Project: Baglietto 46m Fast

Baglietto’s 46 m hull #10221 is due to be launched in just over a month, marking the birth of the La Spezia based boat builder’s new Fast line. The 46m Fast is an evolution of previous models, but also ensuring great continuity with the brand’s tradition, is the result of Baglietto’s cooperation with Francesco Paszkowski Design.  Following in the wake of the sleek aluminium planing yachts that have made the brand’s success all over the world, the new 46 m Fast stands out for its streamlined bow and rakish lines expressing a strong personality, but can also boast an imposing stern, thereby maintaining the family feeling with previous Baglietto yachts. The trapeze-shaped windows in the hull alternate with rectangular ones arranged on two different levels, enhancing the slender shape of the hull and giving a more contemporary touch to the yacht's highly charming outer profile. Another new element characterizing the exterior lines is the compact shape of the superstructure, which is not too high to enhance aerodynamic penetration.  When designing this new super yacht, great care was also devoted to maximizing the outdoor areas, so as to allow passengers to be in closer contact with the sea when both cruising and at anchor, and to enjoy conviviality in the open air. The aft area of the upper deck is indeed like a huge open terrace overlooking the sea: featuring teak floors, it can be furnished with a large table and a spacious sunbathing area.  Fitting-out operations are now about to be completed in the interiors, which have once more been designed by Paszkowski and architect Margherita Casprini and stand out for incredibly spacious volumes for a planing vessel of this size.  The warm shades of rosewood alternate with the colder white lacquered ceiling and side panels, resulting in very refined, contemporary, stylish interiors. The traditional layout offers four ensuite guest cabins on the lower deck, and a master state room on the main deck featuring an office dressing room, and the bathroom. The upper deck is large enough to host a comfortable salon with lounge area, the captain’s cabin, and the helm station, while the crew quarters, are located on the lower deck, and will feature four twin cabins plus a single cabin and the dinette. The yacht, entirely built in aluminium, will be pushed to a maximum speed of approximately 28 knots by twin MTU engines. It is classified with Lloyd's Register of Shipping and compliant to MCA standards.

www.baglietto.com

New Model: Riviera 52 Enclosed Bridge

Riviera continue to update its line up and the 52 Enclosed Bridge sitting in the middle of its range, and entry level into motor yacht world is a shining example of the down under builder strengths.  That is creating comfortable cruising yachts with performance and sea keeping qualities matching those of sleeker looking vessels.  As many of the last decade Riviera's the 52 unites the cruising and the sportfishing world in a contemporary looking enclosed flybridge motor yacht. Much more a cruiser then a sportfisher, the 52 Enclosed Bridge offers intelligent accommodation solutions, see astern galley, internal staircase to the bridge, and a three cabin layout offered in two versions; master stateroom to fore, or two at midships port-side.  In the performance side the 52 Enclosed Bridge again captures a cruiser sensitivity of being powered by twin Volvo 725hp engine with IPS pod drive propulsion, delivering a respectful 32 knots max speed and 25 cruise.  Not bad considering the 25 tons dry or near to thirty loaded. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.26 m (56.9ft)

Hull Length - 16.1 m

Beam - 5.01 m

Draft - 1.4 m incl props

Displacement - 24,960 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 3500 l

Water Capacity - 750 l

Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives

Speed - 32 knots max, 25 knots cruise

Range - 378 nm at 25 knots

Certification - ISO 8666 dimensions

www.riviera.com.au

Project: Canados Oceanic 76

Returning to full production with new ownership, ideas and a revamp of the range Canados look ahead, with the famed Rome yacht builder tooling its new entry level model the Oceanic 76.  Like the other bigger Oceanic the 76 will feature the famed Displaning hull form, which coupled to twin Cat 1150hp engines will reach max speed of 26 knots and cruise in the 18-20 range.  The interior of the Oceanic 76 will be offered in a three or four cabins option. While the exterior as the image above shows will be of huge size, both for the gigantic aft deck, or the over sized flybridge up top.

www.canados.com  

New Model: Admiral 50m GC Force

The Italian super yacht builder Admiral has announced that its 50 metre GC Force named Ouranos has been launched. Built with a steel hull and aluminium super structure the 50 meter GC Force reaches a maximum speed of 15 knots and features a full displacement hull. It was launched at The Italian Sea Group shipyard in Marina di Carrara. The interior is a mixture of natural leather and refined joinery and was designed by Gian Marco Campanino together with the Admiral Centro Stile.  Guests are accommodated over six staterooms, including the master suite on the main deck. This features a private office and walk-in wardrobe. The three decks are connected by a steel and glass lift. The main design feature of the 50 meter GC Force according to Admiral, is the two saloons on the main and upper decks. These are virtually connected by continuous full headroom side windows which go from the main deck sideways up to the upper saloon ceilings. The beach club, which offers in and out spaces, is described as the most iconic feature of the GC Force 50. The very aft end of the yacht is an open terrace on the sea. It can be used both at anchor or when cruising. Two side opening hull ports means the beach club can be enlarged, creating two other terraces. The exterior spaces also include the main deck aft cockpit. The upper aft cockpit has been designed as the main exterior dining space, while the sun deck is the party area. It features a large Jacuzzi surrounded by sunbeds.

Technical Data:

LOA - 49.6 m (162.7ft)

Beam - 9.10 m

Fuel Capacity - 80,000 l

Accommodation - 12 + 2 guests in 6 cabins, 9 crew in 6 cabins

Engines - 2 x Man 1400hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 15 knots max, 14 knots cruise

Hull Shape - full displacement

Construction - steel hull, aluminium super structure

Project - Unielle Yacht Design, Admiral Centro Stile

www.admiral-yachts.com

Project: Airon Marine 5400 T-Top

With a project for a new 5400 T-Top flagship Airon Marine shows that after the difficult times which surrounded the Italian nautical industry of past years, the last months have been glimmering a light at the end of the tunnel.  May be it is a sign of things to come by Airon Marine headed by Paolo Molinari and his sons, but this is an interesting sports yacht and new flagship from the Lake Como boat builder.  The 5400 T-Top is a three double cabins sport yachts with the usual propulsion and semi custom versatility associated with Airon in all its range from the smaller to the larger of models. Main feature of the Airon Marine will be a lower deck dedicated to a galley located at port side, and three double cabins all with own private shower head.  Main owners room is a full beam midships located suite, with toilet and shower duties located to port side.  A crew cabin is located at midships in between the owners cabin and engine room.  Up top in a fully enclosed or open enivorment will be a layout offering a C-shape dinette and chaise lounge to port, with helm station and a second galley to starboard.  Aft deck will feature a dinette with opposing settees which can transform to a sun-pad if lowering the table.  Tender stowage will be in an aft garage. Engine choices will come all from Volvo from twin 900hp on line shafts, or 626hp and 725hp with IPS pod propulsion.

www.aironmarine.it

New Model: Prestige 680

Prestige continue to upgrade its Yacht Division line with the launch of its new 680, currently the second largest model of its range and following up on the positive critics the 750 received.  Like the 750 the new Prestige 680 designed by JandJ and Garroni unlike trends of the last decade or so in this size, features an innovative owners stateroom forward with an independent entrance layout.  Three or two other cabins depending layout choice are located at midships, with a crew cabin sleeping two at aft.  The main deck and living quarters of the Prestige 680 is centered around the astern galley located by the patio door to port side, opposite this is a dining table for eight, while forward is the helm and relaxing L-shaped sofa.  The Prestige 680 will be powered by twin Volvo 900hp with the largest of the IPS pod drive units.  These units, rather small for a 21 meter motor yacht reach okay speeds of 30 knots max and 25 cruise thanks also to a light displacement of only 29 tons in dry mode.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.48 m (70.4ft)

Hull Length - 19 m
Waterline Length - 16.8 m

Beam - 5.33 m

Draft - 1.58 m

Displacement - 29800 kg light, 39,600 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3450 l

Water Capacity - 920 l

Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew in 1 cabin

Max Persons - 16

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 900hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Speed - 30 knots max, 25 knots cruise

Range - 350 nm at cruise
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 17 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - Infusion polyester resin with sandwich in Airex core

Project - JandJ, Garoni

Certification - CE B-16

www.prestige-yachts.com

Project: Galeon 365 HTS

Galeon presents the projects for a 365 HTS, those three letters standing up for hard-top sports.  Continuing into Galeon's third generation integrated exterior looks, the 365 HTS stands for being one of the most sleek looking sport cruisers with patio door main deck and a size of eleven meters.  The 365 will feature a double cabin interior sleeping four below decks.  An open layout with a double berth forward is joined by a galley to port side, and an L-shaped dinette just before the bed. At midships we find a double berth cabin.  The main deck offers a standard med sport cruiser layout with an aft sun-pad, large C-shaped dinette to port side, and helm station and galley to starboard.  Power comes from twin engines with a maximum total 700hp option.    

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Mulder 34.00M

Mulder's largest build to date, this fully custom 34 meter steel hull aluminium super structure shows the stuff of things to come from Rijndijk in the Netherlands.  Since relocating in the new facility in 2013, the Mulder household has been building larger yachts and the 34.00M designed by Claydon Reeves and Van Oossanen for naval architecture is testimony of the fully custom construction capability of the Dutch builder. Claydon Reeves for this Mulder designed interesting contemporary lines offered in a two half deck raised pilot house, coupled with an accommodation with four double guest accommodation below in four suites.  Crew quarters offers accommodation for seven persons. Engines are twin Cats 670hp giving top speed of 13 knots, cruise of 11 and a long range of 10 offering a 3800 nautical miles distance capability.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 34 m (111.5ft)

Beam - 8 m

Draft - 2.15 m

Displacement - 270 t

Accommodation - 8 guests in 4 cabins, 7 crew berths

Engines - 2 x Cats C18 670hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 13 knots, 11 knots cruise, 10 knots economic

Range - 3800 nm at 10 knots

Hull Shape - semi displacement

Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure

Project - Van Oossanen naval architects, Claydon Reeves exterior and interior

Certification - RINA LY3 unrestricted range, MCA

www.jachtwerfmulder.nl

blogger - Nine Years

Last month PowerYachtBlog celebrated its nine years in operation.  Looking back all this period was a long road and a challenging one for the nautical industries.  With new challenges, from record oil prices to one of the greatest global recession since the big depression of the 1930's. Going forward it seems the only way is up. 

When starting in 2007 the pleasure nautical sector had the best two years ever seen since it became an industry, and following that one of the most depressive from 2011 till 2014.  It is interesting times ahead and the challenges for boat builders and designers have not stopped. In reality they will never stop.  

Owners want more but the market which characterized the best growth in the best years, the size from fifteen to twenty meters is still in a numb recovery mode.  Super yachts are up and smaller sizes are always on a swing.

Monthly News - March 2016

-pic of the month- Riva Sponsor Scuderia Ferrari

Azimut Confirms Leadership in Dubai

Azimut Yachts consolidates its leadership at the 2016 Dubai International Boat Show. After five consecutive years of rising sales in Middle East, the company in joint venture with Seas & Deserts Group is strengthening its network in the Gulf with a new representative office in the prestigious Dubai Marina Yacht Club and a Service Manager transferred from headquarters to Seas & Deserts Group. Highlights: New office in Dubai Marina Yacht Club, New Service Manager for the Gulf area, Azimut dealer Seas & Deserts named “Grande Collection Dealer of the year”, New Azimut 72 and Magellano 66 models immediately sold out, not least as a result of strong demand in the Gulf market, and six Azimut models at the Dubai International Boat Show 2016.

Beneteau Trawler Gourmant

Beneteau and 5 Michelin-starred chefs invite you to join them on a fluvial gastronomic journey through France by the inland waterways, to celebrate the launch of its new Swift Trawler 30. There will be 5 gourmet stopovers between Deauville and Sète on this trip.  Take a new boat, the Swift Trawler 30.  Add an inland waterway crossing of France from north to south.  Leave to simmer for 5 gourmet stopovers hosted by Michelin-starred Chefs.  Don’t miss the chance to drop in and visit the boat at each stop.  For the lucky ones, enjoy one of the dinners invented on board by a Michelin-starred Chef and relish your fluvial crossing.  Follow each gourmet stopover and discover the chef’s recipes - recipes to try on board or at home - on the website Beneteau.com and the Facebook page Beneteau.  Start of the crossing: Deauville on 24 April, finishing in Sète end May.  The person behind this operation is none other than Guy Lassausaie, Meilleur ouvrier de France (Best craftsman in France) in 1993, and owner of the Chasselay 2 Michelin stars restaurant!

Cerri Sponsors Italian Yacht Master Training

Over the last few days the Marina di Loano Yacht Club hosted a training course, organised by Italian Yacht Master and sponsored by Cerri Cantieri Navali, for the implementation of the ISM Code. The course, targeted at captains, was provided by DNV-GL Academy.  Among participants were two students of the Camogli nautical school, who thus had the opportunity to get a taste of their future job.  Italian Yacht Master’s project aims to create a community of Italian captains, sharing skills and knowledge in a constantly-evolving and increasingly global market - an objective fully supported by CCN, who was pleased to be involved in an event that also allows the boat builder to further improve its own boats.  “We enthusiastically took part in this training – comments CCN’s CEO Diego Michele Prati – as we believe that increasing the Italian crews’ knowledge and expertise is the best way to also improve the way we build boats and cruise the seas”.

Cerri Launches Three New Apps and Apple Store

Cerri Cantieri Navali based in La Spezia, wants to get closer to its followers, and enters in the mobile world launching three new apps dedicated to its production lines: CCN Flyingsport, CCN 35/27 M e CCN Phileas 35M.  The entire project was managed by CCN along with Giango (www.giangocomunicazione.it) and T4All (www.t4all.it), responsible respectively for the graphic design and technological development of the three applications. The applications, that can be downloaded directly from the Apple Store, are available for Ipad, both in English and Italian. The same Apps will be available for the other mobile devices shortly.  “Navigate within these three apps –says Raffaella Daino, CCN Head of Communications and Marketing- is a simple and pleasant experience, and allows you to discover everything there is to know about each model, illustrating the main characteristics through accurate data sheets, an extensive and detailed photo gallery, videos, and much more”. A comprehensive and fascinating overview of your dream boat, right in your tablet. CCN lovers can enjoy the apps and stay tuned with CCN news also on all the social networks as CCN new pages are now available on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linkedin.

Ferretti Convergence 2016

“Convergence” is coming: the new edition of the professional training and refresher courses, organised by Ferretti Group for the captains of the motoryachts and vessels in its fleet, will be held from 15-18 March, 2016. . The sessions will be held in Salzburg, Austria, and will include formal training as well as outdoor activities, bringing together around 100 captains and chief engineers from all around the world. During the four days of "Convergence" 2016, the main objective will be to analyse the most important recent technological innovations added to the Group's yachts by exploring their functions, how they work and the maintenance needs. Some of Ferretti Group’s leading technology partners will host many of the technical seminars, including MAN, Ranieri Tonissi, RINA and Side Power. Captains and chief engineers will also take part in refresher courses and team-building activities, such as city tours, sports and leisure pursuits. All this will consolidate the feeling of being part of the Group and, once again, reiterate its commitment to supporting seagoing professionals.

Ferretti Group Open Days 2016

Ferretti Group is continuing its international “tour” of the capital cities in the world of yachting. The next stop is Hong Kong, where the Group has based its subsidiary in the Asia-Pacific region since 2013.  From 4–6 March Aberdeen Marina will be the splendid venue for the “Ferretti Group Open Days”, a three-day event reserved for yacht owners, clients, guests and journalists. This exclusive and private boat parade will show off some of the latest yachts launched by the Group in the Asia-Pacific region.  During this one-of-a-kind event in China the spotlight will focus on: The Ferretti Yachts 960 “Tai He Ban”, the Ferretti Yachts 650, and the Ferretti Yachts 550; and the Custom Line 124’ and the Custom Line Navetta 28.  “It will be wonderful to spend three whole days with our friends in Hong Kong and mainland China, offering them a private view of the Ferretti Yachts and Custom Line fleet and unique sea trials,” says Stefano de Vivo, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ferretti Group. “The Ferretti Group Open Days are going to be an exclusive event with an informal atmosphere to ensure our visitors enjoy themselves. We are looking forward to welcoming owners, clients and media, who will feel like special guests at a private boat show with the unique opportunity of a privileged insight into five extraordinary yachts, two of which are making their debut in the Asia-Pacific region.”  The two yachts that will lead the scene are the Ferretti Yachts 550, the new 55-foot flybridge model that is already a huge success in Europe and America with 8 yachts sold in just 6 months, and the flagship Ferretti Yachts 960,in the special “Tai He Ban” edition. Word about the “Tai He Ban” layout has already spread throughout the Far East: the magnificent product of Ferretti’s new Design Philosophy, it is specifically inspired by the Hall of Supreme Harmony in Beijing, one of the most spectacular and luxurious buildings within the Forbidden City where ceremonies were held in the presence of the Emperor and his dignitaries.  The fleet is completed by the Ferretti Yachts 650 and two Custom Line maxi yachts that rank among the most admired vessels in the range: the Custom Line 124’, the flagship in the planing line and one of the largest yachts to sail Chinese waters; and the Custom Line Navetta 28, the latest model in the semi-displacement range and already a huge success following its arrival in the Asia-Pacific just a few months ago. Guests will be able to explore all five yachts during the three-day event, with visits on board and sea trials off the coast of Hong Kong. They will have the exclusive opportunity to discover the secrets of these jewels in the crown of luxury Italian yachting, assisted by representatives of Ferretti Group Asia-Pacific.

Gulf Craft Celebrates Millions of Sales

Gulf Craft sold AED 80 million (USD 22 million) worth of luxury yachts and leisure boats across its range at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show, the Emirates-based builder revealed today, signifying considerable market resilience amid a challenging global economic landscape. Gulf Craft’s announcement follows the successful unveiling of four exceptional yachts – two of which are superyachts – across its expanding portfolio, marking the greatest number of launches the innovative shipyard has ever presented in a single event. “What we have witnessed at this year’s Dubai International Boat Show is the genuine buoyancy of the leisure marine market, one which we believe has been heavily supported by our global presence and growing worldwide interest in our take on boating and on-water living,” said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft. “This year, we saw an increased number of international visitors, particularly from Europe, Asia, Australia, and the US – all specifically coming to see and experience our product range.”

Heesen Appoint New CEO

Heesen appoint Arthur Brouwer as CEO effective February 1, 2016. Arthur Brouwer has been serving as Executive Chairman since September 2014.  With an established track record of 19 years both in senior leadership roles as well as CEO positions in listed large family firms and private equity, Mr. Brouwer has in-depth experience in retail, automotive wholesale and production.  His current mandate is to take Heesen Yachts, leader in custom-built superyachts and internationally renowned for creating exceptional performances in speed, range and stability, to the next stage of its development.  ‘It is a great privilege to head Heesen, an internationally respected Company which has been setting standards of excellence and design engineering innovation for the past 38 years’ commented Mr. Brouwer. ‘My past experiences have enabled me to acquire great knowledge of the operational excellence, sales and marketing, strategy and my concrete aim moving forward is to capitalise and build on what has previously been achieved by taking Heesen to the next chapter of its history’.


Horizon Nominated Best Asian Motor Yacht

Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce that we are nominated once again for the “Best Asian Motoryacht Builder” award from the 2016 Asia Boating Awards; this marks our 11th consecutive nomination for this award, which we have been proud to win each year of our nomination. Additionally, Horizon Yachts is nominated for the “Best Brand Presence in Asia” award, and our new Horizon RP120 superyacht is nominated for two awards -- the “Best Asian Built Yacht” and “Best Production Motoryacht (25m above). Last but certainly not least, the Horizon E56 motoryachtis nominated for “Best Production Motoryacht (15-24M)’. The 12th Asia Boating Awards, organized by Asia-Pacific Boating and China Boating magazines, will be held in Singapore on April 7th -- the opening day of the Singapore Yacht Show – at ONE°15 Marina Club on SentosaIsland. The awards feature 25 categories and 200 nominees including boats, yachts, superyachts, builders, brands, marinas, yacht clubs, regattas, designers, and personalities from across the globe. Nominees are chosen through online polling of the magazine’s readers, and final winners in each category are chosen by a panel of expert judges.


North Line Open Yard in April

On Saturday the 23rd of April North Line and Kuster Yachts of Harlingen, builders of the seaworthy North-Line grp and Kuster steel motor yachts, will open their doors. From 11:00 until 16.00 hours, everyone is welcome in Harlingen to become acquainted with the boatyard and its work.  Visitors will be able to view four models in production and at various stages of completion, including the North-Line 42 Wheelhouse, North-Line 37 Wheelhouse and the new North-Line 50. Visitors will have the opportunity to see what is required to build seaworthy motor yachts in steel and GRP. Also on view will be the moulding of a grp hull, an engine installation and the fitting of carpet to an interior.


Pursuit Expands Dealer Network

Pursuit Boats is excited to announce it has appointed Legendary Marine as its authorized dealer for the Florida panhandle. When it comes to all things boating, Legendary Marine is an exceptional, full-service marine provider. With national and regional award winning sales and service teams, Legendary is fully equipped to support the sales and service of all Pursuit Boats product. Established in 2001, they have created a world class dealership facility that offers a high level of professionalism and customer service.  “We are extremely pleased to add Legendary Marine to our list of exceptional

dealer partners. They have a dealership culture and customer centric business philosophy that lines up perfectly with the values and goals that we manage our business by at Pursuit,”  Ron Burkdoll, Regional Business Development Manager, Pursuit Boats.  Legendary Marine will handle the sales and service responsibility for Pursuit Boats from its Destin and Panama City, Florida locations.

Riva Sponsor Scuderia Ferrari

When two legends meet, extraordinary stories and unforgettable emotions come to life.  This is about to happen in Formula 1 with the news that Riva will be Scuderia Ferrari’s official sponsor throughout the 2016 World Championship. The international yacht brand and the Prancing Horse’s single-seater racing machines will be competing together for the first time on all the Formula 1 circuits that will host the 21 Grand Prix races.  The sponsorship was officially announced in Maranello during the presentation of the new Ferrari SF16-H car, which will compete in the next Formula 1 World Championship.  The Riva logo, featuring the unmistakable aquamarine background, will be visible on the helmets of Scuderia Ferrari's two drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen.  “An icon of recreational boating meets the most exceptional Formula 1 team giving birth to an unmatched duo, a legend meeting another legend, racing together on Formula 1 circuits and cruising the seas worldwide" - explains Ferretti Group’s CEO Alberto Galassi.  “We are truly proud to be writing a new chapter of Riva’s glorious history together with Ferrari, thereby renovating a collaboration that, in the past, led to true sea jewels . The exclusive cooperation between Riva and Scuderia Ferrari brings together two icons of style and technological innovation, which every day thrill speedboat and car racing enthusiasts all over the world.”  The first Grand Prix race to look forward to is the Rolex Australian Grand Prix (from 18-20 March in Melbourne), but the challenge will cover 21 weekends, culminating on 27 November with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the grand finale of the 2016 World Championship.


Riviera Opens Registrations for Festival

Registrations are now open for the Riviera Festival Boating in May – 2016’s Ultimate Boating Event. With a greater focus than ever before on broadening the boating knowledge and skills of luxury motor yacht owners, Riviera’s 2016 educational program is the Festival’s most expansive ever.
This year the marque will present over 110 informative and very hands-on workshops spread over four days to build boating safety and confidence, including 17 brand-new workshops. Many of the Festival’s popular workshops have been fully refreshed, providing ever greater in-depth training in specific areas of nautical interest.  The Riviera Festival of Boating – coinciding with the Gold Coast International Marine Expo from 19-22 May 2016 – draws owners from around Australia and around the world to celebrate and share in all that it is that makes boating with Riviera so unique.  Over the past four years, Riviera’s truly unique Festival has assisted hundreds of motor yacht owners from around the world to stretch their sea legs and enjoy more of the rich and rewarding benefits of the luxury life afloat.  This year Riviera takes the exhilaration and enjoyment to inspiring new levels with both introductory and advanced courses to suit all degrees of seamanship and boating knowledge to be presented by nautical trainers with a wealth of boating wisdom and experiences.  The Festival’s 2016 Seamanship Program aims to inspire Riviera and Belize owners to use their yachts to their full potential. Experienced skipper Tim Edwards will present a workshop on offshore seamanship, while one of Australia’s meteorologists Anthony Cornelius will present separate workshops on weather fundamentals and advanced forecasting.  Maintenance Programs will be presented by marine professionals covering Preventative Maintenance and Discovering the Tricks of the Trade, Understanding Desalination, Know Your Generator, Troubleshooting Sanitation Systems and Understanding the Science of Anti-Fouling.  The Systems Programs reflect how Riviera is embracing the technology that makes boating so much easier and more enjoyable. Workshops include Understanding the Simplicity of CZone, Onboard Power Systems, Get The Most From The Glass Cockpit, and Experience a Riviera Shaft-Drive with Express Joystick and See The Seakeeper At Work.  Navigation and safety have a special focus at this year’s Festival.  Registrants can book for Traditional Navigation 1 – Passage Planning, Traditional Navigation 2 – Positioning, Basic Radar – Fixing Targets, Radar Rendezvous – Traditional Chart Plotting, Local Direction, IALA Buoyage System/Collision Regulations and Understanding Electronic Navigation with Raymarine.  Fire Training and Emergency Planning, Emergency Protocols & Procedures, First Aid Essentials, Safe Towing, Anchoring & Rafting, Radio Communications – Distress, Marine Assist and Safety are open to all registrants, while on Sunday Riviera and Belize owners will be able to attain their Australian Waters Qualification.  Mr Longhurst said the 2016 program was the Festival’s most extensive yet, and also included inspirational seminars on interior design and cruising to idyllic destinations.  On the Riviera Marina – as part of the award-winning Gold Coast International Marine Expo – there will be even more inspiration in the form of 12 stunning examples of on-water excellence.  Of course, the Festival is just as much about fun and celebration as it is about education and Riviera also invites luxury motor yacht owners to a special Ladies Day at the Festival – Fashion and Fine Food Luncheon at Marina Mirage and Fellini Restorante e Bar, as well as a Saturday night gala cocktail marina party followed by a spectacular dinner show, Viva Las Riviera, to be attended by over 500 guests in a special section of the Riviera factory.


Terranova Arrives in Navicelli

As announced at the Genoa Boat Show 2015, the prestigious brand Terranavoa Italian Yachts has won the public selection and acquired the shed of the former Benetti Sail Division from the Court of Lucca, in the Navicelli Consortium area, adjacent to the highway. The shed can accommodate up to three units from 68' to 115' in length, at the same time. It houses offices, spaces functioning as changing facilities, toilets and a large warehouse. At this time, works are in progress for minor internal restructuring, painting and the positioning of an overhead crane. Outside a large square forms part of the facility acquired by the CEO Massimigliano Zilioli, who directly supervised the entire operation and is ready, together with the Navicelli consortium, to start the new production of Terranova Yachts. Work on finishing a first 85' unit is soon to commence at the new facility, while awaiting the completion of the first negotiations for new boats


Wim Van Der Valk Announce Experience Event

Wim Van der Valk are proud to announce a new Experience Event at it's yacht building facilities in Waalwijk, the Netherlands. Running from Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 March, this is an exceptional opportunity for you to get a sense of our latest projects and developments in a very personal way. The following yachts will be showcased at the event: 2x Continental Two 23 m Flybridge, Continental Two 27 m Flybridge, Continental Three 26 m Raised Pilothouse, Continental Four (Trawler) 24 m Flybridge, Continental One 15 m Wheelhouse, Continental One 17 m Wheelhouse, and Continental One 19 m Wheelhouse.  Refreshments will be served in the forms of drinks and a buffet, and visitors can enjoy pleasant music as they stroll around the yard and view the vessels at their leisure.

Viking Sponsors Offshore Fishing League

There is nothing like the thrill of a screaming reel, except when it is combined with winning big money on television! The Offshore Fishing League is looking for a few good teams to join the world's first professional salt water fishing league. Endorsed and sponsored by Viking, the OFL is pulling together some of the most passionate fishing teams to participate in the iconic North Atlantic tournaments, compete for the Champion title and win big money, all while being filmed and broadcast on national television.  The OFL is a reality TV series including some of the top big game fishing teams. Hitting the tournament circuit and hooking up over six tournaments, the series will showcase the exhilaration of real tournament fishing to millions of anglers, adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies as well as outdoor and sports enthusiasts and feature all the pumping excitement that lures you into the cockpit again and again.  Fans can follow their favorite teams throughout each tournament leg, cheering on their angling achievements at every turn. You can keep up to date via an online fan zone, or on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or Instagram.  Now for the fine print. All OFL participants must follow the rules of each tournament. The team's classification on each leg, or tournament, will earn points towards winning the Offshore Fishing League Champion trophy and title. Over $10 million in cash prizes is awarded from the six major tournaments.  Other fishing shows like Wicked Tuna or Deadliest Catch have a global following. Ever dream of being a pioneer in sportfishing, getting paid major money for product endorsement, speaking engagements or for you and your teammates to just show up? Rise up to the challenge. Now is your chance to be part of history as one of the first teams to compete in the OFL. Star in your own sports show, do what you already do and love, and hit the bank with a big check.

Viking Asia Tour

Viking Vice President of Sales Joe Schwab, along with Viking's International Sales Consultant Steve Boerema, recently took in a whirlwind tour of Asia while spending time with Viking's authorized dealer Simpson Marine. The journey began in Hong Kong where Joe and Steve met Simpson Marine founder, Mike Simpson, who started the business in 1984. After getting their bearings, and a little sleep, the next day started bright and early with a team meeting discussing Viking's history as well as the current boating market and opportunities in the southern Asian market. This program continued to Simpson's locations in Phuket, Thailand and Singapore. The teams acknowledged Asia as a well-known cruising destination but also discovered an untapped market for phenomenal fishing. The entire Simpson company, boasting over 100 enthusiastic team members in 11 locations, is excited to build the Viking brand and we are thrilled to have them onboard.