Boats Entertainment
New Product: Sea Tel TVRO Antenna
Cobham Satcom unveiled its most advanced maritime satellite TV antenna, an antenna that is designed primarily for use on cruise ships and mega yachts, the 3.7 meter Sea Tel 370s TV is a solution designed to expand onboard access to the highest quality programming anywhere in the world, while significantly reducing lifetime technical costs.The Sea Tel 370s TV leverages the newest generation Sea Tel Integrated Marine Electronics (IMA) platform. The TVRO antenna features automatic C-band switching between circular and linear polarization…
Meet ‘Super GPS’: XONA Ups the Space Race Ante
With a mission to power the current and next-generation of GPS-enabled products and systems, XONA Space Systems keeps the mantra ‘precision, power and protection’ in all that it does as this 2020-start-up designs, builds and launches its fleet of low earth orbit satellites. We spoke with XONA CEO Brian Manning for his insights on how this could impact the maritime, offshore energy and subsea sectors.The following was excerpted from Maritime Reporter TV’s interview with XONA CEO Brian Manning.
Yachting Journal's Boat Drinks 2024
While the YachtingJournal.com crew spends the majority of its time scouting latest designs and technologies, when its times to kick back [and not navigating the boat but at anchor or at dock!] we found a couple of interesting new boat beverage entrants you might like to consider.Suerte Tequila Canned Cocktails Suerte Tequila expanded distribution of its new canned cocktail collection featuring 100% pure Blue Weber Agave tequila. Suerte’s Premium Canned Cocktails, 7% ABV, are…
Hurtigruten Gathers Latest Harvest of 'Subsea Bubbly'
Hurtigruten has retrieved another 4,500 “Bubbles from the Sea” sparkling wine bottles from the Arctic Sea off the coast of NorwayIn 2023, Hurtigruten launched the concept "Bubbles from the Sea" (“Havets bobler” in Norwegian), the first underwater-aged sparkling wine matured in the Arctic region. A new batch of bottles has been stored and collected, this time from the northernmost point of the Norwegian coast, near Kirkenes. Never has wine been water-aged this far north. "Bubbles…
Kevin Costner Jokes About Blocking Cannes Yachts to Finance 'Horizon' Films
Kevin Costner joked at the Cannes Film Festival on Monday that he was ready to blockade rich people on their yachts unless they gave him money to finance his planned four-part Western series "Horizon: An American Saga."The Hollywood star has already taken out a mortgage on 10 acres of his waterfront property in California to help fund the film project, which tells of the challenges faced by settlers expanding the American West in the late 1800s. Now, he needs more financial backing for the project."If we all went out together into this harbour and we stood in front of one boat.
Marlink Providing Network Solutions for Quark Expeditions
Marlink has provided high throughput hybrid network solutions for Quark Expeditions’ MV Ultramarine since the start of the 2021 Arctic season. After the first full year with the service, the operater said it found that guests and staff on Ultramarine enjoyed continuous, high-quality connectivity despite the high latitudes and harsh operational environment.While Quark Expeditions has operated a fleet of chartered vessels and icebreakers for more than 30 years, Ultramarine is Quark’s first fully owned newbuild and is the newest ship in its fleet.
New Intellian Antenna aims to Improve Live TV Reception on Vessels
Intellian Technologies announced its new t-Series and s-Series antennas to enhance the live television (TV) experience for those onboard maritime vessels.The new t-Series antennas, available from September onwards, will leverage improved technology to elevate the user and customer experience. Featuring an upgrade to Intellian’s trademarked WorldView Technology (WLNB), it is designed to enabel seamless television viewing onboard anywhere in the world as vessels travel between regional services.The four new models of the t-Series - t85N, t100N, t130N, t150N - range from 85cm up to 150cm.
Galápagos: Extended Protection for Marine Resilience and Biodiversity
While much of the COP26 coverage last year relayed an urgency to act swiftly before the planet reaches a point of no return, some moments of hope shown through. One such announcement was made by Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso, who shared news of an expanded marine reserve, aiming to protect biodiversity and increase productivity and, in turn, natural carbon sink processes.The current (GMR) stands at roughly 130,000 km2, with an additional 60,000 km2 proposed. The expansion includes what is known as the Cocos-Galápagos Swimway…
Raymarine YachtSense Ecosystem: A 'Smart Home' Experience on the Water
Raymarine unveiled its YachtSense Ecosystem, an onboard and remote monitoring solution designed to give boaters effortless control of their Raymarine equipment and vessel systems from their mobile device. The YachtSense Ecosystem begins with the new Raymarine mobile app, a digital companion for Raymarine owners designed to provide simple onboard and off-boat integration capabilities. Enabling the YachtSense Ecosystem is the new YachtSense Link marine mobile router. YachtSense Link is an innovative device designed to keep boaters connected through 4G/LTE broadband…
KVH Unveils TracVision TV10 Antenna
KVH Industries, Inc. launched the newest marine satellite TV antenna in its TracVision series. A 1-meter ultra-high efficiency marine antenna, the TracVision TV10 provides the biggest coverage footprint in KVH’s TracVision series and is designed to provide boat owners, charter yacht guests and commercial vessel crews with access to live news, local channels and TV and movie programming from leading satellite TV providers worldwide.KVH describes TracVision TV10 as the world’s lightest 1-meter Ku-band marine satellite TV antenna.
Sanctuary Cove $8m Marina Upgrade Completed
Sanctuary Cove announced the completion of stage one of its multi-million dollar marina upgrade, featuring three new piers, with one dedicated to Superyachts alone.Following an investment of over $8 million dollars, recreational vessel berth holders will experience 6-star marina facilities sand Sanctuary Cove’s premier lifestyle destination creating an unparalleled marine experience, with G and H piers now open for private berthing and I pier to follow next month.The expansion will increase marina capacity to allow an additional 66 vessels to call Sanctuary Cove’s marina home…
HydroHoist New PWC Platform
HydroHoist Boat Lifts has launched a new personal watercraft (PWC) docking platform- HydroPort Epic. The Epic PWC platform was designed with a wider walkway and built-in anti-slip surface for easier access around the craft. The additional walkway footprint also allows operators to safely clean and cover their PWC after use without having to balance on smaller walkways.For simple maintenance, the HydroPort Epic is equipped with enhanced drainage to remove any debris and water from the platform. A redesigned rear entry allows for a smoother loading and launching process.
Best of 2019: myCharge Portable Charger
With the plethora of electronics carried today – Laptop, Cell Phone, Tablet, TV and Accessories – portable power on the boat, on the go, is a must. The myCharge AdventureUltra Portable Charger packs a power punch to keep your running, a 13400mAh outdoor external battery pack with four ports (AC, USB-C, USB-A x2). Available for just over $50 on Amazon, the myCharge is recommended by the YachtingJournal.com staff, as tested during the summer and autumn of 2019.With a rugged and rubberized finish…
Best of 2019: Soundcast VG5 Speaker
The Soundcast VG5 outdoor speaker was put to the test on land and at-sea during the summer and autumn of 2019, and it is recommended by the YachtingJournal.com staff. The Soundcast VG5 is stylish, yet built strong to withstand the ‘rigors’ found in the marina and on the beach, delivering powerful sound and outstanding battery life (up to 10 hours). According to the manufacturer, the VG5 is rated IP64; rain, snow, fog, sand, and dust proof, it can even be used in extreme temperatures (-4°F to 140°F…
Princecraft Launches Innovative Boat Models
Princecraft boats has announced the global launch of the all-new Platinum SE series premium fishing boat and the Vectra/Sportfisher pontoon series for model year 2020. Both categories have helped to redefine and expand the Princecraft brand beyond Quebec, giving the company the opportunity to continue its growth. Both the Vectra/Sportfisher and the Platinum SE have been in high demand with Princecraft dealers and customers as they offer the versatility, world-class quality and…
Interview: Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink
Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink, discusses the pace and direction of high speed comms in maritime.Using metrics of your choice, put in perspective where we are today in terms of getting shipowners to adopt high speed communication solutions.The term broadband has been used in the maritime industry for at least a decade and if we are to follow the FCC’s definition which was upgraded to 25mbps from 4mbps (download) in 2015, then those high speed internet services are nothing of the sort.However, everything is relative.
KVH Intros Unlimited VSAT Streaming Service for Yachts
KVH Industries, the mobile technology innovator and connectivity provider, has announced that it is introducing KVH Elite, an unlimited VSAT streaming service that delivers HD-quality, dedicated bandwidth to superyachts.The new KVH Elite streaming service is launching in November 2019 from Florida through the Caribbean, including the islands of the eastern Caribbean, with the Mediterranean expected to follow in 2020. This service, which is part of KVH’s fully global mini-VSAT BroadbandSM HTS network, is designed for maximum coverage…
UK Marina Operator Opens First Luxury Hotel
Yacht Havens Group, one of the UK’s leading marina owners, operators and developers, will make an ambitious move into luxury hotel accommodation with the opening of the Salt House Hotel at Troon Yacht Haven, Ayrshire, Scotland, in early 2020.With the Salt House Hotel, the Yacht Havens Group aims to capitalize on a growing niche for ‘relaxed luxury’ accommodation with an exciting ‘Scandi-Scot’ influenced collection of suites overlooking the stunning coastal setting of Troon Yacht Haven.Externally…
Tickfaw 200 Powerboat Poker Run
Once more renowned for picking strawberries not royal flushes, Livingston Parish now hosts Louisiana’s largest poker powerboat run, Tickfaw 200, bringing performance powerboaters to the bayou state in springtime. “It’s the Baja 500 and the Iditarod of powerboating,” said Keith Cacioppo, a lifelong boater with a 30-foot cruiser who’s attended The Tickfaw 200 for 11 straight years.Cacioppo has never run the 200, but is one of hundreds of spectator boats charging the event with energy and cheers.“My boat couldn’t handle it,” said Cacioppa. “This is for the big dogs.
Yanmar's Debuts “Wheeebo”
Yanmar has developed a new marine activity called the Wheeebo, based around the concept that anyone can enjoy new experiences on the water. The development of the Wheeebo demonstrates the application of design thinking and rapid prototyping to discover the needs and difficulties that users themselves did not necessarily realize they faced and offer a solution that reflects the needs of the market. Users of the circular board lean in the desired direction of travel and onboard…
Fusion Launches New Apollo RA670 Stereo
Fusion offers the new Apollo RA670, a marine stereo featuring a brilliant, optically bonded, full-color LCD display, Fusion’s Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, Fusion-Link integration and control, multi-zone control in up to three audio zones and PartyBus capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi or Apollo network; the RA670 is a powerful extension of the Apollo Series.The Apollo Series harnesses the power of Fusion’s DSP technology, designed to deliver premium audio to all speakers in any environment.
Broker sells four yachts in three months
Former big boat captain turned superyacht broker, Mark Elliott, sold four brokerage vessels during the first quarter of 2019, closing for $48 million. Three of the boats moved in March.Deals closed on M/Y Bella Una, a 127-foot Burger, as well as Christensen’s 164-foot M/Y Three Forks,124-foot M/Y Carte Blanche by Trinity, and 157-foot M/Y Carolina, a classic Feadship.The strong economy and consumer spending confidence demonstrate the yacht market has definitely bounced back. A veteran 20-year broker with IYC…
Hall of Fame Marina gets new docks
Hall of Fame Marina in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. is expanding with new, concrete floating docks. With the permitting phase complete, dock renovation with Bellingham Marine will commence this summer, with construction completed in fall, to accommodate Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) 2019. As Hall of Fame provides dockage for FLIBS, the Westrec marina anticipates hosting more superyachts up to 160-feet.The new piers will be 150-feet in length. The footprint is changing with about 600-feet of concrete floating docks replacing 400-feet of wooden docks.
Forecast: Pretty Palm Beach Boat Show
The 34th annual Palm Beach International Boat Show, March 28 - 31, 2019, is one of the top five boat shows in the country. Situated on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach, directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Palm Beach Island, this is the last major international show of the season, attended by serious shoppers and key brokers and builders ready to make deals.With beautiful spring weather, Palm Beach is fast becoming everyone’s favorite, must-attend event, with some opting to skip the two February boats shows in Miami this year.
PROJECT PHOENIX. RISING 2020.
Project Phoenix Series is a revolutionary spec build, representing the collaboration of an American design and engineering team and a South Korean shipyard constructing the first superyacht in the world’s leading shipbuilding nation.Lazzara Ombres Architects of Tampa, Fla. partnered with BongChul “BC” Kim of GHI Shipyard to build their 130-foot, aluminum luxury sport superyacht design. With the vessel’s hull and superstructure now complete for the five stateroom vessel, interior and outfitting will commence with the vision of interior designer Alexandre Thiriat. Mr.
YSA Design Interiors Ideas for Bellissima
Stand-out gastronomic attractions on board MSC Bellissima will be served up in spaces that YSA Design believes deliver a first shipboard example of contemporary industrial restaurant design, and in a re-envisioned version of the chocolaterie that proved such a hit on Bellissima’s predecessor. Named at a star-studded ceremony in Southampton by Godmother Sophia Loren in early March, the 5,686-passenger capacity, 171,598gt luxury ship is now on its maiden voyage to the Western Mediterranean. MSC Bellissima is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ innovative Meraviglia-class.
New Dive Center Opens in Mergui Archipelago
Awei Pila, an exclusive resort set on a remote tropical island, has opened a SCUBA diving center in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, offering Open Water courses and certification to first-time divers.The Awei Pila Dive Center will provide all levels of PADI diving courses from DSD (Discover Scuba Diving) to DM (Dive Master), which can either be tackled at home by Internet ahead of traveling to the Mergui Archipelago or learned over three to four days at the resort, which lies on a pristine beach just a stone’s throw from hundreds of meters of live coral reefs.Courses can be conducted in English…
Whirlwind of change: Where’s Trinity Yachts' crew today?
Four key players of the disbanded Trinity Yachts, once the world’s sixth largest custom yacht builder, are working in new roles in yachting since the company’s break-up about four years ago.Billy Smith, Geoffrey van Aller, Jim Berulis and Phil Nuss rolled with the punches, just as they did when this author interviewed them at Trinity’s Cinco de Mayo crayfish boil celebrating their new Gulfport facility in Mississippi in May, 2006. In a region suffering after Hurricane Katrina toppled the Gulf Coast and sank New Orleans on August 29…
Bargains, cool gadgets at Miami Yacht Show
Is there anything at Miami Yacht Show for under $1,000 besides parking? Stuff that nautical aficionados and mere mortals aspiring for the yachting lifestyle can actually afford? Fear not, there was something for everyone at Miami Yacht Show. Yachting Journal found the coolest deals for your vessel and man cave.LifeLite flashlight/laser/pepper spray launcherStop or I’ll shoot…pepper spray in your general direction?!? LifeLite is a nonlethal alternative to a firearm, and also looks and functions like a heavy duty flashlight.When depressed…
Perfect weather for Miami Yacht Show
While Wednesday was quite blustery and rainy, the Miami Yacht Show opened to clear skies on Valentine’s Day, for a gorgeous weekend of luxury boats and sun. In its new location, crowds seemed smaller, although lines for Uber frustrated some commuting by car from the Miami Boat Show on Virginia Key to the Miami Yacht Show’s two locations on Watson Island and One Herald Plaza. There was no wait for water taxis.Some prevailing themes stood out among the nearly 500 yachts in the brokerage show between the Venetian and Rickenbacker Causeways.
Two Valentine's Day Boat Shows in Miami
If you love boats, there’s no better way to enjoy Valentine’s Day than in Miami, Fla. among 2,000 of the world’s most spectacular yachts and pleasure craft. With temps forecasted in the mid 70’s F, Miami welcomes the world to two different boat shows in three locations, Miami Boat Show and Miami Yacht Show, amid breathtaking views, exotic sports cars, beautiful, stylish women and hand-rolled cigars.In its first year downtown on Miami’s Biscayne Bay, the 31st annual Miami Yacht Show takes place February 14 -18. Many yachting veterans will miss the show’s location on Collins Ave.
IF the Pats Win: Belichick to Rename His Boat?
It’s been reported that Bill Belichick has changed the name of his boat to reflect the number of big game rings he has won.His boat – currently named ‘VII Rings’ (for his seven championship-winning seasons) – stands to be changed to ‘VIII Rings’ if his team comes out with the “W” this Sunday. Discover Boating, an initiative from the recreational boating industry designed to get people out on the water, is kicking off this weekend by offering Coach Belichick a FREE paint job on his boat to update the name and design if he adds another ring to his collection.In addition to the free paint job…
ARKUP 75 floating home to debut at Miami Yacht Show
ARKUP is an innovation in marine luxury combining attributes of yachts, floating houses and waterfront villas. Poised to become a pioneer in a new coastal market of floating communities, this rectangular, bi-level, floating luxury home is self-sufficient, sustainable and environmentally friendly with next-to-no footprint.The prototype resembles a chic, Miami-Beach condo, abounding with natural light, abundant space and luxurious appointments. Immersed in tasteful, muted, monochromatic tones…
Nieuw Statendam Arrives with Artistic Edge
Around 2,500 original artworks aboard Holland America Line’s newest cruise ship look beyond simply working in sympathy with their seaborne surroundings to put the visual surprises of contemporary art at the center of the cruising experience.Developed by YSA Design and Art@YSA, curated art has been a special area of focus on board the 99,902gt Pinnacle-class vessel Nieuw Statendam, where it is seen as a key differentiator likely to catch the attention of new and repeat cruise guests alike.As with sister ship Koningsdam…
Christmas Boat Parades Celebrate the Magic of the Season
It was not a silent night nor was a single star in sight, but the sky was bright - full of lights and blaring music and revelry as sailors celebrated Christmas on the water in New Orleans, La. on Saturday, December 15.Yachting Journal enjoyed reporting live from the 26th annual West End Christmas Boat Parade. Featuring over 36 boats and yachts in complete holiday splendor, the maritime holiday began with vessels lined up at the historic New Canal Lighthouse, proceeding on Lake Pontchartrain in a loop…
Captains, Crew Live Off The Grid With Marine CORE
Marine CORE, an innovative communications hub for yacht captains and crew, may change communication from sea. With four hotspots in one device, Marine CORE has a small footprint and tremendous capabilities, commanding communication in the U.S. and internationally.Distributed by Florida-based EC Ruff Marine for Agile Marine Solutions, Marine CORE deploys high-performance LTE service for HD streaming and Internet for constant communication with a strong connection in the air, on land and sea.
Best Yachts, News from FLIBS
Nearly 2,000 megayacht captains blared their boat horns in unison for one full minute on Sunday night at exactly 6 p.m., a traditional symphony of ocean commotion signaling the official end of yet another FLIBS or Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.The consensus is the 58th consecutive FLIBS was one of the best shows in many years. Propelled by a strong economy and two, active hurricane seasons prompting new vessel purchases, repairs and refits, the five day show from October 31 - November 4 was well attended.
Burnett Heads Boat Harbor Re-development
Sydney based BH Developments QLD Pty Ltd (BHD) has officially lodged a development application with Bundaberg Regional Council for a integrated marina and resort project, set to transform the coastal town of Burnett Heads into a vibrant tourism, lifestyle and leisure precinct.The proposed new Gateway Marina development is a high quality, mixed-use marina village located on the south western shore of the Burnett Heads Boat Harbor.Plans include a 318-berth state of the art marina with automated 24-hour fuel dock…
‘ASR Superyacht Cup’ Returns to Phuket for 18th Year
The highly regarded Asia Superyacht Rendezvous Cup regatta dates of January 18-20, 2019 marks the return of the ASR Cup to the exclusive SALA Phuket Resort & Spa and pristine Mai Khao Bay Phuket for thrilling racing and exclusive events dedicated to superyacht owners and their guests and captains and crew. The 18th annual ASR Cup promises to be an even more spectacular event than in the past - filled with gorgeous cruising, camaraderie amongst owners and captains, unique parties and sailing superyachts in pursuit of winning the 4th annual ASR Cup Trophy.
ASA Electronics Introduces Polk Sound System
ASA Electronics has introduced a new marine sound system, the Polk Ultramarine Complete DSP Sound System.The system includes a brand new Polk UM2 stereo as well as a full suite of powerful Polk speakers and subwoofers. What sets this system apart is the Polk Digital Signal Processor (DSP) that uses a patented algorithm to automatically adjust and remaster music in real time.The Polk Ultramarine Complete DSP Sound System is a fully matched system, meaning each element is specially calibrated for each boat model to work together in the most efficient way possible.
Meet the Seabreacher Semi-Submersible.
Exotic marine toys abound at Winterfest Boat parade kickoffWith a yellow seahorse logo that resembles a Ferrari, Seabreacher’s Seararri semi-submersible made quite the splash on the New River during the kickoff for Fort Lauderdale’s Winterfest Boat Parade.With amazing demonstrations rising above the water and thrusting into the air like a bird, the Seabreacher can vector thrust, rising 25-feet high, out of the water. At 18-feet long, she seats two in an enclosed cockpit and runs 60 mph on the water.
American Bass Expands Marine Audio Line
American Bass, USA, has introduced a series of speakers for use in boat stereo systems. The new offerings include the AB-MRE 7.2F, the AB-MRE 6.9F and the AB-MRE 6.5F, which have been designed to deliver optimal sound on the open water. The series is available for purchase on the manufacturer’s marine audio website.Bob Ahuja, American Bass chief executive officer, said, “Our speakers are highly engineered to exceed all marine use standards, but are available at a very competitive price.”American Bass offers a full line of amplifiers and full-range speakers for use in the marine market.
It’s Party Time
Super yachts require super performance in everything from communication to entertainment. When it comes to the power of music from marine audio entertainment systems, the Garmin-owned, Fusion Entertainment is always at the cutting edge when it comes to quality, style and innovation. The company’s recently launched Apollo Series and Panel Stereo, along with the all-new black Signature Speakers are no exception.According to Chris Baird, managing director of New-Zealand based Fusion Entertainment…
Amsterdam Attracts Superyachts
HISWA Holland Yachting Group and Port of Amsterdam announced in May 2018 their ambition to put Amsterdam on the map as a top destination for superyachts.The last two months more than 10 superyachts have chosen Amsterdam as their destination. They include Reef Chief, Aviva, Avanti, Forever One and Big Eagle.According to a press release from the port, the Amsterdam is attractive to owners and captains of superyachts on account of "the wide selection of berths located in the city centre, outstanding refit and maintenance facilities in the port area…
Yachting Life: Marina Palms introduces condo owners to yachting lifestyle
An almost primitive connection draws humans to the water. Calming ripples lapping at the shore wash away concerns. The curiosity of what’s over the horizon, accessible only by boat, lures one to the land’s end. That indigenous appeal is the business model of The Reserve at Marina Palms, a luxury, high-rise condominium with the newest, private marina in South Florida.With breathtaking water views, Marina Palms introduces a unique, yachting lifestyle with a boat club for residents of its new, affluent condo in vibrant North Miami Beach, FL.
