Project: Apreamare 80 Maestro

Apreamare continues to upgrade it's Maestro motor yacht range, with this new 24 metre, being the biggest boat ever built by the renowned Sorrento shipyard. The Zuccon designed Maestro range has been a challenge to Apreamare offering distinctive futuristic design with classic features making for a unique offer in the market. The new flagship from Apreamare will take the distinctive features which have marked the Maestro concept to a new dimension like big vertical windows which offer great sea views, spacious ship like decks and unbeatable space inside especially in the saloon area. Standard interior layout is for a 4 cabin 4 head version with 3 double cabins a double singles cabin, alternatively a 2 double cabin and 2 double singles cabin is available. Crew space if a for 2 or 3 members aft. Estimated performance for the 80 Maestro is of a 31 knots top speed with double MTU 1823hp or alternatively a slower 28 knots performance with twin MTU 1660hp. Range is for 400 nautical miles with a cruising speed of 24 knots.

www.apreamare.it

New Model: Sunseeker 52 Manhattan

Sister hulled to the 52 Predator, the new 52 Manhattan presented during the last Southampton boat show takes the place of the 50 Manhattan model. As a Sunseeker, the new small Manhattan flybridge motor yacht of the range, follows the flowing aggressive profile which have always characterized the British builder, with the reassuring handling this maker is renowned for. The interior follows a three cabin layout with the ever spacious full beam owners cabin with full view windows. The new 52 Manhattan is in principle identical to the 52 Predator, with the extra of having an extra helm and entertaining area up top.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.60 m (57.9ft) includes pulpit

Length Waterline - 13.11 m

Beam - 4.49 m

Draft - 1.26 m full load

Displacement - 24800 kg half load

Fuel Capacity - 2140 l

Water Capacity - 625 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 heads, optional single crew cabin with head aft

Engines - 2 x 800hp

Speed - 32 knots max, 23 knots cruising

Range - 250 nautical miles

www.sunseeker.com

Projects: Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht Series II, Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht

Riviera improve the 3600 Sport Yacht, thanks to the Volvo IPS propulsion, giving a revolution to the lower deck accommodation layout making her one of the most spacious and comfortable 11 metres in the market today. So far the exterior lines of the small Sport Yacht model in the plans seem unchanged, although I hope for the addition of extra port holes in both staterooms, as the mid cabin will be very hot and dull if the above exterior lines are confirmed. Performance have not been quoted by the builder, but we expect the double Volvo's IPS 400 at 301 hp giving about 32 knots, similar performance as the Cummins 380hp used to provide but with less fuel consumption and easy docking manoeuvrability thanks to the joystick system by IPS. The Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht inherits the design principles of its predecessors, the award-winning 3600 and 4700 and the 4400 Sport Yachts, most notably the Al fresco lifestyle concept. The new Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht project takes luxury boating to a new level, with its four cabin three bathroom standard layout, something rare in a boat measuring around 17 metres with a full beam master stateroom, and the choice of a lower galley and aft crew cabin. A new digital switching system for DC power enables you to personalise your boat by selecting what mode you want, for example, select cruise or entertainment mode, and the appropriate circuits will be energised. The boat's beautiful, sleek lines match the state of the art propulsion system providing you with faster acceleration, higher top speed, better turning and manoeuvrability all with greater fuel efficiency. Massive interior and exterior entertaining areas combine with simple yet stylish stainless steel framed glass sliding door and the electric sunroof that adds that extra touch of the outdoors.

www.riviera.com.au

New Model: Pershing 80

An exuberant wind of change continues to blow up from the Adriatic coast, home of the internationally renowned Ferretti Group brand and world leading luxury motoryacht producer, Pershing. Over past weeks, the entire shipyard and Engineering Department have been absorbed in the delicate final stages of a major new project, the launch of the new Pershing 80. This new model, which has just been unveiled to the Pershing fans and friends, has inherited two very important qualities from the Pershing 72, the craft that enjoyed such remarkable commercial success and visibility in 2007 as well as winning numerous awards. The first is the craft’s vast range of high tech features and the second is its bright, sleek profile. Every single inch of the craft’s innovative 80 feet confirm the shipyard’s grand challenge to focus its know-how and enterprise on this demanding and prestigious segment and to continue to develop craft of increasingly major dimensions. Naturally without compromising any of the typical qualities, such as sports style, speed and control that have always distinguished Pershing yachts. The new Pershing 80’, brainchild of yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni, once again succeeds in offering owners exceptional performance. On the standard version, two powerful 2030hp MTU engines combine with ASD 15L surface propellers to guarantee a peak speed of 43 knots, whereas a faster version with two 2435hp MTU engines offers an incredible peak speed of 50 knots at 1/3 loaded displacement. Of particular note, is the yacht’s floor plan that has been both rationally and creatively designed with highly exclusive details, such as the pilot house, and the leather chairs, panels and tops specially crafted by Poltrona Frau who have once again partnered with Pershing on this splendid craft. But there are many other elements too that give this yacht an edge over its competitors in this increasingly crowded segment. First and foremost, the yacht’s construction process uses the special fibre glass vacuum moulding “Scrimp System”. Secondly, the boat boasts numerous highly exclusive features, such as the elegant slide away glass partition, designed in collaboration with Besenzoni. Originally used on the Pershing 72’, this feature has been further developed and now includes two separate sections that make the option of closing the cockpit off from the upper saloon even more modular. Alternatively the owner can choose to join these two environments together to create a huge and harmonious open space, all on the same level. This highly versatile area is completed by another special Pershing 80’ feature, the expandable-retractable hard top. The cockpit is also both incredibly spacious, and luxuriously finished to ensure it can be enjoyed without any disturbances whatsoever. The stern sundeck has been deliberately designed so it is completely independent from the opening of the spacious garage, which includes a foldaway platform for easy watertoys launching. Standards of comfort are increased also by the Genius gangplank, which doubles as a swimming ladder and a walkway onto the quay when the craft is moored. The dinette in the bows is also a totally new factor, especially when combined with the highly versatile, modular sundeck that also boasts a bimini top. This is another idea that allows owners to create an ideal context for relaxing in or for enjoying breakfast in complete privacy when the boat is moored at the stern. The craft’s typically megayacht concept and floor plan can also be seen in the area below decks. The galley, for example, has been separated from the saloon and placed below deck, next to the crew quarters to offer guests even more privacy. The exceptional large L-shaped galley is a comfortable, discreet area that is packed with hyper technological features and offers a choice of colour schemes. The night zone in both the three and four cabin version is a real gem in terms of comfort and design and boasts remarkable features such as the unique open-view maxi window in the Master Cabin situated in the centre of the boat. This window is a remarkably light and airy feature (thanks to the openable porthole set into the glass) in this elegant space, which has innumerable refined details, including a vanity cabinet top, bed head and handrail created by Poltrona Frau. The Pershing 80 therefore boasts absolute class not only in its interiors, but also in its precise and intransigent exteriors that are distinguished by their sleek, aggressive, modern, streamlined shape and design. With this craft Pershing has created a fabulous example of how its challenging philosophy continues to push back frontiers and offer owners and guests a new way to “surprise the future”. Now it's time for the wider public at the major international boat shows in Cannes, Montecarlo and Genoa to give the judgement on this new jewel in Pershing line of Sport Yachts.

Technical Data:

LOA - 24.50 m (80.5ft)

Length - 23.98 m

Beam - 5.50 m

Draft - 1.40 m

Displacement - 64 t (loaded)

Fuel Capacity - 5950 l

Water Capacity - 1300 l

Max Persons - 16

Accommodation - 4 cabins with 3 heads, 2 crew cabins with 1 head

Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M91 2030hp, 16V2000M93 2450hp

Propulsion - Arneson ASD15L Surface Drives

Speed - 43 knots with with 2030hp, 50 knots with 2450hp

Design - Fulvio De Simoni

Certification - CE A

www.pershing-yacht.com

Powerboat P1 - Cowes Torquay Cowes Cancelled, Sunseeker Retires

Powerboat P1, the commercial rights holder to the Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race, has announced with sadness its decision to cancel the event as a result of insufficient entries. The race organisers – the British Powerboat Racing Club, the Royal Yachting Association and Powerboat P1 - had hoped to resurrect the historic race after a three year break in response to requests from British powerboat racers. However, the number of entries received has made the event economically unviable and would fail to deliver a genuine and competitive sporting spectacle. The first Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race took place in 1961 and it is regarded as one of British offshore racing’s most celebrated and demanding events. The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race does not form part of the Powerboat P1 World Championship, which comprises 14 races on three continents. The next round of the World Championship will be hosted by the historic port of Vigo on Spain’s Atlantic coast.

On another sad note Powerboat P1 Management has also been advised by Sunseeker Sales Group that the Team Sunseeker and the 11 Sunseeker Challenger boat will not be contesting the remaining three Grand Prix of the Sea events of the 2008 season. As a passionate my hope is to see Sunseeker back in the sea racing the races as soon as possible.

www.powerboatp1.com

New Model: Azimut 70

In the yearly event of the Azimut Benetti Group, the Yachting Gala which for this year was held in Viareggio, the world renowned yacht builder presented the new Azimut 70 of the new F series generation. Following the latest trends as started with the 43 in 2004, designer Righini and Turin yacht builder follow there renowned form following function design with minimal accents, presenting an ultra modern yacht. There is so far little details available but the pictures show the trademark huge Azimut integrated windows all over the yacht, with what we imagine a similar finished interior as used on the 58 launched during the 2007 Genoa boat show. New 70 has also a similar four cabin interior to the Azimut 68 Plus / Evolution it will go on and replace in the future, but with a more modern layout and some huge improvements of which is the separate galley which can open up on the saloon thanks to an electrically operated window, and all double cabins with in line berths. A striking feature for the new 70 is also the hull color, which for its debut carried an original metallic sky blue, a not seen before finish, following the trend with the green shown on the 58 during the Genoa 2008 presentation.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.6 m (70.9ft)

Beam - 5.6 m

Displacement - 43 t

Fuel Capacity - 4200 l

Water Capacity - 1200 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x MAN 1360hp

Speed - 32 knots max, 28 knots estimated

Project - Righini, Azimut

www.azimutyachts.com

Project: Princess V 62

The soon to come Princess V62 project will combine the performance and versatility of an enclosed hard top sports yacht with the advantages of large volume accommodation spaces including both a main deck saloon and separate lower dining area. The main deck saloon will be elegantly finished with contemporary low-level furniture and seating and is linked to a large open cockpit through triple sliding glass doors. On deck a flexible entertaining space includes generous seating, a wetbar and barbeque and a central sunbed above the aft garage which can accommodate either a rigid inflatable or wetbike. A hydraulic up/down platform is also fitted as standard for added convenience or for stowage of an additional tender. The lower accommodation consists of a full-beam en-suite owner’s stateroom, an en-suite VIP stateroom forward and a large twin cabin to starboard. There is also the option of a single berth crew cabin aft. The lower dining area provides seating for six opposite a well equipped galley and features a large LCD TV mounted inboard. The galley itself boasts a full height fridge freezer, twin bowl stainless steel sink and plentiful storage for an extended stay aboard. The new model will sit in-between the V65 and the V58 in the Princess V Class range, with many of the design features of the larger boat filtering down into the V62. With the latest advanced deep V hull and conventional drive, and with a combined output of up to 2400hp, the V62 is set to deliver true V Class performance with class leading handling and absolute control, for comfortable long range high speed cruising.

www.princessyachts.com

New Model: Grand Banks 65 Aleutian RP

The original model that launched the Aleutian Series has been redesigned, refreshed and restyled, with an added foot of length and a long list of new features. New interior layouts provide more and better options for living and entertaining. A more spacious aft deck features dual wing doors and a new enclosure that protects the outside dining area from harsh weather, while opening easily to let in the sun. The flybridge overhang has also been extended further aft to provide more protection from the elements. The new 65RP also features port and starboard-side pilothouse doors, easier engine room access through a new port-side door, and a host of other performance and luxury features. What hasn't changed is her top-performing Fexas-designed hull, making the 65RP the best for comfort and stability among blue-water cruisers.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.93 m (68.8ft)
Length Waterline - 18.42 m
Beam - 6.05 m
Draft - 1.63 m
Displacement - 48,308 kg
Fuel Capacity - 8328 l
Water Capacity - 1666 l

www.grandbanks.com

Monthly News - July 2008

- pic of the month - Azimut Benetti Group Gala 2008

Aicon Dealers Meeting

The second edition of the Aicon Dealer Meeting was concluded on 6 July at Portorosa Marina in Sicily. The meeting with the partners of Aicon Yachts took place on two weekends (June 20-22 and July 4-6 2008) and saw the participation of dealers from all over the world accompanied by some boat owners as well. The dealer meeting was an occasion to give a preview of the new models, to discuss technical aspects and strengths, and to illustrate the new projects and the sales policy. The Dealer Meeting involved dealers from all over the world, from China to the Arab Emirates, from South Africa to United States and from Greece to England. Two weekends characterized by an intense program of appointments, presentations, round table discussions and events. The Dealer Meeting was organized with the objective both to strengthen the flow of communication between Aicon and its partners, and to analyze the opinions which emerged in order to improve service which the boat owners require. All the partners involved were given an absolute preview of the new models which will be launched in 2008- 2009. They were also given the opportunity to test the boats during the whole day dedicated to sea trials of the entire range. The series of appointments which followed in succession from morning to evening were concluded with a poolside dinner gala at the prestigious beach of the Hilton Hotel in Portorosa, also attended by Aicon Yachts President, Lino Siclari. The Dealer Meeting was also the first occasion to present a new project aimed at involving the dealers in company strategy, Dealer Management. The Dealer Management is an organization which meets regularly, made up of a representative of national and international dealers and company managers. The committee has the objective of building and sharing projects of a varied nature, which can range from the planning of new boats to sales, marketing and communications issues. Thanks to the founding of this body a real working network has been built which involves the dealers even more in the activities of the Group both on a planning and operational level.


Azimut, Benetti Brings Sea, Business and Lifestyle Together at Yachting Gala

A 25,000 square meter Azimut Yachts shipyard characterized by high-tech and innovation, a basin of more than 20,000 m2, 40 tailor-made berths for large yachts of up to 60 meters from the exclusive range of Azimut-Benetti. And more: a 15,000 m2 Service Center which offers specialized refitting assistance, motor and hull repairs, crew training in the classroom, reservations for trips, flights and hotel stays. In sum, this is how the Marina of Viareggio of Azimut Benetti Group, the Italian company World leader in the luxury yacht sector, looked at the Yachting Gala 2008, which was held yesterday, Saturday June 28th. One year exactly from the first event held in Varazze, Azimut-Benetti selected the magnificent Marina di Viareggio for its most prestigious annual appointment with clients, dealers and the world of glamour, luxury and lifestyle. These worlds combine the allure and prestige of dream yachts with elegance, art and design. The more than 2000 guests who came from 54 countries and 5 continents were able to visit a fleet of 35 ships, 25 of which were available to be tried throughout the day along the coast surrounding the Marina. These yachts were made available by the Group’s three brands, respectively: Azimut Yachts, Benetti and Atlantis. This authentic “Private Boat show” has become an institution for everyone in the international yachting trade. It was the ideal setting to introduce to the world the new Azimut 70 and the Atlantis 50x4, two jewels of the sea that enrich the Group’s crown. Additionally, the simultaneous inauguration of Azimut Yachts’ new Showroom should also be highlighted. The showroom is the only one of its kind in Europe. It is a prestigious and sophisticated environment where yacht-owners will be able to choose the interior design of their yacht with the help of some highly qualified architects. The showroom will be enable yacht-owners to view the most exclusive and innovative designs aimed at customizing their life on board. This is a preview of the Luxury Showroom which will open in the near future as the feather in the cap of the group’s brand new Strategic Services Division, whose remit will range from financial activities to the managing of ports, marinas and yachts, on top of offering chartering options and global training for commanders and crews aimed at satisfying every single yacht-owners need. Paolo Casani, a manager boasting a 25-year experience in fashion and luxury goods at the highest level, having been a top manager at Armani, Valentino, Gruppo Finanziario Tessile, Calvin Klein and Ferragamo, has just been appointed head of the group’s Strategic Services Division. This appointment emphasizes the group’s position as premium style leader of its market sector. The gala evening ended with the soul music of Mario Biondi, one of the main musical revelations of the year. Kitonb, the dancing acrobats who mix circus art, theater and dance were entrusted with the spectacular unveiling of the two new models. Marcello Lippi, former coach of the 2006 World Soccer Championships winning Italian team was the Guest of Honor, a true man of Viareggio and a great admirer of the Group’s yachts.


Couach Yachts Launch Third 3700 Fly

With her continuing success the Couach 3700 Fly has inevitably become the landmark of the Yacht Couture Couach collection. After the launching of the first model Kadimo in 2007 and her sister ship in March 2008, Couach shipyard launches Dragon its third exemplar that will be followed close behind by Parenthesis. Since the very successfully launching of the Couach 3700 Fly, seven models have already been sold in just one year.


Fairline Boat’s Director Reception at Buckingham Palace

During July, Derek Carter, CEO and Alan Bowers, Commercial Director of luxury performance motor yacht manufacturer Fairline Boats attended a Reception at Buckingham Palace given by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Reception was for winners and recipients of The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2008 and follows Fairline Boats' receipt of an award in the International Trade category in April 2008. As per protocol, the Award will be formally conferred on Fairline at its premises in Northampton by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant, Lady Juliet Townsend, acting in her capacity as The Queen's local representative. This will be at a future date yet to be confirmed. A Queen's Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious corporate accolade that a UK business can win and honours outstanding UK companies. This is the second time in its history that the company has received a Queen's Award for Enterprise. Accomplishments considered by the judging panel when bestowing this prestigious award upon Fairline include doubling of their export sales over the last three years, increased overseas distribution and the creation of new jobs.


Ferretti Celebrates 40 Years Teatro Alla Scala Milan

In the prestigious setting of the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Ferretti celebrated 40 years of challenges and love for the sea with all those who have contributed to the company's success. About 1.000 guests and personalities from across the world attended this private concert, "A Tribute to the Sea", with which Ferretti, the yard that has become a worldwide ambassador for Made in Italy excellence, paid homage to the inspiration behind its success - the deep blue waters of the sea. Through the music of the Philharmonic Orchestra of La Scala, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, chairman Norberto Ferretti, along with friends and collaborators, was offered a depiction of his intimate dialogue with the sea, the "special relationship" that has allowed the yard to blend form and function in the construction of unique crafts. For one night the sea came to Milan, to receive Ferretti's special thanks.


Grand Banks Hosts 2008 Dealer Meeting

On the heels of its best sales year on record, Grand Banks Yachts last week welcomed dealers from around the world to its 2008 Annual Dealer Meeting. The two-day event, held near the Grand Banks factory headquarters in Singapore, was an opportunity to highlight important new products and accomplishments by the Company - and to recognize the outstanding achievements of its top dealers. A major highlight of the event was the introduction of the first Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU, which will make its public debut in the US during boat shows this fall. Featuring the joystick-controlled Zeus propulsion system from Cummins, the 41EU is a bold new take on the iconic Grand Banks trawler design. The meeting also included a comprehensive tour of Company's 21-acre facility along the southern tip of Malaysia, just across the Straits from Singapore. Dealers were treated to a comprehensive factory tour that included a demonstration of new resin-infusion techniques, along with a look at other significant production advancements at Grand Banks. The dealer meeting was hosted by Rob Livingston and company Chairman and CEO Bob Livingston, who announced his forthcoming retirement during the meeting. The senior Livingston has stood at the helm of Grand Banks Yachts for 34 years, leading the Company to its position today as a globally recognized and highly respected brand. He will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board following his retirement as CEO. Those accomplishments include overseeing a major global expansion of the Grand Banks Dealer Network. Attendance at the Dealer Meeting included new dealers from Australia, Russia, Turkey, and Croatia. They joined longstanding dealers for an opening night awards ceremony at the luxury resort island of Sentosa. The presentation recognized dealerships and individuals that have attained outstanding results as Authorized Grand Banks Dealers. Boatworks Yacht Sales, with offices in Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island, received the 2007 Dealer of the Year Award by leading all others in total GB sales. Regional dealer awards went to Passage Maker Yachts in Seattle for Top US West Coast Dealer, Grand Banks Italia for Top European Dealer, and recently appointed R Marine for Top Dealer in Asia and Australia. The overall best individual sales award went to Paolo Murzi of GB Italia.


Princess Commission Splash-Tec Spas

British luxury boatbuilder Princess Yachts has commissioned UK whirlpool manufacturer Splash-Tec to produce a range of spa tubs for Princess superyachts.The Cornish bath firm has developed tubs with a range of features such as underwater mood lighting and teak finishes to compliment the decor of Princess's 95ft (29m) vessels.Family-run business Splash-Tec built the commissioned spa tubs by hand at its facility in Falmouth. Based in Plymouth on Devon's border with Cornwall, Princess was established in 1965 and operates from 94,000m sq of factory facilities.


Riviera Staff Celebrate

The staff at Gold Coast luxury boat builder Riviera came together today for a barbecue and a beer to celebrate the launch of the company’s new 70-foot luxury cruiser. They packed into the company’s new $3.6 million Aftermarket centre in bright sunshine to listen to CEO Wes Moxey share recent feedback from Dealers. He said that larger boats continue to attract strong interest. Mr Moxey said the company expected a strong result at the Sydney show following a successful Sanctuary Cove Show.


Sunseeker Sponsor another Successful Event

Sunseeker hosted a ‘Night for the Stars’ evening at The Chequers in Matching Green in Essex for clients and guests and raised a staggering £40,000 for Starlight Children's Foundation, the UK’s leading charity in granting wishes and providing hospital entertainment for seriously and terminally ill children. The evening included a Taittinger Champagne Reception kindly sponsored by Boodles and Lexus Woodford, a spectacular aerobatics display over the green by The Aero Stars of North Weald led by Phil Ansell with 6 stunt planes performing tricks such as loop-the-loop and high speed dives. Auction prizes included a day at The David Beckham Football Academy, an exclusive lap of the Goodwood circuit with Lewis Hamilton and a Boodles Rain Dance Ring. Entertainment was provided by Fil Straughan performing his soul music classics. Guests were also invited to make donations in aid of ‘Run to the Beat’ half marathon to be held in London on 5 October in which six members of Sunseeker London will be participating to raise further funds for Starlight


Tecnomar Bought by Private Equity Firm

Private equity firm Venice, part of the Palladio finance group, has acquired the majority of Tecnomar, a superyacht builder in Viareggio, northern Italy, according to Italian news agency AGI. Venice has bought 70 per cent of Tecnomar's capital from the Sarti family and has sanctioned an increase in capital to fund growth. The minority share in the company is held by the Zappelli brothers, who will continue to oversee yacht construction, and by Maurizio Magri, who recently took over direction of the firm. Tecnomar builds open and fly bridge motor yachts from 24m-50m (82ft-164ft). The firms turnover grew from €12m in 2004 to €40m in 2007. The company has launched over 200 yachts and employs 40 people directly.


Tiara to Lay Off 185 Workers

Tiara Yachts has announced plans to reduce its workforce by about 25 per cent after several rounds of job cuts. A company statement said that it will indefinitely lay off 95 workers from its Holland, Michigan facility during the first week of August, and place 70 workers on temporary layoff next week. The company laid off 110 workers earlier this month, and 10 more in June. According to a story on mlive.com, that will lower the workforce from 790 workers to 575. Tiara's cutbacks come after years of double-digit expansion for the high-end yacht brand. The company announced a US$14 million expansion in the fall of 2005 that resulted in 300,000sq ft of new production space.


Viking Takes Showdown Trophy

They call it the War Offshore. In actuality, the Viking/Ocean Showdown held July 9 – 13, 2008 is a family oriented fun-filled fishing tournament and this year’s victor is Viking Yachts. The event features two days of fishing, a pool party lay day and great local food and live entertainment. This year’s event was marked with superb weather and the fishing was good, too. Pat Healey, aboard the Viking 68, with Capt. Mike Brady at the helm, had two white marlin and captured the award for most points in the white marlin category. The Viking 68 also released two blue marlin. Tom Tucci aboard the Alyson Rose took home the award for the most tuna. Eleven-year-old Meg Seaton fishing aboard the Viking Nightwind bested all the other women and won Top Junior Angler and Top Lady Angler. Way to go, Meg! Meg follows in the footsteps of 13 year-old Alexia Turner, who was last year’s Top Junior Angler and Top Lady Angler while fishing aboard the Foolish Pleasure. These ladies can fish! In all, 17 white marlin were released and 12 blue marlin were turned loose during the event which is based at the beautiful Canyon Club Marina in Cape May, New Jersey. In addition, 34 tuna hit the scales and 19 dolphin (mahi mahi) also were weighed in. It was a great tournament for all and at the Saturday night Awards Banquet, the perpetual Showdown trophy once again went home with the Viking family.

Viking Yachts Prepare for 2008 Selling Season

Viking Yachts recently concluded its annual domestic and international dealer conference late last month at the Trump Marina in Atlantic City, New Jersey. There was no sugar coating of the current business climate but presentations by company owners, Bill, Bob and Patrick Healey, as well as the sales and marketing departments were upbeat about the new product line up. During his opening remarks, Patrick Healey, Viking’s Executive Vice-President, announced the dealers could expect to see four new models at the February 2009 Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show. The models include the new Viking 82 Convertible, which already has 13 signed contracts, a new 57 Convertible, a new 46 Convertible and a new 46 Open Express. Drawings of two smaller models, a pair of 42-footers, also were shown slated for delivery in late 2009. Dealer interest buoyed with enthusiasm when it was announced the smaller models would be offered with Volvo Penta’s IPS drive system. Dealers also received presentations from Viking sister companies, Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics, which do most of the OEM installations on new Vikings, and updates and upgrades on existing Vikings, as well as other production and custom boats. Choosing AME and PBT allows a customer to take delivery of his new Viking turnkey ready. Dealers also learned that AME had reached a milestone with its 400th installation in its five-year history and that all AME technicians had attained NMEA certification. Updates pertaining to Viking’s two service centers in Riviera Beach, Florida, were presented, along with informative discussions by representatives from G.E. Capital Solutions, Caterpillar, MAN and MTU. The three-day event also featured ocean sea trials aboard seven new Vikings and one-on-one meetings with dealer principals and Viking sales staff. On their visits to the Viking facility, dealers saw the results of the last phase of Viking’s recent capital revamping and expansion plans, which included a new 130,000 square feet building for the 82 Convertible and production lines one and two, the company’s waste water treatment plant and its 165 feet tall test tower for the purpose of installing a wind turbine to generate electricity for plant operations. Dealers also viewed the first 82 Convertible under construction, Viking’s resin infusion process and the company’s two five-axis milling machines busy with new boat projects.

Projects: Magnum 70, Magnum 50

To be launched in September for the Fort Lauderdale show is a new Magnum 70 designed by Italian architects Lazzarini Pickering. Equipped with twin 2400HP MTU diesels coupled to Arneson surface drives, this new Kevlar and carbon fiber composite hull will reach top speeds of close to 70 MPH. Interiors are custom built to the owner’s specifications and can accommodate up to three double cabins. For the first hull of this new model, Magnum ordered beautifully designed interiors from Italy for the client. We gave details about the new 50 replacing the Bestia model last November, but being ready to be launched for the Fort Lauderdale show, here we go again with some more information direct from Magnum. Designed by Luiz de Basto, the new 50 will have a sleek and aggressive deck. She will be equipped with twin Caterpillar engines of 1800HP coupled to surface drive, this new Magnum will reach speeds of close to 75 MPH with unbelievable acceleration. As usual to all of any new Magnum, it will be custom built to clients’ specifications. Both of the new models should be available for testing just before the Fort Lauderdale boat show, so if you want the best in a high performance sport yacht, I will be the first in the line to try any of these untamed sea beast of performance and safety. Present at the show in Fort Lauderdale will also be an 80 model, hull no.2 for the flagship of the legendary USA builder was launched in February of 2008 and presented officially during the last Miami show.

www.magnummarine.com