-pic of the month- Viking Founder Relief Foundation Update
CRN First Refit
A wonderful CRN jewel left the Shipyard: the 46-metre vessel Eight, the first refit of a CRN yacht by the home builder that marks the first tangible step towards a new development path. Sobriety and style, streamlined and elegant lines, airy spaces and very refined interiors which have been totally reshaped and rebuilt: these are the main distinctive features of this megayacht designed by CRN’s Engineering Department in cooperation with the international design firm Nuvolari Lenard, which conceived the outer lines.
Ferretti Group New Dealership Agreements in Asia Pacific
Ferretti Group further strengthens its sales presence in the Asia Pacific region by signing two new dealership agreements with important local partners targeting increased growth and development in foreign markets. The first agreement, signed with Starship Yachts, a pioneer company in the Asian yachting sector, covers the markets of Hong Kong and Macau, giving the company exclusive dealership rights for Ferretti Yachts and Pershing branded boats. The second agreement, on the other hand, was signed with Ray White Marine, a major player in the marketing of new and used boats as well as pre- and after-sales service, part of the wider real estate group of the same name with over 70 years of experience. This agreement covers the markets of Australia and New Zealand, providing exclusive dealership rights for Ferretti Yachts, Riva and Pershing boats. In Australia, Ferretti Group, with the support of Ray White Marine, will attend the most important trade events on agenda for next year, scheduled in locations where the dealer has its main operating sites. Participation at Australian trade shows is intended to help increasing the Group's local market share, and these will include Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, to be held in Gold Coast in May 2016, and Sydney International Boat Show, which will take place in the capital city in August 2016. The two agreements are in line with Ferretti Group's strategy to strengthen commercial expansion on a global scale, with a focus on the APAC area. Indeed, these agreements will allow the Group to further grow its selected distribution network, made of around 60 international dealers worldwide, which guarantees its customers the highest level of support in over 80 countries.
Hatteras Caribbean Cruise Camaraderie
Each year, the Hatteras Antilles Rendezvous, organized by Antilles Yachts Brokerage and Sales of Puerto Rico, brings Hatteras owners together in the Caribbean for a long weekend of cruising, camaraderie, and fun in the sun. The 14th Annual edition of the Rendezvous, held July 9-12, drew Hatteras yachts ranging from 60 to 77 feet to Peter Island Resort and Spa, a scenic, upscale private island resort and marina in the popular British Virgin Islands. The event kicked off on Thursday evening with a welcome cocktail party that included a Martini Challenge. On Friday, the Hatteras owners and their guests gathered by the pool at Peter Island Resort for a delicious outdoor barbecue, then explored the tiny, jewel-like island and lounged on its soft, white-sand beaches. The next morning, John Ward, president and CEO of Hatteras/CABO Yachts, and his team, who attended the Rendezvous, gave the owners an update on new Hatteras Yachts products. On Saturday afternoon, the Hatteras Rendezvous fleet “invaded” nearby Norman Island, which inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s pirate novel Treasure Island, and anchored out in the appropriately named Deadman’s Bay. That evening, the group returned to Peter Island Resort for the Rendezvous’ traditional costume party and awards ceremony.
Jarrett Bay Wins at Virginia Beach
Several Jarrett Bay's took home honors this past weekend at the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament! Weldor's Ark won the tournament and was honored with the Wayne McLeskey Top Boat Award, along with the Top Billfish category and Winner Takes All Blue Marlin category, plus taking the Day 2 Daily Billfish category with six white marlin released. Angler John Roberts aboard the Weldor's Ark was also recognized as Top Overall Angler. Builder's Choice captured a Daily Billfish award for Day 1 releasing 4 white marlin, while Micabe weighed the largest tuna of the tournament.
Kifaru Yacht Aquired by Cantiere Navale Italia
It was expected for some time and few days ago Cantiere Navale Italia has completed the acquisition of the brand Kifaru. Kifaru, "cult" brand for many boating enthusiasts, was founded in 2009 and has quickly become particularly famous for the launch of 63' Askari formerly belonged to a well-known football coach of international renown. Therefore Kifaru becomes the first brand in the products’ portfolio of Cantiere Navale Italia that in a mid-term perspective, intends to expand its yachts range offer through other brands, brand new or to be acquired, in order to become an Italian marine group increasingly attractive and competitive for true international yachtsmen and connoisseurs who know how to recognize the uniqueness of the design, the high performance, impeccable quality and an obsessive attention to aesthetic and functional details.
Numarine Makes First Legal Charter in Cuba
Numarine has the pleasure to announce that Numarine 78 Flybridge M/Y Still Water has been the very first US flagged yacht cruising to Cuba since the trade embargo between the two countries were implemented in the 1960’s. Numarine Still Water were docked in Marina Hemingway near Havana last week. The yacht carried 12 American guests and three of crew. Yacht crossed the Straits of Florida and Gulf Stream after the departure from Key West four hours prior. First glimpse of Cuba came with the single bright beam from the light-house of El Morro, a colonial era fortress which welcome along with Malécon lights ship approaching Havana. Before to meet immigration a voice crackled over the radio to welcome Still Water and give directions to find out light-house buoys marking the channel. A unique experience. Passengers and crew entered the country on a “person-to-person permit”, one of twelve different types of exemptions American citizens can bypass the ban upon visiting Cuba. Currently non-American flagged yachts are able and free to visit the island, but then they are not being able to enter American waters for the six months following. Based to Numarine and local brokers hard activities seven months to obtain the legal go-ahead for Still Water’s departure to Cuba and cruise the island! Public ferry companies operating from the States now aims achieve the same result and open to a large market of tourism-related opportunities to the region.
Princess Partner with Pink
British luxury yacht manufacturer Princess Yachts is launching a stunning limited edition capsule collection of merchandise to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Renowned Spanish illustrator Jaume Vilardell was commissioned to produce two images encapsulating the 1960's holiday-chic vibe to incorporate into the designs. A glamorous couple lounge by the pool, with their Project 31 yacht moored in the distance - the first model produced by Princess 50 years ago. Produced with rich colours reflecting the bold illustrative style of the mid-60's, this collection is a real departure from traditional staid merchandise. The collection has been co-developed in England by Jermyn Street shirt-maker Thomas Pink. The gentleman's silk pocket–square and hand printed ladies' silk scarf feature a full illustration and Jaume Vilardell's signature while the timeless men's polo shirt pulls through subtle cues from the illustration onto the under-collar. The polo that is available in Ice White, Hillier Pink (named after the famously coloured West Australian lake) or Azure Blue, features contrast tipping details on the sleeve, placket and side seem, and sees the signature Thomas Pink fox with a witty Princess twist - sat on sailing rope, wearing a Captain's crown hat and blazer with epoulets. Reflecting the luxury, style and craftsmanship ethos at the heart of Princess' celebrated yacht design and drawing on Thomas Pink's tradition of quality and sartorial excellence, each piece has been designed using luxurious cotton piquet and silk fabrics from Italy. The three classic silhouettes are set to become must-have wardrobe essentials, allowing those who purchase them the opportunity to step into the coveted and elegant world of Princess Yachts. As well as being the muse for the newly created merchandise, Project 31 has been at the centre of a dedicated restoration programme. Commissioned by Princess to celebrate the company's success over the past five decades, a team of Princess Craftsmen, some of whom worked on the original boat, have dedicated their time to lovingly restore her to her former glory. The Princess Yachts' limited edition merchandise collection will be available to purchase from September 2015 and will be unveiled and on sale at the Cannes Yachting Festival marking the beginning of the company's 50th anniversary celebrations.
Princess Celebrate With Special Hull Wrap
Princess Yachts International are preparing to mark 50 years at the Cannes Yachting Festival with a journey through half a century from the original Princess model, lovingly restored Project 31@50 to the global launch of the new majestic Princess 35M. Ahead of her official world debut Project 31@50 was exclusively previewed at Princess Yachts' 50th anniversary celebration for the company's employees and their families and featured a very special hull wrap made up of a photo montage celebrating the Plymouth craftsmen and individuals behind every Princess yacht. The Wild Group International wrapped the hull of the boat with the faces of every Princess employee to commemorate the momentous occasion. From humble beginnings, today with over 2300 employees across six sites along with a complex distributor network covering more than 65 countries around the world and a product range consisting of 23 models, Princess has become a leading motor yacht manufacturer at the forefront of the industry. This September will see the launch of three all-new Princess craft including the Princess 35M at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Princess S65 and V58 Open, both of which will premiere at the Southampton Boat Show.
Riviera Dealership of the Year
For the fourth consecutive year, R Marine South Australia was named the overall Riviera Dealership of the Year for the Australia and New Zealand region. Riviera’s dealer relationship manager Peter Welch said the R Marine South Australia team in Glenelg had a relentless passion for exceptional customer service, innovative owner Experience events and a professional and highly ethical representation of the Riviera and Belize brands. A total of 37 boats enjoyed this amazing event this year and of particular note was the fact that a number of very impressed owners felt compelled to write to Riviera and Rodney Longhurst personally to praise the R Marine South Australia team. R Marine South Australia dealer principal Paul Harrop said it was an honour to be recognized for the fourth consecutive year for the highest standard of service and ongoing great experience that extends well beyond the initial purchase of a luxury Riviera or Belize motor yacht.
Riviera Sales Excellence Award
The 2015 Sales Excellence by a Dealer Award was presented to high-performing R Marine dealer R Marine Crawley at Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast. Mr Welch also announced R Marine Crawley dealer principal Ben Crawley as the Sales Excellence by an Individual award-winner. Mr Crawley said he was extremely proud that Riviera and Belize owners placed their faith and trust in his dedicated team to support their next boat purchase.
Riviera Service Excellence Award
The 2015 Riviera award for Service Excellence by a Dealership was awarded to Queensland’s R Marine Jones located at Riviera’s world-class waterfront facility at Coomera on the Gold Coast. Mr Welch said dealer principal Randall Jones, his wife Melinda and the entire R Marine Jones team have an extremely solid reputation for high quality service within their local boating community. In accepting the award, Australia’s longest-serving Riviera dealer and multiple award-winner Randall Jones congratulated his team on their dedication and commitment to meeting the service needs of Riviera and Belize owners. The R Marine network is the largest luxury motor yacht dealer network in Australasia and offers Riviera and Belize owners an unparalleled level of after-sales service and support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Riviera Welcomes New Owners
Riviera is extremely proud to welcome new members to its growing global family of luxury motor yacht owners after confirming sales of eight new models at the iconic marque’s stunning Sydney International Boat Show display. Chairman and owner Rodney Longhurst said the new owners of the latest and luxurious Riviera motor yachts purchased at the Sydney show could look forward to a whole new world of customer care, which includes exclusive invitations to social events and unique cruising experiences. Mr Longhurst also said it is extremely gratifying that the latest purchases span the entire Riviera range, from the classic blue-water Flybridge collection to the stylish and sophisticated Sport Yachts, the sporty and adventurous SUV series and even the new luxurious and long-range Sports Motor Yacht design. Mr Longhurst said visitors stepping aboard the Riviera range at the marque’s stunning, eight-yacht Sydney showcase which included the supremely seaworthy new 57 Enclosed Flybridge at her World Premiere enthusiastically expressed their appreciation for Riviera’s continued investment in new model development and exacting eye for quality detail from fit to finish. Mr Longhurst said Sydney International Boat Show has been a great event for Riviera and the dedicated R Marine dealers across Australia and New Zealand who are continuing discussions with several more aspiring owners who were very impressed by what they saw in Riviera in Sydney.
Riviera Announces Singapore Dealer
The global Riviera dealer network spanning some 60 countries has today welcomed the appointment of Singapore’s Reel Torque Yachts to help service the growing family of Riviera and Belize luxury motor yacht owners. Riviera chief executive Wes Moxey says the appointment of respected marine industry and marketing professional Olivia Branson and her team will be also warmly welcomed by owners of luxury Riviera and Belize motor yachts in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Mr Moxey says the appointment of Reel Torque Yachts will also provide additional support, assistance and social opportunities to the growing number of Riviera and Belize owners who keep their boats in Singapore, and to those aspiring to explore idyllic destinations throughout the South East Asia region. Ms Branson said Riviera’s impressive and diverse range of 17 individual luxury motor yachts caters to a wide range of styles and tastes yet each retains the hallmark Riviera attributes of blue-water cruising capabilities, state-of-the-art technology and alfresco lifestyle designs for which the marque is so well known internationally. Ms Branson said the goal of Reel Torque Yachts is to “help co-create many beautiful and lasting memories on the water for our clients” and she and her team are delighted to be joining a widely respected network of dealers renowned for its exceptional commitment to creating ‘the ultimate boating experience’ for Riviera and Belize owners. Reel Torque Yachts offers Riviera owners and aspiring owners a private and personalized service by appointment. Olivia and the team can be contacted by emailing
Sunseeker Major Milestone
Sunseeker International will hold an exclusive celebration at Cannes Yachting Festival to recognise a hugelandmark for the business, the delivery of its 100th luxury performance yacht in the 100ft+ “superyacht” category. Owners and special guests from across the globe will attend a VIP champagne breakfast event on the 9th of September to celebrate this achievement which signals a true coming of age for this iconic British brand. The launch of Sunseeker’s first 100ft+ model, the 105 Yacht in the summer of 2000, was the initial step in the brand’s progress towards becoming a major player in the superyacht sector. Since then it has taken the companyless than fifteen years to reach this impressive milestone, producing on average around seven 100ft+ yachts every year at its manufacturing facilities in Dorset, UK. Sunseeker’s 100ft+ offering has rapidly evolved and now extends from the sleek and powerful 101 Sport Yacht to the majestic flagship 155 Yacht, with a diverse range of options in between. The company also has several exciting new models set for launch in 2016, including the new 131 Yacht and 116 Yacht which have both attracted multiple forward orders from customers until 2017. An appealing feature of every 100ft+ Sunseeker is the company’s ‘Bespoke’ service which enables owners to tailor the interior design and layout to their personal preferences. This flexible approach has contributed to thewide array of international awards and recognition Sunseeker has received for its 100ft+ range over the years, ever since the debut 105 Yacht became the first British-built production boat to win two of the world’s most prestigious accolades – the International Superyacht Design awards. Sunseeker is constantly setting new standards and benchmarks across its entire range. With the arrival of new CEO Phil Popham earlier this year, and the strong financial backing and support of its strategic shareholder Wanda Group, the company has ambitious plans to strengthen its position as the number one global brand for luxury performance motor yachts. The company currently builds more boats 80ft and above per year than any other brand. To build on this dominance, it places a clear focus on innovation through an extensive new product development program aligned to world class manufacturing and support services across the business. Top statistics on Sunseeker’s 100 x 100ft+ yachts: Total length if placed end to end: 3.405 kilometres enough to stretch over 38 Premiership football pitches, Total displacement: 14,150 tonnes roughly the weight of over 1,000 London double-decker buses, Total interior volume: 1,274,924 cubic feet enough to fill 15 Olympic size swimming pools, Total exterior deck space: 12,522 square metres, or 3.1 acres the size of nearly 50 tennis courts, Total installed power: 551,000 BHP enough to power ten Boeing 747s to take-off, Total installed cylinder capacity: 3,648 litres.
Sunseeker Hosting Best of Luxury in Southampton
Sunseeker International is pleased to announce that it will be showcasing pieces from some of the greatest luxury brands in the UK at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, as it hosts the British Government’s Great exhibition in the VIP area of its stand; a world first. VIPs will have access to some of the greatest modern works of art in the country as the display showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer, promoting the UK as a world-class destination for trade, tourism, investment, design, engineering and creativity to generate jobs and growth. Items on display will include a gown hand-crafted by British Couture designer, Nicholas Oakwell; a unique GREAT Mulberry handbag designed by leading British model Cara Delavigne; a decorative bowl designed and hand-crafted by Cleave, Court Jewellers and Medallists; a bespoke handcrafted watch by Roger Smith, Independent Watchmaker; and four portrait photographs of Her Majesty the Queen by David Bailey. In honour of the exhibition, Sunseeker has created a GREAT edition of the San Remo, dressed with a vibrant Union Jack wrap, which the luxury performance motor yacht manufacturer will display proudly on its stand at the show.
Tiara Awards Top Dealers
Tiara Yachts announced a record year in retail sales and market share growth during its annual dealer conference aptly themed, Modern Legacy. The worldwide audience of attendees included domestic and international dealers, top retail sales representatives and key Tiara Yachts vendors. The event focused on year-end sales results and the introduction of the all new Q 44 Adventure Yacht, a concept born from the mind of legendary Tiara Yachts founder, Leon Slikkers. The meeting’s Modern Legacy theme connected Leon’s boat building heritage with the Tiara products of today. Tiara Yachts recognized its top ten dealers along with top salesmen for their retail sales performance during the 2015 model year. Galati Yachts was recognized as the number one Tiara Yachts dealer worldwide for the third consecutive year. Galati Yachts consistently exceeds customer expectations for the sale and service of Tiara Yachts. They are recognized as a Boating Industry Top 100 Hall of Fame inductee, winning the Top 100 Dealer of the Year consecutively in 2007-2008. The Tiara Yachts Top 2015 Dealer Award Recipients included; Galati Yachts from Florida Gulf Coast, Skipper Bud’s, from Illinois, Ohio and Michigan, Oyster Harbors Marine from Cape Cod, MA, Quality Yachts from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hampton Watercraft and Marine from Long Island, NY, Apex Marine from Miami, FL, Walstrom Marine from Harbor Springs, MI, Ocean Blue Yacht Sales from Florida’s East Coast, Sliver Seas Yachts from San Diego, CA, Grande Yachts from Annapolis, MD. The top salesperson honor was delivered to Jose Rodriguez of Quality Yachts, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Jose topped the field of domestic and international retail salespersons with a dedicated sales approach and loyal following of customers in the Puerto Rico market. Jose’s personal relationships with his customers and product knowledge have kept him in the top ten of the Tiara sales leader board for several years in a row. The Tiara Yachts Top 2015 Retail Salespeople Recipients included Jose Rodriguez, Quality Yachts from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Bob Wagner from Grande Yacht Sales, Annapolis Maryland, Tom Jones from Hampton Watercraft & Marine, Long Island, New York, Tom Vickers from Skipper Bud’s of Ohio, Rudy Garcia from Apex Marine, Miami, Florida, Matt Ginsberg from Skipper Bud’s of West Michigan, Paul Barton from Portland Boatworks, Portland, CT, Dale Robertson from Oyster Harbors, Cape Cod, Brian Granger from Walstrom Marine, Harbor Springs, MI, Scott MacCrimmon from Ed Huck Marine, Ontario, Dwayne Stone from Skipper Bud’s, Ohio. The prestigious sales achievement award recipients attended Tiara Yachts annual sales training, Tiara University, and accumulated points based on yearly retail sales volume of the Tiara product line. The just- introduced Tiara Q 44 Adventure Yacht series, exciting new Coupe series and 50 Flybridge introductions earlier this year have highlighted a banner year for Tiara Yachts. The Tiara 39 Coupe debuting during the 2015 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show will undoubtedly keep the excitement level high for model year 2016.
Viking Co-Founder Healey International Relief Foundation Update
This past July, the Healey International Relief Foundation team traveled from the United States to Europe. HIRF President Robert T. Healey, Jr., Executive Director Ben Parra and board member Joan Lewis conducted meetings in Vatican City, Italy, as well as Barcelona, Spain. They first met with the Vatican Family Foundation and Doctors with Africa (CUAMM) then in Barcelona met with Dr. Victoria Fumando Perez, Brother Fernando Aguilo Martinez and Brother Michael Koroma. They discussed the support, reopening and strengthening of St. John of God Hospital in Lunsar, Sierra Leone, which was affected by Ebola. Ebola continues to ravage Sierra Leone as new cases are constantly recorded. Healey International Relief Foundation, in partnership with Brother's Brother Foundation continues to provide relief to adults and children affected by the current epidemic. This past July, a container with hospital beds, mattresses and medical supplies was shipped to Sierra Leone. With HIRF partnerships and support of donors, HIRF has completed its 12th shipment over the past 11 month period. HIRF is proud to announce upcoming events here in the States and invites you to be a part of this excitement. On September 22-27, Philadelphia will welcome the World Meeting of Families 2015 (WMOF) and a visit by Pope Francis. HIRF will participate in the Exhibit Marketplace at the WMOF, held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, and welcomes you to stop by booth #343. In October, HIRF will participate in the local NJ fundraiser called Boscov's Friends Helping Friends. To learn more about upcoming and past events and how you can participate, please visit the HIRF events page or facebook.
Viking Heavy Weight Champs
Among the honorees earlier this summer at the 21st Annual Invitational Gala of the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation at Bally's in Atlantic City, New Jersey, were two United States Marines, world champion boxer, Chuck Wepner and yachting industry heavyweight and co-founder of the Viking Yacht Company, Bill Healey. Chuck Wepner was recognized as the 2015 Athlete of the Century and Viking's Bill Healey was honored with the 2015 Charles Ruch Semper Fidelas Award. Congratulations and thank you to both Marines for these lifetime achievements and service to the United States of America.
Viking Pirate Cove Billfish Tournament
In the end, Sea I Sea's lead was insurmountable. After jumping ahead on day three, Don Mills' Sea I Sea held off a fleet of nearly 60 boats. The Viking 66, run by captain Rob Mahoney released 15 billfish to take the top honors. Captain Ryan Higgins, at the helm of the Viking 70, put angler Patrick Healey on a dolphin that weighed in at a hefty 63.6 pounds on the scale earning the title of Top Dolphin.
Viking MidAtlantic
Big crowds gathered in the late afternoons at the MidAtlantic's two weigh stations to admire the gorgeous fleet while hoping to see a big money fish hit the scale. Thomas McMurray and his crew on the Viking 70 Makara kept the crowds happy. On day three the striking Makara weighed a 566 pound blue marlin to claim the Heaviest Blue Marlin of the tournament. Captain Walter Harmstead put the Viking 70 Goin' In Deep on the leader board with a 138 pound big eye boosting the team to Most Points Tuna while the Viking 60 Placid C's took Third in the Most Points Tuna category. Adam La Rosa's Viking 48 Canyon Runner weighed a 199 pound big eye to capture Second Heaviest Tuna of the event.
Viking White Marlin Open
Viking dominated the leader board at the world famous 42nd Annual White Marlin Open last week. Topping the board was Larry Hesse and his team on the Viking 70 Goin' In Deep with a 551 pound blue marlin. Angler Larry Hesse, Jr., boated the blue on the first day of the WMO and it held on through the five day event to claim Top Blue Marlin amongst the fleet of 307 boats. Jay Mascaro, fishing on the Viking 47 Warden Pass, also found his payday on the first day of the event. Jay landed a 45 pound 'hoo to take the top spot in that category. Viking 52 Miss Annie did the opposite and hit the board on the last day with the final fish weighed of the event. Miss Annie angler Mark Donahue jumped to the top of the tuna category with a 200.5 pound big eye cementing the board for the year. The Viking 62 Tra Sea Ann took a spot with a 42 pound dolphin. Angler Chris Manetta boated the fish and claimed the title of Second Place Dolphin. Other notable placing were the Viking 64 Judge in 5th place for both Top Boat and Top Release Boat, Viking 66 Sea I Sea in 6th for Top Boat as well as Top Release Boat and the Viking 64 Oil Slick with a 10th place finish in the Top Boat and Top Release Boat categories. Viking 70 Krazy Salt's Angler Dave Anderson was 8th angler overall and Viking 62 fisherman Kenny Pontari claimed 10th place angler.
Viking Sardinia Fishing Challenge
A qualifier for both the 2016 Offshore World Championship and the European Championship, the influential Sardinia Fishing Challenge held earlier this month was an overwhelming success. The Viking 82 Indica was the winning boat which arrived in Italy from America just days before the start of the tournament. Indica caught two albacore tuna as well as a pair of Mediterranean spearfish to climb to the top of the leaderboard. Thanks to SNO Yachts, Viking's authorized Italian dealer, for supporting and encouraging the boating lifestyle internationally.
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