United States Brief

United States Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Azimut Yachts and Atlantis – the ambassadors of the “Made in Italy” label in the United States.

February 17, 2012

The Azimut Benetti Group will be present at the Miami International Boat Show for the 27th consecutive year: The Miami Boat Show is a not-to-be-missed world boating event as well as a key event for Latin American countries where the Italian group consolidated its leading position thanks to a specific sales policy and to major local production investments, the proof of which is Azimut do Brasil.

Twelve Azimut Yachts brand boats and five Atlantis boats will be exhibited in Collins Avenue to promote the Made in Italy label and the Italian production of yachts throughout the Americas.

Azimut 95 Luxury Yacht at the Miami International Boat Show 2012

Azimut 95 Luxury Yacht at the Miami International Boat Show 2012

On the eve of the opening the CEO, Mr. Paolo Casani, stated the following: “the North and South American markets are constantly growing and our major investments are paying back. Being present in Miami is particularly important for us as in this area the great efforts put into the product and into the Italian technology have been rewarded. As a matter of fact we planned to make the “Made in Italy” label more and more appreciated and respected, to create a feeling of pride and interest towards the products of our country”.

In order to further strengthen its leadership within the American market the group recently signed an agreement with MarineMAX to sell and service Atlantis boats whose entire range has just been renewed.

No fewer than 12 Azimut yachts brand boats will be on display, from the entry-level model to the Azimut 95 motor yacht. Azimut boasts a very wide range offering three collections, Flybridge, S and Magellano, thus meeting any navigation and economic condition.

Azimut 45 Yacht Running

Azimut 45 Yacht Running

These collections stem from the boatyard’s commitment to constantly innovate its production and to offer more and more contents and quality to its customers. This innovative approach received international recognition with the Boat of the Year award given to the Azimut 45 at the 2011 Genoa Boat Show. The Azimut 45 yacht is an innovative boat boasting special comfort and living space. The two cabin version sets a new benchmark for the American market where interior liveability it’s paramount. A boat featuring the most ample galley counter top in her segment, a mid cabin lighted by a large side window, with a double bed which can be turned into two singles.

Azimut motor yacht Magellano 50

Azimut motor yacht Magellano 50

The Azimut Magellano 50 yacht introduced in the American market for the first time this year and winner of the UIM Environmental Award, is sailing towards success with the greatest respect for the environment. The yacht is fitted with distinctive features to maximize liveability such as the spectacular bow living area and with genuine substance as she has been built to Unlimited Navigation (NMMA Certification) and received RINA Green Class notation attesting to her long range cruising vocation.

Motor yacht Azimut 40S is the S series entry level model, a fast and comfortable sports boat which feels like an ocean-cruising coupé. It is fitted with two comfortable cabins and two heads, unique in its segment, a top speed of 35 knots, dinette with a sliding roof and wide windows constantly offering a taste of the cruising experience.

In Miami, in addition to the Verve 36 the other four open models of the new Atlantis range wishing to offer a new style which blends new ideas and functions will be on display. This approach translates into genuine fast and comfortable boats fitted with generous exterior spaces and well-equipped cockpits. These boats intend to challenge the strong American competitors in the mid-size range boasting innovative contents and a hard-to-match Italian style. Atlantis 38 is the new entry-level model of this series. It is fitted with twin cabins, a comfortable head and a wide range of options, such as the selection between two propulsion combinations.

Atlantis 44 and Atlantis 48 motor yachts share the interiors characterized by twin cabins, one of which is a full beam amidship, and two heads, both the 44 and 48 boast an enthusiastic vocation for sun-bathing, the 48 is fitted with a tender garage.

Atlantis 58 motor yacht, the new flagship of the Azimut-Benetti Group's open yacht range

Atlantis 58 motor yacht, the new flagship of the Azimut-Benetti Group's open yacht range

The well-equipped Atlantis 58 yacht is a flagship in its own right, an almost modular boat which can be fitted with a deck door in order to offer a closed and air-conditioned living space on the main deck. She comes with three different interior layouts one can choose from: a third cabin, an office or a fitness area.

Miami has traditionally become home to two events running concurrently which span four different locations, the Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail and the Yacht and Brokerage Boat Show. The shows take place from February 16 to 20. The Azimut Group boats will be on display in Collins Avenue on Miami Beach (Ramp 31) where the boat show spans over a mile long strip of Indian Creek Waterway. The event is considered the most important in the United States and it also sets a benchmark for all the Americas with visitors coming from all over the Continent.

The boats on display at the Miami International Boat show will be:

AZIMUT Yachts, flybridge Collection: Azimut 38 – Azimut 45 -Azimut 48 – Azimut 53 -

Azimut 58 – Azimut 64 – Azimut 70 – Azimut 78 – Azimut 95;

S Collection: Azimut 40 S – Azimut 72 S; Magellano Collection: Azimut 50 M.

ATLANTIS: Atlantis 38 NEW, Atlantis Verve 36, Atlantis 44, Atlantis 48, Atlantis 58 NEW.

Bellingham Marine signs agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

September 22, 2011

On September 2, 2011, Bellingham Marine, world renowned marina builder, entered into a two year agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to participate in a program titled IMAGE.  This is a voluntary program to promote compliance to prevent the hiring or continued employment of people who are not authorized to work in the United States.

Bellingham Marine signs agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Bellingham Marine signs agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

As part of the IMAGE program BMI voluntarily agreed to enroll in the Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program and process all future employees through the agency’s E-Verify program.  Bellingham will also provide ICE with a hiring and employment eligibility verification program that includes at least one annual internal Form I-9 audit as well as companywide hiring procedures to prevent the employment of unauthorized workers.

The goal of IMAGE is to curtail the employment of unauthorized workers through outreach, education and training.  The IMAGE program also promotes employment eligibility programs such as E-Verify, which fosters compliance through this partnership.  “As a federal contractor, the IMAGE program and E-Verify are instrumental in assisting BMI with building a comprehensive immigration compliance program,” remarked Beth Vonnegut, Director of Human Resources for Bellingham Marine.

As the world’s leading marina design-build construction company, Bellingham Marine produces Unifloat® concrete floating dock systems as well as timber and metal frame systems.  The company also produces Unistack® dry stack systems for marinas worldwide.

Sevenstar yacht transportation expands network

August 17, 2011

Sevenstar, the world leading provider of yacht transportation services has opened an office in Sydney. It is being managed by Dean Sharples, a well-known figure in the marine industry in Australia. Sevenstar has also announced further expansion of its activities in the United States and Turkey.

Sevenstar yacht transportation expands network

Sevenstar yacht transportation expands network

“As the number of clients increases in the Australasia region, it was an obvious choice to open a dedicated Sevenstar office,” comments Richard Klabbers, managing director of Sevenstar. “This will allow us to offer an even better service for customers while further increasing Sevenstar’s presence in Australia and the South Pacific. Under the leadership of Dean Sharples, we will continue to provide clients with our own well known and respected charter options and offer liner options where required.”

Meanwhile, on July 15th 2011 Global Yacht Transport in Palm Beach Fl. changed its name to Sevenstar Yacht Transport – USA Agencies. The company has also moved to a larger office in order to better accommodate the growing workload. Plans to recruit more specialized staff are also at an advanced stage to reflect the increased demand for transportation Sevenstar is experiencing in the United States.

Last but not least, Global Yacht Transport Turkey has changed its name to Sevenstar Yacht Transport -Turkey Agencies.

New Touch Control Bridge Monitors for Superyachts by Aadaptiv Technologies

February 01, 2011

Aadaptiv has incorporated a number of key unique features into their range of bridge monitors which are ideally suited to operations in the superyacht world. Touch sensitive controls and optically bonded LCD Panels to minimise reflection and maximise clarity, the monitors are an ideal option either for new build or for refit upgrades.

New Touch Control Bridge Monitors for Superyachts by Aadaptiv Technologies

New Touch Control Bridge Monitors for Superyachts by Aadaptiv Technologies

Unlike other monitors on the market, the Aadaptiv touch control system features all the controls built in to monitor ‘edge-2-edge’ front glass. LED touch sensitive controls facilitate ease of operation for the key functions – power, backlight brightness, signal source and the OSD menu and maintain ‘clean lines’ of a true glass bridge. These functions can also be operated by infrared remote control.

The fully watertight display incorporates rear connections which are bottom entry and not through the back – likely to increase the depth and bulk and substantially reducing stowage area. With a 6mm laminated safety glass, the Aadaptiv monitors provide a unique mix and match capability. Based on the brightness output and the LCD panel sizing, a suite of monitors can be created to communicate seamlessly within the same housing, at the same time providing the ability to interface with slow scan legacy signals if being used in a refit and retaining the original systems.

New 15 inch Touch Control Bridge Monitors for Superyachts by Aadaptiv Technologies

New 15 inch Touch Control Bridge Monitors for Superyachts by Aadaptiv Technologies

With dual voltage AC/DC power input as standard, the monitor also features an ambient light sensor, which triggers an automatic dimmer to the surrounding light. This works with both daylight and sunlight monitors which are supported and guaranteed with top ratings for clear vision. The monitors are available in four different sizes to provide the best widescreen scale formatting and in a combination of daylight or sunlight displays, as well as waterproof.

Aadaptiv is supported with a full service and back up support network in Europe, United States and Australasia. The monitors are ‘Designed to Comply’ to maritime regulations surrounding recreational and commercial vessels and type approval program is underway.

Former US President George H.W. Bush takes Delivery of new Fountain Powerboat

October 07, 2010

Fountain Powerboats and Mercury Marine recently teamed up to deliver former United States president George H.W. Bush his fourth Mercury-powered Fountain fishing boat.

The Fountain 38CC, which Bush has named the “Fidelity V,” is rigged with three Mercury Verado 300-horsepower four-stroke outboard motors that are capable of pushing the high performance 38-foot fishing boat to 75 miles per hour. Like the former president’s previous Fountains, it features custom upholstery emblazoned with the presidential seal, and a wide array of sophisticated navigation, communications, and fish-finding electronics.

The Fountain 38CC - Credit Fountain Powerboats

The Fountain 38CC - Credit Fountain Powerboats

Fountain’s founder and president Reggie Fountain, along with company CEO Bill Gates and Mercury Marine president Mark Schwabero, delivered the boat to President Bush at his home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Former US President George H.W. Bush takes Delivery of new Fountain Powerboat - Credit  Fountain Powerboats

Former US President George H.W. Bush takes Delivery of new Fountain Powerboat - Credit Fountain Powerboats

An avid fisherman, Bush, 86, will use his new boat to target bluefish and striped bass off the rugged Maine coast.

“I value my time on the water in one of our nation’s great coastal fisheries, and over the years my dependable, Mercury-powered Fountain powerboats have brought my family and I countless hours of enjoyment,” said the former president. “I have learned to never doubt Reggie Fountain and his team. With each new delivery they somehow manage to top themselves.”

Along with the keys to Fidelity V, Fountain presented Bush with a lifetime membership to the American Striper Association, which puts on fishing tournaments across the northeast United States.

“I am honored to have President Bush as a repeat customer and a longtime friend,” said Reggie Fountain, adding, “He is not only one of our country’s great patriots, but also a great sportsman. We are proud to say that the Commander in Chief chooses a Mercury-powered Fountain.”

Since 1979, Fountain Powerboats has established itself as one of the most significant names in offshore powerboats, amassing offshore racing titles, fishing tournament championships, and accolades from boating publications, while building a loyal, worldwide customer base. Fountain manufactures virtually all its components in-house at its modern 250,000 square-foot facility on the Pamlico River in Eastern North Carolina. Today, the company produces a wide array of fishing boats, express cruisers, and high performance boats ranging in size from 29’ to 47’