Superyachts to sail Audi Hamilton Island Week

Australia's premier keelboat regatta, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, will take on a new dimension this year with the inclusion of a division for superyachts.

Already Lang Walker, the owner of the magnificent new 58-metre sloop Kokomo has declared his intention to be at Race Week, and it's expected more international entries will follow. At last year's Race Week, American Jim Clark declared he was considering having one of his yachts, either the 88-metre gaff rigged schooner Athena or the J-Class sloop Ranger at this year's regatta.

"The inclusion of the Superyacht Division means that Audi Hamilton Island Race Week will now cover the full spectrum of keelboat sailing, from the smallest cruising yachts to the largest superyachts," said Hamilton Island CEO, Glenn Bourke.

"Nothing could be better, especially when you consider the venue. We have wanted for some years to have superyachts join us, and now, with the new Hamilton Island Yacht Club, our luxury villas, and the stunning 18-hole Hamilton Island Golf Club fully operational, we really can cater for everyone. Our great regatta is going to be even greater."

Special courses will be created for the superyachts at Race Week. They will take the fleet around the magnificent Whitsunday Islands, which lie immediately adjacent to Hamilton Island.

Designed by Ed Dubois and built in New Zealand, the new Kokomo is currently being rigged and readied for sailing trials in Auckland. She is without question one of the largest and most impressive sloops in the world.

Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 2010 will be staged from August 21 to 28.

Hamilton Island, which is owned by Bob Oatley (the owner of the record breaking supermaxi, Wild Oats XI), is the largest and most dynamic tropical island destination in Australia. It is the centrepiece of the famous Whitsunday Islands and boasts its own commercial jet airport. It offers a complete range of facilities and accommodation, including the acclaimed qualia retreat, recognised by "Conde Nast Traveller UK & US" as one of the hottest new luxury properties in the world.

For more information contact Rob Mundle, email rob.mundle@bigpond.com

Most affordable way to own a Fairline Squadron 55, with syndication

CRS Yachts, the exclusive dealers of Fairline Motor Yachts, is selling five shares in its brand new Squadron 55 motor yacht, ideal for those who want to enjoy the many benefits of yacht ownership at a fraction of the cost. Fairline Squadron55

The Sydney-based company has developed the Fairline Private Yacht Syndication (FPYS) service promising a level of service and quality not currently available in the market.

"The proposition is very different to what is currently on offer in syndication," said CRS Yachts sales and marketing director, Mark Chapman. "People will have the opportunity to purchase a stake without having to pay excessive non-dealer prices or premium management fees. We're a Fairline dealer, which means people will pay normal retail for a stake and competitive fees, despite the high-quality service offering. Our model is simpler and more transparent."

All owners will have access to the online booking schedule and will also receive a text message to confirm the booking. Time allocated to each owner is based on a point system, allowing people to book two months ahead with everyone having the same entitlements to weekends and public holidays. "It's the added extras that make the difference," said Chapman.

"We're dedicated to making the boat owners experience memorable, from the moment they discuss syndication and the features of our luxury motor yachts, to when they step on their yacht, with their favourite paper and beverage in hand." Management of each yacht is all handled by CRS Yachts for a competitive fee based on the offering and ongoing support will be managed by company's fully trained sales and service technicians.

There are five equal opportunities on offer for a share of the 55-foot British luxury motor yacht. CRS Yachts said it has already received a high level of interest from its current client base, proving that this high-end value proposition fills a gap in the market.

Fairline's Squadron 55 motor yacht won the coveted Motor Boat of the Year Award (2009) in London. It features the largest flybridge in her class, an exceptionally well finished and light-filled open plan interior design concept and luxurious accommodation for six guests and one crew.

For further information visit www.fairline.com/sydney

Kendall Barry-Cotter steps down at Maritimo

Kendal Barry-Cotter has announced his retirement to staff at luxury boat builder Maritimo. The younger brother of Maritimo founder and CEO Bill Barry-Cotter, Kendal has worked with his brother since 1986 and played a vital role at the company in financial administration.

"My job was to make sure every boat was costed correctly and keep Bill informed about our margins," said Kendall, who worked alongside Bill from the time the business was first conceived, and as it grew from lines on a piece of paper to an award-winning first model. "They were heady days," he remembered.

"We launched into a very competitive business with a new idea. This would be the boat Bill always wanted to build. Our market research told us the market also wanted it. And the results have proven us right." According to Bill Barry-Cotter, Kendal's role was critical in keeping Maritimo profitable, particularly during the past two years. "He could tell me if a new concept was viable," said Bill. "He would show us where and how to save money and deliver the best quality and the most competitive prices.

We will miss Kendal, but he has also handed down a wealth of knowledge to our team who can now pick up the reins. They have big shoes to fill." Kendal had his own sail-making business in northern Sydney and successfully raced sail boats before joining Bill. "He asked me over and over to join him. I said 'make me an offer I can't refuse'. Finally in 1986 he did."

For further information visit www.maritimo.com.au

Viking storms into New Zealand

Superyacht staff recruitment company Viking has opened for business in New Zealand, taking up a strategic location in Auckland's Viaduct Harbour and appointing Andrew Howarth as managing director of the newly-formed Viking NZ. The move into New Zealand will allow the company to better serve its worldwide cruise and superyacht client base.

Howarth brings to the company over 20 years of experience in the maritime sector, having had a passion for all thing marine since his early childhood. He has an extensive background in dinghy and yacht racing with British, European and New Zealand successes to his name. Viking

Andrew moved to New Zealand 16 years ago after a successful sailmaking career as One Design manager at North UK, continuing in New Zealand as a sailmaker until making the move to boat building. "I am thrilled to be joining the successful and respected Viking organisation. I look forward to using my skills and experience to further add to the potential services offered by Viking and build on there existing ones," said Howarth.

For further information visit www.vikingrecruitment.com or email andrewh@vikingrecruitment.com

Auckland International Boat Show

The Auckland International Boat Show, just over a month away, will be the centre of New Zealand's biggest boating event since the 2000 America's Cup when it opens in the Viaduct Harbour from 11 to 14 March. Auckland Boat Show

Boat show organiser, the Marine Industry Association, expects a sell-out of exhibitor space on land, and a packed display of new boats on the water from local and international builders. The floating exhibition will sport a new layout to accommodate the America's Cup class yachts competing in the Louis Vuitton regatta and their entourage - an active, bonus display in the Viaduct Harbour, from 9 - 21 March.

In a buy one, get one free deal, all boat show ticket holders will include a free ticket to Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum's newly opened exhibit, Blue Water Black Magic - A Tribute to Sir Peter Blake with any other ticket to the Museum purchased. The combination of the boat show and the regatta should make for an electric atmosphere at Auckland's waterfront precinct, so don't miss out.

Ticket Prices
Adult - $20
Family pass - $40
4-day pass - $30
Children, aged 5 to 12 - $8
Children under 5 - free