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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.

New rotating show schedule for International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX)

May 20, 2013

In order to increase accessibility for attendees as well as exhibitors across the U.S. and internationally, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) unveiled a new rotating show schedule. The event will take place in Louisville, Kentucky in 2013; Tampa, Florida in 2014; Louisville in 2015; and Tampa in 2016.

IBEX

Alternating between Louisville and Tampa offers enormous benefits to marine industry professionals. Both cities are easily accessed travel hubs and the rotation between a southern location and a central location allows more professionals to attend. A rotating schedule also creates more location-specific social and networking opportunities, which show organizers anticipate will increase attendance.

“Louisville continues to be an excellent location for IBEX, but there are two major geographic areas in the USA where about 80 percent of boatbuilders in North America reside,” says Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Rotating between these two cities is ideal for our dedicated IBEX attendees, and for all those marine professionals who have been unable to attend.”

“The new rotation between Louisville and Tampa was unanimously and enthusiastically supported by the IBEX planning committee, which is chaired by Bill Watters, president of Syntec Industries,” notes Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “As a result of the rotating location, IBEX will bring new products, new programs, a new location, and new excitement to the marine industry every year.”

The IBEX 2014 Show will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, a world-class event space. Located on the waterfront, the facility is within walking distance of many hotels, fine restaurants and attractions, including Tampa’s Riverwalk, a popular pedestrian byway. The Convention Center features indoor and outdoor space, and boasts Sail Pavilion, a 360-degree waterfront bar and performance venue.

Not only is the Tampa Convention Center located on the water, it offers a broad expanse of docks and slips that are just steps away from the Convention Center. IBEX attendees will be able to experience live demonstrations of emerging new products and technologies. Dock space will be available to all IBEX 2014 exhibitors, but space is limited.

If being interested in reserving dock or in-water exhibit space in Tampa at IBEX 2014, it is advised to contact Tina Sanderson, tina@ibexshow.com or Kate Holden, kate@ibexshow.com for more information.

Upcoming Show Dates & Locations:
 September 17-19, 2013, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
 September 30–October 2, 2014, Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa, FL
 September 15-17, 2015, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
 October 4-6, 2016, Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa, FL

Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race 2013 to kick off tomorrow

May 17, 2013

The last preparations are in full swing for tomorrow’s race start at this year’s Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race. To last until 24 May, the event will welcome an international fleet of Maxi yachts to the Tyrrhenian Sea for nine days of exciting competing, as well as an amazing social programme.

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo by Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Composed of four segments, the Rolex Capri Sailing Week Volcano Race promises challenging conditions for the 14 participating Maxi yachts. Representing Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States, the fleet eagerly awaits the alluring combination of inshore and offshore racing, set against some of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

“Capri is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” confirmed Sir Peter Ogden, owner of the Mini Maxi yacht Jethou, overall winner of the 2012 event and likely to be one of the frontrunners in 2013. “For sailors it combines onshore glamour and Rolex hospitality with challenging sailing conditions. In particular, the offshore Volcano Race presents a host of tactical issues, depending on wind speed and variability in direction.”

Caol Ila (Sui) in preparation for tomorrow's race - Photo by Rolex Kurt Arrigo

Caol Ila (Sui) in preparation for tomorrow's race - Photo by Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Thomas Jungblut, permanent tactician aboard superyacht Y3K, agreed with Ogden that capricious wind conditions in the area are known to upset the formbook. In 2012, Y3K was the second fastest boat on the water, a result the crew is aiming to better in 2013. “Due to varied winds and sailing conditions, sometimes the smaller or bigger yachts will have a big advantage or disadvantage,” said Jungblut. “Certainly there is no lack of tension among the fleet.”

In an effort to outperform this season’s competition, sailing yacht Y3K was optimised over the winter, configured with a more powerful mainsail, and, a deeper keel for increased stability and speed on the water. The crew has also undergone a four-day training session in La Ciotat, France to prepare for the challenges ahead. “The mix of races requires a variety of tasks, especially extremely good crew handling,” added Jungblut, emphasising the spirited contest expected within the fleet.

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Dockside ambiance in Gaeta - Photo credit to Rolex/Kurt Arrigo

Ogden also confirmed the race’s reputation as being competitive and capable of surprises: “You can never prepare for everything and you have to adapt as the race develops.” He does offer some useful advice to newcomers; “The winning formula is easy: you just have to sail better than everybody else.”

Organised by the International Maxi Association, in collaboration with the Yacht Club Gaeta EVS and the Yacht Club Capri, racing officially begins tomorrow, Saturday 18 May, with a 100 nautical-mile offshore circuit that leads participants from Gaeta, past Ponza and Ventotene, to a finish on the iconic island of Capri. Two days of inshore racing will follow off Capri before the start of the fourth and final race, the Rolex Volcano Race, on 22 May. The Rolex Volcano Race is composed of a 300 nautical-mile journey around the UNESCO-protected Aeolian islands north of Sicily, with a start and finish in Capri.

Title Sponsor Rolex’s involvement in the Capri Sailing Week dates back almost a decade, while this is the third running of the Rolex Volcano Race.

British Marine Federation (BMF) Marina Conference 2013 attended by international marina professionals

May 17, 2013

Having started at the scenic Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott on Wednesday, May 8, this year’s 9th edition of annual British Marine Federation (BMF) Marina Conference was attended by marina professionals, coming from all over the world. The event was sponsored by Walcon Marine.

Robin Walters, founder of Walcon Marine, awarded the Honorary Certified Marina Professional in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the industry

Robin Walters, founder of Walcon Marine, awarded the Honorary Certified Marina Professional in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the industry

The Conference welcomed many delegates some coming from as far as Brazil and the US with others from Turkey and Europe, was opened by Nicola Walsh, CMM UK and European Chairman, in which she expressed her hopes that ‘new ideas and tips’ would be imparted and that everyone would leave ‘inspired’.

Derek Williams, Director of The WOW! Awards, gave the first talk of the conference which focused on heightening employee engagement. Sarah Dhanda, Senior Federation Director of the BMF spoke on the subject of ‘how to generate enthusiasm for boating and watersports’. Sarah touched upon taking inspiration from the BMF’s American and Australian counterparts on attracting a larger and wider audience. The Yacht Harbour Association’s (TYHA) Manager, Gareth Turnbull and Mieke Veugels CMM discussed how to capitalise on marina staff and how to create favourable first impressions and retain customers.

A field trip was organised to BMF member, MDL’s Cobb’s Quay Marina, situated in Poole Harbour. Conference attendees were given a tour of the impressive facilities of this 1090 berth marina followed by a visit to Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) College, one of the highlights being a visit to the multi-million pound lifeboat simulator.

Certified Marina Manager (CMM) and Certified Marina Professional (CMP) presentations included Jon Pridham, Managing Director of Cowes Yacht Haven receiving his CMM Certificate, the 314th CMM certificate awarded. Robin Walters, founder of Walcon Marine, was awarded the Honorary Certified Marina Professional in recognition of his dedication and contribution to the industry.

A popular new addition to the conference was the  breakout sessions which gave delegates the chance to attend three out of four talks of their choice, the subjects included Hiring Top Performers, Legal Challenges, Marketing – Capitalise on Opportunities and Environment – Best Practise, Legislation and Resources.

Emanuele Rinaldi CMM, Director of ESEAR Marina Management Solutions & TYHA World Assessor, who attended the conference said: “The 2013 Marina Conference has been absolutely useful. It is good for meeting people and catching up with the world’s best marina professionals each year. The content of the talks and the speakers have been excellent. I really enjoyed the conference and I think that every year the content is better. The annual Marina Conference is an event that can’t be missed!”

Nicola Walsh commented, “A lot of passion was demonstrated by the key players in the industry, and this was apparent to the delegates. With updates on targeted topics via presentations and workshops I left the Marina Conference feeling inspired and armed with new tips, ideas and contacts, ready to play a more effective part in the marine industry.”

The BMF’s Sarah Dhanda said: “The BMF Marinas Conference was, as always, a fantastic event for Marina Managers and professionals. The inclusion of an industry field trip and topical breakout sessions this year ensured that the conference remained relevant to all those attending. We were delighted to welcome an increased number of International delegates including several from Brazil.”

Key global buyers to attend ASMEX 2013

May 16, 2013

Key global distributors as well as agents are descending on the Gold Coast for this year’s ASMEX (Australian Superyacht and Marine Export Conference), starting next week.

ASMEX_2013

Supported by the Gold Coast City Council international buyers are flying in from China, the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, South Africa, USA and Europe to attend the conference staged immediately prior to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

And their attendance is good news for local business. They’re attending specifically to research the capabilities of the Australian marine export and superyacht industries, look at new innovations within the Australian marketplace and develop strong business relationships

The conference kicks off on the Monday 20 May, with a cocktail party sponsored by Sevenstar Yacht Transport and designed to provide plenty of opportunity for Australian industry figures, and global guests alike to discuss the following days’ programmes. It’s the first of a plethora of relaxed networking opportunities over the two day conference.

One of the most anticipated of these is the Industry Gala Dinner on Tuesday evening where the 2013 Club Marine Australian Marine Industry Export and Superyacht awards will be announced. The same dinner also marks the celebration of AIMEX’s 15 years as a successful trade association.

The conference is shaping up to be an invaluable source of market information for businesses looking to hone their strategy in the coming year. The Hon Bob Baldwin will address the conference on Wednesday morning, discussing the Opposition’s strategy for the marine industry.

Conference organisers AIMEX and Superyacht Australia work to drive business for the Australian marine export and superyacht industry sectors. The two bodies are confident that ASMEX, the key industry conference of the year, will generate more business for attendees by organizing strategic networking functions and insightful conference sessions.

“The elaborate conference programme features speakers from home and abroad offering expert advice on how to overcome issues and utilize opportunities within the current market. The international speakers will cover a broad range of topics that will specifically allow companies to understand how to identify global opportunities. International speakers will cover industry market updates from Europe, the UAE, Asia, New Zealand and South Africa,” says Victoria Smith, AIMEX and Superyacht Australia operating manager.

Ensuring crucial data is accurately gathered on key points to drive decision making and services provided for the industry, handheld voting devices will be used once again. Giving every conference attendee the channel through which to share their opinion, the handheld voting devices also mean industry players can cast anonymous votes on key points that will effect the market’s future.

ASMEX is strongly supported by high calibre sponsors including platinum sponsors Pantaenius Yacht Insurance, official sponsors tourism Australia, Gold Coast City Council and Business Gold Coast and media partners Ocean Media and Superyacht Business. The welcome cocktail party is sponsored by Sevenstar Yacht Transport, and supporting sponsors include MTU Detroit Diesel, Queensland Government, Aqualuma LED Lighting, Muir Winches, Events Clothing VEEM Gyro, Robert Oatley Signature Wines and Palm Products.

A very successful inaugural Singapore ‘APS Captains Party’

May 15, 2013

The first Singapore APS Captains Cocktail Party was sponsored and hosted by Asia Pacific Superyachts Singapore GM Scott Walker, following a great success of this year’s Singapore Yacht Show. The event was held at the Red Lantern Lounge on the rooftop of the Fullerton Bay Hotel.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel in the beautiful Asian yacht charter destination - Singapore

The Fullerton Bay Hotel situated in the beautiful Asian yacht charter destination - Singapore

Attended by a host of yacht crews from the show along with captains visiting Singapore at the time, yachting expert and long time Singapore resident Captain Scott in planning ahead, reported: “We had a great night at a fantastic place and we look forward to more gatherings like this in future years!”

The Captains enthusiastically agreed the Red Lantern Lounge was a fantastic venue as they viewed the spectacular panoramic views over the Singapore CBD skyline and Marina Bay precinct at one of the newest- and best- rooftop bars in Singapore. The luxurious hotel and rooftop bar is adjacent to the historic Clifford Pier on the Marina Bay waterfront in central Singapore. The bar takes its name from the original Chinese description for Clifford Pier – ‘Red Lantern Pier’.

The pier was the landing point for immigrants arriving in Singapore in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Red lanterns were used as a guide for the Captains… hanging from the pier and lighting the way for seafarers. Now, a century later, the site of the ‘Red Lanterns’ was once again the place for captains of international vessels to meet!

HISWA’s Yacht Valley Press Tour 2013, May 27 – 31

May 15, 2013

HISWA Holland Yachting Group will be once again hosting the Yacht Valley Press Tour. The 2013 edition of the event will run from May 27 to 31. By visiting the premises of the Group’s members on an individual bases, the journalists will learn exactly what is happening and why.

HOLLAND_YACHTING_GROUP


The key to writing a successful article is having the right information, preferably something that is not available to all and sundry. Backed up by a host of networking opportunities and sailing trips on the yacht of one’s choice, the Yacht Valley Press Tour is both exclusive and productive.

Yacht Valley Tours are organised by the Holland Yachting Group, which promotes its members products and/or services, and stimulates trade with other countries via incoming trade missions.

The Holland Yachting Group members decide which yachting magazines they wish to invite for this tour. This tour is based on: invitation only.

SuperYachts – new Discovery series about Dutch luxury yachting industry

May 15, 2013

SuperYachts is a new Discovery series about the Dutch luxury yachting industry, with the leading characters presenting the most spectacular yachts and the trailblazing technology behind them.

banner_discovery2


The Dutch luxury yachting industry has always been at the forefront of innovation, technology and design. A century of ship building, traditional values of craftsmanship, the latest technologies and the finest equipment are all ingredients for a spectacular and exclusive series about the industry and its pursuit of perfection.

“The unrevealed long standing quality of the Dutch yachting industry has not gone unnoticed and we feel very honored that Discovery channel will be broadcasting a series of documentaries about how we are trying to exceed everyone’s expectations with regard to designing and building yachts”, says Farouk Nefzi, director of the HISWA Holland Yachting Group.

With the new Discovery series ‘SuperYachts’ the viewer gets the opportunity to take a close look at the world of the largest, most impressive and exclusive super yachts. The series enable the viewer to look behind the scenes where expertise and capacity meet technical challenges. One really gets to know the passionate hard working teams behind these enormous luxurious ships.

Prominent companies like Vitters Shipyard, Vripack, Hakvoort Shipyard, ICON Yachts and Balk Shipyard have enthusiastically participated in the creation of the SuperYacht documentaries. “We are very pleased with the quality of the episodes. Beside that we are very proud of the fact that we have been able to create this series as an industry”, continues Nefzi.

In 6 episodes the viewer is introduced to the finest ship builders, engineers, designers and naval architects from the Netherlands. The series show how traditional craftsmanship and futuristic engineering can be combined to deliver floating palaces and luxurious performance yachts.

Vitters Shipyard, Vripack, Hakvoort Shipyard, ICON Yachts and Balk Shipyard reveal their secrets and show its audience the blue prints behind some of their latest projects. We finally get to see how they tackle the problems they encounter along the way, racing beyond the limits of what others believe is possible.

SuperYachts are broadcasted in 40 different countries and the viewers had the opportunity to enjoy the first episode early November 2012.

Below is the trailer of SuperYachts – a new Discovery series, released by Esthec Composite in November 2012.

Perini Navi Cup 2013, August 28 – 30

May 14, 2013

This year’s fifth edition of the Perini Navi Cup will take place in the beautiful Italian yacht charter destination – Porto Cervo in Sardinia, from August 28 to 30. The event is reserved for the sailing yachts constructed by the Perini Navi Group, a world leader in the design and building of large sailing and motor yachts.

Perini Navi Cup

Perini Navi Cup

The event, organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, is a must see for all fans of sailing and of the Perini Navi lifestyle, at style that is synonymous with technological innovation, on board comfort and performance.

As of today there are 18 Perini Navi yachts enrolled in this competition that is characterised by great fun in total safety. The regatta will be held over three days. Yachts enrolled include the new 60m mega yacht Seahawk (hull C.2193), the 56m charter yacht Panthalassa and the latest 45m superyacht Clan. The 38m Racing Line charter yacht P2 will also be making her debut at this event.

Panthalassa - Cruising

Panthalassa - Cruising

A full calendar of social events will complement the racing calendar.

A very successful Marlow Marine Cruising Club 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous

May 14, 2013

Hosted by the Marlow Marine Cruising Club, the 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous was a great success. The event was held at the Ocean Reef Club, a private resort in Key Largo, Florida, running from April 25 to 28, 2013.

Marlow Marine Cruising Club 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous a Great Success

Marlow Marine Cruising Club 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous a Great Success

Members and guests arrived by boat, plane and car to attend this highly anticipated event. Guests were treated royally and everyone’s expectations were exceeded. The first of many surprises planned over the 4 day event was the exterior washing of their boat. Marlow detailers were ready to hop on board as soon as the vessel docked.

After members received their welcome bag, filled with all sorts of useful items, at registration, everyone’s attention turned to the evening’s Welcome Reception. A beautiful setting on the upstairs terrace lent itself to a gorgeous sunset and later a full moon with its light rays dancing on the water. The fancy fare of delicious Hors d’ oeuvres, seafood martini bar, and other delights were enjoyed by the members while renewing and creating new friendships. The musician delighted the crowd with his serenade of song and performance with a variety of instruments.

Marlow Marine Cruising Club 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous a Great Fun

Marlow Marine Cruising Club 18th Annual Spring Rendezvous a Great Fun

The following two mornings of seminars were well attended with everyone absorbing new knowledge and reinforcing their knowledge of happenings in the boating industry. A hands on demonstration aboard the newest Marlow Explorer 66E yacht SEA FOAM was presented by Yacht Controller. Other select seminar topics included Medical, Electronics, Engines maintenance, Cruising Reports, and the ever popular round table discussions lead by David Marlow and crew.

Marlow traditional and ever-popular theme party this year was ‘The Wild Wild West’. Keeping in the spirit of the theme, a golf cart poker run Friday afternoon provided a head start on what lied ahead for the evening’s Western night. The cowboys, cowgirls, Indians, Tonto and the Lone Ranger, along with a multitude of other famous western characters invaded the main beach for the Wild West event.

Marlow Explorer 66E Yacht Sea Foam

Marlow Explorer 66E Yacht Sea Foam

After a scrumptious barbeque steak and seafood dinner, the live western band encouraged everyone to dance into the night. After watching an authentic Wild West show, those who desired to learn the art of pistol twirling, bull whipping and lassoing were instructed by the show team. Libations, dancing, bon fires, and s’mores rounded out the event.

The next day, the tradition of Christenings and Open Boats were preceded by a round of miniature golf and an old fashioned hot dog roast. The day moved into evening with the Awards Dinner celebration. Marlow guests relaxed and enjoyed the southern seafood festival dinner menu while listening to the western singer and guitarist. After the awards, the crowd was treated to a live tribute to Tim McGraw.

As Marlow bid farewell and wished happy trails to all at the Sunday breakfast, everyone was already looking forward to next year’s rendezvous and wondering where the 20th Annual Spring Rendezvous will be held. Time will tell and it will be announced later this year.

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