Article by ONBOARD Magazine
THE UK’S MARINAS AND SHIPYARDS ARE GROWING IN POPULARITY. COMPANIES ARE INVESTING IN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ARE OFFERING WORLD CLASS FACILITIES AND WORKMANSHIP
As stunning feats of engineering, superyachts will always need to head ashore at some stage whether that is for a refit, scheduled maintenance or Class work. By the end of this month, the refit season will be warming up nicely, the bosses will be complaining about the price of everything and the crew will be looking forward to a well earned rest, some time ashore and then the business of refit will start.
With the growth of the refit sector in the UK, owners, captains, crew and management companies will benefit not only from state of the art facilities but also from the huge pool of trusted, capable and professional employees within the British marine industry. Great Britain offers extraordinary capabilities in the superyacht sector, from the creation and refit of some of the world’s leading luxury yachts and innovative development and support of high quality equipment, through to key services that owners and captains can trust.
Great Britain’s impressive superyacht capability is advocated by Superyacht UK, which in itself, draws upon the resources of the British Marine trade organisation, of which it is a part. Just look at the numbers. In 2018, superyacht industry annual turnover in Great Britain topped 700 million euros during its sixth year of consecutive growth, a dramatic increase of close on 9% on figures for 2017. The findings show this growth to be heavily driven by the manufacturing and refit sector, which enjoyed a 15.2% rise in revenue.
Chaired by Jeff Houlgrave of Marina Projects Ltd., the Superyacht UK committee ensures that the services delivered are relevant and meet the aim of the association which is to achieve greater co-ordination and professional support for the UK Superyacht sector and grow its global market share. Jeff says, “Superyacht UK is a unique membership only association. Our mission is to represent the interests of the UK Superyacht industry both at home and internationally. Our members cover the diversity of the UK industry from leading naval architects to award-winning manufacturers of yachts and equipment and the full span of supporting services. All our members draw on Great Britain’s rich heritage as seafaring pioneers and spearhead truly world-class products and services. As part of British Marine, Superyacht UK champions UK innovation, excellence and heritage. We symbolise a badge of excellence within the international maritime community.”
TRAFALGAR SHIPYARD
PORTSMOUTH
The Shipyard is based on the former Vosper Thorneycroft site at Trafalgar Wharf and Royal Navy vessels have been maintained here for many years. The team are proud to be continuing a long heritage of ship work and marine employment within Portsmouth Harbour. With the Royal Naval Dockyard based in Portsmouth Harbour too, there is a fully secured and monitored approach, which continues beyond the dockyard to the shipyard channel. Lift your yacht using the fully refurbished Syncrolift, or ‘Shiplift’ built by Pearlson Engineering Company Inc. now
Pearlson Shiplift in 1979. Certified to lift 877 tonnes, it easily lifts yachts up to 60m LOA x 13,5m Beam and 4.5m draught. The Mechanical Lift-Dock will hoist out most large yachts ready for repairs, repainting and maintenance. The management have set up Trafalgar Shipyard to offer modern, customer focused yard services. They supply the lifting service and infrastructure, which includes project offices, equipment storage and welfare facilities. All available to hire as required for the duration of your project. You can appoint your own Refit Manager, contractors and run your own refit project from the shipyard. You have complete control who you commission to work on your vessel which means you can get your job done at the most competitive rate, using your preferred suppliers. The yard are also able to recommend a trusted pool of local contractors should you wish to draw on their experience.
For more details Tel: +44 (0) 23 9238 7833
or visit www.thetrafalgargroup.co.uk/trafalgar-shipyard/
PENDENNIS SHIPYARD
FALMOUTH
Pendennis’ full-service facility is capable of building yachts of up to 100m, as well as undertaking substantial restoration and remodelling projects, or routine class/flag refit works. To date the company has built over 30 bespoke projects and conducted refit works on a further 250+ vessels. The Falmouth base is supported by a refit workshop in Palma, and a yacht support centre in Auckland, offering clients a global support network during the life of their superyacht. The company boasts 440 highly skilled tradespeople and support staff, and celebrated its
30th anniversary last year. In-house experts, from CAD teams to exterior outfitters, joiners, electricians, engineers, fabricators and specialist painters, ensure maximum control and accountability at every stage of the project. The quality of work stands the test of time, with many yachts returning year after year for servicing. Pendennis invested over £22 million in rebuilding and expanding the shipyard four years ago with this redevelopment giving the yard an extra three purpose-built construction halls and a 7,564m² enclosed non-tidal wet basin, to provide direct deep water seaward access for haul-out, and facilitating short refit works for yachts of up to 100m. An additional flexible 150m undercover dry dock provides project space for larger refit projects, with the complete facility supported by purpose-built workshops and offices. In 2018 Pendennis secured a majority share hold in the Spanish Vilanova Grand Marina, a 48 berth facility with adjacent land available for further development. Work is currently underway to develop that land into a superyacht technical service centre that will trade as Pendennis Vilanova.
For more details Tel: +44 (0)1326 211344
or visit www.pendennis.com
POOLE HARBOUR
POOLE
Situated in Europe’s largest natural harbour, Poole Quay Boat Haven and at the Port of Poole Marina provides the perfect base from which to discover the beautiful harbour and the surrounding region. The facility is managed under the Poole Harbour Commissioners trust, which means it is an independent statutory body, governed by legislation, the latest of which is the Poole Harbour Revision Order 2015. Poole Harbour Commissioners ensure that all the varied interests operate in harmony, both for the common good and for the long-term
sustainability of the whole harbour and its stakeholders. The Harbour Authority is empowered to consent or undertake operations in relation to land or waters within or adjacent to a European Marine Site, and is a relevant authority under the Habitats Regulations. As such the Commissioners have functions in relation to the Poole Harbour European Marine Site. With 125 visitor berths and easy access to Poole Quay, the historic Old Town, the Blue Flag beaches of Sandbanks and the iconic Jurassic Coastline, you won’t be disappointed! The marina is one of just a handful of marinas in the world to receive The Yacht Harbour Association’s prestigious Five Gold Anchors, meaning you are guaranteed a warm welcome and all the facilities you need to make your stay an enjoyable one. Against strong competition for continental traffic between the south coast ports, Poole Harbour Commissioners maintain Poole as a prosperous, medium-sized port in tune with its environment.
For more details Tel: +44 (0)1202 440200 or visit www.phc.co.uk
SUTTON HARBOUR MARINA
PLYMOUTH
Sutton Harbour Marina occupies a unique position right in the heart of the historic waterfront quarter of Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. A 5 Gold Anchor marina, it provides exceptional shelter, superb facilities and a dedicated team delivering first-class service. Safely tucked behind a set of double lock gates, the marina provides secure berthing and guaranteed depth of water at all stages of the tide, with access available 24 hours a day. Sutton Harbour Marina offers 420 berths for motor and sailing vessels up to 40 metres, and in addition to 24-hour secure access
and CCTV. The marina has an unparalleled location alongside Plymouth’s historic Barbican, which bursts into life and offers a diverse array of options for eating out, shopping and entertainment so you can enjoy everything without needing to leave the harbour. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to Plymouth Hoe with its breathtaking views of the Sound, and a short stroll from the bustling city centre. Plymouth offers so much to see and do, whether on a short stop over, a slightly longer stay or berthing your boat here permanently. Historically Sutton Harbour boasts a fascinating naval history and in the past, the city has been the base for the fleet which gathered to defeat the Spanish Armada as well as the site where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World from the Mayflower Steps in 1620. On 22nd August 1966, Sir Francis Chichester sailed out of Sutton Harbour on his boat Gipsy Moth IV to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe, returning to Plymouth in May 1967. Gipsy Moth IV often visits The Marina at Sutton Harbour still today.
For more details Tel: +44 (0)1752 204702
or visit www.suttonharbourmarina.com
SMS GROUP
SOUTHAMPTON
The SMS Group offers superyacht support throughout the UK and Europe from its head office in Southampton. With a classic yacht pedigree, born out of the restorations of MY Shemara and MY Alicia, the company is somewhat unique offering many high-quality trades in-house, as well as a superyacht centric supply proposition via its sister Co. Global Services. The company can support yachts and superyacht works principally from its yards in Lowestoft and Southampton offering the full suite of services; to include mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineering,
structural repairs and renewals both above and below the waterline, painting, blasting and coatings and technical management of both alongside and shore side refits. The company’s infrastructure includes ship-lifts, dry docks and varying layby berths nationally and the ability to mobilise a very effective multi-trade workforce, internationally, with limited notice. The senior leadership is made up of marine professionals, engineers, former seafarers and other professionals from varying industrial backgrounds that collectively provide the support, guidance and direction which allows their team of employees to flourish and customers to thrive. The shipyard is known for transparency and honesty working directly with the Owner. This they say ensures the very best value for money and complete control of the project. Owners are therefore ‘masters of their own destiny’ which is so very important to all those involved.
For more details Tel: +44 (0)845 013 0481
or visit www.sms-marine.co.uk
OCEAN VILLAGE MARINA
SOUTHAMPTON
Waterside access into Southampton became even more stunning in 2018 with the comprehensive redesign of MDL Marinas’ Ocean Village. MDL Marinas is well known for the high level of customer service provided 24/7, and Ocean Village Marina is no exception. Notable innovations include a floating dock office, which offers a full concierge service to welcome guests from around the world. Once berthed, guests can make the most of the linked pontoons which take them straight into the heart of the only five-star hotel in Southampton for spa treatments, restaurants, hydrotherapy
pools, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas, or to use the gym. There are many wonderful shops, bars and restaurants nestled alongside the marina, and an on-site cinema featuring new and classic releases. At the edge of Southampton Water, with easy access to the Solent, Ocean Village’s basin was previously used by commercial ships. This means that it is the only marina in the area able to accommodate superyachts up to 90 metres alongside the yachts, cruisers and racers owned by MDL members who make use of the ever-expanding marina network (150 marinas across England, France, Spain and Portugal). Ocean Village Marina’s redesign has proved extremely popular, and with interconnecting pontoons, means visitors can enjoy the best of Solent watersports, and then recover in a five-star environment. In the surrounding areas of the marina, there is easy access to superb and varied cruising. To the west is the picturesque Beaulieu River and the surrounding New Forest. Portsmouth Harbour is only a few miles to the east and is home to a large fleet of modern and historic warships.
For more details +44 (0)23 8022 9385
or visit www.oceanvillagemarina.co.uk
OCEAN JAMES WATT DOCK MARINA
GLASGOW
he coast of Scotland offers some of the most pristine and stunning cruising grounds in the whole of northern Europe, where mountainsides stoop to touch the clear waters of the Gulf Stream and pale sandy beaches can be explored from the tranquillity of a sea loch anchorage. On shore, one can play a round of golf in the games home land, explore some of the oldest and fascinating cities in the UK and end the day with a tumbler of the finest single malt whisky. No wonder then that Scotland has become a destination for Superyachts in recent
years with James Watt Dock Marina the number one choice for berthing. With deep water berthing and close proximity to Glasgow Airport, the marina is ideally positioned to be a base for exploring the local cruising grounds or more adventurous passages to the islands of the west coast. James Watt Dock Marina offers around 170 berths alongside or on finger pontoons for craft ranging in size from 7m to 100+m within a historic dock setting. Graeme Galbraith, marina manager comments “At James Watt Dock Marina we provide a wide range of services to visiting vessels large and small. We are proud to work together with local businesses and agents, providing a dedicated single point contact service for everything from provisioning and fuel to vehicle rental and accommodation. The deep water pontoon berth for vessels up to 200m, the only one available in Scotland, is a particular attraction to larger visiting vessels and we a testimony to this we are proud to have hosted both M/Y Amaryllis and M/Y Odyssey in the past.”
For more details Tel: +44 (0)1475 729838
or visit www.jameswattdockmarina.co.uk
