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CONTENTS Aus Thai Marine’s new Catamaran Ferry Ray Ringuet and his team at Aus-Thai Marine have built the Austhai 1500 WFBI Catamaran Ferry, which can hold 70 people. Launched at the recent Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, the first in the series has been sold to a group in Cambodia, where it will be used as a ferry between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong. Albatross did the design with Hull doing the engineering and providing the Yanmar engines.
Yanmar Powers the Spirit of Queenstown A purpose-built passenger ferry, the Spirit of Queenstown, is the newest tourist venture by Southern Discoveries for Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. Designed by Incat Crowther, built by Aluminium Marine and powered by a pair of Yanmar commercial marine engines, this is by any measure an impressive high-speed ferry.
Your First Yacht - Some Ideas and Advice Rob Williams chimes in with ideas and advice on buying your first yacht. Rob is a highly qualified sailing instructor, who has amassed many thousands of miles both racing and cruising. He is the MD of the well-reputed sailing school Yachtpro Thailand and South East Asia Yacht Sales, a yacht dealer and broker - both based at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket.
Max Ranchi’s imagery lights up the King’s Cup We are lucky indeed to showcase some of the images that world-class www.maxranchi.com) took sailing photographer Max Ranchi (www.maxranchi.com) during December’s King’s Cup. Over 100 vessels took part, with Foxy Lady continuing its impressive string of wins capturing the IRC1 class and Ray Roberts OneSails narrowly winning the big prize, the Grand Prix IRC Zero class (btw, it was Ray’s fourth King’s Cup victory).
Thailand’s top young sailing stars With insight from Nima Chandler, one of their biggest supporters, we take a look at Thailand’s top young sailing stars, remembering full well what coach Ruben Moran of the Spanish Federation of Sailing says, “You can be the best in your country and your region, but without coaching, you won’t know how to improve your performance for top-level international regattas.”
Sevenstar knows how to transport your yacht We talk to Sevenstar’s Marieke Derks who provides us with an inside look at what’s involved in transporting your yacht around the world and tells us how Sevenstar keeps its customers up-to-date about their vessel’s movements, guides them through all the red tape and helps them prepare their boat for the voyage, before and during loading.
www.seayachting.net
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Southeast Asia’s yachting and marine industry magazine
CONTENTS
42 46 52 56
What’s cooking at the ACYC? Kim Mitchell, the proprietor of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club bar and restaurant talks us through the changes he’s made since taking over running the F & B at this storied Phuket establishment.
Raja Muda sails for the 24th time Described as “Asia’s most tactically challenging regatta”, Guy Nowell’s brilliant images and Jeff Harris’ words sail us through the 24th sailing of the RMSIR; from its start near Port Klang to its finish at Telaga Harbour in Langkawi where Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady prevailed and took home the Raja Muda trophy and Aussie Maid the Jugra Cup.
Second annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show causes a stir Pattaya opened its doors to the 2nd annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show (OMPBS), which saw a record visitor turnout and strong trade reported. The multi-million dollar line-up of boats, supercars, bikes, luxury properties and marine products and services attracted 4,334 visitors to the three-day show, including expats from Thailand and Asia, together with Thai nationals, who are showing more interest in the marine leisure lifestyle.
Privilege Marine launches “Furio 6”, a new line of motor-yacht cats. Famous naval architect Marc Lombard and his design office ML Design Team have reached an incredible compromise between style, range, performance and safety. Aesthetically speaking, the Furio 6’s modern and distinctive shape is based on the motoryacht spirit rather than on sailing catamarans adapted to power; Vincent Tabuteau and his team at Asia Marine represent the boat in this part of the world.
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Simpson Marine proudly presents the MC5 - our cover photo.
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The Storm of Shock & Tears
A game-changing yacht that is sure to impress; its unique vertical bow, huge flybridge and a full beam master suite are a few of the features that have redefined the word luxury. Simpson Marine is the exclusive dealer for Beneteau power and sail boats in Asia. For more information on Simpson Marine, turn to page 60.
Ian Jamieson’s words and images walk us through the storm that hit Ao Yon in Phuket in late November where 40 knots of wind and three-metre waves damaged most of the boats that were moored there.
www.seayachting.net
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Austhai Marine launches new range
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P
attaya-based boat builder Austhai Marine took advantage of the recent Ocean Marina Boat Show in Pattaya to launch its new range of 15-metre catamarans. This model complements its already extensive inventory of commercial catamarans. The range now includes 10, 1.5, 12.5, 15 and 16metre models. The optional deck layouts available for each hull means that Austhai has a model to suit almost any commercial application; be it a work-boat, dive-boat, ferry, day-tour boat, or special-purpose application. Austhai displayed the Resort model at the boat show and provided twice daily trips for visitors to the show. These proved popular with show visitors with most trips being filled to capacity. The latest model, like all earlier Austhai Models was designed by Albert Nazarov and his team of professionals at Albatross Marine Design. The Yanmar engines and steering system were supplied and installed by Hull Co., Ltd. The first vessel off the production line is destined for Sihanoukville in Cambodia, where it will become the flagship of Koh Rong Island Travel, operating a regular route between Sihanoukville and Koh Rong Island to service the operator’s several resorts on the island. The second boat which is already in production is bound for Koh Samui. Following launching at Ocean Marina, Pattaya, the first vessel has undergone extensive water testing. The Managing Director of Austhai Marine, Ray Ringuet has declared that he is totally satisfied with the boat and its performance. “As is the norm, both the design team from Albatross and the engineering team from Hull Co. have fully met our expectations, while our own team of in- house artisans has performed to the expected high standards,� he said. The water tests included extensive testing by both Hull Company and Albatross Marine Design to validate the performance of the boat, the engines and the systems. Ray said he was impressed by the testing regime of both, and especially that carried out by Albatross who use the latest in sophisticated measuring instruments to record the performance of vessels. The data recorded is then analyzed to see if the performance of the boat can be improved. This testing focuses not only on
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performance, but on passenger safety and comfort as well, including a crash test to measure the effect on passengers in the event of an emergency stop at A fly bridge with seating for up to 15 people. full speed. Bus-style main deck seating for 75 passengers. While both the first and second boats built Adequate luggage space forward. are designed as single route ferries designed to Separate spacious ladies and gents toilets. carry the maximum number of passengers and Electric toilets feeding to black water holding tanks. their luggage, Ray believes the vessel, with the Pressurized fresh water system. different deck layouts available, will prove popular Electronic navigation, VHF Radio. with day-tour operators. He said the cat has Saltwater wash-down systems. inherent advantages over a mono-hull; particularly increased stability as a wider beam is carried forward creating more room. That plus the superior sea-keeping ability should give operators good reasons to consider catamarans when thinking about purchasing their next boat. Combining these advantages with the economy a catamaran with an inboard diesel engines offers, both in operation Austhai 1500 Resort WFBI Catamaran Ferry Specs and maintenance, makes the catamaran an obvious Length overall (LMax) Metres 15.00 choice. Length of Hull (LHull) Metres 14.42 Ray further stressed Length at Waterline IWL) Metres 13.02 the inherent safety features Maximum Beam (BMax) Metres 5.53 of catamarans. He said that Stores Fuel Litres 1,600 the recent spate of boating Water Litres 200 accidents in Thailand gave Engines Twin Yanmar 6LY2-STP Diesel, 440 HP each cause for concern and inGearbox KMH61A (Reduction 2.04) bound tour operators, boat Steering Teleflex hydraulic steering operators and passengers as Fuel Twin 800 litres fuel tanks, stainless steel well as the government Water 200 litre tank, fiberglass, pressurised system agencies need to pay more Anchor Winch Lewmar V3 electric attention to this issue. He said that Austhai Navigation Ritchie Helmsman flush mount compass catamarans are inherently Garmin 2008 GPS, 8 inch screen, depth sounder safe, with numerous Icom 304 VHF Radio features that ensure safety. International standard navigation lighting In particular, he stressed Toilet Two Electric toilets with holding tank that a well-constructed Entertainment Stereo sound system, six waterproof speakers catamaran will not capsize Electrical BEP Switch panels & fittings if all passengers move to one Passengers Lower deck seating for up to 75 passengers side of the boat. Flybridge seating for 15 passengers Performance- Full Load Conditions - Knots Maximum 3300 RPM 25 2800 RPM 23 Contact Info Cruising 2600 RPM 20 Tel: Thai -0818557053; Fuel Burn – Litres 3000RPM 120 English -0819401203 2800RPM 106 Email: 2600RPM 88 info@austhaimarine.com Category B (Offshore) Website: Certification Built to ISO Small Craft International Standards www.austhaimarine.com
Features of 15m catamaran
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Regattas Asia
to to run run Bay Bay Regatta Regatta
T
he Ao Chalong Yacht Club has announced that Regattas Asia will take over the day to day running of The Bay Regatta, which is held annually in the waters of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi. Regattas Asia, are widely recognized as Asia’s Regatta specialists, providing race management and on-shore services to the regions leading regattas. Their ever growing portfolio of supported events include: The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, The Royal Langkawi International Regatta, The China Cup International Regatta, Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Race Week and the KohSamui Regatta. Announcing the dates of this year’s regatta as 12th – 16th February 2014. Mick Kealy, Commodore of AoChalong Yacht Club said: “Now in its 17th year, The Bay Regatta is a unique event, covering the three provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi. As such, it is a logistically challenging event for a small yacht club like ourselves to manage on a day to day basis. “We are delighted to formalise our agreement with the Regattas Asia Team to take over the commercial management of the event, allowing the Yacht Club to concentrate our resources on developing sailing in Phuket through our new Youth Training Scheme and fantastic club racing programme.” The official change of management does not signify any major changes to the event, as the Regattas Asia has been involved in running the racing side of the regatta or over 15 years and have managed all aspects of the event for Ao Chalong Yacht Club for the past 3 years. Racing and
courses will continue to be overseen by local sailing personalities Andy Dowden and Simon James. About The Bay Regatta: Now in its 17th year, attracting around 40 – 50 yachts and often billed ‘Asia’s fun regatta’, the hallmark of this event is a casual, fun-filled atmosphere. Many families and friends join together to sail the four-day event and while the sailing is serious for many racing class yachts, a large number of cruisers join for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery. With four days of racing and five days of partying, the regatta crosses the three provinces of Phuket, PhangNga and Krabi, is surely one of the most scenic regattas on the Asian racing calendar and always lives up to its reputation as the FUN Regatta! .
Full details on the event and on-line entry are available at www.bayregatta.com email: bayregatta@regattas.asia www.facebook.com / bayregatta For further media and sponsorship enquires contact: Poon Kosolkarn | MarketingManager | Regattas Asia email:poon@regattas.asia | mobile +668 9444 4904 | Skype: poon_kosolkarn
Yanmar Powers Spirit of Queenstown Brisbane Built Ferry for New Zealand Lake Tourists
A
purpose-built passenger ferry, the Spirit of Queenstown, is the newest tourist venture by Southern Discoveries for Lake Wakatipu in New Zealand. Designed by Incat Crowther, built by Aluminium Marine and powered by a pair ofYanmar commercial marine engines, by any measure this is an impressive high-speed ferry. Spirit of Queenstown is an all alloy high-speed cat, 26m long with a passenger capacity of 170 passengers plus a crew of four. This is a ferry specifically designed to deliver an efficient low fuel burn while combining a blend of passenger comfort and excellent speed. Operating from Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the owners of the new ferry (Southern Discoveries) insisted that special attention was devoted to the development of durable on boards systems, robust ship structure, conservative engine ratings and good machinery serviceability. On all counts Spirit of Queenstown exceeds the brief. The Yanmar engine of choice for this repower project was the 650mhp (478kW) 6HY-WET commercially rated marine diesel engine. This is an IMO Tier 2 Emission certified purpose built heavy duty marine engine model ideally suited for passenger ferries or other workboat applications. It is a 6 cylinder in-line configuration engine, displacing 13.733 litres and weighing 1385 kg, without a transmission. It features a full mechanical governed and mechanical fuel injection system and when combined with the unique twin turbocharger design as used on this model provides for quick acceleration and very impressive fuel economy right across the full operating speed range. In the engine room, the Spirit of Queenstown is also fitted with Yanmar YHX-160 transmissions and a pair of MaseYanmar Powered 33KVA generators, all supplied by Power Equipment. In 5 days of sea trials before the delivery trip across the Tasman, the Spirit of Queenstown delivered impressive performance data. At maximum power of 2100 rpm, the ferry logged an impressive top speed in excess of 27 knots. With the sea trails completed, the Spirit of Queenstown took on board a delivery crew and departed south from Brisbane heading for Coffs Harbour on the central coast of NSW for refueling before departing for Bluff, the southernmost town in New Zealand. Dick Moore, one of the skippers on board the Spirit of Queenstown, reported on arrival at Bluff that the delivery trip went as planned and without incident. “The Yanmar engines performed extremely well on the three-and-ahalf day crossing from Coffs Harbour,” Dick Moore said. “Most of the time we cruised with the engines operating at around 1700 rpm or 15 knots. At this speed we were using 50 litres of fuel per engine per hour. No oil top ups were required.” Once in Bluff, the Spirit of Queenstown was greeted by Aluminium Marine owner Steve Cordingley and a number of his staff. The next stage of the delivery process was to partially dismantle the superstructure so that the giant cat could be transported by road to Queenstown, a journey of 220 km.
Moored up at O’Reagans Wharf in Queenstown, the Spirit of Queenstown will carry passengers across the pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu to the normally inaccessible Mt Nicholas Station for an authentic and nature-based tourist experience. As well as regular tourist excursions, the Spirit of Queenstown will be available for conference, incentive and event groups. The vessel has 170 seats, 127 of them inside the main deck passenger cabin. A kiosk provides concession service aft. The outboard seats are arranged in booths with tables. Large double doors provide access to the cabin from the aft boarding gates. The aft main deck features three toilets and overhead hangers for bicycles. The upper deck features the wheelhouse and 43 exterior seats.
SPIRIT OF QUEENSTOWN SPECIFICATIONS PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS Length Overall 89' 7" / 27.3 m Length Waterline 84' 4" / 25.7 m Beam Overall 26' 3" / 8.0 m Draft (hull) 4' / 1.2 m Draft (prop) 5' 11" / 1.8 m Depth 8' 3" / 2.5 m Construction Marine grade aluminium CAPACITIES Fuel Oil (non-integral tanks) 1,268 gallons / 4 800 litres Fresh Water 132 gallons / 500 litres Sullage 132 gallons / 500 litres Passengers 170 Crew 4 PROPULSION AND PERFORMANCE Speed (Service) 23 knots Speed (Max) 27 knots Main Engines 2 x Yanmar 6HYM-WET Power 2 x 478 kW (650hp)@ 2100 rpm Propulsion 2 x Propellers Generators 2 x Mase IS34T 33.7 kVa REGULATORY Flag New Zealand Class / Survey MNZ Part 40 A Enclosed Waters
For more information on Yanmar’s service and other Yanmar’s marine products, please contact Hull Co., Ltd., Authorized Distributor of Yanmar Marine Engine for Thailand, Tel. 038-238131-2 or visit our website www.hull.co.th.
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YourSome First Yacht Some Ideas Ideas and and Advice Advice
By Rob Williams
T
his is to help newcomers to yachting who want to buy their first yacht for private or recreational use. The following ideas and general advice will hopefully be of assistance. As you experience yacht ownership, you will become familiar with the variety of the facets involved. These are similar for all yachts and vary in complexity with size of the yacht and the equipment it carries. In this article, I’ll use examples boats that I am familiar with and concentrate on yachts rather than catamarans, sailing dinghies and other types of off the beach boats. In general, most people are best served initially buying the smallest yacht that fits your parameters: Your user profile Where the boat will be based and maintained Cost of purchase Costs of ownership Requirements for, and number of, experienced crew Your use profile dictates the overall parameters of the boat you need.
Should you wish to sail by day, close to your base of operations; a day sailer without long term live-aboard accommodation would fit the bill. For recreational sailors, who would like to do some live-aboard cruises, a yacht with accommodation and equipment to support this is needed. In our region, which is thankfully blessed with fairly tranquil weather conditions, these yachts are often able to do quite long coastal trips. The location where the boat will be based will involve costs and may have limitations with reference to depths of the water and access constraints. Also elements involved with maintaining the yacht need to be considered. Quite often, marinas offer storage on land for smaller yachts combined with a launching service, ideal for day sailors. This affords owners ease of maintenance and means their yachts do not need to be painted with antifouling paint. With the larger yachts, berths in marinas are ideal as they afford easy access. In the water maintenance is easily done at the yacht’s berth. Proximity of facilities must be considered for the
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Most production yachts are built to a specification set by the manufacturer, who then offers options and extras that enable you to have the equipment on board that will suit you as an individual.
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highly-recommended annual haul out. Many owners opt to have their yachts kept on moorings, which necessitates access by boat or dinghy. While this option is far less costly than the options above access may prove a hassle for spontaneous use and maintenance can often prove difficult. In addition, some insurance companies do not offer comprehensive yacht insurance on moorings. The cost of buying the boat is always of paramount importance. Most production yachts are built to a specification set by the manufacturer, who then offers options and extras that enable you to have the equipment on board that will suit you as an individual. These options vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and in the best cases include selections of timber finishes on the internal structure and floors, upholstery, deck equipment, sails and associated equipment, engines, instruments and communications equipment, accommodation type fittings and more.
Most manufactures offer equipment in packs that include their most popular options at a cost savings. The price of the yacht as specified, with the options selected, is what you pay when the yacht is completed at the factory. To this price you need to add the cost of freight to your location and commissioning, which is the cost of readying the boat for use as well as the equipment you will need for the safety and maintenance of the yacht. An important factor that is often overlooked is the costs of owning the vessel; things like insurance, storage, maintenance and an allowance for the repair/replacement of equipment. The last allowance is not an issue in the warranty period but budgeting for it can avoid surprises in the long-term. The number of people (and their skills) required to sail the yacht always needs to be considered too. As most recreational sailors sail with their families, or maybe a friend on board, a yacht that is easily handled with two people on board maximizes the yacht’s use. Profiles on a variety of entry level yachts follow. Approximate landed costs are based on average equipment fitted and commissioning is included.
Day Sailer - Varianta 18 This small yacht is an ideal day sailer. It is easily sailed with one or two people and has camp-aboard type accommodation and auxiliary power from an outboard motor. The landed cost in Thailand should be around 600,000 baht, but at the time of writing freight rates had not been finalized.
An important factor that is often overlooked is the costs of owning the vessel; things like insurance, storage, maintenance and an allowance for the repair/replacement of equipment.
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Two-Cabin Live-aboard (Dehler 29) Dehler have always enjoyed a reputation for quality and performance. Over 400 of this model, with minor updates along the way, have been built over the years and their popularity continues. She can be sailed by one or two people and at a landed cost in Thailand of 3,600,000 baht approx, represents excellent value.
Two-Cabin Live-aboard (Hanse 325) A physically big 32' boat, the H325 has plenty of live-aboard space for four people and features the usual high standard Hanse fit-out. She is easy to handle single handed, aided by her self-tacking headsail and an auto-helm. Hanse has a promotion running on these boats, at the time of writing, so the landed cost is just under THB 4,000,000 - and that includes optioned up B&G instruments.
Three-Cabin Live-aboard (Hanse 345) This is one of the newer yachts of the evolving Hanse range. A breeze to sail single handed, she has the space below you’d usually expect from a 36'+ plus boat. Sparkling performance, with innovative quality all around enables many days of care-free sailing.
Her landed cost, with quite a few extras, is approx. 5,600,000 baht.
Three-Cabin Live-aboard (Varianta 37) This is one of the no-frills type boats built by Hanse. The philosophy behind the Varianta brand is value for money and cruising performance. It needs two people to sail but at the approximate landed cost of under 5,000,000 baht the VA37 provides exceptional value for your money. New boats are usually sold by dealers and they should provide new owners with the assistance they require. It’s wise to inquire about the back-up the dealer offers and make sure that it meets your needs. (Rob Williams is a highly qualified sailing instructor who has amassed many thousands of miles both racing and cruising. He is the MD of both the well reputed sailing school Yachtpro Thailand and South East Asia Yacht Sales which are new Yacht Dealers and Brokers, both based at Yacht Haven Marina in Phuket. Should you wish more specific information on points raised or the boats mentioned in this article, he can be reached at rob@ses-yss.com)
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Regional
NEWS
RLIR 2014 IS SET FOR THE RETURN OF TITLE DEFENDERS
The organisers of the annual Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) are pleased to announce that as of November 2013, there are more than 30 yachts registered for the 12th Edition of RLIR 2014. The 2014 RLIR, which will take place around the islands of Langkawi, Malaysia is scheduled from 13th to 18th January 2014. The annual event has been attracting sailors from all over the world, categorized into 11 classes. Teams that have confirmed their entry are SY Jelik from Hong Kong, skippered by Frank Pong. Frank Pong was the Asian Yachting Circuit’s Skipper of the year 2013. Other notable entries are SY Foxy Lady IV from Singapore, SY Fortissimo X from Japan, SY Phoenix from Denmark, SY Andaman Cabriolet Nina from Thailand and SY Smystery from Great Britain. Malaysian sailing teams that have confirmed their participation are Malaysian Armed Forces’ SY Utarid and SY Uranus, together with SY Matahari, SY Eveline and SY Chantique.
The RLIR 2014 is looking forward to the return of its title defenders, namely Peter Ahern with his new yacht, SY Oi!, who was the winner of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy at the inaugural regatta in 2003. Peter defended his title in both 2004 and 2005. After a gap of 2 years, the RLIR Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy winner of 2006 to 2011, Ray Roberts, made his entry into the racing scene in 2013 with the China Coast Regatta earlier this year. Another potential entry for RLIR 2014 is 2013 Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy, Neil Pryde with his Team HIFI. With the return of the 3 title defenders, the racing class is all set for the “Clash of Titans”. “With Langkawi having wonderful wind conditions in January, I am pleased and happy to see many entries for the RLIR 2014 and we hope to keep this regatta an exciting challenge, while still maintaining our hospitality to all participants” quoted Tunku Soraya Dakhlah, the Organising Chairperson of RLIR 2014. Teams participating in the event will be competing for the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy – for Racing Class yachts, the Commodore’s Challenge Cup – for participants of club-registered cruisers, the LADA-IRC Challenge Trophy – for participants of the IRC 1 Class, the Langkawi Sports Trophy – for participants in the Sports Boat Class, and the Malaysian Multihull Challenge Cup – for participants under the Multihull category. The “Tunku Abdullah Sportsmanship Award”, will be presented to the best team, both on water and land, in memory of the late Founding Chairman and the first Commodore of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC), Almarhum Tunku Tan Sri Abdullah Tuanku Abdul Rahman. The Royal Langkawi International Regatta (RLIR) 2014, is organised by the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) and sanctioned by the ISAF and Malaysian Yachting Association (MYA) and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Malaysia. The RLIR is part of the Asian Yachting Circuit. The partners and sponsors that have confirmed their participation for RLIR 2014 are Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority, BMW Group Malaysia, Guinness Anchor Berhad and Kedah State. The RLIR 2014’s Official Media Partners are SEA Yachting, Sail-World Asia, Yacht Style, HOMME, Image Asia and Spectrum Outdoor. For further information on the RLIR 2014, the race and the entry form, kindly log on to http:// langkawiregatta.com or contact Mr. Wicky Sundram at wickysundram@langkawiyachtclub.com Issued by the working committee of RLIR 2014. For more information on RLIR 2014, kindly call Mr. Wicky Sundram at 03-4042 7880.
Koh Chang Thailand Welcomes New Marina KO H C H A N G
It is a blight of many cities that while you can more or less drive around, it is almost impossible to find a place to park. Now, something similar is happening at sea, more boats and fewer berths on offer. After years of rising yacht sales, the most coveted marinas in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and parts of Asia are now telling owners there’s no room to dock, leaving some boat captains literally high and dry. However at least there is some good news from Thailand, with the official opening of the Siam Royal View’s marina located on the tropical island of Koh Chang. Siam Royal View will be promoting their new marina at the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show 2013. Siam Royal View is just a short one hour flight or just four hours by car Southeast of Bangkok. Here they can accommodate wet berths for up to 75 boats up to 90 ft. long,plus a further 70-80 boats, up to 40 ft. long in their new dry dock. Roland Steiner, one of the development owners said, “The largest boat we have received so far was 72 feet. However at high tide we can handle up to 90ft, and our concrete pier can even handle super yachts well over 100ft.” “Apart from the world’s shortage of reliable berths, this state of the art Thai marina is wonderfully situated on the Gulf of Thailand, with over 50 islands to visit with some of the best snorkeling and diving to be found anywhere,” concluded Steiner.
With larger yachts are being forced to moor in many bays elsewhere, another problem has been insurance. Insurers won’t touch a boat that’s tethered to a mooring in a bay, worried that a typhoon could blow it out to sea or damage it. At Siam Royal View all boats are securely moored, with electricity and water provided on each pier. Siam Royal View Marina is part of real estate development which was named “Best Villa Development on Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard” by the Thailand Property Awards. Yachtsmen and their guests can sleep on their vessels in the marina or boat owners can purchase a holiday home with a private mooring right outside their residence in the development’s “Canal Village”. The development also boasts a superb Marina Pub, a beach club restaurant, luxury infinity swimming pools, a nine hole golf course and four beautiful private beaches. Part of the marina is a Marina bar and function rooms with various entertainment such as minigolf, snooker, table football, darts. Located near the ferry terminals, visitors to the island are welcome to book a number of boat trips from Siam Royal View. With so many islands to visit in the Koh Chang archipelago, here is the ideal option to enjoy some beautiful marine scenery and to marvel at the sea life around Koh Chang. All the resort owners have built their own homes at the Koh Chang development and Roland Steiner created his own 3 bed villa overlooking the bay. “Since we built our villa, we have invited prospective owners to view and have sold four of the 30 remaining large beachside plots as a result in the past few months,” said Steiner For more information visit www.siam-royal-view.com
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ph max ranchi 8
105 entries competed over a newly expanded range of 15 individual classes.
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King’s Cup proves once again it’s a regal affair Photography by Max Ranchi (www.maxranchi.com)
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ecognized throughout the eastern hemisphere as the premier sailing event of its kind, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta hosted a week of incredibly close racing in the beautiful Andaman Sea off the cost of southern Thailand from 1 – 6 December. The 27th annual regatta saw a new Bareboat Charter division established to eliminate disparities between professional and amateur teams in the class, making for a very open racing division. The event attracted over 100 vessels comprising full-scale racers, International Grand Prix racing boats, racing catamarans and a vast fleet of diverse sailing, cruising and racing craft, all competing for Asia’s most coveted prize in competitive sailing. The opening ceremony took place at the Kata Beach Resort & Spa; racing between keelboats and multihulls was hosted over five days (2 – 6 December – there was no lay day this year) while racing in the Dinghy class was
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held from 1 to 4 December. Windsurfs were held for the second year between 5-6 December, while the sail pass to celebrate His Majesty the King’s birthday was held on 5 December and the Royal Awards Ceremony took place on 6 December 2013. The five days of highly-charged racing was complemented by six fantastic beachside parties hosted by some of Phuket’s most recognizable names in hospitality including the host venue Kata Beach Resort & Spa, with close to 2,000 guests attending nightly. In the Grand Prix IRC Zero class, a 6way contest between representative vessels from Hong Kong, Australia and Thailand did battle during the course of the week. Ten super-fast craft competed in the IRC1 class, headed by familiar leaders Foxy Lady 6. Rivals included EFG Bank Mandrake, while Royal Malaysian Navy entry, Utarid, provided plenty of competition. IRC2, a class which featured several Russian entries, all racing popular larger
variants of the Beneteau First saw close racing between the aforementioned Eastern European entries versus two Australian and one Japanese boat. Ross Chisholm, Race Officer of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, spoke of the increasing number of classes this year, and the new class structure: “We’ve made the decision to replace existing regulations this year in areas such as crew weight, so that they are more aligned with IRC regulations. This results in certain boats moving up or down classes; it’s interesting as some boats want to race in lower classes to stand a better chance of winning, while others seek to compete at higher levels.” The Sunsail Charter division was a class introduced by boat charterer Sunsail, with Thai-crewed Pine Pacific back to
defend its title in the Premier Class. Sports Boats, a divisional contest between designs which share an identical robust and fast “Platu” hull saw close racing between several Japanese competitors. The Bareboat Charter class had 19 entries and was the largest class competing. The Firefly 850 Sports class, a division which hosts a single-type sports catamaran, featured two particularly fast teams among its six entries; Roger Kingdon’s Motor Inzi team, and Hans Rahmann’s Voodoo team. The new class structures resulted in some spectacularly close racing, with vessels of all sizes jousting with each other in newly reclassified groupings. The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee is constantly seeking ways to maximize the thrills of close-quarters racing and tight-points finishes come the final day of racing, and this year saw some of the closest finishes yet.
THE FINISH LINE The final day of racing in this year’s Phuket King’s Cup Regatta posed the challenge of very light conditions, making every skipper’s decision and change of tack a crucial at the close of this legendary race. Ray Roberts and OneSails Racing turned in strong and consistent performances throughout the Regatta, but it was rival IRC0 class Australian boat “Oi!” and her crew, which saved their best runs until the last; Ahern Bailey Wilmer’s team took two first places on the final day – an incredible finale and so typical of the King’s Cup. The result at
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the finish was Ray Robert’s crew winning the class by a single point; their second and third place finishes on the final day were enough to see them emerge as overall winners following good tactical decisions. Ray Roberts, OneSails Racing’ skipper, spoke of his delight: “It’s great to be back here and winning our fourth King’s Cup. It was very light wind today with one squall, and so we focused on calm decisions and consistency; the weather contributed to a good, fair race, one in which you could not relax, and I would like to express my thanks to the Race Committee who did a terrific job managing it in changing conditions all week. Some of the winning gaps have come down to just four seconds or so – very challenging. Technology is
changing in sailing all the time and we came up with a cutting-edge sail design at OneSails, and that was our key to success.” IRC1 class saw Bill Bremner’s Foxy Lady VI team finally defeated for the win in race ten, where a boat from Singapore, Windsikher, came in first place; but not until the class leaders had recorded another win in race nine. Foxy Lady made the class look like a cakewalk, but in reality their victory was a result of strong team discipline and great decision-making throughout the King’s Cup. Bill Bremner, Foxy Lady VI’s skipper, talked about their King’s Cup win: “Today was a real challenge because we had 100degree wind shifts which were difficult to read; a great course though, with knocks and lifts to ride all the way up the course, and then squalls on the way back with gusts of 20 knots before dropping again – it was like a vacuum – classic Phuket! A dream come true, and a long time coming.” Steve McConaghy, Foxy Lady VI’s tactician, added, “We’ve sailed together a few times in the last five years, and won our first Samui (Regatta) together. I signed on with Bill this year and we’ve been undefeated since. The King’s Cup is the hardest regatta in Asia; we feel fantastic.” In IRC2, Yasuo Nanamori and the Japanese team Karasu powered through to two more wins on the final day, obliterating all competitors in their class. Their performances were extraordinarily
Over 20 Russian boats entered the competition.
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New class structures featured in this year’s Regatta resulted in some spectacularly close racing, with vessels of all sizes jousting with each other in newly reclassified groupings.
consistent all week, and it is consistency that wins regattas. The IRC3 class played host to a dogfight between Anthony Root’s Red Kite II racer from Hong Kong and Matt Allen’s Ichi Ban. Allen skippered his crew to win the first of today’s two races, but Red Kite came back in the second race to beat their rivals into second. This toothand-nail class battling is something for which the King’s Cup is renowned. Red Kite II emerged as victors in the class, with Ichi Ban in second, leaving their title challenge just a little too late this year. In the Premier class, Pine-Pacific dominated their class all week, and took two more victories on the final day. The team was in a “class of its own” all week, and finished well ahead of its nearest rival Silandra V. The class-leading IPPAI team in Sports Boats could only manage two second-place finishes on the last day, creating a nervy ending for this small class of racers. However, their points score throughout the week gave them a clear lead at the finish, and the final day’s two runner-up spots were more than enough to
power them home. In the Sunsail Charter class, Rambutan skippered by Petr Kochnev and Sail Experts was overall class champion ahead of Team Nord. Despite a slow finish in the final race, they were consistently the quickest team over the week. Venture, skippered by David Boekemann, took the Bareboat Charter class fairly easily with a successful finish again on the final day and a wide margin between themselves and any competitor. In the Open Charter class, Nikiforov Eugeny’s Sarawadee crew had an excellent day, recording two wins on day five. It was enough for them to seal the class standings and put them top above rivals Little Eva. In the Firefly 850 Sports class, a very
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exciting series, John Newnham’s Twin Sharks Team claimed another victory in race nine, while the final race went to BlueNoze, another British team. Twin Sharks’ main rivals, Voodoo, were runners up in the final standings. In Multihull Racing class, Asia Catamarans Hurricane overpowered allcomers to dominate the class, winning eight out of 10 races, and ending with an exceptional points score. Their nearest rivals, Da Vinci, performed well all week but lacked the pace of the Hurricane. Of the Multihull Cruisers, it was Japanese entrant Minnie that outscored Russian rival Ariana. Norikazu Arai’s crew won four of five ahead of their rivals, striving to deliver consistency in each race, and ultimately being rewarded with the class trophy. For the Modern Classics, Jim “Yee
standings, with Siriporn Kaewduangngam winner of the women’s class. Thai competitors performed exceptionally well throughout, emphasising the nation’s supreme reputation in Championship windsurfing. Dinghy racing saw Nuttapol Srihirun named the Laser class winner; Supparak Niamraksa the Optimist Boys winner and Praewa Kangkla the Optimist Girls winner. The dinghy class, a regular feature of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, remains one of Thailand’s most important series for the enhancement of sailing skills among youth sailors in the country. The winds may have relented a little on the final day’s racing, but blue seas and skies made for a beautiful finish to a week of intense action. The 2013 Regatta delivered an exceptional fleet and high levels of professionalism and sportsmanship
Haw” Ellis and his Remington team were uncatchable, and have been since the start of the Regatta. They finished top with literally an ocean between their boat and their rivals. Amongst the Cruisers, a very tight division, Lady Bubbly skippered by Chris Mitchell won the class with a single point gap between them and Rumrunner11, which also raced superbly. In the Classic class, Peter Wood skippering the schooner Sunshine outperformed its only rival, SY Argo, in every race. The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Windsurfing Championship concluded with Navin Singsart named as overall winner after a total of seven races. Thai rival Ek Boonsawad was second in the final
throughout and lived up to its reputation as the premier sailing event in all of Asia. About the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta – Asia’s legendary yacht race under Royal Patronage Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since, during the first week of December. Under Royal Patronage, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is organized by the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the province of Phuket.
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Olympic Campaign Clock Ticking for
Thai Sailors
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Kamolwan Chanyim at the ISAF Youth Worlds 2013 © Icarus Sailing Media
ince SEA Yachting featured Thai sailor Kamolwan Chanyim in its July-August issue, the 18- year- old has kicked her Rio 2016 Olympic campaign into full gear, the clock already ticking for her and other Olympic hopefuls. With the generous support of sponsor Kingdom Property, she has sailed in international regattas in Cyprus, Spain and two in China, participated in two high performance coaching programs, earned a chance at gold at the SEA Games by winning ten out of 12 races in the final Thai selection trials, and has her eyes on a medal at the Oman Laser Radial Youth Worlds which will be sailed over the new year holidays. The SEA Games 2011 silver medalist had been singled out for a podium finish at the Sail First ISAF Youth Worlds 2013 in Cyprus in July, but a year out of international competition set her back amid intense competition and challenging wind conditions. She placed 16th, with three finishes in the top 10, including a third in which she led gold medalist Line Flem Host of Norway to the first mark. She was not the only repeat contender disappointed with her results, but she was the strongest Asian contender in the fleet of 40. China’s Wang Yajie finished 26th, Hong Kong’s Sofia Marie Mascia 29th, Japan’s Midori Tada 30th, and Korea’s Jia Kim 32nd. “I won valuable experience and insights into what I need to do to reach my goals,” said Kamolwan, who was part of the selective ISAF Athlete Participation Program coached by Hugh Styles of the World Youth Sailing Trust. “Because it had been a year since my last big international regatta, I lost my confidence and didn’t trust my instincts.” After sailing in the Hua Hin Regatta in August, where she was the top female sailor, Kamolwan accepted a special invitation to participate in Phase II of the ISAF Emerging Nations Program (ENP), a 10 day high performance sailing camp in Spain at the venue that will host next year’s first Olympic qualifying competition, Santander 2014. The ENP provides high performance training for potential Olympians from smaller sailing nations, including medical and fitness tests, intensive instruction in physical fitness and sports psychology, and ongoing top level coaching. To be invited is an honor, as the ENP’s Dr Carmen Vaz explained, “We had to be able to say ‘this girl can go somewhere’.” In the attached Santander 2014 Test Event, also called the Cuidad de Santander Trophy 2013, Kamolwan finished 14th, with three top ten finishes including a fifth in her final race. Japanese Manami Doi took gold, her countrywoman Sakoyo Harada finished 11th, and fellow ENP member Malaysian Khairunneeta Mohd Afendy, 12th. After the event, Kamolwan expressed her deep gratitude to sponsors and organizers for including her in the ENP. “I gained a lot of knowledge especially in sailing tactics and exercise,” she said. “In the strange conditions - light, shifty winds and unusual swells of one meter with wind-driven waves moving in the opposite direction - I realized I can’t sail there the way I learned in Thailand.”
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Kamolwan Chanyim with 2012 Olympic gold medalist Xu Lijia at the Laser Radial Women’s Worlds 2013 in Rizhao, China.
Noppakao Poonpat and Kamolwan Chanyim, Hua Hin Regatta 2013.
As coach Ruben Moran of the Spanish Federation of Sailing put it, “You can be the best in your country and your region, but without coaching, you won’t know how to improve your performance for top level international regattas.” At the Laser Radial Women’s World Championship in Rizhao, China, in early October, Kamolwan proved she had been listening, consistently planning and executing strong starts and employing tricks learned on downwind legs in swell. She finished 12th in the silver fleet, 51st overall, in her most competitive regatta of the year. The only other Southeast Asian sailor in Rizhao, Singaporean Olympian Elizabeth Yin, finished 46th overall; Kamolwan beat her in half the 12 races, finishing 4th twice and 6th once in the silver fleet. A week later, Kamolwan sailed in the ISAF Sailing World Cup Qingdao, the first Asian leg of the prestigious series, where she beat all three Malaysians, setting the stage for an exciting SEA Games in December. “None of this training would have been possible without the support of Kingdom Property,” she gratefully acknowledged. “Going into the first Olympic qualifier in 2014 and the second in 2015 requires I build a strong foundation now, that I get the international experience and coaching early on, so that, with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand’s blessing, I can plan for the next three years in order to make Thailand proud.” Kamolwan has since been invited to Phase III of the ENP and she has drafted a 2014-2016 Olympic strategy including at least five international regattas a year, professional coaching, and fitness training. Additional sponsorship is being sought to finance her campaign, details available from The Sponsorship Experts (www.paulpoole.co.th).
Olympic Qualification Schedule Changes for Rio 2016 The ISAF Sailing World Championships, the primary qualifying regatta for the Olympics, is usually held the year before the Games, at which 75% of national slots are awarded. For Rio 2016, however, they will be held a year early in Santander, Spain, in September 2014, and only 50% of national slots up for grabs. ISAF CEO Alistair Fox told us this is being done two years in advance of Rio to encourage high performance training through the four year period between Olympics. The secondary qualifying regatta for the Olympics is usually the class world championship the year of the Games, but that will not be the case for Rio either. Instead, the remaining 50% of slots are expected be filled at continental regattas yet to be named, the International Olympic Committee eager to see an increase in the number of countries attempting to qualify. An official announcement regarding changes is expected in February.
Other Thai Olympic Sailing Hopefuls Siripon Kaewduang-ngam, RS:X Women
Siripon Kaewduang-ngam and Ek Boonsawad, Cuidad de Santander Trophy 2013, Spain.
At the Santander Test Event in September, Youth Olympic Games 2010 gold medalist, Siripon, 19, proved she is ready to fill the space previously held by three-time Thai Olympian Napalai Tansai. She turned the heads of several Olympians and top female windsurfers as she finished 10th in the RS:X Women’s division, moving into the top 50 ranked in the world.
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Ek Boonsawad, RS:X Men Two-time Thai Olympian Ek, 24, placed 15th in the RS:X Men’s division at the Santander 2014 Test Event, just short of his target, but the competition was intense, with Ek up against 14 Olympians including the 2012 gold and silver medalists, as well as the current world champion and five of the top ranked RS:X sailors in the world. He also sailed in the RS:X Brest Open Championships in July, finishing 20th, and in the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Hyeres in April, where he was 14th overall. In 2014, he and Siripon will compete in the Asian RS:X Championships in Singapore and hope to sail in two ISAF Sailing World cup regattas before Santander 2014.
Keerati Bualong, Laser Standard Since his first Olympics last year, sailing sensation Keerati, 21, has taken some time off, as is customary in the Laser. He joined the navy, sailing in only a couple of local regattas and one international regatta, Sail Qatar in October, where he took gold with ease. He represented Thailand at the SEA Games in December and is expected to enter qualifications in 2014 so expect to hear more about him next year.
Keerati Bualong, Laser Nationals 2013 © Green Jeed.
Noppakao Poonpat, 470 Women When the very talented Noppakao, 18, won the gold medal in the Optimist World Championships in 2010, the world was watching. Now a pharmacy student at Burapha University, she is putting study first, but she sailed for Thailand in the SEA Games in December and a strong international comeback is expected once she decides how she would like to proceed with her sailing career.
Don and Dylan Whitcraft, 49ers
Don and Dylan Whitcraft, ISAF Youth Worlds 2013 © Malee Whitcraft.
The Whitcraft brothers, 18 and 17 respectively, spent much of the summer in Europe honing their skills in the 29er class. The highlight of their summer was winning a silver medal in the silver fleet of the 29er World Championship Regatta in Aarhus, Denmark, where they were 57th overall in a fleet of 213 boats. This was after placing 12th at Kiel Week in a fleet of over 100 boats. At the ISAF Youth Worlds in Cyprus, they placed 17th with three finishes in the top 10. While they are now focused on their studies, and Don is heading to university this year, they will be names to remember as future Thai Olympic sailing hopefuls in the 49er.
Chusitt Punjamala, Byte CII (Youth Olympics) Chusitt, 15, is a Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics hopeful. He entered international competition for the first time this year, finishing an impressive 8th at Kiel Week, 59th at the Laser 4.7 Youth Worlds in Hungary, and 8th in the Byte CII World Championships in the US, where he missed out on qualification to Singapore’s Bernie Chan among others. He will try again at the Asia Continental Byte CII Championships to be held in Langkawi, Malaysia, in February 2014.
Chusitt Punjamala, Hua Hin Regatta 2013.
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he majestic freighter carefully manoeuvres the narrow channel leading up to the southern part of stunningly beautiful Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket. She drops anchor close to the shore to a back drop of dramatic limestone islands steeply rising from the lukewarm Andaman Sea. From her decks masts are reaching for the sky. Securely fastened sailing and power yachts are waiting to be unloaded by an eager crew. For the casual onlooker it is a day in paradise. For Sevenstar Yacht Transport it’s business as usual. Every year, more than half a dozen times yachts are loaded and discharged in Phuket and thousands more in other ports all around the globe. Among all those places Phuket is quite special and not only because of this awesome scenery. The local Sevenstar office here has succeeded in creating a level of customer service that is rarely to be found in the shipping industry. Says Marieke Derks, one of Sevenstar’s two booking and handling agents for Thailand and Malaysia, “the shipping industry is not very transparent for non-insiders, like the average yacht owner. I see it as my challenge to give each individual customer insight in the whole process: from the contractual aspects and costs, via preparation and loading to the discharge in another country.”
SPECIALISTS What makes this aspect of the marine industry so special? Let’s have a short look at some of the aspects. Loading takes place through mainly two methods for shipping yachts mast-up. Lift-on-Liftoff or Float-on-Float off, depending on the type of yacht transport vessel. Float-on-Float-off is offered on only a few purpose built transport vessels such as the Super Servant and Yacht Express operated by Dockwise Yacht Transport, a company recently incorporated by Sevenstar. These so called “FoFo vessels” primarily operate the busy seasonal routes between the Med and the Caribbean. In Asia, the usual method is Lifton-Lift-off, or a LoLo. Yachts are transported mast-up on deck of cargo ships with two or three cranes on board to lift the yachts from the water in the loading port and back into the water in the port of discharge. The lifting of a yacht is very different from a container, which is a standardized metal “box”. Every boat is different: length, beam, underwater ship, mast, superstructure, lateral point, etc. Lifting from a vessel is also quite different from lifting your yacht from a marina. Both the vessel and the yacht are positioned in the water (and thus never 100% stable). This is what the experts call a “dynamic
lift”, which is influenced by external factors like wind, waves and current. Hence the lifting is a fully customized process supervised by specialists, called “loadmasters”, that are flown-in for specifically for that. A diver is part of the loading team to position the lifting slings around the boat. The crane driver is following orders to put the boat on the deck in the exact place according to the loading plan where crew members will lash it securely and welders will weld the tailormade cradle to the deck. In short, its team work!
WHY TRANSPORTING Boat owners have many different reasons to have their boat transported. Some boats are simply not built for ocean crossings. For others it’s the time aspect. Safety is mentioned by almost all opting for yacht transport. Many yacht owners also appreciate the additional benefit of avoiding long ocean crossings and being able to spend more time in a certain sailing area. Some owners are on a world cruise and want some time to relax before re-boarding in different cruising grounds. And, of course, if you buy a new boat build in, say Europe or America, you want to have that boat delivered to a port close to you.
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Transporting Your Yacht Dave and Melinda Gunn, owners of cutter-rigged superyacht Sassoon, decided to ship their yacht rather than taking two seasons crossing the Atlantic twice. “We deferred the costs of preparing our yacht for such a rough voyage and we save on repairs we would have had to make during and after the crossing and we saved time as well. We listened around the yachtie circuit, read comments of fellow yachties on www.noonsite.com and decided to opt for Sevenstar Yacht Transport as we found so many positive comments.” Sevenstar’s excellent service, as well as its prompt communication, were mentioned by Han and Carla van Dongen, owners of Breehorn sy Esperanza. “We found all Sevenstar staff very responsive and received prompt replies to our questions.”
WHY SHIPPING? MORE TIME FOR WHAT WE ENJOY MOST Per Horn Rasmussen and Allan Anderson shipped their Dufour 425 sy Enjoy with Sevenstar last March. “Instead of a three-month rough, dangerous and potentially damaging rounding of the Cape we could sail an extra three months in Micronesia instead. At a leisurely cruising pace we visited virtually uninhabited, pristine islands and
wonderful anchorages. We saved ourselves not only a lot of wear on sails and other equipment but also 12,000 nm of ‘extra’ sailing.”
DIFFERENT DYNAMICS When you ship your boat you become part so to speak of the marine transport industry at large. Every day thousands of cargo ships roam the seven seas and this creates its own dynamics, which can be perceived as quite different from the yachting industry. For the boat owner, having his boat transported starts with the contract, which is largely a standardized marine transport contract validated for most laws in the world, and in accordance with maritime law. Usually this is perceived as quite remote from “consumer” contracts. Another aspect of the different dynamics is that usually the transporting vessel, to and from Asia, also carries other cargo in order to make it economically feasible for clients to transport their boats and to have enough ballast to place yachts on deck. Having other cargo on board also means loading and unloading that is unrelated to the boats being transported from A to B. Sometimes, this can lead to rerouting the vessel to pick up cargo,
Per and Allan with safety hats.
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which then results in a change of the date of discharge. Adverse weather can and will do the same.
SHARK SCHEDULING People tend to think that transporting a boat means having an appointment to load on a specific date at a specific time. Sevenstar wishes that that could be the case. Basically, it is not and there are many very valid reasons for it. Some were already mentioned earlier: weather conditions, harbour congestion, necessary re-routing, & complexities of the individual boats to be lifted. But there are also reasons that do not spring to mind immediately. Marieke Derks: “During loading operations in Florida of a Sevenstar vessel a boat was ready to be lifted on deck, divers went into the water to position the slings when the operations manager sounded an alarm. The divers went back immediately to their tender to be told that six bull sharks had started circling the vessel. Despite many efforts to chase them the sharks stubbornly decided to stay for some 24 hours before saying goodbye.”
REPUTATION With so many variables influencing this business it’s no wonder that most transport companies are at best just looking for picking up the odd yacht in order to make some extra money on the way without having the expertise or at worst, just take your deposit and run with it. Marieke Derks explains: “We get asked many questions as booking office are related to the bad apples
in our industry. I feel very fortunate that I can point to the track record of our company, which clients can access in every nook and corner of the internet. Shipping your yacht is not always a walk in the park and even though delays, damage and mistakes sometimes occur with us, I am happy to have the confidence that Sevenstar always works with the clients to find solutions. We would not be where we are today if we didn’t. We realize we are not just shipping a piece of cargo; sometimes we are transporting people’s homes as well. “Since transporting your yacht is not a cheap venture, we aim to make the costs transparent and include almost all costs in the transport price. Additional costs are made clear from the start. I am always glad that I can tell clients that transport of their yacht is insured by Pantaenius, our long-standing reputable insurance partner.”
FIXED SAILING SCHEDULES Sevenstar Yacht Transport is one of the oldest and most reputable yacht transport companies in the world and a full daughter of the Spliethof Group, a large Dutch shipping company operating a fleet of over 100 cargo vessels world-wide. It is the only company that or four years has had fixed sailing schedules between Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean (six per year); as well as a Southeast Asia-USA route (2014 will be the first one and efforts are made to bring it to twice a year); and regular schedules are now being developed between Phuket and South Korea, Singapore and Australia.
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SAILING SCHEDULE FROMAND TO SEASIA Singapore/Phuket to the Med. Phuket/Singapore to the USA Phuket/Singapore to Pusan, Korea Med to Phuket/Singapore Korea to Singapore/Phuket
March, April and May 2014 (confirmed) April 2014 (confirmed) April/May 2014 (subject to demand) September, October, November 2014 October 2014 (subject to demand)
Add world map with routes For more information about these sailings, or about custom sailings, contact Sevenstar Yacht Transport Thailand & Malaysia Marieke Derks Tel. +66 862 744 238 marieke@sevenstarthailand.com Office: Phuket Yacht Haven Marina Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand (please, call for appointments) www.sevenstar-thailand.com
THAILAND/MALAYSIAOFFICE The agent for Thailand and Malaysia is a full service office that aims to make everything as uncomplicated as is possible. You can book your transport with them. They will guide you through every detail of the contract and insurance phase. They will constantly keep you up-to-date about the vessel’s movements. They will guide you through the red tape. They will instruct you how to prepare your boat for the voyage. They will be with you and take care of you before and during the loading (and if possible even serve you lunch). Often they will organize a dinner before a scheduled sailing where they again will explain what to expect and answer any questions you may have.
In the next issue of SEA Yachting we will cover some more ground on this topic with more details of what goes on behind the scenes, an interview with a loadmaster and more. For more information about these sailings, or about custom sailings, contact: Sevenstar Yacht Transport Thailand & Malaysia Marieke Derks Tel. +66 862 744 238 marieke@sevenstar-thailand.com Office: Phuket Yacht Haven Marina Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand (please, call for appointments) www.sevenstar-thailand.com
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The changing tide at the
ACYC Pia and Kim run the ACYC restaurant & bar.
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f the last time you visited the Ao Chalong Yacht Club was a few years ago, you are in for a big surprise as chef/restaurateur Kim Mitchell has done an impressive job of changing the club from being just a place where yachties drink and spin yarns into a bar/eatery, which people travel to from all over the island because the food is so good and the atmosphere so charming.. Kim hails from Napier, New Zealand, and has spent 40 years in the hospitality industry, entering it as an apprentice chef with the City & Guilds of London Institute at the tender age of 17. He has worked in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and now in Thailand. At the ACYC, Kim looks after both the restaurant and the kitchen, signing a two-year lease in July of 2012 to do so. While
living in the Gold Coast, he had seen an advertisement online on the Phuket Gazette website, saying that the ACYC restaurant’s lease was up. He had been coming to Thailand for eight years, and had even done some import/export business out of Bangkok, so subconsciously; he was probably looking for the opportunity. Describing the ACYC, Kim says, “The place is gorgeous; it’s a secluded little gem. It’s a nice, relaxing place where people can come to have a drink or something to eat.” Kim says that club members probably make up about 40 percent of his clientele: “Non-members are more than welcome though, when people come here I try and welcome them like as if they were guests in own home.”
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So how has he changed the club? “I completely stripped out the kitchen and softened the place considerably by putting umbrellas and the tables out on the lawn. I introduced all new cutlery, tableware and glassware. There’s a uniformed set now whereas before there were ten different styles of each. We just did a major refit of the chairs too and had all of them re-stained. And we had a shower block but in as well. And we have tables with three huge easy sun parasols, which allow people some shade if they want to sit closer to the shoreline or want some privacy. “Generally, I would say I am taking care of the place, keeping it nice and clean, I’m giving it some love, which it never really had before, which was sad, because it’s in such a beautiful location and has all the
ingredients to be a fantastic club. We are also developing a new entrance way with hanging lanterns, new plants, restoring wooden dingy as a buffet table.” The restaurant specializes in western food, though it does have a Thai menu as well. It just hired a pizza chef and is making its own pizza dough now, Kim hopes to do one day have a brick-fire oven to cook the pizzas in. Responding to charges that the menu might be a tad expensive, Kim says, “I probably have the best spot in Chalong and I don’t know of a waterfront venue anywhere in the world similar to this, where you don’t pay more for that type of privilege. Also, I source the best quality produce. “I’ve been a chef for 40 years, and in my job, in my last posting in Airlie Beach, in
Kim Mitchell hails from Napier, New Zealand, and has spent 40 years in the hospitality industry.
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Describing the ACYC, Kim says, “The place is gorgeous; it’s a secluded little gem. It’s a nice, relaxing place where people can come to have a drink or something to eat.”
Queensland, I had a staff of 35 in the kitchens and we won the best ‘al fresco dining award’ for three years in a row in the province, and we were national finalists as well. I have always believed one must pay premium price for a good product. The saying, ‘you can’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse’ certainly applies; I go to good places to buy good produce. What about changes to the menu? “I am putting things on the menu that people can share, like an antipasto platter, and as mentioned, we are doing pizzas now, there’s a lot of care and attention going into them, we have a beautiful pizza oven with a sandstone base, which is cooking the pizzas authentically, they are now cooked on stone in the oven, so the base of the pizzas are nice and crisp. Our patrons tend to want light, tropical food and salads – nothing heavy.” What about dealing with a sailor, or member, who has had one too many? “I’ll turn the music up a little. I also want to start a “swear jar” and other club members are pretty good at helping me quiet down a fellow who might be a bit too rambunctious.” What about training the Thai staff? “It’s my responsibility to train the staff to do things right, provide proper service and as a manager I try to bring out the best in them. Remember, your Thai staff may do something wrong, but they are trying to
please you all the time, how often can you say that?” Future plans for the ACYC? “I’d like to put a decking area in the back to further soften the club and a covered walkway between the main and side building so that when it’s pouring people won’t get wet if they want to go to the bathroom.” Club activities? “We have a junior sailing program on the weekends, and club sailing every second Sunday in season. We also have the odd trivia night, and a local Filipino guy comes in and sings once in a while.” The ACYC has a Happy Hour from 5-7pm, with special prices on all beers. The club is open seven days a week from 10am until close (Kim never asks anyone to leave). He’s happy and he likes the position the club is in now, but being a photography buff, he professes a desire to one day open a photo gallery/cafe somewhere in Thailand; the club is very susceptible to strong winds and rainy weather — when it howls the rain can even come in at a horizontal angle making hanging photos a trifle difficult. If you are looking for some nice repast with a seaside breeze and beautiful view of Ao Chalong, head on over to the ACYC and see all the changes that Kim has made – you don’t have to be a sailor to do so. www.acyc.asia
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“A
sia’s most tactically challenging Regatta.” “A week of sailing and partying night and day. “The one not to miss.” All descriptions regularly applied to the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta, that one of a kind sailing event which combines 240 nm of overnight passages with round the cans racing off the tropical islands of Penang and Langkawi. Sailing conditions along the west coast of Malaysia are unpredictable, to say the least. Forecasts have to be treated with extreme caution – or ignored. What can be confidently predicted is that the weather will be hot, often wet, occasionally blowy and often light. Even the official met people have expressed some puzzlement at the general patterns, saying, ‘it seems to come from all over the place.’ Welcome to the world of the Raja Muda, where a quick glance up the race course on a regular basis is often as good a forecasting system as any.
There will also be fishing nets – the closer inshore you sail, the higher the chance of becoming entangled – and on the run in to the Penang finish there are the shifting sands of the notorious Kra Bank to contend with. Port tack, both eyes on the depth gauge, and go about as late as you dare in order to minimise the mileage around the top end. A navigator’s delight, or nightmare, depending on your idea of fun. For the 24th edition the organisers introduced a number of departures from the wellestablished running order. The opening dinner took place at the Royal Selangor Yacht Club, but most of the fleet moored at the new Pulau Indah Marina instead of in the Klang River. The first
race start line was set at the southern entrance to Port Klang, with the fleet leaving the Angsa Bank to starboard as they sailed north. Later in the week, the finish for the Penang-Langkawi Race was near Rebak Island and boats were accommodated in Telaga Harbour – a change of scenery from the previous location at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. Also, all boats raced inshores on Friday as well as Saturday, a departure from the previous year’s format for the IRC classes. There were 36 names on the entry list. Five of the seven boats in Class 1 have raced before – Utarid (Royal Malaysian Navy), Foxy Lady VI (Bill Bremner), KukuKERchu (David Ross), EFG Bank Mandrake (Burns/Kinmonth), and the evergreen HiFi/Neil Pryde combo. First-timers in Class 1 were Sarab Jeet Singh’s Sydney 40, Windsikher, and an entirely unknown quantity in Takhovski Alexey’s straight-out-of-the-box Farr 400OD, Lero 3. The KukuKERchus claimed bragging rights for having a 1/3–ladies crew, but were challenged in the gender stakes by Simon Piff’s Rainbow Dream. David Ross brought in Jo Aleh and Polly Powrie, recent winners of the Rolex Sailors of the Year Awards, to bolster the team and add to the list of superstar crew. Dr John Wardill’s Australian Maid (Class 2) has competed so many times that the boat does its own navigation. Having been beaten to the Jugra Cup by the Maid in the very last race last year, Antipodes (Geoff Hill) was keen to make amends. Also in the Premier Cruising class was Peter Cremer’s new and very silky-looking Shahtoosh. Her predecessor was a winner of this division, so Cremers and crew have a reputation to maintain. Brian Pozzey’s Sailing Adventures was formerly Baby Tonga, another former winner. Class 3 comprised only three boats, but two are old hands. Jon Cray’s Sea Bass used to be La Samudra, and Gordon Ketelbey has changed the name of Ichiban to Fujin. Only Brian de Vries’s Steele de Breeze is a Raja Muda virgin. The bulk of the numbers came in classes 5, 6 and 7, and enthusiastic followers of the Raja Muda will see some familiar names there (Eveline, Chantique, Rainbow Dream and last year’s C5 winner Lady Bubbly, among others). Peter Wilcox brought his Mojo back to chase another Multihull title. Day 1, race 1, Port Klang to Pangkor, 90nm. Hot and sunny, with a promise from all the weather websites of some light wind. PRO Jerry Rollin took off to set the line for the 1100h start group. All boats in Classes 5 and 6 got away safely in 5 knots of breeze from the southwest and 3 knots of carrying tide. Course 330 to Pangkor, but not before leaving to starboard the mark on the edge of the Angsa Bank – which not everyone remembered, and paid the price with a DSQ. Second start sequence, 1300h for Classes 4 to 1 and all away in good order.
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The new start added 10nm as well as sending all boats to the west of the Angsa Bank, littered with fish traps that made northerly progress up the bank against a foul tide an exercise in brinkmanship. Too far west, more tide; too far east, closer to the nets and the risk of a wind shift that could suck you into dangerous ground. The weather forecasters were wrong. The race started in 10kts of building breeze, topping out at over 20kts from NNW for some yachts. It was looking like a fast trip with a Code 0 as frontrunner Antipodes reached 14kts of boat speed, overhauling the 1100h starters one by one. But it didn’t last. Gradually the breeze died, and down went the anchor at 1710h for 40 minutes. In the super-light stuff, HiFi crept away to leeward looking for shore breeze, and the rest of the class leaders either slowed to a crawl or parked completely. Still at anchor, Antipodes watched while the chasing fleet roared up from behind at 8kts, and decided it was time to go. From there on it was a straight line reach in steady breeze to the finish, 60nm away. With 72’ of waterline, and fully powered up, Antipodes trucked up to Pangkor at a steady 10-11kts, taking Line Honours and the win for Class 2 (Premier Cruising) at 0117, 12hrs and 2 min after the start. For their first Raja Muda in Class 1 the crew of Sarab Jeet Singh’s Sydney 40, Windsikher, sailed a blinder by finishing third in class over the line and taking the bullet with a 2 ½ minute lead over second place Foxy Lady on corrected time. The Class 3 finish was nail bitingly close as Fujin (formerly Ichiban) crossed just 45 seconds in front of Steele De Breeze after 17 ½ hours of racing. As the two boats have exactly the same handicap, Fujin took the top spot. One thing that is (mostly) predictable about the weather in this race is that the wind at Pangkor will die just after dawn. And sure enough, Class 4 leader Nijinsky was a mile or so from the line when the breeze did just that. Slopping about for almost an hour in the chop from the earlier blow and going nowhere, they could only watch as Mat Saleh came over the horizon, picked up a south westerly and gained enough ground to eventually finish 25 minutes behind them but take the win on corrected time. In Pangkor the fleet have two options for mooring. Yachts can anchor opposite the Seaview Hotel, good holding but very tidal, or enter Pangkor Island Marina, a safe haven with a fairly shallow entrance channel. Following the first party and prize giving, some skippers either got up late or didn’t check their tide tables closely enough, resulting in several of them getting stuck on the mud and having to rush full tilt for the start line. Classes 5 and 6 had their start position moved out of the lee of Pulau Pangkor into the beginning
Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta Story by Jeff Harris/Guy Nowell Photography by Guy Nowell
2013
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of a breeze from 320 - precisely the direction of Penang. Classes 1-4 started south of the island, and those that went right and in towards Pangkor found a back eddy in the tide that lifted them round the point to begin the long beat NNW. Simon Piff and the merry matelots on Rainbow Dream (Class 5) decided to cross the southern end of the Kra Bank instead of the top end near the Penang finish line. ‘We got fed up with the depth alarm telling us that we were in shallow water every 20 seconds or so, so we switched it off. Did the Great Southern Route work? Well it might have at a different state of the tide (no, we didn’t go aground) but we still ended up last in the division, so maybe not.’
Sea Bass (Class 3) reported ‘good solid breeze all the way’ except for a hole guarding the finish line – the ‘classic south-of Penang hole that caught nearly everyone. The exception was Neil Pryde’s HiFi, who missed the hole completely and romped home to a Class 1 win, finishing a massive 3 ½ hours in front of the next boat home (KukuKERchu) and 2 ½ ‘corrected’ hours ahead of second-placed Foxy Lady VI. The Foxys missed out on the current lift round the end of Pangkor, and then ‘fought like badgers through the entire remaining 50+ nm and managed to claw back into position before we were all becalmed.’ When the wind built once more, Foxy Lady squeezed past her Class 1 competitors to record second place. Once again Geoff Hill’s Antipodes made full use of the available breeze to power up for a rhumb line. But after close racing with HiFi nearly all the way, she blotted her copybook with an unscheduled stop on the Kra Bank (yes, you are aground!) and watched HiFi sail away. Never the
less the Antipodeans claimed Line Honours win and a Class 2 win for the second time. Even the traditional Rickshaw Races around the edge of Straits Quay Marina in Penang were affected by weather this year, with a heavy shower holding up racing for a while. But Raja Muda crews are tough, and the event continued after the shower with thrills and spills on a wet track and much cheering for the runners and riders. The Wednesday Penang inshore races in the Raja Muda series are best known for hot sunshine, flat water and a long wait for a sea breeze to arrive. The 2013 start was rather different – 10 knots or so from the northeast, and persistent rain. All RMSIR inshore races are organised with Classes 1, 3, 4 and 7 on Course Red and 2, 5 and 6 on Course Yellow. For both of these groups in Penang, the race officers had their work cut out this year. On Course Yellow, post start progress was fine until Antipodes in Class 2 found that the windward mark had disappeared. The misty conditions meant that the mark wasn’t visible to the start boat and the race team concluded that this substantial yellow buoy with anchor had been stolen by a local fisherman! Attempts to re-route the fleet around a navigation mark were not successful as Antipodes had passed that already, so the race had to be abandoned. On Course Red, in Class 1HiFi quickly stretched her legs to round the top mark in pole position and ran down to the bottom mark. After that it became complicated. Lero arrived on starboard with Windsikher overlapped on the inside. Windsikher had the inside berth, but the cross tide forced her to point up for the mark – just as Lero was being swept down to it. Windsikher chose to kiss the mark in preference to a collision. However, she hooked the mark in the process and started to carry it away. At the same time, EFG Bank Mandrake crossed behind the first pair only to meet Fujin coming to the pin on port – Fujin gybed to clear the area, but connected with Mandrake in the process and was subsequently DSQ’d. Next, the incoming Class 3 fleet was obliged to round Windsikher who was still in control of the mark, before a RIB flying an ‘M’ flag took up position. Class 4 safely rounded the ‘M’ flag, but the leading multihull in Class 7, Mojo, performed exactly the same manoeuvre as Windsikher – and hooked the mark boat (which, finally, was replaced by the original mark.) Who would want to run a race team! The class Red boats then thankfully all completed a second race without incident but dying wind and strong tide lead to course shortening. Back on shore, and time for the prize giving party at the Straits Quay Atrium. Great Penang
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street food, fast flowing beer, and a lion dance from the troupe that is considered by many to be the best in Asia. Strangely, the problems of the day are rapidly forgotten in this environment. After Wednesday’s drizzling rain and swinging breeze, the start up to Langkawi was conducted in a gentlemanly 10kts from the nor’northeast, and all classes went away clear in sunshine. Some boats took a hitch to the right, but for everyone it was a straight line course at 310, 58nm, with most of the breeze around 14-15kts against a short choppy sea. Back in 1995 the last coastal race of the Raja Muda finished near Rebak Island. At that time, Australian Maid was the record holder for the trip, in something like 9 hours. In 2013 she finished the course in 9h 01m, but Line Honours went to Antipodes in 7h 45m. Boats anywhere left of the rhumb line gradually fell off towards a collection of rain squalls on the western horizon, but those who stayed hard right – principally Foxy Lady and Utarid – picked up some right hand shifts at the top of the course and saved time by not having to tack back for the finish. Hi Fi bounced over fishing nets on the SW tip of Langkawi, as other yachts had done during the various parts passages races, and EFG Bank Mandrake made a stop to clear nets from her prop. The slower classes had to deal with strong tide at the finish line but everyone made it eventually. With the fleet gradually trickling in to Telaga Harbour, ‘Tapaz” and “Marie Blue” stayed open all night to welcome sailors with cold beer and hot food, making the long night worthwhile. Two days of inshore racing off Telaga saw shifty, inconsistent winds that tested the race officer’s patience once again. The result was quite a lot of waiting around for the breeze to settle and one race only each day for Classes 1, 3 and 4. The Yellow Course boats completed a longer island course each day, with Geoff Hill’s Antipodes going aground in the first race in an uncharted shallow patch. Racing over, and results were close in several classes. The Raja Muda cup was hard fought this year. Both Hi Fi and Windsikher gained two first places and there were seconds dotted all over the score board. But it was Foxy Lady, with three first places to her credit, who took the Raja Muda trophy in the end. At the prize giving party held in the Mediterranean ambience of Perdana Quay, a very happy Foxy Lady crew partied into the night. Billy Bremner has contested the Raja Muda ten times with five different boats. Two years ago he came within a whisker of a win, but touched the last mark of the very last race. Bremner said that ‘winning the Raja Muda against the level of competition that we see here regularly – especially the Hong Kong boats – is a dream come true. We
worked no harder for this win than we have all the other years, which means that we have been working damn hard for 10 years!’ There was just as much cheering in the Australian Maid camp as Dr John Wardill’s birthday present this year was the Jugra Cup (Class
2, Premier Cruising). Aussie Maid has sailed the Raja Muda 23 times, and this was their third win. “But it is just as sweet as the first,” said Dr John. In cruising class 5, Lady Bubbly repeated her win of last year and the bubbly certainly flowed. Other results were Mat Saleh first in Class Four, Kay Sira first in Class 6 and Miss Saigon first in Class 7. Next year marks the 25th anniversary of this most challenging of Asian regattas, and many old Raja Muda hands will be returning to mark the special occasion. If you haven’t taken part before, then give this event some serious consideration. Registration opens in January. www.rmsir.com
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Displays included international yacht brands, marine accessories and services, yacht charters, water sports, automobile brands, luxury real estate and lifestyle brands.
Multi-million dollar line-up displayed at
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Ocean marina.
2013 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show
Princess yachts on display.
Aus-Thai Marine's latest creation.
Phatsara.
P
attaya opened its doors to the second annual Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show (OMPBS), which saw a record visitor turnout and strong trade reported. The multi-million dollar line-up of boats, supercars, bikes, luxury properties and marine products and services attracted 4,334 visitors to the three-day show, including expatriates from Thailand and Asia, together with Thai nationals who are showing an increasing interest in the marine leisure lifestyle. Generating a lot of interest was Phatsara, 33metre superyacht, built in Thailand and displayed by Northrop & Johnson; it was the largest yacht in the show and priced at US$6.5 million. “The 2013 Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show was even bigger and better than last year. The number of exhibitors was higher, and the quality of products on display was exceptional. The Boat Show showcased Pattaya to the world and positioned Pattaya as a leading marine tourism destination in South East Asia,” said Mrs. Supatra Angkawinijwong, Deputy Managing Director of Ocean Property, the show’s organizers.
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The Hull team.
ASAP Marine was all smiles.
The team from Albatross Marine.
The Simpson Marine team.
Discussing the Boat Show’s aims, Mrs. Supatra Angkawinijwong, Deputy Managing Director of Ocean Property, said “Having launched the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show last year, our goals for 2013 were to grow the number of exhibitors and display area, and to attract a larger and more diverse visitor demographic to the Show. Talking to exhibitors, they are very happy and the show was a great success.” The success was confirmed by many exhibitors, including Sergio Loiacono, Country Manager Thailand for Simpson Marine who said, “This was our second year at the show and you can see the progress. We have a few interesting clients as a result of the show. Probably 3040% of visitors to our display were Thai, 30% Russian and the rest a mix of expat nationalities.” “We have seen an exponential growth in Russians buying boats in Pattaya
but there is also a genuine interest from Thais in buying sailing boats compared to a few years back when they were only considering buying motor yachts.” Princess Yachts Bangkok, a subsidiary of the luxury importer Niche Cars, presented a selection of luxury motor yachts at the show, including the popular V39 sports cruiser. “We had a lot of interest from visitors and welcomed celebrities and well-known businessmen to our display. During the show, we sold a THB21.5 million yacht and also expect to sell three more yachts from the show”, said Ms. Anchita Chotisirikul, Secretary to the Managing Director, Niche Cars Co., Ltd. Wirat Pholpradab, President of A.G. Cars & Marine Co., Ltd., exclusive dealer in Thailand for the well-known Cranchi motor yachts, commented on traffic on the first day: “We had more than 50 visitors, and more than 20 of them
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Gary Baguley's team from Blue Seas Marine.
Corsair corner's Bob Garner.
Harleys were a big hit.
Flamboyant crew.
showed genuine interest in buying a Cranchi M44 HT.” Complementing the luxury boats and marine lifestyle offerings at the 2013 Show was a large display of leading auto marquees, including Lamborghini, Porsche, Land Rover, Harley Davidson and Ducati. Both Ducati and Harley Davidson showed new models for the first time in Thailand and visitor feedback was strong. Nuttached Suapechra, General Manager of Ducati Pattaya, said, “This is our first year at the show and we have met many potential buyers, with approximately 2030% of our visitors being expats, some of them plan to go to our shop after the show.” The demographics of Thailand’s marine marketplace are changing with many Russians buying boats and strong interest from overseas buyers in the nearby region – such as Singapore and Hong
Kong, who can conveniently to fly to Bangkok which is just 1-2 hours from Pattaya. Thais living in Bangkok, looking for a seaside lifestyle on the weekend, are also showing more interest in the leisure marine lifestyle. The 2013 in-water yacht display was bigger and better than last year, showing the growing interest in boating in Thailand. Top yacht brands from day boats to superyachts, locally-built boats of international standards and marine products and services were complemented by luxury automobiles, villas and condominiums, all manner of marine accessories, toys, gadgets, widgets and elegant timepieces by Edox. Boats on display from British yacht brand Princess, part of the LVMH Möet Hennessy – Luis Vuitton group, included their successful V39 and P56 models. While Simpson Marine, Asia’s leading international yacht brokerage, was
The OMPBS showcases Jomtien and the Greater Pattaya region to the world, underscoring the Gulf of Thailand as a strategic yachting hub in South East Asia.
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Serenity Shipyard enterained onboard throughout the show.
SEA Yacht Sales.
represented with the luxury Azimut, Nautor’s Swan and Beneteau brands among others. Also on hand were Gulf Craft, the Italian-built Cranchi brand and some excellent examples of local marine craftsmanship from Bakri Cono, Austhai Marine and Serenity. Known as the Thai Riviera, Pattaya is popular with international visitors and just ninety minutes from Bangkok is the city’s playground-by-thesea. I’s close proximity to the capital has seen Pattaya become Thailand’s leading marine leisure playground and Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show the showcase event. “The marine industry is well developed in the Pattaya area and is showing strong growth. This is mirrored by a growth in the number of Thais enjoying the marine lifestyle and buying boats. With many domestic and international tourists coming to Pattaya to enjoy the sailing grounds and marine facilities, the industry is contributing significantly to Pattaya’s tourism,” added Mrs. Angkawinijwong. A full program of onshore activities was available for those wishing to experience the marine lifestyle and free yacht trips were available for show visitors. There are also lots of onshore and entertainment including lucky draws, luxury cocktail parties, and a marina-side beer garden and festival with a live band. Entry to the show was free.
About the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show The Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show was launched in 2012 to much acclaim from the industry and visitors. Attracting a wide range of marine and leisure exhibitors, the OMPBS showcases Jomtien and the Greater Pattaya region to the world, underscoring the Gulf of Thailand as a strategic yachting hub in South East Asia.
About Ocean Marina Situated on Jomtien Beach in greater Pattaya, Ocean Marina is Thailand’s premier marina resort complex and the largest in South East Asia, a short drive from Bangkok and just one hour from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The world-class marina is complemented by a yacht club, accommodation, fine dining and recreational facilities as well as two luxury residences San Marino and Ocean Portofino. Ocean Marina has hosted many events and functions, and has been the official venue for leading international events, including CataWorld Cup, 24th SEA Games, the Top of the Gulf Regatta for nine consecutive years, as well as large-scale concerts by Grammy, Cool FM and more. For more information www.oceanmarinaboatshow.com www.facebook.com/ oceanmarinapattayaboatshow www.oceanmarina.asia
The
PattayaPCMail Classic
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T
Peter learned to sail in the icy cold waters off of Hobart, where he quickly discovered the main thing to do was not capsize.
he Pattaya Mail Peter Cummins Classic started in 1995 when Peter retired from his job at the United Nations. To celebrate the occasion the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC) decided to stage a yacht race and celebrate with a few barrels of beer. It was quite successful; everyone had a good time, and there were about 60 boats, mostly monohulls but some dinghies, lasers, fireballs* with a few Hobie cats and some boats venturing over from nearby Ocean Marina. Peter is a life member of the RVYC and former Commodore, back in 1980. He says that Varuna was his escape valve from Bangkok (where he lived until ’95). While living in Bangkok, Peter bicycled to and from his home on Sukhumvit Soi 24 to the United Nations every day – it was 22 km trek. On a trip back to his native Tasmania, Peter brought back a map of Tasmania, hand-crafted in native wood and this became the PC Classic trophy. The Pattaya Mail, with publisher Peter Maholtra leading the charge, stepped forward in 1996 to offer and organize sponsorship, and after clearing expenses Peter set aside a significant amount of the money raised for charities such as Father Ray Brennan’s orphanage. The PC Classic didn’t take place from 2007-2011, but made its comeback last year when the 16th version was held as one of the races during the Singha Ok Dinghy Championship held at Varuna. Peter learned to sail in the icy cold waters off of Hobart, where he quickly discovered the main thing to do was not capsize, because the water was so bitterly cold and hypothermia would set in very quickly. He took a hiatus from the sport when he went to work for the UN in New York, but took it up again upon coming to Thailand. Comparing Thailand to his native Tasmania, Peter says, “The water’s warmer here, it’s more fun, and the winds are gentler.” Peter won the Enterprise National Championship in Sattahip back in 1996. Part of both Peter’s desire to hold the race was to promote Pattaya in a clean, friendly way. *The wooden Fireballs that Peter mentions were designed by Peter Milne (AA’s brother), and with their curved bows were designed mostly to sail in UK’s inland waterways. (Watch for a longer feature on the PC Pattaya Mail Classic in an upcoming issue of SEA Yachting).
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Privilege Marine launches
6
“Furio �,
a new line of motor-yacht cats
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F
ollowing very strict specifications, the famous naval architect Marc Lombard and his design office, ML Design Team, have reached an incredible compromise between style, range, performance and safety.
Thoughts from the naval architect, Marc Lombard Our desire was to offer a real alternative in the motoryacht catamaran market. Some traditional boats have reached the market recently but nothing really different. It was essential to bring a new point of view to the concept and the cruising program. Aesthetically speaking, the Furio 6’s modern and distinctive shape is based on the motor-yacht spirit rather than on sailing catamarans adapted to power. On the technical side, we give people the possibility of owning a Sport version, able to cruise over 27 knots for those who want to reach a specific anchorage, while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. And for the long-range enthusiasts, a Cruising version with less powerful engines enables you to cross oceans and radically revisit your cruising grounds. The challenge has been solved thanks to the most sophisticate investigative techniques: mass digital simulation of the hulls at different speeds (CFD), analysis of the interaction between the hulls, testing of the cruising trim, and optimization of the FEA (Finite Element Analysis) structure.
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For those who simply want to be different
Attention was paid to: ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲
a very modern design with sharp lines the hulls and roof have customized painting the shape was designed for an exceptional handling with optimized space the layout was refined and custom-made there’s a large flybridge with hardtop the performances is similar to large power yachts over 27 knots boat length ranges from 15 to 24 meters long.
Why the Furio 6 is special: ▲
▲ ▲
▲
▲
For those who know the PRIVILEGE quality and who require more out of their yacht For those who love sailing on a catamaran, or for fans of power boats For those who dream about stability during mooring and about comfort in rough seas For those who demand the space of larger yachts without excess weight For those who wish to be seen without being really being seen
Franck Darnet Design and PrivileÌge Marine selected very high quality materials to create a functional and timeless layout. The Furio 6 large open spaces offers a comfortable lounge area near steering, a modern kitchen with a central island designed in wood and a dining space with special DECO effect glass table. Also note the retractable TV and the sophisticated helm station as well as the large bay window opening on to the cockpit separated by an elegant bar, plus the fine finishings, ceilings, lights and joinery.
Furio 6’s innovations: fly table, can be convertible if desired easy access waterproof closure to the fly cockpit, convertible if you wish bar design between the salon and the cockpit ✩ a raised navigation area and a comfortable lounge area, so you won’t have to stay alone at the controls ✪ ✩ direct communication between the fly and the salon thanks to a smart hatch ✩ large sunbeds ✪ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩
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Specification Length overall 19,35 m Hull length 18,73m Beam 8,90 m Draft 1,42 m Light displacement Approx 35 t Fresh water capacity 2 x 390 L Black waters capacity 2 x 106 L Fuel capacity 2 x 3200 L Standard engines 2 x Volvo IPS 600 Engines max 2 x Volvo IPS 1200 Sailing category CE : cat A Aptitude to standards MCA Naval architect Cabinet Marc Lombard Designer Franck Darnet Design
For more information please contact: Vincent Tabuteau Asia Marine Ltd Mobile: +66 81 827 60 75 broker@asia-marine.net www.asia-marine.net
Asia Marine
63’5 61’4 29,2 4’6 77 161 lbs 2 x 94 gal 2 x 28 gal 2 x 775 gal 2 x 435 HP 2 x 900 hp EC : cat A
owners choosing Increase in yacht management services in Phuket 60
T
he number of yacht owners signing up for yacht management services in Phuket has more than doubled in the last year, according to Simpson Marine, Asia’s leading yacht broker and dealer. The increase comes ahead of the high season for yachting in Phuket, at a time when many owners haul out their yachts for annual cleaning, repairs and maintenance. Simpson Marine has seen growing demand for the managed services it provides through its Yacht Care Programme this year, as the owners of yachts in Phuket seek ways to ensure their boats are properly looked after when they are not using them. These services are particularly popular with overseasbased yacht owners. Sergio Loiacono, Simpson Marine’s Country Manager for Thailand, said: “Many of our customers who keep luxury yachts in Phuket live overseas, and need a full-time professional partner to take care of their yachts when they are not around. “In particular, we see a growing number of customers who live in Asia or Russia taking advantage of Phuket’s excellent transport links to keep a yacht here and visit the island for regular cruising throughout the year. “For these customers, it can be particularly difficult to find the right service support in Phuket, or communicate with marine contractors in a different time zone or language. But by opting for yacht management services, overseas owners can enjoy carefree yachting, knowing that their boat will be in pristine condition when they arrive for their next cruise.” Phuket is growing in popularity as a yachting destination, with owners drawn to the island by its reliable climate, idyllic scenery and easy transport connections. The number of direct flights serving Phuket from destinations such as Hong Kong and Singapore has grown in recent years, while the island also boasts excellent connectivity for Russian yacht owners living in cities such as Vladivostok. Phuket also has the right marine infrastructure to support owners seeking a home for their yachts, with a choice of four marinas and further expansion underway. As a result, the island is especially popular with owners living in Singapore and Hong Kong, where it can be difficult to find a berthing space. Simpson Marine’s Yacht Care Programme provides a full range of services to support yacht owners keeping their boats in Phuket, including airport transfer, routine service and maintenance, repairs, the supply and installation of new
equipment and the provision of captains, stewardesses and crew. The dealer’s 30-strong service team is also able to provide customers with multilingual support, thanks to staff able to speak Russian, Thai, French, Italian and English. For more information, please visit www.simpsonmarine.com or call +66 76 239 768. 4
New Phuket yacht charter service launched by Simpson Marine Ahead of the busiest time of year for yacht charters, Simpson Marine has launched a new Phuket yacht charter service, to meet growing demand for luxury yachting holidays in the region. The company, Asia’s leading yacht dealer and broker, set up the new service to provide customers with high quality yacht charters in Phuket and Langkawi, giving them the freedom to explore the spectacular scenery of the Andaman coast. Phuket Charter offers customers a fleet of brand new Lagoon catamarans, a range that is especially popular for cruising in Asia thanks to the boats’ expansive interiors and their reputation for safety and comfort at sea. Sergio Loiacono, Simpson Marine’s Country Manager for Thailand, said: “Our new Phuket yacht charter service is perfect both for experienced sailors and for those new to cruising. It allows families and groups of friends to enjoy the yachting lifestyle in Southeast Asia without having to buy their own boat. “The Andaman coast offers stunning scenery, excellent food and an ideal climate for sailing. Guests on our new Lagoon catamarans can choose between relaxing on board these spacious yachts, swimming in the turquoise waters or exploring the tropical islands that stretch between Phuket and Langkawi. “For yacht lovers thinking of buying their own yacht, a charter holiday provides the perfect opportunity to ‘try before you buy’, giving those onboard a taste of life as a yacht owner.
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Whatever their interest in yachting, our new charter service will help customers to create a truly memorable holiday in one of the world’s most beautiful cruising destinations.” The company’s fleet of Lagoon cruising catamarans are renowned for their comfort, stability and easy handling at sea. The yachts’ twin hulls create extensive interior spaces perfectly suited to group dinners with family and friends. Each catamaran is equipped to the highest standards with air conditioning, a water maker and a generator. The yachts also feature top square mainsails, helping guests to enjoy About Simpson Marine the thrills of sailing even in light winds. Simpson Marine has nearly thirty The service offers bareboat charters years of international new and second in Phuket for more experienced hand yacht sales experience in Asia, yachtsmen and women, allowing them and a reputation for delivering complete freedom and independence to exceptional service and taking care explore the area at their leisure. of customers in all aspects of yacht For novice sailors or those seeking purchase and ownership. Its wealth complete relaxation during their cruise, of experience in Asia, combined with on-the-ground expertise from the Simpson Marine also offers crewed charters region’s most qualified individuals, from Phuket and Langkawi, with the provides unparalleled breadth and company’s experienced captains and crew depth of knowledge across twelve on hand to ensure guests can relax in style offices in seven countries with its and comfort. A professional skipper will sail main service centres in Hong Kong, the boat, while an onboard chef prepares China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, first-class food for guests. Taiwan and Thailand. Simpson Marine is the preferred Yacht owners can also benefit from choice of full service provider of some the company’s yacht charter management of Europe’s most desirable yacht service, which offers out their yachts for brands. Currently the group represents charter by Simpson Marine’s experienced Azimut, Beneteau sail, Beneteau team. The service lets owners generate power and Lagoon amongst others. additional revenue when they are not Founded in 1984, Simpson Marine has helped many hundreds using their yacht, helping to offset some of of new and experienced yacht buyers the costs of ownership. in all parts of Asia enjoy the pleasure Simpson Marine also provides a of yachting. As pioneers of the industry comprehensive turnaround service at the throughout Asia, Simpson Marine beginning and end of each charter, provides the largest and most ensuring that each yacht remains in experienced post-sales service in the perfect condition ahead of its next cruise. region; a team of people brought together by a passion for yachting. Charter yachts can be picked up and dropped off at Simpson Marine’s
offices in Phuket and Langkawi, with the route between the two islands offering the perfect itinerary for a relaxed week’s cruising. Customers interested in yacht charters can check availability and charter rates on the new Phuket Charter website. Yachts are available throughout the peak cruising season, which runs from November until March. For more information, please visit www.simpsonyachtcharter.com or call +66 76 239 768. Key services include: • New yacht sales • New yachts constructions • Yacht brokerage • International yacht charters • Yacht servicing, management and maintenance Media Contact: Aileen Toh Regional Marketing Manager Simpson Marine (SEA) Tel: +65 6274 3359 Email: aileen.toh@simpsonmarine.com
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I
stood on my balcony forty metres above the crushing disaster below in the normally peaceful bay of Ao Yon. In under an hour more than 20 boats belonging to friends of mine were either sunk at the moorings or scatted like flotsam on the beach and rocks below. We had been expecting this storm to hit Phuket for a few days. We had prior warning from many sources like windguru.com and posting on the net from Captain Brent of The Phuket Cruising Yacht Club in Ao Chalong. On Friday, it was downgraded to 32 knots and as per usual Mother Nature didn’t deliver the storm that night at dusk, but on the next morning at 9am it hit directly from the only real vulnerable direction in Ao Yon, the south. By early afternoon it was a combination of 40 knots of wind and high seas that wrought even more destruction on the damaged boats by grinding them into Ao Yon’s stone walls. I first noticed the seas build to three-metre waves, something never seen in my five years here. Next several boats sunk and one-by-one others bounced the moorings from the waves to end up on the beach. Other boats snapped their tethers and were beached and pounded by the waves into each other.
Most of the damage was complete, decimating the hopes and expectations of yachties ready for the tourist season to start in a few weeks. Mike Downard from SailinAsia lost three of five of his boats; Switchblade, Tags and one of his Platus were beyond repair. Howard Wilson from the Ships Inn Bar moved his 60ft sports fishing boat and it survived, then he relentlessly helped to care of other boats washed ashore in front of his bar. Sadly, Tom and Eileen Scarff’s sail boat Hallema, their home for more than 30 years, snapped its mooring and crashed into the rocks on the point at Ao Yon. Another new to the bay 75ft sailboat Stella Maris valued at 1.4 mil Euros still lay on its side on the sand—in all more than 20 boats were damaged or sunk in our little bay. The 90ft luxury boat Laetiza (4 mil Euros) fought the seas and trying to escape was swept into the oyster farm and became entangled in the lines of ropes and floating buoys supporting the oyster bed, saving it from being bashed against the rocks. The following day, I looked out over the bay to see a few boats that did come back, but they formed a skeleton of what should have been there; a true storm of shock and tears.
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storm
The
Story& Photos by Ian B Jamieson
of shock and tears
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Regional
NEWS
Asia Pacific’s Growing Marinas Superyacht Berthing Options in New Zealand By Linda Cartlidge
“U
nlike Europe, marinas in Asia are more about safe berthing for your vessel as opposed to a destination in its own right”, reports Captain Nick Coombes, head of Asia Pacific Superyachts Malaysia based on Langkawi Island. “Very few marinas are located in popular tourist areas in Asia Pacific regions - thus the idea of sitting on your yacht and watching the world watch you, is not an option. As a result most Superyacht visitors and charters here never see a marina, but instead spend their entire journey cruising from beautiful anchorage to beautiful anchorage”, says Captain Nick; “It is a lot more about exploring the natural splendor of South East Asia, than cruising from town to town.” If you are interested in marinas in Asia Pacific - there are more options now, reflecting the rising affluence of Asia. “There are now world-class marinas and accommodation in nearly every sailing region”, notes Captain Nick: “There’s Phuket, providing hundreds of berths for everything from Superyachts to small cruisers. To the south Malaysia’s Langkawi Island is a popular winter destination as are the chain of facilities that run down the Malacca Straits to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and heading east into the vast Gulf of Thailand. And, coming on board with APS in 2013, is New Zealand, which can boast of excellent marinas and anchorage options in the Pacific region. There’s no doubt Superyachts are being challenged in finding places to stay as the world’s fleet of Superyachts has ballooned in the past five years by 25 percent, to around 4,600, according to Marina Projects, a U.K. consultancy firm as excerpted from an article by Jason Chow in the Wall Street Journal Asia: “Owners of the world’s Superyachts are running into a new problem as they set sail across the crowded seas: finding a place to park. In the Mediterranean, which is where most of the yachts are located, there are an estimated 3,000 superyacht berths. Shortages in some countries mean opportunity for other aspiring yachting centers. But will boat owners want to broaden their horizons?” For those interested, Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand director Jeanette Tobin talks about specific places where Superyachts go and the berths she puts their boats onto in Auckland when they visit New Zealand. Tobin reports, “Two marinas for Superyachts, Viaduct Harbour Marina and Silo Superyacht Marina Marina, are located in downtown Auckland and have full power and water. Vessels can clear customs and biosecurity in/ out from both marinas and there’s easy access to all local contractors, chandleries, supermarkets and Auckland’s leading restaurants and bars.” “Viaduct Harbour Marina in downtown Auckland was built for
the 2000 Americas Cup and is surrounded by leading bars & restaurants. Viaduct provides: 1 x 60m side-to berth; 4 x 50m berths; 4 x 40m berths; 8 x 30m berths; and full power & water facilities + Wi-Fi”, Tobin adds. 500m west of the Viaduct Marina in the newly developed Beaumont Quarter is the Silo Superyacht Marina, a new facility built to cope with the growing demand from larger vessels and an area where new bars and restaurants have opened. Viaduct and Silo Marinas are near Auckland’s central business district where visitors can enjoy the entertainment planned throughout the summer which includes outdoor movie theatres, wine and food festivals, seafood festivals, music concerts plus much more… offering crew a real taste of New Zealand. As reported in SUPERYACHT Business, Silo Marina announced it has increased its capacity to accommodate vessels. Jeanette notes Silo currently has M/Y’s “A”, Nahlin and Pacific enjoying the facilities. Construction has seen a new 90m dock added with a 1m freeboard, making it the biggest pontoon in New Zealand. Adjacent to the new pontoon, dredging has been carried out to provide ease of access to the dock and to open up access to a 64m berth adjacent to the new premises of Rig Pro which is an exciting feature of the new development - the improved ability to carry out mast stepping. 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 65m (213ft) 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. Jeanette explains there’s a third option nearby, the Nelson Port Nelson at the top of the South Island has a Marina: “Port Superyacht berth for larger vessels. The Port has a 40m pontoon for Superyachts visiting the Port – and is in excellent, safe facilities and offers the attractions of the Nelson region. The marina’s central location is in a sheltered area and one not subject to sea surges.” These marinas for Superyacht berthing in New Zealand come hand in hand with a wealth of information on stunning itineraries and anchorages from Jeanette Tobin and her team at Asia Pacific Superyachts New Zealand. They can take care of all your needs and arrange a truly memorable Superyacht journey in and around New Zealand. Captain Nick Coombes – nick@asia-pacific-superyachts.com Jeanette Tobin - jeanette@asia-pacific-superyachts.com
Regional
NEWS 65
2nd edition of Indonesia Yacht Show
The 2nd edition of Indonesia Yacht Show 2014 is set to be hosted in Jakarta, Indonesia. Scheduled to run from June 7 and 8, 2014, this edition is expected to be bigger than ever, featuring more in-water displays and more luxury products catered to the highly affluent in Indonesia! The event will also take place in conjunction with the Indonesia Yacht Forum 2014, to be held on June 6. The first edition of the Indonesia Yacht Show was a great success, setting the event as one of the leading luxury yachting lifestyle exhibitions in the region. This unique yachting extravaganza will once again display the latest yachts, boats and luxury items to the increasing class of Indonesian millionaires, with massive dispensable income. The inaugural edition concluded with 80 exhibiting companies from 7 countries, more than 2000 visitors from 10 countries and generated more than USD 50 Million worth of potential sales during the two-day event. Indonesia has once again proven itself as a vibrant up and coming yachting market and the last event also attracted big name exhibitors such as: Simpson Marine (Distributor For Azimut Yachts), Aycer Yachts, Dimitri Marine (Distributor For Ferretti Yachts), Princess Yachts, Wider Yachts, Gulf Craft, and many others. For more information, please log on to: www.indoyachtshow.com or email us at: sales@megawatt-asia.com