The Islander Magazine - February 2023

©Rod Harris

Perhaps you find this ad hard to read but it’s not even half as hard as finding suitable crew for 50-100 ft Pocket Superyachts. We know, because we have been focused on selecting and supporting crews for these yachts for 10 years now. For help with understanding this ad and running your Pocket Superyacht (as owner or crew) contact jens@invisiblecrew.com or find out more at www.invisiblecrew.com.

The Islander Team

CEO (Creative Enthusiastic Owner) Jens Oomes

Head of Sales Damian Raxach

Creative Director Marjolein Van Der Klaauw

Accounts Els Van de Sande

Office Manager Natalie Tempelers

Admin Daniela van Westing

Writer and Online Manager Melanie Winters

Deputy Editor Lisa Thompson

Writer Mia Naprta

Writer Lucie Gardiner

Content

Industry Insider page 13

Crew Life page 33

Tech Talk page 49

Charter Knowledge page 61

Regatta News page 69

News 4 Stews page 81

Chefs&Foodies page 89

Islander Life page 97

Note from the Editor.

Let us entertain you!

Make yourself a coffee or tea, grab your Islander Magazine a nd take a moment for yourself. Perhaps you found this copy in Ft Lauderdale, St Maarten, or Antigua and are taking a quick break from a busy charter schedule. Or, maybe you’re in the Med, where the cold has finally arrived mid-January, together with a whopping wind!

Wherever you are in the world, going offline will relax the mind, and reading the Islander will make you 25% smarter, according to scientific studies. While part of the above may be a little made up (but surely not untrue!), what’s certain is that our INIP (Islander New Issue Party) -which takes place every first working day of the month from 5-7 pm- will make you better connected in the industry. Read about the last one on page 29, proof that life doesn’t just happen on your phone!

We are currently firming up our plans to overhaul The Islander’s website to better serve our readers and advertisers anywhere in the world. The website will give you the option to sign-up for a free subscription and receive the magazine at your door. So you can go offline again.

The Islander’s values are to educate, inform, entertain and enhance the community. And I’m proud we’ve implemented them all again in the next 100 pages. By chance, a lot of things come in two’s in this 2nd issue of the year. You’ll read about the entrepreneurial spirit of two young ladies from our yachting community. Gabbi Richardson, CEO of Yachting Ventures who supports start-ups in our industry, and Ella Petersen, who saw an opportunity in the niche of luxury pet accessories. Two chefs we feature both have a thing for beetroot! Two marine conservation organisations that talk about the bigger creatures of the seas. Two Palma-based sailors who both run different, successful racing campaigns.

Out of a personal passion for music, I am also glad to have the opportunity to support an ex-yachtie who is very serious about his music career. When you read this, pull out your phone one last time, go to Spotify and follow and listen to James Stretch. Read all about him on page 34 and 35.

Then put the phone away and... let us entertain you!

Judged by the Cover

Photography by Rod Harris

Text by Jens Oomes

Rod Harris from Boston is a regatta and photo-journalist for The Islander. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, he has dedicated his life to photographing yachts and crews in racing mode. At last year’s Camden Classics ‘22, he shot the amazing cover picture of the classic yawl “Black Watch”.

The name of the yacht is as mystical as the dramatic skies under which Rod has captured it. The broad-shouldered spinnaker spills out in every direction from the rest of the yacht’s wardrobe. It’s looking proud and powerful, reflecting the sun. However, the waters ahead are dark and the sky above it foreboding... But, she’s an extremely brave girl. In fact, she earned a battle flag for scaring away German submarines! In WWII, her first owners loaned the boat to the US Navy as part of the civilian Corsair Fleet. *

The yawl Black Watch is design No218 by the legendary duo Sparkman and Stephens. She was their first tank-tested model and was launched in 1938. She measures 20.7m (68ft) LOA and has a 4.4m (14,7”) beam.

Find more of Rod Harris’s beautiful work on www.rodharrisphoto.com and follow him in Instagram @rodharrisphoto

*source: classicyachtinfo.com

The Vision behind Yachting Ventures

by Lucie Gardiner photos Yachting Ventures www.yachtingventures.co

Gabbi Richardson, Yachting Ventures’ founder, grew up around the yachting industry in Mallorca. After leaving school, she spent a season on board a 30m Ferretti as a stewardess before going on to study law at the University of Liverpool. She later joined Camper & Nicholsons as a charter broker.

Her introduction to the startup world was working at SeedLegals - at the time, a startup itself. SeedLegals is a one-stop shop for dealing with the legal documentation necessary to set up, raise and close investment rounds for fledgling enterprises. Gabbi’s role meant she was speaking to founders all day - every day. She was also working with startup accelerators and investors to help automate and speed up the process of funding. ‘ ’I found it super inspiring, especially when entrepreneurs were managing to run functioning companies while holding down a full-time job. Then, by closing a funding round they were able to pour all that energy and vision into their own businesses. It made it all seem achievable and possible ”, says Gabbi.

With her interest piqued, it wasn’t long before Gabbi connected the dots back to the yachting industry. Surprised at the lack of support for startups in this industry compared with other sectors, Gabbi created Yachting Ventures. With industry support from the outset, many startups and notable mentors signed up to work with Yachting Ventures’ accelerator programme. One of these was Merijn Ward at the

Superyacht Times, which put Yachting Ventures firmly on the industry’s radar.

The 2020 pandemic year gave birth to many ideas as the population ruminated in their homes. The support that Yachting Ventures provided to burgeoning company founders in the yachting industry and community, was the catalyst it needed to grow and scale these businesses. To date, Yachting Ventures’ startups have roots in 25 countries and have collectively raised £30,000,000+ of funding!

Fast forward to 2022, Gabbi completed her maritime law qualifications and felt it was the right time to devote all of her focus to Yachting Ventures. Making the move back to Mallorca, Gabbi set about strengthening and growing the global community of leisure marine and superyacht startups, which make up the Yachting Ventures family. Their new platform grants access to a wide range of resources, discounts, industry contacts, regular founder meetups and workshops. Two of these were last years’ successful events at Monaco and METS, and there are more planned throughout 2023.

With access to the inside track on cutting-edge, potentially industry-changing ideas and technologies, I asked Gabbi what trends she is seeing emerge. She explains, “The IoT (Internet of Things) is definitely something that is be -

The Islander speaks to Gabriella Richardson. This Mallorca-based entrepreneur is the CEO of Yachting Ventures – a yachting innovation hub and startup community.

Gabriella Richardson

coming more and more relevant across the industry by harnessing big data technology. Autonomous technologies are being utilised to increase safety on board. They are also helping to remove the barrier for entry to potential boat owners by automating control systems. An array of apps and platforms are aiming to streamline booking processes. And of course, alternative propulsion technology is huge.’’

Here are some of The Islander’s picks from Yachting Ventures’ startup portfolio for 2023:

SALT www.salt-finance.com

Bringing FinTech to the leisure marine market, SALT is changing the way people purchase boats by streamlining, simplifying and digitising the boat buying experience. Their digital platform and app have secured capital to lend to customers after gaining traction and demonstrating success to both investors and regulators. They aim to launch into the UK market in early 2023.

SALT plans to expand geographically as well as partner with service providers such as insurers. This is will allow customers to add on services at the click of a button. With ambitions to become THE one-stop shop for seamless professional services when buying a boat, SALT is one to watch in 2023!

HULLBOT www.hullbot.com

Hullbot was co-founded in Sydney, Australia by Tom Loefler and Karl Watfern in 2015. They are ‘’Passionate about the potential [that] robotics can have to address environmental problems in a scalable way that makes sound business sense.”

Their robots have been designed to autonomously clean the hulls of yachts, removing biofoul from the hull, the waterline and niche areas. The bots use cameras and machine learning to navigate around the hull, with rotating brushes to remove slime. Because the robots can clean early and often,

they keep the fouling under control so that shell growth is prevented.

The company has been operating a fleet of 10 robots for over a year, with paying users for over 18 months. It has raised multiple rounds of financing from both international and local investors and has been supported by Australian government grants. After many years of research and development, the robots are ready to be deployed commercially. The company intends to clean its first boats in Europe and the USA this year ahead of expanding to key yachting hubs.

CHARTER ITINERARY www.charteritinerary.com

Mallorca-based startup, Charter Itinerary is the brainchild of Boris De Bel and Candice Christiansen. It has been operating for just over 18 months and during that time has developed a game-changing, easy-to-navigate interactive platform for charter brokers. This will allow them to create itineraries in a fraction of the usual time – minutes instead of hours . This first-of-a-kind platform is gathering legions of users throughout the industry - currently, 900 active users are registered.

New features in 2023 include a ‘Yacht Proposal Module’ that aims to automate the laborious task of creating proposals. It will allow the user to present a selection of suitable yachts to their charter clients, summarising all key features, charter fees, APA and VAT. It is fully interactive and editable.

If their early successes are anything to go by, Charter Itineraries will go from strength to strength in 2023. Watch this space!

The Islander #306

VISIONANCHOR www.visionanchor.net

Anchoring has never been a pleasurable task and everyone has a different way of monitoring it. Some people dive in the water and some rely on anchor alarm apps or their chart plotter. VisionAnchor is the first smart anchoring system in the world that gives you eyes on your anchor. It’s a smart anchoring buoy that attaches to any anchor and tracks its location. It works like any other anchor alarm but the main difference is that it tracks the actual position of the anchor instead of doing calculations on the boat’s position. It also features an u nderwater camera that streams live video to your phone. Day or night from anywhere on the planet.

It’s a great time for VisionAnchor as this system not only keeps the crew safe, but it also helps the environment. With multiple sensors, it tracks the temperature, depth, wave height and other parameters that give us information about marine life. It keeps track of protected areas where anchoring damages the underwater plant life , and maps the seabed with photos similar to an underwater Google satellite view.

With support from Silent Yachts, Arcadia Yachts and several European distributors, VisionAnchor’s system goes into production in the next few months and will be available in time for summer 2023 to customers who pre-order.

tainable fast powerboating is finally taking off and the Edorado team has been working hard on the right tech to place them in prime position for this exciting new market space.

Edorado currently employs a full-time team of 17 in Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Before setting up Edorado, Giel was leading a business incubation program in Shanghai, and Godert has gained extensive experience with hydrogen and electric race-car development . The combination of their complementary backgrounds makes this a very strong founding team. The product design of the Edorado 8S is led by well-known designer, Ivo van Hulten. Using his years of experience in the German automotive industry, he has designed a boat with powerful lines and proportions, from the extended bow to the wraparound screen.

Edorado is funded by a group of private investors, including renowned technology entrepreneur and philanthropist, Steven Schuurman. The company is preparing to raise Series-A next year to further scale-up production and international marketing efforts. The product roadmap is now focused on marketing the 8S, whilst simultaneously developing a 12m model.

EDORADO MARINE

www.edoradomarine.com

Edorado is a zero-emission powerboat company from The Netherlands. Co-founders, Giel Groothuis and Godert van Hardenbroek share a strong vision on sustainability and luxury - what they call ‘performance without a trace’. Edorado launched its flagship 100% electric hydrofoil powerboat, the Edorado 8S, in September 2021. After building several prototypes to develop the automatic control system in-house, the first production boat is now under construction and set to hit the waters this year. The transition towards sus-

Industry Insider

Are Shipyards the Most Likely Place for a Yacht Fire?

What is Balearic Marine Cluster?

No more Superyachts

What’s on? Shoreside

Triton Submarines Partner with James Cameron and Ray Dalio

Social Security Contribtions when working on

EU-registered Yachts INIP Ahead of its Time: Wally unveils Details of Wallywhy100 Yacht

Are Shipyards the Most Likely Place for a Yacht Fire?

by IPM Group photos STP

Fire is by far the most common cause of total loss of yachts. Shipyards are where hot works take place, chemicals are used and foreign materials and tools are brought on board. Add to these the workers who are unfamiliar with the yacht; theoretically, that risk greatly increases.

On Monday 22nd December, the entire STP Shipyard Palma team was surprised by a fire drill at the yard, designed to practise STP’s fire response protocol. After the fire alarm rang out, the yard’s technical teams rushed to the site of the fire to tackle the incident. Thanks to the on-site fire engine, the response protocol started within just a few minutes, without the teams having to wait for Palma Fire Brigade to start putting out the fire.

The STP workforce was divided into different teams to put out the flames from various points of action, while possible injuries were located at the same time and evacuated from the danger zone. In a matter of minutes, the STP team managed to control and contain the fire until the arrival of Palma Fire Brigade, which carried out a visual inspection to guarantee that there were no more victims and that the fire had completely gone out, bringing the drill to an end.

Once again, the STP Shipyard Palma team skilfully put into practice its knowledge and ability to react to a fire emergency on site, highlighting the high level of safety and response measures available at the yard.

These drills are regularly carried out at STP to prepare the team for any type of emergency situation. One of the main goals is to guarantee the maximum levels of safety for clients, workers and yachts, which is why STP is always at the forefront of safety and risk management.

In past years we’ve seen a great number of fires destroy yachts while at anchor or in marinas. Maybe shipyards like STP are the safest place to keep a yacht after all……

Learn more about the Balearic Marine Cluster at www.balearicmarinecluster.com

What is Balearic Marine Cluster?

by Balearic Marine Cluster

Balearic Marine Cluster (BMC) was created in 2019. It is a business initiative promoted by the government of the Balearic Islands and several companies within the sector. Its aim: to position the Balearic Islands as a hub for the nautical industry and strengthen its international competitiveness. Almost 70 companies now form the BMC, allowing them to promote synergies and add mutual value by:

Innovation within the marine industry

Accelerating ideas and innovative projects related to the blue economy and nautical sector. Ensuring that the Balearic Islands are always at the forefront of nautical technology.

Promoting the Balearic Islands as a nautical destination

Through our facing brand, Balearic Yacht Destination, the Balearic Islands are internationally promoted as the main nautical destination in the Mediterranean.

Improving nautical training

We work together with the main training centers to improve nautical training at local and national levels by adapting to the current needs of the sector.

Increasing competitiveness of the nautical industry

By promoting the synergy of companies in the nautical sector, we have greater impact as an industry. This allows for acceleration of sustainability, digitisation and development of high-quality products and new services.

All these objectives are achieved through different projects and initiatives that are carried out by our working groups:

Innovation

We promote innovation among companies in the nautical sector; making them more efficient, sustainable and digital.

Balearic Yacht Destination

We promote the Balearic Islands internationally as a nautical destination; from both touristic and technical perspectives.

Training and Employment

We launch training programmes to promote employment within the Balearic nautical sector.

Refit

We work to ensure that boat repair and maintenance companies in the Balearic Islands are at the forefront of the sector worldwide.

Legal Affairs

We develop strategies to adapt current legislation and regulations appropriate to the nautical sector in the Balearic Islands.

Marinas and recreational boating

We work to ensure that the Balearic Islands’ marinas are at the forefront of sustainability and competitiveness.

Yacht and ship agents

We are working to standardise protocols for sailing and anchoring in the waters of the Balearic Islands.

In 2022, thanks to the cooperation of our partners, more than 17 projects were carried out in one or more of the above-mentioned areas.

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Oscar Siches CMP oscar@siches.com

No more Superyachts

+34 667 494 858 www.siches.com

by Oscar Siches photo Oscar Siches

One’s rights finish where another’s rights start. When it comes to Extinction Rebellion there is no doubt that this group has conducted their protest in a civilized way. The Superyacht Forum proved to be intelligent enough to recognize the damage control in bringing them on stage at the conference. But what Extinction Rebellion preaches is a utopia, focused on an apparently easy target. In the world we live in, any legal and successful business achievement generates earnings for its owner; modest earnings for a small business; huge earnings for multinational ones. Governments rule the conditions in which those earnings can be kept - that is part of the so-called ‘Free World’.

Some people have properties and cars suited to their basic quality of living. Others (very few) can afford enormous and sometimes historical properties, cars costing hundreds of thousands (which average people find unattainable), works of art that museums cannot afford, or large yachts. Large yachts are not so many and are used not so often, and a calculation of their CO2 footprint started being possible thanks to the YETI method. The efforts being made to reduce emissions, use alternative fuels, and improve design and propulsion efficiency are certainly benefitting

Partner and manager of two marinas in Mallorca for 15 years Oscar has been designer and consultant for  marina projects in various countries, and designer of customized marina elements. He has shared his experience through more than 30 conferences in 12 countries and has written numerous articles for Marina World and other international nautical magazines.

Oscar is a Certified Marina Professional, was founder director of the Global Marina Institute, member of ICOMIA’s Marinas Committee, member of PIANC Recreational Marine Committee,  Convenor of  ISO  TC228  WG8 “Yacht Harbours”, member of the Global Marine Business Advisers  (GMBA) group  and founding member of the Asia Pacific Superyacht Association.

smaller boats, both leisure and commercial. This is similar to how Formula 1 has helped improve safety, develop steering and brake systems and reduce fuel consumption of people’s cars for many years now.

I agree that nobody needs a 130m yacht to have a holiday, but such yachts are paid 100% by private money. They also provide two of the legs of sustainability -social and economic-, including large taxes to governments. Nobody needs a €550.000 Ferrari to drive to and from work every day. Nobody needs to live in a house with 25 rooms (unless royalty) and have another two or three huge properties sitting empty most of the time. Large yachts are easy to blame for such excess. Vladimir Ilych Ulyanov (better known as Vladimir Lenin) decided in 1917 that no family had the right to live in a big house. He forced the change and filled up the houses with as many families as possible. 73 years later, the system collapsed and proved unviable as it did not work. Let’s regulate reasonably; learn from history; use our experience; and not use cheap populistic extremes to make a point.

To complain is the easiest road to take. The only valid and useful complaint is the one that also proposes feasible action to achieve the change. We, as educated human beings, should always take that route.

What’s on?

Each month we pick our favourite events for the upcoming 3 months from www.yachting-calendars.com powered by Hamilton Connections.

FEBRUARY RORC Caribbean 600 Race -Antigua

14-17 February

This annual 600nm offshore race takes a serious racing fleet from Antigua around Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, then after passing St Barths and St Maarten, over Anguilla. The course continues as far south as Guadeloupe with its nearby islands. Then after blowing a final kiss to Barbuda, it’s back home -with a slight detour to a point near Montserrat- to Antigua. This is perhaps the only regatta in the Caribbean where bringing your foulies is a serious consideration.

MARCH St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

2-5 March

This will be the 43rd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta! In 1980, it started as the St. Maarten Regatta with a modest 12 sailboats participating. Three years later, in 1983, Heineken became a major sponsor of the St. Maarten Regatta and ‘Heineken’ was added to the name of the event. Heineken participated with a fee of 3,750 guilders (approximately $2,100). As a bonus, the competitors received ice-cold Heineken beer from a passing powerboat while they were racing. After the involvement of Heineken, the event grew fast. With the addition of a third day in 1990, the event grew to 187 boats in 1995, and 251 boats in 1999. Another racing day, the Commodore’s Cup, was added in 2005. The record amount of boats participating in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was in 2008 with 284 boats.

Superyacht Miami

15-19 February

The Miami International Boat Show and the Miami Yacht Show have joined forces to create the ‘Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show’ - the largest boat and yacht event in the world. Discover everything from kayaks to superyachts! However, the Superyacht Miami exhibition showcases the largest vessels visiting the Miami International Boat Show. Dedicated exclusively to the largest and most luxurious yachts at this event, Superyacht Miami provides an exclusive experience suitable for visiting some of the most luxurious world-class superyachts. On their homepage, they make a clear point that this part of the show is for the InCrowd only: “Entry onto Superyacht Miami Vessels is at the discretion of the manufacturers, dealers, or brokers exclusively and does not come with purchase.”

St. Barths Bucket Regatta

16-19 March

The first Bucket Regatta was organized in Nantucket, Massachusetts in August of 1986. At a birthday celebration organized by Nelson Doubleday, several yacht owners participated in a spirited discussion about optimal yacht design and individual sailing prowess. The following day, with only a night of preparation, seven sailing superyachts raced on a hastily prepared 15-mile course on Nantucket Sound. The stated prize of this impromptu competition was simply to attain undisputed superyacht-sailing bragging rights for the year. They soon learned, however, that the pleasure and enjoyment of a camaraderie formed at sea between like-minded individuals was the greatest prize of all. As a result, a nearby spare bucket was deemed sufficient to commemorate the racing accomplishment, and the Bucket Regatta was born. In 1995, the beautiful French island of St Barths hosted its first Bucket Regatta and it has done so in March every year since then.

APRIL PIBS + Palma Superyacht Village

27-30 April

The Islander Magazine is the proud Media Partner of the Palma Superyacht Village and will be visibly present at our home-port event. The Superyacht Village, formerly called the Palma Superyacht Show, features some of the finest 24m+ superyachts currently on the international brokerage and charter market. Another huge attraction is the Village’s wide array of shore-side exhibitors, showcasing anything from the latest advancements in sail design to next-level marine electronics. The Superyacht Village also includes a dedicated Refit & Repair area that targets the yachting industry’s experts and professionals.

Watch this space for more upcoming events in the March Issue.

SHORESIDE

New Recruitment Resource for Land-based Roles

by The Islander photos Crew&Concierge

Working as crew is, on almost all levels, a dream job for those who like being at sea and in hospitality. However, only the lucky ones find a program that allows for building a family life. The others have to move on to a shorebased position. But where to begin?

Crew & Concierge has just announced this new and exciting arm of their business, which will recruit personnel for shoreside positions.

Offering a full-scope recruitment resource for the superyacht industry, they are able to source naval architects and designers, interior designers, project managers, yacht managers and operational staff, as well as marine surveyors and technical support.

“If you think it’s hard getting into yachting - wait till you try getting out!”

Shoreside can recruit personnel for charter and brokerage houses, office-based and administrative positions, as well as PA’s, EA’s, marketing teams, bookkeeping and accountancy departments.

The guys at Shoreside have a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by superyacht sector companies looking to expand their design and build teams, recruit for management positions, operational roles, or executive support.

Contact them for assistance in finding skilled personnel for shore-based positions at consultant@shoresiderecruitment.com

Creative Solutions for Superyachts

Sara Duncan Director Crew&Concierge www.crewandconcierge.com/shoreside

Triton Submarines Partner with James Cameron and Ray Dalio

by Shamin Abas Communications edited by The Islander

The announcement was made on December 11th at the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History. This event marked the 10th anniversary of Cameron’s DEEPSEA CHALLENGE expedition and history-making dive with his DEEPSEA CHALLENGER submersible to the Challenger Deep part of the Mariana Trench. At a depth of approx. 10,984 metres, this is the deepest known part of seabed on the planet – deeper than the height of Mount Everest! Both Dalio and Cameron are wellknown ocean advocates and explorers who have had longstanding relationships with the Triton team.

Triton’s Founder & President, Patrick Lahey, and Dalio joined Cameron on stage to discuss their new relationship aimed at supporting a vital new future of tech-enabled ocean exploration. Said Lahey, “At Triton, we create innovative technology and machines intended to push past existing boundaries and inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. Ray and Jim bring additional business acumen and discipline to the company, creative ideas and unique opportunities that will amplify and expand on the important work we have accomplished so far. I couldn’t be more excited to partner with two

individuals with demonstrable passion and integrity, and with a deep commitment to ocean innovation and exploration that will make Triton’s next chapter the most interesting of them all.”

Along with his son Mark, Dalio is the co-founder of OceanX, a philanthropic initiative that supports scientists to explore the ocean and bring it to the world through captivating media. The organisation’s new one-of-a-kind marine science and media vessel, the Ocean Xplorer, is equipped with a pair of Triton 3300/3 MKII submersibles. These have been instrumental in a number of ambitious expeditions and award-winning media productions. These include BBC’s Blue Planet II, and the upcoming National Geographic/Disney series Ocean Xplorers(WT), which is executive produced by James Cameron.

Said Dalio, “I’m thrilled to partner with the Triton team because my long-standing relationship with them has convinced me that they are the best and most cutting-edge builders of non-military subs in the world. These subs are singular in the industry and are easily outfitted with advanced scientific and media equipment to bring important discoveries back to everyone.”

Academy Award-winning filmmaker, James Cameron, and Bridgewater Associates  Founder, Ray Dalio, have joined the company to help supercharge the next generation of ocean exploration technology.

Alucia Antarctica shot by Paul Nicklen

Cameron is a passionate underwater explorer, experienced submersible pilot and long-time marine tech innovator. He is credited with developing unprecedented deep ocean exploration vehicles, lighting and 3D camera equipment. Along with his historic dive in the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER -a unique marine vehicle he co-designed and co-engineered- he’s made more than 75 deep submersible dives! These include visiting the wreck of the Titanic 33 times , allowing a definitive understanding of the forensics of the Titanic’s sinking.

Cameron has structured and led eight deep ocean expeditions. He’s a National Geographic Explorer at Large, and recipient of its most prestigious award, the Hubbard Medal, as well as the Explorer’s Club medal for Explorer of the Year. Having explored some of the most remote and challenging underwater locations around the globe, Cameron says, “It’s the human element of being in a submersible that is paramount to facilitating a true understanding of our oceans. We’re entering an exciting new age of technically-enabled ocean exploration, reliant on a new suite of marine vehicles, advanced imaging systems and other tech that will propel ocean science. More than 80% of our oceans are unexplored. There are mysteries to solve, new discoveries to make and critical knowledge to acquire.”

About Triton Submarines

Triton Submarines is the most experienced civil submar ine producer in the world today. It is also the only contemporary manufacturer of acrylic and titanium pressure-hull-equipped personal submarines to deliver multiple-classed and certified vessels with rated diving depths from just 200 metres, to a depth of 11,000 metres. Based in both Sebastian, Florida and Barcelona, Spain, Triton Submarines’ senior staff have more than 400 years of combined experience with more than 100 different submersibles, and their operation’s team members have together logged over 35,000 dives.

With Cameron and Dalio on board, they will build subs that can go deeper, stay underwater longer and elevate the underwater experience.  This will be accomplished in the years ahead via testing of new materials, in-house development of enhanced battery technologies and new design partners.

Courtesy of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

OceanXplorer Shakedown shot by Taj Howe

The Islander #306

3 Plaça del Olivar, Palma & Now Open in Santa Catalina Market

Social Security Contributions when working on EU-registered Yachts

by Matthew Attard

photo Matthew Attard

The payment of social security is an area that is still unfortunately not given the importance it deserves when it comes to crew members working on board yachts. A good number of owners, crew managers and crew members alike are either blissfully unaware of these obligations or choose to overlook them. In this respect, it is worth noting that EU Regulations have been enacted to provide common rules in order to streamline the social security rights/obligations of persons moving within the EU (including the EEA and Swiss nationals).

These EU Regulations control social security contributions for crew members working onboard EU-registered yachts and they set out the parameters that need to be taken into consideration when determining what payments need to be made. Ultimately, the purpose behind these laws is to determine if, when and where social security contributions are due. Moreover, these rules also seek to ensure that the seafarer is better protected; as they form part of the social security infrastructure existing with a member state (which can be utilised by paying contributors). Finally, proper adherence to the law will also benefit the employer as it ensures good corporate practice and fewer headaches in the future.

In this respect, it is recommended that yacht owners seek proper legal advice so they can be directed on which social security contributions need to be paid. Assessments are generally based on nationality of crew, domicile, and employer’s circumstances. We are witnessing a steady growth for assistance within this area of the law when it comes to Maltese registered yachts as more people are becoming conscious about its existence… This is a positive development.

Matthew Attard

Matthew Attard is a Lawyer within Ganado Advocates’ shipping and yachting team. His particular focus is on shipping registration, the sales/acquisitions of vessels and the formation and support of shipping organisations and companies. Regularly assisting clients in corporate matters and M&A transactions, Matthew also regularly assists major financial institutions and owners in the financing of vessels and related matters.

T. +356 2123 5406

E. mattard@ganado.com

A. 171, Old Bakery Street, Valletta VLT 1455, Malta

W.  ganado.com

TANKOA YACHTS The Expression of Italian Excellence

by Tankoa photos Tankoa www.tankoa.it

SECOND SPORTIVA 55 SOLD IN UNDER A YEAR

Hot on the heels of the launch of the fifth hull in its 50-metre series, and following the successful debut of M/Y Kinda at the Monaco Yacht Show 2022, Tankoa is proud to announce the sale of a second unit in the new Sportiva 55 series designed by Luca Dini, due for delivery in 2024.

“The second all-aluminium Sportiva 55 sold in less than a year is for a young European owner with a strong passion for yachting,” says Giuseppe Mazza, Tankoa Sales & Marketing Manager. “With 8 projects under construction for delivery between now and 2025, I am proud to see that the commercial strategy undertaken three years ago is bringing the expected results and we are on the right path to become one of the main players in the superyacht market.”

The new yacht will feature a galley on main deck, a master stateroom with private hot tub also on main deck, five guest suites on the lower deck, a spectacular beach club with swimming pool, a Nemo room and an elevator between the lower and upper decks. The interior design will be provided by the owner’s team.

“Despite all the political and economic uncertainty, 2022 has been a very fruitful time for Tankoa as the market is increasingly aware of what our boutique brand is all about,” says Tankoa President, Eva Orsi. “The super sleek Sportiva 55 was designed by Luca Dini to expand our market offering by integrating all the best features into a 55-metre yacht while remaining under 500 GT and this second sale shows we’ve hit the nail on the head.”

INIP (Islander New Issue Party) at Santina Harbour Club, Puerto Portals

by The Islander photos Santiago Gallardo

Networking success for yachting community!

Despite many crew being in the Caribbean and many readers and business owners being on holiday, we bravely persisted with our second Islander New Issue Party at Santina Harbour Club, Puerto Portals on 2nd January. We are determined to hold this networking event on the first working day of every month from 5-7 pm; the next ones being on 1 February and 1 March at Santina. In April there will be a change of venue. Watch this space!

We realised two things at the January INIP; the first was that our community truly welcomes this initiative. Despite the awkward date, about 45 people once again showed up with great enthusiasm and engaged in quality conversation. The other is that at a networking event, it’s all about the quality of people. Even if 5 people out of our community show up -whether crew, readers or advertisers- new ideas and new connections will always be forged.

Ahead of its Time: Wally unveils Details of Wallywhy100 Yacht

by Wally renderings by Wally

The forward-thinking Monaco-based brand, Wally, has revealed the first details of the new model wallywhy100, a bold and unique product that successfully integrates into the wallywhy range.

The exterior design and naval architecture of the wallywhy100 was created by the experienced Wally-Ferretti Group Engineering team, with Studio A. Vallicelli & C. responsible for the interior design. As a crossover product, the yacht fulfils the need for a more voluminous cruiser in the sub-70ft range, combining all of the qualities of a 60-70 foot coupé boat with the benefits of the wallywhy volume.

Stefano de Vivo, Wally’s Managing Director explains the inspiration behind the model: “The wallywhy100 was born from a gap in the market. Whilst beautiful and sleek, traditional coupés do not offer the comfort and livability that today’s owners expect from their boats. In the same way, larger and more voluminous boats generally don’t offer speed or usage flexibility. This leaves owners with a tough choice: do they want to compromise on comfort or performance?”

He continues: “Through the wallywhy line, we have solved this problem by harnessing all of the product and market knowledge we have accumulated over the years. Like its predecessors -wallywhy200 and wallywhy150- the wallywhy100 will be a game chang -

er in many different markets due to its compelling value proposition and infinite usage cases for a wide demographic. 20 years from now, the industry will look at the wallywhy100 as a yacht that dared to be different.”

Luca Bassani, Wally’s Founder and Chief Designer, highlights some of the new boat’s distinctive design features. “The yacht’s appearance is 100% derived from its function. It stands out from other market offerings, due to its strengthening of the relationship between functionality and performance. The closed cockpit is pushed far forward to provide space for inside/outside living which gives the wallywhy100 an eye-catching, sleek, but still aggressive, look. This is further emphasized by a large and inviting beach area which is close to the water, and a tall and imposing slightly reversed bow which guarantees a dry and safe ride in all weather conditions.”

He explains further: “Thanks to its innovative design, the wallywhy100 is a ‘jack of all trades’. It is a spectacular day or weekend boat for those who want to use it as a support vessel for their larger yacht, but at the same time, its ample cabins, generous crew quar -

ter and relaxation areas, as well as garage and toy storage capacity make it the perfect vacation home away from land. The wallywhy100 is a boat for owners who understand their own needs and aren’t afraid to break the mould.”

Much like the larger wallywhy150 and wallywhy200 models, the wallywhy100 establishes a strong connection between the outside and inside. In contrast to many vessels of this size that divide the layout into different levels to create the illusion of more space, the Wally team doubled down on a one-level, stern-to-bow approach. This results in a hybrid area on the main deck level which can either be enjoyed closed or fully open to enable relaxed al-fresco dining.

Other standout features on board include the enormous 14sqm beach area, which is home to a large hydraulic platform for launching and retrieving tenders and toys up to 3.6m in length. A hydraulic passarelle/swim ladder ensures easy access both to and from the dock as well as from the water. Naturally, the Wally beach area is completed by its enormous folding wings that not only increase the space by almost 50% but also deliver unobstructed 180-degree views.

The full-beam master cabin is located aft. The cabin’s ensuite is made from electrically regulated glass, meaning it can be either fully transparent to enlarge the room or opaque when in use – another first for a sub-70ft yacht. In addition, the wide array of closet and storage also make this cabin unique in its class, with the side windows offering uninterrupted views of the outside.

The theme continues throughout the other two guest cabins, with a total of six people accommodated on board. A VIP stateroom on the port side and a twin on the starboard side both have dedicated en-suites and large windows, enabling the rooms to be flooded by natural light.

The crew are also well looked after on board the wallywhy100. As a feature seldom seen in this size range, dedicated crew access is provided both from the main deck and from the lower deck, without having to cross into guest spaces.

Notably too, taking its cue from the wallypower world, the forward deck of the wallywhy100 features a dedicated, multi-use lounge that can be transformed into an aperitivo area with an elevated table in the middle or into a sunlounge by lowering the table to seating height. This transformable area creates all-purpose living space for guests both at anchor and on the move.

In terms of propulsion, Wally has opted for a reliable and proven twin D13 Volvo IPS configuration with cruising speeds of 24 knots and top speeds of more than 27 knots in the upgraded IPS1350 specs.

Thanks to her joystick system and an array of high-end Volvo Penta technologies, the wallywhy100 offers an easy and smooth navigating experience, making her ideal for owners who prefer to operate the yacht themselves.

Wally

World leader in yachting innovation and part of Ferretti Group, Wally combines the latest technology with contemporary design, constantly looking at ways of improving on the water enjoyment with performance, comfort and style.

Founded in 1994 in Monaco by Luca Bassani, passionate and visionary yachtsman, Wally changed the entire concept of cruising yachts and created groundbreaking sailing and power boats which are unmatched reference points in yachting and in the design world. Wally is the only yachting brand to be a two-time winner of the ADI Compasso d’Oro, the world’s most important award for quality and design.

For further information, please visit wally.com

Crew Life

Life at Sea… to ‘Life on a Line’ Meet James Stretch!

How to Work Under a Bully

Mindfulness: healthy mind, healthy living

Get to Know Your Medical KitOxygen Delivery Systems

Blue Sharks in the Mediterranean: are We eating an endangered Species?

Have you seen this Dolphin?

Superyacht Uniform News: Marinepool

Life at Sea… to ‘Life on a Line’ Meet James Stretch!

Professional musician, songwriter, publisher & producer James, has played guitar since he was 12 years old. He graduated from the Academy of Contemporary Music, wrote songs, and performed all over the worldbefore falling into yachting, completely by chance.

The Islander Magazine’s editor, Jens, a musician and music lover himself, was tipped by a fellow yachtie about James “Stretch” Williams. “White Collars Making Dollars” sounds like a song that Franz Ferdinand forgot to write and it was clear to Jens and the Islander Team that Stretch is the real deal. We then learned that we as a community can help James getting on the biggest festival stages of the UK this summer simply by following his account. And if we can help a fellow yachtie, why wouldn’t we?  So go to Spotify and follow James Stretch!

Mia Naprta talked to James and he confided from which rough seas some of his song lyrics originated:

James met some yachties in Gran Canaria who were sailing to St Lucia when he had just finished touring with a band. He didn’t want to leave the sunshine and go back to the UK, so he ended up on a boat where the mast snapped in the middle of the Atlantic! Faced with this disaster, James quickly decided that sailing was not his cup of tea!

“I had more disaster experience in 3,000 nautical miles sailing than most have in a lifetime!”

He did stay in the industry, however, working as a sales manager, a commercial director, and finally a yacht media manager.

“A lot of my best relationships remain with people in the superyacht industry and I’ll forever be grateful for their love and support.”

James has released an album, “A Life on a Line”. This is the first to contain his own material. His style is a mixture of raw and distinctively energetic guitar -which comes across on the title track and “White Collars making Dollars”-, along with piano ballads, of which there are a few on the album. James’ influences are as eclectic as his style; from The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin; Guns‘n´Roses and AC/DC; to the likes of Phil Collins and Lady Gaga.

“Inspiration for songs came from a lot of the issues with addiction and lifestyle I had to overcome after 20 years of touring and yachting!”

Preparing for my chat with James, I listened to his music and was struck by some of his very blunt lyrics, especially in the title track “A Life on a Line”. Without giving too much away, I believe that many of us yachties can identify with “blowing steam out of the 9 to 5 grind”.

James found inspiration for his songs in the issues with addiction and lifestyle he had to overcome after 20 years of touring and yachting. He became a parent and didn’t get to see his daughter; “I was working things out, thinking about the relationships I broke, the trust I lost and the people that still had faith in me” , he explains. So, he poured many of his personal struggles into some great music.

Ultimately, James hopes to “write songs people relate to and that help them get through good times, bad times and sad times” . More immediately, he is trying to appear at as many music festivals as possible. He is lined up to play three in the UK this summer - one of them being The Isle of Wight, while the other two cannot be named till the official line-up is publically announced (watch this space!). He would love to play any music festivals in the Balearics too - Mallorca Live would be great!

“I can assure you, it’s quite a buzz when you watch 20,000 people know all the words to something you’ve written and sing it back – no amount of money can buy the feeling that gives you, and how nice it is for your soul knowing you’ve given so many others something they relate to and have engaged with!”

To make any of this happen, we need help from you, The Islander Magazine readers! Let’s support a fellow yachtie and cheer him on at festivals near and far!

The Islander #306

Contact details

Website: www.jamesstretch.bandcamp.com

Mobile: +44 7880 203 407

Management company: We are Wolfpack Records Ltd

Photos: Personal archive

Please follow James Stretch on Spotify, listen to his music and buy his album!

How to Work Under a Bully

by The Crew Coach

“I am new to the industry and have worked under a bully (Chief Stew) for the last five months. I’m finally at my breaking point. I can’t afford to lose this job because it’s a good one. I am also new to the industry and worried it will look bad on my CV —but I’m so tired of feeling like I have no power.”

I have received many reports of bullying behaviours of late, some of which have had catastrophic outcomes for the victims. In this article, I’ll give you some direction on how to identify a bully and how to empower yourself in an unfavourable situation.

Identify your bully

To know how to deal with a bully you must first identify whether or not you are being bullied. This may be difficult to do on your own as many people who are being bullied don’t realise it until later. However, there are distinct behaviours that are reflective of bullying that will help you confidently determine whether you are being bullied. I have created a free download of these behaviours, which you can find here .

Another point of differentiation is to recognise when constructive criticism is just that. Receiving constructive feedback is important and necessary to help individuals learn and grow, and to meet the overarching objectives of the vessel. However, there is a difference between negative and constructive feedback. Essentially, negative feedback offers no value but serves to humiliate, shame, blame or put one down. If you find yourself in this situation, then I would recommend taking an objective stance and asking yourself whether the comments are a plausible critique of your work or a personal attack on your character.

For more on how The Crew Coach can help you visit www.thecrewcoach.com

Karine has a Bachelor of Social Science in Organisational Psychology and Psychology, Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology and a Postgraduate in Collective Entrepreneurship from Torrens University. She helps Crew become confident leaders, master their own mental health and access a powerful network of industry leaders.

Is someone criticising your work because they have an issue with you personally rather than simply trying to guide you in improving their area of concern? Consider using open questions to elicit more understanding of what actions have bothered them. Then ask how they would like them done differently next time. Remember, it is essential to pick the right time and place for this discussion. If the bully becomes aggressive, you have the right to say you will not tolerate being spoken to in that manner and to walk away.

Don’t let them push your buttons

Bullies often try to get under your skin and provoke an emotional response by saying things like, “Why are you so sensitive?”, “harden up”, or “if you can’t deal with it, then leave”. To be clear, I’m not suggesting that we repress our emotions or pretend they don’t exist. However, if someone is trying to bait us into anger, hurt our feelings, or provoke other unpleasant emotions by using rude language or a condescending tone of voice—and we respond passively or aggressively—then we’re allowing that person to trigger us. If this happens often enough, it gets harder and harder for us to feel centred and happy at work (or anywhere else).

Consider the source

To figure out why you are being bullied, you must first consider the source. Is your superior or colleague a narcissist? A control freak? Or perhaps they’ve had

no positive role models in their life so they don’t know how to act prosocially. They themselves may be going through a difficult time and projecting their emotions onto their victims. Perhaps a combination of some or all of these traits? When I was working on board, the team and I had a chief stew who was abusing her power and treating the interior and deck team very poorly. I felt so angry and upset for the victims who ended up in tears daily. The only way for me to regulate my emotions was to practice compassion. It was very telling that she was lonely and didn’t have a healthy relationship with her fiancée. Knowing this, I felt sad for her and her interactions with me didn’t affect me as much.

If you r Head of Department is a narcissist, then they need constant praise and attention from their team members to feel good about themselves. If this is true (or even partially true), then it makes sense that they would lash out at others when they don’t get what they need. Another narcissistic trait is that they always win, so negotiating with them and getting them to see your point is virtually impossible.

Reaffirm your self-worth

Bullies do a great job at sewing the seed of self-doubt. You are often left thinking “is it me?” “Am I incompetent or not good enough?” If you are a victim of bullying then I can assure you it is them and their own insecurities at fault. If you find yourself in this circumstance, I would like you to grab a journal and note down the following:

• Your abilities

• Your worth

• Your skillset

• Your knowledge

• Your experience

• Your attributes/character strengths

Wh at you will notice is that you are who you believe you are, and you have the evidence to support it.

Conclusion

The key is to take a step back and understand that you can’t control other people. You can only control yourself, your actions and the way you respond to their actions. Following these steps, you can work for a bully without letting them get the better of you.

Mindfulness healthy mind, healthy living

by Karen Passman

Mindfulness is: “…the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.”

Put simply, it’s about paying attention to the here and now. But, just how does this help us?

Do you often feel anxious and worried? Do you get irritable, argumentative or defensive? Do you often feel exhausted, or have difficulty concentrating? If you answered yes to any of these questions, the odds are that you’re suffering from stress. There are many more symptoms, and you’re not alone. Stress is common, and if unmanaged, can lead to both personal and professional problems. Just imagine the negative effect a stressed person’s attitude and behaviour could have on the whole crew’s morale, mid-season. You may well have already seen it; arguments; difficulty working together; crew leaving unexpectedly; even bullying, as discussed in last month’s article.

Mindfulness teaches us to exercise control over our thought processes. As our emotions are driven by our thoughts, better emotional regulation leads to more consistently positive moods and an improved ability to handle yourself and potentially stressful situations. Mindfulness is a proven method for alleviating and managing stress and can easily be learned without any special training. It’s ideal for on-thejob and day-to-day stress management.

Research has also found that people who practice mindfulness regularly receive additional health benefits. These range from rapid recovery from illness to improved eating habits, and less chance of suffering from depression.

So now we know the benefits –how do we do mindfulness?

You don’t need huge amounts of time and even starting with 5-10 minutes a day will bring great benefits. Begin by finding a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. You may wish to set a soft alarm to stop you from checking the time. There are no rules about sitting, standing, lying, or walking; so just choose whatever feels comfortable for you.

Karen Passman Impact Crew www.impactcrew.com info@impactcrew.com

t: +44 (0)1425 614 419

Impact Crew specialises in developing Superyacht leaders, whether through individualised coaching or on board workshops for your senior crew. Give Impact Crew a call and explore the many different ways we can support you as you grow in your leadership role.

Step 1: Begin to calm your mind. It’s natural for your thoughts to be all over the place, but try and bring the focus to where you are. Concentrate on what you can see and feel, and ignore outside distractions.

Step 2: Bring your attention to your breathing, and concentrate on taking deep, slow inhales, and long, slow exhales.

Step 3: If thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them and gently release them. Acknowledge the emotional reactions they cause and release those, too. You are in control of your thoughts and your emotions.

Step 4: If you find you’ve become distracted, either by thoughts or outside factors, just draw your attention gently back to your breathing. It takes practice, so be patient both with yourself and the process.

In life, our thoughts often jump to the future or dwell on the past, causing emotional responses that impact our present situation. Mindfulness teaches us to focus on the here and now, and once you have practiced for a while, you will be able to use the technique to help you to live in the present moment, whether you’re working or playing. You will have the ability to be more focused and productive, to effectively manage your emotions, and to reduce the stress you experience. All by starting with five minutes a day.

In the words of Albert Einstein “Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.”

When you find yourself in a leadership role, 80% of your time is about dealing with people, yet most of the courses crew attend are purely technical. Here at Impact Crew, we have a team of highly experienced coaches who can work with you in confidence over the phone or via zoom to expand your range of people management skills and help you manage your emotions.

Get to Know Your Medical Kit

Oxygen Delivery Systems

by Sara Paterson photos MSOS

When a guest or crew member has breathing difficulties, the airway and lungs can become noisy. It will require a lot of effort from the chest muscles to help get air and oxygen into the body. The breathing rate (10-20 breaths per minute) can become too fast or slow, and oxygen levels may be low (below 94%), or normal (above 94%). A common position someone will adopt when struggling to breathe is a tripod; hands leant on knees to open the space around the lungs.

The cause of breathing difficulties can come from a range of issues such as dive problems, asthma, anaphylaxis, sepsis, or a bleed or damage to the lungs. Whatever the cause, if a person is not taking approximately 10-20 breaths per minute (respiratory rate), and/or has an oxygen level below 94%, or are just looking very unwell (pale, clammy and blue around the edges), you need to act – and quickly!

Within minutes of a low oxygen state, the tissues of the vital organs will begin to malfunction and die. This could eventually lead to a seizure, coma, and the heart stopping. An oxygen kit should be transported as a priority to any medical incident, alongside the defibrillator and grab bag. The contents of the kit should be familiar to all crew from their annual pre-season medical training and monthly drills. It should also be regularly checked to ensure functionality.

OXYGEN CYLINDERS

Medical-grade oxygen should be used in a medical inc ident to provide a high concentration of purified oxygen. The cylinder will offer 20-30 minutes on a medium/high flow setting and requires a 3-year refill and 5-year hydrostatic pressure test or replace -

Sara Paterson RN DTN Bsc Training Instructor & European Sales Medical Support Offshore Ltd www.msos.org.uk

ment. This is not available in all ports, so plan ahead. The pin-index regulator should be mounted on the cylinder to protect the rubber bodox seal. All components should be carefully secured in the strapping system within a water-resistant bag, or waterproof if on tenders.

A good safety check method is to slowly open the cylinder valve to check for audible leaks and the correct pressure volume on the dial. Then close the valve and drain the system by opening the flow valve or demand valve, whilst always following standard oxygen safety protocols.

BAG VALVE MASK (BVM)

A slightly spacey-looking device that you regularly see o n medical TV shows. For use when a casualty is not breathing sufficiently (under 8 breaths per minute), or when someone stops breathing completely. Start with 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths with the BVM. Use a c-grip to hold the mask and lift the chin with the same hand. Connect oxygen using the universal tubing from a face mask and start on high flow (15-20 LPM), gradually decreasing based on the pulse oximeter Sp02 reading. Squeeze the top of the chamber to deliver the breaths and aim to compress to the volume of a can of coke.

NON-REBREATHER MASK

This is the go-to for oxygen delivery to a breathing ca sualty post-trauma, following smoke inhalation, or with severe breathing difficulties, or severe pain. Start with high-flow oxygen (15-20 LPM), weaning down every few minutes to aim for a 94% oxygen level on the pulse oximeter. It is essential to monitor a casualty on oxygen as the masks pose a suffocation risk without oxygen flow.

“ The most remarkable thing about breathing is just how unremarkable it is!”

NASAL CANNULA

You may have a crew member or guest approach you wh o feels unwell with no obvious injury. For example, complaining of central chest pain during a heart attack, the oxygen level should be checked and a nasal cannula placed in the tip of the nose and looped behind the ears. Commence with a low flow of oxygen (4-6 LPM), gradually increasing as required to aim for that all-important 94% Sp02 (oxygen level). A good tool for anyone who won’t tolerate a mask well, e.g. a child who finds the mask too scary & overwhelming.

DEMAND VALVE

This is a useful device that can deliver high-percent age, high-pressure oxygen via a mask. This can be done by either pressing a button until the chest rises in CPR breaths, or by placing over the mouth for breath activation in a conscious casualty. Highly recommended for dive incidents to remove nitrogen from the system. This device also conserves oxygen supplies over a longer period.

CPR MASK

A simple device to quickly provide CPR breaths while the ba g valve mask or demand valve is set up. Remember to tilt the chin up to open the airway during use.

GUEDEL AIRWAY OR NASOPHARYNGEAL AIRWAY

This can be utilised for unconscious casualties to stop t he tongue rolling back and blocking the airway.

Choose a size by finding the one that best fits between the corner of the patient’s ear and the corner of the mouth.

Insert upside down (in a u-shape position) and twist over the tongue (ending in an n-shape position).

A guedel provides no protection from vomit. If necessary, turn the casualty on the side, remove the guedel and clear the airway, then replace with a clean guedel. Should you be unable to access the mouth -if there is jaw damage from a fracture- an alternative is a nasopharyngeal. This is a tube designed to insert into the nasal passageway to secure an open airway from the back of the throat.

Oxygen administration should always be conducted under Doctors’ or professional medical personnel’s guidance.

Check out your oxygen kits on board and get in touch if you require any advice or guidance.

Blue Sharks in the Mediterranean: are We eating an endangered Species?

The blue shark (Prionace Glauca) or “Tintorera”, as it is known in Spain, is a large, predatory species of shark found within temperate and tropical marine ecosystems. Famous for their striking blue colouring and docile nature, this is a species of shark that’s greatly misunderstood and under huge threat from global fishing pressures. High numbers of blue sharks are being caught as incidental bycatch by longline fisheries. Their populations have dropped by 60% in the North Atlantic alone. These declines in population are a cause for concern. Blue sharks play a key role in our oceans, keeping ecosystems healthy. The rising demand for shark meat and fins also places unsustainable pressure on blue sharks. They are a highly targeted species for their large pectoral fins, and by fisheries for their meat.

The blue shark was once an abundant species within the Mediterranean Sea. Now it joins several other species of shark listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Sharks that live in open water, like the blue shark, have declined in the Mediterranean by 96–99% due to lack of species protection and conservation. Commercial longline fishing of species like tuna and swordfish is a problematic method for many pelagic shark species around the globe. The blue shark is amongst the most susceptible. Spanish

and Portuguese long lines have found that up to 60% of their bycatch is blue shark.

Alongside the issue of bycatch, many people don’t realise just how easy it is to purchase blue shark meat for consumption in Mediterranean shops. You can walk into many grocery stores or fish markets here in Mallorca and buy a blue shark steak for as little as €1.60. It is shocking to think that an animal so vital to the health of our marine ecosystem can be valued so little. The meat is labelled as “Tintorera”, and many consumers are not aware they are eating blue shark. Most of the blue shark meat for sale says they are caught in the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean; this is problematic, as blue sharks are a highly migratory species. So even if they are caught in the Atlantic, they could potentially be part of the Mediterranean population listed as critically endangered.

The other issue surrounding blue shark meat and human consumption is the health outcomes. Sharks are top predators in the marine food chain. Studies have shown their meat often contains dangerous levels of heavy metals like mercury and toxins such as BMAA (Beta-methylamino-L-alanine). Eating shark meat is NOT a healthy option.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel for blue sharks. Mallorca has several incredible organisations undertaking shark conservation projects and work-

by Alice Cimino photos by Dan Abbott

Alice Cimino, Founder - OceanKin Conservation Scientific Advisor - Save the Med www.oceankinconservation.com

www.savethemed.org

ing to protect different species. Collaboration is vital when it comes to shark conservation, as is help from the public. Citizen science -citizens, scientists and conservation groups working together for a united cause- has become a hugely beneficial mode of action over recent years. So what can we do to help blue shark populations in the Mediterranean?

The simplest way to help is by keeping them off your plate! Let those around you know what Tintorera is and spread the word. The more awareness raised around this issue, the better! We need to come together to save this beautiful and charismatic species of shark which is so important for a healthy Mediterranean Sea - and planet!

Have you seen this Dolphin?

by Alexander Sanchez Jones photos Alnitak

The Balearic Islands are home to the Mediterranean’s most unknown cetacean species, and the yachting community might be key to their preservation

Thanks to mobile phones and the internet, anyone can now provide valuable information to ongoing scientific research. You can quite literally take a photograph of a wild animal, jot down some basic information such as date, time and GPS position, and send it to a researcher. This will make a small but significant contribution to gaining knowledge of the Natural World. This contribution earns you the title: “citizen scientist”.

Around the Balearic Islands, we at ALNITAK Research Institute have been studying the “Risso’s dolphin” since 2018. If you come across them, your observation could be extremely useful to our project. In this article, I’d like to introduce you to this strange and fascinating dolphin and what we would like to learn about them. I will explain how you can help us by ensuring any interaction is respectful towards the animals.

Risso’s dolphins are large and unmistakably bizarre-looking, making them quite easy to identify. However, they are considerably rare, mostly inhabiting the deep waters offshore. Here, they forage mainly on deep-sea squid that remain safely at great depths during the daylight hours and rise under the cover of darkness.

Probably the most striking thing about these dolphins are their scars, which they acquire gradually as they age, mostly from scratching each other with their teeth in social interactions. Calves are born grey, but due to these extensive lesions, adult animals can sometimes turn practically white.

These scars are also very useful to us researchers and can provide some amazing in-depth (pun intended) information. From clear photographs and videos, we can use the unique pattern of the scars on their dorsal fins to identify each individual - like human fingerprints! This technique, known as “photo-identification”, means we don’t need to use physical tags which can stress the animals, whilst allowing us to recognise the dolphins when encountered again. So far, we have over 250 dolphins identified in the Balearic Islands!

Alexander Sanchez Jones / Alnitak Instagram @alex.sj23 / @alnitak_org www.alnitak.org

At ALNITAK we pride ourselves on spending many days sailing on the open waters searching for wildlife such as these dolphins and taking data when we encounter them. But, however intensively we work, we are only one small ship often searching for animals that range over hundreds of miles. Scientific progress can be slow if we only rely on ourselves, which is why we believe there could be untapped potential in the Balearic Islands’ yachting community to help collect data, whilst also safeguarding the animals open sea habitat.

While the open sea ecosystem is the Planet’s largest and least-known wilderness, members of the sailing community, as well as fishermen and other seafarers, call this their second home. They often have chance encounters that researchers would kill to see! Reporting these correctly can be of amazing help to us.

In 2021, a young biologist, Atenea Malmierca, was sailing along the north of Mallorca and took a brief video of a Risso’s dolphin approaching her yacht. Fortunately, she knew of our project and promptly sent the video along with GPS coordinates, time and date, thus making a great contribution. I was thrilled to see the dolphin’s markings on its fin, and added it to the catalogue. We hadn’t seen that particular individual yet, so it was nicknamed “Atenea” after her. This, the first contribution made from a vessel other than ours is a shining example in many ways: firstly, it illustrates how easily and quickly an observation can be made just with a smartphone. Secondly, the vessel didn’t chase the dolphins. In fact, they didn’t even change their course or speed! The dolphin approached of her own free will, got her video taken, and returned to her daily dolphin routine.

Respect for the dolphins is probably the most important thing to remember if anyone has the luck of encountering a group of Risso’s dolphins. First of all,

it is worth noting that legislation exists since 2007 designed to protect whales and dolphins in Spanish waters. This “Royal Decree” summarised in the illustration, regulates how to approach; how far to stay away; and makes specific restrictions for groups comprising mothers and calves. With these in mind, I would, however, encourage anyone reading this to aim even higher. A golden rule followed by Atenea, for example, is to allow wildlife to approach of their own accord and never chase them.

I would love to receive observations, but above all, I would be overjoyed to hear that any encounter you may have with dolphins or whales was a positive experience for both humans and animals. We prioritise this over scientific research: the last thing we want is for someone to chase dolphins with the good intention of getting us better videos or photographs. It has been proven that harassment can alter dolphins’ daily lives; even force them to relocate, which would be tragic indeed.

What are we trying to learn from this? Well, quite literally everything we can about the Risso’s dolphins that live in, or swim through, the Balearic Islands.

How many are there? Where are they typically spotted? What are they doing in certain places? These, and many more questions, remain to be answered. Progress can be made thanks to reported sightings. Even a quick photograph at a distance, with date, time and GPS positions allows us researchers to know that Risso’s dolphins were present in that place; at that time. With so many question marks, each new sighting is gold.

What we do know from research teams in Italy and France is that some areas of the Mediterranean may have seen populations reduce by over 50% in the last decade. In study sites where the species was once regularly seen, there have been little to no encounters in recent years. This is why in November 2021, the species was re-classified as “Endangered” in the Mediterranean by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Luckily, ALNITAK’s research so far around the Balearic Islands hints that there may be some hope. Risso’s dolphins are sighted here probably more often than anywhere else in the Mediterranean - and groups often have calves. It could be that our region is one of the few remaining safe havens.

Apart from preserving the species itself, ALNITAK always has the bigger picture in mind, which is why

we monitor the species inside marine protected areas (MPAs) such as Cabrera Archipelago National Park. Dolphins are often presented to us as benevolent and angelic beings, however, we mustn’t lose sight of the fact that they are top predators. Just like sharks on coral reefs or wolves in a forest, studying dolphins can shed light on the overall health of the marine ecosystem they are part of. This is called “indicator species” and is a useful tool for conservation.

Ecological importance aside, I also argue (albeit, quite biased!) that the Risso’s dolphin is a species we should be proud of, and one that should be emblematic and representative of Balearic waters. Given their gradual disappearance elsewhere, their presence here should be a happy reminder that there is hope and life in the Oceans, as well as the importance of keeping the Sea as pristine as can be.

If you see Risso’s dolphins, please keep their welfare in mind at all times, and only if you are able, we would appreciate:

• photographs and/or videos

• time and date of the encounter

• the GPS position of the encounter, as well as any other notes or observations you may have.

Please send any sightings to: alexander@alnitak.org. You will of course receive feedback on whether any of the dolphins are re-sightings, or if you have helped us add completely new ones!

Superyacht Uniform News

Marinepool

by Wave Uniforms

MARINEPOOL - If you don’t know this brand by now - you should!

Able to fulfil all yacht clothing and uniform needs, from casual attire to sailing gear, fashion wear to the utmost formal yacht attire; Marinepool has all bases covered. The Crew Tec Collection is a best seller, produced in 4 different colours; Grey, Black, Beige and Navy, in Ladies Skorts, with matching Ladies and Men’s Shorts and Trousers. All in high quality, Quick-Dry, Non-Iron material. Marinepool is one of the biggest brands in yacht apparel and right now and by far the leaders in stock.

How it all started

The friendship between sailing mates formed the basis of this establishment in 1991. Ambitiously,

the friends chose the globe for their logo, clearly indicating their goal of building an international brand. The three guys from Munich took up the challenge, and what at times seemed impossible in the early days, turned into a success story. The company and the Marinepool brand went international and continues to grow year after year.

The Islander #306

R G E T A E C 1 & 2

"Excellent instructor with a clear deep breadth knowledge and experience. An absolute plea

"So happy to have been involved in the first class in Palma. Both instructors have an immense amount ofknowledge and experience to share. "

eryhappy with the instructor as he taught so I nderstand everything and veryknowledgeable. happy with the equipment of the centre. "

Technology Update

by Roger Horner photos Roger Horner

Along with the New Year’s Eve fireworks, there have been several rocket launches recently, carrying yet more satellites to populate the LEO constellations orbiting us.

Starlink and OneWeb increase Launch Activity to achieve 2023 global Coverage

In early December last year, the FCC issued a key authoris ation to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, granting approval to launch up to 7,500 of its next generation satellites.

SpaceX launched the first batch, totalling 54 of their new generation (Gen 2) Starlink satellites into orbit on December 28th last year on the reusable Falcon 9 rocket. This was the eleventh flight for this rocket which returned to earth safely landing on the SpaceX drone ship.

By the start of 2023 this brings the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit and operational to 3,300 with nearly one million subscribers.

The first launch of the next batch of 53 Gen 2 Starlink satellites was on 9th January from California. Interestingly SpaceX also launched 40 more OneWeb satellites on 8th December 2022, and another 40 on 9th January this year from Florida, bringing the total number of satellites to 542. This represents over 80% of their total fleet putting them on track to provide global connectivity this year. This was the second launch of OneWeb satellites by their LEO competitor SpaceX -that owns Starlink- which shows how healthy the competition is.

Monday 9th January was a significant day for satellite launches, as not only were there two successful SpaceX rocket launches on the east and west coast of the USA, but there was also the planned horizontal launch of nine satellites from UK soil via a rocket from a repurposed Virgin Orbit Boeing 747. Unfortunately, the latter did not go according to plan as the rocket made it into space but failed to reach the right altitude for its designated orbit, with its valuable cargo of satellites being left to break up in the atmosphere.

Roger Horner founded e3 Systems in 1996 of which he is still the CEO. He is also the most senior contributor of The Islander Magazine.

The Kymeta with OneWeb Service is already on track to Launch second Quarter of 2023

Following on from my column last month, with the la unch of these additional OneWeb satellites the Kymeta OneWeb solution is getting very close to its original target of global coverage by second quarter 2023, so is well on track.

How Best to implement Starlink from a Selection of Satellite Experts with Experience

Th ere have been a number of interesting interviews with satellite industry experts, by Alan Gottlieb of Satellite Mobility World (https://www. gottliebinternationalgroup.com/) . These took place at the end of last year describing their experience with Starlink.

Hughes

Network Systems’ Executive

E.V.P. and International GM, Ramesh Ramaswamy states in his interview that “While Starlink achieves high speeds in areas of low subscriber density, it appears to be experiencing significant speed limitations in congested areas. Ultimately, localized demand will dictate the capacity required in each geographical area. A high-demand solution will most likely embody a combination of GEO and LEO to selectively enhance capacity and lower latency.”

Alan Gottlieb also interviewed iNet CTO and Founder Stanley Hughey about his Starlink experience. iNET deployed its first Starlink terminals in early 2022, and throughout the

summer they integrated Starlink’s offering with their existing end-to-end, private LTE solutions. Their initial focus was to improve network availability and increase bandwidth, in the same way it is required on a yacht. They experienced a network outage for about an hour that impacted their subscribers which was widely reported to the press, so they do not now recommend Starlink as a sole solution. He states, “Communication is critical in an offshore environment. Starlink will have to prove that it can meet the uptime and consistent speeds demanded and back its claims with an SLA if it is to become a primary solution”.

Finally, from Alan Gottlieb interviews, Viasat Energy Services President Lee Ahlstrom, who is responsible for critical oilfield operations that require guaranteed services and not just “best effort” services as provided by Starlink said, “If Starlink wants to successfully serve the energy industry, they’ll have to think about adapting their hardware and service policies to meet market needs. The Starlink network today is not fully contended. The through-put people are seeing may not be what they’ll experience when the network is fully loaded. It’s a shortcoming that’s already been recognized in highly concentrated areas on land.”

Experience is saying implement Starlink as a HYBRID Solution

After the first year of using Starlink, the general consensus is that Starlink is highly recommended, but should be implemented as the super broadband “best effort” service (MIR) component of a HYBRID solution working seamlessly together with a guaranteed (CIR) VSAT service, to still provide a guaranteed (99.9%) service, enhanced performance, low latency and with 24/7 direct support.

Do you know about the new GMDSS Regulations from January 1st, 2024?

SOLAS Chapter IV is the “Bible” for GMDSS. It describes in d e tail the need for safety communication equipment. There is a new edition issued every 5-6 years. The last one was in 2020 and now there has been a complete rewrite of Chapter IV that comes into force on 1st January 2024.

The changes affecting compliance are:

• Sea Area 3

• NAVTEX

• HF Radio

• GMDSS Printers

Sea Area 3 change

The Sea Area 3 change is to do with the difference between the Inmarsat Sat-C and the Iridium GMDSS service. The existing Sea Areas have a Sea Area A4 which is the area north and south of 70 degrees to the poles. If using Iridium GMDSS Sea Area 3 is global and there is no Sea Area 4. If using Inmarsat Sat-C Area 3 extends to 70 degrees north and south and there is a Sea Area 4. The exact definition is: “Sea Area A3 means an area, excluding sea areas A1 and A2, within the coverage of a recognized mobile satellite service supported by the ship earth station carried on board, in which continuous alerting is available”.

So global compliance, using Iridium GMDSS is simple.

NAVTEX change The NAVTEX receiver and the need to receive NAVTEX broadcasts is out. Now every ship needs a receiver(s) capable of receiving MSI (Maritime Safety Information) and search and rescue related information throughout the entire voyage in which the ship is engaged.

HF Radio (requirements for Sea Area 3) change

MF or HF radio instead of MF and HF radio

• MF: Transmitting and receiving on only two channels: DSC: 2.187,5 kHz/ Voice: 2.182 kHz

• HF: Transmitting and receiving on all DSC channels

GMDSS Printer change There is no requirement for direct-printing telegraphy, if the equipment has a screen and sufficient memory capacity.

The simplest Way to comply with the new Rules

Our recommendation is to install the all-inclusive Iridium GMDS S system from Lars Thrane. The range of solutions from the pedigree stable of Lars Thrane is extensive and all inclusive. This is our standard recommendation for all new builds now, together with the airtime.

The GMDSS functionality includes:

• Distress Call (safety)

• Distress Alert

• Maritime Safety Information (MSI or EGC)

• Priority Messaging (to RCC)

• Bridge Alert Management (BAM)

• Navigational (NAV) interface

• Alarm panel

• Printer output

The Non-GMDSS functionality includes:

• Shi p Security Alert Systems (SSAS)

• Long-Range Identification & Tracking (LRIT)

• For daily communication

• Voice

• SMS

• Email

• Tracking

• GPS/GNSS

• Extra SIP telephones

• Analog Telephone adaptor

There are many accessories. Please talk to us about your compliance requirement.

We will be at the Superyacht Technology Summit ISE Day and Gala Dinner in Barcelona on 31st January, so hope to see you there.

Check yourDeck!

by Lucie Gardiner photos Michael Falther

Considering repairing or replacing your vessel’s teak deck? With a finite supply of teak and a focus on sustainable solutions, high-quality, naturally-grown teak is becoming a rare commodity. In this month’s edition, Michael Falther, Shipwright & Owner of Scandinavian Teak Deck Spain S.L., talks us through the process.

How to decide if old decking needs replacing

It’s import ant to consider the construction of the yacht. Pure composite, steel/aluminium, or a combination of both.

With composite (fibreglass/carbon and resin), the age of the boat is key. If it’s less than 15 years old and mostly built with a cell foam core that doesn’t absorb water, the main concerns are adhesion and the thickness of the deck. If it measures 6-8mm, then there’s still years of usage left, provided it is refurbished correctly. If the problem is loose decking; infusing or backfilling with epoxy glue will be enough to get the loose deck back in place. In older composite vessels, Bolsa wood may have been used in construction and since this can rot, more care needs to be taken during the initial inspection.

Steel or aluminium needs an even more careful inspection. It is not solely thickness and adhesion that are is-

sues here, but also leakage/seam failure, corrosion and rust. Thorough checking is imperative. If rust or corrosion is detected, there will be no choice but to replace the deck - regardless of the condition of the teak. Structural repairs will need to be undertaken before laying any new deck.

How t o check if your deck is thick enough to be refurbished

1. Che ck the high-traffic areas of the deck, walkways and entry deck hatches, etc - if the margins are thinner by the edge of the hatches, don’t worry, this is normal and can easily be replaced. Check with a straight ruler, not only on the margins but over the surrounding decking, to give you a true thickness measurement. For walkways, open up a seam and with a narrow chisel dig out to the bottom of the seam/top composite surface, and you will see the thickness in those areas.

2. If the old decking measures a minimum 6-8mm thickness, doesn’t have major defects and the water drains well, it is strongly recommended to have the decks re-seamed and backfilled with new epoxy adhesion in areas where teak is loose. Change the teak locally where needed and have the deck professionally sanded down. In most cases, this will give the old teak decking an extra 3-5 years of life and will cost a quarter to a third less than a new deck.

Michael Falther  Managing Director

Scandinavian Teak Deck, Spain S.L.

Email: mic@scandinavianteakdeck.com

Web: www.scandinavianteakdeck.com

ES / WAB +34 676 356 364

DK / WA +45 21 43 88 99

How to maintain a new or refurbished teak deck

• Ensure decking has a smooth surface. T his will make sure it drains properly and prevents residue/mould in the grooves.

• Don’t be afraid to lightly sand the decks once a year to remove high points of grow rings and keep decks smooth for proper drainage.

• Always check the deck seams for leaks. If the caulking gets loose from the seams, have it repaired as soon as it is spotted to prevent water from getting under the decks and causing a much larger problem.

• Avoid 2-part acid teak cleaners. The issue with these products is that if residue remains on deck, the acid will stay in the grooves and keep “eating” the teak. This will wear out the decking much faster than a yearly light sanding.

• Never add oil to decking as this will make the teak surface sticky, and residue and dirt will stain the teak.

• The best way to conserve a newly sanded teak deck is simply to thoroughly wash it down with a high salt solution in hot water as this prevents mould growth.

• Weekly/monthly maintenance is dependent on the conditions the yacht is under. Wash/scrub across teak decking using a white ScotchBrite pad or a soft brush and sea/salt water. Only resort to soap if very dirty and use a soap which has a PH8-9.

The Midas E-Touch!

by Lucie Gardiner www.etouchsystems.eu

As the superyacht control systems company approaches its 10th anniversary, The Islander visits their recently expanded HQ and Superyacht Experience Centre at STP to discover what is next in E-Touch Systems’ evolution.

From the company’s inception in 2013, E-Touch systems has grown exponentially under the leadership of Managing Director Jamie Brown and his business partner Systems Engineer, David Lambert. Headquartered in the STP Shipyard, E-Touch has grown into a full-service, large yacht systems specialist with across-theboard capabilities and an ever-growing client book. The vision from the outset was to build a company with complete in-house ability to service the ‘four corners of the puzzle’; Electrics; Electronics; AV/IT; and Lighting solutions. As a result, E-Touch Systems, E-Touch Navcom and E-Touch lighting divisions were born. Although slow to start, lighting now makes up 30% of their business. With a knack for smart acquisitions and successful strategic partnerships, they have expanded their remit even further with ‘BigData’. This is a Cisco-certified arm that brings networking, remote monitoring, VOLY accounting and IT support into the E-Touch systems fold.

This year has also seen the launch of the much-awaited E-Touch Academy. This offers in-person, expert-led courses, the first of which took place in January. These cover all aspects of electrical and electronics testing, maintenance and fault finding, to PLC programming & NMEA2000 systems. They have been adeptly designed by two senior engineers with many years of collective experience in building, installing and maintaining superyacht control systems. Held on site at the state-of-the-art E-Touch Superyacht Experience Centre in STP’s Global building, courses are designed primarily for yacht ETO’s, Engineers and 2nd Engineers. They can learn to hone their practical skills and build the confidence needed to accurately fault find on systems aboard large yachts, as well as learning best practices for planned, routine and non-routine tasks. The course content compliments the SV Yacht Engineer syllabus, underpinning and elevating knowledge and skillset in preparation for the next level of SV tickets.

The newly opened E-Touch Superyacht Experience Centre is a one-of-a-kind space. It is, in essence, a superyacht in a room and houses a vast array of demo-ready and working AV/IT, electron -

The Islander #306

ic, electric, lighting and voice-controlled systems. It includes a full Boening bridge console and simulator, an E-Touch Systems PMS & Switchboard, Totallux LED flexline lighting system, Mimo Connect 5G dome, Magnus Marine SP1500 200 shore power converter to name just a few. Access to these systems in a learning environment allows the E-Touch Academy students to gain hands-on experience and practical insights from the diverse line-up of systems. This, coupled with expertly designed courses and experienced tutors, enables the Academy to impart vital knowledge that will prove invaluable to yacht engineers of all levels.

The company has gone through rapid, organic expansion in recent years, bringing the E-Touch team numbers to more than 40. They are looking forward to raising a toast to the company’s landmark birthday on Friday 10th of February. The last decade has proven that there is no stopping E-Touch Systems. With more innovation on the horizon in 2023, a bumper order book and Academy places filling up fast, more success is sure to follow for Jamie Brown and his team!

High Performance

Coatings for Highest Demands

Using ALEXSEAL® means getting a complete coating system that has proven its durability again and again over the years. Wherever your next trip takes you to, you can always rely on our ALEXSEAL® products that exceed the specific demands of today‘s sailing and offer more color retention for your yacht. ALEXSEAL® helps you to achieve a unique appearance on your new boat or refit project for years to come.

instagram.com/alexsealpaint fb.com/AlexsealYachtCoatings

WWW.ALEXSEAL.COM

Charter Knowledge

‘Sail the Andamans’

Yacht Carnival & Rally

Maldives Luxury Yacht

Visits Increase in January

See What Cousteau Saw

‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival & Rally

20th February to 21st of March 2023

by Linda Cartlidge photos Asia Pacific SuperYachts www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

The Andaman & Nicobar Islands is truly a magical yachting destination. With well-charted seas, beautiful blue waters, many safe harbours and adventure options, it is one of the most perfect sailing destinations in South East Asia. Now the 3rd ‘Sail the Andamans’ is an excellent opportunity to experience all of this during the 20 February - 21 March 2023 event.

‘Sail the Andamans’ participation is for yacht and superyacht owners to enjoy exploring the islands at a leisurely pace. It also offers participants a way to experience local culture, island life, local entertainment options, cultural programs and more during their stay.

This exciting event is organised by Andaman Holidays and supported by Asia Pacific Superyachts and Andaman Tourism . The Sail the Andamans carnival will be on for 30 days during which time the participants can explore the local towns and famed attractions.

Asia Pacific Superyachts’ R. Rathnam enthuses, “The islands have enormous exotic appeal, are home to some of the best beaches and viewing of amazing marine life in the world”. But what makes this opportunity unmissable is the amazing price you can get this package for, if you book now! For cost, yacht services and other details email yachtagency@andamanholidays.com

Those registered are free to choose their sailing route, allowing time to enjoy island exploring and underwater activities such as snorkelling and diving. Participants can also take up sports fishing and kayaking at select locations after securing the necessary permits.

This wonderful month-long adventure starts and ends in the capital city of Port Blair. This floating festival promotes the pristine beauty of the undeveloped Indian Ocean islands, introducing yacht owners and guests, captains and crew to a variety of events and cruising opportunities.

Comprised of hundreds of primarily uninhabited islands, The Andamans offer white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. The natural beauty of the islands is the highlight of the ‘Sail the Andamans’ Yacht Carnival.

Interesting options for visitors to Port Blair include a visit to the famed Cellular Jail . This offers an insight into Indian history under British rule and the plight of the mainland Indian Freedom Fighters seeking independence from colonial rule. The Anthropological Museum offers an understanding of the prehistoric inhabitants of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Visitors can also enjoy the Mount Harriet National Park , one of the closest wilderness areas to Port Blair, along with shopping, and visiting local ‘Sail the Andamans’ villages and schools.

There will also be a Gala Dinner and Cultural Event organised for ‘Sail the Andamans’ participants.

The Islander #306

Maldives Luxury Yacht Visits Increase in January

As the world opens back up with travel, Maldives and its many attractions, is welcoming an increasing number of luxury vessels.

“Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, the tropical getaway saw 18 superyachts in early January, compared with only one two months ago” , according to tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.com as reported January 6th. The report showed a growing statistic with the island chain currently boasting more yachts than Hong Kong and Singapore combined, and slightly outpacing Thailand.

Maldives is famous throughout the world for untouched white silky sands, cobalt blue waters, and seriously gorgeous islands. The archipelago is an ideal destination for a luxury yacht escape with endless opportunities to amaze. With the dazzling natural beauty of the islands’ incredible beaches and breathtaking coral reefs, Maldives is one of the best yacht chartering destinations in the world.

A good alternative to the Caribbean and perfect for island hopping, Maldives is a stunning winter charter destination. With a total of 26 major atolls containing nearly 1,200 picturesque islands dotted on the Indian Ocean, only 200 islands are occupied. This creates an ideal destination for rejuvenating and unwinding in the truest sense.

The nation offers excellent diving opportunities, lovely coral reefs and rich marine life with more than 2,000 fish species to be spotted in its clear waters. As a world-renowned diving destination, there are countless dive spots for advanced divers to absolute beginners. Home to one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, explore the Baa Atoll

By Linda Cartlidge www.asia-pacific-superyachts.com

Biosphere Reserve and look at the diverse variety of reef animals. In Hanifaru Bay, hundreds of rays come to eat at a space that is as big as a football field!

On Halaveli Island, a ‘lagoon wine tasting’ experience awaits in a stunning lagoon setting with waves crashing at your feet. Guests can also visit a worldclass underwater spa, or on land spa resort and enjoy a lavish treatment and relax under the cool shade of a palm tree. Perfect after enjoying a scrumptious picnic or barbeque prepared by your private chef.

“Yachting visitors are coming to this amazing archipelago for the fantastic cruising and to explore some of the best beaches in the world with incredible lagoons and coves” , states Mohamed Hameed, heading up Asia Pacific Superyachts Maldives. “Our team will put together a custom travel itinerary, combining your requirements with recommendations and tips of the best on offer to superyachts and yachts journeying to this gorgeous destination.”

See What Cousteau Saw

by PADI International photos PADI International

It’s probably the most famous name that comes to mind when we talk about scuba diving, but Jacques Cousteau’s legacy is greater than you may think. His ocean exploration documentaries have inspired generations of underwater adventurers, but did you know that Cousteau was also an inventor who changed the world of scuba diving forever?

That’s right. Jacques Cousteau co-created the world’s first scuba system, and in 2023 we celebrate the 80th anniversary of this ground-breaking invention. Along with his partner Emile Gagnan, Cousteau invented a demand valve system designed to supply divers with compressed air when they breathe underwater. It changed everything - opening new worlds to divers by allowing them to dive for much longer periods and go even deeper into the blue.

Born in 1910, Cousteau was a French marine explorer, writer, diver, filmmaker, educator and fierce protector of our blue planet. He brought underwater worlds into people’s lives with dazzling documentaries that captured the imagination of viewers. Cousteau adored ocean exploration and delighted in sharing the joys of diving with the world through his books and documentaries. Conservation was also core to

his teaching – Cousteau recognised how important it was to protect the ocean and was a huge advocate for the preservation of marine life.

It’s no surprise that “the father of scuba diving” was his nickname – Cousteau was a pioneer. He upheld the values of ocean conservation, encouraged people to explore what it was like to go into the deep blue, and played a big part in developing scuba diving as we know it today.

He passed away in 1997, but his influence lives on in every diver who loves our blue planet as much as he did. We continue to use his revolutionary regulator to this day and he happily shared his adventures with us, along with his favourite dive spots. You can explore some of his top sites yourself and see why he once said, “The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

If you’d like to dive in and discover some of Cousteau’s favourite sites but you’re not already PADI certified, the first step is to book your PADI Open Water Diver Course with a verified PADI Dive Centre. In doing so, you can be assured you’re receiving top training from qualified dive professionals. They will guide you as you begin this exciting journey underwater.

The Islander #306

Here’s the scoop and some tips from PADI on a few of Cousteau’s favourites.

1. Sipadan, Malaysian Borneo

Cousteau’s 1989 Ghost of the Sea Turtles documentary made this ti ny island famous. Sipadan is home to over 3,000 marine species and spectacular coral so there is plenty to explore. The turtle population is quite large, but it’s not uncommon to see barracuda, tuna, manta and eagle rays, plus hammerhead and whale sharks too!

Reef fish are present in incredible numbers and perhaps most impressive, are the quantities of medium-sized fish—between 25 and 40 cm (10 and 15 inches)—in relatively shallow waters. This is especially the case for groups of up to a dozen harlequin sweetlips, but also snappers, emperors, triggerfish, longfin batfish and a couple of species of unicorn fish. In addition to a rainbow of fish life, this part of Borneo is also home to impressive macro species. Underwater photographers and those with acute powers of observation could spot an unusual crinoid shrimp and fish duo, all matching the host’s coloration, or a golden-spotted shrimp on a very flattened carpet anemone. Some divers have found a patch of relatively tame spotted garden eels, which elsewhere require extreme patience to photograph outside of their burrow. Sharp eyes can also reveal a pink sailfin leaf-fish, bearded scorpionfish, and numerous species of nudibranchs.

When diving in Sipadan, the dive spots usually live up to their names: White Tip Avenue, Turtle Patch, Staghorn Crest, Lobster Lair and Hanging Gardens (for soft corals), all deliver! This is largely due to Sabah National Parks making huge efforts to protect the area since 2005. Fish numbers have remained relatively stable and large numbers of fish are seen on most dives around Sipadan.

You need a government-issued permit to dive as Sipadan is a protected area. This makes for a really special experience but it’s important to be prepared. There are no longer any resorts on the island, so you need to visit by day boat from a neighbouring island if you’re planning a dive. You can get your permit on Mabul or Kapala - both islands are about a 15-minute boat ride away from Sipadan.

A limited number of permits are issued every day and there are specific hours for diving. Your best bet is to book far in advance to be sure that you can secure a permit. While April through December is ideal for diving, an off-season visit is also a great option since the weather and diving are excel -

lent year-round. There are strong currents in a few spots around the island, so advanced open water certification or a minimum of 20 logged dives is required to dive.

2. Blue Hole, Belize

This unique spot was featured in The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau after his first dive there in 1971. Many thousands of years ago, the Blue Hole was a limestone cave. Then ocean levels rose, causing the cave to flood and collapse. The result - spectacular rock formations and a surrounding reef that’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fun fact: The Blue Hole is so deep –400 feet– you can’t even dive to the bottom!

This dive is not for beginners. It’s a dark and deep excursion – your dive guide may even take you all the way down to 130 feet. Training and experience are an absolute must. Be sure you have your advanced diving certification and remember that the water will be a few degrees cooler the deeper you dive. It’s all about having the right gear! You may want to wear a 3mm wetsuit for the chillier part of your dive and we recommend bringing along a dive light.

If you stay on Ambergris Caye Island, your boat ride to the Blue Hole will be 3 hours, while a ride from Placencia will take 4 hours. You can plan your dive by booking a day boat or dive off a liveaboard. Belize has fantastic year-round diving conditions but keep in mind that the rainy season lasts from April through to October.

3. Sea of Cortez, Mexico

Now known as the Gulf of California, Cousteau once called the Sea of Cortez “the world’s aquarium”. He was onto something – the diversity and variety of marine species in this sea is nothing short of incredible. There are over 900 species of fish alone, not to mention some extra curious sea lions who will happily join you on your dive. There’s a lot of (underwater) ground to cover here! Want to swim with sea lions? Check out Los Islotes. Or maybe hammerheads are more your speed? If so, make your way to Isla San Pedro. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, there’s something for you here. Cabo Pulmo, La Paz, and Los Cabos are all fantastic options to consider if you’re new to diving, while more experienced divers may want to explore the Midriff Islands, El Bajo, or Gordo Banks.

Warm waters make for great whale and hammerhead shark sightings, so plan your dive from August to November. If you don’t mind a chillier dip from December to March, you’re likely to swim amongst octopuses and friendly sea lions. Low season is June and July but if you’re further south, you can still get some good dives in.

4. Red Sea, Egypt

Cousteau highlighted a piece of history in the Red Sea when he showcased a dive to the S S Thistlegorm in his 1950s series ‘The Living Sea, The Silent World’. The sunken cargo steamship went to her watery grave in 1942 after being hit by German air bombers. The dive site feels like an underwater museum with WWII artefacts including trucks, motorcycles, guns and airplane parts. The rest of the Red Sea is just as intriguing with colourful reefs, other historical shipwrecks, and an impressive variety of marine species including dolphins and manatees.

If the SS Thistlegorm is on your dive itinerary when visiting the Red Sea, you should plan a liveaboard as it takes at least three hours to get there from the shore. It’s a popular and high-traffic spot for divers, so an early dive is a good way to avoid the crowds. Currents can be strong with the ship found 100 feet down, so you should have advanced diving certification and at least 20 dives under your belt for this one – Nitrox certification would be a bonus but isn’t necessary!

The Red Sea is known for its good visibility and conditions which are calm and clear at any time of the year. March through May and September to November are considered the peak seasons, so if you’d prefer a quieter dive, then plan to go off season.

Regatta News

Hugo Ramon: Superyacht Captain & Pro Racer Preps for 2025 Mini Transat

Thomas Rudewald: Sailing competitively at the Age of 70

Saint Barths’ Star-Studded New Year’s Eve Regatta

The Ocean Race 2022-2023 Begins!

Hugo Ramon

Superyacht Captain & Pro Racer Preps for 2025 Mini Transat

by BMC & BYD photos Hugo Ramon

Balearic Marine Cluster and Balearic Yacht Destination are proud to introduce to you Hugo Ramon, an internationally known figure in the world of sailing. Hugo is a born and raised Mallorcan who has sailed -and been noticed- from an early age. His passion for the sea comes from his father who bought a small fishing boat when Hugo was just starting to crawl.

“ My father fell in love with a boat, which he went to great lengths to afford. From that moment on, my home was filled with nautical influence. He used to bring home French nautical magazines, mainly focused on ocean sailing. So, from a very young age, I devoured these magazines, and sailing became my dream”, Hugo explains.

He then started sailing and competing in small youth regattas. At the age of 11, his father then bought a 10 metre boat and started competing in 1 or 2-day regattas. The young Hugo was delighted to accompany his father in several of them and this reaffirmed that offshore sailing was what he wanted to do.

Hugo tells us that during this time, he met a man named Jimmy Tur through a Mallorcan boat builder, Javier Estarellas. Javier was building a Mini Transat for Jimmy. In exchange for Hugo teaching him to sail, Jimmy allowed Hugo to use the Mini to cross the Atlantic. Hugo says he owes much of his career development to Jimmy and still cherishes his friendship today.

During Hugo’s career as a professional sailor, he has accumulated several achievements, three of which are noteworthy:

Completed 3 x Mini Transats

For those not in the know, the Mini Transat 650 consists of crossing the Atlantic Ocean alone in a 6.50m boat with no outside communication or assistance. It is the toughest Atlantic crossing a human being can undertake.

Hugo tells us: “My first Mini Transat in 2005 made me the youngest sailor to cross the Atlantic solo at the age of 20 - a title I held until a couple of years ago. I repeated the experience in 2007 and then again in 2009. I was then crowned as the only Spaniard in the world to have completed 3 x solo transatlantic races.”

Round the World Race 2012

Another great achievement is the round the world race. Hugo tells us: “Due to the lack of investors I fought for the starting port to be Palma de Mallorca so that I could afford to participate. It was an unforgettable experience, rounding Antarctica doublehanded, and passing the 3 big Capes (Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn) - it’s not something you can do every day.”

World Champion J80 Category

That same year 2012, together with José María Van der Ploeg, Juan Merayo and Luis Más, Hugo was proclaimed World Champion in the J80 category.

On a professional level, Hugo has also achieved several accomplishments such as being Captain of the Wally 107 Open Season and being a director of the Real Club Náutico de Palma; a club that has always supported him in his projects.

Upcoming Challenges

Hugo is now preparing to make his fourth Mini Transat in 2025!

“I have been developing and designing the perfect boat for more than 15 years. I am now putting these ideas into practice and building the Mini Transat from a standard boat for this new adventure. Making the modifications myself and building a large part of the boat from scratch allows me to reduce costs. Sailing is not cheap, so I am dedicating all my savings to this project.”

Hugo is also having to focus on his physical and mental training alongside the boat build. Things such as sleep control, weather studies, astrological navigation and physical preparation are just some of the essentials.

“I will dedicate these next two years to train and compete in ‘qualification races’. These are necessary to be

eligible to compete in the Mini Transat. All this at the same time as I work on the new Open Season” , Hugo explains.

His decision to undertake the Mini Transat for the fourth time is mainly motivated by the fact that he feels he can now give much more of himself than in previous editions. Also, due to the lack of private funding, it is one of the few transatlantic races he can afford.

“I am not a superstitious person, but this race is full of symbolism for me. 2025 will be the 20th anniversary of my first Mini Transat and I will turn 40 years old that year; it seems like the right time to do it.”

Given Hugo’s previous form and motivation, we also believe this could be “his” year and wish him the very best of luck. We look forward to speaking with him once he is safely back in Mallorca!

Thomas Rudewald

Sailing competitively at the Age of 70

by Mia Naprta / Thomas Rudewald

Hanging on the periphery of the Palma yachting world for the past few years, I was under the impression that sailing was a young man’s sport, with just a few fit over 40s. Then I met Thomas Rudewald!

This charming, fit and youthful 70 year old has been sailing since he was a boy back in Sweden. He made a deal with his dad (who was also sailing), that if he did well at school, then his dad would support his sailing. So, he got his MBA and sailed all over the world! Thomas started sailing Optimist before moving on to Laser, 505 and then Star Class. Sailing became a key part of Thomas´s life - with Olympic campaigns, several international titles and Swedish Championships under his belt by the time he was 25.

Thomas worked as a resort manager for a Swedish tour operator back in 1978/79. Looking out at the boats dotted around Palma Nova bay, Thomas hoped to sail there with his own boat one day. Life got in the way and he had to wait 35 years for his dream to come true. He finally sailed his Beneteau First 40.7 from Sweden to Spain in 2003! Thomas then worked for the Swedish Americas Cup challenge in Valencia 2005/2006. He spent the next few years cruising around the Balearics and Western Mediterranean, but the racing bug was always there.

Sweden meets Spain at RCNP

RCNP has been an institution in sailing for more than 70 years. In fact, the club celebrated the 40th edition of the Copa del Rey in 2022. Thomas bought a J80 from Rodrigo Sanz, whose father was the Club’s Chairman at the time. He then became an RCNP member in 2014 and then managed to get into this exclusive club, with a helping hand from Senor Sanz. He immediately felt very welcome despite being a Swede in this predominantly Spanish environment. In 2017, Thomas won Palma Vela with his son Mattias and crew. He met local sailmaker Christian Fornes, a longtime club member and active J80 sailor and trainer at the Club. Christian helped Thomas to get some local Spanish sailors on board and they participated in the various club races. (Fun fact: The Islander´s editor, Jens Oomes joined the crew for a couple of races too!)

“You don´t have to have the best boat to win the race!”

photos Thomas Rudewald´s Personal archive

Santina

After the Palma Vela in 2022, the decision was made to find a boat that could perform well under the complicated ORC rule. The Dehler 38 C “VellMari IV” was laying idle at the Club during the Princess Sofia and Palma Vela races. Christian Fornes set up a meeting with the owner, Juan Cabrer Piza and his son Pedro. They wanted to sell the boat, so Thomas bought it and Vell Mari became “Santina”.

personalities”. The common language on board is usually Spanish, but if the crew doesn’t want the Swedes to understand something - they cheekily switch to Mallorquin!

Fortunately, the original crew that had been sailing with different Vell Maris for many years wanted to continue sailing the boat. Pedro Cabrer, a long-term member of the club, has known the bay of Palma since childhood. He sailed with his father, Juan, with mostly the same crew. Dru Bestard Summers - whose father Sinto sailed around the world blind (that’s another great story for another article!) - is trimming the main. Francisco Xisco Casstallo looks after the boat and is mast man. Christian Vidal takes care of the foredeck and is also one of the best Snipe sailors in the Club. Javier Pomar is main trimmer and Christian Fornes (sales manager at Quantum, Mallorca) is tactician. Thomas´ son, Mattias Rudewald, and partner Vica Eckeström make up the rest of the 9 person crew. Thomas believes that Santina has “a great team, full of talent, experience and different

Santina Sailing Team is sponsored by the Santina restaurants, located in Puerto Portals and Santa Catalina. The owners, Madeleine Heckel and Vincent Solleveld, make sure that the team is well fed and full of energy for the races. Both have been involved in different activities at RCNP. Madeleine was marketing manager for Gaastra and Code 0; both have been the main sponsors for Palma Vela and Copa del Rey. Santina’s other sponsors include AIX Vin de Provence, B&G, Robline and PelleP Marine clothing.

Santina will participate in the local regattas in 2023 (see schedule below), but also represent RCNP at the Trofeo de Vela Conde de Godo in Barcelona and Trofeo La Reina in Valencia. Together with Palma Vela, these events make up the Circuito Mediterraneo de Vela with boats coming from all over Spain.

As for Thomas – he has no intention of slowing down or retiring from racing! His goal for the season of 2023 is to get to the podium for the circuit and “it would be great” if he and his crew could win Copa del Rey. Please join me in cheering this great man and his crew on in all their races. Fingers crossed Thomas wins his dream Copa del Rey before his next birthday!

“I never imagined that at the age of 70 I would have so much fun and be competitive in sailing at this level!”

“The key to staying young is to surround yourself with young people, young energy!”

Santina Sailing Team Program 2023

January 22 Trofeo Sant Sebastian

February 19 Trofeo Carnaval

March 11-12 Trofeo Noli

April 1-3 Trofeo Princess Sofia

Circuito Meditarraneo ORC de Vela 2023

May 5-7 Palma Vela

May 4-28 Barcelona Trofeo de Vela Condo de Godo

June 29 - July 2 Valencia Trofeo La Reina

August 1-6 Copa del Rey

October 7-8 Trofeo Hispanidad

November 4-5 Trofeo Bon Vent GP Sails

Sailing Team / Sailing with 9 crew

1. Thomas Rudewald Patron Sweden

2 Mattias Rudewald Trim Sweden

3. Vica Eckeström Floater Sweden

4. Paul Andersson Trim Australia

5. Christian Fornes Tachtician Spain

6. Francisco Casstallo Garcia Mast Boat Captain Spain

7. Rafael Bestard Summers Main Trim Spain

8. Pedro Cabrer Piza Pit Trim Spain

9. Christian Vidal Bowman Spain

Extra crew

10. Javier Pomar Pit Trim Spain

11. Jonas Wenger Pit Trim Germany

12. Stefan Roslund Bowman Sweden

13. Vincent Sollevold Floater Sweden

14. Jorge Diaz Valderas Bowman Spain

15. Sebastian Allebroth Trim Tachtician Germany

The Islander #306

Saint Barths’ Star-Studded New Year’s Eve Regatta

by The Islander photos by Jean Jarreau

St.Barth’s, Saint Barth’s, St.Barth or Saint Barthélemy; this island is so wonderful that to name it once just wasn’t enough! It is THE Island where every Christmas through New Year, a ton of celebrities -and “normies”- mingle. Champagne is sipped on the docks and all the world’s problems slip away. It’s the island where the Bucket Regatta, Les Voiles de Saint Barth, and the New Year’s Eve regatta take place.

Recently, several stars attended the “Gala de LuisaViaRoma” at the Emeraude Hotel. This is a charity for Unicef featuring a cocktail reception, gala dinner and live auction. The table seating sold out, reaching the dizzying heights of €130.000 to €250.000. Amongst those spotted at this event have been Lenny Kravitz, Drake, Mike Tyson and many others.

International celebrities, philanthropists and notable guests from all over the world were present including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Naomi Watts and Billy Crudup, Luke Evans, Edward Enninful Obe, Rita Ora, Karolina Kurkova, Maxwell, Kygo. Also, Liya Kebede, Kiernan Shipka, Taika Waititi, Remo Ruffini, Georgia Palmer, Chase Hudson, Nabilla Vergara, Jordan Barrett, Rachel Zoe, Amalie Gassmann, Sveva Alviti, Bob Sinclair and Frida Aasen, to name a few! Collectively, they helped raise over €3 million for Unicef.

According to the Port De Gustavia, 368 yachts had registered in the harbor for New Year’s Eve (compared to 305 in 2021). There were 213 visiting yachts and 155 permanent yachts. These included: 4 superyachts over 100 meters; 14 between 75 to 99 meters; 28 between 60 to 74 meters; 47 between 45 to 59 meters. Thirteen megayachts had applied and received permission to host parties while at dock.

Fewer people than in previous years sailed in the New Year’s Eve regatta; only 8 yachts participated, but they had plenty of fun. Maëlia with Raphaël Magras was declared overall winner. The well-known (certainly in the USA and the Caribbean) musician Jimmy Buffet, who is a regular St.Barth’s sailor, was helming the famous classic yacht, Ticonderoga. Other yachts were the 140’ Gitana, the 66’ Gunboat Phaedo, Symmetry, Flying Nemo and White Rhino.

Phaedo

Drake landing with his Boeing at Juliana Airport St.Maarten

Superyachts on New Year’s Eve in St.Barth’s

The Islander #306

The Ocean Race 20222023 Begins!

by Lucie Gardiner photos theoceanrace.com

The Ocean Race celebrates its 50th jubilee anniversary this year. A fleet consisting of the best sailors in the world set off on 16th January in what is widely considered to be the toughest test of a team in sport.

Five IMOCA class yachts -high-tech, foiling, flying race boats- are in the race for the first time, along with a fleet of six VO65s. They set off on the first leg of the race to Cabo Verde, some 1900nm away from the Alicante starting point.

Both fleets race to Cabo Verde, with the IMOCAs continuing their race around the world. The VO65s pause in Cabo Verde before rejoining the IMOCA fleet in Europe in the Spring, for the final two legs of the race. They will be competing for the inaugural Ocean Race VO65 Sprint Cup.

The IMOCAs 32,000nm route visits nine iconic international cities over six months. Leg one starts from Alicante, then onto Cabo Verde, Cape Town, Itajaí, Newport, Aarhus, a Kiel fly-by, and The Hague. The Grand Finale is in Genova, Italy. In addition to the ocean passage legs, the teams will also compete in an in-port race series with inshore heats taking place at each stopover.

News 4 Stews

Ship to Shore: Skylos Collective

Rialto: Stewardess’ Pick of the Month

Ikatela: Mallorcan Fashion Inspired by a Dress from LA

Virtual Pursers: Are You a Procrastinator?

Ship Shoreto

by Melanie Winters photos Skylos

with Ella Peters, Founder of Skylos Collective

Former crew member Ella Peters transitions to land by starting her own sustainable, vegan, luxury pet accessory company. I was looking forward to hearing more about this move from ship to shore and her journey so far…..

Journey of Discovery

From a young age, Ella was sailing at weekends on local rivers in the beautiful county of Suffolk, UK. This was mostly on her Topper and from here, she discovered her real love of the sea and sailing.

“After leaving school, I knew I didn’t want to go directly to university, as I wasn’t especially passionate about any specific subject. I decided that spending some time travelling and experiencing life would stand me in good stead for whatever lay ahead.”

Having spent a few years working as a stewardess on private and charter yachts, Ella was now keen to return to education and hopefully stay in Europe. Then she found the almost perfect degree course in the Netherlands and started her studies in sustainable development through the lens of fashion.

“Throughout my studies, I worked as a freelance yacht nanny. The roles complemented each other perfectly with university terms matching school holidays. I had the absolute pleasure of working with incredible families from around the globe. The roles were always exciting – from creating arts and crafts to sailing regattas, looking after babies and toddlers, jet skiing with my charges, and exploring destinations.”

During this time, Ella also had the opportunity to work for an ethical knitwear and crochet manufacturer with indigenous artisans in Bolivia. She also

worked remotely for a United Nations ECOSOC consultancy on sustainable fashion based in Argentina. Both of these roles formed part of her degree studies. Ella loved her work on board, having looked after children with special needs and seeing them blossom during their time together. Most of the families she works with are now repeat clients – some with very last-minute requests: “I received a call recently asking if I could travel with the family to the Bahamas the following day! But as children have a habit of growing up, there comes a time when they need less and less nanny support.”

Departure from the Dog Days of Yachting

Ella has been mostly land-based for five years now, havin g realised how freelance work makes the unique struggles of working on board less overwhelming. This is especially true with round-the-clock care roles. This gave her the time and opportunity to start her new dog accessory brand, Skylos Collective.

“Last year I founded Skylos Collective, an ethical canine atelier. I wanted to create a range of vegan leads, collars and poop bag holders with sustainability and style. Our vegan range is PETA approved and is making its mark with discerning dog owners who are in search of luxury combined with holistic and sustainable values.”

Skylos Collective’s vibrant-coloured dog leads, collars and poop bag holders are produced using apple leather (a bio-material made from the waste from the apple juicing and compote industry, manufactured in the heart of Tuscany). The vegan leather is then processed by craftspeople in rural Lancashire, UK. Consumers are increasingly turning to brands that embrace environmentally sustainable values. This, combined with Ella’s knowledge from having worked in the ethical fashion industry in Latin America, ideally places Skylos Collective to become the ethical dog accessory supplier of choice.

Wistful for the Waves?

Ella hasn’t said a complete farewell to the yachting world as she still does freelance nanny work. She does sometimes miss the team/family dynamic of life on board: “Starting a brand is hugely rewarding and it’s amazing to be calling the shots about every aspect of my business. But it can certainly be lonely at times, although co-working spaces have definitely helped with this.”

Many yachties find the prospect of returning to land quite daunting. Ella agrees that it did take some time to get used to, but wasn’t as scary as others had said. Her advice is to realise that being a yachtie means you’re blessed with so many transferable skills. “It’s important to recognise the bits you loved about the job and how these skills can be re-interpreted.”

New Horizons

Ella is very excited about what 2023 will bring for Sk ylos Collective and is delighted to announce they are just launching their collection in PalmaDog at Carrer del Conquistador 8, Palma. We wish her every success with her new venture.

Ella Peters

www.skyloscollective.co.uk

ella@skyloscollective.co.uk

Tel: +44 7587 855 714

Founder of Skylos Collective

The Islander #306

Stewardess’ Pick of the Month Rialto Living

by Rialto Living photo Pär Olsson, courtesy of Rialto Living

Rugs are an essential part of a superyacht’s interior decoration. They suit any area, define a room, and bring a space to life. But that’s not all. Aside from transforming a room’s look, the cosy floor coverings help create a relaxing and inviting living area.

Contemporary superyacht saloons often feature hard-edged materials like wood, marble, and metal. Snug, voluminous rugs offer warmth and softness, transforming a space from ‘showroom-cold’ to cosy-chic in an instant.

Rialto Living, the go-to store when we’re talking style, has you and your yacht’s floor covered. Browse the second floor, and find a whole room dedicated to the world’s most gorgeous rugs. Marvel over playful, vibrantly coloured rugs, dreamt up by American designers Dash & Albert. Fresh and fabulous, their indoor and outdoor rugs come in cotton, wool, and jute. For you and your feet, they are a match made in heaven.

Another type of rug you can find in Rialto Living —one that needs no introduction— is the traditionally stunning kelim. The flat woven carpets’ bright hues —think, azure, saffron, or tangerine— and geometric patterns, suit minimalist environments perfectly. Kelims are hand-made with a talent honed over generations, using natural materials. Even the yarns’ colouring comes from plants and minerals.

With their earthy tones and softness, oriental rugs are perfect for adding warmth and atmosphere to a yacht’s cool teak decks. The rugs’ knots are individually tied by artisans in far-flung places like India, Iran, and Tibet, creating the kind of intricate patterns and stunning designs you can’t help but fall in love with.

Palma’s Rialto Living, conveniently located on Carrer Sant Feliu 3, is just a stone’s throw away from STP and sells a wide selection of eye-catching super yacht must-haves. Have a snoop around and see for yourself. And if you make a purchase, don’t forget to flash your STP (or other) entry card so you can relax in their leafy, oasis-like café and sip on a complimentary “cafe con leche” before you head back to the boat.

Rialto Living

C. Sant Feliu 3, Palma (+34) 971 71 33 31

www.rialtoliving.com

Hours: 11 am and 7pm Monday – Saturday

And if you’ve got your own Palma pad and are looking for a rug to zhoosh up your Mallorcan tiles, look no further. No matter your style, Rialto Living is sure to have a rug in the shape, size, pattern, and colour with your name all over it.

Palma’s Rialto Living, conveniently located on Carrer Sant Feliu 3, is just a stone’s throw away from STP and sells a wide selection of eye-catching super yacht must-haves. Have a snoop around and see for yourself. And if you make a purchase, don’t forget to flash your STP (or other) entry card so you can relax in their leafy, oasis-like café and sip on a complimentary “cafe con leche” before you head back to the boat.

Ikatela

Mallorcan Fashion Inspired by a Dress from LA by

Anne Schwarzenbacher photos by Silvia de Couët

It started with a dress from LA, gifted to me by a friend. People complimented me on the dress, and its Mallorcan ikat-like pattern, time and again. And with that, I figured there must be an interest in dresses with a Mallorcan flair. I brainstormed the idea during the pandemic, and after some months of researching, designing and pattern-making, Ikatela was born.

Written by Anne Schwarzenbacher

Photos by Silvia de Couët / Models by Bestage Models International www.ikatela.com

Ikat Revival and the Fabrics Asian Origins

The iconic Mallorcan ikat fabric used to be called “flàmules” (flames) because of its flame-shaped pattern and was originally used for curtains and cushions. However, an ikat revival has swept the island, and you can now see the bold design in highend boutiques, hip galleries, and trendy restaurants. The striking design resembles the Asian ikat fabric and may have an Eastern origin. It makes sense as Mallorca served as a stopover on the trade route between Europe and Asia for many years. The name of my label, Ikatela, combines the words IKAT & TELA (which is Spanish for fabric).

Local, Slow, and Sustainable

I made the dresses’ earliest versions from the island’s original fabric, but switched to a softer, more comfortable material produced on the mainland, but solely for the Balearic Islands. As a brand with strong ties to Mallorca, it’s only fitting that I buy the fabric from a traditional shop in Palma. My “Made in Mallorca” principle means that each dress is made on the island, with painstaking attention to detail by our talented local seamstress.

I believe in “slow fashion”- the opposite of “fast fashion”. An Ikatela garment is sustainably made and boasts premium, long-lasting quality. But that’s not all. Every piece is made to measure and ensures a perfect fit and many years of happy dress-wearing. And if you prefer your dress to have longer sleeves, a different neckline, or a shorter length, this can be done. Right now, the line comprises three dresses and a jumpsuit. All are made from the Mallorcan ikat fabric and are available in beige, turquoise, blue or red. A pair of men’s shorts and a men’s/women’s waistcoat are on the drawing board for summer 2023, so watch this space!

The highest quality of sleeping comfort

Whether enjoying a leisurely cruise or some serious sailing, a good night’s rest is as essential on water as on dry land.

Approximately 30% of your time on board will be spent sleeping and we feel that’s too long to tolerate any discomfort. Having produced premier mattresses for new and refitted yachts of all sizes since 1992, Neptune specialises in high quality mattresses, slat systems and bespoke bed linen. We can provide bespoke advice on the exact product that best suits your needs. All mattresses and bed linen are hand-made in the Netherlands and represent the finest quality in terms of materials and craftsmanship. We deliver directly to owners or yacht builders, anywhere in the world.

Are You a Procrastinator?

7 Tips on How to Stop NOW!

by Bec McKeever and Dominic Smit www.virtualpursers.com

You have a deadline looming. However, instead of doing your work, you are fiddling with miscellaneous things like checking email, social media, watching videos, etc. You know you should be working, but just don’t feel like doing anything! Yep, we are all familiar with the procrastination phenomenon. Here are some tips to ditch this habit:

1. Break Your Work into Small Steps Part of the reason we procrastinate is that subconsciously, we find the work too overwhelming for us. Break it down into small parts, then focus on one part at a time.

2. Ch ange Your Environment Different environments have different impacts on our productivity. Does your work environment make you want to work, or does it make you want to snuggle and sleep? If it’s the latter, you should probably look into changing your workspace.

3. C reate a Detailed Timeline with Specific Deadlines Having just one deadline for your work is an invitation to procrastinate. That’s because we get the impression that we have time and keep pushing everything back until it’s too late. Don’t fall into this trap!

Virtual Pursers co-founders, Bec McKeever and Dominique Smit offer their top tips for how to take action and finally stop procrastinating. Virtual Pursers provide yacht administrative assistance to all vessels, no matter the size of the yacht or the extent of the need.

4. H ang out with People Who Inspire You to Take Action I’m pretty sure if you spend just 10 minutes talking to people like Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, you’ll be more inspired to act than if you spent the 10 minutes doing nothing. The people we are with truly do influence our behaviours.

5. Te ll Others about Your Goals This is a sure-fire way to hold yourself accountable for your plans.

6. St op Over-Complicating Things Are you waiting for a perfect time to do this? Ditch that thought because there’s never a perfect time. If you keep waiting for one, you are never going to accomplish anything.

7. Ge t a Grip and Just Do It In the end, everything boils down to taking action. You can do all the strategising, planning and hypothesising, but if you don’t take action, nothing’s going to happen.

You’ve got this!

Chefs & Foodies

Chef’s Chat: Jelle Vervoort

Beetroot: Delicious, Versatile & Good for You –What’s Not to Like?

Wine Industry: From Penedès with Passion (Part 1)

Santina: The perfect Brunch Spot in the Heart of Palma

Chef’s Chat

by Jens Oomes photos Jelle Vervoort

The general idea of chefs is that they are artistic, temperamental and interesting. It is their passion and creativity that can make a tremendous difference to the guest experience on board. Islander Editor, Jens Oomes interviews chefs to catch a glimpse of how they see the world.

Since 2011, Chef Jelle Vervoort has worked on several sail and motor yachts, ranging from 19m to the iconic 88m Maltese Falcon. The questions I ask Jelle are answered by a born storyteller. His tales of culinary successes, adventure, anger, fear and euphoria are supported by a wide range of facial expressions and gestures. My favourite one was the pause-and-grin that came with anecdotes of mischief.

Jelle tells me, “Growing up we spent the summers in Spain on my uncle’s 18m De Vries Lentsch. Those memories are of course engrained in my mind and responsible for my venturing into the yachting world. My passion for cooking was born from simply helping my mother, as a child, with the daily cooking - especially when we had parties. Cooking became my biggest passion. Impressing people with food gave me a lot of joy.”

Jelle explains that he went on to have formal chef’s training, and how the internships soon revealed how tough the kitchen environment is. “ ...especially when you mess up the head chef’s oysters and he launches a hot copper saucepan at your head!”

I see the horror reappearing on Jelle’s face as if it just happened!

“When chefs yell and swear at each other in the kitchen or galley, they know it’s never personal and they never have hard feelings for their teammates. They simply know they have a job to do, and they keep each other on their toes.”

Styles and trends

I asked Jelle about his cooking style, signature dishes, and what he believes will be the upcoming trends:

“People generally try and define cooking by French, Italian, Asian, etc. I try not to be limited by those boundaries. My career has taken me to many places, and I have seen many styles of food. I truly try to cook for the moment based on the ingredients and work with my proverbial catch of the day. My technique is based on French, but I love all types of food. I define it as Seasonal International Cuisine. The seasons are the most important thing in my cooking. I would never search for ingredients that are not in season in the region I am in. Eating in season goes with the logical trend to work more plant-based. People are thinking more about where their food comes from and what it does with them. We see the term ‘Mood Food’ appearing more and more. People want to have balanced meals and not go into a food coma after a lavish meal. For the same reason, alcohol-free cocktails are on the rise.”

Chef Jelle Vervoort

Kitchen versus Galley

The life of a Yacht Chef is surely very different from a la nd-based Chef who owns their own restaurant. I ask Chef Jelle if food cost is something that a Yacht Chef with an unlimited budget has to consider. With determination, he answers ‘not if - but how’ to manage food costs:

“Today, chefs can use mobile phone applications to help maintain and manage their accounts. This helps not just with the cost but generally makes you buy and cook more efficiently. I always say “the profits of a restaurant are in the waste bin”! The less you have to chuck in there; the more you have sold. Out of respect for food and an owner’s budget, any good chef will apply this ethos on board a yacht – even with an unlimited budget.”

Do you think the life of a Yacht Chef is easier than that of a land-based chef?

“On land, you have more time with your family. You earn less, but you have more spare time to do what you love.”

Proudest moment

When asking Jelle for his proudest moment, the plot twist in his answer once again reveals how he loves entertaining people.

“On Maltese Falcon, I cooked for Mr and Mrs Brin. Sergey Brin is the co-founder of Google and perhaps the most famous vegan in the world. He told me I prepared the best KFC he had ever tasted!” (Cue: pause-and-grin.)

How do you make a vegan Kentucky-Fried Chicken?

“You don’t! I prepared it for his wife. He had a bite and said: “Woooow!” It definitely had chicken in it. The crust was made of spelt and sesame cornflake crumble, breadcrumb and delicious herbs.”

“Doing my Beetroot Show Cooking gives me a good feeling too. With the help of the Stewardesses, we prepare a display directly on the dinner table. In the end, the table looks like a painting, and a beetroot-based meringue, wafer, espuma, ice cream and crumble dessert is ready to be enjoyed by the guests. I take two steps back and watch their reactions.” … Final pause and grin!

Beet root

Delicious, Versatile & Good for You –What’s Not to Like?

by Marc Fosh

Marc Fosh

Marc Fosh (born 14 August 1963) is a British chef who has lived and worked in Spain for over twenty years and is now based in Palma de Mallorca. His eponymous restaurant, Marc Fosh, gained a Michelin star in 2002. https://www.marcfosh.com/

photos Marc Fosh

First it was kale, then cauliflower. Now beetroot is the latest vegetable to enjoy its moment in the sun. It’s an unusual place for a root vegetable, I’ll admit, but ever since some clever PR person rebranded it as a superfood its popularity has soared and apparently sales are up 20% in the last four years. Quite an achievement for something once confined to a jar of vinegar at the back of your granny’s fridge.

Beetroot is a close relative of spinach and chard, and has good nutritional content. Not only is beetroot a good source of iron and folic acid, it’s also reckoned to be a great detoxifier. To cook beetroot, wash but don’t peel, then cut the stalks to 2.5cm and leave the root at the bottom; if either are trimmed too much, the beetroot’s colour will bleed. Bake in a low oven for 2-3 hours, either wrapped in foil or in a little water in a lidded casserole dish. Alternatively, prepare it in the same way, and simmer in water for around one hour. You can also eat beetroot raw, peeled and grated into salads or finely shaved as a “carpaccio” dressed with walnut oil and chives. You can also wash and trim the leaves to use in salads or as a garnish. Fresh beetroot will keep for several weeks in a cool, dark place. You can also buy vacuum-packed cooked beetroot, which are great for pickling and roasting, or simply chopping and adding to salads.

For me, the real secret of beetroot lies in its strange combination of sweetness and earthiness, and the fact that it combines really well with so many other ingredients -both savoury and sweet. Beetroot is the perfect partner for pork and duck, but it’s also more than happy to take on salty ingredients like anchovies, goats cheese and capers. In Scandinavian countries it’s often paired with spicy horseradish and smoked fish such as herrings and salmon. I love to combine beetroot with anything from coconut, fresh dill, orange and watercress, but it also comes to life in combination with really rich, dark chocolate in cakes and desserts. I’ve even made beetroot ice cream many times and believe me -it’s truly delicious!

Baking a vegetable like beetroot in a salt crust really intensifies the flavour and it’s such an easy thing to do at home. But I also love to make a simple, creamy beetroot risotto with goat’s cheese and fresh thyme.

Beetroot risotto with goat’s cheese and fresh thyme

Ingredients: serves 4

600ml vegetable or chicken stock

45g butter

1 red onion chopped

2 garlic clove crushed

250g Arborio rice

150ml red wine

2 boiled beetroots, peeled and chopped

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

1/2 tbsp olive oil

1tbsp mascarpone

2tbsp grated parmesan

4 thick slices of goat’s cheese

Seasoning

In a small saucepan, bring the vegetable or chicken stock to a simmer.

In a separate, heavy-based saucepan heat the butter until melted. Add in the red onion and garlic and fry over medium heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, around 2 minutes. Add the rice and cook stirring for one minute. Add in about a third of the simmering stock. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper and mix in the beetroot and the fresh thyme. Cook, stirring constantly over medium heat until the stock has been absorbed. Add in the rest of the stock a ladleful at a time and stir until all the stock has been absorbed and the rice is just cooked. Stir the mascarpone and Parmesan into the risotto.

Divide the creamy risotto between 4 bowls and top each one with a slice of goat’s cheese. Drizzle with a little olive oil and serve immediately.

From Penedès with Passion (Part

by Iván González Gaínza & Lara Corfield photos Iván González Gaínza & Lara Corfield

1)

In 2019 a dear friend who is closely associated with The Islander, suggested we organise a wine trip to the mainland. We decided to stay relatively close to Barcelona and head to the Catalan regions of Penedès and Priorat. We initially planned the trip for our guests to visit some prestigious and historic wineries. But we also wanted to share with them our love for smaller, more dedicated wineries with a more personal business approach.

Due to the pandemic, plans were postponed until March 2022. But after a small amount of advertising and promotion, we quickly had 12 people keen to join us on our first wine weekend in November. We kept the group small as it was our first-ever wine trip and, in all honesty, we weren’t sure how smoothly it would run.

Everyone met in Barcelona on a Friday at a winethemed (of course) hotel called Hotel Praktik Vinoteca where we would spend our first night. Dinner was pre-booked at a nearby wine bar called AmoVino. As a group of 12, we were given a private room and allocated a Costa Rican Sommelier (with a very strong American accent), who looked after us throughout the evening. Despite being difficult to understand at times, our Sommelier did a superb job of suggesting some amazing wines to pair with our tapas meal. It proved to be a great start to the trip and set the mood for the weekend.

The following morning, after a plentiful breakfast at the hotel, we met up with Eduardo - our driver for the following two days. Eduardo proved to be attentive, chatty, and knowledgeable, as well as an efficient and smooth driver. A 50-minute drive south of Barcelona took us to the Penedès region in the Catalan countryside, where we visited our first winery, Llopart.

Llopart is one of the oldest and better-known Cava producers in the Penedès region and is also now part of the Corpinnat association of wineries. The wineries in this association are committed to excellence in their field as well as environmental sus-

Wine Industry Mallorca

Bringing wine to you - quality wines from lesser-known bodegas and interesting winemakers. www.wineindustry.es

- 0034 657 88 32 48

- 0034 638 60 19 43

tainability. All Corpinnat sparkling wines are produced from hand-harvested and certified organic grapes. Llopart has been making superb high-quality sparkling wine for centuries, so we were excited to be visiting.

We were greeted by an incredibly enthusiastic guide, who immediately apologised for his inability to stand still. This quickly became apparent! Our guide then introduced us to the historical elements of the winery, and afterwards, we headed upstairs to admire the view from the winery’s turret. We took a stroll among some Xarel-lo vines – a grape variety used in most Cava blends. We then returned indoors, were shown a video and given a tour of the Llopart caves. We walked through caves where the Cava is aged whilst our guide clearly explained the production process, which differs greatly from still wine. The tour finished in a small gated room where some of the oldest Llopart bottles are stored. The whole tour was completed with meticulous precision, in a very informative yet entertaining manner. The hyperactivity of the guide simply added to the entertainment value.

After the tour, we headed back to the ground floor and the all-important tasting room. We were presented with 3 different Cavas from Llopart’s wide range of wines and given some classic platters of cheese and cured meats.

Before visiting our second winery of the day, we took a break for lunch at a nearby restaurant and then headed to Sant Sadurní D’Anoia. This second winery was a small family business by the name of Mas Xarot.

Mas Xarot is not housed in a fancy building with any particular historical importance attached to it. When we approached the family about visiting, they were extremely accommodating as they do not normally host tourists for wine tours. However, they made an exception with our group, so we were their ‘guinea pigs’. Mas Xarot is run by the Centelles

family and operates in a building in the centre of Sant Sadurní D’Anoia that once belonged to a winery called Monastell.

At first glance, the building didn’t look like much. It appeared to be very functional, but after entering, we were taken down a couple of floors to underground caves that opened up into a space that can hold up to 500,000 bottles of Cava! The charming brothers, Sergi and Lluc, guided us around the dark, secret chambers where bottles of Cava were piled up to the ceiling. We had to use the torches on our smartphones to illuminate a special chamber as the Cava in this room was exceptionally sensitive to light. Towards the end of our chamber walk, we saw a Giropalet; a type of machine invented to accelerate the riddling method. It was introduced in Spain by Codorniu to help reduce costs. During our walk through the chambers, we could sometimes feel broken glass underfoot. Sergi explained that in this type of environment, it is normal for some of the piled-up Cava bottles to burst due to pressure or because of some defect in the glass.

After the tour, we were given six different Cavas to taste - four of them from the range available to purchase, but two of them were de-gorged just a few days before our arrival - especially for us! These two Cavas were from the family selection which they only open a few of on special occasions. All of the Cavas were amazing, but these last two were a real treat. Sergi and Lluc were incredibly humble and friendly and went out of their way to accommodate us. This was a truly unique experience that can only come from visiting a small winery.

When we eventually left Mas Xarot, it was already dark outside, and time to head to our nearby country hotel for the night. We had chosen a small and homely hotel, with just enough bedrooms to accommodate us (and no other guests). Upon arrival, our rooms were ready and the open fire was blazing in the living room - a blissful end to a wonderful day!

Look out for Part 2 in the March edition of The Islander.

Wineries we visited: Llopart – https://www.llopart.com/ Mas Xarot – https://www.masxarot.com/en/

Where we stayed:

Hotel Praktik Vinoteca – https://www.hotelpraktikvinoteca.com

Masia Can Canyes Hotel Rural – http://masiacancanyes.com

Where we ate: AmoVino – https://amovino.es/ Mirador de les Caves - https://www.miradordelescaves.com/

The perfect Brunch Spot in the Heart of Palma

Santina by the Market: Your second home. A place where everybody is welcome.

Walking through Santa Catalina it is a feast for the senses. Think traditional pastel-painted facades of Spanish townhouses with miniature balconies decorated with colourful flowers paired with typical slated green window shutters.

As you make your way through the hustle and bustle of the morning coffee grabbers and people watchers, weaving the streets of small cafés and boutiques, your nose is treated to the fresh smells from the market: bread, oysters, olives, flowers and more. Just opposite the market is the quaint, turquoise, welcoming cosy corner spot of the original Santina: Santina by the Market.

Santa Catalina is where it all started for Santina, back in 2017 when the perfect location became available adjacent to Palma´s famous and oldest mecca of food: Mercat de Santa Catalina (1920).

As you know, Santina evolves around creative food concepts, feeling welcomed and enjoying life, so being in the heart of Santa Catalina and its vibrant vibe was the ultimate key to us creating Santina exactly the way we wanted.

Santina by the Market is now fully immersed in the cultural life of Santa Catalina, serving coffee to the locals every morning, drawing visitors to the area and fetching our fresh fruit and veg every morning from the market.

Santa Catalina is even where the name Santina originates from - an abbreviation of the two words Sant(a Catal)ina. Additionally to this, as one might have guessed, Santina ´by the Market´ reflects us being so close to Mercat de Santa Catalina. Paying true homage to our origin that we love so much.

Designed to feel like a cosy home-away-fromhome, with rustic furniture, fresh flowers and picturesque window seats, we hope that when you walk into Santina you will instantly feel welcomed and ready to enjoy one of our delicious brunch

plates. Trust us - you will also need to save room for some of our famous homemade cakes!

Now in our 7th year of serving delicious brunch plates with big smiles, we have many guests who visit us annually and some even weekly (you know who you are!). For this reason, we always keep the majority of our menu the same while adding small improvements, so our brunch lovers can return to their favourites year after year!

Like Santina, the Santa Catalina area is freespirited, adventurous and enjoys diversity.

Check out the menu here: PALMA_SANTINA

Islander Life

Coffees, Cakes, Chocolate and Cava: Santal

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2022!

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023

Extra Moorings & Pontoon for Port De Marigot, Saint Martin

Coffees, Cakes, Chocolate and Cava

If you are looking for a cool café to enjoy a specialty coffee in Palma, you will be hard-pressed to find somewhere more unique than Santal. Nestled in a disused mill in the Los Molinos neighbourhood, north of Santa Catalina, this new café makes for a very “Instagram-friendly” location, both inside and outside. The terrace is spacious, with big comfy chairs and cushions, and sunny for a good few hours - even in winter. I can easily see myself sitting there writing my columns for an afternoon. The building is likely a protected heritage and I imagine the owners could not change it much. But they have made fantastic use of the three separate rooms. As you enter the mill, you are greeted with a light airy space with an open kitchen and a front counter. The second room houses a large table that could be used for dining in a big group or a team-building meeting. The last room is still a work in progress but will be an art gallery, supporting local artists and offering various workshops. The whole place is furnished with a mixture of practical, standard tables, and low tables with big comfy lounge chairs for a more relaxed vibe. Sitting there makes you feel as if you are in a very stylish friend´s living room.

Rodrigo and another three partners rented the mill from an Argentinian friend in 2019, and from here they conceived the idea of this comfortable living room style space. Santal is a concept of coffee shops that already exist in Buenos Aires, so they used some of the existing brand elements, but adapted them to the local market needs. Due to Covid, their planned opening was delayed for a couple of years but they finally opened this winter and instantly became popular with neighbours and visitors alike.

When it comes to coffee, I note that they exclusively use ‘Nomad’; a very good coffee that you can occasionally get at Nano Coffee Lab, but nowhere

by Mia Naprta photos

else in Palma. My cortado with oat milk has been consistently good. The food menu is still evolving, but what they currently have is good and nicely presented. Rodrigo suggested I try his invention of that morning – oatmeal pancakes with peanut butter, sliced bananas and roasted caramelized nuts topped with bacon, with a tiny pot maple syrup on the side. The plate was huge, tasted excellent, and I finished the whole thing within minutes! I thought that bacon and banana would not work -but they really did!

The cakes here are fantastic! The other day I had a brownie with toasted almonds and a touch of sea salt (possibly the best brownie in Palma!). Their take on carrot cake; dark and moist with a generous layer of frosting, was also amongst the best in town!

Rodrigo tells me that they are planning to extend their working hours and have ‘tardeos’ (late afternoon parties) with tapas and more, so watch this space…

With notice, they can cater for big groups and deliver to boats. Also, if you mention that you read about them in The Islander, you will receive a 5% discount!

Until next month…

Yours sweetly,

Mia

‘Santal’a stylish, relaxing café in an old mill

Rodrigo Moreno

Text: Mia Naprta

E-mail: mia.naprta@gmail.com

Instagram: @mianaprta

Photos: Rodrigo Moreno

Santal

Carrer de la Industria 16, Palma

Instagram: @santalcafe.es

Opening hours

M Closed

T-S 9:00-16:00

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2022!

by The Islander

Photos by Jean Jarreau

The third edition of the 2022 Caribbean Foiling Championships took place during the second weekend of December in Orient Bay, Saint Martin. There was a reduced fleet of participants due to the lack of wind. The forecast of light winds and high swells made it challenging for Dutch organisers Sacha van der Wouden and Maxim van den Pol, but they had prepared an alternative programme in anticipation.

Competing in the Kite Foil Pro Class was Aurélie Garreau from St. Barthelemy along with Julien Quentel from St. Martin, the winner of last year’s edition. Both knew that only the Friday would give them some reasonable winds. Orient Beach Wind Adventures assisted the racers and helped the younger ones to pass the shore break. The bay filled up with kites and wings and the race was launched by Sacha Daunar, an experienced race official and sailboat competitor for the French Sailing Federation of Guadeloupe. After the first race, the wind dropped and everyone had to come back to shore.

Almost fifty contestants received phone calls a couple of days before the race to inform them about the low wind conditions and half the participants post-

poned until next year. Nevertheless, it was evident from the turnout that interest is still growing and that the Caribbean Foiling Championships are the largest kite and wind foil competition in the Caribbean.

The competition is officially accredited by the French Sailing Federation, and participants gain points in the world circuit if three races are validated. It was remarkable that many young kids attended with their entire families from places such as Guadeloupe and Bonaire. The three De Jong sisters, who are mainly trained in windsurfing on the flat waters of Bonaire lagoon, are now competing in Orient in the wing foil section. Another youngster, Sacha Fortune (17), participated in the French Espoirs Championship for the Guadeloupe club and was the only racer in the wind foil category in St. Martin this time. But it gave her a good opportunity to meet with the other watersport enthusiasts.

The Caribbean Foiling Championships is an eco-friendly event with no single-use plastic allowed. It is co-sponsored by the St. Martin Tourism Office to showcase the island as a watersport destination.

Rendez-vous again next yearhopefully with lots of wind!

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023

by The Islander photos Jean Jarreau www.AntiguaClassics.com

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the premier classic sailing event of the Caribbean, taking place from 19th-24th April. It attracts a large number of Classics every year from all around the world. The event enjoys a wonderful variety of competitors including traditional craft from the islands, vintage, classic and historic ketches, sloops, schooners and yawls. Then there are the more newly-built Spirit of Tradition yachts and a Dragon class.

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta 2023 will be run by a new team headed by Paul Deeth. The vision is to restore the Regatta to the founder, Kenny Coombs’, original concept of “like-minded people coming together to share their passion of racing stunning yachts in superb sailing conditions”.

The first move by this group has been to change the event’s date back to the traditional period before Antigua Sailing Week. This means the 2023 Regatta will take place on 19th to 24th April, to include the Single-Handed Race, the Concours d’Elegance, three days of racing, the Parade of Sail into English Harbour, the Gig Racing and the Cream Teas. It will be mainly located at Nelson’s Dockyard, with plenty of opportunities to “swing the lamp” over a rum punch in this historic venue.

Some expected entrants are: the 163ft ‘Adela’; the 178ft Gaff Schooner, ‘Adix’; ‘Adventuress’; ‘Charm III’ from Anguilla; the 141ft schooner, ‘Columbia’; and the Carriacou sloop, ‘New Moon’. Others from Antigua along with the 100ft Barbados Schooner, ‘Ruth’; ‘The Blue Peter’ plus many more will attend.

Extra Moorings & Pontoon for Port De Marigot, Saint Martin

by The Islander photo Antilles Exception

Great news! Port de Marigot has installed an extra 40 mooring buoys taking the total to 80+. These have been installed by the Port de Marigot in the Baie de Marigot, Saint Martin. Also newly installed is a 24 x 2.5 metre floating pontoon located next to the existing dinghy dock on the Front de Mer at the market place in the centre of Marigot. This can only be accessed by people who have booked one of the moorings and has video surveillance for extra security.

Tri-deck design, fully stabilized, steel and aluminium construction and bulbous bow - the Bandido 90 is ideally suited to extended periods aboard and long-range cruising. Truly remarkable volume, garage for tender and toys and 4 crew. Accommodation for up to 9 guests in main deck master cabin and 3 cabins on the lower deck. Massive refit during 2018 - 20 including rebuild of engines and generators, new TRAC stabilizers, exterior repaint, interior transformation, electrics and Böning control system, CCTV, 2 x new gangways, new Williams 435 and more...Commercially registered and ready to charter if required. Viewing is highly recommended!

This 2003 Otam 45 Cigarette Heritage has seen only careful private use by her current third owner and his predecessors. Coming from the renown Italian Otam yard LUCKY has always been maintained and serviced to schedule and regularly been upgraded. Spacious light interior with 2 double cabins and saloon to sleep 6, twin Caterpillar C12 engines completely overhauled in 2020, air conditioning throughout the boat. An ideal opportunity to acquire a prestigious Cigarette sports cruiser in Mallorca. German flag & VAT paid.

C/ Benito J. Feijoo 2, local 8, 07181, Puerto Portals, Mallorca, Spain

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 54. An opportunity to get a 2021. 125 hours on Yanmar 110Hp. 7.5Kva Gene. Aircon throughout. Full electronics. 3 cabin 3 head version with skipper cabin fwd. 710.000 E ex tax.

971 67 63 92

Local 10 - Mallorca

The Islander #306

SANLORENZO SL96A

“WANDERLUST” 2022

€8,500,000 EUR VAT Not Paid SOUTHERN FRANCE

M/Y “WANDERLUST” was built in GRP by Sanlorenzo SpA and delivered in May 2022. She has enjoyed light use by an experienced owner for a single season and boasts a luxurious 5 cabin layout sleeping up to 11 guests in absolute comfort. Additional accommodation for up to 5 crew members is also distributed across 3 crew cabins. Built with a high level of optional extras, “WANDERLUST” is perfectly equipped for your cruising needs and includes a Zero Speed stabilisation system for additional comfort when at anchor or underway. This is a unique opportunity to purchase an elegant, “turn-key” example of the Sanlorenzo SL96 Asymmetric model without the wait. Registered under 24m.

This Owners Version not only offers superb comfort both inside and out, but also great performance thanks to her light but strong construction. Her main features are the wide hydraulic up/down platform to launch the dinghy, and her huge lounging areas. Very well equipped with: two 75 hp Volvo Penta diesel engines with low engine hours, generator, water maker, integrated solar panels, Garmin navigation incl radar, dinghy with outboard, life raft, underwater lighting, hydraulic gangway, air conditioning, heating, wash

ing machine, dish washer, etc. You’ll be enchanted the moment you step on board. Go to www.whitesyachts.com for more info.

This Van der Valk Beach Club 660 Flybridge provides an unrivalled amount of exterior and interior space by locating the engine room in the same area as the swimming platform. The 20.50-metre Beach Club 660 Flybridge is the innovative range of motoryachts from the well known Van der Valk shipyard and will pioneer the incredible degree of spaciousness on offer. This Van der Valk Beach Club 660 Flybridge is from 2019 and in mint condition. She is lying in Denia Spain. Contact us for details or make an appointment for a personal viewing that will exceed all your expectations.

Fairline Squadron 65

2017

1,495,00 GBP

Vat Paid

Lying in Mallorca

Full Mediterranean Specification - One Owner from new. Hard Top, Seakeeper Gyro, Passarelle, Hydraulic Platform, Water Maker, Yacht Controller, Four Cabins plus Crew Cabin. With an increase in size comes an increase in the ability to really impress. Sumptuous furnishings and hand-worked cabinetry are hallmarks of the Squadron range. Nowhere is it more elegantly expressed than in the long, wide single-level interior - a testament to the 65’s ingenious flat floor design. Having such uncomplicated, single floor levels is normally reserved for much larger yachts, but our designers have achieved just that on this 65-footer. An elegant, beautifully proportioned Squadron awaits you.

Jonathan Syrett is a yachting and brokerage consultant who can accompany you on the ownership journey - and beyond. You can rely on his expertise, integrity and dedication to help you make the right decisions when buying, using and enjoying or selling a yacht. Please call, email or visit his website to find out how.

De Valk Palma Port Cala Nova, Avda. Joan Miró, 327 07015 Palma de Mallorca

The Islander #306