Seemingly, ever since yacht owners saw the little yellow submarine aboard Octopus, this deep-diving craft has become of increasing interest. Small subs were nothing new, prevalent commercially as tourist and research vessels for many years. But, the concept of subs aboard superyachts as watertoys has led several owners to eplore the possibilities.
Today Mine Games is among the megayachts toting them,. Additionally, rumors repeatedly have Roman Abramovich awaiting one for his new superyacht. Of course, a personal sub is quite unlike a RIB, PWC, or other tender, requiring special training to operate. Related to this is the issue of safety. Inevitably, “what if” questions arise when descending several hundred feet and upwards of 3,000 feet below the surface.
Indeed, David Reams, the fleet manager for Camper & Nicholsons, told me last year that his company was working with sub builders, flag-state representatives, and further industry figures to establish operational standards for subs aboard superyachts. It’s no coincidence, therefore, that Camper & Nicholsons recently announced a partnership with SEAmagine Hydrospace Corporation, a manufacturer of two- and three-person subs. The goal is to help educate owners, captains, and other representatives, and to find sub solutions that meet their desires and yachts’ capabilities.
The partnership actually began at last fall’s Monaco Yacht Show. SEAmagine displayed one of its Ocean Pearl models (above), a two-person sub that’s simultaneously its smallest and lightest vessel. In fact, it measures about 15 feet long and weighs 7,100 pounds. The two companies collaborated again at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and have decided to continue their joint efforts for this year’s major superyacht shows.
SEAmagine, founded in 1995, builds all of its subs to ABS classification. Specifically, it adheres to +A1. ABS inspects materials and construction while the subs are in build. It then oversees tests of the various systems. Finally, the classification society repeats the inspection prior to delivery. SEAmagine says its Ocean Pearl and Triumph model subs have performed 10,000 dives to date.
Jillian Montgomery, CEO of Camper & Nicholsons, says SEAmagine’s expertise is impressive. “With their lineage of seven generations to refine and hone the product, SEAmagine’s models and reputation for design excellence, safety and reliability exactly mirror the pinnacle of the very superyachts we build and manage for owners and charters,” she explains. William Kohnen, founder of SEAmagine, adds that collaborating with Camper & Nicholsons is a source of pride. “With the increasing length and complexity of superyachts, there is no doubt that the market for personal subs has expanded,” he notes. Uniting with Camper & Nicholsons “provides both companies an unparalleled approach to marketing these vessels.”
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