Azimut Confirms Leadership in Dubai
Azimut Yachts consolidates its leadership at the 2016 Dubai International Boat Show. After five consecutive years of rising sales in Middle East, the company in joint venture with Seas & Deserts Group is strengthening its network in the Gulf with a new representative office in the prestigious Dubai Marina Yacht Club and a Service Manager transferred from headquarters to Seas & Deserts Group. Highlights: New office in Dubai Marina Yacht Club, New Service Manager for the Gulf area, Azimut dealer Seas & Deserts named “Grande Collection Dealer of the year”, New Azimut 72 and Magellano 66 models immediately sold out, not least as a result of strong demand in the Gulf market, and six Azimut models at the Dubai International Boat Show 2016.
Beneteau and 5 Michelin-starred chefs invite you to join them on a fluvial gastronomic journey through France by the inland waterways, to celebrate the launch of its new Swift Trawler 30. There will be 5 gourmet stopovers between Deauville and Sète on this trip. Take a new boat, the Swift Trawler 30. Add an inland waterway crossing of France from north to south. Leave to simmer for 5 gourmet stopovers hosted by Michelin-starred Chefs. Don’t miss the chance to drop in and visit the boat at each stop. For the lucky ones, enjoy one of the dinners invented on board by a Michelin-starred Chef and relish your fluvial crossing. Follow each gourmet stopover and discover the chef’s recipes - recipes to try on board or at home - on the website Beneteau.com and the Facebook page Beneteau. Start of the crossing: Deauville on 24 April, finishing in Sète end May. The person behind this operation is none other than Guy Lassausaie, Meilleur ouvrier de France (Best craftsman in France) in 1993, and owner of the Chasselay 2 Michelin stars restaurant!
Cerri Sponsors Italian Yacht Master Training
Over the last few days the Marina di Loano Yacht Club hosted a training course, organised by Italian Yacht Master and sponsored by Cerri Cantieri Navali, for the implementation of the ISM Code. The course, targeted at captains, was provided by DNV-GL Academy. Among participants were two students of the Camogli nautical school, who thus had the opportunity to get a taste of their future job. Italian Yacht Master’s project aims to create a community of Italian captains, sharing skills and knowledge in a constantly-evolving and increasingly global market - an objective fully supported by CCN, who was pleased to be involved in an event that also allows the boat builder to further improve its own boats. “We enthusiastically took part in this training – comments CCN’s CEO Diego Michele Prati – as we believe that increasing the Italian crews’ knowledge and expertise is the best way to also improve the way we build boats and cruise the seas”.
Cerri Launches Three New Apps and Apple Store
Cerri Cantieri Navali based in La Spezia, wants to get closer to its followers, and enters in the mobile world launching three new apps dedicated to its production lines: CCN Flyingsport, CCN 35/27 M e CCN Phileas 35M. The entire project was managed by CCN along with Giango (www.giangocomunicazione.it) and T4All (www.t4all.it), responsible respectively for the graphic design and technological development of the three applications. The applications, that can be downloaded directly from the Apple Store, are available for Ipad, both in English and Italian. The same Apps will be available for the other mobile devices shortly. “Navigate within these three apps –says Raffaella Daino, CCN Head of Communications and Marketing- is a simple and pleasant experience, and allows you to discover everything there is to know about each model, illustrating the main characteristics through accurate data sheets, an extensive and detailed photo gallery, videos, and much more”. A comprehensive and fascinating overview of your dream boat, right in your tablet. CCN lovers can enjoy the apps and stay tuned with CCN news also on all the social networks as CCN new pages are now available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.
“Convergence” is coming: the new edition of the professional training and refresher courses, organised by Ferretti Group for the captains of the motoryachts and vessels in its fleet, will be held from 15-18 March, 2016. . The sessions will be held in Salzburg, Austria, and will include formal training as well as outdoor activities, bringing together around 100 captains and chief engineers from all around the world. During the four days of "Convergence" 2016, the main objective will be to analyse the most important recent technological innovations added to the Group's yachts by exploring their functions, how they work and the maintenance needs. Some of Ferretti Group’s leading technology partners will host many of the technical seminars, including MAN, Ranieri Tonissi, RINA and Side Power. Captains and chief engineers will also take part in refresher courses and team-building activities, such as city tours, sports and leisure pursuits. All this will consolidate the feeling of being part of the Group and, once again, reiterate its commitment to supporting seagoing professionals.
Ferretti Group Open Days 2016
Ferretti Group is continuing its international “tour” of the capital cities in the world of yachting. The next stop is Hong Kong, where the Group has based its subsidiary in the Asia-Pacific region since 2013. From 4–6 March Aberdeen Marina will be the splendid venue for the “Ferretti Group Open Days”, a three-day event reserved for yacht owners, clients, guests and journalists. This exclusive and private boat parade will show off some of the latest yachts launched by the Group in the Asia-Pacific region. During this one-of-a-kind event in China the spotlight will focus on: The Ferretti Yachts 960 “Tai He Ban”, the Ferretti Yachts 650, and the Ferretti Yachts 550; and the Custom Line 124’ and the Custom Line Navetta 28. “It will be wonderful to spend three whole days with our friends in Hong Kong and mainland China, offering them a private view of the Ferretti Yachts and Custom Line fleet and unique sea trials,” says Stefano de Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ferretti Group. “The Ferretti Group Open Days are going to be an exclusive event with an informal atmosphere to ensure our visitors enjoy themselves. We are looking forward to welcoming owners, clients and media, who will feel like special guests at a private boat show with the unique opportunity of a privileged insight into five extraordinary yachts, two of which are making their debut in the Asia-Pacific region.” The two yachts that will lead the scene are the Ferretti Yachts 550, the new 55-foot flybridge model that is already a huge success in Europe and America with 8 yachts sold in just 6 months, and the flagship Ferretti Yachts 960,in the special “Tai He Ban” edition. Word about the “Tai He Ban” layout has already spread throughout the Far East: the magnificent product of Ferretti’s new Design Philosophy, it is specifically inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing, one of the most spectacular and luxurious buildings within the Forbidden City where ceremonies were held in the presence of the Emperor and his dignitaries. The fleet is completed by the Ferretti Yachts 650 and two Custom Line maxi yachts that rank among the most admired vessels in the range: the Custom Line 124’, the flagship in the planing line and one of the largest yachts to sail Chinese waters; and the Custom Line Navetta 28, the latest model in the semi-displacement range and already a huge success following its arrival in the Asia-Pacific just a few months ago. Guests will be able to explore all five yachts during the three-day event, with visits on board and sea trials off the coast of Hong Kong. They will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the secrets of these jewels in the crown of luxury Italian yachting, assisted by representatives of Ferretti Group Asia-Pacific.
Gulf Craft Celebrates Millions of Sales
Gulf Craft sold AED 80 million (USD 22 million) worth of luxury yachts and leisure boats across its range at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, the Emirates-based builder revealed today, signifying considerable market resilience amid a challenging global economic landscape. Gulf Craft’s announcement follows the successful unveiling of four exceptional yachts – two of which are superyachts – across its expanding portfolio, marking the greatest number of launches the innovative shipyard has ever presented in a single event. “What we have witnessed at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show is the genuine buoyancy of the leisure marine market, one which we believe has been heavily supported by our global presence and growing worldwide interest in our take on boating and on-water living,” said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft. “This year, we saw an increased number of international visitors, particularly from Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US – all specifically coming to see and experience our product range.”
Heesen Appoint New CEO
Heesen appoint Arthur Brouwer as CEO effective February 1, 2016. Arthur Brouwer has been serving as Executive Chairman since September 2014. With an established track record of 19 years both in senior leadership roles as well as CEO positions in listed large family firms and private equity, Mr. Brouwer has in-depth experience in retail, automotive wholesale and production. His current mandate is to take Heesen Yachts, leader in custom-built superyachts and internationally renowned for creating exceptional performances in speed, range and stability, to the next stage of its development. ‘It is a great privilege to head Heesen, an internationally respected Company which has been setting standards of excellence and design engineering innovation for the past 38 years’ commented Mr. Brouwer. ‘My past experiences have enabled me to acquire great knowledge of the operational excellence, sales and marketing, strategy and my concrete aim moving forward is to capitalise and build on what has previously been achieved by taking Heesen to the next chapter of its history’.
Horizon Nominated Best Asian Motor Yacht
Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce that we are nominated once again for the “Best Asian Motoryacht Builder” award from the 2016 Asia Boating Awards; this marks our 11th consecutive nomination for this award, which we have been proud to win each year of our nomination. Additionally, Horizon Yachts is nominated for the “Best Brand Presence in Asia” award, and our new Horizon RP120 superyacht is nominated for two awards -- the “Best Asian Built Yacht” and “Best Production Motoryacht (25m above). Last but certainly not least, the Horizon E56 motoryachtis nominated for “Best Production Motoryacht (15-24M)’. The 12th Asia Boating Awards, organized by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines, will be held in Singapore on April 7th -- the opening day of the Singapore Yacht Show – at ONE°15 Marina Club on SentosaIsland. The awards feature 25 categories and 200 nominees including boats, yachts, superyachts, builders, brands, marinas, yacht clubs, regattas, designers, and personalities from across the globe. Nominees are chosen through online polling of the magazine’s readers, and final winners in each category are chosen by a panel of expert judges.
North Line Open Yard in April
On Saturday the 23rd of April North Line and Kuster Yachts of Harlingen, builders of the seaworthy North-Line grp and Kuster steel motor yachts, will open their doors. From 11:00 until 16.00 hours, everyone is welcome in Harlingen to become acquainted with the boatyard and its work. Visitors will be able to view four models in production and at various stages of completion, including the North-Line 42 Wheelhouse, North-Line 37 Wheelhouse and the new North-Line 50. Visitors will have the opportunity to see what is required to build seaworthy motor yachts in steel and GRP. Also on view will be the moulding of a grp hull, an engine installation and the fitting of carpet to an interior.
Pursuit Expands Dealer Network
Riva Sponsor Scuderia Ferrari
Horizon Nominated Best Asian Motor Yacht
Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce that we are nominated once again for the “Best Asian Motoryacht Builder” award from the 2016 Asia Boating Awards; this marks our 11th consecutive nomination for this award, which we have been proud to win each year of our nomination. Additionally, Horizon Yachts is nominated for the “Best Brand Presence in Asia” award, and our new Horizon RP120 superyacht is nominated for two awards -- the “Best Asian Built Yacht” and “Best Production Motoryacht (25m above). Last but certainly not least, the Horizon E56 motoryachtis nominated for “Best Production Motoryacht (15-24M)’. The 12th Asia Boating Awards, organized by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines, will be held in Singapore on April 7th -- the opening day of the Singapore Yacht Show – at ONE°15 Marina Club on SentosaIsland. The awards feature 25 categories and 200 nominees including boats, yachts, superyachts, builders, brands, marinas, yacht clubs, regattas, designers, and personalities from across the globe. Nominees are chosen through online polling of the magazine’s readers, and final winners in each category are chosen by a panel of expert judges.
North Line Open Yard in April
On Saturday the 23rd of April North Line and Kuster Yachts of Harlingen, builders of the seaworthy North-Line grp and Kuster steel motor yachts, will open their doors. From 11:00 until 16.00 hours, everyone is welcome in Harlingen to become acquainted with the boatyard and its work. Visitors will be able to view four models in production and at various stages of completion, including the North-Line 42 Wheelhouse, North-Line 37 Wheelhouse and the new North-Line 50. Visitors will have the opportunity to see what is required to build seaworthy motor yachts in steel and GRP. Also on view will be the moulding of a grp hull, an engine installation and the fitting of carpet to an interior.
Pursuit Expands Dealer Network
Pursuit Boats is excited to announce it has appointed Legendary Marine as its authorized dealer for the Florida panhandle. When it comes to all things boating, Legendary Marine is an exceptional, full-service marine provider. With national and regional award winning sales and service teams, Legendary is fully equipped to support the sales and service of all Pursuit Boats product. Established in 2001, they have created a world class dealership facility that offers a high level of professionalism and customer service. “We are extremely pleased to add Legendary Marine to our list of exceptional
dealer partners. They have a dealership culture and customer centric business philosophy that lines up perfectly with the values and goals that we manage our business by at Pursuit,” Ron Burkdoll, Regional Business Development Manager, Pursuit Boats. Legendary Marine will handle the sales and service responsibility for Pursuit Boats from its Destin and Panama City, Florida locations.
Riva Sponsor Scuderia Ferrari
When two legends meet, extraordinary stories and unforgettable emotions come to life. This is about to happen in Formula 1 with the news that Riva will be Scuderia Ferrari’s official sponsor throughout the 2016 World Championship. The international yacht brand and the Prancing Horse’s single-seater racing machines will be competing together for the first time on all the Formula 1 circuits that will host the 21 Grand Prix races. The sponsorship was officially announced in Maranello during the presentation of the new Ferrari SF16-H car, which will compete in the next Formula 1 World Championship. The Riva logo, featuring the unmistakable aquamarine background, will be visible on the helmets of Scuderia Ferrari's two drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. “An icon of recreational boating meets the most exceptional Formula 1 team giving birth to an unmatched duo, a legend meeting another legend, racing together on Formula 1 circuits and cruising the seas worldwide" - explains Ferretti Group’s CEO Alberto Galassi. “We are truly proud to be writing a new chapter of Riva’s glorious history together with Ferrari, thereby renovating a collaboration that, in the past, led to true sea jewels . The exclusive cooperation between Riva and Scuderia Ferrari brings together two icons of style and technological innovation, which every day thrill speedboat and car racing enthusiasts all over the world.” The first Grand Prix race to look forward to is the Rolex Australian Grand Prix (from 18-20 March in Melbourne), but the challenge will cover 21 weekends, culminating on 27 November with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the grand finale of the 2016 World Championship.
Riviera Opens Registrations for Festival
Registrations are now open for the Riviera Festival Boating in May – 2016’s Ultimate Boating Event. With a greater focus than ever before on broadening the boating knowledge and skills of luxury motor yacht owners, Riviera’s 2016 educational program is the Festival’s most expansive ever.
This year the marque will present over 110 informative and very hands-on workshops spread over four days to build boating safety and confidence, including 17 brand-new workshops. Many of the Festival’s popular workshops have been fully refreshed, providing ever greater in-depth training in specific areas of nautical interest. The Riviera Festival of Boating – coinciding with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 19-22 May 2016 – draws owners from around Australia and around the world to celebrate and share in all that it is that makes boating with Riviera so unique. Over the past four years, Riviera’s truly unique Festival has assisted hundreds of motor yacht owners from around the world to stretch their sea legs and enjoy more of the rich and rewarding benefits of the luxury life afloat. This year Riviera takes the exhilaration and enjoyment to inspiring new levels with both introductory and advanced courses to suit all degrees of seamanship and boating knowledge to be presented by nautical trainers with a wealth of boating wisdom and experiences. The Festival’s 2016 Seamanship Program aims to inspire Riviera and Belize owners to use their yachts to their full potential. Experienced skipper Tim Edwards will present a workshop on offshore seamanship, while one of Australia’s meteorologists Anthony Cornelius will present separate workshops on weather fundamentals and advanced forecasting. Maintenance Programs will be presented by marine professionals covering Preventative Maintenance and Discovering the Tricks of the Trade, Understanding Desalination, Know Your Generator, Troubleshooting Sanitation Systems and Understanding the Science of Anti-Fouling. The Systems Programs reflect how Riviera is embracing the technology that makes boating so much easier and more enjoyable. Workshops include Understanding the Simplicity of CZone, Onboard Power Systems, Get The Most From The Glass Cockpit, and Experience a Riviera Shaft-Drive with Express Joystick and See The Seakeeper At Work. Navigation and safety have a special focus at this year’s Festival. Registrants can book for Traditional Navigation 1 – Passage Planning, Traditional Navigation 2 – Positioning, Basic Radar – Fixing Targets, Radar Rendezvous – Traditional Chart Plotting, Local Direction, IALA Buoyage System/Collision Regulations and Understanding Electronic Navigation with Raymarine. Fire Training and Emergency Planning, Emergency Protocols & Procedures, First Aid Essentials, Safe Towing, Anchoring & Rafting, Radio Communications – Distress, Marine Assist and Safety are open to all registrants, while on Sunday Riviera and Belize owners will be able to attain their Australian Waters Qualification. Mr Longhurst said the 2016 program was the Festival’s most extensive yet, and also included inspirational seminars on interior design and cruising to idyllic destinations. On the Riviera Marina – as part of the award-winning Gold Coast International Marine Expo – there will be even more inspiration in the form of 12 stunning examples of on-water excellence. Of course, the Festival is just as much about fun and celebration as it is about education and Riviera also invites luxury motor yacht owners to a special Ladies Day at the Festival – Fashion and Fine Food Luncheon at Marina Mirage and Fellini Restorante e Bar, as well as a Saturday night gala cocktail marina party followed by a spectacular dinner show, Viva Las Riviera, to be attended by over 500 guests in a special section of the Riviera factory.
Terranova Arrives in Navicelli
Riviera Opens Registrations for Festival
Registrations are now open for the Riviera Festival Boating in May – 2016’s Ultimate Boating Event. With a greater focus than ever before on broadening the boating knowledge and skills of luxury motor yacht owners, Riviera’s 2016 educational program is the Festival’s most expansive ever.
This year the marque will present over 110 informative and very hands-on workshops spread over four days to build boating safety and confidence, including 17 brand-new workshops. Many of the Festival’s popular workshops have been fully refreshed, providing ever greater in-depth training in specific areas of nautical interest. The Riviera Festival of Boating – coinciding with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 19-22 May 2016 – draws owners from around Australia and around the world to celebrate and share in all that it is that makes boating with Riviera so unique. Over the past four years, Riviera’s truly unique Festival has assisted hundreds of motor yacht owners from around the world to stretch their sea legs and enjoy more of the rich and rewarding benefits of the luxury life afloat. This year Riviera takes the exhilaration and enjoyment to inspiring new levels with both introductory and advanced courses to suit all degrees of seamanship and boating knowledge to be presented by nautical trainers with a wealth of boating wisdom and experiences. The Festival’s 2016 Seamanship Program aims to inspire Riviera and Belize owners to use their yachts to their full potential. Experienced skipper Tim Edwards will present a workshop on offshore seamanship, while one of Australia’s meteorologists Anthony Cornelius will present separate workshops on weather fundamentals and advanced forecasting. Maintenance Programs will be presented by marine professionals covering Preventative Maintenance and Discovering the Tricks of the Trade, Understanding Desalination, Know Your Generator, Troubleshooting Sanitation Systems and Understanding the Science of Anti-Fouling. The Systems Programs reflect how Riviera is embracing the technology that makes boating so much easier and more enjoyable. Workshops include Understanding the Simplicity of CZone, Onboard Power Systems, Get The Most From The Glass Cockpit, and Experience a Riviera Shaft-Drive with Express Joystick and See The Seakeeper At Work. Navigation and safety have a special focus at this year’s Festival. Registrants can book for Traditional Navigation 1 – Passage Planning, Traditional Navigation 2 – Positioning, Basic Radar – Fixing Targets, Radar Rendezvous – Traditional Chart Plotting, Local Direction, IALA Buoyage System/Collision Regulations and Understanding Electronic Navigation with Raymarine. Fire Training and Emergency Planning, Emergency Protocols & Procedures, First Aid Essentials, Safe Towing, Anchoring & Rafting, Radio Communications – Distress, Marine Assist and Safety are open to all registrants, while on Sunday Riviera and Belize owners will be able to attain their Australian Waters Qualification. Mr Longhurst said the 2016 program was the Festival’s most extensive yet, and also included inspirational seminars on interior design and cruising to idyllic destinations. On the Riviera Marina – as part of the award-winning Gold Coast International Marine Expo – there will be even more inspiration in the form of 12 stunning examples of on-water excellence. Of course, the Festival is just as much about fun and celebration as it is about education and Riviera also invites luxury motor yacht owners to a special Ladies Day at the Festival – Fashion and Fine Food Luncheon at Marina Mirage and Fellini Restorante e Bar, as well as a Saturday night gala cocktail marina party followed by a spectacular dinner show, Viva Las Riviera, to be attended by over 500 guests in a special section of the Riviera factory.
Terranova Arrives in Navicelli
As announced at the Genoa Boat Show 2015, the prestigious brand Terranavoa Italian Yachts has won the public selection and acquired the shed of the former Benetti Sail Division from the Court of Lucca, in the Navicelli Consortium area, adjacent to the highway. The shed can accommodate up to three units from 68' to 115' in length, at the same time. It houses offices, spaces functioning as changing facilities, toilets and a large warehouse. At this time, works are in progress for minor internal restructuring, painting and the positioning of an overhead crane. Outside a large square forms part of the facility acquired by the CEO Massimigliano Zilioli, who directly supervised the entire operation and is ready, together with the Navicelli consortium, to start the new production of Terranova Yachts. Work on finishing a first 85' unit is soon to commence at the new facility, while awaiting the completion of the first negotiations for new boats
Wim Van Der Valk Announce Experience Event
Wim Van Der Valk Announce Experience Event
Wim Van der Valk are proud to announce a new Experience Event at it's yacht building facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. Running from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 March, this is an exceptional opportunity for you to get a sense of our latest projects and developments in a very personal way. The following yachts will be showcased at the event: 2x Continental Two 23 m Flybridge, Continental Two 27 m Flybridge, Continental Three 26 m Raised Pilothouse, Continental Four (Trawler) 24 m Flybridge, Continental One 15 m Wheelhouse, Continental One 17 m Wheelhouse, and Continental One 19 m Wheelhouse. Refreshments will be served in the forms of drinks and a buffet, and visitors can enjoy pleasant music as they stroll around the yard and view the vessels at their leisure.
Viking Sponsors Offshore Fishing League
There is nothing like the thrill of a screaming reel, except when it is combined with winning big money on television! The Offshore Fishing League is looking for a few good teams to join the world's first professional salt water fishing league. Endorsed and sponsored by Viking, the OFL is pulling together some of the most passionate fishing teams to participate in the iconic North Atlantic tournaments, compete for the Champion title and win big money, all while being filmed and broadcast on national television. The OFL is a reality TV series including some of the top big game fishing teams. Hitting the tournament circuit and hooking up over six tournaments, the series will showcase the exhilaration of real tournament fishing to millions of anglers, adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies as well as outdoor and sports enthusiasts and feature all the pumping excitement that lures you into the cockpit again and again. Fans can follow their favorite teams throughout each tournament leg, cheering on their angling achievements at every turn. You can keep up to date via an online fan zone, or on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram. Now for the fine print. All OFL participants must follow the rules of each tournament. The team's classification on each leg, or tournament, will earn points towards winning the Offshore Fishing League Champion trophy and title. Over $10 million in cash prizes is awarded from the six major tournaments. Other fishing shows like Wicked Tuna or Deadliest Catch have a global following. Ever dream of being a pioneer in sportfishing, getting paid major money for product endorsement, speaking engagements or for you and your teammates to just show up? Rise up to the challenge. Now is your chance to be part of history as one of the first teams to compete in the OFL. Star in your own sports show, do what you already do and love, and hit the bank with a big check.
Viking Asia Tour
Viking Vice President of Sales Joe Schwab, along with Viking's International Sales Consultant Steve Boerema, recently took in a whirlwind tour of Asia while spending time with Viking's authorized dealer Simpson Marine. The journey began in Hong Kong where Joe and Steve met Simpson Marine founder, Mike Simpson, who started the business in 1984. After getting their bearings, and a little sleep, the next day started bright and early with a team meeting discussing Viking's history as well as the current boating market and opportunities in the southern Asian market. This program continued to Simpson's locations in Phuket, Thailand and Singapore. The teams acknowledged Asia as a well-known cruising destination but also discovered an untapped market for phenomenal fishing. The entire Simpson company, boasting over 100 enthusiastic team members in 11 locations, is excited to build the Viking brand and we are thrilled to have them onboard.
Viking Asia Tour
Viking Vice President of Sales Joe Schwab, along with Viking's International Sales Consultant Steve Boerema, recently took in a whirlwind tour of Asia while spending time with Viking's authorized dealer Simpson Marine. The journey began in Hong Kong where Joe and Steve met Simpson Marine founder, Mike Simpson, who started the business in 1984. After getting their bearings, and a little sleep, the next day started bright and early with a team meeting discussing Viking's history as well as the current boating market and opportunities in the southern Asian market. This program continued to Simpson's locations in Phuket, Thailand and Singapore. The teams acknowledged Asia as a well-known cruising destination but also discovered an untapped market for phenomenal fishing. The entire Simpson company, boasting over 100 enthusiastic team members in 11 locations, is excited to build the Viking brand and we are thrilled to have them onboard.