-pic of the month- Back Cove 200th 37
Amer and Volvo Collaborate Towards Sustainability
As part of the Nobel Week events at Nobel House in Sanremo, Italian boatbuilder, Amer Yachts, presented Volvo Penta with the results of an independent study on underwater noise. Reducing underwater noise is a key sustainability focus for Volvo Penta and the results of this study will help inform future work. Volvo Penta recently announced that it was accelerating its sustainability aims in line with the Volvo Group’s new ambitions – to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050, at the latest. The Volvo Group has now also committed to the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTI). To support these objectives Volvo Penta is accelerating its efforts to reach zero emissions and be a leader in sustainable power solutions. One of the focus areas in the Volvo Penta sustainability plan is underwater noise – which has adverse effects on marine life, particularly marine mammals. Amer Yachts and Volvo Penta have been close partners for many years. Both companies have shared sustainability values and they have worked together to realize them. Recently, Cetena, an Italian research company in the maritime sector, conducted a study on noise pollution on behalf of Amer Yachts. The study analyzed the underwater noise generated by Amer 94 and Amer 100 while navigating – both equipped with Volvo Penta Inboard Performace System (IPS). Barbara Amerio, owner of Amer Yachts, presented the results as a “gift for the future” to Andrea Piccione, Volvo Penta Sales Manager for Italy. The ceremony highlighted the combined effort of both companies’ journey into sustainable yachting. “Sustainability is important to our philosophy and we have been working hard to bring a change in the yachting industry for several years as we know that yacht-builders are important players in changing customers’ attitudes,” says Barbara.
Azimut Benetti World Leading Superyacht Builder Again
The Global Order Book 2021, the ranking published each year by highly reputed UK magazine Boat International to report on industry trends for yachts over 24 metres in length, based on actual order data, has recognised Azimut|Benetti Group as the world’s top superyacht builder, with 100 projects over 80 feet totalling 3,521 metres in length. The report by Boat International took account of work at 179 shipyards worldwide where yachts over 24 metres in length are built, revealing that top ranking Azimut Benetti has a 12% share of the market in this segment based on the 821 projects analysed, with a lead over the second ranking player of 16% in terms of number of projects and 432 metres by length. This recognition takes on a special meaning this year when we remember the difficulties faced over the last 12 months by the yachting industry, like the economy as a whole, as a result of the crisis caused by the pandemic. On this subject, it is important to remember not only how quickly and effectively the Group responded to a complex situation, but most importantly its determination to continue to invest steadily in the development of new products. This decision has been repaid by the arrival on the market of models that have been admired and bought “on paper” before even touching the water, like Benetti’s Oasis 40M, with 12 units sold just two months after the yacht’s debut, and the Azimut Yachts Trideck, which has already sold five units before the official presentation. Great success also for Benetti’s steel and aluminium production, with a special focus on the B.Now, B.YOND and Custom categories. Other than the recent sales of 2 B.Yond 37M and 3 B.Now 50M, 6 custom yachts, 60-meter and over in length and with steel hull, are currently under construction at the Benetti shipyard in Livorno. Azimut|Benetti’s leadership is therefore the result of the Group’s historical assets – ongoing research into innovative approaches, the drive to introduce cutting-edge technology, financial solidity and, last but not least, a close-knit global distribution and assistance network – as well as the ability to anticipate owners’ expectations, which include a growing concern for sustainability issues. A final crucial factor from a geographical perspective is Azimut|Benetti’s high profile in the most important regions for super yacht sales, like the United States, where the Group has been market leader for years, as well as in particularly promising ones, as South East Asian countries are proving to be. “We dedicate this win to everyone in our company and to our customers, whose confidence in us fills us with gratitude and honour,” said Giovanna Vitelli, Group Executive Vice President, continuing: “A challenging season awaits us, but we have got off to the best of starts, with an already sizeable order book (80% Benetti and 60% Azimut Yachts) and a total of 9 products in the pipeline with launches planned over the next 10 months.”
Azimut Wins Boat Builder for Business Achievement
This special edition of the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, organised for the first time as a digital event, saw the creation of new categories to focus attention on the yachting industry’s response to the complexities caused by the pandemic. Against this unusual backdrop, Azimut Yachts was singled out for its remarkable ability to innovate and adapt, demonstrating that it knows how to rise to and win a challenge by developing new communication and business development tools. And in fact, the company received an award for its Azimut Yachts Virtual Lounge in the category Exceptional Commercial Achievement in an Unprecedented Year, dedicated to businesses that have developed strategies and initiatives to protect their activities and the people involved in them, successfully emerging from this period of difficulty in a position of strength. The Virtual Lounge is a one-of-a-kind digital container, implemented on an ongoing basis and in record time with videos, technical data sheets and in-depth analysis, aiming to keep the relationship with customers alive even in times of lockdown and social distancing. The judges were struck in particular by the versatility of the Virtual Lounge tool, which Azimut Yachts used to organise its first e-Boat Show (from May 27 to 30, 2020), at which product presentations were supported and enhanced by a live chat service that led to the online sale of an Azimut S6. Moreover, Azimut Yachts was awarded with an honourable mention in the Community Support Initiative category dedicated to everyone who has shown their commitment to social responsibility by investing resources, expertise and production capacity to help the wider community in a time of difficulty. The company struck a chord with the judges for its deep ties with local communities and for having successfully and speedily launched an initiative to distribute kits of personal protective equipment to hospitals, municipalities, voluntary associations and other local entities, as well as in neighbourhood supermarkets operating in the geographical areas where the company works, i.e. Piemonte, Liguria, Tuscany and Marche. In this way, Azimut Yachts again confirms its focus on local communities and its commitment to people in these areas, for whom it represents not only a storied point of reference, but also a source of pride. The award for Exceptional Commercial Achievement in an Unprecedented Year was virtually collected by Federico Lantero, Azimut|Benetti Group Product Marketing and Communication Director. Francesco Boromei, Azimut|Benetti Group Chief Marketing Officer, received the honourable mention and thanked not only the extraordinary team who helped the brand win this important award but also the organisers from Metrade, who with the support of IBI successfully gave the event a highly topical and original twist.
Azimut New Dealer in Vietnam
Azimut Yachts has named Tam Son Yachting as its authorised dealer in Vietnam, a South East Asia market where interest in luxury yachting is on the rise. As part of the Openasia Group, a multi-industry investment group founded in Vietnam in 1994, Tam Son Yachting has gained a wealth of experience through its management of a number of tourist marinas and a technical servicing centre, working with prestigious international companies from the marine world. It offers boat owners a fully integrated range of services from consultation for those considering purchasing a yacht through to boat management, technical and other service support, together with concierge solutions. The appointment of Tam Son Yachting further consolidates the Italian group’s creation of an extensive distribution network in South East Asia that began some years ago. Following on from excellent results in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, Azimut Yachts was quick to recognise the opportunity to open up a new market with enormous growth potential. With a first-rate distribution and service network across the region, the brand is now more equipped than ever to deliver boat owners a 360-degree luxury experience. Filippo Tomasoni, Azimut Yachts Sales Manager for East Asia, Oceania & Africa, and instrumental in creating this new dealership, confirms the importance of the move: “We are delighted to enter into this partnership with Tam Son Yachting. Their experience in the area will be invaluable in developing a market that we see as extremely promising”.
Back Cove 200th 37
In the summer of 2008, plans were announced for the Back Cove 37, which would become the company’s flagship model and herald a new generation of Back Cove design. Before the Back Cove 37, the lineup consisted of Back Cove’s foundational model, the Back Cove 29, as well as the Back Cove 26 and Back Cove 33. Since its founding five years before, these models had established the company’s sterling reputation for quality, low-maintenance cruising yachts. Now, customers were asking for a little more, and the Back Cove Design Team was ready to answer the call. True to Back Cove’s founding principles, the new Back Cove 37 would feature a plaining hull powered by a single inboard diesel, with operator-friendly features and simple but robust systems. She would also offer two dedicated staterooms and a fully enclosed “sedan style” helm deck that could be fully opened to the cockpit via a revolutionary door system. If this doesn’t sound familiar, it should these distinct features can be found, albeit in updated form, aboard the new Back Cove 39O outboard. In this way, you could call the Back Cove 37 “ahead of her time,” and with that forward-thinking aesthetic, she made a triumphant entrance into an otherwise troubled market. The Back Cove 37 made her debut at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show, at the start of a profound recession, and the Back Cove Team was more than a little concerned about launching a new model at a time when many boatbuilders were struggling to “stay afloat.” Over the next ten months, Back Cove delivered nine more 37s into dealer inventory as the economy fought to correct itself. Despite the many challenges that the boating industry faced during this troubled period, the Back Cove 37 seemed to rise above it all. She quickly made her way onto magazine covers and earned glowing reviews and ecstatic customers in every corner of the globe, literally. Hull #004 would make her way to Sydney, Australia, hull #005 to Monaco, and hull #006 found a home in San Diego, California. By the next Miami International Boat Show in February of 2010, all the stock boats were sold, the recession was beginning to lift, and the Back Cove 37 began year-two of a run that has gone uninterrupted for the last ten years. Bentley Collins, Back Cove’s VP of Sales and Marketing, offered this funny sidebar about the original launch of the Back Cove 37: “Our Head of Design, Kevin Burns, and I, picked up hull one to deliver her from the boatyard on the Miami River to the boat show at Sea Isle Marina. After getting underway for about a quarter of a mile, the engine stalled, and we couldn’t restart it. So, being enterprising “Mainahs,” we used the bow and stern thrusters to maneuver the boat back to the marina, moving sideways with bursts of power from the bow and then the stern thruster. After avoiding the commercial traffic on the river for a while, we realized that the main fuel valve had been closed off for shipping from Maine to Miami! It was certainly an interesting first run, for what would become our most enduring design.” Bentley Collins Eleven years later, late in the fall of 2020, the 200th Back Cove 37 was shipped into dealer inventory at Bay Marine’s Chicago Yachting Center. Back Cove’s Production Team acknowledged the achievement by signing the underside of a salon drawer as a memento to her future owners. Back Cove has also begun planning festivities in Waukegan, Illinois, to celebrate this milestone achievement. The event will be scheduled, and details released when weather and social health guidelines allow. The Back Cove 37 shepherded a new generation of Back Cove yachts and has earned the love and respect of boaters the world over. Her legacy extends even into Back Cove’s new outboard models, and her practical and elegant design principles will continue to guide Back Cove Yachts in the years to come. This astounding success would not have been possible without the support of an extended family of associates, owners, dealerships, and friends, for which they have Back Cove’s deepest thanks.
Ferretti Custom Line Record Year
In a very unusual year, Custom Line reports a significant rise in its order book and continues to win over more and more owners and enthusiasts. This trend is confirmed by recent sales of a remarkable seven yachts in the period from September to November, joining the previous five orders booked during the summer. Over 200 metres of yachts sold in three months is a result that shows just how appealing the masterpieces created by Custom Line are to owners all over the world. The brand owes this success to its ability to build innovative yachts that are trend setters on the international yachting scene for their style, functional design, space and attention to detail, with guarantees of comfort at sea, safety and customisation. All this in conjunction with ongoing research to ensure that owners and their families have an enjoyable experience at sea and an on-board lifestyle characterised by total privacy. These latest sales underscore the outstanding commercial success of Custom Line yachts in the 30 to 42-metre range and their excellence in terms of comfort, technology and design. In 2020, in fact, a total of 15 Custom Line yachts were launched, including the eagerly awaited Navetta 30, a product of the brand’s new collaboration with architect Filippo Salvetti for the exteriors and design firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel for the interiors. All this has been made possible by the ongoing work and constant dedication of the entire Custom Line team, keeping the focus on the customer throughout all stages of production, launch and delivery, and then subsequently with after sales services. These seven new jewels of the sea will be built at the Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard in Ancona, where the Custom Line shipyard is located.
Ferretti Group Wins Boat Builder of Year Awards
Ferretti Group scores another success, this time for maintaining its focus even during the health emergency on the local areas where it operates and for making an important contribution to local communities. The “A Wave of Caring” project has generated significant resources and donations to support the healthcare system, which has been under huge pressure during the pandemic. Yesterday afternoon, December 10, during the online event organised by Metstrade and the magazine IBI (International Boating Industry), the jury assigned the award in the new “Community Support Initiative” category to the project, recognising the value of the campaign promoted by Ferretti Group to support all the hospitals in the Italian regions where its shipyards are located. Awarded for the first time this year, the prize is assigned to the shipyard and the employees who have shown outstanding social awareness by directing resources, expertise and production capacity to help a local community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ferretti Group, as well as making important donations to all the hospitals in the cities where the group’s shipyards are located, also launched the “A Wave of Caring” project on its websites and social channels. The campaign, produced by creative agency Arachno, featured an image of the wake of a boat drawing a heart, a symbol of solidarity, accompanied by an invitation to donate to hospitals and intensive care units in the Milan, Cattolica, Forlì, Mondolfo, La Spezia, Bergamo and Ancona areas. The project pooled the resources of a sizeable group of stakeholders (from shipyards to dealers and the general public) and involved a broad range of people whose donations to local hospitals were used to buy new intensive care equipment and bolster the healthcare system. This award is a cause for great satisfaction at Ferretti Group, because it further highlights the yacht maker’s social commitment and is dedicated to the community and everyone who has made a donation to support the campaign.
Formula New Virtual Boat Show Page
Now you can virtually explore a dozen luxury Formula models on the new Virtual Boat Show page! This exciting new feature will include a virtual tour page, photo gallery, video gallery and systems operation videos! With just a click away all your Formula dreams can come true!
Greenline Supplies First Electric Charter Fleet
Greenline Yachts, the worldwide leader in alternative propulsion motorboats, has teamed up with Canal Boats Telemark AS in Norway, W-Yachts and Torqeedo to create the first 100% electric charter fleet in the world. Canal Boats Telemark will operate six new Greenlines - two 33s and four 39s - all fitted with the shipyard’s revolutionary EDrive system, which was launched at Boot Düsseldorf in 2019. Since then, full electric Greenlines have been sold all over the world including to the USA, Germany and Russia. Thanks to their bank of lithium batteries and electric motors, the Greenline 33 and 39 can cruise silently and without any emissions at a speed of 7 knots and to a top speed of 11 knots. With their battery capacity of 80kWh, they have a range of up to 40nm on a single charge. Located in the picturesque surroundings of southern Norway, Porsgrunn is close to an international airport and ferry connection with Denmark and just three minutes’ walk from the local train station. This popular vacation destination boasts a stunning coastline and the exceptionally beautiful Telemark Canal with its impressive locks, imposing mountains and dense forest to the west. Crucially, thanks to a grant from Enova SF, a subsidiary of the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment, Canal Boats Telemarks believes that the Telemark Canal and surrounding coastline will become the first cruising grounds in the world to have a network of charging points specifically designed for boats. Like Tesla has done with its supercharger network, this will revolutionise electric boating in the area and hopefully serve as a blueprint for marine electrification in other parts of the world. Luca Raumland, Head of Sales and Marketing at Greenline Yachts, says: “We are so excited to see the growing demand of alternative propulsion systems that our boats can provide. Since the beginning of 2020 we have built more than 60% of our production with either electric or hybrid propulsion and the forecast for 2021 is even higher, which is a positive sign that consumers are opening their minds to more efficient and sustainable ways of powering their boats.” Greenline Yachts launched its first hybrid H Drive model in 2008 and has since become the market leader in hybrid motorboats. Nora Sjögren Johre, CEO of Canal Boats Telemark says: “With the establishment of Canal Boats Telemark and a charging infrastructure we’re hoping that more people will be able to buy a boat that receives energy from renewable energy.” We also believe that the Telemark Canal and the Telemark coastline will become one of the main green destinations in Norway.” Vladimir Zinchenko, CEO and owner of Greenline Yachts, says: “We see a very exciting future in sustainable energy on boats and big steps such as this partnership with Canal Boats Telemark bring us a bit closer to emission free boating.” The Canal Boats Telemark website will be open for booking from December 2020 and the rental season will begin in May 2021.
Jarrett Bay Sponsors Carteret Public School
Katherine "Kelly" Huffman was named the 2020-2021 Carteret County Public School System Beginning Teacher of the Year. Ms. Huffman is an agriculture education teacher at Croatan High School and serves as a co-advisor for the school’s FFA Chapter. Ms. Huffman also received a check from Jarrett Bay Boatworks Vice President of Administration and Development Ed Stack. Jarrett Bay is the county sponsor of the Beginning Teacher of the Year award which is hosted by the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.
Jarrett Bay in North Carolina Governors Cup
Congratulations to several Jarrett Bay teams who took top honours in this year's North Carolina Governor's Cup! Heaviest Blue Marlin (535.4 lbs) - Hull 22, Inspiration. 2nd Heaviest Blue Marlin (495 lbs) - Hull 23, Sea Striker, 2nd Place Dolphin (33.5 lbs) - Hull 11, Bill Collector, and Top Girl Junior Angler - Hull 11, Bill Collector.
Pardo Choose Wise Equity as Majority Share Holder
Wise Equity, the management company for the Wisequity V Fund, announces the acquisition of 60% of Cantiere del Pardo, an Italian group operating in the production and commercialization of sailing and motor boats and owner of the brands Grand Soleil Yachts, Pardo Yachts and VanDutch. This is the third deal of the Wisequity V Fund, that last year raised €260 million in less than two months since its launch. Cantiere del Pardo is an historical Italian shipyard. Founded in 1973, it has established itself as one of the main players of modern yachting, always offering its loyal customers boats with elegant and innovative designs combined with high racing performance and superior quality. The shipyard achieved about € 58 million in 2019/2020 and the order book for 2020/2021 projects a growth above 25%. With this deal, Gigi Servidati and Fabio Planamente wanted to open the capital structure to an historical Italian private equity player, aiming at continuing the path they started in 2014, when they took over the shipyard’s management. In these 6 years the shipyard has launched 8 new sailing boat models, introducing the Grand Soleil Long Cruise line, and has entered the motorboat segment presenting 4 new models and recently acquiring the VanDutch brand. In the coming years, with the current management at helm of the shipyard, the objective will be to continue to invest both in the offer of sailing boats and in the development of the powerboat segment. The goal, in line with the history of Cantiere del Pardo, is on one hand to strengthen the leadership in the 30-80 feet segment and, on the other hand, to evaluate opportunities for expansion in other segments. In addition, management will pursue opportunities to acquire brands complementary and synergic with the current offer of Cantiere del Pardo, replicating the recent VanDutch brand acquisition. The deal was overseen by Wise Equity partner Michele Semenzato together with Bruno Barago as investment manager.
Pearl Rewarding Rewards
Luxury motoryacht builder Pearl Yachts, which has grown slowly but surely over the past 20-plus years, is presently enjoying worldwide acclaim on several fronts. The brand and its striking models, all of which are designed by Bill Dixon and have interiors by celebrity stylist Kelly Hoppen, have won multiple awards in recent months and are on nominee shortlists for several more. Most recently, both the Pearl 62 and Pearl 95 were category winners at the virtual Oceanway China Yacht Show in Hong Kong. Plus, the Pearl 95 earned a special credit as ‘Most Popular Superyacht from 24-40m’. Moreover, the Pearl 62 has just been announced as a finalist in the ‘Flybridges Over 50ft’ category at the upcoming 2021 Motor Boat Awards. These widely respected awards are judged annually by the editorial team at the UK monthly magazine Motor Boat & Yachting and are usually declared in early January. Plus the 62 is one of five brand new yachts nominated for a 2021 European Powerboat of the Year Award in the ‘Up to 20m’ category. With the results announced in late January, normally at a gala held on the first evening of the annual Boot Dusseldorf show, but this year virtually, these prestigious annual awards are presented by eight of the continent’s most prominent boating media titles – namely Boote (Germany), Boatmag. it (Italy), Batmagasinet (Norway), Marina. ch (Switzerland, Motorboat (The Netherlands), Nautica y Yates (Spain), Neptune (France) and Yachtrevue (Austria) – each of which contributes senior members of its editorial teams for the rigorous judging sessions. Last but by no means least, back in September, the Pearl 62 won ‘Best Layout’ in the ‘45-65ft’ category of the 2020 World Yachts Trophies. “We are honoured at the recognition from the international yachting media,” says Pearl Yachts’ managing director Iain Smallridge. “We know we compete well with the biggest production motoryacht builders in the world on a day-to-day basis, but it is very gratifying to know that, beyond our own small, dedicated Pearl team and our loyal customer base, others also appreciate all our hard work.”
Riviera Rewards Talented Apprentices
Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder Riviera has announced five winners in its Apprentice of the Year awards for 2020, showcasing the depth of talent within the company’s workforce. The Riviera honours bestowed on these younger members of the team complement the recently announced TAFE Apprentice of the Year and the AIMEX Apprentice of the Year awards for a further three Riviera apprentices recognised for excellence in their respective boatbuilding crafts. All of the award-winning apprentices have a shared drive and determination found across Riviera’s 600-strong team, namely a passion for creating the best luxurious blue-water motor yachts. The Riviera Apprentice of the Year winners are: Joel Neucom (fourth-year apprentice); Miguel Drescher-Paler (third-year apprentice); Zack Tagget (second-year apprentice); and Joe Moxey and Jake Smith (joint winners of the first-year apprentice category). In the separate TAFE Apprentice of the Year awards announced recently, Albert Michell was named first-year apprentice winner for marine craft construction. Kial Lundin-Bingham, a third-year marine craft construction apprentice, was a finalist in these awards. Another Riviera apprentice, Lauren Abbott, won an Australian Industry Trade College (AITC) award for her skills as a school-based cabinet-making apprentice. Riviera boatbuilding apprentice Bailey Sivyer was also honoured as a finalist in this year’s inaugural AIMEX Apprentice of the Year category. Fourth-year apprentice winner Joel Neucom is a previous Riviera Apprentice of the Year winner after taking the honours in his first year of training in timber and composites machining. Now fully qualified in his trade, Joel’s passion for creating motor yachts of distinction has grown over the years. “Starting with raw timber and creating something beautiful from it gives me a lot of satisfaction,” said Joel. “It’s very hands on and I especially enjoy seeing that perfect finish when the boat is launched.” Joel’s role at Riviera showcases the specialist approach the company takes at each stage of the building process. The finely crafted timber Joel produces is progressed to the cabinetmakers who then create the superbly detailed furniture found in Riviera’s luxury motor yachts. “We are all proud to be working at Riviera, and our focus on quality and accountability of each tradesperson directly reflects the quality of what we do,” said Joel. “I reckon there isn’t a better place to start your career in the marine industry than as an apprentice at Riviera.” Third-year engineering apprentice winner Miguel Drescher-Paler is another dual award winner after taking second-year apprentice honours in 2019. “There’s a great team atmosphere at Riviera and that shows in the workmanship and effort everyone puts into their trade,” said Miguel. During his apprenticeship, Miguel also undertook a leadership course presented by Riviera for select apprentices which has enhanced his personal and professional development. “I have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined through my apprenticeship and it has given me the confidence to accept a team-leader role in my area of work,” he said. All apprentices are required to participate in Riviera’s unique Propel program which provides combined education in work and life skills such as leadership, accountability, communication, personal relationships and money management. Second-year marine craft construction apprentice Zack Tagget appreciates the new-found confidence he has gained through both the Propel program and his job at Riviera. His role involves the building and fit-out of the superstructure of Riviera motor yachts and he is looking forward to a long-term career with the company. “The job we do is quite unique because there aren’t too many places where you can build awesome motor yachts of 60 feet or more. The work I do is really interesting and so rewarding,” said Zack. “Questions are always encouraged at Riviera, and that’s an important part of the team culture. We work collaboratively and that makes it a great place to work. “I put a lot of energy into everything that I do, and Riviera has excellent quality systems in place to make sure every element of each motor yacht is completed perfectly.” Electrotechnology apprentices Joe Moxey and Jake Smith appreciate the shared honours in the first-year category of this year’s awards. After one year into their respective apprenticeships, they have developed a new-found enthusiasm for learning. “I have this habit of trying to get things perfect every time,” said Joe. “We see it in the work of every member of our team and in the motor yachts we build. The people who know Riviera know what we do and that gives us a sense of pride every time a finished boat is lowered into the water for the first time.” Jake Smith is motivated to learn more after being honoured in the Riviera awards this year. “Riviera is a great place for learning because we are always expected to complete tasks well above a standard quality,” said Jake. “Working as a team makes that even easier because everyone is there to support one another to create motor yachts that people really appreciate.” Riviera is currently expanding the apprenticeships on offer for 2021 with the inclusion of fitter/welder and varnish apprenticeships. “We continue to look for new apprentices to join our team as boatbuilders and composite technicians,” said Riviera’s safety and training manager Adam Houlahan. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst paid tribute to all apprentices who received awards and recognition this year. “These young members of our team are the genesis of the next generation of master boat builders for our industry,” said Mr Longhurst. “It is with great pride that we acknowledge the support of the exceptional team at Riviera who provide high quality training, mentoring and support that encourages each of our apprentices to excel in their careers and in life generally. “This is the foundation of our philosophy that to build world-class luxury motor yachts, we must train and create world-class craftsmen and women.”
Riviera Australasian Rewards Excellence
Riviera’s New Zealand representative R Marine Flagship has finished the year on a positive note after being name the Australasian Dealer of the Year for 2020. The Auckland-based dealership won multiple awards announced this week by Riviera, Australia’s largest luxury motor yacht builder. These include Service Excellence by a Dealership, Sales Excellence by a Dealership and Sales Excellence by an Individual, presented to Sam Fenwick. Service Excellence by an Individual was awarded to Travis Edney, of R Marine Crawley on the Gold Coast. It is the second consecutive year Mr Edney has been honoured in this category. With travel restrictions still in place, R Marine Flagship representatives were present via video link when the awards were announced at Riviera’s Gold Coast headquarters. Riviera motor yacht owner and New Zealand boating identity Lance Fink surprised the R Marine Flagship team by personally presenting the awards on behalf of Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst to the team gathered at the dealership’s Auckland service office as they were announced.
Sunreef Wins the Oceanway China Yachts Award
Sunreef Yachts' luxury power catamaran the 80 Sunreef Power triumphed at the prestigious 2020 Oceanway China Yachts Awards, winning in the Best Catamaran Layout category. The award was received by Sunreef Yachts representatives and exclusive broker for China Speedo Marine on Friday December 11th during an online gala organized by the Oceanway Magazine. The 80 Sunreef Power is a universal multihull yacht for long cruises in ultimate comfort. Taking luxury and seaworthiness to a new dimension, this dynamic and elegant craft redefines the authentic power catamaran design. Her smart fully-customizable layout welcomes guests on board in supreme comfort.
Viking at Dust'em Off Sailing Warmup
Congratulations to Reel Captivating on a 2nd Place Overall finish at the Dust’em Off Sailfish Warmup. The team, fishing Wayne Jenkins’ Viking 62, released eight sails for the honours. Angler Ben Davis, with captain Travis Ralph at the wheel, released four sails to claim 2nd Place Angler. The crew fishing Todd Willard’s Viking 48 Fish On released six sails for 3rd Place Overall. Captain Mike Hunter put angler Dawn Samuels on a pair of sails to take the Top Lady Angler award. Dawn was fishing on her family’s Viking 66 Princess Lily.
Wajer Expansion
The large number of Wajers with home berths in the Mediterranean Sea region led us to look for a local winter storage. We have now found a property in Le Muy (South of France) where we can offer our Winter Care services and store over 50 Wajers while our technical team prepares them for the next sailing season. Our facilities have been expanded in the Netherlands, too, with the opening of a 4,000-square-metre production hall. This is related to our new and larger Wajer, more information on which will be shared soon.
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