-pic of the month- Azimut Tenth Yachting Gala
Azimut Benetti Tenth Yachting Gala
For the tenth edition of the exclusive Yachting Gala, organised by Azimut|Benetti Group to bring owners together from all over the world, the Group has chosen the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the gorgeous setting of Porto Cervo in Sardinia. From America to China and from Brazil to Australia, over 700 owners arrived in Porto Cervo for the weekend of June 24-25, where they had the chance to admire world previews of the new gems in the Azimut collection: the Azimut Grande 27 Metri and the Azimut Grande 35 Metri, which will be making its official debut next September at the Cannes Boat Show. Selected owners were also able to put the remarkable propulsion system developed exclusively by Rolls Royce to the test on the Benetti Fast 125’. Azimut|Benetti Group also showcased the other models in the Azimut and Benetti ranges, with a total of 25 yachts. At the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which is one of the most famous yacht clubs in the world and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, an “Azimut Benetti Village” was set up for guests to admire and test drive the yachts in the fleet, as well as enjoying the entertainment laid on exclusively for them. They also had a chance to discover Costa Smeralda, with guided tours of the local area, excursions to the most beautiful bays, fine food and wine experiences featuring the local cuisine and Sardinian vermouths, plus the finest local craft products. An ambassador for Made in Italy, Azimut|Benetti Group united the world’s top Italian lifestyle trend-setters in Porto Cervo. Sipping glasses of Ferrari Trento, guests were treated to a trunk show organised byErmenegildo Zegna with Creative Director Alessandro Sartori, while a yacht provided the venue for the ladies to admire precious jewellery creations by Bulgari, accompanied by Creative Director Lucia Silvestri. Frette, which curated the decor of the boats on display and created the special one-off colour used for the table linen at the gala dinner, offered guests an exclusive bespoke service, while the designers from Rubelli provided private interior design advice in a lounge with a spectacular sea view. After the gala dinner held on the Yacht Club terrace, electronic music, digital effects and firework displays provided the backdrop for an evocative night yacht parade to celebrate the present and welcome in the future under the banner of cutting edge technology and Italian style. The virtuoso musical entertainment was provided by pianist Matthew Lee and his eccentric performances. Presiding over the event was the host Paolo Vitelli, Founder and Chairman of the Group, joined by the new generation of Group managers: Azimut|Benetti Group Vice PresidentGiovanna Vitelli, Azimut Yachts Business Unit General Manager Marco Valle, Benetti CEO Vincenzo Poerio and Benetti Megayachts Business Unit General Manager Christos Ramnialis. A message of continuity for Azimut|Benetti Group, the world’s leading builder of mega yachts, which looks to the future with enthusiasm, while continuing to assert and extend its leadership in the promising giga yacht segment too.
Azimut Benetti 17th Yachtmaster Edition
The final event in this year’s A|B Yachtmaster 17, held at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Miami, USA, early in May, was attended by over 90 guests, including about 30 captains and professionals. The packed two-day programme offered attendees conferences, workshops, meetings with sponsor companies, opportunities for exchanging views and networking, team-building activities and, of course, some well-deserved relaxation and fun. Three workshops were organised on crew management (one of the most pressing topics for attending captains), media management and privacy protection. The conference sessions also tackled practical and topical issues, with Clive MacCarteny, Peter Selivanoff and Izabela Manka from Fraser Yachts on stage to talk about crew documentation. At the US event too, one of the biggest successes was the live interview session with highly experienced captains attending the event, during which Steve Davis, director of the magazine Dockwalk, interviewed Anthony Nicholls, captain of the M/Y Andiamo. An entire day was dedicated to teams of stewards/stewardesses, organised jointly with the PYA (Professional Yachting Association), during which crews took part in workshops designed specifically to provide more comprehensive training on service standards, presentation, care and maintenance services, leadership and team building. Paola Caccavallo, Coordinator of the Yachtmaster program, had these comments to make on this last leg of the event: “This is the third Yachtmaster held in the USA and we are extremely satisfied both with the high turnout of professionals and the active participation of captains and sponsors during the various working sessions and entertainment activities. Yachtmaster has a mission to create a solid community of Key Influences who interact both with the Benetti shipyard and our partners, and the consolidation of their sense of team spirit was clear to see during this US event”. Finally, referring to the program as a whole, she stressed that: “In just two years since the new program was launched, we have achieved and exceeded all our goals and the mission we set ourselves. We are very proud of the work performed so far and all the positive feedback we continue to receive. As this year’s event draws to a close, we are already working on the preparations for the 18th edition and in the coming months we will be presenting the new 2017-2018 program”.
Back Cove New National Sales Manager
Jamie Bloomquist has joined Back Cove Yachts as our new National Sales Manager. Jamie is well known in the marine industry, and we're excited to have him on the Back Cove Team. Jamie has over 25 years of experience working in sales, marketing, and business development. He has worked as a professional photographer, founded two technology companies, and was the co-creator and President of USHarbors, delivering tide charts and marine weather for over 1,200 harbors nationwide. Jamie grew up boating on Chautauqua Lake, in New York State but has spent the last 15 years living in Camden, Maine boating on Lake Megunticook and Penobscot Bay with his wife and two children.
Beneteau Revisits Boutique
Beneteau’s new boutique provides a selection of elegant products that are ideal for sailing, with Longchamp bags, the Elle Decoration Yacht Case for Bénéteau, casual clothes by Marcy all in an online store based on the latest designs in e-commerce. Each item is discreetly signed with Beneteau’s iconic seahorse and unites the manufacturing know-how of the brands and Beneteau’s identity
Beneteau Seayo Control
The new Seayo Control is making a debut on leisure craft. Equipping the recent Gran Turismo 50, this technology operates many of the boat’s functions and is intuitive and easy to use. Inspired by the onboard computers of the car industry, this innovation confirms Beneteau’s commitment to simplifying sailing and opening it up to everyone.
Horizon Yachts Thirtieth Anniversary
Over the past thirty years, Horizon Yachts has undergone an exciting journey as a premier luxury yacht builder, transforming from a simple shipyard to one of the top-five ranked manufacturers in the industry. The water has been rough at times, yet despite the challenges we have made countless achievements over the past three decades. Today, Horizon Yachts is the largest luxury yacht manufacturer in Asia, employing a staff of 1,000 across four company-owned facilities that provide sales, new build, and service support to our clients. A brief history of Horizon Yachts: the company was founded in 1987 to meet the rising demand for luxury yachts overseas. We were only a year into the business when we hit our first rogue wave: Taiwan’s currency received a boost and as a result, wages and the expense of raw materials increased tremendously. To adapt, Horizon changed its business strategy, expanding into new markets and becoming a competing force in the luxury yacht market. Two decades later, when the global financial crisis hit, Horizon once again proved itself strong by surviving the storm and also upping its commitment to the market, investing in research and development to create new models. In hindsight, these challenges proved Horizon’s capacity to tackle difficulties in various circumstances and cemented our place as a leader in the global yacht market. Our success could not have been achieved without the help and commitment of every Horizon employee and craftsman, our suppliers, and our partners. Most importantly, we are grateful for the support from our employees’ families and the trust given to us by all Horizon yacht owners around the world. Without you, none of this would have been possible; because of you, we have never lost sight of our horizon.
Jarrett Bay Sponsors 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
Jarrett Bay Boatworks is proud to have taken on Major Sponsor duties for the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and look forward to ensuring everyone has the best Big Rock yet! Jarret will be present with its design team and to show its boat construction up close at the Sunday Pig Pickin' or stop by our facility just off Hwy 101. If you have any unplanned service issues, just hail Randy Ramsey on the radio and he'll get you connected to be back on the water ASAP! And, don't forget to visit our Jarrett Bay two storefronts in Beaufort and merchandise tent at the weigh-in at Big Rock Landing
Jarrett Bay Kickin Off Tournament Season
Swansboro Rotary Bluewater Tournament; Inspiration took 1st place overall. Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament; Reel Quick won 3rd place overall, Sensation won 1st place dolphin. Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament; Weldor's Ark won 3rd place overall with a 484.9 lb blue Marlin, Fever took 3rd place in the release division, Doc Fees won 1st place Wahoo with a 97.7 lb fish. Carolina Billfish Classic; Micabe was awarded 2nd place overall. Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament; Fender Bender won 3rd place with 141.6 points.
Nordhavn Powering Across the Pacific
There’s been a lot of attention given to the five Nordhavns traveling across the Atlantic right now as part of the Nordhavn Atlantic Passage group. But there’s also a faction of Nordhavns that have been quietly crossing the Pacific Ocean. Over the last several weeks, a handful of yachts have crossed – or will soon be crossing – the Pacific, the most recent one being Nordhavn 46 Starlet. Jennifer and Mark Ullman recently completed a 20 ½-day trip from the Galapagos to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. The couple have completed half of their circumnavigation which took them across the Atlantic about two years ago and into the Med and up to Egypt. Then retraced their steps across, journeyed down through the Caribbean and back to Florida. “The second half of our circumnavigation will go much slower,” said Jennifer last weekend after arriving in Nuku Hiva. “We will be in French Polynesia for one year.” Meanwhile, Ron and Nancy Goldberg are also cruising French Polynesia, having arrived in Tahiti about two weeks ago. The couple left Los Cabos, Mexico in early spring and traveled 2,700 nm prior to making landfall in the Marquesas. “The voyage has been fun, hard work, but an incredible experience,” said Nancy from on board their Nordhavn 50 Duet. The couple initially had plans to continue on to New Zealand, but have decided to stay in French Polynesia until June 2018, Nancy said. “The cruising here is just spectacular.” Making the 18-day trek that much nicer for the Goldbergs was getting to cross the Pacific alongside N60 Daybreak. Both Duet and Daybreak participated in the Pacific Puddle Jump, a loosely organized rally of boats crossing from points West to the South Pacific. Of the 135 boats registered to make the crossing, only 3 were powerboats: Duet, Daybreak, and Starlet. Like the other two boats, Daybreak is enjoying exploring French Polynesia, but will continue on to New Zealand in September. And next week, a Nordhavn 56 Motorsailer will depart Puerto Vallarta, also bound for New Zealand. The new owner of 56, Harry Price, will be on board with his captain and a friend and plan to pick up guests in various ports they will visit including the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Society Islands and possibly Tonga and Fiji. “We are flexible [with our itinerary]!” said captain Nigel Clarke. Nigel will be keeping a daily blog and provide tracking of the boat’s progress, which will be covered on Nordhavn Live. The plan is to reach New Zealand by November.
Princess Announces New Americas Regional Office
After establishing its first regional office for Asia Pacific (in Hong Kong), Princess is proud to announce a second regional office that will support its distributor network in the Americas. "The office will be located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and we are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Burgess, an experienced marine industry professional, who will head the operation. Paul is originally from the UK and brings over 24 years of experience to the team in worldwide marine sales, marketing, technical client support and management." says Princess' Executive Chairman, Antony Sheriff. The regional team will include marketing and customer service personnel in recognition of a commitment to the Americas as an important market that has grown steadily over the past 20 years. With a world-beating product range stretching from 40 feet to 40 metres and an aggressive product development strategy, Princess is determined to support its distributors and dealers in maximizing market share across all product lines, whilst delivering best-in-class service to its many customers across the Atlantic.
Riva and Abarth
For the 175th anniversary of Riva, the legendary shipyard in Sarnico sees the debut of the Riva 56’ Rivale and Abarth 695 Rivale: elegance, sportiness, performance and enthusiasm join forces to conquer the sea and the road. Working everyday on one's history to shape the future, taking inspiration from the priceless heritage to create an even more extraordinary tomorrow. This is the vision that has always inspired both Riva and Abarth, two legends of Italian engineering, which have conquered enthusiasts the world over and which are coming together today. Rivale is the name of this modern success story which is materialising in the new 56’ Rivale, the most recent addition to the Riva fleet, and the Abarth 695 Rivale limited edition sedan and cabrio. This meeting of excellences, presented to the world press in the Riva shipyard in Sarnico, celebrates the remarkable capability of Riva and Abarth to enhance their respective peculiarities in an exquisite blend of engineering skilfulness, stylistic awareness and design ability, which together with their respective legendary histories have led to the creation of two products which are iconic and innovative at the same time. Rivale, one of the most famous names of the recent Riva production, is a new open yacht at the top of its class in terms of technology, sporting spirit and performance, which exalts the unique values and the typical style elements of the brand once again. Rivale is also the name of the Abarth 695 Special and Limited Edition, the new car from the brand with the scorpion badge dedicated to the 175 years of history of the world's most famous shipyard. “The celebrations for the 175th anniversary of Riva are being complemented by the unique partnership with an evoking brand such as Abarth” declared Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. “Presenting the 56’ Rivale, an iconic name in the history of Riva which today identifies the new open - a charming, technological and powerful boat - means paying homage to our past while looking firmly into the future. Abarth was inspired by the extraordinary new Riva boat in designing its new special and limited edition model: the magnificent 695 'Rivale'. The partnership springs from common shared values, passion for excellence and research for performance, expressed as always with an unmistakably unique style." Symbols of the most authentic Italian know-how, the 56’ Rivale and the Abarth 695 Rivale are the perfect blend of craftsmanship and engineering, search for performance and enthusiasm for beauty, with the addition of the laudable ambition of turning dreams into reality. As a result of this new synergy, the timeless elegance of Riva yachts is reflected in a car made by Abarth. The latter, in turn, adds a bold and sporty touch to the most recent open yacht model made by the world's most famous shipyard. The new 56’ Rivale combines superb craftsmanship and grandiose attention to detail. With an all-new hull, it stands out for its streamline looks which inherit and develop the lines which characterise the most recent open and coupé yacht models. Another exclusive factor are the high-quality materials: polished mahogany interiors, natural teak exteriors, varnished and stainless steel details, mirrors, crystals and leather. Abarth is celebrating the Riva anniversary with an ultra-limited production of the 695 Rivale, the 175 Anniversary: 175 sedans and 175 cabriolets. It is an edition to pay homage to Italian know-how, with hand crafted details like the two-colour blue and black hand-stitched leather seats with a celebratory logo stitched onto the headrest, the carbon dashboard silk screen printed with the special logo, the special numbered plate inside and the celebratory badge on the outside of the pillar. The design of the 17” alloy rims is also special. The 695 Rivale 175 Anniversary exceeds the traditional values of Abarth and embraces the coolness of Riva to satisfy the need for exciting performance combined with a higher level of sophistication and elegance. All this charm is backed up by performance: 180 HP, 250 Nm of torque and the weight-to-power ratio of a genuine supercar (5.8 kg/HP with a mass of 1045 kg) to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 6.7”, 225 km/h of top speed. The 56’ Rivale and the Abarth 695 Rivale are the protagonists of this contemporary legend in which the inspiration and enthusiasm of brilliant men and women are reflected in the perfect beauty of extraordinary boats and cars.
Riviera R Marine Winter Weekend
South-east Queensland's Moreton Bay beckoned for 74 excited members of the Riviera family on the R Marine Jones Winter Weekend Experience in late April. The event attracted 25 Rivieras for the cruise from the Gold Coast Broadwater to the expanse of Moreton Bay to the north. Connie and Tony Borgia purchased their Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht, Aqua Bella, just two weeks before the Winter Weekend. The fleet assembled off the Sovereign Islands on the Broadwater at the mouth of the Coomera River on the Friday morning of the long weekend and cruised sedately north. Their first port of call was at the Canaipa Passage that separates Russell Island from the large sand island of North Stradbroke at the southern tip of Moreton Bay. Waking to a sparkling morning on Saturday, the fleet cruised north again, headed for Blakeslys Anchorage on North Stradbroke Island with its pleasant beach, ideal for bringing tenders ashore. Here, tables and a shelter were set up for the Second Annual Cheese/Antipasto Platter and the Wine Presentation competitions. The Cheese/Antipasto competition was hotly contested as Keith and Kathy Hornman offered a plate of lollies while a raft-up team from Velocita, a 5400 Sport Yacht, and Shelly 2, a Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge, presented two platters of sausage rolls. Despite their valiant efforts, Vicki and Mark Baigent from Riviera 525 SUV Off the Hook won over the judges - everyone - with a carefully sourced antipasto platter. The Wine Presentation competition was divided into two divisions: under and over $20. Chris Haack aboard Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht Impetuous took out the "under $20" prize while Ted Edwards took the "over $20" section with a stunning Australian-produced bubbly, aptly name Riviera Royal with its specially-printed wine label. For those still spritely enough for more competition, beach cricket and soccer filled in the afternoon, although many chose simply to spend the time with nibbles and wine, making new friends and catching up with old friends. Glassy waters and and a stunning sunset completed the day. Sunday began with a casual fleet cruise north to Myora where all the boats anchored. The R Marine Jones team brought everyone ashore for lunch at the Little Ship Club restaurant on North Stradbroke Island. The ferries were R Marine Jones’ Riviera 51 Flybridge Riv 1, a 5400 Sport Yacht Fansea and a 6.5 metre RIB provided by Rib Force Inflatables. According to Dale and Kathy Cash from Riviera 47 Flybridge Low Range, being out on the water with like-minded companions was the highlight of the weekend. They shared the Experience with neighbours and spent much of the time simply relaxing on deck. On Monday, the fleet dispersed, some returning to the Gold Coast at their own pace while others chose to remain and explore more of Moreton Bay.
Sanlorenzo Turnover +42%
Sanlorenzo’s astounding financial figures, with a 2016 turnover that reached 314 Million euro, + 42% compared to the 220 Million Euro in 2015; 25,4 Million Euro EBIDTA ( + 21% than 2015), achieved thanks to a steady production growth of 28 yachts and 5 superyachts sold in 2016. Sanlorenzo is the first shipyard overtaking the 2008 pre-crisis turnover, a unique achievement in the entire nautical sector, that drove the company to invest sixty Million Euro to increase the production capacity in the next 2 years: 20 Million Euro in 8 new products, 40 Million Euro in the expansion of two production facilities in Ameglia and La Spezia. Plus 42% turnover equals plus 40% Productivity Bonus to workforce. Sanlorenzo and its patron Massimo Perotti (recently appointed Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour by the Italian Reppublic President Sergio Mattarella) confirmed great sensibility towards the company’s workforce and employees not only avoiding employment cuts and the use of social safety nets during the bad economy years, but the Sanlorenzo workers reached an increased productivity bonus of + 40% this year, in line with the 2016 turnover growth of + 42%.
Sea Ray Dealers Honored in Customer Satisfaction
Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for excellence in customer satisfaction, earning a total of 101 awards and kicking off the CSI Dealer Award Program’s inaugural year. The winning Sea Ray dealerships were individually acknowledged on June 2 by a representative from the NMMA. “We would like to congratulate all of the dealers who achieved this honor, and extend our gratitude for their hard work and dedication,” said Brad Anderson, Sea Ray president and general manager of Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers. “The satisfaction of our customers is our highest priority, and Sea Ray’s dealers are our primary ambassadors in the field.” Dealers were eligible to win the award in both the Sales and Service areas of their dealership. Recipients achieved an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher, with the required return percentages, over the past program year. Data was collected as part of a survey among customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. For this reporting period, the program surveyed more than 122,000 customers. “Sea Ray’s dealers are committed to providing our boaters with the highest level of service, day in and day out,” said Scott Ward, Sea Ray president and general manager of Sport Yachts and Yachts. “We applaud their continued efforts and commend them for earning this recognition.”
Tiara Dealers Awarded 2016 CSI Award
Tiara Yachts is proud to announce several authorized Tiara Yachts Dealers have been recognized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) through their expanded Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction (CSI) program. This program identifies marine dealers that excel in customer satisfaction and who rate 90 percent or above in overall customer satisfaction in sales and service categories. Dealers are recognized based on individual brands they carry, but also on an aggregate score of all brands they carry who are measured in the current CSI program. Seven of the Sales Winners were awarded 2016 Top Tiara Dealer honors; all of the Service Winners were awarded 2016 Top Tiara Dealer honors.
Wider New Owners
Exa Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Limited completed the acquisition of Wider in April of this year. This latest acquisition complements an existing portfolio of yachting investments which include Grand Banks, Palm Beach Yachts and the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Exa Limited also has an interest in the cutting-edge Dutch submersible builder, U-Boat Worx. "We recognize the hard work that was put in to the Wider brand to achieve the level of recognition they now enjoy around the globe. We believe that in collaboration with our shipyards in Germany, particularly on managing production, we can increase efficiency while maintaining the high quality and ensure that we are able to deliver yachts on time and on budget" said Michael Hackman, Executive Vice President of Marine Operations with Genting Hong Kong and interim Chairman of Wider.
Wider Winner of Robb Report Best of the Best
A further prestigious award for the Wider 150, now called M/Y ‘Bartali’, as she is recognized by the Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2017, within the category ‘Wings & Water’. Packed with unique features, the Wider 150, with exterior styling by Fulvio De Simoni and a contemporary interior by La Spezia based designers, IdeaeItalia, was chosen by the judges at the glamorous American luxury lifestyle magazine because she “pushes technology while enhancing onboard livability”. The diesel electric propulsion system used on board the Wider 150, common place on commercial and military boats, is the first yacht of this size to take advantage of this technology to offer clients the benefits of the system; these include: Increased flexibility of layout in the design, Reduced noise and vibration, Fuel Efficiency (up to 20% better) and thus extended cruising range, Ability to run solely on battery power for a full night or whilst using the beach club no noise or smoke or smell, just the sound of the waves lapping up against the side of the hull. Robb Report’s Best of the Best are awarded annually and judged by the international editors of this prestigious title to recognize the leading yachts launched in the previous year across a variety of categories. This year, the Wider 150 was chosen among the editors’ favorite seven yachts launched in 2016. “We are honored to receive the Best of the Best award from Robb Report” aid Michael Hackman, Executive Vice President - Marine Operations with Genting Hong Kong and interim Chairman of Wider – “This is another very prestigious award and adds to our growing collection. We are now focused on the Wider 165, due for delivery early next year, and are confident that she will be even better.”
Viking Operation Resolute
Several special operations soldiers enjoyed a great day of Gulf Stream fishing aboard the Viking 76 Accordingly IV, owned by Johnny and Susan Stevenson out of Morehead City, North Carolina, over Memorial Day weekend. The trip was organized by Operation Resolute, a ministry for special operations soldiers and their families. The team had a pretty catch of dolphin that they later shared on the grill at the home of Captain Peter and Evelyn Du Bose. "It is truly an honor to give back to these brave men that sacrifice so much to keep our country safe," said Captain Peter.
Viking Advanced Classes
The Viking Yacht Company recently hosted an intensive one-day, hands-on training class for Atlantic Marine Electronics as well other local marine electronics companies. The National Marine Electronics Association taught a sophisticated class, "Advanced NMEA 2000," to the electricians.
This new complex course focuses on installations, setup and troubleshooting of intricate and multifaceted NMEA 2000 networks. The day included a classroom presentation as well as hands-on stations equipped with cutting-edge NMEA 2000 equipment. The purpose of the hands-on portion is to provide the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the ability to design, build, configure, evaluate, backup network files and troubleshoot using techniques taught by the NMEA instructor.
Viking at Fifth Annual Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament
Miss Victoria, a Viking 76, took 2nd Place at the recent Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament which is the third and final leg of the Abaco Diamond Series. Dave Berard, Kyle Francis and Heath Brown each released a blue marlin and Austin Genord added a white to the log. Brian Speedy claimed 2nd Place Captain. This finish follows up Miss Victoria's win from the second leg of the series. Jeremiah Nachtigal weighed in the Top Tuna at 16.5-pounds. Jeremiah fished the Viking 66 Game Changer along with 3rd Place Angler Robert Boyce Jr., who released two blue marlin. Mike Molinini fishing on the Viking 70 Manna Ray had the Top Wahoo at 59.1-pounds.
Viking at 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
One second after 2pm on the final fishing day a Big Rock official confirmed over the radio that no boats were hooked up. Cheers abounded on the Viking 48 Rehab that boated a 506-pound blue marlin as that confirmed the team's 2nd Place among the field of 177 boats. Captain Nathan Shepard put angler Ryan Howard on the fish during the team's final day of fishing. After a fight of an hour and a half, Rehab made it to the scales in under two hours running at 40 knots. Captain Nathan said, "A lot of people think it's all about the guy running the boat. To me the most important thing is the people in the 'pit. They never question my decision and give it 100% every day. That's what a winning team is about."
Viking at Second Annual Gamefish Grande Tournament
The first of the two-leg Gamefish Grande Tournament took place at the Marina Gaviota in Varadero, Cuba. After three days of fishing off the coast, the Viking 52 Hog Wild won 2nd Place. Angler Wayne Carmignani released a blue marlin to putHog Wild on the board. The team also released the largest dolphin of the tournament weighing in at 32.4 pounds. The teams traveled to Marina Hemingway in Havana, Cuba, to fish the second half of the series. Hog Wild released five blue marlin, one white and three sailfish to win the leg.
Viking at 21st Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic
A record fleet of 120 boats battled it out in the recent Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Fishing was tight but the top blue marlin was caught by Jeff Friedman, aboard the Viking 76 Aires with a fish tipping the scales at 668.77 pounds. The 3rd Place Blue Marlin was caught by Dana Foster on the Viking 72 Born2Run with a 563.92-pound fish. Greg Cooper fishing A Work of Art, a Viking 92, weighed in the 3rd Heaviest Wahoo with a 60.82-pound 'hoo. The Viking 61 Ellie B claimed the 3rd spot in the Swordfish Release category.
Viking at 2017 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Tropical Storm Cindy tried her best, but she couldn't deter the perseverance of the 36-boat fleet competing in the 2017 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in Sandestin, Florida, last weekend. When the scale finally settled after two wild days of fishing the final outcome was decided by only two pounds. Those two extra pounds ultimately named Jason Benton's Viking 56 Don't Blink the 2017 tournament champion. Angler Mike Hickey, Captain Skip McAllister, mates Sid Little, Wayne Riles and the crew boated a 553-pound blue marlin to claim the 1st Place title. Don't Blink angler Bill Horn weighed in the Top Wahoo at 67.5 pounds. Sixteen-year-old Alex Krake and his veteran crew aboard the Viking 76 Team Supreme made a late challenge only to come up 32 ounces short. Captain Chase Lake ran a 551-pound blue to the scales to take 2nd Place Marlin honors. Captain Joe Fish Hebert, running the Viking 58 Geaux Deep, won the Top Crew and Top Release Team. Geaux Deep's JD Hebert was named the Top Release Angler with all five of the boat's fish. The Viking 72 Born2Run with Captain Myles Colley at the helm claimed 2nd Place Release Team with four fish. Owner/angler Dana Foster scored the largest tuna of the week with a 169-pound yellowfin. Chad Postle, fishing aboard Matt McDonald's Breathe Easy, a Viking 68 run by Captain Patrick Ivie, scored a double-header with the Third Place Tuna (a 142.3-pound bigeye) and the Top Dolphin, a bull that tipped the scales at 27.9 pounds.
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