USA Brief

USA Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

New superyacht toy HeliCat 22 to be displayed at Newport Boat Show 2013

April 11, 2013

Set to run from April 18 to 21, the 40th anniversary Newport Boat Show will feature the all-new high-speed superyacht toy HeliCat 22. Fast even in waves while saving fuel, the new HeliCat 22 is a high performance two-person catamaran, providing stable and eye-popping fun. The first HeliCat 22 catamarans should be available in June/July 2013.

New superyacht toy HeliCat 22

New superyacht toy HeliCat 22

The amazing superyacht toy HeliCat 22 is great for stable & safe, fun, fast, economical and practical water travel, island transport, fishing far away, or day charter/rental. HeliCat 22 goes 20-30 mph in whitecap waves at 5 mpg – not possible in other boats.

The new design makes this cool-looking, lightweight, stable and agile catamaran safe in rough seas, and a lot of fun with good fuel economy and low maintenance. She corners flat like a rocket on a rail. She is virtually unsinkable due to a combination of positive foam flotation and separate watertight compartments.

Superyacht toy HeliCat 22 at full speed

Superyacht toy HeliCat 22 at full speed

At speeds from 20-40, she burns only 4-10 gph, getting 5 to 3.5 miles per gallon, which is unusually good for a boat that can handle rough water. Combined with her stability, it makes commuting on the water reasonably economical.

She has been tested in whitecap waves under the Tacoma Narrows bridge and found to be very stable and relatively smooth at 30 mph. Prototype boat’s top speed about 40 mph with twin 60hp Mercury four stroke EFI motors. Initial testing with twin Yamaha 70 hp indicates 50 mph top speed of US models. US produced version coming in June-July will be at least 400 lbs lighter and hence faster.

Superyacht toy HeliCat 22 to be available in June-July 2013

Superyacht toy HeliCat 22 to be available in June-July 2013

The HeliCat 22 can be ordered with EFI 60 or 70-hp motors of client’s choice or sold alone for client to fit his own motors. A custom aluminum trailer with LED lights and disc brakes is available. She can be towed by a mid-sized car or small SUV, because she will be under 2,900# on the trailer full of fuel and gear, ready to go anywhere.

Technicold™ by Northern Lights custom HVAC systems for refit of Feadship 135 Yacht MISS ILOILO

April 10, 2013

Technicold™ by Northern Lights, a top producer of marine heating, ventilation, air conditioning as well as refrigeration systems, is providing custom HVAC systems for the extensive refit of the 135-foot Feadship charter yacht Miss Iloilo (ex Golden Rule).

Luxury charter yacht Miss Iliolo (ex Golden Rule) by Feadship

Luxury charter yacht Miss Iloilo (ex Golden Rule) by Feadship to feature Technicold™ by Northern Lights custom HVAC systems

Overseeing the installation project is Miss Iloilo yacht’s captain, John Brazel. “Technicold builds the best systems by far, with more for the dollar than competitors can offer and will give us trouble-free function for many years,” Captain Brazel said.

Luxury motor yacht Miss Iloilo will begin refit this summer.

To properly cool 17 unique areas of this impressive yacht, which will dock primarily in subtropical locales, Technicold designed and engineered a four-stage 480,000 BTU system, composed of four 10-ton chillers, 27 UV-equipped air handlers and a complete make-up air system, all designed specifically for the layout and operational profile of superyacht Miss Iloilo.

Technicold by Northern Lights custom HVAC systems for refit of Feadship 135 Yacht MISS ILOILO

Technicold by Northern Lights custom HVAC systems for refit of Feadship 135 Yacht MISS ILOILO

Anti-microbial UV lamps installed directly into the air handlers help eliminate odors and provide a clean, comfortable and healthier environment on board. At the same time, the extensive use of 316L stainless steel and the large-diameter, single-pass fluted cupronickel condensers exemplify the commitment to using only world-class materials.

Derecktor’s Cimolai® 900 ton mobile boat hoist a Great Success

April 10, 2013

Since the commissioning of the new Cimolai® 900 ton mobile boat hoist in November 2012, the American yard Derecktor has seen a succession of 50-metre motor yachts hauled out for work. Both long as well as short duration projects for existing and new customers have been carried out and the new lift has performed with a great success.

Derecktor's 900ton Cimolai® Mobile Hoist in action - Photo by Billy Black

Derecktor's 900ton Cimolai® Mobile Hoist in action - Photo by Billy Black

“We are still finding our way – there is a learning curve when it comes to using this new equipment and utilizing the yard to its full capacity” said General Manager Ken Imondi, “but the new lift is everything we hoped it would be. We are able to service more of our customers in a given period, and operate much more efficiently.”

The yard has seen a substantial increase in the number of Lloyd’s 5 and 10-year surveys and is able to undertake additional long term projects. It provides another option for vessels transiting the area as well as those who call Fort Lauderdale home. The 50m Feadships motor yacht Aurora B, Battered Bull superyacht, Dream, Iroquois, luxury yacht Kisses, and Lady Allison yacht are all in the yard at the same time, together with a number of similar sized vessels. Major refits to The Big Blue, superyacht Elisa, Twilight yacht and Belle Aimee are all on-going, while luxury yacht Sorcha, charter yacht Keldi, superyacht Cracker Bay and My Trust Fund have recently completed.

Yacht CRACKER BAY - Image by Newzjunky

Yacht CRACKER BAY - Image by Newzjunky

“In addition to the obvious benefit to the yard, we are hopeful that the new lift will help preserve Fort Lauderdale’s status as the heart of the marine industry in South Florida by allowing more of those vessels who want to be in the center of things a place to get their work done,” continued Ken.

Derecktor has added several trade and management positions to help accomplish the extra work, and the addition of new power and infrastructure projects is planned for the summer. “We are confident that the new lift marks the beginning of a successful collaboration of businesses on the Dania Cut-Off Canal that will benefit the global mega-yacht community as a whole by providing additional options for service and dockage in the Fort Lauderdale area,” said James Brewer, Director of Sales & Marketing.

44m Persak & Wurmfeld Yacht Concept for Derecktor: Update

April 10, 2013

After the successful presentation of their 44-metre sailing yacht concept at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in 2012, Paul Derecktor from Derecktor Shipyard has decided to fully develop the design and continue their efforts to market this beautiful vessel as a “bucket-buster” racing boat with all the amenities of a luxury cruiser.

New 44m Persak and Wurmfeld Sailing Yacht Concept for Derecktor Shipyards

New 44m Persak and Wurmfeld Sailing Yacht Concept for Derecktor Shipyards

Naval Architects Carl Persak and Jeremy Wurmfeld from Persak & Wurmfeld studio are hard at work in Brooklyn, NY optimizing the systems and developing performance data of existing designs in comparison with Derecktor concept.

Initial analysis reveals the 44m Persak & Wurmfeld yacht concept for Derecktor to be exciting, fast, responsive and comfortable, with all the performance of the leading boats in the “Bucket” fleet.

There is a lot of interest in an American builder who is capable of constructing a high performance mega sail boat in multiple mediums.

Below is a choice of the stylish charter yachts built by Derecktor.

Derecktor Charter Yacht Images

Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Sailing
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Sailing
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest Cabin
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest ...
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest Cabin 2
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest ...
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest Cabin 3
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Guest ...
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Cockpit
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Cockpit
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Sailing 2
Luxury Charter Yacht Gitana - Sailing 2
More: Derecktor Image Gallery

Safe Harbor Maritime Academy’s Summer Mega Yacht School aboard 114ft motor yacht AMAZING GRACE

April 09, 2013

Safe Harbor Maritime Academy is currently providing adolescent boys, ages 15-17, with a unique opportunity to enroll in the summer-long, first-class yacht school program, bringing exciting, fun and educational aquatic experiences. Boys who enter the program will spend their summer living aboard the spectacular 114-foot motor yacht Amazing Grace.

114ft superyacht Amazing Grace by Derecktor Shipyards

114ft superyacht Amazing Grace by Derecktor Shipyard

Aboard Amazing Grace superyacht, boys will learn to pilot the vessel from the Captain’s chair, acquire the skills of a deck crew member, become familiar with the engine room, and collect other skills relevant to life and work on a “super yacht.”

In addition, weekly adventures will include sailing lessons, scuba diving lessons, fishing aboard the Academy’s 50-foot Hatteras motor yacht, anchoring off Cumberland Island where horses still roam free, and so much more.

This 90-day summer program offers an excellent introduction to maritime life. Boys will reside aboard the 114ft luxury yacht Amazing Grace for the entire program, while making trips and having activities every week. Immersed in the world of super yachts, boys are certain to find this unique summer program unforgettable. Spaces in the program are necessarily limited by the capacity of the yacht.

Luxury yacht Amazing Grace - bedroom

Luxury yacht Amazing Grace - Cabin

Launched at Derecktor Shipyard with architecture by Richard Liebowitz RA and engineering by Sparkman & Stephens, the Amazing Grace yacht boasts luxurious living quarters and state-of-the-art equipment. She won the International Super yacht Society Award in 2000 for Best Motoryacht. Whether boys intend to continue an active interest in superyachts or not, this aspect of the program alone promises a unique and attractive summer experience.

About SAFE HARBOR MARITIME ACADEMY
Safe Harbor Maritime Academy, a boys home founded in 1984 in Jacksonville, Florida, provides a therapeutic boarding school environment using the waterfront as an educational facility for teenage boys who are struggling. Safe Harbor provides a safe, stable, structured, alternative home environment; boys live aboard vessels, learning seamanship and maritime skills as well as studying for a high school diploma.

Jim Smith 105′ Yacht Hull #29 to be equipped with Seakeeper M26000 gyro

April 08, 2013

Featured on CharterWorld in August 2012, the Jim Smith 105′ yacht Hull #29 will be equipped with the Seakeeper M26000 gyro. The splendid Jim Smith 105′ superyacht Hull No. 29 will represent one of the largest sport fish vessels Seakeeper has stabilized to date. Sea trials are planned for May 2013.

Jim Smith 105' Yacht Hull No. 29 to feature Seakeeper M26000 gyro

Jim Smith 105' Yacht Hull No. 29 to feature Seakeeper M26000 gyro

Jim Smith 105' superyacht Hull No. 29 under construction

Jim Smith 105' superyacht Hull No. 29 under construction

Tickets for 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco now on sale

April 04, 2013

Tickets for the Best Seats on the San Francisco Bay for the upcoming America’s Cup are now on sale. Individual tickets for up to 50 days of action during the Summer of Racing can be purchased starting at only $15.

Pier 27-29 from embarcadero

Pier 27-29 from embarcadero - Image credit: ACEA

“This is going to be the most accessible America’s Cup in history for spectators,” said Stephen Barclay, the CEO of the America’s Cup Event Authority. “San Francisco Bay is a natural amphitheater and the America’s Cup race course takes advantage of natural contours of the Bay to create a true stadium sailing experience.

“What was often hard to see in previous editions, with racing far offshore, is going to be impossible to miss this summer, on a race course just yards off the city front,” Barclay continued. “Beginning today, fans can reserve one of the best seats on the Bay to share in the excitement.”

The 2013 America’s Cup promises to be faster and more on the edge than at any time in the event’s 162-year history.

All those who have experienced the next-generation high-speed America’s Cup race boats onboard have been profoundly impressed by the performance.

“The speed is really impressive,” said San Francisco’s mayor Ed Lee.

“It’s fast; it’s amazing,” added US Olympic sprint star Michael Johnson.

Marina Green from east

Marina Green from east - Image credit: ACEA

Individual and group tickets are available in the following seating locations:
•    America’s Cup Village: The America’s Cup Village represents the largest, most centralized land-based viewing experience. Located in the heart of Marina Green, the grandstands offer unobstructed views of the Bay and the starting line for spectators to enjoy the racing. Fans will experience live race commentary and have access to nearby stores and exhibits. Within America’s Cup Village, fans can purchase tickets to The Deck, East Grandstands, West Grandstands, and Race Course Bleachers.
•    SS Jeremiah O’Brien: Historic WWII Liberty Ship SS Jeremiah O’Brien offers a “50-yard line” view of the race course. “Liberty Ship Experience” guests will witness the intense AC action up-close from the decks of this National Historic Landmark, while enjoying luxurious appointments, modern amenities and access to the finest food & beverage concessions.
•    PIER 39: Complete with open bleacher seats and a lounge area with reception-style furniture, the PIER 39 Rooftop Lounge experience is the premier public spectator event for the 2013 America’s Cup. Its elevated nature offers unparalleled views of the entire race course for the America’s Cup Finals. Live race footage and commentary will be broadcast throughout the venue. Gourmet catering options, including alcohol, are included with each ticket.
•    On-Water: Fans will have the opportunity to purchase individual tickets or charter an Official Stake Boat or Support Boat to view the action at a premium location on the Bay. This program includes a wide variety of vessels to accommodate all price points and capacities.

The countdown to the 2013 Summer of Racing is now underway. With an opening ceremony on July 4th, racing starts with the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challenger Series, on July 7th and continues through the America’s Cup Finals in September.

Admission to both the America’s Cup Park (Piers 27/29) and the America’s Cup Village (Marina Green) is free. In addition, a limited number of bleacher seats at the America’s Cup Village are free each day on a ‘first come, first served basis’ as well as on Wednesdays during Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin and Semi Final racing.

Fans can purchase tickets to guarantee their seating and enjoy an upgraded experience for an even higher level of enjoyment.

Tickets for on-shore and on-water experiences are now available as well as hospitality options at both the America’s Cup Park and the America’s Cup Village.

Sevenstar Yacht Transport strengthens its commitment in West Coast, North American market

April 03, 2013

Sevenstar Yacht Transport, the world renowned leader in yacht transport, strengthens its commitment in the West Coast, North American market. Following a strong start in 2012 with several scheduled sailings to and from Palm Beach, Panama, Golfito, Manzanillo, Ensenada, and Victoria, B.C., the company is committed to increase its regular sailings for 2013.

Sevenstar strengthens their commitment in the West Coast

Sevenstar strengthens its commitment in the West Coast

Currently Sevenstar has the following sailings:
- MV Eurogracht loading in Palm Beach April 15th for Golfito, Ensenada, and Victoria,B.C. and onward to Yokohama, Japan and Yantai, China.
- MV Thorco Liva loading Palm Beach April 15th for Golfito and Manzanillo, MX.
- MV Aggersborg loading Ensenada April 22nd for Golfito and Palm Beach.

Due to the strong demand for these routes, Sevenstar also has sailings planned for May with the MV Dynamogracht and in June with the MV Deltagracht. With recent developments in the yacht transport industry, Sevenstar Yacht Transport stands out as the one provider who can offer first rate, on time service, at competitive all inclusive rates.

Sevenstar does what it says it will do, when it says it will do it. With a fleet of over 100 vessels the company is in control of its schedules and does not leave a client wondering if they will get shipped in a timely manner.

Prior to making a commitment with any yacht transport company, Sevenstar would recommend doing one’s own research and carefully evaluating the terms of the contract. Some providers have ambiguous conditions and require upfront payments before a vessel is even confirmed on a particular route. In addition, the contract may state they have up to a year from the date of the contract to perform. The Sevenstar’s contracts are user friendly including a very reasonable cancellation policy.

As Richard Klabbers, the managing director of Sevenstar Yacht Transport based in Amsterdam states, “We are making both the financial and scheduling commitment for clients who want to experience seamless and professional transport for their yachts to and from the West Coast. We want our clients to be totally satisfied with our service, a repeat customer is a tribute to our commitment.”

Unlike other providers, Sevenstar Yacht Transport only requires 25% of the freight to reserve a position with the balance due upon loading. The company’s reputation is based on its performance, not on fairy tails.

Corporate Relocation to South Florida announced by My-Villages

April 03, 2013

In order to be positioned directly within the largest U.S. boating market as well as major marine industry hub, My-Villages, the company facilitating an online marine industry collaborative, announced yesterday that it has moved from its previous Alexandria, Va. headquarters to the Jupiter – Stuart, Florida area.

My-Villages

“With the number of Florida-based marine businesses joining us in the past few months, it made sense to be closer to our partners,” My-Villages CEO and Founder Kevin Hutchinson said.

My-Villages improves the boat ownership experience and transforms how boats are operated and serviced through an electronic community or “digital village,” using web and mobile technology. More than 30 brand-name marine companies now serve as My-Villages BETA partners, helping to craft products that serve both owners and industry; many are located in Florida.

Similarly, many on the growing list of My-Villages Innovation Partners are also based in the Sunshine State. Innovation Partners are a forward-looking group of marine businesses that have agreed to use and/or market My-Villages’ premium service, a digital application—available for web browsers, smart phones and iPads—that allows boat owners and marine professionals to simplify boat operations and maintenance.

The majority of the My-Villages Industry Advisory Council members, who offer guidance to the company on market conditions and other related matters, are also located in Florida.

“We clearly understand that Florida is one of the major boating centers in the United States, home to more than 900,000 registered vessels last year and host of the industry’s two largest annual boat shows in Miami and Fort Lauderdale,” said Hutchinson. “Marine businesses in Florida posted more than $1.1 billion in sales in 2010, the latest year for which statistics are available. And on a personal note, being a passionate boater myself who has spent 10 years  traversing the northeast waters of the Chesapeake Bay area, I’m looking forward to exploring the beautiful waters of the southeast and to mix both business and pleasure here in the Sunshine State.”

Doyle Sailmakers to supply the complete sail inventory for 60m Perini Navi Yacht Hull C.2218

April 03, 2013

Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Doyle Sailmakers has recently announced that it has been awarded the contract to supply the complete sail inventory for the all-new 60m Perini Navi yacht Hull C.2218. Luxury sailing yacht Hull C.2218 is a beautiful performance sloop, currently under construction. She is due to be completed in early 2014 and will make her debut at the 2014 St. Barths Bucket.

Doyle to supply the complete sail inventory for 60m Perini Navi Yacht Hull C.2218

Doyle to supply the complete sail inventory for 60m Perini Navi Yacht Hull C.2218

The inventory for the 60m Perini Navi superyacht Hull C.2218 encompasses a staggering 10,200 square meters (110,275 square feet) of sail area including what will be the world’s two largest spinnakers.

The order reinforces Doyle’s commitment and expertise in engineering some of the largest projects in the Superyacht industry including the sails aboard charter yacht Maltese Falcon and superyacht M5, two of the world’s largest and most sophisticated sailing yachts.

Essential to the success of this program will be the contribution of Doyle CFD’s analysis which is being used to model all aspects of the sail shapes and loading, completely integrating data from the boat’s hull and rig in real sailing conditions. This will ensure that the sails as well as the associated hardware are all up to the task of propelling this yacht through the water.

CFD & FEA has been performed to quantify loading and refine shapes in all the sails

CFD & FEA has been performed to quantify loading and refine shapes in all the sails

After several months of discussions, the final inventory was decided on after reviewing a number of possible combinations with an eye on smooth sail crossovers for an aggressive racing schedule the boat has planned. For upwind sailing, the Hull C.2218 yacht will have a 840 sqm mainsail which is complemented by a range of headsails – a reacher, a blade jib, a working jib, and then a Code 0 for light air conditions.

The upwind inventory will be constructed of Doyle’s proprietary Stratis membranes which have proven themselves on many of the world’s most glamorous Superyachts. This technology will enable Doyle’s engineers and sailmakers in Salem to construct high performance sails with minimal weight.

Downwind is where the 60m mega yacht Hull C.2218 will really shine. “We looked at every material available for these spinnakers and realized that there wasn’t anything in existence that would deliver the performance we were looking for,” explains CEO Robbie Doyle. “We partnered with Dimension Polyant to develop a new high-performance Polyester spinnaker fabric that is reinforced with Dyneema for durability and burst strength.”

60m Perini Navi mega yacht Hull C.2218

60m Perini Navi mega yacht Hull C.2218

The new cloth allows the sails to be light and soft like a traditional spinnaker yet has tensile strength on par with other, heavier options. The addition of Dyneema to the cloth will ensure that the sail resists tears, essential to success on the Superyacht racing circuit. The 60m luxury yacht Hull C.2218 will have two spinnakers, one measuring in at 2448 sqm and the other at 2170 sqm. In addition, she will be equipped with a 643 sqm spinnaker staysail set with a top down furler.

“With this project we are fortunate to take everything we have learned in the last 30 years on both Superyachts and Grand-Prix race boats and put it all together in one package,” comments Doyle. “We are extremely excited to be working with the project management team at Perini Navi, Future Fibers and Ron Holland Design to see this through its completion.”

The order caps a string of good news for Doyle Sailmakers in the Superyacht arena, highlighted by the recent debut of the 50m sailing yacht Ohana, new inventories for the 52m superyacht Prana, 45m luxury yacht Artemis, and the launch of the 40m Perini Navi superyacht State of Grace (hull C.2180) with a full Doyle inventory. When the 60m performance sailing yacht Hull C.2218 launches next year, it will be spectacular to see her perform.

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