Two Superb Designs from Yacht Designer Aras Kazar

Two superb designs from Turkish yacht designer Aras Kazar entered the Mega Yacht Global mail box last week. The two designs Blue Dream II and Blue Peace are eco-friendly inspired and with their sharp ultra modern lines would be a real head turner in any top class marina in the world.

Blue Dream II

Blue Dream II is 67m (220ft) in length with a range of 2500nm, she will have a maximum speed of 30kts and a cruising speed of 20kts. She has a special eco-friendly feature with a large solar panel on the roof of the main deck, which will convert the suns rays into energy that fulfills 100% of the electricity requirements.

The whole superstructure comes wrapped with glass windows which provide a 360 degree view of the surrounding area. This is to make sure that nothing comes in between the owner and guests views. The side and front glass windows come with the flexibility of being opened to let that cool tropical breeze circulate throughout the yacht.

She will have four decks where guests can relax and entertain. The upper flybridge deck includes a U shaped sofa where guests can relax and take in the surrounding area from a pristine viewing point. The owners suite is aft of the bridge on the deck below which includes a jacuzzi, a private office and a bar. The main deck will let the owners entertain and socialize in its spacious lounge or the formal dining area which can be easily converted into a conference room. Also on this deck there is a library, gym, 2 jacuzzi's and two of the guest cabins. The other two guest cabins are located on the lower deck. The bow area will include a large sunken pool and sunning area.

'Blue Dream II will provide quality and high visual satisfaction in a single package'

Blue Peace

Blue Peace is 42m (137ft) in length and will have a range of 500nm at an astonishing speed of 40kts. She will have a maximum speed of an incredible 60kts. Her design was inspired from a unique species "Piscis Volans" also known to most as the flying fish. Aras Kazar has continued with his eco-friendly concept with solar panels placed as wings on both sides of the yacht, seen in the slide show below. These panels just open while Blue Peace is not moving and just like in Blue Dream II the solar panels convert the suns rays into energy that fulfills 100% of the electricity requirements.

You could call Blue Peace a convertible Megayacht, with her roof being able to open up half way by the touch of a button. This reveals the aft deck and seating area for up to 14 guests. Her accommodation includes an owners stateroom, two guest cabins and two crew cabins. You could just imagine sitting and relaxing at the dining table on the aft deck as the sun goes down behind a tropical island in the south pacific.

Vava II Hits The Caribbean

Mega Yacht Global reader Peter Glahn has taken these wonderful pictures of the most talked about Megayacht of the last year, the 96m (315ft) Vava II. The pictures were taken in the North Sound, Virgin Gorda in the BVI. Vava II was launched on the 10th of September 2011 by Pendennis Plus and is currently the largest privately owned Megayacht ever to be constructed in Britain.

She was designed by Redman Whitely Dixon and the interior was designed by Remi Tessier who has produced some excellent designs in the past which include Heesen yachts Satori 163ft and two Perini Navi's Parsifal III 177ft and Salute 183ft so the interior of Vava II will be to the highest standard.
Above is a great shot of her gull wing doors in the bow for tender and toy storage. If any readers want to share their Megayacht pictures with Mega Yacht Global please send them to the following email address: megayachtglobal@gmail.com

Rossi Navi Moves 48m 'Ketos'

Last week on Tuesday the 20th Rossi Navi launched the hull of their 48m (157ft) Ketos project number FR026 from their shipyard in Pisa. Ketos was towed by sea to Viareggio where the outfitting will be completed. She is totally aluminum built with a vast internal volume spread over two decks that is superior to yachts of similar size. Her very high and aggressive lines will be noticed from far away when out on the sea.

Her most noticeable features are the two meter high windows in the bow that start from deck level and finish over the ceiling. This will let in large amounts of natural light into the owners suite and give some wonderful views out over the sea.

Enrico Gobbi from T4D took care of the outside and inside details with peculiar attention on the lighting system which will be the distinctive mark of this Megayacht as well as the bow windows. The sky lounge will have electrically operated side windows, top windows and circular aft windows so that guests can enjoy the jacuzzi from inside or outside, giving the guests maximum privacy.

Her delivery is due for April 2013.

'Mirabella V' Arrives at Pendennis

The worlds largest sailing sloop Mirabella V 247ft (75.2) has just arrived at the Pendennis yard for and extensive year long refit. The new owner has renamed the yacht M5 and has briefed the team on adapting the yachts exterior and interior to his needs. M5's refit at Pendennis will see the structural fabrication and composite work undertaken by another UK based company, Green Marine, with support from structural engineers High Modulus Europe Ltd. This will include the redesign and extension of the stern by 3m and the installation of a side boarding platform.

She will also have a substantial amount of engineering work done including, the main engines, generators, switchboards and sewage treatment plant replaced along with an upgrade of the air conditioning system, electrics and entertainment system. A full hull repaint along with a mast (which is 90m in length) and rigging overhaul is to be conducted as well. The interior will see the main and lower decks undergo a complete restyle. M5's main deck will be completely transformed once all joinery is replaced to complement Redman Whitely Dixon's new contemporary design.

Ron Holland who were the original naval architects when Mirabella V was launched in 2004, will be in charge of the structural improvements for the refit commented:

"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the new owner on Mirabella V and respond to their requirements for this substantial refit. We look forward to working in partnership with Pendennis and RWD once again."

This refit with the collaboration of the new owner and some of the industries finest will give a new lease of life to one of the most well known Superyachts in the world today.

Perini Navi Turn Hull of 60m Sloop SY C.2218

The aluminium hull of Perini Navi's C. 2218, the second of two yachts in the new generation of 60m sailing yachts sold by Perini Navi, was turned at their Perini Istanbul-Yildiz shipyard.

The aluminium hull and superstructure will result in a full load displacement of approximately 570 tonnes for a less than 500 gross tonnes yacht. By the end of summer 2012, the hull will be transferred to the Perini Navi Viareggio shipyard for outfitting scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2014.

The C.2218 sloop is designed by Perini Navi naval architects in collaboration with New Zealander Ron Holland, will also be equipped with the new generation Perini Navi sail handling equipment and a centreboard varying the draught from 12.30m to 4.30m. She will also have full carbon spars and rigging a first for a Perini Navi Superyacht. She will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests in 5 cabins including the full beam owner's suite, designed in-house by the Perini Navi Design Department.

Hanseatic Marine Launches 77m 'Smeralda'

The stunning 77m (252ft) Smeralda was successfully launched on schedule on the 17th of March by her builder Hanseatic Marine. She is the largest Superyacht to be built in Australia to date and what a magnificent yacht to take that title.

Smeralda is the third in the multiple award winning Silver Series design by Espen Oenio. With her distinctive lines and sleek profile she represents the latest Superyacht concept which marries high levels of speed and performance with an impressive long range cruising capabilities. She is equipped with more powerful engines than her sister yachts in the series, reaching a top speed of close to 30kts. This is quite impressive for a yacht of this size, and even more impressive is her 4,500nm rage at a speed of 18kts.

Smeralda boasts the highest level of Northern European luxury craftsmanship and outfitting. The Italian style contemporary interior was designed by Andreas Hoinburger of Vain Interiors in Germany and features American walnut paneling, high gloss lacquers, and custom finishes such as sculptured carpets, woven leathers and artisan stonework.

Some of her unique features are the helicopter pad, glass fronted deck jacuzzi, outdoor cinema, outdoor nightclub sound system, large forward gull wing doors which house the yachts inventory of water toys: 2x7.3m tenders, jet skis, and sea bobs as well as the expansive beach club which provides a day spa complete with saunarium.

She has very spacious VIP guest accommodation across 9 suites. The owners accommodation is an apartment that occupies the entire upper deck and features a private aft facing outside area that can be used for al fresco dining or relaxing in the sun.

Smeralda is offered for sale by Burgess as central agents.

The Columbus Sport 130' Hybrid

Following the great success of Prima 177ft (53.9m) at the Monaco Yacht Show last year, Palumbo singed a contract from Columbus Yachts for the construction of a 40m yacht, the Columbus Sport 130' Hybrid. The shipyard is also building another 60m yacht, the Columbus Classic 200'.

The Palumbo Shipyard is well known for their respect for the marine environment and the Columbus Sport 130 Hybrid is no exception with its use of an environmentally friendly hybrid system. She sports smooth sexy lines that come together to create a master piece of innovation and style.

She will comply with the latest IMO MARPOL regulations and will be equipped with a bilge water separator even if its not requested by the class. The most environmentally friendly system is the hybrid system itself. This will allow the yacht to have a slow navigation with the main engines turned off and just two generators running. The generators have a low impact on the environment due to the fact that their engines run at a fixed rpm thus reducing the carbon emissions. The hybrid system consists of two electric engines connected to the gear box. This allows to have electrical navigation for a maximum speed of 7.5kts getting power from the two generators. The hybrid system can be useful for quiet night navigation due to the electrical engines being very silent.

The windows of the main saloon are particularly large allowing the owner and guests feel closer to the outside elements. Some of the yachts special design features are the large beach club at the stern and a spectacular flybridge with great independence and modern styling. The shipyard and the owner reached a solution to create a yacht that would remain a yacht allowing the owner and crew to feel the real sensation of the sea and it beauty.

The owner of the yacht teamed up with Italian design studio Hot Labs Design for the yachts interior. The yachts interior shows a combination of warm materials with soft colors to avoid any strong contrast. Marbles such as Breccia Sarda and Emperador Dark will be matched together with teak, Sicomoro wood and grey durmast. Leather, polished stainless and precious fabrics will complete the ambiance on board. She will be able to accommodate up to 8 guests in 3 guest cabins and an owners suite.

Antibes Yacht Show 2012

The Antibes Yacht Show first opened its doors in April 2007 in response to a strong demand for a spring show in the region. It is dedicated to the brokerage and charter of larger yachts. From 2007, The shows visitors have increased from year to year. The first year there were 8,000 visitors, and in 2011 there were just over 13,000 coming from 65 different countries to see the show and view the 150 yachts exhibited. The Antibes Yacht Show combines beautiful spring weather with Europe’s largest yacht marina.

The show kicks off on the 12th of April and runs through to the 15th. Many of the industries top representatives will be their to answer your any of your questions. Some new features of the show for 2012 include:

• Networking connections: Giving you the opportunity to connect on line with your potential clients prior to and during the show to organize your own networking.
• A new late evening will take place on Friday April 13^th. Exhibitors will be able to welcome their clients and visitors until 9pm.
• A new ‘Yacht Hop Day’ will allow exhibiting brokers to visit the yachts present at the show.
• There will be a new layout by creating a patio (interior courtyard) in the marquee of the Bastion St Jaume.

The show will also feature:

• Motor and Sailing yacht from 15m to 60m.
• A refit area in the Bastion St Jaume.
• Dedicated Lounges: Captains Lounge, Crew Lounge, Press Lounge and VIP Lounge.

Opening Hrs are from 10am every day and tickets cost €15, free entrance for children under 15. It will be a fantastic show with some great Megayachts to view so its well worth the trip. For more information please visit the shows web site at:

www.antibesyachtshow.com

Pendennis Plus Completes 'MY Virginian' Refit

Pendennis Plus has this week completed the refit project of the 204ft (62.23m) Feadship Virginian, their second completed refit of 2012. Virginian was also one of the first refits undertaken by Devonport Yachts in their Plymouth facility. She was built in 1990, the Feadship arrived at Pendennis at the beginning of November following the departure of the beautiful 232ft (71m) Dona Amélia (ex Helda G). The work undertaken on Virginian included general maintenance work, minor interior modifications and an annual survey alongside a full topside repaint and installation of new Naiad Zero Speed stabilisers.


Stephen Hills, Managing Director of Pendennis Plus, discussed the latest developments in the large yachts sector,

“We have had an increasing number of enquiries for 60m+ sailing and motor yacht refits and bespoke new builds over the past few months. The experience within the Pendennis Plus team coupled with the world class Falmouth facilities and strong in-house trades are proving to be a winning combination. Pendennis Plus will be undertaking a major sailing yacht refit following the departure of Virginian".

The New Christensen Custom 140' (43m) Series

The Tom George Yacht Group has announced the sale of the first luxury custom 140ft (43m) series by Christensen Yachts. Tom George brokered the sale to American buyers who showed special interest in the ample room designated to a touch-and-go helipad and toys. The exterior square footage is 3,753ft and including the helipad and room for toys, it also includes spaces were owners can entertain their guests. The sun deck will include a full height bar, jacuzzi, day head, and lounging areas where guest can soak up the sun. The yachts exterior styling will reflect the classic custom series image.

Her interior footage is 4,520ft which is larger than most 50m yachts in the market. She will be able to accommodate 12 guests in 5 large and luxurious staterooms which include a master suite on the main deck, 2 VIP staterooms and 2 guest cabins all of which have en suite bathrooms with custom finishes. An elevator will serve all decks.

Hull 39 will be delivered in May 2014 to her delighted owner and the next 43m will be available in 29 months. She will have an introductory price with patton marine reviewed specification of $25,950,000 turn-key including a $50,000 fuel credit.

New Couach 50m 'La Pellegrina' is in its Pre-Launching Phase

The newest Megayacht from the French shipyard Couach Yachts is in its pre-launching phase, ready to hit the water on the 8th of April in Gujan Mestras. She is from their largest range of yacht, the 5000 fly range which are 50m (164ft) in length. She has been called La Pellegrina and will be delivered to her owner at the end of May in the port of St Tropez during a special 3 day Couach show. She is sure to turn every head at the show with her beautiful lines.

She is fully built in a Kevlar Carbon infusion process and developed on a military patrol hull design, giving her a very impressive top speed of 28kts and transatlantic range. Her exterior is designed by Couach's in house design team and the interior design was by Jean Pierre Fantini.

She will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. The cabins include 2 master VIP cabins one forward on the main deck and one aft on the upper deck, 2 double and 2 twin cabins amidships on the lower deck. La Pellegrina will be run by a crew of 10.

Current update: La Pellegrina was launched last Sunday the 8th of April 2012. The next two 5000 fly hulls are currently in construction to be ready for launching in 2013 and 2014.

New J Class Build 'Cheveyo' by Spirit Yachts

Spirit Yachts announced last week an historic collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens to build a new J Class yacht. This new J Class will be named CHEVEYO (pronounced shu-Vay-o), a native American word meaning 'spirit warrior'. She will be registered in the United States and carry the sail number J1.

Cheveyo will be built to the historic Ranger 77B design. This was one of six designs that were submitted by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens to Harold Vanderbilt for the 1937 America's Cup defense against Endevour II. Vanderbilt went on to select design C and the 'Super J' Ranger was born and went onto triumph over Endeavour II in the 1937 series.

Cheveyo will be a complete balance of the classic design of yachting's golden era with 21st century build techniques. Spirit Yachts are the worlds expert in wood/epoxy construction and will build the J Class using a sophisticated technique to laser cut stainless steel ring frames to create an exceptionally stiff yet lightweight hull. The construction drawings are currently been finalized to suit this build technique.
She will have similar deck features as the other J Class yachts which include a low profile deck house and a clutter free deck, creating maximum space for crew to work while racing the yacht. Another modern aspect to Cheveyo will be her lightweight carbon spars and rigging. Below deck she will have beautiful 1930s inspired interior and be able to accommodate 10 guests in 5 cabins, and also accommodation for a crew of 8.

She has been commissioned by a US-based syndicate of investors and sailing enthusiasts. Their driving force behind the project is the desire to experience the thrill and elegance of classic golden era yacht racing on a modern vessel with the sense of tradition.

Cheveyo's Specifications:

• Overall Length: 139ft/42.4m
• Beam: 21ft/6.4m
• Draft: 15ft/4.57m
• Sail Area: 8290ft2/770m2
• Displacement: 178 tonnes
  

The New Seaton Expedition 83

Seaton Yachts are pleased to announce the collaboration with The Burger Boat Company in the development and build of the new Seaton 83ft expedition yacht. The continuing rise in the building of Pocket Explorers extends from month to month throughout shipyards all over the world. This little niche market in now becoming a solid section in the Megayacht market.

The Seaton 83 expedition will be built to Ice Class 1D standards at Burgers shipyard in Manitowoc, WI. With the collaboration of these two yards this pocket explorer is going to be exceptional in craftsmanship and design as seen above. The Seaton 83 is designed for unlimited ocean exploration, with a range to cross any ocean at 10 to 12 kts. She has twin engines, bow and stern thrusters, and hydraulic mooring capstans, making her the perfect long range explorer for owners who want to explore without the need of a crew. She will also offer self contained crew quarters if the owner chooses to have crew.

The main deck will feature full walk around side deck with high solid sides, providing on deck protection and security in any sea conditions. Watertight exterior doors, heavy duty windows, and big vessel features such as automatic tank vent closures are all part of an expedition yacht designed to take on the worlds oceans. The foredeck houses a large tender, water toys and necessities such as motorbikes when going to explore. These can all be launched from either side by using the hydraulic foredeck crane.

Jim Ruffolo, President of the Burger Boat Company said, 'This is an exceptional design and we are very excited to be the builder of choice. It is a natural fit for Burger and we look forward to building this extraordinary yacht'.

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous Final Results

With Indio and Hanuman both heading into the final day of racing equal on points with a win each, it was sure to be a great days racing. The wind was lighter than the previous two days with only 10kts of an easterly breeze. Race officer Peter Craig went for a mark course, making for a challenging competition for the boats tacticians . The yachts would start in Virgin Sound and from there the fleet would be sent east to a windward mark, then out on a reach to a gybe mark before heading west to the Dog Islands, and back up to a finish line set in Sir Francis Drake Channel between Seal Dog and Nail Bay. Indio finished first on corrected time claiming the overall top spot, with Hanuman in second and P2 in third. Next year is already shaping up to be another great regatta hopefully with Indio and Hanuman returning to do battle.

PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

YACHT Indio Hanuman P2 Sojana Firefly Salperton Bliss Ganesha Marie Zefira Billy Budd Lady B Altair

RACE 1 Pts 1 2 3 4 5 7 10 6 8 9 11 14 (DNF) 12

RACE 2 Pts 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 12 11 14 (DNF)

RACE 3 Pts 1 2 5 4 3 7 6 10 9 11 8 12 14 (DNF)

TOTAL 4 5 11 12 13 20 23 25 25 30 31 37 40

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous Day 2 Results

The competition is heating up with the J Class Hanuman taking first place on corrected time followed by Indio in day 2 of racing. This leaves the two yachts with one win each going into the final day of racing, in what will shape up to be a great battle. Hanuman has most of the pressure having won the regatta last year and now trying to retain the title.

The race officer Peter Craig selected a counter-clockwise course for day 2 from the start line just off Necker Island, sending the fleet round the Dogs followed by Round Rock and a long leg along the southern side of Virgin Gorda before a final short downwind sprint from Pajaros Point back to the finish. Everyone is looking forward to day 3 and the course he will select but for now its is time for some downtime for the owners and crew to relax in the beautiful surroundings of the North Sound.

Day 2 Racing Results

YACHT Hanuman Indio P2 Sojana Firefly Salperton Bliss Marie Ganesha Zefira Lady B Billy Budd Altair

YARD Royal Huisman Wally Perini Navi Green Marine Claasen Shipyards Fitzroy Yachts Yachting Dev. Vitters Fitzroy Yachts Fitzroy Yachts Vitters Royal Huisman Derecktor

TIME 03:47:24 04:01:30 04:02:42 04:05:13 04:05:42 04:09:40 04:18:25 04:23:27 04:23:33 04:31:41 04:45:39 05:21:45 DNF

PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

More information on the racing can be found at the events web site:

www.superyachtregattaandrendezvous.com

Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous Day 1 Results

The 1st day of the Caribbean Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta results are in and the second days racing is underway as we speak, in the beautiful crystal clear waters of the BVI. Thank you to the media crew at the event for this great video. More information on the racing can be found at the events web site:

www.superyachtregattaandrendezvous.com

Day 1 Racing Results

YACHT Indio Hanuman P2 Sojana Firefly Ganesha Salperton Marie Zefira Bliss Billy Budd Altair Lady B

YARD Wally Royal Huisman Perini Navi Green Marine Claasen Shipyards Fitzroy Yachts Fitzroy Yachts Vitter Fitzroy Yachts Yachting Developments Royal Huisman Derecktor Vitters

TIME 03:53:03 03:57:12 04:05:08 04:10:51 04:11:08 04:13:52 04:14:31 04:23:05 04:23:45 04:29:40 04:44:41 06:10:24 DNF

PLACE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

The Napkin Designs

Some of the most talented yacht designers are out there in the world but have just not been found. They may be working in an office, a school, a restaurant or on a bus but they are there and in their spare time just drawing designs. I have been lucky enough to come across one of these designers. I was in a coffee shop last weekend and as I was standing in the line waiting for my coffee, just looking around I noticed a man sitting in his chair and drawing Superyachts on his napkin.

I took my coffee and went down to introduce myself and Mega Yacht Global. We got talking and he drew a few designs for Mega Yacht Global. The above design shows smooth sporty lines that flow aft to the stern that he drew off the top of his head in 2 minutes, a top designer in the making.The above design with its modern lines and style fits right in to today's designs. Mega Yacht Global will be searching for more napkin designers and if you have any designs that you wish to share please email Mega Yacht Global at megayachtglobal@gmail.com. If you have any thoughts on the above designs please leave a comment.

We will be bringing you more designs from the original napkin designer 'Jorge Castro'.

'Imperial Princess' Completes 1st Sea Trial

Princess Yachts first 40m Imperial Princess took to the water last week and has just completed its first series of sea trials in the Plymouth sound. The trials consisted of engine and system testing. Princess Yachts Managing Director Chris Gates was on board to over see the trip and comments,

'It was quite something, and a demonstration as to just how much we have achieved with this incredible craft. She is truly wonderful and performed impeccably, we couldn't be happier with her performance at sea.'

She still has some work to be completed and numerous parts to be fitted but she was still turning heads during her sea trials. She will be officially launched next month by the yard. Imperial Princess is the first tri-deck Megayacht built by the yard and she will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests and 8 crew. She has returned to the production shop and its full steam ahead for the team as she moves into the final completion stage.

For more information on Imperial Princess follow the below the below link to the earlier post.

Imperial Princess 40m

Steve Dashew's New FPB 97, Ready For Exploration

Steve Dashew's has added his newest design to his successful FPB line of ocean cruising yachts with the Wicked FPB 97. The new FPB 97 was designed to meet the needs of people who want to have the most economical and largest FPB that can be operated by a couple. She has the distinct bold go anywhere exterior styling as her sisters in the FPB series. The FPB ocean yachts are designed for maximum comfort and safety with specialized heavy weather capabilities such as recovering from a capsize.

The FPB 97 has received some new and innovative design features which includes the layout of the main saloon which is called the 'Grand Room' that combines living, working, navigating and entertainment spaces. The key feature on the yacht is the 'Matrix Deck' which is a hybrid of a pilot house and a flybridge, where the owners can navigate through extreme and challenging passages with the company of friends or family.

'The dream of a liberating, open yet protected living space, with superior perspective, suddenly became reality' says Steve Dashew.

The volume of the Matrix deck is huge spanning 6.8m by 4.4m, that is as large as the great room on the FPB 83 Wind Horse. This deck is truly a great size for everyone to enjoy, be it relaxing in the warm tropical heat, watching a polar bear on an ice berg in the north west passage or doing what the FPB 97 likes to do best, taking on the worlds oceans.

She will be able to accommodate 6 guests comfortably including the the owners in 3 cabins. The owners full beam master cabin is forward and will include a full walk in closet, setting area, sauna, shower and bath tub. Then there is a double cabin and a twin cabin both en suite.

The main specifications are:

• Overall Length: 97.5ft/29.9m
• Beam: 20.4ft/6.26m
• Displacement load: 135,000 pounds/60,000kg
• Draft: 5ft/1.5m
• Cruising speed: 11.7kts
• Max speed: 13.5kts
• Range: 5,000nm+

For more information on the Wicked FPB 97 please follow the below link

Wicked FPB 97

Steve Dashew has designed a superb expedition/ocean cruising yacht to explore and discover the most remote places of the world.

'The Real World Experience'

Superyachts Descend On The North Sound Virgin Gorda, BVI

Two days to go until the start of the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous and the yachts have started to descend on the beautiful North Sound at the top of Virgin Gorda in the BVI. The event will run for 4 days from the 14th - 17th March, which brings together sail and motor Superyachts with their owners, family and friends for an action packed 4 days. The event is organized by Boat International Media and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS).

Sailing yacht owners will experience 3 days of racing in the wonderful sailing conditions of the BVI, the racing will be run under the IRC rating system. There will be a fleet start for the racing division and a pursuit start for the cruising division.

Motor yacht owners are invited to follow the racing around the course. A daytime program encouraging owners and guests to use their yachts and toys to the maximum will include a Cruise in Company, a tender based treasure hunt around North Sound, Chef and Cocktail competitions along with water sports and plenty of family entertainment.

Some of the yachts at the event will include:

Sailing

• Bliss, 120ft, Yachting Developments
• Hanuman, 138ft, Royal Husiman
• Lady B, 145ft, Vitters Shipyards
• Marie, 180ft, Vitters Shipyards
• Zefira, 163ft, Fitzroy Yachts
• P2, 125ft, Perini Navi
• Firefly, 115ft, Claasen Shipyards

Motor

• Bartender (ex Nomade), 119ft, Tansu Yachts
• Icon, 205ft, Icon Yachts
• Komokwa, 135ft, Horizon
• One More Toy, 155ft, Christensen

Mega Yacht Global will be bringing you exclusive coverage throughout the event.

Rossi Navi's Aslec 4 Launch Pictures

The Rossi Navi yard launched their new 45m (148ft) displacement Superyacht Aslec 4 at the weekend. Aslec 4 is the first of two displacement Superyachts that are going to be launched and delivered to their owners in time for the Mediterranean summer season 2012.

For more information please see the earlier article from last week:

Rossi Navi's New 45m 'Aslec 4" Is Ready For Launch

44M Hemisphere In The BVI

The largest catamaran in the world Hemisphere 44m (145ft) launched in May 2011 is currently in the British Virgin Islands. Penndennis teamed up with naval architects Van Peteghem Lauriot Prevost who designed the winning catamaran in the 33rd America Cup for this project. Due to her sheer size she has a luxurious and spacious interior while reaching top speeds when under sail. She can accommodate 12 guests in 5 comfortable en-suite cabins and the yacht will operate with a professional crew of 8. Thanks to Mega Yacht Global readers for these wonderful pictures.

For more information on Hemisphere please visit their web site:
www.sy-hemisphere.com

Hainan Rendezvous 2012

27 days and counting to the third year of Asia's largest yacht show which runs from April 5th - 8th on the island of Sanya. Some of the worlds biggest and newest Superyachts will be attending including, Feadships newest in the 45m series Helix, Trinity Yachts 49m Lohengrin and Northern Sun a 50m conversion from a marine research vessel just to name a few. Another major attraction is sure to be Horizon Yachts new 33m Lady Gaga. There will be a total of 130 yachts 10 of which will be 40m+.

At this year’s Hainan Rendezvous, an increased number of exclusive events will be available for VIP visitors and the show’s key exhibitors and sponsors. These events will include exclusive galas, yachting receptions and cocktail parties.

Some of the worlds major shipyards are returning to the show again this year. The shipyards include Luerssen, Heesen Yachts, Blohm+Voss, Royal Huisman, Kingship, Oceanco, Feadship, Brunswick, Jeanneau, Beneteau, CNB, Azimut - Benetti, San Lorenzo, Ferretti Group, Marquis, Sunseeker China, Princess Yachts and many more.

For more information visit www.hainanrendezvous.com

Mega Yacht Global will bring you more information on the upcoming yacht shows.

Soto Acebal Naval Architects New 172ft Schooner

Soto Acebal have designed a modern day schooner with the classic looks and lines that are straight out of the golden era of yachting. Below the waterline the hull design has Soto Acebal's racing heritage embedded within, proving that she will be with no doubt an extremely fast performance cruiser. She will be 52.55m (172ft) in length and have a draft of 3.60m when she is completed. Currently the construction is progressing smoothly by Astillero Buquebus in Uruguay.

Her hull will be built from carbon and will be the largest carbon sailing yacht ever built in America, north or south. She will also have full carbon rigging supplied by Carbo-Link, which is another record been the largest carbon rigging supplied by Carbo-Link to date.

The deck arrangement will create a pleasant atmosphere with the use of bronze hardware and fittings, and the teak layout with mahogany trims. Inside the interior styling is an Edwardian style with a mix of Honduras mahogany and white paneling as seen in the below picture.


The owners cabin is aft of the deckhouse with a fully operational office. Forward from the deckhouse is the saloon which extends the full width of the yacht, with a living zone on port and opposite a dinning area with a table to accommodate 10 guests. Following on from the saloon through a corridor is the guest accommodation with 3 guest cabins all en suite, and the crew accommodation and galley is forward again. She will be able to accommodate a total of 8 guests including the owner.

Price Reduction for 51.7M Mondango

Dubois Yacht Ltd have announced that the owners of the 51.7m (170ft) Mondango are ready to conclude the sale and have reduced the asking price to €27.9m with immediate effect. Mondango has been immaculately maintained since her launch in 2008 and is offered in pristine condition.

• Length: 51.7m (170ft)
• Year: 2008
• Build: Alloy Yachts
• Design: Dubois Naval Architects
• Interior Design: Reymond Langton
• Price: €27.9m

Superyacht Athena Completes Refit

Superyacht Athena arrived at Orams Marine Services in Auckland during February 2011 for a comprehensive nine month refit program. Athena is a 90m (295ft) three masted schooner and when she was launched she was the world's largest private sailing yacht.

One of the major elements of the refit was a complete repaint of the hull and superstructure and extensive varnish work. The mast and rigging were removed for a full service including running rigging, fixtures and composite components as well as the two shafts and propellers for a full service and antifoul at the dry dock at Babcock. The painting of the three masts was described as being similar to painting three 20m yachts. The removal of the masts and rigging was a huge logistical exercise involving four cranes and a rigging crew of 20 working over four days. Throughout the whole project there was up to 60 people working on the yacht at and one time.

Craig Park Managing Director of Orams Marine Services said;

" It had been and inspiration to be involved with such an outstanding vessel and the company was proud to have worked on two previous Superyachts for the same owner"

The slide show below shows Athena at different stages of the refit and how she looks now. The photos are by Clive Bennett and Ivor Wilkins.

Rossi Navi's New 45M 'Aslec 4' Is Ready For Launch

Final preparations are under way at the Rossi Navi yard for the launch of their new 45m (148ft) displacement Superyacht that is scheduled to be launched on the 10th of March. Aslec 4 is the first of two displacement Superyachts that are going to be launched and delivered to their owners in time for the Mediterranean summer season 2012.

Aslec 4 bears the signature smooth Italian lines of the Spadolini Design Studio, who were also responsible for the interior layout. She is the result of the owners desires, with one of the owners requests to have a large deck space so that the family could enjoy the whole yacht, the result is an expansive 70sqm aft deck. The owner and family will be close to the water with the stern that leads down the waters edge, satisfying another request by the owner.

The interior was designed by Remi Tessier, who gave special attention to material, the finished look and equipment. The use of oak and ebony wood is enhanced throughout the yacht by precious chrome and polish steel coupled with black and gold foil placed on the celings and walls of the two large saloons. She will be able to accommodate up to 12 guests and a crew of 7.

Aslec 4 will be the first launch of 2012 for the Rossi Navi yard with another expected shortly after.