Good-day to you.

NEWS...April, May 2007.

I have just returned from a very constructive trip to Hong Kong. I traveled there to attend the launch of the new Ron Holland designed exploration vessel, the 147' (45m) MARCO POLO, and also to a meet with a client who had inquired about a Feadship motor yacht, from my Website.

Both the launching and the meeting went well, and efforts are in the works to assist in the sale of the MARCO POLO and also to find a suitable FEADSHIP for my new client from the Far East.

MARCO POLO

MARCO POLO is quite a unique and technically advanced vessel, and with her steel hull, with bulb bow, her composite superstructure, and extended range (6,000nm min.) from her single screw configuration, she has set new standards for long distance cruising. An ingenious ‘get-home’ capability is also unique and fully independent from the equipment in her main engine room.

Cheoy Lee Shipyards in China were contracted to build the vessel due to their high skill levels, in complex steel and aluminum fabrication, available from their commercial division. Better know for their composite fiberglass construction and fine wood working skills, they have installed a beautiful non traditional interior featuring walnut for the floors, Macassar ebony in the common areas and Owner’s quarters, while limed oak is featured in the guest area. The galley is a complete surprise, due to its location, size and quality of installation and equipment. It would be expected to be seen on a much large vessel. It is a masterpiece! Emphasis has been to keep maintenance low, so gloss surfaces and paneling throughout the yacht have been limited in most areas areas. The MARCO POLO Project was a great opportunity to bring all the yards high tech skills pulled together for this one project.

Second boat in the MARCO POLO Series will be a little longer with a conventional twin screw configuration. The advantages of the design that Ron has put together is that although the specific ‘exploration’ concept is basic to all the boats to be built in the series; due to the totally custom nature of the steel hull construction and superstructure, a client can either duplicate the existing vessel, or have Ron make what-ever changes suit his purpose. This is about a “philosophy of intent”, rather than a production run of ‘cloned yachts”.

On MARCO POLO, the Owners quarters are more accurately akin to an ‘apartment’ layout than a traditional ‘suite’. This is due in no small part to the separate lounge and large balcony, all of which provides panoramic 270deg views. Because the cabin is totally separate from the rest of the vessel, due to its location aft of the wheelhouse, the next vessel will have fully opening windows, so that combined with the privacy of the cabin being one or two decks higher that the norm, its separate air conditioning system can be shut down, windows opened, and the Owners can enjoy the night breezes in their second floor ‘apartment.’

Other issues like guest accommodation, 4 cabins plus media room and Owner, as well as the 4 crew cabins plus Captains cabin (8+crew) allow for great flexibility whether cruising with friends or enjoying a busy charter season. This is a very impressive and well conceived vessels, worthy of any buyers attention and consideration.

Next week I am off to England and Ireland for both business and some fun.

Yacht designer Ron Holland is having a 'birthday bash' in Kinsale, which will be well attended I'm sure, and I will take the opportunity to meet an Irish client, while in Dublin, to discuss his cruising plans as well as meet with a sail-boat buyer, while in London.

While in Lymington, there might be time for a couple of races at R.L.Y.C. In London I’ll stay at the R.O.R.C. for a couple of nights in ‘town’. Back in Florida on the 19th of May.

Info Pack:   147’ Exploration M.Y. MARCO POLO First in the series and a new delivery possible in 2 years. Contact Mike.

New Listing:   86’ Mangusta M.Y. INDULGENCE of LONDON “Great four stateroom charter potential.” Three crew cabin and separate dining room. MCA.

INDULGENCE of LONDON- Click for More

All the best, Mike.

Please contact Mike Sharpe at 954-993-8338 or mike@sharpeyachts.com.

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