Yacht Builders Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

A very successful first quarter of the year for Bradford Marine

May 03, 2012

One of the world´s largest undercover yacht repair facilities, Bradford Marine, has recently reported a great success at both the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show as well as the Palm Beach International Boat Show, closing a very successful first quarter of the year. The company is busy during this period at their Fort Lauderdale Shipyard, and also at their workshop at Lauderdale Marine Center, working on the motor yacht Misty as well as the Le Bon Jou Jou superyacht and the luxury yacht Golden Osprey.

Motor Yacht Golden Osprey - 98ft yacht by Knight and Carver

Motor Yacht Golden Osprey - 98ft yacht by Knight and Carver

Captain Jay Fortier from the superyacht Le Bon Jou Jou and Captain Rob Martimbeault from the M/Y Golden Osprey are both at the yard at the moment. They are taking advantage of the free bottom jobs that they won during the Miami and Fort Lauderdale boat shows.

Several of the vessels that visited Bradford Marine Fort Lauderdale this past season are: the 164′ motor yacht Boardwalk, the 122′ luxury yacht Ar-De, the 163′ superyacht Big Eagle, the 151′ Bella Bri superyacht, the 115′ charter yacht Texas Star, 132′ Unity, 142′ M IV, 116′ Utopia II, the 125′ superyacht Odalisque, 123′ Blackhawk and many more.

LE BON JOU JOU Superyacht - Photo Credit Lazzara Yachts

LE BON JOU JOU Superyacht - Photo Credit Lazzara Yachts

Motor yacht Metsuyan IV with her Captain Clive Carrington-Wood is also back at Bradford Marine. This splendid vessel arrived at Bradford Marine this past week for a short yard period before heading back to the Mediterranean for the summer season.

Bradford Marine would like to recognize Captain Jeff Hardgrave, and the owner and crew of the 1977 125´ Burger luxury yacht Mimi, for their support. The owner has been a valued client of Bradford Marine for the past 34 years. This beautiful vessel was launched in 1977 as the Arara III.

Oceanco delivers the 88.5m motor yacht NIRVANA (project Y707)

May 03, 2012

At the end of April 2012, the prominent Dutch builder, Oceanco, successfully delivered its 88.5m (290´) motor yacht Nirvana, previously known as project Y707 to her Owner. With naval architecture by the Oceanco´s in-house team in collaboration with renowned Azure Naval Architects, the Nirvana superyacht boasts both exterior as well as interior by well known Sam Sorgiovanni. This breathtaking vessel is now anchored at the Yacht Club of Antibes, along with the 76m Oceanco luxury yacht Anastasia (project Y703).

88.5m motor yacht Nirvana (project Y707) by Oceanco

88.5m motor yacht Nirvana (project Y707) by Oceanco

Featuring six decks each with a private exterior area, a 7.5m swimming pool, as well as a helicopter landing pad on the sundeck, the 88.5m superyacht Nirvana comfortably sleeps a total number of 12 in 6 luxurious cabins. These include a master suite with office and private exterior deck area with whirpool, a VIP suite with lounge and his & her bathrooms, along with 4 double VIP cabins.

Oceanco´s superyacht Nirvana

Oceanco´s superyacht Nirvana

The interior and exterior spaces on every deck are interconnected through large sliding doors. This concept opens up the interior area to the outside deck area, making it even longer and giving guests the possibility of being both inside and outside at the same time.

88.5m megayacht Nirvana - side view

88.5m megayacht Nirvana - side view

Boasting a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, the Oceanco luxury yacht Nirvana (project Y707) is run by twin 4,830hp/3,600kW MTU 20V 4000 M 73 L engines, enabling her to achieve a maximum speed of 20 knots. Her overall beam is of 14.2m (46´59´´).

Luxury yacht Nirvana (project Y707) by Oceanco - rear view

Luxury yacht Nirvana (project Y707) by Oceanco - rear view

Ron Holland designed 75.2m luxury yacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) under refit at Pendennis

May 02, 2012

The Pendennis Plus shipyard in Falmouth, UK is currently working on the intensive refit of the 75.2m sailing yacht M5, previously known as Mirabella V, built in the UK in 2004. The M5 superyacht was originally designed by renowned Ron Holland Design, already involved in a number of major refit design projects.

Superyacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) before refit

Superyacht M5 (ex Mirabella V) before refit - Photo courtesy of Ron Holland Design

The full extent of the luxury yacht M5´s refit will involve exterior upgrade, new extended transom, new main deck seating arrangements, sky deck extension and redeveloped sky deck layout, also a hull side platform is being added to enhance the use of the yacht.

The commission will also include replacing the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant along with an upgrade of the air conditioning system, electrics and entertainment systems. The mast, which is just under 90m, has been recently removed for an overhaul and new rigging upgrades. The sail handling systems are also receiving attention with speeding up equipment and new hardware.

Luxury motor yacht M5 after refit

Luxury motor yacht M5 after refit - Photo courtesy of Ron Holland Design

The interior aspects of the refit will be carried out by Redman Whiteley Dixon and will see the main and lower decks undergo a complete restyle.

Ron Holland Design are naturally very familiar with the M5 megayacht and are perfectly positioned to enhance her appearance whilst remaining faithful to the original design.

Port Adriano Brokers Superyacht Days a Huge Success

May 02, 2012

Following three busy days at the recently extended Port Adriano superyacht marina El Toro situated only 20 minutes away from the fabulous Palma de Mallorca, the inaugural Superyacht open days event taking place in The Balearics, running from 28th to 30th April, reported a huge success. The event was organised by a group of the top Palma based yacht brokers, and hosted a total number of 42 superyachts, the majority measuring more than 30 metres. These were split exactly 50/50 motor and sail, with two of them at the max 60 metre length that the marina can accommodate.

Port Adriano - a beautiful Mallorca superyacht marina

Port Adriano - a beautiful Mallorca superyacht marina

Marc Handl of Ocean Independence and Arne Ploch of Camper & Nicholsons International Palma were the senior brokers who first conceived the idea back in October last year. The pair were interviewed on the foredeck of the 42m Jongert sailing yacht Passe Partout by Palma based yachting magazine The Islander for its NTVE nautical TV channel.

Marc said: “This event has exceeded all of our expectations, and has been a tremendous way to bring people to this spectacular new port with its extensive facilities.

Arne commented: “The unique thing about this display of superyachts is that it was a totally cooperative effort, with all the brokers working together on a non profit basis, assisted by great support from the Port Adriano management team.

Marc added: “We believe that this concept has created a relaxed ambience around the port which has been conducive to a pleasant experience for the visitors and potential clients. Many enquiries have been taken for both charter and sales, and the number of serious viewers has more than met our expectations.”

When asked: “Will the Superyacht Days be repeated again in 2013?” Marc Handl said with a wry smile: “We would certainly hope so, and although it would obviously depend on the port being made available, the marina’s director Tony Zaforteza has said that he would do his best to enable it to happen here again.”

Other brokers who each had several yachts for viewing were Camper & Nicholson, Frasers, Burgess, Oceanstlye, Northrop & Johnson and Dahm International.

The new two storey commercial area at the heart of Port Adriano Marina, designed by French architect Philippe Starck, and directly overlooking the superyacht berths was buzzing with activity. Hundreds of local residents, tourists and yachting enthusiasts all mingled together enjoying the sunshine and the extensive range of newly opened food and beverage outlets at the port.

47m motor yacht Lady Petra (ex hull YN 15747) launched by Heesen Yachts

May 02, 2012

Heesen Yachts is happy to announce that the 47m motor yacht Lady Petra, previously known as hull YN 15747, was successfully launched at their facility in Oss, on Saturday, April 28th, 2012. The Lady Petra superyacht is the eighth luxury vessel, belonging to the Heesen’s award-winning 47-metre class.

47m luxury motor yacht Lady Petra by Heesen Yachts

47m luxury motor yacht Lady Petra by Heesen Yachts - Photo Credit: Suus Heersema

The project, which began when the contract was signed back in 2010, is very special for the Company as the client is Frans Heesen himself, the former owner and founder of the shipyard.

Mr. and Mrs. Heesen appointed Bannenberg and Rowell to design the interiors of their new yacht because they particularly appreciate the richness and variety of materials used by this company in their interior designs, and the way that they are brought together to create an eclectic yet pleasingly integrated atmosphere.

The challenge of working with a shipyard owner turned yacht owner was welcomed by Dickie Bannenberg of Bannenberg and Rowell Design: “Designing a yacht for someone who has built his shipyard into an industry-leading force is an honour and, at the same time, a great responsibility. But we have had a wonderful couple of years working closely with the Heesen family and the Heesen team (both interchangeable !) and are very proud to set Frans, Petra and their family on their way in their new yacht.”

The guiding inspirations of the décor come from diverse sources including 20th Century industrial Dutch design, optical geometric studies, and shapes inspired by industrial components such as formers and frames. These elements come together to create a dynamic interior concept that is also comfortable, approachable and inviting.

Frank Laupman of Omega architects has worked extensively on the Heesen fleet. “We are proud to have the opportunity to be part of the Heesen world by creating the lines for their yachts for some twenty years. Today we are even more proud because this new 47 metre has been conceived for Frans Heesen the founder of this beautiful shipyard.”

The general arrangement of the luxury yacht Lady Petra created by Omega Architects, has positioned the Owner’s suite on the upper deck away from the guest cabins on the Lower deck offering the Owners more privacy and calm during periods when their numerous grandchildren are on board. This also means that the younger members of the family benefit from a media and games room in the area that is normally reserved for the master cabin forward on the main deck.

On the occasion of the launching of his new superyacht Lady Petra, Frans Heesen took the opportunity to announce his retirement from official functions in the company that bears his name. “It is time for me to enjoy life with my family and friends” – says the successful Dutch businessman. “I am going to be the Brand Ambassador of this wonderful company that I founded some 35 years ago. I will always be there to support the brand and to promote it until the end of my days!”

47m ISA superyacht Aquamarina refitted by Rivergate Marina and Shipyard

May 02, 2012

47m motor yacht Aquamarina, built by the prestigious Italian shipyard ISA in 2006, has undergone an intensive six month refit at the Brisbane-based Rivergate Marina & Shipyard. The refit of the Aquamarina superyacht was completed within budget as well as ahead of schedule, meeting all the customers´ expectations.

47m luxury motor yacht Aquamarina by ISA after her refit

47m luxury motor yacht Aquamarina by ISA after her refit

The primary focus of the refit was to complete exterior refinish which was undertaken by Rivergate´s contractor, Superyacht Solutions. Superyacht Solutions has a longstanding international reputation for large scale applications of special effect coatings on vessels.

This was no ordinary paint job, it incorporated unique colours, effects and specialised equipment and techniques. It was also the largest white boat special effect refinish to be completed in Australia!

The coatings used on the luxury yacht Aquamarina were formulated in Europe by DuPont and air freighted to Australia specially for this project. The hull was finished in a glacier metallic blue and the superstructure in a stunning pearlescent. The formulations, applications, colour and effect of the eight coats of metallic applied to the hull and the ten coats of pearlescent applied to the superstructure had to meet exacting criteria.

Aquamarina superyacht during her refit

Aquamarina superyacht during her refit

Prior to the final coatings being applied to the ISA superyacht Aquamarina, test panels underwent digital testing with Dual Wavescan and Cloud Runner technologies. This was to ensure all aspects of the design and application criteria would deliver the result required by the clients.

It is interesting that these technologies are also used by prestige automobile manufacturers (e.g. Bentley, BMW and Jaguar) to set criteria, test values and provide outcomes for their prestige vehicle coatings.

The collaboration of Rivergate and Superyacht Solutions on the 47m motor yacht Aquamarina has focused attention on the high standards this team delivers, even when the project is technically demanding, time constrained and rigorous.

Aboard the ISA superyacht Aquamarina during her refit

Aboard the ISA superyacht Aquamarina during her refit

Rivergate´s Manager, Andrew Cannon, says that DuPont Performance Coatings, have expressed their considerable satisfaction with the results, describing the finish as “fantastic”. Appointed principal contractor by the Aquamarina yacht´s Monaco-based managers, Yachting Partners International (YPI) has also been effusive in its praise of the professionalism of Rivergate and its team, the results achieved and the redelivery ahead of schedule.

Aquamarina´s new exterior paint work can only be described as ´simply the best´.

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

May 02, 2012

Austal has officially opened its Marine Support Base in Henderson, Western Australia. The company has thus responded to the increasing request for its marine services as well as facilities.

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

Austal´s New Henderson Marine Support Base in Western Australia

Located adjacent to Austal’s Henderson shipyard, the Henderson Marine Support Base provides comprehensive refit, repair and maintenance services to private, commercial and defence operators. The site boasts four 90 metre berths, six sheds ranging between 85 and 120 metres in length, workshop and fabrication facilities, 11,200 square metres of hardstand and capacity to lift vessels up 1800 tonnes.

Regional Service Manager Beau McCormack said: “We have unique facilities and extensive in-house capabilities and this is becoming of increasing interest to a market that is highly constrained, especially in the defence and oil and gas sectors.

“The comprehensive nature of our business has also attracted the interest of the resources and oil and gas industries who we work with locally and in the North West of Australia. With our engineering, fabrication, welding and modular manufacturing capability, we have built accommodation units, industrial cooling towers and more,” he added.

The launching of Austal’s existing site as a dedicated Marine Support Base is a continuation of the company’s regionalisation strategy which involves providing local services to local operators. Chief Operating Officer – Systems and Support, Charles McGill said: “We are committed to serving our customers in the region. The Henderson Marine Support Base complements our facilities in Darwin, Singapore and the Philippines, offering a truly comprehensive solution to the defence, commercial, and oil and gas markets within the Asia-Pacific region.”

Hamble Point Boat Show 2012 a Great Success

May 02, 2012

The sailing season officially started with the successful three-day Hamble Point Boat Show, welcoming over 1,200 visitors and bringing together boaters, exhibitors as well as families, along with hundreds of new and second hand yachts, specialist marine products and a large number of activities for visitors.

Hamble Point Boat Show 2012 a Great Success

Hamble Point Boat Show 2012 a Great Success

These included a tug of war competition, RIB rides, kayak water polo, a special flyover from the coastguard helicopter, and sea safety demonstrations from the RNLI.

Fiona Williams, Communications Supervisor at Plymouth-based Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, said: “We were very impressed with the turnout given that this was the first big show on Hamble Point marina, and it compared really well to others we have attended in other parts of the country. We had some quality leads and are looking forward to next year’s show.”

Peter Thomas, Sales Director at Inspiration Marine Group, which had a number of boats on display, said: “We were really delighted with the turnout and the level of interest from potential customers. It was also good to see so many of the big boating names there. What really struck me and my colleagues was how well the event was put together and what a good showcase it is for Hamble Point marina.”

Hamble Point Boat Show presented plenty of activities of visitors

Hamble Point Boat Show presented plenty of activities of visitors

Leading brands at the show included Dehler, Hanse, Nordhavn Yachts, Azimut and Beneteau, with visitors enjoying accompanied viewings, sea trials and boat maintenance workshops.

Andy Cunningham, Group Brokerage Manager at yacht brokers Michael Schmidt & Partners, said: “The organisers put in their all, and the boat show did what it set out to do – people were inspired and business was done.”

Neil Salter, Hamble Point Marina Manager, said: “We were delighted to attract so many people, with some travelling as far as Wales to join us. The feedback from visitors, exhibitors and tenants of the marina has been really positive, and we have lots of ideas to build on this success for next year’s show. The event is fast becoming a key feature of the boat show calendar and a great family day out on the south coast.”

Mallorca´s Portals Nautical Weekend reveals its prestigious exhibitors

May 02, 2012

The organisers of the Portals Nautical Weekend revealed yesterday some of the prominent exhibitors that have already registered for this unique weekend in Mallorca. These include the most renowned luxury yacht builders in the world, such as Fairline,  Oyster,  Azimut,  Beneteau,  Bavaria,  Riva,  Princess, San Lorenzo,  Sunseeker and many others.

Motor yacht Greenline 40 Hybrid on display during the show

Motor yacht Greenline 40 Hybrid on display during the show

On the shoreside exhibition Yacht Center Palma (Marine Superstore) and NautiParts will have the whole range of chandlery, accessories, RIBS, tenders, jet-skis, kayaks and Xtreme Toys on show.

Or if one prefers to charter a yacht for an idyllic holiday in The Balearics, or to take an instructional course towards gaining a recognised yachting qualification, then there will be specialist companies on hand to help arranging this to suit one´s requirements.

To add to the all round entertainment value the Mallorca Driving Club will be there with a fleet of great classic cars, and Harley Davidson will have a few of the world´s most famous two wheeled machines on show.

Also planned is a boat parade, music, entertainment and some competitions to keep the atmosphere lively and constantly interesting. It is expected that all the restaurants, bars and boutique shops around the marina will join in the spirit of the event by offering specialties, promotional prices and customer focused hospitality. This is a marina that is used to hosting big events such as the Audi MedCup regatta, and its famous annual Christmas Fair, so winding up for a busy nautical weekend as the summer season really kicks in… will be an occasion they are sure to rise to!

Several brokers are preparing to reveal special models to go on show, one such is Sunbird International Yachts who are based permanently in the marina. They are planning to have the much admired and innovative motor yacht Greenline 40 Hybrid ready for viewing.

The Greenline 40 Hybrid is a development of her smaller sister, the Greenline 33 Hybrid. She is a larger yacht with the same philosophy: A low-drag energy saving Superdisplacement® hull coupled with hybrid (diesel/electric) and solar technology. This brings unique efficiency in consumption of natural resources and makes economic sense for the owner, both at the purchase stage, and during continued use of this motoryacht.

The handling, safety and seaworthiness of this yacht will provide her owners with all the home comforts for long lasting well-being on board.

47m Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne (ex hull AY43) successfully delivered

May 02, 2012

The 47m luxury motor yacht Loretta Anne, previously known as hull AY43, has been recently delivered to her Owner. She is the third Alloy Yacht for this important customer. Designed by renowned Dubois Naval Architects with beautiful interior by well the known Donald Starkey, the Loretta Anne superyacht is the 12th motoryacht constructed by this prestigious New Zealand shipyard and the largest to date.

47m luxury motor yacht Loretta Anne by Alloy Yachts

47m luxury motor yacht Loretta Anne by Alloy Yachts

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne provides luxurious and comfortable accommodation in 4 stunning staterooms, including the owner’s stateroom situated on the forward end of the main deck as well as three double cabins on the lower deck. There is the possibility to add a fourth convertible cabin that is fitted out as a gymnasium.

Boasting zero-speed stabilizers to enable comfortable anchoring, the 47m luxury yacht Loretta Anne (ex hull AY43) is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 ´D´ rated 1600hp diesels. Her beam is of 9.19m (30´15´´), while her shallow draught is of 2.2m (7´2´´).  She is Lloyds Register of Shipping, *100 A1 SSC, Yacht Mono, G6, MCH as well as LY2 classed. Loretta Anne´s new Owner is now ready to fully enjoy her during his voyage in the South Pacific and later on in the Bahamas.

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