-pic of the month- Ferretti Group All Night Long
Azimut-Benetti Group Production Value at Nine Hundred Million
It couldn’t have been a better year for Azimut|Benetti Group, which closed fiscal 2018/19 while celebrating its fiftieth anniversary with value of production standing at €900 million, up about 10% on last year. Furthermore 260 units have been delivered, continuing the excellent performance put in last season. Breaking down total sales, the leading market is the United States, where Azimut Yachts is the top-selling brand in the segment over 40 feet. Taken as a whole, the Americas represent 50% of the total, followed by Europe (29%), the Middle East and Africa (14%), and Asia Pacific with 7%. This year too, megayachts have played a central role in Group performance, with total sales of 51 units breaking down 35 Azimut Yachts and 16 Benetti. The megayacht segment has grown faster than the average in the pleasure boat market (+15% vs 10%, according to the latest Deloitte Boating Market Monitor). In what is a consolidated strategy now, the company has successfully exploited this trend to extend and renew its range of products, positioning it where it has been for the last 19 years running, at the top of the Global Order Book, the annual ranking of megayacht builders drawn up by Boat International. In more detail, at the Cannes Yachting Festival Azimut Yachts launched the new Grande collection flagship S10, which represents an icon of the brand’s 50 years in business and an emblem not only of the line’s unconventional character but also of how it embraces experimentation. Making their debut alongside S10 are S8 and 78 Fly, while Verve 47 will be visiting the Miami Boat Show in February 2020, and the new Grande Magellano 25 is planned for launch next spring in the Art Yacht Project version by Vincenzo de Cotiis. But the brand is already hard at work on the development of its new generation flagships. Due out next season are a 38-meter Trideck, the largest yacht ever built by Azimut Yachts, of which three units have already been sold off-plan, followed by a 30-meter Magellano collection flagship. Turning to Benetti, the Group’s Fiftieth Anniversary year saw the record-breaking launch of three giga yachts in the space of just 100 days, with the flagship (108 meters) delivered last July and two more awaiting delivery. Benetti too, which has sold a full 10 yachts in the last 60 days alone, is gearing up to extend its range, adding not only new models but new product families too. The storied and successful Class line will have a new flagship in 2020, the new Diamond 145, as well as being joined by the new Oasis line inspired by a concept based on glamorous luxury. Three units have already been sold of the first 40-meter model in the line, which will be available next year. But the hectic activity surrounding the brand doesn’t stop here: Benetti is in fact ready to get to work on a new collection that pays tribute to the brand’s storied past. After two years of project analysis with the B.Yond project, a line of Smart Travellers that are ideal for long cruises, Benetti rediscovers the appeal and luxury of the 1960s and yachts built from steel, reinventing a product category of timeless yachts that will stay up-to-date for their entire lifetimes. The collection will be made up of three models (30, 37 and 44 meters) with the 37-meter yacht planned for launch in 2021. In order to implement this ambitious program, the Group (confirming its tradition of reinvesting most of the profits generated back into the company) expects to invest €115 million over the next three years to develop new products and upgrade production capacity. The combination of new design and technology solutions is another key element of the company’s success. The technological challenge of the R&D office, which has strived from the outset to improve efficiency with a view to better comfort and sustainability, is at present focused on developing an agreement with one of the major international player of the electronic industry to produce an innovative hybrid system for the Group’s brands. “This wonderful year has made me both happy and proud, as well as keeping us busy on so many fronts: new collaborations, new products, the Giga Season, our Azimut S6 at Times Square, and so many moments with our customers all around the world, who have testified to their confidence and esteem,” said Giovanna Vitelli, Azimut|Benetti Group Vice President. She continued, “Today more than ever, I am grateful to my father for having imprinted on this company the distinctive features that make it unique in the yacht industry: stability, reliability, quality and continuity. With the collaboration of a competent and capable management team, we are looking forward to a new season, confident that our business model will continue to bring rewards.”
Azimut Benetti Group Takes Seven Awards at World Yacht Trophies
The eighteenth edition of the World Yachts Trophies, organized in Cannes by the prestigious magazine Yachts France, once again recognizes the excellence of Made in Italy and pays tribute in particular to the leadership of the Group owned by the Vitelli family, which continues to bring innovation and creativity to the world of yachting. In order of increasing size, Azimut Atlantis 45 received the interior design award in the category of yachts between 45 and 64 feet (13.70 and 19.50 meters), impressing the jury with the welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere created by Neo Design in partnership with the Avigliana-based shipyard. Its spacious structure, given by the design will to maintain the kitchen and dinette in the frontage position, boasts great functionality. The yacht features two cabins: the owner's cabin and a second one in the middle of the boat, with two beds that can be joined together, if required, to make a double bed. A third bed can also be added. And two bathrooms, both with separate shower cabins. Azimut 78 Fly, the Fly Collection’s new flagship and a new-entry in the CarbonTech generation, won the layout award in the category of boats between 64 and 80 feet (19.50 and 24 meters). This ultra-innovative and hyper-technological boat makes an impression for its design: the futuristic and patinated exterior lines are signed by Alberto Mancini, while Achille Salvagni is the author of the sophisticated interior décor. This prestigious collaboration led to a perfect balance between extremely dynamic lines and very large volumes. Recognized as one of the most innovative and interesting boats at the Show, the brand new Azimut S8, which won the “Best Evolution Product” award after the surprise announcement of its attendance shortly before the event. Modernity, grit, design and sportiness declined in their most elegant sense are the perks of this 24.63-meter yacht. The widespread use of Carbon Tech and triple propulsion Volvo Penta IPS takes this yacht to the top level of the technological innovation in its category. The S8’s layout is one of a kind features four cabins on the lower deck and a closed galley on an intermediate deck. The Main Deck concept is an alternation of lounge and dining areas, characterized by seamless continuity extending across the interior and exterior design. The exterior and interior designers are respectively Alberto Mancini and Francesco Guida. The Best Exterior Award for boats between 80 and 98 feet (24 and 30 metres) was won by the Azimut Grande S10. The S Collection flagship is a product of the partnership between Alberto Mancini for the exteriors and Francesco Guida for the interiors. The Azimut Grande S10 is a unique yacht, sporty and classy at the same time: the elegance of the megasailers, the architecture of a modern villa overlooking the sea and the sporty character of the automotive design have been cleverly combined in this 28 metres. These are three elements of great originality and undoubted charm that faultlessly coexist in this yacht and give it a new dimension. Thanks to this uniqueness and originality, Grande S10 won a second prize as "the most innovative boat of the year". With this model Azimut Yachts has gone beyond the standards of the market segment to trace a new path in the entire sector. Giorgio M. Cassetta penned the exterior design of Benetti M/Y “Metis”, earning this 63-meter Custom yacht the top step on the podium in the Best Exterior Design category for yachts between 164 and 270 feet (50 and 82 meters). “Metis” design maximize the dynamic proportions of a yacht with an imposing long bow with vertical straight. The author of the external design defines her “a modern and timeless yacht, which reveals large volumes behind fluid lines and innovative peculiarities, such as the private deck. The design is minimal, while maintaining Benetti's sense of sophisticated elegance". The Interior architectural is designed by british studio Bannenberg & Rowell, the interior décor is a partnership between the Uk based studio with the german firm Birgit Otte Interior. Finally, 107-meter Giga yacht Benetti FB277 won the award as “Yacht of the Year” in the category of boats over 270 feet in length (over 82 meters). One of the protagonists of the Benetti Giga Season, FB277 is powered by an electric diesel propulsion system and has interiors and exteriors designed entirely by Benetti. The hull is made from steel and the superstructure from aluminum. The key features include a large pool on the Sun Deck, a grand piano, a spa with hammam, a massage room with a gym, and a touch-and-go helipad. Its maximum beam is 15.2 meters and the gross tonnage is 3,300 tons. From the outside, its elongated, linear profile emphasized by huge windows is designed for lovers of contemporary, minimal design, while the bow is sculpted to tackle even rough sea conditions with ease and comfort. At the stern, each deck ends with soft lines that extend downwards. The spaces dedicated to guests offer every possible comfort to enjoy during their adventure at sea. In addition to these product prizes, Paolo Vitelli was presented with an “Outstanding Career” award. The jury wanted to reward his long career as an entrepreneur, driven by vision, product and production system innovation, and great strategic skills at the service of the global marketplace. Paolo Vitelli said: "In this long year of celebrations, we continue to receive awards and acknowledgements from a world that I have always loved and to which I have dedicated the past few decades. The Cannes Yachting Festival in particular has offered us some truly unique moments, with the announcement of our brilliant results last year, the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our international customers at a magical evening event, and our gratification at the great interest and appreciation shown for our latest models, testifying to how the yachts built by our two brands excel in all categories, from 12 up to 100 meters. I could not have imagined a better conclusion for this boat show.”
Bavaria Adds More Style and Comfort to the S-Line
With the new attractive Style equipment package, Bavaria is bestowing even more equipment and even more comfort on its motorboats in the S-Line. And there is also a price advantage of twenty percent on the style options for the motorboats from the Bavaria S29 to the Bavaria S45. From the anchor to the teak on the cockpit floor and the bathing platform, the new Style equipment package for the Bavaria S-Line offers more than 15 important options that provide even more comfort on board a S29, S30, S33, S36, S40 or S45. The bow thruster makes every harbor manovring easier and the Bennet trim tabs ensure sporting, economical, safe handling. On deck, the sunpad on foredeck, the Fusion Marine audio package and the fridge in the cockpit invite to a relaxing day at sea. In the evening, the motorboats in the Bavaria S-Line become an exclusive lounge area with the light packages on and below deck. Equipment details such as electric WCs, leather-covered handrails, high-quality mattresses and blinds in the cabins and the saloon offer further luxury with the perfect feeling of well-being. By the way, you can save twenty percent on the equipment in the STYLE package on all models in the S-Line.
Evo Yachts Wins Best Exterior Design
After scoring a huge success when it made its world premiere at the recent Cannes Yachting Festival, the Evo Yachts walk around has now won one of the most important awards in the yachting world: the World Yachts Trophy for exterior design in the category from 45 to 64 feet. The innovative and appealing design by Valerio Rivellini, based on functionality and contemporary minimalism, left the panel of judges open mouthed. Plenty of space and flexibility, combined with the exclusive “XTension” extending side walls, make the new walk around by Evo Yachts a unique and surprising model that fully embraces the concept of functional design (form and function). As usual this year, visitors to the Cannes Boat Show eagerly awaited the event organised by Yachts France magazine, where it presents its selection of the finest yachts from 13 to 140 meters in length launched over the past year. In the category that rewards the exterior design of yachts from 45 to 64 feet long, the panel of industry experts chose the new model from the Naples-based shipyard that was given its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival. Evo R6 was presented with the award on Saturday September 14th at the exclusive gala evening organised to celebrate the 18th edition of this highly reputed event. The experience of Evo Yachts and the design flair of Valerio Rivellini come together in this 18-meter craft, which marks the shipyard’s come-back in grand style and features enormous flexibility in terms of how it is personalised and used. The exterior design of Evo R6 is sporty and appealing, with lines that reveal a very clean aesthetic (vertical bow, high side walls and finishings that represent the ultimate in elegance) accompanied by spacious, comfortable interiors. The “XTension” side walls are another signature feature that couldn’t fail to be part of this project. At the touch of a digital button, they extend out in a matter of seconds, increasing the space available by 40% and transforming the beach lounge into an exclusive private beach area on the sea. The interiors feature noble materials like teak, crystal, leather and fine fabrics. The settings can be personalised and include a dinette, a kitchen, a VIP cabin forward and an owner’s stateroom aft. An alternative layout with three cabins and two bathrooms is also available. R6 also has quarters for one crew member, with separate, fully independent access. “This award comes as a surprise and represents an important acknowledgement of the efforts put in by the whole Evo team. We have worked relentlessly with the goal of creating a boat that represents the perfect combination of style, innovation and comfort. Today’s win confirms that we have been successful” commented Valerio Rivellini, the designer of all Evo Yachts models.
Feadship Launches New App
Spotted a Feadship at sea but not sure of her name? Standing in a marina wondering about the specs of a Feadship you’ve just seen? Help is at hand, wherever you are. Feadship just presented a brand-new Fleet app, a digital version of Feadship’s Famous Fleet Spotter’s Guide pocketbook, and you’ll always be up to speed with the very latest information. Featuring a vast library of photos and videos spanning the seven decades of Feadship.
Ferretti Group All Night Long
A magical and exclusive night, on the notes of the unforgettable hits of a music legend, started the season of the most important international Boat Shows. Ferretti Group and Yacht Club de Monaco have indeed offered for the fifth year in a row a unique show to the shipowners invited to the "Private Preview", the appointment with which the Group presents in preview, few days before the debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival, the fleet of Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Itama, Custom Line and Wally. It was Lionel Richie, the pop legend with over one hundred million records sold to date, to make the evening event memorable. And on the dragging notes of "All night long", which gave the title to the concert, the selected audience of the evening was literally enchanted by the extraordinary location of Monte Carlo, with a view on the fleet of over 25 yachts representing all the brands of the Group. Lionel Richie, honored with the Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2003, Grammy winner, played, one after another, all his greatest hits, captivating the audience: from "Easy" to the timeless "Say you say me", winner of an Oscar and a Golden Globe as best original song, from "Hello" to "Truly", just to mention a few of them. "Lionel Richie's career is sprinkled with many incredible songs, listening to them and dancing one after the other moved us and our guests," said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. "It’s the best start to the boating season ahead of us: our resounding boats are about to be presented at the most important boat shows also this year, we'll be able to win the hearts and minds of shipowners and enthusiasts of beauty”. “We really showed tonight that Monaco is establishing itself as world capital of yachting. It was a great pleasure for our president HSH Prince Albert II to host Tan Xuguang, president of the Weichai Group, and an audience of international personalities. All the most passionate boating enthusiasts were here this evening to celebrate the opening of the season’s big meetings, on the eve of the Cannes Yachting Festival, Monaco Classic Week and the Monaco Yacht Show”, said Bernard d'Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club of Monaco. In the Yacht Club marina the 6 world premieres have been shining in the fleet of Ferretti Group: the Riva Dolceriva, the Custom Line 106', the new Ferretti Yachts 720, the last fantastic Riva 90' Argo flybridge, the luxury sports yacht Pershing 8X and the 48 Wallytender with its iconic design. The boats are available for exclusive visits and sea trials, and ready to sail, at the end of the Preview, towards Cannes, where the 42nd edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival will see them as protagonists from September 10th to September 15th, 2019.
Ferretti Group Makes Clean Swipe at 2019 World Yacht Trophies
Ferretti Group triumphs once again this year at the World Yachts Trophies 2019, the eagerly awaited final event of the Cannes Yachting Festival, claiming 5 trophies thanks to the unmistakable Made in Italy style and the many design and technology innovations proposed aboard its vessels. It is another big success for the Group that, following the enthusiasm of Festival visitors for its fleet of wonders (26 models and 6 premières), now receives the approval of the experts with the most coveted awards in the industry, confirming a supremacy in aesthetics and innovation that is widely acclaimed. Here are the awards for the boats: Ferretti Yachts 720: Best Exterior Design Trophy, category 64–80 feet (19.50-24 metres); Riva 90’ Argo: Best Interior Design Trophy, category 80–98 feet (24-30 metres);
Pershing 140: Best Interior Design Trophy, category 98–164 feet (30-50 metres); Riva 50 metres: Most Achieved Trophy, category 164–270 feet (50-82 metres), and CRN M/Y 135: Best Layout Trophy, category 164–270 feet (50-82 metres). To complete this incredible triumph, yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni, creator of the entire Pershing range since the brand was established, was awarded the prize in the special category Designer of the Year.
Ferretti Group to Float in Milan Stock Exchange
Ferretti S.p.A. (“Ferretti” or the “Company” and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Ferretti Group" or “Group”) today announces its intention to proceed with an initial public offering and listing of its ordinary shares (the “Shares”) on the Mercato Telematico Azionario organised and managed by Borsa Italiana S.p.A. (the “Listing”). Ferretti is among the world’s leading designers, producers and marketers of luxury motor yachts, and operates with eight of the most prestigious and exclusive brands featuring more than 170 years heritage. With models ranging from 8 to 95 meters in size, Ferretti boasts one of the widest product ranges in the yachting industry.
Fraucher New French Riviera Dealer
Diving smoothly into the world of Frauscher is now possible for all water-loving visitors of Cannes – thanks to the new partnership between the Frauscher shipyard and Arie de Boom. The sales will be conducted in cooperation with the charter brokerage 212 Yachts that offers all yachting enthusiasts to rent a Frauscher 1017 GT Air on the French Riviera. This makes it an exclusive opportunity to feel the power and elegance of a Frauscher yacht on water and will expand the presence of Frauscher at the French Riviera to the Bay of Cannes. Arie de Boom has started its business by importing American-built powerboats into the Netherlands and has now an unequalled customer base of Med based yacht owners. Just like Frauscher, Arie de Boom is a family run business with tradition and many decades of experience. The dutch boat expert, known for the great knowledge in all yachting belongings, expands the international partner network of the Austrian manufacturer. Arie de Boom’s distribution partner 212 Yachts is a luxury yacht charter brokerage, combining global operations with local knowledge and personalised, responsive and uncompromising service. Each year, 212 Yachts complete hundreds of successful charters around the world and now, the Frauscher 1017 GT Air broadens the range of premium day charter boats in the Bay of Cannes.
Grand Banks Completes Five Year Strategic Plan
A four-year investment in expansion of the main manufacturing facility in Malaysia was completed, now providing more than double the undercover manufacturing capacity from 270,000 to 550,000 square feet, and fully equipped with the latest technology. Robots help to accelerate the new product innovation. 184 new staff were recruited and extensively trained during 2019, ready to help deliver the contracted order book and meet the additional demands for our new models. The acquisition of the Stuart facility in late 2018 FY has seen the facility expanded in 2019 to become the Grand Banks USA HQ, housing the global marketing and client support teams. Grand Banks invested in developing 4 new models during the 2019 financial year with tooling completed for 3 of them, while at the same time meeting the current production demands. This brings the entire combined Grand Banks and Palm Beach range to 14 models from 42 feet through to 90 feet. There have been product debuts in Australia, New Zealand, Europe and USA, showcasing that the new Grand Banks and Palm Beach models are at the pinnacle of quality, style, efficiency and performance. This last year saw Grand Banks develop the contracted order book to its highest level in more than 10 years.
Gulf Craft New Italian Dealer
A few days after the conclusion of the Cannes Yachting Festival and participation in the Southampton Boat Show, Gulf Craft, a manufacturer of luxury yachts based in the Emirates, announces an exclusive dealership agreement for its debut at the Genoa Boat Show. Italy with Yacht Services International. In particular, the company will deal with the distribution of the Oryx and Silvercraft Yachts brands dedicated to pleasure boats.
Ricardo Tumbiolo has been appointed Sales Director for Italy, while Alessio Tumbiolo will be After Sales Director: both have matured a solid and long experience in the marketing and management of luxury yachts with special attention to the Middle East market, having combined over twenty years of yachting experience.
The new partnership represents an important step for Gulf Craft in the strategy of strengthening its presence in Europe with particularly attractive and competitive product lines in this area and fits into a context of strategic development of the brand, already known to yachting enthusiasts for the luxurious models of the Majesty Yachts line, the flagship brand of the company that also presents the Nomad Yachts line in Europe, innovative yachts designed to offer maximum comfort to shipowners who enjoy long cruises, even with their families.
Majesty Yachts Wins Best Interior Award
A spectacular ending to the fifth day of the Cannes Yachting Festival as Majesty Yachts wins Best Interior Design award for the Majesty 140 in the category of 30-50m at 18th edition of the World Yachts Trophies that took place in the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel on la Croisette - Cannes The newly unveiled Majesty 140’s interiors are designed in collaboration with Christiano Gatto Design Team. It is an elegant 43m superyacht that offers unrivaled luxury and great performance. This project has redefined the meaning of superyacht by setting new standards of expansive space and entertainment features. It is indeed in a class of its own.
Maritimo Strengthens New Zealand Sales Team
Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, is building on its already strong presence in New Zealand by expanding its dealer partner network. Long established Maritimo dealer, Motor Yacht Centre, run by New Zealand boating industry stalwart Don Senior and his daughter Donelle, is to now be joined by Ownaship, New Zealand's leading boat share management company. Maritimo have been represented by Ownaship for several years within the New Zealand boat share and syndication market, with the new authorised consultant title now expanding that role into new boat sales. Maritimo's Australasian sales manager, Ormonde Britton, said that Maritimo was excited to welcome Ownaship and director Simon Barker to the Maritimo New Zealand sales network. "New Zealand has been one of our most loyal and successful markets, and it is because of our product and service being at the forefront of our focus that this is the case, so having representatives the calibre of Don and Donelle Senior and Ownaship's Simon Barker is integral to our brand’s success in the region. Ownaship director Simon Barker sees shared ownership as growing platform for clients getting into the Maritimo brand, with many current syndication members eventually moving to sole ownership. "Kiwis are drawn to Maritimo by the quality of construction and design, shaft drive functionality and performance benefits, and the strength of resale value due to Maritimo’s being Trans-Tasman manufactured.” he said. “The ability for Maritimo’s to be heavily customized with options like Maritimo One now available, also offer more to clients looking for something specialized for fishing, or something unique.” Ownaship and Motor Yacht Centre are expanding their operations to better support their clients, with their own service and brokerage facilities. The expanded network gives New Zealand clients lots of options to enjoy a Maritimo either through outright ownership of a new boat, or syndicated share. Both Ownaship and Motor Yacht Center are based in Auckland and will be very active in the upcoming Auckland On Water Boat Show where Maritimo has three models on display.
Monte Carlo Yachts Most Achieved Yacht 2019
Once again, Monte Carlo Yachts has been recognized with a prestigious acknowledgement for its product design and development. The MCY 70, unveiled at Boot Dusseldorf 2019 and presented to the public during a charming event in Trieste, won the “Most Achieved” award category in the 64’-80’ segment at the World Yacht Trophies organized by Yachts France magazine.
Palm Beach Sponsor at 12 Meter World Championship
Palm Beach is proud to be official sponsors of the recent 12 Metre World Championship in Newport Rhode Island this past July. Palm Beach provided three spectator boats for VIPs to get up-close to the action, we had the incredibly fun new GT50 open, a beautiful new Palm Beach 52, and a stunning Palm Beach 55.
Princess On-board with Sustainability
As a manufacturer like all other yacht manufacturers the world over, Princess inherently produces waste and uses a range of chemicals in the process of building yachts. However, as a responsible company that is driven to set industry benchmarks in sustainability, there is a target to cut waste to an absolute minimum in order to both drive manufacturing efficiencies and significantly reduce the environmental impact. As the UK's largest yacht manufacturer, the company places sustainability at the heart of its business, and recently joined MarineShift360, partnering a rigorous programme of life cycle analysis of materials and manufacturing processes, investigating alternatives to traditional materials and innovating where possible to develop new ones. Throughout the company there is a culture of exploring more sustainable manufacturing techniques, be it in the materials used, the processes they are applied to or the methods of recycling. Princess Yachts was the first manufacturer in the yacht building industry to achieve ISO 14001, which maps out an effective Environmental Management System (EMS), a set of processes and practices that enables Princess to reduce its environmental impacts. Driven by innovations such as Princess's vacuum-formed hull manufacturing processes that release far fewer odours and toxins into the atmosphere than is typical in the industry, Princess Yachts is passionate about sourcing and using the most sustainable materials available for furniture making and design. Princess was the first yachting company to ever support the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), the UK's leading marine environment, not-for-profit organisation. The MCS works for the increased protection of the seas around the United Kingdom via the creation of marine protection areas. Princess raises money for the British charity through a number of initiatives targeted to engage Princess's customers and their children, including a unique partnership with Seabob, the zero-emissions water toy, and Hummingbird, the world's lightest foldable bicycle manufacturer, both who donate a percentage of every Princess liveried item sold, to the charity. Princess have also written and published a children's story book about environmental matters; Her Magic Yacht, of which all proceeds go to the MCS.
Solaris Power VIP Tender to Abeking and Rasmussen
Solaris Power 48 OPEN: an elegant but functional boat, able to combine a captivating design with an excellent seaworthiness, has been chosen by Abeking and Rasmussen as a VIP tender during the Monaco Yacht Show. Abeking and Rasmussen, one of the most important global superyacht builders and one of the main protagonists of the Monaco Yacht Show, will transfer its VIP clients around the fair, on board Solaris Power 48 OPEN. This exclusive boat, recently built by the Italian yard, shows the sophisticated lines of the American lobsters and return it with a contemporary allure.
Sunreef Elected as Best Power Catamaran
The 80 Sunreef Power has been elected as Best Power Driven Catamaran at the prestigious World Yachts Trophies gala. Rewarding the best and most innovative yachts worldwide, the ceremony has gathered top industry professionals on the Beach of the Intercontinental Carlton Cannes on the 14th of September. The award was received on stage by company Founder and President Francis Lapp, Nicolas Lapp – Head of Sunreef Yachts R and D Office, Paulina Zelobowska and Karolina Paszkiewicz from Sales and Marketing Departments. The 80 Sunreef Power is a universal luxury multihull for long cruises in ultimate comfort. Sunreef Yachts’ latest motoryacht model features powerful propulsion, an innovative jet-ski garage and immense, fully-customizable living spaces.
Sunseeker Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Williams Jet Tenders, the world’s leading jet tender specialist, was proud to receive the inaugural Sunseeker Entrepreneur of the Year Award the British Marine awards. This award was created by Sunseeker International and British Marine to honor the late Robert Braithwaite CBE DL, and recognise those exceptional companies that capture the entrepreneurial spirit of Robert and demonstrate true innovation and creativity. The prestigious award was presented by Sunseeker International’s Sales Director, Sean Robertson, who praised brothers Mathew and John Hornsby and Roy Parker, the founders of Williams Jet Tenders, commenting: “Robert was an entrepreneur in every sense of the word. He was a visionary and grasped every opportunity to help build Sunseeker into the iconic, global-leading luxury brand that it is today. The recipients of this award reflect those values in everything they do – congratulations.” Commenting on the award win, Mathew Hornsby, Sales Director at Williams Jet Tenders, said: “It is a huge honour to receive this award and we are hugely grateful to be the first winner of what is a really wonderful accolade. Robert was a true inspiration to the whole industry and to have been chosen as a company that represents the entrepreneurial spirit of Robert is really something special.” The Sunseeker Entrepreneur of the Year Award is a new category at this year’s British Marine Awards. Other awards presented on the night included British Marine Training and Development Award, British Marine Charity of the Year and the Environmental Award.
Sunseeker Expands Dealer Network in Norway
Sunseeker International has announced the appointment of a new authorised dealer ‘Sunseeker Norway’ which will serve existing and new clients in this popular market. The announcement is part of Sunseeker’s continuing focus of strengthening its international dealer network. Led by the founder of Sundal Yachts, Sunseeker Norway will be based in Tonsberg, the oldest town in Norway, founded during the Viking period. Sunseeker Norway’s Managing Partner, Trond Sundal, comments: “I am delighted to become part of the Sunseeker network and to help strengthen the brand’s presence in the region. “In 2013, I was fortunate enough to join the Sunseeker family as a sub-dealer of Sunseeker Finland and I successfully achieved year-on-year increases in boat sales. I am delighted to now lead my dealership in Norway, supporting my customers with the very best in sales and after-sales service; something I and my team remain dedicated to every day. I am looking forward to working with the Sunseeker team and promoting its unmatched range of motor yachts including the all-new Predator 60 EVO and the incredible new Hawk 38 which is coming to Norway.” Sean Robertson, Sales Director at Sunseeker International, adds: “We are so very pleased to welcome Sunseeker Norway to the Sunseeker family. Trond has a huge amount of experience and understanding of our brand and is very well respected in his home market. We are looking forward to Sunseeker Norway making a real impact and further strengthening our dealer presence in Scandinavia.”
Viking at the MidAtlantic 2019
This year's MidAtlantic finished in a dramatic fashion as the leaderboard took a beating on the final day. Moving Day saw Captain Rhett Bailey maneuver Alan Sadler's Viking 62 InTents to the scales with fingers crossed. A white marlin was hung and the crowd erupted in cheers as Michelle Keeney's 72-pound fish claimed Heaviest White. "It came up on the left teaser and I picked it off. I fought it for about a half hour. We were all super stoked," Michelle said. And the drama continued! Captain Robbie Inglima brought Chip Caruso's Viking 70 Pipe Dreamer to the weigh station with a 473-pound blue marlin to temporarily take 1st Place Blue Marlin. Just an hour later Ken Hager's Viking 50 Taylor Jean weighed Dave Mekendrick's blue at 452 pounds, good for 2nd Place. The scale barely had time to settle when Kristen Jezierski's Viking 58 Haulin' n Ballin' pulled up to the weigh dock. Coming off a win at the recent White Marlin Open, the boat proudly handed their fish over to the weighmaster. At 630 pounds, Zeb Zebley's blue claimed Heaviest Blue Marlin for the event with Pipe Dreamer ultimately taking 3rd and Taylor Jean 4th. Most Points Blue Marlin went to the Viking 58 JT (above) with three blues while Joe Rahman's Viking 80 Auspicious was awarded 2nd Place. Shon Craig's Viking 80 Amarula Sun took 2nd Place White Marlin and 2nd Place Points Overall with 12 whites and a tuna. Ross Clubb aboard his Viking 45 Chain Reaction won the wahoo division with a 33-pounder. Third Place Tuna Points was captured by Michael Pintozzi's Viking 48 Random Chaos.
Viking Triple Crown at Florida West Coast Bluewater Series
Congratulations to Vikings for going one, two and three for the win! The Florida West Coast Bluewater Series saw the Viking 48 Hooker claiming top boat. Twisted Bills, a Viking 56, was 2nd and the Viking 64 Team Galati rounded out the top three. Galati Yacht Sales was pleased to host the first leg out of their Anna Maria, Florida, facility.
Viking 2019 Dealer Meeting
With five new models debuting, the Viking Yachts and Valhalla Boatworks Dealer Meeting and Sea Trial Event drew a record 300 attendees in a spectacular sun-drenched four-day affair in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Dealers, customers and media had the chance to sea trial for the first time the 38 Open Billfish, the 46 Billfish and all three Valhalla Boatworks V Series center consoles, the V-33, V-37 and V-41. More than 50 sales professionals from Viking's expansive domestic and international dealer network and a record 80 customers converged on the Golden Nugget's Farley Marina to see the Viking and Valhalla fleets. "Five new models - that's an incredible accomplishment," said Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. "Re-design, re-engineer and re-invent. This is what we do at the Viking Yacht Company. It's hard work, but we have a team with a lot of good people all pulling in the same direction, and that's what really makes the difference."