-pic of the month- Evo at Miami Art Basel Spa Ricci Grand Opening
Azimut-Benetti Leading Super Yacht Manufacturer Again
The Italian company is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-end yachts according to the Global Order Book 2017, the ranking of top boat builders across the globe recently published by the prestigious American magazine ShowBoats International. Azimut Benetti Group reported a record-breaking 2,594 meters (8,511 ft) of yachts measuring over 24 meters under construction at the Group’s six production plants. The strength of Azimut Benetti Group, which closed fiscal 2015-2016 reporting value of production of €700 million, lies in its ongoing investments in product development combined with the role it plays as a standard-bearer for Italian quality and yacht building excellence worldwide.
Azimut-Benetti 17th Yachtmaster Edition
On November 22nd and 23rd, Azimut|Benetti Yachtmaster 17 took place in Hong Kong. A broader-than-ever offer of entertainment and professional content, together with record attendance confirm the success of this second Asian edition, which is the opening event of round-the-world annual gathering offered by Azimut Benetti to Captains and professionals in the Yachting industry. Organised annually by Azimut|Benetti, Yachtmaster is based on a unique format developed by the shipyard as a way to offer its owners an even more exclusive level of service, providing ongoing, up-to-date and ever better training opportunities for captains and crew. But Yachtmaster isn’t only a training and learning event. It also offers the chance to meet and network, with conferences, dedicated workshops and team building activities. The tradition of organizing a three-event series in three different geographical areas (Europe, Asia and the United States) was established last year. And seeing how enthusiastically the new format was received, the shipyard decided to replicate it. During this YM17 Asian edition, guests met at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club, where the program of seminars was organised. A total of 66 guests included captains and crew (engineers, officials and stewardesses), as well as surveyors and owners’ representatives. The event was also attended by selected representatives from the media, partners and sponsors
Bavaria New Dealer for US West Coast
Bavaria is pleased to announce JK3 Nautical Enterprises as the new dealer of Bavaria Motorboats for the Western U.S.; with San Diego as their main headquarters, JK3 Nautical Enterprises will take care of sales and service for Bavaria Motorboats. Credibility and quality is the key to the success of JK3 Nautical Enterprises. With offices in Seattle, San Francisco, Newport Beach, San Diego and Houston, the JK3 team is well known for their exemplary service for clients in the U.S. Bavaria Motorboats is happy to announce JK3 as the new dealer for the Western U.S. The first motorboats of the Virtess, S-Line, E-Line and R-Line will arrive soon at JK3. Bavaria Yachts remains one of the most modern shipyards in the marine industry, and boasts the highest growth potential. Under the brand Bavaria Yachts, 24 different models of catamarans, sailing yachts, and motorboats are produced at the headquarters in Giebelstadt and the production site for multihulls is in Rochefort, France. The newest models from Bavaria Motorboats are the semi displacement E40 and the flybridge R40.
Evo Yachts At Miami Art Basel Spa Ricci Grand Opening
Evo Yachts 13-meter is guest of honour at the opening party for the new cathedral of wellness, surrounded by glamour, celebrities and contemporary art. A matter of weeks after its transatlantic debut, Evo 43 and its breathtaking design have already won over the hearts and minds of leading personalities from the world of glamour and high society in the United States. After its launch at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, EVO 43’ visited Miami in Florida last Saturday, November 27, for the official opening of Ricci, a new spa and wellness center created by Sofia Joelsson, one of Miami’s trendiest designers and socialites, who set her eye on EVO 43’ as the evening’s official tender, to welcome and surprise more than one hundred carefully selected guests at the event.
Evo Awarded Alta Gamma Young Business Award
The shipyard wins the prize awarded by the Altagamma Foundation to emerging brands that have excelled in their expression of Italian culture and lifestyle. During the gala evening held on November 22 at Villa Madama in Rome, where the Italian Prime Minister officially entertains international guests, Evo Yachts was awarded the Altagamma Foundation Young Business award in the Engines and Speed category. Now in its second year, the award is presented to emerging Italian companies that stand out for the design, quality and innovative content of their products. These are characteristics recognized by the award panel (Chairman Andrea Illy and the entire Board of the Altagamma Foundation) in the revolutionary EVO 43 day cruiser built by Naples-based shipyard Evo Yachts.
Ferretti Group End 2016 with Production Record
The Ferretti Group is confirmed as a leader in the international yachting industry and as one of the strongest groups in the industry, ending the year 2016 with outstanding results. By 31st December, the number of yachts built under the Group's seven brands will reach a remarkable 148, up by 25% compared to the 117 yachts built in 2015, in itself a record year with an increase of over 20% from 2014. The expected turnover for the current year will be almost 500 million euros. These figures, which are well above the industry's global performance levels, confirm the strength of the Group's industrial and commercial strategy, which included the launch of some 24 new models over three years, with an investment by the shareholders, the Weichai Group and the Ferrari family, of over 50 million euros on product research and development. As in previous years, the new Global Order Book for 2017 - the definitive ranking list of the 20 top builders of yachts over 24 metres just published by the authoritative American magazine “ShowBoats International” confirms yet again the growth of the Group, which has risen to the top of this special ranking too. Notably, the Group was ranked first for number of projects sold or under construction, with as many as 71 under the brands Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Custom Line and CRN, and was ranked second overall with over 2,300 metres (7,546 feet) of super and mega yachts under construction
Gulf Craft Sheikh Visit
Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan payed a visit, to Gulf Craft’s Shipyards in Umm Al Quwain. Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, welcomed Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed to the manufacturing facilities of the company, known to be the number one superyacht builder in the GCC. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed toured the shipyard and viewed the latest and brightest in the country’s yacht building industry. He praised Gulf Craft’s efforts to create a credible brand for UAE-made products in various regional and international forums, which will eventually enhancethe company’s contribution to the GDP. Al Shaali commended the visit and applauded the UAE’s leadership eagerness and support to the national industries.
Nordhavn Live Relaunched
If you haven’t been to Nordhavn website lately, you’re missing out on one of the site’s coolest features, which was recently re-launched in November. Nordhavn Live allows you to get real-time access to things going on with Nordhavn at any given time on a given day. From boat launches, sea trials, owner trips, and new hull shipments, the site is a day-to-day glimpse of 24 hours in the life at Nordhavn. Introduced this past summer, Nordhavn Live became a portal into the happenings of the Alaska rendezvous, the history-making northern latitude trek by Nordhavn 68 Migration, and the equally history-making solo Atlantic Crossing of the Nordhavn 56 motorsailer.
Outer Reef Expands US Pacific Southwest Representation
Hallmark Yachts will manage new boat sales and services for Outer Reef, a welcomed addition to their current sales and service operation, due to increasing regional demand for quality long range motoryachts. Established in 2000, Hallmark Yachts has evolved into the major player within California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and Hawaii, in the sale of used power and sail boats, as well as pre- and after-sales service. Standing behind their business mantra, “Service Beyond The Sale”, owner Michael Hallmark oversees a 10+ person team dedicated to delivering exceptional service, which is also the crux of the Outer Reef Yachts brand.
Riva Blue Wonderful Sold at Auction
Ferretti Group has its own contribution to the territories of central Italy affected by the recent, terrible earthquakes. It does so with an extraordinary solidarity initiative, which stars the Riva brand, by auctioning a single, unique Aquariva Super, especially made in the exclusive "Blue Wonderful" color, chosen by Sir Elton John personally. The charity auction was announced by the artist and Alberto Galassi, CEO of the Group, during the Ferretti Group Private Preview last September 2nd in Monte Carlo. "The center Italy was hit by a terrible earthquake that caused devastation to local communities, that are in serious trouble now - Sir Elton John stated. “As a friend of Ferretti Group and Riva owner, I am happy to support the Group's commitment in helping the populations of those regions acting solidarity. Ferretti Group decided to create and auction a special edition of the Aquariva Super called 'Blue Wonderful', to which I give my personal contribution. Our hearts go out to those who are still suffering and we are confident that the auction proceeds will contribute to comfort and help to those who need it most." The charity auction ended last night at the Yacht Club de Monaco during the Christmas cocktail organized by Monaco Boat Service, the exclusive Riva dealer for the Principality of Monaco and France. The Aquariva Super "Blue Wonderful", the only one with the color and interior elements selected with the contribution of the legendary British pop star and Officina Italiana Design - the studio that exclusively creates the design of the brand Riva -, went to a generous owner who asked to remain anonymous. The final and winning bid was an amount of 430,000 Euro plus tax. The proceeds will be donated to the Italian Civil Protection for immediate interventions to support communities of central Italy hit by the earthquake.
Riviera Toasts a Successful 2016
Australia’s Riviera is celebrating a year of major milestones and special memories as the renowned luxury motor yacht builder prepares to enter an exciting new era of boating excellence and enjoyment in 2017. The outstanding highlight for the now 500-strong team at Riviera, once again, is the continued strengthening of the global Riviera Family of discerning luxury motor yacht owners. Mr Longhurst said that Riviera will continue to provide first-class customer care through its active program of boating education and social events worldwide in 2017, both at major boat shows around the globe, and also in partnership with the international network of dedicated Riviera and Belize dealers. On the US West Coast, the Riviera Family gathered for the largest Americas Riviera Rendezvous ever. In South Australia, Riviera owners gathered for the largest Port Lincoln Experience ever, and in Western Australia, the Riviera Family has just this month rafted up in world record numbers. The year 2016 also marked the World Premieres of three impressive new Riviera models: 5400 Sport Yacht - World Premiere at Yachts Miami Beach in February, 575 SUV - World Premiere at the Riviera Festival of Boating in May, 4800 Sport Yacht - World Premiere at Sydney International Boat Show in August. A further milestone for 2016 was the commencement of construction of the new 68 Sports Motor Yacht that will make her World Premiere mid-2017 and this very significant design has been created in-house by Riviera’s world-leading designers. Another award in which the 500-strong Riviera team can take great pride is Queensland’s Best Corporate Event at the Australian Event Awards in September, reflecting the learning and fun of the 2016 Festival of Boating and the amazing entertainment at the Viva Las Riviera gala evening. The 2016 Festival of fun and learning was the largest in the event’s six years and registrations are now open for the 2017 Festival, to be held at Riviera’s world-class facility from 17-19 March.
Riviera Raft Up World Record in Western Australia
Riviera luxury motor yacht owners have rafted-up in record numbers during an enjoyable afternoon of fun and friendship on the Swan River in picturesque Perth, Western Australia. The raft-up, hosted by the experienced team from Riviera and Belize dealer R Marine Perth, saw over 200 people aboard 43 luxury Riviera motor yachts cruise in to Matilda Bay for the successful record attempt. Basil Lenzo who owns the 5800 Sport Yacht Intrepid with his cousin (also) Basil Lenzo and their friend Wolfgang Jovanovic said it was his first time at a Riviera Family event. Passionate Riviera owner Scott Menogue who owns the 47 Open Flybridge Isle with his wife Jenny and children Eleyah and Ari said the boats were arranged beautifully, providing the Riviera Family with a front-row seat for the afternoon’s entertainment. Ben Hames who owns the 5000 Sport Yacht Leblon Lady with his father William – also paid credit to organisers. Riviera is renowned internationally for enhancing the fun and fulfillment of its global Riviera Family of luxury motor yacht owners, with a regular program of social and boating education events as well as cruising-in-company adventures to idyllic destinations. R Marine Perth dealer principal Michael Pitman thanked West Australian Riviera owners for their support to set the new Riviera Raft Up Record.
Riviera Announces New Educational Workshop for 2017
Registrations are now open for the Riviera Festival of Boating, which has been moved forward to March 2017 to coincide with the first major event on the Australian boat show calendar: the new Gold Coast International Boat Show & Marine Expo. The new dates from 17-19 March 2017 reflect Riviera’s genuine desire to provide the global Riviera Family with a truly unique, engaging and fulfilling boat show experience. In 2017, the three-day Festival of fun and learning will reach new levels, with an action-packed educational program including many new workshops and a series of fully refreshed workshops to further enhance the knowledge and enjoyment of luxury motor yacht owners.
Sanlorenzo in 2016
Sanlorenzo’s 2016 ends with the launch of the 30th motoryacht, celebrated with the debut of “I”, the 11th SD112 model a 34.10-meter, fiberglass navetta with semi-displacement hull, custom-built according to the requests and style of her owner, like every Sanlorenzo since 1958. The launch took place at the Sanlorenzo shipyard in Viareggio at the presence of her owner, who came for the occasion with his family and friends from Belgium to celebrate this important moment along with the whole shipyard. Sanlorenzo finalized a profitable year that, besides the delivery of thirty motoryachts, sees a 2016 forecast turnover of more than 300 million Euros, a further and significant step forward compared to 220 million Euro recorded in 2015. The 2016 EBITDA reaches the amount of 24 million Euro and a profit of more than 10 million Euro for the shipyard. 2016 also saw the shipyard’s expansion thanks to the acquisition of the new imposing production site in La Spezia, where the Sanlorenzo Superyacht is now based, for the design and construction of Sanlorenzo superyachts in metal, from 40 to 80 meters. Today Sanlorenzo is based in 3 different production sites (Ameglia, Viareggio and La Spezia) and offers 4 ranges of models: SL, SD, SX (that will debut at Cannes Yachting Festival 2017) and SY (Sanlorenzo Superyacht).
Sanlorenzo Art Basel Miami Week 2016
Great success for the floating art installation by Sanlorenzo and Tornabuoni Art: collectors, yacht-owners, designers and art enthusiasts from all over the world celebrated the Italian brilliance: “1958, the birth of two legends: Italian monochrome and Sanlorenzo shipyard”. Tornabuoni Art curated the exhibition onboard the Sanlorenzo SD112 (34 meters), moored at the splendid “Casa Clara” villa on the Venetian Islands, an art installation dedicated to the Italian monochrome, one of the essential pictorial theme in the 1900s, that developed in the same years as the Cantieri Navali Sanlorenzo foundation. This union between yachting and art gave life to an exhibition of inestimable value, highlighting Sanlorenzo’s always deeper involvement in the artistic world.
Viking No Shave November
Viking's group in the Engineering and Design Department recently concluded their No Shave November contest. Headed up by Engineering's Sharon Attenbrunn, 20 gentlemen raised money for Viking's annual Holiday Drive by giving their razors a rest and seeing what matured on their mug. To add some fun to the feats of the face, prizes were awarded for various categories. Rogaine was awarded to the Best Summer Beard (some hair here, some hair there) and another challenger received Just for Men facial hair dye for earning the Grayest Beard of the group. But all joking aside, this generous gang contributed $500 to the Viking Holiday Drive to help less fortune Viking families provide a holiday with full bellies and plenty of presents.
Viking Does It with Last Dance
Captain Robert Collins led his team on the Viking 52 Last Dance to a second place finish at the 53rd Annual Islamorada Sailfish Tournament last weekend. Going 14 for 14 on sails, Matt McLean picked up the Top Angler award for releasing eight of those. Twenty one teams and 96 anglers released 172 sails over the three day tournament. Nice work to Last Dance Mates Brandon Hopper and Robert Helms.
Viking Sets New Record
Crushing records and setting new ones best describes the amazing success realized by the Blue Bird fishing team aboard this new Viking 72 Convertible based in Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. Blue Bird owner Don Jesus Montano, Captain Miguel Tirado, first mate Oscar Benito Farias and crew members Hector Luis de los Santos and Christian Mota released 99 billfish including 83 blue marlin during 10 days of incredible fishing. On their first trip working the waters on the north side of Punta Cana, Captain Tirado and the Blue Bird team christened the boat with eight blue marlin, and then released 13 more blues the following day. During the San Juan ILTTA (International Light Tackle Tournament Association), Blue Bird released eight sailfish, and one white marlin to take the Best Boat Award during this four-day prestigious event. On its seventh day fishing the productive grounds some 25 miles from the Cap Cana Marina docks, Captain Tirado trolled up five blue marlin, three white marlin and two scrappy sailfish scoring a double Grand Slam. On December 9th, Blue Bird went 16 for 24 on blue marlin setting a new Cap Cana Marina record, which was previously set at 14. A sailfish and a white marlin also joined in for two more billfish releases. This fresh record did not last long, however, because the following day, Blue Bird established a second new Cap Cana Marina record raising 25 blues with 18 of them caught and turned loose. But on December 11th before the ink even dried in the record book, Blue Bird was busy raising 35 blues and racking up an incredible score of 23 blue marlin releases. This feat not only surpassed their previous new record, but also smashed a world record set in 1997, when the Hooker fishing in the Cape Verdes had a banner day releasing 20 Atlantic blue marlin. Reporting on Blue Bird, the first Viking yacht he has run, Captain Tirado said, "I am impressed. This Viking 72 handles the rough conditions we fish in Cap Cana. The MTU engine response is great and I can always get the right speed I need to troll the baits and this means a lot when we are working in the six to eight foot seas and the 20 to 25 knot winds we have to fish in. The flying bridge layout is great and comfortable. I like this boat a lot. It raises fish!" The Viking Yacht Company congratulates the Blue Bird team for their outstanding success soaring to the top in the Atlantic blue marlin record book!
Viking at 55th Annual Montego Bay Marlin Tournament
With the distinction of being the oldest established billfish tournament in the Caribbean while also offering authentic Jamaican hospitality, the Montego Bay Marlin Tournament recently maintained its reputation as an amazing event. The international fleet was made up of 38 boats that fished in slick, calm seas under brilliant blue skies. Dozens of marlin were caught, but only one boat was victorious, the Viking Trading Time, making the ocean run from Grand Cayman to claim top honors. All anglers and guests enjoyed the massive raft up party after the event, which is as much of a tradition as the fishing.
Zeelander New Official Representative
Zeelander’s collaboration with the experts at Northrop and Johnson doesn’t stop at the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous! The appointment of Northrop and Johnson as the official Zeelander representative in Asia. With several offices ideally located all over the region, Northrop and Johnson provides services that are customized to meet even the most demanding of client needs. A demo Zeelander Z44 Zeelander is now available with Northrop and Johnson for viewings and sea trials in the region.
Zeelander Proud Participant of Kata Rocks Superyacht
Opening the Charter Season in Southeast Asia is the inaugural edition of Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous 2016. Hosted on the unspoiled Andaman Sea in Thailand from 10th to 12th December, this relaxed social event has been designed to offer superyacht owners the opportunity to socialize and network with like-minded individuals in one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world. Zeelander is proud to be joining forces with Northrop & Johnson as participating partners at this all-star cast and yachting icons event, which will also host the regional Charter Season Opening party.
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