September 30, 2012

Monthly News - September 2012

- pic of the month - Marlow Expanding
 
Austin Parker Aquistion of Abati Yachts
The entrepreneurial group which controls Cantieri Navali Austin Parker has confirmed its interest in the Lobster Yacht market with its recent acquisition of the Abati Yachts brand. A business deal conducted by the group’s owners and management aimed at becoming a true market leader in this sector: in fact, today the 7 Austin Parker models are joined by 5 Abati Yachts models. The two most representative Italian brands in this industry, and among the first to design and build this type of vessel, are now united under a single sales strategy. The “classic” boat tradition is a counter-trend and yet, despite the economic crisis, it continues to capture interest and generate sales. Starting in September, the Austin Parker sales network, with a massive presence on the domestic market and an excellent position on European and international markets, will be offering a one-of-a-kind range of models from the two brands, composed of 12 boats of between 36 and 72 feet. This new corporate structure will provide the shipyard sales offices with a diversified proposal to satisfy a clientele attracted by the modern, racy lines of the Austin Parker, the work of renowned designer Fulvio De Simoni, as well as a more classic clientele drawn to the features of the Abati yachts which more closely reflect the original concept of the “lobster boat”, a working boat designed for lobster fishing in the Maine State waters. The shipyard will be officially participating in the 52nd Genoa Boat Show with 4 Austin Parker models (2 of which are brand new, the AP 36’ Natante and the AP 64’ Fly) and 2 Abati Yachts models: the 46 and the 60. By year’s end the sales and marketing plans will be complete for the relaunch of the Abati Yachts brand in grand style.

Azimut Made in Italy Impose Themselves
Two prestigious awards confirm the success of the Azimut Benetti Group at the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes where 21 models were displayed, 4 of which were worldwide premieres. Azimut 55S has been crowned as queen of the gala night organized by Luxmedia Group winning the 2012 Most Innovative Yacht Award and The Best Layout and Interior design Award.

Azimut New Apple Store App
After the wonderfully successful virtual showroom and the four previous Apps dedicated to the new 2012 models - Azimut 45, Azimut 60, and Azimut 62S Italia- and to the revolutionary Magellano 50, Azimut Yachts has launched a new App Store application dedicated to the shipyard, manufacturing technologies and the various yacht models. Design, materials, components, technology, highly skilled staff, everything Azimut Yachts is and does meets the very highest standard: quality. By downloading the new App, users will be stepping into the world of Azimut Yachts. The App features the models that are available in the Flybridge, S and Magellan collections, whose high-tech features are at the service of comfort, safety, and attention to detail along with the stylistic excellence that is the hallmark of Made in Italy products, and all of the services that are available to our yacht owners. From previews of new yacht models, photos, videos and technical information sheets, and on to the always interesting Innovation and Technology highlights, which give customers an insight into all of the stages of production and new technology solutions, to ensure the utmost comfort and safety on the water. The app also has a feature that allows customers to search the sales and service network for contact information, as well as a corporate section that both retraces the history and the heritage of the largest integrated company in the nautical world and introduces the new challenges that lie ahead in terms of services and customer care. Azimut Yachts continually renews the relationships it has formed with its owners and fully utilizes the new opportunities that are available on the Web and on new digital platforms.


Azimut Benetti Group Increase Market Share
At the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes, 4 of the 10 new models to be launched in the new nautical season will be on show; boats filled to the gunwales with excellence and innovation, together with Italian quality and style. For the future, a new Integrated Nautical Centre is planned for Marina di Varazze. The economic stability and solidity of its equity, together with the will to explore new technologies through research and design models meeting the needs of different ways of sailing, have been the strong points enabling Azimut Benetti Group to overcome the difficult period in the nautical market with serenity, assuring the market a continuity in production and a solid relationship with its customers. Azimut Benetti is the largest private group of its kind in the world, in a global market that it is estimated has dropped 20%, with the segment of medium-sized boats most affected. It has maintained stable results during this period, with a consequent increase in market share, thanks to a production value of around Euro 600 million. It has reconfirmed 50% of its turnover on the American continent, with Brazil stable and the United States marking a further increase in turnover. Here, thanks to a strong and well-distributed presence, Azimut Yachts has registered impo years rtant sales performance. The Atlantis brand too, which first appeared on the US market only a few months ago, is showing a good response for the models offered. On the other side of the world, the Group continues to regard the emerging markets with interest, exploring new ones, such as Africa, and maintaining its internationality as ambassador of Italian-made quality. The company is one of the finest examples of this, able to control the entire production lines: from design of a boat to its production and to after-sales service.  The Chinese nautical market remains unchanged, in part because of the slowing economy and uncertainty of the property market. Here, the Group, which has a leading position, has maintained the market share acquired and continues to follow developments to make the most of the country’s potential. The two locally-established companies have become operative; one in Shanghai, the other in Hong Kong, with a strengthening of the local structure with Italian and Chinese personnel, the aim being to provide support for sales and after-sales service. The Middle East remains stable, while Europe is beginning to recover. The industrial plan for the next three years foresees investments for a total of Euros 60 million, distributed both in research and development for new models and in structural investments in the various production sites. One of the Group’s characteristics is its ability to self-finance these investments, which also means being able to handle development in an autonomous manner, without being constrained to adopt industrial plans geared to short-term results. Over the next three years, 30 new models are planned, a reflection of the unceasing work of the Research and Development offices. In particular as regards the Business Line “Yachts”, Azimut Yachts and Atlantis brands are expanding their presence also in market sectors with greatest competition and high innovative content, such as small boats, eco-friendly and sporty ones. Each of these three areas is well-represented by three important new models for the forthcoming season, and on show in Cannes: the Atlantis 34, Magellano 43 and Azimut 55S. The Business Line “Megayachts”, which comprises the Benetti displacement range and the Azimut Grande series of planing yachts, is the division that has enjoyed the greatest sales success of the past nautical season, helped by a particularly lively market. Fifteen vessels have been delivered and there is a portfolio of orders for future delivery worth Euros 650 million. Benetti, which will celebrate 140 years of continuous production next year, will be presenting the Classic Supreme 132’ at Cannes, and has received an order for the construction of a 90-metre yacht by a client who has chosen the excellence of this brand for the third time. A Brazilian client has chosen the Azimut Grande 140, a prestigious three-deck planing vessel with an innovative hull assuring the comfort of a displacement yacht with the finest interiors. The craft offers a technological challenge as well as one of quality, design and style. This will be the largest Azimut, made with the expertise of Benetti, ever built. At the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes, on top of the 22 models of the Group’s various brands on show, exceptionally there was also the Benetti “Diamonds Are Forever”, which with its 61 metres, will be the largest yacht ever presented at the Festival de la Plaisance. With a view to constant improvement and expansion in the services offered its clients, Azimut Benetti Group is planning the realisation of an Integrated nautical centre at Varazze. The aim is to bring together production, assistance, maintenance, refitting, berthing and leisure marine services on a single site. This new centre for the nautical market is planned for Varazze, where the company is negotiating to buy the areas of the former Baglietto boatyard immediately next to the Marina di Varazze leisure harbour and opposite a large and well-equipped dock within the marina built and operated by the Group. If the purchase goes ahead, it is planned that a new hangar will be built for the outfitting of crafts, together with large aprons for storing and refitting and, naturally, the creation of berths within an attractive, well-equipped and prestigious marina. The initial overall investment will be in the order of Euros 10 million.  This acquisition is part of a long-term project the objective of which is the creation of further nautical centres in strategic points around the world. Azimut-Benetti is the leading and most prestigious builder of mega yachts in the world. Operating in 68 countries worldwide through a network of 138 sales offices, the Group includes the prestigious brands Azimut Yachts, Azimut Grande, Benetti, and Atlantis, with each one catering to a distinct segment of the yacht market. The Group also includes Yachtique, the service division exclusively dedicated to boat owners, also headed by brokerage and chartering specialists, Fraser Yachts.


CRN Wins Best Interior
This year CRN, a brand of the Ferretti Group, participated again in the 2012 edition of Festival de la Plaisance (Cannes, 11-16th September), exhibiting one of its jewels – the 43 metre M/Y CRN Navetta 43 “Sofico”. The prestigious “Best Interior Award”, received for the interior design of the 43 metre megayacht CRN Navetta 43 “Lady Trudy”, confirms the high quality of the boats produced at the Ancona shipyard. This prize was awarded to CRN as part of World Yacht Trophy 2012, organized by the French editorial group LuxmediaGroup, at the end of the boat show. With its harmonious fusion of Made in Italy elegance and touches of the American colonial atmosphere, “Lady Trudy” is a composite displacement yacht with four decks that can comfortably host 10 passengers - in four Vip cabins and a master suite – and 9 crew members. The boat was designed by the CRN Technical Office, while the external profile and the internal layout was produced by the experts at Studio Zuccon International Project, who worked in synergy with the Centro Stile CRN. An elegant grey pearl hull with all the typical distinctive features of the CRN yachts: a large sun deck,a fitness area on the lower deck overlooking the sea and a terrace in the master suite, furnished as a “balcony” with a coffee table and armchairs which can be used at breakfast as well as during sailing. Among the other features of Lady Trudy, it is worth noting the elegantly furnished interiors which have given the ship its name: a plunge into the American atmosphere, with "Hampton style" romantic touches. Additionally, each one of the four guest cabins features a dominant colour linked to an American part of the North Atlantic coast: “Newport”, the starboard aft Vip cabin predominantly yellow; “Cape Cod” aft on the right where the predominant colour is green; “Mystic” at the bow on the left, with twin beds and a pull out bed, where red predominates and “Nantucket” aft on the left, where the main colour is blue.


CRN Looks Forward

CRN Shipyard a Ferretti Group brand,specialized in the construction and sale of fully customized displacement megayachts made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 46 to 90 metres, and with a displacement line made of composite material (CRN Navetta 43) which is 43 metres long – has taken the opportunity at the traditional international boating event, the Monaco Yacht Show (Montecarlo, 19-22 September), to present its development plans and to define its current market situation. In 2013 CRN will have its 50th anniversary, a historical moment that testifies the well-established company, a brand of a niche sector on a market that has seen other important long-standing brands struggling. The shipyard will keep focusing on the Client and the Product - giving its maximum attention to the values of the brand: attention to the Owner, flexibility, tradition, reliability, design, craftsmanship and Made in Italy. With its constant research, CRN is developing various projects for its Owners. These are the seven megayachts branded CRN that are currently being manufactured in the shipyard of Ancona. In particular, the 80 metre, which in an advanced construction phase, will be the biggest megayacht ever manufactured by CRN, and will exceed the 72 metre "Azteca" and it will be the biggest yacht ever built in Italy. The Dislopen line and the new 60 to 80 m projects, are still in the designing phase and they are being designed by the prestigious firm Studio Nuvolari & Lenard. The excellent performance of the shipyard has been confirmed by the awards given to the 43 metre CRN Navetta 43 “Lady Trudy”, which received the “Best Interior Award” a few days ago at the World Yacht Trophy 2012 organized by the French editorial group LuxmediaGroup during the Cannes Boat Show that has just ended. 

Ferretti Group Inaugurates New Nautical Year
The Ferretti Group, among the world leaders in designing, building and marketing motoryachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands in the nautical world, inaugurated yesterday the new nautical year as a protagonist, exhibiting, at the 35th edition of the Festival International de la Plaisance in Cannes, a substantial fleet consisting of 24 boats, 5 of which in world premiere: Ferretti 870, Ferretti 690, Pershing 82’, Riva 63’, Virtus and Mochi Craft Dolphin 64 Cruiser. In addition, the traditional Ferretti Group Meeting was held once again this year, at the Cannes Boat Show. This is the tenth edition, during which, in front of a large audience of employees, dealers, clients, suppliers and the media, the Founder and Honorary Chairman, Norberto Ferretti, the new President, Tan Xuguang, and the new CEO, Ferruccio Rossi, gave the first report on the nautical year and introduced the renewed corporate structure formed after the capital inflow in the Ferretti Group of Weichai, The Royal Bank of Scotland and the Strategic Value Partners, as well as the Group’s objectives for the coming months. In fact, thanks to important synergies, the sharing of resources and the new strategic partnership with Weichai, the Ferretti Group is aiming at reducing the costs and strengthening the marketing channel and the after-sales services, as well as focusing on a strategy to further expand on international and emerging markets, specifically the Asia Pacific region, a strategic area for the future growth of nautical business, where sales have increased by 30%. In addition, having found patrimonial and financial standing, the Ferretti Group will continue to support its plans to develop in Latin America, as well as on the traditional European and United States markets, on which the Group has steadily maintained its position, and where the results achieved allow it to look ahead, confident that it will maintain its leadership, especially as regards the North American area. Throughout the nautical year, the Ferretti Group focused on the Asia Pacific Area, by participating in the main boat shows and nautical and luxury events in Thailand, China – in Hainan, Shanghai and Qingdao – in Singapore, in South Korea and Japan, as well as Australia and India. Moreover, the Ferretti Group keeps registering good performance in Brasil, where it has been present for over 20 years, taking pride in its leading position in the Country, and where the Ferrettigroup Brasil was official inaugurated over a year ago. On the other hand, as regards the remaining part of Latin America, the Group is carrying out a series of marketing activities with the objective of further developing the key markets such as Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic, as well as establishing new relations with other key areas where interest in luxury yachts is strongly increasing, namely Perù, Uruguay and Argentina. Finally, as regards North America, the first market on an international scale for the nautical sector, the Ferretti Group has continued to further reinforce its presence and to expand its distributive network. In fact, to confirm this strategy, last May, the Group started moving the Bertram Yacht productive plants from the historical premises in Miami to the modern and strategic marina on Merritt Island, in Florida, USA. The new manufacturing plants will be in an area of almost 14,000 square metres and will be absolutely in the forefront with the objective of further innovating the Bertram boat range.


Grand Bank's Spray New Annual Issue
The 2012 Issue of Spray Magazine is in the mail, just in time for fall boat show season! The 148-page magazine is packed with owner stories, company news, new model previews and other articles for GB owners and enthusiasts.


Horizon Glamorous Spot at New Port
Beautiful weather and the striking red hull of the Horizon EP69 drew crowds to the 2012 Newport International Boat Show, held September 13th - 16th in downtown Newport, Rhode Island. The Horizon EP69 was one of the most popular yachts during the show - eager visitors lined the dock each of the four days to view the EP69, the line sometimes reaching the entire length of the yacht. Guests praised the EP69 for her overall design, craftsmanship, interior volume and impressive performance and range, and Horizon expects for the interest seen at the show to result in further sales activity. The Horizon EP69 showcased at this year's Newport International Boat show as a part of her U.S. East Coast tour, which began in July. She will be on display at Trawler fest in Baltimore, Maryland September and will also exhibit at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October.


Hunt Swepes Awards at Newport Boat Show
The Hunt 44 Express Sedan motoryacht was recognized as the Best New Powerboat at mid-September’s 2012 Newport International Boat Show in the “Newport for New Products” judging. Her display was also accorded the Best In-Water Powerboat Display in the “Edson Star of the Show Awards.” No motoryacht has ever previously taken both awards. The Hunt 44 Express Sedan was designed and engineered by Hunt Yachts, working through their parent company, C. Raymond Hunt Associates – a unique partnership in boatbuilding (no other builder is owned by a design firm); her construction exploits the meticulous craftsmanship available at Global Yacht Builders in Taiwan. Only Hunt can combine such depth of deep-V knowledge, experience and proven performance so richly evident in this series of powerboats which includes 52 and 68 foot models previously introduced and themselves winners of multiple awards. “Newport For New Products” spotlights each Fall, at the start of a new marine year, the new boats and equipment that make the most significant contributions to the recreational boating experience. Judging is done by an independent panel of boating experts assembled by Bonnier Marine Group under the auspices of Cruising World, Sailing World and Yachting magazines. Awards are given based on innovation, value to consumers and aesthetics in several categories from which overall winners are chosen; the Hunt 44 was picked as Best Powerboat 30’ And Over, then best powerboat overall. Hunt Yachts has always attracted rave reviews for exterior styling, and the Hunt 44 was described as “stunning” as well as “powerful and classically handsome.” But it is the Hunt 44’s interior and ability to deliver all the functionality of her 52-foot sister that pushed this design ahead of all the other exhibits. The accommodations, with two ensuite staterooms, are finished in a “modern Bristol” fashion with high-gloss teak furniture and detailing contrasted with white vertical surfaces. This novel solution, according to judges, “pushed all the right buttons the interior is well executed airy and full of light.” Comments by show-goers well as the judges described the interior as “sparkling” and “spectacular.” The displayed Hunt 44 was hull #3 in this series, each built to individual owner’s personal requirements. Owners are given wide latitude in many aspects of detailing, including propulsion options ranging from diesel size to IPS and Zeus pods. Regardless of such customization, the judges noted on the Hunt 44 that “her overall look is solid, her hull design is solid, her interior is solid and her construction is solid.” Insiders revealed that she was, hands down, the best powerboat in the judging and in the show. Several years ago, Edson International established the ,” Star of the Show” awards program to recognize show exhibitors whose displays exude pride and professionalism while promoting the recreational boating experience and to encourage exhibitors to raise the standard of their displays. At this year’s Newport International Boat Show Hunt Yachts was judged by an independent panel as the Best In-Water Powerboat Display, assessed on the basis of cohesive branding throughout, eye-catching and inviting set-up, well-dressed, friendly and knowledgeable staff, collateral support and overall attraction. As innovators in boat building with the deep V hull, Hunt Yachts is justifiably proud to have flourished during the economic downtown with development of new product and to now have garnered both of these awards. The new Hunt 44 Express Sedan motoryacht made both possible.

Marlow Expanding
Early last summer in 2011, David Marlow purchased Merrill Stevens which has now become Marlow Merrill Stevens. The original shipyard was incorporated in 1885 making Marlow Merrill Stevens the oldest shipyard in operation today. The property is 12 acres and David is currently in the middle of a vast two year renovation. He plans on restoring this property and building fresh amenities catering to both family boaters and mega yachts as the facility can handle both. Community is important to David Marlow and he hopes that despite this lagging economy he can bring new jobs to the Miami River community. Somehow amongst the many projects that David Marlow is involved in, he somehow finds the time for new opportunity in the acquisition of Hunter Marine. The acquisition includes Mainship Trawlers which will be a great addition to Marlow's growing empire. David fully intends to bring to Hunter-Mainship the same advanced technology that he has developed with Marlow Yachts. He also plans to invest and develop these companies with the same cost efficiency and increased perceived value that he developed Marlow Yachts with. There has been some concerns that Marlow would move these operations overseas, but there are no plans of that happening. David intends to bring the technology from China that he has implemented to the US. Although, David does expect that there might be some small components such as hatches, ports, etc., built abroad for cost efficiency. Boats will be built in Alachua, Florida with the upmost concern for the environment & community in mind. David will be using the combined talents of all the companies involved to build impeccable yachts we can all be proud of. All of the core team members of Hunter remain on site in preparation for the upcoming "Life begins at Forty" promotional ventures to be unveiled in 2012-2013.


Mulder Visits London Olympics
The owners of the Mulder 54 Open Joliseas crossed the Channel to the UK to be present during the Summer Olympics in London. From its berth of the Thames, she offered a great view of the five Olympic rings suspended from Tower Bridge. The Mulder 54 Open returned to sea after the Olympics, returning to the Netherlands where her owners enjoyed excellent conditions during the rest of their holiday on the Dutch waters.  

Mulder New Flagship Flybridge Ready
Several weeks ago, Mulder put the finishing touches to the aluminium hull of the new Mulder 98 Flybridge. Built for a client in Russia, the yacht will be delivered in the summer of 2013. The hull is currently being equipped with a complete paint system. Meanwhile, the interior department of Mulder Shipyard is working on the interior of the yacht. Finishing activities will take place at our new facilities, due to be taken into use at the end of this year.


Outer Reef Review of Cannes
What a show! Outer Reef Yachts first airing at a European boat show was a great success for the company, pulling in a great deal of serious interest, as well as arousing enormous curiosity amongst media and visitors. So much so that by Thursday all available accompanied viewings where booked for Friday and Saturday. Commenting on the show Trevor de Faoite Director of Sales for Europe said that Outer Reed is a fantastic product for the European market. Now that Outer Reef has exhibited at a European show, clients are able to peruse the surperlative engineering that goes into an Outer Reef and also see first hand the level of customisation available for interior décor and layout. This was noted by clients as remarkable for a long range 3000 miles autonomy, Cat A transatlantic explorer-style yacht, which also has good a cruising speed 11 knots and fuel economy advantages over its competitors.  

Pershing Runs Alongside Parmigiani Fleurier
The 65th Edition of the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti has just ended, a historical race for vintage cars, which starts from Cortina D’Ampezzo and moves along the enchanting scenery of the Dolomites. Continuing with their long-standing and established partnership with Parmigiani Fleurier, sponsor of this event, Pershing, brand of the Ferretti Group, among the leading international manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts, ranging from 15 to 35 metres, was one of the brands present at the event, in which some of the most prestigious luxury brands participated, from Porsche to Charles Heidsieck. Besides the vintage cars participating in the race, in the Parmigiani Lounge, which was set up in the lobby of Hotel Cristallo Spa & Golf, the guests and the VIPs who were present could admire the Pershing CBF chronograph, which was exclusively created by Parmigiani Fleurier and dedicated to the Confederação Brasileira de Futbol as the Federation's official watch supplier. Despite the gloomy climate that accompanied the race, a remarkable crowd participated in the event with more than thirty cars from all over the world, unable to resist the emotions that the event of revisiting the steps of this historical race can offer and which has seen illustrious participants such as Ernest Hemingway, to whom the race was dedicate this year on the 50th anniversary from his death. The guest of honour of this event, also the testimonial for Pershing together with the pilot Gian Maria Gabbiani, was the actress Giorgia Surina, who followed all the stages of the Coppa d’Oro on a vintage Porshe. For this event, the Pershing testimonials wore a selection of clothing from the Larusmiani Spring-Summer 2013 Collection. The elegance and the dynamism of Pershing, together with the exclusivity of Parmigiani Fleurier, were in perfect harmony with the prestige of an event like the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti, expressing once again the uniqueness and luxury that have always distinguished them.

Pershing Triumphs at Cannes World Yacht Trophy

Pershing, brand of the Ferretti Group, among the leading international manufacturers of high performance open motor yacht, ranging from 15 to 35 metres, ends the 35th edition of Festival de La Plaisance at Cannes in style by obtaining three important awards with Pershing 82’, the internationally premiered model at the French event. At the World Yacht Trophy, organized as usual by the French group Luxmedia Group - publisher of the boat magazine “Yachts”, present in France, Croatia, Russia, United Arab Emirates and Lebanon - the best boats, exhibited by the leading shipyards from all over the world, and judged by an international body of experts, were given awards. Pershing won the most prestigious awards of the “Sport Yacht over 24 mt” category: “Best design trophy”, “Best layout trophy” and “Best innovation trophy”.


Ribbon Join Forces
Ribbon Yachts is proud to announce a show collaborator with Icon Yachts. Ribbon will be offering tendering services to visit the Icon yachts afloat by bringing their newest float addition to transport visitors in style. Icon Yachts is the Dutch yacht builder in the top luxury segment. Tailor-made yachts with proven technology in 60 to 150 meters. Icon Yachts offers yachts with a short building time a competitive price. Icon Yachts also offers a wide range of refits possibilities and repair facilities.


Riviera 5000 Reasons to Celebrate

A momentous and history-making occasion will mark another major milestone for Riviera who will launch its 5000th boat at a special gala dinner celebration held later this year. Riviera’s state-of-the-art Coomera facility on Queensland’s Gold Coast will be transformed into a five-star entertainment precinct as Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder hosts a celebration like no other. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne is extending an invitation to all boating enthusiasts who would like to become part of Riviera’s maritime history to join in the fun. Riviera’s ‘5000 Reasons to Celebrate’ gala dinner will be held on November 2 to coincide with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo at Riviera’s state-of-the-art Coomera facility, 50 Waterway Drive, Coomera.

Riviera New Florida Dealer
Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder has continued expand its American dealer network with the appointment of Sovereign Marine Group in Stuart, Florida. Sovereign Marine Group was founded in 2001 and has recently expanded to a full service marine centre serving Pompano Beach and expanding more than 500 kilometres north to Jacksonville, Florida. With offices in two locations, the Harborage Yacht Club and Monterey, Sovereign Marine Group offers yacht brokerage, storage for up to 40 vessels, certified marine mechanics, insurance, warranty, financing, canopy shop and electronics all under the one roof. Riviera Australia international sales director Chris McCafferty said Riviera was proud to be represented by one of Florida’s most esteemed and highly respected brokerage houses, Sovereign Marine Group. Sovereign Marine Group president Greg Terraglio said he was attracted to the Riviera brand because of the company’s longstanding reputation. On a recent trip to Australia, Mr Terraglio visited Riviera’s 14-hectare, state-of-the-art Coomera facility. While taking an extended factory tour, Mr Terraglio had an opportunity to view some of Riviera’s latest models. Sovereign Marine Group has two locations on Monterey Road and Flagler Avenue in Stuart, Florida.
Sea Ray Homecoming A Spirited Success
Sea Ray Boats was proud to host more than 400 customers at its inaugural Homecoming on Sept. 13 and 14 in its hometown of Knoxville, Tenn. The event, similar to the Homecoming events at schools and towns across the country, welcomed back boat owners for special activities celebrating the Sea Ray spirit and lifestyle. The event kicked off on Thursday evening with the world premiere of Sea Ray’s 2013 model-year boats at Volunteer Landing Park on the historic Tennessee River. Homecoming attendees witnessed a parade featuring more than 20 Sea Ray boats and yachts, along with the spotlight unveiling of two all-new models, the Sea Ray 370 Venture and Sea Ray 510 Sundancer. An exclusive Sea Ray Owners Club area with live music and refreshments was reserved at the restaurant, Calhoun’s on the River. Both the 370 Venture and 510 Sundancer mark new levels of design and engineering innovation from Sea Ray. The former is the first express cruiser created specifically around outboard engine power, and as such it offers exciting performance and endurance benefits, as well as an optimized interior with a full-beam master berth. The latter offers amazing interior light and livability with a main deck sunroom featuring a full-length sunroof and a lower deck atrium with oversized hull windows and open overhead that stretches all the way up to the windshield. On Friday, Sea Ray’s world headquarters welcomed Homecoming attendees for a full day of boat rides and demos; manufacturing facility tours; interaction with Sea Ray executives, designers, engineers and craftsmen; vendor displays; and a catered lunch. Another highlight was the Sea Ray vintage boat display, featuring classic models from the Company’s own collection as well as boats from Homecoming attendees. The boats brought by Sea Ray owners were judged, with the winners receiving gift cards redeemable for Sea Ray apparel, plus the opportunity to be featured in Sea Ray Living magazine.


Sunseeker Apprentices Passing Out Ceremony
On Tuesday the 18th September 2012, twenty eight Sunseeker apprentices attended a passing out ceremony with the Group President of Sunseeker International, Robert Braithwaite. Since 1979, Sunseeker has been recruiting apprentices to work across the shipyards in Poole, Dorset. The apprentices take part in a four year programme that includes day release at college and on the job work placements across all areas of the business. As a result of hard work and learning across four years, each apprentice graduated with a level 3 in Boat Building and Marine Engineering, which is equivalent to A-Levels on the U.K Qualification and Credit Framework. The apprentices were also equipped with maths and soft skills, such as 'working with others' and 'improving their own learning'. Apprentices are a fundamental part to the continuation of Sunseeker International, which is proved by the fact Sunseeker International has continued to recruit up to 30 apprentices every year, despite the recent global economic downturn. The Apprentices are the catalyst for change and the solution for succession within the company. A small percentage of the passing out group will now proceed to enrol for the HNC Level 4 in Manufacturing Management, which Sunseeker will fully fund. By continually developing and investing in our workforce, we can retain our competitive advantage and ensure talented young people in the UK have the opportunity for employment, education and more importantly, an exciting and prosperous career with Sunseeker International.

Sunseeker Supplier of the Year Awards
Sunseeker International Ltd's Supplier of the Year Awards 2012 were hosted by Andrew Macdonald - Director of Procurement at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Tuesday 18th September on the Sunseeker stand. The awards were presented by Group President Robert Braithwaite CBE DL at a reception for the award winners. The awards are presented to suppliers and partners who have been recognised by the business for their outstanding performance in meeting the Sunseeker International Ltd's most demanding requirements. Afterwards the winners were able to visit the boats on display and see how their products or services contribute to the finished product. This year's award winners were: Phoenix Marine Solutions who received the Award for Technical Innovation, The Electric Center who received the Award for Cost Reduction, Cummins Onan who received the Award for On Time Delivery, Volvo Penta UK who received the Award for Production Support, Lewmar Ltd who received the Award for Value Improvement, Oceanair Marine Ltd who received the Award Outstanding Service, Max Osmund from MSA Manufacturing Ltd who received the Award Outstanding Individual Service, Allied Services Ltd who received the Award for Best Indirect Supplier, MonsterCam Ltd who received the Award for Best New Supplier, Navico UK Ltd who received the Award for Business Improvement.

Sunseeker Extends Master Vendor Agreement
Mploy Staffing Solutions Ltd's Directors, Mark Nash and Evan Bebb and Sunseeker International Ltd's Director of Procurement, Andrew Macdonald have signed a further two year extension to the Master Vendor Agreement for Hourly Paid Agency workers at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on Thursday 20th September. The agreement covers the requirements of Sunseeker's sites based in New Milton, Portland and those facilities based in Poole by supplying agency workers from carpenters through to welders. Sunseeker's reason for extending the agreement was based on the continued high level of service we receive from the Mploy team, and their ability to exceed the levels set out in the Service Level Agreement.

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