Monthly News - January 2010

-pic of the month- Princess Fashion Show in London

Aicon Group New CFO

Luxury motorboat builder the Aicon Group in Sicily, Italy has named Antonio Sorrentino as its new CFO. Sorrentino has held management positions with various Italian companies, including the Fincom, Barbera and Ursino groups. Sorrentino is currently president and managing director of Sharing & Improving, a company specialising in start-ups and restructurings. To take up the position, Sorrentino has stepped down from the board of Aicon SpA, which he joined in March 2009 as independent director. Giulio Azzaretto has been co-opted as independent director. The Aicon Group builds motoryachts under the Aicon and Morgan brands. For the year ending August 31, 2009 the group registered revenues of €33.8m.


Cigarette Prepare for Battle

For 40 years, Cigarette, the icon for all go-fast boats has built its reputation on quality, performance and visual appeal. From boats to it’s sometimes risqué advertising, the allure of a Cigarette has been sex appeal and a commanding appearance. However, as the country's defense market grew supporting the Homeland Security, military and law enforcement segments, Cigarette prepared to serve its country. The company developed a "Military" version of its 39 Top Fish center console, providing a utilitarian, no-frills approach to changing a custom fishing boat into a sturdy, top-quality work boat. The cockpit was designed with an all-digital console including GPS and navigation. The arrangement of the dash wraps around the cluster of instruments for ideal visibility. Throttles and trim tabs are practically located for ease of operation; the custom hard-top and support mechanisms remain as in all Cigarette center console models. The custom seating is notable, utilizing Stidd Systems, a leading manufacturer of ergonomic marine seats. The model used was originally developed for the US Navy Seals' boats and was modified exclusively for Cigarette to provide the proper center of gravity for the passengers and boat. The shock-mitigating seats are uncoated aluminum, with high-tenacity polyester upholstery, covering a proprietary foam base, providing safety for long duration and open water transit. Cigarette's construction team also created a custom support for the seats to provide optimal comfort, strength and durability in rough seas. The boat is Mercury powered, as with all Cigarettes, and for its Top Fish, Cigarette prefers either triple or quadruple Verado 6-cylinder engines. The Military boat is equipped with triple 300's-providing smooth acceleration, reliability and fuel-efficient power.


Fairline Wins Motorboat of the Year Award

Fairline Boats has been awarded the prestigious accolade of the 'Motor Boat of the Year' Award 2010 in the 'Flybridges over 50ft' category for the new Fairline Squadron 65. Hosted at a gala dinner at The Langham, London in January, winners of the Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2010 were announced to an audience of marine industry VIPs and guests. The Motor Boat of the Year Awards are judged by a panel of boat testers from UK marine titles Motor Boats Monthly and Motor Boat and Yachting. The Award was accepted by Derek Carter, CEO, Fairline Boats and Adam Greenwood, Technical Director. The Fairline Squadron 65 is highly specified and offers owners sophisticated, spacious living areas to relax and entertain. The next model in the Squadron range, a 40-footer, will be launched in the summer.


Grand Banks Best of the Year

The Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU powered by Zeus pods and Cummins diesel engines was named "Best of the Year" by Motor Boating magazine for redefining the traditional trawler-style motor yacht with new style and innovation.


Maritimo Stalwarts Cast Off

Kendal Barry-Cotter has announced his retirement to staff at luxury boat builder Maritimo. Younger brother of Maritimo founder and CEO Bill Barry-Cotter, Kendal has worked with his brother since 1986 and played a vital role at the company in financial administration. According to Bill Barry-Cotter, Kendal's role was critical in keeping Maritimo profitable, particularly during the past two years. Kendal said he cherished the opportunity to work alongside Bill as Maritimo grew from lines on a piece of paper to an award-winning first model. Kendal had his own sail-making business in northern Sydney and successfully raced sail boats before joining Bill. Bill Barry-Cotter also announced the retirement of long-time media consultant Brian Harrower.


Mochi Awarded Motor Boat of the Year 2010

Mochi Crafts ground breaking hybrid propulsion explorer yacht continues to attract favorable critics from around the world. 2010 starts with a new goal for Mochi 23 Long Range rewarded this time at the Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2010 prestigious event organized by the respected British IPC media titles Motor Boats Monthly, and Motor Boat & Yachting. Reference points for enthusiasts who select the winners among the boats tested by them in the past 2009 year. At the evening ceremony held at the Langham in London, Alessandro Tirelli, Mochi’s brand manager received the prize in the category Custom Yacht, announcing great satisfaction for the prestigious award.


Mochi Shows Luxury Hybrid Yacht in Fort Lauderdale

Mochi will showcase the 23M Long Range the first luxury hybrid yacht to its U.S. customers. It is the only boat in the world to obtain the most rigorous certification standard that can be applied to a pleasure craft: RINA Green Star Clean Energy and Clean Propulsion certification. Ferretti Group US partner Allied Marine will be displaying the yacht at this season’s Trawler Fest, which will take place at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center on Friday, January 29-30th, 2010. Guests from the Trawler Fest as well as selected Allied Marine customers will gain access to this noteworthy new yacht for a special one of a kind sea trial experience with the key note speaker Mr. Andrea Frabetti from Ferretti Advanced Yacht Technologies who is behind its technological features, and makes this an environmentally friendly model. Guests will have a chance to experience the yacht in total silence as it cruises through Fort Lauderdale. The Mochi 23 Long Range was also featured on MSNBC and NBC recently.


Mustang Celebrates Launch

On Wednesday January 20, Gold Coast Australia, Carl and Debbie Kellett at Mustang Marine Queensland hosted the launch of the new 2850 Sports Cruiser in appropriate fashion. Over ninety Mustang owners and media joined Carl and Debbie in the revelry to get the first glimpse of the all new 2850 Sports Cruiser. The summer heat encouraged the consumption of the ice cold beverages at the cocktail party and excitement to see the 2850 was evident. The 2850 sat on the hard stand for viewing with Mustang Marine management and staff available for questions. Mustang designed and developed the 2850 as an entry level to boating. It is for anyone considering getting into boating or for those many loyal Mustang owners. Being under 8 meters in length the 2850 offers a cruiser with the ability to get where you are going quickly especially if you are faced with 8 meter speed restrictions, so you can have an enjoyable day or weekend out on the water. The 2850 will continue travelling around the Country and internationally over the next couple of weeks with the next stop being New South Wales for the Mustang Marine Australia Day festivities on Botany Bay.


Ocean Alexander Exclusive Selection by Shanghai Expo Committee

Ocean Alexander yachts, has been exclusively selected by the Shanghai Expo Committee to deliver two boats for VIP transportation and sight seeing uses. For this prestigious event, Ocean Alexander provided a use of a 74 feet Motor Yacht, a highly popular model in the United States as well as the 52 Sedan. The selection process included over twenty international luxury yacht brands and final selection came down to build quality, international reputation and engineering excellence. Given that over sixty heads of state and over 200 global business, sport and entertainment titans have all indicated their plan to visit Shanghai Expo, Ocean Alexander was uniquely qualified to provide a luxurious platform that best suited the needs for exploring Shanghai by sea.


Outerlimits Powerboat P1 Awards in Miami

Outerlimits Offshore Powerboats will be presented with hull honors during the Miami Boat Show on 12th February, for the Evolution Class Championship won by Italian race team 88 SNAV OSG. Giancarlo Cangiano, Hannes Bohinc and Giovanni Carpitella raced the SV 43-foot Outerlimits, powered by twin Mercury Racing 750 HP engines, earning a total of 877 series points in what was a season long battle that came down to the final race for the title. This is the first Powerboat P1 World Championship title for Outerlimits.


Pershing Yachting Cup Cortina

Everything is in place for sea lovers’ most eagerly-awaited winter appointment. The 2010 Ski Yachting Team Cup, the combined sailing-skiing challenge organised by Yacht Club Cortina d'Ampezzo, will be held from 29th to 31st January. This year, changes have been made to the organisation of the event. The trophy will lead to nomination of the team which best demonstrates its skill both on the snow, between the gates of a huge slalom, and in the water, amongst the buoys of a regatta course. Sponsor par excellence for the second year running will be Stardom, exclusive distributor of the Pershing brand for Italy, which has renewed its commitment to support an event which awards the most authentic of sporting values. The reliability trial will be the highlight of the event on Saturday, 30th January, during which each team will aim to repeat the times of each of the two rounds held on the same routes. The two best times will be noted down. Consequently, this is not a true race of speed, but rather a testing bench, where technical skill and strategy are the decisive elements for drawing up the rating of the skiing stage. The second part of the event, on the other hand, will take place this summer, on occasion of the main stages of the Melges 20, Melges 24 and Melges 32 regatta circuits, the most widespread, competitive sailing classes. An original, and indeed unique idea, the aim of which is to strengthen the close ties uniting the worlds of skiing and sailing, which have the same essential values: speed, a competitive spirit and a passion for new challenges. Lastly, when the alpine stage of the event comes to a close, an exclusive party will be held at the Cristallo Palace Hotel, seat of the YCCA clubhouse and an important reference point for all Stardom clients, present all year round with its own area. This will be the opportunity to award those members of the Yacht Club who distinguished themselves during the year, and present the Pershing Trophy to the top positions in the three ratings. Team work, an extraordinary performance and passion make Pershing and Stardom ideal partners, placing the very best of technology, total reliability and constant innovation at the service of sport.


Prestige Elected Powerboat of the Year

During the Düsseldorf Boat Show 2010 the first model from Prestige in its new large yachts segment the 60 was elected European Powerboat of the Year. Launched in the fall of 2009 and presented first during the Cannes Boat Show, the Prestige 60 has been a huge admiration in the seventeen meter motor yacht segment, thanks to its IPS propulsion, large three cabins, and innovative comfort solutions.


Princess Receive Boat of the Year Award

Princess Yachts International enjoyed another successful evening at the annual Motor Boat of the Year Awards where, the already highly acclaimed Princess V62 picked up the coveted title of ‘Boat of the Year’ for the Sports Cruiser category. The Princess V62 was said to be the ‘unanimous choice’ of the judges and, while her spacious accommodation, remarkably quiet operation, blistering performance and agile handling all received special mention. Her achievement was neatly summed up as the V62 is as close to Sports Cruiser heaven as you can expect. This is the second year running that Princess have collected the award in the Sports Cruisers category emphasizing the Company’s strength in the performance motor yacht sector and Managing Director Chris Gates was delighted with the accolade. The Princess V62 is just one of 12 Princess craft on display at the London International Boat Show including the brand new Princess 72 Motor Yacht who received her world premier at the show.

Princess Evening of Sophistication

Bringing together some of the world’s most luxurious labels, Princess Yachts International is collaborating with Italian fashion house Fendi and De Beers Diamond Jewellers, its associate luxury brands from within the LVMH family. In celebration of the worldwide première of the new Princess 72 Motor Yacht at the London International Boat Show, the three luxury brands blend timeless, elegant design and exquisite craftsmanship in an evening of sophistication and glamour. As part of the glamorous partnership VIP guests were treated to a taste of sophistication onboard Princess’ flagship luxury sports and prestigious motor yachts. Guests viewed exclusive pieces from the new Fendi spring summer 2010 ready-to-wear collections, alongside soft furnishings from the Fendi Casa stylish interiors range. An incredible display of De Beers Diamond Jewellery, featuring a 22.22 carat D Colour, Internally Flawless pear shaped diamond and collections such as Lea and Dragonfly showcased De Beers unrivalled expertise and impeccable craftsmanship. The partnership between the three prestigious brands recognises the increasing desire for fashion and design in luxury yachts. Princess, Fendi and De Beers each has global appeal and a reputation for excellence in design. From the technical artistry and hand-crafting that goes into the Fendi collections; to the De Beers expertise in diamond selection, setting and jewellery craftsmanship, to the blending of cutting-edge technology and design with traditional British craftsmanship in every Princess; each offers enduring style and luxury designed to be enjoyed.


Riviera Creditors Meeting

At a meeting held today in Brisbane the creditors of Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, voted in favour of a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) that will see all current and former employees receive their full entitlements and a dividend paid to unsecured creditors. During the receivership the operations of Riviera have been restructured to achieve greater efficiency and continued production of high quality Riviera vessels. The DOCA is a further step in restructuring Riviera and enabling it to trade in its own right, outside of formal administration processes. In effect, completion of the terms of the DOCA will bring to an end the official appointment of Voluntary Administrators to Riviera. This will allow the receivers and Riviera management to continue to improve and grow the Riviera business. This significant agreement was reached with overwhelming support from creditors for the DOCA covering five trading entities within the Riviera Group of companies. The DOCA covers the current Riviera trading entities; Riviera Marine (INT.) Pty Limited, R Marine Pittwater Pty Limited, Riviera Runaway Bay Pty Limited, Riviera Coomera Pty Limited and Riviera Marine (MFG) Pty Limited. The eight remaining, non trading entities of the Riviera Group are no longer required given the corporate rationalisation and restructuring of the group and so are not included in the DOCA. Under the terms of the DOCA, former employees of the Riviera DOCA companies will receive all of their unpaid wages, superannuation, annual leave and any relevant redundancy payment. Current Riviera employee’s entitlements will continue to accrue and be available to those employees in the ordinary course of business. Creditors will also benefit from the terms of the DOCA with a dividend being paid to unsecured creditors. Under the terms of the DOCA, former employees entitlements will be paid by the Receivers and Managers by April 30, 2010 and funds will be paid to the Administrators by 30 June 2010 to enable a dividend to be paid to unsecured creditors. This will result in the Riviera DOCA companies coming out of administration.

Riviera Reward Employee Excellence

Leading by example and taking a proactive and positive attitude has earned Cassandra Meyers and Bruno Kishtoo Riviera’s esteemed award of the Star Performer and WHS&E Star Performer of the Year award for 2009. The awards have been running for more than 10 years and recognise outstanding employment contribution each quarter as nominated by each department head with the overall winners announced at the end of the year. Executive Assistant Cassandra Meyers was awarded the Star Performer award for the 3rd quarter for her dedication to organising various events on Riviera’s domestic calendar, including national and international boat shows. Team leader Bruno Kishtoo was awarded the Workplace, Health, Safety and Environment Star Performer award for the 4th quarter for his leadership qualities and attention to detail when it comes to safety issues. Both Cassandra and Bruno outshone Riviera’s 300 staff when they were named overall Star Performer and WHS and E Star Performer of the year at a special lunch held this month at Riviera’s Coomera facility. Riviera’s WHS and E manager Cherriee Ludemann said it was Cassandra and Bruno’s ‘can do’ attitude that earned them the prestigious award. Both will have the chance to experience the excitement at one of the annual boat shows with Cassandra travelling to the Auckland International Boat show in March and Bruno heading off to the Melbourne Summer Show in February. Cassandra said the win took her by surprise but it was great to be recognised. Bruno said the competition was tough and he was overwhelmed when his name was announced as the overall winner. Bruno will go to the Melbourne Summer Boat Show in February as reward for his hard work and commitment to health and safety. The nominations for Star Performer for 2009 were: Patsy Johnson, Erin Cook, Sue Kelly, Cassandra Meyers and Kris Hanney. The nominations for Workplace Health and Safety and Environment Star Performer for 2009 were: Jesse Paler, Brad Weigel, Sean Drysdale, and Bruno Kishtoo.


Sessa Kicks Off Year with Success

Sessa kicks off the New Year with a huge success. Their C38 wins the award for best sport cruiser, in the less than 45 foot category. After the C68 victory at the Festival de la Plaisance di Cannes 2009, Sessa Marine reaffirms their position as one of the most active and award winning boat builders in the world. In the past few years, Sessa has created a number of unique and dynamic sport cruisers that combine style with quality to offer the best value for money in their price range. Riccardo Radice, co-owner of Sessa Marine said that to win such an award in London, and to have three boats from the range all nominated, is both immensely satisfying and motivating for the shipyard, it’s dealers and specially for the project team, led by Christian Grande and Massimo Radice. Sessa also won this category in England two years ago with the C46.


Sunseeker Recognized as Product of Civilization

Sunseeker International, the world's largest privately owned yacht builder, has been credited within a recent article in The Times newspaper as the manufacturer of a product 'of importance in civilization'. The article by Stephen Bayley, titled 'Britain should be a workshop, not a casino' and published on 11th January, suggested that since 1980 just three British companies, one of which is Sunseeker, could be considered suitable for such an accolade. He endorses the entrepreneurial spirit of the UK manufacturing industry and recognises the process of "making real products" is "far superior" to business, which sets out to maximise financial return without designing or building anything. Sunseeker International is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of Friars Cliff Marine Limited, the company from which Sunseeker International was developed from a dinghy and outboard sales company, to one of the world's leading luxury motoryacht brands. In a difficult market Sunseeker has maintained its status as the UK's largest production boat builder and last year reported a turnover of £310 million.

Sunseeker Hosts Swing at London Boat Show

During the late-night open evening at the London International Boat Show on Thursday 14th January at Excel, Sunseeker International, the world's largest privately owned yacht builder, hosted a special program of entertainment on its stand (S040), including performances from musical ensemble, the Rat Pack, and performance troupe, the Hollywood Hoppers. The Rat Pack is a nine-piece band with vocals who will play a wide selection of music including swing, jive, Latin and retro pop tracks. Dancing with the Rat Pack was the Hollywood Hoppers, an authentic Lindy Hop performance troupe. The Hoppers are an enthusiastic group of professional and semi-professional dancers who specialize in re-creating the dances from the roaring '20s, through the swinging '30s and '40s, to the rock & roll 1950s. They are choreographed by UK Champions, Robert and Claire Austin, who base their routines on moves from original footage to create a dynamic and exciting show. Joining them was the Adagio Statues, two 'marble' statuesque figures set on a classical white podium who very slowly come to life through a mesmerizing fusion of strength, grace and fluid movement.


Uniesse Targets North American Market

Uniesse Yachts has chosen a new importer and distributor in North America in preparation for the launch of the Uniesse 101 Motoryacht its largest model to date. Uniesse Americas Inc will serve as the company's sole importer and distributor from its base in Miami Beach Marina, Florida. The office is located in the heart of South Beach, not far from the Miami boat show and international airport. All warranty service for Uniesse yachts in North America and the Caribbean will now be managed by Uniesse Americas.