-pic of the month- Formula Eight Thousand Hull
Azimut Benetti Group Barcelona Show Confirms Eco Success
Barcelona welcomed the Azimut Magellano 50 enthusiastically. In a short time, this star of the Genoa Boat Show has become a benchmark for sustainable boating throughout the world. Constructed in line with eco-standards and materials and capable of providing a 13% saving in fuel costs thanks to a hybrid engine and the particular shape of its hull, the Magellano 50 has a green soul. Visitors attending the event in the Catalan city expressed a special interest in the HNOS Berga stand which was showcasing a total of nine yachts from the Azimut and Atlantis range, six of which were being presented for the first time on the Iberian peninsular. Particularly popular was the Azimut 48, which boasts one of the most spacious and well-equipped flybridges in its category, as were the three new Atlantis models: Verve 36, 40 and 48, perfect examples of the grit and dynamism that characterize the most sporty brand in the Group. Ignition sparks at the Barcelona Boat Show indicate ripples of a revival running through the yacht market. A revival that will reward only those companies, like Azimut-Benetti Group, who have chosen to invest in new products, an essential strategy, in order to maintain a competitive and central position on the international horizon.
Bavaria Present New Merchandise Collection
Bavaria has planned a huge portfolio for the 2011 ´boot´ in Düsseldorf: The complete sailing yacht and motorboat fleet will be presented on a new, high-end boat show stand. To round up the large repertoire, the shipyard will launch a brand-new Bavaria Merchandise Collection. The modern collection, which was designed and created by Sportswear Connection in Munich, offers a little bit of everything for the watersport enthusiast: alongside chic T-Shirts, Shirts and Jumpers for Men and Women, there is also a large selection of jackets. In addition, the collection features basic accessories, such as key chains and baseball caps. The entire sample collection will be presented at both Bavaria show stands at Düsseldorf 2011 and first orders can be placed directly at the stand for the first delivery towards the end of March 2011.
Ferretti Group Ranks First in 2011 Orderbook
The Ferretti Group, a world leader in designing, building and marketing of luxury motor-yachts with a unique portfolio of the most prestigious, exclusive brands in the nautical world, ranks first in the 2011 Global Order Book 2011. The 2011 Global Order Book is noted as the most thorough and accurate analysis of the global nautical industry, issued every year by authoritative international nautical magazine ‘Showboats International’, published by Boat International Media. The rating for the Global Order Book is drawn up in the United States each year and lists all of the yachts under construction, measuring 24.38 metres (80 feet) or over, in each shipyard throughout the world as of 1st of September. Now, in its eighteenth year of publishing, it has crowned the Ferretti Group as the top producer of luxury maxi-yachts worldwide. In particular, as of September 1st, the Group can boast an order portfolio of an impressive 76 mega-yachts, with an average length of 104 feet, split between the Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, CRN and Ferretti Custom Line brands. This brings the overall size of the yachts, currently produced, to a length of 2,401 metres (7,877 feet), thereby setting the Ferretti Group in first place amongst world producers of yachts measuring over 80 feet. Therefore, 2010 comes to a close marking a new milestone for the Ferretti Group, whose leading position is an important acknowledgement for the entire Italian nautical industry and further confirms growth of the Group after over 42 years of successful activity.
Formula Celebrates Hull Number Eight Thousand
Formula Boats celebrated a 1,000-increment milestone Wednesday, November 10, with hull number 8,000. The factory sent off the 350 Sun Sport with a Formula Family goodbye. The entire factory was invited to sign the boat and celebrate to mark the occasion before it left. ith every 10,000 boats Formula produces, the serial number resets. So this boat, with hull number TNRD8000I011, is the 8,000th boat manufactured since the numbers were reset in 2002. Now into model year 2011, reaching this milestone is the perfect reason to celebrate. This particular boat is headed to Missouri. Thomas Edwards, the proud owner of the 350 Sun Sport, resides in St. Louis and plans to enjoy his boat at Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. Edwards and his son Andrew even came to visit the factory November 1st to monitor the progress on their boat. This 55 mile per hour 350 Sun Sport boasts twin Volvo 8.1 GXi DP EVC engines with a Captain’s Call exhaust system. The Black Imron accents the sleek lines of the boat. With features like air conditioning, a chartplotter, upgraded stereo system with entertainment package, fiberglass arch and a swim platform with vinyl teak decking, the entire Edwards family is sure to enjoy their time on the water in the 350 Sun Sport.
Fountain Revamps Sales Strategies
Amidst renewed interest from marine industry dealers, Fountain Powerboats is implementing new sales strategies and is discontinuing its factory-direct “Fountain Factory Superstore,” the company announced today. Previously, potential retail customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia were offered the option of purchasing boats directly through the factory superstore, via its website and dedicated factory sales staff. Fountain has announced that it will discontinue this practice effective immediately. Since 1979, Fountain Powerboats has established itself as one of the most significant names in offshore powerboats, amassing offshore racing titles, fishing tournament championships, and accolades from boating publications; while building a loyal, worldwide customer base. Virtually all Fountain components are manufactured in-house at a modern 250,000 square-foot facility on the Pamlico River in Eastern North Carolina.
Hatteras and Cabo New Senior Vice President
Hatteras Yachts and CABO Yachts are pleased to announce that John Ward has accepted the position of senior vice president, global sales & marketing. Ward was most recently president of Boston Whaler. Reporting to Ward will be Karl Kempainnen, vice-president of sales and marketing for Hatteras Yachts; Don Smith, vice president of Sales for CABO Yachts; and Luca Brancaleon, director of sales for Hatteras and CABO in Europe and the Middle East. As a senior member of the leadership team, Ward will report directly to Jim Meyer.
Mulder to Build Second Yard
Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands has announced that construction will soon start on a new yard just ten kilometres from its current facility. This second yard in Zoeterwoude Rijndijk will cover an area of 7000 square metres and focus on the maintenance, refit and new build of yachts between 18 and 40 metres. It should be ready to start operations in 2012, with the first new yacht launching in 2013. The existing facilities in Voorschoten will remain open and be dedicated to yachts under 18 metres. Both Mulder yards are within 20 minutes of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. One of the reasons for this major expansion is the difficulties experienced at the current yard with moving and launching large yachts, which are increasingly in demand from Mulder Shipyard. There is also a shortage of storage space. The construction of a new yard will considerably increase Mulder’s flexibility and product efficiency to accommodate the very healthy order portfolio. It also gives the yacht builder the opportunity to deliver more yachts, and meet the future demand for larger yachts and refit projects. The final permits for the new facilities have been issued and construction will get underway in early 2011. The first hall of the new yard will be equipped with two dry docks of 55m x 13m. The second hall can accommodate the simultaneous construction of four yachts up to 30 metres. The projects in this hall are accessible via three work floors. The ground floor will be used for working on engines, generators, propulsion systems, bowthrusters, sternthrusters, stabilisers and similar equipment, and include a store room. The first floor will facilitate the assembly of the interior, service installations and electrical systems, and house Mulder’s interior department and spraying facilities. The new yard will also include a 100-tonne boat lift and a modern office building. Although the expansion requires a substantial investment, it will eventually lead to major cost synergies. In addition to new builds and refit activities, the new yard will also provide services for the growing Mulder fleet. The Voorschoten location will focus on the construction of the Mulder Favorite and the Bellagio, while also being used for the storage and maintenance of smaller yachts.
Ranger Tugs Rendezvous
Ranger Tugs hosted the second annual Owners Rendezvous event for Ranger Tugs owners and their crew at the Port of Bremerton Marina in Washington. The company welcomed 42 boats in September which was 10 more than last year’s inaugural event. With over 1,000 Ranger Tugs owners in the U.S. and Canada, the Owners Rendezvous is a growing event and a testament to the camaraderie and lifestyle that the trailerable, fuel-efficient boats offer. Based on the popularity of the event, Ranger Tugs is already planning for 2011 and the event will again be in Bremerton, Sept. 9-11, 2011; registration is available on the owners group website. David and Maureen Baker served as the 2010 event’s volunteer organizers and are owners of the Ranger 29 Karma. Ranger Tugs owners and enthusiasts in attendance traveled from across North America and from as far away as Virginia; many brought their boats by trailer, then launched locally for the short cruise to Bremerton. With boats ranging in size from 21 to 29 feet, the event’s Tug Crawl is an open house that allows owners to see models of all sizes, share insights and ideas on equipment, décor or other personalized touches. In addition to the social aspects of the rendezvous, the weekend included several education opportunities. A service seminar presented by Mer Marine, an area MER Yanmar service center, featured a demonstration of fluid and filter changes and the local power squadron from Port Orchard, WA, was also on hand to perform courtesy exams and safety checks. At the close of the rendezvous, the Bakers and Ranger Tugs staff announced that next year’s rendezvous will be held Sept. 9-11, and immediately began booking reservations from several owners in attendance. The 2011 goal is to welcome 75 boats and their owners and crew to the event.
Riviera Asia Pacific Dealer Awards
Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder has recognised outstanding achievement in sales and service at the annual Asia Pacific Dealer Conference held this month on the Gold Coast. Premium Nautical was named Riviera Asia Pacific Dealer of the Year. This award recognises overall excellence in dealership operations and performance. Riviera Service Dealer of the Year was presented to Lee Marine in Thailand. This award recognises exceptional after sales customer service. Kingsway Marine in Hong Kong was presented the Riviera Brand Loyalty Award in recognition of their dedication to the Riviera brand in their local market and the in roads they are making in the emerging China market. As Singapore’s exclusive Riviera dealer, Premium Nautical takes pride in offering the highest level of personal and professional service and general manager James Purves said it was an honour to receive the esteemed award. Lee Marine managing director Joshua Lee said they were proud to win the Service Dealer Award. Kingsway Marine general manager Joseph Zhao said the brand loyalty award recognised the team’s dedication and hard work over many years. Riviera CEO John Anderson said all of Riviera’s Asia Pacific dealers had demonstrated fierce loyalty to the Riviera brand and had done a fantastic job over the past 12 months during very challenging times but Premium Nautical, Lee Marine and Kingsway Marine had excelled in all their efforts. The Asia Pacific Dealer Awards have been running for 16 years and were created to recognise outstanding achievement and dedication to Riviera’s loyal owners and brand. Dealers are judge on their ability both to operate with the highest level of integrity, service customer needs and boats, conduct client events and professional representation at boat shows, overall boat sales, co-operation with the factory’s business guidelines and communication with dealer support services, dealership presentation and customer satisfaction.
Riviera Staff Raises for Movember
It was a hairy situation for Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder, when 19 of its production staff entered the best ‘Mo’ competition to raise funds for men’s health during the annual Movember fundraiser. Every year during the month of November thousands of Australian men grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, including prostate cancer and depression in men. Riviera hosted a sausage sizzle to raise funds for Movember and awarded prizes to the best and worst ‘Mo’. About 400 staff and contractors gathered for the barbecue lunch and voted for the best ‘Mo’ via a decibel metre. There were black mos, blonde mos, red mos, brown mos and grey mos, as well as a range of styles including the biker mo, handlebar mo, Hitler/Charlie Chaplin mo, pencil mo, and French mo but the overall prize for best ‘Mo’ went to Bruno Kishtoo while the prize for worst ‘Mo’ was awarded to Peter Davies. Riviera’s general counsel Cherriee Ludemann said the Riviera team raised $3,244 through online donations plus a further $450 was raised at the sausage sizzle held last week.
Riviera New South Australia Adelaide Dealership
R Marine South Australia celebrated the opening of its new Adelaide dealership in Riviera style with an afternoon of fun and festivities at the Holdfast Shores, Glenelg dealership, which was officially opened by long time Riviera owner Rod Rebbeck on November 28. Riviera’s latest model, the spectacular 43 Open Flybridge with IPS was on display at the official opening. R Marine South Australia has one of these best selling new models in stock now and available for delivery. The 43 Open Flybridge with IPS which has taken the Australian boating market by storm was launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May this year has already been ordered by 25 lucky owners who have embraced the latest technology and Riviera’s award-winning quality. R Marine South Australia brings together an experienced team of professionals with a wealth of marine industry knowledge. Managing director Ross Almond is a multiple Riviera owner and knows first-hand the pleasures and advantages of owning a Riviera. Dealer principal David Light has extensive experience in the prestigious automotive and aviation industries. Qualified mechanic with 20 years experience, Diego (Dee) Bueti will lead the service department while full-time skipper Tim Arthurson will prove invaluable to Riviera owners as he holds Master 5 and Med 1 qualifications and has spent the past five years working full-time on Riviera boats. Tim is available for maintenance and service advice, owner tuition, and Riviera deliveries anywhere in Australia. R Marine South Australia’s managing director Ross Almond brings with him extensive boating experience and product knowledge. Having created a very successful service focused business in the highly competitive office photocopier industry, Ross is now putting his enormous energy into Riviera and he has not wasted any time in bringing together a team with individual expertise that will give Riviera’s South Australian owners a unique and unrivalled level of care. Riviera owner Rod Rebbeck said it was an honour to officially open Riviera’s new dealership. Rod has owned three Rivieras having bought his first in 1998 and he currently owns a 51 Enclosed Flybridge.
Riviera Melbourne Summer Boat Show
Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder will showcase some of its latest designs at the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival February 4-6, 2011. Riviera’s Victorian dealer R Marine Jacksons Vic will showcase six of the company’s most popular designs including, never before seen in Melbourne the 5800 and 5000 Sport Yachts. The Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show is the largest outdoor lifestyle event in Victoria sprawling from Docklands’ NewQuay down to the festive piazza at Waterfront City, the event will entertain children and adults with a range of activities such as gourmet food, wine, fashion, sailing and canoeing, boat rides, live music and giveaways. R Marine Jacksons dealer principal Stuart Jackson said Riviera had held a strong presence at the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival for the past six years. Riviera Syndication will make their Melbourne debut at the boat show with the launch of a new 5800 syndication. Riviera Syndication will launch sales of 10 shares in the Melbourne based 5800 Sport Yacht at the boat show with shares costing $245,000 each plus ongoing fees. There are only three shares remaining in the Hamilton Island 5800, which will be delivered in September 2011. These shares will also be for sale at the boat show and cost $210,000 per share with 12 shares in this boat. Owners of the Melbourne 5800 will have 33 days usage per year with popular time such as public holidays and weekends shared evenly between owners, while owners of the Hamilton Island 5800 will have four weeks usage per year and can be taken in a combination of the owners choice for instance one week four times per year, two weeks twice a year, three weeks and then one week or four weeks once a year.
Riviera Syndication Boast Sales
Every economic condition produces a positive climate for certain sectors of the market and luxury boat syndication is one of the industries that has actually prospered during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The Marine Industry is often an accurate indicator of which industries at a given period of time are prospering. The purchase of a luxury boat is generally the reward of a successful business and according to Marine Industry stalwart John Russell of Brisbane’s John Crawford Marine and Riviera Syndication, this has proven to be an accurate guide during 30 odd years of selling boats. Mr Russell said at any given point in time he could report on the industries that were doing well in the marketplace because it was those industries that were buying boats. During the late 1990s and in the early days of syndication, this form of boat ownership was generally associated with time share and was largely overlooked by the market. With the passage of time, the syndication market became more professional and was introduced by major manufacturers such as Riviera. Sophisticated clients began seriously considering the merits of buying an equity share in a luxury boat. Riviera Syndication also have syndicated Rivieras in most major centres around Australia where an owner of a share in a new Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht in Perth can exchange usage with an owner of the same boat in Sydney, Sanctuary Cove or Hamilton Island.
Riviera Jacaranda Experience
A colourful display of dancers and entertainers paraded through Grafton’s tree-lined streets for the 76th annual Jacaranda Festival where 58 Riviera enthusiasts enjoyed the festivities. A fleet of 15 Rivieras ranging in size from 33 feet to 56 feet made the 130 nautical mile journey from the Gold Coast south to Grafton on November 4, for R Marine Queensland’s annual five-day Jacaranda Experience. R Marine Queensland event organiser Melinda Jones said ‘with a decent swell, ocean wind and overcast sky looming around the Gold Coast Seaway walls it was onward bound for day one's destination Yamba. The next morning, the fleet wound their way up the Clarence River, passing under the landmark Harwood Bridge and heading for their final anchorage, Grafton, which is about 42 nautical miles up the Clarence River. The following morning it was time to up anchor and leave Grafton. The fleet returned back down the river to Yamba where they berthed for the night and visited the well known Pacific Hotel for dinner. Riviera CEO John Anderson said Riviera dealers around the world organised these experiences to encourage Riviera owners to explore new waterways, meet new friends and gain confidence in their boats. In 2011 our R Marine dealers in Australia and New Zealand have a full and fun packed calendar of events planned for Riviera owners.
Viking Sea and Truck
Persistent northwest winds draining the Bass River have made navigating to Atlantic City a little more challenging lately, limiting departure times from the factory to full flood tides. Frigid temperatures have created a layer of skim ice most mornings contributing more issues, but nothing could stand in the way today of delivering Norby, hull number 16 in the Viking 82 Convertible series. While 82016 will travel on its own bottom to southern climes, our first 42 Open at the end of the production line awaits its windshield glass, which will be installed in the morning. Upon completion of this task, the 42 Open with its Cummins diesels and Zeus pod drive propulsion system will cruise south at average speeds of 50 knots on a flat-bed truck to the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, for its tower installation by Palm Beach Towers.
Van Der Heijden has recently launched its largest every yacht built, the 2400 Superior. This new current Van Der Heijden flagship puts the Dutch steel boat builder on the Super Yacht map, and follows design cues as the 2008 launched 2000 Superior. She will be presented at the coming Dusseldorf boat show end of this month. Having a steel hull, and aluminium super structure the 2400 Superior can accommodate depending on owners specification up to five double guest cabins. A single crew cabin with private head is located aft. The hull is of hard chine shape, a standard design coming from Dutch builders in recent times. Power is from twin Iveco 825hp which can give speeds of about 18 knots. 
Posts
