Could Superyachts Use Solar Energy


The Future of Super Yacht Power Could be Solar

Perhaps the world's largest solar powered boat with an LOA of 31m and beam 15m has been unveiled and could in the future pave the way for the ultimate in Green, Eco-friendly superyachts.

PlanetSolar, is a multi-hulled vessel that is powered entirely by up to 500 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels.

The 60 tonne craft has been built at a cost of 18 million euro ($24.4 million USD) at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel in northern Germany. She is due to be launched next month and undertake sea trials between June and September with a view to sailing around the world next year.

No one yet knows how fast the vessel might achieve during these trials with some claims suggesting 16 knots could be possible with other sources saying they will be happy with half of that.

What is known is that the solar panels are expected to capture 103.4 kW of solar energy yet the main engine is said to need just 20kW.

Solar covered flaps extend at the stern and amidships when the vessel is underway.

The PlanetSolar Web site suggests that 38,000 black photovoltaic cells with an efficiency of at least 22%, the highest efficiency solar cells commercially available, have been supplied by Sun Power. The site is at pains to make it clear that boats like this not intended to replace conventional watercraft,

She will be crewed on her around the world voyage by the two men whose brain-child she is; Raphaël Domjan, a 38 year old Swiss, and Frenchman Gérard d'Aboville, who was the first person to successfully row the Atlantic Ocean.

Stopovers on the east about circumnavigation are expected to include: Hamburg, London, Paris, New York, San Francisco, Singapore and Abu Dhabi.

Another New Flag for Superyachts

UAE seeks superyachts for new shipping registry

Quentin Bargate a senior partner at the London Law firm Bargate Murray reports on the first public unveiling of new UAE Yacht Regulations at the Abu Dhabi superyacht show.

He says, “This is a development of potentially great significance for owners, managers and everyone involved in superyachts. The UAE is setting itself up as a flag of convenience for superyachts - and is thus in my view throwing down the gauntlet to Cayman and other "Red Ensign" flag authorities.”

“These regulations have not yet been signed in to law but are expected to come in to force on 01 July 2010. Developed by DNV in cooperation with NAT, the new regulations will adopt a fundamentally different approach to the MCA LY2 regulations, being functionally based and applying to all types of private yacht.”

Abu Dhabi Superyacht Show Makes Slow Start

Super Yacht Show Will, in Time, Make the Grade

The second edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Yacht Show is this year being held at the newly-built Yas Marina and has got off to a slow start.

With 30 superyachts and about 140 exhibitors from around the world, organisers are expecting around 10,000 visitors to turn up a number significantly higher than the 7,000 visitors who visited the 2009 show.

The slow start may have been caused by the death of Shaikh Mubarak Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan a member of the UAE royal family who died on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi. The Presidential Affairs Ministry then declared three days for official mourning starting on Wednesday.

The British brokerage house Burgess already enjoys a well established track record throughout the Gulf Region where they have been providing brokerage, charter, new construction and yacht management services to a high profile clientele for 35 years. Following the inaugural success of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show in 2009, the firm is exhibiting several yachts at the show including:

  • Australis a striking and totally brand new 48 metre luxury motor yacht delivered by the Australian Oceanfast shipyard just weeks ago in January 2010.
  • Bliink delivered in July 2009 by Cantieri di Pisa, at 41 metres (134.5ft) this "as new" Akhir 135 is one of the largest planing flybridge motor yachts on the market today. MCA compliant and ABS certified, the yacht is still under full warranties and her twin MTUs deliver a cruising speed of 25 knots and maximum speed of 29 knots. Designed to offer easy wheelchair access, an elevator connects the main and upper decks, and the striking Cristiani Gatto designed interior provides deluxe accommodation for 11 guests in 5 cabins.
  • Alysia this 85.3 metre (280ft) vessel is one of the world’s most impressive yachts. With a global reputation, she offers a staggering 2,400 square metres of magnificent guest areas spread over 5 spacious decks: multiple saloons, a cinema, library, business centre, crèche, 18 staterooms for 36 guests and a spectacular spa complex located over the entire lower deck level. Additional special features include a guest lift connecting all decks, a fully certified helicopter landing platform and a well equipped dive centre. Built in 2005 to SOLAS passenger vessel specification and Det Norske Veritas classification, She delivers a range of 7,000 nautical miles at 14 knots. propositions on the superyacht market today.
  • The 90 metre (296ft) Lauren L, one of the largest yachts available for charter in the world today will be available for charter viewings at the Abu Dhabi Show. This SOLAS classified vessel is one of the few luxury yachts with the capability to accommodate 40 guests in 20 luxurious suites and offers a vast array of on board facilities for both private and corporate groups.
  • Platinum inspired by Benetti's successful Golden Bay custom-series, she is a 50 metre (163.7ft) motor yacht, suited for both private and charter cruising anywhere in the world. ABS classified, with zero speed stabilisers and twin MTU engines, she delivers a cruising speed of 15.5 knots and a maximum speed of 17 knots. Spacious accommodation for 14 guests is arranged in 6 richly appointed cabins (1 x master suite, 1 x VIP suite, 2 x double cabins and 2 x twins each with a pullman berth). Additional features include state-of-the-art audio-visual system throughout, a full range of tenders and water toys plus a vast open-plan sundeck complete with jacuzzi, sun pads and on deck dining.

Other yachts included the new build 65m Trident, the 62m RoMa, the 73m Silver Zwei, the 60m Linda Lou, the 67m Allure Shadow, 48m Ellix Too, 43m Le Yana and 39m Red Sapphire, and 104m Al Behar.

The exhibitor line-up includes builders, charterers, brokerage houses, marine support services, yacht registries and interior designers from the US, UK, Monaco, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the Baltic states.

Names included;

Abu Dhabi Marina developer Aldar Properties, regional vessel builders Abu Dhabi MAR Group and Gulf Craft, and yacht managers and distributors Art Marine also had stands.

Like the Monaco Yacht Show the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is the lead sponsor for the show.

Pirates reduce ransom for Chandlers after pressure from abroad

'The pirates who captured a retired British couple four months ago have dismissed growing pressure from the Somali diaspora for their unconditional release but are reducing their ransom demands.'

From the folks at Noonsite (http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-02-25-1/view) and http://www.savethechandlers.com/

Progress is being made, I hope their release comes swiftly.

Superyacht Group Issues Pre Close Trading Statement

YCO Group Breaks Even

YCO Group plc, provider of specialist services to superyachts and the only yacht broker to be listed as trading on AIM, a market operated by the London Stock Exchange has issued a trading update.

Whilst the broader economic climate of 2009 placed considerable pressure on the superyacht industry, the Group was able to undertake a number of initiatives focused on implementing cost efficiencies across the business whilst improving the Group structure for cross selling services. The Board is confident that these changes will lead to further sale and charter revenue opportunities. Despite the much weaker marketplace and the incurred exceptional one-off costs associated with the restructuring, the Board anticipates that it will break even for the financial period to 31 December 2009.

In addition to the considerable reduction of corporate overheads, the Board reported that it is starting to see the benefits of the restructured Group in a market place that shows clear signs of recovery. Yacht Help Group, which offers provisioning and agency services to the superyacht market, has benefited from restructuring the senior management and, as a result, its operations in both France and Spain have operated profitably in the second half of the year.

The Group announced that in the final quarter of 2009 it completed important yacht sale transactions from which it will receive the revenue benefits in 2010. The Group currently has management contracts in place with more than 50 yachts and is tendering for a number of other yacht management contracts. These contracts allow the Group to cross sell a broad range of its services ranging from crew, fuel, concierge and sales and purchase functions.

Despite a very challenging market with lower fuel volumes delivered throughout the industry, the Group continued to build market share and benefited from advantageous currency exchange rates.

The Group also announced that it had reached a settlement with a former business partner over disputed fees and accordingly is set to receive £250,000 and an additional £30,000 to cover legal costs incurred by the Group.

Commenting Charlie Birkett, Chief Executive, said:

“We are pleased to have completed a restructuring programme that has reduced our corporate overheads. We believe the business now has the right structure, management and services to continue increasing its share of the superyacht services market. This position will be further strengthened if the signs of recovery in the superyacht sale and purchase market continue. We therefore approach the future with optimism.”

Rajun Cajun!

Once again thanks to Roy for the pic!

Now you see him now you don't! Most of you would know Tony and the crew of Rajun Cajun. After a good long visit to Hout Bay Tony has become part of the furniture. Not everyone knows that Tony spent almost all his time here devoted to selfless and charitable causes (when he wasnt busy with music!). Such is the life of cruisers - always moving on - in this case having recruited Lyn Rattle aboard as first mate (my ex neighbour). A few miles out of Hout Bay  they suffered a small computer error so here they are heading back to fix it. They have promised to send a emails along the way which I shall post on this website as they come!

Friday Winners!

Are you a Friday winner? Charles Howell won R5400 last week in the Friday draw because he was there! Poor old Robert Fine (on the other hand) has had his name drawn twice already but failed to collect because he wasn't there! Is he the luckiest or unluckiest bloke on the block?
Cheerful Charlie is the one on the right!

Be there tonight and you too could be famous! 

MSA 2010 CRUISING CALENDAR

See www.sailmanitoba.com for more information.

Basic Cruising Courses
1. Tuesdays, January 19– February 23 (CC Wolfe Smythe)
2. Wednesdays, February 10 – March 31 (CC Bob Modrcin)
3. Saturdays, April 3, 10, 17 (CC Garry Hebert)

Coastal Navigation Course
Wednesdays, March 10 – April 28 (CC George Bush)

Celestial Navigation Course
Wednesdays, Feb 24-Apr 14 (CC Davis Daycock)

VHF Seminar
1. Saturdays, October 17 & 24 (CCJim Robinson)
2. Wednesdays, May 5 & 12 (CC George Bush)

Weather Seminar
Saturday, May 1 (CC Bob Modrcin)

GPS
Tuesdays, May 11 & 18 (CC Wolfe Smythe)

PCOC
1. Saturday, March 20
2. Saturday, April 24
3. Saturday, May 8

Textbooks, Exams and Certifications are included in the registration fees. The courses will be all held at Sport Manitoba until December. With the building move at the end of December we are required to book rooms at other facilities in Winnipeg . The locations will be announced asap.

Proposed Northern Harbour Development Plans




Dear Lake Neighbors and Interested Parties

We can finally tell you what our tentative plans for development are.

Northern Harbour would like to proceed on a combination of new docks, an art park and off shore RV parking that will improve the lake experience, protect the environment with a minimal footprint and create a unique experience for you and visitors passing through Kenora.

Let me share with you how our proposing docking and shoreline improvement will protect and enhance your cottaging and boating experience.

My proposal will offer, for those with cabins part way down the bay on the east side, a regulation size road to your property that Northern Harbour will build and maintain. The docks will take 25 to 30 years to build and will start near the north end so it will be a long time till they get anywhere near your cottage or Howie Blatt’s or George Bones’ islands.

Boats that dock at Northern Harbour go out of the bay on Friday or Saturday and return on Sunday, which is only 2 trips down the bay a week and we do not expect this pattern to change in the future.

The only problem brought to my attention was excess boat wake from some boats, since then we notified our customers that if they wanted to dock here they had to make the bay a no wake area and use the west track coming and going.

There are three main groups that enjoy Lake of the Woods, cottage owners, fisherman, and day boaters and live aboard boaters. All enjoy different parts of the lake. Cottage owners stay around their cottage area, go fishing, skiing, and day trips.

Fisherman and day boaters go where the fish and public beaches are, cottages on day trips.

Live aboard boaters go to wilderness anchorages where there are no cottages. They tend to stay there until it is time to return to harbour and home. They normally have a small boat to run around with and leave the big one anchored. That is why you do not see too many big boats around the cottages. They use different parts of the lake.

The Ontario government has set aside public lands, park lands and conservation areas in the south centre of the lake accessible only by boats and this is where the live aboard boater goes.

The live aboard boater uses a different part of the lake than the cottage owner does. Northern Harbour is the best location for more docking on the lake. We are closer to the anchorages that the boater’s use with the least amount of cottages on route. Pine Portage Bay is wider than Devil’s Gap or Keewatin Chanel which provides safer operation of boats.

This development is good for Lake of the Woods, local residents, Manitobans and U.S. people who use the lake and good for the economy of Kenora and area.

Following is more detailed information on our development. We need the support of the people on the lake and in the area for this to happen. Please let us know your comments or concerns.

We will be at the Mid Canada Boat Show on March 4th to 7th 2010.

Click here to download for more detailed information on the development.

Click here to download a map of the proposed development.

Click here to download a document to provided your comment.

Sincerely,


Gary Hall

Northern Harbour

Colombia, Cartagena - Spate of Dinghy & Outboard Thefts

This from Noonsite - http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2010-02-23-1/view.

Any cruisers visiting Cartagena are well advised to raise their dinghy and lock it and the outboard to the boat AT ALL TIMES, but especially AT NIGHT.

Noonsite has recently received a number of reports concerning dinghy and in particular outboard theft in Cartagena. It appears that thieves are mainly targeting outboard engines (15hp+).

Please follow the link for the reports.

Good advice for all cruisers to raise and secure their dinghy at night.

Northen Harbour Crusie Week 2010

"Cruise Around The World" July 23-30, 2010

This year we are really excited to present our 'Theme" for 2010 Cruise Week. The destination is the beautiful, Whitefish Bay, with a different anchorage each night.
Although the anchorages seem to be the same every year, they are new and improved!

The Cruise Around The World will be a 'Lake Folklorama'. A few of the destinations that are being considered are: Italy, Mexico, Greece. The focus at each 'Port' will be food, drink, music, and of course there is a prize for each day for the best dressed! Hmmmm...., I guess there is the unavoidable 'wearing a white bedsheet night', (toga), hopefully there won't be a full moon that night!

Cruise Week is a layed back week of sailing on the beautiful Lake of the Woods! It is an affordable week of fun for the entire family. It is also a great week for new sailors to spend a week with other experienced sailors who love to share their skills with others

More information will be posted on the Northern Yacht Club Website.

Spring is in the air! See you all soon!

Lisa Phillips - On-A-Call
email- sailinonacall@hotmail.com

Charter Yacht QUASART : Bahamas special offer March 2010

MARCH BAHAMAS SPECIAL

Quasart is an elegant 108’ Custom built Turkish Gullet, and the only one of her kind on the Eastern Seaboard.


SPECIAL OFFER: NASSAU & the Northern EXUMA CAY
  • $29,000/wk for up to 12 guests (Regular price $45,500)
  • SPA PACKAGE SPECIAL: an additional $6,000/wk. Includes TWO Yoga classes daily!  Also FIVE massage treatments will be available for guests daily!  A healthy and organic menu!
INCLUDES your own private chef, all onboard meals, beer and wine!!!

DOES NOT INCLUDE Diesel, dockage, or crew gratuity.

Quasart boasts eight en-suite staterooms with all the luxuries of a five star hotel. Her versatility can provide a variety of settings including the natural splendor of some of the worlds most beautiful islands and seascapes.

She offers the perfect Charter experience and can accommodate up to twelve guests. She has two hammocks, three kayaks, swim ladders, snorkel equipment, and a 40HP tender for water sports.

ONE WEEK NASSAU AND THE NORTHERN EXUMA CAYS

The Exuma Cays lie in an all but unbroken chain from Beacon Cay in the North to the islands of Great and Little Exuma in the South. They form possibly the most beautiful cruising ground in the Western Hemisphere. Settlements are small and picturesque, the people friendly and courteous.  The water is crystal clear, a vivid rainbow of blues, and beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of coral reefs and schools of fish to charm even the most seasoned snorkeler.

DAY 1. Nassau – Rose Island (12 nautical miles, about 1.5 hrs)
Take a dip and unwind in the cool blue ocean, snorkel out to a nearby shallow reef, or simply walk along the powder-white beach.

DAY 2. Rose Island – Allen’s Cay (44NM, about 5.5 hrs )
The Allen’s Cay grouping contains the well known Leaf Cay; one of the few remaining habitats of iguanas in the Bahamas. A dinghy ride to this unique spot is a “must do”. Standing quietly, guests will be charmed to see first one and then another iguana come forward to get a closer look. In a matter of minutes, the beach will be dotted with 20 to 30 of these odd but loveable creatures poised silently in the sand. Swim or kayak in the sheltered turquoise waters off this special island.

DAY 3. Allen’s Cay – Hawksbill Cay (22NM, about 2 hrs 45 mins)
An uninhabited cay owned by Exuma Park, has numerous soft sand beaches on both the western and eastern shores of the cay. The waters along the northern shore and in the southern cove of the cay are very shallow and ideal for snorkeling.

DAY 4. Hawksbill Cay – Staniel Cay (25NM, about 3 hrs)
This small island is known for its hospitality and Thunderball Grotto, one of the most outstanding snorkeling attractions in all of the Bahamas. While this hollowed out rock has been the location for the James Bond movies Thunderball and Never Say Never Again and also Splash, it lures snorkelers to enjoy a natural fishbowl...swim in at slack low tide (when the current takes about an hour break from its normal fast run), and enjoy many varieties of colorful fish, corals, sponges and other sea life. Weave through the grotto’s many entrances and passageways, escape to the outside through its holes. Gaze skyward when inside the amphitheater to see light streaming through the roof where rain has eroded natural skylights.

DAY 5. Staniel Cay – War derwick Wells Cay (12NM, about 1.5 hrs)
Considered to be the most popular cay in the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. The colors are awe inspiring and make this a lovely spot to moor while dining.

DAY 6. Warderwick Wells Cay – Shroud Cay (20NM, about 2.5 hrs )
An uninhabited cay owned by Exuma Park, is an archipelago of cays and rocks surrounding a shallow tidal mangrove salina which serves as a unique nursery for conch, crawfish (lobster), sea turtles, birds and many varieties of fish. Creeks are best explored by kayak as only non-motorized vessels are permitted to enter these pristine shallow estuaries that all dead-end in the mangroves.

DAY 7. Shroud Cay – Nassau (55NM, about 7 hrs)
After a relaxing breakfast, we will be under sail and heading back up to Paradise Island and Nassau Harbour. Even if you have no interest in the Atlantis Hotel, the Casino, or the beaches here, it is surreal to just observe the structure of this scale. The Aquarium, alone is worth the visit. There you’ll marvel at a walk-through tunnel surrounded by a reef, a glass-sided fish domain and the ‘Atlantis Dig,’ an archaeological fantasy world surpassed only by your imagination.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book QUASART
View Quasart's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Beaufort Scale in Hout Bay . . .

I wonder what the Beaufort number is for these conditions?

Thanks to Roy for this pic from near his house.
Left-click for a bigger picture.

Note the blinding spray that flies right across the harbour. Wind gusts of 60kts plus are not uncommon in these conditions. I guess its a Force 8/9 with gusts up to Force 11 . . . .

Charter the SPANISH Virgin Islands with ELIZA

SAIL TO NEW PLACES - The Spanish Virgin Islands - A Wonderful Cruise on the Ocean 80, charter yacht Eliza.



Visit the unspoiled beauty of Vieques, Culebra and Culebrita.  These three islands are a within easy sailing distance of Puerto Rico, but offer uncrowded anchorages beautiful beaches with great snorkeling fun sight seeing and extremely friendly inhabitants.



Meet Eliza in Fajardo which is close to the Conquistador Casino, and only a one hour drive from the San Juan Airport.  Sail to Cuelebra and see its sights and quaint town.  Sample the deserted beaches and snorkeling.

Sail to Culebrita (little Culebra) and anchor near the half-moon pristine beach.  Climb to the site of the oldest operating light house in the Caribbean.  Swim in the "Jacuzzi" a series of large boulders and pools washed by the seas.

Next stop is Vieques, the largest of the islands, which at one time was used by the US Navy for aircraft target and bombing practice. Here you will find wonderful snorkeling with occasional eerie views of ordinance under water.  Take a guided kayak tour of Mosquito Bay, reputedly the home of the brightest collection of luminescent organisms in the world; after sunset marvel at the light in the water and make "snow angels"  while swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

The last stop on your cruise could be San Juan.  It is an experience to sail into San Juan along the north coast of Puerto Rico, outside the treacherous reef and into the protection of the three forts that guard the harbor entrance. All three are maintained by the National Park Service.  The narrated tour and reenactment are worth the trip. An excellent secure marina is a short ride from the forts. On weekends the skies above the fort are filled with many colored kites as people take advantage of the open spaces. The Old Town has been restored and is a fascinating place to tour. There are wonderful old buildings, small quaint eateries, several high end, high style clubs and restaurants bustling with San Juan's in crowd.

On departure day the Marina is but a short drive to the airport.


Here is an opportunity to charter Eliza without leaving US territory. There are many flight options at very competitive rates and you can still find unspoiled anchorages and beaches, interesting things to see and do ashore, and a superb crew catering to your every whim, fully prepared to coddle every member of your party. In short, can you think of a more perfect "Getaway" week?

SPECIAL PRICE:    $17,500/wk
Rates are for 6 Guests, all inclusive except dockage, special bar requests & communications



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ELIZA
View Eliza's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

.

Catamaran WONDERFUL Summer 2010 charter locations

The charter yacht WONDERFUL, a 73-foot Yapluka catamaran with a crew of three, will be chartering in a variety of locations this 2010 season.

2010 LOCATIONS:
  • FEBRUARY to MAY: Caribbean
  • MAY to JULY: Bahamas
  • AUGUST: Florida
  • AUGUST to OCTOBER: East Coast of USA
  • NOVEMBER: return to Caribbean
[UPDATE: Wonderful will not be charter on the east coast of USA]

Captain Warren East and Chef Elizabeth Lee will be aboard (along with an additional crewmember) to give you a wonderful sailing vacation.

Check out their toys:  15-foot Nautica RIB with 90HP motor, 13-foot RIB with 4HP motor, waterskis, wakeboard, kneeboard, two-person jacuzzi, 2 kites, 2 kayaks, 2 mountain bikes, 3-person banana, tube, Playstations & iPod docks in each cabin, dive compressor & 6 sets of dive gear & tanks, snorkel equipment, yoga mats, beach games, and more...
Modern, stylish, and luxurious are three ways to describe the interior of Wonderful. Stepping into the salon you will find a rich contrast between the lightly colored bamboo floors and maple inlays against the upholstery and detailing.


RATES:
  • $34,000/wk for up to 8 guests, plus all expenses
  • Weekend special: 3-days/2-nights : $10,000 plus all expenses


Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book WONDERFUL
View Wonderful's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Piracy incident in Trinidad, Dec 2009

This was sent out on the Cruisers_Network_Online.

Subject: Re: Yacht robbery - 21st Dec
All,
Just to keep everyone informed.
I spoke to the owner/capt, Robert Kienzle, of Triton in Grenada this
morning. Basic facts of the incident are as follows:
1) Attack position was 40 mls North of Trinidad on the rhumb line to Prickly Bay .
2) Pirate boat approached from behind, that is from the South.
3) Before boarding, shots were fired, one passing about 1/2 a meter from Robert at the helm.
4) 7 - 8 Spanish speaking men in pirogue, boarded by about 4 of them. Tied up and towel placed over heads.
5) When men were aboard Triton drifted with sails up and engine in neutral. Meanwhile, the pirogue circled Triton.
6) Triton stripped of "everything". Crew unharmed.
7) Pirate boat left in South Westerly direction, that is, towards Venezuela .
7) Description of pirate boat: Old, wooden, blue/red pirogue type with 3 x 175 hp Yamaha outboards.
This morning I informed customs of the incident and I'm trying to get hold of the two coast guard officers (King and Stelling) that previously dealt with us on piracy matters. They are not there and the coastguardsman that I spoke to did not know when they'd be back. I'll try again over the next few days.
A group of cruisers met this morning in the Roti Hut and I attended the meeting. They are understandably very concerned about the incident, but more so because YSATT is not giving information of such incidents. I explained the situation, but they are still (rightly) concerned. This has of course happened very suddenly and as we are on the brink of Christmas it could not be happening at a worse time.
I spoke to Peter Peake. He will ask their reception to inform boats heading North to be aware of the possibility of piracy. We will do the same and I'm hereby asking YSATT to make a general announcement on the net to this effect. For exact wording you are welcome to call me.
Merry Christmas to all.

The fishing boat model of three large outboards became fairly common after/during the '80s, with the 'commercial' trade that developed during that time. Here is a photo that is representative of the type of propulsion.


Just kidding about that last part.

Charter Motor Yacht SHOGUN Alaska Pacific Northwest this summer

The motoryacht SHOGUN is currently in Newport Beach, California, and will be heading to Alaska early this summer 2010. 



M/Y SHOGUN accommodates 8 guests in 4 oversized King staterooms at $69,000 per week, plus expenses.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book SHOGUN
View Shogun's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

A Happy Visit from SV Blue Sky!

Peter Adamo (VC HBYC)and Jim Mather (Master of SV Blue Sky) swapping Club Burgees!
HBYC was recently priviliged to have a visit from SV Blue Sky and her crew - all the way from California, starting in 2005! These were great guests and a pleasure to have at the club!
Jim sent an email to the club as follows:
From: Jim and Emma Mather To: Peter Adamo
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 10:25 PMSubject: s/v Blue Sky
Dear Peter, Thank you for everything. Our stay in Hout Bay was wonderful, we will definitely miss it. Attached please find the photos we took the other night. The burgee we gave you is from a magazine called Latitude and Attitudes, whom we contribute cruising articles to. Their websight is seafaring.com. Please thank the entire staff and members for making our stay memorable. Take care, Emma, Jim, Phoebe and Drake
See their website at:  http://www.thevoyageofbluesky.com/

Size isnt everything . . .
 





Bahamas news?

The start of a forum from the folks at the Triton - http://thetriton.com/forums/security-piracy/security-and-crime-bahamas

Always a ton of news for the yachting and cruising community.

Lats and Att's article on Pirate Preparations and a couple of reviews

An article in the March 2010 issue of Latitudes and Attitudes (page 56) - Guns, Coconuts and Pirates. Go to http://www.seafaring.com/ and I'll let you explore the site and find the issue... or go to your local newstand/newsagent and purchase a copy.

Also, there is a short (but excellent) review of the Firstmate handheld FLIR - previously endorsed here. It is on page 127.

Matt Bracken has a new novel due out this year, Castigo Cay. If you haven't read his books, take a look at his website - http://www.enemiesforeignanddomestic.com/

Need a little extra Valentine's Gift?

Happy Day-After-Valentine's Day & Happy Presidents' Day

If you feel the need for a bit of an "extra" Valentine's gift for that someone special, what could say more than a yacht charter sailing vacation... except perhaps, a European barging trip :)


Offer the gift (represented by a toy boat maybe? or a bikini-clad Barbie doll?) and then start planning your charter with Paradise Connections.




Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

KWRW 2010

Key West Race Week always holds the promise of sunny skies, good breeze and warm temperatures. As with many things, reality does not always live up to expectations. But, this year Key West did not disappoint. On the docket this year were pleasant conditions and multiple races each day of the week.

I made the journey south to do mast onboard the Melges 32, Ninkasi. This was one of my first opportunities to do mast and opened my eyes to a few deck layout and rigging issues that wouldn't be obvious when staring at a drawing on paper. It's amazing how lines never get knotted or tangled on paper, but how easily it happens in reality if blocks aren't spaced or angled correctly.

Although participant numbers are down from their peak a few years ago, the competition level has not faltered. This point was illustrated by both the Melges 32 class, where each of the top 5 finishers had at least one finish in the mid to high teens, and the Farr 40 class, where the boats seem to round every mark bow to stern with one another.

Key West also offers more than just great racing. The ability to step off the boat, go for a short ride to any one of a number of meeting places, and sit down with owners, boat captains, and project managers to discuss current issues and future plans within the industry is vital to a yacht designer. Sometimes these meetings turn out to be more valuable or more interesting than the days racing.

Not only is Key West a good place to catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones, it also presents great opportunities to walk the docks while admiring and scrutinizing all the different aspects of the fleets. The IRC-1 boats really caught my interest this year. Although the larger boats in IRC 1 are truly impressive, the four IRC52s grabbed my attention. The subtle modifications made by each of the three TP52s are quite interesting. Each had added a sprit, but retained slight differences in terms of deck and stern treatments. All in all, not too different from many of the modifications we make for our optimizations. Add in the Southern Cross 52 and you have a nice fleet within a fleet.

Whether you traveled to Key West this year for the racing, weather, or networking it was hard to come back disappointed.

Emerson Smith

Shosholoza (1)

I had forgotten this pic I took during Admirals a few years ago. This was taken from a small R.I.B. in about 35 knots of wind, just outside Vulcan Rock. This is of course the original Shosholoza . . . swell was running at about 4m that day. On the helm is Dick de Kroon, and Pat West (in the red) is working the lee side winch.

Left-click for a bigger version.

Hostage Survival

From Mad Mariner - http://www.madmariner.com/vessels/story/HOSTAGE_SURVIVAL_020910_VX


Awareness and keeping a cool head are the best attitudes to bring to almost any situation. In my opinion, an abduction at sea is the same as one on land - don't go to the secondary crime scene. If possible, your best chance of escape is immediately after the attack. If part of a group, consider the cost/benefit of a simple idea - who will tell of the abduction if no one escapes?

Our thoughts are with Jendo, Hilda and Sasha Ocenasek

Those who may not know, Sasha was involved in a serious horse riding accident last week. She was knocked unconcious after falling from her horse near the Disa river, and has been in a serious condition since - but thankfully recovering slowly in hospital we understand. Our thoughts and best wishes go to to Jendo, Hilda and Sasha, and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Wed night race

A nice pic of the leaders chasing up to Fish-on-the-Rocks against Chapmanspeak in the background! Thanks to Roy McBride for the pic!

Charles Howell wins R5400 at friday night draw!

It could be you! Be there tonight at 7p.m. and you could win the R3000! Galley is open, great menu! Drinks are cheap! Great company!

Body Found may be that of Superyacht Crewmember

Missing Crewman from Super Yacht may have been found off St Johns

British Virgin Islands police say a body recovered in waters off the US VI Island St. John is believed to be that of a Polish crew member missing from the YPI managed superyacht Charisma.

Police spokeswoman Diane Drayton the corpse matches descriptions of Pawel Kwiatkowski, the 32-year-old engineer from the Baltic port city of Gdansk and that a DNA test is under way to identify the body.

Kwiatkowski was last seen Jan. 29 leaving the floating bar Willy T in Norman Island on the yachts tender.

Police would not say if they are investigating the death as suspicious. Detectives are interviewing the crew of the Bahamas-flagged yacht, which remains voluntarily in the BVI is docked at Sopers Hole on Tortola having moved there from Village Cay Marina.

At no point during the entire search and recovery process or the ensuing police investigations was the impounded or any Crew members placed under arrest.The YPI Management team recommended the yacht remained voluntarily within BVI waters throughout the last nine days to assist the Police and the Justice Department with all their inquiries, something for which the yacht has been highly praised.

Franc Jansen, Head of the Management Company handling the affair said: "As yacht managers we get to know and respect the crew members of our fleet of managed yachts. We were very much saddened first by the news of the disappearance of Pawel and now by the confirmation of his death. Out of respect for him, his mother, family and friends...and the Captain and Crew of Charisma, we vow to leave no stone unturned to discover how and why this much-liked crew member came to such an untimely death.

Charter Yacht ISLANDER Guest Comments

We have received nice comments from a family charter we had aboard the charter yacht ISLANDER.


Gina, Julian and I had a great time with Patti and Charlie. They are a great couple at accommodating the desires of the guest. Charlie is an engaging conservationist, amazing musician and very knowledgeable sailor. Pattie is a great cook, smarter than a fifth grader (as a teacher she can engage on any topic and any subject with knowledge of the subject matter) and kept Julian entertained with the cat BC!

We will sail with Islander again, no doubt! 

Barney
And from an email sent to Islander:
Had a fabulous time with both of you! One of the best vacations ever! You both are amazing hosts and talented people. We miss you already! I want to come back now as I've just landed in snowy Chicago! We look forward to the friendship!

ISLANDER is a 50-foot Irwin ketch owned and operated by Charlie & Patti Avalos who have been sailing for 25 years, plus their feline crew... B.C. (Black Cat). Islander accommodates 2-4 guests.

Islander is pretty much booked solid through April 3, 2010, although there is a possibility of a 5-night charter March 21-26.

Islander has very affordable rates and Charlie offers sailing instruction either on an informal (free) basis, or with ASA certification ($140/student). Prices below are for an 8-day/7-night, all-inclusive yacht charter (BVI taxes extra) for winter & summer 2010.
  • 2 guests: $4900/wk
  • 3 guests: $5700/wk
  • 4 guests: $6200/wk
Islander is currently open for 2010 Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years charters.  It's not too early to start thinking about these dates!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ISLANDER
View Islander's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Tall Kool Two





Anyone who knows Van knows that he is not scared of taking on a big project, the next chapter of the McLean family, this will be sure to make a good book someday...



The Beneteau 43 is official and rumor has it the McLeans (kids included) are going cruising as early as March to the Bahamas and staying till September when the new Tall Kool One will return to Lake of the Woods for extended summer cruising;-)



Meat Pie in Paridise





We all know Bob does not like cheese burgers, so we will have to call this post Meat Pie in paradise.



An update from Fred on his recent trip to Florida to help out Bob.



The trip began on Jan 10th. Bob met Fred at Orlando airport and they drove to Ft. Pierce where the boat was stored. The boat originally belonged to Kevin McDougall, and Bob purchased the boat last year. The plan was for Bob and Fred to prep the boat and sail over to the Bahamas. The pictures tell the story. They never got to the Bahamas but had lots of fun and got the boat to Miami where Alice will meet Bob on Feb 9th and they will either cruise the Keys or perhaps set off to the Bahamas with Bill and Maureen Johnston.



PS. Bill Johnston in a short conversation while in Winnipeg was heard to refer to Bob and Fred as Felix and Oscar...

Charter Catamaran AMARYLLIS for a sailing vacation in the Virgin Islands

Bruce & Laura, owner-operators of the catamaran AMARYLLIS, sent us this photo.


There's been a LOT of that COLD white stuff up in the States recently (Groundhog Phil has predicted 6 weeks' more winter), while our white stuff in the Virgin Islands is nice & TOASTY! Something you can sink your tootsies into... Tan toes are much preferable to frostbitten toes :)

Amaryllis is a 45-foot air conditioned Privilege catamaran that accommodates up to 6 guests. Lots of toys, including windsurfing. Bruce is a sailing instructor and is happy to give informal instruction to those who are interested.

Their next open space on their calendar is March 10-26, 2010. If that doesn't fit YOUR calendar, ask us about dates for after mid-April... or next Christmas :)

Book a sailing vacation with Paradise Connections Yacht Charters www.ParadiseConnections.com

Don't wait! Contact Paradise Connections to start planning your sailing vacation.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book AMARYLLIS
View Amaryllis's online brochure
For more yachts, visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Dutch Superyacht Builder Opens Italian Office


It was Just a Matter of Time

After hiring a team of top yachting professionals from Italy to head up their Public Relations and Media activities it was only a question of timing before the Dutch builder Heesen opened an office in Italy

The company’s Yacht’s Sales and Marketing Director Fabio Ermetto will manage the new Mediterranean office, strategically located in the port of Viareggio on the coast of Tuscany, some 20 kilometres from Pisa Airport.

He said, “The opening of the Italian office is the first step in our development plan. In the near future we plan to open further Public Relations offices in strategic locations”.

He added, “The Mediterranean Sea is a favourite destination for the majority of our yachts and Viareggio is at the very heart of our business. A location in Via Coppino, the so-called ‘5th Avenue of the yachting industry’, is the right place to meet press, designers and brokers.” 




Super Yachts Can Rent a Private Submarine


Three Man Submarine for Rent in Aruba

Captains of superyachts cruising the waters of Aruba can now arrange to rent a submarine and pilot capable of reaching depths of 100 metres.

U-Boat Worx B.V., the Dutch manufacturer of exclusive private submersibles, has opened a new submarine center on the Caribbean island. The company hopes to build on the strong interest shown by superyacht charter guests seeking to explore the underwater world in a safe and comfortable way.

Peter de Hoop, U-Boat Worx Aruba's managing director, has this to say: "This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the underwater world in an exclusive way. You do not need a diving license and our guests can chat with each other, while enjoying a glass of champagne."

The rental price depends on what the customer wants, each dive is geared completely to personal wishes of the charter yacht guest

The submarine builder from Breda, The Netherlands, expects that the Aruba operation will open the eyes of many businessmen, wanting to apply this idea elsewhere in the world. "The business on Aruba was set up to break open the luxury tourist submarine market. By catering to tourism ourselves, we are showing third parties, such as luxury resorts, hotels and cruise companies, what the opportunities are", says Bert Houtman, founder of U-Boat Worx BV.

Taking a trip in a submersible has many advantages over regular deep-sea diving. The guests are in a dry, 1 atmosphere environment.

This means that, no matter how deep you go, there are no changes in air pressure. In this way, possible medical disorders resulting from decompression sickness that can be caused by SCUBA diving are eliminated.

The electrically powered submersible for 3 people is equipped with Lithium-Ion batteries for longer sailing times. So-called scrubbers remove Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produced by the passengers in the pressure vessel, and the oxygen used is also added automatically.

The C-Quester-3, as this submersible is called, can stay underwater for over 96 hours, in case of emergency. There are numerous accessories, such as a safety buoy, a lead weight that can be dropped off, underwater communication, an air-conditioning system, a depth sounder, sonar and optionally video and tracking systems.

Safety is guaranteed by a separate classification by Germanischer Lloyd.

Don’t Drink and Drive


Could the loss of a superyacht crew member have been averted?

The loss of a crewmember, reported missing from the superyacht Charisma, followed an evening of drinking aboard a bar floating in the Bight of Norman Island a well known anchorage in the idyllic cruising grounds of the British Virgin Islands.

As the authorities continue the search for his body the subject of drinking in bars and then leaping into small boats to get back to the yacht has once again been thrown into the spotlight.
Should local laws be tightened? Should hostelries with water access take on a more responsible role

Should crews appoint a designated driver of a tender on evenings when crews of super yachts go out for a heavy night of off duty fun ashore?

We would welcome views and comments here on this blog

Charter Yacht ANAHITA - Updates on upgrades

The charter yacht ANAHITA, our very popular Dynamique 62, has undergone recent upgrades during her time in the Caribbean this winter. She is bright with new bottom paint and her rig, engine, winches, main sail and jib were overhauled, making her even more suitable for any kind of cruising.


Anahita, 62 Dynamique sloop

As for creature comforts, all interior cushion covers were replaced and the bed in the starboard cabin and the lower bed in the port cabin were enlarged. A new 13' Oceanus AB tender with console was just purchased in St. Maarten and further updated with a new and attractive canvas cover.

She will be heading for the Mediterranean on May 1st for her summer season with two berths available for the trans-Atlantic crossing.

Once in the Med, Anahita will be in France and West Italy, including Corsica, in June and September. Then she will move to Croatia, Montenegro and the Greek Islands for July and August charters.


Bijan and Roseanne look forward to having you aboard.



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book ANAHITA
View Anahita's online brochure
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

OYSTERS for EASTER

We have two Oysters available for Easter yacht charters / sailing vacations in the Caribbean.

ASTAHAYA
  • Oyster 56
  • Location: British Virgin Islands
  • Up to 4 guests in 2 cabins
  • $13,500/wk, plus bar, beverage, cruising fees
  • Online brochure for ASTAHAYA
DARLING
  • Oyster 82
  • Location: either Grenadines or British Virgin Islands
  • Up to 6 guests in 3 cabins
  • $31,000/wk, plus all expenses
  • Online brochure for DARLING

Hop on down to the islands for Easter!



Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book your yacht charter
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Missing Superyacht Crewmember now a Police matter


Police have taken over the search for a 32-year-old missing crewman who failed to rejoin the super yacht Charisma on which he was employed as 2nd Engineer.

Pawel Kwiatkowski reportedly was last seen leaving the Willy-T in the Bight off Norman Island by tender and was reported missing to Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) the following day

A VISAR team responded to the scene, where initial queries with witnesses who last saw the man proved to be “suspicious,” said VISAR President Phil Aspinall.

“Our enquiries made it all seem a bit suspicious, so we put in a call to the police,” he said. “It’s now a police matter.”

VISAR, Marine Police and a Blue Water Divers team joined forces to comb the area above and below water, for two days of intensive searching.

Mr. Aspinall said teams have searched as far as the nearby island of St. John, including several other surrounding islands and rocky outposts.

Currently, a police investigation is underway, said Police Spokeswoman Diane Drayton.

Police are continuing to interview crewmembers aboard the mega-yacht, is currently docked at IGY Village Cay Marina.

Charisma was scheduled to leave this weekend, but likely will remain in the territory while the investigation ensues, she said.


Super Yacht Crew Member Missing


Underwater Search for Superyacht Crew Member begins

Rescuers in the BVI searching for the 2nd Engineer from the Bahamian flagged superyacht Charisma have changed from searching for a missing person and have gone into body recovery mode.

This disclosure was made by the head of the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) Phil Aspinall.

“We will continue to dive today in the area that he went missing, but at this point in time we are just looking for recovery. My opinion is based solely on the intense searches we have done over the past few days on land and in the water,” Aspinall explained.

The missing crew member Pawel Kwiatowske from Poland has been missing since Saturday, January 30.

A police press release stated that,
Charisma anchored off Norman Island, and Kwiatowske was last seen leaving the Willy Ts Bar and Restaurant at Norman Island at around 11:30 pm January 28 on a boat tender. He was discovered missing by his crew members the following morning.

VISAR along with the Police Marine Unit and a Blue Water Dive team have been searching for the 32 year-old engineer in the area of the Bight in Norman Island

Our fantastic new club!

Mostly thanks to our Friday Night Crew (we all know who they are!), and the generous donations of members - the club has undergone a tremendous workover inside. It really is a pleasant environment to be in these days. Just shows what is possible with a bit of leadership and initiative!

Its not finished yet - but these pics will give some idea.