INBUILD ~ Casa 38 T-Top Part 1 of 5

In January 2018 Casa started the construction phase for another version of its popular 38 model, the T-Top variant.  Designed by Pier Luigi Mimmocchi the Casa 38 T-Top will also feature vs the Hard Top version renewed hull side lines, thanks to the addition of new extended windows.  In this new Casa 38 version the Gaeta boat builder shows its custom versatility, with the particulars of this build requested by a client.  Casa responded immediately to the request by putting its technical studio and designer Mimmocchi at work for the building of this made to measure build.  In this Inbuild part one picture story we are seeing the 38 Casa T-Top being removed from the mold and a continuation of the first construction phase, which involves the outer shell and interior structure of the build.

www.cantiericasa.it

Project: Couach 1500 Mediterranean

Couach is celebrating the start of what promises to be a strong year with the sale of the first of its 1500 models. The fifteen meter sport yacht has a sporty, streamlined and tapered profile which is at once graceful and striking. Drawing inspiration from the Guy Couach 1600, it sits at the heart of the Mediterranean sport cruisers and yachts line-up from eleven to fifteen meters presented by Couach. The Couach 1500 features a large bow area for relaxation and sunbathing at anchor or for a thrilling ride when underway. The extensive sun pads that can be removed to allow natural light to flood into the master cabin below via the skylight. The walk-around decks lead to the generous aft deck, a relaxing and open space that transforms from sofa and coffee table with accompanying freestanding seating to a large dining table for up to eight guests. Double sets of stairs on port and starboard lead down to the large swimming platform, the perfect spot from which to enjoy water sports, and large enough to stow a tender or a jet bike. The 1500’s main deck interior features large windows to emphasize the sense of space, and a large L-shaped sofa facing a wall-mounted television. Amidships, a compact and practical galley to starboard sits alongside the steering console with double helm seats. Below deck, the luxuriously-finished accommodation is befitting of the renowned Couach name. The double master cabin features large windows on both sides of the hull as well as the aforementioned skylight. The large hull windows, which reinforce the yacht’s modern profile, continue amidships past the two shared bathrooms, one of which has ensuite access for the master cabin, and into the two twin cabins amidships, which can be specified with convertible double beds. In the lazarette, astern of the twin inboard engines, there is space for stowage for a RIB tender in a garage.  A proven seaworthy platform, the 15-metre deep-V hull form of the 1500 has been tried and tested on over fifty patrol boats currently in use on the Arabian Peninsula. The yacht is fitted with twin Volvo 435hp engines with IPS600 pod drives as standard, delivering a top speed of 28 knots and a cruise of 22 knots totaling a range of about 350nm.

www.couach.com

Prestige New Web Site

A new website for French motor yacht and cruiser builder Prestige. The new websites continues what was started in 2009 with the re-branding of Prestige distinct from the Jeanneau name, but still a solid part of the Beneteau Group motor boating offer. Presented in 2001, as Jeanneau premier motor boat range with the help of designer Garroni, Prestige became rather fast in that time a market leader in medium sized boats, selling five hundred units plus of the 34 S model from the Express Line in 2008. This model stopped in production in 2009 is still Prestige best seller. Today Prestige continues its partnership with designer Garroni and builds a range of fifteen models in a three range offer; Coupe Line, Flybridge Line, and Yachts Division. The entry model is the 420 S of the Coupe Line, with the flagship being the 750 from Yacht Division launched in 2014. The new web site from Prestige is available in most international languages and takes you around with the following buttons; The Brand, Our Yachts, News, Services, and Contact.  Prestige is also on social media with bottom page links taking you to its Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Pinterest, Linkedin, and Instagram pages.

www.prestige-yachts.com

Production History:

60 2009-11

39 Flybridge 2009-10

400 Flybridge 2010-14

350 Flybridge 2011-12

500 Flybridge 2011-16

500 S 2011-16

60 S 2012-13

550 Flybridge 2012-15 (170) *inclusing S version

620 Flybridge 2012-15

620 S 2013-15

550 S 2013-16 (170) *including Flybridge version

450 Flybridge 2013-17

450 S 2013-17

750 2013-17 *720 Yacht project

420 S 2014-19

420 Flybridge 2015-19

680 Flybridge 2016-20

630 2016-20

560 Flybridge 2016-20

560 S 2016-20

680 S 2017-21

460 F 2017-

520 F 2017-

460 S 2018-

590 F 2018-

520 S 2018-

420 F 2019-

590 S 2020-22

420 S 2020-

X70 2020-

690 F 2021-

X60 2022-

M48 2022-

M8 2023-

F4 2023-

Project: Cerri 31m Fuoriserie

Cerri celebrate the end of the Year with another important achievement, signing the third order in 2017, for a European owner. This 31 m displacement aluminium yacht will be part of the ‘Fuoriserie’ line, which features unique models, exclusively designed to the Owner’s requirements.  For this fourth fuoriserie Dutch designed Guido de Groot design firm has taken care of interior and exterior design, while the Ginton firm was in charge of naval architecture. The yacht is characterized by classical and sober outer lines and, especially, by highly sophisticated technological solutions, with a great focus on environmental sustainability and efficiency. Indeed, this super yacht will be fitted with twin Schottel twin propeller units controlled by a hybrid system, which will feature both traditional diesel engines and electrical engines energized by gensets or batteries, resulting in low consumption and a limited environmental impact. The yacht will also be equipped with Gyroscopes stabilizers in addition to fin stabilizers, so as to ensure the utmost comfort and safety both at anchor and during navigation. The two Cat 455hp engines will push the craft to a maximum speed of 12.5 knots, falling to 8 when the electrical mode is on. The layout includes a master cabin and two guest cabins on the lower deck, while the main deck hosts a large salon with a comfortable L shaped sofa, the dining area, and an open galley, all located behind the helm station. Outdoor, on the same deck, 2 pleasant lounge areas can be found forward and aft. A second helm station is located on the fly bridge, which is entirely devoted to life in the open air, and is fitted with sun loungers, a bar area, and a dining area. The aft swimming platform hosts 5.5 m tender. 

www.cerricantierinavali.it

New Model: Sessa Fly68 Gullwing

The new flagship of Sessa, the Fly68 Gullwing launched in the end of Summer 2017 is a motor yacht with a strong personality and a unique, very sporty style for the 21 meters segment designed by Centrostile Design from Bologna Italy.  One of the main characteristic of the new Sessa Fly68 Gullwing flagship  are certainly the two side gull-wing openings that not only allow comfortable side walkway entrance but leave a natural light entry, giving brightness and especially air to the entire main deck interior saloon area. This solution is inspired from the automotive sector, as the Mercedes Coupe of various generations and further strengthens the modern, technological design and aggressive temperament of the new Fly68 Gullwing.  Interior the Sessa Fly68 Gullwing features a very open main deck layout, while the night accommodation below deck features four guest cabins with a full beam owners suite.  Crew cabin is separate located at midships in between the engine room and the owners stateroom.  The Sessa Fly68 Gullwing is offered in various power options starting from twin Volvo 850hp, and going to optional Cats 1150hp and Man 1360hp.     

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.04 m (69ft)

Hull Length - 19.24 m

Beam - 5.07 m

Displacement - 30 t dry

Fuel Capacity - 3200 l

Water Capacity - 1000 l 

Max Persons - 14

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, or six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 850hp, Cat C18A 1150hp, Man V12 1360hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS1200 pod drives, ZF aft looking pod  drives

Project - Davide Cipriani Centrostile Design

Certification - CE A

www.sessamarine.com

Broken Pattern

It really never stops.  Recent months have seen interesting developments to the long standing designer and builder relationship important brands usually present.  A trend which was born in the USA back in the sixties when production boat building started to form itself.  Do you remember Bertram with Ray Hunt and then from the seventies till mid nineties with Dave Napier, Hatteras with Jack Hargave, to continue on the old European continent this evolving into around the eighties into a style format; Mochi Craft with Poalo Caliari, Pershing with Fulvio de Simoni, Azimut from the nineties with Stefano Righini, Posillipo with Zuccon from 1978 till 1999, and Ferretti from 1990 with Zuccon, Fairline from mid eighties till 2012 and Princess with Bernard Olesinski, and Sunseeker with Don Shead who retired some years ago but apparently still does some consulting work for them.  

So it was a very interesting news when Ferretti showcased the project for the upcoming 670 model who is designed by Filippo Salvetti.  Ferretti yachts has been designed by Giovanni Zuccon since 1990 with his first project called at the time the 50, which evolved and launched into the 54 model in 1992 and then became the 175 Fly.  After that Zuccon designed all Ferretti models, and became exclusive for the brand and Group from 1999 onward and also designed the larger Ferretti Custom Line, Mochi, Aprea Maestro series, Bertram, and also some of the CRN models.  It was a solid relationship which lasted 27 years and created a path for Ferretti.  To be fair the writing for this separation might have been on the wall when the new Ferretti Custom Line 120 launched in the end of 2017 designed by Paszkowski rather then Zuccon.  A question I did ask when writing the project article for that model back in December 2016.

At this stage it will be interesting if Ferretti will be more adventurous with its designers from now on, taking a more open approach or if the Filippo Salvetti relationship will be a long one mirroring that of Zuccon. Personally for a brand like Ferretti identity plays an important role, reflecting certain design continuity is a must not a choice.  Ferretti has always been labelled as the different flybridge motor yacht thanks to its low sporty profile, practical and some genius details in its design, yet in all this managing to look that conservative and classy.

I am really waiting for the upcoming Ferretti projects after the 670 to see what happens next.

Monthly News - February 2018

-pic of the month- Maritimo Racing Set for Big 2018

Baglietto and Cerri Appoint New Sales Manager for the Americas

Baglietto and CCN shipyards have appointed Grant Colin Henderson to head the office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in the position of Sales Manager for the Americas. Henderson will report to Alessandro Diomedi, Baglietto’s Sales Director, and will have the main goal to expand the presence and visibility for Baglietto and CCN in the Americas markets.  After graduating in 2002, Henderson held several high-responsibility positions in the yachting sector in the US. He was formerly Sales Executive for Sanlorenzo of the Americas and through YachtBlue, represented Marquis Yachts for the east coast of Florida for 6 years.  “I am very enthusiastic with this challenging opportunity –says Mr Henderson- I love the product. Baglietto is an iconic brand with an amazing heritage but they have also great plans for the future. The company is growing and expanding in the Americas and I am willing to give my contribution.”  “Grant Henderson is the right person for our brand – says Alessandro Diomedi, Baglietto Sales’ Director- He is enthusiastic about the product and has great expertise in the yachting business. I am sure with his contribution we will reach great results in the nearest future”.

Fraucher Wins German Design Award 2018

The 1414 Demon created by the long-established Austrian company Frauscher Shipyard, is a true masterpiece. After winning the Best of Boats Award 2016 the largest motor yacht currently offered by Frauscher was also distinguished with the German Design Award 2018. The top-flight jury in the nominating procedure for the German Design Award has very high expectations of the contestants. Only pioneering products from the international design landscape with design features that stand out from the crowd are considered for the award, which is given once every year. The winner in the category Excellent Product Design 2018: the Frauscher 1414 Demon. Designed in partnership with design studio KISKA, experts are impressed with the “unconventional automobile aesthetics that stand out from the usual yacht design standards” as well as a “unique interior with a diagonal and open design that gives the impression of becoming larger and larger the further one goes in.”  Indeed, this almost 14-metre offshore yacht combines the unique Frauscher design with the perfect living space. The 1414 Demon offers more room than any Frauscher yet. A well-designed lounge with a large bathing platform and a well-equipped bar in the outdoor area complement an interior with plenty of headroom, a large bath, a kitchen unit, a large corner seating area and sleeping space for up to four. The quality of the craftsmanship and the materials used reflect 90 years of boat building experience and top-quality yacht engineering.  The jury argued as follows: “In the design of the Frauscher 1414 Demon, the lifestyle design idiom was applied in a masterly fashion to the theme of the yacht. The result is a successful combination of classic yacht elements, automotive design and high functionality with intelligent detail solutions and luxurious comfort, in which the clever space concept makes the cabin appear even larger than it is.”  Michael Frauscher, the member of management who is responsible for Production & Development, personally accepted the award alongside KISKA owner and CEO Gerald Kiska at a festive award ceremony during the Ambiente trade fair 2018 in Frankfurt/Main.

Maritimo Racing Set for Big 2018

After its success in the Offshore Superboat Championships securing a 15th AUS1 championship title in 2017 Maritimo Racing is starting the New Year on a roll and is gearing up for the first round of the UIM XCAT World Championship in the UAE next month (March).  Maritimo's Tom Barry-Cotter said the team’s race boat and workshop container are currently en route to the UAE and after spending the summer months testing and improving the boat he is confident it will be competitive.  Maritimo Racing will compete in a newly refurbished 30ft Doug Wright design with two 400 ROS Mercury Racing outboards.  Barry-Cotter said the boat had been completely re-rigged and repaired following its 200 kilometres per hour plus crash in 2016 and had been rebranded from Gold Coast Australia to Maritimo Racing.  "We lengthened the boat to better handle the 400 ROS outboards and we have undertaken cockpit safety modifications with changes to the windscreen, seats and both upper and lower escape hatches," he said.  Barry-Cotter said the XCAT series in 2018 involved races in the UAE, Europe and China and he was excited by the team's prospects.  In 2017 Maritimo 12 crewed by Barry-Cotter and Steve Jellick proved to be a formidable combination in the Australian Offshore Superboat Championships and they enter 2018 as heavy favourites in a title defense.  The forty feet Maritimo Catamaran has undergone an upgrade program amidst its off-season overhaul. Maritimo's second entry, Maritimo 11 crewed by father and son duo Ross and Andrew Willaton will compete in the new Maritimo R36 and will also present a strong challenge to the title defense.  Barry -Cotter said the off-season had been spent testing and developing the new R36.  The development of the R36 model will see it ultimately made available as a package for purchase, for anyone looking at getting involved in the sport.  The first race in the Australian series will be held in Bowen in late April and the growing Super Cat Extreme Class will see the largest competitive fleet in many years, according to Barry-Cotter.  "We are looking forward to both competitions and we believe we have positioned ourselves very well in terms of the boats we will be campaigning."  Barry-Cotter said Maritimo was the only Australian luxury cruiser manufacturer that had its own race team and the experience and knowledge gained on the international race circuit was inbuilt into the company's range of production vessels.  Captions: Tom Barry-Cotter and Ross Willaton hope to add to the Maritimo Racing's trophy cabinet again this year.  The team in action in the Australian Championships last year.

Palumbo on the Black Sea

The Palumbo network continues its expansion policy with the aim of offering its customers the best and most complete service at competitive costs.  With the opening of a new site in Constanta, Romania, on the shores of the Black Sea, we intend to optimize and increase specialized services for the offshore and engineering sectors.  This is a new project that joins the existing shipbuilding network and is completed with the installation at the Tenerife shipyard of a floating dock suitable to deal with major jobs in the oil rig sector. 

Pursuit Wins Innovation Award

Pursuit Boats continues to grow its award-winning Dual Console product line. The Boating Writers

International judging team, in support of the NMMA, voted the all new DC 365 to be the most Innovative product in the Center Console/ Walkaround Fishing Boats category during the 2018 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show.  “We are very proud of the engineering team we have assembled for Pursuit Boats and have refined a new product development process that accurately reflects market demands. We thank the NMMA and Boating Writers International for the venue to showcase our new DC 365,” Bruce Thompson, President, Pursuit Boats.

Riviera Celebrates Apprentice of the Year Award

Riviera is celebrating the success of the company's apprentice training program with the announcement of winners of the 2017 Apprentice of the Year Awards.  Australia's world-class luxury motor yacht builder works with Queensland TAFE to train 74 apprentices including school-based, young and mature-aged apprentices.  From this team, Riviera training manager Adam Houlahan and his staff utilised strict criteria to select four outstanding candidates as Apprentice of the Year for 2017, one in each training year.  "We interview each apprentice's direct supervisor, seeking information about attitude, skills and their contribution to the team," said Adam. "We also check their work attendance record.  "The candidates' involvement in our Propel program is also vital in judging. Propel is program of monthly sessions in which we teach life skills the apprentices would not learn in their day-to-day work. These include personality assessment, leadership, managing and communicating up the line as well as down. We also cover goal setting and how to handle their finances such as credit cards and opening bank accounts.  "Our mission is to help build great people - taking them from skilled to excellent."  Fourth-year marine craft construction apprentice Nathaniel D'Ambrosia said: "I have always loved boats and wanted to learn more about how they work."  Nathaniel worked for a time on the development of the new Riviera 395 SUV and recently moved to work in motor yacht fitout.  "This is the major part of a build when the deck, hardtop or flybridge and windscreen all come together - where the motor yacht is actually built," he said.  Nathaniel has now completed his apprenticeship and is a qualified boat builder looking forward to expanding his career with Riviera.  Third Year Electrical Apprentice Jack Gleadhill is excited that his course will result in a full electrician qualification.  "We work on the entire wiring of the motor yachts," he said.  "I am impressed that Riviera pays us while we study."  Jayden Lee has completed his second year as an Engineering Apprentice and says he chose engineering because it exposes him to the full range of motor yachts and to the entire process of the build.  "Our work begins from the time a hull comes from the mould through to sea trials," he said.  Jayden particularly enjoys the Propel program.  "Our leaders pass on so much of the knowledge they have gained over many years," he said. "We also learn how to best manage our skills."  First Year Timber and Composites Machining Apprentice Joel Neucom loves the creativity in his work.  "I love hands-on work and started at Riviera in cabinet-making," he said. "I now work in timber machining. We begin with rough-sawn timbers and create door jambs and many of the major joinery elements on board a Riviera. I particularly enjoy working on the finer details of a piece of joinery."  Riviera Apprentice of the Year winners; Nathaniel 'DAmbrosio - 4th Year Marine Craft Construction, Jack Gleadhill - 3rd Year Electrical, Jayden Lee - 2nd Year Engineering, Joel Neucom - 1st Year Timber and Composites Machining.

Riviera New Japan Dealer

Australia's largest luxury motor yacht builder, Riviera, has moved to substantially enhance its presence in Japan with the appointment of a major leisure corporation, Unimat Precious, to represent the highly awarded Riviera and Belize marque.  Unimat Precious is one of the largest marine businesses in Japan and uniquely placed to offer outstanding motor yacht owner care, owning eight marinas with more than 1,000 berths. Two of the marinas are in the Tokyo Bay region, the country's favourite boating destination.  Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said the appointment of the respected marine industry professionals at Unimat Precious will be warmly welcomed by owners of luxury Riviera motor yachts throughout Japan.  Mr Moxey says the appointment of Unimat Precious will provide additional support, assistance and social opportunities to the growing number of Riviera owners and to those aspiring to explore idyllic destinations throughout Japan.  

Sea Ray Takes Boat of the Year Award

You know the name. You know what it means in the industry. Now it’s being honored by one of the most influential names in the business. Sea Ray is proud to announce the Sea Ray SLX 400 won the most prestigious award in the sport boat industry: Boating Magazine’s Boat of the Year. This award is the latest in a long line of accolades awarded to Sea Ray by the most prominent members of the global boating industry.  “We tested more than 130 boats during 2017, assessing their safety, performance, innovation and place in their categories,” said Kevin Falvey, editorial director, Boating Magazine. “This ‘cruiser’ handles nimbly at 40 knots, makes a great weekender, and boasts many design innovations, not the least of which is the expandable swim platform known as the swim terrace. Dedicated stowage for a stand-up paddle board is just one example that reflects a builder in touch with the current wishes of many boaters. Boating’s Boat of the Year is the most prestigious honor awarded to recreational boat builders. For 2017, the Sea Ray SLX 400 joins the pantheon of great boats that can claim the title of Boat of the Year.”  “We are thrilled, and honored Boating Magazine awarded the Sea Ray SLX 400 Boat of the Year,” said Brad Anderson, president and general manager, Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers. “We are dedicated to quality, craftsmanship and inspiring families and the next generation to love and appreciate boating as much as we do here at Sea Ray.”  In addition to being recognized for Boat of the Year, Sea Ray received multiple additional awards at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious boat shows. Additional awards include: Inboard Express Cruiser – Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Award, Best Sales Promotion, #SeaRaySummer – Marine Marketers of America Neptune Awards, Best Website, New Configurator, Design Your Sea Ray – Marine Marketers of America Neptune Awards, Best Video, SLX-W 230, in partnership with MarineMax – Marine Marketers of America Neptune Awards.  With the recent wins in Miami and the prestigious Boat of the Year award, Sea Ray, the most awarded boat brand in the world, continues their reign as top in class. Sea Ray is proud to have won the most editor’s choice awards and the most product quality awards in the industry, including the following accolades in the last 12 months: National Marine Manufacturers Association Award, Dealer CSI Awards (Sales), National Marine Manufacturers Association Award, Dealer Marine Industry CSI Awards (Customer Satisfaction), SLX-W 230 Wake Sports Boat, Top Product Award – Boating Industry, SLX 400, Innovation Award - National Marine Manufacturers Association, Retail Marketing Initiative Award, Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, Brunswick Distinguished Safety Award.  “Not only have our boats been awarded year-after-year, but the industry also continuously recognizes our customer service and customer experience, as our recent wins at the 2018 Miami International Boat Show prove,” said Scott Ward, president and general manager, Sea Ray Sport Yachts and Yachts. “Sea Ray is proud to have won the coveted National Marine Manufacturers Association award for excellence in customer service. Our dedication to customer experience, along with our focus on providing boaters with the best boating experience available on the water today, is our focus in 2018 and will continue to be as we grow in the future.”

Sanlorenzo Launch Stile a Bordo Book

Sanlorenzo, the most iconic Italian shipyard, is the protagonist of the new “Stile a bordo” (“Style on Board”) book by Decio Giulio Riccardo Carugati and published by Mondadori Electa, which will has been presented yesterday at the Galleria Rizzoli bookstore in Milan. It is an elegant volume dedicated to the story of the excellence of Sanlorenzo and the innovative approach that, over the years, has enabled the company to expand its creative range, opening itself, as a pioneer in in this context, to different worlds that speak related languages such as art and design.It is a choice that has led Sanlorenzo to revolutionize the way of “living on board” without betraying its own style that has always distinguished itself through its timeless elegance and for its simplicity of form, the expression of a refined luxury which is never blatant, splendidly illustrated in this collection through the images of interior projects which are the fruit of the close collaboration with internationally renowned designer and architects and with the companies that represent the excellence in the field of international design. Thanks to the management of President Massimo Perotti and the role played by Sergio Buttiglieri, Style Director of the yacht division of the company, Sanlorenzo has in fact pursued new and unexpected paths: the desire to leave old practice behind has given life to collaborations with Dordoni Architetti, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Piero Lissoni who have produced a total revolution of the aesthetic codes of nautical design through the adoption of a series of innovations and stylistic elements that have enabled them to bring the concept of “home living” on board. The role of design companies such as Boffi, Artemide, Paola Lenti, Ivano Redaelli, Edra, Minotti, Flexform, Penelope Oggi, Roda, and B&B Italia, which have studied ad hoc solutions for Sanlorenzo has been essential, adapting the technical characteristics, the materials and the construction solutions of their own products to marine needs. Not to be missed in this narrative is the reference by the author to the great masters of the world of design and art, whose works and icons, protagonists of the interior projects of Sanlorenzo yachts, have been carefully selected from the internal style center together with the ship owner, who is actively involved in every step of the design.The vocation for design in Sanlorenzo is accompanied by a great sensitivity to the world of art. As proved by the many initiatives organized in the last couple of years, such as the collaborations with Tornabuoni Arte on the occasions of Art Basel Miami 2016 and 57. Biennale D'Arte, and that with Triennale di Milano during FuoriSalone 2017. 

Tiara Wins Innovation Award

The all new Tiara Sport 38LS, which debuted in the fall of 2017, has been awarded the 2018 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show Innovation Award. The Tiara Sport brand was

launched during Tiara’s annual dealer conference and quickly garnered industry attention as the first Tiara featuring outboard power. The 38 LS is the modern reinterpretation of luxury sport yachting. The first in its series outfitted with dependable Yamaha outboard power, the style of the 38 LS is said to be athletic and performance minded while delivering a sense of luxury in her lines and layout.  “We are absolutely thrilled with the innovation award and applaud our engineering and design team for delivering a product that exceeds market expectations. We thank the Boating Writers International judging team and the NMMA for providing a competitive venue to showcase a superior product,” Tom Slikkers, CEO S2 Yachts.

Vanquish Signs New Investment Partnership

Vanquish Yachts in the Netherlands has signed a partnership with leading Dutch investment company TransEquity Network. The agreement will enable Vanquish to take its growing success in the market for bespoke driver’s boats to the next level, increasing its financial, commercial and management capacity. Vanquish Yachts director Tom Steentjes remains firmly at the helm as the yard he founded in 2013 further expands its range and client base in Europe, the Americas and Asia. This exciting new partnership comes on the heels of impressive growth in terms of sales and brand recognition for Vanquish Yachts. The yard has built its all-aluminium speed machines for demanding individuals in many European sailing hot spots, with the Balearic Islands being a particular favorite haunt of Vanquish owners. Since its successful debut at last year’s Fort Lauderdale show, Vanquish has taken a significant number of new orders from clients in the US appreciative of the unique combination of awesome agility, supreme comfort and pure Dutch quality on offer. Also headquartered in the Netherlands, TransEquity Network focuses on mid-sized companies with significant growth potential. Its emphasis on providing hands-on support will facilitate the ongoing growth of Vanquish Yachts as a company. “We recognised that we could use some extra capacity in terms of commercial and overall management,” explains Tom Steentjes. “Additional investment is always useful too and will allow my team to focus on further optimizing our designs, technology and production. Building spectacular sports boats is what we do best, and having the room to concentrate on customizing each one to the requirements of individual clients is what inspires me most.” Vanquish Yachts currently builds boats between five and twenty meters, and this new partnership will enable it to further develop the yard’s unique proposition and expand into larger motor yachts. “There is clear demand from the market for such a move,” concludes Steentjes. “Now we can take the vision forward with TransEquity, which has a rich experience in enabling the growth of ambitious brands with a first-class product such as ours.” 

Viking on Top at Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament

The Viking 68 took the highest spot on the leader board at the recent Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament. Challenging conditions with gusts blowing up to 30 knots didn't scare the crew fishing the 68 out of Palm Beach, Florida. Over back-to-back days the team released 25 sailfish to take home the title of Top Boat while Ryan Higgins claimed Top Captain. Steve Ehrbar was the 3rd Top Angler Overall and weighed a 55-pound wahoo for the Heaviest Meatfish.  At Saturday's Awards Dinner, Viking President & CEO Pat Healey presented a check to The Billfish Foundation from the Recreational Fishing Alliance. The two organizations are working together to ensure the recreational fishing industry remains strong.

Viking First at Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament

Mdala, a Viking 62, clinched 1st Place at the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament in Islamorada, Florida. The Overall Champs took the lead with their 13th sailfish at the end of the final day. Captain John Hagen took the Outstanding Captain Award and Outstanding Mate Awards went to Codey Gunther, James Hagen and Alex Rifice. The rest of the crew included Steve and Eric Pfeifer, Cody Gunther and Tyler Valles.  This was the 3rd and Final Leg in the prestigious Florida Keys Gold Cup Sailfish Championship. Mdala's win at the Cheeca Lodge cemented their 2nd Place Overall Finish in the series with 26 total releases. 

Zeelander at Volvo Ocean Race

A Zeelander Australian owners was fortunate enough to experience close up action of “Team Vestas” which are currently ranked 3rd in the race. On first and second place are MAPFRE and China’s Dongfeng Race Team. On 4th place is the Dutch “team Brunel”.  Vestas 11th Hour Racing is a Volvo Ocean 65 yacht named after it’s two main sponsors: a wind turbine manufacturer Vestas Wind Systems A/S and 11th Hour Racing, a program of The Schmidt Family Foundation.  Did you know that these Volvo 65 yachts easily sail across the globe with an average speed of 24.8 knots and a maximum of 40 knots? The keel & bulb weighs as much as 3 rhinos!

Project: Mazu 52 Hard Top

 

Hot on the heels of the 38 Open White Pearl, showcased by Mazu Yachts at Boot Dusseldorf in January, the Turkish boutique boat builder is delighted to announce a brand new model: the dynamic 52 Hard Top.  The 52 Hard Top is built of carbon composite in a lightweight sandwich construction for rigidity and strength. Following very much in the vein of its Open models in terms of styling and performance, the extra length overall offers more interior volume and deck space, plus the addition of an open-sided, carbon composite hardtop for protection from the summer sun. In short, it continues the handcrafted, luxury yacht feel of the Mazu range with enhanced on-board comfort for extended overnight cruising.  In fact, the hull is just 15 centimeters higher than the 38 Open, but the interior layout provides for two guest cabins with separate bathroom facilities and a spacious dinette/lounge area. This is in addition to the large fore-deck, protected cockpit, and open aft deck and swim platform. Powered by twin Volvo 600hp engines with IPS pod propulsion, the Mazu 52 Hard Top will have a top speed of around 37 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots.  The first 52 Hard Top, already in build for a client at the Mazu shipyard in Istanbul, will be launched at the end of May before undergoing extensive sea trials. The new model will then make its international debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September 2018.

www.mazuyachts.com

New Model: Sea Ray 320 Sundancer

With the new Sundancer 320 Sea Ray shatters all assumptions, re-imagining the balance of indoor and outdoor space with a sport cruiser that is as versatile as it is elegant, and a new mix of center console exterior amenities and cabin interior comfort. Indeed the Sea Ray 320 Sundancer features a full length crowd-pleasing main deck cockpit, and a remarkably comfortable sleeping four cabin. The exterior impresses for its bow lounge area sure to be the one of the most popular zones on-board.  Launched in the fall of 2017 the Sea Ray 320 Sundancer features interesting design and comfort choices, and for the ever popular outboard lovers it is also available in that format from beginning of 2018. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 10.44 m (34,3ft) with extended bathing platform

LOA - 9.82 m without extended bathing platform

Beam - 3.25 m

Displacement - 6035 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 643 l

Water Capacity - 121 l

Accommodation - four berths

Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 4.5l MPI 250hp, 6.2l MPI 300hp, 6.2l MPI 350hp petrol gas, Mercury 3.0 TDI 260hp

Propulsion - Mercruiser Bravi III dual propeller stern drive

Certification - ABYC, NMMA, CE

www.searay.com

Web: Contest Yachts New Web Site

Contest Yachts from the Netherlands presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  Founded in 1959 by Ed Conijn, the Dutch builder launches its first model in the same year launching the 25 sailing cruiser designed by Gerard Luyten of which three hundred plus units are sold.  The company continue to expand over the years and decades, building always larger and more luxurious sailing cruisers and yachts which today go up to the 85CS flagship.  In 2003 Ed Conijn passes over the helm to son Arjen.  Arjen Conijn will continue to expand Contest yachts in size, and in 2011 the Dutch builder enters the motor yacht market with the 52MC.  The 52MC first launched in the Fastlane, is later on expanded in the Flybridge, Open Sport, Classic, and T-Top versions.  Contest new website takes you around with the following buttons; Contest Range, Contest World, Contest Group, Contest Media, and Contact.  Contast is also on social media with bottom of the link buttons taking you to its Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, and Youtube pages.   

www.contestyachts.com