yachtstyle2020, Author at Yacht Style

Jeanneau Merry Fisher Braves NZ’s Stewart Island for Fish of the Day TV Show

Destinations / yachtstyle2020

Jeanneau Merry Fisher Braves NZ’s Stewart Island for Fish of the Day TV Show

October 15, 2019
2:35 am

Sanlorenzo Asia has started 2020 with sales of five yachts in five months into Hong Kong, ranging in size from 76-146ft.

New Zealand’s Stewart Island is a long way from most places. In fact, it’s a mission just getting to the island known in Maori as Rakiura, which is situated south of the iconic South Island and was recently home of the Asia-Pacific in-water release of Jeanneau’s Merry Fisher 895 Marlin.Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third-largest island, but only about 400 people live there

Travelling to Stewart Island from Hong Kong, for example, starts with an 11-hour flight to Auckland, then two internal flights – and that’s just to reach Invercargill, near the southern tip of the South Island. From Singapore, it’s just two flights to Invercargill, transiting at Christchurch.

From Invercargill, it’s a taxi or bus ride to the southernmost town of Bluff and then finally an hour-long ferry crossing to Oban on Stewart Island. Weather permitting, the ferry makes two return trips to the island each day, morning and evening, while a water taxi service is also available, again depending on the weather.

Sitting 46-47 degrees south – on the same latitudes as the southern reaches of Chile and Argentina – the 1,746sqkm Stewart Island is separated from the South Island by the notorious Foveaux Strait, a treacherous, 30km-wide stretch of water that ensures Rakiura remains relatively isolated. There’s very little else around it and if you were to head south across the Southern Ocean, your next stop would be Antarctica.The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin on the run in Stewart Island

Getting a new Merry Fisher 895 Marlin to Stewart Island was also an adventure. One of the latest models from prolific French builder Jeanneau, the boat was cast to play a starring role in an episode of the popular television series Fish of the Day, which screens in more than 80 countries and is now also available on National Geographic’s People channel, further extending its reach.

Having arrived in Auckland from the Jeanneau facility in Poland two months earlier for an on-land display at the New Zealand Boat Show, the sport fisher was carried almost 1,700km down the length of the country on a road transporter, including crossing Cook Strait on an overnight ferry between the North and South Islands.

After a two-day journey, the yacht was then splashed for the first time as it was launched into the chilly waters of Bluff Harbour before it motored across Foveaux Strait to Halfmoon Bay, where the crew picked up a mooring in a sheltered cove close to the island’s commercial wharf at Oban.

FISH OF THE DAY

The 895 Marlin was the latest vehicle for Fish of the Day presenter Clarke Gayford, also well known as the fiancé of Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s Prime Minister. The wife of the US President is called ‘America’s First Lady’, so Gayford is sometimes jokingly referred to as ‘New Zealand’s First Man of Fishing’.Clarke Gayford filming Fish of the Day on the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin

A passionate sport fisher, Gayford is also an environmental advocate deeply invested in caring for our oceans and all the creatures that live in it. Along with Fish of the Day Producer-Director Mike Bhana, Gayford has partnered with Jeanneau, using its boats to access exotic locations all over the world and film the series.

Almost 9m-long, the Merry Fisher 895 is a full-bodied , walk-around vessel with generous accommodation for up to six. It has a comfortable, spacious wheelhouse, an enclosed toilet and shower, a second cockpit shower and cooking facilities, making it suitable for family days and overnighters.

The Marlin layout is fishing-oriented and ideal for sport fishing adventures. Twin Yamaha 225hp V6 outboards provide 40-knot performance, while clever use of space has resulted in a large , clean cockpit for fishing, diving and water sports. There are plenty of rod holders, a wash down, live-bait tank and a generous wet locker under the cockpit sole.Gayford was full of praise for Jeanneau’s new 895 Marlin, having also worked on the 795

Folding seating and a drop-in table cater for al fresco entertaining or relaxing outside, and the table can also be mounted on the foredeck, which has wraparound railings and is also a great place for fishing – or launching a drone for filming!

The wheelhouse is slightly offset to port while the helm station is starboard side, where a sliding side door affords the driver quick access to the side deck, very handy when securing lines or coming alongside.

This model has two ‘oversize’ 300-litre fuel tanks, allowing multi-day expeditions like our Stewart Island adventure. Petrol is not available at the wharf on Stewart Island, so the crew had to be confident they could carry enough for three days of fishing and filming, plus two crossings of Foveaux Strait.

In the previous Fish of the Day series, Clarke and his team had used the smaller Merry Fisher 795 for several programmes in New Zealand, enjoying the boat’s combination of space and fishing facilities, but the host thought the new 895 Marlin better still.Gayford is an environmental advocate and the fiancé of Prime Minister Jacinda Adern

“It’s just that much bigger again, with a larger cockpit,” Clarke said. “It’s really stable, which is great for filming, and there’s an amazing amount of space in the wheelhouse and below decks. We carry a mountain of camera and sound gear, along with fishing tackle and dive gear, but the 895 swallows it all.”

Fish of the Day takes Clarke and crew around the world, including Asia, the Pacific and North America. It has a simple premise: set out to catch a particular fish, local to the region, cook it and eat it.

Gayford shares his journey of discovery with the show’s viewers, before presenting his fish to a local chef who prepares it in local fashion. The dish is then enjoyed by the TV crew and, vicariously, the viewers. And for this spectacular episode, Stewart Island proved a dramatic setting with fish aplenty.

REMOTE AND WILD

Stewart Island boasts superb cold-water sport fishing, as its isolation and unforgiving weather protects the fishery from over-exploitation. Around the island’s shores, rocky reefs and offshore archipelagos, giant blue cod, butter fish/greenbone, trumpeter, blue moki and wrasse inhabit vast kelp forests that grow almost to the surface in places. Spear fishing, free diving and scuba diving are spectacular.Spectacular scenery and lots of wildlife are part of the experience of Stewart Island

The island’s cold, clear water is also home to seven-gill and great white sharks, which hunt seals around the shoreline and occasionally frighten skin divers! Further offshore, migrating southern bluefin tuna pass close by.

The Merry Fisher 895 Marlin was the vehicle for one day’s filming and the target that day was trumpeter, a popular table fish with Stewart Island locals. Rakiura trumpeter grow to around 10kg, but any fish over 2kg is a good one. Trumpeter are known for fighting hard on the line, but the first challenge is hooking them, as we found out.

To someone who hasn’t experienced fishing in this part of the world, the best way to describe it is frenetic. Bites are instantaneous and multiple hook-ups common. However, everywhere we went, blue cod were so abundant that they snaffled our baits and lures long before the target species could be tempted.Clarke with the designated ‘fish of the day’, trumpeter, which took a while to find

Great to eat, blue cod is the island’s most popular catch, also with commercial fishers who use baited pots. Stewart Island’s cod are rated among the best tasting of all and visitors can enjoy them at the South Sea Hotel and various other restaurants on the island.

Next in popularity is the trumpeter, but unlike blue cod, it’s not found everywhere. Local fishers generously shared their knowledge of where to fish for them, but they still weren’t easy to catch. Eventually, though, we enjoyed some success, putting several modest specimens on ice.

Stewart Island is also famous for its paua, a large blue/black-footed abalone native to New Zealand. Stewart Island paua grow large, almost as big as dinner plates, and are plentiful. Clarke free-dived a half-dozen fat paua to accompany the trumpeter, along with a few super-sized kina (sea urchins), some of which we devoured straight out of the water.

While collecting shell fish, Gayford made friends with a curious octopus and was continuously surrounded by fish including greenbone, wrasse and trumpeter, which had finally proved not so elusive.Gayford in the water collecting paua and kina; lobsters are also common

Winter days this far south are short, so our fishing and diving adventure wrapped up well before 4pm. With the light fading and the temperature falling fast, the Merry Fisher’s cosy wheelhouse was welcome during the long run back to Halfmoon Bay.

CRUISING, CAMPING AND KIWIS

For cruising yachts, visiting Stewart Island is usually part of a more extensive cruise taking in the magnificent fjords of southern New Zealand. Crossing the Foveaux Strait is best reserved for calm conditions, but once made, boaters are spoiled for choice. There’s so much coast to explore and as much solitude and unspoiled nature as anyone could wish for.

Visitors coming by sea can expect to see several species of albatross in large numbers, giant petrels and other Southern Ocean seabirds, as well as seals, penguins and whales. The island’s convoluted coastline has miles of pristine white beaches, wide bays, secluded coves and deeply indented natural harbours. These provide safe anchorages and shelter from the fierce gales that periodically blow in off the Southern Ocean.The Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Marlin anchors close inshore for protection

And then there’s the wildlife. Guided tours of nature reserves such as Ulva Island, with its thriving populations of native birds, are popular with visitors, but there is also plenty for independent travellers to see, including beach-loving kiwis. Kiwis are normally nocturnal, but the Stewart Island sub-species often walks about during the day and is the only kiwi to frequent beaches to feed.

Walking tracks, including the Rakiura Great Walk, traverse the whole island, taking in the stunning coast and forested interior. Many are furnished with cosy huts, used by hunters as well as walkers, but bookings are essential. Cycling tours are also popular.

Camping is possible at a few locations, but facilities are basic and bookings may be required. In addition, there is a variety of backpackers and lodge-style accommodation on the island. The South Sea Hotel is a popular choice with visitors, offering comfortable accommodation, a lively bar and a restaurant.The South Sea Hotel is a Stewart Island icon

Stewart Island may be remote, but that’s what keeps its landscape unspoilt, its waters full of fish and any visit an adventure to remember.

WHEN TO VISIT: The southern-hemisphere summer, December to March, is the most popular time to visit Stewart Island. There are fewer tourists during winter, when many popular activities such as kiwi spotting are suspended. The climate is cool temperate and has relatively high rainfall, with February the driest month and May the wettest. The average high in January, the peak of summer, is 17°C, down to 8-9°C overnight, while July is the coldest month, with an average daytime high of 9°C and overnight low of 1-2°C.

www.fishoftheday.tv

www.jeanneau.com

Abeking & Rasmussen CEO Hans Schaedla: Yacht Style ‘Leader’ Interview

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Abeking & Rasmussen CEO Hans Schaedla: Yacht Style ‘Leader’ Interview

September 24, 2019
4:55 pm

HANS SCHAEDLA, CEO of Abeking & Rasmussen, is proud of the “truly iconic” 80m Excellence at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, but a 118m build is ongoing..

Mr Schaedla, can you talk about what visitors to  the Monaco Yacht Show can expect to see if they’re lucky enough to get on board the new 80m Excellence?

The owner of Excellence asked Abeking & Rasmussen to build him an iconic yacht and his first reaction when seeing it finished was: “You have exceeded my expectations.” So, whoever visits Excellence in Monaco will see a truly iconic yacht in all aspects, inside and out.Hans Schaedla is the grandson of Henry Rasmussen, who founded the company with Georg Abeking in 1907

The exterior styling by Andrew Winch and Winch Design is second to none, with a silhouette comparable to a spaceship. The striking, angular bow was inspired by the American eagle and cuts through the ocean waters. There are also unbelievable views from inside.

What were the difficulties in building such an unconventional hull?

Excellence’s hull form is quite different from other yachts. We performed extensive tank testing in flat water and in waves to guarantee the best performance in terms of low resistance and safety in bad weather conditions. This was time consuming, but very successful.

How about the challenges of the enormous glass panels in the superstructure? 

The installation of glass panels to this extent required very careful engineering from both the shipyard and the glass supplier, GL Yachtverglasung, and we worked hand in hand to achieve a key feature of the yacht’s stunning appearance.

The designer pushed for the most beautiful look and the shipyard had to convert this artistic language into proper engineering solutions that fulfilled the technical requirements and catered for all conditions, including sunlight. The insides of the windows are covered with various films and foils, and filled with air in order to keep the sun’s heat outside and the coolness inside.The 80m Excellence under construction

Can you outline some of the interior highlights?

There’s a master suite, six double suites, three lounges, a cinema, an owner’s study, a sauna and gym, all connected by an incredible spiral glass staircase and a central circular glass elevator that accesses four floors. It’s illuminated naturally by a vast window stretching up the length of the statement staircase.

The client is an experienced yacht owner and an avid supercar fan, and wanted details and inspirations from his extensive car collection to be referred to throughout the interior. With a shared appreciation for attention to detail, the owner and Winch Design worked together to bring his dream to life.

Silver carbon-fibre and curved leather panels give a nod towards the dashboards of the most luxurious sports cars in his collection, while the vanity units in the statement dayheads are inspired by the sleek details of supercars, including the curves of the seats in the Ferrari Daytona.

In addition to automotive references, mid-century inspirations from [Ludwig] Mies Van der Rohe and Le Corbusier are found in the bespoke furniture penned by Winch Design, like the iconic Barcelona Chair in the main-deck staircase lobby. Elsewhere, curved edges and statement veneers are reminiscent of classic mid-century design and create a relaxed, sophisticated atmosphere.

What are the next major yachts to emerge from the Abeking & Rasmussen yard? 

I first want to say that shortly before we delivered Excellence to her owner, we completed another extremely challenging project – the complex lengthening of one of our 78m yachts by 7m to include a pool – within six months. We pre-produced a new aft section and then added this to the yacht in a record timeframe. The reason for the rush was that the owner didn’t want to miss a yachting season!The 80m Excellence following her launch at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard in Lemwerder, northwest of Bremen, where she’s pictured with the newly extended C2

Early next year we’ll be delivering a new 68m yacht with a very stylish exterior design. Look out for that one. This will be followed by the biggest yacht built by Abeking & Rasmussen: a 118m new build that will be very secretive until her delivery. Confidentiality is one of our main assets and much valued by our clients.

What are your thoughts on the megayacht market in Asia?

We can see that the megayacht market in Asia is still in the development stage. Yachting is still growing in Asia and we should encourage potential owners to discover the joys of it. Exploring the seas and different shores aboard your own yacht, indulging yourself in all sorts of watersports and then sharing this experience together with your family and friends, truly gives you a lifetime experience.

However, many of our yachts can be spotted in Asian waters. Earlier this year our 98m Aviva (launched in 2017) visited the beautiful bays of Vietnam and was moored in Singapore for a couple of weeks.

Our yachts are cruising all around the world, whether it’s well-known hot spots like the Mediterranean or remote areas. The 72m Cloudbreak (launched in 2016) did a round-the-world expedition visiting adventurous superyacht destinations such as Greenland, Alaska, Cape Town and Chile. Her owner has a passion for the great outdoors and uses the yacht for his own pleasure as well as for charter.Hans Schaedla, Andrew Winch of Winch Design, and Captain Ray Shore are all smiles in front of Excellence in Lemwerder

Many of our clients have found their way to us after enjoying time on board an Abeking & Rasmussen yacht as a charter client or guest, so I think someone interested in the joys of yachting should go for a charter as a first step.

My feeling is that the wealthy younger generation of entrepreneurs or family inheritors is very enthusiastic about exploring new places and broadening their horizons. An Abeking & Rasmussen yacht is just the right vehicle to choose and I am pretty sure there are more and more potential Asian owners with a strong interest in a custom-made megayacht from Germany. I do very much hope to welcome our first Asian owner here at our yard.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the 41m Silver Cloud had completed over 220,000nm since 2009. Considering the growing appetite for explorer yachts, can you talk about what led to the development of this first SWATH@A&R yacht and how relevant the ‘Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull’ design is?

The impetus came from Alex Dreyfoos, a yacht owner since the 1960s who’s also an Oscar winner, photographer, inventor and an art patron. Mr Dreyfoos was looking for a unique ship that would remain stable even in rough seas, in order to accommodate his wife who suffers from seasickness. He found just that in SWATH@A&R technology and nothing stood in their way to a voyage around the world.Featuring SWATH technology for increased stability, the 41m Silver Cloud, pictured in Japan, was designed for global exploration

It’s an unusual 41m yacht, which offers 60 per cent more space compared to vessels of a similar length, and her enormous efficiency and seaworthiness is really impressive. In her first endurance test, her maiden voyage around the world took 19 months to complete and covered 48,000 miles, including rough seas around North Alaska, Papua New Guinea and the Galapagos Islands, yet Silver Cloud scored top marks across the board. And not only with her owners. In 2009, she won the Technology Award in the World Superyacht Awards. The yacht has since hosted many memorable trips, captured in stunning pictures by the owner, a passionate photographer.

The 74m Elandess appeared at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, having earlier passed your 98m flagship Aviva on the River Thames. Can you tell us what led to this remarkable megayacht meeting in London?

From time to time, you can spot superyachts close to the Tower Bridge in London. It was at the beginning of July 2018, just after the delivery of Elandess, when she cruised along the River Thames during her maiden voyage. The owner was on board with his friends, and our Project Manager accompanied them as well. At the same time, Aviva had just returned from across the Atlantic Ocean and they did a stopover in London to pick up her owner, so that really was a wonderful coincidence.

I’d also like to talk a little about the individual highlights of these two magnificent yachts. Elandess features the Neptune Lounge, where you can sit as if in an underwater theatre and watch life above and below the waterline through a huge 3m-tall, 10cm-thick glass window. It’s a real masterpiece designed by Harrison Eidsgaard.Ahead of her world premiere at last year’s Monaco Yacht Show, Elandess (right) passed Aviva on the River Thames

A totally different layout was designed for Aviva. Inside, stretching over two decks, we installed a padel tennis court measuring 20m by 10m, and 6m in height. The yacht was basically built around it, so it was an exciting challenge for us, together with the designers at Reymond & Langton.

Germany, the Netherlands and Italy appear to be the leading nations for building the largest megayachts. Why is northern Germany so prolific, led by the likes of Abeking in Lemwerder, Lurssen, with its headquarters across the Weser River in Bremen-Vegesack, Blohm & Voss in Hamburg and Nobiskrug in Rendsburg? 

Shipyards in Northern Germany have a very long tradition due to their location close to the Baltic Sea. Lemwerder and Vegesack, especially, have always been very well known for their expertise in a variety of shipbuilding disciplines.

In 1907, my grandfather Henry Rasmussen together with his partner Georg Abeking set up Abeking & Rasmussen and over the decades we have become known for some landmark achievements.

Having started with a series of successful elegant regatta sailing yachts, like the Starboat class or Concordia yawls, we then also specialised in vessels for navies worldwide. We also build special ships, like coastguard patrol ships or our very own SWATH ships. These are twin-hull ships whose increased seaworthiness makes them suitable for an extremely wide range of uses.The 98.4m, 5,000GT Aviva is the largest yacht built by Abeking & Rasmussen and features a padel tennis court

Our engineers and naval architects all put their expertise into the construction and/or refit of the world’s finest superyachts, which regularly achieve recognition at the major award ceremonies. During the last few years, nearly all of our yachts have been honoured.

Thanks to our long-term experience, Abeking & Rasmussen has become one of the top-class addresses for custom-made superyachts. And as a matter of course, we follow the highest ‘Made in Germany’ shipbuilding standards in order to fulfil, or even exceed, the requirements of our sophisticated worldwide clients.

Can you talk about any technologies and facilities at your shipyard that readers should be aware of? 

Our yard offers five heated sheds for new builds and refits up to 125m in length, plus a 77m by 17m synchrolift with a capacity of about 2,000 tonnes. Altogether, 475 craftsmen and engineers can be seen here every day with a true passion for what they do. During the creation of each and every superyacht, we cooperate with a number of sub-suppliers, the majority locally based.

A few years ago, we restructured our overall company processes to follow a ‘lean management’ approach, partly based on the kanban system from Japan. We adopted this well-proven method pretty efficiently and are very grateful to have implemented this structure with some inspiration from engineers at Toyota.

Here at Abeking & Rasmussen, it’s in our genes to only be satisfied once the optimum has been improved. It is a journey of constant exploration and of pushing one’s limits. Envision, design and then construct are all parts of a continuous process in our shipbuilding approach, constantly in loop until the best has become even better.The 74m Elandess participated in the 2018 Monaco Yacht Show

Numerous examples that have caused an international sensation include the engineering of the world’s fastest diesel-powered yacht with 46 knots back in 1972, the development of non-magnetic steel or, more recently, the SWATH@A&R technology.

What absolutely ensures Abeking & Rasmussen’s worldwide reputation is the ability to turn the most challenging requirements into customer satisfaction, in all domains of shipbuilding, whether it’s superyachts, naval ships, special vessels or cruise ships. We constantly transfer our knowledge in each discipline across our entire fleet of vessels.

Our former Head of Production, who was here for about 40 years, once stated that our most important task is to overcome resistance to new ideas. And if we continue to succeed in doing that, we will also continue to build the best yachts in the world.

I would also like to highlight the key role played by the design studios. We enjoy very strong and trustful relationships with many of them, such as Winch Design, Harrison Eidsgaard, Espen Oeino, Christian Liaigre, Terence Disdale, Bannenberg & Rowell or Reymond & Langton, to name just a few. We are always amazed at what they dream up for our clients.

For me personally, our most outstanding characteristic is that wherever you spot an Abeking & Rasmussen yacht, there will be emotions. Whether it is one of our historical handmade wooden sailing boats or one of our groundbreaking superyachts, an Abeking & Rasmussen yacht regularly causes amazement and enjoys a high level of recognition worldwide.

Finally, what is Abeking & Rasmussen most focused on in terms of technology? 

We are constantly on the move when it comes to research and development (R&D) projects. Currently, our engineers focus on laser welding and ‘greener’ technologies to minimise environmental impact, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion, fuel-cell technology, hydrogen or hybrid systems.Elandess has a spectacular Neptune Lounge, offering views above and below the water

I should mention that Abeking & Rasmussen already has experience of hybrid-driven vessels. Back in the early 2000s, we started to design our first fleet of offshore patrol vessels for Germany’s Federal Border Guard with a diesel-electric drive. Aviva is among our recent superyachts that’s exploring the oceans efficiently with its hybrid propulsion system.

From a design point of view, we notice that owners increasingly want a seamless connection to the outdoors in order to connect with nature, so we envision an increase in glazing as a design feature, as can be seen on Excellence. This demands above-average engineering expertise and high-grade sub-suppliers.

Furthermore, we continuously invest our knowledge and professional expertise into new ways of thinking. Based on the positive owner feedback we received from our SWATH yacht Silver Cloud, we know multihull platforms are the best when the client’s brief is for a calm, efficient expedition.

In general, the enthusiasm for boats has a long tradition and clients will always continue to reach for top build quality, high-end technological solutions and the ability to explore beautiful places off the beaten path. And a superyacht built by Abeking & Rasmussen is a solid base for this.

www.abeking.com

Note: Excellence also features in ‘Monaco Yacht Show’s World Premieres: Superyacht Showdown’:

Note: Excellence also features in ‘Monaco Yacht Show’s World Premieres: Superyacht Showdown’:

Monaco Yacht Show’s World Premieres: Superyacht Showdown

News / yachtstyle2020

Monaco Yacht Show’s World Premieres: Superyacht Showdown

September 24, 2019
11:53 am

Yacht Style’s Issue 49 highlights a selection of the most exciting new models on display at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show.

The Monaco Yacht Show is the place to see world premieres of superyachts, as over a third of the 125 on display this year are appearing at an international boat show for the first time.

Riva’s 50m Race (pictured in Venice) is the Italian yard’s biggest-ever build - by quite some margin

Riva’s 50m Race is the Italian yard’s biggest-ever build, by quite some margin

At 164ft in length, Riva’s 50m Race is the smallest yacht in our superyacht selection and the cover star of Yacht Style Issue 49. Designed in collaboration with Officina Italian design, the sub-500GT build is dwarfed by the likes of Lurssen’s 111m Tis, which at 4,500 GT, is about nine times the volume of Riva’s new flagship.

Yet, Race is arguably Riva’s greatest-ever achievement , more than three times heavier than the company’s previous flagship, the 110’ Dolcevita. And judging by the latter’s premiere at Cannes last year, Race’s elegant styling could prove a real head-turner in Port Hercules and a must-see for admirers of the historic builder that still builds 8m open boats.

In contrast, most of the other 50m-plus yachts exhibiting at Monaco are built by shipyards that exclusively build megayachts.

Italy’s Benetti is arguably the world leader in superyacht production and is now also a major player in what it describes as the ‘gigayacht’ sector, having launched three models over 100m at the end of last year and beginning of 2019.

The 63m Metis is Benetti’s biggest yacht at the Monaco Yacht Show

Monaco marks the world premiere of the 63m, five-deck Metis, which was custom built for a German owner, has a displacement of 1,100 tonnes and is the biggest Benetti on display. Italian Giorgio M. Cassetta, a long-time Benetti collaborator, designed the exterior, including the distinct vertical bow.

The interiors are a collaboration between German studio Birgit Otte Interior and London-based Bannenberg & Rowell, directed by Dickie Bannenberg and Simon Rowell.

Exciting features include the 160sqm-plus owner’s suite, which features a lounge and 180-degree views through full-height glazed surfaces across the private bow deck, while a custom-built gym on the fly deck and a touch-and-go helipad are among eye-catching features. There are seven cabins for up to 13 guests, plus accommodation for 13 crew.

Sanlorenzo’s major world premiere is the 64Steel Attila, the Italian builder’s biggest-ever yacht, with an exterior designed by Officina Italiana Design and interior by Francesco Paszkowski Design.

Sanlorenzo’s 64Steel Attila features an exterior by Officina Italiana

Built for an Argentine entrepreneur who had a Sanlorenzo 46Steel delivered in 2012, the new 1,600GRT Attila measures 64.25m in length and has a maximum beam of 13m, compared to Metis’s 10.5m. She has accommodation for 12 guests and 18 crew. Attila includes a 250sqm private owner’s deck, which has a large whirlpool bath in the bow, while the full-beam VIP suite and four guest rooms are on the main deck.

Another distinctive zone is the aft area of the main deck, where a pool and dining area is designed to integrate with the beach club below, which has a sauna, hammam, massage room and gym, right at the waterline. With the bow mirror and the side platforms open, the beach club covers 78sqm.

The yacht has a touch-and-go helipad at the bow, can house two 10m-plus tenders over 10m and there’s even a climate-controlled wine cellar with a capacity of up to 500 bottles.

Dutch shipyard Amels is staging the world premiere of the 67.1m Aurora Borealis, which is the first completed Amels 220, a Limited Editions model with a Tim Heywood exterior and Winch Design interior that has further orders in build.

The 67m Aurora Borealis is the first Amels 220 from the Dutch yard

The 1,518GT yacht features accommodation for up to 14 guests in seven suites, including an owner’s suite on the main deck and two VIP suites on the bridge deck that feature full-height French balcony windows. The family-friendly sun deck has a seven-person jacuzzi and air-conditioned sky lounge.

Our short selection of superyacht world premieres wraps up with three models around the 79-80m mark. CRN’s custom-designed M/Y 135 was still known as such in August, when the 79m, five-deck yacht was delivered to her owner.

The Italian yard renewed its partnership with Zuccon International Project for the external lines, while Laura Sessa designed the interiors of a yacht that features six guests cabins for 12, plus accommodation for up to 39 crew. The yacht is recognised as CRN’s second-biggest build in terms of length, behind the 80m Chopi Chopi, a 2013 launch.

CRN’s 79m, five-deck M/Y 135, which was delivered to her owner in August, is among the larger yachts on display at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show

CRN’s 79m, five-deck M/Y 135 was delivered to her owner in August

Like Riva and Sanlorenzo, fellow Italian builder Columbus Yachts is exhibiting its largest-ever build at Monaco. Built in 27 months, the 79.5m Dragon has six decks, a 13m beam and an internal volume of almost 2,300GT. Hydro Tec Studio managed the exterior and naval architecture, while Francesco Guida was responsible for the interiors.

The main deck features a large saloon and a dining area with a custom-made 14-seater table by Giorgetti with a Roman travertine top, maple edges and leather legs. Forward are the VIP suite and four guest cabins.

The fourth deck is exclusively reserved for the owner and includes a 110sqm bedroom with 180-degree views, a private foredeck, Roman The bridge deck features a 50sqm wellness area, while the sun deck has a 7m-long pool about 12m above sea level.

Lower-deck highlights include a 200sqm beach club with a bar, sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a garage for 7m and 9.5m tenders. Dragon also has a helicopter landing platform, with three jet-skis housed underneath.

The 79.95m Excellence by German yard Abeking & Rasmussen features a futuristic exterior by British studio Winch Design, led by a striking reverse bow; Photo: Tom Van Oossanen

The 79.95m Excellence by Abeking & Rasmussen features a futuristic exterior by British studio Winch Design, led by a striking reverse bow; Photo: Tom Van Oossanen

Meanwhile, the 79.95m Excellence by German builder Abeking & Rasmussen is among the most jaw-dropping designs at Monaco due to an almost space-age exterior by UK’s Winch Design, which also handled the interior.

The radical exterior lines include a streamlined reverse bow that could itself be one of the stars of the show along with the huge glass panels in the unique superstructure, which itself features a series of circular designs not usually seen on superyachts. Features include a pool, sprawling beach club, jacuzzi and impressive limousine tenders.

Yet this 79-80m trio are only hovering around the edges of the show’s top 10 longest yachts, a heady collection that features some returning heroes and a few world premieres, including the aforementioned Tis. For more details on this stunning 364-footer by Lurssen, see https://www.luxuo.com/motoring/yachting/lurssen-111m-tis-yacht-style-review.html

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 49. Email subscribe@lux-inc.com for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/

Azimut S6 Owner Zhuang Zhouwen: Making Dreams Come True

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Azimut S6 Owner Zhuang Zhouwen: Making Dreams Come True

September 5, 2019
4:13 am

From a “hard life” growing up in southern Taiwan, Zhuang Zhouwen has become a successful businessman, enabling him to buy the first Azimut S6 in Asia.

In blazing sunshine, Zhuang Zhouwen recently welcomed his Azimut S6 motor yacht at a lively handover ceremony at the new Argo Yacht Club in Tainan City, where he and his wife followed traditions by smashing a champagne bottle, over an aft handrail.

Zhuang Zhouwen, Chairman of Xinliwang International Holding Group, with his new Azimut S6 in Taiwan

Zhuang is Chairman of Xinliwang International Holding Group, and named his new motor yacht after the company, which has expanded from being a real estate developer to a multi-national, cross-industry conglomerate.

Yet Zhuang, who also owns multiple supercars, didn’t always move in such high-flying circles, having grown up in a household of modest means in Taiwan’s southernmost county of Pingtung, which neighbours the yacht-building hub of Kaohsiung, just south of Tainan.

“I grew up in the earthiest place in Taiwan and lived a hard life during childhood,” said Zhuang, who is of Malaysian-Chinese descent, and holds both Taiwanese and Malaysian passports.

However, Zhuang held a strong ambition to rise up the corporate ladder, while retaining his strong affinity to the sea and fishing in particular.

“I learnt to swim at the age of seven and the first time I went sea fishing was on a bamboo raft. It did not have an engine so we had to rely on manpower, pushing it with bamboo poles,” he recalls.

Zhuang Zhouwen is a happy man at the handover of his Azimut S6, the model’s first unit into Asia

“Since I was young, I had a dream that after I succeeded in business, I would own a large farm with a huge lake and go fishing every day.”

Due to his family’s lack of finances, Zhuang had to start earning at a young age and developed an entrepreneurial spirit that has served him well.

“Because I’m the eldest son and eldest grandson in my family, I had to take on the family burden and responsibility at an early age. From the age of 10, I started to sell fish, sold meatballs at 13 and entered the buffet business at 16,” he says.

“When I was 18, I decided to persuade my mum to let me go out and enter the business world. Even though my mum was reluctant, she understood and encouraged me. I had the determination to succeed, by just working harder and harder.”

FISHING, BOATING AND SUPERCARS

Zhuang soon rose up the corporate ladder and 15 years ago bought a fishing boat, which he transformed into a diving boat, having developed a strong interest in scuba diving. The more he used the boat, the more his passion for yachting grew.

Zhuang with his wife and daughter

“I bought my first boat because I like fishing, the sea and sports. I learnt diving because it’s an attractive sport that can exercise all parts of the body, including internally, and gradually I developed my love for yachting,” says Zhuang, who also bought a sailing boat recently.

However, his latest acquisition, an Azimut S6, has put him in the rarefied world of luxury yacht owners. It followed both a growing familiarity with premium brands that he saw at various boat shows but also his interest in supercars, inspired by his son, who uploaded supercar videos on YouTube.

Zhuang now owns two Koenigsegg high-speed supercars , as the exclusive Swedish manufacturer is represented in Taiwan by the same dealer that represents Lamborghini, a brand he has a strong relationship with.

“Because of my son, I slowly started to know about supercars and realised that buying limited-edition supercars can also make money,” said Zhuang. “A really good supercar is not only for making money but also a status symbol.”

SPEED, LUXURY AND PREMIER STATUS

A passion for speed and dynamic design led to Zhuang’s decision to buy Azimut’s new S6, a streamline 18m, three-cabin model unveiled to the public at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

The couple smash a champagne bottle at the handover ceremony; Zhuang plans to use the boat around Tainan, Kaohsiung and the Penghu Islands

Zhuang was introduced to the sleek 59-footer by Azimut Yachts Taiwan, which is a subsidiary of Marine Italia, the Italian builder’s dealer for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, southern China and Singapore.

The S6 is designed by Azimut’s long-time exterior designer Stefano Righini, while Francesco Guida handled the interior in only his second project with the shipyard. The S6 features extensive use of carbon-fibre and three Volvo Penta IPS units that can propel it to 35 knots.

“I like to buy the best products, so I wanted to buy one of the best, most expensive yachts. The Azimut Taiwan team recommended Azimut, the number one yacht brand in the world, so I decided to buy the S6,” Zhuang says.

“I chose the S6 as I like speed, and wanted a yacht that combines speed and luxury. The Azimut S6 and my supercars are both very quick and very luxurious. The S6 has the best , most luxurious interior and I’m honoured to have the first one in Asia.”

The S6 at the new Argo Yacht Club in Tainan in southwest Taiwan

Zhuang plans to use the yacht around southern Taiwan, as both Tainan and neighbouring Kaohsiung have Argo Yacht Club marinas, while there are also yachting facilities in the beautiful Penghu Islands, west of Tainan.

“When I have time, I’ll take my family to enjoy fishing, diving and watersports. Both my parents and my son love the sea, and we often go out together as a family,” he says.

“Kaohsiung, Penghu and Tainan offer very good cruising routes and there’s a diving centre in Penghu. The S6 is fast, so saves time going out and back. If I have the chance in the future, I’ll also explore other places in Asia.”

www.azimutyachts.com

www.azimutyachts.hk

Charter in Asia – Fun for the Family: Yacht Style Special 2019

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Fun for the Family: Yacht Style Special

September 3, 2019
1:44 am

A yacht charter can be the ideal holiday for a family, allowing you to spend quality time together in gorgeous settings – as long as you plan properly.

The family that plays together, stays together, as the saying goes. And there are few better places for the whole family to play than while on a yacht charter, which offers something for everyone.

The family that plays together stays together; Photos: Simpson Yacht Charter

Kids can frolic on the water toys and hunt for pirate treasure on the beach, with the yacht’s crew creating elaborate treasure maps. Meanwhile, the adults can unwind with a massage or in the spa, while the grandparents can watch it all unfold from a comfortable seat on the shaded aft deck. There are few other holidays that cater so well to all ages.

Tamsin Priestly, a charter broker with Y.CO, says: “On a boat, you have it all. The children are entertained, the adults can relax. What most parents really want more than anything is downtime with their family. No matter how big the yacht is or what activities you get up to during the day, you’re all there together.”

Perhaps the best thing about a charter holiday is that it can be a truly unique and bespoke experience, designed to suit your family’s needs. By taking just a few details into consideration in advance, you can have the best family holiday, making memories to last a lifetime.

Most brokers will tell you that the yacht’s crew is the most important part of the yacht. “It’s all about the crew,” Priestly says.

When it comes to family charters, you want a young, sporty and active crew. “You can tell a lot from the crew profile,” points out Gayle Patterson, a charter manager with Camper & Nicholsons.

If you charter with a family, ensure the crew and itinerary are children-friendly; Photo: Lady E / Burgess

Look for crew who have unique hobbies and additional certifications, such as a kite-surfing teacher who will be happy to jump in the water and teach the kids a new skill. Robert Shepherd, a partner with brokerage company Edmiston and former yacht chef, agrees.

“The crew can make or break an on-board experience,” says Shepherd, who places a priority on choosing a boat that is kid-friendly.

“There are some boats where the owners are older and the crew is used to entertaining older couples and aren’t very children friendly. Also, is the chef kid-friendly? I can tell you from when I was a chef that kids don’t want to eat what the parents are eating – or when the parents eat.”

A yacht chef adept at catering to children can create dishes that are both tasty and healthy, and budding young chefs might even have the opportunity to help out in the kitchen, donning a mini apron and learning how to cook their favourite food.

SHARE THE TOYS

Watersports are a major part of a yacht holiday, but the trend nowadays is to learn something new while enjoying time in and on the water – a skill they can take home or use on the next charter. While on board, the family could all get their PADI dive certification, for instance, or the kids could learn dinghy sailing.

Be sure to choose an itinerary and locations that offer a good mix of activities and downtime

However, this isn’t to say the water toys are just for the children. A lot of adults are big kids and will be just as likely to try out everything in the yacht’s toy box, from giant waterslides to electric hydrofoiling surfboards.

When choosing the right yacht for your family, consider which amenities are important to you, whether it’s the latest water toys or a cinema.

The chance to play outside and get away from the overwhelming stress and ceaseless technology of our modern world is one of the most appealing parts of a yacht holiday. And in this vein, parents can really create the experience they desire for their family.

Do you want switch off the Wi-Fi so the kids can be more present? Or make sure the media room is fully stocked with the latest video games and hundreds of movies for kids?

Either end of the spectrum can be catered to, so have your charter company or broker check what entertainment options, from board games to films, are available on a yacht you’re considering. Many superyachts have movie theatres with comfortable recliners or can create an outdoor cinema experience, projecting a film onto a giant screen.

What’s most important is that you spend time together

“Movie night has become a must-have experience,” Priestly says. “There is something about the nostalgia of everyone sitting around a big screen with popcorn.”

Entertainment options don’t end at the cinema. Some kid-friendly crew are renowned for curating epic themes, like a Harry Potter dinner party, which the charter yacht Axioma has conjured up for guests on many occasions.

And if the crew can’t provide, then a specialist like GF Entertainment can help, no matter where you are. “We’ve set up events everywhere from Australia to Monaco,” says Emmanuel Akintunde, the company’s founder and Managing Director.

The company can help you source the ideal entertainment to please the whole family, from illusionists and dancers to aerialists, or even specific requests like bringing the cast of the Lion King musical on board!

STAYING SAFE

Safety on board is a concern that comes to the mind of parents when heading out on the high seas. The good news is, it’s also of utmost concern to the Captain and crew. Many boats are already outfitted with security measures to make sure kids are safe on board. This can include gates that block the steps to the aft deck.

Safety on board is a concern that comes to the mind of parents when heading out on the high seas

Additional measures can always be added on to enhance the safety for small children, such as affixing a protective screen so kids can’t fall from the sun deck. This goes for the interior as well. In the cabins, a Pullman berth bunkbed might have a netting that can be attached so smaller children don’t roll out of bed.

“Make sure the yacht has gates to block the stairways and safety netting outside where it’s needed,” Patterson says.

When planning a family yacht charter, the location must be highly considered as well.

“Something people often forget to ask is whether it’s a children-friendly itinerary,” says Shepherd. “You need to think about what the kids will do besides watersports.”

Shepherd recommends that you look for an itinerary that includes on-shore, kid-friendly diversions nearby.

“I would always start by asking people what they want to do,” agrees Lucy Ritchie of Fraser Yachts, who says many clients want to have a holiday that includes cultural experiences where kids can learn about history.

More adventurous families might opt for a cruise to far-flung places like Greenland or Antarctica, where you can see penguins, whales and sea lions in their natural habitat. But Ritchie advises waiting until the kids are old enough, eight years of age and upwards, so they can truly appreciate and remember the experience.

With the right yacht, crew and itinerary, a family charter is champagne sailing

The key for a family charter is to keep the entire family in mind. For instance, will grandma want to clamber up the hiking trails in the Galapagos? There are some locations that will please everyone, of course, such as Thailand’s Andaman Sea, which has plenty of beautiful locations and plentiful family-friendly activities on shore, from rock climbing to visiting an elephant sanctuary.

After you choose your location – and the right boat with your favoured amenities and crew – the rest is easy sailing. Once on board, every detail is taken care of and you don’t have to lift a finger, except maybe to sip a glass of champagne.

A family yacht holiday soon becomes a family tradition and there is a multi-generational affect, too.

“I have clients who once came on board as children with their parents and are now starting to go with their own kids and bringing the grandparents along,” Ritchie says. A charter holiday is one trip that everyone comes back for, no matter how old you get.

The original article appears in Yacht Style Issue 48. Email subscribe@lux-inc.com for print subscription enquiries or subscribe to the Magzter version at: www.magzter.com/SG/Lux-Inc-Media/Yacht-Style/Fashion/

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special 2019: Hong Kong’s Great Days Out

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Hong Kong’s Great Days Out

August 28, 2019
1:55 am

NextWave Charters represents over 50 charter yachts in Hong Kong including a stunning Sunseeker 131, which despite its size is mainly hired by the day.

Like in Singapore, charter in Hong Kong is dominated by day trips, as confirmed by local yachting agency NextWave, which includes NextWave Charters among its various divisions.

The Sunseeker 131 Yacht, here used for a wedding, is NextWave Charters’ flagship

“We have 95 per cent day charter and five per cent overnight. Most of our charters are for the day, but sometimes customers book evening charters for special occasions such as birthdays, proposals and company dinner events, and they’re especially popular when there are fireworks in Victoria Harbour,” says Frankie Chau, Managing Director of NextWave.

“We also offer overnight charters for people who want to enjoy more secluded and remote areas that would not be practical for only a day charter.”

NextWave was founded by a like-mind group of friends in 2012 and today its activities include the sales of new and pre-owned yachts as well as high-end water toys, yacht management (Column, Yacht Style Issue 47) and even the organisation of MotoSurf WorldCup events in China.

Its thriving yacht management division has helped grow the fleet managed by NextWave Charters, which now represents over 50 boats in Hong Kong, arguably Asia’s most mature and developed yachting market. Models include ‘Western Cruiser’ motoryachts from the likes of Sunseeker, Azimut, Pershing, MCY and Sealine, a Lagoon sailing catamaran, as well as junks and speedboats.

Day charters and special occasions dominate charter activity in Hong Kong

“By leveraging our yacht management arm, we’ve been able to source more high-quality, well-maintained Western cruiser yachts than our competitors,” Chau says. “We have over 50 boats available for hire, ranging from a 23ft speed boat to a 131ft top-of-the-line superyacht.”

That 131-footer is a stunning Sunseeker 131 Yacht, Rhine, which is among the largest superyachts for hire in Hong Kong. Currently Sunseeker’s second-largest model, the four-deck 131 has an enormous saloon, a jacuzzi on the flybridge and four guest cabins, although those are rarely used for sleeping during local charters.

“Talk about luxury,” Chau says. “The Sunseeker 131 has a grand living room, four bedrooms and an interior design that resembles a five-star hotel. She’s also capable of travelling around Southeast Asia for an unforgettable holiday.”

The company’s most popular charter yacht is its own custom-built NextWave Island, a 65-footer designed for parties. It has a capacity of 45 people, but can comfortably fit 60 once moored.

NextWave Island is a 65ft party boat focused on fun and toys

“Designed to have plenty of open space, we use cosy, movable lounge furniture to create different layouts to suit different customer needs,” Chau says. “It has great sound systems on all three of its decks and a spacious-air conditioned karaoke room.”

The charter fleet also includes a new 23ft Heyday inboard as NextWave believes there’s an insufficient supply of high-quality wake boats on Hong Kong Island’s south side.

Depending on the yacht, pick-ups can be arranged from various points in Hong Kong including Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and Sai Kung.

Popular requests include from Central to Repulse Bay or Deep Water Bay, with the yacht cruising around the west of Hong Kong Island, passing by Ocean Park. Once anchored, guests can swim to the beach, wakesurf, wakeboard or enjoy other toys, a sector NextWave specialises in.

“Powered surfboards like Jetsurf and Lift eFoils are also gaining in popularity as we’re expanding the market in Asia,” Chau says. “We also carry toys such as slides and other giant inflatable toys from Aquaglide.”

charters@nextwaveyachting.com

www.nextwavecharters.com

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Singapore Flings

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Singapore Flings

August 27, 2019
2:05 am

Sitting in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore has superb marinas and impressive yachts, although charter activity remains focused on day trips..

Singapore has a rich maritime history and several of the region’s leading marinas and yacht clubs, including ONE°15 Marina, where you’ll find several of Asia’s leading yacht dealerships and agencies including ONE15 Luxury Yachting, the city’s largest charter company, with over 40 yachts.

Eagle Wings, which can cater for up to 50 day guests, did over 300 charters in 2018

Half-day and day charters make up the vast majority of bookings, as most of the fleet are not registered for overseas charters. Many are berthed at ONE°15 Marina, so guests typically embark and disembark at Sentosa Cove.

Notable yachts in the charter fleet include EagleWings, a Sunreef Supreme 68 sailing catamaran , Anka, a 75ft wide-bodied Bondway, and the Azimut 116 Hye Seas II. EagleWings and Anka are licensed for 50 and 55 passengers respectively, within Singapore waters, and enjoy consistent demand year-round. Both have their own full bar and hot tubs.

“EagleWings and Anka are two of the bigger yachts in our fleet, so are popular for corporate and hospitality events that require a large saloon, dedicated galley and large outdoor social areas,” says Sylvia Ng, Senior Manager, ONE15 Luxury Yachting and ONE°15 Life, the charter company’s new digital platform.

Eagle Wings is a Sunreef Supreme 68 sailing catamaran

For parties of about 18-30 people, more regularly-chartered yachts include the 40ft Lagoon sailing catamaran Ximula and powercats such as the 46ft Xiao Lin, the 47ft Mikanna, the Aquila 48 No Name 2 and the 51ft Leopards Charter Me Too and Valencia.

Many of the popular charter yachts are well equipped with toys such as kayaks, SUPs, floats, fishing gear and snorkelling equipment, while EagleWings and Anka both have jetskis and towables. In fact , Anka’s Sea-Doo jetskis, the GTX Limited 230 and 300, and Fish Pro 155, can be hired to accompany another yacht charter.

Corporate charters remain fairly consistent throughout the year, but overall demand increases in bookings in June and December due to school holidays, so there are more charters for family gatherings and children’s parties.

Eagle Wings is packed with toys, great for half-day or day trips

December is slightly behind June as it’s slightly wetter plus more families travel for holidays. After all the year-end festivities, January is one of the quieter months for charter.

A typical charter in Singapore is four hours, with the option to extend. A standard itinerary would start with a 30-45-minute cruise to one of Singapore’s southern islands such as Lazarus or St John’s. Guests then have 21⁄2 hours to swim in calm seas, enjoy water sports or have their own cookout using the barbecue on-board.

Then there’s a relaxed return cruise along the south of the city for views of its increasingly interesting skyline, offering a different perspective of recent architectural landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer.

Other options include the two-hour sunset cruises in the evenings and ‘fireworks cruises’, which bring guests to the Marina Bay area  to watch displays in July and August, in conjunction with Singapore National Day celebrations, and on New Year’s Eve.

The Azimut 116 Hye Seas II can also charter outside Singapore

EagleWings had a spectacular Asia premiere in Singapore in 2016 and the 68-footer with a 34ft beam soon became a chartering machine, with about 280 charter bookings in 2017 and 308 last year.

“We are open for charter all year round, any day, any time,” says EagleWings representative Shixiang Lim. “We have all the toys and can even offer fine dining with private chefs on board.”

The yacht’s amenities include a foredeck jacuzzi, bar, karaoke, piano, automated mahjong table, barbecue, banana boat, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling gear, dive compressor, Seabob and a Williams 445 Jet Tender.

Lim says a popular itinerary starts at 4.00pm, with EagleWings anchoring at St John’s Island for watersports. After a barbecue dinner at 7.00pm, the yacht starts a slow cruise around the Marina Bay area, heads to Siloso Beach on Sentosa for fireworks, and returns for 9.30pm.

EagleWings II is a Sunseeker Manhattan 60 that can cater to 15 guests in the day

And if EagleWings is too big for your needs, there’s always EagleWings II, a Sunseeker Manhattan 60 motoryacht that can cater to 15 guests in the day.

ONE15 Luxury Yachting is supported by the club’s own Latitude bistro, which offers an extensive menu of food and beverage for charterers and can also set it all up on board beforehand – particularly important for corporate entertainment. Chefs and service staff can also be hired.

For those yachts that do cruise out of Singapore, such as EagleWings and Hye Seas II, they’re usually chartered to nearby destinations such as Johor in Malaysia, and Batam and Bintan in Indonesia.

A notable exception is Ximula, which has a strong reputation for sailing holidays into some of the area’s most idyllic but lesser-known islands in Indonesian waters, including the Badas Islands east of Singapore and the Anambas Islands to the northeast. Charters are for a minimum of five nights and include all meals on board.

www.one15luxuryyachting.com www.one15life.com

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special 2019: Spirit of Papua New Guinea

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Spirit of Papua New Guinea

August 26, 2019
2:12 am

Yacht Style’s 2019 Charter Special ventures just outside of Asia to Papua New Guinea, where the 115ft powercat Spirit offers a remarkable 10-day ‘seafari’.

Papua New Guinea may not be in Asia, but this South Pacific nation shares a border with our continent and resides in the Coral Triangle, so charter guests can enjoy the same tropical marine waters as neighbouring Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia plus the Solomon Islands to its east.

The 115 powercat Spirit is available for charter in Papua New Guinea through Camper & Nicholsons

Sometimes called PNG, the country occupies the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, with the west side occupied by the Indonesian provinces of Papua and West Papua, the latter home to Raja Ampat and other world-famous dive and yachting destinations.

Papua New Guinea’s waters and marine life are among the best in the world, but for yacht charter the country remains somewhat of a hidden gem – and has even been described as having more languages than any other country.

Despite its size of almost 500,000sqkm, just smaller than Thailand and 50 per cent bigger than Malaysia, Papua New Guinea has a population of just 8.2 million, less than New York and a little more than Hong Kong.

Fortunately, its small population and limited tourism have helped ensure the pristine nature of its assets above and below the water, where visibility typically ranges from 80-130ft.

A warm welcome for Spirit and her charter guests in Papua New Guinea

However, these factors also mean that visiting charter yachts can become somewhat of a major curiosity for locals, especially when that visitor is the 35m charter yacht Spirit , usually based in the Australian city of Cairns, just 525 miles south of the PNG capital of Port Moresby.

GETTING IN THE SPIRIT

With its striking wave-piercing design, the New Zealand-built powercat not only turns heads but also delivers outstanding stability underway and has a particularly spacious interior due in large to her 10.8m beam.

Her striking, sleek appearance is the work of Ken Freivokh, designer of the world’s largest sailing yacht, the 106m Black Pearl, and the 88m Maltese Falcon , although charter guests will be more focused on Spirit’s interior, featuring European furnishings and the latest in audio-visual entertainment systems.

On the main deck, a spacious saloon features a comfortable lounge and a formal dining table with a bar counter, while on the aft deck is further seating and a large dining table so charter guests can enjoy the Cordon Bleu chef’s culinary delights al fresco.

In Cape Vogel, Spirit’s twin hulls encourage villagers in their canoes to come up close and even have a paddle underneath the hull, also a lively encounter for charter guests

Spirit can accommodate up to 12 guests in five staterooms, including four VIP double cabins forward on the main deck, two of which can be converted into twins with an optional third bunk.

The master suite dominates the upper deck and benefits from its own private deck area with sun loungers, large windows, a king-size bed and an office area with a coffee table and chairs, while forward is a jacuzzi surrounded by cushioned seating. On the top deck, stools surround a central bar and this partially shaded space is ideal for refreshments or a breakfast with an incredible view.

Based in Cairns, Spirit’s cruising locations include the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays, the Solomons and Papua New Guinea, where she offers a 10-day charter starting from Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay province on the country’s southeast peninsula and just an hour’s flight from Port Moresby.

MILNE BAY TO TUFI FJORDS

After being met at Gurney Airport, guests are transferred to Spirit, which is anchored off Alotau in the calm sheltered waters of Milne Bay. Depending on time available, the yacht may relocate to a nearby anchorage where you’ll be free to enjoy the yacht’s facilities and toys at your leisure. Alternatively, a shore excursion to a local village will be on offer.

Bright, vibrant colours dominate Papua New Guinea’s traditions, culture and wildlife

The first passage is out of Milne Bay and then south to Samarai Island, home for days two and three, and somewhat of a living museum. Given its tiny size, you can explore the island and its colonial architecture easily on foot. Diving and snorkelling opportunities abound in the area, which has a thriving reef system and pristine, uninhabited white beaches.

On the third day, Spirit cruises east to the Deboyne Islands where friendly villagers sail canoes around the lagoon, fishing and trading between villages. Panaeati is the northernmost of the islands, while others include Panapompom and Nivani, and there are lots of opportunities for diving, snorkelling and fishing around the lagoon.

A big underwater attraction is that several Japanese fighter planes were ditched in the lagoon in World War II, as the islands were used as a seaplane outpost by the Japanese Navy, providing exciting and easily accessible snorkelling in the shallows.

Days five and six are spent in the Conflict Islands, to the west, back in the direction of the mainland. The Conflict Islands are a little-known group of 21 uninhabited coral islands surrounding an astoundingly beautiful lagoon.

Visitors will be amazed at the clarity of the water in Papua New Guinea

The sheer remoteness of this pristine location begs exploration within the numerous reefs, cays and islands, all ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving and fishing. A good spot for a beach barbecue with your freshly caught fish.

Spirit then heads west to the D’Entracasteaux Islands, north of Milne Bay, for days seven and eight, with guests able to enjoy a diverse array of attractions on and around these volcanic islands.

The beautifully named Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby are the three biggest islands and run northwest to southeast. The Dei Dei hot springs on Ferguson are accessed via a short jungle walk, while there are fantastic opportunities to see rare birds of paradise to the east.

The tiny island of Dobu, between Fergusson and Normanby, offers great reefs for diving and snorkelling as well as nice walks through the villages, where you can immerse yourself in an island lifestyle that has changed little over time.

Spirit is equipped to travel to remote areas like Restorf Island off New Britain, not on the itinerary outlined in this article

The final passage is northwest to Tufi on the mainland, where the spectacular fjords are a highlight, along with the rainforest mountains, crystal clear waters and coral reefs.

With a maze of cliff faces descending vertically into the ocean surrounding Cape Nelson, incredible displays of local culture, plus some of the region’s best and most spectacular diving and fishing locations, Tufi is a truly magnificent location to round out your PNG experience.

ALWAYS READY AND PREPARED

And Spirit’s the right yacht for this amazing venture as her water toys and facilities really bring her into a league of her own, with 12 full sets of scuba diving equipment on board, including a compressor and Blade Fish 5000 underwater scooters. There’s even the option of a Dive Master as an optional crew member who’s able to issue qualification certificates.

Spirit also has a 7m fishing tender fully equipped for trolling, bottom fishing, topwater and spear fishing. Alternatively, you can explore the reefs and coves from the comfort of a kayak or stand-up paddle board, while kiteboarding equipment and/or lessons can be arranged in advance.

Spirit has a great beach club on the swim platform and is packed with water toys

There’s also a 5.2m RIB, ideal for waterskiing, wakeboarding or towing the various inflatables, all toys easily accessed from the yacht’s high-low swim platform.

Another great thing about PNG is that it’s always a good time to visit as the temperature remains about 30 degree Celsius, with water temperature around the same, and the area can be dived, fished and cruised year-round, even if January to March is the wet season.

Papua New Guinea has incredible, diverse local culture and some of the best fishing and diving the world has to offer, while Spirit offers everything you’ll need to get the most out of this hidden paradise.

Contact: Sytske Kimman: skimman@camperandnicholsons.com

www.camperandnicholsons.com

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special 2019: Explore Wild, Wonderful Indonesia

Charter / yachtstyle2020

CHARTER IN ASIA – YACHT STYLE SPECIAL 2019: EXPLORE WILD, WONDERFUL INDONESIA

August 23, 2019
2:18 am

Indonesia is a charter paradise, with luxurious, hand-built phinisis and primeval attractions like the Jurassic-like Raja Ampat and Komodo dragons.

When Prana by Atzaro played a starring role in an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians this year, Indonesia’s charter yacht business enjoyed a very public seal of approval from a very public trio of sisters.

View from the top of one of the Wayag Islands in Raja Ampat

Following her launch last year, the 55m Prana joined the growing clan of beautiful charter phinisi superyachts, based on the designs of the famed trading vessels of the Spice Island trade routes.

Although not the longest charter phinisi, Prana is promoted as having the most useable space, 900sqm across four decks, as well as a remarkable nine cabins headed by the Batavia master suite, which has a sumptuous 20sqm private deck overlooking the stern.

Quickly established as a hugely popular charter vessel, Prana is the flagship central agency (CA) listing of Voyage by Yacht Sourcing, the charter division of Yacht Sourcing, which built the phinisi in 21 months in southern Sulawesi – birthplace of most modern phinisis – at its own shipyard in Bira.

Launched in 2018, the 55m Prana has nine cabins

Made of ironwood and teak, Prana is a remarkable yacht, with accommodation for 18 guests and 18 crew, and some of the largest, most beautiful social areas of any charter yacht resident in Asia.

Offering panoramic views, the top deck is known as the yoga deck and can be converted into an outdoor cinema, while there’s a dedicated spa with two therapists who can also deliver treatments in-room or outdoors, even on the beach.

The crew includes a dive instructor and there’s a dedicated watersports centre fully equipped for diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, waterskiing and wakeboarding, plus a tender and towables.

Prana has a comprehensive watersports centre with full dive facilities

PLENTY OF CHOICES

Indonesia’s most popular charter destinations may not be as accessible as those around Phuket, for example, but two-thirds of this remarkable country of over 17,000 islands is water, and the diversity of its natural and cultural attractions are hard to match.

Like many phinisis and other yachts in Indonesia, Prana splits her season between the Komodo area from about May to October, then Raja Ampat and surrounds from December through April, with charter opportunities in the Spice Islands during the crossings.

Voyage won Best Asia-Based Charter Company (Phinisi) at this year’s Christofle Yacht Style Awards in Phuket due in large to the popularity of Prana, but the company’s impressive charter listing is now 16-strong and includes many other famous phinisis, plus motor yachts like the 50m Kudanil Explorer.

Prana has 900sqm of useable space across four decks

While Prana typically charters at between US$12,500-15,500 per day, Voyage offers several options more expensive than that, some significantly, such as the 65m Lamima. Price-wise, though, options start with the likes of the historic Anne Judith II and the 16m Kelana, which range from US$1,550-2,000 per day.

Launched as a British naval boat in 1943, the 24m Anne Judith II was later based in Papua New Guinea before spending most of the last 35 years in Indonesia, where she was among the first charter vessels.

She was a pioneer for many of the original surf expeditions in the country and remains a popular charter choice for surf holidays, and is also equipped for diving, kayaking and paddleboarding. Anne Judith II can accommodate six guests in two nicely finished cabins, each with a double and a single.

The 26m motor yacht Magia II is fresh from a refit and has a stunning master suite with panoramic views

Voyage’s mid-range yachts include the 26m motor yacht Magia II, which has recently completed a refit and looks sensational inside and out.

Currently offered at a ‘launch price’ of US$4,900 per day, the teak-built, four-cabin yacht has a stunning aft master suite that offers panoramic views and its own private balcony with jacuzzi, while the VIP suite is also beautifully designed. The yacht is equipped for diving, snorkelling and fishing, and has other toys.

PIONEERING LUXURY PHINISIS

Launched in 2004, the 50m Silolona is the pioneer of the current crop of charter phinisi superyachts and was joined in 2012 by the 40m Si Datu Bua, both yachts managed by Silolona Sojourns. Like her big sister, Si Datu Bua was built by the Konjo boatbuilders of Ara in Sulawesi, to German Lloyd’s standards of safety and comfort.

The 50m Silolona is the pioneer of the current fleet of luxury phinisis for charter

Owner Patti Seery has been immersed in local culture over the past three decades and her passion for the art, history and cultures of the Indonesian archipelago shine through in both of these incredible yachts. They also make for an enticing charter pairing, as Caroline Payen, Silolona Sojourns’ Yacht Charter Manager, explains.

“Silolona and Si Datu Bua have completed a lot of tandem charters and these are so successful. In tandem, we can accommodate groups or families of 16-20. The guests just love it,” Payen says.

“Recently we had an American wedding on board, which was so much fun and the parents who arranged it were so grateful. As always, the crew has endless imagination to create events on board for families and kids, keeping safety in mind, too.”

Silolona can accommodate 10 guests in five staterooms, while Si Datu Bua has three suites for six guests.

The 40m Si Datu Bua (pictured) and 50m Silolona are a popular charter pairing

In both yachts, the exquisite attention to detail in the interior is reflected by Chinese trade ceramics, and walls adorned with original maps and charts of Southeast Asia dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The finish, service and amenities are five-star, such as the silky towels made from sustainable bamboo fibres.

From June through September, the pair are based in Labuan Bajo and operate charters in the Komodo archipelago, eastern Flores and the Savu Sea. From October to May, they head northeast to Ambon and charter to Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands and Cenderawasih Bay in Papua.

DUNIA BARU ADDS ADVENTURE

At 50m in length, Dunia Baru was a powerful addition to the family of charter phinisis when it was launched in December 2013 after eight years of painstaking construction by Konjo shipwrights.

The yacht is owned by Mark Robba, who also has a strong attachment to the region and has joined the yacht on adventures around and beyond Asia, including deep into the Pacific Ocean. The American has also ensured Dunia Baru has been meticulously maintained from launch.

The 51m Dunia Baru is built for adventure and meticulously maintained

Accommodating 14 guests in seven staterooms and serviced by 18 crew, Dunia Baru was built for adventure and has an on-board dive instructor and full facilities for 14 divers. She also has a fantastic open kitchen on the aft deck where guests can watch the chef prepare meals.

The yacht is family-friendly, with high side railings and safe cushioned play area outdoors, while there’s expansive deck space for lounging, partying or exercise, and a roof deck ideal for morning yoga, offering panoramic views.

Dunia Baru is available for charter in the waters of Komodo National Park and surrounds from April until October, then Raja Ampat from November until March. Rates start from US$101,500 inclusive per week.

Operator Dunia Baru Adventures has also been keen to clarify that its charters in Komodo will not be affected by the potential 2020 closure of Komodo Island, a measure designed to allow the natural habitat to rejuvenate in order to sustain the island’s population of dragons and deer. Other charter yachts will also continue visiting the area.

Indonesia is a popular charter yacht destination for tourists from across Asia

In fact, Komodo Island accounts for just 390sqkm of the 3,329sqkm land area of the Komodo Biosphere Reserve and National Park.

While Komodo dragons share their name with the island, they can also be found on Rinca, Padar, Gili Motong and on some parts of Flores, while Rinca offers plenty of hiking options for visitors, who can walk with guides along a range of trails from the ranger station.

Komodo National Park will remain open, divers will still be able to see manta rays, turtles, pygmy seahorses and coral gardens, and visitors will still be able to see dragons.

www.voyage.yachtsourcing.com

www.silolona.com

www.duniabaru.com

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Lagoon Cats Expand Reach

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Lagoon Cats Expand Reach

August 22, 2019
2:23 am

Simpson Yacht Charter has a network of boats across the globe, but from its home base in Asia, its growing fleet includes several Lagoon sailing catamarans operating all across the continent and beyond. 

The charter arm of Asia’s largest yacht dealership, Simpson Yacht Charter (SYC) offers an extensive range of yachts and itineraries across Asia, from the Maldives in the Indian Ocean to Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, across to Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Hong Kong.

Primetime is a Lagoon 620 sailing catamaran offered by Simpson Yacht Charter

It has a list of 180 yachts that cover destinations across the globe such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean and even the South Pole, but the core of the company’s charter business remains in Southeast Asia.

Despite Simpson Marine’s long history in charter, SYC only started operations in 2013 in Phuket with a Lagoon 440 and 450, which were under yacht care and available for bareboat charters. Its charter base remains in Phuket where it has over 10 yachts under its management.

“SYC’s charter base remains boutique in scale in Phuket, which enables us to offer a highly-customised service level and have more focus on fulfilling every request from our charter clients. Our boats are either new or have been superbly maintained by our own yacht care team or the permanent onboard crew,” says Reanna Wang, SYC’s Group Charter Manager.

“With these principles and values in mind, SYC has listed boats all over the world’s major charter cruising regions with like-minded, high-end local operators that strive to deliver individualised services.”

SYC’s fleet of Lagoons charter across Southeast Asia including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia

LAGOONS SPREAD ACROSS THE REGION

Lagoon sailing catamarans are among the stars of the SYC fleet and include two 620s, including the Malaysian-flagged Primetime, which completed a refit this year and is fully equipped for scuba diving.

The aft deck has been customised for diving and finished in marine teak, and is ideal for eight divers. Divers can be lowered into the water – and come out – via the hydraulic dive platform or just dive in from the starboard transom.

The yacht has four cabins for eight guests and is served by an international five-strong crew including Swiss owner and cruise director Chris Keller, who has done over 1,000 dives, Captain Cirilo ‘Jhun’ Ortiz, a former Philippines national team sailor, and dive instructor Jamie Piyada of Thailand, the 2012 Miss Scuba International.

The Lagoon 620 Primetime is designed for diving, including a specially built aft deck

From July through November, Primetime’s charter destinations include East Malaysia and the pristine Anambas Islands of Indonesia, situated between Singapore and East Malaysia. From February to May, the yacht will be in the Philippines where her destinations will include Cebu and Palawan.

Langkawi-based Jyohana is another Lagoon 620 in the fleet, also had a refit in 2019 and typically charters between Langkawi and Phuket, or from Langkawi into southern Thailand waters and back. Like Primetime, Jyohana measures 18.9m in length with a beam of 10m, so offers enormous space.

The yacht has four cabins for eight guests, but with only  three crew it has the space for an enormous master suite on starboard side and is ideal for a luxury trip for a family of multiple generations.

The Lagoon 620 Jyohana has a beautifully bright and colourful saloon

The main deck features a beautifully light, modern and spacious open-plan saloon, as well as a huge amount of outdoor space for al fresco dining and relaxing, forward and aft. The expansive flybridge has sunpads and is sheltered by a bimini.

LATEST LAGOONS

SYC’s other Lagoons include the 52F Blue Moon, a Thai- flagged 2018 model that arrived in Phuket last year and can accommodate 10 guests in five cabins. The yacht is usually served by two crew, but three are recommended for more than eight guests. So far, charterers have been full of praise, with recent testimonials including “best sailing trip we had so far” and “beyond amazing; everything was great”.

Blue Moon is based in Phuket and typical charter destinations include around Thailand, south to Malaysia or north to the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar. Among the yacht’s many appealing features are its light, modern interior and its toys, which include a RIB tender, two inflatable kayaks, an inflatable paddleboard and snorkelling gear for 10.

The Lagoon 52F Blue Moon has proved a popular addition to the SYC fleet since 2018

The Lagoon Seventy7 Joy, which only launched last year, is one of the most exciting additions to the SYC fleet. Among the world’s premier sailing catamarans, this ‘gentle giant’ spans 23.3m in length and has a beam of 11m, with an enormous saloon, aft deck and flybridge, as well as four beautiful guest cabins.

The Cayman-flagged Joy spent the northern winter and spring in the Caribbean, and is one of only a few of Lagoon’s sailing flagships available for charter.

Ideal for charter, sailing catamarans offer multiple living areas including the trampolines

However, from August, the four-cabin Joy will be based in Tahiti in the South Pacific and operating charters in French Polynesia. It’s an enticing, exotic setting for the yacht, which has a 5m RIB tender with 100hp Honda outboard and is equipped for snorkelling, fishing, wakeboarding and waterskiing, while toys include paddleboards and inflatables.

reanna.wang@simpsonmarine.com

www.simpsonyachtcharter.com

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style 2019 Special: Short Trips Around Phuket

Charter / yachtstyle2020

Charter in Asia – Yacht Style Special: Short Trips Around Phuket

August 21, 2019
2:21 am

Phuket is home to a wide range of charter yachts, with Asia Yacht Agency among companies offering dayboats, motor cruisers, superyachts and sailing yachts.

A member of the Thai Yachting Business Association, Asia Yacht Agency is among the leading charter companies in Phuket and currently has access to over 30 charter boats including models from the world’s leading luxury yacht brands, such as a Princess 60, Riva 70 and a Sunseeker 90 .

Asia Yacht Agency offers a wide range of charter yachts including the 60ft Princess, Mayavee

Founder Olivier Payen has been based in Phuket since 2005 and in the boating business for over four decades, while his business partner Worawan ‘Poom’ Hokprasit has worked in the yachting industry for 15 years, having previously specialised in hospitality in five-star hotel and resorts.

“We have many boats for day and overnight charter in Thailand, from a small luxury boat of 26ft up to a 135ft superyacht,” says Worawan, the company’s Charter Director and a Board Member of TYBA, which is organising the inaugural Thailand Charter Week from November 16-21.

The seven smallest boats, including an Admiral 40 sailing yacht, are suitable only for day charters, while all the larger models can do both day and overnight charters.

The range of larger motor yachts include the 65ft L’Orientale built by Cheoy Lee in 1978 and refitted in 2018, a Sunbird 80 that also had a refit last year, a Spanish-built Astondoa 102, the 34m Moonen Xanadu and the 135ft Rodriguez Ocean Emerald, designed by Norman Foster and one of Asia’s iconic charter yachts.

The elegant 65ft L’Orientale was built by Cheoy Lee in 1978 and refitted in 2018

There are also several sailing yachts in the range including Lagoon 54 and 56 catamarans, the beautiful 95ft wooden ketch Aventure, the 99ft schooner Dallinghoo and a Sparkman and Stephens 104 sloop built in Thailand and launched in 2011.

Asia Yacht Agency is focused on departures from Phuket and iconic charter destinations include Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands, as well as the Similan Islands.

PHANG NGA BAY AND KOH HONG

Worawan’s recommendations for a day charter include an eight-hour tour of Phang Nga Bay and Koh Hong Krabi, departing Ao Po Marina at 9.00am and starting with a slow cruise into Phang Nga Bay, taking in the majestic limestone pinnacles.

Destinations include Phanak Island, where there’s the chance for photos of the spectacular rock formation, and Koh Hong Phang Nga, where guests can kayak inside this breathtaking limestone karst and explore caves and mangroves in the interior.

L’Orientale offers a beautiful three-cabin charter option for southern Thailand

There’s also the iconic Khao Ping Kan and the striking 20m-high Tapu Island, both collectively known as ‘James Bond Island’ following their appearance in the 1974 release, The Man with the Golden Gun. Then it’s over to Koh Pak Bia to anchor among the beautiful scenery while the crew serves a delicious lunch for guests who can also enjoy chilled fine wines and beer.

After lunch, take the chance to jump in the water for a swim and a bit of snorkelling. There’s also the chance to swim at a different Koh Hong, an island off the Krabi coastline, where you can also snorkel just off the beach and relax in the lagoon.

At 4.00pm, it’s time for the slow cruise back to the Phuket while the sun starts to set, typically arriving at Ao Po at 5.00pm. Worawan suggests the two Rok Islands, near Koh Lanta, for an overnight charter. The two islands, Rok Nai and Rok Nok, are next to each other and situated in Mu Koh Lanta National Park. Clear water and coral reefs make the two islands famous for diving and snorkelling, while they also have great beaches to relax on.

Aventure is a gorgeous 95ft wooden ketch with a teak deck a nice outdoor area for meals by the water

“The Rok Islands are beautiful, remote islands with crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches,” Worawan says.

OTHER DESTINATIONS

As well as the Rok Islands, Worawan recommends overnight charters to the Similan Islands, northwest of Phuket, for diving.

The Similans comprise nine uninhabited tropical islands in the Andaman Sea and offer world-class snorkelling and diving. The islands are famous for their white-sand beaches, which are fringed by extensive coral reefs that are home to a rich variety of marine life.

The islands are covered by tropical rainforest, with large granite boulders creating unusual rock formations. The islands are typically open to the public from mid-October until mid-May, Phuket’s high season, but dates may vary each year depending on the weather.

The 24m Sunbird 80 had a refit in 2018 and offers plenty of toys

Those wanting to dive on a day charter could choose Koh Dok Mai, about 15km east of Phuket’s south coast, or the larger and much more famous Phi Phi Islands, another 30km or so east.

The Phi Phi Islands’ popularity increased when Maya Bay was used in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach, while visitors can also come up close to monkeys on Monkey Beach, which is also a good spot for snorkelling.

The fact is, Phuket is literally surrounded by dozens of amazing islands with spectacular rock formations, white-sand beaches, beautifully clear water and enough colourful fish to make snorkelling interesting.

The Khai Islands, east of Phuket, are among those and its shallow waters make them particularly suitable for those travelling with children, while the Rang Islands, even closer to Phuket’s east coast, are well known for a local pearl farm.

The Sunbird 80 can accommodate up to 30 guests for day charter or six guests in three cabins for overnight trips

To the south of Phuket are the Racha Islands – Racha Yai and the smaller Racha Noi to the south. The islands are also a good destination for a diving day trip and an excellent spot for fishing.

Toys typically vary on the size of the boat and its storage options, but options can include jetskis, waterskis, donuts, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and floating beds.

According to Asia Yacht Agency, the six months from May through October is Phuket’s ‘value season’, while the high season spans from November through April although that includes a peak season from December 20-January 10.

www.asiayachtagency.com

Tommy Ho: The Rising Son of Yacht Insurance in Asia

Leaders / yachtstyle2020

Tommy Ho: The Rising Son of Yacht Insurance in Asia

August 7, 2019
4:58 am

Yacht Style profiles TOMMY HO, Founder and CEO of Voyager Risk Solutions, who manages insurance for many of Hong Kong’s new luxury yachts and is starting to expand across Asia.

Tommy Ho Wai-lok is well known in Hong Kong’s yachting circles, but plenty still know him as the third son of Ho Sai-lo, who retired in June 2018 after 35 years managing the boat yard at Club Marina Cove.

Tommy Ho with Kara Yeung, Executive Director of HKCYIA, at the signing ceremony of the MOU for Hong Kong’s new Superyacht Management Services Centre

Tommy still frequently attends events at Marina Cove as the Sai Kung venue regularly hosts private events for many of the world’s leading luxury yacht brands, including Ferretti Group, Azimut, Sunseeker, Fairline, Monte Carlo Yachts and Prestige from April through June.

In June, Voyager co-hosted the Family Days weekend at the end of the nine-day Ferretti Group Itinerary Show and Tommy found himself fielding more questions about his father than himself.

“When I go to Marina Cove, lots of friends and familiar faces come up to me, but they all ask about my Dad, like how’s Sai-lo enjoying retirement, how’s his health,” laughs Tommy during an interview with his father and mother, Susie Lei, who’s still involved with the family’s yacht repair business at Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

“When I go to events, a lot of people know me because of my parents and in fact, we generated business at that event. It’s great I’m also in boating like my parents, because we can always talk about boats, whether one’s good or bad, its design, the quality, so on.”

However, what’s surprising is how often Tommy’s surprised when hearing stories from his parents, who both grew up working on the water, his father initially crewing on sailing boats and his mother a leader of one of the famous ‘side party’ groups of sampan women who cleaned the hulls of military ships.

AROUND THE WORLD

In the early 1960s, Ho senior responded to an advert from an American, Vad Jelton, who was recruiting two crew for a long cruise with his wife on a 55ft sailing yacht.

Susie Lei and Ho Sai-lo with Tommy Ho, their third son

Sai-lo recalls: “I saw the advert recruiting for crew, so I went for an interview. At that time, my salary was HK$160 per month…”

Tommy’s eyes widen in shock – “Wah, so little” – before his father continues.

“Then the American offered me HK$700 per month, so it was an easy decision. The boat stopped in a lot of places so it took a long time, almost two years. We eventually finished working in San Francisco.”

“He did it for the money,” smirks Susie, who married Sai-lo after he returned to Hong Kong in late 1965.

Sai-lo said the most alarming episode was when the owner’s wife started screaming as she thought the boat was going to sink.

“The wife was steering, but she was hungry, so she asked me to take over at the wheel while she went to get some food. When she got down to the galley, she found the whole place was flooded and started crying out. A hole in the pump was leaking and flooded the whole deck. We stopped the boat, found out where the leak was, then repaired it.”

Tommy Ho’s mother, Susie Lei (on left), with Prime Minister Edward Heath at the 1971 London Boat Show, with the photo appearing in the South China Morning Post

As Sai-lo continued to work as crew on boats on his return to Hong Kong, Susie continued her sampan-based work, which included managing her side party brigade, cleaning the sides of Royal Navy ships at HMS Tamar, chipping off rust and repainting them.

“They didn’t pay me,” she says. “They’d give us old rope, wires, anything we could either use or sell.”

Tommy knows about his mother’s participation in the 1971 London International Boat Show at Earl’s Court when ‘The boats and water-people of Hong Kong’ was a theme and she was one of two ladies, along with Annie Ho, selected to represent the then-colony.

“They wanted to promote Hong Kong and they sent two sampans to London for the show. I had been working with the Royal Navy ships for a long time, since I was very young, and they chose two of us. Rowing a sampan is quite a skill because there’s only one paddle to power and steer,” Susie says.

“I flew there on December 31, 1970, but arrived on New Year’s Day in 1971. It was the coldest place I’d been. Then, for the opening ceremony, I rowed the sampan for the British Prime Minister, [Edward] Heath.”

Tommy is again in shock, his head flicking back, eyes wide open. “I didn’t know that!”

“A lot of people came up to me for autographs,” Susie continues. “What for? I didn’t understand what they wanted.”

BACK IN HONG KONG

In the early 1970s, Sai-lo became a foreman at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club before setting up his own family-named repair service operation onsite in 1977 with Susie, who has helped manage the operation for over four decades, although she has recently handed most responsibility to Tommy’s second-eldest brother.

Tommy Ho (middle) with his brothers on the family boat in Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter

In 1983, Sai-lo left the new family business to join the new Club Marina Cove, which Henderson Land had developed from a fishing farm into a marina and residences. In fact, Sai-lo was recruited by Grantham Sharkey, Tommy’s godfather and the former marina manager of Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, who was hired by Marina Cove.

When Tommy was young, the family spent time living on a junk in the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter by Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and he has fond memories of this period of his life (featured in COLUMN, Issue 46), although there were hardships, such as showering with no hot water.

As a schoolboy, Tommy joined his father at Marina Cove each Sunday, helping yacht owners with their belongings, cleaning yachts and doing other odd jobs.

“I needed to make some pocket money,” says Tommy, who has a younger sister as well as two elder brothers. “I remember owners in those days were very generous. A Coca-Cola was HK$2 and the owners would give me HK$20 tips.”

After finishing his studies, Tommy worked for the local dealer of Musto sailing apparel and also distributed other sailing gear and even jetskis, selling over 100 in a year. However, when the effects of the 1997 Asian financial crisis took effect, he had to close his shop and found himself in debt.

Tommy Ho in the background at June’s Family Days weekend at Marina Cove, co-organised by Ferretti Group and Voyager

Tommy started working at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club,  where he met Colin Dawson, who thought the youngster’s extensive experience in boating would prove an asset in insurance, so asked him to join him at Heath Lambert.

Tommy’s first day in insurance was September 10, 2001, a day ahead of the infamous 9/11 attacks. Despite the inauspicious start, he worked at Heath Lambert until 2006 and then spent 12 years at Aon until founding Voyager last year.

THE VOYAGE CONTINUES

With strong financial backing and Tommy’s now 18 years in the industry, Voyager has made strong inroads into the local yacht insurance market in a short time. “I’d say 80 per cent of the boat dealers in Hong Kong are using our services,” he says.

Recent high-profile contracts include those for the first-ever Pershing 140, which could arrive in Hong Kong in September, and Ferretti Group models from Riva, Custom Line and Ferretti Yachts. Others include an Azimut Grande 32 Metri and Sunseekers like the 74 Predator set to arrive in July and 76 Yacht that arrived earlier this year.

Voyager is managing the insurance for the first-ever Pershing 140, coming to Hong Kong

Voyager has also signed an MOU with the Hong Kong Cruise and Yacht Industry Association (HKCYIA) to provide risk-management and insurance consultation services for the upcoming Superyacht Management Services Centre, which is a redevelopment of the Yiu Lian and Euroasia Dockyards in Tsing Yi, and set to open in 2020.

Along with his team’s insurance expertise, Tommy is confident of Voyager’s well-rounded offerings due to his and his family’s vast experience of working on yachts and with the many key suppliers, yacht clubs and marinas in the city.

“This is where we show our expertise. I know whether any repair claim is reasonable or if a supplier is overcharging. I can also call shipyards to prioritise urgent repairs. I’ve even helped prevent yachts from sinking by making phone calls to the right people,” he says.

“I’m also a boat owner, so I know what owners need to look out for and how they think. There’s no other insurance broker with my connections in Hong Kong, plus I also have a good network in China, Taiwan, Philippines and so on.”

In fact, one of Tommy’s next ambitions is to expand Voyager across Asia and the move has already begun with a representative office in Singapore. He’s looking for opportunities to expand in the likes of Taiwan, Philippines and Thailand.

Tommy Ho’s famliarity with so many aspects of the yachting industry is due in large to his parents

Yachting makes up the vast majority of Voyager’s business, so his other ambition is to expand business in non-yachting sectors, which already includes automobiles, art, wine, jewellery, financial, even kidnapping and ransom, and now professional indemnity insurance.

“We know everyone in yachting in Hong Kong, so we can improve here, but not by a great amount. However, we definitely can increase a lot in the other sectors in the coming years.”

Tommy remains upbeat about his city’s own yachting market, which has slowed due to a lack of berths. He believes there’s potential money and interest in growing infrastructure in the city, but that government approval remains an obstacle.

“For one, Discovery Bay is being redeveloped, while I’ve been speaking to some tycoons and they’re interested in investing in and building marinas. They’re even asking where they can buy land for this, but building a marina needs approval from many different government departments.”

Tommy Ho may be among the most connected people in Hong Kong boating circles, but he’s well aware of who gave him the start in the industry and provided him with the network and support to be one of the region’s rising stars in yacht insurance.

“Tycoons won’t do business with you unless they know you, who you are, like some family history or connections.” And for that, he knows who to thank.