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A Mega-Island?

According to a recent report on CNN.com, there's a brand new mega-model on the horizon. That's right, the floating island. Megayacht design company Wally has devised plans for a 100-meter vessel that will serve not just as a boat, but as a floating estate meant to accommodate those who want a year-round, liveaboard lifestyle but don't want to sacrifice luxury. The island-yacht, which can accommodate 24 guests and 40 crew, has what her designers refer to as a "commercial look." But that doesn't mean she can't be personalized. In fact, owners can incorporate just about any feature they want, from oversize helipads to Olympic size pools. The team at Wally drew up two possible options—the full tennis court and giant tropical garden (seen here). So what do you think? Will megayacht owners go for the year-round, floating-island lifestyle?

No Takers

Late last fall Saddam Hussein's megayacht, Ocean Breeze, finally got a for-sale sign. Now, two months later, that for-sale sign is still swinging in, well, the breeze (pun intended). The former dictator's 270-foot vessel is now making its way back to Basra, Iraq, courtesy of the Iraqi government. It had been moored in France where it waited for a nearly yearlong ownership battle to play out in the courts (see "Winds of Change," in our February issue).

Built in 1981, the megayacht sports a mini-operating theater, a helicopter landing pad, bathrooms with gold-plated fixtures and a secret passageway. When it hit the market in November industry experts expected it to fetch approximately $30 million; however, as the global economic crisis rages most buyers are tightening their purse strings, sitting on the sidelines until the markets take a turn for the better.

According to a statement from Iraqi government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh, the Iraqi finance ministry had been instructed to pay about two percent of Ocean Breeze's value to a lawyer handling the paperwork. In addition, it had to pay mooring fees and the charges of a Greek company that had been maintaining the megayacht. To avoid continued mooring fees—and possible lawsuits concerning them—the government decided to bring the Ocean Breeze home.

More on Ethanol

In the January issue of Power & Motoryacht, Capt. Patrick Sciacca chronicled two boaters’ adventures with ethanol gasoline (Encounters With Ethanol). In 2003, several states switched from traditional methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) to a fuel blend containing 10 percent ethanol (E10)—with many arguing that the move will help reduce our dependency on foreign oil. However, Sciacca’s article detailed how E10 can also erode fiberglass fuel tanks and rubber hoses.

Now the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA) has taken a stand on the issue. Its board of directors recently approved a resolution supporting “all efforts to retain current federal ethanol gasoline additive standards of E10 and oppose any attempts to increase additive levels beyond that level due to the destructive nature of ethanol to marine engine systems and the resulting safety considerations to vessel passengers.”

The resolution was one of several given to the MRAA by the Advisory Council of Marine Associations at MRAA’s annual convention this past November.

Catch the Wave

Kicking off a new year, CharterWave.com has kicked off a revamped Web site as well. The two-year-old site, which is an online source for crewed charter yachts, now features a new design and reader-friendly features. Looking for the latest information on the industry? Check out the CharterWave Digital Newsstand, which offers articles and informational brochures posted on the Web. Other new features include “Three Brokers Say”, a monthly editorial piece, and “Sponsored Blog News.”

“As our readership has grown and our readers have proved to be charter clients, more companies than we could previously accommodate have requested advertising space,” explained CharterWave founder and editor Kim Kavin. “ Demand has risen dramatically in the past six month as the economy has declined and good vale in advertising has become paramount.”

New York-based Media Buoy worked with CharterWave to make the redesign a reality.

China-Florida Connection

Tricon Marine has put the finishing touches on its shipyard outside Zhuhai, China in a move that makes it the only wholly owned and operated North American shipyard in that country. The Palm Beach, Florida-based builder of FRP/Composite luxury yachts up to 180 feet has transferred yachts currently under construction to the new facility, including Tricon’s next launch—a 92-foot long-range offshore performance motoryacht. Both the newest launch and the shipyard will have their official coming out party in the spring.


Just a ferry ride away from Hong Kong and Macau, Tricon’s new shipyard measures 500,000 square feet. To focus on every detail of yacht building, Tricon plans to limit build-slots to a maximum of three yachts in simultaneous production for the next few years. At full capacity the yard will have production capability of 16 yachts indoors and in-water work on two more yachts up to 180 feet at its pier—making it the largest shipyard for composite yacht construction in China with a production capacity, according to a company release. Tricon can complete up to $60 million in work a year, depending on the size of the yachts under construction.

Lining Up for Dealer Certification

Although social networking is a popular reason to log on to the Web, the Marine Dealership Certification Program—hoping the industry uses the Web to its advantage—is now offering a series of online Launch Workshops. The idea beyond the virtual workshops is to make it more convenient for dealerships to earn the Marine Industry Certified designation, at a reduced cost.

Signing on for a Launch Workshop is the first step in the certification process—which explains the program requirements and provides the tools need to complete the process. "The new Web-based workshops provide exactly what the dealers themselves told us they wanted: A quality program with an eye toward keeping the dealers' program costs as low as possible," explained Phil Keeter, president of the Marine Retailers Association of America and vice president of Marine Certification Inc.

With the new format, more dealership employees can participate without having to travel to attend classes because they can log on from their office computer. The workshops with take place over the course of two consecutive days. The Web-based Launch Workshops will be offered January 20-21, February 24-25, March 17-18, April 7-8, April 21-22, and May 12-13.

Rule Change

Just in time for the winter boat show season, boatbuilders and dealers are getting some relief from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. NMMA's executive committee voted today to temporarily relax the non-current show policy for the 2009 winter boat show season. The association's show committee originally made the recommendation.

Under existing rules, exhibitors are only allowed to display 20 percent of their previous model year products at any 2009 NMMA winter boat show. However, in a move to help dealers sell their existing stock, that limit has been raised to 50 percent, according to a release from the NMMA.

"The NMMA show committee, executive committee and staff understand the economic realities currently facing the boating industry and believe this one-time policy change will give dealers a prime opportunity to sell more product at boat shows over the next few months," explains NMMA executive vice president Ben Wold.

Equity Boost

Riviera, a luxury boatbuilder based in Australia, is taking steps to weather the global economic storm, and those steps include getting a financial shot in the arm.

After a strategic and operation review of the current economic climate, and its resulting slowdown in demand, the builder received an injection of new equity from its institutional investors which include Ironbridge and Greshman Private Equity, according to a Riviera statement. The financing arrangement, which includes a new three-year debt facility, provides the management team with greater flexibility as it responds to the challenges in today's global market, CEO John Anderson said. Riviera did not release the amount of the new equity.

Anderson noted Riviera's "encouraging" sales performance at international trade shows in the latter part of 2008; however, he expects the market in general to continue to slow as a result of the overall economic situation.

"We believe our new banking arrangements provide the business with greater operational flexibility and a more stable platform from which to build the business over the medium term and that the support of our bankers and institutional investors clearly reflects the underlying strength of the Riviera business," he added.

In addition, the builder is making changes to its executive team, appointing Ly-Eng to chief financial officer and Les Galbraith to managing director of the company's Australian retail organization R Marine. Former managing director Tim Sayer is moving up to new position of director of global sales and marketing. Also, Michael Burke climbs the ladder to director of operations.

Long-Range Goals

Ocean Explorer 125

Platinum Marine Services is not just dipping its toe into the long-range exploration pool; it is jumping in feet first. The full-service shipyard in Vancouver, British Columbia is teaming up with Bray Yacht Design for the new 125-foot Ocean Explorer series.

Ocean Explorer 125 will be the workhorse of the two new designs, featuring a large open aft that has the ability to carry a helicopter, submarine, or large fishing tenders. The Explorer Yacht, the second in the series, favors a larger interior living space. Both vessels feature the master suite on the main deck and for guest staterooms on the lower level. Both can also accommodate up to six crewmembers.

According to Platinum Marine, the semi-displacement hull with a seven-foot draft was model-tested at the Ocean Engineering Centre in Vancouver for power selection and sea keeping. The bulbous bow and dynamic hull shape continues naval architect Patrick Bray's work with super fuel-efficient technology. Both the Ocean Explorer 125 and the Explorer Yacht have a range of 6,500 miles at a 12-knot cruise speed and a top speed of 20 knots.

Pat Logue takes WBS Grand Championship

Pat Logue took the World Billfish Series Grand Championship last week, winning himself a bronze Grander Marlin trophy by marine artist Geoffrey Smith, a custom gold champion’s ring, the keys to a new 2009 Mercedes C-300 automobile, and the title of WBS World Champion of Billfishing.

Logue, from Cape Coral, Florida, was fishing out of Costa Rica aboard his 74-foot Viking Convertible First Strike. The top angler managed 1,000 points with two blue marlin and two sailfish releases.

In second place was Napa, California, angler Larry Drivon, fishing aboard the 42-foot Maverick, Dragin’ Fly. Drivon released six sailfish on the final day to score 600 points, taking home a custom crystal trophy and a custom Joseph Henry timepiece.

Finding third place was Costa Rica’s native son and the 2007 WBS World Champion, Mainor Oporto.

Tax Relief on the Horizon?

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which represents the United States' recreational boating industry, has announced its plans to lead a 71-member coalition in petitioning Congress for the extension of the net operating loss (NOL) carryback period from two to five years. The hope, the association argues, is that in doing so, Congress will "help businesses suffering from tough economic times."

An NOL is a period of time during which a company's expenses exceed its revenues, thus resulting in a negative taxable income. According to a press release from the NMMA, a company can currently opt to use its NOL to offset the taxes it owes on profits from the previous two years. It would like to see that period extended by three years. The rationale behind providing such a carryback period is simple: Businesses are required to pay taxes when they earn money, therefore, they are also are deserving of some form of tax relief if they begin to lose it.

"Congress has used NOL carryback relief in the past to help manufacturers, retailers, and companies across all sectors," NMMA president Thom Dammrich has explained. "We encourage legislators to use this tool again to enable these companies to retain jobs and avoid going out of business."

To that end, the association states that in the coming weeks, it (and its coalition partners) will meet with leaders in Congress and members of President-elect Obama's transition team to press for the extension. An extension aimed, as the NMMA puts it, at "ensur[ing] that the appropriate tax relief is enacted in a timely manner."

Newport Yachts 71

Here is the Newport Yachts' 71SS4 going through sea trials this week in Taiwan. The planing-hull-designed 71 is equipped with Quad Volvo IPS engines/drives. According to the builder, the quad engines burned 40 gph at 31 knots (35.65 mph). At 20 knots (23 mph), the fuel burn was reported to be 17 gph. Top speed was just under 32 knots (36.8 mph) and there's still some prop tweaking to take place,which could add another knot or two to the top end of this big cruiser.

This solid-fiberglass-bottomed boat is built to meet ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) specifications and to ISO9001 standards to assure a consistent level of quality control.

EPIRB RECALL

There’s been a limited recall on ACR GlobalFixlM iPRO EPIRBs. Here’s the notice:

Posted December 5, 2008

ACR has discovered that a small percentage of GlobalFix™ iPRO™ EPIRBs may not activate manually and has decided to issue a limited recall notice. The condition could exist in a maximum of 400 units built within serial number range of 1000 to 1688. If you own or have a GlobalFix™ iPRO™ that falls within this serial number range you should contact ACR's Customer Service department immediately at +1-854-862-2110 or at NBuckle@ACRelectronics.com.

ACR discovered that some of the witness seal tabs require the application of excessive force to put the switch into the correct position when manually activating the EPIRB. The water activation feature works separately and is not affected by the manual switch. The manual switch assembly needs to be reworked on a maximum of 400 units to insure that the switch and witness seal will activate as designed and intended. The 400 units potentially affected by this problem fall into the serial number range of 1000 -1688. If your GloblaFix™ iPRO™ serial number falls outside this range, then your GlobalFix™ iPRO™ is not affected by this notice. The 400 units could be of either the PIN 2846 Category I (automatic deploy) or PIN 2848 Category II (manual deploy) model.

This condition does not occur in any other ACR EPIRB model. This recall is limited to only the GlobalFix™ iPRO™ units falling within the serial number range of 1000 to 1688.

For more information or to obtain a Return Authorization contact:
ACR Customer Service
Telephone: +1-854-862-2110 (in the USA: 1-800-432-0227, ext. 2110)
E-Mail: NBuckle@ACRelectronics.com

Tragic Accident off Montauk

An ordinary father-son fishing trip turned deadly last weekend 12 miles off Montauk Point, New York. The son, Cody McMillan watched helplessly as his father Marty was pulled into the cold water by the anchor line. Mr. McMillan was not wearing a life jacket when he tossed the anchor overboard. The line got tangled around his leg and he was dragged over.

The son fired a flare into the sky and called the Coast Guard. The Mayday call was heard by the USCG at about 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Fishing boat Capt. John DeMaio was about a hundred yards away when he heard the call. He rushed over and helped pull the father’s body from the choppy waters.

DeMaio had begun cardiopulmonary resuscitation when the Coast Guard arrived. Marty McMillan was taken back to shore, where he died at Southampton Hospital.


For more on the story click here.

Boat Blaze on the Hudson

A vessel caught fire this morning Lincoln Harbor Marina in Weehawken, New Jersey, says news station NBC New York. Emergency crews arrived around 7:30 a.m., and although early reports noted one body aboard, subsequent interviews with deputy police chief Jeffrey Fulcher stated no one was injured (the latter is correct). Black smoke billowed over the Hudson River and could be seen for miles. Traffic slowed in the nearby Lincoln Tunnel as drivers watched the flames.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. More information to come.

Charity Cruise for the Holidays

Yacht owners in Tacoma, Washington, got into the spirit of the holiday season with a Christmas Cruise for charity. According to an article in Tacoma’s News Tribune, dozens of boat owners from two local yacht clubs, as well as the U.S. Army, donated sea time to people with disabilities. Some 200 guests boarded the flotilla in Gig Harbor for a few hours of sightseeing. The largest vessel in the fleet was the Army’s 174-foot Malvern Hill, a landing ship.

The endeavor, which is in its 25th year, cost about $4000; the funds were pooled together by volunteers. For more on the story, click here.

Whale Collisions Mean Speed Restrictions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a new regulation to protect North Atlantic right whales. Starting December 9, 2008, all vessels 65 feet (19.8m) or greater (subject to the jurisdiction of the United States) will be subject to a 10-knot speed restriction during certain times and locations, also known as Seasonal Management Areas (SMAs).

Right whales can collide with vessels which potentially results in serious injuries or death. On average, two of these mammals per year suffer from collision-related injuries. The current right whale population only ranges from 300 to 400. Additionally, vessels can be damaged or passengers may lose their footing or even be thrown from a boat during a collision.

All instances of significant vessel damage were reported from vessels traveling faster than 10 knots. Studies suggest that severe injuries to a whale can be decreased when vessel speed is 10 knots or less.

If it is necessary to deviate from the 10-knot speed restriction, the reason, speed, latitude and longitude of the area, and time and duration of the deviation, must be entered into the vessel’s logbook, which must be signed and dated by the vessel’s master.

Nautical charts, a compliance guide, and additional information is available at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike

Splashdown!

Nordhavn’s 56-foot Motorsailer (see “The Return of the Motorsailer?” July 2008) splashed this week at the company’s headquarters in Dana Point, California. The boat was unloaded in San Diego Harbor after being shipped from it’s construction in Taiwan. The sailing rig will be added later.

According to Jim Leashman, Pacific Asian Enterprise’s chief of design, ““She’s more slippery and sleeker than what we’re used to. With the sailboat underbody she effortlessly and quietly motors along at nine to ten knots.”

The vessel will be make it’s debut at the San Diego Boat Show in February. For more information, visit Nordhavn’s Web site here.

Mumbai Terrorist Attacks Claim Life of Yachting Mogel

Andreas Liveras, owner of the Liveras Yachts and one of England's richest men, was a victim of the terrorist attacks that took place this past week in Mumbai, India. He was at the Taj Hotel for a meal, according to the BBC. The hotel was one of the primary targets of the terrorists.

Liveras Yachts owns the 280-foot Alysia and 295-foot Lauren L (see PMY's World's 100 Largest Yachts, numbers 27 and 22, respectively). They each charter for around €500,000 a week. More information on his boats is located at the company’s Web site. For more on the story, click here.

He is survived by his four children.