United Kingdom

Smart Technology Advisers

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a> founders Steve Puckering and Ian Dixon have announced the full transfer of their shares into an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), making the firm entirely employee-owned.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/372221/image/large-c0fc6b2e5d31490288442eb76515f8c6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/372221">According to the company’s press release, the decision to transfer ownership stemmed from a clear desire to secure <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART’s</a> long-term independence in the luxury yacht and residential markets while empowering its workforce.“From the very beginning the vision was to build a team, it’s never been about Ian or I. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> was built slowly and carefully on solid foundations and now is the right time for the employees to take it forward to the next level,” commented Steve.With the business now employee-owned, every member of the team has an even greater stake in maintaining the highest standards of service and system design for its clients, the company added.“When you build a team you always build for the future. For us, the EOT provided a structure that would guarantee both <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART’s</a> independence and the continuance of the company’s mission, vision and values, which all stakeholders have contributed to since<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">&nbsp;SMART’s</a> creation in 2012,” said Ian.Senior team members Shane Owst, Tom Richardson and Jack Mudd will take on pivotal roles in driving the company’s development and growth as part of the transition. They exemplify the company’s next generation of leadership bringing with them almost 30 years of combined experience at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>. Working alongside the founders, they will support a phased and collaborative succession process to help steer the business through its next stage of expansion.

SMART Technology Advisers fully employee owned

SMART Technology Advisers founders Steve Puckering and Ian Dixon have announced the full transfer of their shares into an Employee Ownership Trust.

SMART Technology Advisers becomes fully employee-owned

Everything you might have missed from METSTRADE 2024

We take a look at some of the announcements that took place during this year’s METSTRADE, to make sure you are up-to-date with all the latest news.

METSTRADE 2024: Everything you might have missed from this year’s show

As technology has developed and the focus of owners has shifted, AV/IT has been gaining in importance resulting in bespoke, multi-million euro contracts. Today, the AV/IT sector is streamlining its approach by launching package offerings that simplify the complexities of the onboard technology. To tell us more about developments we sat down with Arjan Kleinveld, managing partner of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4441" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="One B.V. (Company)">ONE</a>; Diego Tavaroli, Group yachting systems engineering manager at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3559" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Videoworks Group (Company)">Videoworks</a>; Jeroen van den Hurk, CEO at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="VBH (Company)">Van Berge Henegouwen (VBH)</a>; Zeb Robin, technical director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2965" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bond Technology Management (Company)">Bond Technology Management</a>; and Tom Richardson, senior technology consultant, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">Smart Technology Advisers</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322159/image/large-5aff85196773915d9d19ef27a4dec4d3.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322159">Technology is developing all the time. How do you future-proof an AV/IT system?Jeroen van den Hurk: Future-proofing an AV/IT system in the rapidly evolving technology landscape requires a multifaceted approach. You should prioritise a smart system architecture that leverages a robust, tested, and certified cabling infrastructure and IT backbone. Ensuring the yacht has the right type and sufficient amount of cabling is crucial for seamless upgrades and accommodating new technologies without extensive overhauls. While this foundation is essential, it requires some regular upgrades to allow our clients to continuously benefit from the latest innovations.Zeb Robin: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2965" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bond Technology Management (Company)">Bond TM</a> has a fundamentally different perspective than an integrator, as our position working directly for yacht owners means we can drive the specification to ensure systems are future proofed. Integrators must bid on specifications, we write them. On a more specific level, we’re always looking 10-15 years ahead to make sure the systems we design are future proof. Additionally, we are encouraging yacht owners to simplify and streamline their systems so that long-term maintenance and operational costs are reduced. Starlink was the lynchpin we were waiting for to fundamentally re-invent the onboard AV/IT systems we tailor to owners’ needs.Tom Richardson: The “art” of future proofing a system on any marine vessel is not having to loop back and modify the core infrastructure. End user items and visible items such as displays are very simple, late-stage upgrades. We take a holistic view on this; the builder has a contractual obligation to build a luxury asset and the earlier the builder can gather information on infrastructure the better it is for all parties. While developing the GA with the designers, engineers, architects, and builders, we are allowing for space, cooling, routing, electrical loads and positioning of major items. We always allow for “headroom” in any system. The simple answer is to be deliberate in your goal, design the system with overcapacity in the most cost-effective and least disruptive way possible; that way you get little resistance from any party.Arjan Kleinveld: The most important thing is to ensure that the infrastructure and build process allows for changes that don’t affect the physical integration too much. Changes that demand new cabling, for example, will cause more work, so working with an experienced advisor who have the experience to recognise the trends and to manage expectations is vital.. If a clear decision timeline is explained and shared with all relevant parties, we don’t see hurdles, while the client understands he has the latest and greatest. Again, this should still allow for changes and added functionality without affecting the physical side of the installation.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322163/image/large-65566c9a39d05465d68b875ad3060933.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322163">What is your advice for project managers or owners' reps tasked with choosing an integrator and speccing a system?Tom Richardson: Any owner will have key likes and dislikes; always focus onthe &nbsp;dislikes first as those are the experiences we need to never repeat. Next stage is the key “must haves”, the complexity and size of the system, the capability of the builder and, of course, budget. Depending on time available and the stage you are at in the build, the more detailed the specification is, and the more things that can be defined at an early stage, then the more secure the budget, as the integrator will not be adding contingency costs for unknowns. Multi-million-dollar systems are not uncommon so a contingency of only five percent is a substantial sum. Once you know the budget and the complexity then you will, by default, be left with a shortlist of experienced, well-funded and known integrators. Remember: it’s people that build yachts. You can get what you think is the right supplier but may get their “B” team, so make sure they have the resources available to do your build.&nbsp;Jeroen van den Hurk: The complexity and cost of AV/IT systems are often driven by the high expectations and specific requirements of the client. The paradox here is that clients typically desire the latest and greatest technologies, but not a "me too" system. Therefore, speccing a system to the smallest detail and benchmarking on price will not push integrators to offer the creativity that is so highly valued by the clients. Our main advice to project managers and owners' reps is to engage with multiple system integrators at an early stage and listen to their ideas on the added value each one can bring beyond standard hardware integration.&nbsp;Zeb Robin: We respectfully challenge the assumption that AV/IT systems must be complex and costly. There is a clear trend towards simplification which we at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2965" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bond Technology Management (Company)">Bond</a> are leaning into, and it is possible today to simultaneously shrink systems and future proof them. One should first make sure a good team is creating the system specification packages. If you are considering bringing expert consultants onto your team, then scratch the surface to ensure their merit and avoid cronyism. It takes time to build a good specification, and cutting corners at early stages can be costly in the end. Next, there has been a downsizing trend in the last decade, which has allowed us to return space back to the interior, but it relies on good communications with the owner in terms they can relate to. If you ask an integrator or anyone really who doesn’t know the client, you will get over-spec’d systems containing everything plus the kitchen sink. However, the systems we’ve been working with our customers to specify are smaller, cooler and more capable than those of the past, because customers today are rejecting a lot of the complexity which in the past was under-utilised or never used at all. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/310048/image/large-4b07df09294b955f32d1ede04295e9b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/310048">Some superyachts now have a full-time ETO (Electro Technical Officer) on board. Is there sufficient training for crew to run and maintain the AV/IT systems properly?Jeroen van den Hurk: AV/IT maintenance and service are essential for the stability and uptime of onboard systems. We recognise the critical role of the Electro Technical Officer (ETO) and provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure they can effectively manage these systems. Our training programs cover the installation, operation, and basic troubleshooting of new systems, ensuring that the ETO and relevant crew members are well-prepared from the start. There is always something to learn and always something to do, and our team is dedicated to providing continuous education and support to keep the systems running smoothly.Arjan Kleinveld:&nbsp;There are specific AV/IT training possibilities. Depending on the ETO's background, generic IT training (such as CCNA or CompTIA A+) can build the knowledge bases and basic <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3897" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crestron (Company)">Crestron</a> training. To dive deeper into the specifics, reliance on an AV/IT integrator's hands-on training, or one of the shore-based training courses specific for maritime AV/IT, can be valuable for fulfilling the role within the ETO job profile.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322168/image/large-82198caabe72cc932a62e2bdb3918a81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322168">In an increasingly connected environment, how important is it to have a cybersecurity management plan when designing an onboard IT system?Tom Richardson: Having a plan is strongly recommended as part of the ISM Code for almost all yachts. There are two pieces of legislation relating to cybersecurity, the first being <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Organization (Company)">IMO</a> Resolution MSC.428(98) which has been in force since January 2021. This lays the foundation for what each yacht should have in place in terms of planning, how they verify and how they act if there is a cybersecurity event or breach. This is strongly recommended as cybersecurity breaches can have both a large operational and financial impact to the vessel, but also potential reputation damage to the owner or their assets.The second piece of legislation is known as IACS UR E26 and UR E27. These are IACS Unified Requirements and therefore will be adopted by each classification society. For larger yachts classed as ‘passenger yachts’ (e.g. REG Yacht Code Part B vessels) the legislation is compulsory for any new-build contract signed on or after 1st July 2024. This latter piece of legislation is a step change in the marine industry and something we welcome. It now puts the (cyber)security of systems installed on board yachts as a primary consideration, rather than an afterthought as is all too common in our industry sadly.Zeb Robin: A Cyber Security Management Plan is a vital operational matter that crew must attend to, but it is not a tangible thing one can design into a system or pay cash up front for. If experts have designed the IT system to adequate standards using sound best practices while not cutting corners, then it will be possible to operate it safely and securely. However, a system packed with the most exotic security technologies in the world will amount to nothing if it gets hacked due to being operated and maintained incorrectly, or because the crew was not trained adequately to understand and avoid cyber threats. If the worst does come to pass and there is a cyber incident, the crew need to have a good plan they can follow to ensure they immediately do the right things to mitigate harm and/or loss, while quickly bringing the vessel back to a secure state. This is what good cyber policies and plans can do, but daily vigilance is needed in the face of the threats out there, and a well-prepared crew is the first and best line of defence.Diego Tavaroli: Yachts are prime targets for cyberattacks, whether for financial gain or other reasons. It's crucial to protect both sensitive information and operational systems that run the vessel. The information at risk includes data related to the crew, the vessel, and potentially valuable information about the owner(s), their businesses, and assets. As almost everything onboard becomes connected to the internet we must plan to protect various operational systems. Unauthorised access to these systems could disrupt onboard operations to a great degree. Cyber security needs to be thought of during the design phase, all through the build of the vessel and continuously during the operation of the vessel. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322164/image/large-4f46aef7854bef45e1299f0211b11512.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322164">Fast connectivity at sea can be elusive. Are 5G, Starlink and other low earth orbit satellites taking over from traditional VSAT technology?&nbsp;Jeroen van den Hurk: While traditional VSAT technology is still widely used, the advent of 5G, Starlink, and other LEO satellites has significantly transformed maritime connectivity. These new technologies offer faster speeds, lower latency, and global connectivity, making them highly appealing options. Currently, a wider adoption of these new systems would require the launch of more satellites and the installation of new equipment on yachts. Additionally, appropriate regulatory frameworks must be established. As a result, while VSAT technology remains relevant, the shift towards 5G and LEO satellite technologies is accelerating and is likely to continue, all to the benefit of a superior online experience at sea.Tom Richardson: Starlink certainly took the industry by storm with their direct-to-consumer business model, and they can be seen as a true disrupter. However, it’s important to mix your ‘sources of internet’ as no provider is 100 per cent reliable and outages can happen, so you must have a fallback plan in place. Another important issue to consider is availability and whether you have committed bandwidth. LEO satellites generally cover the whole globe (depending on their inclination) but that doesn’t mean you can access them globally – a lot is done with local licensing on a country-by-country basis, so it’s important to check that the service is available in the areas you plan to sail. If it isn’t, you then need to rely on that secondary system or provider. Will traditional geostationary VSAT die out? That’s the million-dollar question. I think we will see it used less and less and certainly if it is used, the CIR rate that yachts subscribe to will become lower. On the flip side, that may mean wholesale bandwidth costs come down, so some resurgence in the future is likely with a new price point per Mbps compared with today.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/322167/image/large-320f42514818e1be8e222a8dc73d42fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/322167">AV/IT upgrades are commonly requested during refit or maintenance periods when time is limited. What do crew and shipyards need to be aware of?Zeb Robin: Firstly, if the vessel has good infrastructure (quality cabling, well built and cooled technical racks, etc.) then absolute refit costs will be much lower over time. It costs a bit more upfront to build good infrastructure, but it pays off in savings later, while increasing the longevity and reliability of all systems. Therefore, if the vessel’s infrastructure is poor, with intermittent faults and outages, overheating equipment, and so on, it may be a wise long-term investment to improve said infrastructure. Next, to get the best prices and ensure a smooth refit period, start developing your scope of work early and be realistic. Instead of trying to do everything at once, we have seen a trend with several customers whereby they prefer to develop an evolutionary upgrade strategy for their vessel with us. By breaking the upgrades into discrete chunks of work, it can result in lower costs and higher quality outcomes which don’t require the vessel to be out of service for any one long block of time. Lastly, logistical aspects such as hardware lead times, labour logistics and access to refit shipyards should not be underestimated. When these things go wrong they can cripple a refit, so they are best considered well in advance. &nbsp;&nbsp;Tom Richardson:&nbsp;I think the phrase that sums this up is “manage expectations and not over-promise or under-deliver. Unless the crew and integrator have been involved from the original build then you cannot possibly know the capabilities of the “as-built system”. We have experienced situations whereby the crew quite innocently, and with the best intentions, get an indicative cost for the upgrade, give this to the owner, only to then find that the infrastructure and modifications required to accommodate the promised upgrade exceeds the component cost and the budget spirals out of control. Time should be taken to look at infrastructure first and foremost, and if needed, phase in the upgrade(s). Do something tangible, whether that be a significant upgrade in a single space, Wi-Fi or communication. If the owner sees a step change in performance or enjoyment of the space or feature, then they will almost certainly continue to plan the next phase.Arjan Kleinveld: A refit needs some flexibility from all parties involved, while the overall responsible party might be less clear. So make sure you have commitment on this and control over it. Look at the process, what do I get when, and what if the interior isn’t finished on time, etc. Foresee it together and make the necessary steps to mitigate those risks.&nbsp;Diego Tavaroli: You should be clear about the expectations of the refit, planning ahead and providing information as it becomes available. We often receive refitting requests when the &nbsp;ship is already on site with very short lead times to complete it, without considering that procurement and engineering take time. Usually, a good new-build AV/IT project already takes into consideration a refit in 3/5/10 years, according to the used technologies onboard and the intended use of the yacht.This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-5" target="_blank">Issue 5 of How To Build It</a>. You can read all the articles from this edition&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine/how-to-build-it-issue-5" target="_blank">here</a>, and stay up-to-date with all previous editions&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/magazine" target="_blank">here</a>.

AV/IT developments in the superyacht industry

We ask the experts of the AV/IT realm about the developments in the superyacht industry.

Ask the Experts: AV/IT developments in the superyacht industry

This year the exclusive evening for owner's teams, The Superyacht Dinner, returns during the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/238" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2024">METSTRADE</a>, hosted by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7736" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="YachtEye (Company)">YachtEye</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">Smart Technology Advisers</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seable&Co (Company)">Seable&amp;Co</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3897" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crestron (Company)">Crestron</a>. The event, which took place last year at the A'Dam tower, will be taking place at Helling 7 in Amsterdam.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317474/image/large-c97146cb5d0200b026441f2982f8a115.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317474">The Superyacht Dinner brings together a select group of owner's teams, offering a unique opportunity during the busy event for them to get to know each another in an intimate and fun environment.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/317471/image/large-4bba3cc980540f09ef3b7a49b5247db0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/317471">Every year the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/238" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2024">METSTRADE</a> draws an impressive number of experts from across the superyacht sector and with more than 70 new-build projects and more than 15 currently underway in the Netherlands alone, there is plenty to discuss. As one of last year's guests commented; "Thanks for such a great evening last night - surely one of the best (if not the best!) industry dinners on the calendar...", it is certainly an evening not to miss.&nbsp;If you are an owner’s representative or a senior crew member please reach out to <a href="mailto:sales@yachteye.com" target="_blank">sales@yachteye.com</a> for more information. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/246475/image/large-34bfab75161943119f2d7c5d59b53748.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/246475">

The Superyacht Dinner 2024

The Superyacht Dinner 2024 is an exclusive dinner for owner's teams during the METSTRADE

The Superyacht Dinner 2024: Exclusive dinner for owner's teams during the METSTRADE

The 105-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> has departed the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> facility in Alblasserdam to cruise in the Mediterranean sea this summer. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/314798/image/large-59bfded5f3fbb7b9b730bd31ff9c8eda.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/314798">Originally delivered in 2000 as Al Mirqab&nbsp;and currently for sale, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> underwent a revolutionary rebuild in 2023, which was described by the shipyard as “a complete transformation that is practically unprecedented in its scale and nature.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274370/image/large-881a034517cb5a8f1473d28a10ef92e1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274370">During her rebuild <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> was radically transformed by her builder <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, in collaboration with designer <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/56" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Reymond Langton Design Ltd. (Company)">Reymond Langton</a>. She now boasts a modern exterior aesthetic, including a completely new superstructure, as well as a new interior design.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57853" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Interiors unveiled: Unprecedented transformation of Oceanco superyacht H3 (2023-06-16 09:00:00 +0200)">Interiors unveiled: Unprecedented transformation of Oceanco superyacht H3</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274374/image/large-e08c1bcd46059af384ced8282be81f54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274374"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274373/image/large-69ffc591664a267d8b222289e5a44439.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274373"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a>’s owner opted for an opulent interior design, characterised by a neutral colour palette of creams and golds. Her interior combines a traditional yacht aesthetic, with the use of luxurious materials such as marble, to showcase her intricate detailing and high level of craftsmanship.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274376/image/large-b44548ab2871e0866431b367e614901a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274376"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274372/image/large-7c553a8a9524f7a48f0fd27799fa576e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274372"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> features six staterooms on her main deck, with two multifunctional suites on the owner's deck, which can be used as a private beauty salon or a private office. The bridge deck is home to a generous VIP suite, while her owner's suite is located on its own deck.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274377/image/large-cbcae71547868ebc85b8d587b27cd9cf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274377"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274375/image/large-28ddc0e4907025494bc5ae2da3aeac96.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274375">Key features onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a>&nbsp; also include an outdoor cinema on the owner’s deck aft, with a 130-inch TV screen that folds away into a large sun lounger when not in use. The owner’s deck also includes a climate-controlled Winter Garden, which can accommodate up to 32 guests for formal dining space in a seamless indoor-outdoor living area.&nbsp;Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/56720" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco unveiled 105m superyacht H after revolutionary rebuild (2023-01-11 07:30:00 +0100)">Oceanco unveiled 105m superyacht H after revolutionary rebuild</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/301536/image/large-67715087dc09c6cd6f116463906272cb.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/301536"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/301534/image/large-75c5f5c5d270a715b6bd8eb70d9a0d46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/301534"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/80" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="The A Group (Company)">The A Group</a> acted as the independent owner’s representative for the project, with work undertaken to bring the yacht up to today’s standards in terms of technology, safety, capability and sustainability.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a> were also involved in the rebuild, creating her iconic live video wall and LED corridor, which shows the outside world in real-time. She is also fitted with a wireless microphone karaoke system which works anywhere on the yacht.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/269255/image/large-ae452fb6507f6349481a4eb7e3c4c002.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/269255"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> has an operational profile that is fully compliant with rigorous <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4531" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="International Maritime Organization (Company)">IMO</a> Tier III standards. In terms of performance, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> is powered by twin <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1409" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="MTU (Company)">MTU</a> engines, which provide her with a top speed of 18 knots.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274369/image/large-4f6267d86764ef2df0fe394d38872ae8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274369">

105m Oceanco superyacht H3 leaves Oceanco facility

The 105-metre Oceanco superyacht H3 has departed the Oceanco facility in Alblasserdam to cruise in the Mediterranean sea this summer. 

105m Oceanco superyacht H3 heads to the Mediterranean

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6974" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seable&Co (Company)">Seable&amp;Co</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3897" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Crestron (Company)">Crestron</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a> and <a href="https://yachteye.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">YachtEye</a> by SuperYacht Times will host The Superyacht Dinner, an exclusive and informal dinner for superyacht owner’s teams on Wednesday 15th November during the <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2022">METSTRADE</a> in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/290371/image/large-b2755c3467f56c2cd78c0f768c1f9bc9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/290371">A select group of superyacht owner’s representatives and senior crew will be invited to the iconic A'DAM The Loft restaurant on the IJ-River for an exceptional dining experience.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/290370/image/large-2212b6d438c6b8e494ca9cd4fb132f05.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/290370">During the day people are focused on business, but everyone wants to enjoy a nice dinner with great company. The Superyacht Dinner will bring together a select group of owner’s teams, so they can get to know each other, exchange experiences, have fun and enjoy a great dinner.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/290364/image/large-1541fe513ed17a6b2d50b375abda914a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/290364">With a booming superyacht market, it is expected that many owner’s teams will be present at this year's <a href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="METSTRADE - 2022">METSTRADE</a>. The Netherlands alone already has around 100 superyacht projects on the go, including 80 new-build projects and around 20 refit projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/246475/image/large-34bfab75161943119f2d7c5d59b53748.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/246475">If you are an owner’s representative or a senior crew member please reach out to <a href="mailto:sales@yachteye.com" target="_blank">sales@yachteye.com</a> for more information.

The Superyacht Dinner 2023

SuperYacht Times will be hosting the Superyacht Dinner, an exclusive and informal dinner for superyacht owner’s teams.

The Superyacht Dinner: An exclusive dinner for owner’s teams during the METSTRADE

Over recent months, we have taken a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meet the founders: 10 Years of SMART (2023-08-08 15:00:00 +0200)">look at the team, the organisation</a>, some of their <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58435" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="10 years of technological innovation with SMART (2023-08-30 12:15:00 +0200)">stand-out projects</a> and the ethos of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a>. Rooted in the desire to solve complex technological problems and to encourage innovation in the superyacht sector, on behalf of the yacht owner, the company is at the heart of many of the industry's most innovative projects. For the final piece in our series, we reflect on the top five reasons to work with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> and its founders, Steve Puckering and Ian Dixon; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/289362/image/large-ae86cec8e19f659aa77ba75f51d95d65.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/289362">Transparent advice from top industry leadersRooted in an ethical approach, SMART is firm in their belief that owners should be given all of the information before decisions are made. While suppliers and integrators may accept mid-project amendments that drive up costs and elongate build periods without asking questions, SMART ensures that they get to the core of a decision at the very beginning to best advise the owner. As Steve explains;“We are not yes men. We are never going to stand in front of an owner and say everything is possible before we understand the motivations behind the decision. We then give them a transparent explanation of the costs and consequences of that decision. Of course, if the owner then makes that decision, they are doing so with all the information available at the time and that is incredibly important when it comes to project satisfaction and the happiness of the owner.”With the goal of solving problems and finding solutions that work best for both the owner and the shipyards, the SMART team is trained to ask questions. They are also passionate individuals who are interested and excited about problem solving and who have seen the best and the worst of onboard technology. The experience they have gained from decades in the industry, first as a supplier with Steve's previous company Advanced New Technologies, and now as advisers, means that they have a depth of expertise and knowledge about what works, and what adds value to the owner's superyacht experience. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/289359/image/large-6403e55def0ac32614440c6ae7def76f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/289359">Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58258" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meet the founders: 10 Years of SMART (2023-08-08 15:00:00 +0200)">Meet the founders: 10 Years of SMART</a>An impartial and ethical approach to technological innovation<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>’s firm, no-nonsense approach and commitment to ethical practices, means they don’t have any &nbsp;affiliations with suppliers, or manufacturers allowing them to offer owners the entire scope of available technology. This policy has also gained the trust of the world's biggest manufacturers, who know that the research and development they share with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> for future release, will remain confidential. Due to this honest approach, many manufacturers now contact the team directly with early innovations, looking for advice on how it may be useful for the yachting sector, allowing <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> to specify future technologies for their projects before their competitors may even be aware of it. This means that when a yacht is delivered, four years after specification, the technology onboard is the newest and most advanced technology available on the market.Maintain standards, set the bar high for specification in the early stages and make sure those standards are met before acceptanceLeading directly on from the previous point; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> ensures that the first specification is highly in-depth and specific, reducing the scope for change orders mid-project that often drive up costs and lengthen build times.&nbsp;Ian explains, “The problem with a broad specification is that it can be interpreted differently by each supplier and that can make the difference of a million euros or more. We drill right down to the details and sit with an owner to understand their motivations for the choices they’re making. We ask owners for their experiences, how they live their lives, we speak to their families; all of this gives a deep understanding of what they are looking for. They &nbsp;trust us to deliver their dream.”&nbsp;Not only do the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team dig deep into the motivations behind the projects, but they advocate for the owner when it comes to the negotiation table.&nbsp;Their knowledge of the sector means they are able to accurately financially scope a project before suppliers make their submissions. This means that they are able to quickly root out suppliers who are over inflating prices, adding unnecessary elements or even underestimating the value of their time and resources. In the end, this leads to a more efficient project, both financially and in terms of time.&nbsp;Read: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/58435" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="10 years of technological innovation with SMART (2023-08-30 12:15:00 +0200)">10 years of technological innovation with SMART<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/289360/image/large-92082a0256a2a9b899506b622b63a92d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/289360"></a>Pushing boundaries but lowering riskSMART understands that suppliers, integrators and indeed builders see some of the owner’s visions or requirements as obstacles or risks to their timeline and profitability. In most cases this is because they do not have the time, understanding, industry links to investigate, or quite simply because they do not want to move out of their comfort zone. The SMART team excels in situations like this as they interpret the owner’s vision, look at the overall timeline and stage of the project, its budget and feasibility. If opportunity exists at that time to pursue the desired technology, then they will manage the design, engineering and timeline on that change and augment the builders, integrators and even manufacturers team to bring that solution into the project without major disruption to the build programme.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/289361/image/large-1897cbc7da29f31b7257aa6982041dd1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/289361">Huge experience in both project management and financial management of the projectAs founders, Steve and Ian each bring a unique set of expertise to the projects undertaken by SMART. Having previously worked on the integration and supplier side of the industry and founded one of the biggest marine integrators in the sector, Steve brings a depth of knowledge when it comes to the value of technology. A chartered director and experienced engineer with a passion for innovation and understanding of the sector means that he is excellently placed to solve problems and connect projects with the best possible solutions. Ian, who joined Steve on his previous venture, is a chartered accountant who worked at KPMG for a number of years. He utilises his extensive financial background to carefully analyse every element of the projects undertaken by SMART, and to audit the companies that contribute to each project to ensure that they are a reliable choice and are able to deliver on a long term superyacht construction project.&nbsp;The team Steve and Ian have built are at the top of their field when it comes to technological understanding, constantly educating themselves on the latest developments in the sector so that they can deliver the most interesting and innovative solutions to the owners they work with.&nbsp;To find out more about the team at SMART and how they can help you with your new-build or refit, reach out to the team now;

5 reasons to choose SMART Technology Advisers

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a> embraces innovation; whether it's as a result of their own ideas, creating concepts at the behest of their clients, or from many of the world’s leading superyacht designers. With a keen eye for detail, an impartial perspective, a trusted roster of clients, and over a decade of experience, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team can take concepts and craft them into reality. From LED walls to a one-of-a-kind IMAX theatre, discover the niche and uniquely specialised technologies designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> upon a number of the world's leading superyachts. Superyacht Times met up with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> founders Ian Dixon and Steve Puckering and their technology team to find out more.&nbsp;Unparalleled cinematic experience for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>’s 93m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a>In response to a discerning client's desires for the ultimate onboard film indulgence, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team created an extraordinary internal and external movie escapade onboard the 93-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/204337/image/large-9b0ac22555202dbe4120eaba7a5d040d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/204337">Tom Richardson (Senior Technology Consultant and project lead): “The dual IMAX and Dolby Atmos certified theatre experience had never been seen before on land or at sea. The IMAX theatre meant that guests onboard could experience exclusive access to movies that were not yet available to the public. The brief was to make it the most luxurious and best technically designed private theatre possible. The background noise levels within the theatre are far lower than even the most luxurious area on any yacht to date. A feat of engineering that could only be achieved with complex acoustic modelling and application.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274170/image/large-39da51c0e06c1077fc0311fcf9516e26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274170">Steve: “The second groundbreaking innovation onboard Lady S, was a retractable exterior LED display measuring an astounding 201 inches, boasting the finest pixel pitch available at the time of delivery. S<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">MART</a>, together with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/159" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Burgess (Company)">Burgess</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> were instrumental in bringing this concept into realisation. Being the first installation on a superyacht is always a challenge but one we relish. This cutting-edge feature revolutionised how movies would now be enjoyed onboard the world’s finest superyachts.”The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team also designed and created the yacht’s very own ‘guest information panels’ - which are unique and fully customisable for individual guests. The benefits of this technological feature are privacy and exclusivity. Each guest cabin onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a> features an information panel on the outside of the door which features an array of information ranging from requests for the crew to clean their cabin to personalised messaging, and reminders. Each interactive panel was designed bespoke to precisely fit the wall of the yacht, having been requested post-build representing the intricate and meticulous details to which <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> strives and executes their projects.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274369/image/large-4f6267d86764ef2df0fe394d38872ae8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274369">First impression wow factor onboard 105m superyacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a>&nbsp;The rebuild of the 105-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceano</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> posed a number of challenges from a technological perspective and the client had big ambitions when it came to the guest experience. Limited by repositioning of the tenders, the welcome lounge through to the main saloon was destined to be both windowless and narrower than expected. However, the client wanted their guests to experience immersive luxury as soon as they entered the yacht. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274374/image/large-e08c1bcd46059af384ced8282be81f54.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274374">Tom: “Alongside the shipyard we co-created two solutions for the main deck. We wanted to create a live video wall to the starboard side that would show the outside world in real-time, essentially acting as a virtual window when you step inside. Something similar has been done for the mass retail market, as seen in some shopping centres and outside advertisements, but not to this quality and definition. The solution created was not only well within the budget we had been set, but ticks all of the boxes; which is to create the illusion of a window, open the space up and create the sense of connection with the environment that the client was looking for.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274373/image/large-69ffc591664a267d8b222289e5a44439.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274373">Ian: “The second innovation for that project is the LED corridor. Over 10-metres in length, the video corridor is unlike anything that's ever been seen before onboard a yacht, curving around the corners and welcoming the guests onto the boat in spectacular fashion. There were plenty of technical hurdles to overcome with the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> and the build team, but the result has been quite spectacular, a standout feature worthy of the project.Shane Owst (Senior Technology Consultant): “Another notable highlight on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/300" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="H3105.0m (344'6&quot;)Oceanco2000">H3</a> is the karaoke system. The innovative feature of this system is that the wireless microphones work anywhere on the yacht - equipment doesn't have to be moved from room to room as would be the case with a traditional solution. No matter where you are, you can enjoy karaoke - even in the Galley if it takes your fancy!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/279402/image/large-a9f505c880254c42709f7d265b174bf5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/279402">Guest tracking system onboard Project Walton&nbsp;Ian: “The yacht’s owner is a very experienced charterer but always found it difficult to find a member of the service team when he and his family moved around a yacht, especially when they first came back onboard and wanted a drink or fresh towels, for example. Another area where guests experienced difficulty was when requesting service whilst using the swimming pool. The client wanted both of these problems removed from his own yacht, and for his onboard team to provide the best possible service to his family and their guests.”&nbsp;Gurmeet Singh (Technology Consultant and project lead): “Having discussed this problem personally with the client; the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team, in partnership with the yacht’s AVIT integrators, designed a waterproof and sun-resistant wearable tracking device. The solution incorporates technology to allow the wearer of a wristband to request attendance from a member of the yacht’s service team wherever they are onboard, with just the simple press of a button. This innovation allows additional levels of privacy, as the crew do not always need to be in close proximity to receive service requests. The crew can instead respond immediately to requests from the wristband as and when needed.“Regardless of the wristband wearer’s location, the service team will be able to find them using an extensive location tracking infrastructure that has been built into the yacht by design. As the concept was being developed, it soon became clear we could deliver even more benefits from using this technology. One such example is we can assign wristbands to children and allow their location to be monitored from their parents’ guest iPad. The wristband can also be used by guests to unlock doors to their cabin without carrying additional fobs or cards.”Shane: “Smart tracking of people or objects is something we’ve been researching and working on for several years. The technology has now matured and is at a point where we expect most of our future projects to incorporate an element of smart ‘tracking’ via onboard sensors for an array of possible functionality options.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171198/image/large-d0acbb0aede7b546b074af8d6d3200c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171198">Soundproofing and synchronisation 73m&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>&nbsp;superyacht&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lunasea73.0m (239'6&quot;)Feadship2017">Hasna</a>&nbsp;The original owner of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> superyacht, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lunasea73.0m (239'6&quot;)Feadship2017">Hasna</a>, posed some unique challenges for the team. As an experienced yacht charterer and with a passion for technology, he knew what he didn’t like and set down a clear challenge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171217/image/large-c6517c61cf0b175eaab0e5d484aa6075.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171217">Steve: “When we sat down with the owner, he knew that he wanted a loud, clear and consistent audio experience as he walked through and around the yacht, up or down decks. He also emphasised the importance of undetectable electrical noise (consistent buzzing) when the music was turned down to zero, and if there was a ‘buzz’, we weren’t going to get paid! We focussed heavily on this in the creation of the technology design and specification. To ensure results, and specification compliance, we spend a lot of time testing solutions in collaboration with the shipyard and integrators – persistently reinforcing the importance of the end result to the client – a month after we delivered the project, we got a call from the owner telling us he had an issue with the audio – it was too good and too loud!”Ian: “That project was the perfect example of us specifying the project to the finest detail, working in tandem with the yard to deliver the specification and implementing it exactly as planned. The result of which was a complete harmonisation of sound – exactly what the client had wanted.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/171232/image/large-032b01f03ff4f331e8edab144a604465.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/171232"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lunasea73.0m (239'6&quot;)Feadship2017">Hasna</a>, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6139" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lunasea73.0m (239'6&quot;)Feadship2017">Lunasea</a>, also features an unusual cinema room. Originally designed to be a spare guest room or transitional gym, the room was far smaller than any specialist would recommend for a cinema, posing massive challenges in terms of sound quality and reverberation.&nbsp;Steve: “We tasked Tom with the transformation of this room. He sat down with the client to understand exactly what he wanted as there was no room for interpretation. He developed the space, designed and specified solution, quality of standards and protocols achieve the highest level of satisfaction for the Owner. After delivery the client called us to say it was the best cinematic experience he had ever had, far outperforming that of his own cinema at home.”—----<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/283595/image/large-09c3dee18661e029945c400890b743ed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/283595">Dedicated to finding solutions to complex technological problems, the team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> has been involved in some of the most unusual and innovative superyacht projects of recent years. Working closely with clients to unlock and understand their exact wishes, and the reasons for them, Steve, Ian and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> team have an abundance of experience and an unparalleled expertise when it comes to onboard technology. To find out more, reach out to the team now.

10 years of technological innovation with SMART 

We took a closer look at some of SMART's most innovative superyacht projects.

With endless innovations and advancements across the technology sector, it is no surprise that the superyacht industry takes note and follows suit. Steve Puckering and Ian Dixon have carved out successful careers in technology consulting for superyachts with their company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART Technology Advisers</a>. Their pioneering approach to deliver both transparency and innovation within the superyacht technology sector, has seen <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> elevate standards and consistently deliver innovative solutions and in most cases with cost neutral projects for their growing portfolio of happy owners over the past 10 years.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/280131/image/large-728da8008126e5f7a67059a04ede51ef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/280131">SuperYacht Times sat down with Ian and Steve for a series of three editorials, to learn more about how they have harnessed their careers together at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> and how their journeys into the world of superyacht technology began.How did you get introduced to the yachting industry?Steve: In the 1980s I was working as a specialist electronics engineer for the German company, Grundig. In those days electronics engineers like me were trained to fault find right down to component level, and it was a time when the first satellite televisions were being introduced.. We were initially commissioned by P&amp;O to assist them with an issue they were having with their satellite systems, and I was sent in as the specialist to resolve the problem. Over time we became the service partner of choice for P&amp;O globally. Then in 1997 we became involved with the design and development of the technology systems onboard the 49.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jaz50.0m (164'1&quot;)Amels1997">Tigre D’or</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/546" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jaz50.0m (164'1&quot;)Amels1997">Jaz</a>), which led onto a myriad of other projects such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Faribana V54.4m (178'6&quot;)Amels1998">Sarafsa</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/852" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Faribana V54.4m (178'6&quot;)Amels1998">Faribana V</a>) and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/326" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marla49.99m (164'0&quot;)Amels1999">Thunder Gulch</a> (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/326" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marla49.99m (164'0&quot;)Amels1999">Marla</a>) and many more besides. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/72571/image/large-0b9e37de1a9d58455ae8358dbf9c72f7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/72571">By the early 2000s my company ANT (Advanced New Technologies) was the largest marine electronics company in the industry, with 126 employees, €13 million in annual revenue and offices in the UK, France, Holland and the US. Some of the largest projects in the superyacht world fleet were completed by ANT, in yards ranging from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/23" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lürssen Yachts (Company)">Lürssen</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/18" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Amels (Company)">Amels</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/12" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CRN (Company)">CRN</a> to name but a few. Then came the crash of 2008 and we lost a third of our in build projects almost overnight. Against the advice of many, I was determined to save the business and brought Ian in to assist with turning it around, which we did. The business was eventually sold to a large USA based conglomerate. I stepped away in 2011 as the offer of a “VP” position did not appeal to me (as I am an engineer).Ian: Unlike Steve, my background is as a chartered accountant. I trained at KPMG and later worked for the marine paint company <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6101" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Jotun (Company)">Jotun</a>, where I got my first taste of the yachting world. I received a call one day from a colleague at KPMG who asked if I'd be interested in talking to his client - ANT - who needed some urgent financial management. As Steve explained, I was parachuted in to help and we spent two years turning the business around before we were able to sell it in 2010, without having lost a single job in the process and making sure all our suppliers were paid in full.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/56134/image/large-45779bec54c61ebdb35ca13fc85c53b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/56134">So, you went from supplier to owner’s technology advisers, how did that transition occur and what was the catalyst for&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>?Steve: After leaving the business I semi-retired and was convinced I’d left yachting behind. I then received a call from a representative who had a big issue with a new build. There were contractual and financial issues within the proposed specification as well as numerous technical problems and they needed someone with expert knowledge of prices, timelines and technology to help resolve them. That project was Jubilee, now known worldwide as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4796" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Kaos110.1m (361'3&quot;)Oceanco2017">Kaos</a>. About a month into the project Ian came to visit and I explained what I was working on – like me Ian had sworn he’d never work on the supplier / integrator side again but working on the owner’s side had an immediate appeal.&nbsp;We decided to do the project together and run it as ethically and transparently as possible, taking it back to basics and stripping out the non-tangible costs that were running up budgets and timelines without any improvement in the technology being offered. The owner was extremely happy with the outcome, as was the broker who asked us to work on another new project and that was really the beginning of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193085/image/large-41efbf8cd5251ec5383375d1f614db29.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193085"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>&nbsp;was seen as a bit of a disruptor in those early days, with its open book mentality and focus on ethics, can you explain a bit more about this?Steve: I suppose that in a way we were disruptive, but it wasn’t our intention to be so. When we founded <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>, a lot of the players in the sector were what we’d call a ‘consultant-plus’, i.e., they were both consultants and suppliers, consultants and integrators, consultants and investors. They had two priorities; one to the project’s owner and one to themselves, as they derived income elsewhere on the project to supplement their fees. We saw the opportunity to position <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> as the independent technology experts the owners and their representative were looking for.It was a hard sell in those early days, as no one in the industry believed we would commit to it. However, we have, and owners and their representatives return to us because they know we are open, honest and ethical in how we run our business, as well as being experts in technology.One of the key benefits this approach has is that we have been able to have unequalled access to manufacturers and regularly talk to them about their future developments, as we pose no commercial risk to them. We can say that because we have no partnerships or affiliations with any product or supplier, which means that we can approach every player in the sector (and a growing number now outside of superyachts where we’ve been able to bring their expertise into the sector for the first time) and they know they have the opportunity to present their best work to us.Ian: This ethical practice has been so ingrained in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a> from the very beginning. So much so that at the end of every year every member of staff has to declare that they have not received any additional benefits from working on any of our projects. Transparency is absolutely essential to our business and our staff are held to a very high standard.&nbsp;How do you stay at the forefront of technical innovation and development?Steve: As we mentioned above, because we don’t have any bias when it comes to technology, it enables us to approach any business in the sector and to have a candid discussion about future developments. We are often aware of R&amp;D years before a project becomes a reality, and this enables us to specify an onboard infrastructure commonly as far ahead as four years (or more), for products that may not even commercially exist yet!We also have a highly passionate team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>. Individuals like our first employee Tom, who along with the rest of the team have unequalled knowledge and understanding of the technology itself, and of future innovation. This often far outweighs both ours, the shipyard’s and our owner’s knowledge combined. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/70029/image/large-e0424d85fd889f8dc9d0fa00020f9196.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/70029">Ian: In a sense, we are able to future proof our projects from the very earliest stage. We don't have to have a difficult conversation in the final year of a build that the displays, audio system, control systems or a cinema are now outdated and need to be upgraded. In addition to providing the coolest and best solution to the owner, it also saves costs and enables us to virtually guarantee the end cost from the moment the contract is signed.What would you put the company’s success down to?Ian: Hard work, honesty, and a dedicated team with a genuine passion for technology. We expect everyone who comes to work for us to have these attributes. The ability to take a concept and / or a dream and turn it into reality for an owner is where we thrive. We get a lot of challenging projects, so employing people who are ready for a challenge, including the complexities that need to be delivered, keeps things exciting. An example is the 93-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6204" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lady S93.0m (305'1&quot;)Feadship2019">Lady S</a>, where we were asked to help create the first ever IMAX accredited cinema to be placed on a private superyacht. Tom worked closely with the owners, their own specialist and with Dolby and IMAX themselves to design the initial concept with pen and paper and turn it into reality.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/274170/image/large-39da51c0e06c1077fc0311fcf9516e26.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/274170">In what ways do you work well together as a team at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>?Ian: There are two parts; as co-founders we are each from different backgrounds, but we have a lot of respect for each other and value our opinions. We have a lot of trust. We used our past experiences of working together in the yachting industry to forge a company that was innovative from the very beginning which promotes an engaging and ever growing culture.Steve: As one owner succinctly put it, we have a great mix of “grey hairs” looking after the projects commercial and financial interests and a young hungry bunch of technology gurus that are driving the technology forward. It’s a great combination!Our ethos is driven by the idea that within the broader team at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>, we succeed and fail together. There is no blame culture or politics; just championing.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/211602/image/large-23919f38f88be24db9e16f86a59e6558.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/211602">What are the plans for the future at&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">SMART</a>?Steve: Overall, we want to innovate, and continuously improve. We want to remain the best choice for and continue to maintain standards and push boundaries in the interests of our owners; being trusted to deliver on their wishes is important to us.With a team of 10 and a highly boutique outlook, <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/smart-technology-advisers" target="_blank">SMART</a> only works on a select number of projects at any one time, ensuring every owner receives the same, high levels of service they have come to expect.Over the decade, the team have been responsible for some of the most impressive and iconic projects in the global superyacht fleet and have consistently delivered world-class technological solutions. In the next article with S<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7185" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Smart Technology Advisers (Company)">MART</a>, we will take a closer look at some of those projects. If you are interested in speaking to the team, get in touch with them now;

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