Arcadia Expands in Greater China
Arcadia Yachts – the innovative and unique "eco-friendly" Italian shipyard – has the pleasure to announce the appointing of Eletek Technology as exclusive dealer for Greater China. Eletek forecasted 15 units to sell in Greater China within the next 5 years along with the presentation of Arcadia's Yachts during the most important Chinese boat shows. The first show for Arcadia and its model 85 will be – for the 2015 - the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show. Eletek Technology Limited – established in 1997, is mainly focusing on business related to the marine industry and has rapidly established itself as a leading marine electronic service provider in Hong Kong and China. Eletek is the only company presently offering comprehensive sales and service encompassing shipping industry, from the recreation boat, work boat, fishing boat to the deep sea commercial vessel. Eletek has established distribution networks which links up hundreds of dealers covering almost every part of China's waterside, harbour workboat and river trade markets.
Azimut Yachts Thailand Grand Opening
Double event for the opening of Azimut Yachts in Thailand: a gala for the opening of the luxurious Azimut Lounge on the coast of Pattaya with the participation of local authorities was followed by the official signing ceremony of the partnership agreement with MGC Marine at the presence of the Italian Ambassador. The agreement represents an important step, not only to strengthen the brand's presence in the area, but also to promote nautical tourism in the whole country. As part of the Azimut Yachts growing strategy, the Italian brand belonging to the Azimut|Benetti Group continues to expand its presence on foreign markets through a focused strategy of partnership with new dealers. MGC Marine has recently been appointed as the sole authorized importer and distributor of Azimut Yachts, valued at over a billion euro for Thailand, under the brand name Azimut Yachts Thailand. MGC Marine is part of the Master Group Corporation (Asia), major dealer in the automotive retail business, including luxury brands as Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin. Besides presenting the first three Azimut Yachts products, ranging from 50 to 85 feet, MGC Asia officially opened ‘Azimut Lounge’, the exclusive reception area for clients of Azimut Yachts in Thailand at Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya, an hour and a half drive from Bangkok. The Governor of Pattaya and local authorities, attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 25. The Azimut Lounge provides full service coverage for all yachting needs, while the company plans to open its second Azimut Lounge in Phuket within twelve months. To celebrate the signing of the partnership agreement with MGC Marine, the following day an official ceremony was then held in Bangkok at the presence of the Italian Ambassador and was attended by 150 local journalists and TV. The elegant-looking building of ‘Azimut Lounge’ on the seafront of Pattaya has been designed bearing in mind a maritime yachting atmosphere, featuring interiors of modern luxury and timeless splendor. As part of full service coverage, highly experienced yachting consultants are available to cater to clients’ discerning needs and queries.
Bavaria Racing Regatta
The Bavaria regatta scene is meeting in Croatia San Francisco for America´s professional sailors is like the coast of Croatia for the international regatta scene for sailors. All in all four big regatta Cups are challenged for in the Kornati in the upcoming season and the season ends with the 1000 mile race from Biograd to Lefkas and back. A field of more than 100 Bavaria yachts are not uncommon in these regattas. They sail at all regattas with one design classes such as the Cruiser 40 S, or with an open class with spinnaker such as the Cruiser 45 or 46. Sailors with high sporting ambitions enjoy tough competition for the prizes. Sailors who only enjoy sailing, but also like it to compete with each other, find the right competitor in the Cruiser 46 class. The 15th Kornati Cup anniversary kicks off the regatta season where a total of 100 yachts will start at this traditional regatta. The experienced tournament committee with the legendary race director Gert Schmidleitner limits the number of participants. The course of the Kornati Cup starts in Murter and the first stage progresses to the island Piskera in the national park of the Kornati. Situated at an extremely important marina there is only a maximum of 100 yacht moorings which is the reason for the limited amount of participants. Next to this medium distance race course from Murter to Piscera along the beautiful islands of the Kornati, there is another shorter course. Despite the legendary evening parties of the Kornati Cup, the sporty race is of primary importance at the racing cup. Another short course and the medium course are the second stages, before the race ends at Murtur again.
Bertram Aquired by Gavio Group
It has been finalized 31 March the contract for the acquisition by Gavio Group of the brand Bertram, historical yachting brand in the United States. The closing of the deal, realized through the subsidiary Bertam LCC, US company, follows the agreement signed last February 5, 2015 with Ferretti Group. With the closing of the deal, Gavio Group ranks at the top of the international yachting with a portfolio of high level brands such as Baglietto, Cerri Cantieri Navali and finally Bertram that represents an icon of the yachting in United States and in the world.
Fairline Continue to Strengthens Its Global Sales Reach
Leading British luxury boat brand, Fairline Boats, is pleased to announce a key new appointment to significantly strengthen its Yacht Division. Karl Gilding has been appointed to head up the Division, ensuring the Fairline sales process for its larger yachts is seamless for customers – from choosing a boat right through to delivery. In his role, Karl will also actively help grow Fairline’s dealer network in North America, a region that the brand is committed to expanding. Karl joins a strong and established global sales team at Fairline that is resolute in supporting and growing its dealer network in core markets. He brings to the role a wealth of global boat industry knowledge and experience acquired during his 30 years in the marine industry. Karl began his career in the marine business with the first importer of Sea Ray Boats and has experience in both the retail and manufacturing sides of the industry. He then joined Fairline Boats in 1998 as Global Sales Manager and was instrumental in setting up Fairline’s Yacht Division in 2003. Karl went on to work as Sales and Dealer Development Manager for Sunseeker International, before returning to Fairline.
Fairline Announce New South Coast UK Dealer
Leading British luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Fairline Boats, is delighted to announce that Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd, will represent the brand exclusively across the South Coast, with immediate effect. This progresses an already strong relationship between the two businesses and will ensure that Fairline customers continue to receive the best service across the South Coast, seven days a week. Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd is a fifth-generation family business, established over 100 years ago. Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd will operate the Fairline Southampton offices and berths as well as continuing to represent Fairline from its offices in Poole, Chertsey and Eastbourne. The state of the art facilities owned by Bates Wharf Marine Sales Ltd in Chertsey, Surrey will be known as Fairline London and offer customers the largest indoor showroom on the River Thames and a 100-berth marina. This location also benefits from convenient transport links into London. These South Coast dealerships strengthen Fairline’s current UK representation that includes Fairline Wales and Fairline Channel Islands, ensuring customers find their perfect Fairline.
Fairline Announces Key Dealer in Asia
Fairline is delighted to announce the expansion of its dealer network in Asia, with the appointment of motor yacht specialists Marine Grande, trading as Fairline Korea. Fairline Korea will operate from its offices in Goyang-City, just north of Seoul. The dealership benefits from easy access to the beautiful Hangang River, an area of natural beauty and a hotspot for leisure sports and boating enthusiasts in South Korea. Established by Dealer Principal, Sangheon Jeon, Marine Grande specialises in sales and servicing for global luxury motor yacht brands.
Ferretti Group Milan HQ
Ferretti Group, leader in the design, construction, sale and service of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of prestigious brands that rank among the most exclusive in the global yachting industry, inaugurated its new Milan HQ today, right in the heart of the city. During the press conference, Alberto Galassi, Chief Executive Officer of Ferretti Group, presented their strategies for growth and expansion over the next three years, hot on the heels of the increase in capital worth €80 million, fully subscribed and paid up by majority shareholder, Weichai Group, with the aim of consolidating and underpinning its net worth and supporting a relaunch that includes a series of targeted actions to implement new strategies and directions. The Group is focusing on the continued development of the core brands in its portfolio - particularly Riva, Ferretti Yachts, Pershing and Custom Line - involving investments in product development and research worth over €50 million over the three year period spanning 2015-2017, that will fund the launch of 27 new models. The new Riva Superyachtdivision is part of this new direction, endorsing the decision by the historic and iconic brand to enter the 50-metre-plus super yacht segment. Thanks to the efforts of the new management team, Ferretti Group saw its losses more than halved in 2014 compared to 2013 despite a particularly challenging market situation, resulting in a net loss of circa €40 million, with bank borrowing at an all-time low in the history of the Group, amounting to just €34 million at the end of 2014. The launch of new models and the efforts to develop markets in the years to come, are signs of the Group’s hopes and intentions to reach break-even and achieve sales volume worth €542 million by the end of 2017, compared to estimated sales of €373 million by the end of 2015 and €392 million in 2016. The Group also expects to see steady growth in its margins over the next three years, and aims to achieve a positive EBITDA of €16 million in 2016, expanding to €44 million in 2017.
Fraucher on TV
Frauscher boats are starring in TV advertisements of well-known international companies. Companies from the fashion and high-tech segment are seeking contact to the Frauscher shipyard to use their high-quality boats in high profile TV-campaigns. These decisions show that Frauscher boats have established an internationally well recognized reputation for high quality and perfect design. At the moment Frauscher boats are starring at TV spots for Roberto Cavalli and A1 Telekom Austria. Shooting for another international TV campaign is already finished and is going to be aired in Autumn 2015.
Heesen Appoints New Director of Operations
Heesen Yachts is pleased to announce that effective March 1, 2015 Mr. Rick van de Wetering has been appointed as a member of the Board of Directors. Rick van de Wetering will be Director Operations replacing Hans Boerakker. His broad experience has been built over twenty-five years of work in the superyacht industry where he has worked for international leading shipyards. Amongst others, his past roles include general manager, owner’s representative, and technical manager. Rick van de Wetering’s career in yachting began at the Heesen shipyard where - in over a decade of duty - he had the chance to operate in numerous managerial roles. His knowledge and expertise in the overall yacht building process spans from purely technical operations to aftersales, with a good insight on commercial aspects.
Heesen New Representative for North America, Mexica, Bahamas, and Caribbean
Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce the appointment of Thom Conboy as Director of Sales in North America, Mexico, Bahamas and Caribbean, prospecting clients in this territory. Mr. Conboy will represent Heesen Yachts at the boat shows and develop a joint marketing campaign for the American market with the team head-quartered in the Netherlands. Mr. Conboy started his career in yachting in the Eighties and has a very diverse background in the marine industry. His expertise spans from new construction to repairs and refits of large yachts. Having worked both for shipyards and brokerage houses his knowledge of the sales process and yacht construction is comprehensive. Mr. Conboy’s understanding of the Heesen product and brand values is very deep as he previously worked for Heesen contributing to the international success of this Dutch company. Mr. Conboy will be based in the Heesen offices in Fort Lauderdale – Florida.
Horizon Honored With Taiwan Excellence Award
Competing against 1,144 products from 448 companies, the Horizon PC60 power catamaran was recently awarded the Taiwan Excellence Award and is now a contender for the highest honor of Taiwan Excellence, the Gold Award. Horizon won our first Taiwan Excellence award in 2010 with our solar-powered yacht the SC46, and the PC60 is the seventh Horizon yacht to receive the this highest honor for “Made in Taiwan” products – we hope the PC60 will sit alongside the EP148 expedition yacht, a winner last year, as recipients of the coveted Gold Award.
North-Line Open Yard
On Saturday the 25th of April North Line and Consonant Yachts of Harlingen, builders of the seaworthy North-Line grp and Kuster steel motor yachts, will open their doors. From 11:00 until 16.00 hours, everyone is welcome in Harlingen to become acquainted with the boatyard and its work. Visitors will be able to view six models in production and at various stages of completion, including the North-Line 42, North-Line 37, North-Line 800 and various stages of the new North-Line 50. Also the Kuster Club called KusterKring will visit the yard so more than 15 visiting Kuster Yachts can be viewed. Visitors will have the opportunity to see what is required to build seaworthy motor yachts in steel and GRP. Also on view will be the moulding of a grp hull, an engine installation and the fitting of carpet to an interior.
Otam New Dealer in Egypt
60 years of power-boating excellence – has the pleasure to announce that Planet Navis – located in the heart of the Red Sea at Hurgada - will be their new exclusive representative for Egypt. Planet Navis, founded in 1994, is a subsidiary of Marine Service Company and part of the Planet Group, with a core business of high performance luxury yachts. OTAM is therefore a natural partner and enriches their already substantial offerings of new and used vessels.
Pursuit Adds California Dealer
Pursuit Boats has appointed Alexander Marine California as its exclusive authorized dealer for Southern California. The Alexander Marine Facility is located at 2505 West Coast Highway, Suite 202 in Newport Beach, CA 92663. Alexander Marine through its Ocean Alexander line of yachts has been established in Southern California for more than 35 years and has developed a strong professional sales staff within this important marketplace. Pursuit Boats has enjoyed a successful twenty year relationship with the boating community in Southern California and Alexander Marine is the perfect organization to support its existing and future Pursuit owners.
Riviera Welcomes More New Owners in Miami
Revered luxury yacht builder Riviera has welcomed new members to its growing global family of owners with its most successful Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show since 2008. In a stunning $US10 million red-carpet, on-water showcase, the iconic Australian luxury yacht builder this year hosted its largest display in Miami for five years, buoyed by renewed confidence in the Americas market, a favourable exchange rate and the proactive efforts of a committed Riviera dealer network. Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the new owners of the 11 luxury yachts sold at the Miami show could look forward to an exciting new level of customer care, which includes exclusive invitations to social events and unique cruising experiences. Mr Longhurst confirmed Riviera’s final Miami result was likely to be even stronger with a solid sea-trial schedule across all its motoryacht collections over the next few weeks. Riviera’s Miami showcase included the stylish and sophisticated 6000 and 5000 Sport Yachts, the supremely seaworthy the 43 Open, 50 Enclosed and 53 Enclosed Flybridge models, a classically inspired Belize 54 Daybridge, as well as the entire Riviera SUV crossover series, comprising the adventurous 445, 515 and 565 models. Mr Longhurst said the strengthening sales confirms the appeal of Riviera’s latest designs which embrace state-of-the-art technology, and is also recognition of the marque’s superior fit and finish.
Riviera Presents Eleven New Seminars
An extremely strong surge of registrations for the 2015 Riviera Festival of Boating – which this year includes 11 brand-new educational workshops – has prompted a timely reminder for people to book early to secure places for their preferred events. Now in it’s 4th year, this truly unique festival of fun and learning helps owners and aspiring owners of luxury motor yachts to use their boats to their full potential, and this year includes over 70 informative educational and fun social events across four fantastic days (21-24 May 2015). Among the 11 new Festival educational seminars for 2015 are Marine Assist focusing on emergency essentials, Understanding the Weather conducted by an expert meteorologist, Living the Riviera Dream with David and Sue Rogers who spent three months living aboard their 43 Open Flybridge, Escape, and Sydney to Singapore with skipper Tim Edwards, which includes details of an epic leg from Darwin to Singapore aboard the 75 Enclosed Flybridge, Seabreeze, without stopping for fuel. Others include Offshore Navigation, Provisioning and Planning, Ask a Riviera Expert, Experience a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabiliser, The Simplicity of C-Zone, The Glass Cockpit and, of course, The Riviera Express factory tour by train.
Storm Expands Sales Network
Storm welcomed many colleagues from the industry to it’s stand at Boot Düsseldorf, including yacht brokers and yard representatives. This is how Storm came in contact with the enthusiastic Jens Arne Dammyr, CEO of the Oslo-based Aker Yachts AS. Together with his brother Tore, he had been following the developments surrounding Storm Yachts for some time, and now sees good opportunities for our extensive product portfolio in the Nordic region. Aker Yachts AS introduced StormYachts in the Nordic region during the Oslo Boat Show (19 to 22 March). Meanwhile, the expansion of the StormYachts sales network in Europe will continue apace. Storm is always in discussions with several companies who wish to represent the company in their own region.
Sunseeker Dream Job Opportunity
Sunseeker International is offering a truly unique dream role as it looks for the right candidate to join its team in the position of Superyacht Yard Captain. The Yard Captain will enjoy daily testing and commissioning aboard Sunseeker’s incredible range of motor yachts reaching up to 155ft in length, as well as liaising with the company’s exacting customers to ensure a smooth handover. From Sunseeker’s base in Poole, the new Captain will embody the spirit of excellence that has driven Sunseeker to its pre-eminent position in the marine market today. Testing current models such as the 28 Metre Yacht and 116 Sport Yacht, plus future models such as the 131 Yacht launching later this year, and the iconic 155 Yacht – the largest and most advanced yacht Sunseeker has ever produced – the Yard Captain will get hands-on with the company’s entire range.
Viking Healey Foundation
We at the Viking Yacht Company are passionate about more than just boat building, we are also passionate about our charitable organizations. Presently, the Healey International Relief Foundation (HIRF) is involved in a major program in the war torn country of Sierra Leone, especially in the Ebola crisis, where we are on the ground providing food, supplies and vetting partnerships with several pharmacology companies for a solution to this life threatening infectious disease. HIRF is excited to announce that we will be sending out a monthly e-newsletter with the developments and progress we are making. We thank you for your interest and support of the Viking Yacht Company and the Healey International Relief Foundation.
Viking and SAMS
Established during the 1980s to advance and promote the importance of qualified and capable marine surveyors, the Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors (SAMS) recently held their two-day Northeast Regional Meeting and Educational Seminar at the Viking Yacht Company. The event included seminars on testing equipment, ABYC standards, liability and vessel valuation issues, fire investigation processes, electrical systems and several other critical sessions pertaining to boat and marine safety. Nearly 60 SAMS personnel from Maine to Maryland attended the meeting, which included a tour of the Viking factory.
Viking Win Big in Los Suenos
Hats off to Team Galati for their win at the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown, Leg #2 amongst a field of 40 boats and 161 anglers. Team Galati, a Viking 66 captained by Tony Carrizosa started off strong and held onto the lead finishing in the top spot with 80 sailfish releases. Angler Carmine Galati claimed Third Place Angler with 25 releases. Captain Tony and Carmine were joined by anglers Bob Hixson, Pat Healey, Drew McDowell and Don Gemmel on Team Galati. Bob, Pat, Carmine, Drew and Don have been fishing Los Suenos billfish tournaments since their inception in 2004.
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