Month: September 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFmVRsQho4Y

The inaugural “Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean” will be held on the exclusive Terraces of the Opera of Monte-Carlo on Thursday, September 28, during the Monaco Yacht Show. Proceeds will support the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s initiatives in favour of a sustainable global ocean.

Presided over by HSH Prince Albert and hosted by Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby, the inaugural Global Ocean Gala will honour Leonardo DiCaprio for his outstanding actions for the preservation of our planet.

During the evening, Simon de Pury will conduct a live auction, which will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, collectibles and memorabilia, and a selection of fine art from some of the world’s most important artists.

Uma Thurman, Goldie Hawn, Andy Garcia, Kevin Spacey, Eva Longoria, Madonna, Joe Pesci, Martin Scorsese, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tobey Maguire, Enric Sala and Terry Tamminen are among they Event Chairs for the fundraiser, confirming their commitment for the conservation of our ocean.

Representing more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface and 97 percent of the biosphere, the global ocean plays a key role in climate regulation, producing 50 percent of the oxygen we breathe and absorbing 25 percent of the carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere.

Since its inception in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has clearly positioned the global ocean among its top priorities. The Foundation’s activities include efforts to better understand the environmental dangers to which our ocean is exposed, fight against plastic pollution, strengthen and develop marine protected areas, conserve endangered species, and promote innovative solutions for a sustainable ocean.

Contact for more information about ticket and table availability: event@fpa2.org.

Article first published September 17, 2017.

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On Monday, the BeefBar in Fontvieille welcomed newly appointed American Consul General in Marseille, Simon Hankinson, in his first visit to Monaco.

The unique occasion, hosted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Paris, in cooperation with USDA office in Rome and the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF), brought together some 40 restaurateurs in the South of France, Monaco and Northern Italy.

The event was to highlight high-quality organic American beef to the hotel and restaurant industry in the high-value integrated regional market.

Riccardo Giraudi, owner of the BeefBar, is a prime example of high value. Beefbar is part of the Giraudi Group, the European leader in the import of hormone-free US Black Angus for over ten years and the first restaurant to import American organic beef.

“Today we are happy to show you what American beef can offer,” Mr Giraudi, whose group also owns Song Qi, Mozza, Bouchon, La Salière, Moshi Moshi, Grubers and Pantone Café in Monaco, announced as sliders were being sampled by hungry guests, followed by other tasting plates.

Monty Brown of the US Meat Export Federation, took BeefBar’s reputation a step further by commenting: “We are in one of the best restaurants in the world for serving quality American beef.”

Kate Snipes, a USDA Advisor for Agricultural Affairs told Monaco Life, “The US is the largest beef producer in the world and we’re not saying to only import American beef but we have a passion for making quality products to put in front of customers.” Ms Snipes also pointed out that despite common belief about the US cattle industry being industrialised, 97 percent of the beef cattle farms in America are family-run.

Due to EU legislation, only high-quality beef can be imported from the US, which means, according to the US Meat Export Federation, that the beef is “produced from cattle less than 30 months of age” and are part of a non-treated cattle program (NHTC) approved by the EU.

Monaco Life also sat down with Simon Hankinson, US Consul General in Marseille, to talk about his new post in Marseille, which he started in July of this year. “We have a great relationship with the French,” he commented, “and our team works hard at developing people-to-people connections to continue to build on existing Franco-American relations.”

Mr Hankinson grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, although he lived in Paris, as his father was with the Foreign Service, with his family for four years from the age of one. He speaks French, but credits this more to his time in Togo, as Deputy Chief of Mission from 2011-2014. “I find the French very accommodating when you make an effort to speak their language.”

He earned an MA from St Andrews and a law degree from the College of Law, London and in 1999 entered the Foreign Service, which has included posts in Delhi (India), Suva (Fiji), Accra (Ghana) and Bratislava (Slovakia).

From 2014-2015, Mr Hankinson was a Counterterrorism Fellow at National Defense University in Washington, where he earned an MA in International Security Affairs before moving on to Senior Coordinator for Strategic Planning in the Visa Office of the Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington.

“Representing the US is a large part of my job,” he said. “We work with various community programs from Toulouse to Menton, and as France has a lot of cultural ceremonies related to war time, I’m often invited to attend.”

Mr Hankinson pointed that the US Consulate General Marseille offers all the consular services of the American Embassy in Paris. And since the US Consular Agency in Nice closed in September 2015, Marseille is now the closest location for American consular, notorial and administrative services on a day-to-day basis, as well as for US citizens in emergency situations, and many of the services can be found online.

Article first published September 18, 2017.

Q&A with Darrell Hall of Monaco-based YACHTZOO, and all you need to know about berths and charters

ML: Tell us about your background in the industry.

DH: I have worked in yachting for 32 years, having started as a deckhand in 1984 and working my way up to being a captain on board both sailing yachts and motor yachts. My time working on yachts has helped me to better understand how yacht owners like to use their vessels, and it gives me practical and technical knowledge of yacht operations.

ML: You co-founded YACHTZOO nearly a decade ago. What exactly is a luxury yacht brokerage company?
DH: YACHTZOO was set up in 2007 by my three partners and me, all very experienced yacht and charter brokers. We share a philosophy of providing clients with the very best service possible, whether they are chartering or looking to build a completely custom yacht. YACHTZOO has offices in the world’s biggest and most important superyacht hubs, in Monaco and Fort Lauderdale. We now employ 22 staff – including 17 in Monaco – and provide a full range of services, including yacht sales and purchase, new construction, charter retail and management, yacht management, and purchase and sales of yacht berths.

ML: What advantages does having your head office in Monaco give YACHTZOO over global yacht companies with an office in Monaco?

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DH: Monaco has the highest concentration of wealthy people in the world, having once again this year ranked top global city for millionaires-per-head. Yachting is obviously a passion and lifestyle that requires significant means, so Monaco is, therefore, logically the yachting epicentre in Europe, and arguably the world. The high-end Yacht Club de Monaco and protected harbour also make this a great spot in which to base your yacht.

Being based here allows YACHTZOO to easily and discreetly work closely with many of our clients, whether they live here or are visiting for business – not to mention cruising the spectacular waters on their yachts.

From a business perspective for YACHTZOO, the concentration of both yachting clients as well as related companies – brokers, designers and a vast range of service providers – makes it the place to be as a company in yachting.

ML: You mentioned the sale of yacht berths, something a future yacht owner must tally into the financial equation. Do you have to buy a berth or can you rent one?
DH: It is not a requirement for every yacht to have a home berth and in fact the majority of 40m+ yachts tend to rent them. There are three main advantages to buying a berth. In terms of security, with the increasing number of 70m+ yachts being launched and the limited number of superyacht berths available, demand will soon outstrip supply, especially in the sought-after ports and luxury marinas of the Mediterranean. Owning a home berth gives you peace of mind in having a berth readily available.

Then you need to consider longevity. A home berth helps to increase crew longevity. This continuity improves the owner and charterer experience onboard by having a happier, more efficient and more knowledgeable crew.

Finally, savings. Compared to a monthly basis, a long-term lease is cheaper than renting. When the berth is not in use, rental income can offset or even cover the costs on the yacht’s berth rentals in other marinas. This is normally handled by the marina for a fee, ranging from 10% to 25%.

ML: What amenities are included in the purchase of a berth?
DH: You can expect the essentials like shore power, water and grey/black water removal. Internet access, crew facilities, parking, storage and concierge services should be included.

ML: How do regulations and taxes affect where you choose your berth?
DH: The berth in a homeport should be a practical base for the superyacht and its owner. An owner may choose according to proximity to their other homes, to crew and owner facilities in a marina, or whether it is close to areas that charterers/guests would like to cruise.

There are many places that have seen the benefit to local businesses and the overall economy by encouraging yachts to choose a homeport with them.

Some, such as Porto Montenegro and OneOcean Port Vell in Spain, are able to offer fiscal benefits in VAT and tax, others such as Italy’s Marina di Stabia and Marina di Loano are able to provide a convenient location for charter and cruising, without the higher price tags of more crowded marinas in traditional “hotspots”. Wherever is best to be is based on a yacht owner’s particular situation, and this is where the knowledge and experience of a professional yacht brokerage such as YACHTZOO will be able to help.

ML: How does one go about getting a berth on the Riviera?
DH: There is a range of options and although many of the marinas on the French/Monegasque Rivieras are generally full with waiting lists, we are dialled into the network of people buying and selling the berths – as well as the marinas themselves. This is important for clients who would like to be able to access rare opportunities such as buying a berth on the Riviera.

It’s also worth considering other options such as Marina di Loano, which is based just a few hours’ cruising from Monaco. This modern marina has all the facilities that the crew will need to maintain your yacht, as well as a number of enticing advantages for owners such as a superb restaurant and yacht club.

ML: Let’s talk about chartering. How does an owner go about chartering his/her yacht?
DH: The first thing to do is approach a team of professional charter managers that is connected to an excellent network of retail brokers, who will introduce their clients to your yacht. The charter managers should work with you to outline expectations for your own use of the yacht, as well as what you would like to achieve in chartering it out. Once you have worked through this together, you will sign a central listing agreement. They will then market your yacht worldwide, both via in-house charter brokers and through all other professional charter brokerage companies. Our YACHTZOO charter management team is based out of Monaco and Fort Lauderdale, in the two biggest yachting centres in the world, so they are brilliantly placed to market clients’ charter yachts.

ML: What are the pros and cons of chartering your yacht?
DH: The major benefit is that you can offset the operational costs of owning a yacht through the income you receive from the charters. If your yacht charters well, this can also be very attractive to potential buyers if you ever choose to sell and upgrade. It may mean that the yacht is perhaps less available to you at any possible moment, if there is a charter onboard. But with good communication and a great charter management team, you can be sure to have access to your yacht when you want it.

ML: How do you determine the cost of chartering your boat and is this taxable revenue?
DH: This is highly complex and will vary on a case-by-case basis. It is best to discuss your particular situation with a professional and experienced charter management team.

ML: Sounds like you wear a lot of hats at YACHTZOO. What do you love about your job?
DH: I don’t consider it a job, as it is a lifestyle and my passion! We turn dreams into reality.

ML: Best yachting-related app or gadget?
DH: Yatco and Marine Traffic.

Article first published September 23, 2016.

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Q&A with Carey Secrett, Marketing and Development Manager of the Professional Yachting Association (PYA) discussing crew

ML: How did you end up in yachting and, consequently, in this part of the world?
CS: For me it came the other way around – coming to this part of the world first, and THEN ending up in the shore-based side of yachting. Having been made redundant at the peak of the credit crisis from my job as a management consultant in the financial services sector, I made the fairly spontaneous decision to pack up my life and drive to the South of France.

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I didn’t really have a plan, with nowhere to live, not knowing a soul, without much French and no job to come to. I also, slightly naively, thought that because I had arranged a few big corporate events that involved sailing in the UK that I would naturally be able to get a job chartering yachts. The reality was a bit different and I came up against interviewers saying that I didn’t have any Superyachting experience (it’s not just the crew that come up against that hurdle!). However, I gradually began to build up contacts, freelancing in smaller yachting companies, and before long I got offered a permanent role as manager of a company that specialised in the charter of sailing yachts from 24m to 40m. As soon as I had the first “yachting job” under my belt, it then became much easier to move into other areas of the industry. I subsequently worked on the digital marketing side of a company offering tender and day boat charter, then became Marketing and Development Manager of a company offering financial services to Superyacht crew. I made the move to the Professional Yachting Association early in 2015, and so I am now working right at the hub of the yachting industry.

ML: What qualifications would you recommend to somebody wanting to develop a career in yachting?
CS: I have always worked on the  shore-based side of yachting as opposed to being on-board so the qualifications needed are different. Being successful in shore-based jobs is more about having a good business skill-set, good networking abilities and the ability to multi-task.

For crew, anybody starting out needs to have their STCW (Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) and ENG1 (medical certificate). However as competition has increased, my advice would be to invest in some additional qualifications before you start out, and get as much experience as you can on smaller vessels and in hospitality. For deck crew, a Powerboat level II, Yachtmaster, RYA/PYA tender driving course for example can all help your job prospects. For interior crew, undertaking PYA GUEST-accredited interior introduction training will greatly increase your chances of success, as the GUEST Program is recognised in the industry as the global training standard for Interior Superyacht crew. For aspiring engineers, getting your AEC (Approved Engine Course) under your belt can be a great help to setting yourself aside from the competition.

ML: Any tips for people wanting to get a foot in the door?
CS: This is a small industry and therefore your contacts will become key to every step of your career. It can be hard to get your first foot in the door as an “outsider” to the industry, but remember that everyone you meet is potentially a future employer or business partnership. This applies to jobs on-board and jobs onshore. Meet as many people as you can, get involved with yachting Facebook and LinkedIn groups, and follow up with people you meet. You never know when you might need a favour! Both on-shore and on-board, take time to continue to learn new skills to keep on top of your game.

ML: What is the role of PYA and why is an association of this nature essential to the industry?
CS: The PYA is a non-profit association that has been around since 1991, and exists primarily to represent yacht crew. When crew are progressing their careers, whether it be sitting or revalidating tickets, obtaining an NoE or Coc (Notice of Eligibility or Certificate of Competency) or moving to a more senior position on-board, they need to be able to show an accurate and VERIFIED record of their time at sea.

The PYA is authorised by the MCA to verify sea service using the PYA Service Record Book (SRB). Certificates and sea time are carefully checked and approved by us before being entered into the SRB. The PYA Service Record Book facilitates applications with the MCA and removes the need to submit original testimonials. It can also be used to show employers in conjunction with a CV. The PYA also helps its members with applications, revalidations, yacht rating certificates, and gaining certificates of equivalency for qualifications issued from other administrations.

As “the voice of yacht crew”, we reach out to our members for their feedback and attend meetings around the world with administrative and educational bodies to ensure the future of the industry takes into account the interests of the crew. The association has selected over 30 voluntary council members with a wealth of combined knowledge and experience in yachting. The PYA helps its members daily with all kinds of questions, including contracts, legal advice, career planning, regulations, flag states and much more.

Under the PYA ISO system, the PYA carefully monitors training providers to ensure that standards are being maintained and crew are getting value for their training investment. If a non-mandatory course has the PYA-accredited logo, crew can be confident that it has been thoroughly audited and meets the highest standards of professionalism the PYA promotes. The PYA also puts together the GUEST Program, which is a bespoke set of training specifications developed specially for the yachting sector to ensure that the highest standards of service are being promoted in the industry. You can see more about the work of the PYA in our YouTube video.

The PYS runs a programme of Continuing Professional Development events in yachting locations around the world for crew to attend. We also organise various social events throughout the year.

ML: The Yachting Community is transglobal. Who are some of the key media players that thread the community together?
CS: The best magazines for crew, in my opinion, are The Crew Report and Onboard Online as they cover a wide range of pertinent topics that are well researched and well rounded in their writing style. In recent years, there has been a big increase in the use of social media groups to bring the yachting community together to share tips, offer advice, post job listings and debate hot topics. The most relied upon are the network of geolocalised groups administered by Lars Molin, know as  “Antibes Yacht Crew”, “Palma Yacht Crew”, “Antigua Yacht Crew”, etc. These groups and others have provided a great way for the yachting industry to communicate wherever they are in the world and have changed the landscape of crew recruitment.

ML: What are the best part and worst parts of working in the industry?
CS: From a shore-based perspective, we get to enjoy all the fun benefits of the industry (boat shows, parties, travel) without having to live in a cabin!

As for the worst, having worked in a completely different industry which is far more forward-thinking, I often find that yachting is quite backward in terms of its approach to equal opportunities. Attitudes are still quiet outdated with regard to women working in positions traditionally considered as “male” such as Captains and Engineers. Society has come such a long way in addressing this in other sectors, but in an industry where we are expected to put photos on CVs, and where many jobs on-board are awarded on looks over merit, we still have work to do in this area. You can read an article I recently wrote on this topic in the PYA supplement of Yachting Matters number 30, page 124.

ML: Tell us about the events the PYA is holding during this year’s MYS.
CS: The Professional Yachting Association is once again running a comprehensive programme of events at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. These come highly recommended, and you can sign up for all of our workshops and seminars using the links below. All the events are being held outside the show and therefore you do not need show passes to attend but places are limited so don’t miss out. (Full details PYA Agenda).

PYA Headline Sea Changes Forum: Thurs Sept 29 @4 pm
For: Captains, Heads of Department, Yacht Managers, Crew Agents

The Role of a Superyacht Deckhand: Wed Sept 28 @2-2:50 pm
For: Deck crew at the beginning or early stages of their careers

Superyacht toys & Watersports: Managing them safely and dealing with emergencies: Wed Sept 28 @3-6pm
For: Any crew member working with water toys and activities, from entry level through to captain.

Sail through your deck qualifications with the PYA: Wed Sept 28 @4:10-5 pm–
For: Deck crew looking to progress their career to OOW level

PYA Charity Table Setting Competition: Wed Sept 28 @10am-4pm
For: Interior and galley teams on boats in the show or nearby at anchor

Interactive PYA GUEST Training Session for interior crew: Fri Sept 30 @2-3:50pm
For: Interior crew

PYA Interior Sea Changes Seminar: Fri Sept 30 @4:10-5:15pm
For: Interior crew, Charter brokers, Crew Agents, Yacht managers

ML: And finally, best apps for yachting?
CS: The PYA partnered with Yachtneeds at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show, which I think is a great app for crew. The team have put so much work into making a really comprehensive and useable tool. This year we are working with Yachtii, a fairly new recruitment and networking solution, which also promises to be another really useful resource for the industry.

PYA membership special during MYS 2016: 50% off. €100 for the first year instead of the usual €200 (€120 membership and €80 joining fee). Cadet or Interior membership. €20 for the first year instead of €50.

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