England Brief

england Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

MLC compliant crew employer status for Sarnia Yachts

May 21, 2013

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

MLC-Logo

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

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

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

Best of British Motor Yacht Show a Great Success

May 21, 2013

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

bmys_LOGO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sea trials for charter yacht TELEOST refitted by Pendennis

May 20, 2013

The beautiful 49-metre De Voogt designed charter yacht Teleost arrived in Falmouth-based Pendennis early October to undergo a six-month refit. The extensive refit of motor yacht Teleost comprised a 5-year survey, new paintwork, as well as a substantial upgrade to her interiors.

Luxury charter yacht Teleost leaving Pendennis' dry dock to undergo sea trials

Newly refitted charter yacht Teleost leaving Pendennis' dry dock to undergo sea trials

Originally built in 1998 by Feadship in The Netherlands, superyacht Teleost previously visited Pendennis for a refit in 2008. She recently left Pendennis’ 75m covered outer dry dock to undergo sea trials in Falmouth Bay.

Superyacht Teleost - side view

Superyacht Teleost - side view

49m Teleost Yacht - aft view

49m Teleost Yacht - aft view

Sunseeker attending first Best of British Motor Yacht Show

May 17, 2013

Having opened its doors today, on May 17, the inaugural British Motor Yacht Show in Southampton is providing a pre-season glimpse of the best of British Boat building. Sunseeker International is participating in this exciting new boat show at Swanick Marina, together with other biggest names in UK motor yachting. The event will last until May 19, 2013.

Sunseeker Predator 80 Yacht on display at the 1st British Motor Yacht Show

Sunseeker Predator 80 Yacht on display at the 1st British Motor Yacht Show

Sunseeker is present together with a select group of other British boat manufacturers to showcase a selection of stunning yachts, including a number of yachts which are in the glistening waters of the River Hamble. It’s expected that more than 1,000 boat lovers will visit the free show to make the most of the opportunity to get up close and personal to the latest yachts before the traditional show season starts.

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

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

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

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

Fairline to launch its Squadron 78 CUSTOM motor yacht MATCH 2 at British Motor Yacht Show 2013

May 17, 2013

The well-known UK luxury motor yacht builder, Fairline Boats, will launch its most customised model ever, the Squadron 78 CUSTOM motor yacht MATCH 2, at the upcoming British Motor Yacht Show in Swanwick.

Fairline Squadron 78 CUSTOM Yacht at full speed

Fairline Squadron 78 CUSTOM Yacht at full speed

This has been one of the Fairline Yacht Division’s most exciting and challenging build projects to-date, and following initial discussions in the summer of 2011 over 2,000 man hours have been spent on top of the standard build to create MATCH 2 yacht, which features almost 400 custom items.

The project, which will be the owner’s fifth Fairline, was born out of his in-depth knowledge and passion for the luxury range. The Yacht Division, Design, Engineering and Production teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the owner’s requirements were met and Fairline’s high standards were maintained – creating a beautiful bespoke motor yacht that is set to be a key highlight at the Swanwick event.

James Powell, Fairline Yacht Division EMEA, commented: “The creation of this Squadron 78 CUSTOM has been a real pleasure, and the entire team are really proud of what has been achieved. It has been great working with the client from the initial stages to define the specification through to completion of construction – his intimate knowledge of the brand and technical and engineering background tested the limits of the level of customisation that could be achieved by the Fairline Yacht Division. Following successful commissioning of all of the custom items, sea trials at our Ipswich Test Facility, and feedback from the client, MATCH 2 is a real testament to the Design, Engineering and Production teams at Fairline.”

The project started with an initial Custom Specification Concept Pack detailing the exact requirements for all main areas of the boat, including the hull, deck and superstructure, engineering and systems and accommodation. The Fairline team then turned these concepts into reality, with the build commencing in August 2012 before being completed on-time in May 2013 and delivered to the Fairline Test Facility at Ipswich for sea trials and commissioning. Luxury yacht MATCH 2 will be handed over to its owner immediately after the inaugural British Motor Yacht Show, before sailing to her final destination in Antibes, South of France.

John Wolf, owner of MATCH 2, commented: “I bought my fourth Fairline, a new Squadron 78 CUSTOM in 2010, and enjoyed a couple of seasons of great cruising with family and friends in the Mediterranean. The boat was perfect and never missed a beat, and it held its value so well that it made good financial sense to sell it last year. I’m aware of the many good alternative boats that could have replaced it but chose to buy another Squadron 78 CUSTOM.

“This decision was a combination of my great experience with the Squadron, the teams at the Fairline factory and Fairline Essex, being able to specify many custom modifications, and being guaranteed great sea-keeping, strong residual value, and great build quality. All of this made the idea of another Squadron 78 CUSTOM unbeatable.

“I am absolutely delighted with the finished boat and looking forward eagerly to delivery.  I hope many other boaters will be able to step aboard her at the British Motor Yacht Show and see for themselves the extraordinary levels Fairline has reached with this boat.”

Below are just some of the custom items on board motor yacht MATCH 2:
•    Additional hull glazing
•    Custom stainless steel staircase to flybridge with teak treads and mood lighting
•    White caulking to teak decks
•    All timber in Satin Walnut with high gloss lacquered Wenge features
•    All bulkheads straight in lieu of curved
•    Oak Nero wood flooring to upper deck levels
•    Custom mosaic tiling to en suite bathroom
•    Custom stainless steel internal staircase to flybridge
•    Long range fuel tanks
•    Sleipner fin stabilisers
•    Upgraded hydraulic and fire safety monitoring systems
•    Garmin camera monitoring system including anchor handling
•    Upgraded Audio Visual systems

Below is a choice of the splendid charter yachts built by Fairline.

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.”

Princess Yachts International welcome Richard Lambert as new member of the Board

May 16, 2013

Princess Yachts International plc are pleased to announce that Richard Lambert has been appointed to the Board at Princess Yachts International plc as M Class Director. This key position has been established to strenghten the yard’s existing capability to support sales of the growing range of Princess M Class superyachts.

First Princess 40M Yacht Imperial Princess

First Princess 40M Yacht Imperial Princess

Richard brings with him a wealth of experience from the marine industry, most recently as Managing Director of the OceanStyle division of the Burgess which specialises in meeting the needs of owners and buyers of semi custom luxury motor yachts in the 20 to 45 metre range. As head of M Class sales Richard will be working closely with the existing sales team, together with the manufacturing and product development teams at Princess.

This significant appointment recognises the growth of this important market sector within Princess and has come at the opportune time with interest in the company’s expanding range of M Class yachts at it’s height following the success of the first Princess 40M motor yacht Imperial Princess at the World Superyacht Awards earlier this month. Development of the company’s new superyacht manufacturing facility at South Yard is also moving forward after Princess received confirmation in April that they can begin drawing down on a £4.5 million grant awarded by the Government Regional Growth Fund (RGF) to back a major investment to turn the site into a world leading shipyard.

MDL’s first customers using Passeport Escales arrive in France

May 16, 2013

After having joined forces with French marina operator Sagemor, MDL Marinas is thrilled to announce that its first customers using Passeport Escales arrived in Camaret-Sur-Mer in northwest France on Sunday 5th May.

MDL's first customers using Passeport Escales in France

MDL's first customers using Passeport Escales in France

Jenny and Simon Wilmshurst-Smith embarked on their cruise from Brixham Marina to Camaret-Sur-Mer aboard their yacht Fenicia, setting out the day before and enjoying the beautiful scenery during the 31 hour passage.

After a warm welcome by the marina staff in France, who were delighted to welcome their first UK customers as part of the Passport Escales programme, it wasn’t long before Jenny and Simon settled in and set out to discover the delights of Brittany. Since then they have continued on to Port Louis and Port Haliguen and have expressed their delight with the scheme.

Passport Escales was launched on 1st April 2013 and gives MDL’s annual berth holders a completely unique package to gain free visitor nights at an additional 57 marinas on the northwest coast of France – all within their annual berthing fee. Berth holders can take advantage of the scheme for the rest of the season, which is an easy-to-use, fully automated online system. It works as a reciprocal programme where berth holders check out of their marinas and choose another marina to stay at from the network. The only condition of the scheme is boaters must check out upon leaving.

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.

Esimit Europa 2 yacht to compete in northern Europe for the first time

May 09, 2013

Following three fantastic seasons in the Mediterranean, the fastest as well as most successful European sailing yacht Esimit Europa 2 sails to the northern Europe for the first time. Esimit Europa 2 yacht will participate in the races in Germany (Kieler Woche), Sweden (ÅF Offshore Race), United Kingdom (Cowes Week and Rolex Fastnet Race), Italy (Bernetti Lombardini Cup and Barcolana) and will attempt to set a new world sailing record from Trieste – Valletta for the Medot Sailing Trophy and race in Malta (Rolex Middle Sea Race). New design of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht and her sails reflects new challenges and her mission in encouraging unity among Europeans.

Esimit Europa 2 Yacht

Esimit Europa 2 Yacht - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

On the Europe Day, during the first official training in the new season, Igor Simčič, founder of the Esimit Europa project, and Jochen Schümann, skipper of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht, revealed ambitions for the upcoming sailing season. After achieving 19 victories at all the attended races so far and setting 5 new course records, one of the fastest yachts in world is eager to repeat its success – for the first time outside the Mediterranean since its christening in 2010. New challenges will be accompanied with the new hull and sails design. Brand new big yellow stars on the sides of the hull and on top of the mainsail, together with new light blue lines, illustrate new ambitions in the northern seas, while they project the team spirit among crew members and cooperation within all partners in the Esimit Europa project at the same time.

Luxury superyacht Esimit Europa 2

Luxury superyacht Esimit Europa 2 - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

At the end of June, superyacht Esimit Europa 2 will race at the Kieler Woche. The happening with more than 3 million visitors, 1800 sailing yachts and 450 races is one of the biggest sailing events in the world. The Esimit Sailing Team will perform at 2 races and will move to Stockholm immediately after for the start of the most renowned Swedish regatta, the ÅF Offshore Race, on 30. June. The 350 nautical miles long race, which rounds the scenic Gotland Island and ends in Sandham, will see the record fleet of extremely attractive yachts, all of them eager to take line honours at this Swedish classic.

After her performance in Sweden, the 30-meter luxury yacht Esimit Europa 2 will be shipped to the United Kingdom for the start of the Cowes Week at the beginning of August, one of the oldest continuing sporting events in the United Kingdom (established in 1826). 18-member crew will show its skills at 3 inshore races and prepare for one of the toughest and most renowned European races, the famous Rolex Fastnet Race.

Esimit Sailing Team

Esimit Sailing Team - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

With 608 nautical miles in front of legendary Jochen Schümann and his all-star crew, the Rolex Fastnet Race represents season’s highlight, but also a big test for the Esimit Europa 2 yacht herself due to always unpredictable weather conditions. In addition, the competition will be very tough, many excellent boats registered for the race, in total 380 yachts from 20 countries.

After the Rolex Fastnet Race, Esimit Europa 2 yacht will return to Mediterranean for 4 races in October. Starting with Bernetti Lombardini Cup and Barcolana in the Gulf of Trieste. On her way to Malta’s Rolex Middle Sea Race Esimit Europa 2 will try to break the course record (Medot Sailing Trophy).

Schuemann Simcic

Schuemann and Simcic - Photo by Esimit Europa/Vicent Bosch

New sailing challenges of the Esimit Europa 2 yacht and her mission in fostering European unity are embodied in the new yacht’s design. It features two big yellow stars on the sides of the hull and additional one on the top of the mainsail. Accompanied with light blue waving lines, showing a dynamic environment we are living in, all new graphic elements illustrate collaboration among crew members and cooperation within the partners of the Esimit Europa project.