Yacht Essentials for Owners Captains and Crew

Sanlorenzo Launches SOURAYA – Latest 38m Yacht

pressrelease — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:31:58 +0000

Sanlorenzo launches SD122 SOURAYA

Congratulations on the launch of SOURAYA, the fifth Sanlorenzo SD122, 38m yacht with semi-displacement hull.

Sanlorenzo, the prestigious Italian Shipyard focused on the production of exclusively tailor-made motor yachts realized according to the requests and the style of every single owner, has recently launched another flagship of the GRP navettas with semi-displacement hull (SD line): SD122 SOURAYA, projected and produced at Sanlorenzo Viareggio shipyard.

SORAYA is a yacht elegant and technologically advanced, her modern lines with retro shapes, recall the great transatlantic liners of the 30s.

The interiors – unique as every Sanlorenzo – are characterized by an accurate choice of the most exclusive materials, such as the eucalyptus wood parquet floors with opaque finishing that perfectly match the furniture made in gloss eucalyptus wood with stainless steel inlays. All the bathrooms are covered with Marfil Cream marble and Tobacco Brown marble.

SORAYA can comfortably accommodate up to 10 persons and 7 crew members.

An unmistakable style and a refined design place the Sanlorenzo yachts to the highest level of the international production. In more than 50 years of history the Italian Shipyard became synonymous of excellence in terms of quality and attention to details, typical features of the craftsmanship production.

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Novurania Launches Two NEW Models of Popular CHASE Yacht Tender

pressrelease — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:11:20 +0000

Novurania, a market leader in luxury tenders for Superyachts for the past 40 years, are constantly refining their range of CHASE Luxury Yacht Tenders, bringing them to levels of excellence that Yacht Owners have come to expect from the Company that invented the modern Superyacht Tender.

Recent additions to the 5 boat range are the CHASE 23 and CHASE 27 models. These size Tenders are popular with Owners of 50m-100m (164’-328’) Yachts who require luxury and flexibility when ferrying their family and guests ashore or taking them on watersports excursions.

The CHASE 23 and CHASE 27 are packed with luxury features that are really appreciated by the Owners party. There is soft upholstered seating everywhere, often in marine leather, that is roomy enough for 10 or 14 persons. The high sides of the CHASE models assure all passengers a safe and dry ride. The passengers seated in the front can be sheltered from the sun, wind and rain by an ingenious canopy that appears out of the foredeck so that they will arrive at the destination dry and elegant. Other parts of the CHASE can be fitted with a sun canopy to prevent discomfort from the elements. There are armrests and polished that provide security and comfort; even drink holders for your favourite beverages. The built in fridge keep drinks cold and there is a fresh water shower provided to rinse off with after a swim or a wakeboard session. Watersport enthusiasts will appreciate the wide flat deck at the back that is ideal to don schnorkelling gear or dive tanks. Safety rails are removable to allow everyone to get in and out of the water using the stainless steel boarding ladder that appears out of the back.

The CHASE models are powered by quiet and reliable diesel engines that are installed in sound proof engine rooms and these use the same fuel as the Yacht so refuelling is never far away. The CHASE is fitted with the latest in navigation and communication electronics including GPS Chart plotters, VHF radio and Tender Tracking systems so that the Captain of the Yacht can see where the Tenders are at all times.

When the CHASE 23 and 27 manoeuvre up to the Yacht or the dock to take passengers on or put them off, the built in side door can be used for safe and elegant entry and exit. Alternatively the foredeck in the front or the platform in the back can be used and these are fitted with special handles to assist every type of passenger. The crew of the Tender ensure that everyone is helped aboard and their luggage stowed or supplies and refreshments for a full day out of enjoyment.

The CHASE Tenders are unique in their ability to be used for all types of activities that a Large Yacht Owner and his guests need and in a style and quality that is entirely appropriate with that of the Yacht.

For more information on the CHASE 19, 23, 27, 31 and 38 please contact:

Novurania of America Inc.,

2105 South US Highway 1
Vero Beach, FL 32962
Phone 772 567-9200
Fax 772 567-1056
info@novurania.com

Introducing Arianna, Delta’s Newest 50-Meter Custom Motor Yacht

pressrelease — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:46:55 +0000

Designed and engineered by the Delta Design Group, Arianna is the largest all composite 50-meter, full-displacement motor yacht in the world.

Delta is excited to announce the launching of its latest custom motor yacht, Arianna. Designed and engineered by the Delta Design Group, Arianna is the largest all composite 50-meter, full-displacement motor yacht in the world. With more than 780 gross tons ITC, a beam of nearly 34 feet, and over 7,500 square feet of living area Arianna has more interior volume than any other yacht her length. Built to travel and explore, Arianna is capable of transoceanic cruising with fortitude and grace.

“It is exciting to see Arianna materialize and retain the original vision of her owner without compromise.” said Dovi Frances, co-founder of SG Private Wealth Advisors. “From the start of the project, SG Private Wealth Advisors has overseen all elements of the design and build process for Arianna and we are extremely excited that her owner has chosen us to manage all of her marketing efforts.” Arianna will be made available for charter shortly after her maiden voyage. The Delta Design Group implemented the owner’s vision of a Polynesian inspired interior that is elegant, comfortable, and suitable for a family at home on the seas. The interior is adorned with rare tropical hardwoods including Mascassar ebony, Wenge and Koa. Balinese inspired touches such as a solid slab dining table with natural unfinished edges and colorful blown glass lighting are just some of the elements that complete the design. Other details include inlaid silk carpets, organic fabrics and textures, woven leather and natural stone.

Aside from her large interior volume, a design element of particular note is the large owner’s suite located on the upper deck, including a stately lounge, private outdoor deck, dining area, and a customized room for children or family members. Forward on the main deck, where the master is traditionally located, is a fully equipped gym with a generous sauna, and a private office with an antique, German built safe. Both of these areas include stained glass skylights and large hull-side windows.

Outdoors, Arianna has a variety of areas perfect for alfresco dining or lounging in the sun. There is a large aft seating area on the main deck and the sun deck features a day head, Jacuzzi tub, sunning chairs, and a large island bar. Guests are shaded by a lightweight carbon fiber bimini and an elevator that travels to all four decks allows guests easy access to her teak-decked oasis. Arianna is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3512B engines that give her a cruising speed of 14.5 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. She carries 21,900 US gallons of fuel and has a range of over 5,000 nautical miles. Her main tender is stowed in a float-in garage with a smaller tender stowed on the sun deck.

About Delta – Delta is a world leader in composite yacht construction, pioneering the use of composite superstructures on metal-hulled yachts. Our reputation for building seaworthy, quality vessels is built on years of experience and the drive to create innovative and beautiful yachts. Complete with a team of naval architects, marine engineers and skilled workers in specialized fields, Delta expertly combines traditional craftsmanship and the latest technology. We are located just five minutes from Boeing Field, a private jet center, and 10 minutes from Downtown Seattle. Contact Michelle Jones at (206) 763-2383 or mjones@deltamarine.com.

About SG Private Wealth Advisors (SG PWA) – SG Private Wealth Advisors is the world’s first family office built by a billionaire to service domestic and international clients. The firm’s mission is to provide the benefits of a family office without burdening clients with the considerable cost of owning and operating a family office. SG Private Wealth Advisors’ services include personalized solutions for wealthy individuals’ private banking, insurance, yacht, aircraft, and estate needs. When it comes to overseeing the build and the subsequent marketing efforts of a yacht, SG Private Wealth Advisors handles only select clients per year. By limiting the number of clients the firm represents, SG Private Wealth Advisors achieves a clear understanding of the client’s requirements and specifications. As such, SG Private Wealth Advisors identifies and selects the best forms of media, venues of promotion, website design, and photography. This enables the client to remain personally involved, eliminates standard broker fees, and ensures the uniqueness of each yacht will not be lost in a sea of vessels for sale. For more information, contact Dovi Frances at (805) 845-6193 or arianna@sgprivatewealth.com.

Meet Tim MacDonald – Charter Chef of the Month

Capt. Jan Robinson — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:23:48 +0000

Chef Tim MacDonald

In essence, Tim MacDonald’s story has always been about fabulous food and great service, and at the 50th Antigua Charter Yacht Show he had the talent and tenacity to win the Mega Yacht Category, taking the coveted title of Concours de Chef 2012 for vessels 160 feet and over.

MacDonald’s secret is persistence and drive. You’ve heard the phrase, “I’m tied to the stove” from disgruntled housewives and househusbands? Well, MacDonald, chef on board 180-foot Huntress, loves having his anchor in the galley. It allows him to concentrate and take his food to the next level.

MacDonald, 43 years old, is from Dandenong, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia, where he grew up with one brother and three sisters. At a very young age, it was he who claimed the kitchen rather than his sisters. He told me, “I began earning my daily bread by selling pies at the football games. As a kid, I would catch a ride with my dad [Ian MacDonald] to his office, where he was the city engineer in Prahran, a wealthy inner city suburb with good fashion shops and food stores. I would walk up and down Chapel Street looking at the pastries in the windows. I wanted to eat all of it but had no cash, so I went home, opened my mother’s Woman’s Weekly cookbook and began to cook.

“At that time, like most kids, I loved creating sweets and baking, but quickly expanded into more high quality foods and wanted to cook fine cuts of meat, fish and unusual veggies. In time, I would make the butcher pull out the loin from the rack. I would buy bottles of French Champers and sample all the good brands. Then, I went through an exotic fruit phase, trying them all in various recipes.”

After attending Haileybury College in Melbourne, MacDonald worked for two years at a small but excellent restaurant before moving on to a Michelin-starred restaurant, The Willows, where he received invaluable training and where he described himself as being “melted and remolded into what I am today.” The restaurant was literally mise en place — aFrench phrase defined by the Culinary Institute of America as “everything in place.”

“They boasted unsurpassed service, waiters in dinner jackets, cigars, and the finest food in the world,” he said. After starting at the top of the restaurant chain, MacDonald decided to broaden his restaurant and life experiences by taking an apprenticeship as second chef in the field of posh, up-market pubs. Along with owner and Greek foodie, Kostas Metaxis, MacDonald “established several little cafés, and then opened Café Blu Pols in Prahan, which was a huge success with the introduction of small plates to Australia.” He then went on to chef at some high-end restaurants in Melbourne, Sydney and Queensland.

MacDonald then followed in the footsteps of a friend, Simon Oss, who worked on a megayacht earning mega bucks. He began his yachting career as a chef in 2005 on M/Y Daniella, based in the South of France. It was then full speed ahead for MacDonald on the journey to becoming one of the yachting industry’s leading chefs. He worked on incredible vessels such as Mayan Queen, Charisma, Marathon, Jemasa, Baron B and Allegria, all busy boats with precise order and great teamwork.

While cruising around the Med, he found how exciting it was to look forward to the diversity in produce. Because Australia has a large Greek and Italian population, cooking Med-style came easily to MacDonald. “I like to be busy and have found that when I come on board ready to go I can earn the respect of the crew by my work ethic and ability for organization and planning,” he said.

After Allegria, MacDonald decided to give up yachting, take a break and flew to Thailand for a change of life — living on fruit and coffee, living day to day, reading novels and spending some time on the Internet. Almost a year later, MacDonald emerged when he received a call from Bluewater Yacht Crew Placement to finish a two-month charter on M/Y Illusion in Sardinia.

Upon completion of the charter, MacDonald was staring at the wall in his cabin, where there was a map. He threw a dart and it landed on Ukraine. MacDonald said, “I decided to go there and immerse myself in the culture, people and food. It is where I met Tetiana (Tanya) Cafearo, a native of Kiev, Ukraine.” MacDonald lights up like a Roman candle when he speaks of Tanya, who is now his fiancée.

Several months later MacDonald took a chef position on the 50-meter M/Y Jemasa, cruising the Caribbean. Several months later, he returned to his future home in Kiev to find that Tanya had completely remodeled it. MacDonald had no idea until he walked in the door. He said, “I loved it 100 percent and instantly knew that I would be with this woman for the rest of my life.”

I enjoy interviewing great chefs like MacDonald, and this time I had the pleasure of interviewing aboard Huntress as we cruised from Antigua to St. Maarten. It was fascinating to watch him work and turn out incredible dishes for a photo shoot and for the crew — although we were supposedly out of supplies!

I always like to ask the chef what they think made them such a success. MacDonald’s instant reply was, “I am a tireless worker. I give 90 percent to the clients and 10 percent to the crew meals. To me it’s all about food. When possible, I like to get up early and go to the markets. On weekends, I am scouting out new food ideas in gourmet establishments and local markets. On Marathon, I had the nickname of “Marathon Man” because I never stopped. And I love it all.”

MacDonald also said, “It is important to keep eating out, to keep up. The best 500 Euros I ever spent was eating lunch, for two, at Louis XV restaurant in Monaco.” With these attributes, and with this as his objective, how could he fail? Tim MacDonald is a paradigm to yacht chefs worldwide.

ROASTED SCAMPI WITH GAZPACHO SALSA, AVOCADO “PUCK” AND SHADOW BENNY

Scampi

6 scampi, split, cleaned and placed on a baking sheet with foil, seasoned with olive oil and salt

Avocado Puck

3 large, ripe avocados, diced and dressed with one lime and salt and pepper

Gazpacho Salsa and Shadow Benny Julienne

2 cups of gazpacho

1 cucumber, finely diced, brunoise

1 each yellow, orange and red peppers, cleaned, pithed and brunoised

1/2 Spanish onion, finely brunoised

2 cloves of roasted garlic, smashed with the back of the knife

12 coriander roots, cleaned, washed and finely snipped with scissors

Julienned leaves from the coriander

3 ripe tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp of Spanish sherry vinegar

1/2 tsp of roasted Spanish paprika

1/2 tsp of sea salt

Extra lime and olive oil

Mix all of the above and let sit overnight. Two hours before assembling the final dish, add six ice cubes to the thick salsa and put in the freezer. The goal is to reduce the temperature of the salsa to a “just beginning to freeze on the edges” consistency.

TO ASSEMBLE:

Place scampi in the hot oven. Grab six frozen show plates and press the diced avocado with passion into a pastry ring. Place scampi on top of the avocado “puck.” Roast for about 4 minutes. (MacDonald says it’s OK to under-roast the scampi, but “crucifixion” will take place if it is over roasted at 60 euros a kilogram!)

Carefully spoon a small portion of the near frozen salsa around the “puck.” Be careful to keep all portions in ratio of 30% avocado, 30% scampi and 30% salsa.

Dress the entire dish with a squeeze of lime and extra virgin olive oil.

Lastly, drop the julienned shadow benny on top of the dish, making sure the herb snags on the scampi antenna for maximum effect!

Serves: 6

A native of New Zealand, Jan Robinson sailed the Caribbean on her 65-foot yacht for more than 20 years as a charter chef and yacht captain. She now divides her time between homes in the US Virgin Islands and Charlotte, North Carolina.

The “Inside” Story – A look at Yacht Interior Design

Suzanna Chambers — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:27:22 +0000

The interior of SY Twizzle - Photos by M. Bradfield and Bugsy Gedlek

The interior designs of the world’s most luxurious superyachts have made huge leaps in terms of sophistication over the last decade. Stroll around any luxury marina today and it’s evident that a radical shift in yacht design has taken place in the 21st century. Sleek, athletic lines typify the new designs while their luxurious interiors are on a par with stylish Manhattan lofts.

Take Candyscape 1, for example. The Benetti-built 45-meter yacht that property developer Candy & Candy chose for its first foray into nautical design is a striking superyacht characterized by lux and glamour. Hand-printed silks cover the walls, while platinum and gold-leaf finishes and bespoke furniture create an ambience that is reminiscent of early transatlantic cruise-ship chic. It’s hard to imagine anything more opulent.

However, leading designers now believe that such an obvious show of luxury could be a thing of the past, with tomorrow’s designs following a more discrete path.

Toby Ecuyer, creative director at British-based interior design company Redman Whiteley Dixon, said: “The projects we have underway have maintained the original design direction and style we had arrived at in the early stages of the design journey, seemingly unaffected by global economies and financial turmoil.

“However, we are noticing a move to more discrete yachts with the emphasis on quality and integrity. Provenance and pedigree are increasingly important to the discerning yacht owner,” said Ecuyer, whose company was recently named Best Superyacht Interior Designer by the International Superyachts Society (ISS),

His comments were mirrored by those of Victoria Redshaw, a recognized trend forecaster from London. According to Redshaw, managing director of Scarlet Opus, socio-economic factors have a huge influence on the design trends for interiors. “The mood in society plays an integral role in setting the tone of design trends.”

She said, because of the instability, many owners want their superyachts to act as a calm sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. There is an increased desire for familiar, stable colors that relate to nature, and consumers want room schemes that feel safe, cocooning and cosy.

“Looking forward, interior trends are concerned with stripping everything back and loving what is left,” said Redshaw. “Consumers are increasingly aiming towards more flexible lifestyles as we seek to shed the weight of the ‘stuff’ that ties us down. The mindset of accumulating myriad possessions is changing, and the concept of having fewer but more fabulous possessions becomes the new mantra for many. This is about learning lessons and living within our means.”

Redshaw added that the lust for constant newness was being replaced by a more meaningful love of the special, the unusual, the rare, the cleverly and considerately designed, and the long-lasting.

“We call this trend ‘simply flawless.’ It is concerned with the portrayal of purity, and it is beautifully bare. It explores the space and serenity of a streamlined lifestyle: smooth, compact, uncluttered, nude and quiet.

“We will also see an exploration of hand-crafted techniques resulting in products that display extreme rawness. Designers will revisit and reinvent old crafts and skills to present new levels of rawness as they celebrate the beauty of natural materials.”

Ecuyer sings from the same hymn book. “The yachts we design are always the result of a very involved and ongoing conversation with the owner. Due to the length of time it takes to build a yacht, innovations in material use and style are effectively on a time delay before they are revealed. Certainly new technology has allowed creative use of lighting and cutting ability, so thinner and finer veneers for example can be explored.

“Equally we have encouraged and employed traditional skills to be utilized in creating modern pieces of furniture, which complements our constant endeavor for quality,” he continued. “And the future will no doubt see a further exploration into the limits of materials by the brilliant creative minds who not only understand the technology at their finger tips, but have the vision to unite there technical knowledge with an artisan spirit.”

Hampshire-based Redman Whiteley Dixon was created in 1993, initially working on sailing yacht interiors. As more and more naval architects and yacht owners began to demand higher quality interiors, the company was able to expand its portfolio to include motor yachts as well.

Some of the world’s most prestigious, newest and largest yachts now display interiors designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon, including the 62-meter Icon and 57-meter Twizzle.

Ecuyer said: “I think there will be a greater appreciation for truly excellent craftsmanship as a move towards sustainability, longevity and appreciation of quality will influence our lives and the style in which we live it.”

Patrick Knowles Designs is one of America’s top interior design firms specializing in custom superyachts. And according to award-winning designer Patrick Knowles, 2012 will also see many owners choosing to put a human stamp on their newly-designed megayachts.

Writing on the Patrick Knowles Designs website’s “Observation Deck,” Knowles said “as technology increasingly dominates our world, I find that we gravitate toward the human form as a touchstone to what matters most — the people in our lives. Even in my most contemporary, minimalist megayacht interior designs, I find there is often a place for the human form to complement and strengthen the design.”

Knowles gives the bust featuring four women at his own home, The Ladies of the Season, as an example. “In one way or another, the human form has found its way into a number of my recent design projects,” he said.

However, the more discrete approach to interior designs for superyachts is no cause for concern, according to French designer Remi Tessier, who picked up the Prix du Design 2011 at the Monaco Yacht Show.

“2012 is going to be an important stage for us because we have a number of big projects that we are currently developing, and we hope to build them. We are crossing our fingers.”

Suzanna Chambers is property editor for US magazine France Today and writes articles for various news publications, lifestyle magazines and websites. Her love of yachts began went she went sailing with her father as a child in Poole Dorset, England.

Diverse Ontario

Louay Habib — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 20:09:44 +0000

Night Skyline of Toronto

Ontario’s climate is one of the most changeable anywhere in the world. Temperatures can range from 30 degrees at the height of the summer to minus 30 in the depths of the winter. The effect on the landscape is dramatic; a carpet of snow in winter, lush greenery in summer and a kaleidoscope of gold, red and orange in fall. But it is not just the climate that is diverse.

The sights and opportunities of Ontario are an eclectic mix of cosmopolitan cities, quaint towns and great tourist settings to suit any taste.

It is difficult to visit Ontario without marveling at Niagara Falls, about two hour’s drive south of Toronto and one of the natural wonders of the world. The falls were dug out 10,000 years ago during the ice age, the same force that created the Great Lakes. The town of Niagara is very touristic with wax museums, arcades and souvenir shops aplenty. Some of these attractions are a great way to amuse the kids, but the must-see here is probably one of the best water parks in the world to entertain them.

Great Wolf Lodge, situated just outside Niagara, is an ideal haven for children who love messing about in the water. The themed hotel is extremely well appointed and has log cabin décor on a grand scale. We chose a Wolf Den, which had a snug for the kids with bunk beds and their own TV and game console. The water park is indoor and features five gargantuan water slides, a beach-style wave pool, a river pool, activity pool and older kids can enjoy the three-story water fort with all manner of contraptions and levels to enjoy.

The park is extremely well monitored by lifeguards, and the slides are very safe. Outside there is an excellent interactive mini-golf course, Jacuzzi and spa bath, and an outdoor pool with a bar serving light meals. In fact, there are several snack bars located around the resort serving everything from pizza to coffee with muffins. The main restaurant is located next to the reception: The Critter Grill serves excellent produce, buffet style, morning noon and night, and the service is excellent.

One of the key reasons to the success of Great Wolf Lodge is that you have to stay there to use it, meaning no rowdy groups of teenagers coming in just for the day. It is not the cheapest hotel in Niagara, but the water park is all included and the food is reasonably priced.

About two hour’s drive north of Toronto is cottage country, an area of vast lakes and outstanding natural beauty. For generations, Canadians have headed to this part of Ontario for the weekend or the holidays. Many locals have homes along the myriad of lakes, including my uncle and aunt, who left Toronto some years ago and now live permanently on Lake Muskoka.

The shore of the lake is nicknamed Millionaires Row, and there are some very impressive waterside residences. Social life in Muskoka revolves around house parties and the multitude of golf clubs; if you are looking for night clubs and high fashion, forget it. Muskoka is about as laid back as you can get — dress is very casual and time slips by at a sedate space. However, my two sons were never bored. They spent their days fishing, swimming and boating. Besides holding 20 percent of all the fresh water in the world, the area around the Great Lakes is a forest of unimaginable size and beauty, lakeside views are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.

Further north by about half an hour, next to Huntsville, is Deerhurst Resort, chosen as the venue for the G8 Summit meeting of world leaders in 2010. The purpose-built resort, set in 780 acres, can cater for 1,000 guests in a variety of rooms ranging from the main hotel to your own cottage. We chose a junior suite, which was extremely well fitted out with a full kitchen and our own wooden decked balcony overlooking one of the two golf courses. The resort boats some amazing décor — especially the main hotel, which has a grand reception hall with bars and restaurants that are beautifully set with comfortable furnishings and excellent use of light.

The real attraction of Deerhurst Resort is the huge number of activities and most of them center around Peninsula Lake. The Splash Zone is an inflatable water park of bouncing trampolines, climbing walls and slides. The resort also has a range of kayaks and canoes to explore the lake, and for the more adventurous, there are sailing catamarans and electric boats. Water-skiing and tubing are also available.

If you enjoy golf then you will be very much at home at Deerhurst, the par 64 Deerhurst Lakeside is very well maintained. The front nine skirts Peninsula Lake, and the back nine challenges with more demanding holes. Deerhurst Resort also boasts one of the finest golf courses in Canada: Deerhurst Highlands is carved through rugged granite and set among the dense forests that inspired the Group of Seven painters in the 1920s. Designed by Robert Cupp and Thomas McBroom, the par 72, 7,011-yard masterpiece boasts elevated tee areas perched on natural rock walls.

Deerhurst also has excellent racket sports facilities; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; and an excellent spa providing health and beauty treatments and sauna and steam room facilities. There are many adventure trails to explore by foot, but the resort offers an interesting alternative: The Hummer is the ultimate four-wheel drive experience and one hour excursions make an ideal way to experience the wild countryside around the resort in comfort. The 6.5-liter engine is driven by eco-friendly bio-diesel, and the vehicle is capable of climbing sheer rock faces and descending through steep muddy trails.

After spending some time enjoying Muskoka, visiting the city of Toronto can be a little hectic, but it is well worth the effort. Toronto is a modern city with a multicultural population of about 2.7 million people. There is a thriving China Town, and all manner of restaurants and hotels to cater for just about any taste or budget. Try Prego, in the quiet sanctuary and shadows of the Church of the Redeemer; it is probably the best Italian restaurant in Toronto. The Windsor Arms Hotel is one of the finest in Toronto, located near to the Yorkdale shopping center. Also nearby is the Four Seasons Hotel, one of Toronto’s most elegant hotels, boasting some of the city’s most luxurious guest rooms.

The Toronto skyline is dominated by the CN Tower — until 2007 it was the tallest free standing structure in the world. Indeed, Toronto is full of skyscrapers; it has over 2,000 buildings over 90 meters in height. In contrast, The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) have stunning architectural design and very interesting exhibitions and artifacts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit at the ROM. The Henry Moore collection at the AGO is probably the best in the world, and the Gardiner Museum has an extensive pottery and ceramic collection.

It goes without saying that we visited Ontario during the summer, and the region enjoys a fine climate, but this province of contrasts is well equipped to deal with the harshest winter. Great Wolf Lodge is just as busy in January and would be an ideal venue for a New Year’s break; Deerhurst Resort offers many activities in the winter: ice skating on the lake, snow-mobiling on the trails and skiing are all available. The city of Toronto is as vibrant in the winter, and the shopping malls are still busy as ever. Niagara Falls can become affected by ice, but it doesn’t freeze up. Nor does life and opportunity in the diverse province of Ontario.

Louay Habib is a freelance journalist and broadcaster based in the United Kingdom. With 30+ years of international yacht racing experience, he has visited more than 40 countries around the world.

Getting Afloat in Muskoka

Motor Boat Rental

Based in Gravenhurst, Ontario, Northern Lakes Marine has an extensive range of boats for hire and has been established for more than 10 years. They can deliver right to your door and supply all manner of boats, from small aluminum fishing boats with outboards to large sports boats and also personal watercraft. They operate a service throughout the Muskoka area. www.northernlakesmarine.com

Learn to sail

South Muskoka Sailing School has been established for 30 years and offers both sailing school and racing programs. The school offers instruction for 8 to 16 year olds. The minimum commitment is only one week, but pupils will require a minimum of two weeks to complete a level. The program offers instruction in CYA sailing levels from White Sail to Silver Sail, with both on-water and off-water activities, and an emphasis on fun learning. The school has a newly completed clubhouse with excellent facilities, featuring Optimists, Vanguard Prams, Lasers and 420s. www.muskokasailing.com

Kayak rental

Swift Canoes rents kayaks and canoes all year round, designed by Muskoka specialists John Winters and the legendary David Yost. Swift canoes are the perfect choice for a paddling expedition throughout the region. They have a large rental fleet, and vessels are available for hire for a single day or weeks on end. www.swiftcanoe.com

A trip through old Muskoka

If you want to take a trip back in time, the RMS Segwun is the oldest operating steam-driven vessel in North America. Built in 1887 to cruise the Muskoka Lakes, the 125-foot steamship is now available for day trips. Ports of call include Gravenhurst, Bracebridge, Beaumaris, Port Sandfield, Port Carling and Bala. The soft tone of the Segwun is often heard echoing across the lakes of Northern Ontario, and taking a trip on board is reminiscent of how travellers used to explore the region before roads were established here.www.segwun.com

huisfit: exceeding expectations

Jurjen.van.t.Verlaat — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:32:33 +0000

The finest Huisman standards of engineering and service in a customised, yet competitive, refit package are the aim; they are also the reality as two major projects head towards completion.

EOS

At 93m (305ft), this fine Lürssen-built three-masted schooner is the world’s largest sailing yacht. In keeping with huisfit’s highly flexible approach to location, the majority of the refit is taking place at Harlingen, while the refurbishment of the spars and other engineering works are being carried out at the Royal Huisman yard at Vollenhove.

Appreciation of huisfit’s capabilities has resulted in an extended work-list that now includes a new paint job for hull, superstructure and spars; overhaul of deck equipment and Rondal masts; updates to teak deck; extensive service work to mechanics, board systems (including 5 year Lloyds re-certification) and air conditioning, together with general works and cosmetic repairs.

BE MINE

This 40m (132ft) motor yacht, launched by Lürssen in 1991, was ready for updating and remodelling work as well as an extensive refit programme. The work schedule at Vollenhove includes paintjob of underwater body, steel hull and aluminium superstructure; construction work including updates to sun deck, main deck and hull portholes; replacement of teak decks; service work to board systems; interior modifications including upgrades to the upholstery; updates to electronics (entertainment, navigation and communication) and to electrics.

The huisfit package

Royal Huisman set the bar high for its own aspirations when it established huisfit. The yard team know that owners, project managers and captains seeking high standards of refit work are also seeking a professional, business-like and reliable yard culture. Transparency, integrity and dependability in customer dealings means honest and realistic project delivery times, defined and agreed terms of business, and regular operational and financial reports to the owner’s captain or project manager. Careful planning and efficient operations offer flexibility and adaptability as well as competitive rates.

True to the Huisman tradition, there is no standard refit: every huisfit project is a custom project, planned and implemented with careful regard to the yacht’s individual build, condition and refit objectives. With four custom new builds and two major custom refits in progress, the Royal Huisman team are working to high levels of efficiency, applying their exceptional skill sets across all projects, further enhancing the team’s capabilities in the process.

Bring your A-GAME to the Fort Lauderdale Crew Olympics!

chris — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:38:40 +0000

Are you the CREW GLADIATOR that you think you are?

Do you wake up in the morning and can’t stop looking at your six-pack abs?

Well… Come show your stuff and prove that your Yacht ROCKS!

Practice up on your Lime and Spoon Racing technique because you’ll need to bring your A-Game! These crew play for keeps.

COSTUMES Encouraged! Awards for Dance & Best Costume!

NOTE: All Captains and Crew MUST Enter in Advance. Email sos@yachtchandlers.com or call 954-761-3463

(6-8 Members per team, Judging based on Prowess, Originality and Creativity)

ROCK ON!

The Yacht Chandlers Fort Lauderdale Crew Olympics

Where Are They Now? Yacht Essentials Profiles Lars Nilsson

Jeannie Craig — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:15:02 +0000

Image of Lars Nilsson

It’s been some time since Lars Nilsson made his living as a professional yacht captain, but the years he spent running boats taught him valuable lessons that he continues to draw from today while managing his marine business in Anacortes, Washington.

“When you’re out at sea, you can’t rely on someone else, particularly when there’s a problem or an emergency,” said Nilsson. “You have to be resourceful, and often, you have to go beyond your comfort zone to get things done. You learn to think fast on your feet and to quickly evaluate the end result.”

Not surprisingly, the time he spent managing large and expensive builds for discerning clients also taught him a good deal about service. “As a captain, you know your guests expect a very high level of service, so you have to deliver what is promised and never compromise on that.”

Armed with those hard-won lessons, Nilsson now runs MarineTec US with his partner Costica Gheorghiu. The company sells, installs and services hydronic heating and domestic hot water systems that employ Kabola furnaces built in Oudewater, Netherlands, and Solaris water heaters. It’s a business Nilsson knows very well and one he hopes will continue to grow.

For those not familiar with Kabola furnaces, these units bear a strong resemblance to home heating units. In addition, they boast great efficiency — think 90 percent — which means they’re good at turning diesel fuel into heat and hot water. They’re simple and functional, too, features that are very important to Nilsson.

Nilsson grew up in Sweden, where he sailed as a teen and stoked a love of the sea that would become a lifelong passion. He then enrolled in Sweden’s merchant marine academy, graduated with a degree in marine engineering, and joined the merchant fleet, where he eventually became chief engineer. In that role, he worked aboard a variety of vessels, from tankers and bulk carriers to ferries and fish-processing ships. His time aboard these ships gave him a real appreciation for the value of high-quality and reliable marine gear, a perspective he said is very valuable to him today in his role at MarineTec.

Nilsson’s career path veered in a new direction in 1984, when he went cruising aboard a 35-foot ketch through much of Central America and the Caribbean. He landed in San Diego, where Nilsson met his future wife, Judy. The couple then settled on the West Coast.

For the next 14 years or so, Nilsson worked as a captain on several yachts, mostly in the Pacific Northwest. He did two seasons on the steel boat Alegra, which was based in southern Spain in the winters and the Med during the summer. He then started work for a family in Washington state, first aboard a 48-footer and then the 90-foot Cheoy Lee Odyssey 3, which he operated for six years. When the owner was ready to trade up again, he sent Nilsson around the world to research yachts and yards. In 1997, the owner commissioned a new Feadship, the 158-foot Katrion. Nilsson supervised the construction of that yacht at the De Vries Shipyard in the Netherlands and then ran the boat from 1997 to 2000.

By this time, Nilsson and his wife had had two children, and the busy and well-traveled father was feeling the pull to step ashore for a while and set the anchor close to home. Although he would go on to operate yachts for the same Washington-based family in the years ahead, the Feadship was the last boat he would run full-time.

In 2001, Nilsson started his own business, Nortec Marine, which specialized in the marine heating systems he continues to sell today. Nilsson said the idea for the business had been percolating for some time.

“I realized there was a need for this type of system back when I was doing research on marine heating systems for the 90-footer,” he said. “I couldn’t find a suitable product. I found it later in Europe, when I had the opportunity to meet with a number of Dutch suppliers and manufacturers. Through them I heard about Kabola, and realized that when I did decide to step ashore, I wanted to work in that field. I knew there was a need for it, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where a high-quality marine heating system is necessary all year long. “

With his new business, Nilsson became the distributor for the Kaboloa brand in North America, educating builders, dealers and consumers about the distinct benefits of the system and essentially building the brand in a new market. His target audience: boats sized from 42 to 80 feet, with an emphasis on the trawler market.

Kabola products are well-suited for that market. The rugged systems (available in a range of sizes, from 35,000 to 400,000 Btu) place a strong emphasis on simplicity — the furnace itself comprises only about 10 major parts — and because the furnaces share many components with residential and industrial heating systems, the design and parts are proven. They’re designed to meet stringent CE safety and construction requirements, and they’re compact. In addition, the Kabola brand is designed specifically for the marine market.

Nilsson’s business was doing well up until 2008, when the recession took the wind out of many marine companies. Nortec, like many others, fell on hard times. “I had some tough years, and there were moments when I was ready to give up and go back to sea again, but that’s not something you can do when you have children and a family.”

Just when things were looking dire, Nilsson attended a boat show where he met up with Gheorghiu, who had run boat yards and worked with Nilsson in the past. In fact, Gheorghiu had become a customer of Nilsson’s after seeing how well the hydronic heating systems he installed worked. The meeting led to a restructuring of the Kabola distribution network in North America. Gheorghiu formed MarineTec, of which Nilsson is a partner today.

MarineTec is unlike Nilsson’s first business in that there’s an even stronger focus on installations, which are done at the new Anacortes facility (the business was previously located in Seattle). “We’re even more hands-on now,” said Nilsson, “which benefits our customers, as we can guarantee our installations. We have very loyal clients. Among them are repair yards, builders and retail end-users.”

As for future goals, Nilsson and his partner plan to focus on delivering “excellent customer service” as well as cutting-edge technology. In fact, the company has plans to announce a new low-emission “green” boiler. Although Nilsson said there are some things he misses about being a professional captain (“you meet a lot of interesting people and get to travel to places you wouldn’t see if you weren’t in that position”) he is very excited about the potential for his company and about the products it will be releasing. “The technology is exciting, and you’ll be hearing a lot more about it in the near future.”

Jeanne Craig is an award-winning marine journalist and editor based in Rowayton, Connecticut

Beautiful Brazil

Suzanna Chambers — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:06:33 +0000

Beautiful Rio - image courtesy of Embratur

With more than 8,000 kilometers of stunning coastline scattered with scores of tropical islands, a wonderful all-year climate and a warm and colorful population, it would seem that Brazil boasted all the necessary qualities to make it a premier superyacht destination.

But until now, the Latin American country — first discovered by Portuguese seafarers more than 500 years ago — has remained relatively closed to the international yachting community.

However, leaders in the yacht charter industry believe this is all about to change. They predict that in as little as two years time there will be a new emerging superyacht destination on the world map.

Daniel Doppler, CEO of Windward Islands, said: “I think the luxury sailing industry is going to open up in Brazil dramatically over the next few years. I think it’s going to be a minimum of two years before some very exciting plans emerge there, and we begin to see a yacht charter presence.

“It is a beautiful country, with one of the biggest coastlines in the world. It’s very exciting,” Doppler said, adding that Windward Islands, which has offices in all the major yachting capitals of the world, is about to open one in Sao Paolo.

Interest in Brazil as a superyacht destination has been growing rapidly in recent years as savvy clients seek out new cruising grounds to explore. However, Doppler, who recently visited Brazil to attend the 14th Rio Boat Show, said that the country’s infrastructure and services still had a way to go before they conformed to European standards. But he believes the fact that Brazil will host the Football World Cup in 2014 — coupled with a massive push by the Brazilian government to attract superyachts to its shores — is all the country needs to put its mark on the yacht charter map.

Brazil has won the World Cup a staggering five times, which is more than any other nation, and the event in two years time promises to be one long carnival in the country that introduced the notion of the beautiful game. The main action of the Brazil World Cup 2014 will center on Rio de Janeiro, and Doppler believes this will bring a number of super yachts to the capital.

For its part the Brazilian government is making efforts to develop the super yacht industry by reducing the level of tax owners must pay on their vessels as well as by offering tax incentives to yacht building companies who set up in Brazil. He said the first area of tax reductions would be for vessels in the north of the country, near Salavdor de Bahia.

The government’s attempts to lure yacht building companies to Brazil appeared to be working, with leading boat builders such as Beneteau having recently opened up new production facilities there. Indeed, the world’s largest boat manufacturer is extremely positive about the emerging market in Brazil, predicting that the majority of growth in future years will come from countries like Brazil and China, reaching 14 percent of sales by 2015.

So, the signs for potential yacht charters in Brazil couldn’t be better. But what can we expect from its coastline when we get there?

Angra dos Reias is arguably the country’s most popular coastal destination at present, and lies on the south-eastern coast of Bazil. Surrounded by a smattering of 365 islands, one for each day of the year, the area is little more than a two-hour drive south of the international airport in Rio de Janeiro.

All 365 of Angra’s islands are within Baía da Ilha Grande, the Bay of Grand Island, as opposed to out in the rougher Atlantic Ocean, and boast wonderful tropical scenery with emerald blue water and pristine white sand. A number of excellent restaurants have sprung up in what could be seen as anticipation of what is to come.

The biggest island is unsurprisingly called Ilha Grande, which is 192 km square and surrounded by wonderful coves and stunning beaches off which to snorkel, swim and dive. The island also offers an excellent opportunity to surf in waves off beaches such as Lopes Mendes, which is famous for being one of the most scenic spots in the whole of the country.

Another popular island, especially amongst the Brazilian jet set, is Ilha da Gipoia, which lies 30 minutes away by boat from Angra dos Reis. Over the last decade a number of beautifully designed villas have sprung up near the coast, with Dentista Beach being the place to be seen.

Meanwhile, the historic town of Paraty, still in the Bay of the Grand Island but on the mainland, offers peace and tranquility as well as a wealth of history, including a number of stunning buildings from the colonial period.

Every yacht charter destination appears to have its own Saint-Tropez, and Brazil is no different. Approximately two hours north of Rio to Janeiro is Buzios, the Latin American equivalent to the South of France’s most popular fishing village. Originally settled by European pirates and made famous by Brigitte Bardot in the ’60s, this once sleepy fishing port today boasts an impressive array of expensive boutiques, first-class restaurants and oodles of charm. It is also surrounded by no less than 20 golden beaches hidden in coves along the peninsula, just waiting to be explored.

Most of the Brazil is an all-year destination, although due to the sheer size of the country, weather can vary from area to area. There are five climatic regions: equatorial, tropical, semi-arid, highland tropical and subtropical. Temperatures rarely dip below 25C or rise beyond 33C, even during winter months — between April and August — but the best time to visit is definitely during summer, when the rains are few and far between.

The northern part of the Brazilian coast has strong NE winds that blow particularly fiercely in the summer, whilst the rest of the coast is influenced by SE trade winds, which are strongest between March and August. Overall, the weather in Brazil will do little to dampen the government’s efforts to encourage the superyacht charter industry to its shores.

Marinas in Brazil

São Paulo

Porto Marina Asturia CING

At: Rua Francesca Sapochetti Castrucci 805, 11401-970 Asturia, Guaruja

Tel: (13) 3354 3888

VHF Channel 68

Rio de Janeiro

Marina da Gloria

At: Avenida Infante Don Henrique s/n, 20021-140 Rio de Janeiro

Tel: (21) 205 6716

Fax: (21) 285 4558

VHF Channel 16, 68

www.marinadagloria.com.br

Bahia

Bahia Marina

At: Av. do Contorno N 1010, 40015-230 Salvador de Bahia

Tel: (71) 322 7244

Fax: (71) 322 7244

VHF Channel 16, 68

www.bahiamarina.com.br

Paraná

Porto Marina Oceana

At: Rua B Constant 89, 83203-450 Paranagua

Tel: (41) 423 1831

VHF Channel 68

www.portomarinaoceana.com.br

Ceará

Marina Park – Fortelza

At: Av. Presidente Castelo Branco 400, Praia de Iracema, Fortaleza, Ceará

Tel: (85) 4006 9595

Fax: (85) 3253 1803

VHF Channel 74

Paraíba

Jacaré Yacht Village

At: Praia do Jacaré

Tel: (83) 3248 3638

www.marina-jacare-village.com

Suzanna Chambers is property editor for US magazine France Today and writes articles for various news publications, lifestyle magazines and websites. Her love of yachts began went she went sailing with her father as a child in Poole Dorset, England.