Monthly News - June 2018

-pic of the month- Ferretti Fiftieth Enchants Venice

Azimut Benetti Yachting Gala XI Goes to Puglia

The Azimut|Benetti Group has chosen Puglia for its eleventh exclusive Yachting Gala, where the communities surrounding the two brands comes together every year. The region National Geographic called the most beautiful in the world was selected as the location for this prestigious event, attended primarily by yacht owners from all around the world, with the aim of offering all the guests an exceptional experience made unique by the colours, flavours and the sparkling atmosphere of this area.  The exclusive international parterre took part to a rich programme of events, starting with a cocktail reception in the splendid halls of Monopoli’s Castello Carlo V and a private viewing of the exhibition of artworks by Joan Mirò. Over the weekend of 23-24 June, the spectacular waters off Monopoli hosted a parade of yachts from the Group’s fleet, including the new Azimut S6, which will make its official debut in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Overlooking the bay, this year’s Azimut|Benetti Village staged entertainments of all kinds: sea trials, seabob racing, a gaming hall offering roulette and blackjack, exhibitions of jewellery and clothing from the most prestigious Italian designers, live shows by master tailors and signature shoemakers, and much more.  One of the main attraction was the lunch time with a true feast of flavours, with all the finest local specialities. And the guests also had the chance to discover Monopoli’s secrets and admire the reefs of Polignano a Mare.  Thanks to Pugliapromozione, the local tourism organisation, which the Group selected as destination partner, guests saw the photos of the event posted on their Instagram feed transformed in real pictures in the style of an old Polaroid print, thus blending analogue and digital; they also wrote and sent real postcards of local landscapes to recapture the feeling of communicating in a non-instant, but this very reason, more thoughtful and precious way.  The piazza and atmospheric narrow streets of Borgo Egnazia were the setting for the gala dinner on Saturday. This magnificent resort, a favourite destination of the international jet set, hosted an extraordinary gastronomic experience culminating in the Festa del Borgo – an exciting tribute to the region’s festivals that transformed the main square into a theatre of folk music and dance that engaged and involved everyone present.  To round things off, digital effects, spectacular pyrotechnics, and international star DJ sets for the late-night revellers amongst the cosmopolitan nautical elite.  Doing the honours were Paolo and Giovanna Vitelli, respectively Founder-President and Vice President of the Azimut|Benetti Group.  It is therefore confirmed the importance of this event that, year after year, strengthens the bonds between the Group and its customers, thanks to a proven formula that also remains fresh with new experiences and surprises every time.

Azimut Wins Robb Report Best of the Best Award

Azimut Grande 35 Metri won the prestigious "Best of the Best" awarded each year by Robb Report, one of the most influential magazines in the luxury industry. The yacht’s key features won universal high praise, from the spacious and versatile outdoor spaces designed by Stefano Righini, to Achille Salvagni's interior design.  She keeps on surprising, amazing and, above all, winning. Azimut Grande 35 Metri, the shipyard's flagship, is winning the hearts of juries at all the most renowned international awards and has now received her sixth prize since the beginning of the season. The jury of the US edition of Robb Report, the well-known magazine that represents an authority in the luxury sector, has chosen the "Queen of the Grande Collection" as the best motoryacht in the category between 100 and 200 feet.

Beneteau Sixth Barracuda Tour

The atmosphere was intense but spirits were high at the 6th Barracuda Tour, which took over the Port du Crouesty, in Brittany, France, from 25 May to 2 June. For a few days, the sea around the Quiberon Bay was the theatre for the best no-kill fishing competition in Europe, and everyone among the 600 international contenders – 150 teams – agrees that the event is of international standard. Winners for the first time, the ATM Communication team (Côtes d’Armor) came first in the Grande Final ahead of Chantereyne (Beneteau Cherbourg) and Sun Way (trailers). Yannick Hemet, Beneteau’s sales director for south Europe, the organizer of the event, is extremely satisfied with the wonderful result.

Beneteau New Outboard Sales Manager

Beneteau America is pleased to announce David Aldrich as the new Outboard Sales Manager. In his new role, David will be developing and managing the outboard sales of Beneteau America, with a specific focus on the dealerships development and boat club. David holds 20 years of experience in the North American Marine Industry building distribution networks, with specific focus on sales programs, national dealer development, and product expertise. Recently working with Freedom Boat Club building their North American footprint to encompass most of North America. “David brings such a strong experience to us, his past years as Regional Sales Manager at Brunswick Boat Group, Bombardier, Chis Craft, and Regal Marine, will be a tremendous support to develop our outboard range in USA, as well as the Beneteau Boat club”, says Luca Brancaleon, Managing Director of Beneteau. For the past three years, his latest role was at Freedom Boat Club as Director of Franchise/Marina Development in North America. “Outboard boats represent 60% of the total number of boats Beneteau produces each year. It is a major opportunity for Beneteau in the US. We are excited to have David joining the team. He is going to use his huge experience in the industry to develop this business unit” says Jean-Francois Lair, Director of Sales for Beneteau Americas.


Bering Record Non Refueling Cruise

Bering 65 Serge launched in 2015, this year made a record non-refueling crossing of 4,200 nautical miles from Thailand to Vladivostok in 27 days.  All the way the vessel towed a 9 meter Hysucat sea boat with a displacement of 3,500 liters including full fuel tanks. The total fuel consumption was 12 300 liters burning 2.9 liters per mile and passing 155 miles per day at a speed of 6.5 knots.  The Bering 65 is a rugged and classical looking steel yacht capable of any ocean crossing. She is quite, strong and leaves a graceful wake underway. Her displacement is over 235,000 pounds (106 tons) and with 4,500 gallons (17,000 liters) of fuel you can easily cruise for thousands of miles burning a combined 8 gallons (30 liters) an hour at 8 knots.

Ferretti Fiftieth Anniversary Enchants Venice

For three wonderful days the Ferretti Yachts 50th anniversary seduced Venice, coloring the sky with the Frecce Tricolori acrobatics and enlivening streets and canals with fabulous boats and unique and extraordinary events.  The special anniversary involved Ferretti Yachts owners from all over the world in three days of celebration of art, entertainment and Italian culture, in the evocative setting of the city on the water.  The absolute protagonist was the Italian beauty in all its forms, from the design of the boats to the artistic and architectural masterpieces that make Venice an open-air museum.  The celebrations started on Friday with a gala dinner at Palazzo Ducale, in front of the evocative "Paradise" of Tintoretto, the largest canvas in the world, and the magnificent "Triumph of Venice crowned by the victory" of Veronese.  From the ogival windows of Palazzo Ducale, guests attended the Ferretti Yachts fleet parade.  At twilight, eyes were focused on the acrobatics of the Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale, Frecce Tricolori, in the anniversary of the "Battle of the Solstice", when exactly 100 years ago, in June 1918, the Italian Army heroically resisted the last Austro-Hungarian offensive and during which Major Francesco Baracca, “Asso degli Assi” of the Italian Aviation lost his life.  Saturday started with the opening the Arsenal of Venice doors, exceptionally granted for the occasion by the Italian Navy, where 11 wonderful yachts from 45 to 96 feet - including the new world premiere Ferretti Yachts 670 - moored inside the Darsena Nuovissima, were offered to the eye of the city.  The Arsenal was also the setting for the second evening, with a refined dinner made by Cipriani and with the exclusive performance of the great Italian singer Umberto Tozzi.

Fraucher New Partner Up North

Bergström Marin AB is the new distributor for the Frauscher Shipyard in Sweden. Fredrik Bergström, the new sales partner of the multi award winning company in Upper Austria, is a genuine professional who has nearly 30 years of experience in the boat business and always puts his customer first.  Stefan Frauscher: “I am looking forward very much to working with Bergström Marin. Our boats and yachts are positioned in the top segment, which places high demands on us and our partners. In this respect, Fredrik Bergström has turned out to be an ideal representative for Frauscher. He knows the market and has responded correctly to changes and developments in the industry. Not to mention that the location in the port of Lidingö, where our boats will be presented in the future, is very impressive.”  Fredrik Bergström: “Frauscher Shipyard is a long-established enterprise that sets new standards with respect to innovation and design. What we have in common is a high standard of quality in everything we do. With my experience I can do my part to attract the right target group for Frauscher. We want to fulfil the preferences of our customers to the greatest extent possible and I am confident that there are people up here in the north who appreciate an outstanding design and impressive handling characteristics. The Frauscher Shipyard has the right boat for them.”

Gulf Craft Strengthens Team for Growth

Gulf Craft has appointed Gregory Yeakle to be their new Chief Executive Officer. One of the world’s largest luxury ship builders, Gulf Craft is based in the United Arab Emirates. The group has grown into a leading global business over the course of the past 37 years. He succeeds Erwin Bamps who held the position for the past 4 years and has now moved on to a new role as advisor to the board for international matters.  Gregory Yeakle joins Gulf Craft as CEO with a solid record of leadership having generated strong growth in companies such as Informix, Alexander Proudfoot Company and Invensys. He has worked globally in C-level positions successfully for over two decades in both business development and operations around the world. More recently he was Global Head of the Oil and Gas division of Accudyne Industries, where he was equally Managing Director of Milton Roy and Dosatron amongst others.  Before joining Gulf Craft, Gregory Yeakle was the head of Operations for Cornerstone Management Consulting where he and his team worked with the Gulf Craft group. According to the group’s Chairman, Mohammed Al Shaali, “This experience has helped to ensure a smooth leadership transition.” Mr. Yeakle states that, “These are challenging yet exciting times for the industry. Innovation and technology are combining to provide amazing new products and services possible for Gulf Craft. As a lifelong boating enthusiast, I am delighted to have the opportunity lead Gulf Craft into the next phase of its global expansion”.  The internationally renowned yacht and boat builder has seen phenomenal growth with new models launched annually. The company is continuously exploring opportunities to venture into new markets and is planning to expand even further in the coming years. With the build of the company’s first mega yacht well under way, the next chapter in the Gulf Craft story is sure to keep followers engaged.

Hatteras Announces the Hatteras Cup

Hatteras Yachts a world leader in the construction of convertible sportfishing and luxury motor yachts from 45 to 105 feet, announces the launch of the inaugural Hatteras Cup, an elite fishing tournament beginning today that is open exclusively to participants fishing on a Hatteras sportfish. At stake is $1.15 million in potential prizes. “At Hatteras, we want to feed the passion we share with our sportfishing customers for going after big game offshore. The Hatteras Cup is an opportunity for the brand that started it all to recognize the passionate anglers who fuel us – Hatteras owners,” said Hatteras Yachts President and CEO Kelly Grindle. “Our boats are built to break both waves and world records.” “While there are many highly competitive teams fishing on Hatteras sportfish boats in tournaments around the world today, we wanted to give Hatteras owners and their teams a chance to compete against each other for big prize money,” said Joe Cacopardo, Hatteras Yachts director of marketing. “Hatteras Cup winners are going to have serious bragging rights.”  The $1 million prize category, for the registered team that catches the Heaviest IGFA-Verified World Record Atlantic Blue Marlin from a Hatteras sportfish, ends on December 31, 2018. Competition for a total of $115,000 in purses for the Heaviest Blue (non-world record), Catch and Release and Game Fish Divisions ends on January 31st, 2019. Special Recognition Awards also will be presented to the top Lady Angler and Jr. Angler. The awards will be presented during the 2019 Miami Yacht Show.  The Contest Rules for the 2018/2019 Hatteras Cup are as follows: All participants must register on the Hatteras Cup website at at least 24 hours prior to submitting any catch, regardless of Division. All fish submitted for prize consideration must be caught while the angler is fishing on board a Hatteras yacht of any year or model with a verifiable HIN number. No other brand of boat is eligible for the Hatteras Cup. Entrants must submit images (video and/or still) of each fishing day including action shots of fishing, weigh-in (where applicable), Captain, crew, anglers, and boat.  There are three Divisions and each has its own unique set of rules beyond the Contest Rules stated above.

Hatteras Partners with Carolina Custom Towers

Hatteras Yachts is proud to announce a new partnership that leverages our Carolina heritage and local expertise. Carolina Custom Towers (CCT), located in Morehead City, N.C., is now the preferred tower fabricator for all new Hatteras GT Series sportfishing boats.  “This new supplier partnership will provide our customers more of the distinct Carolina quality and design heritage that Hatteras already offers, with more customization flexibility," said Wade Watson, chief operating officer of Hatteras Yachts. "Carolina Custom Towers is a short drive from us here in New Bern, which will provide our operation shorter lead times and streamlined communication with the fabricators and engineers at CCT."  Carolina Custom Towers together with its parent Shearline Boats bring over 25 years of Custom Boat and Tower experience. Chip King, president of CCT, commented “It’s an honor to be chosen to work with a company with such a rich history as leaders in our industry. With their deep roots in North Carolina and our shared passion for quality, the sky is the limit for this partnership.”


Jarrett Bay at Big Rock 2018

The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is known for non-stop action, and the 60th year of this iconic tournament did not disappoint. Rough conditions and slow fishing early in the week dictated lay days for many of the 183 teams fishing the 6-day tournament. One or two blue marlin were weighed the first few days, but no one could predict how wild the final day would be at the scales! aturday is commonly a quieter day for the tournament as most teams are typically excited to get out there early in the week. But the 2018 tournament saw 122 boats out of 183 fishing the final day. Hook-ups and releases were numerous. Only 3 hours after ‘Lines In’ was called by Randy Ramsey, the first blue marlin was boated. Then another, and another, and another. By 1 pm it was reported that 6 blue marlins had been boated and the first would be arriving at Big Rock Landing shortly.  Jarrett Bay hull 40, Fender Bender called in their ‘Hook Up’ at 1:48 pm, just 12 minutes before the 2pm ‘Lines Out.’ Meanwhile, back at Big Rock Landing, the leaderboard was being re-evaluated as fish were being brought to the scales one after another. Then at 3pm, the call came in over the radio that thousands of listeners had been anticipating. Fender Bender had boated their fish and was headed to the scales. This was the seventh and last blue marlin boated and weighed on the final day of the tournament. Fender Bender backed into the scales and the tournament crew went to work measuring the length of the fish and prepping it for hoisting from the cockpit. Silence from the crowd was followed by an outburst of cheers and applause as the weigh-master reported ‘514.3 pounds’. This blue marlin catapulted the Fender Bender team to second place in the tournament with a $262,450 cash prize.

Maritimo Mini Boat Show for Australia East Coast

The recent highly successful world premiere of a totally new concept in luxury sport yacht design, the new Maritimo X60, has prompted a series of mini boat shows to highlight the vessel stretching from the Gold Coast to Sydney.  The vessel has won international acclaim generating world wide interest and sales since its launch at the 30th Annual Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show last month and forward orders now exceed one dozen.  The premiere at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show marked the first of many displays of the X 60 and X- Series throughout 2018, including further appearances at exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.  Luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, is now set to hit the high seas with boat shows all along the east coast between the Gold Coast and Sydney before the vessel is featured at the Sydney International Boat Show in August.


Princess Attempt to Set World Record

On Friday 8th June, 2018, Princess Yachts in partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, Seabob and UK National Freediver Champion Georgina Miller, attempted to achieve the greatest distance travelled underwater in a single breath using a diver propulsion vehicle in open water.  After several attempts Georgina achieved a distance of 137m in a single breath while utilising a Seabob. Unfortunately, due to adverse sea conditions near the Eddystone Reef, Plymouth UK, 12 miles from the home of Princess Yachts, a record was not set at this time.  This campaign taking place on World Oceans day did however generate huge awareness around the continued conservation work on the reef through Princess Yachts' social media channels which were taken over by Oceanographic Magazine. If you missed the live coverage of this unique event, we have captured exclusive behind the scenes footage which will be shared online. The attempt involved a huge amount of crew and although the target distance was not reached this time, hopefully the whole team can reunite soon to accomplish the world record.


Sanlorenzo Promotes Blue Growth at Sea Future 2018

Sanlorenzo, among the leading shipyards in the world in the production of yachts and superyachts, will participate in the sixth edition of SeaFuture, an important event dedicated to the Blue Economy, as a gold sponsor. SeaFuture, which will take place at the Naval Base of La Spezia from June 19 to 23, 2018, is being organized by IBG (Italian Blue Growth, a company formed by the Ligurian District of Marine Technologies, the Tecnomar Liguria Consortium and EIEAD) together with AIAD, the Liguria Region, Blue Hub (a Special Company of the Chamber of Commerce of the Ligurian Rivieras), and in collaboration with the Italian Navy.  The program includes the participation of more than 50 delegations coming from around the world and will offer an intense schedule of workshops and talks that have the sea as their main theme with the goal of supporting “Blue Growth”, a strategy for the promotion and development of a sustainable business model as recommended by the European Community that combines industry, science, technology and care for the environment and which is directed at those who work in close contact with the sea. In addition to its participation as sponsor, Sanlorenzo has selected the occasion of SeaFuture to exhibitthe SD112 Aventus yacht with its unmistakable “1930s ocean liner touch” in the dock area set among the historic buildings of the Arsenale della Marina and majestically moored next to the historic Amerigo Vespucci school ship. Sanlorenzo, one of the main players in the Blue Economy since 1958, will participate in SeaFuture 2018, once again confirming its commitment and the attention which it has always focused on the sea, an important resource which is to be protected and preserved.

Sanlorenzo Partners at Art Basel 2018

It has opened yesterday to the public Art Basel in Basel 2018, the leading art fair for modern and contemporary art, which Sanlorenzo has attended as a partner, confirming its relation with the art world. An actual excellence in the world of boating, over the years Sanlorenzo has emerged thanks to its innovative approach, overcoming conventions and taking unexplored pathways: with dedication, courage and an entrepreneurial attitude Massimo Perotti, Chairmain and CEO of Sanlorenzo, has led the company to open itself to different realities which, however, speak similar languages like art and design, so to suggest a different way to experience sea life, leaving crystallised habits behind. On a consistent, transversal pathway which has brought it closer and closer to the world of art, during the year of its 60th anniversary Sanlorenzo has chosen the Art Basel show in Basel to tell the international audience about itself through the impressive installation set up at the Collectors Lounge, signed by Piero Lissoni, the company’s new art director, who pays tribute to Emilio Isgrò, one of the best-known contemporary Italian artists. An ethereal, suspended space whose perimeter is marked by Isgrò’s “erasures” reproduced on its walls. A sea made up of lines, signs, words through which the models of Sanlorenzo’s superyachts, displayed inside glass cases, seem to sail around the work “I viaggi della mente” (“The travels of the mind”) by Emilio Isgrò, which is exhibited at the centre of the installation. “Ulysses, the Greek hero from the Odyssey, is an explorer who sets out to discover the world with his own boat and his crew, as well as a traveller who longs for knowledge. His desire to learn and understand leads him to unknown destinations.  Emilio Isgrò’s Odyssey also recounts a discovery, the revelation of a hidden meaning behind the words erased by the poem. The artist takes a cultural journey, a pathway capable of lighting up by contrasts and to bring new light, new meanings to Homer’s verses.  Because each traveller is a contemporary Ulysses who reflects on the world and wants to discover it. Likewise, each journey is a discovery of places, people, cultures: a wonderful journey which begins from one’s mind and continues at sea.” I viaggi della mente - Omaggio a Emilio Isgró (The travels of the mind – A tribute to Emilio Isgró”).  Piero Lissoni describes the natural connection between Sanlorenzo and art, honouring Emilio isgrò inside a wunderkammer, created with an iperminimalistic approach which is typical of Lissoni’s style, highlighting the company’s experience, artisanship and innovation, embodied by different superyacht models.

Sunseeker Visit from HRH the Earl of Wessex

Poole’s iconic luxury boat builder, Sunseeker International, has welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex. His Royal Highness was in Poole as part of his commitments to promote The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), the world’s leading youth achievement programme.  As a Trustee for the DofE and almost 30 years since achieving his own Gold Award; through a combination of DofE engagements, Real Tennis events and fundraising activities, His Royal Highness will enable a new generation of young people to start their DofE journey in the UK and abroad.  Sunseeker, which has a very successful apprenticeship programme that was recently awarded ‘Best Apprenticeship and Training Scheme’ at the International Boat Builder Awards, formally invited HRH The Earl of Wessex for a tour of the factory to see its award-winning boats being manufactured and to meet with its staff, including some of its 116 apprentices.  During the tour, His Royal Highness met with Sunseeker staff and apprentices, along with other local distinguished guests.  CEO of Sunseeker International, Phil Popham said: “We were delighted to welcome HRH The Earl of Wessex to Sunseeker and to Poole, this was such a big occasion for the business and we were extremely proud he accepted our invitation.  “While he was here, we wanted to demonstrate the hard work we do as a business to promote economic growth through the world-class design, engineering and manufacture of more than 150 boats per year; we are proud to be a British manufacturing and exports success story.”

Sunseeker get Help of HRH Earl of Wessex

Britain’s biggest boat builder, Sunseeker International, welcomed HRH The Earl of Wessex last week to its manufacturing facilities in Poole.  During his visit, The Earl helped the company to recognize a sales milestone for its 76 Yacht, a model which launched at the Southampton Boat Show in September last year. The 76 Yacht delivers unprecedented levels of luxury, sociability and entertaining space and, with 35 yachts sold, is in high demand.  The 76 Yacht certainly hits the sweet spot in terms of size, space and superyacht feel whilst being extremely manageable for those looking to self-crew. Clever design maximises social and entertaining spaces, whilst the innovative use of glass enhances natural light, making this a bright and airy boat in which to relax and unwind with family and friends.


Viking at 16th Annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

A fleet of 91 boats departed Sandestin, Florida, last Thursday in search of a big blue marlin. When the scales opened Saturday afternoon, the first boat in was a team of high school buddies with the winning fish. Angler Will Beard boated the 699.2-pound blue after a two-hour fight, which also gave Will the title of Top Overall Angler. Owner Doug Terreson owns Can't Deny It, a Viking 48, and agreed to loan the boat to the group of recently graduated 18-year-olds as long as the gang paid the entry fee. Reel Fire, Chris Ferrara's Viking 70, hooked up Saturday morning and was a late arrival to the scales but still claimed 2nd Place Blue Marlin with a 665.2-pound fish. Captain Chris Blanchet put Connor Ferrara on the blue near Louisiana. They hightailed it back to the scale with 45 minutes to spare.Top Release Team and Crew went to owner/angler Dana Foster and his Viking 72 Born2Run with four blue marlin. Led by Captain Myles Colley, Dana also claimed Top Angler for releasing all four fish.  Past Emerald Coast champ Done Deal, a Viking 70 owned by Jon Gonsoulin and run by Captain Jason Buck, narrowly missed setting a new tuna tournament record. Jon's daughter Katie brought the winning 190.2-pound yellowfin to the weigh station, a half-pound shy of the all-time mark. Katie also released two blues, good for 3rd Place in the Release Team Division based on time. Emeril Lagasse's Viking 70, Aldente, claimed 2nd Place Tuna with a 168-pounder and 2nd Place Crew with Captain Brad Benton at the helm. Captain BJ Teems, on the Viking 61 Soggy Dollar, put his team on the 3rd Place Dolphin weighing in at 39.1 pounds.

Viking Claims Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic

Viking claimed the four heaviest blue marlin at the recent Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic among the 46-boat fleet. Will Wilson's Viking 66 Wynsong took the top spot with a 699.3-pound fish. Captain Allen Staples put angler Zach Tokheim on the 117-inch big blue.  Rocky Jones' Viking 56 Reel Addiction was 2nd weighing in at 545 pounds and A Work of Art, Art Favre's Viking 92, took 3rd with a blue recording 521.3 pounds. Rounding out the scoreboard was Mitch Jurisitch's Viking 68 Second Wind with a fish at 488.9 pounds.  Wynsong also claimed 2nd place Release Boat, 2nd Place Billfish Points and landed the top dolphin at 156.4 pounds.  Crawgator, a Viking 61, had the 2nd Place Wahoo with JD Dugas' 32.6-pounder and Mike Butler's 3rd Place 'Hoo weighing in at 28.7 pounds. The Viking 52 Snafu had the 2nd Place Dolphin with Bart Barre's 39.7-pounder and the Viking 64, Larry Wireman's Carib, was 3rd with a 38-pound dolphin. Katie Gonsoulin on her dad'sViking 70 Done Deal released a pair of blues to take 3rd Place Billfish Angler on time.  The Cajun Canyons is the 2nd of the five-series Gulf Coast Triple Crown. Currently the top boat is Wynsong with Done Deal in 2nd followed by the 68 Breathe Easy and in 4th is Reel Addiction.

Viking at Abaco Diamond Series

Way to go Miss Victoria! With Captain Brian Speedy at the helm of this Viking 76,Miss Victoria won the three-leg Abaco Diamond Series in the Bahamas. Taking a strong lead at the first event, the White Marlin Roundup, the crew released one blue marlin, nine white marlin and a pair of sails as well as taking two big whites to the scales. This serious action allowed the team to pull away from the pack early on. The crew added another two blue marlin, four whites and a sailfish to their tally between the Production vs. Custom Shootout and Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament to ultimately win the Grand Championship title for the Series.  The Viking 62 Free Spool released a white marlin at the Roundup then turned around and won The Shootout with six blues. Free Spool claimed 3rd Place overall in the Series.

Viking at Mississippi Gulf Coast Bill Fish Classic

Reel Addiction, Rocky Jones' Viking 56, weighed in the winning blue marlin at the prestigious Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Captain Scooter Porto put angler Chase Pate on the fish on the final day of fishing about 165 miles offshore in the Gulf. Chase reeled in the behemoth that registered 796.9 pounds at the scale. "We got one bite all weekend, and that was it," said Chase. Second Place Blue Marlin was caught by 17-year-old angler Alex Krake on the Viking 76 Team Supreme. Alex's fish weighed 739 pounds. Pearl, a Viking 48, claimed 3rd place with Edgar McKee bringing a 611-pound blue to the weigh station in Biloxi.  Jon Gonsoulin's Viking 70 Done Deal claimed 2nd Place Release Boat based on time. The Viking 52 Deadline took 2nd Place Dolphin with a 45.2-pound fish, and theViking 70 Quicktime was right behind them in 3rd with a 44.6-pounder. Third Place Swordfish went to the Viking 64 Titan Up.

Viking at 22nd Annual Orange Beach Bill Fish Classic

Done Deal, Jon Gonsoulin's Viking 70, was the only boat to weigh in a blue marlin on Friday night to claim the early tournament lead that eventually clinched 1st Place Blue Marlin. Angler Katie Gonsoulin's 118.5-inch blue topped the scales at 740.6 pounds. "I was hoping that fish would maybe hit 700 pounds," said Done Deal Captain Jason Buck. "We knew it was a fat fish, but we were happily surprised when the number posted!" That is the largest fish caught by the 21-year-old highly-accomplished lady angler.  Breathe Easy, Matt McDonald's Viking 68, claimed 2nd Place Blue Marlin. Captain Pat Ivie put angler Rick Olsen on a 111.5-inch fish that weighed in at 551.8 pounds. In the Catch and Release Division, Share-E, a Viking 72, released three blue marlin for 2nd Place while the Viking 76 Team Supreme took 3rd place.  A huge wahoo brought big cheers from the crowd as the crew on the Viking 66 Wynsong hung up a 110.4-pound fish that topped the nearest competitor by 76 pounds! Lyon's Pride, a Viking 62, took 2nd Place with a 34.4-pound 'hoo.  Share-E added to their prize money with a 3rd place finish in the Dolphin category at 32 pounds and Top Lady Angler was awarded to teammate Sherry Polk.  For the second year in a row, the 22nd Annual Orange Beach Billfish Classic saw record participation and prize money. Fifty-three boats released 25 blue marlin, six white marlin and one sailfish while weighing in five blues. The OBBC is the first big game fishing tournament of the season along the Gulf Coast and also the first leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.

Viking at Sixth Annual The Shootout Production vs Custom

Free Spool, a Viking 62, won the 2nd leg of the Abaco Diamond Series in the Bahamas. Angler Jarret Yavorski started the team off with a blue release on Day One and added another on Day Three. Rob Rowe added three blues to the tally and Matt Lohti added one as well.  The Viking 64 Black Hawk weighed the top Mahi at 57.8 pounds.  This puts Miss Victoria, a Viking 76, in 1st Place and Free Spool in 2nd for the Abaco Diamond Series overall championship.

Viking 62 Convertible Numbers

If you believe in the power of numbers, there's no doubt that the Viking 62 Convertible ranks as one of the most successful modern sportfishing boats of all time. Viking just began construction of the 60th hull, a testament to this model's tremendous popularity and dominance of this segment of the market.