Monthly News - October 2013

-pic of the month- Sea Ray Celebrates Thirty

Azimut Joins ADI Design Index 2013

More awards for the Magellano Collection by Azimut Yachts. Launched in 2012, the Magellano 43 HT, which already received critical acclaim, has been included in the ADI Design Index in the "Design for Environment" category. This inclusion means it can now compete for the Compasso d’Oro, one of the most renowned international design awards in the world. Starting October 1 and continuing for the entire month, a scale model of the yacht is on exhibit at the Triennale di Milano. It is part of the Design|Opera show dedicated to products selected for the current edition of ADI Design’s permanent observatory, which this year also accompanies the introduction of the publication, ADI Design Index. With its innovative features the Magellano 43HT represents at the best a collection dedicated to the "Italian Long Range”, its most appreciated attributes being the safety and functionality of its spaces. Magellano 43 HT is a semi-displacement yacht especially suited for long cruising thanks to its great liveability both inside and on deck, its generous amounts of storage space, and its superior range.

Bayliner Celebrates Outstanding Dealer Network in 2013 Summit

Bayliner’s 2013 “Summit at the Lake” event brought together more than 250 Bayliner dealers from across the globe to usher in the 2014 model‐year boats and to toast numerous successes from this past year. The fun‐filled event was held Sept. 10‐12 at the beautiful Lake Lanier Islands Resort in Buford, Ga. The awards presented at the 2013 Bayliner Dealer Meeting are as follows: North American Customer Service Award: Complete Marine, Canadian Customer Service Award: M&P Mercury, North American Top Dealership Award: Quartermaster Marine, Rookie of the Year: Winnisquam Marine, Passion & Dedication: Riverside Marine, and North American Lifetime Achievement Award: Bob Feil Boats & Motors, Latin American Dealer of the Year: All Flags, European Dealer of the Year: Boote Pfister, Australia & Asia Pacific Dealer of the Year: Avante Marine Group, International Bayliner Lifetime Achievement Award: Holland Sport Boat Centre. Bayliner also had more cause to celebrate success thanks to two Customer Satisfaction Index Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), making it the only fiberglass boat company to win awards in the value segment for six consecutive years.

Belize New Head of Production

Riviera, Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has welcomed Doug Nelson to the team and has appointed him as Offshore Business Manager. As a veteran large project marine executive, Doug has a passion for high quality fit out and finishes. Coupled with his extensive international experience, Doug brings with him a wealth of manufacturing, design and marine knowledge. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said Doug would take responsibility for the design and manufacture of the Belize brand. Doug began his career as an apprentice carpenter and joiner in 1982 and upon graduating in 1986 he moved into architectural interiors. In 1994, Doug was appointed project manager, interior fit-out manager and floor supervisor for Warren Yachts. In 2003 he was promoted to production manager before moving to Azzura Marine as project manager in 2010. From 2011 to 2012, Doug oversaw the exterior installation of custom furniture at OceanCo, Holland on a 288 foot vessel from January to March, 2012. Doug said he was thrilled to be working for Australia’s Riviera.

CRN Yacht Capital Award

The “Yacht Capital Award” was assigned to the Chairman and CEO of CRN, Lamberto Tacoli Ancona, 9th October 2013. The historical premises of the Italian Yacht Club in Genoa hosted the traditional evening of the Yacht Capital Award 2013 organised by the specialized magazine Yacht Capital. An event that since 1990, when the magazine was founded, takes place at the Genoa Boat Show, representing an important acknowledgement for all those involved in the Italian boating scene, who have distinguished themselves by their achievements and excellence in their field of action. The President of the Italian Yacht Club, Carlo Croce also gave a speech at the ceremony. CRN attended the 53^ Genoa Boat Show with the 80m megayacht “Chopi Chopi”, guest of honour and flagship of the event.

CRN Boat of the Year 2013

Another prestigious acknowledgement received by CRN, the Ferretti Group shipyard specialising in the construction and sale of fully-customized displacement megayachts, made of steel and aluminum, ranging from 40 to 90 metres. CRN’s 80 metre Chopi Chopi megayacht, built in Ancona, was awarded “Boat of the year” 2013, traditionally organized by the Vela e Motore magazine in collaboration with Ucina-Confindustria Nautica, at the Genoa Boat Show. The award ceremony was held at the Palazzo della Borsa in Genoa. The award has been collected by Ferruccio Rossi – CEO of the Ferretti Group – on behalf of Lamberto Tacoli, CRN Chairman and CEO. Chopi Chopi prevailed in the category “Superyacht” beating the other four nominated competitor megayachts which are between 40 and 55 metres in length. The reasons brought forward by the jury awarding the CRN megayacht were very significant.

CRN Chooses Rondal

Specialising in the construction of steel and aluminium custom displacement yachts from 40m to 90m, Ancona-based superyacht builder CRN is celebrating a milestone year in 2013, its 50th anniversary. To meet, and exceed, future customer expectations CRN has set itself the mission of continual long term quality enhancement in every aspect of the build process. Particular emphasis is being placed on the quality of products sourced externally for incorporation into CRN projects. Against this background the high quality finish, sleek modern design and engineering integrity of Rondal sliding doors attracted the attention of the CRN team. The result is an order for four Rondal Sliding Doors for a prestigious 55m project currently under construction at the yard. This is Rondal’s first order from CRN and both parties agree that they see this project as the start of a long term cooperation. With significant benefits for customers as well as for CRN and Rondal, this is anticipated to be only the first of many more projects to come.

Ferretti Group New Canada Dealer

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 it has partnered with ITA Yachts Canada, a new yacht dealer, based in Quebec, serving clients throughout Canada. We were impressed by the experience and the track record of the ITA Yacht team, with Michelle Mant and Guy Bolduc, who have demonstrated a strong track record in the sale of new Italian yachts and yacht brokerage in Eastern Canadian, Stated James Henderson, President and CEO of Ferretti Group America. Located in city of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, ITA Yachts Canada has an excellent location in the center of one of the most important yachting communities in Eastern Canada with access to key cities like Montreal and Toronto, added Henderson. Ferretti Group has partnered with ITA Yachts Canada to specifically represent Ferretti Yachts, Riva, and Pershing. The Ferretti Group's extensive product range, coupled with the Group's experienced after sales service team and network of service points throughout North America, will provide ITA Yachts with the best yachts in class by segment and an exceptional after sales service network. We are very impressed with the line of yachts in the Ferretti Group portfolio and believe that the Riva, Ferretti, and Pershing brands will be very well received in Quebec and throughout Canada, stated Michelle Mant, Partner at ITA Yachts Canada. The quality of these yachts far exceeds anything we have ever seen in our market and the level of service from the Ferretti Group is exceptional and we truly look forward to being Ferretti Group’s dealer of choice in Canada with the competence and expertise to accompany a Canadian boating enthusiast throughout the purchasing stages, including the arrangements for a client to take delivery in Italy, added Mant. As a Ferretti Group dealer, ITA Yachts Canada will have a presence at the 2013 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show as well as the 2014 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show.

Ferretti Group Sales Center in California

Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of motor-yachts, comprising a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands in the nautical world, is proud to announce that it will be opening a new Sales Center in Newport Beach, California that will service California and the West Coast of the US for Ferretti Yachts, Ferretti Custom Line, Ferretti Navetta, Riva, Pershing, Mochi Craft, and Itama. We already have many clients in California that own yachts on the East Coast of the US and in Europe. This new office is an important opportunity for us to better serve these clients and open up new opportunities, particularly for yachting in Southern California and the Pacific Coast of Mexico stated James Henderson, President and CEO of Ferretti Group America. Newport Beach offers the best location for us to showcase our product due to the strong yachting community in this area and its proximity to key cities in Southern California and to serve markets in Arizona and Nevada, added Henderson. The Ferretti Group has chosen to partner with Joel Romero to represent the new sales center in Newport Beach. Joel brings over 30 years of experience in the yachting industry with a strong background in managing successful sales and service operations in California. The new Ferretti Group office in Newport Beach will focus new yacht sales with access to extensive inventory of Ferretti Group America and will complement the range of services offered in this location with brokerage and charter capabilities represented by Allied Marine. The Group’s California sales executives will be on hand at the 2013 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show as well as the 2014 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, and will be hosting its grand opening in Newport Beach December 2013. 

Ferretti Group New Indonesia Dealership

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 Asia-Pacific area by signing a new important dealership agreement with its partner PT. Dimitri Marin Sejahtera for the exclusive sale of Ferretti and Pershing yachts in Indonesia until 2015. For over ten years, Soetikno Soedarjo – the founder, Chairman and CEO of the company PT. Dimitri Marin Sejahtera – has been a partner of MRA (Mugi Rekso Abadi), one of the leading Groups operating in Indonesia in the luxury sector. Within the framework of the project for the development on the Indonesian market, PT. Dimitri Marin Sejahtera is going to open two sales offices in two particularly strategic locations: Jakarta and Bali. This new agreement is part of Ferretti Group's new expansion strategy in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, an area with a considerable growth potential in the yachting sector, also thanks to the fast spread of sea culture and an increasing interest for Made in Italy luxury iconic products, well represented by the Group’s brands. Through this new dealership agreement with the company PT. Dimitri Marin Sejahtera, Ferretti Group is thus further strengthening its highly selected distribution network, which currently includes approximately 60 dealers capable of ensuring that the Group’s customers receive the best possible assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide, and is successfully pursuing its medium-long term objective of achieving an increasingly balanced sales presence in the three macro regions EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa), Americas and APAC.

Fountaine Pajot and CGI Finance Partnership

CGI Finance is proud to announce its newest partnership and floor plan lending greement with Fountaine Pajot, a leading international manufacturer of Cruising Catamarans. This partnership provides exclusive, global financing solutions to clients for the purchase of luxury catamarans and motor yachts and coincides with the recent launch of Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts brand. CGI Finance and Fountaine Pajot will celebrate their new partnership during the 44th Annual Annapolis Sailboat Show, October 10 -14, 2013.

Gulf Craft Flies the Flag for Expo 2020

Gulf Craft showed its ardent support for the UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, by flying a banner supporting the Expo 2020 Dubai bid aboard its Majesty 135, while cruising down Dubai Creek, the historic commercial heart of the city.

Horizon Announces New Partner for Great Lakes

Horizon Group is pleased to announce the addition of Bay Marine to the U.S. Preferred Partner network for the Great Lakes; Bay Marine, headquartered in Sturgeon Bay, WI., will provide sales support as well as comprehensive service to Horizon clients in the area. Owned and operated by brothers' Mark and Matt Felhofer, Bay Marine is one of the largest sales and service operations in the Great Lakes and offers a variety of amenities for clients, including a world-class boatyard in Sturgeon Bay. As a cornerstone of their operation, Bay Marine's boat yard offers comprehensive service, storage, and maintenance capabilities including fiberglass; gelcoat; paint; electronics; and engine repair. With sales offices in Sturgeon Bay, WI. and Waukegan, IL. and over forty years of industry experience, Bay Marine will be successful in expanding Horizon's presence in the Great Lakes.

ISA Yachts New Sales and Marketing Head

Luxury motoryacht builder ISA Yachts in Italy has appointed Hein Velema as Head of Sales and Marketing. As part of a strategy to strengthen the position of the yard and its brand, ISA approached Velema because of his experience built up in the super yacht industry. Hein Velema started his yachting career at Feadship in the Netherlands, where he spent eleven years building one of the top brands in the global superyacht world. In 2007 Velema joined Fraser Yachts in Monaco as worldwide Director of Sales and became CEO of the same company in 2009. Now, as Head of Sales and Marketing at ISA Yachts, he will be part of the management team and play an active role in the further development of the yard, its brand and its product portfolio. ISA Yachts builds mega-yachts that are distinguished by their quality of materials, finish, technology and design. To date the yard has built and delivered 28 super-yachts and Michael Mogilevsky, chairman of ISA Yachts, is now ready to take the company to the next level. Marcello Maggi, who has successfully headed the sales and marketing department to date, will continue to support and represent ISA to a group of clients. The Chairman and the CEO, Luciano Bregola, expressed their gratitude to Maggi and their pleasure at attracting someone of Velema’s industry stature to ISA. 

Jarrett Bay House Inspired

Just in time for the holidays, the Jarrett Bay family is pleased to share the great news that the Simmons Family’s new home has been completed! Built in memory of our co-worker and friend, Joy Gaskill, through the Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity program, this project was made possible by the leadership and generosity of Randy Ramsey, Bill Pedrick and many other volunteers. On October 18th a dedication ceremony was held at the home, and Joy's son, Brent, handed the keys over to the Simmons!

Riva at Shanghai Bund Classic

Vintage cars, style and tradition showcased in Shanghai from 18th to 20th October. Riva was on stage again during the Bund Classic, the first international vintage car show in China, organised by China Randez-Vous. The famous Italian brand is indeed taking advantage of this outstanding opportunity to meet the Asian public, who year after year is showing increasing interest for Made in Italy products, of which Riva, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation, is the perfect representative. More than 40 cars that have made history around the world were on display at the Bund Classic and took part in the Elegance Contest, allowing all visitors to enjoy a really unique show. The true challenge of the Bund Classic is not speed, but elegance and exclusiveness, and Riva’s history perfectly embodies the core theme of this unique event. As early as in the 1950s, the Italian boatyard - which has just celebrated its 170th anniversary - was already a synonym of luxury, social status, flawlessness. The selection of the finest materials, a painstaking care for details, and century-old craftsmanship have breathed life into models that have made the history of this brand, like the Aquarama, a myth in the 1960s, chosen by celebrities like Peter Sellers, Ingrid Bergman, Brigitte Bardot, Vittorio Gassman, Sofia Loren, Anita Ekberg, Jean Paul Belmondo, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Today, Riva remains true to its tradition with Aquariva Super, the natural stylistic evolution of the Aquarama and the model that represents the brand at best, blending together its past and its present: modern technologies and classical lines combine to give life to a 33-footer characterized by a mahogany deck with wonderful maple inserts and fine leather finishes in the dashboard, reminding of the mythical models of the 1960s. Exceptionally on this occasion Riva displayed the 2 miniatures of Aquariva Super and Aquarama in a dedicated corner of the brand’s exhibition area.

Riviera R Marine Lady Musgrave Island

The 7th annual R Marine Jones Great Sandy Straits Experience certainly provided a sea change for Riviera 51 Open Flybridge owners, Michelle and Mark Bissaker who traded 40 acres of farmland in NSW for 50 nautical miles of pristine ocean in tropical Queensland. Mark, Michelle and their 11-year-old son, Aaron met the R Marine Jones team just outside the Mooloolaba Marina where they joined 19 other Rivieras ranging from 36 to 56 feet and in convoy travelled to Gary’s Anchorage where they spent their second night. The Bissaker’s spent their first night at Mooloolaba, while R Marine Jones and the rest of the fleet travelled from the Gold Coast to their first anchorage, Peel Island, which is a heritage-listed island located in Moreton Bay. The following morning they headed north to meet the Bissaker family at Mooloolaba before continuing on to the next stopover, Gary’s Anchorage at Fraser Island and then on to Lady Musgrave Island. R Marine Jones dealer principal Randall Jones said they had been trying to reach Lady Musgrave Island for the past five years. This is the Bissaker family’s 4th R Marine Jones Experience and Michelle said Lady Musgrave Island was even more beautiful than she had ever imagined. Michelle said they had made many lifelong friends through the R Marine Jones Experiences and it had also given them the confidence to explore Queensland’s ocean playground. Randall said each year there was a different marine animal theme for the annual Great Sandy Straits Experience, and this year it was the fish.

Sanlorenzo China Ltd Open in Hong Kong

Sanlorenzo Spa, the third shipyard in the world ranking of the top 20 builders over 24 metres, in collaboration with Sundiro Holding, opens a new office in the heart of the Asia-Pacific region and establishes Sanlorenzo China Holding Limited, a Hong Kong based company that will distribute the Italian-built Sanlorenzo motoryachts from 22 to 62 meters to the Great China market (China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). The Chinese nautical business is expected to reach 100.000 units sold by 2020 and it will absorb 1/3 of the global yachting demand like Europe and Americas. Therefore Sanlorenzo China Holding Limited represents a very important reference point for the Italian shipyard with the aim of winning the large and emerging Chinese market, thanks to two main strategic factors: The support of the Sundiro Holding organization on the Chinese territory, following the joint venture agreement with this big local group; The appointment as CEO of Sanlorenzo China Holding Limited of Mr. Traugott Kaminski, a true expert of the Chinese nautical sector with more than 25 years of experience in the luxury market in Asia. Kaminski is a relevant protagonist in the Eastern yachting scenario where, more than 10 years ago, he sold as a pioneer the first luxury yachts to Mainland China owners.

Sea Ray Celebrates 30th Anniversary Tellico Plant

Sea Ray, at its foundation, always has been and always will be a family. Each member of our proud, globally renowned team has an indelible impact on the company’s legacy and continued success. This is why we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Tellico Lake Plant in Vonore, Tenn., one of the most cherished sites in Sea Ray’s proud history. Sea Ray’s relationship with Monroe County, Tenn., began in 1983 when the company was looking to expand manufacturing operations in order to build its newly released Seville model and increase production of 18- to 25-foot runabouts Sea Ray ultimately decided Vonore was the ideal spot on the map for a new plant, and the company became the only major boat manufacturer to take up residence in the area. At the time the plant opened, Sea Ray advertised for 30 jobs, and more than 4,000 people applied. Today, 13 of the original 30 who were hired still work at the plant, and more than 50 percent of the current employees have worked for Sea Ray for 20 years or more. Pledging the same dedication to quality workers as it does to quality products, Sea Ray has invested in the devoted work of trusted friends, which has contributed greatly to Sea Ray’s ongoing successes. 

Sea Ray New Headquarters Location

Sea Ray is pleased to announce the selection of the landmark First Tennessee Building in the heart of downtown Knoxville as the site of its new world headquarters. The move will begin in December 2013, and by early 2014, Sea Ray and its parent organization, Brunswick Boat Group, will occupy three floors of the tallest building in Knoxville. After the relocation, Sea Ray will be the only name alongside First Tennessee to have a marquee sign on the distinguished property. Located at 800 S. Gay Street, the First Tennessee Building is just a brief drive from Sea Ray’s sprawling Tellico Lake Facility in Monroe County, Tenn, just outside Knoxville. That facility recently celebrated its 30th anniversary and currently produces all of Sea Ray’s day boats. Today, 14 of the original 30 employees who were hired still work at the Tellico plant, and more than 50 percent of the current employees have worked for Sea Ray for 20 years or more, making Knoxville a truly important and valued part of Sea Ray’s history.

Sea Ray 2013 Dealer Meeting

Sea Ray’s 2013 Dealer Meeting brought together more than 350 dealers from around the globe to usher in the 2014 model year boats and toast to numerous successes from this past year. The event was held Sept. 12 to 14 at Georgia’s luxurious Lake Lanier Islands Resort. The awards presented at the 2013 Sea Ray Dealer Meeting were as follows: Retailer Worldwide - MarineMax Southeast Florida - Pompano Beach, Fla. Independent Retailer - Prince William Marine Sales – Woodbridge, Va. International Retailer - CBC City Boats GMBH – Hamburg, Germany. 2013 Customer Satisfaction Achievement - 100% Score; Colony Marine Sales and Service - St Claire Shores, Mich, MarineMax of Ohio Inc - Port Clinton, Ohio, and BandE Marine - Michigan City, Ind. Another cause for celebration at this year’s Dealer Meeting was the addition of four new Customer Satisfaction Index Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association to an already substantial collection, bringing Sea Ray’s total to 55 awards over the last ten years. 

Viking Power to Spare

Viking are proud of its vertically integrated manufacturing process where 90 percent of what goes into each yacht is designed and manufactured in house. This ability not only accentuates our quality control, but also helps to combat rising overhead costs. And it is not just about the boats. A little less than a year ago, Viking switched on its tri-generation plant, which was constructed entirely by Viking personnel. Built around six Capstone C65 micro-turbines fueled with natural gas, we are now able to produce our own electricity enough to supply up to 40 percent of our current usage. A by-product in the production of electricity is heat, and Viking uses this heat to warm Building 1's 75,000 square feet, which houses the main offices, the metal shop and the R & D department from fall through spring. This is achieved through an intricate collection of pumps and piping, which connects to a heat exchanger on top of the micro-turbines. The third element of our system is cooling. Three 30 ton Yazaki absorption chillers extract heat from the chilled water supply for air conditioning during the summer. 

Viking Lets Go Fishing

The Viking Key West Challenge to celebrate the 50th Golden Anniversary of the Viking Yacht Company is slated for April 2-5, 2014. In what we hope will become an annual event, this fishing tournament is open to all Viking owners with a special twist to place emphasis on family fun as the main attraction. Viking Yachts is family owned with ample second and even third generation participation in the management and production sides of the boat building business. We know the value of family and want to accentuate this by inviting you and your family to fish this inaugural event. This tournament has two simple rules: to have fun and to have more fun! We are still working out some details but the concept will make sure there are numerous opportunities to win, so all participants fully partake in our 50th Golden Anniversary celebration and walk away with awards, smiles and great memories. We have arranged docking at the Key West marinas listed below and we encourage you to contact them now to save the date and a slip. In addition, Key West hotel space will be available for those who may not be able to bring their boat but would still like to be part of the dockside activities. A 50th Golden Anniversary only comes around once and while we expect this event to be the beginning of a regular Viking Yachts tournament series, we hope you and your family will be part of this anniversary celebration.

Wider New Partner

In December 2012 Wider announced its partnership with EXA Ltd., a company that refers to Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Genting Group, a top South Asian entrepreneurial corporation. The operation provided for an increase in capital, which means founder partners, Tilli Antonelli and Paolo Favilla, and new partner EXA Ltd. each holds 50% of Wider. The additional resources resulting from this operation aid the development of the company's strategic plan, according to the guidelines set down by Tilli Antonelli. Almost three years after it was founded, and two years after having launched its 42' yacht, Wider is currently working its way through the steps of its strategic plan. The next stage in its development of high performance, high technology, medium-sized day cruisers is the 32 footer and the company entered the displacement sector by launching the 150’ project which construction has started this year. Moreover, during the 2013-1014 nautical season, the presentation of a range of yachts measuring 30 to 50 metres has been planned. The Wider evolution provides for products created for an exclusive, highly demanding clientèle with extremely high standards of quality, both regards the layout and design. The team flanking Tilli Antonelli will also involve architects and engineers who have made Italian goods famous all over the world. The new units will all be built in Italy and respect the highest tradition of our shipbuilding industry. A fundamental part of the agreement is the synergy between Wider's expertise - in terms of product and of managing international distribution networks – and the resources of the Genting Group, which operates mainly in the tourism and leisure sectors. The Group boasts a capillary presence on Asian markets, manages 5 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong stock exchanges and capitalises around 35 billion dollars, employing 52,000 people. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also controls the third most important company in the world in the cruise liner business, with Star Cruise (South Asia) and Norwegian Cruise Line (Caribbean). Whilst Wider was assisted in this operation by KT Finance and Mazzoni & Associati, EXA Ltd. was assisted by Clyde & Co.