Gulf Craft Signs Agreement with Bush and Noble
As part of Gulf Craft’s continued focus on international growth and recognition, the luxury yacht and leisure boat builder are pleased to announce the appointment of Bush and Noble Yacht Brokerage as the official broker for the shipyard’s select pre-owned yachts and boats. The appointment will provide a full marketing & distribution service to help expand and promote the trading of pre-owned Gulf Craft vessels to international prospects. Based in Dubai, Bush and Noble was established in 2012 by co-founders John Bush & Brett Noble. With over 30 years combined experience in the luxury motor yacht sector, the company is directed by two industry professionals and is recognized as the leading Yacht Brokerage in the Middle East with clients from all over the world. This wealth of experience and industry passion combined with Gulf Craft’s globally recognized standing of quality yachts and magnificent range provide its international clients with the highest levels of service. “We are proud to welcome Bush & Noble into the Gulf Craft network” says Gregory Yeakle, CEO of Gulf Craft. “It is the beginning of yet another exciting new voyage, as we foresee immense growth potential. The Majesty Yachts collection holds its value longer than comparable models and promises even next generation owners many more exciting years of service. Bush & Noble are renowned for their consultancy services along with their impartial guidance to the yacht owners and they are sure to enhance our global presence.” This exciting new business venture will be led by John Bush, Co-Founder and Director of Bush and Noble. “The global Yacht industry is projected to reach US$74.7 billion by 2022, driven by the rising interest in luxury cruising among high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals. This is a fantastic opportunity for Gulf Craft to identify new growth markets for their products. Our new appointment as used stock dealer will truly support the brand’s growth, and we are very excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Hatteras Cup Update
The first-ever Hatteras Cup fishing tournament, which kicked off on June 1st, already has 44 teams and more than 160 anglers registered just two months after getting under way. The Hatteras Cup gives Hatteras owners and teams the chance to try for a share of a $115,000 purse by competing in seven different categories; Blue Marlin, Catch and Release, Dolphin, Grouper, Snapper, Tuna and Wahoo. There’s still plenty of time to get in the game before the contest ends on January 31st. What’s more, if you register for The Hatteras Cup and catch an IGFA World Record-breaking Atlantic Blue Marlin on a Hatteras in a sanctioned tournament before the end of this year, you might just have a million dollars on the line. So far, anglers have entered fifty catches in The Hatteras Cup competition.
Jarrett Bay Receives US Dot Marad Grant
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) has awarded $1 Million to Jarrett Bay to support the purchase of a 300-ton Marine Travelift. A first for a North Carolina shipyard, this grant funding is part of $20 million being presented to 29 U.S. maritime operations to support capital improvements, foster increased efficiency and economic growth.
Jarrett Bay Wins Pirate Cove Tournament
The Jarrett Bay 64, Builder's Choice weighed an incredible 911 lb Blue Marlin on Day 1 of the tournament which helped them hold on to their first place standing throughout the week. The crew aboard Hull 1, Sensation was also awarded Top Dolphin and Top Junior Angler at Pirate's Cove. It's hard to put into words how much the Builder's Choice win in Pirate's Cove means at Jarrett Bay. The Huddle family has been an integral part of the history and success, and Jack and Harris chased that winning fish for a long time! To Harris and Jack Huddle, Capt. Brent Gaskill, Alan Scibal, Anthony Floars and with Jack Huddle and Joy and Manley Gaskill looking down on it all congratulations.
Jarrett Bay Wins White Marlin Open
There's no contesting the claim of White Marlin Open to be the richest billfish tournament in the world. The Jarrett Bay 55, Weldor's Ark shook up the leader board with a non-gaffed 83-pound white marlin and took home an astounding $2.58 million in prize money!
Jarrett Bay at Lady Angler Tournament
Jarrett Bay Boat Works hull #1, Sensation wins second Place overall and the 64' Builder's Choice wins fifth Place overall in this one-day ladies only tournament. The Jarrett Bay 55, Fender Bender won Top Tuna as well.
Jarrett Bay Success in Bermuda
Lainey Jones from the Jarrett Bay Boat Works 77, Mama Who wins Top Lady Angler at the Bermuda Big Game Classic. Luke Fletcher on the Waste Knot wins Top Junior Angler and 2nd Largest Wahoo at the Bermuda Big Game Classic. Hull #23, Sea Striker takes 2nd Place Overall at the Bermuda Sea Horse Anglers Club Tournament.
After a harrowing, high speed accident in the season opening race of the 2018 Union International Motonautique XCAT world championship in Fujairah, UAE. Maritimo Racing is focused on a 2019 world championship revival and is well advanced in the development of a new R30 XCAT. The April crash saw Maritimo's Ross Willaton knocked unconscious on impact, having to be rescued by the Bergamore Scuba Angels after spending several minutes submerged in the cockpit. He subsequently spent five days in ICU being treated for fluid on the lungs. Whilst Tom Barry-Cotter escaped with minor internal bruising. Maritimo said the impact virtually destroyed the boat, which will be later converted into a racing experience project. The team is now well advanced on a new Maritimo R30 which is being closely guarded at the company's Gold Coast manufacturing plant. The new Maritimo R30 has been designed by Tom Barry-Cotter and Maritimo's in-house design and engineering department. Details of the new design are being kept confidential, but construction is underway in Maritimo Racing's Research and Development Department, and Barry-Cotter said the new design incorporated significant emphasis on the aerodynamic characteristics of the hull and deck. "We are looking to maximize lift at the slower speed range, crucial for quick getaways at start chute speeds which has not be an area of strength for us in the past," he said. "We recognise that our starts have been our weakness and many times we have qualified in the top two and had our position wasted because of our under performing acceleration away from the start." "Our aim is to find another two or three seconds from where we currently are and improve the low range acceleration so we are in a position to better capitalize on our qualifying position," he said. The Mercury Racing XCAT 400 ROS Powered R30 will be constructed of carbon fibre and E-glass composites using latest resin infusion practices. "The boat is being constructed in a way that will maximise hull/deck strength and integrity which is imperative given the fierce nature of the XCAT World Championship which often results in boats sustaining damage at some stage throughout the season," he said. "The boat's systems will be completely modular and contained in waterproof containers within the hull in order to reduce the time required to have the boat running in the scenario of being submerged. "The R30 is designed to the latest UIM safety specifications and our desire is for our monocoque design to be the case study of structural integrity and protecting our drivers from impacts and inundation." He said the design and construction of the new R30 was a unique scenario with both the driver and designer being one. Maritimo is the only Australian motoryacht manufacturer to have its own race team and experiences on the international circuit are fed back into the design and construction of all the models in its range. "The competitive culture of racing is inherent in everything we do and we are constantly striving to improve and refine our product offering using the data and feedback we receive first hand on the race circuit," he said.
Maritimo Muster in British Columbia
Boasting some of the most picturesque inland protected waterways on earth the USA's Pacific Northwest and West Coast of Canada is about to be the scene of a major marine event with direct links Down Under. Maritimo Americas, Compass Point Yacht Sales and Silver Seas Yacht Sales are staging a boat owners' rendezvous called the Maritimo Muster at the Port Sidney Marina on Victoria Island, British Columbia in coming weeks with owners of the Australian made vessels set to be treated to three days of fun, good times and education. The Muster will kick off on Thursday August 30 and run through until the following Sunday and at this stage there are seventeen Maritimo's registered to attend with about 50 people taking part. Compass Point Yacht Sales, Bill and Michelle King, are co-ordinating the event. "This is a destination event which means we have owners coming from Canada B.C and from the West Coast of Washington State and California USA," said Michelle King. "We have timed the Maritimo Muster to be at the end of our boating season because many Maritimo's have been cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan Islands off Washington State, or continuing up to the Gulf Islands of Canada in recent months. Maritimo Americas President Dave Northrop said the Australian built vessels were perfectly suited for extended Northwest cruising with the enclosed, climate controlled fly bridges, state of the art engineering, exemplary sea keeping ability, reliability and economic running. "The long range cruising capability of Maritimo motor yachts enables owners to use their vessels to their full potential in some of the most stunning protected waterways and landscapes on earth." The Port Sidney event will start on the Thursday with an initial registration and meet and greet event. On Friday there will be a full day of owners' seminars and presentations including a presentation by Maritimo’s lead designer Tom Barry-Cotter, on the exciting design projects currently in development at the Australian manufacturing facility. After lunch there will be a presentation from Quick, featuring their new stabilization gyro, Yacht-Controller and Garmin Electronics. On Saturday the program will see a continuation of the hands-on training seminars with presentations again from Garmin, Yacht-Controller and Quick with representatives spending time with owners educating them and answering questions about handling their vessels. At the end of the day the participants will be transported by bus to the magnificent Butchart Gardens, celebrating more than 100 years of beauty. A gourmet picnic basket dinner while lounging on Maritimo picnic blankets listening to live jazz and watching the last fireworks show of the year will make for a magical evening. "On Sunday morning we will have a fully catered breakfast for our Maritimo owners and their guests before bidding them farewell at various times during the day," said Michelle King. "The Port Sidney Muster is about education, socialising, camaraderie and making sure our owners get the most out of the vessels and the boating lifestyle that exists in this part of the world." Barry-Cotter said Compass Point Yacht Sales, Silver Seas Yacht Sales and Maritimo Americas, were important partners with Maritimo in promoting the brand through the Americas and Canada.
Boasting some of the most picturesque inland protected waterways on earth the USA's Pacific Northwest and West Coast of Canada is about to be the scene of a major marine event with direct links Down Under. Maritimo Americas, Compass Point Yacht Sales and Silver Seas Yacht Sales are staging a boat owners' rendezvous called the Maritimo Muster at the Port Sidney Marina on Victoria Island, British Columbia in coming weeks with owners of the Australian made vessels set to be treated to three days of fun, good times and education. The Muster will kick off on Thursday August 30 and run through until the following Sunday and at this stage there are seventeen Maritimo's registered to attend with about 50 people taking part. Compass Point Yacht Sales, Bill and Michelle King, are co-ordinating the event. "This is a destination event which means we have owners coming from Canada B.C and from the West Coast of Washington State and California USA," said Michelle King. "We have timed the Maritimo Muster to be at the end of our boating season because many Maritimo's have been cruising the beautiful waters of the San Juan Islands off Washington State, or continuing up to the Gulf Islands of Canada in recent months. Maritimo Americas President Dave Northrop said the Australian built vessels were perfectly suited for extended Northwest cruising with the enclosed, climate controlled fly bridges, state of the art engineering, exemplary sea keeping ability, reliability and economic running. "The long range cruising capability of Maritimo motor yachts enables owners to use their vessels to their full potential in some of the most stunning protected waterways and landscapes on earth." The Port Sidney event will start on the Thursday with an initial registration and meet and greet event. On Friday there will be a full day of owners' seminars and presentations including a presentation by Maritimo’s lead designer Tom Barry-Cotter, on the exciting design projects currently in development at the Australian manufacturing facility. After lunch there will be a presentation from Quick, featuring their new stabilization gyro, Yacht-Controller and Garmin Electronics. On Saturday the program will see a continuation of the hands-on training seminars with presentations again from Garmin, Yacht-Controller and Quick with representatives spending time with owners educating them and answering questions about handling their vessels. At the end of the day the participants will be transported by bus to the magnificent Butchart Gardens, celebrating more than 100 years of beauty. A gourmet picnic basket dinner while lounging on Maritimo picnic blankets listening to live jazz and watching the last fireworks show of the year will make for a magical evening. "On Sunday morning we will have a fully catered breakfast for our Maritimo owners and their guests before bidding them farewell at various times during the day," said Michelle King. "The Port Sidney Muster is about education, socialising, camaraderie and making sure our owners get the most out of the vessels and the boating lifestyle that exists in this part of the world." Barry-Cotter said Compass Point Yacht Sales, Silver Seas Yacht Sales and Maritimo Americas, were important partners with Maritimo in promoting the brand through the Americas and Canada.
Riva Shows Support to Unicef
To mark the first UNICEF Summer Gala, Riva has donated a unique Fiat 500 Riva Cabriolet that has been sold at auction during yesterday evening's exclusive charity event, held in the splendid setting of Porto Cervo. Riva and Ferretti Group showed their support of UNICEF and the programmes developed by the United Nations to combat infant mortality and protect children. The vehicle is number 069/500 Fiat 500 Riva Cabriolet, a Limited Edition marking the legendary partnership of the two brands, and was donated by the shipyard to be sold at the charity auction that took place during a glamorous gala evening attended by international guests from the worlds of cinema and music. “The Smallest Yacht in the world”, as the Fiat 500 Riva has been called, is the result of the partnership linking these two icons in the world of motoring and yachting, and stands out for its unique aesthetic and luxurious materials selected by Riva. The dashboard is in real mahogany with maple wood inlays, the same woods chosen by Riva for its yachts, whereas the exclusive numbered limited edition plaque was assigned to the first 500 vehicles. The vehicle donated by Riva for the charity event also comes with a customized Owner Set made exclusively by Poltrona Frau and usually only available to yacht owners.
Riva Private Deck 2018
Ekka Yachts exclusive dealer for Ferretti Yachts, Riva Pershing, Itama, and Mochi Craft brands in Greece, celebrated new 2018 Riva models with an exclusive party at its summer office in Mykonos. The event – La Dolcevita Summer Party – was celebrated at its elite hub for yacht and superyacht owners in the Aegean Sea, known as the Riva Private Deck, located at the illustrious Nammos Mykonos, on Psarou Beach. Some 200 clients and partners celebrated the recent launch of Riva’s new flagship model, the new 110’ Dolcevita; while another 15 yachts from Riva and the Ferretti Group were on show. Entertainment was provided by Nientedimeno, a swing band from Napoli, while guests were served signature Riva cocktails and a special buffet provided by Nammos Restaurant by the Sea. The Riva Private Deck - owned by Ekka Yachts - is the only yacht service office located on a beach in Greece. It forms part of Nammos’ ‘cabanas concept’ which was launched in August 2016, and this is the deck’s third season of operation.Yachting services such as sales and purchase, technical support, crewed yacht charters, seabob sales, and Riva brand experience accessories are offered by Ekka Yachts and the bar is operated by Nammos.
Riviera Recognizes Excellence
Australia’s premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has celebrated the achievements of its R Marine Dealer network at an awards ceremony held during the Sydney International Boat Show. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst announced that for 2017-18, Riviera’s Dealership of the Year was awarded to R Marine South Australia, Service Excellence was awarded to R Marine Jacksons, Sales Excellence to R Marine Flagship and the Outstanding Individual award presented to Ben Croft. “We are obsessive about the Riviera and Belize owner-care experience,” said Mr Longhurst. “Our annual awards reflect our dealerships comprehensive owner commitment. From pre-purchase through to delivery, the handover process through to warranty and service performance are key contributors towards our awards. Equally, continual owner education on boat handling, technical systems operation as well as the conducting of our very popular cruise-in-company events all play a critical role in our awards. “The team at R Marine South Australia has demonstrated excellence in every element of their activities centred on their owner experience. “We care deeply about our owners’ investment in their Riviera or Belize luxury motor yacht and they’re complete boating experience. We greatly value their feedback as we strive to become an exceptional company that our owners revere and know that they can depend upon” said Mr Longhurst. R Marine South Australia Dealer Principal Paul Harrop accepted the Dealer of the Year award on behalf of his team. "I am immensely proud of the team I lead," said Mr Harrop. "They have all been with us for many years and are dedicated to providing the very best service possible to our clients. Put simply, we care. I believe that is why we have won this award for six of the past seven years." R Marine Jacksons, based in Melbourne, won the award for Service Excellence by a Dealership and R Marine Flagship, based in Auckland, New Zealand, took the award for Sales Excellence by a Dealership. R Marine Jacksons Principal Stuart Jackson said: "We have a long-term focus on our clients. To achieve great results for them, we invest in our people to ensure they have the highest level of skills in the industry. That means ongoing training to stay on top of technology change. And our clients know we are available at any time - because challenges don't arrive during normal working hours." Accepting the Sales Excellence award on behalf of R Marine Flagship, Director Liam Power said they had invested strongly over the past year in facilities for motor yacht enthusiasts. "Our people are highly skilled and totally focused on our clients," he said. "We now have a 19-berth marina showcase for our motor yachts and the Riviera name is synonymous with the highest level of quality. Our job is to match that quality with client service and we are achieving that." Ben Croft from R Marine Jones won the award for Outstanding Individual. "It was a fantastic surprise," said Ben. "Providing warranty and service at R Marine Jones, I always strive to do the very best I can and constantly to learn more about our extraordinary motor yachts. My goal in every interaction is to make our clients happy." The R Marine network exclusively represents the Riviera and Belize marques throughout Australia and New Zealand and is the Asia Pacific’s most experienced luxury motor yacht dealer network.
Riviera Exports Seven Multi Million US Dollars Boats to USA
Australia's premium luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, will export more than $14 million of yachts tomorrow, Friday August 24th to the United States, its largest overseas shipment in over 10 years. The seven motor yachts range from the newly released $850,000 sporty and adventurous 395 SUV model through to the new long range and luxurious 72 Sports Motor Yacht valued at $4.5 million. Both models will have their Americas Premiere at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in Florida in October. The company will also showcase at Fort Lauderdale the World Premiere of its much anticipated and traditionally-inspired Belize 66 flagship, together with the Americas Premiere of the 39 Sports Motor Yacht which re-imagines motor yachting under 40-feet. Riviera Owner Rodney Longhurst said that this shipment confirms the company’s stature as a premium quality motor yacht builder on the international stage with demand continuing to grow from all parts of the world. “This is also a first for Riviera in more than a decade where such a significant international release of new models has been staged at the worlds largest boat show, Mr Longhurst said. “The shipment represents a milestone and triumph for our 630-strong team based on Queensland’s Gold Coast, with a total of seven motor yachts exported in the one shipment. This is something that Riviera has not achieved in well over 10 years. “The high level of luxury, leading technology and refinement reflected in all of our 19 individual motor yacht models today is sought after by boating aficionado’s around the world. Riviera is highly regarded internationally, and our premium calibre resonates with discerning buyers of superior craftsmanship. “Logistically the exercise is a considerable undertaking for our team, with the loading a delicate operation, and the ship’s route has actually been diverted to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to allow the timely arrival of these four yachts for the boat show and the remaining three yachts to be delivered to their enthusiastic new owners.” The motor yachts will travel down the Brisbane River on Friday morning to the Port of Brisbane where they will be loaded on the 210-metre AS Patronia container ship in an operation that will take more than four hours to complete. Riviera’s international reputation has been built on more than 5,300 motor yachts launched throughout the company’s rich 38-year heritage. Over 2,000 Riviera yachts have been exported over this period.
S2 Yachts Sells Pursuit Boats
Malibu Boats, Inc. a leading global manufacturer of recreational fiberglass boats, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with S2 Yachts, Inc. to acquire all assets of its Pursuit Boats brand for a total consideration of $100 million. Pursuit, located in Fort Pierce, Florida, is a leader in the saltwater outboard fishing boat market through its offering 15 models of offshore, dual console and center console boats. The saltwater outboard fishing market is one of the largest and fastest growing segments in the marine industry. Pursuit’s premium market position has been established over its 41-year history through a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. “As a leader in the saltwater outboard fishing segment, Pursuit is an incredible addition to the Malibu family. The Pursuit brand maintains a strong reputation for luxurious appointments, innovation, and premium quality, and this highly complementary business creates strong strategic opportunities to enhance product development across our portfolio of brands. Together, we have an opportunity to broaden our outboard offering, while leveraging the manufacturing and design expertise of the respective teams to continue to deliver the premium products customers expect,” commented Jack Springer, Chief Executive Officer of Malibu Boats. “Over the past 41 years, Pursuit Boats has established an unmatched premium brand through our incredible dealer network and longstanding commitment to our customers. As a trailblazer in its own right, Malibu is the perfect partner, as we maintain similar cultures with a shared passion for product and people, which has driven our collective long-term success. This transaction is as much about the right partner to steward Pursuit’s future as it is about the sale price. Malibu is that right partner. The Slikkers family will continue to own and operate Tiara Yachts and Tiara Sport brands under the S2 Yachts umbrella and we are excited about that.” said Tom Slikkers, Chief Executive Officer of S2 Yachts. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth calendar quarter of 2018, subject to customary closing conditions.
Sunseeker Launches Project Menorca
Sunseeker is delighted to launch an exciting marine conservation program on the Balearic Island of Menorca with its long-term charity partner, The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE). With the future of healthy seas and oceans at risk, Britain’s biggest boat builder has set out to launch its first campaign titled ‘Project Menorca’ which will focus on the island’s marine environment. Menorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1993 however, the island still faces increased pressure from unregulated fishing, tourism and pollution, while the current marine protection scheme is proving ineffective. Working closely with Blue, a UK-based charity dedicated to creating marine reserves, the new partnership will establish a recognized model of conservation, supported by local partners on the island including the Menorca Preservation Fund. Project Menorca will support local fisheries in creating a model of sustainable fishing, establish a network of ‘eco-moorings’ to preserve sea grass beds, protect marine reserves by removing plastics and ‘ghost’ fishing nets, distribute recyclable bags across the island and recruit on-water rangers for various marine monitoring programs. This challenge presents an ideal opportunity to make a tangible difference in protecting Menorca’s marine environment and Sunseeker aims to widen the programme worldwide. Sunseeker will also be supporting Blue’s virtual Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC). Launched in 2012 by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the BYMC was formed to unite the global yachting community in a clear mission to protect our oceans. Sunseeker fully endorses the BMYC and offers three levels of membership with all revenue raised going directly to supporting BLUE’s work in Menorca. Dependent on the membership level, donors will be given the unique opportunity of having a guided tour of the Menorca project first-hand or at the highest level, naming rights to this or other projects. BMYC has also developed its own eight-point ‘Charter’ which makes simple observations about how to reduce the impact of boating with very little effort whilst supporting biodiversity and hence its sustainability. The code of conduct, which is promoted by Sunseeker, includes information on topics such as reducing damage from anchoring and mooring, stopping marine pollution, the recognition of protected areas, as well as diving and snorkeling best practice. Commenting on the launch of Project Menorca, CEO of Sunseeker International, Phil Popham said: “We are passionate about the marine environment worldwide. Our luxury yachts have been crafted so that Sunseeker owners can enjoy them to their fullest potential, wherever they may be. We strive to be global leaders in all that we do and it’s important to us that we also do our part to help protect one of our most valuable resources, so that we - and future generations - can all continue to enjoy our precious time on the water. Our partnership with BLUE provides this focus and will lead to other projects worldwide. He continues: “We recognize that there has been a real awakening in the leisure marine industry to be even more responsible and we have been at the forefront of this by encouraging everyone to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our seas. By utilizing the generosity and very unique qualities of the entire leisure marine industry including yacht owners from all brands, our dealers, suppliers and employees, we will be able to help reverse this dramatic decline.” Clare Brook, CEO of Blue Marine Foundation, added: “Sunseeker’s inspirational and generous support will enable BLUE to enhance existing marine protection and establish new marine reserves around Menorca. Menorca’s waters are home to rare grouper, sharks, dolphins, whales, octopus and lobster. Tuna migrate to the area to reproduce and coastal seagrass beds shelter juvenile fish. These marine meadows also trap 35x more carbon than terrestrial forests. We hope that, through this partnership, Sunseeker and its supporters – people who really love and understand the sea – will be able to enjoy its unspoiled beauty for centuries to come.” With the launch of Project Menorca, Sunseeker is encouraging everyone to think about how they can help protect our most valuable resource.
Sunseeker with Simon Le Bon for Southampton
Sunseeker is delighted to announce that lead singer of iconic British band Duran Duran, Simon Le Bon, will be the special guest at this year’s 50th anniversary show starting on Friday September 14. Simon, a long-serving ambassador of The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), will be officially opening the Sunseeker stand and BLUE exhibition space. Sunseeker will be showcasing its commitment to marine conservation at Southampton Boat Show with an immersive exhibition experience that will demonstrate the importance of protecting the marine environment for future generations. The exhibition, which is located on the stand, will highlight the problems we currently face globally, with increased pressure from unregulated fishing, tourism and pollution. Since 2017, Sunseeker has partnered with BLUE and has recently launched its first campaign titled ‘Project Menorca’, an exciting marine conservation programme that will focus on improving and protecting the island’s marine environment. Simon, who will arrive at the show, on board a Sunseeker yacht, is extremely passionate about raising awareness of the damaging effects that overfishing and the destruction of biodiversity can have on the world’s oceans, and took part in the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1985. Since becoming an ambassador for BLUE, Simon has launched fundraising initiatives, including a charity bike ride from London to Monaco, spoken on behalf of the charity at several events and carried out interviews highlighting the work of the charity. Simon commented: “The sea is a beautiful thing. We all grew up thinking it was perfect, pristine, and it would always stay that way. However, now we’re starting to see the reality of humanity’s impact on the world’s waters. It is a disaster unfolding before our eyes. “If we want to preserve the living seas, we have a lot of work to do and it heartens me to see brands like Sunseeker working really hard to raise awareness and implement projects that will help us in our endeavour.”
Viking Extra Activities
President of St. Joseph's University Dr. Marc Reed along with Executive Director of Mission Programs Father Dan Joyce and Vice President for Development and Alumni Martin Farrell spent a picture-perfect day at the Viking Yacht Company in New Gretna, New Jersey. Long-time SJU alumni and supporters, the Viking family hosted the trio to a tour of the manufacturing plant and Viking's world-class yachts and then a bite in the storied Viking lunchroom. Viking's President and CEO Patrick Healey, Executive Co-Chair of the Viking Group Robert Healey, Jr. and Viking CFO John Kasinski are all legacies of St. Joe's, while Patrick's daughter Kaitlyn began her freshman year as a Hawk earlier this week and John's daughter Lauren is currently working on her graduate degree. Shown above left to right: Father Dan Joyce, Robert Healey, Jr., Dr. Marc Reed, Patrick Healey, Martin Farrell, John Kasinski, Sean Healey and Justin Healey.
Viking at Mid Atlantic
Sportfishing's "Main Event" came to an exciting close for 157 of the East Coast's most elite teams. Justin Branning's Viking 55 3's Enough tied for 2nd Heaviest White Marlin with a fish tipping the scales at 73 pounds at The MidAtlantic. South Jersey Yacht Sale's George Robinson was fishing on light tackle and hooked up 10 minutes before lines out. He fought the fish for a solid hour before Captain Walt Ogden sprinted back to Cape May with it. The Branning family purchased the boat just two weeks prior to the MidAtlantic and with the excitement of prepping for their very first marlin tournament, they didn't have a chance to update the name on the transom. So the above picture isn't a mistake. Michael Chase aboard Fred Pizinski's Viking 50 Contrail claimed both 2nd and 3rd Place Wahoo with his pair of 'hoos weighing in at 49 and 46 pounds. Torta, a Viking 66 owned by Joe Posillico, also weighed a 46-pound wahoo for a 3rd Place tie.
Viking at White Marlin Open
Auspicious, a Viking 80 Enclosed Bridge, was the first to bring a blue marlin to the scales at this week's White Marlin Open. As of the writing of this email, it remains on top of the board at 881 pounds and 128 inches, the sixth-largest blue marlin in the tournament's 45-year history. Angler Joe Rahman said it took 50 minutes to land the monster about 90 miles offshore. "The bite was huge. I've never seen anything like it," Joe said. Fishing concludes today for the fleet of 382 boats.
Viking at Canyon Club
"It was epic!" said International Sales Manager Anthony Scola after the Viking 68's recent overnight trip. That theme resounded amongst the crew that fished out of the Canyon Club in Cape May, New Jersey, pounding out an impressive 20-plus hours of trolling with a few night owls dropping lines in as well. Early on, Viking's Sean Healey hooked up with a monster blue marlin estimated at over 900 pounds. The beast continuously hit the right teaser until it was 15 feet from the boat. Then it dramatically aired out and took the pitch bait. Keith Monahan, Viking's Sales Manager, said, "The fish and the bite were absolutely spectacular." Captain Scott Adams ran Viking's demo boat about 85 miles out in flat calm, perfect weather where the team went five for seven on white marlin. Matt Schad from Valhalla Boat Sales said, "It was a great trip and a really great crew." Additional anglers were South Jersey Yacht Sales' Greg Robinson and Mike Fitzpatrick. Mates were Mike Mahon and Keith Greenburg.
Viking at Mid Atlantic 2018
This year's fleet is bursting at the seams with 157 boats in the hunt at sportfishing's "Main Event." For the first time ever in MidAtlantic history, zero boats fished Day 3 due to the nasty offshore forecast. That means it's going to be a wild ride until the scales close at 9pm tonight! Will the Viking 61 Southern C's stay on top with blue marlin points or how about the Viking 55 3's Enough 2nd Place White Marlin? Plenty of Vikings are in the mix and on the board so it's anyone's game. Stay tuned as we update you when the dust settles at the scales.
Viking at White Marlin Open
This year's White Marlin Open had a record $5.45-million purse and 382 of the world's elite fishing teams were battling for a piece of it. The blue marlin category was safely held all week when Joe Rahman, fishing on his Viking 80 Auspicious with Captain Cookie Murray, brought a monster to the scales weighing in at 881 pounds on Day 1. The fish was never challenged as it was the only qualifying blue weighed all week. Joe also claimed 2nd Place Angler for weighing in both a blue and white marlin as well as releasing three whites. Auspicious picked up 6th Place Boat with its two weighed marlin and six white releases. The New-England-based Blinky IV, a Viking 50, claimed 2nd Place Tuna with a 73.5-pounder weighed by angler Charles Matattal. Leo Cantillo, on the Viking 62 The Right Place, claimed the 4th Heaviest Wahoo of the event with a 47-pound fish. While lots of excitement takes place at the scales, with million-dollar fish in front of massive cheering crowds, there is plenty of intense behind-the-scenes action on the Atlantic among skilled teams taking advantage of exceptional marlin fishing grounds. This year the Viking 72 (above) topped the competition with 10 white marlin and a blue, driving Captain Ryan Higgins and his team to both 1st Place Boat and 1st Place Release Boat. Viking 72 angler Eric McDowell claimed 6th Place Angler with one blue and three white marlin releases. Art Kontos' Viking 68 Let It Ride was the 9th Place Release Boat and 10th Place Top Boat. The crew released six white marlin, three sailfish and a spearfish.
Wider Get Visit from Genting Group
In April 2017 Exa Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary company of Genting Hong Kong Limited, acquired 100% of Wider. Since then work on the Wider 165 superyacht "Cecilia" has forged ahead with particular attention dedicated to the quality of workmanship, and excellence of engineering. Although their head office is in another continent, key personnel from Genting have never been far away. "Cecilia" has been a project very close to their hearts so it was no surprise that a delegation from the company, led by Chairman of the board Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, visited the shipyard this month to join in the celebrations following the superyacht's launch.
Yachting Developments Ian Cook Appointed as Commodore
Yachting Developments are proud that the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has appointed Ian Cook as its new Commodore, stepping up from his previous role as Vice Commodore. The RNZYS has a reputation as New Zealand's most prestigious yacht club and is the current home to the America's Cup. Ian has had a long-term involvement with the Squadron, and is honored to be stepping into the role of Commodore.
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