April 30, 2015

Monthly News - April 2015

-pic of the month- Riviera Female Angler Gets Third Time Lucky

Azimut Selected by Chinese Magazine

Azimut Yachts, part of the Azimut|Benetti Group is pleased to announce that it was recently selected by the magazine Gafencu Men as one of China’s foremost luxury brands in its exclusive 2015 Best of the Best edition. The awards presentation, honoring Azimut Yachts 2015 achievement, was held on March the 26th at the Grand Kempinski Hotel in Shanghai. The Best of the Best Awards is now in its sixth year becoming an authoritative acknowledgment for the luxury sector. They list features the world’s most aspirational brands and recognizes winners from a host of sectors – categories includes fashion, automotive, watches, Gadgets, restaurants, hotels, luxury yachts, wines and spirit, Golf, Property, Home and private jets - In total, more than 300 guests presented at the event with a veritable who’s who of luxury brands in attendance. The 2015 winners were chosen by the editors of Gafencu Men magazine. Founded in 2007, Gafencu Men has now become firmly established as the style-bible for affluent, aspirational males across China.


Benetti Reveals Asia Strategies

Asia is becoming ever more important strategically in the superyacht market. As it's wealth increases, the area's overall growth influences the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) who prefer to invest their time and money purchasing luxury items such as yachts. According to the latest statistics from Cap Gemini and RNC Wealth Management, published in Superyachttimes's Annual Super-yacht Industry Report, the Asian Pacific continues to be the driving force behind the growth of HNWI's in 2013. At 17.3% Asia has the highest regional growth, for a total of 4.32 million, and reduces their gap to the leading region, North America, to just ten thousand individuals. This gap should be closed completely in the near future. The combined worth of HNWI's in the Asian Pacific in 2013 was the equivalent of 14.2 billion USD (+18.2%). Based on these important trends and the commercial success over the last five years, Benetti, the world's leading builder of super-yachts over 24m in length for fifteen consecutive years, has increased their presence in the Far east and APAC to take advantage of the area's enormous potential. Benetti's primary office in the Far East is in Hong Kong. Leading the Benetti team is Luigi Adamo, General Manager, with Alberto Giannerini as Service Manager and Natalie Ye as Marketing Manager. Since April 2015 the Benetti Service offices are located in the luxurious Gold Coast Marina. Benetti is therefore able to count on a well prepared and competent team that will permit Benetti to develop their presence in the Regional market, reinforcing their relationships with Owners and their representatives. In only five years Benetti sold in Asia “390 meters of super-yachts”: two Delfino 93, one Classic 121, one Classic Supreme 132, three Custom of 55m and one Custom of 60m. Contracts for a Classic 121, Custom 60m and a Custom 72m are presently at an advanced stage and will probably be closed within the year 2015.


Hatteras Expands Worldwide Network

Hatteras Yachts continues to add to its award-winning network of sales and service representatives operating in over 130 countries spanning six continents. The leading manufacturer of express boats, sportfishing convertibles and luxury motor yachts is pleased to announce that Evermarine, Panama City, Republic of Panama has joined its global industry-leading team. Evermarine, is conveniently situated on the western shores of the Republic of Panama, a location ideally suited for big-water fishing and cruising. 


Jarrett Bay Dream Come True

Jarrett Bay has added another new member to the family. We are pleased to welcome John Kittrell as the new owner of Wasabi, formally known as the Chainlink. Based out of Wanchese, NC, Mr. Kittrell is excited to start enjoying his 54’ Jarrett Bay as soon as possible. When asked why a Jarrett Bay, he replied, “Jarrett Bay boats are all too familiar in the Outer Banks. They are very nice looking boats and the timing was right. It is a dream come true to become an owner!


Maritimo Miami Success

The recent Miami International Boat Show has proven a winner for Australian luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo with the two boats the company displayed now sold and another two sales under negotiation. Maritimo's sales and marketing manager Greg Haines said the show was a huge success with more than 3000 boats on display. The M58 cruising motor yacht and the M50 both sold at the show and are destined for Florida home berths. The two additional deals being negotiated involve Latin America prospects. Mr Haines said this year's Miami show was the first one the company had been involved in under its new Maritimo America's dealership arrangement which involves Galati Yacht Sales, Hampton Yacht Group and Sandy Hooke Yacht Sales based in Jersey. Mr Haines said there was considerable interest show at the show from dealers and customers based in Venezuela and Costa Rico. The success of the Miami show has Maritimo keenly anticipating the results from the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show later in the year where it will have the largest on water boat show display in its history. A special Maritimo owners and supporters tour is being organised to coincide with Fort Lauderdale and the world offshore powerboat championships at Key West the week after. 

Maritimo Once in a Lifetime

Maritimo owners and supporters and those who simply love boat shows and the thrill of offshore powerboat racing have the chance to join a group of likeminded people on a special, fully co-ordinated tour to the USA in November this year. The world championship winning Maritimo Offshore Super Boat race team is taking on the best offshore powerboat racers in the world when it heads to the 35th Annual Super Boat International Key West Championships to be held in Florida from November 8. Prior to that Maritimo will have the largest boat display in its history at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and those taking part in the tour will receive VIP treatment at the show.


Moonen Martinque Takes Shape

The first example of the new semi-custom Martinique is taking shape at Moonen Shipyards as the Dutch yard makes excellent progress on a motoryacht that will be available by the summer of 2016. While the initial stages of the revolutionary high-tensile steel hull are completed (see attached video), the designers and engineers continue to make smart adaptations that enhance this 36-metre/120 ft/350 GT superyacht from Moonen’s new Caribbean series. The first Martinique will showcase everything that makes spending time onboard on a Moonen such an exquisite pleasure. Moonen has a strong reputation for building premium quality motoryachts in the 30 to 50-metre range, backed up by decades of experience and satisfied owners around the world. Nonetheless, the positive response to its new semi-custom Caribbean series took even this premium Dutch yard a little by surprise. Two versions of the Caribbean series are already under construction: Martinique hull #1 and the first 30-metre/100 ft/199 GT Matica.



Mulder Pro-Fit

The sustainable built yard of Mulder Shipyard in Zoeterwoude provides all facilities and disciplines to build yachts up to 45 meters in a very efficient manner. In addition Mulder Shipyard provides the possibility for maintenance and refit for Mulder yachts in the new Mulder Pro-Fit program. Pro-Fit stands for Professional Refit; a complete refit performed by a team of Mulder Shipyard experts. As the refit work is performed by people who have been involved in the construction of the yacht, the works are very efficiently done. Our craftsmen know exactly how the yacht is built and all the technical drawings and documentation are available, they can work very efficiently. The first Mulder Pro-Fit project will be completed soon. The Mulder 45 Convertible "Adagio" was updated to modern standards last winter. Preventive maintenance was performed including checking the drive train, renewal of the bearings, balancing the propellers and cleaning and pressure testing of the tanks. After delivery the Mulder 45 Cabrio will sail mainly at open seas. Therefore has been chosen for the installation of stabilizer fins, which will increase the sailing comfort substantially. Because of the climate in the future sailing area, air-conditioning units are installed in both cabins and the saloon. To give the yacht a more modern look and feel, the exterior is repainted from top to bottom. All of the exterior painted woodwork has been cleaned and new varnish was applied. The new name of the Mulder 45 Cabrio will be “Arioso”. Arioso will be ready for delivery this spring.


Outer Reef Expands Service Team

Outer Reef Yachts has announced that Kristyn Rubertus has joined the Outer Reef Yachts Service Department as Service Administrator, based at the company’s headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Working with senior management, Rubertus will assist with daily project management of yacht commissioning, service, and warranty while implementing growth strategies within the department. Rubertus gained valuable experience while formerly employed with Sunseeker Florida as Service Administrator, helping coordinate warranty and after-sale parts orders for all Sunseeker Florida yachts. This position included daily communications with the factory based in Poole, England, while project managing and coordinating with their team of yacht subcontractors in South Florida. Rubertus joins Outer Reef Yachts to further her career growth, as well as the company’s continued dedication to ensuring Outer Reef yacht owners are the first priority throughout all service endeavors. Over the years, Outer Reef Yachts has established itself as a service powerhouse within the industry, going above and beyond any of the competition. At Outer Reef, all employees are held to the highest standards based on the premise that outstanding service in combination with yacht construction of the highest quality, are the ingredients for long-lasting client relationships. 


PAE Nordhavn Names Asia Pacific Region Agent

Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc. (PAE) is pleased to announce it has teamed up with Northrop and Johnson Asia, LTD, which will serve as the company’s liaison in the Southeast Asian market. The firm will assist with sales of new and brokerage Nordhavns primarily in Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand where they currently have offices. Bolstered by success and commitment, Northrop and Johnson Asia has established itself as one of the premier yacht brokerage and management houses in Southeast Asia. With the addition of Nordhavn to its dealership portfolio, Northrop and Johnson Asia further broadens their representation which also includes Royal Huisman custom super sailing yachts, Solaris sailing yachts and Heliotrope power catamarans. The relationship between PAE and Northrop and Johnson Asia was initiated after the company oversaw the sale of a brokerage Nordhavn 55 in Hong Kong a few years ago; it was further fostered last year when Northrop and Johnson Asia acted as agents for PAE during the delivery of the Nordhavn 120 Aurora. Northrop and Johnson will represent Nordhavns at many of the Asian Boat Shows including Pattaya Boat Show, Pimex, Singapore Yacht Show and the Hong Kong Boat Show.


Riviera Festival of Boating Fun Factor

When revered Australian luxury motor yacht builder Riviera promises a truly unique boating festival of fun and learning, there’s absolutely no doubt that you’re in for a very spectacular and valuable experience. For one you know the Riviera Festival of Boating educational offering will be first-class as it is with everything iconic Riviera undertakes – with a vast array of workshops designed to help luxury motor yacht owners gain the skills and confidence to use their boats to their full potential. But there’s also a significant and salient Festival fun factor: one for which Riviera is internationally renowned and one which – much like its impressive range of motor yachts never fails to amaze, inspire and leave a lasting impression upon members of the marque’s global family of owners, dealers and future Riviera owners. Now in its 4th year, the 2015 Riviera Festival of Boating (21-24 May 2015) has three brand-new and completely different social celebrations for which hundreds of tickets have already been purchased. This year the Festival’s spectacular social events include a Fragrance Masterclass and Luncheon for the ladies on Friday 22 May, a Dock of the Bay cocktail evening and red-carpet on-water boat show also on 22 May, and then The R Factor gala event on Saturday evening, 23 May. The Riviera Festival of Boating attracts thousands of people from around Australia and from right around the globe to the home of Riviera at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast. The Fragrance Masterclass and Luncheon – hosted by internationally trained perfume erudite Samantha Taylor on Friday 22 May from 10pm-2pm – will delve into the intriguing world of perfume perfection, with ladies making their own personalised scent and also sharing tips and tricks on how to select, store and wear perfume. The Dock of the Bay cocktail evening – on the Riviera Marina from 6pm-9pm, also on Friday 22 May – will feature sumptuous seafood and soothing sounds, as well as an exclusive and stunning red-carpet, on-water showcase of beautiful new boats. The R Factor gala event – within the Riviera factory on Saturday 23 May from 6.30pm-11.30pm – will be an action-packed, formal dinner with matched wines filled with fun and spectacular performances as some of the best voices in Australia battle it out for supremacy, followed by dancing to the vibrant sounds of a fantastic live band. In addition to its stunning on-water showcase which will not be displayed anywhere else this May, Riviera will reveal three new model announcements and an entirely new design and style of Riviera, exclusively at the 2015 Festival of Boating. Festival visitors will also be granted VIP car-parking status at the gates of the Gold Coast International Marine Expo, and VIP seating at the Riviera Yacht Club restaurant and bar. The Riviera Festival of Boating shares the dates of the 2015 Gold Coast International Marine Expo – a massive showcase of all things aquatic featuring everything from luxury motor yachts to jet skis, kayaks to fishing equipment and everything else in between. Expo will have over 400 boats on display and a showcase of the latest marine equipment and accessories from hundreds of individual exhibitors. 

Riviera Record at Port Lincoln

When iconic Australian luxury yacht builder Riviera hosts an Experience event at any of the world’s idyllic destinations, you can be assured it’s going to be one filled with many a special memories, new friendships and a whole lot of family fun. This was certainly the case at the recent Port Lincoln Experience, when 37 luxury motor yachts, one amphibious inflatable boat and one helicopter participated in the largest Riviera blue-water cruising-in-company event ever held in South Australian waters. Hosted by Riviera’s Adelaide-based dealer, R Marine South Australia, the fleet was blessed with superb weather for four days of fun and camaraderie, beginning with dry feet on Friday courtesy of a Sealegs amphibious taxi shuttle to a secluded sunset beach dinner at Fisherman’s Point, in the beautiful Lincoln National Park. With plenty to see and do – and fish to chase – throughout the day, 100 Experience participants gathered again on Saturday night 5 nautical miles from Port Lincoln at the “Swim with the Tuna” floating pontoon, where they were treated to more fun and live entertainment and a unique experience up close and personal with the fast southern blue fin tuna and a unique collection of other southern ocean marine life. Sunday saw the Riviera flotilla set their bows toward the Sir Joseph Banks Group of islands – named in honour of the wealthy English botanist who was aboard Captain James Cook’s 1770 Endeavour voyage to track the transit of Venus, which eventually led to the first recorded chart of Australia’s east coast. It was here, after anchoring in a tranquil cove at Reevesby Island, that Riviera 445 SUV owner Owen Mace had an experience he will remember for a lifetime – his first ride in a helicopter. The helicopter flights were an extra feature to the trip, courtesy of an Adelaide-based Riviera owner who didn’t want to miss the Monday afternoon beach barbecue, which was held on Reevesby Island, also in perfect weather. A second-time Riviera owner – he previously owned a 4000 Offshore says cruising in company across the blue waters of the Great Australian Bight provides a welcome feeling of security. Many of the Rivieras and owners then returned to Port Lincoln for the annual Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic – also held in great weather – which was keenly contested and resulted in a total of 324 southern blue fin tuna being tagged and released. Riviera’s Australia-wide R Marine network hosts regular Experience events at locations right around Australia, including voyages to Rottnest Island in Western Australia and extended journeys to the Whitsundays in Queensland and also to discovering the treasures of Tasmania, as well as throughout the Americas and South Africa. 

Riviera Female Angler Gets Third Time Lucky

It seems it’s been a case of ‘always the bridesmaid, never the bride’ for avid angler Susan Tarbotton at least until now! Having been named Champion Female Angler runner-up in the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic for the past two years, Susan is this week ecstatic after taking home the major honours for the 2015 tournament, held last weekend in Port Lincoln, South Australia. Notably, Susan even out-fished the men! A Sunday night, Susan was waiting anxiously as she listened to the final scores being read out during the last radio sked for the largest offshore fishing tournament of its type in South Australia; she knew she had performed well, tagging and releasing 19 tuna throughout the two days of competition. Then, the excitement of realising she had won hit her like a lightning bolt! Indeed, it was a dream come true for Susan, who has fished the annual tournament for the past three years with her husband Ian aboard their Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge, Tari. Next year Susan will hand the rod and reel over to Ian so he can chase the esteemed title of Champion Male Angler. The annual Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic this year attracted some of the country’s most experienced anglers chasing $16,000 worth of trophies, including fishing guru Captain Bob Jones who has more than 31 Cairns marlin seasons under his belt. Captain Bob skippered the Champion Boat, the Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge The Battler, and said he has had the pleasure of fishing with Susan previously at the Lizard Island Tournament. Captain Bob said that in 31 years’ experience, the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic was one of the best-run tournaments in which he had competed. This year, the Tune Classic attracted 18 boats, including 14 Rivieras and one boat entered with a ladies-only crew, with a total of 324 southern bluefin tuna being caught and released across the two-day tournament. Fish must equal the line weight of 10kg or 780mm in length to qualify. Event organiser Peter Teakle said the event is a family friendly, professional and world-class game fishing tournament which has become a much-anticipated event in Australia’s tuna capital. Most of the fish were caught on Day 1 of the tournament in near-perfect weather conditions, with The Battler securing first-day honours of Champion Boat with 47 tuna caught and released, establishing what proved to be an unbeatable lead. Heavier winds saw the fish go off the bite on Day 2, with the 55ft Viking Spartacus securing second-day Champion Boat honours with 7 tournament-sized tuna. On board Spartacus throughout the tournament was 15-year-old Sam Czabayski, who claimed his first tournament win and the overall Champion Junior Angler title after tagging seven fish. Along with a fantastic trophy, Sam now has bragging rights when he returns to school in Adelaide. Each year the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic begins at 7.30am with a sail-past at the entrance of Lincoln Cove Marina and, with all the boats in line abreast the start boat, the sounding of the starter’s horn marks the start of the race to Memory Cove and the fishing then begins at 9am. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic provides a fun way for both seasoned and amateur sports fishing enthusiasts to come together to learn from each other.

Riviera Welcomes Gary Lee and R Marine Port Stevens

Australia’s largest and only network of luxury motor yacht dealerships has expanded even further with the addition of a new R Marine dealership at Port Stephens, NSW, to help service the growing family of Riviera and Belize owners in this region. Riviera chief executive Wes Moxey said the appointment of widely respected industry professional Gary Lee to the nationwide R Marine network will be warmly welcomed by owners of luxury Riviera and Belize motor yachts in the Newcastle and Hunter regions. Mr Moxey said the new R Marine Port Stephens dealership also provides a central base in a thriving and affluent region of more than 1 million people, extending from Newcastle north to Port Macquarie and west to Dubbo. Mr Lee said he was extremely excited to be joining a widely respected network of dealers renowned for its exceptional commitment to creating ‘the ultimate boating experience’ for Riviera and Belize owners. Mr Lee said Riviera’s impressive and diverse range of luxury motor yachts catered to a wide range of styles and tastes yet each retains the hallmark Riviera attributes of blue-water cruising capabilities, state-of-the-art technology and alfresco lifestyle designs. Iconic Riviera is Australia’s most-awarded builder of luxury yachts and this year celebrates 35 years and the launching of over 5100 yachts. The revered luxury marque offers 16 different models from 36-77 feet across four model series: Flybridge, Sport Yacht, the new SUV collection and the timelessly classic Belize Motor Yachts. Each May, Riviera hosts its annual Festival of Boating; a truly unique event aimed at honing the skills of experienced boaters, and also introducing new people to the joys and rewards of the boating life. The Festival will this year be held from 21-24 May 2015, aligning with the dates of the Gold Coast International Marine Expo. Mr Lee looks forward to welcoming local owners to the Gold Coast in May and invites Riviera or Belize owners, and aspiring owners, to pre-register for the festival of fun and learning online. 


Sanlorenzo and Perotti Ten Years

The Sanlorenzo shipyard, founded in 1958 in Viareggio from Giovanni Jannetti, was acquired in 2005 by Massimo Perotti who picked up the baton from the founder, reopening in Viareggio a new production site and a new division for the production of superyachts in metal, in addition to the existing Ameglia yard. Today, after the first 10 years of management, of success, of struggles with an increasingly global and difficult market, relentless innovations and research, manic quality, supported by the confirmation of incomparable image and personality in the international motoryacht production, the stocktaking can really be more than satisfactory. Since 2005 the yard has experienced an impressive unparalleled worldwide growth, while maintaining its strong focus on the total customization of products, designed to meet the needs of each individual owner. How it is easily perceivable by the previous table, from 2004 to 2011 revenues increased with a CAGR of 27.42%, rising to the threshold of € 200 million. After two years of stagnation (2012-2013) due to worsening of the crisis in the European markets, in 2014 Sanlorenzo keeps on growing again, bringing the turnover to 208 million, an increase of about 30%. In parallel profit also grew to € 3,7 million, in total countertrend to the main European competitors representing the biggest boatyards in the world. And even in the difficult years of the deepest economic crisis, that affected the whole Europe, the activities of the yard remained very lively, either with very high production values, and with EBITDA figures well above to those in the industry, representing a real black swan in the European and worldwide boatbuilding industry, which recorded the stop, if not the closure of dozens of yards of great historical tradition. In the recent decade Sanlorenzo introduced eleven important and significant new models, full of innovation and cutting-edge solutions, but always defined by the Sanlorenzo style. The yard has launched its semi displacement hull range in composite material, with three units: SD 92, SD 112, and SD 126, rennovated its traditional flying-bridge range of planming hull motoryachts: SL 76, SL 86, SL 96, SL 106 winner of the Italian Innovation ADI Award in 2011, awarded in Quirinale Palace by the past President of Italian Republic Mr. Giorgio Napolitano, SL 118. Sanlorenzo in 2007 entered in the metal superyacht segment: delivered the first 40 Alloy, the extraordinary 40 meters with aluminium hull and superstructure, capable of 27 knots and equipped with the innovative terraces, a cutting-edge solution, then adopted by many yard (9 units sold). Launched its first 46 meters displacement hull in steel, 46 Steel, of which 7 units have been sold. Began the construction of the 52 Steel a 52 meters in steel which will be launched in 2016. Entered the explorer niche with Exp 460, 42 meters which will be launched in July 2015 and will be exhibited as world premiere at the 2015 Monaco Yacht Show. Despite all these innovations, Sanlorenzo have always been formally respectful of the balanced and sober lines of the tradition of the yard, continued throughout the period to propose its production as a boutique of yachting, with the construction of always-unique pieces, all tailored on the needs and desires of each individual owner. The peculiarity of Sanlorenzo is to have been able to maintain and develop over the time its core values: maximum customization; stable lines above the mode, without force or extreme formal languages; high capacity and tradition labour, always caring at maximum level details and craftsmanship. Today, thanks to an cohesive and motivated working group, the patron of Sanlorenzo continues to remain loyal to the philosophy of customization, uncompromising quality and complete dedication to the owner. For Massimo Perotti boating and motoryacht and superyacht production is a universe spanning from exterior design to interior design, ranging from requirements of advanced technologies to more exclusive handicrafts. Intense aesthetic culture and passion for research combined with constant innovation and respect for the tradition, have prompted the entrepreneur to open proactive collaborations with various main players of Italian design, as Rodolfo Dordoni, who designed layout and interiors of the first SL 106 unit, Antonio Citterio who designed the interior of the SD 112 and Flavio Albanese creator of the Exp 460 interior design. Environment is another fundamental and particular value that Massimo Perotti introduced in Sanlorenzo in the past ten years. The position of the yard in the natural park of Monte MarcelloMagra has sharpened that sensitivity, already inherent in his culture, which had led to the certification UNI EN ISO 14001, certifying the achievement of better control of environmental impacts associated with the activities, products and services of the company. The next step was the design of a totally "green" factory, that has slowed down due to the crisis, but that keeps on to be under construction, and which has already been awarded in many international contexts, like the "Belle Classe" of the Monaco Yacht Club. The project was designed by architect Stefano Boeri, which has developed an innovative concept introducing in the context of the industrial site the principles of energy conservation and environmental sustainability through the application of vertical green solutions and a system of water recovery and recycling. The aesthetic result is a seamless integration with the visual and environmental context of the park. Sanlorenzo is considered one of the most stable and established operators in the superyacht sector and is to be considered at the level of the most renowned superyacht builders in Northern Europe, while in the fibreglass yacht sector has risen to international benchmark for quality, customization, market stability, reliability, design and style. Sanlorenzo is keeping since long time the second position in the world ranking of the world largest manufacturers of +80’ (24 meters) yachts, annually filed by the Global Order Book of the US magazine Showboats International.

Sanlorenzo with Chris Bangle

Sanlorenzo, the premium creators of prestigious Italian super yachts, announces today their strategic collaboration with the famous American designer Chris Bangle and his consultancy, Chris Bangle Associates srl (CBA). Coincidental with the 10th anniversary of Sanlorenzo’s acquisition by Massimo Perotti, this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter in the design of Sanlorenzo yachts, bringing a fresh voice into the important creative process of these luxury products. The collaboration will engage Chris Bangle and the CBA team with the designs of their next generation yacht exteriors; working together with the expert engineers and architects of Sanlorenzo who create individual tailor-made boats for customers the world over. While Chris Bangle is well known in the circles of car design - having lead the team of designers at BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce while Group Design Director of BMW for 17 years - this will be his first foray into the world of super yachts. Chris Bangle’s creative vision, design leadership, and track record of successful innovation dovetails perfectly into the strategic goals of Sanlorenzo and the passionate expertise of their engineers, architects, and craftsmen. Since leaving BMW in 2009, Chris Bangle has built a successful design consultancy in Clavesana, Italy, a few hours north of the Sanlorenzo shipyards. His clients have ranged far beyond cars, from French Cognac makers to Korean global technology giants; Chris and his team have designed all manner of products and services with an approach that leverages his years of experience matching unique designs for premium brands and extremely passionate customers. 


Sunreef Spectacular Photo Shooting

Dawson Media Hawaii partnered with Voorhees Studios to complete a photo shoot for the upcoming 2015 Hawaii Polo Life Magazine. Their venue was the Sunreef 70' Pomaikai launched by Sunreef in 2012 and now available for sale. The yacht is fully equipped and ready to sail around the world. She is located in Honolulu, but can be easily be moved to other spots.


Viking 51 Years

Fifty-one years ago today, April 1, 1964, Bill and Bob Healey opened the doors to the Viking Yacht Company. Starting out with little more than a building in the swamps with no heat and dirt floors, some planks of mahogany, and a rough and tumble work force, Bob the lawyer and Bill the ironworker began an amazing legacy. The early years were the training grounds for what would come, but the brothers never stopped living and learning their mantra to build a better boat every day. Always a stickler for details and willing to explain what makes Vikings special, Bill was the tour de force. Launched in the fall of 1972, the first Viking 40 Convertible established Viking as a blue water competitor and more than 600 were built over the following 16 years. Building a better boat every day kept the Viking team busy and the boats continued to roll down the production line. There were bigger players on the water back then but only one Viking. Though the luxury tax of 1991-1993 was devastating to Viking and the marine industry, the Healey brothers dug in and kept the company afloat. By the time the Viking 55 Convertible launched in 1997, a new generation of Viking yachts was born. More than a half-century after its humble start, the Viking Yacht Company has grown from a single building to an 862,000 square foot manufacturing facility, with an adjacent yachting center and marina, plus a pair of modern service yards in Riviera Beach Florida. With Bill's son Patrick serving as president and Bob's son, Bob, Jr., directing the company's real estate and other financial holdings, Viking Remains at the top of the mountain where its 1,000 strong work force continues in Bill and Bob's tradition to build a better boat every day as its mighty flagship 92 Convertible rules the seas.

Viking Healey Foundation

I'm pleased to share a few updates from the Healey International Relief Foundation with you. Shortly after the Tzu Chi Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Healey International Relief Foundation in Hualien, Taiwan, two teams travelled to Sierra Leone to oversee the distribution of the in-kind donations to people and families affected by the Ebola outbreak. HIRF Executive Director Ben Parra has been in Sierra Leone since March 14 and reports on one of the highlights of the trip. Visit facebook or Instagram to see firsthand how HIRF is making a difference. While the HIRF and Tzu Chi Foundation teams are busy distributing five oceanic containers of donations from Tzu Chi in Sierra Leone, our team in Lumberton, New Jersey, continues to work hard and has shipped another container full of donations in collaboration with Brother's Brother Foundation. The shipment includes donations from Star Linen and Hasbro Toys, medical aid, personal protective equipment and various items from HIRF's Amazon Wish List H.E.L.P.: Healey Ebola Lifesaver Project. In other news, the HIRF Annual Awards Reception is less than a month away and we are excited to share our confirmed honorees are Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman Chris Smith, and Mrs. Philomena Yumkella. Please join us at Liaison Capitol Hill DC Rooftop in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 as we honor those who have made significant contributions to Sierra Leone and Africa. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience here. Thank you to our event partners who have made this reception possible: the Viking Yacht Company, McGuireWoods, Tzu Chi Foundation and Brother's Brother Foundation.

Viking Second Annual Key West Challenge

Viking’s second annual Key West Challenge presented by Christi Insurance and Travelers was another rousing success and as Patrick Healey stated, "Vikings took First, Second and Third in every category!" How can you beat that? Well, this fun group did it with cocktail parties, dancing, photo contests, kids dock tournament, scavenger hunts, a lay day pool bbq complete with dj, dinner and dancing, weigh station party and lots and lots of smiles. The official website of the Key West Challenge is being updated to reflect the 2015 winners, amazing sponsors and vendors who helped make the event happen and loads of pictures capturing the camaraderie and amazing time. To join the party for 2016, book your Viking now at your favorite Key West marina for Wednesday, April 6 through Sunday, April 10, 2016 to ensure your spot on the list.

Viking Seyschelles Representative

Pat Healey, President of the Viking Yacht Company has announced the appointment of Hunt, Deltel & Co. Ltd., the owners of Eden Island Marina , based in the Seychelles Islands in the Western Indian Ocean as the company's representative for the sales and service of Viking yachts ranging from 42 to 92 feet. The Seychelles comprise 115 islands in the Western Indian Ocean spanning some 700 nautical miles between its northern and southern regions. Situated on the east coast of the main island of Mahe and linked to the mainland via a 300 meter bridge, Eden Island Marina, developed in conjunction with the Eden Island luxury residential projects offers all yachting services, charters, yacht shops and restaurants. 

Viking New Representative in Cayman Islands

In a continuing program of international expansion, the Viking Yacht Company is excited to announce the appointment of Professional Yacht Management Ltd. as its new representative in the Cayman Islands. To kick off this announcement, Pro Yachts is a host of the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament happening now through April 19, 2015. The Cayman Islands are a boater's paradise situated south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. Pro Yacht, under the management of Tim Bradley, offers a highly skilled staff with over 150 years of combined experience catering to the needs of cruising yachtsmen. Offering maintenance programs, electrical and mechanical work, fiberglass repairs, captain services, fuel, slips, provisioning, Customs and Immigration clearance, and shore-side assistance. 


Wider and Poltrone Frau

Wider is proud to announce a co-branding agreement with Poltrona Frau, a world renowned brand that stands for elegance, design and Italian excellence, values that are perfectly in tune with Wider's brand vision and philosophy.

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