Monthly News - December 2011

-pic of the mon- Mulder New Yard

Apache Busy and Successful 2011

Big Chief, Splash & Fighter One are the newest additions to the Apache tribe. Splash, a dazzling 28' and Big Chief, a dominating '47 debuted at the Key West Poker Run in November. They proudly turned heads at the dock. Also arriving in Key West were: Hammer Head '41, Broken Arrow '47 & Spirit of Apache '47. Big Chief stole the show leading the pack from Boca Grande Island to Key West during the Saturday Poker Run event. Big Chief also won the people's choice award for "Most Outrageous Boat". Apache also congratulates Tony Toll and his team for winning the Needles Trophy in Ju

Azimut-Benetti Group New Corporate Services Head

On 1st December the Azimut-Benetti Group appointed Mauro Moscardi as Corporate Services Head with responsibility for the areas of Administration, Finance and Control, ICT, Human Resources, Legal, Research & Development and Marketing (in these last two areas, economic management only). Moscardi, who was born in 1963 and holds a degree in Economics and Business, gained significant international experience between 1990 and 2008 at Merloni. After operating in Europe, between 1995 and 1998 he worked in the Financial Administration of EJV Merloni-Haier in Qingdao (China) and subsequently, as Finance Director, he managed the Turkish firms in the Group. For over 7 years, as CFO of the local companies, he worked in Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 2008 he became CFO of Technogym and then occupied the same position in De Cecco S.p.A. In Azimut-Benetti, Moscardi will use his wide-ranging experience to increase the functionality and efficiency of the central services, thus contributing to the consolidation of strategic activities for the company, including the process of internationalization.

Azimut-Benetti Group Restructuring Operations

The Azimut-Benetti Group has taken another step in the organisational restructuring of its commercial and manufacturing operations, as part of the plan launched one year ago with the creation of the three business lines, Yachts, Megayachts and Yachtique, with a new merging of activity. As of 1st of December, the Atlantis brand will be integrated more closely into the Yachts business line, relying fully on the sales structure and service network already in place. The Yachts business line, grouping together all planing boats up to 30 metres, will continue to be lead by Paolo Casani, who will thus take on direct responsibility for the Atlantis brand in addition to the role of CEO of Azimut Yachts. Mr Casani takes the place of Luca Sburlati, who has left Azimut Benetti Group after four years with the company as head of HR and a brief stint alongside him on the Atlantis brand.

Azimut Selected for ADI-Index 2011

Azimut 50 Magellano and Yachtique were officially selected for the ADI-Index 2011, respectively, for the category "Design for the Environment" and "Design services". The objects, products and services selected for the Index, automatically join the three-year selection "Golden Compass Award", the highest award for Italian design, created in 1954.

Broom Award Nomination

Broom Boats, based in Brundall, Norfolk, has been nominated for the prestigious IPC Marine Media Motor Boat of the Year Award. The nomination is for the new Broom 370, a luxury 38ft motor cruiser, which was launched at Southampton International Boat Show earlier this year. The new Broom 370 has received rave reviews from the marine press, including Motor Boats Monthly and Motor Boats & Yachting and further marks the rejuvenation of the famous Broom marque. Seven Broom 370s have already been sold since the launch at Southampton, with boats being delivered to France, Holland and the UK. Further new boats are due to be launched by Broom in 2012.

Broom Extends International Boat Show Attendance

Broom Boats are delighted to announce its attendance at not one but two major International boat shows in January. Broom will be exhibiting a new 370 at the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show on stand L117. Broom will then be exhibiting a different 370 at Boot Dusseldorf the 43rd International Dusseldorf boat show in Hall 5 on stand 5D40. In the current climate exhibiting at these events needs to be carefully considered, however we are confident that the new products on offer coupled with the new marketing material enables the brand to achieve the targets set for 2012. Following the successful launch of the 370 at the PSP Southampton International Boat Show 2011 we are delighted to announce the order book is continuing to grow and we have increased our production staff to allow the 370 to be built on 2 production lines. We have received a large amount of interest in the brand and products from the European marketplace and this has enabled us to exhibit at the Dusseldorf boat show with confidence. The development of the 35 Coupe also continues and will be launched at the inaugural Broom Boat show on the 28th April 2012 at our yard in Brundall; further details of this will be released in the New Year.

Chris-Craft Classic Pennant Flag Debut

Even though the Chris-Craft pennant flag is certainly not new to Chris-Craft owners, the use of the pennant flag on Chris-Craft branded apparel & merchandise is just now making its debut. For almost 14 decades, Chris-Craft owners have had the pleasure of the familiar pennant flag cheerfully waving to them from the bow of their boats. This classic image is now available on a limited line of apparel on sale now, in the Chris-Craft Company web store. Also new are ¼ zip sweatshirts, t-shirts (both short and long sleeve) Tervis Tumblers, latte mugs, license plates, canvas tote bags, and key holders, just to name a few of the new items now available on sale.

Horizon Launches Second Super Yacht for China

Horizon is pleased to announce the new Horizon RP120 “Muses” – the second superyacht above 100ft that Horizon has sold to China this year, has recently launched following a successful sea trial in Kaohsiung Taiwan. Muses is the third Horizon RP120 masterpiece to grace the open waters and she makes her debut as the leader of brand-new superyachts in Mainland China. Muses is the first yacht for her new owner, who named the 120-foot Horizon to reflect the elegance found in her sleek exterior and stylish grey hull. With the outstanding quality, craftsmanship, advanced technology and reliable after-sales service, Horizon won the client’s trust.

Horizon Preferred US Partners

Horizon Yachts Inc announces the Marine Group, Galati Yacht Sales and EPIC Yachting as new Preferred Partners for Horizon's U.S. East Coast sales market. The Preferred Partnership program expands Horizon's presence in the U.S, providing extensive sales and service coverage from the Gulf Coast to the New England area. Points of contact include Bill Snyder for the Marine Group, Steve Sprigg for Galati Yacht Sales, and Mike Ladas for EPIC Yachting.

Jarrett Bay New Maryland Sales Staff

Jarrett Bay is pleased to announce the addition of lifetime boater, fisherman and enthusiast, Rich Tranchida to its Maryland staff. Rich is an extremely talented sales professional and Jarrett Bay is excited to have him onboard!

Moonen Designer Tour

The Moonen team were delighted to recently welcome the HISWA Yacht Valley Designers Tour to our yard in Groot Ammers. Eight leading designers enjoyed a comprehensive tour of our facilities and an informative presentation about Moonen from our MD Emile Bilterijst. The overall goal was to explain how Moonen has worked with various designers over the years, including a long-lasting and highly successful relationship with Rene van der Velden in particular. The yard remains open to the possibility of teaming up with other masters of the drawing board especially in the custom superyacht area (one of the four diverse segments in which we are active, along with our High Speed, Displacement and Explorer yachts). Emile stressed how new ideas and innovative thinking have always been at the forefront of the Moonen success story. After this presentation the visitors were taken onboard the 42-metre Sofia III, a fully custom motoryacht currently under construction in Groot Ammers. All the designers expressed how impressed they were by the quality as we sat down for a delicious high tea lunch.

Mulder New Yard Underway

Mulder Shipyard’s managing director Dick Mulder has laid the first foundations of a brand-new facility in the Netherlands, fifteen minutes south of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The special ceremony marked the end of several years of planning on a multi-million-euro investment situated ten kilometres from the current Mulder facility. This state-of-the-art yard will cover an area of 7000 square metres and be focused on the maintenance, refit and new build of yachts between 18 and 40 metres. Due to open in 2012, the first new yacht of Mulder’s impressive order portfolio will be launched there in 2013. Our existing facilities in Voorschoten will also remain open and be dedicated to the maintenance of smaller yachts.

Mulder Recieves Two More Orders for Favorite

Mulder is delighted to recently receive new orders for two Favorites: A Mulder Favorite 1500 and a Mulder Favorite 1300 cabrio . Both yachts will be delivered during the course of 2012 and initlally be berthed in the Netherlands. There are numbers four and five respectively in the successful new generation of Mulder Favorites. If you are also potentially interested in taking ownership of a Mulder Favorite within the year, contact the yard for more information.

Nor-Tech Welcomes Alden Thornton and Expands Line-Up

Nor-Tech Hi-Performance Boats has set its sights on the offshore saltwater fishing boat market with an ambitious plan that includes new models, new dealers, and a key personnel acquisition, the Florida-based powerboat manufacturer announced today.  Known for many years as a builder of custom high performance vee-bottoms and catamarans, Nor-Tech has recently expanded its lineup to include a growing array of diverse new models, including an 80’ sport yacht, and 34’ and 39’ luxury/performance center consoles. Now, the company plans to target the saltwater fishing boat market with a full line of tournament-ready center console fishing boats. The company plans to make significant inroads into the offshore tournament fishing community by joining forces with one of its most recognized members, hiring industry veteran Alden Thornton to serve as national saltwater sales manager and fishing team manager. Thornton arrives at Nor-Tech with a lifetime of marine industry experience spanning sales, dealer development, product development, racing, and tournament fishing. For the past six years, Thornton served as regional sales manager and fishing team manager for Fountain Powerboats, where he was heavily involved in the design, testing, and sales of fishing boat product. Thornton began competing professionally on the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA) tournament trail in 2002, and his wife Alison was named as the SKA’s Lady Angler of the year in 2010. In July, Thornton’s “A-Team” fishing team took top honors at the 2011 Alabama Deep Sea Rodeo, an event certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest fishing tournament. Prior to joining the SKA, Thornton raced boats in the American Power Boat Association (APBA), where he won two national championships, two North American championships, three high points championships, and has been twice inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions. Nor-Tech will introduce four new fishing models in 2012, ranging from 28’ to 43’. The fully redesigned fishing version of its current 39’ center console will debut at Miami International Boat Show in February, with the fishing version of its current 34’ center console following soon after. An entirely new 28’ will join the fleet in early summer, and tooling work has just commenced on a flagship 43’, which is slated for debut next fall. Nor-Tech also announced that a significant expansion of the company’s dealer network is underway, with the goal of including dealers specializing in the company’s outboard products. Joining established Nor-Tech dealers Scott Shogren of Shogren Performance Marine in Waukegan, Illinois and Carl Hansen of New Boats Direct in Key Largo, Florida; the company announced the following new dealers: Greg Bent and Jon Miller of Bent Marine in New Orleans, Louisiana; Kenneth and Mike Black of South Austin Marine in Austin, Texas; and Brian Forehand and Robbie Brown of Marker 17 Marine in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Riva Shows off in International Events in December

Riva, a brand of the Ferretti Group, has taken part in two important events in December: from the 8th till the 12th its new jewel, Riva Iseo, was presented at the Millionaire Fair in Amsterdam, while on the 9th December the exhibition "Lo Stile Italiano - arte e design” started in Monaco that will finish on the 2nd January, during which Riva is celebrated as an icon of Italian style and design through one of its best known models, Aquarama, on display. The exhibition organised by the Italian Embassy in the Principality of Monaco is to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy, under the aegis of the President of the Italian Republic and of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

Riva to Luxury Verona Show

Riva, a Ferretti Group’s brand, took part in Luxury & Yacht, the greatest European luxury show in Verona (24th-27th November 2011), to present the latest model of the shipyard, Iseo, a 27-foot runabout that has already been widely appreciated by the public at the Festival International de la Plaisance in Cannes and at Genoa International Boat Show. On the occasion of this important event, Riva has worked in partnership with its historic dealer Nautica Casarola to show to the visitors the new gem of the brand within a dedicated area. Iseo is destined to become a must-have for those who love cruising on both lakes and sea and for design enthusiasts. She is also perfect for anyone wishing to enhance their yacht with an exclusive tender that will never go unnoticed. Result of the working relationship between Officina Italiana Design, the exclusive designer of the entire Riva range, AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology – the Ferretti Group’s naval research and design centre, and the team of architects and designers at Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, the new runabout has been devised so owners can ‘live’ her wherever they wish: for this reason the standard version of Iseo has her own custom-made car-trailer, allowing easy transportation wherever the owner wishes to go. Iseo also effectively responds to the increasing demand for onboard infotainment: she is indeed the first boat in her class to be equipped with an entertainment system and GPS charting based on the Apple iPAD platform. Many luxury products of the great international brands were on display in Verona, ranging from high performance cars to wellness, from entertainment to interior design. Iseo, a synonym for Italian luxury and excellence, could not miss such an important event.

Riviera Owners Share Christmas

There was plenty of Christmas cheer on board an armada of Rivieras as hundreds of families across the nation came together to celebrate the festive season, rekindle old friendships and make new ones. From the Gold Coast and Brisbane to Perth, Sydney to South Australia; Riviera’s nationwide dealer network popped the corks and shared a toast with the growing Riviera family. R Marine Queensland hosted a beach party at Jumpinpin just north of South Stradbroke Island for 126 Riviera owners. Dealer principal Randall Jones said there was plenty of Christmas cheer at ‘Millionaires Row’. Riviera Brisbane celebrated the festive season on the lawns of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadran at Canaipa, Russell Island with 50 Riviera enthusiasts. Dealer principals Rod, Julie and Ben Crawley said everyone enjoyed a delicious spit roast and fresh prawns for lunch. To Sydney and with the pop of a cork, the festivities began for 35 Riviera owners who joined R Marine Pittwater at Coasters Retreat otherwise known as The Basin for their annual Christmas Party which was held on December 2. R Marine Pittwater dealer principal Bruce Mitchell said it was great to see the Riviera family get together one last time before Christmas. R Marine Sydney hosted a spellbinding experience for 90 Riviera owners who enjoyed a magical day on the Hawkesbury River before enjoying a five-course lunch at exclusive waterfront restaurant Peats Bite. R Marine Sydney dealer principal Michael Joyce said everyone relaxed over lunch and renewed old friendships. Across to Western Australia where about 33 Riviera enthusiasts set sail for the Swan River to celebrate Christmas. R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve said this year the service team together with R Marine Perth staff and Riviera owners each hired a Foundation yacht for an afternoon of sailing. Presentations took place at the Royal Perth Yacht Club overlooking the lights of beautiful Perth city. A barbecue dinner and drinks followed. In Adelaide a fleet of 15 Rivieras with 65 on board braved the windy conditions as they entered the Port River for the inaugural R Marine South Australia Owners Club night. Club secretary Glenn Spear said everyone had a great time on the Port River which has recently been named a Dolphin Sanctuary. Riviera’s dealer networks look forward to welcoming the New Year and have an exciting line up of owner events planned for 2012 across Australia and around the world.

Sunreef Launches its First Yacht Sold to Polish Customer

As 2011 comes to a close, Sunreed is delighted to announce that it has just launched a very special yacht, the first one ever commissioned by a Polish client. Based in Gdańsk, Poland, until now the shipyard has been building yachts exclusively for export. Dreamliner is the third unit of the new yacht model, Sunreef 58, introduced to the market in 2011 (which means three launches in just six months!). The yacht will accommodate six guests and two crew in ultimate comfort.

Sunseeker Expands Online Community

Sunseeker International has joined the growing social media community, the 21st century has created an online world that allow us "tweet", "like" and "poke" each other. It has created an interactive platform that connects us in real time, allowing us to spread the word and share our thoughts to other like minded individuals around the world. Sign up to the official Sunseeker International page on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. Like us or tweet us to keep up to date with all the Sunseeker breaking news and events. Regular updates will come to you as "tweets" or "wall posts" from the people in the know. As part of our efforts to bring news from the Sunseeker World Headquarters to as many people as possible.

Sunseeker Raise Over 100,000 for MacMillan

The Connaught Hotel in Bournemouth hosted the 2011 Cheque Presentation Evening for Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride. Cyclists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters all attended to celebrate Macmillan 100 years and see the results of the Macmillan ride's 100+ campaign to raise £100,000 in Macmillan Centenary year. The annual event is sponsored by Sunseeker International and employee involvement is high. Before presenting the cheque for £100,623 Ride Organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls acknowledged the support of all those involved and gave special thanks to everyone who went the extra mile with their fund raising in Macmillan's Centenary year. Macmillan's General Manager David Crosbie spoke about the growing need to do more, as more people live longer cancer affects more people. Peter rounded off the evening by announcing plans for the future, with the aim to reach the £1 million mark next year, since the events founding. The 2012 Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 1st July and distances will include, 10, 38, 48, 60 and 101 miles. Sunseeker International's Operations Director Wayne Moore, announced their support for 2012 and said how much they enjoyed being part for such a great event and supporting such a worth while cause. Record numbers of Sunseeker employees were now taking part.

Windy Short Listed for Second Major Award

Scandinavian boat builder Windy Boats AS has been shortlisted for ‘Best New Boat’ in the ‘Sportscruisers below 45ft’ category of the ‘2012 Motor Boat of the Year Awards’. The winner will be announced on 9 January at the 2012 London Boat Show (6-15 January). This is the second major award nomination for the 31 Zonda, described by a leading UK yachting title as having “the best hull we have ever tested.” The Zonda is also nominated for the 2012 ‘European Powerboat of the Year Awards’, to be announced at the 2012 Düsseldorf International Boat Show (21–29 January). Launched to rave reviews last spring, the 31 Zonda is a stunning fast weekender which combines the exhilarating and uncompromising performance of a sportsboat with the creature comforts of a larger cruiser.

Windy New Distributor for China and Honk Kong

Scandinavian boat builder Windy Boats AS has announced the appointment of Up Marine Ltd as its exclusive distributor in Greater China. With offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing, Up Marine is headed by Anthony Cheung, whose sales team has imported over 100 yachts to the region in recent years. Windy and Up Marine believe that Windy’s larger models, including the stunning Windy Dubois SR 52 super-tender, will be of particular interest to Chinese customers looking to combine exceptional performance with unprecedented style, speed and comfort. Given mainland China’s vast lakes and inland waters, they are also confident that the new 26 Kharma sports cruiser, 31 Zonda fast weekender and upcoming 39 Zonda, designed in partnership with Dubois, will also be popular choices. Up Marine will be promoting its new Windy partnership at the upcoming Shanghai Boat Show in April 2012.