June 30, 2014

Monthly News - June 2014

- pic of the month - Otam Celebrates Sixty Years



Azimut-Benetti Group Yachting Gala 2014

The 2014 "Yachting Gala" was a resounding success. From June 28 to June 29, this exclusive and now traditional event, which Azimut|Benetti and its partners of excellence dedicate to luxury yacht fans worldwide, saw over 600 select customers from across the globe gather in a prestigious setting in the Principality of Monaco. This year, the traditionally spectacular and exhilarating event had an even stronger Italian appeal. The seventh two‐day Azimut|Benetti Yachting Gala in Monte Carlo was conceived as a fun and spectacular party dedicated to all those who share and promote the all‐Italian excellence of Azimut|Benetti in the world. During the weekend of June 28th and 29th, more than 600 guests took part in navigation trials and toured the many yachts exhibited at the new Monaco Yacht Club, opened just a few days earlier. The result was a display of pure beauty that stood out in the fabulous Monaco scenery, enriched by the tantalizing lure of novelty. Of the impressive 18‐yacht fleet, two Azimut|Benetti yachts ‐ Benetti Tradition Supreme 108’ and Azimut Grande 95 RPH made their exclusive world debut in Monte Carlo for the guests of the Yachting Gala. Shining out above the rest, they are set to become the top attraction at all the autumn Boat shows. Furthermore, the 2014 "Yachting Gala" owed its particularly intense Italian Lifestyle inspiration, not just to Azimut|Benetti, but also to the value and quality of its partners: world‐renowned high‐end brands that reflect the very best taste and style, in perfect harmony with the Group's philosophy. First and foremost, Maserati, the legendary luxury car brand boasting 100 years in business, placed prestigious courtesy cars at the disposal of guests and VIPs. Furthermore, in addition to the technical partners Volvo Penta and Cummins, the leading suppliers of engines for Azimut yachts, the event was also attended by a number of dedicated partners. The beverage was supplied by the luxury Beluga brand, specialising in vodka and spirits, and three cellars from Veneto, Cà di Rajo, Ottella and Fontanina. Other examples of all‐Italian excellence brought further elements of style to Monte Carlo: the fine linen of the historical Caprai and the creations of Cruciani, a new icon of fashion; the interior design solutions for luxury aircrafts designed by the Mecaer Aviation Group; the design of the completely eco‐friendly furniture and decorative elements produced by Kube Design, a brand distributed by Officina delle Idee; and the fittings and lighting of Imex. These partners made the Yachting Gala a fully‐rounded experience of true Italian lifestyle.


Azimut New Saudi Arabia Partnership

Azimut Yachts already has one of the most extensive international dealer networks in the world, and it is getting even more so thanks to its prestigious new partner in Saudi Arabia, Samaco Marine belonging to the AlNahla Group. Run by the Sharbatly Family, the Group has been carefully promoting development in the region through direct interventions and international partnerships also in the nautical sector since 1930. Samaco Marine started its Marine operations in Jeddah in the late 70’s. Over the year they have become a truly innovative business as luxury yachts distributors. Through its unprecedent industry contacts and knowledge, special attention to customer service and experienced brokers who work using extensive connections in marine community worldwide, Samaco Marine is now leader in the Saudi Arabia market. The Group is no stranger to prestigious partnerships in the luxury sector: Ferrari, and Maserati are just a few of the most famous brands for which AlNahla is the exclusive dealer in the Region. Now, alongside Italian sports cars there will be elegant Italian Azimut yachts. As usual, Azimut Yachts has carefully selected its local partner, ensuring they will provide the best sales and assistance services and meet the criteria of exclusivity and attention to the clientele that distinguish Azimut Yachts. 



Ferretti Group New Appiontment

The engineer Stefano de Vivo is the new Chief Commercial Officer of Ferretti Group, world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of prestigious, and some of the most exclusive, brands in the global nautical market. The appointment of Stefano de Vivo is part of the Group’s consolidation/relaunching plan that is focused on the design and construction of new ranges of products, as well as on the implementation of new business and marketing strategies, thanks to the contribution of young, motivated and experienced managers. Stefano de Vivo will report directly to the lawyer Alberto Galassi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferretti Group, and will work on strengthening and developing the sales network for all the Group’s brands. Stefano de Vivo, aged 36, graduated in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from the prestigious University College of London and gained an MBA from the University of Sciences and Technology in Hong Kong. He began his career in the nautical industry at Riva where, at a very young age, he covered the roles of Project Manager, World After Sales Manager and Greater China and Asia Pacific Manager. Until 2011 Stefano de Vivo was also Sales & Marketing Director and Vice President of Sales at Benetti. He has also provided consultancy for top international groups such as Desigual Asia Pacific, Volkswagen Group – Hong Kong office, Pacific Coffee Company, China Light and Power Group, and Progressio SGR.


Ferretti Group Opens China Showroom

The 12th China (Qingdao) International Boat Show 2014 was held from May 30th to June 1st at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center. Ferretti Group a world leader in the design, construction and marketing of luxury motor yachts, and owner of a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands in the world of pleasure craft, bring to Qingdao the Ferretti Yachts 870: it is the first time that a Ferretti Yachts is displayed in the north of China. Meanwhile the Group announces the opening of the first showroom Ferretti Group China, in Qingdao: as one of the European top Yacht Brands stepping into Chinese market early, Ferretti Group continues to expand its operations in Asia-Pacific. This inauguration is a significant step after the signature of the Joint Venture with Speedo Marine, a milestone in the development of Chinese market that fore sees the opening of 11 showrooms ‘Ferretti Group China’. Qingdao is an important appointment , the first in China, for the development of a worldwide network of showrooms that represents welcome, elegance, excellence, Italian style and the ‘Made in Italy’ quality, which are the key values of Ferretti Group. A team of skilled people from Ferretti Group, with the support of a pool of architects under the lead of Officina Italiana Design, is working on the opening of several locations that all over the world will welcome the exclusive clients of the most prestigious Brands in the nautical world. 


Ferretti Group Yacht Club de Monaco Partnership

Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of prestigious, and some of the most exclusive, brands in the global nautical market, and Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) - the most exclusive yacht club in the world founded in 1953 by Prince Rainier III and since 1984 chaired by HSH Prince Albert II - are proud to present a new, completely unique, area, intended to perpetuate the legendary Riva over time: the exclusive ‘Riva Aquarama’ lounge. A space completely dedicated to the Italian brand and intended to host the over 1,300 members of the YCM, located on the top floor of Sir Norman Foster’s masterpiece, the new venue of the Yacht Club de Monaco. The project, the result of an exclusive partnership between Ferretti Group and the YCM, has fulfilled the dream of a contemporary space designed with the same elegance as the legendary Riva Aquarama. The Riva lounge, which will be inaugurated on 20 June, is the most precious piece of a mosaic that sees the Riva brand by Ferretti Group, an icon of the global nautical industry, expand into new spaces and territories, such as interior design with “searching light”, the iconic table light presented at the last Milan Furniture Show, inspired by the Riva boats of the '60s.



Gulf Craft New Chief Executive Officer

Gulf Craft today announced the promotion of Erwin Bamps to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the company, following a meeting of the Board that recognized Bamps’ sterling contribution to growing the company’s international scale and presence. Bamps joined Gulf Craft in 2002 as Executive Manager and has been instrumental in building the business and brand locally, regionally and internationally. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2009and has been the driving force behind developing the enterprise from a family-owned company of 220 employees to a multinational with a global reach and reputation today, employing close to 2,000 people and operating in every major boating and yachting market worldwide. A native of Belgium and a global citizen – having worked in Japan, Belgium and the Philippines prior to the UAE – Bamps experience in organizations that are strikingly multicultural and multinational has served him well in achieving Gulf Craft’s expanding ambitions. Founded in 1982, Gulf Craft last year sailed into the list of the world’s Top 10 superyacht–building shipyards (as listed in the 2014 Global Order Book).


Gulf Craft Arab Luxury World

The Middle East market is steadily moving from being a consumer to an active creator of luxury, leading players in the industry concurred at Arab Luxury World, a forum that focused on the region’s luxury sector, estimated to be worth between $6 billion and $10 billion. Participating in three key panels at the two-day forum which concluded yesterday at The Westin Mina Seyahi, Gulf Craft a homegrown yacht and boat manufacturer that today is one of the world’s top 10 superyacht builders said the market has never traditionally been associated with manufacturing luxury despite it being a voracious consumer. However, the global success of “Made-in-the-Middle East” brands in industries as diverse as airlines, yacht-manufacturing, hospitality, fashion, perfumes and others is changing the perception and marketability of Arab luxury goods and services on an international scale. Speaking alongside other Middle East success stories such as Ajmal Perfumes, S*uce, Fashion Forward and the Chalhoub Group on a panel on “Home-Grown Luxury”, Erwin Bamps, Chief Operating Officer of Gulf Craft, noted that the Middle East today is steadily building a reputation for itself as an exporter of luxury. The panelists agreed that many successful Arab brands are now at a point where they have the heritage, the expertise and the appreciation at a local and an international level and are carving their place in the global luxury landscape. Developing the conversation further at a panel on “Marketing to the Ultra-Rich Arab” together with Christie’s, Coutts and Above and Beyond, Bamps added that the profile of the HNWI in the Arab world was evolving. Bamps comments mirror the findings of the “World Luxury Tracking” survey conducted by IPSOS, which was presented at Arab Luxury World, which revealed that UAE consumers privilege quality, brand and advanced innovation above all – much more than in Western or East Asian countries. Surveyed respondents in the UAE and KSA additionally showed a high expectation of exclusivity from luxury, supporting the idea of an increased desire for personalized, one-of-a-kind products. Other key issues addressed at the forum included the Arab HNWIs’ concern with legacy and inheritance, stability and sustainability of family fortunes, provenance, philanthropy and the development of an active Arab “collectors’ community” for everything from high-end horology to contemporary art.



Hodgdon New Service Division

Hodgdon has officially launched a new division, Hodgdon Yacht Services, marking the company's significant expansion into both the yacht and pleasure boat service and refit sectors. The expansion makes Hodgdon one of New England's largest full-service marine companies. With the recent merger of Boothbay Region Boatyard in Southport and Wotton's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor with its existing shipyard in East Boothbay, the company is now operating facilities in three locations in the Boothbay region. Hodgdon officially merged Boothbay Region Boatyard and Wotton's Wharf into Hodgdon Yacht Services on June 1, 2014, allowing for the expansion. With the addition of approximately 30 service sector professionals from Boothbay Region Boatyard, Hodgdon now employs approximately 150 people in mid coast Maine, making it one of the largest employers in the Boothbay region. Sandy Spaulding, former president of Hinckley Yachts and Hodgdon Yachts senior business advisor, has been named president of the new division. Matt Elder, a former partner in Sea Marine of Port Townsend, Washington, has been named the general manager. The company celebrated the expansion with an open house Sunday, June 29 at its Southport boatyard. Hodgdon Yacht Services will provide maintenance, repair and refit services for recreational boats, yachts and superyachts. It will also provide storage and dockage at its Southport boatyard. The Southport boatyard can lift boats up to 50 tons and up to 65 feet in length. The new division also offers railway lifting capacity for superyachts up to 400 tons and up to 60 meters in length at its East Boothbay shipyard. Recent projects at the East Boothbay shipyard include refits of a 138-foot schooner and an 83-foot traditional yacht, as well as a refit of an 82-foot motor yacht with an ultra-lightweight interior. Both yards are supported by Hodgdon's in-house advanced composite structural and systems engineering as well as its world famous interiors division. Hodgdon's newly acquired marina in Boothbay Harbor, known locally as Wotton's Wharf, has more than 750 feet of linear dock space and a face dock of 500 feet. The wharf is the home base to the annual Shipyard Cup, a Hodgdon-founded and hosted superyacht regatta that draws competitors from around the world and infuses significant dollars into the region each summer. This expansion is part of an ongoing effort by Hodgdon to diversify the fifth generation-run company. Over the past 12 years, Hodgdon has grown from its roots as an internationally-known custom yacht builder to also become an industry leader in high quality yacht construction involving advanced composites design and construction, custom tenders for superyachts, yacht interiors, and projects for the United States Department of Defense. In addition to its three facilities in the Boothbay region, Hodgdon has locations in Richmond and Damariscotta for its interiors division and its custom tender construction division, respectively.



Jarrett Bay Wins 2014 Big Rock Tournament

The 55′ Jarrett Bay, Inspiration struck it big last week in the Big Rock tournament, bringing in the winning 754 lbs. blue marlin on the first day of fishing. Captained by local Morehead City owner/operator and former Big Rock chariman, Casey Wagner, this was the third largest marlin weighed in the 56 year history of the tournament and the largest this millennium! Winning the Big Rock is truly a family endeavor and especially emotional for the Wagners. Both the Inspiration and the Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament are named in memory of Casey’s late wife and all of their children including mate Cole and daughters Caroline and Kristen have been involved in the two events for most of their young lives. 


Jarrett Bay Wins Lady Anglers Tournament

Congratulations to Capt. Stephen Draughon and the anglers aboard Bill Collector, Jarrett Bay custom hull #11, on their first place win at the 17th Annual Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament on Saturday, June 7th. Releasing a blue marlin and a sailfish within the first two hours of the tournament provided Bill Collector with the lead, and, ultimately the first place title for this one-day event.



Ocean Reef New Cartagena Location

Outer Reef Yachts, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of high quality long range motor yachts, is proud to announce the company will have a premier sales center located in Cartagena de Indias the Colombian seaport area, and heart of Caribbean commerce and tourism. Outer Reef’s Latin American sales team, located in this new retail center, will be led by the area’s representative and active community leader, Jaime Borda. The Cartagena area was particularly attractive to Outer Reef as it is a growing center for business, tourism, and the hub of the Caribbean yachting community, as it is close to turnkey service facilities and overall commerce. According to Data Monitor Financial 2014, the Colombian wealth market’s value is forecasted to grow robustly during 2011-2015, second only to the Brazilian market, out of the countries studied in the database. The number of affluent individuals is forecasted to grow at a compounded rate of 10.6% over the same period. Most recently, the Outer Reef Cartagena and South Florida sales team successfully participated in the 1st annual Panama Boat Show, which took place June 20th – 22nd.



Otam Celebrates Sixty Years

O.T.A.M. now known as OTAM was created on July 19th, 1954. Abbreviation for Organizzazione Tigullio Assistenza Motoscafi, OTAM is the historic name for the company that was one of the first yacht storage yards in Liguria. Thanks to the ability and nautical passion of the skilled workers that make up the company, OTAM quickly widened their horizons to become an authorized Riva service yard. OTAM's first models were the OTAM 36' and the OTAM 38'. During the 1970's, the yard’s special capabilities, combined with the dedication of their craftsmen, allowed OTAM to create a construction yard that built fifteen triple planked wooden yachts, many of which are still sailing today. Even then OTAM stood out for their craftsmanship, together with a meticulous selection of construction materials. The yards intent has always been to guarantee uncompromising quality and performance. With the arrival of fiberglass as a construction medium, OTAM definitely began to “plane”. During the 1980's OTAM began their collaboration with Magnum Marine and proceeded to fit out more than 25 yachts for the American yard’s Mediterranean market. The legendary “OTAM Pier” at Santa Margherita Ligure was also a fixture in the 80's. Placed in the center of the marina, with a capacity for over 70 yachts, the Pier offers complete assistance with the same characteristics as the Genoa Marina where OTAM is located today. The OTAM yard leapt forward in the 1990's with two mythical models: the OTAM 45 and the OTAM 55. Since then the yard has built more than 70 yachts, earning high acclaim from both the public and nautical specialists thanks to OTAM's reputation for reliable and luxurious offshore yachts, built for the elite that values performance and seakeeping qualities above. In recent years the Millennium range offering has become even richer with four more models: a 50' open and a 58' open, a 65' hard-top, and in April 2014 an 80'(25 meter) in both open and hard-top versions.



Riviera Praises Pride and Passion

Competing on the world stage takes an enormous commitment and that’s exactly what the 400-strong team at Riviera is achieving at the largest luxury power boat-building facility in the southern hemisphere at Coomera on the Gold Coast. A solid start to 2014 has forward order sales across both the Riviera and Belize Motoryachts fleets at more than double last year’s figures – the 26 boats currently in production include two flagship 75 Enclosed Flybridge models. On top of that the team has stepped up to proudly fly the Riviera and Belize flags at a succession of international boat shows and, of course, the most successful yet Riviera Festival of Boating from 22-25 May at Coomera. Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst says the incredible performance of a passionate and professional team is widely acknowledged among Riviera’s “family” of luxury powerboat owners. The Riviera team gathered for a thank-you lunch last week at the 14-hectare state-of-the-art Coomera facility to celebrate the success of the Festival of Boating, and it was here that Mr Longhurst expressed his personal thanks and outlined the challenges ahead. Eighty-five per cent of the boats now under construction at the Coomera factory are 50 feet and over, and 55 per cent of Riviera’s annual production is sold to overseas owners. There are already forward orders for the strong and adventurous new 515 SUV crossover model which made her world premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating from 22-25 May, and also an off-the-plan sale for the sophisticated and stylish 6000 Sport Yacht which makes her world premiere at the Sydney International Boat Show from 31 July - 4 August. Mr Longhurst said the benefits of constant improvement programs, organisational restructure, a stronger dealer network and continuing creation of new models would continue to be realized in the months and years ahead.



Sanlorenzo Celebrate Four Launches

Busy time at Sanlorenzo shipyards where, in just two weeks, 4 motor yachts over 24 meters have been launched: two SL96 models (29,10 m), the 21st SD92 vessel (27,6 m) and the second unit of the brand new SD112 line (33,65 m) recently presented. Unmistakable style and sophisticated design place Sanlorenzo motoryachts to the peak of  International yacht building. The Italian Shipyard, in over 50 years of history, has now become a synonym of excellence both in terms of refinement and attention to detail. Today, Sanlorenzo has reached the second place in in the world ranking of the top builders over 24 meters (Global Order Book 2014). 



Sunreef Manufacturing Excellence Award

On 11th of June 2014, during the Manufacturing Excellence Awards and Manufacturing Summit gala in Warsaw, the shipyard received an award in the Sailing and Motor Yachts category. The Global Manufacturing Awards seem to be the only event in the world to distinguish the entire industry of prestigious products. The official committee (Manufacturing Excellence Jury) consisting of professionals and directors from the manufacturing industry, have decided to reward the best symbols of luxury goods in the world, including Sunreef Yachts.


Sunreef Second Edition Pomorskie Rendez-Vous

On the 6th of June 2014 in Gdansk (Poland), Pomorskie Rendez-Vous took place, during which the most luxurious brands available on the local and international markets met with the world of mega yachts. More than 700 distinguished guests from all over the world, including celebrities, politicians and media had the opportunity to witness the La Mania fashion show, a presentation of the latest car models, admire jewelry, taste the best alcohols and delicacies, as well as see outstanding performances of music artists and bartending champions. The undisputed point of the event was the arrival of four yachts from the Sunreef Yachts shipyard, which officially opened the whole event. Guests admired the 60 Sunreef Power Blue Belly with characteristic blue hulls, the latest 70 Sunreef Power 1 Life with a gym on the flybridge, the Sunreef 58 Summerfield and the second model of Sunreef 60 Loft Meri II. The initiator of Pomorskie Rendez-Vous is Francis Lapp-the President and Founder of Sunreef Yachts, who attended the luxury Hainan Rendez Vous in Sanya, on the Chinese island of Hainan in 2013, and decided to create a similar event in Poland. As he says, each next edition is bound to induce even more excitement, and will be soon found in the calendar of the most important events that combine exclusive brands with the world of yachts.



Viking on Jersey TV News

The Viking Yacht Company was recently featured on New Jersey TV News as part of an ongoing series about business in the Garden State. Andrea Vasquez toured the 810,000 square foot factory on the Bass River in New Gretna and reported her story in the program.


Viking Ocean Showdown 2014

One of the most popular summer fishing tournaments is the Viking Ocean Showdown, scheduled for July 9-12, 2014. How popular, you ask? Now in its 25th year, this crowd pleasing event is all about family fun, with two days of fishing, a great cookout and pool party, and an awards dinner capped with a frenzy of super prizes and delectable eats at the luxurious Canyon Club Marina in Cape May, New Jersey. It's less than a month away, so reserve a slip and take part in this ongoing rivalry between two top New Jersey boat builders gunning for bragging rights!


Viking Announce Dealer Meeting Dates

The annual Viking Dealer Meeting takes place at the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 8-10, 2014, and while business is conducted on the first two days, Wednesday is set aside for customer sea trials of our new models including the Viking 52 O/ST and the new flagship 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible. The list of other Vikings that will be available is still being compiled, but you are cordially invited to contact your Viking Dealer to make an appointment to get aboard for a personal inspection and sea trial. 


Viking Visit From Yachting

Editors from Yachting magazine recently spent a day at Viking taking in a plant tour and canvassing three new 2015 models, the 92 Enclosed Bridge Convertible, the 75 Motor Yacht and the 52 Sport Tower currently under construction in preparation for world premieres at the 2014 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. Pausing to inspect the powder-coated structural steel web frame engine beds for 76620, a 76 Convertible being built are (L to R) John Wooldridge, Patrick Sciacca and Matt White.

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