Derecktor Florida delivers Gulf Sentry - photo by Tom Serio

Derecktor Florida delivers Gulf Sentry to the FWC following an extensive makeover. Derecktor Florida is South Florida's most complete marine repair facility, with 40 years of experience with service and refit work.

The Gulf Sentry is one of FWC's Endurance Class Off-shore Patrol vessels and the largest in the fleet at 85 feet. The vessel was originally named JJ Brown and was manufactured in 1968 for the United States Air Force (USAF) and used as a missile retriever until 1994. The vessel was then used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and was eventually loaned to FWC, who operated the vessel for the next 14 years for federal fisheries enforcement, search and rescue. It was discovered that the vessel needed extensive repairs to remain operation. In 2008 the vessel was fully transferred to FWC and "Joint Enforcement Agreement" funding was acquired for a major overhaul. The restoration project was awarded to the Derecktor of Florida shipyard in Dania.

Colonel Jim Brown of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement and Lieutenant and Colonel Calvin Adams who oversees South Operations for FWC DLE. Photo by Tom Serio

The Gulf Sentry refit is now complete and she now has a new bottom, bow design, engines, electrical, plumbing, berthing area, galley and new pilot house. She is virtually unrecognizable as the original vessel. The Gulf Sentry has numerous green features incorporated into her new design. These modifications include: C32 ACERT engines that drive her at 31 knots while meeting tier two emission regulations (no smoke and better fuel economy, also a building block for future emission standards); elimination of all external hydraulic systems, to avoid potential loss of oils (all systems are now pneumatic-air driven); recycled materials were used in construction of cabin interiors; fuel-fill system was designed to eliminate / reduce fuel spills during fill ups; and the shaft angles, rudders and bottom were redesigned to increase efficiency. A new launch well was installed in the stern of the vessel to deploy the ridged hull inflatable boat to assist with search and rescue in rough seas.

Captain Brad Williams, of the FWC elaborated on the refit: "JJ Brown has been renamed Gulf Sentry because she looks and maneuvers just like a new build. We are sure she will give the State of Florida and the nation, enhanced service for many years to come. The FWC in keeping with their core mission of resource protection, worked closely with Derecktor to search for every available green option and Derecktor went out of their way to make Gulf Sentry the greenest vessel possible. At this critical time in the gulf, the Gulf Sentry is ready to report to work. The vessel's home port will be Carrabelle and her primary operational theater is the Gulf of Mexico out to 200 miles offshore."

Derecktor Shipyards was established by legendary boat builder Robert E. Derecktor in 1947 and has become known worldwide for building a wide range of innovative and technically demanding vessels, from swift America's Cup defenders to sturdy and reliable commercial workboats. Today, under the guidance of Bob's sons, Paul and Tom, Derecktor Shipyards operates three impressive facilities: Derecktor New York in Mamaroneck, NY; Derecktor Connecticut in Bridgeport, CT and Derecktor Florida in Dania, FL. Derecktor is known as an international leader in custom yacht and commercial construction in addition to providing full service, repair and refit capabilities at each of its yard.

For more information, contact Derecktor New York at 914-698-5020; Derecktor Connecticut at 203-336-0108 and Derecktor Florida at 954-920-5756. www.derecktor.com

Bridgeport CT -  Remember the date.  August 8^th 2010 was not just another summer Sunday for the UnitedStates yachting industry. Instead, at 10:30 a.m. a genuinely momentous event took place.  For that moment marked the launch by Derecktor Shipyards of the 85.6 meter (281 ft) motor yacht CAKEWALK, the largest yacht (by volume) ever built in the United States.  When the stunning six deck, 2998 gross ton vessel floated off Derecktors new 4000 ton dry-dock into the waters of Bridgeport harbor, it was the culmination of an effort never before seen in American yacht building. Several years and many, many thousands of skilled labor hours, along with tireless work from the owners’ team and Derecktors project group were needed to make the original vision a remarkable reality.

“Needless to say, as with any project of this scale and sophistication, there were some growing pains along the way, but we think the result speaks for herself” said an obviously pleased Paul Derecktor, President of the Derecktor group of shipyards.” For the first time, an American yard has shown it can equal or better the work of the best European yards. My brother Tom and I, along with everyone at Derecktor are very proud and we thank all the people who made this possible, in particular of course, the Owner and his team.”

CAKEWALK was designed by Tim Heywood Designs with Naval Architecture by Azure Naval Architecture. Interior design was by Dalton Designs, Inc. Literally dozens of subcontractors from engineering firms to security specialists participated in the project. “We certainly could not have done it without them” commented Gavin Higgins, VP of Business Development at Derecktor. “Some of the world’s most experienced and skilled specialists put their expertise into this job.  You cannot successfully build a yacht of this size and complexity with having that sort of talent available.” Reactions from those involved in the project are a mix of pride, satisfaction and in some cases awe at what has been accomplished.  “She is superb” said Designer Tim Heywood. “The workmanship throughout is absolutely first-class, as good as you will find on any yacht in the world. I could not be more pleased for the owner and all involved”. Bill Zinser, Build Captain on CAKEWALK and leader of the owners’ team, seemed as proud (and relieved) as a new parent, “She is what we knew she could be all along. It makes all the hard work, all the long days, worth it. We have great owners and we worked with a great group at Derecktor. We can’t wait to show her off to the world.” Notably, CAKEWALK was christened for the owners by Carmen Golinski, the Interior Manager on board, indicative of the closeness of the owners and crew.

The yacht will remain at Derecktor for the next few weeks undergoing final outfitting and sea trials. She is scheduled to make her much-awaited debut at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. “Fittingly, this is Americas leading yacht show and she will be it’s leading lady” quipped Kathy Kennedy, Derecktor’s marketing director.

Industry praise for the, blue hulled CAKEWALK had been rolling in even prior to launch.  Jonathan Beckett of Burgess commented some months ago that, “I am extremely impressed by the apparent quality of CAKEWALK.  The attention to detail – from both the technical and aesthetics points of view – I am very impressed indeed.  I believe CAKEWALK will surprise the north European yacht builders!”

Now that she has been launched we believe CAKEWALK will impress and surprise the world!

CAKEWALK General Specifications:

LOA                      281.00 ft.                      85.60    meters

LWL                      248.07 ft.                      75.08    meters

Beam                     046.92 ft.                      14.30    meters

Draught                  013.10 ft.                      04.00    meters

Gross Tonnage       2995

Propulsion              2X16V400M71 @ 2465BKW (3306HP)@200 RPM MTU

Propeller                 2X5 Blade Rolls Royce Single Pitch

Speed                     17 knots / 15 knots

Fuel capacity           370,000 ltrs / 97,000 gal

Ra nge                    5000NM @15 Knots    

Power Generation   2X MTU 2000 series V12 M-40B @660EKW

                               2X MTU @60 550 Series @ 350 EK

Emergency Pack     1X MTU S60 400 Series  @275 KW

Stabilizers               4X Quantam Zero Speed

Bowthruster           Jastrom 400 KW

Windlasses             Steen

Interior Design        Elizabeth Dalton, Dalton Designs, Inc.

Exterior Design       Tim Heywood Designs

Naval Architecture  Azure Naval Architects

Engineering Design  BMT Nigel Gee and Associates, Gibbs and Cox

Tenders                  Riva, Vikal, Intrepid, Zodiac

Classification           Lloyds Maltese Cross 100A1SSC yacht (P) mono G6

Construction           Steel Hull, Aluminum Superstructure

Builder                    Derecktor