April 15, 2008

Projects: GIanetti Star 58 Navetta, Gianetti Star 65 Navetta, Gianetti Star 75 Navetta, Gianetti Star 85 Navetta 3 Deck, Gianetti Star 105 Navetta

After having delivered 2 semi displacement models in the 85 feet range, Italian Viareggio based builder Gianetti decided to offer a whole line of Navetta type yachts from 58 up 105 feet, build in fiberglass and steel, alloy for the bigger 105 feet model. The 58 foot Navetta will be the entry model of the range and in my opinion also the most important. First for the size which is a comfortable but not big yacht accessible in many marinas and easy handled with no help, second is the characteristics of a semi displacement ship like style motor yacht from Europe and from Italy in this size. Something rare to see! Interior for the 58 Navetta also follows a much European layout with 3 spacious cabins, featuring the ever important full beam owners cabin. Power will be a pair of Cummins rated at 480hp each, of which no speeds as yet have been announced.
The second family member in size of the new range of Gianetti Star is the 65. Also as the 58 a very important size and as the smaller model also build of fiberglass. Interior is a 3 cabin layout, with 2 crew cabins, 1 mid ship which can be used also as a guest cabin and 1 aft. Power is for two Cummins of 715hp each, which the builder gives a range of 1150 miles at 10 knots. Another add up to the Gianetti Star line, is 75 Navetta model. Here the dimensions at 75 are for a more standard size for a semi displacement yacht, as the market has some offers in this size mostly from Northern European yard. Still the Gianetti has a very modern Mediterranean line to it with the usual Italian flare, expected from a Viareggio builder. Standard interior plan is a 3 cabin layout with a spacious 4 berth crew lobby forward. Engines are two Cummins 670hp each, surprisingly less power to the smaller 65 model, give a range of 1350 miles at 10 knots. Three deck version based on the 85 model, which so far Gianetti has launched in two versions, S and C. The new 85 3 Deck has a more classic exterior looks, thanks primary to the raised pilot house on the third deck. The third deck up top is not only the pilot house but also features another entertainment area up top, thanks to the c-shaped saloon. This new 85 version, compared to the S and C versions so far delivered is powered by bigger Cummins 1015hp each, which the builder is estimating a range of 2300 miles at cruising of 10 knots. The project of the Gianetti Star 105 Navetta, will be so far the biggest motor yacht to ever be built by this experienced Viareggio builder, which I remind started building yachts in 1980. This new model will be constructed in difference to the other Star yachts, with a steel hull and an alloy superstructure giving maximum stability, another first for Gianetti. Standard plans show a 5 cabin interior with a fabulous owners stateroom on the main deck, featuring full 360 views. Standard power option is a pair of Cats at 1000hp, with 4 by Generators of which 2 emergency units. Construction will be with to highest standard RINA 1oo A 1.1 Y class.

April 11, 2008

New Model: Viking 50 Convertible

Presented during the Miami Show is the Viking 50 Convertible, a broad sport fishermen yacht to both tournament and cruising yachtsmen. The outside lines of the new Viking are aggressive with a raked stem to slice through head seas for a comfortable ride offshore, making the new 50 Convertible a winner in it's main environment, the sea. Interior the theme continues for a class leading boat, with a spacious three-stateroom, two-head layout offering generous accommodation, comfort and privacy for six. The master stateroom has a queen-sized walk around berth with an upholstered head board, mattress and lift top, which exposes plenty of stowage below, reading lights, a large maple-lined hanging locker and an entertainment system. The privately accessed head has Amtico vinyl flooring, a teak-faced Corian counter with built-in sink, a fiberglass shower stall with seat and an electric MSD. Port and forward guest staterooms each offer the flexibility of upper and lower berths and share the second head. A laundry center is located adjacent to the companionway steps. The outside cockpit, features 132 square-feet of usable space, packing every element you need to take. Power for the new Viking is latest MAN CRM 1100hp diesels and with a standard fuel load gives 32 knots cruise speeds and top of 36 knots. A more powerful optional with 1360 hp MAN CRM engines also is available to increase the cruise speed to 36 knots and to provide a top end of 40 knots depending upon load and existing conditions.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.39 m (50.6ft)
Beam - 5.18 m
Draft - 1.47 m
Weight - 30.164 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3785 l
Water Capacity - 662 l
Engines - 2 x MAN CRM 1100hp, 1360hp
Speed - 40 knots max, 36 knots cruising MAN 1360hp option

April 10, 2008

Project: Maxi Dolphin 61 Power Evolution

The Maxi Dolphin 61 Power Evolution is an innovative project, natural forward step of the 51 Power model presented in 2007. First rendering designs for the new bigger Power model show similar contemporary line as for the 51 model, with a classic American picnic boat influence. Propulsion for the new 61 Power Evolution will be a more speed orientated surface drives system, giving the best usually for a 40 knots plus performance. Interior accommodation details have not yet been submitted but the side port hole windows make you imagine for a loft style interior with a spacious owners cabin mid ship.

April 9, 2008

New Model: Solare 47 Coupe

A very interesting boat builder based in Viareggio, Italy which has a range of fast boats featuring a fast deep vee hull with a superstructure of a lobster boat influence design. The new 47 Coupe is a different version to the 47 Lobster model, with some important differences in the stern layout and a more open Mediterranean cockpit. The design of the coach roof, follows a more aggressive theme with an extended hardtop, finished partly in glass for maximum natural light and covering three quarters of the outside area. Standard cockpit layout of the 47 has a galley on the main deck to port, c-shaped settee in the forward area, l-shaped settee in the lower deck and a spacious sun lounger aft. Inside in the lower deck, sleeping accommodation is a 3 cabin 2 head layout, with master cabin forward and 2 identical guest cabins midship. Still variations of the theme are available as Solare is very much a custom builder, modifying the boat as customer wishes. The different propulsion options in this case: stern drives, shafts with tunnels or surface drives also show the open mind in which this builder offers its products to it's clients.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.25 m (46.7ft)
Length - 12.70 m Beam - 4.20 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Weight - 11 t
Fuel Capacity - 1750 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Max People - 12
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats 460hp
Speed - 32 knots max
Certification - CE B

April 8, 2008

Projects: Galeon 640, Galeon 325, Galeon 325 HT

An important project for the Polish builder, Galeon which with the 640 presents it's biggest build to date for this growing Eastern European company. Designed by famous architect Tony Castro, the 640 will launch Galeon to a demanding clientele size. Accommodation is a spacious 4 cabin 3 heads interior and an aft crew cabin. As this rendering shows the new flagship is a Mediterranean styled motor yacht with an aggressive sports exterior. The 325 Galeon as the previewed flagship above, continues the Tony Castro relationship for the Polish builder. The 325 is a Mediterranean looking sports cruiser with aggressive exterior lines. Inside accommodation is a 2 cabin interior, single shower head, c-shaped settee and a well sized fully equipped galley. Exterior cockpit is a c-shaped settee with a wetbar to starboard. Hard top version for the 325 which keeps the Tony Castro lines and identical accommodation and cockpit layout, but featuring the benefit of an all weather hard top protected cockpit. 

April 7, 2008

New Model: Atlantis 35 Plus

Atlantis has to be praised for this new version of the 35 model, now offered to a wider audience with the Plus, presenting some important differences adding more comfort for extended family trips. The immediate noticeable design difference of the Plus model over the standard 35 is the radar arch, giving the characteristics of a cruiser versus the sporty design of the standard version. The cockpit of the Plus version also follows the concept of a cruiser with a completely modified layout, now in a more family design featuring a well sized C-shaped settee to starboard, an entrance from the bathing platform to port and also a small wash basin with grill in the cockpit to port, giving superior comfort outside. The new 35 Plus shows the sensibility of Atlantis, offering a very high profile product in a new different version reaching a wider audience. The 35 Plus just adds the bonus of a different boat but keeping important successful points in the standard version like the comfortable interior accommodation space, luxurious finishing and performance of 40 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.67 m (35ft)
Beam - 3.60 m
Fuel Capacity - 650 l
Water Capacity - 180 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 310hp, D6 330hp, D6 350hp, D6 370hp
Speed - 40 knots max
Project - Michael Peters
Certification - CE B

April 4, 2008

Project: Aicon 82 Open

The Aicon 82 Open is the latest project from the World famous Sicilian shipyard, offering a sports power yacht with style. The new Aicon will be flagship of the Open line but also the first from this shipyard to be equipped with surface drive propulsion, offering the best in high speed performance and manoeuvrability. Exterior the concept follows what has already been a trademark for this young successful builder, with pure and elegant proportioned lines thanks to a streamlined coach roof design showing a sporty performing yacht. Inside the new 82 Open aims to offer the maximum comfort in an environment which creates harmony between interior and exterior areas. The Aicon designers call this new concept of a loft on the water with ample sized windows giving the idea of a free space. The same characteristic is followed in the lower deck cabin area, with the four cabins and respective ensuite bathrooms also able to create a very close contact to the exterior environment.

April 3, 2008

New Model: Marquis 500 SC

The partnership between Marquis and the prestigious Nuvolari & Lenard Italian designers seems to become a source of inspiration, resulting in a trend setting range of craft from 42 up to 69 feet giving unique styling, quality and performance. Nuvolari-Lenard’s fame designing the world’s most innovative super yachts, finds its obvious place in all the Marquis range of Power Yachts setting a family feeling design which continues throughout the latest new model the Marquis 500 SC. With an innovative layout this new sport yacht offers a high value separate layout, with the main deck reserved for entertainment featuring the cockpit, salon, helm, station and galley on the same level and the lower deck for accommodation. The entertainment level offers also offers a dual function salon, with a huge solarium environment thanks to the power sunroof overhead, but also the transom lounge expanding with the push of a button increasing the size of the cockpit to a more spacious area. Below deck the accommodation area features 3 cabins: a master stateroom, two guest cabins and two head compartments each with its own enclosed stall shower. Powered with Volvo IPS 600 pod drives the 500 SC, has a top speed of 37 knots and like all Marquis, is certified to CE-Class A specifications, meaning it meets European Union highest standards.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.1 m (49.6ft)
Beam - 4.7 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Weight - 20.184 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1915 l
Water Capacity - 605 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 3 x Volvo IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pod drives
Speed - 37 knots max
Designers - Nuvolari Lenard
Certification - CE A

April 1, 2008

New Model: Apreamare 32 Open

A model in perfect Apreamare style, with up-to-date and young looking features according to the demands of the modern pleasure boater. The new 32 Open belonging to the gozzo range, is an evolution of the 32 Comfort model, and keeps Apreamare tradition of a simple, practical and stylish sports cruiser. The soft, fluid external lines are inspired by the traditional sailing boats of the Sorrento peninsula, boasting a fashionable design fully meeting today's needs of a sport boat with timeless looks. Great attention has been paid to the design of the deck areas with the curved lines coming together perfectly, giving the craft a determined, sporty appeal which goes to combine the original solutions offered in the cockpit area. The large sundeck located at the bow, which thanks to the deep and safe deck can also be used during navigation, gives the craft a bubbly feel, encompassing historical value that has always been an Apreamare hallmark. Inside, the new small Aprea has an open space layout echoing the much appreciated mix of style and comfort found in all the models belonging to the gozzo range, with a spacious double berth forward, but a lower deck cabin area with plenty of stowage areas, ensuring excellent livability for an over night stay.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.90 m (32.6ft)
Length Waterline - 7.15 m
Beam - 3.20 m
Draft - 0.71 m
Weight - 6.6 t (loaded)
Fuel Capacity - 500 l
Water Capacity - 200 l
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 225hp
Speed - 28 knots max, 23 knots cruising
Range - 190 nautical miles
Hull Shape - variable geometry vee shape with spray rays 14 degrees deadrise
Certification - CE B, RINA

March 31, 2008

Monthly News - March 2008

- pic of the month - Riva Trophy Miami

Aicon Yachts Appoints Second CEO

The Board of Directors of Aicon, an Italian group based in Messina, which specialises in the design, production and marketing of luxury motoryachts and megayachts, met today in Milan and passed a resolution to implement a new corporate governance system which sees the nomination of a second CEO. Tiziano Lazzaretti, newly elected by the Board of Directors as the Company’s CEO and General Manager, will start as of 1st April 2008. The new organization chart sees the Group’s President, Lino Siclari maintaining his role a CEO in charge of the Business Development, Production and Strategic Planning Departments, supported by Tiziano Lazzaretti who will be CEO in charge of the Administration, Finance & Control, IT, Human Resources, Legal & Corporate Affairs and Risk Management Departments. Lazzaretti will also be CFO of the company and act as coordinator of all the Group's Investor Relations activities. The Group’s Strategic Planning activities will be assigned to Gaetano Visalli who leaves his position as CFO and Member of the Board of Directors, having concluded the procedure which brought to the Company’s listing. Originally from Turin, Lazzaretti obtained his Economics degree at the University of Turin and started working in Fiat’s Planning and Control division. After his MBA (financed by the same Fiat) at Luigi Bocconi University he moved to London to work for Gruppo Fiat’s Corporate Office, where he became CFO and Deputy Chairman of Fiat UK. In 2001 he accepted the entrepreneurial challenge of the London-based consultancy firm Power Consulting Company, in which his position as Financial Vice President made him responsible for the company’s reporting and strategic support. Still in London, in 2004 he moved on to Accenture and was in charge of the financial organization for outsourcing contracts for pan.-European clients. In 2005 Lazzaretti returned to Italy to take on the position of CFO at Snia, a historical company of the Italian industrial world. The Board of Directors also passed a resolution regarding the euro/dollar exchange rate and the altered conditions of the US market, to alter the Group’s marketing strategy in the US using a network of brokers to sell Aicon motoryachts and megayachts directly to final clients. In addition, considering the altered context and market, the Board of Directors communicates that it has started a review of the Industrial Plan presented on 25th October 2007, the conclusions of which will be made public in the half-yearly report of the nautical year 2007/2008.


Baia awarded Nauticsud and Yacht Capital Award

Cantieri di Baia have been awarded for building the biggest open ever built in Campania. A jury of experts acknowledged the shipyard’s merits in domestic and international development of Naples Enterprises in yacht building. Roy Capasso, marketing manager of Cantieri di Baia, received the award, during the ceremony of Nauticsud Award. Baia was also awarded during the gala event organized by renowned Italian Yacht Capital magazine and Alfalyrae in the wonderful location of Circolo Savoia. Antonio Capasso collected the Alfalyrae Yacht Capital Award 2008, awarding Baia for technological quality excellence and winning sales and export strategies of the product, leading the Campania boat builder at the top of its sector.


Cabo Yachts Introduces CaboUno Factory Demonstrator

Cabo Yachts, one of the world's top builders of sportfishing boats, is proud to announce the debut of its new factory demonstrator, the Cabo Uno. Cabo has chosen its newest model, the 38 Flybridge, to launch this new factory program with the belief that this model will help to secure Cabo's place as a leader in the sportfishing boat industry. The Cabo Uno will be seen this winter (2008 or 2009), fishing at the Cabo Cup tournament circuit throughout Florida.


CNL Appoints New Director

Cantieri Navali Lavagna announced David Pranzini as the new CNL Sales and Marketing Director. Born in 1971 in Bologna, David Pranzini has an Economics degree and an MBA at the Management School of the Bocconi University and several years of experience in yacht leasing before joining CNL. After two years at the Selmabipiemme Leasing, a company of Mediobanca Group in Milan, where he managed distribution channels and developed new products, he joined the Compagnie Monegasque de Banque (another company of the Mediobanca Group) in Monaco as Director of SMEF (Societé Monegasque des Etudes Financières) and specialized in financed assets for large pleasure craft, including charter vessels. David Pranzini will attend to the sale and commercial development of CNL, giving this new appointment evidence of the strategic journey of growth and impact being pursued on the market by the Group. Cantieri Navali Lavagna is leader in the construction of fully customized planning maxi yachts in aluminum alloy from 32 up to 44 meters. CNL Admiral will also launch its biggest ever yacht, a 54 meters built with steel hull and aluminum superstructure to be presented in July.


Ferretti Group Convergence

After the success of the previous four events, this year Ferretti Group renewed its customary appointment - Convergence - the training and refresher courses organised exclusively for Ferretti Group yacht and megayacht Captains, in Rome. For the very first time, Convergence and Convergence Navi were organized as a single event, featuring distinct, separate training courses. The decision to organize a single, longer appointment, with even more technical content, and to choose Rome to link Ferretti Group to its Italian culture, was a winning idea. Indeed, almost 200 captains from Europe, the USA, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia attended a highly interesting few days, also thanks to the participation of Service Managers from all the companies present to meet captains personally and respond to their many questions and requests for explanations. The technicians of MTU, Official Main Sponsor of this year’s event, Rolla, Saim, and ZF were at the disposal of participants, offering their experience in a specially fitted out area. Moreover, the presence of other sponsors, such as Besenzoni, Catef, CCLG, Idromar and Studio Ti, contributed to making this year’s Convergence an opportunity to further increase their knowledge. As on previous occasions, Convergence was organised in meetings and classroom sessions in order to make an in-depth study of all the main topics concerning the daily management of motoryachts. It featured training workshops; technical presentations by motorisation, component and on-board systems experts; updates relating to medical and legal issues; and practical training. Moreover, a round table was organised with the aim of discussing and making comparisons regarding the more complex aspects of the daily management of motoryachts and the experience of each of the participants. Convergence also featured a number of team building activities, specially studied projects both technical-training and more entertaining, such as the treasure hunt to discover the capital’s artistic beauties. As always, Convergence provided participants with the opportunity to compare experiences, and was crowned by an exclusive Gala dinner in the prestigious location of Palazzo Taverna in Rome, which Group CEO Vincenzo Cannatelli and the brands’ Chairmans and CEOs attended.

Ferretti Group renews Anti Rolling Gyro Agreement with Mitsubishi

The installation of the ARG (Anti Rolling Gyro) system on Ferretti Group yachts will continue as a world exclusive until 2011, thanks to the renewal of the agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. For the past five years, this revolutionary system has been successfully installed on yachts from all 9 of the Group’s brands, and features extraordinary innovation in nautical technology. It allows for a reduction of over 50% in the rolling caused by wave movement, making life on-board Ferretti Group yachts particularly comfortable and pleasant both during navigation and when the yacht is moored.

Ferretti Group chooses Leo Burnett for Corporate Communications

Ferretti Group, managed by Chairman Norberto Ferretti and CEO Vincenzo Cannatelli, at the very top of the international luxury yacht segment thanks to unique portfolio of the most exclusive brands in the nautical world (Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Itama, Bertram, Riva, Apreamare, Mochi Craft, Custom Line and CRN) chose Leo Burnett, Giorgio Brenna’s agency, to develop the company’s corporate communication. Ferretti Group closed its financial statements on 31st August 2007 with a Production Value of 933 million euros and a gain of 21% compared the previous year. Leo Burnett will develop the project under the leadership of Guido Chiovato, with a team integrated with Arc, and will cooperate with Domenico Pirazzoli, Ferretti Group Communication Manager.


Ferretti Yachts New CEO

Maurizio Roman has joined Ferretti Group as CEO of Ferretti Yachts and, ad interim, of the Custom Line and Mochi Craft brands, reporting to Ferretti Group CEO, Vincenzo Cannatelli. Fifty-five year old, Mr Roman comes to Ferretti Group from Technogym, world leader in the sector of fitness and wellness equipment, where he held the position of CEO for five years. Prior to this, he worked as General Manager, in a number of Italian industrial companies in the mechanical sector, including Aprilia Moto, Benetton Sport System and Beretta. I am certain Maurizio will continue to achieve the success he has had so far, commented Cannatelli. His experience and in-depth knowledge of the most dynamic industrial companies will strengthen Ferretti Group, helping it become increasingly better prepared to grow and to deal with the new challenges presented by worldmarkets.


Riva Trophy Conquers Miami

February 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 2008: were the three dates for the first, eagerly awaited appointment of the Riva Trophy overseas. For the very first time Riva brought together its American owners, who have made Riva boats their irresistible passion, in one of the country’s most exclusive cities: Miami. It was an exciting weekend during which many curious come to admire the numerous Riva craft moored in the harbor, Miami Beach hosted both Riva’s classic models in wood, “living” witnesses of the company’s long history, as well as the latest innovations and the most recent fiberglass models, among which the 63’ Vertigo and the 75’ Venere Newport Collection, previewed at the latest American boat shows. A rich agenda characterized the three-day-event: excursions to the exclusive and private Fisher Island, competitions such as the reliability race that took place in the splendid setting of the waters off Miami, and relaxing breaks at the most prestigious hotels of the American city, symbol of the avant-garde design. A unique mix of style, play, elegance and amusement able to create convivial occasions and imaginative competitions portrayed the event, involving the participants in different activities scheduled over the three days. Fil rouge of the meeting was obviously Italy. The attendees lived in fact a truly Italian Experience through the competitions, the excursions and, most of all, through the lunch at the “Patio” club and the dinner at a well renowned Italian restaurant. As usual the partners participating to this first Riva American event were Credit Suisse, that involved the guests with a mysterious and exciting treasure hunt in the villas of Fisher Island, Veuve Clicquot, organized a crowded bocce game on the beach, and Vini Pasqua. The Gala Dinner was set in the enchanting Moore Building, former furniture showroom in the Design District and now a suggestive location for art exhibitions and events where is placed a permanent installation made by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, and it concluded the thrilling and sunny weekend with an awards ceremony followed by a dancing night.


Sea Ray Boats Wins 2 Gold Mercury Awards

Sea Ray Boats is pleased to announce that it has won two Gold Mercury Awards, one for its stunning full-line product catalogs and another for its outstanding multi-channel advertising campaign promoting AquaPalooza 2007, the world’s largest on-water celebration. The Gold status makes each entry eligible for the Best of Category and Best of Show awards; both will be announced in mid-March. The Mercury Awards, now in their 21st year, were established with the purpose of advancing high standards of achievement in professional communications. They are administered by MerComm Inc., the world’s only independent awards organization. This year’s competition received nearly 1,000 entries from 23 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Germany, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Sweden, South Africa, Spain and the United States.


Sunseeker Wins Best Brand Award

The Buyout Track 100 best brand award sponsored by The Sunday Times was presented by business editor John Waples to Sunseeker earlier this week at a special awards dinner attended by the owners and directors of Britain’s 100 fastest-growing private equity-backed companies. The second annual Sunday Times Deloitte Buyout Track 100, league table ranks Britain's 100 private equity-backed companies with the fastest growing profits over the last two years. Britain’s top private equity-backed company stars were presented with a series of awards, ranging from best brand and best management team, to the top company. Backed by Bank of Scotland Corporate, Sunseeker International is the world’s largest privately-owned yacht builder and the largest producer of motoryachts over 80 feet.

Sunseeker Seeks Recruits

Poole-based boat builder Sunseeker looks set to recruit more than 250 extra workers this year. The expansion, which follows a glut of new boat orders taken at the London Boat Show, comes on top of 300 new jobs at the company in 2007. Most of the newcomers will work at the company's facility at Osprey Quay in Portland.