Leander Brief

Leander Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Superyacht Cup Cowes 2012 won by the WallyCento luxury yacht HAMILTON

July 27, 2012

Running from July 22 to 25, the Special Edition of the Superyacht Cup Cowes was hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron. As part of her Diamond Jubilee’s celebrations, the final day of the regatta saw Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, aboard the 75 metre luxury charter yacht Leander, make a Parade of Sail. As the Queen passed each of the racing yachts, three cheers rang out from the crew and the Yacht Squadron lawn. Much to the pleasure of 10,000 well-wishers gathered on The Esplanade, Her Majesty alighted at Trinity landing to inspect the spectacular sailing yacht Athos.

75m charter yacht Leander in Cowes hosting HM The Queen

75m charter yacht Leander in Cowes hosting HM The Queen escorted by Royal Navy

The historic venue and heavenly weather provided a magnificent setting for the three-day regatta featuring a dazzling array of some of the world’s finest superyachts. The winners of both classes were not decided until the final race and, after three days of light airs racing in glorious sunshine, The Superyacht Cup Cowes drew to a close with a prize-giving reception on the lawn of The Royal Yacht Squadron.

The last race was started from the RYS committee boat in the western Solent as the breeze started to build in the mid afternoon. Before the race, in Class 1, the 34m superyacht Unfurled was tied for first place with the 62 metre Schooner Athos. However, the 55 metre luxury yacht Adela won the last race of the regatta to claim second overall with Athos scoring a third to class victory by a single point. Unfurled finished the race in 6th place just 3 seconds behind Savannah superyacht in 5th place.

Tony Brooks, Skipper of megayacht Athos described the regatta as one to cherish for many years: “There is a great spirit of competition but also camaraderie between Adela and Athos, we race to win but we also have great respect for one another. During the last race, we were converging on the bottom mark. We felt that we could just cross Adela’s bow. However, obeying the 40-metre rule, we ducked Adela and let her through. Adela went on to win the race but our overall results gave Athos the prize. Athos’ owner made this his red-letter event of the season especially as The Royal Yacht Squadron is such a prestigious venue to experience. So much so that the crew of 46 crew aboard include a significant number of the owner’s guests. Having Athos presented to Her Majesty the Queen was a moment we will all treasure. The memory of thousands of spectators waving flags, as the Queen inspected Athos was a momentous occasion.”

Superyacht Cup Cowes 2012

Superyacht Cup Cowes 2012 - Photo credit: Claire Matches

Greg Perkins, Skipper of Adela echoed the fellowship shared with the crew of rival Athos and is looking forward to their next encounter with some relish: “Racing a 280 ton schooner in the Solent is extremely challenging, especially with a ripping tide and little breeze but Adela had another epic encounter with Athos. The Superyacht Cup events are always well managed and the Royal Yacht Squadron’s race officers did a great job getting all of the races in. However, the sunshine was very welcome and Adela’s owner enjoyed the sailing immensely, even though this time out we had to take second place to Athos. However, I would like it known that as Her Majesty passed Adela, the crew gave the biggest cheer of all, we even had several American’s in full voice! I am sure Adela will have further encounters with Athos, perhaps in the Caribbean where charter yacht Windrose might join in, to have three schooners battling it out would be a great occasion.”

Sir Charles Dunstone’s sleek, powerful Wally Cento Hamilton superyacht was making her regatta debut and celebrated a fine win. The 30 metre high performance racer-cruiser won not only Class Two but also took the overall win for the Superyacht Cup Cowes 2012. Dunstone was understandably elated to win with Hamilton at their first ever regatta.

WallyCento superyacht Hamilton - the overall winner of the 2012 Superyacht Cup Cowes

WallyCento superyacht Hamilton - the overall winner of the 2012 Superyacht Cup Cowes

As Hamilton crew and veteran round the world yachtsman, Jason Carrington explained. “Charles runs a highly professional programme and he really enjoys sailing and this regatta was one that I know he thoroughly relished. For a crew who have had so little time on the water, their performance was exceptional and a big part of the success but we have had little time to sailing Hamilton and we feel there is a lot more performance to unlock.”

Mike Slade’s 30 metre Supermaxi charter yacht ICAP Leopard holds multiple world records but was competing at a Superyacht Regatta for the first time. ICAP Leopard was level on points with Hamilton going into the last race but had to settle for second in Class by just a single point. However, Mike Slade clearly enjoyed his first Superyacht outing:

“Without a shadow of a doubt that was one of the most enjoyable regattas I have competed in. Leopard has undergone major changes including a full interior to qualify for Superyacht events and my first impression is that of an extraordinary environment with a variety of stunning yachts. It was a great pleasure to be up against Charles with his new yacht and I offer him and his crew my sincere congratulations. As far as Leopard is concerned, I think that after our substantial refit, we can be very happy that we are able to compete with a superb yacht such as Hamilton but I have come to understand that Superyacht events are about the enjoyment and the ambience rather than a win at all cost atmosphere – Brilliant fun and highly enjoyable.”

HM The Queen hosted by the 75m luxury charter yacht LEANDER

July 27, 2012

July 25 saw the arrival of HM The Queen as well as the Duke of Edinburgh in Cowes as part of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tour. The royal couple was hosted by Sir Donald Gosling’s luxury charter yacht Leander. Refitted by Devonport Yachts Ltd (now known as Pendennis Plus), the 75m motor yacht Leander was constructed by Peenewerft in 1983. Boasting a beautiful blue hull, canoe stern as well as lovely proportions, Leander is designed by Kusch Yachts and provides luxury yacht charter in the fabulous Mediterranean.

LEANDER - Underway

LEANDER - Underway

Elegant and comfortable accommodation aboard the Leander megayacht is provided in 10 lovely cabins. The total number of 12 charter guests can find the utmost in luxury in two double Owner’s suites on the main deck, along with three double and three twin cabins, situated on the lower deck. Two twin staff cabins can be found on the Pool deck forward, adjacent Owner’s Lounge. Leander carries an impressive 26 crew.

LEANDER - Main Saloon

LEANDER - Main Saloon

Thanks to twin Deutz SBV 12M 628 diesel engines, the 75m superyacht Leander can be propelled to the top speed of 18 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots. With steel hull and aluminium superstructure, Leander is Lloyds Register as well as MCA classed.

75m luxury charter yacht LEANDER at 50th Antigua Charter Yacht Show

December 05, 2011

75m luxury charter yacht Leander has arrived in Antigua in time for the 50th Anniversary of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show. Although Leander superyacht has been visiting Antigua since 1992, it is the first time she has entered the Antigua Charter Yacht Show.

245´ charter yacht LEANDER at Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2011 - Credit Ted Martin

245´ charter yacht LEANDER at Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2011 - Credit Ted Martin

At 245 feet she is the second largest yacht to enter the show in 2011, the largest being motor yacht Air at 266 feet, and to celebrate both the 50th Antigua Charter Yacht Show and the 50th year of restoration of Nelson’s Dockyard has chosen the historic marina as it’s home base for the duration of the show and in fact the season.

Captain Julian Cope said “It is exciting to make history in this way. Leander is officially the largest yacht to have ever docked at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina and I would encourage other motor yachts to consider doing so. The beautiful and historic surroundings are a wonderful backdrop to the event and our time spent in Antigua”.

Luxury charter yacht LEANDER

Luxury charter yacht LEANDER - Photo Ted Martin

He also wanted to pass on enormous thanks to both the Antigua Charter Yacht Show team and the Nelson’s Dockyard Marina employees “They have pulled out all the stops to complete the upgrading of the dinghy dock and moorings in time for the show. We are truly thankful and look forward to a wonderful show”.

Gunwharf Quays welcomes growing number of superyachts

October 12, 2011

Gunwharf Quays, Land Securities’ £200 million retail, restaurant, charter and leisure main destination at the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour in the UK, is fascinating a growing number of superyachts with its high quality marina, dominated by the 170 metre Spinnaker Tower.

75m superyacht Leander at Gunwharf Quays

75m superyacht Leander at Gunwharf Quays

“This year has seen us welcome in the highest number of superyachts in our ten year history,” says Daniel Jehan, Marina Manager at Gunwharf Quays.  “11 superyachts have been alongside this year, which is testament to the confidence Yacht Captains have in the marina as a safe haven.  We have also seen a high number of ship yards and owners choose Gunwharf Quays as the port for new vessel hand over this year.  With the 2012 Super Yacht Cup being held in the Solent, and our easy access to both London and Weymouth for Olympic events we expect next year to be a busy one.”

Situated just 200 metres from the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour and with 24 hour access to the Solent, the home of British yachting, the deep water Gunwharf Quays berths have a minimum depth of 6 metres CD on the outer pontoons and 5.5 metres CD on the innermost.  With over 550 metres of top quality berthing, with large pontoons, vessels up to 80 metres in length can berth alongside.

Among the larger charter yachts that have berthed at Gunwharf Quays during 2011 are: 75m superyacht Leander, 39m motor yacht Snow Bird , 32m luxury yacht Constance.

39m superyacht SnowbirD

39m superyacht SnowbirD

RS Sailing supplies luxury superyacht market

June 16, 2011

RS Sailing, the international award winning small sailboat manufacturer, has further proved itself as a successful supplier to the luxury yacht market. During the refit of motor yacht Sara Blue IV at Southampton Yacht Services in May, RS Sailing was asked to provide a small sailing dinghy to fit in the superyacht’s toy garage – and the RS Feva fitted the bill perfectly, chosen for its compactness and nippy performance.

RS Sailing supplies RS FEVA sailing dinghies to the luxury super yacht market

RS Sailing supplies RS FEVA sailing dinghies to the luxury super yacht market

The RS Feva is a two-person 3.6m dinghy designed, among other uses, for recreational sailors and families and forms part of the RS Sailing All Purpose Boats range alongside the RS Tera, RS Q’BA and RS Vision. The models are easy to handle, fun to sail, versatile, and highly durable, so any of the range would make ideal additions to the toy collection on a superyacht. With space often dictating what can be carried, the robust All Purpose Boat range allows side as well as flat standing, which might mean room for more than one. The RS Q’BA was reviewed in Supersail World in 2009 in the article ‘Toys for the Boys’ and concluded: “Perhaps the best-looking rotomoulded hull of its size around. The exceptional design detailing adds to an impressive package: carry handles at bow and stem, recessed hollows to fit lowered spars snugly and a clever one-handed reefing system.”

With a track record of working with superyacht and luxury yacht projects, the 152ft sailing yacht Antara has a RS Feva and motor yacht Leander now features an RS Vareo onboard. Furthermore, RS200s, RS Tera’s and RS Q’BAs all appear on the decks or in the garages of yachts around the world.

RS Sailing is able to offer luxury yacht and superyacht builders and re-fitters around the world a whole range of options to complement any design and layout. Custom colours and finishes can be matched to a superyacht and bespoke chocks, lifting lines and cradles can be provided to meet special storage requirements. Furthermore, upon special request, the RS dinghies can be named on the transom to match the yacht, and the owners can choose special colour-way sails for the RS dinghies.

RS Sailing will happily work alongside superyacht designers and builders to ensure owner requirements and tastes are fulfilled, with a flexible approach to these specific projects, RS Sailing offers a bespoke service where necessary and is ready to help.

Yacht Solutions Meet Escalating Superyacht Painting Demand

November 25, 2010

Yacht Solutions, a leading luxury yacht company in Southeast Asia, has teamed up with Scott Taylor to head up its paint division to ensure the firm meets increasing demand for world-class superyacht detailing and finishing.

Superyacht Amoha being prepared by the Yacht Solutions paint team.

Superyacht Amoha being prepared by the Yacht Solutions paint team.

The highly-experienced Mr. Taylor brings 25 years experience in yacht painting, fairing applications and project management to the company, having been employed by many of the world’s leading firms such as Camper & Nicholson, Devenport Yachts, VT shipyard UK and Royal Denship Denmark while working on well-known superyachts such as Superyacht Mirabella V , My Cristiana B and luxury yacht Leander  during his career.

Mr Taylor also recently completed a metallic paint project for a 105ft superyacht in southern Thailand with outstanding results and comes to Yacht Solutions from Marine Coatings.

The high-profile working relationship is a further boost for Yacht Solutions’ already highly skilled and experienced team and to a company very much in expansion mode having recently launched a superyacht new-build division called Ruea Yachts.

Yacht Solutions Managing Director Gareth Twist said he was thrilled that Mr Taylor is now an integral part of the Yacht Solutions team. “He has been brought onboard to lead the paint division in response to an increase in demand for superyacht painting in Asia to world-class standards,” he said.

World-class paint skills are now available from Yacht Solutions.

World-class paint skills are now available from Yacht Solutions.

“More yachts are coming to Thailand for their paint solutions, thanks to the growth in the superyacht industry in Asia, and we are seeing an increase in yachts being re-fitted and repaired here. Yacht Solutions provides teams of highly experienced craftsman offering exceptional quality in finishing and superb value for money.”

Yacht Solutions is equipped to work with either Awlgrip or Hempel paint systems and Mr Taylor brings certificates in both these paint disciplines in application and technical management.

Worldwide Business Development Manager for Hempel Mike Lister said that to get the very best and desired results when painting a superyacht is the combination of the applicator’s skills, the working environment and using the best paint products.

“Hempel have found that in Thailand, during the application of their superyacht paint system – ProSystem, the products have shown enhanced application characteristics, the weather conditions in Thailand make Hempel products easier to mix and apply and this is especially true of the ProFiller, and other advantages of course are reduced paint drying times,” he said.

Mr Taylor said that he was delighted to be working with a company clearly establishing itself as a leader in Asia. 

“To have the opportunity to team up with Yacht Solutions – a company that is paving the way for world-class standards in the region – is very exciting and I am looking forward to playing my role in contributing to their further growth and success,” he said.

Yacht Solutions has successfully completed exterior paint projects on the 54-metre MY Pegaso, 40-metre MY Amoha, 35-metre motor yacht Nymphaea and is now in the final stages of completing a 60-metre motor acht in Bangkok – Superyacht Fox.

Teaming up with Mr Taylor, enhances Yacht Solutions’ commitment to providing highly experienced hand-picked teams who are the very best in their specific trades, with extensive experience working on both private and commercial vessels.

This dedication is further reinforced by working with European engineers and designers, in order to deliver the world-class standards in finishing for discerning clients.

Yacht Solutions is Southeast Asia’s premier superyacht marine consultancy. Launched in 2001 in Phuket, the company offers exceptional services and is the parent company of Ruea Yachts, which hand-builds new luxury superyachts up to 85 metres using cutting edge European marine technology and design combined with the renowned finishing skills of Thai craftsmen. Yacht Solutions employs 120 experienced professionals and over 100 sub-contractors. Key company partners are award-winning UK architecture and design firms, BMT Nigel Gee and Design Unlimited, who ensure international standards are maintained while clients receive value for money due to the efficiencies of operating out of Thailand. Yacht Solutions is a founding member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association.