The Triton Vol.7, No.11

ECDIS onboard Crew are seeing the integrated technology

Bird’s-eye view Photographer captures yachts Vol.7, No.11

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Designer dies Award winning industry leader respected

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February 2011

Yachts robbed in St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay ‘The yacht was being watched. No servicemen or dayworkers had been onboard. They were professionals.’

By Lucy Chabot Reed Several yachts docked at marinas in St. Maarten’s Simpson Bay have been burgled this winter, boarded at night and cleaned of crew members’ laptops, iPods, and other electronic equipment.

One captain, frustrated that neither the police nor marinas were alerting yacht captains and crew to be cautious, posted the video surveillance footage from the robbery on his boat Jan. 12 on YouTube.

“The key [to the aft doors] was taken from an external locker hidden from plain sight and only the crew know where it is,” said this captain, who asked that he and the yacht not be identified to keep negative press off the popular charter vessel. “The yacht was being watched. No servicemen or dayworkers had been onboard. They were professionals.”

This yacht, which is larger than 100 feet, was docked at a marina. Crew are on watch until 11 p.m., after which time the blinds go down, the doors are locked and the crew go to bed, the captain said.

“You can’t, on a 100-foot boat, run a 24-hour watch with five crew,” he said.

“It’s impossible.”

He didn’t think he needed to. The marina was said to have security detail.

But no one was seen in the moments

The security video from a yacht has been posted on the Internet and purports to show one of the alleged thieves STILL IMAGE TAKEN FROM YOUTUBE.COM climbing onto the swim platform and onto the yacht. after the burglary.

At about 4 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 12, someone swam up to the stern of the boat, climbed aboard the swim platform, up the aft steps and helped himself to the key in the locker.

Dripping water on the carpet runners, he went to the galley and took the electronics, then left.

The chef was awake and heard noises, but was afraid to confront the robber, the captain said. The mate was

The top three traits of the perfect owner If yacht captains could choose their bosses, they would pick yacht owners who trust them, respect their skills, and are willing to listen and participate.

“Trust is at the top of the list,” a captain said at this month’s From the Bridge luncheon in Ft. Lauderdale.

“He trusts me to From the Bridge manage his boat,” Dorie Cox another captain said. “Really, he trusts me to manage his money.”

As usual, individual comments are

not attributed to any one person in particular so as to encourage frank and open discussion. The attending captains are identified in a photograph on page A15.

“I make the decisions because he doesn’t have time to hear about cutlass bearings,” a captain said. “He’s very smart in his business world, but he doesn’t know boating.”

“Mine knows how to boat, but he hired me for a reason,” another captain said. “He trusts me and gives me the authority.”

Most captains agreed that without trust, captains can find themselves, like one captain did, where he was

called in to work while the regular captain was working.

“The owner didn’t trust his captain,” this captain said.

Several captains in attendance had worked for more than a decade with one owner, but they’ve all had many bosses and agreed on attributes that make a good employer.

“I think respect is big,” a captain said. “It’s important for the owner to respect the captain for the knowledge he brings.”

“Yes, we’re an asset, not a liability,” another captain said.

See BRIDGE, page B14

awoken by noises on the aft deck and went to investigate. When he saw the fly bridge door had been breached, he ran off the yacht into the marina’s

See BURGLARY, page A16

TRITON SURVEY

Does your vessel provide uniforms to new crew on arrival?

Yes: shirts only – 19.1% Yes: full uniform, gently used – 29.0%

Yes: full uniform, brand new – 46.9%

No, we don’t have uniforms – 3.1% No, they must buy their own – 1.9% – Story, C1

A February 2011 WHAT’S INSIDE

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Yachties as far as the eye can see

An invasion? What can so many people in the industry possibly be doing? More photos on C2.

PHOTO/DORIE COX

Advertiser directory Boats / Brokers Business Briefs Calendar of events Columns: Fitness In the Galley Latitude Adjustment Nutrition Personal Finance Onboard Emergencies Photography Rules of the Road

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Sound Waves Stew Cues Crew News Fuel prices Marinas / Shipyards Networking Q and A Networking photos News Photo Gallery Technology Triton spotter Triton Survey Write to Be Heard

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LATITUDE ADJUSTMENT

February 2011 A

Captains take over yachts, hiring crew and making cruising plans Capt. Denise Fox, one of just a few women with a 1,600-ton USCG ticket, is back in command, this time on a 112-foot Westport in Seattle.

Yes, Seattle in winter. She’s been crewing up, outfitting and preparing M/Y Crescendo for her upcoming season, including checking out the life raft Latitude when it went for Adjustment inspection.

Lucy Chabot Reed “Just a note to recommend to all captains to try to do this with their crew,” she wrote. “It gets them more familiar with their life rafts, about how big (or small) they are, all of the parts and equipments mounted on the raft as well as the equipment packed in it.”

The new crew, pictured below,

includes Capt. Fox, Deck/Stew Mary Christie, Mate Rick Sands and Chef Ryan Carson.

To see a photo of Sands scraping snow and ice off the swim platform, visit www.the-triton.com.

Capt. Craig Cannon has taken command of M/Y The Highlander, the 116-foot classic Feadship originally owned and made famous by Malcolm Forbes. (This is not the green-hulled Feadship of the same name that the Forbes family still owns, which is tied to the dock in Ft. Lauderdale.)

Capt. Cannon, who lives in Clearwater, joined the yacht in December and after a trip to the Bahamas, has taken her back to Florida’s West Coast for pretty cheap dockage. The city docks there charge $10 a foot a month.

“You can’t get anything that cheap in Ft. Lauderdale,” he said. “If the boat’s just sitting, this is a great place to be.

St. Pete has great marinas and there’s lots to see and do around Tampa and Fort Myers. And if it saves the owner some money, that’s even better.”

He’s planning to head to New England for the summer.

Brian Welch, formerly the mate on M/Y Hard Assets, a 100-foot Jones Goodell yacht, has recently taken

over as captain and hired Caleb Semtner to join him as mate.

At our networking event in midJanuary, he was looking to hire a chef/ stew, though we’re sure by now he’s found the perfect match. They expect to head to Europe this summer.

Another of the old-time, long-timers is moving on, even though he doesn’t want to.

Capt. Ian Walsh, 18 years on the 58-foot Hatteras yachtfish M/Y TrimIt, said good bye to the old girl in January when a new owner bought her and decided to run Walsh her himself.

“After working for great owners for my past seven jobs – that’s since 1976 – I’d take another full-time job,” he said. “There’s got to be some great owners left out there.”

Absent that, he’ll work deliveries.

You may recognize Capt. Walsh’s name as the author of a series of stories about the rehabilitation of the 90-foot Burger he knew as M/Y Sea & H, but which burned in 2004 as the M/Y Argus V. Each spring and fall on his way to and from a summer cruising season,

he stopped at Worton Creek Marina in Maryland to visit John Patnovic, the yacht’s new owner who is refurbishing her himself.

We’ll miss those stories. Even though the yacht, now called Elizabeth H, is running again, she’s far from complete.

Does anyone have need of a captain on deliveries that go by Maryland? Capt.

Walsh is your man. And you’ll get the bonus of his terrific, heart-felt reports.

Congrats must go out to Capt.

Les Annan who, after 25 years, has earned his USCG 1,600-ton ocean masters ticket with no restrictions.

Capt. Annan also has his chief engineer (limited ocean license, which enables him to be chief engineer on a yacht up to 1,600 tons.)

We hear that there are only a few in the yachting industry with these two licenses. Impressive, that.

Capt. Annan is between vessels at the moment, but we’re sure he’ll be working again soon. He began working on yachts in the 1980s in Tortola with the pioneering dive boat Tropic Bird.

Have you made an adjustment in your latitude recently? Let us know.

Send news of your promotion, change of yachts or career, or personal accomplishments to Editor Lucy Chabot Reed at lucy@the-triton.com.

A February 2011 NEWS: Obituary

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Noted designer Langan, 55, dies of leukemia

By Dorie Cox Yacht designer Michael William (Bill) Langan, who recently was honored by the International Superyacht Society for his industry leadership, died Dec. 31 after a battle with leukemia. He was 55.

“Bill was one of the most wonderful, remarkable people in this industry,” said Kevin Merrigan, president of Northrop and Johnson. “He always put his family first, yet remained focused on friends and career. Exceptionally conscientious and intelligent, Bill was very much sought after by clients for his exceptional and timeless designs.

He leaves a vacuum that cannot be filled.”

Mr. Langan spent his childhood in Greenwich, Conn., either sailing or designing sailboats. After earning his bachelor’s degree in naval architecture, he joined the design firm of Sparkman and Stephens in New York in 1978. Two years later, Olin Stephens promoted him to chief designer, a post Mr. Stephens held for 50 years.

During 20 years with the firm, Mr. Langan would design more than 300 yachts, including the 12m Freedom that won the America’s Cup in 1980. 1987 marked the last time 12m yachts would compete in the America’s Cup, and with that change Mr. Langan concentrated

the firm’s business on him?” Hast said. luxury sailing yachts over “He had a kind way 75 feet. of telling you that you In 1998, he founded his weren’t making a logical own firm, Langan Design choice,” Hast said of Associates, in Newport, decisions made during R.I., and the company the refit project. “He’d has since completed say, ‘Hmm, well, let’s just more than 40 designs. His rethink this.” first, the 130-foot ketch Three of Mr. Langan’s Victoria of Strathearn, associates – Tom won design awards Degremont, Sam Howell from both ShowBoats and Antonio “Tony” International magazine Bill Langan died on Ferrer – will continue and the ISS. He also his company, now called Dec. 31 of leukemia. designed the 305-foot, PHOTO/DANIEL FORSTER Langan Design Partners, three-masted schooner and carry on his mission Eos, the largest private and legacy. sailing yacht in the world.

Mr. Langan is survived by his wife Langan Design Associates of 30 years, the yacht interior designer engineered the refit of M/Y SoTaj, Candace Register Langan, his two a 127-foot Delta in Seattle. Langan children, his parents, six siblings and 16 visited the job at least once a month, nieces and nephews.

Capt. Veronica Hast said. The extensive A memorial service was held Jan. 8 project required 30 feet to be removed in Jamestown, R.I. In lieu of flowers, from the stern to create the 12-foot the family requests that donations extension on the now 139-foot (42.4m) be made in Mr. Langan’s name to The Abeking and Rasmussen-built yacht.

Jimmy Fund, the Dana-Farber Cancer “How do you describe a man you Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, not only respected for his wisdom, Brookline, Mass., 02445-7226. brilliance and the ability to calmly handle the most stressful of situations, Dorie Cox is a staff reporter and but also who found time to have fun, associate editor with The Triton. had a great sense of humor, was great Comments on this story are welcome at company and was kind to those around dorie@the-triton.com.

A February 2011 NEWS BRIEFS

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France changes VAT rules; yacht exemptions limited

By Ayuk Ntuiabane As expected, France has published a change in its VAT law and policy relating to commercial vessels.

Published as Article 70 of Law No 2010-1658 of 29 December 2010 amending Article 262 of the unified French Tax Code, the Code Général des Impôts, the change now limits VAT exemption only to those commercial vessels operating on the high seas.

In a measure underlining the importance of the “high seas” requirement in this change, ships’ provisions supplied to inshore fishing vessels are now also excluded from exemption.

The change is effective from 1 January 2011.

Since May 2004, France has sanctioned a VAT exemption for all commercial vessels (including commercial yachts) meeting three cumulative conditions: be registered as a commercial vessel at any Flag State registry, have a permanent crew and be earmarked for charter.

This regime, often referred to in yachting circles as the French commercial exemption (FCE), meant that yacht owners and operators transacting in French territorial waters did not have to register for VAT and charge VAT on charters.

Moreover, they benefited from taxfree fueling and provisioning of their vessels.

The regime proved popular with those yacht owners who didn’t wish

to operate within the VAT system as registered persons.

However, in March 2010, the European Commission launched infringement proceedings against France, declaring that French legislation in this area was not in line with wider European Union VAT law, as it unduly extended eligibility for exemption.

The Commission cited, in particular the absence of any stipulation in the relevant French law (as opposed to EU law) that “use for navigation on the high seas” was a condition for the exemption of those vessels carrying passengers for reward or used for the purpose of commercial activities.

The Commission therefore demanded France change its legislation so as to comply with EU law.

The changes that France has now introduced are in response to that demand. But as tax-free commercial yachting was the main beneficiary of the FCE regime, it now looks set to be the main casualty of the change.

Ayuk Ntuiabane is a director of Moore Stephens Consulting Limited, a financial services firm in the Isle of Man that handles European Union value-addedtax advice, ship ownership structuring, ship registration, crew employment and accountancy. This information was printed in Moore Stephens’ January newsletter to clients and reprinted here with permission. For comments, contact 44 (0)1624 662020 or through www. moorestephens.co.im.

Aruba imposes port tax; Rybovich’s plan still alive Aruba starts port tax

Aruba has instituted a new port tax for all yachts, according to a story in St. Maarten’s Daily Herald newspaper.

The Aruba Ports Authority began collecting the so-called port fee from local and visiting yachts in the harbors of Oranjestad and Barcadera on Jan. 1.

It is charged based on hours spent in the harbors and must be paid to clear customs.

According to the newspaper, the fee is 17.50 florins (about $9.80) an hour from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on workdays, and 25 florins (about $14) an hour from 4 p.m.8 a.m. on workdays. (A florin is about 56 U.S. cents.)

The port fee must be paid in cash before leaving the harbour.

Rybovich service yard still alive

Voters in Riviera Beach may have

another chance to vote on whether Rybovich can build on a portion of a public marina, according to a story in the Palm Beach Post.

After a heated community discourse, voters in November changed the city charter and blocked a city councilapproved plan to lease the property to Rybovich.

Now, the Committee for a Better Riviera Beach is working to get a question on the March 8 ballot that would repeal the November charter changes.

Council members also voted to add two questions on the March 8 ballot, including repealing the charter changes and asking voters if they approve the megayacht service yard, the newspaper reported.

See NEWS BRIEFS, page A8

A February 2011 NEWS BRIEFS

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APAs paid with debit card; San Fran gets America’s Cup NEWS BRIEFS, from page A6

Brokerage uses debit card for APA

in 1989. Many mariners recognize it from its familiar red cupola and wraparound porches.

Jeffrey Lanphear, the club’s recent commodore, told the Journal the club would be rebuilt for the more than 200 members.

Ocean Independence has instituted an electronic way for charter clients to pay for gratuities – a prepaid debit card.

With the debit card, issued through one of the founding banks of the VISA San Francisco to host America’s Cup card system, Swiss-based Corner Bank, San Francisco has been selected as owners and captains can manage the host venue for the 34th America’s charter client funds and the Advance Cup. Provisioning Allowance (APA).

“We sought a venue that fulfills our The card can be used like any promise – to showcase the best sailors standard VISA card, except that it in the world competing on the fastest is only possible to spend up to the boats,” said Richard Worth, chairman preloaded amount. of America’s Cup Event Authority.

It is possible to have multiple cards “And hosting the America’s Cup in San for each yacht, so Francisco will realize the chief stewardess that promise.

2013 will be the first or chef can also “We look forward have their own cards to working closely time the America’s to go shopping with city of San Cup has been hosted for provisions and Francisco over the in the U.S. since 1995. supplies. coming months The card account to create a worldcan be managed class America’s Cup online with a summary provided to event, and a large and lasting beneficial the charter client enabling added impact on the city.” transparency.

The world-famous San Francisco There are set up and administration Bay will be home to the 2013 America’s costs of about 2 percent on the total Cup Finals and the Challenger spend, but that “compares most Selection Series for the Louis Vuitton favorably” with the cost incurred Cup, as well as an America’s Cup World delivering large sums of cash to the Series event in 2012. yacht, the company said in a news This will be the first time the release.

America’s Cup has been hosted in the United States since 1995.

The 34th America’s Cup is projected Boat explodes during fueling to pump an estimated $1.4 billion A 32-foot fiberglass boat exploded dollars into the San Francisco region. on Jan. 3 while taking on fuel at Delray Racing will be held on the iconic San Harbor Marina in South Florida, killing Francisco Cityfront and be visible from one man and injuring two others, world-renown tourist destinations according to news reports. such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the The South Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported that the boat had a Marin Headlands, Crissy Field, the fuel leak and the men were trying to fix Embarcadero and Fisherman’s Wharf.

An influx of millions of tourists it, police said. is expected for the Challenger Series It is believed that Robert Romanelli, for the Louis Vuitton Cup and the 67, died onboard. The cause of the America’s Cup Finals in late 2013. explosion and fire remain unknown, The Race Village will be constructed authorities told the newspaper. on Piers 19 and 29, with the team bases at and around Pier 30/32. As part of Historic yacht club burns the plan, the America’s Cup Event Edgewood Yacht Club, a landmark Authority will redevelop these piers as building at the head of Narragansett well as the surrounding infrastructure Bay, R.I., burned down to its pilings on to support the racing.

Jan. 12, according to news reports in Changes have been introduced the Providence Journal. to the 34th edition, including the The fire occurred before dawn introduction of new 72-foot wing-sailed during a snowstorm. Its cause catamarans, new race formats and was unknown and was still under rules, and a transformed media and investigation at press time. No one was online broadcasting approach to enable killed or seriously injured in the blaze. an interactive viewer experience.

The neighboring boatyard with about This summer, America’s Cup teams 30 boats and docks is intact. will commence racing in the new Described as a family-oriented, America’s Cup World Series in the new neighborhood club, the club’s building wing-sailed AC45 catamaran. was built in 1908 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places

See NEWS BRIEFS, page A9

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NEWS BRIEFS

February 2011 A

Hinckley sold; rogue wave kills tanker crew; builder dies NEWS BRIEFS, from page A8

Hinckley sold

The Hinckley Co., manufacturer of luxury yachts, was sold to an investment company, according to a story in early January in the Bangor Daily News.

The company has been acquired by the capital investment firm Scout Partners, which plans to continue the brand and said in a statement it was positive about Hinckley’s potential.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We love the Hinckley brand and plan to nurture it to preserve all that is Hinckley,” David Howe wrote in the prepared statement. Howe is a partner in Scout Partners.

“We’re very excited about the future potential of the company, including the boat-building and service businesses.”

Hinckley was founded in Southwest Harbor in 1928, according to information on the company’s Web site.

In the years since, the company has expanded to include facilities in Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. It has eight service yards along the East Coast and counts 1,500 Hinckley yacht owners and 5,000 service customers among its worldwide clientele.

Known for building both luxury power and sailing yachts, Hinckley is in the process of beginning production of a new power yacht model, the Talaria 48.

Tanker crew killed by rogue wave

On Dec. 30, the master and a chief engineer onboard the Greek-owned tanker, M/V Aegean Angel, were killed after a wave hit the ship in the mid-Atlantic, according to a story in Maritime Executive magazine.

The ship was sailing from Tallinn, Estonia, to Houston, Texas, with a cargo of fuel oil when it encountered rough weather northeast of Bermuda.

The wave instantly killed the ship’s 47-year-old master and 33-year-old chief engineer and left the 34-yearold chief officer seriously injured, the magazine reported.

On Jan. 2, the chief officer was transported by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to King Edward’s Memorial Hospital in Bermuda, where his condition was reported as stable.

Ship manager Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. reported that the incident occurred when the officers were inspecting the deck for damage following rough weather. There was no damage to the ship.

Jury: Rolls-Royce pods fraudulent

Rolls-Royce was found guilty of fraud in January after it marketed its Mermaid pod propulsion system to Carnival Cruise Lines for operation on the Queen Mary II, according to a story in Maritime Executive magazine.

A jury found that at the time RollsRoyce presented its pod to Carnival, the company knew it was defective.

Rolls-Royce was told to pay Carnival $24 million.

Rolls-Royce argued that the problems with Carnival’s propulsion system were isolated incidents and that the Mermaid pods were not faulty.

Rolls-Royce also argued that Carnival knew it was purchasing a risky, developmental product.

Sportfish builder dies

Carson R. “Buddy” Davis Jr., who

designed and built sportfishing boats from 28 to 78 feet, died Jan. 17 at his home in Marathon, Fla., after a long illness, according to a story in Soundings Trade Only. He was 62.

Davis’ boats were designed and built mainly under two companies: Davis Boat Works, which he founded in 1973, and Davis Yachts, which he formed in the mid 1980s, according to his wife, Barbara Davis, Soundings reported.

During his 45-year career, Davis built some 400 yachts, according to the family.

He is survived by a daughter, a son, a

former wife, his wife Barbara, and two stepsons.

US seeks forfeiture of ivory

Federal prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of several items made of ivory products and of an elephant’s foot that were found last summer aboard M/Y Betty, according to a story by the Associated Press.

The vessel’s owner has not been charged with any crime.

Prosecutors filed court documents in early January seeking seizure of the items.

A10 February 2011 Photo Gallery

Capt. Ronald Billiot of the 92-foot Broward M/Y Picasso relaxes on the docks at Bahia Mar in Ft. Lauderdale where he’s spending the winter. You may recall Billiot helped nab the Barefoot Bandit this summer. Watch Photos/Tom Serio out, bad guys.

The crew on M/Y Huntress, the 96-foot Hargrave, took just a moment from working for this photo in front of their new tender. With some help from Albert Myburgh (at left) and Dave Humble (second from right) from Super Marine Service, there’s Mate Ryan Godbeer (second from left) and Capt. Kevin O’Conner (right) pitching in. Look for them in South Florida and the Bahamas this season.

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That’s Deckhand Matt Coombes, who smiles as he works on M/Y Tajin, a 147-foot Trident. The yacht was headed to Lauderdale Marine Center for some work.

Coombes’ New Year’s resolution is to continue to work hard and climb his way up the ranks.

Bosun Gregory Clark and Mate Alex Stevenson really get into their work on M/Y Major Wager, a 161-foot Feadship, docked recently at Rybovich.

Clark has resolved to quit smoking in 2011. Good choice.

Deckhand Kyle Rutland and Bosun Davis Butler of M/Y Kanaloa have a lot of ground to cover on this 158-foot CRN. Their New Year’s resolutions? Rutland wants to head back to school for his 200-ton license and Butler plans to spend more time with his girlfriend. Good luck, boys.

Over on M/Y Huntress, this one the private 180-foot Feadship, we found Deckhand Dan Nedwidek cleaning the windows. His resolution for 2011: Yachting isn’t always glamorous, as witnessed here by dayworker Olaf trying to get off watch. Good luck Gustafson. He’s busy helping with some engine work and painting on the 128-foot M/Y Krisujen. with that one, Dan.

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FEATURE: Yacht photographer

Just another day at the office for Wendy Leuder, who shoots photos of PHOTO/DORIE COX boats that pass by her balcony.

Yacht photos from a perch

By Dorie Cox Photographer Wendy Lueder has taken photographs of nearly 500 megayachts without ever having left her home in Ft. Lauderdale.

Her digital images run the gamut of yachts from Aero Toy Store and Allegro, Man of Steel and My Iris, to Xilonen and Zazu. And Lueder is still shooting.

With a 180-degree view from her 16th floor condo facing south over the entrance to Port Everglades, Lueder began taking pictures of the view, which is practically impossible to do without boats in the frame. Now, her photos are in the hands of captains the world over through a partnership with Professional Captain’s Services and her Web site.

“You can’t tell they’re not helicopter shots,” Lueder said on a Saturday afternoon with Nikon in hand. She was timing the departure of a ship whose captain had ordered a photograph of himself and his 294m freighter.

“I told the captain we would wave,” Lueder said, and began waving when the freighter captain stepped outside the wheelhouse on his way past. With her telephoto lens, Lueder blasted through several shots as the freighter headed east into the Atlantic Ocean.

“The business started because Wendy was sending me shots of megayachts she took from her balcony,” sister Pam Wall said.

As sales manager for West Marine’s megayacht division, Professional Captain’s Services, Wall was working with a captain when he saw one of Lueder’s yacht shots on the computer.

“He said he’d love to have a shot like that of his boat, so I called Wendy and asked for it,” she said That was two years ago and now Lueder spends several hours a day retouching photos of vessels of every type. She’ll take yachts arriving and departing, at different angles and at different times of the day. And now, Wall said, captains tour the West Marine office pointing out yachts they recognize from Lueder’s framed images.

Capt. Pete Gustafson of M/Y Magic Moments said he saw Lueder’s photos at West Marine and asked Wall how to get one made of his owner’s private yacht.

On a return trip to town, he contacted Leuder to let her know when he’d be cruising by her balcony.

“West Marine gave me one and I ordered one for the owner,” he said. “She fixed it up, made the waves smaller, she does a good job on the photos.”

Lueder earned her bachelor’s degree in philosophy and assoc. degree in graphics design technology. She uses her 20 years experience as an editor and publisher and her expertise as a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals to enhance the photos.

Captains want their yachts to shine, Lueder said, and that can take up to two hours per photograph. Taking the picture is just the beginning; waves and wakes are softened, highlights brought out of the shadows, glare reduced and boats and distractions removed to create the best image.

“They just built that tower,” Lueder said, pointing across the water to a communication tower on the south side of the entrance, “I hate that thing in the pictures, so I take it out.”

“When you see the originals, you see how much work I do,” she said.

As an example, she opens before and after photos of S/Y Athena that would have been less striking with a tower between the three masts.

“Sometimes they forget to pull up the fenders,” Wall said, adding that her sister has even digitally removed blue tape from unfinished varnish jobs to show a yacht in its best light.

Samples of her retouched photos can be seen on her Web site, www.capturedglimpse.com, and more highlights on www. professionalcaptainsservices.com.

Dorie Cox is a staff reporter and associate editor with The Triton.

Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.

February 2011 A11

A12 February 2011 BUSINESS BRIEFS

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IYC taps Saxon; earth-friendly supplies available in Caribbean IYC appoints Saxon president

Ft. Lauderdale-based brokerage firm International Yacht Collection has appointed Bob Saxon as president.

“There is no one better suited to expand IYC’s worldwide brand,” Chariman Felix Sabates said in a statement announcing the hire. “Bob Saxon’s unrivaled reputation, his understanding of the totality of the modern yachting business and his ability to understand owners and their needs are critical to our global expansion.”

Saxon most recently served as executive director of the Florida Yacht Brokers Association and was a business and yacht management consultant.

For more details, visit www.iyc.com.

SXM has Earth-friendly tableware

Eco-friendly, biodegradable products are now available from all yacht provisioners in St. Maarten.

Good2Go sells plates and bowls made from sugar cane; clear cold drink cups, straws and cutlery made from corn bioplastic; and exotic VerTerra palm leaf plates. Good2Go also stocks transparent, biodegradable trash bags in a range of sizes.

For the first time, bottled water is available in 16-ounce biodegradable corn bioplastic bottles in the Caribbean.

For more information, visit www. good2gosxm.com.

Nautical Ventures sold

Quality Power and Sail has acquired Nautical Ventures South in Dania Beach, Fla., and renamed the business Dania Marine Center.

The 26-year-old water sports retailer and outfitting company specializes in water sports equipment such as small sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, water skis and wakeboards, life vests, inflatable boats and kite boarding equipment.

It also offers wholesale supplies to the resort and rental industry throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. The 20,000-squarefoot facility has been remodeled and now offers sales of pre-owned and consignment vessels, a service facility for the refurbishment of boats ranging from 25-45 feet, and secure boat and trailer storage.

For more information, visit visit www.daniamarinecenter.com.

Yacht Support USA offers service

Muston Group International has launched a new yacht service agency, Yacht Support USA, based in Lauderdale Marine Center in Ft. Lauderdale.

The agency can help yachts organize

dock and berth bookings, fueling, with servicing of water toys and dive gear, delivery of provision and parts and crew services.

Its staff come from Europe, the Caribbean and the United States and they serve yachts throughout Florida, the Bahamas and Caribbean.

For more information visit yachtsupportusa.com

Westrec runs Fernandina Marina

One year ago last month, Westrec Marinas took over management of the municipal Fernandina Harbor Marina.

In the year since, the marina and Fernandina Beach have experienced an increase in transient boaters, according to a company statement.

The marina features 5,875 linear feet of dockage, a 25-foot depth at mean low water beyond the attenuator and 6 feet at inside slips. It is about 35 minutes from Jacksonville International Airport.

Fernandina Harbor Marina was the first marina built on the Intracoastal Waterway in Florida, according to the company. Find it at mile 716 via a well marked and charted channel six miles from the Atlantic Ocean in Fernandina Beach’s downtown historic district, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Moore Stephens launches new site Moore Stephens Crew Benefits (MSCB) launched its new Web site (www.mscb.im) in January which features an interactive login for crew and a photo gallery with links to MSCB’s social media networks.

MSCB sources financial products for superyacht crew including international, multi-currency bank accounts; health and accident insurance with income protection; a flexible pensions/savings plan; and favorable exchange rates.

Yard exec to head regulatory group Florida Gov.-elect Rick Scott in January selected a Jacksonville shipyard executive to head the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, according to news reports.

Herschel Vinyard Jr., 46, director of business operation for BAE Systems Southeast Shipyards, was named to the post, and must be confirmed by the state Senate.

BAE Systems, one of the largest defense contractors in the world, acquired the Atlantic Dry Dock shipyard in Jacksonville last summer.

Vinyard is also a former chairman of the Shipbuilders Council of America, the trade association of the U.S. shipyard industry, and serves on the Jacksonville Port Authority.

The Triton

www.the-triton.com HOW I GOT MY START IN YACHTING

From boat owner to deckhand, joining yachting the hard way

By Dorie Cox Former yacht crew Brandon Guenther has published a guide for those intrigued by yachting careers.

His downloadable report, “The Rich Man’s Navy Wants You! How to begin an exciting and lucrative yachting career,” offers insight and advice from his personal experiences on megayachts.

Before his yachting career, Guenther had served four years in the U.S. Army.

Guenther Afterward, he lived on a boat in Cincinnati, Ohio, and when the ownership with partners fell apart, he thought about what to do next.

He realized he enjoyed the boat.

“So, I took a negative and made it a positive,” he said. “I got a job with a tug and barge company near the marina.

We did shuttles for the football and baseball games and more.”

And that was where he met a captain who spent the winter in Florida working on a glass-bottom boat.

“She told me about that and the story of her deckhand who got a job on a yacht, and I thought, I’ve gotta check that out.”

So he packed up, headed down to Florida and worked on the glassbottom boat. He capitalized on connections while living in a crew house and found a crew job.

“I was so grateful for the help from that captain that I wanted to repay them by working hard for six months before I took work on M/Y Savannah, a 118-footer,” Guenther said.

His yacht career started in the early 2000s with a year as a first mate, or as he described, a glorified deckhand.

“I had owned a boat and I thought I knew something about them, but I didn’t know the first thing about an ocean-going vessel,” he said. “My captain was great. He encouraged me to dig into Chapman’s to learn, to get the answers myself.”

So, Guenther studied Chapman Piloting and Seamanship, considered by many to be the bible of boating.

“In retrospect, I didn’t know much compared to what I know now.”

Guenther had a background as a helicopter mechanic in the Army, and he used that knowledge to work up to first mate and engineer positions.

One day, Guenther decided to share what he had learned.

“I was inspired by people outside the industry,” Guenther said.” They would say ‘wow’ and then I’d spend an hour talking about yachting.”

In “The Rich Man’s Navy Wants

You!” Guenther introduces potential crew to Ft. Lauderdale and the industry and explains how to get a job. He illustrates his report with anecdotes and a description of a day on a yacht.

Seasoned crew will appreciate advice such as: Always remember: you are not on vacation, your guests are.

Be flexible in the beginning until you are experienced and your goals are well defined. Start with the basics and work your way up.

Do not be sluggish, but work with enthusiasm. Professional yacht crews recognize when a new person has potential. What you lack in skills you will make up for in expressing desire.

While working on yachts, Guenther ran into his high school sweetheart on a business trip from Ohio.

“We had dated before the Army, but it just didn’t work out then; we were too young,” Guenther said. “But the sparks started flying like they used to, so I moved home.”

Now 35, Guenther owns a boat detailing and shrink wrapping company. He’s not sure what will happen with his writings, but with an 8-month-old son, every little bit helps.

“This is for people to know the yacht industry exists as an option,” he said.

“For people with desire and willingness to take a risk, for people ready to step outside the box.”

Since it isn’t an entire book, he calls his downloadable work a special report, which is available for sale online at www.YachtCrewGuide.com.

Dorie Cox is a staff reporter and associate editor with The Triton.

Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.

February 2011 A13

A14 February 2011 FROM THE BRIDGE: Perfect owner

www.the-triton.com

The Triton

Challenge of an owner: ‘Some confuse wealth with wisdom’ BRIDGE, from page B1 The captains said they prefer to work for an owner who listens to them in the same way he listens to the other experts, employees and managers he has hired in his business.

“It’s really important that they have the ability to listen,” a captain said.

“Most of these guys are used to charging through in their arena. That’s how a lot of them got to where they are.

“But this is a new element they don’t have a clear understanding of and they need to educate themselves,” he said.

“Some confuse wealth with wisdom,” another captain said.

Several captains consider their work on the yacht as part of the owner’s business.

“I’m here to run your multimilliondollar business,” one captain said. “I’m not just here to run your boat.”

“I like to say I run his Florida operations,” another captain said. “We really do more than just the boat. We do the cars, the motorcycles, everything else. They need to listen to us.”

Most captains in attendance said their relationship with the owner is

better when the owner is interested in the yacht’s program. Uninterested owners often, eventually, sell their boats.

“I love when the owner is involved,” one captain said. “If he’s involved, then he uses the boat. I like when they want to do it all, go fishing, diving, put the scooters on the ground, everything.”

Involvement means the owner is more available and most of the captains said they prefer to know the owner well, that it helps understand his personality and how he wants his boat run.

“It’s good to spend time together with the owner,” a captain said. “It’s OK to be part of his family.”

But there are two sides to that equation, this captain said: the business side of the yacht and the entertainment side. Captains must make a distinction between the two.

“I had an owner who said, ‘I want to get in shape, I want to use my boat,”” a captain said of light-hearted times. “I said, ‘do I have the program for you ... squeegee’.”

“But when he’s in business mode, I just give him the facts,” another captain said.

One captain said he encourages owners’ involvement by sharing a progressive maintenance calendar.

“I show them the year, the filter

changes, the maintenance, and they feel a part of it,” he said.

The captains said they draw the line at the owner being too involved in handling crew.

“Personal relationships with owner and interior crew are inevitable,” one captain said. “It will happen. Those relationships can get close. But the captain has to protect the asset, the boat.”

“It ultimately needs to be the captain’s decision about the crew,” another captain said. “But you don’t want any power play between anybody.”

“As long as I have a seat at the table for hiring and firing,” said a third.

“If someone has done something so egregious they have to be let go, I need to be able to get rid of them.”

One captain said it is vital for him to assign tasks to prevent crew being pulled in separate directions, but that owners will still give orders to crew.

“Owners like to do that, so they can be in charge,” another captain said. “But I need to know what’s going on. He can’t send the crew off on an errand when I have them slated for something else.”

“I prefer to know everything and then let me delegate,” a captain said, “But I know that’s not really how it is.”

See BRIDGE, page B15

The Triton

www.the-triton.com FROM THE BRIDGE: Perfect owner

Attendees of The Triton’s February Bridge luncheon were, from left, Gary Nurkiewicz, freelance, Jan Bruusgaard of M/Y Tresor, Dave Cochrane of M/Y Boogieman, Chuck Hudspeth of M/Y Via Kassablanca and John Wampler (freelance).

PHOTO/DORIE COX

Relationships can make or break a yacht captain’s job BRIDGE, from page B14 The captains all agreed they prefer that the owner give them a budget for the boat and then let them do their job.

“It’s great if we don’t have to talk about every transaction,” a captain said.

One captain said he only tells the owner about transactions more than $5,000.

“It wastes so much time if you’re waiting for money to be OK’d,” he said.

Another captain pointed out that the privilege is earned by respecting that everything has to be done in the owner’s best interest.

“You have to remember, it’s his money,” this captain said.

Several of the captains who have worked with yacht management companies said they would rather the owner not use them.

“As far as a management company, I prefer to be in charge,” a captain said. “I don’t need any more management.”

“Definitely no to management,” another captain said. “It’s just another layer of bureaucracy, plus they need to justify their fees.”

One captain said his choices become limited with a management company because it often chooses contractors for their own purposes.

“They use their own companies to do work, painters and whatever, and they get it on that end too,” this captain said.

Another captain said he was required to run decisions through an owner’s assistant who knew nothing about yachts. A lot of time is spent educating them on what is needed to keep a vessel well maintained and operational.

On the other hand, another captain said that if a yacht charters back-toback, the captain and crew do need support.

“But you can contract that out yourself,” a second said.

“Management companies get paid to do our job,” said a third. “I see no advantage to have a management company except it insulates the owner from the captain.”

The entire yacht program can hinge on the working relationship between the captain and the boss. It can make or break a job, said a captain, and that’s why it is so important for the owner to have most of the traits considered desirable by the group.

“When I’m being interviewed by an owner, I interview him, too.”

Dorie Cox is associate 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 dorie@the-triton.com for an invitation to our monthly Bridge luncheon.

February 2011 A15

A16 February 2011 FROM THE FRONT: Burglaries in St. Maarten

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The Triton

Victimized captain said he’ll look for a different marina BURGLARIES, from page A1

and camera gear in December,” said another captain who asked that his parking lot to alert security, but didn’t yacht and name not be used. His vessel see anyone, the captain said. was docked in one of the bay’s larger “I believe it was a set-up with the marinas. “[The marina] takes this very security guards,” this captain said. seriously and has made steps to remedy “How do you swim on board and then the situation.” leave with all that electronic equipment In addition to marina security, the in the water? He had to have help. He captain who posted the surveillance passed the goods on to someone else.” video said the harbor needs patroling.

Frustrated that the marina and “I’ve been told that the harbor police weren’t doing patrol in Simpson Bay enough, this captain stopped running after ‘How do you swim posted the video from Christmas, and that’s on board and then his onboard security when all the break-ins cameras onto YouTube leave with all that started happening,” and within hours had he said. “When there’s received e-mails from electronic equipment a police presence in the water? He had a half dozen captains in the harbor, these reporting they, too, to have help.’ things don’t happen as had been burgled.

– Megayacht captain often.”

The yacht was It was unclear if a whose yacht was burgled in docked in one of the harbor patrol exists Simpson Bay in January smaller marinas, in Simpson Bay or if it mostly for the cost has been terminated. savings, he said, but “The amount of had moved since the burglary and was money we pay to go through the bridge preparing to depart on charter the demands a security detail for the safety week after. of yachts and crew in Simpson Bay “We do like St. Maarten, but we Lagoon,” this captain said. “If you look definitely won’t go back to that marina,” at the square footage of boats and the he said. “We’ll go to one that’s more amount of fees we pay, there’s no reason expensive but that has a higher level of there’s not enough money to have a security.” harbor patrol.”

Even yachts in marinas with active security got hit, according to other Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of captains who reported being burgled.

The Triton. Comments on this story are “We were robbed of two laptops welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

Christmas evening ‘rescue’ was megayacht crew’s gift

By Capt. Mark Diekmann On the evening of Dec. 25, M/Y One More Toy was under way toward Admiralty Bay in Bequia for a secure anchorage in a steady force 6plus breeze when an unlit target on my radar making 3 knots west about 1.5nm west of Admiralty Bay really grabbed my attention.

Upon closer inspection, we could not see any people on deck, no navigation lights were on and no sails were up.

I continued on to the anchorage and had two crew members investigate the vessel using one of our tenders that they were already manning.

My deck crew reported no answer after knocking on the hull and an anchor line dangling from the bow of this 45-foot sailing catamaran. I ordered my crew to take the Germanflagged vessel into tow and reported it to the St. Vincent & Grenadines Coast

Guard.

About an hour and fifteen minutes after the initial radar contact, we had the vessel secured in our possession, turned it over to a very relieved young German couple and notified the local Coast Guard that the vessel is secured in the owner’s possession once again.

All of this was done while our charter clients were being served a formal meal and never knew of the events that unfolded on this Christmas evening.

A post script to this brief story: the couple did try to offer us a “gift,” which we kindly declined, but it was us that got to give them the real gift of their home back.

Moral of this story … stay vigilant on watch.

Capt. Mark Diekmann is in command of M/Y One More Toy. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

February 2011 A19

WRITE TO BE HEARD

Wish lanterns caused alarm, need better regulation Just wanted to share with the yachting community an event I witnessed that caused me concern. It was 19:30 Christmas night at my home in Southampton, N.Y. To the southeast there were six or seven star-like objects in what appeared to be a constellation. They were much brighter than stars and didn’t appear to be moving. Slowly, one by one, they faded away.

These illuminated objects were in the direction of the ocean 6.5 miles away. I doubted they were distress flares – they were not nearly bright enough – but the more I thought about it the more I second-guessed my judgement.

What if they were?

I called U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. I spoke to an understanding and professional officer there. I began by thanking him for his service; especially on Christmas Day. Then we did the math: Given the angle of elevation they were in the sky from my position and given it is nearly 7 miles to the ocean, this would have put the altitude of these flares well in excess of any distress flare on the market today.

And then there was the hang time, which was well in excess of 1 minute.

We concluded that they were not flares but illuminated balloons.

There are charitable organizations that sell balloons where one lights a base that heats the air within the balloon, causing it to rise, exactly like a hot air balloon. Once the fire burns out, they fall to Earth.

I’m sure these balloons, also known as wish lanterns, have special meaning to those who launch them, but when they bear a resemblance to a distress flare, maybe they need to be better regulated. The USCG officer said to always err on the side of caution and, if in doubt, call it in as a possible flare sighting.

Capt Scott Gaeckle S/F Out of Bounds

‘It is up to all of us to report ... scam operations’ Regardng job e-mail scams [“Chef falls victim to job offer fraus, loses $700,” page A4, January issue], I also fell into their scam, but when they offered me a job as a “bartender” for about $3,000 a month, I became suspicious, especially when you wonder why they couldn’t hire someone in Great Britain for half that.

(Also, my resume is clearly indicative of consistent work as a chef.)

I contacted the real Seabourn, gave them info I had, then followed through with them to get more information (other Web pages, e-mail address, etc.).

They [the scammers] really have devised a complex system of payment deliveries for visa documents, etc. I gave them fake information. They told me my visa had cleared, that I just had to pay my half of the fee, $300. I reported it directly to the authorities in the UK, to Yahoo, and to Gmail.

I really hope these people get caught, I feel like it is up to all of us to report to the fullest these scam operations. Who knows who or how many desperate, anxious for work, people that they may have hurt, both financially, and of course the final disappointments that follow emotionally. Seabourn informed me to remind you all that they would ALWAYS conduct a personal interview before ever offering any type of employment!

Chef Mark Luc Anderson Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com

Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com Advertising Sales Becky Gunter, becky@the-triton.com Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com

News staff Dorie Cox, dorie@the-triton.com Lawrence Hollyfield Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com The Triton Directory Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com

Domain name is a clue

I, too, received one of their e-mails offering me a captain position on a yacht that would require an unlimited ticket, which I do not have.

I did call Seabourn and forwarded all of the e-mails I had received. Seabourn is aware of the scam but has been trying to catch these guys for a while.

When you get a job offer from someone from Gmail rather than the company’s domain name, be aware this is a scam, especially when there is no phone number. That’s another red flag.

Capt. Laura Tritch

Bogus information in gun article

I’ve read the article about the captain awaiting trial in New York for gun possession [“Gun trial still pending; captain still fighting,” page A4, January issue], and several points are bogus and should be pointed out to your readers.

The McClure-Volmer Act makes it clear that its purpose is to allow for the transport of a gun between two lawful jurisdictions by direct means. So, if this captain admits the boat he was on from Florida would be cruising New England and returning to Florida, he can’t claim protection under McClure-Vollmer.

There is abundant literature that clarifies what direct means. Basically, the person transporting the gun can’t Contributors Mike Avery, Carol Bareuther, Mark A. Cline, Capt. Gartly Curtis, Jake DesVergers, Capt. Mark Diekmann, Alison Gardner, Beth Greenwald, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Chief Stew Alene Keenan, Capt. Rupert “Stretch” Lean, Keith Murray, Ayuk Ntuiabane, Steve Pica, Rossmare Intl., James Schot, Capt. Tom Serio

stop for a weekend, or a week, or a month, to visit someone and claim McClure-Volmer protection.

Are we to believe this captain has not contacted a lawyer to make this clear to him? Perhaps he is trying to have this case tried in the court of public opinion.

What you might also point out in any further discussion, is that this guy’s best shot should be in the area of challenging the arrest by N.Y. police in New Jersey, without extradition papers, and without probable cause. I am not a lawyer, but for N.Y. police to act as they did, based on a report from U.S. Coast Guard personnel, seems highly suspicious and could be a constitutional issue.

Capt. Guido Teichner M/Y Sybarite

Good bridge management article

Good job on the story about bridge management [“From the Bridge: Captains, not license, hones watch keeper skills,” page A1, January issue].

I always told my watch keepers I would much rather be called out in good time for anything than let the watch keeper be confused/timid. Build trust in themselves so that when the time comes for them to be in command, they will feel comfortable with watch keepers.

Capt. Ian James Semi-retired Vol. 7, No.11

The Triton is a free, monthly newspaper owned

by Triton Publishing Group Inc. Copyright 2010 Triton Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Contact us at: Mailing address: 757 S.E. 17th St., #1119 Visit us at: 111B S. W. 23rd St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315 (954) 525-0029; FAX (954) 525-9676 www.the-triton.com

Keep them in their quarters

Cool it in your cabinets

Marina plan downsized

Throw down and swing up

Frozen to the dock in Alaska

Isolate flu victims onboard yachts

Electronics can overheat

Will fewer slips get OKd?

Use a ball for workout

Triton Spotters north and south

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B3

Section B

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www.the-triton.com

February 2011

IMO amends navigation, fire safety rules

A BRIDGE FROM THE (NOT-TOO-DISTANT) FUTURE

from private hydrographic sources and may not meet all international requirements for navigational charts.

Electronic navigational charts (ENC) differ in that they are derived from official hydrographic offices, such as the UK’s Hydrographic Office (British Admiralty). They fulfill SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea) requirements and may be used as the primary system for navigation. The ENC contain all updated chart information, including notice to mariners, sailing directions and light lists.

And finally, ECDIS is the navigation information system that allows a vessel to run without paper charts, provided it has adequate updating, back-up arrangements and a vessel

The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) held its semiannual meeting at the end of November.

Multiple topics were discussed, with several major international regulations modified.

While the Rules of the Road majority of these changes Jake DesVergers are focused on merchant ships, a large number of the revisions will affect both existing and new construction yachts, both private and commercial.

Adoption of a Mandatory Code: 2010 FTP Code The International Code for Application of the Fire Test Procedures 2010 (2010 FTP Code) replaces the existing FTP code. It aims to bring more stringent laboratory test procedures and a robust certification scheme and type approval procedure for fire-protective materials.

It also includes annexes on products that may be installed without testing and/or approval, a listing of approved fire protection materials, and the required approval test methods.

The 2010 FTP Code is made mandatory through an amendment to SOLAS reg.II-2/3. This will affect the internal construction materials used to build yachts or those being modified.

The code will enter force on July 1, 2012.

SOLAS Chapter V: Safety of Navigation A new paragraph 9 is added to this regulation. It provides for the annual testing of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Paralleling the regulation for annual testing of the EPIRB and similar equipment, the AIS test shall be

See ECDIS, page B12

See RULES, page B11

Scott Field answers questions about ECDIS on the simulator at Maritime Professional Training in Ft. Lauderdale.

Field, manager of simulator operations and senior deck department instructor, teaches ECDIS courses at the PHOTO/DORIE COX school.

ECDIS rolls bridge navigation onto one screen

By Dorie Cox On this bridge of the future, a megayacht captain watches just a single video screen. The yacht’s course is mapped, showing waypoints and buoys. Multicolored icons show approaching vessels. A storm is shown building to the north.

An alarm rings and soundings flash, alerting of shallow water.

Quietly and continually, the charts are updating and corrections show instantaneously on the screen.

There’s not a paper chart or pencil, not even a chart table, in sight. Yet the yacht is completely legal.

Welcome to the world of the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).

Even though not required on megayachts, captains and crew are

seeing more ECDIS systems onboard as it is added to new builds and refits.

“It gives the watch keeper the ability to watch one screen instead of eight,” said Capt. Herb Magney of M/Y At Last, a 145-foot Heesen.

Though his current command does not have ECDIS, he’s worked on vessels that have it.

“The majority of boats over 30m will have it in the next five to eight years, depending on the owner’s interest in technology,” he said.

First, a clarification of the acronyms: ECS, ENC and ECDIS. Most boats use electronic chart systems (ECS). Found on yachts, dinghies and even smart phones, they include standard navigational cartography through companies such as Garmin, Navionics, Maptech and C-Map. They can get their data

B15

B February 2011 ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sea Sick

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The Triton

Protect crew mates, guests from highly contagious flu It’s the season for colds and flu. The flu, also called influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus generally enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes.

Older adults, young children and people with compromised Sea Sick immune systems Keith Murray and other health conditions are at higher risk for serious flu complications. Each year in the United States between 5-20 percent of the population gets the flu. More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 23,600 people die from flu-related causes.

Generally when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne. This live virus can then be inhaled by anyone in the area. You can also get the flu if you’ve touched a contaminated surface such as a telephone or a door knob, and then touch your nose or mouth. Of course, the risk of infection is greater in highly populated areas such as schools, buses

and crowded urban settings.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists the symptoms of influenza as follows: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting. Not everyone with influenza will have a fever (a temperature of 100 degrees F [37.8 degrees C] or greater).

Yacht crew should consider someone to have a fever if the patient feels warm to the touch, indicates they feel hot or feverish, or their temperature is 100° F (37.8° C) or greater on a thermometer.

If a passenger or crew member has Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) they should be advised against traveling for at least 24 hours after the fever ends (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

This is not only best for the individual, it is best for everyone else onboard.

Passengers and crew with ILI already onboard when the symptoms begin should remain isolated in their cabins until at least 24 hours after their fever naturally ends.

Individuals suspected of influenza should be separated from other passengers and crew as much as possible. They should also wear a face mask to prevent the airborne spread of the virus. Proper hygiene is important and these individuals

should be reminded of the importance of covering their mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.

And healthy people onboard should wash their hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If the sick individual shares a cabin with someone else, when possible the healthy person should move to another cabin. This will lessen the chance of them becoming infected.

Other suggestions to limit the spread while onboard include limiting the time spent with the sick person to as little as possible, and limiting the number of people who visit the ill person.

When possible, assign one person to deliver meals, medication and all other deliveries. This person should wear a disposable mask and gloves.

In past articles I have talked about the importance of carrying a sufficient quantity of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, N95 respirators and disposable gloves.

Crew members and guests who may have contact with sick persons should be instructed in the proper use, storage and disposal of PPE. The CDC recommends flu vaccine as the first and most important step in preventing flu. The second line of defense is antiviral drugs. Antiviral

drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu in your body.

There are two antiviral drugs recommended by CDC this season.

The brand names for these are Tamiflu and Relenza. (The generic names are oseltamivir and zanamivir.) Tamiflu is available as a pill or liquid; Relenza is a powder that is inhaled.

Antiviral drugs can make you feel better and shorten the time you are sick by a day or two. Antivirals may also prevent serious flu complications.

Believe it or not, there is an iPhone application for the flu. The Fight the Flu mobile app tracks flu activity in your area, shares e-mail alerts, lets you check the symptoms of flu, get flu prevention tips and what to do if you’ve been exposed to flu. The app is free at www.flufacts.com/iphone-app.jsp.

Please send me an e-mail and let me know if you find it helpful.

Keith Murray, a former Florida firefighter EMT, is the owner of The CPR School which provides onboard CPR, AED first aid safety training for yacht captains and crew as well as AED sales and service. Contact The CPR School at +1-561-762-0500 or www.

TheCPRSchool.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

TECHNOLOGY: Sound Waves

February 2011 B

One of the main causes of equipment failure - heat Heat is one of the main causes of equipment failure and must be addressed at the start of any project.

Eliminating heat will help meet the life expectancy and increase the longevity of audio/visual equipment and will result in a better yachting experience for owners/guests.

It seems our Sound Waves industry has Mike Avery spent a lot more time selling “stuff ” or talking about the newest server system than on protecting an already-substantial investment. We were quick to “rip them out” and replace problem equipment with new equipment to get things working again.

This is a temporary fix, a Band-aid of sorts, and never addresses the reason the equipment failed in the first place.

To make things worse, sometimes we add “more” equipment to the system. This equipment is usually stored in closed cabinets, or mounted in racks that leave little space for air. Heat generated by equipment has nowhere to go, builds up and substantially shortens the life and performance of the equipment.

So how do we get rid of heat and, at the same time, do it quietly?

There is a myth that placing equipment on open shelves without doors or backing and then blowing air on it will solve the heat problem.

Actually, this can turn the area into a small convection oven.

Don’t just move hot air around; get rid of it, as we do with a clothes dryer.

In most applications, removing hot air with fans has been the most effective way to reduce the heat.

Using a fan to exhaust hot air and reducing the pressure in the cabinet will help pull cooler air inside the enclosure. The fan can also be turned around to blow cooler air inside, thus pushing hot air out.

Positioning the equipment can also help control how heat is distributed throughout the enclosure or rack.

We welcome a new column, Sound Waves, to The Triton. Sound Waves will address onboard equipment such as audio/ video and lights, and all the issues involved in keeping them operational. New Triton columnist Mike Avery built a career in this field.

Enjoy this new addition to The Triton.

Remember that heat rises, so place equipment that generates the most heat, such as amplifiers and satellite receivers, at the top.

Equally important is removing the heat quietly so we don’t disturb the listening area. Cheap fans vibrate and make a buzzing noise. Muffin-type fans cause a tone sound. Small fans create a “whooshing” noise the faster they spin.

Bigger fans can also be noisy. So choose the right fan for the right application and place it in the most effective location.

Move fans away from the listening

area and try and follow the “suck and pull” rule. Suck in the air from the bottom (as it is cooler) and pull it through the equipment to be exhausted from the top of the cabinet or rack. You can also use a heat shield strip to help protect equipment that has to live near the heat-generating components.

When upgrading a cabin or space, look to add the correct ventilation as insurance in helping add life and longevity to your equipment. The elimination of the heat will keep equipment performing longer and will perform better, which will result

in fewer service calls, less replacing of equipment and, most importantly, keep owners and guests happy.

This makes your vessel a happy place and helps keep the heat off of you.

Mike Avery is a founder of MC2 (Music, Cinema and Control), which specializes in design, engineering, and installation of audio/video, lighting, remote control and theaters for yachts.

He has more than 18 years experience in the field. Contact him at 954-914-4755.

Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

B February 2011 TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS

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Deal helps distribute fishing sonar to UK, US, Far East Seafloor sonar can boost catch

New Zealand’s Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL) has signed an agreement with Furuno Electric Co. that will see its Wide Angle Sonar Seafloor Profiler (WASSP) distributed into the UK, Ireland, Spain, the United States, China, South Korea and Japan.

Designed and manufactured by ENL in Auckland, WASSP’s multibeam sonar highlights reefs, wrecks, fish schools, seafloor hardness changes and foreign objects in the water column or on the seafloor. The information is presented in user-friendly displays, all controlled

via a mouse and stored on hard drive.

“The primary objective is to enhance the skipper’s knowledge of his fishing environment, leading to improved catch rates, reduced gear damage and more productive sea time,” ENL CEO Gareth Hodson said in a news release.

“Furuno has a stronghold on the commercial fishing market and it will prove a great way to expose WASSP to their customers,” he said. “We are very focused on growing as a manufacturer and continuing with our multimilliondollar investment into [research and development] with WASSP.”

Furuno has placed the first order of WASSP for February-April, which was the single largest order in its history, according to the release.

Steel fuel filters meet ABS

Separ Filter, a manufacturer of marine diesel fuel filters and water separators, has introduced 100 percent steel diesel fuel/water separators designed to comply with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) requirements.

The new ABS rules stipulate that fuel oil filters fitted with plastic bowls

on ABS-classed vessels be replaced with steel filters by the next Annual Machinery Survey scheduled after April 1.

The new Separ 2000 Series steel filters will be available later this month. Initially the SWK 2000-40 (634 gph/2,400 lph) and the SWK-2000-130 (2,060 gph/7,800 lph) will be offered.

Later this spring, all other models will be released.

Bio-diesel compatible, the Separ 2000 Series filters feature patented five-stage filtration and long-lasting elements. No filter stacking is necessary to achieve higher flow rates, the company said in a press release.

For more information, visit www. separfilter.com.

IPhone app created for mariners

Megayacht Capt. Aaron David Pufal and programmer/boating enthusiast Steve Constable have created a data application for mariners.

The Captain’s Toolbox has data for all levels of boating expertise. The basic maritime resources include GPS position, navigation lights and shapes, nautical chart symbols, maritime flags, unit converter, glossary of maritime and yachting terms, clouds, Morse code, sound signals and wind barbs.

Professional level information includes IMO regulations and SOLAS symbols.

Access to VHF and SSB radio include frequencies for distress and safety calls.

The app stores data and once installed, does not require a cellular, wifi or Internet connection. It is offered

by Expedition Research and is available at www.captainsapp.com for $4.99.

ER ventilation system upgraded

The latest control system from Delta “T” Systems, the P/T-5, combines proven construction and reliable performance with an updated design, making it even smaller, easier to install, simpler to operate and more robust than its previous version.

Providing a plug-and-play installation, the P/T-5 engine room ventilation control system offers straightforward mounting and operation. The system employs a highresolution color touch screen and graphics.

With a compact NEMA 4-rated enclosure, the low-profile unit has two auto-run modes, as well as a manual operation mode, which enables fans to be reversed and varied.

For more information, visit www. deltatsystems.com.

Fuel primer bulb beats EPA rules

As of Jan. 1, fuel primer bulbs for outboard engines must comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

See TECH BRIEFS, page B5

The Triton

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TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS

New models help to meet 2011-enacted regulations TECH BRIEFS, from page B4 and California Air Resources Board regulations limiting carbon emissions to 15 grams per square meter, per day.

board or docked next to their boat, be alerted if temperature changes beyond pre-set level, or capture video of alarm events from the Marine Magellan Security and Monitoring system.

For more information, visit www. gostglobal.com or call 1+954.565.9898.

Line guides mount on stanchions

A new primer bulb from South Florida-based Larand Products exceeds the EPA/CARB standard, allowing emissions of less than 6 grams per square meter, per day.

Unlike products that rely on mechanical pumps, this bulb has no seals that can leak fuel.

For more information, visit www. larandproducts.com.

New strainer weighs less

Miami-based Perko has introduced a new, lightweight raw water strainer for engine and generator cooling systems.

The 0443 Lightweight Intake Water Strainer is constructed from cast bronze with a clear polymer body.

Designed for easy installation, it features mounting lugs cast into both sides for universal fitting.

Hinged lugs in the cover permit removal for cleaning of the strainer basket. Made of 316 stainless steel, the basket minimizes electrolysis. With screen holes 0.079 inches in diameter, the strainer provides 47 percent open area, among the highest in the industry for cylindrical models.

A drain plug in the bottom casting simplifies sediment removal and draining.

For more information, visit www. perko.com.

Hydra-Sports has security system

Hydra-Sports, a bluewater fishing boat manufacturer, will equip its models with security, monitoring and tracking systems from Global Ocean Security Technologies (GOST), formerly Paradox Marine.

GOST products include the NavTracker GPS Tracking System, Marine Magellan Insight Security, Monitoring and Surveillance System and the GOST Immobilizer.

For more info, visit www.gostglobal. com or www.hydrasports.com.

GOST also has released the newest version of its GOST Watch yacht surveillance system. The system turns any smart phone or off-site computer into a remote monitor that displays live images from onboard security cameras.

GOST Watch users can watch live video of their yacht to see who is on

Colligo Marine has introduced new twopiece line guides for stanchions that allow for the continuous run of furler lines back to the cockpit from the bow.

These line guides can be opened by removing two screws to remove and/ or replace the drive line for headsail furlers.

They are made from aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum that is hand polished and hardcoat anodized for maximum corrosion and UV protection. Made for 1 inch diameter stanchions, they can be glued or screwed on. Other sizes can be custom made.

Suggested retail price, $79.

For more information, visit www. colligomarine.com.

Centek IBEX seminar online

Bert Browning, manager of product design and engineering for marine exhaust systems manufacturer Centek Industries, was a featured speaker at the 2010 International Boatbuilders Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Louisville, Ky. The slides from his presentation on the design and testing of marine exhaust systems are now available as a downloadable PDF file at the Centek Industries Web site, www. centekindustries.com.

The seminar explored the latest changes in marine exhaust systems and how new developments in exhaust are impacting the rest of the boat. It also included a review of the state of boat exhaust design and applications as well as how the ABYC standard P1: Installation of Exhaust Systems for Propulsion and Auxiliary Engines applies to modern vessels.

The seminar also explained how to take into account considerations such as available space, engine specifications, back-pressure limitations and desired noise attenuation when designing exhaust systems.

To download the slides, visit www. centekindustries.com and click What’s New on the home page.

February 2011 B

Today’s fuel prices

One year ago

Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Jan. 15.

Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Dec. 15.

Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 765/820 Savannah, Ga. 730/NA Newport, R.I. 750/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 865/NA St. Maarten 965/NA Antigua 970/NA Valparaiso 770/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 830/NA Cape Verde 790/NA Azores 855/NA Canary Islands 775/955 Mediterranean Gibraltar 760/NA Barcelona, Spain 840/1,590 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,695 Antibes, France 810/1,610 San Remo, Italy 850/1,750 Naples, Italy 820/1,690 Venice, Italy 935/1,655 Corfu, Greece 900/1,630 Piraeus, Greece 850/1,590 Istanbul, Turkey 820/NA Malta 860/1,630 Tunis, Tunisia 745/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 750/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 795/NA Sydney, Australia 815/NA Fiji 875/NA

Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 626/669 Savannah, Ga. 565/NA Newport, R.I. 625/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 683/NA St. Maarten 868/NA Antigua 765/NA Valparaiso 810/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 749/NA Cape Verde 670/NA Azores 603/NA Canary Islands 626/774 Mediterranean Gibraltar 623/NA Barcelona, Spain 730/NA Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,449 Antibes, France 689/1,579 San Remo, Italy 789/1,716 Naples, Italy 761/1,794 Venice, Italy 747/1,685 Corfu, Greece 661/1,550 Piraeus, Greece 632/1,525 Istanbul, Turkey 672/NA Malta 661/1364 Tunis, Tunisia 620/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 626/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 763/NA Sydney, Australia 678/NA Fiji 695/NA

*When available according to local customs.

*When available according to local customs.

B February 2011 MARINAS / SHIPYARDS

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BC marina cuts scale, hopes for approval

By Alison Gardner

the issuance of a new permit from Transport Will reducing the Canada,” he said. number of slips from “Further, the city of 52 to 29 trigger a green Victoria has confirmed light for construction that the new dock layout of the first megayacht conforms to all zoning marina on Canada’s requirements.” west coast?

Pressed for a Proponents of the timeline, Kim Van project say they hope Bruggen, the project’s that all bureaucratic communications obstacles have now director, suggested that been removed from if the Transport Canada the marina proposed permit comes early for Victoria, British this year, the Provincial Columbia’s middle Government Crown lease harbor. could follow soon after.

The downsized Victoria International Marina design now If so, it should be Then it is up to city meets new city of Victoria zoning requirements. just a matter of reofficials to confirm IMAGE FROM VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL MARINA that the latest zoning tracing the regulatory steps to an official requirements have been “Unfortunately, we are required to opening in 2012. met. go through the federal government “When the down-zoning of the “We are not requiring any variances approval process once again,” MacLean from the city, so we are staying positive water lot by the city of Victoria said. “However, given that there are no occurred in 2010, we immediately and hoping that their approval will significant changes to the marina plans come in a timely fashion,” Van Bruggen assessed the economic viability of a already approved by Transport Canada, said. smaller marina and came up with a we have been advised that officials 29-slip marina for boats 65-150 feet in “We could be starting work in the will rely on much of the information length,” said Lachlan MacLean, vice summer or autumn with the opening president of WAM Development Group. and research conducted as part of the of the Victoria International Marina earlier, exhaustive permit process.

The new marina will be about (VIM) sometime in 2012,” she said.

“We expect approvals from the half the size of the original proposed Provincial Government will follow on See VICTORIA, page B7 marina.

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MARINAS / SHIPYARDS

Even smaller marina will help berth demand VICTORIA, from page B6 Rob MacLucas, a partner in Freedom Marine, one of British Columbia’s biggest boat brokers and a specialist in larger vessels, said he was disappointed by the downsizing of the VIM design.

“Demand is particularly high on the west coast for 50- to 100-foot boat slips,” he said. “A 29-slip marina will help, but it will not satisfy the demand by any means. From an industry viewpoint, VIM looks to be more like a boutique marina now, including all necessary services.

“However, it will still create a great destination point for the region between southern B.C. and Alaska’s Panhandle that has yet to be fully discovered for lack of suitable docking facilities and services to consistently attract larger recreational vessels,” he said.

Rob Gialloreto, president and CEO of the destination marketing organization Tourism Victoria, has also been following the long-running saga of whether to allow construction of the new marina to proceed and under what restrictions.

“Our gem-like working harbor has huge daily activity, with many visitors and locals seeing this as an attraction

to draw them to the extensive waterfront,” Gialloreto said. “A marina specializing in large yachts could certainly become a point of interest and an asset as long as safety and sustainability requirements are met and as long as our residents approve.”

For more information about the project, including reports, visit www. marinafacts.ca.

expansion, citing the uniqueness of Block Island and Great Salt Pond as well as concerns over navigation and access, the newspaper reported.

Champlin’s lawyer Robert D. Goldberg told the newspaper that he believed the council made legal errors that could be overturned in court, and he would advise his client to appeal.

Alison Gardner is a freelance writer in Victoria, BC. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

Mourjan Marinas IGY has announced plans for The Wave, Muscat, a 400-plus berth marina in Muscat, Oman.

The first phase of the marina is scheduled to open in the second quarter of this year and will include yacht maintenance and fueling facilities.

Plans include a resort and residential development, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, five-star hotels, retail, leisure and dining facilities.

The project is in addition to Mourjan Marinas IGY’s Middle Eastern development of the first marina within the Lusail City development in Doha, Qatar, and the operation of two marinas as part of the upcoming Marsa Al Seef project in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

For more details visit www. mourjanmarinas.com.

MORE MARINA NEWS R.I. denies Champlin’s expansion

Members of Rhode Island’s coastal council denied on Jan. 11 a proposal

by Champlin’s Marina to expand into Block Island’s Great Salt Pond, according to a story in the Providence Journal.

The proposal has been discussed and debated for seven years, first before the Coastal Resources Management Council, but also in federal district court and the state’s superior and supreme courts.

The Supreme Court sent it back to the council for review and another vote last month.

New council members opposed the

New marina planned for Oman

February 2011 B

B February 2011 BOATS / BROKERS

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Ohana sells; new builds sign for sale Northrop and Johnson has sold M/Y Ohana, a 154-foot (47m) yacht built by Admiral Marine. The yacht will charter through Northrop and Johnson.

Merle Wood & Associates has sold the 150-foot Trinity M/Y Cariad. The brokerage has added several new builds to its central agency listings for sale, including 177-foot, 167-foot and 134foot Mondomarine yachts, and 171-foot and 135-foot Palmer Johnsons.

Argos Yachts has sold its flagship yacht, Argos Gulfstream 92. Built by Tricon Marine Group, the yacht will be on display at the Yacht and Brokerage Show in Miami Beach this month.

M/Y Yo Eleven, a 70-foot Azimut central agency listing with International Yacht Collection, recently sold. IYC has added to its central agency listings the 171-foot (52m) Benetti M/Y Quantum of Solace (a co-central listing) for $24.9 million; the 164-foot (50m) Trinity M/Y Mia Elise for $40 million; and the 128-foot (39m) Palmer Johnson M/Y Kimberly for $9.6 million.

Oceanco has launched the 282-foot (86m) M/Y Seven Seas. Designed by Nuvolari & Lenard with Azure Naval Architects and the Wright Maritime Group, the yacht can reach speeds of up to 20 knots.

Sauter Carbon Offset Design has completed plans for two sustainable energy vessels: a 44m megayacht using solar, wind and wave power, and an 18m cabin cruiser using solar hybrid technology.

The 44m Ocean Empire will be covered with solar cells and will have a sky sail traction kite. Wave energy will be captured through motion damping regeneration devices.

The 18m cruiser Atlantic Sea Hawk is in partnership with Atlantic Motor Yachts and powered by a hybrid system developed by Allison Transmission, a unit of General Motors, under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Heavy Hybrid Propulsion System (AH2PS) Program.

For more details visit sautercarbonoffsetdesign.com.

Moran Yacht & Ship has added the 82m M/Y Alfa Nero and the 45m Feadship M/Y Madsummer to its central agency listings.

Ocean Independence has added the 70m Benetti M/Y Reverie to its central agency listings for sale.

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FITNESS: Keep It Up

February 2011 B

Roll into another workout with medicine ball madness A new year full of new workouts.

Select a weighted medicine ball that will allow you to complete the entire circuit of exercises, feeling a little fatigued by the end, but able to continue through another circuit after a short rest period.

Perform 5-10 minutes of cardiovascular work before Keep It Up completing the Beth Greenwald circuit. Aim to accomplish three sets (5-10 minutes of cardio plus the medicine ball circuit).

You can do it!

Squat, curl, press Hold the medicine ball with both hands, arms extended in front of you and keep your feet slightly wider then hip-width apart.

Begin the movement by bending your knees (not letting them cross over the front of your toes), arms remain extended with the medicine ball moving toward the ground (squat).

Push through your heels, extending your knees, simultaneously bending your elbows bringing the ball toward your upper chest (curl). As your knees are almost fully extended, push the ball up toward the sky (press).

Return to starting position. Perform 20 repetitions.

Throw downs Lift the ball overhead, holding with both hands. Use all your strength to throw the ball down to the ground.

Perform 20 repetitions.

Step with rotation Stand upright holding the ball with both hands at chest level. Take a step forward with your right foot, bending your knee, while rotating at the waist toward the right.

Push off of your right foot, rotate back to the center and return to starting position to complete one repetition. Complete 20 repetitions on the right before switching to the left.

Ball swings Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Hold the medicine ball overhead with a slight bend in the elbows.

Hinge forward at the waist, and slightly bend the knees as if you are going to throw the ball to the ground.

Continue to hold onto the ball the entire time, bringing the ball between the legs and then reverse the movement to bring the ball back overhead.

Perform 20 repetitions.

Medicine ball push-ups Place the medicine ball on the ground. Place your right hand on the ground, left on the medicine ball and keep both legs extended behind you, as in a push-up position.

Perform a push-up, bending at the

elbows, lowering your body toward the ground and then extending the elbows to bring the body back to starting position.

Complete 10 repetitions, then switch, placing your right hand on the medicine ball. Perform 10 more repetitions.

Leg lift with ball pass Stand up

tall, feet slightly apart, holding the medicine ball at chest height. Lift your right leg, keeping your right knee up, and pass the ball from your right to left hand under your leg. Place your foot back on the ground for one repetition.

Complete 10 reps and switch legs, passing the ball from left to right.

Try passing the ball the opposite way around next time through the circuit.

Triceps extension Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, hold the medicine ball tightly with both hands above and slightly behind your head. Bend at the elbows, keeping them pointed toward the

ceiling and lower the ball behind your head. Extend the elbows and return the ball to starting position.

Complete 20 repetitions. Rest and water break for two minutes.

Beth Greenwald received her masters degree in exercise physiology from Florida Atlantic University and is a certified personal trainer. She conducts both private and small group training sessions in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Contact her at +1 716-908-9836 or bethgreenwald@hotmail.com.

Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

B10 February 2011 PHOTOGRAPHY: Photo Exposé

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Learn, practice rule of thirds to take better photographs Welcome aboard photo enthusiasts.

Time to talk about visual rules you apply in taking better photographs, of which the primary compositional guideline is the rule of thirds.

This rule has its origins in the aesthetically pleasing divine proportions of the golden rectangle brought into prominence by the Photo Exposé ancient Greeks.

James Schot Many among us believe art is in the eye of the beholder, that is to say forget rules, I know what I like and that’s the way I’m taking this photograph.

It may seem wonderful to you, but compositionally, it is awful.

The rule of thirds uses imaginary lines to break an image into thirds horizontally and thirds vertically, creating nine sections. Where the lines intersect are where important elements of the photograph should be placed.

You can place things, such as the horizon line, a third of the way up or third of the way down. Doing so will result in a photograph that is more pleasing to view. Of course, rules are meant to be broken, but only after you understand them and you’ve learned to effectively and consistently apply them.

Even if you use a pocket camera, the composition is something only you control. Keep in mind you can always move objects and subjects to achieve compositional perfection. And, as important, you can move yourself. Try your subjects in different positions and try moving yourself for different angles.

Another aspect to improve your

photographs is to fill the frame.

Not too tight, you want to give the primary object some breathing space, and be sure to also leave head room.

On the other hand, I’ve seen many photographs with too much headroom.

And should the subject be moving, be sure to give some lead space (for the subject to enter in to) in the direction of the movement.

Another thing to keep in mind when filing the frame is how your images are to be printed. If you are going for 4x6 prints they will closely match the full frame output of your camera. If you are intent on making 5x7 or 8x10 prints keep in mind the original image will be cropped, reducing its long side.

Some other compositional tips are to find one central point of interest and with this in mind keep the background as simple and uncluttered as possible.

When shooting landscapes always try to add some foreground interest. This will add dimension to the photograph.

This can be difficult if the platform you are shooting from is the yacht you are on. Often, the best you can hope for is another vessel in the foreground. Try your best to incorporate something for the foreground.

If I am dealing with a number of objects or subjects in a composition and I can have control over what is included, I will look for odd numbers … three, five, seven boats. Think of odd as being more interesting and less boring.

There’s more next time, but for now I’ll take permission to come ashore.

James Schot has been a professional photographer for more than 35 years and has a studio/gallery in Ft. Lauderdale. Send questions to james@ bestschot.com.

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www.the-triton.com FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road

Fire safety systems codes overhaul set: July 1, 2012 RULES, from page B1 conducted by an approved surveyor or an approved testing or servicing facility.

The test shall verify the correct programming of the ship static information, correct data exchange with connected sensors as well as verifying the radio performance by radio frequency measurement and onair test. A copy of the test report shall be retained on board the yacht.

This new requirement applies to all yachts of 300 GT or greater, both private and commercial. Entry into force is July 1, 2012.

Fire Safety Systems Code (FFS Code) Chapter 9 of the FSS Code was completely revised to address the requirements for fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems. The changes encompass the sources of power supply, smoke detectors, manually operated call points, and permissible location of control panels and indicating units.

These changes will affect new yachts built on or after July 1, 2012.

Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) The status of the establishment of the global LRIT system, including the establishment of the International LRIT Data Exchange by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) in Lisbon, Portugal, was reported to the committee. The summary provided urges Member States to complete the first modification testing phase by March.

LRIT is a satellite-based tracking system required on all commercial yachts of 300 GT and greater.

Piracy and armed robbery against ships The latest statistics on piracy and armed robbery against ships were reviewed. Particular emphasis was made in relation to the situation off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.

There was a lengthy discussion on a proposal to reflect in ship security plans certain measures to avoid, deter or prevent piracy and armed robbery against ships. This would require revisions and re-approval of the ship security plans required on all commercial yachts of 500 GT and greater.

The committee finally agreed that there was no need to develop any guidance or recommendations to address the issue.

Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) The MSC 88 reviewed a report on the outcome of the 2010 Conference of Parties to the International Convention

on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, held from June 21-25 in Manila.

The conference agreed to a number of amendments to the STCW Convention and Code along with a number of resolutions including the development of guidelines to implement international standards of medical fitness for seafarers and revision of existing model courses in the form of guidance relating to the senior electro-technical officer training.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on Jan. 1, 2012. This revision will affect all personnel on yachts who possess a license, training certificate, seaman’s book, or merchant mariner’s document.

Safe Manning Draft Resolution The committee approved a draft assembly resolution on principles of minimum safe manning and a draft amended text of SOLAS regulation V/14, which is expected to be adopted by the IMO Assembly in November.

These changes, yet to be published, will affect commercial yachts and those private yachts authorized to charter by their respective flag-state.

Unified interpretation for the location of emergency fire pumps After several proposals from the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) to the IMO, the location of emergency fire pump sea suction was approved as a unified interpretation.

Specific details are provided in the interpretation as to how to locate the sea suction against the lightest seagoing condition including roll, pitch and the motions expected to be encountered by the ship or yacht. These changes will affect new yachts built on or after July 1, 2012.

The next scheduled meeting of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee is scheduled for May 11-20 in London.

Any changes that affect yachts will be reported here.

Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides inspection services to private and commercial yachts on behalf of several flag administrations, including the Marshall Islands. A deck officer graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, he previously sailed as master on merchant ships, acted as designated person for a shipping company, and served as regional manager for an international classification society.

Contact him at +1-954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau.org. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.

February 2011 B11

B12 February 2011 FROM THE TECH FRONT: ECDIS

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ECDIS includes hardware, software and crew training ECDIS, from page B1

yachts want to stay ahead of the curve, anticipating trends and regulations, positioning system. ECDIS is required especially in the realm of electronics, to use ENCs and includes route he said. planning, monitoring and positioning, “Look, five years ago we didn’t have and has appropriate alarms for apps for the phone and now we can information display and equipment get communications to your boat midmalfunctions. sea,” Rubinstein said.

“There is misinformation Recent IMO guidelines state that and misunderstanding, but it is new passenger vessels larger than understandable,” said Justin Mann, 500gt must comply by July 1, 2012, and head of large yacht services at existing ships by 2014.

Bluewater Books and Charts in Ft. Because yachts that carry fewer Lauderdale. “Lots of yachts have than 12 passengers are considered ECDIS hardware, but if they’re not cargo ships, they do not fall under this running the proper charts, then it is regulation. not a compliant system. They may say Yachts that carry more than 12 they have ECDIS, but it depends what passengers are passenger vessels and hardware and what charts. Some are do. Any yachts (cargo ships) larger than putting it in, not necessarily running it, 3,000 tons built after July 1, 2014 would but putting it in place. also have to comply.

“And paperless is a misnomer at Even so, some yacht owners and this stage,” he said. “They usually still builders have been adding ECDIS when have something, get-out-of-jail paper they build new or do a refit. [charts].”

To be truly compliant with With ECDIS, crew no longer have International Maritime Organization to hand-correct charts; the system (IMO) requirements, though, the automatically ECDIS-endowed updates yacht must ‘ECDIS is the kind of cartography and have a second system you shouldn’t publications, system, powered usually through independently, be messing with, if you Internet or with completely don’t know what you’re satellite service. redundant doing.’

Crew don’t have to systems. monitor a variety – Scott Field Capt. Ted of data screens instructor, MPT Morley, chief on the bridge; operations officer ECDIS integrates at Maritime all navigation Professional Training in Ft. Lauderdale, systems: cartography, GPS, Automatic talked to the master of a commercial Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic vessel who thought he was compliant Identification System (AIS), and any with several ECDIS systems. The ship other data the yacht has, such as had multiple ECDIS hardware systems, weather and bathymetrics. but only one GPS and one AIS, making Charts from countries around it non-compliant because the duplicate the world are integrating into ECDIS system did not operate independently. by using a standard computer But ECDIS is more than just format known as S-57, said Mann, hardware and software. who works with megayachts on “The equation for compliance also compliance data and electronic includes training,” Mann said. software. S-57 ensures that all ENCs Schools such as MPT offer a course shared between hydrographic offices that satisfies the ECDIS-training and manufacturers use similar data requirements for deck officers standing presentations. watch on an ECDIS-equipped vessel.

“The international organizations But there are concerns about ECDIS. said ‘how are we going to share this “ECDIS is the kind of system you data?’ and they came up with it,” Mann shouldn’t be messing with, if you said. “S-57 is the transfer standard.” don’t know what you’re doing,” said The industry is heading toward Scott Field, senior deck department more integrated, paperless bridges and instructor who teaches ECDIS at MPT. black box technology, following lessons “Then you have to have two redundant from the commercial sector. systems.”

“Since it is mandatory on some Field, who is also MPT’s field freighters and commercial vessels, we manager of simulator operations, have a trickle down to megayachts,” proved his point on the simulator. said Fred Rubinstein, head of inside By using the “by cursor” button, he sales with Electronics Unlimited, repositioned the simulator vessel which sells systems to yachts.

Technology changes rapidly and See ECDIS, page B13

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

Information overload is a concern in accidents ECIDS, from page B12 with one click, placing the yacht as displayed on ECDIS on the north side of the harbor when it was really still on the south side.

“It’s easy to get fooled with this equipment,” Field said.

He quickly showed another example with the “offset button,” which would be used, for example, on a 1,200-foot ship to compensate for the location of the helm station in relation to the GPS receiver, or when the GPS uses data from a different hydrographic survey, he said.

“If that What’s that? button is ECS: electronic hit, all the chart systems readings are ENC: electronic off,” he said. navigational charts “Another problem is ECDIS: electronic over-reliance chart display and on the information system system,” Field said, noting that novice crew get so engaged with the technology they forget to look out the window.

“A big difference between ECDIS and standard electronic navigation is the amount of information,” Field said.

And that concerns trainers, insurance companies and governing bodies.

“In the majority of accidents, sensory overload is a huge cause of accidents,” Magney said. “The accident prevention industry is interested in preventing this from being too big of a crutch.”

There are ongoing concerns over whether ECDIS can be the sole means of navigation and disagreement on the definition of compliant back-ups.

“Not all flag states accept ECDIS, the spectrum being that the flag state is ultimately responsible,” Mann said.

“And not all geographic regions are covered by compliant hydrographic offices, so some boats have to use nonENC and ENC for navigating.”

There is no stopping advancements in yachting, so beneficial or hazardous, ECDIS is likely to become more prevalent in the yachting industry.

Plus, as Magney said, “it’s such a cool gizmo thing.”

Dorie Cox is a staff reporter and associate editor with The Triton.

Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.

FROM THE TECH FRONT: ECDIS

February 2011 B13

B14 February 2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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The Triton

Boat shows in Miami, Palm Beach, Dubai and Abu Dhabi Feb. 2 The Triton’s monthly networking

event (the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m.) with TowBoatU.S. New River at the Briny Pub in Ft. Lauderdale. www.the-triton.com

Feb. 3 The Triton From the Bridge

captains lunch, Ft. Lauderdale, noon. This is our monthly captains roundtable where we discuss the issues and trends of the industry. For people who earn their livings as yacht captains. RSVP to Associate Editor Dorie Cox at dorie@the-triton.com or 954-525-0029. Space is limited.

Feb. 5 22nd annual Women’s Sailing Convention, Southern California Yachting Association, Corona del Mar, Calif. Open to all women with workshops. www.scya.org

Feb. 6 Sunday Jazz Brunch, Ft.

Lauderdale, along the New River downtown, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. www. fortlauderdale.gov

Feb. 8-9 Tackling Kidnapping,

Hostage-taking and Hijack conference, Houston. www.quaynote.com

Feb. 8-11 Electrical Certification

Course, Baltimore, Md. For the experienced technician working with marine electricity. Familiarity with ABYC electrical standards required. www.abycinc.org

Feb. 9-10 Avoiding and Managing

Bunker Claims and Disputes Event, London. Lloyd’s Maritime Academy sponsors this seminar, which covers risk management and claims handling. www.informaglobalevents.com

Feb. 10-12 Seatec 8th International

exhibition of technologies, subcontracting and design for boats, megayachts and ships, Marina di Carrara, Italy. More than 1,000 exhibitors expected from Europe and 24 other countries. www.sea-tec.it

Feb. 15 Mardi Gras, New Orleans. One

EVENT OF MONTH Feb. 17-21 The Yacht and Brokerage Show, Miami Beach.

The megayacht part of Miami’s boat shows, not to be confused with the Miami International Boat Show, showcases hundreds of millions of dollars worth of yachts in-water along a one-mile stretch of the Indian Creek Waterway.

Free, for more details visit www. showmanagement.com.

For product displays and exhibitors, catch a free shuttle bus over to the Miami Beach Convention Center for the Miami International Boat Show. Strictly Sail will be at the Miamarina at Bayside, featuring more than 200 exhibitors. www.miamiboatshow.com

Feb. 25-27 Palm Beach Marine Flea

Market and Seafood Festival, South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach. flnauticalfleamarket.com

Feb. 26 Second annual Sailorman Chili Cook-off and Fishing Extravaganza, Ft. Lauderdale. Early bird specials begin at 8:30 a.m. with two auctions, chili judging and tasting. www.sailorman. com/chili

Mar. 1-5 The Dubai International Boat Show. www.boatshowdubai.com

Mar. 24-27 26th annual Palm Beach Boat Show, West Palm Beach. www. showmanagement.com

Mar. 24-26 2nd Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS). www.abudhabiyachtshow.com

Feb. 25 - March 31 Major League

baseball’s spring training in Florida. www.floridagrapefruitleague.com

of the world’s most famous celebrations for this holiday of excess before the limits of Lent. www.mardigras.com

Feb. 16 The Triton’s monthly

networking event (the occasional third Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m.) with Professional Captains Services at the Yacht and Brokerage Show’s concession tent. There’s a $30 cover charge as a donation to Shake-ALeg. www.the-triton.com

Feb. 19-21 48th Coconut Grove Arts

Festival, Miami. The works of more than 360 artists and craftsmen. www. coconutgroveartsfest.com

MAKING PLANS Apr. 6 Triton Expo, Ft. Lauderdale

Join The Triton and tables of marine industry professionals at Lauderdale Marine Center from 4-8 p.m. The Expo is the place to make new connections, find old friends and enhance your career.

See the latest styles in our nautical fashion show. Stay tuned for details at www.the-triton.com.

The Triton

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SPOTTED: Alaska, Tahiti

Triton Spotters

Capt. Gartly Curtis has plenty of time to read The Triton while his boat, Blue Too, is frozen to the dock in Homer, Alaska. Capt. Curtis, who has served as a chief mate for Lindblad Expeditions and sailed the South Pacific in his own sailboat, is now owner of the normally busy water taxi.

PHOTO FROM KAY CURTIS

Taking a break from a yacht survey, Capt. Rupert “Stretch” Lean reads The Triton on the aft deck of the M/Y Askari. Lean has assumed command of the charter yacht, a 108-foot custom yacht based in Tahiti.

Recently, he and some of his crew attended local dance night at the Club Bali Hai in Moorea in Cooks Bay where the movie “Mutiny on the Bounty” was filmed in 1983.

“I was last here in 1984, and got to see the opening night of the film in French, subtitled in English. Oh, many moons ago.”

PHOTO FROM CAPT. RUPERT LEAN

Where have you taken your Triton recently?

Send photos to editorial@the-triton.com.

If we print yours, you get a cool Triton T-shirt.

February 2011 B15

January networking

February networking

Think happy thoughts

Treats to serve on the aft deck

At RPM Diesel and Marina Bay

With TowBoat U.S. and PCS

It really does work to change your life

Simple and sumptuous

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C3,4

C5

February 2011

www.the-triton.com

Section C

TRITON SURVEY: CREW UNIFORMS

Most yachts provide the staples

By Lucy Chabot Reed

Casual b ottom s

Swe atsh irts

irts T-sh

ts Shor

Dress whites Formal b ottom s

Specialty

Sunglasses

tops ual Cas For ma l To

ps Hats

Sho es

Jackets

A captain suggested this month’s survey after struggling with what he described as an ongoing battle to keep his crew in proper, contemporary and uniform uniforms.

It seems styles go out of style fairly frequently so outfitting new crew often turns into new uniforms for the whole crew, if they are to look alike. He was frustrated, and curious what other yachts do. So we asked.

Does your vessel provide uniforms to new crew on arrival?

No surprise here that the vast majority (95 percent) of the 162 megayacht captains and crew who responded to the survey said their yachts spring for uniforms.

“I find it hard to believe that a captain would wonder if the vessel should provide uniforms,” said the engineer on a yacht 160-179 feet. “He must be on a small boat.”

Most crew get new full uniforms, but about 30 percent recycle gently used uniforms from former crew.

And about 20 percent offer shirts only.

“Crew need to look smart and ‘uniform’ to separate them from the guests and to give the vessel a professional atmosphere,” said the captain of a yacht 160-179 feet. “Crew are expected to take reasonable care with the uniforms and items are replaced as they get worn, faded or damaged.

“As many crew are young and used to mom taking care of their clothes, guidelines for wear and storage needs to be explained,” this captain said. “For example, do not use the uniform as a rag. Yes, they were issued to you, but they cost money and we do not have an endless budget. If you deliberately abuse your issue, you will be charged for replacements.”

GRAPHIC/CHRISTINE ABBOTT

Just 3 percent of respondents said they have no uniforms, and less than 2 percent are asked to buy their own.

We were curious to learn what kinds of uniforms yacht crew are issued and how many they receive.

The answers here ran the gamut of types and quantities, with nearly all yachts offering at least T-shirts.

Casual, polo-style tops were also pervasive. And most (118 of the 162 crew who responded) said they get bottoms such as shorts or khakis to go with those casual tops.

“We have two sets of uniform for day wear: T-shirts and less-expensive golf shirts and Docker cotton shorts for when it’s crew only; Smart golf shirts and microfiber shorts (i.e. no iron) when owners/guests on board,” said the chef on a yacht less than 100 feet. “Fishing trips crew wear Tshirts and Docker shorts.

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“Stained but still good smart golf shirts are worn when it’s crew only,” this chef continued. “When no longer smart enough to represent the boat, the uniform is given to charity.

Extra shirts (T-shirt and smart golf) are carried for guests and as thankyous when appropriate.”

The third most common item was jackets (100 respondents), followed by hats (88), shoes (85) and specialty items such as chef ’s jackets or engineer’s coveralls (85).

Just 52 respondents got dress whites.

And only four respondents said sunglasses were issued as part of their uniform.

If the vessel does provide uniforms, how many?

There really wasn’t a consensus

See SURVEY, page C8

Consider the benefits of a Chef ’s Log A ship’s log is a book on board to record data, typically used by the captain, crew and/or engineer to record information about a voyage including weather, way points and lat/long, and watch duties to identify and document sea time.

Why don’t chefs use one? I felt the need recently to one because, Culinary Waves create frankly, I don’t Mary Beth want my job to Lawton Johnson ever be questioned, and I certainly want a record of my meals. What I created, called The Yacht Chef ’s Log, is a handy tool to document our work as well as to help us all improve our time management skills.

(To download a sample copy, read this month’s Culinary Waves column online at www.the-triton.com/ columns.)

To invest the time and energy in keeping a chef ’s log, you have to insist you get some benefit. I say yes. It will come in handy if you are striking for sea time or re-certification, if the owner or a guest asks you to recreate the dish you made last summer, or if your manager questions you about why you did something. It also helps you see where you can be a better chef.

So what should you document?

Basically everything in the galley that is important to you. Here are a few examples: 1. Write the time you start work each day, and note the date, port, country. Note any time you were away from the galley, including breaks or provisioning runs.

2. Jot down your planned menu for each part of the day.

3. Note the people onboard by See WAVES, page C7

C February 2011 NETWORKING LAST MONTH: RPM Diesel/Marina Bay

www.the-triton.com

The Triton

I

t was “back to school” time on the first Wednesday in January as more than 250 captains, crew and industry folks joined us to network with the hospitable crew at RPM Diesel in Ft. Lauderdale.

Delicious barbecue, gorgeous weather and awesome friends made getting back to work in 2011 not so hard. PHOTOS/TOM SERIO

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ore than 250 yacht captains, crew and industry professionals joined us on a bright full-moon evening on the third Wednesday in January to network at Marina Bay Marina Resort in Ft. Lauderdale. Many yachties didn’t know the deep-water marina has a lovely clubhouse and pool available to marina tenants. Food from Rendezvous and terrific reggae kept us all smiling until the bitter end. (Lots more photos online at PHOTOS/Dorie Cox www.the-triton.com.)

The Triton

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NETWORKING THIS MONTH: TowBoat U.S.

February 2011

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TowBoatU.S. takes Triton networking to the New River On the first Wednesday in February, The Triton is bringing its networking event to Ft. Lauderdale’s New River with TowBoatU.S. New River. Join us on Feb. 2 at the Briny Pub under the Andrews Avenue bridge from 6-8 p.m.

There will be tremendous food from Briny, all manner of beverages, and at least one TowBoatU.S. boat on display.

The river towing team is prepping the M/V Becker and the M/V Shillelagh for inspection and tours.

If you don’t know Capt.

Michael Knecht, make time to stop by after work and say hi. You might recognize him as the towing captain with the widebrimmed hat. Until Knecht our event, here’s a little more info about TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale and Capt. Knecht.

Q. Tell us about TowBoatU.S. New River.

TowBoatU.S. New River is a division of TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale, which is a locally owned company that has a contract with BoatU.S. (Boat Owners Association of The United States) providing towing and other marine assistance to members.

Q. You have a membership plan, sort of like AAA. Tell us about that.

There are several levels of towing membership through TowBoatU.S. The two most popular are the Unlimited and Unlimited Gold. Both offer free towing for breakdowns in open water to a repair facility or ramp and 100 percent coverage for fuel delivery and battery jumps.

The Unlimited Gold membership offers additional coverage with free towing and assistance from the members’ home dock and in open waters. The Unlimited membership covers 50 percent payment of towing assistance from a home dock.

Additional benefits include discounts at more than 900 marinas on fuel, transient slips, and repairs.

Many people do not realize that the membership covers any boat the member owns, borrows or charters. So if the owner of a 170-foot motor yacht becomes a member, his membership will also cover the tenders and PWCs on board the yacht as well as his 40foot fishing boat that he might have docked in another part of the country.

For $181 (Unlimited Gold) per year, a member could save thousands in towing bills should one of his vessels become disabled. Members also benefit from the industry’s lowest hourly rates for convenience tows (more than a 45

percent savings). These are tows that are not a result of a mechanical failure such as a tow up the New River.

Q. What sort of services do you offer large yachts?

Besides our ability to offer towing assistance on the New River, the ICW and in open water, TowBoatU.S. New River offers assistance with towing on the Dania Cut-off Canal, towing within yards such as to and from slips or haulout wells, docking, crane services (we have a boat with a knuckle boom crane for lifting heavy items on or off motor yachts), launch services (after a sea trial, we can transfer your technicians back to land so the vessel can get under way), long-distance towing (we recently towed a boat back from the Turks and Caicos), and towing to and from ships when vessels are being shipped off to distant ports.

Q. There are a lot of towing companies in town. What do you do differently from the other guys?

We have been in business since 1989. We have a full-time staff of more than 30 employees who go through an extensive training program and receive documented recurring training regularly. Our experienced staff has an excellent safety record. We are the only towing company in Ft. Lauderdale that can offer the benefit of discounts or free tows to the owners of megayachts.

We also offer free soft ungrounding services to members. If you wind up on one of the many shoals around Ft. Lauderdale’s inland waterways, you could be presented with a substantial bill from a towing company to pull you off. Estimated charges for a 100foot yacht between response time and ungrounding fees without a BoatUS membership would be over $2,500.

Members get this service for free.

Q. What’s new with the company this year?

We are in the final stages of adding a new tug to our yacht towing fleet. She is a 26-foot tug with John Deere power and keel cooling that is being purposebuilt for the rigors of yacht towing.

Thanks to all of our great customers, our business grew in 2010 in spite of the economic downturn that the country and the marine industry has been facing. Thank you.

Q. Tell us about you.

I have been in the marine industry since 1985. I am a dive instructor and a submersible pilot. I served for three years in the U.S. Army and have cruised the waters of Hawaii, the Western Pacific, the Caribbean, Bahamas and the Southeastern United States.

I have never worked on yachts but have towed thousands of them throughout the years. I have been with TowBoatU.S. New River since 1998.

C February 2011 NETWORKING THIS MONTH: Professional Captain’s Services

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The Triton

Mid-month networking with PCS a fundraiser for Shake-A-Leg The third Wednesday in February is the eve of Miami’s Yacht and Brokerage Show along Collins Avenue.

The Triton is trying something new and partnering with the Florida Yacht Brokers Association (owners of the in-water show), the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club and the International Superyacht Society in a fundraiser for Shake-A-Leg, an organization that helps handicapped kids and adults get on the water.

Professional Captain’s Services is helping sponsor the event so that all the money raised (we request a $30 donation) will go to Shake-A-Leg. Join us for great networking as well as food and beverages in the concession tent at the show, which is in the 4700 block of Collins Avenue, from 6-9 p.m. on Feb. 16.

Until then, learn a little more about PCS from general manager Charlie Petosa.

Q. So tell us about PCS. Professional Captain’s Services Petosa in its simplest form is a yacht chandler.

We provide parts, spares and supplies for every area of a yacht’s operations.

In addition, we help our clients with

virtually any of their needs. If they need CAT or MTU filters, we can do that.

If they need a yacht tender, we can do that. If they need a motorcycle moved across the country for the owner, we can do that. If they need bulk lubes delivered to the yacht, we can do that.

We strive to be a “one call does it all” resource for our clients, the professional captains, engineers and crew who make the purchasing decisions on the yachts they command.

All of our clients are licensed professionals who have accounts in their names so they can continue their relationship with us as they move from yacht to yacht.

Q. PCS is associated with West Marine. What’s that relationship?

We are one of many divisions of West Marine. Our retail division (West Marine) caters to recreational boaters, while our wholesale division (Port Supply) caters to marine businesses such as boat yards.

Professional Captain’s Services focuses on the unique product and service needs of operating large yachts.

To meet these needs we have many resources at our disposal, in addition to the vast resources of West Marine, to get the job done. These resources are not available through our retail or wholesale divisions. Our clients work directly with our sales team to take

advantage of all that we offer.

Q. How long has PCS been around?

While we had a salesperson focused on this segment in late 2007 and early 2008, we really did not make a big commitment to the program until July of 2008. Since then we have experienced tremendous growth, thousands of happy clients, and believe we are one of the top 10, and more importantly one of the best, yacht chandlers in the world.

Q. It’s pretty gutsy to start a business to compete with National Marine Suppliers, the big gorilla in the industry. Why do it?

A. Why not! This is actually a really interesting question. West Marine has been in business for more than 40 years, and during that time has always been highly focused on the recreational boating market.

As we studied the different segments of the marine aftermarket, it became clear where a large growth opportunity was. You could say that we started 10 years late, or our timing was perfect.

As we entered the market at about the same time as the global economic downturn, we found that clients were looking for another choice.

The good news for everyone is the worldwide yacht fleet is now large enough to support many large and small yacht chandlers. We have the

utmost respect for National Marine, Yacht Chandlers and the many other competitors in the market.

Q. Tell us about the team that captains will work with closest.

We have megayacht sales specialists in all of the major yachting hubs in the United States (South Florida, New England, Pacific Northwest and Southern California) with the headquarters based in Ft. Lauderdale.

The team has a wealth of knowledge not only with engineering and partsrelated matters, but also with cruising, compliance and other matters.

We profile one sales specialist in every newsletter we produce in conjunction with The Megayacht News.

Readers can opt in to our newsletter by contacting me directly at charliep@ professionalcaptainsservices.com.

Q. What’s coming up in 2011?

We expect to see the result of our hard work and happy clients, which will hopefully equate to another year of extraordinary growth.

Toward the end of 2011 we will open a new flagship store in Ft. Lauderdale. This store will be the largest marine store in the world and have an expanded large yacht product assortment. I am involved in the planning of this store, and it will really be quite an impressive place for all of West Marine’s customers.

The Triton

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INTERIOR: Stew Cues

Changing our perception is the key to happiness It’s that time of year again. Time to assess the past year, decide what sort of accomplishments we’ve made, and plan what we would like to do differently in the future. Life goals and choices have a great impact on our sense of fulfillment.

But with all of the goals we set, plans we make, and programs we sign up for, there is one constant. We are Stew Cues always looking for Alene Keenan the same elusive thing: happiness.

Happiness is a vague, extremely subjective concept. Your idea of radiant joy may not even register as a good mood for someone else.

The funny thing is that most of us don’t actually know what makes us happy or what we want out of life.

Instead, we know what we don’t want, and we measure our happiness based on that.

Instead of thinking about the negatives, let’s focus this year on the positives.

What do we want more of? Money, love and career usually top the list.

Many people believe that if they had more money they would be happier.

There is some truth to this, because money is necessary to provide any type of lifestyle.

However, research shows that there is not as much correlation between cash and contentment as you might think.

Once the basic needs for safety and security are met, there is not much emotional benefit to having more money. Certainly, you could have more things to take up space in your life (and your cabin), but what do you really have? Just more stuff.

Another popular happiness concept is the “grass is greener on the other side” concept. One of the basic facts of yachting life is that we will get together with other yachties, we will have cocktails, and we will talk about all the negative aspects of our jobs/ relationships/lives.

And then voila, an opportunity presents itself that seems to be the solution to all of our problems, and we take it.

This is a bad habit. Inevitably, after the initial rush of happiness, we adapt to the environment and soon take our new circumstances for granted. We notice that what seemed like a good idea six months ago has begun to look an awful lot like the circumstances we just left.

Before too long, the old feelings and discontents are back. The emotional

high usually fades within a year.

To add insult to injury, the person who replaced us in our old job is as happy as a lark.

Why is it that what made us miserable makes them happy? Could it be the underlying negatives we carry with us causes the same negative situation over and over again?

It becomes painfully obvious to most of us at some point that the problems we don’t solve come with us to the next situation.

Changing our perception is the key to happiness. Instead of focusing on what we are trying to get away from, let’s focus on what we want to create more of in our lives. With the exception of emotional or physical abuse, we all have the power to make our lives not only tolerable, but enjoyable.

Research shows that 50 percent of our sense of well-being is biologically driven and 10 percent is related to our life circumstances.

The other 40 percent is up to us.

There are several ways to tip the scales in our favor.

One way is to repeat behaviors that have made us happy in the past. This is where your hobbies come into play. If going for a run makes you happy, then do more of that. If watching a movie or reading a book makes you happy, then reward yourself and do that more often.

Take charge of your thoughts and your feelings. At the end of the day, remember that it’s not what you have, it’s who you are that creates happiness.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. Sometimes, you just need to put some fresh flowers in your window.

It’s the feelings that you are trying to access that will bring you happiness.

Happiness is a foundation of energy and productivity. Work at repeating behaviors that have served you well in the past. Create energy, excitement and experiences that put you into the flow, and remember that what you do serves a larger purpose. Set goals and make choices that will really help you create your ideal future.

Doing good makes you feel good.

Each and every day remember to express gratitude for all of the opportunities and blessings that you have in your life. Vow to accomplish great things and make this a happier new year.

Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stewardess for 19 years. She offers interior crew training and crew placement through Nautic Crew International as well as the workshops, seminars, and onboard training offered through her company, Stewardess Solutions (www.stewardesssolutions. com). Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

February 2011

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C February 2011 NUTRITION: Take It In

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The Triton

Energy drinks, lack of sleep contribute to weight gain Want to lose weight? Get a good year that suggests it’s not just a lack of night’s sleep. sleep, but when you sleep – or don’t – No, this isn’t an advertisement for that can also contribute to weight gain. a product that promises you’ll drop Researchers at Ohio State University pounds while studying mice found that rodents that you dream nor is were kept awake at night with a bright it an article that or dim light ate a greater percentage of recommends their food at night and weighed more you nix regular than those mice that lived under a physical activity. normal light/day cycle.

However, research The remarkable point was that the is mounting that weight gain happened in the nocturnal in our effort to get mice in spite of both sets of mice everything done eating the same amount of calories and during the day, getting in the same level of exercise Take It In daily.

Carol Bareuther we’re skimping on zzzz’s at night and The answer as to exactly how a lack gaining weight as a result. of or a topsy-turvy routine of sleep can This link between not getting lead to weight gain lies in the actions enough sleep, feeling tired and gaining of two hormones, ghrelin and leptin. weight is pretty Ghrelin is the simple when you “on” hormone think about it. that signals when In reality, energy After all, who it’s time to eat. is synonymous with hasn’t reached Leptin, on the calories. Who would for a candy bar other hand, is the for a sugary rush “off ” hormone that just as eagerly reach for of energy in the tells when it’s time something labeled ‘high to stop eating. In doldrums of the afternoon? Who sleep deprivation, calorie’? This is indeed hasn’t found ghrelin is high, what’s happening when themselves in the leptin is low, and we pick up most ‘energy’ the result can be galley for a snack to keep them going weight gain. foods. on a late-night What can you project? do besides try to What’s more is be more efficient the interesting way we react to different during the day so you can sleep more at words in our pursuit of pep. If a sugarnight? There are some diet tactics that laden drink or snack bar is labeled with work. the word energy, we are eager to pick it First, don’t eat or drink anything up in hopes its superhuman powers will with caffeine four or more hours before sprint us fast-forward through our day. going to bed. This includes caffeinated In reality, energy is synonymous coffee and tea, energy drinks with with calories. Who would just as caffeine, and foods such as chocolate. eagerly reach for something labeled Second, eat carbohydrates. A dinner “high calorie”? This is indeed what’s of carbohydrate-rich foods such as happening when we pick up most pizza or pasta will spark serotonin “energy” foods. production in the brain. Serotonin is a Even energy drinks, where the jolt brain or neurochemical that both calms comes from caffeine, still contain a us down and helps us sleep better. fair amount of sugar and calories. For Third, don’t overeat, especially at example, a 12-ounce can of Red Bull dinnertime. A big dinner can lead to contains 165 calories and an equal acid reflux and heartburn during the amount of Lucozade Energy Drink night. According to the Washington, provides a whopping 240 calories D.C.-based National Sleep Foundation, – equal to over 2 and 3 slices of bread, adults who experience nighttime respectively. heartburn are more likely to report One of the first studies to having symptoms of sleep problems scientifically link weight gain with such as insomnia and daytime sleep deprivation was published by sleepiness. researchers at New York’s Columbia Fourth and finally, don’t drink one University in 2005. This study looked of those 64-ounce drinks before bed. at data from nearly 25,000 35- to 49This one is simple. That much fluid will year-olds and found that those subjects wake you up to go to the bathroom and who reportedly slept less than 7 hours in the process disrupt sleep. a night weighed more and were more likely to be obese than subjects who Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian slept 7 hours or more per night. and a regular contributor to The Triton.

Of interest to those up night after Comments on this column are welcome night on watch is a study published last at editorial@the-triton.com.

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IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves

Repeat fewer mistakes and manage better

Lobster Gruyere Puffs

By Mary Beth Lawton Johnson

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These little morsels, basically a savory version of an eclair, are terrific for lounging around a sun deck, or even on the aft deck with a chilled bottle of wine. All year round, you can serve these with whatever filling you would like to add flavor.

Begin with a pate a choux.

2 cups water 1 cup of butter diced 1/2 teaspoon of salt

WAVES, from page C1 name, private or charter, the amount of people, special diets, etc. You only need to note this once at the beginning of their trip.

4. Document the receipt amount of what was bought at the store, including items purchased as a special request.

Specify what was crew food purchases and what was for guests.

Did the guests or family request special beer or tequila? Write it down.

5. Document whether the food is fresh or frozen. Did you buy it from a local source or supplier chain?

6. Suppose you have one not-so-nice guest and this person complains about your food. Document what you served (and if it was different from the menu) and the time it was served.

7. Document information about guests as you learn it, especially food preferences or if they enjoyed something specific. It will come in handy if they come aboard again.

8. Document the details. Who was on duty with you? Did the guests have too much to drink? Was the lobster overcooked?

Having a chef ’s log can come in handy for all sorts of issues from being a better manager of time to learning and noting what didn’t work so well so you don’t make the same mistake twice.

It will help improve your skills in food preparation. I compare it to sort of a ‘mise en place’ for the chef instead of just for food.

So who benefits from this?

1. You as the chef. It is proof of your work, a history of what you have done daily. Did the owners want you to make dinner for them? What did you fix? Was he on a special diet at the time?

Also, it helps in recording eating patterns for the crew, guests, especially if one crew is not eating, or doesn’t like the food served.

2. Employers who hold a tight reign on their crew (and the chefs under those reigns). Whether it is the captain, owner, or management company who needs to know what every crew member is doing all day to the captain who wants to give a happy guest the recipe to that great dessert you made Saturday night. You are the star if you can produce it with no fanfare.

3. Fellow crew, who have food preferences as well. Keeping a log will let you know what foods went over well and not so well so your time is efficiently spent making the best crew

February 2011

Heat all ingredients almost to boiling.

Add 2 cups unbleached, all-purpose flour and stir fast to work it in. Keep it on the heat and keep stirring.

Once it starts to stick to the side of the pan, remove from heat.

Put in bowl of a mixer with a whip and put on slow mode. This will help cool it down.

Once cooled, add 7 eggs, one at a time, until each is incorporated. The mixture will fall apart and come back together.

Remove from the mixer.

Fold in: 2 6-ounce lobster tails, cooked and minced 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded or chopped 1 teaspoon shallots, cooked and minced Fresh-pressed garlic Fresh dill Salt and pepper

The perfect accompaniment to the puffs? Wine.

PHOTO/CHEF MARY BETH LAWTON JOHNSON

meals that everyone enjoys.

4. The owners, especially if they are on a diet. Recording all meals made for the owners and whether they liked them will keep you delivering only the best foods. Always ask yourself, what

could I have done differently, then note that in your log so the next time, you can try it.

I know it seems like a lot, but the advantage of doing it far outweighs the cost of not doing it.

Using two spoons or a large tip on a pastry bag, drop mounds on a nongreased baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees F for 25 to 35 minutes or until lightly brown. The interior will be a little soft but not mushy.

Serve immediately with a nice bottle of wine.

Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified executive pastry chef and Chef de Cuisine and has worked on yachts for 20 years. (www.themegayachtchef. com) Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.

TRITON SURVEY: Crew uniforms C February 2011

Do some crew get extra uniforms for dirty work?

When a crew member leaves, are they required to return the uniform?

www.the-triton.com

Does your yacht re-issue slightly worn uniforms from previous crew?

The Triton

Are crew allowed to uniforms off duty?

No – 24.6%

No – 20.1% No – 30.1%

No – 50.0% Yes – 79.9%

Yes – 69.9%

Yes – 75.4%

Numbers of uniforms ranged from one to eight; most get a SURVEY, from page C1 here, nor was there a trend among vessel size. Once again, we’re reminded that every yacht program is different.

Amounts of uniforms ranged from one to eight, but most got about a week’s worth.

“We get one sweatshirt, four casual polos, two formal shirts and five T-shirts each,” said the captain on a yacht 100119 feet.

“Three sets of casual, two formals,” said the mate on a yacht 160-179 feet.

“Three changes of daily uniform, one formal (service staff get two),” said the captain on a yacht 120-139 feet.

“Normally three sets, based on the formula one on, one off and one in the wash,” said another captain on a yacht 120-139 feet.

A chef on a yacht 120-139 feet said the crew get 6-8 polos, 6-8 T-shirts and shorts, and two sets of formals.

“One formal set for arrival/departure, epaulet shirt, pants, belt, tie, shoes, socks; Two charter polos of each color, two shorts, two each color of belt/hat/

shoes; Two navy and two white shortsleeve and two each long-sleeve shirts plus shorts,” said the captain of a yacht 100-119 feet.

The captain of a yacht 120-139 feet issues the crew five sets of day wear, two sets of evening wear Caribbean, two sets of evening wear Med, and five work T shirts each.

“All seven crew receive: black-andwhite formals, shorts, polos, Ts, swim trunks, and deck shoes are provided whether they wear them or not,” said another captain of a yacht 120-139 feet.

“Sunblock is free. Foul weather gear/rain gear/belts in various sizes remain on the vessel.”

Many crew reported that there were uniforms for when the boss or guests are onboard, and different, separate uniforms when they are not.

“Two formal, six charter casuals, six off-charter shirts/shorts,” said the captain on a yacht less than 100 feet.

“Two-three sets of uniforms for use when the boss is on the boat; T shirts and shorts (3-5 sets) to be used when working on the boat, not to be worn at

the bar,” said the captain of a yacht less than 100 feet. “It is important to have the crew looking good because, after all, they are who most people remember. No wrinkled mess allowed. Take pride in your boat but most of all take pride in yourself.”

Perhaps the largest similar response was “as many as needed.”

“Enough to keep clean clothes on them during guest periods,” said the captain of a yacht 140-159 feet.

“Whatever the laundry cycle is, basically.”

“The amount of uniforms usually depends on the status of the position,” said the captain of a yacht 120-139 feet.

“The other factors considered include whether the position is full-time, parttime, or temporary (freelance).”

Do some crew get extra uniforms for dirty work?

Most yachts (about 80 percent) give crew extra uniforms -- usually T-shirts -for dirty work such as cleaning duties or fishing. When we looked at these results through the filter of yacht size, there were no trends.

“We’re always buying new,” said the captain on a yacht less than 100 feet.

“We’re a sportfish and we get dirty. We buy new T-shirts every year and it’s aways the same style but a different color.”

When a crew member leaves, are they required to return the uniform?

Most yachts (almost 70 percent) require crew to turn in their uniform when they leave the boat.

The larger the boat, the more likely that rule was enforced. When we analyzed this data further, we saw that on yachts 120 feet and larger, about 85 percent required crew to turn in their uniforms when they left.

“If a crew member is let go after, say three months, then he is not entitled to keep his uniform, especially the expensive items, like rain suits, jackets,” said the captain of a yacht 120-139 feet.

“I used to make an exception for shoes and T shirts, for obvious reasons.”

Which made us wonder: Does your yacht re-issue slightly worn uniforms from previous crew?

Again, most yachts (more than three-

The Triton

o wear their

www.the-triton.com

TRITON SURVEY: Crew uniforms

How often does the yacht buy new uniforms for the whole crew?

Who washes crew uniforms?

Crew do their own laundry – 36.8%

a week’s worth quarters) do this.

“We recycle old uniforms for offcharter and yard periods,” said the captain of a yacht 140-159 feet.

“I am an advocate of recycling,” said the captain on a yacht 100-119 feet. “So when those work tees or other cotton uniform attire get to the point that obvious stains are not cleanable, we cut them up for rags. To purchase cotton rags is very expensive and there is no reason why we cannot recycle our old uniforms for rags or to donate those not wanted. It takes very little effort to do this. We are working on a 112-foot yacht with not a lot of extra stowage so frugal is the name of the game. Even when I have worked on a larger yacht with a big budgets we always think of limiting waste. The best crew are prudent in this manner.”

And when we analyzed this question further, we saw that the larger the boat, the more likely it was to recycle.

On yachts 120 feet and larger, about 86 percent re-issued previously worn

See SURVEY, page C10

Purser – 1.4% Chief stew – 17.7%

Once a year – 11.7% Stews wash crew clothes, including uniforms – 58.3%

C

Who picks the uniform?

Once a season Every other year – 3.4% – 6.2%

Uniforms sent out – 4.9%

Yes – 50.0%

February 2011

Whenever necessary – 78.6%

Owner – 27.9%

Captain – 53.1%

‘We have a hard time finding European-cut clothes to fit’ More thoughts on keeping crew in uniform: l l l

Our crew is young and in good shape.

We have a hard time finding Europeancut clothes to fit them. Many crew outfitters have polo shirts/T-shirts that are made for 200-pound couch potatoes.

Looks like their designer is Omar the Tent Maker. Yacht outfitters need to offer a closer trim/fitted styles. l l l

Seems like only the old-fart skipper still likes and wears Sportifs. The gals prefer newer and more trendy styles, low rise and trim fit. l l l

Our boss likes to hand out T’s everyplace we go but as far as the rest of the uniforms, if it is needed then it is usually just a go-and-get-it type of policy. We sometimes even do themed T’s for everyone, including guests, on trips -- New Year’s, 4th of July, different locations, etc. l l l

It’s not a trend-setting cat walk.

We are, after all, household staff, not to be seen or heard most of the time,

no matter what some think. Uniforms are made up of basic fabric after all, so get one that will last. I hate to see motor boats taking up high-tech sailing clothing; it’s such a waste of money and shows the stupidity of the person buying it, as it was not designed for cleaning purposes. (I am employed both in power and sail and wear the correct clothing for the job.) Do golfers wear gymnastics outfits? Sailing is a sport; powerboats are not. l l l

Have enough budget to keep crew dressed in identical uniforms in excellent condition. l l l

It’s a mess always. Crew coming and going, taking what they want. I like the new idea of not having the boat name on the clothes, much easier that way. l l l

Crew sign for everything. New items are issued upon return of worn-out items. We keep a tough stance on what to wear when and condition it’s kept in. l l l

Our yacht is corporate, and the uniforms have been handled with a

combination of volume discounts and uniform shops. The owner recently wanted everyone in the latest all-black epaulet shirts, and every crew member, including full-time, part-time, and freelance crew, were included and paid for. l l l

This survey is for the “modern” vessel with little regard for expenses.

Personnel who buy uniforms for the crew should understand the “real” requirements of the need for uniform and fit that with the need of the vessel involved. Too much money is being spent unnecessarily. l l l

Keep it real. We will buy Gap T-shirts on sale rather than ordering expensive T-shirts from the uniform shop. They look good and last awhile. It saves the owner money. l l l

If the owner is a miser like mine, keep it simple. No reason to be flashy and have the owner angry because of the money spent. Plus, a majority of crew

See REACTION, page C11

C10 February 2011 TRITON SURVEY: Crew uniforms

Low crew turnover helps hold down uniform costs SURVEY, from page C9

About 12 percent of respondents said the yacht buys new uniforms once uniforms. a year. Just 6 percent buy them every “The Mrs. has a huge locker full season, and even fewer (3.4 percent) of used uniforms in their condo, wait for every other year. so just brings an armload or two “Every three months I go through when someone new arrives, which is crew members’ uniforms to check if frequent; it’s an extremely tough boat,” anything needs replacing,” said the said the chef on a yacht 100-119 feet. chief stew on a yacht 140-159 feet.

One reason for the popularity of “I generally have to re-issue ‘yard’ recycling uniforms might be the cost. uniforms at this time as the deck crew Most respondents (about 80 percent) are really hard on their clothes. indicated that yachts spend up to “I also ask crew to come to me with $1,000 per crew member per year on stubborn stains as they do their own uniforms. laundry and don’t always get stains Just 20 percent spend more than out themselves,” this stew said. “I like that. crew to communicate with me about “This is why it is important for a what is comfortable to wear and relay captain to develop a good program that to the owner when we choose that has low (crew) turnover as new uniforms. I also ask crew to think uniforms are expensive,” said the about doing dirty jobs before they captain on a yacht 120-139 feet. “It can jump in with new or good uniform on. easily cost $1,000 They are good to outfit a crew now about putting ‘Overall, it’s my member formally on an old T-shirt for the yachting biggest headache as if they know the standards. A good job is going to get a chief stew. There’s captain can save mucky. always a crew member the owner [money] “Overall, it’s my that way.” at the last minute with a biggest headache With a sizable as a chief stew. lost epaulet or shoe, no amount of money There’s always a matter how often you being spent crew member at ask people to check they the last minute on uniforms, we wondered with a lost epaulet have everything ready how they were or shoe, no matter to go.’ maintained. Who how often you washes crew ask people to uniforms? check they have In most cases (58.3 percent), stews everything ready to go.” wash crew clothes, including uniforms.

We’ve heard captains discuss “It is up to the chief stew to their policy of prohibiting crew from maintain crew uniforms and keep the wearing shirts with boat names when crew looking smart and professional,” they are off duty, yet we always see said the captain on a yacht 140-159 boat shirts in bars and such, so we feet. asked Are crew allowed to wear About 40 percent indicated crew their uniforms off duty? handle their own laundry, including Only 142 of the 162 respondents uniforms. answered this question, and among “On our boat, the crew is those, they were exactly evenly split responsible for their own laundry, yes and no. except uniforms,” said the engineer on “I’m am always explicit about when a yacht 120-139 feet. “These are done each piece of the uniform is worn and by stews.” for what reason,” said the chief stew “Crew are responsible for their own on a yacht 160-179 feet. “I am also laundry but are encouraged to ask for quite strict about crew not wearing help with stains,” said the chef of a uniforms when they are not working.” yacht less than 100 feet.

We crunched these numbers, too, Just about 5 percent of yachts send by length of vessel and found no their uniforms out to be laundered. variations. Half do; half don’t.

And once again, the size of the That answers that. vessel did not influence these results When we asked Who picks the much. uniform?, we were told that it’s most So as crew come and go, and often a collaboration between different considering the expense involved, we people on the yacht. But since we asked How often does the yacht buy didn’t offer that option, most of our new uniforms for the whole crew? respondents (53 percent) said it was The most common response (by the captain. (And we wonder if that’s almost 80 percent of respondents) was because 64 percent of respondents “whenever necessary”. were captains.)

www.the-triton.com

The Triton

How does the yacht order uniforms?

More than is needed to prepare for future crew Limited numbers – 42.8% to have a few spares – 31.7%

Only what is needed – 25.5%

How do you handle the problem of outfitting new crew in last season’s uniform when that style is no longer available?

New uniforms for everyone at once – 12.1% Buy next closest-looking item – 26.4% Stick with traditional styles that aren’t discontinued – 61.4%

Many veteran crew remember fondly their first pair of Sportifs. Just for fun, does your vessel outfit crew with Sportifs?

Yes – 15.0%

No – 85.0%

Statistics/graphics by Lawrence Hollyfield

Otherwise, it’s the owner (more than a quarter of the time) or the chief stew (18 percent of the time).

On just two boats did the purser make the decision.

“It’s difficult to keep everyone happy,” said the chief stew of a yacht 140-159 feet. “Managing uniforms is one of the most thankless jobs. We are constantly pushing with old-fashioned

See SURVEY, page C11

The Triton

www.the-triton.com

TRITON SURVEY: Crew uniforms

February 2011

New styles? ‘It is always a nightmare’ SURVEY, from page C10 managers to update the uniform to styles that flatter healthy, fit bodies, but it can be difficult. Also, the styles available are random, with only one company in the United States that I have found that actually have the fit and fabrics that work with you, not against you, without costing so much that it is prohibitive (especially when you know that the deckie is just going to get it ripped and stained anyway).

We are modernizing very slowly, trying to keep the same yachtie look to keep our management happy, but also make the crew feel a bit more confident.”

In an effort to help the captain who sparked the survey, we asked How does the yacht order uniforms?

The largest group of respondents, about 43 percent, reported that their vessels buy more uniforms than needed in an array of sizes for current and future crew.

“We keep a stock of Ts, polo and hats aboard,” said a captain on a yacht less than 100 feet. “Shorts and slacks are ordered, one-two pair per crew.”

Just less than a third buy limited numbers and sizes to have just a few spares on hand.

And a full quarter buy only what is needed at the time.

“A combination of the options is more realistic,” said the captain on a yacht larger than 180 feet.

And since we were worried that

‘Keep traditional with styles that are better than the original Sportifs, but likely to be in demand and style each season, such as Banana Republic or Gap khakis ... ’ answer might not be as thorough as we hoped, we also asked rather bluntly How do you handle the problem of outfitting new crew in last season’s uniform when that style is no longer available?

More than 60 percent of respondents said their yachts simply stick with traditional styles that aren’t discontinued. (Now we know why there is that “yachtie look.”)

“Keep traditional with styles that are better than the original Sportifs, but likely to be in demand and style each season, such as Banana Republic or Gap khakis, Sperry Topsiders and Nike Polos,” said the captain of a yacht 100-119 feet. “Even slight style changes can be incorporated into current stock without having to change out the entire uniform inventory each year, thus keeping costs consistent and/or reduced when stock or certain sizes run out before the scheduled uniform

re-order.”

“It is always a nightmare with new styles and wishes,” said the captain of a yacht 120-139 feet. “We reduce quantities and avoid [buying] diversified too much.”

More than a quarter will opt for buying the next closest-looking item.

Only 12 percent will go ahead and buy everyone new uniforms.

And just for fun, considering how many veteran crew still have fond memories upon being given their first pair of Sportifs, we asked Does your vessel outfit crew with Sportifs?

The vast majority, 85 percent, said no. Some admitted they didn’t even know what Sportifs are.

“Sportifs? Thank goodness, no,” said the captain on a yacht larger than 180 feet.

Just 15 percent still buy them.

Veterans all, no doubt.

“After 20 years, I still wear Sportifs, just a newer, updated style with less pockets,” said a captain on a yacht 120-139 feet.

Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Lawrence Hollyfield is an associate editor. Comments on this survey are welcome at lucy@the-triton. com. We conduct our monthly surveys online. All captains and crew are welcome to participate. If you haven’t been invited to take our surveys and would like to be, register for our e-mails online at www.the-triton.com.

‘Don’t follow trends; just dress smartly, professional’ REACTION, from page C9 do not know how to take care of fine garments. l l l

Captain/chief stew should choose, as they know best when it comes to what’s practical, easy to maintain, comfortable, etc. Owner can have his input, but we have to work and wear the uniform. l l l

Keep the washer and dryer on the boat operational. l l l

Stay away from Sportifs. Many veteran (male) crew will remember their private parts popping out at inappropriate moments. l l l

I miss the Sportifs. l l l

Uniforms are difficult, no matter what. l l l

Make crew sign for the uniforms issued when they sign on the boat.

Damaged uniforms from on-duty work are replaced. Lost or stolen uniforms, the crew member pays either the full value or a nominal fee, but everyone

will be equal in this. When signing off, all uniforms issued will be returned.

No matter what condition. Crew must pay for items not returned, or given to the crew as per the captain’s decision.

The act of stealing takes on a different meaning filtered through the minds of a crew member who has always stolen stuff off of yachts they have worked on, like it’s a given. l l l

It is important that crew are dressed uniformly and smartly, relative to their departments, so any worn, stained or otherwise permanently soiled uniforms are replaced so spares are required.

New crew always got new shoes. We never issued second-hand shoes, and departing crew were allowed to keep their shoes and one shirt as a souvenir. l l l

Private yacht, no charter. We are not a fashion parade. The “uni”form – one form – is what we wear. Don’t follow the trends; just dress smartly and look professional. We have low-key owners who don’t go for the fluff, so we have got it good. l l l

If crew do not respect their uniforms,

they get charged for them. l l l

Just one story: The Mrs. went to Smallwoods for some new polo shirts.

The deckhand freaked when she came back with purple and refused to wear it. Somehow he thought people would think he was gay. He was a strange character. Left to go back on a big sport fish. l l l

We wouldn’t buy Sportifs if they were half price. Poor workmanship/stitching equals lousy durability. l l l

Keep the crew happy; they will keep you happy. l l l

We buy guys shorts from the surf shop. They are half the price of uniform stores and look way better. Everything else gets ordered through Liquid. l l l

The uniform issue is difficult these days with owners who do not want any unnecessary expenditures. We just go with what we have on board. l l l

Sportifs, they still make them?

C11

PERSONAL FINANCE: Yachting Capital C12 February 2011

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The Triton

Save for retirement first and give kids best college gift ever I like to think outside the box when college. it comes to financial planning.

This gives you four more years to This month’s article is on a dilemma keep putting money in your retirement that many parents have when it comes account each month. to college If your child knows he/she is paying planning: How to for college, there might be less time pay for college. spent at parties and more time with The first thing books, which is ultimately what you I ask a parent is if want – all the while making good use of their retirement your savings. plan is in place. If Now for the best graduation present it is not, then this you can give a child: Take over the must be the first payment book for any student loans. priority.

You have already budgeted this into Yachting Capital I usually your monthly expenses as you will just Mark A. Cline get a surprised replace the dollar amount with what look at this you are funding your retirement. point. A college education is obviously Hopefully you are putting more away important for them to bring up the per month for your retirement than subject. I then give them a plan to take your new student loan payment. Your care of both education and retirement. retirement value can continue to grow, Let’s put it in perspective. To pay for even if you don’t contribute to it while a college education, there are multiple you pay off the student loans. options. There are loans, grants, and Once paid off, you can pick up again scholarships. on your retirement You don’t have investing. these options Another plus is Focus on your when it comes to that by doing this, retirement as a retirement. you help your child monthly investment.

As a parent we build their credit all have a wish to rating since you will Start putting away an provide our children make payments on amount of money that with a college time. you can afford for a education but that And you should college investment on does not always make a much better happen. a monthly basis. Then, return on your Children may not money than you will on graduation, take want to go to college pay on the student over the student loan and, if they are not loan. focused, they may One suggestion: payment book. end up in the party Never put money scene and waste in a child’s name, your money. even in a custodian A possible solution to test the account. Once they turn 18, they can sincerity of your child’s interest in legally take the money and run. college is to focus on your retirement I have heard many stories of as a monthly investment. In other children having access to money from words, start putting away an amount of grandparents or parents in a custodian money that you can afford for a college account and there is nothing you investment on a monthly basis. can do about them purchasing a new Year-to-year, this should increase motorcycle, car, etc. And then the and slowly build into your monthly money is gone. budget.

With this approach to college, By the time your child graduates you have taught your child some college, you will be comfortable putting good lessons in responsibility and upward of $1,000 a month away for accountability. your retirement.

At the same time, you give them During high school, be sure to let the best graduation present possible: a your child know you do not have the paid-for college education. money to fully pay for college and Information in this column is not that he/she should start looking into intended to be specific advice for scholarships, grants, and/or loan anyone. You should use the information programs. to help you work with a professional With this approach, you will see regarding your specific financial goals. their real interest in college.

The upside to this could be that Capt. Mark A. Cline is a chartered if your child qualifies for grants or senior financial planner. He is a partner scholarships, you saved yourself some in Capital Marine Alliance in Ft. money. If he/she doesn’t get any, they Lauderdale. Comments on this column can fall back on student loans that will are welcome at +1-954-764-2929 or not have to be paid back until after through www.capitalmarinealliance.net.

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February 2011

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BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS C14 February 2011

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