yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Princess, Yachts, Y85, Y72, Y78, Y95, MAN V12, Princess Design Studio, Pininfarina, Olesinski, Andy Lawrence, Director of Design, Will Green, Princess

Princess reveals Y85 flybridge motor yacht

News / yachtstyle2020

Princess reveals Y85 flybridge motor yacht

June 23, 2022
1:53 am

The Plymouth builder has further strengthened its Y Class range of large flybridge motor yachts with the Y85.

Princess Yachts has revealed the Y85, which joins the Y72 and new Y78 as part of a refined Y Class range of motor yachts that will also include the flagship Y95 by late 2022. Redesigned to align with Princess’ new contemporary exterior styling, the Y85 has an overall length of 86ft, a beam of 26ft 7in and twin 1800mhp or 1900mhp MAN V12 engines, the latter offering a top speed of up to 31 knots.

Designed by the Princess Design Studio in collaboration with long-standing naval architecture partner Olesinski and Italian design house Pininfarina, the Y85 features the builder’s elongated glazing across almost the full length of the hull.

Andy Lawrence, Princess’s Director of Design, said: “The Y85 provides a strikingly dominant profile with a strong raised pilothouse stance created by the long continuous division of the wheelhouse to saloon window line, now complemented by our signature hull glazing, elongating the visual length and balancing the proportions beautifully.”

The flybridge has a sunpad aft, a large dining area opposite a wet bar with barbecue and fridge, and forward-facing seating either side of the helm. The aft flybridge can be configured with an optional tender and crane or the sunpad can be replaced with a spa bath plus freestanding furniture.

Aft cockpit options include the traditional C-shaped dining arrangement, a central cockpit table with free-standing furniture to seat eight guests, or a new ‘infinity cockpit’ layout, in each case featuring a glazed transom offering clear views of submersible bathing platform and beyond.

The second ‘infinity cockpit’ layout uses an electrically sliding mechanism to bring the seating closer together while the table operates on an up/down mechanism, converting a coffee table to a dining area.

Will Green, CCO of Princess, said: “The new Y85 brings guests closer to the water with the latest ‘infinity cockpit’ concept from Princess, bringing a beach-club feel to the aft cockpit with the protection of the canopy above and the flexibility of adjustable cockpit layouts. The submersible bathing platform is the perfect base for swimming and watersports when at anchor and this latest innovation connects guests with the action in absolute comfort.”

Inside, the saloon has a large lounge and circular dining area with extendable table adjacent to the galley. A sliding door to the galley and an elegant electronic divider over the bar can transform the galley from open to fully enclosed. Privacy is maintained by a separate wheelhouse and the ability for the crew to move discreetly around the yacht by using side doors from the helm and galley areas.

Below, four cabins lit by hull glazing showcase the luxurious materials and fixtures selected by the Princess Design Studio for the Y Class range. The master stateroom is equipped with a large en-suite bathroom and dressing room to provide a relaxed private haven for owners.

The yacht’s fixture and fittings include elegant, organic forms including the sweeping breakfast bar, fully capped teak staircases, panelled walls and hand-stitched furnishings.
www.princessyachts.com
www.boatlagoonyachting.com

Fountaine Pajot MY6 open days from July 2-5

News / yachtstyle2020

Fountaine Pajot MY6 open days from July 2-5

June 23, 2022
1:41 am

Regional dealer Asia Yachting will showcase the Fountaine Pajot MY6 at Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club from July 2-5.

Asia Yachting will be showcasing a Fountaine Pajot MY6 power catamaran at Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club in Causeway Bay from July 2-5 (Saturday-Tuesday). The event is open from 10.00am-7pm on July 3 (Sunday) and from 11.30am-7pm on July 2, 4 and 5.

The four-day ‘open days’ event will mark the first time the 44ft powercat is available for viewings in Hong Kong since the model debuted in France in 2017 as the MY44. Following the increase in popularity of power and sailing catamarans in Asia, the MY6 has been one of Fountaine Pajot’s most popular models in the region.

Olivier Besson, CEO of Asia Yachting, said: “We are excited about the current growing trend for power catamarans in the region. We receive more and more enquiries from clients who are looking for space, stability and elegance, so a powercat is the top option for them. The Fountaine Pajot MY6 is a great embodiment of the qualities that clients are seeking.”

Onboard tours by Asia Yachting’s professional brokers are available through pre-event registration.

For more information or to reserve a viewing slot, email: marketing@asiayachting.net

For registration, visit: https://asiayachting.net/invitation-to-fountaine-pajot-my6-open-day/
www.asiayachting.net
www.fountaine-pajot.com

Maserati’s Grecale is Built for “The Everyday Exceptional” Experience

Lifestyle / yachtstyle2020

Maserati’s Grecale is Built for “The Everyday Exceptional” Experience

June 23, 2022
12:22 am

The Grecale comes in four different models and every one of them makes driving a pleasurable pastime.

By Joseph Low

Italian carmaker Maserati, known to manufacture some of the world’s fastest and most luxurious sports and passenger cars, has launched a new SUV class to complement its range of automobiles. The brand calls it “Grecale”, which in Italian means a north-easterly Mediterranean wind. Like other models, Maserati named it after the world’s most famous winds to reflect its speedy nature.

Its base model, the Grecale GT can hit 60mph in fewer than 5.6 seconds and 124 mph in 23.7 seconds. This performance has already surpassed its fellow German competitor. In today’s fast-paced world, having an SUV like the Grecale makes commuting between places an easy feat. Its five-seater arrangement is just about right for a young family looking for a car, and each model has three basic drive modes (Comfort, GT and Sport) that the driver can toggle depending on the need.

For daily commutes in a city like Singapore, the ideal driving mode is Comfort, which guarantees maximum usability and comfort while ensuring peak efficiency. For those living in a country with long roads, the Sport mode will come in handy. Pedal sensitivity and gear change are set to peak performance and the driving position is lowered by 15mm — the spotlight is now on you and any preconceived notions of what an SUV can deliver will be rewritten.

The Grecale features a wide selection of powertrains, from conventional internal combustion engines to hybrid and a fully electric variation next year. As more countries move toward a greener future, the electric model, the Folgore, will most likely be a top pick for many across the world. Furthermore, it will be Maserati’s first fully electric SUV in its brand history and sets the standard for other upcoming electric vehicles the Trident brand has in its blueprint.

“The Everyday Exceptional” is the tagline for the Grecale, and it is an amalgamation of passion, innovation, versatility and style. These qualities are exemplified throughout the SUV starting from the exterior, which is the second series to adopt Maserati’s new styling direction after the marque’s flagship MC20. The car’s face features a distinctive Maserati grille but the rest of its bulbous body is emblematic of a typical SUV like its fellow competitors from Alfa Romeo, Porsche and BMW.

Moving into the cabin, you will be greeted by the modern touches available such as the 12.3-inch dashboard containing a digital gauge cluster and a pair of touchscreens on the centre stack. A first for Maserati is the fitting of a digital clock, which not only tells time but also emits a signal response when a voice command is issued. Furthermore, the clock face can become a compass, an essential tool when embarking on an off-road journey.

When choosing an Italian brand like Maserati, you would be sure to know that you will be living each day without any compromise. Be it with your family in the city or road-tripping with your friends, the Triden brand’s Grecale model is there to confer you luxurious comfort paired with supreme performance that the marque is well-known for in the automobile world.

GMBA’s YP Loke highlights key yachting topics

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

GMBA’s YP Loke highlights key yachting topics

June 22, 2022
12:18 am

In a Column for Yacht Style Issue 65, Singaporean YP Loke recaps his visit to Spain for Global Marine Business Advisors’ first in-person meeting, as the worldwide network of industry veterans tackled key issues facing yachting.

Real Club Nàutico de Palma hosted the GMBA meetings

I have the honour and privilege of being counted among the founding members of Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA). It’s an international network of recreational marine leaders – a reverent who’s who in the industry – who have stepped back from the leading edge of their area of speciality but are not quite ready to call it a day.

Founded in February 2020, just as the Covid pandemic hit, the Group could only have virtual meetings until earlier this year, when we convened for a few days in Palma de Mallorca. While most of us know each other or have crossed paths before, this was the first time we had gathered formally under the GMBA umbrella.

Hosted by our Spanish representative Oscar Siches at the prestigious Real Club Nàutico de Palma, the two-day agenda was designed to pack in the most likely items that would influence the long-term outlook of our industry, and to scan the horizon to try to forecast how the business environment will change as the industry moves forward.

Although many manufacturers are posting record sales arising from the pent-up demand generated as people emerge from post-Covid lockdown to embrace the great outdoors, there’s much uncertainty how long this will last and what the industry can do to sustain this period of exceptional growth.

GMBA members flew in from around the world including Singapore

Following is a snapshot of what the group felt were factors that will shape the boating industry in the years ahead.

UKRAINE AND RUSSIA

The situation in Ukraine and Russia and the fallout from this situation for the marine industry, particularly the builders and the refit yards, were high on the agenda. The meeting was joined by virtual participants in Russia and Ukraine who provided updates of the situation on the ground.

Exports of marine products to Russia have been all but halted and with the summer season coming, this will severely affect the operation of many Russian businesses. The full impact of sanctions is still to be seen. Mass unemployment and a collapse of the Russia economy is predicted. Worldwide sanctions have led to soaring oil prices, inflation and supply-chain disruption, which was already impacted by Covid but has been made worse.

Russian-owned superyachts have been seized or issued ‘stop work’ orders in several countries. This has caused a conundrum for builders, refit yards and marinas, as these yachts continue to occupy docks and berths that can’t easily be vacated for work on other paying customers’ yachts. In many cases, the legality of the seizures is being challenged (ownership is often obscured and tracing the ultimate beneficial owner requires exhaustive investigation) and responsibility for the yachts’ maintenance remains unresolved.

Shipyard visits included a tour of Pink Gin, the Baltic 175 sloop undergoing a refit

CHARTER

While charter-season bookings look very positive this year, there appears to be growing uncertainty in the European market given the negative publicity surrounding yacht seizures and the situation in Ukraine.

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Many economies already weakened by the Covid pandemic are having to deal with a double whammy as the economic environment becomes further weakened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Economic indicators point to inflation rising globally, caused mainly (but not entirely) by the rapid rise of global energy prices. Many countries are expected to raise interest rates to control inflation, which could in turn bring about deflationary pressures. All this, with declining consumer sentiment and supply-chain issues, will invariably have a negative impact on recreational marine.

SUSTAINABILITY

With ESG (environment, social and governance) investing coming into the forefront globally, the group discussed the implications for the boating industry as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for consumers. The move toward sustainability cascades down the equipment-supply chain, involving investment in production methods and product innovation.

Sustainability comes under discussion

In consonant with the automobile industry, there has been much research and development in alternative fuels to replace or augment internal combustion engines. Guided by Albert Willemsen, GMBA’s environmental lead, the group discussed creating an approach to sustainability that demystifies it and focuses on an approach that businesses can use to practically address issues. The need to address sustainability has grown in urgency for all businesses, big and small.

BOAT SHOWS

As many boat shows were cancelled or postponed in the two years following Covid, the group discussed the changing role of boat shows and how this affects the marketing mix for manufacturers. It was generally reported that most shows that resumed were well received and that the networking component of physical shows remained a key draw that can’t be easily replicated in a virtual setting.

However, with order books full and limited inventory available, many boatbuilders have little to exhibit and what they have is being focused on the major international shows. Deciding which shows to participate in is far from straightforward and those who were venturing to shows felt it critical to get tangible outcomes.

Harbour view of Palma de Mallorca

Some are taking a more quantitative approach to evaluating their show participation. Others who have channelled their boat show dollars to other areas of their marketing mix are still evaluating the effectiveness of their new marketing strategies. It is a marketing maxim that half of all marketing is wasted, but knowing which half is the tricky part!

GMBA

Since GMBA’s formation in early 2020, our advisors have been effective in helping recreational marine companies with their international growth strategies. The group’s local knowledge and embedded networks on the ground in many international markets have made it more affordable for many marine businesses to gain entry in new markets to expand their global footprint. It has assisted several companies in identifying new distributors, agents, boat builders and outlets for products, so if you’re looking for advice or even a sounding board, feel free to reach out.

YP LOKE

Loke is a founding member of Global Marine Business Advisors (GMBA), the long-time Chairman of the Singapore Boating Industry Association, an honorary member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association (APSA) and a member of the ICOMIA Marinas Group. A Certified Marina Manager and naval architecture graduate, he owns Spinnaker International, which consults on boating and marina matters.

yp.loke@gmba.blue / www.gmba.blue

David Beckham races cars and yachts in Riva The Persuaders!

News / yachtstyle2020

David Beckham races cars and yachts in Riva The Persuaders!

June 21, 2022
11:39 pm

Beckham stars with Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino in Riva’s high-adrenaline short film, with F1 driver Charles Leclerc also appearing in the cheeky tribute to the 1970s action-comedy TV series.

Riva The Persuaders! stars Pierfrancesco Favino, David Beckham and Charles Leclerc

David Beckham has expanded his acting credits with a lead role in Riva The Persuaders! , co-starring with Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino in the action-packed short film that also features Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc.

Beckham, one of the world’s most high-profile football personalities, and Favino, one of Italy’s most famous movie stars, recently attended the exclusive premiere of the three-minute film at Riva’s 180th anniversary gala in Venice (click to read article).

David Beckham and Pierfrancesco Favino during filming

Riva The Persuaders! shows Beckham in a vintage Maserati racing against Favino in a Ferrari before the action moves to the water where all three celebrities drive Riva yachts – Beckham in a 68’ Diable, Favino aboard a 56’ Rivale and Leclerc on a 39ft Rivamare. The trio are eventually seen together aboard a Navetta 37 superyacht by Custom Line, another Ferretti Group brand.

The short film was shot on the Côte d’Azur and Monaco, and was inspired by The Persuaders!, the early 1970s action-comedy TV series starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis, which was shown in Italy as Attenti a quei due.

Pierfrancesco Favino drove a Riva 56’ Rivale in the film

Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, said: “My thanks go to Pierfrancesco, David and Charles for the friendship, the passion and fun they put into the project: the result is spectacular. Riva’s story reads like a movie and this extraordinary short film, with its awesome trio of protagonists, is the perfect celebration of the brand’s 180th anniversary.

“I was a loyal viewer of the TV series The Persuaders! and I found the same ironic and elegant style in this little gem of a film. As always, Riva delivers big emotions.”

Charles Leclerc showing his handling skills on a Rivamare

Riva The Persuaders! was directed by Federico Brugia and produced by the Armando Testa Group, who were also behind the short film Riva in the Movie, which starred Favino and was released in 2020 to pay tribute to the iconic yachting brand’s role in 60 years of movies.

Favino is a two-time Best Actor winner at Italy’s annual Nastro d’Argento awards and has appeared in 60 films and over a dozen TV series since the early 1990s.

www.riva-yacht.com

CL Yachts ships CLX96 to US

News / yachtstyle2020

CL Yachts ships CLX96 to US

June 21, 2022
11:18 pm

CL Yachts is shipping its new flagship CLX96 to the US, where it will undergo further sea trials prior to its world premiere.

CL Yachts is shipping its new flagship CLX96 to the United States, where the yacht’s schedule includes its world premiere in October. The ‘Sea Activity Vessel’ (SAV) was loaded onto a transport vessel and is making the long trek across the Pacific Ocean and through the Panama Canal, with Florida as its destination.

Once CLX96 makes landfall in the ‘Sunshine State’, she will undergo sea trials with a select group of potential owners this summer before the yacht is prepared for her world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from October 26-30.

CLX96 features rugged, eye-catching lines penned by Milan-based designer Jozeph Forakis and takes some design cues from workboats, with a two-level deckhouse and a reverse windshield designed to clear rough water quicker than a traditionally raked windshield and keep the interior cool by reducing sun-facing glass. The yacht offers a long range and can reach 24-25 knots at full load.

www.clyachts.com

Awlgrip®, International® yacht coatings set the bar

News / yachtstyle2020

International®, Awlgrip® yacht coatings set the bar

June 20, 2022
5:40 am

AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings International® and Awlgrip® help ensure boats spend more time in the place they were designed for.

International Micron 99®

As boat ownership has spiked significantly over the past few years, there is now more demand than ever for boat products to help ensure that owners of brand-new or pre-owned yachts can spend more time on the water.

All boats require a certain level of maintenance to keep them functioning well, and choosing the right coatings is a crucial element in protecting and enhancing your boat’s performance in tough marine conditions. Selecting the right antifouling is the first key step in this process, to help ensure the bottom of your boat is kept in good condition – especially if it’s kept in the water.

International’s Micron 99® is a premium antifouling that offers best-in-class Self-Polishing Copolymer Biolux technology to deliver outstanding protection in salt, fresh and brackish water, so that your boat is protected wherever you wish to take it.

Its multi-seasonal performance ensures that one application lasts for at least two seasons, which increases your time with your boat on the water. You can also tailor the application to the activity needs of your journey and there is the possibility of up to 36 months of performance in one application, depending on the method and film thickness applied.

Research examined the performance of Micron 99 after 24 months’ immersion, and it showed better protection against slime, weed and shell than any other product, ensuring the part of your boat below the waterline performs as well as above the waterline.

The coating also supports boatyards in cutting solvent emissions and meeting SED legislation by offering lower VOC levels, while its continuous self-polishing technology minimises drag over time, helping to maximise speed, increase fuel efficiency and save fuel costs for boat owners.

Awlgrip HDT® products

Low VOC content also continues above the water with AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip range. Awlgrip has leveraged 45 years of formulation and application knowledge, gained from creating world-class coatings, to create a revolutionary product that fills the gap between hard, durable finishes and slightly softer, repairable finishes – Awlgrip HDT® (High Definition Technology).

This latest offering from the brand allows owners to protect their boat with a stunning, long-lasting finish – without sacrificing convenience. To formulate this product, the team at Awlgrip undertook exhaustive testing to ensure this topcoat could be applied in a wide range of temperatures, humidities and wind conditions.

Natural exposure and accelerated weathering techniques were used to make sure Awlgrip HDT could withstand even the harshest environments to deliver protection in any location and in any water. It also enables maintenance to be completed in any weather condition.

Awlgrip HDT is specially tailored for use with AkzoNobel toners instead of tints, ensuring a greater selection of colours, with exciting new tools to help you choose your colour faster. Not only can you choose to personalise your boat in a colour that reflects you, but with the topcoat’s mirror-like finish your vessel will indeed, literally, reflect you.

Awlgrip HDT is cutting-edge. It offers tried and tested in-service performance with a minimum 24-month warranty. Meanwhile, its micro-scratch resistance and repairability mean that your finish will require less maintenance, less often, so offering longer adventures on the water with less disruption for maintenance.

While long-term benefits continue for the environment with all the colours available as VOC compliant, providing a sustainable solution without compromising on quality and features.

As well as high-gloss finishes, Awlgrip has also created a new standard in matt finishes. Awlcraft CS is a two-component, intermixable matt clearcoat designed to complement the full range of colours and effects of the Awlcraft SE basecoat. Thanks to its easy way of preparation and application, Awlcraft CS can do the job whether your boat requires a matt, satin or semi-gloss finish.

Below and above the waterline AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings literally have you covered for as long as you want to be on the water, making sure your boat looks and performs with excellence and efficiency through diverse seas and challenging conditions without impacting the biodiversity or environment.

Discover our full portfolio of products across our industry-leading brands – Awlgrip, International and Sea Hawk® – from premium topside finishes to bottom antifouling coatings, at:
www.yachtcoatings.com

HKSAR celebrates 25th Anniversary with Sailing Cup

June 16, 2022
4:06 pm

Dignitaries officiated the start of the first official sporting event to mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

RHKYC hosted the first leg of the HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup; Photos: RHKYC / Guy Nowell

Honouring 25 years since the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the first race of the HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup delivered a spectacular celebration of sailing in Victoria Harbour. Amid heavy rain and an amber rainstorm warning, 89 boats participated, each displaying a special HKSAR 25^th Anniversary battle flag on their backstay and watched by spectators along the shoreline.

The Dufour 390 Ananta finished fourth in HKPN

To expand the festive atmosphere and city-wide participation of the event, each boat signed up to represent one out of the 18 districts of Hong Kong. Yachts nominated to race under the categories of IRC / ATI or HKPN Divisions and were split into six starts at 10-minute intervals based on their RHKATI or HKPN ratings. Three HKPN divisions started off first, followed by three RHKATI divisions.

Kenneth Fok, Vincent Ng, Cheung Mei-han, Andrew Leung, Paul Chan, Philip Chen, Vincent Cheng and Ivan Wong

Dignitaries invited to officiate the start of each of the six races included The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP Financial Secretary of the Government of the HKSAR; The Honourable Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen, GBM, GBS, JP, President of the Legislative Council; Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, JP, Legislative Council Member and Vice President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong; Philip Chen Nan-lok, GBS, JP, Chairman of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, MH, JP, Legislative Councillor; and Ivan Wong Wang-tai, MH, Chairman of Wan Chai District Council.

Paul Chan, HKSAR Financial Secretary

In his speech, Paul Chan expressed his sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Sailing Federation and the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) for their efforts in organising this race. “It’s a fitting way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland,” he said. “Sailing is a sport that requires strategy and teamwork, sailors must be united and with no fear of the elements. This exemplifies the spirit of the Hong Kong people who have helped each other over the past 25 years.”

Denis Martinet, Commodore of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

RHKYC Commodore Denis Martinet said: “It’s very fitting to witness over 500 people from all walks of life, some experienced, some novices on 89 sailing vessels big and small, competing in this iconic setting, but more importantly celebrating 25 years since the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. When spectators face this breathtaking scenery and witness the fun these participants are having, it’s easy to understand why sailors are so passionate about our watersports. Equally importantly, they’re passionate about sharing this with our community. The HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup is a fitting example of that.”

Financial Secretary Paul Chan at the race start

The Financial Secretary was on hand to start the first fleet at 1405hrs, waving the flag of the HKSAR as the horn sounded, at which time a heavy downpour ensued. Each of the next five starts were presided over by an officiating guest and the yachts were sent off in a south-westerly breeze of around 10-12 knots with varying degrees of rain. By the end of all six start sequences, a severe squall hit the harbour bringing with it gusts up to 30 knots, just as the remaining six yachts including two TP52s set off at 14:55.

Action in Victoria Harbour

Race Officer Barry Truhol sent the fleet up the harbour to Admiralty, across to Tsim Sha Tsui, downwind to Kowloon Bay before heading back to the Club finish line. Members of the public were treated to a stunning display of Hong Kong yachting at its best, as they gathered in the newly developed East Coast Park Precinct, Wan Chai Waterfront Promenade and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade. Hui Chak-hei’s Baring Asia 2 representing Tai Po district was crowned HKPN overall winner while Karl Chan’s Hobie 16 Big Car representing Southern district took first overall in IRC/ATI division.

RHKYC’s Kellett Island clubhouse

Truhol said: “The wind started off very light and built up towards the first start and a squall came through just as the horn sounded, which might have shaken the will of some of our sailors. However, the next four starts went on without much issue. Another ripper short squall came through during the start for the TP52s and the fast boats resulting in a few split spinnakers, but most sailors did very well in handling the challenging situation. It was a very demanding day for the sailors with some quite intense bad weather patches, but it was fun and I hope all sailors had a good time.”

Sailors made the most of tough conditions

Coordinated by Hong Kong Sailing Federation and with Hong Kong Jockey Club as exclusive sponsor, the HKSAR 25th Anniversary Sailing Cup is the first sailing event conducted across multiple waterways in Hong Kong. Further races to celebrate the HKSAR 25th Anniversary will be hosted by the Aberdeen Boat Club on June 19 and Hebe Haven Yacht Club on June 25.

www.rhkyc.org.hk

New Amer 70 Steel by Optima Design under construction

News / yachtstyle2020

New Amer 70 Steel by Optima Design under construction

June 16, 2022
3:16 pm

The family-owned Permare shipyard in Italy has begun construction on a custom 70m steel megayacht due for delivery in 2026.

Optima Design sketch of the Amer 70 Steel megayacht

Italian shipyard Permare is building a custom Amer 70 Steel motor yacht designed by Optima Design, the La Spezia-based studio behind the recently launched Versilcraft SportAdventure 45 (click for article). The 70m steel megayacht was announced by the Amerio family, which owns the Permare Group founded in 1973 and the Amer Yachts brand of motor yachts, which it has built in Italy since the early 1990s.

Ordered by a European client and scheduled for delivery in 2026, the Amer 70 Steel is being built at the Permare shipyard in San Remo on Italy’s northwest coast, close to the border with France. Ligurian engineer Giulio Riva is the project director and has three decades of experience in the steel industry, working with the Permare shipyard on many major refits.

The 70m displacement hull features contemporary lines by Antonio Luxardo of Optima Design, which has also handled all the yacht’s engineering. The Amer 70 Steel is designed to have a low fuel consumption and generous volume ‘with aesthetic features that will make it stylistically innovative’. The interiors are by the Luxury Projects studio headed by CEO Laura Pomponi.

Permare, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, has a large Italian and international clientele due to its location in western Liguria, close to Monaco and the French Riviera.

www.gruppopermare.it

www.ameryachts.it

www.optimadesign.it

Sunseeker puts the sport into Sport Yacht

Reviews / yachtstyle2020

Sunseeker puts the sport into Sport Yacht

June 16, 2022
2:47 pm

The British builder’s new 65 Sport Yacht can appear like most yachts in its category – until you climb into the SkyHelm™ racing seats. By Michael Verdon.

The low seats in the SkyHelm™ offer a sportscar-like driving experience

There’s a classic Maxell cassette ad from the 1980s that shows a man literally getting blown away by music from his stereo. He’s hunched down in the seat, hair streaming back, having to stop his wine glass from being pushed off the table because of the pulsing music.

I felt a bit like that guy on a sea trial of Sunseeker’s 65 Sport Yacht, sitting in the body-hugging seat on the flybridge SkyHelm™. With the racing steering wheel in front of me, ocean winds tossing my hair, the 65 leans over in a hard, curving turn.

It’s hard to believe that one feature can put the ‘sport’ in sport yacht, but the ride that day felt so much more like I was on a smaller, faster boat. It made me a believer in the possibility of having fun on a 65ft, 38-tonne motor yacht.

A retractable bimini is an option on the flybridge

Of course, there’s a lot more to like about this Sunseeker, which I tested at this year’s Miami International Boat Show.

The British builder has since released the Predator 65 built on the same hull, but with a curved hardtop rather than an open sportbridge. The Predator version – which debuted at the Palm Beach International Boat Show – will appeal to coupé lovers, but for running in fair weather, the Sport Yacht’s open upper deck adds another dimension.

SKYHELM™ SUPREME

The SkyHelm™ – a highly recommended option along with the retractable bimini – includes two matching, slender Besenzoni seats, with a centre console that has the throttles, VHF, wireless charging pad for a smart phone, and several bezelled instruments with analogue outer screens and digital screens that show different ship functions in the centre.

The SkyHelm™ can be complemented by a sunpad (pictured) or L-shaped sofa with a flexible table

For the driver, it’s a simple layout, with only an adjustable steering wheel and IPS joystick to worry about, plus another control for the bow thruster. The set-up provides a nice connection with the person in the navigator seat because they also have access to controls if the skipper needs help.

A pair of footplates let you plant your feet forward as the boat leans into tight turns, while being so high up guarantees you won’t hear the engines vibrating. Our boat had twin 1,000hp Volvo Penta 1350 IPS engines that gave a top end just shy of 35 knots. At 20 knots, it consumes about 200 lph, giving a range of 280nm, and the yacht has a stated range of 750nm at 10 knots.

The wheel can be raised to allow a skipper to pilot while standing, such as for mooring

When the driver wants to stand while piloting, such as to get a better view of the immediate waters and surroundings, the wheel tilts up at a 45-degree angle on its long pedestal, a useful feature in tight-quarters manoeuvring.

Aft of the SkyHelm™ is the option of a sunbed that offers space for two and a foldup backrest, with a stainless protective rail. It’s ideal for sitting at anchor on a calm day, less so if you’re out in big seas or carving tight turns. The option of a fitted L-shaped sofa and flexible dining table might be more popular in Asia.

The cockpit includes a large sunpad that provides aft seating with sea views (left);

The clever design continues in the cockpit, with an outdoor teak table for cocktails or dining, a galley-side wet bar with grill – a feature that can be replaced by bar stools – and a sunbed that hangs over the swim platform. The sunbed has a backrest that creates a forward-facing sofa, while layout options include extended seating that continues around the port side and under the aft galley window.

The foredeck, which can be covered by a sail canopy, also feels spacious for a boat this size, with a forward sunbed for two and lounge at the rear. Flexiteek is used for the outdoor decking and stairs, and to allow for the innovative shape of the transom.

The garage can house a Williams jet tender, Seabobs and other toys

Perhaps the smartest use of space is the transom, where the tender garage was designed in an oversized square shape. The square is ideal for a Williams jet tender on a track for easy launch and retrieval, as well as Seabobs or other water toys.

You can also add chocks to the hydraulic swim platform for the tender and turn the garage into a bona fide beach club with the addition of furniture, while there’s a rain shower built into the underside of the garage door.

OPTIONS ABOUND

Forward, the door to the main saloon slides open, while a window over the panel separating the cockpit from the portside galley slides down out of sight, further connecting interior and exterior as the galley becomes part of the cockpit.

Sliding doors and an aft galley window that lowers into the countertop widen the saloon entrance

Sunseeker gave the galley a sophisticated look, with plenty of counter space, and directly across are a refrigerator and freezer. The boat we reviewed was dressed in high-sheen, smoked Eucalyptus, which was offset nicely with whites and, in some areas below, stainless-steel designs etched into the wall.

The saloon has excellent headroom, with a C-shaped sofa and a foldable table to port facing an entertainment centre with a pop-up television to starboard, where a sofa and rise-and-fall TV can also be installed.

The sofa can face either an entertainment centre (pictured) or two-seat sofa with retractable TV

Sunseeker even offers a non-galley main-deck layout with extended port side seating that runs the length of the saloon, a design that could work in tandem with the lower-deck galley option.

The two-person lower helm has a carbon-fibre dash, with round, clock-like bezels on some of the gauges and a Garmin all-glass console in the centre. Visibility is excellent from the helm, thanks to a single-piece windscreen and big swathes of glass on all sides. Another bonus is the electrically tilting sunroof that opens to let the outside in, another feature that makes sense on a sport yacht.

The saloon includes a flexible high-low table, while forward are stairs to the lower deck

Just a further word about the glazing. Not only are there lots of complex curves and many square feet but Sunseeker’s design team did a great job with the hull profile by giving the glazing a modern twist and incorporating stainless-steel trim between the glass panels that adds more complexity to the design.

MASTERFUL CABINS

Below decks, our review boat featured the Grand Master layout, so aft of the dedicated day head to port, the owner’s cabin starts with an elegantly designed dressing area and vanity table with a foldout seat.

The master suite has huge hull windows with portholes and is shown with a portside daybed

Other options for this port area include a saloon with a sofa facing a TV, a galley or a single cabin, all separate to the master suite.

The full-beam master suite midships is generous, with large windows on either side and portholes for fresh air, plus a side lounge and vanity, and a large en-suite with a glassed-in shower forward to starboard. The television is incorporated into the forward bulkhead.

The Grand Master option extends the owner’s stateroom

The VIP forward also feels generous considering its bow position, with a double bed and its own en-suite, while there’s a twin guest cabin with en-suite to starboard, plus a single crew cabin aft.

The guest accommodation features beautiful stainless-steel detailing in the panelling and doors. The attention to detail throughout is what you’d expect from a Sunseeker.

Options for the portside area include a TV room, galley or single cabin

Options like the Seakeeper motion stabiliser will add to the quality of life on board, and our test boat had upscale items like Royal Doulton dining ware and Dartington crystal. While those niceties help put the yacht in sport yacht, give me that SkyHelm™ over anything on the options list. It changes the whole yachting experience.

www.sunseeker.com

Carmen Lau on travel’s trials and tribulations during Covid

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Carmen Lau on travel’s trials and tribulations during Covid

June 16, 2022
4:58 am

Despite stressful global travel restrictions during the Covid era, Carmen Lau of superyacht brokerage Camper & Nicholsons has been flying around Europe, the Middle East and Asia to attend sea trials and meetings, visit shipyards and represent clients.

Carmen Lau, Senior Advisor, Camper & Nicholsons

A little over two years ago, going from a meeting in Hong Kong to a shipyard in Italy with a stop-off at Camper & Nicholsons’ London office could be organised on your phone in the taxi on the way to the airport. Back then, business travellers used to think one person in front of them at check-in was an inconvenience. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be stuck in one of those queues again!

Travel, as with most areas of our daily lives, has been rather complicated since spring 2020. It’s also hugely stressful, especially when people are counting on you.

In Italy last year, I was booked to attend a sea trial on a fully-crewed superyacht, which typically would have involved a short internal flight between two cities.

However, as it was at the height of the pandemic, and despite my almost 20 years of industry experience, nothing could have prepared me for the day I learned my Covid certificate was not accepted for my flight. I had one day to make it to that shipyard and was currently over 220km away.

Camper & Nicholsons at the Monaco Yacht Show

Panicking, I had to run – in heels – to a nearby Covid test centre to try to get a valid certificate in time to board the following morning. However, when I arrived at the door of the test centre, they denied me entry because I had the wrong type of face mask. Furthermore, the hospital didn’t sell the one I needed. I was in tears.

It wasn’t the denial of entry that broke me emotionally or the thought of having to restructure my travel arrangements yet again. It was when an Italian security guard saw my distress, walked over and pulled out a brand-new FPP2 mask from his pocket. “Here’s my spare one,” he said, handing it to me.

STATE OF THE MARKET

For the last two years, it has been imperative that I continue meeting all my clients’ requests and ensuring they feel secure in their dealings with me. As such, I’ve spent a lot of time travelling to multiple countries and meeting potential clients, shipyards, surveyors and suppliers.

Considering how difficult it has been to travel and how most people in Asia have flown so rarely, this has put me in a privileged position in the yachting industry, knowing first-hand what is happening in leading shipyards and hearing the needs of yacht owners around the world.

With former Benetti colleagues at the Monaco Yacht Show

Despite the numerous challenges of the past two years, the market has remained extremely active. According to a study by C&N, there are just over 1,000 superyachts over 80ft in build in 2022, representing a 30 per cent increase on the average of the previous five years.

This demand has been evident in my conversations with people across the industry. The pandemic put life into perspective for many, and people are ready to get out on the water and happy to invest in superyachts.

I felt this sentiment at the Monaco Yacht Show last September. With the previous year’s edition cancelled, it was nice to go back and see familiar faces. Unfortunately, due to stringent quarantine requirements, few brokers from Asia were able to make it and I was one of the lucky few who did.

My main mission was to view the yachts in-show on behalf of our clients, arrange live viewings, share the latest yacht launches and design attractive offers with them.

With Camper & Nicholsons colleagues inspecting a 24m new build at Codecasa

I was also able to sign a contract for a 24m Gentleman’s Yacht by Codecasa on behalf of an experienced yacht owner in Southeast Asia on the first day of the show. C&N’s New Build Division are supervising the construction of this aluminium build, which is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

SENDING ECLIPSE TO ASIA

Once the show wrapped up, I travelled to Naples in southern Italy on behalf of a client to inspect Eclipse, a 43m Feadship. The captain and crew were extremely professional and efficient, which made things easy for me.

After meeting with the client via Zoom, I completed a sea trial and spent the rest of the day going through details with the crew. I was able to complete a thorough assessment of the condition and maintenance of the yacht within the day, and send the report back to the client over the weekend.

While waiting for their response, I travelled to Viareggio further up Italy’s west coast to visit a few new build projects. Between meetings, I was even able to visit the UK for my son’s birthday before heading back to Italy, in Imperia by the border with France, to close the sale of Eclipse with my colleague Alex Lees-Buckley.

On the 46m Feadship Eclipse

An experienced, well-respected broker, Alex has sold this yacht several times in the past and we were able to close this deal smoothly within 45 days. As the purchasing client was unable to view the yacht in person, I was honoured to have gained the client’s trust and gladly accepted the yacht on their behalf.

The yacht was due to be shipped to Asia in November, yet the pandemic again played havoc with scheduling. With long queues in various transit ports, we were only able to ship Eclipse at the end of December and I didn’t see the yacht again until months later, back in Asia.

SHIPYARD IN THE DESERT

My travels weren’t over. On behalf of another client, I travelled to Dubai to visit Gulf Craft. I found it to be a highly organised shipyard with a complete in-house production team for everything from design and construction to technical implementation and interior design. It was staggering to see such fine-tuned infrastructure in the middle of the desert.

In the desert in the UAE

At Mina Rashid Marina, where Gulf Craft has an office, I viewed Nomad’s flagship 95 SUV while the client joined us via Zoom. I was also lucky enough to view an impressive Majesty 140 before it travelled to the US.

During my visit, the UAE celebrated its 50th National Day, so the shipyard organised activities and experiences for their guests, including serving authentic and delicious Emirati treats.

TOUR D’ITALIA

Hong Kong’s Covid restrictions were tightened before Chinese New Year, but as soon as the quarantine period was reduced from 21 days to 14, I booked the first flight I could as I needed to return to the city to follow up on several projects.

Viareggio Carnival

However, as the UK was on Hong Kong’s red list, I first needed to fly to Italy for a mandated ‘wash out’ period of two weeks before I could then to fly to Hong Kong, via the UAE and Thailand. Direct, it was not.

Rest assured, I didn’t rest. On the contrary, I toured a total of nine shipyards in Italy. Between the coastal stretch from Viareggio to La Spezia, I visited Benetti, Sanlorenzo, Codecasa, Mangusta, Perini Navi and Tecnomar.

At CRN with Fabiomassimo Discoli of Ferretti Group Asia Pacific

I then flew to Ancona on the east coast to see Cantiere delle Marche (CdM), CRN of Ferretti Group and Palumbo Shipyard. I viewed many of their products and inspected five new build projects I was involved in.

MARKET INSIGHTS

I also had many conversations that have provided invaluable insights into the state of the market. These insights have informed the advice I’ve given to prospective and longstanding clients alike.

For example, the prices of raw materials will continue to increase. Gianpaolo Lapenna, Palumbo Shipyard’s General Manager, confirmed that aluminium has doubled in price and the cost of electricity has increased by 40 per cent. Despite all this, most shipyards are at full capacity. For example, the next availability at CdM isn’t until 2025!

At the Palumbo/Columbus Yachts booth at MYS

Due to such a high volume of sales, suppliers and subcontractors are in high demand. It’s a challenging period for production and purchase teams. They need to ensure production schedules are met while keeping build costs down, a difficult task considering the rising cost of raw materials and made more difficult by Covid-related supply-chain issues. Meeting deadlines is harder than ever.

As such, when I’m discussing new build projects with my clients, I advise them to make their decision ahead of schedule to allow shipyards to lock in the price and parts in advance to meet the production and delivery schedule.

HONG KONG HOMECOMING

After my two-week stay was completed, I finally headed back to Hong Kong, albeit with two stops along the way and with another two weeks of hotel quarantine at the end of the journey.

Flying back to Hong Kong

However, it was great to be back and I was happy to complete the sale of another of my listings, an Azimut Grande 35 Metri. I also organised the premiere of the brand-new CLX96 in Hong Kong in May, as C&N is the central agent for CL Yachts’ latest and largest model.

Most importantly of all, I was able to see my proud client as he received Eclipse. Because, when it comes down to it, that’s what makes the travels, trials and tribulations worth it: to see happy clients on board their new yacht, ready for whatever adventures lie ahead of them.

CARMEN LAU

Now a Senior Advisor at Camper & Nicholsons, Lau set up the company’s Asia headquarters in Hong Kong in 2017 and helped expand its charter, management and brokerage services among Asia-based clients. Involved in superyachts since 2004, Lau has worked for Kingship and Benetti, and acted as an owner’s representative through her own consultancy.

clau@camperandnicholsons.com

www.camperandnicholsons.com

Thailand easing requirements for visitors

News / yachtstyle2020

Thailand easing requirements for visitors

June 16, 2022
4:36 am

As Thailand eases visitor restrictions and tourism rises, an increasing number of yacht owners are looking to cruise to the Kingdom.

After significant changes to entering Thailand came into effect on June 1, more foreign-flagged vessels are expressing interest in visiting Phuket’s Andaman Sea and Koh Samui’s Gulf of Thailand, revealed Asia Pacific Superyachts.

Gordon Fernandes, the Phuket-based APS co-founder, said: “We are happy to share the news of Thailand’s revised arrival rules and relaxed Covid measures, which are creating more interest in visiting Thailand. It’s great the country hasn’t lost its appeal and we’re thrilled to be welcoming more visiting yachts in the months ahead.”

Currently all crew must have a Certificate of Entry (CoE) before arriving in a Thai port, although APS says this rule is expected to change on July 1. The agent can assist with the application, which needs to be done via an Embassy/Consulate outside Thailand. This needs to be applied for around two weeks in advance and the consulate needs time to approve it for another three days after documents are completed.

Since June 1, vaccinated visitors arriving by land and air need to register in advance on Thailand Pass and attach soft copies of passport, proof of insurance (with at least US$10,000 coverage for medical treatment in Thailand) and certificate of vaccination. If a visitor is unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, they must attach a Covid-19 RT-PCR or Professional ATK test result issued within 72 hours before travelling.

If a visitor has previously been issued with a Thailand Pass, they can travel with the issued QR Code and do not need to register for a new Thailand Pass. However, the Tourism and Sport Ministry has proposed to abolish the Thailand Pass system, so the only requirements for visitors to the country would be vaccine certificates and insurance.

Samui-based Captain Charlie Dwyer, also an APS co-founder, said: “We are pleased Thailand has not only revised arrival rules and relaxed Covid measures for international visitors but also that the country continues to move forward in their efforts to welcome back foreign-flagged vessels to once again cruise these beautiful waters.”

Meanwhile, tourism operators have reached an agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to propose a visa-fee exemption for international arrivals and an eligibility extension for visitors from nations not requiring a visa to enter the country from 30 to 45 days during the second half of this year, as reported in the Bangkok Post on June 12.

Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, said: “All tourists should have been treated on an equal basis. If possible, we should also provide a fee waiver for multiple entry to allow them to visit neighbouring countries during the same trip. This could be a good opportunity for us to lead the reopening of CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam).”

Thailand grants a visa exemption to 56 countries whose citizens don’t have to apply for a visa or pay the THB1,000 fee, but the stay is limited to 30 days. Visitors from non-exempt countries are required to apply for a visa and pay an application fee for a stay of no more than 60 days.

www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

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