August 31, 2017

Monthly News - August 2017

-pic of the month- Hatteras Wins South Carolina Governors Cup

Adler Yachts New Management Structure

Adler Yacht appointed Mr. Philipp Pototschnik as new chief executive officer, effective immediately. The new CEO’s key task is to lead the Swiss company’s further development and promote expansion on various regional markets. Philipp Pototschnik takes the helm from Alessandro Barizzi.  Philipp Pototschnik has been hired as sales and marketing manager for Adler Yacht in March 2017 and, thanks to his effective performance during last months, he was promoted to the leading role with the company.  Raised in Austria and Italy, Philipp is polyglot with proficiency in six languages, including German, Italian, English, Spanish, French and Russian. He graduated from the Business University of Vienna and undertook studies at Clark University in Warsaw and Lodz in Poland, as well as the London School of Economics in the UK. He has previously worked in the web marketing and development, renewable energy, health and luxury sectors.  “It is my great honor and pleasure to have Philipp Pototschnik as the new CEO of Adler Yacht. Philipp has shown in the past months great enthusiasm and efforts in getting the best for the company, and moving this forward”, said founder of Adler Yacht Alexander Vagacs.  Adler Yacht also continues to gather a strong team of experienced sales and marketing experts. The new manager to join the company is Esmeralda Fernandes De Sá, a highly experienced professional in sales of aircraft and a well-known expert in the luxury market and aviation.  Named Adler’s new International Sales and Marketing Director, Mrs. Fernandes De Sá was born in Vienna, Austria. Fluent in several languages, including Portuguese, German, Serbian, Croatian, French, Spanish, she has been working in the aviation industry in Austria since 1989, most recently at Cessna Citation and Embraer.


Azimut Summer Wave Final Leg

Last weekend, the Azimut Summer Wave arrived in Palma di Maiorca, in the Balearic Islands, for a new event in La Dolce Vita 3.0, the programme of glamorous initiatives organised in the Mediterranean’s most beautiful tourist marinas to celebrate the luxury, style and joie de vivre of the Azimut Yachts brand. This “wave” of glamour was set in motion by Azimut Yachts onJuly 7 at the enchanting Porto Venere marina, before calling at Bodrum in Turkey and then mingling with the crystal clear waters of Greece on its way to Mykonos.  On Saturday August 5, it was the turn of Palma di Maiorca, where a fleet of Azimut yachts, including the 77S, the 55S and the brand new Azimut S7, was moored in the beautiful Puerto Portals marina for guests to visit and take on sea trials. At sunset, owners had the opportunity to experience all the glamour of Azimut Yachts, accompanied by music, champagne and a spectacular display of acrobatic stunts by athlete Lindsay McQueen.  Then, on Sunday August 6, all eyes were on the brand new Azimut S7, the yacht with sporty lines and an edgy style presented in a world preview exclusively for owners attending the event. The Azimut S7 toured the most beautiful bays on the island, calling at Illeta, Playa Oratorio and Portals Vells.  During the day of sea trials, customers had the privilege of going on board the new jewel before its official presentation at the upcoming Cannes Boat Show and were pampered with exclusive concierge services that reflect the brand’s lifestyle.  The Azimut Summer Wave’s parties and parade of yachts has toured the Mediterranean, bringing with it the brand’s Made in Italy lifestyle built on luxury, style and innovation: La Dolce Vita 3.0.


Hatteras Wins South Carolina Governors Cup

Team Gryphon kicked off the South Carolina Governors Cup by winning first Place in the Bohicket Marina Invitational Tournament on John’s Island, S.C., held May 10-13, 2017. The anglers released three blue marlin for a total of 1,800 points. The tournament series also included the Georgetown Blue Marlin Tournament, May 24-17; Carolina Billfish Classic in Mt. Pleasant, June 21-24; Megadock Billfishing Tournment in Charleston, July 5-8, and Edisto Invitational Billfishing Tournament in Edisto Beach, July 19-22. After Gryphon scored second Place in the Megadock tournament, the overall outcome of the series was all but a forgone conclusion. Team Gryphon’s total score of 7,475 points for the tournament series smashed the previous SCGC record of 6,075 points. While Gryphon’s Captain Chucky Moore, Colby and the rest of the team all contributed to the outcome, the star of the SCGC indisputably was Colby’s son, 15-year-old Chandler Griffin. Chandler, who was the SCGC series’ 2nd Place Outstanding Youth Angler in 2016, outdid himself this year by catching 5 of Team Gryphon’s blue marlin and 12 of the sailfish. He personally accumulated 5,400 points, shattering last’ year’s Outstanding Youth Angler’s score of 1,400 points.


Nordhavn to Debut New Advertising Complement

Oceans Apart from the Rest. It’s been Nordhavn’s slogan for nearly 30 years, and time after time, its been proven just how literal the company takes to that statement. While others claim to be the best at producing seaworthy, long-range cruising yachts, Nordhavn actually does it. Through its engineering practices, design philosophies, no-shortcuts mentality, experienced team, same-ownership group, and adventurous owners who have taken their boats to the actual ends of the earth, Nordhavn has proven year in and year out, that they are the undisputed leader in ocean-going passage-making yachts.  As the old saying goes, if you’re gonna talk the talk, you better walk the walk. Consequently, beginning with the September issues of various boating magazines, Nordhavn will be launching an advertising campaign that very descriptively points out the criteria that makes this so. It starts with a list of cruising achievements made by different Nordhavn owners. Other brands boast about a single yacht making it around Cape Horn or having crossed an ocean. But Nordhavn’s track record of hundreds of ocean crossings, multiple roundings of Cape Horn, and record-setting expeditions is beyond compare. To emphasize this, it will be introducing the “Oceans Apart from the Rest” Ad Campaign Web Complement, where details and facts will back up the statements.  Nordhavn will launch the new online feature with a very extensive list of Nordhavn Cruising Accomplishments that supports its September ad. Then, with each new ad we roll out, supplemental testimony - specific to that ad - will be presented on the Ad Campaign Web Complement.  The Web Complement feature will go live in late August. Look for the "Oceans Apart from the Rest" logo on our the Nordhavn website to find details.


Moonen New Corporate Office in Florida

Moonen has opened a new corporate office in Florida as part of a strategy to take top-quality motoryachts to the Americas. “The new office is designed to supplement our already excellent relations with brokers in the United States, Explains Moonen MD Emile Bilterijst. “It will enhance our ability to offer a first-class service to Moonen owners, Moonen captains and all those with a heart for our unique brand in this part of the world.”  The new Moonen representative office is found at Dutch Masters, situated on 17th Street in Ft Lauderdale next to Port Everglades. It is easy to reach from Ft Lauderdale and Miami airports and has port access for yachts at the front door. Ray Groot, the director of Dutchmasters, will serve as a first contact point for potential clients, passing on sales enquiries to our dedicated sales team in the Netherlands. The yard sales team will also be available in Ft Lauderdale once a month to address any specific wishes people may have.  “The US market is more open than ever to the high-end Dutch quality that Moonen represents,” says Ray. “There is a clear shift away from GRP to well-built steel and aluminium motoryachts. As megayacht owners become more individualistic they’re embracing the kind of far-reaching customization which Moonen offers. The desire to be able to say ‘I created a motoryacht to my own wishes and specs’ is much stronger and people know that Holland is the place to have their dream realised. The time for Moonen to really breakthrough in the US and South America has now arrived – and this new partnership with Dutch Masters will help make that happen.”  Known as the Yachting Capital of the World, Fort Lauderdale hosts the biggest boat show in the world, attracting over 105,000 visitors from around the world, with two other major shows close by in Miami and Palm Beach. Moonen had a successful time at the most recent show in Palm Beach, where a number of people asked us to showcase Dutch quality yacht building to the region with a more permanent presence. The new office is the first step in an exciting new journey!


Princess Yachts and Bentley Reveal Limited Edition by Mulliner

At this years Cannes Yachting Festival, Princess Yachts and Bentley Motors reveal the limited edition Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition designed by Mulliner and inspired by Princess Yachts. The new car is the latest collaboration for the two iconic British brands who share a philosophy that blends luxury and performance.  Bentley's bespoke commissioning division, Mulliner worked closely on the new GT model with the Princess Design Studio, and together created the ultimate edition of the world-class convertible, inspired by the design and craft of Princess' award winning super yachts. The Galene named after the Greek Goddess of calm seas – features a Glacier White exterior with a flash of Sequin Blue on the lower bright ware, emulating the styling lines of a contemporary Princess super yacht hull and the glistening reflected water line. Darkened front and rear lamps take inspiration from the tinted windows on Princess vessels, while a dark blue hood completes the distinctive look.  Nautical design continues to the inside of the GT Convertible, taking cues from the unique and uncompromising interiors found in every Princess yacht. An entirely new marerial finish was crafted by Mulliner for the central console - a unique pinstriped walnut veneer that echoes the teak decking on a Princess yacht. For ultimate customization – something both Princess and Bentley pride themselves on offering their customers a bespoke illustration from world-renowned artist Jaume Vilardell that features a Princess and the co-ordinates of the brand's Plymouth shipyard, can be included on the interior fascia panels. Quality hand-stitched seats and door panels accentuate the console and create a space full of light and luxury. The design collaboration for the Continental GT Convertible comes after Princess and Bentley Motorsport announced a three-year sponsorship deal earlier in the year. It will see Princess branding on the livery of the 2017 Continental GT3 as it participates in races around the globe, as well as ongoing joint activities to bring the worlds of luxury yachts and motor racing together in exceptional experiences for Princess and Bentley customers across the world.


Riva at the 2017 Venice Film Festival

From favourite boat of directors and actors in several successful films to courtesy boat for the most famous and glamorous film festival: it was only natural that Riva would arrive in the Lido playing a leading role on the international jet-setting scene. The world’s most famous shipyard will be present at the 74th Venice International Film Festival, scheduled to run from today, 30th August to 9th September, as a partner of Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo (FEdS), the Italian National Foundation for the Performing Arts. A Riva Lounge, inspired by the unique style of these legendary yachts, symbols of the “Dolce Vita” and of elegant living, will be open for the entire duration of the Festival in Sala Tropicana 1 of the Hotel Excelsior, the Lido’s famous meeting place and point of reference, which will host a full calendar of events organized by FEdS. VIPs, guests, directors and actors whose films are being shown at the Festival will be able to relax, pass the time and give interviews in this exceptional location, a part of which will be furnished entirely with exclusive décor from the Riva Brand Experience. The design of the chairs and tables, the materials used and every small detail demonstrate the artisan quality that is a hallmark of the Riva brand, evident in every historic hull crafted from mahogany, as well as in the masterpieces manufactured in the shipyard nowadays. The refined line of accessories from the Riva Boutique collection (available at www.rivaboutique.it) will also be on display in the Lounge, providing the final touches to its decoration. A selection of these unique and one-of-a-kind items will be provided as an exclusive gift to Riva Lounge guests, who will be able to take home a piece of the excellence that comes out of a shipyard that is emblematic of “Made in Italy” quality. Furthermore, for the entire duration of the Festival, customers, actors and artists will be able to come aboard and experience sailing on a magnificent Aquariva, an iconic model and heir of the historic speedboats of the past, made available as a courtesy boat. This is Riva’s second Lounge in Venice. Indeed, ever since 2015, the historic Gritti Palace has already been hosting this unique space on the terrace of the Bar Longhi, overlooking the Grand Canal. The Lounge, an ideal open-air extension of the famous meeting spot for Hotel guests, provides a chance for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the Riva experience in one of the world’s most exclusive venues. Thanks to the Film Festival and the prestigious temporary Lounge, the relationship between Riva and Venice has grown closer than ever, shining with a light reserved for superstars.


Sanlorenzo New Sales Director

Luigi Adamo, has been recently appointed Sales Director of the Sanlorenzo Yacht Division, a dedicated branch for fiberglass motoryachts ranging between 24 and 38 meter in length.  The Yacht Division based in Ameglia and Viareggio shipyards handles the design, the construction and the sales of three Sanlorenzo models range: SL (planning hull with flying bridge models), SD (semi-displacement hulls) and the new crossoverSX line, which first SX88 model is going to debut in a few days at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2017 (September 12th – 17th).  “I am very proud and honored to join Sanlorenzo – said Luigi Adamo -, one of the leading shipyard in the yachting business for its innovation, financial stability, tradition and product design. I am glad I am looking forward to contributing to the success and growth of Sanlorenzo”.  Luigi Adamo graduated from university as Naval Architect and Mechanical Engineer. With over twenty years experience in the yachting industry, he was made Service Manager and afterwards Product and Project Manager of Azimut-Benetti Group, till he become Sales Manager of MegaYacht Benetti. His last role position was General Manager of the Hong Kong based Benetti Asia.  Sanlorenzo’s 2016 turnover reached 314 Million euro, +42% more than the 220 Million Euro in 2015; 25.4 Million Euro EBIDTA, 21% more than 2015, achieved thanks to a steady production growth of 28 yachts and 5 superyachts sold in 2016.  Sanlorenzo is currently operational at three different production sites within 50km from each other: the Yacht Division (Ameglia and Viareggio shipyards) and the new site of the Superyacht Division in La Spezia dedicated to the construction of superyachts in metal from 40 up to over 80 meters in length.


Sirena Expands in the US

Based on the solid and positive flow generated by the U.S debut of two of the current model range, Sirena Yachts is now ready to significantly make more steps ahead into the American market.  In order to enhance the services to the extensive US market demand, the Turkish shipyard announces the opening of a new US headquarter with a on-site professional team in Fort Lauderdale, the capital of yachting in the United States and not only.  “We are expecting the US market to grow at a substantial pace in the near future.” Ms Ipek Kirac, Sirena Marine CEO refers - “the product itself has been designed in order to cover many regions in the US by being a long range category A and also being able to go in the inland lakes and waterways. We have established Sirena Marine LLC in New York and have plans on expanding our sales and our after sales network in North America with Constantino’s US team which has recently joined us. Our strategy would be to start the expansion from Florida, North East coast and the North West coast.”  Sirena Yachts US is operated on site by a professional team with extensive knowledge in the international boating market. “My team and I actually enjoy the challenging task of launching and establishing new brands. We’re truly excited about our collaboration with Sirena.” stated Constantinos Constantinou, who is heading operations for Sirena in North America. Constantinou, respected in the industry and credited for having successfully introduced and established other yacht brands in North America such as Absolute and Greenline, added: “I am very excited about teaming up with Sirena for several reasons. Sirena Marine is composed by a very professional and structured team, driven by passion, dedication, knowledge and expertise. We collaborate with some of the most important designers in the international scene to create superb and innovative products that perfectly suit the US market. To succeed in the tough US market requires much more than just a top product: one needs to have a total customer-centric approach and work hard to earn respect, have the willingness and eagerness to meet customer requirements, apply a long-term vision and persistence – all backed by a solid financial background and world-class technical resources. This is Sirena Marine.”


Sunseeker Announces Partnership with Blue Marine Foundation

Sunseeker International is delighted to announce its new long-term partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, a charity dedicated to protecting the oceans for future generations to enjoy.  Blue is a UK-based charity established in 2010 by the team behind the film ‘The End of the Line’, which brought the world’s attention to the crisis of overfishing. The partnership with Sunseeker will increase awareness of ocean conservation by encouraging people to think about their impact on the oceans and how they can help save our most valuable resource.  Sunseeker will also be working with Blue to support the Blue Marine Yacht Club. Launched in 2012 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Blue Marine Yacht Club was formed to unite the global yachting community in a clear mission to protect our ocean.  BMYC members play an active role in ensuring that our seas remain a natural resource for the future. All revenues raised from membership go directly to support Blue’s work around the world. Sunseeker fully endorses the BMYC and will actively promote membership with its clients to shape the way the ocean is protected for years to come.  Vital projects undertaken by Blue include the creation of a marine protected area around Ascension Island; restoring natural shellfish populations to the Solent; introducing sustainable fishing in the Aeolian Islands; and aiding in the clean-up of ocean plastic waste in the Mediterranean. These are just some of the projects taking place around the world today, with many others in need of urgent funding.

Sunseeker and Yachting Pages Launch Industry Leading SuperYacht App

Yachting Pages Media Group’s highly anticipated superyacht App in association with Sunseeker has now launched.  The App has been designed for superyacht captains, owners and crew and will provide users with access to an extensive worldwide database of suppliers both on and offline.  As a world leader in providing products and services to the superyacht industry, YPMG has carried out extensive research to create an app that meets the needs of senior crew and owners sourcing suppliers and services.  Out of the captains and senior crew surveyed at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2016, 86% said they would download and use a Yachting Pages Mobile App.  The Yachting Pages Mobile App is available for download on both Apple and Android devices. Yachting Pages Media Group launched in 2003 and, since then, has established itself as a trusted, comprehensive resource for superyacht crew; helping businesses to market their services to a global audience.


Viking at Fortieth Annual Ocean City Marlin

George and Beryl Robinson's Viking 55 Polarizer with Captain Jeff Thiel released seven white marlin to win the Ocean City Marlin & Tuna Club's Overnight Billfish Tournament. Polarizer angler Tommy DeRose released three white marlin, Jace Alzheimer released two and John Cashman and George Robinson each released one. The boat hit the leaderboard as Top Overall Boat and Top Release Boat.  The Viking 62 with Brian Komer at the helm released two white marlin and a blue for Second Place Overall and Third Release Boat. Viking 62 angler Dan Pettit released a white marlin and weighed the Top Tuna of the tournament, a 67.5-pounder. Sean Healey released a blue marlin while Justin Healey released a whitey.  Second Place Dolphin went to Tom Montague with a 14-pound fish. Tom fished the Viking 46 Captain Chazz.

Viking at Fourteenth Annual Carolina Boat Builders Tournament

Battling it out in an area known for its custom sportfishing boats, Don and Frances Mills' Viking 72 Sea I Sea rose to the top. Releasing one blue and three sailfish,Sea I Sea claimed the highest title, Top Boat, in the prestigious Carolina Boat Builders Tournament. Congrats Captain Rob Mahoney! Thanks to the generosity of anglers, donors and sponsors, $70,000 was awarded to Dare County college and graduate students in 2017.

Viking at 44th Annual White Marlin Open

It was a wild week at the White Marlin Open. The weather was so snotty that less than half of the 353-boat fleet took on day one, and only 12 boats ventured out on day two. This forced most boats to fish the final three days. With so many boats fishing the second half of the tournament, the final day at the scales saw $3 million dollars change hands in just the first 40 minutes.  White marlin were playing hide and seek, so many boats switched gears trying to fill the empty spots on the meat board. On Wednesday, the 3rd fishing day but the first for the Viking 62 Intents, angler Joseph Sadler took the first bite of the tournament and thumped a 68.5-pound tuna on the deck. Sizing it up, Captain Rhett Bailey thought it looked like dinner. Buddies Danny Scotti and Roger Ruby convinced Intents owner Alan Sadler to head to the scales with it. Lucky they did. That fish earned the team a record tuna payout of $12,642 a pound!  "Of all the ways I dreamed of winning big money at the White Marlin Open, the tuna category never occurred to me," said Rhett. "Catching tuna is not really our thing, and we almost didn't take it to the scales. We're so happy this fish held on for three days! Thanks to all of my team members: Alan Sadler, Joe Sadler, Van Wichers, Kyle Francis and Garrett Penley." Rounding out the tuna category, Kris Rainear fishing the Viking 50 Warden Passfinished 3rd with a 67-pound fish while Jared Brown on the Viking 55 Slabjack was 4th with a 65.5-pound fish. The Viking 60 Caitlin put angler Jim Murray on a 64-pound tuna good for 5th place and Jim Stavola on the Viking 55 Milling Aroundclaimed the 6th spot with a 64-pounder. Gail Jones fishing on her Viking 62 Reel Toy released a white and blue marlin for 3rd Place Lady Angler. Greg Beane on the Viking 68 Oasis was the 19th Top Angler with a white and blue as well. The Viking 62 Business boated a white marlin on day one which hit the leaderboard in the top spot. Angler Michael Logan weighed the 76-pounder which held on the board until Friday. Despite Mother Nature's mood, the fleet released 390 white marlin and boated 19 for a 95% release rate. Thirty-four blues were released and none weighed.

Viking at Twelfth Annual Texas Legend

Congratulations to Will Cocke and his team on the Viking 61 Suzy Q. Captain Eric Carr led the crew to a 1st Place overall finish in the recent Texas Legends Billfish Tournament with 3 whites, 2 blues and a sailfish. A grand slam!  Second place was awarded to Ron and Mary Ann Rabb fishing their Viking 52 Lady Mary Ann. Bandit, a Viking 82, and the Viking 55 Deez Nautz took 4th and 5th respectively.  The top swordfish went to Robert Brown's Viking 61 Mono Chongo with a 146.1-pound fish. Floyd Appling's Viking 74 Bimini Babe weighed a 45.5-pound tuna for 3rd Place Yellow Fin.

Viking at 51st Annual Harbor Invitational

Going five for six on white marlin, the Viking 70 Krazy Salt's took 1st Place at the recent Stone Harbor Marlin Invitational. Congratulations to captain Keith Greenburg and mate Luke Hickey. The Viking 62, with captain Brian Komer at the helm, took 2nd Place with three white marlin releases. Top Junior Angler was 15-year-old Logan Rutt on the Viking 62. The team on the 62 is pictured above.

Viking at Eight Montauk Canyon Challenge

Forty-four boats were in the mix at the recent Montauk Canyon Challenge. Event veteran Rebel, Mike Tucci's Viking 52, was the Grand Champion when the dust settled. Rebel also caught the 1st Place Heaviest Tuna with a 220-pound big eye.  Greg Marzuk's Viking 43 Blue Water weighed the top yellowfin at 62.2-pounds.Relentless, the Viking 52 owned by Tim Schmidt, thumped some tuna on the deck to win the Top Three Yellowfin Weight category with 167.5 pounds, while Pete Rhein's Sneaky Pete was right on his transom with 161 pounds for 2nd Place.Sneaky Pete also won the wahoo category with a 15.4-pound fish.  Scott Savage and his Viking 50 Reel Savage landed on the top of the leaderboard in marlin releases, and Harriet Ball, fishing the Viking 56 On The Ball, was the Top Lady Angler.

Viking Captures Fourteenth Annual Bermuda Triple Crown

Fishing a Viking 92, team Fa La Me made tournament history last week, capturing the Bermuda Triple Crown for a record-setting third time. "When we were building this boat I heard people mumbling that we couldn't be competitive in a 92-foot Enclosed Bridge sportfish boat, but we're breaking, no, we're smashing, records on this boat!" says Frank Rodriguez, who owns the Viking with his wife Mary Ellen. Team Fa La Me, crewed by Captain Rob Moore and mates Taylor Beckford, West Rivers and Tyler Beckford, took this year's Triple Crown in dramatic fashion, nearly lapping the fleet with a record nine blue and 10 white marlin releases during the nine days of tournament fishing.

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