United States

Knight & Carver

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/156985/image/large-864dcc827b5d6a9c10743ab300719c9a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/156985">Superyacht Helios in FloridaTaken yesterday on the opening day of the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, here is the 59.10 metre Helios, built by the Dutch shipyard Oceanco in 2001. She accommodates up to 14 guests on board over four luxurious double cabins, one twin cabin, and an opulent master suite. She underwent a complete refit from 2007 to 2008 at Knight &amp; Carver, in which they were nominated for the Best Refit of the Year in 2009 by Showboats International. The refit included complete overhaul of the saloon/cinema, master stateroom and 6 guest cabins, along with full remodelling of the sun deck, galley and lazarette, mechanical systems upgrades and a complete paint job.Helios is jointly offered for sale through Y.CO and Edmiston &amp; Company at the show this year, at an asking price of EUR 39,000,000.By Gemma Fottles, photo by Tom van Oossanen

Helios in Florida for FLIBS

San Diego marine hybrid systems pioneer Arc Lite Power, LLC has signed an agreement to purchase National City shipyard Knight &amp; Carver Maritime, the companies announced today. The $30 million total investment will expand the capabilities of the combined companies to serve the emerging “green marine” market. Knight &amp; Carver, a provider of marine construction and maintenance services since 1971, will continue its traditional offerings in addition to adding the operations of the world’s first global hybrid superyacht conversion and certification center. An interim operating agreement will allow combined operations to begin immediately. “The future has arrived for hybrid marine power,” said Sampson A. Brown, Knight &amp; Carver’s Chairman of the Board. “We have reached the point where ‘going green’ isn’t simply a fad, it’s now a certifiably smarter, more efficient and more cost-effective way to operate a vessel.” Michael O’Leary, Knight &amp; Carver Maritime President/CEO added “Knight &amp; Carver’s team couldn’t be more delighted with the new opportunities presented by the acquisition; we look forward to providing this cutting-edge technology along with an aggressive pricing strategy to our clients.” Arc Lite Power and its affiliated company, EnergyTech Marine, have captured a leading position in hybrid marine propulsion with the Power Core® system, which obsoletes and replaces the standard marine diesel engines, generator sets and lead-acid battery banks found in the vast majority of vessels. The firm’s technology has received industry honors as this current year’s “Environmental Innovation Product of the Year” at the prestigious IBEX (International Boatbuilders’ Exposition) held in Louisville, Kentucky. Arc Lite’s advanced systems will be manufactured in the Knight &amp; Carver indoor 100,000 square foot bayside facility. “We would like to reverse the trend of companies like ours choosing to build overseas” said Jack McCoy, CEO of Arc Lite Power and EnergyTech Marine. “We intend to add hundreds of new jobs for this enterprise right here in America, building everything from our half-million (mega) watt-hour Arc Lite lithium-ion propulsion batteries to our line of 83- foot EnergyTech full hybrid sailing yachts.” EnergyTech Marine designed and built the world’s first full-hybrid superyacht known as the 83 HD-X. The 83-ft vessel launched at the Knight &amp; Carver docks several years ago, and has since undergone sea trials, testing an array of hybrid systems on San Diego Bay. Martin Turock, San Diego Clean Tech environmentalist and former GE international division manager, now COO of Arc Lite Power, explained, “We chose San Diego Bay in California not because of the ease of environmental compliance or the lowest taxes, but because of the amazing availability of workers accomplished in everything from master carpentry to aerospace electronics skills to build world-class luxury vessels along with our high-tech hybrid command and control systems. The perfect synergy of this acquisition will enable both Arc Lite Power and Knight &amp; Carver to immediately scale-up to fulfill the demand for hybrid propulsion systems in their combined customer pipelines.”Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter Kate Pearson +1 (619) 666-1640 <a href="mailto:kpearson@knightandcarver.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">kpearson@knightandcarver.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knightandcarver.com/">www.knightandcarver.com</a>

Knight & Carver Maritime acquired by hybrid technology firm

Culminating a jobs-saving effort that began more than a year ago, Knight &amp; Carver Maritime has announced that its recently-purchased 4,000-ton dry dock will begin full-service marine operations on September 9. The 4,000-ton facility has the capacity to lift exceptionally large vessels - including government and commercial vessels, as well as luxury megayachts - out of the water for major repair and refit projects. With the name Diligence, the 400-ft long dry dock now provides Knight &amp; Carver with the distinction of having one of the largest yacht-friendly vessel lift capacities on the West Coast. More than 100 workers are expected to be hired in the coming months to work exclusively on refit projects performed on the floating dry dock. The effort to bring Diligence to Knight &amp; Carver brought together a number of high-ranking local, state and federal elected officials, along with government regulatory agencies and marine industry leaders. The dry dock's full operation means that dozens of jobs will be created and saved at the facility, which is located in the largely industrial city of National City, where unemployment levels have been nearly 20 percent in recent years. "This is an extremely gratifying achievement for our company," said Michael J. O'Leary, President/Chief Executive Officer of Knight &amp; Carver. "We have always been proud of our long and proud heritage as a full-service marine facility, dating back to our beginnings as a luxury yacht builder and now as a large-vessel repair and refit operation. The exciting arrival of 'Diligence' promises to add another productive chapter to our history. We're ready to grow again." Knight &amp; Carver's operations team has spent the past few months preparing the dry dock for full operations and acquiring relevant permits. Despite several unforeseen delays, the process proved to be a valuable learning experience for the company's team of marine craftsmen, according to Giovanni LoCoco, Knight &amp; Carver's VP of Operations."As it turned out, the expanded timetable gave our crew a hands-on opportunity to become totally familiar with her full capacity and capabilities," said LoCoco, who's been with the company for more than 30 years. "Now that she's in full operational mode, we're more confident than ever in the high level of service we're able to provide our large-vessel clientele. Like us, they've been waiting a long time for this moment."Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter Kate Pearson +1 (619) 666-1640 <a href="mailto:kpearson@knightandcarver.com?subject=%u201CRefresh%2C%20not%20Refit%u201D%20program%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">kpearson@knightandcarver.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knightandcarver.com/">www.knightandcarver.com</a>

Knight & Carver begins dry dock operations

In a move that immediately elevates San Diego’s status as a world-class repair destination for megayachts and large commercial vessels, Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter has announced that the marine firm has acquired a 4,000-ton dry dock for its refit and repair operations. With the acquisition, financed by a locally-based investment group, Diligence &amp; Company LLC, Knight &amp; Carver will provide the largest lifting capacity for megayachts and commercial vessels on the West Coast, and one of the largest such lifts in the United States. Knight &amp; Carver will operate the dry dock under an exclusive, long-term lease arrangement with Diligence &amp; Company LLC, along with investment partner Fraser’s Services, a San Diego-based boat repair firm. Full dry-dock operations are expected to begin by August. Knight &amp; Carver already has secured a commitment for a significant megayacht refit project scheduled for August. Named “Diligence,” the dry dock brings a much-needed economic boost to South County’s industrial base, said Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA), who was instrumental in leading the approval process at the federal level. “This is extremely positive and welcome economic news for San Diego’s marine industry,” said Rep. Filner, whose 51st Congressional District includes the South County cities of National City and Chula Vista. “Not only will Knight &amp; Carver be able to significantly increase its maritime repair operations, the entire region will benefit from the dry dock’s continued operations on San Diego’s working waterfront.” Knight &amp; Carver estimates it will hire more than 100 additional workers over the next several months once the dry dock is under full operation. The dry dock is able to accommodate vessels with a capacity of 4,000 tons, measuring up to 400 feet in length and 100 feet in width. It will be berthed at Knight &amp; Carver’s docks, located on the southeast shores of San Diego Bay. Most recently, “Diligence” lifted out the iconic San Diego-based sailing ship “Star of India” for an extensive, eight-week repair project that included structural repairs and refurbishing, as well as hull and body paintwork. “This is a remarkable milestone in the long and productive history of our company,” said Michael O’Leary, President/Chief Executive Officer of Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter. “We are now able to attract the world’s largest megayachts to our facility as well as large commercial and military vessels. San Diego now ranks among the world’s best-equipped megayacht repairs centers.” Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter Kate Pearson +1 (619) 666-1640 <a href="mailto:kpearson@knightandcarver.com?subject=%u201CRefresh%2C%20not%20Refit%u201D%20program%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">kpearson@knightandcarver.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knightandcarver.com">www.knightandcarver.com</a>

Knight & Carver YachtCenter acquires 4,000-ton dry dock

Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter, known world-wide as a premiere yacht repair and refit facility, has named Michael O’Leary as the company’s Chief Executive Officer to oversee all operations. Formerly with Merrill Lynch, O’Leary brings financial expertise and proven corporate leadership to the newly-created position. Previously, he served as Managing Director for Merrill Lynch’s financial services complex in San Diego, directing more than 150 employees. “I look forward to leading our team to a higher level in which we achieve a more sustainable business model,” said O’Leary, who retired from Merrill Lynch in 2006 after 31 years with the financial services firm. “While the past few years have certainly been a challenge for the entire industry, Knight &amp; Carver continues to thrive, thanks to our reputation for providing world-class marine craftsmanship, quality and service.” Announcement of O’Leary’s hiring was made by Sampson A. Brown, former President/CEO of Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter who now serves as an executive consultant to the privately-held company’s Board of Directors.“We welcome Michael and his record of leadership in sales and management,” said Brown. “We are ready to meet our challenges head-on as we embark on a new era of professionalism in all phases of our company.” While with Merrill Lynch, O’Leary was responsible for overseeing approximately Merrill Lynch’s offices in downtown San Diego, Rancho Bernardo and Escondido. Shortly after retiring from Merrill Lynch, O’Leary founded the Wyoming Channel, a digital multi-media firm, and he also a major partner in an outdoor adventure company, both based in Wyoming. “I’ve always enjoyed fishing and hunting,” said O’Leary, who holds a marketing degree from Seattle University, after which he began his Merrill Lynch career as a financial advisor. “After my adopted home of San Diego, Wyoming is my second home.” O’Leary’s duties as CEO begin immediately. Mike has a lifetime love of the boating industry and most recently owned SY Cinnamon Girl. Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter Kate Pearson +1 (619) 666-1640 <a href="mailto:kpearson@knightandcarver.com?subject=%u201CRefresh%2C%20not%20Refit%u201D%20program%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">kpearson@knightandcarver.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knightandcarver.com">www.knightandcarver.com</a>

Knight & Carver names Mike O'Leary CEO

HF Interior and Knight &amp; Carver Yacht Center have been nominated for Best Refit of the Year, 2009 for M/Y Helios refit. “We are honored to be nominated!” says Curt Biller, managing director and partner of HF Interior. Nominations were made by Showboats International. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/128669/image/large-527a777e27c3e9519b3ecb0f61f7959c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128669">The M/Y <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/440">Helios</a> refit was completed over a year ago at Knight &amp; Carver in San Diego, California. The owners searched for two years to find the perfect team to carry out the transformation, Knight &amp; Carver and HF Interior fit the owner’s needs. The refit included complete overhaul of the saloon/cinema, master stateroom and 6 guest cabins, along with full remodeling of the sun deck, galley and lazarette, mechanical systems upgrades and a complete paint job. Beauty and harmony were the main priorities of the refit. The newly styled <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/440">Helios</a> is elegant but not formal and the theme of St Tropez meets Miami Beach reflects the owner’s personality and lifestyle. One of the most impressive areas is <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/440">Helios’</a> saloon. The floor is glass white Thassos 39 x 39 inch tiles. The tiles were expertly installed; allowing “the stone to move as the boat sways” says Curt. The saloon’s white ceiling is soft to touch, yet firm. It is a sealed material that conceals 38 hidden night-club quality speakers. The bridge was upgraded with new flooring, instrumentation and fabric. “This refit was successful due to months of pre-planning” said Helios’ first officer, Tommy Gurr. “We found the right contractors and yard to do the job in a very tight schedule”. This sentiment is echoed by Knight &amp; Carver’s VP of Operations Giovanni LoCoco “it was a challenging project and schedule but working with Helios’ and HF’s professional teams made it a real pleasure.” HF Interior April Laínez de Brimer +1 661.621.9286 <a href="mailto:april@hfinterior.com?subject=Refit%20M/Y%20Helios%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">april@hfinterior.com</a> <a href="http://www.hfinterior.com">www.hfinterior.com</a> Knight &amp; Carver Kate Pearson +1 619.336.4141 <a href="mailto:kpearson@knightandcarver.com?subject=Refit%20M/Y%20Helios%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">kpearson@knightandcarver.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.knightandcarver.com">www.knightandcarver.com</a>

HF Interior and Knight & Carver Yacht Center nominated for M/Y Helios refit

Knight &amp; Carver YachtCenter, which has emerged in recent years as one of the marine industry’s top-rated repair yards for megayachts and other large vessels, has been honored by the American Boat Builders &amp; Repairers Association (ABBRA) as the nation’s most outstanding boatyard for 2007. The organization’s annual “Boatyard of the Year” award is made annually to the U.S. vessel repair company that, according to the citation, “demonstrates excellence in all facets of business through commitment to customer relations, quality management, positive employee and vendor relationships, regard for the safety of their employees and their customers, is a good steward of the environment, and innovatively employs technology to enhance their marine business.” Accepting the prestigious marine-industry award on behalf of Knight &amp; Carver at the recent ABBRA awards ceremony in Atlanta were repair yard manager Mike Alvarez and production manager Giovanni LoCoco. “This award marks a significant achievement in our company’s long and accomplished history,” said President/CEO Sampson A. Brown. “We couldn’t be more proud of our entire team, led by our skilled and highly experienced marine craftsmen. It’s their painstaking, hands-on devotion to excellence, along with our company-wide commitment to completing projects on-time and on-budget, that has become Knight &amp; Carver’s signature within the industry.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124009/image/large-966782e93b18b750c4380549306aef81.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124009">Next up for Knight &amp; Carver is <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/900">Arctic P</a> (photo), a 288-ft. converted icebreaker that ranks high among the world’s 100 largest megayachts. The vessel is scheduled to spend several months at Knight &amp; Carver, starting in early February. Last year, Knight &amp; Carver completed an extensive refit on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/303">Reverie</a>, a 230-ft Benetti megayacht.