Tag Archives: Go-Cruise

Costa Concordia set to be pulled upright

Posted on by
2

Costa Concordia set to be pulled upright

By Phil Davies

Costa Concordia set to be pulled uprightA delicate operation to try to pull the shipwrecked Costa Concordia upright is going ahead today.

This morning’s work was delayed by two hours due to an overnight storm.

But the Italian Civil Protection agency said sea and weather conditions were right to start the salvage attempt off the island of Giglio.

Salvage teams are attaching giant metal chains and cables to the ship, which weighs more than 114,000 tonnes and is roughly the length of three football fields.

Head of the operation, Nick Sloane, told AFP news agency that it was now or never for the Costa Concordia, because the hull was gradually weakening and might not survive another winter.

Engineers will try to roll the ship up using cables and the weight of water contained in huge metal boxes welded to the ship’s sides – a process called parbuckling.

Costa Concordia capsized killing 32 people in January 2012 when the vessel hit rocks.

Five people have already been convicted of manslaughter over the disaster, and the ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, is currently on trial accused of manslaughter and abandoning ship.

Sunsail rebrand to broaden appeal

Posted on by
Reply

Sunsail rebrand to broaden appeal

By Phil Davies

Sunsail rebrand to broaden appealYachting specialist Sunsail is seeking to encourage more holidaymakers onto the water with a brand revamp.

The new brand identity is being unveiled this week in an effort to appeal to a wider customer base.

Research by the Tui-owned operator found that potential customers find it difficult to engage in sailing holidays due to a long list of perceived barriers to entry – it’s expensive, it’s too hard, it takes too long to learn, it’s cramped and uncomfortable and it’s “not for me”.

The company’s priority is to cater for the needs of ‘new to sailing’ consumers by helping them to more easily discover and experience the range of activities and holiday options available in destinations.

Sunsail provides a fleet of more than 800 yachts in 27 locations worldwide and runs a Beach Club in the Mediterranean.

The new brand identity reflects that “whoever has an experience with Sunsail has a sense of personal fulfillment,” the company said.

Head of global marketing Simon Conder said: “It is important that Sunsail retains its established values but at the same time develops a new and modern identity.

“The rebranding exercise will ensure that we get the right message out there. We feel it’s important to let people know what Sunsail stands for and ultimately make it easier for our current and potential clients to choose our brand and products.

“The brand identity now reflects and supports the leading position and landscape for Sunsail.

“Sunsail shares with its customers an incredible enthusiasm for sailing and its holidays offer zest, vitality and, above all, fun for all”.

Prices start at £399 per person for a seven-night Beach Club holiday on a half board basis at Sunsail Club Vounaki in Greece including flights from Gatwick, transfers and watersports.