-pic of the month- Sabre Conference in Maine
Azimut-Benetti Group New Chief Operating Officer
Ferruccio Luppi is the new CEO of the Azimut | Benetti Group, a new role created in the organization. This decision has been taken by President Paolo Vitelli with full support of the Board of Directors, as part of the outstanding Strategic Development Plan, recently adopted. Ferruccio Luppi, one of the closest collaborators of the FIAT CEO Sergio Marchionne, in the period of relaunch of the automotive group, will implement the Strategic Plan through coordination, cohesion and control of the three business lines of the Group: Yachts, Megayachts and Yachtique. The core functions of the Group - up to now directly coordinated by President Vitelli – will refer directly to him.
Azimut-Benetti Receives Two Awards
Two prestigious awards confirm the success of the Azimut Benetti Group at the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes 2013 where 20 models were displayed, 3 of which were worldwide premieres. Organised by the French publishing group LuxMediaGroup, the World Yachts Trophies are considered among the most prestigious awards in the industry, since the boats are selected and evaluated by a panel of highly skilled and specialized experts, formed by the board of directors of this media network. Azimut 80 has been crowned as queen of the gala night winning the 2013 Yacht Trophy in the “Most Functional Yachts in the 24-50 meter range. Montecarlo Yachts 86 and Ferretti Yachts 960 were the competitors in its category. Benetti Ocean Paradise was awarded in the “Best Interior Design over 50 meter boat and will be on display at the upcoming yacht show in Montecarlo.
Azimut Being Italian
It’s that simple. The new advertising campaign by the Neriwolff Agency. celebrates the universally acknowledged quality of Italy’s manufacturing culture, a quality that is engraved in our very DNA. Graphics and taglines that are extremely precise, clean, and easy to understand: impossible to misinterpret. Long, drawn out explanations are pointless. The campaign communicates the positive qualities Italians are known for, qualities which can be found in Azimut Yachts, the most comprehensive range in the world in terms of numbers of models and types. The photographs of models from each of the five Azimut Yachts collections provide striking proof of the genius of Italian manufacturing. Athletes, explorers, masters of elegance, creatives, and eclectics: and above all, artisans and entrepreneurs world‐renowned for their creativity and capacity to create the unimaginable. This is being Italian; these are the Italians; and, these are the yachts in the Azimut Yachts collection: the Atlantis, Magellano, Flybridge, S, and Grande mirror the five different ways of experiencing the sea, all in perfect Italian Style. Being Italian means proudly asserting one’s cultural roots in Italian production and products; defending an entire production chain based on knowledge acquired over centuries; knowing what to do and how to do it; and finally, being able to unite artisanal quality with industry. For Azimut, all this means building beautiful and innovative yachts beloved by owners across the five continents. The advertising campaign is part of an overall communication strategy which, in the upcoming months, will also include direct and personal contact with the press. In addition to product news, Azimut will be communicating its industrial strategy, substantial investments planned for the next three years, and its development plan. The 2013‐2014 season marketing campaign was launched September 2013 and will be covered in the leading nautical publications worldwide.
Azimut Sea and Deserts Dealership Expanded
Seas & Deserts Group have signed a new dealership agreement for the Azimut Yachts rights for sales and after sales for United Arab Emirates and Oman. This partnership has been held due to the strong results of the Group in Kuwait and Qatar which reflects the firm relation and mutual trust between the two renowned groups and client satisfaction. Mr. Ahmad Musaed Al-Ameeri Vice Chairman & Managing Director stated that he is delighted to sign this agreement with Azimut Yachts in those two strong and promising markets, he added that this deal is a part of Seas and Deserts Group well planned steady growth and expansion plan. Seas and Deserts will always stay committed to serve their clients and yachts owners to beyond satisfactory level. With the new agreement Seas & Deserts becomes the exclusive dealer in Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar for the complete range signed by Azimut Yachts.
Benetti New Fast Displacement Range
Benetti in a new era. At the Cannes boat show, the Tuscan boatyard unveiled a third generation of fast yachts, rounding out the already extensive range of products which currently includes Class Range, semi-custom displacement vessels with 6 models from 93' to 145', and Custom, mega-yachts starting at 45 metres. The new Fast Displacement line of composite yachts built by Benetti in the Viareggio boatyard already includes two models: the F-140’, introduced last year, and the brand new F-125’, which is making its debut at Cannes 2013. With this new line, the boatyard intends to tap into a strong and as yet relatively unexplored market in semicustom super yachts with a sporty spirit. These are vessels characterized by their versatility, speed (when called for), but which are also extremely comfortable in displacement mode and highly efficient at any speed. Their dynamism perfectly unites with the sheer pleasure of on board living, and the construction quality and maximum customization which Benetti is known for.
Ferretti Group Unveils New Sales Center in Miami Beach
Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of motor‐yachts, comprising of a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands in the nautical world, is proud to announce that Ferretti Group will have the most premier sales center location at Miami Beach Marina, located at the end of the MacArthur Causeway, the only road that leads directly into South Beach. The new sales center will house eight top Ferretti Group sales executives, specializing in Ferretti Group product, Allied Marine yacht brokerage, charter management and listing services. The Group will have an allotment of three large, prime dock locations in the marina, where a rotation of new yacht models along with pre owned yachts will be showcased. We chose to grow our footprint in Miami given that in the last 10 years the city has become an incredibly prominent location in the US market, with a thriving commercial and residential real estate development community for Europeans, North, South and Central Americans along with a strong influx of Latin American commerce and top corporations relocating their head offices to Miami, stated James Henderson, Ferretti Group America President and CEO. The majority of our clients have second homes in Miami Beach and some have even established their primary residences here as well. Miami Beach Marina is in the heart of Miami and is an ideal location to entertain and showcase our new product to current clients while introducing prospective clients to our Group, the versatility of yachts within our portfolio, and the incredible yachting lifestyle Miami offers, added Henderson. According to the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2012, Miami was ranked 6th globally, focusing on high net worth individuals for each city category, surpassing top city's like Geneva, Shanghai, Berlin and Beijing. Miami Beach Marina is the largest marina to offer the necessary infrastructure to service mega yachts and is managed by RCI Group, one of the premier managing companies for marine properties in the Southeastern US and Caribbean, and an integral reason why Ferretti Group selected this marina as their newest sales center location. Miami Beach Marina offers both a strong home base marina for Miami's elite yachting community and is a very transient marina offering its services to a diversified group of yacht owners worldwide, including a strong and growing demographic of clients from Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, and Argentina, just to name a few, stated Bob Christoph Sr., Owner of Miami Beach Marina. The Ferretti Group sales center in Miami Beach Marina will host its VIP grand opening in October 2013.
Ferretti Group New Middle Eastern Dealer Agreement
Ferretti Group, one of the leading world players in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands worldwide, further strengthens its presence in the Middle East by signing and renewing several important dealership agreements with major local partners. More specifically, the Group has renewed its exclusive dealership agreement with its historical partner Sea Pros Yachts for Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with regard to all Group brands and for the United Arab Emirates as far as Ferretti, Pershing and Mochi Craft yachts are concerned. Moreover, Ferretti Group has signed a new exclusive sales agreement with Art Marine LLC for Riva and Itama yachts in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, as well as an exclusive distribution agreement in Qatar with Gulf Yacht - through its British dealer Ventura UK - for the Ferretti and Pershing brands. All the agreements above are part of Ferretti Group's new expansion strategy at an international level, with a special focus on the Middle East, aiming to develop further within the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) region over the next five years. Indeed, through these agreements, the Group is further strengthening its selected distribution network, which consists of approximately 60 dealers ensuring the best possible assistance to the Group's clients in more than 80 countries.
CRN Wins World Yacht Trophy
Once again a prestigious acknowledgement for CRN, Shipyard of the Ferretti Group specialising in the construction and marketing of fully-customized displacement mega yachts, made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 40 to 90 metres. CRN's 60 metre megayacht J’ade has indeed been awarded the “World Yacht Trophy 2013”, an initiative organised by the French editorial group Luxmedia Group to award the best yachts exhibited by the leading shipyards from all over the world, in the “Over 50 meter – Most Innovative Trophy”. The ceremony was held last Saturday in Cannes, at the margins of the International Boat Show, during a gala event. The experts of the international jury recognized the innovative contents of J’ade and above all its garage, which for the first time onboard a CRN megayacht, is floodable and allows the tender (a 27foot Riva Iseo) to enter inside without using a crane. The side hatch of the garage is operated hydraulically and the internal basin fills with water to allow the tender to go in and out easily: the border of the basin has protections to avoid damage and it also has underwater lights to create a dramatic effect in what, without a tender, becomes a pleasant on-board swimming pool. The tender bay requires very little time to empty, in fact the 18,000 litres of water which it can hold can be emptied in just three minutes. The project was studied and designed such as to create a combined area with the beach club, forming a single open lounge area, a very elegant and refined space with close contact to the sea. An integrated beach club which can be enjoyed by the Owner’s family and friends who can quickly make use of a tender to have a swim closer to the beach.
CRN Leads as Pioneer of Innovation at the Monaco Yacht Show
In a showcase of innovation and leadership CRN Shipyard, a brand of the Ferretti Group, presents the two highlights at the Monaco Yacht Show (Monte Carlo, 25-28 September), the most prestigious international boating event; 80 metre megayacht CRN 129 Chopi Chopi and the 60 metre megayacht CRN 125 J’ade. The company which specialises in the construction and sale of fully customised displacement mega yachts made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 40 to 90 metres, marks 2013 as a milestone year. Not only is CRN celebrating its 50th anniversary, but it has also shown a strong commitment to production; CRN has demonstrated resilience and success despite the complex market Lamberto Tacoli, CRN Shipyard Chairman and CEO, commented: Looking forward, the company will focus on the expansion of business in key emerging markets and further cement their position as a leader of innovation. The company will increase visibility in the Americas and Asia and internally, through collaboration partners, CRN will focus on research in innovative technological solutions through new product designs to reflect the tastes and personalities of their valued owners. The Shipyard will continue to focus on their client and products giving its maximum consideration to the values of the brand: personal and high quality attention to the Owner and 360° service offering of flexibility, tradition, reliability, ‘tailor-made’ designs, and ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship. The below CRN megayachts are currently under construction: M/Y CRN 131 74 m – designed by Zuccon International Project, M/Y CRN 132 73 m – designed by Omega Architects, M/Y CRN 133 60 m – designed by Francesco Paszkowski Design, M/Y CRN 134 55 m – designed by Nuvolari & Lenard.
Grand Banks New Dealer in Costa Rica
Galati Yacht Sales will soon open a new sales office in the heart of Costa Rica's premier luxury lifestyle destination, Los Sueños Resort and Marina. GYS has long enjoyed a strong presence there—hosting fishing tournaments and customer events—and over the past year they hired a full-time salesman in the region, local resident Tony Carrizosa. The resort is located near the community of Jaco, within Bahia Herradura on the northern region of Costa Rica's Pacific Ocean shoreline.
Horizon Announces HMY as Preferred US Partner for US Florida East Coast
Horizon Group is pleased to announce that HMY Yacht Sales has been appointed as the new Preferred Partner for Horizon Yachts for Florida’s East Coast as well as coastal Georgia and South Carolina; operating out of their Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. office, HMY will provide sales support as well as offer an extensive service network in major yachting centers for Horizon clients. HMY Yacht Sales brings 34 years of experience in the yachting industry to the new partnership, along with a support team of 90 members in a number of U.S. locations. Additionally, HMY has increased their focus on the motoryacht market in the past few years, making the partnership with Horizon an ideal fit.
Hunt Yachts Bought Out by Scout Partners LLC
Scout is a partnership between David Howe and Peterson Capital LLC, which was created specifically to work closely with U.S.-based companies that show significant potential for long-term success. Peterson Capital LLC is operated by an icon of American business, Pete Peterson. Peterson’s career spans several decades and includes positions as United States Secretary of Commerce, CEO of Bell and Howell, and co-founder of The Blackstone Group. David Howe has a great personal passion for the marine industry. Having grown up sailing out of Marblehead, Massachusetts, Howe deeply appreciates the strong heritage of Hunt. Scout purchased The Hinckley Company at the end of 2010. Hinckley President and CEO Jim McManus commented on the acquisition of Hunt welcoming Peter Van Lancker, all the Hunt Yachts employees and owners to the family of Scout companies. The two companies have much to share and represent a wonderful cultural pairing. The most immediate synergy is in the Hinckley service yards which now have a direct pipeline to Hunt parts and technical advice to service Hunt products. Hunt will operate under the name Hunt Yachts, LLC and will maintain the same relationship it has had with C. Raymond Hunt Associates as the exclusive designer of its product line. The company is head quartered in Portsmouth, RI and currently offers powerboats from 25 to 74 feet.
Marquis Awards Continue
Regarded as superior in styling, design and construction by experienced yachtsmen the world over, Marquis Yachts continues to receive industry awards. The American yacht-maker is one of the most decorated in the industry. One of the recent awards was the prestigious title of “Best Yacht Design” given to the Marquis 630 Sport Yacht at the 2013 BMW Asia Yachting Awards. Irwin L. Jacobs, co-owner of Marquis Yachts, LLC. accepted the award at the InterContinental Sanya Resort black-tie event held in China earlier this year. Jacobs said the award was a significant honor for Marquis and validated the company's commitment to building the finest ultra-premium vessels.
Mulder Successful Amsterdam Show
Mulder Shipyard is looking back on a very successful HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show. The beautiful weather, King Willem-Alexander visiting the Mulder Shipyard stand and many interested people for our yachts, made the 30th Amsterdam Boat Show a great success. This year we took a Mulder 73 Wheelhouse and Mulder 68 Convertible to the Luxury Island in Amsterdam. The Mulder Favorite 1500 "Diva", which was sailing around the IJ during the Amsterdam Boat Show was also an eye catcher for many visitors. BOOT Düsseldorf (18-26 January 2014) will be the next boat show where Mulder Shipyard will participate.
Princess Yachts 2012 Financial Results
We are delighted to announce another strong set of financial results achieved against a background of difficult economic conditions spanning all major global markets. Profit before tax for the year ended 31 December 2012 was £18.4 million (2011 £20.5 million) on turnover of £249.9 million (2011 £228.6 million), with net assets at the year end totalling £104.6 million (2011 £92.9 million). While profits are down on the previous year, our growth in turnover, achieved in a fiercely competitive market environment, has resulted in increased market share thus further underpinning the foundations for further growth. Throughout the economic downturn, we have continued to invest heavily in new product and new facilities. 2012 will be seen as a pivotal year in the company's history with the successful launch of the highly acclaimed Princess 40M, the largest yacht the company has ever built. Following a string of awards, including the prestigious World Superyacht Award, we have secured further 40M orders and shortly expect to embark on the first phase of construction of state of the art production facilities at the company's new shipyard at Devonport South Yard. This is a £35 million investment programme, which has received support from the Government's Regional Growth Fund. The forthcoming Autumn boat show season will see the launch of several new exciting models, including an all new Princess 43, Princess V48 and Princess 88 Motor Yacht. These are the fruits of a substantial and carefully targeted investment programme that has continued unabated against challenging world economic conditions and which we believe will set us at the forefront of our industry. Steps have also been taken to substantially increase our presence in both new and existing markets, with the appointment of new distributors and the provision of market and product support designed to enhance the Princess owner experience. There is a steadily growing view that the economic cycle is beginning to show signs of sustained improvement. While we remain cautious, our programme of investment in new product and facilities looks to the long term and will continue unabated and with a clear focus on further growth in market share and remaining at the forefront of proudly contributing to Britain's exports in virtually every market that luxury yachts are to be found.
Riva at Venice Film Festival
September 4th night Venice was all painted in blue, the blue of the main sponsor of the Festival, Maserati. Riva and Maserati, two historic Italian brands representing elegance and uniqueness together in Venice on the occasion of the 70th edition of the Film Festival. Riva, the iconic brand of the Ferretti Group, one of the leading world players in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, brought to Venice its Riva Iseo, a 27-foot open yacht which was extraordinarily on display in the swimming pool of the Hotel Excelsior's Maserati Terrace. The Trident luxury car manufacturer and the historic brand of the pleasure boating industry, partners for the Blue Carpet Night, share the same chase for elegance and refinement, the distinguishing features of both. Today Riva epitomizes a unique heritage in the boating sector that conjures up the representatives of the international jet-set that chose to link their image to that of the brand's yachts: Peter Sellers, Ingrid Bergman, Brigitte Bardot, Vittorio Gassman, Sofia Loren, Anita Ekberg, Jean Paul Belmondo, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton are just a few of the celebrities from La Dolce Vita, whose real protagonist was Aquarama, tested for the first time in 1962 and became a myth.
Sabre Yachts Hosts Conference in Maine
Early September Sabre brought together over fifty dealers at the Bethel Inn in Bethel, Maine. Dealers came from as far as Australia and Barbados, as well as from North America from Vancouver to Halifax, Seattle to Miami and San Diego to Maine. The conference also allowed dealers and brokers to learn about the latest models and future plans from the Sabre Design Team. Greg Bego, Principal at Downeast Yachting said. Congratulations to Dave Jirikovic of Downeast Yachting for winning Broker of the Year and DiMillo's Old Port Yacht Sales for winning Dealership of the Year! Dave is based in Jupiter Florida and has been a Sabre Yachts broker for almost ten years. DiMillo's Old Port Yacht Sales is based in Portland Maine and has been a dealership for over eleven years.
San Lorenzo Joint Venture with Sundiro Holding
Sanlorenzo Spa, the third shipyard in the world ranking of the top 20 builders over 24 metres, and Sundiro Holding, a Chinese Company listed on the Shenzen Stock Exchange market active in the production of Honda motorbikes on license, signed an agreement that will allow to produce boats from 10 to 20 meters in China, as well as to sell on the Great China market (China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) the motoryachts from 22 to 62 metres built entirely in the three Italian Sanlorenzo production sites of La Spezia, Viareggio and Massa Carrara. The joint venture between Sanlorenzo Spa and Sundiro Holding will lead to a capital increase of 30 million Euro, signed in part by Sundiro and in part by Sanlorenzo shareholders, which will not however change the Italian majority shareholding of the Company, that will remain in the hands of Massimo Perotti. Since its creation 15 years ago, Sundiro Holding has produced 18 million units of Honda motorbikes on license, with 4.700 employees and a turnover of around 2 billion Euro. The agreement foresees a development in four steps: 1. A Chinese joint venture with Sundiro majority under the name Sundiro-Sanlorenzo Yacht Manufacturing Co., which will build yachts from 10 to 20 metres in China on the basis of Sanlorenzo design and under the brand “Sundiro”. 2. The second step consists in a Italian joint venture with a Sanlorenzo majority under the name Sundiro-Sanlorenzo Yacht International Srl, an Italian company which will be aimed at distributing the Chinese-built boats to the world market. 3. The third step is the creation of a Hong Kong based company called Sanlorenzo Hong Kong that will distribute the Italian-built Sanlorenzo yachts from 22 to 62 metres to the Great China market, through the Sundiro Holding’s organization. The agreement includes the purchase of stock boats from Italy to sell in the region. 4. The final step is a capital increase of 30 million Euro. At the end of the operation – says Perotti - my share of Sanlorenzo will be 55-56%, so that the company’s control, as well as the production, will remain in Italy. I will continue to be the Chairman and Fulvio Dodich the CEO of the company. Thanks to this important agreement, Sanlorenzo strongly enters the Chinese market which is expected to reach 100.000 yachts by 2020 and debuts in the 10 to 20 metres yachting business, to compliment the model range.
Selene Rendezvous a Success
Ther first European Selene Yachts Rendez Vous took place in Croatia from 19 to 23 July. Eight Selene trawlers and their owners from across Europe attended, as did all our European dealers and Guido de Groot, who designs the larger Selene models. Howard Chen, owner of the Selene yard, also travelled from China especially for the occasion. The Rendez Vous was organised on the island of Krk. The idea to organize the Rendez-vous in Marina Punat belongs to Ales Strmljan and his team of Selene Adriatic. With the help of other Selene dealers and in cooperation with Marina Punat the Rendez-vous turned out to be a great success. The Rendez Vous was organised on the island of Krk. The extensive facilities at Marina Punat were essential to the success of the event as were the marina’s employees who organised the many activities down to the final detail. Both the owners and everyone else who came to the island for this great event enjoyed the highest level of Croatian hospitality. Many local specialties were served in the marina restaurant where the Selene trawlers were moored, creating a real Selene Yachts experience in a Mediterranean ambiance. Various people interested in Selene Yachts also came to the event to become acquainted with our trawlers, meet owners and hear about their experiences. Ten journalists from leading European magazines also attended and enjoyed a trip on the Selene trawlers. There were also presentations on topics such as Wesmar stabilisers, the use of life rafts and the operation of EPIRBs. Albert Gerritsma of Selene Yachts Northern Europe showcased our future plans, an owner shared his experiences of sailing in New Caledonia and Guido de Groot explained the philosophy behind the new larger Selene Yachts Ocean Explorer models.
Sunreef Francis Laap Awarded Entrepenour of the Year Award
Sunreef Yachts is extremely proud to announce that Francis Lapp, Founder and President of the company, has received a Special Achievement Award for the Entrepreneurship during this year’s World Yacht Trophies Ceremony held during the Cannes International Boat Show. A glamorous gala dinner took place at the Carlton Hotel in a luxurious setting of la Croisette last Saturday, September 14th. The Luxmedia Group, organizer of the event, appreciated Francis Lapp's charisma and contribution to the development of the shipbuilding industry. The event gathered yacht owners and leading figures of the yachting industry at the dinner and glittering awards ceremony. All guests could also admire the famous Yacht Parade with a participation of the two remarkable Sunreef catamarans - 70 Sunreef Power CLOUDS and 60 Sunreef Power LILU. The company gathered a lot of interest and attention during this year’s edition of the Cannes International Boat Show, having 6 luxury catamarans on display, the first ever such important Sunreef Yachts gathering, with the world premiere of the Sunreef 80 Carbon Line, two Sunreefs 70 Sailing, Sunreef 82 Double Deck and two power boats: 60 Sunreef Power and 70 Sunreef Power.
Sunseeker 2013 Supplier Awards
Sunseeker International Limited’s Supplier of the Year Awards 2013 were hosted by Andrew Macdonald, Director of Procurement at the 2013 PSP Southampton International Boat Show on Tuesday 17th September on the Sunseeker stand. The awards were presented by Group President Robert Braithwaite CBE DL at a reception for the award winners. The awards are annually presented to suppliers and partners who have been recognised by the business for their outstanding performance in meeting Sunseeker International's standard. Robert Braithwaite commented ‘Our whole supply chain plays a key role in operating, maintaining and improving our brand, that means working in close partnership with our suppliers to meet the diverse needs of our customers. This year's award winners were: Flexicovers who received the Customer Service Award, Desty Marine International Ltd who received the Award for Value Improvement, WRES Ltd who received the Award for Production Support, Sandbanks Marine Upholstery who received the Award for Supplier Agility Award, Sylmar Technology Ltd who received the Award for On Time Delivery, The Electric Centre who received the Award for Outstanding Service, Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd who received the Award for Best Indirect Supplier, SPA Laminates Ltd who received the Award for Best New Supplier, Norco GRP Ltd who received the Award for Business Improvement, Kirolite Ltd who received a Special Award for the Interior Furniture supplied on MY Sea Raider V.
Sunseeker Saints Stars
Southampton FC star players Rickie Lambert and Artur Boruc celebrated the club’s continuing partnership with Sunseeker International at the Southampton Boat Show on Thursday 19th September 2013. As part of the Poole-based British luxury yacht manufacturer’s partnership with the Saints, Rickie Lambert and Artur Boruc joined the Sunseeker team on its stand to host a champagne reception for the club’s VIP box holders. The footballing stars then stepped onboard the largest and most expensive yacht at the Southampton International Boat Show, the Sunseeker 40 Metre Yacht, to conduct a series of media interviews. The partnership between the two organisations comes as a result of the introduction of Sunseeker branded luxury dugout seats for the home and away management and coaching teams at the Southampton FC home ground.
Van Dutch from Holland to Holland
VanDutch expanded its production to the USA by teaming up with the highly regarded 900.000 Square foot manufacturing and production facility in Holland, Michigan, S2 / Tiara Yachts, which manufactures America’s most acclaimed yacht brands – Tiara and Pursuit. The partnership combines true American Craftsmanship with Dutch / American Heritage, Elegant Design and extreme quality & Engineering efficiency. It is always reassuring to our Customers that their product’s quality can be counted on because it is manufactured and tested domestically by the most reputable Builder. We are proud to announce that we are ready to sell to the American market. Customers have already benefited from the move by bringing aboard American electrical systems and appliances so the boats are serviceable in the Americas. The new yachts, originally produced in Europe, have also been updated to accommodate the boating culture and lifestyle of the American market by adding options such as generators and additional air conditioning for clients in hotter climates such as Florida, The Bahamas, Mexico and the South of America. The new US manufacturing is an update driven by a growing global market and is part of VanDutch his worldwide commitment to deliver the latest product updates to its individual markets. The new VanDutch yachts are available immediately for purchase through the VanDutch America Sales Network.
Van Dutch Choose Partner for East Florida
VanDutchUSA announced a multi million-dollar deal and an exclusive partnership with HMY Yachts for East Florida & South Carolina. HMY Yachts with points of sale all over East Florida from Key West till North Carolina and located in Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale / Dania, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Port Salerno, Stuart, Jacksonville, Jacksonville-West and Charleston will open VanDutch Centers and have all 4 VanDutch model stock boats (30, 40, 40WA and 55) in Miami Beach Marina, Ft. Lauderdale / Dania, Palm Beach - Palm Harbor Marina, Stuart, Jacksonville and Charleston. VanDutch partnered with HMY Yachts according to the companies strategy to increase and modernize the USA Sales and Service network and expand its exclusive network by reaching out to a new demographic – The Miami area with its worldwide international customer base, Ft. Lauderdale as the well known Yachting Capital of the World, Palm Beach with its traditional upscale boating community and Stuart -Jacksonville - Charleston with their long standing Yachting Traditions. All HMY / VanDutch Centers in East Florida are a first-class experience for clients buying a new product right in the place where they work and play instead of buying through a third party or overseas. It is the first glimpse at how VanDutch Yachts will be sold in the USA – a precedent unrivaled in the industry. VanDutch knows HMY Yachts is the 100% right partner because of their reach, Relationships and Results. HMY is celebrating 33 years of unmatched growth, success and customer satisfaction, HMY Yachts continues to lead the industry in new yacht sales with the most comprehensive vision of what the yachting experience can be.
Vicem Wins Best Interior Awards in Cannes
Vicem Yachts – Turkish builder of luxury classic motor yachts and mega-yachts - achieved worldwide success with the Vicem 46 M, Best Interior Design Award 2013 for yachts between 24-50 meters at the World Yacht Trophies by achieving the highest scores from the members of the jury. Vicem 46M interior was designed by the famous Dutch designing company Art Line and was manufactured in Vicem's shipyards. She was nominated not only for the Best Interior Design Award, but also Best Layout Award and Most Innovative Yacht Award. 2 x 3650 HP MTU engines reach speeds of 28.5 knots which is not a typical speed considering the massiveness of the yacht. With its 6 cabins and 4 crew cabins, the yacht is evocative of a "Floating Palace".
Viking Co-Founder to Receive Seton Award
Viking's co-founder, Robert T. Healey is among six individuals who will receive the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Seton Award on October 7, 2013 in Washington, D.C. The award honors philanthropy, leadership and service to Catholic education. His Catholic School Development program has helped insure the future of the Catholic school network in Allentown, PA, enabling thousands of students to attend Catholic schools. A lawyer and CEO of the Viking Yacht Company, Robert T. Healey has founded and led successful companies and business ventures, and has brought his entrepreneurial spirit to a range of philanthropic endeavors over 25 years. A lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith has inspired him to devote considerable time and resources achieving growth in Catholic schools. The Healey Education Foundation (HEF) provides seed grants and consulting services through a staff of experts focused on helping schools help themselves. Established by Healey under a different name in 1998, the foundation began its signature initiative, the Catholic School Development Plan (CSDP) in 2004. Since then, nearly 60 elementary and high schools have worked with the foundation to deliver better enrollment, stronger fundraising, and more effective governance. Since 2008, the Diocese of Camden has raised an additional $3.2 million through the implementation of annual funds. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, five elementary schools in one year with CSDP turned a 5 percent enrollment decline into a 5.5 percent increase to generate more than $460,000 in additional revenue. In the Diocese of Allentown, CSDP elementary schools are projecting 5.3 percent growth, and the number of schools implementing the CSDP methodology has tripled from six to 18 for 2013-2014. HEF co-founded a successful new model of urban Catholic education, the Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden, New Jersey. Mr. Healey's interest in education and reversing the impact of poverty has extended to schools built in Ladrillera, Mexico, and to orphanages and medical facilities in Sierra Leone via $9 million in assistance raised and provided through the Archdiocese of Freetown and the Diocese of Bo. The Seton Award is NCEA's highest honor given in recognition of significant contributions to Catholic education. The award is named in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821), the first native born American saint.
Viking Healy Family Honored
William Healey, COO and President; Robert Healey, CEO and Chairman; Patrick Healey, Executive Vice-President; and Robert Healey, Jr., Executive Assistant to the Chairman of Viking Yachts were named the inaugural Ernst & Young Family Business Award of Excellence 2013 Greater Philadelphia winners. While the Healey family is well known worldwide for its yacht building prowess and entrepreneurial endeavors, they also have contributed positive and major impact to communities around the globe. Domestically, their nonprofit efforts include the Healey Education Fund to save, sustain and grow Catholic elementary schools. The Gleneayre Equestrian and Equine Assisted Learning programs were created to aid young teen girls at risk. A Children's Resource Center provides healthy activities for local families. Internationally, the Healey International Relief Fund helps to improve the quality of life for survivors of the civil wars in Sierra Leone, Africa. On the home front, the Healey family has provided relief for Viking employees and residents of New Gretna whose lives were upended by Super Storm Sandy, as well as supporting national nonprofits like the Winners Circle Charities led by the Philadelphia Phillies' Hall of Famer, Mike Schmid
Viking Co-Founder Honored
Catholic education advocate Robert T. Healey Sr. '51 will receive the Shield of Loyola from the Saint Joseph's University's Alumni Association at its 33rd annual Alumni Gala Nov. 9 at the Hyatt at the Bellevue in Center City Philadelphia. The SJU Alumni Association's most prestigious honor, the Shield of Loyola is awarded to a distinguished alumnus who has had remarkable success in their profession, whose life reflects the values of St. Ignatius Loyola and who has demonstrated unparalleled loyalty to the University. Putting into practice the Ignatian ideals he learned as an undergraduate at Saint Joseph's, Healey is a recognized leader who has made it his life's work to help communities preserve and enhance Catholic education. A graduate of Camden Catholic High School in New Jersey, the 84-year-old Healey began his pursuit of championing Catholic education in 1998 with the launch of the International Education Foundation (IEF), focused on helping children from disadvantaged families attend Catholic schools and public and private universities. In 2004, Healey and his daughter Christine Healey, MS '01created the Catholic School Development Program (CSDP), an off-shoot of the IEF, to address their concern for the sustainability of American Catholic elementary schools. Healey believes that if Catholic schools were run more like a business, they wouldn't be closing at the alarming rate of one a day. Healey's approach includes a strong and working lay board, a principal CEO type with good leadership skills and an institutional advancement person in each school for fundraising and student recruiting, a model that's already in place in colleges and private schools. The Diocese of Allentown (Pa.) has employed Healey's methodology in 70 percent of its schools and it's paid dividends in the form of an overall five percent enrollment increase. Healey has been "teaching people to fish" for nearly three decades. In 1985, Healey co-founded and funded Living Bridges International, which facilitated the adoption of economically disadvantaged Mexican children by American families. Aimed at helping the "poorest of the poor in the poorest part of Mexico," Healey also supported programs that provided over 2,300 hot meals a day to disadvantaged children and the erection of two schools which educate over 1,100 Mexican children daily. In 2001, Healey founded the Healey International Relief Foundation (HIRF), a nonprofit organization focused on helping residents of the West African third world country of Sierra Leone. HIRF provides medical assistance, stocks food banks, provides health care education and clean water, and offers basic essentials for orphaned children. Healey's deep-seeded dedication to Catholicism stems from a childhood accident. After darting from between two cars onto a busy Trenton, N.J., street, he was hit by a car and broke his ankle. Upon his release from the hospital, Healey received a Miraculous Medal from his mother, who said "Wear this all your life and Our Lady will take care of you." To this day, Healey continues to wear the token of his devotion around his neck, and for Confirmation he delivers to each of his 11 grandchildren a gold Miraculous Medal with the admonishment of his mother, passing along the tradition to his entire family and others who share his passion for Catholicism. A practicing attorney for 25 years, Healey co-founded the Viking Yacht Company in 1964 with his older brother, Bill Healey '51. Bill served as the company's president, focusing on design, engineering and production, while Bob led the company as its chief executive officer, running the financial side of the company. They were able to elevate Viking Yachts to become the world's top production builder of luxury tournament fishing yachts. Keeping Viking in the family, Bill Healey's son Patrick Healey, the company's executive vice president and chief operating officer, will succeed his father as president; Robert T. Healey Jr. '05 will follow in his father's footsteps, managing the financial side of the business. Quality workmanship and a long-term vision have led to Viking's 50-year track record of success that has spawned other business interests related to real estate development, natural resources and financial services. The 1998 recipient of the SJU Law Alumni Chapter's Gem Award for exemplary servant leadership, Healey is a member of the SJU Magis and Barbelin Societies. As an undergraduate, Healey was involved in international relations, debate and intramural clubs, as well as the Interracial Justice Commission. Healey joins an impressive list of Hawks to be honored with the Shield of Loyola, including the five most recent recipients: Michael J. Hagan '85, Brian Duperreault '69, The Honorable Michael A. O'Pake '61, Esq. (deceased), James J. Maguire '58 and Andrew von Eschenbach, M.D. '63.
Viking Appoints SNO Yachts as Exclusive Italian Dealer
The Viking Yacht Company proudly announces the appointment of SNO Yachts as its exclusive Italian dealer. Much like the family owned and operated Viking Yacht Company, SNO Yachts also is a family oriented yacht sales and service organization founded by brothers Andrea and Francesco Pirro more than a quarter century ago. Based in Olbia, the economic center of the island Sardinia in Italy, SNO Yachts also has state-of-the-art facilities in the exclusive Sardinian ports of Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo and Puntaldia. Additional SNO Yachts locations are situated along the peninsula in Rome, Rimini and Lavagna, as well as in Monte Carlo in Monaco. SNO Yachts prides itself on its experienced staff for both sales and complete yacht services for vessels 12 to 70 meters in length ranging from routine maintenance to major renovations.
Viking Score at Mid-Atlantic
Scales were busy all week in both New Jersey and Maryland as the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 celebrated another year as one of the hottest tournaments on the east coast. Out of 117 boats, Carmine "Sonny" Falcone aboard his Viking 56 Cookie II claimed the Second Heaviest Blue Marlin with a 437 pound fish. Mike Murray's Viking 48, Caitlan Taylor, landed a 73 pounder to claim Third Heaviest White Marlin. Michael Poole and his crew on the Viking 70 Irish Ayes took Third Place Marlin Points.