-pic of the month- Back Cove 500th
Back Cove Yachts is proud to announce our new tagline, "Practical Elegance, From Maine." during the 500th Launch Celebration that took place last Thursday (12/5/12). The celebration for the 500th Launch took place at the yard with 100 employees and their families, our Back Cove Yacht dealers, members of the surrounding Rockland community and members of press and media. The origin of the brand dates to 2003 when a group of Sabre dealers approached the company with a concept for a less costly, smaller and more abundant range of boats to fill the gap they felt existed below the smallest Sabre model. The "Manchester Six" (the original dealer body) ordered all of the Back Cove 29's to be built in the first year and asked that they remain exclusive for at least that first year. The company agreed and a brand was born.
Belize Named Best of Best by AIM
Belize Named Best of Best by AIM
The new Riviera Australia owned and designed luxury marque, Belize Motoryachts, has been named the ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards. AIM is a growing media company that publishes a prestigious stable of boating titles including, Power & Motoryacht magazine, Yachts International, Sail, PassageMaker, Soundings, and Soundings Trade Only. The awards for the ‘best of the best’ in boating were announced at a special gala presentation during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the judges commended the new Australian owned and designed Motoryacht line. Belize Motoryachts spokesman Ryan Hanson said this achievement was testament to the superior quality and design of this bespoke new Motoryacht line. The new Belize 52 is fully air-conditioned and features three cabins, including a full beam master stateroom with ensuite and opening port lights on either side to provide cross ventilation. The functional and modern galley is adjacent to the spacious saloon, which overlooks the enormous cockpit with aft dining area and breakfast bar with swivel stools to port, creating the ultimate alfresco experience. Combining traditional European panache with Australian practicality gives the Belize 52 a blend of tradition and contemporary elements, which has created a very attractive, powerful, technically advanced, versatile and sought after new vessel. Not only are the design features impressive but so too are the twin aft-facing Cummins Zeus 3000 bronze pod drives mounted into tunnels delivering a top speed of around 30 knots, 25 knots cruise speed and a comfortable range at 22 knots of 400nm and leaving 10 per cent reserve fuel. The editors of AIM’s respected publications were asked to nominate who they thought were the ‘best of the best’ in production and semi-custom yachts. AIM Marine Group’s editorial director and editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, George Sass Jr, said the awards reflected renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers. AIM asked 15 editors from individual magazines to nominate the best product in various categories. Armed with precise selection criteria, the editors nominated boats that were solid, well designed, built to high quality and performance. As the AIM Marine Group Editors’ most innovative new builder, the Belize Motoryacht line has well and truly exceeded all expectations since the launch of its first model in May of this year.
Burger Sponsoring 8th Annual Captains Briefing
Burger Sponsoring 8th Annual Captains Briefing
Burger is pleased to announce its sponsorship for the United States Superyacht Association (USSA) 8th Annual Captains Briefing to be held January 16 and 17, 2013 at The Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten. Burger representatives will be on hand to meet with captains to enumerate the many positives of working with Burger and to discuss its on-going support of the USSA and its Come Sea U.S. campaign. Highlights of the program include security presentations on Wednesday, January 16, including exercises with a certificate of completion. On Thursday, January 17, there will be briefings to inform attendees about US Entry procedures for foreign flagged vessels, the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), flag state audits and more. The annual event will also include nightly cocktail parties with captains and senior officers. Burger, founded in 1863, is renowned for its quality vessels which can be found in ports around the world. Since its founding, Burger has built hundreds of custom yachts and commercial vessels in various sizes to 260' (80m) at its Manitowoc, WI shipyard
Cigarette Featured on Nightly Business Report
Cigarette Featured on Nightly Business Report
When PBS TV news program, Nightly Business Report, decided to report on the state of US marine manufacturing, they chose Cigarette Racing Team as a key indicator of the luxury boat market. Anchorman Tom Hudson and his crew interviewed Cigarette President and CEO Skip Braver at the 2012 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show where the company, as the anchor of the Hi-Performance dock, displayed a range of models including the new 42' Huntress performance center console. Hudson then visited the Cigarette factory to see first-hand how the custom boats are built. Braver explained how when the economy got tight and most of the marine industry contracted, Cigarette invested in new tooling, new models and kept its factory and employees busy to grow the company, preparing for the better times ahead. The strategy worked for Cigarette as the company has continually enjoyed excellent sales. Hudson reported on the process of custom boat building at Cigarette and Braver explained that the company's loyal customers are "lifestyle addicts" who enjoy the premium luxury lifestyle brand which has expanded and refined under his 10-year tenure. Braver led the industry in introducing center consoles to the performance line, including the new 42' Huntress which combines a full luxury cabin, high technology instrumentation, and room for dozens of passengers. With up to 1,750 HP, depending on the choice of Mercury Marine or Mercury Racing engines and options, the boat retails for between $750,000-$1 million.
Outer Reef Best in Class in AIM Awards
Outer Reef Best in Class in AIM Awards
Outer Reef Yachts made some waves at this year’s Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Outer Reef 700 pilothouse long range motoryacht was awarded the AIM (Active Interest Media) award for excellence, for best in class long range cruiser in the 70'-80' category. This year’s AIM awards acknowledge the industry’s leading builders for cutting edge design and their contribution to the yachting industry.
Overmarine New Sales Partner in China
Overmarine New Sales Partner in China
The Overmarine Group continues with its expansion strategy in the East, signing a working agreement with Martello Yachting at its offices in Viareggio, the world capital for luxury boating, on 8th December. This new agreement involves promotion of the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceano brand in China and Singapore. China is a growing market for the nautical industry, in terms of both clients and services, marinas and infrastructures. Indeed, an out and out nautical culture has begun to spread. Today's Chinese clients are more mature and aware than those of the past, hence ready for a brand like Mangusta, which has been a leader in the sector of cutting-edge maxi open yachts for over 30 years. Innovation and technology, high quality, luxury and artisan skill, a top performance, high levels of safety, spacious environments and on-board comfort, Italian style and bespoke interiors blend together perfectly on Mangusta yachts. Martello Yachting was founded in 2009 and specialises in superyachts, backed by its team's 30 year experience. With four Asian offices: Beijing, Hong Kong, Xiamen and Singapore, and over 25 employees offering consistent assistance to clients before, during and after they purchase their yacht. Martello Yachting shares the same values and approach to clients as the Overmarine Group, and is an ideal partner for strengthening the Mangusta brand on such a strategic market.
Riviera Drives Into 2013 with Strong Orders
Riviera Drives Into 2013 with Strong Orders
Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder is looking forward to 2013 as its forward orders continue to grow, and the company welcomes three new seasoned professionals to its senior lead team. The past nine months have been both hectic and productive for Riviera as the company has undergone an extensive re-structuring since the business returned to private ownership in March of this year. Riviera’s popular and proven current models including the 43 and 53 Flybridges and the 5000 and 5800 Sport Yachts have continued to excite boating enthusiasts around Australia and around the world, resulting in forward orders stretching into mid 2013. The launch of several key new models in 2012 has been a strong contributor to the growth of the company’s forward order book. These models have included the 63 and 75 Flybridges resulting in six sales, and the release of a whole new range of boats in the SUV series, which has also achieved six sales to date. The acquisition of the Belize Motoryachts line in April has certainly been welcomed by the Riviera global dealer network and has resulted in eight sales. The announcement of further new models for release in 2013 including the 50 Flybridge and a larger SUV model have further contributed to the forward order bank placing Riviera in a strong position going into the New Year. As 2012 draws to a close, Riviera is firmly focused on 2013 and the opportunities that lie ahead. To help steer the growing company forward, the lead team has been further strengthened with the appointment of several key personnel. New head of design Stephen Ford, new chief financial officer Richard Appleby and new general manager, Scott Cumming all have a wealth of experience, have previously worked at Riviera and have recently returned to the company. They will join the highly experienced and skilled lead, which comprises CEO Wes Moxey; long serving International Sales Director Chris McCafferty who is based in Florida, USA; general counsel Cherriee Ludemann; IT, supply and warehouse manager Kirk Starr; and director of brand and communications Stephen Milne. CEO Wes Moxey said returning to Riviera was a very easy decision for him having watched from the outside how conclusively the Riviera brand retained its integrity and global support during the past four turbulent years. English born Stephen Ford, brings a wealth of knowledge to Riviera’s award-winning design team. Stephen studied marine engineering at Southampton University and has more than 15 years boat design experience. Stephen was the senior designer for Sunseeker for 10 years before relocating to Australia in 2007 to manage and develop the acclaimed Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht. His love of the Australian culture and outdoors lifestyle gave Stephen the motivation to further his skills in marine design and he seized the chance in 2011 to work on the Belize Motoryacht project with Wes Moxey before returning to Riviera earlier this month to take up the role of head of design. Stephen said he felt honoured to be leading such a talented and well-respected design team. Chief financial officer Richard Appleby is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has worked with KPMG and Coopers & Lybrand before embarking on a career in commerce. He has worked with a diverse range of multi-national and privately held companys in the wholesale, retail, hospitality, technology and manufacturing sectors. When Richard learned the business had been purchased by Rodney Longhurst, he wanted to return to Riviera and Queensland. General manager Scott Cumming also recently returned to Riviera following a stellar career in Malaysia, where he oversaw the development and design of new Grand Banks models. Scott began his boat building career with Riviera as an apprentice in 1990 and went on to complete his Masters in Business Administration in 2001. During his time at Riviera, Scott worked in various roles within the organisation including, boat building, lamination, stainless steel, engineering, electrical, and new product development. Scott said he was pleased to be back in Australia and felt honoured to have the opportunity to return to Riviera as general manager. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said Stephen, Richard and Scott were all strong leaders in their own right and given their international experience, they have the drive and determination to take their teams to an even higher level. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst is proud to be surrounded by such a high calibre and motivated team.
Sealine New Lebanon Dealer
Sealine New Lebanon Dealer
Sealine is delighted to announce that it has appointed Sarto Marine as their new dealer for Lebanon. Based at Saad Zaghloul Street, Beirut Central District, the company will be providing comprehensive sales and after sales services for the region and is an important appointment for opening up sales opportunities for the growing Middle East market. Sarto Marine, which was established in April 2011 by the Khayat family, has very quickly established an excellent reputation for providing outstanding customer service. Sarto Marine will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Beirut Boat Show with Sealine product. Both Omar Khayat, CEO and Maher Ghandour, Managing Director will be at the show which takes place from 22nd to 26th May 2013.
Sea Ray Wins Marine Group Award
Sea Ray Wins Marine Group Award
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce it was awarded an Editor’s Choice Award from Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group during the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Specifically, the award was given to the Sea Ray 510 Sundancer for being selected as the Best Domestic Motoryacht 50-60 Feet. The award was presented to Parmentier during the AIM Marine Group Editor’s Choice Awards Gala on Friday, October 26, at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. AIM is the parent company of Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, Yachts International and PassageMaker magazines, among others. According to AIM, the awards reflect the renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers.
Sea Ray Named Boat of the Year
Sea Ray Named Boat of the Year
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce that its new and innovative 370 Venture has been named “Boat of the Year 2012” by the editors of Boating magazine. The award was presented in the January 2013 issue of Boating magazine, on newsstands now. “Boating’s Tech Team tested more than 100 boats in 2012. In addition to performance data and commentary, Boating boat tests assess how a given boat compares to the other in the same category,” said the article announcing the award.
Sunreef Celebrates Christmas at the Shipyard
Sunreef Celebrates Christmas at the Shipyard
On December 17th 2012, annual Christmas celebrations took place at the Sunreef Yachts shipyard combined with two important occasions: the 10th anniversary of the shipyard and the 20th anniversary of the arrival of its founder and President, Francis Lapp to Poland to settle down and run his business. All Sunreef employees, local officials, VIP's and media came together to raise a toast to Francis Lapp and Sunreef Yachts. During the ceremony special awards were given to the company's most loyal and supportive friends such as former President of Poland Mr Lech Walesa, the President of Gdansk Mr Pawel Adamowicz and famous Polish sportsman, Dariusz Michalczewski. Some of the best shipyard workers were also rewarded for their loyalty, determination and hard work during the past year. 2013 is expected to be another successful year full of challenges for the company.
Wider Announces Partnership with EXA Ltd
Wider Announces Partnership with EXA Ltd
Wider announces its partnership with EXA Ltd., a company that refers to Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Genting Group, a top South Asian entrepreneurial corporation. The operation provides for an increase in capital, which means founder partners, Tilli Antonelli and Paolo Favilla, and new partner EXA Ltd. will each hold 50% of Wider. The additional resources resulting from this operation will aid the development of the company's strategic plan, according to the guidelines set down by Tilli Antonelli. Two years after it was founded, and after having launched its 42' yacht, Wider is currently working its way through the steps of its strategic plan. The next stage in its development of high performance, high technology, medium-sized day cruisers is the 32’ and the company entered the displacement sector by launching the 150’ at the end of 2011. Moreover, presentation of a range of yachts measuring 30 to 50 metres has been planned for spring 2013. The Wider evolution provides for products created for an exclusive, highly demanding clientèle with extremely high standards of quality, both regards the layout and design design. The team flanking Tilli Antonelli will also involve architects and engineers who have made Italian goods famous all over the world. The new units will all be built in Italy and respect the highest tradition of our shipbuilding industry. A fundamental part of the agreement is the synergy between Wider's expertise - in terms of product and of managing international distribution networks – and the resources of the Genting Group, which operates mainly in the tourism and leisure sectors. The Group boasts a capillary presence on Asian markets, manages 5 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong stock exchanges and capitalises around 35 billion dollars, employing 52,000 people. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also controls the third most important company in the world in the cruise liner business, with Star Cruise (South Asia) and Norwegian Cruise Line (Caribbean). Whilst Wider was assisted in this operation by KT Finance and Mazzoni & Associati, EXA Ltd. was assisted by Clyde & Co.