In The News
PYA Annual Christmas Ball
Following the decision by the Carlton Intercontinental in Cannes to delay its closure for renovations, the Professional Yachting Association has announced that it will be “party time” at the Carlton on December 14.
The annual PYA Christmas Ball has grown into one of the highlights of yachting’s social calendar. Attended by PYA members, along with captains and crew from all over the world, this year will be no exception, the group says. Entertainment will include a live band, a DJ, fun competitions and a raffle with prizes.
Contact: pya.org.
Hodgdon Collaborates on Military Rescue Boats
Hodgdon Defense Composites, a Bath, Maine-based affiliate of Hodgdon Yachts, has received several military contracts to produce rescue boats small enough to be air-dropped from a C-130 cargo plane, but sturdy enough to stay upright in the most challenging surf, according to a report in The Portland Press-Herald.
“In breaking surf, it can do things that no other vessel can do,” said the boat’s designer, Peter Maguire, whose North Carolina-based company, Rapid Rescue Technology, is partnering with Hodgdon Defense Composites.
Known as the Greenough Advanced Rescue Craft, or GARC, the vessel is an example of the Maine boatbuilding industry’s embrace of new technologies and the diversity in the state’s defense contracting sector.
Resembling a PWC, the GARC measures roughly 12 feet and has a 143-hp, waterjet-driven engine. The military-grade craft features a larger, deeper hull made of composite technology developed, in part, with assistance from researchers at University of Maine.
Hodgdon Defense Composites has several under construction and recently received an order for 16 more from the Air National Guard.
For more information, visit hodgdondefensecomposites.com.
New On-Line Discussion Group
Phil Friedman of Dwight Tracy & Friends has announced a networking and discussion group for yacht builders, buyers and owners, called the Port Royal Group. The primary objective of this new group is to provide a free and fair forum for the exchange of qualified opinion, and the sharing of real world experiences, for the mutual benefit and education of the group's membership. This group will offer peer counsel and advice, as well as suggestions for solutions to problems and issues, as they relate to yacht building, buying, and ownership. Friedman has a wealth of experience in the yachting industry, including president and CEO of Palmer Johnson and senior editor at Power & Motoryacht. He has worked as yacht designer, boat builder, marine business manager, yacht surveyor and consultant and has published more than 600 articles on yacht design, repair and maintenance. He recently joined DT&F as new-build and refit consultant.
For more information, visit portroyalgroup.com.
Yacht Painting Service at Vilanova Grand
Vilanova Grand Marina-Barcelona’s technical area has set up a painting division in cooperation with the Spanish company ADP (Alfonso de Prada). Since March, the new yacht painting service has offered a wide array of solutions that include painting of hulls and superstructures, antifouling removal, application of epoxy rust inhibitors, osmosis treatment, mast painting and burnishing.
ADP’s 25 years experience in the nautical industry enables Vilanova’s technical area to offer a certified professional quality service with the use of cutting-edge technologies in maintenance and application of products that aim to achieve high customer satisfaction levels, such as metalized finishing and propeller and shaft silicone treatment. Phase I of Vilanova Grand Marina-Barcelona’s technical area has been fully operational since the beginning of 2011.
For more information, visit vilanovagrandmarina.com.
Enhanced Amenities at Florida’s Old Port Cove
The next phase of renovations is under way at Northern Palm Beach County’s Old Port Cove Marina. New amenities coming on line include a beautifully appointed clubhouse with a casually themed restaurant and bar, together with an Express Café for those who prefer food (breakfast, sandwiches, soft drinks, beer, wine and novelty items) and supplies on the go. The marina will also offer a provisioning service for yachts of all stripes. In the clubhouse, marina management staff with decades of experience will check in visiting yachts and provide concierge services in the newly remodeled marina office.
The Boater’s Building will be home to a comfortable lounge with business center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, restrooms with private showers and updated laundry facilities for the exclusive use of owners, captains and crew. Visitors will enjoy complimentary use of high-speed Internet access, Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. The marina offers dockage for yachts 20 to 200 feet.
For more information, visit seeyouatoldport.com.
