All the way New satellite lets crew surf Web across Atlantic. A6
Local knowledge
Med spread A new summer feature.
Up, around the Savannah River. B1
A12-13
Vol.6, No. 3
www.the-triton.com
June 2009
‘Say the boat is in the yard for three months; no sea time. I worked on a boat that just went to Lyford Cay and back. There were months we didn’t move. No sea time again.’ — Capt. Ned Stone
TRITON SURVEY
Do you consider yourself a loyal member of the crew? No – 1.6%
Yes – 98.4%
More, C1
What to do when crew run afoul of the law Capt. Ned Stone said his biggest issue is that the USCG does not count refit time as sea time.
PHOTO/DORIE COX
When license renewal trips over time By Dorie Cox Capt. Ned Stone has six months to get five years of sea service in order. “I’m due for renewal in January, and I’m not exactly sure how I’m doing with my sea time,” he said. That concern may sound familiar to any number of megayacht captains and crew who have sat still or been unemployed since last fall when the financial markets cut yacht owners’ fortunes in half. “Say the boat is in the yard for three months; no sea time,” Stone said. “I worked on a boat that just went to Lyford Cay and back. There were months we didn’t move. No sea time again.” More troublesome, still, may be time spent on boats that doesn’t qualify for the level of license the mariner hopes to renew. Capt. Chris Harris has acquired enough sea time in his career for six license renewals and upgrades. But two years ago, he took a job at a shipyard to be closer to his young son.
All that time on and around yachts won’t help him maintain his 1,600-ton license. “The experience here has been tenfold,” said Harris, service manager at Newport Shipyard in Rhode Island. “I am on a variety of vessels rather than the same boat day in and day out, but I can only document limited sea time.” But there are options when it comes to renewing licenses without enough sea time from both the U.S. Coast Guard and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). The ideal scenario for renewal is a year of sea time every five years in a similar capacity on the same type of water. As mariners fall short of this optimal situation, the renewal process gets more complex.
USCG
For USCG captains without sea time, there are basically three options. A license renewal is available with an approved refresher training program or an open-book renewal
test at an approved location such as Maritime Professional Training (MPT) in Ft. Lauderdale. Another option is renewal with marine-related employment, like Harris has at the shipyard. But before this option is pursued, communication should begin with the Coast Guard to make sure the position – for example, instructor or shipyard superintendent – is approved. There is no complete, clear-cut list of jobs the Coast Guard will accept, said Julie Liberatore, regulatory liaison at MPT. The final option is renewal without sea time for continuity purposes. This option enables a mariner to, in effect, put a hold on a license for later renewal. In the interim, however, the license is not valid for any work scenario. When the mariner wants to renew at a later time, the standard renewal process must be followed. For captains like Stone, the big issue is documenting the sea time he has.
See LICENSES, page A20
It happens. Crew get in trouble ashore. Sometimes it’s physical, like a bar fight; sometimes it’s legal, like possession of drugs. Usually, though, it causes delays or worse for the yacht, her captain and the rest of the crew. So when a crew member gets in trouble in a foreign From the Bridge port, what does a Lucy Chabot Reed captain do? Let’s say the yacht is due to depart, and a crew member is being held by police. Is the trip delayed? Is the crew member fired? What are the liabilities of the vessel, of the owner, of the master when something like that happens? There are as many answers as there are scenarios, but the megayacht captains gathered for The Triton’s monthly roundtable discussion agreed that they are the ones ultimately responsible, and to blame. “Legally, it’s your responsibility as the master of the vessel,” one captain said. “It’s all spelled out in the Master’s Handbook on Ship’s Business (Cornell Maritime Press, 3d edition, 2001),” another captain said. “All the legalities/responsibilities as a master. It’s international, and it’s our responsibility.” As always, individual comments are not attributed to any one person
See BRIDGE, page A16
A June 2009
WHAT’S INSIDE
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Under pressure
Yacht chefs take on a celebrity, and win. Page A4. PHOTO/DORIE COX
Advertiser directory C19 Boats / Brokers A10 Business Briefs A8-9 Calendar of events B17-18 Columns: In the Galley C1 Latitude Adjustment A3 Nutrition C9 Personal Finance C15 Onboard Emergencies B2 Photography A14 Rules of the Road B1 Security B3 Stew Cues C9 Superyacht Operations A15
Cruising Grounds: Briefs B13 The Saintes B14-16 Dockmaster B4 Fuel prices B5 Marinas / Yards B6-7 Med Spread A12-13 Networking Q/A C3 Networking photos C2 News A1,4-6 Photo Gallery A18-19 Puzzle C16 Technology B1-12 Triton spotter B19 Triton survey C1 Write to Be Heard A23
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
LATITUTE ADJUSTMENT
June 2009 A
To live the dream, start by turning down the complaints The crew of M/Y Turmoil continues to live the dream, off now in the South Pacific. Regular readers of The Triton may recall reports from Turmoil Capt. Grant Maughan over the past few years of visits to Buenos Aires, Scandinavia and most recently the Solomon Islands. This spring, they were in Tahiti, checking Latitude out the Billabong Adjustment Pro surfing Lucy Chabot Reed contest at the legendary wave at Teahupoo. Naturally. Because the yacht is so lovely, and the crew so friendly, nine-time world surfing champ Kelly Slater stopped by for a visit. “The girls have been ga-ga ever since,” Maughan reported in an email with this photo. (From left – still a bit star-struck – are Michelle Pugatschew, Slater, Becky Alpizar and Roxy Ellis.) I love getting photos from Turmoil. Her crew is out there exploring and having fun, and I want to shout that news from the top of someplace very high. I’ve told Capt. Maughan more than once that many of us are living
vicariously through their adventures, so keep them coming. But the best thing is that Maughan and the crew are so gracious and pleasant about sharing their news. Doesn’t that sound odd? Of course, they are pleasant. They are living the dream. But too often I hear crew complain about their travels, even when they go someplace as magical as the South Pacific. There’s usually someone to blame for what they perceive is wrong with their job or their life, and somehow, events just go wrong. I want to smack them.
I lost my brother in May. He died of skin cancer. He was 46. At the end of his life, he had trouble breathing. Breathing. Think about that for a moment. It makes you take a deep breath, doesn’t it? It makes me want to visit my doctor more than once a year. It makes me want to take more yoga classes and more walks on the beach. It makes me want to hug my husband more and tickle my daughter more. And it makes me want to stop complaining, even as the newspaper industry crumbles around me and as my journalism friends get laid off.
Sound familiar? I have a job; I have a business. And though we’re a bit thinner than we were a year ago, our crew is bigger and our reach is farther. We’re taking this time to redefine ourselves, work on bigger stories, do some training and work harder to be even better. We’re taking deep breaths. But the best thing is that we have a fabulous crew. We all love to come to work every day, even though we work really hard, because we care about each other, and we miss each other when someone leaves. (Mike Price is in the Med this summer, and we miss his smiling face so much that we’ve taped up a picture of him so we can see it.) Yacht crew are the same way. Crew work so closely together that they become family, fast. Don’t treat the people on your boat like strangers. When you let them in, you begin to care about them, and the complaining ends. But that’s the hard part for most of us, isn’t it? Letting people in. It’s easier to complain. Breathe deeply, and try again. 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 June 2009
CHEF COMPETITION
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Yacht chefs create, shine, with just 45 minutes to prepare By Dorie Cox Ostrich was cut, candied cherries drained and foie gras shaped for judging in Grateful Palate’s Yacht Chef Challenge in late April. The event at the Ft. Lauderdale market and restaurant invited Food Network’s “Chopped” winner – former yacht chef Jackie Lee – to cook with
Jackie Lee and Sylvia Bauerschmidt in full concentration.
yacht chefs chosen by raffle from the audience. Mystery components required in entrée and dessert categories were announced as the timer started for two teams composed of two chefs each. The duos used every one of their allotted 45 minutes in attempts to create a winning dish. Dirk De Cuyper, chef on M/Y Polar Star, met and became teammate with freelance chef Brandon Wooten. They competed against Lee and her teammate, freelance chef Sylvia
Dirk DeCuyper and Brandon Wooten whip up the winning entrée.
Bauerschmidt. De Cuyper and Wooten won the entrée competition with duck liver celeriac, carrots and microgreens draped with ostrich and fried root drizzle with brandied cherries. “It was great trying to cook with someone I’ve never met,” Wooten said. “It’s challenging but Remo Maute and Mike Nichols taste the competition that’s sometimes as Alleen Santana describes her winning dessert, when the best stuff PHOTOS/DORIE COX below. comes out.” Lee and Bauerschmidt prepared seared ostrich topped with foie gras and crispy onions. It was served with a cherry demi-glace reduction and accompanied by a fennel salsify mash. “The competition was like being on a yacht when guests tell you their preferences 45 minutes before the meal,” Bauerschmidt said. Three staff from the Grateful Palate were joined by judges from the audience for both the entrée and Convenience and Opie, voted most dessert competitions. Entrée judge valuable chef of the evening, won a was John Herringshaw of South Africa, silver serving piece from Yacht Next. where ostrich is a common dish.
And for dessert
Dorie Cox is a reporter with The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
Wild hibiscus, coconut milk and chocolate were the mystery ingredients for the dessert competition. Gavin Opie from M/Y Silver Moon teamed with freelance personal chef Alleen Santana, also meeting each other for the first time. They took on shipmates Remo Maute and Mike Nichols, who got the luck of the raffle draw. The two already work together on M/Y Excellence III. “Gavin said we’re going to poach pears and I said I’ll do the coconut milk,” said Santana on their teamwork and their winning dessert. “We didn’t have to talk much after that.” Richard Sackett was chosen from the crowd to be dessert judge. His yacht, M/Y Picasso needed a chef so Sackett and his wife, Joyce, came to see yacht chefs in high-pressured action. Sackett, from New Orleans, was unfamiliar with what to expect in a dish prepared with hibiscus. “Oh yeah, I have hibiscus Gavin Opie, above, preps a pear for the winning every morning for breakfast,” dessert, pear in hibiscus glaze with cinnamon, he joked. chocolate mousse, coconut milk with red chili Event winners received sauce and deep fried wild hibiscus flower. knives from Culinary
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS BRIEFS
Owner fined for endangered animal skins The United States fined the owner of M/Y Mystere $150,000 for having the pelts of endangered animals on his boat without the proper paperwork. Officially, Customs and Border Protection officers charged the owner, a Cayman Islands-registered corporation, with illegal importation of wildlife for carrying onboard 29 skins, hides, pelts, tusks and mounted animals. The discovery was made in Port Everglades in December 2007. The fine was imposed in May by a U.S. District Court judge in Miami. The items in question were confiscated and, according to The Miami Herald, will be displayed in ports and airports around South Florida. A former captain said the 150-foot vessel has visited the United States “several times” in the past 10 years, always with these and similar items onboard. Last summer, he said, authorities in France confiscated several items, including furs, feather headdresses and even conch shells because the owner lacked the paperwork to prove they were obtained legally.
Sardinia luxury tax repealed
The Sardinia luxury tax that cost visiting megayachts and private jets up to 15,000 euros to dock and land has
been repealed. Local authorities in Sardinia voted in early May to cancel the tax, which was opposed by several tourism groups on the Italian island. The number of yachts visiting Sardinian ports since the tax went into effect in 2006 has dropped by 50 percent, according to the Consortium of Sardinian Tourist Ports.
of 100 gross tons and greater. Private yachts, even those that charter in the United States, aren’t considered commercial, but commercial regulations often trickle down into yachting. (The complete directive was not made public for security reasons.) Commercial ships also are required to use established transit lanes and erratic maneuvering, increase speed, and cooperate with military forces U.S. vessels need piracy plan patrolling the area. It is the ship’s The U.S. Coast Guard issued a responsibility to maintain a vigilant maritime security directive May 11 in anti-piracy watch and ensure all response to the rise in piracy in the shipboard anti-piracy precautions are waters of the Gulf of Aden and the in force. Horn of Africa. Vessel security plans for U.S. flagged Maritime Security Directive 104-6 vessels that operate in high-risk (rev. 2) requires U.S.waters must have flagged vessels to have security protocols The directive an approved antifor terrorism, piracy, piracy plan before and armed robbery includes details on entering high-risk against ships that anti-piracy tactics waters that includes meet the performance to prevent attacks the hardening of standards in this and boardings. rigging and operating directive by May 25, vessels in a manner to the directive states. prevent attacks and All vessel security subsequent boarding, according to a plans must be approved. USCG statement. “Piracy presents a multi-faceted The directive applies to any threat to the United States, our vessel regulated under the Maritime international partners and the Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002, which are commercial vessels See NEWS BRIEFS, page A6
June 2009 A
A June 2009
NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
New satellite keeps Internet on even in middle of the Atlantic A new satellite that covers the Atlantic Ocean went operational in early May, giving crossing megayacht crew members one more thing to do to pass the time. “While transiting the Atlantic, I am surfing the Web,” Menkin Nelson, a freelance captain, wrote in an e-mail. “The first three vessels to hook up to the new satellite were S/Y Maltese Falcon, M/Y Big Eagle and M/Y Fortunate Sun,” she wrote. “Since the first two were sitting in the Azores at the time, Fortunate Sun was the first to use it while in transit and I must say, it seems to be working great and we are pretty pleased.” The new satellite, the T11, was launched in February. Testing was complete on April 26. In early May, satellite communications providers NSSL and Telemar Scandinavia were the first to make it available through
NSSL’s CruiseIP and Telemar’s Seacall services. “We are committed to extending the reach of our CruiseIP service for the simple reason that it is what our customers demand,” said Sally-Anne Ray, sales director at NSSL. NSSL may launch a prepaid crew platform this summer. “The possibility for trans-Atlantic crossings with uninterrupted Kubroadband services, through one meter antennas, has been a requirement by the international shipping industry for some years and will most likely result in an even stronger demand for maritime broadband services worldwide,” said Kristian Ryberg, director of business development for Telemar Scandinavia. For more information, visit www. satcom.com or call +1 954-523-2539. – Lucy Chabot Reed
METS adds repair/refit portion to emphasize service sector NEWS BRIEFS from page A5 maritime industry and the seafarers who make their living on the global maritime transportation system,” said Rear Adm. Brian Salerno, assistant commandant for marine safety, security and stewardship. “The Coast Guard has a unique role to play in response to this threat and we remain committed to working with our governmental, defense and industry partners to bring pirates to justice and to help provide for the safety of mariners upon the high seas.” In other piracy news, ships from Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 prevented a piracy attack in the Gulf of Aden on May 13, which resulted in the apprehension of more than a dozen suspected pirates aboard an alleged mothership.
Luise takes over marina
Luise Group, an associate partner of yachting agents BWA Yachting, has taken over the Ponente Quay (Molo di Ponente) of Lacco Ameno on the Island of Ischia off of Naples, Italy. The marina, known previously as Heaven’s Quay, has been renamed The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club. The Seventh Heaven Yacht Club, located on the northern part of Ischia, can accommodate 12 megayachts. The 140m pier includes water, electricity and mooring posts. “We are very proud to be able to take under our management the main dock in Lacco Ameno, Ischia,” said Francesco Luise, managing partner
of Luise Group. “Although the area of Lacco Ameno is one of the smallest counties on the Island of Ischia, it is a prestigious and visually beautiful location for mega yachts to berth.”
New road for refits at METS
The SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) at METS this fall will feature an all-new “Repair & Refit Boulevard” designed to emphasize the sector that services and maintains large luxury yachts. “The SuperYacht Pavilion is the only part of METS where services in addition to marine products can be promoted,” product manager Irene Dros said in a statement. “We made the distinction because the service element is such a crucial aspect of superyacht operation. Ignoring it could devalue METS as a unique B2B learning experience for the captains, project managers and other superyacht professionals who visit the exhibition.” “The SuperYacht Pavilion at METS is the perfect meeting point for owners, captains, and project managers to explore their next top-quality refit or repair project with experts in the field,” said Victor Caminada, marketing manager of Amels Holland, in explaining why Amels has attended the Superyacht Pavilion the past three years. “For the Amels Refit & Repair department this is the place to be.” METS, the Marine Equipment Trade show, is scheduled for Nov. 17-19 in Amsterdam. It is the largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the marine leisure industry.
A June 2009
BUSINESS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Ship’s agent BWA Yachting expands in France, the Balearics BWA Yachting, a yacht agency services firm, has expanded operations to the South of France and Corsica through a partnership with Monaco Port Services. BWA Yachting recently opened an office in Cannes, with plans to open in Antibes and Saint-Tropez. An office in Corsica will be in Porto Vecchio. “The extensive network of megayacht marinas and facilities in both the South of France and Corsica provide the perfect environment for those yachts visiting short term or those staying year round,” said Stefano Tositti, CEO of BWA Yachting. “With the support and guidance of our local partners at Monaco Port Services, Pierre Balducchi and Xavier Paris, we will be able to provide the high quality services to the yachting industry in the Cote d’Azur and in
Corsica, just as we do throughout the rest of the Mediterranean and beyond.” For more information, visit www. bwayachting.com. BWA also opened an office in May in Palma with partner BcN Yacht Services. The office is a 10-minute walk from Club de Mar. “The Balearics are becoming more and more popular every year with an increasing number of megayachts visiting in high season, as well as many who lay up there for the entire winter season,” Tositti said. “This new office in Palma will permit us to supply a comprehensive set of services year round with the best suppliers in the area.”
Crew Unlimited opens in Antibes
The Ft. Lauderdale-based crew placement agency Crew Unlimited has
opened a summer office in Antibes. With a staff of two under the direction of senior placement agent Sue Price, the agency can interview and prescreen crew on both sides of the Atlantic. Also, C U Yacht Charters will offer first-hand advice to clients hoping to book charters in the Mediterranean. Find the office at 30 Rue Lacan in the Galerie du Port, +33-04-92-38-0558, www.crewunlimited.com.
Nautic Air distributes in Europe
Schuman Nautic Air has reached an exclusive distributor agreement with Vortech International Ltd. Vortech will locate and appoint dealers throughout Europe to sell and install the patent-pending Nautic Air in-line air-purification system. The Nautic Air system uses a proprietary combination of ultraviolet
(UV) light and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) to produce hydroxyl radicals, which reduce mold, bacteria, viruses and other volatile organic compounds in the air. The system emits no ozone or other environmentally harmful by-products. In-line modules can be installed into existing HVAC ductwork. “There is a heavy demand from European boat and yacht owners for a product to help eliminate air contaminants aboard their vessels,” said Heath Schuman, president of Schuman Nautic Air. “As the exclusive Florida distributor, Vortech has already sold and installed many Nautic Air units, and I am confident they will repeat their success overseas.” Vortech is responsible for the sales, installation and service of Nautic Air throughout all of Western Europe, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the U.K. For more information, contact Vortech at peter@vortechsys.com or +34-619-117935.
Needle Loft opens in Florida
Connecticut-based Needle Loft has opened a facility at 277 S.W. 33rd St. in Ft. Lauderdale. Needle Loft provides design, production and installation services for complete yacht interiors, including flooring, wall coverings, headliners, window treatments, countertops and fabric bedding and cushions. Needle Loft also makes its own line of custom upholstered marine furniture, which will also be made in Ft. Lauderdale. Needle Loft sells both directly to boat owners as well as offering its services as a subcontractor to the trade. Started in 1964, Needle Loft has grown from a New England-based canvas products business into full luxury yacht interiors. For more information, call +1-954294-8593 or visit www.needleloft.com.
Monaco Equipage turns 15
Monaco-based superyacht crew recruitment firm Monaco Equipage will celebrate 15 years in business this summer. “I would like to thank our hundreds of satisfied customers,” co-founder Gilles Corporandy said in a statement. “You are our best reference.” Monaco Equipage specializes in matching qualified, experienced and screened crew with the top yachts and yacht captains operating internationally. For more information, visit www. monacoequipage.com.
Round-trip packages from DYT This summer, Dockwise Yacht Transport is offering a round-trip package that will deliver vessels
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A9
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS BRIEFS
LLGF’s Bauman honored as a top woman in U.S. boating NEWS BRIEFS, from page A8 from Ft. Lauderdale or Newport in early August to Sardinia, Italy, in late August. The return trip from Palma is scheduled for late October. “With the roundtrip package, this is a great opportunity for owners who have thought about using our service to give it a try,” said DYT President Clemens van der Werf. “It’s especially perfect for owners who have dreamed of cruising the Med on their own boats that don’t have the range to get there.” For more information, e-mail dyt. usa@dockwise-yt.com or call toll free in the United States 1-866-744-7398 and mention “package deal to the Med.”
the Top 21 Most Influential Marine Industry Leaders in the 21st Century by Boating Industry magazine. LLGF conducts four weekend seminars each year and brings a team of sportfishing and marine industry professionals who teach women fishing and conservation techniques at beginner and advanced levels. For more information, visit www. ladiesletsgofishing.com
Navionics hires sales manager
MMS hires Strumpf
Marina Management Services (MMS) has hired Herk Strumpf as an associate in the Boca Raton office. Strumpf will help provide consulting and management solutions to clients who have requested assistance adjusting and reacting to the changing landscape of marina development and operation, the company said in a statement. Prior to joining MMS, Strumpf was senior project manager for Beacon Design International, an engineering firm designing marina facilities and waterfront developments. Herk also worked with Brandy Marine International developing project feasibility studies including comparable market analysis and financial analysis for clients. Strumpf has presented at marine industry trade shows and conferences on waterfront design, development and management practices and has presented documented sworn testimony regarding the industry to cities and towns. He is also a pilot, vintage aircraft owner, and boater. For additional information, visit www.marinamanagement.com or call +1 561-338-5800.
Bauman a top woman in boating
Betty Bauman, founder and CEO of “Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!”, has been named one of the 11 top women in American boating by BoatU.S. Magazine and featured in the May issue. “This energetic entrepreneur earned her place in the U.S. sportfishing pantheon not so much by catching fish as by hooking other women on the sport,” said the magazine’s Managing Editor Elaine Dickinson. The magazine credited Bauman and LLGF for introducing more than 5,000 women to fishing and boating since 1997. Bauman has also been named “Woman of the Year” by the American Sport Fishing Association and among
Navionics, a manufacturer of electronic chart and digital navigation data, has hired Paul Michele as the new southeast regional sales manager for Florida and Georgia. Michele brings more than a dozen years of experience in the recreational marine industry and customer service skills to the team. Previously, he was eastern region advertising salesman with Florida Fishing Weekly and general manager of Yo-Zuri America. An avid angler of both fresh and saltwater species, Michele is a tournament angler with the SKA, PTTS and Florida regional tournaments. For more information, visit www. navionics.com
June 2009 A
A10 June 2009
BOATS / BROKERS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Brokerages sell yachts, add to charter fleets; builders launch Northrop and Johnson has sold M/Y Aghassi, a 145-foot Christensen, by brokers Gregg Morton and Steve Doyle; and S/Y Victoria of Strathearn, a 130-foot Alloy, by broker Hank Halsted in conjunction with Fraser Yachts Monaco. Victoria won the 2001 International Superyacht Society award for Best Sailing Yacht less than 40m and the 2001 ShowBoats Best Design Award for Sailing Yachts over 38m. The brokerage also announced the following new central listings: M/Y Moon River, a 101-foot Palmer Johnson, with broker Gregg Child in Ft. Lauderdale; M/Y Andiamo, an 82-foot Monte Fino, with broker Rick Weisenberger in San Diego; and M/Y Kauhale Kai III, a 75-foot Sunseeker, also with Weisenberger. International Yacht Collection in Ft. Lauderdale has sold two vessels: M/Y Inspiration, a 156-foot (47.5m) Broward, by Mark Elliott and Frank Grzeszczak; and M/Y Big City, a 123foot (37.5m) Palmer Johnson, by Chany Sabates III and Grzeszczak. IYC also has added the 173-foot (52.7m) M/Y Jr Navigator to its central listing, taken over management of Big City and added M/Y Natalia, a 120-foot (36.5m) Palmer Johnson, to its Med charter fleet. Fraser Yachts has sold M/Y Fansea, a 109-foot Cyrus, by Jan Jaap Minnema of Monaco; M/Y Aviva, a 108-foot Monte Fino, by Patrick McConnell of San Diego; and M/Y African Queen, a 100-foot San Lorenzo. The brokerage announced the following new central agency listings: M/Y Monte Carlo, a 132-foot Amels; M/Y Touch, a 120-foot Derecktor; and M/Y Steadfast, a 112-foot Baratucci. It has the following new central agency listings for charter: M/Y Mystique, a 165-foot Oceanfast in the Bahamas; M/Y Inevitable, a 164-foot Feadship in Croatia; M/Y Major Wager, a 160-foot Feadship; M/Y Newvida, a 160-foot Delta in the Western Mediterranean.
Project Manager Rob Wright. PHOTO/JOHN FREEMAN
undergo the extensive $4.1 million project that includes renewal of its fiveyear ABS certification. Completion is scheduled for mid-September. Wright, a former yacht captain, is collaborating with Sea Wolf Capt. Drarg Richards. Built in 1957 in Holland, Sea Wolf was converted to a private yacht in 2002. The vessel is now owned by a Canadian businessman with a penchant for antique aircraft. Previously, Sea Wolf served as a salvage tow vessel, pulling large distressed vessels into safe harbor, largely operating in the North Sea off Northern Europe. “She’s been in service for more than 50 years and hasn’t spent much time tied to a dock,” Wright said. “She’s a beautiful work horse.”
CRN shipyard in Italy has launched the 60m M/Y Blue Eyes. The steel and aluminum megayacht includes the aft area of the lower deck that is designed to function as a beach club, with the stern hatch lowering nearly flush to the water. Another distinctive feature is the balcony of the owner’s suite, thanks to a hatch that can be lowered 90 degrees.
Platinum Marine Services launched the 120-foot M/Y Spirit of 2010 at the 2009 Vancouver International Boat Show in February. The custom yacht refit project was commissioned by a Vancouver firm that plans to use the vessel for charters. Platinum began the project from a decommissioned yacht. Stripped down to the hull, Platinum built the yacht to Transport Canada safety standards. The interior was designed by JS Westoff and Co. of Kansas. The electrical and domestic systems were designed and built in-house at Platinum. For more information visit www. PlatinumMarineService.com or call +1604-325-6920.
M/V Sea Wolf – at 193 feet, one of the world’s largest converted salvagetow ships – has begun a six-month refit at Knight & Carver YachtCenter near San Diego. Under the direction of Project Manager Rob Wright, Sea Wolf will
Denison Yacht Sales, a brokerage and charter firm in Ft. Lauderdale, opened an office in Southern California in Marina del Rey. The new office includes five licensed brokers. For more information, call +1-310-821-5883 or visit www.denisonyachtsales.com.
IN THE MEDI
A12 June 2009
When tourism season quiets in the Med Spanish island’s largest shipyard has had a busy winter; managers expect more of the same in 2009. By Alison Rese More than 25 million travelers pass through Palma’s airport every year, making the island of Mallorca one of the busiest destinations in Europe , especially in summer. During the relatively tourist-free winter months, however, many Mallorca-based businesses roll up their carpets and re-open again only in April. Yet it is during this time of year that workers in the island’s shipyards roll up their sleeves and get set for their busiest work period. Astilleros de Mallorca in Palma is the largest shipyard on the island. The season is divided in two, according to Stefan Enders, the yard’s commercial manager: from September to December, the Caribbean work for boats heading to the tropics, and from January on for those preparing for the Med cruising season. Astilleros moves about 120 boats a year through its 67-year-old facility, a majority larger than 120
See MALLORCA, next page
Astilleros de Mallorca in Palma is the largest shipyard on
Capt. Brendon Matthews and Charlotte Boden of M/Y Kurokai left Mallorca in May for a five-month cruise with the owner. M/Y Blue Bird was refit at the Astilleros yard a PHOTO/ALISON RESE
ITERRANEAN
www.the-triton.com
The Triton A13
d, Palma’s repair/refit season heats up MALLORCA, from previous page
the island and is coming off its busiest season. PHOTO FROM ASTILLEROS
feet. Visiting vessels in the past year include the motoryachts Passion, Cyan, JJ Esperanza, Asteria and Shandor, and large sailing vessels such as TMS Creole, LA Cattiva and Galileo. Some vessels and their captains have been returning to the yard every year for 25 years, said Enders, who credited the shipyard’s habit of delivering projects on time and on budget. “Astilleros is a trusted name amongst all the top captains,” Enders said. While the number of boats coming through the yard has not decreased, Enders said both captains and owners have trimmed back on the extent of the projects they will undertake. “2008 was one of our best years ever,” General Manager Diego Colon said. “2009 will be no different. We are not looking at the current economic trend as a downturn at all. “Instead,” he said, “I feel certain more owners will take advantage of these times to purchase reasonably priced vessels. Upgrades and refits of these will see the yard’s business flourish rather than flounder.” And so the season went. In news of other megayachts in Palma this spring: M/Y Kurokai, just out of the Portals boat yard, has set off on its long-standing plans for a five-month cruise to Croatia with the owner on board. The vessel left Mallorca on May 11, stopping en route in Menorca and Corsica. M/Y Newflash skipped its yard period altogether this year. Capt. Aidan Piercy said he’s been busy getting her ready for a busy charter season. Alison Rese is a freelance writer based in Palma. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
Capt. Aidan Piercy of M/Y Newflash skipped the and won the 2008 World Superyacht Awards for best refit. yard period entirely this year to prepare for the PHOTO FROM ASTILLEROS charter season. PHOTO/ALISON RESE
A14 June 2009
PHOTOGRAPHY: Photo Exposé
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Final installment on making sense of specs in camera manuals Welcome aboard photo enthusiasts. This is the third installment covering things to do in researching a camera, using the example list of specifications you can find on such Web sites as dpreview.com. I continue to add my clarifications to this list of specifications to give you greater insight as to what each spec means. Photo Exposé The product James Schot represented is the Lumix DMC-FX150 camera, manufactured by Panasonic. Again, this product was randomly chosen for this article and it is not a recommendation. Moving on from image stabilization (IS) last month, we continue with: Auto Focus: TTL Auto focus or AF means you do not worry about focusing to take a shot. The camera will do it for you. TTL means “through the lens.” It’s also used in metering light for the proper exposures, and in flash terminology. There are several ways to determine focus. A camera can send out ultrasonic sound like a sonar device, or send out infrared light to reflect back from a subject. These are active systems.
Then there are passive systems that will, for instance, compare/contrast in a scene to determine distance. This is beginning to get detailed; pocket camera manuals don’t even begin to get into these details. Pressing the shutter half-way down gets the camera to focus. You will find the AF may work quickly in good light, slower in low light, and get confused when shooting through glass or screen. Manual Focus: No This camera does not allow for manual focus, making it one less thing to worry about. On the other hand, there are situations when a camera focusing system will get confused, as mentioned above, and in the meantime will not expose (shoot) and you miss snapping a special moment. Taking pictures through glass, into mirrors, of quick-moving objects, or attempting to capture an action at a specific point are times when a manual focus override comes in handy. You can set your own focus point or pre-focus for the action, and instantly shoot. Normal focus range: 50 cm This minimum of 50 cm is about 20 inches. If you are shooting the beauty of your lover’s eyes at a closer distance, you need to switch to macro. Macro focus range: 5 cm This is 2 inches. Now you can get close to those eyes. Don’t operate your
zoom in this mode or it will not work properly. The lens has to be full out, otherwise you get fuzzy shots. White balance override: 5 positions, plus 2 manual You can easily use auto white balance, or set it to five pre-calculated positions, and you can set two to match your own conditions or desires. First let’s look at what “white balance” means. All light – the blue sky light, reflected overcast light, sunlight, fluorescent light, mercury vapor light, tungsten light, incandescent bulb, light candle light – all have their own wavelength or Kelvin reading, ranging from 10,000K to 1,000K, respectively. The higher Kelvin reading is very blue and the lower very red and warm. Human vision makes the adjustment to keep the color temperature of light balanced. To get the same balancing effect in our cameras we need to white balance, so that in blue sky light our images do not come out excessively blue or otherwise excessively yellow under candle light. The most exact way to white balance is setting it manually in your camera by aiming and framing the lens on a white sheet of paper illuminated by the light source under which you will be photographing. This is a process you might like to avoid, therefore this camera has five presets you can
pick from, and likely include blue sky, cloudy sky, sunny, fluorescent, and incandescent options. Therefore, if you find yourself shooting under one of these conditions, one of these presets may work for you. There are times you will face mixed lighting. It could be incandescent light mixed in with fluorescent or daylight. What do you do then? Well, there is the option to go auto and let your camera figure things out. I’m always a straight shot with you and I can tell you I use the auto white balance most of the time and my camera usually does a great job in setting it right. Even if you use auto focus, auto metering, auto white balance, etc., you have to live a little. When you have some time, try the manual settings and see what interesting affects you get. Your style makes your photos more interesting to look at. I assume or otherwise suggest, when you read these photography articles, that you have your cameras handy to check out what I write about. Do it, and have a good time, while I take some time to go 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.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com SUPERYACHT OPERATIONS: Up and Running
Crew makes, breaks the charter, but client still gets what he wants The whole success of a charter or a charter season critically depends on the vessel’s crew. If the superyacht crew does not provide excellent service it will not matter how good the cruising grounds are or how good the weather is. A charter client should be treated the same as you would treat the owner. The only Up and Running difference is that crew know the Chris Fairgrieve preferences of an owner, his preferred cruising grounds, his favorite restaurants, the time he likes to get up in the morning, etc. You will not know these preferences for a new charter client. This provides the crew with a challenge to ensure that they learn as quickly as possible what the client wishes from the charter. The happiness of the charterer is directly proportional to the quality and effort expended by the interior staff, particularly the chef and chief stew. Most captains have highly developed political capabilities. They will be personable and skilled. It is common for them to bring key members of their crew from previous vessels. The captain’s role is challenging, owing to the following: l He is legally bound to ensure the safety of the guests and crew. l He has a priority to ensure that the owner’s property is safeguarded. This includes the charter value of the vessel so it is prudent that he keeps the charter clients happy whilst on board. l He needs to ensure that the clients’ demands do not compromise the crew. l He is required to comply with the laws of the territorial waters through which the vessel passes, with particular importance placed on drug restrictions. An owner considering chartering his superyacht for its first season should discuss this with the vessel’s captain in the early stages. Some captains would not choose the conflicting priorities that such a role demands and would prefer devoting 100 percent of his time to satisfying the owner. If the broker has previously handled a particular client on another vessel, he/she is duty bound to discuss the characteristics of a client new to a captain, owner or chef. As captain or senior crew member you should request information from the broker for any new clients, particularly if you believe the broker may have useful information on these clients. It is equally important to offer feedback at the end of the charter to the broker to enable him to build up a comprehensive picture of the clients for future engagements. The captain should expect a broker to know their
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 email et@mpigroup.co.uk. To read previous columns, visit www.the-triton.com and click on “news search.” clients well enough to steer them away from an incompatible crew in the same way they should steer them away from an unsuitable vessel or cruising ground. The captain is responsible for safety, particularly when related to control of the vessel, the use of toys and diving equipment. On the other hand the charterer has “bought” the use of the vessel and the crew for the duration of the charter. As this is the case he has a significant degree of freedom to decide on the nature of the charter. It is important that the crew fully understand this. However, one of the important areas where the captain must impose his authority is in the event of discovering the use of recreational drugs. In all superyacht cruising areas, this is illegal. The captain is potentially liable for any breach of the laws. Additionally, in many jurisdictions, the discovery of recreational drugs onboard can result in the confiscation of the vessel by the local authorities. It is essential that the captain ensures that all charter guests (and crew) obey these laws. Should there be an issue with this, the captain may need to refer to the owner/broker to agree on termination of a specific charter. Charter agreements provide the captain with full authority to prohibit the use of recreational drugs by the charter guests. 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 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.
June 2009 A15
A16 June 2009 FROM THE BRIDGE: When crew get in trouble ashore
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Attendees of The Triton’s June Bridge luncheon were, from left, Stefan Czuplak of M/Y Antonia II, Pip Bauerlein of M/Y Francine, Randy Steegstra of M/Y Tsalta, Glenn Pitassi of M/Y Waterford, Herb Magney, Wendy Umla of M/Y Castaway, and Jacques Falardeau of M/Y Magic Days. PHOTO/LUCY REED
Is getting in trouble ashore always grounds for dismissal? BRIDGE, from page A1 in particular so as to encourage frank and open discussion. The attending captains are identified in the photograph above. One captain told a story about something that happened onboard recently. The yacht was crewed up in San Diego and this captain had taken on a new mate. “We got to Mexico and the mate ended up in jail on drugs,” this U.S. captain said of the American crew member. “I called the state department. They told me that for drug possession, he broke his contract with the boat. You can wash your hands of him.” But this captain didn’t do that. While that may be the law, that’s not how things usually shake out. “The marina guys knew the guys at the jail,” this captain said. “They let him go and gave him back to me.” “They didn’t want him in their country either,” another captain said. This mate, who paid his own fines, was let go from the boat soon after. That raised another question: Is getting in trouble ashore always grounds for dismissal from a vessel? “You have to look at the whole situation,” one captain said. “If the crew member has been with me a while and he’s out with his girlfriend and something happens, you deal with that. If he’s a louse who has only worked for me for two months, he’s gone. My
contract says no drugs.” “By international law, the captain is responsible for the actions of the crew when they go ashore,” another captain said. “They get mad when you try to clamp down on them, though all you’re really trying to do is protect them.” A broad discussion then followed on the role captains play in the behavior of the crew. The word parent was mentioned a few times. But that, too, rang true. “You have to tell crew what’s bad behavior,” one captain said, adding that only with written rules and regulations – a crew manual, in effect – does a captain begin to effectively manage a crew. “They want the rules, that agreement,” another captain said. “They want it as much as we do. By having your rules set up, it gives you the background if they want to argue with you over how you handle something.” “I make them pick up extra watch days for bad conduct,” one captain said. “You don’t want to take anything away from them, but you can certainly give them more work to do. We’re not parents, really.” One captain who never had a crew contract got tired of answering questions about time off, holidays, uniforms and everything else. “So I finally locked myself in my cabin for a weekend and spelled it all
See BRIDGE, page A17
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE BRIDGE: When crew get in trouble ashore
‘When the ... police get involved, you have to follow the rules’ BRIDGE, from page A16
know,” one captain said. Everyone agreed. out, job descriptions, a contract, the “Management has to know, too,” rules and regs on the boat,” this captain another said. said. “Now there are no questions. It’s “You’ve got to tell the boss,” said a evolving, but at least it is something in third. “They’re going to find out sooner writing.” or later. Their boat is our responsibility A crew manual can also help and everything that happens with it is avoid these sorts of “trouble ashore” our responsibility.” problems altogether. One captain notifies the owner One captain told the story of a verbally, and then backs it up with an crew member on another boat who e-mail to create a record. was involved in a fight in a bar in St. “Risk mitigation,” this captain said. Maarten. The crew member left the bar “You have to wait until it’s under and went back to the boat, but shortly control before you tell the boss, after, police officers came to the boat because he’ll ask you, what should we and took him to the station. do?” a captain said. The moral of that story? “The majority of owners will say, ‘it’s “Don’t let anyone see you get back your problem, you handle it and just on the boat,” one captain said, only half let me know what’s going on,’” another joking. said. “Never be in uniform off the boat,” “Damage control; it’s what we do,” another said, noting that this rule is in said a third. the vessel’s crew agreement. So what do you do with the crew “I don’t give member once shirts away the details of the anymore,” said a incident have been One captain provides third. “You don’t taken care of? crew ID cards for each know where “You can fire they’re going to new port that includes over it, especially end up.” if you have a a photocopy of the crew Another way contract or a crew member’s passport to preempt the agreement,” a photo, the name of the aftermath of a captain said. situation is to have “If someone vessel and the ship’s emergency contact gets in trouble, stamp, the ship’s phone information at the write it up in number, and a local ready. One captain the log book to provides crew ID document the contact, usually the cards for each new incident,” another agent’s phone number. port that includes captain said. “Read a photocopy of the it to him with a crew member’s witness, and have passport photo, the name of the vessel him sign it.” and the ship’s stamp, the ship’s phone “It’s all common sense,” said a number, and a local contact, usually the third. “When the law or the police get agent’s phone number. involved, you have to follow the rules.” How does a captain handle the detail “If we’re on a 24-hour turn-around of a crew member who gets arrested and one crew member gets in trouble and detained? How do you even know and has not reported for duty when we it’s happened? need to leave, I put them in the charge “Somebody is showing up to the of the agent,” a captain said. boat,” one captain said. “The crew “The agent posts a bond and member has told them they are with releases the boat.” the boat, and come sunrise, somebody “We had someone who took ill,” is walking up to the boat.” another captain said. “The agent took “What happens if you are leaving in care of it.” eight hours and no crew member shows For at least one captain, though, that up?” another captain asked the group. didn’t feel right. “You may not be leaving until you “If a crew member doesn’t show up, I sort it out,” a captain said. can’t leave,” this captain said. “I have to “You have to deal with whatever know what happened to him. You’d feel you have to, but you have to keep it as pretty bad if you left and something low key as possible,” another captain bad had happened.” suggested. “Low key from the owner, Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of other boats, everybody. It’s your The Triton. Comments on this story are reputation.” welcome at editorial@the-triton.com. If Does the owner even have to know? you make your living working as a yacht What if it’s something relatively harmless, no one was hurt and the crew captain, e-mail lucy@the-triton.com for an invitation to our monthly Bridge member was released? luncheon. “Oh yes, you have to let the owner
June 2009 A17
A18 June 2009
PHOTO GALLERY
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Eng. Trevor Lightbourne keeps an eye out topside as Capt. Gary Corbin steadies the dinghy on M/Y Lady Andrea. They repositioned the tender for a new wave runner onboard the 103-foot Broward. Look for them chartering in the Bahamas all summer, starting in PHOTO/TOM SERIO the Jumento Cays.
Two guys, one wakeboard and an invincible yacht name. Chief Officer Barry McIntosh, left, and Deckhand Steve Moore of the 165-foot Heesen M/Y Man of Steel must be wondering when the yacht will pull them. After all, McIntosh wakeboarded behind a Feadship once. Keep an eye out for them in Florida and the Bahamas this summer. PHOTO/TOM SERIO
Deckhand Cynda Paris was shining the metal finishes onboard M/Y Esterel in the Florida sun. The yacht will get some work done this summer, including a new bow thruster and bottom paint before she heads back out to the charter PHOTO/TOM SERIO circuit.
New First Mate Peter Jupp was between a dock and a hard place as he touched up the finish on the 132-foot Westship M/Y Northern Lights. Look for her – and him – in New England this season. PHOTO/TOM SERIO
Delivered from San Diego courtesy of Dockwise two months ago, the 96-foot S/Y Altair was in Ft. Lauderdale being prepped for her season in New England. Working together like a well-oiled machine is, from left, new Mate/Engineer Andy Sekulovich, not-so-new Capt. Todd Wallack and Chef/Stew Susan Balok. PHOTO/TOM SERIO
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
PHOTO GALLERY
June 2009 A19
The crew of the 50m Feadship M/Y Iroquois were too busy getting the vessel in tip-top shape to pause for a photo, so we followed them around, (clockwise from left) snapping Stew Tanya Hall as she takes out trash (with a smile), Deckhand Ilay Saparev as he sprays the stern, Second Mate Hakim Boutrif as he cleans mats on Bahia Mar’s dock in Ft. Lauderdale, and Deckhand Chris Bauer as he sprays the topsides. Watch for this neat and tidy ship in the Bahamas this month. PHOTOS/DORIE COX
Dayworker Todd Ewing cleans the sound barrier for the portside generator of the 50m M/Y Shandor. Shandor and her full-time crew left for the Med in mid May after more than four months in Ft. Lauderdale. PHOTO/LUCY REED
Mate Nicholas Ocobock and Stew Kelly Maxey keep the 112-foot Westport M/Y Lucky Seven spotless between charters, “making white whiter,” Ocobock said. Just back from a winter in the Caribbean, the yacht will be around Florida and the Bahamas PHOTO/TOM SERIO this summer.
A20 June 2009 FROM THE FRONT: License renewal
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Capt. Chris Harris said his “experience here [in a shipyard job] has been tenfold,” citing time “on a variety of vessels rather than the same boat.” Still, PHOTO FROM CHRIS HARRIS he can only document limited sea time.
USCG Web site full of information LICENSES, from page A1 “Historically, I do freelance work and that can mean a lot of paperwork for a little credit,” he said. “Say I deliver yachts between the boat shows. That can be six days of time with three different entities. Maybe it’s a new boat with no procedure to sign off on sea time. Or maybe a manufacturer puts you on a boat that doesn’t even have the paperwork ready. “But I think refit time is the biggest issue,” he said. The USCG does not count that as sea time. Solving the sea time issue is the starting point for license renewal. Questions as to tonnage and description of license must be addressed by the Coast Guard, although many answers can be found on the USCG Web site: www.uscg.mil/nmc/renewing.asp. Service requirements for all levels of license are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Pertinent sections are in CFR 46 parts 10 and 12 found on the government Web site at www. gpoaccess.gov/CFR.
MCA
Similarly, revalidating an MCA license requires a year of sea time every five years. Renewal candidates who do not meet this requirement have four options. Mariners may serve as an extra
crew – what the MCA calls in “a supernumerary capacity” – for three months to compensate for sea service. Another option, according to the Merchant Shipping Notices for the MCA, is to complete an approved shore-based refresher course. But this isn’t as easy as it sounds. “As currently there are no refresher training courses provided for yachts, we would suggest that crew contact Seafarer Training and Certification for advice as to the correct courses to use as a substitute for the Refresher Training,” said Paul Fairbrother, UKSR Manager at MCA. Another option is to work in a lower rank for three months. To do this, contact must be made with a MCA marine office (visit www.mcga. gov.uk for “contact us”) to apply for a revalidation oral examination. Then the mariner will be issued a Certificate of Dispensation that will confirm eligibility for this service. MCA also offers the option to perform duties “in an acceptable occupation, appropriate to the class of certificate,” which must be approved ahead of time. Similar to the USCG situation, there is no list of what is considered acceptable. “If in doubt, contact MCA,” said Michael French, chief operations officer at International Yacht Training in Ft.
See LICENSES, page A21
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE FRONT: License renewal
June 2009 A21
Not everything that you thought you knew about licenses is true Myth: I have a year grace period to renew my USCG license. Fact: After a license has expired, it is invalid for working. A mariner must complete the renewal process before the license expires. The grace period is only a paperwork grace period. Myth: I work on a private yacht so I don’t need the STCW. Fact: Not necessarily true. The Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention 95 does not apply to mariners on vessels of less than 200grt, uninspected passenger vessels, fishing vessels, vessels operating exclusively on the Great Lakes, and inspected small passenger vessels. For more visit www.stcw.org Mariners who use a USCG 200-ton license on a foreign voyage must have an STCW certificate. Myth: The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) is only for people who work in ports. Fact: It is for anyone who holds a USCG-issue mariner’s license. Effective in April, no USCG licensed mariners credential is valid without a valid TWIC.
Facts about time l
The USCG defines a day as eight
License renewal a complex issue LICENSES, from page A20 Lauderdale. “Talk to them, tell them your position and they will assess on a case-by-case basis.” Visit www.mcga.gov.uk, click through “Working at Sea”, then “Training and Certification” for details and contact information. Maritime governing bodies are deep with regulations. For a taste of the complexity of the renewal process, try a few phone calls or spend time on official Web sites. They are the last word on who gets renewed.
All about rules and regulations
For captains and crew, the license renewal process is a culmination of years, and often lifetimes, of work with the sea. Hours on boats, course books and study guides, tests, training, seminars and more tests, all boil down to following the official rules and regulations to keep their tickets. For captains like Harris, the big issue is making sure his time spent in the industry counts. “It was years at great expense and brain drain to get my 1,600-ton license early in my career, and it would be heartbreaking if there is an issue.” Dorie Cox is a staff reporter with The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
hours of watch-standing or day-working, not to include overtime. Vessels with 12hour working days may count as one and one-half days of service. l On vessels of less than 100 gross register tons, a day is considered eight hours unless the Coast Guard determines that the vessel’s operating schedule makes this criteria inappropriate. In no case will this period be less than four hours. l The MCA divides sea time into (and sea service can include any combination of ) the following: 1. onboard yacht service is time spent signed on a yacht, irrespective of the vessel activity 2. actual sea service is time spent at sea, which may include time at anchor or river and canal transits associated with a passage 3. stand-by service is time moored while fully crewed, fuelled and ready to proceed to sea, e.g. awaiting the owner to arrive or a charter to commence 4. yard service is time when standing by a build, refit or repair Differences in the definitions of sea service are clarified on government Web sites: www.uscg.mil and www.mcga.gov. uk. – Dorie Cox
USCG consolidates credentials The U.S. Coast Guard issued the first consolidated Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) in May in Dania Beach, Fla. The MMC consolidates the credentials issued to merchant mariners into a single credential, and streamlines the application process for the MMC by removing the requirement that all mariners appear at one of 17 Regional Exam Centers, so long as they have already enrolled for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Under previous regulations, the Coast Guard issued up to four credentials per mariner including a Merchant Mariner’s Document, Merchant Mariner’s License, Certificate of Registry and an International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers Endorsement (STCW). Each credential served a separate purpose, thus creating the possibility that a mariner might need all four. The new consolidated MMC replaces the four documents with one. For more information visit www.uscg.mil/nmc or http:// homeport.uscg.mil and select Merchant Mariners.
A22 June 2009
WRITE TO BE HEARD
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Persons under the influence of these ‘nightshade’ drugs can be asked to release passwords, empty bank accounts and engage in sexual acts without their consent or even their full knowledge. The U.S. embassy warns that drinks should never be left unattended. This substance can be given by liquid, cigarette or inhalant. It is tasteless and odorless.
An open warning to all yachtsmen This letter came to The Triton after our survey on crew and crime appeared in the March issue. By John Smith In 1676, British soldiers sent to Virginia to put down the rebellion of Bacon in the city of Jamestown boiled together some local plants and made a salad of sorts. Soon after ingesting their meal, according to reports, the soldiers “presented a very pleasant comedy, for they turned natural fools, … one would blow at a feather while another would dart straws at it with much fury: another, stark naked, was sitting in a corner like a monkey, while another would fondly kiss and paw his companions. “In this condition they were confined lest they should, in their folly, destroy themselves, though it was observed that all of their actions were full of innocence and good nature. A thousand simple tricks they played, and after 11 days returned themselves again, not remembering anything that had happened.” In Bogota, Colombia, about 500 people a month fall victim to the 21st century equivalent of Jamestown or “jimson” weed. According to a U.S. State Department warning, the drug called burundanga in Venezuela and
borrachio in Colombia has become a street weapon within segments of both Latin and North America. The active agent – scopolamine – can be a useful drug when taken as directed by a physician. As well as being effective in alleviating seasickness, it is a powerful antispasmodic and is used in a variety of gastro-intestinal disorders. It also, however, has gained a reputation as a truth serum and can render a person disoriented and talkative while inducing a state in which the victim does not perceive that the “dream” he/she is having is in fact reality. Persons under the influence of these “nightshade” drugs can be asked to release passwords, empty bank accounts and engage in sexual acts without their consent or even their full knowledge. The victim cannot say no. Dr. Camlo Uribe, head of Bogotá’s foremost toxicology clinic, says, “It is like chemical hypnosis, and from the moment it is given the victim remembers absolutely nothing of what happened.” All parts of jimson weed are poisonous due to the presence of tropane alkaloids. These include atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), and hyoscine. The roots also contain cuscohygrine and 3, 6 ditigylteloidine. I know three people who have fallen victim to this new street/club crime,
two in Venezuela and one in Ecuador. The U.S. embassy warns that drinks should never be left unattended. This substance can be given by liquid, cigarette or inhalant. It is tasteless and odorless. With an experienced handler, the individual under this drug will tell the truth to any question asked. The victim may have no memory of the events but they may resurface years later in unexplained disorientation. The CIA/ FBI/NSA and most police agencies know about this drug. It is often used by security forces to make people forget. So, with the way things are with burundanga just now, forget about roadside romance. Flirting with a stranger could lead to a real lost weekend. Needless to say, there are probably countless people trying to figure out what happened to them on that long night out that they cannot remember when they were not careful with their drinks and woke up penniless … and lost! John Smith has been living aboard and cruising in the Caribbean since 1968. He studied pharmacy in Boston and served as a hospitalman in the U.S. Navy. He has spent the past 32 years cruising aboard the engineless sloop, Mermaid of Carriacou. Check out his latest book, ‘Little Fish, Big Pond’ at Amazon.com.
‘I commend the crown for recognizing’ Callwood LETTERS, from page A23
Callwood worthy of honor
I first met Foxy Callwood in the summer of 1990 when I was working on a local boat, the Plan B. Foxy and my boss were friends and they included me in their conversations. Prior to that I had only known of Foxy via the many T-shirts I had seen bearing his name. This led me to assume that Foxy was just a local character with a popular saloon. As it turned out he had just returned from a trip to Europe and was getting ready to go to San Francisco. We had great conversations and solved the world’s problems. Foxy and his beautiful lady are indeed worldly and wise people. So it comes as no surprise to read that he continues to be a positive influence in the lives of so many. [“Foxy Callwood
worthy of his English honor,” page A23, April 2009] I commend the Crown for recognizing what many of us have long known. Capt. Ned Stone Ft. Lauderdale
Snake awareness online
I read your article about snakebites [“Fatal snakebites rare but still require emergency first-aid” at www.the-triton. com] with interest from Australia and thought I would send you some information that may be of interest to your readers. I do the bookkeeping for a gentleman in South Australia by the name of Geoff Coombe. Geoff has been presenting Snake Awareness and Working with Venomous Snakes courses throughout Australia and the world for many years. His whole focus is on making people aware of
why snakes react the way they do and what we can do to reduce the chance of being bitten by them. As well as the various “in person” presentations, he also has an online Snake Awareness course he has recently set up to give people a better understanding of these creatures. His Web site is at www. livingwithwildlife.com.au, and he also has a couple of blogs. The advice given by Keith Murray in your article was fantastic, but we hope that if people become more aware of these creatures and why they react in the way that they do, there will be less need for first aid treatment because fewer people will get bitten. Geoff truly believes that we can live in harmony with these creatures if we understand what they do and why they do it. Dean Allan Gawler, South Australia
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
WRITE TO BE HEARD
June 2009 A23
Barbee’s pain exacerbated by wasted organs Your story about David Barbee [“Awaiting transplant, man survives with work, family, friends,” page A14, May issue] highlighted the tragic shortage of human organs for transplant operations. More than half of the 100,000 Americans on the national transplant waiting list will die before they get a transplant. Most of these deaths are needless. Americans bury or cremate 20,000 transplantable organs every year. There is a simple way to put a big dent in the organ shortage – give donated organs first to people who have agreed to donate their own organs when they die. Giving organs first to organ donors will convince more people to register as organ donors. It will also make the organ allocation system fairer. People who aren’t willing to share the gift of life should go to the back of the waiting list as long as there is a shortage of organs. Anyone who wants to donate their organs to others who have agreed to donate theirs can join LifeSharers. LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors who agree to offer their organs first to other organ donors when they die. Membership is free at www. lifesharers.org or by calling 1-888ORGAN88. There is no age limit, parents can enroll their minor children, and no one is excluded due to any pre-existing medical condition. LifeSharers has more than 12,000 members at this writing. Dave Undis, executive director LifeSharers www.lifesharers.org
Out of the mainstream
I just wanted to comment on a nicely written piece regarding David Barbee. It was uniquely written, and it was nice to see positive stories with all the negative stories in the mainstream media. I hope that a donor is located. Greg Gajcak Nautical Outfitters Midwest
Fantastic article on being a crew member This is probably the best article I have ever read about being a crew member. [“16 things great crew know,” C1, May 2009] Thank you so much for printing it. I remember hearing Capt. Lawson reading these off at the Expo and it just makes sense. I hope to read this to our new students. Stephanie Allen Operations manager American Yacht Institute Ft. Lauderdale Capt. Taylor Lawson reminds me of the very best of the best captains I have ever worked for: clear, concise, unemotional and measurable expectations; human mistakes that are understood as long as one exercises responsibility and corrects or does not repeat them; and a working environment in which crew are advised what is expected, a captain expecting it to happen, and knowing as crew that there will be quantifiable consequences in not meeting those objectives.
Advertising Sales Peg Soffen, peg@the-triton.com Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
I don’t think I have ever read a better short statement on the relationship between captains, crew, owners and the vessel. I’m thinking of making it an addendum to Moore & Co. crew contracts. Well done. Michael Moore Attorney Miami
Azteca: No business in San Pedro
At the very least, Capt. Salvador Villerias-Eckart of M/Y Azteca was grossly ill prepared and terribly misinformed to think he was going to go through the San Pedro Cut (“pass,” as he referred to it) with a 165-foot yacht, not to mention 5- to 7-foot seas,
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
In other words, the kind of captain I would do everything and anything for, as long as it was both safe and legal, which, in Capt. Lawson’s case and others like him, I would expect nothing else. Eng. Sandra Fieger Caribbean
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 Carol M. Bareuther, Capt. John Campbell, Capt. Gregory Clark, Mark A. Cline, Jake DesVergers, Chris Fairgrieve, Jack Horkheimer, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Alene Keenan,Jim Kelleher, Keith Murray, Capt. Tony Perry, Steve Pica, Alison Rese, Rossmare Intl., James Schot, Capt. Tom Serio
25-knot winds, with a tender in tow at 0530hrs. [“Captain: Anchor incident exaggerated,” page A1, May 2009] A yacht that size and draft has no business being anywhere near the San Pedro Cut. Remember, all that transpired after his inability to maneuver his vessel properly is reaction from a community of local dive operators who make their living on that now-torn-up reef. Please tell Capt. Villerias-Eckart that 225 feet of large yacht chain will certainly tear up shallow reefs. To date the best navigational knowledge for Belize waters is Capt. Freya Rausher’s “Belize Cruising Guide.” Sure an emergency is an emergency, but if he had better planned his ETA later in the morning, he could have gotten local knowledge by radio during daylight. If he had got through the Cut, there is no place for him to go except aground. He could have retained a local guy who would have made his Belize experience more enjoyable. Captain Chris Berg M/Y Intrepid EDITOR’S NOTE: Capt. Berg spent more than a decade in Belize, running a diving facility and various live-aboard vessels beginning in the late 1980s.
See LETTERS, page A22 Vol. 6, No. 3.
The Triton is a free, monthly newspaper owned by Triton Publishing Group Inc. Copyright 2009 Triton Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: Mailing address: 757 S.E. 17th St., #1119 Visit us at: 111B S. W. 23rd St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315 (954) 525-0029; FAX (954) 525-9676 www.the-triton.com
Gunshot victims
While the iron is hot
Ya call this working?
Same as it ever was
First aid is vital to survival.
Crew ready for training.
Elliott Bay’s dockmaster.
French islands don’t change.
B2
Section B
B3
B4
www.the-triton.com
B14
June 2009
Designated person ashore and ISM Code
Downtown Savannah has dockage for megayachts upriver from the Hyatt, the pink building.
FILE PHOTO
Navigating the Savannah River By Capt. Tony Perry The Savannah River is deep and easily navigated. Call for a pilot, which is required for foreign-flagged vessels more than 200 gross tons. Put out large fenders. They require at least two hours notice. As you enter from the Atlantic, look for Cockspur Island, home of historic Fort Pulaski National Monument, the pilot station and the U.S. Coast Guard base on the port side. Watch your wake in this area. There is a lot of commercial traffic on the river and most of it tug-assisted or at least escorted. The compressed natural gas ships are escorted by armed Coast Guard personnel. Dockage is available on both sides of the river downtown, but the most convenient is the Hyatt Regency at the furthest end up river. You are in the center of the nightlife here and a short walk to anywhere, with great restaurants, theaters and events. The dock master is Jennifer Crovatt (+1
912-238-1234, jennifercrovatt@hyatt. com). There is 414 feet of dockage and shore power of single phase, 100amp and 50amp. Generators may be run. Other options for city dockage are the John P. Rousakis Riverfront Plaza (www.savannahga.gov, +1 912-651-6452). Docking space is available in three areas: Dock 1 on the western end of the plaza, upriver from the Hyatt for 35- to 250-foot yachts; Dock 2 is the area of the bulkhead beginning just east of the tour boat dock behind City Hall and extending eastward to Abercorn Ramp; and Dock 3, which has vertical, stationary pilings and cleats and can accommodate any vessel up to about 250 feet. Limited electricity, water and refuse services are available. Another facility is River Street Market Place Dock for yachts up to 250 feet (www. riverstreetmarketplace.com, +1 912-398-6038). The dockmaster is Charles “Chaz” Files.
The piers are located on a commercial shipping channel. The tide variation is 6 to 8 feet and the area has a mean low draft varying from 8 to 14 feet, with an irregular silt and mud bottom. Across the river is the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa. It has long docks with 100amp power, swimming pool, golf, tennis and a good restaurant. It also runs a ferry across the river every 20 to 30 minutes until midnight. Reach the concierge at +1 912-201-2062. Further up the river on the port side is the former Global Ship Systems yard, now operating as Savannah MegaYacht. It has a dry dock facility with a sliding roof that can enclose large yachts. M/Y Blue Moon was there this spring for a paint job. It also has a large marine railway.
About-face
That’s about as far as private
See SAVANNAH, page B10
Traditionally, the maritime industry has taken a reactive stance to implementing improved safety measures at sea. Whenever there was an accident, we investigated it and eventually required a new piece of equipment installed. Fifteen years ago, in 1994, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established a precedent by its actions and deviated from this Rules of the Road traditional “fix-all” Jake DesVergers process. It enacted an amendment to the existing International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) that focused on the human element. The amendment – Resolution A.741 (18) – became Chapter IX of SOLAS, but more commonly known as the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The resolution at that time enacted a set of generalized requirements focused around 13 elements: l Safety Management System l Safety/Environmental Protection Policy l Company Responsibilities and Authority l Designated Person(s) l Master’s Responsibility and Authority l Resources and Personnel l Development of Plans for Shipboard Operations l Emergency Preparedness l Reports and Analysis of Nonconformities, Accidents and Hazardous Occurrences l Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment l Documentation l Company Verification, Review and Control l Certification, Verification and Control The IMO recognized the shoreside management role was crucial in the safe operation of ships and large yachts. For this effort, the ISM Code created a position with distinct responsibilities. This position, the Designated Person (DP), is outlined in element four.
See RULES, page 8
B June 2009 ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Gunshot Wounds
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Treating gunshots not like it is in the movies or on TV When most people think of yachting, they think of pretty boats in warm climates with palm trees and pretty ladies sunning themselves on deck. Lately, though, the yachting we see on television more often involves pirates with guns. Due to all of the media coverage Sea Sick about pirates, Keith Murray the number of gunshot questions I receive in my classes has increased dramatically. So I consulted with a friend and former co-worker who has treated numerous gunshot wounds, Rick Sosa, a lieutenant paramedic with the Stuart Fire Rescue. Sosa has first-hand experience treating bullet wounds of various calibers from pistols, rifles and shotguns. “Treating gunshot victims is not like it is in the movies or on TV,” Sosa said. “Gunshot wounds, even larger caliber, can sometimes be deceiving. They may look like a small puncture wound and may not bleed very much. “The wound may appear little but the damage inside is not. Due to body
mass, the torso is usually a much easier careful when moving the victim. You do target than the rest of the body. Again, not want to cause further injury. this spells danger. The torso contains Our next step is basic first aid. If all the major vital organs: heart, lungs, the victim is unconscious, look, listen kidneys, liver, stomach, spleen, etc. and feel for breathing. Place your head “Gunshot victims next to the victim’s belong in the hospital mouth and look at The wound may emergency room as their chest for a rise quickly as possible,” and fall. Listen to appear little but he said. his breathing, and the damage inside Here are the steps you should feel his is not. to treat a bullet breath against your wound. face. If the victim is The first step, not breathing, begin as in any first-aid rescue situation, CPR and apply the AED (automated is to make sure the scene is safe for external defibrillator) immediately. you. After you are certain you can Next, we must control any bleeding. safely help, protect yourself from Be sure to check the victim thoroughly bloodborne pathogens. This means for bleeding as you may have more than putting on medical exam gloves and one wound to treat. Bullets often create eye protection. Consider every drop of a second hole when they exit the body. another person’s blood infectious and To control bleeding, use your avoid direct contract with it. gloved hand and sterile dressing to The second step is to get help. This apply direct pressure to the wound. If means calling for medical help and the wound is still bleeding, try more getting the victim to a hospital as pressure and more dressing. If this quickly as possible. Our victim’s chance does not work, try more pressure, more of survival is greatest with prompt, dressing, and if possible, elevate the professional medical treatment at a wound above the heart. hospital. Gunshot wounds to the chest, often Moving the victim is never a good called sucking chest wounds, should be idea when you are on land and help sealed to keep air from being sucked is on the way, unless the victim is in a into the wound. Cover the wound using dangerous location. At sea, you must be a piece of plastic. Tape three sides of
the plastic to the body, leaving the fourth side open. The open side will act as a valve allowing air to escape, which should prevent a collapsed lung. If the victim is conscious, allow them to sit or lay in a comfortable position. Try to keep him relaxed, which should slow his heart rate and limit blood loss. Keeping the victim warm will also help. If the victim is unconscious, he should be closely monitored for signs of cardiac or respiratory arrest. If the victim experiences signs of shock, such as thirst, rapid heart rate, or profuse sweating, have him lay flat and slightly elevate his legs if he can tolerate it. This will move blood to the body’s core. If oxygen is available, give it to the patient. Do not give gunshot wound victims anything to eat or drink without approval by a medical professional. 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.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
SECURITY: High seas hijackings
June 2009
B
Now’s the time to refresh security efforts, review SOPs, train We all have read or viewed with great interest the incredible rescue by the U.S. Navy of Capt. Phillips of M/V Alabama from the clutches of Somali hijackers. The on-going stories of these high sea hijackings are of interest to us all in a not-sosubtle way in that they demonstrate the lengths and All Secure measures human Jim Kelleher beings will go to steal from others when it appears all hope is lost. There are many thoughts and theories as to the underlying motives of these hijackers, all the way from gang initiations to terrorism. It does not really matter, in the end, what the actual motive may be; the result is usually the same to the crew and ships’ owners. Almost every day, merchant seaman are put in harm’s way at the hands of these criminals. And until recently, civilized society and its navies had been unable to stop it. That is, until the U.S. Navy’s Seal Team Six was released. The fact that these criminals will take extreme measures, risking their own lives in the process only demonstrates what thieves will risk to accomplish their mission. Their measures may be less extreme with yachts, although not a whole lot less if you happen to be a crew member who becomes the target or victim of a hijacking or physical criminal act. Desperate criminals who occupy our cruising waters possess many of the same desperate characteristics and perhaps even the same motives as the Somali hijackers. When people become desperate and without hope, they may resort to extreme measures no matter what body of water they may be near. As the economy continues to suffer, those predisposed to criminal acts could very well take a page from the hijackers playbook. The yachting community would appear as an appealing target to this element. In an attempt to preemptively lock the barn door, perhaps this would be a good time to revisit some basic steps to prevent unwanted boardings that could lead to more serious acts of theft or physical harm. We have witnessed the time it took for the authorities to respond and react to the highly publicized hijacking of the M/V Alabama. That begs the question: How long would it take to respond to a hijacking or hostage event on a yacht in our familiar cruising waters given the limited resources in the area? Instead of waiting for that, let’s look at what we can do now to refresh our own security efforts: l Establish firm standard operating procedures for yacht watches. l Become well informed and
knowledgeable of your surroundings. Know what is normal and what appear to be out-of-place activities. l Establish communications with your yachting neighbors. l Broaden your horizon of surveillance. What happens in your vicinity can have a direct impact on your operation. l Be aware of counter-surveillances. In most instances the bad guys have been watching your operations long before they attempt their criminal acts. Those on watch should make note of unusual interest or close encounters
that may have criminal motives. l Share information with your neighbors and authorities. l Update crew security training. Crew members have never been more aware of the dangers proposed by outside sources than they are right now. Most would agree that security and safety training in the past was generally viewed as a necessary burden or vague requirement being mandated by others. Today’s level of threat awareness by even the most inexperienced crew member should be used as an opportunity for meaningful security
training. Professional crew today not only expect and want the training but are paying attention like never before. Jim Kelleher is president of Securaccess, a global security consultancy based in South Florida. He is a retired U.S. Secret Service agent, a licensed U.S. Coast Guard captain, and the former vice president of security for the world’s largest fleet of private Feadships and Gulfstream jets. Contact him through www.securaccessinc.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
B June 2009 ON THE DOCKS: Elliott Bay Marina
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Harbormaster Doug Hicks is at home at Elliott Bay Marina By Dorie Cox Ten miles of dock is checked and cleaned each day at Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle, Wash. The crew walks with report sheets in hand, recording the status of 1,200 slips. “That’s walking, not riding in golf carts,” team leader and harbormaster Doug Hicks said. “Our people are in really good shape.” Frequently giving credit to the marina staff, which numbers about 20 in summer, Hicks said he is just the figurehead of Elliott Bay’s wellcoordinated group. Hicks had traveled on land and sea before becoming the marina’s dockmaster. He was born in Seattle and served nine years in the U.S. Army. He sailed with friends in the South
Harbormaster Doug Hicks, left, is getting assistant harbormaster Brian Kaloper to take the helm at Elliott Bay Marina next year. PHOTO FROM DOUG HICKS
Pacific in the Marquesas and Tuamotu, and spent more than three years in Mexico on his own boat, sailing from San Carlos to Manzanillo and cruising around Baja. “I was an unstable bum,” he readily admitted. Eventually he returned to the Pacific northwest where he decided to park his boat at Elliott Bay Marina. He realized no matter where he was in the world, he often found himself back at the marina on the south shore of Magnolia Bluff. “They had the best staff on Earth and I had never been anyplace more helpful and friendly,” he said. He went to work on a Superfund coastal cleanup project in Tacoma, Wash., tearing out old docks and rebuilding the waterfront. “We built the Dock Street Marina and Delin Docks from scratch,” he said. After that, he took shift jobs at Elliott Bay where he was later hired as harbormaster, a position he’s held for two-and-a-half years. Hicks is at home at the marina, which is located outside of the locks, about five minutes from downtown Seattle. It is easy to navigate with entrances on the east and west. With a call ahead, the crew will be waiting to grab lines, Hicks said. Most boats are between 32 and 158 feet but the outside can accommodate larger megayachts. Waterfront dining is offered at the Palisades Restaurant and Maggie Bluff Marina Grill, and several marine businesses are on the property. Hicks said he is thrilled to be working at a marina where teamwork and fun are a job requirement. “For example, we have a downtown sailing series and the only rules are: don’t run over your neighbor, have fun and be back at 8:30, even if you have to use your engine. The party starts promptly.” As to a typical day in the life of Harbormaster Hicks he said, “We divide the work, today I cleaned the heads. … My philosophy is if we are happy and confident and our restrooms are clean, then we have a perfect marina.” Hicks is again planning his next phase. Assistant Harbormaster Brian Kaloper has been attending training in marina management and hospitality to prepare to replace Hicks as harbormaster next year. After Kaloper gets promoted, Hicks plans to continue working with the marina on a less intensive level. “The trick is to get a smart, youthful successor,” Hicks said. “He’s great; he did everything we asked. Well, for the first year anyway...” Dorie Cox is a staff reporter with The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
Globe Wireless, Iridium launch OpenPort to megayacht market Globe Wireless and Iridium launched the Iridium OpenPort satellite communication system for the yacht market at The Triton’s monthly networking event in May. “Globe Wireless and Iridium have teamed up to create a very unique and appealing offer to the pleasure yacht market,” said Frank J. Coles, president and CEO of Globe Wireless. “The response at this event today has been overwhelmingly positive.” OpenPort is a global IP service that offers three voice lines concurrent with always-on IP data connection. It is promoted as a backup for VSATs. Globe Wireless offers products and services to the yacht market through its GlobeSwift product line, which can be found at www.globeswift.com.
KVH upgrades down
KVH Industries has a new promotion designed to make it easier to move from old “big dish” VSAT systems to KVH’s mini-VSAT service and TracPhone V7 hardware. The promotion offers hardware and airtime discounts to mariners who replace an older VSAT system with the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service. Mariners have the
option of three months of free airtime and almost 40 percent off hardware costs when purchasing outright, or a 10 percent airtime discount and nearly 30 percent off the monthly hardware charge on a lease. In other news, KVH has introduced the TracPhone FB150, a satellite system that measures 10.5 inches in diameter and 12 inches high. The fully stabilized system will offer IP data connections up to 150 Kbps and simultaneous voice and SMS service, all via Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband network.
Paradox Nav-Tracker SmartKEY
Boat security systems supplier Paradox Marine has enhanced its NavTracker 2.0 wireless boat location and GPS tracking system with SmartKEY, which automatically disarms the system when the vessel operator boards the vessel and re-arms it when the operator disembarks. SmartKEY uses RFID technology that allows for “no touch” arming and disarming of the Nav-Tracker 2.0 system. There are no buttons to push or keys to turn. For more information, visit www. paradoxmarine.com or call toll-free in the United States, 1-866-929-4442.
Today’s fuel prices
June 2009
B
One year ago
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of May 15.
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of May 15, 2008
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 445/476 Savannah, Ga. 431/NA Newport, R.I. 514/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 530/NA St. Maarten 570/NA Antigua 598/NA Valparaiso 645/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 638/NA Cape Verde 472/NA Azores 490/NA Canary Islands 462/695 Mediterranean Gibraltar 442/NA Barcelona, Spain 474/1,190 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,172 Antibes, France 521/1,345 San Remo, Italy 636/1,511 Naples, Italy 587/1,426 Venice, Italy 598/1,367 Corfu, Greece 582/1,325 Piraeus, Greece 565/1,308 Istanbul, Turkey 487/NA Malta 553/1298 Bizerte, Tunisia 598/NA Tunis, Tunisia 593/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 521/NA Sydney, Australia 525/NA Fiji 593/NA
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 1,047/1,115 Savannah, Ga. 1,066/NA Newport, R.I. 1,125/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,156/NA St. Maarten 1,112/NA Antigua 1,069/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,191/NA Cape Verde 1,038/NA Azores 991/NA Canary Islands 1,066/1,215 Mediterranean Gibraltar 1,094/NA Barcelona, Spain 1,043/1,880 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,872 Antibes, France 1,141/2,187 San Remo, Italy 1,237/2,313 Naples, Italy 1,205/2,203 Venice, Italy 1,231/2,122 Corfu, Greece 1,155/2,002 Piraeus, Greece 1,139/1,987 Istanbul, Turkey 1,120/NA Malta 1,078/1,272 Bizerte, Tunisia 1,065/NA Tunis, Tunisia 1,065/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 1,103/NA Sydney, Australia 1,120/NA Fiji 1,247/NA
*When available according to local customs.
*When available according to customs.
B June 2009
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Barcelona’s Vilanova Grand opens for yachts up to 80m
Vilanova Grand Marina – Barcelona welcomed its first boats in April to coincide with the holding of Formula 1’s Spanish Grand Prix. With an initial investment of 33 million euros and a two-year construction process, Vilanova Grand Marina has 49 moorings for yachts up to 80 meters in length. Half are for sale, and the other half will be reserved for rent. About a third of the property is a shipyard for repair and refit work. Its concrete quay structure maintains a depth of up to 7 meters, power and water supply for large boats, in-slip refueling and collection of grey water, vehicle access to all moorings, and a helistop. Still to come: a dry dock, restaurant, English pub and 75 retail and business offices. The dry dock will have two large-capacity Travelifts, two paint booths measuring 60m and 40m in length, and a workshop area with different dimensions. The project also includes the construction of a waiting and repair dock measuring 300 meters in length and a helistop intended to facilitate access to the marina. For more information, visit www. vilanovagrandmarina.com, or call +34 609 643 085.
R.I. marina expansion halted
The Supreme Court in Rhode Island stayed a ruling in early May that had allowed Block Island’s Champlin’s Marina to expand into the Great Salt Pond, according to a story in Providence Business News. The order halts work at the site. The court was expected to decide on May 28 whether to hear the case. A 91-page Superior Court decision in February reversed a ruling by the previously deadlocked Coastal Resources Management Council of Rhode Island. In doing so, it allowed the marina to expand its 225-boat capacity by 140 boats.
Record sale for Ocean Reef dock
Business and financial wires were abuzz with the news that a yacht slip at Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Fla., has sold for a record $4 million. Sotheby’s
International Realty brokered the deal. The slip, located on the T-Dock, can accommodate yachts up to 165 feet in length. The previous record sale at Ocean Reef for a similar size dock was $2 million. The exclusive Ocean Reef Club offers a 175slip marina with 24-hour security. Near the Gulf Stream and North America’s only living coral reef, the surrounding waters offer deep-sea, reef, flats and back-country fishing.
Canal adds tugs, tie-up station
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has added five new tugboats to its fleet. The new units, purchased from Cheoy Lee Shipyards, have an output capacity of 4,800 horse power. An additional 13 tugs, also purchased from Cheoy Lee, are scheduled to begin arriving in September 2010. The ACP plans to have a total fleet of 46 tugs by 2014. In other news, the Canal’s second tie-up station, located at Cartagena approach, is in full operation. The new station allows the Canal to transit at least one additional vessel per day. The way the ACP schedules vessel transits, traffic goes northbound (Pacific to Atlantic) in the morning and switches to southbound (Atlantic to Pacific) in the afternoon. Before the introduction of these tie-up stations, in the afternoon, for example, the two locks on the Pacific end of the Canal would have been idle until nearly the end of all of the southbound traffic. The tie-up stations use this down time by allowing northbound traffic in the afternoon to go through both the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel locks; then these ships are secured at the tie-up station, wait for all of the southbound traffic to pass and continue their transit. Along with the new track and turntable system in the Gatun locks and an enhanced tug fleet, the ACP has increased daily transits to more than 40 per day, according to an agency statement.
New Aussie marina for megayachts Port Adelaide, located in South Australia, is undergoing a period of growth and redevelopment. The local government plans to spend an estimated $1.5 billion to revitalize the area. Marina West, which celebrated its grand opening in March, is Port
See MARINAS, page B7
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
Port Adelaide yacht club extends berths for yachts MARINAS, from page A24 Adelaide’s newest marina. The facility, developed and operated by the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia (CYCSA), is an extension of the Club’s complex on the coast at North Haven. Marina West adds 73 slips to the region and offers the state’s biggest berths. Bellingham Marine designed and built the new marina. Berths range in length from 11 meters to 35 meters. The marina features Bellingham’s Unifloat dock system with high freeboard and extra wide walkways. For more information, contact
Bellingham Marine Australia, +6139646-6744.
Bellingham parent sold
Ambassadors Marine Group (AMG) – parent company for Bellingham Marine and BellPort Group – announced in mid-May that it had been sold to Bellwether Financial Group. Bellwether is a private company in California, headed by President and CEO Joe Ueberroth. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Under Ueberroth, Bellingham and BellPort will act as independent, privately held companies, returning to them a more competitive and entrepreneurial method of operation, according to a company statement. Ueberroth has been associated with both companies for more than 12 years, including serving as CEO, director, and as a customer. For more information, visit www.bellinghammarine.com or www. bellportgroup.com.
June 2009
B
B June 2009 FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
DP’s role has increased in stature RULES, from page B1 This person, appointed by the company with direct access to the highest level of management, ensures safe operation of each yacht and provides a link between the company and those on board. The DP has the responsibility and authority to monitor safety and pollution prevention aspects and ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are supplied. Over the years, the DP role has increased in stature and responsibility. To promote a higher standard of qualification and implement some consistency for the DP, the IMO released a guidance circular. In the area of qualifications, the DP’s role is one of debate and excessive interpretation. Typically, our industry has assimilated this position with a company employee that possesses seagoing experience and maintains a management-level position within the shore-side organization. There have been some companies where this has not been the case, where a DP has come from a purely business management background, to appointment through family lineage, or through promotion from administrative ranks. This, however, is more of the exception than the rule. The IMO circular outlined a minimum set of criteria for formal education. It stated that the DP must possess one of the following: l qualifications from a tertiary institution recognized by the Administration or by the recognized organization, within a relevant field of management, engineering, or physical science; or l qualifications and seagoing experience as a certified ship officer pursuant to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended; or l other formal education combined with not less than three years practical senior-level experience in ship management operations. For practical training, the IMO insists that the DP should have undergone training relating to safety management elements in compliance with the requirements of the ISM Code, particularly with regard to: l knowledge and understanding of the ISM Code; l mandatory rules and regulations; l applicable codes, guidelines and standards as appropriate; l assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting; l technical or operational aspects of safety management; l appropriate knowledge of shipping and shipboard operations; l participation in at least one marine-related management system audit; and
l effective communications with shipboard staff and senior management. And lastly, in the most important area of experience, the following is necessitated: l ability to present ISM matters to the highest level of management and gain sustained support for safety management system improvements; l determine whether the safety management system elements meet the requirements of the ISM Code; l determine the effectiveness of the safety management system within the company and the ship by using established principles of internal audit and management review to ensure compliance with rules and regulations; l assess the effectiveness of the safety management system in ensuring compliance with other rules and regulations that are not covered by statutory and classification surveys and enabling verification of compliance with these rules and regulations; l assess whether the safe practices recommended by the organization, administrations, classification societies, other international bodies and maritime industry organizations to promote a safety culture had been taken into account; and l gather and analyze data from hazardous occurrences, situations, near misses, incidents and accidents and apply lessons learned to improve the safety management system. Since verification of ISM Code compliance is achieved through a series of audits, the IMO further outlined that the company should provide training, including practical training and continuous updating. The company should also provide evidence that the DP has the relevant qualification, training and experience to undertake the duties under the ISM Code. In the past few years with the implementation of the STCW Code, we have seen that minimum certifications and education cannot replace real experience. Let us strive to ensure that with the continued implementation of this Circular, the number of “qualified” Designated Persons increases, rather than regressing to amplified numbers of homogenous “certified” DPs.
Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides inspection services to 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 +1-954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau. org. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
B10 June 2009 LOCAL KNOWLEDGE: Savannah, Ga.
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Hyatt & City Docks
N
na ive
t Cu
Pilot Station
r
Landings & Savannah Yacht Club
Sout
r
ive
nnel
r
Buoyage Change
Willmin g
ton Riv e
yR wa di a
Ft. Pulaski
h Cha
Thunderbolt
Sk
USCG
hR
nd sla
Causton Bluff Bridge
l
van Sa
aI Elb
Savannah MegaYacht
ATLANTIC OCEAN Wassaw Sound
Shortcut to Atlantic at R36 SAVANNAH, from page B1 yachts travel on the Savannah River. If you do not draw more than seven or eight feet, there’s a nice shortcut back to the Atlantic through Elba Island Cut. Head back down the Savannah to R36, and turn to starboard into the cut. Watch out for the strong cross current as you enter. High tide is best for this route. You will come to Causton Bluff bascule bridge, which opens on demand except during rush hour weekdays (6:30-9 a.m.). Still, the bridge opens at 7 and 8 a.m. In the evening, it is closed 4:30-6:30 with an opening at 5:30. The width opening is 100 feet. Continue a mile or so and you are in the town of Thunderbolt. To port you have Savannah Bend Marina, which has 70 feet on its face dock (Dockmaster Joe Terrabonne, +1 912-897-3625). Across the way is Hinckley Yacht Services, managed by Mike Pranschke. His docks are busy but sometimes he can accommodate you. He has excellent workmen there of all trades, and can haul up to 50 gross tons and 60 feet (+1 912-629-2400). Under the fixed bridge, with clearance of 65 feet, Bahia Bleu Marina is to starboard. There is usually dockage available on the front dock for yachts up to 180 feet (+1 912-228-4476, www.morningstarmarinas.com). The other bascule bridge is no longer there. Last, but not least, is Thunderbolt Marina (Dockmaster Hal Parsons, +1 912-356-3875), where you still get free doughnuts placed on deck in the morning. Thunderbolt is in the process of extending its docks up river where the restaurant was demolished. Right alongside the marina is Thunderbolt Marine at marker 35, formerly Palmer Johnson from Wisconsin (+1 912-352-4931). This yard
has a SynchroLift capable of 1,150 tons and 180 feet, and a Travelift for 150 tons, as well as a large protected basin with floating docks. The largest yachts can be painted in buildings. Thunderbolt has several marine businesses close by including: River Supply for large chandlery stock; River Services for service, sales and repairs of life rafts, inflatables and flares; and Sea Stitch for canvas work. You can proceed to sea down the Wilmington River, but remember, you are in the Intracoastal Waterway until Skidaway River at marker R40. Your next one to starboard in the Wilmington River will be G29. Navigating down the river is straightforward until you reach Wassaw Sound, where buoys are quite small until you reach the last one, R2W. Remember, they are sensitive about wake. Boats have been fined.
Straight to Thunderbolt
For entering Wassaw Sound from offshore, Capt. Emile Bootsma of M/Y Blue Moon said there may be some short cuts for the Wilmington River inbound, but because of the constant movement of the sand banks he would not advise taking any. Instead, keep to the channel. Keep a tight turn around R4 (less than 100 feet) as it shoals pretty quickly on the southwest and west side of R4. Capt. Bootsma said this is the point you are now beam-to the swell and should maintain caution because this is where the water is skinniest. At high tide it will be about 15 feet. Depending on your draft, it is best to attempt this an hour either side of high. Savannah tidal range is in the 6- to 7-foot range. Capt. Bootsma recommends to turn a little early at G5 as there are shoals to
See SAVANNAH, page B11
The Triton
www.the-triton.com SAVANNAH DIVERSION: Okefenokee Swamp
Alligators aplenty in the Okefenokee Swamp, as might be expected. Still, PHOTO/Capt. John Campbell seeing large ones up close ...
Visit solitude and nature in the Okefenokee Swamp By Capt. John Campbell The Okefenokee Swamp lies on the Florida-Georgia border in the southeastern United States, a two-hour drive from Savannah. The northern two-thirds of the swamp that are in Georgia are protected as a National Wildlife Refuge. It covers a vast area, something in excess of 400,000 acres or about 1,700 square kilometers. These figures are hard to comprehend until you venture out into the swamp. The feeling of isolation, of remoteness, is literally awe inspiring. The best way to explore the swamp is by canoe or kayak. There are many tours offered using motor boats, and I am sure that the guides are veritable founts of knowledge, but having heard a few of these boats pass, I cannot help but feel they chase away most of the wildlife. I rented a kayak from Okefenokee Adventures, which is located at the boat basin inside the eastern
entrance to the swamp (www. okefenokeeadventures.com, +1-912496-7156). Admission to the park is $5 a car, and this has to be the bargain of the century, especially as the pass is good for a week. To rent a kayak was just $25 dollars for the day. Armed with a small map that the park staff gave me, I ventured westward along a narrow, shallow canal, which is off limits to motor boats. I had, of course, expected to see alligators, but as I rounded the first bend, I came face to face with a big one. In fact, it was the biggest one I saw all day, and it was about the same size as the kayak. We eyed each other warily, and he swam slowly past, barely 3 feet away. Once my pulse rate returned to double digits, I paddled on slowly and a bit more circumspectly. Along the length of that canal, some 2 miles, I passed a dozen more alligators.
See Okefenokee, page B12
Watch for buoyage change SAVANNAH, from page B10 the northeast. He says to turn to the northwest as soon as you see G9, G10 and G11 in line. From here it is about 18 nautical miles to Thunderbolt. Remember to slow down (no wake) at the Landings Marina on Skidaway Island, and the Savannah Yacht Club, and keep minimum wake off the private docks off Wilmington Island. Lastly, he reminded, don’t be caught out by the buoyage change just south of the Savannah Yacht Club where the ICW joins the Wilmington River. For another next destination north of Savannah River, Capt. Bootsma said enter into Calibogue Sound for Hilton
Head and Harbor Town. Enter at the main ship channel to Tybee Roads. Make a securitĂŠ and call the pilot station to inform of your intentions, but you do not require a pilot (+1 912236-0226). It is 3.5 miles to Harbor Town (www.harbourtownyachtbasin. com, +1 843-671-2704). There is a lot to do here and they can accommodate yachts up to 150 feet. Well worth a diversion. Capt. Tony Perry has worked on yachts since serving in the Royal Navy in the 1950s. He is in working retirement on Wilmington Island as a relief captain. Comments on this story and suggestions for other local knowledge stories are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
June 2009
B11
B12 June 2009 SAVANNAH DIVERSION: Okefenokee Swamp
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Camping permits available, but are snapped up quickly Okefenokee, from page B11 Sometimes all I could see was a pair of eyes, and two or three feet in front, a pair of nostrils. The water is the color of strong, black tea, so the rest of the animal was invisible. I would find out that if the canal was narrow and an alligator thought I was too close, it would quietly submerge and disappear. This was actually more intimidating than having it swim close by, because I knew it was below the kayak. I much preferred to see them swim slowly past.
At the end of this canal, I crossed the larger Suwannee Canal, which is the main route of the motor boats. This canal was dug in 1891 in a misguided attempt to drain the swamp for logging. Fortunately for us, the project failed and the swamp lives on. I quickly crossed the canal, and the steady stream of motor boats, and entered a northbound canal, which is also motor-free. It leads to Cedar Hammock. For a mile or so I paddled in company with another couple, but then we went our separate ways, and I
continued alone for 3 more miles. Huge cypress trees, draped in Spanish moss overhang the bank. At times it felt like I was paddling through a tunnel. I cannot mention Spanish moss without pointing out that it is neither Spanish nor moss. It is actually an airplant, and is more closely related to the pineapple family than to any moss. I was still passing alligators every few hundred yards, and there were many birds. I spotted two sandhill cranes foraging. They are big, looking to my inexpert eye like two skinny ostriches. I passed a white ibis that was
sitting on the top of a broken tree, and it looked imperiously down on me as I paddled by. It is hard to describe the feeling of remoteness, of solitude without resorting to clichĂŠs: awe-inspiring and primordial being the two that most often came to mind. I was 3 or 4 miles from the nearest road or path, probably a couple of miles from the nearest person. I found the solitude addictive; I did not want to turn round, but kept paddling ever farther into the swamp. Even when no alligators were in sight, I was constantly reminded of their presence. It was late spring and the males were staking out their territory ready for mating and nest building. They make a curious double grunt, which is a low frequency and can be heard for a mile or more. I can best describe this sound, which I could feel as much as hear, as a cross between the noise made by a large flatulent man, and Rolf Harris playing his didgeridoo. It is possible to camp overnight or longer, but permits are restricted. They can be booked up to two months ahead and often get booked out on the first day of issue.
For those not inclined to venture out afloat, there is a boardwalk across the swamp. Unfortunately I was not able to spend the night, so eventually I had to head back. The kayaks have to be off the water and logged back in with the operator before 6 p.m. For those who are not inclined to venture out afloat, there is an interesting boardwalk that wends its way across the swamp for almost a mile. At the end, there is a four-story tower from which you can look out across one of the prairies, an open area almost choked with water lilies. While I was in the tower, I met an enthusiastic group of bird watchers. They were getting excited at having spotted several rare birds. Although I did not see any alligators from the tower, you could hear them clearly calling from all sides. At the north end of the swamp there is another entrance, which sounds more like a theme park. Next time, I will try the western entrance, where the Suwannee River drains the swamp and begins its journey across Florida. Capt. John Campbell has been yacht captain for more than 20 years and a sailor all his life. He is currently in command of the 45m S/Y Timoneer. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Safety meeting in Antigua; U.S., Dutch speed border crossings On April 20, the new minister for national security of Antigua & Barbuda, Errol Cort, called a meeting of business representatives, the National Parks, the Antigua & Barbuda Marine Association and others around English Harbour and Falmouth. According to a government statement, Cort pointed out several new initiatives including: stop and search of vehicles not only in English Harbour/ Falmouth but in other parts of the island; increased foot and vehicle police patrols; greater involvement in policing by the Royal Antigua & Barbuda Defence Force; and increased use of the Coast Guard in protecting the harbors. Commissioner of Police Tom Bennett gave more detail to the restructuring of the police force, including new equipment and training. Parliament member Eleston Adams voiced his support for the community and its yachting visitors and proposed to take an active role in the safety and security of English Harbour/Falmouth. Deputy Commissioner of Police Neal Parker announced that community policing techniques have been introduced to the English Harbour area and will be used as a pilot scheme for other areas of the island.
U.S., Dutch speed border crossings
Officials of the United States and the Netherlands launched a new initiative in late April that streamlines processing at the border. “By mutually recognizing these two programs, the governments of the United States and the Netherlands will be making travel between our nations more convenient and more secure,” said U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. “We are pleased to join the government and immigration officials of the Netherlands in using technology and modern security tools to strengthen and streamline our entry processes.” Membership in the U.S. program, Global Entry, is limited to those considered low-risk after a background check. Once approved, members can use a kiosk at international airports in New York, Washington, D.C., Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Miami to enter. To become a member of Privium, the Netherlands program, travelers are subject to a background check. The program provides members faster border passage through an iris scan at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. More information is available at GlobalEntry.gov.
CRUISING GROUNDS BRIEFS
June 2009
B13
B14 June 2009 CRUISING GROUNDS: Isles des Saintes
Proudly Serving the Marine Community Since 1997
CREW
ACCOMMODATIONS • Active Job Networking • Nicely Renovated • Tastefully Furnished • Ideally located near Maritime Schools, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Crew Agencies, Marinas, Restaurants, and Nightlife
Cleaner • Nicer • Safer • Cheaper
TheNeptuneGroup.com 954.763.1050
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The only town, Bourg, is a collection of traditional houses huddled around PHOTO/Capt. John Campbell the village square.
Travel to Isles des Saintes to enjoy charm unspoiled By Capt. John Campbell The Isles des Saintes are universally known as the Saintes. They are a group of small islands a few miles south of the French island of Guadeloupe. Although they are administered by Guadeloupe, they have a unique charm, and they seem to have avoided the worst of modern development. Indeed, not much has changed since I first went there in 1972. The Saintes sprang into nautical prominence in 1782. The previous year, the French admiral de Grasse had landed troops in Virginia, in support of George Washington’s fight against the British. He then went on to thrash the British fleet under Admiral Graves, and pretty much ensured the success of the American Revolution. Hot from this conquest, feeling his luck was in, de Grasse decided to go
and capture Jamaica from the Brits. He might well have succeeded in this but for two things: he decided to team up with a Spanish fleet, and Admiral Rodney arrived in the Caribbean just in time to learn of the dastardly plan. Rodney set off in pursuit and caught the combined fleet as it was assembling near the Saintes. Had he not lingered for the Spanish but sailed straight for Jamaica, there is little doubt that Rodney could not have caught them, and Jamaicans would probably be speaking French now. But catch them he did, and a bloody battle was fought. In those days, battles were fought to a strict protocol. The usual form was for the ships to form lines and sail past each other on a reciprocal course, shooting each other as they went by.
See Saintes, page B15
The Triton
www.the-triton.com CRUISING GROUNDS: Isles des Saintes
June 2009
B15
Clearing in, out of Bourg can be done painlessly Saintes, from page B14 A wind shift at the wrong moment caused the French line of ships to break into sections. The Brits, rather unsportingly in the eyes of the French, sailed through the gaps, blasting ships on either side of them. The French cried foul, but the battle was lost. Most of the French ships were sunk, and more than 6,000 French sailors perished. The battle is known as The Battle of the Saintes. Having suffered a bloody nose, the French decided to make sure they could at least hang onto their possessions of Martinique and Guadeloupe, and to this end they set about fortifying the Saintes, which gave handy protection to the south coast of Guadeloupe. They built the imposing Fort Napoleon on the hill overlooking the main anchorage off Bourg, and the slightly less imposing Fort Josephine on the top of the island of Terre d’en Basse, facing the anchorage.
Bourg: the only town
The only town, Bourg, is on the island of Terre d’en Haut. It is a wonderful collection of traditional houses huddled around the village square, which is in front of the Maire, the town hall. Despite what it says in several of the cruising guides, you can clear in and out of Bourg, and it is absolutely painless. You can usually clear in and out at the same time, and just one form covers all that is needed. I wish some of the other islands were as easy. To clear, go to the Maire, walk down the right-hand side of the building, and you will see what looks like a small annex at the back. Go there, and inside on the right is the office marked “police.” They will take care of everything. We have always found them friendly and helpful, especially if you can manage a smattering of French. Once the form is completed, they fax it to Guadeloupe. You have to wait for them to fax it back, but this is no chore if you go and enjoy a coffee and croissant in one of the many waterfront bars, and return an hour or so later. They have always let us clear out a few days in advance and there is no charge. For me, they get the Gold Star for making clearing the easiest in the entire Caribbean Basin.
There are anchorage options
We generally stay anchored off Bourg as there is a lot to do right there. If it gets too rolly, which it tends to if a big north swell is running, then there are several other anchorages to choose from, according to the wind and swell. When anchored off Bourg it is well
worth taking a walk up the hill to Fort Napoleon. It was completed in 1867, is remarkably well preserved, and houses a good museum. In the museum is a display depicting the tactics and results of the Battle of the Saintes, as well as local items of interest, including some examples of the fast-disappearing “Santoise” fishing boats. The museum is open only
See Saintes, page B16
A view of Bourg from above.
PHOTO/Capt. John Campbell
B16 June 2009 CRUISING GROUNDS: Isles des Saintes
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The compact Bourg waterfront is home to Yacht Club des Saintes. PHOTO/Capt. John Campbell
Taste ‘tourment d’amour,’ a coconut-based sweet tart Saintes, from page B15
is not a difficult walk, or you can rent a motor-scooter to get there. in the mornings, and there is a small Marigot lies to the east of Fort admission charge. Napoleon, and in reasonable weather it Another good, slightly more is quite a good anchorage. strenuous walk is up to the lookout on If the local folk cannot supply what top of Le Chameau, the camel, on the you need, in many cases they will south side of the bay. From here you arrange to get stuff sent over on one of can see all of the Saintes, a good part of the many ferries that run between the Guadeloupe and, on a clear day, much Saintes and Guadeloupe. of Dominica. No visit to the Saintes is complete The way is marked “Le Chameau” without tasting the local delicacy, from the road that the “tourment runs around the d’amour,” the If the local folk cannot waterfront. agony of love. In town, most Small stands supply what you need, grocery supplies beside the road in many cases they will can be bought, sometimes sell arrange to get stuff including, of them, or ladies course, French in town sell them sent over on one of the bread and from a basket. many ferries that run croissants. In They are sweet between the Saintes and tarts with a recent years numerous small coconut base. Guadeloupe. boutiques and gift Traditionally they shops have sprung were eaten by up. the ladies of the Some of them offer interesting islands to ease the agony of missing things, a cut above the usual run-oftheir lovers who had gone to sea. the-mill T-shirt shops. It is dubious that their supposed On the waterfront in Bourg is the pharmaceutical properties work with Yacht Club des Saintes, owned and run any degree of reliability, but I can vouch by a helpful chap called Jerome. He can for the fact that they are tasty. supply water via a buoy moored off his yacht club, and is a fount of knowledge. Capt. John Campbell has been yacht He can be called on the VHF on captain for more than 20 years and channel 68 as “Jerome.” a sailor all his life. He is currently in There is a small shipyard, a command of the 45m S/Y Timoneer. sailmaker and little chandlery in Comments on this story are welcome at Marigot Bay. If anchored off Bourg, it editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
EVENT OF THE MONTH
Despite the recent economic slowdown, the megayacht sector PHOTO/MIKE PRICE continues to grow. What does the future hold?
June 22-23, 4th annual Future of Superyachts Conference Palma de Mallorca, Spain
This two-day conference focuses on legal, financial, tax, crewing, registration, build and design issues. It attracts an international audience of senior yacht executives. Chaired this year by Paul Miller of Underwriting Risk Services. Includes an optional visit to a local boatyard, champagne roundtables, and a debate about the need for harmonization of yacht regulatory, legal and fiscal regimes. Cost: 530£; about 600€ www.quaynote.com
Triton networks across the pond June 3 Networking Triton style (the
first Wednesday of every month), 68 p.m., with our sponsor and Triton advertiser YachtZoo in Ft. Lauderdale. Find out more on page C3.
June 3 Networking Triton style (the
first Wednesday of every month), 68 p.m., with our sponsor and Triton advertiser Crew Unlimited in Antibes. Find out more on page C3.
June 4 The Triton Bridge luncheon,
noon, Ft. Lauderdale. A roundtable discussion of the issues of the day. Yacht captains only. RSVP to Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton.com or 954-525-0029. Space is limited.
June 6 Annual Great Chowder Cook-
off, Newport Yachting Center, Newport, Rhode Island. Features 3,000 gallons of chowder served by some of the best restaurants and chefs as they compete for more than $10,000 in prizes. +1 401846-1600, www.newportfestivals.com
June 6 Take the Helm 8th Women’s
Sailing Conference, sponsored by BoatU.S. and organized by the National Women’s Sailing Association, Corinthian Yacht Club, Marblehead, Mass. For women to introduce and/or enhance skills in recreational sailing. Also breakfast, lunch, dinner, raffles, and guest speaker. www.BoatUS.com/ women or 781-631-2084.
June 7 Sunday Jazz Brunch (first
Sunday of every month) along the New River in downtown Ft. Lauderdale from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. www. fortlauderdale.gov
June 7-12 26th annual Treasure Cay
Billfish Tournament, Treasure Cay, Abaco. www.treasurecayfishing.com. Sabine Kirchner, 954-525-7711 or email: info@treasurecay.com
June 8 World Ocean Day. Hundreds
of communities around the globe will celebrate to learn about the world ocean, our connection to it and to raise awareness about the role of the ocean in our lives, and the ways people can protect it. The Ocean Project has over 830 partner aquariums, zoos, science museums and educational organizations in 70 countries to focus on conservation of the ocean. See events at www.WorldOceanDay.org
June 12-14 New York Yacht Club’s
155th annual regatta presented by Rolex, the longest-running regatta in America. Open to yachts 25 feet and larger. www.nyyc.org
June 15-21 The U.S. Open, Black
Course at Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, N.Y. One of golf ’s major tournaments. See info and interactive course online at www.usopen.com
June 18-21 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Ocean City Beach, Ocean City,
See CALENDAR, page B18
June 2009
B17
B18 June 2009
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
USSA captains briefing once again at Newport Shipyard CALENDAR, from page B17 MD. Series features more than 150 of the top athletes in this sport. www.avp. com
June 22 USSA’s Captains briefing/
reception, Newport Shipyard, Newport, R.I.. U.S. Superyacht Association hosts a captain’s briefing on the Northeastern U.S. Captains and senior officers of large yachts are welcome to attend. It’s an opportunity to ask questions and hear updates from government officials. www.ussuperyacht.com
June 22- July 5
Wimbledon, London. One of the four grand slam tennis tournaments. www.wimbledon.org
June 23-26 27th annual Spring
Charter Yacht Show, Newport Shipyard, Newport, R.I. Dozens of charter yachts on display at this industry-only event. Yacht hops, industry seminars, crew kick-off party and a fam trip are all planned. www.newportshipyard.com
June 24-25 Cruise Shipping Miami
Virtual Tradeshow. The web-based event is an extension of the Cruise Shipping Miami event for both exhibitors and attendees. Includes educational presentations, a virtual lounge for attendees to network via live-chat and an exhibit hall with virtual “booths”. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST at www.cruiseshippingmiami.com/ virtualshow.
June 26 Sunset Music Festival,
Newport Yachting Center. First act in the summer-long series is Los Lobos ($30 and $20). www.newportfestivals. com
June 26-28 Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing! Seminar, Stuart, Fla. Contact: phone: (954) 475-9068; email: info@ ladiesletsgofishing.com and www. ladiesletsgofishing.com
MAKING PLANS Sept. 23-26 19th annual Monaco Yacht Show Port Hercules, Monaco
More than 500 exhibitors and 95 megayachts are expected in the only yacht show exclusively devoted to superyachts of at least 25 meters in length; more than half are larger than 40 meters. Forty yachts made their first public appearance at last year’s show. The show brings together ship-builders, designers, equipment suppliers, brokers and service providers. Tickets are 60€ per day. www. monacoyachtshow.org
July 5 Sunday Jazz Brunch (first
Sunday of every month) along the New River in downtown Ft. Lauderdale from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. www. fortlauderdale.gov
July 6-12 Campbell’s Hall of Fame
Tennis Championships, Newport, R.I., Host to 32 of the top players on grass courts of the International Tennis Hall of Fame. First American stop on the ATP World Tour following Wimbledon, the only professional grass court tournament in North America. www. tennisfame.com
July 15-17 9th annual MAATS (Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show), Orange County Convention Center and Westin Imagine hotel in Orlando. Business-building event for marine accessory manufacturers and buyers to connect with trade show exhibits, private buyer-supplier meetings, product introductions, awards programs, and networking. For details visit www.maats.net.
17-19 2009, annual Newport July 1 Networking Triton style (the first July Bucket Regatta, Newport Shipyard, Wednesday of every month), 6-8 p.m. No RSVP necessary; just bring business cards and be prepared to bump into old friends. Stay tuned to www.The-Triton. com for details.
July 2 The Triton Bridge luncheon,
noon, Ft. Lauderdale. A roundtable discussion of the issues of the day. Yacht captains only. RSVP to Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton.com or 954-525-0029. Space is limited.
July 2-5 AVP Pro Beach Volleyball
Tour, Brooklyn, N.Y. Features the top athletes in this sport. www.avp.com
Rhode Island. The Newport Bucket is an invitational regatta open to yachts over 90 feet (27m), previous participant or by special agreement. The regatta is limited to 25 yachts. www.newportbucket.com
July 29 12th Annual Nantucket
Nectars Sunset Music Series, Newport Yachting Center. Chris Isaak starts the summer-long series. Future acts include Huey Lewis and The News, Los Lobos, Susan Tedeschi, Michael McDonald and The Robert Cray Band. 401-846-1600, www.newportfestivals. com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
SPOTTED
Triton Spotters Where have you and your Triton been lately? Send photos to lucy@the-triton.com. If we print yours, you get a T-shirt.
The Triton hung out at the Cannes Film Festival in May, albeit on the fringes, with non-yachtie Eng. Andy Lee-Elliot of the 120-foot M/Y Ilona, relaxes off the Marie Coyne, who found the news interesting boat in his Monaco flat with The Triton. Hey, someone has to live PHOTO/MIKE PRICE just the same. PHOTO/MIKE PRICE here. Might as well be Lee-Elliot.
June 2009
B19
May networking
June networking
With LMC and V-Kool
In Lauderdale and Antibes.
C2
C3
Mix it Up
Take it Out
Get to It
Yacht chef joins Pebble Beach show.
Tips to clean carpets, drapes, furniture.
Financial things left undone can hurt in long run.
C4
C5
C15
Section C
www.the-triton.com
Food can keep body in balance
‘Become the most valuable team member on the boat. Not just to your captain, but in the eyes of all your teammates. Easily said, but how do you do that? It’s simple and effective, but not easy. Here’s the secret: Do the things you don’t have to do, even when you think no one is looking.’
You have heard the saying, “opposites attract.” So what if opposites attract and contrast at the same time? In nature, this is a good thing as it relates to yin and yang: the balance of our environments, our bodies, and our food. When my father was diagnosed with cancer years Culinary Waves ago, I was already into a healing Mary Beth diet and so I Lawton Johnson introduced it to him. Its primary focus is on the energy of foods. The principle of yin and yang exists in our foods and in their healing properties. Eating a yin-and-yang diet encourages these properties to interact
– Capt.Gregory Clark
Keeping a job: simple, but not easy Great – you know how to do your job and you do it well. But in this employment climate, do extra things. If you’re a stew but make the time and effort to help the engineer install a new swim ladder bracket by holding a screwdriver, you’re enhancing your status onboard.
See WAVES, page C7
Survey: Is there loyalty onboard? By Lucy Chabot Reed Talk about tempting fate. Asking about loyalty is like writing about grammar. We are bound to do it wrong. But we did it anyway. Perhaps the most interesting result in our eight-question survey is that nearly all respondents considered themselves a loyal member of the crew. “As long as both parties, employee/ crew member and boss/owner/captain, are straight-forward, honest and respectful, most crew members will remain loyal,” said a crew member in yachting 4-5 years. “Problems are caused when there is disrespect and dishonesty.” If we think about it, who would admit to being disloyal? Only four of
See SURVEY, page C10
June 2009
PHOTO/LUCY REED (2007)
Several speakers at The Triton’s spring Expo in April offered valuable information for yacht crew, both novice and veteran. This is the second in a series of presentations from the Expo. By Capt. Gregory Clark It’s spring 2009 and the world economy is in confusion. The yachting industry is experiencing its greatest “correction” ever. Crew are pounding the docks from Ft. Lauderdale to Antibes, with fewer jobs available than at any time in recent history. So if you are one of the lucky ones who has a job already, or if you’re lucky enough to get your foot in the door and land that hard-to-get job in this uncertain market, the question may soon become: How do you keep it? There will always be factors that
remain outside your control, but there are also actions you can take – starting today – that will help you succeed in your new job, better your chances for remaining employed, and increase your ability to rebound should the unthinkable happen. Implementation of these ideas will also contribute to your upward mobility throughout your time in the yachting industry, or any other endeavor you may pursue. If you’re joining a new boat, the first day can be a little daunting; joining an established crew can be especially intimidating for a new crew member who’s not quite sure how to fit in. Here are some “simple, not easy” tips. Remember that you have two ears and one mouth, so act in accordance with your natural biological proportions. The fact is that no one
cares what you know until they know that you care. Remember that you’re trying to assimilate with and gain the respect of your new crew mates, who in the beginning are only concerned about the attitude you bring and how you contribute to the team’s goals. Are you going to be an asset or a liability? Will you listen, learn and retain, or are you too busy talking about how things were done on your last boat? Will you apply what you learn so that you are useful and share the work load, or do you have to be told and shown the same thing over and over? In the beginning, these are the things that matter to your new crew mates. By being a good student, and applying and retaining what you
See EXPO, page C12
C June 2009 NETWORKING LAST MONTH: Lauderdale Marine Center/Total Marine Solutions
A
bout 400 captains, crew and yachting professionals gathered at Lauderdale Marine Center on the first Wednesday in May to network and relax after a busy spring. Busy? Absolutely. The repair yards have seen a bustle of activity this spring, and even crew without full-time jobs have been busy dayworking, networking and looking for work. LMC pulled out all the stops and had delicious fare from Mediterranean Market, generous beer and wine, a gloriously breezy evening, and lots of space for everyone. We do this every month; the only thing that changes is the location.
M
ore than 160 captains, crew and yachting professionals met the team at Total Marine Solutions at our second networking event in April. TMS handles most things environmental on yachts, including toilet systems and bilge water systems. A trailer was set up for hands-on system demos. The YES boys shared the tunes, and Mediterranean Market brought yummy food. Make plans to gather with us this month. Find out where and when on the next page.
Photos by Lucy Chabot Reed and Peg Garvia Soffen
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NETWORKING THIS MONTH: Crew Unlimited in Lauderdale and Antibes
June 2009
Crew Unlimited opens in Med, hosts events in FLL, Antibes Talk about embracing the industry. Crew placement agency Crew Unlimited is hosting two Triton networking events on the first Wednesday in June, one in Ft. Lauderdale and one at its new office in Antibes. Veteran crew placement agent and longtime Crew Unlimited office manager Sue Price has set up the Antibes office for the summer, so stop by and say hello on June 3 from 6-8 p.m. at 30 Rue Lacan in the Galerie du Port, Price behind The Blue Lady bar. (Those who know Price will recognize her charming husband, Capt. Mike Price, there as well. Mike Price is part of The Triton crew and will be walking the docks across the Cote d’Azur all summer. Stop him, say hi, give him news and let him take your photos for exposure in The Triton.) On the west side of the Atlantic, Crew Unlimited is hosting the June 3 networking event in the Maxwell Room, that groovy, cave-like spot behind The Downtowner Saloon on the New River in Ft. Lauderdale. (Enter through the courtyard, or pass through the saloon all the way to the back.) Once again, our events are always from 6-8 p.m. and promise lots of camaraderie, a starter beverage and some tasty hors d’oeuvres. Until then, learn a little more about Crew Unlimited’s new Mediterranean office from Price (Sue, that is). Q. Why open an office in Antibes? With the Internet, can’t you place crew from anywhere? We have wanted to open an office in the Med for years. This year just seemed the right time to do it with so many crew looking for work, and with boats coming out of being skeletoncrewed we knew there would be a place for us. Yes, we place crew all over the world
and our Web site can be used anywhere in the world, but it is always nice to be face to face. Some crew have never been to Ft. Lauderdale and we wanted to meet them, as well as be on the ground for captains who can’t wait six hours until our Ft. Lauderdale office opens. Having an office here lets us give six more hours of service to all our crew and clients every day. Q. How has it been going so far? We’ve been cranking. There’s been a line out the door since we opened with crew coming in to update their profiles and register. We have also been busy with job orders from captains here in the Med. They are all Med-based boats that might use us when they go to the Caribbean, but that usually use Medbased placement agencies when they are here. A lot of crew are frustrated with no work and are tired of looking over their resumes again and again, so we’ve been giving helpful suggestions to highlight things about themselves that they may not have thought was relevant but actually is. Q. How do you see the season going, both for your business and for the industry? The season is off to a slow start but I have seen it picking up every day. Crew are getting interviews, captains are getting charters and boats are moving. We will see it getting busier still, but perhaps not as busy as the last few years. Q. What do crew need to know about your new office? We are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day, but interview hours are 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Unlike most French offices that close two hours for lunch, we don’t. Crew are welcome to come in and use our computers anytime during office hours. Crew can register online and upload a resume, and once they do that, they can see our job list and show an interest in any job without having to come by. And there’s no fee.
The Triton continues to expand, adds staff in the Med Mike Price is representing The Triton and The Captain’s Mate in the Med this summer. He’ll be setting up new listings in The Captain’s Mate (our online directory of resources for large yacht crew, www.tcmate.com), collecting new information for the splash pages in the directory’s regional sections, and updating our distribution locations and contacts. We’ve also added a special Med spread in the center of the A section (this month, it’s pages A12-13) to showcase news and crew in the region. For questions or advertising details, contact Capt. Price at mike@the-triton.com or on his cell at +33 06-20-35-60-36
Visiting a new port? Can’t find the service you need? Visit The Captain’s Mate, The Triton’s new online resource directory of business and ports around the world.
Visiting Visiting a a new new port? port? Created by find the news leaders you trust; Can’t the service Can’t find the service populated by fellow captains and crew. you you need? need? Visit The Mate, Check itCaptain’s out today: Visit The Captain’s Mate, The Triton’s new online The Triton’s new online www.thecaptainsmate.com resource directory resource directory of business and ports of business and ports around the world.
C
C June 2009
CHEF NEWS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Chef Patrick Roney of M/Y Kapalua, left, with Chef Arturo Moscoso of PHOTO FROM PATRICK RONEY Peppoli, a restaurant also in Pebble Beach.
Yacht chef mixes with pros at show On the U.S. Pacific Coast, yacht Chef Patrick Roney assisted top chefs in the 2nd annual Pebble Beach Food & Wine Show in Califorina in mid-April. “There are things you miss in the industry when you are working on yachts,” Roney said. “I got to see what’s going on. I got my mojo back.” The chef on M/Y Kapalua, Roney was invited to the event, which included golf tournaments, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings as well as many lunches and dinners.
“I got to learn new styles and techniques, what the Michelin chefs are doing, like using more sea urchin, foie gras and more with just vegetables.” He said the event was like getting training in 30 restaurants, working with diverse culinary experts. “On a yacht you get a lot of praise on your work, but working with others … I was really humbled,” he said. “I realize how much I need to know and do to be top shelf.” – Dorie Cox
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
INTERIOR: Stew Cues
Upholstery, carpets, drapes need attention, not chemicals Last month, we talked about cleaning hard surfaces on the boat, and this month it’s soft goods such as upholstery, draperies and carpet. Dust settles on upholstery and fabrics just as it does on hard surfaces. It should be removed regularly with vacuum cleaner attachments: the upholstery nozzle, Stew Cues brush and crevice Alene Keenan tool. However, if you are cleaning downfilled cushions or pillows that are not lined with down-proof ticking, always use a soft brush by hand because vacuuming could pull the down out through the fabric. Vacuuming will remove some dust but it will also scatter dust around so remember to vacuum the surrounding area when you are finished. Different fabrics require different types of care. Here are some guidelines for cleaning window treatments and upholstered furniture. Canvas, jacquard, and rayon: l Run a dry-cleaning sponge over the fabric in short, even strokes to lift out dirt. Be careful on jacquard because delicate threads can pull and snag. l Add 2 capfuls of mild detergent to a bucket of cool water. Dip in a sponge or cloth, wring out well and go over the fabric with long even strokes. Use as little liquid as possible to prevent mildew. l Allow to air dry. Leather and vinyl: l Vacuum the piece of furniture using a soft brush on a low setting. l Slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with water and rub the soiled areas. Water can remove dirt and it won’t permanently discolor the leather. l For deeper cleaning consult a professional. Use leather cleaners and protectors with care, if at all, because they can stain some leathers. Pile fabrics (such as chenille and corduroy) and wool: l Vacuum the piece on a low setting with the upholstery brush, using long horizontal strokes. Do not use a hard brush attachment as this can pull on fabric and snag it. l A dry cleaning sponge or a slightly dampened cloth can be used to lift dirt. l For deep cleaning, consult a pro. Slipcovers of cotton and linen: l Remove covers and machine wash them on a delicate setting, following care instructions that are on the label, which is usually attached near the zipper. Hang to dry. Slipcovers of silk: l Hand wash in a sink filled with
warm water and a capful of detergent. Or have them dry-cleaned. Hang to dry. Slipcovers of suede: l Do not use any moisture on suede, since it will be permanently stained. Use a product recommended by the manufacturer. l For deep cleaning, consult a pro.
Carpets and rugs
Oriental, antique or delicate rugs: l Be careful with these valuable, delicate items. Do not vacuum them because suction from the vacuum can loosen threads from the weave. Instead, sweep gently with a soft nylon broom. l Water and cleaners can stain, so always consult a specialist about any cleaning that needs to be done. Natural fibers (such as wool, sisal and sea grass): l Vacuum on high power with a brush with a beater bar attachment. l To remove ground-in dirt, push the vacuum over spots several times. l Carpet cleaners can stain or bleach out areas, so use a cloth dampened with water to get out any spots. l Blot dry and then allow to air dry. l If water does not get the stain out you will need to do a little detective work. It is important to know what type of stain you are dealing with, as specific solutions are used on different types of stains. Using the wrong solution can permanently set the stain. l Never apply stain remover directly onto the carpet; apply to a clean cloth instead and use the cloth to carefully work on the spot. If in doubt, consult a professional cleaner. Synthetics (such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene): l Vacuum and spot-treat with water. Synthetics often have a stain resistant finish applied, so water is usually enough to release spots and stains without using any cleaner. l Blot treated spots with a towel. l Use a soft carpet brush to raise the pile of the carpet. This exposes fibers to the air so they will dry faster. Generally speaking, when it comes to cleaning upholstery and carpet, keep it simple if you can. Always try using a cloth slightly dampened with water to gently lift spots out. Do not rub too much as this will grind in the stain. Commercial spot removers can do more harm than good, so use sparingly, if at all. When in doubt, consult a professional cleaner. Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stewardess for 16 years. She is the founder of Stewardess Solutions, which offers training and consulting for stewardesses. Contact her through www. stewardesssolutions.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
June 2009
C
C June 2009 IN THE GALLEY: Recipe
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Regenerative Meal
Recipe and photo by Mary Beth Lawton Johnson
The dish as pictured was made with red snapper, though other fish can be used. Whatever your choice, be sure to clean and scale it. PHOTO/MARY BETH LAWTON JOHNSON
Fried Fish
Two whole small red snapper (other fish can be used). Be sure to clean and scale it. Season the snapper with salt and pepper and fry in oil until done. Flip while cooking to ensure even cooking.
Stock
3 tablespoons oil 1/2 white sweet small onion, chopped small 4 thin slices fresh garlic 1/2 cup bok choy
2 1/2 cups boiling water 1/8 tablespoon ground pepper 1/4 tablespoon salt 2 fried small red snapper 12 squash blossoms Heat the oil and sautĂŠ the onions and garlic for two minutes. Add the water, seasonings, fish and squash blossoms. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for four minutes. Remove and serve in bowls with chopped herbs and sautĂŠed bok choy on top.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
IN THE GALLEY: Yin and yang
June 2009
C
Yin and yang is found in all things, so look for it in foods, too WAVES, from page C1 in a healthful way with our bodies. Last month, I wrote about how to incorporate an Asian style into your menu onboard. This month, let’s take it a step further to incorporate the Chinese yin and yang into our menus, and how foods can work together. Whether you call it a macrobiotic, healing or balanced diet, you are essentially dealing with the balance of foods, nature and the universe. The Chinese refer to yin and yang as the beginning and the end, the negative and positive phases of chi, the earth and the sky. Yin is peaceful, passive, dark, receptive, soft and feminine, resting, similar to a stewardess sitting on the yacht’s bow, watching the world go by. Yang is masculine, bright, creative and hard and can be compared to a sailor hauling in a line. He is active. Both yin and yang exist in all things. So when the peaceful stewardess gets up to clean the inside of the yacht, she becomes yang. When the sailor stops hauling in the line and rests, he becomes yin. They are one and the same, these two elements. Yin and yang also apply to our personalities and physical makeup. If you are active and commanding, you are yang. If you have a gentle soul and diffuse situations, you are yin. So if you have a yang-strong personality, you should eat more yin foods (but have some yang foods). If you are a yin, then you should eat more yang foods (but have some yin foods). When you have an illness, you have either too much yin or too much yang foods in your diet and are not incorporating both to achieve balance. When balance is restored by eating both yin and yang foods, health follows. Foods are hot or cold, and both affect the body. Yin foods are cool, have little or no salt, and grow above the soil. Yang foods are warm, have more salt content and grow below the soil. To use this principle you need to eat both types of food. It is also a typically well-balanced diet, high in fiber and low in trans-fats, with lots of vegetables such as sea vegetables. This diet has little-to-no meat (except as a flavor in other foods) and organic, seasonal foods. Here are a few simple guidelines to follow to achieve a yin-yang balance. 1. Consume foods that are balanced energetically (yin and yang) and nutritionally. Yin foods: Also known as cold foods; some seafood such as clams and oysters, cilantro are not to be eaten a lot. They are thought to cause stomach distress, dizziness, and coldness in the person’s body. Yang foods: Also known as hot foods; peppers, garlic, curry, beef, turkey, shrimp, crab, mango, cherry, peanuts and fried items are thought
to cause rashes, hives, pimples and redness of the eyes. The Chinese culture looks down upon food that is toxic or poisonous such as beef, eggs, some seafood. The Chinese are not so interested in eating the basic five food groups as Americans do; they are more interested in the balance of foods. 2. Eat organically when possible. This is hard to do onboard. In foreign lands, we don’t always know where that head of lettuce or carrot was grown and if it is organic or not. 3. Eat superfoods such as berries, sea vegetables, whole grains without
gluten, nuts, miso, tempah. When the weather is warmer, eat yin foods: watermelon, bananas, coconut, ice cream, mustard greens, watercress, bean sprouts, cucumber, bok choy, tofu, celery, oranges, pears, soybeans, winter melons, bamboo shoots, lotus and mung beans. Yin foods typically are steamed, poached or boiled. When the weather is cooler, eat yang foods: chicken, crab, chili, ginger, garlic and onions, red meats, turkey, shrimp, mangos, brown sugar, pineapple, even chocolate. Yang cooking methods are deep frying, stir frying, grilling and
roasting. Even though this only touched on the vast subject of yin and yang in foods, you will notice a difference in how you feel if you apply these principles to your eating habits. 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) Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NUTRITION: Take It In
June 2009
Snacking: It’s good for you if you do it wisely Salty, sweet, savory and lipsmacking. The average American consumes some 22 pounds of snack foods a year, according to the Virginiabased Snack Food Association. Snacking, unfortunately, has received a bad rap as far as good nutrition is concerned because the images that come to mind are Take It In of chips, candy Carol Bareuther and cookies. But contrary to popular belief, the act of snacking can be healthful. It’s all about what you choose. Snacking can actually help, not hurt, everything from weight control to getting the most from your work out. That’s because eating a snack shortens the time between meals so you’re not quite so hungry and not as likely to overeat. And, from an energy perspective, snacking provides fuel. If you’re running on empty, you might feel too tired to work out or feel exhausted afterward. Research shows that snack foods eaten prior to exercise ideally are low in fat and fiber to aid in digestion, high in complex carbohydrates to power up muscles, moderate in protein for satiety, and easy to consume. After exercise, hydrating with ample fluids – especially water – is vital, followed by a mini-meal that provides a mix of carbohydrates, protein and fats that replenishes lost energy reserves. Mini-meals can also help keep your blood sugar on an even keel, aid in maintaining a heart-healthy blood cholesterol level, promote proper gut function and provide opportunities for assuring your nutrient needs are met
throughout the day. When shopping for or choosing snacks look for multi-nutrient foods, such as trail mix, for example. These taste good and have a pleasant crunch in the mouth, too. Just a handful or two will do. Something that takes a bit of effort to eat makes a satisfying snack. This might be 2-3 tablespoons of hummus with a small pita bread or the same amount of low-fat yogurt dip with 6-8 baby carrots. Good snack choices include readyto-eat fresh and dried fruits and vegetables (serving size: 1 piece of fruit, ½ cup canned or cut fruit, or ¼ cup dried fruit); single-serve fruit cups in 100 percent juice; unsweetened
applesauce (1/2 cup); low-fat yogurt; 1-ounce portions of string cheeses; 1 whole grain roll, six crackers or 1 small muffin; single-serve tuna salad snack kits with water-packed tuna and crackers; breakfast bars; single-serve packets of cheese or peanut butter and crackers; individual packets of instant plain oatmeal; and 1-ounce bags of peanuts and pretzels. Chosen wisely, snacks can work for you. As with all other food choices, you need to snack with variety, balance and moderation in mind. Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian and a regular contributor to The Triton. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
Snack food switch-a-roos
If you crave traditional snack foods, make the switch to something that tastes just as good and is good for you, too. For example:
Instead of: A slice of chocolate cake (about 235 calories) 3 sugar cookies (215 calories) 1 ounce bag of Reese’s Pieces (146 calories) 1 ounce of potato chips (155 calories) 1 3-inch glazed cake doughnut (250 calories) 1 slice pecan pie (541 calories) 1 cup vanilla pudding (324 calories)
Try this: 1 small low-fat blueberry muffin (185 calories) 3 graham crackers (89 calories) 1 ounce of raisins (85 calories) 1 ounce microwave lowfat popcorn (114 calories) 1 3-inch cinnamon raisin bagel (156 calories) 1 slice apple pie (296 calories) 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt (193 calories)
C
C10 June 2009 TRITON SURVEY: Loyalty
‘In my experience, loyalty is typically a one-way street’ SURVEY, from page C1 the more than 250 people who took the survey answered no, they weren’t loyal. They had nothing in common in terms of gender (two were men, two women) but three of them had been in yachting only a few years. “As a crew member, I believe I have a certain level of responsibility (loyalty) to my shipmates, including the captain, the boat, owner(s), guests, etc.,” said the fourth crew member, who had been in yachting more than six years. “This is what I buy into, especially as an officer. I strive to be a team player, good leader and mentor to my usually much younger shipmates. “In my experience, loyalty is typically a one-way street; expected of me, but not given in kind,” he said. “If an owner, captain and engineer (me) could lay the foundation for a mutually respectful relationship, I would go to the ends of the earth with them.” See what we mean by tempting fate? Is this engineer loyal or not? So take these results with a grain or two of salt. “Loyalty is tricky to define in yachting,” said someone in yachting 912 years, but who quanitifed loyalty as a season. “Do the owners owe us our jobs, or just fair notice and/or severance if they wish to make a change? Do we owe them staying for however long they want us, or just a decent amount of notice (not in the middle of their season) and some help finding and then handing off to a competent replacement crew?” Our survey didn’t offer an answer for that, but here’s what we know. About 80 percent of respondents consider loyalty lasting five years or less. The largest group of respondents – 30.6 percent
– believes that being loyal to a boss meant staying put for 2-3 years. “Crew need to realize they need to earn the owner’s respect through loyalty,” a crew member said. “Most crew do not stick around long enough. On past jobs, after more than a year onboard is really when the owners have rewarded long-term crew graciously. “Captains and managers are fed up with the short-term crew,” he continued. “I will not even consider a crew member who cannot show at least 12 months employment on a previous boat. I have minimum 12month commitments from all general crew, 24-month commitments from all department heads, and everybody wins. Longevity is a win-win once it is determined the chemistry will work.” Nearly a quarter of respondents put that time in the 4-5 year range, while just more than 18 percent thought it was closer to a year. “It takes about a year to find out if your loyalty is appreciated,” said a crew member in the industry 9-12 years. “Give it at least a year.” Fifteen respondents (6.4 percent) thought loyalty meant staying put more than 25 years. Six of them had actually been in yachting more than 25 years. “This is such a difficult question,” wrote one crew member, echoing the sentiments of many. “So often it depends on circumstances. I have been on boats were the loyalty to the boss probably starts at about five years.” The largest group of crew who took our survey have been in the industry between 9-12 years. Looking just at this group, nearly 15 percent believed a season constituted loyalty, more than
See SURVEY, page C13
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
If you had to put a time frame to being loyal to a boss Have you ever l (captain or owner), how long would it be? you liked) for a 17-20 years 20-25 years – 2.1% – 1.7% More 13-16 years than 25 A season – 2.1% years – – 7.2% 9-12 6.4% years 6-8 ye ars – – 4.3% 3.4%
A year – 18.3%
4-5 years – 23.8%
No 2-3 years – 30.6%
Is loyalty something that is eroded or earned?
If you left a goo
O The captain – 10.4% Earned – 51.4%
Eroded – 48.6%
To be with my pa family– 11.9%
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
left a good situation (boss and boat another yacht?
TRITON SURVEY: Loyalty
What one thing would most make you leave a yacht job? Lousy itinerary Other – 2.9% No benefits – 0.8% for me – 4.5%
Yes – 27.3%
o – 72.7%
Not feeling appreciated – 13.9%
C11
Some feel loyal, others feel cynical I do not feel most owners give loyalty in terms of a fair pay plus adding benefits as you are there longer, such as paid time off for upgrade or renewal courses and possibly paying for courses based on time worked. The added benefits should not start until you are there at least 24 months.
Not enough money – 9.0% No crew camaraderie – 10.2%
June 2009
Being poorly treated by the boss – 58.8%
l
l
l
I have been with my employer for 16 years and counting. I am well paid, my boss treats me better than his own children and I get a “thank you” and “please” almost every day I’m around him (and her). l
l
l
There is no real loyalty in yachting or any business. The boss will drop you like a hat if he sees fit. As soon as the boss says “you are part of the family,” look out. You are about to get fired or screwed out of money or time or both.
od situation, why? Boss/crew known to me – 4.5%
Other – 7.5% For money/career – 34.3%
artner/ The itinerary suited me better – 31.3%
What one thing would most make you stay in a yacht job longer? Other – 3.3% More Better benefits itinerary – 5.7% – 6.6% Better crew camaraderie – 8.2% More money – 9.8% Feeling appreciated – 22.5%
l
l
Loyalty is one of those things that a person either has or not. When you become a shipmate, there has to be loyalty right from the start. The camaraderie is necessary for a crew to function together. l
Being treated well by the boss – 43.9%
l
l
l
Loyalty to bosses is decreasing and I honestly believe it is because crew are becoming burnt out. The more days, weeks and months in a row they are forced to work, the more they are going to want to break their loyalty and leave a particular boss. Many bosses forget that we are human and need to have some sort of a life. l
l
l
Through all trial periods and various challenges you face, loyalty toward a boss, captain and crew erodes when one or all three of the following starts to happen: You are not paid on time; Your so-called contract terms change (for example, a review/raise
See COMMENTS, page C14
C12 June 2009 FROM THE CAREER FRONT: Keeping your job
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Broaden your perspective by being aware of others’ workloads EXPO, from page C1 learn, you will become useful and will gradually be appreciated. Only then will your new teammates begin to show genuine interest in your experiences. Remember why you are there. You have not joined a social club. Focus first on demonstrating and proving that you will be a useful, contributing team player. Once you have established that, your new crewmates’ interest in you as a person will become self evident. Next piece of advice: Become the most valuable team member on the boat. Not just to your captain, but in the eyes of all your teammates. Easily said, but how do you do that? It’s simple and effective, but not easy. Here’s the secret: Do the things you don’t have to do, even when you think no one is looking. Anyone who has worked on yachts for awhile knows that nothing goes unnoticed for long. Secrets don’t last in a crew and, eventually, the good, the bad and the ugly always come out. By genuinely doing more than what’s expected, even when you don’t think you’ll be recognized for it, you will quickly earn the respect of your teammates, department heads and your captain. Just learning and performing your job is not enough to set yourself apart from the norm. After all, doing your job is what’s expected and is what you were hired to do anyway. To distinguish yourself, you must go further, and your efforts must be genuine, not contrived or patronizing. Brown-nosing or grandstanding is transparent and will only serve to undermine your cause. So how do you find things to do? Simple, not easy. Learn to develop an awareness of the bigger picture of what’s going on around you and you will find opportunities to help your teammates. Do not watch the clock and do not ask at the end of the day “is there anything else to do?” There is always something else to do, so make it your daily goal to identify something else that is within your skill set that will ease the burden on any member of your team, and jump in to help with that. Another approach is to get a head start on tomorrow’s duties within your own department. Be willing to assist others with their watch duties without having to be asked. As you practice this ethic, you will develop a greater awareness of what goes on around you, and it will become easier to identify opportunities to become more useful. Make this work ethic a habit and you will find yourself surrounded by allies, and you will be on your way to becoming the most valued member of your crew. Finally, recognize that we are all a
work in progress and we will all die that way someday, never quite reaching our full potential. Make it your mission to try every day to get better at something, whether it’s your duties and responsibilities, your relationships with teammates, communication with supervisors, whatever. The point is to develop the habit of trying to improve yourself in some way, every day, because like it or not, if you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse. You cannot remain the same, and the world around you, especially in yachting, is constantly changing, incredibly fluid and dynamic. Why else do you think the first rule of yachting is to be flexible? You must resolve to improve yourself in some way, every day or the world will pass you by. If you follow these three “simple, not easy” guidelines, you will build a reputation for professionalism and excellence that will not go unnoticed. This will gradually become your insurance policy against being let go, due to an uncontrollable circumstance. You may not be able to stop it, but you can effect your ability to rebound, right back into the job market. Realize that in yachting, it’s often not the owner (although they are our most valued clients) who will open doors of opportunity for you. Rather it is your contemporaries, the other crew you’ve worked with and the captains and department heads you’ve worked for. Develop the right habits and that’s who your next job will come from. If you strive to become the most valuable member of your team by using these “simple, not easy” techniques, you will be the one who is thought of first when opportunities arise on other boats in the future. In spite of the recent economic turmoil, and the uncertainty it brings with it, yachting remains an exciting and dynamic industry for those who are willing to step out of the conventional box, leave their community, social and family lives behind, and work hard to help someone else realize their dreams. As in any industry, when the number of opportunities diminish, it’s the people who are willing to do more than the average person, the cream of the crop who really aspire to excel and are willing to do more about it than just winge. Those are the ones who are remembered, get noticed and get the jobs. I encourage all who are willing to do the work to adopt these simple ideas into your life, and wish you the best of success in your yachting career. Capt. Gregory Clark is in command of the 163-foot Christensen M/Y Casino Royale and has built a reputation for retaining crew. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON SURVEY: Loyalty
Relatively rare for crew to leave good situation SURVEY, from page C10 double the number of crew overall. It’s hard to measure loyalty; harder still to simply define it. “Loyalty is not something that necessarily comes with time, nor has a time stamp on it,” one respondent said. “It can be earned in a short period and to a yacht (boss/owner/captain) and crew with a good working environment, shared goals and interests. All factors of one’s work environment play a role in earning one’s loyalty: pay, benefits, crew camaraderie, itinerary, appreciation by the boss/captain, treatment by boss/captain/fellow crew, etc. If any one aspect is not meeting expectation, one cannot expect a crew member to be loyal.” “You need to define loyalty as 1. staying on the job, and 2. doing what is right and best to benefit the boat/ owner,” another wrote. So we thought we’d ask questions to see if behavior revealed anything about loyalty, particularly if crew had ever left a good situation (a boss and boat they liked) for another yacht. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they had not; 27 percent had. For those who had, we asked why. A full third of folks who left a good situation did so either for the money or to move up in their career. The former possibly calls into question loyalty; the latter not so much. “Some times you need to move on to move up,” one crew member said. “Leaving a good job for another was due to the situation at hand,” wrote in another. “I’m still good friends with the previous owner.” The next largest group – 21 percent – left for a better itinerary. Though we didn’t ask it, seven respondents – more than 10 percent of the yes respondents for this question – wrote in that they left a good situation because of the captain. That, of course, begs the question, what was so good about the job if the captain’s actions or inactions made you leave? Still, the number of crew who mentioned the captain as their reason for leaving merits attention. “Nobody leaves a ‘good’ job,” one crew member noted. “More times than not it’s the guy driving the boat who is ultimately to blame for not being appreciated, not being paid enough money, not fostering crew interaction and crew relations.” And one respondent wrote in that while he liked the captain and the owner, the owner’s wife was too much. When she fired the captain, he quit. The next two questions annoyed many respondents because they were only permitted to pick one answer from among a list, insisting that it’s usually more than one thing that prompts them to stay or leave. Still, we were trying to find the most important piece
Has your loyalty ever caused you a moral dilemma?
No – 57.2%
Yes – 42.8%
Statistics/graphics by Lawrence Hollyfield
of the crew-captain-owner dynamic. When asked “What one thing would most make you stay in a yacht job longer?” about 44 percent of respondents chose “being treated well by the boss.” Closely related was “feeling appreciated,” which nearly a quarter of respondents chose. Together, realizing those attributes onboard would keep up to two-thirds of respondents happily onboard. More money would work primarily with fewer than 10 percent of crew. “I don’t think you can attribute any one item as a reason to stay or go,” one crew member said. “I do believe a combination of these things with more emphasis placed on being appreciated and treated well by the boss weighing in more than the other factors.” Many crew agreed. “More than one answer per question is required to get the whole picture,” another replied. “It is usually a variety of things that make you loyal. You might put up with less pay to be with a crew/owner that are great to work with. There is more to life than money.” When asked “What one thing would most make you leave a yacht job?” an even larger group of almost 60 percent chose “being poorly treated by the boss.” Adding the 14 percent who would leave because they didn’t feel appreciated, and about three-quarters of respondents said they would leave jobs for these intangible reasons. In this question, even lousy crew camaraderie was more significant than low salary as a reason a crew leave. “I am a fiercely loyal friend and crew member, but it is a rare thing to get it in return,” one crew member said. “No matter how you bend for the owners, and at times, the captain, I have found it unusual, indeed, to have an employer return the dedication. It makes you want to run, when you find that your commitment is so readily disposed of for convenience or finances.” When reading responses like that, we understand how frustrating the current economy must be to so many good crew. And it must be hard to feel loyal when things like that happen. We wondered how loyalty evolves on
board. Is it something automatically offered to the boss as part of their position and therefore must be eroded before crew leave? Or is loyalty something that must be earned before crew will stay? The results surprised us. They were pretty evenly split. Slightly more than half of respondents (51.4 percent) said loyalty had to be earned. Slightly less than half (48.6 percent) said it must be eroded. “Loyalty is a two-way street,” one crew member said. “You have to give it to receive it, and vice versa. It builds in small steps over time and is closely related to trust. All that being said, I feel there is little loyalty in the business. The lure of more money is more often than not a temptation that isn’t resisted. I have been with my boss 11 years and was with an earlier boss for eight years. My loyalty is now being rewarded monetarily and personally.” “Your loyalty is earned and, with time, should be more appreciated, not expected,” another respondent wrote. “When it is your time to leave, it should be embraced, not thrown back at you.” “Verbal appreciation accompanied by low pay is an example of eroded loyalty by an owner,” one crew member wrote. “My experience has been a new owner is usually willing to pay more to get a good employee than an existing employer is willing to keep one.” “It does not take long for an employer to earn loyalty. You can usually get a good feeling about how you will be treated, and if there is any respect and appreciation for your knowledge and professionalism. These are some of the major factors I consider when evaluating whether my current job will be an interim or a long-term position. Plenty of thought should be put into where and who you choose to work for so as to avoid a sporadic and, seemingly, finicky resume.” With such even results, we broke the numbers down to see how gender fit in. The numbers were pretty evenly split, but in opposite directions. For women, a slight majority gave loyalty immediately and said it must be eroded (53.6 percent); for men, a slight majority said it had to be earned (54.7). We were curious to see if loyalty ended when ethics were breached. Most crew said their loyalty never caused a moral dilemma, but 42.8 percent said it had. Few chose to elaborate, which says a lot about their loyalty, don’t you think? 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.
June 2009
C13
C14 June 2009 TRITON SURVEY: Loyalty
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Boss’ good heart earns respect COMMENTS, from page C11 is written in but because of a credit crunch it is not given); Your hours and responsibilities increase with absolutely no benefits or signs of appreciation. l
l
l
My boss can be difficult from time to time, but knowing that he is a good person means so much. When my grandmother was dying, he put me on his private jet and made sure I made it there in time. That creates loyalty. l
l
l
Loyalty is a reciprocal virtue. Employers typically get back the loyalty they demonstrate to their employees. A loyal employer encourages and generates loyal employee behavior, not the other away around. l
l
l
If one is being treated well by the boss/owner, there is a 99 percent chance you also don’t have any problems with pay, benefits, appreciation, etc. l
l
l
There are few owners that appreciate your loyalty. They are usually selfish and only think of themselves, not the crew. l
l
l
Loyalty should be automatic until it is challenged. Loyalty is always a one-way street in the yachting world between an owner and a captain. The owner can and will turn his loyalty off in a second if it benefits him/her. Holding owners accountable is the only way to earn or keep their loyalty. Most of the time, it is the only thing they understand. l
l
l
Like moral obligations, honor and loyalty are who you are about. Like anything else, you take the good with the bad, appreciate what you have and the good will find you. I have had a career of great owners and great crew. Good people will stay together, crews won’t change all the time and loyalty comes without saying. l
l
l
I have heard that for every year you work for the boss, he owes you only a minute of loyalty. l
l
l
Loyalty goes both ways. If a boss earns your loyalty, more than likely you have earned his. l
l
l
Loyalty is important in yachting but not to the point that you put yourself at a disadvantage. At the end of the day, it is
business, then friendship. l
l
l
I’ve found two captains that I’m loyal to and have worked on several boats with, both of whom look out for my best interest. I don’t even negotiate salary/benefits as they always offer me what’s fair and usually above what I was planning on asking for. l
l
l
Thirty-plus years, five owners (three of the five have passed on). Loyalty and trust is what it is about. l
l
l
Crew accommodations are important. I stayed aboard my first yacht for almost four years because I had my own cabin and head. l
l
l
Loyalty does not exist in the yachting industry. Not among owners, crew, brokers, yacht services, boatyards. The whole industry is in the toilet because of it. Throw in greed, selfishness and a huge dose of ego and what you have is an industry on its heels (it started about five years ago). Yachting these days is all about status. All the values long associated with a love of the ocean and the islands and voyaging and meeting new people no longer exist. l
l
l
For some reason everyone avoids the topic of captains who don’t have the ability to manage the vessel they are paid to run. Crew don’t leave good boats for no reason. Crew leave boats when the job stinks. It all starts at the top. Captains need to take a more skilled approach to hiring to insure crew are compatible. Captains need to step up a bit more to communicate to owners what the current salary requirements are. Captains need to take more time to acknowledge their crew’s efforts as they carry out their duties. l
l
l
Loyalty is a virtue that some people will never possess and other people will never earn. l
l
l
As a captain, you should assume your loyalty is expected from Day 1. Respect on both sides is something that is earned. They ultimately go hand in hand. l
l
l
Salary should never be a factor; they are rock-star wages anyway. If you enjoy your position, stay, and stop going from yacht to yacht because you want more. This shows you are reluctant to give.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
PERSONAL FINANCE: Yachting Capital
June 2009
Common things left undone can cause serious consequences In discussions with clients about to ensure that a property is protected their financial objectives, we often from liability and not involved in uncover things that need to be probate. addressed but were put on a back When a revocable trust is created, burner. This it becomes owner of the property, month, I thought typically through the quit claim deed it might be process. The problem is now that the beneficial to owner of the property is the trust (an identify some entity), not a person or persons. of the most Some insurance carriers will not common things insure a property that is owned by a I’ve found that trust and you don’t find out until you can cause serious try to make a claim. In this example, consequences the trustee is no longer valid as the Yachting Capital by being left insured. Many people don’t think to tell Mark A. Cline undone. their insurance agent about the change I like to review in ownership because they consider life insurance policies or have a home themselves as the owner since they are owner’s policy reviewed for a price the trustee. quote. Many times, there are errors in The coverage for liability on a home coverage, beneficiaries, or ownership. really can become an issue when the Keeping up with the correct trust is named in a lawsuit for an beneficiaries on injury and coverage is life insurance and in your name as it was Some insurance investment contracts is before the house was carriers will not a common problem. It put in a trust. A carrier is a sad situation when insure a property may deny coverage someone you love who in this case. Don’t let that is owned by had no relationship situations like this end a trust . with an ex-spouse up in court. inadvertently leaves You can cause an everything to that even greater problem if person instead of you. You can imagine you leave an insurance policy in your how sad and uncomfortable these name and then decide to rent your situations can become. home to someone else. Know that you When marriage ends in divorce, have changed the use of your property many documents require name from “home owner” covering yourself changes. Some of the more common and your property to “renter” covering documents requiring change are only the property with no liability for driver’s licenses, passports, green someone else. cards, wills and trusts. Make sure all The insurance cost will tend to be documents are changed. Personal higher but if you have a claim and the situations dictate what you should insurance company denies it, then your do and what works for your situation. cost could be more than the difference What works for your family may not you would have paid in your annual work for another family. Don’t forget premium. to pay attention to living wills, medical Don’t rely on the fact that insurance directives and who is responsible for companies will understand that you minor children should an untimely just did not know the impact of not accident or illness occur to one or both changing your insurance coverage and parents. offer the coverage you want but did not This moves right into real life pay the higher premium for. situations where people do not plan for Unfortunately, we often do not find their own death. This is often a difficult out the impact of some of our decisions set of decisions that are frequently – or non-decisions – until we have left for someone else in the family to the need for a claim. I encourage as address. This situation forces someone many readers as possible to review to try to be fair for all family members their personal risks and include but the likelihood of doing what was professionals to help in that process intended almost never works in reality. as there are options available in many Frequently, people neglect to situations. A good financial person can consider name changes associated with help identify the financial impact of property and casualty insurance. This decisions but remember that ultimately can result in serious consequences you must make your decisions. should a claim need to be made. To pay a claim, the insurance must be in the Capt. Mark A. Cline is a chartered insured person’s correct, current name. senior financial planner and mortgage Some of the most common problems broker. He is a partner in Capital that impact property and casualty Marine Alliance in Ft. Lauderdale. insurance typically are created by name Comments on this column are welcome changes that impact this coverage. at +1-954-764-2929 or through www. Revocable Trusts typically are created capitalmarinealliance.net.
• Mailbox Rentals & Mail Forwarding • Packing & Postal Services • Shipping Domestic & International • Free pick-ups & estimates for large shipments • Full Printing, Copy Center & Notary
FREIGHT
Next to Bistro Mezzaluna 757 S.E. 17th St. • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 Mon.-Fri. 8:00-6:00 • Sat. 9:00-5:00 • Sun. 9:00-1:00
Promenades Shops by Circuit City 20533 Biscayne Blvd. • Aventura, FL 33180 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-6:00 • Sat. 9:00-5:00
(954) 764-6900
(305) 935-1600
mbe17stcswyftlaudfl@hotmail.com
mbeaventurafl@hotmail.com
C15
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS C16 June 2009
SUDOKUS
STORMY
CALM
Try these puzzles based on numbers. There is only one rule for number puzzles: Every row, every column and every 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 only once. Don’t worry, you don’t need arithmetic. Nothing has to add up to anything else. All you need is reasoning and logic.
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
June 2009
C17
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS C18 June 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
June 2009
C19
For the most up-to-date classifieds, visit www.the-triton.com.
Company Abeam Marine Advanced Mechanical Enterprises After 5 Island Concierge Alexseal Yacht Coatings Antibes Yachtwear ARW Maritime Atlantic Marine & Shipyard Bahamas Yacht Management Bay Ship and Yacht Company Bellingham Marine Bertling Logistics Big Blue Unlimited BOW Wordlwide Yacht Supply Brownie’s Yacht Diver Business card advertisers BWA Yachting The Business Point CYA Comprehensive Yacht Assurance C&N Yacht Refinishing Cable Marine Certified Sales Crew Insurance Services Crew Unlmited City of Dania Beach
Page Company A6 C14 B6 B18 B10 B8 C4 A8 B13 A16 A20 C5 A24 A21 C16-19 C6 B13 B6 A2 C8 A20 C4 A12, B10 C6
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
D&G Company Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina Dockwise Yacht Transport Elite Crew International FenderHooks Global Marine Travel Global Satellite Global Yacht Fuel Gran Peninsula Yacht Center HeadHunter International Registries Kemplon Marine Lauderdale Marine Center Lauderdale Propeller LinkScape Luxury Yacht Group Mail Boxes Etc. Marina Bay Marina Maritime Professional Training Matthew’s Marine A/C Mediterranean Market MHG Marine Benefits Moore & Company Nautical Ventures
Page
C14 A6 B2,B4 C13 A10 A7,A12 C3 A10 B4 A9 C11 B17 B3 A8 B9 A13,A17 C15 C12 C20 B17 B15 A13,B20 B8 B14
Company
Neptune Group Newport Shipyard Newport Yachting Center Northern Lights Northrop and Johnson Ocean Medical International Palladium Technologies Pembroke Gun & Range Peterson Fuel Delivery Praktek Professional Tank Cleaning & Sandblasting Quiksigns R&L Yacht Refinishing Renaissance Marina Richman Marine Rio Vista Flowers River Supply River Services Romora Bay Marina & Resort Rope, Inc Roscioli Yachting Center Rossmare International Bunkering RPM Diesel Sailorman Seafarer Marine
Page B14 C10 A10 C9 B7 B11 C2 A20 A6 A11 A6 C15 B16 B13 B16 C12 A20 B11 A10 C7 B14 A4 A2 A22
Company SeaMobile Sea School Secure Chain & Anchor Secure Chain & Anchor/Inflatables Smart Move Spin-A-Thon “Thank You “ Ad Stop and Shop Deli SunPro Marine Super Yacht Support Tender Care Boats Tess Electrical Sales & Service The Pain Reliever Total Marine Solutions TowBoatUS Town of Palm Beach Tradewinds Radio Turtle Cove Marina Ward’s Marine West Marine Westrec Marinas Wright Maritime Group Yacht Entertainment Systems Yacht Services of Alaska Yacht Zoo
Page A3 B16 C9 C13 C5 B19 B7 A5 B14 B6 B19 B17 B5 B6 C5 C14 B14 B12 A9 A14 A15 C4 C9 A5