AzimutBenetti Group World Leading Super Yacht Builder for 22nd Year
Once again this year Azimut|Benetti leads the Global Order Book, the annual ranking drawn up by Boat International, and confirms its position as the world’s top builder of yachts over 24 metres in length, thanks to a winning strategy that offers diversified models, innovative design, and cutting-edge solutions to reduce consumption and emissions. With a record number of 128 projects totalling 4,061 metres in length, Azimut|Benetti Group leads the field for the 22nd year in the Global Order Book, the annual ranking of the world’s top producers of yachts drawn up by highly reputed yachting magazine Boat International. Azimut|Benetti ranked first out of 186 shipyards on five continents, accounting for 12.5% of the total number of projects, which is a significant percentage in such a fragmented market. This confirms the highlights presented by the Group, which reports an order book today totalling 1.5 billion euros and value of production for the current season forecast to exceed one billion euros, a 20% rise on the previous year (2020/2021). Azimut|Benetti’s leadership goes back a long way: according to the ranking, the Group has been the world’s number one yacht builder for a remarkable 22 years. “Our Group owes its long-standing leadership to the ability to build highly innovative yachts that are greatly appreciated by the market and cover the typically Italian size range of up to 50 metres. But this important segment is also joined by numerous larger steel and aluminium superyacht projects, traditionally the preserve of northern European shipyards. We are the leading player today, and have been for over 20 years, because we are the only Group in the world to cover both these size ranges with models of undisputed success, a client-centric approach and high build quality,” said Azimut|Benetti Vice President Giovanna Vitelli. The Group’s strategy is therefore based on the following key factors: a highly diversified range of models, unfailingly innovative design with state-of-the-art solutions, and the gaining of know-how that puts Azimut|Benetti in a privileged position on today’s market. “Our success stems from close alignment between the vision and new product development insights of the entrepreneur on the one hand, and the absolute professionalism of the management team on the other, establishing an understanding that makes us a very solid company. In this way, we have successfully maintained our leadership in both good times for the market as well as in more difficult ones,” said Giovanna Vitelli. This well-established structure and approach ensure that the company is focused on its corporate mission, in which product innovation is the main driving force. In the last 15 years in particular, the Group has focused on issues around protecting the sea, working profitably to find solutions that reduce environmental impact in both the short and long term. The most recent examples are the 108-metre Giga Yacht Luminosity, the world’s largest hybrid yacht, which has a range of over ten nautical miles in fully electric mode, and the steel superyacht B.Yond 37M, which is fitted with the E-Mode Hybrid system. Developed on an exclusive basis with Siemens Energy, the propulsion system of B.Yond 37M significantly reduces emissions (up to 70% NOx and up to 20% CO2), not least by using urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) filters on the main engines, like those installed in cars. When she is launched in the first half of 2022, she will be the greenest yacht in her segment. The shipyard is now ready to transfer the solutions introduced on the Giga yachts to smaller units as well. “For us, efficiency and reducing fuel consumption are not just slogans for the future, but milestones we are achieving in the present, by investing in research and infrastructure to reduce the consumption of our yachts by 30% and significantly cut emissions. This is a tangible result achieved through the extensive use of carbon fibre - a material with production processes that we have internalised for use in yacht building - and investing in the optimisation of hulls and propulsion systems,” added Vitelli. To back this up, the Group has confirmed a three-year R&D investment plan worth 100 million euros.
Azimut New Dealer in Sweden
Azimut Yachts is proud to announce the brand’s collaboration with Marinmäklarna AB as its new dealer for Sweden. The company led by Niclas Sjögren, a point of reference for the most demanding Swedish owners who will be able to choose the construction excellence of Azimut Yachts, has over 30 years’ experience in the yacht business and offers numerous services to an extensive network of owners who have relied on its professional approach for years. Azimut Yachts appoints Marinmäklarna AB as the brand’s new dealer in Sweden, choosing a company with a wealth of experience in the yachting industry and operations in multiple areas: from consultancy during the buying process, to assistance and support services and even hospitality. These services are made even more efficient by a broad-based presence in the region and a deep understanding of the Swedish yacht market. Marinmäklarna AB is based in the port of Nacka Strand, near Stockholm and its archipelago, an area deeply rooted in maritime tradition and with concrete growth prospects. In recent years, numerous initiatives have been launched and developed around this area, making it the ideal outlet for the commercial expansion of Azimut Yachts, which shares the same sense of passion and creativity as Marinmäklarna AB. The company, led by Niclas Sjögren and his partner Peter Eriksson, who have worked together since late 1980 in several marine projects, is highly focused on customer relations and most of the clients are returning ones.
Back Cove 2021 Record Year
2021 has certainly been one for the record books for Back Cove. The Back Cove 39O spent her spring making inaugural appearances at regional boat shows around the country, "showing off" as the fastest and quietest Back Cove to date. The 100th Back Cove 41 (and then a couple more!). The Back Cove's 1000th overall build was completed, a truly impressive milestone for its Production Team, despite ongoing supply chain challenges. A mostly-normal Back Cove boat show schedule was resumed and the company hosted more than 300 of our newsletter readers, owners, business partners, and friends at Happy Hour celebrations at Newport and Annapolis. Back Cove announced, built, then launched the redesigned 372. A new-but-familiar model that more than carries on the legacy of the classic Back Cove 37.
CRN Wins Key Award 2021
CRN, the historic shipyard and Ferretti Group brand specialising in designing and building fully custom yachts, has won the Key Award 2021 in the Industrial Corporate Films category for its video “INSIDE CRN QUALITY”. Established by Media Key group and now in their 53rd edition, the Key Award provide authoritative recognition of the technical and aesthetic quality and messaging effectiveness of video adverts on TV, film, mobile and the web. The jury was impressed by the power of the creative idea and the quality of execution of the campaign devised for CRN by Aldo Biasi Comunicazione and produced by Iggy Post. The video used an engaging format and evocative tone of voice to convey CRN’s bespoke savoir-faire and supreme design and build quality. This is a brand made of professionals and craftspeople who put everything into realising an idea – to create bespoke yachts, unique works of art that reflect the owner’s personality and fulfil their vision to perfection. The video invites viewers into the CRN world to discover what quality really means. The story takes the form of a compelling guided tour with five themes: creativity, passion, culture, research and uniqueness. Each step explores a specific part of the process of creating a fully custom yacht. Every aspect of quality is highlighted – from raw materials to people, from heritage and history to a fine attention to detail, and from consummate craftsmanship to in-depth know-how. The original claim “Inside CRN Quality” is the conceptual thread running through the whole video, complementing a tangible practicality with expressive appeal. An incisive, impactful voiceover accompanies the narrative flow, backed by an elegant musical score.
Evo Finalist at the 2022 Motor Boat Awards
Evo V8 and Evo R6 Open, the two newest models by the revolutionary brand Evo Yachts, have been shortlisted for the 2022 Motorboat Awards finals, respectively in the “Custom Yachts” and “Sportcruisers over 45ft” categories. The customized and functional solutions of the new Evo V8, as well as the hybrid lines of the Evo R6 Open did not go unnoticed by the jury who recognized their unique character and ability to offer innovative compositions. The announcement comes only few weeks after the Company was awarded the Honorable Mention at the Boat Builder Awards 2021, for the excellent work done with Evo V8, in partnership with Besenzoni, in offering its owner custom-mede technological solutions. Blue Emme Yachts shipyard's activity, carried on together with designer Valerio Rivellini, has now become synonymous with originality, because of the multifunctionality of the Evo Yachts models and for the layout solutions that rewrite the concept of navigation and liveability on board. Winners of the 2022 Motor Boat Awards will be revealed in January, during a virtual award ceremony.
Fairline New Dealer in Croatia
Fairline Yachts, announces Nova Yachts has signed as a new dealer for the yard in Croatia. Nova Yachts specialises in representing and delivering premium-quality motor yachts from its base in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Offering offer both new and pre-owned boat sales, as well as organising yacht charters, yacht leases and maintenance services, Nova Yachts is also an authorised re-seller of Numarine Yachts. Robert Cvetkovski, Director of Nova Yachts, says, “As Fairline specialists for many years, I am positive that Fairline is a highly favoured brand among local customers and is the perfect addition to the Nova Yachts portfolio. Fairline offers an exciting range of desirable new boats, which are ideally suited to the Mediterranean climate and Adriatic coast. We look forward to close cooperation with Fairline’s highly qualified team.” Fairline Sales Director, James Powell, adds, “Croatia is a growing market for Fairline and we are pleased to welcome Nova Yachts as a dealer. The team are highly experienced with the Fairline brand and have an excellent reputation, with a great market presence and an established clientele. Developing our global dealer network is part of our long-term growth strategy as we build on the strength of our new product line. As a result, we are now actively recruiting for new dealer partners in both Northern and Eastern Europe.”
Fairline Returning Dealer
As Distributor for the Balearic Islands from their Cala d’Or, Mallorca base and Essex Marina head office in the UK, the Boats.co.uk teams will operate as Fairline Cala d’Or and Fairline East Coast (UK) providing sales and aftercare from both locations. In Mallorca, Boats.co.uk will work in collaboration with Fairline’s existing dealers in Menorca, South Mallorca and Ibiza who together offer a cohesive and unrivalled sales and aftersales operation across the islands. A family-owned business with over 50 years’ experience in boat sales and repairs, Boats.co.uk is one of the UK’s largest boat sales centres. Most recently representing Princess Yachts, Boats.co.uk was previously a successful Fairline dealer for 12 years up to 2015. James Barke, Managing Director at Boats.co.uk, comments, “It is great to be back working with the team at Fairline again. We share the same vision, to provide the very best boating experience, and with our highly skilled team we can offer our clients both outstanding yachts and a first-class after-sales service. Fairline has a host of exciting new product launches in the pipeline and, having sold a large number Fairline yachts previously, we know our customers have a great affinity with the brand. We’re looking forward to presenting Fairline to our clients across the East Coast of the UK and the Balearics, where there are more Fairlines per square kilometre than anywhere else in the world.” Fairline Sales Director, James Powell, adds, “Boats.co.uk have an unrivalled reputation and years of Fairline experience so we are very pleased to welcome them back to the Fairline family. The appointment of Boats.co.uk is a clear demonstration of our continued focus on strengthening our dealer network in key yachting destinations around the world. We look forward to working with James, Nick and their teams to deliver the outstanding Fairline experience our clients expect.”
Feadship Launched Ocean Collection
Feadship has launched its own range of premium branded merchandise. Sourced and designed in-house together with a leading expert in sustainable clothing, the Ocean Collection extends Feadship’s passion for pure custom creation into a signature line of clothing for Feadship fans, the wider superyacht community and connoisseurs of smart fashion. Made to the high-end quality expected of Feadship, the Ocean Collection showcases an exclusive understated style with subtle hints of branding. “Merchandise plays an important role in how we share the Feadship message and we are committed to investing our marketing budget in lifestyle items that are genuinely sustainable and have a high value to users,” explains Feadship’s PR & Communications Manager Francis Vermeer. “The Ocean Collection fits seamlessly within this approach as a fashionable line of yacht wear that complies fully with the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Better Cotton Initiative, a global not-for-profit organisation responsible for the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme.”
Greenline Record 2021
Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, Greenline Yachts is closing 2021 with a record in yacht deliveries and earnings. The company has been generating revenues of approximately €30 million this year, the highest level recorded in the boat builder’s history. The current order book of more than €50 million underlines the growth ambitions of the sustainable yachting brand. Greenline Yachts has seen strong demand from environmentally conscious and technologically demanding customers, particularly looking for larger models. While the percentage of larger yachts made up only 40% in 2018, boats of 12+ meters already contributed 50% to group revenues this year. By 2022 this segment will account for two thirds of sales. Greenline Yachts focuses on sustainable propulsion systems, particularly on hybrid technology. The share of hybrid yachts has been rising steadily over the past years. The company has just launched its 6th hybrid generation “6G” with a multi-connection clutch, that allows the drive to be connected to any engine. Today, every second yacht leaving the shipyard is equipped with hybrid propulsion. The current order book indicates a mid-term hybrid share of around 70% across the entire product range. Greenline Yachts’ CEO Vladimir Zinchenko says: “Greenline has worked tirelessly to produce high-quality yachts with credible alternative propulsion options and these numbers are testament to the ingenuity of the product and appetite in the market for a more sustainable way of boating.” The production of the all-new Greenline 58 Fly is up and running with the hull mould ready and the deck to follow just before the end of this year. The development of further new models also continues at pace. There are two new models on the drawing board due for launch in 2023 and 2024, respectively; more details will be released in the summer of 2022. The company will invest in the expansion of its production capacities in 2022. An additional floor will be added to the existing production building in Begunje in order to fulfill all orders on time and ensure that the shipyard can keep up with the strong demand. CEO Vladimir Zinchenko adds: “This has been an incredible year for the Greenline Yachts brand. It is very satisfying to see so many years of hard work by our dedicated teams coming to fruition. “Most promising, though, is the shift we are seeing towards hybrid propulsion. We introduced our first hybrid system in 2008 and the increasing demand in sustainable boating shows that we have taken the right way back then. Our vision and early conviction have helped us to steadily improve our system and develop a technological advantage. This is an exciting time for the company and we can’t wait to push on to the next step and reveal our plans for the future.”
Horizon Sells Fiftieth Power Cat
In a milestone for the record books, the Horizon Power Catamaran company announces the sale of the 50th PowerCat (PC) yacht during the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The deal coincides with the company’s 10th Fort Lauderdale Boat Show anniversary and underscores the continued and rising popularity of the Horizon power catamaran builds. The Horizon PC Series range starts with the entry-level PC52 and includes a PC60, PC65 and PC74 flagship. Offered in enclosed or open bridge configurations with multiple layout options, the power catamaran design is extremely popular among experienced yacht owners who appreciate the comfort, stability and interior volume that the twin-hull design affords, as well as the shallow draft for cruising near the coast. “The latest PC60 sale not only marks the 50th new build power catamaran that we have sold in ten years, it reaffirms the market’s appreciation of the design detail, build quality and extended service that we provide to each client,” says Horizon Power Catamaran Company Founder and CEO Richard Ford. Not only is each PowerCat delivered to its owner fully commissioned and spec’d with all tools, spares and specialized cleaning supplies an owner will need, Richard personally joins the owners at delivery for a shakedown cruise to provide hands-on training and demonstration of all of the yacht’s unique features and manages the warranty and service post-sale.
Horizon Wins Taiwan Excellence Award
Presented at the 2022 Taiwan Excellence Awards ceremony on November 24th, the Horizon FD92 model — the first ever tri-deck design in the highly acclaimed FD Series — was recognized with a Taiwan Excellence Silver Award. The FD92 is the thirteenth Horizon yacht model to be honoured with a Taiwan Excellence Award. Established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1993, the Taiwan Excellence Awards recognize innovation and excellence across a variety of industries. Held annually, the awards are presented to nominees who surpass a rigorous selection process that analyses four major areas including R&D, Design, Quality and Marketing. The qualifying product must also offer Innovative Value while satisfying the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan. The FD92 design was born out of an experienced owner’s request for a configuration change to the FD87 layout that would incorporate both a protected interior helm station and the option for al fresco navigation. Horizon’s engineers accommodated the request by designing a hull form that accommodated a lightweight carbon fibre flybridge without compromising performance. Perched atop the proven High-Performance Piercing Bow and hull design, the FD92 maintains a wide 23’ 3” beam and the voluminous interior that defines the Cor D. Rover-designed FD Series.
Horizon City Marina Receives CMO
Horizon Group’s private international marina, the Horizon City Marina, adds the Certified Marina Operator (CMO) license to its growing list of achievements and accreditations. Issued by the Marina Industries Association (MIA), the CMO certification is the latest milestone for the growing marina, which also received Taiwan’s first Gold Anchor Global Marina Accreditation in 2016. Founded in 2013, the Horizon City Marina is located in the port of Kaohsiung on the southwest coast of Taiwan. Accommodating vessels up to 200 feet in length, the 10,000m2 marina is conveniently situated in the heart of the city’s developing “Asia New Bay Area” and is Taiwan’s only professional city-centered marina providing water and shore power services as well as maintenance, provisioning and restaurant options. Established by the British Marine Federation and the MIA, the CMO license is granted to marina operators with at least 50 slips, a minimum AUD$500,000 in gross annual revenues, and at least six marina employees. Applicants must also demonstrate sound strategy, finance, regulation, operation, hardware, supply chain and human resource experience and capabilities. In another exciting first, Horizon City Marina Manager Eve Kung received the official disclosure from MIA president Andrew Chapman that she is now the 58th certified marina operator in the world, as well as the first Chinese woman to be awarded the certification. Eve has seven years of marina operations experience and has successfully completed Intermediate Marina Management and Advanced Marina Management courses alongside classmates hailing from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Qatar and other Asia Pacific regions. Continuous innovation and development is a core focus for the Horizon Group. Not only has the company established international standards in marina hardware and software capabilities, Horizon applied environmental-friendly and innovative construction methods to the build of pillar-less floating docks in Kaohsiung’s commercial port eight years ago. The Horizon City Marina is an accredited, vertically-integrated, internationally-focused brand aimed at propelling Taiwan’s marina industry to the next level. Since its establishment in 2013, the Horizon City Marina has accommodated yachts and guests from around the world, from several large fleets to a 184ft luxury motor yacht and a 1974 classic wooden sailing boat. The full-service marina is readily equipped to serve boats and yachts from around the world and hosts the Taiwan International Boat Show, as well as launching events and delivery ceremonies for various yacht brands. It also serves as the backdrop for sister cities’ signing ceremonies and a landmark for greeting state and foreign visitors. The CMO certification will serve to further enhance Taiwan’s reputation globally and will attract more yachts and their owners to the vibrant city of Kaohsiung. “The development of Taiwan’s yachting facilities and services may have had a late start,” says Horizon City Marina Manager Eve Kung, “but we have gained invaluable knowledge and experience through international seminars and communication with marina managers from other countries. Receiving the CMO certification allows us to pursue and continue the multi-faceted development of the yachting industry and lifestyle in Taiwan.”
Nordhavn 41 Receives Another Award
The accolades for the Nordhavn 41 keep pouring in as it was revealed that the model has earned the title of Power and Motoryacht’s boat of the year as selected by its readers. Based solely on analytics, the N41 garnered more page visits than any other new boat model featured in PMY and on pmy.com this year. Statistics were measured from January 1 up until the last issue’s press time in late October. PMY’s Reader Choice awards is set up as a completely organic competition: viewing habits of the website’s readers are tracked throughout the year and accumulated. It’s a completely unbiased competition based entirely on mathematics. Quite simply, the Nordhavn 41 was viewed more than any other boat on powerandmotoryacht.com this year. The fanfare surrounding the Nordhavn 41 hasn’t let up since the company announced the new model just over two years ago. With a size and price tag that makes it a viable option for a huge category of boating adventurists, it has broad appeal. And it’s reflected in the number of orders taken over the past 18 months (42) as well as this latest recognition by PMY readers. This is the third year PMY has taken to letting analytics predict best boat of the year instead of the former opinion-driven EOY Editor’s Choice, which always ended up in conflict, according to PMY editor-in-chief Dan Harding. “By looking back at our website analytics, we are able to determine the boats that most strike a nerve with [our readers]”, he said. “Last year’s winner was Jimmy Buffet’s boat so [the Nordhavn 41] is in good company!” Another indicator of the heavy interest in the N41 is the median time spent on the page. Pmy.com visitors spent an average of 2:22 reading about the Nordhavn 41, Harding said, indicating an above-average length of time. “It’s safe to say the [Nordhavn 41] story really resonated.”
Nordhavn Wraps Atlantic Crossing
The crew of Spirit of Ulysses crossed the finish line of their Atlantic Crossing on Sunday morning, commencing what was a pretty routine cruise for a Nordhavn, but a memorable and exhilarating first crossing for the owner (on his first boat ever, no less). The 17-day journey – including a two-day layover in Cape Verde – was filled with confused seas, fierce winds, and some uncomfortable days offshore but crew member James Leishman said as far as ocean crossings go, this was a fun one. Of course, categorizing a passage as positive or not usually is a reflection of the weather but more so, the attitudes of the crew on board. “We had a fantastic group of people on this trip,” James said, which was a good thing considering the weather they faced the first half of the journey. SoU arrived in Bridgetown, Barbados on Sunday and had to await COVID clearance before the crew was allowed to disembark. A doctor had been called to the boat to administer tests but because it was a Sunday, things were operating on island time x 10. About six hours later, the doc arrived. As soon as they received their negative test results they made their way to Port St. Charles where a slip was waiting for them. No sooner had they tied up the boat did they head out for a celebratory dinner at one of the beach side restaurants nearby. Due to the delays the weather had caused, the crew needed to hasten their exit so James, Doug and Jordi left before dawn the next morning to make their flights home. “It was kind of bittersweet,” said James. “Kind of an abrupt ending to it all.” Normally the crew would’ve taken a couple days to decompress and explore the area but with the holidays quickly approaching, there was no time. The trip was an eye-opener for owner Mike. He was thrilled with the performance of the N76, but as a lot of owners realize, he wants more space! He did reveal in one of his log reports that he is considering moving up to a new 80 or possibly an 86. So tentatively, Spirit of Ulysses will be brought to Fort Lauderdale where it will be listed for sale by James. By the numbers: SoU arrived at Barbados with 500 gallons of spare fuel, which was according to plan. If they throttled back a bit, they would’ve had at least two+ days’ worth of reserve, but they targeted a speed of 8.5 knots which meant they wound up with a bit skinnier reserve. Average fuel burn was 12 gallons/hour (6 gals. Per engine) at 8.5 knots and 1248 rpm, although results vary depending on wind and sea state.
Nordhavn New Sales Representative
Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., (PAE) has just bolstered its team with another major asset, adding to its impressively knowledgeable sales force. Kevin Ryan, a 38-year veteran of the marine service industry has joined Nordhavn Yachts Southwest in Dana Point, CA, as the newest representative of the brand. Kevin brings with him decades of experience and expertise as a yacht service technician having largely focused on Nordhavns and their owners. Now a formal member of PAE, Kevin has been an unofficial part of the Nordhavn team since he approached Dan Streech and Jim Leishman back in 1996 about letting him work on the Nordhavns that were docked in the marina around the corner from his company, Outbound Yacht Services. Outbound is a full-service yard focusing on electrical work, electronics, plumbing, rigging, hydraulics and the like. Kevin initially launched the business with his wife in the mid ‘90s as Ryan Marine Services, a small outfit that started out as a repair shop for basic on-board systems. Over the years he worked on everything from Island Packet and Beneteau to Selene and Mikelson, but it was the hours spent servicing Nordhavns that would springboard him and his company to success. Outbound’s relationship with PAE began with a few odd jobs on one of the last Mason 44s built, and quickly evolved to commissioning pinch hitter. “I have had my hand in all kinds of trouble shooting and installation of equipment throughout the entire product line and watched the evolution of Nordhavn from the front lines,” Kevin said. In the fall of 2001, Nordhavn kicked off the history-making Around-The-World voyage. The excursion was meant to showcase the abilities of the brand’s smallest passagemaker, the N40, but was also a chance to give the crew – which was made up of a rotation of different staff members – the opportunity to gain vital experience and knowledge of what worked and what needed improving. (Out of that trip came the design for the N43.) Dan Streech chose Kevin, one of only three non-PAE affiliated staff on the ATW, to join him on Leg 4 from Barbados to Acapulco. “That trip will always be one of my best memories of being a part of a really great organization,” Kevin said. With the jump to Nordhavn sales rep, Kevin is scaling back the scope of Outbound’s current commitments. He’s pared the crew down to just himself as the only full-time tech, plus a couple of subcontractors for a few hand-picked projects. “Now that I’m 53, I’ve decided it’s a good time to shift gears to something new albeit very familiar.” Sales seemed like a logical step, and for Kevin, there really wasn’t any brand to consider other than Nordhavn. “I know firsthand the quality of build, engineering, aesthetics and forward thinking Nordhavn has compared with any number of other boat builders. The choice to sell and support Nordhavn was an easy one. In fact, it was the only choice.” He’ll continue to operate Outbound Yacht Services for the next year while coming up to speed with PAE, eventually aligning each of his loyal customers with another service team. Kevin’s practical knowledge also fits the mode of the current Nordhavn sales team. Nordhavn likes its brokers to have practical skills that come from acquiring hundreds of sea miles aboard its yachts in order to best serve their customers. Unlike outside brokers, a factory-direct Nordhavn broker is able to help a client at every stage of the process from research, to purchase, to ownership and operation. “I hope to apply almost four decades of cruising, racing, working and living on board to help our clients find a good Nordhavn fit for them,” Kevin said. “My technical background will allow me to better guide Nordhavn buyers and current owners to understand the boats and their operation. “I believe a new Nordhavn owner has a big elephant to eat and I hope to help them through it one bite at a time. Helping individuals realize that they can break down all of the systems to smaller digestible parts will add value to my relationship with them and the PAE team. “ In Kevin, Nordhavn/PAE feels it has scored a major get, pumping up an already top-notch sales force. “Kevin is a class act and has been a friend of the company for 25 years or more. He is an expert on boat building, commissioning, operation and more…an all-around expert,” said company president Dan Streech. “This is a gigantic coup for PAE.”
Pardo Christmas Parade
In Naples, Florida, our dealers Pardo Yachts Miami and Pardo Yachts Naples joined forces for a special Christmas event: the Pardo 38, with triple outboard engines, paraded in all its class through the festively decorated streets.
Pardo Passarella in Paris
It strikes for the grandeur of the scenery, the video shot in Paris on the occasion of the navigation of the Pardo 38 along the Seine for a special shooting in the Ville Lumière. Many thanks to our dealer Pardo Yachts Port D'Hiver.
Pearl 2021 Wonderful Year
Despite lockdowns and travel restrictions, Pearl Yachts' sales continue to climb making 2021 its most successful year to-date. Pearl is gaining momentum with significant growth on both sides of the Atlantic. With a healthy order book and optimistic signals from markets across the world the shipyard is investing in new models, production and human resources to guarantee that this exciting growth continues.
Pearl Appoint New Dealer
Following its success on the East coast of the USA with Atlantic Yacht and Ship Co, Pearl has appointed Jeff Brown Yachts as Pearl dealers on the West coast expanding the dealer network to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico. For nearly 30 years, Jeff Brown has distinguished himself in the marine industry as one of the most professional dealers on the West Coast. At the signing event, Jeff commented: “Thanks to Iain and all the team at Pearl for hosting us at the show in Fort Lauderdale. We started this partnership the right way: all together with the Pearl 62, the Pearl 80, and the flagship Pearl 95, getting in some training and giving an energetic kick-off to our journey with Pearl Yachts. This move is particularly important to Pearl’s presence in the Americas, because now we can tell clients that there is a highly professional coast-to-coast aftersales network in place. Adding that advantage to the list, we are looking forward to making our first presentations to clients".
Riviera 2021 Achievements Year
Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder Riviera celebrated another year of achievements in 2021 as the company navigated through the challenges of the past year. Throughout the year, Riviera maintained a steady course to meet global demand while laying the foundations for future growth. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst praised his team at the recent end-of-year team ‘thank you’ for their passion and commitment that continues to supporting Riviera owners and representatives around the world. Riviera launched its largest SUV yet, the 645 SUV, expanding the choice of models in this sporty and adventurous collection to six in 2021. The 645 SUV enjoyed her world premiere in April and was acclaimed for her longer-range offshore cruising, extensive accommodation, premium comfort and luxury. The desirability of the 645 SUV was evident at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where she made her US premiere in October. Six new owners across the length and breadth of the US from Florida, Puerto Rico, California and the Pacific North-West are now looking forward to their future boating adventures aboard their 645 SUVs. International boat shows made a return to the annual boating calendar this year. In Australia, Riviera presented its largest showcase of the year in May, with 12 models at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. The show also played host to the ninth Riviera Festival of Boating where signature boating education and social events brought the Riviera family together. In Europe, Riviera proudly showcased three models in the continent’s leading in-water boat show, the Cannes Yachting Festival; while at Fort Lauderdale, the world’s biggest in-water boat show, Riviera presented a 10-model showcase. After 41 years of evolution, launching over 5,800 yachts, Riviera this year announced a new flagship of the fleet, the 78 Motor Yacht, with a design that represents a distinguished new era for the company. Creating a flagship motor yacht experience for boating enthusiasts, accompanied by Riviera’s renowned build quality and owner support, the 78 MY will have her world premiere in early 2022. Riviera’s dedication to excellence was further advanced with the announcement of industry-leading support for Riviera owners through a comprehensive extended warranty program. Riviera now provides even greater owner confidence with two-year Express and seven-year Structural Limited Warranties. Owner assurance is further enhanced by the five-year limited warranties on Volvo Penta and MAN-powered yachts. While adhering to local restrictions in their respective jurisdictions, many Riviera owners this year were able to enjoy the unique camaraderie that accompanies ownership of a Riviera motor yacht and to make the most of the Riviera lifestyle wherever they were around the world. From Florida to British Columbia, and from the Whitsundays to Port Lincoln, motor yacht owners were supported by a passionate team from the global Riviera representative network who hosted many exclusive boating adventures for them throughout the year. Riviera expanded its presence in the Americas with the appointment of AlphaBlue Marine as the company’s representative in Panama. AlphaBlue, led by Gerald Gomez, has established a new office and team for AlphaBlue Marine in Panama City’s newest and most exclusive marina complex, the Ocean Reef Island Marina which will become a focal point for Riviera motor yacht service and sales in Central America. Riviera was honoured with three major industry awards this year, reflecting the international admiration of Riviera motor yachts which has been driven by advances in design, engineering and luxury. Riviera was named Exporter of the Year for 2021 in the Australian Marine Industry Awards in May. Riviera was again honoured in October by the Premier of Queensland Export Awards, winning the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award category. The honours continued in November with Riviera named the national winner of the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award at the prestigious Australian Export & Investment Awards. Driven by the growing respect for Riviera motor yachts in the US, Riviera loaded seven new yachts in a single shipment to Miami, Florida, in the largest ever single shipment to the United States. Leaving Australia in October, five of the motor yachts aboard were among the 10 magnificent models showcased by Riviera at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Since embracing the innovation and evolution of Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS) and adopting the technology over 13 years ago for many of the company’s luxury motor yachts, Riviera this year officially celebrated the installation of the system in more than 1,200 motor yachts. This milestone highlighted the global popularity and performance of the ease-of-boating propulsion system, with Volvo Penta announcing earlier this year that it had delivered more than 30,000 IPS units to the international marine industry. Riviera this year continued to invest in its production facility and expand its team to a higher level through an ongoing program of quality recruitment. “We’re fortunate to have the best people in the marine industry on site, sharing a passion for building world-class luxury motor yachts,” said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst. “Our senior and highly experienced tradespeople are exceptional mentors for our trainees, as they guide them on a path to be the master craftspeople of the future.” Riviera recently broke ground on the latest stage of a multimillion-dollar expansion program, the construction of a new lamination centre. Upon completion, the lamination centre will be the largest building at the company’s Gold Coast facility and will further the delivery of advanced boatbuilding technology employed by Riviera’s team on site. The expansion program this year was enhanced by the deployment of new CNC and laser-cutting equipment and the commissioning of a new transporter capable of easily manoeuvring motor yachts of up to 100 tonnes on Riviera’s Gold Coast site. Riviera recently hosted an end-of-year team appreciation event where Mr Longhurst praised the 850 in attendance for another year of stellar achievements. “The work you have done amid the challenges of this year has been remarkable and is a credit to you all,” Mr Longhurst told his team. “At Riviera, we are all building somebody’s dream every single day, and the pride and passion demonstrated in your work is what makes the Riviera motor yachts we create today so very special.” “I look back on the past year with immense pride in our accomplishments. I am a huge believer that anything is possible when we are committed together.” “Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, there is so much more to come from Riviera,” said Mr Longhurst.
Riviera Honours Australian Dealership
Riviera, Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder, has celebrated excellence across its Australian and New Zealand representative network with the announcement of the company’s annual dealership awards for 2021. The presentations were made via video meetings held on the Gold Coast, Sydney, Port Stephens, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand. Riviera was honoured that several motor yacht owners in restricted locations were delighted to participate in the presentation of the awards. R Marine Jones at Coomera on the Gold Coast was awarded Australasian Dealership of the Year, recognising the team’s outstanding performance through the year for the service and support provided to Riviera motor yacht owners. This was one of four awards received this year by R Marine Jones. Dealer principal Randall Jones and partner Melinda Jones praised the team as they accepted the Dealership of the Year Award from Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst. “Our team works passionately to ensure our motor yacht owners are well supported and this award means a lot to us, especially as it is guided by feedback from owners,” said Mr Jones. “My wife Melinda and I have been associated with Riviera for 21 years now, which represents a significant part of Riviera’s 41 years of history, so for our dealership to receive multiple awards this year is a great honour.” R Marine Jones enjoyed an active year with five on-water events hosted for Riviera motor yacht owners in 2021. “Normally we would have a full calendar organised, but with COVID restrictions we have been taking it one event at a time,” said Mr Jones. “Our team really enjoy these events because it is boating with the Riviera family and that’s what we all love. Over the past 21 years, we have created so many friendships that we continue to see flourishing at every event we host.” R Marine Jones service specialist Ben Croft was honoured to have won the award for Service Excellence by an Individual after a career of more than 20 years working with Riviera motor yachts. Mr Croft, who started at Riviera as a boatbuilding apprentice, has a hands-on role in owner care with R Marine Jones. “I take it personally to make sure I can assist our owners, and I am the type of person who will not stop until I find the right solution,” he said. Mr Jones said Mr Croft was a deserving recipient of this award. “Ben is a problem solver who is dedicated to our Riviera yacht owners’ enjoyment and that means a great deal for our team.” R Marine Jones also received Riviera’s Service Excellence by a Dealership award for 2021. Mr Jones said he was honoured to accept the award on behalf of his team. “Customer care is about making sure our owners feel they can call us whenever they need to and know that we will respond as soon as we are able,” he said. “We are also supported by an excellent network of Riviera dealerships who know our yachts and our owners, so this award also gives credit to the entire Riviera dealer network.” R Marine Flagship in New Zealand, led by Dean Horgan and Suzie Eade, was honoured with the Sales Excellence by a Dealership award for 2021. Mr Horgan described the honour as welcome reward in a challenging year. “It’s been an incredibly busy year for the entire team and our achievements this year are a credit to their hard work,” said Mr Horgan. R Marine Flagship also received the Owner Training Excellence Award, which acknowledges the dealership team’s role in creating the ultimate boating experience for Riviera motor yacht owners in New Zealand through special education programs. “Our team puts in a massive effort after-hours that benefits our owners enormously,” said Mr Horgan. “From our sales and service team to our captains, their dedication to our training programs gives our motor yacht owners a lot of confidence in their Riviera motor yachts.” Both awards were presented in Auckland to Mr Horgan by John Wainhouse, who has owned multiple Riviera motor yachts over many years. The Sales Excellence by an Individual award was shared by Stephen Porter, of R Marine Jacksons in Melbourne, and Simon Don, of R Marine Sydney. This is the first Riviera award received by Mr Porter, who has been with R Marine Jacksons for the past 10 years. “This award is a credit to the reputation of Riviera, a luxury motor yacht that is among the best from anywhere in the world,” said Mr Porter. “The support our owners receive from our team at R Marine Jacksons, from the Riviera team at the factory on the Gold Coast, and across the R Marine network assists me enormously.” Mr Porter was presented with the award in Melbourne by proud owner of a Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition, Paul Crittenden. Simon Don, from R Marine Sydney, said he was pleased to share the Sales Excellence by an Individual Award with Mr Porter. This is Mr Don’s second award in this category which he previously won in 2019. “Riviera is the leading motor yacht builder in Australia because of the team at the factory, the service teams within dealerships and the innovative new yachts that Riviera creates,” said Mr Don. “From the moment someone begins thinking of purchasing a Riviera motor yacht they are looked after, and once they take delivery they continue to be cared for.” Mr Don was presented with his award by Richard Purcell, who has owned multiple Riviera motor yachts, the latest being the Riviera 6000 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst praised this year’s dealership award winners for their dedication and support of Riviera owners in Australia and New Zealand. “Excellence in the dealership experience is the first step in creating the ultimate boating experience for Riviera motor yacht owners,” said Mr Longhurst. “The dedication demonstrated by owner care and sales teams to ensure the best owner experience possible has never been stronger.”
SACS Tecnorib is Born
Companies Sacs srl and Tecnorib srl (the official licensee of the Pirelli and PZero brands for inflatable boats), both leaders in the Italian and European boat production industry, join forces to form the new corporation that will be called, initially, Sacs Tecnorib Spa. The main goal of this industrial integration operation is to consolidate strong growth reported in recent years and to strengthen the brands’ presence on international markets. The new player is a world-leading producer of Maxi Ribs and one of the main players on the Italian boating scene, with turnover for the current year forecast to exceed 45 million euros. Matteo Magni (Chairman of the newly incorporated Sacs Tecnorib) and Giovanni De Bonis (CEO) express their satisfaction and enthusiasm with an operation rooted in longstanding mutual respect and the conviction that integration provides guarantees of both healthy, structured growth and continuity in terms of strategic vision. “Our aim was to integrate the two businesses in an industrial operation with no outside financial contribution”, explains Matteo Magni, Chairman of the newly incorporated Sacs Tecnorib: “The goal is to create operating synergies that consolidate the growth path embarked on individually by the two players, laying the groundwork for them to seize new opportunities and challenges together”. “Sacs and TecnoRib are integrating their expertise, while keeping their product ranges distinct and complementary. Synergies will be achieved in production sites, design and production processes, and research and development. The trademarks will remain separate, as will the respective sales networks,” said Sacs Tecnorib CEO Giovanni De Bonis. Sacs, driven by an almost visionary creative strategy, and Tecnorib, drawing strength from over 15 years in partnership with a planetary brand like PIRELLI, have contributed both to creating and consolidating the maxirib segment on an international level. Now Sacs Tecnorib is clearly set to become a new benchmark in the wider luxury boat industry.
Sunseeker Partners with RINA
Sunseeker International has announced it is adopting the Module F scheme of certification. This new level of certification will, by the end of 2022, apply to its entire model range and is approved under the Recreational Craft Directive (2013/53/EU) which, for vessels between 12 and 24 metres, requires two modules of assessment to be applied for. To carry out this work, Sunseeker has appointed notified body RINA which is recognised by 116 international flag authorities as one of the most rigorous classification institutions in the world. Sunseeker is currently the only UK shipbuilder to have adopted this more rigorous certification programme, which adds supplementary value to the certification and compliance process. All Sunseeker models will be certified under Module B and Module F in line with Sunseeker’s own quality processes, to ensure absolute and continued compliance. Ewen Foster, Chief Technical Officer at Sunseeker, commented: “Going beyond the minimum requirements of the Recreational Craft Directive, to involve a higher level of scrutiny from a third party, demonstrates Sunseeker’s commitment to achieving the highest level of compliance and production quality; ultimately it’s about delivering excellence, to remain best-in-class. Customers can rest assured that each individual yacht has been checked and verified by a third party in addition to Sunseeker’s own exceptional internal production control and quality checks.” This is endorsed by Andrea Frabetti, Chief Executive Officer at Sunseeker International: “I am delighted with this closer and more effective collaboration with RINA which will deliver the highest level of certification, far beyond any legal minimum. We are doing this because of the confidence we have in the quality and reliability of our yachts, something that is reflected year after year in the resale value of our products, helping to protect our client’s investment. Paolo Moretti, Chief Executive Officer at RINA Services, added: “This partnership signifies positive advancements for the UK shipbuilding industry. Sunseeker is a world-class leader in yacht manufacturing and RINA is delighted to be working with them on this project, providing comprehensive certification to every craft in production, not just first of type.”
Viking Sponsors Mongo Offshore Challenge
The Mongo Offshore Challenge is an exciting season-long quest to catch huMONGOus fish. Initially based in the Gulf of Mexico, the Mongo has created an East Coast region for 2022 and the Viking Yacht Company is proud to sponsor the new division. Running from May 1 through September 30, the objective in the Mongo is simple – catch the biggest blue marlin, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo or mahi. Teams compete as often as desired for the five months with weights collected from official weigh stations and approved big game tournaments. The event is challenging because minimum size limits are set high. For example, a blue marlin must be a minimum of 118”. Last year Vikings dominated the event claiming 1st Place finishes in the Blue Marlin, Swordfish, Tuna and Mahi divisions.
Viking VIP Show 2022
The Viking Yacht Company and Valhalla Boatworks present its special VIP Boat Show Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5, at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. The annual RSVP event is resuming its traditional two-day format and will showcase the Viking and Valhalla fleets. The 54 Sport Tower will make its debut and the new Viking 64 (fresh off her Fort Lauderdale world premiere) will be on hand, along with all four V Series center consoles.
Viking at 28th Islamorada Sailfish Tournament
Captain John Hagen, at the helm of Steve and Sue Pfeifer’s Viking 62 MDALA, led his team to the Winner’s Circle with 10 sailfish releases. Britney Rhonehouse got the party started on Day One with the first release, and anglers Sue, Alison Raines and Tyler Valles added to the final seven flags at lines out. Stephanie Harper added another on Day Two, and Alison and Sue sealed the deal on Day Three with two more sails. Britney, Alison, Sue and Stephanie went one, two, three and four as Top Lady Angler, respectively. Britney also claimed 2nd Place Angler. During the 58th Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament, 61 sails were released of the 81 hookups called in.
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