Dubois Yachts Brief

Dubois Yachts Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Pendennis – Sponsor of Dubois Cup

May 20, 2013

The prestigious UK luxury yacht builder, Pendennis, is proud to be involved in the Dubois Cup as one of its sponsors. The 4th edition of the event will take place in the popular Italian yacht charter destination – Porto Cervo in Sardinia, from 1st to 3rd June, 2013. It will host 15 Dubois designed vessels, including the Pendennis built charter yacht Nostromo, as well as sailing yacht Tenaz (ex Mamamouchi).

NOSTROMO

NOSTROMO

Still retaining the wonderful ethos and atmosphere that is at the heart of the Dubois brand, the regatta grows year on year.

Four World Superyacht Awards 2013 Winners with spars supplied by Southern Spars

May 14, 2013

Saturday, May 4, in the fabulous surroundings of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, set overlooking the legendary Bosphorus waterway, saw the superyacht industry’s best meet for the most prestigious event in the yachting calendar – the eighth annual World Superyacht Awards.

World Superyacht Awards 2013 hosted by Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey

World Superyacht Awards 2013 hosted by Ciragan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey

During a gala evening attended by a distinguished guest list of superyacht owners, their families, friends and luminaries of the superyacht industry, news broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky presented the prized silver Neptune awards to the owners of the finest sail and motor yachts delivered in 2012.

Seventeen coveted Neptunes and three Judges’ Commendation prizes, custom made for the occasion by Baccarat, were awarded to the winners on the night.

Firstly Southern Spars would like to congratulate Alloy Yachts and Dubois Naval Architecture for their collaborated effort with the 47m superyacht Loretta Anne, winning the Motor Yacht of the Year 2013.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Southern Spars is very proud to once again be involved with many of the World Superyacht Awardees, supplying spars for luxury yacht Rainbow – Sailing Superyacht of the Year in 39m+ range, charter yacht Endeavour – Refitted Sailing yacht of the year, superyacht Hamilton – Judges special award for performance and Quintessential yacht – Judges special award for Catamarans.

Rainbow – Sailing Superyacht of the Year in 39m+ range

“Rainbow’s Southern Spars rig and rigging package goes hand in hand with her sleek lines. She utilises grand prix technology on her rig and rigging that some of the worlds most advanced maxis sport, including the current Volvo 70’s” says Project Manager Olivier Marthe. Her Southern Spars high modulus mast came out of the same mould as Endeavour, at 55.5m it is a little taller than Endeavour and is also equipped with the latest EC6 continuous rigging.

Luxury sailing yacht Rainbow by Holland Jachtbouw

Luxury sailing yacht Rainbow by Holland Jachtbouw

Endeavour – Refitted Sailing yacht of the year

Originally built in 1934 and reduced to being a complete wreck in the 1980s, luxury charter yacht Endeavour’s 2011 re-launch marked the completion of an extensive 18-month refit at Yachting Developments’ yard based in Hobsonville, Auckland. The Yachting Developments’ team has taken extreme care throughout the refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of 21st century sailing systems, such as a carbon fibre mast and EC6 carbon fibre rigging package from Southern Spars for enhanced performance and improved functionality.

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

Endeavour yacht’s future performance will benefit from the significant weight savings – an incredible 900kg on the boom, and three tonne on the rig and rigging from her previous rig – achieved by the Southern Spars’ Custom Projects team based in Avondale, Auckland.

Southern Spars would like to congratulate all of the boat yards, designers and suppliers involved in this years awards.

British Excellence recognized at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 10, 2013

Three British Marine Federation (BMF) as well as Superyacht UK (SYUK) members have been honoured with one of the most prestigious awards in the superyacht sector at the 8th annual World Superyacht Awards held in Istanbul. These members have been recognized for their expertise and excellence in superyacht design and construction.

Motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) after refit at Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

WSA 2013 for motor yacht A2 (ex Masquerade of Sole) refitted by Pendennis - Photo by Paul Warchol

The Rebuilt Motor Yacht award went to the 47m motor yacht A2 which was refitted and exterior styling by Pendennis while the naval architecture was a combination of Pendennis and BMT Nigel Gee.

Toby Allies, Sales & Marketing Director at Pendennis said of the win: “A2 was a substantial project for Pendennis, with the vessel stripped back to her bare hull and rebuilt completely over her 16 month period in the Falmouth yard. Being awarded the World Superyacht Award for Best Rebuild is testament to the high level of excellence that is achieved by all our in-house trades and confirms our status as one of the leaders in the worldwide superyacht rebuilds market.”

The Judge’s Special Award for Performance was awarded to the 30m sailing yacht Hamilton, built by Green Marine. Marcel Muller, Managing Director at Green Marine said “We are very happy to have been awarded with this prestigious award. Hamilton is the first racing yacht that could convince the judges to have the qualities of a Superyacht.

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit YCO

WallyCento Yacht Hamilton launched by Green Marine - Image credit to YCO

“We were lucky to execute this project with a great team of designers, engineers, project managers and builders for an owner who had a clear vision in mind. Only to mention a few of the key players: James Stagg as owners project manager kept the project on a very tight time line and Struik & Hammerslag did a fantastic job on the light weight interior.”

The dedicated award for Three Deck Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht went to superyacht Imperial Princess, Princess Yachts International’s first Princess 40M from their M Class range of 100ft yachts.

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Imperial Princess superyacht by Princess Yachts

Chris Gates, Managing Director at Princess Yachts International, said: “We are extremely honoured that Imperial Princess has been awarded in her category at the 2013 World Superyacht Awards.  The standard of yachts within her class were exemplary and we are delighted to receive this internationally recognised accolade for our Princess 40M.  This is a tremendous achievement for all involved.”

Albert Levy, SYUK Chairman commented: “The consistent recognition of quality in design, construction, refit and engineering consultancy evidences a depth of experience and knowledge at the highest level. This enhances the attraction of the UK’s Superyacht Industry to all who work in it and more especially the owners who have entrusted their projects to, in particular the winners of the Awards, whose teams are to be congratulated for their singular efforts.”

Along with the success of the BMF and SYUK members further British accomplishments were recognised with Overall Motor Yacht of the Year and winner of the Raised Pilothouse Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yacht awards going to luxury yacht Loretta Anne, designed by Dubois Naval Architects Ltd and with interior design completed by Donald Starkey Designs.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Charter yacht Endeavour won Refitted Sailing Yacht with its interior design created by John Munford and Adam Lay while superyacht Mogambo took Displacement Motor Yacht of 1,300GT and Above with its exterior and interior design by Reymond Langton Design.

The World Superyacht Awards, in its eighth year, took place at the stunning Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey on 4 May, celebrated the finest new superyacht builds delivered to their owners in the last 12 months. News broadcaster, Natasha Kaplinsky presented the coveted silver Neptune awards and five Judge’s Commendation prizes to the superyacht owners and industry professionals.

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

Classic Charter Yacht Endeavour

The UK superyacht industry is a significant contributor in the global arena, delivering revenue over £440million and employing around 3,550, according to the latest Superyacht UK statistics. The diverse nature of the UK’s offering to the superyacht sector has allowed the industry to continue providing excellent services thanks to its refit, broking, design, insurance and legal offerings. British excellence within the industry was highly recognised on the international stage at the spectacular awards event where eight British companies were acknowledged for their expertise and success in the industry.

Double awards for Dubois-designed luxury yacht LORETTA ANNE at World Superyacht Awards 2013

May 08, 2013

Designed by the prestigious UK design firm Dubois Naval Architects, the beautiful 47-metre motor yacht Loretta Anne was named ‘Motoryacht of the Year’ at the recent World Superyacht Awards, presented by Boat International Media. In addition, luxury yacht Loretta Anne won in the category of ‘Raised Pilothouse Semi-displacement Motor Yacht’.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois - Photo by Chris Lewis

Built by Alloy Yachts, New Zealand, the Dubois-designed Loretta Anne yacht is the 22nd large Dubois-designed/Alloy-built yacht to launch and she takes full advantage of the combined experience and the first-rate build quality of the shipyard.

As the designers, Dubois has succeeded in combining excellent seakeeping with an efficient hull and attractive, timeless looks.

47m superyacht Loretta Anne

47m superyacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

As is usual with all Dubois designs, Dubois was responsible for the naval architecture and outboard styling of superyacht Loretta Anne. Donald Starkey Designs finished the interior in the ‘Bahamas beach house’ style requested by the owner.

Loretta Anne is the 11th motoryacht of over 30 metres that Dubois has designed. Probably known primarily as sailboat designers, to win this ‘Best Motor Yacht’ award is particularly gratifying. Dubois delights in the challenge of marrying seaworthiness with practicality and good looks in its motoryacht designs; the same priorities that the studio applies to their wind driven sisters.

Luxurious exterior aboard motor yacht Loretta Anne

Luxurious exterior aboard motor yacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

Interesting features include the vertical bridge screen of superyacht Loretta Anne, which is both practical and contemporary and, unusually for a two and a half deck yacht, the galley is on the main deck.

The owner and friends, who were in attendance at the Awards Ceremony, were overjoyed with the recognition the Loretta Anne yacht received. An experienced owner, she was heavily involved in the design and features for the latest superyacht Loretta Anne.

Luxurious interior aboard superyacht Loretta Anne

Luxurious interior aboard superyacht Loretta Anne - Photo by Chris Lewis

Below is a gallery for the oustanding charter yachts with design by Dubois Naval Architects.

Alloy Yacht LORETTA ANNE Winner of World Superyacht Award 2013

May 07, 2013

Tony Hambrook and the team at Alloy Yachts are thrilled to announce that the 47m Dubois designed yacht Loretta Anne has been named MOTOR YACHT of the YEAR at the recently running World Superyacht Awards, held in Istanbul. Luxury motor yacht Loretta Anne also won the category of “Raised Pilothouse Semi-displacement Motor Yacht”. She bears a beautiful “Bahamas Beach House” interior, created by renowned Don Starkey Design.

Loretta Anne superyacht by Alloy Yachts

Loretta Anne superyacht by Alloy Yachts

The owner and friends, who were in attendance at the WSA were overjoyed with the recognition the Loretta Anne yacht received. An experienced owner, she was heavily involved in the design and features for the latest Loretta Anne. This is the owner’s third yacht from Alloy.

Luxury yacht Loretta Anne - Dining

Luxury yacht Loretta Anne - Dining

ALLOY YACHTS once again sponsored the Voyager’s Award at the World Superyacht Awards. They were honoured to present this award to the owners of the 37.33m expedition yacht Marama. Last year the owners spent the summer cruising northwards from Seattle, through the West Coast of British Columbia to Glacier Bay in Alaska.

Luxury expedition yacht Marama

Luxury expedition yacht Marama

World Superyacht Awards 2013 Winners

May 06, 2013

May 4 in the fabulous surroundings of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, overlooking the historic Bosphorus waterway, saw the superyacht industry’s finest gather for the eagerly awaited event in the yachting calendar – the eighth annual World Superyacht Awards.

WSA 2013


During a gala evening attended by a distinguished guest list of superyacht owners, their families, friends and luminaries of the superyacht industry, news broadcaster Natasha Kaplinsky presented the prized silver Neptune awards to the owners of the finest sail and motor yachts delivered in 2012.

Seventeen coveted Neptunes and three Judges’ Commendation prizes, custom made for the occasion by Baccarat, were awarded to the winners on the night.

Motor Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Camper & Nicholsons International, was awarded to the 47.00m superyacht Loretta Anne.

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

47m Alloy motor yacht Loretta Anne designed by Dubois

Custom built for an experienced, second-time client of Alloy Yachts, Loretta Anne yacht was designed by Dubois Naval Architects who created an attractively low and sleek yacht.

In practical fashion, the raised pilot house of luxury yacht Loretta Anne is fitted with vertical windows to ensure optimum external visibility, while three sides of the flying bridge can be sheltered by powered, vertically-sliding glass screens. Her modern interior, by Donald Starkey Designs, offers elegance, comfort and sophistication.

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne - Interior

Alloy superyacht Loretta Anne - Interior

Sailing Yacht of the Year, sponsored by Tansu, went to the 37.33m luxury yacht Pumula, built by Royal Huisman.

Royal Huisman superyacht Pumula - Photo by Cory Silken

Royal Huisman superyacht Pumula - Photo by Cory Silken

Pumula is the epitome of a modern classic sailing yacht. Built to the highest standards, her exterior lines reflect the beauty of a bygone age. A sea-kindly hull with optimum underwater lines and an easily handled rig with carbon-fibre mast, PBO headstay and Kevlar backstay and in-boom furling, guarantee modern standards of performance and handling.

Her interior offers a large owner cabin aft together with two twin-bed guest cabins, while a further double guest cabin lies forward of the deck saloon and lower deck living area. The Rhoades Young Design interior, designed to match her exterior styled by Dykstra Naval Architects, is executed in light oak, subtly aged to meet the expectations of a classic yacht.

Sailing Yacht Pumula - lower salon - Photo by Cory Silken

Sailing Yacht Pumula - lower salon - Photo by Cory Silken

The Voyager’s Award, sponsored by Alloy Yachts, was presented to the owners of the 37.33m expedition yacht Marama. In the summer of last year she cruised northwards from Seattle to Glacier Bay, Alaska in a three-month, 3,200nm voyage.

The thoroughness with which the coastline was explored, the experiences enjoyed along the way and, perhaps above all, the manner in which the cruise was documented with the most enchanting (and technically demanding) photographs and video, immediately captured the hearts of the judges.

38m expedition yacht MARAMA

38m expedition yacht MARAMA

The Legacy Award, sponsored by Proteksan Turquoise Yachts, was awarded to Tom Perkins, for his lifetime services to yachting and, in particular, the development of charter yacht Maltese Falcon – one of the most advanced sailing yachts in the last 100 years.

Maltese Falcon -  (2)

Maltese Falcon - (2)

Boat International Media would like to thank Gold Sponsor RMK Marine and the event sponsors and partners who have helped to make the 2013 World Superyacht Awards such a tremendous success.

Alloy Yachts launch AY45 Sailing Yacht ENCORE

May 01, 2013

Designed by Dubois Naval Architects, the 43,9m luxury sloop ENCORE was launched at the New Zealand shipyard Alloy Yachts. AY45 Sailing Yacht ENCORE is due to be delivered in late June to her experienced owner and repeat Alloy Yachts’ customer. The interior of the vessel features design by Alloy Yachts Interior Design in collaboration with the owners.

Encore yacht in May 2013 -  Image credit Alloy Yachts

Encore yacht in May 2013 - Image credit Alloy Yachts

Accommodation aboard this spectacular vessel is provided in four beautifully appointed cabins, including the owner’s suite, two VIP double cabins and one twin cabin. The owner suite’s special features include a study and a full-beam bathroom.

Encore’s range under motor is 4000 nautical miles, her top speed is 18 knots with 12 knots of cruising speed.  She is powered by Caterpillar C18 ACERT “D” rated 873hp@ 2200 RPM engine.

AY45 superyacht ENCORE specifications

LOA 43.9m   (144ft)

LWL 37.3m   (122ft)

Beam 9.37m   (30.7ft)

Draft 4.3m     (14.1ft)

Displacement 265 tonnes

SPARS, SAILS AND RIGGING

Sails: Doyle

Sail area: Upwind: 1011 sqm

Downwind: 1902 sqm

Mast and boom: Southern Spars

Rigging: Southern Spars EC6 +

Furlers: Reckmann

Winches: AY custom

World Superyacht Awards 2013 Sponsors

April 26, 2013

Thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, the 8th annual World Superyacht Awards will be held in only ten days, presenting the winners during a glittering gala evening at the fabulous Çırağan Palace Kempinski, situated in the historic city of Istanbul, on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

WSA

World Superyacht Awards 2013 Sponsors:

RMK Marine

RMK Marine is a top class superyacht builder in Istanbul, Turkey for sail and power boats from 30m upwards in composites, steel and aluminum.RMK Marine has built numerous award winning superyachts and sets the benchmark for the Turkish Superyacht Industry with uncompromising quality and exceptional value. Superyacht Nazenin V was the beautiful 52m Sparkman and Stephens’ ketch given the accolade of the Judges’ Commendation at the 2010 World Superyacht Awards. Luxury yacht Karia, the 45m Ron Holland designed motor yacht and sailing yacht Sarafin, the Oyster 100 by Dubois, built by RMK Marine both received Judges’ Commendations in 2012.

45m luxury motor yacht KARIA by RMK Marine

45m luxury motor yacht KARIA by RMK Marine

A special capability of RMK Marine is the in-house joinery workshop where craftsmen meticulously produce the joinery for these award winning superyachts with an appropriate blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern machinery and materials. Other in house facilities such as electrical and composites trades are also complemented by the in-house design department.

On-site facilities at the yard also include full refit, repair and restoration services for visiting yachts. Many refits are undertaken each year as well as restoration of historical vessels. The yard has a lifting capacity of up to 700 tonnes.

Proteksan Turquoise Yachts
Founded in 1997, Proteksan Turquoise was established when two of the leading shipyards, Proteksan Yachts and Turquoise Yachts Construction joined forces together to combine their assets and solid yacht building experience. Today, Proteksan Turquoise enjoys a commanding position in the global superyacht industry, with two wholly-owned shipyard facilities in the vicinity of world-class city of Istanbul.

The yachts begin their hull and superstructure building process at the 35,000sqm facility in the Kocaeli Free Zone which has a 120m dock capacity and upon completion transfer on the floating dock to arrive at the 25,000sqm Pendik facility with 110m dock space, for fit-out and commissioning. With four new superyachts launched in the last two years and two more yachts under construction (50m and 75m) quickly taking shape in the building halls, it is not surprising that Proteksan Turquoise is establishing its rank amongst the European superyacht shipyards. In 2012 Proteksan Turquoise delivered their largest yacht to date, the 73.2m mega yacht Vicky.

Vicky superyacht by Proteksan Turquoise

Vicky superyacht by Proteksan Turquoise

Camper & Nicholsons International
Since 1782, the company has been synonymous with the world’s leading yachts. Today, it remains the global leader in all luxury yachting activities, specialising in the sale, purchase, charter, marketing, management and construction of the finest yachts in the world.

Equipped with a team of dedicated sales and charter brokers, yacht managers and staff, all sharing a genuine passion for being at sea, it offers its clients an unrivalled blend of knowledge and expertise. With a history stretching back over five generations, a worldwide network of offices, expanding and evolving divisions and services, as well as first-rate experience in every aspect of luxury yachting, Camper & Nicholsons is the industry’s undisputed authority for over 230 years.

D-Marin
D-Marin Marinas Group is a Dogus Group company, offering a distinguished global network of marinas in the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea, setting new standards with unique customer services, technical infrastructure, outstanding social facilities and specialised staff.

The Group began its commitment to the industry in 2003 with D-Marin Turgutreis on Turkey’s Bodrum Peninsular. In 2009, D-Marin Didim, and in 2010, D-Marin Göcek joined the Group. In 2009, D-Marin entered Croatia, with D-Marin Mandalina, and D-Marin Dalmacija and D-Marin Borik joined in 2012. Proving its commitment to the region, D-Marin acquired 6.92% of Adriatic Croatia International in 2012, the Med’s largest chain of marinas. Recent partnerships with Lamda Development and Kiriacoulis Mediterranean Cruises Shipping resulted in adding a world class superyacht marina – Flisvos Marina, and three other premium marinas in Greece: Gouvia, Lefkas and Zea to its portfolio, increasing D-Marin’s capacity to over 9,000 berths.

Flisvos Marina situated in the popular summer yacht charter destination - Greece

Flisvos Marina situated in the popular summer yacht charter destination - Greece

D-Marin is rapidly creating a true superyacht marina network, linking many of the world’s most prestigious yachting destinations, creating the ultimate experience and opportunity for all yacht owners and guests.

Yacht owners and the industry’s leading professionals from around the globe will attend the gala evening in Istanbul on 4 May, where the winners of the coveted silver Neptune trophies will be revealed. In addition to the anticipated prize giving, there are a number of additional events for World Superyacht Awards guests taking place in Istanbul on the days surrounding the gala evening.

Planned activities include a Welcome Cocktail at luxury boutique Armaggan, the opportunity to take a tour of 2013 World Superyacht Awards finalist motor yacht M built by Bilgin Yachts, a traditional Turkish afternoon tea courtesy of D-Marin and a tour of the Rahmi Koç Museum, followed by a private lunch. Superyacht owners, designers and brokers will also have the opportunity to visit the shipyards of Proteksan Turquoise and RMK Marine, where 45m motor yacht Karia will be available for tours.

Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference 2013 a Huge Success

April 20, 2013

This year’s 5th edition of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference (APSC) has been successfully concluded, bringing two days of insightful presentations as well as discussion. Taken place at ONE 15°Marina Club on April 16 and 17, the eagerly awaited event was a huge success and the best to date. Having hosted over 100 delegates, and with an exciting programme from more than 20 expert speakers, the conference promised unprecendented insight into the Asian market, and it more than delivered.

Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference 2013

Asia Pacific Superyacht Conference 2013

Expert insight provides tools for growth

The overall mood theme of the conference was that Asia is a culturally diverse region hence increasing the need for different companies and countries need to work together to promote it.

The conference opened with a paper from Colin Dawson, who spoke on creating a cohesive market within Asia. Initiatives such as the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association, which launched in 2011, are a good conduit for this kind of teamwork.

As such an important growing market, understanding the Asian market is crucial for businesses looking to establish themselves and grow their presence in the Asia Pacific. The APSC provided delegates with a wide range of topics that addressed the emergence and growth of superyachting within the region, and how to best cater to the client base and attract more yachts to the area. A range of speakers examined the main and emerging hubs, including Indonesia, Japan, China and Hong Kong.

Speakers included world-renowned naval architect Ed Dubois of Dubois Naval Architects, who spoke of his career in the world of design and related his experiences of owner requests to the Asian market. Simon Turner, Director at Northrop & Johnson, spoke on chartering in Asia, and how it is a popular cruising hub in the making.

Other speakers in cluded MaryAnne Edwards, Chief Executive of the Australian International Marine Export Group and Superyacht Australia, who spoke on the growth of the Australian superyacht market, and James Roy, Yacht Design Director at BMT Nigel Gee, who talked about Northern European quality and offered insight to Asian companies looking to match, or even better, this high work standard. Experts from every field, including shipyards, brokers, associations, and captains of the superyachts, provided balanced insight and information for all delegates.

Increasing owner pool highlights potential for market growth

A particular highlight of the conference was the presentation on day one by Mykolas Rambus, CEO of Wealth-X, who discussed where prospective superyacht owner’s are likely to come from.

Rambus highlighted the huge potential owner pool and their assets: there are 187,380 UHNWI (ultra high net worth individuals – those with USD30 million and above), and 12 per cent of all the worlds’ wealth lies with these individuals.

With 42,895 of these UHNWI in Asia, the potential for growth is huge. According to Rambus, by 2025 Asia will have the highest number of UHNWI and by 2010 they will already be the wealthiest and mostly self-made. According to Wealth-X data, the average superyacht owner is 63, male, with a net worth of 680 million and a liquidity of 117 million. 1332 Asians currently fit this profile, and this number will jump to 2557 by 2022. This data is hugely indicative of why so many companies in the superyacht industry are investing in this all-important market.

Reaching out to this growing client base is, of course, critical. Other papers of note included a panel discussion led by Jules Kay from Ensign Media who talked about how to create successful client relationships in multi-cultural Asia.

Singapore Yacht Show continues this weekend

The Singapore Yacht Show continues this weekend at ONE15°Marina Club at Sentosa Cove, showcasing an unparalleled line-up of yachts, and some of the world’s leading luxury and lifestyle brands. Anybody wishing to attend the Show is asked to go along to the Registration Counter will they will be asked to present a soft-copy of the invitation or pay S$50 for entry.

‘Friends of NZ Marine’ – New initiative launched by NZ Marine Industry

April 17, 2013

When stepping into just about any marine environment, anywhere in the world – a superyacht in Monaco, a shipyard in Gibraltar, a spar maker in Holland – chances are, there will be a kiwi. If not, there will be someone who has worked with a kiwi and come away with a good impression. Such connections have brought successful contracts to New Zealand marine companies.

Friends of NZ Marine launch - Graeme Solloway-NZTE, Peter Busfield-NZM and Grant Dalton-ETNZ by Chris Cameron

Launch of 'Friends of NZ Marine' - Graeme Solloway-NZTE, Peter Busfield-NZM and Grant Dalton-ETNZ - Photo by Chris Cameron

NZ Marine Industry (NZMI) intends to harness these connections through a new social media network called Friends of NZ Marine. Peter Busfield, executive director of NZMI, is hoping over the next few months and throughout the imminent America’s Cup buzz hundreds, possibly thousands, of kiwis and kiwi friends will be signing up.

NZMI selected the home-base of one of its most dynamic ambassadors, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), to launch Friends of NZ Marine on 16 April.

Grant Dalton, managing director of ETNZ, says: “Emirates Team New Zealand is part of a ‘strategic alliance’ – the marine industry, the team, the government – which has as its objective the growth of the New Zealand marine industry as a source of jobs, technology and exports.”

Busfield adds: “Emirates Team New Zealand is the perfect example of what Friends of NZ Marine is all about. It is high profile, has a reputation for the highest quality and it’s made up of a group of people who have many, many connections worldwide.

“It’s a wonderful endorsement of Friends of NZ Marine to have Emirates Team New Zealand onboard. Friends of NZ Marine will be well positioned to take maximum advantage of ETNZ’s presence at the 34th America’s Cup, as well as international boat shows, conferences and the networks of NZMI’s 450 member companies.”

Friends of NZ Marine members will receive quarterly, electronically-distributed updates introducing them to new New Zealand-designed or built boats, technology and equipment. The network will also distribute relevant information from central and local government; for example, the opening of new superyacht berths in New Zealand and cruising destinations around New Zealand for visiting yachts to explore.

As members feed referrals back to NZMI, it will distribute the leads and information to relevant member companies to follow up.

“There are hundreds of New Zealanders closely involved in marine industries around the world,” says Busfield. “Many of these expats and interested persons already have a high regard for the New Zealand marine industry and are acting as good ambassadors already. This will allow us to show our appreciation of these on-going referrals and encourage more referrals to New Zealand marine industry companies.”

Mr Busfield believes the Friends of NZ Marine network will also be active in attracting refit projects to New Zealand as kiwi crews’ overseas share their enthusiasm for New Zealand-based projects and for cruising here. Captain Max Cumming, a New Zealander, oversaw the nine-month refit of sailing yacht Athena at Orams Marine Services in Auckland in 2011. The 90m (295ft) three-masted schooner is the largest superyacht refitted in New Zealand. Athena was a showpiece of New Zealand workmanship at the Monaco Yacht Show last year and will be at San Francisco for the America’s Cup. Captain Cumming says New Zealand was chosen as a refit location by Athena’s previous captain, based on a good experience some years earlier and after gathering quotes from yards in Europe and the USA.

90m mega yacht Athena after refit at Orams Marine Services

90m mega yacht Athena after refit at Orams Marine Services

Friends of NZ Marine will work closely with KEA, a New Zealand organisation which links expat kiwis of all vocations, while Friends of NZ Marine will specialise in offshore people who are involved with or who have a love for boats.

Some high-profile international maritime figures have already signed up to Friends of NZ Marine, including superyacht designer Ed Dubois of Dubois Naval Architects, UK; and Ron Holland, a kiwi superyacht designer based in Canada.

Another supporter is American boat designer and blue water sailor, Steve Dashew, who regularly has his rugged, offshore boats built here for himself and for his clients. Dashew says: “We keep coming back to New Zealand for our yachts because of its tradition of quality and the positive experiences we have had over the past 35 years working with the Kiwi yachting industry.”

Owen Rutter, former chairman of the NZ Marine Export Group, is a firm believer in what he calls the kiwi factor – the proliferation of New Zealanders working in marine industries and on yachts throughout the world.

“Many superyachts have kiwis on board, captains, stewards, deckies – it keeps the New Zealand profile high,” Rutter comments. “Those people are an important connection because they’re so enthusiastic about what New Zealand has to offer, not only in skills with refits but as a fantastic place to explore.”

Busfield says the friend concept embraces kiwis everywhere. “Whether a lead comes from a superyacht designer or a kiwi operating a travel lift in Sardinia, we are eager to hear from them and help convert that lead to a project for a New Zealand company.”