Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Boats’

Selene 66 For Sale

Posted in Exterior, Interior, Photographs, Specifications, Technical Specifications, Updates, tagged , , , , , , , , on March 25, 2015| Leave a Comment »


Stb_Side_@_PhiPiDon_Phuket_16_Nov_2014_2-690x475

Selene 66 – The ideal Long Range Slow Cruise boat

Selene 66 (73 Feet)

Listed at YachtFinders Global http://www.yachtfindersglobal.com/used-boats/detail/1322  and available for inspection from Singapore.

At 73 feet in length and very highly spec’ed this is a serious offshore Passage Maker or Coastal Cruiser.

Capable of extended cruising without having to put into port thanks to large fuel capacity, great economy and an impressive list of equipment.
Water Maker, Trash Compactor, Stabilisers, Gensets x 2 , Air Conditioning, Washer, Dryer, Hydraulic bow and stern thrusters and a walk in engine room to name a few.

The full living and dining area of the Selene 66 is on the saloon level and is entered from the cockpit. Owners will enjoy three staterooms with crew quarters aft of the engine room and all staterooms have ensuite heads. The full width master stateroom is complete with a large ensuite, full length closets, and writing desk. The flybridge can be accessed from the stairway in the pilothouse. The Selene 66 flybridge allows for extended deck space that can accommodate a large tender as well as a perfect platform to fish, dive and just relax on.

Machinery spaces aboard are easily accessed through a transom door or main saloon and the engine room features full standing headroom up to 6’2”. All major components are within reach for ease of maintenance. In addition to clean engine room spaces, a massive lazarette includes washer and dryer units stored under a workbench.

Like all Selene yachts, she features fabulous interior woodwork, exotic granite, a selection of glamorous draperies and fabrics, as well as high quality European lighting and interior fittings. She is designed for extended cruising in style, comfort and safety.

  • General

  • Year: 2008
  • Price: $1,950,000 USD
  • Price Details: + GST & Duty
  • Boat Type: Power
  • Boat Type Detail: Trawler
  • Location: Offshore
  • Hull Material: GRP
  • Engine/Fuel: Diesel
  • ID No: #1322

  • Dimensions:

  • LOA: 73′ 5″ ft / 22.38 m
  • LWL: 62′ 3″ ft / 18.98 m
  • Beam: 18′ 8″ ft / 5.69 m
  • Draft: 6′ 4″ ft / 1.93 m
  • Displacement: 70.25 Tonnes

  • Engines:

  • No. of Engines: 1
  • Engine(s) HP: 610 HP
  • Engine Brand: Cummins QSM11
  • Cruising Speed: 10 kn
  • Max Speed: 12 kn
  • Hours: 1301

  • Builder/Designer:

  • Builder: Jet Tern Marine
  • Designer: Howard Chen

  • Tankage:

  • Fuel: 9,841 L
  • Water: 2,271 L
  • Holding: 870 L
Advertisement

Read Full Post »

China Yacht maker Ferretti to buld in China and cut Italian workforce (temporarily ?)

Posted in News Events, tagged , , , , , on July 27, 2013| Leave a Comment »


This from Reuters on Ferretti

UPDATE 1-Yacht maker Ferretti cruising for China middle market

Considering Chinese brand acquisition in 12-18 months

* Eyeing IPO in Asia stock market in 3-4 years

* Shandong Heavy owns 75 pct of Ferretti

By Antonella Ciancio

MILAN, Nov 6 (Reuters) – Ferretti, the Italian luxury yacht maker favoured by Chinese tycoon Li Ka-shing and Italy’s Fiat-owning Agnelli dynasty, may expand into smaller boat building in China to meet growing demand from the country’s newly-affluent middle classes.

The group, controlled by China’s state-owned Shandong Heavy Industry Group, is looking to add 6-8 metre pleasure boats to its range of customer-designed mega-yachts popular with the world’s super-rich.

Ferretti would manage production of the boats following the  acquisition of a Chinese brand over the next 12-18 months, Chief Executive Ferruccio Rossi told Reuters in an interview.

“With our know-how and support by our majority shareholder we are considering entering the so-called recreational segment and make smaller boats for the Chinese middle class through a local brand and a local manufacturing plant,” he said at the launch of Ferretti’s first megayacht under the smaller-sized and glamorous Riva brand.

Ferretti, taken over by Shandong Heavy in a 374 million-euro deal in January, owns eight brands including Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama and Bertram.

IPO CONSIDERED

Rossi said the group was also considering an initial share offering in Asia on the heels of Italian fashion group Prada’s IPO last year, Rossi said.

“Maybe in three to four years we could list on an Asian market to gain further visibility,” Rossi said. “I very much like the experience of Prada and we are looking at it closely.”

“There could be a dual listing but it’s premature to think about this now.”

Ferretti, which competes with smaller Italian peer Azimut Benetti, floated on the Milan stock exchange in 2000 following a string of acquisitions and delisted two years later.

It has said it would keep jobs and manufacturing in Italy, which has long dominated the yachting industry.

But a protracted recession and a fiscal clampdown have hurt domestic sales of luxury goods, Rossi said, and the company has  temporarily laid off workers at one of its Italian yards.

The global yacht market is expected to grow by 2 percent in 2012 from 5 percent last year, luxury body Altagamma said.

Rossi said Ferretti would continue to produce in Italy, where it aims to break even in the second half of 2013.

CHINESE HOLDINGS

Shandong Heavy Industry Group controls four groups with stock listings in Hong Kong, Shanghai or Shenzhen: Weichai Power , Weichai Heavy Machinery, Yaxing Motor Coach Company and Shantui Construction Machinery.

It plans to invest nearly 200 million euros in Ferretti, after an initial equity investment of 178 million euros for a 75 percent stake and 196 million euros of debt financing.

Former creditors Royal Bank of Scotland and hedge fund Strategic Value Partners own the remaining 25 percent.

Ferretti is not alone in finding itself owned by investors from emerging markets taking advantage of Europe’s financial woes to pick up brands and establish themselves as global players.

Private equity fund Permira, a former shareholder in Ferretti, sold fashion house Valentino to the Qatari royal family for around 700 million euros in July.

Ferretti makes around half of its sales in Europe, 15 percent in Asia-Pacific, and 35 percent in the Americas.

The company aims to make one third of revenues in each region by 2018.

Read Full Post »

Where will it end ? : “New Chinese owner for Sunseeker “

Posted in News Events, Updates, tagged , , , , , , , on June 17, 2013| Leave a Comment »


Boating industry websites are reporting the following story.

Alt_LBS13MD_38341

倪浩 Sunseeker

UK boatbuilder Sunseeker is in talks with a prospective Chinese owner, Chinese property firm Dalian Wanda, in a deal worth US$471m. Subject to regulatory approval, the purchase is imminent. ‘We are buying the best yacht company in the UK,’ Wang Jianlin, chairman of Beijing-based Dalian Wanda, was quoted as saying. If the deal is concluded, new investment will be forthcoming from the existing management and founder Robert Braithwaite.

Stewart McIntyre, Sunseeker’s CEO, said, ‘The discussions are ongoing and I cannot add any more. If they are successful it will not be a matter of months before reaching an outcome. Nothing will change. The current management team will remain including founder Robert Braithwaite. That was a pre-requisite for the talks going ahead.’

McIntyre declined to comment on reports that the possible purchaser is the Chinese group Dalian Wanda, the same company that McIntyre told IBI a few weeks ago was buying into Sunseeker China, one of the two Chinese mainland distributors of Sunseekers. On the prospect that these talks might draw other potential buyers, McIntyre said: ‘We will not be talking with anyone else.’

Gordon Hui of Hong Kong-based Sunseeker Asia, one of the top Sunseeker dealers in the world, pointed out that ‘This is a great step. I am delighted. The company is going to benefit from a huge boost in R&D. Wang Jianlin is himself a Sunseeker owner.’

The Sunseeker statement confirmed: ‘Sunseeker will remain a British company, headquartered in Poole, Dorset and will maintain its existing primary production bases in the UK, along with its current workforce and infrastructure. The existing management team and representatives of FL Partners will remain on the Sunseeker Boards, and founder Robert Braithwaite will continue to be involved in the business and remain as Group President.

‘The new majority shareholder, who has no current interest in the luxury motor yacht sector, supports Sunseeker’s commitment to superior products and its premium brand, both of which would be further enhanced by its investment,’ Sunseeker said.

‘If a deal is concluded, it will be fantastic news for the business, the wider Sunseeker ‘family’ and the motor yacht industry and will allow Sunseeker to expand its global base still further while retaining its current operational and manufacturing infrastructure at our headquarters in Poole.’

This isn’t the first move by a big Chinese firm into the luxury yacht sector – in January 2012, the Ferretti Group was sold to Shandong Heavy Industry Group-Weichai Group in a deal worth around €178 million.

Alt_Sunseeker%20Predator%20641

Nǐ hǎo – Suunseeker

Read Full Post »

Riviera PR on Steroids: “New 50 Enclosed Flybridge – Key Features”

Posted in News Events, Updates, tagged , , , , , , on June 9, 2013| 2 Comments »


OK I’m in the Maritimo camp on the 50, so somewhat critical of the New (yet to be built) Riviera 50, especially when I read their somewhat overzealous PR material. (IMHO).

Anyways it seems Riv is starting to “spread the word” with some marketing on the new boat. Here is the PR release on the boats Key Features, word for word from their web site with my take on that with views and comments at the foot of this post.

The original Riviera PR is here http://www.rivieraaustralia.com.au/modelOverview.cfm?type=flybridge&prdID=44&subType=Enclosed

.

50FB%20BoatPage%202Start

The stunning new 50 Enclosed Flybridge  is expected to prove equally enticing as her big sister, the 53 Enclosed Flybridge. The new model is currently under construction and will make her world debut in 2013. (Note 1)
The design of the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge, as always, is based on boat owner input, gleaned and distilled over the past two years at specifically held owner forums.
Powered by new generation fuel efficient twin Cummins QSC Zeus 600 pod drives, or alternatively twin Volvo Penta IPS 900s, Riviera’s new 50 Enclosed Flybridge is expected to top 32 knots, cruising between 25 and 28 knots and delivering a range of 400 nautical miles. (Note 2)
Created in-house on Unigraphics 3D software, Riviera’s team of talented and passionate designers and engineers have focused on absolute maximisation of design and space, so they can see the exact size, space and scale of the vessel in the computer long before a single piece of timber is cut for the plug work.
Riviera’s design team has retained that unique Riviera look while introducing some exciting new design aspects such as double side transom doors (Note 3) which allow better access from both the port and starboard sides, mezzanine seating with integrated table, enhanced cockpit storage with a self-draining moulded lazarette bin that has been integrated into the cockpit floor,(Note 4) tender storage on the boarding platform, increased side deck access, a large aft C-shaped lounge that runs the width of the flybridge, flexible accommodation plan, full head room in the two aft cabins,(Note 5) attractive enhancements to the exterior profile lines balancing the flybridge and saloon window, and huge hull windows with opening port holes on both sides giving the two aft cabins an abundance of natural light and fresh air.
An additional 1.7 metres more of overall living space between the bow and stern has been made available through the incorporation of pod drives as compared to a similar sized shaft-driven boat. (Note 6)
“All round this boat feels bigger and fuller than similar sized vessels,  which can be attributed to the openness and an abundance of natural  light,” says Riviera CEO Wes Moxey. “And we know from experience that it will perform well with its standard engine package.(Note 7)
“When you step aboard the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge, you instantly enter a world of the most modern technology encased in time honoured craftsmanship.
“Our design team has been very innovative with the internal plan providing exceptional accommodation without compromising the height or exterior lines of the boat.”(Note 8)
The new 50 Enclosed Flybridge features three luxuriously appointed staterooms and two bathrooms. Acoustic fabric panelling creates a sense of calm and combined with varnished cabinetry gives a feel of contemporary elegance. A washer and dryer are concealed behind varnished cabinetry in the companionway.

In a first for Riviera, there is the option to have the master stateroom forward or aft on the port side. The aft port side option offers a scenic outlook from the large hull window with opening porthole as well as being in a quieter and more stable part of the boat being closer to the centre of gravity, (Note 9) while the full-width master stateroom forward(Note 10)  boasts windows either side, ample under bed storage, an elegantly crafted cedar-lined wardrobe featuring book-ended panelling, built-in bedside tables and a timber vanity – the owners have the choice.
“With that in mind, this new vessel is also the perfect size for three couples or a large extended family,” says Mr Moxey. “At 50 feet, it fits into standard size marina berths without compromising on space and the hallmark qualities of Riviera.”(Note 11)

The new 50 Enclosed Flybridge features a huge cockpit with aft barbecue centre or optional bait tank or fish bins. The barbecue is located aft centre in the middle of the transom doors either side, thus giving easy access to the vessel, especially when rafted up with friends or at the marina. (Note 12)
The vision from the three-sided enclosed flybridge is second to none. (Note 13)

The mezzanine seating has been lowered to allow for a fridge and freezer to be positioned between the galley window and mezzanine seat. There is also a removable table opposite the mezzanine lounge which can be rearranged depending on entertaining requirements. It can be positioned in front of the mezzanine lounge when enjoying a lazy breakfast with the best view in the world or one leg can be lifted and repositioned by turning the table 180 degrees so that a group of people can sit around the table for a social afternoon on board.
Two steps up and you enter the saloon through the full-length sliding glass door. To port there is a huge U-shaped modern galley with polished Corian solid surface benchtops, high quality appliances and accoutrements and ‘timber’ Amtico flooring.

Forward of the galley is a U-Shaped dinette to port and plush L-shaped lounge to starboard with several ottomans allowing for extra seating around the dinette or can be pushed up against the settee to create a large chaise.
An internal staircase adjacent to the galley leads up to the impressive flybridge which features a helm station forward on the port side with an adjacent L-shaped lounge allowing guests to easily converse with the skipper.

A wet bar is located behind the helm chairs and aft in the flybridge is an enormous C-Shaped lounge that runs full beam of the flybridge, making it a great conversation and entertaining space not only when the boat is underway but also at anchor. (Note 14)

From a technological point of view, the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge will have the latest in LED lighting and C-Zone digital switching, which allows you to monitor all your entertainment, electronics and lighting with the touch of a button. (Note 15)
Every engineering detail in the design and construction of this new model has been considered from the engine room with standing head room and its gleaming white gel coat finish making it spotlessly clean, to the location of the cockpit switch panel at eye-level.

Riviera has already taken several orders ‘off the plan’ for the stunning new 50 Enclosed Flybridge which is scheduled for her world release in 2013. (Note 16)

End

  1. Yes, we have been hearing about it’s impending release since May 2012. Launch date was then said to be May 2013.
  2. This is when it gets really interesting. It’s a POD boat remember. At cruise speed you get 400nm on 3200 litres, ie 8 litre/nm. According to Boatpoint   http://www.boatpoint.com.au/reviews/2013/maritimo-m50-cruising-motoryacht-36720  the Maritimo goes 517nm at cruise speed with 4,000 litres that is 7.74 litre/nm. What about the much hyped POD’s 15%-30% fuel savings then ??
  3. What’s exciting about double transom doors for goodness sake. They have been around in Maritimo’s for years.
  4. That’s just trying to talk a negative into a positive. As it is a POD boat all the machinery goes into one large space, so no lazarette. In it’s place you get a “bin” No such thing in a shaft boat. Separate Engine room and Lazarette.
  5.  Again what’s new and exciting about “full head room” in the two aft cabins. Riv 47’s have had that for a long time.
  6. Just a big shame they did not use the extra space for a WOW accommodation layout.
  7. The Cummins QSC Zeus 600 pod are stated as 600Hp I believe. (8.3 litre displacement with WOT @ 3,000RPM). It will be interesting to see some actual test results on how she goes with two of those. The optional Volvo IPS 900 are stated as “700Hp, but equivalent” to a conventional 900Hp installation. (10.8 litre displacement with WOT @ 2,350RPM). What cruise range with those I wonder?
  8. What is so ground braking about Three Cabins with Two heads. Sorry I just don’t get it.
  9. They are basically condemning their own Fwd Master Layout. The central Master has the best COG position so is the best location for the Master, and ideally a Full Beam Master !
  10. Since when has a Fwd Cabin been described as “Full Width Master” It is BS PR on steroids.
  11. I don’t berth in Australia so I don’t know what a “standard size marina berth” is but I know from the Specs the boat is 56′ 6″ LOA and not 50′.
  12. Maritimo have been doing that as standard for Ten years.
  13. It does not look anything special. The Helm is Fwd so just like the Maritimo seeing the Transom when backing into the slip will be a challenge. Note The Maritimo is fully enclosed on four sides not just three.
  14. No Flybridge Aft Deck. Shame. Shame.
  15. C-Zone is nice but it’s complicated electronics. Does everyone need it and it is pricey. Switches work fine !
  16. It was launched in May 2012, so I’m sure those owners will be getting a bit toey  by now !!

Read Full Post »

Maritimo; “JOYSTICK OPTION BRINGS BOATING EASE TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL”

Posted in News Events, Updates, tagged , , , , , , , on June 5, 2013| Leave a Comment »


The following Press Release is from the Maritimo site on the following link. http://www.maritimo.com.au/news-events/news/2013/joystick-option-brings-boating-ease-to-a-whole-new-level.aspx

.

With some of the weather conditions that are experienced around Port Lincoln boaties often need all the help they can get in maneuvering their vessels in that part of the world and Maritimo 56 Motor Yacht owner Roy Wells is one step ahead of all his counterparts.

In fact Roy and his family are the first people in the world to be experiencing the benefits of a new addition to the joystick control system phenomena that has swept the marine industry in recent years and he says it takes vessel control to a whole new level.

An addition to the traditional joystick system called Express Positioning System (EPS) now enables skippers to manoeuvre their vessels to a desired position and heading and at the press of a button the system then controls automatically the propellers and proportional thrusters to maintain the desired position regardless of wind and tide conditions.

Roy’s Maritimo is the first vessel in the world to have the system fitted.

Maritimo 56

About to be released globally by Twin Disc the  EPS system is an option exclusively for shaft drive boat owners who have the company’s Express Joystick System (EJS) in place and it can be supplied with a new build or can be retro fitted.

The EPS operates off a roof mounted GPS receiver and has a colour display at the main helm. It enables boat owners to ‘virtually park’ their vessels in what ever position they like and the system will maintain station.

For Roy the benefits have been amazing. “We can all get into a bit of trouble docking in big weather and we get a lot of that around Port Lincoln,” he said.

“Even in a strong wind I can hold this big boat close to the dock for as long as I wish, it’s invaluable even when alone without a crew, press the hold station and you have time to set your fenders, sort the ropes all knowing you will stay were you have selected. The hold system buys you time even in a strong wind “I also use the system when I am out tuna fishing. “I have joystick controls in the cockpit and I can finesse the boat to keep the fish exactly where I want it with just my thumb and forefinger then hold the boat when and where I choose by a simple press of a button.

“The EPS option also enables me to position the boat right above a deep fishing hole and hold it there regardless of wind and tide without any need to anchor or keep drifting over a reef or select hot spot and returning to do another drift. “I can now position the boat much closer to those rocks to lay a cray pot down knowing I that I am safe and will stay in position selected.  “I would never consider without the hold station. “Imagine all those times you would just like to freeze the boat where it is, now it’s available, it makes boating more enjoyable and safer. It is remarkable.”

Twin Disc’s Pacific Managing Director, Glenn Frettingham said the company’s Express Joystick System released in 2011 was widely regarded as the smoothest and most precise joystick system on the market.

“The extension of this system is now the Express Positioning System and with our patented Quickshift transmissions we can proportionally control propeller and hydraulic thruster speeds and activate fast and smooth direction changes,” he said.

“The response is instant so the EPS can react quickly to change in wind and current. ” It enables skippers to maintain station in a wide range of conditions.”

Maritimo sales and marketing manager Greg Haines said the systems by Twin Disc made boat handling a breeze for all owners no matter what their experience.

“Many of our buyers are multiple boat owners and they are quite comfortable handling their vessels using engine controls only, but these new systems provide a level of precision and easy of operation that would have been unimaginable only a few years ago,” he said.

“The give shaft drive vessels a level of maneuverability that is superior to anything else on the market.”

Mr Haines said the response to the new systems by Roy Wells was testimony to the benefits they provided.

“It means that coming in and out of the dock, picking up a mooring buoy, maintaining position over a fishing hot spot, holding station to position fenders before docking and boating in bad weather are all now a breeze thanks to the combination of the joystick and the EPS option,” he said.

“I think you will see a lot more Maritimo owners looking at this addition to their vessels.”

Read Full Post »

Another one bites the dust; Sealine

Posted in News Events, Updates, tagged , , , , , on June 2, 2013| 1 Comment »


29192621

Dec 2013 STOP PRESS : Update : HanseYachts buys Sealine  :  https://maritimo48.com/2013/12/22/hanseyachts-buys-sealine/

.

Original Story May 3013

It’s old news (from May 1st apparently) but it seems that Sealine the UK based boat manufacturer that has had a bit of a renaissance over the last few years with some interesting models and design features has gone into administration. The much vaunted “recovery” in boat sales came a bit to late for this brand. Problems in achieving Sales perhaps coming from the change in type of boats buyers are looking for nowadays ?

Here are some Press Reports on Sealine’s demise from around the web.

.

Private equity-backed yacht builder Sealine goes bust

1 May 2013

US-based private equity firm Oxford Investment Group has failed to turn around luxury yachts builder Sealine International, which has collapsed into administration.

Graham Bushby and Guy Mander of Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery will now take over as joint administrators of the West Midlands-based business.

Sealine has underperformed for a number of years. In 2011, the company posted a £4m loss on revenues of £33m.

Oxford acquired Sealine in August that year and said it would work on expanding the business.

Baker Tilly partner Graham Bushby said, “We appreciate that there will be great uncertainty among staff and we will endeavour to update them at the earliest opportunity.

“We will also be working to maximise recoveries for the company’s creditors, which includes the sale of plant and recovery of monies owed to the business.”

Oxford, which is headquartered in La Jolla, California, targets underperforming or growth companies with revenues of over $20m in the US, Western Europe, Australia and China.

.

Sealine boat builders: 234 made redundant

Sealine factory in Kidderminster
Sealine has been trading from Kidderminster for over 40 years

Administrators at a Worcestershire luxury boat company have issued redundancy notices to 234 staff.

Sealine in Kidderminster is one of Europe’s biggest makers of boats.

Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery LLP said it was assisting staff “to make claims against the government redundancy fund”.

Sealine has been trading since 1972. It was bought by the Brunswick Corporation in 2001 and was sold to another US firm, Oxford Investment Group, in 2011.

Administrator Graham Bushby said: “We will also be working to maximise recoveries for the company’s creditors, which includes the sale of plant and recovery of monies owed to the business.”

.

May 16, 2013 10:59 am

Firms throw new jobs lifeline to axed workers at Sealine boat company

Workers axed by luxury Midland boat maker Sealine are being thrown a lifeline from companies far and wide who are seeking skilled engineers.

Major yacht-builders Sunseeker, in Dorset, have told Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier they are keen to recruit up to 82 skilled marine engineers and boat-builders from the 234 staff made redundant from Sealine, in Kidderminster, two weeks ago.

While Jaguar Land Rover have contacted the Community Union inquiring about maintenance technicians and engineers for its plant in Castle Bromwich.

Hatt Kitchens, in Hartlebury, have also requested carpenters through the Job Centre, while Cab Automotive, in Tipton, and Breakwells, in Kidderminster, are looking for drivers.

Sunseeker and Jaguar Land Rover are among the firms which will send representatives to a jobs fair at Kidderminster Town Hall between 10am and 2pm on June 7.

MP Mark Garnier, who is spearheading the fair, said: “What is fascinating is that we have been taking calls from Sunseeker and Jaguar Land Rover who are seeking skilled workers.

“I am quite optimistic that these workers from Sealine will be picked up quickly by other companies.

“We now have 40 companies represented who will be showcasing themselves at the fair and seeking to take on workers. We expect about 300 to 400 jobs to be on offer.”

Baker Tilly Restructuring and Recovery was appointed administrators for Sealine following the announcement of their collapse.

Spokesman Frank Shepherd said they had already received interest from 50 parties, with some shown round the site, but said there was no further update.

He said: “We have shown people around the Kidderminster site and have received an encouraging level of interest.

“We are hopeful of a sale but there are never any guarantees.”

Meanwhile workers from Sealine are battling for compensation.

More than 100 workers made redundant by the Kidderminster firm packed a meeting organised by the Community Union last week.

Officials are now applying for a protected award on behalf of the 234 staff and will also pursue unfair dismissal claims.

Read Full Post »

Hong Kong Ferry Crash : Skippers each face 39 counts of manslaughter

Posted in News Events, Updates, tagged , , , , , , , on April 12, 2013| Leave a Comment »


This from the SCMP in Hong Kong.

This development is entirely separate to the Accident Investigation that took place earlier and which is expected to publish its report on the matter by the end of April.

The scope of that investigation was to establish the events that took place and make recommendations for actions that could assist to prevent accidents of a similar nature, and to recommend amendments to regulations based on the findings.

This latest development with Manslaughter charges to both skippers comes from the Police Investigation. They have levelled a different charge to each skipper. Perhaps surprisingly only the skippers have been charged and not any of the Officers. As Yet.

Given the tragic loss of life (almost one third of passengers perished) and avoidable nature of the accident, charges were inevitable.

.

By Thomas Chan thomas.chan@scmp.com

The captains of two vessels that collided off Lamma Island on October 1 made their first appearance in court yesterday, facing a combined 78 counts of manslaughter.

Lai Sai-ming, captain of the Sea Smooth. Photo: David WongChow Chi-wai, skipper of the Lamma IV.

Chow Chi-wai, 56, captain of Hongkong Electric’s Lamma IV, and Lai Sai-ming, 55, captain of the Sea Smooth, operated by Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, are each charged with 39 counts of manslaughter.

Chow and Lai were represented by Gerard McCoy SC and Audrey Campbell-Moffat, respectively, in Eastern Court.

The pair are accused of unlawfully killing 39 people by gross negligence. The victims died on October 1, 2 and 5.

Some died at the scene and some in hospital.

Court documents say Chow owed a duty of care to his passengers and Lai to other vessels and their passengers. They were allegedly in breach of that duty of care by failing to keep a proper lookout, and to take any effective measures or steps to avoid the collision.

The gross negligence caused by the breach of duty was allegedly a substantial cause of the death of the victims.

Principal Magistrate Bina Chainrai adjourned the case to May 9 upon the request of Director of Public Prosecutions Kevin Zervos. Zervos said the prosecution needed four weeks to prepare documents, and on the next occasion it would ask for a return-day hearing.

Chow and Lai were released on HK$20,000 cash bail each. The court also ordered them to surrender all their travel documents.

Read Full Post »

The Weather might just be borderline marginal ? What do you reckon ?

Posted in News Events, Photographs, Updates, Video, tagged , , , , , , , on February 6, 2013| Leave a Comment »


Force Ten Weather
.

Next time you think you’d like to take the boat out, but you take a look out the window, and think it’s a bit breezy, and then you take a look at the sea, and you are sure you just saw a whitecap, and then you think about docking the boat back in the Marina when the wind is up, and you say well it’s just too rough to go out.

Think of these guys !

Click this link for the Video.

Safehaven Marine

This is a Boat Builders Sea Trial.

When I did an acceptance Sea Trial of my last boat, the builder gave every reason (excuse) in the world as to why “I did’nt want to take her out through the Seaway for a Sea “Sea Trial”

It will get salty !
.

These Pilot boats look very Salty in more ways than one.

Read Full Post »

Video Simulation of the Lamma IV – Sea Smooth Collision

Posted in News Events, Photographs, Updates, Video, tagged , , , , , , , , , on February 2, 2013| Leave a Comment »


From SCMP.

See video simulation prepared by naval architect Dr Neville Anthony Armstrong, the expert appointed by the Comission of Enquiry into the sinking of the Lamma IV, illustrating the impact and angle of the collision of the two ferries on 1st October 2012.

Lamma IV - Sea Smooth Collision Animation

Follow this link to watch the animation on YouTube.

.

Read Full Post »

Lack of watertight door sank Lamma IV, inquiry told

Posted in News Events, Photographs, Uncategorized, Updates, tagged , , , , , , , , , on January 31, 2013| Leave a Comment »


From the SCMP.

f04_06749528

Lack of watertight door sank Lamma IV, inquiry told
Naval architect also tells hearing there wasn’t enough time for crew to evacuate passengers

The Lamma IV would still be afloat with two gashes created by the Sea Smooth if there was a watertight door between its compartments, the commission of inquiry into the October 1 ferry collision heard.

Naval architect Dr Anthony Armstrong also came to the conclusion, based on computer projections, that the deck at the stern of the Lamma IV started to go below the water 96 seconds after its collision, and that it took eight seconds for the vessel to tilt from seven degrees to 70 degrees, with the stern hitting the seabed, and settling into the mud. In total it only took around 118 seconds from the collision, for the Lamma IV to rest at 70 degrees.

“[There is] certainly not enough time in which the crew would have been able to organise evacuation from the ship,” the commission-appointed expert witness said.

The bow of Sea Smooth had created two gashes on Lamma IV’s hull during the collision – one in its engine room and the other in the tank room.

Armstrong found that the stern of Lamma IV would almost be submerged, but that the vessel would remain afloat if just those two compartments were flooded.

Lamma IV - Hull Damage

The second gash was made by the large kinetic energy generated by the high speed of the Sea Smooth, Armstrong said.

But a large opening on the bulkhead between the tank room and its adjacent steering gear compartment led to the flooding of the third compartment, which contributed to the sinking of the vessel, Armstrong’s calculations showed.

According to the original drawings of the ship when it was built, a watertight door was meant to be fitted at the opening. But shipbuilder Cheoy Lee had earlier argued that it was just a mistake made by an outsourced designer.

Further calculations by Armstrong showed that even when the ship was newly built in 1996, Lamma IV would have sunk if the watertight door was not installed, regardless of the installation of a 8.25-tonne ballast at the stern two years later.

The Australian expert also said whether or not Sea Smooth had reversed after the collision would make no difference to the flow of water into the hull of Lamma IV because the bow of the Sea Smooth had been broken and left inside Lamma IV.

Some Lamma IV passengers who testified earlier said they felt the engine restarting and thought the other vessel was backing out.

But Armstrong said if that was the case, it must have happened within 10 seconds as Lamma IV was sinking quickly. He said the engine sound could have come from the flooding of Lamma IV’s engine. He believed the collision bulkhead at the bow of the Sea Smooth stopped it from penetrating further into Lamma IV.

The hearing continues today.

Meanwhile, the seven crew members of the two vessels were expected to have their bail extended for another month when they report to police today, pending a prosecution decision by the Department of Justice, a police officer said.

Read Full Post »

Older Posts »