This month has seen an international audience gather at the annual Superyacht Technical Seminar, committed to driving the industry forward. Taken place on Thursday, January 9, 2014, the event was organised by the British Marine Federation (BMF) and supported by Superyacht UK, one of its group associations.
Superyacht Technical Seminar 2014 - Image credit to onEdition
Held during the London Boat Show at ExCeL, the 2014 seminar attracted 110 delegates from across the superyacht industry with responsibility for global marine legislation, for both the implementation and future monitoring. Disciplines ranged from those involved with legal issues, management and brokerage to designers, insurers and naval architects. The agenda gave an insight into a range of subjects, all aimed at updating those attending with the very latest thinking in the superyacht world.
Udo Kleinitz, Head of Technical at the British Marine Federation said: “We are delighted with the success of the event. It not only offered a unique opportunity to network both with peers and potential business compatriots, but also offered the chance to engage directly with key speakers and influencers within the industry. Seeing an increasing international attendance at the seminar proves the event has quickly become established in the community’s diary of events.”
“Attendance at the Superyacht UK technical seminar is a must for anyone who needs to keep up to date with recent and possible future developments in the yacht industry. The speakers are informative and knowledgeable making it easy to understand the message they are delivering,” added John Cook, Leisa Group.
Sir Alan Massey, CBE KCB, Chief Executive of the Maritime Coastguard Agency opened the event with a presentation on his thoughts of the importance of the superyacht market to the global fleet. David Ralph from the MCA discussed the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and its implementation on Superyachts, the BMF Technical Team provided an informative overview of regulatory developments over the last 12 months. Awlgrip’s Ken Hickling presented an overview of the International Standards Organisations work to standardise application and inspection of coatings, and editor of Superyacht Business, Juliet Benning, finished off the morning’s action with an insight into the influence of the media in the global superyacht sector.
John Cook from Lesia Group then provided an owner’s perspective of the evolution of crew employment in the superyacht industry, before a panel discussion rounded off the event. Oliver Winbolt from Fairline Boats chaired the debate which outlined the design and build process, from the point of order through to the point of delivery; the panel included representatives from Burgess Yachts, Princess Yachts, Redman Whiteley Dixon, Cayman Islands Shipping and Hill Dickinson LLP.
To register your interest in the 2015 event, which will again take place during the London Boat Show at ExCeL from 10-18 January, please contact Liv Whetmore on 01784 223631 or lwhetmore@britishmarine.co.uk
