NEW ZEALAND MILLENNIUM CUP

2009

Dates:         9th - 11th February 2009

Where:         Auckland, New Zealand

Superyacht Regatta

Sections for both Sail & Motor Yachts

http://www.oceanmedia.com.au/

World-class facility attracts Superyachts Down Under

Azzura Marine is fast establishing a solid reputation as a leading superyacht facility in the South Pacific. Azzura Marine Newcastle is the group's fourth – and most recent – shipyard. Capable of building both custom motor and sail yachts up to 74 metres, the new, 49,000-square-metre facility also provides a complete refit and repair centre for yachts up to 120 metres.
The 52-metre Perini Navi SY Squall was recently hauled out of the water via the facility’s 900-tonne synchrolift and is presently undergoing extensive maintenance work. During a six-week period, Azzura Marine will service her engines, generators, navigation systems and tenders in addition to her hydraulic systems, valves and hull fittings. She is also scheduled to receive anti-fouling treatment amongst a variety of other works to be carried out by the highly skilled Azzura Marine team.

SY Squall Captain Richard Le Quesne said, “The haul-out was, from my point of view, a complete success; the yacht was hauled on time, without drama and without any damage at all. What more could a skipper ask?

“I have been enormously impressed by the time and effort that Azzura Marine has put into the haul-out of Squall. Both the owner and I are reluctant to haul the yacht with a sling-type of hoist because of the high risk of damage to the topsides paint and I am very happy that Azzura Marine were able to accommodate Squall on its railway.”
With a mast height of 57 metres, Azzura Marine’s Newcastle facility is the only facility north of Sydney capable of lifting a vessel of Squall's size.
Azzura Marine Newcastle managing director David McQueen said, “We set very high standards for our work and strive to deliver exceptional service beyond expectations to each and every one of our clients.”
Located two-hours drive north of Sydney, Azzura Marine Newcastle is currently managing three other major refits, including the ten-month refit of a 45-metre motor yacht and the refit of the world’s largest all-carbon multi-hull as well, as completing the build of a 93-foot, high-performance trimaran.
With the number of superyachts visiting the South Pacific growing at an exponential rate, the demand for quality providers of refit and repair services within the region is set to increase.

For further information visit www.azzuramarine.com

Premier releases report on Great Barrier Reef

A report released on October 8 showed water quality on the Great Barrier Reef is not improving and further action was needed to stop it from dying. Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the 2007 Water Quality Report for the Great Barrier Reef was the first in a regular series of report cards on the health of the reef.

“Our Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world,” Ms Bligh said.

“It fringes our north east Australian coast for approximately 2,000 kilometres, covers 348,000 square kilometres and has more than 3,200 coral reefs with a stunning array of marine habitats and species. It is a stunning international tourist icon worth hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy.”

Ms Bligh said over the last 150 years the catchments of the Great Barrier Reef have been extensively developed for agriculture, grazing, tourism, mining and urban development. She said this had led to a significant increase in the quantity of sediments, nutrients and pesticides being pumped into the Reef.

“Regional bodies, industry groups and State and Commonwealth agencies have been working with farmers and other stakeholders to promote and implement better land management practices,” Ms Bligh said.

“However, the 2007 Water Quality Report for the Great Barrier Reef clearly shows the situation is still not good enough.

End of river monitoring in priority catchments shows an estimated:

• <!--[if !supportLists]-->  <!--[endif]-->6.6 million tonnes of sediment discharged in the reef lagoon – four times higher than estimated pre-European settlement levels

• <!--[if !supportLists]-->  16,600 tonnes of nitrogen – five times higher than estimated pre-European settlement levels

• <!--[if !supportLists]-->   4,180 tonnes of phosphorous – four times higher than estimated pre-European settlement levels.

Ms Bligh said in 2003 the State Government launched a 10-year Reef Water Quality Action Plan with the Federal Government.

“Work done to date as part of the Plan includes financial incentives to help farmers improve land management practices and targeting diffuse pollution from broadscale land use,” she said.

“However, since 2003 many external factors have deteriorated including the effects of climate change, coral bleaching and ocean acidification. It has increased the urgency for more work to be done. I have discussed this matter with the Prime Minister and met with Environment Minister Peter Garrett. We have agreed to update the Plan and give it more grunt. As a result, the first step will be a joint Commonwealth/State Reef Water Quality Summit at Parliament House at the end of this month. It will bring together the best minds from environmental and scientific fields to study the latest data and discuss what urgent action we need to take to prevent the demise of the Reef. This work will help determine funding priorities and action areas for our Government.”

For further information visit www.epa.qld.gov.au

SuperCrew Recruitment launches at Sydney Boat Show

Crew agency SuperCrew Recruitment launched on 31 July, the first day of the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show.  The company offers highly qualified Australian crew to owners and captains. The company says it has an extensive network of contacts and can place Australian crew in the shortest time possible. SuperCrew’s association with The Superyacht Crew Academy allows it to assess each candidate over a full training course rather than just a one-off interview. Its association with the academy ensures that SuperCrew Recruitment has access to crew with IYT international commercial qualifications recognised by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) and 24 governments worldwide. Senior engineering and deck officers may be interviewed anywhere in the world, in real time by videoconference. SuperCrew undertakes comprehensive reference checks, including police checks if necessary, of all candidates.

Incat Crowther to design big private cat

Incat Crowther has been commissioned to develop a high-speed catamaran motor yacht for an international businessman. The vessel will be capable of cruising at 25 knots and will have range in excess of 3,500 nautical miles.

The catamaran will be 37.5 metres in length, and have a 10.3 metre beam. The vessel will be powered by a pair of MTU 12V4000 M71 main engines driving fixed pitch propellers through a reverse/reduction ZF gearbox. The main running gear will be protected by an integrated skeg.

The interior will be designed for entertaining and will feature an open plan lounge and dining area with large panoramic windows out the sides and looking aft. The main guest cabins are located forward and are accessed from a central entrance foyer complete with cloakroom and guest bathroom facilities. Each guest cabin is fitted with two single beds that can be quickly rearranged into a king-sized double bed. A small gymnasium is located forward with direct access to the foredeck. The mid deck will feature a full-width owner’s cabin with ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, office, sitting room and direct access to a private balcony. An extra guest cabin and captain’s cabin are positioned aft of an open wheelhouse. A Portuguese foredeck has been incorporated into the design complete with forward facing lounges.! A large flybridge has been sparsely arranged with some seating, a barbecue area and lots of open space. The vessel will be built at the Western Australian shipyard Sabre Catamarans.