July 10, 2017

New Model: Sunseeker 57 Predator Mk.II

Sunseeker present the new Predator 57 Mk.II, an evolution of the incredibly popular Predator 57 which has been a top seller in its sport yacht segment size since its introduction in January 2015, echoing all its stand out features with even more elegance and style.  Sporty and sleek, the Sunseeker Predator 57 MK II is crafted to perfectly balance style with practicality. Epitomizing the latest Sunseeker design cues, the refreshed exterior boasts sleek, yet oversize pillar less windows down to the side deck which floods the interior with light and provides uninterrupted views from the saloon.  The transom area now features an optional mini beach club, an option first introduced with the Manhattan 52 in 2016 and now a Sunseeker signature feature. This area offers an inviting space for family and friends to enjoy the built-in barbecue, overhead shower and fold-down transom seating. The patio door, which separates the saloon from the cockpit, lowers at the flick of a switch to create one incredible entertaining space, allowing the craft to adapt for different climates, which is further enhanced by a fully opening hardtop roof over the saloon.  The Predator 57 certainly doesn’t sacrifice performance for style. With speeds of up to 40 knots depending on the engine and drive option choice, it cuts an impressive figure on the open water with good sea keeping and unmatched agility. Featuring six berths in three cabins, with an additional crew cabin for one, the full beam master cabin is located at midships and features an ensuite, lounge seating and vanity space. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.2 m (59.9ft)
Length - 17.6 m
Beam - 4.7 m
Draft - 1.3 m
Displacement - 27900 kg
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp, 900hp
Propulsion - line shaft in semi tunnel propellers, or dual propeller forward facing IPS pods
Speed - 32 knots max, 23 cruise, up to 40 knots with different engines
Range - 250 nm at cruise
Construction - Vinilester resin with balsa cored hull sides, and PVC cored super structure
Certification - CE

July 8, 2017

Project: Couach 3700 Sport

Couach present the project for a new 37-metre 3700 Sport super yacht.  This new project is a reimagined 37-metre superyacht, and replaces one of the company’s longstanding popular models, with six custom-built vessels having been delivered of the 3700 Yacht model.  Upholding the admired sporty and seaworthy DNA of its predecessor’s design and indeed the overarching design philosophy of all Couach custom yachts a new energy has been injected into the latest 3700 Sport through a lengthening of its lines and strengthening of its profile.  The 3700 Sport takes design cues from the world of luxury automobiles as well as contemporary architecture and naval design. It is available in a four or five-cabin arrangement, complemented by ample glazing to amplify the interior’s natural light. The large main saloon, incorporating lounging and dining areas, offers a fantastic feeling of space for a sport yacht, with accommodation for up to ten guests tended to by six crew.  The released renderings of the 3700 Sport’s interiors suggest an ethnic and light design theme, with a neutral palette of wood finishes, hand-crafted details and luxurious materials; these can be tailored to any buyer’s tastes.  The Couach design team focused on creating a yacht that offers a chic yet cozy ambiance for owner and guests. Suspended ceilings enhance the feeling of height in cabins, while the outstanding attention to detail will result in a refined yacht worthy of the highly respected Couach name.  The exterior offers a range of areas from which to soak up the ever-changing surroundings. As an addition from the earlier Couach 3700 Fly, sun pads have been added to the fore-deck to provide a new, private space for relaxation. The expansive duplex aft deck features a “bathing beach” fitted out with a shower, umbrella, diving board and swim ladder, just steps away from the multi-purpose cockpit with sun loungers and dining area. Space in the yacht’s tender garage allows for a five-meter tender for adventures ashore, as well as a jet-ski for fun on water.  The flybridge is, of course, one of the main areas for enjoyment for many yacht owners, and the 3700 Sport will not disappoint. having imagined a space similar to a contemporary beachfront villa, with expansive, panoramic views and all amenities easily at hand. There is an outdoor kitchen and grill, with areas for relaxing, dining and sunbathing, meaning it will no doubt be a hive of activity for anyone on-board. An ultra-modern Jacuzzi could be added to the flybridge layout, which is fully custom to a buyer’s personal preferences.  Paying tribute to Couach’s military ship building legacy, as with all Couach Yachts, the 3700 Sport maintains superb seaworthiness and capabilities in even the toughest conditions, as well as an impressive top speed of 28 knots and 24 at cruise followed by exceptional maneuverability.  The hull would be constructed in fiberglass for which Couach is best known, while her draft of 1.85 meters means she can venture into secluded shallow bays. Gyroscopic stabilizers ensure a calm and peaceful experience when at anchor or underway.  The new 3700 Sport model’s release follows a year of updates and evolution at Couach, including new in-house management and design appointments, collaborations with world-class yacht designers and a raft of newly developed models.

July 7, 2017

New Model: Numarine 32XP

Numarine, the Turkish motor and super yacht builder from Istanbul with a range from 62 to 105, is pleased to announce the launch of the hull #1 of the new 32XP Series, sold in June 2016. The private ceremony has been held in Istanbul in front of her owner, an experienced and loyal Numarine client. The all-new Numarine 32XP offers incredible volumes of internal living spaces on board, with her steel hull construction and GRP superstructure allowing the yard and her owner to create unique layouts internally and customized external spaces, both of which have been penned by Can Yalman, the renowned design partner of Numarine responsible for all of the shipyard’s distinctive model lines. Numarine 32XP has a displacement of just under 300 GT, the maximum limit of the category, confirming the superior volumes of this vessel. Like in all Numarine's, the interiors of the 32XP have been fully customized so to reflect the owner’s preferences in terms of layout, design, fabrics and materials.  The main deck offers a generous cockpit that also provides for a comfortable stern sun pad area right behind the couch seating, for a total of 64 square meters of living space.  An expansive salon of 48 square meters leads to a lobby area with a day head and a separate gym on the starboard side, and then to a full-beam forward master cabin with more than 30 square meters of space and separate his and hers bathrooms sharing a very generous central shower.  Center-ship on the portside, a fully functional kitchen with four full-height refrigerators links to the salon via a pantry area and to the crew quarters below, connected to the external port side passage with a crew-dedicated entrance, all to allow the highest standard of service on board and maximum guest privacy. Below deck, the layout offers 2 VIP Cabins mid-ship and 2 double cabins, all with ensuite bathrooms, and over 85 square meters of living space.  Below deck forward, the five person crew quarters provide ideal spaces for the captain with his private cabin and ensuite, and four crew members in two doubles with ensuite. A crew kitchen with dinette area and a laundry room complete the crew area.  On the upper deck, a truly phenomenal owner’s cabin with over forty square meters of living space including a large walk-in closet and generous owner’s bathroom opens up via sliding doors to the incredibly large upper deck; this deck can fit in navigation a nine meter RIB tender and two jet-skis with the help of the 2,5 Tons crane.  Forward of the wheelhouse, in the Numarine tradition one can find a large couch area with bimini and cocktail table and two extensive sunpad areas. Total external space on the upper deck is fantastic 129 square meters.  Finally, the flybridge offers sixty square meters of entertainment space customized to include in the first unit three couches, a twelve persons dining table, two large sun-pad areas a fully-fitted bar, three navigation seats and a central secondary helm station. Regarding performance, the new Numarine 32XP, exploiting the yard's engineering capabilities together with its long-standing partner naval architect Umberto Tagliavini, has a very efficient displacement hull that will give the Numarine 32XP a top speed of fourteen knots, a cruise speed of twelve knots, and a confidence inspiring 3000 Nm range at an economical speed of nine knots.  In designing the 32XP, Numarine paid considerable attention, with the assistance of its longstanding partner Silent Line, to elimination and reduction of all noise and vibration sources, with the goal of surpassing RINA “Comfort Class” Certification and achieving comfort levels of fifty meters in a 32 meters superyacht.
Technical Data:
LOA - 32.5 m (106.6ft)
Hull Length - 30.6 m
Beam - 8 m
Draft - 2.1 m
Displacement - 220 t unloaded, 234 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 26000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, five/six crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 Acert 715hp
Propulsion - line shaft with ZF gearbox
Speed -  14 knots max, 12 knots cruise, 9 knots economic long range
Range - 3000 nm at nine knots
Hull Shape - displacement type with bulb
Construction - steel hull, fiberglass super structure
Project - Umberto Tagliavini naval architect, Can Yalman exterior and interior
Certification - RINA Mach Y unrestricted navigation, RINA Comfort Class 

July 6, 2017

Project: Van Den Hoven 1500 Executive Mk.2

Van den Hoven Jachtbouw in the Netherlands has received orders from two clients for its brand-new Executive 1500 Mk.2 project. The stylish design by John van Leeuwen is fully in line with the recognizable language seen on the spacious and elegant Executive 1850, introduced earlier this year.  Buoyed by these first two orders, Van den Hoven is also building a third Executive 1500 Mk.2 on spec and expects to attract a new client in the near future.  Build of steel the Van der Hoven 1500 Executive Mk.2 is semi-custom offer, and choices to buyers including an option for a flybridge and single or twin engines set ups.
www.bvandenhovenjachtbouw.nl

July 5, 2017

New Model: Cheoy Lee 72 Bravo

Cheoy Lee expand its Bravo line with a new 72 entry level model.  Designed by Howard Apollonio naval architect and exterior lines, and Sylvia Bolton responsible for the interior the new 72 Bravo is a conservative looker.  The interior of this new Cheoy Lee 72 Bravo also presents itself on the conservative side with the standard for this size four double cabins layout; owners at midships, VIP forward, twin to port side, and twin bunk to starboard layout plan.  The main deck of the 72 Bravo offers a full living space with an open galley, and a central helm station.  Flybridge is fully reserved for entertainment with tender storage staying aft on the bathing platform.  Power comes from twin Volvo 800hp units with IPS pod propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.44 m (76.9ft)
Hull Length - 21.9 m
Waterline Length - 20.3 m
Beam - 6.05 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 42600 kg
Fuel Capacity - 4010 l
Water Capacity - 1060 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, two crew in one cabin
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 800hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS1050 dual propeller pod drives
Construction - Vinilester resin infused bi-axial and tri-axial E-glass, Divinycell core for all construction, Alexseal paint, Epoxy barrier on hull bottom
Project - Howard Apollonio naval architect, Sylvia Bolton interior

July 4, 2017

Project: Beneteau 50 Gran Turismo

Beneteau present the project for a new Gran Turismo 50, soon to complete the range that has been renewed in the last two years, with the entrance of Nuvolari and Lenard taking care of exterior styling. The Beneteau 50 Gran Turismo will be available in Hardtop or Sportfly, and at fifty feet will be flagship of the range and replacement to the 49 model. Beneteau is promising some interesting innovations in the new Gran Turismo flagship.  As all the smaller sisters of the range Andreani will be responsible for the interior layout.  No details are so far given about the 50 Gran Turismo apart the above rendering which shows a similarity and family feeling with the 46.

July 3, 2017

New Model: Regal 42 Fly

Regal introduce the all-new 42 Fly. Boasting a spacious flybridge, open air atrium, and a European influenced layout the 42 Fly sees Regal return to a flybridge cruiser.  Regal's last flybridge model was the 4080 Flybridge Sedan produced from 2007 till 2011.  The 42 Fly has cool modern conservative exterior looks, with a soft curved shear line taking you from the water to the bow, and not overly large hull windows serving the lower deck cabins.  The interior of the 42 Fly offers a mix of European American design style with an owners full beam midships cabin, and a choice of a single shower head and a small kitchenette, or two shower heads options. The interesting detail here is that both cabins are fully open no door splitting them.  Still by photos and plans making bulkheads and a door splitting the midships cabin does not seem a hard thing to make, and will be important if Regal wants to sell the 42 Fly in Europe.  The Regal 42 Fly is powered by standard Volvo 370hp or optional 435hp with IPS pod propulsion.      
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.8 m (42ft)
Beam - 3.96 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Displacement - 12474 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 977 l
Water Capacity - 235 l
Max Persons - 14
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 35 knots max 31 knots cruise with Volvo 435hp
Construction - infusion fiberglass
Certification - NMMA, ABYC, USCG, CE

July 2, 2017

Project: ISA Yachts 50m Classic

ISA Yachts presents the new Classic Line, with a 50 meter project as designed by Enrico Gobbi's and Team for Design. The ISA 50m Classic is a performing yet elegant yacht, that reflects a sleek design with a nicely proportioned profile balanced by the typical grand arch connecting the aft deck cockpit to the superstructure. Sinuous shapes are outlined by tense curves, purposely designed to make the yacht appear even sleeker and longer.  The ISA 50m Classic is a tri-deck super yacht, with a semi wide body integrating main and lower deck.

July 1, 2017

blogger - True Summer Story

Summer brings always the interesting times for boat loving people, when pontoon talking takes over from the internet chats, as it happens on the forums or the various social media outlets.  The marinas create a social hub from the talk re personnel for repairs, weekend destinations, cruise of the year, and off course all about the boats too.
As it happens in any marina every season, someone in it, will buy the new bigger or better toy which creates a certain buzz around it in the area.  For some, times start to get interesting with an urge to upgrade and change.  A week before the same owners where complaining to themselves what a money pit the boat is, now a week later or after that enjoyable day on the water the self thought is more centered how could one live without a boat and following that the thinking to make a change and an upgrade.  
It is always interesting how a few enjoyable hours and what the feel good factor does to people!  As all boat lovers say, bring the Summer season and for us in the Northern Hemisphere it is full on.

June 30, 2017

Monthly News - June 2017

-pic of the month- Azimut Tenth Yachting Gala

Azimut Benetti Tenth Yachting Gala

For the tenth edition of the exclusive Yachting Gala, organised by Azimut|Benetti Group to bring owners together from all over the world, the Group has chosen the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda and the gorgeous setting of Porto Cervo in Sardinia. From America to China and from Brazil to Australia, over 700 owners arrived in Porto Cervo for the weekend of June 24-25, where they had the chance to admire world previews of the new gems in the Azimut collection: the Azimut Grande 27 Metri and the Azimut Grande 35 Metri, which will be making its official debut next September at the Cannes Boat Show. Selected owners were also able to put the remarkable propulsion system developed exclusively by Rolls Royce to the test on the Benetti Fast 125’. Azimut|Benetti Group also showcased the other models in the Azimut and Benetti ranges, with a total of 25 yachts.  At the prestigious Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which is one of the most famous yacht clubs in the world and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, an “Azimut Benetti Village” was set up for guests to admire and test drive the yachts in the fleet, as well as enjoying the entertainment laid on exclusively for them. They also had a chance to discover Costa Smeralda, with guided tours of the local area, excursions to the most beautiful bays, fine food and wine experiences featuring the local cuisine and Sardinian vermouths, plus the finest local craft products. An ambassador for Made in Italy, Azimut|Benetti Group united the world’s top Italian lifestyle trend-setters in Porto Cervo.  Sipping glasses of Ferrari Trento, guests were treated to a trunk show organised byErmenegildo Zegna with Creative Director Alessandro Sartori, while a yacht provided the venue for the ladies to admire precious jewellery creations by Bulgari, accompanied by Creative Director Lucia Silvestri. Frette, which curated the decor of the boats on display and created the special one-off colour used for the table linen at the gala dinner, offered guests an exclusive bespoke service, while the designers from Rubelli provided private interior design advice in a lounge with a spectacular sea view.  After the gala dinner held on the Yacht Club terrace, electronic music, digital effects and firework displays provided the backdrop for an evocative night yacht parade to celebrate the present and welcome in the future under the banner of cutting edge technology and Italian style. The virtuoso musical entertainment was provided by pianist Matthew Lee and his eccentric performances.  Presiding over the event was the host Paolo Vitelli, Founder and Chairman of the Group, joined by the new generation of Group managers: Azimut|Benetti Group Vice PresidentGiovanna Vitelli, Azimut Yachts Business Unit General Manager Marco Valle, Benetti CEO Vincenzo Poerio and Benetti Megayachts Business Unit General Manager Christos Ramnialis. A message of continuity for Azimut|Benetti Group, the world’s leading builder of mega yachts, which looks to the future with enthusiasm, while continuing to assert and extend its leadership in the promising giga yacht segment too.


Azimut Benetti 17th Yachtmaster Edition

The final event in this year’s A|B Yachtmaster 17, held at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa in Miami, USA, early in May, was attended by over 90 guests, including about 30 captains and professionals. The packed two-day programme offered attendees conferences, workshops, meetings with sponsor companies, opportunities for exchanging views and networking, team-building activities and, of course, some well-deserved relaxation and fun.  Three workshops were organised on crew management (one of the most pressing topics for attending captains), media management and privacy protection. The conference sessions also tackled practical and topical issues, with Clive MacCarteny, Peter Selivanoff and Izabela Manka from Fraser Yachts on stage to talk about crew documentation. At the US event too, one of the biggest successes was the live interview session with highly experienced captains attending the event, during which Steve Davis, director of the magazine Dockwalk, interviewed Anthony Nicholls, captain of the M/Y Andiamo.  An entire day was dedicated to teams of stewards/stewardesses, organised jointly with the PYA (Professional Yachting Association), during which crews took part in workshops designed specifically to provide more comprehensive training on service standards, presentation, care and maintenance services, leadership and team building.  Paola Caccavallo, Coordinator of the Yachtmaster program, had these comments to make on this last leg of the event: “This is the third Yachtmaster held in the USA and we are extremely satisfied both with the high turnout of professionals and the active participation of captains and sponsors during the various working sessions and entertainment activities. Yachtmaster has a mission to create a solid community of Key Influences who interact both with the Benetti shipyard and our partners, and the consolidation of their sense of team spirit was clear to see during this US event”. Finally, referring to the program as a whole, she stressed that: “In just two years since the new program was launched, we have achieved and exceeded all our goals and the mission we set ourselves. We are very proud of the work performed so far and all the positive feedback we continue to receive. As this year’s event draws to a close, we are already working on the preparations for the 18th edition and in the coming months we will be presenting the new 2017-2018 program”.


Back Cove New National Sales Manager

Jamie Bloomquist has joined Back Cove Yachts as our new National Sales Manager. Jamie is well known in the marine industry, and we're excited to have him on the Back Cove Team.  Jamie has over 25 years of experience working in sales, marketing, and business development. He has worked as a professional photographer, founded two technology companies, and was the co-creator and President of USHarbors, delivering tide charts and marine weather for over 1,200 harbors nationwide.  Jamie grew up boating on Chautauqua Lake, in New York State but has spent the last 15 years living in Camden, Maine boating on Lake Megunticook and Penobscot Bay with his wife and two children.


Beneteau Revisits Boutique

Beneteau’s new boutique provides a selection of elegant products that are ideal for sailing, with Longchamp bags, the Elle Decoration Yacht Case for Bénéteau, casual clothes by Marcy all in an online store based on the latest designs in e-commerce. Each item is discreetly signed with Beneteau’s iconic seahorse and unites the manufacturing know-how of the brands and Beneteau’s identity

Beneteau Seayo Control

The new Seayo Control is making a debut on leisure craft. Equipping the recent Gran Turismo 50, this technology operates many of the boat’s functions and is intuitive and easy to use. Inspired by the onboard computers of the car industry, this innovation confirms Beneteau’s commitment to simplifying sailing and opening it up to everyone.


Horizon Yachts Thirtieth Anniversary

Over the past thirty years, Horizon Yachts has undergone an exciting journey as a premier luxury yacht builder, transforming from a simple shipyard to one of the top-five ranked manufacturers in the industry. The water has been rough at times, yet despite the challenges we have made countless achievements over the past three decades. Today, Horizon Yachts is the largest luxury yacht manufacturer in Asia, employing a staff of 1,000 across four company-owned facilities that provide sales, new build, and service support to our clients.  A brief history of Horizon Yachts: the company was founded in 1987 to meet the rising demand for luxury yachts overseas. We were only a year into the business when we hit our first rogue wave: Taiwan’s currency received a boost and as a result, wages and the expense of raw materials increased tremendously. To adapt, Horizon changed its business strategy, expanding into new markets and becoming a competing force in the luxury yacht market. Two decades later, when the global financial crisis hit, Horizon once again proved itself strong by surviving the storm and also upping its commitment to the market, investing in research and development to create new models. In hindsight, these challenges proved Horizon’s capacity to tackle difficulties in various circumstances and cemented our place as a leader in the global yacht market.  Our success could not have been achieved without the help and commitment of every Horizon employee and craftsman, our suppliers, and our partners. Most importantly, we are grateful for the support from our employees’ families and the trust given to us by all Horizon yacht owners around the world. Without you, none of this would have been possible; because of you, we have never lost sight of our horizon.


Jarrett Bay Sponsors 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

Jarrett Bay Boatworks is proud to have taken on Major Sponsor duties for the 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and look forward to ensuring everyone has the best Big Rock yet!  Jarret will be present with its design team and to show its boat construction up close at the Sunday Pig Pickin' or stop by our facility just off Hwy 101. If you have any unplanned service issues, just hail Randy Ramsey on the radio and he'll get you connected to be back on the water ASAP! And, don't forget to visit our Jarrett Bay two storefronts in Beaufort and merchandise tent at the weigh-in at Big Rock Landing

Jarrett Bay Kickin Off Tournament Season

Swansboro Rotary Bluewater Tournament; Inspiration took 1st place overall.  Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament; Reel Quick won 3rd place overall, Sensation won 1st place dolphin.  Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament; Weldor's Ark won 3rd place overall with a 484.9 lb blue Marlin, Fever took 3rd place in the release division, Doc Fees won 1st place Wahoo with a 97.7 lb fish.  Carolina Billfish Classic; Micabe was awarded 2nd place overall.  Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament; Fender Bender won 3rd place with 141.6 points.  


Nordhavn Powering Across the Pacific

There’s been a lot of attention given to the five Nordhavns traveling across the Atlantic right now as part of the Nordhavn Atlantic Passage group. But there’s also a faction of Nordhavns that have been quietly crossing the Pacific Ocean.  Over the last several weeks, a handful of yachts have crossed – or will soon be crossing – the Pacific, the most recent one being Nordhavn 46 Starlet. Jennifer and Mark Ullman recently completed a 20 ½-day trip from the Galapagos to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. The couple have completed half of their circumnavigation which took them across the Atlantic about two years ago and into the Med and up to Egypt. Then retraced their steps across, journeyed down through the Caribbean and back to Florida. “The second half of our circumnavigation will go much slower,” said Jennifer last weekend after arriving in Nuku Hiva. “We will be in French Polynesia for one year.”  Meanwhile, Ron and Nancy Goldberg are also cruising French Polynesia, having arrived in Tahiti about two weeks ago. The couple left Los Cabos, Mexico in early spring and traveled 2,700 nm prior to making landfall in the Marquesas. “The voyage has been fun, hard work, but an incredible experience,” said Nancy from on board their Nordhavn 50 Duet. The couple initially had plans to continue on to New Zealand, but have decided to stay in French Polynesia until June 2018, Nancy said. “The cruising here is just spectacular.” Making the 18-day trek that much nicer for the Goldbergs was getting to cross the Pacific alongside N60 Daybreak. Both Duet and Daybreak participated in the Pacific Puddle Jump, a loosely organized rally of boats crossing from points West to the South Pacific. Of the 135 boats registered to make the crossing, only 3 were powerboats: Duet, Daybreak, and Starlet. Like the other two boats, Daybreak is enjoying exploring French Polynesia, but will continue on to New Zealand in September.  And next week, a Nordhavn 56 Motorsailer will depart Puerto Vallarta, also bound for New Zealand. The new owner of 56, Harry Price, will be on board with his captain and a friend and plan to pick up guests in various ports they will visit including the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Society Islands and possibly Tonga and Fiji. “We are flexible [with our itinerary]!” said captain Nigel Clarke.  Nigel will be keeping a daily blog and provide tracking of the boat’s progress, which will be covered on Nordhavn Live. The plan is to reach New Zealand by November.

Princess Announces New Americas Regional Office

After establishing its first regional office for Asia Pacific (in Hong Kong), Princess is proud to announce a second regional office that will support its distributor network in the Americas.  "The office will be located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and we are delighted to confirm the appointment of Paul Burgess, an experienced marine industry professional, who will head the operation. Paul is originally from the UK and brings over 24 years of experience to the team in worldwide marine sales, marketing, technical client support and management." says Princess' Executive Chairman, Antony Sheriff.  The regional team will include marketing and customer service personnel in recognition of a commitment to the Americas as an important market that has grown steadily over the past 20 years. With a world-beating product range stretching from 40 feet to 40 metres and an aggressive product development strategy, Princess is determined to support its distributors and dealers in maximizing market share across all product lines, whilst delivering best-in-class service to its many customers across the Atlantic.


Riva and Abarth

For the 175th anniversary of Riva, the legendary shipyard in Sarnico sees the debut of the Riva 56’ Rivale and Abarth 695 Rivale: elegance, sportiness, performance and enthusiasm join forces to conquer the sea and the road.  Working everyday on one's history to shape the future, taking inspiration from the priceless heritage to create an even more extraordinary tomorrow.  This is the vision that has always inspired both Riva and Abarth, two legends of Italian engineering, which have conquered enthusiasts the world over and which are coming together today.  Rivale is the name of this modern success story which is materialising in the new 56’ Rivale, the most recent addition to the Riva fleet, and the Abarth 695 Rivale limited edition sedan and cabrio.  This meeting of excellences, presented to the world press in the Riva shipyard in Sarnico, celebrates the remarkable capability of Riva and Abarth to enhance their respective peculiarities in an exquisite blend of engineering skilfulness, stylistic awareness and design ability, which together with their respective legendary histories have led to the creation of two products which are iconic and innovative at the same time.  Rivale, one of the most famous names of the recent Riva production, is a new open yacht at the top of its class in terms of technology, sporting spirit and performance, which exalts the unique values and the typical style elements of the brand once again. Rivale is also the name of the Abarth 695 Special and Limited Edition, the new car from the brand with the scorpion badge dedicated to the 175 years of history of the world's most famous shipyard.  “The celebrations for the 175th anniversary of Riva are being complemented by the unique partnership with an evoking brand such as Abarth” declared Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group. “Presenting the 56’ Rivale, an iconic name in the history of Riva which today identifies the new open - a charming, technological and powerful boat - means paying homage to our past while looking firmly into the future. Abarth was inspired by the extraordinary new Riva boat in designing its new special and limited edition model: the magnificent 695 'Rivale'. The partnership springs from common shared values, passion for excellence and research for performance, expressed as always with an unmistakably unique style."  Symbols of the most authentic Italian know-how, the 56’ Rivale and the Abarth 695 Rivale are the perfect blend of craftsmanship and engineering, search for performance and enthusiasm for beauty, with the addition of the laudable ambition of turning dreams into reality.  As a result of this new synergy, the timeless elegance of Riva yachts is reflected in a car made by Abarth. The latter, in turn, adds a bold and sporty touch to the most recent open yacht model made by the world's most famous shipyard.  The new 56’ Rivale combines superb craftsmanship and grandiose attention to detail. With an all-new hull, it stands out for its streamline looks which inherit and develop the lines which characterise the most recent open and coupé yacht models. Another exclusive factor are the high-quality materials: polished mahogany interiors, natural teak exteriors, varnished and stainless steel details, mirrors, crystals and leather.  Abarth is celebrating the Riva anniversary with an ultra-limited production of the 695 Rivale, the 175 Anniversary: 175 sedans and 175 cabriolets. It is an edition to pay homage to Italian know-how, with hand crafted details like the two-colour blue and black hand-stitched leather seats with a celebratory logo stitched onto the headrest, the carbon dashboard silk screen printed with the special logo, the special numbered plate inside and the celebratory badge on the outside of the pillar. The design of the 17” alloy rims is also special. The 695 Rivale 175 Anniversary exceeds the traditional values of Abarth and embraces the coolness of Riva to satisfy the need for exciting performance combined with a higher level of sophistication and elegance. All this charm is backed up by performance: 180 HP, 250 Nm of torque and the weight-to-power ratio of a genuine supercar (5.8 kg/HP with a mass of 1045 kg) to accelerate from 0 to 100 in 6.7”, 225 km/h of top speed.  The 56’ Rivale and the Abarth 695 Rivale are the protagonists of this contemporary legend in which the inspiration and enthusiasm of brilliant men and women are reflected in the perfect beauty of extraordinary boats and cars.


Riviera R Marine Winter Weekend

South-east Queensland's Moreton Bay beckoned for 74 excited members of the Riviera family on the R Marine Jones Winter Weekend Experience in late April.  The event attracted 25 Rivieras for the cruise from the Gold Coast Broadwater to the expanse of Moreton Bay to the north.  Connie and Tony Borgia purchased their Riviera 3600 Sport Yacht, Aqua Bella, just two weeks before the Winter Weekend.  The fleet assembled off the Sovereign Islands on the Broadwater at the mouth of the Coomera River on the Friday morning of the long weekend and cruised sedately north. Their first port of call was at the Canaipa Passage that separates Russell Island from the large sand island of North Stradbroke at the southern tip of Moreton Bay.  Waking to a sparkling morning on Saturday, the fleet cruised north again, headed for Blakeslys Anchorage on North Stradbroke Island with its pleasant beach, ideal for bringing tenders ashore.  Here, tables and a shelter were set up for the Second Annual Cheese/Antipasto Platter and the Wine Presentation competitions.  The Cheese/Antipasto competition was hotly contested as Keith and Kathy Hornman offered a plate of lollies while a raft-up team from Velocita, a 5400 Sport Yacht, and Shelly 2, a Riviera 53 Enclosed Flybridge, presented two platters of sausage rolls. Despite their valiant efforts, Vicki and Mark Baigent from Riviera 525 SUV Off the Hook won over the judges - everyone - with a carefully sourced antipasto platter.   The Wine Presentation competition was divided into two divisions: under and over $20. Chris Haack aboard Riviera 5000 Sport Yacht Impetuous took out the "under $20" prize while Ted Edwards took the "over $20" section with a stunning Australian-produced bubbly, aptly name Riviera Royal with its specially-printed wine label.  For those still spritely enough for more competition, beach cricket and soccer filled in the afternoon, although many chose simply to spend the time with nibbles and wine, making new friends and catching up with old friends. Glassy waters and and a stunning sunset completed the day.  Sunday began with a casual fleet cruise north to Myora where all the boats anchored.   The R Marine Jones team brought everyone ashore for lunch at the Little Ship Club restaurant on North Stradbroke Island. The ferries were R Marine Jones’ Riviera 51 Flybridge Riv 1, a 5400 Sport Yacht Fansea and a 6.5 metre RIB provided by Rib Force Inflatables.  According to Dale and Kathy Cash from Riviera 47 Flybridge Low Range, being out on the water with like-minded companions was the highlight of the weekend. They shared the Experience with neighbours and spent much of the time simply relaxing on deck.  On Monday, the fleet dispersed, some returning to the Gold Coast at their own pace while others chose to remain and explore more of Moreton Bay. 


Sanlorenzo Turnover +42%

Sanlorenzo’s astounding financial figures, with a 2016 turnover that reached 314 Million euro, + 42% compared to the 220 Million Euro in 2015; 25,4 Million Euro EBIDTA ( + 21% than 2015), achieved thanks to a steady production growth of 28 yachts and 5 superyachts sold in 2016.  Sanlorenzo is the first shipyard overtaking the 2008 pre-crisis turnover, a unique achievement in the entire nautical sector, that drove the company to invest sixty Million Euro to increase the production capacity in the next 2 years: 20 Million Euro in 8 new products, 40 Million Euro in the expansion of two production facilities in Ameglia and La Spezia.  Plus 42% turnover equals plus 40% Productivity Bonus to workforce.  Sanlorenzo and its patron Massimo Perotti (recently appointed Knight of the Order of Merit for Labour by the Italian Reppublic President Sergio Mattarella) confirmed great sensibility towards the company’s workforce and employees not only avoiding employment cuts and the use of social safety nets during the bad economy years, but the Sanlorenzo workers reached an increased productivity bonus of + 40% this year, in line with the 2016 turnover growth of + 42%.


Sea Ray Dealers Honored in Customer Satisfaction

Manufacturers Association (NMMA) for excellence in customer satisfaction, earning a total of 101 awards and kicking off the CSI Dealer Award Program’s inaugural year. The winning Sea Ray dealerships were individually acknowledged on June 2 by a representative from the NMMA.  “We would like to congratulate all of the dealers who achieved this honor, and extend our gratitude for their hard work and dedication,” said Brad Anderson, Sea Ray president and general manager of Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers. “The satisfaction of our customers is our highest priority, and Sea Ray’s dealers are our primary ambassadors in the field.”  Dealers were eligible to win the award in both the Sales and Service areas of their dealership. Recipients achieved an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher, with the required return percentages, over the past program year. Data was collected as part of a survey among customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. For this reporting period, the program surveyed more than 122,000 customers.  “Sea Ray’s dealers are committed to providing our boaters with the highest level of service, day in and day out,” said Scott Ward, Sea Ray president and general manager of Sport Yachts and Yachts. “We applaud their continued efforts and commend them for earning this recognition.”


Tiara Dealers Awarded 2016 CSI Award

Tiara Yachts is proud to announce several authorized Tiara Yachts Dealers have been recognized by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) through their expanded Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction (CSI) program. This program identifies marine dealers that excel in customer satisfaction and who rate 90 percent or above in overall customer satisfaction in sales and service categories. Dealers are recognized based on individual brands they carry, but also on an aggregate score of all brands they carry who are measured in the current CSI program. Seven of the Sales Winners were awarded 2016 Top Tiara Dealer honors; all of the Service Winners were awarded 2016 Top Tiara Dealer honors.


Wider New Owners

Exa Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Limited completed the acquisition of Wider in April of this year. This latest acquisition complements an existing portfolio of yachting investments which include Grand Banks, Palm Beach Yachts and the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Exa Limited also has an interest in the cutting-edge Dutch submersible builder, U-Boat Worx.  "We recognize the hard work that was put in to the Wider brand to achieve the level of recognition they now enjoy around the globe. We believe that in collaboration with our shipyards in Germany, particularly on managing production, we can increase efficiency while maintaining the high quality and ensure that we are able to deliver yachts on time and on budget" said Michael Hackman, Executive Vice President of Marine Operations with Genting Hong Kong and interim Chairman of Wider.

Wider Winner of Robb Report Best of the Best

A further prestigious award for the Wider 150, now called M/Y ‘Bartali’, as she is recognized by the Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2017, within the category ‘Wings & Water’.  Packed with unique features, the Wider 150, with exterior styling by Fulvio De Simoni and a contemporary interior by La Spezia based designers, IdeaeItalia, was chosen by the judges at the glamorous American luxury lifestyle magazine because she “pushes technology while enhancing onboard livability”.  The diesel electric propulsion system used on board the Wider 150, common place on commercial and military boats, is the first yacht of this size to take advantage of this technology to offer clients the benefits of the system; these include: Increased flexibility of layout in the design, Reduced noise and vibration, Fuel Efficiency (up to 20% better) and thus extended cruising range, Ability to run solely on battery power for a full night or whilst using the beach club no noise or smoke or smell, just the sound of the waves lapping up against the side of the hull.  Robb Report’s Best of the Best are awarded annually and judged by the international editors of this prestigious title to recognize the leading yachts launched in the previous year across a variety of categories. This year, the Wider 150 was chosen among the editors’ favorite seven yachts launched in 2016.  “We are honored to receive the Best of the Best award from Robb Report” aid Michael Hackman, Executive Vice President - Marine Operations with Genting Hong Kong and interim Chairman of Wider – “This is another very prestigious award and adds to our growing collection. We are now focused on the Wider 165, due for delivery early next year, and are confident that she will be even better.”


Viking Operation Resolute

Several special operations soldiers enjoyed a great day of Gulf Stream fishing aboard the Viking 76 Accordingly IV, owned by Johnny and Susan Stevenson out of Morehead City, North Carolina, over Memorial Day weekend.  The trip was organized by Operation Resolute, a ministry for special operations soldiers and their families. The team had a pretty catch of dolphin that they later shared on the grill at the home of Captain Peter and Evelyn Du Bose. "It is truly an honor to give back to these brave men that sacrifice so much to keep our country safe," said Captain Peter.

Viking Advanced Classes

The Viking Yacht Company recently hosted an intensive one-day, hands-on training class for Atlantic Marine Electronics as well other local marine electronics companies. The National Marine Electronics Association taught a sophisticated class, "Advanced NMEA 2000," to the electricians.
This new complex course focuses on installations, setup and troubleshooting of intricate and multifaceted NMEA 2000 networks. The day included a classroom presentation as well as hands-on stations equipped with cutting-edge NMEA 2000 equipment. The purpose of the hands-on portion is to provide the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the ability to design, build, configure, evaluate, backup network files and troubleshoot using techniques taught by the NMEA instructor. 

Viking at Fifth Annual Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament

Miss Victoria, a Viking 76, took 2nd Place at the recent Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Tournament which is the third and final leg of the Abaco Diamond Series. Dave Berard, Kyle Francis and Heath Brown each released a blue marlin and Austin Genord added a white to the log. Brian Speedy claimed 2nd Place Captain. This finish follows up Miss Victoria's win from the second leg of the series.  Jeremiah Nachtigal weighed in the Top Tuna at 16.5-pounds. Jeremiah fished the Viking 66 Game Changer along with 3rd Place Angler Robert Boyce Jr., who released two blue marlin. Mike Molinini fishing on the Viking 70 Manna Ray had the Top Wahoo at 59.1-pounds.

Viking at 59th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament

One second after 2pm on the final fishing day a Big Rock official confirmed over the radio that no boats were hooked up. Cheers abounded on the Viking 48 Rehab that boated a 506-pound blue marlin as that confirmed the team's 2nd Place among the field of 177 boats. Captain Nathan Shepard put angler Ryan Howard on the fish during the team's final day of fishing. After a fight of an hour and a half, Rehab made it to the scales in under two hours running at 40 knots. Captain Nathan said, "A lot of people think it's all about the guy running the boat. To me the most important thing is the people in the 'pit. They never question my decision and give it 100% every day. That's what a winning team is about."

Viking at Second Annual Gamefish Grande Tournament

The first of the two-leg Gamefish Grande Tournament took place at the Marina Gaviota in Varadero, Cuba. After three days of fishing off the coast, the Viking 52 Hog Wild won 2nd Place. Angler Wayne Carmignani released a blue marlin to putHog Wild on the board. The team also released the largest dolphin of the tournament weighing in at 32.4 pounds.  The teams traveled to Marina Hemingway in Havana, Cuba, to fish the second half of the series. Hog Wild released five blue marlin, one white and three sailfish to win the leg.

Viking at 21st Annual Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

A record fleet of 120 boats battled it out in the recent Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Fishing was tight but the top blue marlin was caught by Jeff Friedman, aboard the Viking 76 Aires with a fish tipping the scales at 668.77 pounds.  The 3rd Place Blue Marlin was caught by Dana Foster on the Viking 72 Born2Run with a 563.92-pound fish. Greg Cooper fishing A Work of Art, a Viking 92, weighed in the 3rd Heaviest Wahoo with a 60.82-pound 'hoo. The Viking 61 Ellie B claimed the 3rd spot in the Swordfish Release category.

Viking at 2017 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

Tropical Storm Cindy tried her best, but she couldn't deter the perseverance of the 36-boat fleet competing in the 2017 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic in Sandestin, Florida, last weekend. When the scale finally settled after two wild days of fishing the final outcome was decided by only two pounds. Those two extra pounds ultimately named Jason Benton's Viking 56 Don't Blink the 2017 tournament champion. Angler Mike Hickey, Captain Skip McAllister, mates Sid Little, Wayne Riles and the crew boated a 553-pound blue marlin to claim the 1st Place title. Don't Blink angler Bill Horn weighed in the Top Wahoo at 67.5 pounds.  Sixteen-year-old Alex Krake and his veteran crew aboard the Viking 76 Team Supreme made a late challenge only to come up 32 ounces short. Captain Chase Lake ran a 551-pound blue to the scales to take 2nd Place Marlin honors.  Captain Joe Fish Hebert, running the Viking 58 Geaux Deep, won the Top Crew and Top Release Team. Geaux Deep's JD Hebert was named the Top Release Angler with all five of the boat's fish. The Viking 72 Born2Run with Captain Myles Colley at the helm claimed 2nd Place Release Team with four fish. Owner/angler Dana Foster scored the largest tuna of the week with a 169-pound yellowfin.  Chad Postle, fishing aboard Matt McDonald's Breathe Easy, a Viking 68 run by Captain Patrick Ivie, scored a double-header with the Third Place Tuna (a 142.3-pound bigeye) and the Top Dolphin, a bull that tipped the scales at 27.9 pounds.