A$50m earmarked for marina development

By IBI Magazine

Australian Ports and Waterways Minister Joe Tripodi has announced the go-ahead for more than A$50m in maritime developments at Rozelle and Blackwattle Bays.

Sydney Superyacht Marina Pty Ltd has been chosen to redevelop the existing superyacht facility in Rozelle Bay, while All Occasion Cruises Pty Ltd has been selected to redevelop the southern side of Blackwattle Bay immediately west of the Sydney Fish Market.

The two projects are expected to generate around 300 jobs in construction and ongoing services.

“The average 35m superyacht is worth around $20m with annual running costs of $2million,” says Tripodi. “When these vessels are in Sydney, these running costs are injected into the local economy.”

Sydney Superyacht Marina Pty Ltd has secured an agreement with US-based marina developer Island Global Yachting (IGY) to manage the superyacht marina. The facility will be reconfigured to 24 stern-to berths, each with an adjacent marina pontoon finger, for vessels from 20m-70m (66ft-230ft). The marina is expected to be reconfigured in 2010.

The southern side of Blackwattle Bay will also be developed into a major maritime precinct. “Much of this wharf has been derelict for too long and now is the time to return it to maritime use in support of commercial activities and our working harbour,” says Tripodi.

Features of the proposal include reconstruction of the former coal bunker, maritime-related office and retail space, a permanent charter vessel facility and 18-berths for Sydney’s charter vessels.

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Measurement Procedures for the 33rd America’s Cup published

The Société Nautique de Genève today issued the Measurement Procedures for the 33rd America’s Cup

Following the suggestion of New York Supreme Court’s Justice Kornreich, the America’s Cup defending yacht club, Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), has published the measurement procedures for the 33rd America’s Cup Match scheduled to start on 8 February 2010 in Ras al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

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Live Bites From Hugo Boss and Alex Thomson During the Fastnet.

Smart Sponsorship Activation at the Open Championship.

Several Open60s will be competing in the FastNet race this year and all have to get value for their sponsors. Alex Thomson and the crew onboard HUGO BOSS will be inviting the world to share life onboard the record breaking Open 60 with seven live feeds a day during the Rolex Fastnet Race. Racing kicks off at midday this Sunday 9th August, when the onboard HUGO BOSS cameras will go live 10 minutes before the start at 1150. Live feeds will then follow every 3 hours after the start enabling HUGO BOSS to share all the action live from the race course with people online.

Skipper Alex Thomson says:

“We have always been able to send back video and do live interviews, but we thought it would be great to go to the next level and test the boundaries of what is possible. I hope it will give people a real insight into life onboard and share the race with us.”

The first feed from onboard will start at 1150 until 1210 on Sunday, where you will be able to watch the start live.

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Kiwis Hit The Front At Star Worlds

The Star fleet racing in Varberg

Photo©Oskar Kihlborg

Star World Championship 2009

Varberg, Sweden

New Zealand’s Hamish PEPPER and Craig MONK took over the lead after races three and four at the Star Worlds In Varberg, Sweden, whilst many of the other pre-regatta favourites suffered major setbacks.
After a race win and an 11th place, Hamish PEPPER and Craig MONK (NZL) jump from fifth to first overall after race four in Sweden. It was also a great day for the US crews, with Mark MENDELBLATT and Mark STRUBE (USA) and Andrew CAMPBELL and Magnus LILJEDAHL (USA) tied for second place on 40 points, eight points off the Kiwis. Overnight leaders Flavio MARAZZI and Enrico DE MARIA (SUI) had a mixed day with a 35th followed by a race win. They drop from first to fourth overall, however with the discard set to kick in after race five, if they can post a strong finish on Thursday they are well positioned to shoot back up the leaderboard.

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Match Race Rankings – 5 August 2009

ISAF World Match Race Rankings

New Zealand’s Adam MINOPRIO hits the top spot in the Open ISAF World Match Race Rankings whilst French skipper Claire LEROY remains at #1 in the Women’s Rankings.
Adam MINOPRIO (NZL) has finally broken the French stranglehold at the top of the ISAF World Match Race Rankings. By displacing Mathieu RICHARD (FRA) at the top of the Open Rankings, MINOPRIO is the first non-French skipper to occupy the top spot in either the Open or Women’s Match Race Rankings since June 2008.

The success story continues for Oceania’s sailors in the Women’s Rankings, where new ISAF Women’s Match Racing World Champion, Nicky SOUTER (AUS) joins teammate Katie SPITHILL to give Australia two skippers in the world top five. However there is still no moving France from the top as Claire LEROY (FRA) makes it 35 consecutive releases (over four years) in the world #1 spot.

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Adam MINOPRIO (NZL) jumps up two places in this release to hit the world #1 spot for the first time, following in the footsteps of other famous Kiwis to hold the World Rankings top spot such as Dean BARKER (NZL), Russell COUTTS (NZL) and Chris DICKSON (NZL).

Blake would be proud of yacht memorial, daughter says

4:00AM Thursday Aug 06, 2009
By Robert Lowe

NZL32 won the 1995 America’s Cup and was this morning moved to the Maritime Museum (L). Photo / NZPA

Sir Peter Blake’s daughter is certain her father would have been proud of the tribute to his exploits and legacy that is taking shape on Auckland’s waterfront.

The centrepiece of the memorial, America’s Cup-winning yacht NZL32, also known as Black Magic, was gently eased into place today at the Maritime Museum, where it will be part of a permanent exhibition.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” Sarah-Jane Blake said.

“It’s going to be really good for teaching people about boats and sailing.

“The way the designers have done it is first-class and I think my dad would have been really proud.”

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33rd AC

Questions + Answers about Ras al-Khaimah the new venue for the America’s Cup

05.08.2009 (18:18 CET) – Geneva, Switzerland – Société Nautique de Genève

Where is Ras al-Khaimah?
Ras al-Khaimah is one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); it covers an area of 656 square miles (1,700km2) and borders on Oman, situated in the southern part of the Persian Gulf. The capital city of Ras al-Khaimah is located 45 minutes from Dubai airport and is also served by the Ras al-Khaimah International airport. The 300,000 population is ruled by HH Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammad al-Qasimi. The Deputy Ruler is Crown Prince HH Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

What are the reasons for choosing the UAE and Ras-al-Khaimah?
1. The absolute priority in making the venue decision was the prevailing weather conditions and the resulting safety they bring to both teams.
2. The investment and the infrastructure provided was another important reason: a purpose-built island is being made available for both teams to operate from.
3. The experience and commitment the UAE has in hosting international high-standard sporting, arts and business activities.

Why this choice over somewhere like Dubai where Alinghi had already trained in 2006/2007?
We looked at the Emirates and many other places but in the end we settled on Ras al-Khaimah because it has a great building sea breeze during the day, similar to Mediterranean conditions in the summer, making it good for these boats and safe for all concerned.

Isn’t it a conflict region?
The UAE is recognised worldwide to be extremely secure; testimony to this is the fact that some of the most important international corporations have business interests and investments in the country, particularly coming from the USA. It is also a popular venue for sporting events: Tiger Woods is currently designing his first golf course in Dubai; Roger Federer, the Williams sisters and other tennis stars play in the country every year; there will be a Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi in October and Russell Coutts sails there each year with his RC44 class. The Arts are also very well represented in the region: Guggenheim is building a museum in Abu Dhabi and the New York Philharmonic Orchestra will perform there as well.
Even Harvard has a School and Medical Centre in Dubai.

How will you tackle security concerns?

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This post is tagged Adam Minoprio, alinghi, americas cup, Bavaria Yachts, Chris Dickson, Copa del Ray, craig monk, dean barker, hamish pepper, NZL32, NZsail Finance, peter blake, Ras al Khaimah, russell coutts, Star Worlds, The New Zealand Herald