MS_Issue 4_ LOW RES

mainsail 

>> without knowing... yOU CANNOT MAKE: Exclusive interview with Sig. Cesare Mastrioanni, Absolute Yachts p.06 

>> the last challenge: Tribute to the most successful and decorated American Olympians in history p.22 

>> pEACE WITH HONOUR: A personal, detailed and well researched travel and historical narrative by the Editor p.38 

OCT/NOV/DEC 2016 issue 4 

Malta’s premier Boats & Yachting magazine 

www.mbrpublications.net 

Newspaper Post

BJ MARINE 

BJ MARINE 

Issue 4 >> 02 www.mbrpublications.net >> 03

mainsail 

september 2016 issue 4 

06 

12 

16 

Yacht Charter 

Industry Trends 

The Performance Review 

Contents 

Cover Story 

Without Knowing… You Cannot Make 

Exclusive interview with Sig. Cesare Mastrioanni, Sales Manager of Absolute Yachts 

See Malta from a Different Perspective 

A new kind of charter experience with Azure Ultra 

The Yachting World’s New Horizons 

Kavita Mokha takes a look at the glamorous world of luxury yachting 

Exclusive Interview 

Providing Differentiated Coverage and Services 

MAINSAIL interviews Margaret Zaccaria, SIAT Assicurazione (Unipol Group), 

during MIM’s Superyacht Symposium 

Centurion 57 

The finely-tuned, high performance sailing cruiser from 

Wanquiez 

Tribute to a Legend 

The Last Challenge: Michael Phelps, at his earliest Olympics, and today 

A fitting tribute to the most successful and decorated American Olympians in history with 25 

medals, 21 of those gold 

10 

14 

22 

Features 

26 Leading Brands & Personalities 

show strong support for the Yacht 

Racing Forum 

The Yacht Racing Forum, Co-hosted by Yachting Malta, and 

held for the ninth consecutive time 

28 Comanche in Pursuit of Transat 

Record 

Leading author Brian Hancock charts the Transat Record 

32 Cruising the Med 

We follow Italian company Conca Delachi, cordially invited 

SuperYacht Industry to join the company on a mini cruise in 

the Med on board Signora Del Vento; an 85m 5 star three– 

masted sailing vessel 

36 Prime Minister launches yacht 

marina in Sa’ Maison with an 

investment of €7.5 million 

A double-page feature about The Marina Di Valletta 

Consortium’s project 

38 Peace with Honour 

A personal, detailed and well researched double-page travel 

and historical narrative by the Editor, about the Decima 

Flottiglia MAS and the WWII attack on Grand Harbour 

40 Safety Checklist Before Going 

Sailing 

Tom Lochhaas gives us a piece of mind to check our boat 

and gear to ensure safety on board 

Quote of the Month 

“A war of ideas can no more be won without books 

than a naval war can be won without ships. Books, 

like ships, have the toughest armor, the longest 

cruising range, and mount the most powerful 

guns.” - Franklin D. Roosevelt 

MAINSAIL is distributed to all major banks, car hire, port authorities, maritime agencies, 

financial and maritime law companies, foreign diplomatic representations, transport and 

logistics agencies, shipping agents, ship and yacht registration, ship repair and suppliers, 

including Creek Developments Ltd, Grand Harbour Marina, Harbour Marina, Kalkara Boat 

Yard, La Valletta Club, Malta Maritime Authority, Malta International Airport, Manoel Island, 

Mgarr Marina Gozo, Msida & Ta’ Xbiex Waterfront, Passenger Terminals, Portomaso, Valetta 

Waterfront, and four/five star hotels. 

All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by copyright may be reproduced or copied 

and reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited without written permission of the 

publisher. All content material available on this publication is duly protected by Maltese and 

International Law. No person, organisation, other publisher or online web content manager 

should rely, or on any way act upon any part of the contents of this publication, whether that 

information is sourced from the website, magazine or related product without first obtaining 

the publisher’s consent. The opinions expressed in Mainsail are those of the authors or 

contributors, and are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. 

MAINSAIL has during the past year established 

itself as a new kind of sea publication, reporting 

subjects of strong interest to everyone who goes 

on the sea. It is full of big, authoritative articles 

on sailing, boating, racing, sea faring adventures, 

fisheries, individual adventuring, merchant 

shipping, conservation, natural history, heritage, 

trade, naval matters, nautical books, and anything 

else connected with salt water. 

Its contributors are people who know how to tell 

a good story well. Topics for the first issues have 

included the reminiscences Sir Ben Ainsle, the 

undisputed king of British yacht racing; an account 

of Team Chaudron UIM ClassOne World exploits by 

Wilfred Sultana; RC44 Valletta Cup features; Maritime History recollections; diving 

stories on legendary wrecks; canoe ocean racing report by Catherine Wieser; 

high profile interviews with leading seafaring mariners and yachting experts; epic 

stories of sea voyages; naval battle commemorations; coverage of the Volvo Ocean 

Race courtesy of Mapfre Middlesea; brokerage updates; chartering opportunities; 

maritime statistics; superyacht regattas; and accounts of the Rolex Middle Sea. We 

will also be printing new fiction, and telling the stories of the lost world of radio 

operators, crossing the Atlantic via a hurricane, the great painters of sea pictures, 

and a year in the life of a superyacht. 

MAINSAIL is also keen to remind its readers of great sea writers who are 

contributing every quarterly. MAINSAIL’s pages are full of intelligent sea reading. 

It is published in a unique A4 size, printed on hefty paper, illustrated with charts, 

woodcuts and line drawings, and has been greeted with appreciative remarks 

from readers all across the local maritime, boats and yachting industry, including 

shipping, transport and logistics. 

The current issue, number four, published end September 2016 brings unique 

insights into the yachting world’s new horizons, features exclusive interviews 

conducted during the Superyacht Symposium held recently in Malta, has a feature 

on classic yachting, a tribute to Michael Phelps, a story on Signora del Vento, 

narrative on Decima Flottiglia MAS and the WWII e-boat attack on Grand Harbour, 

articles by Tom Lochhaas, sailing expert, Cannes boat show and the Rolex Middles 

Sea Race, making MAINSAIL Malta’s premier boats and yachting publication a true 

leader with first-class coverage and compelling reading. There will be further issues 

quarterly hereafter – the next will be sent out during the first fortnight of February/ 

March 2016. 

MAINSAIL has had its finger on the pulse of sailing since its inception. We reckon 

we are the most enthusiastic sailing fans in the world: we love boats of all kinds, 

modern and classic, we like racing and cruising, are fascinated by innovation yet 

revere tradition, and nothing that floats is too big or too small for our tastes. That is 

why we bring you the choicest cuts in boats and sailing, and we pride ourselves on 

our independent tests, in-depth reports and top quality photo journalism. 

Publisher - MBR Publications Limited 

Editor - Martin Vella 

Front Cover Photo - Absolute 60 FLY, Absolute Yachts 

Sales Department - Margaret Brincat - Sales Director, Amy Schembri - Senior Sales Executive 

Art & Design - Jacqueline Muscat, Gyorgy Vernes 

Front Cover Photo - REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Advertising - 9940 6743 / 9926 0163 

Email: margaret@mbrpublications.net; sales@mbrpublications.net; 

Contributors - Annabel Camilleri; Great Circle Sails; Brian Hancock; Tom Lochhaas; Kavita Mokha; 

Michael Phelps; Wilfred Sultana; Martin Vella; Margaret Zaccaria 

Special Thanks - Absolut Yachts; About Sailing; Azure; Boatcare Ltd; BBC Sports; DOI; Facebook; 

Fairline Yachts; Malta Institute of Management; International Sailing Federation; Instagram; IOC 

News; Malata Maritime Directory; Mansion Global; M/V Signora del Vento; Navigation Seamanship; 

Palumbo Superyachts Malta; RIO 2016; Johnny Simon; SIAT Assicurazione (IT); Super Yacht Industry; 

Tappintomalta Ltd; The Malta Independent; Twitter; USA Swimming; World Sailing; Yachting Malta; 

Yachthub Group, Malta 

Print Production - Printit 

Offices - Highland Apartment - Level 1, Naxxar Road, Birkirkara, BKR 9042 

Telephone - +356 2149 7814 

Issue 4 >> 04 www.mbrpublications.net >> 05 

Disclaimer 

Editor’s Note 

Martin Vella

Cover Story: Superyacht Visits 

Cover Story: Superyacht Visits > 06 

MBR: If I were a customer and I was 

interested in buying an Absolute boat, how 

would you explain the main characteristics 

of an Absolute boat to me, to make me buy 

the boat? 

CM: What you can see is the modern line, 

you can see a boat where ergonomics is at the 

highest level. I can demonstrate to you, this 

is accurate. Should you consider our 60 for 

instance and the 60 from the competitors, we 

have less steps all around the boat, as anybody 

else. In the floors, as well as in the ceilings, we 

have no sharp edges. We have also best visibility. 

So, if you have high clients, you have better 

possibilities from the manoeuvring station 

toward the inside. You have bigger windows 

in the category for every boat. The people that 

stay in the boat, in the fly deck or in the lower 

deck, have always the best opening view on the 

water. This is something that you can see and 

you can verify by yourself. 

Every year in July, we have a meeting with 

our Dealers coming from every part of the 

world to draw comparisons. We present them 

a competitive analysis of the novelties. We 

always demonstrate that the interior design, 

the features implement better solutions. From 

the statistics everybody has a different taste, 

so maybe somebody prefers the American, 

European or classical style, and this is 

something we cannot control. But from the 

functional point of view, our interiors are very 

comfortable. 

The easy handling, easy docking and very 

practical navigation are evident. The position of 

the dashboard, the ergonomics of the steering 

and the visibility from the steering are the best 

of the category. There is of course a contribution 

of the IPS, but we also put a lot in this design. 

Regarding comfort, you can test in the water 

and wherever you want we can show you how 

the boat is totally without vibration and creaks, 

so the comfort is an absolute priority. When 

other magazines or journalists come with their 

sound proofing digital meters, they always 

record very high preformation types of noise 

and at low levels. This is something you can 

see, something you can test. We believe that 

without listening you cannot say! 

We believe in technology and easy management, 

in 360° control. We believe in luxury, and not 

in waste: our engines are low consumption and 

low noise engines. We believe in Design tasting 

of salt water, having image and also substance. 

We finally believe that the Ocean shall be 

respected. That is why we engage in reducing 

emissions at their minimum level. And this 

not only to safeguard the protected areas, but 

also the whole Ocean. The Ocean continent 

We believe that without 

listening you cannot say! 

– before being our business – is the soul of the 

Earth. Without knowing… you cannot make! 

This is something that the clients can believe 

or not but this is reality. Therefore as a 

consequence, the lifecycle of the boat is long, 

we have clients that sell the boat to the second 

generation and third generation, and they are 

always happy with the boat. Sometimes we 

have the possibility to see our old boats in the 

marinas for different reasons, and we are very 

happy to see how well they are. Everything is 

like new. All thing you have to do is the regular 

service, cleaning and polishing. 

Cont. Pg 08 

www.mbrpublications.net >> 07

Cover Story: Superyacht Visits 

Cont. Pg 07 

MBR: Can you define your niche or target market, 

can you describe it? 

CM: Starting from 2014, we have introduced a new 

range of boats, called “Navetta”, which represents 

a meeting between tradition and technology. This 

new range has filled a “market gap”, meeting the 

needs of many international customers, which have 

appreciated this range since the beginning, thanks to 

its characteristic shape and its comfort. In fact, we are 

proud to announce that in 2017 we will introduce a 

new model in this range… 

MBR: Can you tell us something about the 

significance of the Absolute boats? How will this 

provided by the boats, especially not just in Malta but 

perhaps in other countries. Do you have a visage that 

this will be increasing not just the Absolute image in 

Malta but also the activities in the Mediterranean 

region? 

CM: First of all, Absolute is pushing what we call the 

Absolute global project. It is a long road to walk, but 

we are walking. We have included Malta in these tasks. 

We have one step, very convenient and important for 

that reason. Malta has a strategic place on the map for 

both the local clients, and the foreigners coming to 

Malta. Malta could be a point of attraction. What we 

expect from the dealers of every country is the same; 

the image and their presentation of Absolute locally, as 

well as be our eyes and ears in the market. Why? The 

communication with the dealers is always direct, no 

faults. The direction from us to them is the proposal of 

new products. We are always in advance on the market; 

we propose something new. 

every choice is always the result of 

a mix of different ingredients 

MBR: Why do you think that Boatcare is the perfect 

partner for Absolute? 

CM: Well you know every choice is always the result of 

a mix of different ingredients, because the right person 

should come in the right time, otherwise it’s not working. 

What we know about the dealers is what they have done 

before and this is the main matter. Boatcare fulfils all of 

our expectations, and so is our perfect partner. 

MBR: What vision do you have for Absolute in Malta 

or beyond, are they any projects under development? 

Coming to Malta do you think of creating something 

new or have something in mind, not just only in the 

Maltese market. 

CM: Our process are structured for the next 3 years. 

We have been designing now two models between 60 

and 80 feet. I cannot tell you more about that because it 

is still top secret. These two models will be our flagships 

in 2017 and 2018. In the meantime, we are proud 

to announce that we are launching our novelty for 

this season, the Absolute 50 fly: the official European 

premiere will take place during the Yachting Festival 

Cannes, in September 2016. 

Together with this investments, the floor area used for 

Absolute manufacturing is going up from the current 

17.000 m2 to 24.200 m2, representing an increase of 

7.200 m2. 

It is not just about increasing the available area and 

extending the staff. The project of the new development 

also includes an optimization of the internal flows 

and a different integration between various stages of 

processing. All this will be backed up also by some 

expected technological novelties. 

MBR: Which is the most important and essential 

element of the Absolute company? Sales marketing, 

production or human resources? Which is the key 

element of the shipyard success? 

CM: I think people are very important in this company. 

Managers and technicians of renowned competence 

and experience lead the shipyard, providing the 

Sig. Cesare Mastroianni during Dealer Meeting at Cannes 

guidelines to a young and enterprising team, made 

up by an harmonic structure of seven Departments: 

Technical, Sales, Administration, Purchasing, IT, 

Warehouse, Manufacturing. 

This group of people works every day very hard, in 

order to achieve the great results shown. 

There is no pyramid of responsibilities, where at the end 

of the day nobody cares, but everyone is responsible. 

We have just two level approach, so when a problem 

arrives the solution is immediate. This is very important 

and we are 160 people, so if you have not such an 

approach you can imagine only a slow response result. 

This is one of the main keys of success. 

MBR: When you supply at the end of your day and 

you look back and reflect, do you think about what 

do you have achieved? What is the most important 

factor you think about when you look back? 

CM: Of course, the financial economic result of the 

company is essential because otherwise it is like in a 

body, when you do not eat and you die. Economic 

results are very important. That’s why when somebody 

is passionate in his work, the most important thing in 

the work is smooth running. Everybody should feel 

to be in the right place, ready at the right moment. 

This is what we are happy to see, not only inside of 

the company, but also with the dealers. We felt wrong 

when something is not at the same tune or in sync. 

There are separate opinions, so we meet, we discuss to 

find the same wavelength and a shared solution. 

MBR: If you have to describe Absolute’s operation 

into three words 

CM: For sure, passion of the people, engagement, I 

mean to be in the matter fully and to be serious, to be 

honest. One word one action. ms 

All rights reserved. Copyright © 2016 


Yacht Charter 

World Sailing > 10 


Yachting Industry Trends 

The Yachting World’s 

New Horizons 

By Kavita Mokha 

Monte Carlo remains an important hub of the yachting world. Aleksandar Vrzalski/Getty Images 

The luxury industry is seeing rising interest in Asia and elsewhere. The 

glamorous world of yachting, long dominated by destinations such as 

Cannes, Monte Carlo and Sardinia, is docking in new harbours. 

“Gone are the days when yachting was restricted to the crowded coastline 

of the Côte d’Azur, and France held the monopoly on impressive marinas,” 

says Daniel Wilde, co-founder of ultimateberths.com, a web portal that 

brings together renters, buyers and sellers of marina berths and moorings 

worldwide. “As the marina industry develops, so, too, does the choice of 

attractive destinations for owners to berth their yachts.” 

The wealthiest buyers are often looking for “superyachts,” which are 

usually defined as pleasure boats more than 24 meters (about 79 feet) in 

length, often with pools, private screening rooms, basketball courts and 

a host of luxury features. Price tags sometimes run in the hundreds of 

millions of dollars. 

In the first half of 2015, 199 superyachts were sold worldwide, compared 

with 226 during the same period a year before. Just 74 were sold in the 

first half of 2009 at the height of the recession, according to figures from 

Boat International Media. 

Though Europeans and Americans have traditionally led the list of 

superyacht buyers, China’s growing wealth has builders looking east. 

Asia is predicted to overtake Europe in the number of ultra-high-networth 

individuals by 2027, according to consultancy Wealth-X. There are 

almost 4,930 superyachts longer than 30 meters (about 98 feet) in the 

world, and only a fraction of these are in Asia. 

There are already signs of growing demand in China. U.K.-based yacht 

builders Spirit Yachts opened an office in Hong Kong in 2014, where the 

high demand for berth space has kept the marina nearly saturated. 

But China is not the only place seeing an upswing in demand. 

“Superyacht demand has changed in recent years, both in terms of 

new clients and from new regions, and in terms of the kind of yachts, 

specifically those over 75 meters or even 100 meters,” said Fabio Ermetto, 

sales director at Benetti Yachts, an Italian luxury yacht builder in business 

since 1873. 

The firm has had increasing interest from Chinese, Southeast Asian, Russian, 

Central American and Brazilian buyers. Challenges to development remain 

in these new markets, however, and industry professionals say the allure of 

the established locales is by no means disappearing. 

“Some people like the cachet that comes with the south of France and it 

isn’t quite the same in some of the newer places,” said Alasdair Pritchard, 

Associate Partner at Knight Frank. 

Luxury real estate firm Engel & Völkers opened a new yachting division 

in Nice earlier this year and there are plans to open offices in Antibes and 

Monaco, with the idea of potentially expanding worldwide, according to 

Bart Boury, the head of yachting at Engel & Völkers. The firm will use its 

network on a referral basis given that many of the clients who buy highend 

property are the same buyers interested in purchasing yachts. 

“The French Riviera is one of the most important places for yachting and 

we are starting here and focusing on yachts above 15 meters,” said Boury. 

“There is greater confidence to invest on the higher end; little by little and 

we will go to the market with some major transactions in the next years.” 

The changes have some yachting builders feeling bullish. At Benetti, nine 

yachts up to 65 meters have sold since September 2014; 45 yachts are 

currently under construction compared with 31 yachts during the height 

of the crisis between 2008 and 2009. 

“Forty-five new-construction orders at Benetti is certainly not a sign of 

weakness,” says Boury. ms 

Creditline: Mansion Global: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram 


Superyacht Symposium 

Superyacht Symposium > 14 www.mbrpublications.net >> 15

Sailing Cruiser Focus Focus: Columbus Yachts > 16 x-yachts.com 


World Sailing 

Weddings at Sea yacht racing rules based on that of the 

YRA. The rule is still used today in the 12 Metre, 

8 Metre, 6 Metre and other Metre boats. 

At that time the IYRU comprised of the yachting 

authorities of Austria-Hungary, Denmark, 

Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Holland 

and Belgium, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and 

Switzerland. 

In November 1929, representatives from the 

North American Yacht Racing Union actively 

took part in the discussions to ensure that the 

North American Yacht Racing Rules and the 

International Yacht Racing Rules were almost 

identically worded and that neither one would 

change their rules without first informing the 

other. In 1960 a totally universal code of racing 

rules was agreed and implemented. 

From 1906 to 1946 a chairman was elected from 

time to time to orchestrate the annual meetings 

of the IYRU. In 1946, Sir Ralph Gore was elected 

the first President and since then the ISAF has 

seen five Presidents: Sir Peter Scott (GBR) 1955- 

69, Beppe Croce (ITA) 1969-86 Peter Tallberg 

(FIN) 1986-1994, Paul Henderson (CAN) 1994- 

2004, Göran Petersson (SWE) 2004-2012 and 

Carlo Croce (ITA) 2012 to present. 

The International Sailing Federation is officially 

recognised by the International Olympic 

Committee as the governing authority for sailing 

world-wide. As such, ISAF is responsible for 

promotion of the sport internationally, managing 

sailing at the Olympic Games, developing the 

International Racing Rules and Regulations 

for all sailing competitions and the training of 

judges, umpires and other administrators, the 

development of the sport around the world, 

as well as representing sailors in all matters 

concerning the sport. The name change to the 

International Sailing Federation in 1996 came 

with the change to the name of the sport on the 

Olympic programme from Yachting to Sailing. 

In order to promote the development of the 

sport the ISAF has established several events - 

including, but not limited to the ISAF Sailing 

World Championships and ISAF Sailing 

World Cup (for Olympic equipment), ISAF 

Youth Sailing World Championship, Team 

Racing World Championship, Match Racing 

World Championship, ISAF Women’s Match 

Racing World Championship, ISAF Nations 

Cup, as well as endorsing and grading the top 

international match racing and Olympic Class 

regattas, the results of which go towards sailors’ 

world rankings, which are administered by ISAF. 

ISAF currently consists of 139 member nations 

who are its principle members, and responsible 

for the decision making process that governs the 

sailing world. 

There are currently over 100 recognized and 

Classic Yacht Classes, ranging from the small 

Optimist Dinghy up to the largest, the 60ft 

Monohulls. 

ISAF, from its outset, has worked towards a 

primary goal to ensure that as many people as 

possible go sailing.In 2007 ISAF celebrated it’s 

Centenary year by celebrating sailing. The ISAF 

members, sailing clubs, regatta organizers, sailors 

and fans were encouraged to organize activities 

to mark the Centenary with the ‘Sail the World 

weekend’ dedicated to getting as many people 

out on the water world-wide as possible. ISAF 

also launched the ISAF Sailing Hall of Fame in 

2007 to acknowledge some of the sports greatest 

achievers. ms 

Courtesy: World Sailing 

...contact us for a private viewing 

10, Seabreeze, Giuseppe Cali Street, Ta’ Xbiex - XBX1421 - Malta 

Tel: (+356) 2133 9908, Mob: (+356) 9920 3444, Fax: (+356) 2133 2259, E-mail: info@sdyachts.com 

Issue 4 >> 18 

www.sdyachts.com 


Yachting 

Some classic yachting 

By Brian Hancock 

I did some classic yachting over the weekend, you know the kind where 

sailors show up in bowties for the race and sip champagne and feast on 

finger sandwiches once the action is over. And classic it was. I was on a 

friend’s Alden Challenger, a lovely 38 foot yawl with plenty varnish and 

a set of brand new Great Circle Sails (yes I had to get that plug in there). 

I enjoyed the sailing even if the race committee were morons and set 

impossibly long courses with no way to shorten them once the wind died. 

But other than the fine sailing there was one thing that I took away from 

the weekend. I am damn glad that there have been some improvements in 

sailboats over the last few decades. 

Let’s start with winches. We had single-speed hand-crank winches with 

what looked to me to be insanely short winch handles. It took some serious 

arm work to get the sail in after each tack and I could not help but think 

how much more pleasant the day would have been with a modern two or 

three speed winch. Then there was the problem of tacking through 110 

degrees. The lovely old Alden had a full keel with attached rudder that 

made each tack a slow arc and long ‘build to speed’ but the thing that was 

most difficult were the tacking angles. It was not much use to tack on each 

wind shift; instead it was more like banging the corners to avoid having to 

tack at all or get depressed when you saw the angle of the next tack. Yup 

those fin keels and spade rudders sure were a nifty invention. 

The sails were Dacron and the sheets old polyester. I am used to sailing 

with membrane sails and dyneema sheets and was never too concerned 

when a puff hit. I knew that the sails were going to stay as they were, but I 

had forgotten just how much Dacron sails and old polyester sheets stretch. 

Each time a puff hit the leech of the sail, which had been up snug against 

the spreader, was suddenly a foot away and the only way to remedy this 

was with that aforementioned one speed winch and a lot of elbow grease. 

Our boat was fiberglass but still heavy and it was painful to see how long 

it took to get the boat back up to speed after each maneuver. It was a 

slow build with the trimmers making the final adjustments as the apparent 

wind increased. How I missed one of those light, carbon hulls that barely 

dropped a knot each time we tacked. There was, however, one advantage 

to the extra weight. When we needed to shoot the windward mark against 

the tide the boat kept its momentum just long enough for us to squeak 

around. 

Changes in sailing come incrementally, and year to year we hardly notice 

the difference, but when you get to sail on a boat that is older than yourself 

you can really see what the old timers went through. I guess that was back 

in the days when men were men and so were the women. ms 

Courtesy: Great Circle Sails 


Tribute to a Legend Tribute to a Legend > 22 www.mbrpublications.net >> 23

Nautical Décor 

Taste 

truly 

is 

Subjective 

Plynl Flooring - a modern alternative to flooring which can be used on board 

By Vera Sant Fournier 

Pattern Inspirations 

Interior design in yachts does not have to be 

nautical, in fact what better way to enjoy 

your time at sea on your own yachts but 

to truly have it reflect your individuality too; 

nautical décor is basically not a rule. 

Interior Designers will come true to you load 

and cleat on this, don’t let your yacht become 

a ‘décor don’t, a “before” photo in a magazine’. 

Same old, same archaic, the teak, the navy 

blue or hunter green, the brass, I think we all 

know where this is heading. The old school, 

headmasters’ office look, and yes next time you 

go on board this is exactly what you will think 

you have stepped in. 

Transform your yacht interiors by doing these 

simple things, you and your guests shall be 

surprised with the results- it’s worth it. And yes, 

do let go and steer away (no pun intended) from 

the usual, ‘traditional’ yacht décor. 

Fabrics: One does not have to head directly to 

the Sunbrella fabric swatches, you can source 

plenty of other brands which can withhold the 

wear and tear brought on by usage, always check 

the Martindale rating and this will guide you 

on what level of usage the fabric can withstand. 

When you search for options you will find that 

you can source impermeable fabrics in hundreds 

of colours, meaning things don’t have to stop at 

navy blue and white. Explore and be creative 

with your space at sea. 

Which Colour: Generally people tend to be 

drawn to the usual Neutrals, Beige, White and 

navy colour scheme. But if you experiment, 

with guidance you shall be pleasantly surprised. 

Depending on the size of the yacht you may also 

have different colour schemes in different areas. 

To Pattern or not: For the sofa covers it is 

recommended to go for solid colours, but if you 

want to be daring then go for a bold, statement 

pattern. With a clear design concept you can 

work wonders. 

Flooring: If, like most boats you have teak 

flooring in your cabins which have now see better 

days know that teak is not your only options. 

Again it is recommended to go for solid colours. 

Carpets tend to get dirty easily especially lighter 

type colours, Plynly is a great modern alternative 

to flooring, which can be easily cleaned and is 

hardwearing, even on a commercial and outdoor 

level. 

Lighting: Like residential and commercial 

projects, lighting on board plays a big part in 

creating ambience, accent and task lighting 

needs to be well thought out. Updating your 

light fittings will go a long way, even with 

regards to energy consumption. 

Taste is truly subjective. Giving some thought 

and attention to your yacht interiors, and I 

have seen this being overlooked, yes it is trivial 

in comparison to the safety standards of your 

yacht but the décor can be an evolving work in 

progress which does not have to break the bank 

and will maximise your general feel good factor 

out at sea. ms 

Vera Sant Fournier has been awarded as 

Malta’s Best Female Entrepreneur of the Year 

2016 and also as Malta’s Best Interior Design 

& Décor Entrepreneur of the Year 2016 


Yacht Racing Forum 

Leading Brands and Personalities 

SHOW STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE YACHT RACING FORUM 

When dazzle no longer limits 

your horizons. 

Polarised lenses by 

ZEISS 

Tucker Thompson, Richard Moore, Tom Touber, Cameron Appleton are some 

of renowned speakers to be present at Forum 

America’s Cup commentator Tucker Thompson, Alter CEO Richard Moore, 

outgoing Volvo Ocean Racing COO Tom Touber, World Champion Cameron 

Appleton are just a few of the renowned speakers who have confirmed their 

participation at the 2016 Yacht Racing Forum which will take place at the Grand 

Hotel Excelsior, Valletta between the 28th and 29th November. 

Co-hosted by Yachting Malta, and held for the ninth consecutive time, the Yacht 

Racing Forum will take place immediately after the RC44 Valletta Cup and will 

see many of the industry’s most involved stakeholders and brands here in Malta. 

Their participation promises to deliver a fruitful Forum which will be split into 

four modules: 

Chaired by America’s Cup commentator Tucker Thompson (USA), the 

opening conference will focus on marketing and media, and spark debates 

and presentations on social media, television and sponsorship. 

The second module, on Monday afternoon, will be chaired by Alter 

CEO Richard Moore (UK) and discuss Event and Race Management. A 

specific focus will be put on sustainability issues, as well as challenges and 

opportunities in events management. 

The entire morning of day two will be dedicated to Risk Management 

and Safety. The sport of sailing has changed dramatically over the last five 

years, with faster and foiling boats and a trend to generate closer action. 

Chaired by the Volvo Ocean Race outgoing COO Tom Touber (NED), 

this conference will question the sport and its participants’ awareness of 

those changes. 

Chaired by Seahorse magazine chief editor Andrew Hurst (UK), the last 

module, on Tuesday afternoon, will focus on the « top of the sport » and 

the future of yacht racing. The conference will (amongst others) discuss the 

future of match racing, the Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup. 

The Design & technology Symposium will take place alongside the Yacht Racing 

2015 - RC44 Valletta Cup Fleet Racing (Day 1) 

Forum on Monday November 28; it will once again be hosted by Seahorse 

journalist Dobbs Davis(USA). 

Keynote presentations will be made by Formula One designer and engineer Mike 

Gascoyne, the new World Sailing CEO Andy Hunt. The Yacht Racing Forum 

and the sports’ governing body have just announced a long term partnership 

which further reiterates the importance of this Forum. 

Other confirmed speakers so far include Melissa Payne, Jean-Baptiste Durier, 

Cameron Appleton, Jordi Arbusa, Sam Usher, Jean-Baptiste Epron, Simeon 

Tienpoint, Andrew Pindar, Wouter Verbraak, Sander van der Borch and Juan 

Kouyoumdjian. 

The Forum has also secured the support of a number of partners and exhibitors 

which include the Volvo Ocean Race, Marine Camera Solutions, Gurit, 

GeoRacing, Mirabaud and Virtual Regatta, alongside no less than fourteen 

media partners. 

“The Yacht Racing Forum is the only business to business conference the brings 

together over 200 industry movers and shakers and provides them with the 

opportunity to discuss issues facing the sport, share experiences and best practices” 

commented Niki Travers Tauss, Director, Yachting Events. “The Forum 

also facilitates business development through providing quality networking 

opportunities with decision makers from all areas within the industry and we 

hope that local organisations will consider partnering with us”. 

Sailing is one of the fastest media for sponsorship. It offers the possibility to open 

new business opportunities as well as further strengthening existing ones to a 

global audience. The Yacht Racing Forum is one of these excellent media, and 

local organisations are strongly urged to look at the opportunities this Forum 

will present to them. 

More information on the Yacht Racing Forum can be found on 

www.yachtingevents.com.mt or www.yachtracingforum.com 

Alternatively contact Yachting Events on office@yachtingevents.com.mt ms 

Courtesy: Yachting Malta 

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Transat Record > 28 www.mbrpublications.net >> 29

Rowing 

Survival Course > 30 www.mbrpublications.net >> 31

On Board Signora del Vento 

On Board Signora del Vento > 


International Maritime Law Institute 

>> 

Exploring Most Beautiful Places 

Life on sailing ship represents a metaphor of life 

at work. Sailing is a sport in which leadership, 

communication motivation, problem solving and 

decision making processes are crucial factors in 

order to achieve common goals. It is a sport in which 

human potential is continuously stimulated and 

challenged. Team building takes businessmen away 

from their everyday life and let them face situations 

that will generate behaviour that can be applied in 

everyday life. Signora del Vento is the only training 

ship where guests can learn the secrets of sailing, take 

part in rigging the sails, use nautical instruments and 

equip and steer sails. The characteristic of the sailing 

ship, built and used as a training ship, provides great 

value added to the team building experience, giving 

the participants the awareness of having shared a 

unique adventure. 

“The Signora del Vento offers a once-in-a-lifetime 

experience for the passengers on board”, claims 

experienced Captain Coscia. “We offer passengers 

the possibilities to learn about navigation techniques, 

rigging, instrumentation, armaments and everything 

about the state-of-the-art of sail handling. All these 

shipboard activities, combined with the wind and 

the sea, allow passengers to enjoy an incomparable 

group experience. For those who dream about an 

unforgettable holiday in the Mediterranean Sea, we 

offer the vast experience of our crew. They know the 

most beautiful and exotic places to visit on every 

island or place along the Mediterranean coastline.” 

Business Meetings and Cruises 

The three-masted Signora del Vento is an elegant 

and unique setting for any kind of event. She is a 

charming place and an enchanting location that 

allows passengers to admire the work of men 

and the wonders of nature. Gazing from her 

deck, some amazing views and seascapes will take 

breath away from passengers. The wonderful and 

welcoming hall, the eastern bar, the comfortable 

cabins, the large prow, as well as a refined cuisine, 

make the Signora del Vento a perfect location to 

host business meetings and cruises and events 

with absolute privacy, leaving old time memories 

and emotions to her guests. The atmosphere 

pervading the interior and the exterior spaces of 

the sailing ship make it the perfect environment 

to develop connections and long term contacts. 

Glamorous Events at Sea 

Emotion, functionality, energy, activity, wellbeing 

and getting in touch with nature create an 

irresistible, mix, in order to satisfy any marketing 

and communication requirement. The sailing 

vessel provides a unique opportunity to provide 

visibility and glamour for companies and brands, 

to strengthen business and social relationship 

in a relaxed atmosphere, to praise and motivate 

the company management. The sailing ship on 

account of her refinement, functionality and 

elegance, is an exclusive ship that allow her guests 

to live unique and glamorous events at sea. The 

right balance between tradition and innovation, 

a flawless reception service, the overnight stay in 

very comfortable cabins, as well as the possibility too 

enjoy the refined restaurant, make this sailing ship 

a unique location to stay in while events take place 

both on land and at sea. 

Floating Dream 

Spending time on board Signora del Vento helps 

to appreciate the accurate care of many people who 

want to preserve something unique and valuable 

for our history and culture. The sobriety and the 

attention to detail, the warm atmosphere, along 

with the multiply possibilities of activities make the 

sailing ship an inviting floating dream made up of 

pleasure, enjoyment and enthusiasm. ms 

Courtesy: www.signoradelvento.com & Super Yacht Industry 

Conca Delachi 

Conca e Delachi art srl is an Italian media office 

specialized in Media Relations, Special Events & 

Projects as well as in Relationship Marketing and in 

Media Strategy (Media Planning & Media Buying). 

In 2000 the two founders Paolo Conca and Frederica 

Delachi decided to unite their separate agencies and 

started a new joint venture in 2001 that immediately 

witnessed a significant growth due to new important 

acquisition such as BMW Group Italia. 

The company’s activities and services with regard 

to Media Relation include a costumers list of wellknown 

names such as: 

--Kalleis – Beauty 

--Philip – Watches 

--Gruppo Redico – Real Estate 

--Signora del Vento – Nautica Yachting 

--Le Fablier – Amedamento Mobili / Décor Interior 

Design 

--Sacea – Arredamento/Contract 

--Grosvenor – Real Estate 

--Eversheds Piergrossi Bianchini – Studio Legale/ 

Law Firm 

--Studio Magri – Studio Legale/ Law Firm 

--Ordine degli Avvocati di Milano 

--Centax – Boober Italia 

--TFP – Studio Legala/Law Firm 

Activities and services with with regard to Media 

planning: 

--Ordine degli Avvocati di Milano 

Activities and services with regard to Special Events: 

--Swarovski Italia 

--Cittat di Venezia 

--Signora del Vento 

Cutrico Marine is one of the leading providers of marine 

equipment and maintenance services in the Mediterranean, and 

supply some of the leading brands in the industry. 

All installations and services are undertaken by fully qualified 

factory trained technicians, with 24/7 service available to clients to 

ensure the highest level of service. 

Our Services: 

• Marine Air-Conditioning 

• Marine Refrigiration & Cold Rooms 

• Marine Water Makers 

• Marine Sewage Treatment Plants 

• Ventillation 

• Engine Room Ventillation 

• Ballast Water Treatment 

• Sanitation Systems 

Issue 4 >> 34 Interior 

www.mbrpublications.net >> 35 

On board we offer excellent

New Marina New Marina > 36 

Photos by Michael Camilleri 

launches new 

yacht marina in 

Sa Maison with 

an investment 

of €7.5 million 

Paulo Vitelli Chairman of Azimut Benetti Group said that ever since he had 

his first yacht, he had dreamed of opening a business related to this industry in 

Malta. “Malta is the place to have a boat to enjoy a long season and to have the 

best destination.” 

He thanked the Maltese government for being extremely intelligent in creating 

the Maltese flag, as it is a tool vital for the industry till this day. Mr Vitelli said 

that the government was determined to work on the project and open for 

business and investment. 

The Prime Minister reiterated the news that Malta is now officially the country 

with the lowest unemployment rate in Europe. “This is why Malta is a great place 

to invest, and a great place to live.” 

Minister for Transport Joe Mizzi expressed his satisfaction at the launch of this 

project. He said that yachting is one of the most popular past times of the island. 

Minister Mizzi said that the Maltese ship registry saw 14% increase in the last 

years. “Yachting sector is a sector with a huge potential. With this project, Malta 

can now provide berthing for up to 2,200 yachts.” He said this will address the 

acute problem related to the shortage of berths. Some 13,000 small boats are 

currently registered with Transport Malta. ms 

New standards expected in €7.5m yacht marina at Sa’ Maison 

The project, which Dr Muscat praised for its high standards, is being handled 

by a consortium of Italian and local entrepreneurs. Works start in September. 

The Marina Di Valletta Consortium was first selected by Transport Malta to 

develop and run the marine last summer, having beaten four other bidders to 

secure the project. 

In a speech Dr Muscat underlined the importance of the sea for Malta’s economy. 

“What we are launching today is clear demonstration of our vision to create 

new sectors in our maritime industry and our economy. This upmarket marina 

concept is what we need to up our game in the yachting sector. 

“By raising our standards we want to attract the best people in the sector. The 

partnership between Azimut Benetti, Esprit Yachting and local entrepreneurs is 

surely a step towards higher standards in the yachting industry.” 

He said the government is committed to work with the private industry 

to provide better standards and does not shy away from partnering with the 

business sector, taking a very professional pro-business approach. 

“Having seen the plans for this marina I have to say that I am impressed with 

the standards the consortium is considering. A total €7.5m investment for high 

end berthing facilities. The regeneration of Sa Maison area and a marina that shall 

satisfy the latest environmental norms related to fixed point facilities for black 

water extraction – which means that this marina will be ahead of the times before 

such environmental standards become mandatory. It is also of great satisfaction 

that this project is expected to be concluded in time for the coming season 2017. 

“It is the sort of investment that would attract new people to Malta. I am sure 

that once berthed in Malta for the first time, get the right treatment whilst in the 

marina and start discovering the island, they will come back,” Dr Muscat said. 

‘THE COUNTRY NEEDS TO UP ITS GAME’ 

“It is in this scenario that I must admit our country needs to up the game,” Dr 

Muscat said. 

“If they berth on high-end facilities, they must find a high-end country. Their 

first impression of the island starts at the marina, but really and truly those who 

want to explore the island need to find the right environment for them to come 

back. 

“Our job is to continue upgrading the country, keep it clean and provide the 

right environment. Our history, culture, climate and the Mediterranean love of 

life will surely hit home with your clients. There is that little more to be done 

to upgrade our streets and amenities to continue to reflect the greatness of our 

small island.” 

Works on €7.5 million Sa Maison marina to start in September 

“Marina di Valletta shall be the first local marina to satisfy the latest 

environmental norms related to fixed point facilities for black water extraction 

in anticipation of such facilities becoming mandatory in the coming years” 

Marina di Valletta general manager Niki Travers Tauss said. 

“Furthermore the Marina shall regenerate a derelict area into a top-end 

international yachting destination to complement the bustling city of Valletta 

and it’s majestic fortifications which overlook the marina in all their splendor”. 

Artist's impression. 

Timeline 

• Consortium awarded 25-year concession for the construction of a new 

marina catering for up to 274 berths 

• Marina Di Valletta Consortium was selected by Transport Malta for the 

development, operation and management of an all-weather marina at Sa 

Maison. 

• Transport Malta CEO James Piscopo and Azimut|Benetti Group founder 

Paolo Vitelli have signed a 25-year concession agreement which will allow 

the Marina di Valletta consortium to develop, operate and manage a 

€7.45 million yacht marina at Sa Maison. 

• The consortium is made up of local and Italian firms, with the lead 

investor being the Italian marina operator Marina di Varazze srl, which 

already operates marinas in Varazze, Viareggio, Livorno and Moscow. 

The consortium includes Azimut|Benetti’s representatives in Malta, 

Esprit Yachting, together with Arrigo Group of Hotels, Joinwell and 

Tal-Maghtab Construction. With 138 offices, Azimut|Benetti Group is 

present in over 68 countries. 

• Present for the signing were Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Transport 

Minister Joe Mizzi, both praised by Vitelli for the “quick, practical and 

efficient way the government conducts business with the private sector”. 

• Works on the weather protection infrastructure will start next month, 

with the construction of an outer breakwater. It will be built by ORSTA, 

a Dutch company specialised in on-location construction of concrete 

cason wave attenuators. 

• The second and larger intervention shall take form in a 200+ linear metre 

rubble mound breakwater to be located along the Pieta quay. This would 

absorb long period waves present within the site in inclement weather. 

• The marina will be equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, which 

will include controlled access parking dedicated to owners, round the 

clock berthing assistance, 24hr security and a marina office offering 

conveniences and concierge services. The marina will boast a luxury 

environment with high-end finishes installed throughout the concession 

area. 

• Pontoons shall be wider than the average width of local marinas offering 

better stability and comfort for marina patrons and will cater for up to 

274 Berths from 10metre to 28metre upon completion on the various 

project phases. 

• Dedicated and shared berths shall available for transit yachts up to 24m 

and during the season the outer arm of the 120m breakwater shall be 

certified to welcome Superyachts up to 50metres in length or 500GT 

in transit. 

• Transit yacht owners shall, for the first time, have direct access to Valletta 

and City Gate within walking distance and the company is looking at the 

possibility of establishing a direct transport link to the capital for marina 

patrons. 

• The marina is expected to be fully operational in time for the 2017 

yachting season. ms 

Sources: TMIS/Times/DOI 


Special Feature: WWII Narrative Special Feature: WWII Narrative > 38 www.mbrpublications.net >> 39

Marine Safety Sailing Cruiser Focus > 40 www.mbrpublications.net >> 41

Sailing Author Series Rolex Middle Sea Race

Calendar 

calendar of yacht 

races and regattas 

4th Quarter 2016 

ClassOne Powerboats > 44 www.mbrpublications.net >> 45

Maritime 

Survival Course > 46 


Optimist World Champions 

Victoria 

Schultheis 

2016 Optimist 

World 

Champion 

By Wilfred Sultana 

“The United States of America are the new Team 

Racing World Champions. 

Switzerland’s Max Wallenberg, in the boys, and 

Malta’s Victoria Schultheis, in the girls, are the new 

Optimist World Champions.” 

This was the final outcome of the 2016 Optimist 

World Championships (June 25-4 July) held at 

the Clube Internacional da Marina de Vilamoura, 

in Vilamoura, Portugal. A great event indeed 

contested by 255 sailors (209 boys/46 girls) from 

58 countries. 

Yes, it is so important to compete in such 

paramount international championships, and 

Malta had three sailors in Portugal - Lucas Le 

Gault (15 years), Jake Satariano (13) and Victoria 

Schultheis (15), all members of the Malta Young 

Sailors Club - yet it is so prestigious to savor success 

at such level. 

In the first two days of the Worlds competitors 

raced 6 races as a result of which they were divided 

into 4 fleets - Gold - Silver - Bronze and Emerald 

in the final series. 

Both Jake Satariano and Lucas Le Gault classified 

to the Bronze division where Satariano placed 

3rd and Le Gault featured in 53rd place. The 

Worlds in Portugal were the second for Jake after 

he competed in the Worlds in Argentina while 

for Lucas he participated at the 2015 European 

Championship in Pwllheli Wales. 

Victoria Schultheis had a bad start but managed to 

work her way up to the top of the Gold Fleet and 

eventually win the female World Championship 

on her first World’s experience. 

The participation of the Malta team at the 2016 

Optimist World Championships was sponsored by 

Crosscraft and Mapfre Middlesea Insurance. 

The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing 

dinghy recognised as the boat in which the young 

people of the works learn to sail. In fact it is 

intended for use by children up to the age of 15. 

A few days after the Worlds, Club Velico Crotone, 

Italy hosted the 2016 Optimist European 

Championship (15-22 July), contested by 256 

(159 boys/97 girls) sailors from 37 competing 

nations. Here again Malta was present with six 

youngsters, five boys, namely Craig Farrugia Vella 

(15), Matthew Micallef (14), Saul Vassallo (12), 

Richard Schultheis (11) and Patrice Pace (12), 

and one girl, Antonia Schultheis (13), again all 

members of the Malta Young Sailors Club. 

The 8-day Europeans were characterised by 

unexpected high winds of 15 to 30 knots and 

with high waves which resulted in almost daily 

postponements. Richard Schultheis, the youngest 

Photo: 15-year-old Victoria Schultheis winner of the girls Gold division and the 2016 

Optimist World Championship. 

and lightest sailor in the boy’s fleet, had a good 

qualifying series entering the finals in a leading 

position. For Saul Vassallo and Patrice Pace this 

was the first European Championships while Saul 

Vassallo qualified for the Gold fleet 

Antonia Schultheis improved her position almost 

every day and on the last day she placed 1st in two 

races. 

In the Gold fleet Richard Schultheis finished 2nd, 

Craig Farrugia Vella 7th, Matthew Micallef 35th 

and Saul Vassallo 48th. Patrice Pace placed 19th in 

the Bronze fleet. Antonia Schultheis finished 2nd 

in the girls’ Gold fleet. 

Surely these results show the validity of the Malta 

Young Sailors Club in the enhancement of local 

young sailors. But how does such representations 

uplift Malta’s image in the world of sailing and does 

Malta’s Optimist international event - Euromed - 

benefit from such results? 

“Yes I am sure it will …last year we had 200 sailors 

plus and I am sure that this year we will either 

match it or surpass it. In 2016 Malta was the most 

successful country with 3 medals in the top events 

organised by International Optimist Dinghy 

Association”, observed Anna Rossi, Secretary of the 

Malta Young Sailors Club. 

Following this year’s Optimist Class Worlds and 

Europeans Andrea Schultheis is definitely proud. 

For, Andrea is the mother of Victoria, Richard and 

Antonia, three young sailors with great potential. 

How did this passion for sailing begin and what are 

the special ingredients for such success? 

“Our kids got their first sailing experience when 

they were just a few months old by joining us on 

sailing boats. Later they couldn’t await the moment 

to learn how to sail themselves. We moved to 

Malta in the summer of 2011. Shortly after, say in 

the beginning of 2012 they started sailing lessons 

at the Malta Young Sailors Club. 

Regarding the special ingredients for success, it is 

dedication, hard and intense training on the water 

and on shore. The kids followed a two year program 

at the Malta Young Sailors Club supported by 

the Club’s coach Jean Paul Fleri Soler and the 

international coach Maurizio Bencic. A lot of 

traveling to top regattas provided the international 

experience, which is crucial for increasing the level 

of sailing”, remarked mamma Schultheis. 

Jean Paul Fleri Soler, the Malta Young Sailors 

Club coach, believe that ”It has certainly been a 

great year so far for the Malta Young Sailors Club 

athletes competing in various competitions abroad. 

We have been building up for this moment for 

these last 2 years and thanks to the support of the 

Club together with the efforts of the young sailors 

themselves and their parents these sailors have 

made Malta and the Club proud.” ms 

The Malta Team at the 2016 Optimist European Championships - (l. To r) Craig 

Farrugia Vella, Patrice Pace, Matthew Micallef, Richard Schultheis, Antonia 

World Sailing and Rolex are inviting 

nominations for the Rolex World Sailor of the 

Year Awards 2016. 

The Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards is 

the most prestigious award of recognition in the 

dynamic sport of sailing. Since the awards inception 

in 1994, the trophy has proudly accumulated the 

names of those who have demonstrated unparalleled 

endurance, performance and accomplishment in 

sailing. 

Beginning with Sir Peter Blake and Sir Robin Knox 

Johnston, the inaugural winners, the trophy reads 

like the definitive who's who in sailing. 

Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists from New 

Zealand, Peter Burling and Blair Tuke won the 2015 

male Rolex World Sailor of the Year title for their 

dominance in the 49er and the golden girl of British 

sailing, Sarah Ayton, was awarded the female title. 

Sailor nominations can be made by any one with the 

only criterion being an "outstanding achievement in 

the sport of sailing between 1 September 2015 and 

18 September 2016." 

World Sailing must receive nominations no later 

than 19:00 UTC on 18 September 2016. Visit 

our website for the Official Nomination Form - 

http://www.sailing.org/40642.php 

Rolex World Sailor of the Year

Luxury Motor Yacht 

Fairline appoints new dealer for 

Benelux and West Germany 

British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Fairline Yachts, announces the 

appointment of a new dealer covering the Benelux and West Germany area 

– Jonkers Yachts, which will trade as Fairline Benelux & West Germany. 

Jonkers Yachts is a full service yacht broker who will sell both new and 

used Fairline boats, alongside complementary boats by Linssen Yachts, 

Maxi Yachts and Jeanneau Motorboats. Jonkers Yachts, which is based in 

Scharendijke, Zeeland in the Netherlands, offers a comprehensive range of 

yacht services, including maintenance, financing, insurance, mooring and 

transportation. 

Alexander Jonkers, Managing Director of Jonkers Yachts, says, “I am very 

pleased Jonkers Yachts is announced as the new dealer for Fairline Yachts 

in the Benelux and West Germany area. Fairline produces beautiful boats, 

which are very well known and well thought of in this market. The brand’s 

long heritage of creating high quality yachts coupled with its exciting 

direction for the future, through collaborating with Dutch engineers 

Vripack and renowned superyacht designer Alberto Mancini, means I am 

highly confident this new partnership will be a great success and Jonkers 

Yachts looks forward to welcoming both new and old Fairline customers.” 

Managing Director of Fairline Yachts, Russell Currie, adds, “The 

appointment of Jonkers Yachts as our dealer for the Benelux and West 

Germany regions is a clear demonstration of our continued focus on 

strengthening our global dealer network. Alexander and his team have an 

unrivalled knowledge of the market, and are the perfect partner to deliver the 

world-class experience a Fairline customer expects.” 

To celebrate Jonkers Yachts becoming part of the Fairline family, there is the 

chance to win €10,000 towards the next service of your existing Fairline at 

Jonkers Yachts, simply register your details at www.fairlinecenter.com. You 

must register on or before the 23rd of December 2016 and the winner will be 

announced on Christmas Eve. ms 

For more information about Fairline and Jonkers Yachts, please visit: www.fairline. 

com or www.fairlinecenter.com 

Yachthub Group will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival 

The following boats will be launched at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Pre-book an appointment 

for a guided viewing. 

Invictus GT 370 

Cranchi Evolution 52 F 

Cranchi Evolution 52 S Sunseeker Manhattan 52 

*Entry passes will be provided at the door for all appointments made. 

Fairline Targa 62 GTO 

Write to kenny.appleyard@yachthubgroup.com to book an appointment. All appointments 

made will entitle you to an entry pass* 

Creditline: Yachthub Group, Malta 

Issue 4 >> 50

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