As part of my Continuous Professional Development training I attended the first Superyacht UK Technical Day at the London International Boat Show, with numerous leading industry figures and companies in attendance, for a wide-ranging look at the various regulations and laws affecting the superyacht industry. We were able to listen to a series of informative talks by speakers from different branches and departments with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the IMO followed by round-table discussions with the experts on various technical and and manning issues.

Recent news has emerged on one of the most innovative and striking superyachts to have appeared on the international large yacht scene, the 88m sailing yacht Maltese Falcon. According to the 'ship's log' on the official website of the yacht, the Maltese Falcon has now officially changed its home port from George Town, Cayman Islands to Valletta, Malta. As a result, this iconic vessel will from now on be displaying the yacht ensign of Malta.

Somali pirates freed a Saudi supertanker seized in the world's biggest ship hijacking for a 3 million dollar ransom yesterday - but five drowned when their boat capsized as they were making off with their share.

The European Unionâ??s NAVFORCOUNTERPIRACY taskforce will in some circumstances provide free armed guards to protect vulnerable merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden, as part of its response to the explosion in piracy close to Somalia.

Camper & Nicholsons International, a leader in luxury yachting activities worldwide, has relocated its global headquarters to Malta, inaugurating its new offices at the Vittoriosa yacht marina. Camper & Nicholsons said one of the reasons why the company chose Malta was because "successive governments had created a legislative environment which encourages the sector". Large luxury yachts registered in Malta were not affected by the hike in licence fees announced, as the revised annual renewal fees only apply on boats registered under the Small Ship Regulations, which are usually small pleasure boats. Camper & Nicholsons' Maltese office will be complementing its London-based office, which takes care of capital, while the local office will take care of global operations.