Newport Charter Yacht Show under new ownership

The Newport Charter Yacht Show (NCYS) has been acquired by the Newport Harbor Corporation (NHC), continuing a tradition of showcasing luxury charter yachts ranging from 24m in length up to the superyacht size of 68m.
Yachts from around the globe will glide into the spotlight at the Newport Yachting Center and elsewhere on the Newport Harbor waterfront from June 18-22, 2012. NHC is the parent company of Newport Exhibition Group which produces and manages multiple industry events, including the Newport International Boat Show, held at the Newport Yachting Centre each year
‘This will be the third consecutive year that the Newport Charter Yacht Show will be held at the Newport Yachting Centre but the first time it will be a part of the NHC family,’ says Tom DeLotto, director of Newport Exhibition Group, adding that the five-day show has been in existence for 30 years and is one of only a handful of significant charter yacht shows held around the world.
‘The Newport Charter Yacht Show has a solid foundation and will synergize perfectly with our company’s expertise in the yachting industry. Our 2012 show will pivot around a world-class display of luxury yachts available for charter as well as the services and amenities available to support yachts and their crews.

Positive reactions to a damp FLIBS 2011 from superyacht industry leaders

With the industry leaders finally back from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, I thought now would be a timely moment to gauge their reactions to the world’s largest show.
Hein Velema, CEO of Fraser Yachts is unequivocal: ‘At the end of the Monaco show I thought we had a good show. Four weeks later I know we had a great Monaco show. At the end of FLIBS again I think we had a good show. We have three accepted offers and offers going back and forth on three others. This means 2011 is our best year for both the Monaco show and Fort Lauderdale show since 2007.’
Comments Henk de Vries at Feadship: ‘The Fort Lauderdale show this year took place in hot, humid weather, with some fierce showers here and there. This did not hold back visitors to our superyachts display, although for us it was substantially quieter than Monaco. We are very pleased with the effectiveness and quality of presentation at our SYBAss avenue: combining the yachts with individual stands on the waterfront worked well.’
And now over to Michael Payne, Chief Commercial Officer at Camper & Nicholsons: ‘Our brokers were very happy to see a steady stream of new clients and our new stand went down very well. The poor weather may have affected attendance but overall we’re very satisfied with the show.’
The last word goes to Mark Cavendish, Sales Director at Heesen Yachts: ‘Despite the climate (both meteorological and financial) not being the best, we had a good show. We were delighted with our new stand in the SYBAss area and met many new clients who showed positive interest. Much better than expected.’
And now I suppose we’ll have to wait for a month or so to bring you up to date with sales resulting directly from the show. Watch this space…

Tape's Evolving Data Storage Role - Balancing Performance, Availability, Capacity, Energy For Long-term Data Protection And Retention

There is no such thing as a data recession and no end in sight for the amount of data that will need to be stored and protected for longer periods of time. Organizations of all sizes are faced with a growing data footprint that results in more data to manage, protect and preserve for longer periods of time.

Tape's Evolving Data Storage Role - Balancing Performance, Availability, Capacity, Energy For Long-term Data Protection And Retention

There is no such thing as a data recession and no end in sight for the amount of data that will need to be stored and protected for longer periods of time. Organizations of all sizes are faced with a growing data footprint that results in more data to manage, protect and preserve for longer periods of time.

Karuba 5 victorious in the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta

Yesterday saw the conclusion of a nail-biting battle between David and Goliath as spectators at the Transatlantic Superyacht Regatta awaited the arrival in Virgin Gorda of the smallest yacht in the fleet, the 20m Karuba 5 to see how she fared against the largest, the 66m Hetairos.
In the event David won, as Karuba 5 took overall victory on corrected time ahead of Hetairos in second place. Tobias Koenig’s Swan 82 Grey Goose of Rorc took third place overall. Hetairos, which was launched in July of this year, claimed line honours having completed her 3069 mile crossing from Tenerife in 8 days, 10 hours, 58 minutes and 30 seconds at an average speed of just over 15 knots. The event was organized by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) in collaboration with the International Maxi Association and saw eight superyachts and maxi yachts participate.
Vincent Fauquenoy, captain and racing manager aboard Hetairos, was understandably pleased with his crew’s result: “It is certainly with great pride that we secured line honours in the race and even who knows, maybe a new speed record for this particular route. On a personal note, having been involved for the last two years in the very complex building process of Hetairos, managing to race her fresh out of the box across the Atlantic also brings me a sense of achievement. Hetairos performed admirably and we all enjoyed very much sailing her. We did not have the perfect wind and had to chase it most of the time but it has been a good training test for the boat and her crew for the next regattas of the season.”
‘I am delighted to see this beautiful fleet of sailing giants lined up at YCCS Marina and their owners and crews enjoying a ‘sneak preview’ of our new Clubhouse which will be officially inaugurated in January.’ commented YCCS Commodore Riccardo Bonadeo during the final ceremony. ‘The level of participants in the event was extremely high and my sincere congratulations go to Hetairos: it not often that a boat fresh from the shipyard wins a transatlantic crossing by such an impressive margin on her first regatta outing. I hope to see her back here, together with the rest of the fleet, in March for the Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous.’

Superyachts invited to participate in the 2012 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week

An invitation has been issued to sailing superyacht owners to join in the 2012 Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, which will take place from 17 to 25 August.
The regatta – which now ranks among the best in the world – and its accompanying programme of shore-based events, takes place on and around Hamilton Island, the centrepiece of Australia’s superyacht playground.
First staged in 1984, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week attracts around 200 keelboats from across Australia and overseas. The entries range from superyachts and supermaxis through to Grand Prix level racers, cruising yachts, high performance multihulls and sports boats. A key element of the 2012 will be the Superyacht Division. Yacht owners and their guests will experience an exceptional racing agenda with stimulating competition over courses around many of the 68 uninhabited Whitsunday Islands that are in close proximity to Hamilton Island.

Katrina Kaif copied my moves in ‘Chikni Chameli’ – Rakhi Sawant

BollywoodWorld.com, Rakhi Sawant, perhaps true item-girl in Bollywood today, alleges that actress Katrina Kaif has copied her antics in her “Chikni Chameli” act in “Agneepath” remake.

“I think ‘Chikni Chameli’ is a good song. Katrina has danced very well but it’s not something new. I have already done all this before. You can watch all my songs, I have already done that,” the 33-year-old controversy queen said here at the Big Stars Entertainment Awards.

“I have done this in ‘Dekhta hai tu kya’ and she did this in ‘Shiela ki jawaani’. In ‘Chikni Chameli’, she is again following me. It seems Katrina really likes me…It’s alright if someone wants to follow me and dance,” added Rakhi, who did a cameo in a few films before featuring in a full-fledged item number “Chura liyaa hai tumne” in 2003.

Rakhi hasn’t got any awards so far. When asked about it, she compared herself with Aamir Khan, though in a light-hearted manner, and said: “Aamir and I are similar. Neither he gets awards, nor do I. But we have won the heart of India and we do not need an award.”

The loud-mouth actress, who has dabbled both in television and films, was last seen on the big screen in an item song in “Loot”. On small screen, she hosted the reality talk-show “Ajab Desh Ki Ghazab Kahaaniyan”.

It’s one of the greatest highs to play a villain – Shahrukh Khan

Shahrukh Khan, who played anti-hero in the beginning of his career, returns in a negative role in his forthcoming movie “Don 2: The King is Back”. The superstar says that portraying villanious characters gives a different high to an actor.

“I really enjoyed it. I will be really honest and I am not glorifying badness in real life and these are just films and stories, but as an actor it is one of the greatest highs to play a villain’s role,” said Shah Rukh at the launch of the video game based on “Don 2″, which is releasing Friday.

Directed by Farhan Akhtar, the film also stars Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Lara Dutta, Om Puri and Kunal Kapoor.

“Farhan Akhtar as a director-actor and Priyanka as an actor would agree that it’s a different kind of a high for an actor to play a villains role,” said SRK.

The 46-year-old, who rose to fame by playing negative roles in super hit films “Baazigar” and “Darr”, believes in the existence of one central character, who can be either good or bad.

“I started with theatre and there was nothing like a hero for me. There was a protagonist, a central character. I have been a bad guy on stage, I have been a good guy on stage…,” said SRK.

“I was thrilled that I got this opportunity and I did not think of the hero type roles. Now that I am getting a chance to play a negative role in ‘Don’ after so many years, there is no justification to it and being bad is also important to take the world forward,” he added.

This year Shah Rukh’s mega-budget sci-fi film “Ra. One” released and he also made cameo appearances in “Always Kabhi Kabhi” and “Love Breakups Zindagi”.

Goa aims to cash in on Bollywood Boom

There was a Bollywood touch to Goa’s celebration of its 50th anniversary of liberation from 450 years of Portuguese rule Monday with a vision document suggesting construction of hi-tech studios to feed the Mumbai-based film industry.

Vision document ‘Goa 2035′, which the Goa government commissioned to chart out a roadmap for the years ahead, envisioned that the state be developed as a hi-tech satellite feeding Bollywood’s creative economy.

The document, drafted by a committee headed by former Council for Scientific and Industrial Research chief Raghunath Mashelkar, advocated that Goa should take advantage of the creative economy which has been spawned by Bollywood, operating out of Mumbai, about 600 km from here. Goa already is the permanent host of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

“This would mean promising stakeholders of Bollywood industry, which includes producers, and technicians who have stakes in information and technology, should be invited to Goa to build hi-tech studios,” Mashelkar said, adding that creative economy would not spell a heavy ecological cost, like the mining or tourism industries in Goa.

“All these industries will build and enhance the clean environment, hence making Goa an ever nicer place to live in,” Mashelkar said.

Ashank Desai, a computer engineer and the promoter of the firm Mastek, said the entire vision document would be released in January and only a skeletal report has been released on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Goa Liberation Day.

Desai said that ‘Goa 2035′ had also recommended that mining in the state be regulated, adding that miners should adhere to global environment standards.

“The mining industry should be incentivised to set examples of environmental sustainability,” the report sai

Kareena Kapoor perfect choice for ‘Heroine’ – Priyanka Chopra

BollywoodWorld.com, Priyanka Chopra admits Madhur Bhandarkar offered his most ambitious project “Heroine” to her, but she couldn’t accept it due to its streak of similarity with “Fashion”. However, she is sure Kareena Kapoor will do full justice to the role.

“Madhur and I did talk about ‘Heroine’. For me, however, it would have been like a Bollywood version of ‘Fashion’. Kareena is the perfect choice. She’s such a brilliant actor,” Priyanka told ETC’s “Bollywood Business” host and trade analyst Komal Nahta on his show.

“As a filmmaker, Madhur brings out the best in any actor, and Kareena’s such a superior one,” she added on the episode to be aired Wednesday.

Both the actresses shared the screen in hit movie “Aitraaz”.

Aishwarya Rai was the original choice for “Heroine”, which narrates the journey of a once successful film actress whose career is on the decline.

Bhandarkar had begun shooting with Ash, but the project was put on hold when the actress’ pregnancy was announced. Later, several rumours about the replacement made their way. However, Kareena was zeroed in on as the final choice.

The “Heroine” team is already shooting.

As for Priyanka, she is busy promoting her upcoming film “Don 2: The King Is Back”, in which she plays Roma or ‘Jungle billi’. The film releases Friday.

Shahrukh Khan returns in villainous avatar in ‘Don 2′ (Movie Preview)

BollywoodWorld.com, After enthralling the audience with his daredevilry superhero acts in “RA.One”, superstar Shahrukh Khan returns to the villainous streak with Farhan Akhtar’s new film “Don 2- The King Is Back”, a sequel to 2006 film “Don”, which was a remake of Amitabh Bachchan starrer of the same name.

“Don 2″ will be released with 3,000 movie prints in the domestic market and it will also have 3D release in another 550 screens.

Written and directed by Farhan, the film is co-produced by Shah Rukh’s Red Chillies Entertainment and Farhan and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment. While Shah Rukh, Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani and Om Puri reprise their roles as Don, Roma, Vardhan and Malik respectively, the sequel has some new additions like Kunal Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Aly Khan, Nawaab Shah and Sahil Shroff.

After conquering the Asian underworld, Don has set his sights on taking over the European underworld. However, bosses of European underworld and all the law enforcement agencies are acting as a roadblock is his quest to be the leader. In the mega budget film, the action shifts from Kaula Lumpur in Malaysia to Berlin in Germany as Don must avoid assassinations and arrests in order to succeed.

Farhan roped in international stunt director Wolfgang Stegemann, who has worked on Hollywood films “Inglourious Basterds” and “Valkyrie”, for the stunts. He trained Shah Rukh for daring fight sequences and also created a special fight style for him in “Don 2″.

It is a negative role for Bollywood Badshah, but he says, “I am not glorifying badness in real life and these are just films and stories, but as an actor it is one of the greatest highs to play a villain’s role.”

For his character, SRK has experimented with a variety of looks, including long unkempt hair and a stubble and he also performed most of the stunts himself. Not only htat, he also took a 300-feet plunge for a scene while shooting in Berlin.

The film will be released in both 2D and 3D versions. Farhan has not only written and directed it, he has also written the dialogues of the film.

Made at a budget of over Rs.75 crore approximately, “Don 2: The King is Back”, has been primarily shot in Berlin and Malaysia. In Berlin, it was shot at locations like Brandenburg Gate, the Olympia Stadium, The Gandarmen Market and the East Side Gallery.

The film found itself in midst of controversies for copyright infringement from the original makers. According to reports, Nariman Films, producer of the 1978 Amitabh starrer “Don”, has sent a legal notice to Excel Entertainment for copyright infringement saying they had only given the right to remake the movie and no rights to make a sequel. But it was reportedly sorted out.

The film is the last big release of the year and its satellite right has reportedly been sold for Rs.37 crore to Zee TV.

Trade pundits are keeping their fingers crossed for the film to hit the bull’s eye at the box office and allow the filmdom to enter the new year riding on the profits of the film

Salman Khan is my driving force – Himesh Reshammiya

Composer-singer-actor Himesh Reshammiya credits actor Salman Khan, a godfather to many newcomers, for his success in the Hindi film industry.

“For me it’s always been god, dad and Salman Khan. He (Salman) has been a driving force for me. I just want to thank him for his support. Thank you Salman bhai,” said 38-year-old Himesh, whose music in the actor’s “Bodyguard” was well-received by the audiences.

Himesh, who reportedly had a spat with Salman sometime back, minced no words while thanking the actor and his family for helping him at every stage of his decade-long career either a music director, singer or even as an actor.

“After this break of one-and-a-half years and with love and good wishes of Salman bhai, my first film “Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya” was possible because of the Khan family and now my 101st film “Bodyguard” also is getting me awards. It’s all because of their love. In some way or the other Salman bhai has been the reason for my success,” said Himesh.

After his success as a composer-singer, Himesh took up acting in films like “Aap Ka Suroor”, “Karzzzz”, “Kajraare” and “Damadamm”. He is looking forward to more acting and music assignments.

“Now after this break I am all set to give music, and I will give music for a lot of films. I will produce quite a few films too and will also start with my acting spree. I have four films in hand.

“I’m creatively reloaded. I’m ready with eight to nine scripts, which I have compiled for production houses. As far as the music front is concerned, when I had come here at the age of 16, I came with 300 songs and today I am ready with 500 songs and have signed 250 artists for”it,” he added.

Himesh is also set for some international projects, both, as a composer and as an actor.

“An international album in collaboration with Lil Wayne and Edward Maya is also ready. I have formulated 15 songs for it and the album is called ‘The Edge’. DJ Edward Maya is doing my song and Roman White, who directs Justin Bieber’s videos is directing our album too. I am also doing an international film ‘A * Is Killed’,” said Himesh.

For 2012, his hands are full with films like “Namastey London 2″, “Dangerous Ishq”, “Khiladi 786″, “Shortcut Romeo” and “A New Love Ishtory”

Censors out of sync with today’s youth – Sonam Kapoor

Actress Sonam Kapoor, who plays an ultra-modern computer nerd in her upcoming film “Players”, is upset with the censor board’s objection over her middle-finger act, clearly visible in the promos of the film.

She feels the censors need to broaden their minds, considering the exposure that the youth has these days.

“Yes, we showed the middle finger but the censors are not okay with it. They don’t care what is happening on the internet. My teenage cousins are seeing things, worse things than what is happening in the cinema. Just one finger is not going to change anything,” the 26-year-old actress said while promoting “Players” at a radio station here.

Earlier, Ranbir Kapoor was seen raising his middle finger in “Rockstar”, but the censors didn’t object to this.

Sonam, daughter of actor Anil Kapoor, defended her act, terming it a part-and-parcel of the lives of today’s youth.

“It’s the normal language that we use in our day-to-day life, especially us young people. I am not saying that it is a good thing to do, but it’s very today. If I am playing a girl of today, and I speak this way and I am not going to say the ‘F’ word, it will look very unreal,” she said.

Meanwhile, Sonam is happily lapping up all the praise coming her way for her uber-cool and hot look in “Players”. Co-starring Abhishek Bachchan, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Bobby Deol and Bipasha Basu, the film will release Jan 6, 2012.

Sonam is also looking forward to working on Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, opposite Farhan Akhtar.

‘Don 2′ grosses Rs 15 crore on first day

Sunday, Dec 25, 2011

Shahrukh Khan’s “Don 2 – The King is Back” has earned Rs.15.3 crore on the opening day, which is the highest first day collection on a non-holiday Friday.

The film is a sequel to Farhan Akhtar’s 2006 “Don”, which was a remake of the 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer of the same name.

In overseas markets, “Don-2..” broke the record for the highest single day gross for a Hindi film in Australia with estimated earnings of US$82,000 Friday. The earlier record was Reliance Entertainment’s “Bodyguard” at US$74,000.

“Don 2″, also starring Priyanka Chopra, Boman Irani, Kunal Kapoor and Lara Dutta earned $550,000 in North America, beating “My Name is Khan” opening day gross of $445,000

“Don 2″ released with 3,000 movie prints in the domestic market and a 3D release on another 550 screens.

Bollywood stars celebrate Christmas with family, friends

Bollywood celebrities extended their best wishes on Christmas Sunday. Some even shared their plans for the day on Twitter – some would celebrate with friends and family while others have jetted off for vacations.

Madhuri Dixit is off to the Maldives with husband Shriram Nene and children Arin and Rayaan.

“Excited! Off to the Maldives for some rest and relaxation…Hope everyone is having a good holiday season,” the 44-year-old posted on Twitter.

Ajay Devgan, who is married to Kajol, is also on vacation although he did not reveal the location.

“Enjoying the Christmas air! Gonna sign off for the holidays an see u guys back in the new year! Ciao,” Devgn posted.

Riteish Deshmukh joined good friend Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti for a Christmas brunch.

“Off to Maria Goretti and Arshad Warsi’s house for Xmas brunch-She is the worlds best Bawarchi-No wonder Arshad is known as the heavy weight actor,” Deshmukh, 33, posted.

Celina Jaitly is enjoying the festive mood in Dubai.

“Attended a beautiful Xmas mass at the Dubai church .. Was emotionally very moved. Was wonderful to see people from so many countries come together,” the 30-year-old wrote.

“I Hate Luv Storys” director Punit Malhotra stayed at home on the occasion.

“Merry Christmas people. May the festival shower u with all the happiness and prosperity in the world. Happy holidays! Full on celebrations at home. Moms v excited, brought home a baby tree with some wonderful goodies,” he posted.

Abhishek Bachchan, who was recently blessed with a baby girl with wife Aishwarya, offered good wishes to fans.

“Wish all of you a very merry Christmas. Spread the love, joy and happiness. God bless,” he wrote.

Anupam Kher posted: “Happiness is the cheapest thing in the world when we buy it for someone else. Merry Christmas.”

Priyanka Chopra tweeted: “Merry Xmas guys…may we all be blessed with peace and contentment..and the happiness to live and love..and be loved..Thank u all for loving me.”

Karan Johar posted: “Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of you!!! Its the season to forgive…to forget…to skip regret…to live and let….”

Music composer Vishal Dadlani posted: “Merry Christmas you all Jesus changed the world with love and compassion for all. Try it, it might still work.”

Arjun Rampal wrote: “Merry Xmas, be free, be alive, be in love, be yourself, because everyone is beautiful. Love u all.”

Bipasha Basu posted: “Merry Xmas all!Peace to the world!”

Akshay Kumar wrote: “Merry Christmas to all of you! May you be with the people you love and who love you. I am so grateful for everything! Good health, a roof over my head, great friends, people who love me, but most importantly an amazing family!”

First look of film ‘Jodi Breakers’ unveiled

The first look of Bipasha Basu and R. Madhavan starrer comedy “Jodi Breakers” is out.

While Bipasha looks chic and stylish in a red gown, Madhavan looks urban and sophisticated in an all-black outfit, coupled with spectacles.

“Jodi Breakers” is an up-beat, modern-age, urban humour film, that revolves around dysfunctional relationships, which eventually lead to break ups. The film is slated to release in February, 2012.

Directed by Ashwini Chaudhary, the film also stars Omi Vaidya, Milind Soman, Dipannita Sharma, Mrinalini Sharma and Helen. – IANS

Banque Populaire V continues her fantastic race against time

A few days ago, we reported a first record for the 40m maxi sailing trimaran Banque Populaire V in her second attempt at the Jules Verne Trophy: she crossed the Equator at 23 hours, 26 minutes and 52 seconds GMT on Sunday night, 27 November.

Another record was broken a few days later when she crossed the Cape of Good Hope only 11 Days, 21 hours, 48 Minutes and 18 seconds after the beginning of this race against time.

And this weekend, Banque Populaire V has established another record as she crossed Cape Leeuwin in the fantastic time of 17 days, 23 hours, 57 minutes and 18 seconds, no less than 3 days and 14 hours better than the former Groupama 3‘s record in 2008.

The video above gives a good idea of the conditions described by Loick Peyron: “The sea state has improved. The swell is very long. We had a difficult start to the night with a very short sea. We had to slow down a lot, but now it’s improved. Despite everything we could not avoid falling off an impressive wave this morning, and exceeding 48 knots in free fall … which certainly beats the boat’s speed record. Newton was helping us there, rather then Eole. There are crests sometimes ten metres high, but with long periods, close to 200 meters between each peak. It makes it manageable. Only in the South do we see periods this long. The waves advance at thirty knots, a bit like us, so that we can really ride with them and it’s really very nice. ”