TIGER CHOOSES MELBOURNE AIRPORT

Tiger Airways has selected Melbourne Airport as the base for its Australian operations.

Tiger Airways’ decision is a major coup for Melbourne and Victoria, with Melbourne selected after detailed discussions between Tiger Airways and the airports and governments of a number of Australian states and territories.

The airline will base its Australian domestic operations in Melbourne – providing a significant new addition to the 12,000 staff currently located within the Melbourne Airport precinct.

Acting Melbourne Airport CEO Kirby Clark said Tiger’s decision was a testament to the growth opportunities Melbourne had presented to the low-cost airline, along with a strong ‘Team Victoria’ approach the Victorian Government and Melbourne Airport had taken with their proposal.

“We are delighted that Tiger has selected Melbourne Airport as the base for its Australian operations. This is a major win for this airport, this city, and this state,” said Mr Clark. “Tiger being based in Melbourne will greatly support Victoria’s sporting and cultural events calendar, which is conversely a key reason it chose to base its domestic operations here,” he said.

“Tiger’s decision reflects on the innovative, cooperative approach we take to working with our current and potential partners. We continue to provide stable low international and domestic airline charges – the lowest of any airport in Australia,” he said.

“We will now work closely with Tiger Airways to prepare for the commencement of the airline’s low-cost operations, which will be supported by our excellent car parking and hotels, and only 20kms from the CBD,” said Mr Clark.

In speaking of the reasons Tiger selected Melbourne, Tiger Airways CEO Mr Tony Davis said: “Tiger was particularly attracted to Victoria because of its skills base, the flexibility offered by Melbourne Airport, the State’s approach to marketing and major events, as well as the positive approach to the negotiations by the State Government and Melbourne Airport.”

“We are a proven low cost carrier with Tiger-like plans for Australia and I am sure the Victorian and Australian public will welcome the competition we will bring to the market,” said Mr Davis.

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Melbourne T2

BANDOLEROS THE ROBIN HOODS OF SPAIN

david ovens

ITS little wonder Spain’s once infamous bandoleros decided to call the southern town of Ronda home: perched on an unusual outcrop of rock in a basin surrounded by plains in turn ringed by rugged mountain ranges, it was ideal territory for bandits intent on ambushing unwary wealthy travellers, and relieving them of a little of their good fortune.

One of the country’s oldest towns with its origins associated with the Paleolithic era’s Cave of Pileta, Ronda is today a living relic of Andalusian stone-age art, but such is often lost on visitors more interested in tales of the bandits who roamed the region from as early as the Ninth Century.

And bullfighting.

Despite its early association with the Iberians and Bastulo Celts, followed by Romans, Byzantine Greeks, Moors and Muslims before being re-claimed by the Catholic Monarchs, most locals more happily oblige visitors and talk about those bandoleros who holed up in the surrounding Andalusian sierras, ravines, caves and hidden valleys than they do about ethnic and Paleolithic history.

During the Ninth Century these bandits were the centre of widespread opposition to Cordoban rule, and were still active as late as the early part of the 20th Century.

But it was in the 19th century that they really came to prominence, preying on the rich and becoming folk heroes. The most famous was El Tempranillo who at the age of 22 claimed “The king may reign Spain, but in the sierra I do,” and demanded an ounce of gold for each vehicle that crossed his domain.

As part of the Andalusian folklore the bandoleros were both hated as murderous gangs of cut-throats, and loved for the way they emerged from their lairs to rob the rich and powerful, or simply extract payment for safe passage, passing their “winnings” to the poor and powerless – kind of Spanish equivalents to Robin Hood.

But far from regarding themselves as romantic, the bandoleros were merely trying to survive in a society whose blatant social injustice nurtured banditry; most were driven by misfortune into a life of crime and living on the periphery of society, and their story is told in one of Ronda’s most popular tourist attractions, the Museo del Bandolero (Bandits Museum)

The town also boasts one of the oldest bullrings in Spain that dates from 1785. It was here that the legendary matador, Pedro Romero climbed down from his horse to fight a bull on foot, and so set the pattern for contemporary Spanish bullfighting. His costumes can be admired in another of Rondo’s variety of museums that are dedicated to such things as hunting, the arts and Ronda’s history, while the 16th century Mondragon Palace and the Moorish King’s House are also worth visiting.

And during the Feria de Pedro Romero in the second week of every September, bullfighters in replica century-old costumes draw enthusiasts from all over Spain.

Ronda is also famous for its dramatic escarpments and views, and for the deep El Tajo gorge that carries the River Guadalevín through its centre; the 18th century Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) that straddles the 100m chasm below, offers unparalleled views out to the Serranía de Ronda mountains.

The town’s historic quarter with a medieval layout reminiscent of the Arab age, is scattered to the south of the river, while the more modern town that emerged after the 16th century, lays is to the north.

Several other bridges unite the two halves of one of the most interesting towns on the route of the Whitewashed Villages, in the heart of the Ronda hills, only a few kilometres from the Costa del Sol.

A day touring through these quaint villages is highly rewarding but is made more enjoyable with a bit of research in some of Ronda’s interesting museums and palaces.

(Visiting Ronda and its neighbouring Whitewashed Villages is part of a 10-day Moorish Spain to Marrakech journey by train and ferry with Adventure World operator Explore Worldwide. The itinerary begins in Malaga in Andalusian Spain and travels to Ronda, Tangiers, Fes, Rabat and Marrakech.

The cost of $1265 includes all train, ferry and road transport, overnight hotel accommodation and breakfast and daily sightseeing tours through Moorish Spain, Tangiers and other Moroccan cities. For more details phone 1300-302-591 or visit www.adventureworld.com.au )

Silversea Cruises buys expedition ship World Discoverer

SINGAPORE - Silversea Cruises Group Ltd has purchased the expedition ship World Discoverer, which will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before it begins service in spring 2008.

After the planned refurbishment, World Discoverer will accommodate around 140 guests (reduced from current 175) in ocean-view staterooms, including Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line's popular Silver Suites.

Other guest amenities are an elegant single-seating main dining room, a specialty restaurant, library (with desktop computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna and whirlpools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.

Silversea's Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre believes exploration cruises can combine extremely well with the exclusive product offered by the company. "With the addition of World Discoverer, our current fleet increases to five ships and to six from 2009," he said.

All Aboard for Svalbard

Just 600 miles from the North Pole lies the island group of Svalbard, of which Spitsbergen is the largest. Variously occupied and exploited by the Dutch, Russians and Norwegians, in 1920 it was decided by treaty that the Norwegians should administer it and the capitol, Longyearbyen, flies the Norwegian tricolour.

The archipelago, named and first mapped by the famous Dutch explorer, Willem Barents, in 1596 became a whaling station, a coal mining centre, a launching point for famous arctic expeditions and more recently, a mecca for naturalists, polar researchers and eco-tourists. Despite Svalbard’s extreme northerly location, the warm North Atlantic current keeps the surrounding seas ice-free almost year round. Temperatures average -16oC in winter and 6oC in summer. 200mm of precipitation is a normal year.

During the so-called heroic age of polar exploration, men set forth into the extremities of the earth in search of all sorts of things, not the least of which was fame, glory and national pride. Spitsbergen, because of its high latitude, was an ideal point for ‘jumping off’ into the Arctic in search of the North Pole.

In 1897, the Swedish scientist and intrepid balloonist, Salomon August Andrée, launched himself and two co-pilots on a journey to the North Pole from Danes Island and were never seen again. Well, not alive anyway. Their bodies, remnants of their balloon and a camera were accidentally found thirty years later on White Island in the far east of Svalbard. Andrée’s balloon crashed and the survivors had made it back to White Island before dying from Vitamin A poisoning (trichinosis) thanks to eating polar bear liver.

Balloons were back on Spitsbergen in 1926 with the Italian, Umberto Nobile, along with Roald Amundsen and rich American Lincoln Ellsworth. Their voyage over the pole in the airship Norge (Norway), is the first creditable expedition to the North Pole even though many would argue that Cmdr Richard Byrd, who took off and landed in a nearby paddock a couple of days prior with his Fokker Tri-Motor, Josephine Ford, was the first. That is - if you discount both Peary and Cook!

Nobile, wounded by the fame wrested from him by Amundsen and Ellsworth, was back at Ny Ålesund again in 1928. This time his airship, suitably named Italia, would be an all-Italian triumph. Or so he thought. Instead he crashed in poor weather out on the ice pack and became the famous subject of the 1969 movie, “The Red Tent” and was played by Oscar winner, Peter Finch.

Today Svalbard is visited by tourists looking to experience one of the most remarkable and accessible Arctic locations thanks to the warming effects of the North Atlantic Current. Polar Bears, Reindeer, Arctic Foxes and countless species of birds inhabit the islands. Marine mammals are abundant and seals, walrus, narwhals, orcas, belugas, bowhead and minke whales all inhabit Spitsbergen’s coastal waters.

Cruise to Spitsbergen with Costa:

Spitzbergen Cruise $5,999.00

14 nights onboard Costa Atlantica. Departing 6 Jul 2008

Destination: Europe, Northern Europe
Cruise Line: Costa
Ship: Atlantica
Embarkation Port: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 15 Nights
Departure Dates: 6 Jul 2008

Atlantic Motor Yachts: No Shortcuts

In a bold double-dare, two yacht owners decided Australia needed a better dealership. The results silenced the critics and have everyone else talking.

Ron Winestock and Graeme Skerritt never set out to be luxury yacht dealers. But when they each bought their own Azimut luxury yachts over five years ago, they saw a definite need for superior after sales service.

Perhaps they weren't absolute experts in $1 million luxury sports cruisers, but as well-established businessmen in their own right, they could see a niche in the market and Atlantic Motor Yachts was born.

Both Ron and Graeme, whose individual business interests are quite removed from motor yachts, nevertheless possess that near-obsession with getting things right. Both understand that building quality, both in a brand and a boat, takes time and an unflinching attention to detail.

"We knew exactly where we wanted to go with Atlantic Motor Yachts. You can't rush these things. We waited, watched and made our move. Now here we are," explains Ron with deliberate economy of words.

Almost immediately they threw down the challenge to Azimut head office in Italy. "If you can do better….," came the reply and the rest is history. Their objective is now " to promote the Italian design, style and performance of Azimut luxury products in Australia." Their commitment to excellence has already recognised in both sales and service as a Platinum Azimut dealer.

And what a brand to start with. The precocious young Azimut took over the prestigious, century-old Benetti family business in 1985, thereby acquiring not only their immense goodwill, but also their considerable technical expertise, development and planning methods. The strategically brilliant merger instantly made the combined Italian factory a formidable operator, able to match terms with the world's best.

Now, in the midst of an enormously competitive market, the relatively new Atlantic Motor Yachts dealership have built on that initial vision, grown to a staff of seven, opened a second office in Queensland and translated it all into sales success. And success breeds success. Exactly twelve months ago, Atlantic Motor Yachts were approached to represent the classic passagemaker brand, Grand Banks.

General manager, Michael Boon, was lured away from the powerful Avante Marine Group to head up the Pyrmont (Sydney) based boutique dealership about the same time. His intimate exposure to brands such as Bayliner, Trophy and Meridian over many years made him an ideal candidate to oversee the burgeoning operation.

"I little bit of grey hair goes a long way in this business," quips Mike. "The (younger) sales guys like Dean (Husband) and Ethan (Twyman) do a fantastic job guiding clients through every step of the ownership process but sometimes, in the end, the client wants to confide in another older chap to make sure it's all square."

And the boys do know how to make a sale. One of their most recent customers has just taken delivery of a brand new, $14 million, Azimut 105, without doubt one of the most elegant and impressive luxury yachts this side of Monaco. The owner is so delighted with his purchase he has consented to allow Atlantic Motor Yachts to exhibit this magnificent vessel at the forthcoming Sydney Boat Show where she will be the largest on display.

"Grand Banks is a brand I am personally excited about," says Mike, "it's not the blockbuster, show-stopper like the Azimut, it's a classic passagemaker vessel built with a great deal of attention to detail and craftsmanship. It appeals to an entirely different type of buyer, so the two brands live happily together here with us without conflict."

As a contrast, the Azimuts range in size from 39 to 116 feet and from $1.0 million to over $20 million, covering a wide range of aspirations and financial ability, whereas the more conservative Grand Banks vessels cover 39 to 72 feet and start at $0.9 million, topping out at $5.0 million.

Azimuts have become a firm favourite with the growing number of boat share syndicates, where multiple owners get together to buy and share the use and upkeep of a premium yacht. This pragmatic and sensible ownership alternative is bringing the exclusivity of Azimut luxury motor yachts to more and more lifestyle lovers.

"Boat share owners really want 'bang for their buck' and Azimut is ideal. It's a brand that immediately gets attention and makes the desired statement. And our operation is perfectly suited to this type of ownership. We service, detail and maintain every aspect of the vessels so owners can just turn up and go!"

On the other hand, Mike clearly identifies with the sort of chaps who look longingly at the robust elegance of Grand Banks. He flicks proudly through a brochure, admiring the restrained yet purposeful lines. These are boats for seasoned types with a knowledge and abiding love of the romantic maritime lifestyle, and a means for them to fulfil a life's ambition to run away to sea. Mike's eyes almost mist over while looking at the eminently seaworthy Aleutian 72.



"Grand Banks buyers tend to be from private enterprise, medical or legal backgrounds who have a high respect for function and reliability," says Mike with conviction, "Azimut buyers are just as passionate, but a little younger and love the idea of having some exuberant fun."

"One of our Grand Banks owners," he announces proudly, "is just back from a circumnavigation of Tasmania!"

As Mike relates the many happy owner stories, it becomes clear that the responsibility of owners' well-being does not stop after the cheque is written. Retaining the loyalty and confidence of people who are spending the sums of money required to obtain the boat of their dreams is no trifling matter. AMY also offers a comprehensive after-sales package that includes servicing and maintenance. Buyers who have taken this strongly encouraged option experience a higher level of satisfaction with their purchase and spend more time enjoying their boat and less time worrying about it. Resale value is also preserved, easily offsetting any perceived expense.

"Some dealers like to use sub-contractors for their after sales support, "explains Mike, "but there are hazards in that policy. Not all sub-contractors will share your service philosophy and that can lead to disenchantment."

There's a lot left unsaid in that last statement. A happy buyer is a repeat buyer, and that simple and often overlooked proverb is the downfall of many businesses from luxury boats to nuts and bolts.

"Another of our real strengths is having Franco Spataro join us full time as technical manager from Azimut in Italy," continues Mike, "his knowledge and understanding of the product and its minute technical details is not just impressive, it's scary."

Gino Espinosa fills the post of service manager. Mike explains that Gino's knowledge across a wide range of brands and boat types, is a major asset to the company and, in tandem with Franco, vital in fulfilling AMY's quality assurance pledge to new buyers.

From what began as almost a 'dare', Atlantic Motor Yachts have put beyond doubt their ability to manage and service two of the most respected and contrasting motor yacht brands in successful harmony.

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For further information:



Head Office:
Suite 133 Lower Deck
26-32 Pirrama Road
Pyrmont NSW 2009
Australia

Phone: +61 2 8569 0700

Michael Boon: Mobile : 0400 989 460

michaelb@atlanticmotoryachts.com.au

Website: www.atlanticmotoryachts.com.au

Pull Quote:

'our boats are a result of the contemporary design and construction and our success is a result of our unique level of after sales service'

Emeraqld Lady: Jewel Of The Sea

Luxury Charter


Stepping aboard Emerald Lady one word immediately springs to mind: luxury. Newly refitted with designer touches throughout, the focus on board is the exceptional hospitality and outstanding cuisine – all enjoyed in a setting fit for royalty.

By Hayley Dean

Emerald Lady is a superyacht that is instantly striking. A sleek package at 35 metres, there is no denying her visual appeal. However, the most impressive attribute of this vessel goes beyond her exterior. It is the friendly and professional crew that create a charter experience like no other. No request is an inconvenience and every whim is catered for with a smile. The team seem to have impeccable timing for appearing as if out of nowhere to provide for guests, giving you maximum privacy and supreme service at the same time. Guests are never left wanting for anything and the service provided is truly five star.

The comforts on board are upheld in the superbly appointed galley where the meals are created by chef Craig Grimes. The extraordinary food is without doubt a highlight of the Emerald Lady experience. Thai-style prawns, lightly marinated lamb cutlets and fresh seared Morton Bay bugs with squid ink ribbons are just a few of the gourmet creations whipped up night after night. For the sweet tooth there are indulgent desserts such as a white chocolate and banana sandwich with freshly made rum and raisin ice cream or a sticky date pudding with crème anglaise.

Craig has 15 years experience as a chef and says his love of different tastes and big boats brought him to where he is today. Before becoming a chef, Craig was a communicator in the navy during the Gulf War. It was in these years that Craig was exposed to a diverse range of foods and discovered his true passion.


“Being in the navy inspired me to become a chef,” explains Craig. “As soon as I got out (of the navy) I knew it was what I wanted to do.” His time spent at sea also prepared him for working on boats as a fulltime occupation and he now divides his time between luxury charter boats in Australia.

Before working on luxury superyachts, Craig was a chef back on dry land at a café at Southport on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Here he held Moroccan cooking classes adding more cultural variety to his repertoire. At the same time he was also doing contract work – helping chefs out in a range of different restaurants – preparing every cuisine from Asian to Italian to Australian bush food and everything in between. His skill and versatility has taken him as far afield as England, Spain and France.

Emerald Lady was originally built in 1983 by Lloyds Shipyard in Brisbane for Sir Justin Hickey as Lady Barbara. She was a magnificent superyacht even then and was well known in Australia, particularly around the Gold Coast area. After completing a world passage she was based in the States before operating as a successful charter boat in the Caribbean from the mid '90s until 2003. She was spotted in Fort Lauderdale by Patrick Gay, who recognised her from her former glory years in Australia. He subsequently bought her and shipped her home in 2003 to undergo two years of extensive refit and refurbishment at Coomera.

The vessel was relaunched as Emerald Lady at Gold Coast City Marina in December 2005. Six months of sea trials and shake down cruises followed as well as the final commissioning of engineering and auxillary equipment. At the completion of these trials the crew were able to address the list of minor adjustments to ensure the vessel was ready to operate as a luxury charter superyacht of the highest standard.

Captain Jack Branac has been with Emerald Lady since her relaunch and couldn’t be happier with the results. According to Jack the best part about her is she has the best of both worlds of a new boat and an experienced boat.

“It’s even better than having a new boat,” he says. “She has proven her reliability, travelling all over the world with the original hull, yet the engineering is all brand new.”

The captain also loves being based at Gold Coast City Marina when not on charter. As the boat is most commonly chartered in Queensland, he says the proximity is a blessing. “The fact that we have the support of the marina right at our doorstep is definitely one of the best things. If ever we have a problem the contractors are right there to come out and help.”

Having fulltime engineer Brad Ashby on board is also helpful and assists the smooth running of the superyacht at all times. Brad takes care of the engine room, deck work, recreational equipment and all detailing of Emerald Lady's exterior. Meanwhile, the immaculate interiors are maintained by stewardess Leanne Pitt. After four years working as a first class stewardess for Emirates Airlines, Leanne swapped her jet-setting lifestyle for one on the water and, like Brad, has been part of the Emerald Lady crew for over a year.

"One of the best things is being based here in Queensland and visiting the Great Barrier Reef as often as we do. It's great to be able to get out there and explore and enjoy all the tropical places," she says.

Captain Jack explains that the boat is most often chartered on the east coast of Australia. “We are busy enough regionally at the moment but we plan to expand our charters to Papua New Guinea and the Kimberley in the next couple of seasons,” he says. She is a popular choice for corporate day charters, particularly in Sydney during the month of December, when she plays hostess to Christmas parties on the harbour as well as Boxing Day and New Year's Eve charters. Emerald Lady has even become the perfect setting for stylish weddings on the water, catering for up to 50 guests.

Each season she heads north for remote fishing charters in the Top End. “We usually operate between Cairns and Cape York between September and November,” explains Jack. “There is an amazing abundance of fish life up there – particularly Barramundi.”

Fishing is definitely a speciality on board with Emerald Lady offering reef fishing, deep sea fishing or even acting as a game fishing mother ship when required. If fishing isn’t your thing there are a whole range of other activities to keep you entertained. You can take a trip to the nearest island or beach by tender, paddle around on a sea kayak and swim or snorkel from the marlin board at the stern. There’s also water-skiing, scuba diving or riding on a sea biscuit if you’re feeling adventurous. Alternatively there is simply lying in the sun with a drink for those really wanting to relax and indulge in the superyacht lifestyle.

Relaxing is another definite focal point on board Emerald Lady and the rear deck is the perfect informal setting for a tranquil start to the day with breakfast alfresco-style. Craig can cook up anything you fancy – eggs Benedict, banana pancakes or simply a platter of fresh seasonal fruits. This area is perfect for catching the morning rays with a freshly brewed coffee and features elegant teak tables and floors with dining facilities for up to 10 guests. There is also access to the lower cockpit and sundeck from here.

The sundeck on the upper level is perhaps the most social area of the boat, with comforts such as a day bed and large sun-baking area as well as a stainless steel barbecue for creating sumptuous outdoor feasts served up at the covered outdoor dining area that can seat twelve. There is even a helipad on this level for the convenience of ship to shore transport.

For more formal banquets, the eight seat dining table in the opulent saloon is the perfect location for intimate gatherings. The imported crystal glasses and fine white china compliment the first rate service, delicious food and stunning presentation. Intricate details such as the hand-beaded placemats and fresh floral centrepieces complete the dining experience.

The formal dining area flows into the lounge area of the saloon offering a generous L-shaped cream leather lounge and reclining chair. Electronic chrome and glass doors slide open onto the aft deck. The saloon oozes extravagance with its rich mahogany cabinets and tables, flat screen television and suede furnishings.

The luxury touches of Emerald Lady are continued throughout the vessel with sleeping accommodation for up to eight guests split among two twin guest cabins, a VIP stateroom and a master stateroom. All the rooms feature mahogany and suede finishes, ensuites, air-conditioning, flat screen televisions and lush carpets throughout. The forward VIP stateroom offers full length wardrobes, a spacious ensuite and king-size bed while the aft master stateroom boasts a walk-in wardrobe, double shower ensuite and lounge. Crew quarters are separate for guest privacy.

Graceful on the outside, with a warm and welcoming crew on the inside, to charter Emerald Lady is to experience Australian hospitality at its very best. At the end of our charter there was only one resounding complaint: it was time to leave.

For further information or charter inquiries please contact Gold Coast City Marina on +61 (0)7 5573 1311 or visit www.emeraldlady.com.au