On May 19th 2013, the schooner Tara embarked on a new scientific adventure: The Oceans Polar Circle expedition. Tara will travel 25 000 ams around the Arctic Ocean via the Northeast and Northwest passages, returning to Lorient in December 2013. The new challenge brings together biologists and oceanographers to focus on plankton biodiversity in the Arctic. Research will be conducted at the edge of the ice pacha where plankton is most abundant. Circumnavigating the Arctic Ocean, Tara Oceans Polar Circle will complete the main objective of the Tara Oceans Expedition (2009-2012): to collect plankton in all the oceans of the world. Indeed, the Arctic is the only ocean missing form our global study of plankton. Other issues will also be explored: the assessment of mercury…

Bloemsma Van Breemen in the Netherlands is close to completing the build of an exceptional 44-metre motoryacht. In addition to the yard’s well-documented expertise in construction and engineering field, the project also benefits from a striking exterior from the boards of Pieter Beeldsnijder and first-class naval architecture by Vripack. As you might expect from a project of this pedigree, the yacht also features the very latest technologies and systems, plus a comprehensive audio-video installation. Many of the safety and backup systems are located in a separate engine space under the guest suites, resulting in a spacious and clean engine room. Spaciousness is in fact at the heart of Pieter Beeldsnijder’s layout. From the large engine room on the lower deck to the voluminous sun deck…

The tenth Pershing 115' was launched earlier this week at Marina dei Cesari, in Fano (Italy). The yacht is designed by Fulvio De Simoni, AYTD - Advanced Yacht Technology & Design - and the team of engineers and designers of the Ferretti Group. Amongst the yacht's many custom features, are a highly innovative on board entertainment system, which allows user to manage and monitor all audio, video and lighting systems directly from their iPad or iPhone. The yacht has a 4 cabin layout to accommodate ten people, and three crew cabins for a crew of five. The interior is characterized by grey tones, which combines well with the classic metallic look outside. She is powered by twin 3510 HP MTU engines combined with the applied…

International Shipyards Ancona (ISA) announced the grand opening of its North American operations with an office at the Portside Yachting Center on at the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. It was auspicious timing for ISA as the day marked its 12th anniversary! ISA President of Sales and Marketing, Marcello Maggi, was on hand at a celebratory cocktail party at the Bimini Boatyard Restaurant with brokers, press, and members of South Florida’s marine industry to discuss on- going activity at the shipyard in Italy as well as new marketing initiatives. Maggi commented to the Friday audience, “I have a strong personal connection to the US and have long been aware of the importance of the American market for our yachts.” Ed Sacks, a well-known veteran…

Jeroen Minnema from Ocean Independence has sold a superyacht berth in Genoa, Italy, to one of his direct clients. The berth measures 60 x 11 metres, and had an asking price of € 4,500,000. Marina Genova Aeroporto has a total of 600 berths from 10 - 130 metres. The marina is only 5km from the historic city centre of Genoa and borders on Genoa International Airport. Ocean Independence Jeroen Minnema +33 493 34 51 20 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.oceanindependence.com  

Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands has launched the long distance explorer Moonen 100, a robust exhibition-style vessel that also benefits from exceptionality smooth lines. Combining major fuel efficiencies with comprehensive live aboard facilities, so this compact Explorer will allow her owners – who are extensively involved in the build - to truly travel the world in exceptional comfort. The layout of the Moonen 100 Explorer features three large suites in order to optimise comfort for the passengers. There will also be a well-equipped gym in the lazarette for the necessary exercise during lengthy voyages, while the sundeck will have all the features of a normal displacement yacht. Moonen Shipyards +31 (0)73 621 0094 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.moonen.com

The Horizon Yacht US dealer recently hosted their Third Annual Horizon Owner Rendezvous which took place this year in Port Lucaya, Grand Bahama – nine yachts, ranging in size from 60 to 136 feet, participated in the event from May 3rd-5th and marked the largest rendezvous gathering yet. Horizon’s rendezvous weekend kicked off on Friday afternoon with Yacht Hops on board the Horizon E88 and 82’ “Sweet Sarah,” followed by a cocktail party at Port Lucaya Marina and dinner at the popular Flying Fish restaurant. The Horizon V74 “Satori” had owners and guests on board for a Yacht Hop Brunch on Saturday morning, and everyone was treated to a private afternoon beach party at Barbary Beach, complete with beautiful blue water, beach games, Bahamian barbeque…

Lazzara Yachts have launched the latest LSX 92. The LSX 92 measurements only hint at her performance capabilities with an overall length at 92 feet, beam at 21 feet, a draft just under 5 feet. She is powered by four Volvo IPS engines. The layout includes Lazzara’s trademark atrium galley. The expansive atrium galley, with an impressive 15 foot ceiling, welcomes you to the accommodations deck below. This innovative layout was first pioneered on the LSX 75 . The LSX 92 will soon be replaced by the LSX 95. This particular LSX 92 will be on display at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Lazzara Yachts +1 954 525 0894 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it www.lazzarayachts.com

Contact, designed by Gabriele Teruzzi, is a thesis project for the masters course of yacht design and construction, organized by IED in Turin. The concept of the boat is to give the guests the feeling of being one with the outside world, so the whole yacht has been designed to create a sensation of intimacy with the sea. This vessel is an innovative combination between an explorer and a luxury yacht. A high bow, large beam, low speed, and low consumption thanks to an Azipull propeller system powered by an electric engine, are the principal features of being an explorer yacht. The high bow and large beam give more safety and stability to the boat, while the Azipull system allows it to go everywhere without…

Newport Shipyard's new 500 Metric Ton Marine Travelift, which will be the largest Travelift operating in New England, will be delivered to Newport's only and oldest working shipyard on May 29 and will be operational by June 21. This state-of-the-art lift will complement the 100 MT lift currently working at Newport Shipyard and will replace the 300 MT lift, which has handled a majority of the large yachts since its purchase 12 years ago. "We are looking forward to our new Travelift's arrival at the end of this month and anticipate attracting new business to Newport by operating the largest Travelift in the northeast," said Eli Dana, dockmaster of Newport Shipyard. "We hope by upgrading our haul-out capacity, super yachts will make Newport a destination…