Rugby World Cup 2011 Brief

Rugby World Cup 2011 Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

A busy season for Integrated Marine Group launching a new website

May 09, 2012

A very busy season started quite early for the well known NZ superyacht refit company, Integrated Marine Group, with yachts arriving for the Rugby World Cup in September and October 2011. More yachts continued to arrive during the season, with some of them participating in the successful Millennium Cup. This Superyacht Event was followed soon after by the arrival of the Volvo Ocean yachts, supported ethusiastically by Auckland over their one-week stay.

Integrated Marine Group launches a new website

Integrated Marine Group launches a new website

Even during such busy times Integrated Marine Group continued to work hard behind the scenes. Proving their motto to seek better ways to do things whilst keeping things simple, IMG launched their new look website to coincide with the commencement of the Millennium Cup 2012. Whilst the content remains the same the new layout makes navigating the website quicker and easier in this time conscious world. It should also make it much easier to update the news and events sections so expect more news from IMG over the coming months.

New Zealand’s new Wynyard Quarter superyacht Marina full

October 13, 2011

The Wynward corner of Auckland’s newest waterfront destination is currently hosting 6 luxurious superyachts who have been attracted the New Zealand shores for the Rugby World Cup. The Silo Park Marina on Jellicoe Street, only opened on the 1st of October and its 6 superyachts berths are already full with yachts measuring between 54m-93m (177ft-305ft) gracing the marina.

Auckland harbour - Wynyard Quarter

Auckland harbour - Wynyard Quarter

Auckland’s Viaduct Basin in the heart of the city was developed as a superyacht marina for the America’s Cup in 2000. The Marina has 150 berths and recent developments have included a new Wynyard quarter complete with an events centre, marine service and refit companies and yards, restaurants and bars as well as the 6 new superyacht berths, 3 of which can host yachts up to 90m. There is a new bridge that links the Viaduct basin, its restaurants and bars with new Wynyard Quarter.

The new waterfront development was built not only to service the influx of tourists visiting New Zealand for the World Cup but also because of the growth in the superyacht industry in Australasia.

The 6 mega yachts currently in Auckland, enjoying the knock out stages of the Cup will either continue exploring New Zealand waters or will stay in New Zealand for refit work at local superyacht yards.

Superyacht Mayan Queen IV - Photo Credit Ross Taylor

Superyacht Mayan Queen IV - Photo Credit Ross Taylor

The largest of the superyachts on display in Auckland is the 92 m (302ft) motor yacht Mayan Queen IV which arrived in Auckland on September 24, providing quite a vision as she cruised through the Waitemata Harbour to its berth at Wynyard Quarter. The superyacht Mayan Queen IV was launched in 2008 by the German shipyard Blohm + Voss. M/Y Mayan Queen IV was designed by British superyacht designer Tim Heywood and is able to accommodate up to 16 guests, with a compliment of 24 crew.

Acting Waterfront Auckland chief executive Rod Marler believed the Mayan Queen IV would be in Auckland until early 2012 for maintenance and servicing work. The Mayan Queen IV yacht is one of the largest yachts to visit Auckland over the past six years and is already proving a drawcard for the area.

Super Sailing yacht Athena by Royal Huisman

Super Sailing yacht Athena by Royal Huisman

Superyacht Athena, measuring a 90 m 295 (ft) is the second largest superyacht currently visiting Auckland. She is one of the world’s largest private sailing yachts of the modern era and the largest all-aluminum yacht built to date. S/Y Athena was built by Royal Huisman Shipyard in the Netherlands and was launched in 2005. The ATHENA yacht is a triple masted schooner – her three masts soar 197 feet above the deck supporting 28,632 square feet of sail. She is able to accommodate up to 12 passengers with 22 crew.

The charter yacht Athena was recently refitted by Orams Marine Services and is the largest superyacht to be refitted in New Zealand to date. Orams Marine Services were the first company to bring a superyacht into New Zealand for an interior alteration and refit in 1987. Since then they have established themselves as a key player in New Zealand’s superyacht refit industry.

Schooner ATHENA provides accommodation for up to 10 guests in 5 cabins:  The lower deck is comprised of the full width master cabin with full width master bath with Jacuzzi, the Owner’s Office, walk-in wardrobe, 3 Queen sized Cabins, a Twin Cabin, the crew area and a diving platform. Sailing yacht Athena is available for luxury yacht charter at the rate between EUR 240,000 – 325,000 + expenses. Please contact CharterWorld for further details.

The 74.60m (244′ 9″) motor yacht Gin Tonic II built by Marco Yachts is also visiting the Auckland superyacht marina. There is only a small amount of information available, as yet, about the Gin Tonic II superyacht. Her exterior styling was developed by the UK design firm Michael Leach Designs with interior design by Loro Piana Interiors. Superyacht Gin Tonic II has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure and is powered by twin caterpillar engines and will have a max speed of 15.5 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.

Sailing Yacht Vertigo - designed by Philippe Briand and launched by Alloy Yachts

Sailing Yacht Vertigo - designed by Philippe Briand and launched by Alloy Yachts

The 67m (220ft) superyacht Vertigo, which was built by the New Zealand superyacht builder Alloy Yachts and launched in February this year.  Sailing Yacht VERTIGO was designed by Philippe Briand with interior design from Christian Liaigre. Vertigo yacht is the first sailing yacht of her size to have an almost vertical bow which allows greater waterline length, making for a considerable improvement in speed both under sail and engine power. With modern hull lines, she was designed to be large but sensitive to sail.

The 60m (196.85ft) motor yacht Elandess is another superyacht gracing Auckland’s new superyacht marina development. The yacht has been on Auckland for around 2 weeks. M/Y Elandess was custom built in 2009 by Abeking & Rasmussen in Lemwerder (Germany). The yacht’s interior was designed by Bannenberg & Rowell Design with exterior styling by Donald Starkey.

Motor yacht Itasca - Photo Credit Queenseye

Motor yacht Itasca - Photo Credit Queenseye

Last but not least of the 6 superyacht berths filled is by the classic yacht Itasca which was built in 1961 as a salvage tug and converted into a luxury superyacht measuring 54m in 1980. This expedition yacht has travelled the world and perhaps has one of the most impressive lists of cruising itineraries for a luxury motor yacht. From the Bering Strait to Cape Horn to the icy world of Antarctica, this fuel efficient boat can travel 13,000 nautical miles at 11 knots before having to re-fuel.

Not only are all 6 superyacht berths in Auckland’s Wynyard quarter filled, but 80 per cent of the 49 berths for 25m-50m boats in the Viaduct Harbour are also reportedly occupied. The remaining berths are expected to be filled in time for the World Cup final.

Perini Navi Motor Yacht Exuma chartering in the South Pacific and New Zealand

September 07, 2011

Motor Yacht Exuma, the first 50 metre Picchiotti superyacht from the Vitruvius Series launched by Perini Navi in July 2010 is available for charter from September 18th in the South Pacific!

Super Yacht Exuma photo courtesy of Perini Navi

Super Yacht Exuma photo courtesy of Perini Navi

Stunning Super Yacht Exuma - photo courtesy of Perini Navi
Stunning Super Yacht Exuma - photo ...
Super Yacht Exuma from above - photo courtesy of Perini Navi
Super Yacht Exuma from above - photo ...
Motoryacht Exuma - photo courtesy of Perini Navi
Motoryacht Exuma - photo courtesy of ...

M/Y EXUMA will be cruising the Fiji Islands until mid to late October 2011. The multiple award winning yacht is then planning to head to New Zealand until March 2012. However, if she secures bookings before then, she could be available until Christmas/New Year either in Fiji, Tonga or eventually in New Caledonia. She is also open for the Rugby world cup (09 Sept/23 Oct 2011) in New Zealand!

Luxury superyacht EXUMA was designed for exploration and discovery, conceived with a shallow draft enabling her to cruise close to the coast line. She has an amazing array of water sport toys, including an amphibious jeep and a hovercraft, diving gear as well as a fantastic and knowledgeable crew – the ideal yacht to enjoy an exclusive adventure charter in the remotest of locations.

Yacht Exuma - Water Toys and Hover Craft

Yacht Exuma - Water Toys and Hover Craft

The Fijian and Tongan islands in the South Pacific have been blessed with hundreds of magnificent islands some inhabited, most not, that are the essence of a tropical island paradise. The islands offer white sandy beaches, swaying coconut trees, pristine oceans and waterways, welcoming villages with a unique culture and history, spectacular underwater scenery and a range of things to do and see that will appeal to the most discerning client.

New Zealand is another amazing location to visit on a superyacht with its extraordinary scenic landscapes, vast mountain chains, sweeping coastlines, lush rainforests, friendly people and reputation for being an idyllic location to relax as well as a thrill seekers paradise. Sub-tropical reefs, wrecks, clear water springs and alpine fiords make up a colourful and exhilarating sea life ideal for scuba divers.

Measuring 49,90m (163′ 8″) the EXUMA motor yacht was born from the collaboration between Vitruvius Ltd, Philippe Briand and the Perini Navi Group, conceived with a focus on top efficiency for fully autonomous navigation. She can accommodate up to ten guests in five cabins and has a crew of seven professionals on board including Captain Adolfo who are ready to welcome you aboard to explore the exciting South Pacific destinations of Fiji, Tonga New Caledonia and New Zealand!

All photos are credited to Giuliano Sargentini and Michele Lombardo-M1 Media by courtesy of Perini Navi.

Superyacht EXUMA

Picchiotti, Philippe Briand, Perini Navi
Year:2010   L.O.A.:50 m  Beam:9.50 m (31'17'') 
Max Speed:16 knots  Cruise Speed:12 knots  Engines:2x CAT acert C32 970kW at 
Cabins:5  Charter Guest:10  Crew:7 
More: Superyacht EXUMA

First Superyacht InnovatioNZ 2011 conference announced

July 13, 2011

Superyacht Events, a division of The Yacht Report Group, is pleased to announce the Superyacht InnovatioNZ 2011 conference, which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand  from the 12 – 14 October 2011 at the brand new Auckland Viaduct Events Centre.

First Superyacht InnovatioNZ conference announced

First Superyacht InnovatioNZ conference announced

This event, which is a completely new event developed in association with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, is intended to bring together key figures from the superyacht industry, from both onshore and offshore. 120 delegates will spend two full days brainstorming and creating innovations and ideas that can ultimately improve and develop more efficient, logical, intelligent and profitable ways of building and operating large yachts. Discussion at the event will be focused on six core disciplines

- Design, Manufacturing & Engineering.

- IT, AV, Communications and Electronics.

- Materials, Coatings & Surfaces.

- Energy, Power & the Environment.

- Propulsion, Systems & Operation.

- Business, Investment & Partnership

Superyacht InnovatioNZ intentionally coincides with the Rugby World Cup (RWC), being held in New Zealand this autumn, with large numbers of visitors, including leading business figures, expected in New Zealand throughout the tournament. The conference will conclude just prior to the semi-final matches of the RWC, which take place on the 15th and 16th of October, allowing attendees to stay on after the conference’s close and enjoy thrilling games of world class rugby.

Details of the full programme of the Superyacht InnovatioNZ conference will be made available soon.

In addition to their partnership on the SuperyachtInnovatioNZ conference, The Yacht Report Group has also confirmed their official media partnership of the Superyacht Captains Forum  - which will be held in Auckland on the 15 – 16 of September, and the 2012 Millennium Cup, being hosted in Auckland  next February.

Georgina Lucey, Events Director at Superyacht Events commented:

“We anticipate that the inaugural Superyacht Innovationz and our two media partnered events will maximise the opportunities presented by the RWC, and subsequent visitors to the country, to help develop the marine industry within New Zealand and in turn benefit the industry as a whole.”

Auckland International Boat Show meets 2011 New Zealand Rugby World Cup

May 20, 2011

The New Zealand Auckland International Boat Show, from 15 to 18 September 2011, will be the country’s biggest ever on-water boat show as it reaps the benefit of major development and investment in the Rugby World Cup 2011. On the Saturday of the boat show, in the evening, Australia will meet Ireland in Auckland at Australia’s second RWC game in the tournament.

Rugby World Cup 2011

Rated by IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organisers) as one of the top 40 boat shows in the world, the Auckland International Boat Show will have on display up to 200 boats including trailerboats, sailboats, launches and motoryachts up to 30m from New Zealand brands such Rayglass, Tristram and four pavilions of land-based exhibits of engines, electronics and boating equipment.

The show, organised by NZ Marine Industry Association, will feature the classic yacht fleet, including restored boats of up to 110 years old. Superyachts will be berthed nearby, preparing for their summer cruising season in New Zealand.

Another international sporting event will take place at the boat show: the International Boatbuilding Competition. International visitors will cheer on their national teams, made up of apprentices and boatbuilders working in the New Zealand marine industry, as they compete to build catamarans in just 90 minutes before racing them under sail, paddle and motor.

NZMI will host a Superyacht Captains Forum in the Viaduct Events Centre over the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the show. For the duration of the Rugby World Cup, from 9 September to 23 October, international visitors may also join the NZ Marine National Yards Tour of selected boat yards or join New Zealand company-hosted events at Rugby World Cup games. For more information see nzmarine.com.

In other business initiatives, NZMI is working closely with NZ2011 office and NZ Trade & Enterprise to bring together boat show exhibitors and international visitors who have expressed significant interest in their various products and boats, via the website nz2011.govt.nz.

The Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis Trophy

The Rugby World Cup Webb Ellis Trophy - Photo Courtesy of IRB

Auckland International Boat Show

Viaduct Events Centre

15 to 18 September, Auckland

NZ Marine Industry Rugby World Cup related events:

Auckland International Boat Show 15 – 18 September 2011

Superyacht Captains Forum 14 – 16 September 2011

International Boat Building Competition 17 September 2011

NZ Marine National Yard Tours September – October 2011

Millennium Cup, 16-18 February 2012

Great Progress on Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter for Rugby World Cup 2011

March 16, 2011

Work is progressing rapidly on the first stage of Wynyard Quarter’s revitalisation on Auckland’s waterfront, which will be complete in time for the Rugby World Cup 2011. It includes North Wharf, Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Crossing, Gateway Plaza, the Viaduct Events Centre and Silo Park.

Auckland harbour - Wynyard Quarter

Auckland harbour - Wynyard Quarter

At North Wharf, where in only a few months time visitors will be able to choose from a variety of eateries to get the freshest seafood in town, the internal fit out is soon to begin. Eighty per cent of the space has been leased, with an announcement of providers to be made within a month.

The centrepiece of North Wharf, the Old Red Shed, has been restored and its character retained. Previously an old Auckland Harbour Board building dating back to the 1930s, inspiration for its restoration and the two new buildings either side has been taken from the working waterfront and features including the shed’s distinctive red doors, metal bollards and the old railway tracks that have been kept.

On the seaward side of North Wharf on the edge of the Viaduct Harbour is the Viaduct Events Centre. The multi-purpose centre offers 6000m2 of exhibition, meeting and hospitality space and spectacular views of the Waitemata Harbour, and is in the final phase of construction.

On the other side of the North Wharf is Jellicoe Street, which completes the axis that will enable people to walk or cycle the length of Auckland’s waterfront, and will be the hub of events, activities and entertainment during RWC 2011 and beyond, including night markets and a cinema.

Wynyard Quarter will be easily accessible to the CBD via Wynyard Crossing, an opening pedestrian and cycling bridge over Viaduct Harbour. Piling work is currently underway and bridge spans will be put in place later this month, before the opening bridge leaves are installed.

Gateway Plaza is the landing point for Wynyard Crossing in Wynyard Quarter, and this large, public plaza will feature seating, arts and steps down to the water’s edge. Continuing down Jellicoe Street to the other side of Wynyard Quarter people will come to Silo Park, which by Rugby World Cup 2011 will include a playground, an expanse of green open space, a viewing structure and the two character cement silos that have been retained. 

Outside of Wynyard Quarter, plenty of progress is being made at other areas of the waterfront. At Westhaven Marina the CCTV system has just had a major overhaul, providing better safety in public areas. Major work has also begun to replace several piers, and next month Z pier and J pier car parks will start to be converted for use by campervans during RWC 2011.

At the opposite end of the waterfront the makeover continues at Queen’s Wharf.

Shed 10 and the red fence are being repaired, the surface is being upgraded, the wharf repaired underneath, services installed and the new structure, and The Cloud will be installed over the coming months. Work continues to coordinate with Quay St contractors, neighbours and the cruise industry.

New Zealand’s Marine Industry stands together after Quake

March 06, 2011

The New Zealand marine industry is deeply grateful for the generosity, sympathy and support they have received from around the world since the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011.

The earthquake was confined to Christchurch and Lyttelton, and many businesses there are already back up and running. New Zealand remains open for business and tourism, and appreciates the support of our international and domestic partners in their continued support with ongoing trading relationships.

At an industry level, the tight-knit New Zealand marine industry is providing practical support to its Christchurch members, following this tragic event.

Christchurch’s boatbuilding industry comprises trailerable powerboats and trailer yachts, and powerboats and yachts up to 15 metres, including new builds and refits. Most marine industry members in Christchurch suffered extensive or total loss to their homes and, in some cases, their factories. There are no superyacht builders in the South Island.

Eighty per cent of New Zealand’s marine industry is based in Auckland and the North Island, which was not directly affected by the quake, however it will serve as a major source of support to its colleagues in Christchurch.

Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine Industry, has been charged with setting up a committee dedicated to providing practical support. This will include coordination of marine companies around New Zealand sharing building facilities with Christchurch builders and offering positions to apprentices who have lost their jobs in Christchurch.

If you wish to support the people of Christchurch with practical assistance New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key has launched the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, a global fundraiser for the recovery effort in the city and the Canterbury region.

In the rest of New Zealand, life and business continue as usual. We are working together to rebuild Christchurch and showcase New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup later in 2011. The biggest sporting event of the year will kick off as planned in Auckland on September 9 and all matches will be played in New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand from above - Photo Credit Sea+City Projects Ltd

Auckland, New Zealand from above - Photo Credit Sea+City Projects Ltd

The New Zealand marine industry will have significant showcasing events throughout the Rugby World Cup with the Auckland International Boat Show September 15-18th. We look forward to seeing you in New Zealand for what will be a great event on and off the field.

Ian Cook President