Ocean Alliance has hosted a select group of international charter agents, travel designers and media representatives onboard motor yacht Oneworld to discover the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. The outstanding feedback from the guests highlighted a greater appreciation of the destination, delight in its vibrancy and a desire to protect and celebrate this UNESCO World Heritage Listed location.
Among the six hand-picked guests were three representatives of world’s leading brokerage houses - Camper & Nicholsons (France), Northrop & Johnson (USA), and the Luxury Charter Group. Thanks to the growing interest for superyacht bookings in the travel agency world, the group included a representative from influential Australian high-end inbound agency, The Tailor. A journalist contributor to Forbes, Bloomberg and Michelin guides flew in from New York with Tourism Australia’s support, to join The CEO Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief.
Setting out from Hamilton Island, the five-day familiarisation trip took in the highlights of the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef from both above, on and below the water’s surface. The invaluable support received from Tourism Australia allowed guests access engaging experiences alongside Oneworld’s unique offering in the domestic charter market.
These wide and varied experiences included cuddling a koala; wandering along the iconic Whitehaven Beach on the south east coastline of Whitsunday Island (recently voted the best island in the world by Condé Nast’s 2018 readers survey); a trek to the heights of Hamilton Island’s Passage Peak to expansive views of the entire region under an iconic Australian crisp blue sky; undertaking a scenic seaplane flight over the islands and reef, spotting mantarays and turtles under the clear surface; diving into the depths from the aft deck during a brief yet memorable Outer Reef experience; and an adrenaline-fueled slide down the inflatable slide at Chance Bay.
“It was wonderful to experience first-hand the latest addition to the Australian charter fleet. Oneworld is a beautiful, well-equipped Majesty 100 that delivers a premium charter experience. The Crew and Chef were so professional and the service, the food and the ambience were exceptional. I have a renewed enthusiasm for the Whitsundays and the Reef, thanks to the amazing Oneworld charter. We were able to explore the region's picturesque islands, from the most remote and untouched bays to the 5-star luxury of qualia and the boutiques, restaurants and attractions of Hamilton Island,” said Jeni Tidmarsh of Luxury Charter Group.
The compact trip also included cruising out to the Great Barrier Reef, in a short 3-hour motoring passage, and taking the opportunity to dive on the reef guided by Reef Safari’s insightful Instructor.
“'I've dived in many places in the world and the clarity on the reef was exceptional at the Stepping Stones dive site. I was so excited to dive in the Great Barrier Reef, and my expectations were way surpassed. I was blown away. The team at Reef Safari were wonderful guides, pointing out different types of fish and, after our dive, giving a great mini lesson on the fascinating life of reef and coral,” said journalist Sophie Friedman.
The Stepping Stones are a unique feature of Bait Reef. They are made up of 18 or more flat topped, thus the name, coral pinnacles lined up in a row. At the Southern Face shallow waters are dominated by flat terrain completely covered by hard corals with the odd sand patch. Large turtles, manta rays and some pelagic fishes such as mackerel and barracuda are often seen cruising along the drop-off.
“I recently read a quote by renowned marine biologist, Sylvia Earle, where she said ‘Please get out into wild places…. And get under the sea. Look at creatures and how they live. It's hard to be reckless with nature if you have spent time in a wild place. So be a curious explorer!’ and without doubt, we now have six of the most committed ambassadors for the reef and chartering a superyacht in the Whitsunday Islands,” said Laurie Foulon, Charter Experience Manager of Ocean Alliance.
The familiarisation trip wasn’t all at sea as the group had the opportunity to discover Hamilton Island and its leading resort, qualia, for a private tour of its private pavilions and sumptuous hosted lunch. The final leg was returning to Airlie Beach on the mainland of Australia, whilst Tourism Australia’s representative Ingrid Sellarulo guided the group through the Signature Experiences program, followed by Captain Matt Baily who imparted his immense knowledge of the area and secret spots for beach BBQs and exploration.
Oneworld was launched onto the Australian superyacht charter market earlier in the year. Built to the exacting standards of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the yacht is available for charter along the east coast of Australia offering guests a quintessentially Australian experience on a leading superyacht.
As superyachts are limited to no more than 12 guests, the impact of international guests discovering a destination as unique and sensitive as the Great Barrier Marine Park is very low. Whilst the tourism expenditure is high yielding, a recent Economic Impact study undertaken by peak industry body, Superyacht Australia, calculated that superyacht guests spend AUD$7500 per guest per day ashore.
“Our partners from this trip onboard Oneworld will return to their desk invigorated by the experience of cruising on a superyacht on the Queensland coast. Their recommendations will result in discerning travellers selecting the destination for their next holiday bringing tourism dollars to this regional centre not to mention a heightened awareness, appreciation and celebration of the reef. We see it often, guests return from a reef experience with altered perspectives and committed to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef,” offered Joachim Howard, Managing Director of Ocean Alliance.
Moonen Yachts has launched the 36.3m Martinique named Moonshine, during a christening ceremony held last week in The Netherlands. This marks the sixth Martinique model from Moonen's successful fast displacement steel hull series, designated as yard number YN204.Represented by Neal Esterly from Fraser Yachts, the owners chose Moonen Yachts to bring their vision to life due to the yard's reputation for excellence in their size range and yacht type. Customizations were made to suit the owners' preferences, including adjustments to the yacht's length, allowing it to fit within a specific location with a limited length requirement.Set to be delivered before the summer season, Moonshine will embark on a journey through the Mediterranean and the Caribbean before finding her permanent home in San Diego, California.The collaboration between Moonen Yachts and the owners, crew, and construction team was characterized by close cooperation and productive exchanges. John Bechtold, the Project Manager at Moonen Yachts, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to refine Moonshine according to the owners' desires and intended use.Crafted in collaboration with Hollander Yacht Design, Moonshine boasts a rich and characterful interior design. The main saloon features full-height windows and innovative sliding doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.Designed by René van der Velden, the Martinique's exterior architecture prioritizes natural light, breathtaking views, and harmonious indoor-outdoor connections. With a maximum speed of 17 knots and transatlantic capability, Moonshine promises exceptional comfort, spaciousness, and stability.Moonshine's launch follows the recent introduction of Lumière, the fifth yacht from Moonen's premium semi-custom Martinique series. The shipyard is currently working on the construction of the seventh Martinique model, YN205.Moonen Yachts is a yacht builder based in the Netherlands, and its first yacht was built in 1964 under the original yard name of De Ruiter. In 1981, the yard was renamed Moonen Shipyards. It’s launching its first vessel under new ownership: Alhena. In 2017 Moonen Shipyards changed into Moonen Yachts. With the help of strong vision, innovative technology and new designers, Moonen is once again becoming the market leader in 30m to 50m luxury yachts.Credits: Moonen Yachts
April 26, 2024
Ocean Alexander announces the successful sale and delivery of the new Ocean Alexander 35-meter Revolution, marking a significant milestone in luxury yacht craftsmanship. Unveiled for the first time at the prestigious 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where it clinched the coveted Best in Show title, the OA 35R stands as a testament to exceptional design and engineering.Crafted by the esteemed Evan Marshall in collaboration with Arrabito Naval Architects, the 35R redefines luxury and performance, offering an unparalleled yachting experience. With an impressive gross tonnage just under 300 GT, this masterpiece challenges the boundaries of a traditional 116-foot yacht, providing expansive living spaces that epitomize opulence and comfort.Bruce Siler, the Ocean Alexander Brand Manager with MarineMax and the selling broker, expressed his delight, stating, "It was a pleasure working with this client. This is his first Ocean Alexander. The 35-meter Ocean Alexander offers the size and volume he loves. He will be traveling to the Bahamas, up and down the east coast of the US, and possibly the Med."Powered by upgraded twin MTU® V16 2600 HP engines, the 35R achieves a top speed of 23 knots, ensuring swift navigation through the seas. At a hull speed of 10 knots, it boasts an extended range of over 1,200 nautical miles, promising unmatched performance and reliability for extended voyages.With robust mechanical features and uncompromising build quality, the OA 35R assures a serene journey across the vast oceans.Ocean Alexander is a family business. Two generations of one family have guided the shipyard for almost four decades. With manufacturing in Taiwan, Ocean Alexander is consistently one of the top selling brands for large yachts in the U.S. and currently produces models ranging from 26 to 36 meters in length. Credits: Ocean Alexander
April 26, 2024
In an elegant ceremony held in Viareggio, the eighth installment of the Mangusta GranSport 33 set sail into the azure waters, marking yet another milestone for the renowned yacht series.Crafted at the intersection of avant-garde design, artisanal expertise, and cutting-edge technology, this vessel is the epitome of nautical excellence. Designed in collaboration between Alberto Mancini and Ovemarine Group's technical department, the Mangusta GranSport 33 offers a seamless blend of sophistication and performance.Measuring 33 meters in length, this yacht effortlessly combines high-speed cruising capabilities of up to 25 knots with spacious and comfortable interiors, ideal for extended voyages across diverse waters.A hallmark of this vessel is its expansive interior spaces, totaling 228 gross tons, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of the owner and their guests. The on-deck master stateroom, spanning over 40 square meters, sets a new standard of luxury in its class, complemented by two VIP cabins and two guest cabins on the lower deck, all benefiting from the innovative IPS propulsion system.With a keen focus on owner-centric design, every aspect of the Mangusta GranSport 33 reflects a harmonious fusion of functionality and elegance. From the panoramic glazed surfaces to the iconic infinity pool at the stern, every detail has been meticulously curated to enhance the onboard experience.Powered by four Volvo Penta D13 735kW engines paired with IPS pods 1350 drives, the Mangusta GranSport 33 boasts a shallow draught of only 1.9 meters, ensuring versatility in navigation without compromising on performance.Equipped with a spacious aft garage accommodating a large tender, water-skis, and an array of water toys, this vessel promises unparalleled leisure and entertainment options for its guests.Sold in collaboration with brokerage house HMY, this Mangusta GranSport 33, delivered to a U.S. owner, exemplifies the ongoing success and global appeal of the series. Overmarine Group was founded in 1985 by the Balducci family. The shipyard builds open and displacement power superyachts under the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceanco brand names. Credits: Overmarine Group
April 26, 2024
Van der Valk embarked on a monumental endeavor with the construction of Project EVO, a bespoke 40-meter superyacht. This ambitious project, the largest ever undertaken by the yard in terms of length and volume, promises to redefine luxury at sea. The owners were inspired by an exceptionally attractive design from Franco Gianni of SFG Yacht Design and Doga Naz Cebeci from Fancy by Dada, Project EVO boasts a sleek exterior and meticulously detailed interior.Ordered by seasoned clients with a penchant for high-performance vessels, Project EVO symbolizes the culmination of their yachting aspirations. With a vision to craft a tailor-made masterpiece for their family, the owners turned to Van der Valk, drawn by the promise of Dutch precision and excellence. The yacht's design journey, intricately guided by the owners, involved a transformative evolution led by Cristiano Gatto Design.Cristiano Gatto reflects on the project's inception, stating, “Our collaboration began with a shared vision to infuse the interior ambiance into the exterior design, culminating in a harmonious fusion of aesthetics.” The resulting profile, a synthesis of innovative proportions and lines, reflects the collective ingenuity of the design team.Beyond aesthetics, Project EVO is engineered to deliver unparalleled performance, with a round-bilged fast displacement hull and a target top speed of 24 knots. Compliant with ABS class standards and IMO Tier III emissions regulations, the yacht exemplifies Van der Valk's commitment to superior craftsmanship and environmental sustainability.<iframe title=vimeo-player src=https://player.vimeo.com/video/937794356?h=3c621b1611 width=640 height=360 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen></iframe>With accommodations tailored for ten guests across lavish staterooms and crew quarters, Project EVO promises a luxurious retreat at sea. Yoeri Bijker, head of sales at Van der Valk, affirms the yard's capability in delivering bespoke superyachts of exceptional quality, stating, “Project EVO epitomizes our dedication to excellence, offering clients the opportunity to realize their yachting dreams without compromise.” Van der Valk is a family-run company building comfortable, innovative and efficient (semi) custom motor yachts from 18m to 45m. From its humble roots in the 1960s, Van der Valk today has a global fleet of over 1000 motor yachts. Credits: Van der Valk
April 26, 2024
Northrop & Johnson has been named the exclusive sales broker by Ares Yachts for the globally anticipated sale of the shipyard’s flagship, Simena. Currently in the outfitting stage in Antalya, the 62-meter superyacht is slated for delivery in March 2025.“We are pleased to collaborate with such a reputable company,” states Kerim Kalafatoğlu, Chairman of Ares Yachts. “We trust Northrop & Johnson to introduce our remarkable flagship to the market and promote her effectively.”“Northrop & Johnson is honored to represent Ares for the sale of the magnificent 62m Simena, set for delivery in March 2025. Ares has established itself as a leading shipyard in Turkey with an exceptional track record of over 230 vessels. Simena presents a rare opportunity to acquire a yacht of exceptional quality at a competitive price,” says Patrick Coote, Europe Managing Director of Northrop & Johnson.Simena, Ares Yachts' 62-meter flagship, entered the outfitting stage in November. The completion of outfitting, including joinery work, will precede the installation of the rigging system.Kerim Kalafatoğlu and Patrick Coote“Exterior paintwork is in progress, and the superstructure and hull connection have been completed,” shares Piraye Sahinkaya Orhun, Managing Director of Ares Yachts. “Construction of the mahogany planking for the superstructure and doghouse is underway, along with the insulation, wiring, and piping from the aft crew accommodation.”Designed by Taka Yacht Design and Design Unlimited, Simena epitomizes classical and modern design elements. The vessel, designed to RINA Class C standards, boasts traditional teak decks and varnished Sipo Mahogany exterior joinery.Accommodating up to 12 guests and nine crew members, Simena offers luxurious onboard living. Its owner’s suite is strategically located forward on the main deck. Equipped with a sophisticated hybrid drive system, the yacht can operate silently under electric power at speeds up to 6 knots. Additionally, a 882 kW diesel engine complements her 220kW electric motors, allowing for a top speed of 14.5 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.To maintain the yacht’s clean interior aesthetics, modern design elements have been discreetly integrated, including hidden TV lifts in the saloon and master suite. Walnut forms the basis of the interior, complemented by textured leathers, fabrics, and antiqued brass accents. Showers feature a blend of patterned tiles alongside Calacatta Oro and Patagonia White marbles, offering a blend of contemporary comfort and classic elegance.Ares Yachts, situated in Antalya Free Zone on Turkey’s south coast, spans 40,000 square meters of build space across four large sheds. Besides Simena, the shipyard is concurrently working on other projects, including the 50m motor yacht Spitfire and a 54m explorer yacht known as Project Atlas. Additionally, Ares Yachts is developing a 65-85m yacht range in collaboration with Lateral Naval Architects.Credits: Northrop & Johnson
April 25, 2024