No – Yes – 46.4% 53.6%
Captain jailed Skipper, vessel held in Mexico.
A5 Crime survey Have crew had trouble in travels?
C1
Vol. 5, No.12
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Taken away
Two murders in Caribbean claim crew lives. A4-11 March 2009
Job-seekers beware: e-mail scams target crew By Lucy Chabot Reed No, M/Y Princess Mariana is not hiring right now, and even if it were, the captain would not e-mail a job offer to anyone he hasn’t interviewed. And to be sure, no captain would ask any job candidate to send money to the boat, not for an airline ticket, processing a visa or any other reason. Yacht jobs just aren’t filled that way. “No crew member will ever be asked to send money to a boat,” said Capt. Mike O’Neill of M/Y Princess Mariana. “No matter who is offering what, you shouldn’t send money to anybody.” But with the economic downturn creating a global pool of people eagerly looking for work, an e-mail scam designed to separate people from their money has hit the yachting industry. Over the past few months, people looking for jobs on yachts have been hit with illegitimate job offers that seek detailed personal information in exchange for promises of good salaries on luxury yachts. Since early February, those e-mails come with the enticing name of the 252-foot M/Y Princess Mariana. Hit hard have been people posting their availability in online job forums, including The Triton’s classified listings. And some have fallen for it. One young woman from the Bahamas sent $2,000 to the senders of
The world wide web lets in the whole wide world – including the crooks.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION/DORIE COX; CHRISTINE ABBOTT
the Princess Mariana scam, according to Kristen Cavallini-Soothill, director of American Yacht Institute in Ft. Lauderdale. Cavallini-Soothill helped the woman find another job and has been urging other crew not to be deceived by the scam. “Don’t send money to anybody,”
Several captains who have received these e-mails enumerated what they called obvious signs of deceit. 1. The grammar, punctuation and spelling are atrocious. Words are often in the wrong tense
Cavallini-Soothill said. “No one in yachting would ever charge you to get a job, certainly not the boat or the agencies. And don’t send your personal numbers out, your passport numbers or B1/B2 visa numbers. Identity theft is alive and well, and it’s hit the yachting industry.”
See SCAM, page A12
Captains say economy causing With work slow, crew turning instability, not gloom and doom to Facebook and school books The Western world’s economic situation has many stories to tell, and they aren’t all doom and gloom. Take The Triton’s monthly captain’s lunch, for example. Of the eight men gathered who earn their living operating someone else’s megayacht, one had a full-time From the Bridge job with a boss. Lucy Chabot Reed Yet another captain reported making more money in the past year of deliveries and relief work than he ever has in his distinguished career. Another who has floated in and out
of captain work over the years said he’s had more fun in the past six months simply playing with boats than he ever has, spending time fixing generators and taking week-long trips. Still, the seven are all looking for steady work. So we asked them how the economy has affected them? “Where do you start?” said one captain who attributes his current status to the downturn in the economy. “We had the owner on charter when it was announced, and the next day he hopped off the boat and flew to New York and I haven’t seen him since.”
See BRIDGE, page A16
By Dorie Cox Chief Stew Rachel Hargrove is doing everything she can to find work as yacht crew. Usually at sea with charter guests, this season she and many of her mates are on shore. Instead of having the captain plan their day, this season’s out-of-work crew plot their own courses with day work, classes, networking and distributing reams of resumes and business cards. Reaching out to connect with potential jobs, Hargrove and her boyfriend search for a team position by going to every meet-and-greet they can.
“I go early and am cautious not to have a drink in my hand the entire time,” she said. They have even created their own networking events. “We are in a crew house with a great backyard so we’ve been having barbecues every Wednesday,” she said. “Since everyone is having a hard time, we get together to exchange information and offer tips. “It’s a mix and match of people attending: captains, crew, people with connections,” she said. “We request that everyone bring someone to add to the networking and be a reference for
See CREW, page A17
A March 2009
WHAT’S INSIDE
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What is that thing?
That’s what happens to a southern boat on a northern river when history is at stake. Page A14. PHOTO/RY DICKEY
Advertiser directory C23 Boats / Brokers B11 Calendar of events B17-18 Columns: Communications C5 Fitness C18 In the Galley C1 In the Stars B16 Latitude Adjustment A3 Nutrition C10 Personal Finance C17 Onboard Emergencies B3 Photography B14 Rules of the Road B1 Safety B2
Stew Cues C11 Superyacht operations A20 Crossword puzzle C20 Dockmaster Spotlight: Treasure Cay, Abacos B4 Fuel prices B5 Marinas / Yards B10 Networking Q/A C3 Networking photos C2 News A1,4-13 Photo Galleries A18-19 Technology B1-9 Triton spotter B19 Triton survey C1 Write to Be Heard A8-11,22-23
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LATITUTE ADJUSTMENT
March 2009 A
Yacht crew find jobs using connections, contacts Despite the sense that yachting has ebbed just like every other industry in this economy, there are signs that things have already begun to flow. The number of jobs that have come in from owners have gone up 50 percent from December at The Crew Network, the crew placement arm of Fraser Latitude Yachts, and Adjustment February is on Lucy Chabot Reed track to do the same, Director Ian Pelham said. A captain at lunch last month said his placement agent placed more crew this January than last January, before Wall Street had its meltdown. And, of course, we have some news of yacht crew moving around. When the unique M/V Fredrikstad didn’t sell last fall, her owner donated her to Massachusetts Maritime Academy, bidding farewell to his crew. Turns out that the management company for the vessel had another vessel that needed crew. So in November Capt. Andrew Christodolo, partner Chef/Mate Gillian Lawrence and Eng. Yabby
Draijer took over S/Y Paraiso, a 108foot (33m) sloop. They added Stew/ Deck Louise Owen, previously on the 80-foot M/Y Illusion. They participated in Key West’s race week and took the yacht to the Superbowl in Tampa in early February. S/Y Paraiso and her crew are due into Rybovich this spring. Capt. John Penman, most recently on M/Y Corrie Lynn, has taken the helm of M/Y Charisma, the 154-foot Feadship previously run by Capt. Dale Smith, in early November. Still a Med/Caribbean charter boat that was busy over Christmas, she now carries a lot of the old Corrie Lynn crew, including First Mate Danielle De Vere, Chief Stew Medi Telegdi, 2nd Officer Callum Mackay (who was the original 2nd officer on Corrie Lynn), and Chef Brent Hayson and 2nd Stew Gerlinde Hayson, a couple who worked temporarily on Corrie Lynn a couple years ago. “I am also very pleased to have aboard Chief Eng. Clive McIlrath, who taught the MCA engineering modules at IYT, and 2nd Eng. Pawel Kwiatkowski, who has stayed on from the previous crew,” Penman said. The full crew is 11 and, Penman said, “We get along like a house on fire.” I hope that’s good.
Eng. Dave Rens, laid off from M/Y Highlander last year, is now second engineer on M/Y Dream, the 170Feadship. Dream, too, is a busy charter boat, but some crew are never too busy to remember to have fun. “Prior to picking up our guests in St Thomas, we got Todd Parker, our new deckhand, to assist us with radar calibration,” Rens wrote in. “As the tool for doing that was lost, we got Todd to run around the dock and flap his arms wrapped in tin foil until we got it calibrated.” Isn’t it amazing that that still works? Capt. Boris and Shirley King find themselves in an awkward place. The couple are known for long-time relationships with owners, and their last full-time job ended abruptly with the sale of the boat. Thinking the 122-foot M/Y Lady Madelyn would take two years to sell, they listed her in the summer of 2007 and proceeded to plan several Mediterranean cruises. The yacht sold in 10 days. “The misses was livid,” Boris King said. “She wanted to cruise the Med.” The couple kept busy last year with the 145-foot M/Y Griffs, cleaning her up, showing her in the Genoa Show in early May and taking her through a “booming charter season” in the Med.
When the summer ended, though, so did their jobs. Griffs is mothballed in Marseilles, and the Kings took time to visit family. They are in South Florida to find their next long-term boss. “We’ve gotten a lot of offers, but we’re looking for the right boat,” Boris said. “Griffs had 10 crew, and we’ve got friends on a 200-footer who are just exhausted. We’ve been in the game long enough to know that bigger isn’t necessarily better. It’s not the size, but what makes you happy at the end of the day.” They are looking for a boat of 115130 feet that is mostly private but that will allow them to bring their following of charter guests along. Good luck. Capt. Mike McKee and Chef/Stew Marianne Gardner have landed a nice job on a 2-year-old 82-foot Hargrave that is in Florida for the winter and New York in the summer. “We haven’t seen New England yet, so it will be a new adventure for us,” Capt. McGee reports. Let us know how it goes. Have you made an adjustment in your latitude recently? Let us know. Send news of your promotion, change of yachts or career, or personal accomplishments to Editor Lucy Chabot Reed at lucy@the-triton.com.
A March 2009
CREW NEWS
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S/Y Perseus docks in St. Maarten after a solemn welcome of horns sounding PHOTO/DORIE COX from neighboring yachts.
Captain’s murder prompts Antigua to step up police By Lucy Chabot Reed Dozens of megayachts in St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay blared their horns as S/Y Perseus came through the bridge in late January in a haunting memorial to her former skipper, Australian Capt. Drew Gollan, who was shot and killed in Antigua on Jan. 22. Megayachts Gollan in Isle de Sol and Port de Plaisance marinas sounded their horns as the 165-foot Perini Navi, with a relief captain and crew, came into the bay and docked at PDP. Gollan was killed as he walked on the road between English and Falmouth harbors after dinner with his partner and their young daughter. The next day, high-level government officials met in Antigua with about 350 members of the yachting and tourism industries, promising an increased police presence in the dimly lit area. Police began enforcing the island’s liquor licenses, requiring bars and restaurants without late licenses to close at midnight, including Abracadabras, according to several sources. In the days that followed, several yachts, including S/Y Timoneer, left the island as a protest to several muggings and attacks on yacht crew in Antigua this season. A week before Capt. Gollan’s murder, three crew members from another large sailing yacht were held at gunpoint at the gate of their marina. No one was hurt, but the gunman made away with their money.
Others have avoided the island. “After news of events in Antigua, we will be avoiding the area this year until a turnaround with the issues is seen,” said Capt. Chris Wallace of M/Y Schnupsi. “I’d like to know if others will do the same.” Antiguan police arrested and charged 21-year-old Sylvester Lindsey, a resident of Antigua, for Capt. Gollan’s murder. Police found a .32-caliber handgun that they believe was used in the crime. Capt. Gollan’s funeral was held in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, on Feb. 13. Friends and family also held a memorial service for him on Feb. 21, also in Hervey Bay. Other friends have planned a memorial service for March 7 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Phillips Church, New Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, England. Afterward, flowers will be thrown into the sea, followed by a barbecue on the beach. “All those attending are invited to wear bright shirts and funny hats,” said a notice e-mailed to family and friends. For more information or to RSVP for the ceremony, call +44 (0) 1273 739740 or e-mail rachel@olympichospitality. net. A Facebook page has been created for Capt. Gollan and those who knew him, “In Loving Memory of our good friend Drew Gollan.” Search www. facebook.com for “Drew Gollan.” His family is organizing a trust fund for Capt. Gollan’s two daughters and for another passion in his life, whales. More information on that will be available on www.the-triton.com as it becomes available. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
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NEWS BRIEFS
Yacht captain, vessel detained in Mexico A yacht captain was in a Mexican jail in February after officials seized his vessel, a 74-foot sportfish, for a firearms violation. Several captains in the area have told The Triton that the sportfish captain declared the weapons when he entered the country in mid-January and that his customs declaration had been approved. But several days later, they said, Mexican officials seized the vessel, saying it carried a type of firearm that is not allowed. The crew was taken into custody, but most are believed to have been released. The captain remained in custody in mid-February. The yacht owner’s son asked that further details of the boat and incident not be disclosed to prevent hampering on-going efforts to get the captain and the boat released. – Dorie Cox
CN closes FTL placement office
Camper & Nicholsons has closed its Ft. Lauderdale crew placement office, consolidating placement services with its office in Antibes. “We have an established team in Antibes that is more efficient and cost effective,” said Sara Montefiore, marketing manager for the company’s
U.S. operations. “We’re open for business and we will continue to offer this valuable service for yacht owners.” Crew previously used the Florida placement office for in-person interviews and will now do them by phone, video conferencing and other online methods. Montefiore said the 10,000 crew database is intact and secure and that Camper & Nicholson will be launching a new Web site. – Dorie Cox
Longshore amendment passes
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation insurance requirement for recreational marine service and repair businesses has been removed. The move may save small businesses more than $100,000 a year in insurance premiums, allowing them instead to be covered under state comp systems. As a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (HR 1), members of the U.S. Congress voted to implement a no-cost modification to the Longshore Act. Business operators should contact their insurance agent to determine if their coverage is affected.
Ex-America skipper dies
Long-time yachtsman R. James Thorpe passed away Jan. 27 in
Newfoundland, Canada. He was 68. According to friend Les Black, dockmaster of Sag Harbor Yacht Club, Capt. Thorpe was originally from Stratford, Conn., where he and his family were active sailors in the Housatonic Boat Club. Capt. Thorpe attended the Maine Maritime Academy and had sailed the world with American Export Isbrandtsen Lines as deck and navigation officer. Capt. Thorpe served as skipper of the 104-foot S/Y America for Schaefer Brewing Company and was a member of two America’s Cups syndicates in the 1970s, sailing on Courageous and Independence. His expansive career on the water included operating the barquentine Gazela Primero; Black Knight, the New York Yacht Club committee boat; and Nirvana, a Hinckley yawl. He managed and captained various large yachts across the eastern U.S. seaboard. Capt. Thorpe worked onshore as a manager of Bannister’s Wharf and Newport Yachting Center in Newport. He retired to Newfoundland with his family, where he collaborated with the Company of Master Mariners, an organization of independent master mariners whose expertise covers the shipping industry.
March 2009 A
A March 2009
CREW NEWS
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Kuszak, 36-year-old U.S. chef, murdered in Puerto Rico By Lucy Chabot Reed American yacht Chef Sara Kuszak was murdered in Puerto Rico in early February. She was 36. In town to help her fiancé, Capt. Cheshire McIntosh, with delivery of M/Y Minnow, she Kuszak left Puerto del Ray marina in Fajardo in the morning for a jog when she was abducted. According
to several captains found dead, with in the area and ‘She left the corporate her throat slashed, news reports in about 8km from world and had never San Juan, she the marina. cooked as a chef in her was stabbed and Within hours of pushed into the the crime, police life ... But within two trunk of a car. She arrested Eliezer weeks we were doing was able to call Marquez Navedo charters.’ Capt. McIntosh in connection with and give him a her murder. – Capt. Cheshire McIntosh description of the Ms. Kuszak was man and car. relatively new to The car was yachting. She met found about an hour later, according to Capt. McIntosh while on holiday in Fiji an Associated Press report, and she was in 2002 and within a year had given up
her corporate job as a global account manager with a communications company to work with him on yachts. “One of the many amazing things about her is she left the corporate world and had never cooked as a chef in her life,” Capt. McIntosh said. “She had no training, but within two weeks we were doing charters. “I asked her when she joined the boat, ‘Seriously, can you cook? Because if you can’t we can hire someone until you get the hang of it’,” Capt. McIntosh said. “She said, ‘no, I can do it.’ And from that first charter she just blew everyone away, so much so that they became repeat charters the next year.” Capt. McIntosh and Ms. Kuszak started working as a team in 2003 on S/V Alemar, a 54-foot Little Harbor. They worked together on that sailboat on and off for three years, and several other sailboats after Alemar sold. The Oyster 66 they most recently ran sold and they both had been freelancing this summer. “We cruised New England and the Caribbean with some incredible owners,” Capt. McIntosh said. “One of Sara’s favorite jobs was sailing in the Opera House Cup Regatta in Nantucket with the fabulous owner and crew of Louisa.” Recently, Ms. Kuszak had been freelancing on a 50m motoryacht and was a food stylist on the Paula Deen television show earlier this year, Capt. McIntosh said. “To watch someone going from never being on a boat to doing all that, I think that says a lot about her,” he said. “Her organization and drive was unbelievable.” The couple was in Puerto Rico to help a deliver Minnow, a 90-foot Derecktor, for owner Peter Dooney, whom McIntosh called a dear friend. “It was our last hurrah before we were parents,” Capt. McIntosh said. Ms. Kuszak was six months pregnant with a son. “I want to thank Peter Dooney and J.W. Kaempfer for their tremendous support and efforts during the entire ordeal,” Capt. McIntosh said. “I couldn’t have asked for anybody better on my side.” Two memorial services have been held for Ms. Kuszak, one in San Jose, Calif., with her side of the family, and one in Savannah, Ga., where she lived with Capt. McIntosh. Friends of Ms. Kuzsak are creating a Web site that will include a charity and offer information on how to prevent similar attacks from happening again. The Triton will post a link to that site at www.the-triton.com as it becomes available. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
A March 2009 WRITE TO BE HEARD: Murder in Antigua
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Captains, community object to crime on crew in Antigua The Triton has received many letters about the murder of Capt. Drew Gollan and crime in Antigua. Following are excerpts from a few of them:
Be aware, act safe
With the tragic attacks on crew in the past few weeks, how safe is it to travel to the islands now? I first moved to St Thomas in 1983 at the age of 21 and I have been going to and living in the Caribbean on boats ever since. I am happy to say that I have never been mugged and none of my crew has. Although I have had my boat broken into twice in the Bahamas (no one was hurt and the crew detained one of them for the cops) I must say that I always warn the crew to stay together and take cabs everywhere. While I do not know the exact details of the last two attacks on the crew it seems that they where not doing anything that normally would be considered risky. My heart goes out to the friends and family of the crew who were killed. Like everywhere else in the world, things are hard, and the economies of the Caribbean have always been iffy. They have always had major drug issues, not to mention the amazing lack of mental health hospitals. It only takes one bad guy on a island with a crew member in the wrong place to have things end badly. Safety is always a concern on the boat and some of the things we do for security are: We keep combo lock boxes at all entry doors so the guests and crew do not have to carry keys. We always keep the doors locked. At night we keep every light on the boat on. We lock all tenders and jet skis to the big boat or dock every night. My crew and guests are older so they are not out late at night and we always stay together in groups. I warn my female crew not to go out without at least one of the male crew. If a local asks, she is to say the male crew member is her brother. I am not sure why but the locals respect brothers, not husbands or boyfriends. We have all seen an increase in security at most marinas and I think they do a good job overall. The locals always take a strong stance against any crime on tourists as they know well that we are their bread and butter. I have mixed feelings about having guns on the boat. I do not have any now after years of having enough to set up a small army. Not to mention that you probably will not have a gun close when you do need it. It is not worth the trouble to clear them in at each port. Yes, you should
always clear them in. One thing I learned a long time ago is that you never break the law in a country that you are not a citizen of. Not clearing in your weapons is just asking for trouble. Remember that some places consider spear guns of any type a weapon. I have walked in to bars in the islands and when everyone stops and stares at you, I’ve learned to turn around and walk back out. The Caribbean has always been and always will be a heaven for pirates. Be careful, be smart and do not take chances. Capt. Les Annan M/Y Portofino
Consider radios for safety
I’m a marine communications guy and also a ham radio license carrier. I had an idea about handheld radios, maybe marine radios, being used to communicate on land to deter criminal activities. I don’t want to encourage anyone to break any U.S. or other countries’ laws on marine radio use – in the United States, for example, marine radios can’t be used on land unless licensed specifically for that – but I don’t think anyone is going to prosecute yacht crew for using their marine handheld (or other type of walkie-talkie) to secure their safety ... and maybe save their life in some Caribbean port. I don’t know what has to be done, but I think this can help improve the safety of yacht crew in certain ports. Someone generally stands watch on a yacht, even at the dock. Have them keep the marine radio with the big antenna on a certain general-use channel. Not 16 or 9 or 13. But say like 72? And keep checking in with the mother ship. Alan Spicer Alan Spicer Marine Telecom
Officials make changes
Below are excerpts from statements by the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association: (To read the complete statements, visit www.abma.ag.) Following the tragic murder of Capt. Drew Gollan, a meeting of yacht skippers [on Jan. 24] attended by the commissioner of police, was held and the need for the protection of the yachting community established. Over 30 letters from skippers have been received confirming their support for Antigua but requesting better protection. There was undoubtedly a suggestion that a number of yachts were likely to leave as a result of the murder however,
See MURDER, page A9
The Triton
www.the-triton.com WRITE TO BE HEARD: Murder in Antigua
Antiguan police get training, streets near marinas patroled MURDER, from page A8 on cool reflection, most of the skippers agreed that Antigua, despite this murder, was still the safest Caribbean destination. One skipper, who had been ordered to take his yacht to an alternate island, said “It’s out of the frying pan and into the fire.” To date only three yachts are absolutely known to have left as a result of the murder with a rumored further three also leaving. Yachts can be seen continually coming and the immigration service has confirmed that the majority of yachts departing immediately after the incident had already been booked to leave prior to the murder and that an equivalent number had arrived since the incident. With over 100 yachts still in Falmouth and English Harbors there has not been the mass exodus some had predicted. Following numerous meetings with government bodies and the police, together with recommendations from over 20 yacht skippers the following actions are being taken: 1. There are now an increased number of police based at the Dockyard Police Station. 2. Regular foot and vehicle patrols by police and Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force are now in evidence. 3. Improvement to street lighting was slated to begin Jan. 31. 4. Clearing overhanging foliage from pavement areas also started at the same time. 5. Closed circuit television cameras will be put in place in the near future
with plan for full CCTV coverage as soon as practical. 6. The resumption of normal licensing laws has been introduced. 7. The government and police have recognized the need to enforce a nodrugs policy for both users and dealers. 8. There will now be a stop-andsearch procedure of suspicious persons and vehicles but to be done without impinging on the free movement of the majority of our visitors. 9. Community policing is being introduced with pro-active communication between different sectors of the community together with regular liaison between government, senior police officers and organizations representing business and the yachting industry. 10. Better training for the police is already under way with 120 officers being trained in modern policing methods. 11. More specialized investigative training for the police has commenced in order for crimes to be resolved as soon as is practical and without relying on outside resources. 12. Greater marina security has already been introduced. 13. Crime Stoppers is now active in Antigua. You may see something and not think it is relevant or you may be reluctant to leave your name. Crime Stoppers is an anonymous way of reporting crime and you may be able to get a reward without anyone knowing you have reported a crime. Contact Crime Stoppers through http://crimestoppersantigua. com or at 800 (TIPS) 8477. It is appreciated that some of these
See MURDER, page A11
March 2009 A
The Triton
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Sale and use of drugs play biggest part in island’s crime MURDER, from page A9 new procedures may impinge on your overall enjoyment of Antigua but, in this modern world, your safety is of greater importance to us. Emergency numbers in Antigua & Barbuda are the same as the U.K. and the United States. Both 999 and 911 work.
Start with drug sweep
This is one of the letters written to John Duffy, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Marine Association, in the days after Capt. Gollan’s murder. It has been edited for space. We are in Iles des Saintes [off Guadeloupe], and enjoying it a lot. It has really not changed too much in the 30 years I have been coming here. It is as peaceful and tranquil as I remember it; this is how the Caribbean should be. We chose to leave Antigua as we were not feeling comfortable. There was all the talk of community spirit and supporting the community, but we are not really part of the community, and frankly do not see it as our problem. Although I have been visiting Antigua off and on since 1972, at the end of the day we are visitors and have the great good fortune to be able to stay where we wish while we are waiting for family to come. As a visitor, there are a number of hassles involved in coming to Antigua, not the least of which is the problems with immigration and visas, etc. By contrast to what happens in Antigua, clearing in here took maybe five minutes, cost nothing and we are allowed to stay as long as we wish. End of story. Without exaggeration, since we got here, each of the crew has come to me saying that they are glad that we are here and not back in Antigua. Timoneer
is drug-free, so for us it is not a benefit to be able to buy cheap cocaine, for which it appears Antigua is becoming famous. We, as a crew, prefer the peace and tranquillity of a nice restaurant or bar here on the waterfront, without being constantly approached by locals selling dope or begging and without cars with noisy exhausts being driven past at high speed. Whether or not drugs were involved or a contributory factor in the death of Drew, in my opinion, the drug trade is what is largely to blame for many of Antigua’s problems. It is fine to talk about increased patrols and more police presence, but while drugs are being openly sold in many of the bars and restaurants, and on the street in English Harbour, the problems will persist. People who are high on drugs often do not behave in a rational way; people who are addicted get desperate for cash for the next fix; people selling drugs know that they can sell with impunity to a cash-rich society, with little or no chance of getting stopped by the police or punished. In my opinion there should be a big purge. Arrest the people who are so openly selling drugs. Catch a few yachties and have them in prison for a week or two; that alone should scare a few of them to at least be more circumspect in their dealings and drug habits. I fear another blind eye will be turned. Everybody will continue to ignore the problem until the next death, and then once again, everybody will stand around wringing their hands and blaming each other. I think that there needs to be some pretty severe short-term pain for the long-term gain of the island. Capt. John Campbell S/Y Timoneer
Customers run on Antigua bank after owner charged with fraud Hundreds of people in Antigua tried to withdraw their money from the Bank of Antigua after it was reported that the bank’s owner, Texas businessman Allen Stanford, had been charged with fraud by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC filed charges against Stanford in Detroit on Feb. 17, alleging Stanford International Bank sold $8 billion in “self-styled certificates of deposit by promising high return rates that exceed those available through true certificates of deposits,” according to the SEC complaint.
The Bank of Antigua is not one of the companies involved in the alleged fraud, but customers told local reporters that they were worried about their money. Stanford also owns the island’s largest newspaper, is its biggest private employer and investor, and is the first American to receive a knighthood from its government. Last summer, he signed a controversial, five-year sponsorship deal worth $100 million with the England and Wales Cricket Board. He has denied any wrongdoing.
March 2009 A11
A12 March 2009 FROM THE FRONT: E-mail job scam
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Scammers prey on fears tied to unemployment SCAM, from page A1 and haphazardly capitalized, and sentences are often not complete. If it’s hard to read and doesn’t make sense, be wary as it was likely translated from another language. “They claim they are in England, but their English is not very good,” Capt. O’Neill said. 2. They begin with an introduction of someone by name and age, similar in form to the infamous e-mails from Nigeria offering millions of dollars in exchange for a few hundred. “Why would I need to know the age of someone providing a job introduction?” Capt. Ned Stone said. 3. They include minimal information about the job itself and a lot of information on how to fill out forms and who to contact for wire transfers. 4. They reference generous salaries payable in three-week schedules. Yacht pay is normally referenced in months. A typical monthly salary for an entrylevel yacht stew or deckhand ranges from US$1,500 to $2,500. The e-mail circulating by someone who claims to represent Princess Mariana offers 5,800 British pounds every three weeks. “If it sounds too good to be true, it is,” Capt. O’Neill said. “I wanted to apply. That’s better than I get.” 5. They include a dubious return e-mail address. Legitimate placement agents or yacht representatives will have e-mail addresses that usually include the name of the yacht or crew agency. Many scam e-mails have come from an “@live.com” e-mail address. All of those signs appear in the most recent e-mails to make the rounds. One appears here exactly as it was e-mailed to crew: Capt Mcgils Owens (with mcgils@live.com ) wrote: My name is Capt. McGill Owens, 38 Years Old from United Kingdom. I work with PRINCESS MARIANA - Luxury Motor Yacht in United Kingdom.We are seeking applicants to work on the new year-round UNITED KINGDOM flagged Passenger ship. Its a private own yacht,The monthly salary will be 2,500 sterling pound every three weeks, accommodation will be provided by the company. Hope to hear from you soonest Best Regards Capt. McGill Owens Capt. O’Neill isn’t sure why Princess Mariana has been named in these emails. Perhaps the scammers thought they would have success because the name is similar to Princess Cruise Lines. Or perhaps it was just random. The yacht, like many others, is for sale, so its name and image appear all over the Internet and in magazine advertising. The architect of the scam
published in the December issue of The Triton (page A27). Since then, the tactics have changed a bit, the letter has gotten a bit more savvy and much more prevalent. Reports have come in from the airline industry, the commercial marine industry and the domestic home care industry (nannies, particularly) that the e-mails have hit them, too. “Have you ever been unemployed?’ asked Ian Pelham, director of The Crew Network, the crew placement arm of Fraser Yachts. “It’s frightening. I don’t care if you are a Y1 engineer with lots of sea time, when you are told your Subject: About story #8178 on services are no longer needed, you are The Triton Classifieds insulted and a little afraid. And the longer it takes to find a job, if you have Capt Williams Edinburgh (with to wait even 24 hours, you’re fearful. If capt.will.edin@live.com ) wrote: you have a family and responsibilities, Dear Sir,My it can grow very name is Capt quickly. Somebody Williams who’s unemployed ‘Somebody who’s Edinburgh, 55 can make bad unemployed can make Years Old from decisions, United Kingdom. decisions they bad decisions, decisions I am the CEO of wouldn’t have they wouldn’t have Edinburgh Yacht made otherwise.” made otherwise.’ Club in United Internet chat – Ian Pelham Kingdom. I came rooms are full director of across your of crew warning profile on and each other about The Crew Network decided to mail the e-mails, but to ask if you\’ll many job seekers be interested in are outside of the the job. industry. Its a private own yacht, and the “This is what worries me,” Capt. destination is always from Essex O’Neill said. “People who read your London to Ireland and Norway. newspaper are generally already in The monthly salary will be 3, 200 the industry; they know better. It’s sterling pound every three weeks, the people living in South Africa or accommodation will be provided Australia who say wouldn’t it be cool to by the company. get a job on a yacht. “I got a call on the Sat phone from Application post needed a girl who said she was joining the boat and wanted to talk to Capt. Tom Captain Cruise,” he said. “That should have raise Skipper some flags right there.” Engineer The woman spent hundreds of rand Steward/Stewardness (South African money) to make phone Chef calls to track down his number, he Cook said, but they were cut off before Capt. Crew O’Neill could find out more about her. Since then, he’s felt a need to do Hope to hear from you soonest. something to either stop the e-mails or Best Regards educate people not to fall for them. Capt. Williams He has created a web site at www.crewadvice.net that includes a list “Be very careful,” advised Stacy of legitimate placement agencies and Geddis, owner of Crew4Crew.net, an schools, information on yacht jobs, and online yacht crew placement agency. helpful links. He plans to expand it to “If anyone has any questions, call the include tips for new crew members on company they got the inquiry from. At what to expect in their first job, what to the very least, Google the company and bring to the boat and what not to bring, see if they are legit. Call someone in the and things like that. industry if you have any questions at “That’s really the only thing we all. They can always call us to see if it can do,” he said. “Crew really have no sounds fishy. I do not want anyone to representation, no place to turn to to get duped by this.” ask about these things.” Capt. John Wampler researched a scam e-mail he received a few months Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of ago and traced the scam, in part, to The Triton. Comments on this story are Nigeria. His letter about the scam was welcome at lucy@the-triton.com. may have simply thought that a yacht of that size, like a cruise ship, can’t keep track of all its crew. “The name changes and the e-mails are different, but it’s the same scam,” Capt. O’Neill said after seeing several similar e-mails. “I replied to one with a very stern e-mail saying we were tracking them and getting our lawyers involved. I never heard back, and it seems to have quieted down a bit.” The e-mails mentioning Princess Mariana may have slowed, but the scammers are resolute. A captain received this e-mail a few days later:
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Captain dies of heart attack preparing for Miami show By Lucy Chabot Reed Capt. Rick Ackerman of M/Y Caribbean Sparkle died Feb. 8 of a heart attack as he prepped for the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami. He was 63. Capt. Ackerman got his first captain’s license at age 14. Though enlisted in the U.S. Navy (and serve a tour in Vietnam) as well as graduate from the University of Alabama, he Ackerman returned to South Florida to work on private yachts. In 1995, he teamed with Chef Pamela Carter and together they worked charter yachts for the next decade. She attributed his heart attack to stress. “There’s a lot of stress and pressure going on in the industry right now,” she said. “The owner let the crew go about six months ago and they are just trying to get it [the boat] sold.” Capt. Ackerman was the only fulltime crew member on the 110-foot yacht, Carter said. “Apparently, before it happened, he grabbed his shoulder and said something like, ‘damn bursitis is killing me’,” Carter said. “Then he was in the galley, putting something in the refrigerator. It must have happened fast, because about 10 minutes later when the mate came in, he was dead.” A memorial service for Capt. Ackerman was held Feb. 12 in Miami Lakes. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to Stand Down (www.standown.org), a nonprofit group that provides support for homeless veterans. In addition to being a veteran, Capt. Ackerman had talked recently about helping fellow vets. Capt. Ackerman is survived by a daughter, Stacey Martin, two grandchildren (Katie and Colin), four sisters and a brother. His family has requested that alternative donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (www.leukemialymphoma.org). “I worked with Rick on a multi-boat cruise almost 20 years ago,” said Capt. Ned Stone. “We spoke every 2-3 years and he was always good for a laugh. He was one of the good guys. He will certainly be missed.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
CREW NEWS
March 2009 A13
A14 March 2009
Yacht, crew brave ice, cold to witness history Mate Ry Dickey shared these photos of the 75-foot Hatteras Miz Doris II of South Carolina on her trip to the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama. Skippered by Capt. Drew Samtmann, the crew traveled through Chesapeake Bay and up the Potomac River before docking in downtown Washington, D.C., not far from the inauguration site. “We took on the freezing spray northbound in the Chesapeake, which was about 3 inches thick on the boat,” Dickey wrote soon after the Jan. 20 event. “The temperature, with the wind chill, was 10 degrees.” Dickey had regular duty knocking ice off the guard rail with a rubber mallet. The fiberglass boat suffered no long-term damage from her exposure to the cold, he said. And the crew accompanied the owners to the inauguration. “The inauguration was great, I mean besides the bone-chilling temperatures and the millions of people,” Dickey said. “It felt good knowing I was witnessing history. It was a great trip but I’m glad to be in warm, ice-free weather.”
CREW NEWS
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A16 March 2009 FROM THE BRIDGE: The economy’s effect
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Captains caution owners that ‘mothballing’ a yacht is bad BRIDGE, from page A1 At the time, he said, he didn’t sense the magnitude of the situation. But being in Ft. Lauderdale for the past few months, “I’m astounded to see how quickly things have progressed. There are so many people unemployed. There is so much instability.” The program on this captain’s yacht was canceled, the boat laid up and the 10-member crew replaced with a “more economical one,” he said, one that is smaller and less experienced than it used to be. As always, individual comments are not attributed to any one person in particular so as to encourage frank and open discussion. The attending captains are identified in the photograph at right. That captain’s story wasn’t news to anyone. Each of these captains personally know friends who have lost jobs because yacht owners are looking to stop spending money, or at least stop looking like they are spending money. “I had a client who chartered every year, constantly moving up in size,” one captain said. “He’s stopped. He says ‘it’s hard when I’ve had to lay off people’ so he hasn’t taken his holiday this year.” One of the best examples of the trend of keeping wealth low key is M/Y Highlander, a 151-foot Feadship that is the latest in a fleet that has been active since the 1950s. Her crew of 14 has been reduced to one engineer, all her expensive art and furnishings have been removed, and she’s laid up in a shipyard. She is not actively for sale, however. Owned by the family of Malcolm Forbes, publisher of Forbes magazine, the yacht continually carried business clients and advertisers of the magazine. One captain who has worked with the program said he took up to 9,000
Attendees of The Triton’s March Bridge luncheon were, from left, Glenn Gorman, Jordan Cruz, Rusty Allen, Mark Fernandez, Jeremy Mold, James Clephane, Scott Redlhammer, and Brendan O’Brien. PHOTO/LUCY REED
people a year on cruises, that the sales team at Forbes was required to bring clients to the boat. “But advertising is drying up, the client base is drying up, page numbers are down,” this captain said. “The boat has a couple trips scheduled for September, and the old crew has been told they can reapply for their jobs at that time.” But most of these captains were eager to talk about the future. Several captains said their unemployment is purely coincidental – their command sold or their contract was over. One captain’s former boat has been in a shipyard since he left it in November, spending money. “The owner’s money isn’t in the stock market so he’s OK,” this captain said. “In fact, he’s making money off what’s happening now.” “I’m pretty positive about the future,” one captain said. “There’s still quite a lot of movement. One agent said she’s placed more people this January than she did last January. The truth is that there are a lot of people whose
wealth is not consolidated.” “It’s more of an image thing,” another captain noted. “People will get over it.” And presumably begin using their yachts again. In the meantime, however, these captains had some advice for owners struggling with the economy and the cost of running a yacht. “Mothballing is bad,” one captain said of the practice of docking a boat and leaving her with one crew member. “The cost of a yacht is the capital cost,” another captain said. “You cut the running costs in half and you sacrifice maintenance of the capital, and that’s not smart.” “Crew is one of our largest outlays of cost,” said a third. “What the owners don’t understand is that crew don’t sit around all day and do nothing. What better time is there to do maintenance?” “My crew went from eight to five,” the employed captain said. “The boss would like it to be less but I’m trying to convince him that’s not in the best
interests of his yacht.” So what are you doing each day? How are you getting by in this economy? “I’ve gone to every crew agency,” one captain said. “I’ve never gotten a job from a crew agency,” interrupted another. “Me either,” said a third. “I’ll second that,” added another. “I’ve been good with crew agencies,” one captain said. “And there are a couple brokers I like, too. I’ve got two interviews set up. There are still boats out there that are still operating.” “Oh I agree,” another captain said. “There were 44 boats in Los Suenos for the fishing tournament last week. That’s good.” “I’m just remaining positive,” the first captain said. The downturn has also impacted crew, and captains have noticed. “This time last year, if things weren’t going their way, they would just say ‘I don’t want this job. I’m out of here’,” one captain said. “Now they’re working harder, they’re not listening to their iPods all the time. They are working a lot better and harder.” “It’s just like in the business world,” another captain said. “It’s a matter of cutting the dead wood out and seeing what grows when it comes back. Do we really need 10 or 12 crew agencies in Ft. Lauderdale? “I’m just hunkering down and waiting to see,” he said. “Nobody can predict what’s going to happen in 200 or 300 days.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com. If you make your living working as a yacht captain, e-mail lucy@the-triton.com for an invitation to our monthly Bridge luncheon.
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FROM THE FRONT: Crew jobs
With jobs harder to come by, lesser roles, pay are possible CREW, from page A1
realizes they’ll be lucky to have me. I’m listed with agencies worldwide.” that person. A seaman since 1973, engineer Dror “We want to keep with the Doron says this is the first time he has professional people looking for work,” seen the job market down like this. He she said. “The industry seems to be has come to Florida to meet with the weeding out the riff-raff. The ones left crew agencies. really want that level of professionalism “I’ll give Ft. Lauderdale some time, around them. but then I’ll have to go back to the “Facebook is big also,” she said of the oilfields in the North Sea,” he said. online social networking Web site. Some crew are in limbo, like Capt. Scott Olbeter worked the Yacht Garry Schenck. and Brokerage show, handing out “I will soon be unemployed and I publications and hoping to find a yacht hope and pray to find another job.” in need of a full-time deckhand. Schenck recently redesigned the “The best way to get a job is to put lighting on M/Y Triumphant Lady yourself out there,” he said. “I usually working as an electrician and engineer have 10 business cards with me every and says there is a possibility he will day. Business cards work better than stay with the boat. resumes.” “I want to be a working captain,” Staying positive while walking the he said. “I know boats from the inside docks at the boat show, Olbeter said of out.” his temporary work, “This will be good Temporary jobs have been because I’m making money and talking transformed into full-time work for to every boat. Killing two birds with one some, such as Stewardess Brie Stiver. stone.” She and fiance Capt. Wally Tarbert have Some crew have given up on the just been hired on a yacht. search for full-time work, if only “I was freelancing aboard M/Y Vita, temporarily. then positions “Now I’m going became available ‘After increases in to school fullfor the two of us,” the economy and more time,” said Justin she said. “We are Hoover, a deck/ so grateful. We training, I’ll change stew. “It’s good to have looked quite back to a full-time work have paperwork a bit.” search.’ behind you for any And sometimes, – Justin Hoover, jobs come from position.” Surviving deck/stew day work and the financially by positive word-ofworking part time mouth a good job on several yachts, Hoover also plans to can create. study for his captain’s license. James Hummert, whose business “After increases in the economy and card describes him as a “Highly more training, I’ll change back to a full- Motivated Maritime Professional” time work search.” and lists his jobs as mate, bosun and And, or course, many crew are deckhand, has been doing day work but working in temporary or day work. recently received three job offers. Clarissa Davies from the Channel “I met one of the captains by dock Islands in the United Kingdom is filling walking,” he said. “I just got back in for a friend who hurt his knee. from flying over to the Bahamas in a When that job ends, Davies said private jet to deliver a yacht back. Then she plans to add to her certifications. that captain referred me to another People have suggested she take racing Westport. One offer was based on my courses so she can get on a sailboat and resume and one was because of the she is looking for a sextant course to referral. complete her celestial navigation slate “Taking classes has definitely of courses. helped,” he said, explaining the list of Some crew offer to take positions credentials and certifications on his even though they are overqualified, like business card. “Now I get to choose Engineer Keith Weyrick who wants a which job I want.” career change. As crew continue to invest energy “I’ve always loved living aboard and and ideas in finding work in a slowerI’ve owned my own businesses,” he than-normal yachting season, Chief said. “Now I am looking for an engineer Stew Rachel Hargrove continues to position but will take a deck job.” practice her networking skills. She’s For Weyrick, it’s all about sea time, easy to recognize at crew events. Her and he tells potential bosses that. nametag always says “I’m available.” “They say I am overqualified, but I’ll work for deck wages,” he said, “It’s an Dorie Cox is a staff reporter with investment in my future. I’m going to The Triton. Comments on this story are keep plugging and hope that someone welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
March 2009 A17
A18 March 2009 PHOTO GALLERY: Yacht and Brokerage Show
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Putting on a nice show Sure, the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach was a bit quieter and smaller than in years past, but the crew still put on their show best.
It’s the attention to details like conditioning the leather that keeps Bosun Hentie Lombard busy on the 157-foot Christensen M/Y Nice n’ Easy. Lombard has been with the owner for more than four years, and looks forward to the owner’s new yacht, to be delivered later this year. As part of the 16-yacht Hargrave display, Captains Rick and Catherine Topel command the 114-foot M/Y Seafarer. With their yacht at the show for display only, the Topels were able to sit back a little and take in the activity around the Hargrave dock.
Ready for sale or charter, Stew Robert Jakopcevic, Bosun Andy Ross and 2d Stew Eugeniya Penovska keep the 150-foot Trinity M/Y My Iris in top shape. You can never have enough chiefs, as in Chief Eng. Fernando Mora and Chief Stew Izabel Esmiralha. Showing their yacht only for charter, the 105-foot Esterelbuilt M/Y Esterel will be plying the seas of the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
PHOTOS BY TOM SERIO
The Triton
www.the-triton.com PHOTO GALLERY: Yacht and Brokerage Show
Freelance crew member Cristina Blackshaw was all smiles onboard the 102-foot Maiora M/Y Evelyn. Working as stew/mate, Blackshaw enjoys the industry and getting a chance to reconnect with old friends at the show.
M/Y Showtime’s Eng. Maurice White and First Mate Casey Hovey enjoy a coffee break while prepping the yacht for the show. Having been on board for several months, these full-time parttimers freelance and perform day work duties as needed. Of course, a full-time gig would be nice. Know of any?
March 2009 A19
Temporary Stew Alicia Carstens onboard the Westport 112-foor M/Y Rain Maker was seen with her Triton during one of the quieter moments of the Miami show. Carstens is a full-time personal assistant to a yacht agent, and previously a charter broker.
Quiet shows mean quieter parties, but it also meant plenty of the good stuff to go around. We’re talking about the food at our Triton at Night party, with catering by Mediterranean Market of Ft. Lauderdale. Some folks told us it was the best food at the show. See what ya missed?
PHOTOS BY TOM SERIO
A20 March 2009 SUPERYACHT OPERATIONS: Up and Running
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Most charter yachts operate under MYBA contract, terms The majority of megayachts now operate under the MYBA Charter Agreement, also adopted by the American Yacht Charter Association and accepted by the Charter Yacht Brokers Association. Here are MYBA’s terms, followed by others: The charter fee includes: l the charter of Up and Running the yacht with all Chris Fairgrieve its equipment in working order l tools, stores, cleaning material and basic consumable stores for the engine room, deck and cabins l the crew’s wages and food l the insurance of the yacht for marine risk and third-party claims, and the crew for employer’s liability insurance The charter client will be charged, at cost, for other expenses including: l fuel for the yacht, ski-boats or other tenders l client food, wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks l other consumable stores l flowers purchased after initial welcome l berthing dues and other harbor charges away from the yacht’s own berth, including pilotage fees l charges for water and/or electricity taken from shore l laundry, telephone, fax or telex via Satcom, radio telephone or telex costs l hire costs of specialist equipment placed on board at the client’s request Standard Eastern Mediterranean Terms (SEMT) also include: l fuel for up to five hours cruising per day (averaged throughout the charter) The client will be charged extra, at cost, for all other expenses. Eastern Mediterranean Terms (EMT), found mostly in Turkey, also include: l fuel for up to three to five hours cruising per day l half board for the guests (breakfast and lunch) Under Standard Caribbean Terms (SCT) and Caribbean Terms Inclusive (CTI), the charter fee includes all expenses listed under MYBA and SEMT plus all food. Some yachts also include wine and bar, excluding vintage wines and champagne. In the Caribbean this is normally referred to as “all inclusive excluding bar, communications and cruising taxes, if any.” Extras include a client’s use of the yacht’s satellite or mobile phone, marina-type berthing, diving, shore excursions, and cruising tax.
MPI Group of Surrey, England, offers a distancelearning course designed to bridge the gap between master certification and the reality of running a large yacht. The course is sponsored by the Professional Yachtsmen’s Association and Middlesex University. Course material was created by Ian Biles, with contributions from other industry professionals, including Chris Fairgrieve. For more information, call +44(0)1252-732-220 or e-mail et@mpigroup.co.uk. Occasional variations occur between the terms offered by different yachts under the same main terms. For instance, one yacht may generally work on MYBA terms but also include a small fuel allowance. The extras are payable to the captain in cash as a deposit at the beginning, topped up as required, with any unused returned at the end. Fuel usage is generally calculated on a per hour basis published for the yacht. The crew normally expect a gratuity on completion of the charter. This is not obligatory. The distribution is normally decided by the captain, unless the client has specific requests. The approach to calculating a tip is similar to the approach in different cultures and/or societies. In the service industries in countries such as the United States, a tip is seen as being an essential element of a salary package. The base salary is proportionally lower and the employee expects to be paid a generous gratuity to reflect the service supplied. In other countries, such as Switzerland, a generous tip is considered unusual as the employee is well paid for his work and is expected to deliver good service for that salary. The amount of gratuity will vary from 5 percent to possibly as high as 15 percent. If there is any doubt, the client should seek advice from the charter broker. Chris Fairgrieve is a consultant with Maritime Services International in Gosport, England, where he carries out surveys. He was in the Royal Navy for 13 years working as an electrical engineer and ran his own business in the 1980s developing a power monitoring system for yachts. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton. com.
A22 March 2009 WRITE TO BE HEARD
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Kenna, Lucy and David Reed during a family sailing trip in the British Virgin PHOTO/STEPHEN REED Islands.
Sailing article evokes emotion I just finished reading your article “More than moving across the water, real sailing soaks your soul,” [Latitude Adjustment page A3, February issue] and the tears are still streaming down my face. I am shocked and wondering why I am crying. The memories flash through my mind of my first week out on the water, outside Durban harbour in South Africa. Taking my first sailing course both scared and exhilarated me, but I have never looked back. What a privilege to be in sync with the ocean and the elements. It’s been 18 years and my life has never been the same since that first day when I, too, believed the boat was going to tip all its contents into the deep blue frothy ocean. Yes, chartering is not only about megayachts and the cost of diesel. Even in this down-turned economy we can continue to look forward to sailing to new anchorages in exotic destinations. Sharing the thrill of a sailboat slicing across the water while at the helm is still an affordable vacation. Sharon Bahmer Charter director Boatbookings.com
Making it even better
I just read your very personal column in the new Triton, and I wanted you to know that I loved it. May I respectfully make a couple of comments/suggestions toward the goal of discovering something truly wonderful? 1. Next time you sail, take the helm. Drive the boat. When you understand the connection between the wind and steering the boat you will be looking to feel the groove, when the boat becomes alive, like a great horse when you ease the reins just enough and he really settles into a powerful stride. It is exhilarating . . . boat or horse. Going to weather in the Drake Channel can have a lot of faces. When the wind and current are running strong in your face, it can be tiring. In
somewhat lighter breezes and a friendly sea, it can make you feel powerful and in control. My wife and daughter love to steer, so I feel I can generalize and say that women can easily learn to really enjoy driving a big heavy yacht through active wind and seas. 2. Find a friend that has a small sailboat, but a keel boat, not one that will tip over. I have a Rhodes 18, a daysailer with a big cockpit. You are really close to the water in a boat like that and you are really close to the breeze. And . . . because you steer something like the Rhodes with a tiller rather than a wheel, it causes (forces?) you to become very personal with the connection between hull and rudder, wind and sails. I have sailed large sailing yachts and small sail boats. When Bob Saxon mentioned the line from “Wind in the Willows” in a previous article, he was talking about small sail boats, whether he knew it or not. I go sailing every year in the BVI with two old salts (we leave Feb. 24 this year) on a 47-foot sloop chartered from The Moorings. And I love it. We left Anegada last year in 22 knots of wind. Sailing in the protected waters behind Long Reef, which projects down toward Virgin Gorda, the seas were flat for that much wind . . . and we smoked. We drove it like a rental, which it was, at more than 11 knots on a GPS. It was thrilling. But you know something? I would rather be in my little Rhodes on a light wind day, poking up and down, back and forth on a creek or calm river, just feeling the wind in my face and hearing the burbling of the rudder through the water at 3 knots. One is adrenaline-pumping physical excitement. The other is Zen at its finest, and as has been repeated many times, there is nothing better to do with your (discretionary) life. David F. Allen Sr. Vice President Alliance Marine Risk Managers
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WRITE TO BE HEARD
March 2009 A23
Lightning tale: A bit ironic, a lesson learned I read with interest the story on lightning and thought I’d share our recent experience. [“Prepare, sure, but you can’t avoid lightning,” page B1, February issue] On the overnight run from Savannah to Ft. Lauderdale this fall, we encountered severe thunderstorms and lightning. Using radar we steered around some of the worst cells, but there were many anxious moments. We arrived safely the next day and settled into our dock in front of the owner’s home, considering ourselves lucky not to have been hit by lighting. But then, two days later, we took a direct hit to our lightning arrestor at dockside during a typical South Florida pop-up storm. Our arrestor system has the type of mast mentioned in the article, which is connected directly to a large ground plate on the hull. Like many modern yachts we have a completely fly-by-wire system including engine controls and steering. Interestingly, the primary damage was limited to systems that were switched on at the time. About half the items were repairable by their manufacturers, the others were replaced. Most were damaged at their primary input points without ruining the whole device. The AIS is always on, so it was hit as was the SeaTel TV dish, but electronic engine controls were off, both at ignition keys and circuit breakers, so they were unharmed. It was all so ironic as the storms we traveled through were much more extensive. All things considered, though, I’m glad that it happened in port, but it reminded me of the randomness of lightning and the need to have a back-up plan for navigation and control in the event we were to take a strike while under way. We carry a battery-operated handheld GPS and VHF radio in our ditch bag as well as maintain an hourly position fix during crossings in the event we lose all electronics or are forced to abandon ship. Each crew member has an assigned job in the event of an emergency or sinking. Capt. Dave Johnson M/Y Kipany
Captains urged to consider more couples Bravo, Triton, for approaching the issue of couples in your article “Twice as Nice” [page C1, February issue]. It’s about time that someone extinguish the idea of couples being a bad idea. The benefits of having couples as crew far outweigh any faux-pas that this industry has created. I beg captains to consider more couples onboard, and I beg crew agents to be more positive and proactive when job searching for couples. From one couple to the next, it’s not impossible. The couple that works together stays together. Mel Shannon and Ryan Kane M/Y Passion (Not the big Passion; this one is an 85-footer.)
Add some stability
Here, here. We have had couples on our yachts for the last 12 years and found them to be much more stable. Capt. Ian Foster M/Y Shine
Hate to need it and not have it
Mr. Kelleher made some good points [“Before placing weapons onboard, ask yourself: ‘Will I shoot?’” page B2,
Advertising Sales Peg Soffen, peg@the-triton.com
Ackerman was sweet, funny, smart
I just read the story about the death of Capt. Rick Ackerman. I helped Rick out for a week on M/Y Caribbean Sparkle a few seasons ago up in New England. He was the sweetest guy and I remember really enjoying listening to what he had to say. He was very humorous and intelligent. It’s upsetting to hear that the owners had left the entire boat up to him at such a stressful time such as the boat show. That’s a good-size boat as well as an older boat, which means lots of work and, I’m sure, stress. February was heart awareness month. I urge all men and women out there to follow up on annual check ups, stay healthy, drink less and research family history for such things. Health is wealth. Stew Anna Kozma
You have a ‘write’ to be heard. Send us your thoughts on anything that bothers you. Write to us at editorial@ the-triton.com Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com
Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com
February issue], and he certainly seems to be qualified. However, for me, the bottom line is the old saying: “It is better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” Jim Malecki Retired from commercial aviation, a boater and father to a yacht engineer Pompano Beach, FL
News staff Dorie Cox Lawrence Hollyfield Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com The Captain’s Mate Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
Contributors Capt. Les Annan, Carol M. Bareuther, Capt. John Campbell, Mark A. Cline, Jake DesVergers, Blair Duff, Chris Fairgrieve, John Freeman, Beth Greenwald, Jack Horkheimer, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Alene Keenan, Justin Mann, Capt. Charlie Marts, Keith Murray, Steve Pica, Rossmare Intl., James Schot, Capt. Tom Serio, Rachel Shapiro
Vol. 5, No. 12.
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Change to hot work
St. George’s, Grenada
Tools of the trade
Rules state who can ask for permit.
As lovely as it’s ever been.
A new forum for tips.
B2
Section B
B12
Spotted On vacation in Easter Island.
B5
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March 2009
These monitors show the versatility of Nobletec’s software including soundings, bathymetrics, radar, camera, vector and satellite data.
that they usually have smaller screens, use proprietary technology, can be expensive to replace or upgrade, and most notably, usually support only one chart type. Don’t try to run Navionics chips in a Garmin chartplotter. Software-based systems have a lot of strengths. They will run on different hardware platforms, support large LCD
See ELECTRONICS, page B6
See RULES, page B7
Keeping up with electronic navigation The decision between hardware- and software-based systems depends on the needs of the vessel, people and circumstances. Electronic navigation is an everexpanding part of our industry that almost demands our undivided attention to keep up with changes. Since most of us don’t have that luxury, here are some of the latest, most interesting changes in the field. First, the basics. An Electronic Charting System (ECS) is a combination of hardware and software that displays data in the form of an electronic chart and connects to various marine electronics. For the sake of simplicity there are really two types, hardware-based and software-based. A hardware-based system typically is an all-in-one unit that includes a GPS, screen, and a programmable interface. They almost always rely on built-in software to run a specific type of chart data. If this unit sounds familiar, it should. The best examples of these are chartplotters. A software-based system will run on either PC or, in some cases, Mac hardware, but not both. Unlike
hardware systems, the software-based system is hardware independent. As long as the PC meets the minimum requirements in terms of CPU speed, RAM, hard drive space and operating system, it can be from any manufacturer. These systems also support multiple chart types, usually both raster and vector, and often from multiple sources. For example, MaxSea Navigator will run on a PC and support charts from CMap, Maptech and British Admiralty. Lastly, these systems are ala carte, meaning they do not include a GPS antenna, sounder or even a screen in some cases. So which is better? As someone once told me, “different horses for different courses.” On the plus side, chartplotters are made for the marine environment, offer plug-and-play chart capability, are usually quite reliable and have daylight viewable screens. These are some of the reasons many captains run chartplotters on their yacht’s tenders; PCs hate salt spray. The downside to chartplotters is
EPA clarifies recent ruling in Clean Water Act Last month, we discussed the Feb. 6 enactment of the Vessel General Permit by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Upon further discussion with the agency and other industry participants, some clarifications regarding applicability were made. The Clean Water Act (CWA), Rules of the Road through Senate Jake DesVergers bill S.2766, was revised with a new Section 502 (25). In this clause, recreational vessels, as defined, are exempt from mandatory compliance with the Vessel General Permit. The designation in the CWA is a combination of an existing definition from U.S. Code and new terminology. (25) Recreational vessel. (A) In general. The term recreational vessel means any vessel that is (i) manufactured or used primarily for pleasure; or (ii) leased, rented, or chartered to a person for the pleasure of that person. (B) Exclusion. The term recreational vessel does not include a vessel subject to Coast Guard inspection and that (i) is engaged in commercial use; or (ii) carries paying passengers. A question put forth to the EPA and that remains to be answered is how agency officials will determine “engaged in commercial use.” Will they use the registry on board, its history of activity, or the statutory certificates issued to the vessel? As is common in the yachting industry, many commercial yachts convert their registries from commercial to private when operating in U.S. waters. This facilitates the use of the cruising permit. However, the U.S. Coast Guard determines if a yacht is commercial based upon its statutory (trading)
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOBELTEC
By Justin Mann
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Hardware-based systems are interactive and can include a touch PHOTO/CHRIS NELSON screen.
B March 2009 SAFETY: Marine Chemist Certificate
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Only one requester now needed on hot work certificate The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recently revised NFPA 306 Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels (2009 Edition). There are several changes that will affect shipyards and owners. NFPA 306 is the standard that a marine chemist must follow and enforce. NFPA 306 Safety Matters must also be used Blair Duff, CMC for all shipyards, ship repairers and others who work on vessels, including pleasure yachts, regardless if the ship is private or commercial. NFPA 306 is incorporated by reference in OSHA 29 CFR 1915, the Federal Regulations that apply to all shipyard employment. The scope of this standard applies to vessels that carry or burn as fuel flammable or combustible liquids. It describes the conditions required before a space can be entered or work can be started or continued on any vessel. It applies to cold work, application or removal of protective coatings, and work involving riveting, welding, burning, or similar fireproducing operations (i.e., hot work). This standard applies specifically to
those spaces on vessels that are subject requires a marine chemist certificate; to concentrations of combustible, without a certificate the owner’s and flammable and toxic chemicals and to contractor’s insurance is void and the those spaces that might not contain ship is without coverage), and working sufficient oxygen to permit safe entry. on the engine’s exhausts (grinding and The biggest changes are associated doing other hot work). with the person that requests the Who is responsible? If the work services of a marine chemist and the is done at a shipyard and the yard issuance of the called the marine chemist companies, then How will this change certificate. Added the yard might to accepted be responsible. affect yachts? That people are If the yard and depends on who contract employee, its insurance requests a marine host employer, company want to chemist, what repairs multi-employer be responsible for workplace and all contractors, are done and how many requestor. The they would contractors are doing requestor is now request and sign the work. listed on the the certificate. certificate. That If the yard is the company and insurance that requests the company don’t marine chemist and is listed atop the want to assume the liability of the certificate. contractors, then each contractor How will this change affect yachts? would be required to get their own That depends on who requests a certificate. Each yard must determine marine chemist, what repairs are done how it will handle contractors. and how many contractors are doing If a captain or owner is hiring the work. If a yacht has several repairs contractors to work on a yacht, they being done by different contractors, might assume the responsibility for each contactor might need a certificate. the contractors. To do that, they would Repairs might include welding in the have to be a Shipyard Competent engine room, work on the A/C system Person (SCP) who could maintain the (brazing copper tubing is hot work and certificate and retest each space each
day before contractors begin work. If a contractor had a SCP, he would request and sign the certificate and assume liability for the other contractors. If he didn’t want that responsibility, then each contractor would need their own certificate. And without a SCP, they would need the marine chemist to come back every day to keep the certificate valid until the completion of their work. Don’t assume insurance will cover contractors; many won’t. If a contractor is without a SCP or has a SCP without properly working atmospheric testing equipment, they will need to either rely on someone else’s SCP or call the marine chemist back every day. This might affect owners because they have to pay for certificates for each contractor. If a shipyard is the requestor and it maintains the certificate, this could be a considerable savings for the owner. The best thing is to talk with your insurance company and ask who is covered. Blair Duff is a marine chemist with Marine Chemists & Testing in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact him at +1-305469-7594 or marinechemist@mac.com. Contact other U.S. marine chemists at www.marinechemist.org. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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www.the-triton.com ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sprains
Use RICE to treat sprains, strains, bruises So you are out to sea and have just injured yourself. You tripped and twisted your ankle, perhaps. What should you do? RICE is the answer. No, not the kind you eat. RICE is the acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You can treat sprains, strains, bruises and Sea Sick pulled muscles Keith Murray with RICE. Here is the easy-to-remember method for treating sprains, strains, bruises and pulled muscles. Rest. This step is just as it sounds. Stop using and protect the injured or sore muscle, tendon, ligament or other tissue from further injury. Discontinue any activity that may make the pain worse. Your body has just been injured and it needs time to heal itself. If you do not allow the injured area to rest and heal, the injury may become worse. Bottom line, protect the injured body part as it requires rest to heal. Ice. Use cold to reduce pain and to prevent or minimize swelling to the injured area. You can apply regular ice
in a plastic sandwich bag, cold packs, instant ice, or even frozen peas to the injured area. Place a thin towel over the skin before applying the ice to protect the skin. Never apply ice directly to the skin as it could damage your skin. Apply ice to the injury for about 15 minutes, and then remove it for 1520 minutes, repeating this process at least three times a day for the first two days. The ice will reduce swelling and minimize pain but the injury should only be iced for 15 minutes at a time to prevent injury from exposure to cold. After 48 to 72 hours, if you have no swelling, apply heat to reduce pain. Compression. Compression is wrapping the injured area with an elastic bandage. The compression bandage should be snug, but not incredibly tight. Wrapping too tightly may cause injury. We wrap the injury for several reasons. Wrapping reduces swelling, it often reduces pain and it helps to protect the injured area from further injury. If you feel throbbing, the bandage is wrapped too tight. Remove it and re-wrap the injured area so that the bandage is not as tight. Signs that the bandage may be too tight include tingling, increased pain, numbness, cool skin temperature or
swelling in the area below the bandage. Elevation. If possible, elevate the injured area above your heart. Elevating the injury will reduce swelling. If you injured your ankle, you will need to lie down, and place a few pillows under your ankle to get it above your heart. About 12 inches above the heart is your target for elevation. If necessary, you can add another element to RICE. This would be the S, which would now be RICES. The S stands for splinting. Splinting will decrease swelling and decrease pain by immobilizing the injury. If after 48 hours of RICE(S) the pain and/or swelling does not decrease you should seek medical attention. People with Raynaud’s, diabetes, sensitivity to cold or any medical condition with reduced blood flow to the extremities should not use RICE therapy. Instead these people must seek medical attention. Keith Murray, a former Florida firefighter EMT, is the owner of The CPR School, a mobile training company that provides CPR, AED and first aid training. He also sells and services automated external defibrillators. Contact him at +1-561-762-0500 or keith@theCPRschool.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
March 2009
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B March 2009 DOCKMASTER SPOTLIGHT: Treasure Cay
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Roots of Treasure Cay’s Bootle run deep in marina By Dorie Cox
a medical clinic. Located about 200 miles east of Dockmaster Cliff Bootle feels at Florida, the marina is on the east home at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & side of Abaco. The channel is clearly Marina on the island of Abaco in the marked and lit with a straight-forward Bahamas. entrance. With six feet of depth at That’s because it is home. the entrance and 10 to 12 feet at the “This is actually the playground docks, yachts up to 140 feet can berth where I grew up,” Bootle said. “My dad comfortably, he said. There are slips worked here and my parents even met for 150 boats and larger vessels can be here at Treasure Cay.” His father owned accommodated dependent on space. a charter fishing boat back then, and Vessels come from the United States, met his future wife, a teacher from Canada and Europe, bringing every Scotland, during the resort’s initial sort of docking expertise to the marina, development in the 1960s. Bootle said. He has even seen a boat Bootle has spent most of his 35 years take out an entire dock. on the island, 11 of them working in the “If I’m still standing on the dock and marina he knows so not in the water, then well. ‘This is actually the they did a good job,” He has also he said. playground where I worked with The marina is grew up.’ dolphins, learning busy with fishing — Cliff Bootle tournaments to be a trainer, Dockmaster, Treasure Cay including Bahamas and later worked as a commercial White Marlin Open, lobster fisherman. the Bahamas Billfish Maintaining his boyhood connection Championship and the Treasure Cay with Treasure Cay, Bootle then worked Billfish Championship in spring with on a 55-foot Ocean Yacht as captain for many of those boats staying through one of the resort’s developers. June. Summer brings more families and He eventually took the helm of a 57winter sees more sailing cruisers. foot power catamaran in Nassau, a 120“We usually fare well during passenger double-decker based in New hurricane season,” Bootle said. “We’ve Providence Island. Not one to move had these same docks since Floyd hit in up the yachting ladder, Bootle missed 1999.” home. Known for its three-and-a-half mile, “I didn’t like it there [in New crescent-shaped beach, Treasure Cay Providence],” he said. “It wasn’t the contains more than 800 homes for atmosphere I was used to.” residents and visitors, with much of the He returned home to spend the next area yet to be developed. six years as assistant dockmaster at Now, Bootle and his wife are raising Treasure Cay and is now in his fifth two daughters on the same sand and year as dockmaster. Always close to his coral where he grew up. job, he and his family live on property near the Dick Wilson-designed golf Contact Dockmaster Cliff Bootle at course. Treasure Cay Marina in the Abacos While most people use golf carts as through www.treasurecay.com or +1 their primary mode of transportation, 242-365-8250. Dorie Cox is a staff Bootle said amenities are actually reporter and editor with The Triton. within walking distance, including Comments on this story are welcome at groceries, shops, restaurants, bars and dorie@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com TOOLS OF THE TRADE: Crew’s Toolbag
Hot water gets skipper out of hot water with nylon nut After a litany of curses and as many cuts from the tips of my fingers to beyond my elbow, I had an epiphany. A quick chore of refilling the galley soap dispenser was turning into a multiple hour mission upon discovery of a disconnected feed tube now stuck in the soap chamber. Not irreparable, but it would be Disassembling necessary to the soap Crew’s Toolbag disassemble the dispenser was Capt. Charlie Marts whole unit. maddeningly The complex. Hot disassembly water solved the quickly became a problem. problem. The design was basically a container suspended beneath the counter from PHOTOS CHARLIE MARTS plastic threads that extended down through the counter from above. The threads were held tight by a nylon nut that screwed up from underneath the counter, essentially clamping the unit to the counter and making it look nice, neat and sturdy. with ease. Presto. I was struggling to remove the I was proud of my accomplishment, threaded nut from below the counter. a feeling lasting almost as long as it I found the nut had become crosstook me to put back together the rest of threaded somehow. After the massive the galley I had frustratingly torn apart ordeal of removing it – which involved in my haste. a blind-basin reach-around, I was able Since then to quickly repair I have added the tube, but now it this hot-water looked as if it would I was struggling to trick (no longer be impossible to remove the threaded just for pasta thread the bottom sauce jars) to my nut back on. nut from below the tool bag. Nylon The prospect of counter. ... After the threaded nuts somehow finding and bolts aren’t a part number massive ordeal of super common and receiving a removing it – which on yachts, and I shipment with a would be careful replacement part involved a blindabout using from Northern basin reach-around, the method Europe where the in situations fittings were made I was able to repair where the units would not be fun or the tube but now it have critical inexpensive. Not to load bearing mention, I expected looked as if it would applications, a trip with the boss be impossible to but it can come the next day. in handy to Needless to say, I thread the bottom simplify a small was a bit frustrated. nut back on. but somehow That is, until my maddeningly epiphany. complex task. I boiled a kettle of water and poured it into a coffee cup. Capt. Charlie Marts has been working I tossed the plastic nut in, counted to 30 with crossed fingers, and then fished on boats big and small for the past nine years and has discovered a few it out with a fork. I patted it dry and then quickly and easily screwed it back tricks of the trade. Now, he’s the lonely skipper of a 55-foot sailboat and wants on from beneath the counter. to share what he knows, and hopefully The heat had softened the nylon/ hear from other yacht crew about their plastic, and expanded the nut by some secrets remedies. Contact him through small factor that allowed it enough toolbag@the-triton.com. space to turn onto the lower threads
March 2009
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Today’s fuel prices
One year ago
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Feb. 15.
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Feb. 15. 2008
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 433/464 Savannah, Ga. 421/NA Newport, R.I. 506/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 543/NA St. Maarten 647/NA Antigua 548/NA Valparaiso 755/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 793/NA Cape Verde 767/NA Azores 420/NA Canary Islands 431/598 Mediterranean Gibraltar 424/NA Barcelona, Spain 435/1,097 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,135 Antibes, France 496/1,288 San Remo, Italy 647/1,433 Naples, Italy 629/1,441 Venice, Italy 583/1,346 Corfu, Greece 512/1,202 Piraeus, Greece 489/1,184 Istanbul, Turkey 499/NA Malta 415/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 593/NA Tunis, Tunisia 585/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 517/NA Sydney, Australia 504/NA Fiji 593/NA
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 751/801 Savannah, Ga. 768/NA Newport, R.I. 834/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 842/NA St. Maarten 885/NA Antigua 871/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 826/NA Cape Verde 840/NA Azores 859/NA Canary Islands 773/928 Mediterranean Gibraltar 769/NA Barcelona, Spain 804/1,584 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,621 Antibes, France 870/1,777 San Remo, Italy 972/1,888 Naples, Italy 835/1,779 Venice, Italy 899/1,767 Corfu, Greece 875/1,781 Piraeus, Greece 856/1,758 Istanbul, Turkey 827/NA Malta 780/920 Bizerte, Tunisia 784/NA Tunis, Tunisia 767/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 797/NA Sydney, Australia 801/NA Fiji 907/NA
*When available according to local customs.
*When available according to customs.
FROM THE TECH FRONT: Electronic Charting System B March 2009
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Laptops can be loaded with software-based navigation data integrated PHOTO COURTESY OF MAPTECH with GPS system.
Google Earth, other Web tools make devices more powerful ELECTRONICS, from page B1
manufacturers include Furuno, Raymarine, Lowrance, Garmin, screens (19 inches or greater), offer Northstar, Humminbird, Navman, advanced features, have easy data entry Simrad, Sitex and Standard Horizon. via mouse and keyboard, and can be On the PC side, there are programs cost competitive. from Transas, MaxSea, Nobeltec, Furthermore, these systems can use Fugawi, NavSim, Rosepoint, Raymarine the myriad resources on the Internet, and MaxENC, to name a few. such as Google Earth, and can offer a As for general trends in electronic tremendous amount of chart flexibility, navigation, the hardware-based allowing mariners systems are to select the right getting smarter Some chartplotter chart for their and more PC-like area so they aren’t in their features, manufacturers include locked into one and the softwareFuruno, Raymarine, type of chart. based systems Lowrance, Garmin, So what’s the are pushing downside? For the bounds of Northstar, Humminbird, starters, PCs the platform by Navman, Simrad, Sitex crash. And more integrating more and Standard Horizon. so in a marine real-time data for environment On the PC side, there are better situational where they can awareness. programs from Transas, be subjected We will cover MaxSea, Nobeltec, to relentless some of these pounding, salt air Fugawi, NavSim, manufacturers and overheating in future articles. Rosepoint, Raymarine from installation Stay tuned. and MaxENC, to name a in tight areas with few. poor ventilation. Justin Mann has Marinized PCs are run the electronic available but the navigation cost factor goes up, nullifying one of department at Bluewater Books & the advantages a PC-based system can Charts for the past four years. He have. evaluates new software programs They are decidedly not plug and and manufacturers’ improvements to play, so the ease of use is generally existing products. He and his team lower than that of their chartplotter analyze, discuss and rate cartography cousins. Lastly, they are not integrated from different hydrographic offices and units, which can lead to complexity and private companies. Contact him at +1 added cost if you have to hire someone 954-763-6533 or by e-mail at jamann@ to connect all of your electronics. bluewaterweb.com. Comments on this There are a lot of players in this article are welcome at editorial@themarket. Some of the chartplotter triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road
Court rules on Oil Record Book RULES, from page B1 certificates, regardless if they are being used or not. This raises a question for private yachts that demise charter. These are not commercial by definition, but may be seen as engaged in trade. It can also be confusing for a commercial yacht entering U.S. waters but not actively engaged in trade. Must they comply? As no enforcement protocol has yet been developed, it may be a “wait-and-see” approach.
Oil Record Books
In a recent court decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that a foreign ship has particular duties to maintain an Oil Record Book (ORB). The court stated that while in U.S. waters, the ORB must contain accurate entries, or at least not knowingly inaccurate/false entries. It is of no consequence, according to the court, that the improper discharge and the inaccurate entries were made while the foreign ship was on the high seas, outside of U.S. territorial waters. This case dealt with a commercial oil tanker and its management company, but is of particular importance to private and commercial yachts more than 400 gross tons. These yachts are required to maintain an ORB in accordance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). In the case, Ionia Management, manager of the foreign-flagged oil tanker, was convicted on a number of counts, including conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and violating the U.S. Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships (APPS). APPS is the U.S. equivalent of MARPOL. The court found that the crew, under the direction and participation of the chief and second engineer, routinely discharged oily wastewater via a “magic hose,” bypassing pollution control equipment. The government prosecuted the company because the crew maintained falsified records in U.S. waters and obstructed justice. Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides inspection services to private and commercial yachts on behalf of several flag administrations, including the Marshall Islands. A deck officer graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, he previously sailed as master on merchant ships, acted as designated person for a shipping company, and served as regional manager for an international classification society. Contact him at +1954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau.org. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
March 2009
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B March 2009
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
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More power in generators, communications, sonar Northern Lights, manufacturer of marine diesel generator sets and Lugger diesel engines, has introduced the first in a new generation of generators, the M944T. Based on a heavy-duty industrial engine block, the M944T is custom marinized and engineered for marine performance, producing 38kW at 60Hz, or 32kW at 50Hz. The M944T uses a sound enclosure with fuel and oil drains outside with rear exhaust exit options. “The increasing power requirements of today’s yachts call for a power solution that can reliably power complex systems at full load, without dominating the engine room,” said Colin Puckett, manager of marketing and sales administration. The M944T will be available for delivery this spring. Northern Lights also introduced its newest propulsion solution, the L6125H diesel engine, with an electronically controlled high-pressure common-rail (HPCR) fuel system. The L6125H is based on the heavyduty Komatsu industrial engine block and is custom marinized with a high output rating of 470 hp at 2300 rpm. It has a power-to-weight ratio of 4.8 lbs./hp and the HPCR fuel-delivery system ensures more complete combustion. The L6125H will be available for orders this spring. For more information, visit www. northern-lights.com.
Fire monitoring system new
Sea-Fire Marine, a fire suppression technology company, has introduced FireStop Integrated Marine Fire System, a management system that monitors cylinder pressure, heat, smoke and carbon monoxide for early fire detection. The system also offers state-ofthe-art fire extinguisher supervision as well as engine and machinery shutdown. In the event of a fire, the location is identified on the new Zone Identification Panel (ZIP) via a LED light and alarm. The system’s microprocessor control unit features seven relays for simultaneous management of onboard equipment, including engines, generators and ventilation systems. With two inputs for monitoring systems, the programmable unit can detect discharge and low pressure. For more information, visit www. sea-fire.com.
Thrane to offer KVH airtime
Global Satellite has GPS tracking
Global Satellite USA, a satellite communications providers, has announced Global Satellite Assist, a GPS tracking system that can be downloaded to a GPS-enabled cell phone. It is able to advise of political and environmental climate before arrival, relay SOS emergency e-mails, relay emergency SMS, and provide full-time phone line assistance for access to emergency advice and rescue services, personal security briefing, and related crisis management services. “Safety and security at sea are paramount,” said Martin Fierstone, CEO of Global Satellite USA. “Letting family, friends and employers see where you are provides that additional comfort factor while you are away at sea. When the weather turns or something goes wrong with the boat, it is reassuring that communication is close at hand.” The service will be commercially available on Nokia handsets beginning this month, with Blackberry and iPhone versions to follow. For more information, visit www. globalsatellite.us.
KVH Industries recently announced a new global distribution agreement with Thrane & Thrane for KVH’s TracPhone V7 satellite communications system and the miniVSAT BroadbandSM service. Under the arrangement, the TracPhone V7 system will be offered to the maritime community worldwide as a private label system under Thrane & Thrane’s SAILOR brand, and the company may develop new SAILOR products compatible with KVH’s miniVSAT Broadband network. “We are thrilled to expand our decade-long relationship with Thrane & Thrane and bring them aboard as an OEM partner,” said Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer. “Our aim when we launched the mini-VSAT Broadband service was to create a new global solution for affordable, reliable mobile broadband connections via Ku-band satellites. The addition of Thrane & Thrane’s worldwide reach is invaluable to our efforts to expand the use of the
See TECH BRIEFS, page B9
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Flip these dive fins up to walk, maneuver around boat TECH BRIEFS, from page B8 mini-VSAT Broadband service in the commercial maritime market.”
New sonar easier to mount
FarSounder has introduced the FS-3DT Bistatic 3D Forward Looking Sonar, mounting the transmitter and receiver in separate, but smaller, form factor modules. “Hydrodynamics can be a major consideration for some vessels, such as high speed catamarans, and very fine line motor and sailing yachts,” said Matthew Zimmerman, VP of engineering. “These new modules will have a significant impact for such streamlined vessels.” Separation of the modules can be horizontal or vertical, allowing greater installation flexibility. FarSounder FS-3 sonars generate 3D images of the sea floor and in-water objects with a 60- to 90-degree field of view. The technology can be used for underwater security applications such as vessel or port perimeter surveillance, diver detection and ROV/AUVs. For more information, visit www. farsounder.com.
Divers can walk in these new fins
Omega Aquatics has introduced a series of high-performance swim fins that allow divers to switch from walking with the fin blade up to swimming with the blade extended without using their hands. Winner of BusinessWeek’s Bronze IDEA Design Award, the Flipfins blade is flipped down into swimming position by kicking naturally in the water, and flipped back up by pushing back on the release lever before getting out. The bottom of the foot pocket features a soft tread design for slip resistance when walking on slick surfaces. For more information visit www. Flipfins.com.
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
March 2009
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B10 March 2009 MARINAS / YARDS
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Marinas in Caribbean, Middle East continue to grow, expand Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, is expected to open its first 100 slips this summer. Under construction are 300 concrete floating dock slips that will accommodate boats up to 200 feet. The marina will have a full-service repair facility and will offer 75- and 200-ton travel lift service. Also planned is a dry stack facility for boats up to 35 feet. High speed fuel pumps, dockside pumpout station and dockside concierge services are also expected. Visit marinapezvela.com for info.
San Diego adds marina
hired as general manager of the marina, above. The resort will be under construction over the next 15 years with plans for 8,500 residences, four luxury hotels, five signature golf courses and a 1,250-slip marina. For more details see www.capcana.com.
The new Fifth Avenue Landing has opened in San Diego. Adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center, this 12-slip facility can accommodate yachts up to 300 feet with maximum beam of 65 feet (20m) and maximum draft of 20 feet (6m). M/Y Attessa, the 225-foot Feadship, spent several weeks there earlier this year, according to a news release. “I asked the captain if there was anything else we could add to improve our dockage and he told me, ‘Absolutely nothing,’” said Fred Larsson, dockmaster at the marina. For more information, visit www. fifthavenuelanding.com or call 1-866961-3564.
Marina Papagayo, above, is on Bahia Culebra on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It opened in December with 180 wet slips for vessels up to 220 feet. At build-out the marina will have 350 wet slips and the resort will have 500 estate homes. For more information, visit www. marinapapagayo.com.
3,500 berths around Abu Dhabi
Renewed leadership at AMI
Aldar Marinas, a division of Aldar Properties, which is one of the developers in Abu Dhabi, plans to build 3,500 berths in 14 marinas across the emirate. The company also plans to roll out a new superyacht concept at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show next month. For updates, visit www. aldarmarinas.com.
New managers in DR, CR
Brandy Marine International of Sarasota, Fla., has expanded into marina management by taking over management of Cap Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic and Marina Papagayo in Costa Rica. Cap Cana resort is on the eastern coast of the DR and is in the first phase of development with 89 slips for yachts up to 130 feet completed in the fall of 2008. Capt. Andrew G. New has been
The Association of Marina Industries (AMI) elected its 2009 officers at the International Marina & Boatyard Conference (IMBC) in January in Ft. Lauderdale. Jim Frye of Westrec Marinas will serve his second term as president and chairman, Chris McSparen of Skipper Marine Development was re-appointed vice-president, Mick Bettesworth of Marina Developments was reappointed secretary, and Marshall Nowlin of Bayport Marina was reappointed treasurer. New directors include Keith Knowlton of Carters Cove Marina and Michelle Shrider of Washburn Marina. The terms of Bill Yeargin of Correct Craft and Tom Cox of Constitution Marine expired in 2008. For more information see www. marinaassociation.org.
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BOATS / BROKERS
March 2009
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New Feadship splashes in Holland; new 88m in Abu Dhabi
Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw launched the 175-foot (53.5m) M/Y Hurricane Run at its yard in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands this year. This Feadship was built for a repeat client whose most recent yacht was the 164-foot (50m) M/Y High Chaparral, launched in 2004. Hurricane Run is a further development of High Chaparral. Both are named after prize-winning race horses. For more information visit www.feadship.nl.
88m Triton unveiled
Platinum Yachts, a subsidiary of Dubai World Company Dry Docks World, plans to unveil its new Triton project, an 88m diesel electric megayacht, at this year’s inaugural Abu Dhabi Yacht Show. “We are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, as it presents an excellent setting to debut the magnificent Triton alongside other models from our super yacht range,” said Dirk de Jong, project development manager of Platinum Yachts. In 2001, the builder launched the 160m yacht Platinum, the world’s largest privately owned megayacht, and it was officially delivered to the client in 2006, according to a news release from the company. Since then, the yard has completed the major refit of a 45m sailing yacht and the conversion of a 90m cruise vessel into a private megayacht. The Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, produced by the owners of the Monaco Yacht Show, is set for March 12-14.
80-year-old yacht refit
The 1929 John Alden wooden schooner SummerWind was launched in mid-February after a two-year refit, including a major reconstruction of the hull. The vessel’s traditional hull, deck house, cockpit, spars, sails, winches, marine electronics, wiring and electrical system, plumbing, galley and bowsprit are all new. The wooden hull reconstruction was completed by Moores Marine of the Palm Beaches to original John G. Alden 1929 specifications and with the consulting participation of Niels Helleberg, naval architect of Boston. The yacht, which is 100 feet overall and 79 feet on deck, was originally built as Queen Tyi by the C.A. Morse & Son shipyard in Thomaston, Maine.
Previously named Sea Gypsy, she was repatriated to the United States from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, in December 2006, where she was in charter service. Soon to be recommissioned SummerWind, she has returned to private ownership and belongs to a Texas businessman who plans to race her in the antique yacht circuit as well as use her for international cruising. Her first planned race is the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta in mid-April. Capt. Karl Joyner of Palm Beach Gardens oversaw the refit and the final commissioning, which is taking place at Rybovich.
Fraser adds listings
Fraser Yachts has added the following new central agency listings for sale: M/Y Golden Horn, a 135-foot (41.4m) Dereli Yachts by Antoine Larricq of Monaco; M/Y Lady Zelda, a 130-foot (39.6m) Christensen by Neal Esterly of San Diego; M/Y Moon Goddess, a 114foot (35m) Danish Yacht by Jose Arana Jr. and Rob Newton of Fort Lauderdale; M/Y Never Say Never, a 110-foot (33.5m) Lazzara by Arana; M/Y Hamsa, a 105-foot (32m) Mangusta by Arana; and M/Y Hi Ball, a 98-foot (29.87m) Westport by Esterly.
Burger adds broker
Broker Ron Tedeschi has joined Burger Yacht Sales in Ft. Lauderdale. Tedeschi has been active in the marine industry for more than 25 years. For more information, visit www. burgerboat.com.
NJ adds listings
Northrop and Johnson has added M/Y My Kampai, a 92-foot Overmarine Mangusta, to its central listings. The firm also announced that the owner of M/Y Lara, a 125-foot Delta expeditionstyle yacht, has reduced her price and will throw in M/Y Jo-Jo, the 60-foot Tempest, for free. Both yachts are listed with Broker Kevin Merrigan. For details, call +1 954-522-3344 or kmerrigan@njyachts.com.
IYC sells one
Brokers Chany Sabates III and Frank Grzeszczak of International Yacht Collection recently sold their central listing, M/Y Relentless, a 145-foot (44m) Trinity built in 2001. The brokerage has added Noell Vawter’s central listing M/Y Dorothy Ann, a 126-foot (38.4m) Trinity also built in 2001; Sabates and Grzeszczak’s central listing M/Y Lady Linda, a 157-foot (47.9m) Trinity built in 2006; the team’s M/Y Caprice, a 123foot (37.5m) Oceanco built in 1994; and the team’s central listing M/Y Mostro, a 120-foot (36.6m) Palmer Johnson built in 2000. The charter division has added M/Y Sharon Ann, a 104-foot (31.7m)
megayacht built by Destiny Yachts. The ex-Gale Force has been used privately since she was launched in 2002 and is now available for charter for the first time. IYC also announced that Capt. Mark Schwegman had taken command of the charter yacht M/Y La Dolce Vita, an 80foot (24.6m) motoryacht.
Bradford takes name
Bradford Marine has acquired the rights to the Bradford name relating to yacht sales and charter. The Shipyard Group subsidiary will now become known as Bradford Marine Yacht Sales. The history is circuitous. Bradford Marine co-founder Charles Blickle left the yard in the 1980s but retained use of the Bradford name for his yacht sales and charter business. In the 1990s, Bradford Yacht Sales was acquired by
outside investors, but Blickle’s son, Charles Jr., stayed. In 2005, Bradford Yacht Sales was acquired by Merrill Stevens of Miami. Merrill Stevens closed its brokerage division late last year and transferred the Bradford name rights to Blickle Jr. In January, Bradford Marine acquired the name rights from Blickle. For more information, call +1 954-7913800.
Vicem debuts 92 Cruiser
Turkish builder Vicem Yachts unveiled the 92-foot cruiser at the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach in February, the first hull in its Cruiser series. It also showed its 72-foot Classic Flybridge, the latest model in the series. For more information, visit www. vicemusa.com.
B12 March 2009 CRUISING GROUNDS: Grenada
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Looking down on the town of St. George’s and Port Louis Marina, with S/Y Timoneer moored alongside. PHOTO/JOHN CAMPBELL
Captain’s visit to Grenada his best in 37 years of visits By Capt. John Campbell Port Louis is a new full-service marina that has emerged from the ruins of the old GYS, in the lagoon of St. George’s. Even when GYS was in its heyday in the 1970s, it always seemed to have a ramshackle, tumble-down air. As the years passed, the wooden docks began to disintegrate, to the point that last time I was at GYS, one had to leap across gaps in the wooden decking to get ashore. One of the good things that Hurricane Ivan did was to remove the remnants of GYS. British entrepreneur Peter de Savary saw his chance and was soon building a brand-spanking new marina and holiday development. Camper and Nicholsons have taken over the marina, leaving de Savery to concentrate on the land developments. The marina already has berths for about a dozen big boats, with electricity and water all working. During summer, the marina plans to build docks for smaller vessels, eventually more or less filling the lagoon. The entrance to the lagoon and the area leading to the large berths have all been dredged to at least 15 feet. S/Y Timoneer draws 13 feet and we never came close to touching. The largest vessel to enter the marina so far is S/Y Maltese Falcon at 290 feet, and she managed to get in with her draft of almost 20 feet. In theory, vessels over 200 GRT need to take a pilot in and out. Any really large yachts should do this; the marina can organize that for you. In our experience, if you are not too much over 200 tons, a blind eye will be turned, but it is best to discuss this with the marina. Perhaps the best asset that the
marina has is its staff. We found everybody eager to please in every way. They all seemed truly pleased to see us, and I hope that they manage to retain this spirit as they get busier. The dock staff is ably led by Junior Cuffie, and he can be reached by phone on (473) 435-7432, or on his mobile (473) 415-0820. His e-mail address is junior.cuffie@cnportlouismarina.com. There is also a fax number in the office (473) 435-7431. The marina monitors channel 14 on the VHF. The rates at the moment are 90 centsUS per square meter, that is length times beam in meters by 90 cents. This rate is well comparable to marinas farther north that offer much less in terms of facilities and welcome. Perhaps the most useful contact in Grenada is Henry. His main business is organizing safari tours of the island, which he has been doing since I first met him in the 1970s. However, because of an encyclopaedic knowledge of his country, his can-do attitude and willingness to help, there seems to be little in Grenada that Henry cannot accomplish. Amongst his many services, he is an accredited customs broker, so he can not only help you to ease imported stuff through customs, but he can take care of clearing you in or out of the country, often from ports that are not actual ports of entry. His fees are most reasonable. Henry can be reached by phone on (473) 444-5313 or (473) 407-0522. He has a fax at (473) 444-4460 and e-mail at safari@spiceisle.com. Unlike most of the Caribbean island capitals, St. George’s is a pleasant place. It is really two towns rolled into
See GRENADA, page B13
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CRUISING GROUNDS: Grenada
An islander strolls along the Carenage in St. George’s. For more and colorful photos of Grenada, visit Capt. Campbell’s Web site at http://john-lana.com/ PHOTOS/JOHN CAMPBELL timoneer.
Favorite place, best views still the same in St. George’s GRENADA, from page B12
Bay, and Spice Island Boatyard seems as busy as ever. To the east, more docks and waterfront developments are being built, but we will have to explore those on our next visit. We have found Grenada to be the most friendly and welcoming of all the islands we visited this year. The officer in the customs/immigration office could not have been nicer or more helpful. Even the paperwork is easier here than elsewhere farther north. The crew and I all gave Grenada a gold star for effort, facilities and, above all, friendliness.
one, separated by a steep hill that is surmounted by Fort George. The half near to Port Louis is built around the Carenage, the sheltered harbour where the old sailing ships were careened, or pulled over to repair the bottom. It is very picturesque. My favorite place is the Nutmeg Bar and restaurant. I first went there in 1972, and it has not changed in the slightest. They still make what are arguably the best Lime Squashes in the Caribbean, if not in the entire known universe. The views across the Carenage are some of the best in the Capt. John Campbell has been a yacht Caribbean. captain for more than 20 years and My other favorite place is the a sailor all his life. He is currently in market. This is in the northern half of command of the 45m M/Y Timoneer. the town, near to the cruise ship dock. Comments on this story are welcome at You can get from one half to the other editorial@the-triton.com. by walking over the hill, or you can take your life in your hands and walk through the narrow tunnel behind the library. Luckily the traffic is just one way through the tunnel, but if a big truck passes, be prepared to squeeze against the wall. The market itself is a riot of colors and smells. The smells are mostly nice; pretty much every kind of spice known to man is to be found on sale in the market. You will also find a fantastic array of fruits and vegetables. Good for shopping and great for photographs. There are a couple of good big supermarkets to be found, as well as a branch of Budget Marine and Island Waterworld to take care of boat stuff. The south coast is getting new facilities on what seems almost a daily basis. A new Most of the sailing cargo vessels have marina is being built in Prickly disappeared, but a few remain.
March 2009
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B14 March 2009 PHOTOGRAPHY: Photo Exposé
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Seeing like an eye, HDR coming to cameras soon Welcome aboard photo enthusiasts. Last month I threw out the acronym HDR, which stands for high dynamic range. Possibly some of you have been to a Peter Lik Gallery and viewed his beautiful landscapes that, in part, benefited from the HDR effect. This is a Photo Exposé most significant James Schot development that will make everyone look like a professional when seeing the results of their travel shots. Well, not exactly, but it will make photographs in general look a lot better. Actually making an HDR photograph has been remotely possible for a long time, but with today’s technology it now becomes far easier and greatly improved. By now I’m sure you would first like to know what HDR is and what it means. With film and now digital, it has (thus far) never been possible for a camera to see better than the human eye. The measurement of latitude of what you are able to see from the brightest to the darkest areas (or vice versa) can be given by a range of f/ stops. Transparency (or slide) film had the least tolerance. Negative film is able to encompass a range of possibly four to five f/stops, and digital is able to do slightly better. An example may help explain all this. Likely we’ve all photographed a sunset. What we get is a beautiful sky, and the rest is a dark un-seeable silhouette, (and from my point of view not a very exciting picture). Our eyes can see a lot more detail in those dark and shadowy areas, because the range of our eyes can be 11 to 15 stops of light. The reverse is also true. In shooting something mostly dark, or exposing for the shadows, a camera will lose all detail in the highlight areas. Those will be washed out. Here again our eyes will be far superior in giving us a full range of details. The solution for making better photographs, that is, ones that have a greater range of visibility (and color vibrancy) like that approximating the capability of human vision, is to take several photographs of the exact same scene with a camera using different exposures. The photographic term is bracketing. This means we expose to capture the highlights, expose for the shadows and blend it with a normal (or optimum)
exposure, and in this way we increase the overall dynamic range to produce a photograph that simulates what the eye can see. The obstacle with film is sandwiching the three (or preferably a few more) exposures in the darkroom to make a final print. Obstacles of proper registration and density of multiple layers of film make it nearly impossible. Digital makes it easily possible. You can take several exposures – more than three, if you like – to capture all the highlight, shadow, and normal detail of the exact same scene, bring them into your computer and, using software, sandwich them precisely and blend the best of each for a result of making a fully eye-pleasing image. Now you are capable of making an HDR photographic image. But if you consider the process thus far you will recognize there are still a few problems to always having a successful outcome. The first is framing each photograph exactly the same to duplicate (referring to getting proper registration) every exposure. This is easily accomplished by adjusting the shutter speed (not the aperture; that will change the depth of field) and using a tripod. Well, this method would be fool proof and easy if you’re not on a rolling yacht or taking fast-moving objects. So, as you can see the process can still be complicated. We are now saved by technicalscientific advances. Supposing we make cameras that take several photographs at the same instance at varied exposures. This would eliminate the tripod or concerns about moving subjects. For that matter it eliminates the need for the computer and software to handle this specific process. We do not have to suppose anymore. This in-camera HDR is coming into play now, and before long, as with all technology, especially those advances not prohibitively expensive, this will soon be standard issue for all digital cameras. It will not decide for you what will make a truly great shot or improve your composition in taking it, but it will make whatever you take look better. We are all going to want HDR when it fully reaches our shores. During the wait I’ll take permission to come ashore. James Schot has been a professional photographer for 30 years and owns James Schot Gallery and Photo Studio. Comments on this column are welcome at james@bestschot.com.
B16 March 2009 IN THE STARS
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March, stars and Venus come in like lions, go out like lambs By Jack Horkheimer I have always been fascinated by mythology and folk lore, especially phrases we all learned in childhood and have repeated all our lives and frequently have little or no idea where they came from. For instance, everyone has heard the phrase that “if March weather comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.” Have you ever wondered where that phrase comes from? My astronomical colleague Guy Ottewell has long suggested that this phrase got its imagery from the heavens. On the first day of March in any year, at about 8 p.m., look northwest and you will see the dim stars that make up the constellation Aries, the ram (or lamb). If you look in almost the opposite direction toward the northeast about the same height above the horizon you’ll see the constellation Leo, the lion, seemingly rising into the night sky. But what will we see if we go out at the same time on March 31? Well, it’s quite a different story, because on March 31 at 8 p.m. the lion will be almost overhead and the lamb will be smack dab on the northwestern horizon, going out of the night skies. So perhaps long ago someone tied this all together and decided to poetically link both of them to the weather. This March, though, we can add a second cosmic meaning to that old phrase because also in the west, just after sunset at the beginning of March, is the planet Venus at its greatest brilliancy, out-dazzling everything in the sky except the Moon and the Sun. In fact, Venus comes in at the beginning of March like a lion but as the month progresses, it loses half its brightness and starts vanishing into the sunset, going out like a lamb. It’s always fun to investigate old folk lore because there always seems to be a little bit of truth involved. Keep looking up. Jack Horkheimer is executive director of the Miami Museum of Science. This is the script for his weekly television show co-produced by the museum and WPBT Channel 2 in Miami. It is seen on public television stations around the world. For more information about stars, visit www.jackstargazer.com.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVENT OF MONTH
The panel discussions at the Superyacht Symposium will emphasize PHOTO/LUCY REED vessels longer than 50 meters.
March 18-19 5th annual International Superyacht Symposium Miami Beach Convention Center
A series of panel discussions covering the large-yacht sector with concentration on vessels larger than 50 meters. Panel discussions include: The State of the Superyacht Industry, Deployment Patterns and the Marina Challenge, and Regulation and Manning Issues. $1,495. For more information, visit www.cruiseshippingmiami.com/superyacht.html. The symposium is held in conjunction with the 25th annual Cruise Shipping Miami international conference and exhibition (March 16-19).
Miami Grand Prix, Film Festival on the first weekend in March March 1 SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch (first Sunday of every month) at Riverwalk from 11 to 2, Ft. Lauderdale. Free. www.fortlauderdale.gov
March 4 Networking Triton style (the first Wednesday of every month), 68 p.m., with Nautical Ventures, 1880 Griffin Road, Ft. Lauderdale (the northeast corner of I-95 and Griffin Road). For more details, see story on page C3.
March 5 The Triton Bridge luncheon,
Ft. Lauderdale, noon. This is our monthly captains’ roundtable where we discuss the issues and trends of the industry. If you make your living running someone else’s yacht, this is for you. Space is limited. Contact Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton.com or 954-525-0029 for an invite.
March 5-8 Acura Miami Grand Prix.
Presented by the Premiere Racing team that does the Key West event each January. www.premiere-racing.com
March 6-8 6th annual Savannah
International Boat Show, Savannah International Trade & Convention Center and in-water on the Savannah River. Featuring powerboats, sailboats and yachts of all sizes, makes and models. www. savannahinternationalboatshow.com
March 6 15th annual Miami
International Film Festival. www. miamifilmfestival.com
March 7 32nd annual Waterway
Cleanup, organized and sponsored by MIASF. The county’s largest environmental event and in 2008 more than 2,000 volunteers worked at locations across Broward County to clean nearly 65 tons/235 cubic yards of trash and debris from our waterways, rivers and canals. 9 am to 1pm. Join The Triton team just north of Ft. Lauderdale’s South Beach Parking lot as we clean the beach. Coffee and treats. www.miasf.org
March 7-8 Las Olas Art Festival, Ft.
Lauderdale. More than 300 regional and national artists exhibit on Las Olas Boulevard between 6th and 11th avenues. www.artfestival.com
March 8 SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch (first Sunday of every month) at Riverwalk from 11 to 2, Ft. Lauderdale. Free. www.fortlauderdale.gov
March 11 and 14 Helping Hands of
Harbour Towne Captains’ Party and Fishing Tournament, Dania Beach, Fla. to benefit a local child with a chronic, life-threatening medical condition.
See CALENDAR, page B18
March 2009
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B18 March 2009 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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The Triton
Piracy conference in London CALENDAR, from page B17 Top prize trophies and cash awards. Limited to vessels 37 feet and smaller. www.harbourtownemarina.net
March 12-14 The inaugural Abu
Dhabi Yacht Show, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, organized by Informa Yacht Group (owners of the Monaco Yacht Show). Show to target elite power and sail buyers in the market for megayachts 30-100m. www. abudhabiyachtshow.com
March 13-15 Grenada Round-the-
Island Easter Regatta, organized by the Grenada South Coast Yacht Club. www. aroundgrenada.com
March 18-19 Tackling Piracy at
Sea Conference, London, UK. The conference is for ship operators, governments, regulatory bodies, industry associations, private security organizations, insurance companies and P&I Clubs and coastguards. Seminars include international cooperation, naval protection, private security, preventative measures and industry funding policing. www. quaynote.com, +44 (0) 20 8348 3704, info@quaynote.com
March 19-22 Dania Beach Marine
Flea Market, Dania Beach, Fla. Private individuals and corporate vendors sell everything from anchors to zinc collars, including marine equipment, antiques, used boats, fishing tackle, diving gear, marine artwork and more. www. thedaniamarinefleamarket.com
March 20-22 Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! Naples, Fla., Saltwater Seminar. 1-888-321-LLGF (5543), www. ladiesletsgofishing.com
March 22-27 Advanced Marina
Management School by the International Marina Institute, Charleston, SC. Profit-management training course for senior marina professionals. www.marinaassociation. org
March 22-27 Advanced Marina
Management School by the International Marina Institute, Queensland, Australia. Profitmanagement training course for senior marina professionals. www. marinaassociation.org
March 25-April 5
25th Sony Ericsson Open, Miami’s Key Biscayne. Tennis tournament featuring the top 96 male and female tennis players in the world. www.sonyericssonopen.com
March 26-29 24th annual Palm Beach Boat Show, Palm Beach. Features
MAKING PLANS April 2-5 3rd annual Antibes Yacht Show Antibes, France Marks the opening of the Mediterranean yachting season in Europe’s largest yacht harbor. Events include crew barbecue, private catering cup (www. privatecateringcup.fr), captain’s gala dinner, The Crew Show (www. crewshow.com), exhibitor cocktail parties, best charter yacht award and more. For all the details, visit www.antibesyachtshow.com.
more than $350 million worth of boats, megayachts and accessories from marine manufacturers around the world. In addition to the in-water portion of the show on the Intracoastal Waterway along Flagler Drive, this year’s show includes exhibitors at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Continuous free shuttle buses connect the two. Boat show tickets are $14. www.showmanagement.com
March 26-29 St. Barths Bucket
Regatta, fun, non-racing regatta open to yachts over 100 feet (31m). Dock space at Gustavia is limited to 22-25 boats, race limited to 33 yachts. www. newportbucket.com
March 31 International Institute of
Marine Surveying last enrollment date for Marine Surveying Diplomas, Yacht & Small Craft Surveying, Cargo Surveying, Engineering Surveying and Marine Industry Surveying. www. marinediplomas.com
April 1 Networking Triton style (the
first Wednesday of every month), 6-8 p.m., with Radio Holland. Stay tuned for more details. www.the-triton.com
April 2 The Triton Bridge luncheon.
This is our monthly captains’ roundtable where we discuss the issues and trends of the industry. If you make your living working on yachts, contact Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton. com or 954-525-0029 for an invite. Space is limited.
April 15 Triton Expo, Bahia Mar
Beach Resort & Yachting Center, Ft. Lauderdale. For everyone working and soon-to-be-working in the yachting industry and for all companies that offer services to them and their yachts. Networking, education, crew placement agencies, brokers and companies that offer goods and services to yachts. Booths, speakers, resume clinic, raffles and more in the planning. Stay tuned to www.the-triton.com
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SPOTTED
Triton Spotter
Capt. Paul Watson, head of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, takes a break with his Triton aboard the marine conservation enforcement ship Steve Irwin, which patrols the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary, shutting down illegal whaling boats. In the background is the factory ship Nisshin Maru, a harpoon ship that Sea Shephard rammed on Feb. 6 in an effort to halt its whaling activity. Sea Shepherd’s operations can be viewed on the television series Whale Wars on the Animal Planet channel. Anybody else spot a celebrity with a Triton? PHOTO/STEVE ROEST
Capt. John of M/Y D’Natalin, a 151-foot Delta, took a holiday last summer and whisked then-girlfriend Whitney to Easter Island. While there, in addition to popping the question, he snapped this really cool photo. “I didn’t include a person in the picture as the Moie (statue) was too majestic,” he said of the mysterious arms (Whitney’s) and floating Triton. “I would recommend a trip on your own,” he said. “It’s not a place for yachts to go, though. There are no ports or places to tie up, only anchoring offshore. And there are only a couple of places to take a tender in. All the rest is volcanic rock. ”There is a good deal of history of how the culture evolved. If you are not into that, there is good scuba diving and tuna fishing. Best tuna carpaccio eva, as one of my British stews used to say.”
Where have you and your Triton been lately? Send photos to lucy@the-triton.com. If we print yours, you get a T-shirt.
March 2009
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February networking
March networking
All about the man
With TowBoatU.S.
With Nautical Ventures
11 years and smiling.
C2
Section C
C3
No grumps
C4
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At last, a cure for grumpy stew syndrome.
C5
March 2009
Triton survey: Half of crew have been threatened or attacked By Lucy Chabot Reed While there is no indication that the yacht captain and chef who were murdered in the Caribbean in the past few weeks died because they were yacht crew, the fact remains that the industry lost two of its own. (Read more about those incidents on page A8.) The attacks seemed to us to be rare and awful things, but e-mails
we received in the subsequent weeks made us wonder about the rare part. (Certainly, not about the awful part.) Each day, we got more comments from crew around the world who have been harassed or attacked in their travels. So we decided to ask all crew about it. This month’s survey asked yacht crew if they had ever had trouble in the ports they visit. And the answer, though it didn’t surprise, sure did sober
us up a bit. Of the 325 respondents – our largest response yet – 53 percent have had some sort of trouble along the way in their yachting career. While that might not seem like a significant percentage, think about it for a moment. Think of all the people you know. Would you guess half have been threatened, robbed, mugged or attacked? “If you have been to sea long enough
GEARING UP FOR AN INTERVIEW?
Proper decorum can help you land a job By Capt. Les Annan Great, you have the interview for a job on a yacht. Now what do you do? Here are my suggestions. When you go to the interview you should look and sound like a professional. I know you will say this is common sense but from my experience not everyone has common sense. 1. Find out all you can about the boat and crew before the interview. 2. Show up 10 minutes early. 3. Dress l Remember that this is a profession. You should look like a professional. l I always wear a suit and tie. You can always take the jacket off if it turns out to be more casual interview. l Choose shoes that are easy to take off so that if your interview is on a boat, you can take them off easily. 4. A special note for female job candidates: l No perfume and very little deodorant. We do not want to smell you, good or bad. l Very little jewelry l Very little make up l Bare hand and toe nails (or perhaps just French nails) l Be conservative and neat. I have had stews show up looking like they are going to South Beach for the night. Wrong. l Keep your hair tied up or back.
COPYRIGHT LUMAXART; IMAGE FROM BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
When serving food, your hair needs to be out of the way. 5. A special note for male job candidates:
l Keep your hair short. l Shave. After you get the job you
can maybe grow it back.
See INTERVIEWING, page C19
you will eventually run into trouble; the docks are known for it, and so are mariners,” said a man in yachting more than 25 years. “Most of us started our careers as single, ambitious, and a little wild. When we were younger, many of us went looking for trouble at one time or another. It’s part of the lifestyle: work hard, play hard.”
See SURVEY, page C12
Seize control of food costs in five steps I have seen it too many times. A new chef comes onboard and starts going through the freezer. Heads duck as she begins to throw out what she can’t identify. Some of this throw-away waste is perfectly good, high quality cuts of beef, foie gras, veal, duck, etc. All because they either don’t know what it is, how old it is Culinary Waves or they don’t know Mary Beth how to fix it. Lawton Johnson There go the food costs. With the economic downturn, it is wise to think about controlling food costs as part of the yacht’s standard operating procedure. I wrote about controlling costs in general last month, so this month, let’s examine some specific techniques. How to start: 1. Create a food budget 2. Determine food costs 3. Take an inventory 4. Look for shrinkage 5. Create/use a recipe costing form
See WAVES, page C7
C
C March 2009 NETWORKING LAST MONTH: TowBoatU.S. New River
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early 300 captains, crew and industry pros gathered at 15th Street Fisheries in Ft. Lauderdale for The Triton’s monthly networking event on the first Wednesday of February. Sponsored by TowBoatU.S., the event spilled out onto the docks with friendly faces, lots of laughter and some solid networking. Everyone who reads and loves The Triton is welcome to come. See details of this month’s event on the next page. Photos by Capt. Tom Serio
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NETWORKING THIS MONTH: Nautical Ventures
March 2009
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Nautical Ventures moves water toys into bigger showroom The Triton hosts a networking event on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. In March, that’s March 4, and we’re meeting at the new showroom of Nautical Ventures, a water toys retail shop in Ft. Lauderdale (1880 Griffin Road, on the northeast corner of I-95 and Griffin Road.) This month’s networking is sponsored by Nautical Ventures, a new Triton advertiser. The boys from YES (Yacht Entertainment Systems) will be there, of course, with the tunes. Everyone who reads The Triton and wants to network with professionals in the industry is welcome to attend. In the meantime, learn a little more about Nautical Ventures from company owner Josh Schwartz. Q. So tell us about Nautical Ventures. Nautical Ventures is a retail store specializing in all types of water sports such as kayaks, sailboats (Hobie, Laser, Sunfish), wakeboards and water skies, Schwartz windsurfing, kite surfing, inflatable products, etc. Really, we have anything you can imagine that you could have fun with on the water. We’ve been in business for 24 years, primarily catering to resorts, hotels and concessions throughout the United States, Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico, and just recently we sent a big order to Qatar. A few months ago we expanded and moved to a more visible location next to I-95 at Griffin Road. With this new location in the heart of the boating world, we are already seeing an increase in business. Q. It’s a hard time to expand a business, even in yachting. We have always marketed our products to the yachting industry, so we have a lot of contacts in that world. Our new facility has the room, and our business license gives us the opportunity to get into the brokerage end of things so we are going to experiment to see how it goes. The former tenant in our building had been doing that so we still get people coming here looking for the used boats they sold, the 25-40-foot vessel. As the economy makes buying new boats less attractive, the used side of things is still relatively strong. Q. What can yacht captains or crew get from your company that they can’t get anywhere else? Service, service, and more service. Also, expertise, inventory and location. Since we’re been doing this for so long, we have the expertise to know what works and what doesn’t. We give our customers the straight scoop, so to speak, and we’ll advise them on what product best fits their need.
Because we’re a stocking dealer for almost all of our brands, we keep product on the shelf for immediate delivery. Captains and owners are here all the time choosing everything they need, and telling us how easy we make things for them. Q. Nautical Ventures was the top Hobie Cat dealer in the United States last year. How’d that happen? We work hard. Seriously, I think it’s because of that, but also because we do a good job servicing our existing customers so that they recommend us to their associates. Internally, we
know how to control our inventory to keep the right products on hand for immediate delivery, and that’s key to many of our yachting customers. When an owner wants something, often he or she wants it now. The same thing goes for a regular guy who’s been shopping for a kayak. Plus, we’re nice guys. Q. Where does the experience of your staff come from? All of our staff take part in most of the sports we sell. Collectively, we kayak, windsurf, kite surf, race Hobie Cats, row, and use all the toys we sell. Some of us here have been doing these
sports all our lives, and have worked in this business for 20 years or more. Our prerequisite for hiring is an interest in the sports we carry. And we’re always trying new things. The new craze is stand-up paddleboards so we’re getting more into that. We just got in a jet-powered surfboard that yachties are excited about. Come meet Josh Schwartz at our networking event March 4, call him at +1-954-926-5250 or visit www. nauticalventures.com for more information about Nautical Ventures.
C March 2009 PROFILE: Capt. Gene Pelland
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This captain’s career more about the man than the boat By John Freeman Capt. Gene Pelland has been piloting Billy Joel’s ever-changing yacht fleet for 11 years. He’s now aboard M/Y Audacious, an 85-foot Inace expedition vessel that the famed singer/songwriter bought late last year. While it’s more of a working boat than the luxury craft its new name might suggest, Pelland said he couldn’t be happier. Not only did he get married late last summer, but he’s in charge of Joel’s six vessels, Audacious the largest. While that may be modest by today’s standards, especially given the celebrity stature of his boss, it’s the prolific “Piano Man” who wins raves. “In yachting, it’s not only about the size of the boat, it’s about the owner,” Pelland said. “He’s such a great guy. I’d drive a canoe for him if he wanted me to.” Right after Joel purchased the yacht (the ex-Zembra III), Pelland brought Audacious to Knight & Carver YachtCenter in San Diego for an extensive refit. “Every part of this boat was repainted, top to bottom,” Pelland said. In addition, a working cargo hatch was installed to store up to five of Joel’s motorcycles, part of his prized collection of 22 bikes.
“Those are his version of jet skies,” Pelland said. “Every trip we take has a certain purpose. He’s into function, not just being beautiful for the sake of showing off. He’s into the working functions of his boats – whether it’s his commuter boats, landing craft, fishing or expedition.” This spring, Audacious will join Joel’s other vessels in his home port of Sag Harbor, N.Y., where he’s a regular cruising fixture during breaks in his tour schedule. Pelland and his two-man crew – Mate Brian McDermott and Engineer Bryan Otis – often join Joel’s world-wide tour, which also includes fellow legend Elton John. “Believe me, Billy brings a contagious energy to whatever he does,” Pelland said. “And he’s always been an advocate for getting ‘his people’ involved in his life. We never feel like we’re working for him. It’s more like we work with him.” Another indication of Joel’s devotion to his employees is the fact that most of his stage managers and production aides have been with him more than 20 years. Pelland values his working relationship with Joel, who attended his wedding (to Michelle, who often joins the yacht’s crew) in Sag Harbor. “The thing with Billy is, he listens,”
The crew of M/Y Audacious – from left, Eng. Bryan Otis, Mate Brian McDermott and Capt. Gene Pelland – take a break during a recent refit in PHOTO/JOHN FREEMAN San Diego. said Pelland, a Rhode Island native who’s been a yacht captain for nearly 25 years. “It’s not his way or the highway. I know there’s a high burnout rate [among captains] if it’s just about running the boat. That’s never the case with Billy. We’re always going somewhere different, or doing a tour stop or riding his bikes somewhere. “Life never gets stale when you’re
around Billy Joel.” John Freeman is director of communications for Knight & Carver YachtCenter. He spent more than a dozen years as a journalist at the San Diego Tribune and Union Tribune newspapers before joining the marine industry. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
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ONBOARD COMMUNICATION: SitComm
Cure for grumpy stews: flip your shoulds As I folded the boss’s underwear, I thought, “I should really be doing something more worthwhile with my time. I should be working on my business plan for eco-friendly products, or I should be visiting my family.” My folding technique became more aggressive and I looked around the crew SitComm mess at my fellow Rachel Shapiro crew members with frustration and judgment. They seemed happy and satisfied to spend their days working on this boat, cleaning and polishing. What was wrong with them? Now, not only was I frustrated with my career choice, I thought everyone around me should be doing something different as well. In that moment, my respect for them diminished and I didn’t want to waste time talking to any of them. I felt a pounding headache coming on and just like that, I had become the grumpy stew. When you live and work closely with others, a lack of respect or desire to interact with them creates a volatile situation. I may mouth the niceties and be superficially polite, but my frustration with myself and everyone around me was undoubtedly evident in everything I said and did. The reality was, I was standing there folding laundry. The first mate was happy with his career. My thoughts about what he or I should be doing were just opinions and they were causing me angst and frustration. I don’t like to be upset, so I took a closer look at where I was should-ing myself. Not completely unsurprising, I found them everywhere. I shouldn’t have had that chocolate cake at lunch … I should call my parents more often … I should have more money in my savings account. And, unfortunately, I had plenty of shoulds to share. The captain should be more forthcoming with information … the deck crew should help the interior more … the guests should eat more meals off the boat … my bunk should definitely be bigger. The instant something becomes a should, it also becomes an opinion. It’s not real. By thinking the captain should be more forthcoming with information, I was relating to him as a tyrant who withheld from his crew. I was short and uncommunicative with him. I also realized that I was so busy thinking that the deck crew should help the interior more that I didn’t even give them credit for working the bar at the last big party on board. Even though the deckhand and mate had to be up at 6 a.m. to set up the deck, they stayed up until 2 a.m. helping the interior team
clean up. I couldn’t remember the last time I had helped on a wash down. When I’m not thinking about what else I should be doing, I actually quite like my job. So if I made up an opinion that made me frustrated, couldn’t I make up an opinion that didn’t? Well, if the opinion “I should be doing something different with my time” was frustrating me, what opinion about my job would work for me? I have recently learned a technique called the Four Steps to Freedom that spelled it all out. The first step is identifying a thought that doesn’t work: I should be doing something different with my time. The second step is noticing where I felt the discomfort in my body: in my head and face. The third step is to distinguish whether the thought is fact or opinion. The fact was: I was folding laundry. My opinion was: I should be doing something different. The tension in my head and face started to ease as I admitted that “I should be doing something different” was an opinion that I made up. The final step is flipping. Flip the opinion and declare the opposite. My mind balked at this. The opposite opinion is “I should not be doing something different with my time.” But I wanted to be doing something other than folding underwear. But desiring something and shoulding myself are two different things. Desires call us forward to the next step in our lives. Shoulds keep us stuck denying what is actually real. I’ve always fancied myself as a bit of a realist so I rapidly overcame my hesitation at saying out loud that I should not be doing something different with my time other than folding underwear. A giggle welled in my throat as I said it again … I should not be doing something other than folding underwear. What a relief. It seemed so simple. In an instant, I was able to dissolve my frustration with my circumstances, as well as my headache, and simply align myself with reality. Freeing my mind from frustration allowed me to concentrate more fully on what I was actually doing and to be grateful that I had a job at all. I also noticed that now that my mind wasn’t preoccupied with useless opinions I had some free time to call my parents, work on my business plan, or research philanthropic projects on the Web. Neat. After being taught this technique and getting great results in one area of my life, I started applying it to any shoulds that came up. The captain should not be more forthcoming with information. The deck crew should not help the interior more. This flipping the shoulds was pretty cool. I felt more energetic and satisfied than I had in a long time.
My affection and respect for the people I live and work with returned. The next time I saw the captain, rather than smoldering about his lack of communication, I asked if he had any news about our upcoming schedule. Not only did I get the information I wanted, I was able to support him by passing it on to the rest of the crew. That desirable result came about simply by accepting where I was and what I was doing, accepting the choices of the crew around me, and the reality of the situations that I chose to put myself in. The best part is that the grumpy stew was gone, and it must have been visible on my face because as I folded the last pair of boxer shorts, I noticed that the mate had taken all the clean towels and put them away, without even a please or thank you from me. Rachel Shapiro has worked on yachts more than 10 years. She works to bring a more holistic approach to yachting with the Integrous line of all-natural cleaning products, and crew placement and seminars through Hands Om Crew. The Four Steps to Freedom mentioned in this column are designed by 18mind.com. Contact Shapiro at +1-954-465-6320. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
March 2009
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C March 2009 IN THE GALLEY: Recipe
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Still Better than Sex Breakfast An economical look by Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson
The appearance of the dish is very similar; expect the taste to be similar, too. PHOTO/MARY BETH LAWTON JOHNSON But the big difference comes in the bill. Last month we showed the Better than Sex Breakfast in honor of Valentine’s Day. This month, here’s an economical look at the same high-end recipe that takes into consideration controlling food costs. Swap the jumbo lump crab cakes for some fish cakes and ditch the filet for some chuck eye steak or flat iron steak.
Fold in the fish and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Pan fry in hot oil until slightly brown on all sides.
Fish cakes: 1-1/2 cups mayonnaise Handful of parsley, chopped 1 oz Coleman’s dry mustard 1 oz horseradish 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning 1/2 cup Panko Bread Crumbs 2 lbs white flaky fish cooked, chopped
For the Hollandaise: I use the Knorrs Hollandaise mix and prepare according to the package. Add some shaved white truffles if you like.
Combine the mayo and seasonings with the eggs. Make a wet mix. Add the bread crumbs.
For the steaks: Season with salt, pepper and your choice of seasoning. Pan fry or grill the steak 3-4 minutes on each side for rare.
To plate: Begin with half an English muffin. Top with the steak. Top with a fish cake. Top with a poached egg. Top with the Hollandaise sauce. Instead of Beluga caviar, top with trout or salmon roe or even domestic fish roe.
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IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves
March 2009
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Offer your menu plans to a boss for inspection WAVES, from page C1
1. Create a food budget
Does the owner really want the most expensive bottle of champagne onboard or will he be happy with an Italian Prosecco? Is he already telling you to hold down prices? Some chefs may be permitted to buy what they like and not have to watch what they spend. But today, that way of life is slowing leeching out of the port hole, being replaced with cost cutting methods, even for luxury megayachts. Make a menu for each week you will have guests, crew and/or owners onboard. Let the captain, owner or management company inspect it and look for ways to control menu item costs by suggesting lesser-used cuts that you know how to prepare, such as lamb shanks. There is nothing worse than having foie gras onboard and no one eats it. So plan your menus wisely.
2. Determine food costs
Food costs are the cost of all foods and drinks used in the production of menu items. This is the bottom line your employer is most interested in. This number is also known as raw food cost or cost of items sold. You can calculate food costs in two ways: 1. the total cost Food-cost of all foods percentages used during a given time can be period determined 2. the on individual cost of one portion or menu items menu item such as when Total cost a charter is used as a guide for guest is budgeting paying $40 and menu for a filet planning. when it You will then have to actually cost refine your the yacht menu if the $13.50 to food cost is too high. buy. You This method would simply of portion divide the cost helps to calculate two figures menu prices to arrive at (charter the food-cost yacht, cruise ship, percentage. gambling boat) to keep the chef within cost limitations. After the total value of all the food items have been established, cost of goods/food sold is calculated by taking the value of food inventory at the beginning of a period and adding
the value of food purchased during the period, minus the value of inventory at the end of period. For example, the chef did an inventory and the value of food stuffs onboard on Jan. 1, 2008, was $12,500. During the year, the chef purchased foodstuffs that totaled $11,000. The totals in inventory on Dec. 31, 2008, was $11,300. What was the cost of the goods eaten/sold during that period? Food-cost percentages are the ratio of costs to sales or, in our case as
yachties, the ratio of costs to use. Let’s say the management company has been nagging you that your food costs are too high. They say it came in at 57 percent. That means that 57 cents of every dollar went to pay for the foods the yacht used. Food cost percentages are determined by dividing food costs by sales or in our world, what the charter guests pay for the food. Also, food-cost percentages can be determined on individual menu items such as when a charter guest is paying
$40 for a filet when it actually cost the yacht $13.50 to buy. You would simply divide the two figures to arrive at the food-cost percentage. To reduce the food-cost percentage, you must either hike the price or substitute lesser cuts of meat at better prices. By itself, a single food-cost percentage is useless. You would want to compare it to previous monthly food
See WAVES, page C8
C March 2009 IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves
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Shrinkage is caused by either theft or spoilage WAVES, from page C7 costs to determine if you have blown the budget and run up the food costs for the month or not.
3. Take an inventory
Take an inventory every month. If you are new to a yacht, take an inventory of what is on hand the moment you begin. Record all food purchases added to inventory. Inspect the food carefully for mishandling, temperature abuse or freezer burn. A great chef will put a label on an item that notes the date the product was received. An accurate inventory is necessary to predict future needs. It pinpoints problems and helps calculate financial statements for the management company or boss. A perpetual inventory uses books and accounting procedures. This is sometimes known as a running inventory and is labor intensive. Inventories can be done weekly, every two weeks, monthly, quarterly or even yearly.
4. Look for shrinkage
Shrinkage is either caused by mishandling that results in waste (such as the chef making too much food and not using leftovers) or by theft. An example might be the mate feeding a day worker with a steak from the freezer. Under no circumstances should a crew member take any food that does not belong to them.
5. Recipe costing form
Keeping track of individual item and recipe costs is part of your job as a chef to paying clients. You begin by determining the cost of the given quantity of each ingredient. So if you are using the juice of five lemons and the juice of five limes in a jug of Citrus Cooler, you figure the cost of the fruit. That part is easy. Lemons and limes might cost 39 cents each, for example, multiplied each by five. Use the chart below as a starting point.
Figuring out the cost of the sugar takes a little more math. You need 2 cups in this recipe. But sugar isn’t sold in cups; it’s sold in a 1-pound bag, for example. Figure out how many cups are in a 1-pound bag, divide by the cost and multiply by 2. Once you have the cost for each individual ingredient, add them together to obtain the total recipe cost. Another important factor to consider is the portion of the product that is edible. In your records, keep track of the cost of the item as purchased (AP), the edible portion (EP) and the yield, which refers to the actual usable or edible quantity remaining after fabrication and processing. It is always less than 100 percent. For example, consider a case of asparagus. The AP weight might be something like 15 pounds. The trim loss is 5 pounds, leaving an edible portion of 10 pounds. Now divide the EP by the AP to determine the yield, in this case, 66.7 percent. Below is a standard cost control form to print out or cut out and keep onboard. Controlling food costs reigns in the chefs who are over-spenders and creates a standard operating system as well as set menus. It will never make you look bad if you institute an operating budget to save the boss some money as long as you don’t sacrifice quality for the almighty dollar. And if all this math is just too much, there are software programs available to help you keep accurate records that will calculate food costs and recipe costs and even set up budgets for you. Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified executive pastry chef and Chef de Cuisine. A professional yacht chef since 1991, she has been chef aboard M/Y Rebecca since 1998. (www. themegayachtchef.com) Information for this column was adapted from Sara Labensky’s “Applied Math for Food Service.” Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
Menu Item: Citrus Cooler Total Yield: 3 1/2 quarts Ingredient Lemons Limes Oranges Cold water Sugar Hot water
Quantity 5 5 5 3 quarts 2 c. 2 Tbsp.
Date: Dec. 1, 2008 Portion Size: 6 oz. Cost (AP; Yield; EP)
Recipe Cost
Recipe Cost $ ___________; # of Portions ______ Portion cost $ ________
C10 March 2009 NUTRITION: Take It In
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Tips to make eating healthy healthier for your wallet, too The UK is in recession, the United major food groups. For example, buy States is worried about another a whole chicken and cut it up instead depression, and the rest of the world of buying boneless skinless chicken is worried about a progression of breasts. Purchase regular-cooking economic woes. white or brown rice and season it Although the yourself rather than buying the premegayacht market flavored – and often overly salted seems to be riding – variety. Pick up a block of cheddar high – a record cheese to cut or shred yourself. 1,000-plus large 3. Go generic. Face it, cornflakes yachts on the are cornflakes. You can buy Kellogg’s build, according or General Mills and they will taste to ShowBoats the same as Brand X. Ditto goes for International’s 2009 many other items. Do watch out Take It In Global Order Book for one change. It used to be that a Carol Bareuther – it never hurts supermarket’s brand was the most to be cautious, economical. This isn’t necessarily especially when one’s own pocketbook true anymore. Some supermarkets is at stake. have elevated their house brand to This is especially true when it comes the “private label” category, a move to shopping for food and snacks. If you that adds to the dollar sign. Therefore, routinely experience sticker shock at the best bet is to look at and compare the supermarket, prices for similar you’re not alone. items before you According to the buy. According to the U.S. Department 4. Bigger is USDA, the Consumer of Agriculture’s cheaper. The Economic more you buy, the Price Index for food Research Service, cheaper per unit. increased more than the Consumer For example, an Price Index for 8-ounce package 5 percent in 2008 and food increased of saltines may sell is forecast to increase more than 5 for 99 cents and percent in 2008 a 2-pound tin for as much as 4.5 percent and is forecast to $2.99. This makes more this year. increase as much the price per unit as 4.5 percent on the 2-pound tin more this year. only 75 cents per 8 There are ways to grocery shop both ounces, a 24-cent-per-unit savings. healthfully and economically. Here’s OK, so you just have a few days how: off and you don’t really want to eat 1. Look for fruits and vegetables that through 2 pounds of soda crackers. are in-season. It’s the old law of supply Sometimes buying in bulk isn’t and demand at work here. When practical. But, consider sharing the bushel loads of navel oranges are being purchase with a friend. Also, items plucked from the trees in Florida, the like soda crackers won’t go bad. If cost per unit is definitely lower than a you plan to nibble on an item over handful of fresh blueberries coming off time, look for individual packets. For the boat from Chile. Farmer’s markets example, warehouse stores usually offer and roadside stands, with their low individual bags or items like crackers, overheads, are a great source of bargain cookies and nuts in individual-serving in-season and locally grown produce. sizes. This way, you can buy in quantity However, many major supermarkets yet not have a big box or bag of do advertise seasonal and local fruits something open and ready to go bad or and vegetables at a cost savings. If you attract bugs. really want to have fun, and you have 5. Use coupons. Clip-and-save some time to spare, visit a U-Pick farm. coupons aren’t just for soccer moms. This is a great way to get some exercise When in port, pick up the local paper and pick fruits and vegetables at their and look for coupons. The Sunday least expensive and most delicious. paper is usually a gold mine of these 2. Do it yourself. Cut baby carrots gems. Sales usually include a variety of are super popular. Sales of 1-pound items, healthful and not-so nutritious, bags of these nutritious snacks seem so look carefully. Do check for the to soar year after year. However, having expiration date to be sure you haven’t a grower-shipper do the cutting and missed the sale. peeling adds cost. You can buy a plain bag of cello-wrapped carrots and do the Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian processing yourself for much cheaper and a regular contributor to The Triton. per pound. Comments on this column are welcome This rule extends across all the at editorial@the-triton.com.
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INTERIOR: Stew Cues
Economic shift a good time for stews to make ethical shift With economic change impacting the yachting industry this may be a good time to consider a code of ethics for stews in service on luxury yachts. There are several important areas to be addressed in deciding what is and is not considered to be ethical behavior, and how to develop and maintain Stew Cues a professional Alene Keenan relationship. 1. Maintain appropriate professional relationships and boundaries. A recurring issue for stews, and especially new stews, is where to draw the line in interpersonal interactions with owners and guests. It can seem like the owners and guests want to know the details of your personal life onboard. After all, you know a lot about theirs. However, in most instances, this is simply not the case. Always act in the best interest of your employer. As tempting as it may be to respond openly and emotionally to the question, “How are you?” it places a burden on them when you unload your personal problems and concerns. They really don’t want to know the details of the onboard dramas, and divulging them places your professional integrity in jeopardy. By always placing their interest above your own, you will maintain the highest level of professional standards in your relationship and duties to them. Keep in mind that the owner is your most important guest, not your best friend. Treat him that way. 2. Maintain appropriate personal relationships and boundaries. Encourage a healthy respect with your captain and with the entire crew. Educate and instill a healthy sense of respect for all persons and property associated with your employer by treating each other with courtesy and by committing to the highest level of care for all property onboard. 3. Keep all personal information you may learn about the owners and guests in the strictest confidence. Again, act in the best interest of your employer and maintain your integrity and earn your boss’ trust and respect. The responsibility for maintaining confidences rests with you. If you share information inappropriately, there’s a good chance someone will know. Not only will you be embarrassed, but also you’ll never be trusted again. An important quality of being a stew is learning to be invisible so that guests forget you are in the room. Do this by being completely quiet and pretending that you are not paying attention to conversations held right in front of you.
Often, listening to the owner’s confidential conversations can’t be helped, but it’s OK, as long as he trusts you to remain discrete. You will be more valuable if you are well informed because you can make better decisions. 4. Every yacht has its own style of service. It is an extension of the owners and it is important to concentrate on meeting their needs first and foremost. Determine what style of service your employer and/or guests prefer and then commit to serving them as they choose to be served. Have a clear understanding of what your job entails so you avoid misunderstandings. Make sure you have the proper tools to do your job, and remember that you are responsible for the tools you are given to work with. Ensure consistency so that the owner and guests know what to expect each time they come aboard. Maintain a comfortable, safe, and secure environment. Be an example to others by promoting and restoring the art of service. 5. Abide by the highest ethical, legal, and moral standards at all times. Take care that activities you engage in outside of working hours do not diminish confidence in you or your ability to do your job. Remember, yachting is a close-knit community and your quarters are even closer. News travels fast, especially in this economy, so put your best out there. If you have a crew manual or a signed employment contract, you have agreed to follow certain rules. If so, you risk your job each time you violate this agreement. It is also possible that some types of behavior, which were tolerated in the past, will no longer be tolerated in the new yachting economy. This might be a good time to “clean up your act,” so to speak, if you have knowingly been engaging in illegal, immoral or unethical behavior. 6. Working on a yacht requires a huge degree of dedication to perform your duties diligently, impartially, and responsibly as well as you can. Challenge yourself to improve and enhance your abilities both professionally and personally. Always try to increase your service knowledge and improve your skills through training, study and from sharing information and experiences with other stews. Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stewardess for 16 years. She is the founder of Stewardess Solutions, which offers training and consulting for stewardesses to improve their jobs and careers. Contact her through www. stewardesssolutions.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
March 2009
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C12 March 2009 TRITON SURVEY: Have you ever had trouble?
Incident cause? ‘I was not sure where I was heading’ SURVEY, from page C1 We also asked if crew personally knew anyone who had had trouble in their yachting careers. Adding that number to those who had had trouble themselves, the percentage jumps. Sobering isn’t it? “Whenever you have large amounts of money, as when you have yachts, you will always have people looking for a way to get some of that money,” said a yachtie who has never had a problem. “All the islands that these yachts visit have a lot of poor people.” We asked about all kinds of trouble, from looks and comments that might make a crew member feel uncomfortable to an aggravated attack such as rape. Individual respondents were asked to include all types of trouble they have experienced. Respondents reported 439 incidents. The most common types were intimidating looks and words (126) and robbery (123). “My uncomfortable moment was purely random,” said a woman who thwarted a mugging in Antigua. “I doubt sincerely it was because I was a yachtie, more that I had the appearance of being a little more affluent than those around me and I was not sure where I was heading. Appearing that you have a purpose or know where you are heading, even if you have absolutely no clue, is key to not becoming a victim.” “My cell phone was stolen from the bar counter right before my eyes,” said a male yachtie with more than five years experience about an incident in St. Lucia. “I confronted the guy about it and he and his two
friends denied it. I told him I saw him take it, and simply to return it. They retaliated with violence. He cold-cocked me twice. … Lesson: Keep all your belongings on you.” Our survey differentiated between robbery (where things were stolen) and mugging (things were physically taken from a person). Ninety crew reported being mugged at some point in their career, more than a quarter of all respondents. Nearly as many (87) reported being physically assaulted. Eighteen women reported being raped, which is 5 percent of all respondents and more than 21 percent of the women who responded. What we failed to ask about – but what crew told us about anyway – were the times when attempts of trouble were thwarted. Attempted robberies of things such as dinghies or personal belongings were foiled when crew intervened and the perpetrator ran off. In other cases, attempts at physical violence were thwarted when the crew members defended themselves. “In each of our cases, the attempt failed because we were armed and, more importantly, trained,” said a captain with more than 25 years in the industry. “On one occasion where swimmers tried to board at 3 a.m., I used a bright hand-held searchlight in their eyes and a portable air horn as they tried to come up the swim platform,” a captain said. “This both dazzled and confused them to a point where they had difficulty swimming back to shore.
See SURVEY, page C14
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Do you personally know anyone who has had trouble in their yacht travels?
No – 35.7%
Have you ever had any tro travels (females)?
No – 61.6%
Yes – 64.3%
Have you ever had any trouble in your yacht travels (by tenure in yachting)? 65.9%
59.7% 50.7%
54.9%
47.2%
The Triton
Where did the trouble occur?
Asia – 1.6% So. America – 2.7%
Middle East
United States – 8.9% Cent. America – 9.3% Europe/Mediterranean – 11.4%
Caribbean
9.1%
0-1 2-5 5-10 10-15 15-25 25-plus years years years years years years
Statistics/graphics by Lawrence H
The Triton
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ouble in your yacht
TRITON SURVEY: Have you ever had trouble?
March 2009
Safety tips from captains and crews: Travel in groups, don’t drink so much
Have you ever had any trouble in your yacht travels (males)?
Use the buddy system. Stewardesses need to stop being so tough and make a co-worker or boyfriend walk them home. l
No – 39.6%
Yes – 38.4%
Yes – 60.4%
What kind of trouble did you have in your yachting travels?
t – 0.7%
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Women, just because you are in the company of a man does not mean you are safe. If you are walking to your rental car at night, have a plan and take it seriously. Get to your car fast, unlock, get in and lock your doors ASAP. Never roll down your window for anyone you do not know. Ladies, lock your doors in the day. Remember, you have a bag on the passenger seat. Be aware. l
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in that area, etc. Don’t dress to stand out (this includes a camera) or you become a target. Tell others where you are going and when you expect to be back. Carry appropriate ID with boat and captain’s name, dock location, etc. Never assume you are safe. Stay aware and question your surroundings. Wear a whistle. l
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Always travel in pairs and walk with confidence in all situations. If you are being robbed, give them the money or whatever else they want. You can replace almost everything but your life.
18 9
Intimidation Mugging Rape Robbery Assault
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Att. robbery Att. attack Other
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Only let one official onboard at a time and make sure the marina manager is with them to translate. l
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Be responsible for yourself, and realize what image you present to the people around you. There have been many travelers before you who succeeded in experiencing these foreign lands without incident. Be sure you aren’t the one doing it wrong. l
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Don’t confront; run away instead. Stay in the tourist hangouts and bars, not the locals’ backstreet bars. Try to use the same cab driver for the whole time of your stay.
n – 65.4%
Hollyfield
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Refrain from drinking too much. Be aware of your surroundings. Body language of troublemakers is often apparent prior to trouble occurring. l
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When in a new place, ask questions about where not to go, which is the reliable taxi service, what are the most common crimes
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Crew should be there for each other. You are a family. l
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Stay with a group, avoid unmarked taxis, avoid unlit streets, don’t drink to get drunk, don’t do drugs, avoid arguing with locals, use common sense. l
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Don’t get so drunk or high that you can’t function properly. That’s what these criminals look for. Don’t get in cars whose drivers say they are taxis but have no signs to prove
See TIPS, page C16
C14 March 2009 TRITON SURVEY: Have you ever had trouble?
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‘There is a problem with drug use in the [yachting] industry’ SURVEY, from page C12 It also alerted other vessels nearby. On another occasion where a nearby boat was being broken into, I started taking photos of the perps who saw the camera flash going off. No further trouble there. I’m always reluctant to bring out any kind of a weapon in a foreign country, as the medicine may be worse than the cure.” We also didn’t ask about the cause of the incident, but most captains and crew who offered comments pointed out that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs played a big part in much of the crimes related to crew. “We should not look past the fact there is a problem with drug use in the industry and a lot of these cases might be related to that,” a male yachtie said. He noted that sometimes a local might mistake a crew member for someone who has bought drugs before, and then gets upset when the crew declines. In those cases, another crew member offered this advice: “Buy their dreadful drugs and chuck them away.” “We visit many poor countries,” said a chief officer who has had trouble in the Caribbean and Europe. “They value life differently there, are more disadvantaged and sometimes desperate. Drugs equals danger.” Several crew took responsibility for situations they found themselves in. “I should have known better than to be there in an intoxicated state,” said a stewardess mugged in St. Thomas. “Pretty much all of the instances of bad luck that have befallen my crew mates over the years can be directly related to the amounts of drink and drugs that have been consumed prior to the event,” said an engineer who has avoided trouble in his career. “What I have learned about travel is the following,” he said. “1. Always be respectful with locals 2. Remember that you are a guest in their country; do not insult the hosts. 3. Do not brag about how great your country is compared to theirs. 4. Learn some basic polite phrases in their language; the locals always appreciate you trying to speak their language. 5. Do not engage in political or religious discussions. Instead, ask them about their culture.” Our survey asked crew to let us know where their trouble occurred. Though we asked for specific ports, most offered just countries, so the results are reflected as such. Most incidents in our survey happened in the Caribbean (including the Bahamas). Of the 439 incidents, 287 happened in the Caribbean, specifically Sint Maarten/St. Martin both (60), St. Thomas (43), Antigua (40), the Bahamas (40), the Dominican Republic
(12) and the BVI (12). “The economy of the islands is maybe a lot worse than the mainland so be alert, even in places you have always felt both welcome and secure,” said a captain with more than 15 years in the industry. “It only takes one event to ruin one’s day, vacation or life. Lock everything up at night, brief and re-brief the crew about security, and make sure the guests are warned to be alert for their possessions while ashore.” There could be many reasons the Caribbean showed up as the top spot: because more crew are in those islands more often, perhaps more of the crew who read The Triton and took the survey visited there more often. Regardless, respondent comments made clear that crew find the Caribbean a risky place. And that was troubling to some long-time yachties who have known less violent times. “I believe it is just the bad times we are in at present,” said a man with more than 25 years in the industry and reported no trouble. “I have spent time in [the Caribbean] and befriended many local people whom I trusted and who helped me maintain the boat I was taking care of.” European ports collected the second most incidents with 50, or 11.4 percent of all incidents reported, specifically in Barcelona (8), Palma (5) and Genoa (5). Central America was third, with 41 incidents, specifically in Mexico (15), Panama (13), and Costa Rica (7). Crew ran into trouble in the United States, too, where 39 incidents were reported, specifically in Ft. Lauderdale (14), Miami (4) and New York City (4). In addition to the simple numbers, we crunched results by gender and tenure and found that more men ran into trouble than women – more than 60 percent of men (145 of the 240 who responded to the survey) reported some kind of incident, and a full third of women did (28 of the 83 who responded). Women are perhaps more used to taking precautions when traveling, including not going out alone, and quite possibly their male companions took the brunt of any trouble that approached. We’re not sure what to make of the trend of incidents over the course of one’s career. We certainly expected to see that the longer crew were in the business, the more likely it was that they would have run into trouble. The numbers do show that, but one thing that surprised us was how quickly half of all crew were touched by some kind of incident. Of crew in the business one year, just 9 percent reported problems. But that jumped
See SURVEY, page C15
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TRITON SURVEY: Have you ever had trouble?
One night of crew money can be a month’s wages to many locals SURVEY, from page C14 to 47 percent for tenures of two to five years. And for some reason, crew in the business between 5 and 10 years reported a spike in the incidents of trouble they encountered. Since we asked if crew had ever had trouble in their career, that jump can’t be attributed to youthful indiscretion. In the comments section, nearly every crew member who responded wanted to remind fellow crew to go out in groups, to always be aware of their surroundings, and to leave the nice jewelry, purses and important documents on the boat. “Treat locals with genuine respect and be courteous and magnanimous when challenged,” an engineer said. “One night’s money to a yachtie is equivalent to a week’s or a month’s wages to many locals.” A couple crew reminded us that not all crime happens at night. “A couple in my crew got abducted in the middle of the afternoon by getting into the wrong car,” said a man with more than 25 years in the industry. “All their possessions were taken and they were roughed up.” “It happened in broad daylight on a popular beach in a ‘safe’ place,” said a female with more than 15 years in the industry who was raped. “Tell people your plans, when you should be back, where you will be. (I was jogging.) I carry pepper spray, but sometimes you are in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Several crew noted that confronting would-be robbers or attackers only made the situation worse. “When approached, I dropped my goods and put my hands in the air and said ‘I will just keep walking and not look back’,” said a chef with more than five years in the industry. “It worked. Do not fight back.” “Thinking back on it, I realize that I was the cause of the situations and could have avoided most of them,” said a man with less than five years in the industry. “With most of my muggings and robberies, I felt that I got too comfortable and lazy with my surroundings … wearing loud clothing or items, not being aware of my surroundings, walking in bad neighborhoods, walking home alone late after a night of drinking. “I learned to carry what’s needed: my back-up ID, one credit card, some spending cash for a taxi and my getout-of-trouble cash (a lot of singles and some fives in US dollars),” he said. “This is some cash that I put in an old wallet to throw on the street when being robbed with a weapon. I usually would hold it up in the air and start walking back then throw it on the street and
run. “Most of my muggings were caused by me fighting back. I learned to lose some pride and money so I can go home to appreciate what’s most important to me: life.” Another thing crew reminded us of in the comments section was the frequency of police and government corruption in the places they visited. “In Falmouth Harbour Marina [Antigua], May 2001, a local broke into a 70-foot sailing yacht and held the cook at knife point whilst he took her purse and left,” said a captain with more than 15 years in the industry. “The police response was to ask for $30 to cover the cost of circulating the police report.” “In Indonesia, the security people we hired stole articles from the master cabin, and only after the police were tipped did things return,” said an engineer with more than 15 years in the industry. “Don’t trust the local authorities unless you pay them.” Two female crew noted that the most trouble they had ever had in their yachting careers came from drunk captains. Mostly, though, respondents stressed common sense. “People have to remember the troubles might have nothing to do with us being in the yachting industry,” said a mate with more than 15 years in the industry. “The troubles happen in traveling in general. Can we blame what happened to Capt. Drew on the fact he was a yacht captain? Or do we blame it on crime itself? “I have personally had problems in Antigua but that was when I was there visiting friends on land and not while traveling on a yacht. It was just the local scum being local scum. Every country has them.” “Attacks like this incident [the murder of Capt. Drew Gollan in Antigua] are tragic and rare,” said a captain in yachting more than 25 years. “Personal weaponry would not have protected him. There is more chance of being carjacked or mugged or shot in a drive-by in any big city. “And what defense is possible with crazy people? We cannot live our lives in fear, locked up in our boats. So what do you do? Keep your eyes open, and duck when needed. The same things we have all done forever.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Lawrence Hollyfield is an associate editor. Comments on this survey are welcome at lucy@the-triton. com. We conduct our monthly surveys online. All captains and crew members are welcome to participate. If you haven’t been invited to take our surveys and would like to be, register for our emails online at www.the-triton.com.
March 2009
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C16 March 2009 TRITON SURVEY: Have you ever had trouble?
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If you don’t have local knowledge, ask TIPS, from page C13 that. Don’t accept drinks from locals. l
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Don’t go anywhere alone, even places you’ve been before, even if you live there, even if everyone knows your name. Don’t go alone. l
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The captain or mate should take the time to check with the marina regarding dangerous areas. If you don’t have local knowledge, ask. l
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Never leave a crew member alone. l
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Even groups of two are not enough when heading ashore. Keep your head down and walk with a purpose. l
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Keep a “toss” wallet with $40 or so and some expired credit cards. I also carry an expired driver’s license with three digits darkened out in the number. l
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Recognize the signs of trouble before it begins. And have a way out. l
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When they ask you to leave your ID at the security gate, don’t give anything that gives too many details. l
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Remember that when you are not in your hometown you are in someone else’s. Keep your mouth shut and treat everyone with respect. Remember that the boat you are on cost more than the island in many cases. Drop the attitude that the locals are lucky to have you there. More than likely they are resentful of crew and yacht owners. Think about how you would feel if you were the people in the area. If you’re loud, drunk and mouthing off, you will have a problem anywhere. l
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Always be aware that others less fortunate than yourself may decide to violently change the status quo. We have all sorts of procedures and systems in place to ensure people’s safety under the umbrella of “good seamanship.” Taking precautions against society’s malcontents is just as important. l
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Young crew throwing their cash around after a good charter is unwise. Have some respect for the locals. They might not be into belly shooters
and rowdy behavior in their local bar. Remember that you are a visitor and have respect to match. l
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Nothing good ever happens in public after 11 p.m. Be home by then. l
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Don’t go off by yourself, even to the men’s room. l
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Never hide a key on deck (people are always watching); all crew should have their own. Go out of your way to build relationships with locals, especially those that hang around the boats. Make an effort to socialize and be a part of the community, not just with other crew. l
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When crew are downstairs, make sure all doors to the interior are locked. Whenever someone comes onboard, even customs and immigration, don’t let them out of your sight and don’t have any valuables lying around. l
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Never be afraid to wake your chief steward or purser to come pick you up if you do not feel safe or get into trouble. Or phone somebody. l
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What works best for me is to avoid eye contact and keep going as if I knew where I am going, keep a smile and respect their territory. If they talk to me, most of the time I don’t understand their accent so I just smile and let them know I am a French Canadian and that everything is OK with me, I don’t need anything (most of the time they try to sell drugs). l
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Do not become involved with drugs or make deals with locals. Do not carry vast amounts of cash. We had to in days gone by but these days everyone has a boat credit card. Don’t engage in unnecessary conversation and do not make eye contact. Rather, be polite, walk on and act as if you know where you are going, even if you are absolutely lost. l
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Pre-dial cell phones for help, and set them up for pictures to send. Learn self defense. l
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Keep your drink in your hand. If you let it out of your sight, toss it. You’re a yachtie; you can afford a new one.
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PERSONAL FINANCE: Yachting Captial
Alternative energy offers alternative to stock market I remember my first boat job more than 20 years ago. Thinking back, I was quite impressed on how environmentally conscious the crew was with the cleaning supplies they used and the way they did things around the boat. Back then, environmental concerns were not as common Yachting Capital as they are today. Mark A. Cline Everywhere you turn now new companies are forming and old companies are changing to feed the demand for green energy and recycling. Many of my clients ask me how to invest in green energy and in environmentally conscious companies. My research in investments is often prompted by my clients, and environmental interests are important to many of them in today’s market. Many of these environmental investments are outside the stock market. One company I have researched is involved with wind, natural gas, water and pipeline rights. This month’s column is intended to touch on the general concepts of how these investments work. Feel free to continue your research if something interests you. Wind farming is experiencing explosive growth in the United States as state and federal mandates drive heavy demand for renewable energy sources. The Department of Energy reports that 20 percent of America’s electricity can come from wind. Developing wind power is an investment in rural America. Having said that, the next question is how can investors get involved in wind energy? Companies that manufacture and install windmills need land for windmill operation. These companies are typically not in the real estate business, so they go to companies that specialize in purchasing or leasing tracks of land. In rural areas, many different farm land owners may have to be put together to cover an area to develop a windmill farm. I am not going to get into the details of research and negotiations needed to close these deals. Needless to say, the windmill companies are not equipped to handle this process of setting up a place to put a windmill farm. Think of this as a broker bringing two deals together. The windmill installers need a place to set up the windmill farm and the landowners
would like an extra income source from their land. This broker creates a contingent contract on both sides to make this happen. Typically, it is a two-year process to complete these negotiations. But someone needs to pay the farmers for their land since the windmill companies typically don’t have the capital to do that. That’s where investors come in. The broker must ensure a good profit for the investors loaning the funds. These contracts are all integrated with each other to protect everyone involved. The investor on this kind of program can get upward of an 18 percent return per year. Similar to a short-term note this is typically a two-year program where you get interest payments and then your principal is returned at the end of the term. Another form of energy is natural gas. As the United States strives to reduce its dependency on foreign oil, it is turning more and more to natural gas as an alternative source of fuel. Not only is natural gas the second largest energy source in the United States, it is also one of the cleanest, safest and most useful forms of energy. Natural gas markets will continue to provide significant opportunities. According to a 2008 report from the U.S. government’s Energy Information Administration, total U.S. natural gas reserves resources that have been identified have increased for the past eight years. Recent drilling trends indicate continued growth, with a stronger concentration on unconventional resources such as shale. Shale formations in the lower 48 states are widely distributed, large, and contain huge resources of natural gas, the report stated. Pipeline transportation of water and gas is vital to meeting our nation’s growing energy and water needs. By acquiring properties that are well positioned in the path of pipeline development, surface acreage generates tremendous value through the negotiation of pipeline rights-of-way. Needless to say this should be looked at as an alternative investment outside of the typical stock market investment. This type of investment is not affected as much as our current stock market. As with any investment, do your research, diversify and ask a lot of questions to make sure it fits into your long-term plan. Capt. Mark A. Cline is a chartered senior financial planner and mortgage broker. He is a partner in Capital Marine Alliance in Ft. Lauderdale. Comments on this column are welcome at +1-954-764-2929 or through www. capitalmarinealliance.net.
March 2009
C17
C18 March 2009 FITNESS: Keep It Up
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No excuses as new year, new routine gets comfortable May I assume that you are all keeping up with your circuit training routines? If you answered no, do you have an excuse? I assure you; there is no room for excuses. Not enough time? Reevaluate your schedule. Wake up a little bit earlier or try to fit in three 10- to 12Keep It Up minute sessions Beth Greenwald throughout the day. This will still accumulate to at least 30 minutes of exercise. Don’t have the resources? Improvise. Use cans or water bottles as added resistance. Too tired? Exercise may just be the perfect solution to fighting fatigue. Not motivated? Make yourself a short-term fitness or wellness goal. Get a friend or the whole crew together to do the workouts with you, listen to music and make it fun. These circuit workouts keep your routine changing, they all take less then an hour to complete and they all work your entire body
from top to bottom. By the way, I am more than happy to help you work through any other excuse you may have. That said, get your workout gear on, grab a bottle of water, crank up the tunes on your iPod and let’s get started with your next workout. Warm Up (5 minutes) Jump rope - 90 seconds Jog in place - 2 minutes Jump rope - 90 seconds
you step (right leg forward then twist to the right). Push back to an upright position with your forward leg. Challenge- keep arms straight out in front of you and hold a weight in your hands.
2. Lateral Jumps (30 seconds) Find a line on deck or the dock, or place a resistance band on the ground. Standing to one side of the line, jump sideways with your feet together to the opposite side Circuit of the line. 1. Alternating Lunge with Upon landing, immediately Oblique Twist (1 minute) jump to the other side and Keeping your hands behind your continue, using both upper and head, elbows pointed out to sides, lower body movements. Challengelunge forward increase speed by keeping with one leg landings short or try using a and lower barrier to jump over. your body to 90 degrees at 3. Forward and Backward both knees Jumps (30 seconds) (remember, Stand with both feet together, take a big toes facing the line. Jump forward enough step over the line and immediately so your knee jump backward over the line. doesn’t pass Repeat forward and backward over your jumps as fast as you can. toes). Challenge- move feet closer As you together. step forward, rotate your torso to the same side 4. Repeat Lateral (30 seconds) and Forward and Backward Jumps (30 seconds) 5. Triceps Extensions (1 minute) Hold a dumbbell in each hand, with a 90-degree bend in each elbow, arms tucked into your sides. Extend both arms back simultaneously moving only at the elbow joint. After reaching the point of full extension, slowly bring the arms back to their starting position. 6. Push-ups (30 seconds) Challenge- add clap to each push up. 7. Plank (30 seconds) Challenge- lift one leg. 8. Repeat triceps extensions (1 minute), push-ups (30 seconds) and plank (30 seconds) 9. Jump Rope (1 minute) Jump on each leg for 30 seconds 10. Hammer Curl (30 seconds) Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms straight, palms facing in toward body. Raise dumbbells until forearms are vertical and thumbs face shoulders. Lower to starting position and repeat. 11. Shoulder Press (30 seconds)
Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms bent in ‘goal post’ position, wrists straight and abs in. Contract shoulders and press hands overhead until arms are fully extended but elbows are not locked. Lower to starting position and repeat. 12. Reverse Fly (30 seconds) Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand and bend at the waist, keeping knees slightly bent. Your back should be straight and your arms hanging down. Bring both arms up, slightly bent, until they are even with your shoulders Lower and repeat. 13. Repeat Hammer Curl (30 seconds), Shoulder Press (30 seconds), Reverse Fly (30 seconds) Whew. Take a 2-minute rest, grab some water, catch your breath and repeat the circuit two more times for a total of three complete circuits. Beth Greenwald is the program manager for American Specialty Health’s Silver & Fit Program and an adjunct professor in exercise science at Florida Atlantic University. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and conducts personal training sessions as well as group fitness boot camp classes. Contact her at +1 716-908-9836 or bethgreenwald@hotmail.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
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FROM THE CAREER FRONT: Interviewing tips
March 2009
Bring pen and paper to take notes on what you are told INTERVIEWING, from page C1
The crew. How long has the crew been together? This will tell you a lot l Be well groomed. Get rid of hair in of things. Are there any couples in the ears and nose. crew? Can you live and work with this l No after shave. We do not want to crew? smell you, good or bad. Ask around to find out if the boat or l Wear a watch and a wedding the captain has a reputation. If so, they ring, if you have one. No other jewelry. probably earned it, good or bad. Definitely no chains. Money. Can you work for the money 6. Brush your teeth before the they are offering? Never take a cut in interview. Use mouth wash. pay because you might get tips. If you 7. Get plenty of rest and no drinking get any tips, you earned it for the extra the night before. work done. Tips are never a sure thing; 8. Tattoos your salary is. l Guys: If you can cover it with Benefits such as vacation, sick days, shorts and a polo, OK. insurance and days off. You should l Girls: If you cover it with a shorts know all these details before you accept and a halter top, OK a job. l If you can not cover it, tell the How formal is the boat? Does that fit interviewer. Remember, this is a your style? conservative 13. After the industry. interview: Every boat is different. 9. Bring an l Before you There is no “industry entire portfolio. leave the marina, l Have copies write a short standard.” Ask lots of of everything in thank you note to questions. Part of the your portfolio to the interviewer reason for high crew pass out. Leave immediately so the originals at you don’t forget turn-over is both sides home. Have a copy the conversation. not painting a clear of your reference Mail it right picture of the job. Are letters. then, or drop it at l Bring a the dockmaster’s you sure this is the job resume. They may office to give to the you want? Nothing is not have one or boat the next day. it might not be worse than walking out This goes a long current. way. and forgetting to ask or 10. Make sure l Call whoever say something. you know where gave the resume the interviewer got to the boat and let your resume. them know how l Follow up and thank that person. the interview went. l If it was a crew agency, make sure This may all seem like common you know which one and let them sense to most of you, but I have seen know you are interviewing. every one of these behaviors over the 11. Have a pen and paper with you years. I once had a chief stew interview and take notes on what you are told. in a boat yard and the woman who l This keeps everyone on the record. showed up was dressed to kill for l Remember that an interview goes a Saturday night. It was Monday both ways. You may need to lead the morning. interview if the interviewer does not As she walked through the yard, know what to ask. every worker stopped and stared at her. 12. Every boat is different. There She had little experience – definitely is no “industry standard.” Ask lots not enough to be chief stew – and as of questions. Part of the reason for she left I told her she may want to dress high crew turn-over is both sides not a little more conservative for her next painting a clear picture of the job. interview. She thanked me and left, and Are you sure this is the job you want? stopped the yard on her way out. Nothing is worse than walking out and Remember this is a service industry forgetting to ask or say something. and we are hired to serve. I know l The vessel’s itinerary should be the that will not go down well with some last thing on your list of whether you potential crew, but if you can get over want the job. One thing that is for sure that fact and get over yourself, you is in the yachting business, everything can have a long and happy career in will change. Boats that never move yachting. start moving; boats that go everywhere can stop. Capt. Les Annan has worked on yachts l Make your decision on things that for more than 25 years and is currently will not change, such as: in command of a 118-foot yacht. Cabins. Can you live in that cabin Comments on this article are welcome and with the head you will use? at editorial@the-triton.com.
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The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
March 2009
C21
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS C22 March 2009
WORLD OF YACHTING
The one source for all your yachting needs Here’s what we can do for you: • FIND CREW NO agency commissions or percentages no matter how many or how long you need crew members per year. • CREW Post your CV/Resume for FREE. • Order your APPAREL/UNIFORMS & much more online, phone, fax or in-person. • Custom Monogramming and Screen Printing • Find or sell a boat (or any other item!) on our boat classifieds. • GET MORE EXPOSURE Advertise with us! Post your charter brochure. • Find information on travel destinations, boatyards, flower shops, gourmet stores and more all in one place! www.worldofyachting.com 1126 S. Federal Highway, P. O. Box 230 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Toll Free: 877-98World (877-989-6753) Ph/Fax: 954-522-8742
For the most up-to-date classifieds, visit www.the-triton.com.
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
March 2009
C23
For the most up-to-date classifieds, visit www.the-triton.com.
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Company
Page
Abeam Marine C5 Advanced Mechanical Enterprises B10 After 5 Island Concierge A5 Alexseal Yacht Coatings C2 All Phase Marine Electric B7 Antibes Yachtwear B8 ARW Maritime B12 Atlantic Marine & Shipyard C4 Bahamas Yacht Management B16 Bay Ship and Yacht Company A13 Beard Marine A/C & Refrigeration B9 Bellingham Marine A22 Bertling Logistics C5 Big Blue Unlimited A11 Bradford Marine: The Shipyard Group C11 Briny Riverfront Irish Bar and Restaurant A3 Brownie’s Yacht Diver A21 Business card advertisers C20-23 BWA Yachting B3 The Business Point B9 CYA Comprehensive Yacht Assurance B4 Cable Marine C9
Company
Page
Company
C&N Yacht Refinishing Cape Ann Towing Cohn & Monioudis Crew Insurance Services The Crew Network Crew Unlmited D&G Company Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina Divers Discount Florida Dockside Corporate Services Dockwise Yacht Transport Edd Helms Marine Elite Crew International FenderHooks Global Marine Travel Global Satellite Global Yacht Fuel Gran Peninsula Yacht Center HeadHunter HTH Worldwide International Registries James Schot Gallery & Photo Studio
A2 A11 C19 C10 B18 B12 B5 C5 B19 C10 B2,B16 A16 C10 C16 A7 B11 C14 B7 A13 A4 A9 C19
KVH Industries Kemplon Marine Lauderdale Propeller Luxury Yacht Group Mail Boxes Etc. Maritime Professional Training Matthew’s Marine A/C Mediterranean Market MHG Marine Benefits Moore & Company Nautic Crew International Nautical Ventures Neptune Group Newport Shipyard Northern Lights Northrop and Johnson Ocean Medical International Palladium Technologies Pembroke Gun & Range Perry Law Firm Peterson Fuel Delivery Port of Palm Beach
Page A15 C17 B7 A17 C19 C24 A8 A6 B20 B18 B10 A8 C8 C13 A13 C17 B19 C12 B14 B8 B6 A8
Company Praktek Quiksigns Renaissance Marina Richman Marine Rio Vista Flowers River Supply River Services Rope, Inc Roscioli Yachting Center Rossmare International Bunkering RPM Diesel Engine Co. Sailorman Seafarer Marine Sea School Secure Chain & Anchor Secure Chain & Anchor/Inflatables Seven Corners Smart Move Spurs Marine Storage Center Sub Sea Solutions SUDS Flea Market SunPro Marine
Page A10 C18 B9 C8 C15 B6 B10 C3 B5 B13 A2 A12 B6 C16 B3 C16 C17 B8 B16 C14 B13 A8
Company Super Yacht Support Tender Care Boats Tess Electrical Sales & Service The Keyes Company Realtors The Grateful Palate The Pain Reliever Total Marine Solutions Total Wine & More TowBoatUS Trac Ecological Marine Products Tradewinds Radio Turtle Cove Marina West Marine Westrec Marinas Yacht Entertainment Systems Yacht Equipement & Parts Yacht Next Yacht Services of Alaska
Page B14 B14 C14 B14 C7 B4 A5 B15 B6 B10 C15 B4 A9 A14 C16 A24 C8 C10