Monthly News - February 2019

-pic of the month- Dominator Goes to the Middle East

Arcadia Begins 2019 with Ten Units Under Construction

At the beginning of 2019, Arcadia remains one of the most active shipyards on the international yachting stage. No fewer than ten hulls are currently under construction in the shipyard’s renovated production area for an overall value of more than forty million euro. Last year Arcadia bought 21% of Marina di Torre Annunziata srl, a production site with a haulage and launching dock, which increased the area dedicated to production to over 47,000 square meters. n the same period, Arcadia reorganized the production layout, which now allows to have at the same time up to seven yachts in the hull-fitting phase and four in the lamination phase all at the same time. Specifically, there are currently two A85, two A105, one A115 and three Sherpa yachts under construction. Two Sherpa Xl units are also being built, the first one right on time for its debut at 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. It is quite impressive that, despite this considerable line-up, the shipyard is using only 60% of its production capacity.  “In less than 10 year’s activity, approximately thirty Arcadia vessels have been delivered to their owners,” declared Ugo Pellegrino, the Sole Director of the Italian shipyard. “We are proud of this result, which encourages us to do even better. Over the next few years, our organisation will concentrate on the new Range and on improved distribution capacity on the one hand, and on a new production strategy on the other. In addition to making the production site more efficient in terms of delivery times, the new strategy will also allow us to meet our Owners’ customization requests better and better.” The decision to always have an on-spec deck and hull ready for construction for every model, as well as ready-to-sail A85, Sherpa Xl and Sherpa models (partly and especially because of the many ongoing negotiations regarding these models), further proves two points. On the one hand, it reveals the shipyard’s financial solidity and the confidence Arcadia Yachts has in its product vision and, on the other, it is also a very practical arrangement for will-be owners, because it considerably reduces delivery times. Essentially, in line with its shipyard-boutique philosophy, Arcadia is keeping ahead in the construction of the yacht’s standard structures and facilities (hull, deck, compartments, main facilities) but, at the same time, it is leaving owners ample freedom of choice regarding style characterizations.  Expanding the shipyard has allowed to double the space dedicated to after-sales activities, which Arcadia Yachts has always considered very important. It is a great added value in the market of luxury yachting - owners can rely directly on the shipyard for wintering and maintenance operations, as is already happening for 50% of the Arcadia yachts that sail in the West Med. This percentage is set to rise specifically thanks to the shipyard’s investments in facilities.

Azimut Two Day Event in Dubai

The capital city of United Arab Emirates hosted the first of five events organised to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Azimut Yachts, a two-day celebration dedicated to Italian taste and style, organized for Azimut Yachts Owners in the Gulf region. From tomorrow, the presence of the brand in Dubai continues at the 27th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show, where some of the most representative models will be on show, including Azimut Grande 25 Metri and Azimut S7, an absolute première for the Middle East. The Bulgari Yacht Club and Marina, a luxury resort in Dubai, specially designed to evoke the allure of the Mediterranean coastline, hosted the first of five international events organised by the Azimut|Benetti Group to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Azimut Yachts. A two-day event and tours aboard Azimut Yachts marked the start of a year of celebration in honour of the Shipyard founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli. The event, which took place on 22nd and 23rd February, as well as presenting a preview of the two new premières for the Middle East, alternated moments of pure entertainment with refined culinary experiences, to delight Azimut Yachts’ owners, who came not only from Dubai but also from other significant locations in the Gulf area, a region where Azimut Yachts has been present for more than 20 years. The exclusive dinner, served in the sophisticated garden area of the resort, ended with the traditional yachts parade which was the highlight of the evening.  Dubai, the business and financial hub of the Middle East as well as a growing hub for the yachting industry, will also host the 27th Dubai International Boat Show starting tomorrow and Azimut Yachts will be extending its presence in the region by taking part in the show.  The Italian shipyard will be at the Dubai Canal, in the Jumeirah region, from 26 February to 3 March, to showcase, in partnership with its exclusive dealer Seas & Deserts, its most iconic yachts, including two new launches in this region: Azimut Grande 25 Metri and Azimut S7. The former, featuring a stylish interior design by Achille Salvagni and bold exterior lines by Stefano Righini, has already attracted great interest and won several awards. The most recent is the ‘Best Motor Yacht in Asia’ at the Christofle Yacht Style Awards. Azimut S7, a 21-metre 45-ton yacht with a sporty soul, is yet another extremely popular model boasting a high degree of cutting-edge technology and IPS triple propulsion. The exteriors were designed by Stefano Righini, while Francesco Guida designed the interiors.  Azimut Yachts' calendar is brimming with events this year and the coming months will be packed with events linked, partly to its participation in the world's most important boat shows – including the upcoming Palm Beach International Boat Show in March – and partly to the celebrations for its most important and prestigious anniversary. The second leg, equally impressive and full of surprises, will be held in New York, a symbol of innovation and creativity, just like Azimut Yachts.

Bavaria Appoint New CEO

Following his three-month tenure as Managing Director for Sales and Marketing, Michael Müller is now taking on an additional role: He has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and is responsible for the activities of the entire group, including Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH in Germany and Nautitech Catamarans SAS in France. This position was previously vacant. Dr Ralph Kudla of CMP Capital Management Partners, which represent and advise the investing equity fund, who has been delegated to the Board of Management and is now also responsible for finance and controlling of Bavaria Yachts as the Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), explains: “In the few weeks with Michael Müller on board we have learned how effective he is and how well he has been received by employees and dealers. This is why we have asked him to take on the role of CEO.”  The experienced manager has already collaborated successfully with the CMP team on other projects. Graduate engineer Michael Müller is 62 years old and has worked for brand manufacturers throughout his career. “I bring in my experience working for leading brands and I intend to reinforce the position of Bavaria Yachts as a quality manufacturer of modern sailing and motor yachts. At the moment our whole team is focussed on preparing for the 2019 delivery season. We will meet our quality pledge as well as our promised delivery dates, so that the boats on order get into the water for the spring. In addition, we are continuously incorporating technological improvements into the production lines in Giebelstadt.” For that purpose, the management team has been strengthened by the addition of two experienced product managers: Pascal Kuhn for sailing yachts and Siep Keizer for motor yachts. Both report directly to Erik Appel, the Managing Director responsible for production.  Bavaria Yachts is currently actively engaged in further developing its cooperation with the dealers, who represent the brand to boat owners and water sports enthusiasts, thus building an even closer-knit network than before. The aim is to involve the dealers, to listen to their expertise and to integrate them into the future development of Bavaria. This continuing corporate development process is viewed very positively by the industry. Michael Müller shares the enjoyment of water sports with the dealers, customers and employees. He values holidays spent on the water, where he finds relaxation with family and friends even on short trips.  The Bavaria Yachts Group currently employs 800 people. There are 550 employees in the permanent workforce in Giebelstadt, as well as around 50 temporary employees. Nautitech Catamarans SAS employs 250 people in Rochefort (France).

Beneteau Partners with Raceix

Beneteau, has announced a Development Partnership Agreement with Irish marine technology company Raceix at the Miami International Boat Show. Raceix, who also have a US base in Savannah Georgia, are developing an innovative hardware and software suite designed to inform, encourage and support the activities, adventures and lifestyles of boaters, with a particular emphasis on those with motorboats of less than 8m (26-feet) in length.  Their solution delivers a highly intuitive, contextually aware solution which uses a modern user experience (with augmented reality) to provide appropriate data to the boat user in a way which encourages and supports boat usage in a safe and informed manner.  This innovative approach has received enormous industry support internationally over the past year.  For Beneteau, it represents an opportunity to further demonstrate their commitment to sourcing and nurturing developing new technologies which have the potential to offer practical assistance and support to existing boaters, while also encouraging new customers on to the water.  The DPA will see Raceix use a Beneteau Antares 7 for testing the solution over the coming months, while also having access to market-understanding at the very highest level. It will also allow the incorporation of some additional features which Beneteau believe will further assist boaters.

Bertram at 56th Buccaneer Cup

The 56th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament was held January 23 - 26 in Palm Beach, Fla. Conditions were favorable as the bite pushed into the North. Team Bertram released five sailfish and took home heaviest mahi, caught on day two of the tournament, aboard the Bertram 61.

Bertram at 2019 Jimmy Johnson Billfish Tournament 

The 2019 Jimmy Johnson Billfish Tournament will take place Friday, March 8 - Saturday, March 9. The two-day tournament features the top anglers in the country, the world's largest guaranteed purse in sailfish tournament history, and the largest purse in Florida's sportfish tournament history!  The Bertram 61 team will participate out of Ocean Reef Yacht Club, where the boat will stay until heading to the Palm Beach Boat Show.

Dominator Goes to the Middle East

By extending its current distribution strategy to a new market, Dominator is proudly announcing another milestone in the Ilumen history. With MY Hanaa, the Ilumen range celebrates the Middle East debut and marks the beginning of an exciting year ahead. The launch was celebrated together with the announcement of an important collaboration with the prestigious Bvlgari Yacht Club in Dubai, symbolizing the perfect match of Italian glamour and lifestyle in Dubai. Dominator Ilumen had its debut at the Dubai International Boatshow some time ago, when the yachting world’s first Virtual Reality experience was presented. With the arrival of MY Hanaa to Dubai, the innovative design leaped off the Virtual Reality reviving the long-established strengths and values of the Dominator brand and Dominator’s esteemed craftsmanship in the Middle East. Dubai as a yachting hub between Europe and Asia is an important strategic position for Dominator Ilumen to further enhance the presence of existing Dominator vessels in the Middle East.

Feadship Refit a Classic Caravelle

Feadship has successfully completed the refit of the 24-metre motoryacht Caravelle, named after the line of classic beauties built by Feadship in the Sixties during a partnership with the legendary Italian designer Carlo Riva. Having commissioned this year-long refit after falling in love with the yacht’s striking lines and vintage charm, the owners took the opportunity to also enhance her with 21st-century creature comforts such as zero-speed stabilization.  The seven Feadships launched between August 1961 and October 1965 under the Caravelle name have gained an iconic status amongst connoisseurs of Sixties maritime cool. Much admired at the time by clients such as beer magnate Freddie Heineken, these fast steel motoryachts were resolutely ahead of the curve. Always popular, rarely available, the Caravelles made global headlines again when Feadship totally rebuilt the fourth in the line, Serena, in 2010.  The latest refit was carried out for clients who were actively seeking a Caravelle of their own. The client was delighted when he discovered the fifth cruiser in the line, originally launched as Quien Sabe in 1965. She had been renamed Absolute by her then owners, who had extended the yacht by 1.5 metres to add a lazarette and folding swim platform. These changes did not negatively affect the design, which retained its beautiful soft body curves, charming blue hull, warm teak deck and gleaming chrome deck jewellery, captivating the current owners.  Renaming her Caravelle, the owners had the yacht shipped from the Mediterranean to the Feadship yard in Makkum for an extensive refit designed to ensure she lasts at least another half a century. The work included completely stripping and rebuilding the engine room and the installation of no less than four RotorSwing at-anchor stabilisers. In addition, the hull was repainted and the interior and systems completely upgraded to meet the full scope of Feadship’s exacting standards.


Ferretti Group New Partner for UAE, Oman, and Egypt

Ferretti Group, the worldwide leading leisure yacht manufacturer, will take part in the 27th edition of the Dubai International Boat Show from February 26th to March 2nd with a wonderful fleet of 4 yachts, where will be announced its news partnership with Ocean 360, the region’s newest 360-degree leisure yachting enterprise, covering the territories of the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt. The strategic move is destined to strengthen the Italian yachts producer’s position in the Middle East, by extending the customer’s experience of the luxury brand beyond the yachts, through integrated high-end services that cover all needs related to a lifestyle of indulgence at sea. Ocean 360 is the right partner to achieve this, as it is to become the region’s largest 360-degree leisure yachting enterprise and marina management venture at the highest standards of quality.  “Ocean 360 is the ideal partner for us, as it lives up to our vision and our standards that position us firmly at the top of the luxury yachting. Moreover, it is well rooted in the territory, in a market like the Middle East, which is of fundamental importance for our international expansion. We are sure that thanks to Ocean 360 solidity and authority, we will be represented at our best in the UAE, Oman and Egypt countries where an ever-growing array of shipowners and enthusiasts shows interest and enthusiasm for our boats and our ‘Made in Italy’ yachting. Thanks to this agreement, Ferretti Group further strengthens its selected distribution network, made up of over 60 international dealers, which guarantees its customers the highest levels of assistance in over 80 countries” stated Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. “At the Dubai Boat Show, also to celebrate the partnership with Ocean 360, we will showcase some of the most prestigious yachts of our range, including one “Middle East Premiere”, the performance breath-taking Pershing 82, alongside with Ferretti Yachts 550, Riva 100’ Corsaro and Pershing 70”.


Formula Earns Four NMMA Awards

Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2018 Customer Satisfaction Index program in the categories of: Sterndrive Bowrider, Sterndrive Cuddy and Express Boats, Fiberglass Outboard Boats and Inboard Express Cruisers. Formula attained the enviable achievement of earning awards in every product category it participated in, an extremely high honor given its wide range of product segments. Great job, Formula!  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.


Frauncher Appoint New UK and Ireland Dealership

Grosvenor Yachts sells both new and warrantied pre-owned motorized leisure yachts. Working closely and sympathetically in partnership with the customer, using their experience and knowledge to identify the model of craft that best meets the requirements and budget, a personal touch instills confidence throughout the process. Their skilled approach ensures that each and every boat has presence, performance and unmistakable panache. It is therefore not surprising that the Grosvenor Yachts brand has become a synonym for luxury, high quality and customer service. Stefan Frauscher: “Frauscher is recognized as a leader in design, craftmanship and performance. As such we place very high demands on companies willing to represent our brand. Grosvenor Yachts customer-focused approach aligns very closely with Frauschers values. We are very excited about this cooperation and Frauschers entry in the British market!“ Charles Fowler, Managing Director of Grosvenor Yachts and the Principal of Frauscher Boats UK said: “We are delighted to represent Frauscher who produce some of the world's most desirable boats. The Frauscher shipyard constantly excels in innovation and distinctive form: Personification of a passion for classic craftsmanship, stylishly combined with state-of-the-art design. The fusion of traditional, high-quality boat building with striking clear sculptural form is more convincing than ever.” Grosvenor Yachts Ltd.: With an office in both central London and at Falmouth in Cornwall, Grosvenor Yachts is proud to be members of the British Marine Federation and Superyacht UK. In addition, Grosvenor Yachts Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.


Grand Banks and Palm Beach Yachts New Mid Atlantic Representative

Grand Banks Yachts and Palm Beach Motor Yachts are pleased to introduce Scott Kinney as the latest member of its U.S. sales team. Kinney will serve as the sales representative for the Mid-Atlantic region and be based in St. Michael’s, Maryland, and will handle sales of all lines of Grand Banks, Eastbay, and Palm Beach yachts.  Kinney brings a wealth of boating experience to his new role. He grew up around boats, enjoying sailing on Long Island Sound and also time on his grandfather’s Chris-Craft. His 35-year career in the marine industry includes working with such vaunted legacy brands as Bertram, Hatteras, Bristol Yachts, Sabre, Ted Hood, Hunt Yachts, and Hinckley. He served as a regional sales manager for Grand Banks from 1999 to 2006.  “As a cruiser, I understand what buyers need to know, as well as what buyers will want to know about their new yachts,” Kinney says. “I get what clients are looking for—and every one of them is different. I know the situations that arise, since I’ve been through most of them.”  Kinney will use his blue-water experience to help introduce the attributes of yachts from Grand Banks and Palm Beach. The Grand Banks range includes efficient cruising yachts with classic lines undergirded by high-technology build techniques and warped, semi-displacement hulls, such as the GB60 and GB60 Skylounge as well as the upcoming GB52. Palm Beach offers Down East-inspired cruisers ranging from the Palm Beach 42 to the soon-to-be-introduced Palm Beach 70, as well as the exciting Palm Beach GT line including the GT50 Salon Express and the GT50 Open, which will make her debut at the 2019 Miami Yacht Show.  “Scott has that boating passion that will allow him to deliver the kind of service our clientele will appreciate,” says Mark Richards, CEO of Grand Banks Yachts, Ltd. “The yachts we build appeal to serious boaters who use their boats for what their design intended.” Many such cruisers are based in the area surrounding Chesapeake Bay, so basing Kinney in Maryland will improve the service there.


Hatteras Welcome Returning Designer

As part of Hatteras continuing commitment to innovation and bringing exciting new yachts to the marketplace, Hatteras Yachts is proud to announce they have appointed award-winning yacht designer Ward Setzer into the executive team as Chief Product Officer. In this position, Ward will work closely with the Hatteras design and engineering departments to develop new yacht models. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Ward, who is from North Carolina and worked at Hatteras Yachts earlier in his career, from 1985 to 1991.  In making the announcement, Kelly Grindle, Hatteras President and CEO, said: “Ward has a great depth of knowledge in designing, engineering and building boats, as well as a tremendous breadth of experience covering everything from center console outboard boats to 200-plus- foot mega yachts.”


Maritimo Miami Sales Success

Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, has enjoyed strong sales at the recent Miami International Yacht Show with the USA debut of two of its 2019 enclosed flybridge models a hit with boat buyers.  The company displayed four of its largest models at the Miami show including two of the revolutionary X60 coupes, a model that changed forever the sports yacht sector after its launch early in 2018, and interest in the brand was extremely high.  Maritimo Americas' President Dave Northrop, said the X60 sport yacht with the aft beach club and versatile accommodations was a clear winner at the show, but with one or more orders for each model displayed the success was across the range.  "The X60 beach club version and the M64 were extremely popular and showcased the finest of our heritage in both the enclosed flybridge sector and the sports coupe market," he said. "We had the beauty and the beast of the M64 complimented by the innovation and style of the X60 that has been such a darling of the USA boating media.  "Such has been the phenomenal interest in and coverage of this model that yachtsmen are now coming to shows like Miami with the X60 at the top of their must see list."  He said the highly anticipated X50 due for its world premiere at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May this year also drew strong interest with multiple orders placed ahead of the debut.  "We believe we will see a repeat of the X60 sales success, prior to its world premiere last year in May, with the X50 this year," he said.  The Miami Yacht Show is the first major show of the season in the USA and as such it represents a litmus test for marine sector overall.  Northrop said the new venue for the Miami Yacht Show will be a hit with attendees in future years after some teething problems this year in terms of location awareness impacted on attendance figures.  Maritimo CEO Garth Corbitt said the sales success enjoyed at Miami recently vindicated the massive financial investment the company had made in the expansion of its manufacturing plant on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia last year.  "Our international strategic expansion is on track and the market in the USA was a major focus of that strategy," he said.  "The expanded plant will enable us to meet the increased demand from the export market and the new models that we roll out.  "Miami was strong for us and we now look forward to the next major show we will be represented at which is in Palm Beach in four weeks."


Princess Registers Strong Sales in Dusseldorf

Princess Yachts, the UK's largest luxury yacht brand, has announced it sold a total of 21 yachts worth in excess of £38m at boot Düsseldorf, with more confirmed orders anticipated in the coming days.  Princess displayed eleven yachts on its stand at boot Düsseldorf, including three global debuts for the Y85, V78 and F45. Princess's iconic Project 31, a heritage vessel built in 1968, and the revolutionary new R35 performance sports yacht were other highlights of the line-up which celebrated boot Düsseldorf 's 50th birthday in style.  Antony Sheriff, Executive Chairman, Princess Yachts said: "Princess Yachts was proud to celebrate 50 years of boot Düsseldorf with what I believe was our most impressive and inspiring show stand ever. We have a rich history with boot Düsseldorf, having exhibited for the past 40 years, which makes 2019 all the more special as it delivered outstanding sales figures.  "Our own business has accelerated in recent years, combining our traditional values with innovations from leaders in design and technology, so it was only natural to bring those partnerships to the show. I believe many of our visitors, customers and guests appreciated the technology and design philosophy presented by BAR Technologies, Pininfarina and Princess."

Riviera Family Rafts Across Australia

Across Australia, more than 130 Riviera and Belize owners, their families and friends celebrated the pleasure of being a part of the unique Riviera family by hosting spectacular raft-ups and events over the holiday season.  From Perth in Western Australia to Melbourne and on Queensland's Gold Coast the festivities ranged from a spectacular laser light show to a ceremony for a couple renewing their wedding vows.  Whether the yacht owners and their friends were new to raft-ups or had been a part of this truly unique Riviera experience event before, all focused on the Riviera camaraderie of simply being together and enjoying each others’ company and their much-loved motor yachts.  Peter and Julie Herschell joined the 25-yacht raft-up off Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula with eight boating friends aboard their Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Hatrick.  Greg and Jennifer Ferguson have been to most of the past 10 R Marine Perth summer raft-ups. This year's event brought together 43 Rivieras.  Greg Kohl and partner Robyn were particularly excited by the laser light display on Queensland's Gold Coast.  A little further north on the Gold Coast, Jumpinpin is a favourite destination for boating enthusiasts.  The team from R Marine Crawley utilised this special location to host 34 Riviera owners, their families and friends to begin the holiday season.  Christine and husband Matt had another special reason to remember the weekend.  Jeff and Chris had taken delivery of their new Riviera 52 Enclosed Flybridge Dreamtime just two weeks before the Calypso Bay raft-up.  For all the spectacle of that afternoon and evening, Jeff and Chris said the highlight was meeting members of the Riviera family.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said these social events were a superb example of the amazing camaraderie among Riviera and Belize owners across Australia and around the world. It’s what all our yacht owners so affectionately call the Riviera Family.  “We are proud that our team and our global representatives come together to support our owners in this way,” he said. “ We see this in these raft-ups and Experience events, at our annual Festival of Boating and during the social events at major boat shows around the world. It’s a vibrant, growing and exceptional boating community.


Sanlorenzo New Phase of Expansion

The Board has approved the ambitious and strategic plan presented by Chairman Massimo Perotti.  Growth supported by the inclusion of new product lines of the historic brand, by the development of the Bluegame brand, and by the diversification into different segments and products complementary to the core business. And new acquisitions on the horizon.  A strategic reorganization and strengthening of management are underway to face the new challenges. At the new prestigious Sanlorenzo Superyacht headquarters, result of the well-planned intervention by Studio Lissoni Associati, whose collaboration with the shipyard led to the creation of unique interior designs of some yachts and the new Sanlorenzo stands at the Boat shows, the board of directors approved the 2018 balance sheet and the 2019 budget on January 14th.  Record numbers were reported for the historic brand which ended 2018 with a turnover of 380 million, an increase of 27% compared to 2017 and a forecast for 2019 of more than 20% further growth. A very realistic forecast based on a backlog of 500 million between 2019 and 2020.  An important point on the agenda for the meeting was also the presentation by President Massimo Perotti of an ambitious strategic plan with which the Group enters a new phase of expansion.  Thanks to the recent reacquisition of full control of Sanlorenzo Spa, through the buyback, just before Christmas, of 23% of the shareholding, held by the Chinese Sundiro Holding, which followed a few months the repurchase of the 16% held by Fondo Italiano di Investimento, Massimo Perotti also presented a plan structured in various directions that aims to fully express the growth potential of the company and its subsidiaries.  Potential that can count on the robust consolidation of the company that occurred in recent years. Sanlorenzo has indeed counted on the recovery of the market by continuing to invest even in times of crisis and allocating a total of 100 million in new models, production capacity and brand positioning.  The presented plan establishes expansion through both the internal growth of the core business, which will be strengthened and implemented, as well as external growth, with new acquisitions.  In particular, the first model of the Sanlorenzo Open Coupé line is already in preparation, a segment in which the brand believes it can provide a strong renewal momentum and major investments with addition of new lines are envisaged for the Bluegame brand, which joined the Group last year. The expansion will be accelerated by acquisitions allowing diversification and expansion of the Group's offering, currently under consideration of the company's top management. With an interest in providing a global proposal to the customer, the creation of a business unit dedicated to new innovative initiatives borrowed from more advanced sectors is also planned.  As explained by the President to the members of the Board, the realization of an expansion plan like the one presented, requires not only impressive economic investments but above all a structured managerial organization to meet the new challenges. With this goal, some fundamental decisions have already been made.  Ferruccio Rossi, former Managing Director, assumes the position of CEO of Sanlorenzo Spa. He is also appointed President of Sanlorenzo Superyachts, the company division dedicated to metal models over 40 meters, which in recent years have recorded particularly significant production volumes and a significant increase in revenue.  Carla Demaria, recently co-opted by the Board of Directors of Sanlorenzo Spa, is entrusted with thedevelopment of the new business opportunities envisaged by the plan and the current extra-core business activities of Sanlorenzo. In particular, she assumes the position of CEO of Bluegame.  Carla Demaria, current President UCINA (Italian Marine Industry Association), has worked for more than twenty years in the Azimut Benetti Group until reaching the top as a member of the Steering Committee and Chairman of the subsidiary Atlantis Spa. In the last ten years she has been President of Monte Carlo Yachts, developed from the ground up in just a few years during the worst post-war economic crisis, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the French group Beneteau listed on the Paris stock exchange, where she held the position of General Director of the Beneteau brand.  "I consider the strategic plan approved by the Sanlorenzo board both highly ambitious and realistic. The steps in the direction of strengthening the organizational structure, through the acquisition of consolidated managerial experiences and greater delegation, make me confident that we will succeed in meeting our objectives " Massimo Perotti declared.

Sanlorenzo Academy Launches New Course

Sanlorenzo, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of yachts and superyachts, is preparing to launch a new course of the “Sanlorenzo Academy” for the training of installers and system maintenance technicians.  This important project, which started last November with the first course of the Academy for the training of “Polyvalent boating operator” and of “Sailor in charge of on-board technical equipment”, was born from the idea of Cavalier Massimo Perotti, the chairman of Sanlorenzo who once again has demonstrated the company’s ability to look beyond and expand its vision by aiming, by means of the Academy, to create new specialised individuals and providing them with training opportunities with a view to recruitment. The creation of the Sanlorenzo Academy was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the CISITA training institution, and with the support of the Liguria Region, Alfa Liguria, Confindustria La Spezia, the Municipality of La Spezia, the Port Authority and trade union representatives.  It is an initiative that creates an important virtuous circle between industry, the training sector and the world of work, thereby creating employment. The Sanlorenzo Academy indeed presents itself as a bridge between these realities with the aim of training specialised individuals equipped with technical/practical nautical training that can be integrated into the working environment.  The contracting companies that have supported this initiative have, in fact, committed themselves, at the end of the training period, to taking on 60% of the students of the Academy who pass the final exam; this employment involves a fixed-term contract for a period of at least six months. he “Installer and System Maintenance Technician” course will be launched at the beginning of April 2019 and provides for the training of personnel with two specializations: Installer/maintenance technician for nautical electrical systems, and Installer/maintenance technician for nautical hydraulic and air-conditioning systems.  The course is open to 20 unemployed persons and has a duration of the course is 800 hours, divided up into lessons in the classroom and practical training in workshops, to be followed by a six-month internship in the company. The ultimate goal is to provide students with both technical and practical skills as well as soft skills (stress management, conflict management, understanding of criticality, planning, communication, etc.), supplementing their preparation with specific notions and practical experience in order to enrich the human assets of the contracting companies with new, motivated and well-trained members of the work force.  Further courses are planned to begin in the second half of 2019 for the training of new, versatile operators in the nautical sector, nautical mechanical assemblers and nautical fitters.  The launch of the Sanlorenzo Academy project was made possible by the Liguria Region and by the co-financing of the European Union through grants received from the 2014-2020 European Social Fund.

Sanlorenzo From Shipyard to Courtyard

Confirming its design and creative approach which made contamination an actual distinctive value of its, Sanlorenzo, one of the world’s main shipyards for the production of yachts and superyachts, takes part in Milan Design Week for its third consecutive year with the installation “From shipyard to courtyard” which will be set up in the context of the exhibition-event Interni Human Spaces, in the beautiful setting of Università degli Studi di Milano (“University of Milan”). Removing all boundaries and putting aside all dogmas and rules, the shipyard, thanks to the innovative vision of Massimo Perotti, the company’s Chairman, managed to disrupt the rigidity of its world throughout the years while integrating art and design. This choice was confirmed last year by the beginning of a collaboration with Piero Lissoni acting as the company’s art director, resulting from the strong stylistic and projectual affinity which immediately emerged with the shipyard. On the occasion of FuoriSalone 2019, Lissoni thus became the interpreter of the brand’s tradition and values through the installation “From shipyard to courtyard”.Clearly evoking the wooden frameworks that shipwrights, outstanding shipyard figures, used to build, Piero Lissoni reinterprets the hull of an SX112 yacht through a process of abstraction.  The interior of this imposing structure on a 1:1 scale, in the middle of the courtyard, will be walkable, making it possible for visitors to enter and tour the boat.  An ideal connection between the past, present and future of Sanlorenzo whose hull, which represents the initial construction stage of the yacht, proves the craftsmanship of the artisans who have always shaped these sophisticated objects while announcing a new model that will be presented in 2020.  The flagship model SX112, chosen to lead the installation, will expand the crossover SX line, officially launched in 2017 with the first yacht SX88, followed in 2018 by SX76. Both models were presented in Piero Lissoni’s interior design versions, where he conceived for the first time through his innovative project, an open space yacht.  Once again Piero Lissoni’s installation shows the relationship between Sanlorenzo and design describing the shipyard through new perspectives: the hull comes to symbolise the company by revealing its experience, artisanship and its innovative approach.


Sunreef Voted as Best Multihull Boat in Asia

The 40 Open Sunreef Power was recognized as the Best Multihull Motor Yacht in Asia during Chapter One of the two-part Christofle Yacht Style Awards. Launched by the Yacht Style magazine the event was held at Phuket’s Café Del Mar on January 9th 2019. This prestigious gala aims to reward the most original recent crafts on the global yachting scene. The award was received on stage by Sunreef Yachts representatives during an exclusive dinner night gathering an audience of VIPs and key industry personalities.

Viking VIP 2019

A little of rain couldn't damper the energy and excitement of last week's Viking VIP Boat Show at the Viking Yacht Service Center. A fleet of sixteen of the world's best luxury fishing and motor yachts were on full display and hosted eighty customer sea trials during the two-day event. Fifty of Viking's preferred vendors were on hand to speak with attendees and a pair of gleaming Maseratis garnered plenty of attention.  At the sales meeting, Viking's President and CEO Patrick Healey introduced Valhalla Boatworks, a new company dedicated to designing and building high-performance center consoles with the same Viking quality, craftsmanship and expertise that has led the marine industry for 55 years.

Viking Buc Cup Champs

Congratulations to the Viking 60 De-Bait-Able in their win at the recent Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament. With Captain KJ Zehar behind the wheel, the De-Bait-Ablecrew released 21 sails to win the top spot on the leaderboard. Angler Chris Weaks contributed seven of those sails which won him the 2nd Place Angler title.  Captain Walter Ogden led his Viking 62 Polarizer team to 1st Place in the Dead Bait category with six releases. Clamaholic, a Viking 56, had the 3rd heaviest meatfish with a 23 pound dolphin.

Viking Last Dance Take All

Congratulations to the Viking 52 Last Dance for winning the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Janet and Erik Akins' boat released 25 sails during the three-series event. Captain Robert Collins pulled out a last-minute double header to seal the win. Last Dance angler Matt McLean claimed 2nd Place Angler in the series.