Yacht Charter Destinations Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Simpson Marine sets new yacht arrivals record

November 30, 2010

Simpson Marine, the largest yacht dealership in Asia, has taken delivery of five brand new luxury yachts in Singapore this week, amidst signs that the luxury yacht sector is showing healthy growth. The new arrivals include Azimut Yachts and a Beneteau sail yacht.

Azimut 116 Motor yacht

Azimut 116 Motor yacht

Three of these boats are owned by Singapore based clients and all five boats are expected to cruise around South East Asia. Simpson Marine is the exclusive dealer across Asia for some of the world’s most respected yacht brands, including: Azimut, Beneteau, Lagoon, Nautor’s Swan and Sea Ray.

Paul Whelan, General Manager for Simpson Marine in Singapore said “Simpson Marine is excited about the long term prospect of the Singapore luxury yachting industry. The five new arrivals clearly show that there is great interest in pleasure yachting in Singapore and this region”. This is further demonstrated by the new ultra premium waterfront developments such as Sentosa Cove and Reflections @ Keppel Bay. Most of these waterfront developments come with private berths and Simpson Marine is ideally placed to cater to the needs of discerning yacht buyers and guide them through the process of selecting the ideal yacht through to the handover and provide quality after sales services. Clients can expect a hassle-free yachting experience with Simpson Marine.

Simpson Marine owners also enjoy regular events such as ‘rendezvous’ trips where owners can confidently cruise together to exotic locations in the region. This enables boat owners to develop confidence in operating their boats and has proven popular amongst boat owners as it fosters a close-knit community of like-minded boating enthusiasts

Phuket Kings Cup 2010: Luxury sailing yachts to chase Premier honours

November 26, 2010
The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

The Phuket Kings Cup Premier Class members, ranging in size from 15 metres to over 30 metres, will be the elegant giants of the modern racing boats competing in this year’s event starting on 4th December. They may not be as fast as the Racing Class, nor carry the very latest in sail and rig technology, but what they lack in these areas they will make up in size and comfort.
Sailing yacht Storm 2 - Cruising Div 1 day 1 Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week' - Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week

Sailing yacht Storm 2 - Cruising Div 1 day 1 Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week' - Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week

Fitted out for comfortable cruising with the expectations all competing yachts will carry a full complement of private cabins, fully fitted out galley, heads and onboard refrigeration. They will even be allowed to use power winches and air-conditioning, which will be a relief for those crew with the job of packing the enormous spinnakers.

This does not mean the Premier Class will be any less competitive. Take the 15 metre Baby Tonga for example. Australian skipper Peter Sorensen, having been baptised into the Kings Cup racing excitement last year is back again, this time chartering a faster racing boat and bringing more crew with him.

Sorensen said he learned a lot from last year’s regatta after racing the charter boat Sail Plane in the IRC Class 1. ‘We sort of have a better idea of where to go now and we had some breakages on the other boat which hopefully it won’t happen on this boat.

Baby Tonga Hideaways-Club. Phuket King’s Cup 2009. Guy Nowell ©

Baby Tonga Hideaways-Club. Phuket King’s Cup 2009. Guy Nowell ©

This year he will bring with him members of his Sydney 38, Philosopher’s Cup, winners of the Australian IRC Championship in 2008 plus other keen sailors from his home club of Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

He has reservations though with racing Baby Tonga if the traditional light airs return this year. ‘I think it will probably be a problem in light airs as it’s a big heavy boat. I know it goes okay in heavy wind, but not sure about her in the light winds.’

In the middle size of this class is the 66 footer sailing yacht Storm 2. Owner Don Algie returns to Phuket after a 10 year hiatus having once previously raced as crew on board Dr Nicolson’s old Intrigue of Stormoway.

Algie clearly enjoys racing his Alan Warwick designed sloop in regattas. He has successfully campaigned S/Y Storm 2 on the northern Australian winter regatta circuit for several years. Entering the Kings Cup is really about continuing his enjoyment of regattas, but this time in Asia where he is currently expanding his Hogs Breath Cafe business.

‘Why the King’s Cup? It’s like why does someone want to do the Sydney Hobart? You bash your brains out in Sydney Hobart, but with Kings Cup it is a totally different regatta. The division that we race in is for boats all up around the size of yacht Storm 2 and bigger. I am racing against boats from about 57 feet right up to around 150 feet. Racing during the day and then at night you can come in an enjoy yourself. It’s the type of thing I like doing now.’ Algie said.

Algie is bringing with him his crew from Australia and some new sails including a carbon mainsail and a 300sqm black asymmetrical. ‘That is obviously going to help us a lot in light airs. We never had the advantage of a fixed spinnaker before.’ With 22 ton to push around the courses, the Storm 2 yacht crew will be kept busy.

Little and large - Intrigue (80’) and Pornstar (6.5m) were racing in the same division. Top of the Gulf Regatta 2009, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand Guy Nowell ©

Little and large - Intrigue (80’) and Pornstar (6.5m) were racing in the same division. Top of the Gulf Regatta 2009, Ocean Marina Yacht Club, Pattaya, Thailand Guy Nowell ©

Racing against Storm 2 will be Peter Churchouse’s 25-ton Moon Blue 2, Dr Nicolson’s 80-foot Intrigue which weighs in around 38 tonnes, Bob Yapp’s 17 metre Yo Mo and Aaron Abramowitz’s 50 metre ketch Persues.

‘There are a few X yachts in there and they are very, very fast yachts. I think the smaller boats will take off in the light airs. If it starts to blow, we will be in there,’ Algie said.

Sorensen does not seem to have the same concerns as Algie when it comes to the very big boats. ‘Storm 2; will kill them. Dr Nicholon’s Intrigue? We will kill them too,’ Sorensen quipped..

by Tracey Johnstone

The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s biggest and most popular regatta. Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

With Royal Patronage, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

Dates for 2010
04/12/10 – Registration and Measurement.
05/12/10 – Registration, Practice Race, Skippers Briefing. Opening Ceremony, Candle-light ceremony at Kata Beach Resort & Spa.
06/12/10 – Race Day One.
07/12/10 – Race Day Two.
08/12/10 – Race Day Three.
09/12/10 – Reserve Day.
10/12/10 – Race Day Four.
11/12/10 – Race Day Five. Royal Awards Ceremony.

New Outer Reef 70 motor yacht AROONA delivered

November 25, 2010

The first Outer Reef 70 to Australia hit the shores this past week after an uneventful journey from Taiwan and a flawless offload in Port Kembla, Australia.  Motor yacht AROONA, the Outer Reef 70 was built to Queensland Commercial Survey by her owners Andrew and Linda Prentice and will be put into pleasure cruising, fishing and diving yacht charters on the Great Barrier Reef.

Outer Reef 70 motor yacht AROONA - Credit Outer Reef Yachts

Outer Reef 70 motor yacht AROONA - Credit Outer Reef Yachts

All hands and her owners were up early on delivery day anxiously awaiting the go ahead from the Port Authority to see AROONA in the flesh since her voyage from Taiwan, akin to the likes of Christmas morning.

Motor yacht AROONA was blessed with an excellent placement on deck which shielded her from the ravages of the open ocean.  M/V DIAMANTGRACHT, the carrier vessel dodged  a couple of typhoons on her way to the Southern Hemisphere and bucked some very high winds and nasty seas on her final leg of the journey.  Considering the weather she encountered along the way, the Outer Reef 70 AROONA was remarkably clean and ready to show off her stuff to her new owners.

Outer Reef 70 motor yacht AROONA - Credit Outer Reef Yachts

Outer Reef 70 motor yacht AROONA - Credit Outer Reef Yachts

After an uneventful 10 hour journey in 2-3 meter seas from Port Kembla, with pods of whales breaching and numerous dolphins riding the bow wave of M/Y AROONA, seemingly guiding her home, she arrived safe and sound at Outer Reefs docks and offices in Sydney, Australia.

Charter yacht AROONA will be in Outer Reef’s ”Try Before you Buy” charter program, in which potential customers can spend a week or 2 aboard AROONA, fishing and diving in some of the most pristine waters in the world.  If the perspective client decides to purchase an Outer Reef, their charter fees will be reimbursed.

Motor yacht AROONA will go through the final commissioning process which will take about 2 weeks and once completed, she will head North to Cairns, where she will call this port her home base.  I do not though foresee yacht AROONA spending much time in port as she already has a very well booked charter schedule.

Bellingham Marine signs contract to rebuild Alamitos Bay Marina, California

November 24, 2010

Bellingham Marine has signed a contract to reconstruct Alamitos Bay Marina in Long Beach, California, which has been held up in permitting for the past few years. The project is anticipated to move forward in spring 2011 and calls for the complete replacement of the existing 1,967 slip marina over a period of four or five years.  In addition to the docks and other marina structures, the marina’s parking lots, restrooms, gangways, seawall and utilities will also be rebuilt.

Bellingham Marine signs contract to rebuild Alamitos Bay Marina, California

Bellingham Marine signs contract to rebuild Alamitos Bay Marina, California

In May, a contract with Bellingham Marine, international marina builder, was fully executed for the completion of the design, much of the permitting and the start of construction in Basin 4. 

The Long Beach Marinas, which include Alamitos Bay and the Downtown Marinas, are the largest singly run marina system west of Chicago.  “A marina of this size comes with its own unique set of challenges,” said Jim Puder, General Manager for Bellingham Marine’s SW Division.  “We have a strong team in place, and we are looking forward to providing the City and its tenants with a new marina facility that exceeds their expectations in every way.”  Bellingham’s team includes Manson Construction, Reyes Construction, and Moffatt & Nichol.  The team will be responsible for all waterside as well as landside improvements. 

The last hurdle for the marina is a Coastal Development Permit from the State Coastal Commission.  The City is expected to go before the Commission in January 2011.

Once complete, the new facility will boast the industry’s best in floating dock technology and the latest in green design.  “The dock system and marina layout we’ve selected affords the most flexibility to meet our needs now as well as in the future,” said Mark Sandoval, Marina Manager of Long Beach’s marinas.  “Several of the restrooms will also be fitted with solar panels,” added Sandoval.

The first phase of the reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in April of 2011. 

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems, Unideck® metal frame floating dock systems and Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

Unifloat, Unideck and Unistack are registered trademarks of Bellingham Marine.

R Marine’s Annual Australia and New Zealand Summer Showcase

November 21, 2010

Australia’s largest luxury cruiser dealer network, R Marine, is hosting its annual Summer Showcase this month and what better way to cruise out of 2010 and leave all the woes of the world behind you as you propel forward into 2011 on board your very own luxurious Riviera.

R Marine’s annual Australia and New Zealand Summer Showcase

R Marine’s annual Australia and New Zealand Summer Showcase

This could be your last chance to secure your dream boat and spend the festive season exploring some of Australia and New Zealand’s unspoiled waterways.

In seven locations across Australia and New Zealand, Riviera’s R Marine Network will showcase millions of dollars of pure luxury in the form of brand new and pre-loved Riviera’s in selected models from across the Flybridge, Offshore Express and Sport Yacht ranges.

Riviera's Summer Showcase gives you the chance to celebrate the festive season and propel into 2011 on board your very own luxurious Riviera cruiser

Riviera's Summer Showcase gives you the chance to celebrate the festive season and propel into 2011 on board your very own luxurious Riviera cruiser

All boats on display can be delivered before Christmas, don’t put off that life-changing decision any longer, spoil yourself this festive season with some great purchasing opportunities.  Escape the rat-race and enjoy a relaxed Christmas and New Year on board your new five-star waterfront home.

Relax and enjoy your boating more with the confidence of R Marine’s totally experienced and seasoned team, industry leading after sales advice and care, a full boating events calendar, nationwide support network, and a fleet of mobile service vans to assist you.

Last year this event was a huge success with hundreds of boating enthusiasts from Whangarei in northern New Zealand to Fremantle in Western Australia inspecting both new and pre-loved models.

Summer Showcase now is tipped to be one of Riviera’s largest sales events and will be held from November 19 to December 20 inclusively. Each R Marine Dealership will host individual activities around this event.  

Riviera offers 20 different models from 36 to 85 feet across four model series Flybridge, Sport Yacht, Offshore Express and Motor Yachts.

R Marine’s annual Australia and New Zealand Summer Showcase of Riviera Yachts

R Marine’s annual Australia and New Zealand Summer Showcase of Riviera Yachts

Riviera is Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat manufacturer and exporter of Open and Enclosed Flybridge and Offshore Express models, Sport Yachts and Sport Cruisers. The Company, based in Coomera, South-East Queensland, operates the largest pleasure boat building facility in the Southern Hemisphere. About half of the company’s production is exported to a growing Dealer Network that spans more than 30 countries across the globe.

Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) spurs marine growth in Asia

November 19, 2010

As Asia leads the world out of the global financial crisis, Phuket cements its Asian marine hub status with the hosting of the region’s largest in-water boat display at the 2011 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX). Now in its eighth year, PIMEX will take place 6-9 January 2011 at the prestigious Royal Phuket Marina and is the place to be in Asia for boating business.

The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX)

The ranks of Asia’s elite continue to grow and boating is becoming the leisure pursuit of choice: Asians make up 23% of the Forbes Billionaire’s list, up 16% from last year, with 234 of the total 1,011.

Almost all international boat brands and leisure marine products are represented in Asia and as the rate of growth of the Asian marine leisure industry outpaces that in the traditional markets of Europe and the United States, boat builders are positioned to tap the leisure needs of the growing elite and middle classes.

Within Asia, Phuket Thailand  has positioned itself as the boating hub and PIMEX is the platform that brings together everyone with an interest in the marine lifestyle. Being the “hottest” boating market in the region and with cruising grounds to rival no other, combined with a growing expat population and second home property market, Phuket has become the playground for the region’s wealthy and PIMEX is at the centre.

Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand

Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand

“PIMEX is the place to come for all things marine. Being based in Phuket, Asia’s marine hub, PIMEX is well positioned to benefit from Asia’s wealthy and rapidly growing middle classes,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director, Informa Yacht Group.

All eyes are on Asia and its growing importance in the leisure marine world, evident in more top international yachting and boating events being hosted in Asia and a plethora of amateur regattas in the region. The recent Asia Superyacht Conference in Singapore welcomed more than 220 participants from 35 countries around the world and highlighted the enormous opportunities in Asia, promoting Asia’s potential leading role in marine industry growth over the next ten years.

In Phuket alone there are three international sailing regattas, the top international boat brands are all represented, and there is a strong local boat building industry. Add to that a developed charter market and a growing number of superyachts that come through each season, and Phuket is the epicentre of nautical tourism in Asia.

“PIMEX attracts qualified visitors and has a track record of strong sales from the show. We have a great line up of exhibitors in the water and in the exhibition hall, including all the top boat brands, marine products and luxury car companies. PIMEX 2011 is set to be the biggest and best yet,” added Dowden. Boat brokers and dealerships will represent the best-known brands from around the world at the 2011 Phuket International Boat Show, including: Azimut, Bavaria Yachts,  Beneteau,  Benetti,  Boston Whaler, Chris Craft, Crownline, Corsair Marine, Cranchi, De Birs, Fairline, Ferretti, Fontaine Pajot, Formula, Hanse,  Horizon, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Majesty Yachts, Mustang,  Nautors Swan, Northrop & Johnson, Oryx,  Pershing, Princess, Riviera,  SeaRay, Silvercraft,  Sunseeker, Windy Boats and more. Locally built boats from Cata Thai, Composite Catamarans, Sunnav and Seat Boat will also be on display.

The 2010 Phuket International Boat Show hosted more than 85 companies and featured 35 yachts in the water, making it the biggest boat show in the region. PIMEX is THE place to do boating business and the 2011 show expects to welcome 6,000 visitors over four days, including over 2,000 trade visitors. The Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) is now in its eighth year and is organised by Informa Yacht Group.

Mourjan Marinas IGY report rapid progress on the Lusail City Marina in Doha

November 19, 2010

The first marina within the Lusail City development in Doha, Qatar, is rapidly moving ahead with Mourjan Marinas IGY marking a number of construction milestones in recent weeks.

Mourjan Marinas IGY, the developer and manager of luxury marinas and yachting lifestyle destinations who is developing one of Doha’s premiere marinas, has announced that significant progress has been made since they started construction work at the beginning of October.

Matthew Bate, Director of Operations for Mourjan Marinas IGY, said piling of the marina has been successfully completed, which included the installation of 59 piles within two weeks. With the flooding program having started at the end of October, the marina is on schedule for its grand opening and to welcome the 2011 boating season.

Lusail City Marina in Doha October 2010

Lusail City Marina in Doha October 2010

Lusail City Marina in Doha November 2010
Lusail City Marina in Doha November 2010

“We have moved ahead very quickly since we first started construction and we are pleased with the considerable progress that has been made in just a few short weeks,” Mr. Bate said.

“We are working around the clock to deliver one of the Middle East’s premiere marina facilities and we are building this marina under an unprecedented fast track program that will set a new benchmark for marina development in the region.”

Extra piling rigs were utilised on site and the launch of pontoons is scheduled to commence mid November. Mr Bate said the pontoons are being manufactured in both the UAE and Canada to meet the target date.

“This will be closely followed by adding features such as the shade structures, service pedestal and furniture for the lounges,” he added.

“This is a landmark project and we are combining elegantly designed facilities with world-class services. What we are developing is something that is very unique.”

Working with the internationally renowned pontoon manufacturer Structurmarine, the main contractor building the marina, Mourjan Marinas IGY is using the very best materials to meet the highest environmental management standards. The marina is utilising aluminium marina systems that are built of non-corrosive recyclable materials, including marine-grade aluminium alloy frames, composite wood deckings, plastic floats and stainless steel hardware.

Mourjan Marinas IGY is also planting mangroves on the marina in dedicated planter boxes that are especially designed for the mangrove habitat to help promote the environment and increase public awareness of the marine eco-system.

Working with the support of local and international environmental groups, the marina developer has also approached UNESCO and engaged in an active discussion regarding mangrove development.

Added to this, the marina will be built to comply with Gold Anchor, Blue Flag and Clean Marinas Status.

The Dubai-based Mourjan Marinas IGY utilises its design, engineering, management and marketing expertise to benefit waterfronts around the world with the vision to be at the forefront of the maritime industry in the Middle East.

 Mourjan Marinas IGY
Mourjan Marinas IGY is an international marina developer, operator and investor based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Operating under a new name after an alliance between Island Global Yachting (IGY) and G-Marin; Mourjan Marinas IGY continues to drive the growth of marina development throughout the Middle East.  The company offers the full range of technical, development, operations, marketing and administrative expertise required to design, construct and manage world-class marina facilities internationally.

IGY
From the islands of the Caribbean to the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf and other beautiful yachting destinations around the world, IGY is redefining the very idea of luxury marina experiences.  Founded in 2005, IGY focuses on acquiring, controlling and/or servicing luxury-yacht marinas and the surrounding upland real estate properties. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, IGY also has offices in New York, NY; St. Thomas, USV. In Dubai, IGY is represented through an alliance with Mourjan Marinas IGY which provides marina development and management services throughout the Middle East.

Walcon wins contract to expand Jachtahaven Yerseke Marina in Zeeland

November 18, 2010

Walcon Marine’s Dutch (Benelux) distributor Infra Trading BV has won the contract to supply new pontoons for the expansion of the marina at Yerseke, located on the southern shore of the Eastern Schelde estuary in the Dutch province of Zeeland. Zeeland is a popular boating destination due to its many islands and fine beaches.

Walcon has been contracted by the local authority to supply main jetties totalling 240 metres in length, plus around 35 finger piers. These will be installed in the Beatrixhaven section of the harbour. The planned new layout of the marina can be seen below and, when completed, will provide berthing for up to 75 additional boats. The new berths will be manufactured in the UK and will be delivered in November 2010. The installation work is due for completion in February 2011.

The pontoons are being built to Walcon’s System 21 format, which uses galvanised steel frames, fibre concrete floats and hardwood decks and fenders to create tough and durable floating jetties that will give many years’ service. System 21 has full provision for the increasingly complex service requirements of modern marinas and, as can be seen in the Beatrixhaven design, can be readily adapted for unconventional layouts.

Walcon Marine has undertaken a range of marina projects in the Netherlands in recent years, including the 800berth Marina Port Zélande and the installation in 2010 of a 160 berth inland marina at the Leukermeer holiday complex in Limburg.

Walcon completes superyacht jetty at the Bahrain Marina Club

November 18, 2010

Walcon Marine, the leading designer, manufacturer and installer of marinas and harbour facilities, has completed a superyacht jetty at the Bahrain Marina Club. The assignment marks a return for Walcon to a location that they first worked at nearly thirty years ago when they built the existing 150 berth marina at the club.

Bahrain Marina Club

Bahrain Marina Club

The 100m superyacht jetty is an extension of the original marina and is designed to accept all but the very largest megayachts. Built using Walcon’s System 2000, it comprises aluminium metalwork for enhanced resistance against corrosion, fibre concrete floats and hardwood decking. A local contractor was used for the piling work. The new installation reflects the increasing size of yachts that can be found cruising in the Arabian Gulf and its surrounding waters.

The original marina at the club was built by Walcon in 1981, and a number of the staff that worked on its construction are still with the company to this day. It remains in excellent condition after 29 years and hosts a wide selection of craft.

Walcon Marine has undertaken a range of marina projects in the Middle East over the past year, including the installation of landing and berthing facilities at the Royal Mirage Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and the design and build of the marina for the 2010 Asian Games in Oman.

A step closer to new yachting facilities in Broome, Australia.

November 17, 2010

In May 2010, the State Government announced funding to construct a boating facility located in west Roebuck Bay. The proposed facility, adjacent to the Port of Broome slipway, is planned to include a multi-lane boat ramp, protective breakwaters, dredged basin and a floating jetty, along with access roads and parking areas.

Local Broome boating identity Jeff Cooper has been appointed chairman of the community reference group for the proposed State Government Royalties for Regions $35million Broome Boating Facility.

Broome Jetty - Credit Department of Transport Australia

Broome Jetty - Credit Department of Transport Australia

Mr O’Brien said Mr Cooper is president of the Broome Fishing Club and his professional involvement in the aquaculture industry through Kimberley TAFE make him well placed to serve as chairman of the reference group.

“The reference group, to be formed over the coming month, will include representatives of the community and local user groups.” he said.

“Feedback from the community reference group will be used to refine the design concept to provide a facility that will meet the needs of the majority of the Broome boat users.”

As detailed in the recently released Broome Boating Facility Report, the proposed facility will be located in West Roebuck Bay and is planned to include a major boat launching ramp, sheltering breakwaters, dredged basin and a floating jetty.

Proposed Broome Boating Facility concept plan - Credit Department of Transport Australia

Proposed Broome Boating Facility concept plan - Credit Department of Transport Australia

“Over the next 18 months detailed planning, investigation, approval and design will be the focus of the project and tenders for construction activities are expected to be called in late 2011,” Mr Grylls said.

“Broome’s cyclonic weather climate, coupled with its very high tidal range, presents challenges in meeting the needs of the local boating community.”

The number of trailable vessels in Broome, Australia is predicted to double to about 3,000 by 2031 and the proposed facility is being planned to accommodate the demand.

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