These are some of the initial naval architecture and engineering drawings that Vripack has prepared for a 141-footer being built at JFA shipyard in France. Called a Research Vessel Yacht by the design team, since the owner wants to explore far-flung regions without restrictions, she marks the third collaboration on a boat of this size between the designers and the builder.

Vripack actually began initial work on the drawings in February of last year. Note that they’re 3D. This technique is employed by many leading design and build firms, as it makes the construction process much more efficient. I’ve looked over the shoulders of a few naval architecture and engineering experts as they’ve “spun” everything from individual rooms to full deck levels on their computer screens, analyzing where piping runs and various connections encounter bulkheads. To this efficiency point, Vripack says the first structural modules were delivered within six months.

Much of the structure and even mechanical systems of this all-aluminum megayacht are the same as the previous project, a 122-footer, that Vripack and JFA saw delivered in 2003. There are some differences, however, particularly where the engine room is concerned. Besides gaining space from being aboard a larger yacht, the room itself was made longer to provide the engineer with additional space to maintain and inspect equipment. Otherwise most rooms are only slightly different than those aboard the 122-footer.

The 141-footer’s hull and superstructure will be welded together this June. Delivery is anticipated for summer of 2010, when I fully expect the owner will put the 4,000-nautical-mile range to the test, thanks to twin 750-hp Cummins running at 12 knots.

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When Nick Boksa started his eponymous naval architecture and engineering company in 2003, he probably didn’t anticipate that his background in commercial shipping would inspire him to offer a specific service to yacht owners and management companies with emergencies on their hands.

But inspire it did. The result, On-Call Casualty Response Service, provides access to a naval architect around the clock, every day of the year. Whether the megayacht has been involved in an accident or another situation in which the structure is potentially compromised, Boksa says his team can aid the crew in deciding what to do. For a yearly fee, the company will ensure the staff is familiar with the yacht, maintain files (both electronic and hard copies) on site, and remain on call to consult on and assess things like structural damage and engineering as well as stability. The service is available for fiberglass, steel, and aluminum yachts.

The idea came about after a conversation Boksa had with the head of a leading yacht-management firm. Since these companies oversee many different yachts, he realized they could probably use a hand and that owners would also appreciate the service. In addition, “Many times, the crew may not completely understand issues dealing with damage stability or structural integrity after an incident,” he explains.

It all stems from the years Boksa spent as the naval architect for a commercial shipping company. It’s common practice in that sector to have one person oversee casualty response, which was his duty. “This dealt with everything from simple groundings through onboard fires and oil spills,” he says. “I spent many a long night answering phone calls from vessels needing our assistance. The U.S. Coast Guard required a third-party response team on-call to offer advice, etc. I was in charge of managing those groups.”

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes, and nowhere is this more true than in a debate going on at Superyacht World’s forum. The magazine staff spent the past few months asking the megayacht industry’s top designers to name the five most beautiful yachts ever built. Only two rules applied: The boats had to be more than 30 meters (98 feet) LOA, and the designers couldn’t have had a hand in creating them.

The result is a list of 50 finalists, many of which certainly belong on the list. Personally, I agree with the selection of yachts like Haida G (#42), Scheherezade (#47), Velsheda (#26), Leander (#19), Savarona (#37), and definitely the classic Corsair IV (#16). But some of the others have me shaking my head--and judging from some of the comments on Superyacht World’s Web site, I see I’m in good company. People are taking issue with Lady Moura (#50), A (#12), the Wallypower 118 (#11), and especially The One as number one. “Lady Moura looks like a cross between a car ferry and one of the Fat Greek’s sleazy cruise ships (although its recent blue hull paint job tarts it up a bit),” according to a commenter. While I wouldn’t go that far, I do feel that Lady Moura is just big, not beautiful. (The two factors aren’t mutually exclusive: I find Reverie a better example of a yacht with a towering presence that is far more pleasing to the eye.)

As for the choice of The One as the best of them all, one person wrote, “Wow – that is one ugly boat!” Another: “Jeeze. Quite a boat but hardly as special or beautiful as many others on the list. And very not beautiful when her uber smokey knackered old engines start up.”

You can read the debate here. In the meantime, here’s the top 10. Have at it: Are they crazy, or on the mark?

1. The One

2. Pelorus

3. Endeavour

4. Enigma

5. Maltese Falcon

6. Carinthia VII

7. Aviva

8. Alfa Nero

9. Skat

10. Limitless

The recent piracy attacks of the Maersk Alabama and a French yacht have raised plentiful questions in traditional media outlets about whether to arm crewmembers. Some people may wonder the same about yacht crews. It’s important to note that the number of piracy-related and theft-related incidents involving private yachts is small. However, it’s equally important to keep alert. Recall the incident just last summer off Corsica, involving the sailing yacht Tiara. And even though the would-be attackers may not have been pirates, the motoryacht Beseme was approached in Mexico by armed and masked individuals just a few months earlier. In addition, in a recent Reuters newswire article, Scott Lidbetter, the head of security firm Veritas, said, “The pirates now are getting more prepared to go further east (of 60 degrees longitude), which brings vessels moving from the Seychelles, Mauritius, and the Maldives into target.”

Now, while by no means do I wish to engage in alarmist activity, I do think it’s wise to open dialogue about options that might be worth investigating, including security services. Some of these companies seem to be reaching out to the megayacht community more, perhaps because of the farther-flung regions the boat have been traveling to in recent years, and probably because of the news headlines of late. Security services can provide a range of assistance, such as training in effective nonlethal measures and supplying armed guards. The following is neither a comprehensive list nor an endorsement of services, but it is a look at a few companies that have worked within the superyacht industry and/or are beginning to reach out to owners and crew.

Veritas, for example, has worked with yachts in recent years and has a maritime team comprised of former UK Special Forces (Special Boat Service, anti-terrorist units) as well as Navy, Army, and police personnel. The firm trains captains and crew on how to respond if attacked, provides escorts for megayachts, and trains individuals in the proper use of antiterror devices ranging from high-pressure hoses to LRADs (Long-Range Acoustic Devices). LRADs have been proven valuable in commercial applications: They can project sound farther than normal speakers and produce tones at volumes that are uncomfortable and even disorienting to anyone in line with them.

SEAL Superyachts, the well-known firm providing a variety of support services to boats visiting Indonesia, the Maldives, Seychelles, and Thailand, among other nearby regions, also has a security division. According to information on its Web site, most thefts in South East Asian waters have been snatch-and-grab incidents involving deck gear on commercial vessels. It also states that in more than 10 years of working with megayachts in this region, none of its clients have been subject to piracy. For anyone wishing extra protection, though, guards licensed to carry weapons can stay onboard or follow in a shadow vessel in Indonesian waters.

Founded last year, Ocean Marshalls is reaching out to yachts for the first time, having experience in offshore and shipping industries’ needs. According to Iain Croucher, the international business development manager, the organization is “a hybrid group formed with civilian maritime and military special forces,” including British Master Mariners and former UK Special Boat Services personnel. Similar to other firms, Ocean Marshalls can provide security training and drills for captains and crew, a training in the use of LRAD equipment, and a security team to accompany a yacht. It additionally provides training in the use of MADs (Magnetic Acoustic Devices), which, like LRADs, use a focused beam of sound to ward off attackers. Robert N. McLeod, marine director for Ocean Marshalls, says the organization can also uplink real-time CCTV feeds to a 24-hour control center and alert external agencies to a vessel’s distress.

Just as with any other company under consideration for hire, it’s crucial to check references. In addition, research the laws of the country or countries on a planned itinerary. You can also check the Web site of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre, which tracks piracy attacks around the world.

As mentioned above, the goal of this is to open a dialogue. If you have personal experience that can lead to further advice, share it here.

photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net