Superyacht Design Symposium 2009 topics

1 February 2009

1. Upgrading to green – how far to go?

In general, today’s yacht owners want to be as environmentally friendly as possible, embracing new technology that will reduce emissions and lower noxious discharges. To progress, however, owners need to know what technology is available, its cost and whether the possibility exists of retrofitting it on existing yachts. Our speakers include a yacht owner committed to the cause; Moritz Krijgsman, chief technology officer of marine fuel cells at Dutch company Alewijnse, which has recently installed fuel cells in an Amsterdam tourist boat; a spokesman from a prominent builder which is ready to take on green upgrades; Paolo Moretti from the Italian classification society RINA, who will explain his company’s newly updated Green Star classification; and Toby Allies of Pendennis Shipyard, who will be outlining the options and costs for owners who wish to make their vessels more environmentally friendly as part of a refit.

2. Build pricing and resale values

Hani Jabsheh, the owner of a 43m motor yacht, asks some searching questions about the pricing of superyachts, both new builds and pre-owned, which are answered by the principals of a leading builders and a brokerage house

3. Yachts and helicopters – ensuring safety

When building a new superyacht, a helicopter landing pad is often seen as a convenient facility but some owners make this choice without information on the regulations governing the use of such pads. Bob Hubble, an experienced pilot and specialist on regulations concerning the use of helicopters on yachts, will explain the regulations and practical needs, while an owner of a helipad-equipped yacht will expound his views on whether the dream met the reality.

4. Daring to Customize

Owner of Sea Force One, the enigmatic “Captain Magic”, whose yacht pushed the boundaries of design and features many pieces of modern art, will discuss contemporary interior design and how it can be applied to superyachts.

5. Defending against piracy – are some waters ‘no go’ areas, or can a yacht take measures to ensure security?

Avoiding the risk of piracy is a hot topic in days when the Gulf of Aden is dangerous for commercial vessels and all but closed to yacht traffic and little information or advice seems to be forthcoming through official channels. A security professional briefs on the current situation, outlines what preparations should be made for transiting dangerous waters and makes recommendations on the actions should a yacht be boarded. This is followed by a designer who will suggest design measures that will help to prevent a yacht being seized.

6. Seaworthiness and fuel economy in modern yachts – the hull of the future

In these days of depleting supply and volatile fuel prices, future owners of world ranging cruising yachts seek a hull form that is not only seaworthy but is also economical with fuel. The mono-hulled vessel is the industry standard but in recent years we have seen catamaran and SWATH vessels join the fleet. Three distinguished naval architects argue the case for each type, and an owner explains his choice.

7. The Falcon submarine – boldly explore the last frontier

At last year’s symposium, Tom Perkins closed his talk on Maltese Falcon with a snippet of news: he was preparing to test his latest toy – a two-man submarine. This year the builder of this craft explains its development and capabilities with a stunning film clip showing the craft in use.

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