The American Superyacht Forum, this year held at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, took the industry by storm. With the presence and support of major shipyards, design studios, advisory companies, Captains and management companies, the event took the shape of a productive and candid debate focusing on the current state of the American market.
Glen Allen, M/Y Harle
The first day was kick-started by Chairman Martin H. Redmayne welcoming the delegates. “Buying a boat is not obscene,” he stated, reminding the delegates that it is up to them to change the course of their industry’s business growth. “Lets take control”. Citing figures from Superyacht Intelligence Redmayne shared with delegates “In 2009 there were 100 projects in the Americas order book; today there is 31”. A harsh reality for the audience, but with the focus on 2020 and moving forward to entice the next generation of yachting clients the day's debate moved forward. The conference on Day 1 The workshops on Day 2
Shipyards, Machinery, Systems and Operations. Four sessions on each topic were staggered throughout the day, each one prompting a frank and insightful discussion tailored to those attending and encouraging maximum input through the creation of a smaller environment.
Participating companies included: Burger, Trinity, Delta, Marine Group Boat Works, Ocean Alexander, Horizon, Sunrise Yachts, Burgess, Clyde & Co, Goldring & Goldring, De Basto, JQB Design, Donald L. Blount & Associates, Rybovich, Feadship, Bradford Marine, Dania Cut, Camper & Nicholsons, Fairport Yacht Support, Jones Boat Yard, Northrop & Johnson, Hodgdon Yachts, Marina Barcelona 92, Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect, Setzer Design, Bank of America, Cox, Wooton, Griffin, Hansen & Poulos, Wenthur Law Group and many senior members of the US Supply Chain.
Transcripts will be available from 10 June by clicking here . Access is free to all delegates who attended, simply input your name and e-mail address provided on registration. To purchase the transcripts if you did not attend, please email emma@thesuperyachtgroup.com .
Programme The Programme for ASF 2013 was as follows...
09:30 – 11:00 Session 1 - Plotting a New Course for Yachting Guillaume Roche - Sunrise Yachts Todd Roberts - Marine Group Boat Works 11:30 – 13:00 Session 2 – The Quest for New Blood Todd Beechey - OceanScape Yachts Tim Hamilton - Feadship Luisa Kroll - Forbes 14:00 – 15:00 Session 3 – "How Can We Get Support from the Federal Government?" USSA Presentation This interactive session will begin with a presentation detailing the current legislative and regulatory mood in Washington this year. This session will feature USSA board members who will update the audience on their advocacy efforts and what changes they see happening.Duncan Smith - Smith Advocacy Group LLC & USSA Member 15:00 - 15:30 Session 4 - Working Better Together - ISS Update Ken Hickling Session 5 – Report from the Front Lines David Clarke - M/Y Laurel Mike Hein - M/Y Mea Culpa Teddy Garsva - M/Y Freddy Glen Allen - M/Y Harle Luiz De Basto - De Basto Designs Bill Blount - Donald L. Blount & Associates Greg Marshall - Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd. Day 2 – Wednesday 15 May 10:00 – 10:15 Introduction Session One Options 11:45 – 12:45 Session Two Options 14:15 – 15:15 Session Three Options 15:45 – 16:45 Session Four Options 16:45 - 18:00 Closing Session Day 3 – Thursday 16 May here .
Social Welcome Drinks Reception Monday, May 13 George Franssen, ABB Marine
American Superyacht Forum Dinner 14 of Las Vegas, with the added entertainment of blackjack tables, encouraging guests to learn a few gambling tips between courses. The evening was a lively opportunity for delegates to let their hair down after an intense day of discussion and debate. Closing Drinks Reception 15
Activity Day info@superyachtevents.com .
Thursday 16 May I am not normally a networker and often shy away from such events. I was
pleasantly surprised by the productivity of the event, and as such will
be a future regular attendee.
Gregory Marshall, Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd.
Workshops Day 2 of American Superyacht Forum 2013 took on the dynamic format of breakout sessions. With 4 different workshop titles and 4 different sessions each, delegates could choose the topics most applicable to their field of expertise and interests. Outlined below is the programme schedule used: Shipyards Money Matters 11:45 - 12:45 Project and Contract Management Building Efficiency with Warranty How can we become more efficient as a yacht building industry? With pressure to over deliver ever more prevalent, this session targeted how we can improve on our delivery and after market support without it having a detrimental affect on the bottom line of the yards and the supply chain.Supply Chain - Linking Together It has been a common thread over the past few years, whereby key suppliers and manufacturers have in fact almost collapsed financially due to being part of a fragile economy. CEOs of companies that have direct experience with the failure or near collapse of their businesses, explored better ways of companies working together for a more stable business.The shipyards workshop was sponsored by: Systems 10:15 - 11:15 Building the Bridge 11:45 - 12:45 Communications - Bandwidth of the Future That's Entertainment - Sometimes 15:45 - 16:45 Interior Design Versus Logical Intergration The systems workshop was sponsored by: Room Three - Operations 10:15 - 11:15 MLC - A Complex Crew Issue 11:45 - 12:45 Regulating with Intelligence 14:15 - 15:15 Feeling Secure - the Value of Life When people talk about security, the big obvious topic is "piracy", however the majority of issues facing yachts stem from crime and theft in the more typical cruising grounds. This workshop discussed where the paranoia and insecurity has evolved from and how we can make sure owners and their friends and families can step on board with minimal threat or risk and without paying through the nose for the privilege.15:45 - 16:45 Manning (Training and Recruitment) In light of the MLC coming into force in August 2013 (discussed earlier in the day), manning issues are at the top of everyone’s list this year. This session explored the problems yards and manufacturers face with the quality and professionalism of crew. Are we preparing them properly for life at sea, operating high tech systems and maintaining hugely critical equipment?The operations workshop was sponsored by: Machinery 10:15 - 11:15 Optimising Propulsion 11:45 - 12:45 Stability - it's a Balancing Act Environment - Efficiency versus Conspicuous Consumption 15:45 - 16:45 Domotics - The Living Machine : Location Conference venue The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as our base. Located on The Strip and offering an array of fantastic restaurants, luxurious pools, extensive shopping and of course the casino, the venue was the perfect place to host our stateside event.
The organization of the event was very good, the location perfect and
network opportunities excellent. It was my pleasure to be part of the
Forum. Luiz De Basto, De Basto Designs
Testimonials Feedback from the American Superyacht Forum 2013 Glen Allen, M/Y Harle George Franssen, ABB Marine Gregory Marshall, Gregory C. Marshall Naval Architect Ltd. The content of this year’s ASF was much better and the mix of topics was quite good.Eric Goldring, Goldring & Goldring Luiz De Basto, De Basto Designs Leah Yam, Marine Group Boat Works Todd Beechey, OceanScape Yachts David Clarke, M/Y Laurel Sponsors
Speakers
SURNAME
FIRSTNAME
COMPANY
Redmayne Martin H
Chairman - Editor in Chief, The Superyacht Group
Beechey Todd
President, OceanScape Yachts
Hamilton Timothy
Director, Feadship America
Merrigan Kevin
CEO and President, Northrop & Johnson
News Machinery: Domotics 'The Living Machine' 16 May 2013
Machinery: 'Domotics' - The Living Machine workshop sponsors: Systems: Green Shoots Marketing 16 May 2013
Systems: Green Shoots Marketing workshop sponsors: Operations: Regulating with Intelligence 16 May 2013
Operations: Regulating with Intelligence workshop sponsors: Shipyards: Money Matters 16 May 2013
Shipyards: Money Matters workshop sponsors: ASF 2013: Designers say America needs to find its own style 15 May 2013
ASF 2013: Superyacht captains recall their US experiences 15 May 2013 Laurel , Mike Hein - M/Y Mea Culpa , Teddy Garsva - M/Y Fredd , Glen Allen - M/Y Harle took to the stage for a candid exchange about what the USA can do better in their opinion.
Garsva’s
suggestion to the builders and brokers in the audience came down to
marketing. Hailing from South America and predominantly working for
Mexican and South American owners, Garsva said that they all have the
same complaint, and that is that Mexico is next-door to the USA but
Americans have not taken advantage of this. “They’re right next door,
how hard can it be?” There is a new wave of young rich Mexicans that are
being ignored by the American market, and instead these potential
owners are all building in Italy. Americans should do what the British
have done; steal the market from the Italians. Mirroring what South
Americans love about the Italian builds - the sexy lines - Sunseeker and
other British builders have mimicked this and then provided a better
after sales service, therefore retaining the business. Garsva asked the
audience “Can you imagine if 50 Sunseekers out there that are owned by
South Americans were built by American yards?”Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
ASF 2013: Industry bodies say they're making progress on the front line 15 May 2013
Ken
Hickling, president of the International Superyacht Society (ISS), then
took to the mic to update all present on the association alliance and
the ethics initiative. “Times like now, not in a boom, is when
associations can make a difference; we need all the help we can get.”
The discussion took the avenue of discussing the industry’s presence and
influence over the IMO and ILO. With the status and real influence that
the industry has, it became clear that there were some in the audience
that were not confident of the actual difference that the associations
make at IMO and ILO level.Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
ASF 2013: The Quest for New Blood 15 May 2013
Redmayne
raised the point of the perception that the US brokerage community is
made up of self interested individuals, to which Merrigan countered that
the Americans “are self-driven; entrepreneurial, and that is not found
in brokerage communities around the world.” Hamilton enthused on the
point that many European brokerage houses have a systematic process to
get young people into their brokerage houses. You don’t see that as much
in USA and there is more of an environment of fear of a younger person.Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
American Superyacht Forum 2013 begins with some home truths 15 May 2013
Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
2 Weeks To Go Until The American Superyacht Forum - Las Vegas 30 Apr 2013 American Superyacht Forum .
It will be the most important meeting in the history of the US superyacht sector, for the simple reason that they need to rebuild their market position. Especially when you consider that less than two decades ago, Broward Marine were the world's leading builder in the order book, with more units and cumulative length than any other shipyard.
Having chaired several conferences in the USA, and watched the shift in fortune over the past 20 years, I truly believe that we can work together on creating a demand, a product, a message and a strategy that makes sense and takes a fresh approach to the world's potential client base, benefiting the US superyacht industry as a whole. With shipyard business leaders, marketing and sales experts, experienced Captains, key players in the supply chain and other industry specialists that all want to see the US become a bigger and more stable industry, this year's American Superyacht Forum is designed to seize the opportunity that lies ahead.
If you feel strongly about the future success of the American superyacht industry and would like to participate in this critical conference, sponsored by Awlgrip , MTN Satellite Communications and MTU , then please make sure you have the 14 - 16 May blocked off in your diary. If we don't do something soon, we will see a further decline in the US order book and this will have a dramatic affect on the rest of the American industry.
Can you afford not to play your part? Without a stable new build sector, the USA will suffer...!
Please make sure you have your say. To find out more contact suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com or click here to register your place.
I look forward to seeing you all in two weeks.
All the best
Martin Redmayne
Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
Speakers finalised for forthcoming American Superyacht Forum 19 Apr 2013
Speakers (clockwise L-R) Billy Smith III, James Fwu, Carlos Vidueira,
Speakers (L-R) Captains David Clarke and Mike Hein
Speakers (L-R) Luiz De Basto and Bill Blount
4 Easy Steps on how to book ASF 09 Apr 2013 American Superyacht Forum 2013 promises to be a worthwhile showcase of information and updates on the industry. The Superyacht Events team is busy organizing an enticing event for delegates, but if you need a little hand with bookings then we’ve put together some guidelines to make it as easy as possible:1. Delegate Place suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com or call +44(0)207 8011 014. 2. Flights. ISS GMT is on hand to help you book your flights. Specialists in exchangeable and refundable tickets for the marine industry, they have been stalwart supporters of ASF for several years now. If you have yet to make your travel arrangements then please email asyf@issgmt.com for a competitive quote.3. Hotel The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas . We have secured a delegate room rate of $179.00 per night for a Terrace Studio with a balcony. Rates are available from Sunday through to Wednesday. To make your booking and be in with the chance of winning one of five $100 AMEX gift-cards, please click here .4. Networking Day Zip lining down Bootleg Canyon Hoover Dam Express Tour by Kayak Passenger plane over the Grand Canyon Land Sailing in The Outback here .So a final run down…. suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com asyf@issgmt.com of Las Vegas via their online passkey here here
New wave of sponsors join us for the American Superyacht Forum 2013 21 Mar 2013 Additional headline sponsors confirmed
MTN Satellite Communications will be joined by both MTU and Awlgrip as headline sponsors of this event. A leading provider of diesel engines and complete drive systems, MTU offers products for ships and vehicles with comprehensive and modern product programs. A household name in the superyacht industry, Awlgrip are a leading global supplier of topside finishing systems, focusing on both aesthetic quality and protection for vessels.
New workshop sponsors revealed
Bank of America will be accompanied in their support of The Operations Room by Petersen International Underwriters , a company who cover the risks that traditionally are not insured, using the strength of the world’s insurance market to the superyacht industry’s advantage. RINA will be joining them, bringing 150 years of experience to the table and a wealth of knowledge on classification and logistics.
Naiad Dynamics are taking up residence in the Systems Room and will be waving the flag for our machinery-focused workshop alongside FarSounder . Naiad Dynamics produce stabilizers, control systems and in-line bow and stern thrusters to incomparable quality. Last but certainly not least, Goldring & Goldring are the first to be involved with the Shipyards workshop, demonstrating their long-standing relationship with various American builders and their expertise in our industry.
For more information on the sponsorship packages available, please contact Georgina Lucey, on georgina@thesuperyachtgroup.com . Should you require any further information on the workshops or the programme , please contact Rebecca Curran by emailing rebeccac@thesuperyachtgroup.com or by calling +44(0) 207 924 4004.Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
Exciting changes to the 2013 American Superyacht Forum programme 19 Mar 2013 American Superyacht Forum (ASF) this year, Superyacht Events can now announce dynamic new changes to both day one and day two of the conference.Todd Roberts of Marine Group Boat Works, and Jeffery Ferguson of Ocean Alexander USA have already confirmed their attendance and eagerness to re-inject some activity into the American market.Todd Beechey of OceanScape Yachts, Kevin Merrigan of Northrop & Johnson, Tim Hamilton of Feadship and Luisa Kroll of Forbes; a presentation from the USSA concerning increasing federal government support, with speakers Duncan Smith , Cris Wenthur and Kristina Hebert ; an ISS Update from ISS President Ken Hickling ; and a Captains session focused on their perceptions of US refit, new builds and suppliers will light a spark to get the American market moving again.
Speakers (L-R) Todd Beechey, Kevin Merrigan, Tim Hamilton and Luisa Kroll
To register your place at this year's American Superyacht Forum, please contact Suzie on suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com , call a member of the Events team on +44 (0)207 924 2004, or click here
to register online. Please visit this website for updates regarding
additional speakers and to view the complete American Superyacht Forum programme . Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
Let us help with your logistics 14 Mar 2013 ISS GMT will enable you to change your plans at a moments notice; handy if you’ve gotten carried away down at The Golden Nugget, or clinching that unexpected client! asyf@issgmt.com .State-to-state journey times… City Flight Time Time Zone Sunday Accommodation of Las Vegas is still available and by clicking on and filling out the form below you will be able to book our special American Superyacht Forum delegate rate of $179.00 per night.
Thursday 16 May !info@superyachtevents.com To register your place at this year's American Superyacht Forum, please contact Suzie on suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com , call a member of the Events team on +44 (0)207 924 2004, or click here
to register online. Please visit this website for updates regarding
additional speakers and to view the complete American Superyacht Forum programme . Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
Book your ASF accommodation at the meeting venue... win an AMEX giftcard! 06 Mar 2013 The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the American Superyacht Forum !Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority to offer this great prize, the winners of which will be announced at Monday’s Welcome Reception . The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be hosting this year’s ASF, a beautiful hotel at the heart of The Strip. It remains the only accommodation to boast balconies in Vegas, the view only just superseding the exquisite interior design. click here to download the itinerary.Monday 22 April . After this time, we cannot guarantee that rooms will be available at the special rate. You can book in one of the following two ways:Online of Las Vegas's event website, here . On the phone Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority is among the world's top destination marketing organisations, promoting Southern Nevada's Las Vegas Information Centre , open Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 17:30:To register your place at this year's American Superyacht Forum, please contact Suzie on suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com , call a member of the Events team on +44 (0)207 924 2004, or click here to register online. Please visit this website for updates regarding additional speakers and to view the complete American Superyacht Forum programme .
Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
American Superyacht Forum Brochure Released 11 Feb 2013 Click here to download the event brochure, or contact suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com to find out more and to register you place. Alternatively click here for more event information.
Headline Sponsors of the American Superyacht Forum
Sponsorship Announcement 01 Feb 2013 Viking Recruitment will be at the Superyacht Management Meeting: MLC, Careers & Recruitment Viking Recruitment are leading specialists in crew management and recruitment, with 25 years behind them their offices extend support to the industry in terms of training, travel and operational expertise on a global level.MTN will be sponsoring both the American Superyacht Forum Global Superyacht Forum MTN provides superyachts with the very latest in communication technology and has contributed hugely to the satellite industry over the past 30 years, continuing to deliver a reliable service keeping crew, owners and ports connected wherever they may be.
American Superyacht Forum Bank of America , are one of the world largest financial companies catering to all levels of clients, from large businesses to individual consumers. Bank of America offer the highest standards in all services through its group company MBNA Europe and we are delighted to welcome them and their expertise in this field. In addition, FarSounder are on-board as the first to endorse the Systems Room. Providing navigation systems, sonar devices, diving detectors, security and protection products, FarSounder 's quality systems can accommodate shallow depths, avoid internal storage issues and work to an instantaneous operating schedule.Global Superyacht Forum Struik & Hamerslag will be joining MTN in sponsoring the conference for another year. One of the front-runners in interior design and committed to bringing their customers the very best in quality and price, Struik & Hamerslag have gained experience of working with over 100 yachts over 36metres and remain a specialist in the world of cabinet-making and joinery.info@superyachtevents.com to discuss opportunities.American Superyacht Forum 2013 announces dynamic new programme 30 Jan 2013
Speakers (L-R) Todd Beechey and Kevin Merrigan
suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com , call a member of the Events team on +44 (0)207 924 2004, or click here to register online. Please visit this website for updates regarding additional speakers and to view the complete American Superyacht Forum programme. Making the most of Vegas 28 Jan 2013 of Las Vegas. Casino-themed, this will be a great way to really get into the Vegas-vibe – without burning holes in your pockets. Comprising of a drinks reception and a mouthwatering 3-course meal, the Superyacht Events team will be awarding a prize to the delegate who comes away with the most chips by the end of the night.here .here (note this is at additional cost to your delegate fee).emma@thesuperyachtgroup.com . For help with any introductions on-site, please contact Suzie Hine on suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com .
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 21 Jan 2013 The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas , and we are certain it won’t disappoint.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas promises to offer The Superyacht Group the very best platform for which to host the annual American Superyacht Forum. Functionality is key and we hope that by working closely with the resort staff we will be able to pull off a smooth and fuss-free forum, allowing us more time to dig deep into the content of the programme. Please click here for more details of the latest session topics. Please keep visiting our website (www.superyachtevents.com ) for more details on the social programme which will be announced soon. To secure your delegate place at the American Superyacht Forum 2013 please contact Suzie by emailing suzie@thesuperyachtgroup.com or calling +44(0) 207 924 4004. We want to hear from you 23 Nov 2012 rebeccac@thesuperyachtgroup.com , or by clicking here .
What happens in Vegas... the American Superyacht Forum happens in Vegas! 24 Oct 2012
click here to register your interest, or contact Emma from the Superyacht Events team at emma@thesuperyachtgroup.com .
