Improve-it = Baglietto 44m

"Monokini", the third hull in Baglietto’s FAST 44m line, which marks a true rebirth for the Seagull brand, was launched last Saturday. The ceremony, which was held privately as required by the owner, was attended by his representatives, Baglietto’s employees, who were present with their families, the Company’s Suppliers, and the Top Management of builder and the Gavio Group, which controls the La Spezia based shipyard. Some local and regional authorities also took part in the event privately, so as to celebrate Baglietto’s recent comeback in business together with the Company and its staff. "Monokini" is the natural evolution of the 44 FAST line, whose first two models were M/Y Tatiana per Sempre and her sistership Apache II. Featuring an aggressive silver hull, this yacht is characterised by streamlined, sleek outer lines reflecting the unmistakable style of designer Francesco Paszkowski Design, who keeps interpreting the Seagull’s philosophy at best. Her soft, stylish interiors have been created by designer Alberto Mancini, while Baglietto took care of naval architecture and engineering aspects.  44 meters long, over eight wide and featuring an aluminium hull and superstructure, this yacht can host ten passengers in five cabins, all located on the lower deck, as well as 8 crew members. Thanks to twin MTU 3600hp engines she can reach an impressive maximum speed of 30 knots in the utmost comfort, while the four at-anchor stabilisers grant flawless stability even when the yacht is far out at sea. The interiors draw inspiration from the rational and yet sophisticated world of aviation. Wood, steel and leather, the materials used all over the yacht combine harmoniously into a skillful blend of cream, beige and grey shades that create a stylish, refined atmosphere.  The wood used for the bulwarks, bleached sycamore can also be found in all ceiling panels and, together with the ash & Wengé parquet and the dove-colour silk inserts, conveys a sense of calm and refinement. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing, similar to that found on large private jets, and is further enhanced by a skillful use of lighting, aimed at 'softening' the wood curves even more.  Almost all interior and outdoor furniture is custom-made: sofas, tables, lamps and handles have indeed been customised to fulfil the Owner’s wishes and requirements.  A distinguishing feature on this yacht versus the two previews 44m models are also the two collapsible side balconies: which become wonderful terraces allowing guests to enjoy incredibly relaxing moments just over the sea.  The yacht will be classified RINA and MCA for commercial purposes.
www.baglietto.com

Project: XL Marine 76

Its a difficult time for many boat builders in Europe and Italy, but non the less some of these are still bringing interesting projects to the market in order to create reaction from clients.  XL Marine is one these builders who after presenting the projects of a 60, and 65 models in the past, adds to this a new 76 flagship.  This new 76 is still just a rendering but proposes in bigger dimensions the features which are found in all the Rome Italian builder models.  A classic open sport yacht with flash deck, squared stern, and rounded windshield.  Also in this model XL Marine shows again the hard top which the company proposed in some designs some years ago, but launching its first model with this feature the past Summer with the 51 S.  As for even the small 43, the 76 will follow the principle of XL Marine of a very custom layout plan, which can offer up to four double guest cabins.  Performance although not yet announced is to follow XL Marine traditional speed numbers from mid to high thirties and above forty knots if one chooses large engines and surface drive propulsion units.

www.xlmarine.it

New Model: Jeanneau 43 Velasco

Sailors say is about the voyage, while motor boaters will tell you its the destination.  Does the Jeanneau 42 Voyage call to sail boaters with such a name?  The Jeanneau 42 Voyage is a very difficult model to label. Designed by renowned British designer Tony Castro you can call it in many terms a planning motor boat with explorer looks.  But Jeanneau tells that the planning hull of the 42 Voyage can cruise comfortably at all speed with special features going into the project to make this possible.  Comfort wise the 42 Voyage offers two double cabins with en-suite shower heads below.  The living is located on the main deck this being an incredible light area thanks to the all round trawler like window.   Power is from twin Cummins 380hp with line shafts.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.7 m (44.9ft)

Hull Length - 11.98 m

Beam - 4.13 m

Draft - 1.1 m

Displacement - 10100 kg light

Fuel Capacity - 1200 l

Water Capacity - 400 l

Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins

Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB6.7L 380hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Project - Tony Castro, Jeanneau design

www.jeanneau.com

Project: Lancer 327

Lancer Yachts from Brazil sent us renderings and plans for a project of a new 327.  The 327 adds this Brazilian company its second model along the well received 277, with Lancer design team and Bruno Gonzales with Odillo da Silva following a similar looking pattern to the smaller sister.  Integrated windshield, extended aft bathing platform, and large view windows for the midships cabin are the main feature outside.  The aft deck characteristic is a semi circle dinette.  Inside a two cabins layout is presented with a double berth to fore, and to midships. In between the cabins is a dinette with galley opposite located to starboard.  The guest cabin to midships will also feature a second head, something unusual to be found in a ten meter motor cruiser.  Engine options are not yet advised but the plans do show the 327 with a single engine and stern drive propulsion. 

www.lanceryachts.com.br

New Model: Riviera 565 SUV

Just a couple of days before its Boating Festival, Riviera put into its enviroment the new 565 SUV a continution this range which started with the 445 launched in 2012.  With the SUV series Riviera aim is to combine the high performance blue water cruising capabilities of the classic Flybridge with the fish raising abilities of the Offshore Express, and the single-level leisurely entertaining features of the popular Sport Yacht series, creating a unique true bridge between the other range from the down under firm. The 565 SUV features a three cabins and two bathrooms layout, with a flexible accommodation plan amd sleeping capacity for six to eight adults. The stately full-beam master suite features a king size island bed, large hull windows and optional opening port holes for cross ventilation, a walk-in robe, and a lounge.  The forward cabin has an optional layout with the choice of either a queen size island bed or a triple bunk bed arrangement, as displayed on hull one. This cabin also features large hull windows and deck hatch for ventilation.  The third cabin has two metre long bunk beds, making this vessel ideal for extended stays aboard with family or friends. The new 565 SUV has many clever design and aesthetic features such as the sleek low profile hardtop, with two large manually sliding glass sunroof hatches, which bring an abundance of natural light and fresh air into the saloon.  The large helm station to port has plenty of room for electronics including three display screens, controls and a joystick. There are four high-quality helm chairs, two of which swivel 180 degrees to face the saloon allowing occupants to join in the conversation in the saloon area. A key design feature that sets this model apart is the expansive and uncluttered cockpit space with plenty of storage including, an insulated fish bin to starboard, plus clever storage inside the engine room hatch; simply lift up the hinged cockpit floor and the two large fore and aft fish/storage bins lift with the deck whilst a third square storage compartment is revealed. The mezzanine seating to port also features a top loading refrigerated cool box under the seating. There is the option to have a barbecue centre in the transom with barbecue, sink, rubbish bin and storage or optional live bait tank or standard storage bin, as well as an optional hydraulic swim platform for a smaller tender. Engines are twin Volvo 700hp with IPS900 pod drives which give a top speed of 32 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.5 m (60.9ft)

Hull Length - 17.2 m

Beam - 5.13 m

Draft - 1.30 m incl props

Displacement - 22,300 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 3500 l

Water Capacity - 750 l

Accommodation - 6 or  7 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 700hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS900 pod drives

Speed - 32 knots max, 28 cruise

Range - 452 nm at 28 knots, 477 nm at 24 knots
www.riviera.com.au

Project: Overmarine Mangusta 94

Overmarine Mangusta 94 was created as a natural evolution of the 92 and is just under 30 metres in length.  With this new Mangusta 94 project,  Overmarine highly regarded series of large open hard top super sport yachts redevelops the concept of the mega open with new features that include a sundeck and a completely reinvented fore deck that besides the sundeck, includes a divan and table suitable for dining in this part. Primary importance has been given to natural light thanks to the four ceiling skylights of the main salon and the large view window in the Master’s cabin, where there are also two portholes which can be opened.  Standard layout is three double cabins with a lower saloon in between the rooms also located below.  The crew area located to midships behind the owners room features two cabins, a mess room and a galley. Power is twin 2600hp MTU with water jet propulsion which give a max speed of 38 knots 

www.mangustayachts.com

Improve-it = Hatteras 80 Motor Yacht

Waiting for its new flagship 100 RPH to become a reality, Hatteras decided well to update and tweak its current largest model, the 80 Motor Yacht.  There are many differences which distinct this new generation 80 Motor Yacht from its predecessor from sleeker side view windows in the full beam midships located owners stateroom, to a fore deck settee, and a leaner stern with the option of an up and down bathing platform.  Three total options characterize the 80 Motor Yacht in the layout, from the choice of an optional Skylounge, to two versions of the guest cabins plan.  Both of which four cabins and the main difference of having two heads one of which takes place of the walking wardrobe in the standard plan.    

www.hatterasyachts.com 

Project: Greenline 46

It was just 2010 when Greenline debuted its 33 model, an innovative hybrid powered explorer cruiser which in just a couple of years caught the interest of three hundred plus buyers.  Fast forward to 2012 and the next Greenline, the 40 model is launched along with a new line of OceanClass flagships which debuted also in the same year with the 70.  Now the next chapter for Seaway the mother company is this 46 project a three double cabins hybrid flybridge motor cruiser.   Designed by JandJ Project and engineered by Seaway, this new 46 surprises for its comfort and well laid interior which will receive a lot of good market feedback thanks to the three cabins layout and astern galley.  Power options will be a four engines choice from Volvo and Cummins which starts at 220 and ends at 380hp.  Top speed is 23 knots with the large engine choice and a 20% load.  The electric motor option at 60V can give a max speed of 6 knots, 4 of cruise and a 20 nautical miles autonomy.   

www.greenlinehybrid.com

blogger - Some Happening!

It seems that after a year with not much happening, the Endurance racing series of offshore powerboating might have a better turn around in 2013. So far we have three  Grand Prix announced; Netherlands from 24 to the 26 May, Belgium from 15 to 16 June, and then its again in the Netherlands from the 5 to 6 October. 

This is definitely a start and looks much better to what the 2012 season looked like, when only the Rome Offshore Speed race was scheduled in July.  Hopefully a couple more places will join up if the excitement bulb switches on.  We know that Italy has always been passionate about the Endurance class,  so hopefully some race can also happen in the South European peninsula. 

Italians along with US drivers and builders carries the most success in this series, even before it went in a category of its own and it was Class 1 back in the days, eighties and before.  That is when Class 1 was much more an offshore series with such legendary races as the Viareggio - Bastia, and Cowes Torquay being symbols of a past where sea challenging along with speed was an important factor.

With three races this can be called a championship, and now its up to see how many competitors turn around and what kind of interest this will bring.  In its peak the Endurance Class Series with its name as Powerboat P1 gathered a high interest with some racing towns also having over 100,000 spectators by the sea side watching the races, and at times having twenty plus total boats competing in Supersport and Evolution classes. 

Monthly News - April 2013

-pic of the month- Ferretti Group New Appointment

Atlantis Debut Model in China
Making its first appearance in China at Hainan is the Atlantis by Azimut brand, a collection of Azimut|Benetti Group sport-cruisers. A combination of pure Italian sportiness and creativity, they are the result of the skill and inspiration of the best Italian designers and are dedicated to those who like real thrills. They are not merely stylish and a perfect balance in terms of quality and value, but they also offer safety and high performance thanks to the highest, technological standards, guaranteed By Azimut. The collection ranges six models from 34 to 60 feet including the wonderful Verve, a comfortable and secure walkaround for mid-range cruising. Atlantis 38 has been chosen to represent the entire collection, as it interprets its concept perfectly: sporty style and superb liveability both inside and out thanks to the adaptable spaces. In Atlantis 38’s twelve metres you will find all the brand’s distinctive features: a sleek, aggressive line, a sporty hull, and windows and hard top integrated into the yacht’s lines, which is what makes the brand so recognisable. 

Azimut Benetti Group Two Important Awards in China
Azimut | Benetti Group’s commitment on Eastern markets, which led to a progressive consolidation of its leadership, also thanks to the experience matured over 30 years of continuous presence in the territory, was once again recognized and rewarded. On the occasion of the ninth edition of the Asia Boating Awards, an event organized by Blu Inc. (publishing group of "Asia Pacific Boating" and “China Boating” magazines), important awards were in fact assigned to boats that best represent the style and quality of two of the most prestigious brands of the Group: Azimut Yachts and Benetti. Benetti Classic Supreme 132 Petrus II was awarded the prize for the "Best Semi Custom Built Yacht" (over 30 meters), while Azimut Magellano 43 was judged the best boat in the "Best Production Motor Yacht" category (up to 15 meters). The awarding ceremony was held last March 29th, at the opening of the Hainan Rendez-Vous, a reference event in the Asian region for the luxury yachting sector, which has been capable of establishing itself successfully in a period of just four years.


Bayliner Invites Fans to Weigh In
Lucky Illinois boater Matt Train joined top marine journalists at Bayliner's exclusive press event late last year, revealing the all-new Deck Boat lineup and the revolutionary Bayliner Element.


Bavaria New CEO
The shareholder’s meeting on 17th April 2013 announced Constantin von Bülow as CEO (Chief Executive Officer) to correspond even better to the changed requirements of Bavaria Yachtbau within this challenging environment. Constantin von Bülow has got extensive experience: he started his career at McKinsey and subsequently held various management positions in the automotive and packaging industry. Today he is Senior Vice President of Oaktree Capital. Headed by the former CEO, Dr. Jens Ludmann, Bavaria has progressed considerably during the last 2,5 years. New boats like the Vision 42, the Vision 46 or the Virtess 420 Flybridge have been developed and accepted positively on the market and have earned several awards (e.g. Powerboat of the Year 2013).The cooperation with the dealers was intensified and the Bavaria organisation was strengthened by numerous recruitments. Furthermore Dr. Jens Ludmann reorganized and developed the brand architecture of Bavaria Yachtbau. Even in the future Dr. Jens Ludmann will support the development of the product portfolio of Bavaria Yachtbau as Senior Advisor. The two owners Anchorage Capital and Oaktree Capital are very pleased that Dr. Ludmann will continue his important work for the company.


Benetti 140 Years Anniversary
Benetti is one of the oldest builders of luxury motor yachts in the world. Established by Lorenzo Benetti in 1873, the company began life building wooden boats used for local and international trade. After the death of Lorenzo, his two sons Gino and Emilio took over the management of the boatyard. They changed its name to Fratelli Benetti and quickly built up a reputation that extended far beyond the Mediterranean. After the second world war, with the disappearance of commercial sailing vessels built from wood, Benetti changed direction and began producing pleasure craft made from steel. Then in the early 1960s the boatyard produced its first luxury mega yachts. Since 1980 the fleet has included big motor yachts in the 30 to 60 meter range and beyond, not least the famous 86-meter ‘Nabila’. In 1985 the Boatyard was acquired by the celebrated Turin-based boat builder Azimut Yacht, which brought in new management and transformed Benetti into the modern, technologically advanced reality we know today: a forward-looking and innovative boatyard, but also one that proudly retains its traditional values of experience, skill and a passion for fine craftsmanship. In fact, for Benetti, building yachts means carrying on the tradition of innovation, style and quality that has shaped the company’s approach and culture. It means continuing to diversify production in order to satisfy the increasingly complex needs expressed by Owners throughout the world. Benetti has a time-honoured tradition in yacht building. After abandoning wood and being the first to realise the potential of composite materials for the production of megayachts, as early as the 1960s it made the transition from metal boats to the steel and aluminium. Today Benetti utilizes these materials, alone or combined, to design and build full-custom displacement and semi-displacement motor yachts in a broad variety of lengths from 93 feet to 90+ meters. These truly tailor made vessels embody the Owner’s idea of what a yacht should be, while retaining the Benetti family-feeling that is a natural expression of the finest Italian style and timeless elegance. This production capacity, united with world class quality, fanatical attention to detail and a perfect end result, have made Benetti a world leader and an Italian luxury yacht icon. Over the years the shipyard has grown and changed, not following but anticipating the times. Once the Fratelli Benetti boatyard was famous for building three-masted wooden schooners for commercial use. Today Benetti motor yachts turn heads at the world’s most famous and exclusive ports of call. Stylish, exclusive and extremely well-crafted, Benetti yachts are well established at the height of Italian Excellence. 140 years of history, close to 300 boats built, over 300,000 sq mt of production facilities at six shipyards in Italy (Viareggio, Livorno and Fano), 34 yachts under construction at present time including a 90-meter mega yacht. These facts and figures unambiguously demonstrate the momentum of Benetti’s growth and Clients’ unrestrained confidence in the brand.  It is a success story confirmed by the last “Global Order Book” that awarded Azimut|Benetti Group as the “largest builder in the world for custom yachts over 24 meters” for the thirteenth year in a row.


Ferretti Group New Appointment
The Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in the design, construction and sale of motor yachts with a unique portfolio of some of the most prestigious brands in the world, is pleased to announce that Mr Piero Ferrari, Deputy Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A, has joined the Group’s new Product Strategy Team. His appointment, which was officially announced during the China International Boat Show 2013 - which being held in Shanghai from 11th to 14th April at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center -, is part of a wider management development project aiming to further strengthen the Group’s international development at a time characterised by the need to meet increasingly complex challenges in terms of global presence and sustainable growth.  The main objective of the creation of the new Product Strategy Team is, indeed, to analyse the leading global market trends so as to define the Ferretti Group’s best possible brand and product strategies for each market. The involvement in the new Product Strategy Team of Piero Ferrari, an engineer that always been a great yachting lover and expert, will allow the Ferretti Group to rely on the experience he has gained trough these years in the development of R&D driven luxury products strongly characterized by innovation. The Ferretti Group, which has been one of the pioneers in the boating sector in China, has decided to officially announce the creation of its new Team in Shanghai so as to pay tribute to its close relationship with this country, further strengthened by the Group’s strategic partnership with Weichai Group.

Ferretti China Award
Ferretti Group’s yachts were in the spotlight at the 2013 edition of the prestigious Asia Pacific Boating Awards, organized by the Blu Inc publishing group, the publisher of boating magazines “Asia Pacific Boating” and “China Boating”. Among the awards assigned by a jury of experts to the best international and local boating companies and groups on the Asian continent, the Ferretti 690 was voted “Best Production Motor Yacht” in the category 15-24 metres. The ceremony was held on 29th March, on the eve of the opening of the fourth Hainan Rendez-Vous, the exclusive Chinese luxury show which the Ferretti Group attended displaying as many as six yachts of its fleet.


Grand Banks Miami Recap
Grand Banks saw its best turnout in show attendance since it made the move over to Collins Avenue in 2010. With a slow start Thursday and Friday due to the poor weather, the traffic throughout the weekend steadily increased as the weather did. This years lineup included the all-new 43 Heritage EU and 54 Heritage EU , as well as the 46 Eastbay SX, all three of which were very well attended with many visitors interested in boarding all three models. GB is building on the great momentum seen at this show and is already making preparations for exciting lineups for the 2013 fall boat show season.


Gulf Craft Named Best Asia Built Yacht 2013
Gulf Craft, the UAE-based global manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats, won the “Best Asia Built Yacht” award for the Majesty 135 at the 2013 Asia Boating Awards held on March 29th in Sanya on Hainan Island, China. Launched in 2012, the Majesty 135 is Gulf Craft’s second-largest superyacht design and in just one year has proved to be amongst the most sought after within its portfolio. Powered by MTU 12V 4000 M94 engines, the Majesty 135’s imposing white super structure and hull, accented by a sleek stainless steel fender line, is at the cutting edge of super yacht design technology and features an excellent fuel efficient performance. John Lee, President of Shanghai Bahrfuss Yacht Sales Co., Ltd. – Gulf Craft’srepresentation for Majesty Yachts in China, received the award on behalf of the company. The 2013 Asia Boating Awards ceremony was held on the eve of Hainan Rendez-Vous which runs from March 30th- April 2nd. Gulf Craft has a presence at the Hainan Rendez-Vous show through 2 of its regional dealership partners and will showcase the Majesty 88 a previous Asia Boating Awards winner, as well as Silvercraft 34, a popular model representing its extensive range of family and fishing craft, displayed by Dalian Blue Whale Yacht Club Co.,Ltd.  Gulf Craft will continue through the Asian boat show circuit, with a presence at the China International Boat Show in Shanghai from April 11th-14th showcasing a Majesty 70, and at the Singapore Yacht Show on April 18th – 21st.

Gulf Craft Buoyant Response at Exclusive Preview in Doha
The PearQatar marina in Doha saw a procession of yacht-lovers for three days last month as the “Majesty Yachts Exclusive Preview” by Gulf Craft Inc. a global manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats,ran to a great reception from Qatari customers from the 28th to the 30th of March. The event, which saw the sale of two Majesty Yachts, was Gulf Craft’s second exclusive display in Qatar in as many years. The preview featured the Qatari premiere of a new Majesty 125 Gulf Craft’s third-largest superyacht model - and a brand new Majesty 105, which has already garnered rave reviews at the recently concluded Dubai International Boat Show 2013. Also on display were other popular Gulf Craft models including the Majesty 63, the Majesty 70 and Majesty 77.

Gulf Craft Asia Focus
Gulf Craft, a global manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats, is sharpening its focus and commitment towards the Asian market through a number of sub-dealer appointments in key South East Asiancities and forging ahead with its presence in the region’s most prestigious boat shows, including the China (Shanghai) International Boat Show and the upcoming Singapore Yacht Show. Close on the heels of grabbing the “Best Asia Built Yacht” award for its Majesty 135 superyacht, and its successful participation in the Hainan Rendez-Vousin China as well as Thailand’s Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), Gulf Craft announced the appointment of new representatives in the region. Pangkor Marina SendirianBerhad (PMSB) is the new Gulf Craft representative in Malaysia for Gulf Craft’s Silvercraft, Oryx and Majesty Yachts brands,and has been appointed as a sub-dealer to Go Boating Thailand, the yacht builder’s dealer in Phuket, Thailand. Two new sub-dealers have also been appointed in China, with Shanghai Bahrfuss Yacht Sales Co. Ltd., the China dealer for Gulf Craft’s Majesty Yachts range, choosing Master Yachts as the brand’s Hong Kong representative and Dalian Bo Shi Tong Yacht Co. Ltdfor the northern Chinese city of Dalian. The recently concluded Asia Boating Awards held on March 29th in Sanya on Hainan Island, China, honouredGulf Craft with the “Best Asia Built Yacht” for its new Majesty 135 superyacht, already amongst the most sought after within its portfolio.


Horizon Christens New Launch
After a successful four-day sea trial and boating around Pong Hu, the new Horizon EP115 Tango 5 was christened last Sunday afternoon at Horizon's Premier Shipyard delivery center. Horizon CEO John Lu opened the christening ceremony with a speech thanking new owners Mr. and Mrs. Tang, as well as their families, for their attendance - they traveled from Singapore to Taiwan to participate in the four-day boating and christening of Tango 5. A special guest, Pastor Lu, was invited to lead everyone in a prayer for blessings upon Tango 5 and the Tang family, and Horizon presented the owners with a unique delivery gift: a pair of dolls dancing the Tango. Mr. and Mrs. Tang had the honor of popping open the bottle of christening champagne and toasting their family, John Lu and Horizon's shipyard managers in celebration of Tango 5.


Maritimo US Show Winner
One of the latest creations by the Gold Coast based luxury cruiser manufacturer, Maritimo, the M58 Motor yacht has taken out one of the top marine industry awards in the USA. The M58 with is luxurious full beam master cabin, was the talk of the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show where several of the vessels were sold, and it has been named the AIM Marine Group's First Editor's Choice Award winner. Maritimo USA President Dave Northrop said the award win was a great honour for Maritimo. The M58 has resulted from Maritimo's strategic decision 18 months ago to re-focus on its core strengths, the flybridge motor yacht range, and produce a series of new generation motor yachts that were a step ahead of anything else on the market. Maritimo's sales and marketing manager Greg Haines said the re-focus had seen every aspect of the motor yacht range reviewed, refined and re-created. Mr Northrop said there were 14 dealers in the Maritimo USA network.

Maritimo World Champions
After more than 20 years of competition at an international level and numerous podium placings the Maritimo Offshore Racing team has taken out a World championship. The World Offshore Power Boat Championships in Key West, USA over the weekend saw the Maritimo entry win the Superboat category beating all other international contenders.  The Maritimo boat was driven by the company's 'go to skipper' Ross Willaton and Pete McGrath with fellow Gold Coast crew members Garry Smith, Mark Tolcher and Kurt Davies. Ross Willaton said the World Championship was decided over a three race series. Maritimo came fourth in the first race, first in the second and first in the third and final event winning by 7.5 points overall. There were eight other boats in the category and the runner up was Team Stihl from the USA.


Mulder New Yard Full Operational
The new facility of Mulder Shipyard is in full swing. Early April 2013 three new yacht are under construction: the Mulder 98 Flybridge, the new Mulder 75 Wheelhouse and the Built by Mulder "Bellagio. Besides all new builts there are an average of eight yachts for maintenance and refit, including the Mulder 59 Open "Sunrise" with an extensive refit. In mid-July, the aluminium hull and superstructure of the new Mulder 94 Voyager arrive on site. The Omega Architects designed 28.5m motoryacht will be finished for the summer of 2014. Mulder Shipyard is very pleased with the market expansion and the ability to offer its customers more service and possibilities.

Mulder Refit Services
Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands is enjoying a very busy time with a number of fine yachts recently launched and several new ones slated for delivery in the near future. In addition, the yard’s extra new facility in Zoeterwoude Rijndijk will be ready in the next few weeks. This site will open a new era for Mulder Shipyard, which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2013. The existing yard in Voorschoten will stay open and be used for maintenance, refit and storage of yachts up to 18 metres. At Mulder, every refit, large or small, is seen as a matter of teamwork. The in-house designers, engineers and craftsmen are ready to ensure that each yacht fully satisfies her owners’ personal style and needs. The work always follows a plan set up in advance, and Mulder’s experienced project managers chart the possibilities based on a predefined budget. The facility in Voorschoten will switch from yacht construction to the maintenance, service and storage of yachts up to 18 metres in length. Yacht owners will have several large and small operations at their disposal here, including engine servicing or electrical systems adjustments. Complete refits will also be possible. Maintenance which does not need the yacht to be lifted can be carried out in the 500 square meters boathouse, which also entails into significant cost savings.


Overmarine Announces the Sale of Two Units
The Overmarine Group took part at the recent Hainan Rendez-Vous in China (Sanya, 30th March-2nd April) with new partner Martello Yachting. The boat show was an opportunity to announce the sale of two yachts: another 50 metre flagship from the Mangusta 165 range and hull no. 30 of the Mangusta 108 model. This is further confirmation of the success and strong presence of the Mangusta brand on the world panorama of luxury yachts. Since 2007, the year in which it was presented, this model has become an icon of and reference point on the world panorama: 9 units sold in fewer than 6 years tell of both how extraordinary and unique this Maxi Open Yacht is and the pride of a Group which has known how to look ahead and invest over the past few years.  Measuring 50 metres in length and with a top speed of 40 knots, Mangusta 165 is the fastest composite Maxi Open Yacht ever to be built. Unrivalled in terms of comfort, too, the volumes can be compared with those of a three deck yacht of the same size, something entirely unsuspected from the outside owing to her pure lines and sporty profile.


Pershing New Accesories by Poltrona Frau
Pershing, brand of the Ferretti Group, among the leading international manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts, ranging from 15 to 35 metres, will launch in partnership with Poltrona Frau a prestigious set of elegant suitcases, confirming the great care to design that has always characterized Pershing yachts. The collaboration between the Ferretti Group brand and Poltrona Frau, since 1912 synonymous with top Italian quality and craftsmanship, started in 2006 with the famous Pershing 72’, a yacht that anticipated the trends and tastes of the nautical world. This new set dedicated to ship owner seals the historic partnership between the two brands, creating a perfect marriage between Poltrona Frau craftsmanship and the outstanding style and performance features of Pershing yachts: two universes whose common goal is to meet the requirements of demanding and refined clients who love Italian excellence, offering them prestigious products that are appreciated all over the world. This set, exclusively designed by Poltrona Frau for the brand of Ferretti Group, is made of precious Frau SC milk-white leather with dove grey seaming, which creates a delicate contrast. In perfect agreement with the sporty attitude of Pershing yachts, renowned for their sharp profile that cuts through waves, the design of this set dedicated to ship owners imitates a stylized wave onto which lies the Pershing logo, embroidered with the same color of finishes. The kit comes in different versions according to the size of yachts: a set with a trolley, a beauty case and two travel bags is available for yachts from 50 to 74 feet, while the set for yachts from 82 to 115 feet also includes a tablet case, a PC case, a travel bag and a second beauty case. The set is also enriched with elegant polished nickel chromium-plated finishes, Pershing personalized laser cut zippers and inked ribs matching SC leather, a classic by Poltrona Frau. The line of Poltrona Frau accessories will therefore further enrich the range of customized solutions offered to Pershing yacht owners, always looking for new aesthetic and stylistic solutions that can add a high quality standard and a promptly recognizable style to their yachts. These truly elegant items reflect the life of their owners and accompany – also at sea – their daily actions with the tactile and visual beauty of Poltrona Frau leather. This is the objective in designing and manufacturing these exclusive leather cases, which perfectly fit Pershing’s philosophy of focusing on its clients’ requirements offering them the best in terms of comfort and on board livability.  Tailoring attention and maximum care for each detail make Pershing yachts a symbol of Made in Italy all over the world, with a unique style enriched by the quality of furnishings, and now also accessories, signed by Poltrona Frau.


Princess Government Seal
We were delighted to host the UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Vince Cable, during his recent tour of the South West of England. During his visit the Business Secretary confirmed that Princess Yachts can now begin drawing down on the £4.6 million Government Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant awarded in 2011. Princess won financial backing from the RGF for a major investment to create a world leading boat building facility at the company’s South Yard site. The investment has already created 290 jobs and helped safeguard a further 400. The South Yard site is being used to build Princess’s M Class yachts, a range of 100-foot plus vessels developed to meet the growing global demand for craft of this size. With the first of these craft having been launched to great acclaim the Company is confident of further growth in this market. Launched in January 2011, the debut M Class craft, the Princess 32M, has gone on to win multiple awards and in 2012 Princess launched their flagship Princess 40M, a 130-foot tri-deck yacht, which has already received an award for 'Best Production Motor Yacht' at the Asia Boating Awards and has received multiple awards nominations worldwide, the results of which will be announced in the coming months.

Riviera 25 Years
As one of Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show’s founding brands, Riviera will mark the 25 year milestone with the Queensland debut of four stunning new models at the four day event held from May 23 to 26. The new 43 Open Flybridge with aft galley, the 5000 Sport Yacht next generation, the 5800 Sport Yacht now with twin Volvo IPS 900 propulsion, and the new 445 SUV will feature at Riviera’s impressive AUD$5 million floating display. These latest new models from Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder are a culmination of Riviera’s rich 33 year heritage, global owner feedback, the latest 3-D CAD design technology, and a team of in-house international designers. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said Riviera has enjoyed a long association with the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show and it was great to be sharing such an important milestone. To coincide with Riviera’s presence at Sanctuary Cove, Riviera will also stage the Festival of Boating for owners and aspiring power boat owners. Featuring 76 educational workshops and social events, and a unique $15 million red carpet on-water boat show that is all under cover. The Festival of Boating will also mark the world release of the new 565 SUV, as well as featuring a full interior mock-up of the new 50 Enclosed Flybridge ahead of her August world release. The Riviera Festival of Boating will be held at Riviera’s 14-hectare state-of-the-art facility and offers free entry, free parking and ferry transfers to Sanctuary Cove for registered guests.

Riviera Record Game Fishing Results
Record game fishing results have been achieved at the 2013 Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic, which was held on April 6 and 7. Event organiser Peter Teakle said 897 tuna were caught and released at this year’s tournament, which he believed was a provisional new world record. Fishing is over two days from 9am until 6pm on Saturday and 8am until 3pm on Sunday and takes place within a stipulated fishing zone to ensure a level and affordable playing field. This also helps to keep the tournament more social as competitors anchor up together in one of the secluded bays of the many islands located within the fishing zone. Each team consists of four anglers who may interchange with a skipper or deckhand. The Tuna Classic begins with a spectacular sail past and dramatic start as the lead boat, the historic Tacoma, the classic 60 year old Tuna trawler credited as being the founder of the Port Lincoln Tuna fishing industry sounds her horns, which indicates the commencement of the race to Memory Cove and the preparations to start fishing at 9am. Mr Teakle said his goal was to create a family friendly, professional and world-class game fishing tournament. The trophy for Champion Boat was awarded to the team on board Bryan Stokes’ Riviera 70 Enclosed Flybridge C’World for catching and releasing 125 tuna over 780 millimetres in length. Tournament qualifying Southern Bluefin Tuna must be 780 millimetres from the hook of the tail to the nose of the fish, which equates to about 10 kilograms or line matching fish. Aluminium rods are made to this length for ease of quick measurement and were supplied to each competing boat along with their tournament bag. Mr Stokes has competed in the Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic since its inception eight years ago. He said it was a real thrill to land 125 tuna over the two day tournament. The Runner up trophy was awarded to the team on board Majessnik, a 42 foot Riviera for catching and releasing 107 fish. Champion male angler went to Elio Auciello on Majessnik for catching and releasing 43 fish. Runner up male angler went to Rick Tidswell on Riviera 42 Jazz2 for catching and releasing 37 fish. Champion female angler was awarded to Meghan Tapley on board Riviera 4000 Noble One for catching and releasing 29 fish. Runner up female angler went to Susan Tarbotton on board Riviera 56 Tari for catching and releasing 22 fish. Champion junior angler was awarded to Pamela Platt on board Noble One for catching and releasing 19 fish and runner up went to Bailey Godwin on board Tari Two for catching and releasing nine fish. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said that Riviera was very proud of its long association with the Tuna Classic. Event organisers are already planning next year’s Riviera Port Lincoln Tuna Classic which will be held on the 3rd and 4th of May 2014 and look forward to another successful event.


Sunseeker Scoops Awards in Asia
We're delighted to announce that Sunseeker has been awarded the 'Best Brand Presence in Asia' title at the recent Asia Boating Awards. The Asia Boating Awards recognise the very best in the maritime industry, not only throughout Asia but also on an international level. In its ninth year, the awards are the benchmark for the industry so it is great achievement for Sunseeker to be awarded this accolade. The awards ceremony, which was held on 29 March, proved to be the perfect opening to the Hainan Rendezvous, which launched the following day. Not only did Sunseeker scoop the 'Best Brand Presence in Asia' award but it also had a fantastic few days at the Boat Show with some of its star yachts such as the Sunseeker 80 Yacht and 88 Yacht on display.