Improve-it = Sessa C54

Sessa continues to restyle its most popular models, and after C38 and C44 in 2017, and C68 here it continues with the C54.  Designed originally by Christian Grande, for the restyling of the C54 Sesssa was assisted by Centrostiledesign.  The focus for the C54 restlying was on the interiors, with the exteriors now having larger side windows and can enjoy more natural light. With the same aim, the electric roof in the hard-top has been redesigned in crystal glass. The decor is based on alternating light dark colors and polished mat materials, while the lower Deck brings together lacquered surfaces, nubuck leather and wood to conjure up a contemporary, intimate and welcoming mood.  For more demanding owners, Sessa has also developed various choice possibilities, ranging from the materials used for the exteriors, to the choice of eighteen different types of wood, leather and fabric in the cabins. The owner can also decide between two cockpit layouts: a classic arrangement with table, sun lounging area and garage, or one with twin living areas featuring a sofa that can be converted into a sun lounger and a dining table.  The Sessa C54 is powered by twin Volvo 725hp engines with IPS pod propulsion which allow for top speeds up to 36 knots.

www.sessamarine.com

Improve-it = Sessa C68

Sessa continues its renovation, and after restyling the C38 and C44 in 2017, for 2018 its the turn for the C68.  Launched in 2009 as the new Sessa flagship to high acclaim and success with design by Christian Grande the C68 is beating the test of time admirably.  Still as today the flagship of Sessa and of the Yacht line the C68 gets improvement treatment by designer Davide Cipriani of Centrostiledesign who added new large hull side windows to the exterior.  Adding to the exterior stylistic improvements the C68 gets two aft deck choices from a classic arrangement of sun-pad with underneath tender garage, or having a second exterior dinette which can convert to a sun-pad.  The choices for the interior of the Sessa C68 has also increased with eighteen different choices of wood, leather, and fabric for the cabins.  In addition to this Sessa is also offered in five hull color choices two in gelcoat and three in paint.  Pictured above is in-fact the new silver metal paint option. The Sessa C68 is standard powered by twin Volvo 900hp engines with IPS pod drives who deliver top speeds up to 36 knots.  Additional engine options is the 2017 presented Volvo 1000hp again matched to Volvo IPS pod drives.

www.sessamarine.com

New Model: Sessa Fly68 Gullwing

The new flagship of Sessa, the Fly68 Gullwing launched in the end of Summer 2017 is a motor yacht with a strong personality and a unique, very sporty style for the 21 meters segment designed by Centrostile Design from Bologna Italy.  One of the main characteristic of the new Sessa Fly68 Gullwing flagship  are certainly the two side gull-wing openings that not only allow comfortable side walkway entrance but leave a natural light entry, giving brightness and especially air to the entire main deck interior saloon area. This solution is inspired from the automotive sector, as the Mercedes Coupe of various generations and further strengthens the modern, technological design and aggressive temperament of the new Fly68 Gullwing.  Interior the Sessa Fly68 Gullwing features a very open main deck layout, while the night accommodation below deck features four guest cabins with a full beam owners suite.  Crew cabin is separate located at midships in between the engine room and the owners stateroom.  The Sessa Fly68 Gullwing is offered in various power options starting from twin Volvo 850hp, and going to optional Cats 1150hp and Man 1360hp.     

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.04 m (69ft)

Hull Length - 19.24 m

Beam - 5.07 m

Displacement - 30 t dry

Fuel Capacity - 3200 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l 

Max Persons - 14

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, or six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 850hp, Cat C18A 1150hp, Man V12 1360hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS1200 pod drives, ZF aft looking pod  drives

Project - Davide Cipriani Centrostile Design

Certification - CE A

www.sessamarine.com

Improve-it = Sessa C44

Sessa continues its process to renovate its most successful models and after an updated C38, the Italian boat builder turns its attention to the C44.  This new renovation process involving 2018 models will show the C44 with new large hull side windows.  The C44 is one of Sessa most successful models thanks to its spacious twin cabin interior with large midships owners cabin.  The Sessa C44 is also available with two layout choices for the main deck; a traditional Mediterranean sunpad, and or a twin dinette version.  The Sessa C44 is powered by twin Volvo 435hp diesel engines with IPS pod propulsion which allow for a top speed up to 38 knots.

www.sessamarine.com

Improve-it = Sessa C38

For 2018 Sessa is taking the challenge to the market by renovating some of its most popular models to latest style generation.  The first to make such an update is the C38 which when launched in 2009 was one of Sessa's most successful models, and in its size also one with the best layout and design.  Customers wanted a stylish low profile hardtop in an eleven meter sport cruiser with a single level main deck, and they got both.  For 2018 the Sessa C38 keeps its main attributes of design and style but adds full view large hull windows to cater for more natural light and views on the lower cabin deck.  For the remaining this new generation Sessa C38 keeps the practical design; featuring two cabins, an L-shaped galley, and L-shaped saloon making it a popular practical sport cruiser in its size.  Power for the Sessa C38 comes from twin Volvo 300hp engines which give a top speed of 36 knots. 

www.sessamarine.com

Monthly News - May 2017

-pic of the month- Sunseeker Teams with Redbull

Azimut-Benetti Group President Paolo Vitelli Receives Carlo Riva Award

Paolo Vitelli, the founder and president of Azimut Benetti Group, the world’s leading producer of luxury motor yachts, has been presented with the “Carlo Riva” award, named in memory of the boat industry icon who died last April 10, 2017. The recognition, which celebrates Paolo Vitelli’s contribution to the international boat industry and the prestige of the group he founded, was presented during Versilia Yachting Rendez-Vous, the new event that focuses on the high end of the boat industry, held in Viareggio (Tuscany) from May 11 to 14, 2017. The ceremony was hosted by Natasha Stefanenko, with Lia and Pia Riva, Nautica Italiana president Lamberto Tacoli, Fondazione Altagamma president Andrea Illy, and Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “Being chosen by my fellow businessmen makes me particularly proud,” said an emotional Paolo Vitelli during the ceremony. “Life is a challenge that needs to be approached with gusto, passion and, if possible, fun. I’d therefore like to invite young people to seize this challenge with courage, investment and, nowadays, a touch of healthy craziness too. I’m sure that they’ll enjoy the satisfaction of living a life of building and creating, for themselves and for Italy. And that they’ll have fun”. The Carlo Riva Award, presented for the first time this year, will be given annually to a leading figure who has made an important contribution over the years to the international boat industry.

Baglietto Protagonist at Superyacht Gallery

Baglietto, historical La Spezia-based shipyard, will be among the protagonists of the Superyacht Gallery exhibition hosted by the prestigious London’s Saatchi Gallery from 1st to 3rd June. Just in the very heart of Chelsea, the exposition will present for the first time the world of superyachts in a gallery format: the yachting life flows through photography, videos, art works, installations, yacht models that recreate the exclusive atmosphere on board of the magic world of yachts. Guests will be taken into a sophisticated multi-sensorial journey mixing art and yachting to discover the best the superyacht industry can offer. Visitors will be led through 7 themed galleries: The “Business of Yachting” will be a comprehensive introduction to the superyacht industry; “Imagination” is dedicated to concept planning and design to create unique products; the third room “Craftmaship” will take the visitor throughout the whole ship-building process from design to delivery; the room “Innovation” is dedicated to technology and design; “Exploration” to discover the most beautiful destinations of the world on board of a luxury vessel; “Lifestyle” to feel the “savoir vivre” of the life onboard; and finally “Performance”: among the protagonists of this room the model of Lucky Me -the latest Baglietto 46m fast- stands out. In this area visitors will get the sense of speed and power of these megayacht and the high engineering behind them. Moreover, Baglietto will exhibit another model of its beautiful 55m displacement yacht in the VIP lounge: guests will be able to enjoy the beauty of this project, with a firm and elegant design. “It is an out of the box occasion – commented Michele Gavino, Baglietto Chief executive Officer – for the Baglietto brand to live in a different context yet perfectly in line with our philosophy.

Bavaria Open Days 2017

On 23 and 24 June, Germany’s largest shipyard for sailing yachts and motorboats, will open its gates for the Bavaria Open Days 2017. On these dates, customers, friends and fans can explore the most state-of-the art yacht production in the world, view fourteen current models in the huge exhibition area, and, of course, learn a lot of interesting facts about yachting. And anyone who is still looking for a Bavaria sailing yacht or motor boat for this season, can take advantage of the attractive offers

presented for the Blue and Silver Editions and the Bavaria Summer Sale at the Bavaria Open DaysS, and still be able to put to sea this summer.  Inside and outside the yard.  Anyone who has never visited a shipyard, shouldn’t miss the Bavaria Open Days in Giebelstadt near Würzburg on 23 and 24 June. On these dates, Germany’s largest shipyard for sailing yachts and motorboats will be opening its gates and giving visitors a direct glimpse at its production facility. Each year, more than 1,000 yachts are made in the 70,000-square-metre halls in the most state-of-the-art shipyard in the world. And, when the tour of the shipyard is over, visitors can view the 14 Cruiser, Vision and S-line yachts on show in the exhibition. They can also gain a lot of interesting insights about yachting from the numerous Bavaria Yachts suppliers in the exhibition area. 

Beneteau New Sales Director

Bénéteau announces the appointment of Luca Brancaleon as Sales Director as of 20 March 2017. He will manage the brand’s international commercial strategy. Luca, who qualified in Law at the University of Parma in 1996, has solid sales management experience in international multi-brand positions. He worked in the mechanical and pharmaceutical industries, before entering the nautical industry 13 years ago, initially with the Sessa brand, and then for the Brunswick Group to develop brands such as Boston Whaler, Hatteras, Cabo Yacht, Sea Ray and the L class internationally. He then built a broad knowledge of the boating field, including marketing. An expert in languages and foreign cultures, his vision of the profession is largely geared towards customer expectations, to which he responds with a rigorous sales approach. Luca Brancaleon succeeds François Rodrigues, who will move to a newly created role of Sales Development for the Bénéteau Group Boats Division.

CRN Art on Display

CRN, the Italian shipbuilder and brand, part of the Ferretti Group, specialising in the construction of fully-custom steel and aluminium pleasure vessels between 40 and 100 metres in length, will be among the leading brands in the spotlight at the Montenapoleone Yacht Club, to be held from 15 to 21 May.  In this exclusive setting, CRN’s mastery of naval art finds its ideal partner in the world-class bespoke craftsmanship of Sutor Mantellassi, the Florence-based handmade shoes brand established in 1912 and largely appreciated over the years by outstanding figures like Gabriele D’Annunzio, Henry Fonda and Marcello Mastroianni.  These two brands share a fascinating history and a tailor-made approach that is common to both the fashion brand’s artisans, who create bespoke shoes for their clients, and CRN’s specialists, who know how to turn their Owners’ dreams and wishes into true masterpieces of international yachting. Each and every shoe by Sutor Mantellassi, which is made-to-measure and has a unique identity just like every yacht built by CRN, is an ambassador of the successful partnership established by the two brands, who both stand out for their accurate selection of raw materials, their product quality, and a painstaking care for the tiniest details.  Through their excellence, CRN and Sutor Mantellassi have contributed to writing important pages in the history of Made-in-Italy production. Indeed, both companies have made innovation the essence of their tradition and are recognised all over the world as real trend-setters in their respective sectors.  Their partnership will be celebrated even more prestigiously thanks to a tasting session by La Scolca, a centuries-old wine-making company that has produced fine wines for five generations.

Ferretti Receives Two Awards

Ferretti 450 was named the Best Motor Yacht below 55ft at the Asia Marine and Boating Awards in Shanghai and claimed the top prize in the Motor Yacht over 41 up to 50 feet category at the Adriatic Boat of the Year Awards in Portoroz.  The success of the Ferretti Yachts 450 goes on, as it continues to grow in popularity among owners and the general public all over the globe. The Ferretti Yachts 450 was presented to the sailing world at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2016 and made its debut in the Asia Pacific region and the United States in recent months. Now it has claimed two awards in a single month, in China and Slovenia.  In Asia, where Ferretti Yachts has been the leading name in luxury sailing since years, the accolade came at the Asia Marine and Boating Awards, which took place in late April at the 22nd China International Boat Show 2017 in Shanghai.  The Ferretti Yachts 450 was named the Best Motor Yacht below 55ft. The judges praised the qualities that make the new boat unique: graceful style, practical design, unparalleled on-board comfort and a dynamically versatile interior layout.  Another triumph came just a few days later in Europe. At the start of Internautica 2017 which took place in early May in Marina Portoroz, Slovenia - the Ferretti Yachts 450 came first in the Motor Yacht over 41 up to 50 feet category at the Adriatic Boat of the Year Awards.  “The Ferretti Yachts 450 is a very important model for us because it marks the return of Ferretti Yachts to the strategic 40 to 50 feet market. It is popular with owners in our traditional markets, such as Europe and the Americas, and it has also been an instant hit in the Middle East and Asia,” stated Stefano de Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ferretti Group.  “These two awards from two different continents underline the international nature of Ferretti Yachts and the value of a distinctive, innovative design philosophy. We are very pleased with the prize that we won in Shanghai because it comes from an extremely selective market that appreciates the most exclusive products that are made in Italy. We are also enormously satisfied with the award that we picked up at Internautica, because it is the top boat show on the Adriatic, where enthusiasts from a number of countries have always spent boating holidays on the waves with flybridge models by Ferretti Yachts.”

Gulf Craft Expands Global Footprint

Emirates-based Gulf Craft continues to eye global expansion amid what the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Erwin Bamps, is describing as an “evolutionary and exciting time for the leisure marine industry.”  The award-winning yacht and boat builder recently forged new distribution partnerships, and has embarked on a program of major investments and a global strategy that puts evolving client demands at the center of product development.  More than 70% of Gulf Craft’s yachts and boats are exported outside the UAE, and its masterpieces can be found around the world through its network of dealers, stretching from Europe and the Middle East, to South East Asia and Australia. Most recently, Gulf Craft announced its exclusive partnership with Germany-based Drettmann Yachts International for the distribution of its luxury yachts in the Europe, Ukraine, and Russia.

Hatteras Sponsors InTheBite Captain of the Year Award

Hatteras Yachts is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup, the world's foremost competition for professional sportfishing captains. Developed by InTheBite, the professionals' sportfishing magazine, the InTheBite Captain of the Year Cup Presented by Hatteras is the only objective, quantifiable metric for comparing the tournament success of sportfishing captains on an annual basis. This puts it in the same league as the Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series and the PGA FedExCup Championship.

Jarrett Bay Lands a Massive Blue Fin Tuna

Hailing from Grand Isle, LA, the Jarrett Bay 58, Whoo Dat spotted a large fish chasing bait on a recent fishing trip and Capt. Chris Mowad trolled to his spot. The fish crashed into the center rigger but missed the lure so Capt. Mowad swung back around for another shot. "He came up behind the center like a submarine pushing a wake. He came half out of the water and inhaled the lure," Keith Richardson explains. Keith's son Kaleb was in the fighting chair and battled it out for 45 minutes before the crew was able to gaff the giant bluefin and work him into the cockpit through the tuna door. The fish measured out to 113" in length with an 86" girth. Once at the scales, this massive bluefin weighed in at 835 pounds and is among the top five largest ever landed in the state of Louisiana. Incredible work by the entire Whoo Dat team and angler Kaleb Richardson!

Pursuit Begins Plant Expansion

Construction is underway for a new building at the Pursuit Boats facilities in Fort Pierce, Florida. The expansion will enable Pursuit to increase production up to 50% in order to meet the growing market demands for Pursuit’s luxury line of sport fishing and cruising boats. The increased pace of new product introductions, like the S 328, has generated retail enthusiasm to levels that require more manufacturing space. “We’re excited about the expansion and what the growth means for our company. A lot of hard work and planning has gone into making this a reality,” said Bruce Thompson, President, Pursuit Boats. “The new building will give us the capability to continue to grow our portfolio while also increasing the efficiency of our manufacturing processes.”  The $2.1 million dollar investment will add 30 new jobs and 14,000 square feet to the existing facility. Construction is scheduled to be complete this summer allowing production to begin in the new building in August. This timing coincides with the beginning of the 2018 model year introduction. Pursuit’s proven manufacturing processes allow them to deliver the finest in luxury sportfishing and cruising products, offering customers an unparalleled experience in boating around the world. “Our market share and retail sales have shown consistent growth over the past several years, solid indicators that our product mix, features and benefits match market demands and high-end customer expectations. It is no accident that our manufacturing facilities need to expand; it is the result of great business acumen under the current Pursuit leadership and family”, George Hetzel, Vice President of Sales.  Pursuit has delivered three stellar new Sport Model Pursuits, from 32 to 40 feet in length, changing the way fisherman and cruisers will look at the center console marketplace for years to come. Add these models to the latest award-winning Offshore and Dual Console products, and it is not hard to see why the company’s growth demands more production capabilities.

Riva Teams with Scuderia Ferrari Again

On the waves and on the track, they are often imitated but never equaled. Two contemporary legends are coming together again, to the delight of fans of high-octane entertainment and quintessential Italian style. Riva, the iconic yachting brand is once again side by side with Scuderia Ferrari for the 2017 Formula 1™ World Championship. All twenty of this season's races offer the opportunity to get to know the pair that is based on deep-rooted affinities, bound to leadership in design and production that is the result of the genius and determination of Carlo Riva and Enzo Ferrari. With its unmistakable aquamarine colour, the Riva logo stood out on the helmets of the Maranello-based team’s two drivers as it accompanied Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen in their triumphant first and second place finishes in the Monaco Grand Prix, where Riva celebrated the European Première of its new Riva 100 Corsaro, the shipyard’s latest masterpiece. The Riva - Scuderia Ferrari union reveals the world the idea of craftsmanship and tailor-made products that is the foundation for the success of these two, unique, exclusive brands. “We are ardent to see Riva with Ferrari, the most famous Italian brand, in the 2017 Formula 1TM World Championships. This extraordinary combination of two absolute icons, Riva and Ferrari, together celebrated the victory of the 75th edition of the Monaco Grand Prix, renewing a connection between manufacturers that has no equal in terms of history, popularity and ability to perpetuate its supremacy”, explained Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. The 2017 Championship is more exciting than ever, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats until the last Grand Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi on 26th November.

Sanlorenzo Winner at World Superyacht Award

Sanlorenzo 460Exp X was awarded with the prestigious, international World Superyacht Award 2017 for Best Displacement motoryacht below 500GT (30mt to 42.9 mt).  The prize giving ceremony was held in Florence, in the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio, where a selected jury of superyacht owners awarded a model from the Sanlorenzo’s Explorer line for the second year in a row, after Moka in 2016.  Sanlorenzo 460Exp, superyacht of 460 gross tons and 42 meters in length, is inspired by big exploration vessels capable of reaching out far destinations with maximum safety and comfort, associated with high autonomy for long navigation.  Since Moka’s debut in 2015, 5 explorer units have already been sold to owners from different markets, such as the US, Mexico, Europe, Russia and China, proving the line is enjoying huge international success.  Sanlorenzo is currently operational at 3 different production sites: Ameglia, Viareggio and the new Sanlorenzo Superyacht facility in La Spezia dedicated to the construction of superyachts in metal from 40 up to over 80 meters in length.

Sasga Expands Dealer Network in France

Sasga Yachts has signed another dealer agreement in France for the French Atlantic Coast. This agreement represents the success of Sasga Yachts’ policy of expansion, started  with the USA and the UK agreements. Dantes Yachts ruled by François Mousset, has a large experience in the nautical sector  and his way of view the nautical world fits perfectly with Sasga Yachts’ thought, as he said:  “To choose a boat is sometimes what you have always dreamed but overall it is to start up  your own freedom”.  Some of the main reasons why Dantes Yachts decided to work with our menorquín boats  is for our sense of taste for the beautiful things, for our high quality of materials, for our flexibility  building personalized boats and for the appreciated wide interiors.   Mr.  Mousset  has  pointed  out  the  positive  improves  that  Sasga  Yachts  has  done  comparing  to  the  old  Menorquin  Yachts.  Mr.  Mousset,  as  a  well‐known  of  our  brand,  appreciated  the  new  changes  in  the  interiors,  in  the  keel,  in  the  materials  and  in  the  improvements for low fuel consumption among other developments. With  this  agreement,  Sasga  Yachts  dealer’s  network  become  stronger  in  the  French  market, establishing the brand in the Atlantic coast. 

Sunseeker Teams With Red Bull Formula One Racing

Sunseeker International is excited to be supporting the Red Bull Racing Formula One Team as its tender service for the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix.  The Monaco Grand Prix will see Sunseeker providing five stunning sports yachts to the Red Bull Racing Formula One team for its VIP guests throughout the four-day event. Monaco has been a regular on the motorsport circuit since 1955 and is still one of the most prestigious and glamorous events in the F1 calendar today. Sunseeker is thrilled to be playing a part in this iconic event.  Five of Sunseeker’s stunning boats will be used for the event, including three from the current range with two San Remo’s and the stunning Predator 57. Befitting such a legendary race, two iconic Superhawk models that boast breathtaking performance will also accompany the Sunseeker fleet, perfectly portraying the racing pedigree of the Sunseeker brand highly appropriate for such a high-profile sporting event.  Phil Popham, CEO at Sunseeker commented: “We are thrilled to be linking-up with the world-renowned Red Bull Racing team for the Monaco Grand Prix. There is a natural affiliation between Sunseeker and Formula One and we have had a long association with the sport. It is great to be involved again especially with such an incredible team as Red Bull Racing, and we are really excited about working with them.”

Viking Kids on the Block

A young group of Viking enthusiasts gathered in the Viking Yacht Company lobby for a photo shoot with their fathers on Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.  The children spent the day at the Viking facility learning about the boat building industry and all the different components needed to build a yacht, as well as different careers and jobs necessary to make the company run. A plant tour and lunch in the famed Viking kitchen were on the day's agenda as well. 

Viking Fa La Me Back to Back

Frank Rodriguez and his outstanding team pulled off yet another amazing feat! With Captain Rob Moore at the helm, this crew won the 3rd Annual Marina Casa de Campo Cup for the second year in a row. The Casa de Campo Cup is a culmination of month-long tallies between March 15 and April 15, 2017 with teams fishing out of the Marina Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. Of course there are several tournaments within The Cup to keep it interesting.  The Fa La Me team released 45 blue marlin during the month-long tournament and also took 2nd Place in the Casa de Campo Blue Marlin Classic and 3rd in the Casa de Campo Billfish Open. Due to some mechanical issues part way through The Cup, the Viking 72 Blue Bird let the Fa La Me gang finish out the event fishing their boat. Outside of the tournament days, the crew released an impressive 55 blues in just 18 fishing days.  Make sure to watch the Big Sexy Tour by following their Facebook page. Get to know the team through social media and learn that this fun group does more than just fish. Their world revolves around the three Fs: food, fun and fishing. Follow the team's adventures as they travel and cook their way across the waters of the world while having a ball.

Viking at Nineteenth Orange Beach Billfish Classic

This past weekend, the Orange Beach Billfish Classic saw 42 boats battle rough seas and a challenging bite. Only one boat made it to the scales on Friday night asGeaux Deep, a Viking 58, weighed a 121 pound yellowfin tuna.  Angler Riley Satterfield, fishing on the Viking 62 Lyon's Pride, weighed a 107 inch blue marlin which tipped the scales at 431.6 pounds. This fish was good enough to claim Top Blue Marlin for the event.  Reel Addiction, a Viking 56, was the Top Release Boat with three blue marlin based on time. The Viking 92 A Work of Art took 2nd Place in the Release Division.  Done Deal, a Viking 70, won the Tuna Division when they became the first boat to ever weigh a bluefin tuna at The Wharf. Angler Katie Gonsoulin's 502.4 pound fish took the top spot and also gave her the Top Lady Angler award. For the second year in a row, the Viking 76 Team Supreme claimed 2nd Place Tuna with a 174 pound yellowfin.  The OBBC is the first big game fishing tournament of the season along the Gulf Coast and is also the first leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship.

Viking at Fifth Annual Shootout

The Viking 76, Miss Victoria, was the Top Boat at last weekend's Shootout. The crew released seven blue marlin, six whites and a lone sailfish. Dave Berard released five of those blues to win the Third Place Angler title. Brian Speedy claimed the Top Captain award.

Jen Copeland fishing on the Viking 52 Last Dance, with Captain Robert Collins at the helm, released three blue marlin to achieve Top Lady Angler. Captain Brian Komer, on the Viking 66 put Joe Schwab on a 74.7 pound 'hoo which was the Top Wahoo of the tournament.

This is the second of three legs in the Abaco Diamond Series. Look for the Viking 66 to be back for the final leg, the Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament starting May 31. 

Viking Winner at Circle Invitational

Old Bahama Bay Marina in the Bahamas was the place to be the last weekend of April! The docks were loaded with beautiful Viking Yachts all making a difference at the Mike Schmidt's Winner's Circle Invitational.  Bob Noble and his family, a Winner's Circle regular, fished on their Viking 64 Stihl Leader and claimed Second Place with a combined total weight of 146.9 pounds. The team started off strong catching a whopper of a tuna at 109.3 pounds on Day One. Day Two was quiet for the Stihl Leader crew but then they picked it up on Day Three with a 10.6-pound dolphin and 27-pound wahoo.  Landing in Third Place and just ounces behind in meat fish was John Wolf and his team on the Viking 66 Sea Wolf. Sea Wolf weighed in a 48.5-pound dolphin, a wahoo, and tuna for a combined weight of 146.3 pounds. Rounding out the top five was Lou Cosentino's Viking 72 Judith Ann in Fourth Place and David and Lynne Henderson's Viking 60 Fragrant Harbor.

Project: Sessa 64 Explorer

Sessa present the project for a new Explorer 64, to a design by Davide Cipriani of Centrostiledesign.  At the root of this concept entirely conceived and designed by Davide Cipriani's team is a new way of experience the sea, by seizing all of its beauty at any moment of the day. The design of the roomy and spacious interiors goes in this direction. The main deck of the 64 Explorer is reserved for a large salon, galley and helm station, while the lower deck is the sleeping accommodation area, with a double full beam owners stateroom with private access, and a guests and VIP suites both with their own bathrooms.  These areas bask in natural light coming from the outside through large continuous windows on the hull and the side glass wall of the main salon that exploits the concept of “through house” to establish a continuous relationship between interiors and exterior scenarios. In the same way the goal of the definitely high level furnishings project is to recreate the comfort and intimacy of a home, in addition to giving the owner the possibility to personalize his living space. Comfort and a welcoming atmosphere are the guidelines for the exteriors project as well. The 80 sq.m terrace and two decks are dedicated to guests and are ideal for relaxing at any time.  The Explorer 64 project combines the beauty of a larger yacht with functionality by adopting innovative ergonomic solutions such as the design of the bow.  Straight lines contrast with a soft and capacious aft, the result of scrupulous calculations made during the design step. What emerges is a yacht able to part the waves and disperse their energy, in this way ensuring safe, comfortable and low-cost navigation in any condition, even with a moderate sea. Its large tanks of 4500 liters and spacious material storage area also give the yacht a range of over 3000 miles.  The partnership between Centrostiledesign and Sessa carries on after the prior project of the Fly 21 Gullwing presented in the fall of 2016.

www.sessamarine.com

Project: Sessa 21 Fly

It is always interesting to see how a boat builder will preform when a change happens for a long standing designer.  This is part of the story for the new Sessa 21 Fly which after an important time with Christian Grande taking care of design head into the new with Davide Cipriani Centrostile team.  A name which has expanded not little in recent years, Centrostiledesign have worked with some important Italian names as Carnevali, Sanlorenzo, and Riva here bringing the important open hard-top evolution on the 88 Florida model.  The Sessa 21 Fly seems based on the C68 for its hull lines with a completely new super structure with flybridge.  Interesting details seem also to be the rule on the 21 Fly which will feature an unedited opening system for the interior salon to the sides, and also an interesting very soft on the lines flybridge hard top.   

www.sessamarine.com

New Model: Sessa C42

Finally back in full production, Sessa launched its latest C42 model to much acclaim at the end of 2016.  Designed as all recent Sessa models by Christian Grande, the C42 is a cross over sport cruiser with a very modern style and comfortable all year round usage thanks to the enclosed living main deck.  Unlike many latest models of this type the Sessa C42 is also a sport yacht with a slender beam for it's thirteen meter of length.  The accommodation layout of the C42 offers a standard plan of a forward owners suite with private head to port, guest cabin with twin berths to starboard, and a galley to port.  Main deck is a full living dedicated area with an L-shaped saloon and opposite entertainment unit.  Power for the C42 comes from twin Volvo 370hp with max speeds up to 36 knots.       

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.1 m (42.9ft)

Hull Length - 11.7 m

Beam - 3.9 m

Draft - 0.82 m exluding drives

Displacement - 10,300 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 490 l

Water Capacity - 350 l

Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 12

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pod drives

Speed - 36 knots max

Project - Christian Grande

Certification - CE B

www.sessamarine.com

blogger - Changing Market Landscape

It is has been a very interesting market in the last five years or so in the upper echelons of European production motor boat building.  Saying it simple, new players have arrived, and others while still having a good name in the market lost the power they once had.  

For example Beneteau Group have showed that they where much more then a mere spectator, the Montecarlo range has grown from strong to stronger, in the meantime the French giant also upgraded Prestige to the upper side of the market.  

Polish Galeon have also increased its market share focusing on all around quality and innovative range, not only in its larger sizes but from its thirty feet 300 series model.  

Absolute has been another growing player, and fair to say the Italian brand has always focused on the upper side of the market with a look into making price per value a very important part of it's strategy. Absolute was also very clever as it is was a builder which fully focused on the advantage of IPS in regards to offering more space on it's boats, and that alone is why the sub fifty feet Absolute are among the most spacious boats in there respective size.  

These names will be paramount in the years to come, and in a certain sense will offer a competitive future of quality production boat building; along the other known names of Azimut, Fairline, Ferretti Group, Princess, Sessa, and Sunseeker.

Monthly News - May 2014

- pic of the month - Horizon Open House 2014

Azimut-Benetti Group Double Triumph

The Azimut|Benetti Group has received new major awards, rewarding its efforts to consolidate its leadership position on the Asian market, owed entirely to the experience gained in over 20 years of continuous resence in the territory. Both brands of the Italian leading manufacturer of luxury yachts obtained significant ecognition on the occasion of the tenth Asia Boating Awards organized by Blu Inc., the group that publishes the magazines "Asia Pacific Boating" and "China Boating" and serves as an important point of reference for the industry in Asia Pacific area. The first prize in the category "Best Brand Presence in Asia" was awarded to Azimut Yachts, the Group brand dedicated to the design and construction of yachts up to 120 feet, while the splendid 56-meter Benetti "Lady Candy" ranked first in the category "Best Worldwide Custom Built Yacht".

Azimut Bolsters Production

With the market still weak and the competition steep, Azimut Yachts bolsters its position with new organisational strategies designed to simplify and speed up decision making processes. Specifically, the technical and production areas have been placed under the command of Alberto Morelli, named Azimut Yachts Chief Manufacturing and Operations Officer. Morelli will be responsible for the technical, production, purchasing, and quality control areas; he will report directly to Ferruccio Luppi, CEO of Azimut Yachts and Azimut|Benetti Group. Alberto Morelli will oversee the technical, production, and purchasing departments directors, Alessandro Rossi, Stefano Simonetti (who will head the Avigliana facility), and Francesco Nannetti, respectively. In addition, the production facilities in Fano, Savona, Viareggio, and Brasil have been placed under single management and coordination and entrusted to Paolo Sterza. Sterza will apply his industry and company experience to running the non-central production facilities throughout Italy and internationally, sites that are thriving thanks to Azimut Yachts strategies. Alberto Morelli is an engineer with extensive experience in international automotive companies. He has held important manufacturing positions in Italy and abroad. He has also participated in the "World Class Manufacturing" programmes, standard setters for excellence in industrial management worldwide.

Azimut Honorable Mention

Azimut Yachts's innovative ability and design excellence have once again received accolades with a restigious Honourable Mention at the 23rd ADI Compasso d'Oro Award, one of the world's most renowned nternational design competitions. An international jury awarded the Azimut Magellano 50 an ADI Compasso d'Oro Honourable Mention for design. Concept and interior layout are by designer Cor d Rover. Azimut Yachts joins the prestigious ADI Compasso d'Oro Award Collection, named "A National Treasure" in 2004. The only one of its kind in the world, the collection recounts 60 years of Italian design and naturally bestows prestige on the products it chooses to include. Azimut's Magellano Collection yachts dedicated to "Italian Long Range" introduce important innovations both in terms of technology and cruising as well as furnishing and interior detailing design; the collection fuses aesthetics and functionality with an elegance and style that is unmistakeably Italian. The award ceremony was held in Milan on 28 May 2014 at the former Ansaldo factory, which was also the venue for the exhibition of the products participating in the competition. The exhibition was open for over two months and was well-visited, especially during the Milan International Furniture Exhibition (Salone Internazionale del Mobile).

Baglietto New Vice President

Baglietto shipyard announces the opening of a new office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, headed by Mr. Edward R. Sacks, new Baglietto Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors. The main objective of the office will be to expand the presence and visibility for Baglietto in the North America and Mexico. Edward R. Sacks was formerly the President and Chief Operating Officer of Wellman Industries, a multi-national producer of fibers, resins and plastics. He also served as Chairman and CEO of The Sherwood Financial Group; a registered investment advisory based in Los Angeles, and founded The Sacks Group, at its time the largest and most influential management company serving the megayacht industry. Sacks has had a lengthy career operating, acquiring and developing companies within a diverse cross section of industries, including manufacturing, management consulting and financial services. In addition to serving on several Boards, he is Managing Director of The VSTH Group, LLC, a privately held merchant bank domiciled in Charlotte, North Carolina. Sacks, described in a recent publication, as “the consummate American businessman and yachtsman”, built several yachts in Italy. The legendary Azzurra, is recognized as “one of the finest yachts ever produced in that country”.

Bayliner Top Product 2014

After receiving Boating Industry’s 2014 Top Product honor, the Element XL is poised to transform boating expectations around the world. With its patent-pending M-HullTM design, bigger power and larger capacity for family adventures, Element XL is the next revolution in Bayliner’s innovative Element Series. Hand-picked by Boating Industry editors, the 2014 Top Product list highlights “the best products and services introduced or significantly updated in the last year from boats to engines to accessories to software and more,” according to Boating Industry. Winners were chosen based on several factors, the primary including, innovation, impact on the industry and how they advanced their category or created a new category. 

Bavaria New Branch Office

Bavaria has a new address for customers and dealers in the Asian-Pacific region. The new office is located in the centre of Shanghai and all sales bases from North Asia to Pacific area can be supported from here perfectly. The new address for BAVARIA in Shanghai: Room 1507, One Corporate Avenue, No. 222 Hubin Road, Huangpu District Shanghai, 200021 P.R.China

Cerri Ends Relationship with Rodriguez Group

After two years of fruitful cooperation, the Cerri shipyard – headquartered in Carrara and specialising in the construction of planing yachts between 102’ and 86’ in length announces the termination of its contractual relationsip with the Rodriguez Group for the worldwide sale of Cerri-branded yachts. From now on, marketing and sales will be managed directly by the shipyard.

CRN Wins World Superyacht Awards

CRN, part of the Ferretti Group and specialising in the construction of fully-customized megayachts, made of steel and aluminium, from 40 to 90 metres, with its flagship, M/Y Chopi Chopi 80 mt, has been honored with the prestigious award “Judges Commendation” dedicated to the largest displacement motoryacht of 2,000 GT and above at “The World Superyachts Awards”, organized by the editorial group Boat International Media. Against the splendid backdrop of the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, after a two-day event dedicated to the Superyachts Industry and its Excellence, M/Y Chopi Chopi was awarded a prize. The award was received by Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman and CEO of CRN together with the Team of CRN and the architectural firms Zuccon International Project, which created the exterior profile and interior layout and Laura Sessa, who was responsible for the stylistic concepts and interior design, in front of an international audience of Owners and representatives of the most prestigious shipyards in the world. After having won the “Interior Design Award” for megayachts over 60 metres at the “Showboats Design Awards”, M/Y Chopi Chopi has also won the special prize which the jury of “The World Superyachts Awards” reserves for the megayacht which has stood out from the rest on the world yachting scene in 2013 for characteristics, innovations, design and onboard technology, distinguishing features that allowed this vessel, totally Made in Italy, to captivate the Owner's family and to win the coveted prize.

Fairline Expands Global Sales Team

Fairline Boats has strengthened its global sales team with two new appointments. Adam Waters joins Fairline as Regional Sales Director for Asia Pacific and Vicky Farrow as Customer Liaison Manager. The appointments follow the recent expansion of Fairline’s approved dealer network, with three new dealers appointed in the US and Middle East since the beginning of 2014. Based in Sydney, Australia, Adam Waters will be responsible for the strategic development of the Asia Pacific dealer network, including India, Thailand, China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Adam brings to the role 12 years’ experience working with a number of prestigious European motor yacht brands. Vicky Farrow will be based at Fairline’s Headquarters in Oundle, liaising between the factory, the dealer network and customers to ensure Fairline provides the best possible customer service. She will also support customer factory visits and manage boat handovers at Fairline’s testing facility in Ipswich. Vicky has many years of experience working with some of the best known motor yacht brands and is herself a very active leisure boater. Adam joins James Powell (EMEA) and Steve Leeson (Americas) in the sales team led by James Robinson, Fairline's Sales Director. Fairline expect to complete the new look sales organisation with the announcement of a final Regional Sales Director in the next few weeks.

Fairline Delivers First in Egypt

Fairline Egypt celebrated an important milestone recently, as it became the first Fairline dealership in the world to take delivery of the iconic new Targa 48 Gran Turismo. Sold and delivered within the same week, the third model in Fairline’s 48ft range has proved very popular with the dealership’s customer base. In addition to the Targa 48GT, Fairline Egypt has also sold two Targa 48 Open models in the last month and one Squadron 48. The size and style of the trio of 48ft models make the range ideal for family day trips and leisurely long weekends along the Red Sea coast. Fairline’s 48ft models are powered by Volvo Penta IPS, matched to a dynamic new hull designed specifically for the new range, making significant use of industry-leading production systems. Fairline has developed the new trio with careful attention to global customer feedback and as a result, an array of options is available to ensure each model is perfectly suited to different markets. With intelligent space-saving innovations engineered throughout the boat, the Targa 48GT provides sociable spaces with clever design touches. The electric glazed retractable roof is a spectacular standard feature of the boat, offering an ‘open, even when closed’ feel and giving owners the chance to enjoy fresh air and sunshine at the touch of a button, whether at rest or underway.

Ferretti Group New CEO

The Board of Directors of the Ferretti Group, as convened by Chairman Tan Xuguang, who also heads the Weichai Group, has named Alberto Galassi to be Ferretti’s new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Galassi replaces Ferruccio Rossi effective immediately. This change at the top is part of a consolidation relaunching plan that is focused on the conception and construction of a new range of products, as well as on the implementation of new business and marketing strategies. The goal is to secure new positions on international markets and thus confirm the role played by the boats made by the Group as ambassadors of Made in Italy technology and style. The new endeavour is being made possible by the essential support of the Weichai Group, the majority shareholder in the Ferretti Group since 2012. Weichai has been of crucial importance with its contributions of equity support and new distribution channels. To show its determination in ensuring the worldwide growth of the Ferretti Group, the Weichai Group has decided to offer a shareholders’ loan of 30 million Euros that is immediately available and can be converted into an increase in capital in the future.

Gulf Craft Exclusive Preview

Gulf Craft, recently named one of the world’s top 10 superyacht builders, has made a splash with the hosting of the Sultanate’s first-ever leisure marine show which opened today at Almouj Marina at The Wave, Muscat. The three-day ‘Gulf Craft Exclusive Preview’ event runs until May 3rd and brings together an impressive fleet of luxury superyachts, sport cruisers and leisure craft. On display will be some of the shipyard’s largest and most popular luxury superyachts such as the Majesty 135, Majesty 121 and Majesty 105, as well as a number of new yacht models and vessels from its Oryx sport cruiser and Silvercraft leisure boat ranges. The event serves as further confirmation of Oman’s growing potential as a market for luxury goods and services. The country’s reputation is steadily building on the back of several high-profile resorts that have gained international clout among wealthy travelers, and growing investment in building the Sultanate’s marine infrastructure and service offering. Oman has made a targeted effort at beefing up its attractiveness as a leisure marine destination – with the opening of new marinas, competitive berthing fees and investment in support facilities such as fueling stations to attract stopover yacht traffic. The overall upgrading of facilities is expected to have a positive effect in attracting more Omanis to the water, making it one of the most promising marine markets in the Middle East. Moreover, Oman was named as the fastest growing wealth market in the Middle East and Africa between 2011 and 2015 according to Datamonitor’s Middle East and Africa Wealth Markets Database, which makes it a hugely attractive market for sales of luxury goods, including yachts. 

Heesen Awarded at World Superyacht Awards

Heesen is proud to announce that on May 3, 2014 the revolutionary 65m Fast Displacement Galactica Star received the coveted Neptune Trophy in the category Semi-displacement or Planing Three-deck motor yacht of 45-metre and above at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards, the Oscars of the superyacht industry. This prestigious event, making its debut in the Netherlands, was held at the Maritime Museum in Amsterdam where the industry leaders, designers, and superyacht owners gathered to celebrate the finest yachts of the year. Galactica Star was chosen by the judges, who are all super yacht owners, as winner in this very competitive category for her unique ability to operate both in the displacement and semi-displacement modes.

Heesen Awarded at Asia Boating Awards

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce that on Friday May 9, 2014 Galactica Star, Heesen revolutionary 65m Fast Displacement Hull Form, garnished the most votes from Asia Boating Award panel of judges to win the prestigious ‘Best Yacht Design of the Year’ in their 10th Edition of the Awards. The ceremony took place in Hong Kong at the spectacular Icon Hotel where Ms ZZ Phang from Pen Marine, Heesen Agent for Southeast Asia, received the award on behalf of the Owners of the yacht and Heesen shipyard. 

Horizon Open House 2014

Horizon Group hosted the 2014 Horizon Open House as well as showcased at the first Taiwan International Boat Show from May 8th to 11th, and both four-day events combined together to create one big success - Horizon is pleased to report we are currently in talk with 10 potential clients for new build projects as a result of the two events. Located at the brand-new Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, the Taiwan Int'l Boat Show received an estimated 70,000 visitors during the event, according to the organizer. Horizon Yachts, the number one Asia-Pacific yacht manufacturer on display, hosted thousands of VIP guests and show visitors each day during the boat show; lines often wrapped around the Horizon display, with wait times in excess of 3 hours to get on board the luxury yachts. Horizon's exhibition was also the largest at the show, with a total of 14 luxury yachts on display between the Boat Show, which showcased the RP110 superyacht "Carnival Liberty 3", E88 motoryacht, and E56 motoryacht, and the new Horizon City Marina, which featured the EP148 "Horizon Polaris" expedition superyacht; RP120 superyacht "Muses"; E88 motoryacht; V80 motoryacht; V72 motoryacht; PC60 powercat; PC52 powercat; CC80 powercat; and T52 sportfish, along with two Nimbus yachts introduced from Scandinavia as entry models for the Taiwan market. During the Horizon Open House, guests were invited to tour the Horizon City Marina and yachts at their leisure; they were also treated to a number of events throughout the four days, including a Boat Show VIP night; Taiwan cultural shows; a Horizon VIP night; puzzle competitions with prizes; welcome and farewell dinners, and factory tours of three Horizon shipyards. A celebration of Horizon's accomplishments in the last 27 years, the Open House provided guests a more in-depth look at Horizon's commitment to providing our clients with high quality, high value luxury yachts. Horizon would like to extend a special thank you to Georg Jensen and Hering Berlin for their sponsorship of luxury décor items showcased on board our yachts during the Taiwan Boat Show; the items provided combined beautifully with our yachts for a modern, elegant ambiance on board.

Hunt Yachts Expands Sales Network

Hunt Yachts LLC is proud to announce the addition of two new regional sales offices. The Hinckley Company’s Great Lakes Sales Director Marty Letts and Pacific Coast Sales Director Kelly Nuttall will now offer the entire range of Hunt Yachts’ performance motor yachts from 25 to 80 feet, in addition to the Hinckley line. This expansion of the Hunt Yachts sales network is part of the strategic plan developed following Hunt’s acquisition by The Hinckley Company corporate parent, Scout Partners, in September 2013. Nuttall, West Coast Sales Director, started promoting Hinckley Yachts just over a year ago on the West Coast which has resulted in delivery of 5 new Hinckley Yachts in that region. The two new Hunt regional sales locations will expand and support the builder’s existing sales network, which includes Hunt Yachts’ World Headquarters in Portsmouth, Rhode Island; Chesapeake Bay Sales & Service Office in Oxford, Maryland, and Southeast Sales & Service Office in Stuart, Florida. Hunt Yachts also is represented by agents Prestige Yacht Sales in Connecticut and in Westchester County, New York, and Yachting Solutions in Maine. 

Moonen World Superyacht Awards Commendation

The 42-metre custom Moonen superyacht Sofia came within a whisker of winning the ‘Displacement motor yacht below 500 GT’ prize at the World Superyachts Award ceremony Saturday 3 May 2014. In what was described by the judges as an exceptionally close call, the Neptune award went to CaryAli, with Sofia receiving a Commendation prize in a field of ten impressive megayachts. Both yachts were designed by Rene van der Velden. The high-status World Superyachts Awards event was held for the first time in 2014 in Amsterdam and saw various Dutch yards do very well. For Sofia to receive the judges commendation for displacement motoryacht below 500 GT was a considerable achievement for Moonen Shipyards, especially considering the fierce competition.

Mulder Customer Event

Saturday June 14th, Mulder Shipyard organizes its annual Customer Event. From 10:00 to 19:00 we are very pleased to invite you for a tour around our beautiful yard were several new yachts are under construction including the 98 Flybridge, 94 Voyager and Favorite 1500. We also have several Mulder yachts for sale, both new and pre-owned. The ‘Brokerage’ yachts, including a Mulder Favorite 1500 from 2012 and a Mulder 73 Wheelhouse from 2007, are available for inspection on site. In the beginning of 2013 Mulder Shipyard took its brand new 7000 sqm facility in Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk into use. In addition to enabling the construction of yachts up to 45 meters, the sustainably constructed yard also provides space for winter storage, maintenance and refits. Last year’s Mulder Customer Event was a great success, over 600 guests joined the celebration at our brand new yard.

Riviera Annual Easter Experience

The annual R Marine South Australia Easter Experience was a real treat for more than 120 Riviera owners and their guests who enjoyed plenty of entertainment, food and activities over the long weekend. R Marine South Australia’s Michael Pitman said it was great to see a blend of Riviera owners from Adelaide, Port Lincoln and as far south as Robe come together for the annual event. Riviera owners Adrian and Joanne de Bruin made the 700 nautical mile round trip from Robe, where they berth their new Riviera 565 SUV, to Port Lincoln and back. This was Adrian and Joanne’s first R Marine South Australia Easter Experience and their first blue water voyage. This was also the first Easter Experience and blue water voyage for Leslee and Brian Findlay who took delivery of their new Riviera 445 SUV two months ago. The Sir Joseph Banks Group is a picturesque archipelago of about 20 islands in the Spencer Gulf off the coast of South Australia. It is a popular breeding ground for seabirds and with its chain of islands, it offers sheltered bays, reefs and golden sandy beaches, making it a lovely spot to drop anchor. At 4pm, the historic Port Lincoln tuna trawler, the Tacoma (circa 1948) signalled her arrival at Reevesby Island (located within the Sir Joseph Banks Group of Islands) with her booming horn. On Easter Sunday everyone gathered for a beach barbecue, which marked the end of the long weekend. Some Riviera owners returned home to Port Lincoln, while others stayed on for a few extra days, including Adrian and Joanne de Bruin who enjoyed two weeks on board in total. Plans are already underway for R Marine South Australia’s 2015 South Australian Riviera Experience, which will also be held at Port Lincoln. 

Riviera Festival of Boating Shows Latest Electronics

The latest marine electronics, accessories and navigational equipment will be on show at the Riviera Festival of Boating’s Technology Showcase from May 22 to 25. The Technology Showcase will feature hundreds of electronics and accessories from the industry-leading marine brands, including Volvo Penta, Twin Disc, Raymarine, Garmin, Cummins Onan, Bose, Aqualuma and Ultra Marine to name but a few. Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said there would be a huge range of navigational equipment, underwater lighting, entertainment systems, diesel engines, generators, electronics, desalinators, anchor winches, gyro stabilisers, tenders and much more on display over the four day Festival. The Technology Showcase will be held in the large Hub marquee located adjacent to the undercover marina, right in the heart of the Festival. The Festival is 2014’s ultimate boating event held at Riviera’s 14-hectare state-of-the-art Coomera River front facility – the largest boat building facility in the southern hemisphere. This year’s educational program will include something for every boating enthusiast with skipper training for men, women and children, interactive displays, Riviera factory tours, offshore seamanship with Captain Bob Jones, maintenance tricks of the trade, fishing clinics, electronic navigation, sanitation system maintenance, and anchoring, line work and rafting. New educational events for this year include Jet Ski Practical Handling, Tender Practical Handling, Navigation Marker Challenge, and a seminar by long-time Riviera owners Peter and Narelle Williams who will share their unique experiences after clocking up 36,000 nautical miles on board their 47 Open Flybridge. Riviera’s red carpet, under cover on-water display will showcase an impressive line-up of brand new models from Riviera and Belize from 36 to 75 feet with a retail value of AUD$22 million, including the new 515 SUV, which will make her world premiere at the Festival, and the flagship of the Riviera fleet, the 75 Enclosed Flybridge. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said the Riviera Festival was the ultimate boating event. The Festival of Boating offers on-site parking and easy access with many owners able to arrive by boat and pre-book a berth for the Festival.

Riviera Festival Exceeds All Expectations

Riviera’s third annual Festival of Boating has been hailed an overwhelming success with record attendance, sold-out social events and impressive growth of over 50 per cent in registrations across its educational workshops combining with a strong result in sales. However, it is the glowing endorsements from existing and new Riviera owners which has Riviera promising to make the ultimate boating event even bigger and better next year at the company’s 14-hectare boat building facility at Coomera on the Gold Coast. Indeed the impact of that philosophy is quickly evident when speaking to those who attended the Festival this year, some for the first time. Drew Sellick from Port Lincoln, South Australia – after ordering a new 445 SUV at the Festival – said he felt compelled to share his thoughts to a crowd of more than 400 people at the Riviera Cirquetacular gala dinner on the Saturday night. Drew, who attended the Festival with his wife, Jenny, said later that the fact his new Riviera 445 SUV was Australian-built by an Australian-owned company was a key factor in his decision. Chris Pearson, who with his partner Toby also finalised the purchase of a 445 SUV at the Festival through R Marine Mandurah (WA), said the build quality of Riviera was streets ahead of anything else he had owned. Jon and Nicolla Nicolls from Sydney (NSW) are currently upgrading from their 43 Open Flybridge and hailed the Riviera commitment to making them feel part of the ‘family’. Graham and Biddy Stevenson of Coomera Waters (QLD) have been to every Riviera Festival of Boating since its inception three years ago. Peter Haig – Commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club at Broken Bay (NSW) said he and wife Denise appreciated the fact Riviera went over and above expectations to make sure Riviera owners enjoyed a great experience for the entire life of their boats. Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said there were over $12 million in sales finalised during the four days of the Festival from boating enthusiasts joining the Riviera family and that number is expected to rise after this week’s sea trials across Riviera’s range of Flybridge, Sport Yacht and SUV models. Highlights of this year’s 3rd Riviera Festival of Boating included the world premiere of the striking, sleek and sporty new 515 SUV and Mr Milne reported that there were several forward orders taken for this model. There was also an order “off the plan” for a sophisticated and stylish new 6000 Sport Yacht, which will make her world premiere at the Sydney International Boat Show from July 31 - August 4. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said this year’s educational program truly had something for every luxury boating enthusiast, including skipper training for men, women and children, interactive displays, Riviera factory tours, offshore seamanship seminar with Captain Bob Jones, maintenance tricks of the trade, fishing clinics, electronic navigation, sanitation system maintenance, and anchoring, line work and rafting. Popular new educational events included Jet Ski Practical Handling, Riv Kids Tender Practical Handling, Navigation Marker Challenge, and a seminar by long-time Riviera owners Peter and Narelle Williams, who shared their unique experiences after clocking up 36,000 nautical miles on board their Riviera 47 Open Flybridge.
The world-class entertainment program included a marina cocktail party and Jazz nightclub attended by 380 guests, the Riviera Cirquetacular gala dinner attended by more than 400 guests, ladies champagne luncheon and Master BBQ Chef Challenge.

Riviera Welcomes Rory Vassallo

Australia’s favorite and most awarded builder of luxury power boats – has today announced that West Australian entrepreneur Rory Vassallo will take the helm of its R Marine Perth dealership, effective immediately. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey says the announcement marks an exciting new phase for R Marine Perth and creates the opportunity for the dealership to build on its commitment to helping Riviera and Belize owners enjoy the ultimate boating experience. There are nine R Marine network dealers throughout Australia and New Zealand – who are all Riviera and Belize Motoryacht specialists and are all committed to supporting their boat owners 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. R Marine Perth owner care manager Tim Wright said Mr Vassallo would bring fresh ideas to the dealership from both a successful business owner and Riviera boat owner’s perspective. Respected West Australian boat sales executive Ben Watkins and office administrator Sue Totterdell are key members of the R Marine Perth team and will remain committed to delivering the exclusive level of service for which Riviera is renowned. Mr Vassallo said he was excited to add a new aspect to Vassallo Corporation, which divested its investment in the West Australian childcare sector in March but retains a solid property development portfolio. Mr Vassallo said many of his business success strategies were already an integral part of the Riviera and R Marine Perth ideology – having a strong culture, focusing on relationships and ensuring you have a happy staff. R Marine Perth located at the Aquarama Marina, Riverside Road, East Freemantle offers both new and pre-owned Riviera luxury power boats from 36 to 75 feet across three model series Flybrige, Sport Yacht and the SUV collections. 

Sea Ray L Coastal Tour 

Sea Ray’s recently launched L-Class yachts have ushered in a new era in luxury yachting, with impeccable style built on a foundation of exceptional substance. To celebrate this new age of inspired luxury, Sea Ray is sending the L-Class flagship, the L650 Fly, on a tour of the East Coast of the United States, with invitation-only events in six major yachting ports of call. Each event on the L-Class Coastal Tour Experience will be held at a remarkable private waterfront residence where invited guests can take their time enjoying not only the L650Fly, but also offerings from several carefully selected luxury goods providers. The L-Class Coastal Tour Experience is sponsored by an exclusive group of luxury brands, including Aston Martin showcasing their latest offering of renowned sports cars, Ghurka debuting their fine leather goods, and the William Grant Group featuring Glenfiddich Speyside single malt Scotch whisky and other fine spirits. 

Selene Yachts Rendez Vous 2014

The second Selene Yachts Rendezvous will take place from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 June. Last year’s event was an unconditional success, bringing together Selene owners, journalists and many others from the nautical industry. The 2014 Rendezvous will again take place in lovely Marina Punat in Croatia. Many owners, some from as far afield as the United States, have already confirmed, and an exciting programme is already taking shape, full of exciting presentations and excursions to some of Europe’s finest landscapes. Selene Yachts Rendezvous 2014 will bring together various Selene Trawlers, which attendees can visit and discuss with their owners. You can even spend some time sailing on your preferred yacht for the full experience. The programme is already shaping up to be fun and action-packed and is likely to include practical presentations on fuel treatments, freshwater treatments, onboard fire fighting, safety at sea, rescue at sea, and many others.

Sun Reef Yachts CEO Joins Forces with Nautical Institution

Last month, Sunreef Yachts’ CEO - Francis Lapp signed an official agreement on cooperation with the Faculty of Ocean Engineering and Ship Technology of the Gdansk University of Technology. The main goal of this initiative is an exchange of experiences between the company and the university. As part of this cooperation, Sunreef Yachts offers 4-weeks and 6-weeks holiday training and traineeships to students of the faculty. Additionally, the company’s highly qualified staff will share their practical knowledge and experience in designing and building vessels with young engineers during a series of planned thematic lectures. For their part, the Gdansk University of Technology offered the shipyard their assistance in solving research issues based on their laboratory base, as well as technical support in preparing new projects and implementing innovations. In a longer perspective, Sunreef Yachts and the Gdansk University of Technology will jointly apply for a high research and development grant from implementation funds. In order to get such a grant, the university needs support from an efficient industrial undertaking.

Sunseeker Wins Asia Boating Award

Sunseeker International got off to a great start at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show as we scooped a top award at the prestigious 2014 Asia Boating Awards. The Sunseeker Predator 80 was named the Best Worldwide Production Motoryacht (15m to 24m). Held on the first night of the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show, the awards ceremony highlights the best that the Asian and International yachting industries have to offer. Organised by Asia-Pacific Boating magazine and China Boating magazine, the Asian Boating Awards is the most iconic of yacht awards and has served as a benchmark for the marine industry in the Asia-Pacific region since 2005. The awards are particularly special as they bring recognition not only from industry insiders but also from yacht lovers themselves, as readers of Asia-Pacific Boating selected the nominees. This is clearly testament to the stunning design and engineering excellence of the Predator 80.

Tiara New Dealer in Ontario Canada

Tiara Yachts is excited to announce the appointment of Ed Huck Marine as its newest dealer for the Ontario, Canada market. Ed Huck Marine, located in the beautiful village of Rockport, Ontario, provides 1000 Islands boaters the most enjoyable recreational experience by offering the finest facilities, products and knowledgeable staff available. The marina is celebrating their 125th year in business this year, and has been selling the best products in the industry to the most discerning of customers for four generations. They have been located on the same property since Fred Huck started the business in 1889. Throughout the years of providing dedicated service to boaters from all around the world, customers have come to equate high quality products with dependable service from Ed Huck Marine. Ed Huck Marine is committed to offering exceptional service to its customers and will maintain the standards of excellence that Tiara Yachts owners expect and deserve. The reputation that Ed Huck has earned over a century in the boating industry aligns with the longstanding legacy Tiara Yachts is also known for and both parties are excited about this new endeavor. Ed Huck Marine will have a 3100 Coronet and 3600 Coronet at their docks in early June.

VanDutch Center Newport Beach

VanDutch USA announced the opening of their new Factory Direct VanDutch Center Newport Beach at 2801 West Coast Hwy, Suite 220, Newport Beach, CA 92663. VanDutch Center Newport Beach is a Factory Direct, first‐class experience for clients buying a new product right in the place where they live, work and play. It is how all VanDutch Yachts will be sold in the USA, a Precedent Unrivaled in the Industry. VanDutch Center Newport Beach will include the models 30, 40, 40 Walk‐around, 55, and 75 in its inventory on site and will offer the opportunity to inspect and sea trial by one of its qualified VanDutch Representatives. VanDutch Center Newport Beach will have VanDutch Merchandise such as apparel and accessories, as well as to offer exclusive VanDutch Services to its clients like 24/7 Customer Assistance, Financial Services like Leasing, Financing, Fractional Ownerships, VanDutch Charter and Insurance, Concierge and Yacht instructional Programs. VanDutch Center Newport Beach is part of VanDutch USA’s dedication to deliver its Elite Experience and Showcase its latest Products in one convenient location. The VanDutch Factory Direct Centers in the USA are located in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Naples, The Hamptons New York and Newport Beach California.

Viking Honored By New Jersey State

The Senate and General Assembly of the state of New Jersey recently recognized the Viking Yacht Company for its 50th Anniversary with a joint legislative resolution honoring the company for its achievements over the past five decades. Under the tutelage of co-founders Bill and Bob Healey and the most humble of beginnings, the Viking Yacht Company has grown to its present vital and dynamic state as a world leader in semi-custom fiberglass yacht production with dealers and service facilities throughout the nation and the globe.

Viking Employee Appreciation

The clouds broke and the sun warmed the Viking Employee Appreciation Clambake Saturday. After taking a short hiatus, the annual event was scheduled to coincide with the Viking Yacht Company's 50th Anniversary celebration season and what a celebration it was! Almost 3,000 employees and their families came out to enjoy the festivities at the New Gretna, New Jersey facility. Children giggled and squealed through carnival rides, colorful sand art and a creative coloring station along with mounds of fluffy cotton candy and scrumptious cup cakes. Tables were filled with smiles as the crowd devoured hot dogs, hamburgers, Jersey fresh clams, oysters and roasted pig accompanied with corn on the cob with all the trimmings. With a DJ spinning the tunes in the background, families toured the yachts and factory where their relatives' dedication makes the Viking Yacht Company the number one boat builder in the world.

Viking Sharp Shooters Take First Place

North American Composites hosted the 9th Annual South Jersey Boat Builders Shoot Out Tournament on April 25, 2014 at Red Wing Sporting Clays in Port Republic, New Jersey. The Viking Yachts' team (L to R) Jason Cross, Bill Hall, Frank Moser, Mark Waldron, Bill Heller took first place; Bill Heller also was the Top Shooter in the event. Congratulations to the Viking Team, and thanks to North American Composites for its ongoing support in helping us build a better boat every day.

Viking First Leg Win

Anglers Greg Smith and Dan Stacy had a great three days of fishing aboard the Viking 56 Blue Sky. Blue Sky, from Pawley's Island, South Carolina, released three blue marlin, one white marlin and one sailfish to clinch victory in the first leg of the 2014 Bahamas Billfish Championship series. The next leg of the 2014 BBC series will take place May 21st-24th and space is still available for teams interested in fishing this leg of the series. The Bahamas Billfish Championship is the oldest billfish tournament series in the world. Anglers can fish any or all of the tournaments with cumulative points determining the overall Bahamas Billfish Champion.

Zeelander Wins

The month of May kicked off with Sietse Koopmans, the Owner and CEO of Zeelander Yachts proudly winning the coveted Voyager's Award at the 2014 World Superyacht Awards ceremony in Amsterdam. Sietse spent over 3 years circumnavigating the world on board M/Y Zeepaard. But more importantly, this incredible experience gave Sietse the real hands-on experience to move forward and develop the Z164 luxury explorer.

Zeelander USA Moved to Miami Beach

With the recent international expansion at Zeelander Yachts, the USA team moved to a larger facility in Miami Beach. Centrally located at 1784 West Avenue, in the vibrant Miami Beach area, the modern Zeelander offices will accommodate the increased sales and services team. If you're in the area please drop in and visit us.

Monthly News - February 2014

-pic of the month- Maritimo Founder Receives Business Gong

Bavaria New Sales Record

Only a few days ago the boot in Dusseldorf finished and now the final result of the probably biggest boat fair of her kind in the world are on the table. Bavaria enjoyed a staggering result with 102 customers deciding at the exhibition to buy a Bavaria sailing yacht or motorboat. This is not only a new show sales record for Bavaria itself, but also among 1,600 exhibitors at the boat Dusseldorf from the 18th to the 26th of January, this result might be one of the largest experienced at shows. Bavaria continues with its successful strategy and can develop and extend its market share in the difficult markets around Europe still further. All yachts should be still delivered during this season which not only secures jobs in Giebelstadt but allows for further recruitment in the future. 

Bavaria Is Hiring

With Bavaria the signs are clearly pointing towards growth. In spite of a still difficult market situation in many countries of Europe the German shipyard continuously increases its market shares. The order book keeps filling up and now it requires more staff to supply and to enhance further markets. An ideal chance for the start of a career in the yacht construction sector. The list of opportunities on the Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH web page becomes almost daily longer. Not only does the production team seek to expand, the sales and the management teams want to, and must prepare for the new challenges ahead for an expanding market. China, Brazil, North America and Europe are all developing, the Sales team searches for a new Sales Manager for Northern Europe to be able to look after dealers and customers in the growing worldwide markets. More yachts, more work is the simple formula for the production of motor and sailing yachts in Giebelstadt next year. On the 200,000 square metre site and in 70,000 square metres of the production halls, traditional boatbuilding crafts combine with the most modern industrial manufacturing of yachts. “Made in Germany” and “Quality” are the biggest assets at Bavaria since 1978. Now certified skilled workers are searched for in skills ranging from engine installation up to the trainee in the area of Industrial Design. Young school graduates who are interested in boatbuilding are to be found and warmly invited in to the training program at BAVARIA. Bavaria Yachtbau GmbH students will find ideal conditions for learning key skills, for example, in the marketing department.

Benetti Announces Two New Agency Agreements

Benetti, part of the Azimut Benetti Group, is undertaking some important actions on the North and Central America markets appointing as new agents IBI - for Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Haiti - and Evermarine for Panama. Fabrizio Scerchi Benetti Country Manager Americas along with Tommaso Bilotta as Brand Manager Benetti Americas - have the tasks of managing processes as a whole: marketing, customer satisfaction and dealership networking. In addition - along with Fraser Yachts, Benetti has the pleasure to announce the sale of the Vision 45m Hull No 19 (BV019), a displacement vessel part of Class range, for delivery in June 2014. It is the latest construction of the very successful Benetti Vision model. Her beautiful interior has been designed by Zuretti Interiors Design.

CRN Receives Showboats Design Award 2014

CRN, part of the Ferretti Group and specialising in the construction of fully-customized displacement megayachts, made of steel and aluminium, ranging from 40 and 90 metres, with its flagship M/Y Chopi Chopi 80m, participated in and won an award at the “Showboats Design Awards 2014”, organized by the editorial group Boat International Media. Against the splendid backdrop of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds by Kiztbuel in Austria, on the evening of the 24th February, during an exclusive two day event dedicated to world excellence in international nautical design, M/Y Chopi Chopi was awarded a prize in the category “Interior Design Award” for the over 60 metres megayacht sector. The award was received by Lamberto Tacoli, Chairman and CEO of CRN, and the architect Laura Sessa, the interior designer of Chopi Chopi, in front of an international audience of Owners, designers and experts from the boating industry.

CRN Signs Two New Letters of Intent

Two weeks after the signing of the Letter of Intent for the construction of a 68 metres, the biggest megayacht ever sold in the Chinese market, CRN has signed two new LOI for the construction of two 44 metres megayachts, destined for the Middle-Eastern and European markets respectively. CRN, part of the Ferretti Group and specializing in the construction of fully-customized displacement megayachts, made of steel and aluminum, ranging from 40 and 90 metres, shows its vitality once again only a few months after the 50th anniversary of the shipyard, which was celebrated in 2013. For these two vessels CRN harks back to the great tradition and history of the brand, taking inspiration from SuperConero, the historic line of the seventies, in a project presented for the first time at the Monaco Yacht Show 2013. The project SuperConero 44 mt, a displacement megayacht with bulb, made of steel and aluminium, 44 metres long and 8.60 wide, within 500 GT, designed by Zuccon International Project and whose project design was developed by CRN Engineering, begins its concrete realization today for the first time with the signing of the two LOI.

Hatteras Cabo Yachts New Partner

Tom George Yacht Group announces they have formed a new strategic alliance and partnership with Hatteras/CABO Yachts. TGYG will be an authorized sales and service center on the West Coast of Florida for Hatteras and Cabo Yachts, ranging from 36 to 100 feet. TGYG is a Boutique Brokerage firm located at beautiful Marker One Marina in Dunedin, Florida, one of the largest marinas on Florida’s west coast. Marker One has 144 wet slips, over 250 high and dry slips, 24 hour fuel availability and is a full service marina located just inside Hurricane Pass on the Gulf of Mexico, the billfish capital of the world. Tom George has sold the Hatteras brand for over 16 years. He previously was named Top Salesman of the Year, Distinguished Salesman of the Year for 11 years straight and was presented with the Top Gun award. Tom has built many custom Hatteras Yachts and is an authority when it comes to new builds, new designs and assisting clients with purchasing and/or selling Motor Yacht and Sportfish Yachts of all brands. Tom has also been successful in custom building and reselling the 100MY Hatteras as well as numerous Sportfish from 50 to 86 feet throughout the years. Most recently, TGYG has sold three of the new design 60MY Hatteras in the open market to past clients and is one of the most active Hatteras brokerage facilities in the world today specializing in new and pre-owned. TGYG has worldwide representation with some of the finest yachts on the water and relationships with all-American companies built with USA pride. TGYG represents Hatteras Yachts 50 to 100 feet, CABO Yachts 36 to 52 feet, Cobalt Boats 20 to 40 feet and Christensen Mega Yachts 120 to 200 feet.

Heesen Expands Commercial Team

Heesen Yachts is pleased to announce the appointment of two new managers to their Sales and Marketing team. Mark Cavendish, Heesen’s Sales and Marketing Director will now be assisted by Robert Drontmann in Sales, while Marcel op het Broek will support him in Marketing. Robert boasts an impressive twenty years’ experience in the yachting industry, while Marcel has spent fifteen years as a Marketing Manager in the luxury field. Robert Drontmann comments that before starting his professional career as a licensed Yacht Broker he spent most of his childhood racing sailboats and represented the Netherlands at the 88 Olympics. In his new role he will give all the brokers worldwide full support to boost Sales and always wave the Dutch Flag to emphasize Heesen's heritage! 

Hinckley Chooses FPT

The Hinckley Company, a globally renowned boat builder and yacht service provider, will recommend powertrain supplier FPT Industrial as its preferred partner for repowering Hinckley powerboats. The new initiative will be debuted at the Miami Boat Show, Sea Isle Marina venue, on 13-17 February 2014. The yacht will be located in slip 417 and is available by appointment for sea trial. Both Hinckley and innovative engine manufacturer FPT Industrial are committed to providing the latest technological solutions of the highest quality. It’s this synergy that has led to FPT Industrial’s FPT N67 570 being the engine of choice as part of Hinckley’s refit service. In addition, FPT Industrial has also been selected by Hinckley to provide engines as a higher horsepower option for its latest offering, the Talaria 43, a new express yacht for 2014. FPT Industrial’s N67 570 is a leader in its category, offering excellent weight/power ratios (1.14kg/hp), power/displacement ratios (84.4 hp/litre) and volume/power ratios (1.31 dm3/hp). Developed to meet Tier 3 emission regulations in the U.S. market, the engine features: six cylinders with a displacement of 6.7 litres; distribution through four valves per cylinder; second generation, electronically-controlled Common Rail; turbocharger, a waste gate and intercooler. The monoblock and the ‘ladder frame’ (structural strengthening) have proven their reliability in the many speed and durability contests in which this engine has successfully participated. In addition to excellent speed and performance, the FPT N67 570 allows navigation with low fuel consumption, low noise and low emissions, which complements the class and sophistication of the Hinckley products. Hinckley’s east coast service yards offer FPT refits across a wide range of models by manufacturers other than Hinckley as well. The Hinckley Talaria 44 MKII, which will be displayed at Miami, has been refitted with two 570 hp FPT N67 570 engines. It is a 13.4-metre lobster-style yacht with a flying-bridge. It’s built with the Seemann Composites Resin Infusion Moulding Process (SCRIMP) vacuum method, using vinyl ester resins and ‘E’ glass fibres, has a cruising speed of 29 knots and a maximum speed of 34 knots.

Hodgdon Wins 2014 Showboats Award

Ed Roberts Director of Sales and Marketing refers, Hodgdon Yachts is proud to share the limelight with winner Andrew Winch Designs in receiving the coveted Showboats Design Award for the best Limo Tender. In addition: “the winning tender emulates the design of the mothership M/Y Sea Owl also designed by Andrew Winch Designs of London. In the case of the tenders for Sea Owl, the naval architecture and engineering was by Hodgdon's own in-house engineering team”. The boat was specially engineered and constructed using infused epoxy carbon fibre construction to meet the client's demanding weight requirements. The limousine tender features the exceptional craftsmanship and sophisticated systems engineering that Hodgdon is so well known for. Outside, a defining characteristic of the AWD design is a compound curve teak clad transom exceptionally executed. Inside, the full wood raised panel teak joinery interior features separate lavatory and wash basin lockers with luxury leather seating for up to 8 guests. Systems highlights include NEMA 2000 systems integrated iPad in the salon, electrically retracting glass moon roof, electrically retracting glass aft bulkhead, hydraulically lifting roof, lithium ion smart battery system and more.
This is a limo tender many of the ShowBoats Award judges said they would like to own as it makes a lovely day boat as well with air conditioning, heating and an enclosed stand-up head, but unlike a Venetian water taxi, it features an open stern deck for easier boarding. Fledgling, as she is named, is a perfect complement stylistically to her mothership, Sea Owl, and features the same level of finish detail and joinery style as the Feadship she serves. Just as Sea Owl is a fantasy, this tender would seem so as well as its half glass roof can slide away to create an indoor/outdoor atmosphere or the roof can lift vertically to provide an open air option. The charging and docking stations for phones and iPods are a nice touch, as is the 40-knots top speed.



Maritimo Breaks Record in Miami

Luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo says its results at the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show indicate a renewed level of consumer confidence in the America's with the company securing record sales. Mr Haines, who attended the show along with company founder, Bill Barry-Cotter, said the purchasers came from across the Americas including north-east USA and Venezuela. Mr Haines said as part of the boat show Maritimo held a dealer conference with its network of existing dealers and also appointed a new dealership, Team Marine, in Caracas Venezuela.

Maritimo Company Founder Receives Another Buisness Gong

Australian boating industry icon, Bill Barry-Cotter, has received yet another business industry gong. On Saturday night at the Gold Coast Business Excellence Awards Barry-Cotter was inducted into the Business Person Hall of Fame. Almost 700 people attended the awards ceremony. The award follows the Boating Industry of Australia Hall of Fame award he received in 2012. 

Maritimo New Operations General Manager

A marine industry business executive whose career spans more than 20 years has joined luxury cruiser manufacturer Maritimo as General Manager Operations. For Phil Candler the move to Maritimo sees him re-join his former boss of more than 15 years, Bill Barry-Cotter, founder of the Maritimo Company. Candler worked for Barry-Cotter at Riviera before moving on to the MTU Detroit Diesel shortly after Barry-Cotter sold out of the Riviera business. Maritimo CEO, Garth Corbitt, said the company was delighted to welcome Phil Candler aboard. Candler said since 2009 he has been responsible for all after sales and group operations nationally for MTU. 

Otam Appoints New Exclusive Dealer in USA

After 60 years of experience in powerboating, Otam is proud to announce that Denison Yacht Sales will be their representative in the United States. Antonio Caviglia, Otam's new Sales and Marketing Director, commented that North America has the highest concentration of ultra-high-net-worth-individuals in the world, about 70,000, not to mention the world’s biggest boating market. It is natural then, given both the recent economic upturn and market expansion involving Central and South America, that Otam must be well represented here. Otam products will certainly be appreciated by owners looking for high performance sport boats, with the additional value for a reputation dedicated to reliability and comfort, allowing longer passages at sea, commuting between the Bahamas and Miami, for example. The whole package is custom wrapped in the Otam style of unfailingly elegant and sporty lines Yacht Couture.

Pursuit Rides Miami 

Pursuit Boats’ display during the Miami International Boat Show featured Offshore, Sport Coupe, Center Console, Dual Console and Sport Tender models from 26 to 38 feet in length. The eight model display, represented by Pursuit’s top dealers worldwide, was immensely popular for the crowds visiting the Miami International Boat Show. So much so, that Pursuit exceeded its 2013 sales results by more than 30%. The most encouraging sign of the growth in sales was that the increase was felt across the entire product line, from 23 to 38 feet, resulting in sales of some models not even displayed during the show. Pursuit introduced the Patent Pending SC 365i during the Miami International Boat Show in 2013. Customers aspiring to own one will likely wait at least six months unless their dealer has one in stock. Pursuit teased the market with a new DC 325 set to debut in April of 2014 and based on the response to the Boating Best of Dual Consoles DC 265, the 325 will be a successful big sister. The DC 265 also just added twin Yamaha power options to her specification sheet and has felt a resurgence in retail sales especially during the boat show. 

Riviera Re-launches New School Based Apprenticeship Program

Riviera, Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has joined forces with the Gold Coast’s Helensvale State High School to rekindle the school-based apprentice program, which welcomed 11 new apprentices this month. Riviera and Helensvale State High School forged a strong partnership in 1997 when Riviera first began the school-based apprentice program. This multi-award winning training program has produced hundreds of highly skilled tradesmen with nationally recognized qualifications, many of whom have had the opportunity to travel and work overseas with Riviera. In 2014, Riviera is proud to relaunch its school-based apprentice program and commence training its future master craftsmen. Apprenticeship project mentor Tony Vaughan said the first year apprentices would undertake practical on-the-job training in all aspects, including boat building, lamination, upholstery, electrical and engineering. Boat building apprentice Mitchell Clarke, 16, said he had always been fascinated with boats and was pleased to have the opportunity to learn how to build Riviera’s luxury boats. Jarad Walker, 16, is also studying boat building and he said he enjoyed learning about the different stages of construction and how the boats were assembled. Helensvale State High School principal Mark Blackshaw said they were extremely excited to hear that Riviera had decided to re-launch its school-based apprentice program. Riviera’s CEO Wes Moxey began his career as a boat building apprentice and joined Riviera in 1982 as a shipwright, just two years after the company was founded in 1980, so he is extremely passionate about Riviera’s school-based apprentice program. Riviera will commence enrolments for the 2015 school-based apprentice program later in the year. 

Riviera Powers Ahead in 2014

Riviera, Australia’s favourite and most awarded luxury boat builder has made a positive start to the New Year, recruiting 30 new team members across all aspects of the business to meet the company’s growing global demand for luxury boats. With a forward order bank reaching well through 2014, an array of upcoming international boat shows, a very active new model development plan and the upcoming world premiere of several exciting new models this year, Riviera is in a very strong position heading into 2014. Riviera’s chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said Riviera began a recruitment drive in late 2013 as the demand for the company’s Australian designed and built luxury cruisers increased. Riviera’s new team includes boat builders, production managers, aftermarket and service technicians, school-based apprentices, logistics, marketing professionals and finance experts. 

Storebro Yachts AB New Partner

Storebro announce the future cooperation between Gillholms Marina AB and Storebro Boats AB. Storebro Boats AB will take over the production of Nord West and Gillholms Marina will have the exclusive rights of the continued sale of Nord West powerboats. The 12th of January 2014, Storebro Boats AB acquired the powerboat brand Nord West. Storebro Boats AB has for about 70 years cared for and developed the Scandinavian boat building industry and still, they manage the heritage with warmth and pride. Similar to Nord West, the genuine craftsmanship runs like a thread through all model generations. The Nord West production will move from Orust to the facilities of Storebro in Småland and the laminating facility in Lysekil is working in full speed. Storebro Boats AB will produce the whole range of Nord West models, and Gillholms Marina AB will provide spare parts until further notice. 

Tiara Reaps Miami Rewards

Tiara Yachts’ most recent move to the Miami Beach Yacht and Brokerage Show delivered solid sales across their diverse model line and built on the excitement of the all new Coupe series of luxury yachts. Tiara Yachts represented all product series with its 10 models on display ranging in length from 31 to 58 feet, including Coronet, Open, Sovran, Convertible and the all-new 50 Coupe. Tiara also took the opportunity to tease the market with a preview of the new 44 Coupe, resulting in a confirmed sale during the show for the new model which has yet to be built. A total of 16 Tiara Yachts Factory Authorized dealers from the West Coast, Caribbean, Midwest, Northeast and Southeast manned the display along with several key International dealers. The Tiara dealers were unanimous in opinion that the move to Collins Avenue was a strategic decision and created a more conducive venue for displaying and selling new Tiara Yachts. The show attendance was down overall in sheer number of visitors due to travel disruptions caused by the winter storms, but the quality buyer was ever-present and very interested in the Tiara offerings. 

Viking Feels The Heat

A hot fleet of new Vikings certainly did its part to counter the frigid February temperatures endured at the Viking plant this month, as indicated by the contagious enthusiasm the New Jersey builder saw in its 16 boat display at the recently concluded Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. Between February 13 and President's Day February 17, nearly 5,000 guests registered to see the world's most exciting collection of luxurious, high-performance convertible sportfishing yachts from 42 to 92 feet. By the end of the first day, four Vikings were sold and the momentum continued throughout the show as the company sealed contracts on 12 boats, including two 82 Convertibles, a 76 Convertible, two 70 Convertibles, three 62 Convertibles, a 50 Convertible, two 42 Convertibles, and a 42 Open. The month's activity actually began earlier with a 62 Convertible and a 76 Convertible sold during the Viking VIP Boat Show Preview at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. Another 70 Convertible sold immediately after the Miami Show and several other deals are in progress.

Viking 200 Propellers

As Viking 50th Anniversary approaches on April 1, 2014, more milestones are in the offing as the 50th pair of Cummins QSC 600hp diesels and Zeus pod-drives await installation into this Viking 42 ST (Sport Tower) at our New Gretna, New Jersey facility. With this matched pair going into 42242, the numbers are impressive: 50 boats, 100 engines, 100 Zeus pod-drives and 200 counter-rotating propellers!

Viking Captain's of the Year

In The Bite the sportfishing magazine for the professional has announced two Viking skippers are among the nominees for this year's award, the winner to be chosen by the publications' past Captains of the Year. Captain Jason Buck and his team aboard the Viking 56 Done Deal had a fabulous year winning the Orange Beach Billfish Classic, the Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship, The Lone Star Shootout, as well as taking Top Boat categories in the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, and New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club tournaments. Based in the home port of Houma, Louisiana, Jason will take the helm of the new Done Deal, a Viking 70 Convertible delivering in March. Captain Bill Wieteha skipper aboard the Viking 68 Convertible Blue Time, based in Coral Gables, Florida, also had a winning season taking the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series, The Blue Water Fishing Classic and the Key West World Championship highlighted with 14 sailfish releases on the final day of the event.

Zeelandaer VIP Party

To celebrate the debut of the stunning Z68 in America we were proud to host an exclusive VIP party on Saturday the 15th of February. Pushing the event into overdrive was a well-known Miami DJ together with cocktail waiters and exquisite food at the two event bars. Among other VIP guests, Zeelander Z44 owner and super model Adriana Lima and her husband, NBA star Marko Jaric, attended the event which partied on well into the evening.