Monthly News - September 2020

-pic of the month- Sunreef Double Victory at World Yacht Trophies

Azimut Private Boat Show

From September 8 to 13, in this month traditionally dedicated to new products’ launch, Azimut Yachts recreates in its Marina in Viareggio the magical atmosphere of a boat show, ensuring the respect of all safety measures.  On display, for her absolute debut, alongside the shipyard’s latest and most sought after models, there will be the new Magellano 25 Metri, with interiors by architect and designer Vincenzo De Cotiis.  Magellano 25 Metri combines unprecedented style and design choices with the widespread use of carbon fiber and the latest technology, is a perfect blend of discipline and reason on one hand, and creativity and sentiment on the other, as well as a wonderful expression of Azimut Yachts’ DNA, as the shipyard keeps experimenting with new languages.  That is why the company has decided to present the yacht to the public at large in a short film that describes with great poetry the infinite nuances that bind art and emotion. Azimut Yachts recognised a kindred spirit in the film’s world famous director Gabriele Muccino, who recently completed shooting for the final scenes. 

Azimut-Benetti Group Starts New Nautical Year with New CEO

During the annual Group's press conference that traditionally kicks off the nautical year, Azimut|Benetti officially announced Marco Valle new role of Group CEO. Marco Valle then procedeed presenting the new models that will be launched on the market in the coming months. Azimut|Benetti restarts from Marco Valle, officially vested with the new role of Group CEO by Vice President Giovanna Vitelli at the annual meeting with the media that traditionally kicks off the nautical year. Since joining the company in 1996, Valle has been assigned increasingly prominent roles that have led him to take on the position of CEO of Azimut Yachts in 2016. He now has been chosen by the owners to harmonize the best practices of both brands, with the aim of creating synergies and developing ever-better efficiencies. This past year, despite the halt imposed by the pandemic, the company – which has built its success by continually investing in the credibility and reputation of its brands – still managed to confirm its solidity and dynamism. The Azimut | Benetti season therefore begins with a highly promising outlook. “I am extremely proud to declare that we have managed to ensure the delivery of all our orders, thanks to the flexibility that the company deployed at every level in the most difficult months. And that’s not all: with an increase in units sold – 56 to date – , we once again reasserted our leadership in the market of yachts measuring over 24 metres long”, says Giovanna Vitelli, who goes on to say that “the appointment of Marco Valle fixes an inconsistency in our reality that over time had brought Benetti and Azimut to behave more as cousins than as brothers. Both brands are now ready for a new dynamic of heightened exchange and optimisation. Marco, with his strategic, broad-range vision, his ability to promote teamwork, his knowledge of the market and, above all, his commercial intuition, is the right man to make this step”. For his part, Valle emphasised how important it is to keep the identity of each brand intact and well-distinct, while fully respecting the signature characteristics of each shipyard. It was always Valle who then introduced the second part of the meeting, focusing on the calendar of new launches scheduled for the next 18 months. “Relying on a financial position that, despite this very complex year, has been further strengthened, we are now able to present a particularly rich program of product development. Our overall product range will increase from 30 to 35 models, thus essentially covering all the existing categories in the luxury yachting market, bringing the Collections from 8 to 10, adding the luxury explorer category, B.Yond and the whole Oasis experience. This will allow us to continue serving our international clientele with even greater accuracy, meeting their demands with a range that not only offers yachts from 12 to over 100 metres long, but also makes it possible to choose from very different and assorted styles of navigation and experiences on board”, explained Marco Valle. In fact, the Company will be showcasing an impressive 9 new models in the next 18 months.  Working in partnership with a handful of designers who for some years now have been defining the new signature style of the two brands, such as Alberto Mancini, Ken Freivokh, Giorgio M. Cassetta, Enrico Bonetti (Bonetti/Kozerski Architecture), Adrian Chisnell (RWD), the collaboration continued in a crescendo of anticipations and surprises, all of which are already part of the production pipeline.  For Azimut Yachts the range spans from the new flagship model, the Trideck designed by Achille Salvagni and Alberto Mancini, which will be ready by next January, when the Flybridge 53 (designed too by Mancini) is also scheduled to make its debut, to the Magellano 30 Metres, the older sister-model of the 25 Metres, which celebrated her debut in Portofino with the world premiere of Gabriele Muccino’s short film dedicated to the yacht. Plus the new Verve 42, a new Flybridge, and the new Magellano 66.  Benetti, who celebrated delivery of the first Oasis 40 M in Portofino (10 units sold on paper), will consolidate this new category with yet another model and will welcome the addition of a new product category, that of Motopanfilo, which promises to restore to the fullest all the charm of the classic watercraft models that made the brand famous in the 1960s. Scheduled for next September, instead, is the introduction of the 37 M of the new B.Yond category.

Azimut-Benetti Group the Star at World Yacht Trophies

The spotlight was on Azimut|Benetti Group at the annual event held to award the Oscars of the yachting world. At the ceremony, organised in Cannes on September 12, the Italian shipyard swept the field, winning a remarkable five prizes in the five different categories it competed in, including the most sought-after award of Yacht of the Year award presented to Benetti’s hybrid Giga yacht Luminosity.

Fairline New Returning Sales Director

Luxury British boatbuilder, Fairline Yachts, announces the appointment of James Powell as its new Sales Director, effective immediately on Tuesday 1 September 2020.  Bringing more than 35 years of experience to the role, James is a welcome return to Fairline, having sold his first Fairline at the Southampton Boat Show back in 1984 and worked for the brand for several decades since. Most recently, James has been running sales operations at Princess Poole. With an impressive career at Fairline, James has previously worked for two Fairline dealers and was part of the UK Fairline distributorship before joining the factory in 2005 where he looked after the extensive dealer network in the EMEA region for a decade.  In his new role, James will be responsible for managing and developing the brand’s global dealer network and developing the sales pipelines around the world. He has invaluable experience and understanding of the brand, the sales network and the leisure marine industry and is an important addition to the senior management team at Fairline.  He comments, “I am delighted to return to Fairline. I have a genuine passion for the brand and am looking forward to reconnecting with the team and dealers around the world. The recent product launches provide exciting opportunities for the brand and its future success.”  Peter McNulty, Chief Operating Officer at Fairline Yachts, adds, “It is a real coup to welcome James back to the Fairline family and we are thrilled for him to take the role of Sales Director. He brings a wealth of invaluable Fairline-specific knowledge and industry experience to the company. James is well-known and well-respected across the sector and his appointment will, without doubt, help to drive our future growth.”

Fairline Expands with New Oslo Office

Luxury British boatbuilder, Fairline Yachts, announces the expansion of its dealer network in Norway with a new sales office for the Oslo area. Nautic Norway has been the exclusive dealer for Fairline Yachts for the past four years and in response to recent successes, the business has expanded its offering by adding an additional premises close the country’s capital. The expansion means Nautic Norway is able to meet with more customers and showcase a greater range of Fairline models. Dennis Wollertsen from Nautic Norway comments, “We are excited to be expanding our presence and we look forward to the new opportunities this will bring to us and to Fairline. We have been working with Fairline since 2016 and it has proven to be one of the most desired motorboat brands in Norway. We are confident our new location will entice even more customers to experience Fairline and we look forward to our new chapter.” Peter McNulty, Chief Operating Officer at Fairline Yachts, adds, “The new location provides a large office in a beautiful marina setting for our award-winning yachts to be seen and trialled. It is an exciting time for both Fairline and Nautic Norway and we look forward to sharing our exceptional boats and unrivalled craftsmanship with even more customers in the region.”

Ferretti Group Triple of Yacht of Prizes at World Yacht Trophies 2020

Three is the perfect number, and also the number of major prizes awarded to the perfection of style and design embodied by Ferretti Group at the World Yachts Trophies 2020, the prestigious yachting season event organised by SG Publications. Taking place last Saturday September 12 on the beach at the luxury InterContinental Carlton in Cannes, the ceremony was attended by guests and business insiders. Ferretti Group won three awards thanks to its unmistakable Italian style and the innovative design and technology featured on its boats.  Another success for the Group, which despite the complexities caused by the healthcare emergency has kept its vision alive and is now rewarded with some of the most sought after prizes in the industry, confirming its clear leadership in terms of both aesthetics and innovation. Here are the Awards assigned to the boats: Ferretti Yachts 500: Best Interior Design Trophy, 45 to 64-foot category (13.70-19.50 meters); Pershing 7X: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 64 to 80-foot category (19.50-24 meters); CRN M/Y 62m Voice: Best Exterior Design Trophy, 164 to 270-foot category (50-82 meters).  Ferretti Group continues to grow and will be announcing many important novelties in the coming months.

Gulfcraft Announces New Italian Dealer

In an effort to further solidify its sales network in Europe, Gulf Craft, Emirates luxury yacht manufacturer, has selected a prominent Rome-based company, Media Ship, to be the shipyard’s official dealer in Italy. With focus on sales and marketing, Media Ship will be the exclusive dealer for the brands of Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts and Oryx in Italy.  Together with Media Ship, Gulf Craft will be welcoming its guests at the upcoming Genoa Boat Show held in Piazzale Kennedy, Genoa from October 1-6, 2020. Gulf Craft will present the latest Majesty 100 M/Y Isla to the public for the very first time.  Nizar Tagi, Chief Commercial Officer of Gulf Craft, explained: “We are delighted to cooperate with Alessandro Guardigli, CEO of Media Ship. His vast operation in Italy offers a wide range of services to our discerning clientele in Europe. Italy is a major yachting production and destination hub and will be one of Gulf Craft’s fast-growing markets. We have known each other for years and see an amazing future for our adventure.”  Alessandro Guardigli, CEO of Media Ship, added: "The high quality pays off with the time " and Gulf Craft is synonymous with construction quality and design perfectly integrated to cater to the international clientele.”  He added by saying: “Media Ship International Srl is very pleased and excited to be participating in the expansion plans of Gulf Craft. The range that Majesty Yachts, Nomad Yachts and Oryx have to offer are perfectly suited to our demanding clients.”  Gulf Craft and Media ship will be available for meetings and interviews at the 60th Genoa Boat show from October 1-6, 2020 at berth H141.

Heesen First Ever Online Press Conference

Heesen’s first-ever online press conference ran as smooth as our FDHF superyachts!  The conference opened with Charlotte Kan in conversation with our CEO Arthur Brouwer and Mark Cavendish, our chief commercial officer about 2020 and the future of Heesen.  Arthur Brouwer discussed: Heesen had a lot of commercial activity in the early part of the year, and then Covid-19 hit. It’s not been easy, but interest, enquiries and yard visits are now picking up, and Heesen remains in a financially sound position.  All the necessary Covid-19 governmental guidelines have been followed, but Heesen’s production schedule has remained on track, with no custom yacht delays or impact on clients.  The next four months look set to be busy for Heesen: Pollux will commence sea trials, Aquamarine will launch.  Two full custom yachts - Project SkyFall and Project Sparta - will commence build.  Heesen’s communication has remained constant, but virtual. And soon Heesen will broaden its methods even further with the launch of YachtTalk.  Mark Cavendish discussed: Heesen currently has four yachts available for interested customers: Altea at the start of 2021, Aquamarine, the first yacht to comply with IMO Tier-III regulations, Pollux at the end of Oct 2020.  Triton 50m steel full displacement – completed and ready to sail.  Heesen is confident that the yacht market will recover in the wake of Covid-19. Everyone in the industry will suffer some form of financial loss, but interest in spec boats remains high and Heesen’s custom yacht market remains at the same level.  Heesen is focused on its environmental programme: Tier-III systems, FDHF targets the root of the problem by increasing fuel efficiency, Interest in hybrid propulsion is growing.

Horizon Virtual Boat Show Version Two

Introduced in April, Horizon’s Virtual Boat Show and Define at a Distance Experience has seen great success. Knowing that being virtual is a trend of the future, Horizon has invested in the digital experience and are pleased to invite you to the Horizon Virtual Boat Show II, where you can explore the finer details of any of our motor yachts or define your own Horizon yacht with just a few clicks.

Horizon Invitation Only Showcase

Horizon Yacht USA is pleased to announce plans for a private, invitation-only yacht showcase at its Hall of Fame Marina location in Fort Lauderdale. Scheduled for Friday, October 9th and Saturday, October 10th, 2020, the two-day open house will offer four Horizon yachts for private viewing by appointment: the brand new FD102, To-Kalon, the FD87 Skyline, the FD80 Skyline and the E56 OMA. The invitation-only showcase will be offering viewing appointment slots between 10am – 6pm October 9th and October 10th, with the last appointment slot at 5pm. Horizon will be implementing a strict set of safety guidelines that include the requirement for face coverings, social distancing, digital-only exchange of information, and thorough sanitizing of the yachts between showings.

Itama Presents a New Virtual Experience

Itama sets the stage to ride the exciting new virtual waves generated by the online publication of the brand’s new website, with its lean design and an intuitive layout, and the official Instagram profile, first launched last June to provide interesting and engaging content for all brand enthusiasts. Freedom, seduction and Mediterranean character are the distinctive features of this new online debut, presented under the banner of “The enchantment of Freedom”: a concept that celebrates the onboard lifestyle epitomised by the brand’s fleet of open yachts, now recognised as undisputed style icons.  The platform, after the restyling curated by Craq Design Studio and developed by agency PROSE, features various elements that describe the new personality projected by Itama: plays on shades of the classic nautical colours blue and white interact with lean, pared back lines that highlight each individual element. The website’s three macro sections, “About”, “Itama Open News” and “Collection”, are structured to offer users a gradual and complete browsing experience.  The “About” section offers an overview of the brand’s history and the values instilled in it by founder Mario Amati. The “Itama Open News” section, on the other hand, contains news items about the brand and Ferretti Group, but also gives space to partners, boat shows and events.  The glorious fleet of Itama open yachts is presented in the section called “Collection”, in an explicit reference to haute couture, and contains technical information about each model in detailed data sheets. Another highpoint for fans of the brand is the possibility of “hopping on board” the yachts and taking a virtual boat tour. Itama’s new website is mobile-first and responsive, offering users a perfect browsing experience on all devices as well as the pleasure of a redesigned platform featuring new content. Turning to social media, the Instagram profile, curated by Craq Studio and Arachno, consolidates Itama’s official presence on social media and already has 4,000 followers. Characterised by a simple and direct tone of voice that engages users with emotion and empathy, it publishes content aligned with the brand’s values and new positioning. The posts highlight the convivial mood established on board all the brand’s models, offering what can best be described as postcards that celebrate enchanting places and unique experiences onboard.  

Nordhavn Open House Series

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nordhavn is not participating in boat shows this year. But Nordhavn wants to make sure you get to stay the course with your boat buying plans. So Nordhavn are offering Open Houses at each of its five offices in the U.S. and Europe. Nordhavn will kick things off in Rhode Island with an Open House hosted by the Nordhavn Yachts Northeast team.  The health and well-being of the Nordhavn staff and clients will be of the utmost importance, so the company will employ several measures to keep the viewing process as safe as possible.

Pearl Wins at World Yacht Trophies

The Pearl 62 has won at the World Yachts Trophies 2020. Marking the latest in a string of industry awards for the 18.6-metre Pearl 62, Pearl Yacht’s latest model was Awarded Best Layout on September 12th in Cannes.

Pursuit Honours Top Dealers

Times may be different, but Pursuit is still building quality boats and their dealers are still selling them. In September, Pursuit Boats announced their top domestic dealers, international dealer and salespeople for their 2020 model year. Top honors for the number one Pursuit dealer went to Quality Boats, a dealer that has multiple locations in Clearwater and Sarasota, Florida. “This is a first time win as top dealer for Quality Boats,” said Randy Jernigan, Director of Sales at Pursuit. “We are very proud of the strides they have made to achieve this honor and we are thrilled with how they represent the Pursuit brand.” Owner David Bair was presented with the coveted Geoffrey Smith Sailfish Sculpture Award at a private dinner at the Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach. Chandler Hansen of Quality Boats achieved Pursuit’s Top Salesperson and Club Elite status for the 2020 model year.  Maspor Marine was named Top International Dealer in 2019 and again in 2020 with locations in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama and Peru. OneWater Marine, with Pursuit locations throughout the country, was awarded the Pursuit Diamond Dealer Award for wholesale dollars. The 2020 Top New Dealer honour was awarded to Boats Unlimited with three locations in North Carolina. South Shore Marine, based out of Ohio, was awarded the Top CSI Award for outstanding customer satisfaction. Awards were also made to the salespeople who qualified for the prestigious Club Pursuit and Club Elite. Club Pursuit and Pursuit Club Elite were established to recognize salespeople who have attended Pursuit Offshore University for in-depth sales training in 2018 or 2019 and have demonstrated superior sales achievement.  Along with being a consistent recipient of the NMMA CSI award since its inception in 2005, Pursuit offers dealers a special Flagship Dealer status for participating in a program designed to identify excellence in business acumen, service, personnel and facility presentation.  The Pursuit Flagship Dealer Program is a continuous improvement certification program focused on the highest standards of Customer Satisfaction in the areas of Operations, Sales, Marketing and Service in the Pursuit dealer network. “We look forward to sharing our successes and opportunities with our great partners - our valued dealer network - every year. And what we really appreciate from our dealers is their focus on operational excellence, culminating in higher customer satisfaction and repurchase intent. This embodies the ‘customer for life’ attitude in our dealer organization,” said President of Pursuit Boats Bruce Thompson.  “And as the boating industry has become more robust in 2020, we want to thank all our dealers for working with us as we roll out new inventory, and new models, to keep up with rising market demand.”

Pursuit Reaches Safety Milestone

Pursuit Boats, a manufacturer of luxury sport fishing and cruising boats, has hit a monumental milestone. On September 21, 2020 the company reached 1 million man hours worked without a lost time incident. This milestone was achieved over 446 days. The accomplishment is a testament to Pursuit’s commitment to the safety of its workforce and the company celebrated with an awards ceremony, BBQ lunch, and a four day long raffle of 40 high-end giveaways with 10 winners announced daily on the hour. “One of the most rewarding experiences of my role within Pursuit Boats is the ability to share in the drive and inspiration of our extended family of employees. The pride and joy exuded by the teams who build Pursuit boats every day is fuelled by their dedication and refined attention to detail,” said Bruce Thompson President of Pursuit Boats. “We are proud of our team and their commitment to safety and we look forward to reaching a 2 million hour milestone.” There was feeling of celebration at the plant and each department honoured a stellar employee who received recognition and a gift certificate at the awards ceremony in front of their peers. The raffle prizes were spread out over the entire week and included items such as: three 70’ LED TVs, Apple iPads, HP touch screen laptops, 500 watt portable speakers with lights, 300 watt JBL sound bars, Dyson vacuum cleaners, PlayStations, Xboxes, Ninja Air Fryers, surface computers and Dr. Dre beats headphones. Special recognition was given to Angela Musiol, Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Pursuit Boats. “Angie’s dedication to our employees and to maintaining a safe environment in both plants is unyielding. She is a key force behind this important milestone and we are proud of her accomplishments and her passion.” Under the umbrella of Malibu Boats (MBUU), the Pursuit Brand, located in Ft. Pierce, Florida, builds 14 models in the Sport, Center Console, Dual Console and Offshore series ranging in size from 23 to 43 feet. With a mission to design, engineer, tool and build the best boats on the market, the company has positioned itself as a leader in the marine industry. With the addition of the second plant, the company is on pace to launch four new boat models a year. Most recently they added two boats to their Sport Series, the S 268 and the S 378 which is a Boating Industry Top Product recipient. The company’s next project is currently underway, and they plan to launch their largest boat model to date this October

Riva in the Movie Premiere

The première took place on 4th of September, at Venice Film Festival.  “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” 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. 

Riviera Launches 100th 6000 Sport Yacht

Australia’s largest motor yacht builder Riviera has achieved a significant milestone with its 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition.  The 100th hull of the sleek sport yacht design has been completed, highlighting the popularity of the flagship Riviera Sport Yacht.  Riviera’s constant refinement led to the release last year of the 6000, 5400 and 4800 Platinum Edition Series which created a new level of elegance and luxury.  This special 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition is being delivered by R Marine Sydney dealer representative Michael Joyce to a new owner who has a long association with Riviera motor yachts. The 6000 will be his seventh Riviera over the past 13 years, with his most recent Riviera being her sistership the 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition.  Taking ownership of the 6000 was a milestone moment for the new owner.  She was ‘hard to resist’  “My first Riviera 5400 was Hull 007 and the second was Hull 077, so the opportunity to get Hull 100 of the 6000 was hard to resist,” he says.  “Riviera has done a marvellous job with the 6000. She is beautiful and seamless, with a superior quality of workmanship, finishes, and technical equipment such as the CZone digital switching system. Riviera just keeps getting better and better. “Riviera motor yachts have always appealed to me, and the quality, especially over the past few years, has stepped up to a completely new level.  “The 6000 was always the boat that we desired. She carries a beautiful volume internally and is the perfect size to handle by yourself or as a couple.”  The new owner has been won over by Riviera’s Platinum Series Sport Yachts. Prior to owning a 5400 Platinum Edition Sport Yacht he owned a Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht.  “The feeling I had when I stepped aboard the 6000 was the same feeling I had stepping aboard the 5400 Platinum for the first time after the 5400.  “The quality of finish from the high-gloss walnut cabinetry to the benchtops, and the engineering and technical upgrades, the 6000 has it all.”  The new owner spends every weekend aboard his Riviera with his partner.  “The 6000 is our Sydney apartment,” he says. “We sometimes take short trips to Port Stephens, Port Hacking and Pittwater, but mostly we enjoy our weekends on the harbour. It’s a great spot. Next year, we may look at planning an extended trip up the coast to the Whitsundays for winter.”  The single-level Sport Yacht layout suits a relaxed and social style of boating.  “I was a yachtie originally, so I personally like socialising with everyone aboard and you can do that perfectly on the Sport Yacht.”  The new owner’s experience with Riviera over many years has been supported by a strong relationship with dealer representative R Marine Sydney’s dealer principal Michael Joyce.  “Michael is terrific to deal with. Nothing is a problem for him and his team, and their after-purchase support is excellent,” he says.  Riviera Platinum Edition Sport Yachts are unmistakable in their distinctive platinum, black and white tones with a rakish style that is popular with boating enthusiasts around the world.  Luxurious appointments including gleaming timber finishes and the comfort of soft, rich furnishings are complemented by the advanced electronics and superior engineering for which Riviera motor yachts are today renowned.  “The 6000 Sport Yacht has become a popular choice for those who truly enjoy the luxuries she affords,” said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst.  “We are indeed fortunate at Riviera to have been able to maintain production at these times, and focusing on the care of our staff, dealership representatives and owners.  “Milestone achievements such as these bring great pride to our highly skilled Riviera team members, each of whom have a passion for quality that drives us to continually refine our model range.”

Riviera Commences Apprentice Drive

Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera is embarking on a recruitment drive to meet demand and fill key specialist trades ahead of the company’s 2021 intake of new apprentices. The company is targeting apprentices in the composite and boatbuilding trades, all of which require a quality skillset in an area of the industry that is being transformed by emerging new technologies.  “The composites manufacturing process is where the whole boatbuilding process begins,” said Riviera’s safety and training manager Adam Houlahan.  “The work our composites manufacturing team undertakes is the foundation of everything we do.”  “The role involves the construction of the hulls, decks and structural components of our motor yachts which are renowned internationally for their superior finish and sea-keeping qualities.  “This is the trade that is most in demand currently by Riviera and one that can deliver a long-term career for the best in their field.” Riviera, which this year celebrates 40 years of evolution, has been running its award-winning apprenticeship program for more than 20 years. In that time, more than 300 apprentices have become qualified tradespeople and are now working across industry sectors around the world.  Recently Riviera conducted a successful educational tour and presentation of its Gold Coast production facility for students, parents and teachers from the south-east Queensland region in August.  Riviera offers four-year apprenticeships across a range of trades, including electrical, cabinetmaking, timber, upholstery and boat boatbuilding, as well as offering three-year apprenticeships in composites.  “Composite apprentices can become trade qualified composite technicians in just three years which offers a strong pathway into the marine industry,” said Mr Houlahan.  “It’s a very specialised area of our trade and a real sense of pride and attention to detail is required to build world-class Riviera motor yachts.  Riviera’s planning and production director Kyle Davison says the continual advances in technologies highlights the dynamic nature of a career with the composite team.  “There’s a lot of potential for future growth especially with new industry-leading technologies, and that makes this an opportune time to join our team,” said Mr Davison.  Riviera employs about 80 apprentices and each year accepts about 20 new apprentices to its program. The apprentices are mentored by the 600-strong Riviera team who create and innovate motor yachts of distinction. The yachts, from 39 to 72 feet in length, are acclaimed internationally for their world-class calibre of design and construction as much as they are for their fine and luxurious finishes.  All apprentices participate in Riviera’s award-winning Propel program which targets confidence building, people skills, financial maturity and goal-setting under the mentorship of senior staff members including Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst and CEO Wes Moxey, both of whom began their careers as apprentices.

Riviera Pittwater Relocates

R Marine Pittwater, the dealer representative for Australia’s most awarded range of luxury motor yachts, Riviera, has relocated to an expanded new sales and service centre at Newport in Sydney’s northern beaches.  The remodeled facility in Princes Street Marina returns dealer representatives the Dillon family to where their Riviera journey started, with Lee Dillon working for the first Riviera dealership on the site as a school leaver in 1980.  That was the year Riviera was founded and it defines the long-term ties of father-and-son team Lee and Scott Dillon to the Riviera Family. They have an intimate knowledge of Riviera that owners appreciate. Additionally, Lee’s youngest son Matthew, who is a shipwright, leads the dealership’s service and warranty team. R Marine Pittwater, which has been headed for the past three years by Scott as dealer principal, has relocated from nearby Sirsi Marina in Newport.  “Of course, many of our long-time Riviera owners are happy to see us back here and it’s very much like old times,” says Lee.  “But compared with the dealerships I’ve been associated with over the past 40 years, this is the best ever.  “It’s a very large office with a lovely outlook on the second floor. The marina itself is maintained beautifully, and it’s a pleasure to drive into. There’s a big carpark and a sheltered marina with our boats for sale right in front of us on one arm.”  R Marine Pittwater offers a central meeting room where prospective owners can comfortably spend time being educated on everything they need to know about the Riviera and Belize collections from the experienced staff. There is dedicated space to view video of the entire collection, from Riviera’s Open Flybridge, Enclosed Flybridge, Sport Yacht, SUV and Sports Motor Yacht range from 39 to 72 feet. “More importantly, we’ve got room to expand now as well,” says Scott. “As the market moves ahead, we have the capacity to bolster our service and sales team even further.”  Scott’s knowledge of Riviera and the marine industry is second to none and since his appointment as dealer principal of R Marine Pittwater in 2017 he had been looking to move back to Princes Street for some time.  “Pittwater and the Hawkesbury are immensely popular cruising grounds with Riviera owners and historically this is the location of the first Riviera dealership in Australia,” he says.  “We now have a bigger office, a better space for our clients and staff. For people who are new to boating it’s a great environment for them to look at a variety of different models.”  R Marine Pittwater has retained its existing dedicated team including Kane Whitehead and Josh Nash in sales and customer service, and events manager Jacqui Rawson.  “It’s great to be back here and to get the positive feedback from the clients who have been with us for so long,” says Scott. “We’ve had a genuine increase in inquiries since the move. I guess most of us aren’t going overseas any time soon for a holiday, so owning a Riviera is the next best thing.”

Sunreef Creates Over 200 Jobs

Sunreef a world leader in the design and construction of luxury catamarans and multihull superyachts is hiring over 200 new employees to staff its shipyard in Gdansk, Poland. Due to the continuous growth and development of the company, an increase in orders and the expansion of new production halls, the Sunreef Yachts shipyard has an immediate need in all the specialist areas. Available positions include carpenters, laminators, upholsterers, plumbers, mechanics and electricians. Future employment opportunities at the company will extend to the design department. Currently, Sunreef Yachts employs a total of over 1000 people. Most new employees will find work in the brand new Sunreef Yachts shipyard, currently nearing completion and covering an area of almost 50,000 m2. The complete relocation of all offices and production workshops from the historic shipyard located in the city center to the new headquarters is scheduled for April 2021. The new shipyard already has multiple projects under way, including the world's largest private luxury catamaran – the 49m Sunreef Power, a 100 Sunreef Power, and projects coming from the ECO line.

Sunreef Double Victory at World Yacht Trophies

Sunreef Yachts celebrated a double victory during this year’s edition of the World Yachts Trophies. The team comes back from Cannes with two precious awards with Sunreef Yachts winning in the Best Shipyard of the Year category and the 60 Sunreef Power stealing the Best Power Driven Catamaran trophy. Despite the cancellation of the Cannes Yachting Festival, the ceremony gathered many top industry professionals for a celebration of the world’s finest crafts. On the night of September 12, Sunreef Yachts’ sales team along with the shipyard’s president Francis Lapp received the awards on stage on the beach of the International Carlton in Cannes. With a growing number of orders, an entirely new production facility nearing completion and superyacht build projects under way, Sunreef Yachts keeps hiring new employees since the beginning of the year with over 200 new workers to join the production team in the near future. The shipyard now enjoys a continuous progress and a success crowned with the Best Shipyard of The Year award. The 60 Sunreef Power belongs to the shipyard’s new range of luxury multihulls alongside the 70 Sunreef Power, 80 Sunreef Power and 100 Sunreef Power. The catamaran offers a unique combination of performance and autonomy for long offshore cruises in ultimate comfort. Just like other models in the new Power range, she is equipped with an innovative aft garage and hydraulic platform. The model is also offered in Eco version with electric propulsion a cutting-edge solar power system.

Sunseeker Backed for Future Growth and Success

Sunseeker International, together with backing from its majority shareholder Dalian Wanda, is investing additional working capital with immediate effect in order to accelerate it plans. The brand is investing over £38 million in new product development between 2020-2023 which will result in its range doubling to 22 models, quicker than originally planned. By way of example, five new models will launch before the end of this year being the 90 Ocean, 88 Yacht, 65 Sport Yacht, Manhattan 55 and Predator 55, a remarkable achievement against the background of a global pandemic.  Andrea Frabetti, CEO at Sunseeker International, commented: “This significant support reflects our shareholder’s belief in the entire Sunseeker team and its commitment to our business, brand and manufacturing in Dorset.”  Sunseeker International can confirm that it has been back to full production since June as it continues to design, manufacture and deliver the world’s leading luxury performance motor yachts.  Andrea continues: “I’d like to personally thank our clients, suppliers and employees for supporting us during what has been one of the most challenging periods the global leisure marine industry has ever faced. During the crisis, we have remained fully focused on our strategic plan to not only retain our market-leading position but to gain market share by remaining resolutely focused on innovation across multiple new and exciting niche models. We have seen strong market confidence throughout this period and are very much primed for future growth and success.”

Wim Van Der Valk Wins Yacht Trophies

While the show’s late cancellation was a disappointment, it has allowed many more people on and around the waters of Amsterdam to admire this pioneering weekender, which was custom-built for the Dutch company Waterdream owned by Prince Bernhard of Oranje-Nassau. We are now looking forward to continuing this successful cooperation in the future, and congratulations are also due to the design team at Vripack for drawing such a super-stylish motoryacht.  This is actually the second year in a row that Van der Valk has won a prestigious award at the World Yacht Trophies, following on from the success of the BeachClub 600 in 2019. While ensuring our clients are happy will always be the number one priority for our yard, such recognition by our industry peers for the quality and innovation of the Van der Valk team is of course very welcome indeed.

Viking at Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament

Don't Panic, a Viking 56 run by captain Carl Beale, finished 2nd Overall Top Team at the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament. The team tallied 12 white marlin and a sailfish. Don't Panic owner Andrew Norris contributed two of the whites. Shelley Smith swept the individual angler awards, including Top Overall, Top Release and Top Lady Angler. She released nine whites on her Viking 60 Triple "S." The 80-boat fleet released 100% of the 429 billfish caught during the event.