America Brief

America Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Newly launched Jarrett Bay 77 Yacht BLANK CHECK to be delivered soon

May 17, 2013

It has been a busy period for Jarrett Bay Boatworks as the yard has raced to finish motor yacht Blank Check (hull 56) and dial her into perfection before the Blank Check team takes delivery shortly before Big Rock. The 77′ custom Jarrett Bay yacht Blank Check will make her public debut at the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in a few short weeks.

Jarrett Bay 77 Yacht Blank Check undergoing sea trial

Jarrett Bay 77 Yacht Blank Check undergoing sea trial

On her initial sea trial luxury yacht Blank Check clocked in at an impressive 42.6 knots under full load and rode so soft and pillowy, she almost lulled some of the yard’s crew members to sleep. OK, not really, but what the yard is trying to say is this is easily one of the sweetest riding hulls it has ever built.

Luxury yacht Blank Check under sea trial

Luxury yacht Blank Check under sea trial

Watch the video of the Jarrett Bay 77 yacht Blank Check, undergoing sea trial here.

Blank Check yacht will be available for showings on her lay days at Big Rock. At a height of 38 feet, her full tower shouldn’t be too hard to find on the waterfront.

Blank Check Yacht - aft view

Blank Check Yacht - aft view

After fishing Big Rock she’ll chug off to Bermuda for the Triple Crown events and then the USVI Boy Scout tournament later this summer.

Westport 164 motor yacht Hull 5011 launched by Westport Yachts

May 17, 2013

The prominent US builder, Westport Yachts, has recently launched its 11th Westport 164 motor yacht Hull 5011 – a sistership to luxury yacht Annastar (hull 5010), delivered in late 2012. Featuring naval architecture by William Garden and Taylor Olson, the Westport 164 superyacht Hull 5011 belongs to the successful 50-metre semi-custom series, designed by award-winning Donald Starkey.

A sistership to Westport 164 Yacht Hull 5011 - luxury yacht Lady Kathryn IV (hull 5009)

A sistership to Westport 164 Yacht Hull 5011 - luxury yacht Lady Kathryn IV (hull 5009)

About Westport 164
Accommodation aboard Westport 164 yacht is offered to 12 guests in 6 elegant cabins. There is a master suite on the main deck, a VIP cabin on the bridge deck as well as two double cabis and two twin cabins, which can be found on the lower deck.

Twin 3,650hp MTU diesel engines can deliver Westport 164 superyacht a maximum speed of 24 knots and a cruising speed of 20 knots. Her range is 5,200 nautical miles at 12 knots.

Below is a gallery for the beautiful charter yachts built by Westport.

ISA announces new office in the USA

May 15, 2013

May 10, 2013, saw the prominent Italian luxury yacht builder, ISA (International Shipyards Ancona), announce the grand opening of its North American operations, with an office at the Portside Yachting Center at the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale.

Edward Sacks ISA Yachts-North American Operations

Edward Sacks - President of ISA Yachts-North American Operations

It was auspicious timing for ISA as the day marked its 12th anniversary! ISA President of Sales and Marketing, Marcello Maggi, was on hand at a celebratory cocktail party at the Bimini Boatyard Restaurant with brokers, press, and members of South Florida’s marine industry to discuss on- going activity at the shipyard in Italy as well as new marketing initiatives.

Maggi commented to the Friday audience, “I have a strong personal connection to the US and have long been aware of the importance of the American market for our yachts.”

Marcello Maggi from ISA Yachts and Edward Sacks from ISA Yachts-North American Operations

Marcello Maggi from ISA Yachts and Edward Sacks from ISA Yachts-North American Operations

Ed Sacks, a well-known veteran of the luxury yachting industry, who has enjoyed a long-term friendship with Maggi, gave a colorful anecdotal speech to the crowd on his history in the industry and identified his primary mission. “While ISA already has a presence in North America, my task is to increase their visibility in the US marketplace by interfacing with the brokerage community and facilitating ease of communication with the shipyard. To be clear, I am not a broker. My objective is not to sell boats, but to assist established brokers with their efforts in selling ISA construction.”

Marcello Maggi from ISA Yachts with Edward Sacks from ISA Yachts-North American Operations

Marcello Maggi from ISA Yachts with Edward Sacks from ISA Yachts-North American Operations

In its relatively short 12-year history, ISA has delivered 27 yachts and currently has five under construction. They build yachts both in fiberglass and steel in the 30-70m range and are developing new lines with an eye toward expansion to eventually build yachts up to 100m.

Video of newly launched Jarrett Bay 77 motor yacht BLANK CHECK (hull 56) undergoing sea trials

May 15, 2013

Launched by the Beaufort North Carolina custom boat builder Jarrett Bay Boatworks earlier this month, the magnificent 77 motor yacht Blank Check (hull 56) represents the yard’s new Sportfisherman flagship model. Below is a video of the latest Blank Check yacht at full speed, undergoing sea trials. She will soon have additional features added at Jarrett Bay prior to fishing at the world’s largest marlin tournament (the Big Rock) in June, and then heading to Bermuda and elsewhere in the popular yacht charter destination – the Caribbean.

America’s Cup 2013: Experts appointed to Review Committee

May 15, 2013

This summer’s events remain on track, as confirmed by America’s Cup organizers. In parallel with finishing the last arrangements for the America’s Cup, a highly experienced panel of sailing and safety at sea experts has been named and charged with reviewing the training as well as competing of AC72 yachts in the 2013 America’s Cup.

America's Cup Press Conference in San Francisco © ACEA Photo : Guilain GRENIER

America's Cup Press Conference in San Francisco © ACEA Photo : Guilain GRENIER

The Review Committee will make its recommendations following the loss of Artemis Racing crew member Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson (GBR) in a training accident on San Francisco Bay on Thursday of last week.

Members of the Committee have strong backgrounds in the sport at its highest levels as well as involvement in other reviews where an incident at sea has claimed the life of a competitor.

Iain Murray, the Regatta Director, will chair and lead the Review Committee comprised of:

•    Iain Murray (AUS, Chair)
•    Sally Lindsay Honey (USA, Deputy Chair)
•    John Craig (USA)
•    Chuck Hawley (USA)
•    Vincent Lauriot-Prévost (FRA)
•    Jim Farmer QC (NZL)

The U.S. Coast Guard supports this approach and will assist as appropriate. Lt. Jon Lane, with 26 years in the Coast Guard and 10 years experience as a marine casualty investigator will serve as liaison.

Tom Ehman, the Vice Commodore of the Golden Gate Yacht Club (the America’s Cup Trustee), said, “The America’s Cup will go ahead this summer. We will see the world’s best sailors racing at the highest level on one of the most iconic race tracks in sport.”

With regard to the Review, Ehman added: “The Committee brings immense experience and expertise to this Review. At a meeting in San Francisco this morning, the teams expressed unanimous support for this Committee and this process.”

The Review Committee will report as soon as possible, given that racing starts in seven weeks.

Luxury sailing yacht LEOPARD 3 at Dennis Conner’s North Cove in NYC

May 14, 2013

The spring migration of spectacular yachts is well underway. Last week, luxury sailing yacht Leopard 3 visited Dennis Conner’s North Cove. At nearly 100 feet in length, charter yacht Leopard 3 was constructed to break sailing records around the Atlantic.

Luxury charter yacht Leopard 3 at Dennis Conners North Cove in NYC

Luxury charter yacht Leopard 3 at Dennis Conners North Cove in NYC

Superyacht Leopard 3 has visited North Cove several times before and been on stand by to test the Trans-Atlantic record. Today, she has been converted into a super high performance charter yacht and used for trips as well as corporate events. While in New York City, she did several days of sailing in the harbor with an ICAP spinnaker.

Superyacht Leopard 3 under sail

Superyacht Leopard 3 under sail

Then on Saturday, charter yacht Leopard 3 headed off across the Atlantic for her summer cruising grounds on the Solent in England.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release $120,897 for Front Street Shipyard

May 14, 2013

As part of the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will provide the Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) with $120,897 in support of waterfront improvements at the premier yacht yard, Front Street Shipyard, in Belfast. Front Street Shipyard is providing matching funds for the $241,795 project. The waterfront rehabilitation comprises new slips as well as moorings for transient boats, which will be utilised for visitors and tourists in the mid-coast region.

American Boat Builders and Repairers Association's annual Boatyard of the Year award for 2013 for Front Street Shipyard

American Boat Builders and Repairers Association's annual Boatyard of the Year award for 2013 recently received by Front Street Shipyard

With the BIG grant, Front Street Shipyard will add 12 new slips with shorepower on the dock face, plus five 40-foot harbor floats, all of which will be devoted to transient recreational boaters. Bathrooms, showers, and wireless internet for visiting boaters will be installed in the new marina. Over the next year, the yard will also add 21 new transient moorings. The new infrastructure will offer dockage and moorings to yachts visiting Maine from around the world.

Since Front Street Shipyard’s inception in 2011, the marina and service yard have attracted dozens of visiting yachts as large as 122 feet. These recreational vessels have bolstered the local economy through spending and job creation. Outside of the BIG grant, Front Street Shipyard is making additional improvements to continue attracting yachts, including the acquisition of a new 485-ton boat lift this summer, which is almost three times the size of the yard’s current lift.

“With Front Street Shipyard’s ongoing growth in capabilities and space, we need these additional slips and moorings to accommodate new customers and cruisers coming to the area,” said JB Turner, president of Front Street Shipyard. “The BIG grant will help make mid-coast Maine the international yachting destination that it’s evolving into.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded more than $11.2 million in competitive grants to 15 states for projects to support recreational boating. Grantees like Maine DOT and Front Street Shipyard use BIG funds to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation.

“These grants, funded by fishing and boating enthusiasts, have helped communities across the nation build and enhance recreational boating facilities that provide recreational opportunities while supporting jobs and economic growth,” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “This program is a win-win situation for recreational boaters, conservation initiatives and job creation.”

Front Street Shipyard recently received American Boat Builders and Repairers Association’s annual “Boatyard of the Year” award for 2013. The yard now has 72,555 square feet of space for yacht storage and 10,320 square feet of shop space on a six-acre property with 1,500 feet of waterfront. There is an additional seven acres of off-site storage space. Front Street Shipyard currently employs more than 100 people.

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.

Palmer Johnson Launches its Flagship – PJ 210 mega yacht LADY M (Project Stimulus, PJ264)

May 14, 2013

The prestigious US builder Palmer Johnson has successfully launched its flagship, PJ 210 mega yacht Lady M (Project Stimulus, PJ264), designed to dismiss clichés. Luxury motor yacht Lady M boasts all the spaces of a traditional tri-deck yacht, but reaches a 28 knot maximum speed, covered with the elegant flowing exterior lines of the successful Palmer Johnson Sportyacht design, developed by Dan Lenard of Nuvolari-Lenard.

Newly launched PJ 210 superyacht Lady M (Project Stimulus, PJ264) by Palmer Johnson

Newly launched PJ 210 superyacht Lady M (Project Stimulus, PJ264) by Palmer Johnson

The signature unbroken line from transom to bow remains to give side-on flow while the finessed overall proportions means that the beauty of the Lady M yacht is enjoyed from every angle. There is a heroic unswerving commitment to aesthetics in this design which is enhanced by top craftsmanship and performance, giving the perfect balance to the package.

The PJ 210 once again uses innovative design to influence the owner and guest experience on board. Focused on elegant yet relaxed lifestyle, this stunning 64m superyacht Lady M balances and blends airy indoor areas with generous outdoor deck spaces, creating an open environment that emphasizes panoramic sea views while ensuring privacy.

PJ 210 Yacht Lady M

PJ 210 Yacht Lady M

Defined by distinctive design and stylish presence the PJ210 mega yacht Lady M is destined to be another truly iconic Palmer Johnson Superyacht.

The PJ 210 yacht Lady M (Project Stimulus, PJ264) leaves the Palmer Johnson shipyard in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin at the end of May and will head directly for the Med where a full summer cruising schedule awaits her.

Luxury motor yacht Lady M - aft view

Luxury motor yacht Lady M - aft view

Below is a selection of the outstanding charter yachts built by Palmer Johnson.

Images of LADY M yacht (Project Stimulus, PJ264) featuring DuraShield SuperYacht glazing

May 13, 2013

The recently launched LADY M yacht (PJ264 or Project Stimulus) built by Palmer Johnson and designed by Nuvolari Lenard, features DuraShield SuperYacht glazing throughout. Superyacht LADY M boasts state-of-the-art skylight design concept and a glass-sided swimming pool on the stern. The pool wall and superstructure were manufactured byGlasshape, featuring DuraShield. Below are a number of images sent to us by DuraShield Marine, showing the spectacular PJ210 hull n° 1  just before her launch, which has taken place this Saturday. Second PJ210 hull, Yacht Project Hermes (PJ 263), is currently under construction.

PJ264 yacht LADY M by Palmer Johnson - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

PJ264 yacht LADY M by Palmer Johnson - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

PJ210 hull number 1 superyacht Lady M built by Palmer Johnson with design by Nuvolari Lenard - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

PJ210 hull number 1 superyacht Lady M built by Palmer Johnson with design by Nuvolari Lenard - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Superyacht Lady M during launch - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Superyacht Lady M during launch - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Lady M yacht (Project Stimulus) - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Lady M yacht (Project Stimulus) - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Luxury yacht Lady M - Palmer Johnson built superyacht - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Luxury yacht Lady M - Palmer Johnson built superyacht - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Motor Yacht Lady M (Project Stimulus) - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine

Motor Yacht Lady M (Project Stimulus) - Image courtesy of DuraShield Marine