UK Brief

UK Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

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.

New AEROBOAT Superyacht Tender / Luxury Day Boat unveiled by Claydon Reeves

May 07, 2013

Created by UK yacht designers Claydon Reeves, the all-new Aeroboat is a luxurious day boat also suitable as an elegant superyacht tender for experienced owners. The brand-new Aeroboat represents one of the fastest and most elegant small yachts ever produced. The boat is perfect for anyone wishing to breakfast in St. Tropez, lunch in Antibes and dine at night in Monaco.

New Aeroboat Superyacht Tender unveiled by Claydon Reeves

New Aeroboat Superyacht Tender unveiled by Claydon Reeves

The Aeroboat exterior design is inspired by the World War II fighter plane, the Spitfire, which is one of the world’s most iconic aircraft. Key to the design is the renowned, original Rolls-Royce Merlin engine that powers the Aeroboat.

The supercharged Merlin V12 engine, with bespoke gearbox and final drive, can achieve speeds of over 50 knots – making this a refined yet stylish way of travelling. The Merlin V12 engine was designed over 80 years ago and has been installed in many iconic aircraft, with its power output varying between 1100hp and 2500hp depending on the application.

Aeroboat yacht tender - view from above

Aeroboat yacht tender - view from above

The fluid lines of the original Spitfire have inspired the yacht’s design and, just like the Spitfire, the Aeroboat is based on substantial British heritage – it was designed in Britain, each model will be individually created with carbon fibre and lightweight wood veneer materials sourced from Britain, and it will be built in Britain, at a yard in The Solent.

The Aeroboat yacht tender’s interior is based on a sports car design, with beautiful leather stitching and wooden dashboard. The forward seats are a unique shockmounted designed inspired by the Spitfire landing gear. The helmsman has the use of a combination of analogue gauges for basic functions and touchscreen navigational systems, as well as a joystick throttle.

Claydon Reeves design Aeroboat superyacht tender

Claydon Reeves design Aeroboat superyacht tender

Claydon Reeves is also making owning a bespoke yacht, tailored to the owner’s needs, affordable. At a cost of £2m – £3m, the Aeroboat is an entrylevel yacht for those seeking a fast, stylish day boat to explore a coastline or for more experienced owners wanting a sleek tender for a super yacht. It can comfortably hold up to seven passengers. Below deck, the forward cabin includes a double berth and a small bathroom.

The designers are planning to build a limited edition of 10 Aeroboats tailored to the personal requirements of each client, from cockpit layout and interior trim to engine specifications and exterior finishes.

Aeroboat yacht tender - side view

Aeroboat yacht tender - side view

The co-founder of Claydon Reeves and Aeroboat designer, Mike Reeves, commented: “We are determined to revolutionise yacht design. The Aeroboat is based on innovative, new materials, fresh design thinking and growing demand for eye-catching shapes and individuality on the water.’

Claydon Reeves present Aeroboat superyacht tender

Claydon Reeves present Aeroboat superyacht tender

Aeroboat superyacht tender - General Arrangements

Aeroboat superyacht tender - General Arrangements

Claydon Reeves is one of a new breed of UK yacht designers. Based in Hampshire, it was founded two years ago to breath new life into the yacht design industry. Its team shares over 30 years experience in the superyacht industry.

Beautiful 53m Feadship Yacht MIRAGE introduces Yacht Carbon Offset

May 07, 2013

The breath-taking 53m Feadship charter yacht Mirage now includes carbon offsetting as part of her rigorous environmental procedures. The awareness demonstrated by Owners of Mirage yacht reflects the high standards expected by her prominent charter guests.

Yacht MIRAGE - Main

Yacht MIRAGE - Main

As superyacht Mirage embarks on a busy charter season, Yacht Carbon Offset matches the greenhouse gas emissions from her engines, tonne for tonne, with equivalent emissions reductions from verified green energy projects.

Colin Richardson, Mirage’s Captain commented: “Mirage’s new Owners have made it a priority that the yacht should maintain extremely high environmental standards. I am very pleased that this is the case, and agreed with them that Mirage would begin a carbon offset policy to eliminate the carbon footprint from her fuel. This practical, effective service is a natural step for us and we are pleased to be working with Yacht Carbon Offset to put this decision into action.”

Yacht Carbon Offset’s Managing Director Mark Robinson said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Mirage to the growing list of yachts that show leadership by going beyond the mandatory anti-pollution requirements. Their action supports independently audited green energy projects that would not exist without the carbon funding, so it really does makes a difference. Mirage shows yet again how ultimate service can be delivered in a greener way. We look forward to providing our specialist service to this superb yacht, and thank her Owners and all on board for their decision to work with us.”

Yacht Carbon Offset provides a fully-documented service for those that own and enjoy the world’s leading superyachts and has Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification.

Plymouth Herald Business Award 2013 for Princess Yachts

May 06, 2013

The well known UK luxury yacht builder, Princess Yachts International, has been honoured with the Plymouth Herald Business Award 2013. The yard has received the title of ‘Business of the Year’ in the large company category in recognition of the positive impact the business has had on the city’s economy.

herald_business_awards_2013

The awards recognise businesses and individuals helping to move Plymouth’s economy, culture and society towards its goal of becoming Europe’s premier waterfront destination. As the city’s second largest private sector employer, with over 2,000 employees, and a client base that spans the globe Princess Yachts have long been contributing towards this.

Ian Wood, editor of The Herald said: “Princess Yachts is a prime example of a city success story which helps carry the name of Plymouth around the world in a prestigious and supremely competitive market. Congratulations are richly deserved.”

Further boosting the local economy, Princess Yachts were recently given the go ahead to begin drawing down on a £4.6 million grant awarded by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund as backing for a major investment in the company’s historic South Yard site in Devonport, Plymouth which has already created 290 jobs and helped safeguard a further 400.

Herald Business Award 2013 for Princess Yachts

Herald Business Award 2013 for Princess Yachts

Chris Gates, Managing Director at Princess Yachts said: “We are delighted to be named as the city’s ‘Large Business of the Year’. We have been investing heavily in our people, products, new technologies and our facilities as we compete on a global stage from our Plymouth base. We have had a momentous 12 months with the launch of our flagship yacht, the Princess 40M, and this award recognises the fantastic work being achieved by our company.”

The company was also a runner up for ‘Manufacturing Business of the Year’ category. The winners of the awards were toasted at a gala dinner attended by peers and other luminaries from Plymouth’s business community.

Below is a selection of the superb charter yachts built by Princess Yachts.

Princess Yachts Charter Yacht Images

Baggio - Main
Baggio - Main
Baggio - Salon
Baggio - Salon
Baggio - Salon 2
Baggio - Salon 2
Baggio - Wheel house
Baggio - Wheel house
Baggio - Dashboard
Baggio - Dashboard
Baggio - Galley
Baggio - Galley
More: Princess Yachts Image Gallery

Great success for the 2013 Hamble Point Boat Show

May 03, 2013

More than 1,500 visitors have been attracted by the organisers and exhibitors at the second Hamble Point Boat Show, which took place on 27 and 28 April, 2013. The event marked the beginning of the boating season, bringing together boat owners, exhibitors and families for an eventful weekend, with plenty of new product launches and attractions.

Image from the Hamble Point Boat Show 2013

Image from the Hamble Point Boat Show 2013

In addition to hundreds of new and used boats and specialist marine products on display, there were plenty of activities for visitors during the two-day event. These included rowing tug of war and water polo from the Hamble Sea Scouts – which all attracted lots of spectators. Visitors also enjoyed a fly by from the Solent Coastguard helicopter, as well as visits from the RNLI Calshot lifeboat and the Hamble Fire Engine.

Marco Marine used the event to mark the UK premiere of the new Dufour 500 Grand Large, and Nicolle Associates and Key Yachting also held their official office launch events at the show. Key Yachting held a champagne reception and had a number of new and used boats on display, including two beautiful Princess yachts and a J111 racing yacht, which all attracted a lot of interest.

Gemma Dunn, Marketing Coordinator at Key Yachting, said: “We had a great show and were really pleased with the level and quality of customers at the event. We held our official launch party on the Saturday, with Carol Taylor of National Boat Shows opening our new premises, and are really looking forward to the season at Hamble Point Marina and getting involved in next year’s event.”

Andy Cunningham from Michael Schmidt and Partners, commented: “We had a brilliant show and were pleased with the quality of the visitors and the level of enquiries at the show. We took three offers on boats over the weekend and prepared two contracts on Monday morning after the show had ended. It’s fantastic to do business from a weekend event and we are delighted with the response and results. It was also great to see so many of the local community getting involved in the event including the young sea scouts – who we welcomed on board our yachts. You can do everything at Hamble Point Marina and events like this are a great way to bring the business and local community together, and we are looking forward to next year.”

Leading brands at the show included Dehler, Hanse, Nordhavn Yachts, Azimut and Beneteau, with visitors enjoying accompanied viewings, sea trials and workshops.

Those who attended the show also had the chance to visit the BMF On the Water bus, which was on site to promote getting people into boating and treated visitors to free giveaways.

Nicholas Parton, General Manager at Hamble Point Marina, said: “We had a fantastic event and are delighted to have welcomed so many visitors, despite the on and off weather. We had visitors travelling from far and wide and have received some brilliant feedback from visitors, exhibitors and tenants, and have already started planning next year’s event.”

Johnny Vickers re-joins Redman Whiteley Dixon

May 03, 2013

Redman Whiteley Dixon are very pleased to welcome Johnny Vickers who re-joins them, taking up new responsibilities as a director. Johnny has been their colleague and a friend for many years and will now become a partner in developing the prestigious British Superyacht designs studio.

Johnny Vickers

Johnny Vickers

Johnny started his career in yacht design with RWD 12 years ago. Following a very successful six years with the studio helping to launch several award winning yachts, including sailing yacht Twizzle and  luxury superyacht Al Said, he left to embark upon new challenges in London. There, he was charged with setting up the yacht design department of the luxury residential designers Candy and Candy; following the completion of the designs for a highly successful 61m motor yacht Sealyon (Candyscape II), Johnny moved to work as a senior designer at a leading yacht design firm Terence Disdale Design.

His considerable knowledge and experience in high-level luxury design, from furniture to private aircraft, as well as in depth knowledge of the design for some of the largest yacht launches of recent times, will enable Johnny to build on the new and exciting projects that RWD currently have on their drawing boards.

Johnny will be engaged with the rest of the team in providing the highest level of design experience for RWD’s clients.

“I always hoped the right circumstances would give me the opportunity to work with Justin, Tony, and Toby again. They have headed a hugely talented world leading design team for over 20 years and on top of that they are three of the nicest, most honest people you are likely to meet, let alone work with. It is a huge privilege to re-join the company which continues to provide such quality design work to its worldwide client base.” - Johnny

OYSTER announces profitable 2012 and confirms five Oyster 885 yacht and three Oyster 825 yacht orders

May 03, 2013

Announcing profitable results, together with a good order book across its range, Oyster closed the year 2012 in its strongest position for many years. The groups turnover in 2012 was up on 2011, bringing a second year in a row of improving results from the recession associated low points of 2008 and 2010. Furthermore, Oyster is please to confirm five orders for the new sailing yacht Oyster 885 and three new orders for the Oyster 825 yacht.

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night, Class 1 winner and Oyster 575 Dreamer yacht, Class 2 winner and overall winner both Classes, enjoy Oyster's 31st Regatta in Grenada

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night, Class 1 winner and Oyster 575 Dreamer yacht, Class 2 winner and overall winner both Classes, enjoy Oyster's 31st Regatta in Grenada

A debt free balance sheet reflects a successful restructuring in February ‘12 of the leveraged private equity ownership which ran from early 2008 to the end of 2011. The new shareholders are committed to a long term investment in the Company and to maintaining Oysters unrivaled After Sales and Support operations.

In June 2012 the Group acquired the fit-out business of E.C. Landamore & Co. of Wroxham which for the previous four decades had been fitting out Oyster yachts as a subcontractor to the Group. This strategic acquisition focuses production of the smaller yachts at the Landamore site whilst the larger yachts are built at the wholly owned facility in Southampton. Plans are being formulated to further expand the Wroxham facility to deliver greater production efficiencies.

Oyster’s focus on its Owners enjoyment of their yachts continues and the inaugural Oyster World rally fleet is now mid-pacific en route to their ‘half-way party’ in Australia in early August ‘13. Oyster also just concluded the 31st Oyster Regatta in Grenada and on a final note, Oyster is pleased to confirm more than 15 entrants already planning for the second World Rally, starting in January ‘16.

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