-pic of the month- Van Der Valk Wins Influential Award
Aicon To Offer Patent Energy Collecting Glass
Saxon Capital Group, Inc., announced the appointment of Aicon Yachts, manufactured in Italy, as distributor for Energy Glass Solar, an energy producing glazing for yachts in the 66′ to 100′ range. With the need for using less fossil fuels and the generation of power from non-toxic and non-polluting materials, Energy Glass is a perfect addition to any product that has substantial glass. Aicon’s modern and heavily glass laden yachts will have the ability to produce electricity through its large glass portholes and windows, storing it in on-board batteries for use while docked in a harbor or anchored at sea. Marc Udo Broich, Chairman/CEO stated: “We have been following with enthusiasm the development of Energy Glass Solar™ with the intent of installing this advanced innovative glass in our award-winning yachts while offering the same to other yacht builders. “We are thrilled to have been named exclusive distributors for Energy Glass Solar for luxury yachts in the 66’-100’ range. The electrical power generated from the energy glass will reduce the need to continuously run the diesel-powered generators. This is of particular interest as yachts anchor or dock in populated areas. At Aicon we continue to look for ways to reduce the environmental impact and feel the Energy Glass Solar will play a significant role”. EnergyGlass™ is a patented, Optically Clear Vertical Building Photovoltaic Window System that produces continuous Energy from Sunlight, Diffused, Ambient Light and Ground Reflectance and has 100% field of vision. The entire surface of the windows is clear – No grids, dots or lines! This proprietary Inorganic Nano Technology and Solar Collector does not degrade from IR like typical solar cells do. DC electricity produced from EnergyGlass™ can be inverted and returned to the grid, charge batteries, be wired direct to DC electronics, and offers a value-added solution for power independence from the main electrical grid! EnergyGlass™ uses inorganic nano particles that are co-infused in a polycarbonate interlayer, which is then laminated between two lites of 1/4″ inch glass. The nano particles redirect components of the light spectrum to the edge of the glass while letting most of the spectrum through. The light that reaches the edge of the glass is collected and sent to our patented edge frame collectors. Because our edge collectors are at the edge of our glass and actually fit inside of the photovoltaic curtain wall framing system, they are protected and do not suffer degradation from IR as typical solar cell installations do.
Bayliss Wins in Los Suenos
Long time Bayliss Boatyard customer and current builders of their own 64' Bayliss, Max Bet, began the 2023 Los Sueños Triple Crown how they ended it last year: on top of the leaderboard. The first leg of the tournament ended on January 21, and Max Bet finished with 7,100 points. The team released 21 sailfish and 10 marlin across 3 days of fishing, and won the daily on Day 1 of the tournament. Bayliss builds Blueview (78'), Tarheel (62'), Gratitude (68'), and Uno Mas (60') also had solid performances in Los Sueños for Leg I of the series.
Bayliss Singularis Starts 2023 Season Strong
Singularis a Bayliss 68 started off the 2023 tournament season strong! Last month, the the team participated in the Take A Hero Fishing Day, where crews take military service members and veterans fishing for a day, and walked away with top boat, top angler, and heaviest meat fish. Singularis then went on to fish Operation Sailfish, Leg 1 of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series. After two consistent days of fishing, the team finished 2nd in earnings, 6th overall, and Jen Copeland received top female angler for the tournament. Congratulations to the owner, captain, and crew!
Benetti Wins Design and Innovation Award
The architecture and style of this Benetti superyacht, as well as the technological development for Oasis 34M, are by RWD for the exterior styling and Bonetti & Kozerski for the interior design Against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomite mountains, at Alexander Girardi Hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the winners were announced on February 8th of the coveted Design and Innovation Awards 2023 organized by Boat International, one of the most highly reputed international media outlets in the yachting industry. This annual event showcases all the many aspects of design and technological innovation that work together to offer innovative solutions on the world’s most beautiful boats. Chosen by a jury of designers from within as well as outside the marine industry Benetti Oasis 34M, the second model in the innovative Oasis family, won the prestigious Neptune statuette in the “Best New Series” category for “its use of space, from the signature aft deck pool and terrace, dubbed the Oasis Deck®, to the generous sundeck above”. The jury perceived Oasis 34M as a model “that respects the characteristics of its big sister, offering clients several layout choices and various interior finishes”.
CentounoNavi Lands in USA
Centounonavi is the “Made in Italy” superyacht brand founded by Manuela Lucchesi, designer and entrepreneur, and Marco Arnaboldi, naval engineer has appointed HMY Yacht Sales as its new USA dealer. HMY has been operating in the yachting world since 1979 and can today rely on a sales network with fourteen offices in the USA. These offices will focus on Centounonavi Forza, the 28-metre super-fast sixty knots yacht combining “Made in Italy” style and construction with cutting-edge technological solutions. The partnership was officially announced at the Miami International Boat Show 2023 held between 15 and -19 February.
Cranchi New Stand with Flexform
Taking inspiration directly from the style of its flagship, Cranchi Yachts has designed a new stand to better host visitors at the major boat shows around the world. The lounge and office areas of the stand are furnished with armchairs, tables and accessories from the collections of Flexform, a prestigious Italian furniture brand. The new stand layout was inaugurated in January at the Düsseldorf International Boat Show. Here is a video giving an idea of the experience awaiting you in Miami, where the warm atmosphere extends to Flexform's range of furniture solutions.
CRN Wins 2023 Boat International Design and Innovation Award
CRN M/Y RIO, the steel and aluminium bespoke work of art by CRN, has won the accolade for Best Naval Architecture, Displacement Motor Yachts at the eagerly awaited Boat International Design and Innovation Awards. The prize was presented on the evening of Wednesday 8 February at the Superyacht Design Festival in the elegant setting of the Alexander Girardi Hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo at a gathering of the leading lights in the nautical world. This prestigious award is given to the design adjudged the most innovative for its naval architecture and advanced engineering solutions while also considering the visual aspects and the elegance of the lines. As well as reflecting CRN’s superlative design and build quality, the Best Naval Architecture, Displacement Motor Yachts award also underlines the shipyard’s unrivalled ability to turn an owner’s vision and brief into reality. The result is a unique work of art with a vibrant identity and a strong sense of style, a 62-metre design of exceptional comfort, seakeeping and performance that also vaunts an enviable range. In giving their reasons for the award, the jury noted CRN’s considerable design achievement of reducing resistance through the majority of the speed range, in perfecting the position of the spray rail forward, and in determining the stern height and trim conditions to keep the lower-deck beach area dry even while running at top performance. Numerous design aspects caught the eye, especially the elongated bow with its large open-air space and the judicious distribution of weight through precision positioning of the main on-board systems and a careful attention to the layout (including the guest cabins and crew quarters). Also instrumental in winning this Boat International Design and Innovation Award were the focus on the main equipment size to optimise overall efficiency and an insistence on weight reduction, enabling the vessel to cruise at 10 knots at a fuel consumption of under 200 l/h.
Ferretti Custom Line Launches First Yacht of 2023
Custom Line kicks off 2023 with the launch ceremony for a Navetta 30. The eleventh unit of the shipyard’s displacement line and an icon of timeless classicism, the yacht entered the water last January 27 at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona. With a length of 28.43 m and a beam of 7.3 m, this yacht is the result of synergy with a European owner in line with the brand’s made-to-measure philosophy. The project was a collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The interior design is by ACPV ARCHITECTS Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and the exterior styling is by Filippo Salvetti. Custom Line Atelier, on the other hand, worked alongside the owner in the choice and customization the interiors, offering highly innovative aesthetic and functional solutions that also draw on collaboration with leading design brands. Custom Line Navetta 30 combines seaworthiness, comfort and safety with contemporary styling, in a new design paradigm that stands out for attention to detail, generous volumes and a nautically inspired architectural language. In little over two years, Custom Line has launched 11 yachts in the Navetta 30 line of new generation vessels that combine yachting tradition, tailor-made interiors, construction quality and the power of light into a seamless whole. The launch of this superyacht kicks off the year in style for Custom Line, with the promise of a whole host of original designs and new yachts ready to ride the waves in 2023.
Ferretti Group New Cyprus Dealership
Ferretti Group further consolidates its presence in Europe, specifically in the eastern Mediterranean, with the announcement of the new dealership agreement with Yachts & Co, the company that will handle marketing in Cyprus on an exclusive basis for the Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing and Itama brands. The new partnership confirms the Group’s commitment to extending its portfolio of carefully selected dealers who share the same values. The synergy with Yachts & Co will upgrade the service network for owners in Cyprus, offering a comprehensive package from order to after-sales assistance. Yachts & Co is an established Cypriot yacht dealer represented by Anthoulis Kountouris (CEO) and Tasos Ioannou (Managing Director) and a member of the PMV Maritime Holdings Group, with extensive experience working in the local market and a consolidated presence in the region. “We start 2023 by strengthening our international presence and further raising the standard of service offered to our owners. This is the thrust of our partnership with Yachts & Co, a company renowned for its experience providing efficient services. In this way, Ferretti Group further intensifies its focus on strategic geographical areas for the business, providing our customers around the world with a truly comprehensive service network, from first approach to after-sales. This translates into local support and extremely rapid response times for owners who choose our ever more beautiful and desirable boats,” said Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group CCO.
Formula Earns 2022 Customer Satisfaction Award
Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2022 Customer Satisfaction Index program in the categories of: Sterndrive Bowrider Boats and Sterndrive Cuddy & Express Boats. Congratulations to the Formula Team for building a superior product and providing excellent customer service! The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine.
Formula Earns a Number One Search
As reported by BoatTest.com in their February 12th e-newsletter, the 387 CCF earned the #1 search in the February 6th edition. "Last year Formula introduced its first centre console in decades and won accolades from many boat builders, including some of its competitors, for the luxurious 387 CCF."
Gulf Craft Honoured at Boat International Awards
Gulf Craft’s Majesty 120 Superyacht, was named the winner in the ‘Eco Award’ and ‘Best Naval Architecture, Semi Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts’ categories at the BOAT International Design and Innovation Awards 2023 last night. The 2023 edition of the Design and Innovation Awards, hosted by the leading yacht industry magazine, BOAT International, celebrated the very best in naval architecture, innovation, and engineering across nine sought-after categories. The BOAT International Design & Innovation Awards are one of the most prestigious accolades in the industry and are specifically formulated to recognise the teams responsible for individual elements of the world’s most innovative superyachts. Named the winner in the ‘Eco Award’ for the Majesty 120’s innovative energy-efficient heat recovery system. Gulf Craft has been developing new ways to improve the energy efficiency of its onboard systems and minimize electrical consumption, leading to smaller generators and lower fuel consumption. The new HVAC system, together with a holistic approach to the integration of other onboard systems has been developed and installed on board the Majesty 120 in collaboration with Netherlands-based MAR-IX advanced HVAC systems. The systems significantly reduce the electric load on-board, saving more than 80,000 KW per year for basic systems (like hot water heating and fresh air re-heater). The remarkably lower e-load ensures lower fuel consumption in the generators and lower shore power usage which ultimately reduces the vessel’s carbon footprint, resulting in a more sustainable operation as well as lower operational costs. Gulf Craft was also awarded the ‘Best Naval Architecture in the Semi Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts’ category for its outstanding design, the Majesty 120 impressed BOAT International’s panel of esteemed judges with its energy-efficient naval architecture along with maximising the indoor-outdoor living capabilities the Majesty line is known for. Her spacious sundeck, for example, is 30 percent larger than other yachts in her class, and her capacity to accommodate up to 12 guests in its five (up to six) cleverly designed large staterooms – further underlining her significant volume.
Nordhavn New Agent in Australia
Nordhavn is ramping up its sales and service presence in Australasia with the addition of a new agent based in Sydney. Marley Cutbush will oversee Nordhavn Australasia’s new Sydney branch office, providing additional resources to buyers in Australia, New Zealand and Asia as well as to current Nordhavn owners in the area seeking sales and/or service assistance. Cutbush, a lifelong sailor, has amassed nearly a decade of experience with Nordhavn. He was first indoctrinated into the brand as a delivery captain, ushering a Nordhavn 60 from Cabo san Lucas, Mexico to Sydney. During the four-month journey, Cutbush quickly learned to appreciate the design quality and capability of Nordhavns. Additional deliveries followed and eventually Cutbush was tapped by Nordhavn’s US team to assist with sales transactions Down Under. In 2020, he supported the brand aboard the Nordhavn 120 My Aurora at the Miami Yacht Show and most recently on the Nordhavn 41 and 60 at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Besides working with Nordhavn, Cutbush is managing director of Flagship International yacht brokerage house, which he founded in 2020. He is excited to add the Nordhavn brand to his firm’s existing portfolio. “After a close association with the Nordhavn brand and the PAE team for nearly a decade, I’m thrilled to be officially onboard,” Cutbush said. “I’m looking forward to able to share with current and future owners not only my passion for the yachts Nordhavn produce, but my experience and love for the incredible lifestyle Nordhavn ownership’s brings.” Cutbush will formally represent Nordhavn at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in Australia this May aboard a brand new N41. He will work collaboratively with Nordhavn’s Australasia office located in Brisbane.
Nordhavn Custom Shirt
What’s the quickest way to inject some Nordhavn style into your life this year? With a New Nordhavn Custom Reyn Spooner cloth button down shirt. Nordhavn partnered with the revered Hawaiian clothier to create one-of-a-kind shirts depicting Nordhavn Pacific Northwest cruising scenes. Long regarded as the king of upscale Aloha cloth shirts, Reyn Spooner evokes the same promise to quality Nordhavns are known for, placing emphasis on durability, comfort and style.
Ocean Alexander Honours MarineMax Consultant
MarineMax Sales Consultant and Yacht Broker Scott Roberton is being celebrated as the 2022 global winner for the top salesperson for Ocean Alexander Yachts. This is Roberton’s third year in a row receiving this coveted award. Roberton has been committed to the Ocean Alexander brand for many years. He continues to show his commitment with his tireless efforts to sell not just any brand but ones that are proven to be exceptional to his customers. He has learned what his clients are looking for and he shows them exactly that when it comes to Ocean Alexander. Collin Heimensen, MarineMax Clearwater General Manager, comments, "Scott has been with MarineMax for 30 years now, which is an amazing accomplishment. His passion for the yachting lifestyle shows in his work and it is what guides him to provide his customers with everything they could need on their journey to getting on the water.” The Ocean Alexander brand is obsessed with providing yachts that are unmistakable and engineered with excellence. They're passionate about performance and gripped with the idea that any object this wondrous and rare deserves to be consistently examined and refined. Every Ocean Alexander yacht is the product of passionate people infused with tremendous talent. They know your yacht may be the most extraordinary infatuation of your life because it's the most incredible infatuation of theirs. Roberton comments, “I am honoured to receive this award for the third year in a row. Yachting has been a passion of mine for years and being able to guide my customers through purchasing the yacht of their dreams has been a rewarding challenge. As well as working with Ocean Alexander, they communicate with you every step of the way, and their attention to detail is remarkable. Their top-of-the-line factory is the best I have ever worked with personally.” Some key models that Roberton has custom-built for his clients and delivered this past year have been a 26R Open, 28R, 35R, 37L, 100MY, and 118 MY. Scott Roberton is consistently the top yacht sales consultant at MarineMax Clearwater, and a member of MarineMax's Nationwide Chairman's Circle awards, winning Top Gun the last three years. He joined MarineMax in 1992 as a sales consultant. Turning his attention to large yacht sales 16 years ago, he offers high-quality yachts and charter services to clients worldwide.
Pearl Appoints New International Sales Manager
Pearl Yachts announces Ross Donohoe’s appointment as International Sales Manager, Ross brings a wealth of experience from more than two decades in the industry. Fresh from a busy boot Düsseldorf, where the brand held a European premiere for the Pearl 72 and announced the new Pearl 82 project, British boatbuilder Pearl Yachts is welcoming a new International Sales Manager, Ross Donohoe, as the latest addition to their growing team. Following a foundational education and career in Marine Engineering, Ross’s flair for sales shone through and he began to make a name for himself in the yachting industry as a Technical Sales Executive. In his new role with Pearl, he will work out of the Pearl Sales Office in Swanwick, which opened last Summer. Pearl Yachts Managing Director Iain Smallridge said “We are delighted to welcome Ross to the Pearl team, his knowledge, and experience will help to increase sales as well as support and further strengthen the Pearl dealer network.” Ross Donohoe, Pearl’s new International Sales Manager, said, “I feel absolutely privileged to be starting this next chapter in my career representing Pearl Yachts, a brand that is going from strength to strength, leading innovation and yacht designs. Spending an entire lifetime devoted to boats and the marine industry, it has always been clear to me as a young apprentice Marine Engineer that if you do something you love, and you’ll never do a day’s work in your life. Boats have always been an utter passion for me and love that has never dwindled.”
Princess Yachts Acquired by KPS Capital Partners
Princess Yachts announced today that KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling equity interest in the luxury yacht builder. Existing shareholders will retain ownership in the company. Completion of the transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2023 and is subject to customary closing conditions and approvals. The moves come after the company announced exciting expansion plans last year as part of the successful bid by Plymouth City Council to create a Freeport in the region and this new investment will help support these plans and reinforces the unique national and international marine capabilities that reside in Plymouth and the wider South West
region. Ryan Harrison, a Partner of KPS Mid-Cap Investments, said, “We are excited to make this significant investment in Princes Yachts, a leading company in the luxury global yachting industry with an iconic brand grounded in British tradition, a remarkable and growing product range, and world-wide reputation for quality and in novation. KPS’ investment will accelerate Princess’ growth trajectory and fund numerous investments for its future. We look forward to working with Princess’ existing stockholders, Chief Executive Officer, Antony Sheriff, the senior leadership team, and the talented employee base at Princess Yachts.” Antony Sheriff, Chief Executive Officer of Princess Yachts, said, “We are thrilled to partner with KPS for this exciting new chapter for Princess Yachts. KPS and the Princess Yachts team are deeply committed to investing in the Company’s future while continuing to further strengthen our portfolio of best-in-class motor yachts. With a current order book nearing a record $1 billion and many model lines sold into 2025, we have never been in a stronger commercial position. Together with KPS’ tremendous track record of manufacturing excellence and investing in leading brands, we are now positioned to take Princess Yachts to the next level of industry leadership in quality and innovation. Under KPS’ ownership, we will accelerate a range of growth and operational initiatives to build upon our long and successful history.” The continuing strength of the marine sector in the UK region has been identified as a key growth opportunity by the Great South West pan-regional partnership and this new investment will help strengthen Princess Yachts ’ commitment to supporting these opportunities both nationally and internationally .
Riviera Announces Apprentice of the Year Winner
Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has announced four winners in its Apprentice of the Year awards for 2022, showcasing the depth of talent within the company’s workforce of 900 people, including 112 apprentices. The winners across four categories received their awards at a special ceremony recently in front of the 900-strong Riviera workforce. The apprentice winners are Simon Magnay, second-year apprentice in engineering, Claudia Le Fevre, second-year apprentice in upholstery, William Johnstone, second-year apprentice in boat building and Connor Baruksopulo, first-year apprentice in timber and composite machining. Claudia Le Fevre has completed her second year as an upholstery apprentice. She set her sights on working with Riviera while still at school. Simon Magnay moved from Casino in northern New South Wales to pursue his dream of working with Riviera. Marine Craft Construction apprentice William Johnstone was also attracted to Riviera after seeing the yachts on the water. Connor Baruksopulo admits he was nervous about working alongside older and more experienced people. Riviera’s safety and training manager Adam Houlahan said Riviera continues to welcome young apprentices through its schools program. The recently announced TAFE Apprentice of the Year was another achievement for the Riviera team as apprentice Max Whitmore was announced runner-up in a very large entry across the State. Riviera is also proud to announce that six apprentices have also graduated through the company's award-winning Propel program: Tirryn Casey, Jack Fuller, Joshua Hindmarsh, Steven Kupfer, Brendan O'Grady and Thomas Jay Parsons. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst paid tribute to all apprentices including the award winners who received recognition this year.
Riviera International Service Academy Enhances Boating
Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, recently hosted a team of experienced marine technicians and engineers from its worldwide dealership network for a three-day training and service academy. They travelled from the Americas, Europe and Asia, eager to grow their knowledge of the latest systems, technologies and build processes being employed on the new era luxury motor yachts. The service academy took participants through the entire yacht production process, from hull lamination and engineering through to anti-fouling, at Riviera's 16-hectare (39.5 acre) state-of-the-art facility on Queensland's Gold Coast. Chris Attard, Riviera's Dealer and Owner Care Director, said the three-day academy comprising more than 10 separate workshops, as well as extensive tours of the facility, is a part of an annual program conducted by Riviera focused on enhancing the skills of its dealer network teams. They were given a detailed understanding of the new product development process including a confidential tour of a new yacht in the early stages of development. They also undertook an extensive review of Riviera's latest safety systems, vessel care, maintenance and system connectivity, designed to make boating with Riviera easier, safer and more enjoyable. The final day of the program included sea trials aboard three Riviera yachts including the newly launched 46 Sports Motor Yacht. Greg Glogow from Sun Country was deeply impressed by the Riviera facility, and its level of presentation, technology and growing scale. Randy Buckell from Emerald Pacific Yachts commented on the extensive detail of this latest training academy. Randy's business partner Brett Aggen said this latest round of product knowledge was vital to the dealership network's capabilities with customers. Chris Bingham, also with Emerald Pacific Yachts, said seeing the scale of the Riviera operation was eye-opening. Kenny Brown from Sun Country said he was already familiar with much of the new technology including Garmin and CZone. Anthony Vigliotti from OneWater Group appreciated the in-depth factory tour. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst thanked the international team for their enthusiasm and for their dedication and support of Riviera owners around the world.
Silent Launches First Yacht from New Shipyard
Silent-Yachts has reached another important milestone in its exciting journey. The company has launched the very first solar electric catamaran at its own shipyard in Fano, Italy, which has been acquired in spring 2022. The first launch is a SIilent 60 series yacht. “We are happy that our Italian shipyard performs really well. It was the right decision to purchase and develop it in a way that is in line with our corporate long-term strategy,” said Michael Köhler, Founder and CEO of Silent-Yachts.
The new Silent 60 carries 42 solar panels for 16 kWp of solar energy to power two electric motors of 2 x 250 kW. Backed up by a battery capacity of up to 210 kWh, she will be able to cruise efficiently with zero emissions solely on solar power for up to 100 nautical miles a day for weeks.
Sunreef With Fernando Alonso
The Sunreef Yachts Team welcomed two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso at the shipyard to take a deep dive into the yacht design and manufacturing process. Fernando Alonso, future owner of an electric 60 Sunreef Power Eco took this opportunity to speak to the team and learn more about the Sunreef Yachts know-how. Currently under construction at the shipyard in Gdansk, his luxury catamaran will be customized to his exact specifications to reach the highest levels of sustainability and energy efficiency.
Van Der Valk Wins Influential Award
Having already received a special commendation at the 2022 World Superyacht Awards, Van der Valk’s Lady Lene has now won a major prize at the 2023 BOAT Design & Innovation Awards. The much-cherished Neptune trophy for Best Interior Design for Motor Yachts under 499GT was presented to our yard and Carla Guilhem Design at the gala ceremony held in the northern Italian ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. A judging panel of highly respected designers, naval architects and industry professionals from various countries decided the winners. As Boat International writes about Lady Lene’s win: “The Judges responded favourably to the elegant interior treatment on board this pure custom yacht, which was designed to accommodate a family member with compromised mobility. It was clear that the designers and builders understood and interpreted the owner’s brief well.” “Every Van der Valk yacht requires teamwork of the highest order and the award for Lady Lene is a triumph for all involved in this project, including Ginton Naval Architects, Diana Yacht Design and the visionary owners,” says our sales manager, Yoeri Bijker. “I love the fact that Carla and her interior design team – as new kids on the block in the yachting industry – have been justifiably rewarded for their efforts on this fantastic project. We also expect that ADA compliance, the regulations for vessels designed for mobility challenged guests, will gain greater attention thanks to this award.”
Viking 27th Annual VIP
With strong attendance, brisk sales and the debut of two new flagships – the Viking 90 and Valhalla 55 – the 2023 VIP Boat Show was a smashing success. “It was incredible,” said Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “On the first day, Friday, we had our highest-ever turnout in the history of the 27-year event. And we had a good showing on Saturday, too, even though the weather didn’t cooperate.” Eight Vikings and seven Valhallas were sold, with several other deals in the works. The fact that the Viking Yacht Company debuted not one but two flagships made the two-day event epic in itself. “These boats are badass,” said Pat in his kick-off speech to dealers and vendors. “The Viking 90 and V-55 will not only become the leaders in their class, but they’re also going to dominate for years to come. They’re that good.” Pat also took the opportunity to recognize our dealers and vendors for helping make the VIP such a unique marine exhibition. “We thank you for all your support,” said Pat. “You’re the best.” The Viking 90 and the V-55 stole the spotlight with sea trials and dockside walk-throughs. Hull No. 1 of the 90 is a striking Kingston Grey Sky Bridge model with six staterooms, seven heads and a jaw-dropping faux teak mezzanine and upper aft deck. The V-55 features a Haze Grey gelcoat, a custom Palm Beach Towers gap tower with carbon fiber outriggers and quad Mercury V12 600s. In addition to the flagships, a full fleet of Vikings and Valhallas were on display. The lineup included Vikings from 46 to 90 feet and Valhallas from 33 to 55 feet. Our VIP allows dealers and owners to spend plenty of time together on the boats in a relaxed stress-free setting. Another distinctive aspect of our VIP is the vendor village, where more than 50 of our business partners display their products, answer questions and assist attendees with all their boating and fishing needs.
