Absolute and Volvo
Ten years ago, Absolute took a leap of faith and, along with a small group of other boat builders, dared to believe that Volvo Penta IPS could completely change the face of modern leisure boating. It was a bold move but one that Absolute was certain would usher in a new age for the marine industry. After launching at the London Boat Show in 2005, Volvo Penta IPS became an overnight success. Offering customers unparalleled value, the Inboard Performance System boasted an impressive list of advantages for boat builders and end users. During testing, the high-efficiency system proved to be 20% faster than conventional shaft drives, with 30% lower fuel consumption, 15% greater acceleration, 50% lower noise levels and fewer vibrations. But there was one more important benefit that made Absolute sure this was the system that would set them apart from their competitors, more space. Thanks to increased fuel efficiency, the engines could be downsized with no impact on performance. Smaller engines and a more compact engine room, coupled with engine relocation in the hull, instantly created extra space on board something that couldn’t be achieved in a shaft line system using a conventional engine layout. Volvo Penta IPS not only changed the way Absolute designed its yachts; the revolutionary system also changed the way end users interacted with the boat. By maximizing on board space, Volvo Penta IPS completely transformed the interior look and feel of the yacht. Offering more space; added comfort, due to fewer vibrations; and more precise handling, Absolute’s first launch with Volvo Penta IPS the Absolute 56 STC was an instant success. Unveiled at the Cannes Boat Show in 2006 and containing a triple Volvo Penta 1PS600 system, it was a revolutionary launch as it represented the first boat to ever to be fitted with a multiple installation. At last year’s Cannes Boat Show, Absolute launched a completely new class of yacht, known as Navetta. A series designed to show off Absolute’s unity of tradition and technological innovation and intended for boaters who want to live on the water the first boat to debut in this class was the Absolute Navetta 58. At this year’s Cannes Boat Show, Absolute launched its second yacht in the Navetta range the 52. With their virtually vertical bows, towering topsides and upright screens, the Navetta 52 and Navetta 58 are an excellent mix of tradition and modernity. Both contain twin Volvo Penta IPS600 installations, although the Navetta 58 is also available with the slightly larger IPS800. After winning the ‘Best Boat Design’ award at the London Boat Show in January 2015, the Navetta 58 is setting a high standard for its slightly smaller sister.
Acico Yachts Acquires Jongert
Dutch superyacht builder Acico Yachts proudly announced the acquisition of Jongert shipyard in Wieringerwerf. This acquisition guarantees a sustainable future for Jongert, a brand founded in 1953, which has since been renowned for its world-class sailing yachts. The acquisition also strengthens Acico Yachts so it can continue to expand its activities related to building and refitting of large superyachts. Both brands will soon be located and fully operational at the shipyard in Wieringerwerf. These facilities cover a site that spans 44,000 m2, with direct waterfront access, three large production halls and three dedicated workshops devoted to metal work, carpentry, paint work and varnishing.
Azimut Benetti in Cannes and Year in Review
For the Azimut|Benetti Group, the 2015/2016 nautical season opens with significant news aimed at strengthening growth strategies and development of all the markets of reference. With a value of production of over 650 million euros, an increase of about 10% over last year, 265 yachts delivered and a healthy financial position, the sales forecast for the 2014-2015 season shows a positive trend which can be interpreted as sign of a partial recovery of the market. The market scenario is very complex and dynamic for the Group which, during these times of relative instability, has nonetheless worked to strengthen its dealership network all around the world while increasingly working towards having a direct presence in each territory. The aim is to protect and nurture markets, not with a multi-brand distributor, but with exclusive distribution of the Azimut Yachts brand in partnership with the best operators available in these territories. This therefore means markets that are directly and professionally nurtured by experts with local knowledge, customer services provided by Group staff and brand exclusivity. In Europe, the 2014/2015 season closed with an increase in market share which, in this area, represents a third of total volumes. There was an increase in the sales of new models from the up to 50 feet category. Central and North America were the markets of reference for the Group with significant growth in Latin America. A slight drop in the Asia Pacific area which reflects the recent economic downturn in China. This remains however a territory in which the Group has a firm hold and keeps its position of absolute leadership of the market. There has been a very interesting upturn in the Middle East which has been to the benefit of a new and highly efficient distribution network. In Brazil, sales are going well but are slightly penalised by devaluation of the local currency. All in all, an excellent season for Benetti with 18 signed contracts of which 5 were for Custom builds over 50 metres. This also demonstrates the effectiveness of the sales strategy and the superb production capacity of the Italian Megayachtshipyard. The ambitious investment plan will, in line with Group philosophy, continue to renew both products and production processes which are essential for the development of state-of-the-art boats and quality. Product will therefore be at the centre of innovation processes with significant investments aimed at improving comfort and performance. The key issue in the innovation of the Azimut brand name will be the extensive use of carbon fibre which offers a substantial reduction of weight (up to 30% for the very latest Azimut Fly 72). The second key issue will be research aimed at finding the best possible combination between hulls and propulsion units. The Azimut 55S and 77S were designed to house triple IPS drives which, in addition to reducing fuel consumption and improving performance, allow better use of space and therefore facilitate improved comfort (garage and larger cabins). The second generation of Dual mode – Double Chine hulls for the Magellano 66, provide better comfort at different speeds and decrease fuel consumption at low speed. Continuous renovation of the range which, over the past year, has seen the launch of two new models in the up to 50 foot category now followed by the Magellano 66 and Azimut 72 in the 50 to 70 foot category where the Azimut brand leads the market. The new 66 Flybridge and Grande 112 will follow this season. The Grande 112 will sit flank two models of great commercial success in the top category: Azimut 80 and AzimutGrande 95RPH. Needless to say, research leading to improved comfort and performance will also apply to Benetti models. The extensive use of carbon fibre for superstructures, hardtops and roll bars has given excellent results in terms of weight reduction. The performance characteristics of the new Benetti Vivace 125’ are the result of the combination of the new Benetti Fast Displacement hull and the Azipod propulsion system. In addition to numerous Custom models, Benetti also unveils the new Mediterraneo 116 project at Cannes. Every point of contact with enthusiasts and boat owners will speak the language of luxury and Italian style. The collaboration with the studio of Michele De Lucchi, one of the biggest architectural firms in Italy, underlines the determination of Azimut Yachts to position their company at the very highest level. De Lucchi's projects to date include the Zero Pavilion at EXPO and iconic buildings such as the Milan Triennale, the "Palazzo delleEsposizioni" in Rome, the "Neues Museum Berlin" and the "Galleried'Italia" in Piazza della Scala in Milan. Of no less importance are the furnishings and fittings which speak the language of Italian design with brand names such Artemide, Frau and Alias. The entire brand identity of Azimut Yachts and Benetti has been renewed. Publicity campaigns, web sites, catalogues and images of yacht saloons aim to transfer the true values of Made in Italy to all points of contact with clients. The pride felt on entering and taking part in a world characterised by the style and excellence of ‘Made in Italy’ will become an unforgettable experience of contact with a brand name of an exceptional level.In addition to the stands for sector exhibitions, dealer showrooms, clubhouses and other luxury locations which represent the Group all around the world, will also benefit from a complete restyling.
Azimut Awarded Most Innovative Yacht
Organized by the French publishing group LuxMediaGroup, the World Yachts Trophies are considered among the most prestigious awards in the industry. The awards’ ceremony was held on Saturday, September 12th in the elegant framework of the Carlton Hotel in Cannes. Azimut Magellano 66 has been crowned as queen of the gala night winning the 2015 Yacht Trophy in the “Most Innovative Yacht” in the 50’ - 80’ yachts range. Azimut Magellano 66 is one particularly innovative model of the Azimut Yachts range in which significant resources in terms of research and development have invested and follows the full appreciation signals the market gave.
Beneteau and Volvo IPS
An innovation like Volvo Penta IPS comes along once in a lifetime, and Beneteau didn’t waste a second in getting on board with the new propulsion system after learning about it in 2004, the year before it was unveiled at the London Boat Show. Laurent Fabre, now president of Beneteau America, was working as head of powerboat product development at Beneteau when Volvo Penta approached the company about a revolutionary new propulsion system it was developing. “Beneteau has a reputation for leading by innovation, so we were very interested in what this new system was all about,” Fabre says. At the time, Beneteau was developing its own ground-breaking hull, the Air Step®, and redesigning its Flyer 12 and Antares 12 motorboats. Volvo Penta told Beneteau that the system would be best suited to a 12- to 14-meter boat but also cautioned that the new system would require a completely redesigned hull. Beneteau was invited to visit Gothenburg to test drive a prototype installed with Volvo Penta IPS. The new propulsion concept completely turned boating on its head. With its forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers, which work in undisturbed water, thrust is parallel with the hull meaning that all power drives the boat forward, rather than having to counteract asymmetric thrust. The Duoprop system halves power input per propeller, all but eliminating cavitation. Volvo Penta and Beneteau worked closely together, designing a hull especially for Volvo Penta IPS in the Flyer 12 and its counterpart, the flybridge model Antares 12.
Bertram Partners with Lyman-Morse
Fort Lauderdale-based Bertram Yacht today announced it has retained the services of Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding in Thomaston, Maine, to build prototypes of its initial designs. According to Bertram, tooling is underway on its first new model, which will be announced at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. The new model is expected to launch in late spring of 2016. Bertram Yacht is working with Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding to produce initial versions of the highly tooled boats with a design that is focused on an efficient Michael Peters designed ride, and has a projected speed topping 40 knots. As Bertram and Lyman-Morse build the first prototypes in Maine, Bertram will simultaneously continue work toward setting up a state-of-the-art production facility in the Southeastern U.S. to build American boats from the designs of American firm Michael Peters Yacht Design with Caterpillar propulsion.
Bertram Taps Micheal Peters Design for New Models
Fort Lauderdale-based Bertram Yacht announced it has retained Michael Peters Yacht Design of Sarasota, Florida, to create the first new models for the acclaimed boat builder. According to Bertram, the first new product will be announced at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. In conjunction with Michael Peters Yacht Design, Bertram is developing its first new models, and tooling is underway. The new model is expected to launch in late spring of 2016. Founded in 1981 specializing in high-speed boats, Michael Peters Yacht Design (MPYD) combines advanced technology and engineering with clean and efficient design. MPYD designs have garnered numerous design awards and trophies as well as world records, including more than 200 UIM Class 1 racing wins and 19 Offshore World Championships. Twenty years ago, emphasis shifted towards the design of pleasure boats and custom yachts, resulting in more than 30,000 boats built to 450 MPYD designs. Stay tuned for more details from Bertram Yacht as they emerge.
CRN Awarded Invictus Yacht Trophy
CRN, the shipbuilder specialising in the construction of steel and aluminium pleasure vessels between 50 and 90 metres in length, is starting the nautical season celebrating the international award won by the 73-metre M/Y Yalla at the Invictus Yachts Trophies. This contest, organized every year by Luxmedia Group, selects and awards the best yachts built by shipyards from all over the world. The prize-giving ceremony was held on Saturday night, at the end of the Cannes Yachting Festival. The iconic 73-metre yacht built by CRN won in the ‘Best Exterior Design’ category among megayachts between 50 and 75 metres in length. This award goes to the yacht that has stood out for the design of her exteriors and hull lines. The Yalla impressed the highly-qualified jury for her slender and stylish lines that make her profile very rakish, similar to that of a predatory bird. This yacht, developing over 4 decks, is a CRN megayacht entirely designed and built at the Ancona shipyard in cooperation with Omega Architects, who designed her exterior lines, and with Droulers Architecture, who took care of interior design and décor. This vessel – the first ever built by CRN on a 13-metre long naval platform, is a real jewel of the sea, characterized by extremely sleek and sporty lines. All CRN onboard advanced solutions are aimed at enhancing conviviality and social life on board.
Ferretti Group Announcing Strong Growth
At the press conference opening at the Cannes boat show, Ferretti Group’s CEO, Alberto Galassi, presented an initial review of the positive key figures achieved this year, which are fully in line with the ambitious targets announced at the presentation of the Group’s development and growth strategic plans for the three years 2015-2017, focusing on the further development of the Group’s core brands - all largely thanks to Product Research & Development investments totaling € 50 million, which are supporting the launch of as many as 27 new models. More specifically, Ferretti Group’s consolidated orders intake as at 31 August 2015 totals € 253 million, showing a 105% increase over the first eight months of the year 2014. Geographically, in the first eight months of 2015, the Group has continued its sales growth on an international level. In particular, in Europe - Middle East - Africa, the Group’s orders intake as at 31 August 2015 shows a remarkable 187% increase as against the first eight months of 2014, providing further evidence of Ferretti Group’s effective and widespread presence on its ‘historic’ markets. In Asia Pacific too, in the first eight months of the year the Group has seen a considerable increase equal to 96% in the consolidated orders intake as against 31 August 2014, reaffirming the strategic importance of this area in Ferretti Group’s future development prospects. Finally, in the Americas the orders intake as at 31 August 2015 shows a 20% increase as against 31 August 2014, confirming the Group’s growth on all markets. As to the percentage breakdown of the total consolidated orders intake by geographical area as at 31 August 2015, Europe - Middle East - Africa accounts for 59%, Americas for 22% and Asia Pacific for 19%. Ferretti Group’s cash flow and EBIT figures as at 31 August 2015 also show positive performances as against the first eight months of the year 2014, further validating the effectiveness of the strategy implemented by the Group during the last year.
Hatteras Caribbean Cruising
Each year, the Hatteras Antilles Rendezvous, organized by Antilles Yachts Brokerage & Sales of Puerto Rico, brings Hatteras owners together in the Caribbean for a long weekend of cruising, camaraderie, and fun in the sun. The 14th Annual edition of the Rendezvous, held July 9-12, drew Hatteras yachts ranging from 60 to 77 feet to Peter Island Resort and Spa, a scenic, upscale private island resort and marina in the popular British Virgin Islands. The event kicked off on Thursday evening with a welcome cocktail party that included a Martini Challenge. On Friday, the Hatteras owners and their guests gathered by the pool at Peter Island Resort for a delicious outdoor barbecue, then explored the tiny, jewel-like island and lounged on its soft, white-sand beaches. The next morning, John Ward, president and CEO of Hatteras/CABO Yachts, and his team, who attended the Rendezvous, gave the owners an update on new Hatteras Yachts products. On Saturday afternoon, the Hatteras Rendezvous fleet “invaded” nearby Norman Island, which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel Treasure Island, and anchored out in the appropriately named Deadman’s Bay. That evening, the group returned to Peter Island Resort for the Rendezvous’ traditional costume party and awards ceremony.
Jarrett Bay Launches Green Energy Plan
The Jarrett Bay Boatworks management team, with support from GreenTech Solutions, worked with state & federal programs to achieve nearly 60% annual reduction in the emission of harmful gases. In September 2014, Jarrett Bay’s VP of Administration & Development, Ed Stack and Dan Carraway, Director of HR & Safety began the energy consumption overhaul at Jarrett Bay with an assessment by NC State University’s Dr. Stephen Terry and his team of graduate students. Dr. Terry, NCSU’s Industrial Assessment Center Director, leads a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Manufacturing providing energy conservation and cost-reduction assessments for small to medium-sized manufacturers, while also educating the next generation of energy managers. The NCSU initial assessment expressed a need to change out the existing metal halide fixtures with T5 and T8 fluorescent lights. With this proposal in hand, Stack and Carraway consulted with GreenTech Solutions – specialists in applying cutting-edge technologies that reduce energy expenses while improving work environments. Following a thorough walk-through of the Jarrett Bay facilities in Fall 2014, discussions continued with GreenTech and by February 2015 an energy savings report depicted a potential reduction in energy use of 59%. This remarkable number would become attainable by taking NCSU’s recommendation one step further and replacing 375 metal halide fixtures with LED lighting. A project of this scope is commonly cost-prohibitive, but thanks to a partnership with the Carteret-Craven Electrical Cooperative in the form of a rebate, in conjunction with a grant from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), plus the realized annual energy savings, the payback for the complete project is roughly three years. Once the grant was approved from the USDA in May 2015, GreenTech moved to finalize all of the details for the project in June with commencement in August. With this project now complete, the Jarrett Bay facilities can proudly boast they have an annual reduction of nearly 58% of harmful gases including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Not only do the new LED lights provide a generous energy savings, they also produce greater levels of lighting throughout the facility as compared to the former metal halide fixtures – providing a brighter and safer place for nearly 200 Jarrett Bay employees.
Jarrett Bay Coming Soon
It may not look like much now, but an empty space in North Hills will be transformed into a little piece of the Carolina coast right in Raleigh's midtown. Stay tuned for more details and progress updates as our latest storefront for Jarrett Bay apparel nears its grand opening in November!
Jarrett Bay Contango Wins Billfish Triple Header
A big congratulation to the Contango, Jarrett Bay Hull 52 on taking a second place finish in the Cap Cana Classic! An even greater achievement is that Contango was crowned the title holder of the first ever Dominican Billfish Triple Header, racking up an astonishing 4,100 points accumulated throughout the three legs of the series.
Numarine New Brokerage Coperation with Burgess
Numarine and Burgess are proud to announce the signing of a Central Agency agreement for the promotion and marketing of a selected range of yachts in the Numarine range with the following build numbers: 102 Raised Pilot House (hull no. 7); 105 Hard Top (hull no.14) and from the new Explorer range the 30XP (hull no.1) and the 40XP (hull no.1). In addition to this new collaboration Numarine are delighted to announce the successful sale of two of their current flagships to date – the 105 HT – officially marking the entry of this Turkish shipyard into the international super yacht sector.
Riva Winner of Invictus Trophies
Riva triumphed at the “Invictus Yachts Trophies” 2015, the event organized by the French LuxMedia group (publisher of some of the most important magazines in the nautical sector) which rewards the best new developments in yachting world. The Ferretti Group brand was awarded during the evening Gala on the plage at the Carlton Intercontinental Hotel in Cannes, followed by a spectacular parade of the new yachts off the Croisette. The two new jewels in Riva's sporty fleet, the 76’ Perseo coupé and the 88’ Florida open convertible, won two prizes each in the categories they were nominated for. The 76’ Perseo, few days after its launch and its world début at the “Cannes Yachting Festival 2015”, routed the competition in the 50-80 foot (15-24 meters) class, winning the “Best Exterior Design Trophy” and “Most Achieved Trophy”. Equally ruthless was the 88’ Florida, which shut out the competition winning both awards it was up for. Like the 76’ Perseo, the new coupé open convertible won the “Best Exterior Design Trophy” and “Most Achieved Trophy” in the 80-120 foot (24-36 metre) class. The Riva 76’ Perseo and Riva 88’ Florida are the result of the close partnership between Officina Italiana Design and Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and are built at the Group's shipyard in La Spezia. The dual victory at the “Invictus Yachts Trophies” is also doubly pleasing because it was awarded by an international jury which brought the top experts in the sector together with the management of important shipyards and professional brokers, all leading experts in the world nautical industry.
Riviera Launches Recruitment Drive
Growing international and domestic demand for Riviera’s world-class luxury motor yachts has stimulated a new recruitment drive at Australia’s 2015 Marine Industry Exporter of the Year based at Coomera in Queensland. With a growing forward order bank for many of the marque’s impressive new models, Australia’s largest and most-awarded motoryacht-builder has announced the introduction of a fifth manufacturing line to facilitate increased production. Initially, Riviera is seeking to fill 30 new positions to add to the talented 450-strong team of designers, engineers and master craftspeople at its state-of-the-art facility on the Gold Coast. Chief executive officer Wes Moxey said Riviera is actively seeking skilled tradespeople in the disciplines of boat-building, composite marine electrical engineering fit-out, cabinet-making, spray-painting, refinishing, plug and pattern-making. Riviera chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst – who returned the company to private ownership in 2012 said greater refinement, increased luxury, impressive new models and class-leading innovation and dependability were key drivers of increased global demand across the five distinct Riviera model collections. Riviera has recently and in the near future will be showcasing its luxury designs domestically and internationally at: Cannes, Newport, Auckland, Norwalk, Annapolis, Mandurah, Barcelona, and Fort Lauderdale boat shows. General manager Scott Cumming said the name Riviera is synonymous worldwide with hallmark quality, luxury, blue-water sea-keeping ability and unrivalled owner support.
Riviera Whitsundays Experience
There’s nothing quite like the sheer exhilaration of blue-water cruising in company to idyllic destinations to remind Riviera owners why they are so passionate about the rich and rewarding boating lifestyle. For these are the types of passages that build the confidence and skills for people to use their yachts to their full potential, that create the very special memories that last a lifetime, and, importantly, are often the catalyst for long-lasting friendships. Indeed, the camaraderie cultivated on the regular Experience events hosted by Runaway Bay-based Riviera and Belize dealer R Marine Crawley is clearly valued by members of the growing Riviera family of owners who, each winter, travel in convoy north from Queensland’s Gold Coast to the wonderful Whitsundays. The first leg of this exciting annual adventure is the Lady Musgrave Experience, and this year a flotilla comprising 10 luxury Riviera yachts made its way out through the Gold Coast Seaway before being joined by a further four boats en route firstly to Mooloolaba, then Bundaberg Marina and then on to the pristine turquoise waters of the second southern-most island on the iconic Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island. Dealer principal Ben Crawley says Lady Musgrave’s large lagoon and 1192 hectares (2950 acres) of surrounding reef provides an incredibly inspiring anchorage from which Experience participants can enjoy everything from snorkelling and swimming in the warm waters of Capricorn Cays National Park to discovering a vast array of marine life including turtles and marine mammals and all within easy reach of prime and productive fishing destinations on the Outer Reef. And, of course, the social events staged at beautiful locations throughout the voyage are always a highlight. These sentiments were echoed by five-time Riviera owner Don Stalker, who currently owns a 5000 Sport Yacht Del-Lago and continued on to Hamilton Island in company of 10 yachts from the Lady Musgrave Experience. John Goody, who with wife Shirley owns the Riviera 48 Enclosed Flybridge, Nasty III, said this year’s Experience events marked their third Whitsunday passage with the R Marine Crawley team.
Riviera Wonderful Winter Experience
Fresh clean air blew over the transoms as a fleet of Rivieras cruised north from the Gold Coast for the annual R Marine Jones Winter Weekend. Like the fabled Pied Piper, the Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Riv1 led the R Marine Jones fleet and was joined by a flotilla of 15 motor yachts which passed Calypso Bay, Horizon Shores and Brisbane en-route to a safe anchorage in Moreton Bay. Admirably, and undeterred by her husband Peter’s prior commitments, Melissa Woods and her daughter Lilly set off down the Coomera River in their Riviera M400 Sports Cruiser to make the most of a guided and supported trip into magnificent Moreton Bay, with Peter joining them the next day by personal water craft. The decision to head to ‘Club Mud’, an uninhabited mangrove island in the centre of Moreton Bay, was rewarded with a secure anchorage and excellent protection from prevailing winds. Anchors settled in and the wind abated, providing a stunning afternoon for the extended Riviera family of over 42 adults and 12 kids to congregate on the back of three rafted-up Rivieras. A smooth transition from anchor to catch-up was provided by the R Marine Jones tender valet, bringing any fleet members to the impromptu social headquarters where dealer principal Randall Jones and his wife Melinda provided wine and beautiful food prepared by the Riviera Motor Yacht Club Restaurant & Bar located at the Riviera factory. For those who love a little adventure, a small flotilla of tenders headed off to explore the relatively flat Mud Island where tidal flow and a network of mangroves have created creek-like tributaries to the surrounding Moreton Bay. The crystal-clear waters and the sweeping beach of Horseshoe Bay provided the idyllic backdrop for the fleet of Rivieras to drop their picks. Mid afternoon was spent stretching the legs, followed by refreshing sundowners and snacks. As the sun passed over the yard arm, the flotilla pointed their bows towards home. Randall reports that all Rivieras performed very well and the trip has inspired bookings for the next R Marine Jones trip: The Great Sandy Strait Experience from 24-27 September 2015.
Sunseeker Reveal Strong Sale Figures
Sunseeker International is celebrating following a very successful show at the 2015 Cannes Yachting Festival which saw the brand display eight models from its exquisite range and mark a very important milestone for the brand – the delivery of its 100th luxury performance yacht in the 100ft+ “superyacht” category. Sunseeker held a special VIP champagne breakfast event at the showto celebrate the delivery of the brand’s 100th luxury performance yacht in the 100ft+ “superyacht” category. Special guests were invited to attend the event to celebrate this achievement which signals a true coming of age for this iconic British brand. In addition, the highly popular Predator 57 caused a stir when it made its show debut and visitors were able to explore this and other models from across the range, including the versatile and elegant Manhattan 55, the powerful 115 Sport Yacht and the sublimely stylish 86 Yacht. Visitors also learnt more about three exciting new models set for launch in early 2016 - the 131 Yacht, 116 Yacht and 95 Yacht. Sunseeker also revealed the following strong key sales figures for 2015 to date: As at end of August, the order book for 2016 is up 70% year on year (by turnover); the order book for large models (90’ and above) is up 143% year on year (by turnover) reflecting demand for the new 131 Yacht, 116 Yacht and 95 Yacht models due for launch in early 2016; Asia Pacific region orders currently 161% up year on year with additional orders being taken weekly; and North America orders currently up 53% year on year with again, increasing levels of new orders and enquiries.
Sunseeker Celebrates Major Milestone
Sunseeker International held an exclusive celebration at Cannes Yachting Festival to recognise a huge landmark for the business, the delivery of its 100th luxury performance yacht in the 100ft+ “superyacht” category. Sunseeker hosted a VIP champagne breakfast event this morning to celebrate this achievement which signals a true coming of age for this iconic British brand. Sunseeker’s exclusive event was well attended by global press, partner companies, colleagues and owners who all helped Sunseeker celebrate this major milestone. The audience were treated to an insight into the history of Sunseeker from CEO, Phil Popham and John Braithwaite, Co-founder. The launch of Sunseeker’s first 100ft+ model, the 105 Yacht in the summer of 2000, was the initial step in the brand’s progress towards becoming a major player in the superyacht sector. Since then it has taken the company less than fifteen years to reach this impressive milestone, producing on average around seven 100ft+ yachts every year at its manufacturing facilities in Dorset, UK. Sunseeker’s 100ft+ offering has rapidly evolved and now extends from the sleek and powerful 101 Sport Yacht to the majestic flagship 155 Yacht, with a diverse range of options in between. The company also has several exciting new models set for launch in 2016, including the new 131 Yacht and 116 Yacht which have both attracted multiple forward orders from customers until 2017. The company currently builds more boats 80ft and above per year than any other brand. To build on this dominance, it places a clear focus on innovation through an extensive new product development programme aligned to world class manufacturing and support services across the business.
Sunseeker Expands Dealer Network in US
Sunseeker USA announces the appointment of a new authorized dealer, Strong’s Marine, serving clients across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The announcement is part of Sunseeker USA’s continuing focus on strengthening its dealer network in the North American market. Strong's Marine, a fourth generation family business celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, operates three sales and service locations across Long Island: on the Harbor in Port Washington, on the Sound in Mattituck and on Peconic Bay in Southampton. Jeff and Re Strong, along with their son Ryan, oversee a 50+ person staff dedicated to delivering exceptional service. The new partnership will be in evidence at the upcoming Progressive Insurance Norwalk International Boat Show from September 24th–27th. Strong’s will be exhibiting two brand new Sunseekers at the show; a Manhattan 55 and a 68 Sport Yacht – and welcoming clients on board to experience these stunning luxury performance yachts first hand.
Viking Dealer Meeting and Seatrial Event
Taking boat building to the next level was the theme of the Viking Yacht Dealer Meeting last week at the Golden Nugget Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Speaking before an audience of nearly 100 of Viking's domestic and international dealer network principals, Patrick Healey said: "Product starts with us and this allows the distribution so our Viking brand grows globally. As our fiscal year ended on July 31st Viking had delivered 65 yachts from 42 to 92 feet." The new model year begins with the launch of Viking's latest, the 80 Convertible, which was shown and sea trialed by the dealers. Over 90 customers took part in sea trials aboard nine boats on display. The Viking 80 Convertible will have its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in November. This will be followed by the launch of the 80 Enclosed Bridge Convertible at the company's VIP Preview at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, in January 2016, followed by the Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show in February.
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