/tritonnews
www.the-triton.com
April 2014 The Triton hosts The Expo and networks with ISSGMT. See A1 and A8.
C2-3 Yachting loses a chef Dunnette is remembered as smiling and positive. A3
Triton Expo celebrates 10 years
Talk to me Learn to communicate with yacht captains.
A5
Right side up Keep yacht balanced with stability, incline test.
B1
READY TO GO IN PALM BEACH
The Triton turns 10 years old in April, and we’re celebrating with our Triton Expo on April 2. Join us from 5-8 p.m. for our semiannual exhibition of some of the most interesting vendors in the industry, all of whom can help yacht captains and crew excel in their jobs and careers. We’ll also have presentations from a few of our beloved columnists, a resume clinic staffed by captains and placement agents, live music and great food. Plus we’ll have cake to celebrate our birthday.
POLISHED AND PREPARED: Yacht crew like this one on the 164-foot Delta M/Y Arianna opened the 29th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show in March with a smile. See more crew shots on page A12. PHOTO/LUCY REED
See EXPO, page A11
TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
Captains: How often do crew
use a phone during work?
Can we lose a yacht? A peek at the myriad tools used to monitor and track. B1
Go sailing, trust captains, to enjoy yachting
We spend a lot of time in our monthly captains luncheons talking about things that impact a captain’s job Hardly at and career. Most of those conversations A dozen times over the past 10 all – 15% – 30% years have looked 3-4 times an at outside things hour – 7% that captains deal with, including crew All the time issues, shipyards – 6% A little bit and contractors, and – 42% From the Bridge relationships with Lucy Chabot Reed owners. This month, as The Triton turns 10 years old, we Crew: How often do you use wanted to turn around and look at how owners impact not captains your phone during work? but yachting in general, so we asked “What one thing do you wish owners A dozen would do to better enjoy their yachting times experience?” – 25% “Use them,” one captain said without Hardly at missing a beat. “We’re here to entertain all – 28% 3-4 times an them. It gets boring cleaning them.” hour – 8% The other captains in the room agreed, and there was silence. Could it All the time A little bit be that easy? – 5% – 34% “And go to different spots, new locations,” another captain finally said. As always, individual comments – Story, C1
are not attributed to any one person in particular so as to encourage frank and open discussion. The attending captains are identified in a photograph on page A14. Our relatively small group of captains this month nevertheless spanned the industry, from one who has been playing with yachts since he was a child, to another who spent a career in commercial before landing on large yachts. One works on smaller old vessels, another on bigger new ones. Between them, they have run across a variety of owners, stuck with some, left others. And they agreed that owners would be happier in yachting if they simply used their yachts more. “I just sat with the boss and planned a year’s itinerary,” one captain said. “I had to do it, for the insurance company. But it helps clarify where we’re going. It puts it in their head. Here’s the float plan, now let’s use it.” A plan, even a rough idea, helps with budgets, too, they agreed. “Tell me where you want to go a year out and I’ll save you $200,000 on dockage,” one captain said. “And fuel,” said another. “Going
across the Atlantic at 12 knots versus 8 knots is huge.” OK, so let’s say all yacht owners used their yachts more. There must be more to it. Even when they do use their yachts, we still do something to mess it up for them. We charge too much, we spend too much, we fail in managing the crew, we tell them one thing when it’s really another (this applies to all of us in yachting, not just captains). What dynamics come into play that owners have control over that would increase enjoyment of their yachts? “Trust us,” a captain said. “It’s what you pay us for. Take input from us.” But they agreed that’s not as simple as it sounds either. “Wealthy people learn that there will always be people who want their wealth,” another captain said. “Trust is always going to be an issue.” Another thing that these captains said would help owners enjoy their yachts more is to stop sweating the small stuff. “There’s a level of obsessive compulsiveness, wanting everything
See BRIDGE, page A14
A April 2014
WHAT’S INSIDE
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
No ‘dragon’ your feet at this show
And you thought sea creatures were not real? See more photos on PHOTO/LUCY REED page A13.
Advertiser directory C15 Boats / Brokers B4 Boat Show A13 Business Briefs B9 Business Cards C13-15 Calendar of events B14 Columns: From the Bridge A1 Crew Coach A16 Crew’s Mess C6 Culinary Waves C5 Stew Cues C1 Leadership A17 Nutrition C4 Onboard Emergencies B2 Rules of the Road B1
Top Shelf C7 Crew News B13 Crew News: Obituary A3 Fuel prices B5 Marinas / Shipyards B6 Networking Q and A A1,8 Networking photos C2,3 News A5 News Briefs A6 Technology News B1 Technology Briefs B3 Triton News A10 Triton Spotter B15 Triton Survey C1 Write to Be Heard A18-19
T h e Tr i t o n : M e g ay a c h t n e w s fo r c a p t a i n s a n d c r e w
The Triton
www.the-triton.com OBITUARY: Chef Michelle Dunnette
Chef Michelle Dunnette spent more than 10 years as a yacht chef, including time on the 130-foot Westport M/Y Sovereign, seen here in St. Tropez in the PHOTO PROVIDED late summer of 2010.
Yacht chef maintained positive attitude through cancer battle By Lucy Chabot Reed Yacht Chef Michelle Dunnette, who worked on the 125-foot Broward M/Y Showtime and the 130-foot Westport M/Y Sovereign over the past 10 years, died in February after a battle with cancer. She was 46 years old. Chef Dunnette was perhaps best known for the smile she wore everywhere and her positive attitude. “Michelle had an immensely bubbly, fun-loving personality, along with a caring, compassionate nature,” Sovereign Capt. Dale Smith said. “She was a beautiful person,” Chef Neal Salisbury said. “She always kept everything light and upbeat. If you ran into Michelle, you always got a smile, and you knew it was going to be low drama.” But drama found her in the summer of 2012 when she discovered a small lump in her breast while on a trip in Montenegro. A week later, she flew home for an appointment with a doctor, who removed a grapefruit-sized tumor. “That original cancer was so aggressive,” said Capt. Smith, her companion for the past 10 years. “She wanted to wait until we got back in October, but it was like ‘no, you’re getting on a plane.’ The owners were incredibly supportive.” The surgery and follow-up testing were encouraging and Chef Dunnette began to rebuild her life, including going back to work on a yachts as a freelancer last summer and handling a holiday party this past December. In January, however, she began to not feel well, and by the time she returned to the doctors, cancer had shown up in her liver. She spent a short time in the hospital and tried to recuperate at home before she was admitted to
hospice. She died on Feb. 21, just 22 days after cancer reappeared. “It was so tragic, so unbelievable how fast it happened,” said her friend and Stew Carey Morgan. Chef Dunnette was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Oct. 16, 1967, and raised in Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota, where she majored in Elementary Education and minored in Psychology. She taught English as a Second Language in Japan and Portugal for several years before discovering yachting during a visit to Barcelona in the fall of 1999. In those early years, as a hostess on charter sailing yachts, Chef Dunnette found herself spending more time in the galley and realized that was where her interest lay. In 2001, she attended the Dubrulle International School in Vancouver where she obtained her culinary arts diploma. “I was sad to read online of the passing of Michelle Dunnette,” said Capt. Rob Gannon who provides career coaching to yacht crew. “I got to know Michelle about a year ago when she contacted me for some coaching. She wanted to look at some other options other than yachting and wanted some help with that. “What a pleasure it was to get to know her,” Gannon said. “She was courageous, positive and strong. We just exchanged e-mails about a month ago and in her usual positive way told me she’d had some ‘setbacks’ but things were good.” Her friends had no trouble recalling situations that best defined her. “She was a no fuss girl,” Capt. Smith said. “One night she was dancing and really getting into it and her wig came off. The people around her all sort of
See Dunnette, page A4
April 2014 A
A April 2014 OBITUARY: Chef Michelle Dunnette
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Industry friends recall chef as straight forward and inspired Dunnette from page A3 stopped and looked at her and she said ‘What? It’s just cancer’ and she put it back on and kept going. There was always someone else worse off than she was.” “She wore a cape and go-go boots whenever she had to go to chemo,” Morgan said. “She was really trying to be bold in what she was going through.” “I remember once I came to pick her up in Ft. Lauderdale and I showed up on a motorcycle without a helmet,” Salisbury said. “She stood there
and read me the riot act about how dangerous it was for about 90 seconds, then she got on and we took off. I just loved and adored her.” Friends describe her food as straight forward, fresh and inspired. “She was genuinely spontaneous,” Smith said. “When we first met, she was on a boat next to mine, and she’d come over at 4 o’clock and invite me over for dinner. I’d say ‘what are you cooking?’ and she’d say ‘I don’t know yet.’ She didn’t like to be tied to menus. She’d just open the fridge and make something great. She was extremely
creative and not at all repetitive. She was really good at going to the market wherever we were and making something really good from it.” She loved to share her food, too, often making lunch for the marina staff at Sunrise Harbor when M/Y Sovereign was in Ft. Lauderdale. Outside of yachting, she spent her time and energy fostering kittens and raising money for animal shelters. “Every time she had to bring them back, she was just a mess,” Capt. Smith said. “She found so much joy in taking care of them, and so much sorrow in
letting them go. She was always trying to get one on the boat, but we couldn’t do it. Once, one little guy died, and she was inconsolable. “Still, she thought it was great for yachties to do, so you can have a pet when you are home and make a difference.” “She traveled a lot so I don’t know how she did it,” said Morgan, who said Chef Dunnette helped her raise so much money for the Humane Society one year that one of the thank-yous the agency offered in return was a brick in the walkway with her name on it. Morgan gave it to Chef Dunnette, who also honored M/Y Sovereign on the brick. Chef Dunnette also loved baseball and would attend games in cities all up the U.S. east coast. Without fail, for the seventh-inning stretch, she would call her father and hold her cell phone up so he could hear the roar of the crowd and in a small way, be there with her. “Her life was cut short but she lived while she was here,” Gannon said. “She was brave and adventurous and will be missed.” “I’m so sad,” Morgan said. “I can’t begin to tell you how many friends I have now because of Michelle and her love of life, of how she brought everyone together. I take away from knowing Michelle that wonderful trait of hers, her love of life and her wonderful smile.” In keeping with her wishes, there was no funeral or memorial service. Five young trees will be planted with her ashes in Ft. Lauderdale, Minneapolis, Iowa and Newport. The ones in Ft. Lauderdale were planted at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on the ICW in view of Sunrise Harbor where Sovereign docked. “She was so vibrant,” Salisbury said. “Every time I go to a party, I’ll still look for her.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
Three friends: From left, Michelle Dunnette,Carey Morgan and Carolyn Bryar enjoy a Triton networking event in Ft. Lauderdale in April 2012, three months before Chef Dunnette was diagnosed with cancer. PHOTO PROVIDED
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS: Captains’ style
The captains we studied were all task-oriented, and varied along the spectrum from being reserved to being outgoing. Knowing that helps GRAPHIC PROVIDED both crew and business people plan their approach.
Communication with captains is not only a captain’s concern By Lucy Chabot Reed Nearly everyone in yachting – from crew and support staff to business people – wonder how to communicate better with yacht captains. We’ve heard them blame a lack of leadership training and poor management skills, but we have to remember: there are two sides to every communication. Perhaps the key to better communication with yacht captains is to learn to speak captain. Triton Publisher David Reed and I presented this idea to the morning session of the inaugural Superyacht Summit just before the Palm Beach International Boat show in mid-March and got some great feedback. After 10 years of hosting captains lunches – bringing together no fewer than 500 captains over that time – I’ve learned a little bit about how they think, how they operate, what makes them tick. I recruited 10 of them to take a personality test to see if their results would show any patterns. They did. But first, let me explain the test. The captains took the DISC personality assessment (www. discpersonalitytesting.com). Through a series of questions that ask the participant to describe not only how they feel about different circumstances, but also how they would react, DISC is able to identify patterns in behavior and thoughts that help identify the personality of the person taking the test. The four types correspond to DISC, giving it its name. D types are dominant and direct; I types are inspiring and interactive; S types are supportive and steady; and C types are cautious and consistent. Everyone has some of each trait, but
most of us (about 80 percent) register high in two types. (Only 5 percent are high in one type, the remaining have three types.) Consider the four types in a circle, as in the graphic above. The two types at the top of the circle (the Ds and Is) are outgoing; the bottom two (Ss and Cs) are reserved. The left two types (the Ds and Cs) are task-oriented, while the two types on the right (Is and Ss) are people-oriented. It’s important to remember that very few people are at the extreme of these descriptions, but rather somewhere on a gradient toward the center. The DISC analysis considers two parts of a person’s personality: how we are (our natural style) and how we act in our role (our adaptive style). So the results offer two categories for a person, their natural style and their adapted style. The pattern we found among yacht captains was that they were either naturally D with an adapted style of C (described as D/C), or naturally C with an adapted style D (described as C/D). About half exhibited a second adapted style of S (described as D/CS). Only one captain registered low on the D style, the most novice captain in our sample. But he was still taskoriented, showing up as a C but with an S adaptive style What that tell us is that the yacht captains we studied were, without fail, all task-oriented, all having natural styles of D and C. That makes sense when you think about the jobs they are asked to do. Perhaps even more interesting is that their adaptive styles – the way they have learned to behave in their work environment or relationships – are
See CAPTAINS, page A9
April 2014 A
A April 2014
NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Charter contract clarifies arbitration; Capt. John Percival dies MYBA updates charter contract
The MYBA Charter Agreement, an industry standard for luxury yacht charters, was recently revised to include language that clarifies events preceding an arbitration. “The process of appointing arbitrators has been simplified and arbitration itself shall be conducted in accordance with the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) terms,” according to a news release about the changes. “In line with the recent change in VAT regulation on charters taking place in certain countries, one further revision is an option either to include VAT as chargeable or not, based upon charter location.” The charter agreement can be accessed for subscribers via the Web site for the Mediterranean Yacht Brokers Association (MYBA) at www. myba-econtract.com, which launched in 2013. “Changes to the oldest charter agreement [last revised in 2009] have been made necessary in line with updated regulation, and to protect the interests of all parties involved in luxury yacht charter,” said Barbara Dawson, a senior charter broker with Camper & Nicholsons USA and chairwoman of the MYBA charter
committee.
Floridians get ACA extension
The state of Florida has granted a one-year extension on allowing people to buy or renew health insurance plans that are not yet compliant with the new health law, the Affordable Care Act also known as Obamacare, through 2014. A map found on www.ahipcoverage. com shows the states that agreed with the Obama Administration’s prior extension. It is expected that these same states are likely to grant the latest federal extension announced by the administration to Oct 1st, 2016. This means that policies issued out of these states do not have to conform to minimum essential benefit guidelines, said Jill Cappelli, individual sales manager for the U.S. east coast with GeoBlue. “People buying coverage in these states will not face a tax penalty for having non-ACA-compliant coverage,” she wrote in a recent e-mail. “Insureds will still be able to meet the individual mandate based on their old plan. This is very good news for the crew market. “Previous to this ruling, people were being actively encouraged (by law) to purchase an ACA plan, built specifically for Americans living in the United States,” she wrote. “These domestic
plans offer inadequate benefits for global living. For example, most ACA plans restrict people to emergency-only coverage outside the United States and members don’t have access to contracted providers the world over. These plans don’t include medical evacuation coverage and members are required to pay large hospital bills out of pocket and hope that they are reimbursed at a later date.” GeoBlue has created a frequentlyasked-questions page that might provide additional answers for expatriots and yacht crew: www. geobluetravelinsurance.com/aca_faqs. cfm.
Capt. Percival dies
Capt. John Percival, founder of UKbased JPMA/Hoylake Sailing School Ltd., died in March after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 68. Familiar to students and boat show attendees around the world for his snow white hair, quick smile and patient guidance, Capt. Percival began providing commercial training to the recreational boating industry in the late 1990s and the school he founded with his daughter, Anna, has grown into one of the largest small-vessel training facilities in the UK, including courses for the yachting, workboat and
commercial sectors. Born on April 6, 1945, Capt. Percival began sailing as a child and had a career in the commercial sector before starting his school in 1996. His daughter will continue its operation, along with a staff of more than 30. A memorial service was held March 21 in Hoylake. In lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations be made to either the Hoylake RNLI Crew Fund, or Cheshire & Wirral Partnership Charitable Fund - Palliative Care Team.
U.S. NOAD system upgrades
On April 22, NOAD schema versioned 3.4 will be released. This new version of the U.S. Notices of Arrival and Departures (NOAD) will incorporate improvements in vessel response plan data reporting. When NOAD Schema 3.4 is released, NOAD Schema 3.2 and older versions will no longer be supported. The Ship Arrival Notification System will no longer accept NOAD’s submitted using InfoPath Template 6.2 or 6.2.1, Workbook 7.1, and OCS Notice of Arrival (NOA) Workbook 1.1. As announced previously, the NVMC is no longer accepting all other previously retired NOAD workbooks
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A7
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS BRIEFS
April 2014 A
U.S. NOAD system upgraded; free NOAA PDF charts stay NEWS BRIEFS from page A6 and workbooks that have been altered or published by a third party. Currently workbooks may be downloaded from the “Downloads” section of the NVMC Web site (www.nvmc.uscg.gov). Users should begin using NOAD InfoPath Template 6.2.2, NOAD Workbook 7.2 or OCS Notice of Arrival (NOA) Workbook 1.2 as soon as possible. It is requested that the Workbooks are completed electronically and then sent via email or imported into the eNOAD web application. Alteration of NVMC official workbooks will result in significant delays and/or rejections in processing. To avoid submission problems Workbooks must be kept saved as XLS format documents. NOAD submitters are advised that there will also be updates to several Pick Lists issued for Countries, Foreign Ports, Domestic Ports, and others. Mariners who wish to take advantage of these updates will need to download InfoPath Template 6.2.2, NOAD Workbook 7.2 or OCS Notice of Arrival (NOA) Workbook 1.2. For questions or more information not answered at www.nvmc.uscg.gov, contact the NVMC at 1-800-708-9823 or +1 304-264-2502 or by sending an
e-mail to sans@nvmc.uscg.gov. Send technical questions to techsupport@ nvmc.uscg.gov.
NOAA PDF charts still free
After a three-month trial period, PDF versions of NOAA nautical charts will become a permanent product, free to the public. The free PDFs, which are digital images of traditional nautical charts, are part of a suite of new and enhanced navigational products designed to make NOAA’s data more accessible to the general public. “Up-to-date charts help boaters avoid groundings and other dangers to navigation, so our aim is to get charts into the hands of as many boaters as we can,” said Rear Admiral Gerd Glang, director of NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey. “Within about 90 days of the product’s beta release, nearly 2.3 million charts were downloaded. To us, that represents more than two million opportunities to avoid an accident at sea.” To help boaters who aren’t sure which chart they need, NOAA has launched a new interactive chart locator that allows people to select a chart from a map of the U.S. and choose their format. NOAA is also making available for free the NOAA ENC Online, a new web map viewing
application that shows chart data previously only available to users who purchased specialized viewing systems. Also the digital charts’ image resolution will increase, from 254 dots per inch (DPI) to 400 DPI. This will improve image quality and legibility of the raster navigational charts (NOAA RNC) that are used in chart display systems. Coast Survey asked users how the changes affected chart appearances on mobile apps. Initial compatibility issues and discrepancies that were identified have been resolved. The suite of RNCs will be upgraded starting April 3. According to NOAA, printing PDFs may alter the chart scale, color, or legibility that may impact suitability for navigation. Only printed charts provided by NOAA-certified Printon-Demand (POD) providers fulfill a vessel’s requirement to carry a navigational chart “published by the National Ocean Service” in accordance with federal regulations.
km of the coast from November to June as part of their annual migration. Mariners should keep a sharp lookout and exercise caution as approximately 19,000 animals migrate along the coast during this period. Humpback whales are also being seen in greater numbers than a month ago. Killer whales, also known as orcas, have been seen off of Los Angeles and Long Beach in the past month. These are fairly rare visitors to the region and are in the area hunting marine mammals, including sea lions and dolphins. Please report collisions with whales, any observed injured whales, or dead whales to NOAA at 877-SOS-WHALe (877-767-9425) or to the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. NOAA is asking for the public’s help in tracking whales. If you see whales, record the date and location, number of whales, species (if known) and a description of the animals, and e-mail to whales@noaa.gov.
Whales active off California
Charters in Vanuatu need agent
Winter continued to be an active time for whales off the California coast, so much so that NOAA recently posted the following as a Notice to Mariners: Mariners are advised that groups of gray whales are traveling within 10
Legislation has recently been passed in the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu that requires charter yachts to retain the services of a licenced Vanuatu yacht agent. For more information, visit www. vanuatuyachtservices.com.
A April 2014
TRITON NETWORKING: ISSGMT
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Make your plans to network with The Triton and ISSGMT Marine travel specialists ISSGMT will host Triton networking on the third Wednesday in April. All yacht captains, crew and industry professionals are welcome to join us April 16 at ISSGMT’s offices off 17th Street in Ft. Lauderdale from 6-8 p.m. for networking. Until then, learn about the yacht division team from Sales Manager Laurence Carlier and Sales Coordinator Shawn O’Brien. Q. Tell us about ISSGMT. ISSGMT is a travel agency dedicated
to the yachting industry with a team of booking agents available 24/7/365. Due to the nature of the yachting industry, it is not usual for our clients to organize last minute travel and ISSGMT is able to respond quickly with agents on duty in Europe, USA and Canada. The agency provides marine airfares on more than 50 airlines worldwide. Our goal is to present the best route at the best fare, so, in addition to the marine airfare options, our agents offer regular published airfares if cheaper. Q. Who can use your services? Captains and crew members
employed on a private vessel, technicians, engineers, surveyors and management personnel traveling to/ from a vessel. Also yacht operations/ administration traveling on behalf of the vessel qualify; brokers, surveyors, service technicians and management staff. A marine letter outlining the purpose of the travel and including the name of the vessel is required when flying on a marine airfare. Q. What is the crew rate? A marine airfare is a negotiated oneway refundable/changeable ticket with extra baggage allowance; therefore,
O’Brien and Carlier the flight reservations can be changed or cancelled at minimum or no fee. It is convenient when vessels need to fly in crew, they don’t need to purchase a round trip. And if technicians need to extend their stay we can change the dates at minimal or no fees. Q. What is the difference between consolidated fares and crew fares? Consolidated airfares are usually cheaper but tickets will carry heavy restrictions. Basically it’s fly it or lose it. So, it is best to use a consolidated airfare to book your vacation and use a crew fare to join the vessel. Q. How should crew contact you? “We’re Always Open” so crew can email us at info@flyissgmt.com or call anytime +1 954 761 9595 (we also have VOIP International numbers available). Q. Is there an ISSGMT app? Yes, we launched it last December because we want to stay connected 24/7/365. It’s available on Android and Apple phones. You can check your reservation, flight status, get live support and see where we are. Q. Can I get a flight tomorrow? But of course. Up to one hour prior departure we can do it as there is no advance purchase requirement on marine fares. Q. How has your background helped? Carlier: Coming from an airline background helps with my internal knowledge on check-in, arrival, baggage and immigration. Also being raised in France helps me connect around the French/Italian Riviera. It’s zee French touch, ahah!! O’Brien: Taking my previous experience with a marine travel agency and a yacht management company gives me a deep understanding of how they intertwine, where their operations rely on each other, and how we can more efficiently work together. Plus, our staff ’s backgrounds encompass everything from airline experience, hospitality, cruise line and yacht management operations. ISS GMT is hosting Triton networking in the lobby of its office building. No RSVPs are required; just bring business cards to network and meet new people. The ISSGMT office is located at 1800 SE 10th Ave., Suite 220, Ft. Lauderdale (33316). Contact them at +1 954-7619595, e-mail to Laurence.Carlier@ flyissgmt.com or visit their Web site at www.flygmt.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS: Captains’ style
Consider captain’s style in relation to yourself CAPTaINS from page A5 flipped. The captains we studied have all learned to be more or less outgoing than their natural style. The interesting thing is that they blend between D and C. So those
This is how a D/C captain’s results showed up, extremely taskGRAPHICS PROVIDED oriented. captains who were naturally outgoing had an adaptive style of being reserved. Those who were naturally reserved have and adaptive style of being outgoing. What all of this tells us is that yacht captains are task-oriented, and as such, they focus on the task first: the form, function, process, results, data and thoughts. But captains are also a mix of outgoing and reserved, so this is where
crew and business people need to observe and make some deductions about them before deciding how to proceed. Knowing the likely style of a yacht captain is most powerful when we consider it in relation to ourselves, meaning they are more or less dominant than ourself, more or less cautious. Then we can adapt our words, actions and tone to connect and communicate faster, more efficiently and more effectively. There are a few dangers when considering personality styles. The first is that we tend to label people: Capt. Brown is a dominant person. Instead, think of Capt. Brown as having dominant behaviors or that he seems to have a dominant perspective. Those are observations of behavior, not a label of a person. The danger with labeling is that it steers us to communicating in ways that damage relationships and escalate conflicts, not at all what we want. If we simply observe that Capt. Brown has a dominant perspective, we change our approach to better reach him. The second danger is assuming you know everything about the person because you know the DISC model. This is just one part of a
person. Important parts, too, are their educational background, culture, family and relationship history, and other life experiences. Knowing their DISC does not mean you know them; it just means you have an idea how to approach them and how
This is how a C/D captain’s results showed up, also extremely taskoriented, but with intesity that is not quite as high as the in captain with D and C traits shown in the chart to the left. to communicate with them. We’ll share more information about just how to do that next month. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
April 2014 A
A10 April 2014
TRITON 10th ANNIVERSARY
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
A MOMENT IN TIME: Kenna Reed, the daughter of Triton founders David and Lucy, was 20 months old when the newspaper began. Look at her now, above. PHOTOS/ STEPHEN and LUCY REED
The more things change … the more we look the same By Lucy Chabot Reed The Triton turns 10 years old this month. Like most yacht crew, we’ve been to some fabulous places (a bunch of them over and over again) and had some memorable experiences (most of them good). We feel as though we’ve traveled the world right alongside our readers, especially when you share news of your travels, photos from your destinations, and Triton Spotters from places familiar and unreal. We read through our first few issues and came across stories about hours of rest and how enforcement of them might hurt the charter business, about ISPS Code rules and how the U.S.’s take on them might make clearance a challenge, and about haphazard enforcement of ANOA rules. Maybe we haven’t traveled quite so far after all. Here are more headlines from our issues in 2004: “Megayachts not exempt from ISPS Code– yet.” South Florida’s yachting industry struggles with the thenstill fairly new international security measures designed to protect vessels in ports, including providing secure dockage, security plans, and new security officer requirements. “Triton captains take on issues.” The Triton’s first From the Bridge captains luncheon examined the scenario of captains landing posts on large vessels despite limited experience. “Fires destroy Janie II, other yachts in several blazes.” “Triton captains put it in writing.” From the Bridge captains discuss employment agreements. “Price hikes, rules keep charters from Olympics.” Charter yachts flying other than Greek flags found it difficult to find dockage for the Athens games. “Enforcing hours of work/rest may hurt charter industry.” A look at international conventions that require 10 hours rest in every 24-hour period. “Intended to save boats, salvage laws ruin, too” One yacht captain’s story of taking on water and his call for a tow
that turned into a salvage situation. “From the Bridge: Captains have love/hate affair with management companies.” “USCG to enforce 96-hour advance notice of arrival for foreign flags.” “Exclusively charter boats now VAT free.” Industry advocate Thierry Voisin explains how charter yachts in French waters registered as commercial ships are exempt from VAT. “From the Bridge: U.S. captains rely on word-of-mouth to land jobs.” “Another megayacht destroyed by fire.” The 90-foot Burger M/Y Argus V burns at Lyford Cay. “American crew shortage sparks concern, action.” Crew agency manager Ian Pelham’s five-city summer tour of the U.S. in search of crew candidates. “Haphazard enforcement of ANOA confuses captains.” “ISPS-compliant yacht turned away from non-compliant marina.” “Captains allege unfair dockage rates in hurricanes.” “California tax bill may steer more megayachts to Mexico.” California legislators closed a tax loophole that allowed yacht owners to avoid the state’s 7.75 percent state use tax if they stayed out of state 90 days. The new timeframe was a year. “From the Bridge: Boat shows give captains chance to see, fix things.” “ICW bridges to open twice an hour during test.” The USCG began a 90-day test of opening Ft. Lauderdale bridges on the ICW just twice an hour. “From the Bridge: Communication key to best captain/owner relationships.” “Caprice captain describes engine room fire, lessons learned.” “Syncrolift collapses, Sacajawea falls in river.” But it’s still been a blast. And we wouldn’t change a bit of it. Please join us for our Triton Expo and birthday celebration, details on the next page. Lucy Chabot Reed is the proud editor of The Triton, lucy@the-triton.com
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON 10th ANNIVERSARY
Triton began on a whim, but takes its responsibility seriously EXPO from page A1 Make plans to join us, and bring your resume and business cards. You never know who you will meet. Until then, learn a little more about your favorite yachting newspaper from its co-founder and editor Lucy Chabot Reed. Q. Ten years. Congratulations. Reed Thanks. It’s been such a great experience. I’ve been a reporter and editor for a long time, and I can honestly say that the past 10 years in yachting have been the most fulfilling of my career. Our readers – and the industry in general, I believe – are an engaged and knowledgeable group. There is no lack of interaction or story ideas, that’s for sure. Q. Your background is in journalism. How did you get into yachting? I grew up here in South Florida and never knew this industry existed. I saw big white boats and, like most people around here, thought only about the wealthy people who own them. It wasn’t until I met David, a former crew member who is now my husband and is the publisher of The Triton, that I began to understand the professionals who work on yachts. And to be perfectly honest, I credit the captains and crew I’ve meet and interviewed over the years with teaching me most of what I know about yachting, our monthly captains lunch being a prime example of my schooling. Q. Tell us more about those lunches. Each month, I gather a group of yacht captains for lunch and I spring a topic on them. Then we talk about it for an hour. It takes a lot of courage and trust to speak honestly about your job, your boss, your co-workers and your staff in a way that sheds light on some really important issues. I take that responsibility very seriously, and that’s why we keep those captains anonymous in the text of the story. They are identified in a photo so our readers know I didn’t make the whole thing up. Q. How did The Triton get started? After I had our daughter, Kenna, I couldn’t arrange a work schedule with my previous employer that allowed me to be home with her, so I quit. I was
freelancing and began working with Dockwalk, copy editing and writing some stories. At one point, the then-owner was looking for some investors so we thought about it and talked to a banker friend who said, sort of off the cuff, that we could start our own newspaper for a fraction of what the owner wanted us to invest. A light bulb went off. All of us – me, David, Kristy Fox and Peg Garvia – looked at each other and said, “we can do that.” And we did. Each of us had an area of expertise, David and I pulled a second mortgage out on our house, and we put the first issue on the street about six weeks later. Q. Looking back, would you have done anything differently? I don’t think so. It was hard and we worked a lot, but we loved it so it wasn’t like work. Anyone in yachting knows how this industry takes over your life. For years, we spent very little time or energy on things outside of yachting. We dragged our daughter to all our events, and even David’s parents – the best in-laws on the planet – played with us, traveling to Monaco to take care of Kenna as we worked the show, and reading every word before we go to press every month (still!). This whole thing has pulled us all together as a family, and it’s been great. I wouldn’t change a thing. Q. This year’s Expo is at National Marine Suppliers (2800 S.W. Second Ave., 33315). Why there? I asked Dean Dutoit, owner of NMS, that very question and here’s what he said. “All of the Triton Expos have proven great opportunities for companies, and it’s an honor for us not only be a part of it but to host it this time. Our location is convenient for everyone and it’s a little way for us to give back to the yachting community. “Congratulations on 10 years and where the Expo has grown. And kudos to you guys for bringing it to the industry and having businesses exhibit, bringing us all together. The social gathering is amazing. It’s the most productive and fun part of what we do.” We couldn’t ask for a better host for our party. A big thank you to Dean and his team at NMS for helping us celebrate in style. We hope everyone will join us. We wouldn’t be here to celebrate without the support of Triton readers and advertisers. Join us on April 2 at National Marine Suppliers. No RSVP needed. Just bring business cards, a resume if you want it critiqued, and a smile. We’re celebrating.
April 2014 A11
A12 April 2014
LIFE AFTER YACHTING
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Yacht chef exchanges travel for travellers in land-based dream By Dorie Cox
He also serves as concierge and makes recommendations for local It’s a kind of a reverse travel for Chef activities. Rath confesses to a few other Zachariah Rath after 13 years working holdovers from yachting, namely the on megayachts. neat folds on the toilet paper spools “I continue to meet people from and fancy napkin folds on the table. around the world,” Rath said from Plus, he said a cookie and chocolate his bed and breakfast in Darien, Ga. factory is across the street, which does “Before I was going to them and now turn-down service at Open Gates. they are coming to me.” “That is one more thing we can do Rath’s travels have taken him far for our guests, another extra perk to from his start at the Chances “R” make us memorable,” Rath said. Restaurant and Lounge in York, Neb., One day when the inn can support during high school. After earning a his family, Rath said he expects his degree in food service management and fiancee will leave her job with an culinary arts he headed for the Clipper insurance company and make it a true Cruise Line as executive sous chef and family business. The bed and breakfast then to chef on megayachts including is three blocks from the river so guests Northern Lights, Muse, Milk and Honey, can visit by small boat. and Miracle. “The city dock offers two But Rath held a dream free nights with water and since high school to own a electric to encourage people bed and breakfast. to visit,” Rath said. “The end goal, for the Rath visited every end of yachting, was to continent during his time be on land,” Rath said at sea, and although the by phone while working southern United States can on the grounds of the seem like another country, property earlier this year. Rath is becoming a local. He “To one day have a big-kid even hosted a traditional bed, not a bunk, rolling southern event which centers around at anchor.” around shrimp, potatoes and Rath decided to leave corn in a big pot. M/Y Miracle last April. He Chef “We had a low country boil Zachariah researched his dream and Rath at his bed for a busload of visitors,” Rath it was time for him, his and breakfast in said. “It was my first ever to fiancee, Carrie Mae, and eat, cook or serve.” Darien, Ga. her two teenage sons to Rath makes plenty of PHOTO PROVIDED move. The family visited, sweet tea, another Georgia studied and decided to buy tradition, but he is still Open Gate Bed and Breakfast, a small absorbing the local language. inn an hour south of Savannah. “I wish I had a Southern accent, the The five-bedroom, 1876 house is gentlemanliness is appealing,” he said. definitely not a yacht, but Rath is happy Rath admits he misses his friends he’s settled in this old house under live in yachting, but not necessarily the oak and magnolia trees. maintenance issues, the small bunks “Yachts are more high-end but my and some of the personalities onboard. skills carry over,” Rath said. But he is grateful to be his own boss. And although he wouldn’t mind “For now, I’m everything,” Rath a few appliances from his previous said. That means cook, housekeeper, yacht galleys, (his current kitchen was groundskeeper and marketing director. most recently refitted in the 1960s), “Right now there are no other staff, Rath feels at home making bread and this is my day from sun up to sun pastries and local cuisine. down,” Rath said with lawn clippers in “Darien is known for its shrimp, so hand. we have a breakfast special, the Darien He misses the beaches, the new Shrimp Delight,” Rath said. “Breakfast scenery and the travel. But Rath said it is half the name.” is worth it to be living the dream he has Guests can start their day with had for more than 20 years. avocado, fried shrimp with a poached “This is for myself, for me,” Rath egg, Hollandaise sauce and chives. said. “Yachting was an adventure, but “It’s not really a recipe, but, yes, it is this is an adventure of the unknown.” mine,” he said. For photos, rates and more, visit Aside from the Spanish moss in the Open Gates Bed and Breakfast at www. trees, his work at the bed and breakfast opengatesbnb.com or contact at 301 is much like service onboard. Guests Franklin St., Darien, Ga. (31305), +1 fill out a preference sheet with allergies 912-437-6985. and requests so Rath can prepare for issues beforehand. Dorie Cox is associate editor of The “I really like to tailor to the guests,” Triton. Comments on this story are he said. welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com BOAT SHOW: Palm Beach International Boat Show
Y
April 2014 A13
acht crew were on deck, dressed out to meet and greet for the first day of the 29th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show. Perfect weather and plenty of sunshine on the first day of PHOTOS/LUCY REED Spring made for a beautiful day on the docks.
A14 April 2014 FROM THE BRIDGE: Owner’s enjoyment
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Better communication would help owners BRIDGE from page A1 perfect,” a captain said. “If it’s not perfect, he’ll use that as an excuse not to go out.” “If the owner would not focus so much on the cosmetic stuff and just relax, he’d really enjoy himself,” said another. The conversation weaved a bit and the captains discussed owner behaviors that drive them nuts, but eventually, they settled on better communication as a key skill that would improve their yachting experience. “He’s not always forthcoming with information,” one captain said. “When I ask ‘where are we going this summer’, he barks back ‘why do you want to know’? It has a negative impact on the crew. I’m constantly being asked what we’re doing and I can’t tell them.” The problem is when an owner knows what he wants to do, but he doesn’t tell the captain. “Give me more information sooner,” this captain said, “even if you are just thinking about it. Don’t wait until it’s finalized. I’m not saying come up with a rigid schedule for the whole year. What I’m saying is when he knows it, I need to know it. Then I can create a flexible plan, a plan for the shipyard, a plan for time off. “As yacht crew, we make lots of
Attendees of The Triton’s April Bridge luncheon were, from left, Dan Verhoff of M/Y Lady Marina, Clay Thomas of M/Y Blue Moon, Marvin Wilson of a 45m new build, and Ben Stanley of M/Y Freedom. PHOTO/LUCY REED sacrifice because that’s implicit in the position,” this captain continued. “That’s why you’re paid what you are. It’s not the credentials, but what you give up. But they [crew] need more than money.” This brought the conversation back around to money. Better communication meant better planning meant money saved, which brought up another pet peeve of captains: being at anchor all the time to save money. And interestingly enough, that turned into another thing owners can do to better enjoy yachting. While one captain hates being at anchor all the time, another loved
it because his crew was active and being at anchor made it easier to go swimming, diving and fishing. That not only keeps the yacht’s equipment working, this captain said, but it makes the crew better prepared for the owner’s next visit. “When the boss comes, he doesn’t want to look for fish, and the crew knows the best places to take him diving,” this captain said. “That’s how you make a great experience for the owner and have fun. And that makes the crew excited for the boss to come back to the boat, excited to show the boss a good time.” See BRIDGE, page A15
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE BRIDGE: Owner’s enjoyment
Delegating finances helps level of joy, too BRIDGE from page A1 “The boss needs to understand that,” another captain said. “That takes training,” said a third. One captain thought the boss would better enjoy owning a yacht if he were more open to chartering it. “I could offset some serious costs,” this captain said. “To know there’s not always money going out but some coming in, that would give a certain peace of mind.” But not all captains agreed. Some owners don’t want strangers sleeping in their bed, and the expenses increase as yachts get larger, so chartering doesn’t offset costs much. “But he could enjoy it more if it wasn’t costing so much,” the first captain said. “He only comes on board for two months and it sits the rest of the time.” “That’s when it makes sense,” another captain said, “when owner use is so low.” And once again, we’ve returned to the subject of money. The captains discussed how owners can be so fixated on expenses that they get bogged down with purchases that their captains claim will save them in the long run. “When they’re talking to you, they have tunnel vision and wonder only ‘how can I control his expenses’,” one captain said. “But when they think about it, or if they ask why we want to do something, they see that usually it’s a better investment in their boat and, when they sell, they’ll get more return.” One captain said he planned to propose that he operate on a budget, with quarterly reports. No more asking permission for each expense. “Let me run on a budget,” this captain said. “If that works, he’ll enjoy this more. He won’t know if I’m buying a $30,000 brick for the generators. He gets bogged down with that.” “For them to delegate and trust their captain, it’s got to take a weight off their shoulders,” another captain said. “They should treat the boat more like a novelty, not a business. But my guy’s been so hands-on in all his businesses all his life, it’s hard to let go.” “It’s all about communication between the boss and the captain,” a captain said. “Good communication makes it more enjoyable for them,” another said. “And less stressful for us,” said a third. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com. If you make your living working as a yacht captain, e-mail us for an invitation to our monthly Bridge luncheon.
April 2014 A15
A16 April 2014
YACHT CAREERS: Crew Coach
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Being a good crew member, a good follower, helps leaders lead There have been a number of articles written and views expressed regarding leadership recently but what about the flip side? What about the art of following? Obviously, not everyone will be in a leadership position. You need the team players, those in non-leadership positions, to understand their Crew Coach roles and duties Rob Gannon for a yacht or any business to run smoothly. So what do leaders want and look for in crew? What do leaders need from them? What makes it all work? The captains bridge discussion in last month’s Triton revealed some of the attributes captains look for in new crew. They mentioned they want them to be eager, willing to learn, and able to take instruction. Also that they observe, stay sober and put away the cell phone. That’s a pretty good list for starting in yachting or most any career. They also mentioned humility and ego, an area I would like to expand on and then also mention a couple other skills.
I have written about this thing called The sooner someone gets this ego before in this space but it pops up and starts practicing it in their lives, again and again in discussions about the better their lives will be. So start this industry. It can be an issue for working on this when you are young anyone in any position, so this just isn’t and, believe me, you will be glad you about newbies. did. It is a lifelong practice and it is However, humility certainly is near front and center in yachting. You are the top of most captains’ wish list for restricted with what you can do and crew. It seems a little humility can take where you can go. You are on other you a long way. If you can wrap your people’s schedules. You are in confined head around the fact that you are in spaces. You are not in charge. I think a high-end service industry and not a you can see how learning the practice look-at-me contest, well, you’re on the of acceptance will benefit you. right track. If you struggle No matter with this or are where you come not sure how to Another life skill you from or what you get better with it, want in your tool kit is accomplished back there is a lot of acceptance. home, now you are information out beginning a yacht there. Do a little crew career and research. Study you are entitled to no more or less than up on it a little or consider working anyone else. Your skills are on your CV with a coach. I help folks with this kind and have been noted. Some may come of stuff all the time. The bottom line into play in the job but right now, when is you can learn and get better with you’re just starting out, it’s just time to practicing acceptance. dive in and get to work. Another life skill to bring onboard Another life skill you want in is gratitude. Yes, I have written about your tool kit is acceptance. There this before as well but there is no doubt will be things, situations, people and about how gratitude affects attitude. circumstances you cannot control. There is way less to complain about The willingness to practice acceptance in life when you are grateful. It’s really will help a great deal with your overall remarkable. emotional wellness. If you’re not using this tool, try it out
and you’ll see what I mean. If you can stick with these practices they become your default setting, you can always go to them when you need them. With continued practice they become part of your brain’s standard operating procedure. It becomes what you automatically go to instead of blaming others, anger and negative reactions. Try not to get frustrated if these skills don’t come easy at first. They may be up against conditioning from earlier in life that has caused negative reactions to be the first place you go. But as you focus your awareness on these reactions and on your practice of both acceptance and gratitude, you will start to shift. You will see and feel it happening and you will like it. So for the art of following, if you take the attributes the captains mentioned and add some acceptance and gratitude in there, I think you have a pretty good recipe for being a valued and desired crew member. Just put your all into it, even if you think this is a temporary thing. If you give it your best, good things will come from it. Rob Gannon is a 25-year licensed captain and certified life and wellness coach (www.yachtcrewcoach.com). Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
LEADERSHIP: Taking the Helm
Getting promoted, getting a title doesn’t make you a leader Congratulations. You have just been promoted to bosun, chief stew, or some other supervisory position. Now what? Before you focus on what you have to do in your new role, let’s consider your position in terms of leadership. Anyone can be appointed to a position. Position and title bring with Taking the Helm it responsibility Paul Ferdais and a degree of power, but leadership is earned, not given. Being granted a position is only a starting place for leadership. Leadership comes in many forms, with the reliance on position and title being the weakest form. A supervisor who does not develop skills as a leader relies on his/her position to lead. Positional leaders expect obedience from followers simply because of a title. Do any of the following behaviors or situations seem familiar? l Positional leaders are controlling; they focus on control instead of contribution. l Turnover is high. l Leaders who rely on position often devalue people. They see people as cogs in a machine. l Positional leaders feed on politics. l They do things to make themselves look and feel important. l Positional leaders receive people’s lowest amount of effort, not their highest. Positional leaders say things like: “I’m over you”, or “I am higher than you”, implying superiority. “Fake it till you make it.” “You’re here to help me.” “I determine your future.” “Do this or else.” Followers decide to follow based on how a leader behaves and treats others. If someone displays the behaviors listed above, a leader is focused on themselves rather than on the people they lead. Positional leadership is a selfcentered form of leadership. A key point to consider with position is that it requires a leader to rely on coercion, power and control. Unfortunately for the positional leader, no one responds well to being bossed around and bullied. So what can be done to move away from positional leadership and become an authentic leader? Leadership is about relationships. Leaders who do not build a relationship with their followers will always be mediocre at leading. By developing relationships, a leader will have influence with followers, which is the
core of being a leader. A leader who relies on their position will never develop influence with followers, limiting their success. In a leadership context, relationship is not about becoming someone’s best friend. Instead, a leader-follower relationship is about the development of credibility on the part of the leader, building trust with followers, as well as demonstrating respect for themselves and those around them. In life, a relationship in which one person is domineering, controlling and selfcentered does not last long. The same thing applies in the work environment. To move into authentic leadership requires a leader to be themselves at all times. This includes admitting mistakes and accepting help. Authentic leadership requires trust and leaders must be the first to extend trust in order to gain it from followers. Further, attention and focus must shift away from the leader onto followers. The leader will then be seen as selfless instead of selfish. Authentic leadership includes: l Be who you are in every circumstance. l Admit mistakes. l Admit you do not know everything. l Accept responsibility for your actions and the actions of those you are responsible for. l Extend trust to others in order to build trust. l Seek input and ideas from others, and act on what you receive. Being authentic is not easy. As James Autry points out in “The Servant Leader”, “… much of our conditioning is against being authentic. In the process of socializing us, our parents taught us to not say some of what we were feeling or thinking. This carries over to the workplace …” where we have learned how to be political and work within the culture of the organization. When followers trust that their leader is focused on them, there is a shift in their attitude and behavior. Followers are more willing to give of themselves and make deeper contributions, resulting in better overall results for the organization, the leader and the followers themselves. Paul Ferdais is founder and owner of The Marine Leadership Group (www. marineleadershipgroup.com). He has a master’s degree in leadership and spent seven years as a deckhand, mate and first officer on yachts. He is hosting a free “Intro to Leadership” seminar at 7:30 p.m. on April 9 at Pier 66. Register on his site by clicking “free events”. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
April 2014 A17
A18 April 2014
WRITE TO BE HEARD
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Yacht industry needs plan to recruit career-minded crew By Capt. Ian Bone The recent Triton survey concerning the appointment decisions made by yacht captains when selecting crew was interesting yet probably expected. [“Captains prefer to hire career-minded crew,” March issue, page C1] Although some captains supported the appointment of “transient” crew because of the yacht program or for economic reasons, most preferred crew that were career oriented and seeking advancement within the industry. Captains preferred career-minded candidates and did not want to “waste time” on transient crew. “I want to spend my resources on long-term professional crew that will benefit the industry as a whole and my program in particular,” said one captain. A number of captains were critical of the way that the industry had seemed to attract transient “backpackers” who just wanted to “make fast money and travel for free”. Some lamented the case that there were “no new young boaters”. The dearth of young people seeking a career path in the industry has been evident for some time, and there has been a rise in non-career minded transient young people seeking a placement in the industry.
At a gathering of captains at The Triton’s monthly From the Bridge luncheon late in 2013, this was a topic of discussion. Captains voiced their concerns about the declining quality of candidates and the attitudes and behaviors of those candidates that had passed through basic training courses and were considered “yacht ready”. Captains have been voicing their concerns for some time. This discussion certainly agrees with some of the comments made by captains at the most recent Triton luncheon as well. [“It’s not easy being green, but captains give crew a chance,” March issue, page A1.] Perhaps the industry needs to look critically at the recruitment processes. Perhaps the industry also needs to ask itself who is responsible for the recruitment strategy and the messages being promulgated. What is the strategy? Is there a strategy? It would seem that historically there were more young people with a “boating” background who found their way into the yachting industry. Young people from a range of predominantly western countries ended up in yachting, in some cases with a clear plan, in others by sheer luck. It also seemed that there was a balance between supply and demand. These young people have grown up
and become the captains and senior crew, developed other yachting-related careers, or have moved on. In the past 10 years or so we have witnessed the “explosion” of yachts being built, along with yachts getting larger and requiring more crew. The point of this discussion is to highlight the fact that the industry has done little to correct the image that emerged over the recent years that working on a yacht is glamorous, fun, open to those that want to “experience and experiment” while providing a vehicle to see the world and get paid. Some captains would go so far to say that some industry training providers have also capitalized on this image to grow their businesses and “graduate” candidates with little interest in a career. The emergence of a reality TV program sensationalizing the lifestyle has not helped counter the perceptions of how yacht crew work and behave. I would say that the yachting industry has been less than proactive in getting its message out concerning career choices and the quality of potential candidates owners and captains expect. Rather than allowing others to determine its recruitment expectations, the yachting industry, through its representative organizations, would be well advised to develop a global recruitment strategy
outlining the career pathways available and highlighting the long-term career benefits to those seeking this avenue. The issue concerning the attracting of quality candidates to the yachting industry has been ongoing for some time and has been identified as a concern. If nothing is done about the current situation, then we can expect to experience more of the same. It is my view that we all have a role to play in expecting excellence and best practices from all employed. There is no room for any compromise or mediocre approach when recruitment and selection of crew is concerned. Excellence begins with attracting the right people into the industry. The Yacht Captains Association will proactively represent its member captains and work with other industry associations and organizations to reposition global recruitment strategies targeting those wishing to develop long-term careers in yachting. Capt. Ian Bone has a previous career in leadership and organizational consulting and is involved with a small group of yacht captains researching the viability of a Yacht Captains Association. Read more on his blog at yachtingleadership.wordpress.com. Comments are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Tomorrow’s leaders begin by training today’s crew I read with great interest Capt. Ian Bone’s editorial regarding a captain’s leadership abilities [March issue, Write to be Heard, page A16]. And, in many respects I agree with him. I would, however, like to add one thing. It is the captain’s responsibility to constantly be educating his crew, regardless of whether it is a crew of one or more, on the many things that are needed to truly become a member of a professional crew. This covers myriad topics from professional standards to nautical terminology, and includes such things as interpersonal skills, as well as how to negotiate a contract, or what is involved in the sale of a vessel (on both sides). Unfortunately, in today’s world, a great deal of that is left by the wayside as so many captains spend little or no time on these things and merely sign off on sea time (which is not always accurate – yes, I said it). At a time when more vessels are not only being commissioned, but also a lot of vessels that have been “mothballed” are coming back into service, the need for educating crew is never more relevant. And I say this not so much for the schools to have yet another highcost class, but rather on many of the intangibles that each crew member and captain face on a day-to-day basis: proper yachting etiquette, log entries and procedures (both engineering and deck/navigation), and security of vessel (under way or moored), not to mention things as simple as the best way to maintain surfaces and finishes. Most importantly, we need to generate a mindset that is focused more on a career as a yachting professional (that is to say, someone in it for the long haul) rather than individuals who just use yachting as a casual stopping point prior to starting a career in some other trade or profession. It is our job, as the professionals, to bring that mentality to the people we work with and are around. Capt. Tom McKenzie
WRITE TO BE HEARD
April 2014 A19
CREW EYE
C
apt. Jared Burzler on M/Y Pipe Dreams keeps a bunch of cameras with different lenses in the bridge for crew to use. “Sometimes the pics are too funny or way boring... but they’re real-world pics,” Burzler said in an e-mail this month from somewhere down island. “I normally shoot with the 6D, but this was captured with my Canon EOS Rebel T4i using the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS lens,” he said.
Crew Eye is a forum for images from the eye of yacht crew. Send your photos to us at editorial@the-triton. com. Tell us where and when you shot it, and what kind of camera or phone you shot it with.
Chef ’s death reminds us to take care of ourselves Death reminds us to check ourselves I just saw the Facebook article on the chef ’s passing. [Chef Michelle Dunnette, page A3] How tragic. One does not have to know them to feel the sadness and pain. It makes me think: Are the women in our industry doing their monthly self checks, annual inspections, etc.? How about skin cancer checks for all of us? A friend has had a few scares the past few months, including a big incision to remove an area of cancer on her back. I had nine biopsies taken in the past six months and about 24 areas frozen Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com Associate Editor Dorie Cox, dorie@the-triton.com
Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com
Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com
Advertising Sales Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
The Triton Directory Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
off. Of the nine, one came back suspect. My guy had enough experience to see this one had potential so he took a larger area. The center came back positive but the margins were clear. I now see him three times a year with firm orders to walk in with anything that pops up. We’ve got to look after ourselves. An older captain and friend of The Triton
Greek lemon soup a ‘keeper’
Capt. J Wampler is a very interesting person full of adventure Contributors Carol Bareuther, Capt. Ian Bone, Capt. Jared Burzler, Capt. Jake DesVergers, Paul Ferdais, Capt. Rob Gannon, Chef Mark Godbeer, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Chief Stew Alene Keenan, Isabella Klar, Capt. Peter Mullins, Keith Murray, Stephen Reed, Rossmare Intl., Capt. John Wampler
and personality, which he continues to share with the rest of us. During one of his trips he had the opportunity to try a recipe Greek Lemon Soup [March issue, page C6]. His remark after having the soup was OMG, and he wasn’t kidding. Last night was my night to cook so I figured I would give it a go. Excellent. In my house, if we like something, we call it a keeper, and Capt. John’s Greek Lemon Soup certainly is. Very fast and easy to prepare. Thanks for sharing. Trey Schaefer, president Coastline Yacht Sales
Vol. 11, No. 1
The Triton is a free, monthly newspaper owned by Triton Publishing Group Inc. Copyright 2014 Triton Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: Mailing address: 757 S.E. 17th St., #1119 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Visit us at: 1043 S.E. 17th St., upstairs Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-0029; FAX (954) 525-9676 www.the-triton.com
April 2014
B Section
Hepatitis is contagious Can spread in food, water and on surfaces onboard.
B2
New builds in the works CRN, Moran and Christensen involved in future yachts.
B6
Spring brings shows From Singapore, Antibes, Palma, Bahrain to Mediterranean. B14
Spotters span decade The Triton takes a look back to scenes around the world. B15
Can a yacht Procedure, equations define stability just disappear? Here’s how they are tracked BOATS IN THE BALANCE
By Dorie Cox
Ready to launch after your refit? Not so fast. Before you sail, an incline test may be required to determine the yacht’s stability. Be prepared, this procedure takes a lot of time and money. “Other than outfitting the yacht and paying crew, this can be one of the more costly parts,” said Senior Surveyor Will Nock of United Maritime Survey in Ft. Lauderdale. “It can take a month or two to complete the entire procedure, just finishing the test results can take a week,” he said. “This causes frustration for owners and captains.” One way to minimize frustration is for captains to understand the entire stability testing process and have a clear schedule and budget. With no less than 14 hand-drawn diagrams, Capt Brian Mitchell of M/Y Sealyon explained how the data gathered during the testing is input into complex formulas to determine stability. Mitchell said yachts maintain a stability book that outlines percentages of load and how they affect performance. These loads include all items onboard, fuel and water tanks and more. One of the calculations produces the stability curve that captains use to operate safely. “It is in and under this profile line, after calculation, that we must remain,” Mitchell said, pointing to the familiar diagram with curves of righting levers and heel angles. “It’s all based on the center of gravity and the metracentric height as the center of gravity rises to the point it sits over the metracenter,” he continued. To illustrate the importance of a stable vessel, he offered the occasional news of asylum seekers that capsize boats by
SAFETY ON THE LINE: Capt. Paul Stengel points to the line holding the pendulum during incline testing on M/Y Plan A at Roscioli Yachting Center in Ft. Lauderdale in February. A1000 pound-weight (below) is moved on PHOTOS/DORIE COX the top deck during the test. congregating on top decks. “When that happens, the vessel will loll,” Mitchell said. “If it indeed goes over, it’s ‘good night Irene’ and over she goes.” We’ll accept that captains take courses in stability and understand the complex equations and formulas, so we’ll instead explore what a captain can expect as a vessel’s stability is assessed during an incline test. Incline testing can be required for many reasons, including commercial certification, flag change, launch of a new build, substantial weight change, a refit or poor vessel handling. The procedure starts with a naval architect and an incline procedure manual that goes
to the surveyor who checks it for accuracy, Nock said. “This goes back and forth to finalize, and our engineer tells us how to follow the completed procedure manual for the onboard experiment,” he said. Meanwhile, the captain prepares for a lightship assessment. “First thing, we go onboard, walk around and see what is not where it is supposed to be,” Nock said. “The tender has to be in the correct place, everything has to be secured. You can’t do the incline test if up to 2 percent is not in place. On a 100,000pound boat, that means up to 2,000 pounds.” Eng. Andrew Brennan explained the next steps for a captain. Brennan has taught stability as an MCAauthorized instructor for deck officer modules from OOW to master. He explained the ingredients for an onboard test: One large crane, large increment certified weights,
See STABILIZATION, page B10
As we continue to watch the tragic events surrounding Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, the news headlines continue to blast the same message: How does a jet just disappear? In general, the safety regulations that affect the airline and maritime industries parallel each other in ways. Rules of the Road many While the specific Jake DesVergers requirements are polar opposites in most cases, the major areas of concern are not. These areas include rules for design, construction, operation, safety, environmental protection, crew certification, and emergency response. So what type of devices does a yacht carry to notify others of its position? Let us take a look at the most common ones. Automatic Identification System (AIS). Following the terrorist events of Sept. 11, 2001, the member-states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) enacted a series of safety and security regulations with a revision to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). These new rules included the requirement for all international trading vessels of 300 gross tons and greater to be equipped with AIS. AIS works through a transponder. The unit automatically broadcasts information, such as a vessel’s position, speed and navigational status. This data is sent at regular intervals via a VHF transmitter that is built into the transponder. The yacht’s information originates from navigational sensors, typically a GPS unit and gyrocompass or satellite compass. Other important information, such as the yacht’s name and call sign, is programmed into the AIS
See RULES, page B8
B April 2014
ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sea Sick
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Know your ABCs of hepatitis in food preparation, hygiene Each month I normally write about how to treat medical emergencies such as bleeding, heat exhaustion, allergic reactions and other conditions. This month I want to discuss a disease, or actually a group of diseases called hepatitis. Hepatitis, which means inflammation of the liver, also Sea Sick refers to a group Keith Murray of viral infections
that affect the liver. The most common forms are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplantation. An estimated 4.4 million Americans live with chronic hepatitis and the majority do not realize they are infected. Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is usually spread from fecal-oral contact or contamination. You can become infected by eating raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated waters, raw produce, contaminated drinking water, uncooked foods, and cooked
foods that are not reheated after contact with an infected food handler. You may also be exposed to the virus if you come into contact with sewage. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing HAV transmission among persons at risk for infection. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is most often transmitted through sexual contact. Among adults seeking treatment in STD clinics, between 10 and 40 percent have the Hepatitis B virus infection. HBV is spread when blood, semen or vaginal fluids (including menstrual blood) from an infected person enter another person’s body. Vaccination is available. (As a side note: Never share a razor or a toothbrush with anyone. Sharing these items may spread HBV if they carry blood from a person who is infected with the virus.) Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is found in the blood of people who have this disease. HCV is spread by contact with the blood of an infected person and can be transmitted through sexual activity. Currently, there is no vaccination available. Studies suggest that HCV may survive on household surfaces at room temperature up to four days. Clean up any blood spills – including dried blood, which can still be infectious –
using a dilution of one part household bleach to 10 parts of water to disinfect the area. Use gloves and eye protection when cleaning up blood spills. One question I get a lot is if you can get HCV from getting a tattoo. Although it is biologically possible when poor infection control practices are used, there is no evidence that HCV has been spread through tattooing. Nor has it been shown to be transmitted by mosquitoes or other insects. Many U.S. employers, especially restaurants, require their employees to take a class called Bloodborne Pathogens. When I teach this class, I stress one simple point: Assume everyone is infected, so always wear gloves and eye protection when dealing with blood or other bodily fluids. Keith Murray, a former firefighter EMT, owns The CPR School, a firstaid training company. He provides onboard training for yachts and sells and services AEDs. Contact him at 877-6-AED-CPR, 877-623-3277 or www. TheCPRSchool.com. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
For more visit the National Library of Medicine at www.nlm.nih.gov.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
Track piracy with overlay; repair injectors; add monitoring service Transas adds piracy information
Transas Marine has added a Piracy Information Overlay (PIO) to its navigation product portfolio. The piracy overlay is integrated into the Transas FleetView Online SSAStracking software and Navi-Planner 4000 voyage planning software. The piracy data is provided by Bergen Risk Solutions and is based on intelligence from several recognized and authoritative sources on sea piracy. The service allows users to overlay piracy information onto existing data and provides up-to-date information. Piracy information is displayed in different colors depending on the type of incident. Users can choose how far back in time piracy incidents should be shown. PIO data service is automated and updated at minimum every 24 hours. For more information, visit www. transas.com.
RPM gets new system for injectors
Ft. Lauderdale-based RPM Diesel has acquired the MAKTest KO4000 CARS common rail system, an advanced system designed to enhance the common rail injector repair process. The KO4000 CARS is capable of calculating adjustments at each step of the repair process with micron accuracy. “This type of consistency ensures that our customers are getting the crucial repairs that they need and won’t have return visits to ‘tweak’ their injector repairs,” said Todd Barnes, fuel injector manager at PRM Diesel. “You couple that type of accuracy with the skill of our service technicians and you have happy customers.” In other RPM Diesel news, the company has opened a new satellite office at Lauderdale Marine Center in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information, visit www. rpmdiesel.com.
Phantom monitors with GOST
Ft. Lauderdale-based maritime security firm Phantom Services now offers global security concierge services with 24/7 monitoring, tracking and recovery of vessels exclusively for customers with onboard marine security, monitoring and tracking systems from GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies). “Phantom Services offers our customers additional peace of mind, with the knowledge that their boat is protected by a GOST system, while also being monitored and tracked around the clock by the marine security specialists at Phantom Services,” GOST President and CEO Jay Keenan said. The services are available at
an introductory rate of $19.99 a month. Phantom Services also offers a comprehensive Private Vessel Security Concierge Program for yacht owners, captains and crews that extends beyond monitoring of GOST systems to include vessel vulnerability assessments, security training, onboard security, vessel recovery and rescue services. For more information, visit www. phantomservices.com or www. gostglobal.com.
MTN launches live event streaming Florida-based MTN Communications has launched MTN OceanCast, a high-definition system for live event streaming from maritime vessels. The program offers an end-to-end program management option for concerts, tournaments, interviews, educational sessions, charter events or emergencies, which can be broadcast live to smartphone, tablet, TV or other device. “This turnkey Web solution can be set up to stream in as little as 15 minutes with a simple touch-screen device on the ship connected through a modem to the MTN network,” said Chris Leber, executive vice president of commercial business development for MTN. “Our production services team can customize the streaming to the customer’s specific needs.” The company conducted its first OceanCast with Lindblad Expeditions as it conducted an expedition aboard M/V National Geographic Explorer in South Georgia. James Balog, founder of the Extreme Ice Survey whose work was featured in the documentary “Chasing Ice” did four live-to-tape interviews to North American network and affiliate news programs. In other news, MTN has released a calling app for maritime crew. OceanPhone Mobile uses existing wifi infrastructure on vessels with the MTN network for calls and messages. The app runs independently of other subscribed services. The app offers lower-priced calling for app-to-app calls or messages, free text messaging, a dedicated personal telephone number, personalized mailbox and access to existing contacts. “Crew are one of the most valuable assets to any vessel’s operation, and are on the vessels for months at a time,” Leber said. “Extending our OceanPhone product, which is already on 96 vessels around the world, to a mobile app was a natural evolution.” The app is available free from the Apple or Google Play app stores.
See TECH BRIEFS, page B7
April 2014 B
B April 2014
BOATS / BROKERS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
New build yacht contracts sign with CRN, Moran, Christensen Italian yacht builder CRN has signed a letter of intent for a 254-foot (77m) yacht for a Middle Eastern client. Designed by Studio Zuccon International Project with an interior by Laura Sessa, the yacht will be the Ancona shipyard’s second longest build, after the 80m M/Y Chopi Chopi, which debuted in Monaco last fall. CRN also built the 73m M/Y Azteca, and recently signed a 68m new build with a Chinese client, the largest for that market, the company said in a statement. The yard has six vessels under contract or in some stage of build. CRN is part of the Ferretti Group. Denison Superyachts has added to its central agency listings for sale a new 153-foot tri-deck motoryacht built by Soraya Yachts for 25 million euros. Moran Yacht & Ship will oversee the build of the new 242-foot (74m) Lurssen Project Thor. The fulldisplacement yacht is designed inside and out by Andrew Winch Designs. Moran Yacht & Ship also announced that it will manage the charter functions for the 308-foot Lurssen M/Y Kismet II, due to launch in September. The brokerage house is overseeing the build, which was designed by Espen Oeino with an interior by Reymond Langton. New to its central agency listings for sale include the 88-foot (27m) Sanlorenzo M/Y Kavalier listed at 4.8 million euros. Merle Wood & Associates has sold the 203-foot M/Y Icon (in a joint with Camper & Nicholsons). New to its central agency listings for sale are the 148-foot Benetti M/Y Told U So (in a joint with Burgess), the 132-foot Amels M/Y Monte Carlo (in a joint with Chamberlain Yacht Sales), and the 116-foot M/Y Deep Blue (in a joint with Allied Marine). New to its charter fleet include the 177-foot Trinity M/Y Keri Lee III.
the 163-foot (50m) Heesen M/Y Satori listed at 27.9 million euros and listed with Neal Esterly in San Diego and Vassilis Fotilas in Monaco, and the new 144-foot (44m) Benetti Vision BV019 due for delivery in June by Antoine Larricq in Monaco. New to the firm’s central agency listings for sale include the 153-foot (47m) Heesen M/Y Lady Petra listed for 27.5 million euros with Jan Jaap Minnema in Monaco, the 115-foot (35m) Benetti M/Y Paradigm for $5 million with Michael Selter in San Diego, the 95-foot (29m) M/Y Anita for $2.3 million with Tom Allen in Seattle, the 92-foot (28m) NY Launch M/Y Olympus (built in 1929) for $1.75 million with Brian Holland in Seattle. New to its charter fleet is the 163foot (50m) Benetti M/Y Lumiere in the Med this summer and Caribbean in winter with Patricia Codere in Ft. Lauderdale. In other company news, former Fraser office manager Rita L. Watkins has died. Part of the Fraser family for 30 years, Ms. Watkins retired in 2007 to her home in Ft. Pierce, where she died Feb. 23. She was 71 years old. Born in South Wales, she was a teacher before discovering yachting in Ft. Lauderdale and joining Fraser in 1978. “Everyone who knew Rita understood she was a no nonsense woman who did not suffer fools,” charter broker Jan Henry said. “She ran a tight ship for the original Fraser Yachts partners and then the Italian partners. She also had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh.” In lieu of flowers, her family has requested donations be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, Heathcote Botanical Gardens, or United for Animals.
Washington-based builder Christensen Shipyards has signed a deal to build a 164-foot (50m) yacht. Delivery is expected in August 2016. Heesen Yachts, in collaboration with Burgess Yachts, has sold the 165-foot (50m) YN 16650 – Project Azuro. Designed by Frank Laupman of Omega Architects, the yacht features a reverse sheer pelican-beak bow. Its interior is by Italian designer Francesco Paszkowski. Azuro is the second of four yachts sold by Burgess in this size class. It is expected to be delivered in late May. Fraser Yachts has recently sold
Italian builder Overmarine Group has launched the eighth in its Maxi Open line, (above) a 165-foot (50m) Mangusta motoryacht. The composite yacht can reach 40 knots. It will premiere at the Monaco show in September.
See BOATS, page B5
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BOATS / BROKERS
Inukshuk, Cacos V, Apostrophe and CaryAli top in ShowBoats Design The 18 winners of the 2014 ShowBoats Design Awards were announced in late February in Austria. The winners are: For exterior design and styling, sailing yachts: S/Y Inukshuk, the 33m vessel by Baltic Yachts styled by Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering. For exterior design and styling, semi-displacement motoryachts: M/Y Cacos V, the 40m vessel built by Admiral – The Italian Sea Group styled by Luca Dini Design and Admiral. For exterior design and styling, displacement motoryachts 30–60m: co-winners M/Y Apostrophe, the 40m Hakvoort styled by Reymond Langton Design, and M/Y CaryAli (below), the
39m built by Alloy Yachts and styled by René van der Velden. For exterior design and styling, displacement motoryachts 60m+: M/Y Madame Gu (below), the 99m Feadship styled by Andrew Winch Designs. For interior design, sailing yachts: S/Y Inukshuk with an interior by Adam
Lay Studio. For interior design, semidisplacement motoryachts: Columbus Sport Hybrid 40m built by Palumbo with an interior by Hot Lab Yacht & Design. For interior design, displacement motoryachts 30-60m: M/Y I-Nova, the 50m built by Cosmo Explorer with an interior by Cristiano Gatta Design Team. For interior design, displacement motoryachts 60m+: M/Y Chopi Chopi, the 80m CRN with an interior by Laura Sessa. For holistic design, motoryacht: Columbus Sport Hybrid 40m designed by Hydro Tec and Hot Lab. For holistic design, sailing yachts: S/Y Seahawk, the 60m Perini Navi designed by Perini Navi and Christian Liagre. For naval architecture, sailing yachts: S/Y Nomad IV. the 30m by Maxi-Dolphin with naval architecture by Finot-Conq. For naval architecture, motoryachts: M/Y Safira, the 40m built by Newcastle Marine and Tyneside Yachts with naval architect by Sparkman & Stephens. For environmental protection: Columbus Sport Hybrid 40m For tender design: co-winners Open T/T Madame Gu built by Compass Yachts designed by Andrew Winch Designs, and Limo T/T Sea Owl built by Hodgdon Yachts and designed by Andrew Winch Designs. Young Designer of the Year Award: Raphael Laloux for project Symphony. Lifetime Achievement Award: UKbased designer Terence Disdale.
Otam appoints Denison; Yachting Experts names Carver for region BOATS, from page B4 Camper & Nicholsons International oversaw the build of the Benetti Delfino hull No. 8, the 92-foot (28m) M/Y Mister Z, which recently launched and is due to be delivered this month. Designed by Stefano Righini with an interior by Benetti, the yacht has a fully integrated I-Bridge. New to its central agency listings for sale include the 111-foot (34m) Ferretti M/Y Marvi, the 106-foot (32m) Horizon M/Y Maximus II, the 100-foot (31m) Palmer Johnson M/Y Madcap, the 100foot (30m) Broward M/Y Insatiable, the 100-foot (30m) Heesen M/Y Matanthar, the 83-foot (26m) Ocean Alexander M/ Y Eleven Eleven. Italian builder Otam has appointed Denison Yacht Sales as its exclusive
dealer in the United States. Otam builds seven models 45 to 100 feet. Churchill Yachts has added the 147-foot (45m) Intermarine M/Y Lady M to its charter fleet under the command of Capt. Ben Gillard in the Turks & Caicos, Bahamas and Florida this year. Y.Co has added the 178-foot (54m) Alloy Yachts S/Y Tiara to its charter fleet, available in the Mediterranean this summer, still under the command of Capt. Pascal Pellat-Finet. South Florida-based Yachting Experts has been named Carver Yachts’ exclusive sales and service partner for the region. The Wisconsinbased builder builds yachts 34 to 54 feet.
April 2014 B
Today’s fuel prices
One year ago
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of March 15.
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of March 15, 2013
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 916/976 Savannah, Ga. 896/NA Newport, R.I. 888/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,124/NA St. Maarten 1,110/NA Antigua 982/NA Valparaiso 689/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,053/NA Cape Verde 879/NA Azores 960/1,795 Canary Islands 901/1,296 Mediterranean Gibraltar 911/NA Barcelona, Spain 894/1,698 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/883 Antibes, France 870/1,823 San Remo, Italy 1,026/2,386 Naples, Italy 1,013/2,289 Venice, Italy 1,053/2,200 Corfu, Greece 1,102/2,128 Piraeus, Greece 1,060/1,892 Istanbul, Turkey 1,008/NA Malta 977/1,809 Tunis, Tunisia 877/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 877/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 921/NA Sydney, Australia 917/NA Fiji 951/NA
Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 896/954 Savannah, Ga. 883/NA Newport, R.I. 881/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,095/NA St. Maarten 1,177/NA Antigua 1,095/NA Valparaiso 999/1,309 North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,074/NA Cape Verde 873/NA Azores 992/1,783 Canary Islands 987/1,875 Mediterranean Gibraltar 966/NA Barcelona, Spain 960/1,772 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1888 Antibes, France 928/1,842 San Remo, Italy 1,071/2,325 Naples, Italy 987/2,241 Venice, Italy 1065/2,769 Corfu, Greece 1,117/2,058 Piraeus, Greece 1,091/1,849 Istanbul, Turkey 893/NA Malta 974/1,705 Tunis, Tunisia 909/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 909/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 985/NA Sydney, Australia 993/NA Fiji 1070/NA
*When available according to local customs.
B April 2014
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Shipyard Cafe celebrates first year; Miami marina in the plans
Shipyard Cafe celebrates one year
The Shipyard Cafe at Derecktor’s Shipyard just south of Ft. Lauderdale celebrated its first anniversary with a half-price barbecue on March 12. Crew (seen in photo above) from around the yard as well as business people from the surrounding community feasted on the tasty chicken and ribs. The popular lunch spot doubles as a meeting place, bringing yacht crew and contractors together to meet and talk in a casual setting. That was an unintended but nice benefit, said Sam Frusterio, owner of Dart Canvas who also started the cafe with yacht Chef Bill Fahey. In the past year, the yard has added some amenities to keep the place cozy, and this year plans to add eisenglass panels and air conditioning, said James Brewer, director of sales and marketing for the yard. The Shipyard Cafe is open from roughly 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering traditional breakfast and lunch fare including bacon and eggs, omelets, sandwiches, hot meals like the barbecue chicken and hot dogs, and salads. – Lucy Reed
MPV hires managing director
Barcelona-based Marina Port Vell (MPV) has hired Marcel Brekelmans as managing director. A Dutchman, Brekelmans has spent many years as a project and managing director in hotel administration, with experience in branding, opening and pre-opening properties. He speaks five languages. “The extent of Marcel’s direct experience managing some of the world’s most prestigious hotel brands makes him ideally suited to provide leadership, to develop operating budgets, to set standards for the highest level of customer relations, and, perhaps most importantly, to bring the marina and our yachting guests an unparalleled level of sophistication,” said Uri Nachoom, vice chairman of Salamanca Group. For more visit www.marinaportvell. com.
New marina in Miami gets first OK Plans for a new marina on the site of the old Florida Yacht Basin on the
Miami River have gotten their first approvals, according to a story in Miami Today News. Miami Mega Yacht Marina would accommodate up to 16 yachts of about 200 feet in length on the south side of the river at 1583 N.W. 24th Ave. Each slip would be covered and would include covered parking for three cars, indoor storage and “quarters for the captain and crew,” the news source reported, as well as flex space for repair work. No zoning changes or variances are required. The next step is permitting, which is expected to take up to a year, the newspaper reported, with completion next summer. Property owner Homero Meruelo told commissioners he was still unsure whether the slips would be leased or sold.
Vancouver adds slips
Bellingham Marine has completed construction on Canada’s newest marina, Milltown Marina, just outside of downtown Vancouver on the North Arm of the Frasier River on Richmond Island. The marina’s wet slips can take 220 vessels up to 80 feet on floating concrete docks with full utilities. The marina also includes a dry storage building for vessels under 30 feet as well as a restaurant and club house. An old creosote contaminated retaining wall was replaced with a “green wall” to encourage plant life. Sunken logs, concrete and rebar were removed from the slough floor, and a new bird and wildlife habitat islet was created at the mouth of the slough. Bellingham was hired to design, build and install the docks and electrical system. For more information, visit milltownmarina.ca.
Greek marina joins CNI club
Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has added Sani Marina in Greece to its 1782 Club, an exclusive group of independently owned and operated marinas in partnership with the world’s oldest yachting brand. Sani Resort has been voted the best resort in Greece in the Greek edition of Condé Nast Traveller’s Reader Awards for the past three years. The marina lies in a 1,000-acre ecological reserve on the Kassandra Peninsula of northern Greece, a bit off the traditional yacht route. Sani Marina can accommodate yachts up to 86 feet (26m), with superyacht anchorage outside the marina entrance. The resort includes four five-star hotels, pools and spas, a promenade with access to a piazza
See MARINAS, page B7
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
April 2014 B
Pre preg carbon fiber hull mold considered one of world’s largest required to effect this successful work is formidable,” said Tim Hodgdon, president of Hodgdon Yachts. “Our talented team along with the vast experience and leadership of our project partners Tim Hacket and Brandon Linton continues to strengthen our core competence in advanced composites.” For more information, visit www. hodgdonyachts.com.
TECH BRIEFS, from page B3 The user then can purchase an OceanPhone Mobile plan at www. oceanphonemobile.com.
Hodgdon infuses carbon-fiber hull
Maine-based Hodgdon Yachts announced the successful infusion of a 100-foot carbon fiber hull mold (photo shown at right). The company said the mold to be used for a pre-preg carbon hull is one of the largest single hull infusions ever done in the United States and one of
Island for sale; Mourjan Marinas awarded as clean MARINAS from page B6 featuring international brands, and restaurants and bars. For more information, visit www. sani-resort.com.
Ocean Reef island for sale
Pumpkin Key, part of Ocean Reef Club at the top of the Florida Keys, is for sale for $110 million. The 26-acre island includes a 20-slip marina, a main house, two cottages, a captain’s apartment, a private office, a dozen waterfront lots, a beach and tennis courts that double as a helipad, according to listing agent Russell Post Sotheby’s International Realty and a story in the Miami Herald. The island also comes with a home and dockage in Ocean Reef, which has a 4,456-foot runway that can accommodate large private jets.
Two UAE marinas certified
Two of Mourjan Marinas’ properties – Lusail Marina in Qatar and Almouj Marina in Oman – have been awarded International Clean Marina accreditation, a first for the region’s marine industry. Both facilities scored in the mid90s in the audit stage of the process, a voluntary system for marinas, yards, and clubs. The Clean Marina initiative aims to reduce non-point source pollution, the result of running water picking up contaminants from land and depositing them into waterways. “We are fully committed to reducing pollution in both the local community, and boating industry as a whole,” said Wayne Shepherd, general manager at Mourjan Marinas. “The benefits of managing clean marinas are endless, whilst the consequences of neglecting our environmental responsibilities are not even worth considering.”
only a few of this scale worldwide. “The amount of planning, organization and coordination
Interlux offers paint app
The Interlux Boat Paint Guide is
now available in digital format. The company launched the free app for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets. The app allows users to navigate Interlux product information, product safety, store locations and to assist in selection of the correct Interlux paint system. The app features a reference guide, health and safety information for paint products, store locator, and paint calculator to estimate how much Interlux paint is needed for a boat. For more information, visit www. yachtpaint.com/usa.
B April 2014
FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Satellite, radio, radar and recordings transmit, allow monitoring RULES, from page B1 unit. The signals are received by AIS transponders fitted on other ships, yachts or on land-based systems, such as those used by Vessel Traffic Services. The received information is displayed on a screen or chart plotter, showing the other vessels’ positions in a format similar to that observed on a radar screen. AIS provides many positive benefits. These include collision avoidance, search and rescue, and accident investigation. Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). EPIRBs are tracking devices that aid in the detection and location of vessels in distress. In simplest terms, they are radio beacons that interface with the worldwide system known as COSPAS-
SARSAT. This service is a satellitebased search and rescue (SAR) distress alert system. It was established in 1979 by the governments of Canada, France, the United States, and the former Soviet Union. When manually or automatically activated upon immersion, EPIRBs actively send out a distress signal. The signals are monitored worldwide at dedicated rescue centers. Nongeostationary satellites detect the location of the distress. The ideal location for an EPIRB to be stored on a yacht is the open deck, unobstructed from any overhead structure. It should be attached to the yacht via a hydrostatic release unit (HRU). The HRU is a pressure-activated mechanism designed to automatically deploy when certain conditions are
met. This occurs when the HRU is submerged to a maximum depth of four meters. The pressure of the water against a diaphragm within the sealed casing causes a plastic pin to be cut. Following this action, the containment bracket releases the casing and allows the EPIRB to float free. Search and Rescue Transponder (SART). A SART is a self-contained, waterproof transponder intended for emergency use at sea. The device may be one AIS is one of the mechanisms onboard which TRITON FILE PHOTO of two types. It will be either a allows a yacht to be tracked. Radar-SART or a GPS-based A VDR is a data recording system AIS-SART. designed for all vessels required to The Radar-SART is used to locate comply with the IMO’s regulations. The a survival craft, life raft or distressed unit is designed to collect data from vessel. It creates a series of dots on a various sensors on board the vessel. rescuing ship’s radar display. The radar The VDR then digitizes, compresses observer will see a distinct pattern on and stores this information in an the radar screen that provides a bearing externally mounted protective storage toward the distress location. Unlike an unit. The protective storage unit EPIRB, a Radar-SART will only respond is a tamper-proof unit designed to to a 9 GHz X-band (3 cm) radar. It will withstand extreme shock, impact, not be seen on the S-band (10 cm) or pressure and heat. The external factors any other type of radar. are normally associated with a marine The AIS-SART calculates position incident such as a fire, explosion, and time from a built-in GPS receiver. collision or sinking. At an interval of once per minute, the The protective storage unit may be position is actively sent as a series in a retrievable fixed unit or free float of eight identical position report unit (or combined with an EPIRB). messages. This scheme creates a high The VDR is designed to store the last probability that at least one of the 24 hours of data. The idea is to recover messages is sent on the highest point this information for investigation. of a wave. The receiving rescue ship Beside the protective storage or aircraft is then provided an exact unit, the VDR system may consist of position, in addition to the visual other recording control units, such as bearing exhibited on the radar display. microphones, to store conversation Long Range Identification and made in the wheelhouse. The VDR is Tracking (LRIT). LRIT equipment must carried by internationally trading the maritime industry’s equivalent of a “black box” installed on commercial ships of 300 gross tons or greater. This aircraft. VDRs are required to be includes commercial yachts. installed on ships and yachts of 3,000 The LRIT information that is gross tons and greater. transmitted includes the vessel’s Much of the above equipment can identity, location, date, and time of the be considered intrusive, especially position. Unlike AIS, which is limited when dealing with the privacy issues of to VHF-type of range, LRIT signals are a yacht. However, knowing that these received via satellite. While similar in systems are active, functioning and function, there is no interface between transmitting when you need help can LRIT and AIS equipment. They are be reassuring if an emergency were to independent of each other. develop. One of the more important distinctions between the two systems, Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor apart from range, is that, where AIS is an open broadcast system, data derived for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides flag-state through LRIT is available only to the inspection services to yachts on behalf recipients who are entitled to receive of several administrations. A deck such information. In most cases, officer graduate of the U.S. Merchant this is the government of a sovereign Marine Academy at Kings Point, he nation. Safeguards concerning previously sailed as master on merchant the confidentiality of this data are ships, acted as designated person for built into the regulatory provisions. a shipping company, and served as Governments are entitled to receive regional manager for an international information about ships and yachts classification society. Contact him at +1 navigating within a distance not exceeding 1,000 nautical miles off their 954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau.org. Comments on this column are welcome coast. at editorial@the-triton.com. Voyage Data Recorder (VDR).
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Options expand in Norway; crew agency opens Yacht agent expands in Norway
Nord Ship Agency, a megayacht agent joined with Heritage Adventures to offer customised tours to visitors to the Norwegian Fjords in Norway. This expands land and sea activities and can be customised with trips throughout Norway, from World Heritage Sites to villages and farms in both short group adventures and multiday independent tours. “We want visitors to understand what unique experiences the Norwegian Fjords can offer; you can go mountain hiking, fishing, cycling, on guided glacier walks and more. The fjords are a natural beauty and one of the best ways to explore them is to cruise the waters and this is where we come in,” Hans Christian Braarud of Nord Ship Agency said. In addition the agency offers assistance in entry clearance, custom procedures, immigration, port berths, accommodation, transportation, spare parts and freight forwarding, bunkering and general guidance and support.
Cotton Crews opens in Palm Beach
Lauren Cotton announced the opening of Cotton Crews in Palm Beach County, Fla. as a full service boutique yacht crew placement agency. “The purpose of the company is to
solve an industry issue, that crew and yachts are just being shuffled around. There is no reason for this in such a high-end industry,” Founder Cotton said. “At Cotton Crews, we stand by our belief that there is a perfect person for every yacht.” For more information visit www. CottonCrews.com.
AkzoNobel doubles China capacity
AkzoNobel has doubled production capacity for packaging coatings with expansion of its industrial site near Shanghai in China. The addition of production lines for coatings, epoxy and polyester resins was begun with an initial investment of about 14 million euros in 2014. “China remains one of our most important growth markets,” said Conrad Keijzer, member of AkzoNobel’s executive committee responsible for performance coatings. “The extended capabilities and used product lines will not only help us to better serve customers in the country, but will also allow us to supply resins for our own local production of coil and packaging coatings,” said AB Ghosh, managing director of AkzoNobel’s industrial coatings. The companies portfolio includes Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka.
Azimut Benetti trains captains
Azimut Benetti Group’s yachtmaster event this year centered on megayacht management for captains. The 14th annual event for captains of Azimut Benetti yachts more than 100 feet in length took place in Lucca, Italy. More than 150 guests (above) attended three days of meetings and workshops and discussed onboard situations in both theory and practice. Presentations included an app for monitoring technical anomalies by Iproject Management. The Ipad/Iphone app enables transfer of photographs or onboard issues and comments to be sent to directly to project manager. Other topics included information on RINA certification and proposed changes; Fraser Yachts current news and team building activities with Lesia Group.
See BUSINESS BRIEFS, page B12
April 2014 B
B10 April 2014
FROM THE FRONT: Stabilization
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Crew, equipment are weighed for test STABILIZATION, from page B1 deck padding to prevent damage, the captain, a class surveyor, a naval architect, and deck or yard crew to move weights. Every ingredient in the recipe must be precisely weighed, each person, lifts and dollies that move the weights, deck padding and all equipment brought onboard for the procedure. Each ingredient will be subtracted during stability calculations. Captains, concerned about damage to the yacht, often request to use water instead of 500- and 1000-pound weights, Nock said. Although plastic U-tubes can be used when there is no space onboard, it is more difficult because of the difficulty of precisely measuring water. “This is harder to do because certification must confirm how much water is there and this is dependant on specific gravity, temperature, many conditions.” Next is the actual testing. “As far as the time required, allow half a day to set up, usually the previous afternoon,” Brennan said. “Then the test is conducted at first light the next morning before the wind picks up.” Brennan said the the naval architect and surveyor check the instructed set-up and make marks on deck with blue tape while the vessel is upright. This is done the previous day or in the morning if the test is to be done in the afternoon, Brennan said. Also, he said tanks should be pressed (full) or emptied, according to procedures. And he added that mandatory class engineering spares should be onboard and all crew equipped for radio contact. The conditions are included in results and testing is optimized in a safe harbor with calm water, no wind, slack mooring lines and the gangway
Certified weights of 500 and 1000 pounds are moved eight times on the top deck of M/Y Plan A during incline testing in February. PHOTO/DORIE COX removed. It may be required to test during a slack water period if tide is a factor. The test uses a pendulum suspended from a line tied on a metal washer and hung from a nail or similar metal object from a tripod or trestle. The pendulum is submerged in an oil or detergent bath to give viscosity to slow the sway. The idea here is to reduce friction so accurate readings are obtained, Brennan said. “The trestles must not be moved under any circumstance after the first mark has been made,” Brennan said. “After the first weight is craned onboard, then there are eight weight movements.” During the test, crew report by radio that they are on their mark when required, they mark spots as directed, and they return to their standing marks when instructed. Between movements, the vessel is
allowed to roll and come to rest. The weights are moved in patterns back and forth in three locations on the yacht. The results from the experiments include the establishment of zero degrees for the baseline and that number is used to determine stability of the yacht, Nock said. Next the surveyor reviews the data, does preliminary calculations and sends them to the authority governing the yacht. “This takes about 40 man-hours,” Nock said. “The engineer does theoreticals on how the yacht will handle.” Once all the results are interpreted, weight is added or removed from the yacht. “I’ve done stabilization twice before,” said Capt. Paul Stengel, who oversaw incline testing on M/Y Plan See STABILIZATION, page B11
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Fuel, water, equipment add balance STABILIZATION, from page B10 A at Roscioli Yachting Center in Ft. Lauderdale in February. “Ninety percent of the time you have to add weight. My guess is we will add about 12 tons. We hope to add usable weight like anchor chain. Say we add 350 feet of chain. We’ll add it to each side to balance.” Captains often want to add useful weight such as fuel or water for emergency, but solutions can include dead ballast. “Once we filled the keel with little steel balls,” Stengel said. “Some pour concrete, but that is not good because it absorbs moisture. That 5 tons can later become 6 tons. “You can add equipment, like we’re adding zero-speed stabilizers and furniture,” he said. “Remember, a pound of lead and a pound of feathers both weigh a pound, but take up different space.” The road to yacht stability is complex but Nock offered captains a few tips. “Often, the owner pushes changes like adding marble tile or a helicopter,” Nock said. “But watch out for an incremental change up. Adding a 1 percent weight change in one year is fine, but another 1 percent the next year and adding the same next year can change the yacht’s stability.” Results of stability tests are used to define the number of passengers, the draft line, maximum loads and loading conditions for a yacht. But one part of the results Nock said owners and captains often overlook is the area of operation. Stability results can define where a yacht can safely travel and may impose limitations like ‘short range, up to 60 miles from a safe haven’. “If the insurance company finds a yacht has traveled outside that defined area, there could be a problem. I haven’t heard of it, but it is a real possibility,” Nock said. Nock pointed out that although incline tests are always the same, outcome can vary. “They are interpreted differently by authorities and can vary by flag state,” he said. And finally, Nock said he has seen one issue that can be avoided. “If you send the actual stability book instead of a correct digital file, that will double the review time,” Nock said. “To save time and money, captains need to be well versed in the entire procedure.” Dorie Cox is associate editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
FROM THE FRONT: Stabilization
April 2014 B11
B12 April 2014
BUSINESS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Subwing offers new watersport; Seakeeper expands sales team BUSINESS BRIEFS, from page B9
Subwing offers new watersport
Subwing of Kristiansand, Norway has introduced a new underwater watersport to be towed behind a motorized boat. Invented by Simon Sivertsenhe, the Subwing consists of two separate wings connected in a rotatable swivel controlled by gripping each wing. It can be controlled in all directions by tilting the wings in different angels; downward to dive and upward to resurface. The Subwing is easy to learn and comes naturally to many firsttime users. A single hand grip is mounted between the wings for more experienced users who need a free hand to equalize ear pressure. Recommended towing speed is approximately 2-4 knots. For videos and photos visit www. subwing.com.
Tons of trash cleaned up in Florida
The 37th annual Waterway Cleanup drew an estimated 1,700 volunteers for the county’s largest environmental cleanup event and removed about 17.9 tons of trash from the waterways. The organizer and sponsor, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) and the Florida Inland Navigation District gathered trash from both land and water for deposit at 30 county-wide sites. MIASF scholarships were awarded to Amber Lockhart of New River Middle School, Rudinah Cadet of Broward High School and Abigail Mellinger. For more information visit www.waterwaycleanup.org.
Seakeeper expands sales team
Seakeeper hired Giorgio Avigdor to the new position of regional sales manager for southern Europe. Phil Bourque is now responsible for global management of Seakeeper’s largest OEM accounts. Based in Genoa, Italy, Avigdor is responsible for sales development and management throughout the region. “Seakeeper is a young and dynamic company. We have many exciting opportunities for growth, both with OEMs and in refit projects,” Avigdor said. Avigdor was most recently national sales manager for Ultraflex, a global manufacturer and distributor of leisure boat accessories and equipment. Bourque currently serves as Seakeeper regional sales manager for EMEA. “Seakeeper has become the industry’s leading name for gyro stabilizers, largely due to our education efforts in the global market. My new challenge is to nurture partnerships
with serial production builders and transform Seakeeper into standard equipment worldwide,” Bourque said. For more information visit www. seakeeper.com.
MHG appoints Jeffries, Nickerson
MHG Insurance Brokers promoted Janine Jeffries to manager, business insurance. Jeffries will oversee the placement of workers compensation, general liability and commercial property accounts as well as developing new business insurance opportunities. Jeffries joined MHG in 2011, with more than 20 years of insurance industry experience. She holds life and health and property and casualty insurance licenses and has previously created property and casualty business divisions for several agencies, including her own. Jeffries is active in the South Florida community and participates in various 5k charity runs, is a certified equine sports therapist and a member of the Plantation Acres Saddle Club and the American Quarter Horse Association. In other company news MHG Insurance Brokers announced Tom Nickerson as account executive in Ft. Lauderdale. Nickerson administers life and health client accounts. Nickerson attended New York University, graduating in communications. He began his career as an insurance agent, then underwriting support manager and is experienced in customer support and process improvement, as well as sales and sales support. Nickerson is a supporter of the organization Ability Beyond Disability, and his hobbies include videography. For more information visit www. mhginsurance.com
New owner for Sea Tow Delaware
Capt. Karl Leinheiser is the new owner of Sea Tow Delaware River, based in Burlington Township, N.J. Leinheiser, 39, took over operations in February and will cover 90 miles of the Delaware River from Trenton, N.J., to the Salem Nuclear Power Plant. Leinheiser replaces Capt. Ken Factor, who currently runs two Sea Tow franchises in New Hampshire. “I am happy for the opportunity and I look forward to it,” Leinheiser said. “I hope to build on what we have here and make our operation even better. I worked under Capt. Factor all of last season, and I grew up on both sides of the river, so this is my home.” Leinheiser and his wife, Heather, live in Burlington Township. “I rotate in my captains so they are not bombarded.” For more information visit delawareriver.seatow.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com CREW NEWS: How I got my start
Capt. Wendy Umla stands out, no matter what, in maritime role traditionally PHOTO/ISABELLA KLAR held by men.
Executive started as deck/stew and worked way up to captain By Isabella Klar Before she began working on boats, Wendy Umla worked for a big corporation where women can go as high as they desire. She was an executive, traveling for her company, staying in luxury hotels. When she moved to yachting as a deck/stew, she felt humbled cleaning people’s rooms. But she worked her way to the top, becoming a yacht captain. Capt. Umla said she still tries to be accepted as a female captain today. “You’re one of a few in the room,” said Capt. Umla, who has been in yachting about 15 years. “You are the one standing out, no matter what you do.” Being one of only a few women captains, it is difficult to find jobs, she said. “Traditionally, this role has always been filled by males,” Capt. Umla said. “It’s hard to open owners up to the possibility of hiring a female captain. It’s a new concept.” Women in yachting are still proving that they can be in the wheelhouse. Even now, she still hears comments over the radio like “Is this a lady?” Capt. Umla was born in New York. By that summer, the January baby was already in the water. Before yachting was in her life, she was the international development manager for the country’s third-largest vitamin and supplement company. At about the same time, she quit her job and split up with her fiance, leaving her wondering what to do next. Then a friend invited her to “decompress” with him in Ft. Lauderdale on the yacht he worked on. That was the first time she knew that the boating industry would be in her future. It wasn’t long before she had relaxed and noticed the industry around her. A second visit a few months later confirmed it.
“People don’t know yachting exists,” Capt. Umla said. “People can be around boats, but it doesn’t occur to you that it’s a profession and people do it for a living.” So she met some crew placement agents and landed her first job, deck/stew on the 118-foot Delta M/Y Rainbow. She did that job for two and a half months, and knew interior was not for her. “I didn’t know if I was going to stay or how resilient I was going to be,” she said. “It was really hard. As a female 10-15 years ago, you got the worst jobs, the jobs nobody else wanted. But I took them, and I took every chance I could to increase my license, get sea time, and I pushed.” She’s earned her U.S. Coast Guard 3,000-ton master’s license, with equivalencies from the Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands and the Virgin Islands. Eventually, she was able to pick and choose her jobs, and is now looking for the perfect owner. “It’s a lot of work,” she said of being a yacht captain. “We sacrifice a lot in our personal lives for yachting. It’s a choice we make but it’s important to have a good owner to work for who respects that.” Her advice to young crew is to take an active role in landing jobs. “You get out and walk the dock, socialize, talk to people, tell them you’re looking for a job,” she said. “Captains expect it; we rely on it.” Captains and first officers often review the week’s work on Friday afternoon and realize they will need dayworkers for the following week. That’s the best time to look for work. “Everybody walks the dock Monday morning,” she said. “You want to be the one doing something different.” Isabella Klar was a student intern with The Triton this spring. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
April 2014 B13
B14 April 2014
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Spring season brings shows from Singapore to Mediterranean EVENT OF THE MONTH April 2 Triton Expo National Marine Suppliers Ft. Lauderdale
Join The Triton and colleagues to celebrate our 10th year. We have networking, exhibitors, seminars and a resume clinic. Enjoy food and drink, make new connections, find old friends and enhance your career. 5-8 p.m. No RSVP required. www.the-triton.com
else’s yacht, this is for you. Contact Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton. com or 954-525-0029 for an invitation.
Yachtbuilders, Makkum, Holland. Includes lecture by circumnavigator Jimmy Cornell. www.kmy.nl
April 5 Westrec annual Sunrise
April 23-26 Antibes Yacht Show, Port
Harbor Marina Captain and Crew Appreciation Party, Sunrise Harbor Marina, Ft. Lauderdale. Event by invitation only, registration required, contact shmarina@fdn.com, www. sunriseharbormarina.net.
April 8-10 ABYC Standards
Certification, Pt. Richmond, CA. Call +1 410-990-4460 or visit www.abycinc.org.
April 10-13 Singapore Yacht Show, April 1-6 BVI Spring regatta and new
sailing festival, Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI. www.nannycay.com
April 3 Opportunities in Superyachts,
Malta. Panel and debate on regulatory, financial, fiscal, legal issues in yacht industry. For managers, builders, brokers, lawyers, registries, regulators, insurers. www.quaynote.com
April 3 The Triton Bridge luncheon, Ft.
Lauderdale, noon. This is our monthly captains’ roundtable where we discuss the issues and trends of the industry. If you make your living running someone
Singapore. www.singaporeyachtshow. com
Apr. 11-13 Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
Vauban, Antibes. For the brokerage and charter of megayachts, this year open to shipyards. antibesyachtshow.com
April 23-26 Bahrain Boat Show
International, Amwaj Marina, Kingdom of Bahrain. www.bahrainboatshow.com
April 25 6th annual Spin-A-Thon,
Ft. Lauderdale. A fun, spinning-bike endurance challenge to raise funds for Marine Industry Cares Foundation (MICF). Held on the waterfront at Esplanade Park, 400 SW 2nd St., from 12-7 p.m. www.marineindustrycares.org
Saltwater Seminar, South Florida. The series encourages women to fish and boat. 1-888-321-LLGF (5543), www. ladiesletsgofishing.com.
April 26-May 2 Antigua Sailing Week,
Apr. 13-14 Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing!
April 28-May 2 MYBA Charter Yacht
Seminar, Dania Beach, Fla.
April 17-22 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Antigua, West Indies. antiguaclassics.com
April 19 Open Day at KM
Antigua, West Indies. www.sailingweek. com Show, Genoa, Italy. Trade-only show. www.mybashow.com
April 29-30 Counter Terror Expo,
Olympia, Wash. Covers maritime security, counter terrorism, piracy, protection of shipping routes, ports,
harbors. www.counterterrorexpo.com
April 30 - May 4 Palma Superyacht
Show, Palma de Mallorca. Formerly the Palma Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show. www.palmasuperyachtshow.com
May 2-7 East Med Yacht Show, Poros, Greece. www.eastmedyachtshow.gr
May 3-7 Mediterranean Yacht Show, Nafplion, Greece. Organised by the Greek Yachting Association (GYA), includes a yacht chef competition. www.mediterraneanyachtshow.gr
May 16-17 Classification and
Statutory requirements for yacht training course, Nice, France. Details contact svetlana.dimitrova@lr.org.
MAKING PLANS June 23-26 Newport Charter Yacht Show, Newport, RI.
Dedicated to yacht charter professionals, agents, owners, brokers and captains showcasing yachts up to 225 feet. Includes seminars, yacht hops, culinary competition. www. newportchartershow.com
The Triton
www.the-triton.com SPOTTED: Horta, Tanzania, Savannah, Argentina
Triton Spotters Relief Capt. Peter Mullins (left) of M/Y Global gave us a chuckle when he sent in his Triton Spotter from the Azores. Previous spotters from Horta show off that graffiti-covered dock. Capt. Mullins takes us inland, and a little incognito. “People reading copies of The Triton around the world appear rather like photos of that garden gnome,” he said via e-mail. “This is me outside Peter Café Sport in Horta, Faial, Azores, where we pulled in on passage from Sint Maarten to Germany.”
Oh, the Places We’ve Been As we reflect on 10 years sharing news with yacht crew worldwide, we look back on some of the places captains and crew have picked up or taken their Triton. In 2005, Eng. Joel Antoinette picked it up in Savannah, Ga. (at right); Capt. Ian van der Watt carried it down to the bottom of the Earth at Pucon, Argentina (bottom photo); and Publisher David Reed’s dad, Stephen (center), took it on holiday to the Serengeti in Tanzania. We’ll revisit some of our favorite Triton spotters in the coming months as we reflect on all the places we’ve been and all the growing we’ve done. Where have you taken your Triton lately? Snap a quick photo and share it with us to become part of the Triton spotter family.
Where have you taken your Triton lately? Whether reading on your laptop, tablet, smart phone or in print, show us how you get your crew news. Send photos to editorial@the-triton.com.
April 2014 B15
C Section
To see and be seen Networking photos of Viking SurfSUP and Smart Move C2, 3
April 2014
Salt of the earth Necessary, but don’t consume too much of a good thing. C4
Toss the toxins Watch for processed products in your galley.
C5
Regulations grow to bring leadership to yacht crew
TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
HOLD THE LINE: Nearly half of the captains say crew can always have their phones with them during the work day PHOTO/DORIE COX and most of the rest restrict use. A small percent say no phones during work.
Captains allow cell phones, often regret it By Lucy Chabot Reed This month’s survey comes after a discussion with a captain friend who is worried about the role cell phones play in yachting. He first mentioned his concern a few years ago and I must have rolled my eyes, dismissing his concern as a generational rift. I may have even told him he’s getting “old.” He didn’t forget my reaction and called me on it recently, so we talked. We got pretty philosophical about young people and their reliance on not only the device but on instant contact with friends and family. What troubled him most was crew’s withdrawal from human contact and his struggle managing humans like that. I have thought a lot about that conversation, and I believe he might be on to something. So I decided to ask captains and crew a little about cell phones for this month’s survey. More than 200 captains and crew responded to this month’s survey, the highest in months, so we knew right away we touched a nerve. We began by asking captains Are your crew members permitted to have their cell phones with them – and on – during the work day? Nearly half of the 131 captains who responded said their crew can always
Stuff your stromboli Hearty, tasty ethnic recipes for both chef and crew. C6,7
have their phones with them, and the bulk of the rest said they can have them with them some of the time. “We are witnessing a social and psychological evolution,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his late 60s. “We are becoming completely connected, intercommunicative creatures. Who knows where this experiment will take us?” Only 8 percent said no. “Crew are not permitted to have on their possession or in their workspace personal phones during working hours,” said the captain of a yacht 200220 feet. “They check their phone on breaks and after work. Department heads have a boat phone on them to respond rapidly as needed with e-mail, text messaging and voice.” We asked crew this same question and 80 percent said yes, they always have their phone with them. Most of the rest said some of the time. “They can be extremely useful for contacting vendors, repair companies, other crew (on shore), checking weather, checking parts, etc.,” said the first mate of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 30s. “They are a necessity for staying up to date and keeping projects or tasks moving.” “We are pretty flexible,” said the captain of a yacht 160-180 feet in his/
her late 30s. “Most of these crews have family on the other side of the globe.” Just 5 said they are not allowed to have them during the work day. So what are the rules about them? My captain friend who struggles with this issue is hesitant to impose rules about their use onboard because of the backlash crew will give him. So we asked captains and crew Does the yacht and/or the captain have rules about cell phone use onboard? Captains were split on having a policy. Half do have rules, the biggest group (37 percent) offering them verbally. Seven percent have a formal policy that crew must sign as they begin on the yacht, and 6 percent have a policy posted in the crew mess. “I’m getting ready to implement stricter policies regarding cell phone usage during work hours,” said the captain of a yacht more than 220 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “This will apply not only to phone calls but Facebook, Pandora, WhatsApp, etc.” Among the half who don’t have rules, most say crew know not to abuse their use; 4 percent said crew can use phones as much as they like. “Cell phone use is limited when
See CELL PHONES, page C8
It has been said that the yachting industry lacks professionalism on some levels and that developmentally, we are still in our infancy. One of the problem areas for growth has always been the lack of effective leadership and management standards. Regulations are evolving that are designed to address this Stew Cues situation. The MCA Alene Keenan requirement for HELM classes that went into effect Jan. 1 is one example. There are two levels of the HELM (Human Elements of Leadership and Management). For the past two weeks I have been auditing them at Maritime Professional Training in Ft. Lauderdale. Let me explain the two levels of HELM. One is called the Operational Level, and the other is the Management Level. The three-day operational level course is designed to meet the mandatory requirements for training in the human element, leadership and management at the operational level. It provides students with awareness and understanding of the key human factors influencing effective resource management. This level applies to candidates for Officer Of the Watch (OOW) in the deck department and Y4 engineers. Some of the topics covered include circumstance and risk assessment, situational awareness, cultural awareness, team building, workload management, shipboard training, and the importance of clear communication in leadership and management. The five-day management level course is required for officers at the
See STEW, page C12
C April 2014 TRITON NETWORKING: Viking SurfSUP
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
A
bout 200 captains, crew and industry professionals networked with The Triton and Viking SurfSUP on the first Wednesday of March in Ft. Lauderdale. There was a carnival atmosphere with tasty food, beverages, music, body painting and carnival dancers. Deckhand John M. Juzbasich won a surfboard in the raffle. PHOTOS/DORIE COX
The Triton
A
www.the-triton.com
TRITON NETWORKING: Smart Move Accomadions
bout 200 captains, crew and industry professionals joined Triton and Smart Move Crew Accommodations for occasional third Wednesday networking in March in Ft. Lauderdale. New contacts were made and old friends visited in a fun carnival atmosphere complete with popcorn, cotton candy, sno-cones and balloons, as well as food and PHOTOS/DORIE COX beverages.
April 2014 C
C April 2014 NUTRITION: Take It In
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Most of us eat way too much salt; reduce it with these tips Salt has become a four-letter word tips to reduce the sodium in your diet in media headlines in recent years. No without restricting your taste buds wonder. The majority of us eat way too to bland, boring foods. Reducing the much. sodium in your diet doesn’t mean According to eating bland boring foods. results from the 1. Use plenty of natural flavor. This PURE-Sodium means going heavier handed on fresh study, presented herbs and spices and savory ingredients at the 2013 such as onions and garlic. Using the European Society juice of lemons and limes, plus their for Cardiology zest, can make a food taste saltier than Congress in the it really is. Don’t be afraid to turn on Netherlands, out the heat. Hot peppers add flavor. Plus, of 100,000 people a dash of your favorite hot sauce won’t Take It In in 10 countries add much sodium to your diet. One Carol Bareuther studied, the average teaspoon of Tabasco provides only 35 daily intake of mg. sodium (the principal mineral in salt) 2. Cook from scratch when possible. ranged from 4,200 to 4,800 milligrams The more a food is processed, the more per day (mg/day) in North America, sodium it is likely to contain. Cook South America, and Europe, and more with fresh foods rather than heat from than 5,500 mg/day in China. cans, mixes or boxes. For example, Compare this to the U.S.’s Dietary steam fresh green beans rather than Guidelines for Americans of 2,300 mg/ using canned, and flavor pasta with day for healthy people ages 14 to 50. fresh herbs rather than the powdered Even more eye-opening, consider flavorings that come in most box mixes. that studies have shown healthy adults 3. Dilute high-sodium processed can live on as little foods. If you want as 115 mg of sodium a meal in a hurry daily, about the and there’s a can of amount of sodium soup on the shelf, naturally found in 1 try this trick. Pour cup of low-fat milk or the contents of the in a third of a slice of can into a saucepan, whole wheat bread. add a 16-ounce bag Health problems of frozen mixed associated with eating vegetables, and add too much sodium read enough water to make like the top causes the mixture soupy. The less our food is processed, A one-cup serving of death around the world: high blood the less sodium it has. of this concoction pressure, heart failure, PHOTO/CAROL BAREUTHER will have less sodium stroke and stomach per serving with the cancer. added vegetables than According to the American Heart the soup plain from the can. That’s Association, ills also potentially include because instead of 2 servings, the kidney stones and headache. What’s vegetables have now made 4 servings. more, an excess of dietary sodium can 4. Make swaps. Make lower-sodium also affect how you look with puffiness, versions at home of store-bought bloating and weight gain. favorites. For example, if you like turkey How can you reduce your sodium luncheon meat, buy a turkey breast, intake? The best way is to know roast it when you have some time, where it comes from in the diet. and then slice it thinly. You can freeze Surprisingly, only 11 percent of sodium a portion or two of it for future use. in American’s diet comes from adding One ounce of turkey breast has only salt to food while cooking or at the 52 mg of sodium while the same size table, according to the American serving of store-bought luncheon meat Heart Association. The majority, or typically serves up 260 mg. 77 percent, comes from packaged 5. Look for low-salt foods. There and processed foods. The balance, or are lots of examples out there today, remaining 12 percent, comes from everything from unsalted nuts to sodium that naturally occurs in foods. reduced-sodium soups. These foods A good way to exemplify this is with shouldn’t be daily staples over fresh a tomato. One medium-sized fresh foods, but can provide a healthier tomato provides 6 mg of sodium. Take alternative when time is short or your that tomato and sprinkle it with 1/8 galley pantry is almost bare. teaspoon of salt and the sodium soars to 306 mg. Finally, process that tomato Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian into tomato sauce and a 1-cup serving and a regular contributor to The Triton. skyrockets to 800 mg of sodium. Comments on this column are welcome With this in mind, here are five at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves
Ditch paper towels, eliminate a few toxins from your life Can you guess what the most stocked item is onboard a yacht? It’s toilet paper, a critical item we just cannot run out of and therefore have plenty stored onboard. But the second one is most likely paper towels. Have we really stopped to think just how much we use the lone paper towel? You could probably Culinary Waves count at least 10 Mary Beth uses in a minute, Lawton Johnson especially in the galley. Chefs use them to drain the grease off of fried items, to sop up the water in a dish, to keep a salad fresh (by wetting it and placing it on top to keep the moisture in a salad), to wipe the rim of a plate before serving, and to wipe our hands, to name a few. Some chefs use them to wipe produce after washing and also to put them in a bag with produce to mark it as clean. How about the old trick of wrapping asparagus with wet paper towels then putting them in a bag in the refrigerator? There are a lot of uses for paper towels on board, but some of the uses are probably not the best solution. I will tell you why. Something we think of as safe and clean, something we use every day, really isn’t that great to use on food. It starts in the processing of the paper towel by bleaching it. When it is bleached, the process uses chlorinated gas, which in turn produces chlorinated compounds such as dioxins, a powerful carcinogen. Plus, if you use paper towels that have imprints on them, those colors are dyes, which are created by chemicals. They also contain other items that aren’t so wanted in a food-preparation area.
When I learned this, I began thinking about alternatives to using paper towels. One is to buy paper towels that don’t use that bleaching process. I went online to find paper towels that don’t subscribe to this theory of production, and could only find a few brands that are not bleached. So I have begun using cloth towels, which we dedicate onboard to food production. They are not washed with other towels so no lint or foreign objects can be introduced into the food. We also use these cloth towels to clean a plate before serving it to the guests. I now put fresh produce in containers with a small amount of water in the bottom to keep them hydrated for a later use rather than wrapping them in wet paper towels. Instead of paper towels for cleaning the counters (depending, of course, on what the counter is made of), I use alcohol wipes to sterilize and clean them. When draining fat and grease off of fried foods, I use a cooling rack over single-use towels. That way the food does not sit in its grease, it does not touch the paper towel, and air circulates around the food so the crispy parts stay crispy. These are simple, effective ways to reduce the use of paper towels in the galley. If you are one of those chefs who just has to have your paper towels onboard, consider choosing an unbleached one. Buy the most natural paper towels that you can buy. They might be more a little bit more expensive but reducing the toxins introduced into our bodies is worth it. Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified executive pastry chef and Chef de Cuisine and has worked on yachts for more than 20 years. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
April 2014 C
C April 2014 IN THE GALLEY: Crew Mess
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Stromboli: The kitchen sink of Italian cuisine I often look for creative ways to use leftovers before they relegate themselves to the back of the refrigerator. Yes, you can put various meats and veggies in a stromboli … and like it. But there are two things you need first: dough and sauce. The secret to a good stromboli, as well as pizza, is picking the right flour
to make the dough. Look for “bread flour” at the market. This is denser than “all-purpose flour”, which will make for a more elastic product. This will prove valuable in the end. And it’s easy to purchase readymade sauce, but you have everything you need in the pantry to make a quick and easy sauce. Great if you’re outisland.
Ingredients: 1 packet instant yeast 1 1/4 cup warm water 3 cups bread flour 1 tsp sugar 1/2 tsp olive oil 1/4 tsp sea salt
fresh and dry oregano (they actually taste different) until incorporated. Add catsup, tomato paste, brown sugar and pepper flakes and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the dough has risen. Take one ball of dough to a floured surface and flatten into a disk, slowly stretching the dough with your knuckles. Between stretching, lift the dough and let gravity do most of the work until you can mostly cover a 17x11 baking pan. Place a half cup of the sauce in the middle and spread it evenly to within 2 inches of the edge. Layer on your choice of veggies and meats and top with 8-10 ounces of cheese blend. Pull the edges together, pinching, to seal in the contents. Bake in a 400-degree oven for 15-20 minutes, until slightly browned. Remove from oven, brush lightly with olive oil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Any extra dough will keep up to three months in a ziplock bag in the freezer or can be baked as bread for another meal. Leftover sauce makes a good marinara. Enjoy.
Directions: In a bowl, sprinkle dry yeast over warm water and allow yeast to dissolve for about 5 minutes, or until bubbles start to form. Add all other ingredients and stir until loose dough begins to form. If the dough is sticky, add a tablespoon of flour. If it sticks to the side of the bowl, add a little water. A stand mixer makes this effortless. Continue mixing until a firm ball forms, then move to a floured surface and kneed for 8 minutes. Cut dough in half and form two balls. Place a clean, warm damp tea towel over the balls and let the dough rise for 45-60 minutes. While the dough is rising, we can make our easy homemade sauce. Ingredients: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped 1 tbsp dry oregano 2 cups tomato catsup 1 6-oz can tomato paste 1/2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp red pepper flakes Directions: In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté the garlic in olive oil until translucent; do not brown. Add the
Capt. John Wampler has worked on yachts for more than 25 years. He’s created a repertoire of quick, tasty meals for crew to prepare for themselves to give the chef a break. Contact him through www. yachtaide.com. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
IN THE GALLEY: Top Shelf
Chickpea Tikka Masala Coming from Durban, curry is definitely one of my preferred dishes. Its variety of rich spices and herbs makes it such a fragrant and belly grumbling dining experience. This dish is great for a dinner opener; the smells alone will sate your guests palates, and the wine pairing possibilities are endless. You could serve this with naan bread or even rotis, but if you do, serve this as the main by adding a protein such as lamb shoulder or chicken thigh. The light crunchiness from the papadum and the spicy fresh hot sauce make this a real interactive and adventurous meal. Just be sure to make extra for crew. Feeds 10-14, depending on portion size. Ingredients: For the curry: 2 tbsp butter 1 red onion, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tbsp ground cumin 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp fresh ginger, chopped 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp curry powder (Madras brand is great) 1/4 tsp ground turmeric 2 cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1 1/2 cups pureed tomato 1 cup plain yogurt 4 sprigs fresh cilantro, washed 1 box Papadums For the cilantro chili sauce: 2 cups fresh cilantro, washed 1 lemon, juiced 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce 4 cloves garlic 2 jalapenos, deseeded Salt, pepper to taste Directions: In a cast-iron or heavy-bottomed pot on a medium heat, melt the butter and sweat off the onions, 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 2 minutes more. Add the cumin, paprika, ginger, salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, curry powder and turmeric and cook 2-5 minutes more. Take in all the aromas. This dish certainly becomes fragrant from the early stages. Add the chickpeas and sautĂŠ 2 minutes. Stir in the tomato puree. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring
frequently. Reduce heat to low and cook on low-med heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. In a separate bowl, whip the yogurt for 1 minute. Gradually add the whipped yogurt to the curry mixture, whisking frequently as you incorporate. Cook 20 minutes more on low heat as the curry thickens, stirring every few minutes. While the curry cooks, make the sauce. In a blender, place all the ingredients and blend for 30-60 seconds. It should be a vibrant green. Taste and season accordingly. If the sauce tastes a little bitter, add more sweet chili. Place the papadums in the microwave and cook according to the makers instructions. (They usually take a minute so they can literally be made at the last minute.) Check the curry and season accordingly Place the curry in a bowl, garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with cilantro hot sauce and papadums. Enjoy. Mark Godbeer, a culinary-trained chef from South Africa, has been professionally cooking for more than 11 years, 9 of which have been on yachts (chefmarkgodbeer.com). Comments on this recipe are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
April 2014 C
C April 2014 TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
Can crew have their phones with them during work day? Captains Crew Some of the time – 43%
Always – 49%
www.the-triton.com
Are there rules onboard about cell phone use? Captains Crew
No – 8%
Some of the time – 15% No – 5%
Posted – 6% Just respect the privilege – 46%
Captains: Do yo rely on their ph
Verbal –24%
Verbal – 37% Always – 80%
The Triton
Written – 7% No – 4%
No –11% Just respect the privilege – 57%
Written – 4% Posted – 4%
Yes – 77%
Captains take away phone priviledge if abused; most not allowed CELL PHONES, from page C1 one of the senior crew- notices abuse,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet. “After the first warning, their use is restricted to off-work hours.” “With crew, as with anything they do, if they abuse it, where it begins to affect performance, then you put a stop to it,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 20 years. “That’s called managing, and that is what you are supposed to do.” Among crew, however, more than two-thirds said there are no rules, including 57 percent who know not to abuse the privilege and 11 percent who can use their phones as much as they like. “Privileges are often abused by younger, lesser-experienced crew, but it’s a necessity in engineering, constantly taking photos, calling contractors, taking notes, etc.,” said the engineer of a yacht 140-160 feet in his/her late 30s. “I find it an invaluable tool.” Most of the rest have been given verbal rules. Just 4 percent have formal rules, and 4 percent have rules posted in the crew mess. Then we asked this open-ended question of both groups: What are the rules about cell phone use onboard? The most common rule noted by both captains and crew was that cell phones were not permitted for personal use during the work day. In many cases, they must be left in the crew’s cabin and/or
off. They can be checked on breaks, at lunch, and off duty. “During work hours, phone is allowed to be carried but it must be on silent mode and used only before work, during breaks and after work day is complete,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet in his/her early 50s. “No personal calls or texts are allowed during work hours.” But both groups just told us in the first question that crew are permitted to have their phones with them – and on – during the work day. So crew can have them on and operational, but use them only for work-related purposes. How is that monitored or enforced? Though we didn’t ask that question specifically, several captains offered that they really can’t be sure that crew aren’t using them personally, and then proceeded to give examples of abuse. So even though 92 percent of captains who took this survey said their crew could have their phones with them at least some of the time during the work day, about half of captains said personal cell phones are not permitted during the work day. “Only communication devices that are supplied by the yacht may be used during working hours and used for ship’s business only,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in his/her late 40s. “In addition to this, earplugs are not allowed on the open working deck or interior, on duty or not, as the need to hear the ship’s whistle and fire alarms are paramount to the safety of all on board.”
The second most-common rule cited was not to use them or even carry them when the owner and/ or guests were onboard, when in service to guests, or when working in guest areas. “Interior crew not allowed to carry when interacting with guests; no crew allowed to answer or view phone when interacting with guests,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in his/her late 50s. “If using phone for personal reasons and captain approaches or needs their attention, they must immediately hang up or put it away.” The third most-common rule was that cell phone use was permitted with discretion, and that if cell use became a problem, privileges would eventually be reduced or taken away. “Job first, excuse yourself when you need to take a call, don’t talk long and not in direct view of anyone,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “Don’t be annoying,” said the captain of a yacht 80-100 feet in his/her late 50s. The next two rules were mentioned equally among our respondents, including never being allowed on watch, on the bridge, under way or during maneuvers such as docking; and only permitted in emergencies. “Masters orders in conjunction with MN 315,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 30s. “No cell phones on the bridge when on watchkeeping duties. This ‘no cell phone use’ extends to safety drills on board and anytime there
is a meeting. P a time at which several times, t let them know Warned once m “The captai to departing th other critical s be distracted b of a yacht 100count on them “No persona especially arou yacht 100-120 “I take it away when they are big distraction to check weath A few capta were different “Cell phone related purpos the captain of 35. “Mate, chie because they h crew aren’t allo Most rules a practicality, se of the devices. “I never wan are working,” s
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
ounger crew Has crew ever made a mistake distracted by their phone? hones more? Captains Crew No – 40% No – 23% Yes – 46%
Nearly – 14%
No – 80%
Nearly – 13% Yes – 7%
April 2014 C
Standing orders created for misbehavior of a few crew Some thoughts from captains and crew about the impact smart phones have had on yachting. Overuse of a cell phone can lead to morale issues as the more responsible crew members see other crew members spend half the day on Facebook, Twitter or texting. If I have to create a standing order that no one can use a smartphone during work hours, then I’m punishing the bulk of the crew for the misbehavior of one or two. l
for personal use during work day
People who play on Facebook during h they should be working get warned then I give them a final warning and w I will be looking for a new person. more, I find someone else.” in collects all crew’s cell phones prior he dock, or coming in to dock, or any situation where the crew should not by a text coming in,” said the captain -120 feet in his/her early 50s. “I can’t m to turn off their own phones.” al calls when working or on watch, und guests,” said the captain of a feet in yachting more than 30 years. from them and put it on the side standing a helm watch. Texting is a n when at the wheel. I let them use it her and boat-related business.” ains and crew noted that the rules for junior crew. es are only to be used for workses, but that is rarely the case,” said a yacht 100-120 feet, younger than ef stew and chef can use their phones have usually earned the right. Junior owed as they get too distracted.” are based on common sense and eemingly accepting the pervasiveness
nt to hear or see a phone while they said the captain of a yacht 120-140
feet in his/her early 50s. “While they believe that I will give their phone the float test, they at least make an effort to keep them hidden and quiet.” “Must be on silent in all guest situations,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “No ‘stupid’ ringtones. Answer or decline calls within two rings, if possible. No personal calls except in rest/break periods (if incoming call is personal, decline it if caller id indicates; otherwise cut conversation very short after identifying caller).” The rules can be simple: “Don’t ever let the captain see it,” said the first mate of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 20s. Or they can get pretty complex. “During working hours the phone (your work phone) can (if in a position where it is a necessity) be used for work and work-related calls, text and usage only,” said the first mate of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 30s. “During lunch breaks (not while you or others are eating) and after working hours, phone usage can resume to normal. If caught using it (or your personal phone) for non-work related reasons, the phone bill (of the work-designated phone) for that month is your responsibility, not the yacht’s, and/or the phone will be taken away indefinitely. You realize very quickly how reliant one is on their phone, especially for work, and how inconvenient it is
See CELL PHONES, page C10
l
l
Communication is never enough. Without phones, we’re back to the Stone Age. Maybe he [your captain friend] wants to bring back semaphore? l
l
l
I have actually taken a cell phone away from a crew member during work hours. It becomes an addiction for some. However, a cell can be an asset to communication, if not abused. l
l
l
Crew do not have any need to be on the phone during duty hours, period. l
l
l
We are not free to do as we please; we are all subject to restrictions. Phone use is for off hours, off the boat or the crew mess. l
l
l
Cell phones have impacted all of working America. I don’t know if any studies have been done, but I would estimate at least 1 1/2 hours each work day is wasted on smart phones. l
l
l
Cell phones should not be on one’s person during the working day, but I feel it’s a lost cause at this point. l
l
l
Older crew will ignore a call if not important; younger crew will not. And let’s not get started about the texting. l
l
l
The crew gets very disconnected with the cell phone. Instructions are not followed and mistakes are made. Common sense and concentration take a leave of absence. l
l
l
Like the rest of the world, they make working life even more unsociable. Go to a crew mess on a vessel with six or more crew and at least half are on a device. What did we ever do without them? l
l
l
Not just in yachting; younger people are losing the ability to communicate in person. They can’t hold a proper conversation and things like eye contact are completely foreign to them. l
l
l
I would rather have crew take short calls than take endless smoke breaks.
C10 April 2014 TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Work-related calls, text are majority of phone use, say crew CELL PHONES, from page C9 without it.” Other common rules noted were no use of phones topsides, phones on a crew’s person must be on silent or vibrate, and their presence cannot interfere with the job or productivity. And at least one captain noted that the privilege can be taken away, much as in a parent-child relationship. “No personal use on the boat’s time,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in his/her early 30s. “If caught, they are given a warning. The second offense results in Internet access being removed for a one-week period.” We were curious how crew use their phones, so we asked On an average day, how might you use your cell phone for during the work day? The most common response was making and receiving work-related calls (95 percent), followed by sending and receiving work-related texts (73 percent). Then the personal stuff begins, with about 65 percent of crew saying they use it for personal texts, 60 percent for taking photos and 52 percent for personal phone calls. We forgot to ask about e-mail, so that was written in most in the “other” category. Another interesting comparison of results emerged when we asked
captains How often does the average crew member use a cell phone during the work day? The bulk of respondents said it ranged from between just a handful of times a day (42 percent) to maybe a dozen times a day (30 percent). “This question should have ‘… that I am aware of ...’ added to the end of the given choices,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet. “It seems that crew will sneak phone use no matter what I say. They’re addicted.” Just 15 percent of captains said crew hardly use their phone. We asked crew the same question and about a third said they use their phone just a handful of times a day, but the next biggest group was hardly at all, 28 percent, which is nearly double the amount of captains who said crew used it that infrequently. A quarter of crew said they use it a dozen times or more. Both groups were fairly even on their assessment of who used it 3-4 times an hour (7 percent of captains and 8 percent of crew) and those who used it all the time (6 percent of captains and 5 percent of crew). We wondered if some crew were worse about this than others, so we asked captains How often does the worst offender use it?
The percentages evened out a bit, with a third using it 3-4 times an hour, and 29 percent using it a dozen or so times a day. The more frequent options more than doubled: with 19 percent saying the worst offender used it 3-4 times an hour and 12 percent saying they used it all the time. What this tells us is that, despite some crew using it more, not many crew rank up there with the worst offenders. One of the big objections to cell phone use onboard is the potential it has to distract crew and reduce productivity, same as it does for any employee in any work environment (not to mention people in their home lives and especially in their cars). So we asked captains Has any crew member ever made a mistake because they were distracted by their cell phone? Almost half of responding captains said yes, with about 14 percent more saying nearly so. “Some crew are so distracted they are downright dangers,” said a captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “I have had to reprimand that type of crew member. It seems that type of crew member does not last and has to be let go or risk damage to the vessel or themselves.” Forty percent said no, they had not.
We posed this question to crew, too, and found the biggest variation in our survey. Eighty percent of crew said no, they had never made a mistake because of their phone, with 13 percent saying they nearly had. Seven percent had. We asked captains How else might the use of a cell phones affect your crew’s performance? Nearly two-thirds of captains said cell phones are simply distractions and reduce productivity. “Lack of attention to customers, distraction from monitoring operations (listening to engine speed, etc.), not making engine and deck checks on time,” said a captain in his late 60s. “It is a distraction,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 30s. “We are not talking here about talking to people on the phone. It is access to Facebook, Youtube and other social media. They should be working.” “Like smoking, the phone takes you away from your job,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 50s. “If you take 5 minutes each hour, that adds up to 40 minutes a day. Your crew mates have to take up the slack.” The lure of constant connection causes a lack of concentration, which leads to mistakes, they said.
See CELL PHONES, page C11
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON SURVEY: Cell phone use
Distraction is safety risk for vessel and crew CELL PHONES, from page C10 “We once had our ash galley cabinets sprayed with oven cleaner as the stew was on the phone,” said the captain of a yacht less than 80 feet now in his/her late 60s. “Yes, the wood turned black.” In addition to being a distraction, paying attention to cell phones can also result in alarms or radio calls not being heeded, and someone getting hurt. “As long as the phone is on their person, they will always be tempted to use it,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet in his/her early 50s. “It can be a distraction – and sometimes a dangerous one – at the most inopportune moments.” “It is as dangerous as driving,” said the captain of a yacht 80-100 feet. “It will kill another crew member or guest one day on a vessel.” “We have had occasions where the crew have asked a dockmaster for the wi-fi access code for the dock while performing docking operations, even before the fenders were set, before the lines were made fast, before the yacht was safe in harbor,” said the first officer of a yacht 120-140 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “We were shocked at the fact that the crew were more interested in connectivity than the safety of the yacht, crew and guests. “We all have to use cell phones – it is a way of life now – but we also need to be mindful of the dangers, the distractions, the abuse and the culture these gadgets can create,” this first officer said. “We can all wait until a more appropriate time to connect to the world.” The next most common way cell phones impacted crew performance, however, was to improve it by making crew more accessible, giving them Internet access to trouble-shoot problems, and for communicating with vendors. Though noted by only about 13 percent of respondents, it was still the second most-popular response, albeit grudgingly. “Makes some tasks easier at the very great risk of distraction,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet. “Years ago, my boss needed a picture of some parts we needed to order,” said the chief stew of a yacht 80-100 feet in yachting more than 20 years. “I got out my camera, took the picture and had to download it to my Mac. Then I had to put the picture on a hard drive and upload that to the boat computer. Then I had to take the boat computer to the dock office for a dial-up connection, and finally e-mailed him the picture. Two hours to do that. Today, I pull out my iPhone and have it done in 2 minutes. Technology has saved me lots and lots of work.” “They can be positive, as being able to get ahold of crew and vice-versa, and it keeps them from getting too homesick, but no one seems to be able
to not look at the text that just came in, and that distracts their thoughts from what could potentially be a critical situation onboard, docking, etc.,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet. We were curious if cell phone use was a generational thing, so we asked captains Do you find that younger crew rely on or use their cell phones more than older crew? More than three-quarters said yes. “The new social media-age generation have different feelings about cell phones, and being in contact when at work, particularly when dockside without guests, or in the shipyard,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet. “March 12 was the 25th anniversary of the invention of the Internet, so consider the average 20-25 year old. They grew up with it and were taught computer skills as part of their curriculum. Just different upbringings.” “For responsible crew members, the use of a phone is not a factor,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet. “I’ve found less responsible crew members are frequently distracted by text messages or Facebook. Age is certainly a factor. Younger crew members use phones far more often than older crew. That is probably more a reflection of how each age group views their career. Many younger crew (and most of those who overuse their phones) view yachting primarily as a party lifestyle and their phone is a lifeline to the primary reason they are here. Older crew are more serious about their career and are more focused on that. I don’t think having access to a cell phone is what is causing the problem.” “Younger crew, particularly, seem addicted to constantly being in contact, using their phones for almost endless updates with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her early 40s. “Then they get offended when you point out that it’s not professional and that they’re not being paid to play on a phone. Even better is having to explain why it’s wrong for their phone to be out and in use when guests are onboard.” “I see newer crew sitting during working hours for periods of time checking social media and texting,” said the chef of a yacht 120-140 feet in his/her early 40s. “This wasn’t so common a few years ago. When I am trying to get guest information and I have to repeat myself often to the stew or deck because they can’t tear their eyes away, it causes aggravation.” “I believe for us ‘older’ people, it is hard to understand that the younger generation needs to be online all the time,” said the first officer on a yacht 140-160 feet in his/her early 40s. “I, for example, find it most irritating to sit at the table for a tea break with five people and nobody talks. Everybody just stares at their smart phone.” Perhaps that is its most significant
impact, and what my captain friend was really driving at. “The crew mess used to be a fun place with lots of conversation going on, but now no one talks and just stares at their phone,” said the captain of a yacht 180-200 feet in his/her early 50s. “The phone is destroying the ‘yacht family’ feeling aboard.” “Crew do not develop social skills, which they need to be part of a team, when they are constantly on the phone instead of interacting with fellow crew members,” said the captain of a yacht more than 220 feet in his/her late 50s. “Social media has a negative impact on how we communicate,” said the captain of a yacht 180-200 feet in yachting more than 20 years. “I encourage my crew to talk face-to-face, pick up the phone and speak to vendors or contractors. Last year, I was strict on this policy about actually speaking to people and not e-mailing to organize logistics. Guess what? Our season was more productive and efficient. Go figure. If not used correctly, we are facing a more and more disconnected society. Social skills are critical.” Most respondents, though, seemed to be torn between the value they find in their cell phones and their price. “Smart phones are excellent for keeping in touch through social media,” said the captain of a yacht more than 220 feet in yachting more than 20 years. “I’m a big advocate for them, as long as they are not abused.” “Cell phones are essentially a must in modern-day living, even more so in yachting due to the separation of loved ones and family,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in his/her late 30s. “But there is a time and a place for them.” “The positive side is I can have instant communications with a crew when I need it,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “We also use text to tell each other every time we come and go from the vessel. This way everyone is always aware of who is onboard in case of an emergency as well as a sign out board. “Cell phones in the hands of the right crew can make communicating much more efficient or, with the wrong crew, downright irritating and dangerous,” this captain said. “They are here to stay so we have to get used to them and put regulations in place to control them, along with consequences for not.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. 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, e-mail lucy@the-triton. com to be added.
April 2014 C11
C12 April 2014 INTERIOR: Stew Cues
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Clarity in communication, attitude, service keys in leadership STEW, from page C1 management level who are following an approved education and training program leading to MCA certification as chief mate or master on ships of 500 gross tonnage or more; second engineer officer or chief engineer officer on ships powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kw propulsion power or more; and Y2 and Y1 engineering candidates. In this course students learn to control the operation of the ship and care for persons on board at the management level through the use of effective leadership and managerial skills. It expands on the key human factors that influence effective human resource management. In order to ensure best practices are communicated and applied,
management level personnel must understand the factors that impact situational awareness. Communication must be clearly and explicitly given and received. The decision making process should take into account relevant factors that will impact the outcome and the safety and security of the ship. The HELM courses aren’t required for interior. However, the PYA recommends the management level course for department heads (such as chief stews) who would like a higher level of certification and more leadership and management training. Understanding the human element is critical to surviving in yachting. When we talk about leadership, we often think of captains, but each position has a role to play in leadership. Chief stews are obvious leaders but so are second and third stews. By
definition, a steward is “one who performs the task of watching over that which is placed in their trust by the one who owns it, or for those who will benefit by it.” Stews perform a service for others. It is not about ownership or control. It is not a management style or technique. It is an attitude that describes who the leader is. Leadership is a state of being, a way of looking at the world. In reality, true leadership is and has always been a selfless action. It involves taking your ego and yourself out of the picture and considering the needs of others. It is a way of thinking that takes other people into account even when your own needs are pressing. It asks what is right or best in the wider interest. Leadership is an issue that affects all of us. Not only are we impacted by it, but we are all called upon to
exercise it at many levels. Whether it is to be involved in keeping the crew mess area clean and tidy, organizing a shopping list, or designing a table setting, a picnic at the beach, or an entertainment event for guests, everyone has a service leadership role to play onboard a yacht. We are each put into many different leadership roles again and again, throughout our careers. We are called upon to serve as protectors of what is right and good, and to contribute value to those in our environment. Service leadership is not about leaning down to raise someone up; it is about providing a constant, reliable underlying support of respect and trust. There is some debate as to whether people are born with special skills, or if leadership can be taught. I believe that, on a basic level, people are either internally or externally motivated; however, they can be encouraged to grow. People can develop the motivation to go outside their comfort zones. I do think that with best practices and good examples, leadership can be an learned. In the HELM courses that I audited, there were different prevailing schools of thought within two levels of maturity. At the operational level course, it was clear that these future captains and chief engineers were aware of leadership and communication weaknesses of many of the captains they had worked with. My impression was that some of them will be inspired to bring about change when they come into management positions themselves. Until then, they must rely on the examples set by those currently in charge. Ideally, they will be mentored and shaped along the way. In my opinion, the most important quality in a mentor is selflessness. Putting the needs of others before your own ego is the mark of a true leader and a true mentor. A good mentor sets an ethical professional example with their own best practices in managerial behavior. The best mentors teach by example, listen to and absorb what is being said, and then point us in the right direction to help us learn to create our own solutions to problems. The MCA-required HELM classes may not offer the final answers to yachting’s managerial dilemma, but at least they steer us in the right direction. Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stew for more than 20 years. She teaches at MPT in Ft. Lauderdale and offers interior crew training through her company, Yacht Stew Solutions (www. yachtstewsolutions.com). Download her book, The Yacht Service Bible: The Service Manual for Every Yacht, on her site or amazon.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
April 2014 C13
C14 April 2014 BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
April 2014 C15
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Company
Page Company
Advance Mechanical Enterprises C10 Adventure Sports A11 Alexseal B3 Amerijet C5 Antibes Yachtwear C5 ARW Maritime B6 Beer’s Group B13 Bellingham Marine(Charleston City Marina) A18 Bradford Marine A3 Brownie’s Yacht Diver A17 Business card advertisers C13-15 The Business Point C12 C&N Yacht Refinishing A2 Cable Marine B16 Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina A6 Dockwise Yacht Transport A15, B2 FendElegance B4 FenderHooks B2 Galley Hood B5
GeoBlue Insurance Global View Systems Global Yacht Fuel GO2 Global Yachting Gran Peninsula Yacht Center Greencorp Magnetics International Crew Training ISS GMT Global Marine Travel JC’s Carpet Cleaning KVH Industries Lauderdale Diver Lauderdale Propeller Lifeline Inflatable Services LXR Luxury Marinas Marina Bay Marina Resort Maritron The Marshall Islands Registry Matthew’s Marine A/C Mitchell Park Marina
Page
C7 C4 B9 B11 A15 A9 A8 A4 A16 A20 C12 A15 B10 B9 B15 B13 C9 B4 A13
Company
Page Company
MPT Maritime Professional Training Nautical Ventures Marine Superstore Neptune Group Newport Shipyard Overtemp Marine Pacer Group Palladium Technologies Professional Tank Cleaning & Sandblasting Professional Marine Duct Cleaning ProStock Marine Quiksigns Renaissance Marina Romora Bay River Supply River Services Rossmare International Bunkering Royale Palm Yacht Basin RPM Diesel Sailorman Seafarer Marine
C16 C3 B13 B8 A5 C2 C8 A14 B10 A7 B12 B11 C2 B4 B4 C5 C4 A2 C11
Sea School Smart Move Accomodations Staniel Cay Yacht Club Stock Island Tartack Chiropractic & Wellness Center TESS Electrical The UPS Store Toby Neverett Auctioneers TowBoatU.S Trac Ecological Green Products Tradewinds Radio Watermakers, Inc. West Marine Westrec Marinas Yacht Entertainment Systems Yacht Management South Florida Zeno Mattress Zodiac of Fort Lauderdale
Page
B5 A5 B10 B15 A5 B6 B12 A5 B13 A12 C6 B11 B7 B7 C5 A10 A12 A9
C16 April 2014
www.the-triton.com
The Triton