The updates on the blog I had promised myself to do are still in the 'pending pile'. Summer in Auckland has been rather nice, quite windy but I don't mind the wind when I'm living in a house not on a boat! At least it is warm here. We are home for another 3 weeks then start making our way back to Balvenie in Malta, via Thailand and England.
Then it will be time to start getting ready for the 2010 cruising season. I will do regular updates again once we are out and about, stay tuned to see where we end up this year (not that we know yet!!!)
Cool new way to control & monitor navigation data
I've just come across this incredibly cool new development kit that has wonderful capabilities when applied to a marine market.
It's the Texas Instruments eZ430 Chronos wireless watch development tool. This is a development tool that includes a sports watch with a wireless connection to a PC.
Three simple marine applications that come to mind:
The possibilities are endless as they say.
It's the Texas Instruments eZ430 Chronos wireless watch development tool. This is a development tool that includes a sports watch with a wireless connection to a PC.
Three simple marine applications that come to mind:
- Show navigation data such as Speed Over Ground, Wind Speed etc. etc. on your wrist.
- Control your auto-pilot (via NMEA 2000).
- Act as a Man Over Board detection device.
The possibilities are endless as they say.
Perfect Valentine's Day Gift : Yacht Charters
Well... what about a Caribbean yacht charter, sailing vacation.
(Photos from Aloha Malolo)
Whether it be for a couple or two, or perhaps just a good excuse for a family fun time, contact Paradise Connections and we'll be happy to send you a selection of yachts to choose from.
By the way, SAFARI (the Lagoon, not the Gunboat) is still available and they have a special offer. See previous post HERE.
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Launching speech for Bavaria's new Cruiser 45
My name is Patrick Shaughnessy, and I am the President of Farr Yacht Design, and today I represent the combined design group that has produced the new Bavaria Cruiser 45.
After the completion of Bavaria’s flagship, the Cruiser 55, we were tasked as a team with producing a boat at the opposite end of the line which resulted in the Cruiser 32. With the two ends of the Cruiser line established we went about creating a third cornerstone design in the middle of the Cruiser line. The result of that work is the Cruiser 45. And with that design work we now have; a true flagship, an entry level yacht, and an anchor in the middle of the line to clearly show the world the Cruiser line’s complete intent.
The middle of any line represents a unique challenge. It needs to have the grace of a larger yacht, and the accessibility of a smaller yacht. The boat is a platform that needs to be capable of being a charter boat workhorse, and also a stepping stone toward a real luxury owners yacht.
In our other Cruiser line work we’ve clearly established a new way to link the exterior living space with the water. The enormous swimming platforms that we’ve created elsewhere in the line obviously needed to be a focal point for this middle of the line boat. That said we still faced a question of whether this boat should be a twin rudder or single rudder boat. In the end we chose the twin rudder approach. This choice allowed us to create large central storage area beneath the cockpit and to give this boat the benefit of real controllability at high angles of heel. Both of these are features that an experienced owner stepping up through a line of boats will realy appreciate in his or her next yacht.
We followed quite a bit of the design logic we’ve established with our two bookends. We created a hull shape with a long waterline and a great interior volume. We used our deck space wisely so that we can seat our whole crew for dinner on deck just like we can below deck. We created a cockpit space that is closed and secure to protect a young family, but can fully open so that we can truly enjoy the places we spend the time to sail to. We’ve worked hard to produce a boat that can be kind and forgiving for a novice and rewarding in the hands of an experienced sailor. This is a boat with 2 keel draft options at 1.72m and 2.1m, both with produce ballast ratios exceeding 28%. Both keel versions follow our logic that a true cruising boat should sail at heel angles of less than 20 degrees below 15kts true wind speed and avoid reefing until over 20 knots TWS. Even with those conservative choices a SA/Disp ratio of 4.56 ensures that the boat will have a very competitive performance in its class.
The new Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a boat which can be a great 4 cabin charter boat or a very rewarding 3 cabin owners boat. It clearly demonstrates how the middle of the Cruiser line will answer for styling and aesthetics. It does all of those things with a level of performance, engineering, and safety that has been the signature of every Farr Yacht Design product. Its not always easy to be in the middle of a family. The oldest gets the praise, while the youngest gets the attention. The middle child has to go out every day and do the hard work in order to get recognized. The new Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a boat designed to do that hard work, and to do it very well.
Patrick Shaughnessy
After the completion of Bavaria’s flagship, the Cruiser 55, we were tasked as a team with producing a boat at the opposite end of the line which resulted in the Cruiser 32. With the two ends of the Cruiser line established we went about creating a third cornerstone design in the middle of the Cruiser line. The result of that work is the Cruiser 45. And with that design work we now have; a true flagship, an entry level yacht, and an anchor in the middle of the line to clearly show the world the Cruiser line’s complete intent.
The middle of any line represents a unique challenge. It needs to have the grace of a larger yacht, and the accessibility of a smaller yacht. The boat is a platform that needs to be capable of being a charter boat workhorse, and also a stepping stone toward a real luxury owners yacht.
In our other Cruiser line work we’ve clearly established a new way to link the exterior living space with the water. The enormous swimming platforms that we’ve created elsewhere in the line obviously needed to be a focal point for this middle of the line boat. That said we still faced a question of whether this boat should be a twin rudder or single rudder boat. In the end we chose the twin rudder approach. This choice allowed us to create large central storage area beneath the cockpit and to give this boat the benefit of real controllability at high angles of heel. Both of these are features that an experienced owner stepping up through a line of boats will realy appreciate in his or her next yacht.
We followed quite a bit of the design logic we’ve established with our two bookends. We created a hull shape with a long waterline and a great interior volume. We used our deck space wisely so that we can seat our whole crew for dinner on deck just like we can below deck. We created a cockpit space that is closed and secure to protect a young family, but can fully open so that we can truly enjoy the places we spend the time to sail to. We’ve worked hard to produce a boat that can be kind and forgiving for a novice and rewarding in the hands of an experienced sailor. This is a boat with 2 keel draft options at 1.72m and 2.1m, both with produce ballast ratios exceeding 28%. Both keel versions follow our logic that a true cruising boat should sail at heel angles of less than 20 degrees below 15kts true wind speed and avoid reefing until over 20 knots TWS. Even with those conservative choices a SA/Disp ratio of 4.56 ensures that the boat will have a very competitive performance in its class.
The new Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a boat which can be a great 4 cabin charter boat or a very rewarding 3 cabin owners boat. It clearly demonstrates how the middle of the Cruiser line will answer for styling and aesthetics. It does all of those things with a level of performance, engineering, and safety that has been the signature of every Farr Yacht Design product. Its not always easy to be in the middle of a family. The oldest gets the praise, while the youngest gets the attention. The middle child has to go out every day and do the hard work in order to get recognized. The new Bavaria Cruiser 45 is a boat designed to do that hard work, and to do it very well.
Patrick Shaughnessy
Charter yachts for Spring Break 2010
We are very surprised that these charter yachts are still available for a Spring Break 2010 sailing vacation.
- ALOHA MALOLO
- DRUMBEAT
- CONTESSA
Aloha Malolo and Drumbeat both include diving in their rates...
ALOHA MALOLO is a 65-foot sailboat with a crew of two (plus Salty the Dog!) The yacht is air conditioned and accommodates 6 guests in 3 cabins, but they will take up to 8 people if they're family. Seven dives per week are included for certified divers, plus Eric can conduct Resort/Discover Scuba courses for non-certified divers.
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/alohamalolo
- NEWS: See more about Aloha Malolo in our BLOG POST HERE
- GUEST COMMENTS from a very happy family of five: READ HERE
DRUMBEAT is a 72-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of three. Our clients love Vincent, Linda, and Kirk. Vincent is a dive instructor and five dives per week are included for certified divers, and a Resort/Discover Scuba course is also included for non-certified divers... so, give it a try! Drumbeat is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 double cabins.
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/drumbeatone/
- Read about Drumbeat in our BLOG. They sent us some wonderful dolphin photos.
CONTESSA is another great boat for family charters. Contessa is a 56-foot Nautical ketch with a crew of two. Contessa is air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins. The master cabin aft has a queen berth, and the forward cabins are best considered as having two single berths each (The centerline doubles are very narrow for 2 people to share).
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/contessa/
- COMMENTS from a previous charter
So, if you want some fun in the sun for Spring Break, we currently have a few good yachts still available.
- ALOHA MALOLO
- DRUMBEAT
- CONTESSA
Aloha Malolo and Drumbeat both include diving in their rates...
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/alohamalolo
- NEWS: See more about Aloha Malolo in our BLOG POST HERE
- GUEST COMMENTS from a very happy family of five: READ HERE
DRUMBEAT is a 72-foot Irwin ketch with a crew of three. Our clients love Vincent, Linda, and Kirk. Vincent is a dive instructor and five dives per week are included for certified divers, and a Resort/Discover Scuba course is also included for non-certified divers... so, give it a try! Drumbeat is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 8 guests in 4 double cabins.
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/drumbeatone/
- Read about Drumbeat in our BLOG. They sent us some wonderful dolphin photos.
CONTESSA is another great boat for family charters. Contessa is a 56-foot Nautical ketch with a crew of two. Contessa is air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in three cabins. The master cabin aft has a queen berth, and the forward cabins are best considered as having two single berths each (The centerline doubles are very narrow for 2 people to share).
- BROCHURE: http://www.viewyacht.com/contessa/
- COMMENTS from a previous charter
So, if you want some fun in the sun for Spring Break, we currently have a few good yachts still available.
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
SSAS - What happens when you push the secret button?
A link to an informative article on the Ship Security Alert System.
http://gcaptain.com/forum/blog-comments/3992-ssas-push-secret-button.html#post25757
HBYC Club Champs won by Megafreight!
Megafreight continues its winning streak by winning the Jan 2010 Club Champs. Some may remember they also recently won the PHRF Class 1 division in the FBYC Intasure Spring Regatta. Well done to them! Are we going to let them win anything else?
After postponing the event in early November (blown out) - it was held in 23/24 Jan 2010 in perfect weather although conditions a bit light for sailing. However five races were completed allowing a discard for each entrant. It was fantastic to see ten local boats on the water, and a generally high standard of racing. There was great support from the sailors in respect of prizes donated, and willingness to help. Along with the Friday night draw, this was one of the busiest and most memorable weekends at the club in a long time. Bar takings were the highest in a long time!
Photos to come. See the Sailing Noticeboard for results!
Team Megafreight receiving the trophy!
After postponing the event in early November (blown out) - it was held in 23/24 Jan 2010 in perfect weather although conditions a bit light for sailing. However five races were completed allowing a discard for each entrant. It was fantastic to see ten local boats on the water, and a generally high standard of racing. There was great support from the sailors in respect of prizes donated, and willingness to help. Along with the Friday night draw, this was one of the busiest and most memorable weekends at the club in a long time. Bar takings were the highest in a long time!
Photos to come. See the Sailing Noticeboard for results!
Heesen 50 Metre Super Yacht
Heesen Join Together Hull and Superstructure of 2nd 50 Metre Superyacht
From Oss in Holland comes news that Heesen Yachts have joined together the hull and superstructure their new 50 metre semi-displacement motor yacht
Known at this stage only as hull number 15850, she is the second in the new 5000 class and is one of the few vessels of this length whose Gross Tonnage is below the magical 500gt benchmark.
She carries the typical hard-chine hull shape, conceived by the yard’s in-house naval architects, along with the equally recognisable pelican-beak bow and negative sheer. Her exterior design is the result of the collaboration between the builders in-house Design and Development team and Frank Laupman of Omega Architects
Twin MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesels, will give her a maximum speed of 23 Knots.
Delivery is scheduled for 2011.
Hull Number 15850 Specifications
- Hull type: Twin screw, hard chine, semi-displacement motor yacht
- Naval Architect: Heesen Yachts
- Exterior Designer: Omega Architects
- Interior Designer: Omega Architects
- Classification: ABS A1 Yachting Service AMS Large Commercial Yacht Code LY2 / MCA
- Hull: Aluminium
- Superstructure: Aluminium
- DIMENSIONS:
- Length overall: 49.80 metres 163ft 4in
- Beam overall: 9.00 metres 29ft 6in
- Draught: 2.50 metres 8ft 2in
- Tonnage: Less than 500 GT
- Displacement: 295 tonnes 650,350 lbs (Half load)
- TECHNICAL DETAILS
- Maximum speed: 23.0 knots
- Range at 12 knots: 3,200 nautical miles
- Fuel capacity: 68.8 m3 18,200 US Gallons
- Fresh water: 16.2 m3 4,300 US Gallon
- PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Main engines: 2 x MTU 16V 4000 M90 diesels
- Maximum power: 2 x 2.720 kW
- Gearbox: 2 x ZF 7550
- Engine control: MTU Blue vision, three control stands
- Shafts: Stainless steel 431, ∅145mm
- Propellers: Schaffran five-blade, fixed pitch ∅1,450 mm
- Generators: 2 x Kilopak
- Power: 2 x 99 kW, 50Hz, three phase 230/400V
- Bow-thruster: HRP type 1000, 90 kW, hydraulic driven
- Steering system: Sperry Marine Systems, type 2.S.25.35.2
- Rudders: Two stainless steel rudders with stainless steel 431 shafts
- Stabilizers: VT Naiad, type 720, at anchor, with 2 fins of approx. 3.5 m2 (37.5 ft2)
OceansWatch Aid to Haiti
From Noonsite: http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-01-24-1/view.
"If you have a boat in Florida or the Caribbean or would like to join the crew on one of the boats, please email usa-info@oceanswatch.org with your experience and skills offer and availability and we will try to hook you up to join the fleet or with a berth on one of the boats heading to Haiti."
"If you have a boat in Florida or the Caribbean or would like to join the crew on one of the boats, please email usa-info@oceanswatch.org with your experience and skills offer and availability and we will try to hook you up to join the fleet or with a berth on one of the boats heading to Haiti."
Super Yacht Transporters Join Forces
Two top names in Superyacht Shipping Team up Together
Having initially formed a strategic alliance with the German based Global Boat Shipping (GBS) in November 2008, the super yacht transportation company Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT), headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, has entered into a more formal legal partnership with the European company in a bid to offer increased shipping options for reaching the Northwestern shores of Continental Europe and popular cruising grounds off the southern coast of the UK and the Baltic Sea.
Both companies had found the trail to be extremely valuable, significantly growing the shipping of super yachts around the world; thus, the obvious next step was for the two companies to become legal partners in the industry.
First View of Numarine 130
Breaking News of Brand New Design
Sitting around a table at a hotel in Bodrum Turkey waiting to test a boat for SuperYacht World magazine last year I was talking with Can Yalman and Tommaso Spadolini two of Turkeys top yacht designers and Omer Malaz the owner of Numarine
The banter began with them looking into how big a yacht they could build in composite and the general consensus came in at around 40 metres or 130 feet.
“Why don’t you design it for us?” asks Malaz
“Because you have not paid us to do so!" retort the designer duo
“You design it and I will build it!” Malaz quips back
“That we will!” is the designers speedy reply.
The gauntlet thrown down and picked up by the contender, suddenly they realise they have in their midst, a yachting journalist and I am immediately sworn to secrecy until such time as I am told I can reveal all.
That day has come and I can now unveil the very first rendering of the brand new, never been seen before: Numarine 130. At 40 metres she will have 8.5 metre beam and reach an impressive 28 knots underway. Early layouts show she will have either 5 or 6 guest cabins one of which will be a full beam master suite.
She will also boast in what is likely to be a first for any semi production yacht building in Turkey, drop down balconies one each side of the main saloon and a third in the master suite. A crew of 7 will be carried in four cabins.
No Room for Super Yachts in Auckland
New Zealand’s Capital Shuns Superyachts
Yachts are being turned away from Auckland in New Zealand because of the lack of deep water dockage suitable to accommodate them. So runs the story by Christopher Adams in the newspaper The New Zealand Herald.
Recently super yachts have been unable to use the city as a port of call. The 66 metre Triple Seven and the 60 metre Vive la Vie being just two of the quoted examples un able to use Auckland because of a lack of decent berths, which says the article is losing the city potential business and star attraction.
Even the Mayor, John Banks has acknowledged the problem: he said the new Supercity should live up to its name by building a superyacht marina by the city's Bledisloe container terminal.
And, in a letter obtained by the newspaper, one captain has it says written to Auckland yachting industry representatives, decrying as "a shame" the city's inability to accommodate more superyachts”
"For my next call of Auckland I hope berthing options will become a little better for yachts as they get bigger and bigger," the skipper said.
"It is a shame Auckland as a modern cosmopolitan city has just one 60m berth and not the facilities to accommodate more ships of this size or bigger.
"It would be easy to extend Viaduct Harbour. The location and scenery are perfect and I am sure more owners would base their 'toy' in the City of Sails or come for a visit."
Boats larger than 50m have to be berthed at Ports of Auckland facilities such as Princes and Wynyard wharves, which the industry source said was a far from ideal situation because of security concerns and lack of privacy.
"They haven't upgraded the Viaduct for so long and there are more boats over 50m touring the world these days."
In addition, the four berths in Viaduct Harbour for big yachts up to 50m in length were almost always fully booked.
"It's the most frustrating thing we've ever come across. All these boats want to come to New Zealand and there's nowhere for them to go."
Sailing Super Yachts Gather in Antigua
Superyacht Cup Parties Begin in English Harbour
Nelson's Dockyard on the Caribbean island of Antigua is busy accommodating a fleet of sailing superyachts. The dockside parties are in full swing as yachts taking part in next weeks Superyacht Cup Antigua have now all arrived.
Among them Mirabella V the largest sloop in the world at over 72m LOA designed by Ron Holland and built by VT Shipbuilding in the UK in 2006. Since the she has clocked up many thousands of sea-miles since her debut at the Superyacht Cup Antigua in December of the same year.
Mirabella V and her guests will be fully joining in the spirit of the event but will be sailing non-competitively against the rest of the fleet.
Another yacht not racing is the J class yacht Hanuman, which has had to pull out of the event at the last moment.
Never the less a good competitive cross-section of superyachts will be lining up for the first race on January 27th; Ranger, P2, Rebecca, Sojana and Visione.
Many of the top names in yachting are flying into Antigua to race these beautiful superyachts and enjoy the social events at what is truly a fun and relaxed Caribbean regatta.
A Cocktail Party sponsored by Slam, Wayfarer Marine, Pantaenius, Perini Navi, Newport Shipyard, Atollvic Shipyard and Antigua Rigging will welcome all the owners, sponsors, guests and crew to the event on Wednesday at the Admiral's Inn in Nelson's Dockyard.
The event is being run by the Informa Yacht Group in conjunction with the Antigua and Barbuda National Parks Authority and under the burgee of the Antigua Yacht Club.
Abu Dhabi determined to grow as Superyacht Destination
Super Yachts are a key component in wider tourism strategy.
Speaking ahead of the second Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS) set to take place next month Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has told Trade Arabia that Abu Dhabi is determined to grow its marine and yachting industries as a key component of a wider tourism strategy.
The trade association has provided full support becoming headline sponsors for the show which is to focus on superyachts, in a bid to boost Abu Dhabi’s aspirations to become the hub of the Middle East’s yachting and marine leisure business.
Abu Dhabi’s 2030 strategic plan includes a massive marina component, including approximately 45 new marinas of various sizes, because it is believed that in the future there could be as many as 10,000 yachts of differing sizes in the emirate.
Currently there are about 1,600 berths available in six existing marinas in Abu Dhabi. Marine leisure is expected to play an increasingly important role in advancing the country’s tourism growth which benefits from over 400 km of coastline, over 200 islands and a rich marine life.
New marina facilities at Yas Island were unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix generating international interest leading to it being chosen to host this years superyacht show.
Show organizers Informa Yacht Group (IYG), said the inaugural show held in March 2009 received an enthusiastic response. “By general consensus, we provided brand new, first-class business opportunities in a vastly wealthy and largely unexploited market. Some exceptional sales were made, at a time when business in the rest of the world was largely depressed, and that gave a massive uplift to the region’s industry,” said Franck Dailles, group director of IYG.
Last minute catamaran charter deals Feb & March 2010
Charter yachts WILD THING II and MOON SHADOW, 58-foot catamarans, have a special offer for February and March 2010 charters.
Book a full week charter (6-person minimum) in the British Virgin Islands, and receive a discount of $3000 off their standard winter rate.
SPECIAL RATES:
Charter fee includes: Two crew, all meals & beverages aboard, ship's standard bar, overnight air conditioning...
Watersports include: windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing.
SCUBA diving for certified divers available at a fee of $35 per dive per diver.
View their brochures:
Book a full week charter (6-person minimum) in the British Virgin Islands, and receive a discount of $3000 off their standard winter rate.
SPECIAL RATES:
- 6 guests = $16,733 (normally $19,733)
- 7 guests = $17,433 (normally $20,433)
- 8 guests = $18,077 (normally $21,077)
Charter fee includes: Two crew, all meals & beverages aboard, ship's standard bar, overnight air conditioning...
Watersports include: windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing.
SCUBA diving for certified divers available at a fee of $35 per dive per diver.
View their brochures:
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Catamaran ALDEBARAN - February 2010 special offer
The charter yacht ALDEBARAN, a 57-foot Lagoon catamaran, has a special offer for February 2010.
EXPIRED
EXPIRED
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ALDEBARAN
View Aldebaran's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
View Aldebaran's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Super Yachts Celebrate Australia Day
Sydney Plays Host to Superyacht Regatta
On 26th January Australians celebrate Australia Day, a national holiday and in Sydney many superyachts will join in the celebrations with a cruise through the harbour waters.
Many Australians see it mainly as a day off and a good excuse to have a few beers and a barbeque – the Australian national dish!
Around the country there are parades, bands, and races of various kinds. Also it is common to see flag raisings and local citizenship ceremonies, welcoming new immigrants into Australia. It can be surprisingly moving to watch people taking the Australian Citizenship Pledge.
By far the biggest ceremonies and events take place in and around Sydney. This is because Australia Day commemorates the “first landing day” or “foundation day” in 1788 when the first fleet arrived at Sydney cove. Australia Day, in other words, commemorates the founding of New South Wales, so it is unsurprising that it is more warmly celebrated there than in the other states.
Australia Day is also seen as a “day of mourning” or protest by Aboriginal groups, the “anniversary of the Whitemen’s seizure of our country”. In response to this there have been various attempts to make Australia day more inclusive, but this tension continues.
Lazyshark.com “What’s on in Australia and New Zealand” section means crew working on superyachts can keep themselves in the know as to what events and festivals are happening whilst they are travelling around Australasia and when they are taking place.
Super Yachts in China
Premier Luxury Lifestyle Show will Feature Superyachts
Hainan Rendez-Vous is promising to be China's premier luxury lifestyle show of 2010 is an event on Hainan Island that will be taking place over the Easter weekend from 2nd – 4th April, 2010.
The show is described as one combining private jets, yachts and super yachts, luxury real estate and lifestyle products. It is said to be showcasing the finest brands the world has to offer. Guests staying at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya the luxury hotel partnering the show over this period can enjoy exclusive, complimentary access to the event.
The event on China’s southernmost tropical island is being organized by luxury marketing company China Rendez-Vous, and the Visun International Yacht Club, Hainan’s first international world class marina.
The Yacht Club is HainanÃs first international world class marina. The project is being developed by one of the largest property developers in mainland China headquartered in Shenzhen. During the first phase the club will have 96 berths, with the completed project having as many as 500 berths meeting international standards. The club will include a six-star hotel, a first-rate gymnasium, cigar bar, wine bar and a wide range of restaurants serving diversified cuisine.
The province has been enjoying rapid development since it gained Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status just over 20 years ago and is quickly building a reputation as a cruising centre for the South China Sea with the premier tourist city, Sanya often billed by torurist authorities as the ‘Chinese Riviera’.
Work Begins on Super Yacht Marina
St Kitts to Have its own Dockage Facility for Superyachts
Soil has been excavated from the Great Salt Pond in the southern end of the Caribbean island of St Kitts and is the signal that work has finally started on the construction of a super yacht marina at Christophe Harbour.
Upon completion, the marina is expected to provide, 300 berths with 50-60 slips accommodating superyachts as large as 100 metres.
The marina will is expected to have a protected entrance and safe inner harbour and will become a designated port of entry with streamlined customs and immigration services.
Some say the site could not have been more naturally suited as a marina if a marine engineer had been given the opportunity to design it. Many believe the harbour is perfectly protected by nature, and this gives it the opportunity to become the best harbour site in the Caribbean.
Others are not so sure.
Local people have expressed concern that foreign investors are ripping the heart out of their island. One called it Devastating and another has said, “This is NOT a happy day for the environment or St. Kitts as we once knew it! They will totally destroy the ecosystem in and around the salt pond. This displacement of the natural salt pond is only the first step in destroying the island, the corals, the fish and St. Kitts.”
But local business does expect to benefit. The first phase of the project has been awarded to St. Kitts Marine Works Ltd., a local marine heavy machinery and construction company that has begun excavating and transporting structural fill over the northern and eastern edges of the salt pond to form the site of 40-plus new harbour front homes. The local company has been contracted for 12-14 months to execute the first phase, after which construction of the first piers and bulkheads on the western head of the hill will commence.
There are also plans to dredge material from over 30 acres out of the smaller salt pond to refill the valleys at the base of the golf course.
Of the twelve superyacht berths released onto the market 24 months ago the sales team responsible for their disposal claim that there are eight strong leads from yacht owners seeking to build docks up to 60 metres
The country’s Prime Minister The Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas applauded the project saying the project falls squarely within the development model of his government and had enormous social and economic ramifications to the island nations economy.
Charter Yacht Promenade offers 15% summer discount
The popular sail dive charter yacht PROMENADE, a 65-foot trimaran chartering in the British Virgin Islands, is offering a special summer savings of 15% off their normal weekly rates.
Only $17,990 for an 8-day, 7-night, all-inclusive charter for up to 10 guests! Valid dates are for new charters taking place during the period of May 15 through September 1, 2010.
This rate includes 7-nights' accommodation aboard Promenade for up to 10 guests, crew, all meals and ship's bar aboard the boat, cruising permits, National Park fees, all activities and toys as advertised on board.
Not Included: Crew Gratuity, SCUBA diving fees, air conditioning if requested overnight by charter guests, transportation to and from the yacht.
Come join the fun!
Only $17,990 for an 8-day, 7-night, all-inclusive charter for up to 10 guests! Valid dates are for new charters taking place during the period of May 15 through September 1, 2010.
This rate includes 7-nights' accommodation aboard Promenade for up to 10 guests, crew, all meals and ship's bar aboard the boat, cruising permits, National Park fees, all activities and toys as advertised on board.
Not Included: Crew Gratuity, SCUBA diving fees, air conditioning if requested overnight by charter guests, transportation to and from the yacht.
Come join the fun!
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book PROMENADE
View Promenade's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
View Promenade's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Valentine's Day present from Safari
SAFARI has a Valentine's present for you...
Book Valentine's week (February 14, 2010) and get $1000 off the standard week's charter rate!
SAFARI is a 2008 Lagoon 440 catamaran (44 feet) with a crew of two. They accommodate up to 6 guests in three double cabins, each with ensuite heads/shower. There is also the possibility of chartering for 7 or 8 guests for family charters with two children who can either sleep in the forward single cabins or in the salon... Inquire.
SAFARI's standard rates for winter 2010:
Book Valentine's week (February 14, 2010) and get $1000 off the standard week's charter rate!
SAFARI is a 2008 Lagoon 440 catamaran (44 feet) with a crew of two. They accommodate up to 6 guests in three double cabins, each with ensuite heads/shower. There is also the possibility of chartering for 7 or 8 guests for family charters with two children who can either sleep in the forward single cabins or in the salon... Inquire.
SAFARI's standard rates for winter 2010:
- 2 guests = $10,700 ($9,700 for Valentine's week)
- 4 guests = $11,700 ($10,700 for Valentine's week)
- 6 guests = $12,700 ($11,700 for Valentine's week)
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SAFARI
View Safari's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
View Safari's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Top Sailor Gets Prestigious Award
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston Awarded Blue Water Medal
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will become one of only seven people ever to be awarded the Blue Water Medal without a date by the organisation that presents it.
Born March 17, 1939 in Putney, London, Knox-Johnston went to school at Berkhamstead in Hertfordshire. He served as a deck officer in the British Merchant Navy joining British India as an officer cadet in 1957 and later gained his Masters Certificate in 1965. Between sea voyages in Bombay he built Suhaili, a 32-foot 5-inch LOA (length overall) India teak ketch of the Colin Archer type and sailed her to England.
With Suhaili he entered the 1968 race for the Sunday Times Golden Globe Trophy for the first person to circumnavigate the world nonstop and singlehanded. Suhaili was the only boat to finish the race, completing the 30,123 mile course in 312 days. Robin Knox-Johnston donated his £5,000 prize to the widow of his competitor Donald Crowhurst, who was lost at sea during the race.
In 1988 Suhaili started in the OSTAR Race across the Atlantic, but had to retire after 800 miles due to leaking seams. In 1989, after re-caulking, she set off across the Atlantic following Columbus’s route using only an Astrolabe for navigation. Arriving in San Salvador after 3,000 miles, they were only off 8 miles in latitude and 22 miles in longitude. On the return voyage in November of the same year, a large storm knocked them down four times and they lost both masts. Under jury rig they sailed 1,400 miles to the Azores.
In 1990 Suhaili sailed north of the Arctic Circle to Greenland’s east coast so that a small team might attempt to climb a virgin peak. In 1992 Knox-Johnston was invited to become President of the Sail Training Association, a youth development organization which operated two topsail schooners. He also organized annual tall ship races and, before he retired from the post in 2001, £11 million had been raised to replace the two schooners with two larger brigs.
Since winning the Golden Globe Trophy in 1969 Robin Knox-Johnston has participated in seven quadrennial double-handed Round Britain races. He skippered Condor to line honours in two legs of the 1977/08 Whitbread Race, co-skippered Enza New Zealand with the late Sir Peter Blake in 1994 to take the Jules Verne Trophy for the fastest circumnavigation of the world, and completed the Velux5Oceans solo around the world race in 4th position in 2006/07 at the age of 68.
In 1995, Knox-Johnston was knighted by the Queen. Notably, he has been named the 1994 ISAF World Sailor of the Year, the United Kingdom’s Yachtsman of the Year three times, and in 2007 he was inducted into the inaugural ISAF Hall of Fame. He has served as a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum and is currently President of the Little Ship Club and Chairman of Clipper Ventures.
South Africa's Premier Club Sailing Trophy!
Chris Sutton receives the beautiful large scale model of an historic Danish Sailing Ship from Dick de Kroon, on behalf of HBYC and the Wed night sailors. This ship will grace the club and be used as the (non removable) floating trophy for the annual HBYC Club Championship Sailing Regatta.
Valued at about R20k, this is probably the most impressive sailing trophy in the country!
Many thanks to Dick and Janet!
Super Yacht Crew Warned about Forging Records
The MCA and PYA issue advisory Notices to Superyacht Crews
Superyacht Crew who use the Professional Yachtsman’s Association (PYA) issues Seatime Record Book are being warned of changes the organisation has made in the entering of records.
It has been announced that with immediate effect, only PYA staff can enter data into the Qualifications and Experience at sea sections.
The move follows a series of occasions were inaccurate information has caused delay in the verification of sea time and subsequently in the processing of updating of records that are so important when candidates seek to enhance their professional qualifications.
In a recent statement the PYA has gone so far as to sate that any false information or verification could lead to the withdrawal of the signing officers CoC
Issues which frequently hold up the processing of an SRB include
- Confusion between sea service and yacht service. Time signed on board does not usually equal that of sea service.
- Calculating days at sea added to yard service and entering the balance as stand-by service.
- Calculating watch keeping service having not first obtained an OOW certificate. This is only required for Chief Mate/Master
- Ensuring that contact details for verification purposes (captain/management company/owner) are clearly indicated on the testimonial.
Yacht crew are advised to use the PYA testimonial format wherever possible either by using the one included in the SRB or by downloading forms from the organisations website or the one that is included with the SRB.
Crew need to allow up to 10 days for the verification process and should remember to validate books by signing on page 3 and completing personal details on page 24.
The MCA have reiterated that Candidates sitting for the OOW certificate will need to complete a Training Record Book a process that should take at least a year to complete but they concede that certain seafarers with more than 36 months Sea Service on vessels of over 24 metres may be exempt, so it is wise to contact them or the PYA if in doubt
Environmentalists Choose Super Yachts
Greenpeace Go for Superyacht Size
Environmental groups such as Greenpeace are renewing their fleets in response to growing ecological pressure on oceans and losses of their vessels at sea.
The Guardian has recently carried a story in which it claims German and Polish shipyards will shortly start work on a £14m superyacht sized flagship, that will become the third Rainbow Warrior next year. It will be one of the biggest yachts to have been commissioned in the last decade with, say the designers, a massive 1,300 sq metres of sail supported on two A-frame masts.
It will says the report be one of the greenest ships afloat and carry a satellite system to allow campaigners to stream video footage from anywhere in the world.
"We have converted ships for 30 years and it's time we practised what we preach," said Ulrich von Eitzen, a Greenpeace spokesman. "Upgrading the existing ship was not technically or financially feasible and converting a secondhand ship would compromise our campaigning and energy conservation needs."
The new ship will have both diesel and electric engines but these are expected to be in use for less than 10% of its time at sea. "The aim is to drastically reduce emissions and to burn far less fuel. You can never say in advance what speeds it will do, but its main propulsion will be by wind," said Eitzen.
Analysis showed that it was ecologically efficient to build from new rather than convert another ship, but that there was little difference between an aluminium or steel hull. By far the greatest impact on the environment was found to be during the ship's use rather than in the construction or eventual demolition phases.
The decision to choose sail rather than rely on fossil fuels is also a deliberate challenge to the shipping industry to reduce its carbon and other polluting emissions. Ships' diesel engines rely on "bunker" oil, one of the dirtiest fuels in the world, but owners are coming under increased pressure to reduce emissions and marine designers are investigating a return to sail. Critics have argued that Greenpeace has been reluctant to address shipping emissions for fear of drawing attention to its own fossil-fuel-powered fleet.
The cost should not be a problem for the group, which, with nearly three million supporters, is extremely wealthy. The new Rainbow Warrior will bring the Greenpeace fleet to six ocean-going ships, as big as the navies of many island states such as Madagascar, the Seychelles, the Maldives and Mauritius. Greenpeace boats have been used from the Arctic to the Amazon to confront whalers, loggers, illegal fishers, GM food importers and nuclear testing. They are crewed by a mix of professional sailors and volunteers.
In 1986 the French government ordered its secret service to sink the first Rainbow Warrior in Auckland harbour, New Zealand.
The Sea Shepherd conservation group, based in California, is also planning to augment its fleet of former US and British coastguard ships after one of its vessels was smashed in half by a Japanese whaling ship in Antarctica the week before last. Even as the futuristic Ady Gil, a £1.1m carbon-fibre trimaran, was sinking, Sea Shepherd's Hollywood backers launched an appeal to raise £2m for a new "bigger, better, faster ship".
"I won't let them take me down. I'm going to build another ship, an improved version," said Ady Gil, a producer who gave £600,000 to the group last year to buy the ship. It held the speed record for circumnavigating the world and could travel at 50 knots in high seas. Within a few hours of the sinking, a further £120,000 was pledged to Sea Shepherd by animal lovers, mainly in the US and Australia.
Gil's donation follows a £3m gift to Sea Shepherd from Hollywood quiz host Bob Barker last year to convert a former Norwegian whaler into an enforcement vessel. "We need everything: coastal patrol vessels, inflatables, personal watercraft and other types of vessels and marine equipment," said Captain Paul Watson, the group's director.
Oceana, one of the world's largest maritime protection organisations, with more than 300,000 members, also plans to augment its fleet. The group, which monitors and reports illegal fishing in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, plans to lease a third ocean-going boat.Super Yachts Play Significant Role in Expansion
Isle of Man builds on Superyacht Registration Success
The Isle of Man’s Ship Registry continues to expand its services to superyacht owners and operators despite some very difficult economic times being experienced.
In 2009 the register grew by 1.03 million gross registered tons to a new high of 10.76 million at the end of the year, a net increase of over 10%.
Super yachts have played a significant role in this growth with 17 commercially operated super yachts joining the register during the year. The majority of these are managed locally providing significant work for local specialists.
Growth in other areas has been driven primarily through the introduction of new clients from the Far East who have registered some of their prestigious new super tankers in the Isle of Man following a targeted marketing drive by the DTI’s Ship Registry team in the region.
As a measure of the Isle of Man’s standing globally, the register is now listed among the top 20 registers in the world in terms of registered tonnage while operating in an extremely competitive environment of over 130 international ship registries.
Dick Welsh, Director of the Ship Registry said: “As the register’s influence becomes more established, its attraction in terms of the quality of the fleet and the client-focused approach of the registry team quickly becomes apparent. The register is also extremely competitive on price, which in these difficult economic times can make a real difference in keeping ships operating. We are delighted with the results over 2009 and will work hard to ensure this trend continues.”
MATELOT charters Polynesia this Summer 2010
MATELOT is heading to the South Pacific in the Spring !
Matelot, an 80-foot Southern Wind sloop designed by Bruce Farr, will be available for charter in Polynesia this summer.
Matelot is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. The full-beam master cabin is forward and has a walk around king berth, settee and vanity/desk, along with ensuite head with separate shower. The other two guest cabins are identical with each having two lower single berths, along with ensuite heads and separate showers. Crew quarters and galley are aft with their own companionway.
WINTER 2009/10 RATES: Caribbean (all inclusive, except bar, cruising fees, etc)
Matelot, an 80-foot Southern Wind sloop designed by Bruce Farr, will be available for charter in Polynesia this summer.
Matelot is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 cabins. The full-beam master cabin is forward and has a walk around king berth, settee and vanity/desk, along with ensuite head with separate shower. The other two guest cabins are identical with each having two lower single berths, along with ensuite heads and separate showers. Crew quarters and galley are aft with their own companionway.
WINTER 2009/10 RATES: Caribbean (all inclusive, except bar, cruising fees, etc)
- 2 guests : $28,500
- 4 guests : $30,000
- 6 guests : $31,500
- Society Islands : 29,500 Euros
- Tuamotus : 32,500 Euros
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Matelot
View Matelot's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
View Matelot's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Yacht Charters : Special offers - Last minute Jan/Feb 2010
UPDATED: JANUARY 15, 2010
Here are a few last-minute special offers on some good yachts that we hope you can take advantage of...
AMARYLLIS
The catamaran Amaryllis is offering $1000 off their regular full-week rate to fill in their January 2010 calendar. They are currently open January 25-30.
Brochure: http://viewyacht.com/amaryllis/
FLAME
The motoryacht Flame is running a special for January and February 2010: all charters of a minimum of 4 nights will receive one night free! They will not be charging the premium for short term charters during this time period. Currently open NOW through January 24, February 1-28.
Brochure: http://viewyacht.com/flame/
SYNERGY
Synergy, 46-foot Beneteau sailboat, has a special rate for 2 person charters in January 2010 of $5400/wk. Have kids? No problem... Two kids can sleep in the salon. $300/wk each for kids from 5 to 10 years old. Currently available NOW through January 31.
Brochure: http://viewyacht.com/synergy/
VERNA BREEZE
Verna Breeze, a 54-foot Gulfstar sloop, has a "Get To Know Us Special" which applies to the next 10 confirmed charters. $5,999/wk for 2 adults, and $500/wk for each additional child. Inquire for availability.
Brochure: http://viewyacht.com/vernabreeze/
CRYSTAL CLEAR - two specials!
- February 2010: Book Crystal Clear for February for a special Valentine rate of $5950 inclusive for 2 people.
- Book Crystal Clear for 2010 before March 15, 2010 and save 10% on listed rate.
Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
