Monthly News - April 2012

- pic of the month - Heesen RC44 First and Third

Azimut Benetti Group Company Safety Award

Azimut-Benetti Group: The Paolo Vitelli company was named the recipient of the «Company Award for Safety» by Confindustria and INAIL, as endorsed by the President of the Republic.  After recently obtaining the BS OHSAS 18001 certification for Occupational Health and Safety, the company continues to pursue the development of safety and liability measures. On 24 April, Azimut-Benetti Group became the world’ s first private boating company to receive the «Company Award for Safety» in the High Risk category, a great honour awarded to companies with 250 or more employees. The announcement of the winners took place in Rome during «the Safety is always worthwhile» conference organised by Confindustria in collaboration with INAIL, with Labour Minister Elsa Fornero, Confindustria President Emma Marcegaglia, and trade union associations attending.  It was the first edition of the «Company Award for Safety» a recognition created by Confindustria and INAIL - and endorsed by the President of the Republic - which represents a major contribution to spreading a culture of safety throughout the entire Italian manufacturing industry.

Azimut Benetti Group at Hainan Rendez Vous

Azimut-Benetti Group: the Italian Company synonymous worldwide with luxury yachts unveils many new offerings at the Hainan Rendez-Vous. Azimut-Benetti Group – the prestigious high-end pleasure yacht company – pulls out all the stops at Hainan Rendez-Vous confirming its leadership in China and around the world.  At its 400-m2 booth (the largest in the entire exhibition) customers and visitors can admire seven different models.  At the forefront are three models premiering in China: Azimut 64, Azimut 88 and Delfino 93’ Benetti.  To be noted that all the fleet in display at Hainan Rendez-Vous has already been sold, confirming the leadership position of the Company also from the sales point of view.  The Azimut 64, is going to be officially delivered to its owner during the course of this year’s Hainan Rendez-Vous. This boat had been purchased off-plan during last year’s edition when the boat owner was captured by its design.  The exponential growth in awareness seen by the Azimut brand during the last yearand half is attributable to its presence in China since 2007.

Azimut Behind The Quality

Behind the Quality is a guide for both professionals and the public alike that offers a unique insight into our technology. We'e proud of the fact that we research, develop, design, build and test our boats down to the minutest details and we're proud to be open and transparent about this. The entire process may take place in Avigliana in Italy but we are keen for the whole world to know about it! We have no secrets and are happy to be open about our technological achievements. Azimut Yachts is known for its continual flow of new, ground-breaking innovations, both in terms of design and construction methods. Many of these have been copied by our competitors. This only serves to strengthen our position as the leaders in the field as we continue to evolve, develop and advance.

Bertram Yachts New Era

Bertram is taking its hardcore sport fishing machines and fifty years of experience to a new state of the art boat building facility.  For this event the status symbol production boat builder is inviting owners and friends to experience the new era of Bertram history, and celebrate with the team which made the past, present, and this future move possible.

Ferretti Group at Rio Boat Show

The Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the construction of motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive, prestigious brands in the nautical world lands at the fifteenth edition of the Rio Boat Show, taking place in Brazil from 12th to 18th April 2012 in the new evocative location of Pier Mauà, inside the port of Rio de Janeiro, with seven of the most beautiful crafts by Ferretti Yachts and Pershing on display.  The Group, represented by Ferrettigroup Brasil, will take part in the show with one of the largest stands on display, and six models of the historic brand Ferretti Yachts: 530, 620, 660, 750, 830 and the flagship 881, showing the great variety of the range offered to the Brazilian market. The Pershing 64, one of the most successful models of Pershing, completes this sampling of sea pearls.  This enchanting fleet confirms the leadership of Ferretti Group on the Brazilian market, due to its 20 years of activity in the country, characterized by the utmost quality. A role which further consolidated in June 2011, thanks to the official inauguration of the Ferrettigroup Brasil plant, close to São Paulo, with more than 600 employees and a production capability up to 120 yachts - measuring up to 83 foot - per year. Furthermore, the Ferretti Group, is strongly committed in increasing its presence all over Latin America, in the key markets of Mexico, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, and Dominican Republic. At the same time, the Group is developing a strong marketing action aiming at setting new commercial relationships in other countries where the interest towards luxury yachts in rapidly growing, such as Peru, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Ferretti Group at Asian Boat Shows

Phuket International Boat Show, held from 29thMarch to 1st April, where the Ferretti Group presented two premieres for the Asia Pacific area: the Pershing 92’ and the Ferretti 720. HainanRendez-Vous, from 5th to 8th April. Ferretti Group presented the Pershing 92’,the Ferretti 720, the Ferretti 550 and the Ferretti 660.  China Int.l Boat Show (Shanghai), from 19th to 22nd April. The Ferretti Group will show the Pershing 92’. QingdaoInt.l Boat Show, from 25th to 27th May.

Formula Earns Praise from Boating World

When Formula sets out to build a boat, the only mission is to build the best possible boat, shares Boating World's quote from their recent boat test review on the 270 Bowrider. The exciting review, specs, performance and video of the Formula 270 BR can be found online at boatingworld. Check it out!

Grand Banks Factory Update

Driven by a continued increase in sales activity including two orders for the new 54 Heritage EU before production even started, teams across the yard work full throttle to craft each new yacht for delivery. On one line the first 55 Eastbay FB shows off a gleaming blue hull and new flybridge hardtop, awaiting its move from the inspection shed out to finishing and factory sea trials (click here for photos).  Meanwhile, the deckhouse of 54EU-001 was just joined to its hull following meticulous installation of equipment and systems in the engine room. Another notable milestone last week was the decking of 47EU-100 the hundredth of this popular Heritage model will ship this summer to her new owner in Europe, a testament to its continuing worldwide appeal.

Grand Banks Spray Print Magazine

A new Spray magazine is in the works, launching this fall. In this new edition Grand would like to see more of owner stories and photos! Grand Banks would love to hear from owners and enthusiasts, whether it's a cruising story, or simply a photo of a boat moored in your favorite bay.

Hatteras Cabo Yacht Center

Hatteras and CABO Yachts are pleased to announce the creation of the new “Hatteras CABO Yacht Center" in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to better support the dealer network of each brand. Hatteras will display factory inventory at the yacht center to offer its dealers the widest possible line-up of motor yachts and convertibles for customer presentations and sea trials.  The Hatteras CABO Yacht Center will be established at Billfish Marina, the current home of the CABO Support Center. CABO will continue to support its dealers from this location with delivery preparations and final commissioning activities, when necessary. The yacht center is also convenient to partners that support both brands, such as High Seas Technologies and Pipewelders Marine. In addition to the current office space, a new Hatteras display area, to supplement dealer showrooms, will be added adjacent to the marina. Hatteras and CABO will also use the yacht center to host events and conduct training sessions with dealers on new models, features, construction processes and technologies. Plans and designs for the center have been approved, and construction and renovation work will begin shortly. The Hatteras CABO Yacht Center is scheduled to open in early September, and will host a VIP event in the fall in support of dealer efforts around the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show.

Hatteras Fishing Team Back in Action

Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce the re-launch of its Hatterascal factory demonstration boat program. The new Hatterascal is a Hatteras GT63, the largest platform in the vaunted GT Series. Equipped with twin CAT C-32 ACERTs @ 1900hp, she has a top speed of 42 knots and a range of more than 400nm. The Hatteras team christened her during a ceremony on April 12 at Hatteras Yachts’ home in New Bern, N.C. She will now travel to the Bahamas for her tournament debut on leg one of the Bahamas Billfish Champions in Guana Cay.  The Hatterascal will have Capt. Jeff Donahue and Capt. Doug Covin at the helm during competition. Donahue, a tournament veteran and former private captain, also serves as Hatteras Yachts domestic sales manager. The launch of this season’s Hatterascal marks the renewal of a long-standing Hatteras tradition. Hatteras launched its first factory demonstrator early in its history. First christened in the mid-1960’s, she represented Hatteras at fishing tournaments, boat shows, owners’ rendezvous and special events for more than 40 years.

Heesen Participates at Singapore Boat Show

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce its participation at the Singapore Yacht Show April 27-29, 2012.  In order to strengthen its brand recognition in this market, Heesen recently exhibited for the second time at the Hainan Rendezvous and for the third time at the Shanghai International Boat Show. Heesen’s presence in Greater China is ensured by its Chinese representative based in Shanghai.  The attendance at the second edition of the Singapore Yacht Show is a new addition to the company marketing strategy to enhance the brand presence in South Asia. In this region the Dutch shipyard is working closely with Oh Kean Shen, Heesen authorized agent for South East Asia. The Singapore show is quickly becoming one of the premiere yacht and luxury shows in the region by doubling in size this year and showcasing the most prestigious yacht builders.  As the number of wealthy individuals grows so does the number of them embracing the luxury yachting lifestyle. In order to fulfill the needs of this growing community, Heesen Yachts is proud to offer its innovative, custom-built superyachts, which are all hand-crafted in Europe.                       

Heesen RC44 First and Third Place

Heesen Yachts, world leader in the design, engineering and construction of luxury superyachts, is thrilled to announce that team Synergy/Heesen won first place in the match race and third place overall at the RC44 – Cascais Cup, that was just held in Cascais, Portugal from 28th March to 1st April. Fifteen teams – team Aegir UK joined so there was one more racing yacht in the fleet than in Puerto Calero raced over five days in a range of differing weather conditions; from a potentially boat-breaking situation with gusts of 28 knots, to light breezes and sun, followed by a storm and a couple of hours of torrential rain!  Valentin Zavadnikov and Leonid Lebedev’s team Synergy was led by America’s Cup skipper Ed Baird, their new tactician for the 2012 circuit. This is the first time the team have gained a place on the podium in the fleet race since they joined the RC44 back in 2010. The races at Cascais were the second event for the team’s new tactician, who had already led Synergy team to bronze in the match race at the Puerto Calero Cup in February.  The next stop in the 2012 RC44 Championship Tour is the RC44 Austria Cup on Lake Traunsee from 30th May to 2nd of June.  After that the races move on across Europe: 18th – 22nd July Marstrand – Sweden, and 3rd – 7th October Rovinj – Croatia. Synergy Russian Sailing Team (RUS 13) races on hull number 24, launched in 2010. Boat Owners and helmsmen Valentin Zavadnikov and Leonid Lebedev together with American tactician Ed Baird led team Synergy to 12th place overall in both the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Having also run successful TP52 and Louis Vuitton Series campaigns, Synergy’s goal is to develop top level yacht racing in Russia by creating professional crew capable of competing against the world’s best sailors.

Jarrett Bay Remembers Employee

Jarrett Bay Boatworks and Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity  invite the boating community's support for the celebration of a former Jarrett Bay employee with the construction of an H4H home. The home sponsored by the Jarrett Bay Boatworks staff, customers, family and friends is being built for the Simons family in the memory of a long-time Jarrett Bay employee, Joy Gaskill, whose life was taken tragically in April of 2008 by a driver who was under the influence.  Prior to her untimely passing, Joy had been working with Crystal Coast Habitat to plan a special build to help a local family with her co-workers and friends at Jarrett Bay Boatworks. Over the past few years since Joy's passing, donations have continued to come in to build a home in her memory. The Simons family was selected over the 2011 Christmas season, and they have been working through their "sweat equity" hours and homeowners education to prepare for the start of their home. The search was on for a lot to build the home. Finally, through the on-going fund-raising efforts and generosity of Jarrett Bay's employees and owner Randy Ramsey, a donation was made to purchase a lot in Carteret County. In addition, local contractor Michael Tickle of Superior Structures and his father Billy, have agreed to volunteer their time to supervise the construction phase. They personally knew the family of Joy Gaskill and wanted to help build the home in her memory.

Jarrett Bay Boat House Grand Reopening

The Boathouse retail store on Front St. was under renovation for much of early 2012, and re-opened on April 6th. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a must-see!  Jarrett Bay merchandise including the much looked for bar are present, along with other nautical amenities.

Moonen Sells Fourth 97

Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands has announced the sale of the fourth yacht in its award-winning range of steel-hulled displacement cruisers. Built by the yard on spec, the Moonen 97 has been snapped up by owners who recognise the yacht's distinctive blend of premium Dutch quality, the latest technologies, exceptional comfort and an industry-leading price/performance ratio.  This vote of confidence from experienced sailors speaks volumes about the tasteful interior Moonen created in partnership with the designers Art-Line. And the sale of this semi-custom yacht also highlights the sheer diversity of superyachts available from Moonen, which is currently building the fully custom 42-metre motoryacht Sofia, a 25.20-metre aluminum fast displacement vessel and an all-new Moonen 100 Explorer. Add in the two refit projects currently underway and it is clear that the inherent excellence of the workforce at Moonen Shipyards continues to make the difference in a changing industry.

Overmarine at Second Edition of YARE

Also this year, Overmarine Group participated at the Yare from 26 till 29 April 2012 , the Yachting, After Sales and Refit Exhibition.  The event, in its second edition, takes place in the Italian capital for the construction of Mega-Yachts, also hometown of the Maxi Open Yacht Mangusta,Overmarine Group flagship. Overmarine Group has always been active in the refit of Yachts,specializing in the overhaul of high performance Yachts, mainly Mangusta, butalso offering all different types of revisions provided by the shippingregisters. Within Overmarine’s shipyards, three areas are dedicated to refitaccording to the size of the Yacht: 1. Viareggio - with 70.000square meters of which 7.500 are covered and a dock area with 7.000 square meters covered and 4000 square meters uncovered. 2. Massarosa – 52.000 squaremeters of which 23500 square meters covered.  3. Pisa - 13000 square meterscovered and 15000 square meters uncovered with a travel lift of 670 tons,offering services for steel and / or aluminum Yachts up to 60 meters.  In the three areas Overmarine Group offers the following services: carpentry, upholstery, mechanical, electronic and entertainment equipments. The engineering and the Style & Design Departments are at client’s disposal and can offer their advice for changes, amendments and proposals for innovative solutions. Overmarine Group, since ever an international brand, now distributes directly and through a network of selected partners worldwide; present in France, the United States and Canada, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan, Balearic Islands, Russia, Brazil and Turkey providing sales & after sales services.  In particular, in the United States its subsidiary Overmarine USA is present in Fort Lauderdale - at Harbour Marina Towner. Overmarine USA also offers towage and wintering indoors, with supply fuel dock, travel lift up to 88 tons, painting services, carpentry, mechanical, electrical and electronic parts. The Group's presence at an exhibition like Yare confirms the interest inoffering high quality services, which has always been an added value ​​of the brand and part of Overmarine Group | Mangusta philosophy

Princess New Distribution in China

Princess Yachts International plc have announced the formation of a new Distributor in China, trading as 'Princess Yachts Southern China'.   Princess Yachts Southern China is a new company formed by a group of long standing and respected industry names and a high level investment group linked to the Cheng Family who own Chow Tai Fook, one of Asia's leading jewellery businesses, and who also manage multi-brand car dealerships such as Ferrari and Maserati in China. The company will be spearheaded by Leo Wong of Kingsway Marine, a long-standing industry figure and also the exclusive dealer for Lamborghini cars in Hong Kong and Guangzhou in South China, and Iain Lawrie, a veteran yacht broker with decades of industry experience throughout the USA, Middle East and Asia with both custom superyachts and leading production builders. Among other brands, they have both previously represented leading luxury yacht manufacturers from Italy for a number of years. The management team of Zheng He Marine Limited will drive the company's development of world-class yacht services for Princess owners throughout the region, including sales and customer support centres along the South China coast and as far north as Fujian province. Princess Yachts Southern China will be joined by representatives from the Plymouth, UK shipyard at the Hainan Rendezvous in early April.

Ribbon Nominated for Showboats Design Award

The Ribbon 45 SC is the ultimate man boat with a great combination between aggressive power and natural beauty. A ship inspired by modern aeronautics and the most agile airplanes in the word. She is priced with sharp edges, short round corners leading to precise lines and a clean surfaces. Additionally to that, she has been nominated as a finalist for the ShowBoats Design Awards of 2012! The ShowBoats Design Awards honour the industry’s creative talents, bringing the specialist design skills of the industry’s most talented teams into the spotlight. The Ribbon 45 SC has been nominated as a finalist in the category ‘Tender Design Awards’. This award is presented to the designer of a sports, general service or limousine motorized tender. The judges of the Tender Design Awards will give consideration to her appearance, cockpit design, mechanical installation, functionality for her purpose, and the performance in respect of her task. An international audience of Super yacht owners, designers and industry leaders will come together at the prize giving ceremony, to be held at the Monaco Opera House During the Rendezvous in Monaco and of course Ribbon Yachts and Vripack will be present.

Riviera New Flagship to Debut in May

Riviera’s newest flagship model, the 75 Enclosed Flybridge will make her world debut at the Riviera Festival and Boat Show where Australia’s largest and most awarded boat builder will display an impressive line-up of new boats valued at AUD$15 million. In a first for the company, Riviera will host its very own Festival and Boat Show over four days from May 24 to 27 at Riviera’s world-class manufacturing facility at Coomera.  There will be a range of interactive displays, exclusive educational and social events for Riviera owners, factory tours, and a Premium Brokerage Showcase featuring a wide range of selected pre-loved Riviera models. Riviera’s director of brand and sales Stephen Milne said the inaugural Riviera Festival and Boat Show was one of the company’s most ambitious endeavours in its 32 year history. There will be a range of interactive and informative displays from Riviera partners including an extensive display from R Electronics featuring the latest in marine electronics and navigation, an Aftermarket and Service display providing tips and advice on maintaining or restoring your vessel, an R Style exhibit where Riviera’s interior consultant Vivienne Sales will give you some expert tips on choosing co-ordinating soft furnishings for your vessel, and the team from Riviera Syndication  will showcase one of their newest luxury sport yachts and explain the benefits of owning a boat through syndication. The new 75 was built for a New Zealand owner who wants to undertake extensive cruising and game fishing expeditions.

Riviera Achieves Twelve Sales in Thirty Days

Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder has achieved 12 sales in the past month immediately following the purchase of the company on March 8 by Longhurst Marine Holdings Pty Ltd. Riviera’s Director of Brand and Sales Stephen Milne said this was a very encouraging sign for Riviera. Free of Receivership constraints, Riviera has set its course and is looking forward to a positive future as the company prepares for a round of upcoming boat shows, including the inaugural Riviera Festival and Boat Show in May.  Riviera CEO and veteran of 26 years with the company, Wes Moxey, said the strong sales result was a sign of confidence in Riviera.  Riviera is leaving the GFC in its wake with renewed vigour, a clear direction and this immediate recent sales success totalling AUD$21 million augers well for the return of Australia’s favourite boating brand.  The sales include six 53 Enclosed Flybridges, three 5000 Sport Yachts, one 63 Enclosed Flybridge, one 43 Open Flybridge and one 5800 Sport Yacht bound for destinations around Australia and the globe including America, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Sydney and Perth.  Mr Milne said Riviera was firmly focused on the future and dedicated to creating a boat company of unrivalled passion and spirit.

Sunseeker Represent UK at Science Museum

Sunseeker International has been selected to take part in an exhibition demonstrating the very best of British manufacturing this summer. Beating competition from hundreds of UK companies, Sunseeker based in Poole, Dorset will feature in the Government's Make it in Great Britain exhibition at the Science Museum during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.  There, Sunseeker will showcase their design and manufacturing techniques to help educate visitors about the value of manufacturing to UK business.  The exhibition is the culmination of the Make it in Great Britain campaign - an initiative launched last year by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which aims to challenge outdated opinions and transform the image of modern manufacturing.  Designed and built on the South Coast in Poole, Dorset, Sunseeker prides itself on being quintessentially British in both design and manufacture, having recently celebrated its 51st birthday.  From modest beginnings in a small shed, today Sunseeker has a work force of 2,300 fully trained staff, and eight modern, state of the art, shipyards including a world beating technology centre.   A brand with enormous global strength, part of its success lies in the commitment to constantly set new standards. Creating a range of craft, from 40ft to 155ft across 22 different models, Sunseeker prides itself in the key areas of  design, innovation and style.  The opportunity to showcase in the exhibition was open to manufacturing companies nationwide, with organisers keen to raise awareness about the dynamic, advanced and innovative industry that exists in the UK today.

Sunseeker Historic Day

Sunseeker International, manufacturer of the world's finest luxury motoryachts, today reached another landmark in its illustrious history when founder Robert Braithwaite laid the first gelcoat on the mould of the new Sunseeker 155 Yacht, due for completion in December 2013. The Sunseeker 155 Yacht is the largest build to date undertaken by the Poole Shipyard which can now soundly lay claim to being the only production boat builder in the world to be manufacturing a range of composite boats from 40 to 155 feet in length.  With a 4,500 nautical mile range, accommodation for up to 12 guests and 10 crew members whilst sliding in at just below a colossal 500 gross tonnes, the 155 Yacht is set to make a statement. The new flagship Yacht will incorporate innovative inset ship's balconies, transverse garaging of tenders and toys, including a very private megayacht beach club with lower deck dayroom, folding platform and tender docking.  Robert Braithwaite paid particular tribute to the design and engineering teams at Sunseeker who's hard work over the last 3 years have produced a stunning example to top the Sunseeker range.

Sunseeker Finalist for World Superyacht Awards

The Predator 130 'Never Say Never' has been entered into the World Superyacht Awards for Interior Design. To date, the boat has been shortlisted as a finalist from an extensive list of nominations by Boat International's expert team of editors.  The outstanding selection of yachts were scrutinised by the panel of judges at their meeting near Milan, held on 29th and 30th March, whereby decisions were made on which yachts will receive a prized Neptune trophy at the gala evening in Istanbul on May 5th this year. This year's finalists are an eclectic mix of sail and motor yachts delivered in 2011, where superyacht design and construction has been steered by the vision of their passionate owners.

Tiara Yachts Selects Marketing Agency

Tiara Yachts, a division of S2 Yachts Inc., has selected Tampa’s United Landmark Associates as agency of record for all Tiara Yachts’ marketing needs including strategic marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns, web-marketing, social media, dealer relations, public relations and more.  Tiara Yachts selected United Landmark based on the agency’s successful track record and depth of experience in the yachting industry. “ULA’s award-winning marketing strategies and expertise in marketing luxury brands and companies will assist Tiara in playing a more global role. With a distinguished 55-year history, Tiara Yachts’ brand has become synonymous with delivering an exceptional boating experience. Tiara’s attention to detail and commitment to top quality are paramount in each of the product lines, which range from 30 to 60 feet including the Coronet™, Open, Sovran™, and Convertible series. Tiaras are known for graceful lines and effective combination of luxury live-aboard features with serious offshore capabilities.  ULA’s expertise in the marine industry is well suited to power Tiara’s marketing program to the next level.