
finger jointed teak. These products still have the touch and feel
you are found to have illegal wood on your vessel you could find
of teak but are much less influenced by the export ban and are
yourself at risk under these rules.
available in large volume, size and length. Both products will be
Royal Boogaerdt Timber/Royal Deck treats these new rules with great respect to protect their clients from any problems that
on display during the coming Monaco Yacht Show on the Royal Deck stand.
could arise but we have to warn anybody seeking to buy teak that there is still wood on the market that cannot be sold as proven
For more information please contact:
legal timber. Royal Boogaerdt Timber has to work with several
Royal Boogaerdt Timber International Wood traders
organisations to certify that all their Teak imports are proven legal.
www.boogaerdthout.nl – E-mail: info@boogaerdt.nl
The search for wooden alternatives to teak has been going on for a very long time but no serious alternatives to top quality
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
Royal Deck International Deck Layers www.royaldeck.nl – E-mail: info@royaldeck.nl
>||
THE MARINE GALLERY FEATURING THE BEST IN YACHT BUILDING & DESIGN
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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Savannah
YACHT GALLERY – SAVANNAH
Feadship has launched the 83.50 m Savannah, the first
Savannah is the first yacht in the world to be running with an
superyacht to feature an eco-friendly blend of single diesel
azipull and a variable pitch propeller. Only Feadship engineering
engine, three gensets, batteries, propeller, azimuting thruster
and the rich experience of this yard could have successfully
and a streamlined hull shape. Offering fuel economies of thirty
concluded a project of such scope and vision,’.
per cent, the propulsion platform marries Feadship’s past
But there is much much more to Savannah and so as not to
experience and forward thinking approach within a pure custom
be missed her exterior colour scheme is Sea Foam metallic green
creation. Further innovation comes in the form of a floating
– Savannah is the first superyacht to be entirely metallic painted
superstructure, an underwater lounge, the ‘open’ aft deck areas,
with the exception of the mast domes.
and much more besides. Redundancy is ensured by fitting a large contra-rotating and azimuthing stern thruster just aft of the main propeller. The design of the aft ship allows for a propeller that is forty
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
that of a conventional twin screw yacht. This again results in a
LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM: DRAFT: HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE: ACCOMMODATION:
higher efficiency and fewer vibrations. In addition, the large stern
ENGINES:
per cent larger than the norm. Combined with the power supplied by the thruster, the load on the propeller is only half
thruster also ensures excellent maneuverability in marinas. Taken as a whole, the package offers major benefits in terms of fuel saving and consists of five modes: manoeuvring, diesel-electrical, range, high speed and boost. This guarantees a high level of reliability and a better engine load than any other
NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN: DELIVERY: BUILDER:
83.50 M 12.20 M 3.85 M STEEL & ALUMINIUM 12 GUESTS IN 6 CABINS/SUITES FOR MAX: 26 CREW IN 12 CABINS 1 X WÄRTSILÄ 9L20 – 4 STROKE@1800 KW @1000 RPM FEADSHIP DE VOOGT NAVAL ARCHITECTS CG DESIGN / FEADSHIP DE VOOGT NAVAL ARCHITECTS CG DESIGN 2015 FEADSHIP
superyacht afloat today. Comments the owner’s project manager, Ted McCumber, ‘It’s not the individual technologies used on Savannah that are new in the yachting world – it is the way they have been combined. The possibility to choose between diesel, diesel-electric or fully electric is truly exceptional. Moreover,
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
Tel: +31 (0)23 524 7000 Email: info@feadship.nl www.feadship.nl
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Pursuit style racing, open to all sailing yachts 20m+, modern, cruising or classic YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
www.ibizarendezvous.com
179
Moon Sand
YACHT GALLERY – MOON SAND
The 44.20 m Moon Sand is a salient reminder of the formidable
main deck aft to be transformed into the perfect place for an
design expertise Feadship has in-house. From her bridge deck
al fresco dinner.
wing stations to the main deck lifting pool, the owners have
There is also much to be said about Moon Sand’s highly
successfully combined their love of practicality with a passion for
impressive interior design and style. The owners’ quarters feature
pleasure and perfection. They were closely involved in shaping
a study and a large stateroom with two bathrooms and two
Moon Sand’s looks, feel and function with De Voogt Design and
walk-in dressing rooms. Six guests can be accommodated in three
the interior designers at Bannenberg & Rowell.
guest suites, and there is freedom of choice here too as two of
Moon Sand’s modern superstructure rises above a
those suites can be converted into a single stateroom.
classic Feadship bow in a fine blend of the contemporary and traditional. From the outset, the highly experienced owners focused on three elements for their new yacht – light, space and freedom of choice in terms of recreation. A few of the design features that make Moon Sand special are the giant windows and their lack of mullions that offer amazing views from the primary owner and guest areas. Also the expansive aft deck spaces and lots of loose seating on the main and bridge decks offer exceptional relaxation opportunities. A tender that is located on the sun deck rather than in its own garage has allowed space for a swimming pool on the main deck aft that incorporates an ingenious floor system that can be lowered to provide the pool depth required.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM: DRAFT: HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE: ACCOMMODATION: ENGINES: CLASSIFICATION: NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN: DELIVERY: BUILDER:
44.2 M 9.10 M 2.75 M STEEL & ALUMINIUM 8 GUESTS IN FOUR CABINS 5 CABINS FOR 10 CREW (MAX) 2 X CATERPILLAR C32B 896 KW @ 1800 RPM CAYMEN ISLANDS FLAG DE VOOGT NAVAL ARCHITECTS DE VOOGT DESIGN BANNENBERG & ROWELL DESIGN 2015 FEADSHIP
The ingenious swimming pool has a contra-flow system that allows the pool to be used for some serious swimming and when the exercise is over the main deck floor can be raised halfway to create a shallow pool for the kids. Come the evening the floor returns to its flush position allowing the
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Tel: +31 (0)23 524 7000 Email: info@feadship.nl www.feadship.nl
YACHT GALLERY – ELFJE
could mean upward of 15 power–hungry hydraulic functions being
styling by Redman Whiteley Dixon, the 52.36 m NextGEN ketch Elfje is
called upon simultaneously.
not only beautiful to behold with stunning aesthetics and amenities, she also has high-tech systems and a sailing performance to match. The design brief called for a luxury yacht finessed to deliver across all criteria and remain cutting-edge well into the future. For this reason, Elfje has been called a ‘NextGEN’ ketch to highlight her owner’s focus on maximising innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency. Usage was a key component of the project planning to identify
An opportunity to show her racing pedigree came during the 2015 St. Barths Bucket, an event co-stewarded by Royal Huisman. At the end of a hard-fought battle Elfje shared overall victory in the Elegantes des Mers class – a remarkable podium result in her debut regatta.
Elfje
With her exterior lines and interior layout by Hoek Design and interior
‘Given the expertise, experience and competence at the yard, we knew we could accomplish anything.’ said Jeremy Pochman, the owner’s project director
important ‘must have’ attributes, as well as possible constraints, of Elfje’s detailed specification. In broad terms, the owner wanted a beautiful sailing yacht to go anywhere he wished in the world, from tropical cruising grounds to the higher latitudes as far afield as Antarctica and the Arctic. To meet the owner’s wide-ranging brief and apart from the obvious requirement for seaworthiness in all conditions, the yacht had to be equipped for remote extended cruising with adequate fuel, provisioning and operational resources. In the interests of operating the yacht safely in exotic regions, the installed systems had to be advanced, but also relatively simple and thoroughly reliable. From the start there was a strong emphasis on performance. Not just for the enjoyment of swift passage – making, but also because
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM: DRAFT: HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE: ACCOMMODATION: ENGINES: SPEED: RANGE: NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN: DELIVERY: BUILDER:
INCL. BOWSPRIT 52.36 M 9.00 M (KEEL UP) 4.50M (KEEL DOWN) 7.10M ALUSTAR 1 X OWNER SUITE + 5 GUESTS IN 3 CABINS 6 CREW IN 3 CABINS SCANIA DI 16 / 552 KW @ 1800 RPM CRUISING 10 KNOTS 3690 NM AT 10 KNOTS HOEK DESIGN NAVAL ARCHITECTS BV HOEK DESIGN NAVAL ARCHITECTS BV REDMAN WHITELEY DIXON 2014 ROYAL HUISMAN
the owner intended to race Elfje. That meant the hydraulic sail handling systems had to be fast and efficient across the full spectrum. Whereas passage-making might require two or three hydraulic functions at one
Telephone: +31 527 243131 Email yachts@royalhuisman.com www.royalhuisman.com
time, a race environment with up to 30 competitive sailors on board
PHOTOGRAPH: CORY SILKEN
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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Ester III
YACHT GALLERY – ESTER III
Ester III is a sleek, 66 m yacht that combines a truly authentic
meals, entertainment and meetings go hand in hand on a near
classic interior and unusual deck layout with a unique, distinct
continuous basis’, Oeino states, adding that the decks are laid
and masculine external profile.
out to be used in all weather conditions with various degrees of
Espen Oeino, responsible for the exterior design, was
protection from the sun, wind, rain, heat and cold, offering dining
given an open brief by the client: ‘just do it as if the yacht was
in two separate external locations to complement the more
for you, Espen.’ The result, with large and full height windows, is
formal Main deck dining setting.
an angular profile with grey and white used to striking effect in elements of the cleverly sculpted superstructure. Oeino, who is friends with the Owner, describes the look: ‘a unique, distinct and strong character in many ways reflecting the Owner’s character and in many ways also the strong heritage of Lürssen Yachts’. Unusual features include the relatively large (for a yacht of this size) infinity swimming pool – with jet flow and a waterfall leading down to the bathing platform where the water runs into a teak grating – and a helicopter platform on top of the wheelhouse, ‘so as to enable the owner’s family to arrive and leave the yacht by helicopter without interfering too much with life on the aft decks’. Also the tender garage is located forward on the main deck ‘to have no freeboard issues during launching and retrieving which is frequently a problem when located on the lower deck on yachts of this size’, with the added benefit that
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM: DRAFT: HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE: ACCOMMODATION: ENGINES SPEED: RANGE: NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN: DELIVERY: BUILDER:
65.99 M 11.60 M 3.40 M STEEL / ALUMINIUM 1 X MASTER SUITE & 5 GUEST CABINS, 17 CREW IN 9 CABINS 2 X MTU 12V 4000 M63, 1.500 KW AT 1.800 RPM 16.5 KNOTS @ 12 KNOTS: 4000 NM ESPEN OEINO INTERNATIONAL ESPEN OEINO INTERNATIONAL REYMOND LANGTON DESIGN 2014 LÜRSSEN
the Owner’s accommodation is closer to amidships for comfort. Space was also freed up aft for the water sports toy store and spa to be close to the water with direct access to the stern platform. ‘The layout reflects the family’s frequent use of the yacht and in particular the intense use of external deck spaces where
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Tel: +49 421 6604 166 E-mail: yachts@lurssen.com Website: www.lurssen.com
YACHT GALLERY – KISMET
Lürssen points out that ‘Kismet is equipped with an ultra-
a replacement 95.2 m upgrade yacht from the Owner’s previous
modern, stabilisation system which reduces the roll motion effect
award-winning 68 m Kismet. The Owner pushed Lürssen to test
and results in a smoother, more enjoyable cruising experience
its own boundaries engineering-wise and to create a yacht ahead
underway and at anchor. This is just one of the elements making
of its time, while also being the ultimate entertainment vessel
Kismet’s sea keeping under all circumstances – including in
afloat for welcoming friends and family.
heavy seas – very comfortable’. The virtual elimination of noise
Kismet was designed by two leading names in contemporary
and vibration exceeded the Owner’s expectations while a heat
design – Espen Oeino International for the exterior and Reymond
recovery system uses the heat loss of the generators for heating
Langton Design for the interior. Lürssen is proud that Kismet won
the pool and Jacuzzi water, thus saving energy.
Kismet
Kismet, delivered by Lürssen in the autumn of 2014, was built as
her class, ‘Motor Yacht of above 75 m LOA’, at the 2015 World Superyacht Awards. Exceptional features include a lockable private observation platform with a ‘star bed’, overlooking the Sun Deck. This deck has a swimming pool with integrated Jacuzzi forward whose aft end forms the skylight of the lift shaft, all tied together in a waterfall arrangement. A fully equipped BBQ is immediately aft. The second helipad forward (the main one is aft on the Bridge Deck) covers a dedicated mooring deck and is built so that it may be used as a basketball practice area or an extra party area too. An external dining area on the main deck looks over an open fire pit, with an integrated waterfall feature. Above, the main external dining area has sliding glass screens to completely
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS LENGTH OVERALL: BEAM: DRAFT: HULL & SUPERSTRUCTURE: ACCOMMODATION: ENGINES: SPEED: RANGE: NAVAL ARCHITECTURE: EXTERIOR DESIGN: INTERIOR DESIGN: DELIVERY: BUILDER:
95.2 M 13.80 M 3.75 M STEEL / ALUMINIUM 2 OWNER & 12 GUESTS IN 6 CABINS 27 CREW IN 15 CABINS 2 CAT 3516C, 2.000 KW AT 1.600 RPM 16.9 KNOTS @12 KNOTS – 6000 NM ESPEN OEINO INTERNATIONAL ESPEN OEINO INTERNATIONAL REYMOND LANGTON DESIGN 2014 LÜRSSEN
enclose it, forming a winter garden. A special feature is of course the removable sculpture of a jaguar, whose eyes can be lit, and which adorns the protruding bowsprit.
Tel: +49 421 6604 166 E-mail: yachts@lurssen.com Website: www.lurssen.com
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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CRUISING THROUGHOUT ASIA ITS GOING TO GET BETTER (& BETTER) BY DAVID ROBINSON HIS YEAR, AFTER A DECADE OF EFFORT WITH
support superyachts travelling this vast ocean spread were not in
limited success, real progress has and is being made
place, have now been largely addressed. This turnaround has seen several new marinas
in developing the Asia Pacific region as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third superyacht cruising area. The region covers a huge area containing a vast array of
few or none before. Superyacht agency and support services
fabulous and almost unvisited superyacht cruising opportunities.
have been expanded to cover most, if
The region extends from the likes of Mauritius and Madagascar in
not all, of the region that superyachts
the west to Hawaii in the east and includes many fantastic Pacific
have
Islands; Australia and New Zealand; those of Southeast Asia
and refit and repair facilities have
including Indonesia and Thailand and Eastern Asia with Japan
also been upgraded and expanded.
and Taiwan, and going west, the island chains of the Maldives,
These improvements across the
Seychelles and Mauritius.
region
The key driver behind the need for new cruising areas for superyachts is the growth in the world fleet, the traditional
traditionally
are
travelled
ongoing
for
to
both
infrastructure and services. This has encouraged a growing number
Mediterranean and Caribbean cruising grounds are becoming
of owners to venture into the region either
overcrowded. There is also a rising shortage of marina berths
travelling west through the Panama Canal or
in some countries as rules related to developing new projects
east through Suez. The latter is plagued
become tougher in allowing new coastal development. This
with security and piracy issues,
relates especially to the larger yachts of 70 metres plus, which
albeit not as bad as they were just a
in themselves can travel further, safer and in more comfort with their guests onboard. Alongside this many owners are seeking new adventures and opportunities, the Asia Pacific region offers these in abundance. Earlier fears that the facilities and services needed to
184
incorporating superyacht berths being built where there were
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
few years ago and yachts, it must be remembered, have rarely
Vanuatu, New Caledonia and the Cook and Solomon Islands, to
been the focus of an attack. The same applies in the Malacca
name but a few.
Straits, also a renowned area of piracy activity, but again yachts
In Australia at the ASMEX Conference in May three significant announcements were made: Plans to change
are very rare targets. Other major changes centre on the easing and
the Australian Coastal Shipping Act to allow foreign-flagged yachts
simplification of regulations relating to periods of stay in a
to be able to undertake charter activities in Australia. A change
country, the ability to charter and registering in port on arrival.
to officer and crew qualification rules which will see the previous
Countries are also pulling together to promote the whole or parts
state by state regulations replaced by a
of the region and governments are working together so that as
national scheme thus removing a
far as possible there is an alignment between the regulations
number of restrictions. Action
in each country, thus making it simpler for owners to cruise
to expand access to the
throughout the region.
Great Barrier Reef for
As a follower of this market over the past 10 years I believe that 2015 will be seen as the year in which procedures and processes began to blend together to make a difference. In 2004 I attended a conference in Kuala Lumpur which
superyachts larger than 35 m, the current limit. Earlier
changes
to rules had been made
was entitled: ‘From Manila to Yangon Bay’ its theme being about
in New Zealand allowing
making Asia the hoped for third cruising area. It was an event ahead
yachts to stay for up to two
of its time but it highlighted the ambitions and initiatives that have
years with the ability to charter for
since been worked on to reach the position we are at today.
up to 67% of their stay.
What are the changes? The most recent, on June 26 in
Similarly in Fiji the stay time was extend to 18 months
Tahiti saw the formation of ‘South Pacific Superyachting.’ This
and tax levels reduced from 12% to 5%. As can be seen changes
brought together two already active campaigns, one by
are happening and there are more soon to come.
New Zealand and Australia and the other by Fiji and
Right across this region support services are provided
Tahiti. Both promoted their respective superyacht cruising
by agency groups such as Asia Pacific Superyachts and the
opportunities and support services. SPS will now take
Yacht Support Group, a number of these businesses also serve
on the promotion challenge for ‘Oceania’ comprising of
as the local representatives of the Association of Yacht Support
Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tahiti. A working
Services (AYSS).
group has been set up to oversee the
For superyachts travelling westwards the South Pacific
marketing of this area with the intention
zone can serve as the gateway to the delights of Asia, be it
of incorporating other
the cities of Hong Kong or Singapore, the intriguing coast lines
islands such as
of Thailand or Vietnam or the island nations of Indonesia and the Philippines. As with the changes in Australia, at the Asian Yachting Conference, held just before the Singapore Yacht Show this year,
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
185
CRUISING ASIA
real progress was announced by high powered delegations from
boost to the marine leisure market in South East Asia. Alongside
Thailand and Indonesia.
these there is the movement in Vietnam to expand the fledgling
In the case of Thailand the benefits of sea tourism to the country were highlighted and wide ranging consultations
industry there; Malaysia is to boost its marina capacity and Myanmar is a growing destination for yacht charter and visits.
are underway involving the government, tourism authorities
There are throughout SE Asia a number of ongoing
and stakeholders. The full outcome of these initiatives is
projects around new builds and refit and repair. There is already,
awaited but soon it is expected that a new policy set towards
as mentioned, active yacht support, from agencies but there are
expanding Thailandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sea tourism sector will be formally
also well established brokerage and charter agency networks
announced and implemented, including the allowing of foreign
in place. Regional brokers like Simpson Marine and Northrop
flag yachts to charter.
& Johnson Asia have branches across the area. Yacht shows in
A similar path is being followed in Indonesia which, after a long period of inactivity has recently seen the volume of
the regions are seeing more business but China still remains a sleeping giant.
charter activity increasing; a number of marina projects are under
Suddenly it seems the traffic light for the marine leisure
construction or being planned and regulations related to visiting
sector right across the Asia Pacific region has changed from amber
yachts are being simplified. The delegation at the Conference
to green.
>||
highlighted all of this and spoke enthusiastically about what the future holds for the marine leisure industry in Indonesia, which is
David is a freelance marine journalist and consultant with over
quite a way behind Thailand. The countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently installed new
ten years experience of covering yachting for several mainstream
government has pledged support for the sector and it appears
superyacht titles. Over the same period he has closely followed
open to international help in evolving a positive development
developments in Asia, which he continues to do.
plan for the market. There remains much to do but the fact that these two countries are making strong commitments has given a real
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
To contact David: superyachtwriter@gmail.com Photographs courtesy of: APSA & Helicam Phuket
NAVIGATING SAFELY – ARE YOU AS SAFE AS YOU THINK? BY STEVE MONK LL MARINERS KNOW VESSEL SAFETY WHEN
details the necessary arcs of visibility the OOW must have in
underway relies on maintaining an awareness of your
order to navigate safely, in some cases the way in which this is
position. Obtaining that position relies on a number
achieved is pushing the boundaries, and not necessarily in a good
of different methods ranging from Global Navigation Satellite
way. Superstructure which limits the view of the quarters, or thick
Systems (GNSS) down to simply looking out of the window.
window frames which create large blind spots or bows which cast
Bridge officers who have spent years operating around the same
a huge blind spot ahead of the vessel, all work against the safety
area of water will claim they know it like the back of their hand
of navigation and just because it’s within the rules, shouldn’t
and don’t need charts or technology to tell them where they are.
make it the norm.
But unfortunately that reasoning won’t stand up in court where
Within the bridge, equipment is not always laid out in a
only facts are acceptable. Those facts will be built upon an ability
manner conducive to simplistic operation. This can include having
to not only prove the position of the vessel at the time of a
touch panels installed instead of physical switches or buttons
position fix, by whatever means, but to know where the vessel is
which means the OOW has to take his eyes off what’s going on
during the subsequent period until the next position fix is taken
outside and look down to find the right ‘button’ to press on the
and plotted.
radar or panel as they’re just looking for a smooth touch point.
However, there’s more to navigation than simply marking
Looks nice, but really not practical.
a chart with your position. Making this process as easy as possible
A key role of the OOW which we’ll come to shortly, is
for those who work on the bridge goes back to the design stage
being able to plot a position on the paper chart, but when the
and the way the compartment is laid out, the equipment to
designers don’t even give the builders room to install a full size
be used and the way it’s installed. While SOLAS regulation 22
chart table, it now becomes near impossible to carry out this
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
187
NAVIGATING SAFELY
action. Not giving the bridge team the tools to complete their job is not acceptable. Regulators or inspectors who fail to pick-up the fact that a paper chart cannot be laid out to permit the plotting of a fix is not acceptable, so why does it happen? The bridge can still look nice but the OOW must be able to complete their duties to reduce the risk of them running aground or colliding with another vessel. Then there’s equipment manufacturers. All have their own systems to install to provide the OOW with the information they need. Independently each will alarm when certain parameters are met but that’s not a problem as the OOW will acknowledge them when confirmed it’s safe to do so. However when the bridge has 15 or 20 different systems all alarming for various reasons, the OOW is once more forced to look into the bridge and figure out what’s alarming and why. All the time this distracts them from looking out of the window which on many occasions, is what will ultimately prevent them from grounding
system (ECS), the paper chart provides situational awareness.
or colliding with something. Much of this could be solved
Route planning would make clear to the bridge team the
through a better understanding by designers, manufacturers and
intentions of where the vessel would transit and the proximity
vessel builders of the way navigation is conducted by the OOW
to dangers which could be clearly identified on a nice big piece of
to enable them to go back to keeping the vessel safe.
paper. That however still relies on someone receiving and applying
With respect to the practical aspects of navigation, while
the necessary updates to the charts which have to be issued by an
mariners of old had to take fixes by visual bearing lines, radar
appropriate hydrographic authority. SOLAS regulation 27 requires
ranges or Loran, there’s now a heavy reliance on GNSS such
all charts for the immediate past and next passage to be kept
as the Global Positioning System (GPS) constantly feeding an
up-to-date and let’s be honest, common sense would suggest this
electronic navigation system. Is there anything wrong with this?
is necessary. Should you think differently, a visit by a port or flag
Not as long as a number of factors are taken into account, ‘risk
state inspector or even the management company representative
assessed’ and actioned.
conducting a spot check of the outfit will soon focus the mind
Prior to and still now with the outbreak of electronic
as failure to present or show these updates can be a detainable
navigation and a direct feed of the GPS to the electronic chart
offence. Of course, with the updates applied, it’s important to know what information is available on the chart and how to use it properly. There are still unfortunately mariners who don’t know what detail is being presented to them on a chart such as where to find the survey data. Similarly production of a ‘new edition’ chart doesn’t mean the data on it is all new and that depths have all been re-surveyed. Many areas of the Caribbean and indeed just to the east of Monaco, haven’t been surveyed for hundreds of years. If you do know about these factors and you’re aware of the dangers shown, route planning consists of more than simply
Do your bit for the environment! Recycle this magazine by passing it on to a colleague!
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
plotting a track across the paper avoiding the depths less than your draft. The Safety Management System (SMS) and possibly Captain Standing Orders will stipulate what documents should be referred to. But ask yourself, would your checklists stand up to scrutiny from a lawyer from the insurance company who don’t want to pay for damages as a result of a grounding? With no official regulatory document or publication which detail the specifics to look into for passage planning or what to transcribe onto the chart, you’re pretty much stuck with what’s in your course notes from school. If a second opinion is required,
NAVIGATING SAFELY
the Admiralty Manual of Navigation Vol 1 published by the
Navigation is easy, it’s just a case of being aware of where
Nautical Institute provides good advice and has been unofficially
you are at all times. Electronics help make this even easier for the
recommended by the MCA.
modern day mariner and yet ships are still grounding through no
OK, so the charts are corrected, planning completed,
fault of the electronics which leaves only the humans to answer
route plotted and we’re underway. Do you know where you are
the investigators questions. Mitigation can be weighed heavily in
at all times? Plotting a position on the paper chart by whatever
your favour if you apply a few simple procedures in the planning,
means gives you the reassurance to confirm what you see out
execution and training of safe navigation practises. Otherwise, as
of the window matches what the chart is telling you at that
stated above, the inspectors will quickly identify errors in your
moment of the fix, but what procedures do you have in place to
ways and make life somewhat uncomfortable or potentially
confirm you’re safe until the next fix is taken and plotted? Dead
prevent you sailing on that charter due to unsafe practises which
Reckoning (DR’s) and Estimated Positions (EP’s) are taught on a
can be so easily overcome.
>||
course but seem to be rarely found on charts at sea, yet in a world of litigation where the blame needs to be cast on someone, if a
Steve Monk is the Managing Director of Da Gama Maritime, a
legal team can show your chart lacks any data other than a track
company providing navigation management and bridge training.
line and hourly position fix by GPS, that’s 59 minutes and 59
He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation, Associate Fellow
seconds of ambiguity where you can’t prove where you were. To
of the Nautical Institute and member of the Education and Training
counter this, you should put two DR’s or EP’s on the chart after
Committee of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners. A
every fix for twice the fixing period in the direction of travel (ie 1
Royal Naval Specialist Navigator he is passionate about the art of
hour and 2 hours ahead in open waters). To provide even greater
navigation and helping mariners maintain their safety at sea in a
safety, you should increase the periodicity of fixes to be no more
simplistic but legal capacity.
than half the time it would take at your present speed to reach the closest point of danger if you turned towards it.
Contact: steve@dgmaritime.com
There are of course many other practical methods to assist including the plotting of Parallel Indices (PI’s) on the radar or setting the depth sounder alarm or of course, utilising the electronic navigation system. However one important question is to ask first is, do you have an ECS or ECDIS? If it’s the former, you’re not cleared to navigate primarily on this equipment – it’s not legal. If however you have an official ECDIS, receiving inputs from the gyro, GPS and log while loaded with officially approved electronic charts which themselves are up-to-date, then you’re on your way. But as always, the bigger question is, are all operators of the equipment trained to use it? There’s been lots written about training so the intention is not to repeat it here, however there are many vessels running around with crew who haven’t been trained to use the ECDIS but who ‘give it a go’ then wonder why they’ve run aground. Risk assessments are no longer required by the majority of flag states for vessels wishing to go ‘paperless’ and run primarily on ECDIS which you might think is great, but do you fully understand the way an ECDIS works? Do you know how the updates are installed, whether the ECDIS software (not the charts) is up-to-date, what the fall-back methods of plotting a position are, how to scan a route, how to show the safety contour, where the survey data can be found or how to take into account the datum shifts as you move around the planet?
Unique private networking sites for superyacht professionals All of our sites are free to join. Simply visit the URL most relevant to your onboard position & complete the simple Membership form. To ensure the integrity of each site, membership is approved by a human… not a robot.
www.SuperyachtCaptains.com (currently over 1000 members)
www.SuperyachtChefs.com www.SuperyachtCrew.com www.SuperyachtEngineer.com www.SuperyachtStewardesses.com
If you’re not comfortable putting the fundamental basics of navigation to work on your ECDIS while tied up calmly alongside, what will you be like when it’s all going wrong?
Once signed up, please read the ‘Tutorial’ to take full advantage of these comprehensive sites, developed specifically for the Superyacht Industry.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
189
A GAME OF HIDE AND SEEK AND THE BURNING QUESTION? A stolen Sunseeker Manhattan leads Pantaenius and MCS
international search for the Mark J. This independent accident
investigators to Ukraine. They track down the yacht and a
commission was founded in the 1990s when increasingly larger,
Kafkaesque odyssey begins. For two long years the investigators
more complex and criminal claims against yacht insurers led to
from Hamburg battle with an unidentified adversary.
the requirement of a more efficient and effective structure for claim settlement.
190
HE STORY BEGINS IN CROATIA, SPRING OF 2012.
With a three-day head-start, the investigators fear Mark
In the Vrsar marina on the Istrian coast, the quiet
J may have already left European waters but at the scene of
conversations of local fisherman are interrupted by the
the crime, there is plenty of evidence to catch the insurance
sound of a Mercedes van. The vehicle stops next to a moored
specialists’ attention. The Italian owner and his captain claim to
Sunseeker 70 Manhattan and three men step out. As the on-site
have been in Italy at the time of the theft, but the Mark J was
CCTV cameras later show, the three unknown individuals board
fully refuelled shortly before the incident. For the investigators it
the yacht and waste no time in casting off.
is one coincidence too many.
Three days later, the owner visits his berth and finds
Speaking with the owner’s Italian bank, who at the
it empty. He immediately contacts his insurance provider,
time were registered as the vessel’s lessee, doesn’t improve
Pantaenius Monaco and reports his yacht stolen. As usual,
the increasingly shady story: when the yacht was stolen, roughly
MCS (Marine Claims Service) is commissioned to carry out an
EUR 2.5 million remained outstanding. And exactly one month
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
INSURANCE INVESTIGATION
LEFT AND BELOW: POOR ATTEMPTS AT DISGUISING THE TRUE IDENTITY OF THE VESSEL
before the next instalment was due, set to be much higher than previous payments, the yacht disappears without a trace. Another coincidence? The investigations reveal that the owner had indeed discussed the possibility of the yacht ‘going missing’ with the previous captain of the Mark J. The clues all point to the same conclusion, but the investigators need to find hard evidence. To prove the theft was staged, they need to find the yacht. At the beginning of June 2012, indication of the yacht’s whereabouts comes from a Turkish broker. The trail takes them to a Ukrainian used-boat market but the yacht, along with its sellers, vanishes as quickly as it had appeared. Investigators working alongside MCS systematically scan Ukrainian waters, but to no avail. But come November, the investigation in Ukraine picks up pace. One of the investigators’ contacts tracks down the broker who had previously attempted to sell a Sunseeker 70 Manhattan in Turkey. Once again, the broker posts an advert with pictures: the similarities leave no room for doubt. Even the bedspread in the owner’s cabin is the same as the one listed on the inventory for the missing Mark J. The photos are analysed and they are able
But on the day that the Sunseeker is due to be relaunched,
to pinpoint the berth: YASEMINE is in a small marina close to the
neither the wharf nor the responsible customs officials will allow
town of Odessa.
Baf and the investigators to launch the yacht. They state there
When MCS investigator Damir Baf arrives at the site, he
is no clause in the documentation Baf holds giving permission
finds the berth empty. It takes another three months till the
for the yacht to be launched. According to the officials, only a
yacht is found again in a deserted shipyard in Kherson, further to
‘transfer’ is permitted.
the east of Odessa.
Baf hires a Ukrainian skipper to free the yacht from the
Local authorities are immediately informed and briefed
corrupt officials’ jurisdiction, however the yacht, now launched
on the current status of the investigation but despite the
and ready to cast off, stays firmly moored. Heavily armed men
overwhelming evidence, Baf and Michael Kurtz from Pantaenius
have formed a barrier and without explanation as to why, state
are given just two hours to inspect the yacht when they arrive at
anyone who touches the Sunseeker’s lines will be arrested.
the shipyard in February 2013. But a few hours is all they need to
Next morning, the guards have disappeared and finally,
prove unequivocally that YASEMINE and the stolen Mark J are in
the Mark J can put to sea. The route takes the vessel down
fact the same vessel. The thieves made a poor job of replacing the
the Dnieper River, towards the Black Sea. Everything is going
hull ID number and other identifiers, which makes identifying the
smoothly until the ship enters the river mouth and Baf receives
yacht a relatively simple task for the experienced investigators.
a call. The caller is the head of the Kherson customs office. He
Several tortuous court hearings follow. Acting on behalf of
claims that the yacht has left the harbour illegally. Baf consults
the yacht’s true owner – the Italian bank that financed the lease
his lawyers and their response leaves him with no choice. ‘The
– the goal is to obtain the transfer of the yacht. The court gives
lawyer told me that two years ago a skipper had been shot there
ruling in October 2013: Damir Baf and his colleagues are given
because he refused to stop’.
permission to take possession of the vessel and transfer it to Italy.
Frustrated, Baf instructs his skipper to bring the yacht
Months out in the open have caused significant damage due to
about and set a course for Ochakiv harbour. Several customs
snow, ice and industrial fallout. The neglected Mark J is serviced,
officials come aboard and examine Baf’s papers. They explain
refuelled and brought up to standard for the transfer.
the yacht has been forced to dock because a stamp is missing.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
191
INSURANCE INVESTIGATION
RIGHT: DETERIORATION SUFFERED BY THE VESSEL AFTER MONTHS IN THE UKRAINE
to attract as much public attention as possible and with the Italian general prosecution as well as Interpol investigating the court decision seems to have a different impact on the Ukrainian authorities this time.
RIGHT AND BELOW: AFTER THE FIRE
‘Surprisingly everything was going smooth; customs issued required documents, accompanied us to the shipyard and ordered delivery of the yacht to us. Customs even returned all the documents and keys which they seized a year before, but most surprisingly, congratulated us for success and putting up a good fight.’ Baf and his crew travel straight to Odessa and the yacht is then moved out of the country as quickly as possible. Two weeks The customs officials demand a punitive payment of roughly five
later it arrives in the Bosphorus. In March 2015 a Turkish crew
euros. They explain, however, that the payment can only be made
guides the vessel safely to Genoa where it is brought ashore and
in a bank. It is already evening and the banks have long closed,
officially handed over to the court.
meaning payment will have to be made the following day.
It took almost three years to rescue the yacht. If you were
As night falls over the Black Sea, Baf and his skipper are
to print the emails, applications, documents and files pertaining
subjected to an almost non-stop interrogation from the customs
to the case, you could line the yacht’s route with the sheets
officials. The yacht, together with the paperwork, is confiscated by
of paper. More than twenty highly-qualified individuals,
the officials, and Baf is ordered to leave the Mark J. He takes the
working on behalf of Pantaenius and MCS, were involved and
next flight to Vienna and contacts Kurtz to break the terrible news:
together with the insurers’ unwavering support and their trust
he is safe, but the yacht is back in Kherson.
in the investigators, everyone played a vital role in bringing the
An investigation is launched, not just against Damir Baf,
Mark J back.
but also against the wharf that had been home to the Mark J until a few days earlier. According to Ukrainian law, foreign-flagged vessels may only be imported into the country for a maximum period of one year. The Mark J, however, was in the hands of the Ukrainian middlemen and customs officials for much longer. The penalty: a fine equal to the value of the yacht or the yacht itself. ‘This is what they have been trying to do the entire time: get hold of the yacht without paying a penny,’ Damir Baf tells his co-investigators at Pantaenius. Once again the case comes before court. However, this time at the Supreme Court in Kiev. The hearings last until August 2014 and a paperwork battle between lawyers in Ukraine, Italy and Germany ensues. Under mysterious circumstances documents repeatedly
On the morning of June 25th 2015, Peter Siegfried received a
go missing and have to be retrieved, costing valuable time
shocking call. In a single hour, the Mark J had been completely
and money. Nonetheless, due to the overwhelming body of
destroyed by fire. The yacht had just been released by the
evidence, all charges against the MCS investigators are dropped
prosecution and returned to its proprietor, the Italian bank which
and the yacht is cleared for release. Damir Baf makes his way
had financed it in the first place.
to Italy to board the vessel but again the customs officials
It is not yet clear under what circumstances the yacht
refuse to allow the Mark J to be processed. In a game designed
caught fire but the vessel’s background encourages plenty of
to stretch people’s time, budgets and patience, played by men
speculation. Fortunately, the yacht was no longer insured with
with considerable influence over the authorities, each perfectly
Pantaenius when it was destroyed.
adequate request is refused.
192
JUNE 25th 2015
Whatever, or who, was responsible for the incident,
However, the masterminds behind the stunt severely
it once more becomes clear just how important the work of
underestimated Pantaenius and its partners. Insurers working
Pantaenius and MCS was in order to prevent the community of
with Pantaenius show an unyielding solidarity and they refuse
honest yacht owners from having to compensate for the greed
to give up. A final court case is being fought and won. Baf tries
of incalculable criminals.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
>||
THE YACHTING MATTERS GUIDE TO
SUPERYACHT REFIT & REPAIR FACILITIES IN THIS EDITION: AMICO & CO AMICO LOANO ASTILLEROS DE MALLORCA AVANGARD CANTIERI NAVALI GENOVESI LUSBEN MB92 MONACO MARINE – LA CIOTAT PALUMBO MALTA SUPERYACHTS PALUMBO MARSEILLE SUPERYACHTS PALUMBO NAPLES SUPERYACHTS
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
193
SHIPYARD FACTFILE
LUSBEN
VIAREGGIO
LIVORNO
LUSBEN – REFIT AND REPAIR Viareggio: Via Coppino, 441 – ITALY Livorno: Piazza Mazzini, 92 – ITALY Contact: Paolo Simoncini - Marco Nuovo Tel. +39 0584 3801486 (Viareggio) Tel: +39 0586 415621 (Livorno) Email: service@lusben.com
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 length. The services that make Lusben your ideal partner include:
SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF: 20 M – 130 M IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Project management, engineering, mechanical, joinery, stainless steel.
•
Refit and repair
•
Berthing
•
Documentation management and technical supervision
•
Across-the-board assistance
In order to provide a comprehensive assistance service covering all owners’ needs, Lusben
MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS : All trades
not only performs ordinary maintenance work, but also deals with administrative formalities,
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
assistance to other Shipyards that need our Services.
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
the internationally recognised centres of yacht building excellence. The work is carried out by
the most common being class renewals and upgrades in compliance with register rules, and 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, 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. 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.
194
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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 specialized 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. • Hydraulic, electrical and electronic ship system maintenance. • Rig & deck equipment service. • Gear storage in a secure area, open and/or covered.
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 SERVICE DEALER: MTU, Caterpillar, Northern Lights, Berg Idromar
• Long term berthing available.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
195
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
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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 29
SHIPYARD FACTFILE
MARINA BARCELONA 92
M
ARINA BARCELONA 92 (MB’92) IS A COMPANY DEDICATED TO THE YACHT industry providing service, refit, repair and maintenance works to more than 90 superyachts per year with overall lengths from 35 up to 180 m. MB’92 is located in the port of Barcelona, a strategic stop-off point for the yachts on their journey between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
With more than 20 years of activity in the superyacht industry, MB’92 has the experience to undertake any yacht refit operation from start to finish guaranteeing the highest level of quality (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISPS). MB’92 has 100 employees on payroll and subcontracts work to more than 800 professionals during the high season, engineers and specialists from local workshops and international firms. •
Total facilities land area of 76,000 m2
•
Mooring area of 40,000 m2
•
18,000 m2 for offices, workshops & storage-space
•
Full exclusive yacht services
Dry dock – an existing 210 m dry dock system, which is adapted for working with superyachts. 2000 ton Syncrolift® – a dry dock system with capacity for up to seven yachts measuring up to a length of 80 m each. Travelift – 150 t with the capacity to dock yachts of up to 35 m in length and located in the dry working area of 15,600 m2. 4000 ton Syncrolift® – operational in 2017 – this new dry dock system will be operational in 2015 and will be able to accommodate five yachts simultaneously, with lengths up to 105 m each. UNDER COVER FACILITIES Paint shed – a floating and covered paint shed with the capacity to accommodate vessels of up to 125 m in length.
Docking repair area – a new berthing repair area with capacity for six yachts up to 200 m in length each. DOCKING QUAYS
Contact: Henk Dreijer Tel: +34 93 224 02 24 Email: commercial@mb92.com Web: www.mb92.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF: 30 m – 200 m IN HOUSE FACILITIES: Crane, forklifts, hard standing area, storage areas, containers.
DRY DOCK FACILITIES
DOCKING REPAIR AREAS
MARINA BARCELONA 92 S.A. Paseo Juan de Borbón 92 08039 Barcelona, Spain
IN HOUSE SERVICES: Qualified project management and interior designers, mechanics, engineering, electricity, welding, electronics, hydraulics, painting, carpentry, sails, communications, composites, cleaning, scaffolding, teak… all trades required by a superyacht. MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Drydock: Max length of vessel 210 m Travel lift: Max weight of vessel 150 t Syncrolift: Max weight of vessel 2000 t Cranes: Max weight of lift 200 t Hard standing area: 76,000 m2 Quay length: 1400 m Covered sheds: Paint shed L: 125 m W: 25.75 m H: 28 m Tenting available: Yes Dayworkers allowed: Yes Project office available: Yes
Docking repair quays with the capacity to berth eight yachts each of up to 110 m in length.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
197
SHIPYARD FACTFILE
CANTIERI NAVALI GENOVESI
ASED IN GENOA, AND OPERATING SINCE 1967, CNG OFFERS A FULL RANGE OF
CANTIERI NAVALI GENOVESI SRL Via Luigi Cibrario, 1 16154 Genova-Sestri Ponente, Italy
team, lead by Engineer Andrea Cocco, personally supervises, with great attention to
Contact: Mr. Andrea Cocco – Chief Engineer (speaks English, Italian, French) Tel: +39 331 1097811 E-mail: a.cocco@cng.ge.it www.cng.ge.it
detail, all ordinary maintenance work in addition to tailor made projects regarding mechanical,
SUITABLE FOR VESSELS: UP TO 50 M
management team and service offerings to ensure that it offers strong competitive prices to
INHOUSE FACILITIES: Project management; Top coat paint repair and full painting projects; Teak deck maintenance renewal; Propellers & shafts repair, alignments; Sail mast and boom installation and tuning; Deck equipment maintenance; Interiors maintenance and renewal; Hull & structural works in steel, aluminum, wood, fiberglass, carbon and composites; Underwater hull treatments and maintenance; Technical facilities for repair, maintenance and upgrades. MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Drydock: Max length of vessel 55 m Drydock Draft: 8m Drydock Beam: 12 m Travel Lift: 400 t Cranes: 100 t Trolley: 60 t Hard standing Area: 6,500 m² Climatised Area: Yes In water Mooring: 14,000 m² (up to 50 m) Stern to Berthing: 4 available, max 55 m Covered Sheds: 80 m Tenting Available: Yes Project office Available: Yes
198
maintenance and repair services for motor and sailing yachts up to 50 m. The CNG
structural and interior repairs and upgrades. After a few years of third party management, the Luglio family has in the past two years, retaken full control of the shipyard. It has strengthened and streamlined the its clients while maintaining the highest of industry standards. For those looking for a highly capable and experienced team, where each project is the number one priority, please consider CNG any for upcoming yard works. Strategically positioned in Genoa, CNG is easily reached by car via the A10 motorway (exit Genoa Aeroporto). The Genoa Airport and Marina Genoa Aeroporto can be reached in a short 10 minute walk. CNG is located just a few hundred meters from the Genoa – Sestri Ponente train station. Milan is 140 km of distance and Monte Carlo is 175 km away. The shipyard has over 6,500 m² of space on the hard, as well as 1,200 m² of covered shed space where woodworking, painting and mechanic workshops are located along with storage areas. With 14,000 m² of water space, the working marina can welcome yachts to berth, both sailing or motor up to 50m.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
SHIPYARD FACTFILE
PALUMBO MALTA SUPERYACHTS
ALTA SUPERYACHTS IS A DEDICATED SUPER YACHT FACILITY SINCE 2002, in an area of more than 45,000 m² including a 160 m long graving dock, a covered 140 m dock, more than 400 m of quay, for a long side afloat repairs which is serviced with shore services, workshops, storage facilities and office for the administration and crew. The docks and quays are served with rail mounted cranes with a maximum lifting capacity of 50 tons. There are also fixed structures around the Shipyard which are part of the production process. These include additional supporting workshops (including a galvanizing facility, a separate carpentry, painters, toolmakers, electrical and electronic shops and a multitude of other services and maintenance shops) dock pumping houses, electricity substations and various storage facilities. The yard has storage room for boats on the hard standing. Palumbo’s Super Yacht Refit Yards are equipped with all kind of facilities: cranes, drydocks, water sheds, floating docks and much more. PMSY is able to cater for every size of yacht from the smallest one up till the biggest, always taking care of its clients from a to z. Moreover, Palumbo’s yards are very crew orientated, offering some relaxing areas, electrical bicycles and leisure rooms. Last year the Company started to build and improve some new crew areas such as relaxing and dining areas, gym and an accommodation building which will be completed in 2015. PMSY is able to cater for each yacht crossing the Mediterranean, offering huge technical expertise and exceptional infrastructures in a sunny and hospitable country.
PALUMBO MALTA SUPERYACHTS 31st of March Street, Senglea, ISL 1041 Malta Contact: Mr Simon Zammit – Yard Manager Tel: +356 23960008 / +356 99000058 Email: info@palumbosy.it www.palumbomsy.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS: 20 M – 360 M INHOUSE FACILITIES: Cranes, drydocks, floating docks, crew leisure rooms, accommodation, gym, storage rooms MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All Trades Max length of vessel 360 m Drydock: Dry Dock Draft: 8.83 m Dry Dock Beam 25 m Travel lift 350 t Cranes: 150 t Hard Standing area: 12,000 m2 Climatised area Yes Alongside Berthing: 377 m Covered Sheds: 140 m Tenting available: Yes Project office available: Yes
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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SHIPYARD FACTFILE
PALUMBO MARSEILLE SUPERYACHTS
ARSEILLE SUPERYACHTS ITM YARD IS THE MOST RECENT ACQUISITION OF
MARSEILLE SUPERYACHTS ITM YARD Boulevard des bassins de Radoub, Formes 5 & 6, 13002 Marseille Contact: Cap. Giulio Maresca – Yard Manager Tel: +33 (0) 491132190 email: info@palumboitm.com www.palumboitm.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS 20 M – 126 M INHOUSE FACILITIES: Cranes, drydocks, water sheds, crew leisure rooms, dedicated project manager MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS All Trades Max length of vessel 126 m Drydock: Drydock Beam: 15 m Dry Dock Draft: 6.5 m Cranes: 150 t Hard Standing area: 10,000 m2 Alongside Berthing: 300 m Covered Sheds: 95 m yes Tenting available: Project office available: yes Dayworkers allowed: yes
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Palumbo Group who, with headquarters in Naples have been in the shipbuilding industry since 1967. The yard, located in the Port of Marseille and in the centre of the city, is one of the biggest Mediterranean yards completely dedicated to Superyachts. The yard covers an area of about 12,000 m², comprising 4 large dry docks ranging from 85 m up to 126 m, a watershed of about 95 m in length and more than 300 m of quays for afloat repairs. The yard is only 20 minutes from the international airport, 2 km from a mall, 4 km from the city centre and the railway station, 8 km from the beach and in the direct proximity of the island where the Count of Monte Cristo began his adventures. Palumbo’s Super Yacht Refit Yards, located around the Mediterranean, are equipped with all kind of facilities: cranes, drydocks, water sheds, floating docks and much more. PMSY is able to cater for every size of yacht from the smallest one up till the biggest, always taking care of its clients from a to z. Moreover, Palumbo’s yards are very crew oriented, offering some relaxing areas, electrical bicycles and leisure rooms.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
SHIPYARD FACTFILE
PALUMBO NAPLES SUPERYACHTS
APLES SUPERYACHTS YARD INCLUDES A TOTAL AREA OF 21,780 M² AND
PALUMBO GROUP SPA
2 floating docks which can take ships up to 6000 dwt. The ‘Ercolino’ floating dock is
Via Calata Marinella (Int Porto)
15 m wide and 75 m long whilst the ‘Palumbo’ floating dock is 25 m wide and 120 m
80133 Napoli Italy
long. These docks and berths are equipped with all the necessary shore services. Palumbo Naples SuperYachts is able to offer any assistance everywhere in the Gulf area. The yard has 840 m of quayside for completion and refitting works served by 2 berthside cranes (7 tons and 12 tons). The berths are equipped with all the necessary shore services. After three generations the Group has become one of the largest Marine Groups in the Central Mediterranean and is still managed by the founding family.
SUITABLE FOR VESSELS: 20 M – 160 M
Palumbo’s Super Yacht Refit Yards are equipped with all kind of facilities: cranes, drydocks, water sheds, floating docks and much more. The Group is able to cater for every size of yacht from the smallest one up till the biggest, always taking care of its clients from a to z. Moreover, Palumbo’s yards are very crew oriented, offering some relaxing areas, electrical bicycles and leisure rooms. The Company’s vision is to further develop the previous capabilities into a leading maintenance and refitting centre, serving the super yacht fleet in the Mediterranean, offering expertise and exceptional infrastructures located in countries blessed with skilled and hospitable people and mild weather. Palumbo Group is certified ISO9001:2008 and ISO14000:2004 and conforms to OHSAS 18001 standards.
Contact: Mr Gianpaolo Lapenna – Project Manager Tel: +39 081287164 / +39 0810900 112 Email: info@palumbosy.it www.palumbo.it
MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All Trades Floating Docks Palumbo up to 120 m Ercolino up to 75 m Dock Draft 4.6 m 25 m Dock Beam Telescopic Cranes: Berthside Cranes: Hard Standing area: Alongside Berthing: Covered Sheds: Climatised area: Tenting available:
700 t 1 x 7t, 3 x 12 t 12,000 m2 840 m 140 m yes yes
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MONACO MARINE – LA CIOTAT
MONACO MARINE – LA CIOTAT 46 Quai François Mitterrand BP 80039 13600 La Ciotat Cedex - France Contact: Vincent Larroque Group Sales Director Tel : +33 (0)4 42 36 12 12 Email: mmlaciotat@monacomarine.com Web: www.monacomarine.com SUITABLE FOR VESSELS:
20 m – 200 m+
W
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 the area and beyond.
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 80 m (2000 t Yachtlift) with a total of 14 hard standing berths for them. It can also haul out boats from 20 to 45 m (300 t travelift) and position them on 10 hard standing berths. For yachts
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
beyond 2000 tons the yard disposes of a 360 m dry dock that has no limits in the current or
MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Max length of vessel 360 m Drydock: 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
refit and they can benefit from established relationships with leading contractors in various
even future yacht size range. 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 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 90m 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
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SHIPYARD FACTFILE
AVANGARD SHIPYARDS
€29 PER HOUR VANGARD SHIPYARDS, FOUNDED IN 1995, IS LOCATED IN THE FREE ZONE OF the Port of Pula in historic, beautiful Croatia. Avangard constructs the finest world-class luxury yachts and also supplies the support services required during the lifetime of a yacht. This includes maintenance, refit & repair and remote assistance. From major hull repairs on salvaged yachts, to teak decks, refurbishing and varnishing of furniture, high quality interior and exterior painting, mast painting, outfitting and tuning, this is all done in house. The refitting of old yachts, or the conversion of commercial vessels into luxury yachts, is demanding and challenging work that we professionally undertake for our clients. Special care is taken during the lifting and launching of every yacht. We have developed a unique technique to lift vessels and return them to the water utilising a U-shaped pontoon with two ramps to allow our 500 ton travel lift to be loaded. This unit can be towed away for other purposes, such as salvaging vessels from the sea bed or transporting ships and heavy loads.
AVANGARD SHIPYARDS D.D. Svetog Polikarpa 8 HR-52100 Pula, Croatia
SERVICES IN SHIPYARD The shipyard can accommodate vessels up to 50 m in length and 500 t in weight, they can be hauled out and dry docked or placed in our environmentally-controlled painting and finishing facility. Our recent accomplishments include many major rebuilds and the construction of: SY DAT HELJA, MY AVANGARD II and MY MARIPOSA. We have many satisfied clients that have entrusted the company with their yachts and would testify to our solid background. During the last 20 years we have successfully finished more than 400 yacht refits from 12 m to 64 m, three new builds and one complete reconstruction. 20 years of performing high quality shipyard work allows us to stand out from our competitors, our specialised and highly motivated workers always take good care of the vessels that they work with helping to ensure the work carried out at Avangard is completed to high, professional, industry standards from receipt to delivery of the finished vessel.
OUR FACILITIES: 500 t travel lift 200 t travel lift Floating pier for yachts up to 50 m 1000 sqm of all relevant workshops 4000 sqm of outside area with concrete surface 566 sqm of new office space 200 m of deep draft (max 7 m) dock sides with power and water supplies Shed ‘A’ of 58.7 m x 17 m x 12 m – for general yacht building work, fully equipped with cranes, heating & ventilation Shed ‘B’ of 52.4 m x 17 m x 12 m – full-featured, environmentallycontrolled, painting shed Alongside berthing up to 70 m.
DISTANCE SERVICING Due to our Client demands we have developed ‘Yacht Distance Service’ which is a fast yacht service we offer for urgent repairs and maintenance on yachts away from our yard. This Service is available in Croatia, Southern France, Monaco and Northern Italy. Our focus is on outstanding pricing, high quality and expertly executed jobs. By entrusting your yacht to Avangard Shipyards, it will be cared for in a professional and economical manner and we guarantee that you will be delighted with the results. We claim that AVANGARD SHIPYARDS is ‘A Shipyard With A Vision’. The constant implementation of high tech industry innovation and investment in human resources have provided us with longevity and success. Our aim is to continue this tradition which has given AVANGARD SHIPYARDS its great reputation.
Contact: Tina Radolovic – Commercial Manager Tel: +385 52 375 505 Email: tradolovic@avangard-yachts.com Web: www.avangard-yachts.com COORDINATES: N 44°51’50,8428” E 13°49’49,4328” LANGUAGES SPOKEN: English, German, Italian, Russian, Croatian
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
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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 of 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. The aim at Amico is to complete each project on time and on budget.
SUITABLE FOR VESSELS OF: 18 M â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 270 M
Since 1991 the continual growth of the Amico & Co shipyard has given testament to its leadership
IN HOUSE FACILITIES: 11 paint-refit sheds, 20 berths max 110 m LOA, in-house departments: Engineering, shaft alignment, engine and generator servicing and reconditioning, shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical systems. Paint work, from primer application to topcoat refinishing. Wood carpentry, teak decking and yacht interior refurbishment. Electrical workshop. Official services: MTU, CAT, Northern Lights, Idromar and Berg.
in the refit & repair industry and the yard itself has a 30,000 m2 surface which includes 11 refit and repair
MAIN LOCAL CONTRACTORS: All trades Drydock: Max length of vessel 270 m Travel lift: 320 and 835 t Cranes: Max weight of lift 835 t Hard standing area: 30,000 m2 of docking and yard area Alongside berthing: Max 110 m Stern to berthing: Max 110 m Covered sheds: 11 x sheds up to 102 m LOA, dry-dock shed 75 m LOA and new 102 m sheltered graving dock inside the yard Tenting available: Yes Dayworkers allowed: Restricted Project office available: Yes
covered areas and paint sheds specifically designed for projects up to 102 m in length and equipped with force ventilation systems to maintain necessary temperature/humidity/emission conditions. A new fundamental step was reached in 2014, improving Amico & Co facilities and the services offered to yachts of 70 m+, with a new 102 m sheltered graving dry-dock with a 31 m Airdraft completed inside the yard area, equipped with state-of-the art and environmental friendly technical systems for paint overspray recovering and treatment, heating & lighting. The company is particularly renowned for its painting skills (its contractual painting standards and warranty conditions have been recently upgraded), whilst for engineering Amico & Co is an official contractor for leading companies such as MTU, Caterpillar, Northern Light, Berg and Idromar. The company headquarters also boasts a crew area designed and dedicated to crew members. It is equipped with SAT TV, internet Wi-Fi connection, small kitchen area, snack points, etc. Access is allowed seven days a week and at all hours with a company provided crew badge. 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 20 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.
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YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
THIS EDITION WAS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING ADVERTISERS PAGE NUMBER
COMPANY NAME
PAGE NUMBER
A1 Yacht Provisioning
COMPANY NAME
123
Monaco Yacht Show
126 & 127
A1 Yacht Trade Consortium
119
Mypai
Absolute Boat Care
111
Naiad Dynamics
53
AC DC Energy
57
National Marine
20
Alexseal Yacht Coatings
16
National Marine Provisions
31
Amico & Co. S.r.l.
17
National Marine Suppliers
30
25
Oceania Yachting Ltd
Antigua and Barbuda Ship & Yacht Registry Antigua Charter Yacht Show Astilleros De Mallorca Atlas Paint Consultants
103 41 & Card 157
115
Palma Superyacht Show Pantaenius Yacht Insurance Pinmar
19 107 29 85
Awlgrip
BC
Plan B Safety
AYSS
87
Polyform
43
Blue Fin Yachts
59
Quantum
IBC
Bradford Marine Inc.
83
Rafnar
23
63
Rijeka Port Authority
BWA Yachting Complete Marine Freight Cook Island Registry
Card
Rolling Stock
174
3
S & D Yachts
73 & Card
Deckers
70
Seaking Group
D-Marinas Group
27
Sevenstar Yacht Transport
DYT Transport Ensign Large Yacht Services Epic Marina
Card 83 100
Femobunker
67
Fenderhooks
69 & Card
Frankentek Yacht Security Systems
11
Card
Card
101
Square Foot Storage Starclass Yacht Transport Sturge
Card 137 Card 77
Summit Furniture
5
Super Yacht Tenders and Toys Superyacht Norway
163 & Card 91
Freestyle Slides
71
Superyacht Spares
ISFC
Global Services
121
Superyacht Docs
Card
55
Superyacht Web
170 & 171
58
Teak Decking Systems
Hill Robinson Yacht Management Hoylake Sailing School
166
179
Teak Decks
51
IMS GMBH
57
Technocraft
145
Innershed
141
ISS GMT
Ibiza Rendevous Superyacht Regatta
Termopetroli Versilia S.R.L.
75
Card
Tilse
79
Kelvin Hughes Superyacht
Card
Van Allen Group Crew Placement
Kahlenberg Industries Inc.
99
Viking Recruitment/Maritime Skills Academy
18
Flisvos Marina
35
Vilanova Grand Marina
47
37
World Yachting
109
104
Wright Maritime
15
Marina di Stabia Marine Spares Club Marlow Ropes MB92 Megafend Monaco Marine
Card 65 1 & Card 6&7
Yachting Singapore Yacht Carbon Offset
132
Card 93
Yacht Coating Solutions
161
Yachtfile
169
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
205
INDUSTRY FILE
AGENTS
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 F: +351 292 391656 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. Advance notice of arrival always encouraged and appreciated.
AGENTS
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
YACHTING SINGAPORE PTE LTD 1092 Lower Delta Road Unit 02-12 Singapore 169203 T: +65 6376 5120 F: +65 6376 5121 E: shoresupport@yachtingsingapore.com Contact: YH Fang – E: fang@yachtingsingapore.com www.yachtingsingapore.com
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.
We specialise in shore support for superyachts. We are proud to be an independent company working in the best interest of our clients. www.facebook.com/yachtingsingapore www.twitter.com/superyachtbuzz
ASSOCIATIONS
AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT
PROFESSIONAL YACHTING ASSOCIATION B.P. 41, 06601 Antibes Cedex, France T: +33 (0)493 34 91 16 F: +33 (0)493 34 21 83 Email: info@pya.org www.pya.org Contact: Alice Wring
MOBIUS DESIGN GROUP INC 9121 Paragon Way, Boynton Beach, Florida 33472, USA T: +15617367720 F: +15617367721 E: vicki@mobiusdesigngroup.com www.mobiusdesigngroup.com Contact: Vicki Shand-Horn – Vice President
The PYA was founded in 1991 to create a recognised professional status for seagoing members of the yacht industry. Today theAssociation has close ties with the organisations that monitor various qualifications now required by professionals within the industry. The association will also assist personnel beginning a yachting career with constructive and useful advice.
CARPETS
CREW TRAVEL
TAI PING CARPETS EUROPE S.A Hôtel de Livry, 23, rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris - France T: +33 1534 59065 F: +33 14020 9071 M (France): +33 (0)609 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) 2078089659 E: xavierbonnamy@taipingcarpets.com www.taipingcarpets.com Contact: Xavier Bonnamy – Sales Manager
ISSGMT STP Boatyard, Edificio Global, Office 10, Espigon Exterior, Muello Viejo 07012 Palma De Mallorca, Spain T: +34-871-570-772 E: Gemma.Woodcock@flyissgmt.com Contact: Gemma Woodcock – Marine Travel Specialist
Tai Ping Carpets is the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury custom carpets and has developed a special Yacht Division. Yachts recently delivered: MY Ocean Victory, MY Quantum Blue, MY Symphony, MY Y710, 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.
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Mobius Design Group is a perfect niche business, filling a very particular need; expertly designed and meticulously engineered entertainment systems for the most discriminating marine and residential clients. It’s as simple as that! And while Bob Horn is eager to demonstrate his worldclass operation, he’s also quite discerning when it comes to doing business. High standards and high expectations must be met.
YACHTING MATTERS & THE YACHT OWNER ISSUE 29
www.flyissgmt.com ISSGMT is the industry leader in marine airfares for yacht crew, management companies, contractors, surveyors, racing crew and charter guests. Open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year to assist, their service is second to none. In addition to marine airfares, ISSGMT offers a variety of published airfares and is able to assist with car and hotel reservations..
FENDERS & MARINA EQUIPMENT
MULTIPLEX GMBH Zur Westpier 3 28755 Bremen T: +49 421 8350 100 F: +49 421 67 88 68 Email: berger@multiplexgmbh.com www.multiplexgmbh.com Contact: Simone Berger – Executive Assistant
MEGAFEND MOORING PRODUCTS 3001 SW 3rd Avenue, Unit 1, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33315 USA T: +1 954 759 9929 F: +1 954 759 9122 M: +1 954 651 0687 E: nate@megafend.com www.megafend.com Contact: Nathan Marsack – Sales Manager
Multiplex GmbH was established in 1986 and specializes in the design and production of light weight marine composite solutions build from carbon fiber. Consistently supplying top notch services and products.
Megafend is your one stop mooring products solution for New Builds and Refits. We will custom craft orders to match your specific application needs. Megafend has built its reputation through hands-on experience and we are now in our third decade of creating specialty mooring products. Our commitment is to provide our clients with innovative, extreme quality products, each with outstanding value. Add to that absolute order turnarounds, timely delivery assurance and personalized customer service.
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, 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.
Hill Dickinson’s yacht team are market leaders 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.
MARINAS
MARINAS
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
PORT TARRACO MARINA Muelle de Costa, Tinglado 3, 43004 Tarragona, Spain T: +34 977 244 173 F: +34 977 216 322 Email: info@porttarraco.com www.porttarraco.com Contact: Marc Colls – General Manager
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’.
Ideally located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the marina provides a sheltered haven close to the major cruising destinations of the Spanish Coast, Balearic Islands, and South of France. Designed for superyachts, the marina offers 64 deep-water berths ranging from 30 to 160 m. The latest technology, standards, and security measures for visiting VIP vessels in combination with a bespoke Concierge Service ensure that each yacht and crew receives a warm welcome and any personal assistance they might need.
MARINE SCHOOLS
MARINE SURVEYORS
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
WARD AND MCKENZIE (YACHT CONSULTANTS) LTD 14 Deben Mill Business Centre, Old Maltings Approach, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 1BL UK T: +44 (0) 1394 383222 F: +44 (0)1394 388765 E: info@ward-mckenzie.co.uk www.ward-mckenzie.co.uk Contact: Sir Ian Collett – Managing Director
Shorebased RYA/MCA training courses to Yachtmaster Ocean, MCA modules and STCW 95 courses. Oral preparation for OOW, Master & Engineer Oral Exams, ISM related matters, Specialist supplier of Hydrographic Office and Publishers charts.
INDUSTRY FILE
DECK FITTINGS
International Yacht Surveyors and Legal Consultants. Survey offices throughout the UK, Russia and Europe, the Med (extending Portugal to Turkey), Canaries, BVI, Trinidad, Hong Kong, Thailand/Malaysia and S. Africa. MCA accredited to 24m. LY3 pre coding inspections. Bank and Insurance Valuations. Project Management on new builds and refits. Insurance Investigations. In house legal advice in respect of all purchases, new build/refit contracts, VAT, leasing, yacht registration, offshore incorporation and dispute resolution.
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INDUSTRY FILE
NETWORKING
OWNERS REPRESENTATIVES
SUPERYACHT WEB Colin Squire Publishing, PO Box 7, Bungay, Suffolk NR35 2QD UK T: +44 (0)1986 894333 E: colinsquire@yachtingmatters.com www.SuperYachtWeb.com Contact: Colin Squire – Publisher
CONSULTANT MARINE ENGINEERS LIMITED The Penthouse, 9, Pier View Court, St Thomas Street, Ryde, IOW PO33 2DL, UK T: +44 (0)75 38 93 2230 E: charlie@cmeltd.co.uk www.cmeltd.co.uk Contact: Charlie Baker – Managing Director
LINKING THE WORLD OF SUPERYACHTS Superyacht Web – a free and exclusive, private social network for Superyacht Professionals.
All linked to one online Superyacht show – what else do you need?
CME are amongst the premier Superyacht consultants and are associated with a portfolio of new builds of the highest quality. CME act as technical representative for the Owner and Captain during a build and if required undertake the Owners representative position. CME oversee a project from concept, delivery and beyond and with over 150 new builds completed CME instinctively add quality of detail to a project and encourage the highest of standards from the builders.
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
www.SuperyachtCaptains.com • www.SuperyachtChefs.com www.SuperyachtEngineer.com • www.SuperyachtCrew.com
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 GLC
REFIT & REPAIR
STABILISERS
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
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
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.
TEAK DECKS
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
YACHT SHOWS
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 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.
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23rd – 26th September 2015 Port Hercules, Monaco www.monacoyachtshow.com
Quantum Zero Speed Stabilization By The Numbers TM
0
37
The number of Quantum systems that have been replaced by the competition during refits!
The number of superyachts in length 100 - 180 meters using Quantum’s Zero SpeedTM stabilization
572
1999
The number of superyachts between 0 & 60 meters using Quantum’s Zero SpeedTM stabilization
The year the world’s first successful Zero SpeedTM stabilizer was built... and it was by Quantum
172
183
The number of superyachts between 60 and 90 meters using Quantum’s Zero SpeedTM stabilization
The number of competitor’s stabilizer systems replaced by Quantum’s Zero Speed™ stabilizer technology, during refits
20
The number of square meters of the largest fixed fin stabilizer ever built ... and it’s by Quantum
85
The % of superyachts in the world over 55 meters using Quantum Zero SpeedTM stabilization systems
194
The number of shipyards that have installed Quantum’s stabilizers
Need we say more! Call Quantum today to discuss the stability and comfort of your superyacht. 3790 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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