Monthly News - January 2020

-pic of the month- Bavaria Entering Day Cruiser Market

Arcadia Ten Years of Success

Ten years have passed since the first A85 was presented to the public at BOOT Düsseldorf 2010, marking the introduction of a new concept of yacht. During these ten years, Arcadia has gained a starring role on the stage of international yachting, delivering approximately 30 yachts and always placing Owners and their needs at the heart of every project.  While the number 10 was apparently important on the debut day of Arcadia Yachts, there are many figures that explain the decade of success experienced by the Italian shipyard:  6 models launched; 2 ranges, the A range (A85, A85S, A105, A115) and the Sherpa range (Sherpa and Sherpa XL); thirty Arcadia yachts currently sailing around the world; 7 models currently under construction; 746.94 linear metres is the total length of all the Arcadia hulls launched in these ten years; 23 are the nationalities of the owners of the yachts; 150 craftsmen and professional workers every year are involved in the creation of the yachts; 47,000 square metres is the total area taken up by the Italian shipyard; 11 prizes awarded to Arcadia yachts, the most recent being the World Yachts Trophies, awarded to the Sherpa XL; 38 is by how much, in percentage, the efficiency of the yachts’ solar panels has increased over the past ten years.  Arcadia has therefore celebrated its first ten years of activity by taking its newest born, the Sherpa XL, to Germany. With characteristics typically found in the 85-90 feet segment, this yacht confirms the Italian shipyard truly is an innovator.

Bavaria Entering Day Cruiser Market

Bavaria Yachts is entering the growing motorboat market for day cruisers with outboards. The first model will go into production in the Giebelstadt yard as early as September. The basis for the first motorboat with outboards from Bavaria Yachts is the Neo from Greenline Yachts. In the middle of during boot Dusseldorf, Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH and SVP Yachts from Slovenia agreed the takeover of all rights to the Neo concept. 

Beneteau BoatingOS

A game-changing experience for everyone on board, built on the world’s best marine guidance platform. That’s the promise of ‘BoatingOS’, a major new initiative by Irish marine technology company, Raceix, in association with  Beneteau, their global development partner.  BoatingOS is an entirely new operating system which will power the next generation of chart-plotters - much like how Android works for smartphones. It’s an always-connected platform, delivering data to the helm in a usable, understandable and contextually-aware way, while also unlocking millions of completely new data points which will enrich the boating experience on board. Those behind the initiative believe that current solutions can be difficult to understand, may contain information that is often out of date, and do little to encourage and support fresh marine adventures.  “The current fundamentals are at the heart of the problem” according to Stuart Walker, COO of Raceix. “All of the mapping being used in pleasure boats is based entirely on a system designed for commercial shipping which has evolved very slowly over 200 years. What we do, where we go, what we know, and how we operate in the marine-leisure sector is entirely different to large ships. In addition, it’s usually presented in a way that’s entirely counter-intuitive. Our sector has incredibly talented companies delivering amazing innovation in on-board hardware, but it all still rests on the same flawed system. BoatingOS is designed to inform and enhance boating adventures in ways never previously imagined.”  Vicki O’Donnell, head of marine data, explains further “Current marine-mapping is often based on very old data, in fact only 15% of the Earth’s oceans are mapped and some of this data is over 50 years old. Mapping the ocean is expensive and the data that we all use on our chart-plotters can actually represent less than 20% of the actual global data collected. during surveys from governmental bodies right across the world. The additional data, which we can now unlock through BoatingOS, will be a game changer for pleasure boaters. For example, crowd-sourced bathymetry has been the ‘Holy Grail’ in hydrographic offices across the world for over a decade. Those that have looked at what we’re doing believe that we will finally unlock the enormous potential of leisure craft fleets around the world by delivering the most up-to-data mapping, to ensure safety at sea.”  While the levels of complexity within BoatingOS may be significant, how it’s presented and used in our boats will not be.  Raceix’s Chief Technology Officer, Sam Santi, tells us more. “The platform uses AI and Machine-Learning to improve data from multiple sources, including user-generated data. All of this is displayed in one intuitive interface built on key features such as next-generation charts, routing, dynamic POI’s, weather, etc. The dynamic system is designed to continuously evolve and improve, and this is done without any input needed from the boater. Our over-the-air updates keep users constantly up to date, much like how Tesla keeps improving its in-car systems. The value in the system continues to increase over time.”  For Beneteau, the opportunity to support BoatingOS was an ideal partnership for both sides as Luca Brancaleon, their Director General, explains: “Since 1884 Beneteau has placed real innovation at the heart of everything we do. For us it’s not just about getting people into boats, it’s also about how we then support and encourage what they do on the water. This platform will deliver better experiences for boaters - sail and motor - which, in turn, will naturally encourage them to go boating more often. We see this as a game-changer, something which has been needed for some time, but is only possible now with modern, smart technology.” Beneteau have been central to the rapid progress of this platform, providing Raceix with their Barracuda 8 test boat, and unlocking key insights into the sector.  The promise of connected-boating, through this new platform, has broader positive consequences for the entire industry, with boating data and usage patterns being available for the first time (all totally anonymised). The potential this delivers isn’t lost on the leading international industry bodies, such as Jean-Pierre Goudant, President of the European Boating Industry explains: “One of the main priorities to maintain and increase the attractiveness of recreational boating as a high-class leisure activity is safety, responsibility and innovation. We are delighted that our sustaining member Raceix and Beneteau are announcing the BoatingOS platform that addresses this in a highly accessible manner for current and future consumers.”  BoatingOS will also use its live updates to ensure that sensitive areas and marine wildlife can be identified and managed, plus allowing carbon footprints to be measured and offset. Within BoatingOS, a ‘citizen-science’ system will allow boaters to collect environmental data, which will be delivered to research agencies and national or regional organisations (e.g. European Marine Observation and Data Network) as part of research campaigns, as well as back to other users of BoatingOS. BoatingOS will also provide data into key global initiatives such as Gebco’s Seabed 2030 project and the UN Decade

of the Ocean (2020-2030) program, which focuses on delivering a new maritime knowledge base for data-driven decision making. In addition, BoatingOS will run research/crowdsourced data experiments for a variety of scientists at various times of the year. This unique opportunity will not only engage users, but add to the knowledge of marine and coastal ecosystems.  Major regional and global bodies, authorities and institutions are now working together with Raceix to see BoatingOS adopted as an Industry-Standard in order to deliver better, safer, more responsible and, ultimately, more enjoyable boating.  The announcement at Boot Dusseldorf, marks the end of the first stage of research and development, prototyping and testing, and the start of the next stage where the platform will be fully built-out and released. It also marks the unveiling of the BoatingOS brand. 

Greenline Success in 2019

2019 was a big year for Greenline, which saw the launch of two brand new models and, in the NEO, an entirely new range that successfully catapulted the Slovenian shipyard into a sector of the market it had not competed in before. The 48 Coupe was also launched, as was the all-new 45 Fly, a star of the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival.  This influx of new models and significant expansion in North America, which now demands 30% of total production, saw overall growth over 25% compared to 2018 from €18.2 million to €23.1 million. In early December, Keith Miller was employed as Vice President Sales North America. Formerly of Sea Ray, Keith brings a wealth of experience and will be looking to capitalize on Greenline’s success in North America, using his extensive knowledge of the market as he takes responsibility for sales in this region.  North America’s appetite for Greenline´s industry-leading hybrid technology established a trend that was mirrored globally for the brand in 2019. In the US, 90% of boats sold to the region were equipped with H-Drive hybrid technology and, worldwide, an increase of hybrid adoption from 43%-49% from between 2018 and 2019 demonstrates a clear path towards a more sustainable style of cruising.  Another trend emerged with an increase in the number of large boats in the range sold, many with a very high specification. Though Greenline is focused on sustainability, its ability to produce eco-friendly boats with cutting edge styling, luxury and the creature comforts expected of a modern cruising yacht is what sets the brand apart.  To this end, 2019 saw the opening of an all-new production line at company headquarters in Begunje specifically for the 45 and 48 to help meet demand for bigger boats in the range.  Greenline’s relentless focus on sustainable boating saw the roll out of its all-electric E-Drive system across the entire range with electric-only boats being sold to countries across the network including Monaco, Hungary and the United States.


Gulfcraft Advances in Comprehensive Management Restructuring

Emirates superyacht builder Gulf Craft progresses on management restructure that sets the company on a course towards continued growth as outlined by chairman Mohammed H. Alshaali.  In a significant move for the Emirates-based business, Abeer Alshaali takes the helm as Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Other appointments in the executive management see Nizar Tagi appointed as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) and Paul Gray as Chief Operating Officer (COO).  As part of the restructuring, which comes in the wake of Gregory Yeakle’s role as CEO being absorbed by the chairman mid-2019, Notis Menelaou has also stepped down as Vice President of Sales. Menelaou has been working with Gulf Craft for almost two decades.  Chairman Mohammed Alshaali has been leading these structural changes and more as part of future planning and preparing the shipyard for further expansion into other markets. “The shipyard has to grow efficiently” he stated. “Following our debut in the US market late 2019 and our aggressive development plan, we are empowering the shipyard through a team of experts who are able to solidify the new wave of yachting.”


Heesen 2020 a Glorious Year

Heesen is set to begin the New Year with an exciting program With no less than 13 yachts under construction at a total of 731 linear metres and more impressively at a total gross tonnage of 10,114 GT, with deliveries that span through to 2023, the shipyard will be busy with the launch and delivery of four new yachts in the 50-55-metre range.  The first yacht to be launched is the 5000 hybrid, YN 19150 Project Electra, sister ship to Home, the winner of several international accolades for her innovative propulsion system. The prestigious golden Neptune at the BOAT International design and innovation awards for Best technological innovation and the RINA green award by HSH Prince Albert of Monaco are just two of the very many.  Heesen’s current order book includes both ‘fast deliveries’ in the 50 to 55-metre size range – the core business of this Dutch shipyard – as well as full-custom one-off projects that reflect the personality and specific lifestyle of their owners and give Heesen the opportunity to take on new challenges… like those presented by the bold and daring Project Cosmos!  In June 2020, the hull and superstructure of 80-metre Cosmos will be joined together in Oss. This milestone in the construction of the largest and fastest aluminium yacht will present the first opportunity to fully appreciate in full splendour the exterior lines penned by Winch Design. Project Cosmos will then be moved to shed number 2 for the outfitting of her interiors created by Dutch design studio Sinot and crafted by the ingenious artisans of Heesen in Oss and Winterswijk.  Furthermore, Harrison Eidsgaard and Omega Architects are working closely with Heesen engineers developing Project Akira, the 5700 aluminium presented at the 2019 Monaco Yacht Show.  2020 and the years to come will see Heesen busier than ever with new and exclusive projects, such as Project Sparta, Project Falcon, challenging propulsion systems as seen in the four waterjets of Project SkyFall, and ventures in the exploration world with Xventure in collaboration with Winch Design.  The New Year brings new challenges and in turn, these will present fresh opportunities for Heesen to innovate, push boundaries, collaborate and showcase the workmanship and skillset that resides in-house.


Monte Carlo Yachts Receive Three Good News

The second generation just launched MCY 76 was the Best of the Best 2019 in the “Yachts under 100 feet” category according to the influential Robb Report China, while the MCY 66 won the Polish Yacht of the Year in the “Yachts over 9 meters” category. Organized by Zagle Magazine, the awards ceremony will take place during the 32nd edition of the Wind and Water show to be held in Warsaw on March 12.  The MCY 66 also received praise during Boot Düsseldorf’s 2020 Motor Boat Awards in the “Flybridge over 60 feet” category where it was highly commended for being “an elegant cruiser that cuts a dash among the competition and proves to be a refined and accomplished cruising machine.”


Solaris Powerboat of the Year 2020

Solaris Power 48 Open, created by the winning team who also developed the previous model: the 55 Lobster composed by Giuseppe Giuliani, Norberto Ferretti and Brunello Acampora, was awarded with the coveted European Powerboat of the Year 2020 prize at Flagship Night, the traditional annual prize-giving ceremony for the year’s best boats, organized on Saturday January 18th: the opening day of the German boat show. The panel of expert judges from the boat industry’s seven top European trade publications voted unanimously to award the prize to the 48 Open, for the powerboat’s uniquely beautiful design, “best of breed” build quality and undisputed seagoing prowess, ensuring safe and comfortable navigation in any sea conditions.  With this award, the Forlì-based shipyard that is already a celebrated name in the world of sailing yachts, becomes a benchmark brand in the motor yacht segment too.  In little more than a year since the launch of the first model, Solaris Power has successfully achieved its objective of establishing the excellence of the brand’s products in the motor yacht market.  Looking at the future, Solaris Power already has plans to continue expanding the range with a major investment in Open models, of which the 48 is the forerunner, including the introduction of a 58 Open and other smaller models.


Steeler Wins Tender for Supertender

After months of designing preparations, Steeler has won the contract to build the tender for a groundbreaking megayacht that is currently under construction. The tender will feature several unique solutions for multipurpose functionality. Quite a challenging but spectacular feature is that the entire superstructure of side windows, front screen and bimini top fold in, when the tender is stored in the mothership’s garage.  Responsible for the design of the tender is Azure Yacht Design and Studio Delta is the naval architect for this project.


Sunreef Wins China Oceanway Award

The Sunreef 80 Gaya received the Oceanway China Yachts Award, being recognized as one of the industry’s most innovative crafts. The award was received on stage by Sunreef Yachts representatives on Friday January 3rd in Shenzhen, China during an evening gala organized by the Oceanway Magazine.  The Sunreef 80 Gaya is a luxury catamaran combining bold exterior styling with refined interior design. This exclusive multihull craft stands out with navy blue hulls and a silver superstructure. Her smart 4-cabin layout welcomes 8 guests on board in supreme comfort.

Sunreef Partnered 2020 Africa Eco Race a Success

Proudly partnered by Sunreef Yachts, the 2020 edition of the Africa Eco Race has come to an end. This exciting rally took its participants from Monaco to the deserts of Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal for an epic off-road adventure.  The Africa Eco Race combines the thrill of racing with sustainability. The organizers set up the 6000km route in collaboration with local authorities to respect the natural sites.  To support the regional economy, the Africa Eco Race relies mostly on local service providers. The organizers also participate in reforestation actions in Mauritania.  An avid motorsports enthusiast, Francis Lapp, founder and president of Sunreef Yachts, participated in the race alongside the off-road racer Jacky Lechleiter from Equip’ Raid onboard a custom-built rally car, reaching the finishing line on the shores of the Lac Rose in Senegal on January 19th.

Sunreef Warming Up for Race of Hope

On Friday January 24th, Sunreef Yachts partnered the kickoff party for the Hope for Depression Research Foundation's second annual Palm Beach 5K Race of HOPE which is set for February 15th. The event was held at Royal Poinciana Plaza and hosted by HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss and Scott Snyder, who are Co-Grand Marshals of the Race of HOPE, which raises awareness and funds for urgent depression research. Audrey Gruss founded HDRF in April 2006 in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. Today, HDRF is the leading nonprofit organization focused solely on depression research.


Sunseeker Appoint New Director of Superyachts and Dealer Network

Sunseeker International has today announced that Francesco Frediani has joined the business as its Director of Superyachts and Dealer Network. Having worked in the leisure marine industry for 30 years, Francesco brings a wealth of experience to Sunseeker.  Sunseeker has an ambitious new product development plan which will see the entire range doubling in size to 22 models during the next three years. Off the back of this exciting plan, Sunseeker recently announced that it was creating a new Superyacht Division to allow owners more flexibility and a wider choice from 101’ to 161’. Francesco joins Sunseeker at an exciting time and in his new role he will focus on growing and developing the global dealer network to support even higher standards of customer care whilst expanding the new Superyacht Division to oversee multiple launches in short succession.  The new role will allow Francesco to work in parallel with Sean Robertson, the Sales and Marketing Director. For seven years, Francesco was responsible for the growth of Riva Yachts where he had a pivotal role in achieving highly successful sales results, appointing dealers worldwide and opening new markets in the Middle East and Far East. His most recent role was as Commercial Director at Overmarine Group where he was Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Mangusta Yachts. Commenting on the appointment, Andrea Frabetti, CEO at Sunseeker International, said: “We are delighted to welcome Francesco to Sunseeker; he has an unparalleled level of experience. Having industry veterans Francesco and Sean working together in complementary roles is a remarkable prospect for our business.”  Commenting on his appointment, Francesco said: “I am delighted to be joining Sunseeker where I look forward to working with the renowned brand as it continues to develop and grow its dealer network and first-class superyacht offering. I’m really excited about the company’s new product plan and in particular the innovative design across the all-new 133 Yacht and 161 Yacht models. I can’t wait to be fully immersed in this great opportunity.”

Viking Helping Hands

After the devastating series of earthquakes in Puerto Rico affecting many of Viking's family and friends, Billeny Padula jumped into action. Fortunately Billeny's family fared well, but she knew she could help. Using her resources working in Viking's medical department, Billeny, with the help and support of her colleagues Steve Marks and Carol Langdon, reached out to her medical suppliers. Bell Medical and McKesson Medical-Surgical stepped up to the plate, and Billeny is sending out their first shipment of supplies directly to a medical team that is donating their time helping victims. The boxes are jam packed with antibiotics, ointments, over-the-counter medications and drugs for asthma, diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol control. Clothing and other supplies will also be sent. Pictured above, left to right, are Steve, Billeny and Carol. 

Viking at Pelican Yacht Club Sailfish Tournament

InTents, Alan Sadler's Viking 62, claimed second Place Overall in the recent Pelican Yacht Club Sailfish Tournament. Conditions were challenging as crews reported 12-foot waves cresting bows. But Captain Rhett Bailey pushed on and led his team to 19 sailfish releases. Congratulations to Michelle Keeney for winning the Top Overall Angler, the first woman to take the title in the Pelican's 40-year history.  Kateric, a Viking 55, took top honors in the wahoo category with a 46-pound fish. A Viking 50, Southern Eagle, weighed the heaviest dolphin of the tournament.

Viking Factory Visit on the Line

Fifteen Bluewater Yacht Sales team members visited the Viking facilities this week. The gang spent time at the New Gretna campus taking in classroom-style learning as well as hands-on experience on the production line. Then it was a quick trip to our Mullica facility where General Manager John Leek, IV and Customer Service Representative Tom Crumley took them behind the scenes of the Valhalla Boatworks build process. Bluewater's Sales Manager Baxter Lusink said, "Every year we bring the Bluewater sales team to Viking to sharpen our skills and stay at the top of our game. This year we took the opportunity to learn more about Valhalla Boatworks. We are speechless and can't wait to share the enthusiasm!"  The day ended with the group checking out Bluewater founder Chris Hall, Sr.'s V-33 at the end of the production line. When Viking's Patrick Healey announced the V Series project to the dealer network at the 2019 Viking VIP Boat Show, Chris shot his hand up in the air immediately and was the first person to ink a deal on the high-performance center consoles.

Viking at Gold Cup

Krazy Salt's released seven sailfish for the win at the Sailfish Club's invitation only Gold Cup. The Anderson family's Viking 72 worked sloppy conditions out of Palm Beach, Florida, but Captain Keith Greenberg put his anglers on fish. Dave Anderson Jr. and Winston Wren each released three sails while Erik Waldin let one go. Not only did Krazy Salt's take top honors at the event, Keith received the coveted Bobby Haines Memorial Award for Top Captain.

Viking at Operation Sailfish

Battling a fleet of 45 elite teams (and some serious weather), Miss Annie claimed 2nd Place Overall Boat in last week's Operation Sailfish, the 1st in the three-part Quest for the Crest series. Captain Randy Yates, behind the wheel of the Viking 52, led his team to 17 releases to achieve the highest paid-out team, winning six categories.  Top Lady Angler was Jill Yates with five releases on her Viking 72 Eight Eights. Tyler Walsh's eight sails gave him the Top Male Angler title. He fished the Viking 76 Osh-it.


Wally Wins MDO Montecarlo Prize

At the debut awards ceremony of the MDO.Montecarlo Prize held at the Yacht Club de Monaco on January 23rd, Wally was honoured with first place in the competition, which celebrates international excellence in innovation, technology, design and sustainability. The company is particularly pleased to have received the award as it recognises the brand’s outstanding work in design and innovation on a global scale, beyond the yachting sector. During the ceremony, Stefano de Vivo, Wally Managing Director, thanked the jury for bestowing its first honoured prize on the company, adding: “We are thrilled that Wally has received this highly respected award. As an integral part of the Ferretti Group, Wally represents the very best in innovation and leadership within the world of design, and is a true pioneer in yachting. Since founding the company, Luca Bassani’s unfaltering high standards and vision for Wally have elevated the brand to the highest echelons of the global design community.”  MDO aims this prize to become an important international award highlighting companies focused on creating innovative products of outstanding quality. An expert committee of renowned architects and designers selected the 52 design luminaries featuring a diverse line-up of international brands from different sectors, each with outstanding reputations for their design work. The nominees were judged by a panel of prominent authorities on design - including renowned architects Mario Botta, Richard England and Jean-Michel Wilmotte, Director of L’Arca International magazine Cesare Casati, and leading Monegasque real estate entrepreneur Patrice Pastor - based on their stylistic, dimensional, functional and economic traits and features.  The Wallycento cruiser-racer Tango had a crucial influence in the Monegasque brand winning the overall prize, said the judges.  “Since Wally’s inception, we have made every effort to produce the best and most coherent products with uncompromising values and harmonised design. It is very gratifying to be recognised for the standards which we have always endeavoured to uphold at the company,” said Wally founder Luca Bassani.  It is not the first time that Wally has been recognised by experts from beyond the horizons of the yachting world. It has previously received two ADI Compasso d’Oro Awards – widely regarded as one of the oldest and most influential international design awards in the world – for sailing yachts Tiketitoo and Ryokan 2. Wally is the only yachting brand to have thus far been twice bestowed with the coveted prize. The company has also received two Honourable Mentions – for sailing yachts Black Sails and Tango – from the ADI Compasso d’Oro design competition.
Furthermore, in 2010 Ryokan 2 was awarded with the Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany which honors innovative products and designers in the German and International design sector.  These exceptional accolades prove Wally’s strong and unique reputation which has expanded its standing beyond the nautical sector. Furthermore, the great industrial, organisational and commercial capabilities of Ferretti Group will boost Wally’s unique potential even further.


Zeelander Launched North American Development

Zeelander Yachts is excited to announce the launch of Zeelander North America. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida – yachting capital of the USA – Zeelander North America will expand the brand’s ability to understand and fulfill the unique needs of discerning American yachtsmen and women.