Security matters and finding ways to protect their assets, crew, and guests from such dangers as pirates or paparazzi, have been in focus of the yacht owners for years. Security systems deployed onboard normally depend on the owner’s profile, the assets in question and the locations a system would be operating.
Increasingly, the owners order security systems that can automatically monitor, detect, track, classify and alert operators to approaching objects in the proximity of a yacht. There are some technical devices, normally deployed for better protection.
When it comes to paparazzi, one of the most helpful device would be anti-drone protection. Such equipment would detect and identify commercial drones within a 20+km range, providing GPS positioning of both drone & pilot together with the drone’s speed and heading.
When a real drone has been detected, the system enables creation of a 500 metre plus electronic ‘exclusion zone’ around the yacht. Once the drone approaches this zone, its control/video signals would be blocked, forcing it to land or return to operator.
One of the most popular examples of anti paparazzi protection on a superyacht, is Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich chosing to install a special shield system against paparazzi on his 162.5-metre Blohm+Voss superyacht Eclipse, built in 2010.
According to The Times, the device is capable of fixing the activity of the photosensitive elements on digital cameras, and disables them with a direct laser beam. The system works under both automatic and manual modes.
The fourth in his private fleet, Eclipse was famously built for Russian billionaire, Roman Abramovich and the owner of Chelsea football club, as the largest yacht in the world (at that moment), a title that she held until the delivery of the 180-metre Azzam in 2013.
M/Y Eclipse
Eclipse also comes fitted with an underwater mini-boat and two helipads in case of emergencies. The initial price of the yacht was rumoured to amount to € 350 million, but additional equipment might have increased her value to € 800 million.
According to Forbes interview with Johannes Pinl of superyacht privacy and protection company MARSS, nowadays onboard CCTV, access control (door locking systems) and deck mounted pressure sensors likely to ‘form the basis of most standard superyacht security packages.’
These will be connected over an onboard network and managed from the bridge or a central control security room. Long-range daylight and thermal imaging cameras can have a dual function for both navigation and security use cases. Such cameras can be equivalent to military specification and are mounted on the mast to provide a long distance visual capability around a vessel.
He also stresses out that the key important thing is ensuring awareness among the crew to increase reaction time and make better decisions based on a clear assessment of a situation.
Meanwhile, one of the recent security devices installed by MARSS on a 100-metre plus superyacht, was NiDAR 360° degree surveillance system integrating multiple sensors to provide automated monitoring, detection, tracking and classification of objects in the vicinity of a vessel.
Operating autonomously at 24/7, NiDAR tracks both known and unknown surface and air objects. Smart software algorithms automatically analyse and rank threats, triggering alerts to notify crew and security personnel as required.
Built by famous Lurrsen and delivered in 2003, at that time Octopus was the world's largest yacht. Her impressive exterior is designed by Espen Øino and the posh interior is made by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.Octopus can accommodate up to 26 guests in 13 cabins, many of which are suites. Her crew of 63 people takes place in 30 cabins.The superyacht, which length is 126m, is equipped with highly sophisticated technology.One of her key features is an integrated dock for both the principal 20m guest tender and two submarines no, one of which is remotely controlled for reaching greater depths.She features two helipads and a hangar aft.There is a heated water swimming pool with a retractable glass floor that raises to deck level.The bridge deck has everything for spending a nice time: a bar, spa pool, and pizza oven.Octopus also houses a professional music studio and a grandiose cinema, created by Jonathan Quinn Barnett.
June 4, 2020
The motor yacht Inevitable which measures almost 30m has been sold by Northrop and Johnson's Whit Kirtland. The 29.57m motor yacht Inevitable has been sold, with Northrop and Johnson’s Whit Kirtland representing the seller in the deal.It’s inevitable to fall in love with this luxury motor yacht Inevitable. She features a classic and stylish Hargrave design.Inevitable was built by US shipyard Hargrave Custom Yachts in 2003 and generously upgraded in 2012, 2016, and 2018. Now the boat is in like-new condition. She features an exterior design by Jack Hargrave and her interiors were completed in-house.She is offering accommodation up to 9 guests taken care of by a crew of 4. Her master cabin features a walk around king-size bed, long couch, and en-suite master bath. The aft deck has everything for quality time in the open air with built-in upholstered seating, a fridge, a table, and a weatherproof 32-inch Samsung television screen. Upon the flybridge, there is further al fresco dining and lounging with hard top cover.Inevitable provides big toy storage. Guests can enjoy water skis, a slalom water ski, two kayaks, fishing gear, two jet-ski, tube, wakeboard, two standup paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and rendezvous diving.She cruises at 16 knots and reaches a top speed of 20.0 kn.Inevitable was asking $1,770,000.
June 3, 2020
Italian shipyard Admiral is about to launch in-build 55m superyacht Geco.The launch is set to take place from 11 am CET/10 am GMT+1 on Thursday, June 4.It is possible to join the livestream of the event by clicking here.Geco is built from aluminum as one of the Admiral S-Force series. The superyacht can accommodate 12 guests in 6 cabins, including a master suite, VIP stateroom, two double cabins, and two twin cabins. She is also capable of carrying up to 13 crew members onboard.Her impressive interior is complemented by huge exterior decks, with a large pool, open-air sundeck with a full gym, and a Touch and Go helipad for seamless arrivals.Geco is a motor yacht, which has an impressive list of tenders and toys including two Jetskis, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment.
June 3, 2020
At her launch in 1990, Lady Moura was the most expensive and innovative yacht in the world. As a private yacht built by Blohm & Voss, with a length 105m, she was extremely outstanding.In an era when only clients of Royal status were able to possess such luxury, Lady Moura was registered as the ninth largest yacht ever built. She definitely set a new standard in yachting 30 years ago.Built to be a private residence, the yacht has been cloaked in mystery to the outside world for three decades. But now the yacht is for sale for the first time by her original owner, and we finally have a chance to have a look inside.Most of the interior is still original.An army of the crew who knows every corner of the boat helps to keep the youth and beauty of the boat.“The average time crew have been on board is 18 years: the chief housekeeper has been here for 25 years; the bosun 28 years; the chief engineer came on board the first time in 1993; the captain has been here for 17 years. A lot of people have spent more time on this boat than at home over the last 20 years,” says relief captain Sebastian Rauber.Lady Moura has never been chartered, she hasn’t even moved much. “Cruising – we didn’t do too much,” says Captain Matthias Bosse.26 guests can be accommodated across seven decks of which one is a dedicated owner's deck which includes six staterooms. The interior covers Lady Moura's lounges and reval dining rooms with luxury, yet functional furnishings.Up to 72 crew members are available for any requests, furthermore, guests can make use of the amenities, such as the helipad, a gym, movie theatre and a disco with DJ room. Top top it off the recreational deck feature a spa with sauna and an indoor pool.The beach club is easily accessible from the ocean via six gangways and two entrances for use by one of the superyacht's tenders.There are 5 spacious cabins for children held in lighter colors. During recent updates, the generator and engines have been rebuild, as well as new team decks, refurbished crew, and technical spaces. Due to an advanced remote monitoring system that allows for condition-based maintenance and real-time troubleshooting, she is in excellent condition.
June 3, 2020
Fraser introduced the buyer of the 74m CRN motor yacht Odyssey II, which was jointly listed by Burgess and Fraser. After getting a new owner, the yacht has been renamed to Lady Jorgia.The yacht is built from a steel hull and has an aluminum superstructure to Lloyd's Registry standards and is MCA compliant. It got delivered to her owner in 2017.Offering guests every luxury imaginable, including a spa with hair salon, indoor and outdoor cinemas, and a gym, Lady Jorgia represents onboard all dreams coming true.Lady Jorgia offers accommodation for 12 guests in 6 rooms, consisting of one master suite, 1 VIP stateroom, 2 double cabins and 2 double/twin cabins. Additionally, 22 crew members fit on it, making sure no request will be unfulfilled. Elegant and stylish interior and furnishings create a timeless and elegant atmosphere.Odyssey II was priced at €84,000,000 at the time of sale.
June 2, 2020