04/01/2005
Developer
The Related Group of
Florida broke ground for
its Las Olas Beach Club
on A1A in Fort Lauderdale. The
29-story condominium tower will comprise 148 luxury residences ranging in size
from 1,902 to 5,600 square feet. The event was marked with a time capsule-themed
celebration honoring the original Lauderdale Beach Hotel, which has occupied the
site since 1936. The developer will retain and restore a significant portion of
the existing hotel, incorporating it as an integral architectural component of
the new design. Visit www.relatedgroup.com.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Bill Thompson, Jim Naugle and Jim Klecker at the groundbreaking
for the Las Olas Beach Club. (Click image to enlarge)
Yachtbuilder Claus Kusch (b.1944) passed away in early December. At the age of 17, Kusch apprenticed as a ship’s electrician and went on to a career as a captain and builder of notable yachts. Initially he converted and refitted yachts. In the early ’90s, his company, German shipyard Kusch Yachtbau, started constructing new builds, producing high-profile vessels such as Le Grand Bleu, Tatoosh and Leander. In 2000, Kusch bought Peters Schiffbau and in 2004, the company delivered White Rose of Drachs, its first yacht completely designed and built at the yard.
North Cove Marina Management is the new operator of Battery Park City’s North Cove Marina. The group’s principals include four-time America’s Cup winner Dennis Conner, who says he is thankful for the opportunity to improve the marina and make it an unforgettable port-of-call. North Cove Marina will remain a recreational vessel harbor offering 10 slips for vessels 75 feet or larger, as well as dockage for smaller vessels. Visit www.thenorthcove.com.
Following 10 months of construction, Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, U.K., welcomed the first two yachts – Saga, a 111-foot motor yacht, and Naria, a 105-foot sailing yacht (formerly Wallygator) – into its new 75-meter covered dry dock, part of a $13 million investment in the yard. Both of Pendennis’ 75-meter dry docks, one of which is an environmentally controlled facility that permits year-round work, are now fully operational. Visit www.pendennis.com.
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Claus Kusch. (Click image to enlarge) Huckins Yacht Corporation, located on the Ortega River in Jacksonville, Florida, recently expanded its outside service and repair yard by 20 percent. Huckins added a 77-ton Travelift, allowing the yard to haul yachts up to 80 feet in length, and 15 staff members in the service department, bringing the total to 65. The yard performs full wood and fiberglass restorations, as well as new builds. Visit www.huckinsyacht.com.
Following a Web site image review in 2004, Holland Yachting Group (HISWA) has launched a new content-managed site with improved functionality and a brighter, more appealing look. The portal is designed to facilitate effective communication and interaction between yachting professionals and the 57 HISWA members. It offers users focused features, including news, archives, an activities schedule and online application forms. Visit www.yachting.nl.
Innomare, a new marine surveying and engineering firm located in the Netherlands, offers new-build and refit supervision to owners and management services. The company’s owner, Bruno Bouckaert, has served as a surveyor for the Italian Classification Society RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) and a ship designer for Elomatic and numerous private projects. Bouckaert plans to bring the experience he gained building cruise ships and sailing yachts to the superyacht industry. Visit www.innomare.com.
Miami business and civic leaders Hugh A. Westbrook and Carole Shields Westbrook acquired the historic Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock for an undisclosed price. The Westbrooks’ expansion and improvement plans for the seven-acre site – split on opposite banks of the Miami River near downtown Miami – include new docking and dry dock facilities and future property acquisitions. The existing 105-member staff, led by CEO Fred Kirtland, will remain in place. Visit www.merrillstevens.com.
Italian performance yacht builder Pershing has formed a co-marketing alliance with U.S. sportswear manufacturer Murphy&Nye to develop a line of technical yacht wear. The garments, which were introduced at the Boot Düsseldorf boat show in January, will be available for purchase through Pershing dealers and Murphy&Nye retail stores. Visit www.pershing-yacht.com or www.murphynye.com.
Much anticipated, Jamaica’s Port Antonio Boatyard recently opened, offering mariners a state-of-the-art fuel dock and a 100-ton, self-propelled Travelift. The yard can haul yachts up to 95 feet in length. The only yacht service yard in the region, it has free-zone status and offers hull repairs and engine outfitting and servicing. The Westrec-managed facility is part of the West Harbour Development Project, which includes a marina and cruise ship terminal, and was awarded the Blue Flag designation for ecological sensitivity. Call 876-715-6044.
Global Rigging UK Ltd. recently opened for business with offices on both sides of the Atlantic. The new company designs, manufactures and services sailboat rigging for all size yachts. Director Hugh Carpenter operates the Southampton location, facilitating rig development and construction. Co-director Ulf Josefsson runs the Newport, Rhode Island, sales and logistics office. Both principals were formerly with OYS. Call 401-682-2488.
Send Marine Service news to Maria Fletcher, ShowBoats International, Marine Service News, 910 SE 17th Street, Suite 400, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33316, fax: 954-525-7954, mariaf@showboats.com.