SY Athena’s Captain Max Cumming and his partner Ra Tangaroa meet the Right Hon. John Key.
Captain Cilian Budarlaigh, of Yacht Support Group, makes a presentation about cruising in south-east Asia.
From right, Captain of SY Lady B, Pier-Paolo Perugino discusses the Ultimate Superyacht Facilities with Virginia Jeffery of Southern Spars and Jean-Jacques Lavigne, executive director of the Superyacht Singapore Association
Superyacht Captains enjoy Pacific tour
The inaugural Superyacht Captains’ Forum in Auckland, New Zealand from 14 to 16 September, achieved its ambitious schedule of superyacht-related topics and gave international superyacht captains a comprehensive overview of New Zealand and the South Pacific as a superyacht cruising and refit destination.
The New Zealand Marine Export Group’s Superyacht Captains’ Forum was held at the Auckland International Boat Show and was the first of its kind in the world. It attracted 120 delegates and featured more than 30 speakers.
The forum opened on Wednesday evening with The Superyacht Report cocktail function at which the Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Right Hon. John Key, welcomed the captains and encouraged them to bring their owners to New Zealand.
The following morning covered cruising around Asia-Pacific, Australia, Fiji, Indonesia and Singapore. The forum’s master of ceremonies, Peter Montgomery, said New Zealand MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt set the tone for a session packed full of relevant, entertaining information.
“Bob had very good strategy for superyachts coming from the Panama Canal to New Zealand,” said Montgomery. “He talked about the various stages and where yachts could expect favourable conditions and what to avoid in certain areas, particularly once through the Inter-tropical Convergence Zone.
Rodolphe Holler, of Tahiti Private Exhibitions, is a marine biologist, underwater photographer and diving guide in the South Pacific. Montgomery noted: “Rodolphe’s presentation included fantastic photography.”
Captain David Jamieson of Yacht Help Fiji described the colourful cruising grounds of Fiji and reiterated that the area is becoming increasing user-friendly for superyachts.
Derek Leonard of Yacht Help Tonga provided a candid presentation of adventure, Tongan-style. “He made the point that Tonga is what you get,” Montgomery said. “Dogs and chickens may be running around and that is how it is. He told the story of superyacht anchored four miles offshore from a prison on the island. A prisoner swam out four miles to the superyacht so the captain called the authorities and asked: ‘What do we do with him?’ The reply was: ‘Give him a feed and bring him back!’”
Barry Jenkins, chairman of Superyacht Australia, Captain Cilian Budarlaigh, partner of Yacht Support Group, Indonesia; and Jean-Jacques Lavigne of Superyacht Singapore Association also described their specialist cruising areas.
Further sessions covered tax optimisation, foreign exchange and international banking. Murray Sarelius of KPMG made captivating his topic of smarter financial management: mitigation of tax, dealing with multiple currencies and using international banking to your advantage.
The topics of contract management, dealing with classification societies and understanding contractual relationships were covered by Jon Barrett, Jon Barrett Associates Inc; Matthew Flynn, McElroys Barristers and Solicitors; and Nick Cressey, Insurance Brokers International. Their message was that if a good contract is in place, its parties have a good chance of avoiding the final part of their talk: dealing with conflict.
Winning international regattas and rallies, and destinations around New Zealand were discussed prior to a tasting of New Zealand wines was led by Mike Spratt, owner of Destiny Bay Vineyards. Delegates then visited Tourism New Zealand’s giant rugby ball on Auckland’s waterfront as part of the Rugby World Cup festivities, enjoying its spectacular three-dimensional visual display before dining at The Cloud, which showcases New Zealand industry.
On Friday, Darren Morton, of Kiwi Risk Management Group, got the ball rolling as he discussed international security and piracy. He stressed the need to train captains and crew to deal with emergencies. Pirates are smart, he said. They pretend to be fishermen, are well-funded, use high-tech equipment and monitor radio channels. Maritime law expert Matthew Flynn outlined the legal implications of taking action against pirates, while insurance expert Nick Cressey lightened the mood with a handy-cam video of not-so-smart pirates who gave a loaded AK47 to a monkey. The monkey was soon calling the shots – literally.
Next, it was time to bring out the toys. Engineer Kim Attwell, of Photo Higher, showed his $40,000 remote-controlled helicopters which carry gimballed video and still cameras, ideal for expedition yachts. Hugh Fulton of Q-sub outlined his development of the recreational submarine.
Attention moved to an area where New Zealand’s marine sector excels: the refit of superyachts. American-based superyacht manager Jon Barrett said owners refit their yachts out of passion, not financial gain, so the entire process has to be enjoyable. He advised on cost estimates and how to research yards before signing a contract. Mark Wightman, of Integrated Marine Group, followed with a yard’s perspective on running a successful refit. Clive Bennett, from NZMEG’s ship and workboat group, showcased New Zealand’s extensive and specialised refit facilities, including those under development at Whangarei, Tauranga and Auckland.
Delegates had the opportunity to visit the NZ Marine international boatbuilding competition, part of the 2011 Auckland International Boat Show, in which teams of boat-builders and apprentices from five companies demonstrated their innovation in design and boatbuilding with some of the most sophisticated outrigger canoes ever built.
By video, Martin Redmayne, editor-in-chief of The Superyacht Report, media partner to the forum, thanked the delegates for their attendance and encouraged them to contribute to the next session which was ‘Your say: the ultimate superyacht facilities’, facilitated by marina operator Phil Wardale. A presentation by Oscar Siches outlined the principles of a good marina, in the eyes of owners, crews, government and operators.
Also by video, Niccolo Porzio di Camporotondo and Mark Drewelow outlined plans for superyacht facilities around the 34th America’s Cup.
Delegates ended the forum with lunch at Marvel Grill restaurant and a Kiwi-style barbecue at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Throughout the forum, there was plenty of time for socialising, networking and enjoying some Rugby World Cup games. Many delegates said the opportunity to meet other industry members from around the world was a significant reason for attending the forum.
The inaugural Superyacht Captains Forum was made possible through generous support of The Superyacht Group, international media partner; Events Clothing, Waterfront Auckland, Auckland Council, Yachting Developments, Southern Spars, ShrinkForce, Southern Pacific, 101 Marine, The Penguin, Touch of Spice, Hall Spars, McMullen & Wing and Rayglass Boats. It was also supported by Real New Zealand Showcase, Destiny Bay Wines, and The Specialist Winegrowers of New Zealand.
