Marinas & Harbours Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas chooses HavenStar marina management system to support expansion of international operations

March 16, 2012

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has chosen HavenStar, the leading marina management system, to support its international management services division as part of its world-wide expansion programme. The agreement comes after the installation of HavenStar at Camper & Nicholsons’ Port Louis Marina in Grenada and Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi.

Port Louis Marina in Grenada

Port Louis Marina situated in a popular Caribbean yacht charter destination - Grenada

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious yachting business names, Camper & Nicholsons has specialised in marina investments and waterfront development for over 40 years. Destinations of choice for the discerning owner and captain, the company’s marinas are situated in some of the most beautiful yachting locations around the world, and provide the highest levels of quality, yacht care, facilities and customer service. The company also offers a range of services to enable clients to develop, operate and market marinas and waterfronts of their own.

“With a new development, for example, Camper & Nicholsons Marinas can cover any aspect of the entire project life cycle, from initial master planning and design, infrastructure works and commissioning, through installation to launch and we will manage the entire operation on behalf of owners,” explains James Beaver, Chief Operating Officer for Camper & Nicholsons Marinas. “For existing facilities, the company can carry out an operational audit to identify areas in need of improvement and then put resulting recommendations into practice. We work to the highest operational standards and we are looking to HavenStar to help us support our marina teams and owners as we continue to expand.”

In addition to Port Louis and Yas, HavenStar will be installed at other Camper & Nicholsons Marinas’ locations: Cesme Marina in Turkey and Grand Harbour Marina in Malta.

HavenStar is an enterprise solution ideally suited for managing multiple sites in different geographical locations, offering full multicurrency transaction processing and reporting, and able to link with a wide range of accounting systems.  The system is also fully integrated with the leading pedestal brands including Ampy MainsTalk, Plus Marine and Rolec.

Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina situated in a beautiful yacht charter location - Abu Dhabi

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas will also be making extensive use of HavenStar’s mobile solution, Dockside Manager, which connects directly over-the-air (3G, Wi-Fi, etc) and works on a wide variety of tablets and smartphones. Dockside Manager enables marina managers and site personnel to manage customer details, organise occupancy, take meter readings, visitor payments and even arrive and depart boats, all in real-time.

HavenStar provides access and exposure to all the critical data needed for on-site management and centralised sales and marketing. But the key and unique benefits are derived from HavenStar’s two way synchronisation with Microsoft Dynamics® CRM 2011 Online. This enables Camper & Nicholsons Marinas to work interactively and simultaneously in both HavenStar and Microsoft’s cloud-based customer relationship management system.  Whilst HavenStar takes care of all operational requirements, CRM provides the marketing tools necessary to help grow the business and also offer a more personalised service to customers.

Real-time synchronisation means that Camper & Nicholsons Marinas are able to ‘see’ changes at the marinas as they happen. By using CRM’s individually customisable dashboards, head office can continuously monitor business data, accurately report on efficiency and follow trends at any marina under their management at any time.

Commenting on the new partnership agreement, Dylan Evans, Finance Director for Star Computers commented: “Havenstar provides a comprehensive framework with which Camper & Nicholsons Marinas can quickly get up and running at any marina they take on, anywhere in the world. We are delighted that Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has chosen HavenStar as its preferred marina management software, and we look forward to working with the company’s staff and management to realise its plans for continued international expansion.”

Hope Harbour Superyacht Marina situated on Australia´s Gold Coast

March 16, 2012

The fantastic 283-berth Hope Harbour Marina is situated only a few minutes from the amazing Australia´s Gold Coast Broadwater and is perfect for both large as well as small yachts. Providing full refueling facilities, the marina is a breeze to navigate.

Hope Harbour Superyacht Marina situated on Australia´s Gold Coast

Hope Harbour Superyacht Marina situated on Australia´s Gold Coast

Location
Hope Harbour Marina is ideally located on the northern end of the Gold Coast. With the upgrade of Hope Island Road we are only 45 minutes from Brisbane’s airport and 35 minutes from Coolangatta airport.

Facilities
Hope Harbour Marina is conveniently located at the Marina Quays International Resort. Berths range from 25ft to 150ft.

Other facilities include easy access refuelling, marine brokerage, convenience store, single and 3 phase power and competitive casual, short and long term rates for regular or live aboard berthing.

Features
Hope Harbour Marina has the ability to accommodate yachts ranging from 25ft to 150ft. Full refueling facilities are available alongside the Ships Chandlery, Fishing Tackle and General Store. Marina Berths are equipped with single and 3 phase power and potable water.

Local shipyards, which perform a range of ongoing maintenance procedures, are also nearby. The Marina also supplies the best value unleaded and diesel fuel on the Broadwater.

Hamble Point Boat Show, April 20-22, 2012

March 15, 2012

Hamble Point Marina will present the biggest and best Hamble Point Boat Show yet, taking place from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd April, 2012.

Hamble Point Boat Show - birds view

Hamble Point Boat Show - bird´s view

The free event is set to be one of the key highlights of the boat show calendar, with hundreds of new and used boats for sale, practical workshops in association with the RYA, over 50 marine companies offering expert services and advice, as well as a whole host of entertainment and attractions for all the family.

A boat-lovers haven, the show – which will be open from 10am – 5pm each day – will make for a great day out for avid owners, new customers thinking about buying a boat, or families just looking for a great day out. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed setting on the Solent with their every need catered for. There will be over 250 new and used boats from leading brands include Dehler, Hanse, Nordhavn Yachts, Azimut and Beneteau and visitors can enjoy accompanied viewings, sea trials and great deals throughout the weekend.

There will be plenty to keep everyone entertained with practical workshops with the RYA Active Marina programme, a boat jumble, RIB rides, static motorcycle displays, bungee trampolining and kayak polo.

Alongside the entertainment, marine companies including MDL Marinas, Raymarine, Force 4 Chandlery, GJW Direct and Vetus will offer a whole host of services from berthing, insurance, training and maintenance, as well as an on-site chandlery – making it an event not to be missed!

Neil Salter, Hamble Point Marina Manager, commented: “This year’s Hamble Point Boat Show is set to the biggest yet, with over 250 new and used boats on display, alongside demonstrations, entertainment, a boat jumble and activities galore for all the family.

“The show is a fantastic opportunity for anyone to come along and find out about everything to do with boating – perfect for those considering their first boat purchase, or for seasoned boaters who are in search of a superb day out, with experts on hand to offer advice and of course the chance to see the latest models available from the leading brands.

“The facilities we have at Hamble Point Marina are perfect for a boat show of this kind, and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors to this fantastic free event.”

Camper & Nicholsons First Eastern appoints Todd Jeffery as a new Project Director of its Hong Kong Team

March 14, 2012

Camper & Nicholsons First Eastern (CNFE) is pleased to announce that Todd Jeffery, a highly experienced project manager as well as operator of premium international superyacht marinas, has become a part of the CNFE team in Hong Kong as Project Director.

CN Marinas Primary Logo

“Our clients who wish to design and operate marinas to world class standards now have one of the world’s best specialists available to them based in Hong Kong,” says Nick Maris CEO of CNFE.

Joseph Wong, CNFE’s Business Development Director said: “I welcome Todd’s joining us; with the full support of the Camper & Nicholsons and First Eastern organisations, we offer a complete professional solution to the development and operation of premium marinas throughout Asia.”

Todd Jeffery has more than 20 years’ experience in the marine industry, most recently as Operations Director for Aldar where he was responsible for the development of the Yas and Al Bandar marinas in Abu Dhabi; his responsibilities covered the construction oversight, pre-opening planning and operations for these two world class, award-winning facilities (Marina of the Year and Most Interesting New Marina Development at the Arabian Gulf Yachting Awards 2010). He also directed the waterways management and operations strategy at Al Gurm, an exclusive, private, residential marina development.

Todd Jeffery

Todd Jeffery - a new Project Director of the CNFE´s Hong Kong Team

Yas Marina, managed and operated by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas, is the first superyacht marina built in the Emirates and is capable of berthing 143 vessels from 8m to 150m in length, and hosts the Etihad Airways Formula 1™ race held each November. Al Bandar is the first residential marina in Abu Dhabi and shares the pedigree established by Yas Marina.

In line with his core beliefs Jeffery ensured that each of the facilities was built and operated within an ecologically sustainable framework. As such his team was responsible for receiving the first Blue Flag accreditations in the Emirate from the Foundation for Environmental Education, Emirates Wildlife Society (EWS) and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) for Yas and Al Bandar facilities.

Todd has previously consulted for and managed marinas worldwide including in California and Thailand. His deep knowledge of yachts flows from him, having owned and operated boatbuilding companies, that specialised in building and restoring classic yachts.

8th Top of the Gulf Regatta to take place at Ocean Superyacht Marina in Gulf of Thailand

March 14, 2012

The sailing scene in the beautiful yacht charter destination – Gulf of Thailand is passing through a period of continuous growth as more yachts choose to accommodate themselves in the Gulf to benefit from the amazing sailing grounds, and the international-standard sailing events attract yachts from all over the world.

Ocean Marina situated in a beautiful yacht charter destination - Gulf of Thailand

Ocean Marina situated in a beautiful yacht charter destination - Gulf of Thailand

Home to Thailand‘s preeminent yacht club, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, and to many leading sailing events, the Gulf of Thailand is also home of the Ocean Marina – the host of Asia‘s largest annual multi-class competition, the Top of the Gulf Regatta.

Easy access to Bangkok‘s Suvarnabhumi international airport, with a capacity of 45 million visitors per year, contributes to Pattaya and surrounds’ attractiveness to yacht owners.

To support the region’s growing popularity, infrastructure development is apace. No more so is this evident than at Ocean Marina, on Jomtien Beach.

Ocean Property, the parent company of Ocean Marina in Thailand, has confirmed an expansion of 100 new floating marina berths (13m and 20m), and an upgrade to 100 larger existing berths – the single largest expansion since the marina was built 18 years ago.

Scott Finsten, Harbour Master at Ocean Marina, said: “The marina is not only a boost to Thailand’s boating industry, but also a boost to the local economy given the amount of jobs that will be created,” adding, “We have dredged the marina to 3.5m so we can accommodate the deeper draft vessels that visit Thailand. The new marina completes the investment, to ensure we can cater for long-term demand.”

Playing a central role in the growth of marine leisure tourism in the Gulf of Thailand, is the Top of the Gulf Regatta (TOG Regatta), taking place for the eighth time this year.

2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta

2011 Top of the Gulf Regatta

Held 4th to 8th May, Thailand’s TOG Regatta has, since the very beginning, been a strong supporter of marine leisure tourism and grass roots sailing in the Kingdom, funding and supporting Thai youth sailing, and providing competitive experience through the hosting the Thailand Optimist Nationals.

The TOG Regatta is unique amongst regattas in Thailand and Asia, in that it brings together keelboat and multihull racing with beach catamaran, dinghies and optimist competition on a large scale.

“The TOG Regatta really is like no other. We continue to support a large variety of classes, and give opportunity to youth sailors as well as provide top quality competition for sailors from around the world in the keelboat and multihull classes,” said William Gasson, Founder and Chairman of the Regatta Organising Committee.

The TOG Regatta provides a truly multicultural experience. Attracting a large number of Thai sailors each year, TOG Regatta also attracts international participants across all classes, regularly including regional and world champions. Over 500 sailors from more than 30 nationalities competed in the 2011 Regatta.

“We expect over 70 boats on the keelboat and multihull course this year, with an increase in interest from Singapore, Hong Kong and Manila, particularly the 40 foot keelboat range,” added Gasson.

Eight years old and the TOG Regatta continues to grow and develop. 2012 looks set to be a bumper year with a record fleet of one-design Platus including teams from Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand, competing for the Coronation Cup.

A first for this year, the NeilPryde Racing Series (racing the one-design RS:One sail board) will be incorporated as part of the Regatta and run off the host venue, Ocean Marina Yacht Club – the first time the Series has competed in Thailand.

Other classes for 2012 include: IRC 1, IRC 2, IRC 3, IRC 4 Cruising, Sports Boats, Platu (racing in the Coronation Cup), Ocean Multihulls, F18′s, Open Beach Multihulls, Single-handed monohull dinghies, double-handed monohull dinghies and Optimist (racing in the Thailand National Optimist Championship).

Over 600 sailors are expected to descend on Jomtien Beach on the Gulf of Thailand, from 4th to 8th May, to enjoy some top quality sailing competition at the 2012 Top of the Gulf Regatta.

Raffles Marina – Singapore´s Premier Megayacht Marina

March 13, 2012

Raffles Marina is Singapore’s premier megayacht marina, and Aseanarean’s first 5 Gold Anchor Marina, providing a comprehensive range of berthing options as well as services for yachts up to 100 metres in length, all within the setting and facilities of a prominent country club.

Raffles Marina situated in a popular Asian yacht charter location - Singapore

Raffles Marina situated in a popular Asian yacht charter location - Singapore

Located at the Western Tip of Singapore, adjacent to the Second Link Bridge connecting Singapore and Malaysia, the marina is at the end of the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE). From the Orchard Rd/Scott’s Rd junction, the marina is only 9 minutes further by car than other marinas in Singapore.

Megayacht berthing is available – in fact, Raffles Marina is the only marina facility in Asia that caters specifically to the exacting needs of the megayacht community. Protected by a solid breakwater, the minimum depth alongside is 10 metres while the approach channel has a minimum depth of 5 metres at low tide. This enables yachts to berth at all times. Shore power services, freshwater supply, TV antennae connectors and telecommunication access are also available.

The walk-on berths can accommodate yachts of up to 65 feet while the Boathouse has 208 dry-berths for boats of up to 35 feets.

In addition, one can also enjoy the marina´s clubhouse facilities. There are bowling, gymnasium, guestrooms, restaurants and pub, just to name a few.

Features

- Full country club facilities
- Immigration & Customs check in/out and Electronic Port Clearance: One Stop Centre
- Singapore’s only full service boat repair yard with 70 ton travel-lift
- Singapore’s most comprehensive and well stocked chandlery
- Comprehensive berthing choices for yachts up to 100m, or 300’ in length
- Dry stack & Trailerable Keel Boat Berthing
- Ideal launching point for trips to Langkawi and Phuket
- Friendly, professional marina staff and 24/7 security
- Regular, free shuttle bus to the nearest metro station and major shopping centre – only 20 minutes away

Portland Port – superyacht hotspot for the 2012 Olympic Games

March 12, 2012

Portland, the host of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic sailing races, is set to become one of the hotspots for superyachts this summer with several deep water berths and anchorages available during the event. Portland Port, situated at the end of a peninsula off the Dorset coast, has teamed up with superyacht concierge service MGMT to provide a bespoke service for superyachts setting sail for the 2012 Olympics.

Portland port

Portland port

The Olympic sailing takes place directly after the Superyacht Cup Race in Cowes.  By basing the yachts at Portland, owners and charterers heading for stadium events in the capital can now get round the problem of Thames River height restrictions, thanks to helicopter transfers from Dorset into the heart of London.

Amanda Milner, Portland Port’s Commercial Sales Manager, said: ‘As some big sailing yachts are unable to cruise down the Thames, Portland would be a good location to use as a base.  Yacht owners and their guests who wish to be in London for the 2012 Olympic Games will be able to leave their yachts at Portland Harbour, and take a helicopter transfer directly into the heart of London, where the stadium events will be held.’

Latest Olympic Map

Latest Olympic Map

MGMT Director Mark Upton said: ‘From July, the River Thames and its surrounding waterways will welcome the largest number of superyachts ever witnessed to the capital at any one time.

‘Due to partnerships with innovative companies like Portland Port, MGMT is able to offer the ultimate luxury packages including transport to and from Olympic events, in order to ensure our clients really do have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Portland Port, which has multiple deep water berths suitable for vessels over 24m LOA, is also perfectly placed as a stop-over destination between Falmouth, the Solent and the Isle of Wight, for superyachts participating in the 2012 Regatta circuit.

Superyacht builder Sunseeker International operates a facility just a stone’s throw away from the Port. Portland Port can also arrange bunkering, skilled marine engineers, coded aluminium and steel welders, electricians and machinists, joiners and carpenters, fibreglass and hydraulic repairs, high pressure washing and diving specialists, shoreside power and fresh water.

The pretty, traditional seaside town of Weymouth is only 15 minutes away. Amanda added: ‘If you or your family or friends want to come ashore, then Portland Port can act as a gateway to the South West.  Visitors can take the time to explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Bath, Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast.’

Sunseeker charter yacht Predator 84 attended the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole

March 12, 2012

The grand opening ceremony of the Twin Sails Bridge, on Friday the 9th of March 2012, was watched by around 2,000 spectators. A flotilla of beautiful yachts passed through the bridge, including the Sunseeker charter yacht Predator 84, to commemorate the official opening of the new bridge.

Sunseeker superyacht Predator 84 at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole

Sunseeker superyacht Predator 84 at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Twin Sails Bridge in Poole

Evening entertainment was provided for the crowds, including a musical accompaniment from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Her Royal Marines Collingwood band.

The buzzing atmosphere at the Opening Ceremony

The buzzing atmosphere at the Opening Ceremony

Live music and street entertainment commenced later in the evening on the quayside, culminating in a grand finale fireworks display, which brought the celebrations to an end well into the night. The ceremony took place to mark the conclusion of a 40-year dream for a second Poole Harbour crossing.

Placencia Marina – the First Superyacht Marina in Belize with a launch in 2013

March 12, 2012

With a launch in 2013, the Placencia Marina will be the first superyacht marina in a popular yacht charter destination – Belize, situated in the Caribbean and Central American area. It will provide up to 293 amazing slips, including 25 for superyachts. Among its flawless piers, a collection of public as well as private slips will accommodate everything from 30 ft. sport fishing boats and sailboats to 300 ft. international yachts and schooners.

Aerial View of the Placencia Peninsula in a beautiful yacht charter destination - Belize

Aerial View of the Placencia Peninsula in a beautiful yacht charter destination - Belize

Here, boat owners, captains and crew will enjoy a world-class menu of marine services, such as comfortable crew quarters, marina supplies, onsite customs and immigration clearance, general maintenance, full dock support staff, water taxis, seaplane dock services and an attentive Marina Concierge. A Private Yacht Club, with its coveted Captain’s Lounge, will cater to the yachting set.

Just off the pier from the marina is The Placencia Marina Village. Inspired by the ambiance of an Italian fishing village, our new Marina Village is designed to be the hub of social life. Featuring a grand casino, upscale shopping, restaurants and boutique hotel, Marina Village offers one and two-bedroom condominiums and intimate hotel-style suites. Intimate plazas and beachfront greens will be laced by a charming pedestrian promenade that invites residents and guests to stroll. An enticing mix of cafes, bars and coffee shops will spill out under colorful umbrellas, awnings and swaying palms.

The extensive 9,200 ft. runway is sized to accommodate the largest airplane within any commercial carrier’s fleet, including 777’s, 787’s and Airbus aircraft. Airport facilities will include public and private hangars, efficient customs and immigration clearance, fire station and fueling facilities. The comfort of arrival will be enhanced by main terminal services that instantly create a sense of space as well as entertainment such as casino, restaurants and lounges. Private aircraft will be accommodated by the marina´s exclusive, VIP Fixed Base Operator (FBO), providing the highest level of customer service to the marina´s most discerning hotel guests, members and real estate owners.

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association to exhibit at this year’s Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) and Singapore Yacht Show

March 09, 2012

Asia-Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) will be present at this year’s Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) as well as Singapore Yacht Show. APSA members will be on hand to provide comprehensive information about the Asia-Pacific region, the association, its work and its member companies.

PIMEX-2012 logo

“It is great that APSA has the support of the Informa Yacht Group and the APSA membership is delighted to be exhibiting at both the Singapore Yacht Show and Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) in 2012,” says Colin Dawson, Chairman of APSA.

Both events offer extensive opportunities for APSA members to meet other members and encounter potential business contacts from Singapore, Thailand, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand as well as other Asia Pacific countries. The Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference 2012, on 25-26 April 2012, is also an important networking opportunity for industry professionals in the region to learn more about the key issues affecting the superyacht industry in the region.

SYS 2012 logo

It goes without saying that APSA’s stand at this international show and high-profile representation at the preceding its conference will provide a golden opportunity for APSA members to network with potential clients from the United States, Europe and other countries outside of the Asia-Pacific region. APSA committee members Colin Dawson, Gareth Twist and Tork  Buckley will also be speaking at the conference that precedes the show on a variety of vital superyacht topics.

“Organisations such as APSA and regional industry events like the Singapore Yacht Show are fundamental to the development of the yachting industry in this region.  A growing demand is now palpable, and APSA and SYS will continue to foster this platform through which new buyers of yachts can access the industry and the lifestyle, the global industry can access a new market, whilst old and new owners alike can discover the region’s exceptional cruising grounds,” stated Mr Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show.

PIMEX takes place at the Royal Phuket Marina, 27 March to 1st April 2012 and the Singapore Yacht Show 2012 takes place at ONE°15 Marina Club, 27-29 April 2012.

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