-pic of the month- Sunseeker Teams with Redbull
Azimut-Benetti Group President Paolo Vitelli Receives Carlo Riva Award
Paolo Vitelli, the founder and president of Azimut Benetti Group, the world’s leading producer of luxury motor yachts, has been presented with the “Carlo Riva” award, named in memory of the boat industry icon who died last April 10, 2017. The recognition, which celebrates Paolo Vitelli’s contribution to the international boat industry and the prestige of the group he founded, was presented during Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous, the new event that focuses on the high end of the boat industry, held in Viareggio (Tuscany) from May 11 to 14, 2017. The ceremony was hosted by Natasha Stefanenko, with Lia and Pia Riva, Nautica Italiana president Lamberto Tacoli, Fondazione Altagamma president Andrea Illy, and Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “Being chosen by my fellow businessmen makes me particularly proud,” said an emotional Paolo Vitelli during the ceremony. “Life is a challenge that needs to be approached with gusto, passion and, if possible, fun. I’d therefore like to invite young people to seize this challenge with courage, investment and, nowadays, a touch of healthy craziness too. I’m sure that they’ll enjoy the satisfaction of living a life of building and creating, for themselves and for Italy. And that they’ll have fun”. The Carlo Riva Award, presented for the first time this year, will be given annually to a leading figure who has made an important contribution over the years to the international boat industry.
Baglietto Protagonist at Superyacht Gallery
Baglietto, historical La Spezia-based shipyard, will be among the protagonists of the Superyacht Gallery exhibition hosted by the prestigious London’s Saatchi Gallery from 1st to 3rd June. Just in the very heart of Chelsea, the exposition will present for the first time the world of superyachts in a gallery format: the yachting life flows through photography, videos, art works, installations, yacht models that recreate the exclusive atmosphere on board of the magic world of yachts. Guests will be taken into a sophisticated multi-sensorial journey mixing art and yachting to discover the best the superyacht industry can offer. Visitors will be led through 7 themed galleries: The “Business of Yachting” will be a comprehensive introduction to the superyacht industry; “Imagination” is dedicated to concept planning and design to create unique products; the third room “Craftmaship” will take the visitor throughout the whole ship-building process from design to delivery; the room “Innovation” is dedicated to technology and design; “Exploration” to discover the most beautiful destinations of the world on board of a luxury vessel; “Lifestyle” to feel the “savoir vivre” of the life onboard; and finally “Performance”: among the protagonists of this room the model of Lucky Me -the latest Baglietto 46m fast- stands out. In this area visitors will get the sense of speed and power of these megayacht and the high engineering behind them. Moreover, Baglietto will exhibit another model of its beautiful 55m displacement yacht in the VIP lounge: guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of this project, with a firm and elegant design. “It is an out of the box occasion – commented Michele Gavino, Baglietto Chief executive Officer – for the Baglietto brand to live in a different context yet perfectly in line with our philosophy.
Bavaria Open Days 2017
On 23 and 24 June, Germany’s largest shipyard for sailing yachts and motorboats, will open its gates for the Bavaria Open Days 2017. On these dates, customers, friends and fans can explore the most state-of-the art yacht production in the world, view fourteen current models in the huge exhibition area, and, of course, learn a lot of interesting facts about yachting. And anyone who is still looking for a Bavaria sailing yacht or motor boat for this season, can take advantage of the attractive offers
presented for the Blue and Silver Editions and the Bavaria Summer Sale at the Bavaria Open DaysS, and still be able to put to sea this summer. Inside and outside the yard. Anyone who has never visited a shipyard, shouldn’t miss the Bavaria Open Days in Giebelstadt near Würzburg on 23 and 24 June. On these dates, Germany’s largest shipyard for sailing yachts and motorboats will be opening its gates and giving visitors a direct glimpse at its production facility. Each year, more than 1,000 yachts are made in the 70,000-square-metre halls in the most state-of-the-art shipyard in the world. And, when the tour of the shipyard is over, visitors can view the 14 Cruiser, Vision and S-line yachts on show in the exhibition. They can also gain a lot of interesting insights about yachting from the numerous Bavaria Yachts suppliers in the exhibition area.
Beneteau New Sales Director
Bénéteau announces the appointment of Luca Brancaleon as Sales Director as of 20 March 2017. He will manage the brand’s international commercial strategy. Luca, who qualified in Law at the University of Parma in 1996, has solid sales management experience in international multi-brand positions. He worked in the mechanical and pharmaceutical industries, before entering the nautical industry 13 years ago, initially with the Sessa brand, and then for the Brunswick Group to develop brands such as Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Cabo Yacht, Sea Ray and the L class internationally. He then built a broad knowledge of the boating field, including marketing. An expert in languages and foreign cultures, his vision of the profession is largely geared towards customer expectations, to which he responds with a rigorous sales approach. Luca Brancaleon succeeds François Rodrigues, who will move to a newly created role of Sales Development for the Bénéteau Group Boats Division.
CRN Art on Display
CRN, the Italian shipbuilder and brand, part of the Ferretti Group, specialising in the construction of fully-custom steel and aluminium pleasure vessels between 40 and 100 metres in length, will be among the leading brands in the spotlight at the Montenapoleone Yacht Club, to be held from 15 to 21 May. In this exclusive setting, CRN’s mastery of naval art finds its ideal partner in the world-class bespoke craftsmanship of Sutor Mantellassi, the Florence-based handmade shoes brand established in 1912 and largely appreciated over the years by outstanding figures like Gabriele D’Annunzio, Henry Fonda and Marcello Mastroianni. These two brands share a fascinating history and a tailor-made approach that is common to both the fashion brand’s artisans, who create bespoke shoes for their clients, and CRN’s specialists, who know how to turn their Owners’ dreams and wishes into true masterpieces of international yachting. Each and every shoe by Sutor Mantellassi, which is made-to-measure and has a unique identity just like every yacht built by CRN, is an ambassador of the successful partnership established by the two brands, who both stand out for their accurate selection of raw materials, their product quality, and a painstaking care for the tiniest details. Through their excellence, CRN and Sutor Mantellassi have contributed to writing important pages in the history of Made-in-Italy production. Indeed, both companies have made innovation the essence of their tradition and are recognised all over the world as real trend-setters in their respective sectors. Their partnership will be celebrated even more prestigiously thanks to a tasting session by La Scolca, a centuries-old wine-making company that has produced fine wines for five generations.
Ferretti Receives Two Awards
Ferretti 450 was named the Best Motor Yacht below 55ft at the Asia Marine and Boating Awards in Shanghai and claimed the top prize in the Motor Yacht over 41 up to 50 feet category at the Adriatic Boat of the Year Awards in Portoroz. The success of the Ferretti Yachts 450 goes on, as it continues to grow in popularity among owners and the general public all over the globe. The Ferretti Yachts 450 was presented to the sailing world at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2016 and made its debut in the Asia Pacific region and the United States in recent months. Now it has claimed two awards in a single month, in China and Slovenia. In Asia, where Ferretti Yachts has been the leading name in luxury sailing since years, the accolade came at the Asia Marine and Boating Awards, which took place in late April at the 22nd China International Boat Show 2017 in Shanghai. The Ferretti Yachts 450 was named the Best Motor Yacht below 55ft. The judges praised the qualities that make the new boat unique: graceful style, practical design, unparalleled on-board comfort and a dynamically versatile interior layout. Another triumph came just a few days later in Europe. At the start of Internautica 2017 which took place in early May in Marina Portoroz, Slovenia - the Ferretti Yachts 450 came first in the Motor Yacht over 41 up to 50 feet category at the Adriatic Boat of the Year Awards. “The Ferretti Yachts 450 is a very important model for us because it marks the return of Ferretti Yachts to the strategic 40 to 50 feet market. It is popular with owners in our traditional markets, such as Europe and the Americas, and it has also been an instant hit in the Middle East and Asia,” stated Stefano de Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ferretti Group. “These two awards from two different continents underline the international nature of Ferretti Yachts and the value of a distinctive, innovative design philosophy. We are very pleased with the prize that we won in Shanghai because it comes from an extremely selective market that appreciates the most exclusive products that are made in Italy. We are also enormously satisfied with the award that we picked up at Internautica, because it is the top boat show on the Adriatic, where enthusiasts from a number of countries have always spent boating holidays on the waves with flybridge models by Ferretti Yachts.”
Gulf Craft Expands Global Footprint
Emirates-based Gulf Craft continues to eye global expansion amid what the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Erwin Bamps, is describing as an “evolutionary and exciting time for the leisure marine industry.” The award-winning yacht and boat builder recently forged new distribution partnerships, and has embarked on a program of major investments and a global strategy that puts evolving client demands at the center of product development. More than 70% of Gulf Craft’s yachts and boats are exported outside the UAE, and its masterpieces can be found around the world through its network of dealers, stretching from Europe and the Middle East, to South East Asia and Australia. Most recently, Gulf Craft announced its exclusive partnership with Germany-based Drettmann Yachts International for the distribution of its luxury yachts in the Europe, Ukraine, and Russia.
Hatteras Sponsors InTheBite Captain of the Year Award
Hatteras Yachts is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup, the world's foremost competition for professional sportfishing captains. Developed by InTheBite, the professionals' sportfishing magazine, the InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup Presented by Hatteras is the only objective, quantifiable metric for comparing the tournament success of sportfishing captains on an annual basis. This puts it in the same league as the Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series and the PGA FedExCup Championship.
Jarrett Bay Lands a Massive Blue Fin Tuna
Hailing from Grand Isle, LA, the Jarrett Bay 58, Whoo Dat spotted a large fish chasing bait on a recent fishing trip and Capt. Chris Mowad trolled to his spot. The fish crashed into the center rigger but missed the lure so Capt. Mowad swung back around for another shot. "He came up behind the center like a submarine pushing a wake. He came half out of the water and inhaled the lure," Keith Richardson explains. Keith's son Kaleb was in the fighting chair and battled it out for 45 minutes before the crew was able to gaff the giant bluefin and work him into the cockpit through the tuna door. The fish measured out to 113" in length with an 86" girth. Once at the scales, this massive bluefin weighed in at 835 pounds and is among the top five largest ever landed in the state of Louisiana. Incredible work by the entire Whoo Dat team and angler Kaleb Richardson!
Pursuit Begins Plant Expansion
Construction is underway for a new building
at the Pursuit Boats facilities in Fort Pierce, Florida. The expansion will enable Pursuit
to increase production up to 50% in order to meet the growing market demands for
Pursuit’s luxury line of sport fishing and cruising boats. The increased pace of new
product introductions, like the S 328, has generated retail enthusiasm to levels that
require more manufacturing space.
“We’re excited about the expansion and what the growth means for our company.
A lot of hard work and planning has gone into making this a reality,” said Bruce
Thompson, President, Pursuit Boats. “The new building will give us the capability
to continue to grow our portfolio while also increasing the efficiency of our
manufacturing processes.” The $2.1 million dollar investment will add 30 new jobs and 14,000 square feet to
the existing facility. Construction is scheduled to be complete this summer allowing
production to begin in the new building in August. This timing coincides with the
beginning of the 2018 model year introduction.
Pursuit’s proven manufacturing processes allow them to deliver the finest in luxury
sportfishing and cruising products, offering customers an unparalleled experience in
boating around the world.
“Our market share and retail sales have shown consistent growth over the past
several years, solid indicators that our product mix, features and benefits match market
demands and high-end customer expectations. It is no accident that our manufacturing
facilities need to expand; it is the result of great business acumen under the current
Pursuit leadership and family”, George Hetzel, Vice President of Sales. Pursuit has delivered three stellar new Sport Model Pursuits, from 32 to 40 feet
in length, changing the way fisherman and cruisers will look at the center console
marketplace for years to come. Add these models to the latest award-winning
Offshore and Dual Console products, and it is not hard to see why the company’s
growth demands more production capabilities.
Riva Teams with Scuderia Ferrari Again
On the waves and on the track, they are often imitated but never equaled. Two contemporary legends are coming together again, to the delight of fans of high-octane entertainment and quintessential Italian style. Riva, the iconic yachting brand is once again side by side with Scuderia Ferrari for the 2017 Formula 1™ World Championship. All twenty of this season's races offer the opportunity to get to know the pair that is based on deep-rooted affinities, bound to leadership in design and production that is the result of the genius and determination of Carlo Riva and Enzo Ferrari. With its unmistakable aquamarine colour, the Riva logo stood out on the helmets of the Maranello-based team’s two drivers as it accompanied Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen in their triumphant first and second place finishes in the Monaco Grand Prix, where Riva celebrated the European Première of its new Riva 100 Corsaro, the shipyard’s latest masterpiece. The Riva - Scuderia Ferrari union reveals the world the idea of craftsmanship and tailor-made products that is the foundation for the success of these two, unique, exclusive brands. “We are ardent to see Riva with Ferrari, the most famous Italian brand, in the 2017 Formula 1TM World Championships. This extraordinary combination of two absolute icons, Riva and Ferrari, together celebrated the victory of the 75th edition of the Monaco Grand Prix, renewing a connection between manufacturers that has no equal in terms of history, popularity and ability to perpetuate its supremacy”, explained Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. The 2017 Championship is more exciting than ever, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats until the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi on 26th November.
Sanlorenzo Winner at World Superyacht Award
Sanlorenzo 460Exp X was awarded with the prestigious, international World Superyacht Award 2017 for Best Displacement motoryacht below 500GT (30mt to 42.9 mt). The prize giving ceremony was held in Florence, in the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, where a selected jury of superyacht owners awarded a model from the Sanlorenzo’s Explorer line for the second year in a row, after Moka in 2016. Sanlorenzo 460Exp, superyacht of 460 gross tons and 42 meters in length, is inspired by big exploration vessels capable of reaching out far destinations with maximum safety and comfort, associated with high autonomy for long navigation. Since Moka’s debut in 2015, 5 explorer units have already been sold to owners from different markets, such as the US, Mexico, Europe, Russia and China, proving the line is enjoying huge international success. Sanlorenzo is currently operational at 3 different production sites: Ameglia, Viareggio and the new Sanlorenzo Superyacht facility in La Spezia dedicated to the construction of superyachts in metal from 40 up to over 80 meters in length.
Sasga Expands Dealer Network in France
Sasga Yachts has signed another dealer agreement in France for the French Atlantic Coast. This agreement represents the success of Sasga Yachts’ policy of expansion, started
with the USA and the UK agreements. Dantes Yachts ruled by François Mousset, has a large experience in the nautical sector
and his way of view the nautical world fits perfectly with Sasga Yachts’ thought, as he said:
“To choose a boat is sometimes what you have always dreamed but overall it is to start up
your own freedom”. Some of the main reasons why Dantes Yachts decided to work with our menorquÃn boats
is for our sense of taste for the beautiful things, for our high quality of materials, for our flexibility
building personalized boats and for the appreciated wide interiors.
Mr. Mousset has pointed out the positive improves that Sasga Yachts has done
comparing to the old Menorquin Yachts. Mr. Mousset, as a well‐known of our brand,
appreciated the new changes in the interiors, in the keel, in the materials and in the
improvements for low fuel consumption among other developments.
With this agreement, Sasga Yachts dealer’s network become stronger in the French
market, establishing the brand in the Atlantic coast.
Sunseeker Teams With Red Bull Formula One Racing
Sunseeker International is excited to be supporting the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team as its tender service for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix. The Monaco Grand Prix will see Sunseeker providing five stunning sports yachts to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team for its VIP guests throughout the four-day event. Monaco has been a regular on the motorsport circuit since 1955 and is still one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in the F1 calendar today. Sunseeker is thrilled to be playing a part in this iconic event. Five of Sunseeker’s stunning boats will be used for the event, including three from the current range with two San Remo’s and the stunning Predator 57. Befitting such a legendary race, two iconic Superhawk models that boast breathtaking performance will also accompany the Sunseeker fleet, perfectly portraying the racing pedigree of the Sunseeker brand highly appropriate for such a high-profile sporting event. Phil Popham, CEO at Sunseeker commented: “We are thrilled to be linking-up with the world-renowned Red Bull Racing team for the Monaco Grand Prix. There is a natural affiliation between Sunseeker and Formula One and we have had a long association with the sport. It is great to be involved again especially with such an incredible team as Red Bull Racing, and we are really excited about working with them.”
Viking Kids on the Block
A young group of Viking enthusiasts gathered in the Viking Yacht Company lobby for a photo shoot with their fathers on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. The children spent the day at the Viking facility learning about the boat building industry and all the different components needed to build a yacht, as well as different careers and jobs necessary to make the company run. A plant tour and lunch in the famed Viking kitchen were on the day's agenda as well.
Viking Fa La Me Back to Back
Frank Rodriguez and his outstanding team pulled off yet another amazing feat! With Captain Rob Moore at the helm, this crew won the 3rd Annual Marina Casa de Campo Cup for the second year in a row. The Casa de Campo Cup is a culmination of month-long tallies between March 15 and April 15, 2017 with teams fishing out of the Marina Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Of course there are several tournaments within The Cup to keep it interesting. The Fa La Me team released 45 blue marlin during the month-long tournament and also took 2nd Place in the Casa de Campo Blue Marlin Classic and 3rd in the Casa de Campo Billfish Open. Due to some mechanical issues part way through The Cup, the Viking 72 Blue Bird let the Fa La Me gang finish out the event fishing their boat. Outside of the tournament days, the crew released an impressive 55 blues in just 18 fishing days. Make sure to watch the Big Sexy Tour by following their Facebook page. Get to know the team through social media and learn that this fun group does more than just fish. Their world revolves around the three Fs: food, fun and fishing. Follow the team's adventures as they travel and cook their way across the waters of the world while having a ball.
Viking at Nineteenth Orange Beach Billfish Classic
This past weekend, the Orange Beach Billfish Classic saw 42 boats battle rough seas and a challenging bite. Only one boat made it to the scales on Friday night asGeaux Deep, a Viking 58, weighed a 121 pound yellowfin tuna. Angler Riley Satterfield, fishing on the Viking 62 Lyon's Pride, weighed a 107 inch blue marlin which tipped the scales at 431.6 pounds. This fish was good enough to claim Top Blue Marlin for the event. Reel Addiction, a Viking 56, was the Top Release Boat with three blue marlin based on time. The Viking 92 A Work of Art took 2nd Place in the Release Division. Done Deal, a Viking 70, won the Tuna Division when they became the first boat to ever weigh a bluefin tuna at The Wharf. Angler Katie Gonsoulin's 502.4 pound fish took the top spot and also gave her the Top Lady Angler award. For the second year in a row, the Viking 76 Team Supreme claimed 2nd Place Tuna with a 174 pound yellowfin. The OBBC is the first big game fishing tournament of the season along the Gulf Coast and is also the first leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.
Viking at Fifth Annual Shootout
The Viking 76, Miss Victoria, was the Top Boat at last weekend's Shootout. The crew released seven blue marlin, six whites and a lone sailfish. Dave Berard released five of those blues to win the Third Place Angler title. Brian Speedy claimed the Top Captain award.
Jen Copeland fishing on the Viking 52 Last Dance, with Captain Robert Collins at the helm, released three blue marlin to achieve Top Lady Angler. Captain Brian Komer, on the Viking 66 put Joe Schwab on a 74.7 pound 'hoo which was the Top Wahoo of the tournament.
This is the second of three legs in the Abaco Diamond Series. Look for the Viking 66 to be back for the final leg, the Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament starting May 31.
Viking Winner at Circle Invitational
Old Bahama Bay Marina in the Bahamas was the place to be the last weekend of April! The docks were loaded with beautiful Viking Yachts all making a difference at the Mike Schmidt's Winner's Circle Invitational. Bob Noble and his family, a Winner's Circle regular, fished on their Viking 64 Stihl Leader and claimed Second Place with a combined total weight of 146.9 pounds. The team started off strong catching a whopper of a tuna at 109.3 pounds on Day One. Day Two was quiet for the Stihl Leader crew but then they picked it up on Day Three with a 10.6-pound dolphin and 27-pound wahoo. Landing in Third Place and just ounces behind in meat fish was John Wolf and his team on the Viking 66 Sea Wolf. Sea Wolf weighed in a 48.5-pound dolphin, a wahoo, and tuna for a combined weight of 146.3 pounds. Rounding out the top five was Lou Cosentino's Viking 72 Judith Ann in Fourth Place and David and Lynne Henderson's Viking 60 Fragrant Harbor.
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