Calendar of Events 2010

May 22 Saturday, Ice Breaker Social with Band Rough Edges

June 5 Saturday, Race For Your Dinner to Crow Rock Lodge - Safety Race
June 11 Friday, Beer & Brats
June 18 Friday, Northern Harbour 1st Day of Summer Party
June 19 Saturday Summer Solstice Race to 22 ft Bay

July 1-5 Thur-Sun, Warroad Race
July 16 Friday, Fish Fry
July 17 Saturday, Queen Island Pursuit Race
July 23-30 Fri – Fri, Cruise Week

Aug 1-7 Sun – Sat, LOWISA 45
Aug 13 Friday, Dark & Stormy Night
Aug 21 Saturday, Witch Bay Pursuit Race

Sept 4 Saturday, Frock Night at Firecracker Beach - Theme: Blazing Saddles

Nov 10 Wednesday, AGM and Fall Lift – Winter Club

MSA Certification Courses

MSA will be offering all sort of certification courses for all of you over the next few month.

First Aid Course
A Combo First Aid course with full EFA (Emergency First Aid which includes CPR level "C") and recerts together
Date: Thursday, May 13 Time: 6:00pm -9:30pm
At: Red Cross building on 1111 Portage Ave
Fee: Full EFA - $70, recerts $40.

Boat Rescue Course
NEW in the province, swimming no more... :)
Date: Saturday, June 12Time: 12:00pm
At: Gimli YC
Fee: $80


PCOC (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) Challenge of the mandatory boating safety exam.
You can purchase a book ($10 incl GST) in advance to prepare yourself for the test.
Date: Friday, May 7 or Friday, June 11Time: 5:00pm
At: Sail Manitoba office, room 409, Sport for Life Centre
Fee: $30

To register or inquire about the courses phone me at 925-5647 or send me an email to sailing@sportmanitoba.ca.

Superyacht Marina to be Built in Fiji



Plans to enlarge the existing marina turning it into a new $40 million superyacht marina at Vuda in Fiji have been announced by the marina’s director, Tony Philp.

The new marina will be completed inside the next three years will be an extension of the existing Vuda Marina complex with a manmade island on the reefs next to the entrance at the existing marina.
The new marina will have facilities to cater for large yachts and one berth will be designed especially to cater for superyachts up to 65 metres in length.

"This is going to be an upmarket superyacht marina," he said. "It's going to be one of its kind in the whole of the South Pacific."

The marina will have different choices of buyer packages included privately owned villas, each complete with their own private berth, independent marina apartments as well as beachfront villages with sunset aspects. The luxury complex will also include swimming pools, tennis courts, water sports and commercial spaces.

Independence sold and renamed Jasali II


Celebrating their third big yacht sale in just six weeks are the jubilant sales team at superyacht brokerage house YPI who have just announced the sale of the 53 metre Perini Navi Independence


“We are very pleased to see her go to some very happy clients and old friends of YPI,” says a clearly delighted Will Bishop, Head of the YPI Sailing Division.

The yacht now renamed Jasali II will go into refit to make her commercially compliant before she is marketed for charter this coming winter season in the Caribbean.

Launched in 1998 the yacht is testament to the exterior and interior design skills and expertise of the team at Perini Navi. Refitted during 2008, she offers accommodation for up to 12 guests in 6 suites comprising 1 owner cabin, 3 double cabins, 2 twin cabins and 2 Pullman cabins and is capable of carrying up to 12 crew.

“The yacht is well proven,” says Will. “She has travelled the globe carrying guests and crew to remote and exotic locations in complete safety whilst offering all the comforts and amenities of a 5-star hotel with the toys to match.”

She has always been superbly maintained under management that has included regular equipment servicing, replacing any questionable systems, and upgrading to newer technology as and when it has become available. She recently completed the 10-year survey with minimal work required.

The yacht was listed as a Central Agency yacht at an asking price of: $24,950,000 with Alex Busher at Edmiston and Northrop and Johnson in the USA

Specifications
  • Builder:         Perini Navi
  • Year:             1998
  • Class:            American Bureau of Shipping
  • Length:          53.00m (173'11")
  • Beam:            11.43m (37'6")
  • Draft min:      3.84m (12'7")
  • GRT:             530
  • Guests:          12/14
  • Crew:             Up to 12
  • Cabins:          1 Master / 3 Double / 2 Twin / 2 Pullman
  • Hull:              Steel
  • Max. Speed:  16.0 knots (under engine)

Genoa Charter Yacht Show

From 3rd until 7th May 2010 Genoa is once again playing host the 22nd MYBA Charter Yacht Show. This is one of the most important international exhibitions dedicated solely to charter professionals and superyachts.

Join us as we report on what is going on each day Catch our blog at: SuperYacht Blogger   We would love you to follow or subscribe to it.

Sailing the Bavaria Cruiser 55 in Palma Mallorca


This week I was fortunate to have the opportunity for a bit of sailing on the Bavaria Cruiser 55, our design 673. My day for the opportunity was Monday, the 26th of April. I arrived in Palma around 11am, and after finding my hotel set off to find the boat.


Conditions were absolutely beautiful… for power boating. Palma had its typical sunshine, but was presenting us with a pretty weak sea breeze for the day. I had been excited when the plane landed because we landed into the bay which meant the sea breeze was already established. Unfortunately there just wasn’t much to it for some reason.

The sailing day was set up as a bit of a lead in to the Bavaria board meetings. On the boat for the sail we had quite a crowd onboard with the whole Bavaria board, as well as executives from Bavaria, and local support from Bavaria Spain.

Once outside the harbor area we unfurled the mainsail and jib. Windspeed was maybe 6 knots although the left side of the bay looked like it might hold a little more pressure. The guys went to work to trim up the sails and I settled in on the helm to see how the boat felt. We extended on a long port tack so I was able to get a pretty good feel for the boat. In general the boat is very easy to drive. The helm is well balanced and the boat tracks very easily. While the conditions were quite calm and the sea flat I came area impressed with the boat and feel pretty confident that it would be very rewarding for an owner. Our concern is always to provide enough helm feedback for an owner in light conditions and I think the boat delivers very well in that regard.

We had slowly gained on a bigger schooner that had left the harbor ahead of us. When we finally passed them windward they felt the need to go for all their remaining sail. The extra sail area definitely worked for them and they closed up under us to leeward. We tacked away to be polite and headed off to the right side of the bay. Andrew Burt took the helm so that I could have a look around the boat. The boat is very easy to get around on and provides good access to everything a cruising sailor would need. The standard cruising sails fit the boat well. Mainsail shaping isn’t that easy with the furling mainsail although I’m sure that the convenience factor will make the decision for most buyers. Unfortunately the breeze continued to lighten as we got to the right, and after an hour on each tack we decided to tack and bear away for home.

The wind speed was now probably down to 4 knots and while the boat was still making respectable speeds broad reaching we went for the motor early to provide a bit of apparent wind over the deck. Under motor the boat can make some pretty impressive speeds and will definitely get into harbor quickly. Good motoring speed is always a good thing when cocktails are on the horizon.

The key to docking a twin rudder of boat is to avoid very low speed maneuvers. Entering the marina we stayed fairly quick and made good use of the optional bow thruster to get back into the slip without any drama.

I came away impressed from the sail. The boat felt genuinely good in very light air. After my sail on the Bavaria Cruiser 45 in Holland (extremely windy conditions) I’ve definitely seen both ends of the spectrum on these twin rudder cruising boats. This appendage solution should give plenty of confidence to any skipper. Good feel in light winds, and incredible control in challenging high wind and heeled conditions. The sensible interior layouts, modern styling, and attractive prices from Bavaria make these pretty special boats. I look forward to a well rounded sail in some moderate breeze. Hopefully the buying public will see these new Bavaria Cruisers for the goodness they are and bring one a bit closer to home for me.

Patrick Shaughnessy

Oceanco Changes Ownership


Omani Businessman buys Dutch Superyacht Builder
Hot on the heels of the announcement that Eel Kant was to leave the post of Managing Director at Oceanco comes news that the Dutch superyacht builder has been acquired from its Greek owners by a private investor based in the Sultanate of Oman.

The new owner is Mohammed Al Barwani, who has interests in oil, gas, manufacturing, and minerals in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific through MB Holding Company LLC as well as investments in various other diversified assets.

Marcel Onkenhout, former Deputy Managing Director of Oceanco, who has been with the company for 16 years, has been appointed as the new CEO.

Oceanco has been building superyachts since 1990. In 2000, the yard launched the 95 metre Indian Empress (ex Al Mirqab), its largest build to date. Others include; Lady Lola, Amevi, Alfa Nero, and Anastasia

In 2002, the yard was sold to Greek interests by its then owner Richard Hein. It is commonly understood to have come under the direct control if not direct ownership of Theodore Angelopoulos one of the richest businessmen in Greece whose fortunes stem from steel and shipping tycoon.  He is also said to be the owner of Alfa Nero a yacht built by the yard.  Under his control the yard began building yachts over 80 metres in length gaining the distinction of building the largest yachts in Holland.

The latest yachts to emerge from the shipyard are the 85.5 metre Vibrant Curiosity, built for the German Wurth Family launched in 2009 and the 85.5 metre Sunrays, launched this year.

Vibrant Curiosity was the company’s third project with the Venice-based designers, Nuvolari and Lenard who are responsible for the designs of Palmer Johnson yachts.

The curvaceous exterior of the latest launching, Sunrays with her teal-coloured hull, is the work of the late Bjorn Johansson and her and her interior was fashioned by Terence Disdale.

Currently under construction at are three yachts over 80 metres, a fourth is in the planning phases, and various other designs and proposals are on the drawing boards.  Plans are underway for construction of a new shed that can accommodate yachts up to 110 metres in length.

The yards new owner holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University of Ohio and a Masters degree in Petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.  He is described as having a firm grasp of projects and systems and has stated, that the yard “will not only continue to construct outstanding yachts, but it is my intention to take the Oceanco brand to the next level.”

R4100 up for grabs on Friday . . . .

Come along for the draw at 7pm. No winner last week! R4100 could be yours to retire on an island  . . . .

This is what Dick and Sol missed out on recently because they were not present for the draw.

Ride the BEAST!!!

Calling all you closet motorcyclists, there’s still time to…… RIDE THE BEAST!!
(Breakfast Eating And Sailing Team)


Meet at HBYC for breakfast 8pm on the Public Holiday, Saturday 1st May, followed by a leisurely run towards Cape Point, via Red Hill and Simonstown (subject to route-changes and the odd refreshment stop, which are dependant upon weather and popular vote on the day), returning to the club for a BEAST on the Spit (Maybe bikes should be left at home at this point!)


The weather looks promising; forecast as partly cloudy (more sun than cloud) a high of 21 Deg, and 9Km/h north westerly. 30% chance of precipitation. In sailing and motorcycling terms – a beautiful day!

Kindly note that spouses, family and friends are encouraged to join albeit that they do not necessary wish to ride. Should you be interested in joining this event then kindly forward Jeremy Nel your details with number of Motorcycles, names of Bikers and/or non-participating diners (important to note either Breakfast or BEAST, or both) to Jeremy@ips.co.za . Also kindly include your contact details, e-mail and mobile.

As this is too short a notice to collect dues beforehand, we will take your e-mail advice as a commitment to pay The Galley on the day, whether you then decide to ride or not – we trust you accept this policy for ease of catering.

Cost is R30 for breakfast and R65 for the Beast or R125 all inclusive for the riders, with the small difference being a contribution to some prizes for the bikers. (Beware there might just be some fines too!!!)

See attached the list of entries thus far, some of whom have expressed interest, but not provided numbers and contact details – kindly revert with this ASAP – THANKS!!


Dick & Janet De Kroon
Jeremy Nel
Justin & Fiona Phillips
Chris Howell
Rob & Colleen Lea
Peter Roeloffze
Richard Cooke
Pat & Pat West
Jerry Rogers
Rian Turner
Dudley Turner
Dave Mills
Chris & Rosemary Sutton
Doc & Eleanor
Peter Ridley
George & Joyce Wenman
Jendo Ocenasek

Regards
Jeremy Nel

Life Made Easier For Super Yacht Crew.

Moore Stephens Isle of Man, providers of multi-sector wealth management services has announced a new financial support service for Superyacht crew through one of its group companies, Moore Stephens Crew Benefits Limited.

Speaking about the service, Clive Dixon, managing director said, "While this was the logical next step in the development of the product, we actually ended up with a brand new offering powered by the International FlexiPlan retirement savings scheme. We listened to our clients who asked us to refine our existing product and the end result is a highly flexible client-focused way of managing crew benefits. Our clients wanted to be empowered to make investment decisions on the level of retirement savings they have, which is where the International FlexiPlan works perfectly."

The comprehensive service which will incorporate a 24/7 helpline an includes:
  • Retirement savings plans, flexible and adaptable to a crew member's unique lifestyle, available in all major currencies.
  • Health insurance, including hazardous sport, piracy and kidnapping options, but always with Med-evac as standard.
  • Accident cover for dismemberment, permanent incapacity and death, among other options.
  • Flexible income protection and life insurance. 

Crew can either leave their retirement savings to be managed by their chosen provider or manage their own retirement savings using the investment funds available in the International FlexiPlan through a secure web-based platform. It has been specifically tailored with seafarers in mind.

All crew buying into the service become members of "Moore Stephens Crew Club" www.mscb.im with a dedicated website and membership card which includes the telephone number of their personal 24/7 helpline.

Bob Saxon Appointed CEO of FYBA



Bob Saxon, has been named Chief Executive for the Florida Yacht Brokers Association (FYBA).  A well-known figure in the industry, Saxon brings the experience as a licensed Florida yacht broker to his new position, along with knowledge in the fields of yacht, crew and new build project management. He replaces Rae Whitt, who served as FYBA Executive Director for 14 years prior to stepping down in mid-April to pursue other business interests 

Prior to joining FYBA, Saxon held a series of positions in the yachting industry, most recently, serving as a business and yacht management consultant. He was President of Camper & Nicholsons USA, after selling his, Bob Saxon Associates to them. Saxon had owned and operated BSA for 15 years before that and had gained experience as a yacht broker with the Sacks Group Yachting Professionals.

Saxon is also the Founding President of the International Superyacht Society (ISS) and currently serves as President during their 20th Anniversary year.

Pretty pictures from Promenade - Sail & Dive the Virgin Islands charter yacht

Here are some pretty pictures that Kerry from the charter yacht PROMENADE took the other day at Salt Island in the BVIs.



Come on down and let Promenade show you the sights!

Click here to read about their summer special


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



Alarms

Three alarms today. A thumbnail look, with more details to follow.



C-POD
The distributors for the C-Pod all seem from Europe, so if I were planning on cruising the Med, this is a system I would take a look at. Featured in this months "Latitudes and Attitudes" magazine.



POGO
Developed by a couple that had the misfortune of having two attempts at being mistakenly re-possessed, this is a lower cost alternative to the more expensive systems being offered. Featured in this months "Soundings" magazine.

And today's third option -



Marine Guard

My choice for US and Caribbean waters, the options range from the Boat Nanny up to the Marine Magellan systems.

Super Yacht Looks To Offshore Industry For Navigation System

Luxury Superyachts and vessels operating offshore servicing the oil and gas industry may, at first glance, seem to have little in common with each other.  But with an itinerary that is set to take in the Arctic the owners of the 75 metre Northern Star have chosen to draw inspiration from offshore oil and gas supply and servicing vessels

Northern Star, built by Lurssen Yachts in Germany under the supervision of Moran Yacht and Ship has been fitted with an extensive bridge navigation and manoeuvring systems similar to those in the offshore market.

From their position as a leading supplier of proven systems in that field Kongsberg Maritime was chosen to deliver systems for navigation, Dynamic Positioning and thrusters control aboard Northern Star. Within this, the scope-of-supply included: K-Bridge MULTI, a multi functional operator station for the bridge; K-Bridge conning display for efficient monitoring of all key information; K-Bridge operator and planning stations; steering functions; radio/GMDSS; cJoy operator terminal; K-Thrust thruster control system; bow thruster and pump jet.

With hull-mounted iron reinforcement for ice-breaking in the Arctic conditions the owner of Northern Star has planned an expedition that includes the re-tracing of Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen's route traversing the North-West passage off the coast of Canada, have been made possible.

"The owner of has a good understanding of ships, and has been personally involved in the whole decision making process," says, Craig Franks the yachts master. "He wanted to use the offshore market as a reference when choosing systems."

The yachts owner has a special interest in adventure travel and this means that she has been designed to sail anywhere in the world. Because of this, special features have been implemented, such as a large fuel range and extra insulation for extreme climates and cold water that have all been tried and tested aboard hundreds of offshore oil & gas vessels, proving their ability to withstand rigorous operation in the harshest environments.

Although all of the systems installed aboard the yacht are fit for operation of large offshore vessels that depend on reliable equipment for all conditions and climates, they had to be custom designed to ensure that the high aesthetic values of the interior design were upheld. The form factor of the systems was re-designed and novel solutions were needed to make the most of the space available.

"Combined with the emphasis on aesthetics, the lack of space aboard Northern Star was a challenge. We solved this partly by placing electronics in panels above the ceiling, and by redesigning our cabinets just for this installation," explains Roger Trinterud, Sales Manager, Kongsberg Maritime. "There are not many yachts of this type built every year, but about half of them have this equipment onboard. The fact that our systems are built for the toughest commercial operation and that we are able to tailor them to the size and aesthetics of luxury vessels is a large factor in our strong performance in this marketplace." 

Stad Amsterdam visits Hout Bay!

Stad Amsterdam is a spectacular 250' clipper - following the voyage of Darwin's Beagle on a circumnavigation. See the website.

We were very fortunate to have this magnificent vessel spend Sunday morning in our bay over the past weekend. The Dutch contingent were much in evidence in smart orange blazers, and many out on boats. The heritage foundation fired a number of salutes from the historical cannons at East Fort, with a response from the Stad Amsterdam.

I will post more photos in the gallery as time allows.

Venezuelan Pirate Attack

This from the Cruisers Network Online, a yahoo group.

Dutch News Release Regarding Venezuelan Pirate Attack

Inquiry into German drowning woman
20 Apr, 2010, 09:46 (GMT -04:00)

WILLEMSTAD — The Public Prosecutor has started an inquiry into the German
drowning woman who was rescued by a cargo ship last Friday and brought to
Curaçao afterwards. The female has supposedly spent thirteen days floating
on a raft after she and her husband had become the victim of an armed
hold-up on their yacht while at sea.

Local press reported of Venezuelan pirates who had seized their opportunity
before the coast of Venezuela. However, in the framework of the
investigation, the Curaçao authorities are not providing any details, also
not regarding the location of the hold-up. The local media also reports that
the female had initially declared that the pirates had put her and her dead
husband on a raft and had taken off with the yacht. At a certain stage, the
female had pushed the deceased from the raft because of the smell. However,
the Venezuelan press is currently reporting that the yacht was found before
the coast of Venezuela – with the husband’s body. Officer of Justice,
Ludmila Vicento could not confirm or deny that report.

The cargo ship San Fernando had rescued the German female and subsequently
warned the coastguard. The female was immediately given medical treatment on
board the San Fernando as she was suffering from sun blisters.
She is fine, considering the circumstances. The coastguard had subsequently
fetched the female and brought her to the Motet yard where police officers
and the consul for Germany, Bas Kooijman, awaited her. The female was
brought to the hospital for further treatment.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruisers_Network_Online/

I will keep looking for more information. If anyone finds out more, please let me know.

Friday Night Draw is R4000 tonight!

Notable celebrities who lost out recently include Sol Kerzner (yes!) and more recently our very own Dick de Kroon. Didn't stop him buying his bike though. Anyway - if you want a chance to win four big ones and a great night of food and fun at our great new club - be there tonight!

You could be rich and famous!

Port Adriano



Work on expanding Port Adriano has entered the final stages and although the new facility will not be fully operational until early 2011, the first long-keel boats can start using the new slips in June.

The recently completed utility trench concludes the works on the new pier, and concrete is currently being poured for the seawall. Work on the embankment is well under way, and the roadway and car park are scheduled to be completed and in operation by the start of the new season.

Work on the slipway should also be completed during the summer, and the foundations for the buildings in the new commercial area located on the inner pier will be laid in April

All yachts using the new 20 metre berths in the marina will also be able to refuel at the dockside without having to go to the fuel station. They can also dispose of any waste and bilge water at the same time. 

Five New Yachts for Charter


New for charter
Adding five new yachts for charter brings the total number of yachts in the Ocean Independence charter fleet to 100.

Adelheid Chirco at the Düsseldorf brings the 30m Jongert Flying Magic to the listings. Launched in 1992 and refitted in 2008 she combines elegance with an exceptional sailing performance. Vast deck spaces offer unlimited hours of sunbathing and her experienced charter crew are ready to welcome 6 guests in 3 cabins cruising the Western Mediterranean this season.

Paula Barber at the Monaco office can top that, she has three new offerings! First the 30m Benetti Favorita, built in 1975 and refitted in 2009/10 this Mediterranean based classic sleeps 8 guests in 3 comfortable double and 1 twin cabin and will cruise both the East and West Mediterranean this season. Then she has added the 25m Cantiere Navale Noon Tease launched in 1994 and refitted in 2009. She is available for charter in Western Mediterranean and sleeps 6 in 2 doubles and 1 twin cabin. And thirdly the aptly named 22m Princess Red Sea built in 1998 and refurbished in 2009 she is available all year round in the Red Sea with an experienced and knowledge crew to ensure a top class charter experience, sleeps 8 guests in 4 cabins.

Finally the fifth yacht comes from Irene Stromatia who is based in Athens. The 2001 20m Azimut Sea Wise, whose home port is also Athens sleeps 8 guests in 4 cabins. She has been superbly maintained and is available for charter from 20th April 2010.

Five New Central Sales Agencies



It has been a promising 1st quarter for yacht brokers Ocean Independence (OCI) having sold Nomad.  Now they have added five new central agencies onto their books for sale.

In the Antibes office Eric Trupheme has signed up the first of the new offerings, a new yacht ready for summer 2010.  She is the 42m Imbros from Troy Marine. Due for completion in June this innovative explorer super yacht is being built to be Bureau Veritas and MCA compliant with a range of 4000nm and will sleep 10 guests in 5 cabins.
Next with Bjorn Vang-Mathisen in Geneva is the 36m Sunny Hill De Amstel, originally launched in 1987, whose rebuild was completed earlier this year. This first class, beautiful rebuild of a quality Dutch motor sailer hit the water in May 2010, ready to sail away for the summer, she 10 guests in 5 cabins
In London, Michael White and Peter Thompson offer the 2006 28.5m AB yachts Anthea from 2006. Dry stored ashore and asking well below replacement cost this yacht is very fast, very little used and very seriously for sale. Turn-key and ready for immediate summer use she sleeps 9 guests in 4 cabins.

Then Rainer Wilhelm of the company’s Vienna office has the 20m Maxi Dolphin Charis.  Dating from 2004 she is fast, beautiful and family friendly this semi custom “Pocket-Super yacht” has buckets of Italian style. The latest concept in medium-light displacement yachts and fantastic performance under sail without compromising on internal space she sleeps 6 guests in 3 cabins.
Finally the 20m Liara from Southern Ocean Marine, launched in 2002/03 and refitted in 2007 she is offered by Marc Haendle from the Palma office. Sleeping 6 guests in 3 cabins she is well maintained and also  fast, lightweight and very comfortable as well as being ARC winner in 2002.

Nomad Sold Again



Marco Vandoni a sales broker at the Monaco office of Ocean Independence has sold the central agency 69m Oceanfast Nomad. Built in Australia in 2003 and originally named Aussie Rules for Golfer Greg Norman, Nomad was subsequently purchased by an enthusiastic American yachtsman who renamed her Floridian who added a helipad on the upper aft deck. Then in 2007 Vandoni acted on behalf of the buyer who renamed her Nomad. The new and fourth owner, an European Client was initially introduced to Vandoni, just as the final horns blasted the signal to end the 2009 Monaco Yacht show.

History in the Making?



These moving pictures were taken last Sunday after anchoring for the night in Sultana. 18 degrees with a five knot west breeze. Proof that the Lake of the Woods sailing season spans seven months.

This is unconfirmed, but this just might be a record for the earliest that a boat has ever sailed on LOTW... at least one that has a keel and needs to be put in with a lift...

PS. Did anyone notice the new sails...

Marinas for Sale Updated 21 April 2010

See the link for Boat Jumble

Ride the Beast!!!

Hi Chaps

As part of our aim to show-case our club by appealing to a broader community, we have decided to host “Ride the Beast” (Breakfast Eating And Sailing Team). This is aimed at all HBYC members who have a bike stowed away somewhere, along with friends and family, so please spread the word. If you have interested parties outside of the club e-mail list, then please forward their details to me in order that I may keep them updated on not only this event, but future events as well.

As the Winter Sailing Series is underway, we are unable to run the event on a Sunday, as would be traditional for such a run, so it will be on Saturday 1st May (Worker’s Day)

The format being as follows:
Meet at HBYC for breakfast from 8.00am, to say 9.30
Depart for run around Cape Point, Signal Hill and Table Mountain, returning to HBYC for a BEAST on the spit at 12.30 (maybe bikes should be left at home at this point?!)

The Galley will provide the breakfast and the BEAST, with potatoes and salad, at cost of R120.00 per head.

Please let me know ASAP as we need to book a BEAST and obviously size thereof is dependent upon us knowing the numbers. Also please see the names above and if you should know someone with a bike who has been excluded, then kindly forward this mail accordingly. This mail will also be sent to all HBYC members under separate cover, so I appologise in advance for you receiving it twice, but this list includes riders outside of the club.

I look forward to hearing from you by return of mail with confirmation of numbers.

Cheers!
Jeremy Nel
Social Officer

(Webmasters trusty 125 to take on "The Beast")

Dick's New Bike

As I previously warned - our club has a rapidly growing motorcycle contingent. We will even have some bike "cruising events" this year according to our new social officer. What is it about yachts, bikes, sportscars and planes that attracts people? Can't be the prices . . .

Here is Dick with his splendid new BMW . . .  Shosholoza 2?

Going, Going Gone


Super Yacht to Come Under the Auctioneers Hammer
The perfect opportunity for those looking for a truly beautiful yacht early in the season has arisen.

A fine blend of classic lines and luxury at a knock down price is the sailing yacht Aries due to come under the hammer on line by auction.

Aires, a 35 metre classic sailing ketch, built and designed and built by Camper & Nicholson shipyard in Gosport, she is currently moored in Villefranche sur Mer, France, ready for inspection. The auction will be held online at superyachtauction.com and will be open for bids until 14:00 h. (UTC+1) May 24 next, with viewing available on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May from 14:00 to 18:00 hours.

Aires is said to be in great condition following refits in 1980, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 as well as in 2008

The sale of Aires is the third global offering from Super Yacht Auction, who offer a platform where super yachts greater than 24 metres can be sold this way.

The concept is intended as a new resource for traditional brokerage houses, not as a competitor. It gives brokers and other sellers in the super yacht industry new opportunities to generate no-stress and especially fast sales. In addition to that any principal who brings a super yacht to the auction, is guaranteed to receive 50 % of the auction commission.

In order to serve super yacht brokers and owners worldwide Super Yacht Auction is located in Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Dubai, Hong Kong, Fort Lauderdale, London, Marbella, Monaco and New York.

The super yacht is sold in the condition in which it is at the time of acceptance (“as is where is”). For that reason every online or public auction is preceded by two inspection days (Saturdays and Sundays). That gives potential bidders every opportunity to check and verify the super yacht before bidding. Bids are irrevocable and unconditional.

Both online and public auctions take place under the official supervision of a well-established (nautical) bailiff firm or notary public.

Aerial Gyrations for Spirit of Tradition Ketch




The hull of a brand new 49 metre ketch has been turned at the superyacht building yards of Royal Huisman where she is being constructed.

Her classically styled beauty with its thoroughly modern aspirations suggest this ketched rigged yacht will, with her well proportioned lines, will become a fast passage-maker and she promises to have an invigorating aptitude for performance.

49 metres extending to 55 with her elegant bowsprit, she combines classic traditional lines – including plumb bow and elegant counter stern and bears a strong resemblance to the early working sailing ships the likes of a pilot cutter or the Brixham Trawler.

Under sunny skies and watchful eyes the very proud super yacht owner, with his family close at hand, took to a makeshift podium to announce to his close friends that the Spirit of Tradition superyacht known only as yard number 388 would carry on with no name until the same group reconvenes to witness the official launch and christening ceremony.  “It’s great...“ he explained, “it’s my secret little project”

Project manager Jens Cornelsen has worked closely with naval architects Dykstra & Partners. Together they have married sympathetic period features such as gentle sheer, open deck space, neatly proportioned deckhouses and skylights, above the waterline, with a modern, easily driven hull shape below.

The canoe shaped underwater section sports a fully-ballasted lifting keel, deep carbon spade rudder and low wetted-surface areas. She has an Alustar hull, tall carbon Rondal spars and a comprehensive sail plan, and promises to be a powerful, lightweight yacht with sea keeping and performance under sail.

This will be complemented by stylish and comfortable amenities below decks where Rhoades Young Design have drawn upon classic references to create a mellow and invitingly luxurious interior.

With the hull turned it will not be too long before that interior takes shape and hull  388 gains her real name.

New Wireless Connection Manager for Superyachts


Created especially for the superyacht market, Eve is a new wireless connection manager that allows the managing of multiple Internet connections onboard, both on the port and out at sea.

Marketed as a universal gateway that can be connected anywhere and anytime its interface is accessible from any device equipped with Wi-Fi such as an iPhone, a Pocket PC or a laptop.
All types of Internet connections possible can be connected: ADSL - 3G and Wi-Fi hotspot for connections accessible on the coast or in the port, and VSAT, Fleet Broadband or any other satellite technology when the ship is at sea.

The system allows a great variety of solutions: hotspot, cost control, monitoring of an entire fleet, and voice over IP.

The main advantage it has over others is that it offers all those onboard real Internet connection. Passengers do not have filtered Internet settings limiting their internet use, instead they can use their connection like they normally would, for example being able to access and utilize services such as corporate VPN applications e.g. Skype, msn messenger etc. Everyone aboard the ship, connecting to our terminal, have exactly the same freedom of connection as they have in their own living rooms at home.

Main competitive advantages
  • Designed on a Linux platform, EVE is very stable and less inclined to be infected by bugs or viruses in comparison to using a PC with a Windows platform.
  • EVE has a very low consumption rate of 7 watts per hour, much less than that of a PC.
  • There is no screen or any mechanical parts to maneuver and it is very compact whereby taking up minimal space on your boat or yacht.
  • EVE is an embedded system, which means it was designed to perform one dedicated function exceptionally i.e. routing.
  • The system includes a fully customizable web interface that can be used to promote your business or yacht while at sea or on the port.
  • EVE is fully manageable with no license needed and with no extra costs.
  • The system includes hot spot capabilities.
  • The system is continuously updated, catering for the possibility of custom feature requests.

Alexander Amrouni, Marketing director of Business Computing says, “EVE has a great competitive advantage as it is based on mobile connectivity and offers a very small possibility that you will be subjected to breakdowns, unlike our competitors offering Windows based PC's”.