Monthly News - November 2007

- pic of the month - Alicante Doma & Porsche

Alicante Doma and Porsche all about Passion

With such a suggestive title, last 26 to 28th of October, was celebrated in Marina Alicante an exclusive presentation of Doma and Porsche. This event had a great attendance with a selective participation of clients, press and recognized personalities of the business and culture ambit of the east of Spain. Astilleros de Alicante presented Doma 3 Avante, just before its first worldwide appearance at the Barcelona International Boat Show. This new model of Doma showed its spectacular design and its improvements in the interior functionality. Likewise one brand new unit of Doma 5 was also presented, a model with an attractive interior and exterior re-styling. Porsche, represented by Centro Porsche Alicante, showed the complete range of their selective range and a spectacular unit of the limited edition Carrera GT. Furthermore, three additional models, 911 4S, Cayman S and Cayenne S, were ready for an exciting driving test around the city of Alicante. This relationship between these two prestigious brands has been inspired by the shared passion in producing an exclusive product where the highest quality and the care on every detail are combined with a purely sport touch. This has not being an isolated experience and actually the next event is currently being studied, a signal of the great success of this first appointment.


Azimut Capture the Dream

A press conference was held at the Yacht Club Milano to present a new advertising campaign for Azimut Yachts, by JWT Italia. The new campaign comprises two corporate and 20 product ads and has been on air since the beginning of October in ten countries, notably including, outside Europe, the USA, India and China. It will be extended to a total of 30 countries by the end of this year. The “Capture the Dream” campaign is designed to arouse the instinct and reasoning of Azimut’s target – a mindset that is a complex weave of realism and imaginativeness.

Azimut Enviromental Policy

Azimut has defined an Environment Policy which represents the guidelines that intends to follow. This policy must represent a boost to promote a sustainable industrial development through the management of production cycles, on the basis of advanced environment protection criteria.


Fulvio Dodich Leaves Ferretti Group

Fulvio Dodich, currently in charge of Ferretti Yachts, Mochi Craft and Custom Line, has decided to leave Ferretti Group in order to follow a different professional career path outside the company. Ferretti Group C.E.O. Vincenzo Cannatelli will immediately take temporary charge as Manager of the Ferretti Yachts, Mochi Craft and Custom Line brands. The members of the Board of Directors wish to thank Fulvio Dodich, who will leave his position as of today, on behalf of Ferretti Group for the efficient, invaluable work he has carried out during over eleven years activity in the Group and the very best of luck for his future success.


Ferretti Yachts and Alcantara Important Co-branding Action

As expression of the most exclusive and sophisticated "made in Italy", Ferretti Yachts will be present in the current issue of "Panorama", "Espresso" and the German magazine "Stern" through "A'bout", a publication created for the most important activities of Alcantara, partner for the realization of the interior decoration of our yachts. The main objective of "A'bout" is to celebrate both the exceptionality of a material with extraordinary features and the partners that choose Alcantara to enrich their creations.The fifth issue of "A'bout" focuses on three subjects: Design & Comfort - with Ferretti Yachts, Elegance&Performance - with Porsche and Audi and Moda&Glamour with Canali. This communication action will reach more than 2.450.000 qualified contacts in Italy and Germany and will contribute towards improving the awareness of Ferretti Yachts and the brand reputation & consideration.


Grand Banks on Wave of Strong Sales

Grand Banks Yachts ends the 2007 season riding a strong wave of sales that has helped the company fill the production schedule for its 2008 models, and launch the 2009 model year with a solid start. The news follows several consecutive years of record sales for Grand Banks.


Hatteras reports on Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

Hatteras Yachts enjoyed a solid Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show despite the potential effect on buyers’ enthusiasm from continuing high fuel prices, a slow economy, threatening storms and reduced foot traffic. Thanks to a strong international market, the debut of the new 72 Motor Yacht, and the continuing success of its proven line of sports fishing convertibles, Hatteras secured a significant increase in retail sales and stock orders from its authorized dealer network. This combination of retail and stock orders represented the second most units sold at a Ft. Lauderdale show in more than 15 years, and the highest retail value over that same time frame.


Horizon Demand Require A-Tech Expansion

Atech Composites, a professional FRP parts manufacturer of Horizon Group, is trying to cope with the increase in demand from each shipyard while only limited storage areas are available for the completed hulls and parts to remain before their delivery dates. Felix Lee, the production manager of Atech, points out that there is not sufficient space for storing the parts. Felix mentioned that Research and Development on improving the production procedure in order to shorten production time is becoming essential to meet the rapidly increasing demand.


Riviera Improves Manufacturing Process

Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, has embarked on a $6.35 million expansion program at its Coomera headquarters, adding approximately 3,640 square metres of additional factory space. The total factory floor space of the Riviera manufacturing facility will then be more than 40,000 square metres, the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere and one of the largest in the world. The works currently underway involve the expansion of the lamination facilities, providing an additional 2,190 square metres and also the construction of a new after-market service centre on a waterfront site to the south of the existing Riviera buildings. The new waterfront building, with 1,450 square metres of floor space, will offer boat owners a full on-site customisation, servicing, refurbishing and maintenance service. The after market and service centre will include a 75-tonne mobile boat hoist capable of handling vessels up to 6.5 metres in beam and around 26 metres (approximately 85 feet) in length.

Riviera new Director of Sales in Europe

Dave M. Taylor has joined Riviera Yachts of the Americas as Director of Sales for Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). Dave Taylor most recently was Director of Sales and Marketing for Luhrs Sportfishing boats worldwide and prior to that directed the sales and marketing efforts for Wellcraft Marine in America. Prior to that, he was with Detroit Diesel, Yamaha and Evinrude in marketing and dealer development. He has been in the marine industry since 1972. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, the University of Michigan Business School (Executive Management) and Texas A & M University (Management Development and Equipment Distributors). Riviera Yachts of the Americas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury boat builder. The company is one of the most active yacht builders in the world, introducing a new boat about every 90 days.

Sunseeker Signs Contract for Sea-Fire Systems

Sea-Fire Europe, a recognized leader in fire suppression technology, has signed a new, 3-year contract with Sunseeker International. Sea-Fire managing director Ernie Ellis made the announcement. Sea-Fire fire suppression, shutdown and alarm systems will be standard on all Sunseeker builds. New Sea-Fire monitoring equipment, featuring FireStop technology, will be fitted on larger craft. Approved and listed by agencies worldwide, Sea-Fire products allow Sunseeker's yachts to comply with fire suppression regulations internationally. Providing peace of mind, Sea-Fire supplies FM-200 engineered and pre-engineered fire suppression systems and accessories. Fast and effective, FM-200 is safe for people and environmentally responsible.


Tecnomar Expands

Demonstration of the great expansion happening for Tecnomar Yachts, following the request of more but also bigger boats and having the desire to effect a full production cycle in one single yard, Paolo and Faliero Sarti have managed to agree in an expansion plan in Farmoplant Zone next to the current yard. The works have already started and will add 3000 squared metres to the existent establishment in the first quarter of 2008. The new structure will be added to the existent structure and will transfer to Massa the interior yacht assembly, leaving to the Viareggio yard only the finishing completion touches to the Yachts.


Viking Wins 27th Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament

Days before the start of the tournament, Hurricane Kiko was headed towards Los Cabos. Fortunately, the storm changed path but not before churning up the water and bringing plenty of fish. Captain Mike Powell, on board the Viking 53 Missing Lenk, clinched the title of Second Place Boat thanks to a 591 pound blue marlin. Missing Lenk also took Second Place Top Captain. Over 150 teams released more than 200 billfish.

New Model: Mochi 54 Dolphin

Mochi Craft the renowned Italian builder continues to update it's range of Lobster yachts with the introduction of the new 54 Dolphin model. The Italian company describes this new model as a meeting of futuristic design ideas with the past traditional, historical legacy that a Lobster boat has to offer. This new latest Dolphin model reinterprets the past of the Lobster boat and Italian design philosophy with a unique blend of style, sophistication, color, passion and personality. The Italian design touch can be seen in the exterior lines with the feature of huge side windows on the hull side, sun pad forward, innovative additional sun pad on top of the coach roof, but also hidden design touches like the tender garage or the bathing platform which can be extended for increased sea enjoyment space. Other important aspects for the new 54 Dolphin is the spacious interior which can compete with similar sized craft, featuring an important three double cabins, 2 head layout but also an additional crew cabin with personal head located mid ship. Performance forecast is for a 32 knots top speed with twin MAN 800hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.65 m (54.8ft)

Length - 16.46 mt

Waterline Length - 15 m

Beam - 4.90 m

Draft - 1.42 m

Displacement - 21.50 t unloaded, 26.90 t loaded

Max Persons - 12

Fuel Capacity - 2550 l

Water Capacity - 710 l

Engines - 2 x MAN R6 CR6L 800hp

Performance - 32 knots top, 28 knots cruising

Project - Victory Design Brunello Acampora

Category - CE A

www.mochicraft-yacht.com

Class 1 - Dubai U.A.E. Mina Seyahi Preview

After an enthralling and compelling season, where spectacular racing has been matched by intense rivalries on and off the water, the final throws of the dice to decide the 2007 WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship will unfold with two races in a week in Dubai, and the stage is set for yet another nail-biting finale, as the two remaining title challengers go head-to-head after a gruelling, season-long tussle. Victory 77 will line up for next weekend’s Mina Seyahi Grand Prix, round 7 of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, tantalisingly close to lifting their first World title and a record seventh for the mighty Dubai-based, Victory Team. If they finish ahead of their title rivals, the championship is theirs. It has been a stellar season for Sanchez and Al Zafeen, racing together for the first time. They won the season opener in Athens, with Al Zafeen becoming the first rookie to win on his Class 1 debut and two wins later, in Romania, became the first rookie, and Sanchez the first Frenchman, to win the Class 1 European Championship. Their fourth win of the season last time out at the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha means they head into the penultimate race of the season with a 22-point advantage over their nearest rivals in the overall race for honours and a slender two point lead in the Middle East Championship. Standing between Victory 77 and the title that they are so desperate to bring home, is Qatar 96, who simply have to finish ahead of Victory 77 and by a margin of three points or more if they are to take the battle for the World Championship down to the final race of the season, the Dubai Grand Prix on Saturday, 8 December. Sheikh Hassan and Nicolini are enjoying their best season to date, and with six podiums on the bounce are sure to keep the pressure on the leaders until the very last lap. Spirit of Norway’s tenure as World Champions effectively ended in Qatar, when they limped out of the race on lap 15 with engine problems, but could still add the Middle East Championship to the Edox Pole Position Championship - which they clinched in Doha with their fifth consecutive win in qualifying - by winning the final two races. Outside of the lead trio, just 24 points separate the next five boats and the scramble for points and to be the best-of-the-rest may well become an unwelcome headache for Victory 77 and Qatar 96 as they fight it out for the title. Victory 7 lead the chasing pack, and are undoubtedly quick, but have lacked the consistency seen in the opening two rounds, but if they pull it all together on race day, they will certainly be amongst the front runners. Currently lying fifth is Qatar 95, are the pick of those running V8s, and fourth place in Arendal, a podium in Romania and fourth again in Qatar confirm their credentials. The most improved outfit over the last three races is Negotiator, the only outfit in the championship running Sterling V8s, taking fifth, fourth and a podium last time out, and sees them on a hard-charge and climbing up the championship standings. Just two points behind them is Foresti & Suardi, who, after competing in the last two races in his second boat, is expected to be back in his favoured raceboat. Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen will be trying to repeat the performances that have produced three top six finishes in their first season together, and will be aiming to add another, with Nicola Giorgi and Tomaso Polli hoping to see out the season in the Cougar with some solid points finishes. Whilst Jotun will simply be wondering when the run of bad luck that has blighted their season, will end, and will be praying that they have a trouble-free race to realise their pace and potential. The race weekend kicks off with official practice on Thursday, 29 November and the first opportunity for the teams to familiarise themselves with a revised course. A second practice session on Friday morning is followed by the Edox Pole Position in the afternoon and a final practice session on Saturday morning, followed by the Mina Seyahi Grand Prix.

www.class-1.com

New Model: Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht

The new Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht is a boat really rich in innovations that the designers of this World famous Aussie company wanted as the other Sport Yachts in the range, to make the difference in a highly competitive market sector. The third boat for the innovate range, the 4400 included a number of firsts that included resin infusion, joint Volvo and Riviera design thinking, and IPS drive technology! The commitment Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht expresses is that of truly ingenious boat with a serious of important updates that where unthinkable in a boat of this size a few years ago! One of the bonus for the new4400 is the spacious interior boasting two large cabins for a 5 berth accommodation. The queen-size master stateroom is in the bow and thanks to the space savings of Volvo IPS, aft and under the cabin sole you will find a magnificent full-width stateroom with a queen and a single berth. As already stated the new Riviera uses Volvo's innovative IPS drive with the twin 370hp or optional 435hp giving startling performance levels and a 30% less fuel consumption. The Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht continues with the other appreciated ideas this range offers: like the galley up layout, pillar less patio door, that joins the interior saloon, pilot house, galley area with the exterior cockpit making the whole place become one entertaining area.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.12 m (49.7ft)

Length - 13.91 m

Beam - 4.58 m

Draft - 1.20 m

Weight - 12.500 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1.500 l

Water Capacity - 460 l

Accommodation - 5 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - standard 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp, IPS600 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking dual propeller pods

www.riviera.com.au

Project: Fairline 55 Squadron

The new Fairline 55 Squadron project is a highly expectation project from this famous British builder. The design for this project shows a sporty modern med flybridge motor yacht and an innovative use of space. Sleek lines and beautiful external shapes are the visiting ticket, to what Fairline is promising a modern natural light with plenty of space interior layout. The new 55 Squadron follows the trend in this size category, offering a full beam owners cabin which includes an electro opaque walled bathroom transformation, something seen on the other bigger Fairline models. Interior accommodation is for a three double cabins, two heads and a single crew berth aft. The interior plans show the much requested minimal design approach especially in the upper saloon area but also demonstrate what will be one of the most spacious flybridge areas in this size category. The new Squadron 55 model will have the difficult task to follow the success of the old Squadron 55, produced from 1996 till 2003 and has been the most sold model in this highly demanded Motor Yacht range from the British builder. The challenge is encouraging!

www.fairline.com

New Model: Dalla Pieta DP 50 HT

Innovative is perhaps the most correct term to use when defining the DP 50 HT, even though it does not derive from a brand new concept, but is a successful restyling of the 48', presented at the Genoa boat show in 1997. Particular importance was given to the deck house and the stern area, with the extension of the garage that can now hold a 2.70-metre tender, while the driver's position can boast a lower deck with contemporary lines as one of the most distinctive parts of the new décor. The interior design has also been fully refreshed, with a complete change in the style of the décor, while keeping the exact same layout and leaving lots of room for custom solutions in terms of choice of timbers and wood varieties. One of the most important changes that stands out is also the possibility to turn one of the guest cabins into crew quarters, complete with bathroom, with separate access directly from the deckhouse. The powerful and reliable duo of 715 horsepower each Caterpillar engines is confirmed. The capacity of the tanks has increased from 1650 to 1900 litres. Lastly, the standard fittings have been supplemented with certain accessories that were optional in the 48'. Some of these include the automatic pilot, television and stereo in the living area, effluent containers and electronic remote control. The DP 50 HT expands the Dalla Pietà Yachts fleet with a boat that has nothing to envy bigger boats in terms of fittings and prestige.

Technical Data:

LOA - 16.30 m (53.5ft)

Length - 15.73 m

Beam - 4.29 m

Draft - 1.14 m

Displacement - 17.14 t unladed, 21.32 t laden

Fuel Capacity - 1900 l

Water Capacity - 490 l

Max Passengers - 12

Accommodation - 6 berths, 2 heads

Engines - 2 x Cat C12 715hp

Speed - 36 knots maximum, 30 knots cruising

Range - 280 NM @ 28 knots cruising

Construction Material - GRP

Category - CE B

www.dallapieta.it

Project: Alicante Doma 7

Astilleros de Alicante is ready to launch the construction of Doma 7. The design and project definition is already finished and to do so, Astilleros de Alicante has joined prestigious companies, such as Anders Design for the styling and Barracuda Yachts for the naval architecture. Doma 7, a 22 meters motorboat, a new model which is presented by an avant-garde design and a complete study of the internal functionality. As result, the saloon will have two independent relax areas, also the space downstairs is remarkable, particularly in the galley and in the master cabin, were we can see dimensions typically used in bigger yachts. The exterior design of Doma 7 offers three independent areas. The first of them is the solarium forward. Secondly, the cockpit with hydraulic platform provides habitability and comfort to have pleasant journeys. Finally, the solarium on the hard-top clearly identifies the innovative proposals from Doma 7. Talking about Doma 7 is synonymous of talking about internal design with the highest personalization capability. To properly tailor its Doma 7, every owner will find a comprehensive set with the finest materials for his selection. Astilleros de Alicante with Doma 7 makes another step toward representing a new line of motorboats clearly differentiated from the design point of view and able to be tailored to match the desires of its owner.

www.astillerosdealicante.com

New Model: Azimut 58

Azimut continues in the updating of its motor yacht range with the introduction of the new 58. A much expected model from this World famous manufacturer which sits in between the long standing 55 Evolution and 62 Evolution models. The new Azimut 58 has many bonuses on yachts of this size dimension but most interesting is the use of minimal style to create open spaces on board, especially on the flybridge and in the saloon. As for the other solutions Azimut continue this new model with the development of huge side windows not only for the master cabin, now in three rectangle form fitted to the side in flash form but also for the VIP cabin forward. It also presents on this flybridge model the squarish bow solution we saw introduced in 2004 with the introduction of the 40/43 model. The interior spaces is for a 3 cabin 2 head layout with a crew cabin aft. The VIP cabin forward has an innovative solution with a scissor movement making the possibility of transformation to two singles. Something very useful for high numbered families. Technical Data:

LOA - 17.88 m (58.8ft)

Beam - 4.95 m

Draft - 1.37 m

Displacement - 28.8 t (full load)

Fuel Capacity - 2.800 l

Water Capacity - 650 l

Accommodation - 3 cabins + crew, 6 berths + crew, 2 heads + crew

Engines - 2 x MAN R6 800hp

Speed - 32 knots maximum, 28 knots cruising @ half load

Design - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior

Hull - vee shape with 23.5 degrees deadrise midship, 15.5 aft

Building Material - GRP

www.azimutyachts.com

Projects: Magnum 50, Magnum 70

Magnum is working on the prototype of the new Luiz De Basto designed Magnum 50. This new 50 replaces the "Bestia" model that came before it. The new, as yet unnamed model, will be offered with either the MTU V10 or with the MAN V12 and will run approximately 70mph. The Magnum 50 will be the fastest model produced by the company with the exception of the much anticipated 27.

Presently under construction, for completion in early 2008, is a new Magnum 70 model on order for one of Magnum's VIP clients. Designed by Pininfarina and equipped with twin 2400 MTU diesels coupled to Arneson ASD15 surface drives, this new incredibly fast and maneuverable performance yacht is expected to reach top speeds over 60mph in any sea condition. This model is also available to government agencies as a Patrol Craft.

www.magnummarine.com

New Model: Overmarine Mangusta 80 Hard Top

One of the trademark and most successful big open boats ever built, the Mangusta 80 receives the update renovation to the Hard Top treatment in an esthetically pleasing design. The new Overmarine Mangusta 80 Hard Top continues the 40 knots plus performance of the Open model but has a redesigned exterior design thanks to the new superstructure, but also an update in the cockpit and interior layout spaces. The spaces of the 80 Hard Top feature a spacious 3 cabin offer in standard form but also a dual saloon, one on the upper deck and a more private one on the lower deck. The new Hard Top version boasts also exceptional performance of 45 knots top speed thanks to the latest MTU Common Rail engines. As is expected from this respected Viareggio builder, Overmarine the construction standard but also fit and finish are second to none.

Technical Data:

Length - 25.07 m (82.25ft)

Beam - 6.00 m

Draft - 1.15 m to 1.65 m Weight - 58 T loaded

Fuel Capacity - 6.000 l

Water Capacity - 1.300 l

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000 M93 Common Rail 2400hp

Propulsion - Arneson Surface Drives

Speed - 45 knots max

www.mangustayachts.com