August 31, 2013

Monthly News - August 2013

-pic of the month- Viking Marlin Mania

Azimut Yachts Gala In Newport
MarineMax Inc., the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, partnered with Azimut Yachts to host the 2013 Newport Azimut Gala, at the Newport Harbor Hotel. The event brought together more than 150 MarineMax and Azimut owners in the prestigious setting of Newport, RI, and was a grand celebration of yachts and fine customer service.  Guests spent the weekend enjoying the sights, sounds, tastes, and of course beautiful yachts. Cocktail parties, celebrity chef cooking lessons, a scenic lobster bake, dinghy poker run, and a luxurious gala were just a few of the exciting things that took place. 


Horizon Unique Sea Trial
Last month, the Australian owner of the new Horizon E73 motoryacht "Justified" traveled to Taiwan for his first sea trial and was eager to travel and explore the island for his first journey on board; Horizon arranged a unique sea trial experience for the owner, taking him on a tour of Kaohsiung's beautiful coast while also demonstrating the performance and seaworthiness of his new yacht. The sea trial began from Horizon's Premier shipyard, and the E73 motoryacht cruised 40 minutes to Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, which offers a wealth of natural parkland along with other amenities, such as a world-class speedway, yacht marina and luxury hotels. The new owner took in Dapeng Bay's beautiful scenery from the aft deck and noted how impressed he was with both "Justified's performance and also her comfortable ride during their journey; he also expressed his thanks to Horizon for a memorable first trip on his new yacht. "Justified" will be delivered to Australia at the end of September, and Horizon wishes the new owner many more adventures on board his new E73 motoryacht.


Jarrett Bay Projects Big and Small
The 54' custom Jarrett Bay, formerly known as Shorter Pie and Pole Position, is Jarrett Bay’s 25th hull and now back under its builder ownership who want to showcase how we they can give new life to an older pride and joy.

Jarrett Bay Corralling Cajun Blues
Not to be lost in all the major tournament wins and craftsmanship awards the 77′ Blank Check has been making this season, Jarrett Bay hull #43, Whoo Dat and her crew deserve some attention and praise for their recent accomplishments! Fishing the Green Canyon during the Grand Isle Rodeo, Whoo Dat fought an epic 13 hour battle, landing a 705 lb blue marlin - the 2nd largest in the 85 year history of the tournament. On July 17th, the team put 10 year old Kaleb Richardson and his friend Cole on 4 blue marlin, with the experienced junior angling duo releasing 2 blues apiece. What made this trip extra special was at least one of the fish was initially spotted by the crew of a passing workboat, the Ted Smith, who radio-ed the Whoo Dat and stuck around to take video of Kaleb catching and releasing the blue marlin! 


Mulder Favorite Club Fifteen Years
In 1998 the Favorite Club was founded during a meeting of a number of enthusiastic Mulder Favorite sailors who would like to know fellow Favorite lovers. The club now counts 52 Favorite-cruisers. In august the Favorite Club visited the new Mulder Shipyard during their fifteenth Favorite Weekend. Eleven Favorite-cruisers with 55 Favorite owners from across the country, sailed to Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk where they had a tour around the sustainable and economically built new yard. After a lunch with Mulder Jr. and Sr. the Favorite members continued their cruise.

Mulder Gloria Ready for the USA
At the new Mulder Shipyard in Zoeterwoude a Mulder 73 Wheelhouse is being refitted. After three years of sailing in Europe, “M/Y Gloria” is being prepared for her new berth in the USA. In addition to regular maintenance, the electrical system will be converted to an American system of 110V/60Hz. Because her berth in America has a subtropical climate, a bimini and a mosquito screen are placed on the 73-footer. The Mulder 73 Wheelhouse is the second Mulder yacht that will be sailing in the USA. In July of this year the Mulder 75 Wheelhouse “Strathearn” has been delivered in the North-East region of the USA.


Riviera 25% Sale Increase and Two Awards in Sydney Show
Riviera’s new 50 Enclosed Flybridge impressed luxury boat buyers with its world release at the Sydney International Boat Show with multiple sales of this model among Riviera’s AUD$14.8 million in total retail sales. Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder enjoyed an extremely successful show with 10 new boat sales across all models from 36 feet to 63 feet including one 3600 Sport Yacht, one 445 SUV, three 50 Enclosed Flybridges, two 5000 Sport Yachts, one Belize 54, one 565 SUV, and one 63 Enclosed Flybridge. Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said he was extremely proud of Riviera’s achievements at the Sydney International Boat Show.  Riviera’s chief executive officer Wes Moxey said Riviera’s new models have been extremely well received. Preparations are already underway for the Auckland On Water Boat Show in New Zealand in September, the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show in October, and the Gold Coast International Marine Expo in November.

Riviera Dealer Awards
Marine industry excellence, innovation and exceptional customer service was recognised at Riviera’s esteemed annual Dealer Awards held in Sydney during the Sydney International Boat Show. Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has been rewarding outstanding achievement by their long-standing dealer network since the awards inception 19 years ago. The team at R Marine South Australia were honoured to win the coveted Overall Dealership of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The team at R Marine Sydney did exceptionally well this year with the dealership winning the award for ‘Sales Excellence by a Dealership’ for the second consecutive year, the dealership’s sales consultant Pete Devery received the award for ‘Sales Excellence by an Individual’ for the second consecutive year, and R Marine Sydney service manager Cameron McGoogan received the award for ‘Service Excellence by an Individual’. Riviera’s dealer relationship manager Peter Welch said the annual Australia/New Zealand Dealer of the Year awards recognised excellence, outstanding achievement and dedication to Riviera’s loyal owners and brand. R Marine South Australia dealer principal Paul Harrop congratulated his team on such a tremendous achievement. R Marine South Australia’s managing director Ross Almond commended his team on their effort, persistence and professionalism. Paul said the introduction of the Riviera Owners Club has been very popular. R Marine Sydney’s service manager Cameron McGoogan was surprised to receive the Service Excellence award. This is the first time a shipwright has won a Riviera Dealer Service Award, which Cameron claims is a result of his team’s efforts, not an individual award. Riviera’s annual Dealer Awards continue to recognise excellence and encourage the dealer network team to strive for quality, exceptional owner care and service innovation.

Riviera New R Marine Perth Welcome Two New Team Members
Riviera’s Perth dealership, R Marine Perth, has welcomed two new members to its team. Sales professional Ben Watkins and office manager Sue Totterdell have joined long-time R Marine Perth owner care manager Tim Wright who has been providing customer support to Perth’s Riviera owners for over five years. The past few months have been a very busy time for R Marine Perth with Tim moving into a sales role for new Riviera and Belize Motoryachts as well as pre-owned boats. Tim’s strong knowledge of Riviera boats has helped the dealership achieve an impressive number of brokerage sales in the past 12 weeks. Since Tim has moved into sales, R Marine Perth has sold 12 brokerage boats and have generated a high level of new model enquiry with all of this activity, Tim is proud and very happy to welcome Ben Watkins onboard. Ben said his previous experience had given him a great insight into the broader marine industry. Tim said Sue Totterdell was also a welcome addition to the dealership and her expertise in office management would be a great asset to the growing team. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said Riviera Australia was very focused on growing owner support in Western Australia through two dealership locations, Perth and Mandurah.


Sanlorenzo Chooses Officina Italiana Design
Sanlorenzo, the third shipyard in the world ranking of the top 20 builders over 24 meters, and the prestigious studio Officina Italiana Design recently signed an agreement for the design of the next Sanlorenzo models destined to the global yachting market, starting with its new 50/60 foot entry level in fiber-glass yacht, up to the just recently-announced new flagship: the Sanlorenzo 62Steel, a 62-meter (203ft) superyacht in steel. The partnership between Sanlorenzo and Officina Italiana Design is important news for the whole sector because it represents the natural connection between two top players of the yachting industry of the last decade: two companies that both contributed to create excellent motoryachts, always achieving global success for their cutting-edge style and standards. From this significant partnership between excellent yachting production and design will soon arise the future Sanlorenzo models that, with the total respect of the traditional family feeling that have been characterizing Sanlorenzo motoryachts for more than 50 years, will set a new benchmark for the whole international yachting industry, in terms of style and elegance, yachts with essential lines that will never become obsolete, and will always be a “true classic” for their timeless design.  The new Sanlorenzo models designed by Officina Italiana Design are already in an advanced project phase drawn by the talented designer Mauro Micheli, in perfect SL style.


Sunreef Expands In Middle East
Sunreef is now strongly exploring the Middle Eastern market and takes part in the important events in the region. The reason of that is the presence of the 70 Sunreef Power Damrak II in that area from last June until the end of September. In August 2013, Sunreef Yachts’ President, Francis Lapp, had a business meeting with the Ambassador of Poland to Qatar, Mr Robert Rostek in Doha in order to establish long term cooperation for the future. 70 Sunreef Power Damrak II is exploring the fascinating region of the United Arab Emirates and is available for viewing in the region’s most exclusive marinas. In September DAMRAK II will visit Dubai International Marine Club and will cruise to Oman.


Sunseeker Confirms Aquistion by Dalian Wanda
Sunseeker International is delighted to confirm following the approval by the relevant Chinese regulators, the acquisition of Sunseeker by Dalian Wanda Group completed on the 27th August 2013. Sunseeker will remain a British company, headquartered in Poole and will maintain its existing primary production base in Dorset, along with its current workforce and infrastructure. The existing management team will remain on the Sunseeker Boards and Robert Braithwaite, the founder of the company will continue to be involved in the business and remain as Group President. Robert and Sunseeker’s management team have made a significant reinvestment in the business, providing continuity and a strong platform for the new model programme currently being developed in Poole. The new majority shareholder, Dalian Wanda Group, China's largest premier commercial property and entertainment conglomerate, supports Sunseeker’s commitment to superior products and its premium brand, both of which will be further enhanced by their involvement in the business. The news is fantastic for the business, the wider Sunseeker family, the motor yacht industry and will allow Sunseeker to expand its global base still further while retaining its current operational and manufacturing infrastructure at the headquarters in Poole.

 
Viking 1964
Viking celebrates its 50th Anniversary this coming April and the company would like to hear from you about your Viking experiences over the years. If you have a story to tell or photos of you enjoying your Viking yacht, from the wooden boats of yesteryear to the amazing fleet that plies the waters today, please let the company know to help them get the party started.

Viking White Marlin Open Results
Over 250 boats entered for their shot at over a million dollars and the big payday went to Greg Jones' Viking 53 crew fishing on the OdinSpear. Greg's Viking, Kingfisher, was sidelined so the team took a gamble and jumped on the OdinSpear to fish the famous White Marlin Open. It turned out to be a very good decision. Angler Tommy Jones boated the top white marlin tipping the scales at 83 pounds and bringing in the biggest paycheck of the tournament. Adding to their winnings was Deacon Burke's Second Place Wahoo at 66 pounds. Jeff Collins, fishing on the Viking 61 Why Knot, had the top dolphin at 34 pounds while Dave Anderson's Viking 70 Krazy Salts' angler Bryan Graul took fifth place in the division. Krazy Salts' was also the 29th Place Release Boat. Barry Weshnak's Viking 52 Miss Annie took Second Place Tuna with Mark Donohue landing a 261 pound fish. Goin In Deep, Larry Hesse's Viking 60, claimed the Third Place Tuna with a 255 pounder caught by Michael Jamian. Top Anglers were Carmine Caruso in Fourth Place fishing on the Viking 68 Pipe Dreamer, Pat Healey in 13th on the Viking 70, William Quidley fishing on Danny Jones' Viking 56 Reel Toy taking 17th and Viking 70 angler Eric McDowell in 24th place. Of 262 boats, Vikings hit some high slots in the Top Boat division. The Viking 70 took Third, Pipe Dreamer claimed 11th, Reel Toy was 19th, the Viking 60 Orion took 22nd and Michael Poole's Viking 70 Irish Ayes was 26th.  Top Release boats were Viking 70 in Third, Orion taking 13th, Irish Ayes in 18th and Krazy Salts' 29th.

Viking Two Times a Charm
The 2nd Annual Blue Marlin Grand Championship not only broke two state marlin records but also featured some of the best fishing ever seen in the Gulf of Mexico. Angler and boat owner Chris Ferrara with his team aboard the Viking 60 Reel Fire were declared the 2013 Grand Champions. Chris shattered the former Alabama state record for blue marlin when he outlasted a fish weighing 845.8 pounds after a seven hour fight. The fish eclipsed the old mark by 66 pounds. Captain Mike Roberto helped Reel Fire team mate Ivan Duke boat the second largest tuna caught at 165.2 pounds. Rising Sons, Toby Berthelot's Viking 58, won the second place team award and unofficial hard luck honors when angler Jeremy Powers boated a blue weighing 789.8 pounds. His fish broke the 24 year-old Alabama blue marlin record for a brief time before it was toppled a couple hours later by Reel Fire's catch. That effort still earned the team a nice payday and the second place tournament award. Lady angler Laurie McVay, fishing aboard Reel Addiction, a Viking 56 run by Captain Scooter Porto, took third place after she whipped a blue marlin weighing 722.2 pounds. Her catch also earned her the Top Lady Angler title. And as an added bonus, she also got engaged on the awards stage after tournament co-director Rocky Jones proposed and presented her with a ring. Cory Racca, fishing aboard Badonkadonk, a Viking 82, captured the biggest tuna of the week, a hefty 177 pound yellowfin. At the conclusion of the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, Done Deal did it again. Coming off one of the most successful campaigns in big-game fishing, the Viking 56 was declared the 2013 Gulf Coast Triple Crown Champion for the second year in a row. Owner Jon Gonsoulin, Captain Jason Buck, mates Lance Hightower and Travis Dorland and anglers Trevor Lott, Billy Cemac, Mike LaSalle and David Lebouf caught a 445.2 pound blue marlin and a 76.6 pound yellowfin tuna during the Blue Marlin event. Even though those fish did not earn the team any qualifying points, participation in that tournament along with the other four qualifiers gave it enough bonus points to earn the top standing. The GCTCC was created to recognize the top sportfishing team on the highly-competitive Gulf of Mexico blue marlin circuit. The original concept was the brainchild of Sonny Middleton of Middleton Marine, a long-time advocate of sport fishing and boating in the Gulf.

Viking Beach Haven Heaven
On the final day of the 44th Annual White Marlin Invitational, hosted by the Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club, all eyes were on the tuna. Minutes before lines out on the last day, the Viking 60 Goin' In Deep, hooked a 203.6-pound big eye which snagged the biggest payday. They were trolling ballyhoo when the spread exploded with activity. "We had three bites all at once," Mike Ajamian said. Two of the tunas got away, but after a 36 minute fight, the crew put three gaffs in the brute and boated it. The crew of Larry Hesse Sr.'s Goin' In Deep included his son, Larry Hesse; first mate Spencer Bradley, Alex Patriarca, Anthony Scardino, Mike Ajamian and Mike Cassidy with Captain Walter Harmstead at the helm. Captain Brian Komer and his crew on the Viking 52, took the first day daily prize for its 46.1 pound yellowfin and the blue marlin points trophy. Anthracite, a Viking 50, won the most releases overall and also took home the white marlin points title.  

Viking Marlin Mania
Marlin season at the Jersey shore continued with the 46th Annual Yacht Club of Stone Harbor Invitational Marlin Tournament. Dave Anderson's Krazy Salt's, a Viking 70, took Second Place with a blue marlin and five whites. Krazy Salt's also won the dolphin division with a fish over 30 pounds. Captain Ryan Higgins was right on Krazy Salt's heels in Third Place. The Viking 70 hooked three white marlin and two blues, one estimated to be over 600 pounds released by angler Justin Healey. The crew boated a 155 pound big eye tuna which helped them win the Warren Buckingham Memorial Trophy for outstanding catch. Aboard the Viking 70, Lonni Rutt claimed Second Place Male Angler.  

Viking Overnight Success
The Viking 70 cleaned up at the 36th Annual Ocean City Marlin & Tuna Club's Overnight Billfish Tournament. Captain Ryan Higgins led his team to a Second Place Overall finish with a white marlin release and a whopper of a tuna. Angler Thomas Garmany weighed in a 232 pound big eye to take the tuna category. The boat also claimed Third Place in billfish releases.

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