-pic of the month- Pardo Opens US Office
Aquila Power Catamarans New Dealer for Hong Kong and Singapore
Aquila Power Catamarans, a leading name in the marine industry, announced a strategic change in its dealership structure in the Hong Kong and Singapore regions. Effective as of March 1, the renowned Marine Italia will take over as the exclusive dealer for Aquila Power Catamarans in these key Asian markets. Marine Italia, a respected name in the yachting and boating community, brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and a passion for maritime excellence. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and a robust understanding of the local markets make them the ideal partner for Aquila Power Catamarans in Hong Kong and Singapore. Simpson Marine, the former distributor for Aquila, underwent a change in ownership and realigned its strategy. They will continue to provide exceptional after-sales support to their existing Aquila customers and will support sales through the end of their current inventory. Yvan Eymieu, Aquila's International Sales and Distribution Manager, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, "We are excited to embark on this new chapter with Marine Italia. Their reputation for exceptional service and a deep understanding of the boating industry align seamlessly with our commitment to delivering exceptional products and customer satisfaction. Simpson Marine has been an invaluable partner in our journey, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success in future endeavors.” Customers and partners alike can expect a smooth transition, with Marine Italia taking the reins seamlessly and continuing to uphold the standards of excellence associated with Aquila Power Catamarans. Marine Italia will begin showcasing Aquila during the Singapore Yacht Show this coming April.
Arcadia Yachts Signs Partnership Agreement
Arcadia Yachts has entered into an agreement with The Italian Yacht Group relating to the Campania-based brand’s futuristic boats bound for US waters. The agreement between the shipyard headed by Ugo Pellegrino, famous for its sustainable approach and its dive to innovate, and the boutique brokerage firm rooted in the thirty-year experience of American professionals who love the Italian way of yachting was presented at the upcoming Palm Beach Boat Show.
Azimut-Benetti Group and D-Marin Begin Construction of Livorno Marina
Azimut|Benetti Group, the first global leading private Group in the yachting sector, and D–Marin, the selection of premium marinas, will begin work on Livorno marina, set to be one of the Mediterranean’s most prestigious yachting destinations, built on a shared desire to foster the growth of nautical tourism. During the press conference attended by VIPs and key stakeholders, held on 28th March in collaboration with the Livorno Mayor’s office, D–Marin and Azimut|Benetti Group revealed that construction will begin at Livorno Marina in April 2024. The joint venture with Azimut|Benetti Group and D-Marin will deliver to the city of Livorno one of the most notable marinas in the Mediterranean, designed by Archea of Florence. The entire project is expected to be completed in June 2026, while the first parts of Livorno Marina will be available to customers ahead of schedule. There will be 815 berths in total. The expected investment is approximately 14 -15 million Euros. The project includes the renovation of the docks, meeting spaces, premium leisure and entertainment amenities. More than 220 m2 of the site will be reserved for restaurants, 60 m2 for bars, and 250 m2 dedicated to offices. Livorno Marina’s environmental credentials will be achieved through Azimut|Benetti Group’s and D-Marin’s strong commitment to creating sustainable marinas for present and future generations. The marina will use natural elements such as trees and hedges in place of fencing, solar panels to produce a significant portion of energy, and recover rainwater for the irrigation of the green areas
Bayliss at Los Suenos Triple Crown Leg II
Action for Leg II of the Los Sueños Triple Crown did not disappoint! The fleet released 2,307 billfish across the three days of fishing, and members of the Bayliss Boatworks family made their marks on the leader board. Out of the top ten boats, five were either built or completely rebuilt at Bayliss Boatworks. Miss AC placed first overall tallying an impressive 86 sails by the tournament’s end. They also won the daily on Day 2 with 37 releases. Tarheel placed third overall with 77 sailsfish releases. Mama Seata won the daily on Day 1 of the tournament, releasing 39 sails and 1 marlin. Kelly Weber with Max Bet received top angler for the tournament with 24 sailfish releases. Congratulations to the owners, captains, and crews. We are counting down the days until Leg III!
Feadship YETI Five Years On
Five years ago, on 25 March 2019 Feadship invited a group of industry representatives to the De Voogt offices to discuss an idea called the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index, or YETI for short. On the spot, everybody agreed to start a Joint Industry Project (JIP) under the umbrella of the then just formed Water Revolution Foundation. A lot has happened in the intervening period and the initiative has now entered the process of being translated into an ISO standard. Based on an idea by Bram Jongepier, Feadship Senior Specialist Design, YETI is a science-based, data-driven method that scores and compares yachts based on their environmental credentials by using average operational profile based on fleet AIS data. “Sustainability is essential,” says Jan-Bart Verkuyl, Feadship Director / CEO of Royal Van Lent Shipyard. “If we don't do it, we become complacent. There is pressure from our clients, there is pressure from ourselves, there is pressure from our workers, there is pressure from our children. It needs to be done.”
Feadship Uncovered Podcast Series
Listen to the ‘Feadship Uncovered’ podcast series: the perfect pastime when sitting under a palm tree on an exotic island. Or for most people, when you are stuck in public transport or in a traffic jam. In ‘Feadship Uncovered’ listeners can follow journalist and writer John Weich through the design process of the signature Carte Blanche experience of Feadship. Across seven 30-minute episodes John explores why billionaires are willing to line up to own a Feadship, or, to avoid the waiting list, buy one second hand. He has been granted unprecedented access to Feadship’s shipyards to interview influential people in design, innovation and research and development, as well as captains and crew, shipyard directors and apprentices. In his effort to design a yacht of his own, he touches on everything from ethical sourcing of materials and hydrogen propulsion to finding the right crew and maintenance. While John is familiar with the luxury world, he knows little about the ins and outs of yachting, making the series exciting for yachting enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Ferretti Group 2024 Convergence in Madrid Focus on Future of Yachting
Madrid, city of art, food and fun, plays host to the seventeenth edition of Convergence, the eagerly awaited event that brings together over 130 captains and chief engineers of Ferretti Group ships and yachts, plus technical partners and experts who take the total number of participants to over 200. The three-day professional development event, starting today and running until March 8, also includes training and team-building sessions. After the success of the high-altitude 2023 edition in Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont Blanc, the stage is now set for discussion and training sessions on various subjects, with the aim of analyzing the new developments in the industry that also affect individual professionals. “Convergence is an event with an increasingly high profile, offering the ideal opportunity to take stock of global trends and new developments in the yachting industry. The event’s popularity and attendance numbers keep growing, underscoring the passion and hard work of our captains and chief engineers. The 2024 event will discuss innovation, artificial intelligence and new technologies, all vitally important areas in which we are investing as a way to offer the owners of our yachts an increasingly unique and rewarding cruising experience,” said Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group Chief Commercial Officer. Also for this edition, main sponsors MAN, Mtu, Rina, Sleipner, Volvo Penta and Xenta will make a high-calibre contribution to the event as always, along with technical sponsors Amare Group, Asea Power System, F.lli Canalicchio and Simrad. The event gets under way today with an opening speech by Stefano de Vivo, Ferretti Group Chief Commercial Officer, who will give participants an up-to-date financial overview and present new models, current projects and the innovations the Group is working on, followed by the customary welcome dinner. Day two, Wednesday March 6, will be devoted to training, with two workshops attended by partners and professionals of international standing. The speakers at the morning session, entitled “Artificial Intelligence: what impact will new developments in information technology have on the yachting world?”, will be Blaz Zupan - Professor of AI and Machine Learning at Ljubljana University, Luigi Spagna - Sales Director and Founder at Data Self Service, and Brandon Kertesz - Digital Business Development Manager at main sponsor Rina Maxima. There will be a more technical focus in the afternoon with the workshop “The new frontiers of surfaces: advanced finishing, better protection and simpler manufacturing”, with the participation of Paul Bournas, Managing Partner at CCS - Coating Consulting Service, Alessandro Boaroli, Technical and Training Manager Italy & Special Segments at PPG, Edoardo D’Ambrosio, Sales Manager Northern Italy at D’Ambrosio SRL and Claire Steel, Director and Founder at Cerashield. Supporting the training sessions again this year will be an interactive app to give feedback and ask questions in real time, anonymously if they wish, which is invaluable in encouraging participation in the panel discussions.
Ferretti Group Withdraws from Taranto Port Area Conversion
Ferretti Group announces its withdrawal from the reclamation and industrial conversion of the site of the former Belleli Yard in Taranto’s port area. Despite the best efforts of the authorities, the delays accumulated in the long approval and implementation process have forced the Group to abandon the project. There has been an increase in the necessary investments over the years, while public funding of the program has been reduced, which has made the outcome excessively uncertain and burdensome for the Company. Notice of the Group’s withdrawal was given in due time to minimize the exposure of the Port System Authority with respect to the public tender still in progress.
Formula Most Popular Search
BoatTest.com announced that the Formula 350 CBR was the first most popular searched boat in its e-news on Friday, March 8th, 2024! They stated, "Top speed was 58.2 in our tests with triple 350-hp Mercurys. Some people have all the fun, and that's what the Formula 350 CRB was made for."
Lyman-Morse Media Open Day
Lyman-Morse is organizing an Open Day at its facilities in Thomaston and Camden, Maine, for a behind the scenes look at all its current and upcoming projects. Guests will enjoy exclusive presentations of new boats and designs, get a look at recently completed refit projects, learn about the new LMF Landing Craft Series from our Fabrication division, enjoy dinner and drinks at The Wharf at Lyman-Morse, the newly renovated working waterfront facilities in Camden, and much more.
Maritimo Adds Customer Service and Sales Positions in Strategic Expansion
Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, continues its dominance in the Americas, driven by new model launches, increased demand, and a renewed focus on customer service. To ensure that they deliver their renowned customer experience, the company announced that marine industry veteran Mark Mansfield will join Maritimo Americas as Factory Sales Specialist, and longtime Maritimo customer service representative and company captain Tom Jagucki will take on the role of Customer Service Manager for Maritimo Americas. Both Mansfield and Jagucki are passionate boaters that have decades of experience not only within the marine industry, but also with Maritimo, their products, and their customers.
Pardo Opens US Office
Cantiere del Pardo is pleased to announce the opening of a new representation office in the United States, located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This strategic location has been carefully selected due to its prominence as the bustling heart of the American boating industry, renowned for its central position and reputation within the sector. The decision to establish the office in Fort Lauderdale was influenced by the remarkable success of the Pardo Yachts brand over the years, both in South Florida and nationally, establishing itself firmly in the American boating market. Having sold over 250 boats since 2018, with a widespread and constant presence, an unparalleled support network, and a team of elite professionals and collaborators, Pardo Yachts is today a cherished brand for American yacht owners and one of the most desired boat builders. This success has enabled the development of a robust network of relationships and prompted the presence of a US-based office representing the entire group, including the VanDutch Yachts and Grand Soleil Yachts brands. The inauguration of the office officially designates Fort Lauderdale as the first operational headquarters of Cantiere del Pardo in the United States. This milestone event marks a significant step in consolidating the American market, opening new avenues for growth and renewed interest in all group brands. The office is already fully operational and strategically available to all Pardo Yachts dealers (7 throughout the American territory) as well as to all internal staff at Cantiere del Pardo, facilitating effective collaboration and a strong presence in the US market. “This new office is not just a space” says Fabio Planamente, Cantiere del Pardo CEO. “It is an invitation to become part of the Cantiere del Pardo family, a sign of our commitment to be ever closer to our clients, to share the passion and to write together the next chapter of this extraordinary adventure spanning over 50 years”.
Riva New Privee at Jeddah Yacht Club
A spectacular view out over crystal clear waters, in the background a dream location that attracts the international jet set and, all around, unmistakable design elements in mahogany and mirror-polished steel with aquamarine detailing. Is it a Riva? It’s a Riva Destination: the new Riva Privée at the exclusive Jeddah Yacht Club. After Venice, Monte Carlo, Paris, Mykonos, Opatija and Palm Beach, the vibrant city of Jeddah too now has an exclusive venue where guests can soak up the atmosphere of Riva's timeless elegance. Officially opened today, the Riva Privée in Jeddah offers a unique experience that combines the appeal of Riva’s boatbuilding heritage with the breathtaking beauty of the Saudi coastline. With a surface area of 100 m2, the exclusive Riva Privée is an oasis of style and sophistication in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from the rich history and appeal of Historic Jeddah, inscribed in the World Heritage List in 2014. Situated on the top floor of the Jeddah Yacht Club, this Riva Privée offers guests a breathtaking view of the magical Jeddah marina through spectacular glazing around the perimeter of the venue. The interior design echoes the elegant and refined style of Riva’s boats, making use of fine materials such as mahogany, striped maple, steel and aluminium, embellished with details including the iconic Aquariva lamp and chairs inspired by the seating in the Aquarama, to conjure up the unmistakable atmosphere of the brand’s iconic yachts. The Riva Privée in Jeddah also features a Riva Brand Experience corner, where guests can buy an exclusive selection of products inspired by Riva’s signature style, including collectibles, clothing and home accessories, giving them their own authentic piece of the brand that has given millions of fans something to dream about for over 180 years. The Jeddah Riva Privée also offers an exclusive private boat service, giving owners the chance to hire a magnificent Rivamare 38 to explore the coastline. Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina stands out as the quintessential luxury destination in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Renowned for its opulent surroundings and top-notch amenities, the club offers an unparalleled experience for discerning individuals seeking the epitome of sophistication and leisure. With its exclusive waterfront location and a comprehensive range of high-end recreational activities, including yachting, sailing, and water sports, the club exudes an air of refinement and exclusivity. Moreover, its exquisite dining venues and upscale entertainment facilities further solidify its status as the premier luxury destination in the region, catering to those with a penchant for the finer things in life.
Sanlorenzo Healthy Sales in Greece
Yacht Sales and charter management specialist Ekka Yachts is hailing a new chapter in the region’s rich yachting story, with the launch of its eighth Sanlorenzo superyacht delivered in less than 12 months. The latest deal will see a brand new SL120A moving permanently to Greek waters. It marks a shift in attitudes towards younger, more innovative yacht styling, according to Ekka Yachts founder and MD Dimitris Kyriazakos. As a yacht dealer for Sanlorenzo Yachts and seasoned broker, he has an excellent insight into marketplace trends. Ekka has delivered two new SL120A yachts in the past nine months, as well as brokered the sale of a SL106A, SL102 and a SL106. It has also added some significant yachts to its charter fleet, including two SL106A, Mary and Golden Yacht, and the 47m Sanlorenzo explorer yacht ‘Parabellum' as well as an exciting new BGX63 from disrupter Bluegame. But whether a sale translates into a charter listing, or vice versa, Kyriazakos says it makes little difference. Through the dedication of committed dealers like EKKA Yachts, alongside its own efforts, Sanlorenzo has ascended to become the world's most distinguished builder of yachts in the 24-40m market, thereby cultivating an enviable reputation. Kyriazakos reports continued growth in the 30m-plus segment of his market, and predicts that demand will remain strong. It’s the same story on the charter side.
Sasga Yachts Global Scholarship
Apprentice boat builder Oscar Press of Sydney’s Northern Beaches is to use a Global Footprint Scholarship to gain invaluable ‘intern’ experience with Sasga Yachts based in Menorca, part of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Oscar, 21, is in his fourth year and apprenticed with BIA member Rowell Marine situated in the heart of Sydney’s Pittwater. He won the grant last year to travel overseas in 2024 to expand his experience as a boat builder and set his mind on honing his skills interning with a quality builder in Europe. BIA has since worked with Oscar to help identify potential employers across the Europe. Thanks to BIA’s good relations and networks stemming from its work with ICOMIA, the Spanish brand Sasga Yachts rose to the top following investigations ranging from Britain to Turkey, and Scandinavia to Italy. BIA was able to arrange an in-person introduction this week for Oscar with Sasga Yachts General Manager Jose Luis Sastre at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, in Sydney. Sasga Yachts was established in the 1970s and is now a second-generation family business led by Jose Luis who is an accomplished sailor and boatbuilder, and is passionate about the history and elegance of the boats they are building ranging from 10 to 21 metres in length. Sasga’s boatbuilding journey has spanned the decades evolving into an outstanding range of semi-displacement motor yachts which retain echoes of Menorca’s traditional and classic fishing boats known as llaüts (small single-sail fishing boats). Oscar is looking forward to working with Sasga Yachts, building upon his skill set, learning Spanish and soaking up the rich Spanish culture amidst the picturesque Balearic Islands. The Australian-based Global Footprints Scholarship is a self-directed career development opportunity for young Australians in agriculture, trades and horticulture. Successful applicants receive a grant to travel overseas for industry experience, professional development workshops, networking opportunities and mentoring. BIA wholly supports Oscar in his internship which will provide him with an extraordinary learning opportunity as he becomes a role model for other young people to realise the value and opportunities arising from a career in the boating industry. He is certain to return to Australia a well-rounded young boat builder.
Sirena Yachts New Shipyard
Steady growth in both sales volumes and model sizes has led Sirena Yachts to expand its yacht production facilities in Turkey. Leasing waterside building halls in the shipbuilding centre of Yalova, near Istanbul, has added an extra 150,000 square metres of construction space to Sirena’s estate and boosted the workforce to 1,200. The intention is to concentrate production of Sirena’s Steel 42 superyacht there. The new Yalova site joins Sirena’s two existing building locations in the region. The main facility is a 155,000 square metre complex some 25 minutes’ drive from the sea, where the brand’s smaller series yachts are built. “Our original shipyard lies inland, and it is still the main site where we manufacture the Sirena 48, 58, 68 and 78. On the Sirena 68 and 78 we perform the final fit out at another location in Yalova, as this keeps the air draught low enough to pass under a number of bridges,” said Onger.
Sunreef Inaugurates Shipyard in Ras El Khaimah
Sunreef Yachts, a leading luxury catamaran builder, celebrated the official inauguration of its new state-of-the-art shipyard in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, on March 4th, following the conclusion of the Dubai International Boat Show. The ceremony was graced by the presence of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, who officially inaugurated the new facility and addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of the company's expansion in the region. Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Walesa, who traveled from Poland to witness the event, also delivered a speech, alongside the Ambassador of Poland, H.E. Dr. Jakub Slawek, and Sunreef Yachts CEO, Francis Lapp. Mr. Lapp shared the company's vision for the future and plans for the new shipyard. The event attracted a distinguished audience, including VIPs, local authorities, and existing customers. Guests were given an exclusive tour of the new production halls, witnessing the first Ultima 55 model – a modern hybrid catamaran – taking shape. They also had the opportunity to explore two electric yachts: the Athena Too, an electric power yacht, and the Marie Joseph, a sail electric Sunreef 80 Eco yacht. Additionally, the guests were able to observe the cutting-edge robotics employed in the construction process. The new facility, situated in Ras Al Khaimah, marks a significant milestone for Sunreef Yachts, signifying their commitment to expanding their global presence. The shipyard will first focus on the production of the Ultima catamaran range, with numerous orders already secured, ensuring continued growth and development for the company and its workforce.
Sunseeker Recognizes 22 Years Collaboration with Design Unlimited
Celebrating a remarkable two-decade collaboration, Sunseeker and Design Unlimited have entered a new strategic alliance. This partnership enters an exciting new chapter as Design Unlimited take the helm in shaping the interior vision and luxury refinement of Sunseeker's award-winning yachts. Sunseeker and Design Unlimited have cultivated a partnership rooted in shared values and a passion for exceeding customer expectations. Design Unlimited fortifies Sunseeker’s already formidable in-house design expertise across a spectrum of specialisms. Sunseeker’s Centre of Excellence for Design and Technology, based in Poole Dorset, is home to visionary conceptualization, naval architecture, interior design and cutting-edge marine, electrical and mechanical engineering. The Fareham-based design studio will become instrumental in interior design choices, working collaboratively with Sunseeker’s interior concept and detailing department, including layouts, materials, lighting fixtures, space planning and visualizations, allowing Sunseeker to offer unbeatable flexibility and customization to its international customer base. Each Sunseeker is designed for its intended destination, understanding the nuance between different regions and the unique ambitions of each yacht owner. For twenty-two years, this collaboration has resulted in bespoke yacht interiors that have captivated global audiences. Sunseeker and Design Unlimited have celebrated numerous milestones and achievements together, from the launch of the iconic 100 Yacht to the introduction of groundbreaking design concepts, including the Ocean 156 and 120 Yacht. Design Unlimited is the creative force behind captivating interior designs for yachts up to 70 metres and will support Sunseeker with bespoke superyacht projects. Looking ahead, both brands remain committed to pushing the boundaries of design innovation, delivering remarkable spaces for Sunseeker clientele and bringing luxury and innovation to the fore. Andrea Frabetti, Chief Executive Officer at Sunseeker International, comments: “We work collaboratively with Mark Tucker and the Design Unlimited team to bolster our own interior capabilities and realize our interior design vision. The studio’s reputation for design excellence allows us to offer bespoke interior specifications for every new yacht project. The 120 Yacht is a stunning example of refined interiors that offer owners a personal experience tailored to their lifestyle.” Mark Tucker, Design Unlimited Founder, adds: “Sunseeker is an iconic heritage brand that is known for pioneering yacht design. Our collaboration works incredibly well because we share the same passion and commitment to excellence. We have a very exciting future ahead of us with two new product launches coming in 2024 and even more developments in the pipeline.”
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