-pic of the month- Azimut Benetti Yachting Gala 2013 in Portofino
AB Yachts Diamond Winner at Showboats Awards
AB Yachts part of the Fipa Group are excited to announce that the 116 yacht DIAMOND has received the Interior Design Award in the category of semi-displacement yachts at the ShowBoats Design Awards 2013. Fruit of yet another successful collaboration between Fipa Group and Guido De Groot Design, motor yacht Diamond was singled out by a jury of yacht owners, senior yacht crew and renowned designers during the awards ceremony which took place at Monaco Opera House on 21st of June.
Azimut 15000 Likes
15,000 thanks, actually, 18.000! There are many, many Azimut yacht enthusiasts who eagerly follow the exciting news and the values that the brand communicates and provides over the internet and via social media in particular. Since Azimut Yachts and the other Azimut|Benetti Group brands have made their presence felt on social networks, user interest has steadily increased, for which special thanks are due to our staff. Day after day they are constantly improving the sites’ contents based on the opinions and thoughts of our loyal followers: product news is continually updated, as are events, dealer initiatives and other significant aspects of the Azimut world and lifestyle, to get users involved as much as possible and to focus on the values and the experiences that they have in common. Reaching the 15,000 fan mark is an important achievement: all these people are part of a large community that Azimut Yachts intends to communicate with more and more in an increasingly lively and interesting way, keeping its ears to the ground to listen to the internet’s valuable opinions every day. The company has always taken its focus on the digital world and, more importantly, on the real potential that these new communication channels and tools offer very seriously, with the aim of providing innovative contents and services to boat-owning clients and general enthusiasts that are practical and useful, as well as easy to access. Azimut Yachts was the first company in the nautical sector to literally invite web surfers inside its yachts, with true-to-life virtual tours of the boats in its collections on the website, with a wealth of detail and information and an extremely user-friendly interface to recreate the thrill of a real tour of the boats’ interiors. Apps are another exciting way to explore the world of Azimut Yachts. There’s a virtual showroom and apps for the four new models for 2012, as well as a boatyard app and apps about production technology and previews of the models, all of them constantly updated. The next goal? To be bigger and better! Come and join our growing legion of fans and followers so that you can keep up to date with the latest news, and, of course, take an active part by posting your thoughts.
Azimut Benetti Yachting Gala 2013 at Portofino
The Azimut|Benetti Group invited more than 600 select clients from all over the world to the sixth Yachting Gala, which took place during the last weekend of June in the splendid setting of Portofino. It gave guests the chance to see an exclusive preview of the brand new Azimut 80 and to raise a toast to Benetti, crowning the 140th anniversary celebrations for the oldest Italian superyacht boatyard. The weekend was full of events and smiles, smiles made even more special thanks to the charity initiative organised in partnership with the Operation Smile Italia Foundation, which is chaired by Santo Versace. This exclusive Yachting Gala for the numerous enthusiasts of Azimut Benetti’s luxury yachts has become a traditional event and was held this year on 29 and 30 June against the wonderful backdrop of Portofino. Over the two days the guests could spend all their time taking part in sea trials and visiting the splendid Azimut Benetti craft in this beautiful, unique setting. Portofino Marina was “branded” with the Azimut Yachts name thanks to a two-year partnership that involves the company based in Avigliana sponsoring the jetties and staff uniforms. At the end of each day dedicated to the fun and the pleasure of sailing there were gala evenings reserved for important celebrations. The weekend opened on Friday 28 June with an exciting gala evening in honour of Benetti’s “first” 140 years. After the important celebrations held during Milan Design Week 2013 and the Rio de Janeiro Boat Show, the oldest Italian superyacht boatyard returned to Europe for a special toast reserved for all the people who have really made the company a success: its latest clients and the most loyal boat owners from all over the world. Clients with ideas and expectations that represent new challenges and constant stimuli to maintain excellence in technology and construction: the only conceivable course for the boatyard’s next 140 years. Together with Benetti, the evening’s special partners were the Antico Setificio Fiorentino, Cà del Bosco and Stefano Ricci, as Benetti ambassadors around the world who reflect the utmost in high quality Italian craftsmanship. Saturday and Sunday offered plenty of opportunities for sea trials and tours to explore the Azimut collections. The special guest star among the 18 models set up for the occasion was the new Azimut 80, which was available in an exclusive preview to the 600 plus guests invited by the Italian Group, the leading company in luxury craft production, as a mark of the special attention that the Group has always paid its clients. Azimut 80, scheduled to be officially presented at the Cannes Boat Show in September 2013, is the first boat longer than 72 feet to be entirely designed at Avigliana and is fitted with incredible panoramic windows and guest cabins that offer the utmost in comfort and are destined to revolutionise the way we sail. Most importantly the Yachting Gala 2013 was also an opportunity for the Azimut|Benetti Group to plan and achieve an important objective: to finance the work of the non-profit Operation Smile Italia Foundation chaired by Santo Versace, by raising enough funds to allow at least 200 children to smile again, and at the same time to give them a new life. Like the event as a whole, this initiative was a great success too, thanks to the enthusiasm and the awareness of Azimut|Benetti’s friends, a sign (which cannot be stressed enough) that the strength that comes from working together can really make a difference: we not only reached our goal, we went beyond it – 420 will be children who will benefit from the care and carry on a normal life thanks to the generosity of donations. The Foundation consists of volunteer doctors, nurses and health workers who carry out humanitarian missions in more than sixty countries around the world, correcting serious injuries and deformities through plastic surgery.
Azimut Benetti Group Appoints Fabio Ermetto as President of Yautique
The Azimut Benetti Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Fabio Ermetto as the new President of the Yachtique division. Yachtique is the world's largest superyacht services organisation and incorporates all of the Group's service companies, including Fraser Yachts. The full range of services includes brokerage, charter, yacht management, new construction, crew recruitment, refit and repair, finance and insurance, marinas, yacht design and luxury accessories. Ermetto is a highly-respected figure within the superyacht industry having previously worked in a senior position for Benetti as well as having been the Sales & Marketing Director of the Heesen shipyard in Holland for the past five years. The outgoing President, Paolo Casani, established Yachtique in 2009 and successfully grew the Division to become a significant part of the Group's overall activity. Casani leads the Azimut Yachts and Atlantis business. His significant experience and great commitment are fundamental to ensure the success of the Yachts business line which today is the major challenge of the Azimut|Benetti Group.
Bayliner President Letter
When you make people happy for a living, it's hard not to love your work. As president of the global leader in recreational runabout boats, I am lucky to have just that kind of job. Bayliner has been sharing the "So Worth It!" on-water lifestyle with fun-loving families for decades, and I am honored to be a part of that. Over the past several years, the feedback from Bayliner owners has been a wholehearted thumbs up. That affirmation is best symbolized by Bayliner's five consecutive Marine Industry CSI awards, which are only awarded based on exceptionally high customer-satisfaction scores from new boat owners. The happiness of all those owners reflects just as brightly on Bayliner's worldwide dealer network. Bayliner dealers don't just sell our boats; they support you throughout the ownership experience, meeting any of your boating needs. Toward that end, our engineers and boat builders work tirelessly to continually update and reinvent our product line. Take our new Deck Boats, which offer the capacity for big crews and even bigger on-water aspirations. Then of course there is Element, our innovative new M-hulled 16-foot runabout that has captured the imagination of the boating world since its debut at the New York Boat Show. We've always prided ourselves on remaining accessible to boaters of all budgets and experience levels. That's why Bayliner has kept its Scorching Summer Sale in full swing through mid-August; prices on two of the world's most popular models, the 175 and 185 Bowriders, have been slashed with rebates. Truly, Bayliner is More Loved, More Chosen, More Dependable and More Thoughtful than our competition.
Belize Arrives in USA
The first Belize 54 Sedan has now arrived in Florida in the United States where she will make her American debut. Riviera’s International Sales Director, Chris McCafferty said the new Belize Motoryacht line had attracted a lot of interest from boating enthusiasts in the Americas. Australian couple Richard and Annette Barnes took delivery of the first Belize 54 Sedan in April 2012. As seasoned seafarers with 10 long distance voyages under their belts, the Runaway Bay couple ordered their new Belize 54 Sedan off the plan and worked closely with designers to ensure their dream boat met all of their cruising requirements. Mr Barnes said the boat building process was an exciting journey. The couple selected a stainless steel bench for the galley and a host of electronics and navigation aids including, two 15” G Series Raymarine screens plus AIS, radar, a second depth sounder, a weather station showing wind speed and direction, thermal night vision camera, engine room and anchor cameras. Mr and Mrs Barnes tested out their new Belize 54 on her maiden voyage from the Gold Coast to Bait Reef in tropical North Queensland, a round trip of some 1400 nautical miles. Mr Barnes said the Belize was a class act. The Belize 54 Sedan feels very large in scale with its full beam master stateroom and wide side decks which make moving around the exterior of the yacht very easy and comfortable. Everything is well proportioned and feels substantial. Then there is the saloon and connection to the large cockpit and all the little design details and different fittings that are a credit to the attention to detail, level of quality and craftsmanship. Such is the quality of a Belize Motoryacht and the confidence in the brand, a five year structural warranty is offered by Belize. The bespoke Motor Yacht line, Belize Motoryachts is inspired by classic luxury details and timeless style, Belize Motoryachts has just released the new 54 foot Sedan and Day Bridge models
Heesen Yachts New Board Members
Heesen is very pleased to announce that Mark Cavendish has been appointed as Sales and Marketing Director. Mark replaces Fabio Ermetto, who left our company at the end of June 2013. Mark has worked closely with Fabio at Heesen Yachts for many years (since 2008), and has more than 35 years experience in the naval and yachting industry. Mark will further professionalise the sales and marketing operations of our company. In addition, we are very pleased to announce that Niels Vaessen also joins our board of directors, in the capacity of Finance Director. Niels has previously worked at PwC and has been working for Heesen as finance manager since 2012. Together with Hans Boerakker, who already is a managing board member and will continue in his capacity of Production Director, our managing board is now again composed of three managing board members. We are confident that this new team will successfully manage the shipyard and continue to build on the existing strengths within the company.
Horizon Green Energy Initiative
Since its establishment in 2000, Atech composites, a member of Horizon Group, has been fully committed to researching and employing the best manufacturing methods for FRP composite hulls and large yacht components. In the past few years, Atech has extended their FRP efforts to wind blade repairs, drawing upon our advanced yacht building experience and technology to help promote green energy sources, and Horizon currently holds status as the only shipyard in Asia that both manufacturers yacht hulls and repairs wind blades. Horizon's foray into wind blade technology began in 2009, when Atech successfully created the first 42-meter wind blade; in 2012, Atech was certified by GL to professionally repair wind blades, and this year, we are happy to report that Atech has gained blade repair orders from three well-known companies in Taiwan. GL certification is a requirement in the wind power industry, as there is a strict standard for materials and repair quality, and workers, procedures and documents must all be inspected prior to the start of a project. Atech also upholds the ISO quality system, which is adhered to in the manufacture of all Horizon yachts, during all wind blade repairs, and our engineers are able to repair the blades on-site or 50m in the air, while the blade is still assembled. As the demand for renewable energy sources grows in Taiwan, Horizon is confident that our green energy initiative will help breathe new life into the wind blade industry.
Jarret Bay Delivers
In less than a month of operation, Blank Check has won the Bermuda Release Cup, weighed the largest blue marlin in the Bermuda Billfish Blast, and won the Blue Marlin World Cup on July 4th! Wonder if Randy & Joey being on board has had anything to do with their hot streak. Also in Bermuda Captain Pizza and the Waste Knot JBBW hull #54)crew took 3rd in the Bermuda Release Cup and 9 year old, J.T. Coley was the tournament's top Junior Angler.
Mulder Official Werf Opening
Exactly 6 months after the move to the new shipyard, Saturday the 15th of June, the grand opening of the Mulder Shipyard location in Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk took place. Attendees were given a tour around the sustainable and economically built new yard where new yachts are under construction: a 98 Flybridge, 75 Wheelhouse and a Bellagio. During the day several Mulder yachts, both new and pre-owned yachts, were available for inspection on the site. Also suppliers were invited to answer technical questions from guests. To surprise his father Dick Mulder, Nick Mulder took one of the first boats his grandfather built at that time, the fully restored 5 meter class "PCII" from 1946, especially for the opening from Friesland to Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk. While enjoying bits and bites, more than 600 guests a look at the new yard, where besides the possibility to build new yachts up to 45 meters, also provides opportunities for winter storage, service and maintenance and refit.
Outer Reef Fourth Annual Rendez Vous
The fourth annual Outer Reef Rendezvous in Charleston, SC turned out fantastic! With everyone's participation and generosity at the auction and raffle dinner, we raised almost $40,000 towards a purchase of TWO Action Trackchairs to be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Overmarine Group Strengths Its Team
The Overmarine Group continues its expansion process by appointing Danilo Magnisi as the new European Sales Manager. The new Sales Manager will work on selecting suitable business partners throughout Europe, flanking Francesco Frediani, Overmarine Group Commercial Director, in his work of developing and consolidating the sales and promotion network throughout the world. Danilo Magnisi, who is originally from Livorno and has built up considerable experience abroad, has been working in the nautical sector for years. He brings with him in-depth experience built up in various shipyards in Italy, as well as excellent knowledge of the market.
PAE Nordhavn Appoints New Agent
Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., builder of the Nordhavn line of long range cruising yachts, is proud to announce the recent appointment of Emek Marin of Gocek, Turkey as the Eastern Mediterranean agent for Nordhavn Yachts. Emek Marin will market the Nordhavn brand under the name Nordhavn Eastern Mediterranean or NEM. Emek Marin has been a long-time figure in the Mediterranean boating industry, first established in 1950 as a marine engine builder and distributor. The company followed the path of marine service and product distribution and later added yacht sales and service to its repertoire. It currently represents Amel sailboats. Riza Cakir, sales and marketing manager, has followed Nordhavns for many years having serviced numerous Nordhavn customers cruising the Eastern Mediterranean area. Cakir, the grandson of Emek’s founder, feels the world class trawler brand is a perfect fit with the Amel trademark. He adds that Emek’s alignment with Nordhavn carries forward the tradition of excellence and dedication to service, at once re-affirming the company mantra: We start where others stop. With the addition of the partnership of Emek Marin in Turkey, PAE ups its sales representation to seven locations worldwide including offices in Dana Point, CA; Seattle, WA; Portsmouth, RI; Stuart, FL; Southampton, UK; and Brisbaine, AUS.
Riviera Wave of Prosperity
Riviera, Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has continued to defy industry trends recording AUD$37 million in luxury new boat sales in eight weeks, including two 63 Enclosed Flybridges and two of the company’s flagship 75 Enclosed Flybridges bound for Australian and international owners. These large boat sales come just weeks after Riviera’s popular Festival of Boating in May, which recorded 14 new boat sales from right across the diverse range totalling AUD$21 million. These latest sales totalling more than AUD$16 million are a further positive sign for Riviera as the company heads into the Sydney International Boat Show, which opens on Thursday this week. At the Sydney show, Riviera will stage a large floating display featuring eight new models including the world release of the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge and the Sydney debut of the new 565 SUV. Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said that 65 per cent of the boat sales achieved since the Festival of Boating represented export sales. Riviera’s Chief Executive Officer, Wes Moxey said Riviera’s forward order bank for Riviera was continuing to grow and that the company was now looking to bolster staff numbers as a result of demand. Riviera’s Sydney International Boat Show display will be located on the southern end of the Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour from August 1 to 5.
Riviera Welcomes Hollywood
Hollywood film stars John Cusack and Thomas Jane put the pedal to the metal in a challenging and thrill-filled Hard Drive through Riviera’s manufacturing facility recently. The high-speed car chase through Riviera’s 14-hectare state-of-the-art Coomera factory was filmed for an action packed scene in the multi-million dollar feature film Hard Drive which is due for international release in 2014. Directed by Brian Trenchard-Smith, Hard Drive, is a film about an American thief (Cusack) who arrives in Brisbane looking for a getaway driver. He hires ex-Formula One driver turned driving school instructor (Jane), who puts his Formula One driving skills to the test in a thrilling car chase around notable Gold Coast icons including the Q1, Surfers Paradise and Riviera in a bid to outrun the police and the mob. The car chase certainly revved up on set at Riviera with Cussack and Jane weaving around and under multi-million dollar luxury boats narrowly missing the massive propellers, zooming through the factory floor, passed boats under construction and with the police in hot pursuit it was time to cut to the next scene with cameras strapped to the car windscreen to take in all the in car action. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said it was an honour to have the large film crew on site at the home of Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder.
Selene Yachts Croatia Rendez Vous
The first Selene Yachts Rendez Vous in Europe was organised from 19 to 23 July. Eight Selene trawlers with owners from across Europe participated in this event. In addition, the event hosted all the European dealers and the renowned designer Guido de Groot, who is responsible for drawing the larger Selene models. Howard Chen, owner of the Selene yard, also travelled from China especially for the occasion. The Rendez Vous was organised in cooperation with Marina Punat on the island of Krk in Croatia. Various presentations were held on topics such as Wesmar stabilisers, the use of life rafts and the operation of EPIRBs. Albert Gerritsma of Selene Yachts Northern Europe gave a presentation on future plans and developments within Selene Yachts Europe. One of the owners talked about sailing in his native land of New Caledonia. And the presentation by Guido de Groot was also very interesting: He talked about his work as a designer, with special attention for the philosophy behind the new larger Selene Yachts Ocean Explorer models. Selene Yachts Europe can look back on a successful Rendez Vous and is grateful to Marina Punat for the professional organisation of the event. Selene Yachts Europe now intends to organise a Rendez Vous every year.
Sunreef Three New Orders
Catamaran-Superyachts Ever More Popular with Three Superyachts Sold at Sunreef Yachts in the Last 3 Weeks – Sunreef 80 Carbon Line, Sunreef 82 Double Deck and 90 Sunreef Power! Sunreef Yachts is extremely proud to announce three new orders for superyachts 80+ signed within the last three weeks! This spectacular result only strengthens the leader position of the Polish shipyard on the global market in the luxury catamaran niche. With the global slow-down on the yachting market after the 2008 crisis, the progress of the shipyard in its yearly sales results and this new triple order proves only that a catamaran as luxury yacht and superyachts is a truly booming product.
Sunseeker Gets Eddie Jordan Visit
Following on from an eventful weekend at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Eddie Jordan paid a visit to Sunseeker to meet the team and catch a glimpse of the 155 Yacht. This was Eddie's second visit to see the new Sunseeker 155 Yacht and the team in charge of the build were delighted to meet him once again. They worked tirelessly in the lead up to the visit so that Mr Jordan could see the progress of the Yacht. The timing of Eddie's visit meant he was able to see some of the key milestones in place thanks to a guided tour courtesy of the Sunseeker team. Starting on the upper deck and gradually making his way down to the lower decks, Eddie was able to get a closer look at the new installed mouldings, and also the nearly completed engine room. What's more, Eddie and his team were able to relax in the crew mess and soak up the comforts of the 155 Yacht for a while. Eddie finished his visit by acknowledging the skill and effort put in by the Sunseeker team to create the new Yacht. Thriving in the world of Formula 1, Eddie certainly has an appreciation for finely engineered, precision engineering, so his endorsement meant a great deal to the team.
Viking Ocean Showdown
As fishing tournaments go, the Viking/Ocean Showdown is nothing short of an amazing family event sandwiched between two great days of offshore fishing. What began as a friendly rivalry 23 years ago between the Healey family of Viking and the Leek family of Ocean 24th edition took place on July 10-14, 2013 at the Canyon Club Marina in Cape May, New Jersey. After several years in a row taking the coveted Viking/Ocean Showdown Trophy, the Viking team came up a little short in this year's tournament with Ocean Yachts scoring 601 points to Viking's 300.5. Viking had a few highlights with Justin Healey catching the heaviest tuna at 154 pounds aboard the Viking 70 an impressive feat on 30 pound line. Wayne McGee aboard the Krazy Salt's, another Viking 70 Convertible, took the top dolphin slot with a 34-pounder. Brian Martin fishing on the Y's Guys captured the Top Junior Angler prize with an 11 pound dolphin. As always, the team from South Jersey Yacht Sales and the Canyon Club Marina did an outstanding job keeping all the participants well fed and entertained throughout the event, which began with the Captain's meeting on Wednesday, July 10th. The pool party on Thursday was interrupted with summer showers, but the troops regrouped in the big tent and enjoyed a flavorful bar-b-que during the afternoon. Fishing resumed Friday and Saturday and concluded with the Awards Banquet the night of July 13th. Congratulations to all of those participating in the family friendly tournament, a popular Cape May fixture for 24 years.
Viking One Two
Cowpoke's decisive win at the Treasure Cay Championship propelled the Viking 61 into first place in the overall 2013 Bahamas Billfish Championship standings. Despite the lead, Cowpoke needed a strong performance in the final tournament of the Series to insure the overall title. Several contenders for the crown were within striking distance. One such contender was the Viking 61 Blue Eagle whose owner, Brad Jones, changed his team's tournament itinerary to include the Series' final leg at Marsh Harbour. During the Marsh Harbour Championship, Cruiser Crews' Cowpoke added one blue marlin, one white marlin and a sailfish to their total. Blue Eagle, on the other hand, released three blues, won the tournament and picked up some bonus points. Cowpoke's bounty was enough to insure First Place Overall for the Florida cattle rancher whose team won the Series. Blue Eagle finished the season in Second Place Overall in the Championship. During the 2013 season, team Cowpoke released five blues, eleven whites and three sailfish. The team finished first at Treasure Cay and third in the Guana Cay Championship. Cowpoke captain Mike Brady received the Lindsay Forde Memorial Trophy. Fishing three of the four BBC tournaments, Blue Eagle released six blues, four whites and two sailfish. Those points and bonus points for a first place at Marsh Harbour and a third place at Treasure Cay resulted in a Second Place Overall trophy.
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