Al Seer Marine, MB92 and P&O Marinas, to Create World Leading Superyacht Service Centre and Refit Shipyard for the Gulf Region

Al Seer Marine, MB92 Group and P&O Marinas announce that they have signed a memorandum of understanding in view of setting up a joint venture to develop the first dedicated Superyacht refit and repair facility in the UAE (Dubai). This new high-capacity shipyard will provide superyacht owners with a customized world class refit service in the Gulf, the first of its kind in the region.

The shipyard construction is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the joint venture offering its Superyacht repair and refit services from next year in 2023, as the start of this strategic plan.

Al Seer Marine has been looking to develop a world class Superyacht refit and repair facility in the UAE since 2019 and after discussions with P&O Marinas in Dubai, found the perfect strategic partner to realize the project. Now with MB92 Group as the third partner and the chosen operator of the shipyard, this new facility will deliver the unrivalled quality of service the customers in the region need.

Pioneering technology, shipyard efficiency and sustainability are key drivers for the three partners, with the unique ability to apply this mission and objectives at the very conception of the facilities, all the way through to the environmental impact of the projects themselves. The final result will be a unique, future proofed, world-class superyacht shipyard, setting new benchmarks and standards in the refit and repair sector.

Gunther Alvarado, Chief Operating Officer of Al Seer Marine said, “Leading this powerful partnership is part of Al Seer Marine’s overall investment strategy and vision for the Gulf Region, with some of the most complex superyachts owned and operated in the region, we will have a world class facility with leading suppliers and subcontractors, that will serve their requirements.”

Hamza Mustafa, Chief Operating Officer of P&O Marinas, a DP World company said: “The UAE is the ideal location to service the Gulf region’s growing number of superyacht owners. Dubai has developed its reputation over the years as a top destination for luxury yachting with the creation of several high-end marinas. We already look after some of the most exclusive and advanced yachts at Mina Rashid Marina. With the development of a new service centre and refit shipyard, the UAE and Dubai’s offering as a hub for yacht owners will be even more attractive.”

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READ MORE: MB92 La Ciotat Superyacht Shipyard Closer To Completion

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Jean-Marc Bolinger, CEO of MB92 Group, added: “Creating a world-class refit shipyard from scratch, in the dynamic hub of Dubai and the Gulf, represents a very exciting and unique opportunity for our Group, which has been on our strategic agenda for several years. It will enable us to expand the foot print of our first-class facilities and provide our clients in the region with the same level of service and support the receive and expect in Barcelona and La Ciotat. We look forward to presenting the details of this exciting joint venture to our key stakeholders in the coming months.”

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For more information on the latest world-leading refit and repair facility in the UAE (Dubai), contact:

Harry Green
Corporate Communications & Media Relations
harry.green@mb92.com
+33 (0)6 60 70 38 21

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Effective Tuesday, September 20, 2022, all Bahamas Travel Requirements have been lifted.

• Negative Covid tests are no longer required for Unvaccinated Travelers.
• Bahamas Travel Health Visas will no longer be required to enter The Bahamas.
• ​Vaccinated Travelers will no longer need Covid 19 tests to enter The Bahamas.
• All mask mandates for travelers are eliminated as of October 1, 2022.

(Masks will still be required when visiting any healthcare facility)

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READ MORE: Superyacht Content Travel Blogs 

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Following a successful career as a Chief Officer on board charter yachts, Daniel Binns joined Aqua Marine six months ago. Today, Daniel talks about his time onboard these successful charter yachts and why he chose to make the transition to a shoreside position. He now spends a lot of time on the road, auditing yachts, meeting clients, and attending industry shows.

1.What is your current job role and where are you based? 

My title is Senior Manager, Designated Person Ashore, and Company Security Officer for Aqua Marine. I am also involved with day-to-day vessel operations, supporting the crew management department and providing input into business growth and development. Aqua Marine is a boutique yacht management company with offices in Jersey and Malta, specialising in yacht registration, crew contracts, payroll, ISM, ISPS & MLC compliance, budget and accounting services, and project management.

Although working remotely from home in Chester, England, I regularly spend time in both our Jersey and Malta offices together with regular visits to our fleet of yachts and yacht shows throughout Europe. Overseas travel, a perk of the trade for those who enjoy traveling, is certainly healthy for an ex-yachtie!

2. How long were you onboard Superyachts? What were your job roles during that time? What yachts did you work on? 

I first joined the industry in 2009. I got my break by harassing a Captain (now a good friend) at the Blue Lady bar in Antibes. I was working as a glass collector, and he finally agreed to give me the chance I needed! Employed as a deckie on a busy 42-meter charter yacht based in the South of France was a dream come true. After my first year, I was promoted to Bosun and soon after first mate. It was challenging and a steep learning curve but a great experience with bridge watchkeeping, audits and surveys, radio communication operations, and maneuvering the vessel on and off the dock. Those first 3.5 years were vital to my career development.

In 2013 I moved onto another busy 52-meter charter yacht as 2nd Officer. It was here I got a taste for larger yachts and became involved with ISM and ISPS Code compliance. Maritime Law soon became a real interest. In 2015 I gained my Chief Mate CoC and was promoted to Chief Officer which made my mum very proud! The responsibilities intensified and my outlook changed from focussing on my personal development to becoming a strong leader with the primary objective of creating an actively safe culture onboard whilst tailoring the deck team to exceed the owner’s expectations.

In March 2019 I received a job offer as rotational Chief Officer on an extremely busy dual-season 75-meter charter yacht. This better suited my home life as I had recently relocated from the South of France back to the UK with my gorgeous partner. During the two years, I had an incredible time working with two excellent Captains and many superb crew. Our yacht literally did not stop with back-to-back charters in both the Med and Caribbean, straight into Atlantic crossings and intense shipyard periods. It’s exhausting thinking back to it!

3. What drove you to take the leap and leave your yachting career to join Aqua Marine – A multi-service company that provides yacht and safety management, operations, crew solutions, and Maritime Insurance? 

As I was spending more time in the UK during my rotational leave, it seemed a good time to consider the move into a shoreside role. Rotation was fantastic but I found myself constantly clock watching and counting down the days both onboard and at home. My main factor for wanting to make the jump from yachting and move back to the UK full time was to spend more time with family. After over a decade away from the UK, I was beginning to crave routine. Having missed a lot of family birthdays and weddings it was time to become more involved and dare I say it, starting my own family was becoming more of a reality! I was also missing the small things in life, spending summer weekends in the camper van, heading into the Welsh hills on my mountain bike, and going to see my gran with a box of chocs, all became very appealing! When the opportunity to work with Aqua Marine first presented itself in November 2021 I was delighted, the timing worked.

4. From working on yachts for 12 years, what skills have you gained which have helped transition to your new job position as Aqua Marine’s Senior Manager and DPA? 

Working closely with several extremely knowledgeable and experienced Captains has provided a good understanding of the highest level of shipboard management required on large super yachts. Working closely with several management companies, yacht managers and DPAs has given me an appreciation of what is really involved and what is expected of these positions from a shipboard perspective. I believe that having the experience and insight as to how yacht management companies and senior crew work best together (or not!) has been critical during introductions with the yachts under Aqua Marine management, it’s a bit of a case of the ‘devil you know!’ 

There are many valuable skills that I brought with me but the most important would be, being confident to work within a team and rely on others. No one is an island. Building a team around you, who can trust each other is a vital life skill and certainly one that is essential in this industry.

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READ MORE: Life After Yachting – Deckhand to Founder Of Polaris Yacht Supply

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5. Are there any similarities between being a Chief Officer and a Senior Manager at Aqua Marine? 

Absolutely, as a chief officer you must have a diverse skill set; expertise in navigation, competence in ship manoeuvring, good leadership skills, knowledge of maritime law and compliance, onboard safety and security officer duties, and project management during refits, to name a few. The position with Aqua Marine also requires many aspects of similar expertise, all of which have been transferable. Holding a chief officer role for 8 years certainly set me up well for my current position and I know when to push and when to pull back.

6. As someone who has worked on board and with various management and marine service companies, did you always know that you would join a boutique Superyacht service company if you went down the yacht management route? If so, why and what are the main benefits of independent companies? 

Since I had started to consider working shore side there was certainly more of a pull towards the smaller boutique-style management companies. I have worked with several management companies, all of which have been large corporate organisations. I had a lot of respect for the yacht managers as they were generally happy to offer assistance and support when required, however, there were times I found that communication was lacking. I always felt that having a personable yet professional relationship with a small key team would be more effective. The key benefit of a smaller boutique management company is that the communication is flawless. All aspects of yacht operations and management are dealt with using a small but dedicated team of highly experienced managers who are reactive, responsive, approachable, and genuinely nice people! 

 7. What do you like best about your new role on land?  

The team that I work with in the Jersey and Malta offices are amazing, Aqua Marine has been welcoming. I can’t speak highly enough of this tight-knit group that works unbelievably hard. Building new professional relationships within the industry, periodic visits to the fleet, and continuing to grow with the company are all positives that come with the job! Having every weekend off is also a bonus!

It has been quite a transition, I’m still getting used to the idea of not going back to sea. I miss the high-energy working environment that is found on yachts and of course miss all the amazing people that I met during my 12 years in the industry but so far so good with ‘normal’ life!

8. Did you have an exit plan before leaving yachting six months ago? 

As I started to consider the move shore side I was certain that I would want to continue working within the industry, as it’s what I’ve come to love and have spent my entire adult career pursuing. There was no exit strategy as such, the opportunity to work with Aqua Marine came as a real surprise and progressed quickly. Luckily they had heard of me and I knew them. After a few conversations with the Directors and taking some time to seriously consider the huge change, it soon became clear this was the perfect role for the work/life balance I had been missing. 

 9. Lastly, have you any advice for crew looking to leave the industry and go down a similar route? 

I have a few suggestions that helped me:

•  Have some focus on the direction you want to be heading in. Do some research, trust what you enjoy, explore what is available and be confident and showcase the transferable skills you have developed. Contact industry recruitment companies such as QuayCrew, who have a department that specialises in opportunities for ex yachties. Considering some of these will make the process far less daunting!
• Enjoy some downtime before starting your next venture, even if it is just a week or two!
• Maintain good relationships with all Captains, colleagues, and management personnel you have crossed paths with. Some will almost certainly help you out down the line.
• Be patient, if you have worked on yachts for a long period it takes some getting used to being back in a ‘normal’ job! But you will get there.

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For inquiries about Aqua Marine Yacht Management, contact Daniel Binns at – Daniel.binns@aquagroup.co

We are excited to share that the Superyacht Content team will be attending the official 2022 Monaco Yacht Show

With the Cannes Yachting Festival just over, the boat show season is off to a good start. This year, the Superyacht Content team will be present throughout the yacht show, covering press events, holding 1-1 interviews, and capturing content.

“The whole of the SYC team is excited to meet with industry representatives, Captains, crew and, other press publications to share the energy of the most talked about yachting event of the year. It is one of our main passions to network with others, and so we look forward to meeting you all soon. – Lucy Johnson, Head Of Marketing

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READ MORE: Free Berths At Porto Montenegro During The Acrew Awards

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In 2020, Superyacht Content was taken over under new management. Since then, we’ve successfully grown our team and built ongoing relationships with businesses and individuals in the Superyacht sector. From the very beginning, we have strived to provide valuable social news to captains and crew on Superyachts across our digital platforms. Due to our growth, we are now proud to offer advertising, social media management, copywriting, and marketing consulting services as part of our media services.

To book a meeting with Darren Andrew, our client relationship manager, please email Darren@superyachtcontent.com

To book a meeting with Lucy Johnson, Head of Marketing, please email lucy@superyachtcontent.com

The Monaco Yacht Show is the industry yachting event on the French Riviera for Superyacht sales.  It is the perfect venue for TCN representatives to observe yacht captains and crew at potentially their very best on board the superlative vessels being showcased, as the formal Monaco setting requires.  Successful crew dynamics are immediately obvious from the atmosphere you feel as you walk on board. This year, at the 2o22 Monaco Yacht Show, Fraser Management and Business Development teams will hold their annual TCN Captains breakfast at the Fraser client lounge in the Monaco Yacht Club on Thursday the 29th of September.

It can also be a golden opportunity for recruiters to find temporary work for crew on reputed Superyachts, enhancing crew chances of career progression.  Walking along the royal blue carpeted docks at the 2022 Monaco Yacht Show, is certainly a protracted, convivial experience as we stop and catch up with contacts past and present and network with contacts of the future.

At the Fraser stand and client lounge we meet and exchange with owners and captains looking to hire crew and crew seeking employment.  Yacht Owners with new builds or newly acquired yachts visiting the Show will often take this opportunity to interview our shortlists of captains and heads of department.   In short, the Monaco Yacht Show is not only about purchasing yachts, it’s totally about people too and not to be missed.

As in previous years, our partners, Monaco-based gourmet selectors, Maison Del Gusto kindly sponsored the TCN Captains breakfast with an appetising culinary spread. TCN would like to say a big thank you, yet again, to Elisabetta Ierardi, Director of Maison Del Gusto, for all her efforts in supporting our event!

The concept of the TCN Captains breakfast is for an optimised networking experience.  With no distractions, and in a deluxe though informal setting, The Crew Network representatives were able to introduce leading industry Captains to the decision makers and their teams from the Fraser Management and Business Development divisions.

The return from the international group of captains was excellent.   For the Fraser team, having exposure to a whole spectrum of top-drawer industry captains with either purely luxury yachting or yachting plus merchant backgrounds was highly beneficial for future potential recruitment requirements within the fleet.  TCN is very proud to have facilitated the all-important development of personal relationships between Fraser and top industry talent, which they so highly value.

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If you wish to join Fraser and TCN, please contact TCN Antibes for more information – ksenia.kokoshkina@crewnetwork.com

Need quality provision from a provider you can trust to deliver fast and on time whilst you’re in the SOF? Please contact, Maison del Gusto at + 377 97 70 87 11 or provisioning@maisondelgusto.com

• Website: https://www.maisondelgusto.com/en/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg_yacht_provisioning/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/maisondelgusto

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Free Berths at Porto Montenegro for crew award nominated vessels

The Crew Awards ceremony is just around the corner, with this year’s ceremony taking place in Porto Montenegro. The 5th edition of The Crew Awards will take place from the 14th – the 16th of October. Seven vessels were entered into the “best charter crew award” category, and after a series of votes, three vessels were selected to become finalists: M/Y ROMA, M/Y TRIUMPH, and M/Y SKYFALL. And as a part of the award-winning marinas crew award packages, they are offering free berths at Porto Montenegro for Captains and Crew of nominated vessels throughout the 2022 awards ceremony.

“Here at Porto Montenegro Marina, we have several berths available from 35m upwards for those still interested in attending the 2022 ACREW crew awards in October. Our marina staff is confident we can find berthing for a range of different vessels with different needs. We are passionate about ensuring that our Captains and crew are well catered for during their stay, which is why we will offer Free berths at Porto Montenegro for the crew on board award nominated vessels.” – Porto Montenegro Marina staff

Porto Montenegro remains a favourite Superyacht marina amongst captains and crew to berth in throughout the winter season. Vessels are welcome to extend their stay for a longer duration than the ACREW Crew awards ceremony at the full-service Superyacht marina. “For yachts interested in berthing at Porto Montenegro this winter, we recommend booking your berth as soon as possible. Our luxury marina is on track to have very positive occupancy for Winter 2022 with berths available for vessels over 30m, while berths up to 25m are now booking up quickly.”

The award-winning marina currently has some unmissable winter berth offers for Captains and Crew, including tailor-made premium and platinum berthing packages, offering the chance to pay for five months and stay for seven. Shipyard specials – To find out more, contact the Porto Montenegro reservations team. A designated representative will help you find a suitable bespoke package according to your vessel’s needs.

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READ MORE: Captains and Crew, it’s time to book your Porto Montenegro Acrew crew awards package

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This years ‘Best charter yacht crew’ ACREW finalists:

1. M/Y SKYFALL

M/Y SKYFALL is a 2010, 57.91 m Motor Yacht, built in the United States of America by Trinity Yachts. Designed by Geoff Van Aller, the luxury Superyacht can accommodate up to 14 guests in 6 staterooms, with 14 crew members on board.

2. M/Y ROMA

The 62m M/Y ROMA was delivered in 2011 by the Viareggio Superyachts yard, with naval architecture by Espen Oeino. She has an impressive 17 crew members and accommodates up to 12 guests, in six staterooms.

3. M/Y Triumph

M/Y Triumph is a 65.4m Superyacht, launched and delivered to its owner by the Italian Benetti shipyard in 2021. The yacht features an exterior design by Giorgio M. Cassetta, with interiors by Green & Migarelli. In collaboration with Benetti’s in-house team, six luxurious staterooms with ensuite bathrooms were designed for up to 12 guests. There are also 16 professional crew members on board.

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READ MORE: Porto Montenegro Acrew Crew Awards Finalists Revealed

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For more information on booking your free berth at Porto Montenegro for crew on award-nominated vessels, get in touch at marinabooking@portomontenegro.com or visit their website here.

You can see what they currently have running at the Crew Club by joining their Facebook Group here, Porto Montenegro Crew Club, or following them on Instagram, @portomontenegrocrewclub.

MGMT launch a shoreside purser service

MGMT’s Shoreside Purser is a valuable service for vessels that do not have a designated purser on board, but also for yachts looking to cut down on costs and free crew members’ time. Are you overloaded with administration? Feel as though there’s not enough hours in the day? Or, managing too many things at once?

Using the shoreside purser service offered by the UK-based yacht agency, captains and crew can rely on them to do what an on-board purser would do, but virtually.

Before we get started, lets share 6 important duties of a yacht purser:

• Invoices –Invoice approval and budget management. 
• Contracts and Negotiation – Work with suppliers and distributors 
• Crew Administration – Administer payroll for the crew and organise/ manage crew travel
• Yacht Administration – Organise port clearances, logistics and customs.
• Charter Administration –There will be additional responsibilities if you work on a charter yacht
• Guest Activities – Organise events and activities for owner and guests

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READ MORE – Where To Visit In The UK by Superyacht?

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So, what’s the problem?:

More often than not, yachts ranging from 40 – 65 meters don’t have a designated purser on board. Thus, by using a shoreside purser service, you can add an extra pair of hands to your vessel, without the overhead costs of hiring another crew member. Moreover, crew will be able to dedicate more time to their day to day role.

MGMT found that during Superyacht visits to the UK, Captains, chief steward(ess), and other heads of departments heavily relied on them. Whether it was for bespoke events, transportation, berthing or general planning and research. After receiving multiple requests from Superyachts to continue using MGMT’s services after their visit to the UK ended, MGMT quickly realised that there were probably many more Superyachts needing a helping hand.

What is MGMT’s shoreside purser solution?:

With the above, the concept of a shoreside purser was born – The idea is that MGMT can help relieve pressure from Pursers all around the world. When they find themselves overwhelmed during the busy seasons, or while dealing with guests on board MGMT can step in. The company is aware of the importance of not having a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why their latest shoreside purser service is price dependent on, A. how busy the yacht is, and B. how much help they need. The MGMT team will work side-by-side with the vessel to gain full knowledge of its requirements, whether for short term help or a more permanent solution.

The new service can be as simple as pre-planning trips, looking into berths/logistics, all the way through to managing crew travel. With the MGMT team’s experience as Captains, Chief Stewardess, and Yacht managers, there isn’t much that they haven’t seen or done! And there isn’t a problem or challenge that they won’t accept.

CEO of MGMT, Mark Upton, comments:

“As a company, we are very careful not to step on the toes of management companies. For this reason, MGMT will not get involved with budgeting, accounting, ISM, crewing, or any other services generally offered by management companies. This service is purely about reducing the work load of crew and increasing on board efficiency. Despite our name, yacht management is not our thing and never will be. We love solving problems and making things happen and see the shoreside purser role as particularly valuable to busy Superyachts that do not have the space for the extra crew member.

Due to our teams’ experience in various walks of life from yachting to corporate we are one of the few companies in the industry that is appropriately qualified to offer this service. After all, we already do it for all the yachts that visit us in the UK!”

 

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MGMT have 30+ years of experience, from working on yachts, to managing yachts. You and your guests will feel at ease knowing MGMT will take care of your needs quickly and efficiently during your visit to the UK

They have a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of all Superyacht. These include Itinerary Planning, Berth Booking, Pilotage, and Fuel.

more information on MGMT’s shoreside purser service, contact info@mgmtyacht.com

No Superyacht is complete without its own stylish tenders to transport guests to the shore or aid in their explorations. Check out our picks of 9 of the coolest Superyacht tenders here!

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1. M/Y Khalilah’s Custom Gold Tender

For those who love it when everything matches, M/Y Khalilah and her little-sister tender are bound to be a firm favourite. The seven-metre custom gold tender is very much the smaller version of Khalilah herself. With replication of her muscular lines, and mesmerising gold hue, those on board are sure to be cruising in the utmost style.

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Read here: 4 Facts About M/Y Khalilah

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2. Iguana Commuter

Described as “the best amphibious boat ever made”, Iguana Yachts’ Commuter is certainly an impressive tender. With many high-tech features including a pop-out sunroof, impressive speed, and drive-on beach capability. It’s also a very striking vessel, with a strong minimalistic look that feels very futuristic yet still classic, making it one of the coolest Superyacht tenders.

With a total of 12 passengers, Commuter takes guests to secluded beaches, coves, and islands that are impossible for others to reach by land or water. There is also a double cabin. This is great for crew or sporadic extra guests staying on your Superyacht for the night!

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3. Chaser 500CC

The comfort of the Chaser 500CC is certainly not sacrificed for style. The vessel features a wide range of seating options for parties, sunbathing, and shade making it perfect for relaxation. Other features of the Chaser vessel include convenient water access, fishing equipment, abundant storage, an incredibly comfortable bedroom and bathroom, and a high-end galley.

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4. Vikal 19m Dive Tender

This 18.8m (62ft) Dive Tender is the largest and most comprehensively equipped power boat ever fitted to a Private Motor Yacht. She is kept in a specially designed dry dock in the transom of the Owners Superyacht. Equipped with water jet drive and MTU engines, this Dive Tender will deliver a blistering 40 knots of speed in deep or shallow water. This tender was one of three Vikal tenders built for the Superyacht.

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5. Flying Fox – Windy Boats Limousine Tender

Many people agree that the Windy Luxury Limo Tender is a “game-changer.” Espen Øino, a well-known yacht industry designer, and the Windy Yacht Projects Division worked together to create the luxury boat. With a top speed of 45 knots and two D-3 220hp Volvo sterndrives, this 8-meter luxury tender is designed with an exquisite low profile. As well as, a high capacity for ship-to-shore duties. It can accommodate up to ten passengers and two crew members.

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Read here: A Tour of Flying Fox: The World’s Largest Charter Yacht

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6. Lekker 44

The Lekker 44, a brand-new model, is being added to Lekker Boats’ fleet this summer. Regardless of the weather, this seaworthy speed demon is ideal for multi-day excursions. With three strong engines, it can travel at a speed of more than 50 knots (92 km/h). 16 people can go together on a trip, and 4 people can spend the night in the cozy cabin. For all the captains out there who have a good sense of design, a desire for adrenaline, and a soft place for comfort, this is a must-have tender.

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7. M/Y Amaryllis – 9.9m Graf Ipanema Wooden Tender

Graf’s beautiful Ipanema yacht tender is a truly beautiful vessel. With a striking runabout made of mahogany wood, she exudes luxury and elegance. Her look harkens back to past eras and brings to mind iconic characters such as James Bond, who could easily be imagined sipping on a martini aboard this beauty. The Graf Ipanema has been spotted travelling alongside Abeking & Rasmussen’s M/Y Amaryllis. It was a no-brainer that we’d have to include her on our list of the 9 coolest Superyacht Tenders!

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Read here: What Is The Charter Cost Of Superyacht Amaryllis?

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8. Zeelander z72

The Zeelander Z72, which debuted in March 2019, is the largest Zeelander model to date. Together with Cor D. Rover, the Zeelander in-house design team produced the yacht’s striking appearance.

The vessel offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional elegance by fusing Superyacht finishing with Zeelander’s iconic distinctive S-shaped sheer line. It can reach a top speed of almost 40 knots with three 1,000 horsepower IPS 1350 engines, whilst being quieter than many smaller models. To make guests’ trips the height of luxury, the Z72 has a panoramic saloon, beach club cabana, and even a tender garage.

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9. Perini Navi 25 Eco Tender

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Are you looking for a tender?

Superyacht Tenders is the place to go for your next tender.

For a discreet, confidential discussion as to how we can best assist you in buying, selling, or upgrading your tender, please contact Nigel Upton on nigel@superyachttenders.net

Email: info@superyachttenders.net

Phone: (London) +44 7756 867 806 OR (Barcelona) +34 659 556 991

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To keep up to date with the latest Superyacht Content News, click here.

Sign up to our Newsletter below:

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Friends. Adventure. Travel. If you ask most yachties, these are the biggest reasons they were drawn to the industry in the first place. But once you’re on your boat, it isn’t always easy to tap into these perks. LAFC (Lost and Found Crew), the new member’s club for yacht crew, is here to change that.

REGISTER FOR THE LAFC WAITING LIST

Following months of anticipation, the waiting list to join LAFC is now open!

You can join the waiting list here.

Once you’re on the list, you’ll be the first to know when LAFC memberships become available for purchase. This means you’ll have a better chance of getting one since there are only 2,022 spots available.

The sooner you get on the list the better because the first 500 to get on the list will be ‘whitelisted’ for a spot. In other words, you’ll be guaranteed a membership once they become available, while other yachties will be randomly selected from a pool of applicants.

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About LAFC

Picture a group of fun-loving yachties on holiday who are really excited to be together. The day has started with a spectacular hike, followed by a casual yoga session, some rosé thrown in the mix, lots of laughter, and overall great vibes.

LAFC is connecting thousands of yachties through organised events and retreats. They want to combine what yachties love most: adventure, wellness, and having fun. Most importantly, they want to give yachties a feeling of being home, even though they’re far from home, and to build a community of friends that feel like family.

Follow them on socials:

LAFC Facebook

LAFC Instagram 

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How LAFC was started

The members club was started by three friends – Josh, Louis, and Selena – who love bringing yachties together wherever they go. Josh and Louis are both yachties, and Selena is a branding expert and long-time friend of the boys.

“Some of the best times we’ve had in yachting have been off the boat. Whether we’ve organised a ski trip, trained for a half iron-man, spent time surfing in Portugal, or thrown a dock party in Barcelona – it’s the energy you get from being surrounded by yachties who have the same adventurous spirit that makes it all worthwhile!” – Co-Founder of LAFC, Josh.

 

The three realised that these kinds of moments would happen sporadically. And as much as they love their crew, they also love connecting with yachties beyond their boat. While they have loads of friends that feel the same, there wasn’t really anything in place to pull it all together. This is why LAFC was born. 

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About the experiences

LAFC will offer a variety of experiences, ranging from 1-day events, to weekend getaways and week-long holidays. Here’s what LAFC members can expect: 

Events

Whether it’s a daytime party at the beach, a rooftop sesh or a mini festival, these events will bring LAFC members together through music, dancing, and beverages!

These pre and post season events will take place in international yachting hubs to accommodate the crew club members. Whether they’re looking to enjoy their final days of freedom and let loose before the charter season begins, or whether they’re looking to re-energise after months of grinding, these events will give yachties a moment to remember. 

Retreats

These will be a mixture of health and wellness, adventure, and celebratory retreats to meet the needs of all. The retreats will be held in idyllic locations, like a chalet in the snowy alps, or stunning villas in yachtie hotspots, such as Palma de Mallorca. Retreats will range in size from 10 to 30 people and last from one weekend to one week. 

The Crew Villa

One of LAFC’s long-term goals is to build a crew villa for its members. Think of this as a home away from home, with all the perks you’d want for the dream holiday. Each member of LAFC will play a part in creating this villa. Voting on it all, from the location to the style and everything in between. Only members of LAFC will have exclusive rights to stay at the LAFC Crew Villa.

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The membership: The LAFC NFT

To join the community of like-minded yachties that is the Lost and Found Crew, applicants must pay an initiation fee. This being in the form of an NFT (Non-fungible token). Once you’ve obtained your crew club membership, you will gain your identity in the community. Ownership of the LAFC NFT will give you free access to your first event, LAFC branded merchandise, and access to members-only channels. It will also give you exclusive rights to participate in future events, retreats, and priority rights to stay at the physical Lost and Found Crew Villa. 

While the LAFC NFT can only be purchased in ETH, it will cost the equivalent of around $1,497. The exact amount will be communicated prior to the drop date of the NFT.

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Why NFTs?

While NFTs have received a lot of attention over the last year, many people still struggle to understand what all the hype is about. Put simply, NFTs are one-of-a-kind and can’t be replaced with something else. This means they provide indisputable evidence of ownership, which is useful when you’re building a members only club.  

“For most people, NFTs are seen as an investment – meaning they believe that the value of their NFT will rise over time. Increasingly, people are purchasing NFTs because of the utility they represent. In other words, it’s not the NFT itself that’s exciting, but the fact that it can give you access to a community with a strong vision and members-only benefits. If you share our vision and believe in what we can create together, then your purchase of the LAFC NFT is a worthwhile purchase.” – Co Founder of LAFC, Louis

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How to join the club:

To sign up for the LAFC membership waiting list and reserve your spot in the exclusive crew club, click here.

Once you’re on the waiting list, the LAFC team will send you more information on how to go about applying for your membership, including how to navigate the NFT side of things – so don’t be worried if all of this sounds complicated at the moment!

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For more information on LAFC, contact hello@lostandfoundcrew.com

Inchcape Shipping Services (Inchcape) has been appointed exclusive Port and Logistics Agents for Superyachts at Old Port Doha during the FIFA World Cup 2022 by the Qatar Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy.

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Docking At The Tournament

The luxury Superyacht marina at Old Doha Port is equipped to dock Superyachts, mega yachts, and luxury cruise ships ranging from 50 to 160 meters LOA and is offering very attractive docking rates for the duration of the tournament.

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Read more: New Sunreef Yachts Shipyard Opening In Ras Al-Khaimah, UAE

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In The Heart Of The City

Located in the heart of the city, with close connectivity to the city’s most prominent tourist attractions, as well as the FIFA World Cup stadiums, the Old Doha Port and nearby Mina district offer restaurants, cafés and shops, fish markets, coastal villages, apartments, and residential buildings, amongst a host of other attractions. Old Doha Port also provides brand new marine activity facilities, including shops and maintenance workshops that serve all marine sports practitioners, including fishing and diving enthusiasts.

“It’s an honour for Inchcape Shipping Services to be selected as the unique Port Agent for Old Doha Port, which will showcase its premium location and facilities during the FIFA World Cup period to some of the planet’s best in class niche cruise ships and Superyachts,” said Grant Holmes, global sector head of the cruise and Superyacht sector.”

“Our newly developed luxury marina right in the middle of the new touristic destination “Old Doha Port” and in close proximity to the city’s prime attractions, including stadiums makes Old Doha Port the perfect venue for luxury superyachts wanting to visit during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. We are delighted to team up with Inchcape Shipping Services as our appointed exclusive port and logistics agents, providing our guests with a seamless booking and in port experience to best showcase the Qatari Hospitality and unforgettable experience, ” said Mohammed Abdulla Al-Mulla, Old Doha Port Executive Director

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Special Offer Details:

Berthing period – 10 November to 31 December 2022

Alongside and Perpendicular Berthing, per line meter (LOA)

• 30 to 49 – QR 1,700
• 50 to 69 – QR 2,100
• 70 to 89 – QR 2,700
• 90+ – QR 3,500

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For further information Inchcape Shipping Services – Port & Logistics Agents for yachts at FIFA World Cup 2022, please visit www.iss-shipping.com or contact:
David Barker

Communications Manager – CorporateCommunications@iss-shipping.com

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SYC Newsletter Sign-up:

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Superyacht AV/IT systems are evolving every year. For crews to stay on top of the latest trends, it’s important to partner with a company that is reliable and supportive, like Veritais AV/IT specialists. Before we learn about how Veritas works with Captains and crew, let’s take a look at the top 5 things to consider when upgrading your yacht’s AV/IT system.

1. IT

Fast WiFi coverage with the latest hard & software is vital, and one of the most vital things to keep guests happy. Every time a new phone is about there will usually be a new technology of WiFi protocol embedded in the tablet or phone. If the yacht does not have this latest up-to-date hardware the guests/crews’ phones, and tablets, will most certainly underperform. This is so often dismissed and not budgeted for. However, it is extremely frustrating for both guests who are trying to use the systems, and engineers who have to explain and try to fix these issues.

2. A fast reliable internet connection

This is crucial for everyone onboard! It can be managed both from a financial aspect but more so technically, dividing the incoming bandwidth according to management, owners, and crew, then onto guests, principal guests, and owners on/off board status. This will allow different speeds to be allocated according to time of the day. And, depending on if the guests are on board or not, budgets can be cut off-season and during yard periods to minimise costs.

3. Good quality / Sounding audio on board

Although this may be a passion of Veritais, collectively there’s nothing better than a great-sounding audio system (which doesn’t necessarily mean loud). But to be able to have super-quality background music one minute, and then have the ability at the touch of a button, or swipe of a key to be able to seriously up the level of sound without losing quality, is amazing. However, this costs money and takes planning. But as a result, owners and guests will subconsciously benefit and ultimately deliver relaxation enjoyment.

4. A reliable system with offshore technical support

Systems need to be stable and reliable; crew and engineers do have time to keep fixing or ‘firefighting;’ the AV/ IT systems. The systems that crew mostly have problems with is where the management has usually cut back on budget. By doing this something has to give, whether that be in product quality (knock of effect is then reliability), or for example, things like costly UPS’s (uninterrupted power supply) are removed from the quote to keep budgets down. Doing this will have a knock-on effect on reliability and consequently. User experience will be disappointing, engineers and crew will become frustrated, and complaints will be made all around.

An example:

David Milner: We had an owner last season who decided to save around €25k on the system, and not to renew the 10-year-old main AV hardware. Instead, to put new speakers onboard, new lights, and new second/ third tender. As a result, this season he’s spent about €40k+ on firefighting, and buying second-hand parts. They’ve had days & weeks of disappointment with no sound in certain areas still. This has result in it ‘ruining’ the guest’s time on board. Management isn’t happy, crew and guests aren’t happy, all for trying to save a few pounds short term , which ultimately cost the yacht more, and they still have an old system in place that need updating.

5. Invest in the latest tech

Get something other boats don’t have! Exceptionally large, outdoor foldaway TV screens and quality speaker systems! Clever software to automate the yacht will help deliver the ‘wow factor.’

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Guests coming onboard want all the facilities they have at home. So, this primarily is streaming of music and/or movies. Which, has changed what equipment we specify, quote and deliver onboard now. And consequently, costs of the Internet Bandwidth (Download) to stream these systems has increased. Guests are wanting party mode a lot more now, which has always been ‘a thing’ but now they want party with the same music/same track playing throughout decks and areas as ‘one party zone’. As well as this, guests are now actively encouraged to log into their own Netflix, amazon movie account (this also lowers costs of the onboard accounts), where they can continue watching episodes of dramas/series they’ve been watching at home before arriving onboard. This however ,all requires high bandwidth of Internet download speeds, all of which is doable with the correct & latest equipment, but also good internet packages in place. – David Milner, Founder of Veritas

About Veritais Audio specialists & visuals experts:

Whether you need to boost your access to online engagement, enhance your yacht’s lighting so that you can create different moods for different occasions, or develop your crews knowledge of the systems on board, Veritais are pioneers in the Superyacht AV/IT sectors. Their AV engineers have been working in the yachting industry for over 20 years – Designing, installing, and commissioning on Superyachts from 35m up to 95m+. During this time, they have completed over 25 yacht refits. All carried out in various international locations from France, Spain, Italy, UK to Antiqua and Florida.

Services include:

• Audio specialists & visuals expertise
• Blinds, Cabin & AC Control
• Superyacht indoor and outdoor cinemas
• Integration and control with such systems as Crestron, Control4, Lutron, and RTI
• Yacht lighting, including Led Lights (Only control of but NOT supply)
• Yacht networking
• Outdoor entertainment systems including DJ Booths, Nightclub/ reference level sound & lighting systems, and outdoor TVs
• CCTV (do NOT provide cyber security services)

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How do Veritais audio specialists & visuals experts support Captains and crew when looking to upgrade their yachts AV/IT systems?

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If you want to get in touch with Veritais for further information on the Superyacht AV/IT systems you can contact them via:

• Email: d.milner@veritais.com
• Team No: +44 018276488
• Personal No: +44 7974564959

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For the latest Superyacht news, Click here. 

Yacht crew recruitment agency, WilsonHalligan recently hosted the Crew wellness Stew lounge, in partnership with Yacht Crew Help – An international seafarers assistance network. The organisation is working to improve the lives and wellness of crew and their families.

In 2018 ISWAN conducted a 50 question survey to 452 yacht crew, and the results revealed concerning figures around how many crew members have experienced low morale on board, at least one episode of work experienced stress, mental health issues, discrimination and bullying on board. From this, ISWAN released that there was a need to improve the knowledge around how to deal with mental health on board for new recruits. This is also a place where current crew members and those who are leaving the industry can find support.

As a result, they started Yacht Crew Help – a 24/7 helpline, which is free, confidential, and manned by trained professionals. Yacht Crew Help is there to assist with any issues that may effect a crew members life at sea; For instance, bullying, substance misuse, job concerns. The list goes on – you name it, they can help.

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How can crew contact Yacht Crew Help?

1. If you require Yacht Crew Help Support, contact help@yachtcrewhelp.org, or phone +44 203 713 7273
2. The 24/7 helpline will is a listening service, from which a trained professional will speak with you and access what action they feel is required next.
3. From this, Yacht Crew Help may then signpost you to other avenues of support.
4. The most important thing is – The conversation doesn’t end when the phone is down! Yacht Crew Help will continue to follow up with crew until a resolution is found on both ends.
5. Download the Yacht Crew Help guides for free, here.

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The Stew Lounge – Crew Wellness

“We all have our good days, and we all have our bad days” – Yacht Crew Help”

Often in the yachting industry, there is a stigma around opening up about mental health. It’s commonly felt that you shouldn’t speak out about your mental well-being on board. However, it’s important to know we are all prone to experiencing mental health problems at some point in our life, and hiding or ignoring these will only make it worse.

Crew members across all departments (interior, galley, deck, and engineering) will suffer from stress, anxiety, and loneliness in one form, or another.Whether this is through burnout and fatigue, crew tension, or another area, it’s important to recognise negative changes in yourself and other crew members. But, it’s even more important to act on these when they are recognisable, rather than ignore them. If you notice a change in a crewmate’s behaviours, find a time to pull them aside and ask them how they are and if they feel ok. Crew are often reluctant to reach out and speak to others for help because it’s deemed as being weak – This is especially the case with the junior crew.

5 Mental Health behavioural changes to recognise on board:

• Low mood
• Bad sleep
• Appetite changes
• Feeling more irritable
• Feeling isolated on board

5 pieces of advice on how to help improve mental wellbeing on board:

• Practicing good sleep hygiene
• Be aware of the effects of drinking, drugs and caffeine
• Regular exercise
• Take the time to relax when you can
• Take time to connect with crew on board – Social interaction matters!

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How can HOD encourage junior crew to come to them for support?

Professional and personal boundaries are key as a HOD. You want your crew to respect your rules but come to you for support if ever they need to. Mental health first aid training is recently new in the industry, and although it’s not mandatory (as of yet), we believe it’s a step in the right direction.

Furthermore, on the topic of Mental health courses for yacht crew, we previously spoke to Emma, current yacht crew and founder of SEAS THE MIND – A revolutionary mental health course for yacht crew.

About SEAS THE MIND:

Mental Health First Aid, MHFA is an educational course that teaches people how to identify, understand and help a person who may be developing a mental health issue. In the same way, as we learn physical first aid for STCW95, Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to recognise those crucial warning signs of mental ill-health. It’s a practical resource for crew to tackle, recognise and fortify their own and others’ mental health on board. Taking MHFA into crew messes and onboard is an opportunity to reduce depression and anxiety risks in seafarers, which may also reduce risks of injury and illness, and drastically improve crew retention. Mel and Emma were responsible for adapting the Mental Health First Aid course for the yachting industry, making it a global resource and training program for seafarers to tackle, recognise and fortify individuals in their own and others’ mental health onboard. Option available are:

• A Two-Day Course
• A two-day course to become a certified Mental Health First Aider. This course is delivered across four time-sensitive manageable sessions.
• A half-day awareness course

Learning takes place through a mix of presentations, group discussions, and workshop activities. This is ideal for all crew

members, but crucial for HOD’S who find themselves in charge of teams of people. A half-day course that raises awareness of mental health and is delivered either face-to-face or 

You can find more information on SEAS THE MIND, or get in touch here

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For the latest Superyacht Content Crewmess, Click here.