Builder’s choice? Take control of yacht’s work with Maker’s List. A18
Quell conflicts Ways to help crew work well with others. C1
The alternative Corsica, it’s not Sardinia. Vol.9, No. 3
B1
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June 2012
Volvo Ocean Race
39,000nm: Crews push their limits By Andy Woodruff Six international teams are racing 39,000nm around the world in the Volvo Ocean Race, one of sailing’s most challenging events. Each team is crewed by 11 professional sailors on a one-design Volvo Open 70, yachts capable of 600 miles a day and speeds more than 30 knots. The race, formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race, began in October 2011 in Alicante, Spain, and is on leg seven, crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Miami to Lisbon. Teams are French entry Groupama, the United Arab Emirate entry Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, the United States entry Puma Ocean Racing, Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand, Spain’s entry Team Telefónica, and the Chinese entry Team Sanya. Florida sailor Andy Woodruff covered the United States landfall of leg six in Miami, through to the beginning of leg seven’s departure in late May. Following are his reports.
Volvo Open 70s race in Miami before the trans-Atlantic crossing to Lisbon in late May in the Volvo Ocean Race. PHOTO FROM ANDY WOODRUFF
Puma takes Leg 6
After sailing 4,800nm from Brazil to the finish of leg 6 of the Volvo Ocean Race, the United States home team Puma took line honors under blue
skies in Miami on May 9. Camper with Emirates Team New Zealand came in second, just more than an hour later, under a threatening, thunderous sky. Puma was welcomed to the Ocean
How captains hire; an inside look Today’s crew share personal information up front on their CVs. Prominent are their color photographs, nationalities, marital status and whether they have tattoos or smoke. Usually excluded are their religious beliefs, political affiliations and sexual orientation. At this month’s Triton Bridge luncheon, From the Bridge we asked captains if knowing these Dorie Cox characteristics affect how crew are hired for yacht jobs. “This whole business is appearance,” a captain said. “Everything is about the profile; the cosmetics, the dress, all of it.” As always, individual comments are not attributed to any one person in particular so as to encourage frank and
open discussion. The attending captains are identified in a photograph on page A15. “Even yachts are discriminated against, it’s part of the definition of the industry,” another captain said. “That’s what yachting is. Even as far as seamanship, the better looking the yacht, it is seen as a better yacht. Yachts are constantly in competition.” Are yacht crew hired for looking attractive? “In charter, good looks make people comfortable, happy,” a captain said. “Say a waitress is ugly and the food is the same as a place where the waitress is attractive, you might choose the attractive one.” Sometimes crew are hired to fit a “look,” another captain said. Many yachts have a theme or defining characteristics, such as a classic yacht that outfits the crew
See BRIDGE, page A15
Race Village in Miami and Camper delayed its approach as a thunderstorm with driving rain, hailstones, lightning
See VOLVO, page A12
TRITON SURVEY
Where are you going this summer?
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Where’s the Juliette flag?
“I am on fire and have dangerous cargo onboard. Keep well PHOTO SUPPLIED clear of me.” See details on page A7.
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Outcome of red-dyed fuel fine makes captain’s ‘blood boil’ Remember those yachts that were fined in 2010 and 2011 in Kiel, Germany, for having red-dyed fuel in their tanks? Well, I caught up with one of the captains recently and found out the outcome. To recap: This captain, who asked that he and the yacht remain Latitude anonymous, had Adjustment filled up with fuel Lucy Chabot Reed in the United States before heading to Europe last spring. Marine fuel sold in the U.S. is dyed red. Despite taking on numerous liters of clear, duty-paid fuel after leaving the U.S., some of the U.S. fuel remained to taint subsequent tanks. In Germany, red dye is used for commercial vessels. And because his yacht is private, German customs officials balked when they tested his tanks. This captain – a veteran in command of a vessel in excess of 200 feet – hosted a tribe of customs officers onboard for 15 hours before being fined 80,000 euros and being charged with fraud. All that despite having all the proper paperwork and fuel samples to prove he had bought the fuel legally in another country. Now it was time for he and the owner to balk. They sued. The good news is that German customs returned every bit of the fines it collected. The bad news, it cost $20,000 in attorneys fees to get it. “My blood boils every time I think about it,” the captain said. “I’m still angry my boss didn’t let me countersue them.” This captain did everything right. He keeps samples of fuel from each delivery (“I keep them for a year.”) He makes sure the oil record book is up to date and includes dates, times, locations and volumes. All receipts are in order and legible. Even though it didn’t help avoid the fine, the meticulous record keeping helped in a court of law. His latest advice to anyone traveling to the Baltic this summer: consult your ship’s agent to make sure you know the current laws regarding fuel before you arrive. Find out what declarations you need and make sure you have them. Still, be prepared that even if you do everything right, you may still get visited by government officials looking for an easy way to collect some tax
dollars. Most won’t fight the way this captan and owner did, or they wouldn’t bother, would they? Makes my blood boil, too. Remember that captain who pushes his body to physical extremes for fun? Capt. Grant Maughan of M/Y Turmoil started running marathons last fall (26.2 miles) and by spring he was doing an ultra-marathon (62 miles). Well, in May, he ran in another ultra, this time 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West. The organizers give runners 36 hours to complete it. Maughan did it in 21 hours 3 minutes, including an hour he spent at mile 80 helping a woman who collapsed and had to be taken away in an ambulance. Though some of us may think there’s something amiss in Maughan’s head, there’s not doubt he’s got a good heart. He ran the race to raise money for the Cancer Society of the Keys. (He’s from Australia.) It’s not too late to donate. Visit his fundraising page at (sorry for the long URL) www.RaceIt.com/fundraising/ fundraise.aspx?event=5541&fundraiser =6716. Capt. Mike and Jodi Petty have a few new things going on their lives. The first is a little darling named Ella, taking Jodi ashore. They’ve started a new business, too, making fender covers. Their company, FendElegance, uses a material they say withstands sea air and sunlight better than most, a polyester fiber made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles. The fabric isn’t new. In 2005, Petty had custom fenders covers made out of this fabric for the yacht he was running. He saw that vessel last summer and the fender covers look as nice as the day they were put on, he said. The new part is FendElegance, and their direction in life. Mike is freelancing now, and the couple work together on their business and raising their daughter. For more information visit www. fendelegance.com. Capt. Peter Harrison is working on a new project, romantically dubbed Perfect Life. (www.perfectlifeventures. com) A captain for 20 years, he’s looking for investors to buy a 165-foot megayacht that would then be available for equity ownership to adventureminded owners and taken to fabulous places around the world. Sounds like a perfect life to me. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments: lucy@the-triton.com.
June 2012 A
A June 2012
NEWS
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US Sailing investigates nine deaths in two sailboat races US Sailing is conducting inquiries by reviewing safety policies and into the deaths of nine sailors in two procedures, and the usage of separate races that originated in safety equipment. The panels will California in April. determine what lessons can be At the request of the U.S. Coast learned from the accidents and Guard, US Sailing, the national present recommendations for future governing body for the sport, will consideration. complete independent reviews of each “All of us at US Sailing are shocked incident. The first was the accident and saddened by the recent tragedies that occurred during the 2012 Crewed that occurred during the Farallones Farallones Race from San Francisco, and Newport-to-Ensenada races,” said Calif., that resulted in the deaths of five Gary Jobson, president of US Sailing, on sailors. Second was the organization’s the 2012 Newport Web site. “All of us at US to Ensenada Yacht “These Sailing are shocked Race in which four accidents sailors died. represent an and saddened by the In the first extraordinary set recent tragedies that incident, five of events in the occurred during the sailors from a sport of sailing, crew of eight were Farallones and Newport- which historically killed on April 14 to-Ensenada races,” said has a very strong in a race around track record Gary Jobson, president the Farallon of safety. Like of US Sailing. Islands off the everyone, we are coast of Northern very concerned California. One about the safety body was recovered and four remain of sailors. At the request of the US missing and are presumed dead. Coast Guard in San Francisco, we have The 38-foot sailboat S/Y Low Speed assembled a panel of offshore sailing, Chase was reportedly hit by a wave as it safety and medical experts to lead rounded the islands during the annual a review that will help identify what race. Three of the crew were rescued occurred during the Farallones Race by the U.S. Coast Guard after both and more importantly how to insure we the USCG and the Air National Guard avoid these tragedies in the future. responded to the boat’s EPIRB signal, “US Sailing is involved not only according to the San Francisco Yacht to lend our expertise in safety and Club Web site. offshore racing but to insure that the The race course runs 28 miles perspective of offshore racers is being outside the Golden Gate Bridge in brought to the table,” Jobson wrote. the Pacific Ocean and has been held “We have identified a similar review annually since 1907 without incident. panel for the Ensenada accident and The second incident involved S/Y are working with the U.S. Coast Guard Aegean, a 37-foot Hunter 376, in which in San Diego to outline that review.” four crew died in an accident that The panels plan to release initial destroyed the boat a few miles offshore findings and recommendations to near Mexico’s Coronado Islands at the public this month. For relevant about 1:30 a.m. on April 28. These were inquiries regarding the review or the first deaths reported in the annual to provide pertinent information overnight Newport to Ensenada race’s and helpful commentary on either 65-year history. incident or race, contact US Sailing The investigating panels will at ensenadareview@ussailing.org or research the factors involved farallonesreview@ussailing.org.
Yacht in ARC rally hits whale and sinks; all crew are rescued A yacht in the World Cruising Club’s ARC Europe Rally hit a whale and started sinking during an Atlantic Ocean crossing race, according to SailWorld.com. All of its crew were rescued. S/Y Outer Limits, a Hanse370e, was about 330nm off Bermuda en route to Horta in the Azores with 35 other yachts when it hit a submerged object,
believed to be a whale, at about 10:30 p.m., on Friday, May 18 the Web site reported. The crew started the emergency pumps, began the return to Bermuda and issued a MayDay. The container ship E R Melbourne reached Outer Limits about 90 minutes later and evacuated the crew. Outer Limits was abandoned.
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Captain is charged in theft and sinking of 80-foot yacht Capt. Robert Figueredo was arrested in May in connection with the theft and sinking in 2009 of the 80-foot Azimut M/Y Star One. The yacht’s insurer alleges that Figueredo and the yacht owner, auto insurance businessman Nicolas Estrella, collaborated to sink the yacht and collect the insurance. The vessel was insured for $3 million, according to a story in the Miami Herald. Estrella denied the allegation. He is suing the yacht’s insurance company, Federal Insurance Co., for breach of contract. Figueredo also has denied the charges. He last worked for Estrella about 10 years ago, Estrella’s attorney, Robert Burlington, told the Herald. Estrella’s legal fight is going to trial in U.S. District Court in Miami this month. The Florida Department of Financial Services’ insurance fraud division, which filed the criminal complaint against Figueredo, said the case is still under investigation. Figueredo faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Mr. Rodriguez was born in Miami on Oct. 30, 1983, and worked at Beard Marine in Ft. Lauderdale. “In September 2003, he started with us as a driver,” Scott Beard, general manager of Beard Marine, said. “He moved to inside sales and then was promoted to assistant manager. He was approaching 10 years with us. He was literally the first guy you saw when you walked in the door.” David Vence, Mr. Rodriguez’s brother, is a technician at Beard Marine and has been employed with the company for the past 10 years. Yvette Cuellar, Rodriguez’s girlfriend, is executive assistant with Beard Marine. “I know you’re not supposed to have a favorite,” Beard said, “but I think Marvin was many people’s favorite, including mine.” Rodriguez is survived by his mother, Hilda M. Rodriguez; his siblings, Ricardo Rodriguez, David Vence and Janett Vence; and his niece and nephew, Alissa Gonzalez and D’Angelo DahdahVence. A funeral was held in May. – Dorie Cox
MCA OKs EU courses
Nantucket seeks no-discharge zone
According to a notice issued by the Professional Yachting Association, the MCA will now recognize advanced STCW courses from countries within the EU and not only those listed in MSN 1802 (in Annex E). The courses include STCW Advanced Fire Fighting, STCW Certificate of Proficiency in Survival Craft and Rescue Boats (CPSC & RB), STCW Medical First Aid and STCW Medical Care, STCW Tanker Familiarization Course, and STCW Specialized Tanker Training Course (Oil, Gas and Chemical). Certificates not required by the MCA toward the issue of a certificate of competency, issued by the EU under the provisions of STCW such as Crisis Management and Bridge Resource Management, are also recognized. The MCA recognizes these countries as part of the EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Beard Marine manager dies
Beard Marine assistant parts manager Marvin Rodriguez, 28, died on May 12 after an accident in Davie, Fla. Mr. Rodriguez and another man fell three stories after an apartment railing collapsed on May 6. The other man sustained minor injuries, according to news reports.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is considering a proposal to designate the coastal waters of Nantucket and Vineyard Sounds and the Islands as a no-discharge area. The Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management has petitioned EPA to approve the zone, with the towns’ concurrence. The EPA accepted public comments throughout May. “Protecting coastal water quality and our local environment is just good common sense,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. “This step helps protect the foundation of a vibrant local economy and healthy communities.” This proposed designation includes 26 miles of coastline and encompasses approximately 733 square mile of state waters. Along with a similar proposal to designate Mt. Hope Bay as a nodischarge area, if approved these two areas will mean that all coastal waters in Massachusetts are protected from treated and untreated boat sewage. Many other areas in New England already have designated their coastal waters as no-discharge areas, including all state waters of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. In Maine, Boothbay Harbor, Casco Bay, Kennebunk/Kennebunkport/Wells, Southern Mount Desert area and West Penobscot Bay are so designated.
EU hits pirate base
European Union naval forces conducted their first raid on pirate See NEWS BRIEFS, page A7
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Two EU raids on pirates; base destroyed and crew rescued NEWS BRIEFS, from page A6 bases on the Somali mainland in midMay, saying they have destroyed several boats, according to a report by the BBC. Somalia-based pirates are believed to be holding 17 ships and 300 crew. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner reported that the attack on the land base is a significant development in the fight against Somali piracy. The EU recently agreed to expand Operation Atalanta to allow forces to attack land targets as well as those at sea. The attack was carried out overnight and left five of the pirates’ fast attack craft “inoperable”. The European naval mission spokesman said the operation was carried out with the full support of the Somali government after extensive surveillance, and the aim was to deny the pirates a safe haven onshore.
EU forces rescue pirated crew
On May 11, the EU Naval Force Dutch frigate HNLMS Van Amstel released a fishing dhow and her 17 Iranian crew off the coast of Somalia. The dhow had been pirated 10 days earlier and was being used to carry out pirate attacks on merchant vessels. The day before, during a surveillance flight 400 nautical miles off the Somali
Cruise line sued over deaths
A fire destroyed the 19m M/Y Pride of Stavanger docked just inside the International Yacht Club Antibes on May 10. News reports did not make mention of anyone being injured and preliminary reports point PHOTO PROVIDED to an accidental cause. coast, the helicopter from Van Amstel identified the dhow towing two skiffs with what looked like piracy-related equipment on board, such as ladders. HNLMS Van Amstel arrived at the dhow’s position and the boarding team was sent on board for investigation. After a few minutes, weapons were
found and the boarding team was able to discriminate the 17 innocent Iranian crew members from 11 suspected pirates. The fishing dhow had been pirated off the Omani coast, and is probably related to the unsuccessful attack against MV Super Lady two days before.
Eighteen-year-old fisherman Adrian Vazquez of Panama is suing Princess Cruise Lines after one of its ships failed to stop to render assistance, according to media reports. Vazquez survived 28 days at sea in a disabled boat while his two friends died. He is claiming negligence by the cruise line and has filed a lawsuit in a Florida state court, according to a story in Maritime Executive Magazine. He and his friends were fishing off the Pacific coast of Panama. The boat’s motor broke down on the way back and the men drifted at sea for 16 days before seeing the cruise ship. The men signaled for help but the ship did not stop. Vazquez was rescued near Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands, more than 600 miles from where he had set out. Princess Cruises has released statements claiming that passengers never told the ship’s captain they saw a boat. However, the lawsuit includes testimony from two passengers who said they saw the disabled boat and reported it to a cruise representative who assured her that he passed the sighting on to the ship’s crew. “Princess Cruises deeply regrets that two Panamanian men perished at
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A8
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Ship leaks oil in Antarctica; Sea Shepherd captain held NEWS BRIEFS, from page A7 sea after their boat became disabled in early March,” the company said in a statement. “The preliminary results of our investigation have shown that there appeared to be a breakdown in communication in relaying the passenger’s concern. Neither Capt. Edward Perrin nor the officer of the watch were notified. “We all understand that it is our responsibility and also the law of the sea to provide assistance to any vessel in distress, and it is not an uncommon
occurrence for our ships to be involved in a rescue at sea. In fact, we have done so more than 30 times in the last 10 years. “We deeply regret this incident and are continuing our investigation to fully understand the circumstances.”
and Brazil have navy bases. The crew was rescued without injury, but poor weather kept divers from getting below to assess the damage until early May. The ship carried about 2,100 gallons of oil, but the extent of the spill was unclear.
Ship leaks oil in Antarctica
Solar-powered ship makes it
A Brazilian ship has wrecked and is now is trapped in ice and spilling fuel in Antarctica, according to a report in Maritime Executive Magazine. The Endless Sea capsized and sank in 39 feet of water in April near where Chile
On May 4, a PlanetSolar catamaran pulled into Monaco, finishing the first round-the-world voyage fueled solely by the sun. MS Turanor completed the 37,294mile expedition in 585 days. The
catamaran is covered with roughly 38,000 SunPower Corp. panels that power six blocks of lithium-ion batteries.
Philly duck boat lawsuit settles
The wrongful-death lawsuit over the duck boat accident in Philadelphia in 2010 that claimed the lives of two Hungarian students was settled a few days into what was expected to be a month-long trial. The families of the two students will split $15 million. Eighteen surviving passengers will share the remaining $2 million. The accident occurred on July 7, 2010, when a 250-foot barge being guided by a tugboat ran over a 33foot sightseeing boat anchored in the shipping lane of the Delaware River. Tug pilot Matthew Devlin was sentenced in November to a year in prison for his part in the crash. He has said he was on his cellphone and laptop dealing with the medical emergency of his young son at the time. He pleaded guilty to the maritime equivalent of involuntary manslaughter. The duck boat deckhand was allegedly texting before the accident, but jumped overboard seconds before the collision.
Sea Shepherd captain held
Capt. Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society was freed on bail from a German jail in mid-May. He was arrested on an international warrant eight days earlier, according to media reports. A Frankfurt court is deciding whether to extradite Watson to Costa Rica for allegedly endangering a fishing boat while filming a documentary in 2002. Watson alleges they were poachers. Watson’s group, a non-profit, marine wildlife conservation organization, believes the extradition request is in retaliation for a lawsuit filed by a Japanese whaling firm against Sea Shepherd. A statement from Watson was published on the organization’s Web site after a representative from the group visited him in prison. “It is no coincidence that the extradition request by Costa Rica was issued the same month (October 2011) as the Japanese whaling (ICR) lawsuit against Sea Shepherd was initiated,” Watson said in the statement. “The fishermen were not injured and their boat was not damaged.” The incident is documented in the film “Sharkwater”. The group believes Watson will not receive a fair trial and his safety cannot be guaranteed if he is extradited. The $320,000 bail was put up by a donor and Watson must remain in Germany while the extradition case works its way through the German court system.
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West Marine names new CEO and CNI hires new president California-based West Marine has named Matthew Hyde, 49, president and chief executive officer, succeeding Geoff Eisenberg, 59, who had previously announced his intention to step down. Hyde will join West Marine on June 19. Hyde “brings a consistent history of growing sales and profits in the outdoor recreational field,” said board chairman and company founder Randy Repass. Hyde was most recently with REI, a national retailer of outdoor gear and clothing and the nation’s largest consumer cooperative, where he was executive vice president overseeing more than $1.8 billion in annual sales and 10,000 employees. In other company news, West Marine plans to hold a grand opening celebration June 8-10 for its newest location in Fairhaven, Mass., a 15,000square-foot facility. Store manager Todd Prenda, who has been with West Marine more than 11 years, will help oversee 30 associates.
Stauss to get Anchor award
Marine industry pioneer Elmer Strauss will be awarded the Golden Anchor Award from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) on June 2 in Dania Beach, Fla. In recognition of more than 40 years of work in the industry, Strauss has been the leader behind many South Florida businesses including Cable Marine, Boat Owners Warehouse, BOW Worldwide, DS Hull, and Yacht Equipment and Parts. In the 1970s, Strauss spearheaded the Ft. Lauderdale Welcome Yacht project, which visited U.S. eastern coast harbors to encourage boaters to visit South Florida. The Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce named him Man of the Year in 1975 and he has served as president of MIASF. Strauss has been integral to improvements during the growth of the Ft. Lauderdale boat show, now the largest show in the industry. Strauss joins a list of prominent past recipients since 1997 that includes Show Management founder Kaye Pearson, Broward Marine founder Frank Denison, former president of Bradford Marine Jimmie Smallwood, and Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle.
E3 Systems hires two
E3 Systems has appointed Lynne Devereux as regional sales manager on the Côte d’Azur and Alessio Belli as business development manager in Italy. Devereux, a business development executive previously with De Valk Yachts, European Business Jets and Marriott International, will focus on growing e3’s business of specialist
communication and entertainment services to yachts, yards and management companies on the Riviera. She will be based in Antibes. Belli will relocate from Barcelona to Viareggio. Previously, he was with Telemar Yachting and Cisco Advanced Services Group. He now has his master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Pioneer Linens to carry Miele
West Palm Beach-based Pioneer Linens has been named an official dealer of Miele, a German manufacturer of premium appliances. Pioneer Linens specializes in yacht bed linens, pillows, bath and beach towels, table linens and other elegant accessories. Miele builds laundry systems, dishwashers, ovens, cooktops, refrigeration, wine storage and coffee systems. “Like Miele, we work closely with yacht builders and designers throughout the world to ensure they have the best products for their new builds,” said Alan Murphy Jr., vice president of Pioneer Linens Yacht & Estates Division. “We are happy to now provide our clients with the finest appliances in the world for the care of laundry and tableware aboard their yachts.”
AER Supply starts subsidiary
Texas-based AER Supply Ltd., a marine wholesale distribution company, has formed a new subsidiary called AER Marine Supply to support the company’s growing national accounts. Based in Davie, Fla., AER Marine’s new facility houses sales offices as well as inventory warehouse space. The company will support the national distribution of marine products offered by AER, including WhisperPower, a manufacturer of power generation systems; C-Marine, a manufacturer of bow thruster systems; and Speich, a manufacturer of windshield wiper systems. For more information, visit www. aersupply.com.
CNI hires new president
Camper & Nicholsons USA has hired Rusty Preston as its new president. Formerly a founder and CEO of Westport Yacht sales, a founder and general manager of Westship Yacht sales, and a commercial director of Fraser Yachts, Preston took the post May 21.
Sea Tow captain honored
Capt. Les J. Trafford, owner of Sea
See BUSINESS, page A11
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June 2012 A11
Testing firm started, new office opened and company renamed BUSINESS from page A10 Tow Shinnecock and Moriches on the southern shore of long Island in New York, has been honored with a Certificate of Merit Public Service Award from the U.S. Coast Guard. Capt. Trafford, who has been a U.S. licensed captain for more than 22 years, was cited for his help in identifying shoals, suggested locations for navigational aids and helping in a master chart of the area’s boat ramps and marinas, as well as taking soundings of creeks and rivers. “Les has spent countless hours providing invaluable service to the Coast Guard, the boating public, and his local Long Island community that goes way above and beyond his duties as a Sea Tow captain and franchise owner,” said Sea Tow founder and CEO Capt. Joe Frohnhoefer.
Yacht team starts testing firm
Four industry business owners have partnered together to create Invenia Technologies, a company that brings certified drug and bacteria testing to yachts. President and CEO Carmen Foy, has teamed with Mike French, CEO and president of International Yacht Training; Nigel Beatty, president and founder of Super Yacht Logistics; and private yacht industry expert Graham Thomson offer drug testing, pathogen testing, and fuel testing onsite. For more information, visit www. inveniatech.com.
Nicholson opens in Savannah
Nicholson Yachts Worldwide has opened an office in Savannah, Ga., headed by Georgia Byrd, a marketing consultant and writer. The new office at 2205 Rowland Avenue is a few blocks from Thunderbolt Marine. Byrd is founding editor of Savannah Magazine and the author of seven tabletop books on subjects ranging from yachts to the city as a destination. She will continue consulting for Forbes where she has produced special sections on yachting for the past 12 years, as well as working with other luxury lifestyle clients
Genoa show offset carbon
MYBA partnered with Yacht Carbon Offset to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from the 24th MYBA Charter Show, which took place in Genoa April 30-May 4. Greenhouse gas emission reductions from Yacht Carbon Offset’s selected projects in Brazil have been allocated to match the estimated carbon emissions from electricity consumption at the event, and the fuel used by the show shuttles. Carbon Offsetting can be included in the arrangements of any luxury charter, and is a proportionate response that
needs no onboard equipment and preserves full freedom of operation. The fully documented service is backed Lloyds Register Quality Assurance Certification. For more information, visit www. yachtcarbonoffset.com.
Eco-contest opens
The 2012 Interlux Waterfront Challenge is taking applications from community organizations for their work on waterfront improvement projects. A total of $50,000 will be awarded to recognize projects undertaken this year that create sustainable waterfront environmental improvements in applicants’ communities. The deadline for completion of projects is Sept. 2. The competition will be judged by a panel of marine industry leaders, as
well as boaters voting on Facebook for their favorite projects among the finalists. Awards will be made at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October 2012. For more information, visit www. waterfrontchallenge.com.
Yach Exports adds Far East route
Ft. Lauderdale-based Yacht Exports has expanded its international yacht transport services to the Far East. “We are committed to making our clients happy and no matter what it takes, we will always rise to the occasion,” General manager Alon Ezra said. “In this particular case, it is making the Far East a regular route.” Yacht Exports has provided domestic and international yacht shipping for more than 25 years.
For more information, visit www. yachtexports.com.
Interior firm renamed
Palma-based Mel Interiors has rebranded itself Superyacht Interiors Mallorca, a purveyor of yacht interior and exterior soft furnishings since 1998. “The re-branding allows us to bring a fresh face and new look to our interior design and refit offering however not at all compromising on the delivery of our high quality craftsmanship and finely produced soft furnishings that keep our clients coming back to us time and time again,” said company owner Gabrielle Watts. The firm is based in the global building at shipyard STP. For more information, visit www. superyachtinteriorsmallorca.com.
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Extensive service performed after sixth leg VOLVO, from page A1 and gusts upward of 50 knots blew through, flooding the base and blowing over tents. Third to arrive was Groupama, then Team Telefónica and finally Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, which finished in moonlight. Team Sanya was undergoing repairs in Savannah, Ga., and later sailed to Miami to rejoin the race fleet. After finishing leg six, the Volvo 70s were hauled out of the water for work. The 5m drafts and the 31.5m masts were taken off for service. Also serviced were every block, sheave and halyard, and every fitting and part were inspected for integrity of both the carbon fiber standing rigging and the high modulus carbon fiber mast. The twin rudders were removed to inspect the rudder bearings and the integrity of each of the rudder posts. All the deck hardware, such as the winches, were taken apart and serviced along with the hydraulic systems for both the sailing systems and canting keels. The hydraulic rams for the canting keels were thoroughly inspected, as they have to push the keel to windward with more than half the yacht’s weight in the bulb at the base of the keel weighing 7,400kg or 8 tons. The fin of the keel itself must weigh a minimum of 1,900kg in a bid to increase structural integrity. Each yacht was checked for delamination, and separation of struts and beams repaired. The electronic and navigation systems were also given a thorough check. Team sail makers checked, patched and restitched every sail. The teams have a limit on the amount of sails they can use over the entire Volvo Ocean Race, so this work is critical. The boats are allowed to carry a total of 17 sails for the complete trip around the world, plus two in-port race-only spinnakers.
Spinnakers were open during the in-port race, for spectator and standings, during the Volvo Ocean race in Miami in late May. PHOTOS FROM ANDY WOODRUFF With these demands, managing the sail program is a big key to success. During each leg, the yachts are limited to one mainsail, two headsails, three spinnakers (one of which must be fractional) and one staysail. The maximum upwind sail area on these yachts is about 375 square meters and the maximum downwind sail area in excess of 700 square meters or 7,500 square feet, depending on the set-up.
Weather affects Miami races
On May 19, the Volvo 70s participated in a fleet race around a short race course, which was not an easy task as these vessels are set up mainly for offshore sailing. These races proved to be exciting for spectators, but difficult for the sailors as such a small race course punishes mistakes. Yet the results of the in-port races count toward the points for the over leaderboard. The yachts went out to a calm start and blackening sky. Under the thunder clouds came a building and gusty
breeze. With the yachts jostling for position at the gun, it was apparent that different teams had chosen different headsail choices based on their wind predictions. The pack split after a good start by Sanya and Telefonica, and Sanya and Puma went left up the first beat to find more wind, at the risk of finding more adverse current. The other yachts benefited with an inshore route, apart from Camper, which sailed slow and underpowered with its small headsail choice. It was Telefonica, the overall leader, who made it to the windward mark first, followed by Abu Dhabi, Groupama, Sanya, Camper, then Puma. But, on the downwind leg, Groupama gybed earlier and passed Abu Dhabi and Telefonica to take the lead. The race had many position changes due to the failing breeze and unpredictable wind shifts. Telefonica started to get caught up in the traffic at
See VOLVO, page A13
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YACHTING NEWS
Tropical Storm Alberto is wild card in this year’s race VOLVO, from page A12 a mark rounding and eventually hit one of the race marks, resulting in a penalty turn that sent her to the back of the fleet. The action at the front however, was between Abu Dhabi and Groupama, the former hoisted its code zero sail (sails used in light air when close to the wind) and used it to sail upwind and passed Groupama. Groupama was still using a conventional large headsail, until at least it saw the benefit, but by then it was too late and it lost the lead on the last leg. It was Abu Dhabi that crossed the finish line first for six points and its third in-port race victory. Groupama took a close second as the battle for third and fourth heated up. Camper tacked ahead of Puma for the layline to the finish, but with the huge code zero sails tacking is a slow process and Puma ducked beneath them, picked up speed and sailed through their lee to take third just a few boat lengths from the finish. Sanya crossed fifth and Telefonica, way behind, took just one point by coming in sixth.
Trans-Atlantic leg begins
May 20 saw the start of the seventh leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, the transAtlantic crossing from Miami to Lisbon. The start was not a traditional upwind start and the yachts crossed the line under code zero sail on a fetch to the first mark. Abu Dhabi led the start line and rounded the first buoy followed by Telefonica, Groupama, Camper, Sanya, then Puma. On the next leg, Puma passed Sanya before the next mark rounding and the yachts sailed northerly, upwind. Abu Dhabi headed straight out for the Gulf Stream where currents run north and the yachts behind tacked sooner, and gained a huge lead over the fleet as there was more apparent wind speed and more tide pushing in the right direction. However, after the next mark rounding, the small breeze had decreased and the fleet caught up once again. Some of the yachts hoisted a crew member up the rigs to the top spreader to look for breeze and report to the tacticians to plot a course to find the small wind lines. Having successfully held off Groupama, which had claimed second spot earlier as it approached the last mark rounding in Miami, Abu Dhabi headed once more into the Gulf Stream as the lead boat. Groupama was hot on her heels followed by Telefonica and Camper with Puma and Sanya trailing behind. The guest crewmembers who sailed aboard some of the yachts took this opportunity to jump off the back of the
Crew were hoisted up the rigs to look for wind lines during the start of leg seven of the Volvo Ocean race in Miami. yachts and have the team motor boats pick them up out of the sea before the yachts headed of to the horizon.
What is ahead?
With the finish line in Lisbon, the yachts will be using the Gulf Stream on a course that will take them north, past New York, before they will traditionally consider turning east. With more favorable current, more wind and by following great circle routes, this has been the general track of many yachts over the years. However, the yachts set sail directly toward tropical storm Alberto, the first of the 2012 hurricane season, which laid off the East Coast of the United States and held winds of up to 45 knots at its center. So this leg is wide open and maybe the advantage will go to those who play tropical storm Alberto to their best advantage. This 3,600-mile leg was expected to end May 31. Two legs remain, ending in Galway, Ireland, in early July. Andy Woodruff hails from Poole, England. He grew up sailing and then yacht racing before purchasing his own 63-foot S/Y Stenella to run as a crewed charter yacht in the British Virgin Islands, which he did for eight years. He is now a freelance photographer and yacht captain. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
June 2012 A13
A14 June 2012
WRITE TO BE HEARD
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Italy once again draws attention with its stance on VAT By Ayuk Ntuiabane Mention yacht importation amidst the flurry of solicitations to appoint tax representatives in Italy, and faces instantly dim. It had not crossed the mind, because nobody mentioned it. They had supposed that all they needed to do to charter their yachts in Italy was appoint a tax representative there to register them for VAT and assume responsibility for the management of it on their behalf in accordance with local regulations. They would hence be able to bring
their yachts into Italy and conduct charters, charging VAT at the fantastic rate of 6.3 percent of the charter fee. Well, not quite so simple. Yachts are, after all, goods that are owned (“movable property” in the VAT legalese), and as such they must first be imported and VAT accounted under EU VAT rules before they can be used as “EU goods” in the operation of charters or other services. VAT representation is a trite area of law laid down by the dated Article 21 of what used to be the Sixth Directive. Its significance need not be exaggerated
or glamorized, nor should it be doommongered. The tax code of literally all EU countries requires the tax representative (TR) to ensure that the foreign trader is properly registered with the local tax administration. “Foreign traders” (inelegantly referred to as “non-established taxable persons” in the lingo) are ones not already registered for VAT in any EU country. The TR must additionally ensure the foreign trader is compliant with VAT operational rules such as invoicing, exchange rates and the like. He must ensure the trader’s accounting records are maintained to local standards and are readily available for inspection. These are exacting requirements which, in effect, make the TR the local exponent of the foreign trader. This is why tax authorities hold the TR jointly and severally liable for the taxes of the trader, and why most TRs require a bank guarantee to protect them from losses. However, the context here is the EU, whose basis is that of a borderless “single market.” The EU has turned out to be a complex marketplace. Such difficulties may dictate a need for a professional agent in some situations. But the appointment of a TR is not mandatory in cases involving EU
trade, and it would be disingenuous to pretend otherwise. Businesses already registered for VAT in one EU member state have, in fact, ceased to be required to appoint a VAT representative since 2000, thanks to EU Directive 2000/65/EC. Not for the last time Italy wins first prize for grabbing the headlines at the onset of the yachting season. But hold your breath and wait for the truly sensational pieces of good news to come -- if they do indeed come. Firstly, that Italy will waive its import VAT accounting requirement for foreign traders who appoint an Italian tax representative. Secondly, that the profit and capital gain from the yachting trade will be ignored for Italian direct taxation purposes. As we wait in joyful hope, the reality is it is raining on this parade. Italy requires VAT be levied on importations, regardless of who effects them. 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. Comments on this column are welcome at 44 (0)1624 662020 or through www.moorestephens.co.im.
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FROM THE BRIDGE: Hiring
Owner pays the bills and makes the rules BRIDGE, from page A1 with epaulets, ties and traditional cut uniforms. The characteristics can extend to appearance, age or nationality, as well, he said. How can crew can be hired on the basis of characteristics other than skill? Sometimes directions are not spoken, but sort of implied, a captain said. He was told by a fellow crew not to hire anyone of a specific nationality, not mentioned here to retain anonymity. “My last job the owner didn’t directly tell me but it filtered through to me, don’t hire any [of a certain nationality] or any fat people,” he said. “Does that mean don’t hire them or people that look like them?” Captains told of other boats where crew were hired to match a category. “Like, if you need a girl to fit the previous stew’s size 1 shorts,” a captain said. “And there’s a famous boat where the entire crew is gay because the owner is gay,” another captain said. But appearance isn’t always a factor. “Who cares what an engineer looks like ... Elephant Man ... as long as he can do his job,” a captain said. “I really want someone that knows the business.” “It goes both ways,” another captain said. “I worked on 120-footer and we had a cute stew. The owner’s wife was jealous and one day the stew was gone. “We all wondered, what happened?” this captain said. “There’s irony; it’s a reverse discrimination.” If a yacht has such a “look,” how does the captain find crew to match? One way is by using the information on the crew profile sheet and CV, a captain said. Employers can see personal characteristics such as appearance, age or uniform size. “They fill out a crew profile sheet during the hiring application,” he said. “It has religion, weight, size, contact information, medical issues, like if they need an epi-pen, that type of thing.” “I don’t think we would know someone was a certain religion unless they talked about it,” another captain said. “No one ever fills that out.” “How did that boat with gay crew find their crew?” a captain said. This information isn’t just for finding a type of crew, but allows an employer to safeguard the health and welfare of the crew, one captain explained. “For example, I tell them they don’t have to check the religion box,” he said. “But it’s important, if they died, to help with what we would need to do.” And the information is used to foster good working relationships between crew, a captain said. “We don’t usually talk about some
Attendees of The Triton’s June Bridge luncheon were, from left, Peter Pereira of M/Y Fairplay, Rupert Lean of M/Y M4 and Ted Marshall of M/Y Fairplay. PHOTO/DORIE COX things, like religion or politics,” another captain said. “But it can affect the crew relations.” When yacht crew are told by placement agencies and industry experts to include personal information and a photo on their resumes and they are hired (or not) on the basis of such characteristic, is it discrimination? “These are privately owned boats and the owners can do what they want,” a captain said. “The owner pays the bills and that’s who makes the rules,” another said. “It trickles down from the owner, because you have to do what he wants,” a third captain said. Some groups aren’t well-represented in yachting, the captains said. “The idea of hiring a female captain causes hesitancy for some owners,” a captain said. “I saw an all-woman crew and captain and it was interesting, not sexual, but noticeable,” another said. “I had a gay couple, two women, a chef and a stew. I told the owner I wanted to hire them,” a captain said. “The owner was old school so I had to talk about it with everyone and say if there were problems I would ask them to leave. We had to have it in the open.” “It’s hard to hide being old or black,” another captain said. “People do hide their religion.” One captain told of another type of prejudice while working in the Caribbean. “Our captain, a black guy, was like the one you see in advertisements, happy, smiling, positive,” a captain said. He said the boat had knowledgeable, skilled local black crew. Charter clients were primarily white Americans. “I would always tell the guests before they came, and sometimes they would refuse,” he said. “I mean they’re coming to the Caribbean to charter. I said go. I’ll pay if you are unhappy.” The captains came up with other industries known for hiring a certain look. One example was the restaurant Hooters, famous for attractive female servers wearing shorts and tight tops. “That same profile effect is in place in many industries,” a captain said. “It’s the same with real estate,” another captain said. “They usually have their photos on their signs.”
“It’s like the flight attendants used to have a look,” a captain said. “They only hired young attractive women.” The captains talked of hiring decades ago when yachts were smaller. One captain recalled his surprise to see changes in the industry. “I always hired by word of mouth,” he said. “When I finally had to go to my first placement agency, it seemed weird that the photo was on the resume.” The conversation centered how it is imperative that crew get along as a reason to hire crew with similar characteristics. “We all stereotype for a comfort zone, for familiarity,” a captain said. But, another captain said, just because similar types of people are hired doesn’t mean crew will get along. “In reality, it doesn’t take that long to learn each other on a boat, and crew form their own personality conflicts.” Is this wrong for the industry to hire how they choose, which means vetoing someone for such characteristics as age, marital status or tattoos? A captain said he avoids that situation by making a pile of resumes with the skills first, then work with that group to fulfill other characteristics. “You don’t allow differences to be an issue because you weed through before you hire,” he said. “You go through the CVs and pull the ones you may want, then you are choosing from the best.” “The conversation between you and the placement agent is confidential,” a captain said. “They profile for you.” “Those applications are presented to the owner,” another captain said. “If he has a conflict, we don’t hire them.” “There is prejudice everywhere,” a third said, “but on an educated level it is just more diplomatic, more quiet.” The captains seemed to want to end the discussion on a positive note. “Times are changing,” one captain said. “We’re more tolerant now.” “We have never had to terminate someone because of a check off in a box,” another captain said. 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 us for an invitation to our monthly Bridge luncheon.
June 2012 A15
A16 June 2012
FITNESS: Keep It Up
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Stay healthy; exercise and stretch, even while seated.
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PHOTO/DORIE COX
It’s simple to stretch and flex your muscles, even while seated Yacht crew are usually on their feet, but when they do sit, it may be for long stretches; long international flights, hours of study for a license upgrade, or work at a desk, so this workout is great to have for those times. It is important to remember the need to stand up, move and stretch every 30-45 minutes, if possible. Keep It Up This helps to Beth Greenwald increase blood flow, increase energy levels, relieve tension, and decrease back and joint pain. Following are some stretching exercises that you can do right at your seat. Try to get up out of your chair and walk a bit before and after performing the following stretches.
Perform 2-3 sets of the following: Shoulder rolls
Most of us tend to slouch and our shoulders are a bit rounded forward, so it is important to focus on backward shoulder rolls. Dramatically emphasize the motion: forward, up to the ears, around to the back and down. Perform 15 repetitions.
Neck stretch
Begin with your ears in line with your shoulders and arms down at your sides. Slowly tilt your left ear to your left shoulder and hold for 10-15 seconds. Switch sides to complete 1 set.
Wrist circles
Hold up both hands and circle the wrists 10 times each clockwise and counterclockwise.
Open/close hands
Hold both hands up and open and close the hands 15-10 times. Make sure to exaggerate the movement.
Torso twist
Sit up tall in your chair, turn to the right and place both hands on the right armrest or side of the chair. Slowly twist to the right, keeping your eyes level and make sure to not slouch or round the back. Once you reach your furthest point, hold for 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the other side to complete 1 set.
Shoulder stretch
Extend your right arm in front of you. Place the left hand on the right elbow and pull it directly across your chest to stretch the right shoulder, holding for 10-15 seconds. Repeat with the left arm.
Hamstring stretch
Sit up tall, on the edge of your chair and extend your right leg in front of you, keeping a slight bend in the knee and the heel on the floor. Bring the navel towards the thigh, without rounding the upper back to stretch the right hamstring. Hold for 10-15 seconds and repeat on the left side.
Calf stretch
Start with both feet flat on the floor, toes pointed forward and knees directly over the ankles. Lift the heels off the ground as you raise your legs onto the balls of your feet and hold for 2-3 seconds. Repeat 10 times to complete 1 set.
Ankle rolls
Lift your right foot off of the ground and roll the ankle 10 times clockwise and 10 times counterclockwise. 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 Ft. Lauderdale area. Contact her at +1 716-908-9836 or bethgreenwald@hotmail.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
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YACHT CAREERS: Crew Coach
June 2012 A17
Check your inner compass to navigate midlife in your career I have written some columns in the past year directed more toward those just starting out or new to the industry. But if you’ve been in this game for a while (15, maybe 20 years) you’re probably sailing into midlife and with that stage can come some different thoughts and feelings about your life. Crew Coach Navigating Rob Gannon the midlife passage may take some new skills; after all, you’ve never been here before. New opportunities, interests and issues may present themselves here. You may find you need some new charts. You also may want to check how much deviation is affecting your inner compass. Rather than taking on this chapter with some kind of unaccepting resistance, jump in with gratitude for where you are and a strong desire to clarify and create where you’re going. You are entering what the great Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung called the “second half of life,” powerfully and brilliantly described as follows: “We take the step into the afternoon of life. Worse still, we take this step
with the false assumption that our certain interests fading and new ones truths and ideals will serve us as before. arising. It just means you’re evolving, But we cannot live the afternoon of you’re alive and still becoming. You may life according to the program of life’s have thoughts of leaving the yachting morning – for what was great in the life and it may, for some, feel a bit scary morning will be little at evening, and or unsettling. But after reading Jung’s what in the morning was true will words, based on years of research at evening have and study, you become a lie.” can gain some Swiss psychoanalyst You may want comfort in to read that a knowing you’re Carl Jung described couple more times probably on the second half of life to really let it swim track with your this way: We cannot around in your thoughts. It’s live the afternoon head. Now here’s a all part of the bit more from Dr. process. of life according to Jung: Others may be the program of life’s “In this phase perfectly content morning – for what was of life – between with where they 35 and 50 – a great in the morning will are and love their significant change work and have no be little at evening, and in human psyche desire to change what in the morning was is in preparation. anything. This At first it is not is a great thing true will at evening have a conscious as well. Your become a lie. and striking planning for an change. Often it afterlife from is something like yachting may a slow change in a person’s character; be years away. We are all on our own in another case, certain traits may voyages that are ours and ours alone. come to light which had disappeared Here is how author Mark Gerzon put in childhood; or again, inclinations and it in his book, “Listening to Midlife”: interests begin to weaken and others “As we age, we human beings yearn arise to take their places.” for wholeness. We yearn for the parts So don’t be disturbed or confused by of ourselves that have been in the
dark to find sunlight, and those that have been sunburned to find shade. We yearn for the parts that have been underdeveloped to grow, and those overdeveloped to be pruned. We yearn for the parts that have been silent to speak, and those that were noisy to be still. We yearn to live our unlived lives. But ultimately, your path toward wholeness is unique. It depends on where you have been and where you are going. Your quest is just that – yours.” So enjoy this quest you are on. As far as we know, it might very well be the only one we get on this blue planet we’re spinning around on. In your first half of life there were some expectations of others to live up to. There was certainly some programming going on and we looked for approval and acceptance. Well, here’s the cool part, midlife voyager: You get to design this next part of the program. In this movie of your life, you are the writer, director and lead actor. If you don’t like the way the script is going, tear it up and write a new one. It is, after all, uniquely yours. Rob Gannon is a 25-year licensed captain and certified life and wellness coach (yachtcrewcoach.com). Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
A18 June 2012
WRITE TO BE HEARD
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Little-known Maker’s List make a difference By Capt. Buddy Haack
products. Fall behind and you fall out of favor and maybe off the list. Miss a meeting, you better have a good excuse. Miss an install appointment, you are in big trouble because there are five other companies standing around to take your place. The types of systems and suppliers included on the Maker’s List are many: stabilizers, generators, main engines, gearboxes, ground tackle, A/C units, bow thrusters, lighting, compasses, alarms, fuel separators, passerelles, insulation, steering gear, sewage plants, telephone, ventilation, navigation, antennas, radars, watermakers, davits, refrigeration, converters, and so on. Each system could list up to 10 suppliers on the Maker’s List. It can be confusing to know which one to select The choice belongs to the owner and his representative. If you leave it to the builder, the least expensive system will be installed. Remember, all these systems are deemed acceptable and reliable by the builder. That does not mean they are all the same price, size, weight or quality. A good analogy would be to compare this list to automobile industry standards. Take a Chevy Cruz, a Toyota Prius, or a Mercedes C class. They all do the same job. They all can go 10 years and 200,000 miles without much difficulty. The Chevy is the least expensive to buy, and the least expensive to maintain. The Toyota is the most economical on fuel. The Mercedes is not only the most expensive to buy, but also the most expensive to maintain and operate.
Which system will the builder install if the decision is left to them? Which system would you install? The cost of building a large megayacht breaks down to 70 percent for the facility, systems and labor. Materials are about 30 percent of the total cost. Most of the time, the quality of the systems do not change the overall price of the project by more than a few percent. It is important to select the best system for the application. More expensive is not always the best. A chain reaction can happen when all the selected systems use more power, add more weight, and take up more space. The more expensive systems usually perform the same functions as the less expensive systems. More expensive does not always equate to the most reliable systems, and the least expensive does not always equate to the least reliable systems either. There is a great amount of information out there. You can call other vessels, service yards, surveyors and engineers for references on the systems you are considering. Do your due diligence. Find the best system on the Maker’s List for your project. Pay attention to the “Maker’s List” and avoid regrets later.
It is widely known that, when buying a new yacht, a well-prepared build contract is vital for both the buyer and the builder. It is also well known that a clearly defined specification is essential to any new build as is the general arrangement and profile designs. What is not well-known is that there is a mechanism at most high-pedigree shipyards called a Maker’s List. The Maker’s List is a list of products, systems and suppliers that are acceptable to the builder. It is established by the builder to protect each project from using systems or suppliers that are deemed unfamiliar or inadequate for that particular project. (This can also be viewed as a protection to the buyer’s best interests as well.) Over a period of several builds, a shipyard becomes familiar with certain systems and suppliers, and these products and human resources prove to be reliable or not. The amount of required operational maintenance is also a factor when a builder chooses a system. Once the yacht has passed all acceptance trials and is officially delivered, the warranty period begins. A builder does not want to address costly system failures any more than Capt. Buddy Haack has worked on the buyer, who wants to avoid the and with yachts since 1979, including hassle of warranty and the downtime to being captain of M/Y Adler for about make repairs. a decade. He was a sales executive A builder will carefully choose with Lurssen Yachts for 14 years before systems and suppliers to avoid these retiring last year. Comments on this unexpected failures and, if they do essay are welcome at editorial@thecome up, to address them quickly triton.com. during the warranty period. Most highprofile yards have a logistics team that search out vendors with new ideas or products. These teams investigate suppliers for quality equipment, good installers, good track record, good service credentials, diligent and reliable people, strong financial backing, and ontime delivery and install records. Competition is fierce with these vendors, and that is often what keeps them moving forward The cost of building a large megayacht breaks down to 70 percent for the facility, systems and with constant labor. Materials are about 30 percent. Usually, the quality of the systems do not change the overall improvements on their FILE PHOTO price of the project by more than a few percent.
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WRITE TO BE HEARD
June 2012 A19
Delegate’s hope alive after trip to Washington, D.C. I have found myself critical of government recently. Entrepreneurs often are, I suppose, but sometimes the roadblocks just seem silly. Take, for example, the improvements to the longshore act that directors of the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (of which I’m a relatively new board member) spent more than seven years changing so vendors can more fairly operate in non-commercial shipyards. The improved act was passed a few years ago but has been changed during the implementation process My Turn to make it even worse than it was David Reed before. It’s hard not to be critical of the process when stuff like that happens. So, with some hesitation, I signed up to attend the American Boating Congress in late April, a pilgrimage that hundreds of boating businesspeople make each year to meet with national legislators in Washington. I was a delegate of the U.S. Superyacht Association (of which I am a founding board member). We flew in on a Tuesday morning and walked directly into our first meeting with more than a dozen other USSA delegates, U.S. Coast Guard officials, immigration representatives and staff from the Department of State. While some of what was discussed may sound like old news to the readers of our newspaper, it was priceless that we were able to meet with top officials and that they understood what a yacht is. While we like the owners, the real conversation was about the jobs these yachts bring to our communities wherever they are built, serviced or merely docked. I listened more than I talked in Washington, and I’m not sure if my presence helped, but it certainly was powerful for me. Our representatives and their staffs are accessible and, in fact, seemed genuinely proud to have us visit. We asked for their leadership to get things done to help the yachting industry, and they all seemed receptive. Let’s hope the trip doesn’t give us cause to criticize.
You have a ‘write’ to be heard. Send us your thoughts about anything you want to share. Write to us at editorial@ the-triton.com.
By canoe or yacht, Hudson River enticing Regarding the story of M/Y Battered Bull on the Hudson River [“Where the good party starts: Hudson River treats those who explore,” page B1, May issue]: A really well-written piece that makes you just want to go there – in a canoe or a superyacht. Well done. Bransom Bean Freelance writer and sailor
Union would ID unhappy crew
Forgive me but I’m still catching up on my Triton reading. This is in response to Capt. Tim Hull’s letter to the editor in your January issue, “Yachting doesn’t need unions” [page A19]. Bravo. Well said and so true. Anyone who feels they need a union in this industry should just
Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com Associate Editor Dorie Cox, dorie@the-triton.com Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com
Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com
Advertising Sales Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com Becky Gunter, becky@the-triton.com
The Triton Directory Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
go away and leave us alone. We don’t need you and neither does this industry. If you do not like who or where you work, leave and don’t look back. There are enough maritime unions in place and more rules, laws, regulations and conventions protecting the mariner. If you feel you are being mistreated, educate yourself and stand up for yourself. Check your facts with one of the online publications, all of which have forums. The most recent attempt to unionize mariners was in the Gulf of Mexico. It failed miserably; it was fun to watch. If you don’t like where you are or what you are doing, don’t blame others. Leave and try Contributors
Carol Bareuther, Tim Brady, Capt. John Campbell, Capt. Mark A. Cline, Capt. Jake DesVergers, Capt. Rob Gannon, Beth Greenwald, Capt. Buddy Haack, Capt. Dave Johnson, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Chief Stew Alene Keenan, Keith Murray, Steve Pica, Rossmare Intl., Tom Serio, Capt. John Wampler Andy Woodruff
another place. Maybe do some homework before taking a job next time. Don’t blame it on this industry; try working somewhere else in the world. You know what? My mistake. It was wrong of me to say that. Stay in a job and an industry where you feel abused and unentitled to having it your way. Go forward with your dream of creating a union of disgruntled, misunderstood yacht crew, so those of us who enjoy what we do will know you all the better. Don’t give up on your dream. Become the union president and take the lead. Then get a thousand unhappy crew to join in. Good idea; knock yourself out. Capt. Herbert Magney M/Y At Last Vol. 9, No.3
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Temperatures are on the rise
June brings Good fuel quality is vital summer fun
Crew, guests face heat exhaustion
Water, microbes, cause problems
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June 2012
Navigation system use comes with requirements
TRY THE OTHER ISLAND
M/Y Ligaya docked under the citadel at Calvi in Corsica.
PHOTOS FROM CAPT. JOHN CAMPBELL
Corsica is a great Western Med alternative By Capt. John Campbell It seems that everybody and their metaphorical dog want to go to Sardinia. For my tastes, the whole island is outrageously expensive. If you are a commercial yacht on charter, you will be charged a fee for each day you are in Sardinian waters. Port fees are eyewateringly expensive, as is the cost of any food or drink. When it comes down to it, although the waters are pretty and there a number of good anchorages, often the main reason people go to Sardinia is to “see or be seen” in one of the main marinas. If you are more interested in real cruising, there is an alternative just a few miles north: Corsica. The west side of Corsica, whilst lacking in the supposed allure of Porto Rotondo or Porto Cervo, has many sheltered anchorages, several interesting old towns, and stunning scenery.
Triton spotters in the sand
The marina at Calvi as seen from the citadel. M/Y Ligaya is stern-to at the visitor dock. The western coast is much nicer than the east coast. In light winds or an easterly breeze, the choice of anchorages is almost unlimited. But if a west wind is blowing, the cruising and anchorages are not as good. (That’s when I go to the island of Elba, one of my favorite places.) Still, the west coast of Corsica is
where the best cruising is to be found.
First stop: St. Florent
If you are sailing from the Italian or French rivieras, a good landfall is in the Gulf of St. Florent in the northwest
See CORSICA, page B6
Each year, or several times each year, a new set of regulations enters into force within our industry. These can involve smaller projects like new oil record books or modifications to an existing manual. At the other end of the spectrum we see major projects such as new ways to build fuel tanks Rules of the Road or modifications Jake DesVergers to structural fire protection. In between these extremes, we usually find technological advances for the safety of navigation and communication. New navigational devices in our tech-savvy economy are a personal favorite of owners and captains alike. A system that has been in development for several decades is the Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems. This is commonly referred to by its acronym: ECDIS. ECDIS is a computer-based navigation information system that complies with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations. It can be used as a primary means of navigation and an alternative to paper nautical charts mandated by SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 19. It is important to note that not all computer navigation systems are ECDIS. Unless the system is specifically approved against the international requirements and certified as such, it is simply an electronic chart system (ECS). An ECDIS system displays the information from electronic navigational charts (ENC) or digital nautical charts (DNC) and integrates
See RULES, page B10
B June 2012 ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sea Sick
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As season heats up, watch for warning signs of heat exhaustion Keith Murray is working away from his home office this month. This column, first printed last spring, reminds captains and crew to be aware of heat-related emergencies as we head into summer. The first thing I want to stress about heat-related emergencies is prevention. Sea Sick You know Keith Murray the old saying: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. With heat-related emergencies, think in terms of ounces – ounces of water, that is. Not alcohol, coffee, tea or soda, which dehydrate the body. Think and drink water. When working or playing in the heat, drink cool water every hour. Notice I said cool not cold, because cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. Many things can cause heat-related emergencies, starting with high temperatures and high humidity. High heat and humidity affect the body’s ability to cool itself. When humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate quickly. Sweat on the skin prevents the body
from releasing heat quickly. by exposure to high temperatures and Other factors that may increase lack of fluids. It is the body’s response a person’s risk of a heat-related to an excessive loss of the water and emergency are age, weight, fever, salt contained in sweat. dehydration, heart disease, poor Warning signs for heat exhaustion circulation, sunburn, and prescription include heavy sweating, paleness, drug and alcohol use. muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, And yes, a hard night of drinking dizziness, headache, nausea or can increase your vomiting, and risk factor. Switch fainting. If left When working or to club soda if you untreated, heat know that your exhaustion may playing in the heat, next day is going lead to heat stroke, drink cool water every to be a long hot which may be hour. day in the sun. fatal. Here are three Help the victim common heatto cool off. If the related emergencies and how to help victim has heart problems or high someone suffering their symptoms. blood pressure or if the symptoms 1. Heat Cramps. Heat cramps worsen or last longer than one hour, generally occur when we sweat a lot, seek medical attention immediately. depleting the body’s salt and moisture. 3. Heat Stroke. Heat stroke is the Heat cramps are muscle pains or third and most dangerous type of heat spasms usually felt in the arms, emergency as it can cause permanent abdomen or legs. disability or death. Heat stroke occurs If you experience heat cramps, when the body is unable to cool itself. stop what you are doing, sit down in a The body’s temperature rises rapidly, cool place and relax, drink clear juice the sweating mechanism fails, and or Gatorade, and wait a few hours the body is unable to cool down. It before returning to work. Seek medical is possible for body temperature to attention if the symptoms are severe or reach 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 do not go away in an hour. minutes. 2. Heat Exhaustion. Like heat Warning signs for heat stroke vary cramps, heat exhaustion is also caused but may include red and dry skin (no
sweating), rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Call for immediate medical assistance, get the victim out of the sun and cool the victim rapidly by placing the person in a cool shower or spray the victim with cool water from a hose. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call or radio for further emergency medical instructions, which may include giving the patient oxygen. Lastly, if there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning the victim on their side in the recovery position. Remember, it is much easier to prevent these heat-related emergencies than it is to treat them. Drink plenty of water and look for the early warning signs. 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@thetriton.com.
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June 2012 B
Bertram Yacht relocates business to 200 miles north of Miami Bertram Yacht has relocated from Miami to Merritt Island, about 200 miles up Florida’s East Coast, taking over the old Sea Ray property. “We at Bertram Yacht deeply value our 50 years of history and culture in Florida and we look forward to growing in an area with a highly skilled workforce that will help build competitive yachts well suited for hardcore saltwater sportfishing,” said Alton Herndon, president for Bertram Yachts. “We also plan to bring many existing Bertram employees to Merritt Island to help establish our roots and keep the Bertram legacy growing.” Bertram Yachts’ move to Merritt Island brings to fruition the changes and new strategy developed and initiated within the past two years by the Bertram management team, according to a company statement. The new facility will also be an opportunity to implement new production processes and systems, the company said. “Bertram is one of the best known yacht brands in the world and we are fully committed to support the Bertram management team as we embark on a new era for this iconic American brand,” said Norberto Ferretti, founder and chairman of the Ferretti Group, parent company of Bertram Yacht. Bertram Yacht was awarded a State of Florida Qualified Target Industry (QTI) and Brownfield tax refund to offset the cost of relocation, employee training, and infrastructure. The Brevard County Board of County Commissioners awarded Bertram Yacht the required local match for the QTI program through an Ad Valorem Tax Abatement. Bertram Yacht considered locations in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina before choosing the Merritt Island site. Bertram will complete the current models in production through this summer and will begin the relocation of key models and production at the new facility in the fall, with a view to launch the first Merritt Island-built models in early 2013, according to the statement. The company’s main showroom and dealership is expected to remain in Ft. Lauderdale.
Shepherd promoted at IGY
Dubai-based Mourjan Marinas IGY has promoted Wayne Shepherd to general manager of marina operations. Shepherd had been the company’s regional operations manager for the past four years. He has close to 35 years experience in Australia and the Middle East, 19 in marina management. “Wayne is a Shepherd
world-class leader in our industry and has been a tremendous asset to our company since joining us in 2008,” said Michael Horrigan, CEO of Mourjan Marinas IGY. Shepherd was instrumental in the growth of Doha’s Lusail Marina, which has just marked its first year of operations. Prior to Mourjan Marinas IGY, Shepherd was operations manager for d’Albora Marinas, Australia’s largest marina operating company, which has six marinas in New South Wales and Victoria, including Nelson Bay marina.
Bahamas approves project
The Bahamian government has approved a $30 million project for Norman’s Cay, Exuma, according to a story in the Nassau Guardian. Few details were revealed other than the construction of three boutique properties, and that work “should start pretty soon”, the newspaper reported.. “We are excited about that because it’ll be the third drug property that was very prominent in the commission of inquiry in the 1980s … [that has now been put to use as] productive economic lawful, legal, legitimate use,”
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham told the newspaper. The government has done the same in Guana Cay, Abaco, and Hawks Nest, Cat Island. “They were all drug havens in the 80s,” he said. As part of the deal, the developer has agreed to upgrade the airport. The investment is being funded by a Turkish group, the newspaper reported.
Spanish firms partner
Barcelona-based Vilanova Grand
See MARINAS, page B4
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MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
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Miami marina dock space to be available this summer at Epic MARINAS, from page B3 Marina has partnered with Spanish company ADP (Alfonso de Prada) to offer yacht painting services at the yard, including painting of hulls and superstructures, antifouling removal, application of epoxy rust inhibitors, osmosis treatment, mast painting and burnishing. Through ADP’s 25 years in the industry, Vilanova’s technical area has agreements with brands such as Awlgrip, International Marine Coatings Antifoulings, Epifanes Varnishes, West System and Propspeed. “The facilities of Vilanova’s technical area are excellent for yacht maintenance and refit and enable us to carry out projects in an efficient and comfortable manner,” said Alfonso de Prada, CEO of ADP. “We are proud to be
part of such a professional team.” The offering of in-house painting services is the beginning of more partnerships, said Ignacio Erroz, the marina’s general manager. “We have already approached other companies that provide repair and refit services and we hope to reach similar agreements with them,” he said.
Golden Fleet plans departure
The vessels of the Golden Fleet are departing on their five-year, aroundthe-world voyage, leaving the marina’s 900 linear feet of dock space near downtown Miami available beginning this summer. Dockmaster David Smyth noted that after a year of preparations, the Golden Fleet is ready to depart Epic Marina at the mouth of the Miami River. A few large yachts have been seen there
Epic Marina docks will be vacant when the Golden Fleet departs Miami to PHOTO FROM EPIC MARINA begin an around-the-world trip this summer. recently, including M/Y Cakewalk and M/Y Seven Seas, but only because the fleet was out with the owner. For more information, visit epicmarina.com.
Harvey ends license at Big Game
Owners of the historic Big Game Club in Bimini and Guy Harvey Outpost have agreed to end the licensing agreement for the 51-room resort and marina, which re-opened two years ago as a Guy Harvey Outpost Resort & Marina. Eric Jarvis, spokesman for the California-based owner of the Big Game Club, said the relationship using the branding power of marine wildlife artist and scientist Guy Harvey coupled with the financial backing and support of the Hankey Group – put the iconic fishing resort back in play as a popular family destination, adding scuba diving and backcountry fishing as available pursuits. “We will continue to develop the property and make capital improvements, including the addition of a floating dock facility this summer, which will facilitate direct seaplane service,” Jarvis said. The $18,000 floating dock will be erected on the south end of the property and offer guests dockside customs and immigration check-in. The dock was expected to be open this month. Arriving by seaplane saves an hour of travel time of both a taxi and ferry when arriving at the airport. Sixty percent of guests at the Big Game Club currently arrive by air. The Big Game Club, which is located on the main navigation channel in Bimini Bay, currently features a 51room resort and a 75-slip marina
Ernest Hemingway family members arriving in Bimini by seaplane PHOTO FROM BIG GAME CLUB (circa 1935) See MARINAS, page B5
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Aerial of Bimini Big Game Club in Bimini, Bahamas.
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
PHOTO FROM BIG GAME CLUB
Marinas undergo changes in Bimini, and St. Kitts and Nevis MARINAS, from page B4 capable of accommodating boats up to 145 feet in length. “We’re glad to have written this chapter in the history of Bimini and the Big Game Club,” said Mark Ellert, president of Guy Harvey Outpost based in Ft. Lauderdale. “Our redevelopment of the property and revitalization of guest services restored the Club’s reputation.” Closed for two years, the Big Game Club, which was founded as a dinner club in 1936, was re-opened in 2010 following completion of a $3.5 million renovation. For more information, visit BigGameClubBimini.com.
St. Kitts/Nevis gears up yachting
Seeing the economic success of neighboring islands, the dual-island Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis is gearing up to attract yacht tourism. The government of St. Kitts and Nevis has begun to develop a national maritime policy that, in part, will focus on attracting megayacht business to Christophe Harbor and Port Zante. The Christophe Harbour Development Company (CHDC), a venture led by Charleston, S.C.based Kiawah Partners, is completing excavation work to make way for larger yachts. Kiawah Partners is the master
Rendering of the completed marina village at Christophe Harbour. DRAWING FROM KIAWAH PARTNERS
developer for Christophe Harbour, a luxury residential resort community with a 300-slip megayacht marina on a 2,500-acre peninsula in the southeastern part of St. Kitts. All finished, the project is expected to have a value of $1 billion. The yacht basin at Christophe Harbor now has a depth of 18 feet or more with 15 feet at the harbor entry, the company said. A temporary 240foot floating dock and superyacht moorings can accommodate six megayachts. The marina does not yet have power or fueling services, but onsite customs clearance is available. St. Kitts and Nevis is a natural yachting destination given its proximity to other islands such as St. Barth’s, Antigua and St. Maarten. Its marine policy is expected to be in place by March of next year. “With the support of the government and their commitment to expanding the Port Zante marina, we’re hopeful that will help propel the islands as the next great yachting destination,” said Mike Touhill, director of public relations for Kiawah Partners. Carol Bareuther
Renovations complete at Lido
Lido Yacht Anchorage & Drystack in Newport Beach, Calif., has recently completed a renovation, including the replacement of a portion of the marina’s docks. Last summer, the docks were removed to facilitate the removal of more than 90,000 cubic yards of dirt laced with mercury, pesticides and other toxic chemicals, removed the Rhine Channel off the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of toxic hot spots, according to a news release about the project. The dredge project finished in November and Washington-based Bellingham Marine installed new wooden docks, locker boxes, power centers, and fire hose cabinets. Electrical components, potable water lines, and fire suppression infrastructure were also upgraded. The improved marina has 239 slips that can accommodate vessels up to 135 feet.
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Today’s fuel prices
One year ago
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of May 15
Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of May 15, 2011
Region Duty-free*/duty paid Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 915/975 Ft. Lauderdale 820/875 Savannah, Ga. 885/NA Savannah, Ga. 800/NA Newport, R.I. 895/NA Newport, R.I. 805/NA Caribbean Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,120/NA St. Thomas, USVI 1,025/NA St. Maarten 1,220/NA St. Maarten 1,150/NA Antigua 1,200/NA Antigua 1,110/NA Valparaiso 920/NA Valparaiso 925/NA North Atlantic North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,014/NA Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,020/NA Cape Verde 959/NA Cape Verde 1,005/NA Azores 989/NA Azores 980/NA Canary Islands 887/1,078 Canary Islands 920/1,590 Mediterranean Mediterranean Gibraltar 955/NA Gibraltar 860/NA Barcelona, Spain 970/1,700 Barcelona, Spain 910/1,590 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,778 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,790 Antibes, France 915/1,770 Antibes, France 895/1,870 San Remo, Italy 1,041/2,197 San Remo, Italy 1,030/2,070 Naples, Italy 1,025/2,136 Naples, Italy 1,015/2,050 Venice, Italy 968/2,062 Venice, Italy 1,045/1,835 Corfu, Greece 1,056/2,136 Corfu, Greece 1,015/2,200 Piraeus, Greece 1,031/1,984 Piraeus, Greece 955/2,070 Istanbul, Turkey 920/NA Istanbul, Turkey 940/NA Malta 942/1,666 Malta 985/1,815 Tunis, Tunisia 925/NA Tunis, Tunisia 830/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 922/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 835/NA Oceania Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 998/NA Auckland, New Zealand 935/NA Sydney, Australia 999/NA Sydney, Australia 990/NA Fiji 1,020/NA Fiji 1,020/NA *When available according to local customs.
B June 2012
CRUISING GROUNDS: Corsica
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Berths in Calvi can be scarce at the peak of tourist season CORSICA, from page B1
The marina at St. Florent is quite small but the anchorage is well protected and provides the best anchorage when coming from the Riviera. PHOTO / CAPT. JOHN CAMPBELL
corner of the island. In the Baie de la Mortella, on the west side of the gulf, is a good anchorage. This is one of the few on this coast that is sheltered from a west wind. St. Florent itself is a bustling little town with a plethora of bars and restaurants. There is a marina, which – at least in theory – can take boats up to 40m, although the depth inside the marina is 3m at best. (+33 495 37 1137; capitainerie.stflo@wanadoo.fr). In settled weather you can anchor close to the west of the marina and explore the town from there. As you head south, there are plenty of anchorages from which to choose. The small town of Isle Rousse offers reasonable shelter from the west wind. There is a small marina and visiting boats are sometimes allowed to anchor stern-to the outside wall. The town relies heavily on tourism and there appear to be few people living there year round. The first big town you come to on the west coast is Calvi, which is also one of my favorites. There are visitor berths on the outside wall on the north side of the marina. Outside of July and August, you are likely to find a berth, but in the height of summer, you may find you have to anchor off the town. (+33 495 65 1513; port-calvi@wanadoo.fr). If you go stern-to this wall, try to get a berth on the outer half. There are several large concrete blocks off the inshore half, and they seriously reduce the depth of water available. Dominating the town is the citadel, which dates back to the 13th century. It is still used by the French Foreign Legion as a base and training center. For many years Calvi was part of the empire of Genoa. Indeed, one of the fiercest battles fought for the citadel was when it was attacked by the French fleet in the 16th century. Calvi was handed to the French by treaty in the early 18th century, but it fell to the British in a daring attack by then-Capt., later Admiral, Nelson. Nelson, commanding the HMS Agamemnon, was sent to Corsica in 1794. He arrived off St. Florent in February and proceeded to attack the town and the fortifications. His first target was the Martello tower, the ruins of which still stand on the south side of the Gulf of St. Florent. Once St. Florent was taken, he sailed south to Calvi. This was going to be a much harder assignment. It was obvious to him that an attack on the citadel from the sea would most likely end in tears. Instead of attacking, he sailed southward, and one can imagine the
Gallic sigh of relief from the commander of the citadel as he saw the fleet pass. However, Nelson had another plan. He stopped to the south of the Revellata peninsula and landed troops in the tiny bay of Porto Agro. From there, they launched an overland attack on the citadel, rather catching the defending troops by surprise. Four days into the siege, Nelson was standing in the ridge watching and directing the course of the assault. A cannon ball fired by the French hit a rock close to where he was standing, and it was here that Nelson famously lost his right eye. Despite this, he was able to capture Calvi. A few years later Nelson was able to use the loss of his eye as an excuse, in the battle of Copenhagen, when he swore that because of his lack of an eye, he did not see the signal ordering him to retreat, and went on to win a major battle. Had the cannon ball hit him, or indeed caused more injuries, then Nelson would not have been able to decisively defeat the French at Trafalgar, and I would probably be writing this article in French instead of English. It is magical to me to wander the narrow, cobbled streets of the citadel and imagine how it was in the late 18th century. There is still a slightly ominous air about the place, as it is still a major base for the French Foreign Legion, that slightly mysterious body that seems to be part army and part secret society.
En route to Ajaccio
The next big town to the south is Ajaccio, but on the way are many anchorages. One of my favorites is the tiny village of Girolata. It is tucked into the northeast corner of a bay, beneath cliffs so steep that there is no road into the village. Everything and everybody must come by sea. In the high season, during the day, it gets rather swamped by day-tripper boats. But outside of the season, or in early morning or late evening, it would be hard to find a more tranquil spot. Ajaccio is the capital of Corsica and is a relatively large and bustling town. Although to me it lacks the charm of Calvi, it is a nice enough spot to visit. There are two marinas. The southern one, Port Tino Rossi, is the one to aim for. It claims to cope with yachts up to 60m, but I am not sure. There is certainly plenty of room for 40m yachts. (+33 495 512272; hail on Ch. 9) There are ferries to Nice and Toulon from here and there is an airport not too far away with international flights. Ajaccio was the birthplace of Admiral Nelson’s arch-enemy, Napoleon
See CORSICA, page B7
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CRUISING GROUNDS: Corsica
Ajaccio was the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte. Although he was born there, Napoleon did not spend much of his life in Ajaccio, however, there is PHOTO/CAPT. JOHN CAMPBELL a statue of him outside the town hall.
Propriano has an independent streak CORSICA, from page B6 Bonaparte. Although he was born there, Napoleon did not spend too much of his life in Ajaccio. However, there is a large statue of him outside the town hall. It is quite funny, because the statue is wearing what look like the robes of a Roman Senator, and has a grumpylooking expression on his face, as if he knows he looks like a fool in those robes. The last reasonable-sized town on the west coast is Propriano, at the head of the Gulf of Valinco. There is a marina, but when we were there it was jammed full of smaller boats, and does not really appear to be able to cater to larger yachts. However, the anchorage off the town is good. Propriano is a slightly odd place. The inhabitants are fiercely independent and not overly enamoured with their French “masters.� The town was leveled a couple of times by the Turks and the present town is only some hundred years old, so most of the buildings are all of a similar age and style. There is a good choice
of restaurants on the waterfront, and reasonable shopping close by.
On the south side
As you turn onto the south coast, you are coming to one of the windiest places in the whole of the Mediterranean, the Strait of Bonifacio. It seems that it is always blowing a gale, either from the east or the west. If there is a Mistral blowing in the Gulf of Lyon, then treat the strait with a modicum of respect; it is common for winds of 50 knots or even more to howl through the Strait. The town of Bonifacio is the proverbial jewel in the Corsican crown. The long, narrow, steep-sided natural harbor is well hidden behind the sheltering headland, on which the old town is perched. Yachts up to about 50m will berth stern-to on the south side of the harbor. Bonifacio is very popular. To have any hope of a berth in July or August, you will have to book far ahead. (+33 495 731007; port-bonifacio@wanadoo.fr)
See CORSICA, page B8
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B June 2012
CRUISING GROUNDS: Corsica
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Odysseus thought to have been in Bonifacio around 1190 B.C. CORSICA, from page B7
The marina and waterfront of Ajaccio.
PHOTO/ CAPT. JOHN CAMPBELL
Even booking ahead, you may find you have to use the services of an agent to secure a slip. Although it is difficult to get a berth, it is worth persevering. Along the waterfront are many excellent restaurants, and indeed many visitors never venture up to the town itself. For me, to miss the town is to miss the reason for visiting Bonifacio. It is a bit of a climb up the steep road, or up the steps, but well worth the pain. Narrow cobbled streets twist and turn, and the houses on the south side of the town cling precariously to the very edge of the steep cliff. The settlement dates back to at least 828, when Count Bonifacio built the first
fortifications. However, long before that it was used by the Romans, and it is thought to be one of the ports visited by Odysseus in around 1190 B.C. There is a lot of history in Bonifacio. If you fancy a bit more exercise, having got to the town, then the walk along the cliff-tops to the signal station is fantastic. The views across to Sardinia, the jagged limestone cliffs and the wind sighing in the scrub bushes will be memories that stay with you a long time. If you go early in the morning, there is an amazing feeling of isolation. This is Mother Nature at her best.
On the east side
A few miles to the west of Bonifacio is the Baie de Figari. There is room for a couple of boats to anchor inside the bay, sheltered from the east or west wind. The attraction here is that it is close to Figari airport, which has a good number of provincial flights. It can be a handy place to pick up or drop off guests. In settled weather, the islands of Lavezzi and Cavallo to the east of Bonifacio are worth exploring. However, much of this area is now a national park, and access is restricted to many of the bays. It is best to check locally as to the latest rules. If there is a Mistral blowing or forecast for the Gulf of Lyon, then the west coast of Corsica should be avoided. The east coast is not as nice, but will be much safer in a strong west wind. There are a couple of towns on the east coast, with several anchorages between them, which are sheltered in an east wind. Bastia in the northeast of the island was the capital of the island until Napoleon decided to give that honor to Ajaccio. There are two marinas, one to the north and one to the south of the town, but both are suitable only for smaller boats up to about 25m. There is an airport close to Bastia. Further south, almost at the southern end of the island, is the Gulf of Porto Vecchio. The bay itself offers several anchorages and the marina at the head of the bay can take yachts up to 50m in length, but with a maximum draught of only a little over 3m. Like all the French marinas, they can be contacted on VHF Channel 9 or phone +33 495 701793. For me, Corsica is much underappreciated, and is well worth a visit. So long as you do not feel the need for overpriced nightclubs, discos and fancy hotels, then Corsica can offer something to please most people. Capt. John Campbell has been a yacht captain for more than 25 years and a sailor all his life. He is currently in command of 38m M/Y Ligaya. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
B10 June 2012 FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road
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ECDIS installation phase-in dates range from 2014 to 2018 RULES, from page B1 position information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other navigational sensors, such as radar, gyro compass, and the automatic identification systems (AIS). It may also display additional navigation-related information, such as sailing directions and data from the fathometer. The amount of information integrated with the ECDIS is only limited by the features offered by the particular manufacturer. In discussing ECDIS, there are two distinct, yet parallel issues with this new requirement. They are the
implementation dates for installation of the equipment and personnel training for use of the equipment. For installation of ECDIS, the following dates have been established. They are phased-in based upon vessel type, size, and date of construction. As yachts are considered cargo ships for regulatory purposes, there are two potential deadlines. New cargo ships from 3000 gt up to 10,000 gt must comply no later than July 1, 2014. Existing cargo ships of 10,000 gt up to 20,000 gt built before July 1, 2013 must comply no later than July 1, 2018. For existing commercial yachts certified as
passenger ships (can carry more than 12 guests), those 500 gt and greater must comply no later than July 1, 2014. Any ships which are constructed before its application date, but delivered after the due date as above, ECDIS shall be installed no later than her initial safety equipment survey. Flag administrations may exempt ships from the application of the above equipment requirements of ECDIS when such ships will be taken permanently out of service within two years after the implementation date. As one will cite from the above information, yachts of less than 3000 gt are not required to install ECDIS. They fall below the lowest tonnage threshold. However, if a yacht decides to utilize ECDIS voluntarily, it must meet the same requirements as if the equipment was mandatory. This includes training. All captains and navigational officers serving on yachts that have ECDIS as their primary means of navigation must complete both the generic and shipspecific equipment training. Generic training can be obtained via an approved course at a training school. The course must be based upon on the IMO Model Course 1.27 and certified by the flag administration. ECDIS-specific equipment training should relate to the make and model of
the actual equipment fitted on board. And yes, this will require attending a training course for each different system that an officer is expected to operate. The training is usually provided directly by the manufacturer. This is done in either a classroom setting, distance learning, online, or on board. Cascadetype training, where an officer trains another, is not allowed. With the STCW revisions that entered into force in January, the above training must be documented as part of the officer’s certification. Depending on the particular flag-state, this may involve the endorsement of the license or issuance of a separate certificate to be maintained on board. Capt. Jake DesVergers is chief surveyor for International Yacht Bureau (IYB), an organization that provides flag-state inspection services to yachts on behalf of several administrations. A deck officer graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, he previously sailed as master on merchant ships, acted as designated person for a shipping company, and served as regional manager for an international classification society. Contact him at +1 954-596-2728 or www.yachtbureau.org. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com..
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BOATS / BROKERS
Several yachts launched and brokerages post sales, listings Oceanco launched the 285-foot (87.5m) M/Y Nirvana in April. Capt. Brett Fillis is in command as the yacht travels the Mediterranean this summer. Feadship has splashed the 258-foot (78.5m) M/Y Hampshire II. Its owner has a passion for action and sports, designing the helicopter landing platform to double as a playing field for basketball, tennis and football. A crow’s nest atop the mast is reached by elevator and a zip line connected to the mast can transport guests to the water. The vessel can accommodate 14 guests in six staterooms and 23 crew in 14 cabins. YCO has added several high-profile yachts to its central agency listings for sale, including the 295-foot (90m) Royal Huisman S/Y Athena for $95 million, and the 139-foot (42m) Royal Huisman S/Y Hanuman for $18 million. Also added is the 220-foot (67m) Feadship M/Y White Cloud, the steel yacht launched nearly 30 years ago as M/Y New Horizon L (in a joint with Merle Wood & Associates) for $23.9 million. Moran Yacht & Ship has added the 210-foot (64m) Palmer Johnson Project Hermes to its central agency listings for sale. Expected delivery is November 2013. In late April, Heesen Yachts launched the 155-foot MY Lady Petra, the eighth in Heesen’s 47m class. Begun in 2010, the client is Frans Heesen, former owner and founder of the shipyard. Bannenberg and Rowell designed the interior, inspired from 20th Century industrial Dutch design, optical geometric studies, and shapes inspired by industrial components. At the launch, Mr. Heesen announced his retirement. “It is time for me to enjoy life with my family and friends,” he said. “I am going to be the brand ambassador of this wonderful company that I founded some 35 years ago. I will always be there to support the brand and to promote it until the end of my days.” Washington builder Delta has sold the 151-foot motoryacht Project Monarch. The asking price was $31.9 million. Horizon Yachts of Taiwan has seatrialed its new 148-foot steel-hulled M/Y Polaris. Her design is a collaboration between interior design consultant Birgit Schannese of Germany, U.S. designer J.C. Espinosa and the Horizon team. The yacht was expected to cruise around Taiwan in June, and debut at
the Horizon Yachts Open House on June 28 in Taiwan. Fraser Yachts has recently sold the 113-foot (35m) Codecasa M/Y Embark, the 96-foot (29m) Broward M/Y Oasis, and the 85-foot (26m) Kuipers M/Y Sentimental Journey. New to the brokerage’s central agency listings for sale include the 163-foot (50m) Couach new build for 29 million euros, the 163-foot (50m) Heesen M/Y Satori for $44 million, the 118-foot (36m) M/Y Lakediamon built by Tecnomar for 5.9 million euros, the 112-foot (34m) Nautor Swan S/Y Mystery for 6.4 million euros, the 111foot (34m) Leopard M/Y Mariellina for 6.4 million euros, and the 108-foot (33m) Sunseeker M/Y Maretem for 3.9 million euros. Northrop & Johnson has recently sold M/Y Audacious, a 95-foot (29m) Inace trawler; M/Y Bristolian, a 92foot CNB; M/Y Blue Eagle, an 81-foot Huckins; and M/Y Scirocco, an 80-foot Sunseeker. The firm has added the 188-foot (57m) Abeking & Rasmussen M/Y Dream to its charter fleet. The firm has also hired Scott Carlson and Solenn de Braux as charter brokers. Former first officer of the 45m Feadship M/Y Harle, Carlson also has his captain’s license. He will be based in Ft. Lauderdale. De Braux has worked with both Fraser and Burgess and was a crew member on yachts. She will be based in the south for France. Merle Wood & Associates recently sold the 88-foot Pershing M/Y JK. New to its central agency listings for sale include the 145-foot Cheoy Lee M/Y Summerwind (in a joint with Chamberlain Yachts), and the 110-foot Intermarine M/Y Lady A. Ft. Lauderdale-based Fairport Yacht Support has added M/Y Lady Lola to its managed fleet. The 205foot (62.5m) Oceanco is under the command of Capt. Mac McDonald and heading to the Mediterranean for the charter season. Fairport, created in October by Graeme Lord, former fleet manager at IYC, has 16 vessels under management. Vancouver-based Freedom Marine has added the 122-foot M/Y Atlantide to its central agency listings for sale. Owned by yachtsman Tom Perkins, Atlantide was launched in 1930 as Caleta. Perkins bought it in 1998 and brought her back to her original designed purpose as a gentleman’s motor yacht and tender to a racing yacht, most recently Perkins’ 289-foot S/Y Maltese Falcon.
June 2012 B11
B12 June 2012
TECHNOLOGY NEWS: Fuel quality
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How to better maintain your stored fuel quality By Tim Brady Failed communications in a 911 call center. A major financial transaction processing company drops a hub. The loss of 10,000 fish at an aquarium. What do these true stories have in common? Poor fuel quality. In all of these cases, poor fuel quality shut down emergency standby power generators exactly when they were being counted on in the middle of a disaster. At its essence, poor fuel quality is about what ends up in fuel that doesn’t burn well, and the complete story will surprise even veteran engineers. Diesel fuel contaminants include water, microbial growth, inorganic particulate matter and naturally forming fuel breakdown by-products.
Water
Water is a widely acknowledged concern, but it need not be a problem as long as some manner of routine fuel maintenance is performed. If a tank is well-designed and is in good condition, with no means of water leaking in at the site, then only small amounts of water should be present. Water appears quite normally in most tanks through condensation. This water can be removed easily through the use of a wide range of solutions that include absorptive eliminators and filters, coalescers, centrifuges and the like. All mobile tank cleaning systems used by tank cleaning services and permanently installed conditioning and filtration systems use one or more of these approaches and are effective at removal of normal levels of water content. A quality multi-spectrum additive often includes an emulsifier which can also pass small quantities through the system.
Microbial growth
Microbial contamination (bacterial and fungal growth) is the most frequently mistaken problem. It only exists where there is water for it to grow in, so if you are diligent in carrying out a fuel maintenance program, you should never see the problem. Where it does exist in a longignored tank, microbes feed on the fuel, multiply and excrete waste products, all of which will end up clotting in your filters. These by-products are highly corrosive and pose a threat to many tanks. The problem is that clogged filters are widely misinterpreted as containing microbial products, when they actually most often are deteriorated fuel by-products (sludge). This leads to endless streams of toxic biocides being needlessly dumped into tanks, which, when mistakenly used, make the problem worse. Often the result is diesel fuel
now so spoiled that it needs to be disposed of and replaced, a costly and unnecessary consequence with serious environmental impacts. Not to mention that it may have sidelined the generator for several days. Again, take care of the water, and you’ll never need a biocide.
Inorganic particulate matter
Other particulate pollutants in diesel fuel are mostly dirt, rust and other metallic particles that find their way into the fuel either during the many tank transfers that occur in the supply chain or from a corroding tank somewhere along the line. It is infrequent that the level of particulate matter is very high and is generally well treated through conventional filtration that accompanies a standard tank cleaning system or onboard permanent tank-side solutions.
Fuel breakdown by-products
Least understood is the natural process whereby organic fuels break down. Diesel and other fuels are naturally unstable, and actually less stable today due to modern refining techniques (catalytic cracking) that are designed to produce more fuel per barrel. Most major oil companies have documented on their Web sites that 6 to 12 months is the useful shelf life for their products, but the deterioration process starts as soon as the products leave the refinery. This fuel breakdown is a process where agglomerating hydrocarbon chains bond together to create larger clusters. These larger compounds, present even in what visibly appears as clear and bright fuel, do not burn as efficiently. This incomplete combustion robs fuel economy, leaves carbon deposits on injectors and raises emissions, often with visible smoke and soot. As the process continues, with even larger compounds being formed, the fuel begins to appear “dirty.” Eventually it progresses to forming sludge that falls to the bottom of the tank. This clotting fuel is the material that is commonly clogging fuel filters and shutting down generators. Often it may happen when a tank gets low and new fuel is poured in, agitating the sludge and dispersing throughout the fuel, releasing the threat that had been lying dormant. There are solutions. Some multispectrum additives on the market do have agents that can dissolve some of the sludge and others that will retard further deterioration for some number of months. Magnetic fuel conditioning runs the fuel across a magnetic field and its inductive properties reverse the process, separating carbon chains in what effectively returns deteriorated products back to fuel again.
Stored fuel must be managed FILE PHOTO properly.
Bottom of the barrel
Water and tank sludge, of course, drop to the bottom of the tank, and a too-often overlooked but critical concern is that any tank cleaning be done properly by getting to the bottom of the tank. Access is frequently a limiting factor, but an inspection port can be installed to alleviate this problem. Similarly, when installing a recirculating conditioning and filtration system, the pickup tube into the tank is optimized when near the bottom (not using the fuel system’s draw, which is several inches higher to avoid the very substances you wish to collect). Any generator that is in a critical application ought to be a candidate for a routine fuel testing service, probably on a quarterly basis. All the talk about fuel quality means little, if you don’t have a benchmark to measure from. Be sure to get your samples from both a midpoint and the bottom of the tank. Too often, fuel condition is overlooked. When that happens, the extreme of fuel removal, replacement, and possibly extensive tank cleaning or even tank replacement, is the cost. That is, if you’re lucky and didn’t have a generator failure in a real emergency situation. Tim Brady is the former vice president of sales and marketing with Algae-X International, a Fort Myers, Fla.-based fuel system management company (www.algae-x.net). This article originally appeared in the company’s newsletter. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
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TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
June 2012 B13
New safety gear products are introduced, others upgraded UK-based McMurdo has launched the Fast Find 220 PLB personal locator beacon, a distress beacon that provides a direct method of alerting search and rescue authorities using the 406 MHz search and rescue satellite communication system, COSPAS SARSAT. As well as sending out a distress signal by satellite, the Fast Find 220 also transmits a 121.5MHz homing signal. Waterproof to 10m and able to operate in temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees, the 220 will transmit continuously for a minimum of 24 hours at a 5 watt output. The beacon also features an LED flashlight to assist with rescues at night or during limited visibility. “In 2010 alone, 2,338 people were rescued globally using information provided by the COSPAS SARSAT system,” said Ross Wilkinson, global sales director of McMurdo parent company Orolia Ltd. The Fast Find 220 charges no subscription fee. Prices start at $299. For more information, visit www. fastfindplb.com.
Routing, nav systems integrate
California-based Applied Weather Technology and Sweden-based Transas Marine have integrated two on-board tools: AWT’s BonVoyage system, an on-board weather routing system, with Transas Electronic Chart Display Navigation System (ECDIS). The two allow the transfer of data from BVS to ECDIS and vice-versa. “Now, captains can see their routes optimized by BVS plotted into the ECDIS navigation system,” Skip Vaccarello, president and CEO for AWT said. “This will give them the ability to navigate the safest and most efficient routes for their specific vessels.” For more information, visit www. appliedweather.com or www.transas. com.
between 5 and 30 hp and can carry two adults. Prices start at $4,833. Visit www.aquaquad.com or www. thefreedomtoplay.com for more information.
Inflatable life ring reusable
Australia-based Stormy Lifejackets has released a new inflatable life ring, the Stormy LifeSaver. A follow-up product to the company’s single-use Stormy Rescue Grenade, the LifeSaver is water activated and re-useable. Using a 33gm carbondioxide cylinder, it provides more than 150 newtons of buoyancy to aid in man overboard situations. The device can be deflated, recharged and re-packed with a recharge kit and it can be thrown more than 30m. The LifeSaver is suited to sailing vessels where deck space is limited and high winds hinder rescue of an overboard crew member. Manufactured in Europe, the LifeSaver is imported, assembled, quality controlled and distributed in Australia by Stormy Lifejackets. For more information, visit www. stormylifejackets.com.
FCC OKs survivor recovery system
Kannad Marine’s SafeLink R10 SRS (survivor recovery system) has been formally approved for sale in the United States by the Federal Communications Commission. The SafeLink R10 is a personal AIS device, according to company press release, and is the overall winner of the 2012 Pittman Innovation Awards. Intended to be attached to a life jacket and activated by individuals in difficulty at sea, the R10 uses both GPS and AIS (automatic identification system) technology to send structured alert messages containing location information to AIS equipment onboard the vessel the individual came from as well as other AIS-equipped vessels within about a four-mile radius. For more information, visit www. kannadmarine.com.
UK tender firm distributes in U.S. Sporty RIB introduced
South Africa-based AquaQuad has introduced a new rigid inflatable personal watercraft. The Classic Sport, CLS, is 10 feet long and built with inflatable PVC pontoons. It can be fitted with an outboard engine of
UK-based Williams Performance Tenders has appointed its first authorized distributor in Ft. Lauderdale. Performance Tenders USA will represent the range of Williams Turbojet and Dieseljet tenders from sales and servicing outlets across the country. It will also support dealers yet to be selected in locations across the
U.S. Performance Tenders USA is a division of Muston Group International and led by Brian Muston. The company has entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Shore Support (led by Simon Manley) in St. Maarten to provide sales and servicing support for Williams throughout the Caribbean. “This is a very exciting time for Williams,” said Paul Roberts, dealer manager at Williams Performance Tenders. “We recently launched our Dieseljet range in Europe, allowing us to further meet the demands of superyacht and leisure craft owners.
We have also significantly increased our presence across the world during 2011, adding new dealers and service agents from countries including Australia, Brazil and China. This planned expansion into the U.S. market represents a significant development for Williams and we are looking forward to working with Performance Tenders USA to further develop the brand.” Williams Performance Tenders was founded by brothers Mathew and John Hornsby, along with Roy Parker, in 2004. For more information, visit www. williamsjettenders.com.
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B14 June 2012
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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A summer filled with regattas, boat shows and sports events EVENT OF MONTH June 18-22 Newport Charter Show, Newport, RI.
June 13-14 Commercial Marine
The newly revitalized Newport Charter Yacht Show adds industryfocused seminars. Owned and operated by Newport Harbor Corporation, the show celebrates 30 years. Seminars include “Entering U.S. Waters”, “Discover New England”, “STCW Changes”, “Enhancing Crew and Guest Safety. www.newportchartershow.com
June 15 Newport to Bermuda Race.
Expo (CME), New Bedford, Mass. The Atlantic Seaboard’s largest commercial marine trade show. www.comarexpo. com The start of the 630-mile ocean race. www.bermudarace.com.
June 19-20 Future of Superyachts: 7th
annual conference, Mallorca, Spain. Focuses on legal, financial, tax, crewing, registration, build and design issues. www.quaynote.com
June 20-23 The Superyacht Cup, Yachting Association) Open Golf Tournament, France. www.pya.org
Palma, Spain. The longest running superyacht regatta in Europe and the Mediterranean. www. thesuperyachtcup.com
June 1-12 OpSail 2012, Port of
June 21-24 The Rendezvous
June 1 12th PYA (Professional
Virginia, Va. Tall ships, navy and military vessels representing the world. www.opsail2012virginia.com
June 2 annual Great Chowder Cook-
off, Newport Yachting Center, Newport, RI. Enjoy all-you-can-eat samples. www. newportwaterfrontevents.com
June 2 11th annual Women’s Sailing
Conference, Marblehead, Mass. The National Women’s Sailing Association’s event sponsored by BoatUS. www. womensailing.org or +1 401-482-2064.
June 6 Networking Triton style with
Atlass Insurance in Ft. Lauderdale (the first Wednesday of every month), 6-8 p.m. Stay tuned to www.the-triton.com for more details.
June 8 The Triton Bridge luncheon,
noon, Ft. Lauderdale. This is our monthly captains’ roundtable where we discuss the issues and trends of the industry. Yacht captains only, please. If you make your living running someone else’s yacht, contact Editor Lucy Reed at lucy@the-triton.com or +1 954-5250029 for an invite. Space is limited.
June 8 World Ocean Day. “Youth - the Next Wave for Change” is this year’s theme. See worldwide events at www. WorldOceanDay.org
June 8-10 158th New York Yacht Club
Annual Regatta presented by Rolex, the longest-running regatta in America. www.nyyc.org
June 11-17 The U.S. Open
Championship, San Francisco, Calif. One of golf ’s majors tournaments. www.usopen.comwww.usopen.com
in Monaco. For owners and charterers cruising in the Med. New launches expected include 50m M/Y Satori, 39m M/Y SnowbirD, and 50m M/Y Norwegian Queen. upsuperyachtrendezvous.com
June 25 Wimbledon, London. Start of one of the four grand slam tennis tournaments. www.wimbledon.org
June 26-July 1 America’s Cup
World Series, Newport, RI. Regattas are a combination of practice and championship racing, with additional practice sailing on-site from June 23. The Event Village opens to the public from June 23. www.americascup.com
June 29 74th Queen’s Cup, South Shore Yacht Club, from Milwaukee, Wisc. to South Haven, Mich., 78 nm race. www. southhavenyachtclub.com.
MAKING PLANS Sept. 11-16 Cannes International Boat Show.
Expected figures for this year’s show include 583 boats, 425 exhibitors, 173 vessels on show for the first time and 181 boats more than 20m length. www. salonnautiquecannes.com
Sept. 19-22 Monaco Yacht Show, Port Hercules, Monaco. The exhibition of 500 luxury yachting companies and 100 megayachts. www. monacoyachtshow.com
The Triton
www.the-triton.com SPOTTED: Costa Rica, Ft. Lauderdale
Triton Spotters
Capt. Dave and Mate Diane Johnson of M/Y Kipany took their Triton with them on a much-needed vacation to Costa Rica. “We rented a two-bedroom house with wide porches, a hammock, and a nice pool and had it all to ourselves,” Capt. Johnson wrote in an e-mail. “We surfed every day and chilled by the pool and watched the monkeys play in the trees. It was great.” They stayed on the west coast in the north in Nosara in a town known for both great surf and as a mecca for yoga with a couple of world-famous yoga institutes. Not a secret place, they said, “but still pretty unspoiled.” PHOTO FROM DAVE AND DIANE JOHNSON
Chef Kenneth Maginnity stopped by The Triton office during preparations in Ft. Lauderdale for his upcoming motorcycle ride through India to help end poverty in that country. He plans to ride 5,500 miles. “I added 2,000 miles to the trip because a group from Mumbai wants to ride with me,” Maginnity said. Maginnity has met with recipients of the micro-financing offered from www.endpoverty.org, the organization he will be raising money for. “These people couldn’t help themselves and now they have built orphanages, their kids are going to school, they support themselves and others,” he said. “This trip is so far removed from what I do,” he said. “My idea of camping is a Motel 8.” Crew can learn more about the motorcycle, the itinerary or how to pledge support on his Web site, India on an Enfield, at www.indiaonanenfield.org.
PHOTO/DORIE COX
Where have you taken your Triton recently? Send photos to editorial@the-triton.com.
June 2012 B15
Networking in June
Spring brings fresh events
Meet military compliance
Atlass Insurance opens new space
With V-Kool and USA Self Storage
Learn the many rules to making beds
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C4
New England’s beauty and climate are among the reasons that the East Coast of the United States is a popular PHOTO FROM CAPT.CRAIG JONES summer cruising destination yet again.
2012 cruising grounds: more of the same We get press releases every day from sales brokers announcing another yacht has sold and celebrating another new-build contract being signed. And then we talk to yachties around Ft. Lauderdale who are still part of a skeleton crew, waiting for the yacht to sell or for the owner to have time again to use it. We’ve given up trying to figure out if this recession is over for yachting and instead thought some details about summer plans might shed light on what’s really happening out there. After all, shipyards all across South Florida are jam-packed, which isn’t unusual this time of year. But are all those yachts getting ready for summer cruising, or just waiting for a sale? So we asked: What is everyone doing for the summer?
Are the symptoms from gluten?
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One chef ’s guide to working well with others
TRITON SURVEY: SUMMER PLANS
By Lucy Chabot Reed
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June 2012
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Section C
If nutrients are not absorbed...
There’s not a lot new on yacht itineraries this summer, according to this month’s Triton survey. With about 100 captains and crew piping in, we learned that those who are cruising aren’t going very far. Every regular cruising destination also was the leader for the summer cruising destination. For example, if a yacht primarily cruised the eastern United States, the leader in the summer cruising destination for those yachts was the eastern United States. For yachts venturing outside their home cruising grounds, the U.S. East Coast and Bahamas tied for the top answer, followed closely by Florida and the Western Med. Other cruising grounds include South America, the Great Lakes, the Baltic and the somewhat sad “nowhere.” In addition to seeing where yachts were cruising this summer, we were curious to see if that itinerary was
different for them. We have heard many anecdotal stories of yachts that normally go to the Med that are now doing the U.S. or Bahamas for various reasons. So first we asked Where does the yacht primarily cruise? A strong majority of respondents primarily cruise the United States East Coast. The next largest group – by half – cruise the Bahamas. That was followed – again by half – of those who primarily cruise the Western Mediterranean and the Caribbean. When we asked Where are you going this summer, the top three destinations landed the same, though with fewer going to the U.S. East Coast and nearly twice as many heading to the Western Med. “It’s the first time for this boat in the Med, and it’s been 10 years since I’ve been here,” said the captain of a
See SURVEY, page C8
My most recent job-hunting experience has led me to write this column on how chefs new to a vessel can get along with others, whether it be the owner or established crew. It wasn’t the first time I had a conflict with someone onboard. usually, it’s the crew, especially the chief stew. The reason I have had issues is Culinary Waves that usually they Mary Beth lack the experience Lawton Johnson I have. Of course, they will continue to learn and I am not the end all of chefs, not by a long shot. But when a member of the interior crew tells me what plate to use, I have a problem with that. I have a pretty good idea how my food should look when it’s presented. There is a hierarchy in place when you sign on, so it’s important to learn what that is quickly and who is at the top of the rank. What most interior crew often forget, though, is that chefs don’t tell them how to do their jobs. Why do they want to tell us how to do ours? I have been a chief stew and chef for more than 20 years. In that time, I’ve also been a butler ashore and an interior manager, so I can understand how some interior crew might feel when I am hired. So how does an experienced chef perform his/her duties fully when faced with adversity from a crew member who has been with the employer a long time and feels threatened? It just happened with me not too long ago. Upon joining a new vessel, the
See WAVES, page C6
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NETWORKING LAST MONTH: V-Kool and USA Self Storage
M
ore than 200 people gathered “down on the bayou” in Ft. Lauderdale with V-Kool at the first Wednesday Triton networking event in May. Cajun music, crayfish and cold beverages made for a great springtime party as the sun set. PHOTOS/TOM SERIO
T
hreats of rain brought captains, crew and industry professionals inside at USA Self Storage in Ft. Lauderdale on the second Wednesday in May. Great food, beverages and music were enjoyed in a unique warehouse setting. John Garretson, of National Marine PHOTOS/TOM SERIO Suppliers, won the raffle of a Kindle Touch.
June 2012 C
C June 2012 NETWORKING THIS MONTH: Atlass Insurance
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The Triton
Atlass Insurance hosts Triton networking in Ft. Lauderdale On the first Wednesday in June, The Triton is networking with The Atlass Insurance Group. All yacht crew and industry professionals are welcome to join us on June 6, from 6-8 p.m. at the main Atlass office in Ft. Lauderdale. Until then, learn more from company chairman and CEO Frank Atlass.
Atlass
Q. What is Atlass Insurance
Group all about? We think people basically know what we do, we’re a team of insurance brokers and risk managers dedicated to serving just about any insurance needs. We offer comprehensive insurance solutions for commercial and private clients. This networking event is an introduction to our new office, it’s been open a few months. Q. How did Atlass Insurance get its start? I established Atlass Insurance Group in 1981 as John G. Alden Insurance Agency of Florida. The Alden Insurance Agency was started as an adjunct to John G. Alden Yachts, a Ft. Lauderdale yacht brokerage firm that will probably
be remembered by some of your more mature readers. The brokerage was discontinued in the late 1980s. In 2005, the name Alden was changed to Atlass and our greatest growth has been over the past seven years. What started as a small two person operation, now encompasses 40 employees spread out from Florida to Maine. Q. What is the process for insuring a yacht? When we insure, we look at the captain, the engineer and the owner. We question who the owner hires to run his boat and we look at the owner’s ownership experience. We primarily rely on the captain to be competent and prudent. Q.How about insuring yacht toys? As far as equipment onboard, as insurers we are concerned with whether the crew are trained and can properly brief the guests. It’s important to the safety of all involved. Q. What should captains and the yachting industry know about Atlass? We do a lot of business with Lloyds and we are their largest recreational marine authority. We have a product called Sea Wave for people who live in hurricane areas and we have a product for 12 month insurance.
We also have a new program with Lloyds for the triple and quadruple outboards and go-fast boats for up to 140mph. Q. Recently there were several lives lost during sailboat races in California. Is there insurance for that type of situation? For racing, the liability of the crew is very important. Race boats can be insured, but usually there is an exclusion for spars and other damage during the actual race. Overall, the crew liability is the most important. Q. You have quite a boating background by the look of the mementos in your office. Tell us a few tales. I bought a sailboat in Italy and ran a charter on the 70-foot boat in the West Indies. I raced with a team back in 1977 and we hold the IOR record in the Ft. Lauderdale to Key West race. Our team was first overall on Inspector Clouseau, it was a pink boat. And at Alden, we not only brokered the sale of yachts, but I was responsible for supervision of design and construction for more than 20 Skye 51 and 54 sailing yachts. Now, I have a 30foot Dyer. Q. You have offices in Ft. Lauderdale, Cocoa, Fl. and Newport, R.I. But you work in other parts of the world, right?
We can help clients anywhere. The only thing we don’t do is financial products, other than life insurance. We can even do things like write for homes in the U.K., but a lot of the crew are situated in Ft. Lauderdale so we often help them here. Q. What else is important for people to know? Our Web site offers several options for service. Interested parties can fill out a short form to request a quote online or they can download a complete application at their convenience. Q. You’ve had a long career in boating. What do you think about things today? A lot has changed since I’ve been in the industry. Yachts are so much bigger, shoreside supervision is different and it’s much more regulated than it used to be 40 years ago. One of the big changes is that a captain used to be judged on his resume, not his license. The changes probably do benefit the insurers more today. The Atlass Insurance Group will host networking at their main office at 1300 S.E. 17th St., Suite 220, Ft. Lauderdale, 33316, +1 954-525-0582. Visit atlassinsurance.com for more information.
The Triton
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INTERIOR: Stew Cues
June 2012 C
Grab a ruler and a spatula, it’s time to make the yacht’s beds Why do stews and yachts make such a big deal about how a bed is made? Well, apparently, a properly made bed is a matter of discipline. It helps to ensure that order is maintained, which, in turn, lets one concentrate on more important matters. According to author Gretchen Rubin, who wrote the “Happiness Project”, making Stew Cues your bed neatly Alene Keenan every day can increase your overall happiness. The theory is that getting the little things in your life under control will give you the confidence you need to move onto the bigger things. If you have spent much time on boats you know that what looks like a standard size bed may not be any such beast. Often the beds will be custom made to specific space. Just as often, the sheets will not be custom fitted. Good luck with that. If you have ever balanced a mattress on your head while climbing into the corner of a bed frame, or if you have ever had to use a spatula to stuff sheets into a too-small frame, you know what I mean. To cut down on frustration,
always know the dimensions of your again to about 18 inches from the head beds and the measurements of your of the mattress. sheets, and label them. Go to the foot of the bed and tuck Start making up the bed by the sheet and blanket under the spreading the fitted sheet over the mattress. Go to the head of the bed and mattress and around the corners, pull the sheet and blanket or duvet up pulling the elastic snugly and tight. smoothing out any wrinkles along the Go back to the foot and choose a way. (God forbid the owner, designer, or side. About 16 inches from the foot, project manager won’t spring for fitted take hold of the fabric draping down sheets.) the side. Hold it in one hand, and place Next, spread the the other hand on flat sheet across top of the corner You should expect the bed, making on the mattress. to iron the sheets and sure that the Lift the sheet amount hanging and blanket up pillowcases each time off the side edges and tuck the you remake the bed is equal. The end lower part of the between sheet changes. with the wide hem drape under the goes at the top. If mattress. Hold the there is a design corner in place pattern, the sheet goes face-down so and bring the sheet and blanket over to you can fold the decorative edge back form a 45-degree angle for a standard down over the blanket, duvet or bed hospital corner. cover. Tuck the rest of the fabric under the If you are using a blanket or duvet, mattress, working from the bottom spread it out over the sheet and again to the top of the bed. Smooth out any line up the side edges as evenly as you wrinkles along the way. There may be can. At the head of the bed, turn the decorative cover or a simple day cover top edge of the flat sheet down over that goes over the sheets and blankets, the blanket or duvet. The size of the in lieu of duvet or comforter. This will fold down will depend on the specific go on before the pillows are arranged. design element of your linens. About There must be a schedule for how 4 inches is standard. To be military often sheets get changed. It will depend compliant, you would fold it down on how many sets of sheets you have
and what the owner, guests or chief stew prefers. You should expect to iron the sheets and pillowcases each time you remake the bed between sheet changes. This is so that the bed looks fresh and tidy whenever guests re-enter the cabin throughout the day. You may also be expected to iron the sheets again at turndown in the evening. Believe it or not, after a while, you will want to do this of your own volition, because you just want it to look really nice all of the time. A final word about making beds: This is no small detail. Stews often spend hours trying to get it right, in spite of design flaws and having to work with sheets that will never fit the bed no matter how hard you try. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of spending money on the proper equipment, so that the small details of the day can be taken care of, life will be under control, and stews will have the confidence to move onto bigger things. Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stewardess for 20 years. She offers interior crew training classes, workshops, seminars, and onboard training through her company, Yacht Stew Solutions (www. yachtstewsolutions.com). Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
C June 2012 IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves
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Bacon offers flexibility and flavor Often dismissed as unhealthy and laden with calories, bacon actually offers an incredible flavor profile from peppered to spicy as well as satisfying the craving our bodies might have for fat. Whether it is turkey bacon or traditional pork bacon, these modern recipes show what bacon can do to enhance the foods it is paired with.
By Mary Beth Lawton Johnson Stuffed Mini Heirloom Peppers with Bacon and Crab (ingredients are listed per person) 1/3 cup lump crab meat 1/3 cup mayo 1 clove garlic, minced 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon Coleman’s mustard 1 tablespoon onion powder 1 tablespoon horseradish 1 egg 3 to 6 tablespoons bread crumbs 4 small heirloom miniature pepper, with top cut off and a lengthwise slit cut down middle with seeds removed. 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked, crumbled
Look past bacon’s reputation as an unhealthy item and consider how its flavor profile fits so well with many modern recipes.
Preheat oven to 350. Mix crab, mayo, seasonings and egg to create wet mix. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Add enough bread crumbs to thicken. Prep peppers by cutting off stem end and open lengthwise. Remove seeds. Spoon crab mixture into peppers. Bake for 7-8 minutes. Top with chopped bacon and cook 2-3 minutes more.
Deep-Fried Peppered Bacon (per person) 1 slice peppered bacon, cut into fourths lengthwise Flour for dredging Egg wash Bread crumbs Salt, cracked black pepper, brown sugar to taste
PHOTO/MARY BETH LAWTON JOHNSON
Set up a typical breading station. Dredge the bacon slices in flour then in egg wash then in bread crumbs. Season with salt, pepper and brown sugar. Heat oil on high and when hot, drop the bacon in and deep fry. Remove once crispy and brown to single use towels to drain, or put on a cooling rack with paper towels underneath. This will
help keep the bacon crispy.
Candied Bacon Bark with Pepper (per person) 1 slice bacon, thick cut, cooked, chopped, sprinkled with black pepper ½ c sugar 1T water baking sheet Bring the sugar and water to a boil. Brush down sides of a pan with water until it starts to boil. This will keep the sugar from sticking to the sides of the pan. When it reaches an slight amber color, remove from heat and immediately cool the pan of sugar in a ice bath to stop the cooking process. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, sprayed with cooking spray. Lay the chopped bacon down and pour the sugar over the bacon. Let it sit. It will harden. Remove and break the pieces up, place on top of any meat you have decided on for your appetizer plate. I used barbecued portions of pulled pork.
It can be hard to fit in with established crew WAVES, from page C1 chief stew took me aside and told me the owner of the yacht took very good care of her and that she intended on it staying that way. I didn’t want her job, rather only to do mine. But she didn’t let me. She ordered the food and gave me no access to the guests. That, of course, caused problems for me that I was responsible for. I have to assume our conflict stemmed from her fear of losing control. Most yachts have protocols in place, including the level of responsibility for the chef, but there has to be some leeway for chefs to do their jobs. So how do new or freelance chefs find their place in an established crew? First, if there is someone you don’t get along with onboard, realize that it is probably because they exude the same not-nice characteristics you might have. Do not act the same way. Pay attention to how their actions affect
See WAVES, page C7
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THE CREW’S MESS
THE CREW’S MESS – BY CAPT. JOHN WAMPLER
Lime wedges bring a bright flavor to the chicken, broccoli and rice. PHOTO/CAPT. JOHN WAMPLER
Chicken Divan with Aromatic Rice 2 T flour ½ t salt 1 gallon zip-top plastic bag 1 ¾-pound boneless, skinless chicken breast 1 T butter 3 cups broccoli florets 1 10 oz. container Alfredo sauce (found in the refrigerated cheese section) ¼ c white cooking wine 2 T shredded Parmesan cheese. Place flour and salt in zip-top bag Cut chicken into 1-inch chunks and toss in bag. Preheat large skillet to medium-high. Add butter and then chicken. Stir about 5 minutes or until chicken starts to brown. Add broccoli and cover. Stir occasionally for 3 minutes. Stir in Alfredo sauce and white wine; reduce heat to low. Take a drink from the bottle of wine, then cover skillet and cook for 3 minutes more until
broccoli is tender, yet firm. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and serve with rice. Aromatic Rice 6 fresh chives, chopped 2 c rice 4 c water 2 chicken bouillon cubes Place rice and water into sauce pan and bring to full boil. Add chicken bouillon and chives. Cover, reduce heat to low and let cook until rice is done. Fancy form rice and plate. Capt. John Wampler has worked on yachts big and small for more than 25 years. He’s created a repertoire of quick, tasty meals for crew to prepare for themselves to give the chef a break. Contact him through www.yachtaide. com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
Sit down with crew, get to know them WAVES, from page C6 your reactions. Second, if you have years of employment in the industry, be prepared when joining a younger and less experienced crew. Better yet, take the time to find a good fit. Look for a yacht that has roughly the same age crew as you. And interview the captain and chief stew as hard as they interview you. You don’t have to take a job unless you feel absolutely comfortable in their abilities and you know you will get along great. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you will ultimately fail. Third, firmly request that the chef do the provisioning based on the preference sheets. If there are no preference sheets, firmly request interactions with the guests to find out what it is they really want. Experienced chefs have been there, done that, and probably know the suppliers in a given port as well as the locals. Here are just a few things I’ve relearned lately while considering a new position on a yacht:
1. Learn the yacht’s reputation and how crew are treated by the owner. 2. How many chefs has the yacht had in the past year? Less than three, you can excuse that to “not a good fit”; more than three in a year, run away and don’t look back. 3. Consider the age of the crew and how you might fit in. 4. Get in writing what is expected of you as the chef and as a crew member, including the behaviors and do’s and don’ts of the yacht. If there is no job description or employment manual, this could simply be a string of emails. You can only be successful if you know what is expected of you. 5. Finally, sit down with the crew and get to know them. Kill them with kindness. The world does not revolve around the chef. We are just part of the team that revolves around the yacht. Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified executive pastry chef and Chef de Cuisine and has worked on yachts for more than 20 years. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
June 2012 C
TRITON SURVEY: Summer Plans C June 2012
How would you describe your 2012 summer cruising schedule?
Are any of your summer destinations new for you on this vessel? New for me and boss – 9.1%
Same as last year New and exciting – 22.2% – 30.3% Same as always – 22.2% Pretty slow – 25.3%
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Have any of the following influenced your summer cruisi
New for me – 7.1% 26
New for boss – 11.1% Nothing new – 72.7%
12
12
10
Enthusiastic Enthusiastic Cost of Charter veteran owner new owner operation wishes
9
8
3
Owner’s Owner’s Tax laws health finances in Italy
‘I’m hoping for a stormy hurricane season so I will ha SURVEY, from page C1 strictly private yacht less than 80 feet. “I’m happy to be back in all the old places. I’m looking forward to showing the boss around.” We crunched these numbers a couple more ways and discovered that the strictly private vessels in our survey are mostly hitting the U.S. East Coast this summer, followed by half to the Bahamas and fewer still to the Western Med. But there are still many other places to cruise. “The Eastern Adriatic seems the place to be this summer,” said the captain of a predominantly charter yacht less than 80 feet. “We’re in Porto Montenegro now and it’s already getting busy and full quickly, so are all the marinas around Croatia, Montenegro, etc.” We neglected to offer “in the yard” as an option, and several respondents mentioned that that’s where they will be, some for a big refit, some as just another part of their schedule. “Strictly maintenance and upgrade time.” “Two-month yard period for a complete repaint.” “Boat just sold; we’re doing a refit.” Based on the comparative results between regular cruising grounds and summer plans, it
comes as no surprise that when we asked Are any of these a new destination for you on this vessel, nearly three-quarters replied “no, nothing new.” “I’m hoping for a stormy hurricane season so I will have to move the boat,” said the captain of a strictly private yacht 80-100 feet. “Sitting at the dock is boring.” About 11 percent said the travel plans for summer were new for the boss but not for the crew member taking the survey. Nine percent said summer held plans that were new for both the owner and the crew member. Just 7 percent of respondents said their summer held new destinations for them, if not for the boss. Given those results, however, we were surprised by the answers to our next question: How would you describe your upcoming summer cruising schedule? The largest group – 30.3 percent – described their summer schedule as new and exciting. “Excellent charter bookings already in schedule,” said the captain of a yacht 200-220 feet that normally cruises the Western Med. This yacht is heading to the Eastern Med. “Our shore business manager has told me
that we have a full dance card of advance reservations,” said the captain of a strictly charter yacht of 80-100 feet that will be cruising the Great Lakes area this summer. That exciting group was followed fairly closely by “pretty slow” (25.3 percent), “same as always” (22.2 percent) and “same as last year” (22.2 percent). Not everyone was sad to have a slow summer. “Woo-hoo! We are staying at our home port this summer, for the first year in many,” said the captain of a private yacht of 100-120 feet. “We (the crew) finally get to plan our own summer.” We suppose that, added together, those unexciting responses total about the same (69.7 percent) as those who said they were going no place new (72.7 percent). Still, that makes the “new and exciting” group nearly twice the size of those who indicated the summer held plans new to them. So we crunched these numbers a little more. We were curious to discover just who these crew were who saw their summer as “new and exciting.” More than half (53.3 percent) were on strictly private vessels, but the next largest group (30 percent) were on vessels with a good mix of charter and owner use.
This was even more in consider that the “good m 17 percent of our total re this group show up so str and exciting” group sugg offer crew a variety of cru engaged. Several international y are taking place this sum Olympics in London and in the United States and any of our audience was Few are. Just 1 percen about 10 percent will do percent aren’t participati We were curious to kn influencing summer pl economy and diminished want all the options that in the negative, so we add It’s a good thing we di on top. The top influence cruising plans, chosen tw other answer, was a veter enthusiastic about yacht The next two largest r about half the top reason
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ing plans?
TRITON SURVEY: Summer Plans
Will you attend international events About how much of the summer will (America’s Cup, Olympics, etc.)? the owner be on board? Yes, all of it – 1.0% Yes, some – 10.3%
10 weeks – 8.4%
No – 88.7%
Less than a week – 18.9%
6 weeks – 21.1%
Less than a month – 34.7%
Less than a week – All of it – 21.9% 12.5% Less than a month – 18.8% 10 weeks – 14.6% 6 weeks – 16.7% 2 months – 15.6%
1 Tax laws in Spain
How much do you expect the yacht to be in use, by owner and/or guests?
All of it – 8.4%
2 months – 8.4%
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June 2012 C
Other
ave to move the boat. Sitting at the dock is boring.’
nteresting when we mix” group was just espondents. Having rongly in the “new gests that these yachts uising that keeps them
yachting events mmer, including the d America’s Cup regattas Italy. We were curious if taking part. nt will be doing it all; some of it. Close to 90 ing in any of it. now what might be lans, including the d wealth. But we didn’t t might impact yachting ded a few positive ones. id because those landed e in this summer’s wice as often as any ran owner who is still ting. responses, which totaled n, was a new owner still
enthusiastic about yachting (a positive) and the cost of operations (a negative). The owner’s financial health was far down on the list. The new tax laws in Italy, Spain and Florida did not influence summer cruising plans for this audience at all. “The boss is busy with work; I never see him,” said the captain of a strictly private yacht less than 80 feet. “I still go through the motions and am ready for any last-minute changes. Being in New York for the summer (as we always are) allows the boss to be on the boat more than when we’re in the the Bahamas (our winter home) because we’re close to his office.” “Summer is always dead on this yacht,” said the captain of a strictly private yacht 80-100 feet who summers in the shipyard. “It has nothing to do with the economy, tax laws, etc.” We forgot to ask about the obvious things that impact cruising, including the weather. “If the forecast for September looks grim, then we will likely head to the Caribbean a month earlier,” said the captain of a strictly private yacht larger than 220 feet. The owner is expected onboard all summer. “Early season sun and higher water temperature.”
And there a whole host of other reasons owners can’t get to relax on their yachts: “Owner traveling abroad.” “Boss is selling the boat and doesn’t want to put too many more hours or wear-and-tear on the boat.” “We were scheduled to cruise Southeast Alaska and had a contract with [a transport company but it didn’t work out] so we are now doing San Diego, San Francisco, the usual.” “Piracy.” We were also curious to learn if summer translates into holiday time for the owner or merely another season change, so we asked How much of the summer will the owner be on board? More than half of our respondents reported that the owner will be aboard less than a month, with about a third of those onboard for less than a week. About a quarter said the boss will be onboard two months or longer. Twenty-one percent said the owner would spend about six weeks aboard this summer. So if the owner isn’t onboard, will guests be? We asked how much of the summer will the yacht be in use? Things look much more promising here. More
than half our respondents said the yacht would be in use more than two months this summer, with the largest single group choosing “all of it.” Less than a third will be busy less than a month. “People may say things are slow but if you price your charter yacht correctly and the owner and his family still enjoy and can financially use it (which our yacht has both going for us), the summer can bring amazing new and repeat adventures,” said a veteran captain on a yacht of 120-140 feet. “Having been in the industry for 24 years now, I have seen owners come and go, but our owner is smart in every way. He knows how to work the industry and economy to make himself and the charter industry happy. Owners like that are hard to find.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Lawrence Hollyfield is an associate editor. Comments on this survey are welcome at lucy@ the-triton.com. We conduct our monthly surveys online. All captains and crew members are welcome to participate. If you haven’t been invited to take our surveys and would like to be, register for our e-mails online at www.the-triton. com.
C10 June 2012 PERSONAL FINANCE: Yachting Capital
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Most credit reports have inaccuracies, check yours quarterly We have all dealt with issues related to our credit at one time or another in our lives. Studies have shown that almost 80 percent of all credit reports contain inaccurate information. One out of four consumer credit reports are so inaccurate that the individuals Yachting Capital are denied credit, Mark A. Cline according to a 2004 study. Once a credit bureau receives your information, it gives you a score, which generally breaks down like this: payment history, about 35 percent; total debt load, about 30 percent; length of your credit history, about 15 percent; amount of new credit, about 10 percent; and all other factors, such as the mix of credit types, about 10 percent. In dealing with credit bureaus, understand that they are nothing more
than record keepers. Simply put, they your address. Send them a billing keep a record of who has given you statement. Do not send them a copy of credit, when they gave it to you, how your driver’s license, even if that’s what much you were given, and whether you they request. paid it back on time. Here are some basic rights Credit bureaus are paid by the consumers have over their credit people who request your credit file. reports: Credit bureaus have no legal power over 1: The right to view your credit you. They are not a report. There is no government agency charge for the first or bank, so do not credit report you Credit bureaus have be intimidated. request annually no legal power over Due to the (annualcreditreport. you. They are not a overwhelming com). For every government agency amount of subsequent one, information in the credit reporting or bank, so do not be their computers, agencies can charge intimidated. the credit a reasonable fee. bureaus’ method However, if you of collecting have recently been information is basic and can be rejected for credit, you are entitled to riddled with errors. And since the a free credit report even if you have bureaus have made so many errors in already requested one that year. the past, federal laws regarding credit My advice is not to request them information are in your favor. all at once. Request a report from one The bureaus have a right to request credit bureau every four months, that a copy of your social security card, way you can check on your score three but only copy the front. They may also times a year at no cost. request a copy of something showing 2. The right to know who has inquired about your credit. The law allows you to know every bank, credit card company, employer, etc., who has requested a copy of your credit report. This even includes all the times the credit reporting agency has pulled your file. 3. The right to request verification of information you believe is incorrect. This guarantees that every time you tell a credit reporting agency that an item is incorrect, they will investigate the item. Without this portion of the law, the credit bureaus would be able to refuse to investigate your disputes. 4. The right to insert missing data into your credit file. Often you will have credit granted to you that never makes its way into your credit report. This
portion of the law allows you to report all this good credit information to the credit reporting agencies and have it entered into your credit report. 5. The right to automatically remove information from your credit report that is over seven years old (10 for bankruptcy). 6. The right to place a personal statement in your credit report. Some people have negative credit due to extraordinary events such as loss of a job, sickness, or divorce. This law allows you to have a written statement of 100 words or fewer placed in your credit report. This can be used to explain to future creditors what caused the bad credit and why it was a onetime occurrence. 7. The right to privacy of the information in your credit report from anyone other than legitimate members of credit reporting agency. That is why creditors have you sign a form allowing them to examine your credit report. The only exception to this right is the credit reporting agencies. 8. The right to have your credit report transferred from one area to another any time you relocate. 9. The right to use small claims court to resolve any disputes with the credit bureaus about incorrect or inaccurate information in your credit report. 10. The right to know exactly why you were refused credit. This request must be made by you to the creditor within 10 days of your being turned down. You should check the validity of your accounts by demanding that creditors produce a contract or signed document within 30 days of any disputes you may have under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act 312. If you choose, you can hire professionals to fix your credit for you. Make sure they use software developed after this act was entered into law on July 1, 2010. Since this law was passed, the consumer’s removal of derogatory information has increased tremendously. The original creditors who are placing the inaccurate information on your credit report do not usually have the documentation to prove it. Due to this lack of documentation from the original creditors, they must remove the negative trade lines from your credit report. Information in this column is not intended to be specific advice for anyone. You should use the information to help you work with a professional regarding your specific financial objectives. Capt. Mark A. Cline is a chartered senior financial planner. Comments on this column are welcome at +1-954-7642929 or through www.clinefinancial.net.
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NUTRITION: Take It In
To eat a diet with or without gluten is not a simple question Former Spice Girl Victoria “Posh” 18 million Americans including Beckham, Super Bowl-winning possibly autistic children, who, though quarterback Drew Brees and singer they don’t have celiac disease, have a Miley Cyrus all avoid it. Celebrity chefs gluten sensitivity or gluten intolerance. such as Thomas In these folks, eating gluten doesn’t Keller, Guy Fieri set off a serious autoimmune reaction and Ming Tsai also as it does in celiac disease. Instead, cook without it. In gluten produces less serious yet fact, it’s estimated uncomfortable symptoms such as that some 2-3 abdominal pain, headaches, fatigue million people in and tingling in the extremities. the United States Avoiding gluten in the diet makes these and 20 million symptoms disappear in those who are worldwide need to gluten intolerant. Take It In stay away from it, Eating a gluten-free diet is not Carol Bareuther too. easy. While many foods such as fruits, It is gluten, a vegetables, beef, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs protein that is naturally found in wheat and more are naturally gluten-free and and other related types of grain such the list of gluten-free products offered as barley and rye. For most people, by manufacturers is growing, wheat is eating gluten is no problem. In fact, still everywhere. It’s in obvious foods it’s the helpful such as breads, substance that cereals and pasta. A gluten-free diet isn’t It’s also in the gives baked goods for everyone. their structure. more hidden When you knead forms of dextrin wheat bread, you’re or malt where it’s developing its used as a flavoring, gluten so that the loaf will rise and have thickening or stabilizing additive in a nice light texture. However, for people foods. with celiac disease, eating gluten can be In addition, there can even be deadly. That’s because gluten can cause problems from cross contamination. a person’s immune system to attack For example, if someone with celiac and damage the finger-like projections disease uses a spoon on a buffet line in the small intestine, called villi, which that has been in the pasta tray, they are responsible for absorbing nutrients. can experience symptoms. Likewise, There is a genetic component someone who cuts their gluten-free rice to celiac disease, but it’s not just bread on a cutting board that hasn’t something infants and toddlers are been properly sanitized after wheat diagnosed with. This digestive disease bread was cut could fall sick. can remain dormant into adulthood Following a gluten-free diet isn’t when something like surgery, risk-free, either. In fact, those who pregnancy or severe emotional stress don’t have celiac disease and think this can cause it to come to life. The tricky might be the latest greatest weight loss thing is that adults are less likely to diet can run into trouble. Many types of have digestive symptoms. In fact, vague gluten-free bread are actually higher in symptoms such as bone or joint pain, calories and fat than their wheat-based iron-deficiency anemia, an itchy skin counterparts. Gluten-free breads aren’t rash, depression or anxiety and even fortified with B-vitamins and iron like tingling numbness in feet and hands those with wheat. may be signs of celiac disease. What’s more, eating a white riceThis doesn’t mean if you have based diet to avoid wheat can lead these symptoms that you need to to a low-fiber diet and the digestive jump on the gluten-free bandwagon. problems such as constipation that A proper diagnosis is essential. And can occur from not getting enough of diagnosing celiac disease isn’t easy. this nutrient. Taking care to eat plenty First, as mentioned above, symptoms of fresh fruits and vegetables and are vague and can mimic many other naturally gluten-free whole grains such health issues. Secondly, the only way as amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, to conclusively diagnose celiac disease quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, sorghum is with a small intestinal biopsy using and teff can remedy this problem. an endoscope. Physicians can also A gluten-free diet isn’t for everyone draw blood for specific antibodies, to jump on as the latest fad. Instead, the endomysial antibody and tissue it’s a life-saving way of eating for those transglutaminase antibody, but these who have celiac disease and a lifearen’t as conclusive as the biopsy. improving way of eating for those with What’s more, to be accurate, these tests intolerance. need to be performed while someone is still eating a diet that includes gluten. Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian That’s a tough thing to do if you’ve and a regular contributor to The Triton. avoided gluten and felt better. Comments on this column are welcome There are many people, an estimated at editorial@the-triton.com.
June 2012 C11
C12 June 2012 BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
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C14 June 2012 BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
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SUDOKU Try this puzzle based on numbers. There is only one rule for the number puzzle: Every row, every column and every 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 only once. Don’t worry, you don’t need arithmetic. Nothing has to add up to anything else. All you need is reasoning and logic.
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Company
Page
Abeam Marine Supply A13 Alexseal Yacht Coatings A10 Aluminum Distributing A4 Antibes Yachtwear B7 Argonautica Custom Yacht Interiors C6 ARW Maritime A13 Beer’s Group B12 Bellingham Marine (Wards Cove Marina) B2 BOW Worldwide Yacht Supplies A20 Bradford Marine A3 Brownie’s Yacht Diver A17 Business card advertisers C12-15 The Business Point C10 C&N Yacht Refinishing A2 Cable Marine B16 DCL International A4 Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina A16 Dockwise Yacht Transport B4,C4 FendElegance B13
Company
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FenderHooks A13 Fibrenew Leather Repairs A4 Global Yacht Fuel A18 Gran Peninsula Yacht Center B4 International Registries (Marshall Islands) C8 ISS GMT Global Marine Travel A5 KVH Industries A9 LaBovick Law Group A14 Lauderdale Diver A12 Lauderdale Propeller C6 Lifeline Inflatables B11 Mail Boxes Etc. (Now the UPS Store) C11 Marina Bay Marina Resort B11 Marine VSAT B14 Maritime Professional Training C16 Matthew’s Marine A/C B5 MHG Insurance Brokers B15 National Marine Suppliers B9, B10 Neptune Group A15
Company
Newport Shipyard Newport Yachting Center Newsworhty Cafe Northeast Maritime Institute Overtemp Marine Palladium Technologies Patton Marine Professional Marine Duct Cleaning Professional Tank Cleaning & Sandblasting ProStock Marine Quiksigns Renaissance Marina River Supply River Services Rossmare International Bunkering Royale Palm Yacht Basin RPM Diesel Sailorman Seafarer Marine Seahorse Marine Training
Page
B6 B14 B8 C2 A16 C9 A6 A18 B7 A7 C11 B8 B5 C3 B12 B14 A2 A12 B13
Company
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Sea School Slackers Bar & Grill Smart Move Accomodations Staniel Cay Yacht Club SunPro Marine TESS Electrical Thomas Marine Systems TowBoatU.S Trac Ecological Marine Products Tradewinds Radio Turtle Cove Marina Ward’s Marine Electric Watemakers, Inc. Water’s Edge Consulting West Marine Megayacht Supply Westrec Marinas Yacht Entertainment Systems
A16 C7 C3 A11 A16 C5 B11 B13 B7 C7 A15 B3 A11 C3 A8 A14 B10
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