“The venue added to the success as well as the outstanding evening at Rouge Tomate,” said Joe Vittoria, owner of sailing superyacht Mirabella V, who participated in Superyacht Design Symposium ’09 as a speaker.

Many of the superyacht industry’s “boldface names” were among the 150 participants of this year’s event, either as presenters or delegates. In addition to superyacht owners hailing from all over the globe, the list of attendees included a dozen well-known yacht designers and representatives from at least 14 leading shipyards, as well as top executives from a wide range of other major industry firms.

“It’s nice to be here with the likes of Ron Holland, Ed Dubois, Bill Tripp and German Frers – it was exciting to see that kind of talent in one room,” said delegate Donald Tofias, owner of W-Class racing yachts White Wings and Wild Horses. Those luminaries also were joined by equally famous yacht designers Andrew Winch, Ken Frievokh, Nigel Irens and others at the event.

In two days of fascinating and authoritative presentations, followed by spirited question-and-answer sessions, a wide range of topics were covered from financial and pragmatic subjects to artistic and futuristic concepts, not to mention a manned submersible straight out a James Cameron film. The “think tank” on how to make yachts greener, an issue near and dear to the hearts of many of today’s yacht owners, was particularly productive.

“I was proud to participate in the Superyacht Design Symposium,” said David V. Johnson, who drew from personal experience in developing Michigan’s award-winning Bay Harbor in his presentation on “The Benefits of a Green Marina to the International Yachting Community”. Johnson added, “I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity and depth of the content covered by the featured speakers from around the world. The networking and quality interaction with architects, designers and superyacht owners exceeded my expectations.”

Hani Jabsheh, owner of M/Y Hana, who chaired the panel on “Build Pricing and Resale Values – Now and in the Future,” agreed. “I found the two-day event a great platform for owners and the industry to mingle and exchange thoughts and ideas” he said. “I also valued very much the fact that most discussions included an owner’s perspective along with those of the industry experts. Owner engagement at these events is always welcomed and encouraged.”

The event’s sponsors, including Amico & Co, Rouge Tomate, CRS Yachts, Yachting Partners International, Chihuly, Chartis, ADCO and Qinetic GRC represented an equally impressive cross-section of the global superyacht community. Two of them even braved the podium: Alex Braden, chairman of Yachting Partners International, provided frank and useful insights into the current state of the world brokerage market. Rocco Finocchiaro, marketing manager for Amico & Co, who is also a veteran yacht captain, provided informative tips on how to make a refit project go more smoothly.

Don’t miss out on helping to chart the future of yacht design and mark your calendars for the third annual Superyacht Design Symposium in October 2010.

A series of absolutely riveting presentations highlighted the concluding day of the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009, presented by Boat International Media. Safety on sailing yachts, anti-piracy measures, helicopter operations and a revolutionary new submersible were the topics discussed by an all-star cast of yacht owners, designers, maritime aviation and yachting industry professionals in the gilded Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The buzz started over breakfast on Tuesday as the Symposium presenters and delegates compared notes on the festive cocktail party sponsored by the internationally renowned Chihuly Studio and the spectacular dining experience they had enjoyed the night before at Midtown restaurant Rouge Tomate, which recently was awarded its first Michelin star. Restaurant Founder Eric Wittouck, who is also a superyacht owner, welcomed the Symposium attendees to the private dinner, commenting on how much he had enjoyed Monday’s session. “I was interested to hear the conversation about the long, lean and light hulls. I am building such a boat right now,” he revealed.

Wittouck’s greeting was echoed by Rouge Tomate’s Executive Chef and its Head Sommelier, who personally introduced the evening’s menu featuring seasonal, fresh market ingredients, and the excellent wine selection that accompanied each course. The sparkling dinner conversation also centered on the issues that had been covered that day.

“I think it’s been very interesting – there was a lot of variety in the topics,” said yacht designer Ken Frievokh, who participated in many of the Symposium’s creative discussions both from the stage and the audience.

“I’m very impressed,” agreed Til von Krause of Abeking & Rasmussen. “It has been very well organized, the whole event.”

Just as on the previous day, Tuesday’s session featured very timely topics for the yachting industry. Joe Vittoria, owner of the 75m S/Y Mirabella V, introduced the panel on Anti-Piracy Security, explaining that while attacks on yachts are still extremely rare, the recent rise in piracy around the world certainly merited attention. While stressing that he did not intend to scare anyone, Vittoria said, “A lot of yacht owners, myself included, think about this.”

The 2008 Superyacht Design Symposium had begun with a presentation by owner Tom Perkins on building his former 88m sailing superyacht Maltese Falcon, during which he gave the delegates a preview of his DeepFlight Super Falcon Submersible. So it was only fitting that the 2nd Annual edition of the event should end with a fantastic presentation by its builder, Graham Hawkes of Hawkes Ocean Technologies – including a film of Perkins himself “flying” the craft beneath the sea. Hawkes’ description of diving with dolphins provided an exciting glimpse of the future for yacht owners.

“All of us have a little bit of James Bond in us,” said Boat International Media CEO Tony Harris during his concluding remarks.

Boat International Media will welcome back the Superyacht Design Symposium to New York City in October 2010.

More than 150 delegates and panelists, including many true luminaries of the global yachting industry, attended Day One of the 2nd Annual Superyacht Design Symposium presented by Boat International Media at the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City.

“I am gratified that once again this peer-focused event has drawn owners, designers and industry experts of such a stature,” said Tony Harris, CEO of Boat International Media, in his opening remarks as the session got underway.

The presenting speakers got down to brass tacks right away, discussing real-world issues that are very much top-of-mind for yacht owners, designers and other yachting industry professionals in the current market. A notable example was the presentation on Build Pricing and Resale Values – Now and in the Future, in which yacht owner Hani Jabsheh, owner of the 43m M/Y Hana, challenged a panel of experts to tell him how he could accurately valuate his next new yacht, sparking a frank discussion of transparency in the brokerage industry.

“I thought it was amazing; it was far too short,” Jabsheh said afterward.

Another groundbreaking panel let Henk Koster, owner of M/Y Grace, challenge three leading yacht designers, Nigel Irens, Marc van Peteghem and Dr. Klaas Spethmann of Abeking & Rasmussen to convince him to consider three different hull designs – monohull, multihull and SWATH – for his next yacht.

The panel on “Upgrading to Green Design”, prompted by the growing desire among yacht owners to build vessels with the minimum possible carbon footprint, also was highly topical. “I really believe that we are God’s caretakers for the sea and land…and should leave it better than we found it,” said speaker David V. Johnson, owner of the 40m M/Y Resolute and developer of the model eco-friendly Bay Harbor in Northern Michigan. Johnson gave the delegates a sneak preview of plans for his next “green” marina project on Virgin Gorda in the B.V.I.

But not all the topics were technical, financial or “green”, as Raffaele Costa, owner of M/Y Sea Force One and designer Andrew Winch made poetic presentations on the importance of emotion in interior design.

“I am blown away by the depth of knowledge of the panelists,” said Superyacht Design Symposium chairman Roger Lean-Vercoe, adding, “but the delegates in the audience who participated in the discussion sessions are just as qualified. I look forward to Day Two.”

At the end of the first day’s session, the delegates adjourned to an exclusive cocktail party and dinner at Manhattan restaurant Rouge Tomate, which recently was awarded a Michelin star.

In the wake of last year’s highly successful inaugural Superyacht Design Symposium, Boat International Media are proud to be holding the second annual edition of the ground-breaking event on 26th and 27th October 2009, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. This year’s Symposium will feature an impressive roster of large yacht owners, designers and other yachting industry experts leading panel discussions with an audience of their peers.

“We have an absolutely splendid lineup of speakers said Roger Lean-Vercoe, chairman of the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009 and Editor of The Superyachts. “The topics that have been selected for the presentations are key issues for the entire superyacht industry at this time – they include precautions to take against piracy, developing environmentally friendly yacht design, determining the value of a superyacht, whether to refit or buy new, safety and design issues for helicopter operations and advances in interior yacht design.”

Superyacht owners speaking at the Symposium include Joseph Vittoria, owner of the 75m S/Y Mirabella V; Raffaele Costa, owner of the 54m M/Y Sea Force One; Hani Jabsheh, owner of the 43m M/Y Hana; Henk Koster, owner of the 48m M/Y Grace and David V. Johnson, owner of the 40m M/Y Resolute.

Also on the speakers list are noted yacht designers Ed Dubois, Ken Freivokh, Nigel Irens, Graham Hawkes, Mark Van Peteghem, Klaas Splethman and Andrew Winch, along with representatives from superyacht builders Derecktor Shipyards and Pendennis Shipyard.

The venue for the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009 is the world-famous Plaza Hotel, a New York landmark since it was built in 1907. A recent U.S. $400 million “refit” discreetly blended updated communications technology into the hotel’s timelessly elegant interior décor, making it an ideal setting for a discussion of contemporary yacht design.

A special highlight of the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009 will be a private dinner on Monday evening at the exclusive Midtown New York restaurant Rouge Tomate, which had the notable distinction of being awarded a Michelin Star in its first year of operation. Dedicated to the philosophy, ‘The well-being of man and the well-being of the environment can be deliciously harmonized,’ Rouge Tomate sources local and seasonal produce and utilizes innovative cooking techniques that ignite the natural flavors while heightening the nutritional value of each dish.

In addition to Rouge Tomate, other prestigious sponsors of the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009 include:

• Amico & Co., a world leader in superyacht refit and repair
• Leading superyacht brokerage house Yachting Partners International
• CRS Yachts, a specialist insurance broker to the superyacht industry
• Renowned artist Dale Chihuly, whose glass masterpieces can be seen in more than 200 museums around the globe
• QinetiQ GRC, developers of Paramarine – Naval Architecture Design and Analysis products
• Chartis, offering customized insurance solutions that address a client’s entire lifestyle
• ADCO Technik, a consultation, development and installation specialist

There are now only 5 days to go until the much-anticipated second annual Superyacht Design Symposium takes place at the exclusive Plaza Hotel in New York City. Chaired by Roger Lean-Vercoe, Editor of The Superyachts, a distinguished list of delegates and high profile speakers will enjoy two days of lively discussion and debate and a first-class social programme, for which Boat International Media is renowned.

Attendees will be given the opportunity to attend a private dinner for speakers and delegates at New York Restaurant Rouge Tomate located a few steps away from The Plaza on Central Park, which this month celebrates its first Michelin star.

Rouge Tomate was envisioned and founded by Emmanuel Verstraeten, who opened the first property in his native Brussels in 2001. Emmanuel created the Rouge Tomate concept based on his passion for hospitality, desire to build a creative and professional work environment and belief in creating a socially responsible company. Following the resounding success of the original location, Rouge Tomate New York opened in the heart of Manhattan on October 28, 2008 and after less than a year from opening has been awarded its first Michelin star – a prestigious distinction that clearly places them in the ranks of the world’s elite dining establishments.

Executive Chef Jeremy Bearman, an alumnus of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Las Vegas and New York City’s db Bistro Moderne, has developed a market-driven and seasonal menu that utilize local purveyors and sustainable ingredients and follows the principles of SPE. A culinary and nutritional charter developed by chefs and nutritionists, SPE is based on a genuine respect for ingredients and the crafting of balanced dishes that naturally marries thoughtful, well-executed cuisine with authentic nutrition.

A member of the Green Restaurant Association, Rouge Tomate is dedicated to proactively addressing economic, social and environmental issues, from the design of the restaurant to the development of the menu. The essence of the Rouge Tomate lifestyle is further enhanced in the serene spirit and atmosphere of the space which intergrates elements from the outside environment including water, light wood, natural materials colourful foliage to strengthen the connection to nature. The restaurant’s dramatic design includes an open kitchen, designed according to the Golden Ratio, natural colour palette, back-lit oak wood wall, walnut hard-wood floors and photographic art installations by Norwegian artist Per Fronth.

A limited number of dinner places at Rouge Tomate still remain so don’t miss out – register now to guarantee your seat!

Boat International Media are delighted to announce that Italian shipyard Amico & Co will sponsor the Superyacht Design Symposium in 2009.

Amico & Co is a world leader in superyacht refit and repair, using the most advanced technologies and structures matched with a high service quality level and professional skills coming from a well established tradition. With industry experience that runs in the Amico family for over 126 years, Amico & Co was founded in 1991 by Alberto Amico, who is both Managing Director and General Manager of the yard in Genova.

Every year since has seen an increase in both physical size and capability of the yard, whose specialist knowledge in the large yacht refit and repair sector is second to none. Perhaps the most exciting development to occur over the past few months and testament to the ultra modern amenities that the yard has to offer, Amico & Co have provided total facilities for America’s Cup challengers “Alinghi” and the Alinghi Team, with a security-guarded, fenced-off and gated compound containing offices with full crew communications and storage space, as well as reserved, enclosed water space. The whole thing has immediate access to the open sea, while being well protected by two breakwaters.

Mr Rocco Finocchiaro, Marketing and Customer Care Manager of Amico & Co, is thrilled to be partnering with Boat International Media as Gold Sponsor of the Superyacht Design Symposium in 2009.

Mr Finnocchiaro commented: “At the Superyacht Design Symposium a genuine passion for yachting is shared through common experiences. Owners are afforded the rare opportunity to share their passion, instinct, love of the ocean and expertise gained from their knowledge of commissioning, building and maintaining their yachts to the highest standards.”

Many superyacht owners and leading industry professionals have already signed up to attend the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009. Confirmed speakers include the owner of M/Y Sea Force One, the enigmatic Mr Raffaele Costa a.k.a ‘Captain Magic,’ Mr Henk Koster, owner of M/Y Grace, Mr Joe Vittoria, visionary owner of S/Y Mirabella V and keynote speaker and owner of M/Y Resolute, Mr David. V. Johnson.

An exciting social programme includes a private dinner for delegates and speakers on Monday evening at exclusive New York restaurant Rouge Tomate, as well as ample networking opportunity over two days at the fabulous Plaza Hotel in New York City.

* Please note that the speakers and programme are subject to change

The second annual Superyacht Design Symposium in New York City is now only three weeks away and many of the world’s leading superyacht professionals have already registered to attend this essential event for owners, builders, designers, naval architects and captains.

Delegate places are filling up fast and there are now only a limited number of places left to attend the private dinner on Monday evening at exclusive New York restaurant Rouge Tomate. This is a fantastic opportunity to socialise with your fellow delegates and meet with our speakers. Register online by Friday 9th October to guarantee your place.

Boat International Media are delighted to announce that Mr David V. Johnson, owner of M/Y Resolute will be the keynote speaker at the Superyacht Design Symposium 2009.

Mr Johnson, Chairman of Victor International Corporation is internationally respected as a successful entrepreneur and luxury community developer committed to creating unique living and working environments that exist in ecological harmony with the land. In 2003, Johnson and Bay Harbor; a $1 billion, 1,200 acre luxury resort community extending along five miles of Lake Michigan, were awarded the prestigious international Award for Excellence by the Urban Land Institute for excellence in design, planning and development. Once named Entrepreneur of the Year by USA Today, Johnson has also been hailed as Environmentalist of the Year by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and, most recently, as Bloomfield Hills Rotary Club’s 2006 Distinguished Community Leader and as the 2006 Developer of the Year by the Building Industry Association.

Mr Johnson will be the first guest speaker to take to the stage on Day 1 of the event programme, opening the debate on Upgrading to Green Design, offering an owner’s view on the benefits of switching to environmentally friendly technologies.

Another addition to this year’s programme is the return to the podium of Mr Ed Dubois of Dubois Naval Architects, who will lead the debate on Safety in Yacht Design. Ed Dubois will present a case study on one of his most recent projects, focusing on the implications of innovation and operational standards on contemporary design and build.

Following the success of the inaugural event in 2008, Boat International Media invites you to attend the second annual Superyacht Design Symposium in New York City on 26th and 27th October 2009.

Chaired by Roger Lean-Vercoe, Editor of The Superyachts, this year’s owner led conference is an essential event for owners, captains, builders, designers, naval architects, brokers and senior industry members. Held at the exclusive Plaza Hotel in New York City which has recently emerged from a $400 million transformation, we have an exciting two day programme of lively presentation and debate on a range of diverse topics that will be presented to you by owners and industry specialists.

This year’s Discussion Topics include:

• Upgrading to green – how far to go?
• Build pricing and resale values
• Yachts and helicopters – ensuring safety
• Defending against piracy – are some waters ‘no go’ areas, or can a yacht take
measures to ensure security?
• Seaworthiness and fuel economy in modern yachts – the hull of the future
• The Falcon submarine – boldly explore the last frontier

The Superyacht Design Symposium offers an exclusive opportunity to share in the unrivalled knowledge of our high-profile speakers as well as ample opportunity for networking during an extensive, first-class social programme, for which Boat International Media is renowned.

An early bird registration fee of US$1350 is available to all delegates who register prior to July 24th 2009. After this date, the standard delegate fee of US$1650 will apply.

An exciting addition to this year’s programme will be a private dinner at exclusive New York restaurant Rouge Tomate located a few steps away from The Plaza on Central Park. The dinner will follow a cocktail reception on Monday night, providing you with a wonderful opporunity to socialise with your fellow delegates.

A limited number of places are available at this private function and will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so please be sure to register early in order to guarantee your place.

We very much hope that you can join us in New York for the most compelling and insightful meeting of superyacht owners and industry professionals in 2009.

* Please note that Speakers and Programme are subject to change