Ocean Grand Prix World Powerboat Championship

We are here in Malta writing for magazines and among the many exiting attractions here in this Mediterranean Island Nation the 2011 Ocean Grand Prix World Powerboat Championship season is set to get underway in Malta this weekend with teams from Europe and North America set to compete in the historic first event.

The former Powerboat P1 World Championship, now under new management and with an improved global TV deal, will see some of the world’s most powerful boats – with a top speed of up to 110mph – take to the waters around Valletta. The action promises to be fast, competitive and spectacular.

With the historic walled Citadel, a world heritage site, providing one of the most stunning backdrops of any major sporting event, the new season is keenly awaited by the teams, the public and Dr. Pio Valletta, Chairman of Championship promoters, International Sea Racing Ltd.

“After more than a year of planning, the first-ever Ocean Grand Prix event is now just a week away,” explains Dr. Valletta. “It has been a difficult process, picking up the pieces and rebuilding confidence, but we are heading in the right direction, supported by the Maltese Government and powerboating’s world governing body, the UIM.”

“Now that we have secured the future of this much-loved sport, our aim is to establish the OGP World Championship as one of the world’s great sporting spectacles.  Next weekend the Malta Ocean Grand Prix will mark the first real step on this path.”

For a decade Malta has played host to international endurance racing with large enthusiastic crowds a feature of the racing along with unpredictable seas that create the most demanding conditions for boats and pilots.

The first action starts on Friday 10th with a sprint for pole into Valletta harbour, the first two rounds of the inaugural Ocean Grand Prix World Championship take place at 4pm local time on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June.

More miles – more marinas and a trip to Marbella ….. June 2011

P6020034 01 – 06 June 2011

Summer has officially arrived, but it seems someone has forgotten to tell the weather gods.   The temperature has cooled a little and there has been thunder and lightening around, oh well, not much we can do about it.  

The days are passing but nothing much seems to be changing.  We have moved along the coast, first of all to Fuengirola and then onto Estepona where we currently are.  Both trips were around 30 miles, pretty uneventful with light easterlies that teased us into taking the time to set the sails, only to have the wind drop out after a couple of hours.  Our trip here to Estepona was somewhat rolly, and we had stayed in Fuengirola an extra day to give the swell time to settle. 
P6020039
We caught the bus from Fuengirola to Marbella, Spain’s  waterfront “Golden Mile” destination of choice for the rich and famous.  There is a lovely old town area, compact but cute, full of some upmarket shops and plenty of restaurants.  We didn’t take the bus the additional 6 kilometres out to Puerto Banus, we hear it is Spains most expensive marina and full of some very big “gin palaces”, with some rather glitzy waterfront cafes.  But we have certainly seen enough marinas in the last month so instead explored all the small alleyways and plazas in the old town which didn’t take long, so there was nothing for it but to find a spot for some early afternoon tapas before our bus back again.      

Fuengirola’s waterfront is lined with high-rise apartment blocks and hotels, it is the busiest spot we have seen so far but we still thought it was pretty quiet, considering it is the beginning of June the tourists are few and far between.   

So now we are in Estepona, we can see the “Rock of Gibraltar” just down the road, and this morning it was clear enough to see Morocco too.  Tomorrow we have a nor’wester of 15-20 knots forecast so we shall head down the coast, our final part of the Mediterranean coastline.  If the Straits look a little too lively we might stop in Gib, if we are up to a sporty sail across the straits then it will be onto Morocco – we are ready for a change of scenery and culture.P6060002  

Cruising info for Fuengirola and Estepona – June 2011

Fuengirola Marina – 36 32.50N   04 36.97W  Entrance straightforward but totally exposed to the east and quite a swell rolling in with easterly winds, not too much movement within the marina.  Depth at entrance around 4m, 3.5 at berth.  Visitors/waiting dock on right after the fuel dock, reasonable room to manoeuvre.  Not much room in fairways between docks though.  Plenty of bars and restaurants around marina area, (with English, Dutch and German menus!).  Closet ATM opposite Club Nautica restaurant in Marina complex.  Clean showers and toilets, self service laundry.   Free WIFI, average signal.  Good Mercadona Supermarket, head east along waterfront just a few minutes, it is one block back and you will see the sign and the carpark signs from waterfront road.  Bus to Marbella from bus station (about 3 blocks inland and slightly to the west of the marina) leaves 1/2 hourly on the hour abut €3 pp one way.  Marina €35 per night all incl.

Estepona Marina – 36 24.91N   05 09 .45W   Entrance all ok we did briefly see 3m at end of wall but maybe cut the corner a little closely.  Entrance exposed to southwest.  Visitors/waiting dock on right with little white office on it.  Good area in manoeuvre and plenty of room in fairways for a change.  Clean showers and toilets.  Laundry (not self service) on alley behind marina.  Free WIFI, good signal.  ATM by Marina office (max €300).  OpenCor Supermarket just across the road, reasonable selection but most expensive we have seen in Spain.  Estepona town quite a walk along the front to the North, not much there (found a Vodafone shop)  Marina €40 per night, think power and water will be extra, too expensive for what is here really.

First superyacht docks in Lusail Marina

The first yacht has arrived into the Lusail Marina, Doha, in Qatar demonstrating that the industry in the region continues to grow with the country’snewest marina now open for business

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations, has welcomed the first yacht into Lusail Marina, Doha’s stunning waterfront destination located within the prestigious Lusail City development.

Mourjan Marinas IGY, who is undertaking the full responsibility for design, construction and operation of all marinas in Lusail City, has developed 96 modern floating marina berths catering for yachts of 10-40 metres in length. 

The new marina includes three on-water lounges, which will become a café, a juice bar, a family lounge and a dedicated area designed and built for events. Unique integrated misting technology will air condition the walkways during the summer season in addition to over 10 000 sq/ft of contemporary shade structures on the marina.

The marina’s features include
  • Underwater lighting
  • Black and grey water ‘pump-out’ at the berths
  • 24 hour security
  • Five-star concierge service
  • Wi-Fi services
  • Laundry service
  • Deck wash for all yachts
  • Valet parking.

In addition, the marina was designed as an eco-friendly facility, using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware.

Technology Firms Merge

The Yacht Technologies business of Selex Communications, a Finmeccanica company and one of the world’s leading providers of integrated electronic solutions for superyachts, has expanded its communications and security portfolio following the merger of Selex Communications and its sister company, Elsag Datamat, to form Selex Elsag. 


Specialist in the design and development of hi-tech systems, products, solutions and services for IT, automation and security, the merger further enhances Yacht Technologies’ market-leading range of capabilities.


Commenting on the merger, John Hodder, Head of Yacht Technologies, says: “Given that secure communications are at the heart of our integrated system solutions, along with maintaining owners’ lifestyles, this merger significantly enhances the service and capabilities we offer our customers, through the bringing together of a unique combination of knowledge and expertise.”


As a result of the merger, the company will shortly be launching its new website, which details the business’s ability to meet the demands of yacht designers and builders.


From fully configured and integrated systems across entertainment, navigation, communications and security, to single item installations, Yacht Technologies offers expertise in the most advanced marine electronics with core capabilities including:

  • Secure Networking Solutions
  • Security and Resilience services
  • Improvised explosive device counter-measures
  • Close combat communications
  • Networked information infrastructures
  • Platform avionics systems
  • Identification friend-or-foe systems
  • Maritime communications and safety

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas to manage Yas Island Marina


Aldar, the Abu Dhabi based property development investment has appointed Camper & Nicholsons Marinas (CNM), to operate its Yas Marina on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Located at the heart of Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina welcomed its first guests in 2009 ahead of the inaugural race and has been providing premium services to its clientele ever since.

With a capacity for 143 yachts from 10m to 90m, and additional visitor berthing for superyachts up to 150m, Yas Marina has been designed and built to the highest international standards.

CNM has now assumed full operation and marina management at Yas Marina with Cedric Le Rest, Marina General Manager, remaining in position under the direction of the CNM team.  CNM will focus on incorporating Yas Marina into their portfolio of luxury marinas, and driving worldwide sales through integrated marketing.

New Marbella Marina Has Designs on Puerto Banús’ Crown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgdfbkquXQY
Sarah Drane of the Purple Cake Factory reports from Spain that the uber swanky marina at Puerto Banús is set to face some serious competition from none-too-distant neighbour – Marbella.

Puerto Banús the catwalk of the Costa del Sol, attracts up to five million visitors each year and simply oozes wealth and glamour.  With 915 berths, the marina provides an address for some of the most elite boats, bars and boutiques on the whole of the southern Spanish Costa.  However,

Just 8km to the east, La Bajadilla marina has played a nondescript second fiddle to Puerto Banús attracting neither celebrities nor millionaires.

Yet thanks to a consortium led by Qatari Sheikh Abdullah ben Nasser Al-Thani, current owner of Málaga Football Club, the fishing port has been rubber stamped for a 400 million euro makeover.

Plans for an additional 500 berths arranged on a spectacular circular pier, 200m quay for cruise liners, a waterfront five-star hotel as well as a raft of bars, restaurants and shops will catapult La Bajadilla into the spotlight.

With the Marbella Town Hall holding a 3% stake in the project, the marina is obliged to be ‘emblematic’ in order to attract elite clientele and is being billed as the most important urban development in Marbella’s history.

Puerto Banús has every reason to worry that one day it will be outshone by one of its own.

Superyacht Design Inspired by design a superyacht including Architecture from The Sydney Opera House, Origami and Car design

British Designer Alex McDiarmid, based in the South of France, has been inspired by a non nautical philosophy to design a superyacht including Architecture from The Sydney Opera House, Origami and Car design,


He sees the concept as a fresh thinking approach to the styling of a 150'/46m Sports Yacht that would feature an aluminium hull and superstructure ensuring both speed and agility.


The wheelhouse is a mere extension of her sleek sporting lines. 


Features include:

  • An open-plan salon, bar and dining area for ten.
  • Master suite with a private study, his-and-hers bathrooms and a walk-in dressing area. 
  • Two double cabins with ensuite bathroom and two cabins, each with two single beds and one Pullman. 
  • Accommodation for twelve guests and eight crew members.
  • A fully integrated, centralised entertainment system throughout.

Technical/Principal Characteristics:
LOA 150' 46m
BEAM         27'6"       8.4m


Having spent the last few years in a number of yacht design studios in the UK, France and Italy, Alex McDiarmid has contributed to a number of projects from RIBs to Motor Yachts, Sailing Yachts to Catamarans, Tenders and Super Yachts for many established and emerging international brands around the world.


For more information about the Designer see his Linkedin profile

Pacific Coast of Costa Rica Gets IYG Marina

Marina Papagayo, located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica is to join the global network of yachting destinations under the management of Island Global Yachting (IGY).

With 180 slips capable of accommodating all types of vessels from sportfishers to super yachts up to 67 metres. The marina offers private concierge service to ensure guests take full advantage of their surroundings, whether on land or on the water.

Vessel services include:
  • Fuel
  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Pump-out
  • Laundry facilities
  • Security
  • Emergency services.
  • Provisioning delivery

The Marina Centre facility offers
  • Chandlery
  • Dive Bar
  • Business centre
  • Lounge with TV and Pool table.
  • Swimming pool
  • Sun deck

Island Global Yachting will provide marketing and branding services as part of the agreement, with Marina Papagayo being branded as “an IGY destination”.

The company will also be delivering staff training and operational support through  a program tailored to the specific needs of marina staff that provides all the knowledge needed to operate a superyacht marina.

As part of the network, Marina Papagayo may be added to the IGY Anchor Pass program, where yachts can dock throughout the company's Caribbean network of six locations for 365 days a year, for one fixed fee.

Marina Papagayo will also be part of the IGY Anchor Club, the industry’s  loyalty program for captains of vessels over 80 feet, in which redeemable points are accrued for stays at select IGY locations.

Recently Delivered – the Superyacht Stella Dei Mari

Designed by Guido de Groot, Stella Die Mari is the second of the Russian built Timmerman 33 Class.

The yacht is distinguished by a high degree of customisation and an elegant, ornate interior.
Her exterior is painted in metallic silver.

Most of the main deck is taken up by a spacious saloon, with a large table and settees and a bar area. Forward is the dining room with panoramic views, and amidships is a well-equipped galley.

The master suite, two guest cabins and the VIP are all on the lower deck.

Towards the stern on the lower deck is a sauna, which leads out to the bathing platform. The sun deck is split into two areas: one for sunbathing, with a spa pool and sun loungers, and the other for dining. It is protected from the sun by a system of shades and canopies.

The arch-mounted mast with navigational equipment is collapsible for easy passage under bridges.

Spain: The Future of Superyachts 6th Annual Conference


Now firmly established as a "must attend" event on the superyacht calendar, The Future of Superyachts, the 6th Annual Conference organised by Quaynote takes place in Palma just before the Superyacht Cup, on the 20th and 21st June 2011 and will bring together an elite group of industry leaders for networking and debate.

The Future of Superyachts focuses on:
  • Legal
  • Financial
  • Tax
  • Crewing
  • Registration
  • Build and design issues

The event regularly attracts an international audience of senior superyacht executives.

Maritime Labour Convention: 22nd June 2011, Nixe Palace Hotel, Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Taking place just after The Future of Superyachts, the 6th Annual Conference, and just before the Superyacht Cup in Palma, Implementing the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) will give delegates an opportunity to find out how the MLC will affect all sectors of the yachting industry.

In particular, there will be a session entitled Implementing the Maritime Labour Convention will focus on
  • Contracts
  • Social security complaints procedures
  • Record-keeping
  • Seafarers employment.

Fiji expands border security to accommodate Super Yachts


In a news story for The Fiji Brodacasting Corpoartion Ritika Pratap reports that The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) is having to expand its customs and immigration facilities to strengthen border securities.

BAF deputy chief executive Waisiki Gonemaituba says more officers are being recruited and undergoing training due to the increase in workload created by the recent influx of super yachts visiting Fiji.

Gonemaituba says the rise in arrival of super yachts is due to the 2010 Super Yacht Charter Decree, which was endorsed on March 30th last year.

“We have taken on board around 34 officers. They are in the process of being interviewed and they will be stationed on the port of entries and all other stations and also we will beef up our inspection on yachts – especially the super yachts which have increase in numbers.”

Gonemaituba adds that no significant changes have been made in the way they conduct their operations of inspecting and registering yachts.

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Found this at Mario Vittone - Boating and Water Safety.



As readers of the blog know, security is not just guns and glory. Awareness of all the perils that are out there are required to adequately prepare for a fun filled adventure. Kind of paradoxical, but the better prepared you are for emergencies, the more they seem to happen to the other guy.

Day out to Málaga ..... May 2011

P5310009 Malaga Alcazaba
31 May 2011

We decided to do a daytrip into Málaga while we were in Caleta de Velez, and even had enough sense not to go on Monday when the main sites would be closed!

The bus trip took about an hour and a quarter along the coast road - through all the towns, villages and resorts along the way, somewhat slow with all the stops but interesting to see the coastline from land for a change.  It is not all tourist developments, their are many local homes painted white and decorated with local tiles to remind you that you are certainly in Spain.

Málaga is another port city with a very long history, nearly every civilisation that invaded and occupied all the other Mediterranean ports had their turn is Málaga too.  It has quite a Moorish flavour to it, the well preserved Alcazaba  dating from 1057 is perched on the highest point.  We enjoyed walking through the well shaded gardens,  and exploring the chambers and rooms.  There are ongoing restorations and it is all in very good order.  P5310016 

Set into the hillside below the Alcazaba  is a small Roman theatre, guess the Romans were here too!!   Some of the pavement around this area is made of thickened glass, there are obviously many ruins underneath and the glass enables an insight into what lies below.

It was one of the warmest days we have had this season and all this sightseeing takes its toll.  We headed for a cute little outdoor cafe adjacent to the Alcazaba and topped up our fuel tanks with a couple of cool drinks and a tapas tasting menu, excellent.

Time out for tapas
Next up was the Picasso Museum, located in the ancient juderia sector of the old town, sited in the 16th century Palacio de Buenavista, a beautiful building but it should be, it has recently undergone a €66 million restoration!  Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga, although he moved to Northern Spain with his family at a young age.  His family have donated over 200 of his works, spanning his career.  There were two or three that actually looked quite “normal” looking paintings, the rest - well they were definitely what you expect a Picasso to look like.  

The other main attraction was the Cathedral, built during the 16th and 17th centuries it displays mixtures of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, guess that happens when somewhere takes two hundred years to complete, and then they never completed the southern tower.  It is an enormous building and dominates much of the old town.

The bus back to Caleta de Velez went on the motorway, for a while we were worried we were actually on the wrong bus but it was an express and got us back in 45 minutes, it had been an enjoyable day out.  We had seen everything in the area now, it was time to move on – next stop Fuengirola.

Entrance Fees:  Picasso Museum €6     Alcazaba €2.10    Cathedral €6    Buses:  €2.56 pp each way

Shipping Registry Issues Fire Warning Flyer to Superyachts

Cayman Islands Shipping Registry the maritime authority of the Islands have recently issued a flyer to the super yacht industry on the subject of fires onboard large yachts.
  
They highlight the number of incidents involving fires onboard superyachts that have recently been reported to them.

Many of these fires have been attributed to the failure of electrical systems or components. The damage caused by these fires has ranged from the superficial to the extensive.

Fortunately, no one has been killed or seriously injured in these fires, but the potential for fire to escalate posing a significant threat to life and property should not be under estimated.

In one recent incident, crew members from a nearby yacht were required to tackle the fire as there were insufficient crew onboard the yacht when it was first discovered. Fires can quickly escalate from the minor to life and yacht threatening in a very short period of time.

The authority cautions, “For this reason, it is important that there are sufficient personnel available to assess the extent of the fire and take the appropriate actions. 

The recommend using the pneumonic FIRE standing for Find Inform Restrict Extinguish.

The performance of electrical systems and components should form part of the operation maintenance regime on board.

Switchboard earth resistance should be regularly checked and any fall in resistance properly investigated.

Protection devices for “earth leakage” and “over current” should be regularly tested to ensure they remain in an operational condition.

A survey of electrical systems by Thermal Camera Imaging will often give an early indication of electrical “hot spots” before a fire risk is apparent by other means.

When a yacht is moored, sufficient qualified staff should always be present onboard to tackle a fire in its early stages, or to move the yacht out of “harm’s way” should a fire occur nearby or on a adjacent vessel.

Whenever electrical equipment is added or replaced care should be taken to ensure that conductors and protective devices are properly sized for the electrical load and that circuits are not overloaded.

The document, they issued containing urgent safety information, was produced for marine safety purposes only, on the basis of information available to date. The sole objective of the investigation of any accident conducted under the Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping Law (2008 Revision) is the prevention of future accidents through the ascertainment of its causes and circumstances.

It is not the purpose of an investigation to determine liability or, except as it is necessary to achieve its objective, to apportion blame.

Back in working order ….. May 2011

24 May – 29 May 2011
P5280005 Our unplanned stop in Marina del Este was only for 3 nights.  The mechanics were fast and efficient and did an excellent job of removing the injectors and injector pump, sending the pump away for servicing, cleaned the injectors, put it all back together and had Olive our Volvo running smoothly in record time.  They were even kind enough to let us use their pool car to drive over the hill to Herradura to make daily raids on the Cash Machine so we could pay them! 

We left Marina del Este early afternoon and headed another 17 miles west, we were expecting to motor as there was no wind forecast, and thought it would be good to give the engine a good run.  However we couldn’t resist sailing when a light easterly filled in, we just poled out both the headsails and had a lovely slow but comfortable trip along to our next marina stop at Caleta de Velez.    

We were pleased to be able to make it here by Saturday as Mark’s cousin Sally and her husband Graham were holidaying from England were and staying with their friends John and Barbara inland from Caleta de Velez and we had planned to rendezvous with them.P5280001

It was great to see Sally and Graham and to meet John and Barbara.  John has built and owned wooden boats so he was very interested in looking through Balvenie, and we are always happy to show her off!  We found a great restaurant on the waterfront, jam packed with locals enjoying a long Saturday afternoon lunch.  We joined in for an excellent “Menu del dia”, sat down in the shade - the Mediterranean just metres away and whiled away the afternoon eating, drinking and talking, very Spanish indeed!

Our visitors headed back to the hills early evening, it had been great to catch up.  After a quick well earned siesta we hit the bars looking for a big screen to watch the final of the European Football Cup.  Barcelona were playing Manchester United and we were absolutely amazed to find that every local was supporting Man U and not Barcelona.  A couple of the locals that could speak some English explained that if we looked at the Barcelona supporters in the stand at Wembley you would be hard pushed to see a Spanish flag anywhere.  They all either flew the Barcelona Club flag or the regional Catalonian flag, they did not see themselves as Spanish.  We found this very interesting, we all have fierce rivalry within regions of our countries, but generally if we are playing away we will support the Kiwi team, from whatever region.
P5310014
Cruising info for Marina del Este and Caleta de Velez – May 2011
Marina del Este – 36 43.67N  03 43.57W 
(We only came in here to undergo engine repairs)  Approach to entrance totally exposed to the East, there is some surge inside as swells reflects off rocks, even in light easterlies and we met a boat that had left the marina after spending 2 nights in there with 30 knot easterlies as the surge was so bad (they went to windward in 30knots to get out!!)  It is a small marina, we ended up paying up for a longer berth just so we could manoeuvre into it.  The 2 mooring lines that were pulled up were not attached to the bottom, the chain had worn through!!  They did replace them first thing the following morning but this is a very expensive marina and should be maintained accordingly.  The staff, however, were excellent, spoke good English, answered channel 09 on VHF and were ready to assist us when we were towed in.  There is a fuel berth and waiting berth on the right on entering and room there for turning.  Least depth seen 3.5m (on fuel berth).  Clean showers and toilets, free wifi, small minimarket, laundry (not self service), a few restaurants, and a couple of shops.  Mechanical repairs onsite, reasonable English spoken, €40 per hour.  Hard stand with large travel lift, .  Very steep walk over hill to Herradura town.  Cost €55 per night plus power and waterP5310029

Caleta de Velez – 36 44.85N  04 04.03W
Huge breakwater, entrance exposed to south.  Very big fishing port with a lot of fishing boat traffic but marina is at far end so little noise or wash from the boats, does smell somewhat fishy.  The waiting dock is on the left past the fuel dock, it has a huge sign on it, it is only about 15 metres long and is covered in seagull droppings – wear shoes!!!  There was no one to take lines.  Plenty of turning room, depth around 5 metres from memory.  Clean showers and toilets, self service laundry €3, free wifi but weak signal.  Cost €19 per night all included still low season until 31 May.  Main road just behind marina has good bakery, not so good butcher and a couple of supermarkets (more minimarkets) within a couple of minutes walk.  there is also a Saturday morning market on this road, mainly clothes but some produce.  Lidls Supermarket is about 10 minutes away, head right (east) on the walkway along the beach until you get to a pedestrian roundabout (cobbled pavement), there is a road roundabout with a boat on it and you can see Lidls just behind it.  Buses to/from Malaga leave from main road just by the hotel with the big green hotel sign on top.  We caught one to Malaga at 12.35pm and back at 6.50pm €2.56 each one way about 1 1/4 hours there along the coast, 45 minutes back along the motorway.

Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher: Abacos Bahamas Dive & Sail Vacations

The charter yacht Dream Ketcher, a 41-foot Morgan Out Island ketch, is chartering in the Abaco islands of the Bahamas and offers onboard diving with budget and family-friendly pricing.


Charter Yacht Dream Ketcher - Crewed Yacht Charters in the Bahamas: Abacos Islands
Sailing and Diving Vacations in the Bahamas

Dream Ketcher has a crew of two and accommodates up to 4 guests for a family charter. The forward guest cabin is a large V-berth and has ensuite private head with toilet & shower. There is a quarter berth after (port side) which is suitable for a young adult/teenager or two young children. The quarter berth can be curtained off for privacy.

Nathalie & Eric

Eric and Nathalie have spent the last couple of years learning all the best spots in the Abaco's and Nathalie has logged over 150 local dives.  She and Eric look forward to sharing their local knowledge with guests and showing them the secret harbors, beautiful cays and the abundant underwater life of the glorious Abaco Islands.  Both Eric and Nathalie have traveled extensively in their previous professional careers promoting international sporting events and are delightful, well educated, engaging and between them speak French, English and Spanish.

Nathalie's cuisine is influenced by her home country of France with a variety of Caribbean and fresh seafood dishes sure to please any palate.  As PADI Dive Instructor, Nathalie is eager to show anyone the wonders below the surface.

Eric, a licensed Canadian sailing instructor, is delighted to share his knowledge and instruct guests in the art of sailing.

Take advantage of Dream Ketcher's introductory rates. Prices are All Inclusive (except bar). This includes: all meals, snacks, and beverages (non alcoholic) aboard the yacht, Bahamian tax, cruising permit, fees and diving. See bar options, below.
February 24 - September 4:
  • 2 guests: $3,975/week
  • 2 adults + 1 young adult/teen: $4,275/week
  • 2 adults + 2 small children (ages 4-12): $4,275/week
Sepember 5 - February 23 (excluding Christmas & New Years)
  • 2 guests: $3,475/week
  • 2 adults + 1 young adult: $3,775/week
  • 2 adults + 2 small children (ages 4-12): $3,775/week
Dream Ketcher offers 3 bar packages for you to choose from. Please note that all adult guests on board must choose the same package. Open Bar package includes wine, sparkling wine, beers, hard liquors (rum, vodka, whisky, scotch, tequila, Grand Mariner) and/or cocktails anytime of the day. 
  1. Guests bring their own wine/liquor, no corking charge
  2. Open Bar, Captain Vintage: $190/person/week
  3. Open Bar, Classic: $275/person/week
This French crew has an excellent knowledge and taste in wines - CLICK HERE for wine list.
DIVING:

Nathalie is a PADI Dive Instructor and Dream Ketcher offers up to 6 dives/week for certified divers. Bring your own gear or rent BC/regulators. They also offer a resort course ($150/person) for non-certified divers.  Inquire for other instruction.

DREAM KETCHER is currently available for CHRISTMAS  and NEW YEARS
It's not too early... Book NOW!



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


Bitter End Yacht Club’s Superyacht Dock Undergoes Major Re-Fit


Photo Caption: L to R—Meridian Construction’s Richard Starkey and Marland D’Aguiar (project foreman & supervisor) offer a progress update to the Bitter End Yacht Club management and waterfront team, including COO Sandra Grisham, James Meade, Quarterdeck Marina Manager Carine Locher, Robert Smith, and Resort Manager Mary Jo Ryan. Photo Credit: www.yachtshotsbvi.com

The Quarterdeck Marina at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands is undergoing a major re-fit. 

The new facilities will be opened on 4th July, making one of the most popular boutique-style destination marinas in the Caribbean suitable for today’s larger vessels and superyachts, as well as holiday charter sailors, cruising voyagers, and deep-sea and sportfish anglers.    

The new facilities will provide primary docking for up to 18 vessels, with first class on shore facilities including fuelling, provisioning and retail therapy.  Marina guests can also enjoy the barefoot elegance and quiet luxury of the Bitter End Yacht Club resort.

In addition to shoreside amenities that include several fine dining options, beautiful beaches and extensive watersports facilities, boat visitors often avail themselves of the ever popular ‘Spa at Bitter End Yacht Club’. The Spa offers a range of luxurious therapies and tailor-made treatments; from exotic aromatherapy massages to wraps, manicures and pedicures, even private beach-side yoga sessions, the Spa’s offerings have quickly become popular with boating guests looking for a relaxing and refreshing experience.

According to Bitter End Yacht Club’s Owner and Managing Director, Dana Hokin, “The new installation, built from the ground up, will have wider slips, improved decking surfaces, enhanced skirting, upgraded power, and best of all a better dockage layout to accommodate a wider variety of boat sizes and shapes. We think it will be a wonderful complement to our world-class shoreside offerings.”

Could Superyachts Hit Icebergs off Africa?


The thought of a superyacht hitting an iceberg has always been a somewhat of remote possibility but now there is a greater chance that icebergs could be seen floating in temperate climes where superyachts seldom fear to tread.

Ideas come and go.  Sometimes they are successful and sometimes they… well take time to come to fruition

Back in 1977 the headlines were full of ideas of tug boats pulling icebergs from the frozen north to the arid wastelands of the Sahara where they would be used to irrigate crops and save millions of locals from starvation.

Now it seems the idea is back in favour.  Time magazine have published an article entitled Just Thaw and Serve in which the idea now that technology has moved on is being reconsidered.

The Monaco Yacht Show's Premier Event

It's that time again when SeaKeepers invites the yachting world to honour an individual who has demonstrated and extraordinary commitment to marine conservation with their coveted SeaKeepers Award.

It's also a great party to meet longtime friends and make new ones. The SeaKeepers message is reaching more and more people every day and they would love to see you there.

So Save the Date of 22nd September during the Monaco Yacht Show

Tickets to the Bal will soon be available.

World’s largest boating superstore docking in Ft Lauderdale


Fort Lauderdale is perhaps the most significant superyacht port in the USA and West Marine the most significant chain of Chandlery stores in the country so it is perhaps natural for the company to build the world’s largest boating superstore in that city

The retail space will be twice as large as its other flagship stores
West Marine said today that it plans to open it by the end of the year.

The retailer said the 50,000sq ft store will be twice the size of its current largest store.

The company which recently introduced Professional Captains Services a specialist division to handle the needs of superyacht Captains says the store will have displays like a Superyacht flybridge to display marine electronics and audio systems as well as a comprehensive fishing department and on-site sail rigging shop. It will also have:
  • Core engine parts
  • Marine plumbing
  • Electrical supplies
  • Inflatable boats
  • Kayaks
  • Rigged boats
  • Outboards

Designed by retail architects Bergmeyer Associates with the West Marine Visual Merchandise Store Design team the shop will built the ground up to better serve the Customers.

Geoff Eisenberg, CEO said, “We believe it will be the world's largest (and hopefully most exciting) boating store, with the largest selection of core for-the-boat products and for-the boater apparel and shoes.

Small is Beautiful Too


Denison Yacht Sales has announced the launch of its own Specialist Charter Division which will encompass both Fleet Management and Yacht Vacation Services for the smaller superyacht.

In a time when the whole world seems to be talking of bigger and better superyacht the new division currently is focused on building a fleet of charter yachts 40 metres and under for cruising Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean and will be marketed to the worldwide charter broker network.

"The superyacht industry overshadows the 40 metres and under segment of the market.  These smaller yachts are being neglected.  Our goal is to meet the strong demand for charter yachts in this size range by dedicating the specialised attention they warrant as serious charter product," said Ali Kaufmann, Denison Yacht Sales' charter specialist.
   
Along with Fleet Management, Denison will be actively serving retail charter clients.  "We will provide our clients with the perfect charter opportunities to meet their needs in destinations around the globe, whether it's a sailing yacht in the Caribbean or a superyacht in the Mediterranean." 

Kaufmann travels to yacht shows throughout the year to inspect product and crew service levels, just recently returning from the 2011 Poros Yacht Charter Show in Greece.   
Denison Yacht Sales is focused on growth and innovation.

In addition to its new Denison Charter Division, the Fort Lauderdale-based company recently opened another location in California, thereby establishing a presence on both U.S. coasts, and is currently exploring international expansion.  

L&S Ecopilot reduces autopilot current consumption

I just installed an Ecopilot device made by Lecomble et Schmitt from France. Let me tell you what this does and how much of a difference it makes to our power consumption.

Our autopilot uses a reversible pump that sends hydraulic fluid backwards and forwards through a rather stout cylinder. It has ample power to steer the boat, much more than I have certainly!

For those times when you do not want to steer by autopilot, or when it is off, a bypass is installed. Look at the photo on the right. The steering cylinder is at the very bottom of the picture. The black and black-and-orange hoses carry the hydraulic fluid from the pump (not depicted) to the cylinder. The bypass line is the shiny "inverse U" shaped pipe. At the rear you see a metal box with a plastic black blob attached to it with another smaller blob attached to it and a black cable sticking out. The metal box contains a hydraulic valve that is controlled by a solenoid (electromagnetic coil) in the bigger black box. Industry has, smartly, standardized the size of these solenoids and even the connectors.

The story of today is about replacing the smallest of the two black boxes. This is a replacement for the standard connector that attaches to the industry standard magnet. As you can see here it isn't much to look at. Instead of the normal connector which only contains a bit of plastic and some screws, this version contains a small electronic circuit that aims to reduce the power used by the magnet. The reasoning behind this product is that the current used by the solenoid to move the valve initially is much higher than the current required to keep the valve open. Since the standard coil is just a bit of wire it doesn't know how to do this. And that's where the Ecopilot comes in: it measures the current and reduces this to the point where the valve just stays open.


With my solenoid the power consumption went from 1.4 A @ 24 V to 0.3 A. That is a 1.1 A saving, and adds up to a 26,4 Ah savings per day (when sailing). So this € 110 device is a very worthwhile investment -- easily cheaper than adding another solar panel.

To find one on sale, search the internet for "ecopilot 2204028" for the 24V version and "ecopilot 2204027" for the 12V version. Note that most web stores selling this will be French. The one that I ordered from (www.tyboat.com) was very helpful but their online ordering process did not yet take into account any increase in shipping costs outside France... C'est la vie.

Superyacht deliveries get Greener


International Maritime Services (IMS) a company that delivers ships and superyachts around the world on their own bottoms rather than on heavy lift ships has introduced a carbon offset option for all delivery voyages, through a strategic alliance with Yacht Carbon Offset, the Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certified specialists.

Under this programme, the greenhouse gas emissions from the fuel burned by participating vessels will be counterbalanced by equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects.

Brendan Cooley, IMS Chief Operating Officer said   “IMS is concerned about climate change and is committed to managing our operations in an environmentally sustainable manner. As such, we are the first ship delivery company in the world to offer clients a carbon offset initiative maintaining our focus to work in conjunction with them and customize deliveries to suit individual requirements.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson commented: “IMS regularly handles ocean passage-making for yacht and other commercial vessel clients. Passage planning always includes assessing the fuel requirement and so it is straightforward to include an invitation to carbon offset this fuel.  With increasing environmental awareness across all vessel types, we are delighted to offer our carbon offsetting service in partnership with the team at IMS. ”



This Superyacht is, says her designer, A Lizard

Yacht designer Alex McDiarmid claimed that the Sydney Opera House was the inspiration behind his last concept design, this time he says its lizards!

Lizards, in particular iguanas were studied for their form, characteristics including stance, and colouring. The word "iguana" is derived from a Spanish form of the original Taino name for the species "Iwana". (The Taino People are an indigenous people of the Caribbean).

The designer says he was adamant about keeping a classic bow but wanted to really push some boundaries with the styling. The aft section of the hull, superstructure and 'Day Light Opening' / DLO window graphics are there to be explored in terms of style.

Similar to panoramic roof windows on modern cars, the super structure integrates a full length panoramic roof window running over the yacht.

The main superstructure takes its form from the head of an iguana while the decks and communication tower are inspired by the dorsal crests of these beautiful lizards.

It is he says, “Something new, exciting and moving the game on.”

In order to maximise deck space aft, the bulwarks open into two fold-out platforms. Not just two small balconies, but two large bathing platforms.
A helicopter, custom tenders and toys are under development matching the exterior styling of the yacht.

The yacht offers a Master suite, with owner's salon, exterior balcony and private exterior deck area, 2 VIP cabins with private exterior balcony and folding bulwark platforms, 3 double guest cabins and 1 twin guest cabin.

Water toys would include waverunners, sea scooters, windsurfers, kayaks, waterskis, wakeboards and a whole range of scuba and fishing gear.

Technical/Principal Characteristics:
  • Length overall: 85m
  • Beam: 14.2m
  • Engines: MTU 20V 4000 M73L
  • Outputs: 2 x 4,830hp / 3,600kW
  • Maximum Speed: Approximately 18 Knots
  • Range: 6,900 nautical miles at 14 knots
  • Fuel Capacity: Approximately 280,000 litres
  • Guests 16
  • Crew 20


Oh no – we need a tow!!!! ….. May 2011

 leaving almerimar 23 – 25 May 2011
We finally departed Almerimar Marina around 11am once a light easterly breeze had filled in, we raised the main, poled out the headsail and even rolled out the staysail too, just to make sure we caught all of the breeze that was coming our way.  It was a beautiful day, this is how it is supposed to be, blue skies, almost flat seas, light winds, snow capped mountains in the distance and even the occasional dolphin.  But of course good things never last, the wind either dies or you get beaten up, at least today we weren’t due for a beating!  We sailed for as long as we could, but the wind just died away and with over 40 miles to cover to our anchorage we had to eventually give in and we ended up motoring for 5 hours.  

We were headed for Herradura , one of the few bays on the coast and we hoped we would be able to tuck into the corner away from the ever present south easterly swell.  Just after 8pm we passed the nearby Marina del Este, rounded the next headland and pulled into the bay.  With the engine in very low revs we slowly nudged our way in towards shore looking for the best spot to anchor the night, and then the unthinkable happened, Olive our trusty Volvo engine just stopped without even a hiccup of a warning.  So without any further debate we decided that where we were was by far the best spot to anchor, and over it went!! P5230045

Now attached to the bottom, it was time for skipper, Mark the Mechanic, to get the engine going again.  After owning Balvenie 8 years now and undergoing most of the maintenance and repairs ourselves, there is really not much that Mark does not know about Olive (his other woman!), but this time she had us totally stumped, the engine would turn and turn, but just would not fire.  So after checking everything at 11pm we admitted defeat and headed for a much needed sleep.

We awoke the earliest we have in ages, even managed to check into our morning Cruisers Net for a change and say hi to a few friends dotted across the Med.  Then with crossed fingers toes and everything else and hoped for an overnight miracle.  But it was not to be our lucky day, still plenty of rrrrrrrrr’s but the ole girl just would not start.  More checks were done, fuel filters changed, engine bled, air filters changed, then tried with no air filter, lift pump checked (for the technical amongst you) engine bled again and again….. but no joy.  Nigel Calder's “Boatowners Mechanical and Electrical Manual “ (otherwise known as “what does Nigel say??) was consulted yet again, and still we came up with no answer.   P5240051

Plan B was to wait for the wind or afternoon sea breeze to arrive then hoist some sail and sail the 2 miles into the marina. Skipper was itching to give it a go…after all… he’d done it before… yeah right, but that was a 34 foot race boat with half a rig and 6 blokes on board (you know who you are).  I was not quite so enthusiastic. My built in alarm system, honed over the past 7 years, was ringing in my ears. Skipper is the first to admit that he has a propensity to turn a bad situation into a very bad and expensive situation if given too much scope to act unsupervised.  However, as the morning progressed the wind just would not fill in.

Plan C was to call the nearby marina to see if we could arrange a tow, they were extremely helpful  but unfortunately their own tender is only for use within the marina complex and they were not able to find anyone else that could help us.  Coastguard could come and get us, but for the 2 miles it would be €300 – we would save that as a last resort.  Our dinghy with its small outboard just wasn’t up to the job of towing nearly 20 tons so we decided to sit and wait, hoping for the wind to finally fill in so we could sail around to the marina entrance then be assisted in by the marina tender.

While we waited skipper kept trying.  We phoned Volspec in the UK, we have purchased several spares and our new turbo through them so thought they may have a technical side that could help us.  They were excellent, and spent nearly an hour on the phone with Mark, talking him through several options, most of which he had already tried.  Although they could not shed any light on our problem either, we found them extremely helpful and appreciated the time and advice they gave us.

P5230050And so we waited, but the wind didn’t blow – so the boat wouldn’t go – we definitely needed a tow.  Just before 3pm a large local inflatable came into the bay and we managed to wave it over.  With a little persuasion and enough euro's to fill his petrol tank a couple of times, it was anchor up and off we went.  We called the marina and they were ready for us when we were towed in, our little towboat did a great job and we got tied up on to the fuel dock without incident, phew.  

Within minutes the marina had organised mechanics and they arrived within an hour.  And so the tests started over again, but still Olive refused to start.  With all options exhausted, the air filter was removed and a can of miracle spray produced, one squirt straight into the turbo fan was all it took and we were back in working order, absolutely amazing – we want some of this stuff!!!!  It creates a mini explosion in the engine and fires the pistons … so I’m told. They tell us it should only be used when everything else has been eliminated, for obvious reasons.

We moved over into a berth for the night, Olive was starting well but she wasn’t running smoothly, the cavitating revs we had experienced before arriving in Cartagena in October had returned.  We had hoped the new Turbo and cleaned injectors had solved the problem, but clearly it hadn’t.  It was time for the fuel injector pump to be removed and serviced, it was last done over 4 years ago in Singapore after our engine problems in Indonesia, but that was many miles and engine hours ago.  We will stay a few days and get it sorted here. 

Cruising info on Herradura - May 2011
Herradura  36 43.56N   03 44.26W  
8.5m sand  One of the few anchorages with some coverage along this coast.  We were able to escape most of the easterly swell and if wind/swell was from the west you could tuck in over the other side of the bay.  Totally exposed to south.  Long sandy beach, ATM's on foreshore road , some restaurants.  A couple of supermarkets a block inland, closed at siesta time.  No free wifi, used dongle