Monthly News - February 2016

-pic of the month- Canados New Ownership

Bavaria Sets New Standards at Boot 2016

Bavaria came away from boot 2016 with a new sales record. At precisely 6pm on the Sunday, the last day of boat show, the 120th order for a Bavaria was signed. Over the nine days of the boat show, more then 70,000 customers and prospective customers visited the twenty displayed catamarans, sailing yachts and motor yachts on the Bavaria World stand, which covered an exhibition space of 3,800 square meters in Hall 17 and Hall 15. "The boot 2016 trade fair exceeded our own expectations. Our goal was to sell over 100 yachts, like last year. With 120 catamarans, sailing yachts and motor yachts sold directly at the trade fair, plus the follow-up business we are expecting, the Bavaria team has once again demonstrated its strengths. The new Bavaria World stand design, with sailing yachts and motor yachts at one stand in Hall 17 and our Nautitech 40 Open in Hall 15, was praised by our customers and our dealers and certainly contributed to our success", summed up Lutz Henkel, CEO of Bavaria. And the Bavaria World program was remarkable. Right from the first Saturday, 500 VIP customers were invited to the Bavaria World Night, with international artists. The boat show premieres and novelties were introduced at five press conferences. The new Cruiser 34 and the Cruiser 51 Style were presented to the public for the first time as world premieres, while the Cruiser 46 Style was on display for the first time at a German trade fair. The semi displacement motor yacht Bavaria E40, which had previously only been known by the name Project DA10, was given its new product name in Düsseldorf. The E in the name stands for the English terms Economic, Ecological, Exploring, Efficient and Emotional. The first prototype will be ready in spring 2016, but visitors were able to preview the new motor yacht with 3D glasses at the boot trade fair. Each day, there was also a great crowd at the Bavaria Catamarans stand in Hall 15. The Nautitech 40 Open luxury 3-cabin owner's version on display there was one of the most-visited catamarans at the trade fair, with several hundred viewing appointments. At the end of the boot boat show, Lutz Henkel assured everyone that there would indeed be a bigger Bavaria World at boot 2017.

Canados New Ownhership

Iconic Rome based shipyard Canados has been sold on December 23rd, 2015 to Mr. Michel Karsenti. Canados was founded in 1946 and has successfully delivered over 700 yachts in sizes up to 36 meters. Karsenti had more than 12 boats sold and produced at Canados in the past few years including his own 2014 new brand, Oceanic Yachts, that started business using Canados as a building contractor. Karsenti’s involvement with Canados has been a long-term ongoing relationship. Having built yachts from 21 to 80 meter all around the world, he has always been fascinated by the know-how, unique craftsmanship, knowledge and passion found at Canados. His point of view about what makes Canados such a unique shipyard within the global yachting industry is best expressed with his quote: “I’m fascinated, year after year, visit after visit at Canados to still have the same magical feeling of how strong maritime traditions are embedded in workers DNA. I cannot say if this is linked to the 70 years the shipyard has been in business, or due to the fact Canados is located in the world’s richest region in terms of architecture, style and history Rome is known for, but I can surely say that the same feeling is shared by all the clients visiting us. I’ve truly seen incredible technical achievements performed by this unique team of craftsmen!” About the future of Canados, Karsenti quoted:“As you can imagine, we did not acquire such an iconic shipyard as the result of a caprice! It’s been a long process and a well thought move. For now, we are busy taking the first steps renovating and putting up-to-date the production facilities as well as the two marinas that are part of the shipyard. We will soon introduce the market with new products. I also want to mention that our aim is to continue building “haut couture” and surely not go for high production numbers.”

Cranchi New Partnership with Christian Grande

One of the most prestigious and enduring Italian shipyards - flagship of Italian quality construction and excellence – meets one of the most innovative and productive international marine designers. The new partnership between Cantiere Nautico Cranchi S.P.A. and Christian Grande is based above all on a spontaneous rapprochement characterized by mutual comprehension and common values and personalities established between the designer and the proprietors of the shipyard. The result is a rare elective affinity, both personal and professional, that has contributed to the creation of the necessary confidence to entrust the future of the yard's distinctive character to the designer from Parma, already well noted for his prolific creation of successful designs in different areas. Christian Grande comments: “I am honored and confidant in this new partnership. Cranchi is a very sound yard, equipped with advanced state- of-the-art production systems in the medium-large size nautical series production sector. I believe that we both can grow and create unique products, because at the base of our rapport we have shared values and visions, which means synergy and winning approaches in all the creative phases for new boats with a high level of quality and aesthetics.” A promising pair therefore; both the Cantiere Nautico Cranchi® S.P.A. and Christian Grande provide guaranties in terms of innovation and productivity and from whom we will see their new creations in the coming years, given the complexity of the products and the exigent targets for whom the products will be developed.

CRN New Board of Directors

The shareholders’ assembly of CRN S.p.A., a Ferretti Group Company, has appointed the new of the Board of Directors: Chairman: Alberto Galassi; Vice Chairman: Piero Ferrari; Board Members: Stefano de Vivo, Giordano Pellacani, Italo Valenti, Marco Zammarchi. Lamberto Tacoli leaves the Company at the end of his mandate of President and CEO of CRN S.p.A.. Ferretti Group thanks Lamberto Tacoli for having served for many years in different Ferretti Group Companies and confirms its trust to Mr Tacoli in his role of Chairman of the Association “Nautica Italiana”, where he will continue to represent the interests of the Italian nautical industry.

Ferretti Security and Defense Launch

The new division of Ferretti Group was presented 3rd February in Rome during a press conference held at the Temple of Hadrian, when Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group, illustrated the new project to the Minister of the Interior, Hon. Angelino Alfano, and the senior representatives of the Armed Forces and of the Government who attended the event. With major investments worth around 50 million Euros in product research and development, already leading to 6 new models being added to the range in 2015 and a total of 27 new products due within 2017, the Group is expanding the scope of its operations and aims to meet the growing demand for innovative vessels offering a cutting edge performance and state of the art technological solutions, engineered to cater for all of the potential scenarios that may be encountered at sea. Ferretti Group is confirming its expansion and development plans with additional investments in research, development and manufacturing operations, all of which are carried out in Italy. FSD has the benefit of the considerable production capacity available at Ferretti Group’s 6 boatyards located across Italy, as well as the superior know-how of its resources in terms of technology and quality that have been amassed since it was founded 50 years ago. These solid foundations put Ferretti Group in an ideal position to build vessels in steel, aluminium and composite materials that are specifically designed for applications such as Search and Rescue missions or Patrol, Surveillance, Anticrime and Antiterrorism operations.  The first “Fast Patrol Vessel” built by Ferretti Security and Defence, called the “FSD195”, is a high performance, 20m vessel capable of reaching speeds in excess of 50 knots and with a range of over 400 miles The “FSD195” has RINA FPV and CE approvals, and is already being built with the first launch scheduled for the coming summer. “This Government has always believed in the ship building industry. It is vitally important for the Economy and did not deserve to be penalised by the policies implemented by previous governments. FSD - Ferretti Security & Defence is an important venture and represents a major challenge for an Italian company like Ferretti Group, that has decided to make full use of its know how and enter this market, competing with companies from the public and private sectors. Ferretti Group was not afraid to rise to the challenge of taking on this international context. As a yachtsman and a lover of the sea, and as the Minister of the Interior, I would like to wish “happy sailing” to the new vessels built by Ferretti Security & Defence.” “The Group’s superior expertise in terms of R&D, know-how relating to technology and innovation, and the industrial capacity we have developed at our boat yards, will also benefit the new FSD Division, founded by the Group to diversify its operations and enter the field of Security and Defence.” - said Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. “FSD’s mission is to develop vessels with a high technology content, whose performance and efficiency meet the challenging demands faced by those answering the vitally important need for surveillance and who guarantee the safety of our waters, an issue that has always been associated with all of the operations undertaken by our Group.”

Formula Earns NMMA Customer Satisfaction Award

Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2011 Customer Satisfaction Index program in the categories of: Inboard Express Cruiser Boats and Sterndrive Bowrider boats. The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine.

Jarrett Bay Wins Refit of the Year Award

Custom sportfish builder and yacht service professionals Jarrett Bay Boatworks were recognized for their accomplishments through the first annual Refit Excellence Awards presented January 28, 2016, at Refit International Exhibition and Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Jarrett Bay Boatworks received this prestigious award for their refit of custom hull 25, Starflite. Winning a Refit Excellence Award involves a process of submissions and nominations that concludes with an independent panel of judges selecting the winners based on not only the finished yacht but on the teamwork, problem-solving and efficiency of everyone involved in the refit; including the boatyard, captain, owner, designer, surveyor and management. The awards ceremony was held during the Refit show at the Broward County Convention Center and was emceed by Kitty McGowan of the US Superyacht Association.

Lynx Yachts Appoints Filippo Rossi

Lynx Yachts together with President Slim Buricha – are pleased to announce the appointment of Filippo Rossi as their new Sales & Marketing manager. Filippo Rossi's entry into the Lynx Yachts team marks a step forward for the Dutch shipyard's growth and international presence. Specialized in the construction of 20 to 50 meter steel displacement yachts, since it's inception Lynx Yachts has been characterized by attention to safety and comfort: objectives of primary importance, especially regarding the development of the YXT Yacht x Tender and it's placement in the support vessel market, the new frontier of the yachting experience.  Filippo Rossi comments on his appointment: “My new adventure with Lynx promises to be an exciting challenge. I accepted without hesitation because of the yard's mission, its new contents to develop but especially for the quality of the yard; they never loose sight of attention to detail and direct contact with the owner. The presentation of the YXT products is going to be extremely interesting. Lynx is investing a considerable amount of efforts in research and development, as we all firmly believe in the YXT's potential as a support vessel for superyachts, designed to host all the toys necessary to fully enjoy life on the water. I'll accept the challenge to create a brand with a noteworthy identity, enhanced by a strong sense of shared motivation and the desire to satisfy a need - the need for shadow boats - an emerging trend in today's yachting market.”  With a degree in architecture from Milan Polytechnic University, Filippo Rossi has worked in the yachting sector since 1999. Some of his important roles have been as Responsible for Interior Finishings at Dalla Pietà Yachts, Director of the Charter & Brokerage Division of Floating Life, General Manager of Arzanà Navi and Sales Broker for Fraser Yachts.

MJM Celebrates Two Hundred

Zurn Yacht Designs studio and MJM is happy to celebrate 200 builds with six new 50z’s delivered. Zurn Yacht Design, MJM Yachts' Bob Johnstone of J Boats fame, and Boston Boatworks have teamed up to create a very unique line of powerboats. Beginning with the 2003 MJM 34z debut, they set out to establish new standards in design, construction and performance. All MJM yachts are designed from the ground up to be efficient and practical; featuring easily driven, light-weight hulls, modern propulsion, and inviting accommodations. The MJM50z is the largest in the fleet by a full ten feet and comes with your choice of either twin or triple Volvo Penta IPS600s.

Ocean Yachts Special Announcement

In an exciting acquisition, the Egg Harbor Yacht Group has agreed to purchase Ocean Yachts and continue to offer the longstanding company's products for sale. Egg Harbor has purchased molds for Ocean's 42' SS, 46' SS, 50' SS, 54' SS, 58' SS, 73' SS, and 64' Makaira. Ocean Yachts' well established brand will be an exciting new complement to Egg Harbor's existing product line. Dr. Ira Trocki, owner of the Egg Harbor Yacht Group, plans to incorporate the Ocean Yachts product into his company over the next few months. The Leek family of Ocean Yachts is pleased to have found a new home nearby for their longstanding brand so that the legacy of the company can continue in the area. The Trocki family is happy to embrace the heritage of Ocean Yachts and incorporate it with its own. 

Ocean Yachts Customer Support

Ocean Yacht owners will soon be able to call the Egg Harbor Yacht group for parts and service questions. The Egg Harbor Group plans to make its customer service available to existing Ocean Yacht owners and treat them as their own.

Riviera Richest Ever Price Pool

Entries are now being invited for the 2016 Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic the largest offshore game fishing tournament in South Australian waters.  From humble beginnings with three boats battling it out for a case of Crown Lager, the two-day Classic is now in its 10th year and is hotly contested among experienced anglers, with over $16,000 in hand-crafted trophies on offer across 10 competition categories.  Philanthropist and founder Peter Teakle has also just announced the richest prize pool ever for this year’s event from April 1-3, 2016.  In addition to taking home major honours, the four members of the 2016 Champion Team will also secure a two-day fishing adventure with legendary Riviera skipper Captain Bob Jones, worth some $7000.  Entries close at 6pm on Friday, March 4.  Mr Teakle said the trophies for 2016 will once again be ‘a real work of art’.  R Marine South Australia’s dealer principal Paul Harrop said the Riviera-sponsored Tuna Classic was a terrific follow-up to the immensely popular Port Lincoln Easter Experience the previous week.  Susan hauled in 19 of the feisty southern blue fin tuna before returning them to the water in good condition under the competition’s strict catch-and-release rules.  Capt Bob Jones who has 32 Cairns marlin seasons under his belt last year skippered the Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge The Battler, which won the Champion Boat honours.  Mr Teakle said the tournament was privileged to have outstanding partners, including 2015 Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year Riviera as the naming rights sponsor, with Shimano, Club Marine, Lexus of Adelaide and Yamaha Marine all supporting various categories. The Marina Hotel in Port Lincoln also provides ongoing support with accommodation and sponsoring the briefing night on Friday, April 1. 

Sanlorenzo Transaltantic Joruney  

Confident in their new vessel's ability to satisfy the above performance following the yacht's launch and extensive testing - to which her new crew participated together with the Owner's technical consultants the Owner did not hesitate to attempt a winter Atlantic crossing as a maiden voyage in order to enjoy the new 460Exp in the warmer Caribbean climate. This challenge was welcomed by the Owner who wish to put his new yacht's exploring credentials to the test. A rather unusal decision when considering a new crew with only a few weeks to prepare and a yacht that, despite being studied, built and tested to the best levels of the industry, remains nevertheless a prototype.  Usually similarily sized yachts are loaded on one of the many ships that transport yachts to every corner of the ocean. This is due to their lower range and the fact that they are not considered adequate for an ocean crossing, or simply as a matter of convenience. On the other hand, Sanlorenzo 460Exp boasts a transatlantic range as well as the necessary reliability and seaworthiness allowing her to cross the Atlantic on her own bottom. In fact, it was to attempt such challenging crossings that she was developed and built.  Only a few hours following the delivery celebrations, Moka departs for her maiden voyage: the crew consists of 8 members in addition to the Captain. On December 11th Moka leaves the port of Viareggio towards Palma de Mallorca, which she reaches on December 13th, following 500 miles through the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Lion that do not hold back on the first waves of a long navigation. In Palma, capital of the largest of the Balearic Islands, the crew loads spares and equipment, as well as the bulk of the supplies required for the journey. For now, Moka is comfortable in a friendly sea. On December 21st, taking advantage of a break in the weather, Moka departs towards Gibraltar, the gateway into the Mediterranean. Another two days of navigation to cover 450 miles. On the same day as the arrival in Gibraltar, having topped up her fuel tanks, Moka finally sails into the Atlantic Ocean. The next stop will be in the Canaries. The season is not ideal to take on this part of the Ocean where Moka meets the offshoots of a depression which has its center further North West and which is offloading its long and imposing waves on the African coast. Sea and wind on the beam however do not create worries and Santa Cruz di Tenerife is reached on Christmas day following 750 miles at sea.  The stopover in Santa Cruz enables the refilling of fuel tanks and the loading of the last fresh supplies before the longest leg of the journey. Then Moka has to sail 2700 miles before reaching her next stop on the American continent, the half French half Dutch Saint Martin.  On December 28th Moka departs from Tenerife. The prevailing waves are from the Alisée and the days go by quietly thanks to Moka's extraordinary sound insulation; her crew hardly notice the 2,600hp developed by her Caterpillar engines or the noise and vibration caused by ancillary equipment. Occasionally wind and sea intensify, either from the beam or the stern, however the steering and stabilization systems are effective in keeping them in check.  It is January 6th the Epiphany - and the Captain catches a glimpse of the dark landmass of St. Martin on the horizon. Moka has achieved her Ocean crossing without issues or concerns.  With one less crew member, disembarked in St Martin, Moka is already back at sea on January 7th and sailing towards West Palm Beach in Florida. She still has to cover 1,100 miles, over a third of the Atlantic crossing, passing the British Virgin Islands and through the channel between Cuba and the Bahamas.  On January 10th, Florida's luxurious city welcomes Moka to her waters.  Following over 5,600 of navigation, a month at sea, of which 19 whole days of sailing at the average speed of 12.5 knots, Moka does not show any sign of wear and moreover she has not experienced any serious issue.  The hull, equipment and machinery have not been affected in the least by the long navigation and unrelenting sea.

Sea Ray Honored with Five More Awards

Sea Ray recently was recognized by the marine industry's independent trade organization for excellence in customer satisfaction, the 12th consecutive year the company has received the honor. Sea Ray earned five 2015 Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Awards from the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), bringing the company's total to an unprecendented 68 CSI Awards. The NMMA announced the awards during the Industry Breakfast held at the recent 2016 Miami International Boat Show.  “There can be no higher goal than the complete satisfaction of your customers,” said Tim Schiek, president of the Sea Ray Boat Group. “We take great pride in the fact that our customers rank their Sea Ray experiences so highly across this many categories. It reflects the hard work of our extensive dealer network, as well as the commitment of our employees to produce beautifully crafted luxury sport boats, cruisers and yachts.”  Sea Ray’s newest awards came in the following five categories: Deck Boats, Fiberglass Outboard Boats, Inboard Express Cruisers, Sterndrive Bowrider Boats, and Sterndrive Cuddy and Express Boats.  The CSI Award is further affirmation that Sea Ray’s broad portfolio delivers the ultimate on-water experience for every style of boater. As “The Most Awarded Boat Brand. Ever™”, Sea Ray has through the years earned accolades from the industry’s toughest critics and in the most stringent rankings, including those of J.D. Power, the NMMA, the AIM Media Group and Boating Industry magazine.  “Sea Ray delivers more innovation and more excitement year-after-year, and our customers clearly appreciate that,” said Schiek. “Satisfaction measurements are our most valued metric because they cover the whole experience, from the quality and design of our boats, to the comfort and durability they provide, to the value the customer receives. Our boats represent our commitment to delivering a luxury experience and a first-rate customer service to our valued owners.” The CSI Awards are an independently administered measure customer satisfaction, only recognizing boat and engine manufacturers that receive the highest marks. To achieve the requirements for the Marine Industry CSI Awards, Sea Ray achieved and maintained a standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year. This score is based on information provided directly by nearly 60,000 consumers who purchased a new boat or engine during the period from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2016.

VanDutch Opens Factory Direct

VanDutch USA has opened its VanDutch Center and its first VanDutch Lounge worldwide at the River Yacht Club located at 41 S.W. 3rd Ave., Miami, FL 33130. VanDutch Center and Lounge Miami promises to be the next ultimate chill-out hot spot and yachtsman’s clubhouse. Situated in the heart of Miami and boasting 1.000 linear feet of dockage, the VanDutch Lounge will allow their members to conveniently tie up next to their dining table, relax and enjoy the good life. VanDutch Center & Lounge Miami will become a unique and vibrant destination that draws its following through a diverse community of food connoisseurs, taste-makers, influencers, and boating enthusiast. Located on the rooftop of the River Yacht Club, the VanDutch Center & Lounge boasts exquisite mixology and unwinding options set against the backdrop of Miami’s most inspiring views. VanDutch Center & Lounge Miami will feature VanDutch’s newest models and provide an opportunity for guests to experience VanDutch first hand and sea trial with a qualified VanDutch representative. VanDutch owners are offered a complementary Captain Membership to the River Yacht Club with benefits like complimentary Valet for their VanDutch and car, concierge reservation line with daily assistance for priority reservations, 10% discount on all food and beverages and more.

Viking Twentieth Annual VIP Show Preview

The 20th Annual Viking VIP Boat Show Preview completed another successful run at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, this past Friday and Saturday. The two day event, which attracted nearly one thousand guests, provided an elegant on-water showcase of the world's finest convertible sportfish and motor yachts, as the entire product line from 42 to 92 feet was represented by Viking and its prestigious domestic and international dealer network. Over 100 sea trials took place in the Atlantic Ocean, which included ample opportunity to experience the Viking fleet in real world conditions. The event also saw the unveiling of two new models, the 48 Convertible , and the 80 Enclosed Bridge Convertible, which were very well received and added to our swelling backlog of boats on order. Viking president and CEO, Pat Healey also used the event to announce expansion plans for the Viking Yacht Service Center, and subsidiaries Palm Beach Towerss and Atlantic Marine Electronics in the Palm Beach area. Excitement and applause also greeted his announcement of a new Viking 72 Convertible that will launch in the summer as a 2017 model. In keeping with its intimate boat show theme, guests also enjoyed the wares of nearly fifty vendors displaying a variety of services, boating and fishing equipment, marine accessories, engines, propellers, hardware, and navigation, communication, security and entertainment electronics to outfit their new boats, as well as upgrade their current vessels.