New Zealand to welcome Superyacht Captains Forum delegates next week

by Clive Bennett on 6 Sep 2011
In less than one weeks weeks time, the inaugural NZ Marine Export Group Superyacht Captains Forum will start off with a welcoming address by the New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon John Key, at the Opening Cocktail Function, Wednesday 14th September, Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland.

110 delegates from 13 countries have already taken the opportunity to register, including 30 superyacht captains. The full line up of 33 speakers from 10 countries has also recently been announced, assuring delegates of a comprehensive, informative overview of the superyacht sector and its operation as part of the global market.

The forum will feature experts in topics from preparing to win at regattas, maritime law, dealing with piracy, and getting the best of international exchange rates, to New Zealand and South Pacific cruising and the weather to expect en route.

The social programme includes The Superyacht Report Opening Cocktail Function, forum dinner at Auckland’s The Cloud and a match race in the 11-strong 34’ Farr-designed MRX fleet, followed by a casual Kiwi-BBQ at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

Garry Hassall, chairman of the Superyacht Captains Forum committee, says many of the overseas delegates at the forum will use it as preparation for bringing superyachts to New Zealand in the 2011-12 summer.

'The forum will provide them with local knowledge for cruising throughout New Zealand, preparing for success in the NZ Millennium Cup 15 to 18 February 2012, and enjoying the Volvo Ocean Race Stopover, 8 to 18 March'.

To register for the Superyacht Captains Forum, view the full programme and see the speaker bios please visit www.superyachtcaptainsforum.com or e-mail events@nzmarine.com

Some of the forum’s line-up of speakers:

Speakers at the Superyacht Captains Forum will be led by Master of Ceremonies Peter Montgomery, the voice of New Zealand Sailing for 35 years through nine America’s Cups, eight Olympics and all 10 Whitbread/Volvo Races.

Jon Barrett
Jon is the President of Jon Barrett Associates, Inc. (JBA) - a company based in Newport, Rhode Island, that builds and manages large yachts. Jon has also worked as Repair Manager for Derecktor of Rhode Island, and was previously the captain of SY Endeavour. JBA is currently managing 10 yachts.

Darren Morton
An on-board mission commander, Darren has managed entire security operations for a wide range of vessels for two international maritime security companies operating primarily in Red Sea, Somalia, Gulf of Oman, Tanzania and Nigeria.

Mike Spratt
Owner of Destiny Bay Vineyards. A keen sailor, Mike also has over three decades experience as a business manager and now produces one of NZ’s most acclaimed Cabernet blends.

Captain Dan Jackson
As a Master Mariner Dan has extensive background with both power and sail super yachts. Captaining a number of diverse super yachts over the past 20 years, overseeing new builds, and of recent years Dan has been in charge of the fleet logistics for J-class SY Ranger and powerboat MY Vita.

NZ Marine Industry Rugby World Cup related events:
Auckland International Boat Show 15 – 18 September 2011
Superyacht Captains Forum 14 – 16 September 2011
International Boat Building Competition 16-18 September 2011
NZ Marine National Yard Tours September – October 2011
Millennium Cup, 15-18 February 2012