-pic of the month- Pearl New Dealer in Hong Kong
Cranchi and Innovation With Mirka
The quality of the various surfaces found on board Cranchi yachts is universally recognised. Today, that quality is achieved by means of cutting-edge technological solutions, and developed with the greatest focus on social and environmental responsibility. Indeed, Cranchi Yachts has partnered with Mirka, a Finnish company that manufactures products and tools for sanding applications, with an approach that prioritises both efficiency and the well-being of employees. Abranet® is one of the Mirka products that Cranchi uses in its manufacturing facilities: a revolutionary abrasive that improves sanding quality whilst preventing particles from being dispersed into the working environment. The finishes achieved are impeccable and free from defects, and the abrasive material maintains its effectiveness for longer. Furthermore, the dust does not disperse, ensuring that the quality of the working environment is safeguarded - a consideration that has always been essential to Cranchi Yachts.
Cranchi Grand Tour Australia
The Cranchi Grand Tour is heading to Melbourne. From the evening of 9 December and for the entire weekend, Terence Dean Boat Sales, the Cranchi Yachts dealer for the state of Victoria in Australia, will open the doors of its facility in the Docklands District to visitors - the perfect destination for those who love good food and good fun. In line with the inimitable format of the Cranchi Grand Tour, the event will be both a party and a small private boat show, during which guests will be able to catch a glimpse of the M44 HT and the Z35.
Cranchi and Metropol Spain
The decision taken by Cranchi thirty years ago to establish an international dealer network, in order to open up new markets for the brand and its products, was certainly an innovative one. In the intervening years, the Cranchi sales network has grown and developed, whilst upholding the core principles on which it has always been founded: the professionalism and dependability of the selected dealers, the quality of their facilities, and the excellence of the services they offer. The dealers who work with Cranchi Yachts share a number of attributes with the shipyard, not least the same understanding of the business as a means of creating value for the companies and customers alike. With such solid foundations, it is no surprise that the relationship between Cranchi Yachts and its dealers has lasted so well over time for some cases, even for decades. This is the case, for example, of Metropol Náuticas, which has represented Cranchi Yachts for many years in Spain: with numerous offices on the coast and on the islands, it serves as a true point of reference for sales, assistance and after-sales services within the nautical sector.
Fairline Launches Career Website
British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Fairline has launched fairlinecareers.com, a new careers website to improve the recruitment process for candidates wishing to join the Oundle based business. Jane Gadsby, HR and services director at Fairline, said: “We wanted to streamline and improve the candidate experience, whilst ensuring people could submit speculative applications to be considered for positions that may arise in the future. With an ambitious growth plan, planned new product investment and an ageing workforce, it was important to develop a dedicated careers site where we could outline all the opportunities and benefits of joining Fairline to recruit a new generation into boat building. With the addition of sharing employee and careers news, applicants can get a real sense of what life working at Fairline is like.” The website’s applicant tracking system (ATS) manages the process between job offer and joining the business, seamlessly moving candidates through the hiring process, ensuring regular communication, important dates and pre-hiring processes are complete. “It also automates responses to candidates to ensure they are always informed about the status of their application, something which was previously a challenge with the number of active job roles and applications. The ATS also gives us the opportunity to internally share CVs with hiring managers, a process which was previously manual,” said Jane. Following successful boat shows at Cannes, Southampton and Fort Lauderdale, Fairline’s in-house design team is finalising details of the next phase of the product plan and as reported at Southampton International Boat Show, the company is on schedule to deliver 60 percent more boats than 2021. Brand new product launching in 2023 includes the all-new Targa 40 and Squadron 58. The year ahead is buoyed by a strong forward order book with orders valued at £125 million. Jane continued: “The ATS will help us manage the next intake of apprentices in 2023; our 2022 intake started in August and so far the programme has been extremely popular and successful. With Fairline’s long-term business plan of introducing new products, an increase in its production and boat builder staff will be required as well as an increase in the number of office-based staff to support the growth. The next two years will be pivotal for Fairline and building a skilled, high-performing and passionate workforce to support the growth and deliver our ambition plans is a priority.” Supporting its plans to increase production capacity, Fairline has invested in expanding its manufacturing footprint in key facilities. In the last 12 months there have been some significant new dealership appointments including Florida, New York, Quebec, Queensland, Mallorca and Denmark, assisting in driving sales and supporting its valued customers.
Fairline New South Germany Dealer
British luxury motor yacht manufacturer Fairline has announced HL Schiffstechnik as its new dealer for south Germany as it continues to grow its network of dealers worldwide. HL Schiffstechnik joins the Fairline global roster of dealers - chosen for its excellent reputation for sales and outstanding customer service. The dealer started in 1985 as a two-man boat engine repair shop in a fuel station and today boasts more than 30 employees offering customers the complete service for their boat. To be known as Fairline South Germany, HL Schiffstechnik operates out of a specialist workshop in Kressbronn-Gohren on Lake Constance and offers a one-stop shop with a state of the art infrastructure and many years of experience in the maintenance and repair of motor and sailing boats. Fairline South Germany is headed up by managing director Daniel Rück who said: “As a new Fairline dealer, we’re proud to not only represent, but to also establish the great Fairline brand in the south of Germany. As specialists in the luxury boat sector, it was natural for us to bring the Fairline brand to our region and be able to offer it to our customers. “With our highly-skilled engineers and our strong sales team, we are in the best position to start our new journey with Fairline.” James Powell, sales director at Fairline said: “We’re delighted to welcome the HL Schiffstechnik team to the Fairline family. We are confident it is the best choice to expand our reach in Southern Germany and look forward to seeing many more Fairline owners enjoying the excellent cruising on offer in the region.”
Maritimo Model Maker
Building boats takes time, precision, and passion. Making models of them is no different, and due to the size of it, possibly even more intricate. Former Maritimo employee Chris Clark must have all of these qualities in spades, for the model of the Maritimo 550 Offshore Motor Yacht took him a whole three years of his spare time. Weekends and afternoons got consumed with the project, and it wasn’t like he had no idea what to expect, either. Previously, Clark had built five models for different people over the years, and had also completed a tall ship in kit form that now shares pride of place on his mantelpiece with the Maritimo. Clark commenced with Maritimo back in 2005, and was involved in the build of the first two of the 550 series, before they went up to Cairns to take potential clients out fishing for marlin. What really sealed his adoration of the boat was when the tuna tower was fitted to the top of the first one. It was right then that he decided he would have a go at making a model of it. Before joining Maritimo in 2005, Clark had run his own business in Northern NSW, looking after 33 schools. He says of the change to Maritimo, “I always enjoy a challenge, and that certainly was the case. Three weeks after joining I was made Head Electrician. I’d never worked on a boat in my life, electrically, so that was certainly pleasing. The other upside was changing over from working out of a truck and carting gear everywhere, to just walking along the catwalk straight onto the back of the boat and then back off. I didn’t have far to go, and I really enjoyed that.” Certainly pleased with his advancement, the other benefit he found was that he no longer had to work out of a truck and carting gear everywhere. At the factory, he didn’t have far to go; just walking along the catwalk straight onto the back of the boat, and then back off again. Tapping into his desire for a challenge, at Maritimo, Clark got to be involved with all the ins and outs of the boat. From engineering and plumbing to fit out one and fit out two, there he was. Of course, years later when he was taking the model on, all of these skills would pay dividends. Clark’s time at Maritimo started with the eighth boat they ever built, and went all they way up to hull #43 of that series. The 52-footers followed, then the 48s, and the 55s, including the one that got him so inspired. He also did a lot of special work at the Hope Island facility completing aftermarket projects. One of his final projects before finishing in 2013 was the floating pontoon that is used at the boat shows and other events. Approximately 1:22 scale, and measuring 760mm long, 300mm high, and 210mm wide, this is a substantial model, but it is the accuracy of scale, attention to detail, and finishing touches that could well be the crowning moment for this model. Making moulds was new for new for him, as he went about creating the model in that same way as the boats themselves. He says it might have been a ‘bit painful’, and after nine months just building the deck, he was only focussing on the fact that he had to see it through. The flying bridge would be another five months, with the hard top another two months on top of that, and quickly you can see why the entire project spanned three years. “Getting it to scale was probably the most challenging aspect, along with working out how I was going to join it all together. The bow rails were the next most difficult element, with deciding to make it remote control after the fact coming in after them”, said Clark. Propellers and shafts may have come from an RC component company, but skegs, and all the fittings for the steering were done by hand. Obviously when you look at the pictures you can see that the main saloon and enclosed bridge are completely kitted out, and even the navigation lights work. “Definitely the interiors are fiddly work, but with the help of the General Arrangements (plans) I was able to work it all out. Those and a lot of photos taken as we worked on the boats really helped me to complete the project.” Continuing on with his desire for challenge, Clark is now a project supervisor at a commercial nursery, but remembers his time at Maritimo both fondly and distinctly. His memories won’t be leaving him any time soon, and he’s always got that reminder in his house. As for more models, Clark says, “Five years ago we had a young boy, so my time’s pretty well spent, occupied with other activities. There are other projects and my new job, so I’m pretty busy. I still have the moulds for the 550 Offshore Motor Yacht, but because it took me so long, my wife was a bit upset with me. She said if I actually sold it, she’d let me build another one.” That obviously did not happen, but a commission now might change things.
Maritimo New Director of Business Development
Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, continues to thrive in a record sales period, driven by new model launches and introductions. In order to help manage this growth and ensure Maritimo continues to deliver a best-in-class experience for its clients, the company announced that industry veteran Bill Michel has joined its senior management team as the Director of Business Development—Americas. Bill will leverage his vast international marine industry experience to complement Maritimo Americas seasoned team across multiple areas, including dealer and sales development, customer service, and marketing. He is based in South Florida and will travel throughout the Americas to engage with Maritimo’s sales teams and customer base. "Maritimo is in a period of unprecedented growth,” says Dave Northrop, Maritimo President of the Americas. “Having someone of Bill’s caliber and background to help lead us into the future and help manage our continued anticipated growth is a key element to our long-term initiatives.” Prior to joining Maritimo, Bill was the Managing Director of SureShade and New Product Development for Lippert; owner of TaylorMade Systems, Lewmar, and SureShade. . While there, Bill oversaw the day-to-day operations and was responsible for the strategic planning of marine products. His international business skills were sharpened while working for nearly 24 years at Uflex USA, a division of the Italian based Ultraflex Group. As Vice President/Managing Director, Bill was responsible for all facets of Uflex USA’s domestic business including sales, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution. All of these key areas will serve him well in his new role at Maritimo. “I’ve followed Maritimo’s success for years and enjoyed a prior working relationship with Dave Northrop,” says Bill. “To be able to join this team and company at such an exciting time is truly a wonderful opportunity. During the past few months, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know all our wonderful owners as well and look forward to meeting them all!”
MJM Expands in New Jersey
MJM welcomes Comstock Yacht Sales & Marina as our new sales and service partner for the state of New Jersey. "With an outstanding reputation and phenomenal facilities, the addition of Comstock to our dealer network is a huge win for our current MJM owners and soon to be MJM owners," said Peter Johnstone, 2nd Gen Chairman of MJM Yachts. "We are so excited to be named New Jersey's dealer for MJM Yachts. Since 1973 our family has become accustomed to retailing quality manufactured boats here at Comstock. MJM is another fine example of a “perfect craft” and great addition for the waterways here in New Jersey" said Chip Gahr, President.
Pearl Yachts New Dealer in Hong Kong
Pearl Yachts has reached an agreement with VP Yachts to represent the British brand in Hong Kong. This latest step in the expansion of Pearl’s dealer network sees a first dealership into Asia, in the legendary yachting city, Hong Kong. Following the premiere of the Pearl 72 at FLIBS, Pearl Yachts has marked another important milestone with the announcement of a new partnership. VP Yachts, based in Hong Kong and directed by Vivian Chan, is the newest Pearl Dealer. She has opened a window for the brand into the far east, through the most strategic city, and with the support of a boating dynasty. In addition to their professional, yet modern approach, VP Yachts stood out for their impressive shipyard, located centrally in Hong Kong main harbor. Vivian Chan, also General Manager of her family’s Sun Hing Shipyard, said, “The cultural bond we share is undeniable. The style of Pearl Yachts’ instantly recognizable flybridges fits perfectly with the tastes in our local market with British allure and a neutral, sober color palette a winning proposal to our market. VP Yachts is positioned to leverage generational connections in local yachting that go beyond even my lifetime involvement through the family business, so we are excited to see the heights we can reach together.” Pearl Managing Director Iain Smallridge stated, “We always celebrate growth and new friends, especially in affluent and interesting markets, but to see our British brand now properly entering Hong Kong, uniting two seafaring cultures with shared history in a venture is a source of special satisfaction. VP Yachts have just what Pearl needs to succeed in a competitive market, with an educated, international approach to growth. Vivian, being a Managing Director of a shipyard herself, having proven her competence in my very position, gives me full confidence that she understands not only her side, but ours as well – which is invaluable in this partnership.”
Riva Celebrates Classic Motorboats and Cars at Milan
Anyone who owns one knows full well that every boat built by Riva, whatever its size, is a symbol of performance, craftsmanship, style and exclusiveness, forever imprinted with the brand’s legendary spirit. That’s why in 1957 Carlo Riva created RAM - Revisione Assistenza Motoscafi, the first Riva boat service established next to the brand’s Sarnico yard, aiming to offer Riva owners assistance whenever they need it, and to restore motorboats using Riva’s original and unique techniques, materials and know-how. Over the years, RAM Riva Classiche has become the international benchmark for maintaining both mahogany and fibreglass Riva boats from 6 to 13 metres in length, as well as offering storage and mooring plus a restoration service to return motorboats to their original glory, while leaving their Riva soul and the value of their craftsmanship intact. The care and attention they lavish on their motorboat is a characteristic that classic boat owners share with vintage car lovers: original details and finishes are what make classic boats and cars unique, and their preservation is part of the emotion aroused by owning such a precious object, an emotion that only a true enthusiast can understand. Milano AutoClassica, the Classic and Sports Car Show held in Milan from November 18 to 20, has always attracted enthusiasts and collectors with an extensive exhibition of models that have contributed to writing automotive history. This year, RAM Riva Classiche will be attending the high-profile show with a stand showcasing three emblematic Rivas: a Corsaro, the first series-produced wooden hull, an Ariston, the iconic model launched in 1950 of which 1,012 were built in a production run spanning 26 years, and an Aquarama, the legendary boat that this year celebrates 60 years since its creation in 1962. A Riva Lounge will also be set up inside the stand and furnished with items that reflect the unique and timeless maritime style that is a feature of the boats’ interiors. Visitors to the RAM Riva Classiche stand will also be able to purchase the exclusive products on offer in the Riva Boutique: design objects, clothing, accessories and furnishings inspired by the world of yachting. They include “Riva Aquarama”, the book published by Assouline celebrating 60 years since the launch of Riva’s iconic runabout.
Riviera International Apprentice Training Award
Australia’s luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has again been internationally recognised for its training program, jointly winning the "Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme" category at the prestigious annual world Boat Builder Awards held in the Amsterdam National Maritime Museum in the Netherlands this week. IBI Editor and chair of Boat Builder Awards judging panel Ed Slack announced that Riviera Australia and Sunseeker International jointly were awarded "for their long-standing nurturing of apprentices and graduates, contributing greatly to the skilled workforces of their companies and regions. "Our congratulations to everyone who entered and especially to those who were honoured this evening,” said Mr Slack. Riviera has operated an apprentice training program since 1993. In that first year, eight young Australians took up apprenticeships. Today 101 young apprentices at varying stages of training, work at the company's 16-hectare site in south-east Queensland. Alongside more than 800 highly experienced craftspeople, working together to create over 150 yachts a year, ranging in length from 39 to 78 feet, more than 60 percent of which are delivered to international markets. Riviera Australia owner Rodney Longhurst said: "Our team is honoured with this international recognition of our commitment to training and mentoring the future master craftspeople of our industry. "The success of Riviera's apprenticeship program has been recognised with many awards over three decades," he said. "The vast majority of apprentices who have graduated at Riviera have continued their careers with the company, affirming Riviera as an employer of choice. Today these young people are vital members of our team helping to meet the global demand for luxury Riviera motor yachts." Riviera partners with Technical and Further Education (TAFE) and Plastic and Rubber Technical Education Centre (PARTEC) organisations to facilitate technical learning during which the apprentices undertake classroom studies over three of the four years of their formal further education and training. Riviera’s apprentices are mentored by the largest group of marine craftspeople in Australia who are part of the 900-strong Riviera team creating motor yachts that instil a real sense of confidence, safety and luxury and are built to last. Over the past 20 years, Riviera has enhanced its award-winning apprenticeship training with its exclusive Propel program which is designed to help apprentices develop life skills that can guide them on the path to professional and personal success. Riviera has been building luxury motor yachts since 1980, launching more than 5,800 yachts in that time.
Sunseeker Investment in People Recognized
Sunseeker is proud to have won the Metstade Boat Builder Award for ‘Best Apprenticeship and Training Scheme’. The awards seek to celebrate outstanding achievements across key areas of the global marine industry. The Sunseeker early careers programme received the accolade for its exceptional offering to individuals wishing to enter the maritime manufacturing sector and the multiple progression and advancement opportunities it provides. Sian Dodds, HR Director at Sunseeker International, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have won ‘Best Apprenticeship and Training Scheme’ at METSTRADE this year. With over 170 apprentices and graduates currently in training with us, our long-standing commitment to investment in people provides the opportunity to develop a well-rounded and successful career in the maritime sector. Our training programmes have proven to produce some of the best talent in the industry. They are our future leaders and technical experts, paving the way for a prosperous and sustainable marine industry. We are delighted to have received recognition from an international panel of judges, and whilst we continue to receive awards for our tremendous training schemes, significant challenges remain in the industry. We are proud to continue our investment in new training schemes.” Using the United Kingdom’s Apprenticeship Standards, Sunseeker recruits apprentices onto a four-year training programme which delivers c.1,250 training hours at a specialist Marina Training Centre at Bournemouth and Poole College. Each apprentice is paired with a highly qualified mentor in their chosen trade, completing c. 6,000 hours of practical training. There is a choice of four technical pathways: Composites, Carpentry and Joinery, Marine Mechanical Engineering, and Marine Electrical Engineering. Apprentices move through the various production stages of boat building over four years, culminating in a new independent end-point assessment with the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry, British Marine. The graduate scheme has been a revelation for Sunseeker. Working with functional leaders across the company to develop job roles for academically educated talent has produced a new stream of innovative free thinking. Students are offered a two or three-year programme in a hands-on position whilst providing access to training, development and membership with relevant professional bodies aligned to UK SPEC and other registered membership organisations in Production, Accountancy, IT and Marketing. Graduates typically earn real-world experience delivering projects that affect the bottom line. Both of these people investments have set the benchmark for most large organisations. Sunseeker offers unmatched career progression opportunities to the incumbents of the early careers scheme. Whether progressing to a team on the water or taking responsibility for the leadership of people, Sunseeker truly believes that nurturing a growing workforce is the best place to source talented leaders and industry superstars of the future.
Sunseeker Win Innovative Marketing at National Engage Awards 2022
The 'Sunseeker Famous Five' campaign, pioneered by the Sunseeker International in-house marketing department, has won the 'Best Use of Innovation in Customer Engagement' at the Engage Awards 2022. The Engage Awards is one of the country’s most prestigious customer and employee engagement awards, celebrating excellence across various industries nationwide. The British boatbuilder was up against some of the UK’s biggest brands, including Boots, Orange, Coutts and Trailfinders among the ten shortlisted nominees. Bryan Jones, Marketing Manager at Sunseeker International, commented: “We are incredibly proud to win this prestigious marketing award. The team has worked very hard to develop engaging customer-centric campaigns that drive sales and deliver real value to our customers. The ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ launch will forever be iconic for our company, not just because we changed how we approached the power of digital, but how we could then convert the subsequent interest via the dedicated Showcase customer experience. It has been game-changing. We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved and what’s to come for our brand.” The 22 independent judges unanimously agreed: “Great innovation to move from a non-digital experience to one which is incredibly engaging and of a quality you would expect for a product of such high value. An extraordinary product that has succeeded remarkably in its chosen aims during the most difficult times but making a virtue of the problems and producing a sensational range of boats that vividly capture the imagination without having to actually occupy the captain's seat! A great initiative from a small marketing team.” Best Use of Innovation in Customer Engagement – The ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ Campaign. Innovation is inherent in Sunseeker’s brand DNA, not just in the design of its yachts, but in every facet of the company. Sales and marketing innovations are important for the brand and the marketing team consistently works hard to innovate and nurture sales opportunities on behalf of its c.100 appointed dealers globally, across more than 60 countries. Most of the brand’s sales take place at global boat shows and events where customers are invited to experience and purchase the yachts in a VIP setting. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company lost its sales platform overnight with all international boat shows and events cancelled. This was a huge challenge for the company during a year when it was due to launch five brand-new yachts, ranging in price from c.£1m to £6.5m (exc tax), a first in the company’s history. To overcome these challenges, and in a completely new move for the company, Sunseeker International launched the ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ in a livestream event on the Sunseeker YouTube channel and Facebook page on 14 May 2021, to the world’s media, its appointed dealers and its customers. The team also supported a dedicated luxury ‘Sunseeker Showcase’ to invite customers to personally view its yachts and enjoy the ultimate sales experience at the company’s headquarters in Poole. The ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’ digital launch was completely innovative in the leisure marine sector where digital marketing has had a slower uptake in comparison to other sectors, such as automotive. Sunseeker’s in-house Marketing team had a clear vision to be the first yacht brand to launch five new models to market at the same time and generate sales enquiries using predominately digital marketing platforms. It was a bold move that saw the team create digital assets and video content for each model, as well as the collective ‘Sunseeker Famous Five’. The team collaborated with a well-known friend of the brand, actor Hugh Bonneville, to anchor the campaign; an alignment that would generate additional sales interest and credibility for the brand.
Viking Hands On Education
Viking President and CEO Pat Healey kicked off an Apprenticeship Summit at the company’s New Gretna, New Jersey, manufacturing plant. The Summit included local, state and federal officials (including Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor Robert Asaro-Angelo) – all celebrating National Apprenticeship Week and Viking’s commitment to the program. “We are a proud New Jersey manufacturer and have tremendous relationships with our community,” said Pat. Executive Vice President Drew Davala first brought apprenticeships to Viking in 1988. “Viking values our alliance with the Egg Harbor Township school district and the ability to nurture students to embrace trade skills,” said Drew. “College isn’t for everyone, and we are providing an opportunity for students to not only learn but gain hands-on skills and confidence – and a career after graduation.” Viking currently has five students working at the New Gretna facility through the apprenticeship program.
Viking 2023 VIP Show
Mark your calendar to visit the industry-leading fleet at the Vikingr exclusive VIP Preview at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida. The Viking two new flagships the Viking 90 and Valhalla 55 will take center stage at the two-day event that takes place Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4, 2023. Sea trials will be available for select models.
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