- pic of the month- Horizon Best Asian Builder
Azimut Benetti Sea Jewels Alongside Etro and Damiani
The Azimut-Benetti Group will take part in a Montenapoleone Yacht Club initiative sponsored by the Milan Associazione Montenapoleone in collaboration with Audi. Benetti and Azimut Yachts brands will be on display at Etro and Damiani respectively with reproductions and photographs of the most prestigious models. It is an exclusive event involving some of the biggest names in luxury design. The one of a kind event starts on 25 May in Milan in conjunction with EXPO 2015. For the very first time, some of the most important national and international shipyards and yacht clubs will be on display in Milan's "Quadrilatero della Moda”, a partnership under the banner of unparalleled product and service excellence. Paired with big names in fashion and jewellery that are members of the Associazione Montenapoleone, the participating shipyards will have their most prestigious models sharing centre stage with the creations of the hosting boutiques. It is an event that Azimut-Benetti the world's largest yacht and megayacht builder could not possibly miss with its two brands: Benetti and Azimut Yachts. Benetti's luxurious megayachts are on display alongside the imaginative and sophisticated collection of fabrics, clothes, and accessories at Etro. The wide range of Azimut Yachts can be found among the precious jewels at Damiani, an Italian jewellery icon. The event is the brainchild of Guglielmo Miani, President of the Associazione Montenapoleone. He identified a natural synergy between the nautical world and that of jewellery and fashion, especially among the leading companies of the different sectors, with the ultimate goal of celebrating Italian excellence.
Azimut-Benetti Group Double Triumph
The Azimut-Benetti Group has received more new major awards, rewarding its efforts to consolidate its leadership position on the Asian market, owed entirely to the experience gained in over 30 years of continuous presence in the territory. Both brands of the Italian leading manufacturer of luxury yachts obtained significant recognition on the occasion of the 11th Asia Boating Awards organized by Blu Inc., publisher of the magazines "Asia Pacific Boating" and "China Boating" and serves as an important point of reference for the industry in the Asia Pacific area. The top prize in the “Best Worldwide Production Motor Yacht (25m and above)” was awarded to Azimut Grande 95 RPH by Azimut Yachts, while the splendid Benetti "Illusion V" ranked first in the category "Best Yacht Design". The 11th Asia Boating Awards were presented on May 1st 2015, during a luxurious gala at Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel on the opening night of the Hong Kong Gold Coast Boat Show May 1-3. The prestigious Asia Boating Awards were presented in 21 categories, showcasing Asian builders and international brands, as well as Asian regattas and marinas. The region, especially Hong Kong and Singapore, is continuing to grow as a major market for yachts, superyachts and related products/services such as marinas and service centres.
Azimut Yachts Contest Design Award
The first edition of the Azimut Yachts Contest Design Award: IED interior design studion Francesco Russolillo is awarded a six month internship at the company. Azimut Yachts has launched a new initiative to identify and engage young talent from different design environments. For the first edition of the competition, the participants; students from Italian and international universities and design schools were asked to design the spaces and furnishings of an Azimut 70 fly.
Azimut Honk Kong is Launched
Azimut Yachts today announces a new partnership strategy, building upon its 28 year success story in the Asian market. The past year has seen Azimut launch Azimut Yachts Indonesia and Azimut Yachts Thailand expanding the brand’s presence in the South East Asia market. In line with this worldwide philosophy, which has strengthened its success throughout the world, Azimut Benetti Group is very pleased to announce the launch of Azimut Yachts Hong Kong in partnership with Mr. Thomas Woo. The decision to invest in local partner has been taken in order to reaffirm Azimut Yachts leadership in Asia. With the opening of Azimut Yachts Sales and Service Offices with a partner fully committed and focused on Azimut Yachts only, the Italian shipyard will provide all-around assistance from the purchase of a yacht to a dedicated after sales services. The Azimut Yachts Hong Kong will replace the exisiting partnership with Simpson Marine in the area. For the past 28 years Simpson Marine has been the exclusive dealer for much of Asia for Azimut Yachts - a partnership that has seen both companies grow and prosper. The two companies have now mutually agreed to part ways due to changing business strategies. Azimut Yachts is focused on a new single-brand partnership strategy while Simpson Marine is committed to growing as a multi-brand dealer.
CRN Wins World Superyacht Award
CRN, the ship builder specializing in the construction of 50 to 90 metre steel and aluminum pleasure vessels, received another international recognition, for one of its latest megayachts, at the World Superyacht Awards in Amsterdam, the prestigious event organised by the editorial group Boat International Media. During the exclusive gala evening, held at the iconic Renaissance-style Westergasfbariek industrial complex, situated in an impressive park near Amsterdam, M/Y CRN Saramour 61m was assigned the highly sought-after ‘Judges Commendation’, reserved for displacement motor yachts having a gross tonnage between 500 and 1,300 GT. The award was collected by Luca Boldrini, CRN’s Sales & Marketing Director, together with Roberta Sabatini, CRN’s Image & Communication Manager, and Architect Francesco Paszkowski,who designed the exteriors and the internal fit-out, in front of an audience of ship owners and first-class representatives of the world’s megayacht industry. After their victory last year with 80m flagship ‘Chopi Chopi’, the Ancona shipyard is for the second year running the winners of the special award assigned to megayachts that have stood out at an international level for their interior and exterior designs. Saramour conquered the votes of the expert panel thanks to an aesthetical language focused on achieving an overall unity of shapes, as conceived by Francesco Paszkowski Design in cooperation with CRN - a design solution chosen to set off the precious art collection that adorns the yacht, transforming her into a true and proper floating ‘art gallery’.
CRN Made to Measure
When World class tailoring meets the mastery of naval art. From the flawlessly balanced union of two apparently far, and yet complementary worlds, sharing the constant search for perfection in every detail, 'Made to Measure' comes to life. Larusmiani and CRN, two ambassadors of true Made in Italy products, are going to introduce the world to Italian excellence during a one-of-a-kind event. From 25 to 31 May, during the Montenapoleone Yacht Club, an event held at the Concept Boutique Larusmiani, ‘Made to Measure’ will be born – a sensory journey into the values of Italian craftsmanship. The identity of every single custom-made garment created by Larusmiani and that of the megayachts designed and built by CRN will be revealed by their distinctive traits: the accurate selection of materials; uncompromised quality; and a painstaking care for details. Inside the Concept Boutique guests will have the opportunity to take a close look at the perfection of meticulous miniature replicas of some superyachts and a series of sketches on display in the Bespoke Area, thereby plunging into the magical atmosphere of a cruise onboard these jewels of the sea. On 28 May, highly selected guests will set off towards faraway lands – a unique journey that will be even more extraordinary thanks to the unique opportunity to taste Plymouth, a gin so special that it can even boast an agreement with the British Royal Navy.
CRN First Refit
CRN, the shipyard specializing in the construction of steel and aluminium pleasure vessels between 50 and 90 meters in length, held a private ceremony this morning to launch the refit of a 46-metre vessel. The yacht designed by CRN’s Engineering Department, in cooperation with the international design firm Nuvolari Lenard, which pencilled her outer lines develops over 4 decks and can accommodate up to 12 guests in her master stateroom and 5 VIP cabins. Sobriety and style, streamlined and elegant lines, airy spaces and very refined interiors: these are the main distinctive features of this yacht, which stands out for her stylish dark blue hull and her contemporary, sophisticated décor - a fil rouge that runs through the different onboard areas and rooms. The ‘Eight’ is equipped with two 3512 B KW Caterpillar engines that push her to a maximum speed of 16 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots.
Ferretti Custom Line Adriatic Boat of the Year 2015
Navetta 28 continues its international success with a prestigious Award. The maxi-yacht of the semi-displacement Custom Line won the Adriatic Boat of the Year 2015 award in the Motor Yacht over 51 feet category. The prize was conferred during the 20th edition of Internautica, one of the most renowned European boat shows, held in Marina di Portoroz, Slovenia. Navetta 28, “sister” of Navetta 33 Crescendo, debuted last September at the “Cannes Yachting Festival 2014” and immediately earned unanimous acclaim from both media and the public, leading to the launch in recent weeks of the second unit, entirely customized by its Owner. The Adriatic Boat of the Year 2015 awards ceremony brought another big success for the whole Ferretti Group that earned 2nd place in the same category with the Pershing 70. The dual accomplishment certifies the absolute excellence of all the Group’s brands over 50 feet in length.
Gulf Craft Majesty Awarded Best Asian Build Yacht
The recently launched Majesty 122, built by one of the world’s leading superyacht shipyards, Gulf Craft, showed an early start to success after winning the prestigious Best Asian Built Yacht award, demonstrating the shipbuilder’s commitment to delivering world-class craft. The Asia Boating Awards recognize global and regional yachting brands that have consistently demonstrated outstanding achievement in Asia throughout the year. After meticulous evaluation by a panel of experts in the leisure boating industry, the Best Asian Built Yacht Award goes to the yacht that demonstrates outstanding build quality and that was manufactured in a shipyard located in Asia. Gulf Craft’s achievement follows recent success at the Singapore Yacht Show, where the shipbuilder received an overwhelmingly positive response for the brilliant display of its craft, including the Majesty 105, the largest superyacht Gulf Craft has ever brought to South East Asia, and the oceangoing Nomad 65, engineered for those with an appetite for long-range sea travel as well as the Majesty 48, the full option fly-bridge yacht.
Hatteras Shootout Production vs Custom
Over Memorial Day Weekend, Hatteras Yachts was ably represented by two boats proven to raise fish; the GT54 Stop the Press and the GT63 CU+ Leader. In The Shootout: Custom vs. Production at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in the Bahamas. Team Hatteras saw plenty of fishing action during the three-day event, with blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo and other species on the run in the Abacos' spectacular aquamarine waters. Hatteras Yachts was proud to be a Platinum Sponsor of this highly successful inaugural tournament, which put 27 competitive production and custom boats head to head in battle in some of the most fertile fishing grounds in the world - capped off by awesome parties.
Hatteras Increases Global Reach
Hatteras Yachts is pleased to announce that Yasuda Shipyard, Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan and Tatari Yachts, S.A., Istanbul, Turkey, will become leading partners, representing Hatteras throughout Japan and Turkey, respectively. The addition of these dealers to Hatteras’ network strengthens its presence in these key markets and continues to increase its global distribution footprint.
Heesen Yachts Expands Sales Team
Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce that Johan Kaasjager has joined the sales team in the role of Sales Manager. Johan together with Robert Drontmann will work in Mark Cavendish’s team to support company growth. Johan, who brings more than 10 years of combined sales and technical experience to Heesen Yachts, has previously held senior sales position in the superyacht industry. In his new role Johan will offer brokers and the Heesen network of agents full support to increase sales and promote Heesen’s Dutch heritage and fine craftsmanship.
Horizon Receives Tenth Consecutive Best Asian Builder Award
Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce it recently received its tenth consecutive “Best Asian Yacht Builder Award (25m and +) at the 2015 Asia Boating Awards, held May 1st at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel. CEO John Lu was also recognized as the “Personality of the Year” during the event. Founded in 2005, the Asia Boating Awards is hosted by two famous yacht magazines, Asia Pacific Boating and China Boating. The “Best Asian Yacht Builder Award” recognizes shipyards and their outstanding achievements within the Asia yachting industry through awards such as “Best Marina,” “Best Yacht Club,” and “Best Regatta”. This prestigious event celebrated its 11th year this year, and Horizon Yachts’ win of “Best Asian Yacht Builder” for the 10th consecutive year is an unparalleled record within the Asian yachting industry.
Kadey-Krogen Expands to Rhode Island
Today’s generation of Kadey-Krogen trawler yachts results from a 38-year heritage of innovation and more than 600 yachts built. To further propel that tradition in 2015 and beyond, the company has expanded and planted roots this month in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Headquartered in Stuart, Florida with additional offices in Annapolis, Maryland and Seattle, Washington, Kadey-Krogen Yachts partner and vice president of sales Tucker West leads the company’s expansion into New England. A Rhode Island native, West grew up on and around the waters of Portsmouth and throughout high school and college worked in Newport Harbor running launches. He entered the marine industry after graduating from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire with a degree in business management. His primary focus throughout the last 20 years has been in yacht sales, marketing, and after-sales service for marine businesses around the world. For Kadey-Krogen Yachts, West manages sales and contributes to product development.
Numarine New Sales and Marketing Director
Antonio Caviglia is the latest addition to the International Numarine Team. He will be based in Italy with the assignment to increase the size and reach of Numarine’s dealer network, accelerate sale and enhance the brand awareness of Numarine internationally. Caviglia is a seasoned yacht sales and marketing executive with experience in the international marine retail and automotive industries. Caviglia is fluent in Italian, English and French, and also speaks Russian well. Caviglia also holds a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace engineering from Cornell University in the USA and a Master in Business Administration from Cornell University. For the 1st thirteen years of his career, both in Italy and in the USA, Antonio Caviglia held roles of increasing responsibility in various functions from engineering to Sales to Operations to Business Development in Fiat Auto and Emerson Electric. Since 2004 Caviglia mixed his passion for yachting with his successful international curriculum, holding positions at the Brunswick Corporation, Sanlorenzo, Gruppo Baglietto, Vicem and OTAM. At Brunswick, with the important role of Director EMEA, Strategy & Business Development – Brunswick European Group, he was responsible for the Strategy & Business Development function of the EMEA Division of the biggest nautical company in the world, producer of boats and marine engines: main brands include Sea Ray, Hatteras, Sealine, Boston Whaler, Mercury and Mercruiser. Here Caviglia was responsible for mergers & acquisitions, development of new markets, new products, new product distribution, market study execution and marketing research. In Sanlorenzo he was Sales Director for the fiberglass yacht range from 62 feet to 108 feet. In Gruppo Baglietto he was Group Sales Manager, with sales responsibility for the historical brands Baglietto and Cantieri di Pisa, leaders in the worldwide segment of Super-yachts. As European Sales Manager, in Vicem Yacht he helped to establish the brand’s presence and increase sales in Europe. In his last assignment in OTAM as Sales & Marketing Director, he strengthened their distribution and brand image, resulting in improved sales and future opportunities.
Otam New Sales and Communications Manager
Otam with 60 years of success in power-boating has the pleasure to announce the appointment of Matteo Belardinelli as their new sales and communications manager. Born in 1978, Belardinelli worked for years in real estate before entering the nautical sector with the Ferretti Group's CRN. As sales manager from 2009 until 2015, Belardinelli was responsible for the American markets, broker relations and was the reference point between client and yard. Thanks to his ever increasing passion for the nautical luxury market, Matteo Belardinelli joins the Otam team as sales and communications manager. Belardinelli's nomination is part of a new phase in Otam's development of new market strategies, creating two entirely new production segments: the Chase Boat and the aluminum Full Custom 35 to 40 meter. They will be marketed alongside the 'traditional' range of Millennium powerboats, with seven models from 45' to 100'. With the 2014 success of the 58HT Crazy Too, the enormous potential and opportunity of the chase boat for mega-yacht segment became apparent. Interest in this niche is in constant growth, given the high performance and reliability that exemplify the high quality of Otam products. Otam finalized the contract for the construction of a 35 meter custom yacht at the end of 2014. This semi-displacement aluminum hull, spacious and versatile, was created for the ever more informed and demanding international market. The attention paid to OTAM clients, to the smallest details, an all consuming passion, an obligation never to compromise in quality: all these factors brought OTAM and their management the build of a 35 meter Full Custom and Full Aluminum with the clearest intent to enter another market segment, the 35 to 40 meter custom.
Princess Original Returns to Plymouth
The first model to ever be built by Princess Yachts International has arrived back in Plymouth to undergo a unique restoration project in celebration of the company's 50th Anniversary year. Project 31 was the initial success story behind the Princess brand (then known as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd), with more than 150 boats produced and sold worldwide. Now Princess Yachts will be lovingly restoring an original Project 31 whilst giving her a touch of the "Princess" treatment. Following her arrival at Princess' superyacht facility South Yard, Project 31 will be fully refitted drawing on various departments within the business. Parts will be removed and sent across the factory to the carpentry and metal shops where they will be repaired and reconditioned. Over the years several modifications and upgrades have been made to the boat, so now a dedicated team of apprentices and retired employees will be utilising their skills and memories to refit and precisely restore her. The refit process will see the team overcome several hurdles as Princess craft from that era are unique, with no two boats exactly alike. A very different approach to how the brand develops products today. The Princess Design Studio will be creating a nostalgic interior concept that will pay tribute to Princess' 1965 original launch specification. Key features will be carefully restored to ensure the boat stays true to these origins, however, a clever modern twist will be implemented using modern materials and detail-oriented craftsmanship will adorn the living space, providing a new level of luxury in a boat that is almost 50 years old.
Riviera Secures Two Major Categories
Australia’s revered builder of luxury motor yachts, Riviera, has secured two major categories at the Australian Marine Industry Export and Superyacht Awards, announced last night. Based at Coomera on Australia’s Gold Coast, Riviera was named Best Large Marine Industry Export Performer and Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year, reflecting 100 per cent growth in export production revenue and a 72 per cent increase in the number of boats exported for 2014. Riviera owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst said the awards were testament to innovation, dedication and to the hallmark passion for perfection that underpins a growing affection for the iconic luxury marque among boating aficionados worldwide. Riviera’s truly unique festival of fun and learning was created to hone the skills of luxury motor yacht owners and give them the confidence to use their boats to their full potential – and this premium level of commitment to customer care is another key element of Riviera’s international success. Mr Longhurst said that, in 2014, Riviera expanded its global-scale events calendar and the experiential marketing in Australia and New Zealand is now mirrored in idyllic destinations right around the world, including the United States, South Africa, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Riviera, in 2014, celebrated the successful premieres last year of the stylish and sophisticated new 6000 Sport Yacht and a new 515 SUV design, as well as the launch of the new Riviera flagship, the 77 Enclosed Flybridge. All three yachts have been extremely popular at boat shows around the world and all feature prominently in Riviera’s impressive international forward orders that now stretch into 2016.
Riviera R Factor Shines Brightly
It’s an oft-repeated phrase amongst members of the marque’s worldwide family of luxury yacht owners. It portrays perfectly the pride and the passion – the unparalleled cachet – that the Riviera family acknowledges as: The R Factor. Indeed, the growing affection for Australia’s most-awarded builder of luxury motor yachts cannot be understated – you could see it sparkle in the eyes of almost one thousand owners from around Australia and the world as they inspected Riviera’s largest-ever Australian on-water showcase of luxurious new models, and as they greeted fellow ‘family’ members at the Festival of Boating held last week on the Gold Coast. The beaming smiles – also worn by the 430-strong Riviera team and the excited R Marine dealers from around Australia and New Zealand – reflected far more than the fact everyone was enjoying four fantastic days of fun and learning. They were also a clear expression of just how proud they were of Riviera’s growing global success. But then there was also a genuine appreciation for the unique way Riviera values every member of the ‘family’, and the way the company goes above and beyond in every respect to help its owners achieve ‘the ultimate boating experience’. Just ask any of these owners at the Festival for they were all proud and willing ambassadors for the revered Riviera marque and all that it means to be part of the welcoming and rewarding Riviera ‘family’. Held at the world-class Riviera facility at Coomera – and right in the heart of the 2015 Gold Coast International Marine Expo – Riviera’s festival united owners for sensational, spectacular and exclusive social events, in addition to a vast array of free educational seminars and workshops designed to fine tune their knowledge of their yachts and onboard systems. Many of those in attendance were already experienced boaters, and many were also long-term Riviera owners making sure the newer family members felt welcome and relaxed. Some came just for the social events, and some came to see the latest in design and innovation at the marque’s largest-ever Australian on-water display. All came to experience the very special R Factor. Melbourne-based Riviera 43 Open Flybridge owner Phil Ridgeway and his wife Victoria said it was great to be able to speak with the Volvo and Raymarine representatives at the Expo. Sydney’s Karin Adcock, who with partner John Winstanley own a Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht – said the Offshore Seamanship with Captain Bob Jones was particularly interesting with some very useful tips, while the Dock of the Bay cocktail evening was ‘spectacular’. These comments were echoed by Brisbane’s Robyn Duffield who enjoyed the Fragrance Masterclass with several friends on the Festival Friday while her husband Alastair brushed up on his nautical knowledge at the new educational events. Together they own a Riviera 42 Open Flybridge. This year, in addition to Riviera VIP car-parking right at the Expo gates, Riviera owners were granted exclusive access to a Festival Hub – that was it right past the four fine Ferraris (which they could test-drive), through the private entrance door emblazoned with a giant red Riviera-style love-heart, and into the luxuriously appointed Owners Courtyard where they could relax, enjoy a coffee and catch up with the rest of the ‘family’ ahead of their next Riviera social event or educational seminar, of which there were over 70 on the action-packed program. Down on the waterfront, owners could also celebrate the success of their new luxury yacht purchase with exclusive access to the at the Riviera Motor Yacht Club restaurant and bar, or even toast the rise and rise of Riviera on the world stage overlooking the massive Expo and especially the stunning $22.5 million red-carpet, on-water showcase of the latest in design, luxury and innovation from Riviera. By the end of the Expo, 12 new Riviera yachts had been sold, including one order for the new 67 Sports Motor Yacht announced just days prior and designed for those aspiring for long-range cruising in luxury. Then, of course, there are still many more (both existing and new) Riviera owners eager to take the helm and sea-trial the impressive range of new models in coming weeks. And then there was one more very special reason to celebrate: Riviera just days prior received two of the highest accolades at the Australian Marine Export and Superyacht Awards, securing both the 2015 Best Export Performance (large exporter), and the 2015 Australian Marine Industry Exporter of the Year. The awards reflect both a 100 per cent increase in yachts bound for international ports and the growing number of Riviera owners throughout the Americas, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Europe, South Africa and the Middle East. And celebrate in style they did – in true Riviera style –throughout the entire four-day festival, and also at three separate and unique social events. Fragrance Masterclass: The ladies enjoyed the Fragrance Masterclass & Luncheon on the Friday of the Festival, delving into the world of perfume perfection and learning about fragrance families whilst enjoying French champagne and cosmopolitan cuisine, and even preparing their own special scent to take home as a personal gift from Riviera. Dock of the Bay: Over 400 owners and guests enjoyed sumptuous seafood fresh from the trawler and soothing sounds at the red-carpet Dock of the Bay cocktail and marina party on Friday evening, surrounded by Riviera’s stunning $22.5 million showcase of luxurious motor yachts. The R Factor: Riviera’s Saturday night gala dinner and show is always highly anticipated – and this year was certainly a spectacular surprise as guests stepped from the factory concourse into a giant ballroom, finely decorated and with a 60-metres long stage where some of the strongest voices in Australia battled it out for supremacy before joining together and raising the roof and the spirits with a sensational finale. Riviera owner and chairman Rodney Longhurst said he was incredibly proud of the team at Coomera, the entire Festival program and of the latest new model releases. The 2016 Festival of Boating will be held from May 19-22, and will again align with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo.
Sanlorenzo Signs Asia Distribution Agreement
Sanlorenzo is proud to announce the signing of a new dealership agreement with Simpson Marine, Asia’s leading yacht sales and Brokerage Company. Simpson Marine will become the exclusive Asian dealer for Sanlorenzo shipyard. This strategic agreement addresses the growing demand for Sanlorenzo’s made-to-measure motor yachts in the Asia and Pacific regions. Simpson Marine was established in Hong Kong in 1984 by Mike Simpson as a yacht sales and charter company. The company is widely regarded as playing a pioneering role in the development of the yachting industry in Asia. By the late 1980’s, Simpson Marine had become a key distributor for several leading European and Asian yacht brands, recruiting an extensive team of sales and after sales service professionals within the regional market. Today the company employs over 100 professionals in the industry and continues to operate a prestigious sales and service network spanning sixteen locations in seven countries (China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand).
Sea Ray Supports National Sage Boating Week
Sea Ray officials are joining boating safety advocates during National Safe Boating Week, from May 16-22, to promote safe and responsible boating, including consistently wearing a life jacket every time a boater is on the water, using products and services that promote safe boating, and seeking proper training to educate and inform boaters. Sea Ray also will join with Mercury Marine engines and parts and accessories as well as a dozen other Brunswick boat brands in featuring a sweepstakes on social media. The contest prize is a safety kit featuring Attwood’s bailer safety kit, multi-function LED sport light, first aid kit, telescoping emergency paddle and 40-liter dry bag along with two, Mustang personal flotation devices and a Mercury Marine emergency-shutoff lanyard. Each of Brunswick’s 13 marine brands participating in this initiative will conduct a social media sweepstakes contest, and each will offer a safety kit. The contest is open to all U.S. consumers, with the exception of Brunswick employees and their immediate family, who are ineligible to win. Contestants can enter once a day for the life of the contest, with 13 winners – one for each brand -- being selected at random on May 26 from the pool of all eligible entries at each brand. Prizes will be shipped within 15 days of the announcement of the winners. National Safe Boating Week is the launch of the 2015 North American Safe Boating Campaign. This yearlong campaign promotes safe and responsible boating and the value of voluntary, consistent life jacket wear by recreational boaters through the campaign’s national theme, Wear It!
Sunseeker Agrees New Preferred Supplier for Logistics
Sunseeker International is pleased to announce that PSP Logistics and Sevenstar Yacht Transport have been selected as preferred suppliers for the shipment of its luxury performance yachts to their end destinations around the world. Around 150 boats every year ranging from 40-155 feet are shipped from Sunseeker’s manufacturing base in Poole to destinations all over the globe, serving the company’s 60-strong dealership network. This new preferred supplier agreement will provide significant cost benefits and improved efficiencies for Sunseeker and its network of Distributors, enhancing the service provided for customers and strengthening its position as the number one global brand for luxury performance motor yachts. PSP transports boats of all sizes to anywhere in the world and provides a tailor made service to Sunseeker owners. Sevenstar Yacht Transport offers a global network of destinations with its own fleet of over 120 independent Dutch flagged geared ocean carriers to match the needs of the Sunseeker experience. This provides Sunseeker a combination of two of the world’s leading yacht shipping specialists.
Viking and Healey Foundation
I'm pleased to share a few updates from the Healey International Relief Foundation with you. The HIRF Annual Awards Reception in Washington, DC, this past April was successful, informative and entertaining. Both event organizers, HIRF and Capital Reach, conduct humanitarian work in Sierra Leone. The ongoing Ebola crisis has made the work of these groups more urgent and all funds raised from the event will go toward HIRF's project to rebuild health clinics in Sierra Leone, as well as Capital Reach's effort to build a much-needed school in Lunsar, Sierra Leone. The reception hosted by Taylor Kinzler featured presentations by HIRF President Robert T. Healey, Jr., and Capital Reach Executive Director Kadir Mohammed, followed by the awards ceremony of our honorees Senator Tom Harkin, Congressman Chris Smith and Mrs. Philomena Yumkella. The reception featured a silent auction of unique items brought from Sierra Leona, and a musical performance by Sierra Leone's singer Daddy Rhymes. Thank you to our honorees, event partners and everyone who attended. The pictures of the reception are now posted on the HIRF Facebook page and on the website. Two of our special guests at the Annual Awards Reception came all the way from Sierra Leone: HIRF In-Country Manager Ishmeal Alfred Charles, and Executive Director at Caritas Freetown and HIRF Advisory Board member Father Peter Konteh. Charles and Father Peter had a busy itinerary for their two week stay in the United States. Charles served as a panelist at his alma mater Fordham University's Institute of International Humanitarian Affairs. The panel discussion was about the current situation in West Africa as it continues to recover from the largest Ebola epidemic in history. Panelists discussed the successes and challenges of the ongoing humanitarian response in the region as well as opportunities for the future. HIRF Executive Director Ben Parra and Government Relations Officer Vicki Middleton attended the 2015 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and IMF in Washington, DC. The team attended several presentations including a forum on how faith organizations can help contribute to the goal to end poverty by 2030; a panel on private sector development; as well as a panel discussion on how to prevent future Ebola outbreaks by strengthening health systems. In addition to the spring meetings, they also attended an event organized by Sierra Leonean Empowerment Network called "Let's Talk Sierra Leone: Past, Present, Future."
Viking Winner Circle
Congratulations to all the boats that fished the Mike Schmidt's Winner's Circle Invitational at Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina in West End Grand Bahama Island. Not only did the event raise over $150,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The American Cancer Society and The Marine Industry Education Foundation but it also found a lot of Viking yachts on the leaderboard! The title of Grand Champion was awarded to Mike Viola's Viking 56 Pandamonium. Pandamonium had a cumulative weight total of 118.5 pounds of fish and also claimed the heaviest dolphin with a whopper at 47.1 pounds. Right on their heels was Dave Henderson's Viking 50 Fragrant Harbor with 95 pounds for a Second Place Overall finish and the Top Tuna with a 63.6 pound fish. Top Wahoo went to Chuck Schumacher fishing on the Viking 55 with a 50.4 pounder. Carlos Gavidia fishing on the Viking 70 SISU and Mike Hynes on the Viking 61 Predator both released their first billfish during the tournament amongst a fleet of 32 boats.
Viking Going Back To The Bank
Sporty seas kept most of the 61 boat fleet at the docks on Day One of the 38th Annual Shimano Port Hacking 100 in Sydney, Australia, held this past May. The Viking 54 Gale Force braved the weather and was rewarded with a very successful day. Michael Kirby fought a big blue marlin for over two hours to boat the biggest fish of the tournament. Michael, along with anglers Daniel Kirby, Stephen Pitchfork and Bob Danckert, claimed the Heaviest Marlin as well as Heaviest Blue Marlin of the tournament.
Viking Building The Future
Viking co-founder Bill Healey took time to talk to some aspiring boat builders during the recent Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work program. Designed to be more than a career day, the program goes beyond the average practice of shadowing an adult. This eager group of Viking enthusiasts took a tour of the facility and learned about boat building as well as the many different aspects of running a company.
Wider Tam Sri Lim Kok Thay Visit
A few weeks ago Wider had the pleasure to welcome Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay to the shipyard. He visited and was pleased with the progress of the two superyachts currently under construction, Wider 150 and Wider 165. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay became a majority partner in Wider and a member of the board of Directors in 2012.
Posts
