For Immediate Release
SIR RICHARD BRANSON TO TAKE DELIVERY OF NEWEST DEEPFLIGHT SUBMERSIBLE
1 February 2010 – Pt Richmond, CA – Hawkes Ocean Technologies announced today that Sir Richard Branson will be taking delivery this month of the newest DeepFlight Submersible. DeepFlight Merlin, a state of the art 3-person aero submarine, is the newest edition to Virgin Limited Edition’s properties, and will be delivered to Branson’s private resort, Necker Island in the Caribbean, this month. Operating on the same principles as flight through air, this open cockpit winged sub, dubbed Necker Nymph by Virgin, is the first of its kind to hit the market - would Sir Richard Branson want it any other way?
Designed and built by renowned engineer, Graham Hawkes, of Hawkes Ocean Technologies, DeepFlight Merlin represents a new class of high-performance, positively buoyant vehicles which safely extend the overall capabilities of scuba, while offering the unique experience of underwater flight. Unlike all conventional submersibles which use ballast to sink in the water, the DeepFlight submersibles uses downward ‘lift’ on the wings to fly down to depth.
Underwater flight takes ocean exploration to another level. Gliding on the water’s surface like an airplane on a runway, one of the three pilots will operate the joystick to smoothly dive down, and the thrilling experience begins. Uncover ancient shipwrecks, fly side-by-side with dolphins, or spyhop with whales; the options are endless. With the flexibility to glide peacefully over glorious reefs or bank adventurously in 360 degrees turns, the sub is hydrobatic. Individual “wind shields” remove the pressure of slipstream, enabling comfortable speed and ranges previously unthinkable without enclosing the pilots. The open cockpits afford near ideal 360 degree viewing for occupants, creating a uniquely open experience.
This newest DeepFlight submersible is equipped with state of the art, patented safety systems; pilots follow standard SCUBA procedures. Importantly, all DeepFlight craft, have near-zero environmental impact. Its positive buoyancy prevents the sub from landing on a reef, and its low light and noise emissions ensure the fragile ocean ecosystems remain undisturbed.
Hawkes Ocean Technologies now offers a range of submersibles that can dive from the surface to the deepest parts of the ocean. In the past few years, the Company has built the world’s only full ocean depth submersible for the late adventurer, Steve Fossett, as well as a state of the art underwater flier for venture capitalist, Tom Perkins. Ultra-lightweight and compact, all DeepFlight submersibles can be operated from boat or from shore. Virgin Limited Edition is making its Necker Nymph submersible available either when chartering Necker Belle, the luxury 105 foot catamaran, or when staying on Necker Island.
For further information, please contact:
Karen Hawkes info@deepflight.com
415-256-9273 or 415-717-9729
OR
Molly Cangemi molly.cangemi@virginlimitededition.com
Charlotte Tidball charlotte.tidball@virginlimitededition.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 8600 0469/0468
Notes to Editors:
Hawkes Ocean Technologies is a privately-held company based in the San Francisco Bay that designs and builds the world’s most advanced manned and remote vehicles for deep ocean exploration. Founder, Graham Hawkes, is recognized as the world leader in pioneering craft to access the oceans. Hawkes Ocean Technologies is currently commercializing the DeepFlight winged submersible technology, and most recently has built the world’s deepest submersible, the 36,000 foot DeepFlight Challenger, for the late adventurer Steve Fossett, and DeepFlight Super Falcon for venture capitalist, Tom Perkins.
Please visit us at www.deepflight.com.
Virgin Limited Edition is a collection of unique retreats chosen for their stunning locations, magnificent surroundings and offering a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service. The group includes Necker Island in the Caribbean’s British Virgin Islands, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa, Sa Terra Rotja in Mallorca; The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London; Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, The Lodge in Verbier, Necker Belle, a 105 foot luxury catamaran and Necker Nymph, a three man aero submarine. When taking Necker Belle for 7-nights’ exclusive hire, the sub is available at a weekly rate of US$ 25,000.
For bookings please call 0800 716 919 (toll free) or +44 (0) 208 600 0430 alternatively visit www.virginlimitededition.com for more details.
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