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Antigua Sailing Week 2012: Day 1 – King Viv to attend the imobile Dockyard Festival

April 29, 2012

Tonight´s imobile Dockyard Festival in Nelson´s Dockyard will be attended by the well known West Indian batsman, Sir Vivian Richards, also known as ´King Viv´, bringing sparks on the first day of Antigua Sailing Week 2012. The first day of competing saw strong wind as well as lumpy seas, providing fantastic start to this popular sailing regatta with more extraordinary action and drama.

imobile ambassador, the legendary Sir Vivian Richards helps make Antigua Sailing Week a memorable occasion for competitors at today's prizegiving Credit: Ted Martin/photofantasyantigua.com

imobile ambassador, the legendary Sir Vivian Richards helps make Antigua Sailing Week a memorable occasion for competitors at today's prizegiving Credit: Ted Martin/photofantasyantigua.com

Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana corrected out to win CSA 1A today but there was a dramatic rescue in CSA 1B. Stefan Lehnert was understandably concerned when his son, Phillip went over board from Tripp 56 yacht Passion 4C during a broach when approaching the Half Moon mark. The two Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night and Zig Zag yacht were the closest to the scene and Richard Matthews, steering Zig Zag was the first to spot the man in the water and perfected a recovery. Philip Lehnert was unharmed in the incident, however the quick action of Zig Zag in pulling him from the water and the willingness of other competitors to assist was commendable. Richard Matthews’ Zig Zag got their just rewards for their valour by winning today’s race after a decision by the Race Committee regarding duress.

CSA 2 produced probably the best skirmish of the day, Chris Brand’s Swan 53 sailing yacht Merel Four took line honours but Ross Applebey’s Oyster 48 yacht Scarlet Oyster corrected out to win the first battle of the series. However, the top six yachts were all very much in contention during today’s three-hour race. Ulrich Rohde’s Swan 53 yacht Dragon Fly Plus took the last podium position. However, Christian Reynolds’ Swan 51 Northern Child, Andy Middleton’s Global Yacht Racing and Gijs van Liebergen’s Swan 65 yacht King’s Legend were all very much in the running.

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night enjoys spectacular racing on day 1 of Antigua Sailing Week Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night enjoys spectacular racing on day 1 of Antigua Sailing Week Credit: Tim Wright/Photoaction.com

In CSA 3, today’s race was won by Richard Wesslund’s J/120 yacht El Ocaso by just six seconds on corrected time. Wesslund’s Florida based crew have been in fine form all season but the team may well have a battle royal on their hands this week. Mario Martinez skipper of Smile and Wave has brought a Brazilian team to race at Antigua Sailing Week.

“We all come from Sao Paulo and we had heard about how great Antigua Sailing Week is, so we decided to come. The sailing today was just fantastic! Back home we rarely get to race in more than 12 knots of wind so we do not have much experience in big conditions, so we feel a bit tired right now but one of the other reasons we have come to Antigua is that we have heard there is a great party atmosphere, so we are looking forward to tonight!”

Nick Burns’ First 40 sailing yacht Lancelot II made a great recovery after turning back to restart. Lancelot II was called OCS and it was at a big cost but the team from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club dug deep and managed to climb back through the fleet to finish in third place.

In CSA 4, Calvin Reed’s First 40.7 Elandra is defending their class win from last year and took the first race of the series. Sir Hugh Bailey’s First 456 Hugo B was just a minute ahead of archrival, Carlo Falcone steering Caccia alla Volpe.

Oyster 82 superyacht Zig Zag Credit: K. Johnson/kevinjohnsonphotography.com

Oyster 82 superyacht Zig Zag Credit: K. Johnson/kevinjohnsonphotography.com

In CSA 5, Geoffrey Pidduck’s Six Metre yacht Biwi Magic put in a polished performance today, winning the opening race of the regatta by a substantial margin. Tanner Jones’ J/30 Blue Peter corrected out to take second place with Rick Gormley’s First 38 yacht Elethea taking third. Biwi Magic’s owner-driver, Geoffrey Pidduck was born in Dominica 74 years ago but grew up in Antigua and is remarkably fit and agile for his age. Geoffrey spoke dockside outside the Antigua Yacht Club shortly after racing:

“I was a late starter to sailing, so I have only been coming to Antigua Sailing Week for about 40 years,” joked Geoffrey, dockside at Antigua Yacht Club. “Today was great fun, that’s what racing in Antigua is all about – good breeze and warm water. We got away well and seemed to leave the rest behind, which was very satisfying. I have invested in some new sails and I was delighted with our boat speed today. However, it was important to make the fewest mistakes today but we did have a bit too much sail up on the last beat and took in a bit of water but all in all a great day. Two of the crew have come all the way from Canada and I want to make sure they have a challenging week, so we can all better ourselves.”

In the Bareboat division, there are 35 teams racing at Antigua Sailing Week. Gold Sponsors Sunsail and other charter companies provide a user-friendly way of entering the regatta and with virtually identical boats in each division, racing is incredibly competitive. Stewart Reed’s Dilligaf placed third in Bareboat 2 today. Stewart is racing with a group of friends from the UK to celebrate his 50th birthday. It has been 25 years since Reed has come to Antigua Sailing Week and you can see an interview with Stewart and on board action in the Day One Video wrap up video on line.

The last paragraph of today’s report must mention the highly inventive and extremely successful race course for the multihull class. Peter Aschenbrenner’s 63′ trimaran yacht Paradox is lightening quick, so much so that the multihull is rated at twice the speed of the rest of the competition. So Paul Miller, Race Officer for the multihull division for the day, elected to send Paradox twice around the 14.5 mile course. The decision paid off as the Paradox crew had a real race on their hands and crossed the finish line less than a minute in front of Robbie Ferron’s Lagoon 410 Katzenellenbogen.

Tonight the imobile Dockyard Festival kicks off with a special appearance from the West Indian cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards. Nelson’s Dockyard will be buzzing with live music from the Harmonites Steel Orchestra and great local bands including Hygh Tempa, 1761°, Claudette Peters & the Taxik Band and if that isn’t enough, Mindful Movement will be bringing Zumba to Sailing Week!

Dramatic Yachting World Round Antigua Race 2012

April 28, 2012

The 2012 Yachting World Round Antigua Race, held on Saturday, April 28, was very dramatic from the very beginning, with strong winds creating waves of more than three metres, and at least two retirements due to gear failure.

Start of CSA3 in the Yachting World Round Antigua Trophy

Start of CSA3 in the Yachting World Round Antigua Trophy Credit: T. Wright/photoaction.com

Allyn Salomon’s Beneteau Oceanis 473 sailing yacht Hermosita suffered a damaged rudder and South African Jan Rupert entry, Tripp 75 Blackbird yacht was another casualty. The Mini Maxi suffered a ripped mainsail as the mighty yacht pounded through the surf. This was much to the frustration of the crew including David Glenn, Editor of Yachting World who had joined Blackbird for the day.

In CSA 3 two Antiguan yachts came to the fore. Stephen Carson’s Dehler 34 Hightide  was the eventual winner, but the smallest yacht in the entire fleet, Tanner Jones’ J/30 Blue Peter raced with great aplomb in difficult conditions to claim second. Rick Gormley’s First 38, Elethea was third.

In CSA 2 First 40, Smile and Wave, skippered by Mario Martinez won by less than two minutes on corrected time from Nick Burns’ First 40, Lancelot II. Matthew Shafer’s First 40.7 Cheeki Rafiki was third.

Tripp 56 sailing yacht Passion 4 C

Tripp 56 sailing yacht Passion 4 C - winner of the CSA Overall in the Yachting World Round Antigua Race Credit: P. Wyeth/pwpictures.com

The Yachting World Round Antigua Race was quite an experience for the crew of Smile and Wave, as Jaime Torres explains: “Mario Martinez is skipper for the week and our only real preparation for this race was to sail to the start line, but the team did exceptionally well. However, I didn’t take into account Sunken Rock off Indian Creek and as a result we hit. Nobody was hurt and we continued racing, but the error let Lancelot get away and we could only match them for speed downwind around the windward side. However, we played the shifts well on the beat to finish and managed to make a big gain. I have to say I am really looking forward to Sailing Week, I am sure we are going to have a great battle with Lancelot.”

In CSA 1, Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana got a great start and powered away upwind as a torrent of spray engulfed the magnificent ketch’s bow. Working the maneuvers on Sojana is a skillful and hugely energetic team effort, which is fraught with danger and later in the race that peril was to manifest itself in no uncertain terms.

Sojana had a cracking race and claimed the Yachting World Trophy for fastest monohull

Luxury charter yacht Sojana had a cracking race and claimed the Yachting World Trophy for fastest monohull Credit: T. Martin/photofantasyantigua.com

Sojana superyacht had a cracking race, touching close to 20 knots of boat speed down the windward side of Antigua. Crew work had to be slick, even on a long race, corners come up alarmingly fast and with pressure loads measured in tens of tons, even a small error can be a real problem. One hyper gust sent Sojana’s enormous spinnaker bellowing to leeward, the main sail boom perilously close to digging a sizeable whirlpool into the hissing blue water, the big ketch was pushing hard.

With just nine miles to go, the Farr 115 luxury yacht Sojana needed to average 10 knots to break the record when foredeck crew Maurice Belgrave fell off the bow to leeward. With Pol Ho-Jensen at the helm, Sojana pulled off a text book recovery. Without using the engine, Maurice was in the water for less than five minutes before the bow crew plucked him to safety, pulling Maurice out of the water and up a full three metres of freeboard. Apart from a small gash, he was unharmed in the incident, which is a credit to the entire crew of Sojana.

Farr 115 superyacht Sojana

Farr 115 superyacht Sojana retains the Yachting World Trophy for the fastest monohull around the course, completing the race in 4 hours 50mins 46 seconds. Credit: Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com

“Maurice usually dives the boat so it was no big surprise!” Joked Sojana’s skipper Marc Fitzgerald after the race. “To be fair, I don’t think we would have broken our record even if Maurice hadn’t gone for a swim. That time set in 2009 was a very good one and today, the square beat to finish meant a lot of tacking to stay out of the tide and I think that is where we fell behind, but we are delighted that Maurice is fine and it is great to start the week by winning the Yachting World Trophy.”

Despite Sojana’s excellent efforts, on corrected time the German Tripp 56 yacht Passion 4C steered by Admiral’s Cup winner, Stefan Lehnert corrected out to win CSA 1 by just over two minutes with Sojana second. Hector Velarde’s Peruvian NM92, Locura was third. Peter Aschenbrenner’s 63ft trimaran yacht Paradox blistered around the 55 mile course in 4hrs 15mins 39 seconds.

Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Paradox yacht takes line honours Credit: T. Martin/photofantasyantigua.com

Peter Aschenbrenner's 63ft Paradox yacht takes line honours Credit: T. Martin/photofantasyantigua.com

After the prizegiving for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race, the Antigua Sailing Week Welcome Party kicked off in Nelson’s Dockyard. Hon. John Maginley MP, Minister of Tourism joined the Antigua Sailing Week organisers in welcoming competitors to the 45th regatta. With the official English Harbour Rum caps being distributed and entertainment courtesy of the Vision Band and DJ Prebble, a fantastic night was is store of all. It is sure to be a great night in historic surroundings.

Tomorrow marks the start of Antigua Sailing Week with racing for all classes. The forecast conditions are for a full on foam up for the first day of the Caribbean‘s most famous regatta.

The world’s largest 89m mast of the 75.2m superyacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) removed

April 27, 2012

The 75.2m sailing yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) has been de-stepped in advance of her docking down in Pendennis Shipyard for her substantial 13 month refit, following her one-month stay in Falmouth. Situated at A & P Falmouth’s Queen’s Wharf, a perfect site for an operation of this scale, the 40-man mast lifting team was prepared at 4:45am Friday morning to detach the impressive 89m mast, finishing by mid afternoon.

Destepping of the world’s largest mast of the 75.2m sailing yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V)

Destepping of the world’s largest mast (89m)

Many statistics are quoted around the luxury yacht M5, the world’s largest sailing sloop, but these mainly involve the space onboard. The process of removing her rig in advance of her refit is impressive in its own right. The 45 tonnes mast required a total of four cranes to coordinate the lift, including use of one of the UK’s tallest cranes. It took 16 Lorries to deliver these massive pieces of equipment to Falmouth. The largest crane with a boom length of 104m (that’s twice the length of Nelson’s column) lifted the mast itself, with two further cranes supporting the forestays with an additional crane required for the tail of the mast. Local company Macsalvors provided two of these and further coordinated the hire of two specialist cranes from Ainscough.

The central tower of Truro Cathedral is shorter than the superyacht M5’s mast at only 76m (250feet) tall, so one can imagine the logistical issues of handling a mast of this size and weight. Pendennis has been working closely with Marine Results, who were responsible for the original mast and rig installation when the yacht was built in 2004. Ed Danby from Marine Results explained that teamwork has been essential throughout “We have used our prior experience of this enormous rig to work alongside Pendennis’ expert in-house project team, with the support of many local riggers, to carefully plan and execute the issues surrounding timing, tide, equipment, and weather impact on this complex procedure. Unstepping the rig is no small job. To give you an idea of the size of the job, when we remove the boom vang, this alone is 9.5m long, weighs 900 kg and is capable of pulling 112 tonnes.”

Ron Holland design megayacht M5 - Bow

Ron Holland design megayacht M5 - Bow

Although it was essential that less than 12knots of wind was present during the lift, in Cornwall and the sheltered bay of Falmouth, we are fortunate in that weather windows occur consistently with rotating settled patterns, unlike the Mediterranean yards which often face consistent spells of high breeze. Luckily the wind cooperated with very still conditions on the day enabling the team to execute the procedure seamlessly. This is testament to the expert knowledge of all companies involved and the world class facilities available in Falmouth to undertake a procedure of this type.

Stephen Hills, Director of Pendennis Plus, the arm of Pendennis responsible for 60m+ projects, commented: “We are fortunate in Falmouth to have a fantastic network of experts and facilities that are able to support an operation of this scale. We are extremely grateful for the facilities and support offered by A & P Falmouth whilst we prepared m5 to commence work at Pendennis. The team of local riggers that supported Marine Results thought the day demonstrated that the local skill set is as strong and professional as anywhere in the world. All companies involved, have worked professionally together to ensure that the detailed planning of the de-stepping of m5’s mast occurred without issue and on schedule. We now look forward to commencing the full refit following her docking down at Pendennis this weekend.”

Further Information

Technical Specifications of the luxury sailing yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V):

Built: VT Shipbuilding, England, 2004
Refit Yard: Pendennis
Length: 75.2 m (247 ft)
Beam: 14.82 m (48.6 ft)
Height: 88.5 m (290 ft)
Draught: 10m (33 ft)
Structure: GRP (Composite)
Displacement: 740 tonnes

Mast de-stepping Partners:
Pendennis
Marine Results
A&P Falmouth
Macsalvors
Ainscough

Project Partners
Refit Shipyard: Pendennis Plus
Project Manger: Tyrone Harvey
Naval Architect: Ron Holland
Interior Design: Redman Whiteley Dixon
Structural Fabrication: Green Marine/High Modulus
Owners Rep: Capt. Rocka Romke

Swan yachts attended the Mapfre PalmaVela yacht regatta

April 27, 2012

The winners of the 7th edition of the Mapfre PalmaVela yacht regatta were encouraged by four days of ideal sailing conditions. 115 yachts coming from countries such as Spain, Italy, Ireland, Russia, Virgin Islands, England and Sweden were hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Palma. With this event officially starts the Mediterranean sailing season.

Luxury sailing yacht SWAN 80

Luxury sailing yacht SWAN 80

The fourth and last day of the races of the 2012 Mapfre PalmaVela regatta started in tactically demanding conditions of 6 to 8 knots of Northeasterly wind and light overcast skies which prevented the breeze from pushing through until 14:00 hours, when a nice Southerly breeze stabilised in the bay of Palma.

The magnificent Maxi fleet had its coastal race on the last day which was shortened from 24 down to 12 miles due to the shifty and light winds which prevailed in the morning. Johan Killinger’s owned and helmed Emma finished third thus claiming the same position in the overall classification.

The Swan 60 team aboard the newly launched sailing yacht Bronenosec, sponsored by Gazprom finished their first international regatta in 7th place within the Maxi class. With a combined style of racing required for their first regatta requiring both tight inshore racing and longer distance coastal racing within a range of wind conditions, the event has proven to be an ideal season opener for the team.

A steep learning curve for all of the crew working from testing breezy conditions at the beginning of the week to lighter shiftier conditions over the last 2 days of racing, Mapfre PalmaVela has been an excellent test bed for the Yacht Club of St. Petersburg’s competitive campaign.

The prize-giving ceremony took place at the facilities of the RCNP, which has once more been able to gather some of the best sailors and yachts in the world.

3rd – Emma, Swan 60, Dr. Johann Killinger
7th – Bronenosec, Swan 60, Alpenberg S.A
9th – Alpina, Swan 80, Alpina by Finimmo

McConaghy Boats receive the “Most Innovative Company Award”

April 27, 2012

McConaghy Boats have received the title of “Most Innovative Company” last week at the China (Shanghai) Boat Show. McConaghy Boats have been awarded by a panel of judges drawn from local as well as international Media and Marine Industry Professionals for the third time.

McConaghy built luxury trimaran yacht Adastra

McConaghy built luxury trimaran yacht Adastra

The “Most Innovative Company Award” acknowledged McConaghy’s diverse range of boats and components being built at their China Factory. In the last 12 months over 260 yachts have been launched, including Ker 40s, MC38s, Mach 2 Moths, Elliot 6s, Carkeek 40s and not to forget the 140ft trimaran yacht Adastra that was launched at the beginning of April.

In 2010 McConaghy Boats was also recognised as the “Most Innovative Company” following the outstanding performance of the Mach 2 Moth and in 2011 the Ker 40 by McConaghy Boats received the prestigious award “Best Boat under 45 Feet”.

Managing Director Mark Evans commented on the news: “we are delighted with what we have achieved this year and it is an honour to be recognised for the third year in a row. It is a real testament to the high standards that we maintain in all levels of construction here at McConaghy Boats.”

The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show´s Opening Ceremony

April 27, 2012

The 2nd annual Singapore Yacht Show officially started today, with some of the world’s most famous yacht shipyards, exhibiting their best luxury superyachts at ONE°15 Marina, Sentosa Cove. Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, officially started the three-day show with the opening ceremony. Demonstrating important signs of growth, this popular exhibition runs from April 27th-29th, with an amazing line-up of superyachts on display, along with a collection of other smaller luxury yachts, boats as well as tenders.

Singapore Yacht Show 2012 Opening Ceremony - Ribbon Cutting

Singapore Yacht Show 2012 Opening Ceremony - Ribbon Cutting

“Singapore has a burgeoning superyacht industry. We are opening new marinas capable of berthing superyachts. We are also welcoming more yacht charters and agents, while marine engineering companies and shipyards are converting their services for white boat repair,” said Mr Teo. “The four local world-class marinas hosting superyachts – Raffles Marina, Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, Marine@Keppel Bay and ONE°15 Marina Club – have seen an increase in the number of superyachts berthed in Singapore and are looking at expanding to meet the growing demand.”

The Singapore Yacht Show 2012 features some of the world’s largest and most luxurious power and sailing superyachts. Some of the highlights include Feadship’s brand new 45m motor yacht Helix, that is making her debut in Southeast Asia; the 45m luxury yacht Vantage from Palmer Johnson, and Sanlorenzo’s stunning 35.5m superyacht Onyx.

The Westport 130 megayacht Sea Bear, formerly owned by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, is also on display and is now available for Singapore charter. The 40 metre superyacht is managed by Aqua Voyage, the nautical arm of KOP Hotels & Resorts, and forms part of its fleet of luxury yachts. Other debuts also include catamaran yacht Phatsara and Singapore-built 39m superyacht Megaway 128 both presented by Northrop & Johnson; a Cranchi 64 presented by Hong Seh Marine; and celebrating Year of the Dragon is the Torpedo, by J-Craft.

SYS 2012 - Group Photo

SYS 2012 - Group Photo: (L to R) Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show, Mr Teo Ser Luck, Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Arthur Tay, CEO of SUTL Group and One Degree 15 Marina and Mike Barclay Chief Executive Officer, Sentosa Development Corporation

“The presence of some of the biggest names in the global yachting industry is testament not only to Singapore’s, but also to Asia’s growing economic clout,” said Andy Treadwell, Managing Director of the Singapore Yacht Show. “As the ranks of billionaires and multi-millionaires in the region continue to embrace the yachting lifestyle, we want them to savour the best that the industry has to offer and we are confident the show will grow from strength to strength in the next few years.”

The show is rapidly gaining momentum as the foremost yachting industry showcase in the Asia Pacific region. Following the success of the preview edition last year, the show has more than doubled in size in every aspect, from the number of on-water yachts and dock-side exhibitors as well as luxury lifestyle partners. This year’s edition features a first class line-up of the world’s most influential yachting brands, which include Feadship, Sanlorenzo, Palmer Johnson, Westport, Heesen, Azimut, Princess, Cranchi, SportRiva, Mangusta and J–Craft, among many others.

There is also strong participation from leading yacht brokers such as Burgess, Ocean Independence, Simpson Marine and Northrop & Johnson. Other top exhibitors in the Dockside Village include Sevenstar, Gulf Craft, KOP Group, and Luxury Yachts.

A parade of supercars shares the spotlight with the stunning superyachts at this year’s event, courtesy of Eurosports Automobile Munich Automobiles with BMW M Owners Club and Lamborghini Club organising convoys to the yacht show.

Yachting World Round Antigua Race to kick off on Saturday 28 April

April 27, 2012

Besides some realy awesome sailing conditions, crew of the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will experience some magnificent views of Antigua‘s fascinating coastline, with more than 20 knots of warm trade winds forecast for this Saturday’s competing. 43 yachts will battle with the 55 nautical mile course and crews from more than 20 different countries are ready for the Caribbean thrill of a lifetime.

The Devil's Bridge, just one of the stunning vistas for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race Credit: Louay Habib/Antigua Sailing Week

The Devil's Bridge, just one of the stunning vistas for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race Credit: Louay Habib/Antigua Sailing Week

Peter Aschenbrenner’s 63-foot trimaran yacht Paradox, completed the circumnavigation in less than four hours back in January. Since then the ballistic multihull has been ripping it up at several Caribbean sailing events and the crew and yacht are fully tuned up for the Yachting World Round Antigua Race. Paradox will have America’s Cup and round the world legend Cam Lewis on board for Antigua Sailing Week and Paradox is odds-on to take line honours in the Yachting World Round Antigua Race.

“Given the current forecast, I think that Paradox is capable of going around Antigua in three hours, it is achievable but heavily dependent on sea state,” commented Cam Lewis. “The reach around the windward side will be a blast; Paradox just loves trade wind conditions and should be able to really get up and go. Most of the course is off the wind but the last few miles should be upwind, which will also be a factor in the elapsed time.”

Peter Harrison’s Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana will be hoping to secure line honours for the monohulls and also has the potential to set a new record. Sojana completed the race in 4 hours, 37 minutes and 43 seconds in 2009 at an average speed of just over 12 knots. Since then Sojana has been modified with a retractable bowsprit flying an enormous 800 square metre spinnaker with 25% more sail area than before.

“Given the current weather forecast, Sojana is capable of surfing at up to 20 knots on the windward side of Antigua – that’s a lot of inertia for a yacht of well over 100 tons,” explained Skipper Marc Fitzgerald. “On board we have an international crew from Denmark, Antigua, France, Great Britain and New Zealand including: Poul Hoj-Jensen, Karl James, Mo Gray, Luc Poupon, Jonny Malbon, Ian Budgen and Fraser Campbell. Our primary goal is to take line honours but given the forecast we could well break our own record for the course.”

Farr 115 superyacht Sojana may well be in the reckoning for the overall win on corrected time, however several other yachts may well be in the running including: German skipper Stefan Lehnert helming his Tripp 53, Passion 4C and American Jan Rupert, skipper of Tripp 75 yacht Blackbird.

The first warning signal to start the Yachting World Round Antigua Race will fire at 0800 local time on Saturday 28 April.

Horizon EP148 motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS successfully launched

April 27, 2012

The renowned Taiwan-based builder, Horizon Yachts, is proud to announce that they have recently launched and successfully sea tried the new EP148 motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS. Designed by the collaborative efforts of the Horizon R&D team, USA designer J.C. Espinosa, as well as interior design consultant Birgit Schnaase of Germany, the HORIZON POLARIS is the largest flagship constructed by Horizon and Asia´s largest BV Ice classed private yacht.

Horizon EP148 luxury motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS

Horizon EP148 luxury motor yacht HORIZON POLARIS

Measuring 148 feet in length, the luxury yacht HORIZON POLARIS is built for any cruising destination with a steel hull, aluminum superstructure and bulbous bow.

“The EP148 HORIZON POLARIS is a superyacht milestone for Horizon and one that we are extremely proud of,” said Horizon CEO John Lu.  “She is a no-compromise, ocean-going expedition yacht that embodies Horizon’s growth and success over the last 25 years.”

Long-range luxury and style is the focus of the EP148, which features a 29’ beam that allows for a spacious, ingeniously designed layout on all four levels.

EP148 superyacht HORIZON POLARIS offers comfortable accommodations with five en-suite staterooms, captain’s quarters and office in the pilothouse and large crew quarters for 8 on the lower deck.

The on-deck master stateroom utilizes the full-beam space in a functional, well-appointed layout that includes a king bed; walk-in wardrobe; owner’s pantry, sizable master bath and ample room left to spare.

Below deck, four mirrored guest staterooms – port and starboard VIP staterooms aft and port and starboard twin guest staterooms mid-ship – offer substantial and elegant living spaces that will draw no complaints from guests.

Horizon´s megayacht HORIZON POLARIS provides numerous areas for entertaining and relaxing, both inside and out – the open flybridge is an ideal spot for lounging on the sun pads, warming up in the hot tub or enjoying cocktails around the full bar, while the skylounge offers a place to unwind with the gym and a spa room, which includes a sauna and shower. When watersports are on the agenda, the tender garage and bow deck davit are available for worry-free retrieval of water toys.

Powered with twin MTU 12V4000 M60 1760HP engines, the new EP148 yacht HORIZON POLARIS reaches a top speed of 16 knots and has a range of over 4,200 nautical miles at 9.5 knots.

HORIZON POLARIS is currently preparing for a cruise through the rough seas around Taiwan in early June, and will be unveiled for the first time at the Horizon Yachts Open House on June 28th in Taiwan. Afterwards, she will showcase in Monaco Yacht Show in September and display in the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October 2012.

Your Western Mediterranean ‘Dream Come True’ Aboard Charter Yacht FOUR ACES

April 26, 2012

Cruising aboard the exceptional 55.78-metre (183′) luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES will leave you breathless and wanting to come back for more. This elegant and striking vessel featuring naval architecture by Stefano Natucci with beautiful interior design by Francois Zuretti is amongst the best superyachts to rent for an unforgettable Mediterranean charter vacation.  FOUR ACES is currently available for a rate of €240,000.00 per week plus expenses, around the popular and enchanting Western Mediterranean destinations, including Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, South of France and Corsica.

Luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Luxury charter yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

With a great volume and a large beam, the motor yacht Four Aces provides excellent spacious outdoor dining areas and superb sun-deck with sunbathing and a popular Jacuzzi. She was refitted and renewed in 2008 and features a stylish interior design with quality wooden trim, large aft swimming deck, zero speed stabilisers as well as a gymnasium.

Mediterranean charter yacht FOUR ACES

Mediterranean charter yacht FOUR ACES

Benetti Mega Yacht FOUR ACES accommodates her 12 charter guests in five double cabins and one twin cabin. The Master suite is full width with great views, featuring a sitting room. Well positioned forward on the main deck, it boasts a king-sized bed with a 2-person settee to starboard and a vanity to port, as well as large closets either side of the king bed.

Luxury superyacht FOUR ACES

Luxury superyacht FOUR ACES

There are 5 additional guest cabins aboard Four Aces, including a very spacious VIP cabin with a large en-suite bathroom, found on the wheelhouse deck to starboard. Lower deck accommodates 4 additional cabins, including 1 twin and 3 king staterooms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

Motor Yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Motor Yacht FOUR ACES - Benetti Yachts

Yacht tenders and toys belonging to Four Aces superyacht are a 33′ Intrepid year 2000, 2×250 Yamaha outboards, 15′ Novurania w/1 x 90hp Yamaha outboard, 2 x Yamaha waverunners, 2x Windsurfers, 3x Kayaks 2 peddle type and 1 x 2 man paddle type. 2 wakeboards, 2 sets of skis, snorkel gear, towable banana and tubes, 2 long paddle boards. Fun is certainly guaranteed aboard the Benetti mega yacht Four Aces!

FOUR ACES Yacht by Benetti - Gymnasium

FOUR ACES Yacht by Benetti - Gymnasium

Western Mediterranean Yacht Charter Holidays

Western Mediterranean is known as the most visited charter destination around the world. And not surprisingly! Oozing with history, beautiful beaches, glamourous rivieras and enchanting small towns,  Italy, France and Spain boast everything one should expect from a perfect summer vacation aboard a luxury superyacht.

Antibes - France

Antibes - France

Crewed sailing yachts, motor yachts, luxury mega yachts as well as beautiful catamarans, the choices are endless! We can organise a number of magnificent itineraries along the Italian coast, including such unique and sought after charter destinations as Genoa, through to Cinque Terre and Tuscany, following down to Naples and the Amalfi coast, Reggio Calabria and Tropea, as well as the spectacular islands of Sardinia or Sicily.

Some of the most glamourous and most popular charter destination for those with an intention to visit the French Riviera, include Monaco, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Tropez, Iles d’Hyeres and Corsica. Spanish Balearic Islands offer the historically rich Mallorca and Palma de Mallorca. Some of the favourite yacht charter location from mainland Spain include Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Southern Italy - Calabria - Tropea

Southern Italy - Calabria - Tropea

Whether you choose to sail along the Mediterranean coastlines or charter a magnificent motor yacht, our team will be able to provide you with the most suitable yacht charter itinerary depending on your desires and needs. Please, do not hesitate to contact our friendly consultants today.

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yacht Show 2012

April 26, 2012

The prestigious Dutch superyacht builder Heesen Yachts is pleased to announce that they will be present at the Singapore Yacht Show, running from April 27 to 29, 2012.

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yachts Show 2012 Photo by Dick Holthuis

Heesen Yachts to attend the Singapore Yachts Show 2012 Photo by Dick Holthuis

“Asia is a growing market for the superyacht industry. The fact that an increasing number of superyachts (including our 37m semi-displacement yacht Perle Noire) are making their appearance in the region is a sign of interest in this yachting destination” says Mark Cavendish, Sales Director at Heesen Yachts.

In order to strengthen its brand recognition in this market, Heesen recently exhibited for the second time at the Hainan Rendezvous and for the third time at the Shanghai International Boat Show. Heesen’s presence in Greater China is ensured by its Chinese representative based in Shanghai.

The attendance at the second edition of the Singapore Yacht Show is a new addition to the company marketing strategy to enhance the brand presence in South Asia. In this region the Dutch shipyard is working closely with Oh Kean Shen, Heesen authorized agent for South East Asia.

The Singapore show is quickly becoming one of the premiere yacht and luxury shows in the region by doubling in size this year and showcasing the most prestigious yacht builders. As the number of wealthy individuals grows so does the number of them embracing the luxury yachting lifestyle. In order to fulfill the needs of this growing community, Heesen Yachts is proud to offer its innovative, custom-built superyachts, which are all hand-crafted in Europe.

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