-pic of the month- Mimi Invests in New Infrastructures
Arcadia Yachts Full Steam Ahead
Arcadia Yachts started the year in full swing: the Italian shipyard is proud to announce the sale of the fifth unit of the A115 flagship and the delivery of the eleventh unit of the iconic Sherpa in Owner Suite configuration. Two very important news confirming the financial stability of the Italian shipyard and its health.
Azimut Presents A-Room
Azimut Yachts presents A-Room, a virtual showroom created specifically to offer the brand’s customers and fans previews of all its new models. The initiative is driven by the desire to further open up to digital technology, recognising it as a system that can engage powerfully with owners, customers and yachting enthusiasts, also on an emotional level: an additional communication opportunity that will go alongside the traditional channels. Visitors to the A-Room will connect to a 3-D virtual space designed to look like an Azimut Yachts stand, which they can move around in complete freedom, interacting with the content. Split into themed areas, including a theatre for presentations, corners dedicated to individual Collections, and mega screens with videos of the latest models, the main aim of the virtual showroom is to be the new stage on which the shipyard’s latest novelties are presented. The A-Room will showcase the brand’s latest models, upcoming news and novelties in the world of Azimut Yachts. Users will be offered live streamed events organised for new yacht launches, previews of innovative content and other initiatives designed to engage with the audience of customers and fans. Making the first “digital” debut on the platform will be the new arrival in the Flybridge Collection, Azimut 53 Flybridge, which stands out for her flowing lines that hide spaces ideal for families, introducing a new dimension to the yachting experience never seen before in this size category. A series of teasers and visual content are already online and other unpublished material will be added soon in the lead up to the unveiling event planned for March. This initiative confirms therefore the Shipyard’s desire to engage in an ongoing conversation with its customers, experimenting with new forms of interaction at a time when digitalization represents a fundamental and inevitable step towards a better customer experience. Azimut Yachts has already made a name for itself in this field and was the first yacht company to implement a digital space, which it did in record time last spring with the launch of the Virtual Lounge, a platform that provides a range of content (videos, technical data sheets, analysis) and was also used to organise a three-day e-boat show, resulting in the first online sale in the Shipyard’s history an Azimut S6.
Benetti 21st Yachtmaster Phygital Edition
The Yachtmaster, the event organised by Benetti for captains, crews and all yacht industry professionals involved in the life cycle of a superyacht, now in its 21st year, was held on February 18 and 19 in a phygital edition: more than 250 people connected to a specially created virtual platform in collaboration with Live Forum, to follow the online meetings, seminars and workshops planned. The new interactive format was a huge success and the Virtual Trade Show allowed Yachtmaster partner companies to showcase their products and communicate in real time with guests. The participants were able to set, after the end of the Yachtmaster and before February 23, appointments with managers of different companies. The theme running through this edition, moderated by well-known influencer David Seal, was Next Generation Yachtscharacterised by advanced technology and design excellence. The event got underway with a welcome speech by Azimut|Benetti Group vice president Giovanna Vitelli, who emphasised the importance in the yacht world of an event like the Yachtmaster, which opens up a communication channel between yacht industry professionals and the shipyard. The resulting conversation drives an ongoing quest for excellence in the finest Benetti tradition, as well as closer ties with owners, of whom 80% are loyal to the brand. Azimut|Benetti Marketing Director Benedetta Moreno then spoke from the Benetti Museum Lounge about the Shipyard’s history, which stretches back over a century, touching on the most important milestones and presenting some of the historical relics on show in the shipyard. Among the most significant item is the fame achieved by Benetti in the 1960s, when they became a symbol of the Made in Italy elegance and refinement and were used by the most important European royal families, such as the Rainer of Monaco, but also by movie and music stars such as David Bowie. After a brief introduction of the novelties in the Benetti fleet by Benetti Area Sales Manager Toby Walker, the meeting entitled “The impact of IMO TIER III on the Benetti fleet” saw Benetti R&D department Project Manager Gilberto Francescini and Premier Chemicals Sales Director Stephen Lyons, together with partner representatives Giorgio Gallo (RINA Head of Italy & South France Yachting Excellence Center), Ivan Goldstaub (CGT Power System Account Manager) and Carlo Bertoglio (Head of Hug Engineering Italy), discuss the subject of international regulation IMO TIER III on the reduction of pollutant emissions in the yachting industry, which has been extended as of 2021 to yachts with a gross tonnage under 500 GT in Emission Control Areas (currently North American and Caribbean seas plus the Baltic and the North Sea, and soon the Mediterranean and seas in the Far East). Marco Valle, Azimut|Benetti Group CEO, made an appearance at the end of the meeting to celebrate the live launch of a new 65-metre Benetti custom yacht, as well as to present his own personal viewpoint on developments in a world of yachting that is increasingly sensitive to sustainability-related issues. Guests then turned their attention to the Virtual Trade Show, discovering the initiative’s partners and the products and technologies they showcased on the virtual platform. After which it was time for the eagerly awaited Owner’s Team Perspective, which featured 63-metre Benetti custom yacht M/Y Metis and her Captain Frank Hesse, talking online from the yacht’s bridge about his experiences, career milestones, and life on board, seen through the lens of sustainability. The live stream then moved to the galley on M/Y Metis, where award-winning chef Italo Bassi delighted guests with an outstanding demonstration of show cooking, during which he prepared traditional Tuscan pici with a special truffle and anchovy sauce. In the afternoon, two workshops led by Benetti, with partners CGT Power System, HUG Engineering, Lusben and Rina and superyacht captain Dario Savino, looked in depth at retrofit-related issues, with a special focus on SCR and DPF filters and the certification of toxic materials on board yachts. A third workshop with partner Seastema illustrated improvements in navigation systems and helm stations with the contribution of panelist Team Italia, which showcased the results obtained on board several of Benetti’s most famous yachts, including 108-metre giga yacht IJE and the 69-metre Spectre. In parallel, two workshops for stewardesses discussed onboard hospitality and the relaxing effects of tea, with a tasting organised by ‘tea sommelier’ Domenico Gradia, as well as the well-being associated with 100% ecological products made in Tuscany. The first day’s proceedings were brought to an end by a closing speech and a second slot devoted to partners and networking in the framework of the Virtual Trade Show. The morning of the 19th got under way with a yoga session streamed live from the main Deck of “Luminosity”, the 108-metre giga yacht which is the largest hybrid in the world built in Italy by a private shipyard. Sebastiano Fanizza, Benetti Chief Commercial Officer, together with Michele Bechelli, Benetti Project Manger, revealed some of the many secrets of the hybrid propulsion system in a live link from the bridge and the engine room. The other protagonist of the morning session, joining “Luminosity”, was the Benetti B.Yond, a new generation of Expedition yacht designed to have a reduced environmental impact and fitted with a hybrid propulsion system developed by Siemens for Azimut|Benetti. Federico Lantero, Azimut|Benetti Product Marketing and Communication Director,accompanied guests on a tour of the Benetti B.Yond 37M now under construction in Livorno thus introducing the “Yacht Propulsion Systems: Present & Future” meeting mediated by David Seal during which Marco Coiatelli, Benetti Custom Basic & Executive Design Manager, presented an analysis of the pros and cons of the two yachts’ propulsion systems: traditional, diesel-electric, hybrid, electric. Contributing to the discussion were partner representatives Antonio Spadoni, Seastema BU Systems and Foreign Market, and Antonio Lucci, Rina Decarbonization Group Business Manager, alongside Thomas Hackman, ABB Marine & Ports Business Development Manager, Norberto Barlocco, SiemensSolution Engineering Manager, and Robert Van Tol, Water Revolution Foundation Executive Director. The focus then returned to the Virtual Trade Show and the Owner’s Team Perspective, with guest Clinton White, captain of M/Y “Masquenada”, the yacht currently undergoing a refit at Lusben’s facilities in Livorno, where work is proceeding to extend the main and upper decks, to cut and extend the stern, and to refurbish the interiors. In the afternoon, the programme had the same structure as the previous day, involving two workshops with Awlgrip, Boero, Hempel, Jotun and Lusben that introduced the subject of low environmental impact refits and antifouling coatings, focusing on the standpoint of producers. After the workshop on antifouling coatings, Azimut|Benetti R&D department engineer Iacopo Senarega demonstrated the Group’s continuing desire to contribute to a yachting industry that is respectful of the marine ecosystem, presenting the results of the European Project “Paint-it – A new environment-friendly manufacturing approach for marine antifouling coating” (LIFE15 ENV/IT/000417 PAINT-IT), a major international research effort co-financed by the European Union through the LIFE Programme, in the area of antifouling coatings for hulls In parallel, as was the case during the first day, two workshops were dedicated to crews and taking care of the owner and their guests, including an in-depth look at onboard well-being in relation to a healthy lifestyle and yoga. The event was brought to an end with a closing speech by Benedetta Moreno and David Seal, and a live comedy show with Jim Jefferies, the comedian, actor and writer originally from Australia who, in his unmistakable style, commented ironically on everyday life, interacting with online participants.
Codecasa Finalist for Boat and International Awards 2021
Codecasa Shipyards are proud to announce that the m.y. Framura, Codecasa of 55 meters of length, is selected as one of the finalists of the Boat International Design & Innovation Awards 2021 in Best Naval Architecture Displacement Motor Yacht category. The winner will be announced in the month of June.
Evo Yachts Blue Emme New Plan for Investment
After a 2020 of unexpected obstacles, the Mercuri brothers’ Blu Emme Yachts shipyard, based in Naples where Evo Yachts are built, has rapidly bounced backed and organized itself for 2021 with new enthusiasm and a growth plan based on major investments and a broader offering. Despite the lockdown restrictions and mobility problems, Blu Emme Yachts closed its financial year with turnover up 300%, repeating the success of the previous year. And thanks to a thorough re-organization of work spaces and procedures, the Yard managed to keep its launch plan on schedule and deliver four new yachts when production activity was resumed. Another three were delivered later in the year. Blu Emme Yachts Sales Manager Maurizio Cozzani has spoken about the Yard’s response to the new challenges, which involved some creative solutions: “We’re adapting to new needs, meaning that on one hand we’re finding new ways to interact with clients, studying new solutions with them to ensure they get the full experience of choosing and buying, and on the other we’re investing heavily in infrastructure, equipment and human resources to achieve even more effective management of production processes and control procedures”. In the first few weeks of the year, the Yard has been expanding (from 1,500 to 4,000 square metres) and increasing the capacity of its production facility, with a new painting station and a new after-sales area. But there have been significant new developments in its offering too. A new model is currently being designed to extend the R range, while the T line of fully customizable tenders will also be growing. But above all, the next few months will see the launch of the first Velar 78, an innovative 24 metre yacht, set to be the Yard’s new flagship. From what little has so far been disclosed about it, it seems certain that the yacht will “make a big impact with its alternative design, a departure from previous models, and the numerous technological innovations featured on board”. Blu Emme Yachts’ growth strategy also provides for a strengthening of its international dealership network with new partners and service centres. It has always been the Yard’s policy to prioritize owners’ needs by offering full and immediate after-sales service, which is why partnerships have been formed with service centres in all the areas where Blu Emme Yachts navigate. So, in addition to those already operating in the Balearic Islands, Portugal, USA, Greece and Russia, new agreements will be reached in the coming months to open centres serving the coasts of Croatia and Slovenia in the Adriatic.
Fairline Appoints New Dealer in Mediterranean Coast
Luxury British boatbuilder, Fairline Yachts, announces the appointment of Port d’Hiver Yachting as its latest addition to their dealer network, covering the Mediterranean coast from Cavalaire to Marseille. They will be known as Fairline Port d’Hiver. Port d’Hiver Yachting is a premium yacht distributor in France offering sales, aftercare, servicing and maintenance, as well as being a Volvo Penta dealer and offering prestigious pre-owned boat sales and berthing along the French Riviera. Established since 2001, the distributor also represents Rand Boats, Pardo Yachts, Sacs and Fanale, and is known for importing Fjord boats in France. Alexandre Boussin from Port d’Hiver Yachting, comments, “Fairline Yachts is the perfect addition to our portfolio – offering a desirable extension to our current range of boats and giving our customers an exciting, new brand to experience. We have sold Fairline yachts in the past, so we are confident our customers will be attracted to its offering, especially with the new F//Line 33 model and look forward to the next chapter with Fairline.” Port d’Hiver Yachting will work in collaboration with Fairline Cote d’Azur. For more information about Port d’Hiver Yachting,
Ferretti Group Receives Six Awards in Asia
Ferretti Group triumphed once again at the Oceanway China Yacht Annual Awards, held in Zhuhai, China on December 11 in the presence of well-known experts in the sector. Four yachts received major awards for outstanding design, technological solutions and style. Ferretti Yachts 500 was victorious in the “Best Exterior Design (50ft-80ft)” category thanks to its sleek aerodynamic lines, while Riva 50 Metri was acclaimed in the “Best Yacht of the Year (40-70m)” category as a masterpiece of marine engineering in steel and aluminium. Another magnificent winner was Riva Dolceriva, the innovative open yacht from the famed Sarnico shipyard, judged “Best Yacht of the Year (30ft-50ft)”, while the CRN Mimtee, a 79 m full-custom megayacht, took the “Best Exterior Design (over 70m)” award for the softly sleek and well-defined lines of the hull. Further satisfaction came from the Robb Report China, which on December 25 in Beijing judged Riva 88’ Folgore to be “Best of the Best” in the “Yacht of the Year 2020 (below 100ft)” category. The new Riva sport-fly was seen as an exciting synthesis of innovative vision and the stylistic traits of the Riva legend, an exceptional yacht that has conquered the hearts of owners all over the world. Promoted by the Chinese edition of the exclusive lifestyle magazine and arbiter of excellence in the international luxury market, each year this awards system selects the best products in 12 different categories in the luxury sector. Lastly, for the eighth year in a row, Ferretti Yachts was acclaimed “Best Luxury Yacht Brand 2021” during the prize-giving ceremony at the 17th Hurun Best of the Best Awards, held in Shanghai on January 28. The awards are made on the results of the Hurun China Luxury Consumer Survey 2021 conducted by Hurun Research Institute, the authoritative organization run by the famous business and lifestyle magazine that’s been ranking China’s richest since 1999. Specifically, Ferretti Yachts was chosen in 2020 by a male public that was 4.9% up on 2019. Further, the brand found the strongest consensus among the 31 to 45 and over-45 age brackets, endorsing yet again the Group’s successful branding and sales strategies in China. In a particularly fraught year, Ferretti Group continued to stand out with exclusive craft that have significantly influenced the yachting world. Its successes have augmented the Group’s already dominant status in an increasingly competitive and strategic market like Asia.
Ferretti Group High Altitude Emotions
Ferretti Group takes its brands to new heights and increasingly dominates the world of yachting, even in the snow-covered Monte Bianco landscape. Thanks to renewed partnerships with Jaguar Land Rover Italia and Skyway Monte Bianco, the yacht building art of Custom Line and the heritage of Riva will be on show at high altitude until spring. The goal of the initiative is to offer visitors to the mountain a memorable experience in the world of yachting. Taking advantage of the reopening of the Jaguar Land Rover Lounge at Chalet de l’Ange in Courmayeur, visitors will have the opportunity for the second year running to appreciate the excellence and exclusiveness embodied by Ferretti Group in an exhibition showcasing a series of highly evocative scale models of Custom Line yachts. The creative installation tells the story of the brand’s unbreakable bond with contemporary yacht design. Also calling at Courmayeur is the Shipyard’s most recently launched yacht, the captivating Navetta 30, presented here in the form of a scale model, a painting and an evocative video. Navetta 30, a distillation of yachting tradition interpreted through a contemporary lens, has exterior styling by naval architect Filippo Salvetti and interiors by architecture and design firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel. In addition, testifying to the deep and heart-felt bond between Riva and Cinema, the exhibition entitled Riva In The Movie will also be staged in the Jaguar Land Rover Lounge. Through extraordinary images, it tells the story of the many films in which Riva yachts have played a leading role alongside movie stars from around the world. The Custom Line project is also joined by the collection of Riva Brand Experience products. From home decor design objects and clothing to high-tech accessories and the legendary mahogany toys, they all have a timeless elegance, conveying both tactile and visual sensations and featuring the characteristic attention to detail and typical style of Riva yachts. The Riva experience knows no boundaries and accompanies visitors to even higher altitudes on the Skyway Monte Bianco, which takes them up to Pavillon The Mountain at 2,173 m where the exhibition Riva In The Movie continues. In this breath-taking venue, all the images in the exhibition will have a QR code that visitors can scan to see a clip of the film starring Riva. The Cinema delle Alpi inside the Pavillion will also be showing Riva In The Movie, the short film in which Pierfrancesco Favino gives a masterful performance, celebrating the films that feature Riva’s iconic yachts and promoting Italy’s undisputed creative flair and maritime tradition. Visitors who want to take home a tangible memory of this exclusive experience can continue up to the Punta Helbronner The Sky station at 3,466 m, where in Feltrinelli In Quota, Europe’s highest bookshop, the book of the same name, Riva In The Movie, is on sale: an exquisite publication containing hundreds of magnificent on-set and backstage photographs, original posters and interesting anecdotes that interweaves the history of cinema with the world of international yachting from the 1950s to the present day. It is a wonderful location, permeated by luxury, elegance, style and innovation, in which to enjoy the fascination of the sea against the splendid backdrop of the Western Alps. There could be no better place for a journey to discover the beauty of Riva and its legendary story
Ferretti Group and Sanlorenzo Form Joint Venture to Save Perini Navi
Through the NewCo, world leading players of Italian yachting excellence Ferretti Group and Sanlorenzo have expressed their interest in making an offer to acquire the trademarks, assets and Italian operations of Perini Navi, if necessary with a business unit lease agreement, in order to ensure a swift recovery of production activities and the maintenance of employment levels. “This is an important day for the Italian yachting industry, for the employees of Perini Navi and for their families, ensuring in this way that their passion, experience and unique skills will continue to be protected. As will the Perini Navi supply chain, which is made up of numerous suppliers who will be reassured and whose peace of mind will be restored by today’s safeguards,” said Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi. “At Ferretti Group we are always on the lookout for excellence and capabilities to integrate with our own. And often we find them in Italy, as is the case today. We are confident our commitment will translate into further growth that benefits the local area and raises the profile of the Italian yacht industry still further. I would also like to emphasise the historical importance of the alliance with Sanlorenzo, reflecting the new spirit of collaboration sweeping through Italy: a positive broadening of our horizons that will let us seize even more opportunities and deliver even more success”. “I began my professional career in the yacht industry in Viareggio, in the same place and year in which Perini Navi was starting life a short distance away,” said Sanlorenzo Executive Chairman Massimo Perotti. “That was back in 1983 and since then I’ve always had great admiration for the business model adopted by this remarkable brand: boats with outstanding qualities, built exclusively to order for a limited number of expert owners and connoisseurs. These are the same unique features I found years later in Sanlorenzo. Because of these similarities and with a strong determination to rescue an Italian brand with an unparalleled history, in the interests of the local area, all stakeholders and first and foremost employees and suppliers, I have from the outset confirmed the willingness of Sanlorenzo to contribute to the brand’s relaunch. Today I am pleased to be able to do so jointly with Ferretti Group. It is an alliance of historic importance for our industry, one which I am convinced will continue to develop and set an example for other initiatives aimed at strengthening our world leadership in this sector”.
Frauscher Now in Canada
The Frauscher Shipyard is represented with immediate effect also in Canada. Pride Marine Group is excited to represent Frauscher boats in Ontario and Eastern Canada. A Frauscher 858 Fantom and a 1017 GT are going to be available for test rides this summer! Paul Nickel, Pride Marine: "Our companies align by both being family owned and operated, providing high quality - unique and well-crafted boats - and always seeking to offer innovative and bespoke solutions for boaters in Ontario, Canada. Here we are met by the unique boats from Frauscher." Stefan Frauscher, Frauscher shipyard: “We are very much looking forward to be working with Pride. Being positioned in the top segment, we are constantly challenged with a high level of expectations and request from our clients. In this respect, Paul Nickel has turned out to be an ideal representative for Frauscher. Him and his team are market experts and have always being able to adapt to outperform the industry.” Pride Marine Group has decided that Frauscher boats will complement the existing boat brand portfolio and fill a gap in the market for ultra luxury boats. The Frauscher shipyard demonstrated that they are willing to carve the wave for the future of boating by introducing new innovations, revolutionary technology while honouring a state of the art design that turns heads. Both companies are family owned and operated, which creates a personal touch and special relationship with their boat owners. The Frauscher shipyard has a vision of engineering emotions, Pride Marine Group has a vision of creating personalized watercraft experiences. Together both of their visions are accomplished.
Heesen New CCO Appointment
Heesen appointed a new Chief Commercial Officer, Friso Visser, who has a wide-ranging knowledge of the international shipbuilding industry. Friso will lead the sales and marketing team and take responsibility for maintaining the company's global position as a leading Dutch yacht builder. He spent 18 years as International Sales Director at Damen Shipyards Group and brings a wealth of experience in the international maritime industry. He will be supported at Heesen by Robert Drontmann. "I am honoured to join the team at Heesen Yachts," commented Friso. "The company is a distinctive and competitive player in the market, and with its combination of full-custom and speculative production, it brings a unique approach to building the finest and most exclusive superyachts in the world. I look forward to working with such a dedicated and innovative team." Mark Cavendish, who has worked at the shipyard for 12 years, eight of them as CCO, now takes on the role of Executive Commercial Officer, supporting Friso and focusing on developing Heesen's commercial presence in new markets. Mark will also be responsible for developing the brokerage community network and will head up custom projects. Arthur Brouwer, Heesen's CEO, said: "We are delighted to welcome Friso on board at Heesen, and look forward to working together on increasing our market share and bringing our brand to new heights." Heesen's order book currently consists of 15 yachts under construction, from 50m up to 80m, with deliveries through 2024. These include both semi-custom and full-custom yachts.
Heesen Yacht Talk
The seventh episode of Heesen’s YachtTalk kicked off 2021 by divulging some of the secrets behind creating the ultimate onboard experience for superyacht owners and guests. The topics include quality crew training, recruiting with diversity and how to create inviting environments to entice Millennials to step aboard. On the panel were Edouard de Maillé of the yacht management agency Edmar International, Erik Smit, trainer with Luxury Hospitality Management, and experienced chief stewardess Deborah Viger.
Horizon FD Series Book Now Online
Now available to read online, the 2021 FD Series Order Book tracks the stories and designs behind each of the FD Series yachts launched or in build to date and dives into the details of each model so you can get inspired and get ready to Define Your Horizon!
Invictus and Yamaha Join Forces
The power and performance of a trusted brand of excellence and the new platinum standard of sleek Italian yacht design meet as Yamaha and Invictus Yacht forge a new European partnership. Yamaha’s choice to partner with Invictus is a client-first decision to provide an already decerning clientele with the innovation and reliability they deserve. Yamaha’s dedication to technical revolution is unrivalled in the industry providing many exciting world-first engineering developments that optimise performance.
Jarrett Bay Gets TBF Top Honours
It is with great pride that Jarrett Bay share the news of Captain Brent Gaskill & owner/angler Harris Huddle being recognized by The Billfish Foundation (TBF) as 2020's Top Captain and Top Angler, both for White Marlin Releases. Aboard Hull 59, Builder's Choice these two bested a field of thousands of anglers and captains across the globe, and we couldn't be more honoured to have them represent the Jarrett Bay family in the name of conservation.
Marlow Spring Rendezvous 2021 Postponed
Every year we look forward to coming together and spending a wonderful four days with our Marlow Family. In view of the exceptional times we are all faced with, Marlow will be postponing this year's Spring Rendezvous. After much planning and scheduling Marlow has decided is best for everyone, that they will not be able to host you and your families at this time. However, the health and safety of everyone involved in the event is of utmost importance to Marlow. Mark your calendars, the 2021 Spring Rendezvous has been rescheduled for May 5th - May 8th, 2022 at the Ocean Reef Club.
Mimi Invests in New Infrastructures
The recent years’ growth trend of the Neapolitan shipyard was confirmed once again in this past 2020, so much that Gozzi Mimì decided to expand its production site adding a new 1.000 square meters shed, that will be dedicated to the models’ display, and new offices. This is the beginning of an unprecedented chapter in the brand’s history, one that will also include the expansion into new foreign markets. In the beginning of 2021 Gozzi Mimì unveiled a new 1.000 square meters space in Naples in response to the recent months’ growing demand, coming mostly from foreign markets and for larger yachts. The space is intended for the display of boats and a new office building. This expansion confirms the will of development of a shipyard that, since its foundation 50 years ago, has always been able to create a perfect balance between technological innovation and respect for the traditions. As confirmed by Gozzi Mimì’s CEO Domenico Senese: “This growth is a natural progression of the path undertaken so far, initiated in 1975 by my father Salvatore in a limited space of 500 square meters. In the following years we kept growing and collecting more and more approvals: thanks to this positive trend in 2020 we have increased our turnover by 30% and by the first weeks of 2021 we already received a considerable amount of requests. The focus is now shifting towards larger models – the best selling boat at the moment is the Libeccio 9.5 Walkaround – and we have received many requests from foreign customers. We are therefore planning our expansion strategy towards foreign markets”. Gozzi Mimì is a family-run company that crossed the national borders without ever changing ownership, the founder is often seen seen working in the shipyard alongside his two sons. Nowadays the brand is well known throughout Europe and in several Asian Countries for his planing gozzi, meeting point between past and future: the design recalls the fascinating tradition of the shipwights from Sorrento (the recent Libeccio 8.5 Classic offers even the tiller steering) but hides a hyper-modern and technological heart, that allows a navigation at surprising speeds and very low consumption. Innovation plays a vital role in the shipyards’ production line: the models are designed and engineered in 3D and realized using seven-axis NC milling machines and the hulls are made through vacuum infusion, a process that, besides offering many advantages regarding safety and emission, it allows to create a performing composite, with a reduced weight, a correct resin / fiber ratio and a constant thickness. This technique is always updated and improved, thanks to the results of continuous research in which Valerio Rivellini, designer of all the latest models of the shipyard, and the Federico II University of Naples also participate.
Riviera Expands Automation
Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder, is currently expanding the digital capabilities of its Gold Coast manufacturing facility through the extension of in-house computer-aided design (CAD) technology and the enhancement of robotic varnishing equipment. The very latest CAD technology is being applied to new equipment employed in the digital cutting and kitting process, while the robotic varnisher will complement the fine hand-crafting techniques that deliver the mirror finishes of the cabinetry and woodwork so highly praised on Riviera motor yachts. Digital cutting and kitting are important preliminary steps in building world-class motor yachts at Riviera. It requires a specialist team to precision cut, number and package the materials required to create the structural composite for each motor yacht. These components are deployed in kit form to Riviera’s master craftspeople across the manufacturing process. The CAD technology creates digital templates to facilitate the precision cutting of a wide range of high-grade materials, including multiple densities of thermoplastic injection moulding and the fibreglass matting required to form the hull, decks, bulkheads and flybridges. The templates and the nesting of these to suit individual material sizes allow for the perfect replication of components in materials such as carpets, acrylics and fine timbers, including teak, walnut and cherry wood with minimal waste. Riviera now has more than 8,000 digital templates that have been crafted by its marine engineers to cater for 22 models in the current range. As each new model is introduced, a new series of templates is required to be designed. Darren Cadman, Riviera’s Digital Kitting Manager, oversees the operation which he says represents world’s best practice for the luxury boatbuilding industry. “The expansion of our digital kitting and cutting capabilities elevates our efficiency in this area,” Mr Cadman said. “It also enhances sustainability as digital cutting allows us to maximise the resources we already use and minimise any waste.” Riviera’s robotic varnisher has been optimised with the latest software and is coating surfaces such as doors, bulkheads and cabinet faces to provide a superior finish. Up to eight coats of varnish are applied robotically with hand sanding between coats, then cured in a humidified drying room. Robotic varnishing is employed by Riviera to complement the existing hand-crafting of cabinetry and woodwork installations for the company’s luxury motor yachts, including the intricate mouldings and the highly detailed furnishings and helm stations. Over 40 years of evolution, Riviera has produced more than 5650 motor yachts with today’s Rivieras enjoying an international reputation for quality with the most advanced design, engineering, smooth and efficient performance, and the most luxurious of interiors. “Our investment in new technology, skills training and advanced procedures over many years has the Riviera yachts of today being the best ever created,” says Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst. “This investment, alongside our ongoing expansion to Riviera’s Gold Coast manufacturing facility and in the continual training of our staff in the latest techniques and technology, is supported by our award-winning apprenticeship program. “We’re immensely proud of the superb motor yachts we are creating today.”
Riviera Celebrates Fifteen Years of Easy Boating
Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has reached a milestone with Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System (IPS), reflecting the global popularity of this innovative marine drive option among motor yacht owners. Since the launch of IPS in 2005, Volvo Penta has delivered more than 30,000 units to the international marine industry. After embracing the innovation of IPS in 2006 and adopting the market-leading technology for the company’s luxury motor yachts, Riviera has installed its 2,200th IPS unit that today are available on selected models from the Flybridge, Sport Yacht and SUV collection. IPS is also available on the new 50 Sports Motor yacht. This represents a significant number of the units produced by Volvo Penta, affirming the strength of the partnership with Riviera. The benefits of Volvo Penta IPS for Riviera motor yachts are extended cruising range, higher cruise speed, lower fuel consumption, lower noise levels, the Dynamic Positioning System that maintains a yacht’s location at idle and the convenience of joystick docking which has made boating so much easier, particularly manoeuvring in close quarters. One-hand joystick operation reduces the need for bow thrusters and the more complicated shift, throttle and steering wheel combinations when docking. There is also improved performance including a tighter turning circle. Volvo Penta IPS comprises twin counter-rotating propellers that face forward in order to optimise performance by cutting through undisturbed water. The propellers are positioned well under the hull to eliminate the risk of air intrusion and cavitation, even in sharp turns and under full acceleration. The propeller thrust is parallel with the hull to provide powerful and smooth acceleration and cruising performance. Steerable pods point the entire thrust in the desired direction. This provides a course-stable power and tight turning capabilities with perfect grip and predictable handling across the speed range.
Silent Yachts Sell Three Units of New Flagship
Silent Yachts has confirmed the sale of the first three units of the shipyard's most spacious solar electric catamaran to date. The Silent 80 Tri-Deck is an advanced version of the company's flagship with a sky lounge on the top deck (closed version) or a huge 90 m² fly deck (open version), which can be designed as an “owner´s deck” with a vast private suite and 360-degree view and a terrace.
Wajer in the Fox News
We are proud to share that the success of Wajer has not gone unnoticed in the US. The highlight was a series of international (news) publications in the past week. After winning the Super Bowl with the Buccaneers, America's greatest quarterback of all time Tom Brady showed up in style at the championship boat parade in Tampa (Florida). With his Wajer 55 S, he certainly stood out among the rest of the boats. As a result, Wajer was featured in some major US media outlets. Including an interview with Dries Wajer for Fox 13 News.
Viking at 58th Buccaneer Cup
Catch 23 hung seven sailfish flags to win the 58th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament. With captain Stetson Turney at the wheel, the Viking 80 also claimed 1st Place Live Bait team. Catch 23 angler Jimmy David released two sails to win 3rd Place Angler. Second Place Dead Bait went to the Viking 70 Pipe Dreamer and Touch of Gray, a Viking 68, was 3rd Place in that category.
Viking at Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown
Leg #2 of the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown starts next week with a hungry fleet of boats looking for a spot in the Winner’s Circle. Last year Leg #2 was an intense fight to the finish but saw the Viking 62 Team Galati (above) victorious. The crew released a total of five marlin and 25 sailfish. A handful of Viking Yachts are already pre-fishing for Leg #2, which kicks off February 24, 2021.
Leg #2 of the Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown starts next week with a hungry fleet of boats looking for a spot in the Winner’s Circle. Last year Leg #2 was an intense fight to the finish but saw the Viking 62 Team Galati (above) victorious. The crew released a total of five marlin and 25 sailfish. A handful of Viking Yachts are already pre-fishing for Leg #2, which kicks off February 24, 2021.
Viking VIP Show 2021 Review
The 2021 Viking and Valhalla VIP Show was a smashing success with 20 yachts from 33 to 80 feet showcased at the Viking Yacht Service Center, drawing over 1,000 guests, dealers and vendors. Sales activity was brisk with seven Vikings and 14 Valhallas sold during the event, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. “We thank everyone who came and made this year’s VIP such a wonderful event,” said Viking President and CEO Pat Healey. “The enthusiasm and atmosphere was tremendous.” For this year only, the annual RSVP event was expanded to three days. “Our VIP has historically been a preview – a warm-up to the Miami Boat Show,” said Pat. “Without the 2021 Miami show, we decided to give people more opportunity to come to our VIP and see a tremendous lineup of yachts in a friendly, safe, boat show setting. With the extra day, our attendance was spread out over a longer period, which helped with social distancing. Next year, we will return to the two-day format.” The Valhalla 46, the new flagship of the Valhalla Boatworks V Series, made its world premiere at the VIP. Media, dealers and show attendees were simply blown away, enamored by the V-46’s great size, beautiful lines and Viking-quality construction, and fit and finish. The award-winning 54 Convertible was extremely popular as well, with attendees eager to tour and sea trial this exciting model that debuted at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Subsidiaries Palm Beach Towers, Atlantic Marine Electronics and over 50 Viking and Valhalla vendors displayed their products in a boat-show-style setting at the Service Center. Mother Nature cooperated for the most part. Skies were sunny but the temperatures were a bit chilly (for Florida) on days two and three. Sales activity after the VIP continues to be strong, with a handful of deals in progress. “Despite the cancellation of this year’s Miami boat shows, we’re fortunate to have the same level of sales during this boat show season as in previous years,” said Pat.
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