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Club Marine Australian Marine Export and Superyacht Awards to be announced at ASMEX Conference Gala Dinner

May 03, 2013

All the applications for the prestigious 2013 Club Marine Australian Marine Industry Export and Superyacht Awards have now been reviewed. The 2013 winners will be announced at the ASMEX Conference gala dinner on Tuesday 21 May at Sanctuary Cove, Queensland. Organisers, AIMEX and Superyacht Australia are highly impressed with the excellent quality of applications.

Stephen Vincent Receiving 2012 Exporter of the Year Award

Stephen Vincent Receiving 2012 Exporter of the Year Award

The marine export and superyacht businesses in Australia represent a resilient industry. Within current economic times, the recent GFC and high Australian dollar have all attributed to the Australian marine industry diversifying by excelling through different marketing strategies and innovative techniques.

The recent awards applications reflected an incredible standard of innovation, achievement and success across the industry.

Ten Australian companies have applied for the innovation award alone, which truly reflects the industries stamina and willingness to succeed. The innovation category is applicable to businesses who have released innovative products in 2012. Australian Davits and Cranes, Aqualuma LED Lighting, Barnaclerid, GME, Happy Captain, Palm Products, Polyflex Group, SOS Marine, VEEM Propellers and Waterline Yacht Design all entering recently launched innovations into this competitive category.

Greg Fisher of Club Marine commended the news of the high level of applications saying that “Club Marine is proud to support Australian companies and their growth into the competitive global market.  The high number of submissions for innovation excellence is a reflection of how Australian marine businesses are evolving and responding to a very difficult economic climate.  Creating innovation is not easy, but successful companies can see opportunities where others cannot.  The AIMEX awards highlights these successful companies and their ability to perform on the world stage.”

Applicants for the 2013 Awards included an impressive list of Australian marine exporters and superyacht industry businesses from across the nation including Airberth Boat Lifts, Aurora Yacht Logistics, Australian Davits & Cranes, Australian Superyachts, Aqualuma LED Lighting, Barniclerid, Barz Optics, Foundation Interiors, GME, Happy Captain, M-Tech, Muirs, MultiPanel, Palm Products, Pyrotek Noise Control, Polyflex Group, Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Riviera, Ronstan, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, SOS Marine, Superior Jetties, VEEM Propellers and Waterline Yacht Design.

The much anticipated awards ceremony will be announced at the gala dinner to be hosted on May 21 during the ASMEX conference at the InterContinental Resort (formerly Hyatt Regency) in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland. The awards dinner is the industry dinner of the year for the Australian marine export and superyacht industry. Featuring a 5 piece band, free flowing Robert Oatley signature wines and a 3 course meal, the gala dinner is set to be the perfect setting for a night where attendees can kick their heels up whilst building on their industry networks.

New C-Quip Service and Refit Facility in Antibes

April 05, 2013

New Zealand-based C-Quip, an experienced company in developing as well as delivering the finest Superyacht equipment, has satisfied the demand and established a service facility in Antibes. The facility is destined for clients whose vessels are going through service and refit in Europe.

90m mega yacht Athena

90m mega yacht Athena with the side boarding stairs and the side beach platform by C-Quip

The Antibes facility will deliver the same high standard of workmanship yet allows the service work to be carried out in Europe rather than freighting the equipment to New Zealand which provides much closer responsiveness to the company’s European Clients.

In addition to being nearer to the yachts for in-harbour maintenance C-Quip can also carry out full rebuild, service, repaint and final assembly to precision factory specifications.

The ability to have its engineers quickly manage this work in the C-Quip own dedicated facility can give peace of mind and further flexibility to its yacht clients in the region.

At its Antibes facility C-Quip is currently working on boarding equipment from a Superyacht undergoing a major refit at Composite Works.

As specialists in the manufacture of Superyacht equipment, C-Quip was contracted with the OEM supplier to service the side boarding stairs and the side beach platform on the 90m sailing yacht Athena in C-Quip’s New Zealand workshop during a major refit at Oram’s in Auckland Refit Park.

Drew Marine Signal and Safety’s flares for charity educating young people aboard JOHN LAING Yacht

March 13, 2013

In order to educate young people about the importance of safety at sea, the world’s top supplier of marine distress signals, Drew Marine Signal and Safety, is donating flares to the Ocean Youth Trust South (OYT South).

Sailing yacht John Laing

OYT South's Sailing Yacht John Laing

The adventure sail training charity, OYT South, takes people aged 12-25 to sea in its 72-foot sailing yacht John Laing, to learn how to sail and practice vital life saving skills. Many of the young people supported by the charity are disadvantaged or vulnerable and have never been to sea before.

Among the marine distress signals donated to the charity are Pains Wessex Handflares, Lifesmokes and Manoverboards.

Commenting on the charitable donation, OYT South’s Chief Executive, Mark Todd, says, “We aim to give young people an exciting adventure, which they will remember for a lifetime, but to also get them involved as active crew members onboard. Safety is a priority, especially at sea and we have an excellent safety record over more than half a century. If the time should come when we need to use distress signals, the flares generously provided by Drew Marine Signal and Safety could make the difference between life and death – what donation could be more valuable?”

Justine Healey, Managing Director of Drew Marine Signal and Safety says, “Safety at sea is of utmost importance for us and we are delighted to provide the Ocean Youth Trust South with marine distress signals. The charity does fantastic work with young people and we are extremely proud to support them.”

Following the donation, OYT South has invited Drew Marine Signal and Safety to a corporate day on board John Laing yacht.

Drew Marine Signal and Safety manufactures the world leading marine distress signals brands Comet, Pains Wessex and Aurora. It sells to worldwide commercial and leisure marine markets. Its products have been helping to save lives for more than 100 years and are specified by the world’s navies, merchant fleets, fishing vessels, rescue services, airlines and leisure craft.

Drew Marine Signal and Safety is at the forefront of campaigning for improved global marine safety regulations to ensure the safety of mariners throughout the world.

Inace Yachts to launch the 38m motor yacht BATAI (hull 591) mid December

November 30, 2012

The Brazilian shipyard, Inace Yachts, is currently preparing for the launch of its 38-metre motor yacht Batai (hull 591), a sistership to the recently delivered Far Far Away yacht. Due to be launched and to start her sea trials mid December, the 126′ superyacht Batai is a magnificent explorer, designed by well known Luiz de Basto. Her delivery to the new Mexican owners is scheduled for early 2013.

Inace superyacht Far Far Away (hull 576) - a sistership to luxury yacht Batai (hull 591)

Inace superyacht Far Far Away (hull 576) - a sistership to luxury yacht Batai (hull 591)

A total number of 10 guests will be provided with maximum luxury and comfort aboard the Inace superyacht Batai. She will offer 5 beautiful cabins, including a full-beam master suite as well as four double guest cabins. All of these can be found on the lower deck.

Built in steel and aluminium, the 38m expedition yacht Batai (hull 591) is expected to have a range of 7,000 nm at 10 knots, thanks to her twin Caterpillar engines. Batai is Lloyd’s registered as well as MCA compliant.

Below is a choice of the superb charter yachts built by Inace Yachts.

Inace Charter Yacht Images

SUDAMI - From The Stern
SUDAMI - From The Stern
SUDAMI - Profile
SUDAMI - Profile
SUDAMI - Sundeck Jacuzzi
SUDAMI - Sundeck Jacuzzi
SUDAMI - From The Bow
SUDAMI - From The Bow
SUDAMI - Dining
SUDAMI - Dining
SUDAMI - Aft Deck
SUDAMI - Aft Deck
More: Inace Image Gallery

Glasshape Ltd brings DuraShield® Superyacht Glass product line to America

November 02, 2012

Glasshape Ltd, who manufactures the renowned DuraShield® Superyacht Glass product line, has officially announced their presence in USA with the opening of their office on the west coast of North America this month. The opening of the USA office was announced by key directors of Glasshape, including Managing Director Andrew Forrest.

Glasshape

Glasshape

Glasshape Ltd, an ISO-9001 and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) endorsed facility, has catered to the Australasian Superyacht industry for many years, specializing in both Curved and Flat IACS Classed Superyacht Glazing.

American yards, catching wind of the company’s revolutionary “turn-key” measure-supply-install programs, soon grew to the point where presence in the North American marketplace became mandatory to fulfil demand of the industry’s high end manufacturers.

ABS and MCA LY2 Code Glass requirements quickly endorsed the company, whose unique glass manufacturing processes offers Superstructure Glazing which exceeds design pressure requirements stipulated by the industry’s governing Class Societies.

Located in Washington State, the ‘West Coast Superyacht hub’, Glasshape’s new project and support facility services the existing Superyacht customer base across the United States, and additionally providing support to the growing refit market. “Landed presence in the States was inevitable-actually a demand” mentioned Forrest, “the demand for our unique product has been overwhelming throughout the past 24 months”.

Centred in Seattle, the new facility is headed by Mr Ian Gracey of Torrid Marine Systems. Gracey, having many years’ experience in the high-end yacht and Superyacht sector was well associated with the DuraShield® branding. “We were well aware of Glasshape’s ever increasing presence and demand in North America, and I desired to be part of the Most Innovative Marine Glass Company in the World” Gracey said at Fort Lauderdale. “When the opportunity came, it was just too good to ignore” he added.

Glasshape posted increased USA sales of 37% in the 12 months ending September 2012. Such excellent results have been produced due to the wide glass range, having attained full certification to American Bureau of Shipping.

Lady Linda superyacht

Lady Linda superyacht

Glasshape have their DuraShield® Marine Glass installed on many significant projects in the States already. Some examples of their expertise can be seen on Superyacht Lady Linda, motor yacht DB9 and yacht Tzumat among others. New and innovative marine glass applications can also be viewed on sailing yacht Ohana, which is scheduled for launching shortly. This unique Dubois built superyacht features spectacular glass, including an all-glass interior staircase designed and built by Glasshape.

New Hybrid propulsion system by WhisperPower USA introduced at the 2012 FLIBS

October 26, 2012

WhisperPower USA are to unveil their new hybrid propulsion and power systems for megayachts to the North American market at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The new green technology of the hybrid propulsion and power systems reduces emissions, noise and fuel usage. The WhisperPower Hybrid Power System has been under development and testing for more than two years. One system is in operation aboard a new 40m J-class sailing yacht Rainbow, built by Holland Jachtbouw and two others are being installed on large sailing yachts in the Netherlands.

New Hybrid propulsion system by WhisperPower USA introduced at the 2012 FLIBS

New Hybrid propulsion system by WhisperPower USA introduced at the 2012 FLIBS

The Hybrid Power System is based on WhisperPower’s variable-speed Genverter technology, which consists of an intelligent permanent magnet alternator with an ultra-compact diesel engine fitted inside a sound shield. The Genverter feeds a DC-power bus connected to the propulsion systems and the DC-AC power conversion system for the hotel load. The system also includes deep-cycle long-life Lithium-Ion batteries, a DC-power distribution system, an efficient DC-AC inverter, high-efficiency electric drive motors for the propeller shaft and an overall power management system.

Installation options are parallel hybrid or serial hybrid drive. The parallel hybrid system maintains the mechanical connection between the engine and propeller shaft, with the electric motor acting on the drive shaft in parallel with the engine. You can drive the propeller directly from the engine or from the electric motor, or from both. You can also disconnect the propeller for a stand-alone generator function. The engine is disconnected during regeneration. In a serial hybrid system, the conventional diesel engine is replaced by an electric motor. A battery bank is connected to the common electric power bus, which is connected to the motor. The electrical energy is either provided by the variable speed Genverter or by the battery bank. With large batteries, you can have long periods of electric propulsion and running electrical appliances without resorting to the generator.

The batteries are charged from the Genverter power pack or shore power. They can also be recharged during sailing by the shaft generator.

“The design goal was to create a sophisticated power management system that can provide silent electric propulsion for an hour or more and manage the ship’s house loads for extended periods of time strictly on battery power,” said Rudolf Mes, general manager of WhisperPower USA. “Our Genverter-based system reduces emissions and audible noise inside and outside the vessel and reduces fuel consumption by up to 30 percent by running the ship’s propulsion from the batteries during periods of low energy consumption, such as nighttime.”

In addition to the Hybrid Power System, WhisperPower USA will show a full range of power generation and management solutions at the Fort Lauderdale Show.

“With WhisperPower’s wide selection of generators, chargers and electrical management products, we can supply complete integrated electrical systems for recreational and commercial vessels of all sizes,” Mes said. “We also stock a complete inventory of WhisperPower replacement parts and consumables for all Mastervolt generators currently in the market.”

WhisperPower USA is showing in Booth 1236 at the Fort Lauderdale Show.

Saturn Marine – a New Zealand based consultancy for HALYARD products and services

October 10, 2012

One of the top specialists in the science of effectively decreasing noise and vibration on any type of vessel, from working commercial craft to luxury superyachts, HALYARD, has teamed up with Saturn Marine in New Zealand who will assist local boat builders and users benefit from noise and vibration reduction on their boats.

Halyard Products and Services

Halyard Products and Services

Saturn Marine is headed by Bob Doyle, who was formerly based in the UK and has 20 years of expertise working with Halyard.  Halyard is recognised as one of the largest designers and manufacturers of bespoke marine exhaust systems and supplier of equipment designed to reduce airborne, structural and engine noise on boats.

Now based at premises in Picton, Doyle and his team have been involved with installing Halyard products and services on board a variety of vessels from commercial working boats to bespoke superyachts.  He says, “Reducing noise and vibration significantly improves well-being at sea, and can even reduce the effects of sea-sickness and fatigue.  This is especially the case on working boats, where crew can spend many hours on board.  Excessive engine noise or vibration can be easily rectified through specifically designed engine and generator silencers, or products such as the Aquadrive, which correctly aligns the propeller shaft drive with the engine reducing structural vibration.”

While some working boat manufacturers have only recently started adopting measures to increase crew well-being at sea, at the other end of the scale, superyacht designers and manufacturers have always placed great importance on making the experience on board as quiet and smooth as possible for guests and crew.

Peter Dorrington, Systems Engineer at Fitzroy Yachts says, “The company has worked with Halyard for many years and is pleased that there is now a local representative in New Zealand.  Using email and CAD drawings, Halyard has created a number of bespoke silencer systems for Fitzroy working directly with the design team in the UK, and the company is involved with its latest G50 custom design aluminum hull 50 metre yacht”.  Rodney Martin, Managing Director says, “We always like to deal with the manufacturers direct, but the fact that Halyard now has a representative with extensive experience in country does help a lot.”

World’s two tallest masts of sailing yacht Salute and superyacht M5 serviced by Marine Results

October 05, 2012

Marine Results, an international rigging and structural inspection company has just carried out service work on the masts of sailing yacht M5 and superyacht Salute – two of the world’s tallest masts.  Marine Results inspected the rig of fast cruising sloop Salute which has the world’s tallest aluminium mast at a towering 75 metres.  But even that measurement was dwarfed by the next project on the schedule, that of the giant 89 metres high rig belonging to the 75m yacht M5 (ex Mirabella).  Sailing yacht M5 is not only the world’s largest sailing sloop but she has the world’s tallest carbon rig.

Marine Results personnel work on the gigantic M5 sailing yacht mast.

Marine Results personnel work on the gigantic M5 sailing yacht mast.

“We have worked extensively with both yachts since they were launched,” comments Jon Morris of Marine Results. “Following completion of the two most recent projects we reflected that we had just carried out work on the world’s two largest rigs in their particular construction category.  We are pretty proud of that achievement and the way that it illustrates our capabilities.”

In the case of the 56m Perini Navi yacht Salute, Marine Results carried out an extensive inspection after the team un-stepped the rig at the Perini Navi yard in La Spezia, where she was originally built.  Marine Results then worked with Perini’s mast division to complete the inspection on the mast and rigging systems. Marine Results specialises in a range of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques to check for concealed stressing and damage.

The second of the two record breakers, the M5 yacht had her mast pulled out as part of a substantial one-year refit at Pendennis Shipyard in Cornwall.  Marine Results was called in to unstep the rig prior to an extensive modification programme which is expected to last until the end of 2012.

“Unstepping the rig was no small job,” said Morris. “The rig weighs a colossal 46 tonnes. To give you an idea of the size of the job, when we removed the boom vang, this alone was 9.5 metres long and weighed 900 kg.

“One of our strengths is our ability to deploy our teams around the world to carry out service work on dozens of the world’s most advanced racing and cruising superyachts,” concludes Jon Morris.  Marine Results is based in Hamble, England and La Ciotat, France.

Sunseeker awards Lewmar ‘Sunseeker Business and Supplier Award’

September 19, 2012

Sunseeker International and Lewmar have recently signed a new supply agreement which will see Lewmar’s V-Series windlasses, C-series capstans and anchoring accessories installed across the entire Sunseeker Yacht Range.

Sunseeker Award Winners at the Southampton Boat Show

Sunseeker Award Winners at the Southampton Boat Show

Lewmar have supplied windlasses to Sunseeker yachts for a number of years on boats up to 100ft, but the new agreement sees the introduction of the impressive V9, V10 and V12 onto the larger superyachts up to and including the flagship Sunseeker 155 Yacht, which is due to premiere at the London International Boat Show 2014.

Roger Cerrato, Lewmar’s UK Sales Manager, commented, “Sunseeker International have been fitting our all stainless V-Series windlasses for a number of years and this new agreement to include their larger vessels demonstrates that Lewmar now have a high quality, stylish and robust windlass solution for today’s most demanding Superyachts.”

To complement the windlasses, Lewmar has developed a range of bespoke hardware, including chain stoppers and devil’s claws, which allow the perfect fit and functionality that this premium yard and its customers expect. It has also invested in Variable Frequency Drive technology to allow very large A/C motors to be operated efficiently, smoothly and with minimal stress to mechanical components.

In addition, Lewmar is proud to have been recognised as one of Sunseeker’s key suppliers, receiving the “Best Value Added Supplier” award at Tuesday morning’s Southampton Boat Show prize ceremony. This is in recognition of Lewmar’s integrated supply of anchor chain sets which minimises packaging and storage space and reduces boatyard labour time during fit out. Awards were presented to suppliers in 10 categories who were all recognised for their exceptional performance in meeting the company’s stringent requirements.

Superyacht rigging specialists ‘Marine Results’ team up with Pierrepont Analysis

August 03, 2012

International superyacht riggers ‘Marine Results’ have signed a Teaming Agreement with Pierrepont Analysis. The move will strengthen Marine Results position as one of the world’s leading superyacht and raceboat rig and structural inspection specialists.

Below is a photo of sailing yacht M5 (formerly Mirabella) which illustrates the scale of the jobs undertaken by Marine Results.

Sailing Yacht M5 (ex MIRABELLA V) - Photo Credit Marine Results

Sailing Yacht M5 (ex MIRABELLA V) - Photo Credit Marine Results

All contracts acquired by Pierrepont in the marine sector will be handled jointly by the two companies, as will inspections that are acquired directly by Marine Results.

“By securing the marine services of Pierrepont our core team can now focus on the other areas of our business while Pierrepont can head up our inspection facility,” explains Managing Director Ed Danby. “Marine Results already has a very high level of qualified expertise for carrying out non destructive testing including ultrasonic and phased array inspections. We also have a very healthy order book for major yacht rig work.  The arrangement increases the capacity of both companies, enabling us to take our offer to a higher level across our customer base.”

Pierrepont Analysis is run by Ben Pierrepont.  The company already has a significant turnover in the marine sector, and is active in the renewable-energy, aeronautical and automotive sectors, which it will continue to service separately. Like the Directors of Marine Results, Ben Pierrepont is NDT qualified with nine years experience. He has a wealth of marine surveying experience and expertise in composite build and repair techniques.  Ben has built and surveyed some of the most up to date racing and cruising boats afloat, including numerous America’s Cup and Open 60 Class boats.

“The agreement with Marine Results enables us to offer a broader service and a bigger team not just for our NDT rig inspections but for hull, deck, internal structures, keel and other structural inspections as well,” comments Ben.  “The exclusivity of our arrangement means that all rig inspection work coming into Pierrepont will be routed through Marine Results.

The contract formally starts on 1st August but the two companies have already completed two projects together.  Last week the Holland Jachtbouw Superyacht Athos had her rigged unstepped and inspected in a three day fast turnaround, after she had sustained damage.  She was fully operational again in time to participate in the Superyacht Cup in Cowes.  A second contract for a 24 metre luxury catamaran, part of the Sunreef Yachts fleet, was undertaken in Poland when the Marine Results/Pierrepont partnership carried out analysis on the resin infused carbon mast.

Marine Results already has a similar partnership with another specialist company, Wavelength NDT, which also provides ultrasonic inspection services and consultancy for non destructive testing of metallic and composite engineering structures.

“Pierrepont Analysis adds knowledge and manpower to the Marine Results team,” concludes Ed Danby.  “We are looking forward to a successful partnership.”

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