Yacht Industry News Luxury Yacht & Superyacht News

Luxury charter yacht KOKOMO III to attend Dubois Cup 2013

May 21, 2013

The majestic 58-metre charter yacht Kokomo III has confirmed her participation in the Dubois Cup 2013, bringing the total of attending yachts to 16.

Sailing Yacht Kokomo III - Underway at Sea

Sailing Yacht Kokomo III - Underway at Sea

Launched by the prestigious NZ builder Alloy Yachts in 2010, the 58m sailing yacht Kokomo III is designed by Dubois Naval Architects, with lovely interior design by Redman Whiteley Dixon. She is available for luxury yacht charter in the Mediterranean, Europe, as well as the Caribbean, providing elegant and comfortable accommodation for up to 10 guests.

Superyacht Kokomo Sailing

Superyacht Kokomo Sailing

MIA conducts its first ever marina course in Taiwan

May 21, 2013

The Marina Industries Association (MIA) recently delivered its first ever marina operations course in Taiwan. The two day course was organised in partnership with Vincent Kuan, a Keelung based yacht dealer from YuYue Yacht Co.

MIA Course Participants in Taiwan 16-17 May 2013

MIA Course Participants in Taiwan 16-17 May 2013

There were 34 participants in the course from marinas, yacht dealerships, government and property developers. The syllabus included a detailed analysis of the marina industry both locally and overseas and there was a strong focus on the practical aspects of marina operations.

In the past year Taiwan has placed more importance on developing its marina and boating industry and is therefore seeking to educate marina managers and government officials in the marina industry.

MIA President Andrew Chapman said the course had been a resounding success and it demonstrated the commitment within Taiwan to strengthen its marina and wider recreational boating industries. “Throughout the two day course there was a high level of participation and enthusiasm. Vincent Kuan is to be congratulated for his excellent work. The success of the course provides a sound platform on which to sustain and grow the marina industry in Taiwan”.

As a result of the positive course feedback, discussions are already underway to conduct further marina courses and to establish a range of linkages between the Taiwanese industry, related government agencies and the MIA.

Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate to open 25th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

May 21, 2013

This year’s 25th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will be officially opened by Gold Coast City Mayor, Tom Tate, on Thursday morning.

Tate

Tom Tate

Mayor Tom Tate will declare SCIBS 2013 open at an exclusive media breakfast function on the first morning of Boat Show welcoming the hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors, who will converge on SCIBS over the four days.

The 2013 SCIBS is the second Show he has attended as Mayor in as many years, signalling his continued support for the Gold Coast marine and tourism industries.

Karpaz Gate Marina: Superyacht marina unveils unspoilt corner of the Mediterranean

May 21, 2013

For decades having remained a virtually undiscovered destination due to restrictions as well as a lack of marina facilities, the secret of the fabulous Karpaz Peninsula of Northern Cyprus as a unique sailing spot in the Mediterranean is now spreading fast. It boasts pristine cruising ground, amazing scenery, miles of empty sandy beaches as well as plenty of bays, coves and inlets to explore and enjoy.

Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula

Golden Beach on the Karpaz Peninsula in the popular summer yacht charter destination - the Mediterranean

The long, north-east pointing panhandle of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the region of Iskele, characterised by a unique natural beauty complete with rolling countryside, wild donkeys and ancient Byzantine churches, is an unspoilt corner of the Mediterranean.

Still as remote, sleepy and refreshingly free of industry and pollution, the only thing that has changed about this little-known yachting area is the addition of the perfectly-positioned Karpaz Gate Marina.

Designed sensitively to complement the landscape of the area, the luxury 300-berth superyacht marina has opened up this rich cruising ground and provided Northern Cyprus with its first ever modern marina.

Using Karpaz Gate Marina as a base, the ancient Kyrenia Harbour in the Venetian town of Girne is just 48nm down the northern coast. While, on the eastern coastline, the largest port of Northern Cyprus, Famagusta Harbour, is also within easy reach. For those preferring shorter sails, there are also several spectacular anchorages dotted along the 240 miles of coastline of the TRNC.

Sailors can often enjoy a beach to themselves, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, or step ashore to explore historic landmarks and cultural sites, or savour picturesque walks along the numerous paths and trails.

The excellent year-round weather, with hot summers and mild, sunny winters, means the sailing season is long, while the duty-free status of Karpaz Gate Marina and the use of local currency, the Turkish Lira, ensures excellent value for money.

Karpaz Gate Marina is also the perfect home port for trips further afield. Within a short sail away you can discover the southern Turkish coastline and the harbours of Alanya, Antalya, Marmaris and Bodrum. And in just under 300 nautical miles you can reach Rhodes, gateway to the Greek Islands.

Whether you are looking for remote beaches, turtle watching, snorkelling, sheltered anchorages, historical places of interest, spectacular sailing, fresh Cypriot cuisine or a touch of luxury, this 10-day itinerary for sailing in the TRNC has a bit of everything.

Karpaz Gate Marina

Karpaz Gate Marina

SUGGESTED 10-DAY SAILING ITINERARY FOR NORTHERN CYPRUS

Base: Karpaz Gate Marina (N35°33.5′ E34°13.6′).
VHF: Ch 16/10.

Days 1&2: Karpaz Gate Marina to Kyrenia Harbour (N35°20.20′ E33°20.20′) – 48nm
Kyrenia Harbour – VHF: Ch 16/12.

Day 3: Kyrenia Ancient Harbour to Escape Beach (N35°20.84′ E33°14.11′) – 5nm

Day 4: Escape Beach to Alagadi Turtle Beach (N35°20.1′ E33°28.9′) – 12nm

Day 5: Alagadi Turtle Beach to Kaplica Bay (N35°24.1′ E33°44.2′) – 21nm

Day 6: Kaplica Bay to Karpaz natural bay (N35°40.5′ E34°31.2′) – 36nm

Day 7: Karpaz natural bay to Monastery Bay (N35° 38.333′ E34° 32.398′) – 12nm

Day 8&9: Monastery Bay to Famagusta (N35° 08.4′ E33° 57.4′) – 45nm
Famagusta – VHF: Ch 16/08

Day 10: Famagusta to Karpaz Gate Marina – 73nm

Northern Cyprus cruising guide

Northern Cyprus cruising guide

KARPAZ GATE MARINA
N35°33.5′ E34°13.6′
VHF: Ch 16/10

Start your sailing holiday in style with a weekend of luxury at one of the most advanced marina facilities in the Eastern Mediterranean. It benefits from 300 berths for vessels ranging from 5 metres up to 55 metres. The finger mooring system caters for boats up to 12 metres LOA and its Mediterranean type mooring system caters for vessels from 12 metres LOA. There are alongside or stern-to mooring facilities for super yachts.

Boat maintenance facilities on site include an 18,000 sq m dry dock for refit and repairs, as well as a substantial 300-ton travel lift that is capable of lifting vessels up to 45 metres and with a beam of up 10 metres. There is a mini-market, a Yacht Brokerage office operated by Cyprus Yachts and a chandlery.

The popular Hemingway’s RestoBar is situated at the marina and comprises both seating inside and on the terrace. Hemingway’s offers an international menu and traditional Cypriot cuisine, and also hosts a busy calendar of special nights.

New for the 2013 season, Karpaz Gate Marina has opened an international beach club adjacent to the marina. This luxurious club includes a 33m infinity swimming pool, with a jacuzzi set to one side. There is a decking area with loungers and a children’s pool and play area. The beach restaurant and bar serves light meals, pizza and grill. A 200m long private sandy beach is just steps from the beach club and includes private lounging areas under the shade. Showers and changing rooms are provided.

The water sports centre located at the beach club offers a variety of kayaks, including clear bottom and tandem options. Guests can rent snorkels, fins and masks and explore the crystal clear water of the private bay. The in-house Mephisto Diving School provides PADI courses to all diving levels, departing from the beach club. Turtles, dolphin and stingray are among the varied wildlife on show. A modern, well-equipped fitness centre is also on site.

Karpaz Gate Marina offers an ideally situated base in the heart of the area – the perfect place from which the Karpaz peninsula’s pristine waters, untouched bays and deserted sandy beaches can be explored.

Close to home, the coastline offers long sandy beaches, local harbours and family-run tavernas – ideal destinations for day sails or short outings. There are also a number of small fishing harbours along the coast to visit.

Ahead of arriving at Karpaz Gate Marina, the marina office can provide assistance for visiting boat owners wishing to attend organised day trips to see the sights at neighbouring towns. New this season, Karpaz Gate Marina is running its own shuttle bus, offering a convenient way for visitors to the marina to move around the island. It is free to travel to the closest village and the marina will be subsidising the service to take the shuttle to the main cities of Nicosia, Famagusta and Kyrenia.

Karpaz Gate Marina is a protected harbour basin and the entrance is facing south west. Follow the green and red buoys when entering the marina and call from VHF Ch. 16 or 10, call sign ‘Karpaz Gate Marina’.

MLC compliant crew employer status for Sarnia Yachts

May 21, 2013

Sarnia Yachts is proud to announce that it has successfully passed its first audit under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) requirements and is now able to provide fully compliant MLC crew employment as well as payroll services.

MLC-Logo

The MLC, which comes into force on 20 August 2013, requires crew employment companies to conform to a number of stringent requirements and on going audits by either classification societies or flag states. Whilst Sarnia Yachts has always had a robust crew employment offering, this has been thoroughly reviewed in light of the forthcoming MLC requirements and all necessary systems, documentation and procedures have been upgraded in order to prepare for the recent audit which was successfully completed by Lloyds on Wednesday 15th May 2013.

Sarnia Yachts is now able to offer MLC compliant employment and payroll services to all yacht owners and urges any owners of commercial yachts in particular, to get in touch as soon as possible to ensure compliance in time for August 2013. Although MLC is only a requirement for commercial yachts, private yacht owners can also benefit from the expertise that Sarnia Yachts can offer with over 40 years in the industry through its range of crew and other service offerings.

As well as being MLC compliant, Sarnia Yachts’s employment and payroll service is provided from the company’s offices in Guernsey through exclusive employment and payroll vehicles and bank accounts for each and every yacht. By providing employment and payroll from Guernsey, complex social security obligations can also be simplified.

Best of British Motor Yacht Show a Great Success

May 21, 2013

Motor yacht enthusiasts from across the UK visited the Swanwick Marina in Southampton for a pre-season glimpse of the best of British Boat building at the inaugural British Motor Yacht Show. The event took place from May 17 to 19, 2013.

bmys_LOGO

In an unprecedented move, the biggest names in UK motor yachting joined forces to launch the exciting new boat show between 17th and 19th May 2013, proudly displaying the cream of the country’s boatbuilding expertise.

Spencer Brown, sales manager at Sunseeker Poole, said “As the Sunseeker representatives on the south coast we see this collaborative show as a very positive asset and benefit to our customer who can see rival models from all three major manufacturers in warm friendly marina environment. The show is about boats and leisure boating and this event enables us to show the best of the best!”

James Lumley, sales manager at Sunseeker Southampton, who are based at the premier Swanwick Marina said: “We have been delighted with the turn out of clients arriving on May 17.”

Sunseeker Southampton has joined a select group of other British boat manufacturers to showcase a selection of stunning yachts, including a number which was in the glistening waters of the River Hamble. The boat lovers visited the free show over the weekend to make the most of the opportunity to get up close and personal to the latest yachts before the traditional show season starts.

Sunseeker was leading the way with its superb San Remo luxury sports cruiser which launched earlier this year and resurrects the popular marque from Sunseeker’s long and rich history. With stunning looks, agile handling and a spacious interior, this new performance cruiser epitomizes everything the San Remo was adored for in the 1980s, whilst bringing it right up to date.

Also in attendance were three members of the chic and sleek Predator range (the Predator 53, 68 and Predator 80 yacht), in addition to the luxurious Manhattan 63, guaranteed to impress all who attended.

Christopher Head, Sales Director, Sunseeker London: “The British Motor Yacht Show is a great idea to help support the marine industry and offer a great array of interest into boating for our clients. The South Coast of the UK is a perfect opportunity for us to showcase as a perfect UK boating destination and working with other market leaders.”

Sunseeker was also hosting the ‘Sunseeker Beach Club’ from 3.30pm-5pm with Coleman Insurance on Saturday May 18th, so guests could join the Sunseeker team for drinks and conversation in the picturesque setting.

Voyager’s Award for Setzer-designed MARAMA Yacht at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 21, 2013

The Setzer-designed and Delta Marine-built 2008 Marama yacht was honoured with the Voyager’s Award at this year’s World Superyacht Awards, held in Istanbul, Turkey, on May 4.

Luxury expedition yacht Marama by Delta Marine and Setzer Yacht Architects

Luxury expedition yacht Marama by Delta Marine and Setzer Yacht Architects - Photo credit to Martin Fine

Introduced in 2009, the Voyager’s Award was sponsored by Alloy Yachts and “aims to celebrate an owner who has made extensive use of his or her yacht in long-distance voyaging and exploration“.

Superyacht Marama - Exterior

38m superyacht Marama - Exterior Photo credit to Martin Fine

Motor yacht Marama - Interior

Motor yacht Marama - Interior Photo credit to Martin Fine

Below is a gallery for the stylish charter yachts with design by Setzer Yacht Architects.

Setzer Design Group Charter Yacht Images

Encore - Main
Encore - Main
Encore - Skylounge aft deck
Encore - Skylounge aft deck
Encore - Main Saloon
Encore - Main Saloon
Encore - Aft Dining
Encore - Aft Dining
Encore - General Arrangement
Encore - General Arrangement
Encore - The Bar
Encore - The Bar
More: Setzer Design Group Image Gallery

Variety of transport options available at the upcoming Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS)

May 20, 2013

Getting to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) will be easier than ever this year, whether arriving by car, boat or even by helicopter. Organisers have prepared a great selection of transport options to cater to large crowd numbers expected at this year’s event, which will take place from Thursday 23 May to Sunday 26 May, from 9am to 5pm.

SCIBS 2012

SCIBS 2012

SCIBS sales, sponsorship and events manager Johan Hasser said a wide spectrum of transport options were available to cater to all visitors. “Getting to the Show this year will be made easy thanks to the return of free Park ‘n’ Ride services available at Warner Bros. Movie World,” said Mr Hasser. “Most importantly there will be options for all visitors and budgets, from free coach and ferry transfers to slightly more glamorous helicopter tours.”

PARK ‘N’ RIDE

A free Park ‘n’ Ride service is available across the four days of SCIBS from Warner Bros. Movie World, enabling visitors to park their vehicles at the nearby theme park free of charge and travel the short distance to Sanctuary Cove via luxury coach.

The most popular way for visitors to get to the show, visitors can access parking by exiting the M1 at exit 60 from both northbound and southbound lanes before jumping aboard one of several coaches linking the two destinations.

For on-water arrivals, a free Park ‘n’ Ride ferry service is available from Hope Harbour Ferry Terminal, John Lund Drive, Hope Harbour which can be accessed via Sickle Avenue.

The ferry service will operate from 8:00am until 6:30pm each day of Boat Show, with 30 minute intervals on Thursday and Friday and 15 minute intervals over the weekend.

BY BUS OR BY TRAIN

Public train and bus options are also available, with a complimentary Boat Show shuttle picking up guests from Helensvale Station and Surfside Bus lines providing direct transport from Southport.

BY FERRY

For a touch of nostalgia, the loyal ‘MV Kilkie’ ferry will transport visitors from Coomera Waters for the 25th consecutive year and will operate from 8.00am – 5.30pm daily from Tallowood Road Boat Ramp. No bookings are required for this service and tickets are $15.00 per head return, with kids 12 years-old and under free.

The ‘Castille III’ will depart daily from the front of Waterline Restaurant at Gold Coast City Marina during the show. This service will depart on the hour from 8.00am until 6.00pm, with the last run from Sanctuary Cove at 6.30pm. Cost – $10.00 per person (one-way).

The Volunteer Marine Rescue Service will also operate a ferry pick up service from private boats to the marina entrance for an Australian currency gold coin donation per passenger.

BY HELICOPTER

Thrill seekers are also catered for with Gold Coast Helitours providing helicopter rides from Marina Mirage, Jupiters Casino and the Gold Coast and Brisbane Airports.

Helicopter transfers will be available from the Marina Mirage Heliport for $100 one way and $180 return. From the north, there will be parking available at the Richie Bros Auctioneer complex at Yatala South exit 41 off the M1 (1-57 Burnside Road). Helicopter transfers from Yatala are $100 one way and $190 return per person (child prices $80 one way, $150 return). Helicopter transfers are also available from various other locations.

VIA CHAUFFEUR

Drop off and pick up options are available for those wishing to travel via taxis, limousines or private car.

Visitors arriving by taxi or limousine can be picked up and dropped off at the entrances to the Boat Show while drop-offs and pick-ups by private car can take place at the accreditation centre in P2 car park. Traffic controllers will direct visitors to the accreditation centre where a complimentary shuttle service will provide direct transportation to the Show.

Marina at Keppel Bay – one of Asia’s top superyacht marina and lifestyle destinations

May 20, 2013

Positioned on the historic Keppel Island in the lovely Asian yacht charter location – Singapore, the award-winning Marina at Keppel Bay was built by international marina experts, Bellingham Marine. Launched in 2008, the marina boasts state-of-the-art floating concrete pontoons for 168 yachts, including megayachts of up to 280ft in length.

Marina at Keppel Bay positioned in the beautiful Asian yacht charter destination - Singapore

Marina at Keppel Bay positioned in the beautiful Asian yacht charter destination - Singapore

Marina at Keppel Bay is one of the main highlights of Keppel Bay’s premier waterfront precinct – the only residential development in Singapore to have its own world-class superyacht marina, on its very own private island. The marina has world-class berthing facilities, fine gourmet restaurants as well as beautiful architecture and landscaping on a 5-hectare private island linked to the mainland via the 245-metre Keppel Bay Bridge.

Awards and Accolades
Marina at Keppel Bay is acknowledged as one of the most-awarded marinas in the region with the following accolades:
- First winner of the International Marina of the Year 2013-2014 award, as well as the Winner of Best Environmental Initiative at the Marine13 Awards, presented by Marina Industries Association (MIA), Australia, in April 2013.
- Winner of Club of the Year 2012 award – a prestigious honour received during the Singapore Sailing Federation Gala Night for the Marina’s effort in promoting sailing regionally.
- Singapore’s 1st comprehensive, marina-centric iPhone App – ‘MarinaKB SG’ which was launched in 2011
- First recipient of the ‘Green’ Maritime Company 2011 award at the Asia Boating Awards in 2011
- First marina in Singapore awarded the BCA Greenmark ‘Gold’ 2011 award
- First marina in Southeast Asia to get a 5 Gold Anchor rating from the Marina Industries Association of Australia (MIAA) in July 2010
- Winner of Best Asian Marina of the Year 2010 at the Asia Boating Awards in May 2010
- First marina to win Best New Asian Marina/Yacht Club 2008 at the prestigious Christofle Asia Boating Awards
- First and only marina in Asia to be awarded a Clean Marina Level 3 certification in 2008 by the Marina Industries Association of Australia and was reaccredited in 2011
- First marina in Singapore to offer a reticulated vacuum sewer pump-out system
- First marina to offer an individual pontoon berthing system for superyachts
- First marina in Singapore to be fully designed and built by Bellingham Marine
- First marina in Asia incorporating the latest security technologies designed by Oneberry Technologies
- First marina in Singapore to be awarded the National Safety and Security Watch (SSWG) Award 2009 by Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force
- First marina in Singapore to have a RYA-certified Sailing Academy – Keppel Bay Sailing Academy.

Marina at Keppel Bay takes an active role in minimising hazards that could potentially impact the environment. City Reef at Keppel Bay is home to a diverse mix of coral reefs and marine life, testament to Keppel’s environmental focus.

Port Tarraco to become first Mediterranean superyacht marina with 6.6 kV onshore power

May 20, 2013

Port Tarraco, one of the Mediterranean’s only marinas with nine meter draft, making it perfect for deep water berthing of superyachts as well as megayachts, is proud to annouce that it is currently upgrading its onshore power system to 6.6 kV.

Port Tarraco Panorama

Port Tarraco situated in the popular Mediterranean yacht charter location - Spain

This latest standard in onshore power provides 6,600 volts, which is the system used by new giga yachts. This is backed up with Port Tarraco’s existing 1250 amps at 400 volts onshore power, making Port Tarraco now one of the only Mediterranean ports able to offer commercial and merchant marine standard power systems, which are becoming more commonly used on super and mega yachts.

The availability of stable, high power systems from the shore means that yachts in the marina can operate using single cables connected to shore power rather than running on-board generators while in port. The indication is that in the near future there will be European directives requiring that yachts and merchant vessels in port use onshore power rather than generators.

Sales and Marketing Executive at Port Tarraco, Margarete Kalinowski, says the installation of 6.6kV onshore power ensures Port Tarraco is prepared for forthcoming legal requirements and is ahead of the trend, which will see more mega and superyachts using 6.6kV power systems.

Located at the heart of the residential area of Tarragona on the Catalonian coast of Spain, this luxury marina can accommodate up to 64 yachts between 30 and 160 meters. Its significance as a safe and deep water port is well documented. The port dates back to 2,000 BC when it was a strategic port in the Roman Empire, and the city of Tarragona is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its Roman ruins and historic buildings make it a popular city for owners, captains and crews alike. Its proximity to Barcelona International Airport (40 minutes) and Reus International Airport (seven minutes away) which can land private jets and aircraft as large as 747s, makes Port Tarraco the ideal location for transient or long stay yachts.

Port Tarraco benefits from 150,000m2 of surface water area. Thanks to its long entry channel, it is safe from water surges or swell, and its perimeter glass wall, combined with security cameras and on site security guards ensures it is a safe and secure area at all times.

For the captains and crew, Port Tarraco offers the highest standards in yacht services and facilities including black and grey water discharge directly from each berth, fresh water connections, and plenty of storage areas and spaces for containers. There are high quality and luxurious offices available for use, with upland facilities for captains and crew, which is especially welcomed as many yachts berth for long periods with the crews using Port Tarraco as a home base for many months.

But above all, one of the key features of Port Tarraco is its dedicated customer service team which is on hand to provide total support for the captain, crew and owner. The team, who are fluent in five languages, are experienced at organising everything from on-the-spot guest itineraries to evening entertainment and local tours, through to medical issues or family support for those staying in the marina.

Port Tarraco is 95% owned by Qatari Diar and 5% stake is held by Marina Barcelona 92 (MB’92) which manages the marina. Mourjan Marinas IGY has been selected to handle the international sales and marketing of Port Tarraco marina.

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