Monthly News - March 2009

-pic of the month - Marquis Yachts Miami Party

Bavaria Completes Yard Expansion

Germany's Bavaria Yachtbau is offering its customers and authorised dealers a range of attractive price advantages through its new "Economy-Boost-Program' following a major expansion at its Giebelstadt yard. From now until May 31, the company will offer "comprehensive complete packages" and individual price advantages that are described by the company as "not inconsiderable". After a construction period of 10 months and a €10m-plus investment in new production lines and installations, Bavaria's yard expansion in Giebelstadt is now complete, enabling the company to build sail and motorboats of over 15m (50ft) in length. At the same time, the painting plant and further installations have been extended by means of further investments. Bavaria builds round 3,000 sailing yachts and motorboats per year at its production site in Giebelstadt, Germany. In July 2007, Bain Capital funds, together with the company's long-time managing director Winfried Herrmann, acquired 100 per cent of Bavaria's shares.

Jeanneau and Prestige Press Days under Barcelona Sun

From the 25th to the 27th of March 2009, more than 40 journalists gathered in Barcelona for an opportunity to discover, test and take photos of the full line-up of new Jeanneau powerboats and Prestige motor yachts while under way. Our base for test, located in the lovely marina of Port Ginesta, featured an exclusive assembly of seven models from the Cap Camarat 505 Style to the Prestige 50. The new Prestige 50 will also be available to members of the press and to customers for test sails through May 15, 2009 in the Port of St Cyprien, France (66). In conjunction with this event, journalists had also the opportunity to discover the design plans, videos and scale models of the Prestige 58 - a new model for 2010, and the first model to be built by the "PRESTIGE Yachts" division - in a special premier presentation.


Inrizzardi Nastro Blu

In occasion of a Communication Forum in Rome, at Palazzo dei Congressi, in 26 and 27 March - Intermatica makes the Blu Riband Program promoted by Inrizzardi Group. A partnership confirmed with the collaboration of the two companies, growing up thanks to the synergies in advanced solutions, at not to mention, the friendship of Gianfranco Rizzardi President of Inrizzardi Group and Claudio Castellani President of Intermatica Group. In this initiative other prestigious names take part like: The Bridge, Conte of Florence, Miele, Casale del Giglio, Land Rover, Dom Perignon, Jacuzzi e Santoni. Nastro Blu is a program where Intermatica has believed much showing also great enthusiasm and. For many years Intermatica supplies to Rizzardi the satellite technologies for the installation on board that allow telecommunications from voice, high bandwidth internet, and vessel positioning signal. Advanced technological solutions to guarantee safety, and service in navigation on the seas.


Regal Marine Names New Sales Manager

Regal Marine Industries in the US has added Christopher Spindler to its sales management team. Spindler, who joined the company in 2005 as a sales and marketing assistant, will handle sales in the northeast area, is stretching from the Chesapeake north to the Canadian border and west to Pennsylvania. Spindler most recently served as assistant southeast regional manager at the company where he supported dealers' inventory management initiatives. In the past, he has helped to develop Regal's sales training programmes and assisted dealers at numerous boat shows around the country.


Linssen to Hold Summer Festival

Linssen Yachts, a Dutch producer of steel motoryachts, is to hold a "Linssen Yachts Boat Show Summer Festival 2009" in celebration of its Diamond Jubilee year. From June 11-14, 2009, visitors are invited to inspect the Linssen motoryacht programme in the 9m-16m (30ft-50ft) segment at its yard in Maasbracht. Unlike the company's annual winter show, the yachts will be displayed on water at Linssen's yard marina. Sea trials will also be on offer. The show begins on Friday, June 12, with a Linssen Dealer Meeting for its international representatives. During the day, guests will be able to visit the boats on display and register for a sea trial. Linssen will also present new developments for the 2010/11 model years. Another show and trial day will be held on Saturday, June 13, which will conclude with a party exclusively for Linssen owners. Sunday, June 14 will be the final show and trial day.


Marquis Yachts Miami Party

The evening prior to the opening of this year's Miami International Boat Show was abuzz with excitement during the annual pre-show gala hosted by Marquis Yachts. This highly anticipated invitation-only gathering has become an annual event where Marquis yacht owners, yachting enthusiasts and industry luminaries from around the world gather to see Marquis' newest designs and socialize with others who share their passions for finely fitted yachts. More than 300 invited guests were greeted by Irwin L. Jacobs, Chairman of Genmar Holding, LLC and Robert VanGrunsven, President of Marquis Yachts. On hand during the event was Carlo Nuvolari, principal of Nuvolari-Lenard Design of Venice, Italy. All Marquis yachts are designed by the Nuvolari-Lenard studio. During the evening Carlo hosted personal tours of the new 720 Marquis and the Marquis 500 Sport Bridge. Also in attendance was executive chef and world wine expert Michel Atlas who shared his knowledge of French cuisine and wines and treated guests to Henri Giraud French champagne throughout the evening. Once again the Marquis Yachts exhibit was the place to be on the eve of the 2009 Miami International Boat Show.


Menorquin Charter another Way to Enjoy Sealife

Menorquin Charter has been devised to meet the needs of those wishing to sail the incomparable coastal waters of the Balearics and Alicante on board a boat whose unique design concept makes it exclusive, tremendously comfortable and supremely habitable.The Balearic shipyard currently offers all the boats in the Menorquin Yachts range for the Menorquin Charter formula, the range is composed of cruising yachts of between 10 and 18 metres. It includes 6 models (Menorquin Yacht 100, Menorquin Yacht 110, Menorquin Yacht 120, Menorquin Yacht 145, Menorquin Yacht 160 and Menorquin Yach 180) all of which are outstanding for the beauty of their design, the traditional nautical details characteristic to the Balearics, hand craftsmanship and high quality materials used in their construction which confer elegance and warmth to their ample interiors. All of these features identify the Menorquin brand. Both the Balearic Isles and Alicante offer naturally idyllic conditions for sailing, the pleasant Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures for most of the year and long summers, their attractive coastlines with a multitude of small coves with crystal waters make both these maritime environments sailing holiday paradises. Discovering these coasts in a Menorquin Yacht, a boat with great personality and in perfect symphony with the flavour of the Balearic Isles, will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Menorquin Charter is available, since its launch, at the ports of Mahón in Menorca and in the Marina de Denia in Alicante; and recently to meet the popular response of this service, Puerto Portals, in Mallorca has also been added. It is also possible to enjoy Menorquin Charter in Ibiza and Formentera by arrangement through the Marina de Denia branch, either setting sail from here it is possible to arrive at the islands after 4 hours gentle cruising or if preferred it is also possible to board the boat directly in Ibiza or Formentera. For those customers thinking of chartering a Menorquin Yacht for a forthcoming holiday, Menorquin is currently offering a special discount of 15% for bookings made before the 31st of March.


Outer Reef Fractional Scheme

Outer Reef Europe brings you a new and exciting opportunity to own one of the most exceptional long distance cruising yachts at a fraction of solos ownership. In partnership with the Global Super yacht Club, Outer Reef once again are at the forefront of bringing new concepts to enable you to fulfill your dream of owning a superlative yacht considered by many as the benchmark Raised Pilot House Trawler. This next Outer Reef 65 shortly to go into build will be highly specified and equipped with every convenience and specification for Mediterranean and beyond cruising. Everything from full air conditioning, generators, fully stabilized, Caterpillar Marine Power, electronic suites, Sat TV and communications, extensive crew quarters, an exhaustive list of equipment with optional, jet ski, tender RIB and water toys.


Nimbus Visit by Sweden Prime Minister

The visit to Nimbus Boats is one of many company site visits that Fredrik Reinfeldt is making throughout Sweden. The Prime Minister is on tour to see for himself the possibilities for jobs and business opportunities during the current economic downturn. At Nimbus they are for example, very dependant on that we are committed to increasing the numbers of skilled tradesmen in Sweden, by supporting the learning of trades in schools and not only concentrating on the academic subjects. It is exciting to see how we can bring together tradesman’s skills into modern automated manufacturing facilities, says Fredrik Reinfeldt. During the tour of Nimbus, the Prime Minister spoke to staff and the boat manufacturer’s Chairman Håkan Larsson got the opportunity to outline the company’s future plans and growth opportunities. I felt that it was very positive that Prime Minister, Fredrik Reinfeldt on his own iniative chose Nimbus at Mariestad when he made his site visit in the region, said Håkan Larsson. When asked if he himself had a boat, the Prime Minister answered that he does not have my own boat, but friends of mine do. So I am one of those that gets invited which I think is great.

Rio Yachts Gives Two Prizes

During the opening day of 40° NauticSud, Naples, Rio Yachts gave two special prizes to as many yachtsman. These prizes want to show a special thanks for the fidelity to the brand. The first, called “High Long Fidelity” was assigned to whom reach the finish of 5 Rio models. This year this prizes is given to Dr. Giovanni Nazzaro, gynecologist that dedicate to the sea every moment of free time with his RIO 35 FLY. He receive the prize from Dr. Luigi Scarani. The second one is called “Replay”. This the motivation: who know Rio don’t leave it, but increase twofold. But there is more: who have done experience Rio do the second purchase in name only, a fidelity proof that deserve a special prize, assign this year to Dr. Carmine Salzano, dentist, that has started his sea life six year ago with a dinghy and later he is passed to a RIO 35 CRUISER and then to a RIO 42 ART.


Riviera Boat Shows Success Continues

Riviera has reported a healthy start to the Boat Show season following recent boat shows around the world, including Melbourne International Boating and Lifestyle Show and the Miami, Mumbai, Dubai and Auckland International Boat Shows. At Miami, Riviera recorded sales across the line - large and small Flybridge models, Offshore Express and Sport Yachts. The following weekend saw Riviera’s new Dealership in India display at the Mumbai International Boat Show, gaining interest in a range of the company’s models, particularly the new 5800 Sport Yacht that will be launched in May as well as the 48 Offshore Express. Riviera’s first delivery to India was a 48 Offshore Express late last year. Riviera Dealers representing the company at the Dubai and Auckland Shows also reported sales and healthy enquiry. R Marine New Zealand’s Bruce McGill said Riviera displayed eight boats at the Auckland Show, the largest on the water. Tim said the shows are a valuable indicator for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May.

Riviera Aftermarket Service No Limits

Nearly a year on, Riviera’s Aftermarket Service Centre is proving a major benefit for many clients right around the world. From local Riviera owners wanting antifoul to significant development work, the Centre is bustling. The Centre recently completed a major development on a new Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge for a client in the Middle East. Valued at about AU$300,000, the work includes fitting a tuna tower, a hydraulic swim platform, a solid aft bulkhead to the flybridge including stainless steel awning window and door, similar to the Riviera 61 Enclosed Flybridge. Aftermarket also recently completed a refurbishment for local Riviera 51 owners Grahame and Biddy Stephenson. Aftermarket also fitted a tuna tower to a Riviera 43 Offshore Express for a local owner. Riviera’s stainless steel department began making the special towers about a year ago. One of the first was installed on Riviera’s own boat the 48 Offshore Express Fascination IV.

Riviera Shares Honors at Game Fish Tournament

The Lake Macquarie and Newcastle & Port Stephens Game Fish Clubs shared the honours at the 2009 Riviera New South Wales Interclub game fishing tournament. The Riviera NSW Interclub is the biggest game fish tournament in the southern hemisphere and one of the biggest in the world. This year the event attracted 180 boats and about 1,000 anglers from every game fishing club in New South Wales as well as a number of visiting boats. The event runs over two weekends at the end of February and early March. The Interclub is a teams tournament with clubs entering teams of five boats each. The anglers compete over two weekends for a range of trophies. There are no cash prizes at the Interclub. The Newcastle & Port Stephens club took the Champion Club Tag and Release while Lake Macquarie picked up the trophy for Champion Club Capture. Heading the teams for Newcastle & Port Stephens was Team 2 including Riviera 42 Diversion, Billistic, Born Free, Di-Da-Ke and Gunrunner. Garry said his team has now been part of the winning Interclub team five times, twice on board Diversion. The Interclub Shield for the Champion Club Team Capture went to Lake Macquarie’s Team 2 made up of Ba’ja, Boss Hogg, Kurri Tackle, Head Hunter and Offshore. Champion Boat Tag and Release went to Born Free from Newcastle & Port Stephens while the Champion Boat capture went to Offshore. Shane and Judy Jonathan on board their Riviera 42 Birds of Prey had a successful tournament without featuring in the results. Junior Kate Lamb completed a very successful tournament, tagging four marlin and taking the trophy for most tag-and-release points by an angler, most tag-and-release points by a junior/small fry and most tag-and-release points by a lady angler. Riviera was represented through the tournament by the company’s gleaming silver-hull 48 Offshore Express Fascination IV skipped by game fish legend Bob Jones. Registered among the visiting boats, angler Lorraine Golightly tagged and released two marlin through the tournament. The Riviera Trophy for a Riviera scoring the most tag-and-release points went to Riviera 42 Running Bear skippered by Duncan Manderson. A total of 149 marlin, 19 sharks and 151 other game fish were tagged and released throughout the tournament.


Sunreef Release Financial Results

The Polish marine success story, Sunreef Yachts, based in Gdansk begins its eleventh year of trading with positive historical results and expectations for continued strong growth as it builds on its reputatation as the global leader in luxury catamarans, both power and sail. Sunreef was established in 1998 as a charter company and then began producing yachts in 2000 in a Gdansk shipyard. The company delivered its first catamaran, the Sunreef 74 CHE, two years later in 2002 and since has seen sales and operating profit grow consistently along with its range of products and services. Sunreef’s in-house charter agency, Sunreef Yachts Charter www.sunreef-charter.com, now has more than 1000 yachts in its fleet as its own 2008 net sales rose through €1.8 million with a 30 per cent increase expected in 2009. In 2008 Sunreef launched two new yacht models, 70 Sunreef Power and Sunreef 70 Sailing. This year, it will launch its first superyacht Sunreef 102 Double Deck and At the same time, is designing new mega catamarans projects over 100 feet. Sunreef Yachts is actually comprised of three business units: building – Sunreef Yachts, chartering – Sunreef Yachts Charter and Yacht Management employing 450 worksmen and employees, the workforce keep constantly growing at this time. In addition to its production and headquarters activities in Poland, the company has worldwide brokers network in Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Qatar, USA and China to name but a few. From 2007 to 2008 Sunreef’s net income from production and services increased 40% from €19,6 million to €27,6 million with expectations for 2009 that this will continue to €33,6 million as annual deliveries pass 12 with 18 scheduled for 2009. Despite a challenging labour market in Poland, this accelerating production rate was achieved by optimising production techniques which for example reduced production time for Sunreef’s most popular model, the Sunreef 62, from 9 to 4 months. Sunreef is also increasing overall production capacity with the acquision of 16 hectares land in nearby Gdańsk Wiślinka for the construction of a new 24,000 square metre purpose-built manufacturing facilities with possible enlargement due for completion and occupancy in 2010. This facility will enable Sunreef to build yachts up to 50 meters in length. Management’s forecast for the coming years is likewise very promising, if slightly more modest taking into account the uncertain world financial situation. Sunreef’s financial plan for 2009 budgets for a 25per cent growth in sales on 2008. To provide its clients with a full range of support services, Sunreef has also established its after-sales service, refit and Brokerage Division which now has more than 800 yachts in its data base.

Sunreef Extremely in Patagonia

Sunreef's first power catamaran, the 70 Sunreef Power JAMBO has successfully crossed the strait of Magellan in Patagonia, Chile two weeks ago. The first stage of a round-the-world trip in family has come to an end in Puerto Mont, Chile where the Bourgnon family made final preparations and provisions for the second part of this incredible trip. Jambo is now heading Robinson Crusoe Island and Easter Island before reaching heavenly French Polynesia, where a longer stay is planned. After four months of traveling in different, sometimes extreme weather conditions, 70 Sunreef Power proves to be an ideal yacht for far-distance discovery voyage in both tropical and arctic climate.


Sunseeker Does Something Funny for Money

Ten Sunseeker employees went under the razor at 2.30pm today in the name of charity earlier today at the Poole-based boat builders. Comic Relief uses all the money raised through Red Nose Day to give extremely poor, vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the UK and Africa a helping hand to turn their lives around. For the first time since its launch in 1985 the charity has released three different Red Noses - each set to rally the nation to Do Something Funny for Money.

Sunseeker Onboard for Bike Ride

Super Yacht manufacturer Sunseeker International announced its support to the 21st Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride on Board its luxury 34-metre yacht in Poole Quay today. (Wednesday 11 March). Some of Sunseeker's 2008 top fund raisers were present on board for the presentation. Nearly £5,000 was raised by Sunseeker Staff last year, the 'Sunseekers 100 Milers' raised £1,500 and 'The Ladies in Lycra' rasied £480. The total raised amounted to £83,122 and this year a target of £100,000 has been set. The 2009 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 5th July. Cyclists are offered a choice of six circular routes of 15, 25, 40, 50, 60, and 100miles. The event starts in Broadstone and follows the Dorset lanes through picturesque countryside and Charborough Park on the 25 mile ride.


Vicem Makes Key Appointment

Turkish motorboat builder Vicem Yachts has appointed Bruce Livingston Jr as production director of the company's shipyard in Turkey. Livingston, whose career spans more than three decades, has many years' experience in shipyard operation and management worldwide. Highlights include time as a project manager for Coddington Yachts in Rhode Island, and 14 years as general manager and supervisor for Little Harbor Custom Yachts' facility in Taipei, Taiwan and its sister entities, Little Harbor Marine Enterprises and Ted Hood Yacht Builders. In this capacity, Livingston started up several contract building and factory operations for Little Harbor in Taiwan, Singapore and the US, and managed all factory operations, which employed more than 200 people and produced over 100 custom and semi-custom sailboats from 13m-23m (42ft-75ft). In1996, he joined Grand Banks Yachts as director and plant manager for the company's operations in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia, a position he held for close to a decade. During this time, he helped develop the Malaysia facility into the prime factory for the company, doubling production in his first three years. Livingston also designed and built new factory buildings at Grand Banks that increased capacity by 30 per cent and allowed the company to build larger, more complex boats. In addition, he set up a product development department to produce new models and helped establish a sub-contracting department to build all component parts for the other factories in the Grand Banks group.