J.Lo’s list of demands for WMA includes diamond-encrusted headphones!

London, May 19 (ANI): Latino Singer Jennifer Lopez has agreed to sing at the World Music Awards but that has come with a huge price.

As part of her demand list, she has asked for a helicopter ‘on stand-by’.

She has also demanded a custom-fitted speedboat – complete with love seat, faux leather seats and a champagne fridge.

The 40-year-old has also asked for a pair of 3,000-pound-diamond-encrusted headphones to keep the noise of the boat”s motor.

“Jennifer was partying on board Sir Philip Green”s yacht in Cannes before being transferred by speed boat to Monaco for the WMA,” the Mirror quoted a source as saying.

“Her people requested that she have an entire floor of the hotel to herself to ensure she wasn”t hassled. Privacy was a main concern so she had a piece of beach roped off, too.

“She spent the morning playing there with the kids. But she declined the offer of a butler, insisting she was happy to do things for herself,” the source added. (ANI)

WA boat rescue ends safely

A twelve metre catamaran which broke down off the Western Australia’s South West coast late Tuesday night has been towed to safety.

Rescuers battled heavy seas and gale force winds to reach the boat, the Dawn Glory, which was on its way from South Africa to Fremantle.

The craft arrived in Bunbury after the six hour towing effort by a crew from Bunbury Sea Rescue.

Before the rescue boat arrived, there were fears the Dawn Glory could be washed onto the Naturaliste Reef.

One of the crew, Karl Dahlmann, says the three men and one woman on board the yacht are safe and well and will spend the night moored at the Bunbury jetty.

“It was rough, we’ve been in rougher along the way but it was rough, uncomfortable and wet. A nice hot shower and a beer and we’re going home.”

Peruvian loses appeal against drug trafficking conviction

A Peruvian man jailed in Queensland over a conspiracy to import almost 90 kilograms of high-grade cocaine has lost an appeal against his conviction and 24-year jail term.

A Supreme Court jury in Brisbane last year convicted Jorge Velarde Silva of conspiring to bring 89 kilograms of cocaine into Australia from Mexico on board the yacht Sparkles Plenty.

The conspiracy, which involved two other men, ran into trouble when the yacht almost sank in Moreton Bay.

Velarde argued his trial judge made mistakes and his sentence was manifestly excessive.

But the Court of Appeal has ruled there were no grounds to overturn the conviction and the sentence emphasised the need for deterrence.

Australians go on trial in PNG

The trial of four Australians charged with drug possession has begun on the island of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea.

The four men were passengers on the yacht Perenti when police in Bougainville allegedly found 470 grams of marijuana on board on March 19.

Putu Winchester, 33, Thomas Olsen, 43, Michael O’Neil, 41, and Clayton McDonald, 33, have all pleaded not guilty to possessing a dangerous drug.

Local reports say their trial in Buka began with several police officers describing the search of the yacht.

The court heard two grams of marijuana were found in the captain Michael Northcote’s cabin, and 470 grams were found in a plastic bag near where the anchor was stowed.

The trial continues.

Australians deny PNG drug charges

Four of the five Australians charged with possessing drugs in Papua New Guinea have pleaded not guilty.

The five men were charged after police in Bougainville allegedly found 470 grams of marijuana on board the yacht Perenti on March 19.

The Perenti’s 46-year-old captain Michael Northcote runs surfing tours through the Western Pacific.

In court in Buka today, Mr Northcote’s four passengers pleaded not guilty to the offence and their trial will be held tomorrow.

Among them is 33-year-old Putu Winchester, who is understood to be an actor who once appeared in the television dramas Home and Away and Heartbreak High.

The others are 43-year-old Thomas Olsen, 41-year-old Michael O’Neil and 33-year-old Clayton McDonald.

The case against Mr Northcote has been adjourned until he meets his lawyer.

PNG court adjourns drug case against Australians

The case involving five Australians who have each been charged with possessing a dangerous drug in Papua New Guinea has been adjourned so they can get a new lawyer.

The five men were charged after police in Bougainville allegedly found nearly half a kilogram of marijuana on board their yacht, Perenti, last week.

In court in Buka today their local lawyer successfully sought an adjournment because his clients wanted to get a new lawyer from Port Moresby.

The case will return to court on Monday.

‘Woods’ wife was out at sea when he faced media over sex scandal’

New York, March 23 (ANI): Tiger Woods’ wife Elin Nordegren reportedly escaped on the family yacht with their children before the ace golfer faced the media for the first time over his extra marital affairs.

The angry mum-of-two was said to have been joined on the “Privacy” by a gal pal and a full crew, according to RadarOnline.com.

“Tiger wasn”t invited. She”s been very upset with him and was in a bad mood all week,” the New York Daily News quoted a source familiar with the situation as telling the website.

Nordegren was further devastated to learn that Woods had cheated on her with a bevy of women, including 32-year-old porn actress Joslyn James, it was claimed.

The source said: “It devastates her. The whole situation is unthinkable for her, but then to throw a porn star in the mix, it just makes her feel like she didn”t even know her husband.” (ANI)

George Michael ”gay cruising with iPhone”s Grindr app”

London, March 17 (ANI): George Michael is using technology to find hot guys – the singer has downloaded an iPhone application that helps him find blokes nearby, it has emerged.

According to Michael”s pals, the 46-year-old hitmaker is cleverly using Grindr app to locate partners and meet them as he vacations Down Under.

“George has been using the application loads since he has been in Oz as he doesn”t know the local spots,” the Daily Star quoted an insider, as saying.

The source added: “It”s great for him as he can find out exactly where the nearest people are discreetly without having to ask around in bars where he would be recognised.”

Melbourne blogger Richard Taylor said: “Apparently George Michael was on Grindr during the break at his show last night.”

The news comes just days after Michael was snapped having fun with men on his yacht off Sydney Harbour. (ANI)

Army hosts yacht training camp for school children

Nainital, Sep 18 (ANI): With an aim to revive yacht sailing in the country, a 15-day camp is being organised in Nainital district of Uttarakhand where in school children are being trained in yacht sailing.

Over 40 school students from the various parts of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh are taking part in the camp, which is being conducted under the aegis of Indian Army’s Central Command.

The Lucknow based Central Command is conducting such adventure camps for school children from over a decade.

The participants are receiving guidance in the yacht sailing by a team of 11 Army instructors.

“This yacht sailing is a great sport because these days it’s becoming extinct. Most of the people do not want to take part and people of Nainital are also not taking so much interest in yacht sailing. But I feel it’s a very adventurous sport and a great sport,” said Karel Caprini, a participant.

Many of the participants also feel that the training would open up new job opportunities for them.

“We have come here to revive this sport and as far as I can say it’s a very good sport and there is a lot of job opportunity in it. If we do well and learn the technique, we can make our career in the sports,” said Deep, another participant.

According to the Chief instructor of the camp, Mahip Singh the main motive behind the camp is to popularise the dying sport among youth.

“Basic purpose is that sailing is an international sport and the facilities available in Uttaranchal especially, which comes under the central command. We have got our sailors, who have participated in international levels and we got the expertise. So to give the young building up generation a chance to gain knowledge and finally if they have the interest, so excel in the sport. That’s why we have organised the camp,” said Singh.

Despite being considered as a sport at the international level, yacht sailing in India is still at its nascent stage. (ANI)

Sharon Stone sports toned body at 51

London, Sep 4 (ANI): American actress Sharon Stone has proved that she can still look hot and sexy at 51, after she showed off her toned body.

Stone flaunted her curves as she tested the water from the back of a yacht moored off Sardinia, reports the Sun.

The actress then went for a paddle in a canoe with a pal.

But this is not the first time that she has shown off her shapely body, as she was recently pictured posing topless for Paris Match magazine. (ANI)

Gary Lineker to wed Danielle Bux in Italy today

London, Sept 2 (ANI): Football hero Gary Lineker and Danielle Bux will tie the knot today in Italy.he Match of the Day presenter Gary will marry the model after having proposed to her last August.

The couple were expected to marry this weekend but it is believed Lineker could hold on no longer.

The 48-year-old Lineker and the 30-year-old Bux will splurge a cool 250,000 pounds at their wedding bash.

The couple have rented an entire five-star hotel in Ravello on the Amalfi coast.

At least 100 family members and friends are expected to attend the wedding.

The couple also plan to attend a party on board a luxury yacht hosted by former Radio 1 DJ Spoony.

The Mirror quoted a pal as saying: “It’s going to be a really fantastic day. They have invited only close friends and family as they want it to be an intimate and special occasion, not an over-the-top Wag-style do.

“They chose Italy because it is Danielle’s favourite place.

“Gary has booked out the whole of the hotel because he wants to give his bride a wonderful and magical day.

“They’re very in love and can’t wait to be Mr and Mrs Lineker.”

The bride is expected to wear a satin gown by Suzanne Neville and her daughter Ella, 7, will be a flower girl. (ANI)

Brit boy, 17, becomes youngest solo round-the-world sailor

London, Aug 27 (ANI): A 17-year-old Briton has become the youngest person to circumnavigate the world solo with assistance.

According to his team, Mike Perham raced past the finishing line between Lizard Point and Ushant, France, in his 50ft yacht Totallymoney.com at 9.47 and 30 seconds on Thursday.

Mike set sail from Portsmouth, Hampshire, on November 15, 2008 and celebrated his 17th birthday in the South Indian Ocean on March 16.

The teenager braved 50ft waves, gale, stormy winds and various other technical difficulties to successfully complete the 30,000-mile challenge.e crossed Portugal, the Canaries, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand during the voyage.

He also travelled across the Panama Canal on his trip.

The adventure freak, who is also the youngest person to cross the Atlantic Ocean at 14, crossed the equator and every longitudinal line to set up the world record.

The Telegraph quotes Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, as saying: “This is another incredible achievement, and it marks Mike as the consummate record-breaker – someone who’s continually prepared to set themselves new and more challenging goals.

“Even the most experienced of sailors would be tested by the mental and physical stamina required to achieve a record of this magnitude. The fact that Mike achieved it at such a young age is a testament to his courage and unparalleled sense of adventure.” Oz Jesse Martin who’d completed the world voyage aged 18 years 104 days held the record previously but Mike has achieved the feat at the age of 17 years and 164 days.

Mike was ecstatic after setting the record.

He said: “I’ve made it, I’ve made my dream come true and it feels amazing. A big big thanks to my dad, mum, all the sponsors and every one who has helped me along the way. I can’t believe that the Royal Navy has sent HMS Mersey and a helicopter to witness my crossing the line. I feel very honoured.”

His father, Peter, said: “Mike is a very special son, he has done incredibly well. He has shown that with determination, you can succeed even in the most adverse circumstances.

“He has shown the world that he is an extraordinary young man and an inspiration to us all.” (ANI)

India’s coastline vulnerable but security measures in place: Sureesh Mehta

Mumbai, Aug 20 (ANI): After Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s talked about a possible terror threat to the country, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sureesh Mehta has said that the coastline was vulnerable, but adequate security measures were in place.

Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of flagging off a solo expedition of circumnavigating the globe by Commander Dilip Donde in Indian Navy’s yacht ‘Mhadei’, Mehta said, “We have a 7,500 kilometres coastline, so no doubt it will be vulnerable. But that vulnerable should be used in the right sense, that there is possibility of threat coming from here and therefore we have to take measures to ensure that that threat is taken care of.

Mehta also clarified his earlier statement that India had neither the capability nor the intention to match China, force for force.

“The context in which I have said that is that yes they have a much larger navy, larger does not mean better. There are ways to tackle this issue. We do not go counting; we do not say if you have ten ships, I will have ten ships. But may be I have better ships which are able to do that job much better than what somebody else can do. So I have said we need to get smarter, we need to get better outputs form lesser number of platforms rather than working up to increase the strength in such number that they match number for number,” said Mehta.

He further said that building of ports in Sri Lanka and Pakistan by China would create ‘dependency’ for those countries.

“I do believe that there will be some lien on them at times that is may be required, so dependency’s do get created by these kinds of measures. But it is their policy it is in their interest to do it, so they are doing it,” he added. (ANI)

Madonna declares Jesus is ‘the love of her life’

Washington, August 18 (ANI): Madonna reportedly declared her toyboy lover Jesus Luz as “love of her life” at her recent birthday bash in Italy.

The Queen of Pop, who turned 51 on August 16, allegedly dedicated her speech to the 22-year-old Brazilian model before running across the room to plant a passionate kiss on his lips.

“He’s the love of my life. He has been so strong around me. I can’t thank him enough,” Contactmusic quoted her as apparently saying.

The couple was spotted taking a break as they hopped on a luxury yacht with the singer’s children – Lourdes, 12, Rocco, eight, Mercy, four, and David, three.

An onlooker said: “She and Jesus looked madly in love and it was great to see her looking so happy. They just looked like any normal family enjoying a holiday together.” (ANI)

Abbey Clancy struggles to keep her ‘monokini’ in place

London, Jul 7 (ANI): English lingerie model Abbey Clancy was spotted struggling to keep the ‘monokini’ she was wearing in place, as she soaked up the sun on a luxury yacht.

Clancy, 23, is on holiday in Ibiza with her Brit footballer boyfriend Peter Crouch, 28, and the two were seen spending the whole day snorkelling before retiring to their luxury hillside villa.

She was not the only one seen wearing the swimsuit, as last month ‘The X Factor’ judge Cheryl Cole was snapped in a 375 pounds lime green designer Melissa Odabash version while holidaying with her hubby Ashley Cole.

But the ‘monokini’ is definitely not for everyone, warns fashion director Amber Morales.

“You need an amazingly toned midriff to carry the look off as well as Cheryl and Abbey do,” the Mirror quoted her as saying. (ANI)

Hayden Panettiere dumps beau Steve Jones

London, July 02(ANI): Heroes star Hayden Panettiere has parted ways with her beau T4 presenter Steve Jones after a brief fling.

The 19-year-old insists that she couldn’t handle a long-distance relationship.

“I’m single and mingling. Steve lives in London, the distance is a bit too much,” the Mirror quoted him as saying.

Their friends in LA first introduced them to each other after which they dined together at Nobu in London before they hopped in a flight to Elton John’s luxury yacht for the Cannes film festival in May.

The pair spent two romantic weeks together there.

She said: “Cannes was a great experience. I was on vacation and some friends were going so I decided to come along. It was fun.”

However, the ‘I Love You Beth Cooper’ star has denied seeing anyone else.

She added: “I’m not dating anyone specifically and I’m not looking for a house with anyone.” (ANI)

US man missing after deep-sea collision in Malaysian waters

Kuala Lumpur – Malaysian marine officers have mounted search and rescue efforts to find a US national who went missing after his yacht collided with a fishing trawler in waters off Malaysia’s east coast, a news report said Monday.

Kenneth Wayne, 62, had set off sailing with four other friends from Phuket, Thailand, on May 16 and was heading for neighbouring Singapore when the accident occurred early Sunday in waters off the central Pahang state, district police chief Mohamad Jasmani Yusoff was quoted as saying by the Star newspaper.

He said the four others in the yacht – an Irish national and three Thai nationals – were rescued by a fishing vessel, adding that the trawler involved in the collision sped off after the accident.

Mohamad Jasmani said the survivors, aged between 27 and 44, were in stable condition.

The Thailand-registered yacht sank after the collision, the report said. (dpa)

Designer Roberto Cavalli at war with Marks and Spencer over Myleene Klass

London, May 24 (ANI): Veteran Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli has apparently gone on war with British high street giant Marks and Spencer, for he has reportedly determined to increase his offer to rope in brunette babe Myleene Klass to be the face of his fashion ranges next year.

Cavalli fell for the 31-year-old model while she was a guest on his yacht in Cannes last week, and offered her the chance to be the face of his fashion ranges.

However, Myleene turned it down because of her work with Marks and Spencer.

Sources now say that Cavalli is determined to get his own way, and is ready to up his offer to Myleene.

“Myleene blew Roberto away. They had dinner together in Cannes before he invited her on to his yacht,” the Daily Star quoted a Cannes insider as saying.

“He’s used to hanging out with the world’s most -beautiful women but to him Myleene was something else.

“He made the offer almost as soon as he’d clapped eyes on her.

“But the M andS thing is a problem.

“She has a contract with them and she loves working with them so she can’t really do anything.

“But Roberto wants her and is ready to offer her really silly money. He loves her,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Myleene, who lives in North London, has landed the presenting role for the US version of ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!’. (ANI)

Steve Jones gets hot and heavy with Hayden Panettiere

London, May 19 (ANI): Welsh television presenter Steve Jones was spotted getting hot and heavy with actress Hayden Panettiere recently.

Jones, 32, and 19-year-old Panettiere were on Elton John’s fella David Furnish’s yacht, moored in Cannes, on May 18, reports the Sun.

The T4 presenter, who has dated stars from Pamela Anderson to Halle Berry, seems to keep up his playboy ways, as he got steamy with the Heroes star.

The pair was joined on deck by Furnish, as John was not in town for the city’s film festival. (ANI)