March 31, 2020

Monthly News - March 2020

-pic of the month- Moonen Revolutionary Spray Filler System

Azimut Double Boat of the Year Victory

After conquering the first step of the podium at the Boat of the Year Japan 2019 - BOYJ Awards, in the 'Large - over 35 ft' category, Azimut Grande 25 Metri also wins the Boat of the Year Japan 2019 Grand Prix, awarded by a 26 judges jury among all the BOYJ 2019 winners.  Among the most prestigious prize in the Asia-Pacific area, the Awards have been assigned during a ceremony held on March 5th 2020. Characterized by sinuous and sporty external lines, designed by Stefano Righini, Grande 25 Metri offers vast and voluminous spaces, full of elegance and informal charm.The yacht, entry level of the Collection, features some characteristic surprises, starting from an original interpretation of the living area on the main deck - thanks to the architect Achille Salvagni -, up to the several technological solutions adopted as part of the ECS program (Enhanced Cruising Solutions). 


Cranchi and Flexform

On the occasion of its debut at Boot Düsseldorf 2020, the Cranchi Settantotto received a triumphant welcome, exciting the enthusiasm of the public, the media and operators in the sector.  Those who saw the yacht live expressed an appreciation for the lines of the new flagship, for its technical solutions and for the design choices. Particular interest has also aroused the suggestive setting capable of giving the Settantotto a decisive and refined character. The material and chromatic choices proposed by Cranchi in agreement with the designer Christian Grande reveal a refined taste and give the rooms a tone of warm and relaxed elegance with a classic and contemporary style at the same time.  In perfect harmony with the choices of art direction, the Settantotto is furnished with elements of the Flexform collections, an historic and dynamic Made in Italy furniture brand.  To furnish the living room, Christian Grande chose a corner composition of the Adda seating system combined with Fly tables, both signed by Antonio Citterio.  Around the table were placed Feel Good armchairs also designed by Antonio Citterio and covered in fine leather in a surprising orange nuance.  In the stern space, an outdoor lounge dedicated to relaxation has been created with the addition of Alison Outdoor armchairs designed by Carlo Colombo alongside Fly tables, accordingly, a lounge area with a cocoon effect comes to life. Alternatively, this space can be set up as a veranda with a table that is both practical and attractive.  Among the countless customisation options that Cranchi Yachts can offer thanks to the Cranchi Atelier customisation program, the owners of the Settantotto will be able to choose the elements and furnishing accessories inspired by the collections selected with Christian Grande and being able to rely on the advice of the Shipyard designers.


Ferretti Group Tri-generation Plant in Ancona

Ferretti Group's investments in the Ancona shipyard continue, in this case it is an important project that improves energy efficiency and sustainability. The trigeneration plant will enable to reduce by up to 79% the consumption of electrical and thermal energy needed to air condition the production environments, thus meeting the production needs of the Super Yacht Yard in Ancona, which covers an area of over 25,000 square meters and requires constant temperature control.  Design and installation are the work of Samso Spa, Energy Service Company (E.S.Co.) active in Italy in the design, construction and financing of energy efficiency interventions. In detail, inside the plant there is a high-efficiency gas-fired co-generator with an electrical power of 500 kWe and thermal power of 600 kWt, together with a 460 kWf absorber for the production of cold water for cooling that uses the thermal energy recovered from the plant itself.  Overall this intervention, once fully operational, will lead to a reduction of about 79% of the demand for electricity and 32% of thermal energy, estimating an annual primary energy saving of 20%.  In the site area, Ferretti Group has also installed a solar photovoltaic system for the production of electricity and for the conversion of lighting systems with LED lamps.


Formula Facility Closed Through April 6

In this time of uncertainty, our highest priority is the welfare of customers, dealers and Formula Team members.  To comply with Indiana Governor Holcomb’s Stay-At-Home Order, Formula Boats headquarters and manufacturing facility in Decatur, Indiana, will be closed Wednesday, March 25, through April 6, 2020, with office staff working remotely.


Nordhavn Rendezvous Reaches 51 Boats

The Nordhavn Across Puget Sound (NAPS) has reached 51 boats, which nearly doubles the previous record for congregating Nordhavns in one area. The owner-driven event is being billed as a low-key affair that will take place over three days in beautiful British Columbia. Daytime excursions sandwiched in between boat hopping and evening festivities will fill the schedule. Organizers are thrilled – and somewhat astounded – by the response they’ve received. In addition to 51 boats, another dozen sets of owners will be attending without boats.  “I’m not sure how this thing got so big!” said Nordhavn 62 owner Bill Baker, who took over organizing reigns for this third, and by far, largest, edition of NAPS. Two years ago, NAPS started out with nine boats. But it’s no secret that Nordhavn owners like to get together with one another. “It’s such a great community to be part of,” said Baker.

Nordhavn and the Coronavirus Pandemic

For Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc (PAE), the manufacturer of Nordhavn, the health and welfare of its staff, business associates, customers and supporters are, of course, top priority. And when it comes to serving the Nordhavn community and anyone interested in pursuing dreams of long range cruising, our commitment does not waver in these times. Although this story has had to be re-written three times due to the changes happening every day, the message remains the same: we are still working hard for you. Even as we are adjusting to the governor’s order that all California residents remain home from non-essential tasks/work, we are making sure that all channels of communication are being covered. Main office phones are being forwarded, all staff can be reached by e-mail and salesmen can be contacted on cell phones. As of now, our satellite offices are safely operating with doors open, but as rules shift daily, we anticipate an all-remote workday may be implemented in all locations. With no more than 6 employees at any one satellite office location (with service personnel separated from sales), we have ensured that our staff is abiding by the CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of illness.  In the UK, Neil Russell, director of Nordhavn Europe says “NEL is fully functional.” Hours are a mix of in-office and at-home so contact with him or partner Philip Roach is best made via their cell phones, although office phones automatically get forwarded. Meanwhile, service continues to crank with pace at the Southampton location as new boat commissioning and service calls fill the docket.  The news is much the same in the U.S.: The doors of the Northeast sales office in East Greenwich, RI are open with regular business hours being conducted. NE salesman Dave Balfour says he’s hard at work with showings over the weekend and a training session with clients on their newly purchased N47 scheduled for next week. “I still continue to be busy and am happy for the distraction!” he said. Meanwhile, sales and service in FL are also buzzing, with many owners looking to ready their boats for quarantining down in the Bahamas. In Seattle, manager Don Kohlmann said the team there is ready for business while they keep an eye on a huge Nordhavn 40-refit happening at service partner Emerald Marine. The N40 is being retrofit with new davit, ABT stabilizers (previously a paravane-only vessel), and an electric wing engine. “It will be interesting to see how it turns out,” Kohlmann said.  At our offices In Australia and Turkey, staff are available to serve at a moment’s notice, even though Nordhavn Australasia are keeping mostly work-from-home hours. Information can be dispersed via phone or e-mail any time of day or night, says Manager Peter Devers, adding. “We are available for one-on-one meetings as required.”  Today news broke of Brunswick Corporation’s decision to temporarily halt production. But Nordhavn production continues. Each of our 3 factories (Tainan, Taiwan; Xiamen, China; and Ayvali, Turkey) are open and operating, says Nordhavn President Dan Streech. Under normal circumstances, project managers, salespeople, management and customers would be traveling to the factories for inspections, guidance and meetings. With travel restrictions in place, those visits are now replaced with Skype, Facetime, Go-To-Meeting and lots of e-mails, photos, videos and sketches. “These communication methods have been available to all of us for a number of years now but the crisis has forced us to use them better,” he said, adding these practices will probably be utilized even after the travel restrictions are lifted. “As they say, ‘Necessity is the Mother of Invention’.”  In the quiet background of the coronavirus chaos, Nordhavn owners continue to enjoy their yachts and are making necessary adjustments as they maneuver around the complications of COVID-19. As Jennifer Hamilton, owner of Nordhavn 52 Dirona recently intimated about the flexibility their Nordhavn allows: “We can have plans, and then get underway the same day with completely different plans.”


Maritimo Planning Exciting 2020

As the world continues to face unprecedented times amidst the current global health crisis, Maritimo is continuing production and pushing ahead with its exciting plans for 2020 involving new model releases and an action packed promotional schedule.  It is in times like these that the Maritimo team believes it is more important than ever to stay on track and continue to function as normally as possible. The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines strongly promote social distancing as a way to help slow the spread of the virus and this has seen large numbers of events and activities cancelled internationally including boating exhibitions and shows.  We are very mindful of that and have acted to offer our customers and prospective customers alternatives like one on one VIP appointments, guided digital tours and vessel walkthroughs, and controlled visits to our sales and marketing centres which are the subject of new stringent cleaning programs.


Moonen Revolutionary Spray Filler System

Dutch shipyard Moonen Yachts is proud to announce a new update in the construction of the 36-metre superyacht YN199 with the ongoing filling and fairing application utilizing a revolutionary new spray filler developed by AkzoNobel. The application of Awlgrip’s Awlfair SF (Spray Filler) marks a world-first in the superyacht steel hull category.  Developed by AkzoNobel’s Awlgrip brand and applied by De Koning Yacht Painters, the innovative new process allows for wet-on-wet application, e.g. the application of up to two coatings per day without the need for sanding between coats. On top of this, spray application significantly reduces air pockets, increases the overall quality of the system and reduces both application and process time. This step change in filler technology to the superyacht industry sees a combination of AkzoNobel’s cutting-edge coatings knowledge with both the component and technology expertise of Graco and the equipment design experience of Hogg, the designer and builder of the spray machine.  Moonen CEO, Johan Dubbelman comments that this philosophy is a seamless fit for the Moonen Yachts brand. "As the shipyard is continuously searching for optimization and innovation of products and processes to be able to deliver the best yacht in the world, this new solution fits seamlessly into our strategy." Dubbelman continues “The decision to use Awlfair SF on this new build was also made after a positive recommendation from Leo van Klaveren – the well-known and highly-respected yacht painting consultant and owner of Coating Consultancy van Klaveren”.  “The use of Awlfair SF cuts application time while delivering the high-quality system appearance you expect from Awlgrip," Dubbelman adds." We're proud of our latest project with De Koning Yacht Painters using Awlfair SF and look forward to seeing YN199 hit the water later this year.”  With the Moonen team dedicated to continually developing and innovating for the benefit of each Moonen yacht, the latest project with De Koning Yacht Painters using Awlfair SF ensures that Moonen superyachts are ahead of the game.  Describing some of the advantages of the new filler and application process, De Koning Yacht Painters’ representative CEO Huub de Koning comments: "Unlike classic hand-mixing, an airless system is used to transport the volumes of filler to the yacht, reducing the risk of air-pockets to an absolute minimum. Although the system requires preparation time, there are significant time savings during the application and sanding processes. Using Awlfair SF will have a positive effect on delivery time.”  “We’re delighted that Moonen and De Koning Yacht Painters embraced this new technology, and with YN199 project, have been able to benefit from the many advantages of using this new revolutionary system,” comments Bilal Salahuddin, Yacht Coatings Director at AkzoNobel.   


Princess Donates PPE to Local Community

Following a controlled shutdown at all of its sites, Princess Yachts is today confirming it is donating its stock of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Plymouth City Council, who will in turn distribute to those on the frontline in the fight against Covid-19. Beneficiaries in the region will range from the NHS, through to those who are working tirelessly to keep society functioning, such as refuse collectors and other such teams operating selflessly throughout these challenging times.  The gesture comes in response to ongoing conversations between the Plymouth City Council and Princess Yachts to align efforts around challenges facing all of us as a community here in the South West. Speaking candidly, both Tudor Evans, leader of the Plymouth City council and Antony Sheriff, CEO of Princess Yachts discussed the critical gap facing medium sized business in terms of current support to tackle the Covid-19 crisis, as well as the health secretary's statement this week that there have been challenges in the supply of PPE, especially to NHS staff. With over 3000 employees, Princess is the UK's largest yacht manufacturer, and is playing its part to help ensure essential services receive the much-required protective equipment that is in short supply across the world.


Riviera 2020 Port Lincoln Classic

An action-packed weekend of fishing in the 2020 Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic has once again proved the fishing grounds off the Eyre Peninsula as superb.  In its 14th year, the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic is a 10-kilogram line class competition that shines a light on sustainable fishing practices. It is a catch and release event that only targets Southern Bluefin tuna and is the first of its kind in Australia to disallow three-pronged fishing hooks.  Twenty-three boats with crew from far and wide took part, but it was a mix of local knowledge and a sense of adventure by the skippers of two Riviera luxury motor yachts that saw them haul in the major trophies, including a record $37,080 cheque for the heaviest fish as part of the Calcutta bid.  At the shotgun start on 21 March, while most vessels headed full throttle in a westerly direction, one hung back before taking off east towards Roslyn Shoal.  The move paid off and earned David Buckland a back-to-back win for Overall Champion Boat with 45 fish caught on Longshot, a Riviera 51 Flybridge.  “It was a chance and it paid off,” Mr Buckland said. “We knew there were tuna elsewhere, but I’d been out to Roslyn Shoal the year before and done well there. I thought a few more boats would have followed us this year, but for a while we were only three.”  Mr Buckland said within minutes they’d worked out what lures the tuna were biting.  “We put out four lines and started getting them hand over fist.”  Longshot’s crew also listed individual wins, with Emma Forster earning Champion Female with five catches and Tom Pietch taking Runner up Male with 17 catches.  Longshot is the beloved fishing vessel of the late Ron Forster, who passed in August last year. He was a founding member of the Tuna Classic and a perpetual trophy has been created in his honor.  “Ron was an avid fisherman and his boat has been set up for fishing. We went out in his honor and it was a fantastic weekend. It was great to get away for a couple of days given everything that’s been going on. The best place to be is on a Riviera out at sea.”  A total of 145 fish were caught and released across the weekend.  Weighing in at 15.8kg, it was Gilbert Le Brun’s bluefin caught on Laila Jane that won the Calcutta and secured $37,080 for himself and the crew on the Riviera 525 SUV.  Like David, Laila Jane’s skipper Mark Waller made the decision to take a risk and not follow the rest of the fleet.  “We could’ve ended up with absolutely nothing and just been out there catching whiting,” Mr Waller said. “It took us a good half an hour going backwards and forwards before all of a sudden we ran over some fish and away we went!”  Laila Jane also won First Fish Caught, Runner Up Boat with 36 fish, and had aboard Champion Male Ian Montgomery. with 19 fish. He earned himself the first Ron Forster Champion Angler Perpetual Trophy.  “We were quite shocked at the trophy presentation; it was nearly a clean sweep. That’s fishing,” Mr Waller said. “Right spot at the right time. We just got lucky.”  By mid-Saturday, another 10 boats arrived at Roslyn Shoal and by Sunday the majority of boats were there.  One skipper who didn’t make it east and chose to try his luck at the well-known and usually-guaranteed Cabbage Patch fishing grounds was Mark Hand on his 52 Flybridge Aussie Battler.  “It was a very social weekend, but not many tuna caught for us,” Mr Hand said. “We had a fantastic time anyway.”  Hailing from all over South Australia and mainly the Riverland, Mr Hand’s crew rarely get a chance to go sea fishing. “It was a great opportunity to enjoy the social company on the back of the boat and then fish for squid at night,” he said.  They also enjoyed socializing off the boat and in the wide-open spaces provided on the beach at Engine Point. With a two-kilometre stretch of beach, there was plenty of room to celebrate the trophy presentation.  “Both Saturday night at Memory Cove and Sunday at Engine Point were extremely well catered for by [event organisers] Russell Bianco and Gabi Gabbana. There was a lot of fellowship over the weekend and it was just a magnificent event.”  The Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic is a not-for-profit organisation. It donates 10 per cent of the total funds of the fiercely contested Calcutta to keep the voluntary radio operations functioning.  As its founding sponsor, Riviera enjoys a longstanding relationship with the Tuna Classic.  “We are proud to support the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic and applaud the tournament’s principles of sustainable fishing practices,” said Riviera owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst.  “We’re also especially delighted that the Classic encourages the whole family to participate in what has become a great and growing annual tournament on the Australian fishing calendar.”


Sirena Sells Five

Sirena Yachts is proud to announce that it has sold five units of the Sirena 88 flagship model since its world debut at 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. Two of these were sold to owners in North America and two in Europe, with the fifth hull selling to a Russian owner at the boot Düsseldorf boat show in January.  Commercial Director Ali Onger comments: “The Sirena 88 is so popular because it offers the largest interior volume in its class. We’re talking about an 7.1-meter/23’2” beam; there is nothing else like that in this size bracket, without even mentioning its 25-knot maximum speed. And its range is impressive too: around 2,100 nautical miles at 9 knots. All these factors are serious advantages for our clients. Interior decoration is going to be different for each of the boats and they will reflect their respective owners' needs. Its layout is also customizable, so long as the alterations do not interfere with technical aspects of the yacht.”  The first Sirena 88 will be delivered in April 2020, with the following unit to be received by the owner at the end of the summer. The third yacht’s delivery is scheduled for late 2020, and the fourth and fifth are due in April and June 2021.  Sirena’s Director of North American Sales, Constantinos Constantinou, adds: “I see two main contributing factors to the Sirena 88’s success: firstly, the superb job done by our designers and engineers, evidenced by an Innovation award the 88 has received. The second success factor is our reputation and brand recognition. Sirena builds yachts of exceptional quality with impressive performance on the water with numerous innovations and unique features that are focused on safety and efficiency. This is being increasingly recognized by discerning yacht buyers and the yachting world alike.”


Viking Key West Challenge Cancelled

The Viking Key West Challenge is truly a wonderful success, bringing together Viking owners, dealers, vendors and their families and friends every spring in a beautiful setting to celebrate the boating and fishing lifestyle.  Regretfully, as a precautionary action in accordance with recommendations of health officials, Viking has decided to cancel this year's Key West Challenge scheduled for April 15-18.  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in response to the Corona Virus pandemic has recommended canceling events with 50 or more people for the next eight weeks throughout the U.S. In addition, Florida's Monroe County and the City of Key West have each declared a State of Emergency.  The health and well-being of everyone involved is our top priority, and we believe in doing our part to bring an end to the spread of the coronavirus.  Viking has rescheduled the event for April 7-10, 2021. Participants and sponsors may use their registrations as credit for next year or be issued a refund.  Viking is determined to make the 7th annual Viking Key West Challenge better than ever! More than just a fishing tournament, the VKWC is four days of food, fishing and fun for members of the Viking family in a relaxed atmosphere that promotes camaraderie and fellowship.


Viking at Los Suenos Triple Crown

Leg #2 of the Los Suenos Triple Crown was an intense fight to the finish. Day One saw the Viking 62 Team Galati release a marlin and 15 sailfish to finish in 3rd Place amongst the fleet of 41 battlewagons. Two marlin and 5 sails on Day Two put Team Galati in the top spot going into the final day. And then it was a roller coaster! Team Galati bounced around the leader board all day in a nail biter. Captain Tony Carrizosa put his team on a marlin an hour before lines out that cemented their win with a total of five marlin and 25 sailfish during Leg #2. This puts the crew in 3rd Place in the series going into the final leg which starts on Tuesday, March 24. Team Galati seems to like the 2nd Leg of the Triple Crown as they have won it in 2014, 2015, 2019 and now 2020.

Viking at Fourth Annual Marina Casa de Campo Open

With a hot start, the Viking 76 Blackhawk, won the 4th Annual Marina Casa de Campo Open. The team released five blue marlin to capture the top trophy. Angler Dawn Samuels released four blue marlin to put the Viking 66 Princess Lily on the leaderboard in 3rd Place. Dawn was named the Top Lady Angler for her four blues and her Top Gamefish, a 130-pound yellowfin tuna. During the tournament she tagged her 100th blue marlin. Set at the world-class Marina Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic, this fun team event focused on release fishing for blue and white marlin along with sailfish. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo were eligible to be weighed.

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