New Zealand Brief

New Zealand Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

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.

Complete Marine Freight oversees transportation of two of the tallest masts in the world of yachting

May 14, 2013

Two of the tallest masts in the world of yachting recently reached the Port of Antwerp by ship, from Southern Spars, New Zealand. The experienced logistics team of Complete Marine Freight oversaw offloading from the ship as well as securing onto local transport for onward delivery.

cmf_logo_1

The first, a towering 67 metres long for the new Yacht Ganesha, together with its boom, was lowered from the ship onto a barge waiting alongside the ship, for the journey to Vitters Shipyard in Holland. The second mast, measuring 47 metres, again with its boom, was loaded onto an extended flatbed lorry bound for road delivery to Baltic Yachts in Finland.

These extremely long and delicate high performance carbon masts require incredibly careful handling. Planning their onward delivery by either road or barge is complex, involving not only the correct lifting equipment but also their chocking and securing onto appropriate transport, plus permits, escort vehicles and route selections to get these awkwardly long spars through some tight turns!

Maxwell Marine supplies windlasses for major refit of a 120ft Steel Cruising Yacht

May 13, 2013

New Zealand-based Maxwell Marine International, the well-known Superyacht anchoring equipment producer, has recently supplied new windlasses for a major refit of a 120-ft steel cruising yacht.

Original Horizontal Windlass Installation on a 120ft Yacht before refit - Photo courtesy of Maxwell Marine

Original Horizontal Windlass Installation on a 120ft Yacht before refit - Photo courtesy of Maxwell Marine

Working closely with Kevin Underwood, Maxwell’s Superyacht representative for North America, the 120ft superyacht’s project manager replaced the original dual gypsy horizontal hydraulic windlass with two Maxwell VWC6000 vertical hydraulic units.

The refit of the 120ft yacht included the fabrication of a windlass mounting plinth designed by Maxwell’s engineering office in Auckland. The plinth incorporates the windlass, band brake supports and the chain Stopper/Tensioners. The end result is a more robust anchoring system that has improved functionality and increased performance while offering better ergonomics. Not only do the Maxwell VWC6000’s outperform the previous windlass but they offer a major aesthetic improvement to the foredeck of the yacht.

Maxwell Marine supplied two VWC6000 Windlasses for a 120ft superyacht - Photo courtesy of Maxwell Marine

Maxwell Marine supplied two VWC6000 Windlasses for a 120ft superyacht - Photo courtesy of Maxwell Marine

Confidentiality considerations prevent Maxwell from disclosing any information about the vessel but the captain and owners have graciously allowed Maxwell to publish the images of the refit.

Riviera 75 Enclosed Flybridge Yacht THE GODFATHER competes in Riviera NZ and Club Marine 2013 Invitational Marlin Tournament

May 13, 2013

Riviera’s flagship, the magnificent 75 Enclosed Flybridge yacht The Godfather, participated in the annual Riviera NZ and Club Marine 2013 Invitational Marlin Tournament, taking place at Whangaroa Harbour, New Zealand.

Rivieras flagship 75 Enclosed Flybridge yacht The Godfather

Rivieras flagship 75 Enclosed Flybridge yacht The Godfather

The Godfather yacht is the first and largest Enclosed Flybridge ever produced by Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder. Owners Rick and Lesley Longdon took delivery of their third Riviera last year and had been looking forward to the annual game fishing challenge, an event that the Longdons have competed in since the tournament’s inception in 2000.

The Godfather Yacht moored at Kingfish Lodge

The Godfather Yacht moored at Kingfish Lodge

Sitting in the game chair in the 75’s enormous cockpit, Lesley was thrilled to land the first Marlin for the boat on day two of the tournament. “It was a fantastic tournament.  We are all Riviera owners so it is a fun, competitive event and it’s all about the camaraderie,” Rick said.

Riviera 75 luxury yacht The Godfather - Cockpit

Riviera 75 luxury yacht The Godfather - Cockpit

There were clear skies and light 15 to 20 knot breezes on day one of the tournament with three Marlin tagged and released to the teams from Head Quarters, Aurora, and Ika Loa. On day two the wind had picked up to 20 to 35 knots and an uncomfortable two to three metre swell but this didn’t deter the team on board The Godfather who tagged and released the first Marlin for their boat.

The Godfather Yacht - aft galley and saloon with L-shaped lounge

The Godfather Yacht - aft galley and saloon with L-shaped lounge

Unfortunately, the perfect conditions on day three weren’t enough to encourage the fish to bite but all in all it was a very successful tournament with a total of five Marlin and one Blue Marlin tagged and released over the three day tournament. The Blue Marlin weighed in by the team on board Whatever regrettably did not meet the IGFA qualifications and could not be counted as a tournament fish but that didn’t dampen the spirits of the Riviera teams who reflected on the camaraderie and fishing highlights over happy hour drinks back at Kingfish Lodge.

Auckland On Water Boat Show 2013, September 26 – 29

May 09, 2013

Set to take place from September 26 to 29, this year’s Auckland On Water Boat Show is promising to be another great event with a large percentage of the exhibitors already confirmed by show organisers, NZ Marine Industry Association.

Beneteau and Selene motor yachts on display at Auckland On Water Boat Show

Beneteau and Selene motor yachts on display at Auckland On Water Boat Show

With the show’s timing scheduled to facilitate boating enthusiasts’ preparation for summer boating activities, the Auckland On Water Boat Show is the only boating expo in New Zealand which enables boaties to experience a range of vessels on land and on the water during the event.

The show’s CEO Michelle Khan says the popular and long-running annual event once again returns to the world-class facilities of Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, part of the Wynyard Quarter in downtown Auckland.

“This year we expect around 200 marine-oriented businesses with the latest and best products and services for powerboat users, sailors, fishermen, kayakers, PWC riders, launch owners, and paddle-boarders to make the most of the opportunity to talk to boaties before the new summer season gets into full swing,” says Ms Khan whose team has already secured bookings for more than eighty per cent of the exhibition sites.

Boats of all sizes will be berthed alongside the Viaduct Marina, while around the Viaduct Events Centre a huge range of trailer boats, yachts, personal water craft and more are on display. Inside the centre and three adjoining pavilions, hundreds more marine technology, engine, navigation and safety experts will share their passion and knowledge of all things ‘on water’.

Larger, more varied displays are expected from a number of exhibitors, says Khan. “Numerous new boats are being launched and exhibitors have indicated a range of new products perfect for summer boating are also being released at this year’s show.

Khan says the signs are clear that the 2013 event is set to build on last year’s successes after the 2012 Auckland On Water Boat Show wrapped up with boaties enthusiastically purchasing everything from shackles, lifejackets, electronic equipment and fishing rods to motor yachts worth several million dollars in one of the largest displays of the New Zealand marine industry ever seen.

From 26 to 29 September, the Auckland On Water Boat Show opens at 10 am on all four days, closing at 6 pm Thursday through to Saturday and 5 pm on Sunday, 30 September.

Auckland’s premier superyacht marina SILO MARINA increases capacity

May 03, 2013

Located on Auckland‘s waterfront, the largest city of the beautiful yacht charter destination New Zealand, SILO MARINA has doubled its capacity. The marina is now able to accommodate yachts and it is easier to install masts as they approach the next season.

SiloPark 30 Sept 2013 - Photo Clive Bennett

SiloPark 30 Sept 2013 - Photo Clive Bennett

Silo Marina is located in the heart of Auckland’s inner city waterfront, on Jellicoe Street and is adjacent to the larger Westhaven marina. Easily identifiable by the 37 metre high concrete silos that overlook the berths the marina was first constructed in 2010 as part of a revitalisation of the Wynyard Quarter area.

Over the last month construction works has seen a new 90 metre dock added with a one metre freeboard making it the biggest pontoon in New Zealand.

SiloPark on 30 Sept 2012 - Photo Clive Bennett

SiloPark on 30 Sept 2012 - Photo Clive Bennett

Adjacent to the new pontoon significant dredging has been carried out to provide ease of access to the dock and to open up access to a 64 metre berth adjacent to the new premises of Southern Spars subsidiary, Rig Pro.

Silo Marina Manager Luke Wigglesworth says an exciting feature of the new development is the improved ability to carry out mast stepping.

“To date, masts have had to be installed beside nearby wharves with the added risk of damaging vessels due to movements from tidal flows and sea conditions. With the improvements to our new Silo Marina service berth we’ve taken a good deal of the hassle out of the process.”

Yacht at the Silo Marina - Photo Clive Bennett

Yacht at the Silo Marina - Photo Clive Bennett

“The berth was given its first test run this week with the launch of the new Alloy Yachts vessel the 43.9m Dubois designed sloop ‘Encore’, with the mast stepping going off without a hitch.”

In addition to the development on the southern end of the marina, a new extension is about to be added to the existing docks on the northern end to create two new 65 metre berths.

With the new developments Silo Marina will move from 535 linear metres to 874 linear metres of available space, doubling capacity and creating 10 berths in total to make boat movements easier.

Silo Marina layout

Silo Marina layout

Waterfront Auckland is the council organisation that owns and operates Silo Marina. It’s General Manager Marinas, Tom Warren says the additional infrastructure is crucial to ensuring Auckland continues to have the facilities to allow the boat building and servicing firms to get on and do their job.

“Superyacht fit outs and servicing is a big part of New Zealand’s marine industry as vessels come here to be fitted out with top of the line equipment from the likes of such companies as Southern Spars. With these new works we can do all we can to facilitate growth in this market for the benefit of both the suppliers and boat owners themselves.”

After a quieter than usual summer season, Silo Marina already has three bookings confirmed for September with two booked for the winter.

New Zealand’s Titan Marine shipyard is on a mission

May 03, 2013

Titan Marine, the New Zealand-based company, is a yard on a mission. The company is now a closed yard, project managing all work on its own slipway and repair berth, located in central-Auckland. Currently there is a 58-metre superyacht on Titan’s 1500-tonne slipway.

Anthony Bridge at Titan Marine in New Zealand

Anthony Bridge at Titan Marine in New Zealand

The company’s highly-regarded team includes aluminium welders holding class approval under Lloyds, Germanichser Lloyd and ABS classifications, among the other specialist marine engineers. And the mission? To provide top quality, 24 hour, seven day a week service to its international and domestic clients.

The Lloyds and GL-approved yard is equipped to provide the full spectrum of marine-based services; something which has been gratefully received by the superyacht clients who have moved to snap up a place in the queue for work. The experienced team is known for its ability to complete work to the industries high standard and meeting the expectations of clients.

Titan Marine

Titan Marine

Work is carried out on Titan’s dedicated slipway meaning maximum security and minimum interruptions to the work schedule and can tackle anything from engine overhauls to paint refinishes and this work can be carried out with client confidentiality. A 58-metre superyacht is currently on Titan’s 1500-tonne slipway. This is preceded by a broad range of white boats entrusted to Titan, A full portfolio of past work can be supplied on request.

Work within Titan’s comprehensive facilities can include steel, stainless steel and aluminium fabrication, painting and fairing, surveying, interior and exterior refits, mechanical services and antifouling, with full project management onsite. The large class approved fabrication and machine workshops on site allow all work to be carried meters from the yacht.

Onsite Crew at Titan Marine in Auckland, New Zealand

Onsite Crew at Titan Marine in Auckland, New Zealand

The Titan team changed the mode of slipway management  to run as a “closed yard” operation in the New Year, primarily in order to provide greater quality control over the various subcontractors frequently employed within the yard.

”We believe the ability to work directly with the vessel allows transparency in time and cost for the client and gives our management team greater control in ensuring quality is maintained.” said Titan’s project manager, Anthony Bridge.

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

Alloy Yachts’ 32m superyacht PACIFIC EAGLE available for charter in Fiji

April 19, 2013

The beautiful Alloy Yachts built 32m luxury superyacht Pacific Eagle will be available for charter in Fiji from May through to October. Sailing Yacht Pacific Eagle was previously based in New Zealand‘s South Island, cruising the spectacular Marlborough Sounds and the South Pacific, offering her charter guests the services of a very knowledgeable and friendly crew of three.

Sailing yacht Pacific Eagle

Sailing yacht Pacific Eagle

Pacific Eagle yacht is a culmination of romance and elegance of a fine sailing yacht with the comforts and spaces of a luxury motor yacht. Her interior boasts crisp clean linens with a nautical theme.

Pacific Eagle yacht salon and dining

Pacific Eagle yacht salon and dining

This fantastic crewed sailing yacht is one of the best available for charter in the South Pacific area and was constructed to be strong, seaworthy as well as luxurious. Her accommodation provides comfort to 6 guests in one master cabin, one double cabin as well as one twin cabin, all of which feature their own en-suite bathroom.

Pacific Eagle charter yacht - Master cabin

Pacific Eagle charter yacht - Master cabin

Lovely al-fresco meals can be enjoyed inside or outside on the sheltered cockpit that features excellent sound system and provides a great vantage point to enjoy the experience of sailing in comfort and safety.

Pacific Eagle yacht - twin cabin

Pacific Eagle yacht - twin cabin

Water can be easily accessed thanks to Pacific Eagle yacht’s fold down transom. Charter guest can enjoy swimming, sunbathing or the great selection of water toys.

Superyacht Pacific Eagle

Superyacht Pacific Eagle

Sailing Yacht 'Pacific Eagle'

Year:1989 (Refit 2003)  L.O.A.:102ft 32m  Beam:24.5ft 
Max Speed:12 knots  Cruise Speed:10 knots p  Engines:2x Gard 24 
Cabins: Charter Guest:6   Crew:

Fiji Yacht Charter

Fiji is one of the most beautiful yacht charter destinations in the South Pacific and is ideally located in the tropics of the southern hemisphere. Out of its 300 islands only 100 or so are inhabited by humans, with the rest being left as stunning nature reserves. Two major islands in Fiji include Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The Yasawa Island group is famous for the filming of the Blue Lagoon and is truly a paradise on Earth. The volcanic nature of the islands creates a spectacular backdrop for cruising. Most sailing charter guests find the local villagers a refreshing change from the commercialism of the Mamanucas and the Coral Coast.

Swaying palm tree in Fiji

In Fiji you can enjoy the serene contemplation of nature in complete safety. It’s rain-forests, for example, have no harmful animals or insects. There are no leeches or crocodiles, which means you can fully enjoy its beautiful wild streams, brooks of crystal clear water as well as the many waterfall Fiji has to offer. There are spectacular multi-hued birds and several varieties of Fiji’s tiny wild parrots. Because of the mountainous nature of the islands, there are numerous streams and waterfalls, with the sacred Bouma Falls on the Island of Taveuni featured in the movie ‘Return to the Blue Lagoon’.

Paradise on Earth

Imagine cruising the pristine emerald and azure waters, experiencing endless beauty. Fiji is the perfect place to watch dolphins swim next to your boat, or enjoy relaxing time game fishing, diving and snorkelling. Fiji is also named as the “Soft Coral Capital of the World” and is rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. It has large and varied colourful underwater playgrounds, boasting spectacular experience for divers at every skill level.

Tropical rainforest in Fiji

Fiji is virtually untouched in many places, with a great range of memorable experiences available, from the possibility to discover virgin grasslands and tropical rain-forests as well as marvel at the exotic customs of the Fijian, Indian, Chinese, Rotuman and other cultures that have made Fiji their home.

Fiji

Golf is another activity you could take on on your Fiji yacht charter. Here you can completely unwind and enjoy one of your favourite pastimes at one of the numerous quality golf courses, including international championship courses.

For more information about chartering Pacific Eagle or any other luxury sailing yacht and motor yacht in the South Pacific region, please contact our professional team at CharterWorld.

‘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.”