12 minute read
Industry Updates
Is it safe to travel to the Mediterranean this summer?
By Corey D. Ranslem
The short answer is yes. Thus far, the war in Ukraine, however tragic, has had little impact beyond the immediate Black Sea. Dryad Global, one of the leading companies providing global maritime risk intelligence, published a report on the risks to vessels and crews operating within the Mediterranean Sea that highlights a range of traditional and nontraditional threats vessels may face when operating within the area. Their analysis indicates the conflict in Ukraine has little impact beyond the wider Black Sea.
The biggest threats in the Mediterranean remain centered around military and migrant activity near coastal Libya. While this type of activity has been ongoing for several years, there has been a steady uptick in the number of migrants attempting to leave Libya for Europe, along with migrants attempting to leave Turkey for Greece. The report further highlights the risks of interaction with military/militia forces when operating close to coastal Libya. According to Dryad, there are various naval missions operating in the Mediterranean. NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian — responsible for executing NATO’s maritime security operations, including maritime counterterrorism, and upholding freedom of navigation — is patrolling the Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, Operation IRINI to enforce the arms embargo on Libya has vessels patrolling about 60nm off the coast of Libya. The UN Security Council unanimously voted to extend Operation IRINI until March 2023. The report highlights that such operations are unlikely to impact normal commercial or private maritime traffic.
Through the Dryad risk analysis, risks from traditional maritime security incidents such as threat of hijacking, attempted boarding and approach, shots fired, attempted kidnapping, and threats from broader environmental issues remain low.
As it stands, the Mediterranean remains a stable and safe prospect for vessels this summer, with security issues likely to be found at the local level, specifically those of personal safety ashore, and security of property both at anchor and in port.
For specific questions or requests for maritime intelligence information, contact Dryad directly through dryadglobal.com or via email at enquiries@dryadglobal.com.
PHOTO CAPT. GRANT MAUGHAN
ROVINJ HARBOUR, CROATIA
Valentines Resort & Marina, at Harbour Island, Bahamas, is having a substantial renovation. The entire electrical infrastructure is being replaced on the docks and will include new power pedestals and transformers, and new decking and planking are scheduled for the marina docks. The property has opened a new saltwater pool and will replace beach furniture and umbrellas for the private section of Pink Sands Beach. Construction is scheduled for completion by September, in time for the winter yacht season. The yacht marina is the largest on Harbour Island and can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet in length with fuel service, full electric (30, 50, 100 amps), unlimited reverse-osmosis water, and wireless internet access for each slip.
For more information, go to valentinesresort.com.
Lizard Yacht Service, Wills Ridley team up for Med service center
Lizard Yacht Service is set to work with the Wills Ridley company for steering gear service and repair at a new superyacht service center in Palma, Mallorca, to cover the Mediterranean area.
Lizard Yacht Services offers parts, service, and maintenance with expertise in engineering and fitting, while Wills Ridley has supplied hydraulic steering gear for yachts, and military and commercial vessels since 1963. The collaboration was agreed upon earlier this year with Wills Ridley dealership in the UK. The company’s UK base is in Falmouth, Cornwall.
“This is an exciting time for both companies,” stated Amanda Martin, director of Lizard Yacht Service SL, in a press release. “The Balearics is fast becoming the heart of the superyacht industry for the Med. As Lizard Yacht Service works alongside Wills Ridley in the UK, it is a natural next step to extend the relationship to our Spanish company based in Palma.”
A full digital gauge and software upgrade is scheduled for current customers, according to the release. “In addition to these upgrades, we will be servicing and supplying new pumps from the Wills Ridley portfolio, refurbishing existing power packs, and handling the design and build of new power packs,” stated Wills Ridley Director Ryan Kitchener. For information got to lizardyachtservice.co.uk and willsridley.com.
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Derecktor ‘ushers’ in a new era in Fort Pierce
By Dorie Cox
While development continues at Derecktor Ft. Pierce, the Florida yard’s first yacht refit is set to wrap up on M/Y Usher. Work began in February on the 154-foot Delta as it was hauled out for a 15year ABS survey, paint job, and mechanical work.
Capt. Adam Belshe, who has worked on Delta yachts for much of his yachting career, is at the helm on M/Y Usher. “We will do as much as we can during our yard period while keeping up with our owner’s busy schedule,” he said. “With the help of Derecktor Ft. Pierce, we will meet 100% of our goals.”
The yacht owner chose the yard located inside Fort Pierce Inlet, 90nm north of Fort Lauderdale, to support the area’s expansion into the yacht repair industry, according to Capt. Belshe. “Mr. Michael Saylor, our owner, could have sent us anywhere. He wants to grow our superyacht economy, and having more options for service as yachts make their way north makes Fort Pierce a new perfect destination,” he said. “It’s not as big as the Fort Lauderdale marine service accommodate vessels up to 250 feet in length with a 1,500-ton capacity. “Building a shipyard from scratch is no easy task, and our team has done an admirable job overcoming several hurdles,” Beard said. “The hard work is paying off, though. We’ve taken on a few significant projects already and are currently negotiating future projects.” Derecktor Ft. Pierce offers deepwater access with 28-foot depth and unlimited overhead clearance to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as dockage, storage on the hard, workshops for trades, offices, and land-based support services on an 8-acre site.
Capt. Belshe likens the Fort Pierce area to Fort Lauderdale about 30 years ago. “There are lots of fish, manatees and dolphins in the bay. The fishing, uncrowded surf beaches, local festivals and farmers markets are enough for everyone to enjoy their stay.”
For more information: derecktor.com/ derecktor-ftpierce-florida.
CREW OF M/Y USHER AT DERECKTOR FT. PIERCE IN FLORIDA
area, however, providers will come up when we cannot source locally.”
Hauling operations began last summer and the yard has completed survey haul-outs, paint jobs, and substantial aluminum structural repairs. The yard’s mobile boat hoist is the largest lift in the U.S., according to Justin Beard, marketing and sales development manager at Derecktor. The Italian-built Cimolai Technology lift is 85 feet tall, 75 feet wide, 120 feet long, and able to
U-BOAT WORX LAUNCHES 9-PERSON SUBMERSIBLES
Dutch submersible manufacturer, U-Boat Worx, has launched the NEXUS series of submersible craft. Each of the two models seat up to eight passengers with a pilot and are depth-rated to 650 feet (200m). Lithium-ion battery technology allows for up to 18 hours of operation for as many as 10 dives a day. Using the revolving seating arrangement featured in the company’s Cruise Subs line, passenger views can be optimized no matter the direction of travel; the NEXUS series crafts are multi-directional, able to maneuver in any direction using 10 silent thrusters for power.
Both models are built with an extra-large entrance hatch for passengers of all ages, and the boarding process has been streamlined. Top-mounted diving tanks allow for unobstructed views and increased freeboard for a stable boarding platform for occupants to stand on deck. Optimized for ship-based launch and recovery, the NEXUS craft can also be deployed from land and transported to dive sites. An optional passenger elevator and a smaller, lighter seven-person submersible are available.
For more information: uboatworx.com.
Sheltair adds AI weather and climate data program
Sheltair Aviation has expanded weather and climate data with the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite. This technology will support the largest privately-owned aviation network of fixed-base operations in the U.S. using artificial intelligence to help improve responsiveness to critical weather and changing environmental conditions.
The data will forecast approaching weather and alert to potential conditions such as wind or lightning in regards to departure and arrival times, grip and ramp movements, towing and more.
“Safety is more than a practice at Sheltair, it’s who we are,” Bobby Cavetti, Sheltair’s director of safety and training, stated in a press release. “Implementing the capabilities of the IBM Environmental Intelligence Suite allows us to better prepare and mitigate climate-related risks, minimize aircraft movements, and further enable our operational resiliency.”
With corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, the airline will use the data from IBM to plan for potential disruptive environmental conditions, flooding, air quality, and more across the company’s customer service, ramp line personnel, fixed-base operators, and safety managers to prevent disruptions.
More information can be found at sheltairaviation.com.
Largest yachts* sold in March/April
MARCH 2022
NAME LOA BUILDER LAUNCHED CREW LISTING BROKER
Burrasca Starship 184’ (56m) Perini Navi 2003 10 Richard Kaye 143’ (43.5m) Van Mill 1988 9 Robert Stotler
Patriot
116’ 1” (35m) Burger Lady Sharon Gale 112’ (34m) Broward Nirvana 109’ 10” (33.5m) Horizon
Kelly Ann 108’ 3” (33m) Benetti 2005 5 Wes Sanford 1999 4 Will Noftsinger 2000 4 Will Noftsinger 2015 6 Kristen Klein
Arreee! 105’ (32m) Azimut Yachts 2007 6 Frank Grzeszczak Jr.
Kefi All That Jazz
105’ (32m) Sunseeker 2004 5 Kyle Leeper 101’ (30.7m) Hargrave 2008 5 Michael DiCondina Combined last asking price of all yachts over 79ft (24m) sold in March 2022: $61,157,154 USD
*NOTE THAT THIS IS A REFLECTION OF YATCO LISTINGS INTELLIGENCE AND ONLY REFLECT THE UPDATES ON YATCO AND NOT THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.
APRIL 2022
NAME LOA BUILDER LAUNCHED CREW LISTING BROKER
Sealyon Jacozami Hull No. 29 Tintin Book Ends Ree White Pearl Atlantic Time Out 203’ 5” (62m) VSY 145’ (44m) Benetti
2009 16 Bob Fritsky 2009 9 Merle Wood 114’ 10” (35m) Azimut Yachts 2021 6 Carmen Lau Stratton 112’ (34m) Westport 2022 5 Josh Gulbranson 112’ (34m) Wesport 2020 5 Robert Saxon 111’ 11” (34m) Valdettaro 1995 6 Anne Ploch 111’ 3” (33.8m) Sunseeker 2010 5 Harry Bristow-Holmes 108’ (33m) Westport 1998 5 Bryan Long 106’ (32m) Lanlorenzo 2019 5 Michael Mahan
Pipeliner
102’ (31m) Westport 2001 5 Mitchell Grant Torrens Wizard 100’ (30.4m) Porsius 1985 4 Kevin Ralph Ammoun of London 100’ 5” (30.6m) Heesen Yachts 2000 4 Int’l Yacht Register
Combined last asking price of all yachts over 79ft (24m) sold in April 2022: $153,500,940 USD
INDUSTRY UPDATES
M/Y Octopus to charter in Antarctica
PHOTOS CAMPER & NICHOLSONS
The 414-foot (126m) M/Y Octopus, commissioned and formerly owned by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, will be available for first-time charter in Antarctica in late 2022 exclusively through Camper & Nicholsons. Built by German shipyard, Lürssen, to a design by Espen Øino, and launched in 2003 as one of the largest superyachts in the world, Octopus commenced a trend for yachts to be equipped for science, research, and far-flung expedition travel. To that end, the vessel sports an ice-class 1A steel hull, allowing it to safely traverse the iceberg-filled seas surrounding the southernmost continent.
In its storied past, Octopus has been an iconic research vessel, involved in search-and-rescue missions, and even once featured a recording studio for famous artists including Mick Jagger, Usher, and U2. Its one-of-a-kind art and artifacts collection includes an original photo of Marilyn Monroe and a signed photo of Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, and Mike Collins adjacent to the American flag that was carried by Frank Borman and Jim Lovell on board the Gemini VII spacecraft in 1965.
Up until its sale in 2021, the yacht was kept extremely private, with few images of its interior ever released to the public. To mark its new availability as a charter yacht, Octopus began a two-year, round-the-world tour in January. So far, the plans include Costa Rica, Panama, and South America, wrapping up with the Antarctica tour in early December 2022.
Charter rates start at $2.2 million per week. Features include flexible accommodations for 12 guests in 13 cabins and a permanent crew of 42; a dive center and hyperbaric chamber, along with a fully equipped medical suite; a toy list that includes seven tenders, two helipads, a large SUV, electric foils and much more; an entertainment deck with fully equipped gym, spa, 15-person cinema, library, observation lounge, and glass-bottomed aquarium; and a dedicated owner’s deck with a private elevator.
Find out more here.
YachtWorld debuts videos on iconic yacht builders
YachtWorld, a global online marketplace for yachts owned and operated by Miamibased Boats Group, recently announced the debut of its YouTube series Cult Classics, showcasing a select group of venerated yacht builders. Each episode explores the history and ethos of builders with a cult-like entourage and takes an in-depth look into their boat-building philosophies. The series will have a total of five episodes in 2022.
“The devotion from fans and owners of these prestigious yacht builders is something that we wanted to shine a light on and invite more people to experience,” said Ryan McVinney, director of content at Boats Group and creator of Cult Classics. “The stories are unique because it’s not easy to reach the status and caliber that these builders have achieved. It’s a long road to get there, so we’re excited to show what it takes.”
The inaugural episode features one of America’s oldest shipbuilding families, Huckins Yachts, and focuses on the company’s new but classically styled Huntsman 38 vessel. Huckins Yachts’ proud history of boat building has created one of the most loyal followings in the industry, which dates back to the early 1900s.
Viewers can look forward to more iconic brands and yacht builders as upcoming episodes spotlight Bertram Yachts, Formula’s Thunderbird, Wellcraft, and more. Watch Cult Classics on YouTube, and follow along on Instagram @yachtworld for behind-the-scenes content and upcoming episode announcements.
Wärtsilä launches 360-degree camera system for the bridge
Wärtsilä Corp.’s new Smart Panoramic Edge Camera System has a 360-degree view to reduce accident risks for mariners. The system increases situational awareness and is streamed directly to the bridge in real-time. Blind spots are eliminated with digital panoramic cameras located around the vessel to provide a calibrated range grid around the vessel to give precise measurement of distances. The camera pods are optimized for the marine environment and the system is not reliant on the global navigation satellite system.
“Safety is of increasing concern in today’s maritime environment. Vessels have become ever larger in size, and the volume of sea traffic is greater than ever before. With S.P.E.C.S, the bridge crew has a perfect view of what’s going on around the ship at all times. This takes situational awareness to a completely new level, and greatly reduces the risk of accidents and costly damage,” stated Sasha Heriot, head of Vessel Assistance Systems at Wärtsilä Voyage, in a company press release.
