Category Archives: Expert Commentary

Miami Yacht and Brokerage Show: Italian Nautical Design Award Winners

Friday, February 18, the Italian Trade Commission in collaboration with UCINA (Italian Marine Association) organized a very special evening at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens to recognize the efforts of Italian companies and shipyards that have successfully promoted their products worldwide; the Nautical Design Awards.

Vizcaya, an Italian villa designed in the Mediterranean Revival architecture style, was built in the early 20th century for James Deering, of the Deering McCormick-International Harvester fortune, on Biscayne Bay. The location provided the perfect setting for Italy’s most renowned industry leaders to be recognized for their achievements.

Marco Rocca, the Honorable Consul General of Italy, presided as Master of Ceremonies, and despite inoperable microphones, was gracious and charming in his introductions. He proudly made the point that an 8.6 per cent increase in sales has made Italy the leading supplier of yachts in the United States. Also present, Luisa Boccietto, President of IDA (Industrial Design Association) and President of the Nautical Design Awards Judge Committee.

Cataldo Aprea, of the Neapolitan shipyard Aprea Mare, which has recently launched their Maestro Line, further expanding the brand in the United States, received the first award. The company has participated in the Miami show since 1995.
Francesco Ansalone – Azimut Benetti Marketing Director, accepted the award given to the innovative Azimut/Benetti shipyard for their eco-friendly Magellano line, a response to the disastrous Gulf oil spill that ravaged Florida coasts last year. Vitelli stressed the commitment of the company to “maximum respect for the environment.”

Dino Salvemini accepted an award on behalf of Mase generators, widely used in the United States and worldwide by shipbuilders, in defiance of a highly competitive market.

Massimo Radice accepted the award for Sessa Marine, a Milanese shipyard

Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo Shipyard

dedicated to competing with local shipyards in producing smaller vessels that boast competitive quality and Italian design.

The prolific Italian design company Nuvolari/Leonard received an award for achieving overwhelming popularity in the US market, which was accepted by Carlo Nuvolari. The company is perhaps most famous for their supremely

Carlo Nuvolari – Nuvolari/Lenard Design

elegant Palmer Johnson and Marquis Yacht designs and currently have more than ten yachts in production. The renowned director, Steven Spielberg, purchased their newest Marquis yacht, so recently delivered in St. Barths it has not yet been advertised.

The Ligurian shipyard, Sanlorenzo, which founded Sanlorenzo in America, was awarded for successfully promoting “Made In Italy’ in three U.S. locations. Massimo Perotti who accepted the award was exuberant when he declared, “we are at the top of the world!”

The Ferretti Group was honored with an award for the collaborative efforts of two prestigious brands, Riva and Gucci, which produced the glamorous speedboat Aquariva Gucci. Accepting the award, Salvatore Basile attributed their success to “the perfect mix of high tech and Italian style.”

A reception above the renaissance gardens and below a full moon was a perfect conclusion to the prestigious ceremony, and lent a heady aura of La Dolce Vita. The gourmet Italian antipasto, pasta courses and deserts served to bring a truly Italian event to a sumptuous conclusion, as well as providing members of the Italian marine industry an opportunity to catch up with old friends and establish new ones.

Follow this link to view additional information on these and other Shipbuilders and Manufacturers.

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Boatbookings Meg Toppa Reports on Sailing Yacht AQUARIUS: Delivery to Victory in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

Boatbookings regatta expert Meg Toppa is keeping her fingers crossed for her highly skilled charter client and his race crew who will be racing to win in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta on board charter race yacht AQUARIUS.

AQUARIUS is a Nauter Swan 601 high performance sailing yacht with lightweight design for sailing at top racing speed. AQUARIUS classic lines and meticulously handcrafted interiors belie the most advanced building techniques and materials used in construction. AQURIUS features custom interiors and deck layout while maintaining hull shape and rig configuration that comply with one-design class rules.

Meg explains that AQUARIUS’ charter client has an impressive history of previous race participation aboard his own yacht, but this will be the first time he will be racing the superb charter Swan 601, AQUARIUS. He will set the agenda, although the captain of AQUARIUS will be on board (as per insurance requirements), and is sure to lend a most valuable hand to the team.

In a recent press release, AQUARIUS, a middle range contender, was described as “a dangerous presence” in the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, the first of three competitions that the AQUARIUS team will undertake. Prior to the Rolex Regatta in St. Thomas, March 25-27 and the Tortola BVI Spring Regatta, March 28-April 3, a between race cruise week is scheduled for March 17-23, when the charter client onboard AQUARIUS will get a little respite.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is scheduled from March 3-6, which puts AQUARIUS in the delivery mode at present. Toppa explains, “there are three modes that the race yacht can be in; delivery, cruise, or race modes. Each of these three modes requires changing the sheets, halyards and sails.”

The delivery mode entails lots of logistics, shipping the container with gear, and hotel and flight arrangements for the crew of six, required by any transit exceeding 300 miles. This allows two watches of three crew; one navigating, one helming and one trimming.

This is also a critical time of preparation, which the Captain of AQUARIUS, ChrisRingdahl, describes as very labor intensive. In fact just a couple of days ago, he and his wife were still sanding the keel past midnight. This is all part of playing to win.

Coming up is racing mode on AQUARIUS, when on each exhilarating race day the yacht is stripped to reduce weight and the forward berth becomes the sail locker. At day’s end, numerous chores include removing the drums from each of the nine winches for cleaning.

Keep checking Boatbloggings for AQUARIUS updates from Boatbookings racing expert Meg Toppa. She will be reporting up to the minute news (hopefully from the rail) throughout the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

Here is an informative link with valuable information on chartering a racing yacht and regatta information: Regattas and Sailing Events, Charter Racing Yachts

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Luxury ARIA YACHT 56 and 65 Flybridge: New Semi Custom Design from Proship

Proship introduces a new brand with a range of three new models, specifically conceived and designed for a Chinese boatyard. The fleet comprises semi-custom models of 40, 56 and 65 feet.

Styling and design target the burgeoning upscale Asian market. Dominating the profile of the ARIA are panoramic windows running the length of the superstructure from bow to stern. These are particularly captivating when illuminated at night. ARIAs streamlined, exterior presence and contemporary open floor plan are aimed to create a timeless appeal.

The drawing board of designer Antonio Luxardo, a co-founder of Proship, has revealed numerous cutting-edge yet functional yacht designs. These imaginative renderings manage to incorporate enough conservative elements to keep them in line with market demand.

Luxardo states his aim is to  “compose a complete and enchanting symphony where each model is not designed as an individual yacht but as a component of an harmonic unique and where Italian style, quality and on going innovation will be recognized as the added value of this new Chinese brand.

Layout for both the 56 foot and 65 foot models include three ensuite cabins with six berths and a maximum of 20 people on board. Specified engines are twin Volvo Penta IPS 900 and 1200 respectively, although range and speeds have not been estimated. The engineering project of ARIA YACHT models will be fully managed by the other co-founders of Proship, Luca Cima and Massimo Angelotti.

Boatbookings.com has an excellent and varied selection of charter yachts of all sizes available in destinations world wide. Here is a link to access information: Luxury Crewed Yacht Charter

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Our Charter Brokers Onboard Luxury Yacht AQUASITION: Superlative Seaworthiness, Style and Service

Luxury Motor yacht AQUASITION is a stunning 124ft Broward launched in 2007 that comfortably accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms. Our charter brokers were delighted to have the opportunity to view her elegant interiors, chat a bit with the delightful crew, and taste some delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chef.

Entering through the double glass doors on AQUASITIONs aft deck the main saloon is spacious and welcoming. Everywhere we look the design details are impressive. Daylight floods through large panoramic windows and glistens on the high gloss cherry woodwork.

AQUASITIONs main deck salon and dining area are defined by elegant furniture groupings that feature goose down cushions, cashmere silk blend upholstery, and suede leather. The cozy L-shaped sofa surrounds a large cocktail table made from exotic Madagascar ebony wood and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the 52 inch flat screen TV/DVD/stereo.

Moving forward we pass the elegant stairway in the foyer, and the galley of delightful aromas courtesy of Chef Mike, to reach the spacious, contemporary master stateroom. Here, and throughout AQUASITION, seafaring design details, from the undulating carpet to the marine themed artwork, emphasize the splendor of yachting.

Four ensuite staterooms are positioned on the lower deck of AQUASITION around a central foyer with refrigerator. Each is roomy and well appointed with plenty of storage and deluxe amenities.

Motor yacht AQUASITION has a well-designed sundeck that features a sprawling sunbed and Jacuzzi with magnificent views. Forward under cover is a dining area with plush banquette seating and a full bar with stools, making this area an excellent gathering spot.

Indeed, many brokers visiting AQUASITION lingered here, sampling the gourmet wizardry of Chef Mike. Everything was superb, from the delicate salmon canapés to the tuna tartar. We were also treated to luscious sangria, the secret recipe of Chief Stew Breanna, so laden with fruity antioxidants that charter guests could, with relatively little guilt, drink a glass or two for breakfast.

Captain Jay Roberts and his experienced crew are talented, gracious and entertaining. They are very attentive but with an ease that make guests of all ages immediately feel at home. This stylish yacht and personable crew make a winning combination for a superlative family charter or a getaway with friends.

AQUASITION is presently based in the Bahamas with a New England itinerary scheduled for this summer. Here are some helpful links for information on these destinations and outstanding yachts available for charter: AQUASITION, Florida and Bahamas Yacht Charter, New England Yacht Charter, Super and Mega Luxury Yacht Charter

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New Americas Cup Catamaran AC45: Pushing the Boundaries

Core Builders of Warkworth, New Zealand, the company responsible for the legendary design that won the 2010 America’s Cup, launched the much anticipated AC45 racing catamaran in Auckland Harbour this week. The sleek and swift AC45 received rave reviews from the international sailing community on hand to participate in the launch.

The AC45 catamaran, a scaled-down version of the boats to race in the next America’s Cup, has been aptly nicknamed the “little sister with attitude”. The high-tech, wing-sailed catamaran is the first of 10 to be constructed by Core Builders in the next six months. The goal is to sail the cutting edge builds in a series of Cup pre-regattas, which have been rebranded the “America’s Cup World Series”, scheduled for June or early July this year.

Oracle skipper James Spithill was at the helm on the maiden voyage, while internationally renowned members of the racing community gathered dockside to witness the event including America’s Cup principal race officer Harold Bennett, Americas’ Cup veteran and sailing TV commentator Peter Lester, and Andy Hindley, of America’s Cup Race Management. According to reports, all were extremely impressed with the speed and agility of the AC45 and forecast a winning future for the Americas Cup.

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