Safe and Efficient Yacht Transport is Top Priority for Racing Team
FT. LAUDERDALE, FLA. (Feb. 6, 2009) – It’s a match made in heaven—the partnership between Rosebud Racing, the STP65 team that has been making headlines since its launch in 2007, and Dockwise Yacht Transport (DYT), the world's leading yacht logistics company with its own fleet of semi-submersible ships. Last April, the two entities merged philosophically in purpose and physically transformed Roger Sturgeon’s ( Ft. Lauderdale , Fla. ) Farr-designed STP65 Rosebud into Rosebud/Team DYT, replete with a re-branded hull and sails that left no doubt about DYT’s commitment to keeping the boat on schedule and in the spotlight as it traveled the world.
Winning the New York Yacht Club’s (NYYC) Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex and the Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race, Rosebud/Team DYT also took 2008 trophies in the Newport Bermuda Race, the NYYC Annual Regatta Sponsored by Rolex, the Royal Malta Yacht Club’s Rolex Middle Sea Race and the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda’s Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup. It then rang in the New Year by winning the Ft.Lauderdale to Key West Race and taking second at Acura Key West Race Week. It recently renewed its relationship with DYT for another year and plans to next conquer the Pineapple Cup Montego Bay Race. A Spring/Summer schedule on the East Coast has Rosebud/Team DYT competing in the Fort Lauderdale to Charleston Race, the NYYC Annual Regatta and the Storm Trysail Club’s Block Island Race Week presented by Rolex. The boat will then go to the United Kingdom with the goal of topping off its season with victory at Skandia Cowes Week and the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s Rolex Fastnet Race in August.
“Rosebud/Team DYT, while it travels the world, creates a buzz on the docks at some of the sport’s most notable events,” said DYT President and CEO Clemens van der Werf. “The buzz is not only about the team’s performance but also about how the team transports its precious cargo safely and efficiently to each venue, especially over long distances when the boat is best not delivered on its own bottom. We couldn’t be happier with the representation they give us and the enthusiasm they show for Dockwise Yacht Transport’s services.”
Van der Werf noted that it is the personal interaction with DYT’s loading masters that help make captains and owners of sailing and fishing vessels—from 24 to over 200 feet in length--confident in every DYT voyage. DYT operates four semi-submersible yacht carriers, including the new 687.5-foot (209 meter) Yacht Express, which takes regular runs between Ft.Lauderdale and Genoa , Italy . The float-on/float off process that is unique to these ships alleviates worries about wear and tear on the boat.
“Rosebud/Team DYT will be sailing this season with a new main and spinnaker that will show our allegiance to DYT,” said Rosebud Racing Managing Director David Cardinali, “but our commitment to DYT as a sponsor is deeper than a logo on a sail. We are genuinely interested in getting the DYT message out to the sailing community because the company is unmatched in its capabilities and professionalism.”
Superyacht display space doubled for Sanctuary Cove 2009
Superyachts will be a take on a much more prominent role in the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) coming up in May, with organisers setting aside more than double the floorspace allocated to last year’s superyacht showcase for the big boats in 2009.SCIBS 2009 will see overall exhibition space increase by 22 per cent over 2008 with a total of 8,800 square metres of showroom floor and the newly-designed superyacht pavilion, which now features a lounge area and glass walls for a view of the marina, will account for a significant portion of this growth.SCIBS 2009 general manager, Mark Jensen, told OCEAN the expansion of the dedicated superyacht pavilion comes in response to continued resilience in the top end of the marine market in the face of the troubled economic climate.“There hasn’t quite been the same downturn in the superyacht market that is happening in the middle of the market,” said Jensen.“And of course the Australian marine industry is a great provider of products and services to the superyacht industry around the world. Because the Sanctuary Boat Show has good status internationally buyers will be coming to look at Australian services.”Local engine and drivetrain specialists have been given extra incentive to take part in the show this year. SCIBS 2009 will see the introduction of ‘Engine Alley’ showcasing engine technology from local manufacturers, such as MTU and Cummins. This display alone will take up as much showroom space as last year’s entire superyacht pavilion. “They have been keen to support this initiative because it brings focus to their industry,” said Jensen.The show will again attract some exclusive superyachts including the 135-foot Platinum, which debuted at Sanctuary Cove last year, and others which are yet to be confirmed.The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be held from May 21 to 24, 2009. Tickets are available online for the first time in 2009 at a cost of $23 for adults, $20 for concession and $9 for children.At the time of print, subscription stood at around 70 per cent and Jensen said interest was proving strong with 25 new exhibitors signed on. Around 30 world and Australian-first marine product launches will take place at the show.“It’s going to be good for the industry to have a good show and build some more confidence,” he said.
It will soon be harder to get a boat license in New South Wales recent changes were introduced by the Ports and Waterways Minister, Joe Tripodi, including compulsory on-water experience and a logbook similar to a learner drivers’ license.The new licensing framework will come into effect on 1 June 2009 and has been welcomed by president of the Boat Owners’ Association, Michael Chapman, as a positive development for the boating community.“The new log book is a practical initiative to improve boating safety. The inclusion of safety tips for he skipper and trainee encourages a straightforward and consistent approach for licensing,” said Chapman.Previously, NSW boat license applicants were only required to study a handbook and complete a theory exam to complete their license. This framework meant license holders could legally drive high-powered vessels with no prior practical exposure to boat handling.Under the new laws, in addition to the written test ‘trainees’ will be required to undertake a minimum of three trips in a powered vessel with an experienced and licensed skipper and attend a practical course conducted by a recognised training provider.
Trevor Rowe to tackle global financial crisis at Marinas 2009
Prominent Australian businessman Trevor Rowe has been confirmed as the keynote speaker for the Marinas 2009 conference in May and will deliver and address entitled: All At Sea – Navigating the Global Financial Crisis.Given the current challenges for the marine industry, Marinas 2009 organising committee chairman, Mike Harvey, said the conference is ‘extremely fortunate’ to have a headline speaker of Rowe’s unique experience – both as a leader the financial world and a luxury motor yacht owner of over 20 years.“The current worldwide downturn in business is having a significant impact on our industry, so to have such a well credentialed speaker is of great importance to us,” said Harvey .“The conference will feature a wide diversity of experts who will share their extremely valuable knowledge with every one of us as we weather this financial storm. We will also be dealing with the latest developments in the industry across the world.”Sharing the stage at the conference will be Dr Ed Maloney of America’s Recreation Marine Research Centre, who will speak on the economic impact of marinas, and a panel of specialists who will answer questionsThe Marinas 2009 conference and trade exhibition will be staged at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on 25 May, following on from the Sanctuary Boat Show. Organisers expect around 450 delegates in attendance as well as 55 trade exhibitors.
