- pic of the month - Heesen Cosmic Lego
Azimut Scores Another Big Success at FLIBS 2020
Florida saw the conclusion a few days ago of the 2020 FLIBS, one of the key boat shows for Azimut Yachts on the American market, which despite the complexities of this historical moment, has reported positive results this year too, with an interesting number of visitors and 14 yachts contracted. The 61st FLIBS once again confirmed Azimut Yachts’ market leadership in America. Despite the complicated circumstances connected to the international sanitary emergency, the brand reported more than satisfactory visitor attendance at the boat show (it was actually up on last year during the opening days) and new contracts underwayfor a full 14 units. The shipyard took 10 models representing five Collections to the show, including the new Magellano 25 Metri, making its debut on the American market. Federico Ferrante, president of Azimut|Benetti America, commented: “We were sure that the organisers would manage participants’ safety in the best way possible and we’re aware of the huge impact that this show has on the boat industry and everyone who depends on this sector, which is why we were determined to take part in this year’s FLIBS despite the huge uncertainties caused by the current situation. It could have been risky, but now we’re proud that we followed our instincts, which have proved to be right!” The numbers are incredibly positive, with attendance figures for the first two days, typically the most productive at the boat show, up 12% on 2019. Overall, across the five-day event, all the models on show attracted great interest and Azimut Yachts entered into contracts for a full 14 units, 12 in the US market and 2 in Latin America market. As can be seen, the Americas confirm once again that they are a key market for the brand, which is the top foreign shipyard by total sales and number of years on the US market. Another big success was the evening event organised by Azimut Yachts at the Pérez Art Museum Miami, with special guests museum director Franklin Sirmans and Italian General Consul in Miami Cristiano Musillo, during which Open Your Eyes was projected, the short film in which director Gabriele Muccino pays tribute to Italian beauty and art, produced in partnership with Azimut Yachts for the worldwide launch of the new Magellano 25 Metri. The event was included within the Italian Design Day 2020 “Designing the future. Development, innovation, sustainability, beauty”, an annual thematic review promoted by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration and with the support of the Ministry for Cultural Heritage and Activities and for Tourism, as a support to promot and increase the international awareness of Italian design and the internationalization of the Made in Italy system as a whole.
Benetti Wins at Super Yacht Award 2020
In the unprecedented setting of an online ceremony, held on November 13, Benetti’s mega yacht “Metis” won the prestigious World Superyacht Award in the “Displacement yachts between 1,000 and 1,499 GT” category. Such success replicates the award that Benetti received at the 2019 event for M/Y Spectre, once again held by the highly reputed yachting magazine Boat International. The experienced yacht owners forming the World Superyacht Awards jury recognised in “Metis” the Italian elegance and excellent quality that are the core values of the Benetti brand. The judges particularly appreciated how Metis’ layout was designed to suit the needs of her owner, while extending the modern design trends, including interiors with such good visibility that they are at one with the surrounding seascapes. The beach club, opening directly to the sea through three huge shell doors, was another feature that caught their attention. The success of Metis is furthermore impressive considering that the build was started on speculation by Benetti. The project’s team was challenged to design an extraordinary yacht that would need to interpret with no compromises the requirements of modern yachtsmen, both in functionality and style. M/Y “Metis” is a distinctively contemporary 63-meter custom yacht with impressive volumes clad in flowing lines and innovative details. The steel hull and aluminium superstructure offer six decks and a maximum beam of 11 meters. The touch-and-go helipad, the 160 square meters master apartment, with an exclusive outdoor terrace, and the extensive deck areas are just a few of the yacht’s outstanding features. The 20 sqm Fly Deck gym is the cherry-on-the-pie that Kurt Lehman, from Yacht Moments, is particularly proud of, since it was his idea, and is one of the features that truly impressed the judges. For the interiors, London-based firm Bannenberg & Rowell has introduced a new design approach that embraces an unusual layout, with the beach club, the main saloon on the Main Deck, and the lounge area on the Upper Deck turned 30 degrees compared to traditional configurations, revealing new perspectives from which to enjoy the view of the sea. The architecture developed by the English studio features the extensive use of bleached oak with leather inserts and materials including carbon fibre and polished stainless steel. Giovanna Vitelli, Azimut|Benetti Group vice president, commented: “I share this award with everyone who has been part of creating this project, which represents the excellence of Benetti’s production and construction capabilities, a statement of ‘Made in Italy’ best industrial and manufacturing capabilities. Proof of the excellent result is this prestigious award as well as the sale of four yachts based on Metis’ design that were sold to owners from four different continents”. Dickie Bannenberg remarked on the collaboration with Benetti: “Perhaps Benetti simply appreciate that aesthetics and engineering are part of the same process, and not separate disciplines. To use a fashion analogy, the most beautiful cloth will still fail on a poorly tailored suit. I think the Italians just have this in their blood. They gave us pretty free rein when we laid out the yacht and by conceiving spaces in an asymmetric way we were able to create less formal layouts (while keeping an edgy modern style), improve sight lines, absorb bars and equipment in corners, and generally create a new dynamic to both furniture and architecture.” Giorgio M. Cassetta, responsible for the exterior design and layout, commented on the style: “Our goal for Metis was to create a set of essential lines that would give the yacht a subtle sensuality and a recognizable character. She is unmistakably a Benetti yacht, with an added boldness and exquisite balance of proportions. Her refined volumes were precisely crafted to highlight three-dimensionality with precision surface contouring, while offering uncompromised lay-out functionality. In this she is a perfect expression of our company’s ethos, and we are grateful to the yard and the project’s team for a fantastic work together.”
Fairline Launch Spotify Channel
To connect with its audience on a new level, luxury British boat builder, Fairline Yachts, launches “F//Line 33 Presents” its new channel on Spotify, with a series of curated atmospheric playlists providing the perfect soundtrack both on and off the water. The first collection, F//Line 33 Presents Volume One, which is powered by Fusion Entertainment, features five distinctive playlists. Whether it’s a lazy afternoon, an intimate evening or a party vibe, there is something for all F//Line fans around the globe, including specially curated Miami and Balearics playlists reflecting the spirit of these stunning yachting destinations. The playlists have each been carefully crafted to set the right mood, whatever your plans. Curated by Dusseldorf based DJ Thomas Ullrich, the collections range from chilled background sounds to after dark beats to really get the party started. Each playlist is inspired by the personality of Fairline’s award-winning dayboat, the F//Line 33. Miles Moorhouse, Head of Marketing at Fairline Yachts, comments, “Music connects people universally and can remind us of the best days of our lives. We wanted our new Spotify channel to invoke the lifestyle of our stunning dayboat and share the unique personality of the F//Line 33 through our carefully curated playlists. We hope they are enjoyed as the backdrop to many adventures, both on and off the water.”
Fairline Taking Configurator to New Heights
Following the launch of Fairline Yachts’ highly innovative F/Line 33 configurator site, the brand has unveiled phase two of the platform, where users receive a fully bespoke, personalised video of their configured boat in action. Feedback on the website has been overwhelmingly positive, with it driving both customer enquiries and sales orders to the brand. As a result of its initial success, Fairline has further enhanced the offering by developing the technology to send users a personalised summary of their fully configured boat, with a bespoke computer-generated video enabling them to watch their perfect F//Line 33 on the water. Featuring the materials, colours and optional extras they have configured, with detailed views of each bespoke element, starting with an overview of their new boat anchored peacefully at sea. Users can also share their design on their own social media pages. Spearheading the design and vision for the site, Miles Moorhouse, Head of Marketing at Fairline Yachts, comments, “It is imperative that our digital portfolio meets the needs and demands of the modern consumer, and configuring a boat online is the next step. When we said we wanted to give our customers full control to design their perfect F//Line 33, we meant it. Our platform enables the user to fully visualise their new boat and helps customers make informed decisions about their new F//Line, all from their handheld or desktop device.” The luxury British motor yacht manufacturer launched the highly innovative platform in August 2020, in response to the challenges presented by the global Covid-19 pandemic. It gives customers full control to specify of every aspect of their boat and offers complete customisation over the elements that really matter, as well as total transparency on pricing. Inspired by the leading automotive online configurators, the website offers new levels of sophistication and user control, never seen before in the boating industry.
Fairline Revives Riviera of the Orient
With the gradual easing of restrictions in Hong Kong, Simpson Marine – the exclusive dealer for Hong Kong, North and South East Asia for the luxury British motor yacht manufacturer – have welcomed local VIPs to celebrate the arrival of the Fairline Squadron 50 in style. Combining the best of British with the spirit of stylish Riviera adventures, Simpson Marine celebrated the arrival of their new Fairline Squadron 50 with a British afternoon tea from event partners The Peninsula Hotel and Veuve Clicquot, enjoyed on the yacht’s expansive flybridge surrounded by the timeless elegance of Hong Kong’s breath-taking skyline. Welcomed, via video, by celebrated yacht designer Alberto Mancini, guests were treated to a relaxed cruise from the majestic Victoria Harbour to the iconic Repulse Bay. Contemporary and stylish, the Squadron 50 blends luxurious details synonymous with Fairline, coupled with a sporty streak – upholding elegance, comfort and performance. Richard Allen, Group General Manager at Simpson Marine, says, “Fairline is one of the most prestigious motor yacht brands in the world with its quality British heritage, exquisite craftsmanship and magnificent interiors. We wanted to launch the first Squadron 50 landing in Hong Kong by reviving the glamour of the Riviera of the Orient.”
Feadship Clean Sweep at Superyacht Awards
Feadship enjoyed an excellent evening at this year’s World Superyacht Awards, making a clean sweep of all the Neptune trophies for which it was nominated. The virtual presentation event on Friday 13 November saw Pi, Najiba and Lady S each triumph in their respective categories, with Pi taking home the ultimate accolade by winning the Motoryacht of the Year award. The pandemic may have put paid to the usual gala gathering of the superyacht world to honour the winners of these annual awards but it did not stop the panel of judges, composed entirely of superyacht owners, from carefully assessing the nominees over recent weeks. Hosted from London, the online ceremony was attended by hundreds of invited guests from around the world, with the prizes being unveiled live on screen.
Ferretti Custom Line Triumphs at World Super Yacht Awards 2020
It has been a year of successes for the Custom Line brand, which builds its entire range at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona and has scored another important win with Custom Line 106’ IV Dream. This superyacht in the Custom Line planing line was awarded the top prize in the category “Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts Below 500GT 30m to 34.9m” at the World Superyacht Awards 2020. The event is organised by international publishing group Boat International and the prizes are awarded to recently designed yachts that stand out for their technical features, style and functional innovative technology and design solutions. The award ceremony took place online last November 13. A product of collaboration between Francesco Paszkowski Design and Ferretti Group’s Product Strategy Committee and Engineering Department, the yacht won over the panel of judges with the contemporary design of her sleek hull lines, giving the yacht a streamlined and powerful look. The wide open exterior spaces were greatly admired, featuring pared down sophistication and the utmost in comfort for the owner and his family, with 220 square meters of interconnected walkable surfaces, from the flybridge to the bow. The interiors tailormade to reflect the owner’s tastes were also a big hit with the jury of super and mega yacht owners and are flooded with natural light through the extensive full-height glazing on the main deck, amplifying the feeling of seamless continuity with the water. Other winning features in the jury’s opinion are the beach club, which also acts as the garage for the tender thanks to a unique system patented by the Shipyard, and the high-quality interior design of both the four guest cabins and the crew quarters. The yacht’s performance was also judged to be outstanding, as were the excellent standards of safety and comfort on board. The two MTY diesel engines, each rated 1,939 kW, drive the superyacht to a top speed of 26 knots, while at the cruising speed of 22 knots, her range is 400 nautical miles and fuel consumption 780 litres per hour. The prize awarded to Custom Line 106’ IV Dream, demonstrates the brand’s excellence in design innovation and construction quality of the entire fleet from 30 to 42 meters. This important acknowledgement achieved with the precious contribution of Francesco Paszkowski Design and the staff of the shipyard, adds to the satisfaction at 15 launches in 2020, made possible with production continuing seamlessly throughout the year and the constant dedication of the entire Custom Line team.
Formula New Gear Collection
Formula offers a fantastic new line of Gear clothing to celebrate its 65th Anniversary as well as several new accessories, such as Formula masks to stay safe and healthy during the holiday season, all-new Formula Yeti tumblers and the oh so soft Formula blanket! Formula also have select items on sale while supplies last!
Heesen Cosmic Lego
At Heesen they love challenges. While we are busy building one of the world’s largest and fastest full-aluminium motor yachts, 80-metre Project Cosmos we wondered if it would be possible to recreate her using Lego bricks. Since our engineers and craftsmen are more used to dealing with lightweight aluminium, we instead challenged the two finalist teams from the Dutch-Belgian television show Lego Masters. Recreating our flagship yacht using only Lego® bricks proved to be almost as challenging and spectacular as building the real thing. To be able to include actual Lego Minifigures (commonly referred to as minifigs) on board, the scale needs to be 1:42, which means the models measure nearly two metres. Whether you are a Lego fan, a Heesen aficionado, a smart engineer or all of these together, don’t miss the opportunity to discover these amazing creations. Vote for your favourite Lego yacht and win an Exclusive Heesen Lego Fan Package!
Horizon Wins Fifth Taiwan Excellence Award
For the 11th consecutive year, Horizon Yachts has received a prestigious Taiwan Excellence Award. Presented at the 2021 Taiwan Excellence Awards ceremony on 25 November, the new Horizon FD102, the latest and largest yacht in the highly acclaimed FD Series, was also recognized with the Taiwan Excellence Gold Award. The FD102 is the twelfth Horizon yacht model to be honored with a Taiwan Excellence Award and the fifth to receive a Gold Award. Established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs in 1993, the Taiwan Excellence Awards recognize innovation and excellence across a variety of industries. Held annually, the awards are presented to nominees who surpass a rigorous selection process that analyses four major areas including R&D, Design, Quality and Marketing. The qualifying product must also offer Innovative Value while satisfying the key criterion of being Made in Taiwan. Gold Awards are presented to the best in class of each Taiwan Excellence Award category.
Invictus People is Born
Invictus People is the name of the Italian brand’s new communication project, which gives Owners the starring role. This idea of community developed spontaneously from people who live a truly emotional experience and are linked by a shared passion. The Invictus Yacht brand has simply gathered them together, listening to them and providing all the people who want to use social media to highlight how they identify with the brand’s values and lifestyle with a way of expressing this. Relaxation, entertainment, refined style: they are all ideal ingredients for enjoying the sun, the sea and a day on a yacht. To become protagonists of Invictus People, yachting fans just need a photo to tell about their most exclusive moments onboard an Invictus yacht
Mimi New Dealer in Lake Maggiore
Since few weeks the skiffs by Gozzi Mimì will be available for sale in the Lake Maggiore area, thanks to the agreement signed between Domenico Senese, owner of the Neapolitan shipyard, and Massimo Levorato, from Piccaluga shipyard, located in the North of Italy. The first unit sold as a result of the partnership has been a Libeccio 8.5 Cabin – a successful day cruiser with a solid mahogany sun deck and fiberglass hull, equipped with a spacious double cabin and external dinette –, while a second unit will be delivered within days. This past October, at the Genoa Boat Show, Gozzi Mimì launched its new models designed by Valerio Rivellini. The same boats were then on display in Bologna and these two boat shows has been the starting point for the new partnership. Domenico Senese, in fact, said that: “During the Genoa Boat Show we received a number of visits and an overall response that exceeded our expectations. Some of the negotiations we initiated in Genoa were then signed at the Bologna Motor Show. The dealership agreement with Piccaluga is an example. We are particularly satisfied with this new collaboration because Lake Maggiore, as well as all the internal basins of Northern Italy, represent a market so far almost unexplored, although potentially very interesting and certainly suitable for our boats “. Cantiere Nautico F.lli Piccaluga is a well-known reality in the area, where it has been operating since 1964, and over the years it has become an important reference point for the many foreign boatowners who frequently visit the lake. The collaboration between this Company and Gozzi Mimì confirms that this renewed attraction towards skiffs is a growing trend. It is not a coincidence that the Neapolitan shipyard this year only recorded a 30% increase in turnover.
Nordhavn Owners Sign for Panama Posse
“Sail on your own schedule!” reads one of the rallying cries on the website of the Panama Posse, a giant, multi-routed rally that allows boaters to pick their own timeline and departure and arrival points. Looking to get from Mexico to Panama? Or Panama to Mexico? Florida to California and vice-versa or maybe the Caribbean to points north? Virtually, if any route you desire takes you through the Panama Canal, you are ripe for the Panama Posse. With loads of up-to-date information, major berthing and excursion discounts, and opportunity for meeting new cruising buddies, it’s no surprise that in just four years, the number of participating boats has grown to nearly triple what it was at the inaugural sailing. Even less of a surprise is that for a Rally comprised mainly of sailboats, Nordhavn outnumbers all manufacturers, except Beneteau with 9 yachts signed up to participate. A Nordhavn tour de force is something that makes the energy-to-spare founder and organizer of the event, Dietmar Petutschnig, very happy indeed. Petutschnig, who has witnessed the Panama Posse grow from 87 boats in its first year, sees infinite possibilities for the Rally, the strength of which relies on participant word-of-mouth. “Nordhavn owners are more comfortable with long range cruising than any other brand, and they like to talk amongst themselves,” said Petutschnig, who guesses the more Nordhavn owners find out about it, the more they will use it as a gateway to their own ambitious itineraries that extend beyond the Posse’s multiple-routes. While primarily a sailor’s rally, the Panama Posse is open to anyone whose boat has a cruising range of at least 500 nm. Petutschnig expects one day to see the ratio of powerboaters grow to beyond one-third of all participating vessels. Besides the laid-back, schedule-free nature of the Rally, what draws most boaters to participate is the Panama Posse’s treasure trove of updated cruising information. Each week at designated times, participants from each of the six different routes or “pods” discuss on a secured chatroom any pertinent information they learned on their route from that week such as verified anchorages and fuel sources; they also address the weather for the days ahead. “The information is constantly being refreshed so no matter where you are in the route, you are receiving the absolute most current information,” said Petutschnig. This is extremely beneficial to boaters since guide books for these areas are often lacking in detail.
Overmarine Mangusta Awarded at World SuperYacht Awarded 2020
The Mangusta Gransport 45 triumphed at the World Superyacht Awards 2020 in the category “Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts below 500GT – 35M and Above”. The World Superyacht Awards, organised by the international publishing group Boat International, are among the most prestigious awards in the boating sector, and are bestowed to recently-designed yachts that have distinguished themselves because of their technical features, their style, and their innovative solutions in technology and design. The Mangusta GranSport 45 is a yacht entirely built in aluminium and featuring stylish and yet very sporty lines. Her fast displacement hull, her propulsion system with three 2600 HP engines, and her transmission - 2 shaft lines with two propellers and 1 waterjet - allow her to deliver outstanding flexibility. Indeed, this propulsion system makes the yacht incredibly versatile, allowing her Owner to cruise fast across the Mediterranean sea during the day and at low speed during the night, as well as to enjoy long crossings, including transoceanic ones, always in the utmost comfort.
The Jury, composed of owners, highly experienced captains, and renowned yacht designers, was conquered by this innovative craft, where style and impressive interior brightness and volumes go hand in hand with cutting-edge technological solutions that embody the purest Mediterranean spirit and lifestyle while delivering unmatched onboard wellbeing and comfort for all guests. Here is the Jury’s motivation: “The 45.3-metre yacht provides excellent seagoing comfort and an extremely long range of 4,200 nautical miles. The yacht’s extensive deck areas were admired for the good use made of every square meter, while the beach club stern, with its three openings to the sea, was seen as most desirable. Large windows in the main saloon, some opening to the side decks, made for another light and airy space, with good connectivity to the surrounding seascape. The yacht satisfied all the features that an owner with a “need for speed” might demand”. The Mangusta GranSport 45 has been designed by the Shipyard’s technical department in cooperation with engineer Pierluigi Ausonio and designer Alberto Mancini. The Mangusta Gransport line also includes two 33 m and 54 m-long vessels. This prestigious award is a precious acknowledgement of the outstanding work of Overmarine Group who was able to build a one-of-a-kind vessel. This is the third international award won by the Mangusta GranSport 45 since she made her debut on the market.
Princess Ocean Photographer of the Year Announced
Earlier this year, Princess Yachts, the UK's largest yacht manufacturer, announced their involvement with a prestigious new awards event dedicated to ocean photography – The Ocean Photography Awards 2020. Joining forces with Oceanographic Magazine and the non-profit organisation SeaLegacy – a collective of photographers, filmmakers, writers and strategists have worked together with the aim of engaging one billion people in ocean conservation. The innovative collaboration has seen Princess Yachts become an official supporter of these first awards which focus exclusively on celebrating the best amateur and professional photography of our oceans across the globe. The virtual awards took place last night (19t h November), where six photographers won prizes across seven awards, whittled down from more than 3,000 initial competition submissions. We are delighted to announce that Canadian photographer, Nadia Aly, was named Ocean Photographer of the Year 2020. All the winners and highly commended images can be seen at www.oceanphotographyawards.com - the photography is truly outstanding across all of the categories. THE WINNERS: Matt Sharp - Ocean Conservation Photographer of the Year Ben Cranke - Ocean Exploration Photographer of the Year Jason Gulley - Ocean Adventure Photographer of the Year Cruz Erdmann - Young Ocean Photographer of the Year Tobias Baumgaertner - The Community Choice Award Nadia Aly - The Collective Portfolio Award Nadia Aly - The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2020 The standout judging panel consisted of seven members of SeaLegacy’s world-renowned Collective, including acclaimed Canadian wildlife photographer and documentary maker Paul Nicklen; marine biologist and award-winning photographer Cristina Mittermeier; and Emmy Award-winning marine cinematographer Shawn Heinrichs. Will Harrison, editor of Oceanographic Magazine, said: “We’re delighted to finally be sharing the competition winner – the Ocean Photographer of the Year. Nadia Aly’s winning photograph mesmerised all seven of our judges, and it’s easy to see why – it’s a beautiful image that captures the awesomeness and vibrancy of life in the ocean. Sacha Specker’s and Magnus Lundborg’s images in second and third place, of a surfer and a rare white southern right whale respectively, epitomise what these Awards are about: the ocean at large, whether seen through the lens of a scuba diving conservationist, an adventurous surfer or a freediving explorer.” “At Princess we really believe that the Ocean Photography Awards will grow to be recognised not only as a fixture for photographers the world over, but also, and perhaps more importantly, to keep the preservation of our oceans and aquatic life front of mind. The ocean is indeed our playground, and the collective efforts to maintain its health and well-being can be galvanised by these awards and the images captured, as well as via the readership of publications such as Oceanographic Magazine. Congratulations to everyone who entered and to our winners. This feels like the start of something really beautiful.” Kiran Haslam, Chief Marketing Officer, Princess Yachts.
Princess Success at Fort Lauderdale
Princess Yachts America was thrilled to participate in this years’ Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Despite challenging circumstances, the show went ahead with attendance figures for the first two days, typically the most productive at the boat show, up 12% on 2019 visitor figures. Princess Yachts showcased a five-yacht line up, including the Princess V78, Princess V65, Princess V60, Princess F50 and the revolutionary Princess R35. “Despite a mountain of challenges, the outstanding team from Informa overcame countless obstacles to not only make the show happen, but happen safely,” said James Nobel, Vice President & Marketing Director of Princess Yachts America. He added “There is no doubt that the 2020 edition of one of the world’s largest boat show will be remembered, but we will choose to remember it for the outstanding example that was set for how to bring a much needed sense of normalcy to a very abnormal time in our history.”
Riva Brand Experience Christmas Gifts 2020
To help us feel and remember the sea at Christmas too, wherever we are, the Riva Brand Experience collection of accessories and design items offers new gift ideas of rare beauty, characterised by excellence, craftsmanship and exquisite detailing. In line with the inspiring “Riva inside, inside Riva” philosophy, certain stylistic features of the maritime tradition, such as steel and mahogany and the colour aquamarine, are employed in the design of home decor and collectors’ items and in the mood of timelessly elegant garments and accessories. To surprise family and friends with items already iconic in the eyes of collectors and fans.
Riviera Celebrates Another One Hundred Hull
Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has achieved a further milestone with its popular Sport Yacht Platinum Edition collection following the delivery of number 100 of the 5400 Sport Yacht to a new owner in New Zealand. 2020 has been another year of achievement for the company as it celebrates 40 years of evolution. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst describes this latest milestone as a very proud moment for the entire Riviera team. “While the launching of this yacht honours the continued refinements made by our team, to have built 100 of the 5400 and more than 100 of the 6000 Sport Yacht models affirms their global popularity and our dedication to creating world-class luxury motor yachts,” said Mr Longhurst. “Riviera Sport Yachts are enjoyed by owners the world over for their sports pedigree, performance, pure luxury, their flowing indoor-outdoor spaces and features such as tender garages, wide side decks and covered cockpits.” Number 100 of the Riviera 5400 Sport Yacht Platinum Edition has been delivered to a new owner in New Zealand by dealer representative R Marine Flagship in Auckland. The 5400 is the new owner’s second Riviera after moving from a Riviera 4000 Offshore which he had owned for 14 years. While he appreciates the milestone of the 100th 5400 for Riviera, he says the sentimentality of the hull number was not nearly as significant compared to what the motor yacht has to offer.
Riviera International Dealer Awards 2020
Sun Country Marine Group in California, USA, has been named International Dealership of the Year for 2020 by Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera. Three awards this year were presented to Sun Country Marine which was also recognised for Service Excellence by a Dealership and Sales Excellence by an Individual, presented to JR Wills, Sun Country’s Vice President, Yachts Division. Additional awards honoured North American Riviera representatives at Grande Yachts International and Wally Castro Marine. Ned Dozier, of Grande Yachts International in Stevensville, Maryland, was awarded for Sales Excellence by an Individual; and Javier A. Perello Borras, of Wally Castro Marine in Puerto Rico, was awarded Service Excellence by an Individual. Sun Country is the largest marine dealer on the west coast of the United States with six locations, at Newport Beach, San Diego, Dana Point, Irvine and Ontario in California, and Lake Havasu in Arizona. Established in 1990 by Mike Basso Sr, the family-owned company has been led over the past decade by a new generation that combines the industry experience of Mike Basso Jr, as CEO and President, and Greg Glogow as Executive Vice President. Mr Glogow began working for Sun Country as a 16-year-old in 1999, starting in the parts department and rising to senior management positions and then partner.
Rosetti Superyacht Extends Its Facility
Rosetti Super Yacht RSY has filed and obtained planning approval from local authorities for an improvement to its current facility in Ravenna, Italy, which will include a new construction hangar and accompanying offices for building superyachts over 100m in length. The project includes the construction of a new shed (120 x 32m x 30m) equipped for large yachts and an adjacent building dedicated to the various stages of outfitting with an area for carpentry on the 1st floor, a showroom where mock-ups will be displayed on the 2nd floor, and offices reserved for the owner’s team on the 3rd floor overlooking the production yard. Since RSY was established in 2017 it has focused on the market for expedition yachts and supply-style vessels. The plant and buildings will complement the existing production facilities where the 38m Explorer designed by Hydro Tec is currently under construction and due for delivery in 2021. The overall area of the San Vitale shipyard on Italy’s Adriatic coast covers 70,000 square meters and is equipped with a dry dock that is 180m long and 27m wide. “Rosetti Superyachts is about to make a further important investment that will reinforce the brand as a reference point in the construction of explorer-style yachts in steel and aluminum starting from 35 metres,” says Ermanno Bellettini, CEO of RSY.“In order to expand we need another construction shed that allows us to build larger yachts than the one we already have. The investment is testament to the strategic vision of the entire Rosetti Marino Group and our commitment to increase the size range of our product offering.”
Silent Yachts Ten Catamarans Under Construction
Silent-Yachts is maintaining an outstanding pace as its production keeps growing. The innovative Austrian producer reported more solar electric catamarans sales over the last couple of months and next launches are almost around the corner. 1 x Silent 55, 5 x Silent 60 and 4 x Silent 80 currently under construction. Over 15 yachts to be delivered in 2021. 31 solar electric catamarans from 55 to 80 feet sold to date. Silent-Yachts ordered 500 lithium battery packs equal to 2.5 megawatt.
Sirena Celebrates Sixtieth Yacht Sold
After presenting the very first Sirena 64 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show in 2017, the Turkish shipyard has sold its 60th yacht. “I don’t know of another young shipyard that has sold 60 yachts in just three years!” exclaims Ali Onger, COO of Sirena Marine.“The yacht in question is our 6th Sirena 88, which will be delivered towards the end of next year. Like the second unit, the owner is from the US and the Americas is our most important market accounting for around 60% of sales, followed by 40% in Europe and the rest in Turkey. We have sold all the slots for the Sirena 88 until early 2022.” Sirena recently launched the second 88, while the third hull will splash early in the New Year and hulls 4 and 5 will launch before the 2021 summer season. Moreover, a combined total of 18 units of the Sirena 58 and 64 are in production, of which 10 are pre-sold for delivery in 2021.
Sunreef Joins Rosberg Xtreme Racing Team
Sunreef Yachts proudly joins the Rosberg Xtreme Racing Team as partner. Recently inaugurated by sustainability entrepreneur and former Formula 1 World Champion Nico Rosberg, the team will compete in the inaugural season of the Extreme E racing series. The Extreme E teams are going to take part in a unique race putting state-of-the art electric SUV’s to the test in remote environments across the globe to draw attention to climate change and environmental damage. Sunreef Yachts enters the race together with the Rosberg Xtreme Racing Team (RXR) on top of the company’s partnership with Nico Rosberg. As Sunreef Yachts Eco line ambassador, Nico Rosberg currently supports the shipyard in the field of sustainable yachting.
Viking Private VIP Show 2021
For this year only, the annual Viking Yacht Company and Valhalla Boatworks event will be expanded to three days, showcasing the Viking and Valhalla fleets and featuring the world premiere of the Valhalla 46 as well as the new award-winning Viking 54. “Without the Miami show this year, we decided to give people more opportunity to come to our VIP and see a tremendous line-up of yachts in a friendly, safe setting,” says Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey. “With the extra day, our attendance will be spread out over a longer period, which will help with social distancing.” Held at the Viking Yacht Service Centre in Riviera Beach, Florida, this special RSVP boat show will run Thursday, January 28, through Saturday, January 30, 2021. To maintain the highest safety and health protocols, sea trials will be limited to customers under contract and must be arranged through Viking or Valhalla dealers. Special measures will be taken to make this a safe and enjoyable experience for all. More details about the RSVP protocol will follow in the coming weeks.
Viking Strong Success at Fort Lauderdale 2020
Viking and Valhalla Boatworks saw very strong sales activity and solid attendance at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, with boats selling from 33 to 92 feet and the new Viking 54 Convertible capturing the Best of Show Award. President and CEO Pat Healey and his sons, Sean and Justin, accepted the trophy. The “Best of Show” award ceremony was filmed by NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) at the show and was included in the one-hour special that aired on November 1 on NBCSN. The NBCSN show special will be broadcast again on November 17 at 4 p.m. But you don't have to wait. Click above to see the presentation. The one-hour special included an in-depth walk through of the 54 with NBC broadcaster Leigh Diffey. Click above. Eleven Vikings – including two 92s – and nine boats from the Valhalla Boatworks high-performance center console lineup were sold, and many deals were in the works after the five-day event wrapped up on Sunday. “Our sales were actually a little better than last year,” said Pat. In addition to the 92s (both sky bridge models), Viking sold three of the new 54 Convertibles, a 72, a 68 and a pair of the in-production Valhalla 46s. The V-46 will make its world premiere at the Viking & Valhalla Boatworks VIP Preview at the end of January. Show-goers were excited to be able to get aboard the finest sportfishing boats, motor yachts and center consoles in the world. Informa, the show organizer, and Viking staff made sure safe practices were followed. “There was never any question that Viking would be part of FLIBS,” added Pat. “It’s an extremely important part of the industry, and we support this industry 100 percent.” “It was a huge success, exceeding all of our expectations,” said Pat. “What a great show, especially considering the challenging circumstances. Seeing all the people coming out to FLIBS proves just how much people love and value boating and fishing.”
Viking Instagram Eclipses 150000 Followers
That’s right. Viking Instagram has eclipsed the 150K mark. Subscribers love the consistent feed of interesting and diverse pictures and videos of everything Viking on its Instagram account.
