July 31, 2014

Monthly News - July 2014

-pic of the month- Magnum Anniversary Book

Bavaria and Nautitech

Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH and Nautitech Catamarans have finalised negotiations for the French catamaran manufacturer to be acquired by the Giebelstadt-based company. With this move, BAVARIA – the second largest manufacturer of sailing and motor yachts in the world – expands its product portfolio of monohull yachts to include the rapidly growing market for catamarans and continues along its targeted course of opening up new markets. Nautitech has been manufacturing top quality 40- to 60-foot catamarans at their Rochefort site on the French Atlantic coast since 2004. Nautitech catamarans are designed and built by its founder, Bruno Voisard, and his experienced team of multihull specialists. The latest creation by Nautitech is a 40-foot catamaran, developed in collaboration with serial production specialist Marc Lombard. Like the five other models in the current range, the new 40-foot catamaran features an innovative use of spatial design combined with excellent comfort, as well as high product quality and fast and safe sailing characteristics. Bavaria and Nautitech will be exhibiting together for the first time in Cannes on September.


Ferretti Group Opens Office in Mallorca

Ferretti Group, a world leader in the design, construction and sale of luxury motor yachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive and prestigious brands worldwide, announces the opening of a new promotion and representative office in Palma de Mallorca, in Spain, once more confirming its international growth strategy, aiming to increase its brands' visibility on the most important markets all over the world. Based in the capital of the largest Balearic island, the new office will have the goal of promoting the Group’s brands in the Iberian peninsula with the aim to support the local sales network and will also sustain Ferretti Group's business growth among customers from countries like the Russian Federation, Great Britain, Germany, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Scandinavia, for whom Spain, and particularly the Balearic islands, are one of the main destination markets. The new office in Palma de Mallorca will further strengthen the Group’s already impressive presence abroad, where the Group has been growing since the 1990s and is already effectively represented by its subsidiaries Ferretti Group America and Ferretti Group Asia Pacific, the promotion and representative offices in Shanghai and Qingdao, numerous showrooms all over the world, and its widespread international network of approximately 60 dealers, ensuring that Ferretti Group is now present in more than 80 countries. The new office in Palma de Mallorca will officially opened on 5th July, with a cocktail party attended by various Group dealers and key partners. During the ceremony, all guests had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of some of the Group’s jewels, including Ferretti Yachts 690 and Custom Line 100’ representing the Ferretti brand, Pershing 64’, Dolphin 64’ for the Mochi Craft brand, SportRiva 56’ of the Riva brand and Itama Fiftyfive.

Ferretti Group Training Service Evolve With The Market

The curtain has just fallen on the first edition of the Service University (Ferretti Group's professional training and refresher courses school) held in the Asian Pacific region and targeted at all the Group’s official service network operators in this region. For over 25 years Ferretti Group has been organizing training meetings for its Dealers and Service Points, so as to guarantee top-notch services to its Customers all over the world. Besides the traditional sessions normally held in Europe and the editions held in Italy specifically for operators from the Asia Pacific region and the Americas, since 2010 on-site activities have been intensified in these two important areas too. This year, for the first time ever, the Service University was held in Asia, gathering in Hong Kong more than 30 participants from all over the Asia Pacific region (China, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, India, etc.). This is a very significant event, one year after the new office in Hong Kong was opened, because it once more bears witness to Ferretti Group’s strategy to increasingly meet the needs of individual markets, focusing on their specific features and requirements. The training, organised by the Group’s After Sales & Service team, took place over five days and included both theoretical and practical sessions. Several on board system specialists, including representatives from MAN Engines, Naviop, Twin Disc, Idromar, and Condaria, held outstanding lessons. In some cases bench tests were also performed in the classrooms, allowing the participants to take part in practical troubleshooting activities. During the training week, specific boat usage and maintenance issues were dealt with - also thanks to the cooperation of Antonio Campagnuolo, Ferretti Group Product Management Officer, providing details on the various systems, the new features, and the usage requirements of the most recent models built by the Group, particularly Ferretti Yachts 960, 690 and 750, Pershing 62, Riva 86 Domino 122 Mythos. All participants expressed their great appreciation for the courses, at the end of which they received an attendance certificate. As usual, this annual training will be joined by already-scheduled visits to the various dealers and service points, so as to perform on-the-job training activities on board the yachts.


Magnum Launches Anniversary Book

Magnum Marine boats are loved by many celebrities, among them His Majesty H.M. Carl Gustaf of Sweden, the former HM the king Spain Juan Carlos, singer Lenny Kravitz, H.E. Sheikh Mishaal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, James Bond (Sean Connery) and his creator Ian Fleming. To celebrate the success of its brand, on the crest of the wave for more than 47 years, Magnum Marine has prepared a fascinating Magnum Anniversary Book in the Limited Edition of 1,000 copies. Covering the splendid history of the brand from the beginning in the 1960's with “guru” Don Aronow, to the latest models created since 1993 under Katrin Theodoli's leadership getting troughs to her husband, Filippo Theodoli, an Italian boat builder who bought Magnum Marine in 1976. Filippo and Katrin Theodoli had the innovative idea of applying high-performance technology to larger, more luxurious yachts. And thus, the first high-performance yachts were born. Yachts, that would reach the speeds of the race boats, but would have the comforts of the traditional yacht. Magnum Anniversary Book - published by Mondadori - is now ready for its distribution in the limited edition of 1,000 copies. On sale on Magnum Marine website at 70 Euros and distributed in selected book shops around the world hottest sea locations.


Rybovich Grand Opening

It is with great pleasure that we announce the grand opening of Michael Rybovich & Sons Yacht Sales, at the new Michael Rybovich & Sons Custom Boat Works yard in Palm Beach Gardens. Headed up by brokerage and new construction veterans Bill Snyder and Mike Matlack, we will be specializing in the acquisition and sale of the finest sportfisherman and motoryachts available worldwide, and new construction from 40 to 100. With over sixty years of combined experience in the yacht sales industry, as well as many years behind the wheel and in the cockpit of some of the most successful sportfishing boats ever, we offer the experience and technical expertise that a knowledgeable boat owner and his crew might expect, if not demand. The new yard has become a beehive of activity, and we are situated in the thick of it! The boats are here, the people are here, and the latest info on the waterfront is as well. We are always available to answer any questions you may have or to simply chat about the boats and the rich history that is associated with the family name.


Mulder Award

Mulder Shipyard has won the TeekensKarstens International Business Award, part of the ‘Sterkste Schakel Election’. May 23rd Dick and Nick Mulder proudly received the award, formerly known as the Chamber of Commerce Export Price, in Hotels van Oranje in Noordwijk. This year, the ‘Sterkste Schakel Election’ was organized for the eleventh time in co-operation with a.o. Rijnstreek Business Magazine, Chamber of Commerce Haaglanden and VNO/NCW Rijnland. The election is established to reward companies in the area of Leiden (Rijn- and Veen Area, Duin- en Bollen Area) for their excellent customer services and - orientation. The expert jury about Mulder Shipyard: "Crisis or no crisis, Mulder Shipyard recently invested in a brand new yard outfitted with the most modern equipment." The jury was also very impressed by the craftsmanship and sales skills of Mulder Shipyard, and rated the family business since 1938 with "excellent".


Nordhavn Surpasses Five Million 

Earlier this week Nordhavn surpassed 5,000,000 miles accrued on cruising Nordhavns, a milestone it has danced around for a couple months, but achieved after Pedro and Humberto del Favero, owners of N4628 Bucket List, logged the distance they traveled visiting Chile earlier this year. The total is calculated via the company’s Distance Pennant Program (DPP), which measures the number of miles cruising Nordhavns have accumulated by owners who log in and post mileage counts. Administrator of the DPP, Becky Peters, notes that only 339 of the 500+ Nordhavns built have reported their mileage totals, so the assumption is that the actual number of miles covered by the brand’s yachts is much greater.

Nordhavn First Circumnavigate

At the Distance Pennant Awards ceremony held at the Nordhavn Rendezvous in California this spring, 19 different Nordhavn owners names were called to come up and retrieve their pennant. When at last the Lawler Family was announced, the 35,000-nm pennant was accepted on their behalf since they were busy moving up the coast to CT, getting re-acclimated to life on land again. The Lawlers had recently completed a six-year circumnavigation of the globe on their Nordhavn 46 Emily Grace, an amazing trip that not only had an effect on them, but one that also allowed them to leave their mark. 

Nordhavn Third Award

Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., manufacturer of the Nordhavn brand is thrilled to announce the gorgeous Nordhavn 120#1 Aurora has been nominated for a third prestigious design award this year. She will vie against other new yachts in her class at the 2014 International Superyacht Society Design Awards. Nordhavn’s Chief of Design, Jeff Leishman, N.A., along with Interior Designer Destry Darr, will compete in categories recognizing achievement in superyacht engineering and style. Aurora‘s bid in the ISS Awards of Distinction follows up her shortlisted nominations at the World Superyacht Awards and the International Yacht and Aviation awards earlier this year. Winners will be announced at the ISS’s International Awards for Design and Leadership Gala which kicks off the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in October. 


Overmarine Announces Sale

Overmarine Group announces the sale of Mangusta 130 “Misunderstood”. This 40 metre Open Maxi yacht was designed and built according to the wishes and demands of the first Owner. This being his third Mangusta yacht, he knew exactly how to make the most of this model’s potential. The racy, determined lines of the yacht, her high performance, a top speed of over 35 knots, her excellent seaworthiness and the lack of vibrations and noise usually found on Mangusta yachts merge here together in an interior design which deals with the architectural development of the volumes. The main deck features an elegant, spacious salon and luncheon area: the view is truly panoramic owing to the large windows. The central section of the roof can be opened to bring in even more light and fresh air. On the lower deck, the guest area houses the full beam Owner’s suite astern, a gym, the VIP cabin which is almost a second master cabin, and 2 spacious guest cabins complete with study. The area for the 6 person crew lies astern and features 3 cabins, a galley, a dinette and services. The extraordinary outdoor area at bow and astern allows the owner and his guests to enjoy their onboard experience to the full. The sale was made by Overmarine Group France, the new branch office run by Sales Manager Danilo Magnisi. The official inauguration of the Port Rayon office in Golf Juan is being held on Thursday, 31st July. Opening this new office in the Côte d'Azur is part of the sales development work which is leading the Group to preside directly over strategic markets such as the United States (Miami branch) and France. Historically, in fact, France is one of the reference markets for Mangusta, as is clear from the number of our yachts that can be seen in the most exclusive marinas of the Côte d'Azur. This is a market in which the company believes strongly, so much so it has actually opened an office there. As of today, the company’s reliability and its thirty year experience, the passion of those working here and the success of this brand have moved increasingly closer to clients and their demands in France. Indeed, the results were not long in coming - as the sale of this yacht clearly shows.


Princess Strengthens Distribution in China

British boat builder, Princess Yachts International, has strengthened its distribution network in Asia with the announcement that its representative for South China and Hong Kong will now take overall responsibility for the People's Republic of China. Known as Princess Yachts Greater China Limited (PYGC), this newly formed operation amalgamates Princess' existing Distributor for Hong Kong, Macau and Southern China, a subsidiary of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, the flagship investment holding company controlled by Dato' Dr. Cheng Yu Tung and family (the "Cheng Family"), with a new partner, DCH Marine Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Dah Chong Hong Holdings Ltd. This newly formed joint venture will allow Princess to expand its reach across China with plans already underway to create a network of sales and service centres in key locations across mainland China. The base of operations for PYGC will remain in place within the existing offices in Central Hong Kong. Through its previous work in the south, PYGC has already established a strong record for sales and service and this new move will further improve Princess' reach throughout the region, having already sold and delivered a number of new Princess craft up to and including the Company's 98 Motor Yacht and 105-foot 32Metre. Dah Chong Hong Holdings Limited is a Hong Kong-based conglomerate with a diverse portfolio in automotive, food and consumer products. With huge experience in the luxury market, DCH is a prominent force in the automotive sector in Greater China, with over 50 years experience. DCH was the key player in the successful introduction of Bentley Motors to mainland China and led the market to become the second largest importer for Bentley in the world. Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited is the controlling shareholder of New World Development Limited, a leading Hong Kong-based conglomerate with interests in property, infrastructure and service, department store and hotel businesses. The Cheng Family also controls Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, the world's largest jewellery retailer with over 2,000 points of sales in Greater China.


Riva Round-About

Sarnico dedicates an everlasting homage to Riva, which anyone will see when moving along the streets of the municipality facing on lake Iseo. The new roundabout dedicated to Riva was inaugurated in the afternoon. It can be found along via Predore, the street flanking the lake where, at the street number 30, the shipyards are located. The roundabout displays a 1:1 scale Ariston hull, Riva’s flagship between the 50’s and the 60’s. Sarnico’s mayor, Giorgio Bertazzoli, took part in the inauguration together with other representatives of local authorities, the executives of Ferretti Group, to which the brand Riva belongs, and Carlo Riva, who personally supported the initiative suggesting the Ariston as memorial model to be placed at the center of the roundabout. Ferretti Group made its cutting edge technologies available for the creation of the monument. The Models and Moulds department, at the shipyard in Forlì, traced all the points of the craft through laser scanning, than transferring the data to a computer. A first 1:1 scale model was then created, perfectly matching the original wooden hull. The roundabout and its monument further enhance the strong connection between Riva, Sarnico and, more in general, the Sebino area, the territory where this successful and excellence story begun. The success of the brand is strictly connected to the development of many local companies supplying the shipyard, working in several different sectors, from steel furniture to tapestry. This roundabout is the timeless witness of all these sectors which have linked their business to the history of Riva.


Sunseeker Announcement

In August 2013, Wanda Group acquired 91.81% of shares in Sunseeker International (Holdings) Limited (”Sunseeker”), Wanda Group, owned by billionaire Wang Jianlin, who was named China’s richest person by Forbes Magazine in 2013, is a Beijing headquartered conglomerate with strong footprints across China, Europe and the US, operating mainly in four sectors, including commercial properties, culture & entertainments, luxury hotels and department stores. By 2013, the company had total assets of USD$62.8 bn and has been ambitious in global expansion in recent years. Sunseeker announces that, after five years’ service and having led the business through successive periods of ownership, Stewart McIntyre has confirmed his decision to step down as Managing Director and will leave the Sunseeker Group at the end of July 2014, to pursue other interests. To ensure the continuation of a strong management structure, Wanda Group has restated its commitment to the management and operations of Sunseeker Group and has formed a special Board Committee with responsibility for the selection and appointment of a new CEO for the Sunseeker Group. Sunseeker is also advanced with plans to appoint two independent non-executive directors to strengthen Sunseeker’s operating model and to bring further strategic expertise to the Sunseeker Board and thereby ensure the continued future success of Sunseeker's business and its global brand. In the interim, Wanda Group has endorsed the appointment of Robert Braithwaite CBE as Acting President of Sunseeker. Braithwaite, founder of Sunseeker, will now work alongside Sunseeker's Executive Team and Wanda Group's Post Merger Integration Team, who will manage the business, pending the appointment of a new CEO. Following the successful launch of its flagship 155 yacht (the largest private motor yacht built in the UK) in April 2014 and as we approach the European boat show season, Sunseeker will be announcing a market leading new model program for 2015 and beyond.


Storm Yachts Unique Tender

Owners of a yacht with such a unique design as the Storm X-53F are bound to have high demands in terms of aesthetics, colours, luxury, materials, comfort and performance. And when opening the tender garage onboard, they want to see a craft with similar characteristics that will instantly be recognised as being the ‘tender of’. This was certainly the case with the owners of the new X-53 F which will be delivered this week. They requested that the Storm design team come up with a tender that could be customised to such an extent that it would have the same look & feel as their yacht. Eventually the team selected the Williams 325 Tender, and presented an exclusive design concept that was entirely in line with the owner’s wishes. The tender has already been delivered to the owner and will be on show at the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show in September.

Storm Yachts Digital Brochures

The monthly report of our social media activities shows that the digital version of the English language Storm Yachts brochure is downloaded and studied on a regular basis. We now also offer a Russian version of the brochure. As the popularity of Storm Yachts is increasing both in the Mediterranean and in the Moscow and St. Petersburg regions, we believe that we now can meet the popular demand in an even more efficient way. We also offer digital versions of the interior impressions of the Storm S-78 and Storm X-65, which provide an interesting insight into the personalized design process involved with the interiors of these yachts.


Van Dutch Center Naples

Today, VanDutch USA announced the opening of their new Factory Direct. VanDutch Center Naples at 895 10th Street South Ste 302B, Naples, FL 34102. VanDutch Center Naples is a Factory Direct, first-class experience for clients buying a new product right in the place where they live, work and play. It is how all VanDutch Yachts will be sold in the USA a Precedent Unrivaled in the Industry. VanDutch Center Naples will start to include the models 30 and 40 in its inventory on site and will offer the opportunity to inspect and sea trial by one of its qualified VanDutch Representatives. The 55 will arrive the end of 2014. VanDutch Center Naples will have VanDutch Merchandise such as Apparel and Accessories, as well as to offer exclusive VanDutch Services to its clients like 24/7 Customer Assistance, Financial Services like Leasing, Financing, Fractional Ownerships, VanDutch Charter and Insurance, Concierge and Yacht instructional Programs. VanDutch Center Naples is part of VanDutch USA’s dedication to deliver its Elite Experience and Showcase its latest Products in one convenient location. The VanDutch Factory Direct Centers in the USA are located in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Nassau the Bahamas, Naples, The Hamptons New York and Newport Beach California.


Viking Ocean Yachts Bragging Rights

A fleet of 40 boats, half Viking half Ocean yachts, converged on the Canyon Club Marina for the annual Viking Ocean Showdown. Amidst dinner, dancing and a lively pool party complete with grilled steaks and tropical drinks the anglers did find some time to fish on Thursday and Saturday. When lines were called at the end of the final day, Viking Yachts had the edge over Ocean Yachts winning the coveted Grand Champion trophy. Captain Ryan Higgins claimed Most Points Tuna on the Viking 70 while Team Viking member Beth Cesarini nabbed the Heaviest Tuna with a 68 pounder while fishing on Gypsea. Kaela Colyar, aboard the Viking 60 Gigabyte II, was the Top Junior Angler. The release only billfish tournament pits these two New Jersey boat manufacturers against each other in a friendly rivalry for bragging rights.

Viking Red White and Blue

Every Viking yacht is an outstanding example of what it means to say, "Made in America." And as an American company we are proud not only of our shipwrights and the amazing Viking yachts they build, but also keen on the fact that this message is carried around the globe to the finest and often most remote reaches of the world where superb fishing and cruising grounds abound. In light of the upcoming July 4th Independence Day celebration in honor of America's birthday, we could not help but notice how much red, white and blue plays in our everyday life. Massively impressive, the snow white hull of this Viking 82 Convertible appears formidable and powerful as it is prepped to join the production line.

Viking Second Place

Although the conditions were less than perfect, Mark and Rita Bachman secured a strong Second Place finish at the recent 10th Annual PFC Geoffrey Morris Memorial Governors Cup. The Bachman's Viking 55 Hour Time was scouring Lake Michigan for king and coho salmon along with lake, brown and rainbow trout. When lines out was called on Day One, Hour Time was sitting on the leader board in Third Place. Going into a foggy Day Two was actually helpful as the Bahama Blue hulled Viking found the fish but wasn't visible to the competition. Hour Time finished the event with a Second Place Overall Finish. This event was created in honor and memory of PFC Geoffrey Morris and benefits military families

Viking Triple Twice

Frank Rodriguez, and his outstanding crew on his Viking 70 Enclosed Bridge Fa La Me, made history this month when he won the Bermuda Triple Crown for the second time! Fa La Me is the first boat to ever win this prestigious accomplishment twice. Comprised of a series of three major Bermuda-based billfish tournaments, the points earned at each event follow the boat, crew and anglers. Fishing for blue marlin, as that is where the big points are, was a ponderous task for the team. The Bermuda Big Game Classic, the first in the series, was a slow start with a lone white marlin release. Things picked up during the second event, the Bermuda Billfish Blast with four white marlin. After 14 days, the frustrated crew was still looking for the elusive blue marlin bite. Then it happened! On the first day of the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, Frank hooked up with a blue and 18 minutes later the team was back in the saddle. Four blue marlin and a wahoo followed to win not just the Sea Horse event but take the title of the Bermuda Triple Crown Championship. Frank also took Top Angler in the Sea Horse Leg. Congratulations Frank, captain Rob Moore, mates Taylor and Tyler Beckford and anglers Dave Berard and Jeffrey De Silva. We're looking forward to a triple Triple next year! Congratulations are also in order to Lainey Jones fishing on her Viking 66 Mama Who. Lainey was Second Place Lady Angler in the Billfish Blast leg of the series.


Zeelander Sag Experience Day

Over the recent Father's Day weekend, Zeelander USA was delighted to welcome owners and other enthusiasts to a relaxed and enjoyable Experience Day at Sag Harbor. The sun welcomed everyone as did the Zeelander team and Sag Harbor staff for a fun packed weekend. Zeelander shall be holding more Experience Days over the coming months.

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