Ferretti Group Service University Asia Pacific Edition Two
Following its debut last year in Hong Kong and the successful sessions held in Europe and America last Spring, Ferretti Group Service University was back to the Asia Pacific last week for its 2015 edition. The professional training and refresher course targeted at all authorized service network operators was held from 6th to 10th July at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. This year’s training activities - attended by more than 20 professionals representing 7 Asia Pacific countries (China, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India, and Indonesia) - were aimed at increasing the skills and professionalism of the Group’s service network resources through classroom activities and visits to the local premises of the main technical partners. Starting in the 1990s, Ferretti Group has organized a number of training activities targeted at dealers and service points, so as to always offer Owners an outstanding level of service worldwide. In 2010, the Group decided to add to the existing Service University sessions, held in Europe, on-site activities also in the Asia Pacific region (APAC) and in the Americas. This means that, besides the traditional courses targeted at these markets held in Italy, dedicated courses are now being held on site in these two areas, thereby ensuring a strong local presence also through a better understanding of these regions’ specific needs and peculiarities. The training course in Singapore, organized by Ferretti Group’s After Sales & Service team, was held over five days and included both theoretical and practical sessions. Classroom lessons of outstanding technical value were given by the experts representing the Group’s partners Besenzoni, Seakeeper, ZF, MTU, and Kohler. Guided tours of MTU’s and Kohler’s Asia Pacific head offices, which are just in Singapore, were also organized for all Service University attendees. Special test benches were also set up in the classroom, allowing the participants to perform practical troubleshooting tests. Specific aspects regarding onboard systems and their maintenance were also dealt with during the lessons.
Filippetti at Work
The yard Filippetti Yacht is now defining a series of changes aimed to improve the supply and the fleet of its yachts. The news from the shipyard will be officially revealed during the Cannes Yachting Festival. This is a very important moment for Filippetti Yacht: six years after its founding, the shipyard led by Giovanni Filippetti, is developing a series of actions aimed to improve the offer and the fleet of its yachts. The new business strategy will focus on three key concepts: the range structure for requirement of navigation, customization, the expansion of the sales network and new models, which will be unveiled by Filippetti during the boat show in Cannes. The shipyard Filippetti Yacht builds only a selected and limited number of boats: the design skills and the handcrafted know-how enable the customization of yachts with solutions that are tailor-made and designed on customer requests. A recent example is surely the M/Y Gatsby, a magnificent navetta 30-meter, on which has been performed a custom job, in synergy with the needs of the owner.
Gulf Craft Urges Sea Traveling Restrictions
Middle East governments should consider easing restrictions on travelling between states to boost the region’s tourism industry and support the fast-developing yachting and cruise market, saysMohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of the UAE-based yacht and boat builder, Gulf Craft. Dubai received more than 500,000 cruise visitors last year – compared with just 10,000 in 1998, according to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) statistics cited by the Emirates News Agency – and the UAE market has been boosted by changes in regulations last year that allow cruise tourists to get a multiple-entry visa for all UAE ports in their itinerary. Regional tourism industry members have long campaigned for a Schengen-style system that would allow visitors to GCC states to enter any of them under a single visa. The regional yacht manufacturing sector also faces significant infrastructure challenges, such as lack of berthing spaces, especially for larger superyachts, and the need for greater focus on industrial development, Al Shaaliadded. While interest in yacht-ownership is rising in the UAE and across the GCC, there is a need for businesses to provide related products and services to support the sector. The UAE is ranked among the top 10 yacht building nations, with Gulf Craft leading the yacht-building industry both regionally and globally. While Gulf Craft focuses on the local, regional and international market sectors, the latter will make up 42 percent of its overall market this year.
Hatteras Hooking Marlin and Facebook Friends
Sarasota, Fla., couple Chris and Laura Jessen began their fishing career targeting tarpon in the popular “holes” on the state’s Gulf Coast. They owned a series of smaller, outboard-powered boats, but never experienced the thrills of big-game fishing offshore until they took a trip to the Tropic Star Lodge in Piñas Bay, Panama, in 2008. A few years later, the Jessens were ready to move up to their first convertible. Needing a little more space onboard, the couple ultimately ordered a new GT63. They took delivery of Fish Tank in January of 2012, and headed right out after the big game. After that, Fish Tank went on her own bottom to the Dominican Republic, where the Jessens hunted blue and white marlin for two successful seasons. Their biggest blue they have caught from Fish Tank to date was 550 lbs. Chris and Laura typically release any billfish they hook, and just keep the fish they are going to eat. An avid photographer, Chris began posting the shots he took from the Hatteras on the Fish Tank Sportfishing Facebook page he created and shared with friends. By late June, 2015, when we interviewed Chris for this article, the Jessens’ Facebook page had nearly 6,000 followers. This season, Fish Tank is based in Costa Rica, with Capt. Ben Horning of Palm Beach at the helm. The couple flies down to join their Hatteras when they can. Chris reported in June that he, Laura and the Fish Tank crew already had caught 38 blue marlin, 1 striped marlin and 139 sailfish in Costa Rica this year – and that total no doubt has increased by the time you read this.
Jarrett Bay Triple Crown
A huge congratulation to the Jarrett Bay 77 Mama Who in taking home the Bermuda Triple Crown trophy! This esteemed accomplishment was partly achieved by the great skills of Lainey Jones winning Top Lady Angler for the team during the Bermuda Billfish Blast and junior angler Sales de La Barre being recognized as Top Junior Angler in both the Bermuda Big Game Classic and the Bermuda Sea Horse Anglers Club Tournament, where team Mama Who took second place with 2,000 points in a field of 260 anglers.
Princess Welcomes Back Original Experts
Princess Yachts International plc have welcomed back some of the original experts behind Project 31, the model which launched the company in 1965, to share their insights and memories, and to guide the unique restoration of Project 31@50. Colin Grills was among the first employees at Princess Yachts, then known as Marine Projects. His initial reservations about working with fibreglass hulls, having been apprenticed in building traditional wooden boats, soon changed upon joining the company. He progressed to management early in his career and remained with the company until his retirement, aged 60. Peter Moore joined Princess Yachts in the late 1960s building Project 31s and went on to enjoy a career that spanned more than 30 years, becoming manager of one of the company's manufacturing sites before retiring. The Project 31@50 team are carefully restoring this icon of Princess' history to return her to her former glory while incorporating some of the advancements of modern shipbuilding to uplift her for today. Colin and Peter along with former colleagues Dave Cotter, Eddie Rawle and RP Kerslake, have returned to the shipyard to share their knowledge with the team. The unique restoration of Princess Yachts' original model is bringing together individuals at all stages of their careers. Also working on Project 31@50 and just beginning their careers are apprentices Callum Wilkinson, 19, and Sam Bridgeman, 21. Before joining Project 31@50 Callum, a 3rd year Apprentice Engineer, had been working on the latest M Class development, the Princess 35M. Princess Yachts offer apprenticeships in engineering, carpentry/boat building, development and fabricating and welding in partnership with the City College Plymouth. Princess work closely with the College to support the training and employment of young people in the marine sector. Sam, a 4th year Apprentice Carpenter, is due to complete his apprenticeship later this year.
Riva Gets Triplet
While enthusiasm is still lingering in the air for the fabulous première held last May in Monaco, the Riva 88’ Domino Super is already celebrating its first achievement: just a few weeks after its official launch, Ferretti Group announces the sale of the first 3 hulls of the new Riva coupé yacht. The three yachts have been sold in three different markets, showing how the 88’ Domino Super has been welcomed enthusiastically at an international level: the first hull will go to an owner from continental Europe, the second one will be delivered in the Asia-Pacific, meanwhile the third will cruise across Middle-East seas. These are the first positive results of a commercial strategy aimed at confirming the leadership of the Ferretti Group’s most iconic brand across the world.
Riviera Endorses New Syndication
The relaxing and rewarding lifestyle on offer when you purchase a brand-new Riviera luxury motor yacht is now available to those with a passion for boating but find their time to spend out on the water is limited. Boating Partnerships will appeal to those who have limited time but who have a genuine passion for luxury lifestyles and world-class motor yachts, and who wish to share the ultimate boating experience with families, friends or business colleagues. The only syndication service with the official endorsement and support of Australia’s favorite and most awarded luxury motor yacht manufacturer Riviera, Boating Partnerships shares the purchase and monthly maintenance of a brand-new Riviera or Belize motor yacht with up to six like-minded partners. Riviera brand and communications director Stephen Milne said Boating Partnerships was a fantastic opportunity for those who appreciate the supreme levels of luxury, superior sea-keeping capabilities and state-of-the-art marine technology that are hallmark features of a world-class Riviera to enjoy all the rich and rewarding benefits of boating. Mr Milne said each shareholder under the new Boating Partnerships arrangement will enjoy all the benefits of being part of the global family of Riviera luxury motor yacht owners, as well as the unrivalled aftermarket support of the nationwide R Marine Network of Riviera and Belize dealers. Boating Partnerships managing director Tom van Vliet said the program offered many new and exclusive benefits to boating enthusiasts who were looking for a premium concierge-style syndication ownership that allowed for more time on the water. Mr van Vliet said a professional crew will maintain each Riviera in premium condition for the ownership period, and the annual maintenance, slipping and berthing costs are affordably shared between the yacht’s owners. Mr van Vliet said the first Riviera yachts available under the new partnership program would be the sporty and adventurous 445 SUV model. Mr Milne said the full benefits of Boating Partnerships new luxury motor yacht ownership will extend to Riviera’s educational workshops and seminars, to exclusive invitations to Riviera’s spectacular social events around the world, as well as to the marque’s special Experience voyages cruising in company of fellow Riviera owners to idyllic destinations.
Sea Ray L-Class Coastal Tour
When Sea Ray sent its flagship L650 Fly on a coastal tour last summer, it was making a statement: The L-Class represents a new paradigm for Sea Ray and for boating in general. A yacht of this caliber deserved a sophisticated debut, and that’s precisely what it received. This year, the L-Class Coastal Tour enjoyed its second chapter, this time featuring the latest addition to the L-Class fleet: the sleek, beautiful L590. After traveling up the East Coast of the United States, stopping in several major ports of call to headline invitation-only gatherings, the L590 touched down in New York for two final events. On June 25, the yacht graced Chelsea Piers; two days later, it concluded the tour with a party in Sag Harbor. Each event on this year’s L-Class Coastal Tour was held at an exclusive waterfront venue where invited guests could take their time enjoying not only the L590 and educational information from industry suppliers including Cummins, Raymarine and KVH, but also offerings from several carefully selected luxury goods providers. The New York City and Hamptons venues; Chelsea Piers’ Current restaurant and Sag Harbor’s Breakwater Yacht Club, respectively were outfitted by Timothy Oulton. The British furniture designer lent his flair for coastal chic, adorning the spaces with stylish vintage and handmade pieces evocative of the sea. In addition to the contributions of Timothy Oulton, the L-Class Coastal Tour was sponsored by an exclusive group of luxury brands, including Aston Martin, showcasing its latest offerings of renowned sports cars; Louis XIII de Remy Martin, providing tastings of its superlative aged cognac; Champagne Thiénot, serving fine wines and champagnes; Montecristo, offering premium cigars; and the William Grant Group, featuring Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whiskies. In all, the 2015 Coastal Tour reiterated Sea Ray’s dedication to elevating the customer experience, both on and off the water.
Sunreef Bound for the Bahamas
The end of summer 2015 will be marked by the return of the ever-popular Sunreef power catamaran DAMRAK II to the Atlantic. Her travels have taken her to the exotic shores of Asia and the Middle East and starting this September, the highly-rated and award-winning charter yacht will be inviting guests to enjoy the splendor of the Bahamas. Soon after, the Caribbean will become her playground where she will be chartering for the winter.
Viking Ocean Showdown 2015
The 26th Annual Viking Ocean Showdown proved to be another fun filled event in the picturesque town of Cape May, New Jersey. The Viking Yacht team took home the perpetual trophy but both teams left as winners after a jovial pool party at the Canyon Club Resort and Marina, two days of fishing in sun kissed seas, endless parties and plenty of laughs. Congratulations to Captain Brian Komer and his crew on Patrick Healey's Viking 62 taking Most Point Overall with six whites and one blue marlin. Also on the leaderboard was Kurt Von Seekamm and his team on the Viking 52 Marlin Hunter claiming Most Points White Marlin and Sam Ehret with Top Junior Angler. Jack Beittie took home the Heaviest Dolphin with a 30 pound fish while onboard John Siedzkowski's Viking 45 Decked Out.
Viking Sun’s Too Bright Sky’s Too Blue
Kenny Chesney just released his new music video Save it for a Rainy Day to rave reviews and we think we know why. The video, with the catchy tune celebrating life, was filmed in the exotic Bahamas on none other than a beautiful Viking 45 Open. Kenny is certainly a star but don't you think the boat steals the show? Check out the video here and don't miss the cameo by the owner's chocolate lab.
Viking Workplace Wellness Hero
Viking Health Services department was recently recognized in a state wide competition as a Workplace Wellness Hero by NJBIZ, a weekly news organization, which covers a variety of business happenings throughout the Garden State. Viking has maintained its health services department for more than 26 years providing medical care and support for its employees and their families, as well as community relations work for residents of New Gretna. Under the direction of nurse practitioner Steve Marks and his staff, including therapy dog Bridgette, Viking's Health Services was honored with the prestigious award for the significant impact that it provides on the quality of health care in New Jersey.
Viking Prime Time
The fourth and final day of June's International Cap Cana Shootout in the Dominican Republic was a wild one. With releases being called in regularly amongst the fleet of 20 boats it was the Viking 52 Prime Time that shook things up. At the end of the final day, Prime Time released five white marlin and leap frogged from fifth to first place in the Dewar's Division. This pushed the Viking 62 Uno Mas to second place. Uno Mas angler Brooks Smith repeated as the tournament's overall Grand Champion having won the same honors in 2013.
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