September 30, 2013

Monthly News - September 2013

-pic of the month- Sabre Conference in Maine

Azimut-Benetti Group New Chief Operating Officer

Ferruccio Luppi is the new CEO of the Azimut | Benetti Group, a new role created in the organization. This decision has been taken by President Paolo Vitelli with full support of the Board of Directors, as part of the outstanding Strategic Development Plan, recently adopted. Ferruccio Luppi, one of the closest collaborators of the FIAT CEO Sergio Marchionne, in the period of relaunch of the automotive group, will implement the Strategic Plan through coordination, cohesion and control of the three business lines of the Group: Yachts, Megayachts and Yachtique. The core functions of the Group - up to now directly coordinated by President Vitelli – will refer directly to him.

Azimut-Benetti Receives Two Awards

Two prestigious awards confirm the success of the Azimut Benetti Group at the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes 2013 where 20 models were displayed, 3 of which were worldwide premieres. Organised by the French publishing group LuxMediaGroup, the World Yachts Trophies are considered among the most prestigious awards in the industry, since the boats are selected and evaluated by a panel of highly skilled and specialized experts, formed by the board of directors of this media network. Azimut 80 has been crowned as queen of the gala night winning the 2013 Yacht Trophy in the “Most Functional Yachts in the 24-50 meter range. Montecarlo Yachts 86 and Ferretti Yachts 960 were the competitors in its category. Benetti Ocean Paradise was awarded in the “Best Interior Design over 50 meter boat and will be on display at the upcoming yacht show in Montecarlo.

Azimut Being Italian

It’s that simple. The new advertising campaign by the Neriwolff Agency. celebrates the universally acknowledged quality of Italy’s manufacturing culture, a quality that is engraved in our very DNA. Graphics and taglines that are extremely precise, clean, and easy to understand: impossible to misinterpret. Long, drawn out explanations are pointless. The campaign communicates the positive qualities Italians are known for, qualities which can be found in Azimut Yachts, the most comprehensive range in the world in terms of numbers of models and types. The photographs of models from each of the five Azimut Yachts collections provide striking proof of the genius of Italian manufacturing. Athletes, explorers, masters of elegance, creatives, and eclectics: and above all, artisans and entrepreneurs world‐renowned for their creativity and capacity to create the unimaginable. This is being Italian; these are the Italians; and, these are the yachts in the Azimut Yachts collection: the Atlantis, Magellano, Flybridge, S, and Grande mirror the five different ways of experiencing the sea, all in perfect Italian Style. Being Italian means proudly asserting one’s cultural roots in Italian production and products; defending an entire production chain based on knowledge acquired over centuries; knowing what to do and how to do it; and finally, being able to unite artisanal quality with industry. For Azimut, all this means building beautiful and innovative yachts beloved by owners across the five continents. The advertising campaign is part of an overall communication strategy which, in the upcoming months, will also include direct and personal contact with the press. In addition to product news, Azimut will be communicating its industrial strategy, substantial investments planned for the next three years, and its development plan. The 2013‐2014 season marketing campaign was launched September 2013 and will be covered in the leading nautical publications worldwide.

Azimut Sea and Deserts Dealership Expanded

Seas & Deserts Group have signed a new dealership agreement for the Azimut Yachts rights for sales and after sales for United Arab Emirates and Oman. This partnership has been held due to the strong results of the Group in Kuwait and Qatar which reflects the firm relation and mutual trust between the two renowned groups and client satisfaction. Mr. Ahmad Musaed Al-Ameeri Vice Chairman & Managing Director stated that he is delighted to sign this agreement with Azimut Yachts in those two strong and promising markets, he added that this deal is a part of Seas and Deserts Group well planned steady growth and expansion plan. Seas and Deserts will always stay committed to serve their clients and yachts owners to beyond satisfactory level. With the new agreement Seas & Deserts becomes the exclusive dealer in Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar for the complete range signed by Azimut Yachts.

Benetti New Fast Displacement Range

Benetti in a new era. At the Cannes boat show, the Tuscan boatyard unveiled a third generation of fast yachts, rounding out the already extensive range of products which currently includes Class Range, semi-custom displacement vessels with 6 models from 93' to 145', and Custom, mega-yachts starting at 45 metres. The new Fast Displacement line of composite yachts built by Benetti in the Viareggio boatyard already includes two models: the F-140’, introduced last year, and the brand new F-125’, which is making its debut at Cannes 2013. With this new line, the boatyard intends to tap into a strong and as yet relatively unexplored market in semicustom super yachts with a sporty spirit. These are vessels characterized by their versatility, speed (when called for), but which are also extremely comfortable in displacement mode and highly efficient at any speed. Their dynamism perfectly unites with the sheer pleasure of on board living, and the construction quality and maximum customization which Benetti is known for.


Ferretti Group Unveils New Sales Center in Miami Beach

Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of motor‐yachts, comprising of a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands in the nautical world, is proud to announce that Ferretti Group will have the most premier sales center location at Miami Beach Marina, located at the end of the MacArthur Causeway, the only road that leads directly into South Beach. The new sales center will house eight top Ferretti Group sales executives, specializing in Ferretti Group product, Allied Marine yacht brokerage, charter management and listing services. The Group will have an allotment of three large, prime dock locations in the marina, where a rotation of new yacht models along with pre owned yachts will be showcased. We chose to grow our footprint in Miami given that in the last 10 years the city has become an incredibly prominent location in the US market, with a thriving commercial and residential real estate development community for Europeans, North, South and Central Americans along with a strong influx of Latin American commerce and top corporations relocating their head offices to Miami, stated James Henderson, Ferretti Group America President and CEO. The majority of our clients have second homes in Miami Beach and some have even established their primary residences here as well. Miami Beach Marina is in the heart of Miami and is an ideal location to entertain and showcase our new product to current clients while introducing prospective clients to our Group, the versatility of yachts within our portfolio, and the incredible yachting lifestyle Miami offers, added Henderson. According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2012, Miami was ranked 6th globally, focusing on high net worth individuals for each city category, surpassing top city's like Geneva, Shanghai, Berlin and Beijing. Miami Beach Marina is the largest marina to offer the necessary infrastructure to service mega yachts and is managed by RCI Group, one of the premier managing companies for marine properties in the Southeastern US and Caribbean, and an integral reason why Ferretti Group selected this marina as their newest sales center location. Miami Beach Marina offers both a strong home base marina for Miami's elite yachting community and is a very transient marina offering its services to a diversified group of yacht owners worldwide, including a strong and growing demographic of clients from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Argentina, just to name a few, stated Bob Christoph Sr., Owner of Miami Beach Marina. The Ferretti Group sales center in Miami Beach Marina will host its VIP grand opening in October 2013.

Ferretti Group New Middle Eastern Dealer Agreement

Ferretti Group, one of the leading world players in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands worldwide, further strengthens its presence in the Middle East by signing and renewing several important dealership agreements with major local partners. More specifically, the Group has renewed its exclusive dealership agreement with its historical partner Sea Pros Yachts for Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with regard to all Group brands and for the United Arab Emirates as far as Ferretti, Pershing and Mochi Craft yachts are concerned. Moreover, Ferretti Group has signed a new exclusive sales agreement with Art Marine LLC for Riva and Itama yachts in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as an exclusive distribution agreement in Qatar with Gulf Yacht - through its British dealer Ventura UK - for the Ferretti and Pershing brands. All the agreements above are part of Ferretti Group's new expansion strategy at an international level, with a special focus on the Middle East, aiming to develop further within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region over the next five years. Indeed, through these agreements, the Group is further strengthening its selected distribution network, which consists of approximately 60 dealers ensuring the best possible assistance to the Group's clients in more than 80 countries.



CRN Wins World Yacht Trophy

Once again a prestigious acknowledgement for CRN, Shipyard of the Ferretti Group specialising in the construction and marketing of fully-customized displacement mega yachts, made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 40 to 90 metres. CRN's 60 metre megayacht J’ade has indeed been awarded the “World Yacht Trophy 2013”, an initiative organised by the French editorial group Luxmedia Group to award the best yachts exhibited by the leading shipyards from all over the world, in the “Over 50 meter – Most Innovative Trophy”. The ceremony was held last Saturday in Cannes, at the margins of the International Boat Show, during a gala event. The experts of the international jury recognized the innovative contents of J’ade and above all its garage, which for the first time onboard a CRN megayacht, is floodable and allows the tender (a 27foot Riva Iseo) to enter inside without using a crane. The side hatch of the garage is operated hydraulically and the internal basin fills with water to allow the tender to go in and out easily: the border of the basin has protections to avoid damage and it also has underwater lights to create a dramatic effect in what, without a tender, becomes a pleasant on-board swimming pool. The tender bay requires very little time to empty, in fact the 18,000 litres of water which it can hold can be emptied in just three minutes. The project was studied and designed such as to create a combined area with the beach club, forming a single open lounge area, a very elegant and refined space with close contact to the sea. An integrated beach club which can be enjoyed by the Owner’s family and friends who can quickly make use of a tender to have a swim closer to the beach.

CRN Leads as Pioneer of Innovation at the Monaco Yacht Show

In a showcase of innovation and leadership CRN Shipyard, a brand of the Ferretti Group, presents the two highlights at the Monaco Yacht Show (Monte Carlo, 25-28 September), the most prestigious international boating event; 80 metre megayacht CRN 129 Chopi Chopi and the 60 metre megayacht CRN 125 J’ade. The company which specialises in the construction and sale of fully customised displacement mega yachts made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 40 to 90 metres, marks 2013 as a milestone year. Not only is CRN celebrating its 50th anniversary, but it has also shown a strong commitment to production; CRN has demonstrated resilience and success despite the complex market Lamberto Tacoli, CRN Shipyard Chairman and CEO, commented: Looking forward, the company will focus on the expansion of business in key emerging markets and further cement their position as a leader of innovation. The company will increase visibility in the Americas and Asia and internally, through collaboration partners, CRN will focus on research in innovative technological solutions through new product designs to reflect the tastes and personalities of their valued owners. The Shipyard will continue to focus on their client and products giving its maximum consideration to the values of the brand: personal and high quality attention to the Owner and 360° service offering of flexibility, tradition, reliability, ‘tailor-made’ designs, and ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship. The below CRN megayachts are currently under construction: M/Y CRN 131 74 m – designed by Zuccon International Project, M/Y CRN 132 73 m – designed by Omega Architects, M/Y CRN 133 60 m – designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design, M/Y CRN 134 55 m – designed by Nuvolari & Lenard.


Grand Banks New Dealer in Costa Rica

Galati Yacht Sales will soon open a new sales office in the heart of Costa Rica's premier luxury lifestyle destination, Los Sueños Resort and Marina. GYS has long enjoyed a strong presence there—hosting fishing tournaments and customer events—and over the past year they hired a full-time salesman in the region, local resident Tony Carrizosa. The resort is located near the community of Jaco, within Bahia Herradura on the northern region of Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean shoreline.


Horizon Announces HMY as Preferred US Partner for US Florida East Coast

Horizon Group is pleased to announce that HMY Yacht Sales has been appointed as the new Preferred Partner for Horizon Yachts for Florida’s East Coast as well as coastal Georgia and South Carolina; operating out of their Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. office, HMY will provide sales support as well as offer an extensive service network in major yachting centers for Horizon clients. HMY Yacht Sales brings 34 years of experience in the yachting industry to the new partnership, along with a support team of 90 members in a number of U.S. locations. Additionally, HMY has increased their focus on the motoryacht market in the past few years, making the partnership with Horizon an ideal fit. 


Hunt Yachts Bought Out by Scout Partners LLC

Scout is a partnership between David Howe and Peterson Capital LLC, which was created specifically to work closely with U.S.-based companies that show significant potential for long-term success. Peterson Capital LLC is operated by an icon of American business, Pete Peterson. Peterson’s career spans several decades and includes positions as United States Secretary of Commerce, CEO of Bell and Howell, and co-founder of The Blackstone Group. David Howe has a great personal passion for the marine industry. Having grown up sailing out of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Howe deeply appreciates the strong heritage of Hunt. Scout purchased The Hinckley Company at the end of 2010. Hinckley President and CEO Jim McManus commented on the acquisition of Hunt welcoming Peter Van Lancker, all the Hunt Yachts employees and owners to the family of Scout companies. The two companies have much to share and represent a wonderful cultural pairing. The most immediate synergy is in the Hinckley service yards which now have a direct pipeline to Hunt parts and technical advice to service Hunt products. Hunt will operate under the name Hunt Yachts, LLC and will maintain the same relationship it has had with C. Raymond Hunt Associates as the exclusive designer of its product line. The company is head quartered in Portsmouth, RI and currently offers powerboats from 25 to 74 feet.


Marquis Awards Continue

Regarded as superior in styling, design and construction by experienced yachtsmen the world over, Marquis Yachts continues to receive industry awards. The American yacht-maker is one of the most decorated in the industry. One of the recent awards was the prestigious title of “Best Yacht Design” given to the Marquis 630 Sport Yacht at the 2013 BMW Asia Yachting Awards. Irwin L. Jacobs, co-owner of Marquis Yachts, LLC. accepted the award at the InterContinental Sanya Resort black-tie event held in China earlier this year. Jacobs said the award was a significant honor for Marquis and validated the company's commitment to building the finest ultra-premium vessels.


Mulder Successful Amsterdam Show

Mulder Shipyard is looking back on a very successful HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show. The beautiful weather, King Willem-Alexander visiting the Mulder Shipyard stand and many interested people for our yachts, made ​​the 30th Amsterdam Boat Show a great success. This year we took a Mulder 73 Wheelhouse and Mulder 68 Convertible to the Luxury Island in Amsterdam. The Mulder Favorite 1500 "Diva", which was sailing around the IJ during the Amsterdam Boat Show was also an eye catcher for many visitors. BOOT Düsseldorf (18-26 January 2014) will be the next boat show where Mulder Shipyard will participate.


Princess Yachts 2012 Financial Results

We are delighted to announce another strong set of financial results achieved against a background of difficult economic conditions spanning all major global markets. Profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2012 was £18.4 million (2011 £20.5 million) on turnover of £249.9 million (2011 £228.6 million), with net assets at the year end totalling £104.6 million (2011 £92.9 million). While profits are down on the previous year, our growth in turnover, achieved in a fiercely competitive market environment, has resulted in increased market share thus further underpinning the foundations for further growth. Throughout the economic downturn, we have continued to invest heavily in new product and new facilities. 2012 will be seen as a pivotal year in the company's history with the successful launch of the highly acclaimed Princess 40M, the largest yacht the company has ever built. Following a string of awards, including the prestigious World Superyacht Award, we have secured further 40M orders and shortly expect to embark on the first phase of construction of state of the art production facilities at the company's new shipyard at Devonport South Yard. This is a £35 million investment programme, which has received support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The forthcoming Autumn boat show season will see the launch of several new exciting models, including an all new Princess 43, Princess V48 and Princess 88 Motor Yacht. These are the fruits of a substantial and carefully targeted investment programme that has continued unabated against challenging world economic conditions and which we believe will set us at the forefront of our industry. Steps have also been taken to substantially increase our presence in both new and existing markets, with the appointment of new distributors and the provision of market and product support designed to enhance the Princess owner experience. There is a steadily growing view that the economic cycle is beginning to show signs of sustained improvement. While we remain cautious, our programme of investment in new product and facilities looks to the long term and will continue unabated and with a clear focus on further growth in market share and remaining at the forefront of proudly contributing to Britain's exports in virtually every market that luxury yachts are to be found.


Riva at Venice Film Festival

September 4th night Venice was all painted in blue, the blue of the main sponsor of the Festival, Maserati. Riva and Maserati, two historic Italian brands representing elegance and uniqueness together in Venice on the occasion of the 70th edition of the Film Festival. Riva, the iconic brand of the Ferretti Group, one of the leading world players in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, brought to Venice its Riva Iseo, a 27-foot open yacht which was extraordinarily on display in the swimming pool of the Hotel Excelsior's Maserati Terrace. The Trident luxury car manufacturer and the historic brand of the pleasure boating industry, partners for the Blue Carpet Night, share the same chase for elegance and refinement, the distinguishing features of both. Today Riva epitomizes a unique heritage in the boating sector that conjures up the representatives of the international jet-set that chose to link their image to that of the brand's yachts: Peter Sellers, Ingrid Bergman, Brigitte Bardot, Vittorio Gassman, Sofia Loren, Anita Ekberg, Jean Paul Belmondo, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton are just a few of the celebrities from La Dolce Vita, whose real protagonist was Aquarama, tested for the first time in 1962 and became a myth.


Sabre Yachts Hosts Conference in Maine

Early September Sabre brought together over fifty dealers at the Bethel Inn in Bethel, Maine. Dealers came from as far as Australia and Barbados, as well as from North America from Vancouver to Halifax, Seattle to Miami and San Diego to Maine. The conference also allowed dealers and brokers to learn about the latest models and future plans from the Sabre Design Team. Greg Bego, Principal at Downeast Yachting said. Congratulations to Dave Jirikovic of Downeast Yachting for winning Broker of the Year and DiMillo's Old Port Yacht Sales for winning Dealership of the Year! Dave is based in Jupiter Florida and has been a Sabre Yachts broker for almost ten years. DiMillo's Old Port Yacht Sales is based in Portland Maine and has been a dealership for over eleven years.


San Lorenzo Joint Venture with Sundiro Holding

Sanlorenzo Spa, the third shipyard in the world ranking of the top 20 builders over 24 metres, and Sundiro Holding, a Chinese Company listed on the Shenzen Stock Exchange market active in the production of Honda motorbikes on license, signed an agreement that will allow to produce boats from 10 to 20 meters in China, as well as to sell on the Great China market (China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) the motoryachts from 22 to 62 metres built entirely in the three Italian Sanlorenzo production sites of La Spezia, Viareggio and Massa Carrara. The joint venture between Sanlorenzo Spa and Sundiro Holding will lead to a capital increase of 30 million Euro, signed in part by Sundiro and in part by Sanlorenzo shareholders, which will not however change the Italian majority shareholding of the Company, that will remain in the hands of Massimo Perotti. Since its creation 15 years ago, Sundiro Holding has produced 18 million units of Honda motorbikes on license, with 4.700 employees and a turnover of around 2 billion Euro.  The agreement foresees a development in four steps: 1. A Chinese joint venture with Sundiro majority under the name Sundiro-Sanlorenzo Yacht Manufacturing Co., which will build yachts from 10 to 20 metres in China on the basis of Sanlorenzo design and under the brand “Sundiro”. 2. The second step consists in a Italian joint venture with a Sanlorenzo majority under the name Sundiro-Sanlorenzo Yacht International Srl, an Italian company which will be aimed at distributing the Chinese-built boats to the world market. 3. The third step is the creation of a Hong Kong based company called Sanlorenzo Hong Kong that will distribute the Italian-built Sanlorenzo yachts from 22 to 62 metres to the Great China market, through the Sundiro Holding’s organization. The agreement includes the purchase of stock boats from Italy to sell in the region. 4. The final step is a capital increase of 30 million Euro. At the end of the operation – says Perotti - my share of Sanlorenzo will be 55-56%, so that the company’s control, as well as the production, will remain in Italy. I will continue to be the Chairman and Fulvio Dodich the CEO of the company. Thanks to this important agreement, Sanlorenzo strongly enters the Chinese market which is expected to reach 100.000 yachts by 2020 and debuts in the 10 to 20 metres yachting business, to compliment the model range.


Selene Rendezvous a Success

Ther first European Selene Yachts Rendez Vous took place in Croatia from 19 to 23 July. Eight Selene trawlers and their owners from across Europe attended, as did all our European dealers and Guido de Groot, who designs the larger Selene models. Howard Chen, owner of the Selene yard, also travelled from China especially for the occasion. The Rendez Vous was organised on the island of Krk. The idea to organize the Rendez-vous in Marina Punat belongs to Ales Strmljan and his team of Selene Adriatic. With the help of other Selene dealers and in cooperation with Marina Punat the Rendez-vous turned out to be a great success. The Rendez Vous was organised on the island of Krk. The extensive facilities at Marina Punat were essential to the success of the event as were the marina’s employees who organised the many activities down to the final detail. Both the owners and everyone else who came to the island for this great event enjoyed the highest level of Croatian hospitality. Many local specialties were served in the marina restaurant where the Selene trawlers were moored, creating a real Selene Yachts experience in a Mediterranean ambiance. Various people interested in Selene Yachts also came to the event to become acquainted with our trawlers, meet owners and hear about their experiences. Ten journalists from leading European magazines also attended and enjoyed a trip on the Selene trawlers. There were also presentations on topics such as Wesmar stabilisers, the use of life rafts and the operation of EPIRBs. Albert Gerritsma of Selene Yachts Northern Europe showcased our future plans, an owner shared his experiences of sailing in New Caledonia and Guido de Groot explained the philosophy behind the new larger Selene Yachts Ocean Explorer models.


Sunreef Francis Laap Awarded Entrepenour of the Year Award

Sunreef Yachts is extremely proud to announce that Francis Lapp, Founder and President of the company, has received a Special Achievement Award for the Entrepreneurship during this year’s World Yacht Trophies Ceremony held during the Cannes International Boat Show. A glamorous gala dinner took place at the Carlton Hotel in a luxurious setting of la Croisette last Saturday, September 14th. The Luxmedia Group, organizer of the event, appreciated Francis Lapp's charisma and contribution to the development of the shipbuilding industry. The event gathered yacht owners and leading figures of the yachting industry at the dinner and glittering awards ceremony. All guests could also admire the famous Yacht Parade with a participation of the two remarkable Sunreef catamarans - 70 Sunreef Power CLOUDS and 60 Sunreef Power LILU. The company gathered a lot of interest and attention during this year’s edition of the Cannes International Boat Show, having 6 luxury catamarans on display, the first ever such important Sunreef Yachts gathering, with the world premiere of the Sunreef 80 Carbon Line, two Sunreefs 70 Sailing, Sunreef 82 Double Deck and two power boats: 60 Sunreef Power and 70 Sunreef Power.


Sunseeker 2013 Supplier Awards

Sunseeker International Limited’s Supplier of the Year Awards 2013 were hosted by Andrew Macdonald, Director of Procurement at the 2013 PSP Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 17th 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 annually presented to suppliers and partners who have been recognised by the business for their outstanding performance in meeting Sunseeker International's standard. Robert Braithwaite commented ‘Our whole supply chain plays a key role in operating, maintaining and improving our brand, that means working in close partnership with our suppliers to meet the diverse needs of our customers. This year's award winners were: Flexicovers who received the Customer Service Award, Desty Marine International Ltd who received the Award for Value Improvement, WRES Ltd who received the Award for Production Support, Sandbanks Marine Upholstery who received the Award for Supplier Agility Award, Sylmar Technology Ltd who received the Award for On Time Delivery, The Electric Centre who received the Award for Outstanding Service, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd who received the Award for Best Indirect Supplier, SPA Laminates Ltd who received the Award for Best New Supplier, Norco GRP Ltd who received the Award for Business Improvement, Kirolite Ltd who received a Special Award for the Interior Furniture supplied on MY Sea Raider V.

Sunseeker Saints Stars

Southampton FC star players Rickie Lambert and Artur Boruc celebrated the club’s continuing partnership with Sunseeker International at the Southampton Boat Show on Thursday 19th September 2013. As part of the Poole-based British luxury yacht manufacturer’s partnership with the Saints, Rickie Lambert and Artur Boruc joined the Sunseeker team on its stand to host a champagne reception for the club’s VIP box holders. The footballing stars then stepped onboard the largest and most expensive yacht at the Southampton International Boat Show, the Sunseeker 40 Metre Yacht, to conduct a series of media interviews. The partnership between the two organisations comes as a result of the introduction of Sunseeker branded luxury dugout seats for the home and away management and coaching teams at the Southampton FC home ground.


Van Dutch from Holland to Holland

VanDutch expanded its production to the USA by teaming up with the highly regarded 900.000 Square foot manufacturing and production facility in Holland, Michigan, S2 / Tiara Yachts, which manufactures America’s most acclaimed yacht brands – Tiara and Pursuit. The partnership combines true American Craftsmanship with Dutch / American Heritage, Elegant Design and extreme quality & Engineering efficiency. It is always reassuring to our Customers that their product’s quality can be counted on because it is manufactured and tested domestically by the most reputable Builder. We are proud to announce that we are ready to sell to the American market. Customers have already benefited from the move by bringing aboard American electrical systems and appliances so the boats are serviceable in the Americas. The new yachts, originally produced in Europe, have also been updated to accommodate the boating culture and lifestyle of the American market by adding options such as generators and additional air conditioning for clients in hotter climates such as Florida, The Bahamas, Mexico and the South of America. The new US manufacturing is an update driven by a growing global market and is part of VanDutch his worldwide commitment to deliver the latest product updates to its individual markets. The new VanDutch yachts are available immediately for purchase through the VanDutch America Sales Network.

Van Dutch Choose Partner for East Florida

VanDutchUSA announced a multi million-dollar deal and an exclusive partnership with HMY Yachts for East Florida & South Carolina. HMY Yachts with points of sale all over East Florida from Key West till North Carolina and located in Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale / Dania, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Port Salerno, Stuart, Jacksonville, Jacksonville-West and Charleston will open VanDutch Centers and have all 4 VanDutch model stock boats (30, 40, 40WA and 55) in Miami Beach Marina, Ft. Lauderdale / Dania, Palm Beach - Palm Harbor Marina, Stuart, Jacksonville and Charleston. VanDutch partnered with HMY Yachts according to the companies strategy to increase and modernize the USA Sales and Service network and expand its exclusive network by reaching out to a new demographic – The Miami area with its worldwide international customer base, Ft. Lauderdale as the well known Yachting Capital of the World, Palm Beach with its traditional upscale boating community and Stuart -Jacksonville - Charleston with their long standing Yachting Traditions. All HMY / VanDutch Centers in East Florida are a first-class experience for clients buying a new product right in the place where they work and play instead of buying through a third party or overseas. It is the first glimpse at how VanDutch Yachts will be sold in the USA – a precedent unrivaled in the industry. VanDutch knows HMY Yachts is the 100% right partner because of their reach, Relationships and Results. HMY is celebrating 33 years of unmatched growth, success and customer satisfaction, HMY Yachts continues to lead the industry in new yacht sales with the most comprehensive vision of what the yachting experience can be.


Vicem Wins Best Interior Awards in Cannes

Vicem Yachts – Turkish builder of luxury classic motor yachts and mega-yachts - achieved worldwide success with the Vicem 46 M, Best Interior Design Award 2013 for yachts between 24-50 meters at the World Yacht Trophies by achieving the highest scores from the members of the jury. Vicem 46M interior was designed by the famous Dutch designing company Art Line and was manufactured in Vicem's shipyards. She was nominated not only for the Best Interior Design Award, but also Best Layout Award and Most Innovative Yacht Award. 2 x 3650 HP MTU engines reach speeds of 28.5 knots which is not a typical speed considering the massiveness of the yacht. With its 6 cabins and 4 crew cabins, the yacht is evocative of a "Floating Palace". 


Viking Co-Founder to Receive Seton Award

Viking's co-founder, Robert T. Healey is among six individuals who will receive the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Seton Award on October 7, 2013 in Washington, D.C. The award honors philanthropy, leadership and service to Catholic education. His Catholic School Development program has helped insure the future of the Catholic school network in Allentown, PA, enabling thousands of students to attend Catholic schools. A lawyer and CEO of the Viking Yacht Company, Robert T. Healey has founded and led successful companies and business ventures, and has brought his entrepreneurial spirit to a range of philanthropic endeavors over 25 years. A lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith has inspired him to devote considerable time and resources achieving growth in Catholic schools. The Healey Education Foundation (HEF) provides seed grants and consulting services through a staff of experts focused on helping schools help themselves. Established by Healey under a different name in 1998, the foundation began its signature initiative, the Catholic School Development Plan (CSDP) in 2004. Since then, nearly 60 elementary and high schools have worked with the foundation to deliver better enrollment, stronger fundraising, and more effective governance. Since 2008, the Diocese of Camden has raised an additional $3.2 million through the implementation of annual funds. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, five elementary schools in one year with CSDP turned a 5 percent enrollment decline into a 5.5 percent increase to generate more than $460,000 in additional revenue. In the Diocese of Allentown, CSDP elementary schools are projecting 5.3 percent growth, and the number of schools implementing the CSDP methodology has tripled from six to 18 for 2013-2014. HEF co-founded a successful new model of urban Catholic education, the Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Healey's interest in education and reversing the impact of poverty has extended to schools built in Ladrillera, Mexico, and to orphanages and medical facilities in Sierra Leone via $9 million in assistance raised and provided through the Archdiocese of Freetown and the Diocese of Bo. The Seton Award is NCEA's highest honor given in recognition of significant contributions to Catholic education. The award is named in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), the first native born American saint.

Viking Healy Family Honored

William Healey, COO and President; Robert Healey, CEO and Chairman; Patrick Healey, Executive Vice-President; and Robert Healey, Jr., Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Viking Yachts were named the inaugural Ernst & Young Family Business Award of Excellence 2013 Greater Philadelphia winners. While the Healey family is well known worldwide for its yacht building prowess and entrepreneurial endeavors, they also have contributed positive and major impact to communities around the globe. Domestically, their nonprofit efforts include the Healey Education Fund to save, sustain and grow Catholic elementary schools. The Gleneayre Equestrian and Equine Assisted Learning programs were created to aid young teen girls at risk. A Children's Resource Center provides healthy activities for local families. Internationally, the Healey International Relief Fund helps to improve the quality of life for survivors of the civil wars in Sierra Leone, Africa. On the home front, the Healey family has provided relief for Viking employees and residents of New Gretna whose lives were upended by Super Storm Sandy, as well as supporting national nonprofits like the Winners Circle Charities led by the Philadelphia Phillies' Hall of Famer, Mike Schmid

Viking Co-Founder Honored

Catholic education advocate Robert T. Healey Sr. '51 will receive the Shield of Loyola from the Saint Joseph's University's Alumni Association at its 33rd annual Alumni Gala Nov. 9 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. The SJU Alumni Association's most prestigious honor, the Shield of Loyola is awarded to a distinguished alumnus who has had remarkable success in their profession, whose life reflects the values of St. Ignatius Loyola and who has demonstrated unparalleled loyalty to the University. Putting into practice the Ignatian ideals he learned as an undergraduate at Saint Joseph's, Healey is a recognized leader who has made it his life's work to help communities preserve and enhance Catholic education. A graduate of Camden Catholic High School in New Jersey, the 84-year-old Healey began his pursuit of championing Catholic education in 1998 with the launch of the International Education Foundation (IEF), focused on helping children from disadvantaged families attend Catholic schools and public and private universities. In 2004, Healey and his daughter Christine Healey, MS '01created the Catholic School Development Program (CSDP), an off-shoot of the IEF, to address their concern for the sustainability of American Catholic elementary schools. Healey believes that if Catholic schools were run more like a business, they wouldn't be closing at the alarming rate of one a day. Healey's approach includes a strong and working lay board, a principal CEO type with good leadership skills and an institutional advancement person in each school for fundraising and student recruiting, a model that's already in place in colleges and private schools. The Diocese of Allentown (Pa.) has employed Healey's methodology in 70 percent of its schools and it's paid dividends in the form of an overall five percent enrollment increase. Healey has been "teaching people to fish" for nearly three decades. In 1985, Healey co-founded and funded Living Bridges International, which facilitated the adoption of economically disadvantaged Mexican children by American families. Aimed at helping the "poorest of the poor in the poorest part of Mexico," Healey also supported programs that provided over 2,300 hot meals a day to disadvantaged children and the erection of two schools which educate over 1,100 Mexican children daily. In 2001, Healey founded the Healey International Relief Foundation (HIRF), a nonprofit organization focused on helping residents of the West African third world country of Sierra Leone. HIRF provides medical assistance, stocks food banks, provides health care education and clean water, and offers basic essentials for orphaned children. Healey's deep-seeded dedication to Catholicism stems from a childhood accident. After darting from between two cars onto a busy Trenton, N.J., street, he was hit by a car and broke his ankle. Upon his release from the hospital, Healey received a Miraculous Medal from his mother, who said "Wear this all your life and Our Lady will take care of you." To this day, Healey continues to wear the token of his devotion around his neck, and for Confirmation he delivers to each of his 11 grandchildren a gold Miraculous Medal with the admonishment of his mother, passing along the tradition to his entire family and others who share his passion for Catholicism. A practicing attorney for 25 years, Healey co-founded the Viking Yacht Company in 1964 with his older brother, Bill Healey '51. Bill served as the company's president, focusing on design, engineering and production, while Bob led the company as its chief executive officer, running the financial side of the company. They were able to elevate Viking Yachts to become the world's top production builder of luxury tournament fishing yachts. Keeping Viking in the family, Bill Healey's son Patrick Healey, the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed his father as president; Robert T. Healey Jr. '05 will follow in his father's footsteps, managing the financial side of the business. Quality workmanship and a long-term vision have led to Viking's 50-year track record of success that has spawned other business interests related to real estate development, natural resources and financial services. The 1998 recipient of the SJU Law Alumni Chapter's Gem Award for exemplary servant leadership, Healey is a member of the SJU Magis and Barbelin Societies. As an undergraduate, Healey was involved in international relations, debate and intramural clubs, as well as the Interracial Justice Commission. Healey joins an impressive list of Hawks to be honored with the Shield of Loyola, including the five most recent recipients: Michael J. Hagan '85, Brian Duperreault '69, The Honorable Michael A. O'Pake '61, Esq. (deceased), James J. Maguire '58 and Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D. '63.

Viking Appoints SNO Yachts as Exclusive Italian Dealer

The Viking Yacht Company proudly announces the appointment of SNO Yachts as its exclusive Italian dealer. Much like the family owned and operated Viking Yacht Company, SNO Yachts also is a family oriented yacht sales and service organization founded by brothers Andrea and Francesco Pirro more than a quarter century ago. Based in Olbia, the economic center of the island Sardinia in Italy, SNO Yachts also has state-of-the-art facilities in the exclusive Sardinian ports of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Puntaldia. Additional SNO Yachts locations are situated along the peninsula in Rome, Rimini and Lavagna, as well as in Monte Carlo in Monaco. SNO Yachts prides itself on its experienced staff for both sales and complete yacht services for vessels 12 to 70 meters in length ranging from routine maintenance to major renovations.

Viking Score at Mid-Atlantic

Scales were busy all week in both New Jersey and Maryland as the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 celebrated another year as one of the hottest tournaments on the east coast. Out of 117 boats, Carmine "Sonny" Falcone aboard his Viking 56 Cookie II claimed the Second Heaviest Blue Marlin with a 437 pound fish. Mike Murray's Viking 48, Caitlan Taylor, landed a 73 pounder to claim Third Heaviest White Marlin. Michael Poole and his crew on the Viking 70 Irish Ayes took Third Place Marlin Points.

Project: Hinckley T43 Talaria

In the eve of the Newport International Boat Show, Hinckley president and CEO Jim McManus announced the Talaria 43, its third new powerboat model in as many years. And the company chose a unique setting in which to do so, from the cockpit of the full-scale mock-up of the new model.  The timeless good looks of the Talaria line are readily apparent in the new boat, as is Hinckley’s penchant for evolution through design and technological innovation. Several notable new features distinguish the T43 design from her sister Hinckley models and other boats in the marketplace.  An impressive new element on the Talaria 43 came about through listening to current Hinckley owners. The boat will feature a technological first: a glass pilothouse rear enclosure, with door, that completely disappears with a touch of a button.  A a patent is pending. This enclosure will satisfy those owners who like the openness of an express boat, but like the sense of security afforded by a solid enclosure for inclement weather. Other boat companies have offered retracting windows but Hinckley is the first to make the door retract fully as well. The T43 is to be powered with standard twin Cummins 715hp and Hamilton jet propulsion, with the option as introduced this year in some other Hinckley boats of Volvo 435hp engines with forward looking IPS pod drives.  With either drive system, the T43 is expected to cruise at 30 knots with a top speed of 35 knots.  For the accommodation layout the cockpit features wonderfully sociable seating and a hospitality bar with refrigerator and sink. The boat’s full galley is carried to port on a mezzanine level for easy access. Two Stidd seats are fitted at the helm station. A large windshield and glass nearly all around at eye-level make for excellent visibility. Below decks is a queen master stateroom forward, a double guest cabin to starboard and a head with stall shower opposite. Like all her Hinckley sisterships, the T43 comes very well equipped with an Awlgrip-painted hull in a full range of colors, electronics, upper and lower A/C units, and the little niceties like cabin sole covers, fitted sheets and elegant Kahlenberg trumpets. She is built in the stiff, yet light, DualGuard laminate with Corecell coring, E-glass and carbon fibre. And like the rest of the fleet, the boat comes with the support of the company’s network of service yards, three days of on-board training, a lifetime hull and deck warranty, and the company’s signature bright-work and prized Hinckley profile.  Already five T43 Talaria are in order from the drawing board of the model.

September 29, 2013

Sunseeker New Web Site

Renowned British builder Sunseeker updates its world wide web showroom to a new 2013 platform. The new web-site is totally renovated to the previous version. Sunseeker was founded in 1960 by Robert Braithwaithe as Poole Powerboats Limited at first importing boats from the USA and Scandinavia, and later on in the early seventies started building its own first breed of boats from 17 to 23 feet. From 1978 Sunseeker gets the help of growing in fame British powerboat designer Don Shead, who has since then continued building larger cruisers and yachts reaching always bigger sizes. An important mile stone for Sunseeker was reached in 1995 when the company launched its first Super Yacht with the 80 Predator model. This opened a whole new era for Sunseeker which today is a big representative of the plus eighty super yacht size global order book with a 40 Meter Yacht delivered, and a 155 being in advanced building stages. Sunseeker was this year 2013 bought by Chinese company Dalian Wanda Group, now holding a majority 92% stake share in the famed boat builder. The Poole company current line up features six model ranges; Yacht, Sport Yacht, Predator, Manhattan, San Remo, and Portofino. The current entry level model is the 40 Portofino, and the largest is the still in construction 155 Yacht. The latest model for 2013 is the 55 Manhattan. Sunseeker new web site takes you around with the following buttons; Menu, Home, About Us, News and Events, plus tabs for the six ranges. Sunseeker is also featured on the social media with its dedicated pages on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and has its Appstore all linked from the new website in the right bottom corner.
Production Statistrics;
17 Sovereign 1971-77 
20 Sovereign 1972-78
23 Sport 1972-79  Jon Braithwaite design era 
Daycab 23 1976-79 (120) 
28 Offshore 1978-85  Don Shead hull design
21 Sport 1979-82
25 Offshore 1980-84
235 1980-84
31 Offshore 1982-84
34 XPS Portofino 1983-87
28 Portofino XPS 1983-86
25 Portofino XPS 1984-86
21 Portofino XPS 1984-86
36 Rapallo 1984-87
31 Offshore Mk.II 1985-86
33 San Remo 1985-89
24 Mexico 1987-89
27 Monterrey 1987-89
37 Tomahawk 1987-90 (292) *includes Mk.II
31 Portofino 1987-90
47 Malibu 1987-90 *45 Malibu project
40 Travado 1987-91
36 Martinque 1987-90
20 Mustang 1987-90
Thunderhawk 43 1988-91
29 Mohawk 1989-91
27 Hawk 1989-91
38 Martinque 1990-92
34 Portofino 1990-92
60 Renegade 1990-93
46 Camargue 1990-94
52 Caribbean 1991-92
37 Tomahawk Mk.II 1991-93 (292) *includes original
32 Portofino 1991-95
31 Hawk 1992-95
45 Apache 1992-95
42 Mustique 1992-95
55 Camargue 1993-96
53 Manhattan 1993-94
39 Martinque 1993-95
35 San Remo 1993-95
40 Comanche 1994-98
63 Predator 1994-97
46 Manhattan 1995
58 Manhattan 1995
54 Manhattan 1995-97
47 Camargue 1996-98
48 Manhattan 1996-98
62 Manhattan 1996-98
400 Portofino 1996-98
51 Camargue 1996-98
375 Portofino 1996-2000
80 Predator 1996-99 (21)
48 Superhawk 1996-98
54 Predator 1997-98
80 Manhattan 1997-2000 (18) 
58 Predator 1997-99
44 Camargue 1998-2002
Hawk 34 1999-2004 (160)
60 Predator 1999-2002
50 Camargue 1999-2002
56 Predator 1999-2002
64 Manhattan 1999-2002
48 Superhawk Mk.II 1999-2003
84 Manhattan 1999-2003 (15) 
44 Manhattan 1999-2002
Predator 75 1999-2004
105 Yacht 2000-05 (13) 
XS 2000 39ft 2000-07 
Superhawk 50 2002-06
82 Yacht 2002-07 (15)
95 Predator 2002-04 (7)
Predator 68 2002-05
94 Yacht 2002-06 (14)
64 Manhattan Mk.II 2003-05
Sportfisher 37 2003-2006
46 Portofino 2003-06
Portofino 53 2003-06 (200+-) *includes Mk.II and Pr 55s
Predator 55 2004-06
108 Predator 2004-10 (12)
82 Predator 2004-08 (21)
Predator 72 2005-08
66 Manhattan 2005-07
90 Yacht 2006-09 (15)
60 Manhattan 2006-10 (69)
Portofino 53 Mk.II 2007-09 (200+-) *includes Mk.1 and Predator 55
Predator 55 Mk.II 2007-08
47 Portofino 2007-09
Superhawk 43 2007-12
70 Manhattan 2007-10
121 Yacht 2007-09 (9)
52 Predator 2008-10
52 Manhattan 2008-10
86 Yacht 2008-09 (9)
Predator 92 2008-10 (10)
34M 2008-12 (16)
74 Predator 2009-12
64 Predator 2009-12
30 M 2009-12 (13)
88 Yacht 2009-14 (19)
60 Predator 2009-13
Predator 84 2009-12 (20)
Predator 130 2009-12 (5)
54 Predator 2010-12
48 Portofino 2010-12 
40 Meter Yacht 2010-15 (13)
80 Yacht 2010-14 (10)
63 Manhattan 2011-14
73 Manhattan 2011-14
53 Manhattan 2011-13
53 Predator 2011-13
115 Sport Yacht 2011-15 (20) *project 115 Predator
40 Portofino 2012-14 (70) *project 38 Portofino
28M 2012-16 (25)
485 San Remo 2013-19 *project 50 San Remo
55 Manhattan 2013-15 
68 Predator 2013-16
68 Sport Yacht 2013-20
80 Predator 2013-16
80 Sport Yacht 2013-15 (2)
75 Yacht 2014-18
101 Sport Yacht 2014 (2)
155 Yacht 2014-16 (2)
131 Yacht 2015-22 (19) 
65 Manhattan 2015-16
57 Predator 2015-17
86 Yacht 2015-21 (56)
68 Predator Mk.II 2016-20
52 Manhattan 2016-20 (131)
95 Yacht 2016- (39
116 Yacht 2016- (24
57 Predator Mk.II 2017-19
66 Manhattan 2017-20 
76 Yacht 2018-
74 Predator 2018-
74 Sport Yacht 2018-22
50 Predator 2018-19
Hawk 38 2019-
Predator 60 Evo 2019-
68 Manhattan 2020-
Predator 55 Evo 2020-
Manhattan 55 2021-
65 Sport Yacht 2021-
90 Ocean 2021 (24 *project 8x
65 Predator 2022-
88 Yacht 2022- (29
100 Yacht 2022- (16
Superhawk 55 2023-
75 Sport Yacht 2023-
Ocean 182 2023- 
Predator 75 2023-

September 28, 2013

New Model: Majesty 105

With its clever utilization of indoor and outdoor space, fly-bridge and deck design and an outdoor entertaining area made for island hopping, it’s no surprise the Majesty 105 has turned heads with its  premier in Cannes. Gulf Craft’s entry level super yacht has proved highly popular since its launch, with full production in course of the model. Choosing to bring it to European waters at Cannes this year underscores Gulf Craft’s increasing inroads into the mature European yacht market and its growing distinction as a maker that favours innovative design and engineering. The raised pilothouse super yacht has a commanding, almost muscular exterior design with a naturally flowing fly-bridge that is directly connected to the front bow area.  With a wide open-edged sun deck equipped with an interactive lounging area and soft sofa seating, a wet bar, fridge, ice-maker and barbeque and outdoor steering helm, the Majesty 105 is made for outdoor entertaining perfect for admiring the coast on an island-hopping itinerary or catching all the action moored alongside waterfront racing circuits. The interiors echo the generous outdoor space with a wide main saloon. The owner’s suite on the main deck features a private office and lobby area, full beam cabin, spacious bathroom including a large bathtub, central shower area, separate wash-room and wide oval windows that enhance the natural brightness of the cabin.  The Majesty 105 also features very spacious crew quarters for a super yacht of its size and impresses with its ample cold and dry storage. The main living areas are designed to offer both practical and aesthetic benefits in terms of plenty of concealed storage and a stylish interior layout.
Technical Data:
LOA - 32.8 m (107ft)
Waterline Length - 26.6 m
Beam - 7.10 m
Draft - 1.78 m
Displacement - 96 t
Fuel Capacity - 15141 l
Water Capacity - 5679 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 6 crew berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1925hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 26 knots max, 12 knots economic cruise
Range - 1450 at 12 knots cruise
Construction - hand lay up vacuum bagged sabdwich build with ATC core, quadraxial and biaxial E-glass, skin Vinilester followed with Isphotalic resins
Certification - Cross of Malta hull, Mach Y

September 27, 2013

Project: Princess S72

Princess announces a new range the S Class, and the first project to show case this will be a new S72 set to be launched in early 2014.  Princess say the S72 is the first model completely dedicated to the sport bridge concept, and I also think this new range will in the future take over from the V series from twenty meters upwards.  Still Princess already launched a Sport Bridge boat when they updated the V85 flagship to become the V85-S a couple years back.  The new S72 from Princess as the rendering shows will also see the Plymouth builder use the large view windows below compared to current models, in both midships owners room, and the VIP suite to fore.  So far Princess have given little details for the S72 apart the above rendering, so it will be interesting to see if this is a reskinned V72 or a completly new model.    

September 26, 2013

New Model: Baglietto MV13

Looking at its roots Baglietto went to Cannes to present an amazing new looking model, the MV13.  Built of aluminium and designed by Tuscan Francesco Paszkowski, long standing architect of the seagull marque this new baby Baglietto is definitely a stand out looker in a marina for its military inspired looks.  Not a first from Baglietto who in its glorious past build a great recognition over time for extraordinary and innovative military vessels in both World Wars of the twentieth century, and a portfolio of orders from Government departments which continued till the eighties.  This has also led for delivering some of the Baglietto yachts inspired technically and looking to the military side.  Anyone ever seen the 1987 26m Chato?  The MV13 follows the recent trend of a huge day boat with a classic flair to it, and featuring an open cabin plan layout below offering overnight accommodation for two persons in a V-shaped double berth to fore.  Twin MAN 800hp power the sixteen tons MV13, in a traditional shaft propulsion, with top speeds of 37 knots and a cruise of 32 knots.           
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.8 m (45.2ft)
Beam - 3.9 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 16.5 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 1800 l
Water Capacity - 200 l
Accommodation - two berths
Max Persons - ten
Engines - 2 x MAN 800hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 37 knots max, 32 knots cruise
Construction Material - aluminium
Project - Franceso Paszkowsky interior and exterior design, Baglietto Technical Dept for engineering
Certification - RINA CE B 

34th Americas Cup - Legendary Defender Come Back

It was the biggest come back in the Americas Cup history, trailing from 8 - 1 down, defender Oracle Team USA battled all odds, and kept the sports oldest trophy in San Francisco.  At some point during this final with such a big advantage for Emirates Team New Zealand, my thinking was that the challenger played cat and mouse with the defender, but for sure now I can say this was the opposite.  The Americas Cup is all about boat speed, and Oracle Team USA had more in all parts of the course.  
Having followed a lot the cup since 2000, I was personally less intrigued by the 34th edition of the cup, the challenger series i.e. Luis Vuitton Cup was nothing compared to what we had in 2000, 2003 and 2007 with only three teams competing France Artemis, Italian Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand.  These two battled it in the challengers final with Emirates Team New Zealand winning 7 - 1 over Luna Rossa Challenge. 
Speed nowadays is king but I still was not fully amazed by the catamarans.  While the boat speed they managed was impressive in anyone's critic, my opinion is that they take a lot from what real sailing is all about.  Give me the old now slow AC series from a few years back!  Do you remember Torben Grael and his wind finding skills.  While going back to the AC series is next to impossible, they are a thing of the past, may be something in between can be found such as a concept going close to fast mono hulls as the VOR series.  
Looking much in the past at match point the Kiwi's declared a return to mono hulls, which seems to have excited a huge part of the yachting community.  But will the defender give up such a huge advantage.  The World oldest trophy the 100 Pound Cup also known as the Americas Cup have always shown us it will not. 

September 25, 2013

Project: North-Line 34

North-Line is a Dutch builder who is showing this new 34 model project.  Just like its other sister the 34 is based on the Arthur Mursell famed Nelson semi displacement Vee shaped hull, a design which has become a legend in its category over the years.  Looking a bit down East lobster in the looks department the 34 will offer a lower deck with a Vee shaped berth to fore, galley, separate shower head, and berth amidships.  Main deck offers a helm to port side, an L-shaped dinette, and a C-shaped settee outside in the cockpit. Engines start from a single 110 up to twin 300hp units.  With the large engine choice prediction if for a similar medium twenties top speed as the larger sister.
www.north-line.nl   

September 24, 2013

New Model: Viking 42 ST

Viking reports the recent launch of the first 42 ST, these last initials standing for Sport Tower, and as any new model coming from New Jersey garnered significant interest, and this is very expected considering that this model will battle it versus other recently introduced three piece enclosed hard-top express Sportfish Cruisers as the Cabo, Tiara, or the just launched semi-custom build Henriques. Although less than half the size of its upcoming new 92 flagship, its nice to see Viking getting excited on its small ZF pod powered entry level which in its various versions, now counting four is very close to reaching forty builds, in a production of two years.  Not bad in the economic woes we had in recent years and with the consideration that each one of the small Viking's costs only a little under the million US$.  That is surely not cheap for a forty footer, but Viking claims it is building the best, and considering the various fans of the brand around which are not just owners but also captains and yard workers, why should we argue this.  
Technical Data: 
LOA - 12.97 m (42.7ft) 
Beam - 4.83 m 
Draft - 1.04 m 
Displacement - 14832 kg 
Fuel Capacity - 1987 l 
Water Capacity - 454 l 
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths 3 in cabins 
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 440hp, QSB 480hp, QSC 600hp  
Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pods 
Speed - 36 knots max, 31 knots cruise
www.vikingyachts.com

September 23, 2013

Project: Austin Parker AP42 Sedan

Austin Parker presents the third version project of what was first of the new generation AP models designed by Fulvio de Simoni, the 42. So after the Open, came the Sport, and now Austin Parker presents the more practical and comfortable of the 42's the Sedan.  Important differences separate the Austin Parker 42 Sedan from its more similar sister the Open, invisible when you look from the boat sideways but viewable when you see it from aft.  The most important addition in the new Sedan is the addition of a patio door dividing the aft cockpit deck, from outside and inside when this is closed.  But thanks to this a reinvention of the cabin inside changes the 42 not only on top but also below in the lower deck layout.  The galley in the case of the 42 Sedan is moved on the main deck replacing the wet bar or daily kitchen up top, and L-shaped settee now becoming home to various uses from dining to relaxing. While below the area occupied by saloon and galley is transformed into a cabin with twin beds.  Basically the AP42 Sedan offers an interesting new perspective to the most successful model from the Austin Parker fleet, and guarantees a further success to a wider range of audience.

September 22, 2013

Rhea Marine New Web Site

Rhea marine from France presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  Founded and still managed by one man; Bertrand Danglade who started building boats under the Rhea badge back in 1996, when it launched back then the 900 model.  But the Bertrand story starts in Scotland at Clyde, it is in this place that he refines his knowledge on propulsion, shapes and wood construction which makes him open his shipyard Ile de Rel in 1970.  Bertrand's yard is a diversified affair from selling, outfitting, restoring, and maintaining all kinds of boats with the most prominent being the Marennes French trawler, a standard view in the French Atlantic harbours.  After the turn around to building boats with Rhea in 1996 and the 900 model; huge advances are made by Bertrand; but an important model will the 750 Timonier model, best seller and sold in over three hundred units in ten years since 1997.  In 2002 Rhea makes another important move and building a new shipyard in La Rochelle near the airport.  Today Rhea offers three important Range of boats; Timonier, Open, and Trawler which build a total of fifteen models.  The entry level Rhea is the 23 Open, while the flagship is the still in project 57 Trawler.  Rhea's new website is available in French, and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; The Range, Agents, Electric Propulsion, News, Rhea Marine, and Contact.  As is common with most boat builders nowadays Rhea also features its Social hubs as Facebook and Twitter, with links located towards the end of the first entry page.

September 21, 2013

New Model: Columbus 40M Sport Hybrid

On Saturday 31st of August, the spectacular Columbus 40M Sport Hybrid was launched in the Palumbo Shipyard in Naples. The stunning Sport Hybrid 40M yacht was lifted with two cranes: one telescopic crane of 700t and another boom crane of 550t. Operations started in the morning and were completely carried out by the Yard personnel. The Palumbo Shipyard is certainly well-known for its more than 45 years experience in the shipbuilding and repair sector but also for its large crane fleet.  Columbus 40M Sport Hybrid, featuring a gross tonnage of 180 tons, an all aluminium semi displacement hull of forty meters overall length, is an evolution for yachting. Hybrid propulsion, together with completely new lines, make her a main actress in the overcrowded international scenario. The yacht complies with latest IMO MARPOL regulations and is equipped with a bilge water separator even though this is not required by class. The hallmarks of the Columbus Yachts are concern for the environment in terms of construction materials, equipments and performances and the hybrid propulsion system which will be an added feature for the innovative Columbus Sport Hybrid 40M. The boat will début at the next Monaco Yacht Show.
Technical Data:
LOA - 40 m (131.2ft)
Waterline Length - 36.4 m
Beam - 8.20 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 160 t unloaded, 190 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 37240 l
Water Capacity - 5390 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 8 crew berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 ACERT 1899hp
Speed - 22 knots max, 15 knots cruise, 7 knots economic long range
Range - 1500 nm at 15 knots, 5000 nm at 7 knots
Project - Sergio Cutolo from Hyrdrotec exterior styline and lines, Hot Lab interior
Certification - IMO Marpol

September 20, 2013

Project: Hardy 62

Hardy presents the project of a new flagship model in its rugged looking but refined cruisers and yachts range the 62.  Build with a semi displacement and being quite a heavy boat at 43 tons dry weight the Hardy 62 shows its seamanship quality on specification alone.  But nonetheless the 62 is a very good looking Explorer yacht with some nice pilot house touches added to the super structure. The standard accommodation layout of the 62 offers a three double cabins layout; this offering a nice full beam midship owners stateroom below.  The living is all on the main deck minus the galley which on standard plan is located below in between the cabins.  Still Hardy make it important to point out that 62 is a semi custom project and interior layout may vary as clients request. Standard power is twin MAN 800hp engines but optional 1200 units are available.  Maximum estimated speeds are of 25 knots although Hardy does not advise with which engine this is reachable.  

September 19, 2013

Boat Show - Barcelona 2013 Preview

In view of recent economic patterns in the last two years the Barcelona boat show has reinvented itself.  An important move was made last year when the Spanish show changed its dates from November to late September.  For this year edition the show signals another important change that of moving all the exhibition in Port Vell, the harbour of main city Barcelona where most of the nautical stuff happens.  Starting on the 24 and ending the 29 of September that will be five days of showcasing the latest new models from most of the renowned European and US builders, and most important also seeing these in the waters.  The Spanish yards like Astondoa, and Rodman will showcase what they showed in Cannes. An important new model is surely the new Astondoa 63 Top Deck, and interesting concept from designer Luiz de Basto, and the largest Spanish boat building company.

New Model: Wajer 38 Osprey

Wajer from Holland, introduce the new 38 Osprey which follows on the success of the 34 and 37 models.  This Dutch firm is specialized in presenting classic looking cruisers with high use of teak and wood in the exterior and interior.  The 38 Osprey is a natural evolution of the 37, with the main difference being a larger aft cockpit deck.  A noticeable difference between the two models is also the wind shield design which takes a particular style nature in the 38.  Cuddy cabin and IPS pod powered the Wajer 38 Osprey is a sport roundabout with a accommodation for overnight stay in a forward Vee berth for two persons.  Engine choice is three Volvo engines from 300 up to 435hp with max speeds up to 45 knots with the large option.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.3 m (37ft)
Beam - 3.76 m
Draft - 0.90 m
Displacement - 8400 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1050 l
Water Capacity - 180 l
Accommodaiton - 2 berths
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pds
Speed - 45 knots max with Volvo 435hp
Project - Vripack, Wayer
Hull Shape - Vee planning with medium deadrise 18 degrees aft
Certification - CE B

September 18, 2013

Project: Sessa 68 Sport Fly

Sessa presents the project of a new flagship the 68 Sport Fly which re-edits the C68 by adding a sports flybridge up top.  As its custom with many sport yachts of this size who add this feature, the flybridge is of a very invisible nature from the outside lines. Access to the flybridge of the 68 Sport Fly will be from an integrated stainless steel stair case located to starboard.  The flybridge layout offers a central sun-pad, two chaise lounges on both sides, and central helm.  Below the 68 Sport Fly keeps the layout which have made the C68 a market success thanks to a choice of three or four cabins, with galley being down or up in the later plan.  Worth to note that on the technical department the Sessa 68 flagship, and featuring a hull shape designed by Arnaboldi,  who tested the hull shape in the St. Petersburg shipbuilding institute, the largest test pool in Europe.  Engines choices for the new Sessa are twin Volvo 900hp with IPS pods, or MAN 1360hp featuring traditional line shafts. Hull number one of the 68 Sport Fly is scheduled to touch the water in early 2014.

September 17, 2013

New Model: Princess V48

It's one of Princess most awaited new models to touch the water, the V48, not only for being the first IPS powered boat from the Plymouth firm, and filling the gap between the V42 and V52, but because of the competition it has with the other British made offers in the same size, concept and style.  If you asked the question a few years back the Princess would have been the least favourite in this style size sport cruiser to win the market, today its the opposite thanks to the relentless pursuit this British brand has done in recent times.  It took eight years following the launch from Volvo for Princess to make its first IPS powered cruiser, and in the V48 they make tremendous good use of the pod drives, offering impressive spaces below. Without talking to much testament to this is the full beam owners room amidships which seems coming from a boat ten feet larger, definitely benefiting from the use of the pod drives and that of high free-board, this last also being an element in the latest models over fifty feet in recent years by Princess.  The V48 also offers a nice VIP cabin to fore, a spacious L-shaped galley, and a saloon which after comments from buyers can also be available as third bunk berth.  The main deck in the V48 is all about a living thanks to a C-shaped settee, opposite entertainment unit which stands behind the helm.  In the aft cockpit deck is an L-shaped settee, a wet bar unit, and a large hi-lo bathing platform with tender stowage space. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.49 m (50.9ft) incl pulpit
LOA - 15.2 m exl pulpit
Hull Length - 14.0 m
Beam - 4.11 m
Draft - 1.14 m
Displacement - 14000 kg medium load
Fuel Capacity - 1325 l
Water Capacity - 364 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, or 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller pod drives
Speed - 34 knots max
Project - Bernard Olesinski
Certification - NMMA, ABYC 

September 16, 2013

Project: Sea Ray 510 Fly

Sea Ray want to tighten its grip on the motor yacht market, and after making the 510 Sundancer the best selling yacht about fifty feet for the 2013 year in the USA, presents its new flybridge sister project the 510 Fly.  Yes this new project presents a new line from Sea Ray, the Fly line, and by the looks of it, this one seems to be the most European flavoured then ever to come from the North American builder.  Basing itself on the hull design of the Sundancer the 510 Fly seems to be a well thought out project with a living main deck, divided by a split level area from the working area to fore; galley and helm, to the relaxing areas dining and lounge saloon in the lower part to aft.  Another spacious area on the 510 is to be its flybridge which also features a large C-shaped settee, helm to starboard, dinette with opposite bench settee, and a spacious L-shaped galley.  Below is a layout with three double cabins; with the cream of the cake being the amidships full beam owners room.  We still have no official word on the power options for this new Sea Ray 510 Fly, but if it mirrors the Sundancer then this is to be twin Cummins 550 with V-drive shafts, or optional 600hp engines with ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pod drives.