Royal Phuket Marina developer, Gulu Lalvani, voted ’Best Boating and Yachting Personality of the Year’ at Boat India 2008

Collecting his second accolade in as many months, Royal Phuket Marina developer Gulu Lalvani was voted ´Best Boating and Yachting Personality of the Year´ in the inaugural International Boating Awards (IBA) at Boat India 2008.

The Hong Kong tycoon and founder of Thailand’s most exclusive luxury lifestyle yachting community was honoured at a glittering award ceremony held yesterday December 14 at Le Meridian Hotel in Cochin, India.

The inaugural IBA was a highlight of Boat India 2008, the international boat show and conference organized by Marine BizTV and supported by BizTV Events from December 14-16.

The mega event (www.boatindia08.com) followed the Cochin stopover of the world acclaimed Volvo Ocean Race, and offered participants an unrivalled opportunity to meet the crews and admire their yachts.

The Hong Kong and London based tycoon was honoured for transforming Phuket into a world class yachting destination and a magnet for celebrities and the rich and famous.

He embarked on the marina project on Phuket’s eastern seaboard overlooking scenic Phang Na Bay on retiring from his company Binatone, the world’s second largest manufacturer of digital cordless phones that he co-founded in 1958.

The Shipyard Group Adds Charter Yacht to Growing Fleet

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (August 28th, 2008) – The Shipyard Group is delighted to announce the addition of the M/Y CARIBBEAN SPARKLE. This 107’ custom cockpit motor yacht, based in South Florida, is available for charter in Florida and the Bahamas.

The CARIBBEAN SPARKLE'S main salon is well-suited for families and entertainment, and she accommodates eight guests in four beautifully-appointed staterooms. Her covered aft deck offers the ideal setting for casual dining, while the flybridge is perfect for sunning and gathering. In the cockpit is the angler’s chair, ready for reeling in the day's catch. From there it’s a few steps onto the swim platform where you can snorkel, frolic in the sun on her waverunners, or go exploring in her 34’ Proline center console tender.

The CARIBBEAN SPARKLE'S four-member professional crew is lead by Captain Rick Ackerman who has more than 35 years experience as a Captain and Engineer on yachts and other vessels. Captain Rick prides himself on his seamanship, navigational abilities, and attention to detail, and he and his crew will attend to your every detail assuring you and your guests the most memorable vacation experience while aboard.

For more information about this yacht's details, charter rates, and availability, please call Patti Trusel or Bonnie Mims, Charter Service Professionals with The Shipyard Group at 954-377-3900 or e-mail them at charter@theshipyardgroup.com

The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals and Ultimate Escapes Kick-Off Partnership Aboard M/Y SEAFARER in Sag Harbor, NY

Under a full moon over Long Island Sound on Friday, August 15th, the quaint town of Sag Harbor was the site of the first combined event for The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals and Ultimate Escapes’ partnership kick-off. The Sacks Group, a premier Luxury Yacht Vacation and Yacht Brokerage firm in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Ultimate Escapes, the leading family of luxury destination clubs headquartered in Orlando, FL, recently signed a strategic partnership agreement. “Both The Sacks Group and Ultimate Escapes share the same client profiles and cross- marketing with each other’s members/owners/charterers just makes sense,” said Jennifer M. Saia, President and Charter Specialist of The Sacks Group. “Many of our clients will want to combine a luxury yacht vacation with a high end private residence to make it a truly ultimate vacation experience,” she continued.

M/Y SEAFARER was the actual venue for this event at the Sag Harbor Yacht Club. This new 100’ Hargrave Yacht was launched in the Spring of 2008 and was the perfect setting for the cocktail reception. Over 50 guests were welcomed dockside and then escorted onto the yacht for a celebratory glass of Veuve Cliquot Champagne and to meet Captain Rick and his wife Catherine. Chef Gabe prepared a sampling of hors d’oeuvres that were outstanding including Silvaner Poached Pear over Roquefort brioche and port balsamic glaze; Maine lobster medallions served over toast points with white truffle and chive tomato concasse’, New Zealand lamp chops with peppercorn demi-glace and Thai peanut free range chicken cakes with red curry coconut cream. This was followed by assorted yacht made chocolates – Grand Marnier and Bailey’s Truffles, white chocolate bundles with mixed nuts and dried figs, caramel and toffee bark and assorted hand dipped strawberries. Classical guitarist Randy Bernsen of Fort Lauderdale was playing topside to add the perfect ambiance to the evening.

M/Y SEAFARER has 4 sumptuous staterooms each with ensuite heads and she actually sleeps 9 guests with the use of the pullman berth in the twin room. There is a comfortable salon, formal dining area and a country galley, as well as a large aft deck, swim platform and fly-bridge complete with BBQ and Jacuzzi. The attention to detail is evident throughout this yacht, as the Owner built three previous vessels with Hargrave. The artwork and woodwork are exquisite! The thoughtful spaces for storage and walk-around decks are an added bonus that both Charterers and the crew that are taking care of the guests, can well appreciate. Captain/Mate team, Rich and Catherine Topel, are assisted by 2 additional crew … a professional Chef and Stewardess. M/Y SEAFARER will be available for charter this Winter Season in the Florida/Bahamas area at a rate of $42,500 per week plus expenses.

The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals specialize in worldwide Luxury Yacht Vacations, Charter Marketing, Yacht Brokerage and New Construction. The unique “Try Before You Buy”® Program is specifically targeted for the purchase and sale of yachts for the charter business. For more information, please contact the “team” at The Sacks Group Yachting Professionals, (954) 764-7742 or e-mail info@sacksyachts.

Ultimate Escapes (TM) is the combination of two powerful brands: Ultimate Resort® and Private Escapes®. Members enjoy access to more than 140 private residences and over 130 affiliated properties in more than 150 locations worldwide. Locations range from chic urban residences to charming beach villas, spacious five-bedroom homes to an 80-foot private yacht. The Ultimate Escapes (TM) brand is about delivering memorable, luxury travel experiences to Members who place great value on spending quality time with their family and friends. Additional information can be found at www.ultimateescapes.com.

Announcing the New York Yacht Club World Invitational Cup

New York Yacht Club (NYYC) Commodore Charles H. Townsend announced today the inaugural New York Yacht Club World Invitational Cup, an invitational fleet-racing regatta. Its essence is to bring together amateur yacht-club teams to compete against teams from around the world. The sailing will be tough and demanding, allowing each club to demonstrate the skills of its top sailors.

Commodore Townsend remarked, “This event will once again bring the Corinthian spirit to the forefront of the sport, and enable us to share the excitement of sailing on the waters of Rhode Island Sound.”

Invitations have been sent to many of the world’s most prominent yacht clubs to compete in this first biennial event, to be held September 15-19, 2009 at Harbour Court, the NYYC’s on-the-water clubhouse in Newport, RI. (A preliminary list of invited clubs can be found at www.nyyc.org/worldinvitationalcup ).

The NYYC World Invitational Cup is for Corinthian (amateur) sailors representing their yacht clubs and their nations. Said Vice Commodore David K. Elwell Jr., “This is a unique opportunity for team development around the world, and we anticipate seeing many leading young sailors competing for this magnificent trophy and enjoying the chance to race at one of the pre-eminent yacht clubs.”

Racing on Rhode Island Sound will utilize the newly developed NYYC Swan 42 fleet, and we anticipate that many teams will bring their own boats in which to compete. Other teams will have the opportunity to charter boats through the Club.

Prizes will be awarded to the top-three teams, and the winning yacht club's name will be engraved on the NYYC World Invitational Cup that will be permanently on display at New York Yacht Club’s 44th Street Clubhouse in Manhattan.

The entry deadline is November 1, 2008, Yacht Clubs providing their own boats will be accepted for entry into the regatta. The Organizing Authority will award spots to other clubs based upon the availability of charter boats.

“We expect the New York Yacht Club World Invitational Cup to be a friendly competition between the world’s most prominent yacht clubs,” said Commodore Townsend.

Full details can be found at www.nyyc.org/worldinvitationalcup or contact John Mendez, event chair, at Jmendez@nyyc.org or +1(401) 862-5202. Media seeking further information contact Michael Levitt, communications@nyyc.org or +1(401) 648-6912.

37 West 44th Street ~ New York, NY 10036 USA ~ Tel: +1(212)-201-4331

U.S. Superyacht Association Announces New Board of Directors

Fort Lauderdale, FL—August 19, 2008—The U.S. Superyacht Association (USSA) announced it’s newly elected Board of Directors for the 2008-2009 term. Tim Davey, of Global Marine Travel, and Billy Smith, of Trinity Yachts, will continue their roles as Chairperson and Vice Chair, respectively. The new board members were announced at the Captains Briefing and Reception in Newport, Rhode Island, in June.

Advocacy: John Mann, Bluewater Brooks & Charts*

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show: Rupert Connor, Luxury Yacht Group*

Governance: Michael Karcher, Karcher Canning & Karcher*

Marketing: Gary Tice, On Call International

Membership: Mark Bononi, MHG Marine Benefits*

Recruitment Co-Chair: David Reed, Triton Publishing Group*

Recruitment Co-Chair: Derik Wagner, SeaMobile Inc.

Treasurer: Mark Cline, Cline Financial Group*

Administrator: Julie Lynn, U.S. Superyacht Association

*denotes consecutive terms


The new Board of Directors met today in a strategic planning session at the Lauderdale Yacht Club to set the goals and directions for the 2008-09 boat show season. “The USSA will continue efforts to protect and project the superyacht industry of the United States through trade and advocacy,” commented Chairperson Tim Davey, “promoting the USSA’s member companies, both nationally and internationally, through networking events and representation at industry events, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. “


In addition, the Board will address trends and issues affecting the superyacht industry, not only in the U.S., but globally. The USSA supported the collaborative efforts of the marine industry in the recent passing of the Clean Boating Act, which continues to protect superyachts from demanding regulations, allowing easier access into U.S. waters. “We will continue our advocacy efforts through Captains Briefings & Receptions, seminars and website postings, commented John Mann, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee. The Board voted unanimously to focus on increasing communications to members, to the industry and to senior crew and is planning a quarterly web-based newsletter.

HYBRID TECHNOLOGY WITH ZERO EMISSIONS NOW A REALITY IN YACHTING INDUSTRY

MIAMI (August 18, 2008) – Reuben Trane, president of Island Pilot, LLC, announced today that the company will introduce the first-ever zero emissions production motoryacht in America this fall at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show* taking place October 30 – November 3. At this much anticipated unveiling, the Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m is expected to be seen as the most economic as well as environmentally-friendly choice in yachting due to its remarkable efficiency. This was accomplished by the creative utilization of technology that combines diesel, solar and electric power – the components that create the DSe acronym.

“There are so many reasons this boat makes sense in today’s environment,” said Trane. “At a time with record high oil prices, we are bringing to market a product that will dramatically reduce the most visible expense of a recreational motor boat – the cost of diesel. The DSe’s efficiency will make all the difference in the world when compared to other luxury yachts. Plus, she’s ready for alternative fuels. The DSe’s Steyr ‘monoblock’ engine runs equally well on bio-diesel.”

Measuring 12 meters (39’6”) and utilizing a 6kw solar array plus a 20kwh battery bank, the DSe Hybrid 12 m can travel at seven knots in Zero Emissions Mode using only electric power or up to 13 knots using diesel. Additionally, enough solar energy can be produced while at anchor to support a comfortable lifestyle without the need to run a diesel generator. The revolutionary combination of technology (Steyr Motors Serial Hybrid Propulsion System, Outback Energy Solar Controllers and Inverters, and Enersys “True Lead” Odyssey Batteries), along with a structural design resulting in the maximum amount of horizontal area on which to mount solar panels, is what enables the DSe to achieve this new standard for cruising economy.

While the DSe is constructed for utmost efficiency, the yacht has all the amenities and comforts of the most luxurious cruising yachts. Such features include:

· On-deck master stateroom (just forward of the deckhouse) with a forward-facing queen-sized “sleigh bed” and a 270-degree panoramic view provided by 30”-high windows on three sides. Steps lead down to the extensive dressing room and head in the starboard hull.

· Expansive guest stateroom with ensuite head, dressing room and island queen bed that converts into a pair of single berths.

·The spacious and comfortable “great room” and galley includes two settees, a high-low table, a 26” HDTV and a Bose home theater.

· An express-style bridge with wrap-around seating for eight, twin helm chairs and centerline console.

· Technological features throughout, including a Garmin 15” touch screen with Garmin HD radar, Imtra Marine LED lighting products, Tecnautic “Fly by Wire” controls and gyro autopilot, CookTek induction cook tops, four zones of air conditioning, Hitachi hi-tech refrigerator with ice maker, a KVH Satellite TV antenna with DirecTV receiver and a dinghy with a Torqueedo electric motor.

“Our goal from the initial concept stages two years ago was to deliver six knots on solar energy alone,” said Trane. “Sea trials earlier this year proved it can be done! We feel the DSe represents a real breakthrough, opening the door to a new era of environmentally-friendly and efficient cruising yachts.”

The introductory price of a DSe Hybrid 12m is US$600,000. Island Pilot is currently taking orders for the DSe 12m with the first ones being delivered early 2009.

Press sea trials can be scheduled each morning before show hours (by appointment).

* For more information about the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, visit: www.showmanagement.com/fort_lauderdale_international_boat_show/event/. The DSe Hybrid 12m will be located at Bahia Mar, B dock, slip #230.


About Island Pilot, LLC
Established in 2004, Island Pilot, LLC was created to deliver yachts at a price/performance ratio not currently found in the motoryacht industry. Company President Reuben Trane has more than 50 years boating experience and has been designing and building unique boats and yachts since 1980. He introduced the Island Pilot line of Crossover TrawlersTM to provide the spectrum of qualities that are important to yachtsmen, including fuel efficiency, livability, quiet operation, style and value. The Island Pilot DSe Hybrid 12m, designed in conjunction with Naval Architect, George L. Petrie, is Island Pilot’s first in a series of green, eco-friendly, hybrid cruising yachts. For more information about Island Pilot or the DSe Hybrid 12m, visit www.islandpilot.com, www.dsehybrid.com or call 888-443-2965.