August 31, 2020

Monthly News - August 2020

-pic of the month - Frauscher Razzle Dazzle

Azimut with Gabriele Muccino

An outstanding film director for a totally unconventional yacht: Gabriele Muccino will direct a short film to celebrate the launch of the new model in the Magellano Collection, with interiors by architect and designer Vincenzo De Cotiis.  On the one hand a brand that symbolises international excellence in yachting, on the other a multiple award-winning film director whose fame has spread as far afield as Hollywood: Azimut Yachts chooses Gabriele Muccino to tell the story of the yard’s new Magellano 25 Metri yacht, which will make its world debut next September 2020. To speak about such an out of the ordinary yacht, that presents exterior lines by the well known designer Ken Freivokh, the brand has identified a new language, the short movie, which is an unprecedented choice for the yachting industry. The shipyard, for which ‘Made in Italy’ style and elegance are central to its business culture, has commissioned Gabriele Muccino to make a short film for the launch of its latest original project, recognising a ‘like spirit’ in this director renowned the world over for his talent (which has won him a remarkable four David di Donatello awards and is reknown for his Hollywood movies starring Will Smith).  The short will be shown for the first time next September in the grounds of the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vence in Provence, at a gala evening organised by Azimut Yachts for the exclusive premiere of Magellano 25 Metri.  With great poetry, the short film will describe the infinite nuances that unite art and emotion, engaging in an almost magical way with the Magellano, which in the narrative becomes a perfect synthesis of rigour and inspiration, discipline and creativity, reason and sentiment.


Bertram New Facilities

Iconic boat manufacturer Bertram Yachts plans to move its headquarters from South Tampa to Port Tampa Bay's property.  The marquee boat manufacturer entered a deal with Port Tampa on Tuesday August 18 to invest $25 million to add production facilities and move its headquarters to Pendola Point near Berth 21.  Bertram Yachts LLC started building leisure boats in 1960 from Miami. In 2016, Bertram Yachts bought the former Lazzara Yachts shipyard in South Tampa to establish its international HQ.  The decision to locate in South Tampa on 7 acres that year came tied with $700,000 in state and local financial incentives for its investment. However, the current site isn't sufficient to support planned production growth beyond 2022, CEO Mark Paulhus said during the virtual port meeting.  The company wants to remain in Tampa due to the current workforce it has of 55 employees, Paulhus said. He said next year the company expects to create 106 jobs and by 2023 it will create 240 jobs.  The company will now lease roughly 25 acres of land at South 50th Street and Pendola Point Road. Bertram would have the non-exclusive right to use Port Sutton Channel and easements for access and utilities. The company will have the right to use the property to construct a manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters.  Customers pay $750,000 or more for a Bertram boat before it is customised and $1 million or more to have their boats serviced, according to previous reporting.  The company needs at least 200,000 square feet for its expansion as it is growing its portfolio to manufacture fourteen different types of models, Paulhus said.  The initial term would be 20 years with three, 10-year lease extension options. For the first 18 months, rent at the port would be $17,500 per acre annually, which would be $656,250. Rent would be $35,000 per acre annually in the one-and-a-half to two-year period thereafter, or $875,000 per year. Rent would then be adjusted after the two-year mark.  The port would construct an access road and rail crossing. Bertram would reimburse the port for all costs of improvements over the initial term of the lease at a 6 percent annual rate, according to port records.  Bertram has not yet determined whether it will sell its current site or redevelop it. A decision is likely to be made next year, Paulhus said.


Cranchi Private Show Extended

A more exclusive, safer, more engaging format. The Cranchi Private Show is an unprecedented event conceived for a season in which participation in major shows must be forcibly reconsidered.  The need for social distancing and the demand for increasingly unique and personalised moments has convinced Cranchi Yachts to organize a private boat show, an extended event scheduled from late summer and throughout autumn, winter and spring 2021 and to continue until the end of the boating season.  The Cranchi Private Show offers enthusiasts interested in buying a yacht the opportunity to view the Cranchi range and test their favourite models at sea.  The event, accessible by appointment only, takes place at the Marine Test Centre, in San Giorgio di Nogaro on the Adriatic Sea, the first permanent showroom of Cranchi Yachts, located in a splendid natural setting easily accessible from the airports of Milan, Venice and Trieste.  Owners will be welcomed individually, with their family or in small groups, in an exclusive, private and safe environment. Complete cleanliness is guaranteed for all spaces as well as for all yachts before each test and visit, according to accurate protocols and through the use of ozone sanitizers of the type also used in the medical field.  Week after week the yachts will alternate at the Marine Test Centre, in order to make it possible, within the period of the Cranchi Private Show, the sea trial of the entire range, including the most recent models and the previews that Cranchi Yachts will present at Boot Düsseldorf 2021.  In order to ensure the best possible experience for all guests and to ensure compliance with health regulations and to participate in the Cranchi Private Show it is necessary to make an appointment with your dealer by filling out the dedicated form.


Codecasa with ISYL Foundation

Three new courses organised by ISYL Italian Super Yacht Life Foundation., of which Codecasa Shipyard is one of the Founders and supporters, with the purpose of training future professional people in the yachting industry.   There are 3 courses with 75 places available for as many young high school graduates who wants to acquire knowledge, technical skills, and approach the working world to find an employment in yachting and in other strategic sectors such as logistics and tourism.


Feadship Unveils Episode Two

Feadship has released the second video in a series showcasing designs previously created with clients or other superyacht specialists that did not ultimately see the light of day. Feadship Unveils offers a fascinating glimpse into the closely guarded Feadship archives, with each episode featuring leading Feadship personalities discussing a never-seen-before design from the treasure trove. Feadship Unveils is a series of eight videos, released every two weeks on Feadship’s dedicated YouTube channel. In the week in-between Feadship also shares various related renderings and sketches on its social media platforms plus a link to the Feadship design website. The first episode a fortnight ago featured Project Freedom and today Feadship Unveils sees sales director Marsha van Buitenen and senior designer Jan Schaffers discuss Project FG, created for a fictional combination of Freddy Mercury and Forrest Gump.  The 109-metre Project FG first came to life during the Feadship Brokers Course in 2019 and is a technically feasible design that allows for wild partying at night and peaceful relaxation during daytime. Highlights include an outdoor beach club for 200 people, a hidden club in the bow for exclusive private parties, a panoramic piano lounge and a popup all-weather table tennis court.


Fairline Unveils Industry First Configurator

Fairline Yachts, launches its highly innovative new F//Line 33 website, where users can design their own perfect F//Line 33.  Inspired by the market leading Tesla and Ducati online configurators, the website offers new levels of sophistication and user control, never seen before in the boating industry.
Fairline’s sleek, stylish and sporty dayboat, the F//Line 33, has taken the market by storm, immediately winning the hotly contested “Superboats” category in this year’s Motorboat of the Year Awards. The launch of the new website gives potential customers the greatest level of control in designing and ordering their very own F//Line 33, with complete customisation over the elements that really matter and total transparency on pricing. Following a simple and user-friendly six-stage journey, the user can build their own award-winning boat – from choosing the exterior colour and engine options, to selecting upgrades, accessories and even the language in which they’d like their owner’s manual – all from the comfort and ease of their handheld or desktop device. As each step is completed, your personalised F//Line is built right before your eyes as your personal touches are added. The retail price is updated with each change, offering complete transparency. Miles Moorhouse, Head of Marketing at Fairline Yachts, has been instrumental in the design of the new website. He comments, “With the fast-growing ecommerce market forecast to hit $6.5trillion by 2023, it’s important that our digital portfolio meets the needs and demands of the online shopper. Ordering a new car online is now common-place and in the last six months, we’ve obviously seen a sharp increase in online customer interactions – even selling new boats from our online video tours. The fun, stylish and modern F//Line is a natural fit in the digital space and as our product offer expands, so will our configurator.”


Ferretti Customline Record Sales in July

Ferretti Custom Line wins over new enthusiasts every day, a fact confirmed by the recent sale of a remarkable four new yachts in July alone: a Custom Line Navetta 42, a Custom Line Navetta 37, a Custom Line Navetta 33 (displacement line) and a Custom Line 120’ (planing line).  The sale of boats totalling 150 meters in length in just one month demonstrates how highly Custom Line masterpieces are appreciated by owners across the globe. This success springs from the brand’s ability to create innovative yachts that set trends on the international yachting market in terms of their style, size and attention to detail, with the ever present guarantee of cruising comfort, safety and customisation.  Their perfect combination of functional technology and design makes every Custom Line creation a work of art.  This important new sales result joins the 11 previous launches so far this season, in yet another demonstration of the Custom Line’s ongoing success.  These four new ‘jewels of the sea’ will be built at Ferretti Group’s Superyacht Yard in Ancona, where the entire Custom Line fleet is produced.

Ferretti Group Leads the Way in Asia Pacific

Ferretti Group has had a great start to 2020: its latest results, despite the Covid-19 situation, has brought in the best order intake for the Group in the Asia Pacific since its establishment in 2012, cementing its spot at the top of the nautical industry in the region. The achievement, including 12 new yachts sold (total of 289 meters), is retail valued at €70 million, proving extraordinary results for the start of the year.  The strength of Ferretti Group Asia Pacific continues growing with the signing of two exclusive dealership agreements during the last 2 months, for distributing the brands of Ferretti Yachts, Pershing and Riva; Pen Marine for Malaysia and HGB Group for Cambodia and Laos, both selected as the new exclusive dealers due in part to a commercial strengthening plan, which also includes significant investments, that Ferretti Group is implementing globally. With these two new dealership agreements, indeed, the Group further increases its network of Asia Pacific distributors, which now reaches 14 in the region. Ferretti Group Asia Pacific has also signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sanya Central Business District (SCBD) in Hainan, China to allow further discussion and the possibility for Ferretti Group to invest and set up a branch in the SCBD project, to cooperate with Sanya on various aspects including yacht sales and service facilities, and continued support in the development of the industry for years to come.  With five projects already launched in 2020, including the Ferretti Yachts 500, Ferretti Yachts 1000, Pershing 7X, Riva 88 Folgore, Custom Line Navetta 30 and 43wallytender, Ferretti Group has started the year strongly all things considered and continues to dedicate itself to Made in Italy excellence.


Formula Clean Air

2020 has heightened sanitary awareness everywhere, with a closer eye on cleanliness from washing hands to wiping down surfaces. Purified air has also become a focus, with more companies looking to suddenly concern themselves with ventilation systems, in businesses and homes as well as vehicles. Formula are no different and have made every effort to ensure your onboard health and well-being are a priority. In fact, Formula began upgrading cabin air conditioning systems with the Dometic Breathe Easy air purification system nearly a decade ago, knowing that enclosed spaces in a marine environment can develop a musty odor or foster mold or mildew growth if left unchecked, so Formula jumped to add Breathe Easy to the interior ventilation and climate control systems nearly as soon as Dometic offered it to the industry. The Breathe Easy unit is an inline, in-duct component integral to the system and treats every cubic inch of air that is heated or cooled in your cabin, doing so with a two-prong approach. First, a specific wavelength of UV light enables maximum effectiveness in reducing odours and fumes, as well as biological irritants such as viruses, bacteria and mold spores without the negative qualities of ozone generation. Then, the UV radiation activates a mesh coated with titanium dioxide, which reconfigures pollutants into more basic, nontoxic elements.  The obvious benefits of this scrubbing of your cabin air are a fresher smelling interior and reducing irritants that may exacerbate the symptoms of allergies or asthma, but of course in today’s world, knowing that an effort to destroy virus and bacteria is also a welcome comfort.


Frauscher Razzle Dazzle

Austrian contemporary artist Sabine Wiedenhofer creates Razzle-Dazzle-Boat for the Frauscher shipyard. Premiere at the Salzburg International Art Fair on 5 - 9 August 2020, Terminal 2. It is not surprising that Sabine Wiedenhofer turns a motorboat, the design icon Frauscher 747 Mirage, into a piece of art. Someone who has already made love symbols out of Pistol Bullets, from Murano glass New York's Tribeca made of hundreds of cubes, will not be limited by shapes, colours or materials even in 2020 and so Sabine Wiedenhofer is the first artist (after Jeff Koons Megayacht for Dakis Joannou) to finish the outer shell of the 747 Mirage, a breathtaking boat from Frauscher - an internationally top-rated Austrian shipyard based in Ohlsdorf, Upper Austria.   Sabine Wiedenhofer creates the blurred fusion of the Frauscher 747 Mirage with its surroundings through the material she has chosen (coloured Mirror Vinyl Wraps), as well as through the size and arrangement of the typical cube shapes, which adapt to the perfect line of the boat and the hydrodynamics of the sophisticated stepped hull. The naturally generated reflections are used to create a visual form of the speed of light, a kind of flash light on the water. When sailing slowly, the absorption of the light causes the boat to merge with its surroundings.  An effect that was deliberately created for camouflage purposes a little more than 100 years ago, on warships during the First World War, and aimed for visual irritation. Inspired by cubism, over 4,000 warships, so-called Razzle Dazzle Boats, were painted mainly by women. This painting, in combination with light, water, waves and reflections, created visual disturbances that effectively masked the warships of yesteryear. Sabine Wiedenhofer now replicates this camouflage intention, transports the theme into the present and turns a once vital necessity into a harmony of the senses and nature.  Wiedenhofer uses - similar to her Cube work - again clear lines and forms, which however become blurred by the influences of light, water and speed. The combination of sun, water, sky, clouds and waves turns the boat into a permanently changing jewel of maritime art.  Sabine Wiedenhofer: "Art cannot take place absorbed by its surroundings. As with the Merkenstein church windows, my glass city TriBeCa or my Bullets works, I play with electromagnetic waves in order to visually represent the total reflection. Every time has its art. Art knows no crisis. Art always finds its way. Whether in the form of pictures, sculptures or even boats. It needs its place in our world. I am very pleased that Frauscher has asked me to use this boat to tell a new, multidimensional story."  Florian Helmberger, Frauscher shipyard sales director: "A very special design was created for the Frauscher 747 Mirage. The highly developed stepped hull allows fast gliding at any speed. The optical effect created by Sabine Wiedenhofer now makes this boat a unique work of art that will look different every day, in every light and at every speed".


Horizon Partner with Aquaholic

Horizon have partnered together with Nick Burnham, from the famous YouTube channel Aquaholic to make a great video tour of the Horizon FD87.  Tailored for the European market, this FD87 yacht features an enclosed skylounge configuration, with a voluminous five-stateroom layout, and retains the FD Series' signature head-turning exterior that presides atop the proven High Performance Piercing Bow design and hull platform.


Jarrett Bay Vote for the Coolest Thing Made

The North Carolina Chamber is on the hunt for the Coolest Thing Made in North Carolina and Jarrett Bay has been nominated in an impressive field of home-grown manufacturers. The Carolina is  asking fans to vote for Jarrett Bay each day (because rules say you can't vote more than once a day) to help propel us the boat builder and refit yard into the semi-finals.

Jarrett Bay 2020 Winner's Circle

What a start to the summer fishing season it's been! Three Jarrett Bays, Inspiration, Sensation, and Sea Striker with some big accomplishments already. We can't wait to see who'll be next! Sensation won the Hatteras Marlin Club Tournament with 2 blue marlin released. nspiration caught a 535.4 lb blue marlin at Swansboro Rotary tournament, winning $51,000. Sea Striker had the 2nd place fish, earning over $1 million in the Big Rock Tournament.


Monte Carlo Yachts New Official Dealer in France

Monte Carlo Yachts is pleased to announce the expansion of its dealers’ network with the appointment of Riviera Plaisance, Euro-voiles Group, as the Company's new representative for France, with the exception of Principality of Monaco. Well located on the French Riviera with offices in Marina Baie des Anges, Antibes, Golfe Juan and Hyères, the Riviera Plaisance passionate team of 60 people dedicated to customer satisfaction focuses on a full customer service, having its strength in the after sale assistance. Talking about the new partnership with MCY, Infante Bastien, CEO of Euro-voiles and Riviera Plaisance, stated “We are really proud to represent Monte Carlo Yachts for the French Mediterranean area. Our focus is on clients’ expectations for custom yachts, with our experience of a solid shipyard, competences of berth and crew services, maintenance, charter and financial structures. All these skills make us extremely attentive to customers' needs, enabling us to professionally advise and help our clients in defining their future MCY' model”.  Monte Carlo Yachts can count on a highly qualified and reliable new partner to expand the Brand's unique experience around the World and provide exclusive assistance to its customers throughout the year. “We are excited to enter into a close partnership with a company such as Riviera Plaisance, recognized for its important history and strong background, a competent team dedicated to offering a unique experience to the customers, from the project phase to the delivery and service. This approach perfectly matches with Monte Carlo Yachts' philosophy that focuses on a one-to-one relationship with the customer”, said Sergio Loiacono, MCY' Sales and Marketing Director.

Monte Carlo Yachts Strengthens International Presence

Monte Carlo Yachts dealer Asia Yachting is launching a new Flagship office in Boat Lagoon, Phuket, Thailand. Asia Yachting, in the marine industry for over a decade, is launching a new Flagship office in Boat Lagoon, Phuket, Thailand. The dealer’s team is ready to welcome and assist all Monte Carlo Yachts’ clients and followers residing in Thailand and in the neighbouring ASEAN regions.

Monte Carlo Yachts Special Event at Landmark Mandarin Oriental

From August 26th to 28th, our dealer Asia Yachting presented an exclusive luxury showcase of Monte Carlo Yachts at the prestigious 5-star hotel Landmark Mandarin Oriental, one of the most exclusive hotels in the world. During the event, the Italian Shipyard has been on display, through an elegant showcase of various materials from flooring to fabrics at the bespoke customization corner. To mark the occasion, miniature replicas of the entire range of MCY’ models have been displayed.


Princess Announce Partnership with Ecoworks

Princess Yachts, the UK's largest yacht manufacturer, today announces a new brand partnership with Ecoworks Marine, the leading supplier of sustainable cleaning products for the marine industry. The collaboration will see all Princess customers be given the option of an Ecoworks Marine starter cleaning kit with any new yacht purchase from the Princess range, ensuring the very best aftercare for their yacht while helping to minimise the potential pollution impact on our oceans.  With a shared passion for sustainability and ocean conservation, Princess and Ecoworks Marine have come together to help tackle the challenge of creating a more environmentally friendly approach to yacht cleaning. In a first for the industry, Ecoworks Marine have developed their 'Preserve the Living Seas' range, a unique collection of cleaning products that are fully biorenewable, quickly biodegradable and sustainably formulated. All Princess owners will receive a complimentary sample of the Ecoworks yacht wash as well as the option of a comprehensive starter kit as part of any new yacht purchase from August 2020.


Riva Short Film Interpreted by Pierfrancesco Favino

More intense than ever, Pierfrancesco Favino crosses Piazza San Marco just before dawn, in moonlight filtering through an evocative fog, and boards a legendary Aquariva. His goal is to navigate through Venice’s canals to deliver a mysterious mahogany object to an equally mysterious recipient. The finale comes as a big surprise.  The short film entitled “Riva In The Movie” is an anthem to the amazing power of film, or the seventh art, which Pierfrancesco Favino’s unmistakable narrative voice rightly elevates to “first art”.  Shot entirely in Venice, in locations including Piazza San Marco, Rialto bridge, the Lido and the Palazzo del Cinema, it takes us on a dream-like and touching journey through the canals and wonders of the world’s most beautiful city.  Equally superb is the soundtrack with a tribute to Nino Rota, the brilliant composer who helped make so many of Fellini’s films unforgettable, not to mention other masterpieces like The Godfather and The Leopard. “The celebration of cinema with Riva’s magnificent boats, which have starred in so many films and introduced the whole world to Italian style and creativity: that is our aspiration for Riva in the Movie, a powerful short film starring the most accomplished and famous Italian actor in the world, Pierfrancesco Favino, against the backdrop of Venice’s splendours” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “Riva in the Movie is dedicated to everyone who believes in the magical power of imagination and talent.”  Riva in the Movie will make its official debut on September 4 during the Venice Film Festival. The film’s star, Pierfrancesco Favino, will be taking part in the event and also attending the 77th International Film Festival as leading actor and co-producer of “Padrenostro”, the competition film directed by Claudio Noce and produced by Vision Distribution, Lungta Film, Pko Cinema and Co and Tendercapital Produzioni.  The short’s co-star is RIVA and the brand’s unique relationship with film through the years. Riva’s iconic mahogany and contemporary boats have been admired on screens all over the world for more than seventy years: from classic blockbusters to major Italian hits like Mambo, La Baia di Napoli and Il Sorpasso, and from the James Bond saga and multiple award-winning art house films like La Grande Bellezza, to action movies like Nikita or Men in Black. Their story is also told in a prestigious new book with the same title as the film. Its 300 pages cover 39 films, with the original posters, hundreds of superb on-set and backstage photographs, 77 actors and 110 actresses: these are the numbers that describe a precious and exciting book to both read and browse through.  “Riva in the movie” was realized thanks to the contribution and the essential cooperation of the Municipality of Venice and produced by Armando Testa group company Little Bull Studios with the invaluable contribution and collaboration of the city of Venice. With a creative concept developed by Armando Testa and directed by Federico Brugia, the film stars 2020 Nastro d’Argento and David di Donatello winner Pierfrancesco Favino, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, with a magnificent Beatrice Schiaffino and the young actor Andrea Bordoli.  The passionate and spectacular ties between Riva and film will also be the subject of an exhibition at The Gritti Palace, also the location of the magnificent Riva Lounge with its spectacular view over the Canal Grande. In extraordinary images, the exhibition will tell the story of the numerous films in which Riva boats have played an important and frequently starring role, alongside various Italian and international stars.


Sirena Sells Six

Sirena Yachts has sold its 6th Sirena 88 after the 26.81m/88ft model, the largest in the Sirena range, was first presented at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. With naval architecture by German Frers and interior design by Cor D. Rover, it is the 3rd unit in the Turkish brand’s flagship line to be acquired by an American customer.


Viking at Lone Star Shoot Out

Viking dominated in the recent Lone Star Shootout, claiming eight of the top 10 spots on the Overall Champion leader board and sweeping three categories. Chris Heule's Viking 74 Draggin' Up was the 2nd Place Overall Boat and 2nd Place Release Team, while the Viking 62 Sirenita, owned by Robert Briggs, took 3rd Overall and 3rd in the Release Division. The Viking 45 True Story weighed the biggest blue marlin of the event. Angler Thomas Burke hung a 460.5-pound fish to win the division. Scott Whitehead on the Viking 92 High Cotton took 2nd Place Blue Marlin with a 444.5-pound fish.  A 94.5-pound tuna gave the Viking 52 Decarb top honors in that category. Bandit, a Viking 82, claimed 2nd and 3rd Place Tuna with fish weighing 51.5 and 51 pounds.  Angler Cody Revel, fishing the Viking 50 Pass-It-On, weighed the winning wahoo at 36 pounds. Mi Novia, a Viking 43, took 2nd and 3rd with 'hoos registering 30.5 and 28 pounds. Julie Coulter, on the Viking 56 Deez Nautz, claimed Top Lady Angler.

Viking at Texas Billfish Classic

Congratulations to the crew of Draggin' Up, a Viking 74, for their 1st Place win at the Texas Billfish Classic. Sam Raspberry and Rod Reed each released a blue marlin to win the Championship Title as well as 1st Place Release Boat.  Claiming 3rd Place Boat and 3rd Place Release Boat was the Viking 56 Deez Nautz. Barry William released a blue while Julie Coulter added a pair of sails to the boat's tally. Cody Spencer, fishing the Viking 72 Pozo Seco, weighed yellowfin at 51 and 47.5 pounds to claim 2nd and 3rd Place in the Tuna Division.

Viking at White Marlin Open

The 47th annual White Marlin Open was a smashing success. The annual event saw the second highest number of registered boats (433) that hauled in fish collectively worth $6.8 million, which represents the most tournament money ever awarded in fishing. "I didn't know what to expect this year, but what a great turnout - our best since 2005!" said Andy Motsko, one of the tournament directors. "It's a testament to our passion for sportfishing." The Viking 56 Drillin & Billin weighed a 77-pound white marlin caught by Taylor Fields. That fish was good for 2nd place and a seven-figure check. The Viking 80 demonstrator boat had a solid performance in the WMO, placing 4th in the Top Boat category and 7th in Top Release Boat. Drew McDowell led the team with four white marlin releases, and Justin Healey brought a 70-pound white to the scales. Led by Captain Scott Adams, the team also released a blue marlin that was only a few inches shy of required length. From left to right: Eric McDowell, Ryan Higgins, Justin Healey, Kyle Shipp, Pat Healey and Drew McDowell. The Viking 80 Krazy Salt's also had a strong showing, placing 9th in both Top Release and Top Boat categories, with Dave Anderson Jr. taking 7th-place Top Angler.

Viking at The Invitational

The Viking 80 CE took home The Invitational with a 698.4-pound blue marlin, earning the team more than a half a million dollars in this inaugural event held out of The Wharf Marina in Orange Beach, Alabama. "It's the largest 'Winner-Take-All' prize in Gulf of Mexico tournament history," says Tournament Director Jim Cox. "The tournament was created to offer a huge payout for the winning fish, while offering teams the best odds to collect the big payday." With a 112-inch blue marlin minimum, the only other boat that weighed a fish was the Viking 72 Breathe Easy, which brought a 484.2-pound blue marlin to the scales. "Both fish were donated to feed the less fortunate," said Jim.

Viking at Texas Legend

Walk West, a Viking 55 owned by Riley Rhodes and captained by Raleigh Morrison, nabbed 1st place at the Texas Legends Billfish Tournament with a 737-pound blue marlin - the largest blue marlin to ever be weighed in at Port Aransas. "It was epic and euphoric," said Riley. "We knew it was a big fish, but we didn't know it was that big. It was very emotional for the whole team."


Viking at Bisbee East Cape Offshore Tournament

In the Bisbee's East Cape Offshore Tournament, Hooray, a Viking 80 Sky Bridge, won 2nd Place Top Release with a total of 11 releases that included three blue marlin, four sailfish and four striped marlin. Another Viking, the 62 Convertible Dos Tejas, claimed 2nd Place Top Team with four blue marlin and six striped marlin. The tournament is held out of the Buena Vista Beach Resort on Mexico's Baja California peninsula. The Bisbee's tournaments also include the Los Cabos Offshore Charity Tournament and Black and Blue Marlin Tournament, which both take place October in Cabo San Lucas.

Viking at Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament

A fleet of 83 boats competed for over $850,000 in cash prizes at the Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament. Alex Peebles was on the rod for the biggest tuna, a 58.4-pounder, caught on the Viking 72 Sea I Sea with captain Hunter Blount behind the wheel. Shelley Smith, fishing on Triple 'S', a Viking 60, earned the Top Lady Angler trophy with her eight billfish releases. A total of 473 billfish were released during the four days of fishing.

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