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