AI - friend or foe?

20th January 2025

When does AutoPilot become more Auto than Pilot?AI is anywhere and everywhere at the same time – only a matter of time therefore before it pervades the marine industry. As this article in The Maritime Executive https://lnkd.in/e9xEKx-t indicates, the future is now.As with all things centered around machine learning there needs to be a note of caution. Are Captain-less ships an inevitable outcome of this or is that a dystopian step too...

Vendée Globe Winner

14th January 2025

/ Congratulations to Charlie Dalin on MACIF Santé Prévoyance who has won the Vendée Globe 2024-25, finishing at 07:24:49 UTC on Tuesday 14th January. With a time of 64 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes, 49 seconds he beat the previous best by 9 days, 8 hours, 12 minutes and 57 seconds.That's some serious consistent speed!! Bravo Charlie!

Alfa Nero - crew wages success (in part)

13th January 2025

Another update in the weird and wonderful world of yachts held under the worldwide “Russia links” sanctions. With the PHI case in the UK gathering some momentum to resolution, the protracted disputed sale issues surrounding Alfa Nero in Antigua has finally yielded some good news for the crew at least. A court decision in December 2024 has finally allowed the release of £890,000 to Nautilus International, the crew’s Union, which...

5* Review

10th January 2025

We were half way through our Xmas party when Dave Kneen and John Stevens got the shout on this one! Cutlery down and back to the office 😄. Some nice words through from the broker! hashtag#itswhatwedo hashtag#exceedingexpectations hashtag#happycustomers hashtag#PersonalisedProtectedPayroll

PHI - New Year resolution?

6th January 2025

In November ‘24 I posted about the impasse surrounding the 59M Royal Huisman yacht PHI. She is currently impounded in Tower Bridge as legal arguments rage over the true ultimate economic beneficial owner of the corporate holding structure - with potential Sanctions breaking implications.The UK Supreme Court is due to hold the appeal hearing, starting on 16 January 2025.Its hope that clarity will finally be given to the position, given the...

Approved Representative Person

23rd December 2024

We are happy to announce that we are now on the IOM Ship Registry list of approved Representative Persons for vessels over 24M. So if you need assistance in this regard please get in touch. crew@cornerstoneyacht.com

9th December 2024

With the Caribbean season gathering pace, a reminder we offer crew payroll services to US crew members and US flagged vessels. If you are affected we can help! Get in touch with us so we can talk you through the process and provide that "one stop shop" you are looking for. #morethanpayroll #uscrew #caribbeanseason Contact us: crew@cornerstoneyacht.com Or call us: +44 7624 461050

Alfa Nero - clarity on the horizon?

5th December 2024

The confusion surrounding the ownership of the 82M Oceanco yacht ALFA NERO remains….. but is there clarity on the horizon?? It’s reported that the Court decision regarding the constitutionality of the Antigua and Barbuda government's seizure and sale is expected in February 2025. She was seized in 2022 in the round of International Sanctions against Russian Owners/Putin sympathisers with Russian Oligarch  Andrey Guryev deemed the “beneficial owner”. Deemed “abandoned” by...

2024 Atlantic hurricane season draws to a close...

2nd December 2024

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, which officially ended on November 30, saw above-average activity with significant impacts.Here are some key highlights:Tropical Systems: A total of 18 named storms formed, with 11 becoming hurricanes. Five of these reached major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher), surpassing the historical average of 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes​Record-Breaking Storms:Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 5 hurricane on record in the...

MLC Revisions - immediate action needed

29th November 2024

A reminder that amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention will be entering into force on the 23rd December 2024. The most notable of these is Standard A3.1 to provide for ‘social connectivity’ and in Guideline B3.1.11 to provide ‘internet access’ ‘as far as is reasonably practicable’. This will require submission of a revised DMLC to Flag. The full text of the Notice is here https://lnkd.in/eY7yBfcU If you need any assistance...

Solo 24hr distance record smashed

29th November 2024

Amazing effort from Sébastien Simon earlier this week as he set the new world record* for distance covered in 24hrs solo and in a monohull. Propelled by a fast moving depression and as the Vendee Globe fleet head towards the Cape of Good Hope, he managed a staggering 615.33 miles (or 1,139.6 kilometers) pushing up the 24 hour average to 25.64 knots.(*Subject to official approval by the WSSRC)

Shadow Fleet - UK Sanctions

25th November 2024

The UK Government has just imposed its biggest sanctions package against Russia's "shadow fleet"; 30 tankers which are alleged to be breaking various Western sanctions on Russia's oil distribution. Associated insurance companies have also been sanctioned. Meaningful action or hyperbole? Time will tell.https://lnkd.in/eajGzHie

Project 821 - the future of propulsion?

18th November 2024

Another yacht completing its sea trials is normally a pretty routine event. This one however is a little different!Feadship’s Project 821, coming in at 118.8M long is the world’s first fuel-cell-powered Superyacht.The ground-breaking project stores liquid hydrogen on board (in temperatures below -253°C) and uses a fuel cell source to generate electricity for both hotel load and coastal navigations.The project required significant development in regulations for hydrogen storage and fuel-cell...

Sanction asset seizure - virtue signalling or something more significant

11th November 2024

The case of the detention of the 59M Royal Huisman yacht PHI continues to highlight the issues of a “one size fits all” approach to asset sequestration under sanctions laws. Seized in the UK in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Malta flagged yacht has remained immobilised in Canary Wharf. An appeal against this order was lodged in March 2024 on the basis that the owner was never personally named...

Air Freight Provisioning - a practical insight

21st October 2024

Yacht provisioning goes far beyond simply delivering goods to a dock. When you're cruising destinations outside of Europe, like the Maldives, the Caribbean, the Red Sea, the UAE, or the Seychelles, getting quality provisions delivered by air freight from Europe can be a game-changer. However, the process is more complex than placing a local order. Whether it's fresh produce, dry stores, flowers, or specialty items, there are key factors to...