Lamima Yacht News & Events

Lamima yacht cruising in Indonesia

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Lamima in Bali 

Lamima yacht construction in Indonesia

Lamima

<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard</a> has delivered the 120-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> yacht, marking a momentous milestone in the nation’s shipbuilding history. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is not only the largest yacht delivered by the shipyard, but the largest from the nation – surpassing her predecessor <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> by an incredible 55-metres.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5cNAGGFkL5c?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/54420" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Radical 100m+ J7Explorer superyacht launched in Indonesia (2022-01-13 13:45:00 +0100)">The explorer was launched earlier this year</a> from a beach in Indonesia, rolled into the water in traditional fashion on large inflatable balloons, and she cascaded into the water with dramatic effect. Very little is known about the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a>, except that she has an estimated interior volume in excess of 8,000 GT and is constructed with a steel hull and superstructure. Construction started on the great Indonesian explorer back in 2019.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">PT Bahtera Bahari</a> is located in the southeast of the island of Batam and was founded in 2005. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7 Explorer120.0m (393'8&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7 Explorer</a> is the first recorded superyacht launched by the shipyard, as it typically builds commercial vessels. It has also undertaken a number of conversion projects, one of the more recent projects was the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/55595" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="In conversation: Converting the 45m explorer yacht Immortalis (2022-07-19 13:00:00 +0200)">45-metre Niigata Shipyard explorer Immortalis</a>.&nbsp;

120m J7 Explorer yacht delivered

PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard has delivered the 120m J7 Explorer yacht. This is the first recorded superyacht that the shipyard has delivered. 

Indonesia’s flagship: The 120m J7 Explorer delivered 

A radical 100-metre plus yacht has been launched from a beach in Indonesia at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard</a>. Known as the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7Explorer100.0m (328'1&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7Explorer</a> superyacht, the vessel entered the water by a method using large inflatable balloons, on which the yacht was rolled, similar to the historic method of rolling vessels into the water on timber logs.&nbsp;Little is currently known about the vessel, which features military-style lines and a large, open aft deck befitting of the current trend in explorer superyachts. Reviewing the video, it looks like she has an opening at her bow, in the design of commercial landing craft. If any of our readers have more information about the vessel, please get in touch, as we would be extremely interested to find out more about her.&nbsp;<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Aj_f5bCEMQ?&amp;wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215669/image/large-5ef056097fd02fc4c418d4fc1ec04829.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215669"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215664/image/large-09b109736b49241808741c067b69ea9f.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215664">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6594" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard (Company)">PT Bahtera Bahari Shipyard</a> is located in the south east of the island of Batam and was founded in 2005. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11879" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="J7Explorer100.0m (328'1&quot;)PT Bahtera Bahari shipyard2022">J7Explorer</a>&nbsp;is the first recorded superyacht launched by the shipyard, which has until this point specialised in the construction of tankers, diving vessels, landing crafts, tugboats and other commercial vessels.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215683/image/large-2783b675f6b95ca28db81abfce944d7b.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215683"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215681/image/large-c60f7abf06c5c535f74384f172ef334a.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215681"> <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215667/image/large-9518d17492664b371b7f023dbd8de867.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215667"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215665/image/large-954ceac1ecc0c8fc7244ecffe7b84fd6.png" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215665">The shipyard covers a 52 hectare site, which has been expanded over the years from the original 8 hectares. The yard sits on compacted ground with 320 metres of sea frontage with up to 20-metres of depth, making launches such as the above a fairly safe and standard procedure.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215678/image/large-b78c2dd10eb9c26da6043285d5954974.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215678">Since the foundation of the shipyard it has delivered more than 300 vessels of all sizes, and has also worked on the refit and repair of more than 200.While there are very few superyacht shipyards in Indonesia, there is a historic tradition of sailing yacht construction where yachts are built on the beach and pulled into the water at high tide. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53552" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sailing yacht Lamima: Sailing with soul (2021-08-18 16:00:00 +0200)">In 2021 we interviewed the owner of 65.2-metre Lamima</a> which was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4843" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="C.V. Mutiara Murni (Company)">C.V. Mutiara Murni</a> in 2014. She was constructed in the traditional method from wood in the region of Ara, where this type of construction is part of a historic tradition. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203390/image/large-88d3116873d0a45555e7ff4a3b2cc672.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203390"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203392/image/large-d2c97860f6b7fb639f9eac34458d43f5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203392"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203391/image/large-d6be343a3a30378ba5885ab676ad6857.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203391">

Radical J7Explorer superyacht launched in Indonesia

A 100m+ radical J7Explorer superyacht has been launched from a beach in Indonesia.

Radical 100m+ J7Explorer superyacht launched in Indonesia 

It was whilst holidaying on the white sandy beaches of Indonesia’s Greater Sunda Islands that Dominique Gerardin was first struck by the idea to build a superyacht using traditional techniques unique to the archipelago. In 2014, he pitched the idea to a friend (and now fellow co-owner) who he had met aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2390" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Axioma72.5m (237'10&quot;)Dunya Yachts2013">Axioma</a> while working aboard. Outlining the market gap for a sailing yacht with an all-Indonesian crew for charter, and certain it would be a favourite with an international clientele, he had little to do by way of convincing — and so, the plans for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>, the only Indonesian flagged yacht built to Rina standard, were born. For Gerardin, the 65.2-metre sailing yacht is the culmination of a lifelong dream. Enamoured by 1970s French TV series Joe Gaillard as a child, he always had a penchant for adventure. After a stint as a merchant marine and in the French Polar Expeditions, he worked as a superyacht captain for more than 20 years and today spends up to three months aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> each year. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203390/image/large-88d3116873d0a45555e7ff4a3b2cc672.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203390">The build of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>’s hull was entrusted to the skilful local builders of Ara, Sulawesi. Convinced she is “the first superyacht ever built on a beach,” Gerardin recalls the unusual build project with alacrity. “In Ara, shipbuilding is a lifestyle,” he explains. “At eight years old, the boys go with their fathers to the build site, carrying small tools to see how things are done. At 12, they start helping and by 18 years of age, they are experts — they use a chainsaw like you use a knife, and you don’t see anyone with a cut finger!” he laughs. When it comes to the build itself, “the hull must go into the water within nine months because it’s the baby of the master builder, he’s creating something with his soul.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>’s hull was pulled into the water on chain blocks by 50 men over the course of two months, and then towed to Bangkok for completion. Through this traditional approach, the yacht combines the beauty of an Indonesian two-masted trading ship, with the technological robustness of modern-day sailing yachts, affirmed by her <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1989" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Marcello Penna (Company)">Marcello Penna</a> design. When asked what he loves most about <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>, the answer is an easy one. “When you are on a wooden boat compared with one made of steel, aluminium or fibreglass, you touch the wood with your skin. You touch something that has a soul. For me, that wood is a living material.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203392/image/large-d2c97860f6b7fb639f9eac34458d43f5.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203392"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203388/image/large-bbcc46ce2de5b017a2f85a1b536406b8.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203388">“Soul” is a recurring theme for Gerardin, and speaking with him it quickly becomes apparent that the people with whom <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> intertwines forge both her distinct magnetism and convivial charm. “The crew is what makes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a> so special,” Gerardin says with gravity. “They work so hard and we’ve been through a great deal of difficulties. We’ve had everything from run-ins with corrupt police to overcoming extreme storms, sadly we also lost our deckhand this year to Covid-19 — but we have got through it all together.” All originating from Indonesia, the crew of nineteen bring the boat to life, as Gerardin says, “the guests come back for the crew, even more so than for the yacht!” From morning yoga on the deck to wakeboarding, paddle boarding and Jet skiing, the crew gets involved in all aspects of onboard life, and this is part of what makes her feel so much like a home. “Indonesians are fantastically hospitable and there is such a happiness to the way in which they approach life, you really feel that.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203391/image/large-d6be343a3a30378ba5885ab676ad6857.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203391">When it comes to ownership advice, it’s a tough one for Gerardin to call. “Not coming from the same background as most owners, it’s a little difficult to say. But for me, what is most important is that your yacht feels like a home. To be at home, you have to take care of your crew because a superyacht is not like a villa, it will go down quickly. It takes a lot of planning and hard work from everyone and being involved with your crew means you avoid doing refit after refit. So, trust them and take care of them.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/203389/image/large-7452fa2d7ea04f68a995bdc56210c796.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/203389">This article was originally published in the Autumn 2021 issue of The SuperYacht Times newspaper. To receive all future issues straight to your door, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here</a>.

Sailing yacht Lamima owner interview

Parisa Hashempour catches up with Dominique Gerardin, co-owner of Lamima, to hear how she came into being on a beach in Indonesia.

Sailing yacht Lamima: Sailing with soul

According to our market intelligence system <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times iQ</a>, there are 799 operating sailing yachts over 30 metres in the world today. These yachts have a total length of 31,262 metres, an average length of 39.1 metres and an average volume of 206 gross tonnes (GT). In the past 10 years, 215 sailing superyachts were completed.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/77265/image/large-f487ee2e1c35f752ee9a51a16d4d6f86.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77265">Used MarketOf the 799 30-metre plus sailing yachts in operation, there are currently 179 <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yachts for sale</a> on the market, which is 22.4% of the sailing yacht fleet in operation. Compared to the motor yacht fleet average of 23.4% this is slightly lower. The total combined length of the <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yachts for sale</a> is 6,976 metres, with an average length of 39.0 metres and an average volume of 182GT.The average price of a yacht on the used sailing yacht market right now is €6.1 million. When looking at the price per GT, we can see an average price of €34,000 per GT. Looking just at the yachts that have been built since 2010, which is a total of 54 yachts, they have an average price of €43,000 per GT.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82372/image/large-b157490e1b72379764c0a9cae5d0829a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82372">On average, the 179 <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">used sailing yachts for sale</a> have been on the market for 889 days. On average, these yachts are 22 years old. The youngest used<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">&nbsp;sailing yachts for sale</a> are the 55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2737" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Meira55.0m (180'5&quot;)Neta Marine2018">Meira</a> and the 35.1-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5631" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Odin35.11m (115'2&quot;)Nautor's Swan2018">Odin</a>, both from 2018, while the oldest is the 55-metre&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2266" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shenandoah55.08m (180'9&quot;)Townsend & Downey1902">Shenendoah</a>&nbsp;from 1902. New yachts coming on the market by yearIn the last two years, between 10 and 37 used sailing superyachts came on the market per quarter. The first quarter of 2017 and the first quarter of 2018 saw the highest number of used sailing yachts come onto the market.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82354/image/large-06d85ed8aba71e3b660a5e11889f9317.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82354">The most recent used <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">sailing yacht to be listed</a> is 33.9-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2089" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Too33.94m (111'4&quot;)Alloy Yachts1999">Blue Too</a>,&nbsp;which came on the market as a <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/blue-too/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">yacht for sale&nbsp;</a>in May 2019.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82238/image/large-8368bceedd89504e00614da0c990e857.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82238"> Yachts sold&nbsp;In the past two years, a total of 77 used sailing yachts were sold, with 30 yachts sold during 2017, 38 during 2018, and another nine in the first quarter of 2019.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82356/image/large-7229267d223be6a37087291b96dd62c4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82356">If we look at the used sailing superyachts sold in the last two years, we can see that they were on the market for an average of 859 days. For the total used superyacht fleet sold in the last two years, this average stood at 654 days.The 77 used sailing yachts sold in the last two years represented a total value of €490 million in terms of final asking prices. Their average last asking price was €7.5 million per yacht or €37,440 per GT. The largest used sailing yacht sold in this time period was the 70-metre Sybaris (now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4315" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Badis I70.0m (229'8&quot;)Perini Navi2016">Badis I),</a>&nbsp;which was also the highest valued used sailing yacht to be sold, with a final asking price of €88,000,000. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/7805/image/large-e6246afaadd124db4c12e561c2ca4e27.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/7805">The nine used sailing yachts sold in the first quarter of 2019 had an average final asking price of €9.0 million versus €6.8 million for the seven used sailing yachts sold in the first quarter of 2018. The average final asking price per GT for the used sailing yachts which were sold in the first quarter of 2019 was €34,820 versus €28,620 for the first quarter of 2018.Note that comparing sailing yacht sales by the price per GT is always a bit tricky as even two sailing yachts of the same length and year of build can be very different in terms of design, specification and hull shape.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82381/image/large-3b7b913300413ea62e495250360a7c47.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82381"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/82379/image/large-a4aa731b9685b4fb33c0db497194d973.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82379">The used sailing yacht market appears to be showing signs of improvement, with sales up by eight yachts in 2018 compared to 2017 and the number of yachts new to the market going down by 21 units year-on-year during 2018. This tightening of supply has led to a gradual increase in the average asking price of used sailing yachts.&nbsp;In the first quarter of 2017, the average used sailing superyacht had an asking price of €1.5 million, whereas by the end of the first quarter of 2019, this number had risen to €9.0 million. While the average asking price had been slowly going up throughout 2017 and 2018, the last quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019 saw spikes due to the sales of a few very large sailing yachts.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39688/image/large-cf95d6b92642487b32fb44193032519e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39688">Top 5&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Used Sailing Yachts for Sale</a>The five largest used<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/sailing/30.0m+/for-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">&nbsp;sailing yachts for sale</a> right now are:<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/150" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Atlantic69.24m (227'2&quot;)Van der Graaf B.V.2010">Atlantic</a>&nbsp;- 69.2m - 268GT - 2010 - Price on application<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5648" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lamima65.2m (213'11&quot;)C.V. Mutiara Murni2014">Lamima</a>&nbsp;- 65.2m - 491GT - 2014 - $14,000,000 ($29k per GT)<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athos62.0m (203'5&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2010">Athos</a>&nbsp;- 62m - 348GT - 2007 - €35,000,000 (€100k per GT)<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4146" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Seahawk60.0m (196'10&quot;)Perini Navi2013">Seahawk</a>&nbsp;- 60m - 491GT - 2013 - €32,000,000 (€65k per GT)<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4147" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Perseus 360.0m (196'10&quot;)Perini Navi2015">Perseus 3</a>&nbsp;- 60m - 491GT - 2015 - €32,500,000 (€66k per GT)<img src="/uploads/store/photo/82380/image/large-7ff7e9cf8e6c0cd6ba616bc6956d35a2.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82380"> <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/market-intelligence" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">SuperYacht Times iQ</a> is the SuperYacht Times live market intelligence system. Our subscribers have live access to all this data and intelligence, as well as more in-depth insights. If you are interested in a demonstration, <a href="mailto:sales@superyachttimes.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">please contact us.</a>

Sailing yacht market

In this series of articles the SuperYacht Times intelligence team analyse the used saling yacht market and sales. 

SYT iQ: performance of the used sailing yacht market

When it comes to superyacht cruising grounds, sometimes it may be easy to forget that there is a big wide world to discover outside of the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean and Caribbean hotspots. With more and more owners and charter clients opting to stray a little further from the beaten track, here we shine a spotlight on some of the more exciting cruising destinations from all four corners of the world, with the help of the expert Captain’s and Owners who have fallen in love with it. This issue we take a closer look at Indonesia, with the help of Captain Winston Joyce-Clark, who takes us through the ideal itinerary for those looking to really explore the best of the region comprised of a staggering total of over 17,000 beautiful islands.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165750/image/large-9c138a5063d4e9dcbf0898381c77fb1a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165750">

 

Take me to… Raja Ampat with Captain Winston Joyce-Clark

Though I am currently Captain on board the 59-metre Seawolf and, as I speak, we’re in the Caribbean, my Indonesian cruising experience was on board the 45-metre Big Fish with Aquos Yachts, as well as a ten day charter aboard a local 65-metre phinisi (traditional Indonesian two-masted sailing ship) called Lamima, which a client chartered for his 50th birthday ‘Equator Crossing’.

I have had the good fortune of cruising from Sumatra to West Papua and pretty much everything in-between over a number of seasons and can’t recommend Indonesia enough for diversity and perfect tropical cruising without the threat of any cyclone activity. Indonesia fits perfectly into a niche between the some of the world’s most prolific hurricane belts and yet it has a clean slate when it comes to suffering from extra tropical weather, except for infrequent earthquakes and tsunamis, as a result of seismic tectonic plate activity.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165751/image/large-4b3b2631c8344b17818b47c97a140a6a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165751">

I cannot sing Indonesia’s praises enough. It lays claim to 20% of the world's coral reefs, over 3,000 different species of fish and 600 coral species, deep water trenches, volcanic seamounts, World War II wrecks and an endless variety of macro life. There are somewhere between 13,466 and 18,307 islands in the Indonesian Archipelago (depends if you count those that are ‘tidal’ as some are below water at high tide). Each region has its own highlights - the Mentawais, Komodo, Banda Sea etc. etc. - but the most amazing topography, diving and wildlife is located in the area known as Raja Ampat. It is certainly one of my favourite places to cruise on the planet and it never fails to deliver both above and below water. Marine surveys suggest that the marine life diversity in the Raja Ampat Islands is the highest recorded on earth. The area has a wealth of incredible cays, bays, caves, 1000 jungle covered islands, hidden lagoons, pearl farms, luminous turquoise waters that average 29 degrees celsius and a quiet tranquility, as it is the least populated part of Indonesia.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165752/image/large-f3b3fb89e9a6014a0b3d35094590515e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165752">

If you have never visited Indonesia simply type in the word in a Google search and hit ‘images’. Active volcanoes, diverse cultures (300 distinct native ethnic groups), 742 regional languages, spectacular temples, idyllic beaches and even though the population is around 250 million people there are still a ton of deserted hideaways that are only accessible by boat.

So without further ado, here is one of my favourite itineraries in Indonesia: The Four King’s Cruise in Northern Raja Ampat.

Day 1) 
	Arrival on day one is to Sorong Airport, just a 15 minute transfer from the vessel. We start our adventure from the bustling Indonesian seaport and cruise for 43nm to Mioskon Island. White, sandy beaches await with plenty of time to get a first taste of some of the best dive spots in the world or, if that’s not your thing, guests can take a walk on the beach and soak up the incredible surroundings.

Day 2) 
	After a delicious breakfast on board, we head just 10nm from Mioskon Island to Kabui Bay. Here we find a beautiful area of karst formation rock islands, where we can go kayaking through the narrow passage between Gam and Waigeo Island, embark on tender boat rides, visit a local village, as well as a fascinating bat cave. Not for the faint-hearted, there is also the possibility to sacrificial human skulls found in a hidden cave...

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Day 3) 
	Today we head to the Penemu Islands, a 50nm cruise away. More mind-blowing dives such as Melissa’s Garden and the Galaxy Reef can be explored from here, as well as another picture-perfect white sand beach and beautiful blue lagoons. 

Day 4) 
	Day four sees us cruise 34nm to South of Kawe Island and Aljui Bay. Guests can enjoy a chilled day on board soaking in the sun, or choose to take a tender into the channels that surround Aljui Bay. Not one to miss in my opinion!

Day 5) 
	A short 25nm cruise to the Quoy Islands brings us to half way through our Raja Ampat experience. Guests are offered the opportunity to dive Cathedral Rock - an incredible dive site with some of the clearest water in the world.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165754/image/large-781284caedb1da3773fdbe5a0fe1161a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165754">

Day 6) 
	The Wayag Islands on day six are one of my favourite spots on this itinerary, where guests can take an easy hike to get the perfect Raja Ampat vista shot. Kayaking is a must in this anchorage, with hundreds of rock islands making for an exciting adventure. This is also where we cross the equator, and there really are just some spectacular sights up here.

Day 7) 
	One of the great aspects of cruising in Indonesia is that the cruising really is untouched. Remote, unspoiled and with a huge variety of interesting destinations and anchorages, including our day seven destination, Batang Pele. With a beach accessible at low tide only, it’s a great spot for snorkelling.

Day 8) 
	The only problem with a 10 day itinerary of the region is where to choose to visit. The possibilities are endless, though on day eight I prefer to head 30nm to the Fam Islands, where a dreamy lagoon with hundreds of small rock islands awaits. There’s also another nice hiking option here to get a perfect shot of the lagoon.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165755/image/large-3b74cd738b9c586ef154724d60b3c7ae.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165755">

Day 9) 
	Today we cruise just 20nm to visit Arborek Island, an interesting village that is warm and welcoming to all who visit Raja Ampat. You can snorkel underneath the village jetty as well as pick up souvenirs and enjoy the presence of people after several days of almost ultimate privacy. The divers amongst us will be more than satisfied a visit to one of Raja Ampat’s unique manta cleaning stations, Manta Ridge.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165756/image/large-409b17c1cb363dbc5a4dd4f36b01a069.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165756">

Day 10) 
	Cruising 50nm to Mayalibit Bay, here we experience a huge bay with a particularly scenic narrow entrance. Fit in one last dive at the Blue Magic dive spot, and make the most of a truly spectacular place to enjoy your cocktail at sunset!

After a final cruise of 50nm, we arrive back to the bustling port of Sorong, and our adventure comes to an end… and not without a heavy bout of ‘I wish we could stay longer…’.

The cruising logistics in Indonesia can be a little complicated, so it is important to have the right advice for your visit to the country. Contact regional experts the<a href="http://thelighthouseconsultancy.com/" target="_blank"> Lighthouse Consultancy</a> to discuss all aspects of your Indonesian adventure.

 

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This article was featured in an edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. Subscribe now to get your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

Captain’s insight: Exploring Indonesia

Drawing to a close today after kicking off on the 16th December on the island of Phuket, the following photographs have been provided to SuperYacht Times by the Feadship team currently in Thailand, showing just some of the yachts that are participating and watching this year. The Dutch shipyard are the event’s main sponsor, and have been supportive of the event since it’s early inception.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157659/image/large-10eda7d1bf4c4214b130bcfb9645d31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157659">On the first day of the event, Thai monks performed a special blessing of the fleet for the yachts participating in the show, of which were the 31 metre schooner Lady Thuraya, the 36.80 metre sloop Bliss, and the 65.20 metre ketch Lamima which was completed last year by Thai shipyard Italthai Marine Shipyard.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157660/image/large-bf692796754273d3ff53db9fc7156816.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157660">The 2015 edition of the Asia Superyacht Rendezvous was concluded at the award-winning Kata Rocks, who hosted a spectacular gala dinner for everyone involved. The event will return to Phuket next year.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157661/image/large-a10f53cd47074143e7ed377c2c04c180.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157661"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157662/image/large-463b7e4bce2c032195e134afbde12f71.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157662"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157663/image/large-d3b46290caa24d29ae80818ed924ef22.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157663"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/157664/image/large-f6d8f3a325a46e13ab0dd3f98ef48832.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/157664">By Gemma Fottles

Yachts at 2015 Asia Superyacht Rendezvous

The 65m (213') Lamima has been launched in Thailand. The yacht was constructed, using only traditional techniques throughout the process.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/151711/image/large-ec31b77a0da4688530bdbfdd9915c0b3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/151711">Lamima's build began in early 2012 in Indonesia, and in 2014, she left Indonesia and headed to Thailand where the Italthai Marine Shipyard finished her build. The yacht features seven large cabins accommodating 14 guests – all ensuite Traditional ironwood mixed with light bleached oak panels for a modern finish. The yacht accommodates up to 20 crew members.Lamima is now available to charter in Indonesia's Komodo Islands and Raja Ampat archipelago, with Camper &amp; Nicholsons International.By Maarten Janssen

The 65m sailing yacht Lamima launched

Marine Results are currently working on the rigging of a traditionally styled wooden ‘phinisi’, a 65 metre Indonesian sailing ketch. Lamima was built on the beach in Bira on the island of Sulawesi and towed to Italthai Marine in Bangkok to be fitted out.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150377/image/large-063e9d478654240f154dc5ca98135474.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150377">Ben Wood is leading the team at Marine Results. He states, “Marine Results is handling the management of virtually every aspect from the deck up. We have been responsible for all the mast hardware design and we contracted Fairlie Yachts for their invaluable input into the traditional design. We are now managing the onsite spar and mast hardware assembly and ultimately the rigging and stepping.”<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/150378/image/large-ba9cd4f525ee19f9753db0d0cac42ae6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/150378">Scheduled for completion in October, Lamima will be the largest sailing phinisi in the world. Upon completion, she will be operated by a luxury cruise company.By Gemma Fottles

65 metre Indonesian phinisi Lamima nearing completion

Camper &amp; Nicholsons International tells us about the 65.2 metre Lamima, which is currently in the final stages of her construction in Indonesia, to a design by Marcelo Penna. The yacht, of which only renderings are available for now, will be available for charter in South East Asia, with CNI, for clients looking for a bit of adventure.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149098/image/large-914f40eae4fb3af9670dc198086481d7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149098">Her build began in 2012 when boat builders from Ara, Sulawesi, skillfully set about constructing the world's largest wooden sailing yacht. She offering the charm of an Indonesian two-masted phinisi with opulent luxuries of modern yacht design.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149099/image/large-fddf65385166c8b33e60e1eb316e5717.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149099">Lamima’s stunning interior is contemporary yet welcoming. Beautiful Asian influences are apparent throughout her artwork, furniture and fittings. Indoor spaces are open and relaxing, and she comfortably accommodates 14 guests in seven large staterooms, all of which boast ensuites. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149100/image/large-29a1300f06dd78995e19092ed0d8ecd7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149100"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/149101/image/large-4510e32ab866bce55ffc4c6ec6b3b351.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/149101">The yacht is a Padi-diving centre and Padi instructor onboard - ideal for beginners or advance divers wishing to explore the phenomenal and biodiverse waters of Southeast Asia, and also onboard is an expert tour guide, whose deep understanding of the landscape - as well as local customs, culture and folklore.