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            Yachting for Forests aims for more sustainability aboard superyachts
            Yachting for Forests: Sustainability Standards for Woods on Your Yacht

            March 27, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Junior SeaKeeper students learn about water sampling from superyachts
            Junior SeaKeeper Program Wants Young Ocean Ambassadors

            July 20, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            superyacht company Northrop & Johnson is supporting Water.org
            Water.org Gains Support From Northrop & Johnson

            June 11, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Brokerage
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            Graceful is alleged to be among Russian-owned superyachts
            Imperial Yachts, Several Superyachts Added to U.S. Sanctions List

            June 3, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            a new Y.CO partnership with YachtAid Global will see superyachts step up for sustainability
            Y.CO Partnership With YachtAid Global Supports New Sustainability Efforts

            June 12, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

            Bruce Brakenoff, Jr. and his team are now part of the Edmiston expansion in the USA
            Edmiston Expansion in America Sees Perini Navi USA Team Come Onboard

            September 5, 2020 By Marie Cullen

    • Motoryachts
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            hull 26 of the Custom Line 33 yacht series
            Custom Line Navetta 33 Yacht

            March 28, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Princess S80 yacht has a superyacht flybridge
            Princess S80 Yacht Now Stands as Sportbridge Range Flagship

            March 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Hargrave E Series yacht Romeo Foxtrot
            Hargrave E Series Yacht Makes Global Premiere

            March 25, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Sailing Yachts
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            the Aquarius II yacht hull turning at Royal Huisman
            Royal Huisman’s Aquarius II Yacht Hull Lends Look at Her Future Prowess

            March 28, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Perini Navi Genesis fleet includes a 77m superyacht
            The Perini Navi Genesis Fleet: Famed Sailing Brand Re-imagined

            March 22, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the SW100X yacht is an all seas cruiser
            SW100X Yacht Has Seaside Lounge, No Mere Swim Platform

            March 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

    • Superyacht 101 Series
          • Superyacht 101 Series Recent Post
            Buddy Darby
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Buddy Darby

            November 9, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Mark Robba
            Superyacht 101 Series: Advice From Fellow Owner Mark Robba

            October 31, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht 101 owner's representative
            Superyacht 101 Series: Selecting an Owner’s Representative

            July 29, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Tenders, Toys, &
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          • Tenders, Toys, & Products Recent Posts
            Yacht Life Vodka is for discerning palates
            Yacht Life Vodka Lets You Sip the Good Life

            March 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            the Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 is for the owners of a Sanlorenzo superyacht
            Wooden Boats Limo Tender 27 Leans Into Fast Fun

            March 14, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            the Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection comprises inflatable furnishings for superyachts and homes
            Coast New Zealand Nimbus Collection, Customer-Requested Floating Furniture

            February 23, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

    • The Superyacht 6
          • The Superyacht 6 Recent Posts
            The Superyacht 6: 6 Superb Charter-Yacht Crews

            October 23, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Must-See Megayachts at the Fort Lauderdale Show

            October 9, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

            The Superyacht 6: 6 Editor’s Picks From the Monaco Yacht Show

            September 24, 2011 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Photo Galleries
          • the superyacht saloon aboard the Van der Valk yacht Blue Jeans
            Yacht Blue Jeans Begins Globetrotting: Photo Gallery

            January 16, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            Azimut Grande 26M megayacht
            Azimut Grande 26M Packs Punch in 86 Feet: Photo Gallery

            December 8, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Infinity Nine yacht
            Charter the Infinity Nine Yacht, Belonging to Former NBA Star: Photo Gallery

            November 24, 2022 By Marie Cullen

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            Savannah Yacht Center joins Safe Harbor Marinas
            Savannah Yacht Center Sells to Safe Harbor Marinas

            March 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC join forces for superyacht sales
            Cantiere delle Marche and IYC Partner for U.S. Superyacht Sales

            March 22, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            a variety of Ferretti Group yachts
            Ferretti Group Acquires Additional Shipyard for Big Boats

            March 20, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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            go whiskey-tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf for an exceptionally memorable experience
            Go Whisky-Tasting in Scotland on Grey Wolf Superyacht Charter

            March 9, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            book a Pandion Pearl yacht charter for an extraordinary itinerary
            Charter the Pandion Pearl Yacht for 14 Fabulous Destinations in 12 Days

            February 13, 2023 By Marie Cullen

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            a superyacht charter in Tahiti should include Opuhohu Bay
            Superyacht Charter in Tahiti: 7 Reasons to Book Now

            February 27, 2023 By Megayacht News Staff

            an Ohana yacht charter in Croatia can begin and end in Split
            Yacht Charter in Croatia Isn’t Beyond Your Means

            January 25, 2023 By Jill Bobrow

            St. John is a budget-friendly charter destination for superyachts
            3 Budget-Conscious Yacht Charter Destinations for This Winter

            November 29, 2022 By Megayacht News Staff

    • Marinas News
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            Jones Bay Marina is gaining superyacht slips
            Jones Bay Marina Gaining More Megayacht Berths

            March 11, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Chula Vista Marina is near the famed Third Avenue
            Chula Vista Marina Acquired by Safe Harbor Marinas

            December 25, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

  • People
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            YachtAid Global has launched Operation Lalesi
            Operation Lalesi From YachtAid Global Delivering Earthquake Aid to Turkey

            February 16, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the yacht Tango belongs to Russian national Viktor Vekselberg
            2 Indicted for Assisting Sanctions Evasion of the Yacht Tango

            January 23, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Crew
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            CrewBlast will fill superyacht crew needs
            CrewBlast Will Connect You to Crew Seeking Jobs in Seconds

            March 18, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Irina VU yacht is a Sunseeker 115 Predator like this sistership
            Irina VU Yacht Disappearance Leads to Captain’s Arrest

            February 3, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            superyacht crew gyms lead to better teamwork
            7 Reasons Why Superyacht Crew Gyms Are Essential

            January 19, 2023 By Ed Thomas

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            Vripack is upcycling with North Sails to get superyachts to help clean beaches
            Vripack Is Upcycling Sails Into Beach Cleanup Bags—and You Can Get One

            December 3, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Donald L. Blount, Renowned Naval Architect, Dies

            July 15, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Marco Casali Freedom Collection includes 500 superyacht NFTs
            Marco Casali Freedom Collection NFTs Minting Now

            April 15, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Leadership Series
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            Alexander Dreyfoos
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Alexander Dreyfoos, Silver Cloud Owner

            September 6, 2016 By Diane M. Byrne

            Roberto Zambrini
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Roberto Zambrini, Mondomarine

            August 1, 2016 By Michael Verdon

            Antonio Romano Hot Lab Yacht & Design
            Megayacht News Leadership Series: Antonio Romano, Hot Lab

            July 1, 2016 By Frances and Michael Howorth

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            the owner of Lady May is Guo Wengi a.k.a. Ho Wan Kwok
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            March 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Loretta Rogers owned the superyacht Loretta Anne
            Loretta Rogers, Owner of Loretta Anne: 1939-2022

            January 20, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

    • Yard Staff
          • Yard Staff Recent Posts
            Giuseppe Taranto was the vice chairman of The Italian Sea Group superyacht conglomerate
            Giuseppe Taranto, The Italian Sea Group Vice Chairman, Dies

            February 27, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Jan-Eric Nyfelt, a co-founder of the Baltic Yachts superyacht yard, as a young sailor
            Jan-Erik Nyfelt, Baltic Yachts Co-Founder, Dies

            February 7, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            Donald L. Blount left an indelible mark on superyachts
            Superyacht Owners & Industry Figures Who Died in 2022

            December 29, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

  • Events
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            the Bowsprit Award will be given at The Honours superyacht awards ceremony
            The Honours Superyacht Awards Nominations Deadline Approaching

            February 4, 2023 By Marie Cullen

            The Honours recognizes superyachting achievers
            The Honours Awards to Recognize Superyachting Change Makers

            September 27, 2022 By Diane M. Byrne

            SeaKeepers honoring Nainoa Thompson along with superyacht owners
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            August 13, 2022 By Marie Cullen

    • Boat Shows & Seminars
          • Boat Shows & Seminars Recent Posts
            you'll see plenty of superyachts at the Palm Beach show
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            March 8, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            the Flute Mirabello superyacht tender show takes place at Porto Mirabello
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            January 13, 2023 By Ken Kremsler

            DB( is among brokerage yachts at FLIBS
            4 Fantastic Brokerage Yachts at FLIBS 2022

            October 21, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

    • Fundraisers
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            superyacht companies support the London to Monaco cycle ride
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            September 3, 2022 By Ken Kremsler

            superyacht owners can aid Mikoko Pamoja via Yacht Carbon Offset's blue carbon initiative
            Yacht Carbon Offset’s First Blue Carbon Project

            March 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

            YacvhtAid Global launched Operation Viti for superyacht owners and crew to aid Fiji
            Operation Viti by YachtAid Global, for Fiji’s Tropical Cyclone Yasa Recovery

            January 1, 2021 By Marie Cullen

    • Rendezvous & Events
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            Marina Port Vell is the Preferred Superyacht Marina for the 37th America's Cup
            Marina Port Vell Named Preferred Marina for Superyachts for America’s Cup

            January 17, 2023 By Diane M. Byrne

            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2022 has high interest
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            April 12, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            NZ Superyacht Fishing Competition Coming in 2022
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            July 31, 2021 By Diane M. Byrne

    • The Superyacht Cup
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            the Superyacht Cup Palma 2023 is the 27th year of the race
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            January 29, 2022 By Marie Cullen

            the Superyacht Cup Palma is exclusively for sailing superyachts
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            February 27, 2021 By Marie Cullen

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            the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index provides a benchmark for superyachts
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    • Yacht Videos
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  • About
Home / People / Leadership Series / Megayacht News Leadership Series: Jay Miner, Delta Marine

Megayacht News Leadership Series: Jay Miner, Delta Marine

February 16, 2015 By: Michael Verdon

When Jay Miner signed on as a deckhand on an 86-foot motoryacht straight after college, he had no idea he had entered the industry where he would leave a lasting mark. Miner took the steward job as “a lark and to decompress” after four years of studying naval architecture at the University of Michigan. After learning what it was like to be a crewmember, Miner moved to San Francisco, working with Chevron Shipping Company for a year, and then to Seattle, where he worked as a naval architect with two commercial shipdesign firms. He eventually became a field engineer in a local shipyard, overseeing the construction and class certifications of a 350-foot chemical tanker. After that project was complete, Miner and his wife took a nine-month trip to Hawaii aboard a sailboat they built themselves. Eventually returning to Seattle, Miner joined Delta Marine in 1987, which was transitioning from a builder of commercial fishing vessels to a yacht builder. In this Leadership Series interview, he shares how the Delta Design Group of Delta Marine operates, and why he believes the craftspeople on the shop floor are customers, too.

 

MegayachtNews.com: What was Delta like when you joined in 1987?

Jay Miner: The company was still old school. It had built hundreds of commercial fishing boats. We were building completely in fiberglass, using hand-lamination techniques in molds built by hand out of timber and plywood. Some of the production people had started their careers in wooden boatbuilding, so the molds were masterfully crafted. The drawings to produce the vessels were still drawn by hand on vellum. We used ship’s curves, battens, and spline weights, which had been the tradition of design for over a century. There were three of us in the design department, myself and another young fellow, and the senior naval architect, John Schubert. He was nearing retirement. We introduced computers and CAD to the department during the first two years. John gave us his blessing, but declined to participate. Now, of course, all the designs are done in 3D software, the molds are mostly built with computer-controlled, 5-axis mills, and the parts are resin-infused. It’s a remarkable change when I look back. But I sometimes miss the ship’s curves and battens because of the maritime tradition they represent.

 

MegayachtNews.com: So what is Delta like now?

Jay Miner: The facility has expanded significantly over the years. The owners have made a priority of reinvesting profits into capital improvements. When I joined, we were pushing the limits of our buildings with a 120-foot yacht. Now we can fit one approaching 100 meters inside our largest finish bay. We’ve also expanded all production shops with new and automated equipment, while investing in advanced skills training for the employees. In engineering, we’ve gone from our initial two seats of CAD to 30.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Can you explain the organization and function of the Delta Design Group?

Jay Miner: We are not an autonomous group, but an integrated component of a larger organization. Our obligation is to support the process here at Delta, from the client interaction during the preliminary design to supporting the day-to-day needs of the shop floor. Within the group, we offer turnkey capabilities, from concept design and full technical development to the final construction drawings. On some projects, we deliver a full array of services. In other cases, the client brings team members along—frequently an outside designer who has already worked with the client. In that situation, it is our job to integrate their contributions seamlessly into the total efforts. Whatever works for the client works for us.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Are there advantages to being in-house?

Jay Miner: I have always emphasized to department members that the people on the shop floor are also our customers. They can’t build the yachts unless we produce accurate and timely information. We consider their knowledge and skills valuable resources. A significant benefit of being part of this design team is our immediate access to the production people, and the experience of working side-by-side through the build process.

PHOTO: Thierry Ameller
PHOTO: Thierry Ameller

MegayachtNews.com: Besides technology, how is yacht design different than when you started?

Jay Miner: When I joined, we had two major reference volumes—one for ABS rules for fiberglass vessels and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations that covered safety equipment and Subchapter T vessels. We’re now building to numerous flag registries, complying with Commercial Yacht Codes and many international safety and environmental regulations. It has become a complex matrix of overlapping authorities. Keeping track of this and finding a way to keep all the boxes checked has become a major effort. It continues to be a moving target for everyone in this industry.

 

MegayachtNews.com: And your clients, how have they changed in the last five years?

Jay Miner: Clients vary greatly from project to project. It’s very hard to generalize about them. Some are motivated more by the aesthetics, while others are more focused on the technical. Part of the challenge of this business is to understand what is important to each client and then respond to their priorities, while still making the process fun.

 

MegayachtNews.com: What about the yachts? How have they changed?

Jay Miner: Certainly the yachts have gotten more complex over the years. The general standard for quality, capability, and performance has been raised continuously since I started at Delta. The entertainment and security systems have reached the point where a yacht needs a specialist crewmember on board to maintain responsibility for them. The expectation for uninterrupted communication virtually anywhere in the world is now the new standard. The standards for acoustics and privacy are now higher than even five years ago, with targets getting ever tougher. Without these continuous advances, there would be a lot less interest in building new yachts.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Do you have any personal favorites among the yachts your department has designed?

Jay Miner: Rather than single out specific projects, I think the biggest contributor to our successful design has been the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in our structures. I think we were one of the first yacht builders anywhere to bring this in-house. It gives us a powerful tool to understand how each vessel’s structures works, in both macro and micro scales. We can optimize structures for weight, stiffness and resonant frequency in ways that were simply not possible before. FEA has been invaluable for the toughest projects where the design includes large expanses of glass and open floor plans.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Getting back to the favorite yachts question, how about Laurel? Wasn’t it a technical feat to build the world’s first superyacht with a superstructure made entirely of composites?

Jay Miner: It certainly opened doors for us. But it was not that difficult to engineer and build. We had the people, tools, and experience. It was more of a challenge to work through the approval process with the regulatory bodies since it was new territory. But it was good discipline for all parties to work through the technical aspects in detail on a cooperative basis. It gave us a great foundation for future projects.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Do you expect to build a composite yacht over 200 feet anytime soon?

Jay Miner: There is no magic about 200 feet as a technical limit, but more of a question of teaming up with a client who has the design and budget for such a project. We’re ready when and if that happens.

 

MegayachtNews.com: Do you ever expect to build mega-size megayachts over 90 meters?

Jay Miner: Given the present size of the facility, our sweet spot for large metal-hulled projects is probably more in the 60- to 85-meter range. We don’t necessarily want to build the biggest. We want to build the best. The basic structure is here, both organizationally and with the physical infrastructure, but there is no incentive for expansion for expansion’s sake. We think the demand for the sizes we have been building is a good place to be.

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