December-January 2007
12/01/2006

Washington-based Christensen Shipyards is planning to develop a new construction facility in Vonore, Tennessee, where it will build a brand-new series of 180-foot megayachts. The yard will continue to build its 157-foot range in Vancouver, Washington. The new $20 million, 550,000-square-foot shipyard will begin construction shortly and should be completed in two years. The yard plans to employ an initial work force of 500 at its Tennessee plant that will double over time. Dave Christensen states proximity to the East Coast as one of the reasons for the new location. "People like to visit often when we’re building their boats." The yard will also be closer to the European market for export capabilities. The first 180-footer will be ready in 2009 or 2010. Visit www.christensenyachts.com.

The Hinckley Company will expand its presence in Europe through representative Passepartout Yachting. Founded in 1928, the distinguished builder of semi-custom sailboats and jet boats has built a reputation on impeccable design and craftsmanship, a reputation that has piqued the interest of many European buyers. Passepartout Yachting has been in the pleasure-yacht business since 1982 and operates several offices around Italy in locations such as Lavagna, Cala Galera, Sicily, Naples and Aprilia Marittima. Hinckley plans to expand to Greece and Turkey in the near future. Visit www.hinckleyyachts.com, www.giaroli.it.

Grand Bahama Yacht Club and Port Lucaya Marina joined forces as part of the club’s expansion project. (Click image to enlarge)

Stabbert Maritime recently completed an extensive refit of the 183-foot motor yacht Revelation before she began her busy 2006 season in Alaska. Stabbert’s yacht-management division, which manages the vessel, oversaw the project that featured the addition of a 65-foot superstructure to house a new master suite, lounge and helipad. In addition, the yacht underwent extensive interior upgrades and a high-finish exterior paint job. The yacht—a favorite of such notables as Frank Sinatra, Hugh Hefner, Henry Ford II and Ursula Andress—was refit at Stabbert Yacht and Ship, the group’s new freshwater yacht-maintenance facility located off Seattle’s Lake Washington Ship Canal. The yard boasts a 1,100-ton dry dock with shore-based hauling capabilities, an enclosed paint booth that can accommodate vessels up to 180 feet and 1,600 feet of deep-water moorage for vessels up to 450 feet. The facility is well positioned to become a premier yacht-maintenance center for the Pacific. Visit www.stabbertmaritime.com.

Well-known rigging manufacturers Southern Spars and Marten Spars recently merged to create a combined entity with a staff of 250 that will better serve international clients in need of high-quality, custom-made carbon fiber masts and booms. The new company—Custom Projects—will be only one of the several businesses that make up the Southern Spars Group. Both companies feel there is a greater benefit for clients and employees by pooling their resources and joining their strengths. Southern Spars is famous for design innovations and leading manufacturing processes for cruising and racing yachts, while Marten Spars has extensive experience in the construction of large superyacht masts and renowned Leisure Furl furling booms. Visit www.southernspars.com.

David Seal joined Top Yachts’ sales team. (Click image to enlarge)

Grand Bahama Yacht Club acquired Port Lucaya Marina in an effort to create a megayacht destination on the island. Acquisition of the well-known, full-service, 115-slip marina is part of a $500 million, 70-acre waterfront expansion presently under way at the yacht club. The project also features 300 yacht slips and 300 new waterfront condominiums, town houses and private residences. The marina is situated just across Bell Channel Bay from the yacht club. Future plans include dredging of the Bell Channel to 13 feet to accommodate the myriad larger yachts currently under construction. Visit www.grandbahamayachtclub.com.

Robert J. Cury and Associates Inc. (RJC) announced that David Wiest rejoined the brokerage firm after working as vice president of sales and marketing this past year at Broward Marine. Wiest also worked at Broward under Frank Denison from 1994 to 1999. He immediately brings with him an array of high-profile central listings and an established client base. As self-professed leaders in the sale of Broward motor yachts, RJC is delighted to have Wiest on board again. Visit www.rjcyachts.com.

Another notable industry merger is that between marine electronics specialists Simrad Yachting AS and Lowrance Electronics Inc., known under their new title as Navico. The company’s headquarters is located outside of Oslo, in Lysaker, Norway, where senior management will be located for the group. Navico has a worldwide workforce of 2,500 and is now one of the world’s largest companies in development, production, marketing and sales of marine electronics for navigation, communication, auto-steering and fishfinding. It also plans to be a contender in the auto and aviation navigation and communication market. Visit www.navico.com.
Ten-year Ferretti Group veteran David Seal recently joined the sales team of the UK firm Top Yachts, which specializes in Italian superyachts. Most recently, Seal worked with CRN, playing a key role in sales, especially with the 97 and 128 models. In his new role he assists Top Yachts as it enters the U.S. market, offering its services and skills to American buyers looking to purchase European yachts. Visit www.top-yachts.com.

Australia’s 2007 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will take place May 24 to 27 in southeast Queensland. The 19th annual event is one of the leading Asia-Pacific yacht shows, attracting many visitors and exhibitors. It also boasts the largest in-water display of any Australian boat show, with 365 vessels on the water last year and 457 on land. As the first major marine event of the Australian boat show season, many exhibitors plan world or Asia-Pacific launches at Sanctuary Cove. In 2006, international attendance included marine executives from such far corners as Korea, Brazil, Sweden, Spain, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom. Visit www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.

Italian classification society RINA launched a Green Harbor Guide after recently certifying a number of yacht harbors to ISO 14001 standards. Aimed expressly at marinas and harbors for recreational craft, the guide specifies different stages a harbor must pass to obtain international environmental certification. "To date, we have seen a strong demand for this environmental certification from Italian marinas," says Domenico Andreis, director of RINA’s certification division. "Now with this guide we will be able to assist marinas internationally, showing a green lead to the yachting and recreational craft market." Visit www.rina.org.

Northrop and Johnson’s Florida office announced an addition to its charter division. June Montagne joined as a new retail charter broker. Montagne grew up sailing and worked in both the crew and crew-placement fields. She spent the last 10 years as a charter broker in Fort Lauderdale. Visit www.northropandjohnson.com.