December 31, 2009

Monthly News - December 2009

-pic of the month- Mustang Festive Season

Cigarette Increases Workforce

Cigarette sees smoother seas ahead for 2010. Based on its loyal customer base, both domestically and internationally, the company has held its course despite the weakened economy and its effect on the marine industry. The company is also preparing for a sizable display at the Miami International Boat Show, February 11-15, 2010, nearly doubling its size from 2008. Cigarette has orders beyond its boat show demands and has added 19 staff members. The 150,000+ factory is working in "high gear" says President and CEO, Skip Braver. Some of the boat construction workers were brought back after last year's lay-offs and some are new hires. Braver also noted that The Miami Boat Show will provide a key opportunity for the company due to the attendance of many international dealers and customers. Cigarette builds customized deep-V recreational powerboats from 38-50' and has led the market in establishing its image as a luxury brand in the marine segment. The company celebrates its 40th anniversary with a salute to its history as well as its future, based on quality, performance and technology.

Cigarette Meets Deadliest Catch

GEICO Race Team and special guest, Jonathan Hillstrand, of the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch” set off on a mission to set a base speed record from Miami to Palm Beach. As the Cigarette 38 Top Gun Caveman acted as the pace boat from the channel at Grove Harbour Marina in Coconut Grove en route to the Loggerhead Marina in Jupiter, Florida some 78 miles away. It was sunshine and blue skies. The earliesr squalls and rain that blow through Miami had cleared, and while the wind seemed to be picking up, the crew was ready for a safe fun run with team owner John Haggin and Hillstrand riding with driver and throttle man Mar Grenet and Scott Bavovich at the controls of the Miss Geico Race boat. The goal was not to set any speed record, but rather to set a benchmark to break new ones. It was also the opportunity for Hillstrand to experience the ride at 100 plus mph in a state of the art turbine powered catamaran an unusual and exciting experience for a man who generally fishes for Alaskan king crab in the Bering Seal. The Discovery Channel was on hand to catch Hillstrand in his new role.

Cigarette New Racing Store

The Cigarette Racing Team’s official online store allows US owners and enthusiasts the ability to purchase Cigarette Racing Team apparel and accessories online. At this time, a subset of our most popular items is available for purchase online. Additional items will be offered on a monthly basis and our full catalog and international orders can be fulfilled.


Donzi Sales Increase

US boatbuilder Donzi Marine claims to have seen an increase in retail powerboat sales in recent months. According to company officials, stronger-than-expected traffic at this year's Ft Lauderdale boat show resulted in a number of retail signings during the October event and in the weeks that followed. Sales have been fairly evenly split between new builds and retail deliveries of dealer field inventory and factory stock. Based in Sarasota, Florida, Donzi builds sportsboats, high performance boats and performance centre consoles from 5m-13m (16ft-43ft). Sales have increased in all categories, says Barrie, although the bulk of retail activity has focused on boats above 11m (35ft) in length.

Donzi Refit Team 26

In advance of the 2010 Powerboat P1 World Championship season, Team 26 Racing is returning to Florida to debug some gremlins discovered after its Donzi's impressive but ill-fated U.S. racing debut at Key West in November. Driver and team principal, Daniel Cramphorn and throttleman Kim Collins have planned an extended round of high-speed testing from late December through mid-January at the Sarasota, Florida home of Donzi Marine, where their boat was taken following the 29th Annual Key West World Championship. The British boys started strong in Key West with a first place finish in their first time out, but failed to finish in the subsequent two rounds of racing. Team 26 Racing competed at higher speeds in Key West than during the Powerboat P1 season. The team has high praise for Donzi sales vice president Craig Barrie.


Ferretti Group Helps Schools for Africa Project

Ferretti Group and its nine brands has decided to support the ambitious "Schools for Africa" project by donating to Unicef the amount which is usually reserved for the company's Christmas cards and gifts. This extraordinary fund-raising campaign was launched in 2005 in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, with the aim of giving African children the chance to receive a basic education and to help relieve their poverty. Since 2005, 683 schools have been built, 83,903 teachers trained and 3.6 million children have benefited from the results of this campaign. Ferretti Group believes wholeheartedly in this project and in the importance of supporting future generations to help them achieve their dreams.


Fairline Collection EShop Goes Live

The new 'Fairline Collecton' eShop has been launched and features a contemporary new design with easier navigation for a seamless shopping experience. The online shop includes a stunning selection of Fairline branded clothing and accessories, specially selected to appeal to Fairline customers and aspirational Fairline motor yacht owners. The latest 'Fairline Collecton' offers an online boutique of only the finest products, such as the popular Quba jackets which have been custom-made for Fairline and will equally look as good on land as at the helm of a Fairline. Visitors to the eShop will also be able to get their hands on the newly introduced Fairline branded Dubarry cap. The 'Fairline Collection' team took its influence from the fine attention-to-detail of each and every Fairline motor yacht design to offer an ergonomic eShopping experience. It is now even easier to navigate and select a purchase than before, with larger product images and clearer drop-down menus across each of the clothing and fashion, accessories, on-board items, and outdoor activities' categories. The new homepage will be regularly updated with all the latest arrivals and special offers, so visitors can easily view the newest must-have items each time they visit. Products in the 'Fairline Collection' eShop can be ordered and delivered to anywhere in the world. The eShop now also includes a Royal Mail Recorded Mail option to reduce courier charges for smaller orders to UK postal addresses.


Formula Factory Showroom

Formula Boats announces the Grand Opening of the Formula Factory Showroom at its corporate headquarters in Decatur, Indiana. Fomrula also introduced good discounts to make the dream of owning a Formula a reality. The showroom is a nice way to preview each Formula model with a closer look.

Formula Factory Care

For a limited time, Formula is offering Factory Care, professional repair and restoration services performed at Formula's worldwide headquarters in Decatur, Indiana, executed by the factory craftsmen who build the powerboats. Formula Factory Care is accepting select jobs requiring the expertise of the original boat builder, using the same quality materials and components and utilizing the same precision methods, exacting standards and fit and finish demanded in original production boats.

Formula Earns NMMA Customer Satisfaction Award

Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2009 Customer Satisfaction Index program earning two awards - the Sterndrive Cuddy/Express award and the Sterndrive Bowrider award! The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.


Meridian Recalls Workers

Meridian Yachts said it has recalled workers to its facility Palm Coast, Florida as the builder prepares to ramp up production. About 40 per cent of the work force in Palm Coast had been laid over the last 12 months as demand declined. But the company said in a statement that the majority of workers have been offered positions at the plant. There are also plans to hire additional new employees in the coming months. Meridian moved its production from Arlington, Washington, to Palm Coast last year as part of its consolidation of boat models and brands. Palm Coast now has 265 workers building Meridian Yachts from 40 to 47 feet, and Sea Ray Sport Yachts from 39 to 50 feet


Mustang Kicks Off Festive Season

Mustang Marine Queensland kicked off the festive season last weekend at The B.O.A.T Club on South Stradbroke Island with its annual Owners Christmas Event. Over thirty Mustang owners arrived mid morning and indulged in a delicious seafood buffet Lunch. The Moet flowed and entertainment from local act Danny Fai Fai impressed. Owners were spoilt with gifts from the Mustang Merchandise range and the kids were amused with games and competitions. The Mustang range lined the shores at The B.O.A.T Club with the new 480 Sports Euro being a favourite on the water. Chris Heaton, CEO of Mustang Marine, addressed the attendee’s, expressing excitement regarding the launch of the new 2850 Sports Cruiser this month, the new 550 Sports Euro, 500 Sports Coupe and the M56 Sports Flybridge all being released in 2010. The Mustang families in attendance spent the afternoon relaxing, dancing and laughing. The festivities continued into the afternoon and a delightful day was had by all. The Christmas celebrations for Mustang will continue around the Country and internationally over the next couple of weeks.

Mustang to Enter Super Yacht Market

Having seized the opportunity to buy the 23.5m (77ft) and 26.5m (87ft) moulds from Warren Yachts earlier this year, Mustang is now developing its plans to serve this new sector of the international yachting market. The Australian motor yacht manufacturer has gradually been working up the size range and the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in 2010 will see the start of its graduation into the superyacht level. Mustang acquired the moulds because a key part of its design development is to bring European styling to its models. This has already happened with its new 550 Sports Euro and 550 Sports Coupe. These near 18.3m (60ft) yachts are already selling but will debut at Sanctuary Cove in 2010. The company's plans for larger craft using the Warren moulds will also start to emerge at the show. They will be launched in concept and then developed further. Mustang will only build yachts to these designs to order.

Mustang Appoints New Dealer Principal

Australian Luxury Boat builder, Mustang Marine, has appointed Carl Kellett as the new Dealer Principal at Mustang Marine Queensland located at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. Mustang Marine Queensland is moving in an exciting new direction with appointing Carl and an entirely new team at the dealership. Carl’s wife, Debbie Kellett, will be overseeing the administration, and a new sales team will be put in place over the coming weeks. Establishing new facilities within Runaway Bay Marina is also in Progress. Carl possesses 30 years Marine Industry experience and will bring a wealth of Erudition, and familiarity to his new role. Carl’s career began in 1975 as an Automotive Marine Technician and continued to develop over the years reaching new heights in 1997 when Carl moved from New Zealand to Australia after being appointed as Managing Director for Genesis Marine. After his ten year tenure with Genesis Marine Carl moved up field to Maritimo offshore before taking the role of General Manager for Horizon – Boats International. In a recent interview, Carl said his main priorities are to restructure Mustang Marine Queensland and orchestrate the re-birthing in time for the release of the new Mustang Model Range prior to the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show 2010. Mustang Marine has over the course of the last 22 months been re-establishing its Australian, and New Zealand dealer network which has seen it take on the role as the dealer in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Auckland. Western Australia is still operated by Freedom Marine. This has been a process that has taken time, but has been educational. This new appointment is the latest for Mustang and comes on the eve of the highly anticipated launch of the new 2850 Sports Cruiser.


Nord West Gets Nomination and is Selected as Role Company Model

Nord West are also very proud to announce that there Nord West 370 Sports Top has received a nomination in the important and highly relevant “European Powerboat of the Year 2010” in the powerboat up to 40 feet category. The winning boat will be announced at the Düsseldorf Boat show in January. Like other countries Sweden has been affected by much tougher market conditions around the world as from 2008, but Nord West looks ahead with caution and faith for a better financial 2010. Dagens Industry, a leading financial magazine, has carried out a survey to find inspiring role models and has chosen Nord West as one of the quickest growing companies since the year 2000 awarding it with the The Swedish Gasells 2009.


Nor-Tech Chooses Shogren Performance Marine

In a move designed to meet customer needs, expand the customer base, open new markets and respond positively to market conditions, Shogren Performance Marine announces the addition of Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats. The Waukegan, Illinois-based dealership is also introducing a "fresh look," with a new logo that reflects its broader product offerings. Shogren now offer three brands of vee-bottom boats as well as the full line of Nor-Tech performance catamarans and the Super 80 Performance Sport Yacht. Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats, based in North Fort Myers, FL, is well established along the Eastern seaboard, primarily selling factory-direct and through a limited dealer base, including a dealer in Canada. Shogren describes Nor-Tech's boats as big for their size, and roomier and more comfortable than comparably-sized vessels. Shogren Performance Marine is a premier, niche high-performance boat destination that offers Mercury-certified service technicians; a climate-controlled 55,000 square foot, indoor sales environment and a reputation for the highest integrity in offshore boating sales and service.


Numarine Forms New Company

Turkish motoryacht producer Numarine has announced the formation of Boranova, a new company that now owns the exclusive sales rights for Numarine in Turkey. Boranova was founded earlier this year by Numarine employees Sinan Yolageldili, Hakan Oral and Gamze Kemahli. Numarine is one of Turkey's largest producers of performance motoryachts, with the capacity to build around 50 yachts from 55ft-102ft (17m-31m) each year. The company is now preparing to produce its largest ever model — a 40m (150ft) flagship motoryacht with 8.5m (28ft) beam.


Ocean Alexander and Christensen Ink Contract

Alexander Marine, the manufacturer of Ocean Alexander yachts is excited to announce contractual arrangements have been signed with Christensen Yachts for the construction of Ocean Alexander’s new 120’ Motoryacht designed by Evan K. Marshall. The final stages of engineering are nearly completed by Christensen Yachts. Construction will begin in early 2010 with an estimated completion in the later part of 2011. The first in a series of triple deck Motoryachts sized at 120, 130, 150 and built to MCA class. The very unique alliance formed between Ocean Alexander and Christensen matched with designs by Evan K. Marshall has resulted in what will be a truly extraordinary motoryacht with features normally found on far larger vessels.


Peri in Yard Expansion

Peri Yachts is expanding its Antalya-based shipyard in Turkey with the addition of another 7,000m2 of building space, bringing the total size of its facility to 12,200m2. The new facilities will be used for the construction of two Peri 37s, which are now underway. The investment follows the recent opening a new office in Antibes, France earlier this year, which is now offering brokerage charter, yacht management and sales service in the Cote d'Azur.


Riviera Powers into 2010

Riviera is powering into 2010 with strong sales, realistic inventory levels and is actively engaged in multiple new product development projects for release in the coming year. Riviera CEO John Anderson said the company had over achieved its 2009 projections and now had a clear indication that for Riviera, 2010 will be a stronger year for new boat sales than 2009. As 2009 draws to a close Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, is pleased to report that for the period May to December 21, more than AUD$64 million in retail sales have been achieved along with the launching of several new and exciting models. Riviera’s continued investment in new model development and current model innovation has generated significant 2009 sales at the Australian boat shows with the launch of the new 5000 Sport Yacht with Zeus and 5800 Sport Yacht with IPS and the new 51 Enclosed Flybridge with IPS. Riviera CEO John Anderson said the company to date had completed and delivered a significant number of 5000 Sport Yachts, 5800 Sport Yachts and 51 Enclosed Flybridges in this region. Riviera’s successful displays at national and international boat shows such as Sanctuary Cove and Sydney in Australia; Genoa, Italy; Fort Lauderdale, USA; and Xiamen, Hong Kong has paved the way for a prosperous New Year with Riviera’s new model development and enhancement program continuing in 2010. Riviera remains proactive and diligent in their preparation for the return of confidence in the boating market. In February, Riviera will launch into the boat show season with the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival in Victoria, Australia, and the Miami International Boat Show in Florida, USA.

Riviera Takes Celebrity Fishing

Icy conditions with 120 foot waves, Andy Hillstrand's crew, in freezing knee deep water, are working against the clock as they smash ice with sledgehammers while the water rises on the bow of the boat. It is these terrifying conditions that make Andy's job one of the most dangerous in the world and why the Discovery Channel's Emmy winning documentary, Deadliest Catch, is a hit. On a recent trip to Australia, Riviera Experience caught up with Andy by phone from his hotel room in Sydney where he speaks candidly about his chosen profession. Andy and his brothers, John and Neal, have had some of the most dangerous adventures fishing for the sought after Opilio Snow Crab, aboard their boat Time Bandit, which they built with their father in 1991. Andy has been crab fishing for 29 years but his best catch was the year he caught 1.7 million pounds of Opilio Snow Crab in two months, earning him US$200,000 and US$74,000 for each of his five crew members. Despite the danger, Andy, 45, doesn't plan to retire any time soon, as he recalls a near miss. Andy and his brothers usually spend about two months at sea during crab season which runs from October to December and between January and March they fish for the Opilio Snow Crab. While it is hard being away from his wife and two daughters, Andy says it is a small price to pay when he returns home for seven months. In his spare time Andy enjoys working with horses, which is how he got his nickname, Cowboy. Andy recently moved to Arizona after spending 39 years in Alaska. He lives on 20 acres and has five horses. Andy has been touring Australia promoting Alaskan seafood and the Deadliest Catch. During his tour, Andy visited Brisbane and Hamilton Island where he spent the day fishing on Riviera owner Peter Teakle's Riviera 56. Speaking from Hamilton Island, Peter Teakle described the postcard perfect day he took Andy out to catch a few Australian fish. Mr Teakle said the Deadliest Catch was a fascinating show and it was great to meet Andy in person.

Riviera Craig Cap Adds another Feather to his Cap

It was a proud and well-deserved moment for Craig Folker who was named national runner up in this year’s Australian Training Awards, which were held in Canberra this month. The 21-year-old completed his electrical apprenticeship at Riviera in June this year and has continued to exceed expectations. The quiet achiever took out the regional finals on the Gold Coast in July before going to contest the state finals held in Brisbane in September. Riviera CEO John Anderson said Craig deserved a pat on the back for his continued success. Craig won $2,500 cash and said it was a very humbling experience. Craig said he enjoyed the tours and activities including a professional development workshop, a tour through Parliament House and the War Memorial. Education Ministers from every state and territory, including Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard, attended the awards ceremony held on November 19. Craig’s next challenge is the Construction Skills Queensland awards night held on Friday, November 27 and he hopes to join the Volunteer Marine Rescue organisation.


Sunreef Power Jambo in Polynesia

After more than a year of cruising around the world aboard the 70 Sunreef Power JAMBO, Laurent Bourgnon, famous french skipper, and his family have settled down in Raiatea, French Polynesia. Next stop is fixed for New Zealand. The Sunreef 70 Power Jambo passage from Patagonia to French Polynesia had calls in Robinson Crusoe Island, Easter Island, The Gambiers, Tuamotu, Moorea, Thaiti and Raiatea.


Sunseeker Makes Huge Steps with Zeus

With the exciting announcement of Project Zeus in 2009, Sunseeker International Shipbuilding Division has taken a significant step across the 150ft (46 metre) threshold. The company, never shy of committing to investment in product development, is set to swiftly follow this with further models. The first 46-metre Zeus 150, launching in 2011, will be followed by the 50-metre Zeus 164 in 2012, with designs for even larger models planned for the future. Key to the new Zeus range is not just size but scope. The yachts, though series-built, will be highly individual, the only fixed aspects being the proven capability of the base hull construction, engineering platform, systems and structural bulkheads. Beyond that, specification is virtually at the owners' discretion from superstructure styling, number of decks and cabin configurations - right down to the personal choice of interiors and colour schemes, making a client's personal taste the priority. With large-yacht owners increasingly looking for reduced fuel and maintenance costs, the Zeus range introduces a new modified form of displacement hull design, optimising displacement speeds around 11-14 knots, yet still delivering optimised top-end 28-knot performance. This has been supported by a major investment in new material technologies and construction techniques. Already tried and tested, the performance characteristics of the Zeus designs will be much better than those of conventional one-off displacement hulls. The Zeus range has been developed to provide clients with a real choice - a choice based on a proven track record with the assurance of reliability and performance at all times.

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