Megayacht News – Associations

Antigua Creates Yacht Registry to Attract More Megayachts

November 28, 2011 by Diane M. Byrne

PHOTO: David Stanley

The new Antigua and Barbuda Yacht Registry became official this month, for two main reasons. It breaks megayachts out from merchant ships, and equally important, it’s intended to attract more megayachts to the already-popular island nations.

During the formal commencement ceremony on November 17, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer explained that Antigua and Barbuda’s flag is already ranked within the top 20 ship registries worldwide. Even though the country’s Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping has had more than 275 yachts registered for some time, Spencer says it was important to treat them separately from merchant vessels and therefore create a specially dedicated registry.

Of course, the new Antigua and Barbuda Yacht Registry is also intended to bolster the islands’ economic growth. Nelson’s Dockyard in English Harbour (above), Falmouth Harbour Marina in Falmouth Harbour, and the Antigua Yacht Club Marina in Falmouth Harbour are all perennial favorites for private and charter yachts alike. Antigua is also often used as a winter base for megayachts, given its proximity to other Windward Islands destinations. No wonder, then, that the Ministry of Tourism is additionally trying to smooth customs and immigration procedures in conjunction with the launch of the new yacht registry.

Overall, Spencer says, “The megayacht industry offers new opportunities and challenges as a sector, and one which we are confident we can penetrate successfully, having undertaken a careful assessment of the prevailing conditions impacting on such endeavors.”

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ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group Website to Aid Owners, Captains

August 15, 2011 by Diane M. Byrne

An industry organization has launched an online tool to help megayacht captains, owners, and fleet managers better select refit yards.

The ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group website does more than just list facilities around the world. It requires members to adhere to basic good-business principles and ethics. It also sets forth a standard contract outlining all responsibilities.

The goals are directly in line with those of ICOMIA, the International Council of Marine Industry Associations. Founded in 1967, ICOMIA strives to formulate common policies, break down barriers to trade, and promote awareness of yachting, including safety.

So far ICOMIA Superyacht Refit Group includes the following refit yards: Amico & Co., in Italy; Astilleros de Mallorca, in Spain; Compositeworks (above), in France; International Technic Marine, also in France; Marina Barcelona 92 (a.k.a. MB92), in Spain; Monaco Marine, in France; Pinmar, in Spain and the United States; and Rybovich, in the United States.

So what do the good-business principles and ethics mean? They require that the shipyards follow ISO 9001 procedures and have financial transparency. To the latter, they are required to follow proper financial accounting practices and are independent businesses that do not have ties to other service providers and therefore have a conflict of interest. They also must have experience working with the various flag states and classification societies.

In reference to the standard contract, it was developed with input from leading international maritime lawyers. It spells out outlining everything from whether subcontractors are used to warranty and insurance details.

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Burgess Becomes Oceana Corporate Sponsor

July 14, 2011 by Diane M. Byrne

Burgess is offering its support to a high-profile ocean-advocacy group.

It’s now a corporate donor for Oceana, the world’s largest charitable organization solely focused on protecting the world’s oceans.

This isn’t the first time that Burgess has backed Oceana. Lady Sheridan was part of the “Bid to Save the Earth” auction earlier this year, thanks to the brokerage house and the yacht’s owners. The auction raised funds for Oceana as well as three other charities. A four-day charter aboard the 190-foot megayacht was auctioned for $100,000.

As a corporate sponsor, Burgess will have a presence at Oceana’s major fundraisers. These include one later this month, the Hamptons Splash Party. Being held July 30 in Southampton, New York, the Hamptons Splash Party will be attended by celebrity supporters of Oceana, too, notably actor Ted Danson, who co-founded the charity. Actor Adrian Grenier of HBO’s Entourage will also be there, performing with his band, The Honey Brothers.

In a statement, Burgess’ president and CEO, Jonathan Beckett, says, “It’s a natural fit for Burgess to support Oceana. Not only do our vessels ply the world’s oceans, but both Burgess and our clients possess an enormous appreciation and awareness of the need for conservation and protection of the waters they are so passionate about sailing.”

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