Moorings Founder Dies
The founder of The Moorings, Charlie Cary, died on June 14, 2007 in Vero Beach, Florida at the age of 89. Cary and his late wife Ginny made their hobby a vocation when they founded their company on July 4, 1969 in the British Virgin Islands with six 35-foot Pearson yachts. Through the years, Cary collaborated with Florida yacht builders such as Charlie Morgan of Morgan yachts and Vince Lazarra of Gulfstar yachts, and in the 1980s with Beneteau in France, to develop yachts for charter. From its start in Tortola, The Moorings grew to over 850 yachts chartered in more than 30 locations in 20 countries worldwide.
Ruben Jaen to be inducted into IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame
The International Game Fish Association announced that a man they call “a legend in Venezuelan fishing,” Dr. Ruben Jaen, will be inducted into their Hall of Fame this fall. IGFA advises that Jaen, a cardiovascular surgeon, was a pioneer of light-tackle bill fishing in his country who introduced night-time sword fishing and caught the first broadbill in Caribbean waters. He has released more than 3,000 billfish and was instrumental in protecting the La Guaira Bank from commercial fishing interests. Dr. Jaen is also an author and served for 16 years on the IGFA Board of Trustees.
Island Global Yachting closes on St. Maarten acquisition
IGY, the international owner, developer, and manager of luxury marinas announced in June that the company has closed on its acquisition of the Yacht Club at Isle de Sol situated near the Simpson Bay Bridge on St. Maarten in the Dutch Antilles. The marina has 45 slips accommodating vessels ranging from 80 to 360 feet. “St. Maarten is considered to be the center of mega-yacht activity in the Caribbean,” said Andrew L. Farkas, CEO of Island Global Yachting. IGY’s presence there also includes control of the Simpson Bay Yacht Club, ownership of the St. Maarten Shipyard project and management of various other assets.
Team Conyers Dill & Pearman Wins 2007 Financial Services Challenge
The third annual Financial Services Challenge took place at Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, British Virgin Islands on Sunday, June 24 and proved to be third time lucky for Conyers Dill & Pearman. Guy Eldridge and his team went into the final IC24 race tied on points with Deloitte, but prevailed and took home the International Finance Centre Cup. The event, organised by Racing in Paradise and sponsored by the BVI International Finance Centre, saw 11 teams enter from companies within the BVI financial services sector. www.racinginparadise.com
Marine Industry Pioneers Receive Honorary Doctorates
Leon and Dolores Slikkers, founders of S2 Yachts, Inc. which includes Pursuit Boats and Tiara Yachts, were awarded honorary Doctors of Law from Andrews University recently. The couple established Maranatha Volunteer International, a non-profit Christian organization which has mobilized more than 45,000 volunteers in 61 countries of the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. Since its inception in 1969, Maranatha has constructed nearly 3,000 buildings.
F & S introduces “Magic Touch
F & S Boatworks introduced its new 68’ “Magic Touch” in Florida in June, the largest boat the company has built. The custom sportfish boat is equipped with Johnson Towers, 2400HP MTU 16V 2000’s, and is expected to reach top end speeds in the high 40’s and a cruising speed of 40 knots. www.fsboatworks.com.
Still a Safe Port in St. Lucia Storms
In June, the Marina at Marigot Bay reassured small craft operators, the St Lucia Day Charter Association, and yacht owners that the new mooring buoy field in the inner bay will not obstruct local boats from seeking shelter in the mangroves should a tropical storm or hurricane threaten the island. The field of 20 mooring buoys was laid in the bay earlier this year on behalf of the St Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority. According to marina manager Bob Hathaway, the bay can continue to be used as a safe haven unhampered by the new permanent mooring system. As boats arrive in the bay, they will be given the option of using a mooring buoy as part of their mooring system; using their own anchors and the mangroves; or berthing in the Marina at Marigot Bay. A full list of further Marina requirements is available at www.marigotbay.com under the Marina news section.
Save these dates:
St. Maarten Canoe Racing This Month
Stuart Knaggs reports that on 26 August, St. Maarten will see an ocean race from Chesterfields in Great bay to the beach at Plum Bay, a distance of a little over 14.5 km, and a shorter 8.5km event from Kim Sha to Plum Bay. All starts will be at 8.30am, with registration at 7.45 a.m. in the two locations.
Bermuda Gold Cup Race Centennial in October
Event organizers at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club have set October 9-14 for the annual Bermuda Gold Cup and the King Edward VII trophy. The Gold Cup will offer $50,000 in prize money with $25,000 earmarked for the champion. The Gold Cup is the oldest match-racing trophy in the world for competition involving one-design yachts, first presented at the Tri-Centenary Regatta at Jamestown, VA, USA, in 1907 by King Edward VII. www.bermudagoldcup.com.
2008 Superyacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge next April
The first Superyacht Cup Transatlantic Challenge is planned to start from Antigua April 8 and 9, 2008. The course will take the yachts on the traditional track across the Atlantic via the Azores to an estimated April 25 finish in the Spanish Port of Vigo. Two classes will start separately: a performance sailing class and a ‘rally class’ which will enable yachts to keep up an average minimum speed by motoring if necessary. www.thesuperyachtcup.com.
