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-pic of the month- Riviera New US Head Quaters
Bavaria Sets the Flag
Bavaria Yachts has officially launched its new Corporate Design at the interboot in Friedrichshafen and celebrated great successes with the German premieres of the Cruiser 32, Cruiser 55 and Sport 28 at the same time. To meet today´s modern expectations and to demonstrate Bavaria´s visions and values, the new Corporate Design is staged as the new brand concept. Despite the modern take on the logo and the design, the concept is still closely linked to Bavaria´s heritage. Bavaria stands in an atmosphere of departure with innovative Designs of the Cruiser 55 and Deep Blue 46, which were designed in close cooperation with Farr Yacht Design (only Cruiser 55) and BMW Group DesignworksUSA, a subsidiary of the BMW Group (both), and the shipyard is welcoming a new era. To demonstrate this in a self confident manner, Bavaria has concerted a distinctive, new logo. The reasoning behind the new logo is Bavaria sets the flag. With the flag as logo, the Corporate Design predicates on a known, maritime symbol with high impact. Whilst the colours awaken emotions of heaven and sea, the compass conventionalizes the reference to the brand´s history. Bavaria will demonstrate a worldwide, united brand concept, which will be reflected within prospects, advertising campaigns, exhibition stands as well as other marketing and communication material. In addition to the new brand concept, Bavaria has also come up with a brand claim. The new claim What A Yacht emotionally collects the rational core of the brand and is fitting for both sailing and motorboat yachts. This claim expresses Bavaria´s knowledge to offer the customer a lot of boat for not a lot of money and all of that to an outstanding quality.
Cruisers and Rampage New Vice President Sales, Marketing General Manager
KCS International Inc., parent company of Oconto based Cruisers Yachts and Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, recently named Paul Cherney the company’s vice president of sales and marketing/general manager, where he will be responsible for all sales, marketing and customer service in addition to product planning. Cherney joins KCS after serving as the senior vice president of sales and marketing with Hatteras and CABO Yachts. Cherney brings with him more than 15 years of marine industry experience, including an instrumental role in the development and launch of Meridian Yachts in 2002.
Fairline Expand Squadrons
With the much anticipated introduction of the Squadron 41 in the summer of 2010, Fairline will be branding all its future flybridge models as Squadron rather than Phantom. This will streamline future production to two model ranges - the Targa express cruisers and the Squadron flybridge boats. With over 40 years experience Fairline has historically responded swiftly to changes in consumer demand and market requirements to ensure that model ranges and product offerings are contemporary, relevant and compelling for the boat buyer. The introduction of the new smaller Squadrons marks a defining period in Fairline's history. The line up to be rolled out over the next five years will be fifteen models from 35 to 85 feet, which will be one of the largest and most comprehensive ever offered. The Fairline Phantom model was first introduced in 1974 with the launch of the Phantom 32 and hundreds of these classic models have been sold world-wide over the last twenty-five years.
Fairline Releases First Garmin Equipped Yacht
Fairline has released its first 2010 motoryacht featuring Garmin navigation, following a supply agreement between the two companies announced in the summer. US-headquartered Garmin supplied the navigation equipment for the Targa 38, which has left the Fairline factory for delivery in Turkey. The 2010 model Targa features the touchscreen GPSMAP 5000 chart plotter series, VHF radio and GHP 10 Autopilot with Shadow Drive. Garmin announced in June that Fairline had chosen to fit its equipment across the Fairline range. Satellite navigation specialist Garmin has designed, manufactured and sold communication and navigation products since 1989. The company has subsidiaries in the US, Taiwan and the UK.
Ferretti Group Opens 2009 – 2010 Nautical Year
During the traditional Ferretti Group Meeting, at its seventh edition this year, the Ferretti Group presented the preliminary 2009 results for the nautical year ending at 31st August 2009. Although the year was characterised by a particularly negative macro-economic situation, the Group performed better compared to the nautical market trend. Indeed, as at 31st August 2009 the Ferretti Group registered preliminary Revenues of around 800 million Euro. This result, although less than 12% down compared to the 900 million Euro registered on 31st August 2008, is better than the one achieved by the nautical market in average, which registered a drop of between 20 to 30%, over the last year. This occasion comes at the end of a complex year for the Group, which has managed to respond to the demand of a nautical market that has changed significantly, thus reconfirming itself as one of the greatest examples of Made in Italy in the world. At the end of July 2009, the Group appointed its new Board of Directors and Salvatore Basile as CEO. These important measures have been taken in order to implement the strategic Plan carried out over the past few months, which will enable the Ferretti Group to consolidate its leadership in the nautical sector and continue the growth process, which has characterized its 41 years of history. Given this context, the Ferretti Group has implemented and is continuing to implement a series of measures aimed at strengthening the synergies of a Group, which encompasses 9 of the most famous and historical brands in the world of pleasure boating panorama and boasts the most advanced skills in terms of naval research and design. With the aim of responding to an increasing need for flexibility and speed in decisions, along with the ability to understand and anticipate its clients demand, the Group has modified its internal organization, centralizing the various functions while focusing on the characteristics and distinctive features of each Brand. The Industrial and Commercial Directions will play a key role, alongside the Organization and HR Direction, the Financial Direction and the Strategic Planning Direction, the latter of which has been created with the aim of best facing the challenges of today’s nautical market. Alongside these directions, the Group Communication will have staff functions. From the technological innovation point of view, the Ferretti Group is continuing to launch important innovations to order to satisfy the demand of Clients all over the world. In fact, the Group will launch an impressive 15 new yachts from this month till the end of October 2010.
Ferretti Yachts Wins In Cannes
The Festival de la Plaisance of Cannes, the first boatshow opening the new nautical season 2009-2010, offered a very special event addressed to VIP people, media and owners of all around the world. During the Gala evening, the most exclusive yachts took part to the sea parade in front of the Carlton hotel. After the parade, it has been held the "World Yachts Trophies 2009" assignment to the winning shipyards by Luxmediagroup, worldwide network of nautical magazines at its seventh edition. After a long selection among the yachts project accomplished from July 2008 and July 2009, the worldwide specialists panel assigned the "Best Layout" award to Ferretti Altura 840 for the yachts over 24 metres category. Made by the cooperation between Studio Zuccon International Project and Ferretti Group AYT, one of the most advanced research and development centre in the naval sector, Altura 840 represents the perfect synthesis between the aft cabin motoryacht project, with the master cabin aft, conceived for medium and long range cruising, and the flying bridge based on a design solution that allows no compromises on the high quality, technology, comfort and design typical of Ferretti. The Altura 840 marks an evolution and renewal for the yard, extending the historic series born in the mid-1970s with Altura 42 a fibreglass motorsailer inspired by the principles of light, comfort and safety. This was followed in the 1980s by the Altura 46 and Altura 49, pioneer models that opened up an age of motoryachting with cutting edge innovation, arriving at Altura 690, the 21 metres launched in 2005 which gave inspiration to the last born Altura 840. During the prize ceremony, the "Best Layout 2009 over 24 meters" has been withdrawn by Norberto Ferretti, President and founder of the Ferretti Group, from Gianni Zuccon from Studio Zuccon International Project, who gave birth to the Altura project and from Marco Segato, Vice President of Sales of Ferretti Yachts.
Linssen Most Reliable Company in the Netherlands
Limburg yacht builder has been awarded a ‘Rating 1’ certificate by Dun & Bradstreet. Linssen Yachts BV has received the ‘Rating 1’ qualification from Dun & Bradstreet. This is the highest reliability rating for companies and implies an almost zero risk of insolvency according to the D&B standard. What’s more, Linssen has also been designated ‘Best of Class’ within ‘Rating 1’. This is the highest qualification the agency has. Dun & Bradstreet, founded in 1841, is regarded as the world’s number one commercial and credit information specialist.
Linssen Strong Summer Sales
Linssen has taken 20 orders from 6 different countries in the period from June to August. It was remarkably busy, both at the European dealers and in Linssen’s central showroom in Maasbracht. The Dutch builder said that buyer confidence is returning, and naturally it hopes the trend to continue. The two limited editions in the ‘9’ series, the 33’ and the 43’, went down particularly well in Germany and the Benelux countries. Moreover, serious requests for information in August were twice that of June and July. This is an unusual development in the holiday period, helped by nice sunny days.
Meridien Moves Site to Palm Coast
In a positive sign for both current and prospective Meridian Yachts owners, Meridian’s parent company, Brunswick Corporation, made a decision at the height of the recession (Q4, 2008) to make a significant investment in the brand by relocating all manufacturing operations from Seattle, Wash., to an existing facility in Palm Coast, Fla. The Florida facility, which has been in operation for almost 25 years building Sea Ray Sport Yachts and Yachts, provides Meridian with a much improved work-flow, direct water access for testing and delivery, and closer proximity to international shipping ports for Meridian’s expanding global consumer base. Migrating production required some time, as tooling was moved from one corner of the country to the other. However, Meridian had built a reserve inventory of boats to sell to dealers during this manufacturing downtime. Encouragingly, the reserve has dwindled quicker than initially expected, setting the stage for strong manufacturing operations as boat models come back online in the Palm Coast facility. The first few Meridian boats produced in the Palm Coast facility – all 391 Sedans have been completed and shipped to dealers.
Mochi Triumph in Cannes
Mochi Craft Long Range 23 hits another important goal. At the Festival International de la Plaisance, first appointment of the nautical season 2009-2010, the revolutionary yacht which makes it possible to cruise in "Zero Emission Mode" was the only boat winning two prizes: the "Trophée de l'Innovation 2009" and "Best Layout 2009" in the yachts below 24 meters category. The prizes conferred by the experienced and international jury in the prestigious "World Yachts Trophies 2009" location - organized by LuxMedia Group and come to its seventh edition – reaffirms Long Range 23 as the most innovative large pleasure boat equipped with hybrid propulsion system. It is in fact the only boat in the world to obtain the RINA "Green Star Clean Energy and Clean Propulsion" certification, the most rigorous certification standard that can be applied to a pleasure craft. Driven by the passion of Norberto Ferretti, and made possible by the years of research carried out by Ferretti Group's AYT in collaboration with the Studio Zuccon International Project, which designed the entire layout, the new 75 feet Long Range 23 embodies a real distillation of innovation and technology. At the prize-giving ceremony the "Trophée de L'innovation 2009" and "Best Layout 2009" were received by Group's CEO Salvatore Basile and Marco Segato Vice-President Sales Mochi Craft.
Nimbus Record Summer
Sweden's Nimbus Group claims to have sold more boats than ever in July equaling to 150 boats in one month. The biggest improvement was for the more expensive boats, and interest remains steady. Compared with the same period last year, the value of orders from this summer's sales has doubled. One of the reasons for the record interest in Nimbus boats during the spring is the presentation of several new models: Nimbus 335 coupé, Nimbus 365 coupé, Nimbus 43 nova and Paragon 31. In August, 22 dealers from almost as many nations visited Nimbus' headquarters in Gothenburg to test-drive the new boats.
Nord West Boat Show All Year Round
Nord West opens a new showroom all time boat show. The Nord West show room will feature all the new seven model line up from the recently introduced small 370 Sport to the bigger 560 Flybridge models. The showroom also features special second hand boats all refitted by the special workers of the Swedish boat builder. The showroom is a massive two thousand square meters in-door show hall at Vindön, what the company calls a luxurious exhibition facility filled to the rim with new and super conditioned second hand broker Motor boats. The opening hours for this all time Nord West boat show are Monday to Thursday from 08.00 to 17.00 and Friday 0800 to 14.00, with special after working hours dedicated visits possible by appointment. The showroom is also visible all time online thanks to the virtual tour available on the Nord West website.
Riva and CRN Together Again
CRN and Riva, two prestigious Ferretti Group brands, have announced a collaboration to launch a project for producing a new line of yachts, measuring 50 to 80 metres. Created by Mauro Micheli and Officina Italiana Design, the team that has designed the entire Riva range to date; the innovative new models skilfully combine the world renowned style and elegance of Riva, with the naval design skill and construction ability of the CRN shipyard in Ancona. The CRN and Riva partnership is not new but has evolved from a strong history. The relationship between the two brands, both now part of Ferretti Group, dates back almost 40 years to 1970 when Carlo Riva decided to annul the agreement Riva had with a Dutch shipyard, in order to sign a partnership with CRN, for the construction of megayachts designed by the Carlo Riva Yacht Division. Besides simplifying logistics and giving Carlo Riva greater control over the process, the original partnership was made with the awareness that the exclusive artisan factor of the work and high technical-naval, plant and style level of CRN were a guarantee of top quality products. Five 23.5m motoryachts from the Marco Polo series and two Vespucci models measuring 90 and 100 feet were launched between 1970 and 1978. Today, the wish to combine Riva’s tradition, heedful of elegance and style, with CRN’s design experience and exclusiveness in the construction of megayachts is renewed, with the aim of servicing an increasing demand for top quality megayachts with a unique, unmistakeable style. The project for the first model in the new line, a 68 metre yacht featuring clean lines, was presented as a world preview at the XIX Monaco Yacht Show on 24th September 2009. Following this, an entire CRN and Riva range will be developed, beginning with a 50 metre model. The new collection will draw its inspiration from the current Riva range, of which it represents an ideal continuity in the megayacht universe. Although the designs slightly resemble some of the models of the past and draw on the historical relationship between the two shipyards; the projects have been devised as yachts of the future, combining CRN and Riva’s natural tendency to innovate with a constant attention to timeless design.
Riva Wins in Cannes
The new Riva 86 Domino, just successfully presented at the Festival de la Plaisance in Cannes, has already started catching prizes. Last night, during the traditional awarding ceremony World Yachts Trophies – organized by Luxmedia Group, one of the most important publishing companies in the worldwide nautical industry Riva won with the 86 Domino the prestigious Best Design award for yachts over 24 meters. Norberto Ferretti, Chairman of the Group and of Riva as well, together with Francesco Frediani, Riva VP Sales and Marketing, proudly received the much sought after “Y”.
Riviera Relocate to New US Head Quarters
Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, celebrates the opening of its new headquarters in Stuart on the east coast of Florida, United States of America. Riviera Yachts USA provides our dealer network and owners in America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East a support resource for all their sales, service, warranty and spare parts needs, further enhancing Riviera’s quality customer relations. A team of seven highly trained and long time Riviera professionals are on-hand to help dealers or Riviera owners. Riviera CEO John Anderson said the company prided itself on its superior customer service and continued to work with its network of 31 strong dealership locations in the Americas to ensure this level of support and commitment was maintained. Riviera has reported record success with the launch if it’s stunning new 5800 and 5000 Sport Yachts, the 3600 Sport Yacht Series II with IPS, the enclosed 51 Flybridge also with IPS, and the new Motor Yacht range including the 73, 78 and 85 foot models. In Australia, we have altered our business from a growth phase structure to a more nimble organization better able to operate competitively in the current market. Riviera will showcase it’s 41, 45 and 47 Flybridge models, 43 and 48 Offshore Express, and 4400 Sport Yacht at this year’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, which will be held between October 29 and November 2. Scale models and plans will also be on display for all of Riviera’s 2009 release. Riviera is proud to celebrate its 29-year history is moving forward in leaps and bounds with innovative and unrivalled designs.
Riviera Congratulates Craig
Bright spark Craig Folker is on cloud nine after being named this year’s Apprentice of the Year at the 48th Queensland Training Awards on Friday night. The 21-year-old from Paradise Point on the Gold Coast finished his electrical apprenticeship in June this year and is moving forward in leaps and bounds after winning the regional finals, which were held on the Gold Coast in July. The Queensland Training Awards are the State Government’s longest-running and most prestigious vocational awards recognizing outstanding achievement and world-class training. Craig celebrated his 21st birthday on September 5 and felt honored to represent Riviera and the Gold Coast at the state finals. He said winning Queensland’s Apprentice of the Year was the icing on the cake and looked forward to representing the state at the national finals in November. Riviera chief executive officer John Anderson was impressed with Craig’s professionalism at the Queensland Training Awards. Riviera’s electrical manager Rob Wright said Craig had a bright future ahead of him and he wished him every success at the national finals. Minister for Education and Training Geoff Wilson said the awards recognised the importance of skills training. The state winners will go on to compete at the Australian Training Awards, which will be held in Canberra in November.
Riviera Full Company Order Book
Riviera has today secured an order for a 3600 Sport Yacht Series II with IPS, with the signing of this order, the company’s order book between now and Christmas 2009 is now full. The 3600 Sport Yacht with IPS model will be bound for Western Australia and a pre-Christmas delivery to its expectant owners. The 3600 has been sold by Western Australian Riviera dealer, Beacon Marine. Riviera’s chief executive officer John Anderson said this was a significant achievement for the company in the current economic climate with every boat being built and delivered between now and Christmas all sold to retail customers.
Riviera Bound for New Zealand
Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, shipped its first 5800 Sport Yacht across the Tasman this week with a second boat on order for a New Zealand owner and a third bound for Europe later this year. The 5800 Sport Yacht caused a sensation during this year’s Sanctuary Cove and Sydney International Boat Shows, achieving multiple sales during and post these two events. The 5800 Sport Yacht has proved a popular choice among New Zealanders and is perfect for cruising in the City of Sails – Auckland. Riviera’s distribution manager, Australia, NZ and Pacific, Peter Welch said overseas customers were very excited about the new model. The 5800 Sport Yacht design maximizes the indoor-outdoor character and sense of light and space onboard creating a relaxed ambience while entertaining. The greater volume has allowed designers to take both exterior lines and internal design to a new level of sophistication to create even more visual appeal. The boat employs revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, an integrated system of marine diesel engines and steer able drive units mounted under the hull with twin counter rotating, forward facing, propellers. This superior drive system offers easy handling and maneuvering even in tight situations and a joystick for easy docking. With a fuel capacity of 2,650 litres (700 US gal), the efficient drive system helps provide a long cruising range at half load for this boat of about 370 nautical miles at 16 knots @ 2400rpm. Water capacity is 750 litres (198 US gal). The 5800 Sport Yacht combines a clever, luxurious design with new state-of-the-art technology, which makes this model stand out from its competitors.
Riviera Wins Bloodislow Cup
A big congratulation goes to Riviera staff having won the Red Cross Blood Service’s Bloodislow Cup challenge for the third consecutive year. More than 200 staff put on a brave face for the nurses at the mobile blood bank as they collected approximately 97 litres of blood throughout the last financial year, helping to save 615 lives. Australian Red Cross Blood Service Liaison Officer Zoe Bargh said that the Bloodislow Cup was a fierce competition, just like the Bledislow Cup. Despite the decrease in Riviera staff numbers over the past year, this hasn’t affected their community spirit and eagerness to do something for others. Riviera has helped save 615 lives, just slightly below their 2006 result where they saved 740 lives. Riviera CEO John Anderson said it was great to see Riviera staff go the extra mile to help save lives. Riviera was presented with the prestigious award on 26 August. Ms Bargh says Riviera has been a staunch supporter of the Blood Service over the past few years. Ms Bargh said that a number of organisations on the Coast are actively involved in the Bloodislow Cup Corporate Challenge and these range from some of the Coast’s largest to its smallest. Second place went to new Club Red Corporate Group Sullivan and Nicolaides, where 6.94% of their employees donated over the past year and 3rd place went to Billabong, who has been long-term supporters of the blood service, with 6.33% of their staff donating during the last financial year. Other organisations and their employees that did a fantastic effort encouraging their staff to donate were the Stella Group, John Flynn Hospital, Canungra Army, Centrelink, Batercard, NAB, Pindara Hospital, Main Roads and Gold Coast City Council to name a few. The Blood Service on the Gold Coast is calling for more to get involved. Only one in thirty people donate blood, but one in three will require blood or blood products at some stage in their lives. This includes people with cancer, heart disease, new born babies, women with pregnancy complications, people with haemophilia as well as accident victims.
Sealine Celebrate 150th SC35 in Good Southampton Show
Sealine reported a good Southampton Boat Show with sales up on 2008. The US owned British boat builder stated it was a very positive boat show with a high response from visitors and from its international dealer network to the new product designs which encapsulate modern design and support the company’s ethos of adventure. The Southampton boat show is the most important show for the UK boat builders meaning this positive trend puts Sealine in good shape ahead of 2010. Sales were achieved on models across the range including the T60 Aura, SC47 and the all new F46 launched at the show. During the show Sealine celebrated the sale of their 150th SC35 Sports Convertible, which was launched at the 2007 Southampton Boat Show and since then has become one of Sealine’s most popular models.
Sessa Wins 2009 Yacht Award
Sessa Marine concludes its 32nd Nautic Annual Cannes Festival with a Yacht Award in the "best design for motoryacht up to 24 mt category", confirming the success gained from its boats throughout the festival. This important recognition of the company, a historic name in the Italian Nautic world, honours the tireless efforts and the huge amount of resources invested in the development of this boat, while simultaneously underlining Sessa Marine's unwavering desire to represent the true value of Italian excellence.During the event, organized at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel of Cannes, Riccardo Radice, Director of Marketing, has taken the award.
Sunseeker Auctions Aston Martin in aid of Nelson Mandela Childrens Funds
Aston Martin South Africa unveiled the new DBS Volante and V12 Vantage at an exclusive event for over 1,400 guests at "Taboo". In addition to offering a unique first opportunity to see the two new cars in detail for the first time, the event all comprised a fashion show and charity auction. The event was also the introduction of Sunseeker Africa Ltd to the guests of the evening. The fashion show presented by brands including Roccobarocco, Christopher Chronis, Fabiani, Jenni Button and HTK. Justin Divaris, the Managing Director of Aston Martin in South Africa, then introduced the two sports cars to a spellbound audience. The most spectacular attraction of the evening was the auction of the first DBS Volante in the world with proceeds going to the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund. Mr Charles Priebatsch, a trustee of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund, was present to hand over the keys to the successful bidder, Vivien Natasen. The DBS Volante was auctioned for an amount of R3, 670 000.00, with the amount reflective of Mr Nelson R. Mandela, who turned 91 July 18th 2009. He has given 67 years of his life to battling racial and social inequality and the Nelson Mandela Foundation and 46664, the advocacy group named after Mandela's prison number. The auctioned car has plaques on the side sill, signed by Mr Nelson R. Mandela and will shortly be at a personal handover ceremony of the DBS Volante in the presence of the esteemed Madiba.
Sunseeker 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 for the second consecutive year at this year’s Southampton Boat Show. Sunseeker’s CEO, Robert Braithwaite presented Mark Russell, Managing Director at CJR with the prestigious award in recognition of CJR Propulsion’s excellent quality of service over the past 12 months, in addition to the continued accuracy, quality, and cost management associated with the CJR brand. CJR Propulsion supplies all sterngear packages to Sunseeker’s shaft driven boats, and the company’s work is evident on the four newly launched Sunseeker yachts currently on display at the 2009 PSP Southampton Boat Show. In particular, CJR has designed and manufactured the largest sterngear package ever made by the company for Sunseeker’s performance motor yacht the new 130 Predator. The sterngear created will enhance the smoothness and performance of the yacht and features a 152mm shaft. The entire package weighs nearly 5 tonnes. In addition CJR has fitted both the 60 and 54 Predator yachts with its new transom hung rudder system –designed to create more room onboard the vessel. Sunseeker’s 80 yacht has also been supplied with sterngear from CJR, which includes the company’s latest fully CNC machined propellers.
Vicem Names New CEO
Vicem Yachts today named Alberto Perrone Da Zara as its new chief executive officer. Perrone Da Zara was previously with Ferretti Group USA/Allied Marine. Vicem also recently hired Bob Riemens as project manager for its Megayacht division, and Bruce Livingston as production director. Perrone Da Zara has a long history in the boating industry. He graduated from the University of Southampton in 1992 as a marine engineer and naval architect. He has worked in multiple yacht design firms, including Gerhard Gilgenast, Billoch Yacht Design, Patriot Yachts and Alan Andrews Yacht Design. In 2002, he joined Ferretti Group USA/Allied Marine, and has since held different executive positions within that company. Perrone Da Zara will move to Istanbul to assume the new position.
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