Uncategorized Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Mondo Marine appoints Roberto Zambrini as its Chief Executive Officer

January 30, 2012

An extraordinary meeting of Mondo Marine shareholders has ratified the nomination of Roberto Zambrini, 54, as Chief Executive Officer of Mondo Marine SpA and Mondo Marine Engineering Srl.

Mondo Marine's new CEO - Roberto Zambrini

Mondo Marine's new CEO - Roberto Zambrini

Marco Stroppiana will retain the position of Chairman of Mondo Marine SpA.

Roberto Zambrini – Profile

After a degree in Economics, he attained a Masters degree in Business Administration at Bocconi University in Milan in 1984.

In 1985 he started working in Saim SpA. He left the company in 2004 after reaching the position of Vice President and Managing Director. In 2005 he entered the marine sector as Managing Director of Sanlorenzo SpA. In 2008, he became Managing Director of Cantieri di Pisa.

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

October 11, 2011

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is deeply saddened to announce the passing of President and Publisher Nancy Michelman, who died on Friday after a year-long battle with cancer. A selfless leader with an infectious laugh and the gift of inspiring others to get together and do their best, Nancy’s courageous fight was marked by her optimism and energy.

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

BoatUS mourns President Nancy Michelman

Michelman was a self-described “Jersey Girl” who began sailing at summer camp in Maine as a child, and grew up with a love of boating. In 1989, as a rising star with the American Automobile Association (AAA), BoatUS Founder Richard Schwartz was impressed with her energy and intelligence. He hired her immediately to run the BoatUS membership department, manage partner relationships and grow benefits and services.

Over her tenure BoatUS membership grew from 350,000 to a record-high 650,000 members. In addition to the President’s role, Nancy became Publisher of the association’s flagship publication, BoatUS Magazine, in 2008, making it more dynamic, personal, and aspirational, believing that a strong publication would keep members informed and excited about their boating, fishing, and sailing lifestyles.

“Nancy was from a cadre of professionals who built BoatUS into the organization we are so proud of today,” said BoatUS Chairman and Founder Richard Schwartz. “With her it was always about generosity, passion, engagement, and loyalty – and having the most fun while you are at it. She encouraged our staff to work on common goals, and never forgot that helping members was our number-one responsibility.”

Michelman’s relationship with members was personal. She often picked up the phone to hear a member’s point of view. This personal touch was genuine, even sharing the story of her illness in one of her editorials in BoatUS Magazine, inspiring members to live their lives and passions to the fullest. For months afterward, members shared their own stories and words of encouragement.

“As she did with colleagues, Nancy made every member feel part of something extraordinary, as though they were very special to her personally, because they were,” added BoatUS CEO Bill Oakerson. “As stellar as Nancy’s leadership and business results were, her greatest gift is that she opened her heart to others, and taught us through her own optimism that joy can be found all around us – in our work, friendships, and aboard our boats. Part of her enduring legacy and vision is that she put a top management team in place – in Government Affairs, in our Membership Division, and in our publications – that carries on her good work, her dedication to the needs of boaters, and her standard of excellence.”

Imtech acquires ETNA and opens 5 offices in France, Morocco and Spain

October 11, 2011

Imtech, a technical services provider in Europe and on the global marine market, is expanding its marine services network with five new offices in France, Morocco and Spain. This concerns offices in Le Havre, Saint-Nazaire and Marseille in France and Tangier in Morocco following the acquisition of the French marine services provider ETNA, Etudes Techniques et Nouvelles Applications SA.

With its 15 employees, ETNA realises revenue of around 2.5 million euro annually. The acquisition will be paid in cash and will directly contribute to the earnings per share. In addition, Imtech has opened a new marine services office in Algeciras in Spain.

René van der Bruggen, CEO Imtech: ‘We have a strong position in the global marine market, are active in more than 20 countries and have, as sole marine technical services provider, more than 70 offices along all the important shipping routes. In our strategic growth plan 2015 we’re committed to strengthening considerably our marine activities to a revenue level of approximately 1 billion euro (2010: more than 500 million euro), both organic as well as through acquisitions. One of the growth areas is the international expansion of the number of marine services offices. In France, Imtech already has a service office in Antibes, mainly for luxury mega yachts. With the acquisition of ETNA, three French offices and one Moroccan office are being added to our marine services network. At the same time, we are opening our own service office in Spain. This will enable us to serve our marine customers in Southern Europe and North Africa considerably better, which will lead to further growth.’

Profile ETNA

ETNA is a small but strong player in the French marine market. The company has already been operating for many years with increasing success as marine services specialist for technical maintenance and management on the dozens of ships that visit the French ports of Le Havre, Saint-Nazaire and Marseille. The close relationship between France and Morocco led to a Moroccan office also being opened a number of years ago. In addition, ETNA is structurally active on a project basis in Tunisia and occasionally in other countries in North Africa. ETNA provides a wide range of electrical solutions on also almost all types of ships. A substantial part of its revenue is based on long-term cooperation agreements with customers.

Cooperation leads to growth

Via internal cooperation ETNA will very soon have access to Imtech Marine’s complete services package, enabling it to become active over a broader technical services area. This will lead to further growth. Furthermore, ETNA, under the strong financial wings of Imtech, will become a more powerful business partner, which will also lead to further growth.

Excellent track record at the new service offices

Imtech’s past record shows that it is exceptionally able to bring rapid growth to its marine services offices, whether newly-opened or obtained through acquisitions. A combination of local specialists and exceptionally well-educated service technicians work together to service existing, mostly internationally-operating, Imtech customers on the basis of ongoing service contracts. On this basis, Imtech works on more than 5,000 ships. With its distinguished service portfolio, Imtech is also able to act quickly to find new local customers and expand the services to these step by step. The combination of knowledge and technical competences, as well as Imtech’s state of the art marine services portfolio makes further growth possible. In this way, in areas such as China, around the Panama Canal and in the Caribbean area, Imtech has brought marine services offices, either opened or obtained through acquisitions, to rapid growth.

Further internationalisation

Within the framework of its growth strategy, Imtech Marine is further internationalising its activities, with success. In China the volume of activities in recent years has grown substantially. There are more than 400 employees here now. In 2010 Imtech acquired the strong Turkish marine technical services provider Elkon, which has given Imtech a basic position in this marine growth market. Very recently, the Canadian marine technical services provider Groupe Techsol was acquired, with which Imtech obtained a high-tech production site for the marine market in Canada and North America. Further internationalisation is foreseen.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project – 360° of Innovation

September 26, 2011

The new Ferretti 690 motor yacht project is the newest motor yacht to come from Ferretti Yachts, one of the icons of Made in Italy luxury products worldwide and historic brand of the Ferretti Group. The Ferretti 690 project is yet another outstanding result of the working relationship between Studio Zuccon International Project, AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, the Group’s naval research and design centre of the Group, and the team of skilled architects and designers at Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, who continuously research aesthetic, functional and innovative solutions for luxury motor yachts.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project - 360° of Innovation - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project - 360° of Innovation - Credit Ferretti Yachts

The Ferretti 690 motor yacht will be presented during Spring 2012. The yacht is a further step forward of the Ferretti Yachts fleet, characterized by the new design of outer lines, which are now sportier, with a sleeker and more dynamic profile. The wider glazing of the Ferretti 690 makes exteriors lighter and provides an amazing quantity of natural light to interior spaces.

Studio Zuccon International Project has designed the superstructure and the interiors of the Ferretti 690 model, featuring an extremely catching yacht, a continuous glazing from stern to bow, with increased height in the central part, reaching the gunwale. Large windows lighting up the VIP fore cabin and the guest cabins have been added to the large open view glazing in the central part of the hull, where the Owner cabin is located. The sleek outer lines have been further enhanced by the flybridge, which features an elongated tail with the new small roll bar and the SAT domes recessed lodging, that accommodates the base of the SAT antennas, providing to minimize the aestethic effect of the domes on the profile.

“The Ferretti 690 is the most innovative project under 70 feet ever designed by Ferretti Yachts. This is another step forward in the renewal process of our range” – declared Alessandro Tirelli, Ferretti Yachts Brand Manager. “Ferretti 690 gets to the market as a sporty yacht, though being characterized by a deep family feeling, in line with the most recent models of the brand, which match the classic-contemporary style of Ferretti Yachts with the modern flair of interiors, featuring highly functional spaces, and an impressive external look. Ferretti 690 proudly follows in the way of 660, the evolution of Ferretti 631. These models are the symbols of Ferretti Yachts successful range of small crafts. We decided to renew the outer look of the craft and further improve the typical internal layout with an aft galley on the main deck and a full beam owner cabin underdeck, with two available interior layouts, with three or four cabins.

This choice will allow us to better match the demands of the Owners, who can now choose either the catchy three double cabin version, with large private heads, or the four cabin version, designed to cope with the needs of those customers who will appreciate the functionality of four comfortable cabins in a craft under 70 feet”.

The interiors of the Ferretti 690 Project which are approximately 21 metres long and 5.5 metres wide  are spacious and wisely organized, in order to exploit living areas at their best in both layouts. Volumes are notably enlarged by the natural light coming in from the wide windows. The interiors are furnished with a warm grey oak, which can be matched, upon request, with the parquet floor on the main deck and underdeck (carpet floor is available as standard).

The cockpit features interesting innovations, some of which had already been adopted by the latest models of the brand. As in the case of the 620, the Ferretti 690 tender davit is not integrated in the gangway. It has been lodged in a dedicated housing, behind a spacious aft bench. This relevant upgrade optimizes the use of spaces, just like the shifting of the retractable passage gangway to the left. These changes allowed adding a large teak eight/ten-seat table. The gangway itself is a further innovation, even compared to the 620. The new retractable version makes the exterior profile of the yacht far more elegant.

Ferretti 620 motor yacht

Ferretti 620 motor yacht

Ferretti 620 motor yacht aft

Ferretti 620 motor yacht aft

The Ferretti 690 yacht features another absolute innovation at the stern, which will meet the taste of those owners looking for functionality matched with more “entertaining” aspects of the life on board. It is a tilting support in the swim platform, which can be lowered to create a surface below the water. This solution will allow “standing” on the water or comfortably seating in the middle of the sea. Launching the tender will also be easier by lowering the platform. This solution also allows lodging a larger tender on board.

A sliding glass door allows entering the saloon directly from the cockpit, leaving space to the left to a comfortable bar unit, which can be equipped with an icemaker, just close to the galley, which can be accessed through a tilting hatch. This solution, which characterises Ferretti Yachts crafts under 70 feet and which has already been used in the opposite position on the Ferretti 620, makes life on board more comfortable and convivial. The crew area can be accessed from the right hand side of the cockpit, with a bunk bed cabin and a private head.

The main deck, which is almost identical in the two layouts, with the exception of the access stairway to the lower deck, features a rational distribution of spaces. The galley is located portside, just after the entrance. Its elegant lines make it incredibly wider compared to the previous Ferretti 660. A vertically sliding glass partition allows separating this area from the rest of the saloon or leaving it open, turning the main deck into a large open space. In front of the galley there is a functional cabinet, reaching the height of the sofa, which can be equipped with an optional bottle fridge.

The dining area and the sofa are located in the central part of the deck, enjoying wider spaces and featuring the utmost comfort for the guests. The sofas and the tea table are located starboard, in front of the glass table, which can host up to six/eight people. The TV set has a highly functional position, on the oblique wall of the galley, thus being perfectly visible from both the dining table and the sofa.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project interior - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht project interior - Credit Ferretti Yachts

The helm station is located to the right hand side, with a direct access to the outdoor areas through a door along the starboard passage. This solution is usually featured by larger vessels. The shift of the helm station to the right, compared to the previous model, has been studied to increase the flexibility of the fore portside area, where, according to the layout chosen by the Owner, the stairs leading under deck can be located against the wall – in the three cabin model – or in a more central position – in the four cabin one – leaving space for a deck to the left.

The layout of the lower deck confirms the versatility of the Ferretti 690 Project. The two options did not change the layout of the Owner and of the VIP cabins, since they are based on a different position of the stairs leading underdeck and on a different design of the lobby, of the guest cabins, and of the heads amidships. Each cabin is equipped with wide windows with porthole, to light up the room. The interior fitting is the result of a painstaking design, leather is the protagonist of all cabin furnishings. This material has been chosen for furniture tops and doors. The heads feature identical solutions, like the suspended washbasins and the accessories by Capannoli.

The full-beam owner cabin is located amidships and is now even more functional and spacious, thanks to extensive changes in the furniture arrangement and the layout. The open view windows located on both sides feature opening portholes ensuring better air circulation and an incredible brightness. The decision to place the bathroom – with separate shower – and the large walk-in wardrobe towards the stern, behind the bed, increases the Owners’ privacy and the distance between this cabin and the engine room, which are now separated by the cabin’s head, the sailor’s cabin and the tank, a solution which also results in improved noiselessness. The cabin’s furniture is completed by a chest of drawers and a vanity unit on one side and a sofa with cabinets on the other.

Ferretti 690 motor yacht Cabin - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Ferretti 690 motor yacht Cabin - Credit Ferretti Yachts

Moving forward, the VIP cabin is located at the extreme bow and benefits from two large side windows with portholes. In the three-cabin layout, the VIP cabin also features a bathroom with separate shower. The same solution, in this version, can be found in the guest cabin – with double bed convertible into two twin beds – which is lit by a window with two portholes. The three-cabin version features a spacious lobby with glazing and two portholes on the port side, while in the four-cabin version a central corridor with two steps leads to the aft Owner cabin and two side doors give access to the large twin guest cabins.

The flybridge of the Ferretti 690 project has been extensively renewed and bears witness to Ferretti’s great care for indoor and outdoor layout optimisation. Only the bar unit located near the access staircase has been maintained from previous models; everything else has been entirely redesigned so as to ensure all guests the utmost comfort. On the right hand side, behind the second helm station, stands a large C-shaped sofa with a tea table. The seat exploits all the space available up to the stern and allows to place a co-pilot sofa at the bow, on the left, and a really spacious sun pad beyond the helm station. This solution was achieved also by eliminating the stairs leading from the saloon to the flybridge, which are very rarely used on crafts of this size, and by adding a functional hatch. An additional large sunbathing area is located at the extreme bow.

Last-generation engines have been selected for this new project. The Ferretti 690 will be equipped with two MAN 8V, 1000 mph in the standard version, 1200 mph as an option. When fitted with the standard engines, this yacht will reach a maximum speed of 28.5 knots (with a range of 285 nautical miles) and a cruising speed of 25 knot (in this case the range increases to 300 nautical miles). When the optional engines are installed, the maximum speed will be 31.5 knots (with a range of 250 nautical miles), the cruising speed 27 knots (range – 285 nautical miles) (preliminary data). The new set of more compact engines will also allow to save space in the engine room, where a second optional genset can therefore be installed, making the Ferretti 690 yacht’s technical features comparable to those found on much larger yachts.

America’s Cup World Series to be held in Venice, Italy

September 05, 2011

As the America’s Cup teams enter their final week of training before the America’s Cup World Series Plymouth event begins September 10, event organizers unveiled another stop on the global circuit. Venice, Italy and its famed waterways will play host the AC45 wing-sailed catamarans twice, with AC World Series stops May 12-20, 2012, and dates to be determined in April 2013.

Venice 2012 - America's Cup World Series

Venice 2012 - America's Cup World Series


Giorgio Orsoni, Mayor of Venice: “We are pleased to announce that Venice is preparing to host the America’s Cup World Series – a spectacular event of extraordinary charm that places the city at the highest level of international sport activities. Venice is a cradle of sailing, it is inseparable from the sea that has guided this city though the history and to the successes it has achieved by today. The America’s Cup, with its high-tech machines sailing in the historical eviroment of the art city, will present an extraordinary opportunity for Venice to reinforce its vocation and to shine, once again, on the international sport’s arena”.

The symbolic two-wing lion is proudly spreading its wings over the lagoon, the islands and mainland of Venice.

In 2012, the real action will heat up May 17-20, as teams compete for top honors in both match and fleeting racing championships as well as the overall winner-take-all title. Similar to other AC World Series venues, Venice offers both great sailing conditions and proximity to the racing, allowing spectators to see the world’s top sailors compete just off the shore.

Planning is underway for the racing area, and will include spectator access along numerous points on the waterfront, including the team bases in the Venetian Arsenal. Dating back to the 1100s, Arsenale di Venezia was originally a shipyard and naval depot, providing a uniquely historic home base for the world’s top sailors throughout the event.

Richard Worth, Chairman, America’s Cup Event Authority: “We are excited to bring the AC World Series to Venice, the home of thousands of sailing enthusiasts in a country of millions. The city’s dramatic and historic setting will be a spectacular juxtaposition to the high-octane AC45s, which will allow spectators within mere metres of the boats. And we know that Venice will provide a world-class experience for those watching from shore.”

One of the most desirable travel destinations in the world, Venice will provide a beautiful backdrop to the new generation America’s Cup boats that will grace its waters. A city steeped in a rich musical and artistic culture heritage, Venice will also be a perfect setting for the America’s Cup fan experience which features top local and international acts throughout the duration of the event.

The AC World Series features tight, short racecourses designed to deliver close racing for the fans on shore as well as the online and TV audiences. The innovative regatta format includes a mix of speed trials, head-to-head match racing, and all-out fleet racing with identical AC45s on the line. These events provide the fans the only opportunity to see all of the America’s Cup competitors racing together.

The forerunner to the next generation of America’s Cup boats, the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran is the official boat of the AC World Series. While capable of closing speeds over 35 mph, the AC45 remains nimble enough to handle the tight, tactical race courses planned by America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM).

The 2011-2012 AC World Series kicked off in Cascais, Portugal this past August and is traveling to Plymouth, UK September 10-18. The circuit will complete its 2011 stops in San Diego, California November 12-20.

Camper & Nicholsons Marine to develop the marina sector in China and Asia with First Eastern

August 16, 2011

Camper & Nicholsons Marinas (C&N) has reached an agreement with First Eastern Investment Group (First Eastern), a pioneer of direct investments in China, that sees the formation of a Joint Venture to develop the marina sector in China and Asia. First Eastern will also be investing £4.2 million in C&N through the purchase of new shares.

Tianjin yacht club - artist's impression

Tianjin yacht club - artist's impression

C&N has recently designed four marinas in China, and is working on several other projects which include long term management agreements, in what has become the world’s largest growth market for marina development and operation.

This continues the successful expansion of C&N Marinas’ business worldwide, following their recent appointment to manage Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, home of the Abu Dhabi Formula 1™ Grand Prix, and the announcement of a partnership with BR Marinas – Brazil’s leading marina operator – to develop new marinas in Brazil. C&N already operates its own marinas in Malta, Turkey and Grenada.

The Joint Venture will be called Camper & Nicholsons First Eastern, and it will shortly open its Hong Kong office with Mandarin-speaking staff, to give China-based clients a high level of service. Representative offices will also be established through First Eastern’s network, in Beijing and Shanghai.

First Eastern has a wide network of connections and more than 20 years of experience in China, having invested in over 100 projects to date. Together, the two companies aim to give clients owning or developing marinas in China and Asia the best combination of sector and country expertise.

To facilitate this development C&N has appointed James Beaver as its Chief Operating Officer. Nick Maris, CEO of C&N Marinas, will also be CEO of the Joint Venture, which will be chaired by Victor Chu, Chairman of First Eastern.

This is an important step forward in realizing C&N’s objective of becoming the premium global marina network for the benefit of its customers, clients, partners and shareholders.

Victor Chu, Chairman of First Eastern, commented: “We are delighted to launch our Joint Venture with Camper & Nicholsons in China. C&N is the leader in premium marinas and related real estate around the globe. There is huge demand in China for their outstanding expertise and quality, and we are delighted to be their partners to tap into this fast growing market.

Nick Maris CEO of C&N said, “Our objective is to give yachtsmen, wherever they are in the world, the same high standards of service, with a local flavour, that they have come to expect from Camper & Nicholsons. Our Joint Venture with First Eastern will lead to some truly outstanding C&N-operated marinas in China and elsewhere in Asia.”

BMT naval architect races against time at Sky1 premier

August 08, 2011

Naval Architect Sam Stevens, from BMT Nigel Gee Ltd, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd the leading international maritime design, engineering and risk management consultancy recently undertook one of the biggest engineering challenges of his career to date.

BMT Nigel Gee Naval Architect Sam Stevens competing in the Sky1 premiere of SAFEBREAKERS ©Sky Living/Stephen Koumas

BMT Nigel Gee Naval Architect Sam Stevens competing in the Sky1 premiere of SAFEBREAKERS ©Sky Living/Stephen Koumas

Sam was part of a team of four competing in the Sky1 premiere of SAFEBREAKERS, a brand new series produced by Maverick TV, hosted by Ben Shephard.  Sam and his team were tasked with building an amphibious car from scratch, with a budget of £1000.  After just two days designing and building the special machine, his team, The CADS, went head to head with fellow engineering enthusiasts to battle it out for the top prize of £5,000, secured in a safe in a seemingly inaccessible location.

This fast paced, engaging series encourages mind power and problem solving. Each week two teams must construct their own vehicles, from fire engines and bulldozers to cranes and tanks, in a mechanical challenge that will push them to their limits.  To win the money, the teams must collect the numbers needed to crack the code on the safe with speed and agility, which is easier said than done.

Sam Stevens explains: “Building a car in just two days was certainly no mean feat, but we were very proud of the end result. The most challenging aspect of the design was the compromise between the required performance on land and water, whilst adhering to the limited budget for parts and materials and the very short timescale in which to build the machine. All this required some innovative engineering!”

BMT naval architect races against time at Sky1 premier of SAFEBREAKERS ©Sky Living/Stephen Koumas

BMT naval architect races against time at Sky1 premier of SAFEBREAKERS ©Sky Living/Stephen Koumas

Paolo Proto, Series Producer for Maverick TV comments: “SAFEBREAKERS is a rugged boy’s adventure, an entertainment show that celebrates the best of British innovation, ingenuity and engineering skill.”

After graduating with an MEng (Hons) in Ship Science, Sam joined BMT Nigel Gee in 2006 and currently works in the structural department on a range of projects from Yacht designs to the new range of Windfarm Support Vessels being designed by BMT.

SAFEBREAKERS begins on Sky1, Monday 15th August at 8pm.  You can see Sam in action in next Monday’s programme.

America’s Cup introduces PUMA as its official sportswear partner

August 03, 2011

Yesterday, just a few days away from the first event of the new look America’s Cup, PUMA has been introduced as its official sportswear partner by the America’s Cup Event Authority. In addition to their role as sportswear partner, PUMA will operate both the official online and pop-up fan shop in ports hosting the 34th America’s Cup races. The first America’s Cup-branded merchandise offerings will be made exclusively available to fans attending the inaugural America’s Cup World Series event August 6 – 14 in Cascais, Portugal.

America's Cup Logo

America's Cup

As the official sportswear partner, PUMA will serve as the exclusive licensee of event-related sportswear for the America’s Cup Event Authority and America’s Cup Race Management teams, including their sailing performance gear.

The partnership between the 34th America’s Cup and PUMA represents the continued reinvention of the Cup. From the groundbreaking AC45 wing-sailed catamaran and breakthrough television graphics to athlete’s view cameras and premium sportswear, every change of the 34thedition is focused on transforming the sport of sailing into fan-driven experience.

Craig Thompson, CEO, America’s Cup Event Authority said: “The new America’s Cup represents a radical shift in the way people will connect with the sport of sailing.  We’ve looked at every component of the event from the viewer’s eye so we can create customized experiences for audiences around the globe. We’re committed to providing the ultimate in performance sportswear for our fans, and in PUMA, we’ve found a partner who can deliver on that promise.”

“PUMA’s approach to sailing has always been a little bit different,” said Antonio Bertone, Chief Marketing Officer for PUMA.  “We’re the mavericks in the industry, intent on shaking up the sport with campaigns, products and partnerships that reach new audiences, dial up the  ‘fun’ and push the boundaries of performance technology.  America’s Cup embraces a similar philosophy and re-emerged as the hottest thing to happen to professional sailing in decades. We’re excited to come aboard as the official sportswear partner for the Cup.”

Puma Logo

Puma

PUMA first entered the sailing category in 2008 when it developed a line of performance and lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories to support the launch of the PUMA Ocean Racing.  Driven by a massive global marketing machine focused on media and fan engagement, its early successes helped establish PUMA as a credible sailing brand and paved the way for the partnership with the America’s Cup.

The 34th America’s Cup and PUMA also share a commitment to sustainability and the health of the world’s oceans. The 34th America’s Cup is embarking upon a major ocean awareness campaign aimed at restoring the health of the worlds’ oceans by inspiring people to take immediate action. PUMA is committed to working across the globe in sustainable, creative and innovative ways to lessen the company’s impact on the environment and to give back what it takes from the planet by seeking to reduce its carbon footprint in all areas of business. Ocean preservation will be a major focus for PUMA across all of its sailing platforms. Additionally, the America’s Cup sportswear produced by PUMA will be made from more sustainable fabrics.

“We want partners who not only understand the dramatically changing landscape of sport, but also the importance of putting the needs of our stakeholders at the forefront, which is evident in PUMA’s commitment to global sustainability,” added Thompson.

“Environmental stewardship is our collective responsibility,” said Bertone. “Together with the America’s Cup, we have a unique opportunity to reach people across the globe and raise awareness of the critical importance of marine preservation.”

2nd August 2011 - Cascais (POR) - 34th America's Cup - Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

2nd August 2011 - Cascais (POR) - 34th America's Cup - Photo Gilles Martin-Raget

About PUMA

PUMA is one of the world’s leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong.

Barry Wade, expert on radar technology, honoured with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Navigation Award for Technical Achievement

July 21, 2011

One of the world’s foremost experts on radar technology has received a prestigious award from the Council of the Royal Institute of Navigation. Barry Wade, Director of Surveillance Systems at leading global radar innovator Kelvin Hughes, has been honoured with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Navigation Award for Technical Achievement.

Barry Wade receiving the award from Duke of Edinburgh

Barry Wade receiving the award from Duke of Edinburgh


The award has been instituted to mark the 90th birthday of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN), and recognises Mr Wade’s achievement in leading the design of the SharpEye™ marine radar.

For over 60 years, commercial marine navigation radar transceivers have employed a magnetron oscillator to generate the high power microwaves transmitted. Magnetrons are also used in a variety of other applications including microwave cookers.

Kelvin Hughes’ innovative SharpEye™ system, which has obtained type approval for both S and X-band, replaces the magnetron with solid-state technology, and brings benefits including enhanced performance and reliability.

Captain Peter Chapman-Andrews, director of the RIN, said: “Navigation encompasses the science, the technology and the practice of getting from A-B on land, in the air, on seas and rivers, and in space. The RIN exists to study, to practice and to inform the public about one of the broadest and most diverse subjects in the world.

“We instituted the award this year in recognition of His Royal Highness’ 90th birthday in order to reward the person who has made an outstanding technical achievement in relation to navigation. Barry was an extremely worthy winner in recognition of his work in leading the design of the SharpEye™ marine radar.”

Barry Wade said: “I am both honoured and extremely surprised to have received this award. I would like to thank the RIN and The Duke of Edinburgh for their recognition and also my colleagues at Kelvin Hughes for their hard work and dedication in making SharpEye™ a reality.”

Russell Gould, chief executive of Kelvin Hughes, added: “We are very proud of Barry and we have long regarded him as the leading global authority on radar technology. The fact that he has received this unique award means his efforts and expertise have been recognised on a much wider scale.”

Transatlantic Race 2011: Close, But No Cigar

July 08, 2011

Newport, R.I. USA (July 7, 2011) – Although conditions in the North Atlantic for the 26 yachts competing in the Transatlantic Race 2011 put at least one on pace to break speed sailing records, the existing record, set in 2008, will stand for a while longer.  Via satellite link, navigator Peter Isler (San Diego, California) detailed the knarly conditions of the last 24 hours aboard Rambler 100, which left Newport bound for The Lizard on July 3 (the final start of the three staggered starts for the participating yachts).

Sailing yacht Rambler 100 team - photo credit TR2011-Billy Black

Sailing yacht Rambler 100 team - photo credit TR2011-Billy Black

“As the sun sets on the fourth day of the Transatlantic Race, the crew aboard Rambler 100 has settled into the shipboard rhythm of the four-hour watches.  The drama this afternoon has been our watch on the numbers for our 24-hour run.  We’ve had some awesome sailing and in the end came just 12 miles shy of the 596 nautical mile (nm) 24-hour record set by the Volvo 70 Ericsson 4.

Sailing yacht Rambler 100 photo from offshore - photo courtesy of Rambler 100

Sailing yacht Rambler 100 photo from offshore - photo courtesy of Rambler 100

“Our 24-hour run from 1400 EDT yesterday to today was 582 miles.  Each hour we kept calculating, hoping for an increase, but the best we could do was 584 nm between the 1500 hours and the same for the 1600 hours.  The breeze has backed off a bit now, so the numbers are starting to decrease a bit.

“That was fun to watch – but the team’s focus is firmly on the race – sailing hard, making good decisions and no major mistakes.  This boat is so big, that every sail change takes a long time.  The sails are so heavy, the loads so great – that every step of the process takes time and often shared hands on the heavy loads.

“Looking forward – the big tactical decision that could decide this race is coming up tomorrow morning (our clocks are still on Newport R.I. time!), when it looks like the clocking wind will favor the other gybe for the first time since we started.  That’s always interesting after a few days sailing on one tack – getting used to the feel of going the other way.  The timing of the gybe is crucial because it looks to set up the track of the boat through probably the lightest winds we will see in this race… at the boundary between the low over Labrador and the low that’s been hovering over Ireland.  It looks like we are going to have some very light winds for what looks like about four hours before we connect into the northwesterly from the eastern low.

“So we’ll pick a ‘lane’ tomorrow morning – with the breeze still nice and fresh.  A few hours later we’ll see how our choice panned out as we enter the light air.  The weather models have a much harder time predicting the conditions in light winds compared to stronger winds (right now its blowing 23 knots) so there’s a bit of voodoo and luck involved.”

Indicating it was “time for a nap before all the action,” Isler signed off and sent along photos of the Rambler 100 team averaging over 24.5 knots of boat speed for over 26 hours.

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