Christensen Shipyards refit the Custom 120’ motor yacht First Draw (ex Cacique)

February 03, 2012

Christensen Shipyards has recently completed a total refit of motor yacht First Draw. M/Y First Draw was first built in 1995 as M/Y Cacique, and has been updated to both the technical and styling standards of 2012. Everything from two new Caterpillar engines, to the floors to overhead panels has been retouched to make First Draw a first-class yacht. It is currently docked in Vancouver, Washington.

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW refitted by Christensen Shipyards

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW refitted by Christensen Shipyards

Throughout the guest areas of the yacht First Draw (ex Cacique), the interior has been updated by Christensen with brand new carpet, wall coverings, ceiling panels and paint to make a warm, fresh, and inviting feel. The main salon has been remodeled with all new custom furniture, and an updated entertainment system, while the dining room has a new table, placed under a silver leaf overhead feature. The perimeter features new Onyx countertops and window coverings. The Sky Lounge on motor yacht First Draw was also refurbished with custom furniture, window covers, and a new refrigerator in the bar. The foyer has been extended with a new marble inlay floor, and a day head has been added. In the Pilot House, the captain will be able to navigate with a brand new navigation system, seated on new helm covers.

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Main Salon after refit

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Main Salon after refit

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Dining 2

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Dining 2

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Skylounge

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Skylounge

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Pilothouse

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Pilothouse

All four of the guest cabins onboard the MY FIRST DRAW have been updated to reflect a continuous style. The VIP cabin has a brand new en suite bathroom, finished with custom marble floors, countertops, and shower. The cabin also features new carpet and wall coverings and a settee and pop-up vanity. The revamped Master suite includes separate his/hers bathrooms; one containing a Jacuzzi tub. The two guest cabins each have an en suite bathroom with new plumbing fixtures, finished with new marble floors, vanity tops, and showers. One cabin has been reconfigured to include one queen and one single bed, while the other has two single beds.

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Master Stateroom

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Master Stateroom

The exterior of the ship First Draw was given a new coat of paint and a new rub rail, while new teak decking was added throughout. The enclosed Main Aft Deck has ten new chairs around the dining table, with new granite countertops on the built-in cabinets. The Aft Bridge Deck has all new furniture, including four chaise lounge chairs, four club chairs, two side tables, and a coffee table. The Sundeck features a new hot tub and a bar with a new marble top and three barstools and new sunpads and cushions. First Draw comes with two jet skis and a new 16′ Nautica tender.

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Sundeck after refit

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Sundeck after refit

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Sun Deck Bar

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Sun Deck Bar

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Aft Bridge Deck

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Aft Bridge Deck

The refit of motor yacht First Draw by Christensen included the following new exterior features:

• New Awlgrip Paint

• New Teak Decking on Swim Step, Bridge Aft Deck, & Sun Deck

• New Hot Tub and Bar area on Sun Deck

• New Nautica 16’ RIB Deluxe Tender

• New Exterior Furniture

• New Exterior Sun pads and Cushions

• New Marble Bar Tops

New Interior features after the refit of the First Draw yacht include

• New VIP Suite, including in-suite bath

• New Port Aft Guest Stateroom with Queen and Single Berths

• New Carpet

• New Overheads

• New Window Coverings

• New Marble in all baths and day heads

• New Extended Main Foyer with Day Head and Marble Floors

• New Furniture in Main Salon, Dining & Sky Lounge

• New STIDD Helm chairs

• New TVs and Entertainment Systems

New Electronics inlcude

• FISH FINDER FCV585- 8.5′ Color LCD, 600 Watts, 50/200 KHZ

• TRANSDUCER – Furuno 525T-BSD Bronze Thru-Hull Transducer with Temp

• TracVision HD7 w/Ku/Ka-band TriAD technology for DIRECTV HDTV

• Furuno 1954CBB NavNet VX2 Black Box Radar /Chart Plotter GPS- Furuno BBWGPS

• Furuno WASS/GPS Receiver Antenna

• AUTOPILOT – Simrad AP50 Kit w/J50 & RF300S with RC25 fluxgate compass

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW -  Engine room

Motor yacht FIRST DRAW - Engine room

Christensen Shipyards has been a staple in the yachting community and the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years. With the addition of a new shipyard in Tennessee, it now encompasses over 630,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space. The state-of-the-art facilities enable Christensen to adhere to high manufacturing standards and build yachts of unyielding quality and beauty.

Christensen Shipyards (WEST) – Christensen Shipyard West is comprised of over 180,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space and a seven-acre marina. Located in the beautiful Northwestern U.S., in Vancouver, Wash., it is a ten minute drive from the international airport in Portland, Ore. (PDX).

Christensen Shipyards (EAST) – The brand new Christensen Shipyard East facility consists of 450,000 square feet of climate controlled manufacturing space with yacht construction capacity of over 200 feet in composite or steel construction. It is a twenty-five minute drive from the Knoxville, Tenn. airport (TYS) on Lake Tellico, which locks into the pristine Tennessee River chain.

Feadship superyacht Audacia refitted by Pendennis Shipyard in 2011

February 02, 2012

The 46.5 metre superyacht Audacia, originally built in 1987 by the prestigious luxury yacht builder Feadship, has received an upgrade by the UK based Pendennis Shipyard, last year. She was set to spend just nine weeks at the shipyard during which the primary objectives were to completely re-style the stern and install a new set of zero-speed active stabilisers alongside further stylistic improvements to the vessel. Allowing two weeks at the end to fair and paint the new works, and a further week for setting up and removing scaffolding and tenting etc, this left Pendennis with only six weeks in which to complete the project.

46.5 m motor yacht AUDACIA - Image courtesy of Pendennis shipyard

46.5 m motor yacht AUDACIA - Image courtesy of Pendennis shipyard

In order to facilitate this short build schedule Pendennis undertook extensive measuring and design work in Gibraltar before Adacia superyachts’ journey to the UK. The design brief was provided by Joanne De Guardiola Design who styled the modernised sweeping curves on the rear staircases to the aft swim deck and requested the forward fashion plate removal. Detailed instructions from the designer included inset handrail and curl around the front corner, width and angle of the stair treads, a thicker inside wall along with lowering of its height, and the outside stairwell’s softly rolled edge into the stairs as well as the elevation view of the ‘cut away’ of the stair walls.

Superyacht Audacia - Photo Marc Paris courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Superyacht Audacia - Photo Marc Paris courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

This level of detail ensured that all plans were able to be finalised in advance enabling construction of both the grand pair of elliptical staircases and new swim platform prior to motor yacht Audacias arrival – the new swim platform had been cleverly designed to allow Pendennis to tie the new structure directly into the ship’s hull whilst remaining sympathetic to the existing Feadship Design.

Audacia superyacht - Photo by Marc Paris courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Audacia superyacht - Photo by Marc Paris courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Audacia yacht arrived in Falmouth on 26th January, at which point work commenced at a fantastic pace as the yacht’s structure was stripped away, cutting the existing swim platform back to the original hull.

To facilitate the short build schedule the project team devised a programme to allow trades to work alongside each other on different elements of the project. For example whilst the fabricators were taking the stern back to its original lines, the engineers were simultaneously dismantling the stabiliser system. Work commenced on preparing for the new double sweeping stairways to be fitted whilst another team worked in parallel forming the shell plating to precisely match the curves of the existing hull. At the same time the forward fashion plates on the main deck were cut out.

Superyacht Audacia swim platform being lowered - Image courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard UK

Superyacht Audacia swim platform being lowered - Image courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard UK

During the first few weeks of the project various options for a new foredeck crane were investigated as it became apparent that the existing davit crane was not able to meet the growing requirements of the yacht. The upgrade to this new hydraulic crane was also partly a stylistic decision – with the rest of Audacia eceiving a makeover it was felt that the new crane would enhance the improved aesthetics.

Feadship superyacht Audacia during her refit

Feadship superyacht Audacia during her refit at the Pendennis Shipyard in the UK

Additionally, it was decided that an improved air conditioning chiller plant would add to guest comfort hence the installation of a new more efficient A/C system. As is often the case when undertaking system overhauls the removal of existing equipment can reveal previously invisible issues. In luxury superyacht Audacia’s case once the existing AC system had been removed it was noticed that the underlying structure had undergone years of condensation corrosion so a substantial swath of the yacht’s structure had to be renewed and painted before the new plant could be installed.

Feadship yacht Audacia - Flood up - Photo courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Feadship yacht Audacia - Flood up - Photo courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

On Monday the 4th of April, 2011, Audacia superyacht left the dry dock under her own power, just nine weeks after her arrival, with an impressive list of works completed with a very pleased Owner: “I have been extremely impressed by the professionalism shown by everyone at Pendennis during this project. The fact that Audacia left the yard within 24 hours of its originally scheduled departure with a job completed on budget and every task done according to very specific and demanding criteria speaks loudly to our complete satisfaction”.

Feadhip AUDACIA motor yacht refitted at the Pendennis shipyard - Image courtesy of Pendennis

Feadhip AUDACIA motor yacht refitted at the Pendennis shipyard - Image courtesy of Pendennis

The Owner’s designer, Joanne de Guardiola Design was also delighted with the partnership with the Pendennis team: “The outstanding finished product says it all. Audacia’s refit implemented a handsome design that updated her exterior and fitted seamlessly into her Feadship profile; it was done to the highest quality standards, on time and on budget. It was wonderful to work with Pendennis’ Naval Architects on all aspects of the new stern swim platform, stairs, fashion plates etc. Complicated design ideas were exchanged quickly and effortlessly over the internet supplemented by two in-person meetings whilst measurements, design details and a budget were completed before the yacht entered the yard. The entire Pendennis team delivered top quality professionalism. AND, Audacia looks fabulous!

Motor Yacht Audacia was delivered to her Owners before Easter, 2011, at which point she travelled down to the Mediterranean to be present at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival ahead of her busy charter season.

AUDACIA yacht at the Pendennis shipyard during her refit - Photo courtesy of Pendennis

AUDACIA yacht at the Pendennis shipyard during her refit - Photo courtesy of Pendennis

Summary of Work:

1. 2m stern extension to extend beach deck area including new teak decking on all of the stern section

2. New aft staircases linked to new swim platform

3. Underwater lighting on stern

4. Replace stabilisers with ‘Quantum’ zero speed stabilisers, including overhaul of the supporting structure and systems

5. Removal of forward fashion plate

6. Replacement of A/C chiller unit including improvements to the underlying structure affected by corrosion

7. New hydraulic foredeck crane

8. Modernise vessel whilst remaining sympathetic to the original Feadship Design

9. Fairing and painting of the new works

Audacia Yacht being moved to marina - Photo courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Audacia Yacht being moved to marina - Photo courtesy of Pendennis Shipyard

Audacia Specifications:

Original Builder: Feadship 1987

Original Naval Architect: De Voogt

Refit Naval Arichtect: Pendennis

Refit Designer: Joanne De Guardiola Design & Pendennis

Length Overall: 46.5m

Beam: 8.2m

Draught Max: 3.05m

Hull Material: Steel

Superstructure: Aluminium

Gross Tonnage: 424 tonnes

Guest Cabins: 6

Guests: 12

Crew: 9

Engine Manufacturer: Caterpillar

Number of Engines: 2 Type: Diesel HP: 775hp / 570kW

Speed: 14 knots

Oyster 625 Super Yacht Blue Jeannie on display at the 2012 Miami Boat Show

February 02, 2012

The Oyster 625 sailing yacht Blue Jeannie has just been chosen as the ‘Best Luxury Cruiser’ in the 2012 European Yacht of the Year awards, and the Oyster Marine shipyard is pleased to have the opportunity to showcase the beautiful Oyster 625 Blue Jeannie superyacht, designed by well-known Rob Humphreys, for the first time to a US audience at the 2012 Miami International Boat Show, held in February 16-20.

The Oyster 625 sailing yacht Blue Jeannie

The Oyster 625 sailing yacht Blue Jeannie

The increased performance and handling, options for a sportier rig, several interior layout options and increased space in the master cabin by utilising the fuller aft sections are just some of the special features of the Oyster 625 luxury yacht Blue Jeannie.

Oyster 625 Super Yacht Blue Jeannie - view from above

Oyster 625 Super Yacht Blue Jeannie - view from above

What better time to escape from winter and join the Oyster yard in the warm south Florida sun to see the latest that they have to offer? Their Newport, RI team will be on hand, and the Oyster looks forward to meeting the Miami boat show visitors and showing them how the Oyster 625 super yacht Blue Jeannie has truly raised the bar in the world of semi-custom, production sailing yachts.

Oyster 625 luxury yacht Blue Jeannie Interior

Oyster 625 luxury yacht Blue Jeannie Interior

Superyacht Pavilion for the first time at Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

February 02, 2012

Exhibitors and visitors to the 24th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, held in May 24-27, 2012, will have one more marvel to admire, together with world and national launches, astonishing exhibits and excellent show deals. Brand new, not only to this year’s boat show, but the first of its kind in Australia, exhibitors will have a revolutionary new marquee that will serve as the Superyacht Pavilion.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2011

While there are no changes to the footprint or layout of the area, the structure itself is entirely new, right down to the impeccably engineered new flooring system.

According to Tony Butler from Butlers Events & Staging, the marquee is similar to a “Meccano set” and specifically designed and constructed in Germany.

“This is purpose designed and built by Roder HTS in Germany,” he explains. “It has a curved roof – just beautiful – and the floor is made up of a cassette system, so it’s solid, stable and durable, during all kinds of weather. There are emergency fire doors and internal locks. The walls, glass windows, roof and floor all fit together.”

Another amazing attribute is the revolutionary “tite liner” ceiling, which is a new style of liner stretched taut between the rafters to give a seamless, snug fit, adding to the crisp, clean lines of the interior. “It is exceptional,” says Tony. “Exhibitors will be very pleased with their new pavilion and visitors will notice the difference too.”

The marquee had a test run during this year’s BMW Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club in January, where it was used as the VIP Marquee. “It stayed up for two weeks in total,” says Tony, “and had to endure all kinds of weather and activity. It’s really the new generation of structure, so it stands up to a lot and will look superb for years to come.”

Butlers have 40 years’ experience with events and staging, including most recently, the multi-million dollar staging requirements of The Big Day Out in Australia and New Zealand.

There are many more exhibitors and special attractions to be confirmed for this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

The refit of the 71m charter yacht Dona Amélia (ex Haida G) at Pendennis successfully completed

February 02, 2012

Pendennis Plus was pleased to have been commissioned to undertake a four month refit of one of the world’s most iconic gentleman’s motor yachts Dona Amélia, previously known as Haida G. At her 71m the charter yacht Dona Amélia is the largest vessel to have been refitted in Pendennis’ 23 year history, and the first undertaken in Falmouth by the newly rebranded Pendennis Plus, formerly known as Devonport Yachts.

The 71m luxury charter yacht Dona Amelia before her refit at Pendennis

The 71m luxury charter yacht Dona Amélia before her refit at Pendennis

The luxury yacht Dona Amélia’s programme of works focused on routine maintenance including an engineering survey, service and renovation of her original 1928 Krupp Germania Werft main Engines, overhaul of her generators, AC, water makers, thrusters, hydraulics, windlass. Alongside this Pendennis Plus revitalised the teak decks and exterior brightwork and upgraded the AV system, galley equipment and Jacuzzi. The yacht’s tanks also underwent maintenance, which involved no less that 15 tanks throughout (fuel, water, grey and black).

Dona Amelia Superyacht´s Engine room

Dona Amélia Superyacht´s Engine room

Super Yacht Dona Amelia mast stepping

Super Yacht Dona Amélia (ex Haida G) mast stepping

Andrew Wilson (Fred), Chief Officer of the super yacht Dona Amélia (ex Haida G), has fond memories of their time in Cornwall: “It is always sad to leave, especially after all the warmth and hospitality that has been shown to the crew of Dona Amélia. We are very grateful to the team at Pendennis team for all your efforts from curry nights, bowling, sailing Regattas, and experiencing the Falmouth 350 year celebration. Plus obviously meeting and becoming friends with many of the Pendennis team! We look forward to returning in the future.”

The 71m luxury yacht Dona Amelia at Pendennis´ outer dock

The 71m luxury yacht Dona Amélia at Pendennis´ outer dock

After completing a series of motor trials a group of Pendennis employees gathered at Port Pendennis Marina to say farewell to Dona Amélia and her crew. Famed in the yachting industry for her classic looks and maintaining original 1928 engines, as well as her film role in ‘Mama Mia’ the yacht provided a beautiful spectacle as she cruised out of Falmouth Bay en route to the Caribbean.

The 71m charter yacht Dona Amélia leaving Falmouth - Photo by Luke Windle

The 71m charter yacht Dona Amélia leaving Pendennis - Photo by Luke Windle

New Owner of Blohm + Voss: Star Capital Partners

February 02, 2012

Blohm + Voss Repair sees excellent prospects in the growing offshore sector – a sector where the company already possesses important expertise. Its service portfolio not only comprises the complex and technologically requiring conversion of vessels and craft for oil and gas platform supply, but also services for vessels and platforms in the offshore wind power sector.

Hamburg´s Blohm + Voss Shipyard

Hamburg´s Blohm + Voss Shipyard

Its leading position in retrofitting and services for cruise liners and merchant ships will also be expanded to a similar degree. Blohm + Voss Repair also sees potential growth in retrofitting and modernization work for mega-yachts – a field in which the company has a long and distinguished record. Development of the Oil Tools unit will also be prioritized: a sector where Blohm + Voss Repair has also worked hard to acquire a strong market position.

Shipbuilding supplier Blohm + Voss Industries, one of the world´s market leaders within its segment, will also be expnading its service business to cover all of the key shipping markets worldwide. For decades, shipbuilders and shipowners have relied on the quality and reliability they can expect from components made by Blohm + Voss Industries.

Based in London, the new owners of Blohm + Voss, Star Capital Partners, specialize in the financing of capital-intensive businesses. The investment company was formed in 2000 and manages total funds of around a bilion euros. SCP provides promising companies in growth markets with capital in order to both finance ongoing activities and develop new business. Its objective is to achieve – or to secure – the acquired company´s position as the leader in its market.

“Investors Star Capital Partners are an excellent match for Blohm + Voss,” emphasizes Dr. Herbert Aly, in commenting on the change of ownership. “Their commitment will enable all three companies to continue to develop their business models, since we are not only active in booming markets but have a huge market potential. Thanks to SCP, the shipyard will be retained, and SCP also offers excellent prospects for our highly-qualified and dedicated workforce.”

J-Class 40m super yacht RAINBOW JH2 due to be launched by Holland Yachtbouw mid February

February 02, 2012

The J-Class 40m sailing yacht Rainbow JH2, currently in build by the renowned Dutch shipyard Holland Yachtbouw, is due to be launched mid February. Redesigned by world-renowned Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects, the Rainbow JH2 superyacht is a replica of the famous J, designed by William Starling Burgess that won the America´s Cup against the charter yacht Endeavour in 1934.

J-Class 40m super yacht RAINBOW due to be launched by Holland Yachtbouw mid February

J-Class 40m super yacht RAINBOW JH2 due to be launched by Holland Yachtbouw mid February

To allow chartering the all-aluminium luxury yacht Rainbow JH2 is built under Lloyds A1 and MCA.

Her unique feature is the diesel-electric propulsion system. There are no main engines but two generators which can deliver 350Kw on the propeller.

The interior design is done by the super yacht Rainbow´s Owner and developed by Dykstra & Partners.

There will be a permanent professional crew of seven, who can cater for eight to ten guests. The racing crew will be 25 to 28. Quite a number of them are needed to handle the giant spinnaker (950m2).

AQUA 6 MORPH Yacht Tender by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

February 02, 2012

The Sicilian shipyard AQUAMAR gave Florence-based design studio KEYFRAMESTUDIO the difficult task to develop and carry out the restyling of their entire range, including the AQUA5, AQUA6, AQUA7 yachts. The AQUA 6 MORPH yacht tender is an actual revolution in the world of nautical design. The 6m AQUA 6 MORPH yacht does not give much leniency for creativity so the task was much difficult for the KEYFRAMESTUDIO to give the boat a sensation of unity of shapes.

AQUA 6 MORPH Yacht Tender by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

AQUA 6 MORPH Yacht Tender by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

The AQUA6 yacht was designed to give the sensation of being one single volume sculptured on the inside; this is why the sides of the boat latch on to the interior of the boat giving the idea that they should meet at the center of the boat.

AQUA6 Yacht - side view

AQUA6 Yacht - side view

To give this sensation, quite innovative on a yacht this size, KEYFRAMESTUDIO studied and developed an absolutely original layout. The driving console is obviously central, but the functions that are usually placed underneath it are instead placed on the flanks inside the side walls. In this way the console can open revealing a huge storage compartment, while the fridge and the kitchenette are placed in the side volumes. Further towards the bow is separate, more private dinette.

Yacht AQUA 6 MORPH - front view

Yacht AQUA 6 MORPH - front view

The versatility of the spaces is greatly improved. It is as if the 6m AQUA 6 yacht tender would be divided in two large living spaces; aft, console and seat/sunbed area dedicated to relaxing and driving, while the bow side of the console to living and comfort.

AQUA6 yacht tender running

AQUA6 yacht tender running

DESIGN & STYLE

The style of the AQUA 6 MORPH is unitary. A single volume, cut to extract its interior layout. This is highlighted by the color of the fibre-glass. AQUA6 seems to have a hard, aerodynamic shell that protects the softer, lighter interiors that are more hospitable. From this volume stands the console made with a bio-design sensation, the pulsating heart of the yacht. The console is designed in two parts; a hard base and a head crowned by a large wind-shield.

AQUA6 yacht tender

AQUA6 yacht tender

Thanks to the innovative layout KEYFRAMESTUDIO was able to give the console, along with the storage space a more elongated feel that improves its aerodynamic sensation.

AQUA6 Yacht by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

AQUA6 Yacht by KEYFRAMESTUDIO

Her design is made in family feeling with the AQUA line of AQUAMAR, with the only difference that the AQUA 6 MORPH has a bio-meccanic feel and the character of an animal!

Details of the London 2012 Olympic Flame lighting and arrival in UK

February 02, 2012

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) revealed yesterday the first details of the lighting of the Olympic Flame for the London 2012 Olympic Games on 10 May, and its arrival into the UK on 18 May. The Flame will travel around the UK for 70 days on the Olympic Torch Relay from 19 May to 27 July, presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

Plympic Park. Aerial view of the Velodrome and the BMX track. Photo by Anthony Charlton

Olympic Park. Aerial view of the Velodrome and the BMX track. Photo by Anthony Charlton

•    Olympic Flame to be lit in Olympia, Greece on 10 May
•    8 day relay around Greek mainland and islands from 10 May to 17 May
•    Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony to be held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on 17 May
•    Olympic Flame arrives into Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose in Cornwall on 18 May on board British Airways flight ‘BA2012’

Organised by the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC), the Olympic Flame will be lit mid-morning (BST) on 10 May using the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional hour-long ceremony among the historic ruins of the home of the ancient Games.

From the Lighting Ceremony in Olympia, the HOC will take the Olympic Flame on an 8-day relay around Greece before arriving at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on 17 May for the official Olympic Flame Handover Ceremony. During an early evening (BST) hour-long ceremony, the Olympic Flame will be handed over to a London 2012 representative.

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: ‘It gives me great pleasure to confirm 10 May as the Flame lighting date and RNAS Culdrose as the Olympic Flame’s arrival point into the UK. My team is looking forward to working with the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Defence  and our commercial partners to create exciting events to mark the Flame’s Greek provenance and its arrival to our shores.’

The Greek leg of the Torch Relay will showcase the beauty and history of the Greek mainland and islands to the world. The second Torchbearer on the first day and the penultimate Torchbearer on the last day of the Greek leg will be chosen by London 2012. Both Torchbearers will be inspirational people from the UK and their names will be confirmed nearer the time.

British Airways, the official airline partner of the London 2012 Games and Supporter of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, will carry the Olympic Flame on board flight ‘BA2012’ – a gold-liveried aircraft from Athens into the UK on 18 May. The specially chartered Airbus 319 will also transport the official delegation of UK representatives to and from the Athens Handover Ceremony.

As the Olympic Flame is classified as a symbolic flame it is permitted to be carried on board an aircraft subject to special authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority. The Flame will travel in a ceremonial lantern that is secured in a specially designed cradle which is, in turn, firmly fixed to its seat on the plane using a secure holding device. The lantern is designed so the Olympic Flame can burn safely for up to 30 hours.

The Flame will arrive into the UK at RNAS Culdrose, near Helston in Cornwall early evening (BST) of 18 May. In addition to being close to the start point of the Torch Relay at Land’s End, the arrival at RNAS Culdrose acknowledges the vital contribution that maritime and coastal search and rescue services undertake for our island nation. RNAS Culdrose, home to most of the Navy’s Merlin and Sea King helicopter squadrons that are supporting operations around the world,  also offers a beautiful Cornish setting in which an estimated 1000 guests, media and members of the local community are expected to welcome the Olympic Flame.

Secretary of State for Defence Philip Hammond said: ‘I am delighted that Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will be the first to welcome the Olympic Flame into the UK. It is a fantastic opportunity for the Armed Forces to be involved in such a unique event, and one they can take pride in for years to come.’

Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Jeremy Hunt said: ‘When BA2012 touches down in Cornwall carrying the Olympic torch it will be a hugely exciting moment. This kicks off our incredible Torch Relay right around the country and I’m sure the torch will spread ‘Olympic fever’ everywhere it goes.’

Captain Willie Entwisle, Commanding Officer of Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, said: ‘We are honoured that the Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK by landing at Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose. Our personnel, many of whom are currently supporting the Royal Navy on operations across the globe, are very excited that the build up to the London 2012 Olympic Games will start here. We are delighted to be playing such an important part in this once-in-a-lifetime event.’

On the morning of 19 May the Olympic Flame will then travel from RNAS Culdrose to Land’s End ready for the start of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay. The Olympic Flame will travel 8,000 miles across the UK to within 10 miles of 95% of the population. 8,000 Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame for approximately 300 metres each, passing the Olympic Flame from torch to torch until it reaches the Olympic Stadium on the eve of 27 July.

98m Motor Yacht Concept by Sigmund Yacht Design

February 02, 2012

The 98m motor yacht, created by the design studio Sigmund Yacht Design is designed to provide unrivalled interior space within her dramatic and elegant superstructure as well as the ultimate in performance, economy, stability and durability. The hull is a wave piercing axe bow and permits for  smoother, safer and quieter sailing. The whole idea behind the 98m Sigmund superyacht is to develop a vessel that excels in every area technically whilst blending timeless styling into the package.

The 98m Luxury Motor Yacht by Sigmund Yacht Design

The 98m Luxury Motor Yacht by Sigmund Yacht Design

The lines of the 98m Sigmund luxury yacht are full of tension and no part of the way the Sigmund look is contemporary or related to current trends. This yacht provides vast volume for a masterpiece interior and has been sculpted to increase functionality rather than to adhere to styling of the moment.

The 98m Sigmund luxury yacht

The 98m Sigmund luxury yacht

THE 98M SIGMUND IS AVAILABLE TO CLIENTS AND SHIPYARDS WHO WANT TO PRODUCE AN INSTANT CLASSIC, A TECHNICAL WONDER AND A DESIGN THAT SAYS FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION.

The 98m Sigmund Superyacht

The 98m Sigmund Superyacht

The mega yacht design has an LOA of 98m, a 19m beam, 6m draft, and 1103 tonne displacement. She will be able to manage a maximum speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 22 knots with a range of 5000 nautical miles at cruise speed. She will be outfitted with 40000 litres water capacity. The design is based on an a previous axe bow hull of 97m, chosen for its stability.

On board the 98m Sigmund Superyacht

On board the 98m Sigmund Superyacht

The 98m Sigmund yacht will have a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure available with a choice of either conventional power or PEMs (proton exchange membranes) which allows for quieter, vibration free yachting. The 98m Sigmund will be Lloyds registered.