Monthly News - February 2011

-pic of the month- Overmarine Group Makes US News in Miami

Azimut Benetti Group New International Records Setting Standards

For the seventh year in a row, Showboats International, the prestigious journal that hosts the Global Order Book, has named Benetti world leader in the construction of custom yachts over 80 feet (24 meters) in length. The Italian brand - producer of the Class range of composite megayachts (93 to 164 feet) and the Custom range of steel and aluminium megayachts (over 45 meters) - climbs onto the podium, first among the world's top 20 builders of custom megayachts. Indeed, with 30 projects currently underway, the company has confirmed its leading role on all international reference markets. Additional confirmation comes from Miami where the judges of the prestigious Nautical Design Award for Italian nautical excellence - jointly organized by Yacht & Sail and ADI, the Industrial Design Association - bestowed recognition on the Azimut Magellano Collection. The award ceremony, held at the recently concluded Miami International Boat Show, saw the Magellano Collection assert itself for its extraordinary eco-compatibility. Just one year after the launch of the Magellano 74, progenitor of the line, the Magellano 50 has distinguished itself in its market sector for its "green" properties. This eco-friendly yacht boasts a perfect blend of materials used and low environmental impact solutions; moreover the design facilitates the use of the Easy Hybrid drive system, an exclusive Azimut-Benetti R & D project that enables cruise speeds of up to 8 knots using electric motors, the utmost in silence and simplicity. The recognition achieved by the Magellano Collection underscores the great innovative skill, design expertise and productive capacity that have set Azimut-Benetti at the forefront of the world nautical industry.

Azimut Benetti Group Leading in China

During the first four months of the current nautical year, 12 Azimut Yachts boats from 12 to 35 metres have been sold in China. The current orders portfolio includes prestigious models such as the new Azimut 88 (a lucky number in China) and an Azimut Grande 116, flagship of the Italian shipyard: the latter will be one of the largest planning yachts ever sold to a Chinese shipowner. The popularity of the boats proposed by the Group in China has been recently highlighted in the latest number of China Boating, the most authoritative nautical magazine in China: its list of the top 30 luxury yachts comprises 10 boats by Azimut Yachts, defined as the top player in the country. In fact, the orders recorded in Asia during the last 5 months are equivalent to 96% of the total turnover for the previous season with a 200% growth forecast for the current year.

Azimut Benetti Group New Buisness Lines

The Italian Company has chosen the Miami boat show to present its new advanced organizational solutions, following a business model which, in the wake of profound changes in the boating industry, puts the client and his expectations in the center of the process. The new organisation calls for activities to be divided into 3 main lines of business: Yachts (boats up to 30 metres), Megayachts (boats over 30 metres), and Yachtique (strategic services for the owner). The main change concerns the Azimut Grande Collection of planning boats over 30 meters with a wide possibility of customization introduced in US last year at the Miami show, the range of products that sees in the American market its natural positioning. Thanks to the experience of Vincenzo Poerio, long-time manager of the Company, CEO of Benetti for the past 18 years, now called to head the Megayacths Business Line, Azimut Grande Collection will apply the business model already in use at Benetti (Italian-style relationship management and custom solutions) to reinforce the tailor-made approach that typifies boats of this size. The new organization gives full expression to the company's desire to continue to keep its leading position in all key markets, as strengthened by its track record of financial stability. In fact the Azimut Benetti Group is the company in the nautical industry having the strongest leadership in the emerging markets: this is demonstrated by the success collected in China, as recently highlighted in the latest number of China Boating, the most authoritative Chinese nautical magazine, defining Azimut as the first player of the country. Lastly the creation of an important nautical pole in Brazil, opened last June 2010, which, once at full capacity, will be the biggest covered yard at worldwide level.


Cigarette the Menage of Motorsports

While the Mercedes AMG and Cigarette Racing Team alliance began based on the dedication to performance and perfection of these two luxury brands share, that synergy has now extended to another stellar performance brand, Ducati. "The Ménage of Motorsports," a dynamic display of performance boats and two and four-wheeled vehicles, was be seen at the 2011 Miami International Boat Show, in Cigarette's Booth B-23. The Ménage of Motorsports-the three luxury brands of Cigarette, Mercedes AMG and Ducati, are also partners on the AMG for members only "Private Lounge" website. In the motorcycle industry, the name Ducati means performance and is one of the most sought-after name brands. As Germany is respected for its fine automobiles, Italy has earned admiration for creating the ultimate motorcycle for leisure and racing. Several Ducati bikes will be on display, including a Diavel, the 1198 SP, Multistrada and the Monster 1100 EVO. The Ducati brand completes the motorsports trifecta, adding two-wheeled power to the winning performance mix. The new Cigarette 42X Ducati Edition, customized with Ducati's signature white with a bold red stripe, is on display at the Cigarette booth and will feature another new addition to the Penchant for Performance. Mercury Racing has again added an engine to its line to accommodate every performance boater's need-and selected Cigarette to make the debut. In addition to the Cigarette array of powerboats and Ducati bikes, a special feature, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT-3 Race Car was flown in from Germany to supplement Cigarette's salute to motorsports. This racing version of the SLS AMG gull-wing was created specifically for motorsports--for customers who compete in sprint or long-distance races. Its aerodynamic design lines and a 6-speed racing transmission with shift paddles provide the performance and success on the track that verifies AMG's commitment to motorsports since its introduction in 1967.

Cigarette Gets Social

Cigarette Racing Team the iconic luxury performance boat builder is inviting its friends, fans and customers to join the newly launched official company Facebook page. The page will often be the first source for new product information, and fans can vicariously visit boat shows, poker runs and other events from around the world, beginning with the recently completed Dusseldorf and Miami International Boat Shows. Cigarette Racing Team will be offering its fans special Facebook only promotions and offers through the year and links to Cigarette's YouTube videos.

Cigarette 20 to 50 feet.

Cigarette's long-time Miami dealer, Phil Lipschutz of Lip-ship Performance, will display two boats depicting his particular Penchant for Performance, with the "Long and Short of it" a matching, restored nostalgic 20' and a new 50' Marauder model. The Marauder is the largest Cigarette in the model line and though the 20' is no longer built, it represents the smallest of the line to date and has created a "club following" of enthusiasts who are renovating the older models to complement their big Cigarettes.


Fairline Experience Days in May

Essex Boatyards, the UK’s leading boat sales centre, has developed and is hosting ‘Fairline Experience Days’ to offer a series of demonstration days in Southampton, Essex and Wales for prospects to view and trial a selection of models from the Fairline range. The new 50 Targa Gran Turismo, Squadron 58, Squadron 42, and the entry-level Targa 38 will be amongst the models available at selected Fairline Experience Days. Dates and locations of the Fairline Experience Days: Friday 6th – Monday 9th May 2011 – Fairline Essex (Wallasea Island), Friday 20th – Monday 23rd May – Fairline Southampton (Swanwick), Friday 27th – Monday 30th May – Fairline Wales (Pwllheli).


Ferretti Group Miami Show With Significant Results

The Miami Yacht and Brokerage boat show marked another important milestone for the Ferretti Group, the world leader in the designing, building and marketing of luxury motor-yachts. As the Group continues to enhance its presence in the Americas it closed this year’s Miami boat show with a strong sales performance. Marking the most new models introduced at the Miami show with a groundbreaking showcase of 22 models, with 4 exclusive debuts for the Americas, Ferretti Group’s impressive in-water display proved to be extremely successful. The Ferretti Group is deeply committed to the development of the North American market and continues to place a strong emphasis on the growth and progress of this region. 2011 is poised to be a dynamic year for the Group, which is increasing its efforts in the U.S to further establish a targeted distribution network and broaden the expansion of the Ferretti Group brands throughout North America. With a strong order book and range of new Ferretti Group products making entry into the U.S., the Group is well positioned to make head way. Ferretti Group is noted as one of the leading luxury yacht manufacturers worldwide. We recognize that it is essential to continue to penetrate these key markets with our leading brands and support these efforts with strong sales and marketing initiatives to broaden our reach. This year is marked by the debut of several groundbreaking models, which were unveiled at Miami’s major Yacht & Brokerage Show. Ferretti Yachts has introduced a range of new models including the new Ferretti 800, which was sold, in addition to a Ferretti 750 and Ferretti 620, featuring several advancements and modifications for the American market. Elegance, innovation and engineering integrity are a hallmark of Ferretti Yachts and novel features combined with the classical-contemporary design characteristics have launched this new series as a vanguard of yacht design that will surely establish future trends in the fly-bridge segment. Another notable debut and unique design collaboration that was prominently displayed right off Collins Avenue, was the new “Aquariva Gucci” vessel, an exclusive made to order model customized by Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini along with Riva’s exclusive designers of Officina Italiana Design. This new “Made in Italy” icon is the product of a unique partnership between the two of Italy’s most renowned design houses, Riva and Gucci and drummed up a considerable amount of excitement from spectators alike. For the first time on display at the Miami Boat show, the Group also showcased the new pearl white Pershing 80’ and the new hard top version of the Riva 75’ Venere. Ferretti Group has several other new models to announce including the new Pershing 92’, the new restyled Pershing 50.1 and Pershing 58’, which were recently launched in Europe as well as the new Pershing 108’ that is planned to launch by February of 2011. Ferretti Yachts will introduce the new Ferretti 720, a project with unmistakable Ferretti style, coupled with revolutionary lines and space. The iconic Riva brand has also recently announced the creation of a new 27’ ft. day cruiser called Riva Iseo. A unique size for a Riva vessel, the Iseo will be extremely coveted and will be well suited for boating in either a lake or the open sea. Ferretti Custom Line has also announced the first Custom Line 100’, which is planned to make its global debut in the spring of 2011 and will make its American debut at the 2011 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The new model takes the traditional concept of a fly-bridge motor-yacht to incredible heights and impressive proportions. The new Custom Line is avant-garde in every aspect of design for a conventional motor-yacht. 2011 also marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary sport-fishing brand, Bertram Yacht. Celebrating 50 years of marine excellence, Bertram is noted for its world-renowned high-performance deep-V hulls. Bertram’s passionate owners and enthusiasts will gather for a large-scale 50th Anniversary “Blast to the Past” event, which will take place April 29th - 30th 2011 at the Marriott on Biscayne Bay. The Group has underscored its commitment to further advance and develop the Bertram brand and is currently in the process of investing in the tooling and design for a series of new models, which will be introduced between 2011 and 2012.


Fiart Enviromental Benefit

The UIM, with this special mention, wanted to acknowledge the successful effort of Fiart to develop technologies and processes to reduce emissions and consumptions during the FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) making process. Fiart is also involved in the ELB -- end of life boats project by "UCINA" regarding sustainable dismissing (discharge) of boats and stamps in FRP. This project, so far unequalled, had the goal of developing, through the employment of suitable technologies, the complete recycling of each single unit or nautical equipment, especially for FRP materials resulting from the disassembling of manufactured products. The main purpose of the project became the production of new thermoplastic, yet not thermosetting, unlimitedly recyclable times products.


Heesen Commercial Success Signing Two Contracts

The sale of the first of these, YN 16551, a 51-metre, full-displacement vessel was completed in December 2010 to create an enviable total of 7 vessels sold during that year. The first sale of 2011 – YN 15850, a 50-metre, all-aluminium semi-displacement vessel – was completed in January 2011. The contract has been signed thanks to a fruitful collaboration with Burgess. Heesen’s order book now consists of fifteen yachts currently in construction, all of which will be delivered to their owners by the end of 2014. These figures confirm the strength and financial reliability of this world-renowned company.

Heesen Lays Keel of 65 Meters

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce the keel laying of a 65-metre Fast Displacement motor yacht, the ceremony for which took place in shed 6 – the metalwork shop - at Heesen’s shipyard in Oss, the Netherlands. This hull, started last December and due for completion in January 2012, exhibits some interesting new techniques in the construction of its decks, bulkheads and part of the superstructure plating. Extruded aluminium plates of 300mm wide are welded together using a ‘friction-stir’ technique to form huge plates of 2,5 metres x 12 metres. In simple words the plates are welded together without adding welding material. This method, developed by NASA, has the enormous benefit of creating less heat during the welding process. The result is a large plate with uniform mechanical properties and much fairer and smoother construction. The famously high quality Heesen building process is always begun at the very first rung of construction. When combined with sophisticated naval architecture, this improved construction technique results in a vessel that is 30% more efficient than a round-bilge motor yacht. This vessel’s advanced design combines narrow beam and a special hull form to result in a very low wave profile over the entire speed range, while also improving its sea-keeping and manoeuvrability. This provides a very positive impact on the cost of running the yacht, as well as the lowering of its environmental footprint due to lower engine emissions. The Owner appointed the award-winning design studio, Bannenberg and Rowell to create the interior of this radical superyacht.


ISA Yachts Announce JLT Agency Partnership

ISA – International Shipyards Ancona and JLT Yacht Agency have announced a partnership agreement today naming JLT as the preferred partner of ISA to provide marine and VIP concierge services to all ISA clients. As a result of the agreement, JLT will be able to provide special promotions to their clients who decide to berth in Ank’s Marina, which is managed directly by ISA’s After Sales and Refit division and is available for maintenance and refit projects. The new marina boasts 10 berths for yachts up to 90 metres LOA (5 metres draft). The first half of Ank’s Marina started its operation in 2010 and by the beginning of summer 2011, the second half will be completed and fully operational. Just a few minutes away from Ancona’s International Airport, Ank’s Marina is an excellent base for charters in Croatia, or for a crew stop and can provide a full range of high quality technical assistance including haul out up to 400 tons. Alfa Nero, Carinthia VII, Talitha, Haida G, Cloud 9, Force Blue, Addiction, Esense and Silvana are just some of the yachts that have already stayed at Ank’s Marina.


Jarrett Bay 25th Anniversary VIP Honorees

As part of Jarrett Bay's 25th Anniversary celebrations, President Randy Ramsey will reflect each month on the most influential people to contribute to the company’s success over the last 25 years. The first two individuals being honored on the website are: VIP 1 Cab Ramsey, and VIP 2 Ommie Tillet.

Jarrett Bay Cover Shot

Hopefully by now you've all seen Marc Montocchio's amazing photo of the 67' Jarrett Bay, Waste Knot gracing the cover of the February issue of Marlin magazine, and the Jarrett Bay newsletter. Understandably, we've fielded plenty of questions as to how this shot was achieved, and while Dave Ferrell's write-up in the issue touches on the basics, Marc has offered up more details on the logistics and the support team it took to pull this one off shot after the jump.


Mochi UIM Enviromental Award

Mochi Craft Long Range 23, the most innovative large pleasure boat with hybrid propulsion, is the winner of the second edition of the UIM Environmental Award 2011, awarded by the Union Internationale Motonautique, world governing body for all powerboating activities, based in the Principality of Monaco. The prestigious award, that will be conferred during a Gala dinner on February 26 in the Principality of Monaco, has been awarded to Long Range 23 Mochi Craft, a Ferretti Group brand producing fiberglass motoryachts ranging from 13 to 23 meters, in acknowledgement of the research and development activities carried out by Ferretti Group’s AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology), the Group’s naval research and design centre, that contributed to the project and development of this yacht: a first-class example of an environment-friendly motoryacht, focusing on fuel-consumption, emission and noise reduction.


Moonen Two New Award Nominations

Fresh from winning the Best Power 24-40 m prize at the ISS Design & Leadership Awards, the Moonen 124 Northlander has also now been nominated as a finalist in the Motor Boat of the Year Awards 2011. And with the nomination of the Moonen 97 Livia as a finalist in the Best Displacement Motor Yacht of below 500GT category at the Boat International World Superyacht Awards, it is clear that Moonen Shipyards is on a roll. The annual Motor Boat of the Year Awards by the magazines Motor Boat & Yachting and Motor Boats Monthly celebrate the very best in boat design and construction. Northlander is a finalist in the custom yacht category.

Moonen Complete Refit of 1988 Built Yacht

Having already enjoyed both the experiences and results of an earlier refit at the yard, the owner decided to return Trojan to Moonen for a wide range of work. One of the highlights of the refit is an alteration to the steering that means the owner can now sail Trojan himself. The navigation system has also been upgraded, making it possible to operate the engine by remote control. At the same time more space has been created on the flybridge by replacing the former deck crane with a davit installed on the swimming platform. Adding railings and fitting a new bimini on the aft deck, both produced by Inoferro, has changed the outline of Trojan. The interiors of the main and lower deck have also been refurbished, including new floors, ceilings and blinds, plus a dining table.


Overmarine Group Makes US News in Miami

Based in Viareggio Italy, the Capital of the semi custom built yachts, Overmarine offers today a range of 8 Large Open: from 72’ up to 165’ with a project well underway for an Open of 205. Overmarine has developed over the last years 25 years one of the most advanced technology for fast boats. Single skin hulls are designed in house and tested in the major European test tank in cooperation with the finest companies in the fluid dynamic field. All lamination is done in house using the best materials available in the market (bi axial fiberglass vinylester resin f.i. ) and the most advanced production processes (infusion). Needless to say that craftsmanship and carpentry are also at the highest standard and that customization is a must to accomplish any kind of requirement of the most demanding Owner. In order to expand its product range, Overmarine Group decided to start growing by acquisition and today, Overmarine is proud to announce, for the first time in front of the Press the Acquisition of Baglietto Group. Baglietto Group includes two of the most renowned Italian Brands in the marine industry: Baglietto and Cantieri di Pisa. Baglietto, founded in 1854 by Pietro Baglietto, has always been the Shipyard of records and has introduced highly advanced technologies and production systems employing the latest materials. In addition to technology, Baglietto’s style has influenced the expressive language and design of motor yachts during the last fifty years. Today, Balglietto’s range of product, is composed by Planning aluminum hull of 30-44 meters length (either fly or open style) and Semi-Displacement Displacement steel yachts of 42-60 meters length. Cantieri di Pisa, was founded in 1945 in Limite sull’Arno, original place of a powerful shipwrights’ tradition. 1972, the production of the Akhir line was first presented. Akhir line is considered a milestone in the nautical production and through its stylistic innovation has made cantieri di Pisa famous for style and utmost quality. Today, Cantieri di Pisa produces the new Akhir line that consists of five models of different length from 27 metres of the Akhir 90’ to the 47 meters of the Akhir 153’ all built in fibreglass. Overmarine Group, thanks to the acquisition of Baglietto Group is today able to offer full range of products covering all segments in the high end market: Mangusta Large Open, Cantieri di Pisa motor yachts flying bridge and Baglietto aluminum/steel planning and displacement motor yachts. Such a big step in the Product range, had to be done together with a complete new distribution and marketing approach. While for many years Overmarine has been essentially a Boat builder committing itself in developing the best quality available in the market, in the future Overmarine will be also committed to marketing its Product range directly, through its subsidiary offices, and through a selected number of Sales Representative in markets that are considered strategic for our future growth. Today, Overmarine can announce they have entered into a new agreement with MarineMax the world’s largest boat dealer (listed on the New York Stock Exchange symbol HZO). Overmarine Group and MarineMax are starting a new business model that meets the demanding needs of our clients. The Group will be able to strengthen its presence and visibility in the American market with a reliable partner situated in 55 strategic locations providing a clear and direct link with the shipyard. At the Miami International Boat Show Overmarine Group debuts in the US market with the new version of Mangusta 130 featuring a new hull designed with hydrodynamic sea-keeping performance; new engines MTU 16V4000 m93L (2x3440 Kw) for a maximum speed in excess of 40 knots; and Kamewa water jets type 71 S3. Lay out is 4 cabins with Master stateroom at stern, including a private gym for the Owner, VIP at bow and two guests cabin with twin beds. Crew accommodation is for five. As any other Mangusta model, Mangusta 130 is characterized by a huge outdoor space with dining area, with automatic (hydraulic) bimini top, sunpad area forward and rear. Sea toys are 2 jetski, in a dedicated garage space, and a Castoldi 16’ jet tender stored in the main garage.


Pershing Best of Best 2011 Award

Hurun Report, an important Chinese finance and lifestyle magazine, has awarded the Pershing 92, the latest design of the Pershing fleet, a Ferretti Group brand among the world’s leading manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts from 15 to 35 metres, as one of the “Best of the Best 2011 Awards”. Since 2005 it has awarded prizes for excellence and the most representative international brands based on an annual survey involving more than 400 Chinese millionaires. Pershing 92, which is at the top of the New Arrival Award, dedicated to the new brands launched in China last year, has been awarded another important prize which highlights the stylistic features of this vessel, among the avant-garde of boats 80 to 100 feet. Created by the Designer Fulvio De Simoni, in collaboration with Norberto Ferretti, and the support of the AYT (Advanced Yacht Technology) and the Centro Stile of the Ferretti Group, Pershing 92 - a maxi yacht of almost 28 metres with 4 cabins – is characterised by a slim and aggressive external profile, as well as extraordinary performance. The absolute novelty is the choice of the hull colour: white pearl, a distinctive feature of the new Pershing range that always anticipates the aesthetic canons and establishes trends of international sailing. The use of the highest quality materials is essential but this exclusivity goes beyond this and is aimed at performance and on board living. For this reason, to allow the owner to sail comfortably and to have the same luxury on board that he has at home, the interior elegance has been entrusted to two historical Italian brands: Poltrona Frau and Ernestomeda.


Ranger Tugs Grows Global Dealer Network

Ranger Tugs, builder of the trailerable line of trawlers ranging in size from 21 to 29 feet, is expanding its dealer network with an invitation for qualified dealers to join the international division of the company. Designer and builder, Dave Livingston, has created thousands of products for various manufacturers and is considered one of the most accomplished boat designers in the world. He brought his talents to Ranger Tugs in 1999 when he and his son, John, bought the company which remains their family business. They have grown the Ranger Tugs product line based on what works in today’s market. The company was ranked eighth in market share in 2009 for fiberglass inboard boats 24 feet and larger and ranked fifth in the same category in 2010. There are over 1,000 Ranger Tugs owners in North America and its line of shallow draft, fuel-efficient boats is well positioned to grow internationally. Ranger Tugs are an ideal complement to existing dealer inventory and will satisfy dealers looking to expand their product line or diversify their offering to boaters around the world. Dealers will find that Ranger Tugs generate a quick consumer following and opportunity for sales growth. The international sales division of Ranger Tugs, based in Austin, Texas, is led by Mark Belisle and Pam Hoppe. Interested dealers are invited to contact them directly. Various Ranger Tugs models will be displayed at the Miami International Boat Show, February 17-21, 2011, and interested dealers are invited to visit Ranger Tugs at the show.


Sanlorenzo Awarded Nautical Design Award

In occasion of the 23rd edition of the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show 2011, the Italian Trade Commission, in collaboration with UCINA (Italian Marine Industry Association) awarded Sanlorenzo with the Nautical Design Award, a recognition of the Italian shipyard distinguished itself by its efforts in promoting the “Made in Italy” brand in the USA. Mr. Massimo Perotti, President Sanlorenzo, received the award because he has developed foreign markets and in particular the American one by founding Sanlorenzo of the Americas, with three locations promoting the “Made in Italy” brand. The Nautical Design Awards is instituted by ADI (Association for the Industrial Design) which has a leading role in the development of the industrial design as a cultural and economic phenomenon.


Seaway Group Greenline Special Mention for Economic Feasibility

The SeaWay group developed a project that preserves boating comfort, reduces running costs and reduces the carbon emissions footprint of a "boating family". The Greenline 33 Hybrid is capable of collecting, storing and using power from the sun. Equipped with solar roof and Lithium-Polymer battery in electric mode, the Greenline 33 Hybrid is completely emissions-free using a 7 kilowatt electric motor. With the protected Super-displacement hull the Greenline 33 Hybrid's can use less fuel, generate lower CO2 emissions and produce fewer wakes. All these technical solutions were very well accepted by the market and 135 units have been sold and delivered worldwide since production started in January 2010. This success is a clear demonstration of the economic feasibility of the project.


Sunreef Yachts Americas Cup

Sunreef Yachts has been given official accreditation to follow the AMERICAS CUP, the most prestigious race in the world and with the longest tradition. It will be celebrating its 34th edition in 2013. The time has come for giant catamarans to show their full potential!


Sunseeker Sponsors MacMillan Dorset Bike Ride 2011

Sunseeker International is delighted to be sponsoring the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride, which will take place on Sunday 3rd July. This year will be the 5th year that Sunseeker's very own employees will be taking part in effort to raise as much money as possible that will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support. All money raised will in turn improve the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support. This year's organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls is encouraging everyone to go the extra mile for Macmillan's 100th year, by targeting 1000 riders and at least £100,000. That may mean cycling further than usual, perhaps 100 miles, or making an extra effort in raising money.

Sunseeker 2011 Rallye

Sunseeker International, the world's largest privately owned yacht builder, will be continuing its long standing commitment to the National Rally Championship as official title sponsor for the 12th year running. The prestigious Rallye Sunseeker took place once again this year on the 25th and 26th of February in Dorset. The Rallye sees some of the world's motorsport elite in action and kicked off at Poole quay, home to Sunseeker's headquarters. An exciting and spectacular parade marked the official opening of the rally. Expected to attract up to 10,000 spectators, Rallye Sunseeker 2011 had its ceremonial start at Poole Quay from 6.30pm on Friday 25th of February, in the presence of the Mayor of Poole. A stunning Sunseeker 88 Yacht was moored up on Poole Quay to celebrate the launch. The action continued on Saturday the 26th of February with special stages in Ringwood, Uddens and Wareham Forest and Somerley Park. Somerley Park also hosted the exciting Speed Festival. The ceremonial finish took place at 5.30pm on Saturday the 26th in the presence of the Mayor of Bournemouth, at the Bournemouth Pier Approach.


Wider New Sales and Marketing Manager

Stefano Roda has been nominated Sales & Marketing Manager at nautical company Wider, established in March 2010. Tilli Antonelli’s entrepreneurial challenge experiments with a brand new yacht concept which is a far cry from the long exploited stereotypes and aims to create new sailing formulas, proposing bold, original solutions. Stefano Roda graduated in Electronic Engineering at Bologna University, perfecting his knowledge by attaining a Master in Business Administration at the Alma Graduate School, Bologna University. Roda began his career building up experience at Marposs S.p.a, the SCM Group and Wegaplast S.p.a., subsequently taking on the position of Sales Manager at Ferretti S.p.a. in 2001, where he dealt successfully with the company’s sales management. In 2004, he became the Marketing Manager for the Ferretti, Custom Line and Mochi Craft brands, managing the Marketing Area and focussing strongly on sales and investment returns, whilst also dealing with market analysis and developing tools and IT systems for the sales network. Stefano Roda joins Wider within the sphere of a company expansion plan which aims to develop its dealer network on a par with its marketing work, concentrating on international sales. He will flank Tilli Antonelli, Paolo Favilla and Vincenzo Sulpizi in managing the brand.


Windy Makes Its Marks in Dusseldorf

Leading Scandinavian boat builder Windy Boats is busy following up sales and enquiries after an exceptional week at Boot Düsseldorf (22-30 January 2011). With over 250,000 visitors from 60 countries, Europe’s biggest boat show provided the ideal platform to present the new Windy 40 Maestro high performance family cruiser, alongside the Windy 44 Chinook hard top sports cruiser and Windy 28 Ghibli day cruiser. A scale model and video of Windy’s stunning new 16.10 metre Super Tender – the Windy Dubois SR52 – also drew the crowds.