Triton December 2013 Vol. 10, No.9

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December 2013 The Triton networks with West Marine and Nautical Ventures in December. See C3-4

C2 Flocks of flavor It’s all fire and feathers with yacht crew hot sauce.

A2

Measure legal, insurance risks before hiring dayworkers

Lights, camera, action Crew films win awards at Fort Yachtie Da Film Festival. A9

Worth the journey Yachts are welcome in the Pacific port of Sitka, Alaska.

B1

Captains find value in boat show beyond sales figures

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT

By Lucy Chabot Reed A couple months ago, captains at our monthly From the Bridge luncheon talked about dayworkers. In the room, they exchanged tips and what appeared to be tricks on how to get dayworkers onboard while in a shipyard, ways they suspected would cover them legally and with their insurance company if anything went wrong.

We purposefully left that bit out of the story about that lunch conversation in an effort to avoid the appearance of suggesting or endorsing some practices. That sparked several readers to want to know why. It was precisely that information they sought.

So we asked an insurance broker and a lawyer to explain the liabilities and legalities of hiring dayworkers on yachts, and the answers were, understandably, vague.

See DAYWORKERS, page A6

Positive show keeps yacht crew smiling RIDE, BABY RIDE: Crew members aboard M/Y Ohana jumped at the chance to show off how they gear up for watersports activity. The yacht was on display during during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month. For a wrap-up of this year’s show, see pages PHOTO/TOM SERIO A10-11.

Captains called to support code of ethics

By Lucy Chabot Reed Once upon a time, there was a captain who was offered 2.5 percent of the cost of a new build if he convinced his boss to use a certain shipyard.

After talking it over with his wife, the captain told his boss about the offer. The owner sat on it to see if the yard would offer a discount. But when the owner asked, the yard said it couldn’t give a discount because the owner’s rep wanted a kickback.

The owner took his business elsewhere.

Ken Hickling heard many stories like that over the past two years as he talked ethics to anyone in the industry who would listen. At a meeting of yacht captains just before the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show

in late October, Hickling talked about the resulting Superyacht Business Principles that the International Superyacht Society launched in May. The principles include the broad topics of professionalism, honesty, integrity and trust.

That, he said, was the easy part.

“It’s all very well to say kittens are nice and you should be nice to kittens,” said Hickling, ISS president. “But what does it take to be good to a kitten?”

That’s what he and his committee spent the better part of the past two years figuring out. The result is the ISS document that includes 29 specific practices to help guide businesses and organizations in yachting behave in a more ethical way.

Those best practices include such actions as “I will accurately represent

Think it can’t happen?

Arrests, jail time, fines are not just for commercial boats. B1

the product or service that I offer/ provide,” “All information I provide in the course of business dealings will be truthful” and “Any payments made or offered by a third party will be declared to or approved by my employer.” (Read them all at www.superyachtsociety.org.)

So where do captains fit in?

Hickling pointed out that yacht captains are “in the best place and the absolute worst place” when it comes to these practices, and he acknowledged that captains may have some of the toughest decisions to make when these issues come up.

The group of 12 captains talked about tips versus bribes (especially as it related to dockage in the Med) and about their interactions with sales brokers (especially during boat shows).

See ETHICS, page A6

How was the boat show for you?

Anyone in or around the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last month has heard the question a hundred times.

It gets a little repetitive, but it’s what everyone wants to know. Who was there? Who did you meet? What did From the Bridge you sell? Is business Lucy Chabot Reed finally coming back?

The biggest buzz in captain circles comes when a European builder signs a contract to build a new yacht, especially 70m or larger. Apparently, there were three signed during FLIBS. And numerous stories were told and retold of yachts – big ones as well as smaller ones – being bought and sold. It’s like an electrical current running around the docks.

“Nine times out of 10, my career changes have been because the boat sells,” a captain said.

While sales are a good barometer of the success of a boat show, yacht

See BRIDGE, page A14

TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

Have you been discriminated against in your job search?

No 34.3% Yes 65.7%

– Story, C1

A December 2013 WHAT’S INSIDE

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Try me

This story is for the birds. Find out why on page B1.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Advertiser directory C16 Boats / Brokers B8 Boat show news A10-11 Business Briefs B10 Business Cards C17-19 Calendar of events B14 Columns: From the Bridge A1 Crew Coach A17 Crew’s Mess C7 Culinary Waves C1 Interior: Stew Cues C5 Guest: Corporate A12 Nutrition C8 Personal Finance C9

Onboard Emergencies B2 Rules of the Road B1 Top Shelf C6 Crew News A3,4,9 Cruising Grounds B1 Fuel prices B5 Networking Q and A C3,4 Networking photos C2 News Briefs A5 Puzzles C16 Technology Briefs B3 Triton Spotter B15 Triton Survey C1 Write to Be Heard A16,18-19

T h e Tr i t o n ; M e g ay a c h t n e w s fo r c a p t a i n s a n d c r e w

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CREW NEWS

Yacht crew create feisty, savage hot sauces for friends, business

By Dorie Cox Last April, when Capt.

David Gunn was looking for work on a yacht, he put his information on bottles of homemade hot sauce and handed them out like business cards. The label said Old Capt. David’s Peculiar Sauce, Yacht Hunting Variety, and listed his credentials.

“He didn’t get a job but people asked about the sauce,” his wife, Stew Tracey Gunn, said.

To fulfill the requests for the fiery orange sauce with flecks of red and white, the couple started researching how to commercially make Stew Tracey Gunn and Capt. David Gunn their recipe. pose in their Ft. Lauderdale garden with the But what to name the namesakes of their new gourmet hot sauce company?

PHOTO/DORIE COX line, Feisty Parrot.

The Gunns brainstormed for a name by revisiting their them. history together, starting from the day “He has a hydroponic system and they met as dive instructors at Dive was supposed to grow vegetables for Provo in Turks and Caicos in 2001. us and the birds,” Tracey said. “But he “Back then, we hated each other, mostly grows peppers.” couldn’t be in same room, but we were To date they have professionally made to be on same boat,” Tracey said. bottled two varieties, the scorcher is In spite of that, they worked well Savage Beast, made with two of the together but eventually went their world’s hottest and most expensive separate ways. They came back varieties, ghost peppers and Trinidad together in 2008 when David asked scorpion peppers.

Tracey to join him on a yacht. The two Their second label is Demented worked together on M/Y Escape, a 100- Canary, a tamer version created foot Broward, and M/Y Pasttime, a 90especially for Tracey from the same foot Broward. recipe using less pepper.

It was during this time that they got The recipes are blended with carrot, a call to save a macaw. celery, papaya, apple juice, cider vinegar Indigo the bird served as crew with lime, tequila and garlic. They use no the couple on the Browards. Soon, preservatives, additives, extract or they added two more, Holly-Berry and mash.

Sasha.

The recipes are created at home and As they pondered themes for shared with friends for feedback. When their hot sauces that had to do with perfected, the recipe goes to a South boats, gardens and even professionalFlorida bottler for a test batch. When sounding names like Gunn Gourmet, that is perfected, it is multiplied to the squawking talking birds weighed in. make a 95-gallon batch.

Friends called Indigo the feisty parrot.

Orders are coming in from crew and “Indigo will bump you and say the industry. ‘ouch’,” David said. “When he’s put in “I am currently an addict to the the cage he says, ‘What did I do?’ He is Feisty Parrot hot sauces and have been cantankerous.” since the day David brought us the first So that’s how Indigo became the sample,” said Julie Liberatore, manager symbol of Feisty Parrot Gourmet Hot of student administration at Maritime Sauce and how each logo is an artist’s Professional Training. rendering of the bird.

The Gunns will launch Feathered “We wanted a brand we can expand Fury in January using Scotch bonnet when we have shelf real estate, and peppers. The label features Indigo reviewers like how the logo changes wearing the Gunn clan family tartan with the sauce,” David said. “Plus lots and the plan is to launch several more of hot sauces refer to hot bottoms and by next year’s Ft. Lauderdale boat show. satan, but we wanted ours to be family To learn more, visit www. friendly.” feistyparrot.com.

Hot sauce creations started because both Gunns cook and David grew so Dorie Cox is associate editor of The many peppers there was no more space Triton. Comments on this story are in the house to freeze or dehydrate welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.

December 2013 A

A December 2013

CREW NEWS

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Professional yacht captains group one step closer to reality

By Lucy Chabot Reed Over the past six months, a small group of yacht captains have met and had conversations with industry players to determine if there’s an interest and a need for an association for professional yacht captains.

At its first open meeting in late October, they presented not only a speaker on ethics (see that story on page A1) but also their vision for what such a group might look like and what it might do.

Capt. Michael Schueler of the 58m Lurssen M/Y Ronin said he hoped the

group will focus on management training, which will resolve some of the issues that cause owners to leave the industry such as crew turnover and inadequate communication.

Schueler The captains have talked to officials at Nova Southeastern University about captain-specific management training and have been well received, he said.

“I hope you realize that if you are 30

years old and a captain, you have things to learn in your management style, and that if you are 60 years old, you have things to learn in your management style,” Schueler told the group of about a dozen captains. “In the end, all that matters is the safe and legal happiness of the owner. If they are not happy, they are gone.”

Capt. Chris Lewis of the 47m M/Y Ellix Too also wanted to focus on management training and supported a code of ethics for captains.

“Running the management side is something we’re not really trained for,” he said. “And ethics is when you do the

right thing when you think no one is watching.”

He also believed a captains group would make it easier to tackle some challenging issues, such as maximum number Lewis of passengers and operating under the newly mandated safe working hours.

Capt. Wendy Umla said she hoped the group would attract like-minded professionals to give owners a pool of candidates for open posts who have a commitment to moral and ethical behavior.

“If we don’t get together and make this industry better, we’re going to lose the good owners,” she said. “Owners will come to us once they know these kinds of captains exist.”

Capt. Ian Bone is passionate about educational and business opportunities for yacht captains after they leave yachts. The skills captains learn onboard can be translated into any number of shore-based leadership or management positions, but many captains don’t know how to access those opportunities, especially when they fall outside the yachting industry.

One captain in attendance warned the organizers to be clear that the group would not be a union. Bone and the others assured him it would not be.

“We’re just normal guys who have an interest to better ourselves and better the industry,” Bone said. “There are no secrets here, no other ambitions. It will be a typical, membership-driven association.

“Look, if we don’t take some sort of leadership role, we’re going to be left behind,” he said. “It’s time. The industry is mature enough for an organization like this to take place.”

The captains in the room were supportive and lingered after the meeting to discuss the group’s evolution.

“It’s going to falter a bit, but it will go forward,” one captain said. “You just have to start it and work through the bad period.”

For more information or to get involved, e-mail Bone at ianbyca1@ gmail.com.

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.

CLARIFICATIONS

Patti Trusel will handle charter marketing for B&B Yacht Charters, a division of the brokerage firm Bartram & Brakenhoff based in Newport. A story in Triton Publishing Group’s Triton Today indicated otherwise.

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NEWS BRIEFS

December 2013 A

MIBS adds yacht show; fire sinks Nordhavn NMMA adds in-water to Miami

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), owners of the Miami International Boat Show, has created Superyacht Lifestyle Miami, an in-water exhibit of yachts to be held at the same time as MIBS, Feb. 13-16.

The event is aimed to bridge luxury categories and concierge services for attendees.

Miami already offers an in-water show for large yachts, the Yacht and Brokerage Show, now in its 26th year and co-owned by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and Show Management. The groups have reserved slips at Miami Beach Marina for a collection of yachts over 150 feet it will call Superyacht Miami.

The NMMA’s Superyacht Lifestyle Miami will include yachts larger than 100 feet (30m), including new builds, brokerage and charter vessels, at Museum Park Miami, a 29-acre site on Biscayne Bay seven blocks north of Bayfront Park.

The area is undergoing a major transformation. The Miami Science Museum and the Miami Art Museum are building new facilities on the land and the city of Miami is renovating the remaining 21 acres to include a Baywalk and other amenities.

The waterfront has 40 to 50 feet (9m-12m) of deep water and no vertical obstructions to allow for sailing as well as power yachts.

Fire sinks Nordhavn

The 76-foot (23m) Nordhavn M/Y Kahu caught fire while at East Cowes Marina on the Isle of Wight on Nov. 6.

Firefighters battled the blaze for 10 hours before the yacht eventually sank.

No cause has been determined. The yacht was raised a week later with 9,000 liters of fuel still in her tanks. It was unclear what, if any, restoration would take place.

Italy signs on to MLC

In mid-November, Italy became the 52nd member state to ratify the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006). Now, 20 EU nations have ratified it. It will enter into force in Italy on Nov. 19, 2014.

Once in force, yachts traveling to Italy can be expected to be inspected under MLC criteria as it applies to seafarers, including hours of work/rest and social security coverage.

Despite not having been an earlier signator, the Italian Coast Guard has helped develop and offer training courses for maritime labor inspection and port state control.

With Italy’s ratification, about 80 percent of the world gross tonnage of ships would be bound by the provisions of the MLC, 2006.

The MLC, 2006 entered into force on Aug. 20 one year after the first 30 member states ratified it.

RYA wants change in flares rule

The Royal Yachting Association is pressing the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) to review the carriage requirement for pyrotechnic flares and to recognize the modern technologies available for distress alerting and locating.

Currently, leisure craft over 45 feet (13.7m) must carry four parachute flares and four hand-held flares.

“In today’s modern age there is no compelling case to support the mandatory requirement of flares as a practical and useful method of initiating a distress alert and location,” said Stuart Carruthers, RYA cruising manager.

EPIRBs and GPS-linked DSC VHF for distress alerting and signalling lamps or EVDS (Electronic Visual Distress Signals) for final-mile location provide mariners with a more effective and less dangerous means of initiating a distress alert and timely response, the RYA said in a statement.

“The RYA has been shown no persuasive evidence that flares have search-and-rescue benefits that cannot be provided by modern technology,” Carruthers said. “Couple this with the significantly reduced disposal service for flares and the argument for continuing to mandate flares becomes unreasonable and illogical.”

U.S. requests updates

The U.S. National Maritime Center (NMC) has asked mariners with STCW endorsements to update any changes to their contact information.

In an official notice released in midOctober, the NMC wrote: “This notice serves as a request to merchant mariners with non-expired Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) endorsements to confirm their contact information with the National Maritime Center at: www. uscg.mil/nmc/csc/colorbox/mariner_ validation_form.asp “The regulation that implements amendments to the STCW Convention is expected to be published soon.

In order to ensure timely delivery of documentation from the NMC that will result from this rulemaking, we are requesting that all mariners with nonexpired STCW endorsements provide us with their most current contact information as soon as possible.

“If there have been no changes to your contact information (including mailing address, phone number, and email address) since your last credential transaction, no action is required.”

For questions, contact the NMC at iasknmc@uscg.mil or 1-888-iasknmc (427-5662).

Yard gets bigger lift

Roscioli Yachting Center on the New River in Ft. Lauderdale has added a

352-ton (320 metric ton) mobile boat hoist, giving it the biggest lift on the river. The lift is fabricated by Cimolai Technology in Italy, the same company that delivered the 900-ton lift to Derecktor last year.

Once hauled, the yard offers eight undercover sheds for vessels up to 150 feet, all with A/C hookups, private bathrooms and storage. The yard is seven miles inland from Port Everglades.

Western music fends off pirates

Add this to your cadre of anti-piracy tools: pop music played really loud.

Media reports have noted that security officers stationed off the coast of Somalia have played the music of pop sensation Britney Spears through the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to chase pirates away, presumably because of their disdain for Western culture and music.

Similar tactics have long been employed as a way to soften up terror suspects being detained, according to a story in Maritime Executive. A U.S. prison in Kabul looped Eminem’s “The Real Slim Shady” for 20 days and officials at Guantanamo Bay used Bruce Springsteen songs to help with interrogations.

LRADs normally blast sharp, paininducing sounds that are so startling, they can bring people to their knees.

Apparently, Spears does that really well.

Marine lenders have strong 3Q

A quarterly survey by the National Marine Bankers Association shows an increase in new boat activity, making 2013 potentially the best year marine lenders have seen in years, according to an association press release.

The survey for the quarter ending Sept. 30 reports 25 percent of all lender respondents (both service companies and banks/finance companies) indicating that new boat loan volume represented more than 50 percent of all activity in the quarter. Last year’s third quarter response was 8 percent and zero percent in 2011.

More than 80 percent reported that the average loan amount was the same or higher than in 2012. Ninety-four percent said dollar volume was the same or up year-over-year, compared to 84 percent in the same quarter last year and 66 percent in 2011.

The outlook for next quarter is fairly upbeat, with 88 percent of lenders indicating they expect dollar volume to be up over the fourth quarter last year.

Throughout 2012 and into the first quarter of 2013, a steadily increasing number of lenders reported credit tightening. In contrast, 81 percent of lenders polled felt applicant credit quality had improved or remained the same compared to the prior quarter.

See NEWS BRIEFS, page A7

A December 2013 FROM THE FRONT: Dayworkers

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Calling them crew gets them in the gate, not access to benefits DAYWORKERS, from page A1 “Everything’s fine until something bad happens,” said attorney Michael Karcher with Karcher, Canning and Karcher in Ft. Lauderdale. “If they get hurt, they are going to fall into someone’s pocket.”

Signing a dayworker on as crew doesn’t make it so. It may get them past the tough guy at the shipyard gate, but it doesn’t give them all the protections that a real crew member gets.

“You can call them whatever you want, but at the time of an incident, we’ve got to see how he fits in,” said Nancy Poppe, senior vice president and leader of the yacht practice with Willis Marine insurance brokers. “If the owner has a legal liability, his insurance is there to respond to that. How the injured party is treated depends.”

In the United States, a worker on a boat in a shipyard is either covered by the yacht’s P&I insurance for crew, worker’s comp insurance for workers or harborworker insurance for those who work in shipyards.

“When something happens, the insurance company will ask what is he and whose is he,” Karcher said.

It matters because those in the “crew” category are entitled to benefits.

They not only have their medical issues taken care of, but they can get living expenses paid for the duration. If they can prove negligence, they can then sue

for more damages. For those Jones Act benefits to kick in, they have to have some attachment to the vessel.

Those in the “worker” category, those covered under state worker’s compensation insurance, can’t sue for anything more from their employers.

They get a portion of their salary and their medical expenses, but that’s it.

“Should that person get hurt, he may want to be considered a crew member, but the owner doesn’t want him to be considered crew,” Karcher said.

Three pools

When hiring dayworkers, the first thing that yacht captains must know – and they likely do – is that not all dayworkers are created equal. There appear to be three types of dayworkers when it comes to insurance coverage and the law. (And remember, only if there’s an incident or accident does any of this actually come into play.)

First are legitimate crew. Even if they aren’t the full-time crew on the yacht in question, if they are yacht crew most days and they come onboard to help a captain get through a shipyard period or prepare for a trip, then both the law and the insurance provider will most likely see them as crew.

That’s important because if something goes wrong, the yacht’s P&I insurance offers a lot of coverage and benefits for crew, which is good news for an injured crew member, not so

great news for an owner.

In other words, those pockets are deep, so a problem means the yacht’s insurance is most likely on the hook.

The second type are the workers who belong to legitimate businesses but who don’t have all the proper and expensive insurance to get them in the front gate. Although the captain calls them crew to get them in the shipyard, they still work with their own company shirts on, there’s an invoice exchanged at the end of it all, and the guy goes home at the end of the day.

The third type of dayworker is the one that falls into neither category.

These can be unlicensed and uninsured freelance workers, the ones who help with special projects like varnishing or detailing, perhaps they fix the knicks in the wood floor or clean the leather.

“Regular companies and crew have a clear line to coverage,” Poppe said.

“It’s the trades guy without insurance that we need to worry about, the ones that are paid in cash, the ones the yard won’t let in.”

“They’re calling them crew to save a little money, and that opens their employer up to bigger problems,” Karcher said.

Sticky part

Among dayworkers in this third category (those that are neither crew nor employee), the pool is split even further between the freelance varnisher that the captain hires every year and the warm body hired off the dock.

In the first case, the person is known to the captain. He’s reliable and careful and trustworthy. And although it’s working the system to sign him on as crew, it’s accepted practice.

“It’s a calculated risk,” Poppe said.

“I like hiring companies because I know they’re going to have their own insurance. But I know that doesn’t always happen.

“Is it wise? In terms of the owner’s liability, no, but they have to get business done,” she said. “If you, captain, have decided this is the guy you trust, your insurance won’t say do or don’t do it. Insurance will respond to the owner’s liability, period.

“But, if something happens, he’s not going to be treated like a crew member,” she said. “The owner is covered, but now he has a claim, and that may create more problems for the captain.”

The other type – the kind that makes both Poppe and Karcher cringe – is the warm body a captain pulls off the dock because he needs something done right now.

“The captain needs a job done and done cheaply from the guy on the dock,” Poppe said. “But that guy has no skin in the game. Is this the right way to get things done? I wouldn’t do it. It comes down to risk management.”

A final word: These are the opinions and analyses of one insurance broker and one lawyer. Others are out there and could influence how a yacht captain or department head makes temporary hiring decisions.

“There is no insurance exclusion for dayworkers,” Poppe said. “The owner’s liability is a very broad obligation on the insurance company’s part. It will respond to an issue.

“Dayworkers are a part of our industry,” she said. “Being smart about it is the way to do it.”

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welceome at lucy@the-triton.com.

Expect unethical behavior to fade, not disappear overnight ETHICS, from page A1 Hickling noted that as long as the employer knows when money changes hands, the individual is operating with integrity. For example, the owner knows the captain pays extra to get on the dock, and the marina owner knows the dockmaster collects that money.

“If the owner of the marina doesn’t know about it, we should make a fuss,” he said, and encouraged captains to question those dockmasters they suspect of dubious behavior.

The goal of the ISS document, a code of ethics if you will, is not to wipe out unprofessional behavior, but to lessen it, little by little.

“It’s like improving safety,” he said to the captains. “You don’t suddenly become safe tomorrow. You begin with drills and you eventually become safer.

We have to do the exact same thing

with ethics.”

The principles and practices are meant to assure yacht owners and potential owners that there are those in yachting who abide by ethical conduct.

“Villains are always going to be villains; I’m not interested in them,” Hickling said. “We have to start working by them, challenging the people we work with to abide by them.

“It’s easy to make you all say yes,” he said. “Who thinks we should have more professionalism? More honesty? More integrity? More trust? The hard part it trying to influence somebody else. You can make a little progress toward this.”

By the way, that captain who told the owner about the 2.5 percent offer from the yard went on to do several new builds with that owner.

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton, lucy@the-triton.com.

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NEWS BRIEFS

December 2013 A

NOAA to stop printing charts; new flights begin NEWS BRIEFS, from page A5 Nineteen percent of respondents felt credit quality had slipped.

Two opinion questions were added to the survey this month: 1. Will a new Fed chairman stimulate consumer lending? Only 19 percent of respondents felt a change at the top could produce a more favorable environment for boat loans.

2. Will Obamacare negatively impact discretionary purchases? Despite the relative optimism, 75 percent thought it could cause consumers to delay or cancel plans for a boat purchase.

NOAA to stop printing charts

NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, which creates and maintains the nation’s suite of more than 1,000 nautical charts of U.S. coastal waters, announced in late October that it will no longer print traditional lithographic charts beginning April 13.

NOAA will continue to provide other forms of nautical charts, including Print-on-Demand paper charts as well as electronic and digital formats. Paper charts will continue to be available through marine retailers.

Since 1862, those lithographic nautical charts have been printed by the U.S. government and sold to the public by commercial vendors. The

decision to stop production is based on several factors: the declining demand for lithographic charts, the increasing use of digital and electronic charts, and federal budget realities, NOAA said in a statement announcing the decision.

“With the end of traditional paper charts, our primary concern continues to be making sure that boaters, fishing vessels, and commercial mariners have access to the most accurate, up-to-date nautical chart in a format that works well for them,” said Capt. Shep Smith, chief of Coast Survey’s Marine Chart Division. “Fortunately, advancements in computing and mobile technologies give us many more options than was possible years ago.”

NOAA will continue to create and maintain other forms of nautical charts, including Print-on-Demand (POD) charts, updated paper charts available from NOAA-certified printers.

NOAA electronic navigational charts (ENC) and raster navigational charts (RNC) are updated weekly and available for free download from the Coast Survey Web site (www.nauticalcharts. noaa.gov). Also at that Web site, NOAA has made available a new product: fullscale PDF nautical charts, available on a trial basis.

Direct flight to Hope Town

Ft. Lauderdale-based Tropic Ocean

Airways, which re-instituted regular seaplane service to the region in 2012, is partnering with IJet Charters, also of Ft. Lauderdale, to offer direct scheduled public charter flights to Hope Town in the Abacos, Bahamas.

The flights from Ft. Lauderdale initially will be available on Fridays and Sundays beginning in February.

“What often is at least a halfday time investment for travelers – connecting flights through South Florida to Marsh Harbour and then a cab and ferry to a final destination in Hope Town – is now cut dramatically through our ability to taxi directly up to the beaches at Hope Town,” said Jim Swieter, founder of IJet Charters.

The seaplane flight time to Hope Town is about an hour and 10 minutes.

In service will be Tropic Ocean Airways’ new eight-passenger Cessna Caravan Amphibian Turbo Jet. Round-trip tickets are expected to be priced starting at $699 per person, inclusive of all taxes and fees. Charters are available immediately with direct scheduled public charter flights starting in February.

New flights to Caribbean, Peru

New York-based JetBlue Airways plans to begin daily nonstop service

See NEWS BRIEFS, page A8

A December 2013 NEWS BRIEFS

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FLIBS owners study how to grow boating NEWS BRIEFS, from page A7 to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from Ft. Lauderdale starting May 1. An introductory rate of $99 each way is available for the midday flights through the first six weeks of service.

Also slated to begin on May 1 is a nonstop once-a-day flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. That is an early-morning flight out of FLL. In November, the airline began daily nonstop service between FLL and Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima, Peru. Addition of this evening flight was announced this spring.

FLIBS owners to grow industry

In an effort to keep Fort Lauderdale known as the Yachting Capital of the World, the owners of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show have commissioned a market research company to find out just who boats and why, and what the industry can do to attract more of them.

The first phase of the research was released as the show began in late October. The key finding was that although participation in boating across the U.S. is high, boat ownership is relatively low.

There are myriad reasons for that, and the complexities of deciphering what those statistics mean will be key to making a plan to grow boating, said Nate Fristoe, director of RRC Associates, a market research and consulting firm in Colorado that specializes in recreation and travel.

Boat show owners Marine Industries Association of South Florida and producers Show Management hired RRC to help it quantify the growth potential of the industry over the next 10-15 years.

While this level of research didn’t make distinctions based on sizes of vessels, the data offered some insights for the megayacht sector.

The good news is that boating participation is relatively high, about 31 percent of the U.S. population, which makes it more than twice as high as any other sport. (Golf, for example, is about 8.1 percent; tennis is about 9 percent.)

Participation has consistently grown since 1990, but ownership has declined.

The data is further complicated by the reality that although there have been declining unit sales, prices have increased.

The idea with the research is to develop a framework for translating participation into engagement and then translating engagement into ownership.

The boating population is aging, so one key strategy must be to engage younger boaters. One of the things the research discovered is that powerboaters were first introduced by their parents or grandparents when they were 10 or younger. Sailors were first introduced after age 18, mostly by friends.

Overall about 20 percent of Florida boaters indicate they have introduced 35 or more people to the sport over the course of their lives. But 8 percent indicated they have not ever introduced a single person to boating.

“Leveraging the influence of existing boaters will be an important strategy moving forward,” Fristoe said.

This is the first phase of the research, accumulating and synthesizing data. The next phase is to review the key findings with industry stakeholders and get feedback. Then the company will refine the research and finally develop an action plan to grow the industry.

– Lucy Chabot Reed

U.S. has 1 million trusted travelers

One million people have received the “trusted traveler” distinction through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program.

Launched five years ago, the program offers expedited clearance for preapproved, low-risk travelers.

Global Entry services are available at 44 airports, including Ft. Lauderdale.

To qualify, an applicant must complete and submit an online application through the Global Online Enrollment System accessible through www.globalentry.gov.

No dredging at Jax port

A committee of the U.S. House of Representatives killed a plan to dredge Jacksonville’s port for Panamax ships.

The north Florida port has a 40-foot channel; lawmakers from the area were seeking funding to make it 47 feet. That project would have cost an estimated $723 million.

Study: coral reefs adapt

Coral reefs may be able to adapt to moderate climate warming, improving their chance of surviving through the end of this century, if there are large reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, according to a study funded by NOAA and conducted by the agency’s scientists and its academic partners.

“Earlier modeling work suggested that coral reefs would be gone by the middle of this century,” said lead author Cheryl Logan, an assistant professor in California State University Monterey Bay. “Our study shows that if corals can adapt to warming that has occurred over the past 40 to 60 years, some coral reefs may persist through the end of this century.”

The study is published online in the journal Global Change Biology.

The Triton

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CREW NEWS

Lights, camera, action at yachtie film festival AND THE WINNER IS...: The stars were out at the 6th annual Fort Yachtie Da International Film Festival on Nov. 16 in Ft. Lauderdale.

The 5-minute films were judged by professional judges, sponsors and the public.

The winners are: l Best Overall: Rory Gillanders of M/Y Pegasus V, “Last of the Mojitos” l Yachtie Lifestyle: Capt. Kelly Esser of M/Y Mary Alice II, “Yacht Life” l Action: CJ Coetze, “Sunday Funday” l Comedy: Andy Lauer, “Wrecked My Career”

Best Original Screenplay: Michael Lewington, “Majestic Timelapse” l Best Production Quality: Capt.

Scott Newson of M/Y Fortrus, “Fortrus NW Passage” l Best Female Actor: Stew Whitney Fair of M/Y Current Issue, “Ships in the Night” l Best Male Actor: Calvin Sanabria, “Yachty By Nature” Nearly $1,500 was raised through raffle and event ticket sales to benefit Marine Industry Cares Foundation. For more photos, visit www.facebook.com/tritonnews.

PHOTOS/DORIE COX l

December 2013 A

A10 December 2013 FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

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The Triton

2013 Ft. Lauderdale show best in years with weather, statistics The 54th annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show went off without a visible hitch last month.

After two years of terrible weather, sunshine and temperate temperatures were a welcomed change, prompting many to declare it was the best show they’d been to in years.

It just may have been. Show organizers reported that gate attendance was up 28 percent from last year and the highest since 2006. Exhibit space was the largest it has ever been.

The Triton was on the dock each day, producing a daily print and Web edition called Triton Today. Here is some of the news and views from those special editions.

Stories and photos by Lucy Chabot Reed, Dorie Cox and Tom Serio.

Show to start later in 2015

The five-day boat show has always been the last weekend of October starting on Thursday. Thanks to the way the calendar falls, this year’s show was pushed late and began Oct. 31.

Beginning in 2015, the show will purposefully begin the first weekend in November to avoid the rainy season.

That year, it will begin on Nov. 5.

Crew honored for saving life

When her captain was thrown overboard, crew member Heather Havens didn’t realize her actions would save his life. But they did, and the International Superyacht Society honored her with its 2013 Distinguished Crew award at its annual gala during FLIBS. Gary Groenewold, a vice president with Westrec Marinas, told the story of the rescue.

While at anchor off the west coast of Florida, a “massive ship” came by at a high rate of speed, leaving a wake of about 7 feet. The captain was on the upper deck at the time and was bounced into something before being thrown overboard.

Havens went in after him. She

brought him to the swim platform where she discovered he was bleeding profusely from a hole in his chest.

“In textbook fashion of her medical training, she held her hand over the wound,” said Groenewold, whose company sponsors the Crew of Distinction award every year. “She used her strength and mental fortitude to keep the wound closed. Later, in the hospital, the doctors said if it wasn’t for her actions, he would have certainly died. We chose her because of her professional training and her heroic actions.”

Westrec has sponsored this award since its inception.

Crew make TV work fun

A reporter/editor, producers and photographers with CNBC’s Inside Wealth team made live reports daily from the show, showing off the prettiest interiors, newest technology and latest gadgets.

Wealth Editor Robert Frank also took time to talk to crew about everything from the long hours to the sometimes monotonous duties. He said yacht crew impressed them.

“What makes this so enjoyable for us as a crew has been working with the yacht crew,” he said. “Every single crew member has been so patient with us; I can’t thank them enough. To me, that’s what makes coming back to the boat show each year so enjoyable.”

The network’s Squawk Box show produced a piece about yachting as the show opened, and Trinity Yachts was able to briefly make the point that yachts are more than a wealthy person’s toy.

They are the economic engine for hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“You want to redistribute wealth?

Build a yacht and run it for five years,” said Billy Smith, vice president of Trinity. “That will redistribute wealth much more efficiently than giving it to the federal government to use on a program nobody wants.”

The Triton

www.the-triton.com FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW

Yacht crew shine at work on docks of Ft. Lauderdale show

PHOTO/TOM SERIO

December 2013 A11

A12 December 2013 GUEST COLUMN: Captain corporate structure

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The ins and outs of being a sole proprietor, ‘Inc.’ or LLC

By Maurice Cusick

If the fellow driving that detailing van gets into an accident or there’s a Previously, I have written on the vessel collision, the captain is typically importance of having a written not liable, although there can be some contract, and on the importance of exceptions to this. certain clauses, such as the choice of So, a corporation offers a captain forum. far more protections than simply Of equal concern are issues involving working under his own name or as a a yachtsman’s status in the maritime sole proprietorship. Many, many people world, such as whether he is a sole start out as a sole proprietorship to see proprietor, also known as “on your if the opportunity works out. own,” incorporated, or a limited liability Then, a year or big contract later, company, more commonly known as they form a corporation or LLC to gain an LLC. the protections those entities offer.

A sole proprietorship is basically The more recent type of corporate when a mariner works on his own existence is that of an LLC, or limited without any formal, corporate liability company. standing. Sole However, proprietorships these are poorly operate under the named as a LLCs were originally person’s name, limited liability created to offer the such as David company offers no same protections as Jones, or even more protection under a fictitious than that of a corporations, but with name, such as corporation. less paperwork.

Davy Jones’ Locker.

Even large, For example, there Such names are multi-national available in each companies are are no by-laws to follow state and can be becoming LLCs. if you are an LLC, but reserved forever for For example, the there are by-laws with a nominal fee. In storied Hinckley Rhode Island, the Yachts is now an every corporation. fee is a one-time LLC. cost of $50.

LLCs were However, this originally created status offers no protection for personal to offer the same protections as assets. Mr. Jones would be personally corporations, but with less paperwork. liable if ever David Jones or Davy Jones’ For example, there are no by-laws to Locker is sued. follow if you are an LLC, but there are The next most common corporate by-laws with every corporation. status is that of a corporation or Also, most states do not require “incorporated”, also referred to as an LLCs to have annual meetings, but “Inc.” This is the old-fashioned, typical corporations, in order to stay in sound way to limit liability. In fact, what standing, are typically required to have happens when one “incorporates” is annual meetings. that under the law, he creates another The long and short of it is, at least person or entity. That entity has its in Rhode Island but also in and many own being, and a mariner would – or other states, anyone wishing to be a should – enter into all contracts in the corporation can be an LLC with less name of that entity. paperwork.

So, a supply store or traveling van While LLCs typically have fewer that carries everything to clean a yacht requirements, both types of entities might be called Davy Jones’ Locker Inc. have certain requirements that must be In all states, it is important to followed. include the designation “Inc.” or First, they must be created and “Incorporated” on all business cards, registered with their home state. contracts and signs. Why? Because Second, if doing business in another it designates the business and state, they typically must register with distinguishes the owner from operating that state’s Secretary of State. as a sole proprietorship. Right? See how Perhaps most importantly, the LLC that flows? or corporation must keep its own The good thing about corporations corporate records. or “Inc.”s is that if the corporation These are usually contained in enters into a contract and then breaks a green or black book of corporate it for whatever reason, even if the records. This is the history or weather is bad and you could not get experiences of the corporation or LLC. the job or delivery done in the stated Many times I have had someone time (a case I have seen on more walk into my office on Thames Street than one occasion), a captain and stating that they were a corporation his personal assets are not liable nor See GUEST, page A13 subject to seizure.

The Triton

www.the-triton.com GUEST COLUMN: Captain corporate structure

December 2013 A13

Keep track of corporate formalities to realize benefits of status GUEST, from page A12 or LLC, only to not have a record book reflecting this, or often have a record book that is blank inside.

Often I hear that the accountant or lawyer who set up the entity “never told me” that there were requirements to record keeping when being an LLC or Inc. Fortunately, that condition is easily repairable, because failure to follow these requirements can be shocking.

Remember, a captain likely set up this corporate entity to limit his personal liability while working in the marine world or owning a vessel, a process known as the “corporate shield”.

That shield gets thrown out the window, typically, if you do not follow what are known as LLC or corporate “formalities”.

This is where this gets interesting and all of what I say here can easily be confirmed or looked up online.

The process of getting around a corporation or LLC is known as “piercing the corporate veil,” that is, piercing the protections set up. It typically occurs when one does not treat the corporation or LLC as an entity separate and distinct from the person who created or operates it.

For example, besides the fact that an LLC has its own records, so must the captain.

An LLC should also have its own bank accounts, and not run its money just through the captain’s. It should also have its own credit card.

As I have said, an LLC is an entity separate and distinct from its creator.

Years ago, whenever someone set up an LLC in Rhode Island, the credit card companies were tied into the Secretary of State’s office, so up to seven “preapproved credit card applications” would flow in a week after the corporate entity was created.

Corporations and LLCs should have their own record book and keep records of all major transactions and occurrences, such as hirings and firings, the leasing or purchasing of vehicles, boats, leases, etc.

Failure to do so can result in the dreaded “piercing of the corporate veil.”

The corporate record book should contain the by-laws or operating agreement of the LLC or Inc., stock certificates, records of corporate or LLC meetings, etc.

If these are kept in good order, all is fine. Fail to keep them, and a captain may be subjected to the piercing.

The bible of corporation and LLC law is a series of books called Fletcher’s Cyclopedia of Corporate Law. It is found in all law libraries and it the size of the old World Book Encyclopedia. It is commonly cited in federal and state courts.

Now, corporate law varies from state to state. Just what is enough for

“piercing the corporate veil” in Maine may not be the same in California. But Fletcher’s gives a good outline of what to avoid doing wrong, and is certainly applicable in all federal courts.

Here are a few tips: Avoid “co-mingling corporate and personal assets”.

Issue “stock certificates”. These come free when you purchase a corporate or LLC record kit, yet many people and even some lawyers cut corners and fail to do this important step.

Keep corporate records, even if nothing out of the ordinary is

happening. Corporate records of meetings amount to a one-page document on a laptop. After analyzing your business for the year, print it out, sign it in your official capacity and place it in your record book.

These factors are so important I actually keep a framed copy of this section of Fletcher’s on the wall of my office here in Newport.

Of the four times in my legal career that I was called upon to “pierce the corporate veil”, including one that is now under way, I was successful each time based upon these factors, and persons who thought they were

protected by their corporate status ended up being not so fortunate.

More attention to what are deemed “corporate formalities” would have helped them.

Corporate formalities are like maintenance. You simply have to do it every year. It really does not take that long, only a few hours, and the protections they offer are immense.

Maurice Cusick has practiced corporate and maritime law in Newport for more than 25 years. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

A14 December 2013 FROM THE BRIDGE: Boat show

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Biggest, busiest, best say walkers and workers BRIDGE, from page A1 captains look for something a little less tangible. The captains assembled for our monthly From the Bridge luncheon agreed with the hype that it was a good show. But it went further than that.

“It was one of the biggest boat shows I’ve been to, and one of the busiest boat shows I’ve been to,” one captain said. “And it was some of the best networking I’ve done in a long time.”

As always, individual comments are not attributed to any one person in particular so as to encourage frank and open discussion. The attending captains are identified in the accompanying photograph.

The captains were evenly split between those who worked on yachts in the show, those who walked around the show, and those who missed the show but were in town immediately after.

“There were fewer tire kickers,” one captain said. “Maybe it was less crowded on Saturday and Sunday, but the people were good. The boat I’m involved with sold during the show.”

“I made the post-boat show rounds, and [one manufacturer] had twice the showings they’ve had in recent years,” said another.

“FLIBS is the best show in the world,” said a third, after more attributes were pointed out. “It’s laid

Attendees of The Triton’s December Bridge luncheon were, from left, Pam Pulaski of M/Y 4 Mal, Mark Howard, Michael Sharratt, Richard Stalford, Scott Redlhammer and Keith Talasek of M/Y Sterling.

PHOTO/LUCY REED out well. You know where to go to see exactly who you need to see or what you want to see.”

“Another thing it’s really good for is looking at new technology,” a captain said. “You can demo stuff right there.”

“And you have access to the people who know how to use it, and the service guys you can actually talk to and say, ‘give me your phone number’,” one said.

Although one captain who worked the show the past couple years missed it this year on purpose, another was sorry to have missed it.

“I try to go so I can network with

people you haven’t seen in a year,” this captain said. “You always see them in Ft. Lauderdale. If they don’t see you, they wonder where you are. You want them to know you’re still alive.

“I feel like I missed something this year,” he said. “I was finishing up the season. I should have left the boat and flown in and then brought it down [the next] week.”

While everyone is buzzing in the hours and days after the show, we wanted to know how yacht captains measure a boat show’s success in the See BRIDGE, page A15

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FROM THE BRIDGE: Boat show

December 2013 A15

Sold yacht brings job uncertainty, but so does unsold one BRIDGE, from page A14 weeks and months that follow. And the answer is (naturally) that it depends.

“The weeks after the boat show are good for the community in South Florida,” one captain said. “There’s such a good influx of work. It’s good for everybody. The yards are busy, the contractors are busy.”

“It seems like everyone is getting hauled for surveys and interiors are getting done,” another said.

What about for captains? This is where the “it depends” part comes in.

“Some of us keep our jobs when the boat sells, some of us don’t,” one captain said.

“That’s part of the job, though,” noted another.

“The boat show gives yachting a shot in the arm,” said a third. “I want people working so I can keep a job. It’s a symbiotic relationship. Sometimes it gets a little lopsided, but it all comes around again. We’ve got to keep each other busy.”

“Post boat show, you get into the aftermath of a yacht for sale,” a captain said. “If it doesn’t sell, now the owner has to make a decision – is he going to charter it or use it? Most owners don’t make that decision until the last minute, waiting as long as they can for the sale. And that makes it hard on us.”

“If it doesn’t sell, there’s uncertainty for the crew, that’s the downside,” a captain said. “But the upside when it does sell is that it’s swap time. Whole new crews come in.”

This sparked a discussion about the value of a boat show in educating crew about the boats around them.

“The show reveals to all crew what conditions are like on the boats around them, what the captain is like, the owner, the food budget,” one captain said. “I don’t care what you say, they all talk to each other. There’s a massive sharing of information and crew find out real quick which boats are great to work on, and which ones aren’t.”

“And it doesn’t take long for everyone to learn which boats swap crew all the time,” said another.

Several captains noticed was that there were not a lot of crew walking around looking for work this year. One captain attributed that to the fact that placement agencies are so plentiful that the new generation of crew don’t need to walk the docks anymore.

While a yacht sale has positive industry effects in several directions, they also signify the end of something.

Why are owners selling their yachts?

Are they getting out, or are they simply moving around? Again, it depends.

“Prices have come down tremendously so there are great deals out there, and the market is getting better,” one captain said. “But yes, some owners are getting out. They’re fed up with the expense of boating and they’re

getting out.”

That fueled a simmering fire.

“It never ceases to amaze me,” another captain began, “and it’s not just in yachting but in other industries I’ve worked in, too: You hire a professional with the credentials, the experience, the education ... you hire them, and then you don’t listen to them.”

“It’s a $20 million investment,” said a third. “You can’t run it with four crew, we need six. Nope, they say, four will do.

Then they get frustrated when things break down or wear out because they aren’t maintained, and they get out.”

“Their broker is not giving the buyer an accurate reflection of the costs of running a boat,” a captain said.

“They can’t, or no one would buy a yacht,” another said.

This sparked a conversation about owners.

“We need a class 101 for owners,” one captain said. “You take this highly polished, highly mechanized piece of equipment and put it in the harshest environment on the planet and you expect it not to cost much to maintain.”

“But look at the owner base,” said another. “It used to be old school guys who have always had a yacht. They started small and moved up. They started taking care of it themselves and when they hired someone to take care of it for them, they knew what it took to take care of it.

“New guys never owned a yacht,” this captain said. “They have no idea what it takes.”

The captains discussed how the older generation of yacht owners are getting out of yachting not because they are frustrated, but because they are older and their health is

deteriorating, or perhaps they have passed away. The newer owners replacing them don’t have the same understanding of yachting.

“The old guys tip everyone,” one captain said. “Then the son comes up and takes over, and the tips stop.”

“It is what it is,” another captain said. “It takes time for them to learn it all. The first crew are gonna go. They are the sacrificial crew.”

“If you think about it, it takes a captain 5-10 years to build a reputation in the industry,” one captain said. “It takes owners 5-10 years to become a good owner. They have to learn.”

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com. If you make your living as a yacht captain, e-mail us for an invitation to our monthly lunch.

A16 December 2013 WRITE TO BE HEARD

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The Triton

Obamacare a good thing for U.S. yacht crew, their employers

By Chuck Bortell This communique is to provide those crew who are U.S. citizens with some important and timely information about the U.S. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare or the ACA. First, despite the political rancor in the U.S. media, the ACA immensely improves the flexibility and increases the options for protecting the health needs of U.S. crew. ­The ACA is the most crucial advancement for U.S. crew in more

than 20 years. It actually enhances their value as crew.

Based upon vicarious real-life situations, numerous examples of threatening scenarios could be presented. But the following three sketches should illustrate why the ACA is a godsend for U.S. crew and their employers.

Maternity: What happens when, in the euphemistic sense, the “rabbit dies” unexpectedly? Maybe there is no “accident” here, but instead the wonderful next step in the life cycle.

Either way, prior to ACA, a prudent

couple would often have to begin procuring adequate maternity coverage two or three years in advance. For those who didn’t, the potential financial and emotional perils could become devastating.

Hernia: Such an affliction can easily occur, even to muscle-clad mates. But timely, remedial medical attention may have been deferred for various reasons; for example, fear about pre-existing exclusions stemming from hop-scotch insurance coverages. (In this instance, insurance premiums were being paid, but the coverage collapsed due to the unavoidable modus operandi of the yachting industry.)

Annual female “physicals”: Routine feminine exams occasionally produce uncertain results, or situations that may appear to be of medical concern.

Then, the underwriting (U/W) challenge begins with a re-exam, usually requiring personal money for payment of the additional test. Then, the U/W scenario might deteriorate further. For example, what if there is indeed something worrisome lurking?

Fuhgeddaboudit, unless she’s obtained what is called Guaranteed Issue coverage.

In summary, in most instances with ACA, the spate of serious worries and nettlesome hassles are over for U.S. crew due to guaranteed issue and no pre-existing condition exclusions.

Now, it is time for the yachting insurance industry to establish similar protections for non-U.S. crew.

Second, neither the vessel nor the owner of non-U.S.-flagged vessels are affected by the ACA directly. No changes are necessary from the vessel’s standpoint. Expatriate (expat) plans, which may already be in effect, remain in force. The same insurance coverages applicable before or during the onset of ACA are still effective for all crew, including U.S. Third, through the individual mandate, the ACA requires that U.S. citizens subscribe to health insurance plans that contain what the law designates as “minimum essential benefits”. Failure to comply within the specified time period (i.e. March 31, 2014) exposes all U.S. citizens -not just professional yacht crew -- to financial penalties payable to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

The extent of the possible financial impacts depends heavily upon personal financial matters and circumstances.

The penalties could be substantial or comparatively nil. Evaluate your own circumstances. Some suggested questions and analytical aspects are listed in the URL referenced at the conclusion.

However, the ACA does provide some relief in the form of exemptions.

Additional discussion of those key factors are also in the URL referenced

at the conclusion.

The ACA does not require purchasing coverage through Obamacare exchanges. ACA-compliant coverages for 2014 are available in the private health insurance marketplace.

However, the government subsidies, if applicable, for paying the premium are only available through the Obamacare exchange marketplaces. Most crew members are likely to earn too much income for subsidies of any note, but some junior crew may qualify for partial subsidies.

Fourth, these circumstances are complex because the plans complying with the ACA do not provide certain niche coverages that are important to sea-going professional yacht crew. Yet, unfortunately, the expat plans have not, and are not expected, to construct plan-designs offering “minimum essential benefits”, even though some expat purveyors assert they offer “comprehensive” coverage from offshore insurers. Compare their gaping holes with the “minimum essential benefits” of ACA. Fifth, please do not presume that the ACA coverages are inappropriate.

Indeed, depending upon your typical international travel itinerary, it may be feasible to supplement your foreign travel coverage itself, while you and/ or your family enjoy actually having reliable “minimum essential benefits” at home.

In conclusion, many crew who are U.S. citizens presently insured under expat or other individual health insurance plans should be able to garner a dispensation from compliance with the mandate of the “shared responsibility” tax/penalty in 2014.

However, a pro-active posture is strongly recommended. For U.S. crew without in-force coverage, consult an agent as soon as possible. And for more information about trying to secure either a dispensation or an exemption from the “shared responsibility” tax/ penalty fee, refer to www.obamacareexchanges.com/ yachtcrew, or e-mail the author.

One last note: On Nov. 15, President Obama granted, in effect, a one-year reprieve for making the transition from in-force individual insurance contracts to the new ACA coverages. Therefore, yacht crew who currently have an expat plan, retain it for 2014, at least, and maybe longer.

These volatile political issues are in a state of flux. We’ll continue to monitor them for shifting changes in government policy or further clarifying information.

Chuck Bortell is an insurance agent with Crew Insurance Associates and specializes in insurance for yacht crew, both American and not. Contact him through surfrider@prodigy.net.

The Triton

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YACHT CAREERS

When do captains know they should consider a change?

Some captains stay in the industry it, and thinking about it a lot. The time for the long haul, possibly until they for the change will make itself clear. retire. Others do not, moving on to There is an old saying in sailing: When other things, a different life. do you know when you should reef your What are the sails? When you start thinking you signs? When is it should reef your sails. time?

Sometimes the direction ahead is Leaving clear, but sometimes we don’t have all the industry, the answers. Sometimes you just have depending on to stop doing what you’re doing. your perspective, The position of captain on a large could look rather yacht is a management position. There’s frightening or a lot to know and a lot to manage. I appear as a shiny, am constantly impressed with the Crew Coach happy vision. knowledge and skills of a great captain.

Rob Gannon What are you They manage the yacht and the crew, thinking? How but they don’t own the yacht. There are you feeling? is an owner and that relationship can It’s safe to say that in the majority of definitely affect how a captain is feeling cases, it’s going to be the mental factors and thinking. rather than the physical that moves To simplify, a captain’s mental state a captain to a new chapter in life. If and job satisfaction often goes like this: you’re physically and mentally healthy, good owner equals good gig, bad owner you could captain a yacht through equals bad gig. A captain can survive or your 60s and yes, into your 70s. I see manage to deal with a bad owner but some pretty active and sharp men and from what some captain clients of mine women in their early 70s these days say, a bad owner is the No. 1 cause of that I have no doubt could physically stress and dissatisfaction in their lives handle the job. and can become unworkable.

Let’s face it, we don’t have to Captains with great owners are manually raise an anchor or a giant usually pretty content with things and mainsail anymore. Yet have few complaints. they have to manage Those are the good and understand their situations that will keep industry, but after 30 or captains around for so years on the job, they years. I experienced it probably have a pretty personally in my captain good handle on things. life. A difficult owner There might be a need can become a pretty for the old skipper to powerful force in your take a break on certain day-to-day operation. A days, but that’s cool in great owner can make my eyes. you feel like you’ve got So unless there is one of the best jobs on a chronic physical the planet. problem, I don’t believe So here is the the physical demands distinction that must are what get captains be understood when it Captains must consider comes to staying or going looking elsewhere for when it is time for a change in this industry: It is the their livelihood. More PHOTO/WENDY clear understanding of of course. likely, it’s what’s going LUEDER, CAPTUREDGLIMPSE.COM whether it is just this on in the brain.

There is an ancient owner and this yacht that philosophy in life that is making you question states our lives follow our thoughts. this career or is it the lifestyle in general In other words, what you focus that is driving your discontent? your thoughts upon, what is made Would you still love what you do important and predominant, will direct if you could just change the current our lives and sooner or later come to situation? Or are you just tired of the be. lifestyle itself? Maybe you want to be That said, where do you think you home more, be around a significant are heading when your predominant other more. Maybe a yard and a dog are thoughts are about changing situations sounding good. or careers? I can tell you. As soon as If you are thinking those thoughts, you direct your focus, attention and guess what? Changes are a coming. efforts in a specific direction, that is where you’re going. Thoughts, the Rob Gannon is a 25-year licensed mental side of our lives and careers, are captain and certified life and wellness steering the ship. coach (www.yachtcrewcoach.com).

The signs for making a change are Comments on this column are welcome when you find yourself thinking about at editorial@the-triton.com.

December 2013 A17

A18 December 2013 WRITE TO BE HEARD

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The Triton

There are lots of places to dump the stuff our yachts don’t want

By Capt. Wendy Umla As we head into our yard periods, there is typically a bit of purging that occurs on boats. Whether the Mrs. wants to change out soft goods or the chief stew finds stains, the question often comes up: What to do with it all?

This is a great way to help others.

For those of us in Ft. Lauderdale, did you know there is a fantastic Humane Society just off Griffin Road and I-95?

It will take blankets, sheets, towels, and pillows and it does not matter at all what the condition is. Puppies and kittens don’t care.

When you walk in the door, there is a bin just to the right. But I dare you to resist taking a walk around just to say hello to our four-legged friends.

My charity of choice is Women in Distress. It takes anything: one glass, old pots, clothing, toasters, anything.

This is how it works: The donation center takes in items by the back door.

Volunteers then make sure they work and put them out on the sales floor, just like Goodwill or Salvation Army.

But here’s the difference with WID. When women call because they are being abused, they are given shelter and vouchers to go into the store and “buy”

Making the trip

A few places to take donations in South Florida: l Humane Society of Broward County, 2070 Griffin Road (33312), 954-463-4870 l Women in Distress, 1372 N. State Road 7 (33063), 954-975-7425 l Salvation Army, 1791 W. Broward Blvd. (33312), 954-467-5816 l Goodwill, 2104 W. Commercial Blvd (33309), 954-486-1600 l The Pantry of Broward, 610 N.W. Third Ave. (33311), 954-358-1481, for food, canned, boxed, frozen, anything. what they need.

So before you start just tossing items into the Dumpster, or thinking that no one could want or need one glass or a pillowcase with stains, please think of those who are less fortunate. It is our own way to recycle.

Oh, and if the owner would like, you can get a receipt. These are donations and they can benefit at tax time, too, if not just in their hearts.

Capt. Wendy Umla lives in Ft. Lauderdale

Security cameras in private areas of yachts are a bad idea

By Corey D. Ranslem After reading your recent survey about security cameras on yachts [“Smile, you’re on camera, inside and out,” page C1, August issue], I was compelled to write.

Most yachts have some type of camera system onboard to help enhance safety, security and vessel operations.

Exterior cameras provide great coverage and help during mooring.

I rarely recommend cameras on the interior of a vessel, especially in private staterooms, private crew areas, hallways or guest areas.

Unfortunately, there are few laws or regulations – and in some cases none – that regulate the invasion of privacy with a closed circuit television (CCTV) system onboard a yacht. This area was also not addressed within the MLC regulations. Most flag states don’t even have laws that address this.

However, it was good to see in the survey that less than 2 percent of respondents had cameras in private areas onboard. I wouldn’t work for a captain/owner who had cameras within the private areas of the vessel.

Most remote-access CCTV systems are easy to hack and therefore can be

monitored by almost anyone, especially if the system is connected to a wireless network.

When determining the placement of cameras onboard a vessel, put them in locations to enhance safety, security and to assist with vessel operations. Cameras should provide adequate coverage of the exterior so crew members can monitor it while in port. Low light, infrared, or nightvision cameras should be considered to enhance security and safety during low-light operations.

A good CCTV system can greatly enhance the crew’s ability to do their duties. It can also help enhance vessel security in port to detect an unwanted boarding. I’ve been able to get onboard a number of large yachts and make it deep into the interior without being detected. A simple camera system could easily help prevent that.

Consult a maritime security professional when designing or upgrading a CCTV system to help address any potential technical or installation issues.

Corey D. Ranslem is the owner of International Maritime Security Associates in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact him at +1 954-558-8128.

The Triton

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Beware of new, hi-tech methods thieves use to steal PINs, money Following a recent experience of theft in France, I would like to point out to your readers a new spin on credit card fraud with PIN. First the incident: I bought my SNCF ticket from-to Monaco at the machine in the Antibes station, using a European “Chip and PIN”-protected card (while checking no one was watching me) and got on the train.

On arrival in Monaco, I found my card-holder/money clip with four cards and 200 euros missing (picked from a front pocket, no less).

I started the usual card-blocking process, only to find that the thieves had got the PIN for the card I used for that ticket and thus far had taken 1,800 euros in cash and visited the Hugo Boss store.

Back in Antibes for the police report, I was asked by the SNCF security guard (and later by the officer of the Police Nationale) if I had checked that no one was looking as I typed my PIN. Of course, I had.

Both then asked if I had seen anyone nearby making a mobile phone call. Of course I had.

Here’s what they told me likely occurred: The watcher stands as far away as he can in line of sight, appearing to make a call, shuffling about and looking disinterestedly in a totally different direction, but zoomed in on the keypad with his smartphone camera and videos the process.

He reviews the video at his leisure and as many times as he wants until he’s got the sequence, while a colleague picks the appropriate pocket. Then it’s time to go shopping.

Apparently, this is the new hi-tech method for gleaning PIN info.

The police also mentioned an increase in the use of tiny, solid-state cameras (bullet-cam/pet-cam/ keyfob-cam) stuck inside the alcove, out of sight, just above your fingers.

Capt. Patrick McLister

WRITE TO BE HEARD

December 2013 A19

Crew Eye

C

apt. Scott Lacroix has seen a lot from M/Y Utopia during the past six years and he shared several sunrise shots. The top photo is taken from the Southeast 17th Street bridge in Ft. Lauderdale, facing north. Below, the sunrises over Ocean Reef Yacht Club in Key Largo in the Florida Keys. Both were taken with Lacroix’s iPhone.

Crew Eye is the forum for images of yachting as only crew can see it. Send your photos to editorial@the-triton.com. Include the where and when, and what you shot it with.

Bimini enforcing visa rules; marine weather station dark Just thought I would pass on recent immigration policy enforcement for Bimini. It is an old policy but is now being enforced, at least in Bimini.

We cleared in this week [lateOctober] to Bimini. I have a Filipino engineer they would not allow into the country until he updated his visa. I have cleared into the Bahamas at least six times a year for the past seven years with the same crew member and it had not been a problem or discussed. He holds an expired visa but they want him to renew the visa.

I only bring this up to make captains aware that Bimini officials are now enforcing that visas be held by certain nationalities. My gut tells me that with the Bimini Resorts cruise ship coming here daily, they are more strict with the policy. I have never had this issue in Bimini, Nassau, Cat Cay, Lucaya or Chub Cay in the past.

I don’t disagree with the policy; I only bring it up to make other captains

Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com Associate Editor Dorie Cox, dorie@the-triton.com Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com

Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com

Advertising Sales Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com

The Triton Directory Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com

aware they are now enforcing it.

Capt. Scott MacPhee M/Y Gazelle

Marine weather station off air

It is with a sad heart that I learned that South Bound II Coastal is QRT. South Bound II Coastal was a free weather-routing service run by Herb Hilgenberg out of Toronto. Since 1987, Herb ran a radio net, first on amateur radio and then on marine band, twice a day, seven days a week.

As a professional captain spanning three decades, I listened on my Grundig Yacht Boy receiver and on several occasions, sought Herb’s guidance on trans-Atlantic and Caribbean passages via SSB 12.359 mhz.

After reading how several people “threw Herb under the bus” for his conservative yet accurate weather prognostication, it compelled me to write and express my appreciation for the dedication and compassion he

Contributors Carol Bareuther, Chuck Bortell, Capt. Mark A. Cline, Maurice Cusick, Capt. Jake DesVergers, Capt. Rob Gannon, Alison Gardner, Chef Mark Godbeer, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Chief Stew Alene Keenan, Capt. Scott Lacroix, Darlan Lopes, Capt. Patrick McLister, Keith Murray, Cory D. Ranslem, Rossmare Intl., Tom Serio, Capt. Wendy Umla, Capt. John Wampler

showed mariners who sailed the high seas for the past 26 years.

Enjoy the sunset, Herb. You’ve earned it. It has truly been my honor knowing you.

Capt. John Wampler I’m writing to let your readers know about the death of Kenny Coombs.

Kenny was well known throughout the world; some thought of him as the ultimate sailor. He was the founder of the Antigua classic yacht regatta in its present form and he captained many large classic sailboats.

He will be remembered for many things, his constant jolly laugh and mentoring of so many young people in sailing are just a few. He and Jane were at our wedding in Kennebunkport, Maine, many years ago. My husband, Toz, and I will always remember him and his easygoing outlook on life.

Leslie Hudson Student Services, MPT

Vol. 10, No. 9

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December 2013

B Section

Emergency data saved Learn keys to download AED info after incident.

B2

METS awards stabilizer Top electronics, equipment honored in Amsterdam.

B3

Sales, listings announced Brokerages keep busy in Europe and United States. B5

Sitka, Alaska, is surrounded by a protective island and mountain landscape.

PHOTO/WILLIAM GREER

Sitka offers resources, commits to yachts What if someone said there was a town in Alaska first settled 10,000 years ago and more recently was the wealthy, sophisticated capital of Russia’s North Pacific colonies, nicknamed “Paris of the Pacific”?

This destination of less than 9,000 residents today, accessible only by sea or air, is the largest incorporated city in the United States with a total area of 4,811 square miles. In 2013, the Smithsonian Institution recognized this tiny gem to be the ninth most culturally rich small town in the country.

This is the unique profile of Sitka, Alaska.

Sitka’s Alaska Raptor Center is the state’s main eagle hospital and education center. PHOTO/JOCELYN PRIDE

B6

Arrests, jail can happen in yachting, too

NORTH TO ALASKA

By Alison Gardner

Holidays full of events Check calendar for show, race or party near you.

Perched on the west side of Baranof Island and protected from the Pacific Ocean by an islandstudded sound, Sitka is a wellserviced destination for large yachts up to 300 feet with generous moorage already in place. Joining the U.S. Superyacht Association in 2012, Sitka is dedicated to a steady growth in this market. Harbor regulations, rates and large vessel reservations can all be found at www.cityofsitka.com, click on “departments” and scroll down to “Harbor Department.”

“During the May to September season, roughly 50 yachts between 65 and 300 feet visit Sitka, primarily from the U.S. and Caribbean,” harbormaster Stan Eliason said.

“The trend of the past three seasons has been an increase of 5 to 10 large yachts per year. We are staying ahead of the game by investing up to $6 million of renovations into transient boat docking facilities before next season.”

A significant bonus for yachts is that Sitka is largely off the Inside Passage cruise ship route that delivers more than 800,000 guests per season to Alaska Panhandle ports. While an occasional cruise ship anchors for the day in Sitka harbor, the attractions, eateries and accommodations are mainly frequented by individual

visitors and locally owned.

No matter whether a visitor’s interests are cultural or natural, there is a rewarding balance of attractions between its authentic dual heritage of Tlingit native culture and wellpreserved Russian history, and a chance to explore nature by land and sea.

When I spent a late-August afternoon on marine scientist Jim Seeland’s wildlife watching boat, homeward bound salmon were leaping out of the water, a dozen 45-foot humpback whales dove and surfaced in search of food, and sea otters, re-introduced to Panhandle waters after complete extinction, watched our progress without alarm.

In centuries past, their coveted fur was a source of Russian riches, the reason for Sitka’s prominence as a colonial capital.

The 3,102-foot Mt. Edgecumbe, the town’s perfectly shaped extinct volcano, created a picture postcard setting for learning about these natural highlights with Sitka Sound Tours (sitkasoundtours.com).

For active nature enthusiasts, Mt. Edgecumbe has a well-marked, seven-mile trail to the top, by guided day-trip or going it alone. There are

See SITKA, page B6

Earlier this year, I touched upon the accident investigation surrounding the tragic loss and sinking of the HMS Bounty.

The ship sailed from New London, Conn., as Hurricane Sandy was coming up the Eastern seaboard in late October 2012. Two people were killed in that accident, including the ship’s master. that column Rules of the Road wasSince published, I Jake DesVergers received a lot of positive feedback into the coverage. However, what I disturbingly discovered from many of the commenters was a general feeling that “this could never happen to yachts.”

Nothing could be further from the truth.

When I moved from the merchant fleet to yachting many years ago, I distinctly remember being surprised at the level of success that everyone experienced. I am not talking about personal successes or the one-off accomplishments. I am talking about the consistent and everincreasing triumphs that people in yachting experience. Everyone is always doing excellent all of the time. Not to be a pessimist, but that is impossible.

I am not sure if it is a cultural response, especially since everything in yachting must be at its best all of the time.

Alternatively, is it simply a “teenager’s response” when one feels invincible to the world? In either case, we need to pull our collective heads out of the sand. Here are some examples of reality that are very much affecting yachts.

Port state control officers in Vancouver, Canada, discovered multiple safety deficiencies during a routine inspection aboard a 130-foot (40m) yacht. Most of the deficiencies were safety-related for fire danger. Excessive oil and oily mixture in the bilges, excessive oil in the engine room, and oil-saturated insulation were noted.

The emergency fire pump was found

See RULES, page B12

B December 2013 ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sea Sick

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AEDs record cardiac event; data must be downloaded and saved I received calls from two crew members recently who used their Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save lives, and both patients are expected to make a full recovery. These clients asked for my help in getting the AED back into service.

When an AED is used, you should replace Sea Sick the battery, Keith Murray electrode pads and ready kit.

You should also download the event data. The event data will show what happened during the rescue. Every AED has the ability to record the event that takes place during a cardiac emergency.

All AEDs store event information and it can be downloaded from the AED for review.

Please note that the rescue data is only stored temporarily and should be downloaded before removing or replacing the battery and putting the AED back into service.

Once an event has occurred – despite a positive or negative outcome – you should download the event data and either retain this information

onboard or, if you work with a yacht the computer to review the event data. management company, forward this Currently, there are two methods for data to the manager for review. connecting and accessing this data: Currently, every AED on the market l IRDA adapter: It plugs into the will record a computer’s minimum of 15 USB and allows Once an event has minutes of ECG the data to be analysis. Some transferred from occurred – despite a AEDs can record the AED to the positive or negative up to 8 hours of computer by lining outcome – you should ECG or a short up the infrared duration of both windows. download the event audible and ECG l Data cable: data. data. To find out This cable plugs your device’s into both the capability, consult computer’s USB the user’s manual. port and the AED. It allows data Instructions on how to download a to be transferred through a direct cardiac event from your defibrillator connection between the AED and the are included in each AED’s owner’s computer. manual. You will need special “event After a connection has been review” software for your specific AED established, the manufacturer’s that will allow you to download and software program should be run to review the event data. You will also receive the data from the AED. After need a special cable that links the AED the data is downloaded, it can be eto your computer. mailed or printed, depending on the To download the event data, you software’s capabilities. must first have a computer with the For those not familiar with an appropriate manufacturer’s software.

AED, it is a portable, battery-operated Most manufacturers offer a basic electronic device about the size of a version that can be downloaded for laptop. It automatically diagnoses the free. potentially life-threatening cardiac After downloading the software, the arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation AED must be connected directly to and ventricular tachycardia in a victim

and is able to treat the patient by an electrical shock to stop the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.

AEDs are designed to be simple so that anyone can use one. They are so simple that I often start my training classes by selecting someone who has never seen an AED and asking them to use it by following the AED’s voice instructions.

The price on AEDs has fallen over the past 10 years with prices ranging from $1,150 to about $1,700. Although AEDs are not inexpensive, they are invaluable if they save your life, or the life of a loved one, friend, crew member or guest.

All yachts should have at least one AED on board. Many of the yachts I work with have one onboard and another in the tender. Having a second AED is essential if you do a lot of diving.

Keith Murray, a former firefighter EMT, owns The CPR School, a first-aid training company. He provides onboard training for yacht captains and crew and sells and services AEDs. Contact him at 877-6-AED-CPR, 877-623-3277 or www.TheCPRSchool.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.

The Triton

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TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS

December 2013 B

Stabilizer takes top award at METS; genset and globe introduced Stabilizer wins DAME

The vector fin stabilizer system from Sleipner Motor AS of Norway won the 2013 DAME Award at METS in midNovember.

The 23rd annual Design Award METS competition also honored winners in these categories: In the marine electronics and marine-related software category: Glass Cockpit System by Volvo Penta, Sweden In the interior equipment, furnishing, materials and electrical fittings used in cabins category: Skysol Motion by Oceanair Marine, United Kingdom In the marina equipment, boatyard equipment and boat construction tools and materials category: boat trailer by Vanclaes, The Netherlands In the deck equipment, sails and rigging category: Clip-cleat by Nomen Products, Germany In the clothing and crew accessories category: boarding ring by Reading, France In the lifesaving and safety equipment category, Monolite by Fraser Optics, USA In the machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems and fittings category, vector fin stabilizers

by Sleipner Motor, Norway METS is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry. It is organised

by Amsterdam RAI in association with ICOMIA (International Council of Marine Industry Associations).

The show’s target groups are yacht builders, naval architects, repair yards, distributors, dealers, wholesalers, captains, marina operators and equipment manufacturers from around the world.

Northern Lights has new genset

Washington-based Northern Lights featured at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show the M1306A32 (shown above), its new series generator set configurations with kilowatt ratings from 355 to 400 at 60 Hz and 300 to 400 at 50 Hz for larger vessels.

Northern Lights’ M1306 series (A12, A22 and A32) are based on heavy duty engine blocks and permanent magnet generators. An M1306 set achieves high torque and smooth operation with an electronically controlled high-pressure unit injection fuel system that permits individual control in each cylinder. This

technology optimizes engine efficiency, resulting in low exhaust emissions and superior fuel economy, the company said in a press release.

For more information, visit www. northern-lights.com.

Oculus launches interactive globe

Holland-based Oculus Technologies has launched the ORBIIX, an interactive touch globe developed for the superyacht and private jet markets to track yachts and aircraft, show position and local data, document a

journey and integrate real-time weather and radar images and forecasts.

The ORBIIX globe is available in a variety of sizes and is delivered as a complete system. Oculus also manufactures the infotainment solution YachtEye. ORBIIX made its debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in late September in the Van Berge Henegouwen stand.

For more information, visit www. yachteye.nl.

IPad case hides wires

California-based Strutwear has introduced Strut Launchport, an iPad charging station that tilts and pivots as well as hides all exposed electrical cords. The Launchport inductively charges an iPad (2, 3, 4 or mini) on a jewelry-grade, triple-chromed, stainless steel pedestal. The cases are

handcrafted of burl wood, carbon fiber or select fashion prints.

The Launchport retails for $1,500.

For more details, visit www. strutlaunchport. com.

Anti-theft device tracks for boats

Louisiana-based Spot, a subsidiary of Globalstar and manufacturer of satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, has launched the new Spot Trace, an anti-theft asset tracking device.

Spot Trace notifies vessel owners via e-mail or text when movement is

See TECH BRIEFS, page B5

The Triton

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TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS

LED versatility expands, charts increase coverage TECH BRIEFS, from page B3 detected, using satellite technology to provide location-based messaging and emergency notification for on-or offthe-grid communications.

Spot Trace users can view their vessel’s GPS coordinates online in near real-time through Google Maps.

It also features customizable tracking, which allows users to track a vessel’s coordinates every 2-and-a-half, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minutes.

The units start at $99.95, with service plans from $99.99/year and will be available at outdoor retail outlets such as West Marine, Bass Pro Shops and Best Buy, or at www.findmespot. com/trace.

New LED lights brighter

Ft. Lauderdale-based OceanLED has introduced the newest edition of its Pro Series bronze lights, Pro Series HD Gen2 (shown above), which are 7,000 to 10,000 fixture lumens, which the company says is brighter than any DCpowered LED underwater light on the market today.

The lights come in two body styles: thru-hull and XFM or Xchangeable Flush Mount, which can be exchanged from inside without hauling. They also come in two brightness levels: the 2010 model that is 67 percent brighter than its predecessor at 7,000 fixture lumens, and the 3010 model that is 43 percent brighter than previous 3010 models at 10,000 fixture lumens.

Retail prices range from $1,699 to $3,199, and will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2014.

The company has also launched two new product families for vessels up to 65 feet, the Amphibian Xtreme and Amphibian Pro Xtreme. The lights are up to 3.5 times brighter than previous Amphibian lights, up to 4,200 lumens.

The Pro Xtreme models offer colorchange by toggle or strobe to attract fish and bait, light up wake, and create effects above and below water.

Retail prices range from $179 to $1,249, and will be available for purchase Jan. 1.

For more, visit www.oceanled.com.

Faria debuts GPS speedometer

Connecticut-based marine instruments manufacturer Faria introduced to the European market

its new GPS speedometer at METS in November. It is a drop-in replacement and can be made to match an existing instrument dash in a standard 4-inch (85mm) hole.

GPS information is gathered from an internal GPS antenna; no external antenna is required.

The speedometer uses a 48-channel GPS receiver. Course Over Ground (COG) and actual heading (compass heading over ground) are displayed on an optional digital LCD. Speed data is shown by an analog pointer driven by a digital stepper motor for increased accuracy and minimized pointer bounce during vessel operation.

For more information, visit www. faria-instruments.com.

Jeppesen launches local charts

Colorado-based Jeppesen introduced new C-MAP MAX-N Local charts to North American boaters at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

MAX-N Local cartography works with Lowrance Elite 7 and HDS Gen1, Gen2 and Gen2Touch, Simrad NSS, NSE and NSO, and B&G Zeus Touch Multifunction Navigators.

The charts are available on preprogrammed micro SD cards (with adapter) through Jeppesen dealers or online via Jeppesen Direct. They will soon be available for download directly through the Navico Insight Store (InsightStore.Navico.com).

For more information, visit www. jeppesen.com/marine/MAX-N.

Waveblade launches new tool

Florida-based Waveblade has introduced the PowerShark WB3000 (shown above), a handheld, batterypowered maintenance tool that works up to 20 feet underwater to remove barnacles and growth.

Unlike traditional hull cleaning that depends on friction and the user’s strength, the PowerShark employs a powerful, patented resonant wave

technology. The tool’s cleaning head oscillates at 3,000 rpm with additional harmonics, disrupting the chemical bond between materials. PowerShark needs only a light touch to work, the company said in a news release about the product. It won’t damage fiberglass or metal hulls, and is safe for rubber, PVC, conduit, wood and concrete.

It comes with a 12.8V lithium iron phosphate rechargeable battery pack for up to 90 minutes of use and a flat chisel blade as well as standard 3- and 4.5-inch-wide blades.

It retails for $995; extra batteries cost $295 each. For more information, visit www.waveblade.com.

New helm chair for smaller boats

Miami-based Taco Metals has expanded its line of helm chairs to include the Coastal designed for inshore boats 20-25 feet. It comes with or without armrests.

For more information, visit www. tacometals.com

New audio products launched

California-based marine audio products manufacturer Aquatic AV has launched two new products, the DM-5 series waterproof digital media locker and the 6.5-inch full-range coaxial waterproof speaker.

The media locker is designed to protect even the new, larger smartphones from the elements. Three models are available.

The speaker delivers a maximum of 100 watts of sound.

For more, visit www.aquaticav.com.

Trac certifies Overtemp

Ft. Lauderdale-based TRAC Ecological Products has certified Overtemp Marine S.L. of Palma to provide eco-friendly, professional cleaning of internal yacht water systems in Europe.

“Overtemp Marine will be providing the same reliable, quality onboard systems services in Spain, France and Italy as it provides in New York and South Florida,” said Capt. James Heise of Overtemp.

As a certified service-dealer, Overtemp Marine’s staff will travel dockside to yachts and connect circulating equipment that is used with TRAC Ecological’s biodegradable chemicals that dissolve scale, barnacles, zebra mussels, calcium, rust, lime and other mineral deposits to clean systems including engine seawater and freshwater cooling systems, drinking and potable water systems and wastewater systems as well as air conditioning and refrigeration condenser coils, heat exchangers and chillers, boilers and tanks.

For more information, visit www. trac-online.com or www.overtemp. com/europe.

December 2013 B

Today’s fuel prices Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Nov. 15.

Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 872/940 Savannah, Ga. 878/NA Newport, R.I. 875/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,100/NA St. Maarten 1,100/NA Antigua 955/NA Valparaiso 690/NA North Atlantic

Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,081/NA Cape Verde 868/NA Azores 962/NA Canary Islands 846/1,148 Mediterranean Gibraltar 878/NA Barcelona, Spain 908/1,710 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,789 Antibes, France 904/1,766 San Remo, Italy 1,021/2,243 Naples, Italy 961/1,746 Venice, Italy 1,028/2,690 Corfu, Greece 1,028/2,008 Piraeus, Greece 987/1,820 Istanbul, Turkey 967/NA Malta 960/1,726 Tunis, Tunisia 886/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 886/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 921/NA Sydney, Australia 947/NA Fiji 951/NA

One year ago Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Nov. 15, 2012 Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 814/868 Savannah, Ga. 710/NA Newport, R.I. 720/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI NA/NA St. Maarten 963/NA Antigua 1,001/NA Valparaiso 961/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 714/NA Cape Verde 953/NA Azores 866/NA Canary Islands 938/1,181 Mediterranean Gibraltar 858/NA Barcelona, Spain 815/1,731 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/817 Antibes, France 833/1,676 San Remo, Italy 935/2,067 Naples, Italy 959/2,091 Venice, Italy 938/2,244 Corfu, Greece 1,048/1,983 Piraeus, Greece 999/2,082 Istanbul, Turkey 853/NA Malta 864/1,540 Tunis, Tunisia 884/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 892/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 865/NA Sydney, Australia 861/NA Fiji 723/NA *When available according to local customs.

B December 2013 CRUISING GROUNDS: Sitka, Alaska

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The Triton

Ocean kayaking is a popular activity for exploring the island-laced shoreline around Sitka. Below, the millenia-old native heritage of the Tlingit people is demonstrated by Sitka’s Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Dancers.

PHOTOS/JOCELYN PRIDE

Diverse flavors of Tlingit, Russia and nature entice SITKA, from page B1 also ocean kayaking and bicycle rental options and popular walking trails around Baranof Island.

Many people visiting this part of Alaska expect to see grizzly bears, a much taller order than viewing sea life in the wild. A rewarding alternative is the Fortress of the Bear (fortressofthebear.org), a rescue center five miles out of town.

Still on the rescue theme, the Alaska Raptor Center (alaskaraptor. org) has been on the front lines of eagle rehabilitation and education for decades. With a large indoor/ outdoor facility and daily educational presentations, it is a premier raptor hospital in North America, attracting 36,000 visitors from May through September.

Just as nature is a virtual surround sound when visiting Sitka, so too is the dual cultural heritage.

Residents are fond of saying, “Expect to see Russian borscht soup and alder-smoked salmon on the same menu.”

Successful Tlingit native businesses, whether they are waterfront accommodations such as Totem Square Hotel, tour operators such as Alan Marine Tours’ Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest day tour and Sitka Tribal Tours’ comprehensive cultural tour, or a colorful performance by the Naa Kahidi Dancers at their finely decorated clan house, all illustrate a strong native presence in the community. Sitka’s Sheldon Jackson Museum of Tlingit and other native Alaska heritage is recognized as a premier collection in the world.

Equally vibrant is the Russian heritage with attractions such as the Russian Bishop’s House, impressively

restored by the National Park Service, and the New Archangel Dancers (newarchangeldancers. com) performing since 1969. They are justifiably proud of their repertoire of 40 folk dances and authentic costumes, down to the last button, braid and apron.

If there is a star in Sitka’s Russian heritage crown, it must be St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral, the New World’s earliest Orthodox church. Its green domes and golden crosses are a landmark, open to visitors daily. Today, 90 percent of parishioners of this active community church are Tlingit, indicating that the Russians went home after selling Alaska to the Americans in 1867, but their faith did not.

Around Sitka you can walk everywhere or drive there in 10 minutes; there are only 14 miles of roads on Baranof Island.

Accommodations range from full service hotels to intimate bed and breakfasts such as Ocean View B&B (sitka-alaska-lodging. com), which has been welcoming guests from around the world for 20 years. Restaurants, micro-brew pubs and cafés abound, whether fine dining at Ludvig’s Bistro and the Channel Club or sampling comfort food at Larkspur Café and beer tastings at Baranof Island Brewing Company. Sitka Tourism (sitka.org) offers suggestions and expert planning advice.

Victoria-based Alison Gardner is editor of Travel with a Challenge web magazine, a resource for mature travelers featuring ecological, educational, cultural, and volunteer vacations. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

B December 2013 BOATS / BROKERS

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Amels sells first in latest limited edition line; delivery in 2016 Dutch builder Amels has sold its first limited edition Amels 242, a 74m vessel of Tim Heywood design with a 240-square-meter owner’s deck that includes a forward-looking owner’s suite, his and hers bathrooms, and an owner’s office. Aft is the owner’s lounge facing aft with sliding glass doors that make it an inside or outside area.

Due for delivery in 2016, construction is under way. Andrew Winch has been commissioned to style the interior, which will include two VIP cabins on main deck, each equipped with a bedroom, office, guest suite and dressing room.

The watersports garage can hold two 9.5m tenders, jet skis and assorted other toys. Amels is working with Moran Yacht & Ship on the project.

All five models in the limited editions range are in build, from the Amels 180 to the Amels 272, with nine under construction. Heywood’s avantgarde design for the Amels 199 debuted in Monaco.

The Amels 242 is 1,725 gross tons, carries 14 guests and runs with a crew of 19 and staff of two.

Merle Wood & Associates has sold the 230-foot (70m) Benetti M/Y Reverie, a joint listing with Ocean Independence and Burgess, with Craig Tafoya of Penumbra Marine, and the 171-foot Feadship M/Y Battered Bull.

The brokerage has added to its central agency listings for sale the 153foot Feadship M/Y Daybreak, the 118foot Azimut/Benetti M/Y Shalimar, the 120-foot Feadship M/Y Our Toy, the 112-foot Westport M/Y Primadonna and an 83-foot built in 2008.

Moran Yacht & Ship has sold the 223-foot (68m) Lurssen M/Y Kismet, the 164-foot (50m) Trinity M/Y Mine Games with Galati Yacht Sales and the 150-foot (46m) Palmer Johnson M/Y Vantage (with BYS).

The firm added to its new central agency listings for sale the 106-foot (32m) Broward M/Y Rio for $1.4 million.

YPI Brokerage, the sales and new construction arm of Yachting Partners International, has sold the 51m M/Y Umbra built by Damen Shipyards Group by broker Russell Crump.

The company has added to its central agency listings for sale the 47m M/Y Amoixa (formerly Axioma) built

by ISA and listed for 12.5 million euros, and the 30m M/Y Synergy built by Falcon Yachts for 2.2 million euros.

Fraser Yachts has sold the 163foot (50m) Benetti M/Y Cuor di Leone listed for $15.9 million with brokers Jan Jaap Minnema and Antoine Larricq in Monaco and Stuart Larsen in Ft.

Lauderdale, the 105-foot (32m) S/Y Cassiopeia built by Holland Jachtbouw and listed for $5 million with broker Georges Bourgoignie in Ft. Lauderdale, and the 89-foot (27m) S/Y Ilios built by Kesigin Yatcilik listed for 2.5 million euros with broker Haver Tanbay in Turkey.

New to the firm’s central agency listings for sale are the new build 190-foot (58m) Project Ranger 58M Explorer by Proteksan Turquoise due for delivery in 2016 and listed for 41.5 million euros with broker Thorsten Giesbert in Spain, the 139-foot (42m) M/Y Aktobe built by Alfamarine and listed for 7.8 million euros with broker Harry Perlata in Spain, the 130-foot (39m) Westport M/Y Endless Summer listed for $8.5 million with broker Joshua Gulbranson in Ft. Lauderdale, the 116-foot (35m) M/Y Deep Blue built

by Brooke Yachts and listed for $1.6 million with Gulbranson and broker Michael Selter in San Diego, the 102foot (31m) M/Y Ana Marta U built

by Maiora and listed at 2.8 million euros with Perlata, the 97-foot (29m) Hargrave M/Y HP 4 listed for $3.7 million with broker Scott French in Ft. Lauderdale, the 92-foot (28m) M/Y Endless Summer built by Paragon and listed for $2.6 million with brokers Eric Pearson and Neal Esterly in San Diego, the 82-foot (25m) Hatteras M/Y Reel Pain II listed for just under $1 million with Esterly, and the 76-foot (23m) Nordhavn M/Y Cadenza listed for $3.5 million with Tom Allen in Seattle.

International Yacht Collection broker Frank Grzeszczak has sold the 161-foot Trinity M/Y Anjilis listed at $21.5 million, and the 80-foot Hatteras M/Y Life of Reilly with Frank Grzeszczak Jr., listed at $3.2 million.

New to the firm’s central agency listings for sale is the 75-foot (23m) M/Y Remember When built by Millennium and listed with broker Mark Elliott for $895,000.

BYS, the brokerage division of Burger Boat Company, has sold the 148foot (45m) M/Y Karia built by RMK Marine with Burgess and Fraser Yachts.

Camper and Nicholsons has recently sold the 128-foot (39m) M/Y Vellmari, the 105-foot (32m) M/Y Cassiopeia, and the 85-foot (26m) M/Y Hera-C built by the Dutch shipyard Cammenga.

The brokerage has added to its central agency listings for sale the 130-foot (40m) Westport M/Y Trading Places IV, the 128-foot (39m) S/Y Renaissance built by CNT Castagnola, the 127-foot (39m) M/Y Gladius built

by Cantieri di Pisa, the 121-foot (37m)

See BOATS / BROKERS, page B9

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

BOATS / BROKERS

Westport delivers latest 40m; Saia moves to B&B BOATS / BROKERS, from page B8 Sunseeker M/Y Aqua Libra, the 102foot (31m) M/Y Queen South built by Versilcraft, and the 82-foot (25m) M/Y First Episode built by Amer (along with her berth in Antibes).

New to its charter fleet is the 153foot (47m) Feadship M/Y Daybreak available in the Bahamas this winter, the 150-foot (46m) Picchiotti M/Y Golden Compass in the Caribbean this winter and the 126-foot (38m) Broward M/Y Le Montrachet also in the Bahamas this winter.

American builder Westport has delivered the 130-foot (40m) M/Y Fruition, the 38th 40m yacht the company has delivered and the 10th since it was redesigned in 2009.

Northrop & Johnson has added to its charter fleet the 163-foot (50m) M/Y Liberty built by ISA Yachts and available in the Med next summer with Fiona Maureso as charter manager.

In other news, the firm hired Kate Oakley as a sales assistant. Oakley has worked as a yacht stew and chef and has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.

The 171-foot (52m) Amels M/Y Belle Aimee will charter in New

Zealand and Fiji this winter through charter agent Jim Webster at www. yachtbelleaimee.com.

This spring, the vessel will be based in Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Summer in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Fall and next winter in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Burma.

Hill Robinson Yacht Management Consultants has added to its charter fleet the 49m Trinity M/Y Zoom Zoom Zoom under the command of Capt. Scott Kynoch.

The International Superyacht Society honored the year’s best yachts for their design at its annual gala during the Ft. Lauderdale Show.

M/Y Stella Marris by Viareggio Superyachts was honored as Best Power over 65m, M/Y Excellence V by Abeking & Rasmussen as Best Power 40-65m, and M/Y Cary Ali by Alloy Yachts as Best Power 24-40m.

Among sailing vessels, ISS honored S/Y Better Place by Wally as Best Sail larger than 40m and S/Y Pumula by Royal Huisman as Best Sail 24-40m.

For Best Refit, ISS honored the Feadship M/Y A2 refit by Pendennis.

M/Y Stella Marris also won for Best Interior, done by Reverberi Design.

Leadership awards were given to

Michael Moore of Moore & Company as Business Person of the Year, Giancarlo Ragnetti of Perini Navi with the Leadership Award, and Damen Shipyards for Excellence in Innovation.

Three years after merging her charter company with a large industry brokerage house, charter specialist Jennifer Saia has started a boutique Saia charter company under the Bartram & Brakenhoff brand, B&B Yacht Charters based in Newport.

Bartram & Brakenhoff had closed its charter arm a few years ago. The new company, which is a partnership between Saia and brokerage owner David Lacz, opened in October.

Saia owned The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals for 17 years before merging with International Yacht Collection in 2010.

“IYC is a great company, but it’s big,” she said. “This is a much more boutique environment.”

Saia has relocated to Newport and hired Deb McCall as executive and charter assistant. Patti Trusel will handle charter marketing.

December 2013 B

B10 December 2013 BUSINESS BRIEFS

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The Triton

Travel partnership gives PYA members free ground transport us to surpass our dreams with the remodeling of their new home,” said Karen Dudden-Blake, vice president and head of human resources. “Most of the employees now enjoy beautiful water views.”

The expansion includes a 1.5-acre tree preserve where the company plans to build a gazebo and path.

For more information, visit www. palladiumtechs.com.

PYA members get free transfers

Norway-based marine and offshore travel company G Travel has partnered with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) to give members who book their trip through G Travel complimentary ground transportation by limousine from Nice airport to ports from Mandelieu-La Napoule near Cannes in the west and to Monaco in the east.

G Travel’s yachting division, G Travel Yacht (www.gtravelyacht.com) provides a global travel service specifically tailored for superyacht owners, crews and support entities.

The transportation company is The Driver, a luxury limousine and chauffeur company based in Monaco.

Palladium expands HQ

Ft. Lauderdale-based Palladium

MegayachtNews adds app Technologies, above, a developer of yacht control and monitoring systems, has doubled its office space after acquiring its building and renovating the space.

The company remains at 3900 S.W.

30th Ave., but now occupies 8,000 square feet and has added an A/V experience room, a galley and workout room. The company’s administrative and engineering teams are based there.

“The staff at Palladium has helped

New Jersey-based MegayachtNews. com has launched an app to help users research photos of yachts, share photos, view videos and reach out to the industry’s top builders and designers.

The app also pushes notifications of newly added information on the Web site. Plans include incorporating a charter brokers directory, a marinas directory, and a calendar of events.

The app is available for free download for both Android and Apple devices in the Google Play store and iTunes App store.

New business like mom to crew

A yachting professional who is also a mom has started a business to help new crew feel like part of the family.

Yacht Crew Connection is designed to give crew who are far away from home and perhaps on their own for the first time a place to turn for information, resources and counseling.

It also serves as a local connection and emergency contact for the parents of new yacht crew.

“We provide support, reassurance, guidance and hugs as needed,” founder and president Peg Garvia said. “We welcome crew like our own family.”

Garvia With two daughters of her own, Garvia, who is part-time operations manager at MTS Yachts in Ft. Lauderdale, said she started the business to serve as surrogate mom.

She uses her skills and contacts from her experience in the industry as a crew placement coordinator and bookkeeper, and as a motivator.

“We approach any problems they may have with a ‘how can I help’ attitude,” she said. “It’s important because healthy and happy crew are what captains look for.”

For more information, visit www. yachtcrewconnection.com.

ProTank opens in San Diego

Ft. Lauderdale-based ProTank, a tank cleaning and sandblasting company, has opened an office in San Diego.

See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page B11

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

Intellian adds dealer; charter company opens BUSINESS BRIEFS, from page B10 Partnering with companies such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics Nassco, ProTank will begin contracts serving the U.S. Navy out of Naval Base San Diego.

For more, visit www.protank.net.

Unlimited now Intellian dealer

Ft. Lauderdale-based Unlimited Marine Services (UMSI), a marine electronics provider, has been selected as a dealer for Intellian Technologies, manufacturer of satellite antennas.

“Unlimited Marine Services is in a good location at Lauderdale Marine Center, and has the capacity and technical expertise to cope with the volume we anticipate,” said Paul Comyns, marketing director of Intellian.

For more information, visit www. umsifl.com or www.intelliantech.com.

Charter company opens new bases

Annapolis-based Dream Yacht Charter opened its newest base near Ft. Lauderdale in mid-November at Harbor Towne Marina in Dania Beach. The company features a mix of monohulls from Beneteau and Jeanneau, and catamarans from Lagoon, Fountain Pajot and Voyage for day sails or term charters.

The office will be managed by Craig Allison, who also owns a yacht refurbishment and commissioning firm.

Dream Yacht Charter recently Allison opened bases in Antigua at the fullservice marina in Jolly Harbour and managed by Thierry Ote, in Grenada at Marina Port Louis., and in the UK in Southampton on the bank of the Solent at Port Hamble Marina.

For more information, visit www. dreamyachtcharter.com.

Seakeeper hires service manager

Maryland-based gyro stabilization system manufacturer Seakeeper has hired Kevin Zervas as global service manager.

Zervas has 20 years of industry experience in management and service positions. For Seakeeper, he will oversee a global team of technicians, continue to enhance service training programs, and expand the company’s customer support via key partners, distributors and dealers.

For more, visit www.seakeeper.com.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

December 2013 B11

B12 December 2013 FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road

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Yachts detained, captains arrested, fined in yacht sector RULES, from page B1 leaking water. The generators had active lube oil leaks. A fire door in the lazarette could only be opened from one direction, thus causing a severe egress issue.

When the captain was asked why this condition existed, he explained that a major shipyard period was scheduled in three months time. The whole engine room would be fixed then. Canadian authorities disagreed.

The yacht was ordered to a repair dock for immediate corrective action.

In the United Kingdom, the captain

of a 65-foot (20m) yacht was fined about $5,700 when he fired rocket distress flares when not in need of immediate assistance. While at a harbor festival, the captain fired a rocket that landed on shore and continued to burn. Thankfully, spectators on shore were able to extinguish the subsequent fire. Some time later, two more flares were fired further out amongst moored boats.

This action dispatched lifeboat crews to the scene. The captain was found, questioned, and arrested.

Continuing with our European location, the captain of a 100-foot

(30m) yacht was found guilty of failing to keep a lookout, impeding a vessel constrained by her draft, and incorrectly crossing a narrow channel thereby impeding a vessel constrained by her draft. While maneuvering a sailing yacht, this captain determined that he had right of way with an approaching 120,000 gross ton oil tanker. Continuing on his course, even after the tanker sounded the danger signal and multiple warnings on VHF, the yacht collided with the tanker. The sailing yacht’s rigging became entangled in the ship’s anchor.

This caused the mast to collapse and

trap a member of the crew. A second crew member had jumped overboard moments before the collision. Both were rescued and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The captain was arrested and tried in court. In addition to the three guilty charges, he was ordered to pay about $155,000 in fines and costs of damage.

Having spent a considerable amount of my sea time on tankers, this scenario definitely falls within the unwritten “law of gross tonnage.”

Back to this side of the Atlantic, the ingenious engineer of a 145-foot (44m) yacht found himself on the wrong side of the U.S. Coast Guard.

While taking on bunkers at a fuel dock, he discovered a small leak at the deck connection. Fuel oil had begun to accumulate. Rather than stop the fueling and fix the leak, he threw down a few absorbent pads. When the fueling was completed, he cleaned up the area by washing down the decks.

Noting that there was a nice sheen in the water next to the yacht, the resourceful engineer decided to use some dish soap to disperse the fuel.

Just when all appeared to be done, there was a commanding voice on the swim platform. The boys in blue from the USCG were there. They received a phone call of an oil spill at the marina and were there to investigate.

Upon further questioning, the engineer explained his actions during bunkering, his wash down of the fuel, and use of a “dispersant” in the water.

Needless to say, these were not the correct actions to take. Surprising to the engineer, he was arrested for violation of the Clean Water Act. Final disposition of the case is pending, but the engineer is facing civil penalties of about $30,000 and potential criminal charges, as deliberate oil pollution is a felony.

It happens. Be it a big accident or a little accident, it happens. It is nothing new to our industry. The history of accidents at sea transgresses to the first vessel that took to the water.

However, it is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that safety is practiced at all times. Unfortunately, where one assumes that common sense will prevail, it is not always the case.

Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides flag-state inspection services to yachts on behalf of several administrations. A deck officer graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, he previously sailed as master on merchant ships, acted as designated person for a shipping company, and served as regional manager for an international classification society. Contact him at +1 954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau.org.

Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

B14 December 2013 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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The Triton

Holidays brings networking, shows, parties and parades EVENT OF THE MONTH Dec. 6-12 52nd annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show Antigua

Yachts will be at Nelson’s Dockyard Marina in English Harbour, Falmouth Harbour Marina and Antigua Yacht Club Marina, both in Falmouth Harbour. Includes yacht hops, continental breakfast, wine tasting, and captain and engineer party. Includes seminars to cover GUEST program, safety and firefighting, deck and lines, cruising Mexico and Windward islands, and culinary wellness. This year’s Concours de Chef theme is “The Raw Food Luncheon Challenge”. antiguayachtshow.com

December

Holiday boat parade finder.

List of holiday boat parades in the United States. www.boatus.com/events

Lauderdale at 6:30 p.m. Billed as 12 miles of the “Greatest Show on H20.” winterfestparade.com

Dec. 18 The Triton’s monthly

networking event on the third Wednesday of the month at Nautical Ventures in Ft. Lauderdale, , 6-8 p.m. www.the-triton.com.

Jan. 1-5 New York Boat Show, Javits

Center, New York. NYBoatShow.com

Jan. 4-12 Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, UK. www.londonboatshow.com

Jan. 9-18 Florida Keys Uncorked

Food and Wine Festival, Key Largo and Islamorada, Florida Keys. www. keylargofoodandwinefestival.com

Jan. 15 Fort Lauderdale to Key West

Race. This annual 160-mile ocean race runs before Key West race week. www. keywestrace.org

Jan. 18-26 Boot Dusseldorf, Germany. www.boat-duesseldorf.com

Dec. 4 The Triton’s monthly networking Jan. 19-24 Quantum Key West race event on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. Sponsored by West Marine in Ft. Lauderdale. No RSVP necessary; just bring business cards and the will to meet new people. www.the-triton.com

week. www.premiere-racing.com

Dec. 5-8 36th annual St. Petersburg

Jan. 22-24 Boatyard Business

Power and Sailboat Show, St. Petersburg, Fla. www.showmanagement.com

Dec. 7-15 Salon Nautique de Paris,

France. www.salonnautiqueparis.com

Dec. 10 USSA SE regional holiday party, J. Mark’s Restaurant, Ft. Lauderdale.

Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for Marine Industry Cares Foundation.

5:30-7:30 p.m., $10 members; $15 guests. ussuperyacht.com

Dec. 11 Marine Industry Cares

Foundation annual Toy Drive and Holiday Party, Skate Las Olas, Ft. Lauderdale. Please bring an unwrapped toy or a $10 donation. miasf.org

Dec. 13 PYA Christmas Ball, Cannes.

Professional Yachting Association members annual event. www.pya.org

Dec. 14 Seminole Hard Rock

Winterfest Boat Parade, Ft. Lauderdale.

The parade travels east on the New River and north on the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. Starts in downtown Ft.

Jan. 22-23 9th annual USSA Captain’s Briefing, St. Maarten. For captains, senior crew and industry leaders. ussuperyacht.com

Conference, B Ocean Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale. The American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA) hosts the annual conference, “Reflect, Rethink, Refocus: Business Leadership for Tomorrow’s Boat Building and Repair Industry.” www. abbra.org

MAKING PLANS Feb. 13-17 The Yacht and Brokerage Show Miami Beach The 26th annual in-water megayacht show along a onemile stretch of the Indian Creek Waterway. Owned by the Florida Yacht Brokers Association. Free. www.showmanagement.com.

Running concurrently is the Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which will add an inwater superyacht show this year.

Owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Free shuttle bus connects the two shows. www.miamiboatshow.com

The Triton

www.the-triton.com SPOTTED: Costa Rica, Ft. Lauderdale

December 2013 B15

Triton Spotters Darlan Lopes and Christian Wolthers of Viking Surf’SUP in Ft. Lauderdale, left, took time from surfing the waves to send a spotter from Playa Jaco in Costa Rica in November.

Triton family kids, below left, kept the Triton spirit alive at the Winterfest Boat Parade in Ft. Lauderdale last year. This year’s parade is Saturday, Dec. 14, along the New River and ICW. Chef J Blevins, below, shows his colors during the National Marine Suppliers Poker Run in October. We miss those shirts.

Where have you taken your Triton lately?

Whether reading on your laptop, tablet, smart phone or in print, show us how you get your crew news.

Send photos to editorial@ the-triton.com.

C Section

Scholarship gets boost Poker run, networking bring donations for students.

C2

December 2013

Triton networks this month Industry invited to West Marine and Nautical Ventures.

C3-4

The splash of color Top tips to enhance your flower treatments onboard. C4

TOUGH CHOICE: Two-thirds of respondents in our survey this month said they consider smoking as a factor when PHOTO/DORIE COX eliminating potential crew. Is that discrimination? And if it is, is it wrong?

Smoking, age, country top list of hiring criteria When we asked about issues of concern last month, one of the items yacht captains and crew said they deal with in their careers is discrimination, so we decided to ask a little more about that in this month’s survey.

As service workers, yacht crew are often expected to be attractive and energetic as well as capable. It’s perhaps understandable when the owner wants pretty girls in the interior, perhaps less so when he refuses a mate candidate because of the color of his skin.

Or is it?

The word discrimination has a negative connotation as the unjust treatment of one group compared to another. On land, it is often illegal.

In yachting, there appear to be reasons for the hiring decisions made.

For example, a vessel may require the new chef to be a man simply because the only bunk available is in a shared cabin with the male bosun. Is that discrimination?

But a vessel may also only hire slender female stews because their uniform inventory is limited to sizes 2 and 4. Is that discrimination?

By asking the question, we don’t mean to judge. We mean merely to give captains and crew a forum for their thoughts and perhaps create a dialog.

C8

All at once and perfect? How off, on are you?

TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

By Lucy Chabot Reed

Holiday treats taunt Keep your figure despite buffets, treats, cocktails.

On land, discrimination most often revolves around issues of race, sexual orientation and religion, but when we asked Which criteria does your vessel use to eliminate potential candidates?, those three were the least likely factors used in hiring yacht crew.

The most common factor yachts use when making a hiring decision is smoking. More than two-thirds of the 185 captains and crew who took our survey this month said their vessels made hiring decisions based on whether someone smoked.

The next most common criterion was age, with about 62 percent saying this was a hiring consideration.

“Most owners want a handsome 26-year-old captain with 40 years of experience,” a respondent said.

Nationality was the only other item that more than half the responding captains and crew said their vessels base hiring decisions on.

The bulk of the remaining results applied to about a third of respondents, who said their vessels use gender (36 percent), clothing size (33.1 percent) and physical disability (or level of fitness, 32.6 percent).

Two other hiring criteria may be yachting-specific, including food preference (24.6 percent) and personal characteristics (12.6 percent). Among the “other” responses, most pointed

out tattoos and weight, both of which could be included in provided response choices such as “personal characteristics” and “clothing size”, so those categories are likely larger than they appear.

“It is the captain’s responsibility to first gauge the interests and preferences of the owner,” a respondent said.

“This would happen at interview or shortly afterward. That way he would select rather than deselect the type of applicants the owner is looking for.”

One caveat: We neglected to ask our respondents basic information about themselves so we are unable this month to identify respondents by position or vessel size. Not having that data also made it impossible to cross reference responses based on age, gender or position onboard. We regret the omission.

Has any vessel in your career ever required a certain type of candidate for a job, such as a male chef or a non-American mate?

The majority, 87.1 percent, said yes.

“This survey is so you can confirm what you already know,” said one respondent identified as a 13-year veteran. “It’s high-end hospitality; of course there is discrimination.”

When we asked for examples of

See SURVEY, page C10

There is nothing worse for a yacht chef than to have our guests sitting around the table, waiting for their next course. They are waiting, of course, because the elements of our meal are all coming out at different times. I hate it when one dish either gets cold while I’m waiting for another dish to finish or it Culinary Waves overcooks slightly Mary Beth in my attempt to Lawton Johnson keep it warm.

To be a great chef, you must have your food come out all at once, on time, and done to perfection.

So how do you get to that point, especially if you have space constraints with small galleys and small ovens?

Start by making the menu and putting time slots next to each item.

For instance, if you will serve Glazed Ham with Fresh Green Beans and Baked Sweet Potato, look at each item separately and write down the time.

Pre-cooked glazed ham takes about 30 minutes to heat. To be ready by 1 p.m., it should be in the over by 12:30 p.m. Prep time is about 20 minutes.

Fresh green beans take about 8 minutes to cook. To be ready by 1 p.m., put them on at 12:50 p.m.. Prep time is about 20 minutes.

Baked sweet potatoes take an hour to cook at 400 degrees F. To be ready by 1 p.m., preheat the oven at 11:45 a.m. and begin baking at noon.

If we follow that simple schedule, our main dish should be ready at 1 p.m., that is, if everything goes according to plan.

What if your menu is more complicated? You can break it down further and put time slots next to each item in a recipe to ensure accurate timing. Just be sure the amount of preparation is accurate for each recipe.

Although this sounds simple See WAVES, page C7

C December 2013 TRITON NETWORKING: Yachty Rentals

T

he Triton hosted its annual Poker Run and networking at Yachty Rentals in Ft. Lauderdale on Dec. 6 and raised $500 for the Triton “Nautical News� scholarship.

More than 300 captains, crew and industry professionals picked cards at National Marine Suppliers, Advanced Mechanical Enterprises and Elite Marine.

The final hand was drawn after barbeque and a pig roast at Yachty Rentals. The scholarship helps students in the marine training program learn boat repair, electronics, engine room, fiberglass and more.

Donations are still accepted at browardcollegefoundation.org.

PHOTOS/DORIE COX

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NETWORKING THIS MONTH: West Marine

December 2013 C

Kick off December at Triton networking with West Marine On the first Wednesday in December, The Triton networks with West Marine in Ft. Lauderdale.

Join us Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. at the flagship store on South Andrews Avenue and State Road 84.

Until then, learn a little more about West Marine Megayacht Supply from Brian Rasmussen, the Rasmussen South Florida outside sales representative.

Q. The Ft. Lauderdale West Marine store is huge. Tell us all about it.

Our Ft. Lauderdale store is the largest in our fleet with more than 50,000 square feet of product, service and customer experience.

We listened to customers, learned about the marketplace and opened a location that truly transcends everything we have previously experienced as a company.

If it transcends our experience, imagine what the customers experience. The location is a one-stop shop complete with a rigging center and parts center.

We also have a forward distribution

center that can make deliveries six times a day.

Q. How did West Marine start?

What has become the world’s largest boating supply retailer started modestly enough in a garage in Sunnyvale, Calif. In 1968, our founder Randy Repass began selling rope by mail order under the name West Coast Ropes.

Q. What’s your background?

I graduated from the College of Charleston in South Carolina. While in school I got a job working at The Charleston City Marina.

I fell in love with the industry right away. After graduating I moved to Indianapolis and got a “real” job. It only took a year and half and one winter before I moved back to Charleston and went back to work at the marina.

After meeting a number of yacht crew, I decided to move down to Ft. Lauderdale and find a job on a yacht.

That was back in 2001 and the industry was very different. I worked as crew until two years ago when my wife and I decided to start a family.

Q. Why should yacht crew use West Marine?

That’s easy: Convenience and transparency in pricing.

Convenience: Today, West Marine has more than 300 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada. The company now carries more than 50,000 products, ranging from the rope that started it all to the latest in marine electronics. We have a network of vans that can deliver product for free to most ports in the United States. Ordering and quoting can be done online, by phone, through e-mail or in store.

Pricing: The price of every item in the store is clearly marked so there are no guessing games as to what you will be charged. Megayacht Supply and Port Supply customers’ pricing is a little more tricky because of their discount level. But they at least know that they will never pay more than the marked price in the store.

Q. How does your experience on yachts help you do your job?

During my career in yachting I have worked with a number of ship chandleries, both here in the U.S. and in the Mediterranean. I clearly remember where these chandleries excelled and where they failed.

I communicated these experiences with my team so that we can work to overcome where others fall short.

Q. Who will yacht crew work with at West Marine?

The captains and crew will receive better than expected service from any one of our 90 store associates.

For larger or more complex orders, we have three offices located in the southeast corner of the store. There, captains and crew will find Ben Duggan, Bill Baird and myself.

Q. What products should crew know about?

Where do I begin? Technology is always changing and products are always being reinvented. At West Marine we keep up on new product training and try to keep our clients educated on new lines.

I try to pair my new product knowledge and training from West Marine with my practical experience of being a yacht mate for the past 10 years to help my customers make the best choice for their vessel.

I have tried a lot of products and I know the ones that work and the ones that don’t. Yacht captains and crew can come see me and I will share my inside information with them.

West Marine is located at 2401 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (33316) at the southwest corner of S.R. 84 and South Andrews Avenue. Contact the store at +1 954-400-5323 and online at www.westmarine.com.

C December 2013 NETWORKING THIS MONTH: Nautical Ventures

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Nautical Ventures to showcase new shop at Triton networking Nautical Ventures highlights its new location on the third Wednesday in December at Triton networking.

All yacht captains, crew and industry professionals are welcome on Dec. 18 at the expanded, waterfront venue in Dania Beach, Fla., from 6-8 p.m. for casual networking.

Until then, learn more about the watersports equipment retailer with Renee McCullers, the yacht tender team leader.

Q. Tell us about Nautical Ventures. McCullers Visionary Roger Moore is at the helm of this growing company. Frankly, he’s one of the hardest working people I know and he has surrounded himself with others inkind.

This past summer, he expanded his relationship with Novurania, and Nautical Ventures was appointed as a distributor for Florida. Part and parcel, having worked for Novurania for 10 years, I was thrilled to join the team at Nautical Ventures.

We intend to keep on-hand a minimum of 30 to 40 boats at all times. Novurania has set the industry standard for more than 30 years and it will be our feature line.

In addition, we represent several distinctive, up-and-coming tender manufacturers: Carbon Craft offers an ultra high-end, small water jet tender; Evolution Tenders has its own cuttingedge jet tender and is an exceptionally economical boat as well; Airship hosts a range of large traditional RIBs; and the Chapman Transition brings its unique bow-boarding ramp.

Q. Your new location was prompted by the Ft. Lauderdale airport expansion. Tell us more.

We took that opportunity to build our state-of-the-art facility. It’s awesome; this is the showroom I’ve dreamed of with 13,000 square feet of new product on display. The waterfront venue with the floating docks makes it really convenient to demonstrate our SUPs, kayaks and tenders. We have a second, adjacent 15,000-square-foot facility dedicated to rigging and stock storage. The Dania Beach location, just south of the airport, is ideal.

Q. What sets you all apart?

Customer relations. We’re dedicated to every detail and we know our clients are busy people that are passionate about enjoying the water. We want you to enjoy the shopping experience and strive to build a relationship that continues through quality service.

Q. What do you think is important about your job?

This question got me thinking about my career and reminded me I’ve spent considerably more than half my life in the marine industry, including more than 20 years in yachting. Every day, I meet someone new, people from all over the world, all with an enthusiasm for watersports. I love this business.

Q. Tell us about yourself.

My marine career started behind a deck-brush more than 35 years ago, working weekends on the party boats and charter fishing fleet in Clearwater, Fla. After that, I made a foray into commercial fishing.

Looking for a better way to earn a living and stay on the water, I started a small business doing cosmetic maintenance, and worked for builders delivering new yachts into South Florida. I accepted a temporary crew position that lasted 10 years. Those were the good ol’ days when a 105-foot Broward would stop traffic.

Q. Do you have a background in watersports?

I was a competitive swimmer throughout my school years. My friends and I waterskied a lot during high school. In my 20s, all my holiday time was dedicated to scuba, and I also enjoy the peace and quiet of kayaking on weekends.

Q. What are yachts buying this year?

I sense a renewed energy from yacht owners. They are replacing their old tenders and, of course, the charter yachts are always on the lookout for the latest must-have toy.

Q. Who will yacht crew interact with at Nautical Ventures?

All our employees have a special expertise in some segment of our business and we work as a team.

Q. What is something that people don’t know about Nautical Ventures?

We now offer bunkering through our new partnership with Luk Fuel. Take advantage of dockside fuel delivery and a low minimum order of 100 gallons.

Q. What makes you different?

One-stop shopping, sales, maintenance, parts and repair are all under a single umbrella.

We are looking forward to hosting the monthly Triton party on Dec. 18 as a perfect opportunity to show our industry friends our new home.

The new location of Nautical Ventures is 50 S. Bryan Road in Dania Beach (33004). From I-95, exit Stirling Road east, turn north on Bryan Road. From US 1, turn west on Stirling and north on Bryan Road. Look for the new building with a bright orange stripe. Contact Nautical Ventures at +1 954-926-5250, +1 877-352-442 and through www. nauticalventures.com.

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INTERIOR: Stew Cues

Pre-condition, condition cut flowers to keep them freshest Flowers are a focal point of a stew’s responsibilities, and there is no better way to add a splash of color to an area than with a beautiful floral display.

We want our arrangements to look their best as long as possible.

It is nerve-racking when the trip is nearly over, the flowers are wilting, and you try to make the Stew Cues arrangements look Alene Keenan great just a few more days.

There are several tips for keeping them fresh, but to do this, we first need to understand why flowers die.

Each type of flower has stages of development or maturity, and certain stages are better than others for cutting. You have to know what to look for when buying flowers. If choosing your own stems, pay attention to the stage of maturity of each one.

For the majority of flowers, the best stage to buy them in is just before they are fully open.

Ideally, the blooms are more developed than tight buds but not so old that they are starting to deteriorate. Most of our flowers, however, are bought from a florist, and this is usually the stage they are in.

Some flowers keep best when cut in the bud stage or when just starting to open, for example, daffodil, iris, peony, poppy and tulip. Others keep best when fully open at cutting time, such as daisy, marigold, orchid, violet and zinnia.

Pre-conditioning flowers

Regardless of how much care has been taken with flowers in cutting or shipping, a certain amount of wilting will occur. You must pre-condition and condition the flowers so that they are full of water again before they are arranged.

Look over the flowers carefully one by one, and as each stem is examined, remove all the leaves that will be in the water, and any leaves or petals that are diseased or insect-damaged.

Recut the stems at an angle, which increases the surface area and allows stems to absorb more water. Remove 1-2 inches with a sharp knife or shears under warm running water, if possible.

Leave some extra length for later re-

cutting when the flower is placed into an arrangement. Always use sharp cutting tools to make a clean diagonal cut and minimize damage to the stem end. Immediately place the stem into water and preservative solution before the stem end starts to dry.

Water and nutrients (sugar) must be able to move up the stems to keep the flower hydrated. To allow water uptake, the surface of the cut end of the stem must be kept functioning.

A cut flower will die, even though it is full of water, when its supply of food is used up. A number of commercial floral preservatives are available that can, if used properly, prolong the useful life of cut flowers. If you know that your water is hard (pH 8-10), use up to twice the recommended amount.

Conditioning flowers

Woody stems, tree blossoms and large roses should have the lowest branches and thorns removed and the bark scraped from the bottom of the stem. The end should be cut on the diagonal and then a vertical cut made up into the stem Some flowers emit a milky sap, including poppies, ferns, daffodils and sunflowers. The sap can cause a reaction in other flowers that will lead to a shorter vase life, spoiling your arrangement. Dip the lower ends of the stems in boiling water for 5 seconds to cauterize and stop the sap from flowing. Another method is to sear the cut ends with a flame for a few seconds and then to place the stems in warm water. Keep these flowers separate from other flowers overnight to ensure that any fresh sap won’t affect your arrangement.

Spring bulbs: the white part of the stem cannot absorb water, so cut it off on a slant. This includes tulips, hyacinths and daffodils.

Floppy stem: some flowers have stems that will wilt in the arrangement.

To help support them in conditioning, wrap them in wet newspaper and stand them upright overnight. If they still droop, floral wire may be used to stand them up.

Large-leaves should be rinsed to remove dust and soil, and then soaked in tepid water so that the tissues can fill with water.

Always wait to arrange your flowers until they are full of water. Deep

See STEW, page C6

December 2013 C

C December 2013 IN THE GALLEY: Top Shelf

Savory cheesecake Last month’s recipe (white chocolate cheesecake) was dedicated it to all those who have a sweet tooth. However, if you are like me and prefer a savory dessert such as an assorted cheese board accompanied by a good glass of red, then read on my friends, read on.

Mixing cream cheese and goat cheese allows for a decadent, smooth texture and all around mouth-coating effect, which can allow this recipe to be both a starter or dessert. And the garnish possibilities are endless.

The upside to this dish from a chef ’s perspective is the minimal amount of time it takes to prepare. Go get creative.

Mark Godbeer, a culinary-trained chef from South Africa, has been professionally cooking for more than 11 years, 9 of which have been on yachts. Comments on this recipe are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

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Keep flowers fed, fresh, away from fruit bowl for best display STEW, from page C5 immersion is optimal for most plants, but spring-flowering bulbs and Gerbera daisies should be kept in shallow water.

Add floral preservative to the water and let flowers stand in cool, dark place for 2-8 hours to condition them.

Ingredients: 3 tbsps cold water 2 tbsps gelatin 1/2 cup cream 1 cup goat cheese, softened 1 cup cream cheese, softened 1 tbsp smoked sea salt 1 tbsp cracked pepper 2 cups whole wheat crackers 1/4 stick butter, melted 3 green onions, thinly sliced 1/4 cup craisins

Keep them fed

Once you have arranged your flowers, the secret of keeping them looking fresh is to prevent wilting and improve water uptake. Make sure any containers or vases you use are squeaky clean and use a bactericide (such as chlorine bleach) or a floral preservative to control bacteria.

Directions: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over the cold water and let sit undisturbed for 10 minutes as the gelatin blooms and becomes sponge like.

Homemade floral preservative

2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp bleach, 1/4 tsp alum, 1 quart water l 2 tbsp white vinegar, 2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp bleach, 1 quart water l 1 pint clear soda, 1/2 tsp bleach, 1 pint water l

In a heavy bottomed saucepan on medium heat, bring the cream to a boil. Add the cheeses and whisk smooth.

Continue whisking and add gelatin.

Whisk until it is totally incorporated.

Remove pot from stove and pour mixture through a sieve into a bowl.

Add salt and pepper and whisk again. Transfer cheese mixture from bowl to pouring jug.

In a food processor, add crackers, butter, green onions and craisins.

Pulse for 20 seconds.

Grease 8-10 ring molds and place on a tray. Take 2 tbsps of the cracker mixture and pat down hard, filing the bottom of each ring mold. You can put more or less depending on your preference.

Equally divide the cheese mixture over the cracker crusts. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours, after which they can be removed from

the ring molds. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Accompany these cakes with both sweet and savory. I use caper berries, sliced and frozen grapes, strawberries and micro basil. If this dessert will not be for charter/yacht purposes, then crack open a bottle of cab/merlot blend, sit back, relax and enjoy.

Check the water level daily, adding enough to keep all stems in water.

This is especially important if floral foams are used. If the water becomes cloudy, change it. Wash the container thoroughly, and recut the stems to get rid of bacteria and expose a fresh end.

Also, keep arrangements away from fruit, which emits a gas that speeds up ripening and wilting.

When they are not on display, store arrangements in a cold, humid place out of the sun and away from other heat sources or drafts. A plastic bag placed over the blossoms will raise the humidity and prevent drafts, either in or out of the refrigerator.

When displayed, arrangements should be placed in a relatively cool area, if possible. Avoid direct sunlight, areas near electronics, and other hot places. If you have arrangements outside, bring them into the airconditioning and let them stabilize overnight, if you can.

Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stew for more than 20 years. She teaches at MPT in Ft. Lauderdale and offers interior crew training through her company, Yacht Stew Solutions (www. yachtstewsolutions.com). Download her book, The Yacht Service Bible: The Service Manual for Every Yacht, on her site or amazon.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

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IN THE GALLEY: Crew Mess

Pork Tenderloin with Cranberries and Cinnamon This month’s recipe is a holiday favorite that I picked up while living in the Pacific Northwest. This one-skillet recipe has been one of my favorites for decades.

Ingredients: 4 tsps ground cinnamon 6 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 1 whole pork tenderloin, cut in half 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 cup chicken broth ½ cup honey 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until slightly pink in the center.

Remove skillet, cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Slice the tenderloin into medallions and spoon the reserved cranberry/ cinnamon juice.

Serve with candied yams, au gratin potatoes or couscous.

Place oven rack in the center and preheat to 375 degrees F. In a bowl, mix together 2 tbsps oil and cinnamon and brush over pork In a large, oven-safe skillet, brown the tenderloins in the remaining oil, about two minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Brown the onion and garlic in the same skillet. Add the chicken broth, honey and cranberries, bringing to a boil.

Return the tenderloins to the skillet and

Capt. John Wampler has worked on yachts for more than 25 years. He’s created a repertoire of quick, tasty meals for crew to prepare for themselves to give the chef a break.

Contact him through www.yachtaide.com. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

Simplify menus, make food ahead for challenged schedules WAVES from page C1 enough, you can imagine how much more complex it gets when you toss in a couple more courses before the main and a couple more after. And, invariably, one of your guests won’t eat what everyone else is eating, so factor in a few more schedules and a few more plating times.

That’s when you begin to rely on those time schedules.

For those yacht chefs in a tight galley, you can’t always put all your menu items to cook when you want.

In those cases, simplify your menu or accept the fact that you might have to make a few items ahead and reheat for plating. It’s not ideal, of course, but we do what we must.

To keep the courses hot, warm up your plates, use warming ovens or, if it’s available, heat up the oven and turn it off. Don’t let it cook the foods that are already cooked; you just want to keep

them warm. Even an insulated bag would work.

One lesson learned the hard way: Don’t cover crispy foods as the crisp will fade into soggy.

Sometimes, you do all the right things, including following your timeline of prep and cooking, but your items still don’t all come out on time.

Things happen in the galley. The oven is slightly off, the cooktop burner shuts down or, like what just happened to me, the rack got stuck and I couldn’t shut the oven door until it was fixed.

Things like this happen. It’s times like that when you thank your lucky stars that the stew has your back.

Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified executive pastry chef and Chef de Cuisine and has worked on yachts for more than 20 years. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

December 2013 C

C December 2013 NUTRITION: Take It In

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Beware buffets, choose wisely to prevent holiday weight gain You probably won’t gain a feared 5 or 10 pounds over the winter holidays.

In fact, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2000 showed that normal-weight folks only gain an average of 1 pound during this season of feasting.

But remember, gaining just one pound a year adds up to an extra 20 Take It In pounds in 20 years.

Carol Bareuther What can you do to prevent piling on the pounds, especially during the holidays? Here are six tips.

1. Bank calories. Save up calories by eating smaller breakfasts and lunches to be able to eat more calories at a dinner party.

Do this by either reducing how much you eat or the caloric density of the foods chosen. On this second point, for example, swap bacon and eggs for a bowl of oatmeal sweetened with sliced fruit. For lunch, go for a bowl of vegetable soup, or better yet a bean or lentil soup since the dietary fiber in beans has great stick-to-your-ribs power.

2. Don’t go to a party hungry. If you go hungry to a party, you will have

little willpower not to eat everything in sight. Instead, and this may sound counter to a tip for weight control, but eat before you go.

A snack is ideal to take the edge off hunger. Choose something high in fiber and something rich in protein to promote satiety. Ideal options include celery and peanut butter, an apple and wedge of cheddar cheese, and a carton of nonfat vanilla yogurt and a handful of berries.

3. Beware the buffet table. If you stand next to the buffet table, you are more likely to keep reaching for food.

Instead, stand several feet away.

In addition, if you can, choose to stand rather than sit. Studies show that you can burn from 20 to 50 calories more per hour by standing rather than sitting. That doesn’t sound like much, but over a two-hour party that can add up to 40 to 100 calories. Eating 100 calories less or burning 100 calories more every day results in a pound lost in little over a month.

4. Choose wisely. Just because it’s on the table doesn’t mean you have to eat it. For example, unless the mashed potatoes are topped with caviar or the macaroni and cheese is flavored with truffles, forego the foods you can eat any time during the year.

Instead, spend your calories on those seasonal favorites or secret recipes

Choose just a couple of offerings during the holidays. There is no need to fill up your whole plate if you aim to save calories. Choose the normal portion; PHOTO/Dean Barnes over the super-sized portion. that are really something special. This way, you won’t feel deprived and you won’t leave the party feeling like stuffed turkey.

5. Take a taste, not a whole plate.

Choose just a couple of offerings; there is no need to fill up your whole plate.

Research has shown that maximum taste enjoyment is found in the first few bites of a dish.

6. Watch what you drink.

Beverages can add up to lots of extra calories. Consider that a glass of wine has the same calories as a miniature chocolate bar, a can of beer is equal to the calories of a small bag of potato

chips, and a 5-ounce cup of eggnog provides the same calories as a Twinkie cream-filled cake.

7. Exercise. Go out for some exercise the day of a party. Take a walk. Ride a bike. Shoot some baskets.

Research conducted on data supplied by the National Weight Control Registry reveals that successful strategies to control holiday weight gain included regular exercise.

Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian and a regular contributor to The Triton.

Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

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PERSONAL FINANCE: Yachting Capital

December 2013 C

Long-term care might be most valuable insurance you can have Fresh off one of the most successful boat shows in Ft. Lauderdale’s recent memory, it seemed a lot like a class reunion. I got to see many familiar faces and caught up with many clients who rarely make it here.

In all my conversations, it was clear that many captains are concerned about being more Yachting Capital in control of their Mark A. Cline financial futures.

I caught up with a client whose story I hope will make yacht captains and crew think about how to plan out their finances.

Several years ago I sat down with a captain and his wife; he was 60, she was 64. She was ready to slow down working so they could travel on their own schedule, but he had just taken over a new vessel.

Once we reviewed all the statements, I identified an inheritance they had in a conservative bond fund. While that was OK for an 80-year-old, it was not good for them. They also paid taxes on this as income and did not need the income. And some of their personal investments were also not tax deferred.

These investments were under three different financial advisers and no one helped them understand what was best for them. Needless to say, once we did a financial analysis on their assets, they wanted to make several changes.

I will never forget the phone call I got from their accountant about a year later. He wanted to clarify the changes I had made to their portfolio, specifically interest expenses. Compared to prior years, they now made $20,000 more in salary and paid less in taxes.

I love phone calls like that. Most people don’t understand that picking the right investments based on how your taxes will be affected can make a huge difference.

Back to the story. Now that we had gotten their financial house in order, we needed to protect it. They decided to take out life insurance on each of them to insure that there was plenty of money for the surviving spouse.

The next step was to protect against losing their estate to long-term care (LTC) needs. Initially, they did not want to spend money on this, but I am a big believer in this asset protection. When someone needs long-term care, there is not enough money left over to take care of the surviving spouse, much less leave an inheritance.

I have heard of too many adult children coming back to sue the financial adviser for not making their parents get LTC. So things went well for a couple of years. They had planned to work maybe one more year then retire.

I will never forget the phone call I got at 10 p.m. on a Friday night. The husband was in intensive care due to an aneurism. They got him to the hospital quickly enough to save his life, but he suffered severe brain damage.

The wife was in a panic as to how they would survive financially. I sat down with her and her grown children to go over their finances. I assured them that no matter what happened, they would be fine financially and they should focus their energy on taking care of their husband and father.

The LTC policy kicked in where health insurance did not so their

personal finances were protected from the LTC expense. The captain passed away about 14 months later.

Aside from being a yacht captain, I could not pick a more rewarding career when I can help clients like this. Some say I have a lot of wisdom for my age.

I tell them wisdom is experiencing life through other people’s mistakes and, of course, a few of my own.

I try to pass that experience on to as many clients as I can. Most do not know that 40 percent of working adults between the ages of 18-65 need some form of LTC at some point in their lives.

I’m 49 and have LTC coverage. There

are ways to get it without costing you extra and now that more people have it, the stand-alone policy prices are more affordable than in years past.

Information in this column is not intended to be specific advice for anyone. You should use the information to help you work with a professional regarding your specific financial goals.

Capt. Mark A. Cline is a chartered senior financial planner. Contact him at +1 954-764-2929 or through www. clinefinancial.net. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

C10 December 2013 TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

Which of these does your vessel use to eliminate potential candidates?

Smoking 68.6% Age 62.3%

The Triton

In your career, has a vessel required a certain type of candidate for a job?

Do you cons hiring to be

Yes 87.1%

Nationality 50.3% Physical Gender Size disability 36% 33.1% 32.6%

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No 12.9%

Yes 56.

Diet Race 24.6% 23.4% Sexual preference 18.3% Personal Other 12.6% Religion 8.6% 18.3%

Making a choice is part of the hiring process, but is it reall SURVEY, from page C1 these requirements, the bulk of them had to do with nationality or gender. Either one nationality was excluded (often noted as Americans for insurance reasons) or one was preferred (again, often noted as Americans for U.S. owners, captains or flags).

“Americans are a regular issue with Med- or European-based insurance policies,” an American respondent said. “Most yachts I relieve on have to pay a premium to add me to the policy.”

“Onboard several yachts, we have not been able to hire above a certain number of Americans due to insurance purposes,” said another.

“Preference for American crew on some yachts, and preference for non-Americans on others,” a respondent said.

With gender, many of the examples were predicated on available accommodations or the traditional deck/interior split.

“Females can only perform on the inside; male deckhands can only perform on the outside,” a respondent said, citing the traditional roles. “Males or females can do the same job if given a chance

and training.”

“Many owners have only wanted to interact with attractive females; no men to be visible,” another respondent said. “The chef ’s food tastes better because he thinks she is attractive, etc.”

“Due to crew accommodations, both deckhands share a room so we would not mix sexes in the sleeping arrangements,” one respondent said.

One respondent noted that some gender discrimination might be preventative.

“Male chef preferred because the owner is not so nice so I do not want to expose someone unnecessarily to problems,” a respondent said.

Looks and physical ability play a role, too.

“I was told that I was too old for a captain’s position,” a respondent said.

“Being told to let a stew go because she was a bit overweight or not pretty enough,” another said.

And there are other reasons some owners and/ or captains won’t hire someone.

“No football supporters,” one respondent said.

“The captain was done with people who constantly watched and talked football. Wanted crew who actually had a love of ocean sports. I agree.”

Several respondents noted that eliminating

candidates – for whatever reason – is merely a function of hiring.

“Anytime a preference is expressed and a choice is made, one is discriminating,” a respondent said. “If we are honest, we have all probably been discriminated against and have been discriminating toward others at one time or other.

Private, luxury yachting is, by definition, one of the most discriminating environments one can work in. If a yacht owner is not allowed to discriminate – that is, to have preferences as to who he or she wants to work aboard their private yacht – then where are they allowed to have preferences?”

“Owners have and are entitled to personal choices for crew,” a respondent said. “One must discriminate in some way to choose.”

When we asked Do you consider that sort of criteria-specific hiring to be discriminatory?, our respondents were torn. Slightly more than half (56.3 percent) said yes, it was.

“It should be stopped,” a respondent said.

“I’m a hard worker and I have the capacity to learn the same as the others,” another said.

“Each individual person should be assessed on their own skills, ability, personality and attitude,

not ruled out b respondent sai “Of course i business,” a res to work aboard privilege. If, ho that was availa is a different th is crossed. If so for hire, then d inadequate or “Crew shou work history, n some nationali others,” a respo “It’s discrim experiences wh the source, it’s respondent sai “Discrimina said. “It is not Could you ima smoker sharin and-healthy?”

“Money buy

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sider that sort of specific e discriminatory?

TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

Do you feel there are valid reasons for excluding candidates for a position?

December 2013 C11

Crew: So many instances why not hired, can’t list all Our respondents shared thoughts of discrimination in yachting.

No 43.7%

Yes 69.5% No 30.5%

l

.3%

ys exactly what the owner wants

l

l

No Americans were to be hired on one of my boats due to legalities in our employment contract. l

ly considered discrimination?

because of a number, i.e. age,” a id. it is, but that’s the nature of the spondent said. “It is not our ‘right’ d someone’s private yacht; it is a owever, we were chartering a yacht able commercially for hire, then that hing altogether. This is where the line omething is commercially available discriminating for reasons other than negative references is wrong.” uld be hired based on the ability and not by some perceived notion that ities are better crew members than ondent said. minatory but after several bad here the nationality appears to be easier to hire with discrimination,” a id. ation is alive and well,” a respondent actually a bad thing half the time. agine what a failure having an obese ng a cabin with Miss Trim-and-fit-

Before I got the job as a bosun, the boat I applied for only employed male deckhands. I changed that.

and ethics, unfortunately, do not come into it,” a respondent said. “If the owner does not associate with a person, they’re paying and they usually make their thoughts known to the captain. Is this right or wrong? Of course it’s wrong, morally. But this, unfortunately, is the yachting industry and how it works. You have the same deal in five-star hotels, private house staff, private jet crew, etc.”

“Anyone willing and able can perform any position on a boat,” a respondent said. “The best mates on the sportfish I run have been women.”

“I can understand not wanting a smoker on board but age shouldn’t matter,” a respondent said.

“If they can do the job and do it well, it shouldn’t matter. In fact, I would prefer a crew that is over 30 as there are fewer head games and much less drama/partying.”

“Of course, I’m American,” one respondent said.

“I get passed over for daywork all the time.”

“It’s discrimination, period,” a respondent said.

“Yachting is not different than other industries; we just think we are. There are no excuses – accommodations, owner preference, physical

See SURVEY, page C12

l

l

So many instances I couldn’t possibly list, or remember, them all.

Stews must nearly always be female.

Females on deck still face obstacles; several boats I’ve worked on wouldn’t hire women on deck.

In 17 years of yachting I have never worked with an African-American crew member and have seen them actively discriminated against in the hiring process. I have also only worked once with an openly homosexual crew member. Life was not easy for her onboard. It goes on and on and on. l

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I was refused a position as captain of a yacht because I was atheist. l

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There are unwritten rules as to what type of person can and can’t be employed. l

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Every person is an individual and should be given the chance to prove themselves in an interview or trial. l

l

l

Yachting is a lifestyle for the rich and famous. These owners typically want to surround themselves with the best of the best and that includes crew, whether it be attractive crew, heavily licensed crew, lawful crew, or party crew. It’s not just a job for crew either, it’s a lifestyle. That’s why there

will always be discrimination because we work for the top 1 percent of the world who usually get what they want, when they want it, how they want it. l

l

l

If you do it in the public or private sector, you would be sued for discrimination, so why yachts? l

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My hands are tied when hiring. l

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If you are qualified, these things should not matter. l

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We do not require a certain sex but they must be the same sex. l

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Non-licensed crew are easier to replace, therefore the hiring of them is less stringent. l

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The yachting industry, at least in the U.S., must clean up their hiring practices now or face the legal / monetary consequences. l

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Yachting is an extremely superficial and shallow industry that has lots of growing up to do. l

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The people not hired always look for an excuse as to why. As in any job with interaction, knowledge is not everything; other factors play a role.

Personal appearance, hygiene and personality are part of the equation. l

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It is good to recognize the differences in people, hence why we hire them. Ask a pizza delivery guy who the worst tippers are, then ask another pizza delivery guy from the other coast. They will have similar answers. Do you call that discriminatory or the truth?

C12 December 2013 TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

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It’s OK to eliminate candidates based on yacht or crew needs SURVEY, from page C11 capability. It’s all bull----.”

Still, nearly half said hiring for a specific criterion was not discriminatory, but a choice.

“It’s a bit like casting a movie,” a respondent said. “Hirings should be approved by the producer (read captain), whatever the part requires.”

“Most decisions are driven by owner request and as long as it is not driven by skin color, who cares?” another said.

“People who want to be in this industry know what is required and should be able to navigate any type of possible discrimination. Bottom line: there is a vessel out there for every person, just maybe not the one they want.”

“It’s common sense, depending on sleeping arrangements and comfort zone of guests,” a respondent said.

“Maybe the owner’s wife doesn’t want males cleaning her cabin. There’s potential trouble in very tight cabins mixing sexes.”

“If it’s what the owner wants, it can’t be discrimination,” a respondent said.

“Yachting is like a marriage or family,” a respondent said. “You don’t marry someone you’re not attracted to.”

“Well, there are three colors in Neapolitan ice cream and I chose my favorite,” a respondent said. “The same goes for who we mix with, right?”

Some hiring decisions are based more on finances than other factors and therefore may appear discriminatory. For example, a younger captain might command a lower salary than a veteran one. So we asked Do you feel there are valid reasons for excluding potential candidates for a position?

More than two-thirds said yes. Some reasons include: “Prejudice by the owner,” a respondent said. “It’s their yacht. Why should they employ someone they might be uncomfortable with?”

“Experience, attitude, appearance,” another said. “Smokers and overweight people have a weakness of character and discipline.”

“Will they get on with the owner? Is their previous experience appropriate?

Will they fit in with the boat and crew, socially, culturally or otherwise?” a respondent said.

“Again, all [reasons] that were listed in question 1,” a respondent said. “All may be considered unfair, but this is luxury yachting. An owner has a right to hire people who fulfill his personal vision of how he/she wants their yachting experience to be. If that criteria is way off the wall, they may have difficulty finding and keeping people who fulfill it. So be it.”

“You have what you pay for, less experienced captain means higher

insurance rates and more mistakes on the overall cost of the operation,” a respondent said. “It’s not a discriminatory issue; it’s a business decision.”

“If a boat has a budget and only less experienced candidates will take the wages being offered, that’s how the world works,” a respondent said. “You get what you pay for.”

“Excluding a candidate is how the hiring process works,” a respondent said. “I have had some difficult years with getting good work. That’s life.”

A few respondents didn’t accept any reasons for excluding candidates.

“The only reason candidates should be excluded is if they are not qualified or skilled to do the job,” a respondent said. “Personality also plays a part; they need to fit in with the existing crew.”

“Just because someone has more experience than other candidates doesn’t always mean that they are better,” a respondent said. “Longevity, to me, almost seems sloppy rather than valuable. I am new in the industry but I feel I am more desirable because I am really wanting to be here and learn and do my job to the best of my ability.”

“Advertise salary and allow all to apply,” a respondent said.

“For your example, it does not matter,” another said. “The size of the boat should set the price. For example, a 30m boat at 6,000 euros a month. If, then, an owner wants someone more experienced and wants to pay, so be it. All these young guys are doing is bringing the industry down, setting bad and sometimes unsafe standards.”

“Some veteran captains, toward the end of their careers, might accept a lower salary for the right position,” a respondent said. “But if they are not even interviewed, who would know?”

Whether we consider hiring criteria discriminatory or not, we were curious to learn where they originated. So we asked Do you believe the owner influences hiring decisions by establishing some criteria for a new See SURVEY, page C13

Does the owner establish criteria for hiring?

Yes, and owner has Depends on final say the position 19.5% 27.1% No, owner doesn’t hire 15% Yes, but captain decides 38.3%

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Qualifications for licensed crew, looks for unlicensed SURVEY, from page C12 hire, or are hiring decisions left entirely up to the captain?

The largest group (38.3 percent) said the owner sets the criteria but the captain ultimately decides.

But the next largest group (27.1 percent) said it depended on the position.

About 20 percent of respondents said the owner has the final say in hiring. Just 15 percent said the owner does not participate in hiring decisions at all.

Unfortunately, because we failed to capture vessel size data in this month’s survey, we could not examine these results more closely. It would have been interesting to see if those owners who are hands off are of larger vessels, and those who have the final say are of smaller vessels.

In retrospect, this next question was a bit redundant and perhaps naive, as one respondent gently pointed out.

In your career, have you noticed that yachts use different criteria in hiring licensed crew (deck and engineering crew) compared to non-licensed crew (interior staff)?

More than three-quarters of respondents said yes.

When we asked In your opinion, how do those criteria differ?, most said licensed crew were often only considered for their experience and qualifications but that interior crew had to have experience, looks and personality.

“License equals qualifications; nonlicense equals attractive appearance and personality,” a respondent said.

“Only when the interior crew member was interviewed or on trial did we determine if they would be proposed for a position,” a respondent said. “Engineers would be employed on experience and qualifications, deck crew on physical ability and appearance.”

“By virtue of the licenses required for deck and engineering crew, I

Are there different criteria to hire licensed vs. non-licensed?

Yes 77.4% No 22.6%

think there are different criteria,” a respondent said.

“An excellent 300-pound engineer would never work interior,” a respondent said. “There are Darwinian factors at play at sea.”

“For front of house, crew image is part of owner’s image,” a respondent said. “For engineering, for example, they prefer someone who actually looks like an engineer and not a pretty boy.”

“Licensed crew are more difficult to come by,” a respondent said. “If they hold the ticket and meet most other criteria, the one criteria they fall short on will likely be overlooked. Interior crew are easier to come by in the eyes of the owner, though not in the eyes of the captain.”

“To employ licensed crew, it is mostly about the level of their tickets, which can’t be overlooked,” a respondent said. “For example, engineers will be employed be their experience and education but not by their social skills as it is often the case where they do not have any and should not be put in front of guests. It can be the opposite for interior crew.”

“Appearance is traditionally far less a factor for the licensed (that is, ‘male’) part of the crew,” said a respondent.

“The hiring of interior crew nearly always involves consideration of age, size and appearance,” another respondent said.

“Looks, especially in females, seem to matter more than competence,” a respondent said.

“The experience-to-looks ratio needed for an interior position are extremely different compared to other departments,” a respondent said.

With the more general questions out of the way, we wanted to know if captains and crew have personally experienced what they might term discrimination. So we asked Do you feel as if you have ever been discriminated against as you sought a position on a yacht?

Nearly two-thirds said they had, and most of them said it was based on age or nationality.

“Though fit, I’m an older captain with many years of experience,” a respondent said. “However, there will be some who reject me before meeting me.”

“Despite a high deck license and 40 years experience in commercial shipping, I’m told I need to start as a deckhand on a yacht,” a respondent said. “Really?”

“Overqualification, even though the salary was acceptable,” a respondent said. “Maybe they were saying old?”

“Age and nationality, but who knows a lot of the time?” a respondent said.

“All you get is the answer from crew See SURVEY, page C14

December 2013 C13

C14 December 2013 TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

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Yacht owners have the right to choose on looks, age, race SURVEY, from page C13 agents of ‘’you do not fit the owner’s (racist) requirements.”

“A red-flag boat told me flat out they would not hire me simply because I was American,” a respondent said.

“Probably because of age, possibly because of looks,” a respondent said.

“It happens all the time, whether we acknowledge it or not. This type of discrimination knows no bounds and does not apply to or target any one group of people. It applies to everyone from everywhere. Yacht owners should be able to set whatever standard they want for the people who work on their private yachts. If we try to legislate, impose or dictate who must be hired in the most private and discriminating environment on the planet, we will only succeed in driving more owners out.

How stupid would that be?”

Not all those who feel they’ve been discriminated against for their age are older.

“Because of my age,” a respondent said. “The captain often referred to me and my partner as kids, which made us feel our work wasn’t respected and we also felt like we were looked down upon. We are not kids. We are adults and should be treated the same way as we treat them.”

“I was told that because I was green I would probably end up ‘getting drunk at Waxy’s and having sex in the bushes’,” a respondent said.

“I once went for a captain’s position and, at 42, was told I was too young,” a respondent said. “How cool is that?”

Other captains and crew noted that they felt they were discriminated against for their gender, their appearance (especially their weight) and their level of experience.

“I am fat and I am pretty sure I lost a job when I met the owner after being approved by the management company, insurance company and also after several hours of telephone interviews with the owner,” a respondent said.

We were curious if those captains or crew who felt they were discriminated against had any options, so we asked Did you do anything about it?

“I whined,” a respondent said.

“No, just move on,” another said.

“Yachts are private entities and as such they should be able to do more or less as they please. If I don’t like the policies, I just move on to where I am wanted, no offense taken.”

“Officially, no, but through determination, I went on to prove people wrong,” a respondent said.

“There is nothing you can do about it,” a respondent said. “Same with the junior crew or mates that have an obvious tattoo or piercing that a largely older generation of owners

do not appreciate, or come from a country that the owner does not like or do business with. It is still a personal service industry, bought and paid for by individuals who have the right to refuse employment to anyone they see fit to, for any reason they see fit to do so. Just because the U.S. and Europe have anti-discrimination employment laws in place does not mean I need to have just anyone sleeping under my roof. Would you expect an Arab owner to employ Hebrews, or a Hebrew owner to have Palestinians in his crew? These are extremely personal and private operations that can be staffed any way you see fit.”

“Ha, what can you do about it?” said the respondent who felt discriminated against for being overweight. “No one would admit that was the reason, so it was tough luck.”

“What are you going to do?” said a chef who indicated an age in the 40s.

“Even the crew agent threw their hands up in the air with frustration for me.

She has known me for 20 years.”

“Not much to do about it but keep applying and responding to job posts and try to be more active networking with those who have connections,” a respondent said.

“Yes, I found a better boat,” said a respondent denied a job for being American.

“Of course not,” a respondent said.

“There is no point in feeling sorry for oneself for not getting the job. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and get out there and find the job that’s right for you. Forcing someone to hire you when you are not what/who they want is not the answer for either of you. Get over it.”

“Nope, and I never heard of anyone doing anything about it, either,” a respondent said. “What could you do without ruining your career forever?”

“Why would I be that guy?” a respondent said.

“Who will listen?” a respondent said.

“No one cares.”

“I currently am ageing gracefully,” a respondent said.

In the midst of these well-known criteria used to eliminate candidates for jobs, we wondered Have you ever lied or tried to hide an aspect of who you are to get a job (for example, lied about smoking, hidden your tattoos, used only your initials to disguise gender)?

The vast majority – 86.9 percent – said no. One respondent noted it happens more than that statistic would suggest.

“If you have tattoos or smoke or are grossly overweight, don’t point out that the owners may have all of the above,”

See SURVEY, page C15

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TRITON SURVEY: Discrimination

Unchanged as industry has grown, discrimination same SURVEY, from page C14

Have you ever lied or tried to hide an aspect of who you are to get a job?

No 86.9% Yes 13.1%

a respondent said “That does not mean they want to see your version of art or smell you. Sorry, but that’s the way it is.

There are many other careers out there.

Please consider them and quit hiding your tats and lying about smoking when you come for an interview. It wastes our time.”

Still, a few were honest enough to admit it.

“Presenting my CV with another nationality, I get the job,” a respondent said.

Not surprisingly, when we asked Do you think the yachting industry as a whole is discriminatory in its hiring?, most (81.4 percent) said yes.

And we were curious if things have changed much in this regard as yachting as a profession has matured, so we asked Do you feel that hiring practices in yachting today are more or less discriminatory than they may have been in years past?

The largest group at just over half the respondents said it is about the same. The remainder was pretty evenly split with 26.9 percent saying it discriminates more and 22.3 percent saying it discriminates less.

Our respondents left us with their impressions about discrimination in yachting.

“Yachting is discriminatory, but so is Hollywood,” a respondent said. “Over time, these barriers will break down as more diversity in the world brings more acceptance into the ‘classic’ yachting positions. As long as crew agents and educational institutions encourage all highly motivated, professional, adventurous and energetic people from all walks of life to become part of the industry we will be top class forever. I personally can’t wait.”

“It has come a long way in even the last five years,” another respondent said. “More mid-to-low positions are

opening up because it is the captain’s decision and captains are more open and see the value of the individual.

However, it is still difficult at the captain’s level as no one is really there to support the captains who are being put forward.”

“What is complex is the dynamic of a successful crew that produces the required result to keep a wealthy (usually needy) individual happy in their own small space,” a respondent said. “The industry has come light years into the future just in the last decade from where it was at the turn of the century. As it has expanded and become more professional as well as regulated, it has drawn crew from more countries and races to fill the demand.

“The yachting industry is the most discriminatory industry in existence, but if it bothers you, you should look for work elsewhere,” one respondent said. “On the other hand, if you are determined to work in yachting and have faced discrimination, perseverance and persistence will eventually find something suitable.”

“The world has become much too sensitive,” said another. “Work where you are wanted; move on if you are not.

Simple really.”

“The nationality protectionism is the biggest problem and, from my point of view, a mistake,” a respondent said. “What is more interesting than a multicultural crew?”

“I will continue to discretely discriminate in my hiring process in accordance with what my owner has described as his preferences,” a respondent said. “To do less would not serve either of us.

“Every yacht, just like every company, has a culture.” this respondent said. “The difference is, a company exists to make money and it uses employees to achieve that goal. A luxury yacht is a private enclave that exists only to please the owner.

“The culture of the crew is reflective of the owner’s vision and the captain’s administration. It’s much like a Broadway play. The performance would never succeed without there having been an extensive casting call, followed by a ‘discriminating’ audition and selection process, all geared toward producing the final vision.

“A most discriminating process, designed to produce a specific experience. Hmm, sounds familiar.”

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this survey are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com. We conduct our monthly surveys online.

All captains and crew are welcome to participate. If you haven’t been invited to take our surveys and would like to be, e-mail lucy@the-triton.com to be added.

December 2013 C15

C16 December 2013 PUZZLES

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SUDOKUS

STORMY

CALM

Try these puzzles below based on numbers.

There is only one rule for the number puzzle: Every row, every column and every 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 only once.

Nothing has to add up to anything else.

All you need is reasoning and logic.

ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Company

Page

Adventure Sports A9 Alexseal Yacht Coatings A10 Amerijet A12 Antibes Yachtwear C4 ARW Maritime A12 Beer’s Group A5 Bellingham Marine (YCCS Marina Virgin Gorda) C2 BOW Worldwide Yacht Supply A20 Bradford Marine A3 Brownie’s Yacht Diver A17 Business card advertisers C17-19 The Business Point B11 C&N Yacht Refinishing A2 Cable Marine B16 Crew Unlimited C12 Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina A6 Dockwise Yacht Transport A15, B9 FenderHooks C12

Company

FineLine Marine Electric Galley Hood GeoBlue Global Yacht Fuel GO2 Global Yachting Gran Peninsula Yacht Center International Crew Training ISS GMT Global Marine Travel Lauderdale Diver Lauderdale Propeller Lifeline Inflatable Services LXR Luxury Marinas Marina Bay Marina Resort Maritime Professional Training The Marshall Islands Registry Matthew’s Marine A/C MHG Insurance Brokers National Marine Suppliers

Page

A8 C15 C7 B6 B2 C6 A4 A13 B3 A15 A14 B15 C14 C20 C11 C15 B7 A18,B4,B8

Company

Nautical Ventures Neptune Group Northern Lights Overtemp Marine Palladium Technologies Palm Cay Professional Tank Cleaning & Sandblasting Professional Marine Duct Cleaning Professional Yachtmaster Training ProStock Marine Quiksigns Renaissance Marina Romora Bay River Supply River Services Rossmare International Bunkering Royale Palm Yacht Basin RPM Diesel Sailorman

Page

C3 A16 B10 A6 C10 B13 A7 B6 B6 A7 C5 B11 B14 A5 C5 C13 C4 A2

Company

Page

Seafarer Marine Sea School Smart Move Accomodations Staniel Cay Yacht Club Stock Island Ten Star Yacht Transport TESS Electrical The UPS Store TowBoatU.S Trac Ecological Marine Products Tradewinds Radio Ward’s Marine Electric Watermakers, Inc. Waterway Guide West Marine Megayacht Supply Westrec Marinas Yacht Entertainment Systems Zodiac of Fort Lauderdale

A8 A16 C5 B11 B14 B10 C13 C15 A16 A11 C14 B12 B3 C8 C9 A14 C12 B9

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BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS

December 2013 C17

C18 December 2013 BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS

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BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS

December 2013 C19