-pic of the month- Azimut Reception at Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Aicon Group Signs Agreement with Banks
Aicon, the Group headquartered in Messina which operates in the design, construction and sale of boats and luxury motor yachts, announces the signing, with the banks which are creditors of the Aicon Group, of the contractual documentation, for the implementation of the Financial Plan in support to the Restoration Plan 2009-2012. The undersigned agreement with the Banks provides the following: The consolidation and reformulation of short and medium/long term debt, with a 16 months preamortization and refund of the capital in five years following the pre-amortization period; The granting of new financing for a total amount of € 10,1 mln, € 4,5 mln of which are in cash and € 5,6 mln are signature loan in support to the commercial activity of the Group. The maintenance of the existing revolving lines; The granting of new financing for a total amount of € 6 mln by the majority shareholder, already entirely paid in; The commitment from the majority shareholder to cover the losses of the current financial year and the possible losses in the next financial years for the entire duration of the Plan, by waiving, year by year, its credit towards Aicon S.p.A. in safeguard of the net assets, up to the total amount of its credit. The Aicon Group availed itself of the assistance of “Vitale e Associati SpA”, as financial advisor and of Clifford Chance as legal advisor. The banks have been assisted by Norton Rose as legal advisor. The Aicon Group operates in the design, construction and sale of boats and luxury motor yachts. Active in this sector since 1999, in few years the Group has become an extremely dynamic operator on an international level and, at the fiscal year which closed on August 31, 2008, registered income equal to € 68.6 million. The Group has two brands, Aicon and Morgan, whose products can be classified in two different segments, the first, in the Flybridge and Open, the second in that of Dinghy, Lobster Boats and Fast Commuters. The Aicon Group has manufacturing sites in the Tyrrhenian side of the Messina district, where the whole Aicon and Morgan range is built. The Group operates in the Americas market through Aicon Yachts Americas LLC.
Atlantis Wins 2009 Boat of the Year Award
The Altantis 36 Verve presented in a World preview at the Cannes and Genoa Boat shows, won Vela e Motore prestigious Boat of the Year Award dedicated to the best motor boat and sponsored by SelmaBipiemme Leasing Group Bancario Mediobanca. The award was presented to Altantis President and CEO Alessandro Furfara during a gala night held at Genoa’s Galata Musea del Mare. A commission of journalist, designers, and experts judging 550 new models presented at the Genoa Boat Show proclaimed the success of the Atlantis 36 Verve, awarding her originality and exceptional practicality. The jury commended the Atlantis for having proposed a fresh approach to the sea and boating, ensuring on a smaller scale, ingenious simplicity and all the beauty of a yacht. The Boat of the Year Award further recognizes the originality of the concept and the exceptional work carried out by the Atlantis technical design department together with Stefano Milanesi and Marco Amadio from Naval Design Studio. Verve 36 inaugurates a line of all new products to be marketed alongside the complete line of sport cruisers. A bull’s eye on the first shot results is a great injection of faith as well as the umpteenth testimonial to the design and production of Atlantis
Azimut Yachts Champagne Reception at Royal Lymington Yacht Club
Azimut Yachts in the UK and Balearics dealer Clipper Marine hosted a champagne reception for Azimut Yachts who were presenting the Azimut 38. The Azimut 38 was on display alongside her larger sister the Azimut 58 at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club on Sunday 8 November. Guests enjoyed a delicious champagne buffet in true Italian style typical of the luxurious Azimut brand. Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut European Sales Manager and Matthew Attree, Director, Clipper Marine was on hand throughout the event to give guests a guided tour of the Azimut 38 conveniently docked on the yacht club pontoon. Attendees also enjoyed a presentation from Azimut 62 Evolution owners Mr and Mrs Walker on their journeys around the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. The Walkers have been documenting their journey in Motor Boat & Yachting Magazine throughout their 3,500 mile trip and provided an informative inside view of the luxury Azimut brand with its renowned excellent customer service standard.
Cigarette Success at Fort Lauderdale
This has been one of the best Ft. Lauderdale Boat Shows in years said Skip Braver, President and CEO of Cigarette Racing Team, South Florida's own icon of the powerboat industry. Braver reported good traffic and sales as the company celebrated its 40th anniversary with two new models that reflect the changing boating style of its customer. The International following of the brand has also boosted the company's sales as the overseas dealer network is as strong as its brand recognition. Dealers, customers and media from France, Germany and Italy, as well as from around the US, visited the show and an even bigger international attendance is expected in Miami, February, 2010. The Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show estimated that attendance was up 1%, though fewer exhibitors took space on the power dock. Cigarette's colorful and muscular display of seven boats ranging in size from the GEICO 38' Caveman boat to the 50' Marauder drove continuous traffic to the sizable booth.
Ferretti Group Sells Shares in Pinmar SL
The Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in designing, building and marketing motor yachts encompassing a unique portfolio of some of the most exclusive brands in the nautical world, has signed an agreement to transfer its entire shareholding (corresponding to 60% of share capital) of Pinmar S.L., a Spanish company specialised in the painting of mega yachts. The agreement involves the transfer of the Ferretti Group’s shareholding to Pinmar’s current CEO, Remy Millott, and to part of the Top Management, with the support of new investor and Chairman, Sean Ewing. This operation is part of the strategic plan the Ferretti Group has implemented over the past few months, aimed at focussing on its core business and concentrating more intensely on the production and sale of large and medium-sized yachts. Pinmar S.L. joined the Ferretti Group in 2003, and is based in Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona and has recently opened Pinmar USA in Florida. The company specialises in refinishing the world’s finest superyachts and also fairing and finishing many of the most important new builds, as well as the sale and distribution of paints, varnishes and other maintenance products for yachts. Pinmar also controls Yacht Covering Systems S.L., a company which specialises in the scaffolding and custom covering used for yacht painting and other maintenance.
Ferretti and Pershing Choose New French Dealer
Ferretti Yachts and Pershing, two of the most prestigious brand of the Ferretti Group, enlarge their sales network with the new French dealer Abys Yachting. The company, born in 1997 with the aim to manage cruising motor boats rent, developed their business also to the sales area, becoming a point of reference for sales and charter activities for the luxury yachts in France. With four operation offices in Côte d'Azur, among them Antibes, Fréjus, Saint Raphaël and Monaco (the last one is in exclusive for Pershing), Abys Yachting is a premium channel to represent the Italian excellence of Ferretti Yachts and Pershing, brands of the Ferretti Group. The agreement with Abys Yachting represents a new sales consolidation for the French market, which is a strategic one since ever, with special focus on the Mediterranean area where the nautical culture mix the enjoying the sea" style of Ferretti Yachts and Pershing. Ferretti Yachts and Pershing find in Abys Yachting the exclusivity and reliability values which are the key points for the evaluation of a new dealer all around the world. With a highly skilled professionals' team, Abys Yachting is able to offer high quality and accuracy of the services, with a 360 degrees' attention even to the most demanding Owners.
Heesen Yachts President Receives Three Awards
Frans Heesen, President of Dutch shipyard Heesen Yachts, receives three carrier’s awards during the boat show season. Monaco, 23rd September 2009: During a party organized by the magazine, Yacht Design aboard the M/Y Celestial Hope a 47m built by Heesen Yachts, Matteo Zaccagnino, the Editor-in-Chief of Yacht Design made an award to Frans Heesen for his contribution to the development of the yacht design over the last three decades, during which time his shipyard has launched more than 150 boats. Rotterdam, 28th October 2009: HISWA the Dutch Trade and Industry association for Shipbuilding and Water sports awarded Frans Heesen with their Excellence Award at the Maritime Awards Gala. The jury commended Frans Heesen for the enormous respect he has generated on the global stage, thus strengthening the image of Holland as the world’s leading yacht building country. The jury also praised Heesen’s ambassadorial role for yacht building in general and his dedication to mutual cooperation and socially responsible business. This was the third time that HISWA has awarded this prize. Last year’s winner was the naval architect, Gerard Dijkstra of Gerard Dijkstra & Partners. Fort Lauderdale, 29th October 2009: The International Superyacht Society (ISS) awarded Frans Heesen the 2009 Business Person of the Year Award. This award acknowledges the contributions of business leaders who have helped develop yachting into the global financial powerhouse that it is today. The recipient of this ISS Award was chosen by the 23 members of the ISS Board of Directors
Formula Ears NMMA Customer Satisfaction Award
Formula is pleased to announce it has once again been recognized for excellence in customer satisfaction in NMMA’s 2009 Customer Satisfaction Index program. The Marine Industry CSI Awards program honors participating manufacturers that actively measure customer satisfaction and pursue continuous improvement to better serve the customer. Award recipients have achieved and maintained an independently-measured standard of excellence of 90 percent or higher in customer satisfaction over the past year, based on information provided by customers purchasing a new boat or engine during the period between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009.
Menorquin Slow Yachting
To sail without haste, thoroughly savouring the sea, delighting in each and every moment that makes up life on board, where enjoying the journey prevails over reaching the destination quickly; all of these are aspects which feed the Slow Yachting philosophy, the exclusive Menorquin sailing style. The Balearic shipyard has chosen the expression Slow Yachting to define its own particular form of recreational sailing, in tune with its own very different style of craft. Menorquin is developing its communication strategy for this season around this concept. For the enthusiasts of Menorquin boats experiencing Slow Yachting is nothing new because this way of enjoying sailing is what inspired this company from the very beginning. The genuine values which determine Menorquin’s vision – hand craftsmanship, the quality of its products, the safe sailing qualities and impeccable customer services – are also a reflection of this sailing philosophy. Those who have never experienced sailing on board a Menorquin have yet to discover that Slow Yachting begins the moment the sailor chooses this brand as his vessel for sea life. To experience Slow Yachting implies that each and every circumstance which surrounds the pleasure of sailing occurs in a peaceful manner, for as long as it takes to enjoy each aspect sea life offers: sunbathing on the high seas or in a paradisiacal cove, swimming, diving, fishing… sharing a delicious meal, sampling a fine wine al fresco.., and all of this whilst embarking on a journey of discovery and reaching new surroundings which can only be accessed by boat.
Morgan New Ambassador
Aicon S.p.a., active in the design, construction and sale of boats and luxury motor yachts, listed on the Standard segment of the Italian Stock Exchange, has finalized, through its brand Morgan Yachts, its third Ambassador partnership agreement with Marine Services Varazze for the sale of its classic motor yachts range in the Western Liguria Riviera area. Morgan Yachts is the Aicon Group brand specialized in the design, construction and marketing of Traditional Cruiser and Yachts in the Dinghy, Lobster Boat and Fast Commuter segments. The partnership agreement with one of the main players of the nautical sector in its area confirms Morgan’s commitment to the development of a strong and exclusive network of partners both on a national and international level. Thanks to the experience and the excellent geographical position of Marine Services, Morgan will be able to count on an authentic representative of the brand and its philosophy, in the key area of Western Liguria. Marine Services’ head office is based inside the new Marina of Varazze, a structure which was inaugurated in June 2006, which also has an outdoor area overlooking the central pier for the management of boats and for the organization of exhibitions and events. The offices and the external area will therefore be a meeting point for potential clients and ship-owners who want to be a part of the Morgan world. Marine Services is a new and modern agency for marine services. It is the result of many years of experience in the sailing world. Thanks to its structure, based and organized in the new Marina of Varazze, it offers a wide range of services and activities related to yachting and sailing with a staff of fully qualified professionals knowledgeable in the various fields of the nautical sector.
Nordhavn Southwest Rendezvous
Hundreds of Nordhavn owners along with PAE staff and vendors/suppliers gathered this past weekend to share in a celebration of the one thing that binds them all together: their magnificent Nordhavn yachts. As a rule, if you put two Nordhavn owners in a room to discuss their boats, general giddiness ensues. Multiply that by 100 and change the setting to a picturesque marina by the magnificent Dana Point, California headlands; add three days of beautiful weather, fascinating and inspiring presentations by fellow Nordhavn owners, a little wine, some great music and dancing, and a hiccup-less boat raft-up…well, you get the idea. It was the Nordhavn third Rendezvous ever, and in just over a year. And quite simply, the major focus was on the owners. Not just a rendezvous for the owners, but by the owners as well. A rendezvous in Southern California had not been in the plans for 2009, but at the urging of N43 owner Kurt Antonius, the small, informal gathering had grown into the grandest party yet. It was capped off by special presentations given by some amazing Nordhavn owners who spoke about their bold, incredible journeys, the kind that only Nordhavn owners can talk about from experience. First to speak on Friday night was Ken Williams, as leader of the Great Siberian Sushi Run, who re-counted the months-long trip he and two other Nordhavns took from Seattle to Japan through the same waters made infamous on the Deadliest Catch television show. Ken was followed up by Sprague Theobald and his implausible adventure through the Northwest Passage on his Nordhavn 57. Still reeling from three days quite literally stuck in polar ice, has given him a new, deeper understanding and appreciation for the frozen water to the point that he no longer drinks his beverages with ice cubes. The riveting presentations left the owners buzzing as they returned to their rooms with eager anticipation for the next morning’s day of seminars. But not before more owner appreciation (outlined once again by the efforts of our adventuresome owners) was had in the name of the Distance Pennant awards. Fourteen new distance pennants were awarded at a ceremony hosted by Nordhavn Southwest salesman Jeff Merrill who estimated that the program has so far accounted for nearly 3,000,000 miles traveled by Nordhavns. Saturday morning kicked off with informative seminars such as Safety at Sea demonstrations with Bruce Brown who teaches many safety at sea seminars and represents Switlik, Lugger Engine training with Bob Senter, and a primer on cruising Mexico by Capt. Pat Rains. Fresh from the previous night’s inspirational speeches, the crowd eagerly awaited the talk given by their Nordhavn peers, Eric and Christi Grab, who earlier this year completed their first circumnavigation. The interesting thing about the Grabs is that the first leg of their circumnavigation, which took them from San Diego to Nuka Hiva, was essentially their first voyage ever. They led a fascinating discussion on how a couple of novice cruisers managed to take their boat around the world safely, and have fun doing it. Saturday night started off typically enough with a dinner dance and raffle, the proceeds of which went to the neighboring Ocean Institute, a marine education and preservation center. But the owner “love fest” continued when several Nordhavn owners spontaneously grabbing the mic, not in an effort of karaoke as was the case at the first rendezvous in Bristol, Rhode Island, but rather in a profession of thanks and profound gratitude given to the principals and staff of the company. The Heinigers were recognized in their own right, not for any insane cruising miles they had logged after all, they have yet to get on board their Nordhavn but for another accomplishment of sorts. They are the only owners to have attended all three of the Nordhavn rendezvous. The couple, who hails from Missouri, does not live close to the sites of any of the three Nordhavn gatherings. To sum up the weekend, condensed into three days down from the typical five, there were owners from 54 different boats in attendance with 13 boats having actually made the trip. Of these boats were an immense cross-section of Nordhavns from the semi-displacement Nordhavn 35 Coastal Pilot, to the Expedition Yachtfisher, the Motorsailer, and traditional Nordhavn trawlers. The top-notch presentation would not have been achievable without the invaluable assistance of Nordhavn Sponsors vendors. Several of our top level vendor sponsors including Alcom, Lockton Insurance, Palmer Johnson Power Systems, Trade Wind Inflatables, Village Marine, Imtra, Raven Marine and West Marine had product and service display tables set.
Nord West Receive Nomination for Powerboat of the Year
Nord West announces that the Nord West 370 Sport has been nominated for the European Powerboat of the Year 2010 in the category up to 40ft. The winner will be announced at the boat show Boot in Düsseldorf in January 2010.
Nord West New Brochure and Videos
At the Stockholm boat show in the beginning of November, Nord West introduced its new brochure including photos of Nord West 370 Sport and SportsTop as well as drawings of new Nord West 430 Sport and SportsTop. Nord West also presented its new video. If you want to have your own copy of the new Nord West video, visit them on one of the coming boat shows, and they will hand you a copy.
Ocean Alexander Continue to Grow
Alexander Marine, the manufacturer of Ocean Alexander yachts is continuing to grow and expand with the addition of new stores and personnel. In keeping with the aggressive growth and product development plans previously announced, Ocean Alexander is pleased to reveal several promotions within the organization. Joe Ahladis is now the Executive Vice President of Sales, overseeing the entire North American market. Ray Prokorym, based in the Seattle office, is now the Vice President of Sales for Western Region and Oscar Losada, based in the Ft. Lauderdale office, is the new Vice President of Sales for Eastern Region. Oscar Losada became a part of Ocean Alexander’s organization following the completion of the merger between Yacht-Direct and Ocean Alexander of Florida. With this merge, three new office locations are now part of the Ocean Alexander sales network, with offices in Miami, Fl, Panama, and Puerto Rico. There is also expansion on the West coast with the opening of a new sales office in Newport Beach, California. JR Wills has been hired as the senior Yacht Consultant for the new store, located in a prime yachting setting at 2505 West Coast Hwy, #202, Newport Beach, CA 92663.
Pershing Corporate Identity Developed by AdmCom Awarded
AdmCom won the Grand Prix Brand Identity di Pubblicità Italia, with the Pershing - Moving Idea project. For both the prestigious Italian yacht manufacturing brand belonging to the Ferretti Group and the communication agency, the award is confirmation of the expansion developed during a twenty year working relationship. The Pershing - Moving Idea project kicked off at the end of 2006 and, during the three year period of building the brand coherence, comprised the redesign of the logotype, the coordinated institutional and corporate image and, more generally, use of integrated communications tools. Particular attention was paid to the “This Is More Than" event which, during the 2008 Salone del Mobile, celebrated the launch of the new Pershing 64' along the Naviglio Grande in Milan; to the “Surprising the Future" calendar; and to the initiatives undertaken both on line and within the digital sphere. The award, now in its 18th year, acknowledges the value of strategies, communications coherence, and the brand and coordinated image set down to transmit and consolidate a corporate identity. The Grand Prix Brand Identity awards top brand identity and strategic design projects under the structural profile of visual communication. Simultaneously, it contributes to discovering and promoting new creative talents, providing companies with another instrument for choosing the right agency. The panel of judges was formed of top technicians from the visual communications sector and marketing directors from investing companies. The awards ceremony took place on 26th October at the Executive Lounge in Milan. Maurizio Cinti and Sara Garagnani, CSO and Accounts Director at AdmCom, respectively, collected the award.
Pershing Exceptional Sea Trials
Exceptional appointment at the marina in Cattolica: Pershing and Stardom met owners during three days of exciting sea trials from 30th October to 1st November, an exclusive appointment with the power, design and innovation of Pershing yachts. At the close of the 5 days of sea trials organised in La Spezia by Ferretti Group within the sphere of the easea>trial event, prestigious Ferretti Group brand Pershing, and its exclusive dealer for Italy, Stardom, proposed another appointment, devoted to both owners and enthusiasts who wish to experience the excitement of a sea trial firsthand. From 30th October to 1st November, some of the models which best represent the Pershing fleet were available daily from 10a.m. through to 5p.m. in the exceptional setting of the marina in Cattolica. Pershing and Stardom offered guests the chance to visit their yachts, and try out the excellent performance of the various models at sea. An impressive six models from the fleet have been placed at guests' disposal, in order to offer a wide ranging, diversified roundup to those wishing to enjoy a unique experience firsthand: Pershing 80', the shipyard's very latest model and winner of the Best Luxury Performance Yacht 2009 award on the Chinese market; the famous Pershing 64' and Pershing 72', symbols of design, functional innovation and high on-board technology; Pershing 50' and Pershing 56', featuring a clearly sporty style without renouncing to elegant interiors, and the extraordinary Pershing 46', which encloses an excellent performance and extraordinary liveability on-board, in just 16 metres. This appointment Pershing and Stardom have devoted to both clients and prospective clients is part of a general strategy aimed at offering increasingly more detailed, comprehensive services. The aim is to satisfy the demands of each and every owner, free to try the yachts they prefer firsthand, choosing the most convenient location and taking advantage of specific dates devoted to this. Lastly, it is worth underlining how this kind of event is of great importance to support the network with which Pershing has always worked, with a strongly synergic approach and an identity of values.
Pershing Asteria Voted 2009 Watch of the Year
Hugely popular with the readers of Swiss magazine Montres Passion l'Hebdo, as well as visitors to its website, the Pershing Asteria watch was awarded the highly coveted title of Watch of the Year 2009 by the public, confirming the Parmigiani brand's burgeoning reputation among the general populace. Created in 2008 to mark the partnership between the highly prestigious Italian yacht manufacturer Pershing and the Parmigiani brand, this collection of ultra-sporty Parmigiani Pershing timepieces takes the ocean as its inspiration, revealing undreamed-of curves while preserving the key elements that characterise the brand: the elegance and classicism which only the expertise of an autonomous watch manufacture can guarantee. Now, having been awarded the Prix du Public, the Pershing Astéria is testament to the sweeping success of this collection, barely a year after its international launch.
Princess Turnover and Profit Up
UK boat builder Princess Yachts International has reported a turnover of £206,62m for the year ending December 31, 2008, up from a turnover of £195.58m for the same period in 2007. Pre-tax profits also rose, from £24.59m in 2007 to £26.58m for the year ending December 2008. In 2008 Princess employed an average of 1,918 in its workforce at its Plymouth facilities, up from an average of 1,738 in 2007 and 1,562 in 2006. In May this year the boat builder announced that it was making 316 workers redundant, including 261 compulsory job losses. The job cuts were less than had been anticipated when Princess announced in March that it would be making cuts. At the time, the company said that up to 450 jobs were likely to go. This month the company announced that 20 workers were to be re-employed.
Riviera Exceeds Expectations
It was another successful boat show for Australia’s largest luxury boat builder, Riviera, boasting sales of a number of models across the brands extensive range. A large floating display covering over 9,000 square feet was home to seven of Riviera’s finest models from across their Flybridge, Sport Yacht and Offshore Express ranges during the five-day event, and again the popular ‘I Love Riv’ team distributed more than 6000 stickers, which were a hit with Riviera’s very loyal US owners. Marking its 50th anniversary, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the world’s largest boat show extending over three million square feet of space at six locations and showcasing more than US$3 billion worth of boats. Riviera Yachts USA dealer network and distribution director Chris McCafferty said Riviera’s latest models including the 5800 with IPS and 5000 with Zeus Sport Yachts, 43 Open Flybridge and 51 Flybridge both with IPS struck a strong chord with the American market, reporting strong interest and firm sales in these new models as well as current models. Riviera showcased its 41, 45, 47 and 51 Flybridge models, 43 and 48 Offshore Express, and 4700 Sport Yacht at this year’s Fort Lauderdale Boat Show as well as profiling the 70 Enclosed Flybridge, 5800 Sport Yacht and new Motor Yacht Range. On day three of the show, Riviera treated loyal owners to an intimate cocktail party, held on Riviera’s floating display. Riviera is proud to celebrate its 29-year history and is firmly moving forward with innovative designs that are continuing to inspire the boating market.
Riviera Summer Showcase
Riviera’s Summer Showcase could be your last chance to secure your dream boat and spend the festive season exploring some of Australia and New Zealand’s unspoiled waterways. In eight locations across Australia and New Zealand, Riviera’s R Marine Network will showcase millions of dollars worth of brand new and pre-loved Riviera’s in selected models from across the Flybridge, Offshore Express and Sport Yacht ranges – but be quick because they won’t last long. All boats on display can be delivered before Christmas, so go on, spoil yourself this festive season; escape the rat-race and enjoy a relaxed Christmas and New Year on board your new five-star waterfront home. What better way to cruise out of 2009 and leave all the woes of the world behind you as you propel forward into 2010 on board your very own luxurious Riviera. This same event ran last year and was a huge success with hundreds of boating enthusiasts from Whangarei in northern New Zealand to Fremantle in Western Australia inspecting both new and pre-loved models. Tipped to be one of Riviera’s largest sales events, the Summer Showcase will be held from November 25 to December 9 inclusively.
Riviera Rallies to Papua New Guinea
The elder statesman of long range cruising and loyal Riviera owner, Ian Reynolds has returned from another incredible voyage, a month-long sojourn aboard ‘Investigator V’ in Papua New Guinea. Together with Bill Feutrill and Keith Hanson, who heads up R Marine Coomera, Ian took his Riviera 56 Enclosed Flybridge to PNG and back – a total of 1380 nautical miles (2555kms) for the 2nd annual Louisiades Rally. At 81 years of age, Ian found the trip “a walk in the park”, blessed with good weather, superb company and the delight of discovery in idyllic cruising waters few powerboat owners experience. Ian’s was the first powerboat to take part in the event, organised by EcoSustainAbility with the aim of exploring some of the hundreds of tropical islands and engaging with the local people, their customs and culture. While the 28 other Rally participants initially viewed Investigator V with a degree of derision, this gradually turned to envy for the Riviera’s mod cons – the espresso machine for lattes and the air-conditioning in the sweltering tropical heat. The local people and many of the yachties were grateful for Investigator V’s desalination capacity, since fresh water is in short supply. Ian’s interest in PNG had been piqued during his circumnavigation of Australia in 2008. Next on the agenda for the fit octogenarian is the circumnavigation of Tasmania, the West Coast of which he says is just as wild as anywhere on this planet.
Sunseeker Helps the Heroes
Sunseeker International was recently approached by the charity Help for Heroes to assist with their fundraising climb of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. The climb was to take place between 23rd and 31st October 2009, and John Sandford-Hart, one of the climbers and a former Territorial Army soldier, was a below-the-knee amputee who had been advised that he would require assistance with the descent of the mountain. He would require a lightweight all-terrain sled which would need to be capable of withstanding a variety of very harsh environments. A small team at Sunseeker International set about designing a custom-made sled for John, calling on their manufacturing expertise and the help and support from key suppliers. Sunseeker & Stuart Jones had valuable experience within the Formula One industry which proved extremely useful. He was able to develop a high-tech sled using Formula One materials with a hybrid carbon fiber and Kevlar pre-impregnated woven mat with a 6mm cardboard nomex core for the chassis. These materials gave very high strength and impact resistance while being reasonably lightweight. Amber Composites, a leading manufacturer of composite materials, provided materials free of charge for the project, and the welding and fabrication company WRES Ltd. designed and fabricated the metal work for the sled. Other companies involved with the project included Drift Covers, who provided bespoke flight bags, as well as Christchurch Ski & Leisure Centre and Milton Keynes Xscape ski center where the sled was tested. The resulting design was used extensively by John during the descent of the Mount Kilimanjaro last month, and performed better than expected in the icy conditions that the climbers experienced on the mountain. At times the sled was used to carry more than one person, and without it John claimed he would not have been able to successfully make the descent. Graham Lodge, Development Manager of Sunseeker International, said well done to all the brave heroes for their outstanding achievement on this climb and again thanks to all of Sunseeker friends who helped put this project together.
Listening to the voice of its clients Italian boat builder Absolute presents the 42, what is a fully enclosed and extended version of the 40 launched last year. The 42 also follows the theme of a full enclosure: hard top and patio door as seen on the bigger 52, 70 and the new 64 Absolute models. The demand for this model came from Northern European clients and from Mediterranean owners who wanted what was seen in the 40 but with the ability to be used 365 days a year. Absolute replied quickly to the demands and modified the 40 aft deck, and extended its bathing platform to present the 42. The new second in size Absolute makes quite a revolution of the 40 having two saloons sitting areas inside: one on the main deck, and an another below, plus an extra C-shaped settee aft for dining Al fresco this replacing the sun pad garage aft as used on the 40. Another important change comes also from the power and propulsion options of the 42, which unlike the 40 only available with stern drive, is also available with two IPS pod choices. IPS now powers seven out of eight Absolutes, which if my memory serves me correct, makes the Italian builder the major user of Volvo's pod propulsion since its introduction in 2006. 
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