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.
Royal Huisman makes waves once again with Noir, an 81-meter sailing yacht, setting a new standard in superyacht excellence. Designed by Malcolm McKeon, Noir boasts the world’s tallest sloop rig at 93 meters, embodying the epitome of luxury and performance.McKeon, the mastermind behind this groundbreaking design, envisions Noir as the ultimate vessel for the owner's pleasure and adventure with loved ones. With a contemporary profile featuring a reverse bow and a flying bridge, Noir offers ample outdoor living space and unparalleled connectivity to the sea.An experienced sailor himself, Noir's owner prioritizes speed, power, and responsive handling, ensuring an exhilarating sailing experience. The yacht is tailored for world cruising and exploration, equipped with a 14-meter tender for coastal excursions without the need for yacht repositioning.Crafted from aluminum and powered by electric drives, Noir combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design. Rondal supplies the mast, boom, and integrated sailing system, contributing to Noir's status as the world's tallest sloop.Noir's interior, designed by GCA Architects, promises to harmonize with the contemporary exterior, blending natural materials and textures for a luxurious yet relaxed atmosphere. With details kept under wraps, anticipation for the unveiling of Noir's interior design continues to grow.Royal Huisman CEO Jan Timmerman expresses pride and gratitude for being selected to bring Noir to life, marking a significant milestone in the shipyard's 140-year history. As the fourth yacht to join the ranks of the world's Top 10 largest sailing yachts, Noir solidifies Royal Huisman's reputation as a leader in bespoke yacht craftsmanship and innovation.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credits: Royal Huisman
April 24, 2024
Project Arwen is the latest masterpiece from Dörries Yachts, boasting an extravagant 114-meter length and an awe-inspiring 20-meter hydraulic swimming pool.This superyacht, commissioned by an American technology billionaire, epitomizes international collaboration. Designed by U.S. firm Píndaros, with contributions from French studio Champeau Wilde and British designer Andy Waugh, and naval architecture led by Dutch outfit Azure, Project Arwen is a testament to top-tier German engineering, constructed at Dörries' facilities in Bremerhaven, Germany.Project Arwen's centerpiece is undoubtedly its extraordinary infinity pool, spanning most of the aft deck. Encased in glass, the pool offers uninterrupted ocean views. Remarkably, a 13-meter section can be raised hydraulically, expanding the deck space. Dörries describes this innovation as a versatile leisure and entertainment area, redefining luxury at sea.Beyond its stunning pool, Arwen impresses with a staggering interior volume of 4,950 gross tonnes (GT). Guests are welcomed by a grand multi-level spiral staircase leading to a vast living area covering over 1,400 square meters. The main saloon, featuring lofty 6-meter ceilings and lavish seating, epitomizes opulence.Dubbed a "haven of entertainment" by Dörries, Arwen offers multiple dining areas, indoor and outdoor bars, and relaxation spaces. Its amenities include a helipad for an H135 chopper, cinema, beach club, hair and beauty salon, and a wellness area featuring a gym, spa, and sauna.Accommodation is equally luxurious, comprising five en suite cabins and a VIP suite for guests. The owner's deck boasts a sprawling 288-square-meter suite with an exquisite en suite, dressing room, and terrace, offering direct access to a foredeck lounge and dining area – a true sanctuary of sophistication and style.Credits: Dörries Yachts
April 24, 2024
Pershing's flagship, the Pershing 140, has made its grand entrance into the waters at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Combining almost four decades of design expertise with a quest for performance, the fourth hull was launched on April 20th.Spanning two main decks and a spacious sun deck, the Pershing 140 boasts an exterior design characterized by sleek lines, embodying Pershing's signature sporty personality. Noteworthy features like the side wings integrated into the superstructure and innovative design elements distinguish the Pershing 140 as a sought-after model in the market.The raised main deck offers direct access to the sun deck and houses a customized helm station with light grey tones complementing the exterior aluminum color. A convenient day head aft with outdoor access adds to the deck's functionality. Inside, the lounge features a discreetly placed bar cabinet adorned with special turquoise lacquering, adding a touch of uniqueness.The owner has personalized the interior with nature-themed decorative panels in the lobby and lounge, accentuated by three-dimensional fabrics in contrasting shades. Below deck, four guest cabins await, while the master suite on the main deck boasts neutral tones and sophisticated interior decor.Designed by architect Fulvio De Simoni and crafted in collaboration with Ferretti Group’s Strategic Product Committee, Pershing 140 represents the brand's first model built at the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona. Powered by four MTU 16 V 2000 M96L engines, each generating 2,600 hp, the Pershing 140 achieves impressive performance figures, reaching a top speed of 36 knots and a cruising speed of 30 knots.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
April 24, 2024
Southern Wind has delivered the SW96 Liberty after successful sea trials. The latest addition to its fleet designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, Liberty emphasizes racing while maintaining luxury. The owner, a European yachtsman on his second Southern Wind Yacht, expressed his satisfaction after his first sailing experience in Cape Town. Built with a foam core and infused carbon skins, Liberty boasts a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes, ensuring excellent speed even in light air. Her Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging, enhance her performance further.Featuring full water lines and a lifting keel, Liberty is easy to control in various conditions. Her raised saloon layout and panoramic windows provide ample light, complemented by the largest hull portlights in the series. The deck showcases the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom.With three guest cabins and a spacious owner's suite, Liberty offers comfort alongside exhilarating performance.Now SW96 Liberty embarks on her 7500 mile Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterreanean Sea.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts.Credits: Southern Wind
April 23, 2024
Yonca Shipyard, a renowned builder of state-of-the-art composite vessels with a strong presence in the defense sector, has announced the launch of Mishi Yachts, a new brand targeting the sailing superyacht market.With a sprawling facility covering 44,000 square meters, half of which is under cover, Yonca Shipyard is equipped to construct vessels up to 160 ft in length and weighing over 400 tonnes. The yard's cutting-edge construction capabilities enable the production of up to 20 naval and leisure yachts annually.While excelling in various materials, Yonca's expertise lies in high-speed composite vessels, renowned for their robustness, seaworthiness, and impressive top speeds ranging from 40 to 80 knots.Şakir YılmaztürkChairman and founder, Şakir Yılmaztürk, expressed the shipyard's enthusiasm for venturing into the leisure marine sector. "Yonca Shipyard is esteemed in the defense industry and has served as the builder behind other esteemed yachting brands," said Yılmaztürk. "With 36 years of honed skills and capabilities, we are delighted to introduce Mishi Yachts, focusing on luxury sailing superyachts."Mishi Yachts' debut offerings include designs for an 88 ft and a 102 ft luxury sailing yacht, embodying the expertise and craftsmanship synonymous with Yonca Shipyard. The yard collaborates with renowned naval architects and designers to ensure superior performance and enduring quality.Yonca's proficiency in complex mold design and flawless composite work positions it as a leader in the industry. From CNC milling to vacuum infusion, the yard's meticulous approach ensures impeccable standards in fiberglass construction. Additionally, its finishing capabilities, including woodworking and stainless steel fabrication, further attest to its commitment to excellence.Mishi Yachts management board: Şakir Yılmaztürk, Erdem Yılmaztür and Didem Yılmaztürk Ulusoy"We are driven by the same passion and dedication that fueled our inception in 1986," stated Yılmaztürk. "Our reputation for composite craftsmanship and engineering excellence positions us to seize opportunities in the superyacht market. We look forward to delivering exceptional vessels that embody the essence of Mishi Yachts."Founded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Pozitif Studio/Yonca Shipyard
April 23, 2024