-picture of the month- Moonen Historic Passage Azimut R and D Experience Day
There's a reason why many of the innovations developed at the Azimut Research and Development Center have the word "easy" in their names. To discover what's behind it, all you have to do is try the technological systems available on Azimut boats. That's what numerous specialized journalists from France, Germany, England, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy were able to do thanks to their invitation to the first Azimut R&D Experience Day. During the tests they were able to see how Azimut's exclusive technological devices make navigation simpler and more comfortable and how the onboard experience can become more laid-back and relaxed. "Made in Azimut" technology always places itself at the service of owners' safety and comfort.
Azimut New Partnership in Brazil
In Brazil the luxury market is growing and Azimut Yachts strengthens its presence in this South American country, importing yachts produced in Italy and strengthening its sales network. Azimut Yachts, world leader in the luxury yacht sector, confirms its role as the leading player in yachting also in Brazil. The Italian Shipyard has decided to focus on maximum product quality, offering an efficient comprehensive sales and technical support network consolidated in over twenty years of experience. With the advantage of established and important brand awareness on the Brazilian market after working for many years with a local production partner, Azimut Yachts has made its offering in this country even more attractive. As from today, the vessels produced directly at the Azimut works will also be available overseas; the company factory uses some of the most modern and efficient production processes in the world, while tried and tested personnel training procedures and thorough control policies ensure exceptional quality standards. To ensure optimal distribution of its products in the South American country, Azimut Yachts has formed a new partnership with Yacht Brasil. Operating since 1990 with an extremely well-organised network, Yacht Brasil has been chosen as importer for Brazil. Coverage of the territory is ensured by eighteen sales outlets and eight dedicated service points. In these locations every Customer can discover the Azimut experience. The pleasure of owning an Azimut vessel begins with purchase and continues throughout the life of the product, due to a delivery, technical support and after-sale programme that eliminates all worries, leaving the Customer free to enjoy his yacht to the full. A business model Azimut has consolidated practically all over the world, from Europe to the USA, Russia, the Middle East, China and now also Brazil.
Bayliner Expands Marketing Team
Michelle Borja has joined the marketing department at Bayliner in the US as director of consumer marketing. Based in the group's corporate headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, Borja will be responsible for Bayliner's consumer engagement activities. She reports to Betsy Lazzara, vice president and brand manager for Bayliner. Bryan Clark has also joined the Bayliner staff as marketing analyst. In his new role, Clark will be responsible for market share analysis and other metrics to measure return on investment of Bayliner's marketing expenditures. He reports to Jeff Hull, Bayliner's director of dealer development.
Brunswick Stays with September Model Year Change Over
Andy Graves, president of the Brunswick Boat Group, said the company would keep September 1 as the model-year changeover date for its 2011 models. Brunswick's boat companies, with the exception of Hatteras and Cabo, last year moved their model-year changeovers from July 1 to September.
Chaparral and Robalo New Vice President
Chaparral and Robalo Boats have announced the promotion of Ann Baldree to vice president. Baldree's career has spanned almost three decades with the company. Her responsibilities include managing the company's worldwide sales network, which includes eight regional sales managers, 159 domestic dealers and 30 international dealers. Baldree is the 2008 winner of the Darlene Briggs Marine Industry Women of the Year award. She is also a member of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Boat Board of Directors.
Grand Banks Rendez Vous Season is Here
The 2010 rendezvous season gets underway next month! With many active GB Owners Associations around the world, this is a special time of the year for owners to come together and celebrate their vessels.
Grand Banks Newest Spray Magazine
The newest edition of Spray Magazine is now available online. Features include the revival one of the most famous wooden Grand Banks ever built; helpful information about DSC-equipped VHF radios; and recent sea trials in Istanbul of the first 46 Eastbay SX. Grand Banks President and CEO Rob Livingston offers his thoughts on how the company and the industry have weathered this "unique" time in its history and as always, new Grand Banks owners are featured from around the world, including one couples adventures exploring the East Coast of the U.S. in their 46EU.
Ferretti Group Easea Show
The Ferretti Group presents the Ferretti Group Days, from April 30th to May 2nd: an exclusive three day event dedicated to clients and dealers of all Ferretti Group Brands at the Marina in Cattolica. On May 1st the easea>show, the permanent exhibition of the boats of the Group’s brands, will be officially inaugurated.
Ferretti Group Creates Ferretti Group Brazil
The Ferretti Group, a world leader within the sphere of the design, construction and sale of motoryachts encompassing a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive brands in the nautical world, has signed an agreement with Spirit, a Brazilian company based in Sao Paolo, operating within the production and sale of new and pre-owned yachts. The agreement was announced, during the Rio Boat Show 2010, at which the Ferretti Group was present from 8th to 14th April with 6 yachts displayed on a prestigious stand set out over an impressive 210 m². The agreement provides that the sale and after sales assistance of all Ferretti Group brand yachts on the Brazilian market will now be managed by Marcio Latorre Christiansen, founder and CEO of Spirit, under the new brand name Ferrettigroup Brasil, thus strengthening the network of services offered to clients. Hence, Ferrettigroup Brasil will be a platform for developing the distribution and services supporting Ferretti Group yachts on the Brazilian market, thus contributing to the further expansion of the Group’s business in this country. In particular, Ferrettigroup Brasil has significant strategic value, in that it will be able to count on the consolidated skills of the Ferretti Group within the sphere of designing and producing motoryachts on the one hand, and on Spirit’s specific know-how regarding production, sales and after sales services in Brazil, on the other. Moreover, this working relationship also provides for the opening, by Ferrettigroup Brasil, of a prestigious showroom by the end of June 2010. Set out over more than 1000m² at the exclusive, luxury mall in Sao Paolo, ‘Shopping Center Cidade Jardim’, it will display both Ferretti Group yachts and a fine selection of luxury items, such as cars, helicopters and watches produced by some of the most prestigious brands in the world. The agreement between the two Groups, which have been working together since 1989, confirms the Ferretti Group’s interest in this country. Indeed, it is one of the most important markets in the world, with excellent potential and also a continuous incentive and natural outlet, full of prospects for development.
Jarrett Bay Humanity Fund Raiser
The Jarrett Bay family recently held a barbecue lunch fundraiser benefiting the Joy Gaskill Memorial House, being built by the Crystal Coast Habitat for Humanity. Around 250 people in the community participated in the luncheon fundraiser last week. As a long-time Jarrett Bay employee, Joy started this endeavor shortly before being tragically killed in a car accident two years ago. A location for the home has been selected in Newport, NC. It costs about $50,000 to build a Habitat for Humanity home, and donations are still very much needed.
Marlow Yachts Ocean Challenge
The Ocean Challenge is open to all production yacht builders representing their products as long-distance passage makers. Marlow Yachts challenges any production builder in an epic voyage in the summer of 2010, from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Reykjavik, Iceland, non-stop, using only the advertised standard fuel capacity of currently offered vessels. Dependent upon chosen course, this voyage is as much as 3,500 miles offshore. Alternatively, the challengers may opt for a shorter voyage from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Gibraltar. No stops in Bermuda or Azores are permitted. This voyage, dependent upon route, is around 2,700 miles offshore. The first to arrive is the winner; though it can be clearly stated that all capable of either voyage are winners as well.
Moonen Makes Historic Passage
Etoile d'Azur, the seventh in the highly successful Moonen 84 series, crossed the Atlantic Ocean last December, from Gibraltar to Sint Maarten, via the Azores (3.350 nm). Delivered to her owner in May 2007, she is the first Moonen 84 to do so since the series was initiated in 2002, proving that this "pocket-size superyacht" has the range and reliability worthy of the name. Etoile left her homeport Monaco end of October 2009, stopping in Palma, Mallorca (350 nm), for two weeks for some work, then laid over in Gibraltar (450 nm) for fuelling (taking on extra portable tanks to extend her capacity, which turned out not to be needed). On the first, 1.000-nautical-mile, leg to the Azores Etoile encountered heavy weather, including 12 hours with occasional seas breaking over her. Her captain, Guillaume Bourhis, reported that she behaved well despite the seas. On the leg to Sint Maarten she had smoother seas and cruised the 2.350 nautical miles in 10 days. Overall, Etoile's performance and economy are impressive. On the first leg, with her engines purring at 1.320 rpm for 4 ½ days at an averages speed of 9.26 knots, she consumed 7.500 litres, or 7,5 litres/nautical mile (or 69,4 litres per hour). On the second leg, throttled back to 1.280 rpm for 10,5 days, she averaged 9,33 knots over 2.350 nautical miles, consuming 15.000 litres for an average of 6,4 litres/nautical mile (or 59,5 litres/hour). When she arrived in Sint Maarten, she still had 4.000 litres in her boat tanks and the spare tanks were still full.
Moonen Refits Launch
The inaugural Moonen Refits Lunch at the recent Antibes boat show attracted an impressive number of yachting influentials. Well over thirty captains, brokers, superintendents, yacht managers, owner’s reps and senior members of the press enjoyed a tasty selection of food and drinks as Moonen provided an overview of its competencies and ambitions in the refit arena. The case studies presented showed what can be achieved when a yacht is placed in the right hands for a refit explains Mark Vermeulen, director operations at the Dutch Moonen Shipyards. Vermeulen also explained the capacity to rebuild both Moonen yachts and other premium quality superyachts was appreciated by all the attendees.
Mustang Muster Support
Mustang Owners rallied over the weekend in support of the iconic Australian Boat Builder, Mustang Marine. Twenty-five Mustang boats moored at the Sanctuary Cove Marina bringing life and a lot of activity to the hub of the Marina. An overwhelming amount of backing was shown for Mustang with over eighty people participating in the Saturday night festivities. The muster demonstrated the support and loyalty the Mustang owners have for their manufacturer. Quayside Cocktail Bar at Sanctuary Cove hosted an event on the Saturday night staging live music, canapés and drinks for all Mustang owners, their families and friends. Staff of Mustang Marine, including CEO, Chris Heaton, and Queensland Dealer Principal, Carl Kellett, joined in the fun. Mustang boat owners, Charles Phillis and Dave Hatton, organised the weekend to reignite the passion boating brings to so many families and to reinforce the dedication Mustang owners have to the brand. Mustang Marine is currently going through the motions of securing a new investor and restructuring the business to be better equipped to meet the current market conditions. Mustang will be back at Sanctuary Cove next month for the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.
Riviera Officially Withdrawn from Sale
Australia’s pleasure boat builder, Riviera has today announced that the company’s bankers have officially closed the sale process of the business. Over the past six months a number of domestic and international parties have been in discussions with the Receivers and Managers regarding the possible purchase of Riviera. After extensive consideration, the secured debt holders have elected to formerly withdraw the business from the sale process electing over the medium term to continue to rebuild the business.
Riviera 35% Growth in First Quarter
Riviera, Australia’s pleasure boat builder has recorded the best sales results in 15 months after a strong first quarter signals returning confidence to the luxury boat market. The iconic boat builder has sold 36 new boats over the three month period 1st January to 31st March 2010, valued at over (AUD) $38 million. Riviera CEO John Anderson said these results were gratifying and demonstrated that the Riviera brand was as strong as ever in the current market.
Riviera New Zealand Game Fishing Tournament
Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury pleasure boat builder, teamed up last month for the 9th annual Riviera/Sime Darby Invitational Game Fishing Tournament held in New Zealand’s north island. A fleet of 16 Rivieras ranging in size from 37 to 70 feet cruised 140 nautical miles from Auckland to New Zealand’s Marlin capital in Whangaroa, north of the Bay of Islands, for the three day game fishing tournament hosted by the Whangaroa Big Game Fishing Club. The event held in late March concluded with a total of four fish tagged and released, coming equal first with one fish tagged each were, Limited Edition, Riviera 30 Open Flybridge - Striped Marlin, Lady Janine - Striped Marlin, Osibisa, Riviera 37 Open Flybridge - Striped Marlin, Aurora, Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge - Blue Marlin. The cash prize of $15,000 was shared among the four teams with the trophy presented to Limited Edition for being the first to tag and release a fish. Kay Beck on board Aquaniche, Riviera 47 Enclosed Flybridge Series II, won the tournament for the heaviest weighed Marlin, a 239.2kg Blue Marlin, while John Beck won the $11,650 Calcutta Prize as he purchased his own boat in the Calcutta auction prior to the start of the tournament. R Marine New Zealand’s dealer principal Bruce McGill said there was plenty of action for game fishing enthusiasts with more than 20 hook ups over the three-day event, down on last year’s event, which recorded more than 100 hook ups. The weather on the first day was fine and windy with a north easterly 10-25 knots, but on day two and three of the competition the wind died down to east/north-easterly 5-15 knots. Despite the inclement weather conditions and fewer hook ups than last year’s tournament, a good time was had by all. The first night was registration and the Calcutta auction before the fleet set out the following day for the first day of fishing where they could stay overnight at an anchorage of their choice. On the second day of fishing, teams returned to base for the dock party. After the third day of fishing the event concluded with the formal function and prize giving. Owner of Limited Edition, Craig Park said it was the first time he had entered the Riviera/Sime fishing tournament and he was thrilled to come equal first in the tag and release section.
Riviera Full Model Line Dealer in New Zealand
Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder has appointed R Marine New Zealand as a full line Riviera dealer. Effective immediately, R Marine New Zealand will now be the sole retail arm for Riviera in New Zealand. With this appointment, R Marine New Zealand will now formerly offer the exciting and growing Riviera Sport Yacht range from 36 to 58 feet together with the existing Flybridge, Offshore Express and Motor Yacht ranges. This will bring R Marine New Zealand’s offering to 20 individual Riviera models from 36 to 85 feet in length. The news of this full Riviera line dealership appointment follows the recent staging of the annual R Marine New Zealand Fishing Tournament held last weekend in Whangaroa north of the Bay of Islands, some 270 nm north of Auckland, where a total of 18 boats and over 80 participants enjoyed 3 days of camaraderie and fishing in challenging weather conditions.
Riviera Kooringal Experience
A fleet of 21 Rivieras recently embarked on the 70 nautical mile round journey from the Gold Coast north to Moreton Island via Canaipa Passage, as part of R Marine Queensland’s first voyage to Kooringal. Randall Jones and the team from R Marine Queensland led 57 Riviera owners and their families to Kooringal, which is a small township located at the southern tip of Moreton Island. On Saturday morning, the group set off in their tenders for a day exploring Days Gutter, a shallow waterway with an abundance of marine life including stingrays, shovel nose sharks, soft coral and fish. Greg and Denise Hansford owners of Riviera M370 said the Kooringal Experience was one of the best and most enjoyable Riviera cruises they had ever embarked on. Despite the average weather conditions, everyone had a great time and made the most of the trip. On Sunday afternoon it was time to head back to the Gold Coast but as the sun set and the weekend came to an end; the memories lingered, the friendships lasted, and the Kooringal Experience is now part of R Marine Queensland’s extensive annual calendar of owner events.
Sealine Sponsor the Big Splash Event
Finally an event that celebrates all things power that the whole family can get excited about. This summer marks the first ever Big Splash event, held at Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight, and you can get a 10% discount from the ticket price if you book before the end of May. This summer marks the first ever Big Splash event, held at Cowes Yacht Haven on the Isle of Wight. The three-day extravaganza, over the weekend of 13-15 August, will have something for all the family. Sponsored by Sealine, Motor Boats Monthly, Raymarine, Volvo Penta, Henri Lloyd, Nautica Watches and Volvo Cars, there will be navigation tuition as well as plenty of non-boating entertainment. The Big Splash will kick off at 3pm on Friday 13 August when guests will begin arriving and the weekend is sure to get off to a raucous start with a Mardi Gras fancy dress Caribbean barbecue with a steel band and face-painting for the kids (or any game adults). The following morning anyone that's fit for purpose can take advantage of the huge itinerary of events, from cookery demonstrations, to a circus skills workshop, to an on-the-water treasure quest, to a tour of Cowes, which includes lunch at the Island Sailing Club and wine-tasting in Kendall's Fine Art gallery. And if you still have energy after all that there will be a second Mardi Gras party on the Saturday evening – this time a masked ball with a Caribbean dance performance. Tickets cost £160 for boats under 40ft; £190 for boats between 40ft and 50ft, and £225 for boats over 51ft. Ticket price includes two nights berthing in the marina, plus access to event activities but you will need to buy separate tickets for meals.
Sea Ray Choose Paisley for AquaPalozza 2010 Signature Event
Sea Ray Boats announced today that country music superstar Brad Paisley will headline the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event, which is scheduled for July 10 at The Reserve at Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. The event, hosted by Sea Ray and its local dealer Sail & Ski Center, will have Paisley performing in front of a crowd of thousands of concert-goers on boats. With a current single titled Water and a new tour called the H2O World Tour, it makes sense that Paisley should headline this year’s AquaPalooza Signature Event. Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three Grammy Awards, 12 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and 13 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. He has released eight critically acclaimed studio albums and has accumulated sales of more than 10 million units. His most recent album, American Saturday Night, was ranked as Time magazine’s No. 1 album of 2009 in any music genre. Paisley’s most recent single, American Saturday Night, was his 16th No. 1 the last 12 of which were consecutive. Paisley’s innovative and entertaining tours have consistently placed in the Top 5 in Pollstar for attendance, and his 2009 American Saturday Night tour played to nearly 1.2 million fans in eight months. Currently, Paisley is nominated for four ACM awards: Entertainer, Male, Album (American Saturday Night) and Video (“Welcome to the Future”).
Sea Ray Launch Pet and Water Safety Program
Most dogs and cats are more than pets. They are members of the family. This means they’re not only a part of life’s daily routines, but also those special moments that bring a family closer, like adventures aboard your boat. That’s why Sea Ray Boats created its Pet and Water Safety (PAWS) program, to help boaters keep their pets healthy and happy on the water. In a recent survey of its customers, the company found that more than 60% of Sea Ray owners had dogs and cats, and nearly two-thirds of them take their pets, primarily dogs on their boats between five and fifteen times a season. Sea Ray recently launched a PAWS website with the help of lead partner Nestlé Purina PetCare, the official pet food sponsor for the program. The site currently includes feature articles, guidelines, safety tips, contests, gear, and special offers from PAWS sponsors. Sea Ray is also pleased to announce that outdoor gear manufacturer Onyx has signed on as the PFD sponsor. Sea Ray hopes to attract more sponsors in the near future, in order to further spread the reach of PAWS.
Sunseeker Provides Top Quality Training for Crew
Sunseeker Asia hosted a training school for their current crew last month in China, Shenzhen Marina. Attendance levels were high and more than 60 crew attended the fantastic training day provided by Sunseeker Asia. Training classes will continue to be run at Sunseeker Asia annually to ensure crew are updated and fully trained at all times. There are now over 75 Sunseeker craft in Hong Kong and China ranging from 50ft to 130ft.
Sunseeker Cyprus Dealer Businessman of the Year
Charalambos Walker, Char Pilakoutas Group who represents Sunseeker in Cyprus, is voted 'Businessman of the year for 2009.' Managing Director of the Char Pilakoutas Group, was named '2009 Businessman of the year' last week at the Johnnie Walker MAN of the year awards. The event was heavily publicised and televised nationally with many politicians and the business elite of the community in attendance. This is the third time that Charalambos has been voted businessman of the year since the beginning of the awards in Cyprus in 2004.
Viking Celebrates 46 Years
Middle age may cause some to pause as they ponder a mid-life crisis, but at the Viking Yacht Company we’re too busy to slow down as April 1, 2010 marks the 46th anniversary of this storied boat builder on the Bass River. It was on this day in 1964 when brothers Bill and Bob Healey opened the doors at the Viking Yacht Company in sleepy New Gretna, New Jersey, 20 minutes north of Atlantic City. What began over four and a half decades ago with a handful of wooden cruisers has evolved into the largest manufacturer in the world of luxury convertible sportfishing yachts. With an incredible fleet that ranges from 42 to 82 feet, and a bevy of new models in development, Viking reigns supreme with no plans other than to continue leading the charge in the marine industry by building a better boat everyday.
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