Monthly News - August 2025

-pic of the month- Feadship Heritage Joins Dutch Royal Yacht Piet Hein

Apremare Refit Division Brings New Life to Historic Gozzo

Just a few months after its official launch, Apreamare Refit has already earned the trust of Apreamare owners, having successfully initiated and completed its first refit projects and securing a good number of ongoing negotiations and bookings for future work.  Through the new refit business unit, located in a 3,000-square-meter warehouse adjacent to the Torre Annunziata production facility, the shipyard offers a full range of restoration and modernization services exclusively for Apreamare boats. All projects will preserve the uniqueness of the brand and the boats, leveraging the expertise that only Apreamare can offer to make them last even longer.  The services offered by the Shipyard include complete replacement of the teak deck and swim platform, hull repainting, onboard systems upgrades, and interior renovations. Each project is made to measure with the expertise and passion that have always distinguished Apreamare, reflecting a profound respect for tradition and the desire to maintain, with a contemporary perspective, the authentic soul of the Gozzo. With over 2,000 boats across the world’s seas, Apreamare confirms its determination to accompany its owners over time, ensuring longevity, safety, and timeless style.  “The beauty of every Apreamare refit lies in our ability to preserve the original soul of our boats while adressing the evolving desires of those who live them. It’s a work of listening, memory, and expert hands: a return to the most authentic essence of our naval art,” comments Cataldo Aprea, President of Apreamare.

Arksen and Rad Propulsion Announce Strategic Partnership

Arksen, a pioneer in sustainable marine vessel design, and RAD Propulsion, a leader in electric and autonomous marine propulsion, are delighted to announce a strategic commercial partnership aimed at redefining the future  of marine mobility across leisure, commercial, and defence sectors.  The collaboration will see the two companies co-develop a series of advanced vessel–propulsion platforms, pairing Arksen’s cutting-edge vessel architecture with RAD Propulsion’s next-generation electric drive and autonomy systems. Together, the brands will bring to market a revolutionary class of clean, intelligent, and highly proficient marine craft.  This partnership marks a significant step forward in the marine industry's transition towards decarbonisation and smarter vessel operations. By combining forces, Arksen and RAD Propulsion will create integrated solutions that are not only environmentally responsible,

 but also offer superior performance, reliability, and mission-specific adaptability.  "This is a big leap," said Jasper Smith, Founder of Arksen. "We’re thrilled to join forces with RAD Propulsion, whose innovation in power and autonomy aligns perfectly with our mission to craft more sustainable, resilient marine systems. Together, we’re  creating vessels that will lead the market, from ocean tourism to tactical operations."  The partnership launches with three active development projects: A rugged inflatable boat featuring RAD Propulsion’s Power console, a fully integrated, cable-free helm system tailored for eco-tourism and cruise operators and defence applications.  A next-gen RHIB platform optimised for RAD’s latest electric drive systems.  Custom variations for autonomous patrol boats, tactical craft, and U.S. market pontoons, designed for mission-specific performance and scalability.  Dan Hook, CEO of RAD Propulsion, commented: "By integrating RAD Propulsion's technology, the partnership will push the boundaries on what’s possible for electric-powered vessels in remote and challenging environments, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.  Arksen’s design and market reach, combined with our propulsion and autonomy stack, makes for a powerful offering across the marine landscape. Both companies are also committed to ensuring that this collaboration has a lasting positive impact on the  environment, aligning with the growing demand for green energy.  The partnership is structured around a lean, innovation-led working model, with a joint working party driving monthly development sprints, go-to-market strategies, and prototyping. The companies aim to maintain at least three active development projects at all times, enabling rapid response to market opportunities while keeping capital outlay low.  This strategic alliance sets the stage for a new era of marine innovation, combining beauty, intelligence, and sustainability in one integrated package. 

Azimut Launches Neuron Digital Yacht Management System

Demonstrating its pioneering approach to innovation, Azimut introduces for the first time "Neuron", the fully digital system that redefines the navigation experience, making it more intuitive, immediate, and safe than ever.  Azimut confirms its leadership in innovation, marking a new milestone in the digitalization of the onboard experience with "Neuron." The owner is at the center of a technological experience that prioritizes simplicity and efficiency, because time at sea should be lived without limits.  Neuron is the new digital electrical system developed by Azimut Technical Development in partnership with MDP Tech, designed for smarter yacht management. This technological innovation is not an end in itself, but rather a service to the owner: yacht automation, diagnostics, and surveillance can now be controlled both via app and remotely, concretely improving life on board.  Thanks to Neuron, owners can benefit from an advanced yacht automation system, which, with a customizable interface, allows both control of various systems and remote analysis of the vessel. For example, lighting, climate control, and entertainment systems can be fully managed, both onboard and remotely.  Neuron also allows for remote monitoring and diagnostics with constant control, reducing routine and extraordinary maintenance by 70%. Additionally, upon customer request, it offers a smart assistance service, allowing after-sales technicians—while fully respecting customer privacy—to directly access the system to perform precise and timely diagnoses, minimizing response times. For example, if the owner needs to update the entertainment system or encounters a malfunction, activating remote support would allow for an immediate resolution, avoiding the need for in-person intervention.  Reliability and responsiveness are also guaranteed by a design approach based on a thorough risk analysis, which allows the system to minimize disruptions due to potential issues, both at sea and on land. The system itself is designed for plug & play, allowing for the rapid replacement of individual components—starting with the control units—making interventions quick and effective.  The indirect benefits are also evident. The first, and most immediate, is the 50% reduction in wiring weight, which allows for exceptional optimization of the technical spaces and frees up space on board for other functions. Furthermore, thanks to the sophisticated power management system, electricity consumption is precisely adjusted based on actual needs, minimizing any waste. Finally, by simplifying the organization of the electrical system, it increases the vessel's overall reliability.  "Neuron is a highly innovative system. It is a useful, practical innovation, not an end in itself, but a powerful means. Neuron truly improves the owner's life, not only allowing them to monitor their vessel from home and directly manage certain systems with great ease, but also performing diagnostic tests and reducing unscheduled maintenance. And, at the same time, it allows us as a shipyard to offer an even more reliable product. All this allows us to offer the owner a more peaceful and happy onboard experience," comments Ruggero Gandolfi, Azimut’s Technical Director.  Neuron has completed a six-month experimental installation on board an Azimut Fly 53 and is about to enter the final verification and testing phase, before becoming the new standard for Azimut boats up to 80 feet in length in the near future.

Bayliss at Bermuda Triple Crown

The Bayliss Boatworks plus Boatyard family made a strong showing on the leaderboard throughout the 2025 Bermuda Triple Crown.  Wave Paver (Bayliss 75’) closed out the series with a strong finish, claiming 2nd overall at the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament—the final leg of the Triple Crown. The team released six blue marlin over three days, including a 1st Place Daily on Day 2, to earn 3,000 points. Mama Seata (Bayliss 76’) also finished on a high note, placing 5th overall with five blue releases and earning Top Junior Angler honours for Miller Crumpton, who contributed key catches to the team’s total.  Earlier in the series, during the Bermuda Billfish Blast, Mama Seata secured 2nd overall with 2,100 points after releasing four blues and one white. Gratitude (Bayliss 68’) also made waves, earning 1st Place Daily on Day 2 with two blue marlin releases.  In the Bermuda Big Game Classic, Gratitude continued her run with a 524 lb blue marlin weighed on Day 1. Pescaria (Rybovich 78’), a fellow Bayliss Boatyard customer, finished 3rd overall with 2,500 points after releasing five blues across three days.

Feadship Heritage Joins Dutch Royal Yacht Piet Hein

Tuesday evening, the Dutch Royal yacht Piet Hein was officially welcomed into the Feadship Heritage Fleet during a formal ceremony. The gathering brought together representatives from the National Maritime Museum, SAIL, Stichting Piet Hein, Feadship and members of the FHF board.  Representing SAIL were Chairman Mr Woltering, Treasurer Mr Parmet, Mr Stunnenberg (board member), and Adjutant Mr Soetendaal. The Piet Hein was represented by Vice-Chairman Mr Post and Secretary Mr Kodde of the namesake foundation.  The Feadship Heritage Fleet is an association of owners of classic Feadships that are at least thirty years old. The organisation is dedicated to preserving these vessels, sharing knowledge, and organising joint activities on the water.  The 31-metre motor yacht Piet Hein was gifted by the Dutch people to Princess Juliana and Prince Bernhard in 1937 to mark their wedding. It was designed by the renowned naval architect Henri W. de Voogt, whose design language and vision greatly influenced the evolution of Dutch yachtbuilding. De Voogt is widely regarded as a key figure in the early history of Feadship – a fact that grants this yacht a special place within the maritime heritage that Feadship represents.  Since 1980, Piet Hein has been under the care of the Stichting Piet Hein (Piet Hein Foundation), which keeps her operational and meticulously maintained with the help of volunteers.  The membership was formally confirmed during the ceremony by the signing of the certificate and the placement of the Feadship Heritage Fleet insignia on board. Wim van Kampen, Chairman of the Feadship Heritage Fleet, underscored the importance of preserving the Dutch sailing heritage in his speech: “This is the unifying mission of the 85 members of our fleet: to safeguard these unique vessels for future generations.”  As a mark of her historical and symbolic significance, Piet Hein was named flagship of the Feadship Heritage Fleet and went on to lead 35 FHF yachts into Amsterdam during the Sail-in of SAIL.

Heesen Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

Heesen Yachts is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeroen van der Meer as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025. This appointment is a key element of the shipyard's strategy following its recent acquisition by owner Laurens Last.  Mr. van der Meer succeeds Niels Vaessen, who will depart from his role as CEO in a mutual agreement with the shipyard. Heesen extends its gratitude to Mr. Vaessen for his thirteen years of dedicated service, first as Chief Financial Officer and subsequently as CEO.  Jeroen van der Meer brings a lifetime of maritime passion and extensive leadership experience to Heesen. With a father who was a ship captain and then a maritime pilot, Jeroen grew up in Vlissingen immersed in the Dutch shipbuilding world, developing a deep connection to the industry from a young age. A Mechanical Engineer by background with an MBA from Eindhoven University, his career has been distinguished by a focus on strategic restructuring, investment, and fostering entrepreneurship within complex manufacturing businesses. He is recognised for his ability to drive operational excellence by improving automation and implementing lean manufacturing principles, significantly enhancing efficiency and reducing time to market.

Horizon Unveils New Ship Lift System

Building on its legacy of continuous investment in facility expansion and enhancement, the Horizon Group is proud to announce the completion of a state-of-the-art shiplift system at its Premier Shipyard in June 2025. This milestone achievement, the result of two years of development, reinforces the group’s position as a leading provider of diverse services to yacht owners worldwide and cements the shipyard’s position as a top-tier destination for refits and maintenance. The Game-changing 1,800-ton shiplift system sets new standard for superyacht services in Asia.

Jarrett Bay Celebrates Red Hot Summer Tournament Season

The summer bite has been on fire, and so have the teams aboard Jarrett Bay boats. From Bermuda to North Carolina, our fleet delivered podium finishes, record-breaking catches, and unforgettable performances on the offshore stage. Take a look at how these custom Carolina builds continue to dominate the tournament circuit, 2025 Summer Highlights; Builder’s Choice at North Carolina Billfish Series with Top Points positioned first, Builder’s Choice at Bermuda Triple Crown overall best position first, Builder’s Choice at Sea Horse Anglers Club Tournament overall first, Marlin Fever at Big Rock Kids Tournament overall  first, Builder’s Choice at Bermuda Big Game Classic with heaviest blue marlin position first, Iron Leader at Bermuda Big Game Classic with heaviest blue marlin position third, Sea Wish at Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament level VII with largest dolphin position first, Magic Moment at Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament overall billfish release  position second, Developin’ Habits at Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament level IX non-sonar weekly plus daily release position first, Rebelette at Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament billfish release points position second.

Jarrett Bay Back to School Style

New Jarrett Bay gear is hitting the shop all season long.  For the fall of 2025 Jarrett Bay has created a new perfect for school, the docks, or wherever fall takes you line of gear.

Lomac New Creative Director

The collaboration between Lomac Milano and fashion designer Alessandro Martorana has given birth to the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare, the showboat branded under Lomac Atelier – the Milanese shipyard’s new exclusive service dedicated to those seeking a truly bespoke yacht. Lomac Milano returns centre stage at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival with three GranTurismo maxi-RIBs. Stealing the spotlight will be the world premiere of the new GranTurismo 12.5 AMare Limited Edition, the first model resulting from the collaboration with internationally renowned designer Alessandro Martorana, who now also serves as Artistic Director of Lomac Atelier.  Lomac Atelier is a service dedicated exclusively to owners who want a tailor-made yacht, both in style and detail. After its official launch in Düsseldorf earlier this year, the project now takes on new form with the AMare Limited Edition, developed from the iconic GranTurismo 12.5 model – a showboat that seamlessly blends aesthetic vision with high-level performance.  Known as the tailor of celebrities and an icon of Italian lifestyle, Alessandro Martorana has dressed international stars, actors, athletes and entrepreneurs. His signature is synonymous with Italian craftsmanship, luxury, a meticulous attention to materials and refined finishing. “The boat is the new ‘must’ for the elegant man,” says Martorana. “Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit.”

Leopard Sets New Warranty

Leopard Catamarans, the industry-leading, performance-driven blue water cruising catamaran brand from South African builder Robertson and Caine (R&C), has announced the launch of its enhanced warranty offering that leverages over five decades of customer feedback and industry-leading digital technology. Fine-tuned over the past year, the extensive warranty program is designed to provide catamaran owners with exceptional support and peace of mind, no matter where they may be in their Leopard Catamaran journey.  Leopard Catamarans’ comprehensive dual warranty framework combines builder and OEM coverage with real-time digital tracking and global service network integration, streamlining submissions while reducing response times to deliver maximum asset protection.  The R&C builder warranty provides 14-month protection against construction defects, from cosmetic imperfections to installation issues, plus extended 24-month coverage for non-structural windows, recognizing the unique stresses of marine environments. Long-term structural assurance continues with six-year coverage for hulls, decks, deck lids, flybridges, bulkheads, and structural webs, providing Leopard Catamaran owners with lasting confidence in their investment’s fundamental integrity.  The OEM warranty ensures all onboard systems are covered by each manufacturing partner. Varying in length and coverage, once owners are registered with Yanmar, Northern Lights, and Raymarine, Leopard Catamarans will act as the owner’s single liaison, removing the complexity of managing multiple manufacturer relationships.  Further simplifying the claims process, Leopard Catamarans has developed a warranty portal on its website. A dedicated team at Leopard Catamarans reviews each submitted claim and offers owners status updates through Trello, a web-based workflow application. Leopard Catamarans’ claims process provides real-time claim transparency, connecting owners directly with support teams, engineers, and R&C technicians through shared status updates, progress notes, and live commentary throughout the repair process. Whether the issue falls under the R&C warranty or OEM, Leopard Catamaran will assign a warranty customer support agent to the claim, who will help evaluate and process the claim from start to finish. That same agent remains the owner’s main point of contact for all aspects of the warranty claim, from revising or approving estimates, payments, and reimbursements. Leopard Catamarans’ global network spans six continents and more than 20 countries, providing owners with worldwide support when and where they need it. Prioritizing getting owners back on the water as quickly as possible, Leopard Catamarans works with qualified service centers for R&C warranty work, or the owner’s preferred yard for smaller repairs. OEM claims require a specialized approach: Leopard resolves straightforward issues directly, but complex engine or electronics problems involve certified technicians and authorized service centers.  “The goal with our warranty program is simple: to give Leopard owners the confidence and clarity they deserve. By combining decades of customer feedback with new digital tools and a truly global service network, we’ve created a system that prioritizes fast, transparent support, no matter where in the world our owners are cruising,” said Jese Vega, Warranty and Commissioning Manager at Leopard Catamarans.  With more than 50 years of listening, learning, and evolving, Leopard Catamarans’ extended warranty coverage is built on real owner experiences and insights. Taking a customer-centric approach that centers on owner satisfaction, Leopard Catamarans aims to provide all with the best catamaran and experience, no matter the circumstances. 

Oceanco Yard Sold to Video Game Developer Gabe Newell

This isn’t about decks and PowerPoints. Gabe’s interest in Oceanco comes from somewhere else entirely, more personal. A lifelong fascination with the sea. A deep respect for the people who live and work on it. And a belief that yachting is about tuning in. To the ocean. To yourself. To what really matters.  Gabe spent his life building companies that don’t exactly follow the script. Valve was never about market domination or quarterly wins, it was about giving smart people the space to build weird, wonderful things that changed how people play.  That same spirit draws him to Oceanco. His first decision? Leave the team alone. Seriously. Oceanco has vision and integrity, and a culture that actually works. Gabe doesn’t want to fix it, he wants to fuel it.  And not with corporate buzzwords. With trust. With tools. With unexpected ideas from unexpected places.  Because here is the thing: Gabe sees the world as full of crossovers. What happens when you let yachtbuilders talk to worldbuilders? When craftsmen get access to tech usually reserved for game devs and mad scientists? You get innovation that doesn’t just look good. It feels good.  Gabe is not here for gadgets. He is here for growth the human kind. He wants Oceanco to push harder on what it already does best: putting people first. That means more collaboration, more autonomy, and a mindset geared toward long-term evolution not just short-term wins. This isn’t about buying a yacht company. It’s about plugging into a tribe of builders, dreamers, sailors, creatives and engineers and seeing what kind of future they can shape when no one’s holding them back. This isn’t a transaction. It’s ignition.

Outer Reef Partners with Eyos

Outer Reef Yachts is proud to announce a new partnership with EYOS Expeditions, the world leader in private expedition experiences. This collaboration offers Outer Reef owners and clients the opportunity to explore the most remote and awe-inspiring destinations on Earth, supported by the unmatched expertise of both companies in delivering extraordinary adventures. For over twenty-five years, Outer Reef Yachts has been a leading global manufacturer of long-range motor yachts known for their seaworthiness, durability, and luxury. Each vessel is built to the highest standards of craftsmanship and innovation, with the versatility to meet even the most challenging itineraries. The company’s extensive collection of yachts serves the needs of cruisers seeking both exceptional comfort and the capability to explore the world’s most demanding cruising grounds. From polar ice to tropical lagoons, EYOS brings decades of experience in planning and executing expeditions to the farthest reaches of the globe. Since pioneering the private superyacht expedition category in 2008, EYOS has built a reputation as the foremost authority on bespoke adventure travel at sea. Their full-time shoreside team alone brings over 350 years of collective expedition experience, complemented by a global network of marine and travel specialists across all seven continents. As the operator and permit holder for its trips, EYOS provides complete logistical support, ensuring every voyage is safe, seamless, and unforgettable. Through this partnership, Outer Reef owners will gain access to exclusive EYOS itineraries aboard elite expedition yachts, including curated journeys to the Arctic, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, and more. Owners can also create fully customized adventures aboard their own Outer Reef yachts, with EYOS handling every detail—from route planning and permits to provisioning, guides, and operational support such as pilotage and medivac preparedness. The partnership also highlights Outer Reef’s most exploration-ready models, including the new Adventure Series and the ASV (Adventure Sport Vessel) Series. The Outer Reef Adventure Series, the latest innovation in the distinguished Outer Reef Yachts collection, features exceptional Dutch design tailored for discerning yachtsmen who aspire to embark on extraordinary voyages with unmatched experiences at sea. These yachts combine ocean-crossing range with refined interiors, creating an ideal platform for those who demand both comfort and capability in the world’s most challenging cruising grounds. The ASV Series represents a bold new chapter in the Outer Reef portfolio, combining purpose-built designs for active owners with unparalleled versatility. This series includes stand alone or shadow yacht opportunities and models such as the Crossover and YXT, blending the elegance of a superyacht with the rugged functionality of a sport utility vessel. Expansive main decks offer multi-functional space for tenders, toys, and vehicles, or seamless conversion into open-air entertainment areas. With this strong resource on hand, Outer Reef can now offer “Outer Reef Expeditions” exclusive adventures aboard EYOS expedition yachts, available only to Outer Reef owners. These journeys will range from sailing past glaciers in the Arctic to diving in coral-rich South Pacific waters, all led by expert guides and shared with fellow adventurers. Rather than simply imagining the edges of the map, Outer Reef owners can now reach them — in comfort and safety. This collaboration unites two leaders at the forefront of innovation in yachting and exploration, creating opportunities to experience the planet’s most elusive destinations in ways that are both deeply personal and truly unforgettable. For those ready to expand their boundaries, the partnership between Outer Reef Yachts and EYOS Expeditions marks the beginning of a new era of discovery.

Viking at 2025 Orange Beach Billfish Classic

The 2025 Orange Beach Billfish Classic kicked off the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series with a shotgun start at the Perdido Pass in Alabama. The highlight of the weekend came in the Blue Marlin Division. Scott Cooper, fishing his Viking 80 CE with captain George Crenshaw, landed a 640.2-pound marlin to take 1st Place. “As usual, Scott was great in the chair,” said George. “And our mates were at their best when it counted most. We had the fish in the boat in just 28 minutes from the time we hooked up until we slid it into the cockpit.”  Jim Murdica, on the Viking 74 Never Settle, followed with a 468.4-pound catch, earning 2nd Place.  Team Supreme, the Krake family’s Viking 72, claimed 3rd Place in the Release Division.  Tuna action was fierce. The Viking 61 Crawgator, with Bill Butler at the helm, claimed 1st Place thanks to a 204.2-pounder. Miss Remy, a Viking 65, secured 2nd Place with a 145.8-pound fish and Diane Kay, a Viking 55, came in 3rd Place with a 141-pound tuna. This year’s Top Lady Angler was Sherry Polk aboard the Viking 72 Share-E.  The Orange Beach Billfish Classic is the largest donor to The Billfish Foundation, which promotes research, safe catching and conservation of billfish.

Viking at Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic 

Next up was the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic with 87 boats battling for a purse of almost $2 million. And the Viking 72 Breathe Easy (above) walked home with most of it. Captain Patrick Ivie put Craig Smith on a 123.5-inch blue marlin that weighed 660.3 pounds – good for Heaviest Blue Marlin and Grand Champion honors.  In the release division, the Viking 54 Born2Run took 2nd Place with Dana Foster’s four blue marlin. The Viking 80 It Just Takes Time was in 3rd Place with three blue releases. George Pratt hooked two of those blues for Top Junior, while Leah Pratt claimed one for Top Lady.  Block Time, a Viking 64, weighed the 2nd Place Tuna (above) with Thomas Boothe’s 179.5-pound fish. The 28th annual event recorded 64 blue marlin, 11 whites and one sailfish.  Now, at the halfway point in the series, Team Supreme (the 2023 and 2024 champs) was in the mix, but Devotion, a Viking 60 and the 2021 champion, wasn’t even in the top 10. But all that changed at the 3rd event of the series. "It was a tough season for us until the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic," said Devotion captain Jason Hallmark. "Everything came together for us that weekend and gave us a chance."

Viking at 23rd Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

The 23rd annual Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic began with a 78-boat shotgun start and ended with Vikings claiming the top spots of the tournament. All-In Southern Charm, Gregg Trenor’s Viking 62, weighed the heaviest blue marlin. Ron Davis was on the rod for the 654.6-pound fish, which also earned him Top Overall Angler.  Team Supreme, the Krake family’s Viking 72, dominated the Release Division with five blue marlin and a sailfish. Alex Krake angled three of those blues for Top Release Angler, while captain Chase Lake and team took 2nd Place Crew. This is the 2nd year in a row Team Supreme topped the release board.  Nathan Beardon, aboard Josh Tice’s Viking 60 Devotion, had the 2nd Place Blue Marlin at 640.4 pounds. The team also released four blue marlin, good for 2nd Place Release Team. Devotion also claimed Top Crew with captain Jason Hallmark leading the charge. This leapfrogged Devotion into the top spot on the Championship series leader-board.  After releasing four blues, Devotion was looking for another big one. “We let our bait down and got a bite on it,” said Jason. “The fish never jumped, so we didn’t know how big it was until we got it all the way up to the boat.”  Marc Padgett’s Viking 90 Nikki Bella was the 3rd Place Release Boat with three fish. Ethan Cruz added three yellowfin to the box for Top Junior Gamefish Angler, while captain Scooter Porto accepted the 3rd Place Crew honours.  In the gamefish categories, 2nd Place Tuna was hooked on the Viking 58 Rising Sons (above) with Jaselyn Berthelot’s 168.1-pound fish. Third Place Dolphin was caught by Tyler Wainwright on the Viking 55 Done Pickin’. Fishing on the Viking 50 Squid Row, Buck Gosnay’s 54.9-pound wahoo won the category. In 2nd Place was a 52.2-pound ‘hoo reeled in by Michael Savage on the Viking 50 Lumbar.  Helen DeLaney was the Top Lady Angler with two blue marlin releases on the Viking 72 Yellow Steel. Leah Pratt was the Top Junior Billfish Angler. She released a blue and white marlin on the Viking 80, It Just Takes Time.

Viking at Blue Marlin Grand Championship

Heading into the final tournament of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown, the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, Team Supreme captain Chase Lake said, "This is anything but a two-team race.” Devotion’s captain Jason Hallmark added, "There are so many teams that could come from behind us and win it. I think we're going to have to either weigh a big fish or win the Release category to win The Championship."  Devotion didn't weigh a fish at The Championship, but captain Jason put Josh Tice and Nathan Bearden on three blues a piece. They beat 65 teams to claim 1st Release Boat, which clinched their second Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.  "We had a very slow start to the season, but finished off strong with Jason leading the team," said an emotional owner, Josh Tice. "I can't explain how much it means to have been blessed with Jason in my life 4 1/2 years ago, along with first mate Tyler Matherne.  "Also, none of this would be possible without my business partner and best friend, Nathan Bearden. I'm so thankful for the team and family we've created on Devotion, including second mate, Chaz Chauvin, Rodney Johnson, Kolby Thornton and Hunter Green, who all mated with us this year, along with our Viking – we push to her limits!"  Other notable catches at the Blue Marlin Grand Championship included Greg Abrams, fishing on the Viking 64 Easy Trigger (above). He reeled in the second-heaviest blue marlin of the tournament with a 645.8-pound fish – edging out Dale Cole by just a few ounces. Dale’s 645.6-pounder, caught aboard the Viking 58 Cole Play, took third. “It was five hours fighting the fish,” he said. “It was a job.”  Captain Patrick Ivie and the Viking 72 Breathe Easy team claimed 3rd Place Release Boat with five blue marlin.  Marc Padgett, fishing on his Viking 90 Nikki Bella, weighed the Heaviest Tuna, a 203.2-pound yellowfin. Larry Roth hooked the Heaviest Wahoo, 32 pounds, while fishing on the Viking 54 Bella Fortuna.

Viking Takes Gulf Coast Triple Crown Again

After the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Champs Devotion, Team Supreme secured the 2nd Place Title and Breathe Easy was in 3rd. Devotion’s Jason Hallmark becomes only the 4th captain to win multiple Triple Crown Championships since its inception in 2011. Jason joins Team Supreme’s Chase Lake and Jason Buck on the Viking 70 Done Deal and Viking 92 A Work of Art as repeat-winning captains.  Gulf Coast Triple Crown Champions;  2020 Andy Yarborough’s Viking 48 Pearl with captain Bo Keough, 2021 Josh Tice’s Viking 60 Devotion with captain Jason Hallmark, 2022 Art Favre’s Viking 92 A Work of Art with captain Jason Buck, 2023 The Krake family’s Viking 72 Team Supreme with captain Chase Lake, 2024 The Krake family’s Viking 72 Team Supreme with captain Chase Lake, 2025 Josh Tice’s Viking 60 Devotion with captain Jason Hallmark.

Viking at Tri-State Canyon Shoot Out

Tom Ripley’s Viking 74 Riptide claimed Most Points Overall boat at the Tri-State Canyon Shootout held on Block Island, R.I. With Jac Paul-hus on the bridge, the team released 20 white marlin and weighed a dolphin for the honors. The Viking 92 Speculator, with captain Michael Everly, was the 3rd Place Points boat.  Peter Feld weighed the 2nd Largest Bigeye, a 227.4-pounder, while fishing on his Viking 58 Blondie. Rich Lucas angled the 2nd Largest Yellowfin, 99.8 pounds, on the Viking 64 Team SI Yachts. Just three pounds lighter, the 3rd Largest Yellowfin was hooked by Neil Franzoni on the Viking 80 The Experience. Markos Argiros, on the Viking 68 Twin Reels, weighed the 2nd Largest Mahi at 28.2 pounds. 

Viking at Cape May Marlin Tournament

Congratulations to the Viking 72 Quick Raise for winning Most Points Overall at the Cape May Marlin Tournament. Captain Anthony Pennella put Bob Cummings and Steve Fitzpatrick on a pair of blue marlin and five whites for the title.  The Heaviest Tuna was caught by Troy Shaden on the Anderson family’s Viking 80 Krazy Salt’s – a 178-pound fish. Jim McCarthy’s Viking 58 Covert Mission swept the Dolphin division with the heaviest fish weighing 19 pounds.

Viking at Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Ladies Tournament

Never Surrender was the Top Release Boat at the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club’s Ladies Tournament. The team – comprised of Tammy Johnson, Lexy Ayers, Angie Cleveland and Mattie Cleveland – released six blue marlin and a white. The 2nd Place Release Boat was the Viking 48 Pearl with five blue marlin.  The Heaviest Tuna, 21.6 pounds, was caught by Maria Natal fishing on the Viking 62 Da’ Grits, while teammate Rae Moon weighed the Heaviest Wahoo at 20.8 pounds. 

Wajer Owners Challenge Ibiza 2025

Nearly 50 Wajers anchored around the island, creating a breathtaking scene across the bay. On the water, our owners engaged in playful challenges where rivalry and teamwork went hand in hand. Afterwards, the winners proudly collected their prize: the coveted golden Wajer pole-stick.  With a drink in hand, surrounded by friends who make the Wajer family so special, we raised our glasses to another unforgettable season.

Wajer Alongside Legends of Sail

Every five years, Amsterdam transforms into one of the world’s most spectacular stages for maritime heritage.  Among the iconic vessels gracing Amsterdam’s historic waters, a fleet of 23 Wajers joined the legendary SAIL-In. Where the tall ships told stories of the past, Wajer offered a glimpse of the future on the water.  Since its first edition in 1975, SAIL Amsterdam has grown into a global celebration of maritime heritage, and this year’s edition proved once again why it holds such a special place in Dutch hearts. For several days, the IJ was alive with history: towering tall ships arriving from international ports, joined by Dutch classics to form a breath-taking floating museum.  From full-rigged ships to brigs and schooners, many carried over a century of history in their sails. The Sail-In was the highlight: a parade of tradition and pride, made unforgettable by perfect weather, lively crowds, and Dutch 'gezelligheid' on and beside the water, with Wajer joining with a fleet of 32 Wajers.