Information Sharing

Always on the lookout for new information to share, here is a site that may be useful.
Open Source Intelligence For Armchair Admirals
http://blog.usni.org/?p=5178

Paradox Marine in the news

A press release for a great company. Always helpful to me in my (still) fledgling days of business.
http://www.homeportmarine.com/marcom/paradoxnews.html

If you are in the Tampa Bay area (or anywhere else, really) and would like to know more ab out them, drop me a line.

Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals

Iran holds yacht with 5 UK nationals -
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091130/D9CA26680.html
and here -
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1232158/Five-sailors-taken-hostage-Iran.html

Improving Support for Maritime Training and Employment

It is now more than two and a half years since UK shipowners and seafarer unions submitted proposals to the British government calling for improving support for maritime training and employment measures.

Now Nautilus International the organisation that represents professional yachts crew are again calling upon the government to urgently adopt the package sought by all sides of the industry to help safeguard the future supply of skilled and experienced British maritime professionals.

They have instigated an online petition that calls upon the Prime Minister to take urgent measures to safeguard the continued supply of UK seafarers by acting on the employment and training proposals that were first presented to the government by maritime unions and employers in April 2007. Professional yacht crew are being asked to sign the online petition. Robert Garside asks, " Those of you who have not yet done so please could you to take a few minutes to sign the E-petition. Please also ask family and friends. Every little helps as I am sure you know!” The link is as follows: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Seafarers/ They have been driven to make such a move following the recent announcement by the Maersk Company – one of the largest employers and trainers of British Merchant Navy seafarers – that it is making almost one-third of its UK officers redundant and reducing employment opportunities for newly qualified trainees, the need for action is greater than ever.

Awareness on land as well as at sea

Keep an awareness on land as well as at sea.

St. Lucia, Marigot Bay - Cruisers Robbed in Street
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-28-1/view

QWEST - Another great diving & sailing yacht charter

Thanks to Kim & Rich for another wonderful yacht charter!

Here are comments from our most recent clients aboard the s/v QWEST. Qwest is a 49-foot sloop which specializes in 2-person sailing vacations. Both Kim and Rich are dive instructors and diving is included in their rates.  As an added bonus, there is Jasmine, their feline cruise director :)

Sheri & Robert were celebrating their 20th anniversary...

Qwest yacht charter - November 2009

How did you enjoy your charter?

The entire experience was fantastic!  Could not have been better.

Did you find your crew to be helpful, accommodating and friendly?

All of the above. Kim and Rich are fantastic people.  We really enjoyed their company and their musical talent.

Was the yacht comfortable, clean and well maintained?

Great ship...very comfortable

How would you describe the quality and presentation of the meals served on board?

Exceptionally good. Kim was very creative in the galley and Rich was a master griller.  We enjoyed Kim's presentation of each meal and looked forward to every meal, even the beach picnic. 

How did you find the services offered by Paradise Connections?

Very informative, responsive and helpful.  Everything was perfect.

Would you be interested in taking another yacht vacation in the future?
Definitely

If so, would you like to charter the same yacht and crew?

Definitely

Did you stay in a hotel before or after your charter?

Yes

If so, which one and what are your comments?

At Home In The Tropics.  Fantastic!  The Inn is perfect.  It was a short, tho stair intensive walk to town which we grew accustomed to the first day.  The owners are very helpful and terrific people. The amenities were great.  Rooms and food excellent.

Are there any further comments or suggestions you would like to make to enable Paradise Connections, the yacht, or crew to better serve you and other clients in the future?

None that we can think of

May we use you as a reference?

Of Course

Thank you all for making our 20th Anniversary Vacation a fantastic and memorable one!
- Sheri & Robert, November 2009

By the way... QWEST is available for CHRISTMAS and NEW YEARS!

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book Qwest
View Qwest's online brochure and brochure #2
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

Visit to sail dive charter yacht, Trimaran OPUS

Yesterday, we went to visit the trimaran OPUS which is a charter yacht that has a new owner-operator.

Billy bought OPUS in May this year and we were happy to meet him and see how OPUS was doing as we haven't inspected the boat in a few years as it has been out of charter. Looking good!

Billy has lived in St Thomas for over 20 years (thought he looked familiar) and thus has excellent local knowledge for running a charter yacht. He is a dive instructor who enjoys diving (some don't!) and first mate/chef Kimberly is a dive master. We are confident that OPUS will be a successful operation as they fulfill a niche that has been increasingly ignored over the past few years...  A good, affordable multihull that offers diving and fun for 6 guests with 3 double cabins. We have plenty of "luxury" catamarans but not enough of the meat & potatoes variety :) We already have our first charter group booked on Opus! HURRAY!!!

You can see Opus' online brochure: http://www.viewyacht.com/opus/ and contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters for more information.

While chatting with Billy aboard OPUS on his mooring in Elephant Bay, there was a nice sunset.

Then, there was this disturbing sight as the cruiseship was leaving port

They do have powerful bow thrusters... fortunately :)

Too close for MY comfort though, especially if I was that little yellow sailboat.

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

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French Yacht Adriano seized in Kochi by CISF

Sometimes it can seem the good guys (State Customs/Law Enforcement) can be the bad guys when they are doing their jobs. All worked out here, happily.
http://www.giirayachts.com/2009/11/french-yacht-adriano-seized-in-kochi-by-cisf.html

Dutch Builder launches 85.47m Super Yacht

Photographs: Pamela Jones

Superyacht Y705 Launched by Oceanco

In an operation that took three days to complete Oceanco the Dutch super yacht builder has successfully launched Y705 their 85.47m superyacht with the easily identifiable eye-catching teal coloured hull.

Y705, as yet unnamed, is scheduled to be delivered in early 2010is based on the yards proven Y700 platform. Her exterior is by Björn Johansson Design and her interior by Terence Disdale Design under the specific guidance of her owners.

All exterior decks have been designed to include water features which blend perfectly with the beautifully curved superstructure. Built-in features, such as table tops concealed in the ceiling, make her suitable for functions from as intimate dinners to cocktail parties.

The VIP cabin and four guest cabins which connect to each other are all on the main deck. The dining room can be converted into a video conference room with the optional use of the adjacent library. The donward foldable exterior bulwark ensures guests get an unrestricted view while dinner is being served.

The Master suite with its own pool balcony, is on the upper deck as is a sleeping cabin and a full beam lounge. The deck also contains a second VIP cabin and study which lies behind it. That cabin and study have drop down sea balconies and can also be connected with the Master suite, to create one large living area.

The bridge deck features a spa and a lounge which can also be converted into a movie theatre was designed by the owner who has given the area its bamboo finish. The owners’ input is evident in the layout of the spa lounge.

On the sun deck a semi enclosed air-conditioned bar, fully equipped with cooking facilities, separates the forward spa area from the aft sun-bed lounge deck.

Specifications

• Builder: Oceanco –Alblasserdam Yachtbuilding B.V.
• Type: Steel Hull and aluminum superstructure
• Length overall 85.47m / 280.41ft
• Beam overall 14.20m / 46.59ft
• Fuel capacity 287,600 litres / 75,976 US gallons
• Engine 2 x 4,680hp / 3,492kW MTU 16V 595 TE 70
• Maximum speed approximately 20 knots
• Classification X100 A1 SSC Yacht (P) MONO G6 XLMC UMS
• MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code (LY2)
• Owner: Master suite, Master VIP, owners’ lounge, study and private exterior deck area with whirlpool,
• Guests: 2 double VIP suites, 2 double guest cabins, 2 twin guest cabins
• Naval architect Oceanco / Azure
• Exterior designer Björn Johansson Design
• Interior designer Terence Disdale Design

Super Yacht Designer Ready for Take Off

Andrew Winch releases Superyacht and Private Aircraft designs

It’s been five years since Andrew Winch Designs launched their first online portfolio and who could have appreciated how important the internet would become way back then! To mark the occasion the firm has updated and launched a brand new portfolio.

Some projects are confidential and are not included, but still many on the site have never been seen before.

Originally known as a Yacht designer, the firm now has strong Aviation and Architectural design teams as well. Their work, be it for a yacht, plane or land based project is all highly individual, beautifully detailed and executed precisely and the company prides itself with the knowledge that it is able to personify a Client’s vision and deliver their own signature in a beautiful and unique project.

The new portfolio will be updated regularly showing all of the latest launched projects as well as all the latest press releases on news and achievements by AWD It gives a good overview of what the firm is currently working on.

Hout Bay Vineyards Open Day 28 November 2009

On recommendation from the webmaster - an event not to be missed! Peter and Cathy have this annual event at their home/estate above Grotto Way. Hout Bay's own prestigious winery! My personal favourite is their Cap Sec bubbly which is outstanding - but all their range is fantastic. Click here for more info! 
(I would also mention Peter and Cathy have offered some of this great produce as prizes for the club champs)

Jersey Gives Super Yachts a Tax Break

Channel Island Issues Incentive to Ensure Superyachts Stay Longer

Jersey one of the Channel Islands is about to change its local taxes to make them more attractive to keeping superyachts in the island and the inhabitants are not happy with the idea

Currently yachts owned by non-residents are allowed to stay in the island for one year before they incur a three per cent GSD tax.

Now the plan is to extend that period by six months.

The new rules also allow the 18-month time period to restart if the yacht leaves Jersey waters for a period of longer than 14 days before returning.

A quick trip to St Malo for 14 days and the tax free period starts all over again.

Locally it was estimated that about ten per cent of the value of a yacht was spent each year in keeping it in a port, so a £10 million yacht would attract spending of about £1 million in the island annually.

Many locals are of the opinion that giving the non resident wealthy superyacht owners tax breaks they are promoting the idea that the island is a tax haven for the wealthy at a time when residents are facing the prospect of higher taxes themselves

57' Fast Cruising Yacht

CONCEPT

This yacht was meant to be something special, but without making too much fuss about it. She was built on Tjörn, an island on Sweden’s rocky west coast. She may bear superficial resemblance to Hallberg Rassys and Najads which are built on the neighbour island, Orust.

But on closer inspection, she is rather different.

In terms of two things, she is a challenge to any similarly sized cruising boat: In comfort, and in speed. Period.

During five summer seasons, having logged more than 15 000 Nm, quite a few boats have had the privilege of seeing her transom but she has not been overtaken once. The best attempt so far was from an ex-racing 12 metre America’s Cup yacht. The two yachts were sailing close-hauled in 12-15 knots of wind – no bad conditions for a twelve – but, little by little, the twelve was eventually left behind.

Being designed for the Baltic and the North Sea coasts, this yacht also has a shoal draft keel. In order to protect her crew from the cold during early spring cruises, her cockpit is sheltered by a windscreen which is a common feature on boats up here. She even has a centre cockpit. But the similarities with some other Orust boats ends there.

HOW DO YOU SHAVE OFF 10,000 KGS?

The 57’ One-Off is relatively light at 20,000 kgs. This is an essential part of her performance; if she weighed 30,000 kgs which can be considered normal for the size and kind of boat, she wouldn’t be such a flyer.

So, How?

In order to be light, a yacht has to be designed light. With her carbon rig, just enough lead in her bulb keel, and the boat built like a monocoque, a one-piece construction, she weighs less. In places where ordinary boats are assembled out of big parts glued together with big flanges, for example in the hull-deck joint, this yacht is made in one piece. The laminates are hand rolled to a very high fibre contents, vinyl ester is used throughout together with e-glass. A foam core is used everywhere except in some highly loaded areas like the keel area.

The result is an immensely strong, moderately lightweight yacht.

COCKPIT

The 57’ One-Off is a centre-cockpit yacht. Nothing much to discuss except that, generally speaking, I am not a great fan of centre cockpits. These are usually too far forward and too high up in the boat, and so will make you feel exposed. They are usually too small too, typically only 2 or 2½ metres long and without enough room for the helmsman’s seat or a big wheel.

In this design, the two big aft cabins required a centre cockpit. So how bad is it?

It is 3½ metres long. There is a helmsman’s station aft, spanning the full width of the cockpit. It is easy to find a position on the windward or leeward coaming. The helmsman’s seat is a little higher and visibility is excellent. At the helm, the floor can be raised so it works fine for shorter helmsmen too. All the sheets and trim lines are close at hand so the boat can be sailed single-handedly. The winches, the twin headsail furlers and the bowthruster are all electric and controlled by the helmsman.

The forward seating is long, with curved seats and comfortable backrests. This is a layout for leisurely sailing, sleeping, reading or watching the stars on the ocean… Or for dining, in which case the flat surfaces either side of the entrance are perfect for serving!

ON DECK

There is a sizeable lazarette locker aft and a forward deck locker. The forward locker has a shallow part, with its own flush hatch, so the docking lines inside will always be easy to reach. In the cockpit coaming aft is a dedicated space for the life raft. Walking around the decks of the 57’ One-Off boat is comfortable and safe, with well-placed handholds.

GOING BELOW

As you enter the main cabin, there are is a wet locker directly to port of the staircase and on top of this a shelf for cameras, sunglasses and books. Turning aft on the port side, there is a big-sized chart table with a ‘coal-locker’-style chart stowage beneath. The Baltic can be blistering cold in early spring, so further aft of the chart table, there are a couple of more lockers for outdoor gear.

On the starboard side of the entrance is the heart of the yacht. By heart, I mean the galley. And this galley is very special, because the owners of the 57’ are keen cooks. Not just the kind who read recipes and carry all the latest gadgets, but they do cook. Real food. This galley doesn’t have a microwave.

The fridge is arranged with two huge drawers, facing aft. Dry storage in two equally big drawers, facing forward. The freezer under the worktop on the inside of the galley. Above the sinks a drying cupboard. Lots of space and drawers. A wine cellar under the floorboards. Under the opening port into the cockpit, there is a big coffee machine which grinds and brews fresh coffee.

.

The galley and navigation connect forward into a pleasant main cabin. There is a pair of Bruno Mathsson armchairs on the starboard side and a dining table to port

The interior is finished in unstained Honduras Mahogany, with white panelling on the hull sides, the bathrooms and underside of the deck also painted white. Directly onto the laminate, with no excessive weight. Knowing this, the super smooth paint finish must be seen to be believed!

There are two equal, mirrored aft staterooms each laid out with a very generous double and a single extra sea berth or berth for a friend. These staterooms share a bathroom. There is a washing machine and a separate

shower stall

Forward, the owner’s stateroom also has a big double and an extra single berth. There are a number of good hanging lockers and clothes drawers, all lined with unfinished cedar. The bathroom is split; to starboard a small head, to port a bigger shower room.

MACHINERY

The volume below the soles allows an efficient positioning of batteries, tanks and engine in the centre of the boat. The 57 has a dedicated machinery room, sound and vibration insulated, accessible from opposite the navigation station.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions:
L.O.A. 17,63 m 57,2’
L.W.L. 14,20 m
Beam, maximum 4,85 m
Beam, waterline 4,18 m
Draft 2,23 m
Displacement (lightly loaded) 19500 kg
Ballast 7300 kg
Sail area (100% fore triangle) 144,2 m²

Ratios: D / L 193
SA / D 19,9
SA / WA 2,52
Entry angle 15,5°

CROCS Summer Regatta at RCYC

DO YOU KNOW THAT ENTRIES FOR THE ABOVE PRESTIGIOUS POPULAR REGATTA CLOSE ON FRIDAY WEEK (4th Dec 2009)?
Format similar to previous years with flexibility to try to set better racing courses, loads of entertainment and “freebies” all details on our website or at Reception.
Great CROCS prizes.
*ENTER WITH OUT DELAY *
Regards, Ron Keytel, Sailing Office, Royal Cape Yacht Club
Tel 021 421 1354 Fax 021 421 6028 Mobile 084 450 8450
E-Mail: ron@rcyc.co.za Website: www.rcyc.co.za

METS

Following a week-long trip to the Bavaria factory in Germany, I hopped on a plane for Amsterdam, bound for the Marine Equipments Trade Show (or METS, as it’s commonly referred).

I arrived in the afternoon, and spent the first evening having a look around the downtown area. This was my first time in Amsterdam, and I wasn’t really sure what to expect from the city. A couple of things became apparent; the majority of the locals use bikes as their primary mode of transportation, and there are canals which parallel almost every street. One wrong step and you’re either run over by a bicycle or swimming in the canal.

The METS is a 3-day long event which showcases over 1200 of the world’s marine industry suppliers – ranging from keel manufacturers to mast manufacturers, and everything in between. The trade show occupies eleven large halls in the RAI convention center, and the suppliers are arranged by country, rather than by product. This unique nationality arrangement makes advanced planning a necessity in order to avoid spending your day doubling back on your path as you work through the list of suppliers.

My schedule had me attending only the first two days of the show, although in hindsight I probably should have stayed for the full three days. About two weeks before the show, FYD sent an email out to our entire distribution list, letting people know I would be attending METS and would be available for meetings during my visit. Response to the mailer was surprisingly big and within days I had plenty of people contacting me to organize meetings. By the time the show started, I had meetings scheduled with suppliers, existing clients, potential clients, and old friends. In fact, my schedule became so full that I had very little time to see other suppliers I wasn’t already set up to meet with. The show was a great atmosphere for serious working meetings. Next year, I’ll have to go all three days and plan my route a bit better to make the most of this great show.

Chris Cochran

Great Sailing Pics (2)

Ben Ainslie with the JP Morgan Extreme 40 sailing team sail the Extreme 40 catamaran on the River Thames to celebrate Ben Ainslie's triple Olympic gold medal success on September 5, 2008 in London, England.

Great Sailing Pics (1)

The 100-strong fleet sail past the historic three-masted clipper "James Craig" after the start of the annual 628 nautical mile Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on December 26, 2008.

Maritime Mobile Nets

An idea highly recommended (probably number one recommendation) is keeping situational awareness, knowing what is going on around you.

One method is to tune in to the regular broadcasts of fellow sailors in the area.

Here are a couple of sites to start your research.

An intro - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maritime_mobile_amateur_radio

"Maritime Mobile" Radio Nets For Cruisers - http://www.cruiser.co.za/radionet.asp

Maya Paradise's HF Frequencies for Boaters - http://www.mayaparadise.com/mmfreq1.htm

Radio Nets - http://www.71421.net/IK4HAQ/Radio_Nets.html

Updates on the 'Lynn Rival' and an article on IO and Red Sea Passage

Passage from Indian Ocean via Red Sea to Europe - Extremely Unsafe
http://www.noonsite.com/Members/sue/R2009-11-20-2/view


Kidnapped British couple "ill"
http://www.ibinews.com/ibinews/newsdesk/20091019150330ibinews.html

Pirate Video of Sailors at Gunpoint
http://www.yachtpals.com/pirate-chandler-7071

Motor Yacht ANALISA lowered rate for holidays 2009

The motoryacht ANALISA has decided to drop their premium for Christmas and New Years weeks for the winter 2009/10 season.

The holiday weeks are available for charter in the Virgin Islands for their regular winter 2010 rate of:

• 2 guests = $12,420/wk
• 3 guests = $14,145/wk
• 4 guests = $15,870/wk
• Add 2 children under the age of 12 for an additional $850.

Analisa is a 60-foot Hatteras motoryacht and can accommodate up to 4 adults and 2 children.

See their brochure for more details and then contact Paradise Connections to book your family's holiday vacation.

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

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A couple of commercial anti-piracy articles

While I disagree with the main gist of the article (I feel the vessels have a right to be armed for protection), it is well thought out and worth reading.

http://piratebook.blogspot.com/2009/11/escalation-of-weaponry-off-horn-of.html


Here is the article mentioned in the piece - http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/anti-pirate-weapons-piracy-somalia/ and another here - http://gcaptain.com/maritime/blog/10-more-anti-piracy-weapons-for-use-in-somalia/

Kenroa to get a few more Taxi's next year?

Newest radar cars in Ontario.

Just your "average Taxi" right…….. WRONG !

It's intentionally designed to look like a taxi, no special markings, etc..

Note the red lights, front and rear view mirror area.

The roof sign actually says "Police".

This is the latest in POLICE RADAR CARS….. Now in use in Guelph , Georgetown , Milton and Orangeville areas. ...........Soon to come to a city near you.

Catamaran Yacht Charter Special Offer - AMARYLLIS

The charter yacht, catamaran AMARYLLIS, has a special of $1000 off their regular rate for any full-week charter taking place during the month of January 2010 (not to be combined with any other special, i.e. one child free or free rendezvous dive). Yacht charter location is the US & British Virgin Islands.

Amaryllis is a Privilege 45 catamaran, owned and operated by Laura & Bruce Masterson. This charter catamaran is fully air conditioned and accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 double cabins.

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Contact Paradise Connections Yacht Charters to book s/y AMARYLLIS
View Amaryllis' online brochures: Brochure 1 & Brochure 2
Visit our website: www.ParadiseConnections.com

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Wed night sailing cancelled tonight 18 Nov

 . . . due to 40+ kts of South Easter ripping across the bay, forecast to increase by this evening. Come down to the club anyway and enjoy the pub anyway . . . .

UPDATE: Wind is now at 60kts or more in the marina at 20:00. Complete mayhem. Deep Blue Guard Hut is horizontal. Marina entrance portal has lost its roof. Wild spray right over the North and South moles. Yachts are heeling violently and the walkways are snaking around all over the show. Fortunately the swell is moderate as the wind has not gone East yet. Advise all boat owners to check for damage soon.

This poachers dinghy came adrift and washed up in the middle of the beach. Lifejackets courtesy of FV Alistair!

Guard hut blown over, roof of marina entrance has sprung a small leak I think.

Another guard hut went over. Actually a more comfortable angle for a bunk . . .

Big Post Monday

Fighting the Pirates by Remote Control - http://www.yachtpals.com/pirates-seychelles-7068 - note the piece at the bottom of the article.

ONI On Piracy - http://www.eaglespeak.us/2009/11/oni-on-piracy.html

Guidance on Compliance with ITAR - http://marinelink.com/News/Article/Guidance-on-Compliance-with-ITAR/332504.aspx - and here is the advisory (link to pdf) - http://homeport.uscg.mil/cgi-bin/st/portal/uscg_docs/MyCG/Editorial/20091110/Port%20Security%20Advisory%204-09%20(rev%202)%20Final%20(2).pdf?id=e3887a50418cc9c9cb2948f191781aa632fc7c3c

For more reading, visit the homepage at http://homeport.uscg.mil/mycg/portal/ep/programView.do?channelId=-18389&programId=63715&programPage=%2Fep%2Fprogram%2Feditorial.jsp&pageTypeId=13489

Italian Super Yacht Builder Ceases Trading

Superyacht Yard CNP Leaves Workers Unpaid

Cantiere navale di Pesaro the shipyard that produced commercial ships and recently strayed in to super yacht building has ceased trading leaving workers demanding back wages.

The shipyard owned by the Careri family since 2005 built the Naumachos 105 as part of a co operation with American brokers Bartram and Brakenhoff. The chunky looking yacht whose interior was designed by Aldo Cichero was unusual in that she had two master cabins. She also boasted a fuel capacity of over 70,000 litres to give her a world exploring range of 9,000 miles at 9 knots.

In March of this year the company had announced that the hull of the first Naumachos 82' with Hybrid propulsion had been finished, with delivery expected in summer 2010.

Superfast Super Yacht Builder is Named

Wally to build Aeroyacht 110 Superyacht

Wally has been appointed to build the new Aeroyacht 110 a fast catamaran being sold through the offices of yacht brokers YCO

To date the builder has created nearly 40 advanced composite sailing yachts and the new facilities in Ancona boasts a oven capable of post-curing yachts up to 80 metres.

Gregor Tarjan, founder of Aeroyacht said, “Wally is renowned for its groundbreaking designs, which constantly reinvent and reinterpret the traditional approach.”

Heading up naval architecture on each project will be performance multihull specialists Morrelli & Melvin, multihull designers of world record catamarans such as Playstation and the US America's Cup Stars and Stripes, will work closely with the designers and the shipyard.

Luca Bassani, Wally President and founder said, “we have been approached by several multihull designers but never found a project to reflect our concept combining performance, style, comfort with safety. With this boat however, the technical characteristics and the aesthetics match those of our own yachts.”

Ben Bartlett, who heads up the specialised sail division of YCO masterminded the collaboration, He hopes the first yachts will hit the water late 2011. “The levels of interest we have received so far indicate that this is an exciting and important development in the industry.”

Bavaria – Project kick-off meeting

I’ve just returned from another trip to Germany. This was my fourth trip to Bavaria this year and sixth in two years! This time I traveled with Patrick Shaughnessy and Chris Cochran to attend a kick-off meeting for yet another project for Bavaria yacht builders in Giebelstadt. This will be our fourth project with them after completing the flagship 55, then the 32 and a 45. The 45 will have its first show in Dusseldorf this coming January. Chris stayed on a few days to help with the final touches on the 45.

Those previous three projects are the “cornerstone” projects which have defined the styling and features for the entire line-up. Now we begin work on our first “derivative” of those three. For our kick-off meeting we assembled some preliminary design ideas and benchmark information of comparable designs from Bavaria’s competitors. The meeting was attended by Bavaria’s Sales, Marketing, in-house design team, as well as Tom Allemeier and Tommy Forsgren from BMW’s Design Works USA. Bavaria’s Klaus Hammen led the discussion which narrowed down the product specifications based on everyone’s input. By the end of an all day meeting we had a well defined direction for the product as well as a schedule by which all teams will work together. This of course was followed by the obligatory group dinner at a traditional Bavarian restaurant featuring my favorite Schweinebraten and Weissbier. Thanks Klaus!

When launched in the early to middle part of next year we will have completed four boats in two years for Bavaria. Considering our level of detail work has been greater for this client than most others, this has constituted a colossal effort from our team. But the exciting thing is that we have had the opportunity to see not just one boat take shape from our designs but soon it will be an entire fleet of related designs - that is quite satisfying.


With each of these projects the coordination becomes smoother and work becomes even more enjoyable. By now we all understand each other’s roles and the cooperation gets better all the time. Since I’ll be the project management lead on this new project I’m hoping it goes at least as well as the last one which Chris led!

Keith Carew

Superfast RIB Attracts Super Yacht Buyers

Superyachts Seeking Tenders are Favouring the Goldfish

The Goldfish 36 designed and built by Goldfish Boat AS in Norway as a super fast, leisure RIB is attracting great interest among those seeking to buy a tender for use on a superyacht with the UK distributor announcing a sharp upturn in interest in the boats following their launch at Southampton Boat Show this year .

Several were sold during the show and the boat has already been entered for the next Round Britain Race, while other potential buyers intend to use the boats as tenders for their other yachts. The 36 has been built using the highest quality materials and fittings with every attention to detail needed for the helmsman and passengers to safely enjoy high speeds on water even in rough sea states. The small cabin built into the main control pod, has two occasional berths and plenty of room to store equipment.

Power comes from two Yanmar 315hp diesels tuned up to 380hp, these Dmax Yanmars are therefore highly compact for their power, reducing weight and providing up to 80 knots in most conditions.

James Sydenham General Manager of Salterns Boatyard the UK distributor, commented, "We have been busy with trials following Southampton and it shows that the market is still strong for the high standards of quality that these boats offer. They are comfortable at speed and virtually no other leisure RIB will even get close"

The boat has been built with a stepped decompressing hull to provide exceptional manoeuvrability on the water. Hydraulically dampened seating for 6 makes her an ideal RIB Tender for fast trips ashore irrespective of weather and fun as a leisure boat.