-pic of the month- Bertram Hatteras 30th Shootout
Azimut Benetti Group Brilliant Results
Since the beginning of the year the turnover of Azimut-Benetti Group, for the last forty years one of the leading companies at international level in the luxury nautical market, has resumed a positive growth trend, +20% compared to the same period last year. At the end of March the shipyard workers all came off the wages guarantee fund and returned to full-time work at the various production sites. The optimism at the headquarters in Avigliana is also due to the healthy state of the orders portfolio: at 30th March 2010, i.e. just over halfway through the nautical year (1st September - 31st August), the Group has orders for 90% of its budget, approximately 50% more than at the same date last year. In terms of end customer sales, this translates into approximately 250 yachts sold, as against just over 150 in the same period last year. This is proof that, after a year of stagnation, the nautical market has regained confidence and that customers are buying once again, although only from shipyards that guarantee solidity and product innovation. The company therefore has good reason to be confident about the next few months, which are traditionally decisive for sales, and looks forward to closing the year with turnover and profit margins on the increase. It should also be pointed out that Azimut-Benetti's maximum seasonal negative cash flow is currently around 100 million Euros as against 220 last year. Given the equity of the company, equal to 300 million Euros, the solidity of the Group is evident and, against a background of widespread financial instability in the sector, it confirms its leadership even more forcefully. The Azimut-Benetti anti-recession strategy focused on three main points. Rationalising and increasing the efficiency of the organisation by concentrating production at the company's own sites. Intelligent use of the wages guarantee fund which, in agreement with the trade union representatives, coincided with a process of employee training and professional requalification, via which the company has developed skills within its organisation which were previously outsourced. Continuation and confirmation of all the investments allocated to the development of new products, made possible by the company's great financial solidity. In this regard the Group, which invested over 50 million Euros in this area between 2008 and 2010, confirms its commitment to presenting over 30 new models in the next 3 years, of which approximately half will be longer than 100 feet. This is testified by the recent launch of the new "Azimut Grande" line, a flagship fleet which in addition to the 120 SL - which will be ready in the next few days - will comprise a further 3 models between 100 and 126 feet, and renewal of the Benetti Class line with 7 new models ranging from 90 to 164 feet.
Azimut Teams with Pedetti Yacht Sales
Azimut has given sales dealership rights to Pedetti Yacht Sales for the new Magellano line in the North West Italian Coast. This agreement has just been closed and signed in recent days and comes to full satisfaction of both parties. The Avigliana Viareggio boat building Giant has trusted one of the most renowned shops to what regards ship style yachts, thanks to Giancarlo Pedetti long time experience in this market sector. In past years Pedetti Yacht Sales has been a dealer of choice for those who like to go at a slow displacement speeds in total comfort.
Bertram Takes Thirtieth Shootout
Bertram, a dominant force in the sport-fishing industry and a brand of Ferretti Group, is thrilled to announce winning the 30th anniversary of the Bertram-Hatteras Shootout, taking both the overall title in addition to top boat. The final score was Bertram with 1500 points and Hatteras with 1100 points over the three days of intense fishing. Bertram took home both the manufacturers trophy for the most overall points and the trophy for the overall winning boat, Great White Too, a Bertram 630 Enclosed Bridge owned by Guillermo Belloso. The Great White Too took first place by releasing a blue marlin, a white marlin and a spearfish. The Certifiable, a Bertram 700 Convertible, owned by Syd Sussman was close behind with two white marlins to finish in third place overall. Both of these teams also took first and third place respectively in the winner take all division. Over Budget, a Bertram 510 Convertible, owned by Ricky Sousa also placed with one white marlin. The Bertram team also took the overall title in the new fun fish division with Sharkbait, a Bertram 630 Convertible owned by Paul Cole weighing in a yellow fin tuna at 111 pounds and Certifiable also was on the board with both a yellow fin tuna at 66 pounds and a wahoo at 48 pounds. This year's tournament attracted 12 Bertram yachts and 14 Hatteras yachts to Abaco Beach Resort in the Bahamas. For the past few years, the tournament has strictly been a catch and release tournament for billfish but this year the committee added the fun fish division to give anglers an opportunity to show off their daily catches of tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. The new management of the tournament by Bertram, Allied Marine, Hatteras and their dealer was also well received by all participants with a week full of competitive camaraderie, a historic photo presentation of the past thirty years of the Shootout, and a disco theme party. The new Bertram 800 was also presented for the first time to the Bertram and Hatteras audience on the first night of the Shootout during the welcome cocktail registration on the center dock in front of the main tent. All the Bertram owners and their guests were invited aboard the 800 on the lay day to experience the new yacht in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas. The Bertram 800 headed to the new Baker's Bay resort to meet up with the Hatteras owners for a Bahamian style barbeque and a golf challenge for some more competitive fun. Overall, the event brought together both sides for some friendly competition and the result was a success for both teams.
Cabo Reel Deal Sales Event
For a limited time, Cabo is offering fantastic purchasing incentives on select models. Cabo is also backing these models with an extended 5-Year Limited Warranty, and a 10-Year Limited Structural Hull Warranty. Since its inception in 1991, CABO Yachts has distinguished itself among sportfishing boat builders. Since the introduction of its first boat, Cabo has repeatedly set the bar for quality, innovative design, bluewater performance, and unsurpassed fishability. The result is a fleet that has been often imitated, but not surpassed in its ability to satisfy even the most demanding sportfishing enthusiasts.
Dominator New Drive
Dominator Yachts, the new subsidiary of a well known Investment Group owning a wide variety of international business interests, has officially announced the 100% takeover from the of Dominator S.r.l. of the famous Fano-based Dominator brand, specialised in the construction of 18 to 30 metre, luxury fibreglass yachts. This operation is an important part of the strategic business plan launched by the shipyard (but temporarily suspended in recent months due to the general market crisis), which includes a call for greater focus on the company’s core business in order to further expand medium and large-scale yacht production. Thanks to this takeover the new Dominator Yachts shipyard continues to meet the immediate targets in its industrial plan and within the next 2 months no less than 3 new yachts, a Dominator 29M , Dominator 860 , and a Dominator 680 will be delivered to their owners. In addition to this achievement, the brand will also be launching the new Dominator 720, an operation that will include the craft’s official worldwide unveiling in Cannes at the “Festival de la Plaisance 2010”. These are the key events the shipyard has planned for the next few months. Another major step is the delivery of the brand new, full aluminium Dominator 39M, produced exclusively for Dominator Yachts by the long established Rossi Navi shipyard in Viareggio, designed by T4 Design and surveyed by chief designer Enrico Gobbi personally. This close working relationship between the two shipyards will allow Dominator Yachts to further expand its large yacht sector up to 70 metres and meet the requirements of its wide range of customers even more effectively. But the company’s groundbreaking vision does not stop here, as the brand is also working extremely hard to develop an exciting new concept in yacht design. Destined to revolutionise the entire worldwide yachting market, the feedback from this major new research project and tests conducted in Fano have shown that the shipyard can now achieve a 30% to 80% reduction in fuel and energy consumption thanks to a newly engineered hull and propulsion system concept. In short then, Dominator Yachts is currently conducting a remarkable Coast to Coast programme that will allow the brand to launch craft in both the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Throughout this important takeover operation, Dominator Yachts has been assisted by Federico Santini Esq. of the Rome-based Studio Legale Internazionale d’Ippolito, acting as the buyer’s legal advisor.
Ferretti Group Easea Show
The opening press conference for “easea>show”, the exclusive, permanent showcase of the yachts of Ferretti Group - a world leader within the sphere of the design, construction and sale of motoryachts of the most exclusive brands in the nautical world -was held on 3rd May at Marina Nuova in Cattolica. Devised to further extend the range of excellent services already reserved for Ferretti Group Clients, “easea>show” was inaugurated by Norberto Ferretti, Chairman, Salvatore Basile, CEO,and Lamberto Tacoli, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of the Ferretti Group, in the presence of the press, the local authorities, the international sales network and Clients. Easea shows the privilege of being involved in a unique, tailor-made experience, one which has never before existed on the world nautical scene. Moreover, the “easea>show” project avails itself of important partners par excellence, both locally and nationally, in order to make owners’ visits even more special. It is a permanent boat show, displaying the most important yachts of all Ferretti’s prestigious brands, a truly exclusive, personalized showcase of the Group’s fleet. The display, part of the larger “easea>.yachting” services project which commenced at the beginning of 2009, will be a private, permanent boat show. It will enable even the Group’s busiest Clients to visit the yachts any day of the year, and carry out sea trials in total privacy and a relaxed environment. Easea>show thus responds to the requirements of the Group’s most demanding owners who, by booking through the reference dealer or broker for their area, can visit the yachts and try them out at sea privately, accompanied by a dedicated, highly specialised staff, thus doing away with the inconvenience caused by crowding at boat shows. Hence, the display offers Group Clients. A balance of the most important results achieved during the first seven months of the 2009-2010 nautical year was presented during the course of the inaugural press conference. Although the macro economic context is still uncertain, during this period the Ferretti Group has registered the first signs of a recovery. From 1st September 2009 to 31st March 2010, the Group collected around double the orders compared to the same period of the previous year. Moreover, as of today, the Group’s backlog covers around 85% of the budget set for this nautical year. Moreover, during the course of the meeting a world première, the new Ferretti 800, was presented to confirm the new relaunch phase. This yacht is the very latest model to be designed and produced by Ferretti Yachts, the Group’s historical brand, which operates within the sphere of the production of flybridge motoryachts measuring 14 to 27 metres in length.
Formula Hosts Government Family from Guernsey
Staatssekretar of Bavaria, Germany, Markus Sackmann and his family spent their Easter vacation in Florida while visiting Peter Burger, director of Formula's international sales. Vic Spellberg, director of sponsor promotions, escorted the family on the Formula 40 PC to a waterfront lunch and a special tour around Miami. Formula was very pleased to have Mr. Sackmann and his family on board to show them the quality and performance of Formula.
Formula Continues to make News
Formula has recently been recognized on the covers of several international marine publications. Each issue goes into great detail about the featured Formulas and their unmatched craftsmanship. Formula has long been recognized internationally as the finest boat from the U.S.
Jarrett Bay Morehead City Boat Show
During May 15th and 16th in Downtown Morehead City for the second annual in-water boat show, Jarrett Bay featured its small express fishermen 32. The North Carolina custom boat builder also attended seminars at the show, with two representations. Jarrett Bay Service Manager Roger Wetherington gave a presentation on the recent service and refit work performed in its Marine Industrial Park, and Jarrett Bay Boatworks' New Construction Foreman Gary Davis showcased the construction of Hull #57, the Jeff Burton Project.
Hatteras Worldwide Sales Event
Hatteras Yachts is offering unprecedented pricing and extended warranties to customers across the globe! For a limited time only, one can take advantage of unprecedented savings on select models in inventory. Hatteras is also backing up this unprecedented buying opportunity with an extended 2-Year Limited Warranty, a 10-Year Limited Structural Hull Warranty, and 5-Year Extended CAT Engine Warranty. Hatteras is known the world over as one of the best built, most luxurious and fully appointed yachts in the marketplace.
Hunt Receives NMMA Innovation Award
The new Hunt 52 from Hunt Yachts commanded attention from consumers and the press when introduced at fall shows in 2009. Since then, this handsome and speedy semi-custom motor yacht has been tested and profiled by many of the most influential marine journalists, who unanimously have noted that she is bristling with useful, clever, innovative and appealing features and details. That assessment was recently confirmed by NMMA, which bestowed one of its prestigious 2010 Innovation Awards on the Hunt 52. Naval architects, C. Raymond Hunt Associates, renowned for the original concept and continuous refinement of the deep-V hull form, strategically designed the Hunt 52 to deliver outstanding performance and comfort under the widest range of sea conditions, classic lines, the livability of an unbroken/single-level main deck from helm to stern seating, the capability to be enjoyed by many yet handled with ease by a single couple. All of these facets in her design have since been proven in use. The 2010 Innovation Award recognizes one in a long list of features, most of which are unique in a yacht of this size. In partnership with Man Ship of Taiwan, several of the furnishings are mechanized to easily convert from cruising to entertaining; this convenience is found is such features as the aft and interior tables which adjust by flick of their switches from cocktail to dining height. The double-wide companion helm seat, also mechanized, drops and reverses to complete a U-shaped settee. Man Ship Machinery and Hardware CO; Ltd. is a well-known and respected manufacturer of chandlery and hardware for the international boatbuilding industry since 1982.
Hunt New Dealership Agreements
To provide the level of local and personal sales attention that Hunt’s semi-custom production yachts warrant, the Company has recently expanded its dealer network with the appointment of Irish Boat Shop (Michigan) and Offshore West (California). Both new dealers are companies with extensive experience in yacht sales and service, reputations for integrity, and a thorough knowledge for helping buyers personalize these top quality motoryachts. Irish Boat Shop has been serving recreational boaters from Harbor Springs (MI) since 1961 and from Charlevoix since 1971. Recognized by Boating Industry as one of the “Top 100 Dealers in North America” this year, Irish sells and services multiple lines of power (rated as Master Dealers for Sea Ray and Boston Whaler) as well as sail boats and engines, operates three separate marinas with more than 300 slips, has three ABYC-certified Master Technicians on staff and is well known in the region for their integrated approach to sales, support, service, and storage to maximize owners’ boating time and enjoyment. Offshore West was established in 1996 to be the exclusive West Coast dealer for Offshore Yachts, whose Crealock-designed offshore cruising yachts first appeared in the 1960’s, most of which (like Hunt Yachts) are semi-custom to suit individual owners’ personal requirements. This family owned and run company has since broadened its responsibilities through a Florida office to represent Offshore’s 52-90 foot motoryachts worldwide in sales and brokerage. With a background in custom and semi-custom buildbuilding, they are familiar and comfortable helping clients achieve complete satisfaction. Hunt Yachts is represented elsewhere in North America by Yachting Solutions (Camden and Rockport, Maine), Prestige Yachts (Stamford and Essex, Connecticut), Ireland Yacht Sales (Sanibel, Florida) and Ed Huck Marine (Rockport, Ontario). The Company intends further appointments in additional territories. Hunt currently delivers Surfhunter, Harrier and Hunt models from 25 to 52 feet and the new 10-foot Hunt Shellback Tender.
Maritimo Strong Growth in New Zealand
Maritimo continues its aggressive international Dealership expansion with the appointment of Orams Marine in New Zealand to represent the company's Aegean and Sport Cabriolet lines. The new Dealership is based at the Orams complex in Beaumont Street, Westhaven in Auckland. Maritimo's Peter Jenkins said that Dealer principal Neven Barbour and his team would work closely with Don Senior at Maritimo New Zealand who will continue to represent the company's Motoryacht and Offshore Convertible lines. Mr Barbour said the Maritimo brand represents exciting opportunities for luxury boating enthusiasts in New Zealand. Mr Barbour said he had first worked with Maritimo CEO Bill Barry-Cotter 10 years ago when Orams began distributing his Mariner brand in New Zealand. According to Peter Jenkins, Neven Barbour and his team will add valuable capabilities to the company's sales program throughout New Zealand. Mr Barbour is renowned throughout New Zealand not only for boating but as an athlete and former national squash champion.
Maritimo Expands Sales Team
SBM Maritimo Sydney has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Brent McKinnon. Dealer Principal Steve Batton said that Brent brings a range of skills to his role in the organisation. He said that the Maritimo brand is growing strongly in the Sydney market, leading to demand for additional resources.
Marlow Awarded the 2010 Green Maritime Company of the Year
Marlow is proud to announce that during the 2010 Asia Boating Awards in Honk Kong they were awarded the Green Maritime Company of the year. It was a great honor to accept this award at the sixth annual Asia Boating Awards in Hong Kong. For the first time in the Asia Boating Awards six years history, the ceremony was held in Honk Kong, at the Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club Terrace on May 8. The event coincided with the Hong Kong Gold Coast boat show, and was one of the high lights of the three day show. The Asia Boating Awards is widely known as the regions premier event for recognizing the efforts of boat builders, marinas, clubs, and individuals in creating a diverse and exciting boating community in the region. It has also become a must attend event for Asia jet set. The Asia Boating Awards was also the first event to recognize the efforts of quality yacht builders working in Asia.
Moonen to Complete a 120feet Super Yacht
Moonen Shipyards has been commissioned for a unique project to finish a 120 ft yacht designed by Bill Dixon which was started by Royal Denship in Denmark before bankruptcy. Around a quarter of the semi-displacement motoryacht had been completed when the Danish yard went into administration in June 2009. The owner of the uncompleted vessel contacted Moonen due to the yard's growing reputation in the refit market as well as its fine track record of building new superyachts. The fact that it concerns a motoryacht that yet had to be completed and the fact that composite is not the material that Moonens builds her reputation on, the project needed a "Think different"-approach. The interior styling is in the hands of the owner, and the yard is also partnering with external parties such as composite experts Green Marine, Alewijnse for the electrical installation and De Leeuw Yacht services for the painting. One of the major issues for Moonen is that the yard has never previously built a yacht in GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). All the GRP parts of the vessel are available except the main deck, with the hull and bridge deck being almost completely assembled. Around 20 percent of the equipment is available, including the main engines, gearboxes and other small components. Moonen has already carried out a complete design and status check, which made clear that the engineering packages were randomly incomplete. After these have been closed, the yard will make a start with building the stern section of the hull while simultaneously completing the technical installation. The yacht is planned for launching in May 2011.
Performance Hosts Classic Boat Race at Porlezza
On the 29th and 30th May Performance held the annual traditional “Trofeo barche d'epoca da corsa città di Porlezza”, which has now reached its 5th edition. This year edition also marked the 80th anniversary from the first race held in Porlezza, which made it a real festive occasion. The arrival of the 17 announced racers, coming from all around the world, was seen for Saturday May 29th and in the evening there was a traditional dinner party. The demonstrations where held during Sunday 30th May.
Riva at the 2010 Oscars of the Music
Riva, thanks to its exclusive dealer for Monaco and France - Monaco Boat Service – took part to the World Music Awards, held in Monaco on Tuesday May 18th 2010. The gotha of the international music system such as Jennifer Lopez, Tiziano Ferro, Kelly Rowlands, David Guetta, Andrea Bocelli among many others, gathered in the enchanting location of the Sporting Club on the occasion of the 21st edition of the Oscars of the Music. The most popular best selling singers were awarded during a just unique and fabulous show. As tradition, the proceeds of the show were devolved to charity for those in need. In particular this year the proceeds will be devolved to the construction of an hospital in Haiti.
Riviera Exceeds Expectations at Sanctuary Cove
It was a triumphant return to the 22nd Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show for Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder, with 19 new boats sold over the four day event, including the sale of nine new 43 Open Flybridges. This remarkable result far exceeds all expectations with a total value of more than $20 million in sales being achieved from across the award winning range. Riviera opened the show with the world release of the much-anticipated 43 Open Flybridge with IPS on day one, followed by a cocktail party for more than 300 guests on the evening of day two on Riviera’s large 2362 square metre floating display. Riviera’s chief executive officer John Anderson said the world release of the new 43 Open Flybridge was a huge success with the first 43 sale being achieved within the first hour of the show opening. Sales were across the board from 36 to 61 feet including multiple sales of 5800 and 5000 Sport Yachts, a number of flybridge models including a 61 Enclosed. Veteran sailor Ian Reynolds who completed his circumnavigation of Australia at the age of 82 in a Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge officially launched the new 43 Open Flybridge and was a special guest at Riviera’s floating display during the show. According to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show general manager Barry Jenkins, numbers were ‘softer than previous years’ but it was a tremendous boat show for everyone.
Riviera Ambassadors Shares Experience at the Show
Riviera had a special guest of honour at this year’s Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show held from May 20-23. Veteran blue water sailor and Melbourne businessman, Ian Reynolds was at the Riviera display with his 56 Enclosed Flybridge, Investigator V, the vessel he used to circumnavigate Australia. Mr Reynolds, at the age of 79 embarked on the challenging task of circumnavigating Australia, some 9,000 miles, clockwise from the Gold Coast returning home in October 2008. But before he could make this dream of circumnavigating Australia by power boat a reality, Mr Reynolds and his crew made the 842 nautical mile voyage from the Gold Coast to Lord Howe Island as a shake down cruise for testing systems and checking fuel and range calculations in his new 56 Enclosed Flybridge. His most recent challenge, aged 81, was the month-long voyage, a total of 1380 nautical miles, to Papua New Guinea for the second annual Louisiades Rally. His next venture will take him to China in search of an Aids cure but this will mean the sale of his beloved Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge, Investigator V, which will be on display and offered for sale for the first time at Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. Mr Reynolds said the opportunity to continue the work into a cure for Aids presented a challenge he could not resist. Riviera CEO John Anderson said it was an honor to have Mr Reynolds at the Riviera display.
Sea Ray Joins Brad Paisley H20 World Tour as Co-Sponsor
Close on the heels of signing Brad Paisley as the headliner of its AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event, Sea Ray Boats is proud to announce that it will be a co-sponsor on the country music superstar’s upcoming H2O World Tour for the tour’s “Water World Plaza.” The wet and wild traveling show, one of the most highly anticipated concert events of the summer, is scheduled to kick off May 21 in Virginia Beach, Va., and includes more than 40 stops in the U.S., Canada and other international locations through the end of September. The H2O tour will offer a unique Water World Plaza that opens at 4 p.m. on the day of each concert. This area is designed to incorporate display boats, a fishing simulator, dunking booth, swimming pools, radio DJs and a separate stage featuring newer country music acts.
Sunreef at the Korea International Boat Show
Sunreef Yachts will be participating at the forthcoming Korea International Boat Show held in Gyeonggi Bay, Gyeonggi Province from 9 to 13 June 2010. Intensely supported by local government, the Korean boat show grows stronger every year bringing many yachting lovers and potential buyers together to enjoy numerous attractions offered at the Show. Sunreef Yachts debuted at this event a year ago and was greatly satisfied with the positive feedback it received.
Sunseeker Shines During 2010 Asia Boating Awards
Sunseeker Asia was delighted to win an award at the recent Asia Boating Awards 2010 for 'The Best Production Motoryacht 51-80ft category', for the stunning Predator 60.For the fist time in the Asia Boating Awards six year history, the ceremony for the awards was held in Hong Kong, at the Gold Coast Yacht and Country Clubs terrace on May the 8th 2010. The event coincided with the Hong Kong Gold Coast boat show, and was one of the highlights of the three day show. Yacht designers, builders, brokers and industry experts were all at the event which capped a big year in Asian yachting. The Asia Boating awards is widely known as the regions premier event for recognizing the efforts of boat builders, marinas, clubs and individuals in creating a diverse and exciting boating community in the region.
Sunseeker Employees Raise Money for Charity
Several employees from the Sunseeker 30 Metre team participated in the annual Swimarathon at the Poole Dolphin Centre this year. The swimarathon took place locally on the 6th February where the two Sunseeker teams competed against six other teams from the local area to raise money for charity. The two teams, the 'Sunseeker Sharks' and the 'Sunseeker Seals' raised a total of £463.59 which was a fantastic achievement. The money raised was put towards their chosen charities which were the Victoria School, Mosaic, Parkstone Sports and Arts centre, Poole young careers and The purple teardrop.
Sunseeker Honk Kong Boat Show Success
The 2010 Hong Kong boat show (7th - 9th May) proved to be a successful show for Sunseeker Asia. Sunseeker Asia displayed a range of craft including the Superhawk 43, Manhattan 70, Predator 60, Predator 84, Manhattan 52 and 88 Yacht. A fantastic fashion show was held in association with Chloe for the official opening ceremony to the show onboard a black Predator 60, with a spectacular musical performance from Michael Wong. A stunning Aston Martin DBS was displayed on the water by the Sunseeker stand.
Sunseeker West Country Rendezvous
Sunseeker Torquay hosted a weekend of exclusive events oboard Sunseeker Charters 'High Energy' in Torquay last weekend in association with Sunseeker Charters. On Thursday the 20th May, 50 guests joined Sunseeker Torquay from the luxury company property Fine and Country, including the Mayor of Torquay for a special evening onboard 'High Energy'. Berthed adjacent to the Sunseeker Torquay new office in MDLs Torquay Marina, the 90 foot long, £4.5million motoryacht made for an impressive sight. In addition to this fabulous Sunseeker, guests were also presented with a display of luxury cars including two Porsches, an Audi R8, the brand new Audi A8 and three Range Rover Vogues. Those attending were able to enjoy champagne and canapés in the opulent surroundings of 'High Energy' as the sun began to set. The Sunseeker charter motoryacht also played host to 70 guests of the luxury property company Knight Frank on the following day. Attendees enjoyed the early evening sunshine on the vessel's spacious flybridge and foredeck over champagne and canapés. The cars on show on Friday evening included three Audis and a selection of Range Rovers. The weekend's beautiful weather provided the perfect conditions for the Sunseeker West Country Rendezvous to Babbacombe Bay. Twenty privately owned Sunseeker motoryachts gathered together for the special cruise which was headed by 'High Energy'. After anchoring in this beautiful bay, the group of around 70 Sunseeker Torquay clients headed ashore to the Cary Arms. On arrival at the jetty, Taittinger champagne was served. A delicious barbecue lunch followed on the terraces of what is known as the 'Boutique Inn on the Beach', overlooking the bay. Before departing the Cary Arms, a quintessentially English clotted cream Devon tea was enjoyed by all.
Vikings Celebrates 46 Years
Middle age may cause some to pause as they ponder a mid-life crisis, but at the Viking Yacht Company they busy to slow down as April 1, 2010 marks the 46th anniversary of this storied boatbuilder 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.
The Malta Grand Prix is in its sixth year running having started to take part in the Powerboat P1 renamed as GPS for this year since 2004. This has made the making of a classic for the central Mediterranean event, and be it for the exception of last year race, was always performed in rough seas. The drivers call the Malta Grand Prix as the Rough Sea Classic. 
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