| Directions—A Quarterly Newsletter For Our New York And Florida Shipyards | Volume 2013 – Issue #4 |
 Photo: Giovani Romero/SuperYachtPhoto.com
Derecktor – Florida: Highlander Checks In …
“I am writing after completion of the total refit of M/Y Highlander which was accomplished at Derecktor’s over the last year. This project’s magnitude easily surpassed our expectations when we started and Joanne and I are truly amazed at the complexity and thoroughness of what has been accomplished.
While at the end of any project, there are always many “parents”, the truth is that this refit could not have been accomplished by us at any other yard. During all the time we have been at the yard, we have always found a complete “can do” attitude and at all times have had complete trust that we were being treated fairly and candidly both for the items we initially agreed as well as for all the additional work which was required as we began to dismantle Highlander.
Our new vessel is a true testament to what can be accomplished when all parties trust and work with each other. We are extremely grateful for the cooperation and guidance we received from Ken Imondi and for Jack Schneider’s day-to-day supervision. At all times, I felt that I could freely call you to discuss any issues that would arise. The final product is one that all can be rightfully proud of and we hope to maintain a long relationship with Derecktor.”
Roberto de Guardiola, Owner |
 Photo: Peter Ramsden
Derecktor – New York: Carillon 50 Years On |
|
| The 48′ custom Sparkman and Stephens sloop Carillon was built of aluminum by Derecktor in Mamaroneck for Wells Morss and launched in 1964. The cruiser-racer, designed for distance racing, was immediately successful, winning Class B and finishing third overall on corrected time to Burgoo and Nike in the 1964 Bermuda Race. Carillon also won the Monhegan Race’s Walter Hammond Trophy in 1965. After three seasons she returned to Derecktor for a new keel profile and spade rudder, and a conversion to a yawl rig. The modifications yielded a Class B win in the Marblehead to Halifax Race of 1969 and she finished fifth overall in the Annapolis – Newport Race of the same year. Two subsequent owners have enjoyed the boat, which has called Derecktor – New York home for most of her life. She was recently purchased by Peter Ramsden, from London UK, who recognized the potential of this lightly used classic S&S design. “There were a lot of small things that needed fixing, but the overall structure was good,” he said. There were some unexpected challenges to the recommissioning – The owner reports that “while working on the masts a squirrel popped its head out of an inspection hole…then a baby followed suit. They had chewed the insulation off the wiring and were as surprised as I was!” Peter hopes to cut the umbilical cord with Mamaroneck this summer, sailing the boat to Europe via Newport, Rhode Island. Bon Voyage! |  |
|
Derecktor – Florida: Community Involvement
Derecktor of Florida was honored by the MIASF at their Annual Awards dinner on June 28th. The annual “Business of Excellence’ award was presented to Ken Imondi in recognition of Derecktor’s outstanding contributions to our marine industry surrounding the recent installation of their new mobile boat lift. The additional capacity of this new equipment affects every yacht service business in our community. The MIASF held their first Marine Industry Day on June 11th. The first event was a panel discussion at the Nova Oceanographic Institute in Dania Beach. James Brewer from Derecktor was invited to speak on jobs and economic impact together with Dean DuToit of National Marine and David Coddington of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale Alliance.
|
|
Derecktor – Florida: Roofing Project
June 15th saw the start of a major re-roofing project at the Florida yard. Our west sheds, originally completed in 1985, have been in need of refurbishing for a couple of years now and we finally have the opportunity to complete this renovation during the summer. The entire horizontal steel skin will be replaced on both sheds (approximately 65,000 square feet) with the same Dubl-Lam material with which the shed was originally built. It is expected that the project will take two months to complete, weather permitting, and that the docks will be back in service by September, in time for the return of the fleet. This project is part of Derecktor’s ongoing commitment to provide an outstanding service experience for our customers. |
|
Derecktor – Florida: Employee of the Quarter
Derecktor – Florida is pleased to announce Daniel Lemothe as their employee of the quarter. Daniel was born in Cap Haitien, Haiti in 1962 and came to the USA when he was 19 years old. He previously worked for NASA building flight simulators before joining Derecktor as an outside machinist in 1999. Daniel is an invaluable member of the mechanical department, working when and where needed on shafts, propellers and heavy equipment of all types.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Daniel’s experience, drive and work ethic as part of our team. He is a resource on whom many of our younger employees have come to rely” said his supervisor, Scott Sabety. Congratulations Daniel. |
|
Derecktor – New York: Employee of the Quarter
Derecktor – New York is pleased to announce Tony Ferreira as employee of the quarter. Tony started at Derecktor in 1978 and has grown to become one of our most valued employees. He has strong leadership skills and everyone looks to him for advice and guidance. His skills go beyond leadership … he is a highly qualified machinist with the ability to think through all aspects of a part before starting to create it. His work ethic and dedication to our company cannot be rivaled; Tony is truly a driving force behind every project we have completed. Congratulations Tony and we hope to have you here for another 36 years. |
| Derecktor – Florida: Mirage Refit
Derecktor – Florida is fully engaged in a major refit to the m/y Mirage, a 131′ Heesen jet boat.
This vessel is undergoing a complete interior and mechanical renovation, including an 8′ hull extension to accommodate a Transformer ® swim step, the incorporation of major structural glass elements into the superstructure, and the addition of a Seakeeper ® gyro-scopic stabilization system, together with full paint and the replacement of the vessel’s MTU main engines. The existing Kamewa water jets are being overhauled, but almost every other major system in the vessel is being replaced with the latest technology.
The interior design intent also includes major glass elements – the renderings are striking and we look forward to our part in creating an essentially new vessel.
The vessel was originally conceived as a light weight, high speed jet boat and every effort is being made to maintain performance without sacrificing the quality and comfort of the original construction. |
| Derecktor – Florida: Winter Update
Derecktor – New York completed a very interesting and challenging project in June, modifying a 54′ cold-molded Custom Sportfish yacht Axios.
The boat was delivered to us last fall with major performance and trim issues. After an extensive engineering analysis, performed by Sparkman & Stephens and the Derecktor engineering team, it was determined that a 6 ft hull extension was required to provide the necessary floatation and running surface to correct the problems.
The cockpit was also reconfigured and a new custom fish box and live bait well were designed and installed. New teak decks and coamings were installed in addition to a teak veneered transom.
The boat is stunning to behold but is even more impressive underway. Two full knots were added to the top end speed and the running trim was corrected.
The owner is thrilled to have the boat looking and performing better than ever before and is busy filling his new fish box with prize winning catches! |
