Turkey

ICT Yachts

Following the increasing popularity of conversion superyachts, comes the newly announced Project Phoenix, a luxury yacht, which was originally converted from a 57-metre cable laying vessel. The commercial yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Birraha54.75m (179'8&quot;)E.J. Smit & Zoon's Scheepswerven N.V.1969">Phoenix</a> was launched in the Netherlands in 1968 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/987" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="E.J. Smit & Zoon's Scheepswerven N.V. (Company)">EJ Smit &amp; Zoon Shipyard</a> after a 30 year career on the oceans.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195518/image/large-f1c754377532e746fb9f146f6691d6c0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195518">In the 1990’s the vessel was converted into a luxury yacht, known over the years as both Fils de Grace and Sir Arthur J. &nbsp;Gradually the yacht fell into disrepair and was due to undergo another rebuild in the early 2010’s which was not conducted. At that time she was known under the name of <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/54-metre-superyacht-touya-under-refit-in-turkey" target="_blank">Touya</a>, and she has also been called Birraha.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195529/image/large-74f71c411ceb4f5bd4de48ae04c6ed61.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195529">In the subsequent years since the last work was conducted, the yacht has been stripped back down to her bare steel hull. Today the project is being revitalised under the supervision of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/136" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ocean Independence (Company)">Ocean Independence</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4522" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="ICT Yachts (Company)">ICT Shipyard</a> in Turkey overseeing the extensive work needed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195531/image/large-4628d6373d3347dfb5ae56755450becf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195531"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195537/image/large-5bfcc32c703f5639b756d272e3290e07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195537">Frank Laupman of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/55" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Omega Architects (Company)">Omega Architects</a> is now involved in the project, creating the exterior lines and interior design of the superyacht. Her naval architecture is being penned by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/460" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van Oossanen Naval Architects (Company)">Van Oossanen Naval Architects</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195533/image/large-3f50e1334e55e9f8fb9009057cedceb7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195533"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195539/image/large-bdaa933fba5738f8cc42f2df49e6a250.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195539">Once complete, the superyacht is set to deliver a 11,000 nautical mile range, and accommodation for as many as 12 guests between six staterooms, including a private owners deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195528/image/large-0055966fcb13f875231b6139516a2b8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195528">

New designs for conversion superyacht Project Phoenix 

New designs have been released for the rebuild of the conversion superyacht Sir Arthur J, now known as Project Phoenix.

57m conversion superyacht Project Phoenix revitalised 

“Sailing on boats for 27 years, I could never find what I really wanted on a yacht,” comes the reply from Andreika’s owner as I join him on his yacht in Miami. I’m here find out what led him to build this first Alpha Custom yacht that is set to become the leader in a line of semi-custom motor yachts under the same name. With a name that’s derived from combining his brother’s and his own daughters’ names, this should already give you an idea of the apparent family aspect that is highlighted throughout the entire yacht.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27846/image/large-8b750dc63444d6ceb9021e3be36e0021.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27846"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27826/image/large-2c2f1378e42e867386857f08f661b237.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27826">To fully appreciate&nbsp;Andreika and the vessel’s ability’s, one first needs to understand the intended use and approach behind the unique setup on board. One thing is for certain; for a 32-metre motor yacht Andreika has a rare layout which has been developed for a very specific reason. Working with H2 Yacht design, the owner retraced his every step on board yachts over the past three decades to arrive at what exactly is necessary, what is not, and what is missing on board most yachts in this size range that he can improve on.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27843/image/large-d71c049c1d1915d604009c662c51d7d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27843"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27845/image/large-f346089144832f760ae64dce140079cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27845">He found that on a tri-deck vessel of this size a lot of time is spent in the sky lounge on the upper deck as well as the flybridge, leaving the main saloon unused for most of the day. As a result, a two-deck layout was opted for, essentially ‘eliminating’ the conventional main deck.&nbsp;“What you are left with is a highly functional, one-level landing deck that stretches from the versatile outdoor lounge and dining area aft all the way forward past a cosy indoor lounge, on-deck guest suite, galley and wheelhouse.”<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27844/image/large-e43f139e56fbdf8f3352a7934c26cc5f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27844">My tour begins on the aft deck. This area is certainly one of Andreika’s main attraction points that makes her so special as a 32-metre yacht. An incredibly bright and spacious outdoor area designed for al fresco living greets you as you enter the yacht from the swim platform steps. Here a fixed oversized sun lounger, shaded outdoor lounge and enclosed 12-seating dining area together creates a large family area where guests can be entertained or intimate gatherings can be held depending on the occasion.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27830/image/large-2e87022289e29b4bc41e1d64cc30b8ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27830"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27836/image/large-4d9a47d322acc7e79df31fa7bc058381.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27836">The dining area can either be left open as a normal aft deck setup, or be closed on all three sides in cold or windy climates. The teak deckhead reminds you that you are in fact still only enjoying the exterior deck spaces despite all the home comforts you find yourself surrounded with. Bulwarks on this deck have been completely eliminated and replaced with stylish tubular oval-shaped stainless steel railings to give guests an uninterrupted view from the dining area outside but also the saloon as you wander inside.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27828/image/large-f08b04da2bb35dabbcd2b10dd3eeca2f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27828">The 2.5-metre-high deckhead continues almost seamlessly to the interior into what can be seen as a sky lounge at main deck level. Accessible via two entranceways on either side of the big screen TV, the saloon has an L-shaped lounge offset to the starboard side with a passageway to port that leads you all the way through to the bridge up forward.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27837/image/large-b6f250945b4708e32082d5c6bc46e90e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27837">A special feature here is the custom sky windows that have been angled inward to allow more vertical sunlight into the lounge and give guests not only a view to the water, but to the sky as well.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27838/image/large-6c2a85301a9608d56a494242ed2e7be6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27838">Forward of the saloon and past the on-deck guest cabin is the galley with direct access to the main deck outside in order to serve guests on the flybridge above or the dining area on main deck aft.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27831/image/large-48110265a68d813e26ab864c2a28b491.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27831">Three additional guest cabins along with the full beam master suite are all located on the lower deck. An important aspect to the layout for the owner was to dedicate enough space to crew; the people who, unlike guests or even an owner, spend 365 days a year on the yacht and are in charge of keeping all guests and the yacht safe and in ship shape. For this reason, the VIP suite has been moved into the forepeak right at the front of the yacht – a space generally issued to crew quarters. Crew accommodation is moved aft to take up the full beam of the vessel where they will also enjoy a smoother and safer ride during longer passages.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27835/image/large-885b532caf64e522d36cde6462950ee2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27835">The master suite sits amidships and enters into a spacious full-beam suite through a stylish corridor. An offset bed makes spaces for a personal lounge on the starboard side where a larger than life closet is situated adjacent to the bright and functional en-suite bathroom.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27841/image/large-b632b03fe61c09c1b16ab68e9dad0435.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27841"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27840/image/large-703a99ac90365c4645e3a6ecdcf59326.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27840"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27839/image/large-fdc3d19c6d071d7d4e4ad86b35e7f0b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27839">Back on deck, a wide staircase on the starboard side main deck takes you up to the flybridge. One hundred square metres of entertainment space is laid out here in separate lounging, dining and relaxing areas that can be customised to suit just about every type of event. This is a single level deck with retractable bimini structure under which the entire family can gather to reflect on the day’s sights and scenes. A TV on either side of the table makes enjoying sporting events a breeze for everyone at the table.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27847/image/large-a6fb82f7204ef94256fa0c2b674fe7af.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27847"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27825/image/large-8a461ff318f25f942ddfccc1d77e04b0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27825">A bar looks out over the tranquil bay where&nbsp;Andreika is anchored and has been designed especially for guest use only. A second crew service bar is just behind the guest bar where meals and drinks can be prepared without crew having to interrupt surrounding guests.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27848/image/large-1bbd05dac50b76e564ddcd453d46aa3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27848">Forward is a deep plunge pool big enough for six with a wrap-around couch providing space to chill out overlooking the foredeck.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/27827/image/large-78a65cdb5559ebbb2d50cfac4b14d712.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27827"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/27829/image/large-c7b5921851f290ff08add223e10e8988.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/27829">On a technical level, Laurent Giles developed the semi-displacement hull shape especially for this project which is designed to deliver a comfortable ride in all conditions. Andreika can cruise at 16-18 knots with a range of 600-800 nautical miles. At an even more economical speed of 10.5 knots, she will be able to reach 2,000 nm while only consuming 57 litres per hour.<iframe width="710" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WDbPcSu16AY" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Superyacht of the Week: Uncovering Andreika

A new yacht was launched in Turkey this week as ICT Yachts lowered the 32-metre Andreika in the waters of Istanbul. The Turkish builder worked with H2 Yacht design on the exterior design of the vessel with Laurent Giles Naval Architects having been in charge of the structural design and naval architecture.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/166247/image/large-16105d505a9ca151a4c14c3dd553183c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/166247">

Her particularly high volume is unique for a vessel of this size and type and can therefore comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests in five cabins. Her master suite is spacious and the full-beam layout will give guests a sense of unrestricted freedom.

The same goes for the outdoor deck spaces which are made to host large groups of guests. The sundeck in particular, which stretches the entire length of the superstructure, will be the perfect spot onboard to enjoy the natural surroundings from.

On a technical level, Laurent Giles developed the semi-displacement hull shape especially for this project which is designed to deliver a comfortable ride in all conditions. Andreika can cruise at 16-18 knots with a range of 600-800 nautical miles. At an even more economical speed of 10.5 knots, she will be able to reach 2,000 nm while only consuming 57 litres per hour.

ICT Yachts launches 32m Andreika

2016 sees bluewater celebrate the impressive milestone of 25 years in business. SYT met with CEO, Peter Bennett, to discuss highlights of the last quarter century, his most memorable sale and plans for the future.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162868/image/large-0c6ff2686596227497cf313cac7f4301.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162868">

Starting a company in the marine industry was a natural step for Peter Bennett, having joined the Navy after leaving school and working as a navigator for eight years at sea.  Founding bluewater in January 1991, “the concept of the company from day one was one company, one complete service,” says Bennett. “My goal was to create an all-encompassing business so we would place the crew, train the crew, manage the yacht, manage the refit, charter the yacht, charter manage the yacht and eventually sell the yacht.”

 

The concept quickly proved successful and Bennett was joined two years later by John Wyborn and Phillip Holden, with both eventually becoming partners within the company. Today the group employs over 100 people worldwide, with Peter Bennett as Group CEO, Phillip Holden as Director of the yacht management division and Wyborn Director of the training division. The board is made up of the three founders plus the new additions of the CEO of Bluewater Training USA, and the President of Bluewater USA (crew recruitment and retail charter services).

 

On the reasoning behind a full service company, “If your standards are high across the board, then it is a more optimised cohesive system,” says the Group CEO. “Some people do not agree with it, they don’t like monopolies or one person having a significant amount of power over the industry, but I wanted to be more than just a yacht or charter broker, I wanted to give something back, and I think we give a lot back in our crew related products and services.”

 

The company’s contribution to the industry includes a huge amount of development and research into the training sector. “Working alongside the MCA and RYA, we have been the leading company in developing modular training and professional crew training for 25 years,” says Bennett. “A lot of the courses that yacht crew do today are the result of our input and from our combined expertise at bluewater; from being naval officers to our experience from running a large company in this industry for the past 25 years.”

 

Peter Bennett is also particularly proud of their crew database, which has approximately 90,000 candidates. “They are all tied into our system, the boats are tied in, there are jobs that are being captured and sourced every day for all those 90,000 crew and that is us giving something back,” he says. “We were totally innovative with the creation of the ONE Account system and, sure, there is profit in it, we didn’t just do it because we like the industry, we did it because we like to make money, but with every cent invested into a ONE Account, the yacht receives the full amount back in training vouchers, which now can be redeemed in Europe or the USA.”

 

With so many divisions, ensuring a balance can be a challenge. “It’s difficult to brand a company across five sectors and have all sectors recognise the brand at the same level,” he says. “We started with crew and training, and we’ve been going strong for 25 years, we have a highly efficient management business, a great charter company, yacht brokers selling boats. Sure, our brand remains stronger in the first two sectors, but this isn’t to say it won’t gain in strength in the others in future. It is my challenge to make these divisions more robust across the board, which I am confident we will do.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162869/image/large-a9737f915d786090545bafe3345a1bf2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162869">

The company has recently reinvested in a US presence, joining forces with longstanding brands ICT and Crew Unlimited.  “We were waiting for the right time and we have now decided to go back and work with like-minded partners that understand bluewater’s philosophy,” he says.  Ensuring bluewater has offices around the world has been an important part of Bennett’s strategy. “You need strategic placements, you need a presence Asia, you need a presence in the Americas, a presence in Russia and obviously in Europe you need a large presence.” Asia is an important market to the company, with Bennett believing that Chinese investors will play a large role in the industry in future. “I think the Chinese are interested in making money rather than actually buying a yacht and living the lifestyle, so long term I see more of the industry owned by Chinese companies rather than the Chinese buying more yachts.”

 

Over the course of 25 years the company has, inevitably, seen the industry adapt and evolve with the advent of the internet proving the biggest change. “The internet has been amazing, but it also makes brokers’ lives more difficult,” says Bennett, explaining that in the past customers were limited to a brochure and a spec sheet, while the internet enables them or their representatives to undertake extensive research on a yacht. “A yacht broker these days needs to understand the industry better, to be able to put together bespoke packages, to understand the crew element better, the management of the boat, how the boat is constructed, how it operates, how it should operate and what the return of revenue would be on charter,” he says. “These are all things that a yacht broker 20 years ago didn’t need to know, it was purely about the yacht, the deal and the sale, but today it has to be a lot more focused and knowledgeable.”

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162870/image/large-8eac77e8268d6c747fa8f6abb01d9057.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/159027">

Bennett believes that there is definite room for improvement within the brokerage sector, not mincing his words in his assessment. “Brokers don’t always get on and can often let their egos get the better of them” he says. “This attitude holds people back as it’s often the case that it is more about them than the actual customer.” Can this be changed or is this the nature of the brokerage industry, we asked. “I don’t think that it can be improved, yacht brokers will often tell their clients they are looking out for them, but fundamentally, they are only interested in number one when a team effort amongst brokers could produce much better results for the clients.”

 

Despite a clear frustration with the people involved in the world of superyacht brokerage, the last 25 years have provided countless positive memories. Bennett cites the sale of 90.1 metre Nero as one of the most special, crediting his daughter for the all-important introduction to the client, as she was working on board a 50 metre yacht managed by bluewater at the time.  “A close friend of the owner was on board for a few days and was constantly talking to his wife about buying a big yacht,” he explains. “My daughter told him that her father was a yacht broker – ‘he’s the best in the world, give him a call’ – so right there and then he rang me from my daughter’s mobile phone. He SAID, ‘Your daughter has just told me you’re the best superyacht broker in the world.’ I told him I was and he said ‘great, let’s go and buy a big boat’.” A month later the impromptu team brought Nero together.  

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162871/image/large-5dd794e85a35727a3f65a0b30871c555.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162871">

On the five-year plan for the future of the company, the answer was simple. “I didn’t name bluewater after myself – all the major branded names are after an individual – as I wanted to come up with a name that was related to the maritime world, and my ultimate goal is to turn that into a truly global brand.” If the past 25 years are anything to go by, there is plenty of exciting developments ahead for Bluewater.