Monthly News - February 2010

-pic of the month- Viking Captures President Cup

Aicon New Partnership in Lebanon

Aicon S.p.A., the Group from Messina which operates in the design, construction and sale of pleasure craft and luxury motor yachts, has finalized a new dealership agreement for the commercialization of Aicon branded motoryachts and megayachts with Sailing Plus in the Middle East area and, precisely, in Lebanon. The agreement signed with one of the most important companies in the Middle East nautical field, is part of the plan of geographical expansion of the distribution network in order to extend the business boundaries in an international perspective. Established in 2001, Sailing Plus is one of the pioneers in the Lebanese marine industry, becoming one of the major players in the yachting sector in Lebanon and the Gulf, thanks to experience gained during the years and constant efficiency in the productivity, driven by dedication and passion to the yachting world. The company offers a various range of services, as new yachts sale, marine engineering, yachts charter, used yacht sale and yachting management. Sailing Plus is based in front of La Marina JK, just 15 minutes north of Beirut. It can count on a 500 square meters office, on a 2000 square meters of land used as permanent boat show and on a warehouse. It also has a widespread presence in the whole territory of Lebanon thanks to bases in the best Marinas of the country.


Azimut Confirms Appeal to US Customers

Azimut Yachts and the United States, a marriage based on success. Figures from the start of 2010 are exceedingly positive and even point to significant acceleration compared to previous years. The Azimut Yachts stand, with its ten models on show, attracted a large, enthusiastic public at the Miami Boat Show. A good many contracts were signed and a large number of deals are currently underway with American boat owners who have shown themselves to be particularly interested in the top-of-the-range models, with sales in the 70 feet line and up to the admiral of the fly bridge line, the 116.


Cigarette Supercar Experience

Hot off a successful Miami International Boat Show, where it unveiled its newest AMG-Inspired 46' Cigarette, custom- built to debut Mercury Racing's revolutionary high-horsepower 1350 Quad Cam, 4-valve twin engines, Cigarette Racing Team is hitting the road literally. The company, along with its inspiration, the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG, will be on display at the SuperCar Experience in Palm Beach, Florida, February 26 to 28. The show is the first of three enthusiast events to be staged this year, including New Orleans and The Hamptons; it incorporates a night on the track at Palm Beach International Raceway and a waterfront display on Flagler Drive where the AMG- Inspired Cigarette and Mercedes Benz SLS AMG will be on display on Saturday. An equestrian event and an evening of dinners and parties at prestigious Palm Beach locations will close the weekend. In attendance will be supercar owners, race car drivers and auto aficionados, all converging to share their penchant for horsepower. The Cigarette AMG Legendary Creations story was reported by hundreds of online, print and broadcast news services, at the show and in the following week. The brand melding was the first for both companies and demonstrated the successful cross-promotion of their audiences. Cigarette's display at the Miami International Boat show featured both the new powerboat and Gullwing-designed Mercedes Benz SLS AMG which had not been seen previously in the southeast. The boat and car shared a rich silver highly metallic alubeam paint scheme wrapped around crisp porcelain black and white upholstery. Carbon fiber accents add strength as well as design detail and the whole booth, featuring a floor-to-ceiling historic photo collage backdrop and complementary furniture and lighting designs won Cigarette the Best Boat Display in the show-for a second time. While the new AMG-Inspired boat drew much attention and loyal customers vied for the first of the new model and engines to be released in the fall, Cigarette enjoyed boat sales of its popular 39 Top Gun Unlimited, Top Fish center console and other powerboats ranging from 38-50 feet. The SuperCar Experience runs February 26 - 28 and Cigarette Racing Team and Mercedes AMG will travel to more events over the course of the coming months.


Jarrett Bay New Dealer

Jarrett Bay Boatworks extends is custom and semi-production sportfish sales force, as well as our Beaufort, North Carolina full-service facility network throughout South Florida and the Caribbean with our recently formed Yachting Experts owner-partners Frank and Betty De Varona have a combined 25 years of boating experience and an impressive list of Top Producer awards, A-list product & service affiliations, and a vast & loyal base of customers they bring to the table. Jarrett Bay Boatworks President Randy Ramsey stated, he is thrilled to have the Yachting Experts duo of Frank and Betty De Varona representing Jarrett Bay in the markets they know best. We have always had a strong interest in our products and services from the South Florida and Latin American communities, and now with the De Varona’s dedication to and established reputation in this territory, we expect to see growth in both our new construction and service divisions. Wealthy foreign nationals continue to flock to South Florida in numbers so significant that Scotiabank opened a Wealth Management Center in Miami in June 2009. In a recent Palm Beach Post article, Staff Writer Monica Hatcher notes that distressed real estate sales in the South Florida marketplace have lured foreign nationals to this region of the United States, and have spurred a flood of applications for investor visas in the region. Many of these investors have also taken to the intrinsic Miami boating lifestyle and naturally chosen the De Varonas as their sales associates of choice. Combining the elements of Jarrett Bay’s superior offerings with Yachting Experts’ innate understanding of the dynamics of the region create the ideal platform for exciting new opportunities in an otherwise disenchanting time. Located at the epicenter of South Florida yachting, the Yachting Experts office and slips at Monty’s in Coconut Grove are just minutes from Miami International Airport, more than 28 marinas within a 15 mile radius, and some of the largest waterfront communities in the United States.


Heesen Open Mediterranean Office in Viareggio

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the opening of a Mediterranean office, strategically located in the port of Viareggio on the coast of Tuscany, some 20 kilometres from Pisa Airport. This office, which is managed by Heesen Yacht’s Sales and Marketing Director Fabio Ermetto, is dedicated to Public Relations and Media activities. The Mediterranean Sea is a favorite destination for the majority of Heesen yachts and Viareggio is at the very heart of its business. A location in Via Coppino, the so-called 5th Avenue of the yachting industry’, is the right place to meet press, designers and brokers.

Heesen Launch VistaJet Colloboration

Heesen Yachts, a leading manufacturer of high performance motor yachts has launched a joint marketing collaboration with VistaJet, the world’s premier luxury private aviation provider. Announced at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show 2010, the non-commercial relationship will enable both companies to capitalise on the synergies that exist between their respective target customers: yacht owners and leasers, and users of business aviation services. The announcement reflects the growing trend in the high-end luxury sector for companies from different sectors but with a shared customer demographic, to work together on joint marketing initiatives to cost-effectively build opportunities and deliver business growth. VistaJet, which has the largest fleet of wholly-owned aircraft outside the Americas, offers two distinct flight solutions, tailored to suit individual travellers’ needs. Program is for the more frequent traveler flying 100 hours or more per year, who want guaranteed availability at a simple occupied hourly rate and access to any aircraft in VistaJet’s fleet. On-demand is for the more occasional traveler who still requires a consistent, high quality service on each trip. VistaJet’s business models are built on luxury, simplicity and pricing transparency.


Kadey-Krogen New Sales Representative

Kadey-Krogen Yachts has added a new sales representative to their Annapolis team and the name Greg Kaufman will be familiar to many as he has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. Greg Kaufman takes the place of sales representative Greg Sapp who relocated to Kadey-Krogen’s Stuart office. Greg’s career in the marine industry began at Fawcett Boat Supplies in Annapolis in 1973 where he worked his way up to become an owner in 1986 and managed the company as President until its sale in 2005. Greg spent much of his time consulting with customers helping them to refurbish, outfit, and maintain their vessels. His personal boating activities have included big boat racing, cruising under sail, and cruising under power. He has coastal, offshore, and Caribbean experience on a wide array of vessels both power and sail from the J-boats to a log canoe to a Bertram 28 sportfish, a Shannon Express Trawler, and Back Cove 29. He has also done numerous deliveries and cruises on a variety of trawlers along the East Coast. Greg is well suited to work with Kadey-Krogen clients who are transitioning from sail to power as well as those just entering a boating career. For the last four years, Greg served as a yacht broker with Martin Bird and Associates where he pursued his passion for boats by facilitating the purchase process for his clients, helping them to get the most enjoyment out of their time on the water. His broker experience at Martin Bird gave him an insider understanding to integral components of boat buying and will enable him to best guide clients as they become a part of the Kadey-Krogen community.


Maritimo New Sydney Team Head

Boating identity Steve Batton is planning to boost the Sydney luxury boating market after taking the reins as Dealer Principal of Maritimo Sydney. Maritimo's Peter Jenkins announced the appointment, saying Mr Batton will bring a wide range of strengths and experience to the business. David Stevens continues his role in sales at the dealership while Ryan Durman has been appointed as customer service representative for all Sydney clients. Steve Batton began working in the industry at the age of 12, washing boats at a brokerage on Sydney's Pittwater. After studying finance at university, Steve worked as an options trader in the Sydney financial markets for four years but continued to spend weekends as a boat broker.


Marquis Renews with Nuvolari-Lenard

Marquis Yachts has renewed and extended its design and engineering contract for all Marquis boats with Nuvolari-Lenard Naval Design of Venice, Italy. The Italian design firm has been working with Marquis for more than nine years. The new contract is multi-year.


Mustang Showcase New Model at Melbourne Boat and Lifestyle Festival

Last weekend Australia’s largest Sports Cruiser manufacturer showcased one of its newest additions to the fleet, the 2850 Sports Cruiser, at the Melbourne Boat and Lifestyle Festival at Docklands. The new Mustang 2850 Sports Cruiser is the first of four new Sports Cruiser models the company will release. The 2850 Super Sports will be launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2010 and to follow Mustang will see the release of the 3350 Sports Cruiser and the 3850 Sports Cruiser.

Mustang New Dealer

Mustang Marine, has expanded its dealer network with appointing a South Australian Dealer. Mustang Marine and Port River Marine will join collectively to showcase the Mustang Range of Flybridges, Coupes and Cruisers in South Australia. Dealer Principals of Port River Marine, Jim and Leica Theodore, said that their team at Port River Marine are excited to represent the Mustang brand. Port River Marine began in 1985 and is a family owned and operated business. The current facility spans over 23,000m2 and is situated on the Port River at Snowdens Beach. Jim and Leica Theodore have worked within the marine industry for the past 35 years and have now incorporated Mustang Marine into their developments. Port River Marine is a well established and respected company with extensive experience in marine vessels. Mustang Marine has over the course of the last 2 years been re-establishing its dealer network to strengthen Mustangs market position in Australia and New Zealand.


Moonen Yachts Finalist World Super Yacht Awards 2010

Moonen Shipyards are proud to announce that the Moonen 124 Displacement Northlander and the Moonen 99 Alu Semi-Displacement Phoebe, both launched in 2009, have been listed as finalists for Boat International's World Superyacht Awards for 2010. After voting by 15 judges, all of which superyacht owners plus two industry professionals the winners will be announced at the Boat International Media gala in London on 22 May 2010.


Nor-Tech Powerboats Joins Powerboat P1 World Championship

Old race boats never seem to die; they just become part of a recycling process that connects racers from around the world in a fraternity of offshore history. That very experience brought Patrick Huybreghts, a Belgian, together with Adib Mastry, an American boat racer and engine specialist over a decade ago. Just recently, the two closed a deal on a new Nor-Tech racing boat that could launch Huybreghts and his Powerboat P1 Spirit of Belgium Racing Team into a new chapter of his racing history. Mastry, who owns Mastry Engine Center on the West Coast of Florida, had sold engines for a Hatteras to Belgian Ray Van den Langenbergh, a friend of Huybreght's. As often happens in the boating business, friendship circles broaden and before long, Mastry was selling his own 38' Nor-Tech race boat with Mercury Racing 500's to Huybreghts. The boat had great credibility in racing for Mastry and was a step up for Huybreghts from his 21' Scarab. The two did several other boat deals to service Huybreght's business, Offshore Events, a corporate entertainment company that provides helicopter, Ferrari and powerboat rides to executives and their guests. Though the 2009 Powerboat P1 World Championship was Huybreght's "rookie" racing season, he already proved his mettle as a throttleman in over 15 years of powerboating and by setting a Guinness Book of World Records for an English Channel crossing speed record at 29 minutes, 26 seconds in 2007, towing waterski champ Micha Robyn. When he decided to go racing in the SuperSport class, his 38' Nor-Tech with twin Mercury Racing 500's seemed good enough for the competition; his 3-man team including Marc Sluszny and Micha Robijn proved fairly successful-especially in Sweden where they earned a second place finish, before blowing up their engines in the last race of the season. Ever-competitive, Huybreghts wanted to do better in 2010 and the props began to turn when he and veteran P1 racer and former commentator, Shelley Jory-Leigh, formed a new team. Jory-Leigh, who earned her reputation as a strong and fierce competitor in the former Honda Series (now a part of Powerboat P1 called SuperStock), went on to race in P1 with US championship racer Nigel Hook, then with Audrien Ciantar of the Chaudron Maltese boat-building family. When the two racers put their heads together, true team work happened and they have their sights set on a promising year. The duo will head to Cape Coral, Florida to test the new boat at the end of February, just in time to get it shipped to Europe for the start of the 2010 Powerboat P1 season in Split, Croatia. The boat is Nor-Tech's 427, the newest V-bottom and will sport Mercury Racing 600 engines with six drives. Nor-Tech builds both catamaran and V-bottom hulls and though the principals are Norwegian, they have been building high-performance boats in Florida for over 20 years. Huybreghts is looking forward to a return trip to Florida to get into the boat, having just returned from seeing its building in-progress. While there, he will work with both Nor-Tech and Mastry, who can provide additional racing set-up assistance, based on his own racing in a Nor-Tech and work with numerous offshore clients.


Pantera Returns to Powerboat P1

If preparation is key to a successful racing venture, then the new Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team could be a contender in the 2010 Powerboat P1 World Championship SuperSport class. Two years ago, veteran American championship racer Jo Nunez, president of Pantera Boats, began conversations with P1 racer, Martin Lai of the Phoenix 8 TV team, about building a boat that would stand up to the rough waters of the Powerboat P1 World Championship. Nunez, a World Champ, and his father, Pepe, an Offshore Champion and speed record holder were giving a second look at an existing mold for 41-foot Pantera they had never put into production. For 24 months, Lai and Nunez exchanged emails and phone calls discussing the boat, the set-up, and racing strategy exchanges that resulted in the pair agreeing to race together under the Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team banner in hopes of capturing a Powerboat P1 World Championship title. The pair will be partnered in a new custom-built 41-foot Pantera with a twin-step bottom and powered by a pair of Mercury Racing 525 EFIs with NXT1SSM drives, a combination of the Mercury Racing #6 Drive and a NXT1 transmission. Lai, the only Chinese competitor in offshore, is a UK-based businessman and has raced in the SuperSport class the past three years; he also has extensive experience racing in England and the Far East. Nunez, first generation American of Cuban parents, grew up in the family boat-building business. Following in his father's footsteps, he raced to a SBI World Championship in 2001, and has raced in Factory 1, Factory 2 and P-Class. Racing has been the main-stay of his life, starting as a NHRA Drag driver for Benihana Racing at just 16. While he hasn't raced boats since 2006, due to the company's busy pace, building patrol and pleasure boats, but ever a competitor, he still races motocross as a hobby. Phoenix 8 TV/Pantera Racing Team will draw on Pepe Nunez's 35-years of boat-building and race experience, including a Miami to New York record run in 1978. The elder Nunez set that record in a 24-foot Pantera with twin Mercury 2.4 litre outboards. Pantera previously competed in Powerboat P1, when Fair & White Racing ran a Pantera 36 in SuperSport from 2004 through 2006. Jo Nunez is interested in the adaptation to P1 and European-style offshore racing, citing his experience in the speed-bracketed U.S. P-Class racing as a plus. Lai and Nunez plan to do testing in Florida, before shipping the boat to Europe for the 2010 season opener in Split, Croatia, April 16-18. The team also has the advantage of a partnership with the largest independent satellite broadcasting company in China, Phoenix TV, which will televise the Powerboat P1 Championships globally, providing exposure for the teams in Asia, a new growth market for the marine and luxury products. The Powerboat P1 World Championships are broadcast globally through a variety of international broadcasters including EuroSport, RAI and in the US, MAV-TV.


Princess Achieve Environmental Award

Plymouth-based luxury boat builder, Princess Yachts has been recognized for its excellence in the environmental management of its business. The company has just been awarded ISO 14001, making it the first major European-based boat builder to gain this stringent international standard. The ISO 14001 standard measures the environmental impact of a company both internally and in the local community. Princess carried out a company-wide investigation into every aspect of its manufacturing activities, products and services, with every department within the company’s manufacturing sites and offices assessing all processes that had an environmental impact. The process included analyzing the use of materials, noise, emissions, and waste. Areas of particular scrutiny included the lamination process, extraction of dust in the GRP manufacturing areas, the paint process, and carpentry workshops. Energy management and usage throughout all Princess factories was also subject to a rigorous survey. By identifying where the energy use was highest, the company installed inverter controllers to help reduce usage, thus reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint. Externally, Princess worked with suppliers to reduce waste generated from externally supplied goods and products. Internally systems have been implemented to ensure waste is better segregated for recycling and a programme of noise reducing measures was introduced, designed to benefit employees and the local community alike. The company philosophy for improving efficiencies is certainly nothing new, particularly within the yachts themselves. Weight reduction programmes to improve vessel performance and consumption have resulted in significant advances in this area over the years - in fact, some of the latest production technology employed has benefited both the product and much of the ISO 14001 standard’s criteria. Resin infusion manufacturing massively reduces emissions and odor while significantly reducing the final product weight. Achieving compliance with the ISO 14001 standard is not just about meeting these stringent targets but is about demonstrating continuous improvement and Princess Yachts remains committed to reviewing all areas looking for further advancements. Continuous initiatives, such as instruction and awareness training ensuring adoption of new processes and the use of new technology, have already ensured a company-wide acceptance of the environmental management system.

Princess New Hong Kong Partnership

Princess Yachts International plc has signed Chart Victory Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Haidian Holdings, as its new distributor for Hong Kong, with immediate effect. The company will operate under the name Princess Yachts Hong Kong in a move that further emphasises the increased focus the British boat builder has placed on the Asia region in recent years. Princess Yachts Hong Kong will work directly with Princess Yachts International’s manufacturing, marketing and sales facilities in the UK and utilise the strong marketing expertise of China Haidian within the market to strengthen the Princess brand’s presence there. Mr Hon Kwok Lung, Chairman of China Haidian, sees a strong future for Princess in Hong Kong and is very encouraged by the boat builder’s plans.


Riviera Message

At a meeting held on Friday 22nd January 2010 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. The acceptance of the proposed DOCA is a further milestone in the rebuilding process of Riviera since the considerable effects of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) impacted the global luxury boat building industry forcing Riviera into receivership on May 8 2009. Riviera coming out of Administration also removes any possibility of the liquidation of the legal entities that were previously under Administration. This creates even greater security and confidence in Riviera moving forward. As we enter a new year, Riviera, is powering into 2010 with strong sales, realistic global inventory levels and is actively engaged in multiple new product development projects for release at major Boat Shows this year are certainly in a strong position to maximise the opportunities of the economic recovery in 2010. Riviera will continue to excite the market again this year. This significant agreement was reached with the unanimous 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 employee 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 Appoints New US Dealer

Riviera and Emerald Pacific Yachts have joined forces to service the entire US West Coast from Alaska in the north to more than 2,500 nautical miles south to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico as Riviera’s exclusive distributor. With two dealership locations in Seattle and San Diego; Emerald Pacific Yachts recently merged with Alliance Yacht Sales, a long-standing Riviera dealer operated by father and son team Robert and Rob Scott. Emerald Pacific Yachts was established 13 years ago and is a well-respected company with substantial experience in selling quality motor yachts up to 130ft. Dealer Principal Rob Scott brings with him 14 years experience and extensive knowledge of the Riviera line through his passion for boating. During this period, Alliance Yacht Sales delivered more than 100 new Riviera. Mr. Scott said Riviera was well-known and respected on the West Coast for their great sea keeping ability, along with world-class style and industry leading innovation. Director of Riviera Yachts USA Inc Chris McCafferty said the new partnership with Emerald Pacific Yachts was a strong move for Riviera in the United States as the company continues to power ahead in 2010.

Riviera Excite US Market

Australia’s largest luxury pleasure boat builder, Riviera received a very positive response to its newest models at the Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show held earlier this month on Collins Avenue, Miami Beach with sales achieved across the Sport Yacht and Flybridge lines. Among the sales at Miami were the new 43 Open Flybridge with IPS, 5800 Sport Yacht with IPS and 5000 Sport Yacht with Zeus drives, which means that all these new models are now bound for the United States in coming months to be exhibited in October at the US premiere boat show at Fort Lauderdale from October 28 to November 1. Director of Riviera Yachts Chris McCafferty said the US market was very excited about Riviera's new models and the company's future.

Riviera Fairytale

Snow White and the Seven Aboard is the story of one Aussie family living the Riviera dream. For Kylie and Alan Moses every time they step on board their Riviera 51 they feel like they are stepping into a fairytale. The Moses family bought the Riviera 51 in August 2009 at the Sydney International Boat Show and named her Snow White and the Seven Aboard because between them, Kylie and Alan have five children. Lilly is the family dog, a Cavoodle, which is a King Charles Cavalier and Poodle cross. Living on the Port Hacking River in Grays Point, Sydney, gives the Moses family easy access to Sydney's picturesque waterways where they spend most weekends water skiing, snorkelling, fishing and cruising. Alan said they would often cruise 100 nautical miles outside to Nelsons Bay at Port Stephens but were planning to venture further offshore for a few longer journeys. The family is actively involved in water sports - Kylie and Alan enjoy diving and Alan also likes fishing. The family also play soccer together. Alan said the Riviera 51 was a great way to bring the family together to spend some quality time doing the things you love. Christmas and New Year were a blast on board with the family enjoying the spectacular fireworks display on Sydney Harbour. They are also planning a trip to Port Stephens and will celebrate Australia Day in true Aussie Style with a 10 boat raft up and barbecue on board in the south west arm at Port Hacking. The 51 is Alan's first Riviera and he is proud to be able to share the spirit of boating with his family and live the Riviera Dream.


Sunseeker Charity Auction Prize

Sunseeker Seychelles, together with Zil Pasyon, were featured at a prestigious London Charity Auction and Fashion Show where they provided the Premium Auction Prize for the benefit of Maggie's Centres located around the UK. Maggie's Centres offer a peaceful non-institutional environment to allow cancer sufferers and their families deal with living with cancer. The spectacular Anna Valentine Fashion Show, was held at the unique venue, the Royal Court of Justice, where Anna Valentine launched her Spring/Summer 2010 collection in her first public launch of a collection in five years. Sunseeker Seychelles and Zil Pasyon donated a one week stay for two aboard a luxury Sunseeker motoryacht to cruise the inner islands of Seychelles, together with a one week's stay at the Zil Pasyon Resort and Residences on Felicité Island. The Duchess of Cornwall was in attendance as President of Maggie's and the prize was the Premium Prize amongst others which also included a private viewing of the residence of the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles. Leading light in the British couture scene, Anna Valentine designed and made the Duchess of Cornwall's wedding dress.

Sunseeker Sponsor Biggest South Rally

The prestigious Rallye Sunseeker, taking place on 26th and 27th February in Dorset, will see the world's motor sport elite brought to Poole Quay, home to Sunseeker's shipyards where a unique ceremony and parade will open the rally. A Sunseeker Yacht will be on display at the quay from 6.00pm- 8.00pm. Expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators, Rallye Sunseeker 2010 will be showcasing all the competing cars during the ceremonial start at Poole Quay from 6.15pm on Friday 26th with the Mayor of Poole flagging the cars off from 7.30pm. Enthusiasts will also be able to view the cars before the rally at the Littledown Leisure Centre in Bournemouth on Friday 26th February where the competing cars will undergo inspection for the rally. The event itself, known to be the biggest rally staged in the South, took place on Saturday 27 February in Wareham Forest, Ringwood Forest and Somerley Park, near Ringwood. A motorfair will be held at Somerley Park which will include catering, hospitality, a classic car display, a Pirelli Rally simulator as well as an F1 simulator, a display of Richard Burns cars, a Sunseeker XS Challenger, and a fun fair and farmer's market.

Sunseeker New German Offices

Sunseeker Germany AG relocates headquarter to a few meters away up the Elbe river. With effect from 1 March 2010, the headquarters of Sunseeker Germany AG will have moved to its new offices within the Hanseatic City of Hamburg. This new place of business is located in Kajen 6-8, only 400 meters away from the previous address in Stubbenhuk 9. With its light-flooded architecture and beautiful view to the Old Warehouse District of Hamburg, the new offices offer a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is well laid out, offering a more modern and ergonomic design that has been adapted to suit the companies individual requirements. The new address in Kajen 6-8 has an excellent infrastructure and is easy to find. Sunseeker Germany AG has for the last six years, been located in Stubbenhuk opposite the Hamburg City Marina. However, the takeover of Sunseeker Germany AG by the Jürgen Dorsch Group in November 2009 saw the new location of Kajen 6-8 being favored by the Management. Here, the experienced and long term employees will take care of the sales and marketing activities for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and China. The relocation is aimed to achieve improved cost efficiency.


Viking Captures President Cup

For the past six years in a row, the Viking Yacht Company has been awarded the World Billfish Series’ President’s Cup in recognition of its top winning performance in over 60 fishing tournaments on the WBS World Tour. During the recent Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show, Sam White of the World Billfish Series presented Viking’s Executive Vice President, Pat Healey with the Kona Blue trophy by Geoffrey Smith for Viking’s performance during the 2009 tournament season.