November 10, 2018

New Model: Alia 31M

Built for global cruising, Alia 31M presents a remarkable volume for her length and an equally impressive performance, with a range up to 4500 nautical miles. The firm horizontal lines of her exterior styling by Omega architects reflects her resolute character, making her a quite exceptional evolution.  Alia 31M offers ample outdoor spaces for dining, lounging and sunbathing, while the interior offers gratifyingly airy accommodation for ten guests in five cabins. Finishings are of light oak and dark sycamore, with hand-cast bronze detailing, sets the tone of casual elegance, dappled in natural light and reflections off the water. The full-beam owner’s suite has two full-height glass doors on either side, leading to a private fore terrace on the main deck. The main dining saloon, set aft, continues panoramic views across the water, again with full-height wrap-around windows.  Alia 31M is powered by twin Yanmar 650hp engines which deliver performance up to fourteen knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 30.50 m (100ft)
Waterline Length - 29.37 m
Beam - 7.40 m
Draft - 2.10 m
Displacement - 210 t
Fuel Capacity - 30600 l
Water Capacity - 7070 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, eight crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6-HYM 650hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 14 knots max
Hull Shape - displacement
Construction - steel grade A hull, aluminium 5803 H312 super structure
Project - Omega architects exterior, Redman Whitley Dixon interior
Certification - Rina Cross of Malta, Mach Ych short range

November 9, 2018

Project: Steeler Off Road 22

Steeler Yachts together with Vripack, want to show they are the place and builder and designer to make the dream come for special clients who do not want an ordinary yacht.  The Steeler Off Road 22 project is all about this and a request from a German client, who wanted a stable explorer yacht at zero speed, so that the helicopter can land safely even in not calm waters, and at the same time offering maximum comfort and space for eight guests in four dedicated cabins, including an owners stateroom on the main deck.  The Steeler Off Road 22 project was presented an explorer yacht with extreme initial stability, which offers the unique helicopter deck in a yacht just measuring twenty two meters in size. For this design firm Vripack presented a three deck explorer yacht with work tug boat looks, offering a living on the main deck.  On the technical side the Steeler Off Road 22 will have a commercial diesel engine, hydraulic bow and stern thruster, transom hatch, high lifting capacity crane for the tender and jet skis on the fly deck, and a small harbor generator.  

November 8, 2018

New Model: Galeon 470 Skydeck

Galeon new 470 Skydeck joins the lineup bringing even more innovation to the Third Generation range. Based on the successful 460 Fly it shares the same hull design and main deck layout allowing for great space for passengers and activities.  Where the Galeon 470 Skydeck truly shines is in the design department. With its sleek lines, one can easily mistake it for a hardtop model, and yet it offers a top deck neatly hidden away with a soft roof.  Up top in the 470 Skydeck one finds a complete helm station with space for leisure on the sport flybridge.  For the rest the Galeon 470 Skydeck is identical to the 460 Fly offering three spacious cabins below, full living on the main deck with astern galley, and opening side bulk heads which increase aft deck space by 1.3 meters when opened.  The Galeon 470 Skydeck is powered by standard Volvo 435hp with optional 550hp and 600hp engines available. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.35 m (47.5ft)
Hull Length - 12.9 m
Beam - 4.37 m
Draft - 0.90 m exl props
Displacement - 16500kg unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 750 l
Water Capacity - 650 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D8 550hp, D8 600hp
Propulsion - line shaft, or Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Certification - CE B

November 7, 2018

Project: Absolute 62 Fly

After expanding again its facilities in the last two years, for 2019 Absolute is looking to renew the range with three new models set to launch in the coming year.  The Absolute 62 Fly is the third of these new 2019 projects and the one which is set to be presented the first, launching in January at the Dusseldorf boat show. The Absolute 62 Fly follows the North Italian boat builder recent stylistic elements, as presented with the 58 Fly launched in 2017.  As many flybridge motor yacht of this size the Absolute 62 Fly is about offering a lot of space and a pleasant exterior modern profile.  The living of the 62 Fly is an astern galley layout with a dinette opposite the galley, and a relaxing sofa on the forward part to a port side helm-station.  Below is a three double cabins three shower heads six berth accommodation for guests and a twin berth crew or extra guests cabin aft.  Owners stateroom is a full beam midships location, while the VIP suite forward offers a full beam feel thanks to the double berth looking to starboard.  The 62 Fly should also prove interesting for sun lovers with its three sunbathing areas; aft, forward, and on the flybridge.  The Absolute 62 Fly is to be powered by twin Volvo 725hp with forward IPS pod propulsion which should deliver top speeds up to thirty knots.

November 6, 2018

New Model: Mazu 52HT

Debuting  at the 2018 Cannes boat show, the new Mazu 52HT shows the Turkish builder prowess in building larger sports yacht.  The 52HT is built of carbon composite in a lightweight sandwich construction for rigidity and strength. Offering generous interior volume and deck space, plus an open-sided, carbon composite hardtop for protection from the summer sun, the new model continues the handcrafted, luxurious yacht feel of the Mazu range with enhanced onboard comfort for extended overnight cruising. The Mazu Yachts design team, lead by CEO Halit Yukay, made sure that the new Mazu 52HT carries the DNA of the brand's previous models but in a larger scale. The new Mazu flagship has the distinctive muscular cheeks, rough edges and linear long windows that emphasize powerful and yet minimalistic and elegant exterior look. The exterior of the Mazu 42HT presents itself as a cosy area with coffee tables well protected by the windglass hardtop.  There are two spacious outside areas on the bow and aft, where guests can relax under the sun and close to the sea to feel maximum contact with the outside environment. To achieve this feeling, the galley was also put on the main deck.  The new 52HT also is prepared to be both an ideal cruiser or a megayacht tender for short trips with a possibility to stay in complete. comfort over night. The interior is beautifully made and hand crafted with premium Foglizzo leathers, woods and natural stones. The Mazu 52 features a master cabin in the bow with a huge bathroom and an additional second cabin to travel with family or friends.  Mazu 52HT delivers a superb performance thanks to efficient hull shape and standard twin Volvo 600hp engines, with IPS pod propulsion which deliver top speeds up to 38 knots and cruising of around 32 knots.  Optional engines include twin Volvo 725hp engines which add both top speed and fast cruise by about two knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.80 m (52ft)
Waterline Length - 14 m
Beam - 4.60 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 19 t
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 600hp, D8 725hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drvies
Speed - 38 knots max 32 knots cruise with Volvo 600hp, 40 knots max 36 knots cruise with Volvo 725hp
Construction - epoxy resin composite with carbon reinforcements
Certification - RINA CE A or B

November 5, 2018

Project: Princess F45 Flybridge

Princess present the project for an all new F45 flybridge what should be a replacement to the F43 model. The F45 seems to impress for much more space to the F43, thanks to the use of Volvo IPS pod drives, and modern construction techniques.  The F45 extended flybridge includes a seating area with teak dining table and forward L-shaped seats that convert to a sunpad when required. At the touch of a button, her unique, electrically-sliding transom seating arrangement extends the length of the cockpit area to add additional main deck space the the thirteen meters flybridge cruiser. The sleeping accommodation below deck presents two large cabins, a full beam owner’s stateroom is complemented by a forward VIP suite. Powered by Volvo 435hp engines and reaching a top speed of 31 knots.  The F45 should be interesting competition and offers similar lower deck layout for the long standing Absolute 45 Fly, Prestige 460 Flybridge, and Ferretti 450, with both of these last two having the advantage of having a three cabins version available.

November 4, 2018

New Model: Azimut Grande 32 Metri

Azimut and Righini rewrite the style book again with the new Grande 32 Metri surprising for its fluent sport looks, even though this is a 32 meter two deck and half super yacht.  Influenced not little by the smaller and successful 27 Metri in looks, the new Grande 32 Metri follows its sporty exterior looks with a spacious interior, offering five spacious cabins including an owners stateroom on the forward full body main deck.  The Grande 32 Metri is also full of innovation with extensive use of carbon fiber being used for the upper structure of the yacht, aiming to reduce weight up top and keep center of gravity low.  The Grande 32 Metri also features Azimut Displacement to Planning hull shape by Pierluigi Ausonio which offers two high efficiency cruising speeds, a fast cruise at 21 knots and a long range economic cruise at 12 knots.  The Azimut Grande 32 Metri is powered by twin MTU 2200hp engines which give top speeds up to 27 knots and a fast cruise up to 21 knots.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 32 m (105ft)
Beam - 7.30 m
Draft - 1.9 m incl props
Displacement - 142 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 16000 l
Water Capacity - 2500 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, five crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 2200hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 27 knots max 21 knots cruise
Hull Type - D2P Displacement to Planning
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Achille Salvagni interior, Pierluigi Ausonio hull
Construction - carbon fiber super structure with fiberglass
Certification - UNI ISO8666 for data

November 3, 2018

Project: ISA Yachts Extra 93

ISA Yachts part of the Palumbo Superyachts Group is pleased to announce the sale of the new trideck motoryacht Extra 93 to a European client.  This makes the fourth new build yacht sold by Palumbo Superyachts since the beginning of the year, following the sale of the Columbus S 50 meter, the ISA Extra 76 and the Extra 126.  Among the main objectives of Extra 93 is that of further raising the standards for the sub thirty meter class super yachts, in particular in terms of volume, comfort, live-ability on board and consumption levels.  Built in composite to RINA standards and CE marking, this 28.4 meter vessel features exterior and interior styling by Francesco Guida.  On board accommodation will be for up to ten guests split between five cabins, including a full-beam master suite on the main deck, two large VIP cabins, along with two guest cabins, each with en-suite bathroom.  The propulsion system of the Extra 93 relies on Volvo Penta IPS engines that take the boat to a maximum speed of 18 knots and a cruising of 15 knots in semi-displacement mode.  Currently in build in Ancona, Italy, this new Extra 93 will be delivered to her Owner in summer 2019.

November 2, 2018

New Model: Sasga Menorquin 68 FB

Sasga Menorquin 68 FB has been designed for enjoying the maximum comfort and habitability thanks to its spacious interior and exterior areas. Her highlights are a large cockpit and an enormous flybridge, which make her possible to sail the boat under adverse weather condition. The Sasga Menorquin is a model with magnificent features that offers incredible stability and efficiency. With a length of nearly twenty meters and a beam of six, she is a true passage maker. The flybridge features a large sun pad, seating for up to eight people and an entertainment area to enjoy the full around view.  The Sasga Menorquin 68 FB offers a three or four double cabins lower deck layout.  In the four cabins layout the midships master cabin moves forwards, and the full beam offers two VIP suites.  The crew area plus galley and a crew mess is also located at midships in between the aft located engine room and the cabin area.  Power for the Sasga Menorquin 68 FB is from twin Volvo 670hp, with maximum engine power allowed for up to 725hp.  Top speed is up to 23 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.24 m (69.6ft)
Hull Length - 19.9 m
Beam - 5.80 m
Draft - 1.60 m
Displacement - 32 t 
Fuel Capacity - 3350 l
Water Capacity - 1433 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, or eight berths in four cabins, two crew in one cabin
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 670hp, D11 725hp
Speed - 23 knots max 18 knots cruise
Project - Barracuda Yachts
Certification - CE A

October 31, 2018

Monthly News - October 2018

-pic of the month- Pardo Yachts Planamente and Servidati Take Majority Shareholding

Azimut-Benetti Sponsors Next Design Perspectives Project

Since the very beginning, the Azimut|Benetti Group has been characterised by its research into ground-breaking innovations which have marked important changes in the history of nautical design, for example the large windows in place of portholes, or the first sport boats inspired by car design.  This research has continued over time, a kind of unifying theme throughout the entrepreneurial history of the Group, currently about to celebrate 50 years in business, excelling in the field of design as well as in the identification of solutions aiming to improve life on board and to reduce energy consumption.  Creativity and innovation are therefore elements which have always been present in the DNA of the company, a constant and continually developing presence which has contributed to making Azimut|Benetti a major international player, valued worldwide for its style and distinctive characteristics. Giovanna Vitelli, Vice President of the Group, continues on this path with passion, especially through the excellent collaborations with highly talented and equally reputable designers who have impressed the two brands in the group, Azimut and Benetti, a very precise signature style, rich with infinite influences and continual cultural references.  “Our designers"  explains Giovanna Vitelli "come from different experiences, they have different backgrounds and live and work in different countries around the world: this translates to an extraordinary contribution in terms of creativity and points of view, which enriches our proposal in style and in substance and attracts clients from every continent. I like to think of a yacht as “the castle of the third millennium”, a project in which the customer wants to bring their dreams to life, surrounding themselves with everything which, in terms of materials, form, manufacture and technology, best matches their tastes and meets their desires. A yacht perceived to be departing from this premise is therefore both subject and source of design and the Azimut|Benetti Group, in its sector, has played and continues to play an important role in the promotion of creativity and the quality of products made in Italy throughout the world".  "And that's why" concludes Vitelli "I'm a huge fan of this project carried out by Altagamma. A discussion of the topic of design, with some food for thought coming from talented contemporary experts and prestigious representatives from various product sectors – fashion, interior design, culture represents a different way to approach this topic and offers all of us the opportunity to launch ourselves into the future with a new expertise and awareness of what the new reference point of our customers will be, their needs and their expectations.”


Bavaria Relying 100 Percent Made in Giebelstadt

The future development of Bavaria is taking clear shape: The yacht builder, respected worldwide for its good price-performance ratio, will once again build its boats one hundred percent in Germany. Bearing the seal of quality “Made in Giebelstadt”, both sailing and motor yachts will be manufactured and handed over to customers in Franconia.  The R55 motor yacht, previously produced in Croatia, will for the first time be hand-built at the company’s headquarters in the first half of 2019. The molds and tools are currently being transported from Croatia to Germany and installed in Giebelstadt.  “We want our outstandingly well trained and committed employees to develop and build all our yachts primarily under own management. The workforce identifies strongly with Bavaria Yachts; it is the key feature of our company,” explains Managing Director Erik Appel, who has been Chief Operating Officer of Bavaria Yachts since December 2017. “This is why we intend to further increase our permanent staff and simultaneously reduce the proportion of temporary workers. This will help considerably to bring down production costs. To increase the efficiency of the shipyard, we will concentrate on our own engineering, i.e. the technical development of yachts, at Bavaria Yachts once again. Interdisciplinary teams have already been formed. We will organise the handover of newly developed models from engineering to production better and thus reduce costs. Engineering and joinery will continue to be core in-house competences.”  The series production that Bavaria Yachts stands for is being taken to new levels. To do this, it will be necessary to greatly reduce the complexity that has emerged in recent years. The current portfolio includes 26 models within the next three years it is to be focused on 10 to 12 models which are efficient and popular in the market. “Our model range will be more attractive and at the same time of a highly reliable quality, with a portfolio of the same size,” adds Erik Appel.


Ferretti Group Open Shanghai Showroom

Ferretti Group announced the grand opening of its new marvelous showroom in Shanghai at the Bellagio Hotel. This new opening confirms the strategy of international growth of Ferretti Group, and its goal to increase visibility in the Asia-Pacific market.  Ferretti Group brand new showroom is located in the shopping section on the first floor of Bellagio Shanghai. It perfectly mirrors the elegant taste, the international excellence and Italian aesthetics of the Group. At this showroom, visitors will see the impressive scale models of the latest yacht models presented from the Group’s portfolio of legendary brands, such as Riva 110’ Dolcevita debuted last month during Cannes Yachting Festival, Pershing 140 to be debuted in year 2019, and 74M mega yacht Cloud 9 from CRN brand which was delivered to her owner last year. These new projects are benchmarks of cutting-edge design and technology innovation in the global nautical world. Showroom visitors can also learn about the history and heritage of all seven brands from the interactive touchscreen totem.  “The new grand opening confirms, once again, Ferretti Group’s commitment to further expand in continental China, next to positioning all brands in a selective market, that is definitely strategic in the luxury field” comments Stefano De Vivo, CCO of Ferretti Group.  The grand opening saw the participation of distinguished guests such as Mr. Bartolomeo Lamonarca, the Italian Consul Shanghai, Mr. Alain Tsui, the General Manager of Bellagio Shanghai, general managers of yacht clubs from East China, publishers of China’s top lifestyle magazine, partners of Ferretti Group from various sectors in the luxury industry, and successful entrepreneurs and boat owners. Mr. Alessandro Tirelli, Sales Director of Ferretti Group Asia Pacific shared the Ferretti Group’s latest achievements, new fleet, and new vision for the Chinese market, as well as exciting news from the September Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show.


Horizon Names Preferred Partner for California

Horizon Yachts is pleased to announce Denison Yacht Sales has joined the company’s extensive Preferred Partner sales network, representing Horizon’s luxury yacht collection in California. Denison Yacht Sales will work directly with Jim McLaren at Orange Coast Yacht Sales, the current Horizon Preferred Partner located in Newport Beach, to ensure a smooth and seamless transition as Mr. McLaren retires from the industry. Bill Palmer and David Millett, of Denison’s Newport Beach office, are named as the company’s Brand Representatives for Horizon luxury yacht enquiries in California.  Denison Yacht Sales has long been a leader in the yachting industry with a rich family history dating back to 1948, with the start of Broward Marine in Fort Lauderdale. Today, the company provides complete yachting services worldwide, from sales and charter to crew placement and new construction. Denison has 22 waterfront offices from coast to coast around the U.S. as well as a team of nearly 100 licensed and bonded yacht brokers. Decades of experience provide a long-term perspective on the industry, extensive industry contacts, a deep client roster and a passion for yachting.


Maritimo Hunts for High Skilled Employee

Maritimo Wants You, That's the message that Australia's leading luxury motor yacht manufacturer Maritimo is spreading throughout Australia and New Zealand as it seeks to significantly increase its workforce to meet unprecedented demand for its luxury boats.  Riding a wave of success that has seen it sell luxury motor yachts worth many tens of millions of dollars this year the Gold Coast based company is expanding its facilities and production capacity.  CEO Garth Corbitt said with the production pipeline now stretching out to 2020, the company’s supply capacity requires ramping up to meet demand.  "We have had a phenomenal year with tremendous sales success and the task at hand now is to get the boats built," he said.  "We have steadily increased our workforce over the year, but we are still employing at all fields within the manufacturing areas of the company.”  Maritimo's Production Manager, Kym Fleet, said Maritimo needs experienced and motivated people with a minimum of three years experience in the industry.  "We are employing high skilled people in lamination, cabinet making, fit-out, engineering, varnish and stainless fabrication, all of whom we desire a keen eye and attention to detail," he said.  "We are putting out the word throughout Australia and also in New Zealand." "Successful applicants will be working in our Coomera based manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast and they will be part of a team producing the country’s leading state of the art luxury motor yachts that are in demand around the globe."  He said the Gold Coast was Australia's sixth largest city and the largest non-capital with an enviable lifestyle and annual tourism visitors exceeding 12 million people. "The allure of the Gold Coast's lifestyle with its 57 kilometres of pristine coastline, 260 kilometres of navigable waterways and relatively small population base of approximately 576,000 people makes it one of the best places in the world to live," said Fleet.  "The Gold Coast has established itself as the natural hub for the country's marine industry and in terms of global livability standards we rank right up there so the opportunity to join Maritimo and enjoy such a lifestyle is something we believe will be very attractive to interstate and overseas residents."  Maritimo says it will continue its hiring campaign until the appropriate numbers are met.

Maritimo Expand More in the USA

Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, has continued to expand its reach in the Americas with yet another appointment of a multi-generational marine broker as a dealer partner. Maritimo Americas' President, Dave Northrop, said he was delighted to have B & E Marine from Michigan City, Indiana join the Maritimo network saying the second generation business, established in 1953, was one of the most successful and respected in the USA.  "B & E Marine and the Bensz family have an excellent reputation for professionalism, customer service, dedication and boating knowledge," he said.  "The firm has represented some of the biggest and most successful brands in the country and we are sure the Maritimo brand and awareness will be greatly enhanced as a result of their involvement."  The appointment of B & E Marine as a dealer partner is the latest move in Maritimo's establishment of a network of highly professional and experienced representatives of the brand in the Americas.  B & E Marine, located on Lake Michigan in Michigan City, IN is only 38 miles from Chicago by water and has been in business for over 65 years. From its beginning, the company has shown a commitment to the boating lifestyle, its clients, its team members and its community that is the cornerstone of its operations right up to the present.  Co-Founder, Ronald Bensz established the company in 1953 with his friend Rolland Evett. A few years later he became sole owner and eventually sold the business to his two sons in the mid-1980's. Barry and Rod Bensz have continued in their father’s footsteps to foster the company's commitment to excellence and community involvement. They are both involved in numerous industry and local community groups.  "Our team actively works each day to provide our clients with quality products, excellent service and to introduce people to the boating lifestyle in an effort to make our boating area one of the best in the country," said Rod Bensz, B & E's co-owner and director of sales.  He said the opportunity to become involved with Maritimo was exciting and he was confident strong sales would result as more boaters became aware of the brand and its various models.  "The climate controlled flybridge motor yachts will resonate well with boaters in our area and the exciting new X-series which has changed the world of sport yachts internationally, will also prove to be very popular I am sure," he said.  Maritimo's CEO, Garth Corbitt, said the appointment of B & E Marine added yet another layer to Maritimo's international outreach.  "Our markets in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia are firing and we are committed to increasing our reach in the Americas and also in Europe," he said.  "Forward orders now stretch out to 2020 and we have embarked on a major employment drive seeking to increase our current workforce by approximately 30 percent to help us meet the demand for our vessels.  "Maritimo's reputation internationally is gaining momentum and the Americas is an exciting market for us to be active in."  Northrop said Maritimo's build quality and sea worthiness, being designed to handle some of the most challenging ocean conditions in the world around Australia, resonated strongly with US boaters.  "We are extremely excited about Maritimo's future here and the appointment of top flight operators such as B & E Marine will add to our momentum," he said.  "It is fair to say that the response from our customers to the revolutionary X60 sport yacht and the new generation of flybridge motor yachts has been over whelming and with professionals like B & E Marine helping us increase the awareness of the brand globally the future looks extremely bright."

Maritimo Extends Americas Reach

Leading Australian luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, has expanded its reach in the Americas with Colony Marine, one of the largest dealers in The Great Lakes, being appointed as a dealer partner.  Maritimo Americas' President, Dave Northrop, said he was delighted to have Colony Marine join the Maritimo network saying the third generation business, established in 1958, was one of the most successful and respected in the USA.  "Colony Marine and the Beauregard family have an excellent reputation for professionalism, customer service, dedication and boating knowledge," he said.  "The firm has represented some of the biggest and most successful brands in the country and we are sure the Maritimo brand and awareness will be greatly enhanced as a result of their involvement."  Colony Marine's President/Owner Pete Beauregard said the opportunity to become involved with Maritimo was exciting and he was confident strong sales would result as more boaters became aware of the brand and its various models.  "The climate controlled flybridge motor yachts will resonate well with boaters in our area and the exciting new X range, which has changed the world of sport yachts internationally, will also prove popular I am sure," he said.  "The X series with the X60 and X50 now revealed and other models to follow will do very well."  Maritimo's CEO, Garth Corbitt, said the appointment of Colony Marine added yet another layer to Maritimo's international outreach.  "Our markets in Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia are firing and we are committed to increasing our reach in the Americas and also in Europe," he said.  "Forward orders now stretch out to 2020 and we have embarked on a major employment drive seeking to increase our current workforce by approximately 30 percent, to help us meet the demand for our vessels.  "Maritimo's reputation internationally is gaining momentum and the Americas is an exciting market for us to be active in.  "We have been actively rolling out a strategy to appoint the very best dealer partners possible throughout the Americas and the appointment of Colony Marine is a significant step forward in that process."  Northrop said Maritimo's build quality and sea worthiness, being designed to handle some of the most challenging ocean conditions in the world around Australia, resonated strongly with US boaters.  "We are extremely excited about Maritimo's future here and the appointment of top flight operators such as Colony Marine will add to our momentum," he said.

Maritimo Record Auckland Boat Show

Australia's leading luxury motor yacht manufacturer, Maritimo, continues to ride a wave of success with its recent X Series sports yacht releases and recent design upgrades to M Series Flybridge Motor yacht range, creating such demand that the Auckland On Water Boat Show provided more than $10 million in contracts finalised.  The X60 Sport Yacht which premiered in May, and the X50 Sport Yacht scheduled for world premiere in 2019 were the highlights of the Maritimo display with both models generating multiple sales.  Maritimo's lead designer, Tom Barry-Cotter, said the X50, which will have its international debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May 2019, has generated unprecedented amounts of interest due to its superior accommodation options and incredible price point.  The X50 is creating momentum with its accommodative spaces blitzing competitor layouts in terms of accommodation area offered, and available accommodation options, made possible by the X-Series ground breaking aft cabin design.  Barry-Cotter said X60 that was featured on the Maritimo display, had travelled from Australia to New Zealand under its own power, A route being chosen more frequently by owner’s as a less expensive and more exciting delivery option than via shipping delivery.  The Auckland results follow on from highly successful sales results at both the Sydney and Sanctuary Cove shows, the latter seeing total sales of more than $40 million recorded.  The Auckland show attendance figures were up 12 percent on previous years according to organisers who said it was one of the best shows ever held.  The record sales success of 2018 Sanctuary Cove and Auckland Boat Shows forms a strong platform and confidence as Maritimo eagerly await the X Series North American premiere at Annapolis and Ft. Lauderdale Boat Shows in the coming weeks.


Pardo Yachts Planamente and Servidati Take Majority Shareholding

Parlo Yachts is pleased to inform of an important management buyout operation, Fabio Planamente and Luigi Servidati, long-time managers of the company, have acquired the majority of Cantiere del Pardo Spa.  With a capital increase of 5 million euros, the shipyard is ready to continue the growth and development of the Grand Soleil Yachts and Pardo Yachts brands. This operation has been overseen and finalized by LS Roma firm as financial consultant through its senior partner Riccardo Acernese.  At the top of the new corporate structure there will be Luigi Servidati as President of the Administration Board and Fabio Planamente as CEO.  Luigi Servidati and Fabio Planamente have been leading the shipyard since 2014 as managers. Both of them have been working in the company for many years, Servidati since 2000 and Planamente since 2009 performing different roles.  In 2014, when Trevisani family entered as the majority shareholder of the shipyard, Luigi Servidati was appointed as Sales and Marketing Director and Product Development Manager, whereas Fabio Planamente as General Manager. During the last four years, Cantiere del Pardo regained its original leading role in the Boating Industry registering a revenue of more than 30 million euros this year.  Such an accomplishment is a result of correct business decisions like the launch of the new powerboat brand Pardo Yachts as well as the new Long Cruise and Custom Line sailing range.  Fabio Planamente and Luigi Servidati have commented on the latest news: “A special thanks from us and the whole shipyard goes to Trevisani family for their essential commitment and efforts in relaunching the company and for the support shown since their acquisition in 2014. The investments and the strategic choices made will allow Cantiere del Pardo to reach new goals and become a reference in the Boating Industry”.  The Trevisani family and Andrea Amadori have consequently reduced their holdings while maintaining their presence in the company.


Pursuit Acquisition Complete

Malibu Boats, Inc. a leading global manufacturer of recreational fiberglass boats, announced today that it has closed the acquisition of Pursuit Boats (Pursuit) for total consideration of $100 million.  “As a leader in the saltwater outboard fishing segment, Pursuit is an incredible addition to the Malibu family. Over the past 41 years, Pursuit Boats has established a premium brand through its incredible dealer network and longstanding commitment to customers. With Pursuit, we have an opportunity to broaden our outboard offering, while leveraging the manufacturing and design expertise of the respective teams to continue to deliver the premium products customers expect,” commented Jack Springer, Chief Executive Officer of Malibu Boats.  “Pursuit Boats has established an unmatched premium brand through our incredible dealer network and longstanding commitment to customers. As a trailblazer in its own right, Malibu is the perfect partner, as we maintain similar cultures with a shared passion for product and people, which has driven our collective long-term success. The Slikkers family will continue to own and operate Tiara Yachts and Tiara Sport under the S2 Yachts corporate umbrella and are excited about that.” said Tom Slikkers, Chief Executive Officer of S2 Yachts.


Sanlorenzo Launches Sanlorenzo Academy

One of the world’s leading producers of yachts and superyachts, Sanlorenzo prepares to start a new important project for young people: “Sanlorenzo Academy”. Resulting from an idea by Cavalier Massimo Perotti, CEO and Chairmain at Sanlorenzo, who has once again shown the brand’s ability to look further and to enlarge its visions, Academy aims at creating specialised professionals whom the world of work currently lacks and needs, providing trainingopportunities for young people to get employed. This project was implemented thanks to a collaboration with the Italian training institution CISITA and to the support of Confindustria La Spezia, Region of Liguria, Alfa Liguria, Municipality of La Spezia and Port Authority.  This initiative creates a major virtuous circle involving industry, education and the world of work, investing on new generations and fostering employment.  Academy presents itself as a bridge between Liguria’s technical and professional schools and companies in order to introduce specialised professionals with technical and practical boating skills into the world of work. Both Sanlorenzo and the contractors involved in the project have committed to hire, at the end of the internship, 60% of the people enrolled in the Academy who will pass the final exam; this will earn them a temporary job contract for at least 6 months.  The courses were presented yesterday at a press conference held at La Spezia’s Unione Industriale (Industrial Association) attended by Paolo Bertetti, engineer (Vice President Technical & R&D Sanlorenzo), Paolo Povesi (President of Cisita) and Francesca Cozzani (President of Confindustria La Spezia).  The first course, that will start in mid-November, aims at training people in the production area and on board: - Polyvalent boating operator – training for 8 professionals with many skills suitable for all the stages of production processes;  Sailor in charge of on-board technical equipment – training for 8 professionals with basic skills in the fields of plant engineering, engines and electronics and expert in typical on-board activities performed by sailors.  The course will last 1 year, including 800 hours characterized by classroom and lab lessons and a 6-month internship. The final target is to provide students with technical and practical skills as well as “Soft skills” (managing stress, conflicts, criticalities, planning and communication skills etc), integrating their skills with specific knowledge and practical experience.  More courses are being planned, starting in early 2019, to train new professionals including an installer/maintenance technician for boat plumbing appliances and Installer/maintenance technician for boat electric appliances.  The project Sanlorenzo Academy was launched thanks to a European Union co-funding through donations from the Region of Liguria (European Social Fund 2014-2020).

Sanlorenzo Signs An Exclusive Agreement with Art Basel Till 2020

Determination, courage and the ability to enlarge one’s horizons are the ingredients of Sanlorenzo’s character, one of the world’s leading producers of yachts and superyachts, which embarked on a path toward new perspectives in the nautical world, thanks to chairman and Ceo Massimo Perotti’s entrepreneurial vision. Thus over the years Sanlorenzo has pushed its boundaries further and further, embracing languages and creative forms belonging to similar world such as design and art.This choice culminates with the company’s 60th anniversary and with a global partnership agreement with Art Basel, the leading art fair for modern and contemporary art, where the shipyard will be present for three years as exclusive partner in his sector. The annual events occur in Hong Kong in March, in Basel in June and Miami Beach in December up to 2020. Following Art Basel in Basel 2018, where Sanlorenzo presented the impressive installation at theCollectors Lounge as a tribute to Italian artist Emilio Isgrò, designed by the company’s art director Piero Lissoni, the company prepares to attend Art Basel Miami Beach 2018, from the 6th to the 9th December, with a new exhibition project in collaboration with Galleria Tornabuoni Arte signed by Lissoni.  An actual excellence in the nautical world, Sanlorenzo keeps filling its DNA with art, proceeding on the path on which it embarked some years ago by collaborating with major Galleries and cultural institutions like Milan’s Triennale, on the occasion of FuoriSalone 2017 and 2018, and with Galleria Tornabuoni Arte, with which it set up some exhibitions on board some of its yachts, in concomitance with Art Basel Miami Beach in 2016 and Venice’s 57th Biennale D’Arte in 2017.

Sanlorenzo Inclided in Adi Design Index

For the second year in a row Sanlorenzo, one of the world’s leading shipyards for the production of yachts and superyachts, is included in the ADI Design Index, the volume that groups the best brands of Italian design selected by the ADI’s permanent Observatory of Design. Three of Sanlorenzo’s projects have been chosen by a commission composed of over 100 members including experts, designers, critics, historians, specialised journalists, who select the most outstanding proposals in terms of creativity and functional, typological innovation, production processes, materials, synthesis of form: the installation “Il mare a Milano” set up at Milan’s Triennale for Fuorisalone 2017 and the interior design projects by Piero Lissoni for the crossover yacht SX88 and by Citterio Viel for Superyacht 460Exp. The projects selected, as well as the ones that will be chosen for the ADI Design Index 2019, will be part of the preselection thanks to which ADI’s Compasso d'Oro award will also be attended, the forthcoming prestigious award ceremony that has brought the best designers and brands of Italian design to the attention of experts and of the general public for more than sixty years. Selected for the category Exhibition Design, the installation “Il mare a Milano” has been designed to let viewers immerse themselves in the world of yacht design: the area in front of Milan’s Triennale has been transformed into several alternating seas, by using a great floor projection, reproducing an ideal sea crossing. The installation also involved the internal areas of the foundation where an entire room was dedicated to presenting some of Sanlorenzo’s great families of yachts and its collaborations with Dordoni Architetti, Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Piero Lissoni. An immersive experience into Sanlorenzo’s dimension. Piero Lissoni, with his absolutely groundbreaking approach for the interior design of SX88, has presented an open space on board an 88-foot long yacht for the first time ever. Piero Lissoni has thus reinterpreted the concept of space on a boat, which develops as a single, continuous ambiance from bow to stern with an open kitchen, next to a dining room, followed by a living area, with no interruptions between interiors and exteriors, thanks to large glass windows overlooking the sea. A “social” boat which suggests a new way of living on board. Sanlorenzo’s superyacht 460Exp, with its interiors signed by Citterio Viel reinvents the concept of explorer yachts. A peculiar feature of this project is surely the strong bond between internal and external spaces. Designers have actually tried to fit the hull into the boat, while preserving the direct relationship between the boat’s structure and its areas. The project aims at revealing the essence of the boat’s construction. The ecru fabrics combined with the leather navy and satin-finished steel details create a sophisticated, cosy, inviting marine setting. Three different projects describing Sanlorenzo’s unique approach, its strong connection to the world of design and the company’s work to propose new ways to experience the sea, introducing new perspectives for the world of boating.  Apart from this important recognition, the projects selected will be showcased in the exhibition ADI Design Index 2018, set up in two exclusive locations, Milan’s Museum of Science and Technology and later, Rome’s “Casa dell'Architettura” of the Roman Acquarium.


Sea Ray Introducing New Boating Technology

For nearly sixty years, Sea Ray has inspired generations of boaters’ most remarkable experiences. Sea Ray’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show display will allow enthusiasts to celebrate and explore Sea Ray’s bold commitment to crafting the next generation of exceptional adventures.  Sea Ray is introducing the world to boating technology that brings your boat into the palm of your hand with the launch of Sea Ray Connect. Powered by Nautic-On technology, Sea Ray Connect provides peace of mind by effortlessly conveying a boat’s location and status of vital systems to users via a smartphone app.  Boaters will be able to remotely view the condition of their boat’s key components, receive alerts and share diagnostics with service providers should any system require attention.


Viking Employee Appreciation Day

Clouds couldn't dampen the spirit of Viking's 2018 Employee Appreciation Day. With a crowd nearing 3,000, Viking's boat builders and their families savored an autumn day filled with food, friends and fun.  This day, dubbed The Clambake, is all about the Viking shipwrights. Headed up by the Human Resources Department, over 100 managers, administrators and staffers pitched in and worked the event for the team building the boats in the manufacturing plant. Shucking clams, grilling burgers, roasting pigs, pouring sodas, running kids' activities and even twirling cotton candy are all jobs manned by the Viking crew. It's Viking's way of thanking its family for building the best boat in the world.

Viking Master Class

The Viking Yacht Company is proud to have the strongest dealer network in the world. To maintain that esteemed position, Viking is committed to investing in its authorized dealers. Throughout the year Viking invites its dealer principals and sales representatives to its first-class New Jersey manufacturing facilities. They spend a few days with Viking onsite for interactive, hands-on training as well as classroom-style education. The Viking Sales Department hosts this Master's Program and takes the teams through the build process, discusses new technology and demonstrates features unique to the product. It's also a great opportunity to receive feedback on the Viking boats so to continue building a better boat every day. A team from HMY Yacht Sales recently attended the program.

Viking at Presidential Aruba Caribbean Cup

The Viking 62 Hazel Ann smacked 15 sailfish at last weekend's Presidential Aruba Caribbean Cup. This was a record-setting event with 109 billfish releases in three days of fishing with just 16 boats.


Wider Gets Three Awards by RINA

Monaco Yacht Show provided a glamorous setting for RINA to present some ground breaking awards to Wider for the construction quality of the 165 superyacht “Cecilia”. The first award related to the remarkable lack of noise and vibration achieved on the yacht, a trademark of the advanced serial hybrid propulsion system that Wider have become known for. For the first time ever, RINA have awarded a perfect 100,100 in their Comfort Class for two consecutive yachts: the first one being the Wider 150. This Comf (Y) 100,100 annotation is a testimony not only to the benefits of Wider’s propulsion system, but also a tribute to the engineering and craftsmanship that has made Wider world leaders in their class.In addition to the Comfort Class Award, RINA also bestowed upon Wider 165 the RINA Platinum Green Plus Award. This Award is recognition of the fact that the Wider 165 surpasses every other yacht in her class for her green credentials. Fuel consumption and the impact of her construction upon the environment were taken into careful consideration. This Award too was given for the second time to Wider, and is an important step in cementing her position as a revolutionary yacht builder for the 21st Century.  Moreover, as the icing on the cake, RINA awarded Cecilia with the RINA Award 2018, given to the “greenest” yacht of the year!