-pic of the month- Viking 49th Anniversary
Azimut Repeats Succesful Confraria Nautica Event
With the aim of presenting news from the luxury Azimut Yachts and to bring closer the customers to the brand, representatives of the Azimut-Benetti Group and its shipyard in Brazil held on Thursday, 28/2, the second edition of the event “Confraria Náutica” at Yacht Club Veleiros da Ilha – in the capital of Santa Catarina state - bringing together about 90 selected guests from the region. "The Confraria Náutica, by Azimut Yachts is focused on approach with our clients and the public who loves the sea. We want to present in more detail the Group's strength in the world and know the needs of our customers to be able to offer to Brazilians increasingly full support, "said the CEO of Azimut Brazil Davide Breviglieri. Representing the Group were, in addition to the CEO in Brazil, the sales manager for South America David Bisogni; the sales manager Francesco Caputo and the Group Sales Director Marco Valle - for the brands Azimut Yachts and Atlantis. As the official dealer of the brands to the south of the country and the state of São Paulo, First Yacht, was represented by the President Natanael Santos de Souza, the CEO Nelson Waisbich, the Commercial Manager for the South Marcelo Menezes and his team of marketing and sales. On the island of Florianópolis, in an elegant lounge mounted on the deck by the sea and overlooking the famous HercÃlio Luz Bridge, five vessels were exposed and open for visitation: Azimut 43, Azimut 60, two Azimut 62S, and the big star of the evening: the Azimut 70, an innovative model that began to be manufactured in the Brazilian shipyard this year. The night followed by a pleasant cocktail, chat and video presentation of the new collection. The first event “Confraria Náutica by Azimut Yachts” was promoted in February in Rio de Janeiro to customers in the region. The next one has already date and place: will happen in the next Wednesday, March 6, in Salvador, Bahia, with the presence of the Official Dealer for Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and the Northeast, the Yacht Collection.
Azimut New Dealer Network in Brazil
Through the Azimut Brazil, the consecrated brands Azimut Yachts and Atlantis now have a specialized Dealer Network to provide excellence to the Brazilian demand. In order to provide a full support to its customers in the national territory, the Azimut shipyard in Brazil - a subsidiary of the renowned Italian Azimut-Benetti Group - provides Azimut Dealer Network in several Brazilian states aligned with specialized services and support direct from the factory. With this new strategy, the Azimut Brazil becomes the first nautical company in the country of international origin with the wider and more varied range of services, including specialized technical assistance, replenishment of parts and maintenance, after sales and consultancy on all stages of buying: from financial and administrative activities to the selection and training of the crew. Currently, the Azimut Dealer Network is formed through a partnership with respected companies that have extensive infrastructure, highly trained professionals and "knowhow" in the nautical and high luxury sectors, plus necessary support from the factory in the country and from the headquarter staff in Italy. To meet customers’ demands in Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and the Northeast, is the Yacht Collection. To the representation for the states of Paraná, Santa Catarina and São Paulo, is the First Yachts, of First Group SA.
Beneteau First Half Year Sales Show Growth
Full-year business forecasts confirmed. Consolidated sales climbed 2% to €294.7 million for the first half of 2012-13, driven by export sales across both business lines. The Group is actively moving forward with its strategy for international growth to respond to market developments, compensating for the weak general environment affecting the French market. In the Boat sector, sales came to €202.9 million for the first half of 2012-13, up 7%. The Group is benefiting from the expansion of its product offering (range of motorboats, larger boats) and its international deployment in growing regions. In this way, business outside of Europe increased by around 30% during the first half of 2012-13. This performance is expected to be confirmed at April's boat shows in China (Hainan) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). In Europe, as expected, the boat market looks set to contract by around 10 to 15% globally, with differences from one country to another. ls in France, which is expected to have a more marked impact on business during the second half of the year.
Benetti New Middle East Area Manager
Benetti, part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, is once again a protagonist of the Dubai Boat Show. For the occasion the Viareggio based shipyard, which celebrates its 140th Anniversary this year, completes another important step in their international expansion towards markets with higher potentiality, and consolidates their presence in the United Arab Emirates area opening a new office in Dubai and appointing Nabil el Jammal as Area Manager for the Middle East. The opening of a new direct sales point is of particular strategic importance as it covers the Middle East area even more efficiently, consolidating the historic presence of the Azimut|Benetti Group: since the 1980's one of the first movers in the area. To best pursue this important objective, Benetti has brought Nabil el Jammal on board. An established professional in the nautical world, with great experience in the Middle East markets, Jammal will manage the commercial office, with direct responsibility for the Arab Gulf Region markets as far as Turkey, including both Egypt and Lebanon.
Gulf Craft MTU Partnership Announcement
Infusing a dose of German engineering precision into its vessels, Gulf Craft announced a “Preferred Partner” agreement with renowned German engine maker MTU, with the UAE-based yacht builder recommending its clients the MTU power packs as its preferred propulsion systems in its superyachts. The agreement was signed by Gulf Craft and Al Masaood, Tognum Group distributor for MTU engines in the UAE and Bahrain, at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show. The contract covers engines ranging from 8, 10, 12 and 16-cylinder units of Series 2000 to 12 cylinder engines of Series 4000. Announcing the partnership, Mohammed Hussain Alshaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft, said the move brings together two of the leading lights of the global luxury yacht sector, the main beneficiaries of which would be customers of Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts range, offering them a premium product as a first choice. Known for its long history of engineering excellence, MTU, based in the German city of Friedrichshafen on the shores of Lake Constance, is one of the largest suppliers of boat engines in the world. In the superyacht category it is the world’s indisputable No.1.MTU Friedrichshafen and Al Masaood have a very long and successful business relationship since Al Masaood became the distributor of MTU Friedrichshafen in 1982 for the UAE. The relationship has been strengthened by extending the area of responsibility of Al Masaood to the Kingdom of Bahrain since 2011. The agreement also builds on a long-existing relationship between Gulf Craft and MTU: three of Gulf Craft’s latest vessels; the flagship Majesty 135 and Majesty 125 superyachts and the new Gulf 75 Exp are already powered by MTU engines and form the centerpieces of Gulf Craft’s display at the Dubai International Boat Show. In fact, MTU also supplied the largest engine ever used in a vessel manufactured by Gulf Craft the first hull of its largest superyacht, Majesty 135, built last year. Gulf Craft’s and Al Masaood’s “Preferred Partner” agreement assumes even greater importance with bigger builds in the offing from the UAE-based superyacht builder.
Gulf Craft Esclusive Preview
Gulf Craft returns to Doha with its second exclusive display of Superyachts and yachts for the Qatari market in as many years. The ‘Majesty Yachts Exclusive Preview’ event will dock at The Pearl Qatar from March 28th to 30th and will witness the Qatari premiere of a new Majesty 125 – Gulf Craft’s third-largest superyacht model, and a brand new Majesty 105 – a revolutionary superyacht model that received high praise for its excellent outdoor entertainment capabilities at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show 2013, and at last year’s Dubai edition where the model was launched.
The yacht line-up will also feature other popular Gulf Craft models including the Majesty 56, Majesty 63 and the Majesty 70.
Kadey-Krogen Recruits New Yacht Industry Icon
Kadey-Krogen Yachts announces the appointment of industry legend Bob Peterson as sales executive, along with wife Jeni Peterson, based out of the company's corporate office in Stuart, Florida. Bob Peterson began cruising in the Pacific Northwest from his home state of Oregon to Canada and the Inside Passage. After moving to California, Bob and Jeni took their two young children on a year's trip to Mexico on a motoryacht. In 1974 the couple built a 94' brigantine and with ten teenagers aboard sailed from San Diego to Acapulco, Mexico, across the Pacific to the Marquesas and Society islands and back to San Diego, where they continued their yacht brokerage business. In 1978 the Peterson family and crew passaged aboard their U.S. Army-built 148' cargo vessel around the coasts of Mexico and Central America to the Caribbean through the Panama Canal. By 1996 Bob and Jeni headed up the Micronesian Maritime and Fisheries Academy. They taught 40 students two full semesters a year. Curricula included diesel engine maintenance and repair, boat handling, navigation, welding, electrical, fishing and more.
Monte Fino Announces New Dealer Network
Following a highly successful Boot Düsseldorf 2013 which included the world debut of the ecHo 85 long-range Eco-Motoryacht, Monte Fino Europe has now announced its new line-up of distributors covering the entire length of the Mediterranean. Palma de Mallorca remains the hub for the European sales and service organisation, but to that have now been added dealerships in mainland Spain, southern France, Italy and Turkey. The new distributors are: East Marine SL on Spain’s Costa Brava, MS Yachts on France’s Cote d’Azur, Top Yachts srl in Italy and Aquavizyon in Turkey. The Monte Fino 76 Flybridge and the ecHo 85 Motoryacht that were on show at Düsseldorf are now on the move to Palma and from Easter will be available for customers to experience for themselves by appointment. 2013 was the first year that Monte Fino Europe has attended Boot Düsseldorf, and with two of the largest yachts there, the brand attracted a good deal of attention. Monte Fino built its first yacht nearly 30 years ago and since then has continuously updated its designs to meet the needs of its international client base. 2013 sees it developing additional new models for both its flybridge and ecHo ranges, and it has recently introduced 32m and 35m luxury, tri-deck motoryachts by Mulder Yacht Design.
Moonen Social Presence Grows
Moonen’s online presence is rapidly growing as we share information and ideas with owners, press and Moonen fans around the world. Moonen newly upgraded website has received a great deal of praise, for which we are very grateful. Moonen Facebook page is a vital extension of the website. A place where we also communicate the very latest happenings at the yard and the global fleet in a way that encourages interaction. Facebook is also a great place to post more photos and show on our website as well as take an occasional more light-hearted look at the world of superyachts. Better still, you get the chance to have your say on what you read and see! Many people have made good contacts by interacting on Moonen's Facebook page and we would love to see you there too. Of course, if Facebook isn't your thing we’d still love you to follow us online on the Moonen Twitter and dedicated YouTube channel. The latter has some great videos that will for sure make a virtual visit well worth your while
Outer Reef on iTunes
Outer Reef presents its new app for iPad. With the new app one can keep in touch with what's new at Outer Reef Yachts. In the Outer Reef app you can also see the new models, photo's, video's, virtual tours and much more. Download the new app from the iTunes store.
Overmarine Protagonist at Miami
The Overmarine Group was protagonist at the latest Miami Boat Show held in mid February giving further value to the “Made in Italy” excellence with events and partnership in perfect Italian style. The collaboration continued between the Italian shipyard and Luxury Living, exclusive retailer for Fendi Casa. For the entire duration of the boat show, the FENDI Casa lounge, fitted with outdoor furniture and sofas, offered guests exclusively luxurious moments, in a relaxed atmosphere, just like being on-board a Mangusta yacht. Quality wines, excellent oil from Tuscany and a refined welcome were the ingredients of The Italian Experience. Tasting sessions of highly prestigious Italian products, featuring each day three different wine cellars presented by Just Quality Importer, involved in the import and distribution of personally selected Italian wines, and Aska Eleivana oil, an extra-virgin olive oil with unique characteristics produced entirely in Tuscany. As a special backdrop to the Mangusta 72 there was a Ducati 1199 Panigale S, presented by the official retailer for Ducati in South Florida: decked out in the Italian Flag Tricolour livery to celebrate the "Made in Italy " technological excellence of the Borgo Panigale (Italy) based company, it marks the start of a new Ducati Superbike era. Valuable partnerships that also in future appointments will be able to offer to all Mangusta guests an experience to enjoy, in an all-Italian atmosphere, with dream yachts, glamour, high quality and a refined welcome ready for our guests.
Princess Are In The Pink
Princess decided to mark the start of the Midnight Walk's promotional activity by displaying a Princess V39 in Plymouth city centre finished in the charity's event colours bright pink! The special edition model will be used as the centre piece for St Luke's awareness drive for the walk when she is displayed in City Centre Plaza Plymouth on Saturday 23rd March. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, St Luke's Hospice provides specialist palliative medical and nursing care to thousands of terminally ill patients from across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall and has been hosting the Midnight Walk for six years. In 2012 the popular walk saw over 2,000 women take part, raising a phenomenal £190,000. These funds raised provided 406 days of care for the in-patient unit at St Luke's Hospice making a huge difference to the patients and their families. This year St Luke's hopes that over 4,000 women will take part in the walk, which takes place on 27th July, for what will be one of Plymouth's biggest events. The V39 won't remain pink however, it was created using the latest vinyl wrap technology thanks to the kind and generous support of 'Yacht Wrap' who specialize in transforming boats into, often quite literally, works of art. Princess would also like to thanks Denholm Industrial Services for their kind support in the process too. Enthusiasm for the Midnight Walk has already gone right through the company and a team of dedicated Princess ladies who will be taking part on the day are busy building up their sponsors. Amie Bull, Events Fundraiser for St Luke's Hospice, is delighted with the energy that is already being generated.
Ribbon Winner Holland Nautique Awards
Yachts that are designed and or built in the Netherlands are eligible for the Nautique Awards. Design, implementation, innovation, performance, ergonomics and practical use of the yacht are decisive for the granting of the awards. The Ribbon 45 SC yacht tender wins the award in category ‘Motor yachts up to 15 meters’. The jury describes the Ribbon 45 SC as a yacht leading the way in a new direction of the Dutch yachting industries, boldness and innovation. The design is cosmopolitan and dynamic. Thanks to her sailing performance and high speed, this yacht will especially attract en international audience. The sailing practice is not forgotten, a thick fender prevents scratches and dings on this bold design.
Riviera Brings Inner Child Help
Riviera owners have brought out their ‘inner child’ to help Western Australia’s sick kids at the 3rd R Marine Perth Variety Splash, which was held from February 28 to March 5. Donning colourful character costumes such as, the Smurfs, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Top Gun, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and the Addams Family, 80 owners and their guests on board 21 Rivieras got into the spirit of the Splash as they left Fremantle Harbour on Thursday, February 28 for five days of fun filled activities during their voyage to the picturesque Geographe Bay. In its third year, the Variety Splash has grown significantly to become one of R Marine Perth’s biggest calendar events raising more than $225,000 to date for the children’s charity. R Marine Perth dealer principal Brendon Grieve said the Variety Splash gave owners the chance to give back and help sick, special needs, and disadvantaged children live, laugh and learn. Variety WA CEO Michael Pailthorpe said the ‘Splash’ had proven to be a wonderful fundraiser for Variety and WA’s sick, disadvantaged and special needs children. In the lead up to this year’s event, a host of fundraising and social activities were held, beginning with the Variety WA national conference on February 8. Australian actor Michael Caton joined Riviera owners and Variety WA for a day out on the SwanRiver. A fleet of five Rivieras ranging in size from 36 feet to 58 feet left Aquarama Marina at 10am and cruised up the Swan River and into Perth City before returning to Lucky Bay for lunch. On February 9, Riviera owners Jane and Grant Julian hosted the Cabaret Burlesque Dinner Show at Rigbys Bar, raising $5,000 for Variety WA. And on February 15, Variety WA hosted The Great Gatsby Variety Ball. Riviera owner Jane Julian said they thought the Burlesque Fundraiser would be a good excuse to get some friends together for a fun night while helping Variety WA.
Riviera Kooringal Experience
As nine month old baby Kristy Bielenberg sat perched in her high chair in the cockpit of her parent’s 47 Flybridge, it was clear that this was going to be an experience to remember for the whole family. Her parents, Scott and Raelee, took delivery of their 47 in July of last year, and whilst this was their second Riviera, this was their first R Marine Jones Experience. It was also the first time they had taken their new boat to Kooringal. Joining 22 other Rivieras ranging in size from 40 feet to 56 feet, Scott, Raelee and their four daughters, Bianca (12), Emily (10), Jaimee (3), and Kristy (9 months), met Randall and the R Marine Jones team at the southern end of Moreton Island before venturing up the channel to Kooringal. Listed on the Australian Heritage Register, Moreton Island is located 35 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane and is renowned for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and marine life such as green turtles, humpback whales and dugongs. The annual experience is usually held on the Australia Day long weekend at the end of January but the day before scheduled departure, R Marine Jones dealer principal, Randall Jones, decided to postpone the Experience. South East Queensland was battered with torrential rain, flash flooding, 60 knot winds and tornadoes as ex-tropical cyclone Oswald tore through the state during the Australia Day long weekend. R Marine Jones rescheduled the Kooringal Experience to be held on February 15, 16 and 17, and although the wet weather was still hanging around, it didn’t dampen the spirits of the 53 adults and seven children who joined R Marine Jones for the 4th annual Kooringal Experience. For Scott and Raelee, it was an amazing experience, and one that the whole family enjoyed. On the Sunday morning, R Marine Jones led the group out of the narrow inlet and back into the main channel where they each went their separate ways homeward bound and with fond memories of another enjoyable R Marine Jones Experience.
Selene Succesful Partnership in Dusseldorf
Boot Düsseldorf is the largest indoor yacht exhibition in Europe. As a major brand, Selene Yachts was, of course, present at this year’s show. Selene had an eye-catching stand in the Superyacht Hall, where all European dealers were represented. The yard was in contact with many interested parties during the show, which has already resulted in the sale of a beautiful Selene 60 from 2009. In addition, various negotiations are ongoing for possible orders for new builds. Despite the difficult economic times, the Selene Yachts Europe sales team returned home from Düsseldorf in an upbeat frame of mind
Selene Remarkable Story
The enthusiastic owner of the Selene 59 Buena Vista has set up a wonderful website focusing on his beautiful boat (now known as a Selene 60). The site includes the story of why he originally opted for Selene Yachts quality in general, and the reasons why he chose a 59 in particular. The site also provides information on the construction and specifications of the yacht, illustrated with many great pictures. In addition, the owner shares a fascinating travelogue of all the areas in which he has travelled, covering almost the entire Mediterranean area as well as parts of the Pacific Ocean and Australia! Fun stories and stunning images bring you close to the Selene 59 Buena Vista experience.
Viking 49th Anniversary
April 1 marks the 49th anniversary of the Viking Yacht Company. It was on this day in 1964 when Bill and Bob Healey took over Peterson-Viking, a struggling boat builder from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, moved it to New Gretna on the Bass River and began the transformation that made history in the marine industry. Today, Viking is the world's largest and most successful manufacturer of luxurious, high-performance convertible sportfishing yachts. Congratulations to the Healey family for their vision and their support to Viking shipwrights past and present who embraced the Healey's philosophy, guidance and commitment to build a better boat every day.
Viking Blue Times Claims Championship
For more than four months, the best sailfish anglers around the globe have battled for the privilege to don the iconic Quest for the Crest burgundy jackets. At the conclusion of the three leg series, the crew on the Viking 68 Blue Time captured the honor of the jackets. The race was tight but Captain Bill Wieteha achieved the victory by placing 12th at Operation Sailfish in December, 5th at the Sailfish Challenge in February and 2nd at the Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship. Although they didn't earn the jacket, Captain John Dudas and his team on the Viking 52 Open 4 Aces did earn championship rings at the final leg of the series, the Jimmy Johnson National Billfish Championship. The rings are awarded to the top team in the Jimmy Johnson event which is the final leg of the Quest for the Crest series. 4 Aces released 7 fish on Day 1 and 9 on Day 2 to claim the victory. 4 Aces angler Peter Adrian earned the Master Angler title with 11 releases. Thanks to 4 Aces, Blue Time and the Viking 61 De-Bait-Able Viking Yachts took a back-to-back win as the victor in the Boat Builder's Throw Down as the top manufacturer in the tournament as well as the Perpetual Trophy at the Sailfish Challenge. The bronze trophy will be on display at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida until the start of the 2014 series.
Viking Captain of the Year
InTheBite magazine is proud to announce its 2012 Captain of the Year is Rob Moore. Captain Rob, at the helm the of the Viking 70 Enclosed Bridge Fa La Me owned by Frank and Mary Ellen Rodriguez proved that he is at the top of his game. Rob had an incredible season in 2012 leading Fa La Me to an unprecedented string of victories. They were crowned the Bahamas Billfish Champions and went on to win the Bermuda Triple Crown series among others. But this team is not resting on their laurels, they also landed on the leader board at the Hawk's Nest Billfish Blast, Nantucket Blue Fin Blast and most recently won the Buccaneer Cup with 15 sailfish releases proving that when you're hot, you're hot. Congratulations are also in order to fellow Captain of the Year nominees Captain Jason Buck and Captain Keith Greenberg. Jason, captaining Jon Gonsoulin's Viking 56 Done Deal, had an incredible season in the Gulf of Mexico stocking the trophy case with hardware at the Mobile Big Game Memorial Day Tournament as well as Winning the Gulf of Mexico Triple Crown Series, to name just a few. For the second year in a row, Keith has been nominated for his role as David Anderson's captain on the Viking 70 Convertible Krazy Salts. Keith and his crew racked up an impressive string of tournament victories stretching from the Bahamas to Cape May, New Jersey. Founded 10 years ago as a way to recognize the top captain of the season, this award has become the industry's most prestigious honor for the professional sportfishing captain.
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