pic of the month - Couach first 5000 hull removed from its form
Beneteau Group Reports Outstanding 2008
French boating and mobile home group Beneteau has reported an 'outstanding' 2008 so far, with sales expected to meet targets set before the onset of the global financial crisis. The group expects sales for the financial year 2007/08 to hit €1,087 million, representing like-for-like growth of 8 per cent. Beneteau says that the predicted results represent the success of its 'dynamic strategy in the pleasure cruising sector'. The group attributes its growth to three main strategies — 20 new sailing and motor models a year, reduced costs from high volume production, and targeting new markets such as India and China. Future plans include increasing the group's offering of Fly and Express models to cover lengths of 15m-25m (49ft-82ft). The first units will appear on the market by 2010. Excluding sales in the group's Microcar activity, boats have generated 80 per cent of Beneteau's 2007/08 sales, with the remaining 20 per cent coming from mobile homes. Sailboats represent 66 per cent of the group's boat sales, with powerboats generating the remainder. Beneteau has 24 production sites, and 400 points of sale for boats in 40 countries.
Bertram Goes Green
Bertram Yacht, Inc. announced that it has effectively eliminated the use of acetone from its manufacturing processes. This measure is a major step in Bertram’s ongoing implementation of green initiatives, and reinforces the company’s commitment to improve upon health, safety, and environmental practices in the manufacturing plant. Acetone is typically used by many boat manufacturers in their production process for the cleaning of fiberglass, tools, and equipment. Although it is a very effective cleaning agent and the use of it is completely legal, it does pose certain health, safety, and environmental concerns. The act of eliminating this material has introduced a large number of benefits for both the environment and the employees of Bertram Yacht. In addition to eliminating the hazardous waste and atmospheric pollutants generated by acetone, the risk of fire is largely reduced with the alternative materials now in use. The alternative non-hazardous and citrus based materials now used as cleaning agents are non flammable, recyclable, and do not possess the same irritating qualities as acetone. Additionally these new materials do not release any toxic emissions into the environment. Aside from the removal of acetone, Bertram has undertaken other environmentally friendly measures. The leading yacht manufacturer is successfully disposing of contaminated materials, and is making strides in its recycling efforts. The company has lowered the amount of styrene in the resin and gel coat that is used in production and employs a special dust collection system, which effectively collects the workshop dusts and filters it into a sealed container. This filter then captures the very fine dust and allows for perfectly clean air to be exhausted back into the factory. The plant also recycles a range of materials including copper, copper wire, steel, aluminum scraps and fluorescent and steel tubes, in which the company incurs a large cost three times a year to have a recycle safely, reclaim the mercury out of the tubes and recycle the metal ends. These measures reinforce the fact that Bertram Yacht is committed to ensuring the overall safety and quality in production. Mike Myers, COO and President of Bertram Yacht states In order to continue producing the finest product and remain as a leading force in the marine industry, Bertram recognizes the significance of upholding nothing short of the highest quality standards in all levels of production processes. I will strive to oversee every measure set forth at the manufacturing plant in order to exceed the current standards that are in place.
Couach Technological Prowess
Great success at Couach last July 15th: The first 50-meter hull removed from its form. The French brand thus takes its first steps in the building of its new flagship. The next stage is the installation of all technical equipment before the hull and deck assembly scheduled in October, which will be the other mains construction step of this Couach 5000 Fly Mega-Yacht. The construction of this two-third infusion hull is a big first in Europe for a yacht of this size. In 1970 Couach already built the first yacht in Aramat a fibre glass/Kevlar complex elaborated in collaboration with Du Pont de Nemours. Today, its avant-garde audacity Couach comes back into the spotlight with this Mega-Yacht born of the infusion technology that the builder is mastering from several years now in the manufacture of less important parts. For the realization of this 5000 Fly the shipyard has designed a new deep V-shaped hull and a new transom which will enable her to easily attain 30 knots. Hull tests made it possible to optimize the power necessary to reach the various stages and to minimize consumption. This hull tests revealed autonomy of 4200 miles at 12 knots, with consumption at 170 litres per hour and the obvious hydrodynamic qualities for which Couach is famous. One of these strong points will be its very short radius of gyration thanks to its designed rudder blades. A 4 000 squared meters and 18 meters high building was specially erected to accommodate the hull and assembly this Mega-Yacht. The hull is now placed in the central nave, cushioned on cradles which will accompany her until the day the doors of the hangar open to release this splendid ship and to watch her part to discover new horizons. As for the mold, it has been readjusted in preparation of the forthcoming hull for the second 50 meters Couach Mega-Yacht whose delivery is scheduled for 2010.
Fairline Cuts 90 Jobs
When Fairline launched its latest luxury yacht, the Squadron 55, at the Southampton boat show, Chief Executive Derek Carter said that the company already had 35 orders for the £800,000 boat. After the show, Fairline’s James Robinson said that they had successfully sold 30 Fairline boats amounting to UK £26 million. Given that the company has also announced its intention of expanding into the Far East and recently opened a new Oundle factory to provide additional capacity, workers were shocked after being told that 90 jobs, mainly on the shop floor, are to go in both the Oundle and Weldon factories.
Ferretti Triumph at Cannes
Saturday 13th September: the Cannes Festival de la Plaisance - the first appointment in the nautical season 2008-2009 offered a truly special evening for celebrities, media and owners from all over the world. During the gala event the stretch of water in front of Carlton Hotel became the setting for a parade of the most exclusive craft currently available on the world market. The event also saw the award of the "World Yachts Trophies 2008", the seventh edition of the prize created by the Luxmediagroup organization, an international network of specialist nautical publications including "Yachts France" and "Yachts Italia". After a long, careful selection process from a group of "flybridge under 24 metre" yachts introduced between July 2007 and July 2008, an expert jury awarded the "Trophée de la Fonctionnalité 2008" to the Ferretti 592. The avant-garde design solutions featured by the Ferretti 592 inspired by the well-established synergy between the Studio Zuccon International Project and AYT, Ferretti's Advanced Yacht Technology - have attracted critical acclaim since their presentation at the 2007 Genoa Yacht Show and today at the Cannes Festival de la Plaisance di Cannes they received an official accolade. The 18.33 metre craft offers two guest cabins with en suite bathrooms, a full-beam owner’s cabin with open view window onto the sea and an aft galley. A swing window creates a single open space with the cockpit and living area, optimising the comfort and practicality of on board spaces. The concepts behind the exterior and interior layout were particularly appreciated by the jury, which awarded this prize in recognition of the combination of form and function that has always been a fundamental characteristic of Ferretti yachts. The gala evening concluded with the Yachts Parade, starring the new arrivals displayed at the Cannes boat Show that will take part in the next edition of the trophy.
Ferretti and Mochi on Show with La Perla and Bulgari
At the Cannes Festival de la Plaisance 2008 the refined lines of the Ferretti Yachts and Mochi Craft yachts created the backdrop to an evening event entitled "The Italian Excellence - Shooting on board" organised by the Forlì-based yard in collaboration with the La Perla and Bulgari. Owners, media and international guests took part in a unique fashion show where elegant models wore the very latest La Perla "Prêt-à-porter" and "Beachwear" collections, together with prestigious Bulgari jewels, on board the yachts present, including the Ferretti Altura 840 and Dolphin 54 Fly Mochi Craft, given their international début at Cannes. The free, imaginative interpretations of La Perla couture, Bulgari’s timeless style and Ferretti Yachts and Mochi Craft elegance - Cannes provided a wonderful opportunity for the ambassadors of Made in Italy quality and flair to light up this nautical soirée!
Grand Banks Appoints New Quality Assurance Manager
Grand Banks Yachts today announced the appointment of Matthew Wroblewski as the company's new Quality Assurance Manager. His hiring reflects the strong commitment of Grand Banks to uphold the highest standards of quality for every yacht built and delivered to owners around the world. As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Manufacturing Expert, Mr. Wroblewski adds to the industry-leading production expertise at Grand Banks Yachts. He also brings a proven track record of success as the former Quality Assurance Manager at Sea Ray Boats, where he has worked since 2003. Mr. Wroblewski is responsible for ensuring that all new yachts meet the Company's exacting standards for construction, craftsmanship and performance. He will also add his experience as a teacher and practitioner of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing to production growth and efficiency initiatives at Grand Banks Yachts. In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Wroblewski holds a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and received his Bachelor of Science degree while studying operations management at Miami University of Ohio.
Maritimo Wins White Marlin Open
It’s been hailed as the world’s largest bill fish tournament, but this year the prestigious White Marlin Open had a distinctly Australian touch with CGI Finance, a major sponsor of the event, campaigning with a Maritimo 550 Convertible. More than 300 vessels and 1500 anglers entered for the event, with competitors fishing out of Ocean City, Maryland and the area from Norfolk, Virginia, down to the Wilmington canyons. The tournament offered in excess of US$2.2 million in prize money! Although named the White Marlin Open, other fish were targeted, including tuna, wahoo and blue marlin. One fortunate angler, Robert Lockwood, of New Jersey, landed the second largest blue ever caught, a 935.5lbs (425kg) fish. The CGI crew, headed by Herve Bonnet, president and CEO of CGI Finance, performed very well indeed, holding a spot on the leader board for four of the five days of the tournament. Maritimo’s 550 Convertible, which has established itself as a ‘top gun’ on the Australian tournament scene, performed as expected. The CGI crew held first place at one stage, thanks to a fighting 71lb (32kg) white landed on the opening day. White marlin roamed the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, generally averaging about 30kg, with females usually slightly larger. CGI Finance is acting as the primary financier for Maritimo USA and was a ‘Diamond Sponsor’ of the tournament.
Numarine Appoints General Manager and Marketing Director
Luxury motoryacht builder Numarine, of Istanbul, Turkey, has appointed Rob Billington to the position of general manager and Andre Esposito to the position of sales and marketing director. Billington previously worked as head of production at Princess Yachts and as an engineering manager with car manufacturer Nissan. Esposito has worked with Quick (Italy) and Glomex. His most recent assignment was as a market development manager at Sealine. Founded in 2002, Numarine builds yachts from 55ft-102ft (17m-31m) in length. Dubai-based private equity firm Abraaj Capital recently acquired a 50 per cent stake in the firm.
Pershing New AdmCom Campaign
Only the greatest ideas come true is the headline that launches the new Pershing campaign created by the integrated communications agency, AdmCom. The concept is a natural continuation from the “Moving idea” theme that were so successful last year. Power, speed, innovation. A vision that focuses on the new, the unexplored, the yet to come and the need to improve and put oneself constantly to the test. Pershing is all this. Because ideas only become great when they are transformed into concrete actions and when they prove their brilliance by facing reality. Draped in a light, shining veil of silver, the beautiful goddess “Idea” is a symbol of pure energy embodied in a perfect, dynamic human form. The star of last year’s video is back, then, with even greater majesty, to face the future with confidence and look for new horizons and ways to stay ahead of the times. She moves in an undefined liquid environment where everything flows at a higher speed and new ideas and metamorphoses are produced constantly. Idea as the inspiration behind Pershing philosophy and identity is also the theme for the corporate press campaign designed specifically for non-European contexts, such as America, Australia and Asia. The same liquid environment is portrayed, but in a more representational style to celebrate the classic image of luxury yachting in a dynamic, modern key. Great ideas never remain just ideas is the new headline and the spirit that guides these craft, in the shape of a sleek, silver-draped goddess. The new press campaign has been created by AdmCom thanks to the Creative Direction of Maurizio Cinti, and the Art Direction of Manuel Dall’Olio, with Copywriting by Silva Fedrigo and Massimiliano Pancaldi and Production Management by Alessandra Bigatti.
Riva Wins Award in Cannes
The protagonist is the SportRiva 56’. This model, launched in 2007 and immediately achieving a huge success got the prestigious World Yachts Trophy in the “best design fly” under 80 feet category. The desired “Y” was assigned by a specialized jury selected by the international editorial group LuxMediaGroup. With the SportRiva 56’ Riva set itself a new challenge: to design a yacht with a completely new concept, something never seen before. The result is the SportRiva 56’ sportfly, a yacht which integrates the flybridge concept with the sporty lines of an Open, whilst still maintaining Riva’s inimitable style, designed by the skilful hand of Mauro Micheli together with the team at Officina Italiana Design. A yacht following a unique, sports glamour philosophy. This model is the first in a new line called SportRiva, whose models will be defined by their length. The SportRiva collection has been studied to satisfy the demands of owners who, while not wishing to renounce to the lines of an Open, prefer the convenience of a closed, air-conditioned upper salon, ideal for countries with a tropical clime. A philosophy and a new concept that are evidently a winning formula! The award was proudly collected by the Riva CEO, Ferruccio Rossi, and the VP Sales&Marketing, Francesco Frediani.
Riviera Expands with New $3.6 Million Aftermarket Centre
Riviera has officially opened its new $3.6 million Aftermarket Centre on the southern side of the company’s headquarters in Coomera, south-east Queensland. Lloyd and Liz Hillman, from the Queensland town of Toowoomba, who have owned 12 Rivieras over the past 23 years, unveiled a plaque to officially open the centre that has been designed to offer a wide range of services to luxury boat owners. The Hillmans bought their first Riviera in 1985 and recently took delivery of number 12, a 4400 Sport Yacht. Introducing the Hillmans, Riviera’s newly-appointed Director of Operations Michael Burke said the new Aftermarket Centre was yet another example of the company’s ongoing commitment to the wide family of Riviera owners. Aftermarket Manager Michael Swain said the new waterfront building, with 1,450 square metres of floor space, will offer boat owners a full on-site customizations, servicing, refurbishing and maintenance service. The facility is also a centre for a number of other Riviera business units, R Electronics providing a full installation and upgrade service and R Interiors offers interior and soft furnishing additions, upgrades and refurbishment. Craft Coverings also operates a full exterior awning and furniture covering service from the Centre. The Aftermarket and Service Centre can accommodate up to six boats under cover. A further 2,500 square metres of hard stand can take a further six boats. A second building includes two separated bays for two-pack spray painting and antifouling. The facility also includes a 75-tonne mobile boat travel-lift capable of handling vessels up to 6.5 metres in beam and around 26 metres (approximately 85 feet) in length. A 13- berth marina arm is located adjacent to the new facility. More than $250,000 has also been spent on water efficiency in the new facility including a state-of-the-art water treatment plant which re-cycles 99 percent of the water used. There are also massive underground water storage tanks and rainwater diversion systems to harvest run-off from the large roofed areas.
Riviera Retains Bloodislow Cup
Staff at Riviera struck a rich vein of form to retain the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s ‘Bloodislow Cup’ – the Bledisloe for blood donors. The philanthropic initiative pits major employers on the south-east Queensland Gold Coast in competition to find which workplace boasts the most generous blood donors in the city. Riviera recently took out the competition for the second year in a row, with staff making 434 donations over 12 months, adding up to 217 litres to the much needed blood bank supplies. With three people benefiting from each donation, the Riviera team has potentially saved the lives of 1,302 people. The Riviera team beat other employers including Gold Coast City Council, Main Roads, Bartercard, Roamfree, Centrelink, Bunnings and Billabong in the challenge. Riviera and other Gold Coast employers give staff time off work to donate blood. CEO John Anderson said the ‘Bloodislow Cup’ represented a proud social achievement for the company and it took pride of place in Riviera’s trophy room stacked with industry accolades achieved over the years. Riviera Trade Training Manager Tony Schmid organises the blood donation program on behalf of the company. Zoe Bargh, ARCBS marketing liaison officer, congratulated Riviera on its support of the program.
San Lorenzo Celebrates 50 Years
Sanlorenzo, the timeless expression of the most luxurious yachts in the yachting industry, has celebrated its 50th anniversary (1958-2008) with a gala evening organised at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the renowned international yachting venue, which has for the last five years hosted Sanlorenzo’s gatherings, an exclusive event for 250 international selected guests. H.S.H. Prince Albert II, President of the Yacht Club de Monaco, attended this event and welcomed Mr Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo CEO, who presented the renovation of the Cantieri Navali di Ameglia (Italy), which in harmony with Sanlorenzo’s production area will forward their plans to protect the environment. To celebrate this anniversary, Sanlorenzo’s guests enjoyed an exceptional party, organised at the YCM’s Club House, entirely re-decorated for this special occasion. An exceptional menu was fancied by Arrigo Cipriani, owner of the famous Harry’s Bar in Venice, and the son of the creator of the “Bellini” cocktail and the Carpaccio. At the end of the evening, the guests were able to benefit from a courtesy car service organised by Lancia, official partner to the Yacht Club de Monaco, which ran all evening with a fleet of 10 Lancia Delta cars. Highlight of the evening was a private concert by Paolo Conte, who played his most famous songs to the guests. To display its beautiful yachts, Sanlorenzo gathered in front of the YCM four boats from its range: two yachts part of their semi-displacement line, the SD92 and SD122 (which will be presented in a preview showing at the Genova Boat Show in October), as well as the SL88 and SL108 model ranges. Fifty years of history that confirms the quality and the unique characteristics of each vessel, always custom built, never in series production, tailored to the demands and requirements of each individual customer. To highlight the custom approach of Sanlorenzo, it was pointed out that many shipyards in series production build in one year more yachts that Sanlorenzo has crafted in 50 years. Paolo Conte summarized the evening with his famous song: “it’s wonderful, its’ wonderful!”
San Lorenzo Wins World Yacht Trophy 2008
An important acknowledgement to the historical yacht builder, San Lorenzo Yachts and designer Francesco Paszkowski. Francesco Paszkowski, leading yacht designer on the international scene, designed the general concept, the layout and the interior of Sanlorenzo 40 Alloy, which won the “Innovation Trophy” and the “Best design Trophy” in the “Flybridge over 24 metres” category, awarded to the planning 40 meters yacht of the historical shipyard based in Viareggio at World Yacht Trophies 2008. The ceremony took place on 13th September at Carlton Hotel in Cannes on the occasion of the usual gala evening organized by LuxMedia Group during the Festival de la Plaisance.
Sunseeker Presents Gold Award to CJR Propulsion
CJR Propulsion, a leading manufacturer and designer of propellers and sterngear systems, has won a Gold Supplier of the Year Award from Sunseeker. Sunseeker’s CEO, Robert Braithwaite presented Marek Skrzynski and Phil Silva from CJR with the award in recognition of the company’s excellent quality of service over the past 12 months. In addition, Sunseeker has been particularly impressed with the accuracy in the design and engineering of CJR’s products achieved directly as a result of new CNC machined propellers. A global leader in the design and build of luxury motoryachts, Sunseeker International holds a pre-eminent position in the marine market. CJR Propulsion is a major supplier to Sunseekerr. With over 75 years experience in the industry, CJR has gained a world wide reputation for exceptional quality and reliability, exporting its products to over 60 countries, covering four continents. CJR has the range of skills, design software, tooling and equipment to manufacture high performance, quality engineered propeller and sterngear systems to satisfy any pleasure boat builders requirements.
Tiara Announces Certified Pre Owned Program Launch
Tiara Yachts has announced the launch of its widely anticipated Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. It is one of the first to be offered by a manufacturer in the yachting industry. Tiara Yachts’ CPO program has been in the development process for the past two years. Many aspects of the program were modeled around similar programs for premium luxury brands including BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Tiara Yachts’ Marine Industry Certified and Platinum Customer Service rated dealers will be the exclusive agents for this program. Tiara will roll out the various marketing and operations components of this program to their qualifying dealers during the next few weeks with the objective of providing opportunities for pre-owned buyers to find out more about this new program.
The 460 Goldstar C, should join the line in 2009, but this looks another interesting offer from Estensi, complimenting the range of traditional lobster cruisers. She will boast among other things as the new bigger sisters to be launched soon, also a 3 cabin 2 head interior but in more limited spaces. Propulsion will be a shaft configuration with the modern vee drives sets up, saving space and still giving the superior sea keeping this traditional way gives. Powered will be provided by twin 450 hp Diesel engines.
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