Gregory C. Marshall Brief

Gregory C. Marshall Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

American superyacht industry get together to discuss the state of the market

May 03, 2013

May 14th in Nevada will see the key players of the American superyacht industry meet to talk about the current state of the market.

Todd Beechey

Todd Beechey

The American Superyacht Forum has proved a hotbed of industry activity in previous years and this year, it’s set to do so again. A major talking point of the forum will be ongoing positive momentum as the industry continues to regain an even keel and maintain its balance in the wake of the GFC.

One of the key factors to that balance is opening up new avenues of revenue for the industry. Todd Beechey, president of OceanScape Yachts, will sit on a panel at the Forum which will discuss how to do that.

“The industry often has a slanted focus toward the UHNWI. To us, there is a big market that’s being forgotten about. The people who can and do take beautiful vacations each year, and who can afford to take those vacations onboard a yacht, but have not yet been reached by the industry.”

One of the things Beechey thinks needs to change, for this market to become a realistic option, is an earning model that benefits everyone in the industry, not just those involved in the very biggest of yachts. When every thing from the broker’s fee, to the crew’s tips is based on percentage, what incentive is there for industry members to focus on developing the smaller end of the market? And that’s exactly where he believes industry growth will be driven from – the bottom, up.

“Does a four person crew on a $100,000 a week charter yacht work harder than a four person crew on a $50,000? Perhaps not. So why should they earn so much more in tips?”  Asks Beechey.

So how does the industry draw in this new market and start driving that smaller end, high volume growth? It’s a topic that Beechey is passionate about and one which he’ll discuss in depth at the Forum. A new form of marketing is one – working through new channels to find a different customer base – and making the industry a little more approachable, more accessible and less intimidating to the new customer is another. Ways of implementing both of which will be discussed at the forum.

Todd Beechey would welcome discussions on this topic and invites anyone interested to contact him prior to, or at the forum to talk about this new demographic to the superyacht industry.

American Superyacht Forum 2013: Programme and Speakers

April 19, 2013

With less than one month to go until this year’s American Superyacht Forum, the programme has been finalised and the speakers have signed on to show their support for reinvigorating the American market. The event will take place in Las Vegas, on May 14, 2013.

American Superyacht Forum 2013 to take place in Las Vegas

American Superyacht Forum 2013 to take place in Las Vegas

Opening the Forum this year will be Shipyard CEOs, Presidents and Directors discussing the lack of movement in the American market in Session One’s “Plotting a New Course for Yachting”. Using the session as a platform to air their grievances, voice their concerns and share their plans for getting America excited about yachting again, our panelists will offer a critical and inspirational start to the Forum.

Speakers for this powerful session include Billy Smith III of Trinity Yachts, James Fwu of Horizon Group, Carlos Vidueira from Rybovich, Jeffery Ferguson of Ocean Alexander USA, Todd Roberts of Marine Group Boat Works, and Guillaume Roche from Sunrise Yachts. This mixed panelwill be able to provide insight from both those within the US market, and those acting as outsiders as to what America can do better.

Luiz De Basto of De Basto Designs

Luiz De Basto of De Basto Designs

In Session Five’s “Report from the Front Lines”, Captains and Project Managers will be given the opportunity to offer candid opinions on doing business with the USA. Following the great success of the Superyacht Captains’ Forum earlier this month in Viareggio, Captains shared strong opinions on why they choose not to or choose to do business with Italy. This session aims to achieve the same outcome with Captains discussing their current opinions of America. Captain David Clarke of mega yacht Laurel, Mike Hein of motor yacht Mea Culpa, and Teddy Garsva of M/Y Freddy have already signed on to speak up about what needs to change for the future.

Closing Day One of the Forum this year are a selection of innovative and pioneering designers to share their views on why the American design world is lagging so far behind the rest of the world. Luiz De Basto of De Basto Designs, Bill Blount of Donald L. Blount & Associates, and Greg Marshall of Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd. will take to the stage for Session Six’s “The Future of Design & Technology in America”.

Bill Blount of Donald L. Blount & Associates

Bill Blount of Donald L. Blount & Associates

With reports from the USSA, ISS, and a session on drawing in new blood in for the future, day one offers back to back powerful sessions to wake up America and make plans to change the future. Day two will see delegates taking morecontrol in the sessions they sit in on, which speakers they want to hear from, and what topics are most important to them with a choice of different breakout rooms available.

Motor yacht Ocean Alexander 112 – a partnership of the world’s best yacht design talents

August 09, 2012

Alexander Marine, the builder of Ocean Alexander yachts, is delighted to announce the partnership of the best marine design talents for the design of the motor yacht Ocean Alexander 112. The Ocean Alexander 112 superyacht is a magnificent Tri-Level vessel, designed by an amazing global collaboration of some of the most renowned names in the yachting industry.

Ocean Alexander 112 superyacht

Ocean Alexander 112 superyacht

The 112’ yacht is designed by Evan K. Marshall, naval architect based in London, widely recognized for his custom designs of several megayachts. Gregory C. Marshall, award winning naval architect based Victoria, Canada, has completed the engineering for the 112’.

The innovative interior of the luxury yacht Ocean Alexander 112 will contain components from Genesis Yachtlines, an Italian firm lead by Roberto Lottini. Genesis Yachtlines extensive portfolio ranges from yachts at 15 meters up to 120 meters.

Lastly, Polaris Marine, Inc., based in St. Augustine, Florida, will design the electrical system.

All four partners for the Ocean Alexander 112 superyacht have either won or have been nominated for International Design Awards from Showboats. They are each accomplished firms in the highly competitive marine industry.

When asked about the reasons behind forming this extensive design team, John Chueh, president of Alexander Marine said, “So many builders try to do everything in-house to save on costs. This line of thinking prohibits them from building the best boats possible. If all of the ideas are contained within a sector, it becomes harder to think outside of the box. By building these relationships with world-renowned designers and firms, we are creating ideas through collaboration that are innovative and will set the bar higher in the industry.”

With factories in Taiwan and China, Ocean Alexander’s combined yacht-building facilities make it among the largest in Asia. Ocean Alexander is based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Its yachts are available in the U.S. through dealers in Seattle, WA; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Newport Beach, CA; and Sturgeon Bay, WI.

First refit for the 45m expedition charter yacht BIG FISH by McMullen & Wing

July 17, 2012

The 45m expedition yacht Big Fish will return to her birthplace to Auckland in New Zealand this September to go through her first significant refit by McMullen & Wing. Cruising the fabulous South Pacific as well as Antarctica, the luxury charter yacht Big Fish can accommodate 10 guests in comfort and style.

45m expedition charter yacht Big Fish - Tahiti - August 2010 - Photo by Tom McKenna

45m expedition charter yacht Big Fish - Tahiti - August 2010 - Photo by Tom McKenna

McMullen & Wing will be working with Diverse Projects Ltd on a four-month refit and maintenance period to ensure superyacht Big Fish remains in the pristine condition that has made her the among the most travelled cruising yachts in modern yachting, and among the most active charter yachts since her handover in July, 2010.

By the time she arrives in Auckland, Big Fish superyacht will have completed more than 60,000 nautical miles of charter and world cruising, including visits to the most remote and exotic destinations on Earth.

Big Fish superyacht - Antarctica - January 2011 - Photo by Aquos Yachts

Big Fish superyacht - Antarctica - January 2011 - Photo by Aquos Yachts

Whilst in Auckland, luxury yacht Big Fish will receive a fresh coat of paint as well as a full service of her electrical and mechanical systems under the careful eye of the same craftsmen responsible for her original creation. Also receiving a new coat of paint and thorough mechanical service will be Big Fish’s extraordinary, all-purpose, custom aluminium tender, Triple Ripple.

45m luxury yacht Big Fish in Manstrand area and cruising 20 miles to the north on the west coast of Sweden - July 2011 - Photo by Rick Tomlinson

45m luxury yacht Big Fish in Manstrand area and cruising 20 miles to the north on the west coast of Sweden - July 2011 - Photo by Rick Tomlinson

Big Fish is a 45m luxury expedition motor yacht built by McMullen and Wing for Aquos Yachts to a design by Gregory C Marshall Naval Architects. Since her launch, she has been among the most heralded yachts in the superyacht industry for her modern, masculine lines, unique luxury expedition capabilities and innovative features, including opening bulwarks and terraces, internal tender stowage and advanced audio visual system.

Expedition yacht Big Fish - London Tower Bridge - September 2011 - Photo by Aquos Yachts

Expedition yacht Big Fish - London Tower Bridge - September 2011 - Photo by Aquos Yachts

She is the recipient of numerous awards, including major recognition in the International Superyacht Society Awards, Showboats International Awards, World Yachts Trophy, World Superyacht Awards and Asian Boating Awards.

Among the world’s most admired motor yachts, the 45m expedition charter yacht Big Fish is now engaged in an active charter season in French Polynesia. Over the Christmas and New Year period she will return to chartering in New Zealand waters, and then will make her first visits to Asian ports in Singapore, Hong Kong, Hainan, Shanghai, and other emerging Asian superyacht centres.

BIG FISH - Main Salon

BIG FISH - Main Salon

McMullen & Wing is now taking inquiries for superyacht refits for the 2013 and 2014 seasons.

New 112’ Tri-Level Motoryacht by Ocean Alexander with delivery in 2014

June 19, 2012

Alexander Marine, the Taiwan-based builder of Ocean Alexander yachts, is pleased to confirm the collaboration of world renowned marine designers for the new Ocean Alexander 112’ Tri-Level Motoryacht, set for delivery in 2014. Designed by Evan K. Marshall and engineered by Gregory C. Marshall, the 112′ Ocean Alexander superyacht will really be world-class in her category, setting the standard for upcoming years.

New 112' Ocean Alexander Tri-Level Motoryacht

New 112' Ocean Alexander Tri-Level Motoryacht

Designed, engineered and constructed to be approved for RINA classed chartering and Marshall Island “Yacht Code” MI-103, the new 112’ Ocean Alexander luxury yacht will provide state-of-the-art construction along with safety measures commonly found on much larger vessels.

Tentatively scheduled for delivery in time for the Ft. Lauderdale Show in 2014, the 112’ Ocean Alexander yacht will be unsurpassed by any competitor in her category. With timeless styling that will appeal to a wide variety of clients, and speeds up to 24 knots, this vessel will prove to be in high demand on an international basis.

The new 112’ Ocean Alexander Tri-Level yacht features five staterooms including a full-beam master on the main deck. The full-beam master has a large seating area along with a spacious vanity as well as a small night-head for the owners’ convenience. The master head, located forward, has a full-sized Jacuzzi tub with separate shower and hisand- her walk-in closets.

The 112′ Ocean Alexander yacht will also include formal dining with seating for 10 along with al fresco dining on the aft deck with the expansive table and settee. The crew quarter arrangements allows from four to six, depending on the configuration.

The skylounge provides an additional living/entertaining area with seating for 8-10, a game table, and opens to the immense boat deck. The boat deck, being one of the largest found on this size, includes and oversized bar, an enormous settee and table, along with a hot tub.

With all of these amenities, the new 112′ Ocean Alexander yacht still maintains a generous floor area for ease of access to all areas on the deck. The pilothouse forward has side doors leading out to a Portuguese bridge to help facilitate docking and provides panoramic views.

General Specifications of the new 112′ Ocean Alexander luxury yacht:

LOA: 112’ / 34.10 M
Beam: 24’6” / 29.67 M
Half-load Draft: 6’3” / 1.9 M
Accommodates: 10 plus 4-6 crew
Standard power: Twin MTU 12 V2000 M94 1920HP or optional 2250HP
Fuel Capacity: 5,485 gal. / 20,763 L
Water Capacity: 1,060 gal. / 4,012 L

With factories in Taiwan and China, Ocean Alexander’s combined yacht-building facilities make it among the largest in Asia. Ocean Alexander is based in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Its yachts are available in the U.S. through dealers in Seattle, WA; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Newport Beach, CA; and Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Golfing Legend Jack Nicklaus’ Westport 130 motor yacht Sea Bear to debut at Boat Asia 2012

February 28, 2012

Motor yacht Sea Bear, launched by the US shipyard Westport in 2005 and belonging to golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, known also as “Golden Bear” will make her debut this April at Boat Asia 2012. The Westport 130 Sea Bear superyacht features naval architecture by William Garden and exterior design by Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architects.

Westport 130 luxury motor yacht Sea Bear

Westport 130 luxury motor yacht Sea Bear

The luxury yacht Sea Bear is a floating museum, which houses 36 unique pieces hand-selected by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus from the Jack Nicklaus Museum in Columbus, Ohio, as well as items personally donated from their home collection. The vessel comes courtesy of Boat Asia exhibitor KOP Group.

The Westport 130 superyacht Sea Bear’s main showcase piece measures 50 by 36 inches and is placed in the main saloon. Created by artist Pat Morell the piece is made of cherry and features bas-reliefs of all Jack Nicklaus’s major championship trophies, including the US Amateur. Sterling silver plates list the years, venues and scores associated with each victory. A centre plaque features an overview of Jack’s illustrious career, printed on parchment paper.

The news of the Sea Bear yacht’s involvement in this year’s boat show comes amidst numerous other exciting exhibitor signings including Vicem Yachts Turkey, Changi Sailing, Nansha Marina China, Yacht Haven Phuket, LOPE HK, X-tra, Lloyd Marine, Paul & Shark Yachting and Azurea Lifestyle. Also taking part will be Grady White, Chris Craft, MAN Engines, Suzuki Outboards and Seadoo, whilst Boat Asia stalwarts like Gulf Craft, Horizon Yachts and SG Boating, whose brands include Leopard Catamarans, Fairline, Chaparral, Robalo, and Meridian, will also feature prominently. The yacht trade is also well represented with yacht shipment experts Peters and May.

At the waterfront, Boat Asia 2012 will return with its highly popular Lifestyle concept, featuring prestigious brands such as Audi, Gaggenau and Mumm Champagne in addition to a wide range of on-land exhibitors from resort operators, charter companies, clothing and fashion brands, swimwear and sports and nautical watches.

Off-the-water activities will include car displays and test-drives, a nautical fashion and swimwear show at the waterfront promenade, jazz performances, wine and whisky tasting and an exclusive timepiece showcase.

Boat Asia 2012 this year have a special focus on the growing interest in luxury charters from corporations and private banks and will, for the first time, feature an exclusive luxury private yacht charter segment.

The event will also showcase the increasing use of “green” technologies in boat building and design. There will be some interesting products in this segment to reduce the carbon footprint for environmentally conscious boaters. The “green boats” on display will exhibit such innovations as solar films and panels, solar electric power and fuel cells.

Said Herman Ho the managing director of show organizer TMX Productions, “I’m extremely pleased to announce the presence of Sea Bear this year; this will give our boat show an added attraction in this the 20th year of its occurrence.”

Boat Asia 2012 takes place at Marina at Keppel Bay from 12-15th April 2012. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, Boat Asia is the showcase in Asia for luxury yachts up to 50 metres. This year, Boat Asia 2012 is expecting an anticipated crowd over 15,000 visitors and over 100 exhibits from the Asia-Pacific, Europe, US, Middle East, and China.