Tuesday, February 16, 2010
America gets its cup back
As a casual, recreational boater, did you know that the 33rd America's Cup just happened?
Were you aware that the billionaire CEO of a giant software company called Oracle led a radically designed yacht across the Mediterranean to win the bragging rights to the oldest active trophy in international sports?
Admittedly, many of us were too busy watching the Olympics, or were distracted when the first race was postponed due to lack of wind. Maybe you were turned off by the two-plus-year courtroom drama between the Cup contestants over the rules, or questioned the validity of the technology used in this year's boats.
Maybe you missed it, but don't dismiss it. The America's Cup is back in the country of its namesake after a 15 year drought, the longest in the contest's history. The technology behind the winning boat is considered revolutionary by some, and could change the face of the Cup for all future races. As an American, you could be proud of our country, our team and one of our nation's amazing entrepreneurial success stories in Larry Ellison and Oracle.
Don't worry, thanks to the Internet, you can watch the victory and learn more about the contest easily at several sites. AmericasCup.com, Oracle.com, and the NY Times are good places to start.
Thank you, Larry, for bringing the Cup back home.
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Labels: California, Contest, Famous, Sail, video, Yachts
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Top 10 Boats of 2009?
CNN's Mainsail just released its top ten boats of 2009.
The list is comprised of everything "from superyachts to sail-planes" and we’re proud to say that it even includes vessels recently featured on the Daily Boater - Super-environmentalist David de Rothschild's Plastiki and Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's Eclipse.
Since Mainsail is a program that runs on CNN International, it is no surprise that many of their top 10 boats look like they were chosen more for their newsworthiness than for their seaworthiness. That’s okay with us, as the designs are out of this world.
Speaking of "out of this world", our favorite vessel on the list might be "Planet Solar" with a design reminiscent of the Star Trek Enterprise. What's your favorite?
On the web at CNN.com
9:05 AM Editor's note: Shortly after we posted this story, CNN changed the title of the article on their website from "Mainsail's Top 10 Boats of 2009" to the more appropriate "Will this thing even float? The craziest boats on the oceans." Either way, we still like the boats!
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The list is comprised of everything "from superyachts to sail-planes" and we’re proud to say that it even includes vessels recently featured on the Daily Boater - Super-environmentalist David de Rothschild's Plastiki and Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich's Eclipse.
Since Mainsail is a program that runs on CNN International, it is no surprise that many of their top 10 boats look like they were chosen more for their newsworthiness than for their seaworthiness. That’s okay with us, as the designs are out of this world.
Speaking of "out of this world", our favorite vessel on the list might be "Planet Solar" with a design reminiscent of the Star Trek Enterprise. What's your favorite?
On the web at CNN.com
9:05 AM Editor's note: Shortly after we posted this story, CNN changed the title of the article on their website from "Mainsail's Top 10 Boats of 2009" to the more appropriate "Will this thing even float? The craziest boats on the oceans." Either way, we still like the boats!
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Labels: bizarre, Boat Builders, Boat of the Week, Famous, Gadgets, green, Hybrid Boats, News, Sail, UK, Yachts
Friday, November 20, 2009
Moby Dick Sea Song
Wikipedia told us today that it is the anniversary of the 1820 sinking of the whaling ship Essex. The Essex was supposedly attacked by a ticked off sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean, sinking the ship and leaving its dwindling survivors to eventually resort to cannibalism in their lifeboats.
Oh, and the story of the angry whale inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick.
With that, our Sea Song of the Week is Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin :-)
More about the Essex and the Melville connection at PBS.
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Oh, and the story of the angry whale inspired Herman Melville to write Moby-Dick.
With that, our Sea Song of the Week is Moby Dick by Led Zeppelin :-)
More about the Essex and the Melville connection at PBS.
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Labels: Famous, Rescued, Sea_Songs, Ship Wrecks
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
The Day to Bid on Bull
If you believe Bernie Madoff owes you something and are looking to get a little back, you should be in Florida today. As we told you a couple of months ago, several of the infamous financier’s yachts are up for auction, and the AP says today is the day to bid on them.
How much will the boats go for in auction? Who will have the winning bids? Will the boats get split up, or will one person bid enough on all of the auctions to keep the vessels together. Hopefully, we’ll know the answers to these things by tomorrow, but for now you can enjoy this video with footage from inside the Bulls and bid on more affordable boats at the FirstBoat auction page.
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How much will the boats go for in auction? Who will have the winning bids? Will the boats get split up, or will one person bid enough on all of the auctions to keep the vessels together. Hopefully, we’ll know the answers to these things by tomorrow, but for now you can enjoy this video with footage from inside the Bulls and bid on more affordable boats at the FirstBoat auction page.
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Labels: Auctions, Famous, Florida, News, Yachts
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sea Song of the Week: Calypso
This week’s Sea Song, John Denver’s tribute to Jacques-Yves Cousteau, was recommended by a friend on our FaceBook page.
Three facts about Calypso you may not have known:
Three facts about Calypso you may not have known:
- Calypso was originally a British Navy mine sweeper in WWII.
- She sank in 1996 in Singapore, a year before Jacques-Yves Cousteau died.
- The ship is currently being restored by the Cousteau Society, of which you can become a card-carrying member
Labels: Famous, Passion, Sea_Songs, Ship Wrecks
Monday, October 12, 2009
Historic Ship
Ever wonder what happened to the famous Santa Maria, sailed by Columbus on his quest to prove the earth was not flat?
The Santa Maria was the cargo ship in the famous voyage, and was wider and clumsier than the Nina and Pinta. As such, she was probably not very easy to maneuver among the islands that Columbus “discovered”. The Santa Maria ran aground on Christmas Day 1492 on the island of Isla Espanola, which is now known as Haiti, and soon after was taken apart for lumber to build a fortress.
You can learn more about the ship’s history and crew at Wikipedia or SantaMaria.org.
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The Santa Maria was the cargo ship in the famous voyage, and was wider and clumsier than the Nina and Pinta. As such, she was probably not very easy to maneuver among the islands that Columbus “discovered”. The Santa Maria ran aground on Christmas Day 1492 on the island of Isla Espanola, which is now known as Haiti, and soon after was taken apart for lumber to build a fortress.You can learn more about the ship’s history and crew at Wikipedia or SantaMaria.org.
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Labels: Boat of the Week, Famous, Holiday
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Weekend Boat Shows
There is no shortage of boat shows around the world this week. I’ll be in Norwalk Friday for their in-water show, which includes live music and other entertainment for the first time this year. The 31st Annual Lido Yacht Expo starts today in Newport Beach, California, and features John Wayne’s 136 ft yacht, which is named Wild Goose (photo credit: Haute Yachts.) The boldly named "BOAT SHOW USA – 2009" is happening in Mt. Clemens, Michigan – a week later than previously scheduled. Billing itself as a Florida-style show in Houston, the South West International Boat Show is happening in Texas this weekend.
Outside of the US there are plenty of boat shows as well. If you’re in France, you can enjoy the Grand Pavois de la Rochelle. The Germans have their INTERBOOT International Watersports Exhibition, which has been going on since last weekend, and the 19th Monaco Yacht Show began yesterday at Port Hercules.
Get more information about these shows and more at the all new boat show calendar on FirstBoat.com (now taking suggestions for future events that should be listed.)
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Outside of the US there are plenty of boat shows as well. If you’re in France, you can enjoy the Grand Pavois de la Rochelle. The Germans have their INTERBOOT International Watersports Exhibition, which has been going on since last weekend, and the 19th Monaco Yacht Show began yesterday at Port Hercules.
Get more information about these shows and more at the all new boat show calendar on FirstBoat.com (now taking suggestions for future events that should be listed.)
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Labels: Boat Names, Boat Shows, Famous, Things to do, Yachts
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Boat Gadgets for Billionaires
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, whose approximately 550 ft “Eclipse” is expected to be the world's largest mega-yacht when it officially launches this December, went out for a test-cruise last week from Germany.
The latest features discovered on the mega-yacht will certainly raise the bar for the rich and famous. It’s been nearly a year since we told you about the ship’s missile defense system, submarine and its two helicopter pads. But now the Times Online is reporting that the ship has even more brag worthy gadgets, including: missile-resistant windows and hull; a retractable roof in the master suite; a 6 ft movie screens in each of the 24 guest rooms; and perhaps its most unique capability - the ship will have an anti-paparazzi laser “shield” that can zap a camera from afar and ruin a photo. Yup, who doesn't need that?
The latest features discovered on the mega-yacht will certainly raise the bar for the rich and famous. It’s been nearly a year since we told you about the ship’s missile defense system, submarine and its two helicopter pads. But now the Times Online is reporting that the ship has even more brag worthy gadgets, including: missile-resistant windows and hull; a retractable roof in the master suite; a 6 ft movie screens in each of the 24 guest rooms; and perhaps its most unique capability - the ship will have an anti-paparazzi laser “shield” that can zap a camera from afar and ruin a photo. Yup, who doesn't need that?Labels: Famous, Gadgets, Yachts
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Lot of Bull
If you’re in the market for a new boat and you’d like to own a piece of financial-meltdown history, you have just eight weeks to get to Florida for the auction of the year.
On November 17, 2009, National Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale will be auctioning off three boats that were seized from Bernard Madoff, the 71 year old financier serving a 150 year jail sentence for ripping off a lot of people.
Madoff's largest yacht for auction is a 55 ft Rybovich named "Bull" (pictured). Built in 1969 and recently renovated, it is said to be worth over $2 Million. Additional boats on the block: Madoff’s 23 ft center-console boat named "Little Bull" as well as a 38 footer named "Sitting Bull," a Shelter Island Runabout Sport.
Not on the block at this time: Madoff’s $7 Million, 88-foot yacht, also named “Bull”, which was seized near Nice by French authorities in April according to the London Times.
Shopping around? You'll find plenty of boats for auction online at FirstBoat.
On November 17, 2009, National Liquidators of Fort Lauderdale will be auctioning off three boats that were seized from Bernard Madoff, the 71 year old financier serving a 150 year jail sentence for ripping off a lot of people.
Madoff's largest yacht for auction is a 55 ft Rybovich named "Bull" (pictured). Built in 1969 and recently renovated, it is said to be worth over $2 Million. Additional boats on the block: Madoff’s 23 ft center-console boat named "Little Bull" as well as a 38 footer named "Sitting Bull," a Shelter Island Runabout Sport. Not on the block at this time: Madoff’s $7 Million, 88-foot yacht, also named “Bull”, which was seized near Nice by French authorities in April according to the London Times.
Shopping around? You'll find plenty of boats for auction online at FirstBoat.
Labels: Auctions, Boat Names, Boat of the Week, Economy, Famous
Friday, July 17, 2009
Around the world at 17
I can sail 100 yards from shore and feel isolated after only a couple of hours, so I cannot begin to imagine what Zac Sunderland felt like two days, six weeks, or eight months into his solo sail around the world - a 13 month journey that ended successfully yesterday when Zac arrived in his home port of Marina del Rey, California.
While Zac isn't the first person to solo circumnavigate the globe, he is the youngest on record; in fact, he's the first under 18 to sail around the world alone. Congrats, Zac - you did it!
An amazing journey has come to an end, but you can read all the details at Zac's website where he shared blog posts along every step of the way, and view videos like this shot from his yacht Intrepid.
While Zac isn't the first person to solo circumnavigate the globe, he is the youngest on record; in fact, he's the first under 18 to sail around the world alone. Congrats, Zac - you did it!
An amazing journey has come to an end, but you can read all the details at Zac's website where he shared blog posts along every step of the way, and view videos like this shot from his yacht Intrepid.
Labels: Famous, On the Web, Sail, video
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Cannons 2.0
In a display of wealth that spits in the face of the current economic crisis, Russian ka-chillionaire Roman Abramovich is having a 350 million dollar, 550 foot yacht built (according to CrunchGear). I think he could have picked up an ailing financial firm on Wall St for only a few bucks more. Oh yeah, he's already in that business - better to diversify.
The ship will boost its own economic system on board considering it will require a crew of 70 to steer the vessel, manage the disco, pools and helipads, keep the submarine and jet skis tuned up, and, oh yeah, work the missle defense system built into the boat!
We sure have come a long way since old school pirates had cannons poking out of wooden hatches along the side of a ship.
Of course, this isn't too much of a stretch given that Mr. Abramovich already has an anti-missile system on his Boeing 767.
All I have to say is, cool toys! Spend it if you've got it.
The ship will boost its own economic system on board considering it will require a crew of 70 to steer the vessel, manage the disco, pools and helipads, keep the submarine and jet skis tuned up, and, oh yeah, work the missle defense system built into the boat!We sure have come a long way since old school pirates had cannons poking out of wooden hatches along the side of a ship.
Of course, this isn't too much of a stretch given that Mr. Abramovich already has an anti-missile system on his Boeing 767.
All I have to say is, cool toys! Spend it if you've got it.
Labels: Economy, Famous, Pirates, Yachts
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Big Boats Abound
Does it seem like there is an unreasonable amount of news about big boats lately?
Celebrity launched its largest cruise ship ever, the Celebrity Solstice, at just over 1,033 (yes, one thousand) feet long, and with a beam of 121 feet. My ideal boat would be about half as long as the Solstice is wide, but let's get back to the Solstice. A half acre field of live grass on the top deck is a big deal, but I'm surprised it hasn't been done before. Same with the solar panels - nice touch, but it seems sort of obvious. If you're into cruises, here's a review from a cruise critic who already spent some time on the Solstice.
In other my-boat-is-bigger-than-your-boat-news, The Maltese Falcon, Tom Perkin's floating ego boost, made its American debut over the weekend, sailing into San Francisco at dead-low tide so as to fit under the Golden Gate Bridge. We pointed out two years ago that the MF has three masts that are nearly 200 feet high... each! Again, a third of that size would be a very comfortable boat length for yours truly.
Here's video from the day in the bay
Lastly, one of the biggest boats in NYC returns home this week after two years of repair and updating in New Jersey. You can see the USS Intrepid on the move here.
And if that's not enough, here's a list of the 50 largest motor yachts in the world, and the Sheikhs, Sultans, Princes and tech tycoons that own them.
Celebrity launched its largest cruise ship ever, the Celebrity Solstice, at just over 1,033 (yes, one thousand) feet long, and with a beam of 121 feet. My ideal boat would be about half as long as the Solstice is wide, but let's get back to the Solstice. A half acre field of live grass on the top deck is a big deal, but I'm surprised it hasn't been done before. Same with the solar panels - nice touch, but it seems sort of obvious. If you're into cruises, here's a review from a cruise critic who already spent some time on the Solstice.In other my-boat-is-bigger-than-your-boat-news, The Maltese Falcon, Tom Perkin's floating ego boost, made its American debut over the weekend, sailing into San Francisco at dead-low tide so as to fit under the Golden Gate Bridge. We pointed out two years ago that the MF has three masts that are nearly 200 feet high... each! Again, a third of that size would be a very comfortable boat length for yours truly.
Here's video from the day in the bay
Lastly, one of the biggest boats in NYC returns home this week after two years of repair and updating in New Jersey. You can see the USS Intrepid on the move here.
And if that's not enough, here's a list of the 50 largest motor yachts in the world, and the Sheikhs, Sultans, Princes and tech tycoons that own them.
Labels: Boat of the Week, Famous, Yachts
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Not His Yacht
This past week The Edge announced to the world that Bono's new yacht - CYAN - doesn't exactly belong to Bono. Turns out the yacht actually belongs to David Howell Evans, more commonly known to the world as "The Edge".According to the Belfast Telegraph, The Edge stated, "It's not Bono's yacht at all, it's mine. Bono doesn't know a thing about boats."
I wonder if Cyan is still available for charter, as it's listed here as available for a mere 140,000 to 175,000 Euro per week.
Labels: Famous
