Phuket’s New Super Yacht Marina

Opened in August 2008, the Ao Po Grand Marina is ideally situated in a prime location at the entrance of the Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, Thailand.  With 24 hour access, no tidal restrictions, deep water fuel dock and a first class Marina village coming soon this 200 berth marina can accomodate yachts upto 80m in length and is fast becoming a popular destinationimage of Ao Po Grand Marina for yachting companies, enthusiasts and is going to host the 2009 Puravarna Phang Nga Bay Regatta.

The Ao Po Grand Marina and the soon to be established Ao Po Marina Village are part of a 150 rai (240,00 sq m) area development plan in the North East of Phuket.  The construction of the Marina Village is due to start in October 2008 and includes the development of private villas, a 80 room, 5* boutique hotel, major facilities such as restaurants, bistros, retail outlets and offices for marine related businesses and a club house, not forgetting of course the creation of 2 man-made lagoons!  It definately promises to be a good stop off on any yacht trip in Thailand.

Information and image courtesy of Ao Po Grand Marina Official Site.

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Fincantieri tries his hand at Yacht building at the Monaco Yacht Show

The Monaco Yacht Show is a venue notorious for world firsts and this year was no exception with Fincantieri, the Italian builder, turning his creative hand to yacht building. Fincantieri unveiled to the yacht industry’s most scrutinating eyes a miniature model of the seven deck, 134m sleek and graceful beauty rumoured to be owned by a Russian.Fincantieri's model yacht  Until now, all that was available to see of the yacht’s design were photographs so carefully angled that no secrets were spilled.

Since the show the company have picked up another order for a 90m plus vessel and have commited themselves to the niche market for yachts greater than 70m.  This is due to a helping hand into the industry from Vincenzo Poerio, the managing director of Benetti who moved from Fincantieri 15 years ago.  In return Fincantieri have agreed to stay in the larger yacht market and not threaten the domestic market, of which Benetti is a strong contender.

Information and photo courtesy of Llyod’s List.

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Monaco Yacht Show 2008 Boatbookings Report

All the yachts have now left the Monaco Yacht Show and most will now be preparing for their image of Monaco Yacht Showannual migration to Fort Lauderdale and the Caribbean for the winter.  The success of this year’s show is testiment to the thriving status of the Mega-yacht industry despite the recent economic crisis.  The Boatbookings team were out in force to see the yachts and find the newest additions to the Super and Mega Yacht charter market; among those yachts viewed by the team were Martha Ann, Newvida, Makululu and Leonora, Daybreak, Midlandia and Parsifal III.  Updates on these boats coming soon…

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A great yachting tool – distance and fuel cost calculator for your next cruise

With the high price of fuel, nearly everyone wants to know what a boating trip will cost.  Boatbookings.com has just released a nifty new tool that lets you do exactly this.  Just click on a Google Map to draw your itinerary, enter the fuel consumption per hour and price of fuel, and you get a great estimate.  It gives you distance, fuel consumption, and estimated cost. Check out the boating distance and fuel price calculator here.

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Tragedy at the Régates Royales in Cannes

Tragedy struck at the Régates Royales Trophée Panerai in Cannes on Tuesday when the Wilfred Tolhurst, owner and skipper of one of the 8 Metre class boats, Safir, died after a collision with 65 ft Rowdy.

Safir was trying to avoid the 35 tonne Rowdy who was competing in the Admiral’s Cup race, however disaster struck and Safir and Rowdy collided, dismasting Safir. Wilhurst was struck by the falling mast and despite the efforts of the Race Committee together with the CROSS Med and maritime safety crew (SNSM), nothing could be done to save Wilhurst’s life.

Enquiries are underway to try and determine the cause of the incident.The Yacht Club de Cannes as well as all of the event organisers and sponsers offer their deepest sympathies and support to the friends and family of the skipper.

Information courtesy of Yachting World, photo courtesy of Regates Royales official website.

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