Superyacht UK’s (SYUK) Annual Technical Seminar
Edward Wollaston from LOC Yachts attended Superyacht UK’s (SYUK) annual technical seminar, at ExCeL last week.
The London Boat Show, hosted by British Marine, is one of the UK’s biggest maritime events. A great opportunity to see the latest in yacht design and technology, it is also a chance to hear of developments from those in the know.
Following an introduction by SYUK’s chairman Peter Brown from yacht brokers and managers, Burgess, Sir Alan Massey, CEO of the Maritime Coast Agency stepped up. He gave an insight into changes at the MCA, all of which was useful both from a shipping as well as yachting perspective.
Next, Udo Kleinitz of ICOMIA took us through the rollercoaster of IMO regulations that were implemented and introduced in 2017 and ran through those that have yet to come into play. Jo Asseal, Cayman Islands Shipping Registry’s Yacht Code Specialist, was next on stage. He described the changes to the Red Ensign super yacht code, and the aligning and, hopefully, streamlining of the LY3 (Large Commercial Yacht Code) and the PYS (Passenger Yacht Code).
We were then treated to talks on helicopter regulations, operational and design challenges. A standout was Tony Allen of Hill Dickinson, who described the current legal challenges to the SYUK sector.
The seminar was closed by a keynote talk by Simon Schofield, Design Manager at BAR Technologies. His talk left all of the naval architects, designers, sailors and sailing enthusiasts in the audience rather excited at the potential developments for the 36th America’s Cup in 2021.
The day was rounded off with socialising, and drinks courtesy of Rib Eye, at its stand in the arena.