November 30, 2021

Monthly News - November 2021

-pic of the month- Bayliss Facility Expansion Coming

Aicon Toast to a Bright Future

In November the Aicon yard in Giammoro Pace del Mela (Messina), we received a visit from a very welcome guest. He is Jocelyn Harel, partner of Aicon Boutique in Canada and Chicago. The CEO Marc-Udo Broich guided him on the visit, explaining the details of the new Aicon 66 Vivere. Then a toast with the Head of Production Teodoro Santalucia and the architects Eugenio Coppo and Alessandro Licciardello.


Arksen Bolsters Team

Marine adventure company Arksen has appointed Dominic Byrne as its new sales and marketing director.  In a newly created role, Dominic brings over 25 years experience in the luxury marine and data communications industries, providing hands-on leadership and developing sales and marketing strategies to penetrate markets both domestically and on the international stage.  Arksen has an ethos of building exceptionally capable vessels which enable families and friends to confidently explore some of the most wild and precious places on the planet with the aim of motivating the next generation of explorers, scientists and conservationists. This teamed with its sustainable approach to ensure minimal waste and incorporating sustainable materials, systems and processes is what attracted Dominic to the innovative adventure company.  Dominic said: “I was simply captivated by the Arksen story and the more I read about its founder Jasper Smith, the more I was inspired. I felt an instant affinity with the ethos of the company, its commitment to sustainability and the work it does to help better understand and protect the oceans - these are issues close to my heart. Arksen is not typical of the mainstream superyacht business, its proposition is unique and this really appealed to me.  Arksen clients are looking for something different, it's the combination of owning a yacht with genuine explorer credentials and the freedom that provides, coupled with the opportunity to maximise their ownership experience by having access to a blend of an owners club and concierge service to help them realise their adventure.”  Starting out in the IT industry when the internet began to expand across the world, Dominic worked in Europe and the US with start-up companies which were pioneers in the field of data communications, but needed help to go from inception through to floatation on the NASDAQ index.  Dominic said: “The dot com wave of the nineties gave me the opportunity to work for a couple of IPO success stories and this eventually enabled me to pursue my passion for yachting and begin a career in the luxury marine sector with one of Sunseeker’s leading European distributors. He exited this business in 2009 and has held a number of senior management positions within the sector, including those with Ahoy Club and Gulf Craft. More recently, and prior to joining Arksen, Dominic was involved with the launch of a premium lifestyle business specialising in yacht co-ownership.  When asked what he’d like to bring to Arksen Dominic said: “My immediate sights are on securing an order for the next Arksen 85 (hull No.3) and landing the first order for the Arksen 65 series. Longer term the goal is to help build the brand's reputation as the explorer yacht of choice in the 20 - 30 metre range and in parallel, develop the market opportunity for a series of sub 45ft Arksen adventure vessels.”  In 2019, Arksen unveiled its vision for a new concept in sustainable marine adventures, the Arksen Explorer Series. The ambitious project has rapidly gained momentum, with the sale of the second Arksen 85 announced earlier this month. The Arksen 85 currently represents the ‘flagship’ vessel within the Arksen Explorer Series, with the Arksen 75 and Arksen 65 making up the ‘Explorer’ fleet.  Arksen founder and chairman, Jasper Smith said of Dominic’s appointment: “We’re in an exciting period of growth for Arksen and Dominic’s appointment plays a crucial role in our plans to be able to reach more people with not only the Explorer Series, but also our Yachts for Science programme and 10% For The Ocean charity.”  The interim head of sales at Arksen, John Solomon, is currently handing over to Dominic in line with the company’s on-track growth strategy, following a successful 23 month tenure of the post. John will continue to support the company’s sales efforts during this next phase of development, alongside his core business at Seven Superyachts.  Arksen has also created five new roles in addition to Dominic’s appointment. These include Rob Vankalsbeek, technical project manager, Donald Hung, digital marketing lead, Sonia Jackson, communications and events lead, project engineer George Johnson and Client Project Manager Matthew Morgan.  


Azimut New Chief Marketing Officer

Azimut Benetti SpA is pleased to announce the appointment of Mario Gornati as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Azimut|Benetti Group. In this upgrading of the top management team, Mario Gornati will focus on strengthening the marketing and communication of the Group’s brands - Azimut Yachts, Benetti, Lusben and Yachtique – to boost their growth in an increasingly dynamic and challenging market. He will report to Azimut|Benetti Group CEO Marco Valle.   Gornati, born in 1972, has over 20 years’ experience in the world of yachting and luxury goods on an international level and in roles of increasing responsibility in both agency and corporate capacities. He joins the Group, world leader in the industry, after working 15 years with Sanlorenzo Spa.  “I have always thought very highly of Mario Gornati and I’m glad he has joined our team. Our brands have always been innovative, both in creating new yachts and in promoting them. I’m sure that with Mario we’ll keep up with this successful journey, adding new exciting and brave milestones” said Azimut|Benetti Group vice-president Giovanna Vitelli.  "For me, this is the beginning of a new challenge at Azimut|Benetti Group, the world’s leading yacht builder,” said Mario Gornati, “a new experience I will embrace with the utmost enthusiasm and the deepest respect for two brands - Azimut and Benetti – that have written the history of this industry and continue to plot its course thanks to its pioneering strategies and undisputed international leadership”.

Bayliss Facility Expansion Coming in 2022

In keeping with Bayliss philosophy of constant improvement everyday, the Carolina custom boat builder is investing in a state of the art paint and prep facility for all new builds and boatyard refits. In October, the foundation was laid and construction is now moving forward. The 10,000 square foot facility will be equipped with a Global Finishing Solutions paint bay, small parts paint booth, primer bay and all new spray equipment. 


Benetti 21st Yacht Master Dedicated to Sustainability 

The American leg of Yachtmaster successfully closed the 21st edition of this Benetti program for captains and crews featuring workshops and team building activities. Following the incredible response to the phygital event in February, the Yachtmaster was back in-person again at the exclusive Baker's Cay Resort in Key Largo. Its central theme was sustainability, an increasingly important value for Benetti, which boosted its message by organizing the event in a location that prioritizes its sustainable and conservation practices with use of biodegradable materials and low environmental impact products.


CRN Wins Gold Trophy 2021

CRN, the historic shipyard and Ferretti Group brand specialising in designing and building fully custom yachts, has won the Gold Trophy at the World Luxury Award 2021 in the Cars & Yachts category. The prize is given for the best strategy and integrated global social-media campaign.  Held in Monte Carlo, the World Luxury Award event is an independent forum set up to applaud creative excellence in the advertising, design and multimedia arenas, focusing on the major players in international luxury.  This major award acknowledges the innovation, effectiveness and exceptional creative achievement of CRN’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube and LinkedIn profiles, devised and managed by Arachno Digital Agency.  On its social media, CRN uses high-impact language and an original tone of voice to articulate the brand values of artisanal excellence and the in-depth design and construction know-how to create bespoke yachts – unique works of art that reflect their owner’s personality to perfection.  The social-media strategy has built engagement and empathy through several key components: a publishing plan honed in the finest detail with language tailored to each platform; images and videos meticulously selected with an artistic eye; beautifully written copy to underscore the effect; and the use of inventive formats.  Through evocative storytelling, the brand’s social media convey the lifestyle experience on board the iconic CRN vessels while sharing the amazing journey of creating a true custom yacht and the passion and dedication of CRN’s team of expert professionals and craftspeople.


Fairline New CEO and Chairman

Fairline Yachts has appointed Paul Grys as its new Chief Executive Officer, while Derek Carter has re-joined the British motor yacht builder as Chairman.  Grys’ career includes 19 years with Jaguar followed by 17 years at JCB, where he was Managing Director of several business units, before spending three years as Group Business Operations Director.  He led and developed complex manufacturing businesses, a skillset that will drive the next stage of Fairline’s growth as he succeeds Peter McNulty, who took on the CEO role on an interim basis over two years ago and oversaw the acquisition by Hanover Investors in June 2021.  “It is a really exciting time to be leading this very special company,” Grys said. “The pandemic has led to a surge in demand in the luxury yacht market and Fairline is in a great position to benefit from this. With our heritage, our passionate workforce and exciting product range, we will create a strategy to seize a greater share of this market globally.”  Carter was CEO of Fairline Yachts for 15 years to 2011 before becoming CEO of Portakabin and subsequently its parent company, The Shepherd Building Group. He will commence his new role as Chairman of Fairline in January 2022.  Jason Carley, a Senior Partner at Hanover Investors, said: “In Paul, we have a proven leader in operationally complex businesses as we focus on optimising the Fairline factory to drive even higher levels of quality and efficiency to support the exciting new model range being introduced over the coming years.  “And we are privileged that someone with Derek’s reputation in the industry is returning to the Fairline family as Chairman, working with Paul and the entire workforce to build on the strong foundations we have.”


Frauscher Wins Best of Boats Award

The Frauscher shipyard wins the Best of Boats Award in the category "Best for Future" with their latest model TimeSquare 20, an electric catamaran.  As an absolute highlight in its debut year, this year's Future Award goes to Frauscher shipyard for the TimeSquare 20 electric boat. The "Best for Future" award recognises pioneering technologies with an awareness of sustainability and the responsible use of resources. The special feature of the award: the renowned jury evaluates according to standards that are specifically relevant to boaters. In other words, the award categories are based on use cases. The award ceremony took place on 11th November 2021 during the course of the "Boot & Fun" trade fair in Berlin. The special evaluation criteria were also reason why the TimeSquare 20 had the best chance of winning an award in the competition. Managing director Michael Frauscher explains: "Our team designed and constructed an electric catamaran around the customer's wishes and their usage habits. The boat therefore has propulsion technology that makes it extremely efficient, manoeuvrable and quiet."  From the user's point of view, the large, accessible area on deck is particularly convenient. Here, time can be spent and enjoyed in a variety of ways. This "square" gave the Frauscher innovation its name. The number 20 stands for the usable space. TimeSquare 20 owners have 20 square metres of space at their personal disposal.  The jury member Kerstin Zillmer says: " With the TimeSquare 20, the Frauscher Shipyard has rethought boating in calm waters. On two hulls with the lightest displacement, electrically powered at a decent speed, the TimeSquare 20 represents a new concept of boating: enjoyment of nature, tranquillity, community and consideration. Their entrepreneur’s spirit and serial implementation are worthy of the Best for Future Award 2021."


Maritimo XCat Departs for UAE

Australia’s Maritimo Racing, the current UIM XCAT Powerboat World Champions have shipped their boat and equipment to the UAE in readiness for Round 1 of the 2022 UIM XCAT World Championship.  Maritimo Racing’s XCAT and equipment has been on a waiting list for an available ship en-route to the UAE since September, when the UIM announced two rounds that will make up a shortened 2021 UIM World Championship in December.  “Unfortunately, the congestion and lead times in international container shipping did not allow enough time for the equipment to reach the UAE in time for the shortened 2021 World Championship,” said Maritimo Racing’s Tom Barry-Cotter.  “It’s disappointing we aren’t able to be there to defend our title, but we are focused on 2022 and looking forward to resuming racing once again.  “The team is now already looking forward to approach the 2022 world championship as the hunter, rather than the hunted, and we will be watching the front pack in the UAE next week very carefully.”  Only days ago, Maritimo Racing announced it had reforged one of its most successful partnerships in preparation to compete in the UIM World Championship.  Norway’s Pal Virik Nilsen will join Tom Barry-Cotter in the cockpit of the Maritimo designed and constructed R30 XCAT for the 2022 UIM XCAT World Championship.  Coming onboard with Pal, will be fellow Norwegian Lars Inge Graver, joining the team alongside Kurt Davies, Ross Willaton, and Graham Fraser.  Maritimo Racing has been using the extended offseason as opportunity to test and develop the Maritimo R30 design and various setups.  “We have been making small improvements to everything we do on an ongoing basis, and I am confident when the time comes to put it is all to the test, we will be ready and extremely competitive,” says Tom.  Maritimo Racing has been gathering data from the valuable test time and applying to the design and construction of a new R30 XCAT which will be ready to enter late in the 2022 season.  “The construction of our next R30 XCAT is advancing well, with the hull’s composites being infused with Gurit Corecell™ and Gurit PRIME 27 epoxy resin last week, with bulkheads now beginning to be fitted,” he said.  “There are many advancements we are introducing into the new design, and we expect it give us another edge late in the 2022 season.”  The new hull will also give the team the platform to continue testing and development whilst the original R30 hull is in transit between events during the season.  “Pal is eager to get out to Australia and begin testing the new hull once we are in the water,” said Barry-Cotter.  Maritimo Racing will be set to return UIM XCAT competition for Round 1 of the 2022 UIM XCAT World Championship.

Maritimo With Olympic Gold Medalist

Officially Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor, Mathew ‘Mat’ Belcher has been welcomed into Maritimo Racing’s sailing program, with his involvement already proving to be successful.  Mat has been a dominant force in the Olympic 470 Dinghy Class over the last three Olympic Games. The unassuming Gold Coaster, aged 39, won his first Olympic gold medal in 2012 in London with Malcolm Page.  He then took home a silver medal at Rio in 2016 with new sailing partner Will Ryan, with the successful duo following up with a gold medal at the Tokyo Games earlier this year.  Mat successfully steered Maritimo’s 54-foot racing yacht to win Division One of the Queensland Yachting Championships, hosted by the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, on Moreton Bay over the weekend.  Mat’s involvement with Maritimo Racing was his first regatta racing big boats, with the results showing he has made a seamless transition from his 470 Dinghy Class.  The five-race regatta saw Maritimo 11 off to a slow start with a sixth and an 18th place in a day that saw the smaller boats in the 21 strong fleet dominate.  Team leader Michal Spies said an increase in wind on Sunday saw Maritimo post two firsts and a third in the three races, thus enabling the poor 18th place from the previous day to be discarded from the points tally.  Mat is reveling in the cut and thrust of big boat racing. “It was great to join such a well drilled team as Maritimo and contribute to the continuing good form of this fantastic yacht,” he said.  “The team made me feel most welcome and made it easy for me to get up to speed in this class of racing,” he said.  “I am delighted that Bill Barry-Cotter has given me the opportunity to be involved.”  Spies said Mat’s love of sailing and his Olympics success were valuable additions to the skills set of the Maritimo Racing program.  He said the weekend’s racing also saw 13-yer-old Addison Newland, one of Australia’s up and coming junior sailors, competing in team Maritimo.  She has been coached by Mat and has her sights on the 2032 Olympic Games.  Spies said, Maritimo would next compete in the 220 nautical mile Wolf Rock Race starting in Moreton Bay, heading to Wolf Rock near Doble Island Point, and then finishing on the Gold Coast.  This event will be Maritimo’s mandated Qualifying Race for this year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht race.  He said Mat will again be joining Maritimo in his overnight long race debut in this event, but due to the pending birth of his fourth child he will not be joining the crew in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.  “After the cancellation of last year’s event we are very excited to be preparing for this world class and internationally famous event again and we are confident that Maritimo Racing will do the Gold Coast proud, ” he said.


Pearl New West Coast US Dealer

As Pearl Yachts prepares for the close of its most successful year to date, the brand is consolidating record growth, particularly in the Americas, with the signing of a second regional dealer. Jeff Brown Yachts, with offices and marinas in San Diego, Newport Beach, Sausalito and Seattle, will represent Pearl Yachts throughout the Western United States, Mexico, and Canada.  British luxury motoryacht builder Pearl Yachts continues its rapid growth and dealer development programme by appointing a second US dealer. Following its great success on the East coast with Atlantic Yacht & Ship Co Pearl has appointed Jeff Brown Yachts, expanding the dealer network to the Pacific, from Canada to Mexico.  “This year’s Fort Lauderdale boat show held special significance.” says Pearl Yachts Managing Director Iain Smallridge. “Reuniting with our friends at AYS is always a joy and getting to know the team at Jeff Brown Yachts was a pleasure. We also confirmed a record number of sales”.  For nearly 30 years, Jeff Brown has distinguished himself in the marine industry as one of the most professional dealers on the West Coast. At the signing event, Jeff commented: “Thanks to Iain and all the team at Pearl for hosting us at the show in Fort Lauderdale. We started this partnership the right way: all together with the Pearl 62, the Pearl 80, and the flagship Pearl 95, getting in some training and giving an energetic kick-off to our journey with Pearl Yachts. This move is particularly important to Pearl’s presence in the Americas, because now we can tell clients that there is a highly professional coast-to-coast aftersales network in place. Adding that advantage to the list, we are looking forward to making our first presentations to clients.”


Riva in a Permanent Exhibition on Lake Como

For enthusiasts and the public at large, iconic international yacht brand Riva, in partnership with Fondazione Museo Barca Lariana, opened a new 300-square-metre exhibition room in October at the MBL Lake Como International Museum of Vintage Boats in Pianello del Lario, dedicated to the prestigious motorboats built on Lake Iseo.  On display are seven jewels from the storied Sarnico-based shipyard.  The room at the MBL, designed by architect Paolo Albano in tandem with Riva, takes the visitor on a journey through time from the 1930s to the incredible period epitomised by “La Dolce Vita”, when the Aquarama’s unmistakable lines brought Italian style to the world of yachting and the international collective imagination. It represents a tribute to Serafino Riva, famous for his high-speed racing boats, and his son Carlo Riva, who skilfully turned the brand into an international symbol and an object of desire loved by film stars, aristocrats and sports champions alike.  The museum’s collection also boasts several truly special models: HaLu is a Riva from the 1930s when Serafino was still at the helm of the shipyard. HaLu is probably one of the oldest and best preserved vintage Rivas in the world. The two Riva Series R models, the first to be built on a small production line, are from a few years later, as is the very rare racer fitted with Guzzi engines. Also on show is a Riva Florida with special Scottish Madras upholstery. Visitors can also admire a series of traditional moulds used to produce hulls.  The Museum bookshop will also showcase the refined Riva Brand Experience collection, ranging from clothing and unique accessories to design objects and original collectibles, to keep a reminder with you, wherever you are, of the sea and Riva’s legendary story. The latest new products available in the bookshop include “Riva In The Movie”, a priceless book that tells the story of more than 50 films in which Riva yachts have played an important and often a leading role alongside movie stars from around the world. The close relationship between the Riva legend and the seventh art is celebrated not only by the book but also by the powerful short film “Riva In The Movie”, with a masterful performance by Pierfrancesco Flavino, which was presented at the 77th Venice International Film Festival and is being screened at the Museum.  The room dedicated to Riva, created in partnership with the Fondazione Museo Barca Lariana, reminds visitors of the origins from which the legend has grown. Born in Laglio in 1822, Pietro Riva left his hometown for Sarnico, on Lake Iseo, to help the local fishermen after a violent storm completely destroyed their fleet. The Riva family returned to Lake Como only 130 years later, with the opening of the Colombo dealership, the exclusive distributor of Riva motorboats which are still built only in Sarnico and nowhere else. Lake Como, one of the most enchanting places to explore on board a Riva, has always been a haven for pleasure boating, recognising the historical fact that it was Carlo Riva, and no one else, who built up the centuries-old history of this unique and inimitable brand that in 2022 celebrates its 180th anniversary.

Riva New Dealer in Malta

Ferretti Group extends its presence in Europe and awards the exclusive dealership for the Riva brand in Malta to Von der Heyden Yachting. The partnership with Von der Heyden Yachting will allow the Group to further consolidate its assistance network coverage in the region and provide an even more comprehensive service to owners in the central, western and eastern Mediterranean. “With this agreement, Ferretti Group continues to expand its commercial activities and strengthen its selected distribution network. We are confident in our decision to entrust our storied and iconic brand to a world-renowned company in Von der Heyden Group which, with two decades of expertise providing tailor made services in the luxury yacht industry, has the know-how to communicate to local customers the ‘Made in Italy’ appeal, quality and excellence that have always been distinctive features of Ferretti Group worldwide,” commented Ferretti Group CCO Stefano de Vivo. “Riva’s outstanding presence at the Cannes and Monaco yacht shows this year is testament to the iconic spirit of this brand and how it provides the perfect symphony between state-of-the-art technology, tradition and sheer beauty. We are more than honoured with the opportunity to represent Riva in Malta on an exclusive basis in combination with our experience in complementary yachting services and our other leisure subsidiaries in experiential hospitality,” said Sven Von der Heyden, Founder and President of Von der Heyden Group. As official Riva dealer, Von der Heyden Yachting offers a combination of tailormade purchasing, selling, chartering, maintenance, management and assistance services for Riva motor yachts.


Riviera National Honours at Australian Export Awards

Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has been recognised as one of the country’s premier manufacturers after being named winner of the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award in the prestigious annual Australian Export and Investment Awards for 2021.  The award recognises outstanding international success in manufacturing, engineering and/or advanced materials development.  It caps off a year of success and achievements for Riviera, which creates motor yachts from 39 to 78 feet that are in high demand worldwide for their innovative design, superior engineering and ultra-luxurious interiors.  Riviera was named finalist in the Australian Export and Investment Awards after winning the manufacturing category at the Premier of Queensland Export Awards in October.  The company was among six finalists across Australia vying for the national award, representing diverse fields of manufacturing from commercial and military boatbuilding and high-performance engine components to premium camera production for the film and television industry.  Two winners were announced for the Manufacturing and Advanced Materials Award in 2021, and Riviera shared the honour with Victorian company AW Bell, a vertically integrated precision metal parts manufacturer.  Riviera builds more than 120 luxury motor yachts each year from the company’s state-of-the-art Gold Coast facility, supporting a team of over 850 on the largest facility of its kind in the southern hemisphere.  The company will export more than 60 per cent of the motor yachts this year to new owners around the world, including the US, New Zealand, Europe and Asia.  The latest Australian Export and Investment Awards honour complements a series of stellar achievements for Riviera in 2021, including the company’s largest single shipment ever, totalling seven yachts, to the United States.  “As an Australian company competing with the best in the world, we are incredibly proud of our achievements this year,” said Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst.  “We are equally humbled to have been recognised by this prestigious national award which acknowledges 41 years of evolution for Riviera that has led to our motor yachts of today being the best we have ever built.  “This award has been earned by the entire Riviera team and their passion for creating premium motor yachts that are admired and enjoyed around the world.”  The 59th annual Australian Export and Investment Awards were held on November 25. Each year the awards, which are supported by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, recognise and honour Australian exporters that have achieved sustainable growth through innovation and commitment.

Riviera Celebrates International Dealers for 2021

Riviera, Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder, has named Emerald Pacific Yachts in Seattle, USA, as the company’s International Dealership of the Year for 2021.  The award was among six announced by Riviera this week, recognising excellence in service, sales and owner care over the 12-month period to June by Riviera representatives located outside of Australia and New Zealand.  The awards were presented at the opening of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world’s largest in-water show, that concluded on Sunday.  Riviera presented its largest international showcase at Fort Lauderdale with 10 magnificent yachts on display from 39 to 72 feet from the Sports Motor Yacht, SUV, Flybridge and Sport Yacht and Belize collections – including the Americas premiere of the 645 SUV.  As International Dealership of the Year, Emerald Pacific Yachts has been awarded for its positive team environment, exclusive owner events, professionalism when engaging with the Riviera team and its continual reinvestment in the Riviera brand.  Emerald Pacific Yachts was further awarded for Event Excellence by a Dealership, highlighted by the hugely successful Riviera Rendezvous organised by the Seattle-based representative. More than 80 friends and family aboard 25 Riviera motor yachts enjoyed an exceptional rendezvous at Roche Harbour in the San Juan Islands.  Sun Country Marine, which operates on the US west coast from five locations including Newport Beach, San Diego and Dana Point, was presented with the Sales Excellence by a Dealership Award. It was the second consecutive year that Sun Country has received this award.  Wally Castro Marine, located in the heart of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico, was awarded for Service Excellence by a Dealership, driven by a culture of superior owner care, quality control and the continuous improvement in the level of services provided across the dealership.  Individual excellence came to the fore in this year’s awards for OneWater Yacht Group, as sales executive Ned Dozier was presented with the Sales Excellence by an Individual Award. It was the second consecutive year that Mr Dozier, who is based at Stevensville, Maryland, received this award.  OneWater’s service manager Anthony Vigliotti, based in Florida, was presented with the Riviera Service Excellence by an Individual Award, capping off a double recognition for the dealership and recognising his exceptional service to motor yacht owners.  Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst has praised the professionalism and service excellence that continues to advance across the company’s global representative network.  “The commitment of our global representatives to Riviera truly aligns with the passion and dedication of our 850-strong team in building world-class motor yachts for boating enthusiasts around the world,” said Mr Longhurst.  “Our united goal is to create the ultimate boating experience for our owners. That begins with the precision engineering, advanced technology and luxurious interiors that make Riviera motor yachts among the best in the world. It continues with the superior service and support provided to our owners by our global representatives, assisting our owners to achieve their ultimate boating experience.  “I am extremely proud to see these awards acknowledge the exceptional work undertaken throughout our network in achieving this goal.”


Sunreef Celebrates Two Sustainability Awards

The Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, jointly run by IBI and Metstrade, recognize the contributions of individuals, teams and supply chain partners within boat building companies globally.   The 2021 edition of the Boat Builder Awards rewarded the Sunreef Yachts Eco range of sustainable catamarans as the industry’s best Environmental Initiative. The prestigious award ceremony took place in Amsterdam, during the Metstrade on November 17.  The jury of the German Design Awards voted Sunreef Yachts’ In-House Engineered Solar Power System as the best Eco Design in the Excellent Product Design category.  The German Design Awards honor the companies contributing to a better future with their innovative spirit. Its jury of experts awards groundbreaking design achievements in various industries worldwide.  With accolades including the World Yachts Trophy, the UIM Environmental Award and Gustave Trouvé Award, Sunreef Yachts Eco are an avant-gardist range of sustainable catamarans. With a 360° approach to eco cruising, they offer cutting-edge electric propulsion, naturally-sourced sustainable materials, smart energy management and new technologies including a patent-pending solar power system produced in-house.

Sunreef Ambassadors Cup

In the midst of a busy Monaco Yacht Show 2021, the Sunreef Yachts team hosted the Sunreef Ambassadors’ Cup – a thrilling table tennis clash between Rafael Nadal and Nico Rosberg. Held on board Rafael Nadal’s 80 Sunreef Power catamaran Great White, the game turned out to be a real showstopper.


Tecnorib Pirelli New Production Site in Full Swing

Tecnorib Pirelli celebrates full activity of the new production plant in the province of Milan, where the historical headquarters are also located. It came into operation in October, allowing the shipyard to double its production capacity and meet the growth targets in its 2020-2022 business plan.  Full operation of the new plant is a very concrete step in the growth path initiated in 2020 that involved not only production but also products, with the launch of the new Walkaround line, stemming from the desire to combine the concept of walkaround with that of maxirib. The new range saw the launch of the Pirelli 42 in 2020, followed by that of the Pirelli 35 this year, and will be complemented by that of the Pirelli 50, planned for the beginning of 2022.  Finally, the internationalisation process, the third element of the shipyard’s development programme, has seen an increase in the number of new dealers in Europe and the opening of a new prolific market in Australia.  The company had this to say: “The construction of the new production plant is part of a three-year industrial development programme based on three pillars: in addition to the increase in production capacity, also expansion of the range with a new walkaround line over 10 metres and expansion of the sales network on new international markets. We are perfectly in line with the programmes defined in the business plan, so much so that the increase in demand for boats recorded worldwide has not only not caught us unprepared but, on the contrary, has helped us achieve the objectives we set ourselves two years ago more quickly.”


VanDutch Nominated European Powerboat of the Year 2022

VanDutch 32 has been nominated European Powerboat of the Year 2022, in the up to 10 meters category.  The competition is organized by BOOTE, a German magazine leader in the industry, and is one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited. Winners will be announced in 2022. Stay tuned!


Viking Executive Co-Chairman Running for Congress

The Viking Yacht Company is excited to announce that Robert Healey Jr. is running for U.S. House of Representatives in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District. Bob is the Executive Co-Chairman of the Viking Group, which manages Viking Yachts, Viking Investments, Viking Associates, Viking Residential and Viking Developers.  “As someone who employs over 1,000 South Jersey residents, I am in touch with the challenges people are facing,” says Bob, a resident of Moorestown in Burlington County. “This country is headed in the wrong direction, and I intend to do something about it – for my country and the state of New Jersey, for my employees, for my family, and most importantly for the future of my 5-month-old daughter.”  Aside from his corporate responsibilities, Robert Healey Jr.’s extensive philanthropic activities include Board positions on the Healey Education Foundation and the Gleneayre Equestrian Program. Bob is also the Co-Founder and President of the Healey International Relief Foundation, which was established to improve the quality of life of individuals and families in the war-torn country of Sierra Leone in West Africa.  “The Healey family has a long history of working for the best interests of our boatbuilders and the marine industry in New Jersey, going back to my father and uncle’s efforts that resulted in the repeal of the Luxury Tax,” adds Viking Yachts President and CEO Pat Healey. “We’re fighters, and my cousin Bob has continued the tradition of political action with the Viking Group. Now he’s ready to take his commitment to the next level. We applaud and support his efforts. He has incredible insight and knowledge about the issues that most affect the businesses and hard-working people of New Jersey.”

Viking Captain of the Year

IntheBite magazine has announced Tony Carrizosa as their 2021 International Division Captain of the Year in the world’s foremost competition for professional sportfishermen. “It’s truly an honor to receive this award from InTheBite,” said Tony. “Although it’s an individual recognition, to me it’s a team win. None of this would be possible without my long-time teammates from the cockpit to the tower. Congratulations also go out to the Galati Yachts and Viking Yachts family.” Fishing on Team Galati, a Viking 58, captain Tony and team won Leg III of the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown Series as well as the Series Championship.

Viking VIP Show

Well, mark your calendar to visit the industry-leading fleet at Viking's exclusive VIP Preview at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. The Viking 64 Convertible and Valhalla 46 will take centre stage at the two-day event that takes place Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5, 2022. Sea trials will be available for select models. 


Wajer Fresh Deliveries

Wajer continues to expand its fleet in America at a fast pace. A large number of yachts has been delivered already this autumn. The upcoming month Wajer will deliver two 55's and one 38 to Miami, Florida and a Wajer 55 to The Bahamas. The Wajer 55 models are placed on a cradle and flat rack and driven aboard a car ship, on their way to the new Wajer owners. We’re happy to expand our business more and more overseas!

Wajer New Boathouse

Currently Wajer are in the midst of building a new boathouse in collaboration with design Studio Piet Boon. The boathouse will be located at Wajer's yard in Heeg, bordered by waterways and overlooking an open Dutch landscape. The idea is to create a space to welcome customers and display the finished yachts in an inspiring, architectonical building. A place where Wajer can showcase its dedication to craftsmanship and penchant for beautiful materials and details. 

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