/tritonnews
www.the-triton.com
October brings Triton Expo and networking. See pages A3,16,17.
C2-3
Opportunities for others Yacht couple build custom boat to help injured soldiers. B1
Beautiful and impoverished Crew visit Cuba despite island’s stark contrasts. C1
What was that you said? Shift in words make all the difference in a leader. A18
ALL SYSTEMS GO
Engineers without a Y chromosome By Dorie Cox Many people have never met a female yacht engineer. So until they do, we talked with nine of them about their jobs, what they have learned and share their visions for the future in the field. One of the reasons people rarely meet female engineers is that engineers are probably the least visible crew onboard a yacht, said Mate/Eng. Karen L. Murray. By definition they manage behind-the-scenes systems such as engines, plumbing, electrical, water, air conditioning, refrigeration, hydraulics and pneumatics. “It’s the most important part, but the least sexy side of yachting,” Murray said. She started as a deck/stew in 2005, has served as 2nd engineer and currently works on a 96-foot yacht. Another reason people rarely meet female engineers is that they don’t meet that many engineers overall. A crew roster may include multiple stews and deck crew, but only one engineer, if any at all. Although there is usually one captain and one chef, they are more visible because of crew and guest interactions. Occasionally, engineers may work a dual role like captain/engineer, deck/ engineer or mate/engineer. In 2012, junior engineer Cailin Reid worked as mate on a boat with a captain/ engineer, who was stressed with the work load. “Show me how to do some of the engineering, give it to me,” Reid said to the captain. And soon the crew called on her to fix things instead of him. “It was better for my interests and I thought, ‘this is really cool’,” Reid said. The 24-year-old has since worked on several yachts more than 100 feet in length as deck/engineer and 2nd engineer. Melissa van der Walt has been in yachting for 14 years, working her way to be captain, and then changing over to engineer six years ago. “There are more female captains than female engineers,” van der Walt said. “We’ve been in the shadows for some time.”
October 2014
IN THE WORKS Engineer Melissa van der Walt works in the engine room PHOTO PROVIDED during a recent yacht job. So what’s the big deal with female engineers? Not much, said most of the ones we talked with. “It’s not a guy/girl issue,” Reid said. “The competition is the same. If it is meant to be, you get the job. It’s not more difficult for us. We’re no different.” When a yacht docks in a new port, other engineers are more interested in the boat and what systems are onboard, Reid said. “When we pull in, people are intrigued,” Reid said. “First, they’re surprised and say, ‘you’re the engineer?’, but then they just want to talk and see the engine room.” Nadia Uccello began yachting as a deckhand on a 108-foot yacht and headed toward engineering when she worked on projects like re-wiring
shorepower sockets and cleaning out bilge pump valves. “The captain treated me like neither a male nor a female but an engineering assistant,” Uccello said by e-mail. “I carried what I was told to carry and fixed what I was told to fix.” So why aren’t more women in the engine room? “It is a non-traditional job for women, and not something we are socialized to do,” said a Canadian engineer who has worked on megayachts since 2009 and asked not to be named. She said it is not a very glamorous job and the position calls for a lot of time in a noisy, dirty, hot engine room. “The job can be physically
See ENGINEERS, page A11
Triton readers respond ‘Below Deck’ rankles editor and readers. A25-27
Captains deal with ‘entitled’ crew attitudes differently This month’s From the Bridge captains’ discussion topic was suggested by a captain who has been surprised this summer at what he called a sense of entitlement among some crew members. When the topic was introduced, some of the captains From the Bridge in the room let out a Lucy Chabot Reed collective groan, all at once saying they had dealt with this issue themselves and that they were frustrated, too. And they each had a story to tell. One captain mentioned his former bosun who, in the middle of a busy charter, announced that it was break time according to the MLC rules, and went below for a nap. Another captain told the story of the deckhand who didn’t like what the chef was making for dinner so excused himself for dinner off the boat, then returned to submit the receipt for
See BRIDGE page A22
TRITON SURVEY
Have you ever been to Cuba? Yes, w/o Yes, personally yacht 6% 7%
Yes, w/yacht 34%
No 53%
– Story, C1
A October 2014 WHAT’S INSIDE
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Up to speed
Find out who’s almost ready to hit the high seas. Read details on page B1. PHOTO/LUCY REED
Advertiser directory C16 Boats / Brokers B15 Business Briefs A10 Business Cards C17-19 Calendar of events B17 Columns: Crew Coach A19 Crew Mess C3 Crew Eye A27 Culinary Waves C8 From the Bridge A1 Health C15 Leadership A18 Nutrition C4 Onboard Emergencies B2 Rules of the Road B1
Stew Cues Top Shelf Crew News Fuel prices Marinas / Shipyards Networking QA Networking photos News Obituary Puzzle Technology Technology Briefs Triton Spotter Triton Survey Write to Be Heard
C1 C6 B1,C5 B5 B8 A16,17 C2,3 A4 A7 C16 B14 B4 B19 C1 A25-27
T h e Tr i t o n : M e g ay a c h t n e w s fo r c a p t a i n s a n d c r e w
The Triton
www.the-triton.com TRITON NETWORKING: Triton Expo
Crew and industry invited to mingle at Triton Expo The Triton is hosting its largest event of the year, the fall Triton Expo, on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in Ft. Lauderdale. Join us from 5-8 p.m. at Lauderdale Marine Center’s west yard for a crewfocused expo complete with more than 30 vendors who provide the goods and services that yacht captains and crew need to be a star onboard. There will be good food, adult beverages, and music to entertain and engage an expected crowd of more than 600 captains, crew and industry professionals. Until then, learn more about The Triton and the Triton Expo from Reed Triton Publisher David Reed. Q. The Triton has been hosting monthly networking events for 10 years now. How have they changed over the years? They started with just a few dozen captains in a bar and have turned into great mix of crew and shore-based industry people. As a small company, we decided early on to help the small companies who support us by bringing our networking events to them. That’s why our events change location each month. It’s always interesting to get out of the bar and mingle in an industry workplace, meeting the people who work there and keep our industry thriving. Q. Tell us about the Expo. How did that come about? We started the Expo in the fall of 2008 when the industry was bustling. There were a million kids in Ft. Lauderdale looking for work, so we called it a job fair and encouraged them to have their resumes critiqued by captains. We had speakers and seminars and it was really well received. But it’s grown and we had to move it outdoors, which makes it hard to have speakers and professional discussion. So it’s more of an expo now than it’s ever been. Q. There are a few charities involved with this event, right? Not officially, no, but we like to partner with industry efforts to help others. National Marine Suppliers is kicking off a fundraising raffle at the Triton Expo. It is raffling off a Gibbs Sports Amphibians Quadski, a mix between a personal watercraft and a four-wheeler valued at more than $40,000. National employees will be there to sell tickets for a suggested donation of $40 each. All of the money raised in this and other NMS events this year will be
donated to the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of yacht Chef Michelle Dunnette who died in February. The winner will be drawn when the horns signal the end of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show at 5 p.m. on Nov. 3. The winner need not be present, but is responsible for all applicable taxes. Also, the Marine Industry Cares Foundation will be there selling tickets for its fall fundraising efforts. It has a JCL Yamaha 150cc scooter to raffle off (first place), $500 cash (second place) and an MICF membership (third place). Single tickets start at $20. MICF will draw the winner at its booth during FLIBS and, again, the winner does not need to be present to win. And this year, we’ve given some space to Blue Water Warriors, a nonprofit foundation started by a captainmate team who are building a boat to take wounded veterans out on the water. (Read more about that beginning on page B1.) Q. That’s a lot of charity stuff. I guess it is. There is a lot of this sort of activity in the yachting industry. I think we all feel so lucky to work in and around yachts, and many yachting businesses are happy to give back when they can. Crew, too. We always raise a nice bit when we do events for Marine Industry Cares. (By the way, there will be tip jars around the bars at the Expo. All those proceeds go to support MICF.) We do host one strictly fundraising event a year, our annual poker run, which raises money for The Triton scholarship fund at Broward College. We’ve been able to help a half dozen kids go through the marine program there since we started it a few years ago. Q. There’s always something fun cooking at the Triton Expo. What’s in store for your guests on Oct. 8? We just got word that Cape Charles Yacht Center is coming down with all the fixins for a real Chesapeake-style seafood boil. CCYC is a new marina at the mouth of the Chesapeake in Cape Charles, Va., and its owner, Eyre Baldwin, is a larger-than-life kind of guy who loves a party. And the team from RPM Diesel will be there flipping burgers, and the Marine Industries Association of South Florida is sponsoring a fire truck that’s been retrofitted with taps for ice cold beer. Sounds like it’s going to be fun. Join us at the Triton Expo, Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 5-8 p.m. at Lauderdale Marine Center, 2001 S.W. 20th St. in Ft. Lauderdale (33315). No RSVP is necessary. Just bring lots of business cards, some cash and a smile.
October 2014 A
A October 2014 NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Marshall Islands starts master unlimited license equivalent Marshall Islands starts CoC license
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Registry has introduced a new STCW-compliant Master – Unlimited Tonnage, Oceans, Yachts Only license, providing duly qualified and trained yacht captains a full STCW license/ Certificate of Competency (CoC). This CoC will allow certificated captains to command yachts over 3,000 gross tons. Until now, yacht captains’ careers have been limited to yachts of up to 3,000 gt, forcing some owners moving up in size to hire merchant mariners, many of whom are often new to the industry, to run their larger yachts. RMI is working with Maritime Professional Training (MPT) in Ft. Lauderdale to develop The Capstone Course, a course designed specifically for qualified yacht masters. This course requires candidates to possess commensurate experience, knowledge, training and proficiency to be demonstrated through the completion of written and bridge simulation-based competency assessments. For more information, contact Amy Beavers of MPT at amy@MPTusa.com or John Hafner of the RMI Registry at jhafner@register-iri.com.
MAIB concerned about ECDIS
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has released its report on the grounding of a chemical tanker last fall. No one was hurt and there was no pollution, but the MAIB credited improper use of ECDIS as the cause of the grounding. M/V Ovit’s primary means of navigation was an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), but the passage plan unsafely took the vessel directly over the Varne Bank in Dover Strait. The plan had been prepared in ECDIS by an inexperienced and unsupervised junior officer and was not checked by the master before departure, the MAIB found. The OOW followed the track but “had such poor situational awareness that it took him 19 minutes to realize the vessel was aground,” according to the report. ECDIS safety settings were not appropriate to the local conditions, and the audible alarm was disabled, the report stated. “This is the third grounding investigated by the MAIB where watchkeepers’ failure to use an ECDIS properly has been identified as one of the causal factors,” Steve Clinch, chief inspector of marine accidents at MAIB, wrote in the report. “As this report is published, there are over 30 manufacturers of ECDIS equipment, each with their own designs of user interface, and little evidence that a
common approach is developing. Generic ECDIS training is mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), but it is left to flag states and owners to decide whether or not type-specific training is necessary and, if so, how it should be delivered. “As experience of ECDIS systems improves, evidence indicates that many owners are concluding that typespecific training is essential, though some are resorting to computer-based training once the watchkeeper is on board,” Clinch wrote. “In this accident, however, despite dedicated training ashore on the system they were to use, the operators’ knowledge of the ECDIS and ability to navigate their vessel safely using the system were wholly inadequate. “Unfortunately, the current generation of ECDIS systems, though certified as complying with regulatory requirements, can be operated at a very low level of functionality and with key safety features disabled or circumvented. Training and company culture may mitigate these shortcomings to some extent, but can only go so far. “While systems allow individuals to operate them in a sub-standard manner, there are those who will do so: such is human nature. Navigation is a safety-critical function and failure to navigate effectively can and does result every year in pollution, loss of vessels, and loss of life. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the next generation of ECDIS will embody features making them less vulnerable to the vagaries of human performance to achieve a better level of assurance that safe navigation is being consistently achieved.” Recommendations have been made to the MCA and other groups aimed at improving the standard of navigational inspections of vessels using ECDIS as the primary means of navigation. A further recommendation to the MCA is intended to ensure that the Channel Navigation Information
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A5
CORRECTION
The second annual Yachting Symposium and Job Fair is slated to take place Oct. 9-10 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. A news briefs in the September issue indicated otherwise. The 2014 agenda offers 21 educational sessions, a Networking and Collaboration Terrace, an exhibitors hall, and job fair over two full days. For more information and to register, visit www.yachtsym.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS BRIEFS
USCG seeks input from boaters on pending train river crossings The commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 7th District is collecting information about the needs of marine traffic as it relates to the proposed passenger train and its crossing of three rivers on its route from Miami to Orlando. The Coast Guard seeks details on vertical clearance needs and frequency of transits on waterways including the New River in Ft. Lauderdale. Written comments are being accepted in two ways: 1. Mailed to the Office of the Commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, Brickell Plaza Federal Building, 909 S.E. First Ave., Suite 432, Miami, Fla., 33131-3050. 2. E-mailed to USCGD7DPB PublicComment@uscg.mil. The USCG had originally scheduled three public meetings during which to accept written documents, but so many mariners asked to provide verbal comments that those meetings have been postponed until larger venues can be obtained, and will be rescheduled in the coming weeks. “In order to ensure the reasonable needs of navigation are being met by
Spain rule might let nonEU flagged yachts charter NEWS BRIEFS, from page A4 Service is manned appropriately. A recommendation has also been made to Marine Information Systems AS intended to improve the functionality of its ECDIS 900. To read the full report, visit www. maib.gov.uk and search “ovit”.
Non-EU yachts charter in Spain
current bridge operation regulations, the U.S. Coast Guard is gathering written information from mariners to help determine if a change in federal bridge operating regulations should be considered,” the USCG said in a public notice. “Information helpful to this effort includes current and future use of the waterway (especially through movable bridges), the kind and type of vessels used, frequency of use, and navigational hazards such as currents, obstructions and those hazards that may not be evident from charts and published materials.”
October 2014 A
Effective beginning in September, all yachts can offer charter services around Spain’s Balearic Islands. “Although applicable to boats 14m (45 foot) and upward, this legislation is clearly targeted at superyachts, the sector most likely to be non-EUflagged,” said Lorenzo Vila, director of Port Andratx-based Easyboats. “It states that a charter licence can be obtained provided there is a lack of available EU-flagged with similar characteristics. One would assume this is easily circumnavigated by bringing hull color, interior décor, tenders, toys, and so on into the equation. “However, the ruling also states that the yacht must comply with technical, legal, administrative and
fiscal requirements,” Vila said in a news release about the law. “Fiscal” is the key word here. The superyacht would have to have its taxes paid inline with Spanish requirements. In light of this, I believe the legislation is only good news, and economically viable, for boats who decide to base themselves in the Balearics for a season – not for those who want to dip in and out. “Combined with recent positive rulings on matriculation tax, it’s clear that Spain is trying to make things easier for the nautical industry,” he said. According to ANEN, Spain’s national marine trade association, there has been a 13.27 percent increase in boat registrations for 2014 to the end of August, compared with last year, or about 412 more than the same period last year. The greatest growth was in vessels larger than 16m, which increased 47.83 percent. The Balearics account for 90 percent of charter services offered in Spain, and many large yachts use Palma as a base in summer, including
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A6
A October 2014 NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Classic Feadship partially sinks; Montauk marina owner dies NEWS BRIEFS, from page A5 the 147m M/Y Rising Sun, 147m M/Y Prince Abdulaziz, the 115m M/Y Pelorus, the 96m M/Y Limitless, the 88m M/Y Musashi and the 78m M/Y Venus. Many more visit Palma for refits in winter. “Not even [maritime] lawyers are completely certain of all the new rules, and many superyacht captains would still rather not take the risk – this could mean continuing to embark guests in France rather than Spain,” Vila said. “This superyacht industry has a
massive economic trickle-down effect across the whole tourism sector, and Spain must wise up to that before the 2015 Med season gets under way.”
MPT sets deck, eng. orals
Ft. Lauderdale-based Maritime Professional Training (MPT) has set its fall dates for oral exams for candidates taking various-level MCA examinations. The exam dates are: Engineering Y2/Y1 No. 457, Oct. 12 Eng. Y4/Y3 No. 457, Oct. 17-19
Deck, all levels, No. 454, Nov. 3-4 The school offers a prep course immediately prior to the all exams. Candidates for the orals must provide a notice of eligibility (NOE) from MCA in order to take them. Exam scheduling priority is given to candidates taking the prep courses, the school said in a news release. Contact MPT at +1 954-525-1014 or exams@ MPTusa.com to reserve a seat.
Troubled old Feadship sinks
A 1953 Feadship, the 82-foot M/Y
Notorious, partially sank at the dock at Ditto Landing Marina on the Tennessee River in Huntsville, Ala. No one was aboard at the time of sinking and the yacht had been in the marina about two years while undergoing repairs, according to news reports. The yacht was launched as M/Y Serano II and later renamed Exuberance. It is believed to have been owned at one time by U.S. President Gerald Ford.The website Bone Yard Boats has been tracking her revival, including being offered “free to a good home” at one point and then auctioned on eBay for about $21,000 after that. The stern of the vessel was destroyed as workers pulled it from the water. It is unclear what happens next. A story about the yacht and how it ended up partly submerged in Alabama is on www.boatyardbones.com.
Montauk marina owner dies
The longtime owner of a marina in Montauk on New York’s Long Island was found dead floating in harbor waters on Sept. 1. Carl Darenberg Jr. was 64. Mr. Darenberg ran Montauk Marine Basin, which takes boats up to 50 feet. His body was found off Uihlein’s Marina docks. Foul play was not suspected. Many in the area considered him a legend. According to news reports, his father bought the marina in 1955 and he worked there his whole life. “This is a real loss to our Montauk fishing community,” said marina owner Henry Uihlein. “From me, coming from a fishing family, what I’m going to miss about Carl is his whole knowledge of the fishing history,” his cousin, Debbie Tuma, told the East Hampton Press. “It goes down with him. He knew so much about all the history, the fishermen, the winning fish, the things that happened in Montauk that were significant. The sport fishing in Montauk is seventh in the world. If you ever wanted to know something, you’d ask Carl.” He was named the Montauk Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year in 2012. Readers and friends of this news story commented on the website: “I met Carl in 1974 when I was an 11-year-old kid and had caught my first shark. He said to me with that big smile of his, ‘Well, kid, you’re going be hooked on fishing for life now!’ “ Boy, was he right. I saw Carl every summer after that and always enjoyed his company. He was a genuine nice guy with a big heart and he will be missed. I can’t imagine Montauk without Carl.”
Film festival comes to boat show
Crew at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show from Oct. 30-
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A8
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
OBITUARY
‘Encyclopedia’ of yacht procurement remembered By Dorie Cox Claire B. Miller, founder of Claire’s Marine Outfitters in Ft. Lauderdale, died of an apparent heart attack at her home on Aug. 29. She was 74. Many in the yachting industry described her as an encyclopedia of procurement and relied on her specialization in hard-to-find parts. Capt. Rusty Allen tested her knowledge since he was captain on M/Y Pegasus in 1993. “In 21 years, I never stumped her with a parts request,” Allen said by phone from a yacht in the Dominican Republic. Others shared similar stories. Capt. Ken Hornig of M/Y Lady Bull and his wife, Cathy, knew Ms. Miller for decades. “My first order was for a pair of windshield wipers which I could not locate anywhere,” Hornig said. “To my surprise, she found that brand in Italy. From that day on, I used Claire’s knowledge and never looked back.” She gave him advice in many areas, even outside the boating field, he said. Wes Sweet, now a Washington state ferries port engineer, described Ms. Miller as a colleague, friend, confidant and as a second mom. In 2001, Sweet was engineer on the 151-foot Feadship M/Y Charade. “We had a deck who brought the tender in fast, threw it in reverse and bent and broke the cables,” Sweet said by phone from Seattle. Several yacht chandlers told Sweet they could not get the parts to the yacht in time for the owner’s arrival. “The captain said to call Claire,” Sweet said. “Within the hour she had the part on its way to Tahiti.” They became friends over the years and as a notary, Ms. Miller performed the service for Sweet and his wife,
Susanna, 11 years ago. Sweet had Claire on his phone speed dial and called her when he worked on difficult projects. “Sometimes she knew vessels better Miller than the crew because she had worked with the boat longer,” Sweet said. Ms. Miller was also known for her direct communication style, said her two children. “She was hard as nails and told you what was what,” daughter Christine Sanders said. “But, she was always fair and honest, willing to help.” “She was knowledgeable and straight to the point,” her son, Trae Miller said. “That knowledge is lost forever.” Heidi Allen, Capt. Allen’s wife, said Ms. Miller was well respected in her ability to take care of difficult clients. “She had a special charisma and diplomacy and knew what to say to the right people,” Ms. Allen said. “She was an expert in communication and business management, and captains and owners liked that type of clear-cut, direct communication.” Many in the industry had longtime relationships with Ms. Miller and recalled a less computerized, cell phone connected time. They remember the world map on the back wall in Claire’s shop with colored push-pins for each yacht customer around the world. “They weren’t labeled, but she knew which was which and she knew their schedules,” Heidi Allen said. “It was a totally different world then.” Capt. Allen had many stories throughout their relationship and
told of a time early in his career when M/Y Cracker Bay had ordered five Kahlenberg horns from Ms. Miller and the owner had returned them. “They were so big the owner said that instead of a boat with horns, it looked like horns with a boat,” Allen said. Ms. Miller took the horns as returns and ordered the appropriate size for the yacht. She polished and shined them for years on display in the shop, Allen said. Eventually he was in Europe in 1999 working on the new boat, the 147-foot M/Y Campbell Bay, when the owner mentioned the horns. “The day we signed the contract on the boat, the owner called Claire to say, ‘we’re buying back the horns’, 10 years later,” Allen said. Ms. Miller worked for Miller Yacht Sales (no relation) in the 1970s in interior design, and later with D.S. Hull and Boat Owners Warehouse in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1988 she opened Claire’s Marine Outfitters. Although she was retired, she continued to work with several customers. “I’m constantly looking for things that she would help with, she was always reliable,” said her son of his business, Ocean Marine Products, which he has owned since 1993 with his father. Ms. Miller sold Claire’s Marine Outfitters in Ft. Lauderdale in 2006 after 18 years in business. She stayed on for two years to help the new owner provide the same level of service. It has since changed hands again. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). Dorie Cox is associate editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
October 2014 A
A October 2014 NEWS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Film festival adds viewings this year; 1866 ship found in lake NEWS BRIEFS, from page A6 Nov. 3 will be able to view the entries in this year’s annual Fort Yachtie Da International Film Festival. A sneak preview of the films entered in the 2014 festival will be shown on the Jumbotron in the food court at Bahia Mar on Sunday night, Nov. 2, from 7-10 p.m. All crew, producers and invited guests are welcome. Guests will have the opportunity to cast their votes by text for this year’s winning entries. Created and presented each year by Crew Unlimited & CU Yacht Charters, the film festival is a competition between yacht crew for best short video in several categories. A variety of films also will be shown throughout the boat show at the Broward County Convention Center, downstairs at the south end in a dedicated cinema. Viewers there can also vote for their winning entries. Also showing in the cinema will be a selection of Guy Harvey’s Ocean Conservancy films and trailers from some of this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival movies. Winners of the Fort Yachtie Da International Film Festival will be announced at an awards ceremony on Nov. 15 (see photo below). Tickets are available online at www.fortyachtieda. com. “The support received from the Marine Industries Association of South Florida [which owns the boat show] for Fort Yachtie Da gives the contest tremendous exposure to more than 100,000 visitors attending FLIBS that we wouldn’t reach otherwise,” said Ami Ira, president and owner of Crew Unlimited. “Allowing the general population to share some of the crew’s special adventures and experiences filmed while working on yachts will entertain and educate others outside the industry as to what life is really like living and working as crew. As well, the videos will inspire those with an interest to join the industry as crew, charter a yacht for vacations, or
buy a yacht of their own, all of which supports our South Florida marine industry. It’s a win/win for everyone.”
Sunken ship found in Lake Superior
The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) recently discovered the wreckage of the 199-foot three-masted schooner Nelson. The vessel sank near Grand Marais, Mich., in May 1899 and rests in more than 200 feet of water. Built in 1866, Nelson is “amazingly intact, despite laying on the bottom of Lake Superior for 115 years after foundering in heavy weather,” GLSHS said in a report on its website. GLSHS volunteer technical divers and the society’s remotely operated vehicle positively identified the vessel as the Nelson. The society’s underwater research team have mapped areas where ships were reported lost. Those areas are then searched from a 50-foot research vessel, M/V David Boyd. Side-scan sonar is employed to analyze the lake bottom and identify submerged wrecks. In the spring of 1899, Nelson was in tow of the wooden steamer A. Folsom, along with the schooner Mary B. Mitchell bound for Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula. A northwest gale with freezing rain and 50 mph winds descended on the trio and thick ice soon formed on the ships’ decks. Captain A. E. White of the Folsom was attempting to turn the ships and head for the cover of Whitefish Bay when he witnessed the Nelson’s towline part and the schooner rapidly sinking. He later noted that “…the Nelson disappeared as suddenly as one could snuff out a candle.” There was only one survivor among the Nelson’s 10 person complement. “This is a particularly tragic shipwreck,” society Executive Director Bruce Lynn said. “Capt. Haganey of the Nelson remained aboard his sinking ship to lower the lifeboat, which contained the crew, his wife and infant
See NEWS BRIEFS, page A9
Winner from last year’s Fort Yachtie Da International Film Festival accepts an award. There are several events and viewings scheduled for this year in TRITON FILE PHOTO November in Ft. Lauderdale.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
NEWS BRIEFS
October 2014 A
Boatel opens for guests; NOAA partners for hurricane assistance NEWS BRIEFS, from page A8 child. Once lowered, Capt. Haganey jumped overboard to gain the lifeboat himself. He landed in the water, and upon surfacing witnessed the stern of his vessel rise up as the ship dove for the bottom. The line was still attached to the lifeboat, which took his crew and family along with the sinking ship.” Capt. Haganey struggled ashore and was nursed back to health.
Docked yacht takes guests
The 80-foot San Lorenzo M/Y Everest has become a “boatel.” Docked in Beaufort, N.C., the yacht is walking distance to downtown and can accommodate up to eight guests in four cabins at $400 a night per couple, not including cruising to nearby sights. Capt. Dan Meggitt and Mate Kelly Gordon take care of guests, but sleep ashore.
NOAA gets hurricane help
This summer, NOAA scientists and partners launched several new unmanned aircraft and water vehicles to collect weather information as part of a coordinated effort to improve hurricane forecasts. To learn more about how the ocean
modifies severe weather, including hurricanes, NOAA and its partners are launching underwater gliders to gather continuous data as they “glide” from the ocean surface to depths of more than 3,300 feet, and back. Early in July, researchers from the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Library released two underwater gliders near Puerto Rico. Each is equipped to take measurements of ocean temperature, salinity, oxygen levels, and currents. Scientists will also study the use of another unmanned system called a Wave Glider in the Gulf of Mexico. The Wave Gliders were launched in August off Biloxi, Miss., and float on the ocean surface, propelled by ocean waves, and are equipped with sensors to measure air and water temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, and barometric pressure. “Often forecasters do not have access to real-time hurricane environmental data since much of it can only be gathered by entering directly into extremely dangerous parts of a storm,” said Alan Leonardi, AOML’s deputy director. “New technologies like the Wave Glider are giving us real-time ground truth while also safely providing a closer look at the dynamics of air-sea
interactions in a storm environment.” A remotely operated robotic boat, the Emergency Integrated Life-Saving Lanyard – known as EMILY – will collect data on barometric pressure, air and sea surface temperatures, salinity, and wind speed and direction at the ocean surface as part of the Gulf project. On-board, high definition cameras will provide images directly to NOAA researchers. Several of these research projects and other NOAA-led efforts to improve hurricane forecasting were made possible through the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013, which Congress passed in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. It provides $60 billion in funding to multiple agencies for disaster relief. NOAA received $309.7 million to provide technical assistance to those states with coastal and fishery impacts from Sandy, and to improve weather forecasting and weather research and predictive capability to help future preparation, response and recovery from similar events.
Playing with flares costs millions
Over the summer, the U.S. Coast Guard’s 7th District has responded to more than 60 flare sightings, many of which were non-distress situations. The
costs since June 1 to conduct searches with air and/or boat crews is between $3.6 million and $5.3 million. “Shooting a flare in a non-distress situation is no different than dialing 911 and hanging up,” said Capt. Todd M. Coggeshall, chief of response management for the Coast Guard 7th District. “Flares alert the Coast Guard, first responders, and other mariners of a distress situation on the water. It’s a call for help. Every time a flare is fired and reported, we respond, so we are asking the public to only use flares when there is an actual distress situation. This avoids unnecessary searches and ensures people in real distress get the help they need as quickly as possible.” The Coast Guard responds to any sightings of red or orange flares, or any other flare where there is reason to believe there may be a distress situation. Average minimum costs for a search range from $61,000-$89,000, depending on which assets respond. Expired flares should be disposed of in accordance with local laws for hazardous or flammable waste. Boaters may also contact a local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla for information on the safe and responsible disposal of unused flares.
A10 October 2014 BUSINESS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Companies acquire, merge to strengthen and expand ChartCo acquires Regs4ships
ChartCo, a provider of maritime digital data services, has acquired Regs4ships, a supplier of digital regulatory information, consultancy and training. ChartCo is part of the Kelvin Hughes Group and created a range of digital services in 1998 in anticipation of the move from paper to digital charts and publications. ChartCo now offers a range of services aimed at assisting the navigator to not only maintain the chart outfit but both plan and execute a voyage. The key PassageManager suite
of software is built into many operators’ safety management systems. It provides consistent and compliant procedures and facilitates external audit. ChartCo has worked with Regs4ships to define new products and services. Regs4ships will also provide ChartCo with consultancy services for its expanding customer base. Regs4ships was founded in 2001 by three ex-captains and MCA surveyors. ChartCo now provides digital data to almost 10,000 users within the maritime community. For more information, visit www.chartco.com.
Managers merge
Ft. Lauderdale-based yacht management company Edge Yachts has acquired Water’s Edge Consulting from its founder, Ken Argent. Company CEO Anthony Sands founded the company three years ago and focuses on management and construction supervision. Argent, with 47 years of professional experience in the maritime industry, including 37 years in the yachting industry, said the merger would appear seamless to his existing clients. “Nothing will change but the name,” he
said. “Our clients will be serviced by the same people as they are now.”
Veteran charter firm moves
Select Yachts, a charter sales and marketing company, has moved its main office and corporate headquarters to Ft. Lauderdale, sharing an office with Beverly Grant and her placement agency, Crew Solutions. Find the new office at 500 S.E. 17th St., Suite 322 (33316), just west of U.S. 1 on the south side of the street.
See BUSINESS BRIEFS page A24
Bradford lawyer ‘retires’, starts consulting firm By Lucy Chabot Reed Gene Douglas, long-time general counsel with Bradford Marine, has retired from the shipyard to start his own consulting firm. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Douglas said. “It’s an exciting time and an exciting industry, and I’m happy to be able to continue with my laptop.” Douglas Trained as a lawyer, Douglas didn’t do typical law firm work for long. In one of his first jobs, he met Hans Hvide, who would become his mentor. “He was a wonderful man, I learned a lot,” Douglas said. “I had no idea I’d stay there over 22 years.” One of his duties with Mr. Hvide was managing his yacht, with the only rules being that when it needed service, it was to be taken to Bradford Marine. “I told him we could get the work done cheaper elsewhere and he said no, that’s where he wanted it,” Douglas said, illustrating one of the characteristics that kept him in Hvide’s employ for two decades: loyalty. When the opportunity came to work at Bradford, he took it. For the past 11 years, Douglas was legal counsel and well as head of sales and marketing. He left the shipyard in July. He’s ready now, he said, for more career flexibility so he can visit his eight grandchildren. His target is helping companies with contracts, managing projects, troubleshooting, and facilitating strategic planning. Contact him at www.genedouglaslegal.com. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of the Triton. Comments: lucy@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE FRONT: Female engineers
Eng. Sarah Duskin at work onboard (above) and Eng. Charlene Van Niekerk PHOTOS PROVIDED (below) under the staircase onboard.
Hands-on, behind scenes, women often face stigma ENGINEER from page A1 demanding and you have a great deal of responsibility,” she said. “I know a lot of men who wouldn’t want to work in the engine room let alone women wanting to do the job.” There are certain personalities that are drawn to the field, Murray said. Many in the engineering department like to work alone. “I like behind the scenes; I don’t like to be Ms. Personality,” she said. “I can do it, but I don’t enjoy it as much.” Most engineers are hands-on workers, and those hands are often covered in grease and fuels. “I am genuinely happy to wake up every day, work with my hands, fix broken things, smarten up the engine room and end the day completely filthy,” Uccello said. The topic of physical ability sometimes comes up, several of the women said. “I am not as strong as a man, but I can use tools, use my brain,” van der Walt said. “That’s what chain blocks are for,” said Sarah Duskin, a 2d engineer on a yacht larger than 140 feet. “And I’m accelerating school to get to a management position to get crew to work for me.” But there is stigma against women doing this work, van der Walt said. Even her family can’t understand what she does.
“When my brothers came onboard, they said, ‘you fix these things?’,” van der Walt said. Plus, people expect an engineer to have a certain look, she said. “Why can’t a woman be a blonde and fix things?” van der Walt said. “I am a feminine sort of girl; grit and grime by day, glitz and glam by night. When I tell them what I do, they fall back in their chair.” “My mom said, ‘what do you do for hair and makeup?’ and I said, ‘I don’t.’,” Reid said. She said the crew are surprised at how different she looks when she dresses to go out. Duskin agreed and said her choice to be an engineer also affects her personal relationships. “I am learning how to accept my priorities and how they will affect my life and romantic life,” 22-year-old Duskin said. “I’m in coveralls at work, but when I’m out, I wear dresses and I like to meet people. Hopefully one day I’ll have boyfriend or husband and they will realize this is my life.” Many of the engineers were quick to offer advice for other women considering the field. “Give it a try, daywork, learn as you go,” said a Canadian engineer who asked not to be named. “There are tons of opportunities and your skills are highly transferable. It is very rewarding.
See ENGINEERS, page A12
October 2014 A11
A12 October 2014 FROM THE FRONT: Female engineers
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Considering engineering? Try it and be confident ENGINEER from page A11 It’s intimidating at first, but go for it. It is a field where it may be easier to advance because there are fewer engineers, than say, deck or stew.” “If you love the outside, love being on deck, be a deckhand, be a dive instructor, or be an engineer if you love to fix things,” Charlene Van Niekerk said. She has served as first officer and engineer since 2007 on several yachts over 100 feet in length. “That males have to be engineers is totally untrue,” she said. “Don’t let that thought stop you. Look for challenges, don’t set off for less than that.” “If someone says, ‘what do you want to do?’, you don’t have to think inside,” she said. “Engineering, it’s wonderful.” Pay attention to aspects of the job that you especially enjoy, Murray said. “Come in with a specialization like electrical, thats the big one, or plumbing, pneumatic, or hydraulic,” she said. “It can help you to have that. Most guys are not an expert in
everything; they may have expertise in one aspect.” Women interested in engineering should push ahead, even through resistance, Uccello said. “Tell them to give you work tomorrow at 8 a.m. and if they still think you suck, then fine,” Uccello said. “But until then, judgment just makes them look shameful.” “Sometimes they just need to get to know you,” Van Niekerk said. “Men sometimes feel threatened. Remember, no one is going to wear their pants; you’re just there to work.” “Don’t worry that there are still some captains that don’t want a female,” she added. “For women, there is still huge room for opportunity.” In the past, Reid met a captain who told her he did not like to hire women. “He had a problem, but he admitted it,” Reid said. “But most guys applaud me. The important part is to be good at what you do.” All of the engineers stressed the value of confidence, especially when first starting out. “You have to be confident,” Murray
said. “I am more meticulous because I don’t want to be wrong. Sometimes I’m scared to say I’m an engineer. I’m afraid the guys might laugh. But I know that people fix things wrong all the time. Men just say, ‘I can figure this out’.” “Don’t bother with what others say,” van der Walt said. “I studied at night and learned more and more. If you have the passion, you can do it, whatever you believe in.” “Unfortunately, we ladies not only have to shout as loud, but louder than the boys to even get a look-in,” Uccello said. “Try not to get bitter. As a fellow, and more successful, engineering lady friend of mine told me, don’t stop talking about it. Tell everyone you want to be in the engine room.” So even though you may not know a female yacht engineer, the women interviewed hope your odds increase in the future. When Murray started as deck/stew, she was striving for a full-time deck position at a time when there weren’t that many women outside. “The owner’s wife said, ‘good luck finding work on deck’,” Murray said. “That was 2005 or 6. I went for deck anyway and never looked back. Now I’m seeing more women. Now I hear people say, ‘I like women working in the engine room’.” “Yachting is ridiculously far behind the rest of society, but there is still movement,” Uccello said. “It’s slow, but the more we talk about it, the more familiar the term ‘female engineer’ will become, until we finally reach the point where we’re all just engineers.” Dorie Cox is associate editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
From the start, in engine room By Dorie Cox Yacht crew get their starts in a variety of ways. Several of the female engineers talked about their beginnings in the yachting industry. Cailin Reid was a skin specialist and masseuse in her native South Africa before she started in yachting. Her first position was as a stew, but she knew that wouldn’t work for her interests so the captain moved her on deck instead. She enjoyed changing filters and the physical parts of the job. “I was a tomboy growing up,” Reid said. “It was in high school I became more of a girl and then I went to beauty college.” When she first came to yachting, girls worked on the inside and boys outside. “My dad said, ‘you won’t make it’,” she said. “My dad said he didn’t mean I wouldn’t make it in yachting, only that I wouldn’t make it as a stew.” The 24-year-old has since worked as 2d engineer on two yachts more than 120 feet and as a deck/engineer on a yacht more than 100 feet. Charlene Van Niekerk left her job in South Africa as an IT specialist to “see life” when she was 34. She got the idea to work on boats from a yacht engineer friend in Ft. Lauderdale. She said she didn’t know a thing about boats but did the coastal course and STCW. She stayed in a crew house and registered with crew agencies. In one job, she cleaned an engine room on
See START, page A13
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE FRONT: Female engineers
October 2014 A13
From stew, deck and IT professional, women break into field START from page A12 a sailboat that the owner had not been able to sell. “I got a bike and rode two days a week to West Marine to study the products,” she said. “I eventually taught myself everything to use for all parts of the boat.” Eventually she was interviewed by an owner. “He asked if I knew how big the fenders were on his yacht,” she said. She didn’t. “He said, ‘they’re as big as you. How will you lift them over the rail?’ “ “I don’t know yet,” she told him. “It might not be graceful, but I will do everything I can to get the job done.” The owner hired her. She also served as first officer on a charter yacht with five crew that paid for her engineering courses so she could share the job with the engineer onboard.
Engineer Karen Murray removes the oily water system onboard a 96-foot yacht in September in Ft. PHOTO BY DECK/STEW JOHANNE GAUDREAULT. Lauderdale.
Melissa van der Walt is a 32-year old South African who started as stew on a small boat doing deliveries between Croatia, Dubai and countries in the Med. “I had a nice captain that let
me drive on a 30m,” van der Walt said. “I learned to drive and park and I didn’t want to be a stew anymore.” She eventually took a captain’s position on 64-foot Sunseeker. “I didn’t know much about engineering,” she said. “I topped off oils but with only one crew I needed to know more.” So she spent a season as an engineer. “I wanted to be as safe as possible as a captain, but I fell in love with engineering,” she said. “I just love it.” Sarah Duskin grew up Ft. Lauderdale and saw the boats shows in the area. She did a yearlong technical course in marine engine management and found her passion. “I was artsy, into music, playing drums, piano and now I have a ukulele,” she said. “But I am studying, so I don’t have time for the ukulele.” Duskin said being a woman was a benefit because it caused her resume to stand out. “Out of 20 resumes, he said there was just one girl,” Duskin said. “He questioned why, in 2014, there was just one girl?”
The 23-year-old said she wished she had started her career earlier and said she has plans to buy a generator to have her own engine to work on. “And I have ideas for safety features that I will market one day,” she said. Karen L. Murray grew up sailing in Canada, winning in the youth division on Laser IIs. Her high school boyfriend was a chief officer and relief captain, so she called one day to ask how she could get into yachting. She moved to Ft. Lauderdale and did the crew house, agency and dockwalking circuit until she found a captain who liked to train green crew. When he asked what she wanted to do, she asked to be put in the engine room. “I would like to come up with a line of women’s tools,” she said. “I don’t mean pink. The grips are large on tools, and women’s hands are typically smaller.” Dorie Cox is associate editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@thetriton.com.
A14 October 2014 Lauderdale Marine Center
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Lauderdale Marine Center
October 2014 A15
A16 October 2014 TRITON NETWORKING: MPT Maritime Professional Training
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
School’s in: network with us at Maritime Professional Training Join us for networking with Maritime Professional Training (MPT) on the first Wednesday in October (Oct. 1) from 6-8 p.m. at 1915 S. Andrews Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale. It will be a chance to meet instructors, staff, fellow crew and others in the industry. Until then, get to know a little more about MPT from Morley Vice President of Sales and Marketing Lisa Morley. Q. How do you describe MPT? It’s easy to describe MPT as the largest private maritime school in the country, but what really describes us best is that we are a school that really cares about our students and their careers. We want all of our students to reach their fullest potential and achieve all of their career aspirations. We offer programs of study to cover almost every aspect of a maritime, sea-going career and we offer guidance to help our students make the best choices. Q. What is MPT’s history? MPT is a family-owned and -operated school founded in 1983 by Elmer (a chief engineer) and Beverly (a captain) Morley, two life-long mariners who were looking for somewhere
closer to home to study and advance their careers. Joined by their children, Ted Morley (an unlimited master) as COO, Amy Beavers (vice chairman of MERPAC and vice president of the Maritime Education and Standards Council) as vice president of regulatory affairs, and me as vice president of Sales and Marketing, MPT is steadily increasing its course offerings and exploring new opportunities to help train the next generation of mariners. Q. We hear you are expanding. Tell us about that. We are adding more than 25,000 square feet of brand new classrooms and simulation facilities, bringing our total square footage for training up to almost 65,000 square feet. We will be able to offer our students the absolute most advanced capabilities in engine room simulation, cargo operations, dynamic positioning, helm training, and ECDIS – as well as the more than 150 other courses we currently offer. The front of the building is getting an amazing facelift and we are adding over 80 parking spaces. MPT is committed to staying on the cutting edge of all training, both regulatory and non-regulatory. We are in development of new simulation training and scenarios for both engineering and deck courses as well as the newly required STCW courses.
Q. What is the best way for students to map their careers? Two words: Career counseling. We offer free guidance to all of our students and strongly recommend that everyone take advantage of this service. Many are unaware that they qualify for considerably more than they apply for with regard to their licenses. Almost every day we help mariners to reach their optimum potential. Knowledge is power and we can help provide the information necessary to make the best choices. Q. What is happening with technology in the classroom? Simulators are being used for many classes now to optimize the training and assessment experience. In addition to things like ECDIS, radar, and bridge simulation, simulators are now being used for cargo operations, stability classes, dynamic positioning and engine room simulation, and a host of other classes. Q. What do students comment the most on at MPT? The number of courses and class dates available. We strive to offer classes as often as possible in order to minimize the amount of time our students need to take off from work. Q. What are your favorite stories? Student success stories are always our favorite. We have students who
started here 30 years ago and are retiring now. It is pretty amazing to be such an important part of their lives. Q. Can you share a story? How about a stew who took a first aid/CPR class and the following week saved the owner’s life? How about a student who took personal survival techniques and less than a month later was rescued, along with most of the crew (sadly, not everyone survived) after the vessel sank in a hurricane? He came back to let us know that he credited the training he took here with saving his life. Then there is the wife who called just yesterday to find out what our favorite cake is. She wants to thank us for helping her husband upgrade his license, allowing him to be hired for a new position that enables him to spend more time at home with her and their new baby. We train over 10,000 people every year and each one is a success story – whether they are just starting out, or if they just upgraded and achieved their unlimited Master’s licenses. Maritime Professional Training (MPT) is located north of State Road 84 on South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale (33316). For more information, visit www.mptusa.com or call +1 954-5251014.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com TRITON NETWORKING:Ward’s Marine Electric
October 2014 A17
October hosts Triton networking with Ward’s Marine Electric As the boat show season heats up, join The Triton on Oct. 15, the third Wednesday of the month, for industry networking at Ward’s Marine Electric in Ft. Lauderdale. In the meantime, learn more about Ward’s from the experts who work there. Q. How do you describe Ward’s? Kristina Hebert, chief operating officer: Ten years ago, I would have said we are a third generation family-owned and -operated business and a premier provider of everything marine electric. While that holds true today, we have grown. Our brand has evolved, as well as our practices and procedures. We’re still a very family-oriented company and everyone has a voice. Participation in the Triton networking event, even six years later, is still a great way for us to welcome the industry into our home. Q. Has technology affected traditional electrical equipment? Mark Charbonnet, inside services manager: Yes, in the past we had little ability to get information on error messages for units such as chargers or converters. We relied on manual switches and testing. Now, output screens are more advanced and digital and we have the ability to download detailed descriptions into a laptop for troubleshooting. Q. How does technology affect marine electrics? Jim Archard, sales manager: Technology is a driving force within our industry. Yacht owners want the conveniences of home onboard. With homes becoming more automated, so have yachts. We have partnerships with lighting vendors; we carry LED lighting and we provide the programming as well. There is a trend of using digital switches. These small ideas tend to grab a foothold and are the type of thing we look out for. Q. How has this new technology impacted electrical demands? Steve Hebert, service manager: The physics of electricity have not changed, however, the power demands have increased significantly. For example, zero-speed stabilizers are more frequently found onboard and drain AC power. This has led to developments where a unit provides more power in a smaller footprint. Frequency converters have gotten smaller and automation systems are more integrated. Captains and engineers can review, troubleshoot, and control a boat’s load via tablets and phones. The electrical load has increased but the equipment has become smaller and customized. Q. Have you seen an increase in high tech refits? Adam Shattenkirk, field service manager: Yes, most of our large scale projects are exactly this. Existing yachts are retrofitting to accommodate an ever-evolving field. Switching a lighting system from incandescent to LED has to be changed down to the
electrical requirements. Most of our refits involve changing out a traditional PLC operation switchboard. Our proprietary switchgear monitoring system has taken the PLC out and simplified communication distribution panels. This technology expands an engineer’s monitoring capabilities and allows for us to provide remote tech support. It won’t reduce the need for rounds or dockside service work but it does give flexibility and peace of mind. Q. As yachts get bigger, are your jobs getting bigger? Geoff Parkins, contracts and
proposals manager. Yes, yachts are getting bigger and more complex. They are intricate and the amount of moving pieces has grown exponentially. However, the constraints of time and budgets haven’t changed; hence the need for high efficiency project control has risen. We are adopting formal project management practices. Q. What do you envision for the future? Ward Eshleman II, president: I see a growing need for training and certification programs. The field of marine electric has always been technical and there is merit to teaching
new generations of electricians. Ward’s is a supporter of education in the industry and it started with writing of standards. Now we need to take this even further. I see a system of coursework and hands-on training; perhaps an apprenticeship program. Technology is evolving fast, and we believe education is the key to keeping ahead of the curve. Reach Ward’s Marine Electric at +1 954523-2815 and www.wardsmarine.com. The event will be at 617 S.W. Third Ave. in Ft. Lauderdale (33315).
A18 October 2014 LEADERSHIP: Taking the Helm
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Slight shift in words can make all the difference in a leader Are you being aggressive when you think you’re being assertive? The two are often confused. Can you tell the difference? Teaching someone how a system operates is different than leading them. For example, when a new deckhand joins the boat, explaining how the system works for ordering new Taking the Helm consumables requires telling Paul Ferdais him specific things such as where the list is kept, when to write on it and how often stores are purchased. Teaching will naturally include statements that start with “you must” or “you need to.” When you talk about inanimate things, the use of “should” and “must” are necessary. Challenges arrive for leaders when they use the same language to speak with people. Consider the chief officer who sees the deckhands re-doing a section of the wash down. If the conversation starts with “you need to” or “you must”, the deck crew will not pay much attention. They have already learned their lesson through the mistake they made so the first officer comes across as a know-it-
all, losing credibility with his crew. On the other hand, if the first officer asks questions about why the section needs to be redone, the bosun is able to explain the reason. Dialogue can happen and a conversation takes place. Leaders create a safe environment where people can speak their mind without being belittled. This encourages dialogue. The safe environment is created through the skillful use of asking questions and having conversations. When you make controlling statements that start with “you” – as in “you should,” “you need to,” “you must,” “you’re supposed to” – it creates defensiveness in the listener. Making a declaration and speaking in absolutes leaves no room for discussion. Listeners stop listening and create excuses about why something must stay the way it is. This is an unsafe environment where it’s easy to see the speaker being judgmental. When leaders use controlling language, they come across as aggressive, and that kills conversation. Assertive people use a lot of “I” phrases, which deliver a clean, clear statement of your side of things. Let’s look at an example of assertiveness of a deckhand speaking with a first officer. If a deckhand says, “I would like to
rearrange the line locker to be more user friendly. What do you think?” she is being assertive (the “I” statement) and including an open-ended question. That’s much different from the aggressive “you have to re-arrange the line locker” command the deckhand could have delivered. The aggressiveness comes from making a statement to control someone else’s behavior – “you have to…” – which causes the first officer to be defensive. In fact, the first officer will immediately think of why she should not rearrange the line locker. The first way, the assertive way, creates a situation where conversation can take place. Questions lead to dialogue, which is the source for communication in all relationships. The second statement is a declaration and closes off discussion. If a captain says, “You must brush your teeth after every meal,” he comes across as commanding and aggressive. But what if the captain says “I want everyone to smell clean for guests and their fellow crew mates, so please shower every day and brush your teeth after every meal,” this displays assertiveness, not aggression. It’s a respectful way to express a request. These may seem picky, and you might think, “Most people know what
I mean, so what’s the difference?” The difference is that you may be getting results only because people are able to guess as to your intentions. But you aren’t getting their respect or loyalty. The use of absolute or imperative wording interferes with your ability to be a truly effective leader. To recap: l Use “I” statements to be clear and unambiguous when speaking l Ask open-ended questions to create communication l Asking questions demonstrates humility toward others l When talking about someone’s behavior or actions, avoid statements that start with “you must,” “you always,” and “you never” as they cause the listener to become defensive. Pay attention to your words and how they impact others, and you will see your leadership influence grow. Paul Ferdais is founder of The Marine Leadership Group based in Ft. Lauderdale and Vancouver delivering leadership training workshops and coaching (www.marineleadershipgroup. com). He has a master’s degree in leadership and spent seven years working as a deckhand, mate and first officer on yachts. Comments are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
YACHT CAREERS: Crew Coach
New crew must have these two traits to make it in yachting I’ve been in my working life for character to graduate from the officers’ over 40 years, a captain for nearly 30 training program. years and a certified coach for seven So in our lives, that refusal to go years. With all those years in my wake, back develops the hunger and the I definitely have strong conviction to make it, to take some observations. an opportunity and make the most of Although there it. Old comforts and soft places to land are many skills, can be a detriment to a young person abilities and attempting to grow and achieve. character traits The second ingredient is the desire that go into top to learn and get better. This desire performers, I will be of great benefit if you are just was reminded of starting a new position and even if you two last month have years of experience in your field. Crew Coach as I watched the The newbie crew member certainly Rob Gannon dismissal of an wants to be operating from here but the incompetent deckhand on yachting’s veteran chief stew and captain would reality TV show “Below Deck”. also be wise to keep this in mind. Keep I focus in this space quite often working at your craft. We never know directly to the yachting world but these it all. observations, these key ingredients, If you’re just starting out, be a could pertain to anyone taking on a sponge. Absorb all you can. Show new position. interest and a desire A powerful to improve. It will be Old comforts and ingredient or driver noticed. This desire soft places to land for achievement is to improve is a big being hungry. Not component of a good can be a detriment literally hungry attitude. Talk with to a young person (although if there’s no the more experienced attempting to grow money for food, that’s members of your crew certainly a motivator), and ask questions. and achieve. I’m talking about Make the most of this when what you opportunity. have to fall back on makes you so If you have years of experience under uncomfortable that you are driven your belt and are good at what you to make good with this opportunity do, what could you do to become even you’ve been given. You need to do this better? It may be in the area of your for yourself and nothing is going to work or possibly outside your usual stop you. work responsibilities. When the thought of being How many of us truly feel prepared unemployed again or going back as first responders in a medical to an old life that wasn’t working emergency? How many of us pass the is powerfully uncomfortable and CPR and first aid courses and then distressing, you will be driven. Mentally, never think about or practice those you accept that failure is not an option. skills again until it’s time to renew? You recognize life calling and doors Maybe a little more research and time opening to new possibilities, and you in this area would really have you grab it. Struggles from the past need confident that you could step in quite not hold you back. capably in a serious injury situation. Let them build character and a How about looking for opportunities strong work ethic. Remember the to work on your people skills a little? movie “An Officer and a Gentleman”? Sharpen your awareness to your There is a scene in that film that really reactions, attitude and emotions. Those hammers home what I’m talking are certainly skills that need attention about. After butting heads and having from time to time. constant confrontations, the tough So if you’re new to a position, being drill sergeant has the officer candidate hungry can help drive the motivation, (played by Richard Gere) for a whole and a desire to learn will keep the tides weekend of punishing physical drills, in of opportunity rising. a rainstorm doing push-ups in the mud, If you’ve been at this awhile, don’t endless runs, even holding his feet get too comfortable. six inches off the ground for minutes Keep growing. Learn something new, at a time, all the while berating him sharpen something old and enjoy the verbally. voyage. The drill sergeant yells at him to just quit, pack up and go home where he Rob Gannon is a 25-year licensed can relax. Gere’s character finally breaks captain and certified life and wellness and cries out, “I’ve got nowhere else to coach. He offers free sample coaching go.” OK, a little extreme I know, but the sessions and can be reached at rob@ discomfort with the past, the refusal yachtcrewcoach.com. Comments are to go back, drove this flawed, troubled welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
October 2014 A19
A20 October 2014 LIFE AFTER YACHTING
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Commercial job yields more pay, insurance and no phone calls By Lucy Chabot Reed After 36 years in yachting, Capt. Charlie Kiss landed a job on a 106-foot Burger with no future, no benefits and making the same amount of money he’d made 20 years ago. So he decided to put his resume in the ring for a commercial job. He landed one this summer, joining an 85m platform supply vessel. He’s completed three hitches (stints of 28 days on, 14 days off) and is enjoying the schedule and results. Now he’s earning more than twice what he earned on that Burger, has full medical,
dental and vision with a low deductible. The lifestyle is different. “The first day I thought, ‘What the hell did I get myself into?’ ” he said. “Everything was totally foreign, but within the first week, I was in the groove. “I’m enjoying it,” he said. “The only bad part is 28 days of not being home. But I had that in yachting, too. Only now, when I go home for two weeks, the phone does not ring. And after my 12-hour shifts, I’m off. I could be in the middle of docking and the relief comes in, he or she takes over. When I’m off,
I’m off. They don’t bother me, not even for drills.” And he doesn’t miss yachting. “I have enough pictures from the tropics, and I have fond memories of the good owners I worked for,” he said. “All I have to do is watch one episode of ‘Below Deck’ and I don’t miss it at all.” Now he’s focused on getting sea time and larger tonnage endorsements. Here’s a bit from a journal he’s keeping for family and friends, which he shared with The Triton. l
l
l
Capt. Kiss reporting from 200nm
off the Louisiana and Texas coast. My ship is 280 feet in length with a 60-foot beam, 24-foot draft, and 2,998 gross tons. Currently stationed next to a 750foot drillship off loading cargo and bulk stores since 0130. The trip out of Port Fourchon took 25 hours at 9.7 knots. We off loaded 200,000 gallons of diesel fuel in about five hours. The flow is nothing like I have ever experienced. Drill pipe, drilling mud, Barite, 200kw genset, and a couple of well reamers that rent for $175,000 a day. The seas are 2-4 feet and clear sunshine. I have my own room below the bridge and an adjacent head. Learning curve is steep and I’m taking it all in. Last night I was on solo watch in dynamic positioning mode as we off loaded the fuel. (By the way, we carry over 300,000 gallons.) With dynamic positioning, the ship will maintain position within 1m or less. Yes, less than 39 inches. Still getting used to most functions and what buttons to press. l
l
l
On another hitch in the oil patch. I boarded the ship just in time to oversee loading of risers and various other types of drilling pipe. A riser is a section of drill pipe that connects the drill ship to the seabed. A section is 75 feet long and 4 feet in diameter and weighs up to 60,000 pounds,
See COMMERCIAL, page A21
Sunrise from the helm in the Gulf of PHOTO/CHARLIE KISS Mexico.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
LIFE AFTER YACHTING
October 2014 A21
Dynamic positioning, triple redundancy, big vessels add adventure COMMERCIAL from page A20 $37,000, plus color coded for buoyancy properties. A section that is placed near the sea floor in 6,000 feet of water will need less buoyancy than one at lesser depth. Think of a string of pearls in a pool of water and if held in a vertical line the lowest one will be the least buoyant. Increase the buoyancy as you surface and theoretically the sections of risers will float vertically without support from the surface or seabed. This connection from the drill ship to the seabed and further into the earth’s crust is called a drill string. A BOP a.k.a. blowout preventer is secured to the seabed and controls the flow of oil/materials to the surface. This is what failed to close during the Deepwater Horizon incident. At the last minute, we loaded four large boxes weighing 5 tons apiece added to our manifest. Everything from a 15kw genset to frozen food is inside the boxes. The drill ship we serviced last hitch has moved closer inshore from 205nm to 33nm and is basically called a replenishing move. This morning our run was about 4 hours compared to the 24 hours previously. We arrived at the 500m exclusion zone just in time for a squall to pass. Conditions went from 2to 3-foot seas and 15 knots of wind to 6- to 8-foot seas and a steady 25 knots of wind, gusting to 40. My ship rode it out like a charm. It’s now Saturday morning and the Gulf is slick calm. Since the drill ship is an international entity and cargo was transferred to/from, we are waiting for customs clearance before departure back to Port Fourchon. l
l
l
I’m well into my third hitch (term for work schedule) out in the Gulf of Mexico. Every day brings a new adventure and additional knowledge. Therefore, I thought you might find the subject about Dynamic Positioning interesting and will make an attempt to describe the technology as simply as possible. (Obviously you can Google the term, but let’s see how much I have learned.) DP is separated into three classes. Class 1 has no redundancy built into the system and is old technology. Class 2 has redundancy that will allow any single function to fail and in turn facilitate an immediate safe departure away from the drilling installation until DP is restored 100 percent. Class 3 has the same redundancy as 2, but will include a separate fire and flood proof control area. An ice breaker, drill ship, MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit), FSPO (Floating Storage Production Offshore) and any other specialized vessel will most likely be Class 3. When a vessel transitions from
normal propulsion to DP mode, the vessel must come to a full stop downwind of the drill ship or platform and perform a set-and-drift test. This procedure is completed outside the 500m exclusion zone and usually a mile or two away. No vessels are allowed inside 500m unless cleared by the OIM (Offshore Installation Manager). A set-and-drift test takes 15 minutes. Let’s assume the vessel is drifting 2.1 knots and maintaining a bow heading of 167 degrees. This info, along with complete vessel propulsion and generation power checklists, are e-mailed to the drill ship, which in turn will let us know what location at their hull side to approach. Do note that we are officially in DP mode at the information transfer. Most of the time we are instructed by the OIM to position on the leeward side
because it offers a favorable scenario to perform an emergency punch out (basically, get away from the drill ship immediately). Windward side approaches are rarely requested due to the simple fact of blowing onto the installation. Not a good thing at all ... not even a tap. Once we are given the go-ahead to enter the 500m zone, a DPO (Dynamic Positioning Officer, or me in this case) will use a joystick and move into the 250m zone. Rules are changing and it may become position moves (more on that later) starting at 500m zone. Another function of DP is called Weathervane. Think of a wind vane on a roof; it’s always pointed into the wind. Weathervane mode will keep our bow into the wind and seas to achieve the best angle of comfort. This feature works well when we are
in standby mode during rough weather or in holding position behind an FSPO vessel. The sensors on board to make DP possible are as follows: 3 gyros to provide true heading 3 DGPS to provide satellite position 3 windvanes to calculate wind speed/direction 2 VRU (Vertical Range Units) to calculate roll/pitch 2 ROT (Rate of Turn) to calculate speed of rotation 1 CYSCAN unit to provide nonsatellite position. This unit uses a laser beam reflecting off a fixed reflective beacon on the drillship in the same idea as radar, but more accurate. We’re talking tighter than a millimeter. The sensors are fed into a Kalman Filter and it’s this filter that creates a
See COMMERCIAL, page A23
A22 October 2014 FROM THE BRIDGE: Crew entitlement
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Personal entitlement starts with society, trickles down to yachts BRIDGE from page A1 reimbursement. One stew demanded coconut water instead of bottled water among the beverages in the crew mess. Another wanted a certain kind of shampoo versus another kind. “They’re entitled to everything, in their eyes,” one captain said. “A lot of crew on other boats get lots of different things,” another said. “They all talk to each other, and then they come back and say ‘I want this, too.’ “ 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 the photograph at right. Not all the captains deal with this issue, despite the fact that they, too, hire from among the younger generation of crew entering the industry today. “It doesn’t start with boats, it starts with society,” one captain said. “The generation coming in has a heightened sense of entitlement. They’ve been given everything by their parents, and they’ve never had any other job. They don’t know what a workplace is, or discipline. They’ve not had any coworkers or employers.”
“We have bred a generation of kids who have never worked,” another said. “We’ve created a monster,” said a third. A few captains pointed out that it’s not just younger crew who want what their yachtie brethren have. “The problem,” one captain said, “is barroom talk.” “They all BS each other with all the good things they get, and they neglect to mention the rules they live under,” another captain said. “Then your crew comes back wanting what that guy at the bar has, without the rules.” But it’s not just barroom talk, which has always been an issue in yachting, these captains said. With technology what it is today, crew can “BS each other” much more frequently and across the globe instantaneously. There was some conversation that crew from Third World countries don’t have this sense of entitlement. They don’t demand large salaries and don’t expect wifi in their cabin, and they don’t complain about the long hours. “The MLC, as expected, has presented a problem because they only read the bits they want to read,” one captain said. “You have rights and obligations, duties and responsibilities; they are two sides of the same coin. You can slice it any way you want, but it still
Attendees of The Triton’s October Bridge luncheon were, from left, Adrian Loughborough of M/Y 007, Kelly Esser, Gregory Quakenbush of M/Y Moondance, Conor Craig (freelance), Roy Hodges of M/Y Gravitas, Patrick McLister (freelance), Trevor Dean, Stephen Thomas of M/Y Fadlallah, and PHOTO/LUCY REED Michael Murphy (freelance). has two sides.” So what do you do about it? Do you have to provide all these things to get good crew? Most captains said no. It’s not a matter of giving in; it’s more about managing expectations. “A lot of this can be avoided in the interview,” one captain said. “I’ve had
very few problems. You explain the job and the conditions, what they get, what they don’t get.” “I have a 29-page crew manual and a 15-page crew contract that outlines benefits, phone use, everything,” said
See BRIDGE, page A23
The Triton
www.the-triton.com FROM THE BRIDGE: Crew entitlement
October 2014 A23
Trading sunsets for sunrises, set for bad weather
Captains clarify, confront, even ridicule to erase entitlement
COMMERCIAL from page A20
another. “Then it’s down to us to brief them on the rest of it,” said a third. “Nine times out of 10, it happens with someone new to the industry,” another captain said. “When new people come in, they’ll say ‘I’m not sure about this or that’, but as soon as we talk about it, it gets worked out.” But there was another faction of captains who handle it differently. “I ridicule them,” one captain said. I initially disregarded that as a joke, but this captain was insistent. “No really, I do,” this captain said. “I call them out on it.” “I’m with him,” another captain said. “If you’re not happy, you can leave. And I say it in front of the other crew. We work 365 days on stand by. If you can’t handle that, this isn’t the job for you.” That seemed a little harsh, but the captains who have been dealing with crew who approach the job feeling entitled have had enough. “I don’t threaten to fire people,” this captain said. “If I get to that point, it’s too late. Things have gone too far.” “Fire them,” another captain said. “That’s the easiest thing to do.”
BRIDGE from page A22
mathematical model of what position you are asking DP to hold. That’s it, simple as that. l
l
l
We are nearing the end of a crew hitch and making a run out to the rig one more time before crew changeover. There is very little above-deck cargo aboard, therefore, for crew leaving on Friday, they are optimistic that this is a quick out-and-back trip. Since it’s a 22-hour run one-way, we need to hightail it inbound by 0600 Thursday morning to accommodate the scheduled transfer by 0700 Friday morning. In reality, a few hours over is not a big deal. The beginning of my hitch was delayed by three days due to the boat being called out 12 hours before crew change. It was great to get paid and catch up on some new movies in the theaters. In some situations, crews are transferred with a crew boat that can run at 25 knots or via helicopter. My last hitch was 1200-2400 and
After 36 years in yachting, Capt. Charlie Kiss feels comfortable on a commercial ship. PHOTO PROVIDED this one is 2400-1200. I went from sunsets to sunrises. Conditions in the Gulf of Mexico are dead calm. Come October, the cold fronts will start working their way south and conditions are bound to get dicey. I see it as an opportunity to experience gulf weather and the sea capability on my ride. When I first came aboard I was told the ship rode out a hurricane 6 years ago and handled 50- to 60-foot seas. Not that I need to experience the same, but 20-25 sounds like a piece of cake. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
But that’s not the answer, either, other captains said. “There is a disciplinary structure, warnings, getting written up, etc.,” said a third captain. “It’s quite surprising to get this sudden intake of breath when you give them a verbal warning. And when you log it, they know it’s serious.” “Logging someone is a really good way to get them to see it,” another said. “It all comes down to how do you reach the crew you hire,” a captain said. “What does this kid need so that I get the best out of him?” “Then it’s a professional decision as to how much of this crap you want to put up with,” another said. It all comes down to how the captain runs his/her ship. “This is their home, and we expect them to treat it that way,” a captain said. “But it’s not their home where they work occasionally. It needs to feel more like a workplace where they sleep occasionally.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments 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 captains luncheon.
A24 October 2014 BUSINESS BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Alexseal parent expands; firms hire new employees, reps BUSINESS BRIEFS from page A10 “When it comes to vacations, people love the Caribbean, but for getting things done we can’t beat the ease of the U.S.,” said Select Yachts Corporate Director Ann E McHorney. “As time moves on we find we have become more and more cyber. The reality is that we can be almost anywhere with good Internet access, but for cost and accessibility we just love South Florida.” Stephan James, a crew member and dockmaster and attendant at various marinas, will manage the Select Yachts
office in Sint Maarten this winter. Fleet Manager Marilyn Eckel remains in the Caribbean and is in charge of the sailing fleet. Charter veteran Bonnie Mims is now in charge of the motoryacht division. For more information, visit www. selectyachts.com.
Paint company to expand
Alexseal’s parent company Mankiewicz Coatings plans to expand its U.S. headquarters in Charleston. The new site provides an existing 25,000-square-foot building and 10
acres of land on which the company intends to build a new research and development lab, state-of-the-art production facility, a semi-automated logistical center, as well as a training facility to help educate and train applicators on new technologies. “It was an easy decision for our owner, Michael Grau, to approve an additional investment of $20 million for the project,” said Managing Director of Mankiewicz Coatings, Peter Dietz. The first phase of the expansion should be finalized by the first quarter of 2015.
Nicholls back at Moore Stephens
Isle of Man-based Moore Stephens welcomed back Chris Nicholls, who took over as client service manager after a four-year absence. His team specializes in EU VAT, ownership and management structures for superyachts and business aircraft. “We are very pleased to have Chris back on board,” said Clive Dixon, managing partner in Moore Stephens. “After gaining further experience with a well known name in the industry, we now welcome him back with open arms.” Nicholls has more than 15 years experience in the superyacht industry and first joined Moore Stephens in 2002. For more information, visit www. msiom.com.
Transporter hires rep
Palm Beach Gardens-based Sevenstar Yacht Transport has hired a new West Coast representative, Kris Caren, to service clients on the western coast of British Columbia, the United States and Central America. Sevenstar partners with DYT Yacht Transport to specialize in both lift-on/ lift-off (LO/LO) and float-on/float-off (FLO/FLO) services offered by a fleet of over 120 ships wholly owned and operated by Amsterdam-based parent company Spliethoff Group. In the past eight years, Caren has worked with Spliethoff to develop new roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) shipping lines in the European and trans-Atlantic trade. He also has helped the company consolidate its regular lines that service the Mediterranean, U.S. and Caribbean markets. Prior to joining Spliethoff, Caren established RO/RO shipping lines in Spain for the European shipping company Transfennica. “This first-hand experience coupled with his skills working in markets around the globe is what makes Kris the ideal candidate for Sevenstar clients,” said Klabbers. “Kris will be involved in every part of the shipping process, from providing quick rate quotes to overseeing the loading and discharging operations.” Contact him at +1 415-316-3072 or kris@seventar-usa.com.
Sea Tow offers PWC insurance
New York-based Sea Tow has introduced a separate insurance coverage product for personal watercraft (PWC) such as Jet Skis and WaveRunners The new Sea Insure PWC Policy is similar to Sea Insure’s standard boat insurance policy in that it covers the craft for loss, theft, hull damage and liability. Sea Insure coverage is exclusively available to Sea Tow members, and varies by state.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
WRITE TO BE HEARD
Stained pillow, guest antics push me over the reality edge I can’t watch “Below Deck” anymore. I did for a while. I figured it was part of my job to watch it so I could keep up with what’s going on in the yachting industry and stay abreast of the conversation and criticism surrounding the show. I even enjoyed it, when the drama centered around crew and work. Editor’s Notebook But now the Lucy Chabot Reed drama has spilled over to the guests, and nothing good can come of that. The show stretched the meaning of “reality” in the two episodes that revolved around the chief stew’s phallic towel fold on the master bed. There is no way a stew would do such a thing on a charter yacht, and there’s no way a charter client would accept such a thing – unless it was agreed to ahead of time. The producers and cast can say what they want – and they swear there is no script – but this viewer will never believe there wasn’t some interference going on to create those series of events. And to have the client keep us all guessing as to the level of his offense until the last moment is nothing if not scripted. (He wasn’t offended, it turned out, and gave the crew the biggest tip of the season. Did he forget that dinner was two hours late, despite his specific requirement that it be on time? I guess so. Whatever.) But there’s no way to dismiss the milky white stain on the decorative pillow that occurred in episode six. That’s not funny; it’s gross and I’m embarrassed, not only for the crew who are implicated in the stain, but for the stew who made up the bed and left it there for everyone to see. Really? Who would do that? Not a stew on any yacht, not even a rookie – unless it was agreed to ahead of time. I’m disappointed more than anything, I guess. I liked the idea of the show so that the rest of the world could get an idea about yachting, exposing this industry to potential new crew, new charter clients and even new owners. Even when the crew bumbled along last season, or got testy with one another this season, it is TV after all. They also worked pretty hard to deliver those charters. Say what you want, but those are quasi-real charter clients who actually paid money to be on TV. Their staterooms needed to be cleaned, their beach parties arranged, their toys prepared, and their meals and cocktails served.
We didn’t get to see a lot of that work on TV, but make no mistake, it was work. “That was the hardest six weeks I’ve ever worked on a boat,” stew/cast member Amy Johnson told us at our last screening in early September. She’s worked in the interior for five years. “We went above and beyond to blow it out. A lot of our work did not show up on the show.” As the crew has told us, there was something like 30,000 hours of video from about a dozen cameras. That was whittled down into 10 or 11 44-minute segments. We can’t get it all – just the drama. I wasn’t always opposed to the show. I know Capt. Lee personally, and know him to be a professional, and a nice man. Maybe that’s why I took a more understanding view of the show than I might have otherwise. That’s my friend on TV. So when the criticism started, I defended him, and the show. He didn’t sign up for the first season. He was the captain on the yacht that Bravo chartered. What was he to do, quit? So he ran the yacht with the “crew” the show put aboard, as best he could, all the while trying to keep the charter client – Bravo – happy. But I’m now done trying to explain to the critics why this show is not as bad as it seems. After episode six, maybe it is that bad, or worse, for the industry and the professionals who work in it. (The previews for episode seven look like its going to be even more distasteful.) Now I’m just sorry the whole thing happened. I’m sorry for the yacht owners out there who have to wonder if this really goes on, and I’m sorry for the crew whose next charter client thinks it’s OK to ask them to pole dance because they saw it on TV. We can’t undo it, and we can’t stop it. Bravo will air the remaining five shows, so we have another month of cringing to look forward to. But maybe we can prevent it from continuing. What would happen if we don’t participate, if no experienced crew showed up for the next casting call, if no casted crew participated in the drama? Maybe then the viewers and the cameras would just go away. This sort of behavior happens in yachting, I know. Maybe not on your boat, certainly not all in one season, but it has been known to happen. But even if something like a suspiciously stained pillow does get displayed on a guest bed, I don’t have to like it. And I don’t have to watch. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
October 2014 A25
A26 October 2014 WRITE TO BE HEARD
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Crew can, do get involved in Seakeeper conservation programs By Capt. Denise Fox The ocean is the lifeblood of Earth. It drives our weather, regulates temperature, and ultimately supports all living organisms. Yet there is so much of it that is still yet to be understood. The International SeaKeepers Society has recently expanded its efforts to engage the yachting community in oceanographic research, conservation and education. The society was founded in 1998 by a small group of yacht owners alarmed by the deteriorating conditions of the seas and who recognized the oceans’ critical importance to Earth’s sustainability. Members of SeaKeepers include influential leaders who believe that the best way to protect the environment is to protect the oceans. The society is thus deeply committed to finding real-world solutions to the problems now plaguing our seas. Its membership includes entrepreneurs, yachtsmen, corporations, divers, scientists and concerned citizens building a global effort to help restore and protect the world’s oceans. As a private/public collaborative effort, the society focuses on critical ocean issues in cooperation with government agencies, other like-
minded organizations, the academic community, and the public. SeaKeepers is also expanding its membership base to professional captains and crew, set to begin Oct. 1. Following are a few more details on a few of SeaKeepers’ programs. Discovery Yacht Program One of the biggest hurdles for oceanographers is the infrequent availability of seagoing vessels to do their research. Using yachts for scientific discovery is a great way to benefit the oceans we love. SeaKeepers has compiled a list of many research programs in need of vessels worldwide. The Discovery program joins world-renowned scientists with world-class yacht owners to further the study of ocean research, giving a yacht owner and his crew the rare opportunity to meet and engage with influential marine research scientists. It is a unique and cost-effective platform for researchers and a fulfilling one for the owner and crew. However, there is a need for more yachts to participate. Drifter Deployment Program Drifters are monitoring devices that float on the surface of the ocean and extend 5m into the water column. They observe and transmit sea surface
ALL AFLOAT The crew of M/Y Fugitive supported the drifter deployment PHOTO PROVIDED program. temperature, current velocity, latitude and longitude, and time, using the Argos satellite to communicate and transmit scientific data. Additional sensor options for data collection include air pressure, wind speed and direction, and water salinity. This date is then transmitted to NOAA for analysis and applications. Drifters help researchers identify patterns of marine debris accumulation, assist in hurricane prediction models, and provide uniform quality control for aging satellites. Deployment from private yachts expands the reach of the global drifter array. NOAA has an urgent demand for drifter deployment outside of global shipping routes, especially in data-poor areas such as the South Pacific, West Africa, the Indian Ocean, Western South America, and Western Mexico. A yacht owner can purchase a drifter to deploy in an area that the yacht will be voyaging and the drifter data can also be monitored online. Like the Discovery Yachts Program, participation in the drifter program also merits a 501(c)3 tax benefit to the yacht owner. Examples of participatory yachts for expeditions include Tiger shark tagging onboard the Penny Mae, genome sequencing with Copasetic in Bimini, coral reef research expedition with Miss Phebe II in the Dry Tortugas, drifter deployments with Fugitive, Valkyrie and Meduse, and environmental educational opportunities for children onboard Defiance. SeaKeepers searches year round for philanthropic and like-minded yacht owners interested in actively contributing to marine science and conservation. If you own or know of someone who owns a potential Discovery Yacht, or would like to participate in the drifter program, contact SeaKeepers Director
of Programs and Policies, Angela Rosenberg, at angela@seakeepers.org or +1-305-448-7089. As a veteran yacht captain and ocean conservation advocate, I propose to all yacht captains to ask their employer if they would like to make their yacht available for scientific research in times of non-charter or owner use. I also suggest to all yacht crew to take actions to help preserve our fragile oceans. It can be as easy as making a conscious effort to stop using as much disposable plastic as possible and using cleaning products that do not harm our oceans and waterways. Or participate as a volunteer with one of the many foundations that need help for research. Maritime crew earn our livings on the world’s oceans and waterways. That’s all the more reason to do our best to protect the environment we so love and appreciate. Capt. Denise Fox is a veteran yacht captain who is active in the promotion and participation in marine environmental conservation and education. Contact her through her web site, www.eco-yachts.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
It takes a village to sell a yacht, catch an owner I just watched my wife buy her first racing bike, and I couldn’t help but see a parallel in her experience and that of someone buying their first yacht. She was excited at the prospect of having this new bike and drove all over town, visiting one fancy bike shop after the next, researching what was out there, talking to everyone for advice, even dropping names Publisher’s Point from referrals. David Reed But each time, the salesmen left her feeling dismissed, with no one spending the time to help her figure out what would work best for her. She had the money to buy any bike she wanted. Instead, she left each shop empty handed and feeling a little worse about the industry. In this age of Google billionaires, it’s impossible to know who’s walking down the dock. Do you know what a Chinese millionaire looks like? Alibaba, China’s e-commerce giant, went public in midSeptember valued at $168 billion. There are scores of new millionaires out there, and they don’t look like yacht owners of yesterday, steeped in generations of money, wearing style on their wrists and feet. They look like everyone else, so we need to treat everyone as a potential buyer. They can write a check for any yacht they want; they just don’t know what they want. It’s our job as players in this industry to help them figure that out, to make them comfortable and listen to them, whether we’re yacht crew or business owners, not just brokers. We should encourage them to try on a couple yachts, suggest they take a charter or two, even if it means we don’t sell the fancy yacht today. It’s all of our responsibility not to send them away. Lucy eventually found the perfect used bike. She’s been riding and likes it. A new bike is in her future, I can tell, but she won’t buy one from any of the fancy bike shops in town who made her feel so unwelcomed. We can’t let this happen to the potential new yacht owners that will certainly be walking the docks at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show later this month. This is our chance to shine, and leave our guests with a great feeling about yachting.
WRITE TO BE HEARD
October 2014 A27
CREW EYE
A
s the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. passed last month, Capt. Chuck Limroth shared this photo. It was taken by a friend as Limroth ran the 123foot Oceanco M/Y Caprice on Sept. 9, 2001, the World Trade Center’s landmark twin towers standing tall against the Hudson River. “Adding to the eeriness of the photo taken two days prior to the tragedy, my wife and I stayed at the WTC Marriott the weekend prior,” Limroth said. “I still feel chills when I view the photo.” Indeed. Peace to all of us impacted by that day. Crew Eye is a forum for images from the eye of yacht crew. Send your photos to us at editorial@ the-triton.com. Tell us where and when you shot it, and what kind of camera or phone you shot it with.
‘Below Deck’ may be TV, but it’s not reality Sorry, but [“Below Deck”] has turned into another pre-scripted drama zone show rather than a real show about yachting life. No surprise. Capt. Brad Helton via Facebook
Show hurting industry
To those that take this industry serious and have dedicated themselves to making it better, this show and all involved are an insult. It should be called “Below acceptable standards” To all involved, thank you for projecting the image to the general public that our industry is full of incompetent crews. Maybe if people picked up a book and read instead of a remote control and watched this we would have a society smart enough to realize this is all garbage and not reality. It is Editor Lucy Chabot Reed, lucy@the-triton.com Associate Editor Dorie Cox, dorie@the-triton.com
Publisher David Reed, david@the-triton.com
Production Manager Patty Weinert, patty@the-triton.com
Advertising Sales Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
The Triton Directory Mike Price, mike@the-triton.com
depicting a totally false impression of this industry in a negative manner of great proportion. Capt. Keith Moore via Facebook
Paper doesn’t make the mariner I’m writing in regards to the commentary by John Duffy titled “Exams, paper qualifications.”
After being raised and nurtured to follow in centuries of on-the-water life, I ask Mr. Duffy to please do his research before making a lame attack on us real mariners who have hundreds of years of family teachings to back our given right. And paperwork, schooling. Really? Have you seen these pups? Capt. KL Roundtree
You have a ‘write’ to be heard. Send us your thougths about anything that inspires or bothers you in The Triton or in yachting in general. Write to us at editorial@the-triton.com. Contributors Carol Bareuther, Capt. Jake DesVergers, Paul Ferdais, Capt. Denise Fox, Capt. Rob Gannon, Chef Mark Godbeer, Karen Goebel, Chef Mary Beth Lawton Johnson, Chief Stew Alene Keenan, Capt. Charlie Kiss, Keith Murray, Chief Stew Angela Orecchio, Capt. Lee Rosbach, Silvio Rossi, Rossmare Intl., Capt. Steve Steinberg, Capt. John Wampler
Vol. 11, No. 7
The Triton is a free, monthly newspaper owned by Triton Publishing Group Inc. Copyright 2014 Triton Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
Contact us at: Mailing address: 757 S.E. 17th St., #1119 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 Visit us at: 1043 S.E. 17th St., Suite 201 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-0029; FAX (954) 525-9676 www.the-triton.com
A28 October 2014
XXXXXXXXXX
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
October 2014
B Section
‘But mom said to...’ What we knew about nose bleeds may be wrong. B2
Yachting a hub of tech New apps, engines, toilets, lifejackets, lubes on list.
B4
Crew events top calendar Activities scheduled for Spain, Ft. Lauderdale, Greece, BVI. B12
U.S. cruising license halts re-clearing, adds privilege
PROMISE MADE, PROMISE KEPT
NEW BUILD MEASURES UP: Capt. Andrew Grego works on final details on the boat he designed and he and his wife, Karen, have built – with a lot of industry help – since 2012. Named Warrior, the 37-foot custom aluminum boat is PHOTO BY LUCY REED built specifically for injured U.S. military to navigate with no assistance.
Team break mold to help veterans By Lucy Chabot Reed It’s an odd scenario, this Kiwi captain and his American wife, using all their savings and monthly paychecks to build a boat for injured U.S. military troops. They haven’t served in the military, nor do they have family who have served. They didn’t even really have a connection to the world of people who live in wheelchairs. But for the past two years, that’s what they’ve done, sunk every spare moment and every spare dollar into building a 37-foot, custom-designed, off-center console, aluminum boat. Putting the first of the finishing touches on it in early September, the Gregos looked back on the project and are proud of what’s nearly ready. “I thought I knew a fair bit about boats,” Capt. Andrew Grego said. “Doing this from scratch is 10 times more than I expected it to be.”
The Triton is spotted Found in the yard, the galley and under wagging tails. B15
It all started with a desire to build a boat. “I talked Karen into letting me design a boat,” Grego said simply. After overseeing a $5 million refit on the 105foot Palmer Johnson M/Y Banyan and working with naval architects the year before, he said he was attracted to the idea of building a boat himself. As a business? Maybe someday. But he had much to learn, so he started with one. It had to be aluminum, so that the design could change as he learned more. “With fiberglass, you’re restricted to the mold,” he said. As he began, he used spare moments to sketch and research. In the summer of 2012, a charter guest on Banyan asked him about his designs. She had cancer and was going through chemotherapy. “We were out in the Bahamas, perfect weather, great scenery,” Grego
recalled. “For a little while, she didn’t think about being sick and she was having a blast.” That got them thinking: What would it mean to others who are sick or injured, who don’t have the means to get out on a yacht like this, to just take off? This career, this lifestyle that they so enjoy, what would it mean to share that with others who are sick or injured? What would it mean to them to just be out on the water? This charter guest has a cousin, Aaron Causey, who was injured in the fighting in Afghanistan, so they went to Walter Reed Hospital and visited with him and a few other men there. Once Grego told them what he was thinking of building a boat for people like them, they were enthusiastic and supportive. And his mind was made up. “I made a promise to two guys,” a
See WARRIOR, page B13
As regular readers of this column know, our organization, International Yacht Bureau (IYB), acts as an inspection agency on behalf of several flag administrations. We are a classification society, but focused solely on yachts. This type of work certainly Rules of the Road provides its fair Jake DesVergers share of questions and inquiries from yacht crew. These can range from broad policy issues affecting charter yachts, to the required frequency of emergency drills, the rules on sewage discharge, licensing of seafarers, or even what color the life buoys must be. We hit all ends of the question spectrum. For some reason this fall, many yachts had their U.S. cruising licenses expire. The phones, texts, and e-mails were constant with questions. Several years ago, I addressed this topic in a column, but thought that it would be advantageous to review the topic again. I was surprised at how many experienced managers and captains were unfamiliar with the requirements. For those working on U.S.-flagged yachts or unfamiliar with the term, basically, a U.S. Customs cruising license allows any documented vessel with a pleasure registry, as well as any undocumented U.S.-flagged pleasure vessel, to proceed from port to port in the United States without having to “reclear” upon arrival at the next U.S. port. To qualify for this privilege, the yacht shall be used exclusively for pleasure and shall not transport merchandise nor carry passengers for pay. Furthermore, a cruising license may be issued to a yacht of a foreign country only if it has been made to appear to See RULES, page B12
B October 2014 ONBOARD EMERGENCIES: Sea Sick
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Your mother was wrong about how to treat that bloody nose The boss’s children are on onboard the yacht for a week of fun in the sun. Suddenly, one child starts to cry and runs toward you with a bloody nose. Typically, the treatment for this is simple, yet most people get it wrong. What would you do? Would you hold the child’s head back or forward? Would you make the child blow his Sea Sick nose or not? Keith Murray Keep reading to get the correct first aid treatment for a nosebleed. Nosebleeds are common in children and young adults. At this young age, they are most often a minor problem and not a medical emergency. However, if the bleeding does not stop, it could be a more serious problem. In children and young adults, nosebleeds typically begin inside the septum, the piece of tissue that separates your nostrils. In middle-age and older adults, nosebleeds can start in the septum or deeper inside the nose. If it is the latter, care must be taken as this could be a sign of more serious medical problems such as infection, high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries. As always, when in doubt, get professional medical advice. Either visit a doctor or clinic or, if at sea, contact your telemedicine provider for advice. OK, so what do you do when a child onboard comes to you with a nosebleed? Remember when your mother told you to hold your head back when you had a bloody nose? Well, Mom was wrong. The correct steps to treat a bloody nose are as follows: 1. Have the patient sit down and lean slightly forward. When you do this, it prevents blood from going down the throat, which can cause irritation and possible nausea. Sitting this way also reduces the blood pressure inside the nose. Lower blood pressure means less bleeding. Make sure the head is kept above the level of the heart. Doing so also helps reduce bleeding. 2. Apply a clean tissue or washcloth under the nose, against the nostrils. This will help to reduce bleeding. Do not let the child sniff, pick or blow his nose. 3. With your thumb and index finger, gently but firmly pinch the nose just below the bone near the face and squeeze the nostrils shut for 5-10 minutes.
By squeezing the septum, we can usually stop the bleeding. Apply continuous pressure for at least 5 minutes before letting go. 4. Replace the tissue or washcloth with a clean one if the bleeding has not stopped. 5. Have a bucket or glass handy to encourage the child to spit out any blood that seeps into his mouth to prevent him from swallowing it. Again, do not permit the child to sniff, pick or blow his nose. 6. After 5 minutes of constant pressure, slowly remove the tissue or washcloth. If the nose is still bleeding, apply pressure to the nose by gently but firmly pinching the nostrils closed for another 5 minutes. 7. When the bleeding stops, wash away any blood with warm water. Again, do not let the child sniff, pick or blow his nose for several hours. Doing so may cause the nose to bleed again. The child should avoid any activity for a few hours as this, too, could restart the bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop after more than 20 minutes of pressure, seek more advanced medical advice. The Mayo Clinic recommends immediate medical care when the nosebleed follows an accident, a fall or an injury to the head, including a punch in the face that may have broken the nose. I would seek medical care if the patient is weak, is taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin, has a bleeding disorder, is pale, or has a blood pressure or pulse that is not within normal ranges. Remember the golden rule: When in doubt, call for help and get advice from a doctor. People taking blood thinners such as aspirin or Coumadin may experience more bleeding and more difficulty clotting. For injuries requiring medical treatment, a doctor may use specialized cotton material, insert a balloon in the nose, or use a special electrical tool to cauterize the blood vessels. If the nose is broken, generally these are not fixed immediately. Remember to protect yourself when helping others who are bleeding. My advice: If something is icky, sticky or wet and not from your body, wear gloves and eye protection. Keith Murray, a former firefighter EMT, owns The CPR School, a first-aid training company. He provides onboard training for yacht captains and crew and sells and services AEDs. Contact him at 877-6-AED-CPR, 877-623-3277 or www.TheCPRSchool.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@ the-triton.com.
B October 2014
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Hotspot boosts sat phones; MTU engines meet emission limits Globalstar launches app
Globalstar released the Globalstar 9600 for its customers to pair with existing satellite phones and smartphones. Marine customers can use the hotspot to e-mail, send data and download.
“The 9600 will allow current and future Globalstar satellite phone customers to become even more efficient and tap into the power of our unsurpassed MSS data speeds,” said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. “Our partners and customers in various sectors will find great value in the 9600, enabling them to get more accomplished while outside the range of cellular.” The 9600 is designed to work with Globalstar products including GSP1700, GSP 1600 mobile satellite phones and the GSP-2900 fixed phone system. Up to eight users with Wi-Fi devices can remain connected to the router. The Globalstar 9600 is small and weighs 2 ounces; the rechargeable battery lasts up to four hours on a charge with 36 hours on standby; has data speeds four times faster than the
competition with no additional service costs, uses existing Globalstar airtime plan minutes. The suggested retail price is $149.99. For details visit Globalstar.com.
Compliant engines announced
MTU announced the Series 2000 M96 yacht engine which meets emission limits in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tier 3. “The latest generation of Series 2000 engines stands out with optimized acceleration and low fuel consumption,” said Dr. Michael Haidinger, chief sales officer at RollsRoyce Power Systems. “The engine meets EPA Tier 3 emission limits using in-engine technology only and without having to resort to exhaust aftertreatment.” The engine series generates
up to 1,940 kw of power for highperformance yachts. In addition to propulsion engines and gearboxes with a power range of 261 to 4,300 kw, the range includes 5 to 280 kw gensets. Additional components are available including propulsion plant monitoring, remote control systems, control units and instruments. The new joystick system will be available in August 2015. The MTU ValueCare Premium Yacht Service package is available with an extended warranty, annual inspections and professional training. MTU also announced the creation of a propulsion and systems portfolio in response to the IMO Tier III emission standard which is due to come into force in 2016. IMO Tier III includes an MTU drive and SCR system with excellent power-to-weight ratio and includes tailored services with individualized maintenance intervals. Testing will be run in a new Fairplay tug which is under construction at Astilleros Armon. The tests will run continuously for 10,000 hours. The first field-trial engine is scheduled to go into service in 2016. MTU’s natural-gas marine engine is due to be launched in 2018.
New toilet includes bidet
The new Tecma E-Breeze shower toilet from Thetford Marine is an electronic, multi-function bidet with wireless remote control which can be adjusted for posterior, feminine or children’s cleansing. The five-setting variable warmwater spray delivers an intensive impulse pulsation massage, wands are cleaned automatically and it includes a deodorizing filter. The heated seat and dryer include variable temperature settings with silent flush operation. The unit is white ceramic built for marine use with two one-way valves and a powerful macerator. The Tecma Premium control panel enables the user to adjust the volume of water used per flush from less than 17 oz., with standard control panels for pre-set amounts of up to 91 oz. This toilet measures 15 inches wide by 22 inches high and 20 inches deep
See TECH BRIEFS, page B5
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
October 2014 B
Lifejackets SOLAS compliant; T-Bridge integrates TECH BRIEFS, from page B4
CHARTlink service on ships and expect commercial use by year end, subject to final agreement between the parties. For details visit www.transas.com and www.ipmobilecast.com.
and weighs 64 lbs. E-Breeze works where there is little room for a separate bidet or where a lightweight unit is needed. It meets CE, IC, CQC, IEC and IEEE certifications. For details, visit www.thetford.com.
ISP launches redesigned lifejacket
International Safety Products (ISP) has announced a redesigned package of lifejackets, the Challenger Flexiwing 150N, Challenger Interlock 275N and Challenger Worksafe Pro 170N lifejackets. ISP manufactures and supplies SOLAS/MED (Safety Of Life At Sea Maritime Equipment Directive) approved150N lifejackets which are an alternative to 275N SOLAS/MED lifejackets, according to ISP head of sales, Andy Scott. “The principal of a 275N lifejacket is that it gives improved buoyancy and turning motion when personnel are working offshore wearing large amounts of clothing or survival suits,” Scott said. “However, in the vast majority of cases, it simply isn’t necessary and can be cumbersome since they are always larger and heavier to wear than a 150N lifejacket. The 150N’s flexi-wing bladder design raises the user’s mouth higher above the water level with better floatation angles. The interlocking lobe self-rights the wearer in less than five seconds and creates an effective wave barrier. It is approved to SOLAS/MED 2010 and the neck design supports the head and neck, even for an unconscious user. Additional models include the Challenger Interlock 275 with the interlocking lobe bladder design and the Challenger Aqua Junior 100. For more information, visit www. ispl.co.uk.
Transas launches T-Bridge
Transas launched a new integrated bridge solution, the T-Bridge. Transas T-bridge brings together diverse systems into a single bridge environment with access to crucial information for safe navigation. In limited visibility, congested or shallow waters, at night or in poor chart coverage areas, Transas Augmented Reality technology integrates sensor input from sonar, chart data with live video of the surroundings. Transas has integrated camera and thermal imager data into the bridge system and wheelhouse automation offers intuitive and consistent access to all automated information. It can be custom configured to suit any bridge configuration. Transas has also developed an iPadtm application which is directly linked to the navigation system for position data, AIS targets, speed, course, water depth and more.
Oculus Technologies launch Odyss Seakeeper adds five new engines
Seakeeper introduced five new engines with active gyroscopic stabilization technology, the Seakeeper 5, 9, 16, 26 and 35 models. The new models expand the range of boats that can be fitted with a gyro and allow vessels 30 feet and larger to install Seakeeper engines. The Seakeeper 5 is designed for boats up to 20 tons, typically about 30-50 feet and Seakeeper 9 stabilizes boats up to 35 tons (50-65 feet). Seakeeper 16 is for up to 70 tons (65-80 feet) and the Seakeeper 26 for up to 100 tons (80-100 feet). The largest, the Seakeeper 35, is intended for boats up to 140 tons or more than 100 foot in length. Multiple units can be fitted for the largest vessels. All models reduce roll from 70 to 90 percent using modest electrical power. The gyros have no outside appendages, can be installed off centerline, have computerized control and vacuum technology. Retail prices for Seakeeper’s new models range from $29,900 to $194,900. For more information visit www. seakeeper.com.
KVH, Transas partner for charts
KVH Industries and Transas have joined forces with KVH’s channel of IP-MobileCast content delivery, CHARTlink. The service uses multicasting technology to aid in compliance with international maritime regulations which mandate ECDIS for commercial and passenger vessels with up-to-date ENCs. A ship equipped with KVH’s TracPhone V-series or V-IP series satellite communications antenna systems can subscribe to IPMobileCast’s CHARTlink service and receive Transas ENC updates that are received, unpacked, and deployed without user intervention. “Transas is a leader in the ECDIS segment because they both manufacture the hardware systems that are installed in the ship’s bridge, and encode the digital files that national hydrographic offices create,” Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH chief executive officer, said. “Transas has integrated the electronic assets with the hardware platform. Our role is to provide the connectivity and file server platform to allow secure, inexpensive, and guaranteed delivery of the chart files from Transas to the ships.” KVH and Transas are testing the
Oculus Technologies launched Odyss, an onboard interactive device with real-time data display. The device displays local time, date, world clock, sunrise and sunset as well as maps with position, route and local sensors with speed and heading, wind direction, velocity, outside air and sea temperature. The device also provides steward call, prayer assist, photo viewer, messaging and live stream for CCTV feed, IP stream and more. The Odyss can be customized with yacht logo, name and introduction video. It is quiet with a fanless design and has an integrated mirror screen for vivid graphic display. Multiple Odyss devices can be used throughout a yacht. In other news, Oculus Technologies launched two new features to YachtEye, an interactive guest infotainment platform. The improved touchscreen system features a new application programming interface (API) which offers more interaction via third party control platforms. More screen sizes are available with custom dimensions and the flush hardened glass surface can be flush mounted, has a waterproof rating of IP56 and touch connectivity. The new API allows third party control systems to upgrade the YachtEye TV Channel from passive to interactive and is compatible with Crestron, AMX or Savant. For more information, visit www. odyss.ee
New lube sulphur compliant
Global marine lubricant provider, Total Lubmarine has introduced Talusia LS 25, a low alkaline lubricant specifically designed for slow speed two stroke engines running distillate fuels with 0.1 percent sulphur content. The lubricant is offered as the shipping industry comes into compliance with the European 0.1 percent sulphur cap which enters into effect on Jan. 1, 2015. “Talusia LS 25 is an innovative solution for ship operators looking for a reliable lubricant specifically designed to meet the challenging requirements of running engines, including the latest generation of crosshead two stroke engines, on distillate fuel,” said Serge Dal Farra, Total Lubmarine Global Marketing Manager. The lubricant has undergone successful trials with engine manufacturers MAN Diesel and Turbo and Wärtsilä who have both issued No Objection Letters confirming that the lubricant is suitable for use in their two stroke engines.
See TECH BRIEFS, page B6
Today’s fuel prices Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Sept. 15. Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 879/945 Savannah, Ga. 850/NA Newport, R.I. 857/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,106/NA St. Maarten 1,110/NA Antigua 970/NA Valparaiso 989/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 985/NA Cape Verde 825/NA Azores 915/1,663 Canary Islands 835/1,164 Mediterranean Gibraltar 882/NA Barcelona, Spain 831/1,623 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1070 Antibes, France 835/1,710 San Remo, Italy 975/2,218 Naples, Italy 1,015/2,244 Venice, Italy 1,075/2,220 Corfu, Greece 1,009/2,051 Piraeus, Greece 995/1,824 Istanbul, Turkey 957/NA Malta 942/1,717 Tunis, Tunisia 896/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 887/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 862/NA Sydney, Australia 913/NA Fiji 887/NA
One year ago Prices for low-sulfur gasoil expressed in US$ per cubic meter (1,000 liters) as of Sept. 15, 2013 Region Duty-free*/duty paid U.S. East Coast Ft. Lauderdale 903/962 Savannah, Ga. 895/NA Newport, R.I. 906/NA Caribbean St. Thomas, USVI 1,127/NA St. Maarten 1,163/NA Antigua 1,144/NA Valparaiso 981/NA North Atlantic Bermuda (Ireland Island) 1,114/NA Cape Verde 867/NA Azores 896/NA Canary Islands 1,200/1,625 Mediterranean Gibraltar 861/NA Barcelona, Spain 893/1,650 Palma de Mallorca, Spain NA/1,855 Antibes, France 980/1,988 San Remo, Italy 1,064/2,288 Naples, Italy 971/2,155 Venice, Italy 1,057/2,225 Corfu, Greece 1,084/2,042 Piraeus, Greece 1057/1,855 Istanbul, Turkey 954/NA Malta 962/1,706 Tunis, Tunisia 885/NA Bizerte, Tunisia 893/NA Oceania Auckland, New Zealand 979/NA Sydney, Australia 617/NA Fiji 675/NA *When available according to local customs.
B October 2014
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Xantrex powers diverse needs; VDR offers remote access TECH BRIEFS, from page B5
Xantrex offers diverse application
Xantrax launched the Freedom SW series inverter/charger, a 230VAC/50Hz combination inverter, battery charger and transfer switch with automatic electrical power management for commercial and recreational applications including caravans, boats and trucks of all sizes. Connection to external AC power allows the unit to power connected equipment like televisions, microwave ovens, entertainment systems, computers, washers/dryers and refrigerators. The surplus power is used to recharge the vehicle batteries. When disconnected, the unit inverts DC battery power into AC power for a steady current.
The unit comes with automatic overload and short-circuit protection with integrated resettable AC breakers and a power factor-corrected, multistage charger with temperature compensation and a wide operating range (-20°C to 60°C) for a variety
of climate conditions. The unit can also be configured to provide ignition lockout protection. It is available in either 2,500 continuous watts with 65-amp charging or 3,400 continuous watts with 90-amp charging. The Freedom SW 230VAC offers parallel stacking capability and the built-in generator support mode enables the unit to supplement an onboard generator. Both models feature a two times continuous power surge rating providing up to 6,800 watts and are compatible with the system control panel and automatic generator start. The Freedom SW meets CE (Europe), RCM (Australia) EN 620402 regulatory and environmental compliance with a two-year limited warranty.
Danelec introduces remote access
Danelec Marine has introduced VDRConnect, a Web-based remote access service available with the Danelec DM100 Voyage Data Recorder (VDR). VDRConnect is a interface module that provides selective transmission of data from the Danelec DM100 via satellite. The module connects directly to the ship’s IT and satellite communication systems a separate PC. This allows managers ashore to log into an IPbased Web portal to request data files to be downloaded and select intervals for automatic transmission. “We optimized VDRConnect remote access for narrowband satellite channels,” said Hans Ottosen, CEO of Danelec Marine. “Most commercial ships today have limited satellite capacity and satellite airtime is very expensive. With the VDRConnect solution, the ship manager does not have to download the full VDR memory, but can request only the data sets required.” Shipboard systems such as fuel meters, main engines, generators, auxiliary machinery and weather sensors, can also be connected. For more information, visit www. danelec-marine.com.
Cleaner is eco-friendly
The new eco-friendly Oil Eater Original cleaner/degreaser is ideal for marine maintenance and eliminates the need for multiple solutions. The powerful and versatile cleaner disperses grease, oil and grime from bilges, engines, decks, vinyl seats, and more using a proprietary anti-corrosion chemistry. The cleaner is water-based, nonflammable, biodegradable and contains no acids, abrasives or petroleum solvents. It penetrates rapidly, rinses off easily, leaves no residue and will not harm fiberglass. Oil Eater is available in 32oz. spray and 1-gallon bottles, 5-, 30- and 55gallon containers and a 275 gallon tote. A sample is available upon request. For information, visit www.oileater. com or call 800-528-0334.
Rolls-Royce adds to portfolio
Rolls-Royce has acquired RollsRoyce Power Systems (RRPS). “We are pleased to welcome Rolls-Royce Power Systems fully into Rolls-Royce. The business adds scale and capability to our reciprocating engines portfolio. It has outstanding technology, operates in long term growth markets and has proved a valuable addition to our Marine & Industrial Power Systems division,” John Rishton, CEO of Rolls-Royce said.
See TECH BRIEFS, page B7
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TECHNOLOGY BRIEFS
October 2014 B
Captec adds to marine line; Fraser Monolite clear in low light TECH BRIEFS, from page B6 RRPS previously operated as Tognum AG and is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany. It employs about 11,000 people. “With our well-known MTU highspeed engines, MTU Onsite Energy distributed energy systems, Bergen medium-speed engines and L’Orange fuel-injection systems, we are proud that we are now a full member of the Rolls-Royce family and look forward to contributing to its success,” Ulrich Dohle, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said.
compliant, certified selection for both primary and critical marine systems. The portfolio has been developed to require little maintenance, consisting primarily of fanless units with no moving parts. These units are also designed for longevity for up to 5 year deployments. The portfolio includes 7 marine certified panel computers ranging from 10 to 24 inches, 5 certified displays ranging from 10 to 24 inches, 5 embedded computers, 2 marine servers, and 2 marine computers that can be also be adapted for rack mounting. For more visit www.captec-group. com/marine.
hemisphere for the pilot and internal systems. The arrangement utilizes smaller spheres without a large external frame. Triton’s model line now includes eleven models configured for two to eight passengers with depth ratings from 1,000 feet (305 meters) to 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) as well as the full ocean depth rated Triton 36000/3.
Triton offers yacht-based sub
Captec expands marine portfolio Captec, manufacturers of industrial computers for challenging environments, has extended their marine computer range to include embedded computers, servers, panel computers and displays. Including a
Triton announced the Triton 1000/3 LP new lightweight, low profile submersible designed to fit into existing yacht tender garages. The sub is 5.6 feet tall (1,700 mm), with crane weight of 7,650 pounds (3475 kg) making it light and compact for three-passenger deep diving to 1,000 foot/305 meter depth rating. The design can integrate into existing yacht tender garages without a major refit and uses a forward acrylic hyper-hemisphere for the two passengers and a rear steel hyper-
Fraser Optics launched monocular
Fraser Optics has announced the launch of the new Monolite gyro stabilized monocular with day and night vision eye pieces with magnified and stabilized night vision capabilities. With the 12X night vision eye piece, objects can be identified in low light conditions at long distances. Engineered with Stedi-Eye technology, the military grade, lightweight Monolite removes up to 98 percent of image motion for clear,
razor sharp images at great distances. It is 100 percent sealed, buoyant, submersible and waterproof and weighs less than two pounds. The unit operates for up to 8 hours on one CR123 battery.
Easy to read screen on market
Montauk Marine Basin Offshore Systems has introduced a dual engine display screen from Offshore Systems UK. The unit uses sunlight readable, high definition panoramic TFT display that is 49.5cm (19.5 inches) wide and 9cm (3.6 inches) deep. This display is sized to show full engine instruments from two engines side by side in a modern low profile BlackGlass format. The Dual Engine Display works with Caterpillar, Mann, MTU, Cummins, Volvo and Yanmar engines and can display error codes from each manufacturer and can replace the engine manufacturer’s displays without infringing the engine manufacturer’s warranty. The display can show two or four fuel tank levels, rudder angle, GPS time and compass The unit has two J1939 native interfaces built in and an NMEA2000 interface for fuel level and GPS inputs. It is suitable for either 12 or 24 volt systems and draws 750mA at 24 volts.
B October 2014
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
CNI adds Turkey and Montenegro; Porto Montenegro expands CNI adds two marinas
Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has added two marinas to its 1782 Club network in southern Europe: Palmarina in Bodrum, Turkey, and Dukley Marina in Montenegro’s historic town of Budva. Palmarina, previously known as Port Bodrum Yalikavak Marina, offers year-round berthing for superyachts up to 100m. It has more than 60 berths for yachts of 40m and above, as well as haul-out facilities up to 260 tons, a boatyard and a heliport. Dukley Marina is the first marina upon entering the Adriatic from the Ionian, with the 15th century island of Sveti Stefan 3 miles away. The marina is scheduled to undergo a major redevelopment to include a breakwater and a 60 percent increase in its 330 berths. The investment objective is to position Dukley as one of the most sophisticated marinas in the Mediterranean, according to a news
release. The plans include high-end marina services, retail, restaurants, hospitality and residential, as well as green zones and public spaces. The 1782 Club was established in January 2014 as a group of independently owned and operated marinas partnering with C&N Marinas to form a network. Other marinas are located in Grenada, Italy, Malta, Cyprus, Turkey and Abu Dhabi.
Marina adds 150 slips
Porto Montenegro’s latest marina extension is now open, offering 150 new berths. The marina, shown at right, now offers 400 berths, including space for 87 yachts up to 180m. The marina has hired Nizar Tagi as its new marina sales director. Tagi joined the marina this summer from Ocean Independence. Tagi
Jet company joins IGY Marinas
IGY Marinas and Bohlke International Airways have signed an IGY Anchor Club partnership agreement, designating the private jet
and aircraft charter company as the go-to group for its Caribbean islands region of marina customers. Based on St. Croix, USVI, Bohlke International has been serving the Caribbean since 1959, and was named the No. 1 FBO in the Caribbean in 2012 and 2013 by ProPilot Magazine. Bohlke plans and implements any private air travel requirements, including recreational flights, medical emergencies, family matters, yacht supplies, and one-way relocations from yacht tours, charters and excursions. Bohlke has a fleet of jet and turbo props and can also arrange additional air transportation options by helicopter
and seaplane through its partners. “We serve an area where travel logistics can be complicated and happen on a moment’s notice,” said Sam Black, general manager of Bohlke International Airways. “Simply put, we just take care of it and allow our customers to enjoy their time focusing on this beautiful area we have the fortune of calling home.” For aircraft owners and operators traveling in the Caribbean, St. Croix is a U.S. port of entry. Its Henry E Rohlsen International Airport, where Bohlke is located, offers a 10,000-foot
See MARINAS, page B9
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
MARINAS / SHIPYARDS
October 2014 B
Hodgdon opens office in Newport; S/Y Columbia sets sail again MARINAS, from page B8 runway with no obstructions in Delta Airspace. Bohlke offers fuel prices of at least $1 per gallon less than the nearby airports, the company said in a news release. It has more than 43,000 square feet of covered hangar space and offers maintenance, aircraft detailing, catering and crew accommodations as well as luxury passenger facilities, concierge service and customs preclearance into the United States. For more, contact Fiona Horne, +340-778-9177, www.bohlke.com
Hodgdon expands
Maine-based shipyard Hodgdon Yachts Services has opened a sales office in Newport, R.I., to promote its refit and maintenance services. It recently opened an office in Monaco. Hodgdon Yacht Services was launched earlier this year after the acquisition of the former Boothbay Region Boatyard in Southport. It also includes the Wotton’s Wharf dockage facility in Boothbay Harbor, and existing superyacht refit activities at the East Boothbay shipyard. Eric Leslie will run the Newport office.
New harbormaster at CCYH
Lisa Duncan is the new harbormaster at Camachee Cove Yacht Harbor in St. Augustine, Fla. A native of St. Augustine, Duncan worked first in the marina industry at Turnberry Isle Marina in Miami and was later dockmaster at Pier 66 Marina in Ft. Lauderdale. Duncan Before joining the recreational boating industry, she served for four years with the U.S. Coast Guard. She worked at CCYH for a few years beginning in 2008 and recently returned as office manager. Longtime CCYH Harbormaster Tom Huston recently relocated and Duncan was promoted to fill that role. CCYH is managed by Westrec.
Historic Columbia sails again
Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City, Fla., has launched S/Y Columbia, a steel-hulled replica of the historic Gloucester fishing schooner first launched in 1923. The original Columbia was 141 feet and built at A.D. Story shipyard of Essex, Mass. Designed by William Starling Burgess, Columbia was built for speed. That fall, she challenged S/Y Bluenose, Canada’s legendary schooner, in the International Fishermen’s Cup Races in Halifax. It nearly won. Tragedy struck on Aug. 24, 1927, near Sable Island where Columbia was
lost with all hands in a gale. Decades later, Brian D’Isernia, owner of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, discovered the original lines plan of the Columbia and began the journey of bringing it back to life. Working with John W. Gilbert & Associates of Boston, the design was reengineered with a steel hull instead of wood. An engine room and staterooms were added. Covey Island Boatworks in Nova Scotia built the rigging and spars, blocks were fabricated by A. Dauphinee & Sons of Nova Scotia and all the sails were constructed by Michelle Stevens Sailloft, also from Nova Scotia. Teak decking was completed by Teakdecking Systems of Florida. S/Y Columbia (ESG Hull 981) is expected to be in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this month.
Eastern Shipbuilding launched S/Y Columbia, a steel-hulled replica of the historic Gloucester fishing schooner first launched in 1923. PHOTO PROVIDED
B10 October 2014
Lauderdale Marine Center
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
Lauderdale Marine Center
October 2014 B11
B12 October 2014 FROM THE TECH FRONT: Rules of the Road
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Watch schedule to meet 15-day requirement RULES, from page B1 the satisfaction of the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury that U.S.-flagged yachts are allowed to arrive at and depart from ports in that foreign country. U.S.-flagged yachts must be able to cruise in the waters of such foreign ports without entering or clearing at the custom house thereof. This is commonly referred to as “reciprocity.” What does all that mean in real actions? Essentially, if a foreign-flagged yacht wants to move about freely in U.S. ports and waters, the country where that yacht is registered must provide the same rights to U.S.-flagged yachts. As listed in the US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 19, Part 4, Section 4.94, yachts registered with the following countries may obtain a cruising license: Argentina Australia Austria Bahamas Belgium Bermuda Canada Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Honduras Ireland Italy Jamaica Liberia Marshall Islands Netherlands New Zealand Norway Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Sweden Switzerland
Turkey United Kingdom and the Dependencies (the Anguilla Islands; the Isle of Man; the British Virgin Islands; the Cayman Islands; and the Turks and Caicos Islands) As one reviews the list, you will see the absence of some flags that are very popular for yacht registration (such as Antigua and Barbuda, Cook Islands, and Malta). You may even see a few surprises (Liberia?).
U.S. Customs strongly cautions vessel owners to plan carefully so that the mandatory 15-day period does not fall in the middle of a planned stay in U.S. waters. Without a cruising license, a foreignflagged yacht is required to comply with the laws applicable to foreign vessels arriving at, departing from, and proceeding between ports of the United States. These are the same rules that apply to merchant ships. In short, those particular yachts may expect to see a customs officer before and after every movement. In some cases, it may also restrict the locations where the yacht may berth. There are additional details on the validity of the cruising license, the requirements for renewal versus an initial license, length of time required between expiration of the old license and obtaining the new one, plus issues involving duties paid. For example, when a cruising license expires, a new license will not be issued
unless the following two conditions have been met: 1. at least 15 days have elapsed since the previous license either expired or was surrendered; and 2. the vessel arrives in the U.S. from a foreign port or place. Customs will want to see foreign clearance paperwork as evidence that you are arriving from a foreign location. U.S. Customs strongly cautions vessel owners to plan carefully so that the mandatory 15-day period does not fall in the middle of a planned stay in U.S. waters. It may make sense to surrender the yacht’s cruising license to a Customs Officer when the yacht leaves U.S. waters and then obtain a new one when she re-enters the U.S. at a later date. Traveling outside of U.S. waters while the cruising license is still in effect does not fulfill the 15-day requirement. Issues can become much more complicated when dealing with U.S.owned, foreign-flagged, but customs duty-paid yachts. In these cases, it is imperative that the proper legal counsel is retained in advance of any cruising. 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.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
CREW NEWS
Injured soldiers inspire boat for ‘opportunity’ WARRIORS, from page B1 promise to take them out on his boat, Grego said. “If you could see them and what they have to deal with.” His voice trails off and he doesn’t elaborate, but the story of Sergeant First Class Aaron Causey is on the Blue Water Warriors web site: a double, above-the-knee amputee injured by a roadside bomb Sept. 7, 2011. “I don’t have in me what it takes to do it,” Grego said. “If I woke up with both legs and an arm missing, I don’t know if I’d want to wake up.” “It is not our injuries that hold us back,” Causey writes on the web site. “It is the lack of opportunities to surmount our disabilities. Give us an opportunity and we will be there to show that we are bigger than our wounds.” So an opportunity he would give. What Grego learned from talking to those men was that they don’t want to be coddled. They want to be able to do everything themselves. No lifts to get onboard, no need for an aide to help them use the head. They want to be able to get aboard and move around unassisted. And they want to drive. “They’re adrenalin junkies,” Grego said. “We can do a lift, but they don’t want that. They want to do it themselves.” So the Gregos went back to Ft. Lauderdale after the charter summer of 2012 and got busy. “Two things have to be right, the bow and the shear line,” Capt. Grego said. “It’s got to be aesthetically pleasing. We’re giving it a go. I don’t have all the answers; I’m just the bus driver.” In the hours before and after work and on weekends, the Gregos have been able to patch together all the supplies and expertise they needed to build this boat. The non-profit foundation Blue Water Warriors was born amid the aluminum shavings and the welding in the fall of 2012. It will someday own this boat, which technically still belongs to Vision, the boat building company the Gregos created to start this project. And even though they have put all of themselves into building Warrior, they say they couldn’t have done it without the unending support of the yachting industry. Naval architect Justin Shell of ESS Yacht Design in Ft. Lauderdale fielded Grego’s calls at 2 in the morning when he wondered if a crazy idea would actually float. KPT Yacht and Ship helped with the welding and building of the hull. Lauderdale Marine Center gave them a spot in the yard to build it; Southern Cross built them an enclosure to keep it protected. Boat Owner’s Warehouse (BOW) went “above and beyond”, Karen Grego said, to give support and donations
Warrior nears completion in Ft. Lauderdale, the product of Capt. Andrew and Karen Grego’s dream to give the gift of boating to injured U.S. military PHOTO/LUCY REED personnel. of things like filters, tape, hardware, and anything else they needed, and the company reached out to all its suppliers to do the same. Seakeeper donated a gyro stabilizer. KVH gave the satellite dome. Simrad donated all the electronics and Voyager Marine installed them. Ward’s Marine Electric is doing all the electrical. Forty-five companies are listed on its web site (www.bluewaterwarriors.org) as having donated products, services or expertise to help get this first boat built. “Blue Water Warriors offers a tremendous resource to help service members who put their lives on the line and have given so much for our country,” said Nat Bishop, president of Imtra, which provides marine products and systems. “We are honored to contribute to their effort and committed to support Blue Water Warriors with additional products as they build their fleet.” Grego envisions a fleet of these vessels near the trauma hospitals where U.S. military go for treatment and rehabilitation. In his plans, they’ll be operated by volunteer charter yacht captains like himself. “Nobody is taking a cent,” he said. “We’re all employed. I know it’s seen as a busman’s holiday, but how many of us wouldn’t love to get in another boat and go out and have fun?” As anyone who works with boats knows, once the boat is built, that’s just half of it. Boats are expensive to run and tax-deductible donations are welcome through the foundation. Show Management has given Warrior a slip in the boat show this month on the north side of Bahia Mar where visitors can see the vessel and talk to the Gregos. After a long road of visas and a green card, Andrew is now a U.S. citizen. “I know what it takes to be here in this country,” he said. “To see these guys out defending a country that so many people want to be part of, the sacrifices they give up for the average American… And then to be injured like that. It’s the least I can do.”
Eventually, the Gregos hope this will be their exit strategy from the day-today duties of running a luxury yacht, keeping them engaged in the industry they love but letting them give back. Building this boat has been the passion that gets them up in the morning. “I made a promise and I’m going to keep it,” Grego said. “And I do get something out of it: I have a design and I get to build a boat. I friggin’ love it.” Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com.
October 2014 B13
B14 October 2014
TECHNOLOGY: Fuel
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Air, water add to environs for microorganisms in fuel tanks By Silvio Rossi As the use of biofuels increases, so, too, does the proliferation of bugs in fuel. While these microorganisms cannot live and proliferate in fossil fuel, they find their perfect environment in the molecules of water contained in fuels and especially at the interface between water and fuel. Microbial growth is seen as characteristic sludge, formed from accumulated Rossi cellular materials, slime materials or gelatins, which may restrict fuel pipelines and filters and cause injector fouling. These microorganisms can multiply to produce a few kilograms of biomass in a very short time. Tanks in an engine room or other warm locations and tanks receiving distillated fuel from injectors are ideal environments to grow bugs. Fuel stored in double-bottom tanks due to lower temperatures are less prone to have bugs. The classic way for water ingress is through air in the yacht’s tanks when the tanks are not full of fuel. Particularly in winter, air in contact with the cold walls of tanks condensates and the water produced mixes with any fuel left in the tank after the operation season. Eliminating water either by an Alpha Laval separator or draining it out automatically eliminates bugs and the problems are solved without using chemical biocides, which in addition to being toxic are also corrosive and might be harmful to the engine. The problem is more complicated nowadays because, especially in
Europe, biodiesel (fuel made by organic products such as sunflower seeds, sugar beets or sugar cane) is mixed into fossil fuel up to 7 percent in order to reduce CO2 emissions. Biodiesel produces CO2 as well as fossil diesel, but when the bio products grow, they absorb CO2, so the final balance is near zero. Any country actually can produce organic products to transform into biofuels. Nevertheless, the use of biodiesel complicates the mechanical operation of separating water from the fuel and draining it out of the tanks together with bugs. Biodiesel contains lipids and is a good environment for bugs, so the only way to kill bugs is with the use of biocides. Biocides are chemical substances that can deter or kill any harmful organism generated inside the fuel tanks. Most biocides are made with chlorine or chemical compounds that kill bugs. There are many brands of biocides on the market that can help to kill and/or control microorganism proliferation. Not all are necessarily supposed to be injected and there are biocides with less toxicity than others and with a faster action. And one important quality that products must have is the chemical properties to dissolve the massive surge of dead bugs to avoid clogging filters. Yacht captains and engineers have different options for their needs in the market and might get in the topic thoroughly before taking any decision regarding this issue. Your professional fuel supplier can offer advice on the proper product for your vessel and circumstances. Silvio Rossi is managing director of Rossmare International, a fuel bunkering company based in Savona, Italy. Comments on this article are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BOATS / BROKERS
October 2014 B15
Moran sells large Lurssen; Sunreef sells three; Lady Leila sells Moran Yacht & Ship has sold a new build Lurssen, the 367-foot (112m) Project Palo Alto, the largest yacht to date that the brokerage has built at Lurssen. The yacht has interior and exterior design by Andrew Winch Design. It will feature two helicopter pads, a 12m swimming pool, and a spa. The tender garage will hold two 13m tenders, two 10m tenders, a submarine, and water toys. It will carry 22 guests outside the private owner’s deck. The firm has also sold the 130-foot (40m) Horizon M/Y After You, and the 112-foot (34m) Leopard M/Y Joker. Moran Yacht & Ship has 10 new yacht construction projects under way across the globe with several others being negotiated, the firm said in a release. New to the brokerage’s central agency listings for sale is the 126-foot (38m) Trinity M/Y Dorothy Ann for $7.85 million. German builder Lurssen has launched the 312-foot (95m) project Global, which will soon be named M/Y Kismet. Built for a repeat client, this vessel replaces his former 223-foot (68m) Lurssen. With a design by Espen Oeino and interior by Reymond Langton, the build was managed by Moran Yacht & Ship, through whom the yacht can be chartered this winter in the Caribbean. Beyond the owner’s cabin, the yacht can accommodate 12 guests in six cabins.
Italy-based Benetti, above, has sold two megayachts larger than 100m. The two new yachts will be built at its Leghorn facilities. BYS has sold the 130-foot (40m) Westport M/Y Yeratel G. Merle Wood & Associates has added to its new central agency listings for sale the 160-foot (49m) Christensen M/Y Odessa for $28.9 million and the 127-foot (39m) M/Y Gladius built by Cantieri di Pisa for 5.8 million euros. Kevin Greene has joined the company as a broker. A former chief engineer and captain, he has worked on more than 20 new builds. YPI Group has added to its new central agency listing for sale the 96foot (29m) S/Y Infinity built by CNB listed for 4.25 million euros. Fraser has sold the 76-foot (23.16m) M/Y Cadenza listed for $3.5 million by broker Tom Allen of Seattle.
Among its new central agency listings for sale include the 265-foot (81m) new build M/Y Project Shark built by Proteksan Turquoise listed for 57.5 million euros, the 244-foot (74m) new build M/Y Project Stingray listed for 49.5 million euros, the 187foot (57m) S/Y Fluert JE built by De Vries Lentsch, the 148-foot (45.4m) M/Y Atmosphere built by Asenav listed for 9.95 million euros, the 138-foot (42m) M/Y Calliope built by Holland Jachtbouw listed for 22.5 million euros, the 92-foot (28m) Overmarine M/Y Bear Market listed for 1.29 million euros, and the 90-foot (27m) M/Y Shapama listed for $1.5 million. The Azimut Benetti Board of Directors has appointed Roberto Giorgi as executive chairman of Fraser Yachts. Giorgi will also remain honorary president of V.Ships, a supplier of management and outsourcing services and minority shareholder of Fraser. Former executive chairman Fabio Ermetto has been appointed chief commercial officer for Benetti. Sunreef Yachts has sold three of its 74-foot (22.5m) sailing catamarans before it was officially presented this summer. Designed by Sunreef Yachts, it was created for long-range cruising and easily handled by two people. It has a seven-month delivery time. Camper & Nicholsons has sold a new construction project by Moonen. The 200-ton yacht is set for a 2016 delivery. The full-displacement yacht represents a departure from the traditional Moonen offering. The design includes a raised pilot house with owner’s suite forward on the main deck. Exterior design is by Rene van der Velden and interior design by Adam Lay Studio. The brokerage has added to its central agency listings for sale the 154-foot (47m) Heesen M/Y Yalla, the 145-foot (44m) Benetti M/Y Dia’s, the 120-foot (36.5m) Benetti M/Y Tanusha and the 89-foot (27.5m) S/Y Tempus Fugit built by the Arkin Pruva shipyard in Turkey. New to its charter fleet is the 214foot (65m) wooden S/Y Lamima.
IYC has added to its central agency listings for sale the 161-foot (49m) Trinity M/Y Destination Fox Harb’r Too, shown above, for $17.9 million with Mark Elliott and the 142-foot (43m) Trinity M/Y Chevy Toy for $13.9 million with Frank Grzeszczak and Frank Grzeszczak Jr.
Robert J. Cury Yacht Sales has added to its new central agency listings for sale the 132-foot Horizon M/Y Lady Leila for $10.9 million. Denison Yacht Sales has added to its central agency listings for sale the 95-foot M/Y Astondoa GLX for $3.95 million. A 353-foot (107m) yacht built by Kleven Verft shipyard in Norway launched in September. Built for a New Zealand billionaire, the yacht was designed by Marin Teknikk for long expeditions in rough waters. The Expedition Support Vessel will be named Ulysses upon delivery in 2015. Dutch builder Feadship has launched the 197-foot (60m) M/Y ROCK.IT, which features the firsttime application on a superyacht of an intuitive control and manoeuvring system developed for naval applications, including a semi-DP autopilot system. With interior and exterior design by Sinot Yacht Design and naval architecture by Feadship, the yacht also has a skylight in the sun deck canopy that dims automatically depending on the strength of the sunlight. It can accommodate 10 guests in four
staterooms and owner’s suite and a crew of 13. Turkish builder Sunrise Yachts has launched the second yacht in its 45m series. The 148-foot Project Sunset (Hull 182) was scheduled to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show and show in the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The yacht is a three-deck, full displacement motoryacht with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Like its sister ship, M/Y Africa, it has a full-length technical tunnel running from the engine room to the bowthruster compartment for access to tanks and systems at bilge deck level. The interior was designed by Franck Darnet Design. Turkish yard Mengi Yay has launched the 105-foot (32m) steelhulled M/Y Serenitas. It has an exterior design by Ginton Naval Architects with an interior by BTA Design. Italian builder ISA has delivered the 140-foot (43.6m) M/Y Silver Wind. The exterior is by Andrea Vallicelli with an interior by Nuvolari & Lenard. This vessel is a hybrid, powered normally by twin diesel MTU 16V 4000 M93L engines, or sail at about 8 knots using electric motors. It can accommodate 10 guests in five suites.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Triton Expo, crew events, and parties top schedule this month TRITON EVENT OF MONTH Oct. 8 Triton Expo Lauderdale Marine Center
The Triton’s popular Expo is open to yacht crew and industry – both working and looking – to help them develop the contacts that can make their careers better. There will be vendors, food and beverages. 5-8 p.m. www.the-triton.com
Sept. 30-Oct. 2 International
BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Fla. Events at this trade-only show include 56 seminars, workshops, waterfront demonstrations and networking for boat builders, dealers, suppliers, designers, repairers, surveyors and boatyard/marine operators. www.ibexshow.com
Oct. 1 The Triton’s monthly networking event on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m., this month with Maritime Professional Training (MPT), 1915 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (33316). No RSVP necessary; just bring business cards and get ready to meet new people. Read more on page A16. www.the-triton.com
Oct. 1 Deadline to upload videos
for the 7th annual Fort Yachtie-Da International Film Festival. See Nov. 15 for details. www.fortyachtieda.com
Oct. 1-6 Genoa International Boat
Show, Genoa, Italy. A sales and brokerage show that attracts about 1 million visitors, 18 events, 4,000 exhibitors, sport events and concerts. www.genoaboatshow.com
Oct. 4 Launch of the 12th Volvo Ocean
Race, Alicante, Spain. This nine-month marathon on the seas travels four oceans and five continents. www.volvooceanrace.com
Oct. 7-8 ILO Maritime Labour
Convention (ILO MLC 2006), Rotterdam, Netherlands. Lloyd’s Register course for interpretation and application of the ILO MLC 2006 for managers, personnel/crew, technical staff, designated persons, masters and ships officers. www.lr.org
Oct. 8 Florida Yacht Brokers
Association’s Charter Seminar, Bahia Mar, Ft. Lauderdale. www.fyba.org
Oct. 8-11 International Marine
Electronics Conference and Expo, Fort Myers, Fla. Presented by National
Marine Electronics Association. www. NMEA.org
Oct. 9 Leadership Seminar, Bahia Mar
Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale. Free seminar to discuss leadership characteristics. Discussion to cover leadership communication, creating employee engagement and teamwork. 7:30-8:30 p.m. www.marineleadershipgroup.com
Oct. 9-10 Yacht Symposium and Job
Fair, Ft. Lauderdale. Seminar topics include wages, benefits, manning and the MLC, local development, brokerages, finance, new products, culinary trends, manuals and documentation. www.yachtsymposium. com
Oct. 9-13 Annapolis Sailboat
Brokerage Show and United States Sailboat Show, Annapolis, Md. www.usboat.com
Oct. 10 Cogs 4 Cancer Tribute
Ride, Marina Portosole, Sanremo. Bicycle ride to aid cancer research and to remember the people that the superyacht world has lost to this disease. cogs4cancer.org
Oct. 11-12 Annual Columbus Day Regatta from Miami’s Biscayne Bay to the Florida Keys. www. columbusdayregatta.net
Oct. 14-16 Marine Maintenance
World Expo, Brussels, Belgium. Free expo for the ship repair industry with 85 exhibitors and 50 speakers. www. marinemaintenanceworldexpo.com
Oct. 15 The Triton’s mid-month
networking event on the third Wednesday of most months from 6-8 p.m. This month with Ward’s Marine Electric, 617 S.W. Third Ave., Ft. Lauderdale (33315). To read more, see page A17. www.the-triton.com
Oct. 15-19 Barcelona International Boat Show, Port Vell, Spain. www.
See CALENDAR, page B18
October 2014 B17
B18 October 2014
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Boat shows in Spain, Greece, United States and BVI on calendar CALENDAR from page B17 salonnautico.com
Oct. 15-19 34th annual Athens
International Boat Show, Greece. www. athensboatshow.gr
Oct. 16-19 United States Powerboat
Show, Annapolis, Md. Oldest in-water powerboat show. www.usboat.com
Oct. 17 10th annual Awlgrip
Captains Golf Invitational, Boca Golf & Country Club. Captain’s license required, golf skills optional. www. captainsgolfinvitational.com
Oct. 23 Vilanova October Crew Party, Vilanova Grand Marina, Barcelona. Party for captains and crew. www. vilanovagrandmarina.com
Oct. 25 National Marine Suppliers’
Yacht Bikers Poker Run in Ft. Lauderdale. Last years’ ride hosted 300 riders, 500 participants and raised more than $5,000 for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. www.nationalmarine.com
Oct. 29 25th annual Ft. Lauderdale
Mariners Club Marine Seminar, “The Truth or the Devil to Pay”. Full-day seminar for insurance agents, brokers and underwriters, surveyors, admiralty attorneys and marine professionals. Offers continuing education credits for applicable industries. www.ftlmc.org
Oct. 30-Nov. 3 55th annual Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show. World’s largest in-water boat show
in six locations with 3 million square feet of display from megayachts to accessories. This year includes SeaFair, a 228-foot custom yacht, the AIM Pavilion, and VIP lounges. Themed areas include the Performance Village, the Sportfish Village, CruiserPort, the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) Pavilion, and Yacht Builders tent connected by shuttles and water transportation. Preview day is Thursday, Oct. 30 ($38 online, $40 at the show); and general admission tickets are $22 online, $24 at the show. Download the MyBoatShow app for details. www.showmanagement.com
Nov. 1 10th annual National Marine
Suppliers Customer Appreciation party, Ft. Lauderdale. The industry’s largest crew party. www.nationalmarine.com or info@nationalmarine.com.
MAKING PLANS Dec. 5-11 53rd annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show, Antigua
The industry’s largest charter yacht show based around historic Falmouth Harbor. Events include Concours de Chef and stew competitions, CYBA Hall of Fame presentation, themed yacht hops, seminars and yacht viewings. antiguayachtshow.com
Nov. 1 Boys N Toys Yacht Hop, Fort
Lauderdale International Boat Show. Hosted by Northrop & Johnson, the event benefits Kids In Distress. Tickets are $250. www.boysntoys.org
Nov. 1-5 7th National Summit on
Coastal and Estuarine Restoration. Hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries. www.estuaries.org
Nov. 2 Daylight saving time ends at 2
a.m. Set clocks back one hour in most of the United States (it is not observed in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands). www.timetemperature.com
Nov. 5 Normal first-Wednesday Triton networking cancelled due to being partied-out from the Ft. Lauderdale boat show.
Nov. 5-8 33rd BVI Charter Yacht show, Nanny Cay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. www.bvicrewedyachts.com
Nov. 7-23 29th annual Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival. www.fliff. com
Nov. 8 Crew4Yachts 7th annual
Captain and Crew Appreciation Party, The Sails Marina, Ft. Lauderdale. Free event for registered captains and crew. Crew4Yachts.net
Nov. 9-13 Intermediate Marina
Management course, Ft. Lauderdale. marinaassociation.org
Nov. 11-12 Navigation Revolution
Conference & Exhibition, London. Event to cover digital publications, GNSS vulnerability, ENC, GPS jamming, back-up systems, ACCSEAS, changes to deck officer position. For ship owners, operators, managers, seafarers, pilots, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, regulators, training companies, associations, insurers, hydrographic offices, classification societies, ship builders, lawyers and consultants. www.quaynote.com
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
SPOTTED: Ft. Lauderdale
Triton Spotters Capt. Steve Steinberg couldn’t find any masking paper when it was time to paint the lower units on the T/T Illiquid at Lauderdale Marine Center recently, so he grabbed his trusty Triton (after absorbing all the news first, of course). We’re glad to be of service.
Capt. Lee Rosbach mugs for the camera with his collection of Triton coffee mugs, many of which he collected by attending captains lunches over the past 10 years. They seem to have squeezed out all the other mugs in his kitchen cupboard, he says. We’re honored ours made the cut. Cheers.
Karen Goebel of KB Yachts of Florida in Ft. Lauderdale takes her leftover Tritons to the Broward County Animal Shelter where they are “appreciated” by kittens and cats alike. By the way, the shelter is always in need of towels and blankets, so any yachts getting refits and looking for a great place to dispose of old yacht linens, contact Karen; she’ll come pick them up (+1 954-646-9661).
Where have you taken your Triton lately? Whether reading on your laptop, tablet, smart phone or in print, show us how you get your crew news. Send photos to editorial@the-triton.com.
October 2014 B19
B20 October 2014
XXXXXXXXXX
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
C Section
See who’s who at events The industry enjoys Triton networking last month. C2,3
October 2014
Sports drinks step aside Boost your work and work-out with fresh, available fruits. C4
What goes on in the galley? Yacht chef’s new book goes behind the scenes onboard. C5
Purser position a chance for stews to add skills, advance
TRITON SURVEY: Cuba
Friendly, poor; Cuba’s contrasts stark to visiting yachts and crew This month’s survey comes from the curious mind of a yacht captain wondering what his fellow yachties are planning to do about Cuba (if anything) and the possibility of U.S. regulations against travel there being lifted. So we asked yacht captains and crew if they have been or Triton Survey plan to go, if they Lucy Chabot Reed liked it and what advice they had for others planning a voyage. It’s important to note that the majority of our 88 respondents were American (76 percent), which is interesting considering the results. A majority of our respondents were also captains (86 percent) in yachting more than 20 years (60 percent), which gives us some perspective. We started with the basic question: Have you ever been to Cuba? Slightly more than half of our respondents – 53 percent – have not. For the 47 percent who have gone, we offered lots of variables to dissect exactly how they went. Most of them went with the yacht (34 percent). Just 7 percent went without the yacht, but in their capacity as a yachtie. And 6 percent visited Cuba on their own time. Because there is much more to glean from yachties who have been to Cuba, we begin with a series of questions directed only to those who have visited the island nation. How many times have you been to Cuba? The majority of captains and crew who have been to Cuba have been just once (68 percent). Nearly a quarter said they have been a handful of times. A small group of about 6 percent said they have been more than a dozen times. And just 3 percent – one respondent – said he/she has been
Your order’s up Pork chops with applesauce plus chocolate spaghetti. C6,7
charm, struggling yet surviving, clean and safe. But sad to see a beautiful nation locked in an island jail. Appealing to see less outside influences such as McDonalds, however. Diving, fishing, pristine waters, friendly locals and loads of fun loving people. Fabulous atmosphere.” “It’s awesome,” said an American captain in yachting more than 20 years but who has been to Cuba just once. “If DuPont donated a million gallons of paint, Havana would once again be the place to go.” (To read more comments, see C12.) What did you like least? What they liked least were the poor conditions under which people lived.
Yacht stews who are passionate about their jobs are always looking for ways to learn more and progress in their careers. Unfortunately, once a career-minded stew reaches chief stew, employment advancement is limited. Some yachts have purser positions that take all the knowledge of a superb interior Stew Cues crew member and Alene Keenan add administrative, concierge and management duties, taking a stew’s career to the next level. “If a stew is skilled with administration and wishes to progress onboard, becoming the purser is a logical progression,” said Jodie Clarke, a former yacht purser who works for Superyacht Operating Systems. “A good purser may be an invaluable addition to the yacht, and may even be able to teach the captain some administrative shortcuts and techniques.” Superyacht Operating Systems is an online document library of yacht procedures, policies and employment documents, most of which are under a purser’s purview. Frequently, some or all of a purser’s duties are the responsibility of the chief stew, who works as the liaison between the yacht and the management company. The purser is expected to have knowledge about every aspect of guest services, from table setting and silver service, wine and cocktails, to laundry and housekeeping. In addition, the purser oversees operation of the interior, keeps track of all inventories, purchases and provisions for all departments, handles accounting for the yacht, and helps the captain with the ship’s paperwork. A purser is also responsible for working out the details between
See CUBA, page C10
See STEW, page C14
CONTRAST IN COLOR: The nightlife of the historic Tropicana Club is a stark contrast to the decaying roads and infrastructure in Cuba, as seen in photos taken by a yacht captain in September. PHOTOS PROVIDED there a lot of time as it’s one of the yacht owner’s favorite places. (This is an American captain in yachting more than 30 years currently running a yacht 100-120 feet.) What did you like best? By far, our respondents noted how friendly and nice the people of Cuba were to them. And there was a crowd of second favorite things: the diving, the culture, the history, the art, the music and dancing, the fishing, the old cars, the simple natural beauty. “The excitement of just being there, the culture,” said the captain of a yacht 80-100 feet in yachting more than 15 years. “There was nothing I didn’t like.” “The people, and the fact you enter a time machine and are in living history,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 5 years. “It’s very surreal. It’s like being on a Hollywood movie lot.” “A very European flavor amongst the islands in the Caribbean,” said an Australian captain who has been a handful of times with the yacht. “Culture, enduring citizens, Old World
C October 2014 TRITON NETWORKING: Yachty Rentals
A
bout 300 captains, crew and industry professionals joined The Triton for networking on the first Wednesday of September with Yachty Rentals in Ft. Lauderdale. New crew and old friends chatted over cold beverages and barbecue pig with all the fixings. PHOTOS/DORIE COX
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON NETWORKING: Yacht Flowers
A
bout 300 captains, crew and industry professionals gathered for Triton networking with Yacht Flowers in Ft. Lauderdale last month. Wonderful September weather made for a nice evening to meet and greet with people in yachting. The Triton welcomes the industry to regular networking on the first and third Wednesdays of most months. Check www.the-triton.com for details. PHOTOS/DORIE COX
October 2014 C
C October 2014 NUTRITION: Take It In
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Everyday fruits such as bananas, cherries fuel your A-game best Move over sports drinks. There are a couple of ordinary foods that research shows can boost nutrition and athletic performance and do so more deliciously than test tube-made supplements. Bananas. Grab a banana rather than a sports drink when you go bicycling. That’s what Dr. David Niemann, director Take It In Carol Bareuther of the Human Performance Lab at Appalachian State University in North Carolina recommend based on research published in 2012. In the study, scientists recruited 14 highly trained or elite cyclists, all men between the ages of 18 and 45. All rode regularly, ate a diet containing a moderate amount of carbohydrates and didn’t take vitaminmineral or herbal supplements. The cyclists were asked to complete two 50-mile rides, one while consuming Gatorade and the second ride three weeks later fueled with bananas and water before and during the ride. The researchers served each cyclist based on a specific number of grams of carbohydrate per kilogram of body weight. For example, a 150-pound cyclist ate the equivalent of three
medium bananas or slow pedaling, the drank two 20-ounce ones who drank bottles of Gatorade two 8-ounce cups of for each hour cycled. watermelon juice had Results revealed essentially no muscle that bananas were pain the next day. just as effective as Researchers Gatorade in aiding bought 10 seedless performance as watermelons and well as keeping juiced the fruit. They physiological pasteurized some measures such as and left the rest changes in blood unpasteurized. sugar, oxidative While stress on the body pasteurization and exercisecan kill potentially induced indicators of A fresh banana can fuel a great harmful bacteria, inflammation at bay. ride. PHOTO PROVIDED/NIKKI BARNES researchers found What bananas that this process also add to the fuel mix that the sports reduces the amount of the amino acid drink lacks is magnesium, vitamin B6, L-citrulline. It is the L-citrulline, via its vitamin C and heart-healthy omega-3 ability to boost nitric oxide production, fatty acids. Plus, cup for cup, bananas that increased blood flow and nutrients supply more muscle-friendly potassium to muscles to help reduce soreness. and less sodium than Gatorade. If you prefer the whole fruit, six cups Watermelon. If you want to of watermelon cut in chunks is about lessen the risk of sore muscles, add equal to two 8-ounce cups of juice. watermelon to your pre-exercise meal. Tart Cherries. Another beverage Researchers in Spain, who that can offer gulps of benefits for published their findings in a 2013 athletes is tart cherry juice. Tart or issue of the “Journal of Agricultural Montmorency cherries are traditionally Food Chemistry”, discovered that used to make juices. when seven athletic men cycled for Researchers from the UK’s 11 minutes on stationary bicycles, Northumbria University gave half of alternating between intense and a group of 16 well-trained cyclists 1
ounce of tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with water twice daily for seven days. On days five through seven, all of the participants undertook periods of high-intensity cycling designed to duplicate a three-day race. Results of this study, published in the 2014 journal “Nutrients”, showed that the tart-cherry-drinking cyclists fared much better than their placebo-drinking counterparts in terms of faster recovery times, less sore muscles and lower levels in the blood of substances that cause diseaseproducing inflammation and metabolic stress. The Michigan-based Cherry Marketing Institute, which is helping publicize this and similar studies, suggests athletes drink a 10-ounce glass of tart cherry juice before workouts and an additional 10-ounce glass within 30 minutes after a workout. Alternately, you can blend about 100 dried tart cherries into each 10-ounce equivalent serving of a smoothie. Be sure to include bananas, watermelon or tart cherry juice the next time you pack your cycling backpack or gym bag. Carol Bareuther is a registered dietitian and a regular contributor to The Triton. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@the-triton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
CREW NEWS
Megayacht chef offers Willy Wonka-like peek inside galley By Dorie Cox When Neal Salisbury was young he wanted to be an explorer and travel the oceans. He imagined his journeys on Christopher Columbus-type ships. Now at 46, he does sail the seas, but on much fancier vessels as a chef on megayachts. Salisbury has shared a look at this part of his life, as well as the chef industry onboard, in his first book, “The Billionaire’s Chef: Cooking for the Rich and Famished” released in September. “It’s a Willy Wonka tour of the industry, like winning a golden ticket,” Salisbury said. “You get an honest, nothing-held-back, look at who we are, who our bosses are, the statistics, and what to expect when working for the multi-billionaire.” As a chef, Salisbury has seen a lot of the world since he was 8 years old, baking Jiffy brand box mixes at home in Nashua, N.H. “I never followed the recipe and they never turned out,” he said. “My family doesn’t let me cook, since I left a burner on in the kitchen.” Since those days he has cooked for what he described as 20 of the world’s most reclusive billionaires, as well as Martha Stewart, P. Diddy, and Jerry Seinfeld on more than 100 boats. He specializes in large yachts and difficult programs. “I work where the owner is impossible and he hemorrhages chefs,” Salisbury said. “I don’t leave unless in I’m fired or in a body bag.” In “The Billionaire’s Chef,” he shares views from the yacht galleys and estate kitchens he has worked in. He explains rules of private service, how to work with a team and what to do when starting a new job, as well as meal planning, provisioning and how to outfit the galley or kitchen. Salisbury covers the routine for chefs, lists who reports to whom onboard, plus details job titles and descriptions for crew on yachts, planes and estates. He includes tips he has learned about the lifestyles of those he works for from the perspective of a chef. “You have to know how to read a table silently, how to provision on an island, how to meet the requirements of celebrities at work,” Salisbury said. “Did you know that in a plane your taste buds taste 10 percent less under cabin pressure?” he said. “You need to know how to flavor at elevation and
Chef Neal Salisbury shares insight into the yacht chef industry in his new book, “The Billionaire’s Chef: Cooking for the Rich and Famished” released in September. PHOTO PROVIDED what to do if you’re delayed or stuck on the runway.” Not a typical galley book, it has just one recipe (a royal family’s scone recipe). Salisbury said the book is about the industry, not about the food. “Recipes won’t help a chef in the Med or cooking for a certain owner’s dietary needs,” Salisbury said. “They will cook the way they cook, I can’t give them the recipes that will work for them.” Salisbury said someone helped him when he began as a chef and he figures he has helped up to 200 crew with advice. He sees the book as another way to help people from South Africa, Australia, United States or anywhere, get started. “The book goes through the process in detail,” he said. “I’ve been told the book is worth it just for that, as a career guide.” The first draft was begun in 2002 and Salisbury said he enjoyed sharing knowledge he has accumulated during his 15 years of experience onboard. He said he remembers when he first saw Oprah Winfrey’s chef on television and wondered how and where he could do that type of work. “Back then, there weren’t places to learn about that,” Salisbury said. He hopes his book will answer all those questions and more. To order or learn more visit www. thebillionaireschef.com. Dorie Cox is associate editor of The Triton. Comments on this story are welcome at dorie@the-triton.com.
October 2014 C
C October 2014 IN THE GALLEY: Top Shelf
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Spaghetti in an Orange-Chocolate Sauce It’s so easy and convenient to grab a box of dried pasta, throw it in some boiling water, wait 10 minutes and voila. But it will never compare to the texture, lightness and idealism of fresh pasta. With us being creatures of habit, this always seems to be the route more commonly tread, so let’s break that mold. Let’s change the preconception of “15 more minutes of work” into “15 minutes spent transforming a good meal into an unforgettable meal.” Heck, let’s even throw in some chocolate. I surprise myself every time I make this recipe as to how quick and painless it is. Truth be told, it would have to be for me to pull it off (as its only a dessert) whilst also focusing on the four prior courses and crew meals For the pasta: 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 4 Tbsps white sugar Seeds of 1 vanilla pod (sliced long way with seeds removed) 2 pinches salt 2 eggs 3 Tbsps canola oil 1 tsp vanilla extract Extra flour for rolling and kneading dough Extra canola oil for boiling pasta In a mixer with a dough hook, add cocoa powder, flour, sugar, vanilla bean seeds and salt. Mix on a medium speed for 1 minute. Add eggs, oil and vanilla, and continue to mix on a medium speed until the dough starts to form a ball and it has all come off the mixing bowl cleanly. (If the mix is too sticky, add flour a teaspoon at a time.) Place the dough ball on a floured work surface and knead for 5 minutes. The dough should be elastic and not too dry. Wrap the kneaded dough in cling wrap and rest for at least 2 hours. Roll the dough through your pasta machine starting with the largest setting. Roll it through twice and reduce setting size after each second consecutive roll. Once dough has passed through the smallest setting twice, remove pasta rolling attachment and add the spaghetti cutter attachment. Flour the attachment and start rolling pasta sheets through.
as well. This delicious dish is a great conversation piece for the owner and guests and, like all the recipes I share here, it’s an open canvas just waiting for you to Jackson-Pollock the convention right out of it. Varieties I have done in the past include dark chocolate with pepper flakes, dulce de leche with toasted macadamia nuts, and white chocolate ganache. Cut spaghetti in 8-inch lengths. For the chocolate sauce: 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped 3 Tbsps butter, melted 5 Tbsps orange juice In a double boiler set at medium heat, melt the chocolate. Slowly add in melted butter, whisking as you do. Slowly whisk in orange juice. Turn off heat. Whisking sauce every few minutes for a few seconds as you cook the pasta. Prepare: Cook the spaghetti in boiling, unsalted and oiled (4 Tbsps) water for 2-3 minutes. Drain quickly and add the pasta to the bowl containing the chocolate sauce. Toss gently, evenly coating with sauce. Plate immediately and garnish with grated white chocolate, mint leaves and a quartered fig. Mark Godbeer, a culinary-trained chef from South Africa, has been professionally cooking for more than 11 years, 9 of which have been on yachts (chefmarkgodbeer.com). Comments on this recipe are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
IN THE GALLEY: Crew Mess
Ingredients: 4 1 1/2-inch rib pork chops 2 quarts water 1/4 cup kosher salt 1/4 cup mustard seeds 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsps pickling spices 6 cloves garlic, smashed with side of a large knife 4-6 Tbsps olive oil To brine: Bring water to a boil with salt, mustard seeds, sugar, pickling spices and garlic. Simmer 15 minutes. Remove from heat. After brine has cooled to room temperature, transfer to zip lock bags and add chops. Refrigerate 24 hours, turning bags occasionally so brine is well incorporated.
Brined Pork Chops with Apple-Cinnamon Sauce The challenge of cooking poultry or pork is that white meats tend to dry out while cooking. Brining, or salting, is a way of increasing the moisture-holding capacity of meat resulting in a more moist product when cooked. Kosher salt and table salt (without iodine) are the most common salts used in brining. Sea salt can be used, but it tends to be quite expensive. Brine is to marinate as sautĂŠ is to braise.
To prepare: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Remove chops from brine and pat dry. Discard. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Brown the chops in batches, without crowding, turning once, 3 minutes on each side. Transfer the chops to a roasting pan and roast in middle of oven until a meat thermometer inserted horizontally into meat (do not touch bone) registers 155 degrees F, about 15 to 20 minutes. Plate the chops and top with sauce below.
October 2014 C
While chops are roasting in the oven, prepare the apple-cinnamon sauce. The sauce: 3 Tbsps brown sugar Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 stick unsalted butter 2 tart (Granny Smith) apples, peeled, cored and sliced In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet, and stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook over medium heat until apples are just tender, about 5 minutes. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops. Keep warm in the preheated oven. Continue cooking sauce, uncovered, until thickened slightly. Spoon the sauce over apples and chops. Serve on smashed potatoes with oven-roasted green beans. 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..
C October 2014 IN THE GALLEY: Culinary Waves
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Try these go-to base recipes for last-minute galley emergencies In the last issue I spoke about having parties is protein, but be careful putting an employer who is the consummate up protein as it will show signs of entertainer when onboard. It takes freezer burn if not wrapped properly or planning and tricks to keep abreast of kept too long. And even though protein the unexpected is a party staple, it has limitations. Not party or get everyone eats it, for one. together this owner But even vegetarians will eat a always throws your shortcrust pastry made with vegan way, including time butter and a protein substitute instead sheets to help with of egg, such as tofu or flax seed ground your timing and up and boiled with water to form a putting food up paste. so you’ll always be For diabetics, substitute the sugar ready. for xylitol, and consider a heart healthy Culinary Waves This month, let’s butter substitute. You can also use Mary Beth discover one food coconut butter instead of regular Lawton Johnson item that can be butter. adapted to fit any The great thing about shortcrust palate, and one that will not be tossed pastry is that it can adapt to anything. aside in favor of those boring crudite It can be savory as a base for quiches, plates. The key questions you must or used to enrobe a protein. Roll it out answer when keeping one item in your very thin, wrap it around an asparagus freezer for the unexpected party are: stick wrapped in prosciutto and bake 1. Will it work it. Press toasted well as a base sesame seeds onto for finger foods it or fresh herbs. This one food item or other types of Use it to can be adapted to fit cocktail food? create a mini any palate. 2. Can it be Chateaubriand. frozen with ease? Roll it thin, use a It should last for cookie cutter and up to three months and thaw easily at a bake it. Put smoked salmon on top. (If moment’s notice. it appears to be rising uneven while 3. Can it adapt to other foods you baking, place a baking sheet on top of it might want to serve or to any theme for to flatten it.) a party? For sweet applications, sprinkle 4. Can it work for special diets? You it with brown sugar, chopped nuts, never know who’s coming, so it has to cinnamon and butter. Cut it using a be ready for heart healthy, gluten free fluted cutter and bake. Top with grilled and diabetes, at least. fruit. Make tiny tarts and fill with So, what one item fits that bill? lemon curd or roasted fruit. Shortcrust pastry. Sweet and savory, gluten free or Mary Beth Lawton Johnson is a certified modified for some other special diets, executive pastry chef and Chef de shortcrust pastry has many different Cuisine and has worked on yachts for uses, and all of them delicious. more than 25 years. Comments on this Another obvious surprise food item column are welcome at editorial@thethat many chefs put up for unexpected triton.com.
Shortcrust pastry recipes French Shortcrust Pastry 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour Pinch of salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces (I have added fresh herbs and even tomato paste, anchovy paste or sundried tomatoes when making this for savory applications) In a food processor, pulse the flour with the salt. Slowly add the chilled butter until incorporated. Add a teaspoon of chilled water until it forms a dough. Take out of processor and form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap. Chill for 45 minutes. Freeze for later use.
French Sweet Shortcrust Pastry (pate sucree) 3 1/2 oz butter softened, unsalted 2 1/2 oz sugar (caster is preferred) 3 egg yolks 7 oz all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting board Cream butter and sugar together until well combined. Beat in egg yolks one at a time until fully incorporated. Mix in the flour until the mixture forms a dough. Using a floured board, knead it briefly. Wrap it plastic and chill for 30 minutes. Freeze for later use.
C10 October 2014 TRITON SURVEY: Cuba
How many times have you been to Cuba? A lot A dozen 3% times+ 6% Handful of times 24%
How were the marinas you visited?
www.the-triton.com
Were things like shore power up to your needs?
Excellent Good 3% and bad 6%
Just once 68%
Not very good 32%
OK 58%
How was tipping? Demanded 7%
Yes 10% Never 42%
The Triton
Usually 26%
Expected 31%
Graciously accepted 62%
Not often 23%
Culture and people a draw; poverty and limitations deterrents CUBA, from page C1 “The place is beautiful but also very sad,” said a captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in yachting more than 25 years. Second to the social conditions was the limits on movement yachts had. “The diving was best,” said another captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in yachting more than 25 years. “The least? Seeing the economic system that all the people live under. Wait, no, the real worst part of Cuba was the checkin and check-out for every boat move. And having inspectors on board on each end for check-in and check-out.” Which ports have you been to? Which one(s) was your favorite? The most common marinas were Hemingway Marina and the port of Havana, with most respondents going to one or the other or only those two. “Hemingway Marina, port of Havana only,” said the captain of a yacht less than 80 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “Hemingway was an easy in and out.” “Hemingway in Havana,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 in yachting
more than 30 years. “Most other locations are anchorages only as the docks are not in good condition for any large yachts.” “We sailed the north shore from Havana to the western tip over two weeks,” said the captain of a yacht 100120 feet in yachting more than 25 years. “The western tip was great.” “Havana, then cruised around the west coast and finished on the south coast, then departed for Cancun,” said the captain of a yacht 120-140 feet in yachting more than 10 years. Other common ports visited were Varadero, Cienfugos and Santiago de Cuba. Other ports – and there were more than dozen others mentioned – were mentioned only once. How were the marinas you visited? The majority of respondents said that most of the marinas they visited were satisfactory (58 percent) with the next largest group (32 percent) saying they were not very good. Just 3 percent – one respondent – said the marinas were mostly great. Were things like shorepower up
to your needs? The largest group (42 percent) said never. “The main marina, Hemingway Marina, only had 50 amps,” said an American captain in yachting less than 10 years. “That could not supply power to our vessel, which requires 100 amps.” “Cuba is like everywhere else: for a 30-50m yacht, yes, marinas can supply space and power,” said WHO. “But for larger yachts, we don’t fit in Hemingway and the cruise terminal in Havana doesn’t have this ability as cruise ships don’t get shore power. Everywhere else, we’re at anchor, but this happens everywhere for this size of yachts, in the Med, the U.S., Mexico, you name it. The marinas tell you they have these services, but then you arrive and they can’t accommodate you, or they have to improvise or modify what they have.” About a quarter said things like shorepower were adequate in most places. “In Hemingway Marina, electricity was OK,” said the captain of a yacht 80100 feet in yachting more than 15 years.
“In the port of Havana, we went to a large government dock, not a regular marina. There were no recreational boat hookups.” Nearly a quarter more said not often. “Shore power was three cables running down the sidewalk,” said a captain who visited Cuba just once. “They stripped off the insulation, wound our cord wires around and taped it up. Voltage naturally was very unstable. Better to burn the fuel and stay on generator.” “Shore pedestals were there sometimes, but didn’t work,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet in yachting more than 20 years. “We loaned the electrician our electrical kit and spares and he fixed half of the marina.” “Very weird wiring,” said the captain of a yacht 200-220 feet in yachting more than 30 years. “Low voltage when the marina is full is very common. Definitely not UL rated.” Just 10 percent said the services were sufficient everywhere they went.
See CUBA, page C11
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON SURVEY: Cuba
Did the yacht’s flag affect how Did crew and guest passports you were treated? affect how you were treated? Definitely 10%
I don’t think so 72%
Maybe 17%
I don’t think so 77%
Definitely 13% Maybe 10%
October 2014 C11
How did the yacht’s insurer handle your visit? Extra premium 12%
We didn’t tell 42%
Would you go back? Sure 17%
Nothing differently 46%
If I had to 6% Absolutely 78%
Space and shorepower often a challenge; tipping welcomed CUBA, from page C10 “We only stayed in one marina, Hemingway Marina,” said one satisfied captain, in yachting more than 25 years and now running a yacht 100-120 feet. “For another couple weeks, we tripped around at anchor.” How was tipping? Sixty-two percent said tips were graciously accepted. “Tips are welcome everywhere, not only in Cuba,” said the captain of a yacht more than 220 feet in yachting more than 15 years. “What they do care about is being treated with dignity, especially authorities when they board the yacht. Don’t offer them money; just treat them with respect. Offer them coffee or something to eat, even a souvenir of the yacht and you will make friends. And don’t act offensive as they don’t act like that.” “I found the officials nervous of being tipped; even a can of Coke they hid,” said the captain of a yacht 140-160 feet. “To tip in a country where a doctor earns $15 a month could destroy these people.”
About 30 percent said tips were expected. Just 7 percent said they were demanded. “Customs claimed certain items as theirs to keep,” said a captain in yachting more than 30 years who has traveled to Cuba with the yacht. “Everyone works for the regime,” said the captain of a yacht 80-100 feet in yachting more than 25 years. “A cancer-curing (!) doctor or gas station attendant earns $19.50 equivalent per month with food stipend, so all extra money really makes a difference.” “In the marina, the workers were not very demanding and appeared thankful for tips, but the rest of the country it seemed like tips were actually heavily expected, just short of demanded,” said an American captain in yachting more than 15 years who visited Cuba just once. “In downtown Havana, tips were demanded.” “Doctors only make $20-25 a month so when word gets out you tip, there is no shortage of people lurking around the boat looking for gifts and money,” said an American captain of a yacht 100-120 feet. “Many just asked for
it. Customs and immigration did as well as the department of agriculture straight up asked for money and gifts.” “We didn’t tip and they didn’t ask,” said the captain of a yacht 80-100 feet. “It’s not your usual South Florida marina with dock attendants.” Did the flag on the yacht make a difference in how you were treated? Just 10 percent were confident that the flag did make a difference. About 17 percent thought that it might have. But most, 72 percent, doubted that it did. “All flags are OK and welcome, even U.S.,” said the captain of a yacht larger than 200 feet who has been to Cuba more than a dozen times. “The only restriction is no American banks cards. Visa, Mastercard, whatever, is OK, but not one issued by an American bank. “We had a Dutch flag on the boat and it was all fine,” said an American captain in yachting more than 25 years. “No issues at all.” Did the passports of the crew or guests make a difference in how you were treated? The answers here were similar,
with about 13 percent confident that their nationality impacted their visit, about 10 percent who thought it might have, and 77 percent who doubted it mattered at all. “There were no U.S. citizens onboard,” said an Australian captain in yachting more than 30 years. “Americans can travel to Cuba via Mexico and do not seem to be treated any lesser than anyone else, from our knowledge. U.S.-flagged yachts also frequent Cuba nowadays without any issues. Times are a-changin for the Cuban nation.” “They were happy to meet Americans as they all had relatives there,” said a captain who has been to Cuba a handful of times over 20 years in yachting. “No hassle entering, no questions,” said an American captain who visited just once. How did the yacht’s insurer handle your plans to visit Cuba? Most, about 46 percent, said the yacht’s insurer did nothing differently.
See CUBA, page C13
TRITON SURVEY: Cuba C12 October 2014
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Cuba entices with water, culture; not fully yacht capable, yet We asked respondents if yachts should visit Cuba and if they thought infrastructure could handle it. The country’s infrastructure is not ready, but they can handle some yachts for sure, with limited facilities. Anchorages are available in some locations. Resort facilities exist in the more popular beach areas. Hemingway is the only really decent-sized marina in the entire country. l
l
l
It is a bit of an adventure down south. Good fishing, but somewhat restrictive. It’s great to see once. l
l
l
Infrastructure in Cuba, generally speaking for all purposes, is a bit behind due to reasons we all know, but they are trying. As as far as I know, they have plans to build more and bigger marinas. There was a project going on in Varadero for big yachts. l
l
l
Not 100 percent ready, and seeing yachts splash around money is a concern for that economy. I think too much too fast will hurt them. l
l
l
They want us and have for years. I know of foreign-flagged boats that go. The infrastructure is not “yachtie” but we anchor out in other places. Heck,
Monaco has really screwed up power and it is incredibly popular. Cuba’s coastline is almost as long as Florida’s. Lots of cool places to explore. l
l
l
The people of Cuba would appreciate the business. You have to remember that the rest of the world is visiting Cuba, have businesses there, hotels and such. l
l
l
However, with 30 years in yachting, there was no infrastructure anywhere in the old days. That’s the challenge and the beauty of cruising a yacht. We don’t need marinas and agents; it’s just a convenience (and sometimes a PITA). l
l
l
I don’t think so but if they have fuel, we’re self sufficient otherwise. It’s about time, dammit. l
l
l
I’m not sure but I’m preparing my business plan now. Plan to sail from Cancun on a regular basis. l
l
l
You don’t need a marina to go cruising. As long as you can provision and fuel, what more do you need? l
l
l
If you can keep your expectations low, you will be pleasantly surprised. I’ve been to lesser developed regions of the world on a yacht and had some
of the best times of my yachting life. Land was created so boats would have a place to visit. If you don’t like it, just cast off and leave. It’s really that simple. l
l
l
The infrastructure was not at all ready when we were there in 2006. Except for the Hemingway Marina, we just stayed at anchor. The navigation aids were minimal. It was a great trip, but that was a mindset of the crew, not so much the location. l
l
l
It’s an island. If you don’t take it with you, it is probably not there. l
l
l
I think anyone visiting would have to put on their patient hat and prepare vessel and crew as if they were voyaging much further afield than a hundred miles from the U.S. coast. l
l
l
Go now before it changes. l
l
l
I was there 15 years ago and it was ready. I can only assume it’s better. l
l
l
The infrastructure is basic but that’s the big draw. Virgin cruising at its best. l
l
l
Plenty of yachts travel to remote and rustic areas. The crew are very resourceful in pulling off magic in places that may not be five-star
capable. But then again, that’s part of the fun of the job and gives the crew a chance to shows off their skills. l
l
l
Yachts need to come. It’s an amazing destination. Infrastructure is not ready, but once they build it, they will come. l
l
l
It’s interesting to go once, but that is enough. There are better places to go for everything except the culture. l
l
l
They are not ready at all for a large influx of yachts. They have no spare parts but lots of good will. l
l
l
As a captain, I am bound to keep my crew, guests and yacht out of harm’s way. Why would I take a chance until the restrictions are lifted? There are too many other beautiful places to go. l
l
l
Lifting the embargo and moving the nation toward more free exchange with the world can only improve infrastructure and gradually introduce the Cuban citizens to a less oppressive way of life. You can control a people, but you cannot control an idea. l
l
l
I tend to doubt they can handle the number of vessels that will want to go right away. The demand is going to be huge, one day. Soon?
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
TRITON SURVEY: Cuba
October 2014 C13
Passports posed little problem; insurance an issue for some CUBA, from page C11 But 42 percent of our respondents said they didn’t tell the insurer. Just 12 percent said they were charged an extra premium for the journey to Cuba. “Our insurer only excludes Haiti and Colombia, not Cuba,” said the captain of a yacht larger than 220 feet. Several captains said the yacht switched insurance companies from those in the U.S. to ones in Europe. “We had to switch our policy to Lloyd’s of London to be covered, as our policy was with a U.S. insurance company and they won’t cover you in Cuba,” said the American captain of a yacht 200-220 feet. “Our current insurance specifically states that Cuba, Colombia and Venezuela are areas of non coverage,” said the captain of a yacht 100-120 feet. “They don’t care if we sail there, but we are self-insured during the trip.” Would you go back? The vast majority (78 percent) said they absolutely would, with the bulk of the rest willing to return, if only a little less enthusiastically. “I think it’s great, and I want to go back more before it is opened up,” said a captain in yachting more than 10 years who has visited several times. A few respondents would go back if the boss wanted to go, and no one said they would never go back. And finally, we asked our Cuban veterans if they had any advice for their yachting brethren who plan to go. “I was in Cuba early December with the yacht. We are Marshall Islandflagged but U.S. owned and we had no trouble,” said an American captain. “We arrived in Marina Hemingway where the vessel was searched and then spent a week there before the boss arrived. We then spent the next two weeks cruising Cuban waters, departing Havana and cruising the west and south coasts before departing Cuba for Cancun to disembark the guests. “All in all, it was a good time,” this captain said. “Bit of a headache, though, having to check in and out of every port. Even if at anchor, a Cuban official comes out and searches the vessel and wants to see all persons onboard, often disrupting my guests as a lot of our movements were at night. “But the diving and fishing is like nowhere else I have been in the Caribbean, so untouched,” he said. “We paid for everything in cash so as not to leave a credit card paper trail, and cell phones do not work there, unless you have a European one. We are planning on going back again this year.” “Yachts have to realize that the nation has been locked up for over 50 years,” said a captain in yachting more than 30 years. “The communist government does not spend any of its funds on any maintenance or upgrades whatsoever. Cuba is easy to operate
Do you want to go to Cuba?
Will you travel to Cuba with the yacht at some point? Yes, regardless of rules 9%
Not really 11% Sure 46% Yes, can’t wait 43%
within, provided you go there with your eyes open and abide by the rules of the country. Mostly security related, so long as you don’t attract any attention, everything runs smoothly. They do not accept U.S. dollars or U.S. credit cards at all. Best to have euros, sterling or convert euros to the local currency when you arrive. “Facilities are available in most places, but no shore power at all, and water should be sterilized,” this captain said. “Best to clear in and out of Hemingway in Havana first, then venture onward throughout the island. Cell phone sim cards can be purchased in the country. Internet is only available in hotel lobbies. If the yacht has Vsat, you should be OK for communication. “The supermarkets are basic but they do exist. Best to stock up the yacht well, particularly with dry provisions, drinks, etc. There is a great fresh market in Havana. The basics of most items are available but best with a local to guide you to the best places. Taxis, car rentals and tours are available. Best to obtain a local English-speaking guide. Private guides are available at
Yes, when rules change 41%
What has kept you from traveling to Cuba thus far? I’m not interested 4%
No 50%
the marina in Havana.” Even though half of our respondents have not been to Cuba, we still had more questions for them. We were curious to learn Do you think you will travel to Cuba with the yacht? Half said the yacht had no plans to visit the island nation (but at least one respondent penciled in that he would like to). The bulk of the rest (41 percent) said they planned to go as soon as U.S. restrictions are lifted. Only 9 percent said they were planning a trip, regardless of U.S. policy. “Several years ago I was told that the moment we could legally go to Cuba from the U.S. and back and not have to hide the fact – fuel, provisions – to be ready to go,” said the American captain of a yacht 80-100 feet. “I’m still waiting.” What has kept you from traveling to Cuba thus far? Two-thirds of our predominantly American respondents said they haven’t yet visited because of the U.S. restrictions, as the owner, guests, crew and/or yacht are American. About 30 percent said the owner just isn’t interested in visiting Cuba.
Owner not interested 29%
U.S. restrictions 67%
Only 4 percent admitted that they themselves just weren’t interested. Beyond the rules that impact the majority of our respondents (who were American, remember), we were curious if yacht captains and crew wanted to go, so we asked Do you want to go? Most (89 percent) do, but their level of enthusiasm is almost evenly split between “Sure, it’s a new place for us and likely will be interesting” (46 percent) and “Yes, I can’t wait” (43 percent). “The sooner the better,” said the American captain of a yacht 200-220 feet. “It’s on the bucket list,” said an American captain in yachting more than 20 years. Lucy Chabot Reed is editor of The Triton. Comments on this survey are welcome at lucy@the-triton.com. We conduct our monthly surveys online. All captains and crew members are welcome to participate. If you haven’t been invited to take our surveys and would like to be, e-mail lucy@the-triton. com to be added.
C14 October 2014 INTERIOR: Stew Cues
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
Advanced skills required for purser; not officially regulated STEW, from page C1 guests and crew, and planning guest activities. She or he will provide concierge services, and will be expected to have knowledge about restaurants, entertainment, and activities that are available in the yacht’s cruising areas. Exceptional communication, organizational, diplomacy, and delegation skills are mandatory. Some yachts hire pursers who have come from cruise ships, however, there is specific experience that a purser on a yacht needs to have, especially for working with builders and contractors in the shipyard and on refits. A purser needs to be sufficiently trained about various administrative duties that deal with compliance, such as ISM, ISPS, MARPOL, emergency response, crew recruitment, and safe manning rules, to name a few. At present, however, the only way to become a purser is to be a purser; that is, to do the job. Countless chief stews handle some level of purser duties in addition to their normal tasks. It is only on the largest vessels where the workload is so much that a separate position is created. But maybe that’s short-sighted. “In light of the ever-increasing regulations, the administrative workload placed upon a captain and his officers can be detrimental to the proper functioning of the yacht,” said Jake DesVergers, chief surveyor at International Yacht Bureau. “The role of the purser, then, would be to support the captain with these duties.” There are no officially recognized regulatory standards in yachting at this time. The PYA’s proposed guidelines for Yacht Interior Training has a level 4 Management category, but the actual term “purser” is not included in the list of qualifications. However, the STCW Management Course, accounting and budgets for yachts, and an introduction to safety management course are exactly what purser training should entail. “This kind of course gives senior crew additional confidence in running their department,” said Alison Rentoul, the Crew Coach. “It also provides highly valuable transferable skills that will help them make the transition to a shore-based role if they choose to go down that path.” At present, there is a limited number of purser positions in the recruitment pool that make it to crew agency job postings. The agents I have spoken with agree that as soon as a position becomes available, it is filled by a stew being promoted from within, or by word of mouth. And not all large yachts have an official stand-alone purser position. However, the demand for properly trained pursers might increase
if there were a recruitment pool. It seems to me that it would be helpful to the captain and the management team to have someone with advanced skills onboard who is sufficiently trained and qualified to help create uniformity of the administration process and to assist heads of department and the captain to streamline their admin duties. According to Clarke, it stands to reason that with the growth of the yachting there cannot be enough trained and experienced pursers to fulfill the quantity of 70m+ yachts that are in the industry today, and training is the only way to change that. “A good chief stew can provide training to junior stews on the job, but captains seldom have the time to devote to training an inexperienced purser,” she said. Unfortunately, not everyone in leadership positions in yachting agrees that there is a need for additional interior crew training. And worse, there are captains who do not put a premium on the salaries of stews with these skills. Rentoul sums the situation up: “The economy of our business is entirely based on the pleasure our owners and guests derive from the yachts. An enormous part of this is what the interior provides to make their time onboard as enjoyable and immaculate an experience as possible. Any training that increases the interior team’s ability to provide exceptional service is an investment in the successful operation of a vessel and successful economic future of our industry. “On top of this, purser training is an essential complement to the running of the yacht, allowing for a more professional working environment and giving vital administrative support that frees up other crew to focus on their most important roles,” she said. “I think it is extremely short-sighted to invest only in operational, deck-style training, as we are at heart a service industry. While competency in running and driving the vessel is a basic requirement, service training should be the primary focus for business-savvy owners and captains alike.” Let’s hope that purser courses are going to be an accepted avenue for stews to grow professionally and be fairly compensated for their skills. Alene Keenan has been a megayacht stew for more than 20 years. She teaches at MPT in Ft. Lauderdale and offers interior crew training through her company, Yacht Stew Solutions (www. yachtstewsolutions.com). Download her book, The Yacht Service Bible, on her site or amazon.com. Comments on this column are welcome at editorial@thetriton.com.
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
HEALTH: The Yachtie Glow
Seven simple ways to increase the good vibes, times on board Today, I read an article on the No. 3, keeping your personal space Wake Up World website called “7 clean is essential to being a good crew Ways to Increase the Good Vibes in member. It will also raise the good vibes Your Home”. For yachties, the boat is of the boat by having crew who care our home, but about where they live and work. unfortunately A messy crew mess and crew cabins we can’t have are the window into the attitude of the salt rock lamps crew on board. Keep your space clean and essential oils and set a good example for others. burning. 5. Have a life outside of yachting. Despite that, Having a life outside of yachting is there are many sometimes difficult but it may just things we can mean that you keep up with your do on board to other interests. If you are an artist, for The Yachtie Glow raise the vibes example, don’t let those skills sink into Angela Orecchio and make it a the background of your life until they fantastic place to are non-existent. live and work. You may not make the connection 1. Attitude. It’s always said that but if you forgo all of your other attitude is everything, and it’s true. interests, your happiness level could Everyone knows that depending on start to drop. Plus, more time working your mood, you will see a situation on your passions means less time either one way spending money at or the other. In the local crew pub, yachting and life and everyone can A messy crew mess you will get much benefit from that. and crew cabins are farther if you check 6. Bond with the window into the your attitude. Is it your crew. Crew attitude of the crew on one that radiates bonding is critical positivity, or do for increasing the board. Keep your space most things look good vibes on a clean and set a good bleak and feel like boat. Even if the example for others. a drag? If it’s the crew don’t seem former, you will to have anything not only get farther in common, doing in life but you will actually enjoy the something together as a crew can ride. Nothing makes you naturally feel be the start of a great professional positive and have a great attitude like relationship. taking care of your health. To really bond, do something 2. Take care of your health. healthy outdoors and maybe have a Your diet should consist of at least 90 challenge of some kind. Do something percent healthy, whole foods, heavy that prompts many laughs and can in fruits and vegetables. The reason be discussed the next day. Of course, for this is that you want the cleanest bonding at the pub can also be a good burning fuel in your body as possible. thing, but your relationships will When your body gets this, it rewards feel a lot more meaningful if you do you with a light, happy energy. something together that is active and It’s also important to sweat almost healthy. every day and stay committed to it. 7. Radical Honesty. This is a Drink 2-3 liters of water. Get 8-10 hours difficult necessity but a necessity all of sleep starting no later than 10 p.m. the same. Radical honesty means (earlier is better). Get enough vitamin that if you have a problem with D, iodine and B12. Have healthy someone on board, you speak to them relationships. And refer back to No. 1. diplomatically, right away. (But wait 3. Learn what it takes to be a until your emotions have subsided and great crew member. Great crew you can think and act clearly.) members follow the rules of the boat, The captain should emphasize the keep themselves and their personal importance of this, but many captains areas clean, do things to make others don’t do it themselves. Be the one crew members’ jobs easier, and fill a who starts this and, if it’s appropriate, room with positive energy. approach the captain and suggest it. Looking for something to do to Nothing will keep a crew together and make someone happy on board? Maybe happy like a commitment to Radical refill someone’s water bottle and put Honesty from an entire crew. it in the fridge for them, so when they come inside for it, it’ll be cold and feel Angela Orecchio is a chief stew and great. Or go out of your way to make certified health coach. This column was someone feel recognized for something edited from her blog, The Yachtie Glow they did well. Spreading these kinds of (www.angelaorecchio.com), which offers crew relations is key to a happy boat. tips on how to be healthy, fit and happy 4. Keep your personal space and on board. Comments are welcome at crew space clean. As mentioned in editorial@the-triton.com.
October 2014 C15
C16 October 2014 PUZZLES
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
SUDOKUS
Try these puzzles below based on numbers. There is only one rule for the number puzzles: Every row, every column and every 3x3 box must contain the digits 1 through 9 only once. Don’t worry, you don’t need arithmetic. Nothing has to add up to anything else. All you need is reasoning and logic.
CALM
STORMY
ADVERTISER DIRECTORY Company Adventure Sports Advanced Mechanical Enterprises AERE Marine Group Alexseal Yacht Coatings All Points Boats Amerjet International Antibes Yachtwear ARW Maritime Avis Rent A Car BARZ Eyewear Beer’s Group Bellingham Marine (Stock Island Marina Village) Bohlke International Airways Bradford Marine Brownie’s Yacht Diver Business card advertisers C&N Yacht Refinishing Cable Marine Cape Ann Towing Culinary Convenience Dennis Conner’s North Cove Marina Decksters DYT Yacht Transport FendElegance FenderHooks
Page Company A11 A14, B10 C9 B2 B10 B14 C14 B14 B18 B16 A7 A18 A4 A3 A25 C17-19 A2 B20 B12 B6 A8 B10 A23,B6 B15 B13
Foster ‘s Yacht Services Galley Hood GeoBlue Insurance Global View Systems Global Yacht Fuel GO2 Global Yachting Gran Peninsula Yacht Center Greencorp Marine Hacker Boat Company Hight Seas Hydraulics High Seas Trading High Seas Yacht Service IGY Marinas International Crew Training ISS GMT Global Marine Travel Kookaburra Salon & Spa17 KVH Industries Lauderdale Diver Lauderdale Marine Center Lauderdale Propeller Lifeline Inflatable Services LXR Marinas Marina Bay Marina Resort Marine Industries Association of South Florida Marine Outfitters
Page A15 A7 C2 A19,C14 B13 B9 A21 A9 B17 A15 A15 A14 A28 A10 A6 A7 B3 B9 A14,B10 A21 B19 C4 B7 A22 A12
Company Maritron The Marshall Islands Registry Matthew’s Marine A/C Megafend Mooring Products Merle Stewart Designs MPT Maritime Professional Training National Marine Suppliers Nautical Ventures Neptune Group Newmil Marine Northern Lights Overtemp Marine Palladium Technologies Professional Tank Cleaning & Sandblasting Professional Marine Duct Cleaning Professional Yachtmaster Training ProStock Marine Quiksigns Quintessentially People Renaissance Marina River Supply River Services Robovault Rossmare International Bunkering Royale Palm Yacht Basin RPM Diesel
Page Company C5 C11 C5 C12 A12 C20 B8,C3 A13 A7 A14 B4 C6 C10 B19 A19 A14 A5 C15 B10 C13 A7 A4 C6 B19 B11,C8
Sailorman Seafarer Marine Seaway Marine Services Sea School Smart Move Accomodations Southern Cross Boatworks Staniel Cay Yacht Club Tartack Chiropractic TESS Electrical The Diver The Fiberglass Shop The Marine Leadership Group The UPS Store TowBoatU.S Trac Ecological Green Products Tradewinds Radio Unlimited Marine Services Ward’s Marine Electric Watermakers, Inc. Waterway Guide West Marine Westrec Marinas Yacht Entertainment Systems Zeno Mattress Zodiac of Fort Lauderdale
Page A2 B12 B10 C5 C6 B10 B4 A8 A26,B11 B10 A14 B15 C15 C5 A17 C8 B11 A20 B18 C7 A24 A16 B14 B13 A19
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
October 2014 C17
C18 October 2014 BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
www.the-triton.com
The Triton
The Triton
www.the-triton.com
BUSINESS CARD ADVERTISERS
October 2014 C19