Monthly News - July 2010

-pic of the month- Sea Ray AquaPalozza 2010

Azimut Reveals Brazilian Plans

Italy's Azimut-Benetti Group has confirmed that it will begin building boats in Santa Catarina, Brazil as of next month. The announcement was made at an Azimut news conference in São Paulo last week. Azimut-Benetti, builder of Atlantis, Azimut and Benetti yachts from 9m-70m (30ft-230ft), recently founded Azimut do Brasil Yachts LTDA, the company that will manage production of Azimut-branded yachts at a 20,000sq m site in Itajaí, Santa Catarina. The first yachts to be built inside the 10,000sq m facility will be flybridge versions of the Azimut 43 and Azimut 58. Both will be ready for the summer of 2011. Azimut-Benetti is well known on the Brazilian market, thanks to a previous partnership with Brazilian boatbuilder Intermarine. As of April last year, Azimut yachts have been imported into the country by Yacht Brasil, a dealer with 18 sales outlets and eight dedicated service points throughout the country. Azimut-Benetti says that its goal for this year is to produce 100 boats from 12m-30m (40ft-100ft) in six different models. Led by chairman Paolo Vitelli, the company will invest some €80m over five years. In 2009, Azimut-Benetti generated sales of around €650m and is now present in 67 countries. In its first year of operation, the boatbuilder will focus on the manufacture of six units. Only the hulls of these first boats will be produced in Brazil; the remaining parts will be imported from Italy. The factory will begin operations with 50 staff members, although the number is expected to eventually rise to 1,000 due to strong demand on both the domestic and export markets.


Bayliner Garmin Team Up

Bayliner Boats and Garmin International are pleased to announce that, beginning with the upcoming 2011 model year, all Bayliner navigation packages will feature intuitive, state-of-the-art electronics exclusively from Garmin International. Bayliner, a world leader in affordably-priced runabouts and cruisers, formed this agreement with Garmin, a global leader in marine-friendly satellite navigation and communication, to continue its enhancements in the ease and usability of its boats. Bayliner manufactures runabout and cruiser models ranging from 16 to 33 feet. The optional navigation packages vary by model based on boat size and specific use. Bayliner already is installing Garmin electronics on its cruiser models with complete integration throughout the product offering by September when the 2011 model year begins.


Beneteau Groupe Nine Month Sales Up

Boat business sales totaled €407 million for the first nine months, up 9.5%. In the third quarter alone, this increase came out at 16.7%. In a stable market, this good performance reflects more specifically the success achieved by the new models offered by the Group during the autumn and winter shows. However, this improvement has been penalized by the sourcing difficulties encountered with certain suppliers, delaying and compromising some deliveries for the end of the season. The housing business generated €162.5 million in sales over the period, an increase of 17%, supported by the good trend seen for leisure homes. This growth factors in sales from the first wooden-frame houses delivered. Over the full year, the Group is expected to achieve sales growth of more than 15%. In this context, the Group is able to confirm its forecast for €37.5 million in income from ordinary operations.


Broom New Owners

The UK's Broom Boats has been acquired by Mark Garner and Akis Chrisovelides, whose roles at the company are chairman and managing director respectively. No details are currently available on the nature of the deal or the amounts involved, with both men simply described as highly successful businessmen from the Norfolk area. Broom Boats, which is entering its 112th year, has historically been a family-run business. Until this announcement, the company was run by Martin and Jennifer Broom, the third generation of Brooms to head up the operation. Martin Broom, who has worked for the company since the 1960s, will stay on in a presidential capacity. The move has been seen as a positive one inside the yard, with hopes for future consolidation and model development


Cabo Yachts Moves to North Carolina

Hatteras Yachts, a unit of Brunswick Corporation, today announced that it will consolidate production of both its Hatteras Yacht and CABO Yacht brands at its facility in New Bern, N.C. CABO Yachts are currently made in a plant in Adelanto, Calif., which will be closed by the end of the year as that production is phased down and migrated to the New Bern facility. CABO and Hatteras already share services in New Bern for product design, engineering, marketing, and sales. To help prepare the New Bern facility and workforce to integrate CABO Yachts into production there, the State of North Carolina, along with various Craven County and New Bern governmental entities, will provide economic assistance tied to Hatteras and CABO meeting certain performance measures over the next several years. CABO employees were informed this morning of the decision to consolidate production. Meyer reported that many members of the CABO manufacturing team and certain managers will be offered jobs and relocation assistance to move to New Bern.


Cigarette Welcomes Vic Spellberg

It seemed a natural fit for Vic Spellberg -- a former racer, turned marketer for powerboats and sport yachts, to find his calling at Cigarette Racing Team, home to both performance and luxury. As Director of Sales and Promotion, Spellberg will work with both retail customers and dealers while promoting brand awareness through Cigarette's corporate marketing activities. Spellberg raced "Secret Formula" a 302 with Scott Porter, Formula's president in the late 70's and over his 12 year racing career, earned a number of titles including back-to-back Southeast Divisional Championships in 1985-86. A member of the American Powerboat Association, Spellberg served as President of the Offshore Powerboat Racing Association for 5 years during the 80's, while owning a Miami-based office products and furniture company; then through his relationship with Formula, he changed careers and got back into boating, as Director of Sponsor Promotions. Like Skip Braver, Cigarette's President and CEO, Spellberg hailed from Chicago, boating on the Great Lakes, but for the past 35 years, he has been in South Florida enjoying year-around boating. The Ft. Lauderdale, Florida resident now looks forward to a new boating lifestyle.

Cigarette Wins Reader’s Choice Awards

The readers of Powerboat Magazine, those who truly know and love performance boats, named Cigarette Racing Team the "Favorite V-Bottom Manufacturer." Powerboat conducted its first annual online survey, setting up a competition for 60 different categories and just published the results in the September 2010 issue. The responses came from across North America, Europe and Scandinavia and according to Powerboat editors, in the world of go-fast powerboats, there is one brand that stands above the rest Cigarette Racing. For 40-plus years, the Opa-locka, Fla., company has symbolized the performance lifestyle through captivating marketing, unforgettable V-bottoms and a strong heritage in offshore racing. Cigarette's line has diversified over the years to include not only a range of deep V-bottoms from the 38' Top Gun to the 50' Marauder, but also under Braver's ownership, added a 39' Top Fish center console and a 49' diesel-powered luxury cruiser, the Grand Sport II. At the Miami International Boat Show, the AMG-Inspired Cigarette stole the show as the new model 46', powered by Mercury Racing's newest 1350 HP engines, made its debut along with the Mercedes AMG SLS.

Cigarette Says Lets Go Fishing

Though the Top Gun is still Cigarette Racing Team's best selling boat, the legendary manufacturer of performance boats has seen a rapid rise in the popularity of its center console, the Top Fish. Introduced in 2006, the Top Fish with a cuddy cabin was followed at the most recent Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show with a Top Fish Open which provides more bow space for seating, sunning and yes, fishing! The Top Fish Open has made its way to ports as far away as the Middle East to as near as Charleston, South Carolina. New Cigarette owner from Charleston, Rick Link, has had several other center consoles in the past but selected the Cigarette for its performance, reputation and customization options. He liked the Platinum Blue paint on his Lexus so much that he had the Top Fish painted to match, giving the boat a shimmering silvery image on the water-like a bonefish in the Florida Keys. Link, in fact, took the boat on its maiden voyage on a Florida Powerboat Club Poker Run to Key Largo, his first Poker Run and first trip to The Keys. Link and his friends joined other Top Fish on the run, and then took the boat north for a summer of fun. Though fishing is a hobby but not on Link's top priority list, other Cigarette owners are emphatic about the boat's "fishability." Pier 57 dealer David Woods regularly uses his Top Fish for aggressive days of fishing in the Florida Keys, Bahamas or even in his home waters on Lake Pickwick. Braver concurs that it took a great deal of time, effort and resources to create the right boat, but the investment paid off. There many options for power, paint and added features like the electric table in the Top Fish Open that can extend from the floor, to a sunpad to a table. As with all Cigarettes, each boat is built to order.


Couach New President

French superyacht builder Chantier Naval Couach — CNC has named Eric Robert-Peillard as the company's new president. Robert-Peillard is the former director of IMS, Couach's service subsidiary based in Saint-Mandrier in the south of France. The new president replaces Jean-François Buigues. Buigues held the position of president at CNC for a year and is also financial director of the industrial group led by CNC's owner Fabrice Vial. Couach was acquired by Vial in June 2009 since the superyacht yard had become unable to pay its creditors in March the same year.


Ferretti Group Presents Centro Stile

Continuous innovation and a constant commitment to ensuring the very best quality in its yachts have always been part of the DNA of the Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the design, construction and sale of luxury motoryachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most prestigious, exclusive brands in the nautical world. This strategic aim has led to establishment of the Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, conceived and strongly wished for by Chairman Norberto Ferretti, which aims to become one of the most advanced naval design and décor centres in the world. The new Ferrettigroup Centro Stile, to be managed firsthand by Gilberto Grassi, will be formed of a team of around 30, comprising architects and designers. It will liaise with the best-known naval architects and design studios in the world, in the wake of Ferretti Group tradition, on a continuous quest for aesthetic and design solutions for products, aiming to achieve top quality. Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, part of the Group’s Industrial Direction along with the AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology - will be split between several Group’s production facilities. In this way, the direct contact between the team of professionals and the various production phases of a yacht shall be constantly coordinated in such a way as to determine her aesthetic features from the very first stages of design and construction. Achieving harmony between shape and function whilst respecting the design and production standards of nautical engineering will, therefore, be achieved by studying a layout which can satisfy the market, defining the furnishings and décor, carrying out lighting studies to assess the various environments and selecting top quality materials with the aim of making make Centro Stile Ferrettigroup a leading figure in the creation of new models. Centro Stile Ferrettigroup will also support the Group’s Sales Direction, both when setting down a client’s requirements for a yacht and during the stage in which the personalised features of the yacht are developed. Continuous market research of suppliers and artisans and a sophisticated computer network able to facilitate the exchange and sharing of data guarantee that the many different requests put forward by Owners are fully-satisfied. Hence, Centro Stile will develop a network of highly specialised skills with the task of supporting, consolidating and developing the style research which characterises all Ferretti Group brands. Working in close collaboration with external naval architecture studios and the AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology, the Ferretti Group’s naval research and design centre, Centro Stile Ferrettigroup will single out increasingly more innovative, personalised, exclusive solutions which will unmistakeably characterise Ferretti Group yachts. Hence, Centro Stile Ferrettigroup will also be supervisor of all technical alterations which have an aesthetic impact on the yacht: yet another element of the Ferretti Group’s excellence.

Ferretti Group Easea Tour Sets Sail

The Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the design, construction and sale of motoryachts with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive, prestigious brands in the nautical world, is ready to set sail for the first edition of the Easea>Tour, an emotional itinerant journey with the objective of involving its own Clients, Prospects and Dealers directly. This event, starting on 22nd July from Marina of Cattolica and finishing on 28th August at Costa Azzurra (French Riviera), will take place on board the three most representative jewels of the Group’s fleet: the Pershing 64’, the Itama FiftyFive and the Riva Rivale. After the first stops in Croatia and Montenegro, in the marvellous yacht marinas of Hvar and Budva, the tour will reach Costa Azzurra (French Riviera), at Antibes/Saint Tropez, after having visited other places of rare beauty such as Taormina, Panarea, Capri, Porto Cervo and Porto Vecchio. The name of this initiative indicates the great proximity and the openness towards Clients who have always been the basis of the Ferretti Group philosophy: during the Easea>Tour, the Ship owners will have the opportunity to experience the great comfort of the yachts in a relaxed and festive atmosphere and to visit some of the most exclusive areas of the Mediterranean. All the stopping places of Easea>Tour will include sea trials, activities, games and entertainment with the objective of creating a festive atmosphere throughout the journey. The underlying idea is that of providing our Clients and enthusiasts, the opportunity to experience the boat in all its comfort in an unusual environment which will bring the clients and the company closer in the midst of the summer season. The stopping places of the Easea>Tour will be daily followed by a digital magazine published on a dedicated website, as an authentic travel reportage. In addition, all updates, images and videos of the event will be hosted on the main social networks. Easea>Tour was planned with the objective of involving the Dealers, the Clients and the Prospects in an event which, in all its phases, will focus on service accessibility and the consolidation of relations with the Ship Owners through emotional experiences such as that of living on board one of the most marvellous motor yachts of the Ferretti Group

Ferretti Group Easea Tour Web 2.0

A new digital magazine will daily tell about the salient moments of the emotional journey on board the three jewels of the Ferretti Group fleet, through videos, images and news. The Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the design, construction and sale of motoryachts with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive, prestigious brands in the nautical world, presents Easea>Tour 2.0, a new digital magazine which, through videos, images and news, will daily tell about the salient moments of the emotional itinerant journey, dedicated to the Clients, Prospects and Dealers of the Group, and which will be launched tomorrow, Thursday 22nd July from Cattolica and will finish at the end of August at Saint Tropez, after having touched the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Mediterranean, and will have three of the main models of the Ferretti Group as its unquestionable protagonists: Pershing 64', Itama FiftyFive and Rivale. Available online as an authentic journey report, both on the web as well as on the smartphone, the magazine – developed in collaboration with Now Available, partner for the digital communication of this project – will be connected to all the main social networks of the Web, offering in so doing the possibility to experience the journey of the Ferretti Group “in real time” for all the nautical scene lovers. Therefore, an opportunity to make the exclusive world of the Ferretti known through an original way and a manner that is ever so close to the trends of the moment: in fact, the new magazine will be present on all the four main social networks, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube and two guests, who will experience the emotions of the tour on board, will tell about every stopping place both in Italian and in English.

Ferretti New Advertising Campaign

Ferretti Yachts, the Ferretti Groups historical brand, produces flybridge motoryachts measuring 14 to 27 metres, and will launch its new advertising campaign based on the emotion and values of the brands DNA. The creative project has been developed by agency, Lorenzo Marini e Associati. The black and white images produced by famous photographer Christian Coigny, depict intimate, family moments on board Ferretti Yachts, and enhance the class and elegance which have always distinguished brand communications. The heading "The future has its traditions", too determines the attention paid to representing an intimate situation, in which being counts more than having: the world of family affections, in which the sea is a passion to be shared, and a Ferretti Yachts yacht a tradition to hand down from generation to generation. The new Ferretti Yachts advertising campaign, to be released in top national and international nautical magazines, further reinforces the positioning and system of values of the brand, in which the yacht becomes a tangible carrier of the brand values, whilst at the same time witness to and active leading figure for the moment when those values are shared. All this, without leaving out the benchmarks of the Ferretti Yachts world: technological innovation combined with design excellence and the choices of the materials. A perfect balance between the tradition and innovation, with which Ferretti Yachts has been looking to the future since 1968 in a long history of passion for the sea.


Four Winns New Vice President

Jeff Brunson has been named vice president, North American sales and marketing, for Four Winns Boats. The company announced the appointment today. Brunson, most recently vice president of sales and marketing for Cruisers Yachts, spent 15 years at BRP. A statement said Brunson was instrumental in the rebirth of Evinrude after Bombardier acquired the engine brand after the OMC bankruptcy in 2000. Brunson replaces long-time Four Winns executive Rick Fulmer who left the company two weeks ago.


Jarrett Bay Announce Contract Pricing

Jarrett Bay Boatworks not only offers the opportunity to build a truly custom interpretation of the perfect boat, it can now be built at a contracted price. Unlike most custom sportfish competitors, Jarrett Bay is willing and able to build at a contracted price thanks to more than 20 years of detailed time and materials records for over 50 custom hulls, ranging in size from 20 to 70 feet. The Jarrett Bay full-service boat yard and refit center's records of thousands of broad scope service jobs and estimates also allows Jarrett Bay to confidently provide this aggressive pricing program. Only Jarrett Bay can provide custom-crafted cold-molded construction with the complete package of peace of mind pricing, exceptional ride, economical performance, solid resale value and trademark Carolina Flare.

Jarrett Bay Wins MegaDock Tournament

Jarrett Bay hull 55, Bench Mark, captained by Bobby Garmany, won the HMY-Viking MegaDock Billfish Tournament this past weekend with 1 blue marlin & 5 sailfish released in two days. Bench Mark is the "youngest" in the Jarrett Bay fleet, a beautiful 64 footer finished and splashed in December of last year. This marks the second consecutive year a Jarrett Bay won the MegaDock - in 2009, the 55' Micabe took home top honors and also won the SC Governor's Cup Series. Also finishing on the leaderboard on Saturday was the 58' Jarrett Bay, Jabez (t-3rd).


Linssen Opens New UK Facility

Linssen Yachts, a Dutch producer of steel motoryachts, has opened a new UK facility in London. Based at Thames Ditton in Surrey, Linssen Yachts UK Ltd will be managed by Geoffrey Cook and James Troup, both of whom have many years' experience in the boating sector. The new sales and service centre will handle all enquiries and sales on behalf of Linssen and provide existing and new clients with full aftersales support.


Marquis Makes Key Promotion

Marquis Yachts has promoted Erik Nelson to VP of sales and marketing with immediate effect. Nelson, director of sales and service at Marquis since 2008, will be responsible for developing strategy and overseeing the implementation of tactics related to the marketing and sale of the company's two brands, Marquis Yachts and Carver Yachts. Prior to joining the company in 2006, he held senior level management, sales management and account management positions within the home construction and home furnishing industry.


Marlow Yachts Boss Interviewed by Yachts International Editor

David Marlow was interviewed by the knowledgeable Cecile Gauert, Editor in Chief of the prestigious yachting journal Yachts International, about the changes in boat building technology and the innovations involved in building a Marlow Yacht. The interview explores in depth on what Mr. Marlow finds most important about the build process and what some common misconceptions are about boat building, engineering and design.


Nordhavn First Mad Fish Hunt

After months of casting lines, tossing bait and practically bribing the fish to bite, one angler bested the rest and earned top honors at the First Annual Nordhavn Mad Fish Hunt. It was a nearly impossible chore sifting through the field of impressive entries that came in from all over the world, but young Aleksander Nowaczek was deemed the clear favorite by our esteemed panel of judges for landing a 41-inch, 57-pound Halibut off Alaska. What swayed the judges in Aleksander’s favor was that the fish was both larger and heavier than its captor. No other entrant could make that claim. Plus, Alek submitted the most entries and thus earned bonus points for enthusiasm. For his win, Aleksander receives a highly coveted Mad Fish Hunt t-shirt and the Mad Fish Hunt Trophy Fish trophy. The engraved award is sure to sit upon the book shelf of his parents’ Nordhavn 75 Yachtfisher in all its shiny glass glory, drawing impressed glances from those who come on board. We’d be remiss without pointing out a couple other stand-outs, whose spirit – if not their catches – captured the essence of the contest. An honorable mention goes to Heather Halsey of N55 Echo for having the best captions and going to great lengths to poke fun at the contest. We like a gal who helps us put the “mad” in Mad Fish Hunt. Additionally, we’d like to give a hearty pat on the back to Nathan Allen for capturing a sting ray, which in itself must be quite a feat. And so the 2010 Mad Fish Hunt draw to a close. Next year’s Fish Hunt will start in May and run through the summer. We’ll catch you next spring with more details. Thanks to all who participated. You did yourselves – and us - proud!


Otam Chooses Garmin

Garmin Italy has been made an official supplier of electronic navigation systems to Italian boat producer Otam. Under the terms of the agreement, Garmin will provide the yard with all electronic instruments for navigation, including the latest touchscreen chartplotter and high-definition digital radar. Founded in 1954, Otam builds high-performance motorboats from around 15m-26m (49ft-85ft). The company is headquartered in Genoa, with a refitting department in Santa Margherita Ligure.


Princess Expands Across the Atlantic

Since 1995, when an exclusive relationship was formed between Princess Yachts International and Viking Sport Cruisers of New Jersey in the US, the two companies have successfully created a new class of luxury performance motor yacht for the American market. Designed and crafted in the UK by Princess and marketed under the Viking brand in the States, these powerful cruising yachts have remained at the very forefront of the market, leading the way in quality of build, seakeeping and, through the solid foundations of Viking Sport Cruisers, class leading customer service. A philosophy of continued investment in product and infrastructure has helped Princess Yachts International build a solid, worldwide reputation, firmly founded on combining the artistry of traditional craftsmanship with market leading technological advancement. This, together with a new ownership which moved the brand into the exclusive LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) family, places the Princess name at the very forefront of the global luxury yacht market. In recognition of the inherent strength in building a singular global brand and, to benefit from a unified global marketing effort, Princess and Viking are delighted to announce that from 2011 model year all new craft for the market will carry the Princess brand. Viking Sport Cruisers will offer the full line of Princess models, including V Class yachts from 42 to 85 feet, Flybridge yachts from 42 to 95 feet, and the 32M and 40M M Class yachts, through its network of established dealers across North America, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. In addition to strong dealer service support, Viking offers dedicated Viking owned and operated service centers located in New Gretna, New Jersey and Riviera Beach, Florida. The Princess brand will be shown by Viking for the first time in the Autumn and at both the 2010 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show and the 2011 Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show with premieres of six new models for the United States. New model debuts for Ft. Lauderdale include the Princess 42, V52, V62, and 85 Motor Yacht. Miami will see the US unveiling of the stunning 72 Motor Yacht together with a new model yet to be announced.

Princess Triumph at South West Skills Awards

Princess Yachts International was announced as winners of the ‘Apprentice Employer of the Year’ for 2010 in the Large Employer category for the second consecutive year at the South West Skills Awards. Princess was presented with the award by BBC TV and Radio Correspondent Kate Adie at an Award Ceremony held at Sandy Park, Exeter on the 2nd June 2010. The Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Award acknowledges and celebrates employers’ commitment to developing their workforce through Apprenticeships and is judged across numerous areas including commitment to training the workforce through apprenticeships, how training has been utilised to benefit the business and the business potential to act as a role model to other employers. This award automatically qualifies Princess for the National Apprenticeship Awards which will take place at Westminster Plaza in Central London on 15 July 2010 and where the company received a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade last year.


Riviera Apprentice Graduate

It was a proud moment for Riviera’s newest recruits who graduated from their four year apprenticeship program with the company this month. Lachlan Dumesny, Boyd Ellis, Hollan Camery and Alex Warsing began their careers in the marine industry as school based apprentices in 2005 and through hard-work and dedication they have now gained nationally recognised qualifications as skilled tradesmen. HR Manager Deanne Lugton said it was a huge achievement and commended their commitment and work ethic. Riviera’s multi award-winning training program is a huge investment, which has produced hundreds of highly skilled tradesmen with nationally recognised qualifications since the program's inception in 1997. The school based apprentice program started in 1997 but Riviera took on its first apprentice in 1988. Lachlan Dumesny who works in Fit Out One said a highlight of his apprenticeship was in 2006 when he was nominated for Riviera's Star Performer award and received the school-based Vocation Education award and also the national Vocation Education award. Boyd Ellis said in Fit Out Two he worked on the final stages of the production process and it was a great feeling to see a finished boat come together. Hollan Camery enjoys his role in lamination because of the diverse range of work. Alex Warsing graduated as a qualified electrician. Mrs Lugton said it was pleasing to see enthusiastic, young people keen to work in the marine industry and Riviera would continue to grow its apprentice program. To this end the company will be recruiting new school based apprentices later this year.

Riviera New Dealer in Turkey

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder continues to expand its dealer network with the appointment of IVI Yacht in Istanbul, Turkey. IVI Yacht is operated and managed by a team of professionals whose expertise in the yachting industry is second to none. Managing Directors Ozlem Ozcan and Atilla Ardagil have 30 years combined marine experience and bring a wealth of knowledge from their diverse backgrounds. Ozlem has worked in the marine sector as a reputable senior yacht broker since 2003, while Atilla graduated from the Turkish Naval Academy in 1987 and has worked on numerous projects within the marine industry. Riviera CEO John Anderson welcomed the appointment of IVI Yacht as Riviera’s new, exclusive dealer in Turkey.


Sea Ray Aquapalozza Bigger in Texas

Sea Ray Boats and its dealer Sail & Ski Center announced today that an estimated 7,000 boats and 65,000 to 70,000 people attended Brad Paisley’s concert on Saturday, July 10, at the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event on Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. The event, held at The Reserve on Lake Travis, broke all previous Signature Event attendance records. This year’s Signature Event attendance numbers are a compilation of on-site estimates by state and local officials, online registrations, and aerial comparisons and calculations. This year’s results are nearly double last year’s record-setting event. Sea Ray was extremely complimentary of the event organizers. This year’s event was larger and more complex in every facet. It included multi-day activities around Lake Travis and in the Austin area. The week of AquaPalooza-related festivities featured the Signature Event on Saturday, which was headlined by Paisley, in conjunction with his current H2O World Tour. The week also included a Battle of the Bands on Friday, July 9, plus an all-day music bill preceding Paisley. The large crowd was entertained by Matt Stillwell, Joanna Smith, Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann, who not only warmed things up in preparation for Paisley, but also got the chance to perform original music in front an extremely enthusiastic audience. As with last year’s AquaPalooza, the viral buzz surrounding the event was evident in the thousands of new Facebook fans who posted photos and made comments, such as Sheri Noah, who wrote, It was awesome! Awesome! Awesome! Brad puts on an amazing show! The event was a success, very cool and so fun! In addition to the Signature Event on Lake Travis, this year’s AquaPalooza will consist of more than 100 events held around the world during the remaining weekends of July. Sponsors like Mercury MerCruiser, Cummins MerCruiser Diesel, GMC, Sony, National Boat Owners Association, Raymarine, and Sebago generously supported the activities.