United States

Clear Group International

Clear Group International has announced the formal launch of Ports of CauseTM (POC), an innovative philanthropic superyachting enterprise, founded by Joyce Clear of Clear Group International and managed by a Board of Directors. Based as a platform for philanthropy and showcasing superyacht design and the good will of the luxury brand community, POC propels a newly refurbished yacht into the global marketplace as an ambassador of the superyacht community while supporting charities through events and global initiatives. The program is a catalyst for world-class yacht refits that are, to a degree, funded through corporate sponsorships and state-of-the-art product donations. As a result, the yachts operate as global, mobile showcases for excellence in design, innovation, technology and luxury brands. Once a participating POC yacht has completed a refit, the vessel travels to key locations to host Red-Carpet-VIP events to raise funds for charitable initiatives. Currently, the charities benefiting from Ports of CauseTM 2013 are organizations that operate global ocean conservation and clean water programs, including Ecomundi Ventures, Models for Water, International SeaKeepers Society, Plant-a-Fish and others to be announced. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141692/image/large-2ef7add3aedca5574aeb8864b4faf461.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141692">The first, and flagship, vessel selected to participate in the program is the renowned classic 116’ motor yacht The Highlander owned by Victor Muller, President of Skyper Cars. The Highlander was launched in 1967 by De Vries, the third Feadship built for the famous entrepreneur, Malcolm Forbes, who used the yacht for business and pleasure, entertaining kings and queens, prime ministers, presidents, business moguls, movie stars, celebrities and visionaries around the world. Victor Muller, Chief Executive Officer of Spyker NV, a Dutch super car manufacturer, has devoted several years and extensive resources to restoring THE HIGHLANDER to her original glory, and is collaborating with Ports of CauseTM in completing a multi-year, keel-up refit and restoration of the iconic vessel. Muller says, “I am delighted to join Joyce and her dedicated team of professionals to support this wonderful program and honored that my yacht will serve as its flagship. Captain Zach Paap and I look forward to welcoming hundreds of like-minded guests aboard to lend their support to Ports of Cause while they attend one of the many exclusive events planned that will raise the level of awareness of ocean advocacy.” Ports of CauseTM will be participating in major global boat shows and its own fundraising events in 2013, starting with the Miami International Boat Show in February, 2013.Clear Group International Joyce Clear +1 203 293 4087 <a href="mailto:jclear@cleargroupintl.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">jclear@cleargroupintl.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cleargroupintl.com/">www.cleargroupintl.com</a>

Owner Feadship The Highlander comments on Ports of Cause

Clear Yacht Interiors and Ocean Marine Yacht Center announce the formation of a strategic alliance to position Ocean Marine’s Portsmouth shipyard as one of the only U.S. facilities to offer complete yard and interior design/build services. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141403/image/large-464ea5a8a54786f7b6c68e473be4bd28.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141403">“Our goal is to offer owners and captains the expertise and convenience of comprehensive services. With Clear Yacht Interiors as part of our team, we are able to create seamless refits, ensuring a streamlined process for our clients by executing everything from technical requirements, paint and repair services to interior design and custom build-outs,” says Jim Bento, President and CEO of Ocean Marine. Joyce Clear, owner of Clear Yacht Interiors, remarks, “This is an exciting time for us. Our philosophy has always been to offer clients a full service experience. This is why we are positioned as one of the only international interior design firms with full joinery and custom woodworking capabilities in addition to our full-service offerings including everything from interior design and fabrication to installation of nearly every interior design element. Our new relationship with Ocean Marine takes this a step further by offering clients a remarkable integrated yacht refit experience.” Ocean Marine’s megayacht repair facility boasts a 1,250-ton Syncrolift capable of hauling yachts to 235' via a ground level rail transfer system to an impressive paint/repair building capable of housing two megayachts simultaneously. Both bays of the indoor paint repair facility offer a cascading water wall washdown system, smooth paneled walls, overhead and recessed surround lighting, pressurized ventilation system, and heated floors for year- round operation. Ocean Marine is committed to environmental stewardship, resulting in international recognition. Ocean Marine protects the environment through containment and responsible disposal. The green focus is an important connection with Clear Yacht Interior’s interests, as their head designer is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED AP (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional). Together, Ocean Marine and Clear Yacht Interiors are focused on making a difference in this area. Clear Yacht Interiors is redesigning one of the many buildings on the 19 acre shipyard to cater to captains and crew with a lounge, computer stations, media center and conference room. They will be showcasing their design capabilities including custom furniture, cabinetry, carpeting, decorative wall finishes, upholstery, soft goods and their upcoming LED lighting line. “We have a dedicated space that reflects the talents of our integrated design and joinery team, as well as a place to demonstrate state-of-the-art technology including audio/visual, lighting and galley equipment as well as new product lines we have designed and launched,” says Clear. In addition to incorporating a comprehensive interior design studio, Clear Yacht Interiors will have a new state-of-the-art custom joinery shop, expanding upon the capabilities of the joinery shop Ocean Marine currently has on site. “We look forward to giving owners, captains and crew the opportunity to experience space in a new way. It spurs idea generation, custom design approach, and includes everything required for interior design planning as well as computer and hand-rendering capabilities,” adds Clear. Clear Group International’s Connecticut-based design and joinery shop will continue to meet the needs of the firm’s Northeast and Newport area clients. Together, Bento’s and Clear’s progressive thinking creates a new kind of business model in the yachting industry. Their business goals include comprehensive and integrated services as well as solutions to some of the greatest challenges the yachting industry faces. These include expanding the yacht owner demographic, increasing job creation, showcasing American technology and design, and improving upon how the yacht industry and yacht owners are perceived. “By creating synergy between Ocean Marine Yacht Center and Clear Yacht Interiors, we do more than think outside-of-the-box. We’re committed to addressing yachting industry challenges head on while embracing innovation. We are positioned to create something truly spectacular together. Our alliance reflects a right and left brain approach and offers solutions around our industry’s needs on so many different levels,” concludes Clear.Ocean Marine Jim Bento +1 757 399 2920 <a href="mailto:pres@oceanmarinellc.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">pres@oceanmarinellc.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oceanmarinellc.com">www.oceanmarinellc.com</a> Clear Yacht Interiors Joyce Clear +1 203 293 4087 <a href="mailto:jclear@cleargroupintl.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">jclear@cleargroupintl.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cleargroupintl.com">www.cleargroupintl.com</a>