Monthly News - August 2019

-pic of the month - Moonen Under New Ownership

Feadship Returns Home for Six Month Refit

Feadship has welcomed home the 57.60-metre superyacht W (ex-Larisa). Originally launched in 2013, she was recently acquired by new owners who have asked Feadship to carry out a refit that will encompass their personal preferences in terms of facilities, sleeping accommodations and exterior.  The first changes that Feadship spotters will instantly recognize when W is relaunched in six months’ time will be the new metallic silver colour of her previously white hull and the significantly larger Jacuzzi on the sun deck.  The interior will also have a new layout on the lower deck as the current VIP stateroom is converted into two guest suites, bringing the total number of cabins on that deck to four and offering superb accommodation for eight guests.

Gulf Craft Nomad Traversing Corinth Channel

As a part of the Nomad 75 SUV Dubai Moon's Mediterranean voyage, she traversed through the famous Corinth Canal in Greece that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. The canal is 6.4 kilometers in length and only 21.3 meters wide at its base, providing a tricky navigational challenge but Dubai Moon took all this in her stride. Having traveled all the way from Dubai under its own steam, this boat is a superb example of what the Nomad Yachts range stands for. Comfortable long range cruising, providing unforgettable experiences for family and friends.

Gulf Craft New Dealer in Saudi Arabia

Gulf Craft is pleased to announce the appointment of Samaco Marine as exclusive dealer for Oryx Sport Cruisers, Silvercraft range and Utility series in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The addition of Samaco Marine to the distribution network shows the strong commitment to the market by offering our products and services to the loyal Saudi clients.


Jarrett Bay Fender Bender Racks up Daily Billfish Wins

Jarrett Bay Hull 40, Fender Bender won Day 3 of the Billfish Daily Jackpot at the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournamentworth $41,475, along with second Place Daily Billfish worth a payout of over $17,000, also on Day 3 of the Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament.

Moonen Under New Ownership

Dutch superyacht builder Moonen Yachts in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is under new ownership. An Australian couple, Matthew and Louise Baxter are the new owners of the shipyard. Matthew, of Scottish origin, is a successful Australian businessman and entrepreneur, who in 1972 established the A M Group, a privately owned worldwide group of manufacturing companies of which he is executive chairman.  Louise and Matthew first discovered Moonen Yachts whilst sailing on Pittwater harbour in Sydney where they came across the beautiful Moonen yacht, Aurora (Moonen 84). This lead to their involvement with Moonen, a mid-sized Dutch pedigree shipyard with a dedicated and highly skilled team.  In Matthew’s words “It is a privilege to own a yard like Moonen. The brand has an impeccable pedigree, the yachts are true Dutch quality and the team is young, reliable, talented, and very loyal to the company. These characteristics are fundamental for success. I realise that the yard has to re-energise, but we are well prepared with a strong strategic plan and a strong balance sheet, I see a promising future ahead.”  The shipyard is very honoured and excited with Mr & Mrs. Baxter as their new owners. “We have trust in these new investors and have faith that they will establish a strong future for Moonen Yachts” says Johan Dubbelman, Moonen’s CEO. The 30 to 50 meter market is solid for well-built designs, and our plans are to increase production. Currently we have one, award winning, 36-meter Martinique in build, she’s 50% ready. The focus is to have her on display at the Monaco Yacht Show 2020.  Our aim is to scale up production efficiently and start two new build projects in the upcoming 6 months. Following on with the current build we will start a second 36 metre and a 44 metre, both new and future proof timeless Moonen yachts with interiors designed by the award winning renowned design houses, like Studio Indigo. By building on speculation, delivery times will be shorter and customisation still possible, which is an absolute advantage for our future clients.”  The majority of the staff and workforce, which are very important to Moonen, have been reappointed and are enthusiastic to be part of this strong new leadership. To assure continuous high-end quality, Moonen Yachts will reinforce the cooperation with long-term strategic partners and subcontractors.

Monte Carlo Yachts Open Office in Port Montenegro

Monte Carlo Yachts is pleased to announce the opening of the first office in the yachting community of Porto Montenegro. Thanks to Dream Yachts and RR Yachts, MCY’ official dealers, the international presence of the brand will be enhanced in this first class premium marina.

Monte Carlo Yachts Special Event

The new MCY 76, MCY 70 and MCY 66 were noticed for the first time together in the breathtaking location of Costa Smeralda in Sardinia. Yacht Club Porto Rotondo hosted an exclusive event organized by official dealer Given for Yachting who introduced the new MCY models in the region.


Nordhavn Distance Pennants Awarded

Nordhavns are closing in on seven million miles traveled. That’s 281 times around Earth, and while Nordhavns are known for having more circumnavigations than all other brands put together, we’re not quite at 281. Yet. That impressive mileage total – 6,685,917 nm to be exact comes from 450 Nordhavns cranking out miles here, there and everywhere over the course of the past 30 years. That includes Nordhavn 46 hull #1, the first Nordhavn ever, built in 1989, which is still out there with its liveaboard owners.  This summer Nordhavn heard a lot of the owners, thanks to it's website re-design, many owners were prompted to sign in and log their travels. Since June, 13 Nordhavn owners have earned new mileage pennants, some earning their very first, and one long-time owner netting his 70,000 nm burgee. Impressive stuff, indeed!


Pearl Yachts New Partnership in Asia

Pearl Yachts announces a new partnership with the leading Asian yacht services and brokerage company, NextWave Yachting, who will now act as the British yard’s exclusive dealer in Hong Kong. The British shipyard Pearl Yachts are pleased to announce a new collaboration with NextWave Yachting the leading yacht services and brokerage company serving clients in Hong Kong. Following the signing of the new partnership in early July, NextWave Yachting will now act as the exclusive dealer of Pearl Yachts in this region.  Established in 2012, NextWave Yachting is dedicated to presenting the world of yachting to Hong Kong, promoting and developing a yachting culture while providing new and used yacht sales, luxury water toy sales, charter, yacht management and yacht maintenance services.  With the ever-increasing importance of development into the still relatively untapped Asian yacht market, this recent collaboration aims to promote the Pearl Yachts brand to a new set of clientele and, most importantly, sell Pearl Yachts models in the Asian market.  Pearl Yachts Managing Director, Iain Smallridge, comments: “The whole team at Pearl Yachts is excited about our new partnership with NextWave Yachting. The Asian market is a world of opportunity for yachting, and particularly for high-quality superyachts such as the yachts in our fleet. With this new partnership, we aim to grow and develop our presence throughout Asia. NextWave Yachting and their experienced team of yachting professionals are perfectly attuned to the Asian yachting market, and we can think of no better representative in Hong Kong, for the Pearl Yachts brand.”  “Value, quality and integrity are what NextWave is all about,” states NextWave Sales Director, Howard Chen. “Our dedication to fulfilling commitments and seeking the best value for our customers is the soul of our business, and that’s why we are excited to partner with Pearl Yachts. We do not just sell boats and related products. We represent a passion in the ocean - and Pearl Yachts is absolutely synonymous with just that.”

Pearl Yachts Order Book Record

2019 is proving to be a prolific year for the British shipyard. Several confirmed sales over the past six months total more than £10 million worth of new yachts on order, the largest order book since Pearl Yachts' inception in 1998.  Pearl Yachts Managing Director, Iain Smallridge comments: "2019 is proving to be our best year since we opened our doors over two decades ago. We're delighted with our current order book and the sale of another Pearl 95 superyacht, we would like to thank the team at Baxter Marine for bringing the latest Pearl Yacht owner into the family."  Construction on Pearl 95 hull # three has already begun, with delivery scheduled for Mid 2020.


Riviera Pays Tribute to the Team

Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has hosted an appreciation lunch for more than 600 team members following the significant achievements of two Australian boat shows where more than 30 new Riviera motor yachts were purchased.  The outstanding result from the Sanctuary Cove and recent Sydney International Boat Shows, where Riviera had the largest display of new motor yachts at both shows, saw new and experienced boaters from Australia and New Zealand purchase models across the comprehensive Riviera five-model individual ranges from the 395 SUV to the 72 Sports Motor Yacht.  The company’s latest models including the inspired new Platinum Edition Sport Yachts were instantly embraced, with multiple orders for each of the three models – 6000, 5400 and new 4800 Series II - while fellow premieres – the 54 Enclosed Flybridge and 545 SUV – also captivated buyers.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the great acceptance of Riviera motor yachts at these two recent shows was a true credit to the hundreds of highly-skilled men and women who take so much pride in creating beautiful boats for its owners supported with exceptional care and service.  These recent boat show purchases are in addition to the more than 70 motor yachts the company has delivered so far this year.  “I am constantly asked the secret of Riviera’s success and I believe it’s the culture of care we have in our team,” he said.  “Whether a team member works in the lamination or timber departments, administration or design, they have a collective desire to perform at the highest level every day and work together to create something very special.  “World-class quality and attention to detail is what Riviera is renowned for and it continues well after the launching of our boats when we ensure our owners receive ongoing care and boating education and enjoy exclusive and wonderful experiences on the water with fellow Riviera owners.  “We don’t normally announce publicly any of our results, however, I wanted to share our achievements at the Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows with our entire team as they all deserve applause for the role they have played in delivering outstanding yachts and customer care.”  With Riviera’s models ranging from just under $1 million to more than $5 million, the two boat shows saw collective purchases valued in the tens of millions of dollars and attracted buyers from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and New Zealand.  Riviera also announced the production of two future models at the shows - the new-dimension 505 SUV and highly acclaimed Sports Motor Yacht in a striking new 64-foot design - with both receiving immediate orders ahead of their 2020 premieres.  Renowned for the enthusiasm and passion of its boat owners, Riviera welcomed more 1100 members of ‘The Riviera Family’ to spectacular VIP gala celebrations at both its Sanctuary Cove and award-winning Sydney displays.  “When you purchase a new Riviera motor yacht, you are investing in so much more,” Mr Longhurst said. “It becomes a way of life that is so unique and rewarding, which was so evident by the number of owners who joined us on the Gold Coast and in Sydney.  “While boat shows are a chance for us to showcase our latest creations, they are always an opportunity to celebrate ‘The Riviera Family’ and thank our boat owners for their great commitment and loyalty.  “With further Riviera displays appearing at boat shows in Cannes, Newport Rhode Island, Norwalk in Connecticut, Perth, Auckland, Barcelona, United States Power Boat Show in Annapolis and Fort Lauderdale in coming weeks, we look forward to catching up with more of our almost 5,600 owners from around the world.”

Riviera Awards Excellence

Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has recognised the incredible efforts of its R Marine network – the largest luxury motor yacht group in Australia and New Zealand.  The 2019 Riviera Australian and New Zealand Dealer Awards saw R Marine dealerships across three states and two countries honoured for their outstanding commitment to excellence in service and sales.  Victoria’s R Marine Jacksons were recognised twice in the 2019 awards with the prestigious Dealership of the Year and Service Excellence by a Dealership – while New Zealand’s R Marine Flagship was recognised with the Sales Excellence by a Dealership award.  In individual honours, Travis Edney from Gold Coast-based R Marine Crawley won the Service Excellence by an Individual award and R Marine Sydney’s Simon Don received the Sales Excellence by an Individual.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst said the award recipients embodied the outstanding service and expertise found across the R Marine network, which exclusively represents the region’s market leader in luxury motor yachts, Riviera and Belize throughout Australia and New Zealand.  “Riviera has a proud 39-year heritage of refining what is today one the world’s leading luxury motor yachts and the specialists at all R Marine dealerships ensure our new boat owners receive the outstanding customer service and ongoing technical care they deserve,” he said.  “With customer feedback a crucial criterium in many of the awards, it’s a credit to the recipients that they have been recognised by the most important judges we have when it comes to quality and service – our boat owners.  “Across the R Marine network, a team of more than 50 field service staff, a fleet of more than 30 mobile service vehicles and a combined 650 years of Riviera knowledge supports our owners daily.  “In addition, our leading network offers our owners more than 80 individual boating, educational and fun-filled social events each year in Australia and New Zealand – empowering a greater understanding and enjoyment of boating whilst enhancing the unique essence of the Riviera family of boat owners."  “The men and women who make up our R Marine dealer network are the ultimate marine professionals.”


Viking at Mid Atlantic

With a record $3.5 million up for grabs, competition is fierce at this year's MA. Anxious crews fishing out of Cape May, New Jersey, and Ocean City, Maryland, have been racking up releases and keeping the weigh station staff running. Captain Blaine Champlain backed Marty Judge's Viking 64 Judge to the scales and hung a 68-pounder for angler Bobby Ogden. As of this writing, that fish is the 2nd-heaviest white marlin of the tournament. Michael Rothman's Viking 92 Double Barrel is in 4th place with a 67-pound fish, and Joe Rahman's Viking 80 Auspicious rounds it out in 5th place with a 65-pound white.  A fleet of Vikings have been sitting pretty on the leaderboards amongst the 156 battlewagons looking for the big one. Some of those include the 45 Chain Reaction,Viking 48s Random Chaos and Fish On, the 50 Boy's Toy, the 52 Marlin Hunter, the 58 JT, Viking 62s Reel Toy, Intents and Big Oil, the 66 Torta, Viking 70s Mjolnirand Goin' In Deep, the Viking 72, along with Viking 80s Catch 23 and Amarula Sun. Today is the final day of fishing - good luck out there!

Viking at Lone Star Shootout

Once again, congratulations are in order for Jon Gonsoulin and his team on the Viking 70 Done Deal. Captain Jason Buck led the team to some fishy water to take both the overall tournament championship title and the top billfish release boat with a pair of blue marlin and another pair of whites.  Second place overall and 2nd place billfish release went to Mike Altman's Viking 50 Pandemonium crew. Captain Randal Gaines put his team on a blue marlin, five whites and a sailfish. Mike also claimed top angler.  Angler Lee Weidner wrangled the heaviest marlin at 514.5 pounds on Bimini Babe, Babe Appling's Viking 74. Top female angler was awarded to Julie Coulter on the Viking 55 Deez Nautz while Sam Moore, Jr. fishing on the Viking 52 Decarb was the top junior angler.  The Lone Star Shoot Out, fished out of Port O'Connor, Texas, hosted a fleet of 53 boats and raised almost $50,000 for the Houston Big Game Fishing Club.

Viking at Stone Harbor Billfish Tournament

This all-release event found solid action with 26 boats racking up an impressive 143 billfish releases over two days. The Viking 62 Polarizer, led by George Robinson of South Jersey Yacht Sales, took 1st place boat with 14 white marlin releases.  Polarizer angler Kurt von Seekam claimed 1st place IGFA angler while Captain Bill Davis received the Walt Hendee Captain's Award. Pictured above left to right, Captain Bill Davis, Jace Alzheimer, Greg Robinson, George Robinson, Jamie Diller, Erik Mateer and Kurt von Seekamm. Not pictured Matt Schad of Valhalla Yacht Sales.  Rachel Linus, fishing Bob Barbaro's Viking 55 Badger, was the top angler and top lady for her blue marlin and five whites. Second place angler was awarded to Joe Albano aboard Dave Anderson's Viking 72 Krazy Salt's. The Canyon Club Resort Marina via the Cape May Inlet was the perfect spot to get in on the bite at the Middle and Northern Canyons.

Viking at White Marlin Open

With over 400 boats and $6 million up for grabs, this year's five-day WMO was a nail-biter. When the scale settled, Craig Dickerson sat at the top of the leader board with the Heaviest Blue Marlin. Fishing on the Viking 58 Haulin N Ballin, Craig's fish weighed in at 465.5 pounds and was worth almost $1 million. Ronnie Fields, fishing on the Viking 70 Mjolnir, had the 3rd Place Tuna at 145.5 pounds while 4th Place went to Mike Di Pascali on the Viking 62 The Right Place. Rich Kostzyu, aboard the Viking 60 Hubris, claimed 6th Place. Hubris also weighed in the 3rd Place Wahoo. A 39-pound dolphin, caught by Frank Sinito on the Viking 62 Irene, took 2nd Place in that division and Viking 72 angler Ryan Higgins' dolphin claimed 5th Place. The buzz of the week was the 277.5-pound mako caught on day 1 by Greg Robinson. Greg, fishing on the Viking 62 Polarizer, held onto the Big Fish pool all week and received a hefty check for his catch.