Monthly News - July 2009

- pic of the month - ISA Yachts New Travel Lift

Arno Leopard Yachts Start Selling Direct

Cantieri Navali Arno renowned for the range of there Leopard Yachts have announced that the luxury performance yacht building company will become independent from the 33 year collaboration with Rodriguez Group. Previously Rodriguez Group has undertaken the marketing efforts for Arno Leopard, however from now they will handle their own day to day marketing and selling, rather than simply focusing exclusively on yacht building. As well as luxury yacht design and production Arno Leopard will carry out the full circle of yacht sales too, which is a change from having the Rodriguez Group managing the market for them. The collaboration by Arno Leopard with Gerard Rodriguez started in 1975 and was a perfect union between a shipyard dedicated to building and improving the quality of its yacht, and a group exclusively concentrated on selling them.

Cigarette and PR Power

Cigarette and Marilyn DeMartini jointly announced that her agency, PR Power will represent Cigarette, handling press and public relations for the South Florida-based iconic builder of custom powerboats. DeMartini worked with Cigarette for 5 years and rejoins the company with enthusiasm. Cigarette Racing Team is celebrating its 40th year, tracing a history from the notorious founder, Don Aronow, through decades of abundance and a period of financial disarray, during which Braver, a successful Chicago-based businessman, bought the company. In 2001, he bought a 42' Cigarette boat, learned about the company's unfortunate business situation and decided that he could better market the brand and its assets. PR Power is a Ft. Lauderdale-based firm that grew from DeMartini's free-lance writing and PR business. Though many of her clients remain marine-based, she has diversified into other businesses. Marine industry veteran Tony Esposito joined DeMartini when the agency added the U.S. representation of the UK-based Powerboat P1 World Championship. The agency also provides graphics, advertising, social networking and marketing services. PR Power will work with Cigarette's other contractors who handle advertising and web-based marketing, as well as the European dealer network.

Cigarette Teams With Miss Geico

Corporate leaders in their respective fields, GEICO Insurance, AMF Offshore Racing and Cigarette Racing Team have formed a new relationship to continue the targeted marketing of the GEICO brand to the performance market, using offshore powerboats as the vessel. AMF Offshore Racing purchased a Cigarette 38 Top Gun as its VIP boat and will brand it with the GEICO Caveman graphics to provide client and sponsor rides and pace boat duties on its extensive "Miss GEICO" US Offshore Powerboat Racing schedule. Miss GEICO Racing may not yet be a "household" word outside of the powerboat market, but the widely projected and promoted GEICO advertising campaigns--from the GEICO Gecko to the Caveman, to the more recent googley-eyed stack of money are ubiquitous. GEICO Insurance's VP of Marketing, Ted Ward, has been called a "marketing master" by the Washington Post and his actions, propelling GEICO to become the third largest insurance company in the country, substantiate the claim. When businessman, Gary Goodell, AMF consultant and GEICO representative, presented Ward with a sponsorship opportunity for the three-time World Champion AMF (America Moving Forward) Offshore Race Team, owned by South Florida entrepreneur, John Haggin, Ward "got it." According to Goodell, he recognized that powerboat racing was the perfect venue to build a platform for GEICO's new powersports insurance program that includes boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs and personal watercraft. Skip Braver, President and CEO of the South Florida-based Cigarette Racing Team, recognized when he bought the iconic powerboat manufacturing company over seven years ago, that the company's heritage-and even its name, had been based on the passionate and successful offshore racing experience by notorious founder Don Aronow. However, Braver had a different strategy and decided to focus on building the finest quality recreational powerboat and to market it via consumer boating events, not racing. When Haggin approached long-time Miami Cigarette dealer, Lip-Ship Performance about buying a Cigarette to add to the team's fleet, owner Phil Lipschutz, a World Championship racer, went to Braver and asked him to lend factory support to the deal. Recognizing the powerful marketing support that GEICO puts behind the fan-favorite team, Braver had to concur. The AMF race team consists of World Champion racers who compete in three top-brand "Extreme" Class "Miss GEICO" catamarans, powered by Lycoming helicopter turbine engines with speeds in excess of 185 mph. Its new Cigarette is a single hull, "VeeBottom", a classic 38' Top Gun model, the most popular Cigarette model for over three decades; it is powered by Mercury Racing 525 EFI engines, known as the company's most reliable and maintenance-free power package. GEICO, a Washington DC-based company spends hundreds of millions per year in marketing. The AMF/Miss GEICO Offshore Racing Team is part of the Powersports division, a small, but growing portion of the company's overall budget. GEICO provides marketing materials and supports the team's racing and public relations efforts as it travels to races, boat shows, air shows-any location where tens to hundreds of thousands of people gather. The race boats are all painted in the signature "safety green" chartreuse and branded with the "Miss GEICO" graphics, a bikini-clad female version of the GEICO Gecko. The Cigarette GEICO Caveman boat is planned to debut at the September 11-13 New York City Superboat International race, a series to be televised by CBS Sports Spectacular in the fall. The event will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Hudson River by Dutch explorer, Henry Hudson, and the Prince of the Netherlands will be among its VIP passengers.


Ferretti Group Dept Restructuring Finalized

Ferretti S.p.A. announces the finalisation of its debt restructuring, according to an agreement which also envisages: reducing the long-term debt from about €1.1 billion to around €550 million against a conversion of credits into exit participation rights; the inflow of new funds through a capital increase of €85 million of which €70 million underwritten by Chairman Norberto Ferretti and some of the Group management with the remaining €15 million by Mediobanca Banca di Credito Finanziario S.p.A.; further medium-term credit facilities to fund working capital requirements totalling €65 million; extension to medium-term of existing short-term facilities for a further € 24 million granted by three major financial institutions already Ferretti group partners. The Group’s equity is now held by Norberto Ferretti and the Group’s management (38.2%), Mediobanca (8.8%) and senior and mezzanine lenders for a total of 53% in exit participation rights. In particular, as a result of the agreement, Norberto Ferretti, the Group’s management and Mediobanca hold 100% of the Group’s voting rights. Norberto Ferretti, the Group’s management and Mediobanca have finalized the acquisition of Ferretti S.p.A. and implemented the capital increase through new Co Ferretti Holding S.p.A., for which Mediobanca also acted as financial advisor. Today, the Group’s shareholders also appointed the new Board of Directors, which will remain in office for the 2009–2011 period, until the General Shareholders' Meeting convened to approve the financial statements for the year ending August 31, 2011. The new Board of Directors is composed of the following members: Norberto Ferretti – Chairman, Salvatore Basile - Chief Executive Officer, Alessandro Foti – Vice Chairman, Giancarlo Galeone – Director, Lamberto Tacoli – Director, Augusto Fantozzi – Director, Mario Giuseppe Rossetti – Director. Salvatore Basile is the new Chief Executive Officer of Ferretti S.p.A. Chairman and Founder, Norberto Ferretti, the management and Mediobanca express their full satisfaction concerning the arrival of a highly experienced businessman and manager of Salvatore Basile’s stature. The appointment of the new Board of Directors of Ferretti S.p.A. and Salvatore Basile as Chief Executive Officer represents a further step forward with the implementation of the Industrial Plan started in recent months, which will allow the Group to consolidate its leadership in the boating sector and to continue with the process of growth that has characterized its 41 years of history.

Ferretti Group Presents Fair

The Ferretti group, a world leader within the sphere of the design, construction and sale of luxury motoryachts encompassing a unique portfolio of nine of the most exclusive brands in the nautical world, is presenting a new, important technological innovation: FAIR (Ferretti Analysis Integral Recorder), the very first integrated system for monitoring the performance of group yachts during testing, enabling not only simultaneous acquisition of operating data, but also their analysis and processing. The system, exclusive to Ferretti group yachts, is yet another significant achievement in terms of research and innovation, enabling the group to guarantee clients a product which has been tested thoroughly and objectively. In fact, FAIR, as in “right” and “truthful”, enables testers to determine whether a yacht complies with strict tolerance parameters, both immediately and clearly. Moreover, it shows if she presents operating faults or deviations compared to the standards of the model and the project curves, without, in any way, influencing test times and procedures. This system will thus enable Ferretti to determine, both truthfully and correctly, the conformity of its yachts to the specifications set down by the AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology), the Ferretti group’s naval research and design centre. FAIR is, therefore, a new, important result for the Ferretti group within the sphere of the quality of its yachts. For clients, it will be a synonym for total reliability in terms of the data measured and their yacht’s conformity to the reference specifications. Developed by means of “star” architecture, FAIR enables a continuous, automatic flow of data by means of a ‘plug and play’ interface which connects the system to all the information sources. With a simple click made by the user, over thirty important measurements relating to the engines (from the longitudinal and transversal trim thanks to a bluetooth inclinometre, studied and designed exclusively for the Ferretti group, to trim tabs positions, helm angle, engine revolutions, consumption, range, speed, veer ranges and much more) are registered simultaneously at a one hertz frequency. This enables synchronisation and integration of all data of interest coming from the different sensors and subsystems on the yacht (which have been separate one from the other to date), creating respective LOG files for each size and correlation. The system also enables synchronisation with other acquisition systems, particularly high frequency detection apparatus for measuring vibrations and dynamic stress.


Formula Throws Pizza Party

Approximately 150 Formula Team members gathered together on June 15, 2009 at Formula’s Decatur, Indiana, facility, to enjoy a pizza party hosted by the members of the Formula Boats Forum, a group of Formula owners who share their thoughts and ideas about Formula boating online. The group came together to show their appreciation of the Formula Team (and Formula’s outstanding product) by providing the Team with 56 pizzas and nine cases of beverages!


Grand Banks Announces New Sales Office in Australia

In a move to strengthen its growing presence in Australia, Grand Banks Yachts today announced the opening of a new sales office to manage distribution, service work and customer support for owners and new buyers across the region. Grand Banks Australia, based along the Gold Coast in southeast Queensland, brings to the market a highly qualified team with many years of factory experience and in-depth product expertise. At the helm is Hank Compton, a former factory manager for Grand Banks Yachts and more recently the company’s sales manager in this region. Hank and his sales team are backed by a service crew that boasts more experience in servicing the current GB model range than anyone else in Australia. Grand Banks Australia is already preparing for this year’s Sydney International Boat Show, with a display that will feature the highly-acclaimed new 41 Heritage EU. Equipped with the Zeus propulsion system and joystick docking control, the 41EU offers an unmatched combination of swift performance, sophisticated styling, and the meticulous quality and craftsmanship people have come to expect from Grand Banks. The appointment of Grand Banks Australia is part of the company’s decision to part ways with Riviera’s R Marine network as its authorized distributor in Australia. Riviera recently announced plans to restructure its business to better deal with the current economic climate. At a time when many boatbuilders are cutting operations and distribution, Grand Banks Yachts continues to show strength by growing its global footprint. In addition to the new sales office in Australia, the company recently appointed two new dealers along the Asia Pacific Rim, in Hong Kong and South Korea. Grand Banks was also recently named “Best Asian Motor Yacht Builder” for the second year in a row at Asia Boating Awards.


ISA Yachts New Travel Lift

International Shipyard Ancona (ISA), received a new travel lift that can launch vessels up to 400 tones. The new service will enable ISA to further offer its services to yachts in its Ancona based shipyard. Cimolai Technology, an Italian based company, versatile in the field of design and fabrication of equipments meant for special lifting and transportation operations, supplied the new lift. The lift will not only add greater capability to the yacht but will also add more flexibility for projects the shipyard can accommodate. The lift also allows all sort of different maneuvers, including diagonal and 90 degree movement. Apart from this, the yard has also included a 11 m wide tank with a depth of approximately 6 m, which can be used in conjunction with the new travel lift. These new additional services have increased the level of service and ability of the yard. The first yacht to attain the lift services was a 44 m Dutch build yacht, which needed some warranty work to be done on the yacht.


Morgan Yachts Ambassadors

Morgan Yachts, the brand of Aicon Group specialized in the design, construction and marketing of yachts in the Dinghy, Lobster Boats and Fast Commuters segments, has finalized an Ambassador Partnership agreement with Sparkman & Stephens for the sale of its classic motor yachts range in the United States of America. Sparkman & Stephens is the first Morgan Ambassador and will be an authentic representative of the Morgan brand in the American market.


Pearl Yachts to give Bentley for New Sale

Pearl Motor Yachts, one of the UK’s luxury yacht makers has partnered with Bentley Motor Cars to offer its clients a very exclusive special offer - a complimentary Bentley with the purchase of every Pearl 60! The remarkable offer will only be available for a limited time and will entitle anyone buying the prestigious flagship Pearl 60 to a Bentley GT Continental Coupe, ensuring sheer luxury both on and off the water. The new Pearl 60 is renowned for its expansive, open-plan design that positions the two principal cabins at either end of the yacht for ultimate privacy. The choice of 8 or 10 berths also gives owners complete autonomy over the layout as well as a wide choice of internal finishes such as satin walnut joinery, contrasting leathers and a wide choice of luxury wall and ceiling linings. Other features include luxury corner sofas to maximise space further, a bar area for entertaining, wooden floors and plasma TV’s. Powered by twin 775hp Volvo engines, the Pearl 60 offers the latest technology including the new generation Garmin touch screen navigation system and Wesgarde touch screen integrated digital monitor and control system. Externally, sleek lines and innovative features include the hydraulic bathing platform and aft sunroof system as standard features. Pearl’s exclusive offer will be available on all Pearl 60’s ordered before 20th September 2009.


Pershing Stars Parade in Porto Rotondo

The Pershing Stars parade 2009 livened up Porto Rotondo with the sportiest jewels of the sea during three days of games and relaxation. From 26th to 28th June, Pershing and Stardom made a date with their owners, offering them the chance to experience the magic of the Sardinian sea firsthand. The long weekend devoted to Pershing owners came to an end on the 28th June. The event livened up Porto Rotondo with games and competitions, in line with the sporty spirit which characterizes the brand philosophy. Pershing, one of the world leaders within the sphere of designing, building and marketing luxury motoryachts, and Stardom, Pershing's exclusive distributor for Italy, decided to pay homage to their clients with an exclusive event, based on fun and excitement, in order to enjoy unique moments together on-board and experience the sportiness of the many models which form the fleet, firsthand. The climax of the event was undoubtedly represented by Saturday 27th, when all the owners were involved in breathtaking competitions, challenging one another in two competitions which put their physical skills and creativeness to the test. The day began with a true challenge in open sea, organised and supervised by the Portorotondo Diving Club, in which owners were called upon to test their physical performance, diving to a depth of 20 metres. Exceptional guest was Umberto Pelizzari, world free diving champion, scholar and lover of the sea, who presented the marine beauties of the waters of Sardinia and showed those present how to carry out the first test. Owners were then involved in a photographic treasure hunt of the marine world, before returning to the port for a relaxing afternoon and gala evening in the exclusive setting of Hotel Sporting Porto Rotondo. The winners of the treasure hunt, namely those who best interpreted the spirit of the challenge, were presented with their awards during the evening: third and second places went to owners Roberto Calò and Marsiglio Marani respectively, whilst first prize was awarded to goalkeeper of Italian football team Inter, Francesco Toldo. Moreover, at the end of the evening, the special award placed at participants' disposal by one of the official sponsors of the event was assigned. Parmigiani Fleurier, top quality Swiss watchmaker, has developed a close and indeed prestigious partnership with Pershing. After a lucky draw, owner Alessandro Viani won a Pershing 005 underwater chronograph, perfect symbol of the sporty, elegant man. Special thanks went to the sponsors, too: Audi, Dolcefarniente, Inoxtar, Tesla Motors and Cmm Yacht Service. An attractive roundup of the most representative models of the Pershing fleet embellished Porto Rotondo marina for the entire duration of the event, offering an extraordinary view of soaring hulls with sporty, elegant lines.


Riva in the Hamptons

It was held on June 20th at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard, in Sagaponak (New York), the ‘Ecofaboulous’ event, a charity auction linked to eco-friendly projects. The cocktail and gala evening, that saw the participation of around 400 guests, created the occasion to present many products that, thanks to innovative technologies, reduce the pollutant emissions, like the new Long Range by Mochi Craft. Riva, that participated to the event thanks to its exclusive dealer for the US, Allied Marine, put at disposal for the auction a two-hours cruise in the Hamptons on its iconic model: the Aquariva Super. The 33 footer was also displayed at the entrance of the location where the event took place, giving guests the chance to admire from closer the pure and elegant lines which have made it a model of timeless elegance and style all over the world.

Riva Expands in Japan

Riva conquest of the Oriental lands keeps going on. To the existing dealership of Singapore and Hong Kong, in fact, a new agreement has been added, signed with the Lyu Company, a trading society for luxury brands based in Japan. This new partnership is part of the general Riva project to expand in the new emerging markets, first of all in the Asian one. The agreement includes the exclusive distribution for Riva on the Japanese territory, beside the promotion of the brand through a series of dedicated events, able to let the invited guests live the Riva style, bringing them inside the world of the Myth.


Riviera Focuses on the Future

Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, has made considerable progress in the eight weeks since the voluntary appointment of Receivers on May 8, 2009. Since the appointment of Receivers and Administrators, the company has received strong support and encouragement from its global owner and dealer base along with hundreds of suppliers, many of whom have publicly stated their desire to see Riviera succeed and continue to grow. The company is currently being restructured in order to survive the current economic climate. The restructure has taken the form of re-energising and rationalizing the supply chain, staffing levels and external contractors, streamlining administration functions and driving greater efficiencies in manufacturing. The net effect to date has resulted in manufacturing being back on line with completed boats again being delivered to the company’s dealer network. At the same time, the company’s drive to continually innovate the design of current and new models continues unabated. Interest levels and firm sales of Riviera's stunning new 5800 Sport Yacht with triple Volvo Penta IPS pod drives, has been considerable given current market conditions. To date the company has signed contracts for eight of these new models including the sale of a 5800 Sport Yacht to Italy for delivery in early 2010. In preparations for the Sydney International Boat show to be held from July 30 to August 3, the company’s design and new model introduction teams are involved in the final manufacturing stages of three new models, which will be officially launched in Sydney. Riviera will unveil the 5000 Sport Yacht with the new Cummins Mercruiser Zeus pod drive system, an enclosed 51 Flybridge with triple IPS drives and a considerably enhanced flybridge design for their popular 47 enclosed model. In addition the 5800 and 3600 Sport Yacht, also with the innovative IPS pod drive system, will make their Sydney debut at the show. Riviera will make a strong statement to the market in Sydney with its 2,500 square metre, 14-boat display, the largest single exhibit at the Darling Harbour based show. More than $21 million of new Riviera boats from 38’ to the company’s flagship 70’ fully enclosed flybridge, will be on display. Also at Sydney International Boat Show, Riviera will have senior designers and representatives from the company's new Motor Yacht partners on hand to discuss the many options this exciting new addition to the Riviera range offers. Three new Motor Yacht models have recently been announced in 73, 78 and 85 feet in length. The display at this years Sydney International Boat Show will be a Riviera brand display. Earlier this week, Riviera announced plans to focus exclusively on the development and manufacturing of the Riviera brand of boats for its large client base and dealer network around the world. As a result, effective July 1, 2009 the company separated from Princess Yachts and Grand Banks Yachts as the distributor for Australia and New Zealand. Riviera also announced earlier this week that the Experience Centre located at the company’s Coomera Gold Coast facilities has re-opened following a refurbishment. This 240 square metre retail store features a $150,000 state-of-the-art marine electronics display, boat interior design studio with resident interior décor consultant and a display of thousands of colour and fabric samples. The Centre also houses a Riviera lifestyle store with distinctive clothing and giftware. A spare parts service adjacent to the Centre supports Riviera boat owners who are upgrading or refurbishing their boats.

Riviera Enjoys Canaipa Passage

The camaraderie, priceless memories and serenity of cruising, is what Terry Mallon and Rod Anderson enjoyed when they travelled to Canaipa Passage with the Riviera family this week. They were among a fleet of seven Riviera luxury cruisers. With 30 crew members they embarked on a 60 nautical mile cruise from Sovereign Islands on the Gold Coast north to Canaipa Passage, the spectacular waterway between Russell Island and North Stradbroke Island. For Terry Mallon and his wife, Barbara, it is the sheer exhilaration of cruising aboard their 4400 Sport Yacht that made this journey so special. Terry said it was a fantastic experience and recalls the highlight of his trip when his brother fell out of the tender. Terry said boating was a great way to bring the family together and he enjoyed taking his children and grandchildren out for a cruise before anchoring in a quiet bay for lunch. He said he enjoyed the company of like-minded people and looked forward to the next Experience to Fraser Island in September. This is the fourth Riviera Experience for Rod and his wife, Donna, who say they wouldn’t miss it. He said the voyage to Canaipa Passage with R Marine was what he expected ‘a well organised trip with plenty of food and plenty of good company’. Rod said the myriad memories he has of cruising in his Riviera 430 were ‘priceless’. Rod said he felt comfort in the knowledge that he was travelling with the safety of the Riviera family and its support network. He has also formed new friendships with fellow boat owners during the Riviera experience. On Saturday, the Riviera family was treated to a barbecue lunch on the beach, courtesy of R Marine Queensland; followed by children’s activities and a sunset walk along Slipping Sands. Later that evening there was a Bonfire on the beach where they enjoyed the simple pleasure of toasting marshmallows. On Sunday they returned home, arriving back at about 2pm after a leisurely morning at Canaipa Passage.


Sarnico Receive Forcola D’Oro Prize

It is another tribute to the youngest boat of Cantieri di Sarnico. Launched in 2006, it was awarded the “European Powerboat of the Year” in 2007, then it was proposed in the special edition Perla in 2008 and now the Spider has achieved the prize Forcola d'Oro 2009. This is the first edition of this initiative which aims to promote and enhance the excellence of “Made in Italy” in the marine industry and it was set up by Venice Expo, organizers of the event, and Fondazione Valore Italia, the Organization promoted by the Ministry of Economic Development in order to perform the research and development of the Italian production system. The jury, chaired by professor Massimo Arlechino, President of Fondazione Valore Italia, and composed by ADI Centro representative architect Stefano Salvi, by experienced designer in nautical industry Massimo Paperini, by the director of Yacht & Sail (magazine & TV) Andrea Brambilla, and by Port of Venice Admiral Mario Fumagalli, awarded the Sarnico Spider as best Italian boat in the category from 12 to 24 meters. The prize wants to highlight the products which are characterized by technological innovations, design, new materials, safety and environmental compliance. The ceremony took place at the presence of the Minister for Public Administration and Innovation Renato Brunetta and the prize was withdrawn by Cristina Volpi, Sales Manager of Cantieri di Sarnico, during the Mare Maggio, the cultural event organized by Expo Venice in the “Arsenale” of Venice. The Spider represents the will to grow through the research of new concepts of style and improving the performance. The aim of the project remains the desire to combine speed with comfort and elegance with sportiness. Just to get these results, the shipyard worked with two of the most famous designers: Victory Design, a team that has lots of experience and success even with racing boats, and the naval architecture studio Nuvolari-Lenard, famous throughout the world for their style. Many Spider versions, from the Perla model to the V model, available in many different colours, allow to the owner to distinguish himself as well as the Sarnico style, once again awarded.


Sea Ray AquaPalooza in Alabama Thrives

Sea Ray Boats and Russell Lands on Lake Martin announced today that more than 4,000 boats and 35,000 people attended Alan Jackson’s headline performance at Saturday’s AquaPalooza Signature Event on Lake Martin, Ala. The event, held at Kowaliga Bay in the heart of Russell Lands on Lake Martin, set a record for any AquaPalooza Signature Event. Officials from the Alabama Marine Police, who were among several official agencies in attendance, confirmed the numbers for the day. This year’s Signature Event attendance numbers represent an increase of more than 50 percent over last year’s numbers, making it the largest Signature Event in the four-year history of AquaPalooza. The weekend event, held July 24 to 26, featured a concert by Jackson, as well as up-and-coming artists Matt Stillwell, the Carter Twins, Caitlin and Will, and Jypsi. Boats were packed stem-to-stern for over a mile, and many fans donned their inner tubes and water noodles to paddle close to the water-pit at the bottom of the stage. Jackson pulled up to the dock at the Russell Lands’ Kowaliga Marina in his 1923 Hacker Craft, and played hit songs from his current platinum album, “Good Time.” During the show, which was taped for CMT’s Labor Day special, “Alan Jackson AquaPalooza Live on Lake Martin,” Jackson spoke movingly about childhood visits to Lake Martin with his family. Jackson’s encore included a performance of the Hank Williams classic “Kaw-Liga,” which Williams penned at his historic cabin on the lake. The event not only provided a good time for all, but also energized the boating community. In addition to the Signature Event on Lake Martin, this year’s AquaPalooza consisted of more than 100 events held around the world during the last two weekends of July.


San Juan Launches its Fiftieth Build

San Juan launched ots fiftieth yacht with the launching and deliverey of a San Juan 38 hull no.032. The 38 was delivered to a Seattle couple, in Anacortes. Founded in 1998, this launch in an important milestone for San Juan Yachts, who after this construction fifty hope for further deliveries of there quality Down East Traditional lobster yachts in the future.


Sunseeker Adverture

Two octogenarian Sunseeker powerboat enthusiasts turned back the clock yesterday when they crossed the English Channel in a fully restored Sovereign 'Hostess 17', one of the very first models built by Sunseeker when it launched its building programme over 40 years ago. The voyage of rediscovery was an opportunity for the pair, who began their sea-faring careers together, to celebrate the success of Sunseeker and the quality of the craft's build, which has been in regular use during the 40 years since its production. Now completely restored to its original condition, the Hostess was discovered over six years ago near the Sunseeker yard in Poole and has since been displayed by the company at various international boat shows and more recently in the latest James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. Setting off the morning of 1st July 2009 from London's Putney (Chelsea Harbour) at 05:45am the two men, Geoff Tobert, who is just months away from his 81st birthday, and boating journalist Ray Bulman, 79, travelled the 280 miles within 15 hours in triumphant style. The journey began with a smooth run down The Thames, which was followed by more challenging conditions off North Foreland where the Thames Estuary meets the English Channel. Refueling at Ramsgate at 10.15am, the pair later stopped in Calais to toast the completion of half the journey at approximately 2.30pm yesterday with a glass of Sunseeker Champagne, before heading back to Chelsea, where they were greeted by Sunseeker staff, family and friends who were eagerly awaiting their arrival at 8.30pm. Of important significance is that one crew member, Geoff Tobert, sold the original production moulds to a young Robert Braithwaite CBE, Sunseeker founder and CEO, in the 1960s while Ray Bulman tested the boat for Motor Boat & Yachting in February 1970. The Sovereign 'Hostess' was acclaimed for her quality of performance and exceptional comfort and this philosophy in design has prevailed through to today's range of models.

Sunseeker Raises Thousands for Cancer Support

As well as being sponsor of the event, Sunseeker International was represented within the ride, as for the second year running a team of cyclists from the company took part in the event. The team completed a challenging 100 mile journey to raise money for the charity, which works to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The team included Tim Balmer, one of Sunseeker's drivers, who dedicated his ride in memory of his former colleague Dave Millar, a Sunseeker transport driver who recently died of cancer. The Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride takes place annually on the first Sunday of July, and this year was sponsored by Poole-based Sunseeker International as part of its commitment to locally-based charities and supporting the local community. The event was also supported by Primera Sport and promoted by media partner The Daily Echo and Dorset Echo. In 2008 over 800 cyclists took part and the event raised over £83,000.