AN OUTSTANDING TRIP TO CANNES AND THE FERRETTI GROUP FACTORIES!

Last weekend, I returned from an outstanding trip to Europe, visiting the Cannes Boat Show and the Ferretti Group factories in Italy.

Jam-packed with masses of information, abundant yacht tours, and fast-moving travel, this trip was one that broadened my understanding and appreciation of the remarkable products that we at Allied Marine represent.  It was great to be able to experience, first hand, the personalized, first-rate quality provided by every Ferretti Group product -- each of which has its own, unique personality and characteristics.  Because of my experience through this trip, I believe I will be much more effective in helping you choose the yacht (new or pre-owned) that most perfectly fits your needs, desires, and lifestyle.

Please join me, below, as I share some of the highlights of the trip.   Along the way, if you find you would like more information, please give me a call at 772-201-1800 or visit my website at www.TomJenkinsYachtSales.com.

Thanks for traveling along.  I hope you enjoy the “tour”!

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Our first stop was the Cannes Boat Show where I had the opportunity to tour and sea trial several new models -- a few of which will be making their way to Fort Lauderdale for next month’s show.  The Ferretti 720 was one of those yachts, sporting new, sleek lines, an enclosed galley, 4 cabins plus crew, and a front window “arrow design” that gives excellent visibility from the pilothouse.  

The Riva 86’ Domino, also scheduled for Fort Lauderdale display, is the ultimate in an express style model featuring the best of everything that Riva stands for: quality, spectacular lines, solid construction, and attention to detail.  Painted with 13 coats of graphite paint, its show-stopper!

A star of the imposing Pershing display was the Pershing 74’, making its debut in Cannes. The all-new 3/3 layout features a sliding bulkhead that disappears into the hull to open the salon to the aftdeck.

The Pershing 108’ has the same disappearing bulkhead and features innovative seating on the flybridge.  The Poltrona Frau interior is really spectacular (as always!).  That’s me in the photo on the right --- with the Pershing display in the background.

Redesigned, the 74’ Mochi Craft has oversized windows in the master cabin and a very comfortable foredeck.  Notice the beautiful woods in the pilothouse, used extensively throughout the entire yacht, creating a rich, warm, and inviting interior. 

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the show for me was the CRN 43 meter “Lady Trudy”.  Absolutely magnificent in every way, each room is more exceptional than the last.  Although this yacht is privately owned and not for sale, there is a great opportunity to purchase a new 43 meter, just one year from completion.  The hull is complete and the yacht is ready for customization.  “Lady Trudy”, of which I have many photos, offers outstanding ideas for design and decor.

CRN 43 METER.  READY FOR CUSTOMIZATION, ONE YEAR FROM DELIVERY.

Much anticipated, the Custom Line 124’ also made its debut in Cannes and is the flagship of the planing line.  It is flooded with light from every angle and features electro-hydraulically operated fold-down platforms on port and starboard that create terraces over the sea.  Sensational!

An unexpected surprise, we sea trialed the 75’ Itama, an amazing sport cruiser designed for rough water and a smooth ride.  It was quiet and fast, had excellent handling, and, as expected, Made in Italy elegance.  Wow.  This was a yacht with which I was not very familiar and I have to say: It was inspiring!

After three great days at the Cannes Boat Show, we headed to Italy to visit the factories.   Our stop at Portofino really had nothing to do with business, but we completely enjoyed the beautiful little town built around a small bay that looked just like a post card of old Italy!  That’s me with my son, Brett, who is just getting started in yacht sales.  This trip was the perfect introduction for him to the Ferretti Group and its outstanding products.

Traveling on, we arrived in La Spezia where Riva manufactures its larger yachts.  Below are photos of the 115’ Athena hull under construction and the flybridge of another Athena, being prepped with final touches for completion and delivery. 

The next day, we visited Sarnico, the birthplace of Riva and the location of its state-of-the-art factory at the foot of the mountains on beautiful Lake Iseo.   Here, we had the great pleasure of meeting the legendary Carlo Riva and of taking the 44’ Rivarama out on sea trial (and I got to drive!)

The Custom Line factory was our next stop where we toured the new 100’.  Like the 124’, it features the innovative salon side terrace and has light pouring in through large windows and skylights. Interior colors are becoming bright and bold, as seen in the kitchen cabinets, below.

In Cattolica at the Ferretti Yacht factory, we were able to see many models in various stages of completion and were very impressed by the facilities.  Extremely clean and well organized, it is a hub of much activity!

The biggest thrill of the trip was sea trialing the Pershing 80’ and 92’ at the factory in Fano.  These luxurious super yachts are high-performance speedboats in the water, handling with the ease of yachts a fraction of their size.  Notice how there is very little bow rise running at 40 knots.  Certainly, this is a yacht that must be experienced to be fully appreciated!  These photos of the 92’ were taken running side-by-side on the 80’ -- and holding on for dear life!  I hope you’ll come see this fabulous yacht for yourself at the Fort Lauderdale show.

Pershing factory itself was pretty impressive, as well. Dozens of large yachts under construction...and all of them are sold!  The second photo, below, was taken from the third story of the facility.

Our final factory tour was CRN where, among other yachts, we toured the palatial 80 meter, under construction for three years to date.  The first photo below, is an aft shot of the yacht in its hanger.  It's difficult to have a true appreciation for its immensity until you stand on the ground and look up.  The second photo below is the colossal salon.  The 43 meter that I described above is also being built at this factory.

Our last stop before home was beautiful Rome ... and a 4-hour, whirlwind tour of St. Peter’s Cathedral, the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Spanish Steps.  Completely breathtaking.

     

Thanks again for sharing this tour with me.  It certainly was a very worthwhile, educational, and informative trip.  Italy is home to some of the most beautiful and historic sights in the world ... and also to the most superb and innovative yacht designs and technologies.

Now, I feel more prepared than ever to help you with all your yachting inquiries and decisions.  Its really amazing the things that can be learned...even after 32 years in luxury yacht sales!  On the cusp of our own Boat Show season, I feel more confident than ever in the quality and performance of the products we sell...and in helping you meet your seafaring dreams.  I hope to see you in Fort Lauderdale to walk through some of our exciting models with you!

VILANOVA GRAND MARINA BARCELONA

This fairly new facility announced its new services and amenities during the Monaco Yacht Show last week.   I thought it was information more than worthy of passing along!

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Vilanova Grand Marina Barcelona is the first marina in the Mediterranean conceived and designed exclusively for superyachts, with specialized facilities and all-round services to accommodate these types of vessels. Opened in April 2009, the facility rapidly earned the recognition and support of the industry due to their specialization, quality services, and privileged location.

The marina is located just 35 minutes by car or train from Barcelona and 20 minutes from Barcelona's international airport.  In Vilanova i la Geltru, a small town with a long seafaring tradition, an excellent year-round climate, crystalline waters, and clean air can be enjoyed in proximity to the attractions and sites of an urban hub.

As a home port, the facility provides all the technical services that superyachts and their crew might require on a daily basis. For temporary mooring, the needs of the crew and all necessary services for the final preparation of yachts can be met.  With the latest generation 200-ton travel hoist and an indoor workshop, services include painting, repair, mechanics, carpentry, electronics, electricity, upholstery, and rigging.

Vilanova Grand Marina-Barcelona boasts 49 berths for sale and rent under new licence for yachts between 25 to 80 metres in length, being able to accommodate even larger boats.

The marina, located at the inner basin of Vilanova harbour in a secured area with clean, protected waters, has up to 6.5-metre depth and spacious moorings, in accordance with the size and requirements of large yachts.

Vilanova Grand Marina Barcelona is one of the most advanced superyacht marinas in Europe and features state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated resources to offer a comprehensive range of specialized services, including a completely operational helipad.

For more information, please visit the Vilanova Grand Marina website: www.vilanovagrandmarina.com.

VIDEO OF 40' DORAL "RAVEN". 2008.

This is the newest of my central listing videos!

(another produced by SeeSea Productions)

Enjoy!

"Raven" is a lightly-used cruiser with low-hour Volvo IPS 500 engines that take it to a max of 36 knots. The joystick controls make for easy handling and maneuvering, even for the novice yachtsman.  Lots of options, from teak and holly flooring to SAT TV to underwater cameras.  More info at my website: http://ow.ly/6Cj7o.

For a larger screen version of this video, please access it at the web address above.

THANKS!

FROM MAHOGANY TO FIBERGLASS: THE HISTORY OF THE BOATYARD THAT BECAME A LEGEND

In light of yesterday's post about Carlo Riva, I thought you might be interested in a short history of the company.  I think the public's reaction to the switch to fiberglass in 1969 is particularly interesting!

We took the following photos of classic Riva models at the factory in Italy when we visited last week.  The last is actually a photo of a photo.

The world-famous firm, over 168 years on the crest of a wave

    

The history of the Riva boatyard began in 1842 on Lake Iseo in Sarnico (Bergamo) with Pietro Riva, a carpenter who had moved there from Lake Como. It continued with Ernesto, followed by Serafino, who loved racing, and lastly Carlo, who created a style that made a name for itself all over the world as a synonym for elegance and impeccable taste.  Riva's story is one of pure Italian style, a history of pleasure boating.  Ernesto introduced the internal combustion engine in 1880 and with his son Serafino's passion for racing, performance became a distinctive feature of all Riva yachts.

During the Thirties, Sarnico was one of the most active boatyards on the international motor boating scene. Influenced by the first competitions held, on 1 May 1912 Serafino reached a speed of 24 km/h in a racing yacht during an international race -- a feat achieved for the very first time.  Motor yacht competitions began to enjoy huge success, giving rise to the holding of important international events all over the country. Serafino Riva won one of the most famous, the Pavia-Venice, two years running, in 1931 and 1932, establishing the record of the period by racing at a speed of 52 km/h.                                  

Reconstruction of Italy was in full swing and bridges, motorways and towns were being built all over the country. Society was going through an industrial revolution and the automobile became a rising star. Carlo Riva created an alter ego for this star, namely a range of wooden yachts featuring an unmistakable design. The line, interiors, steering wheel, dashboard and driving position of the Ariston, the first example of what would develop into several generations of motorboats, made it the very first luxurious water “automobile”. This brought a new, all-Italian dimension to an important period of the year, the holidays, and Riva yachts became inviting, smart, sensual, vain.

In 1969, when the first fiberglass yacht appeared, the lovers of tradition were horrified. The farsighted Riva boatyard, however, knew how to innovate while still respecting tradition. Indeed, Carlo Riva’s last contribution to a Riva which was no longer really his own, was to ennoble and enrich the yacht by “combining cold plastic with a touch of warm wood”, creating a happy union between mahogany and fiberglass.

After various passages, in May 2000 Riva joined the Ferretti Group, one of the world leaders in luxury yachting, heralding the onset of a new period of development and innovation. The Ferretti Group, led by President Norberto Ferretti, currently encompasses Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, Itama, Bertram, Mochi Craft, CRN e Custom Line. Since joining the Group, Riva has developed a portfolio of 11 models ranging from 33 to 115 feet (10 to 35 meters).

Riva continues to be synonymous all over the world with style, beauty, innovation, design and quality. The study of new models, featuring unique designs and top quality in all aspects, is entrusted to Mauro Micheli and his Officina Italiana Design. Riva fully expresses what Italian creativity and industriousness are capable of producing for the joy, pleasure and wonder of all those who love the sea and luxury. 

That's me...at the helm of today's Rivarama.
Fantastico!

THE LEGENDARY CARLO RIVA

One of the highlights of our Ferretti Group trip to Italy was visiting the Riva factories. In La Speza where the 75’+ yachts are built, we had the pleasure of inspecting the 115’ Athena.  It is one of the most dramatic yachts I’ve ever been on.  But even more impressive was the plant itself, the attention paid to each detail of production, and the people who work there.  You can easily tell that they enjoy and take much pride in the work that they do and in the products they produce.

The original Riva factory is located in Sarnico on Lake Iseo (the namesake for Riva’s new, 27’ day yacht).  To our surprise, Carlo Riva, the company’s legendary 92-year-old patriarch, made a special trip in to speak with us!  As we waited for him, we perused photos and memorabilia on the walls and in the albums of his office, awestruck by the dozens of famed personalities with whom he has associated and who have had the privilege of owning one of his exquisitely-crafted yachts.

Mr. Riva spent over two hours with us, sharing great stories of decades in the luxury yacht-building business.  He explained that in the company’s beginnings, Mr. Beretta (of firearms fame) told him of the importance of building the best product with the closest tolerances and most functional design.  Riva thought following Beretta’s advice would be the hardest task, but soon realized that creating a solid production team would take even greater skill.  He took outstanding care to develop loyal employees who would maintain exceptional quality -- and paid them 20% more than the competition for their reliability.

Today, a feeling of pride still exists throughout the company, which is more like a family than a global business.  Riva Yachts is a special jewel in the Ferretti Company and maintains classic and timeless designs with uncompromising beauty and function. 

True to Mr. Riva’s commitment and vision, each yacht built today reflects the organization he built and the desire he instilled in his employees.

Meeting a celebrated yachting icon was a true pleasure and experiencing a company built on a mountain lake in the middle of Italy is a wonder. Growing a global company from  one of small fishing boats in rural Europe is a testimony of Carlo Riva’s dedication to his values and to those who worked with him to create his yachts.

One day, someone will write a book about this man’s life.  It should be a “must read” for every person in business.  I, for one, will be sure to read it.

MORE BROKERAGE YACHT VIDEOS!

I just realized that there are a couple of my central listing videos that have not been posted on this blog, so here they are!  If you'd like more information, I've included a link below each one.  We are just finishing up the latest video --  for a 40' Doral -- so that will be posted soon, too.


Please let me know what you think.  I'd really appreciate your feedback!

"CALYPSO".

101' Feadship Classic.  1971.

More information:

http://www.tomjenkinsyachtsales.com/yachts/view/84/FEADSHIP_MOTOR_YACHT

"EASY AS ABC"

3900 Tiara Cruiser.  2008.

More information:

http://www.tomjenkinsyachtsales.com/yachts/view/55/TIARA_SOVRAN_CRUISER

For a larger screen version of these videos and others posted on this blog,

please access the yacht(s) in the Featured Yachts section of my website

(http://www.TomJenkinsYachtSales.com/yachts).

THANKS!

NEW VIDEO: 3900 Tiara "Damaris". 2008.

We just completed the video tour of the 3900 Tiara "Damaris", a beautiful, completely outfitted, 2008 Sport Cruiser with only 240 hours on Cummins QSC 600 engines. Enjoy...and please visit my website at http://ow.ly/6xLgf or give me a call for more information!

For a larger screen version of this video and others posted on this blog,

please access the yacht in the Featured Yachts section of my website (http://www.TomJenkinsYachtSales.com/yachts).

THANKS!

GLITTER AND GLAM IN MONACO

With the Monaco Yacht Show coming up this week, Sept 21-24, I thought this article might be of interest.  Originally posted on Friday, Sept 9 at thestar.com (http://ow.ly/6x9hn) by Lorianna DeGiorgio, it offers some good information to visitors of the area.

The Monte Carlo Casino is probably
the most famous gambling establishment in Europe.

MONTE CARLO, MONACO—Glamour doesn’t get any bigger than Monaco. Nestled between France and Italy on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the wealthy principality is the second smallest country in the world next to Vatican City.

If you envision Monaco being all about Ferraris, Chanel handbags and champagne, well, you’re not dreaming. The constitutional principality, which is roughly the size of New York City’s Central Park is home to the world famous Monte Carlo Casino, 13th-century Prince’s Palace, F1 Grand Prix and superb shops and dining.

Monaco’s four main districts — Monaco-Ville, the old town, Monte Carlo, Fontvieille and the port area known as La Condamine — house the wealthy pursuits the country is known for. Throw in breathtaking sea views, a rugged landscape and steep, winding streets and it’s hard not to be caught up in the allure.

Like other French and Italian Riviera destinations, Monaco boasts a warm, dry summer and a mild winter, at roughly 10 C degrees or so.

Monaco is ruled by the House of Grimaldi, which dates to the 13th century when the family seized control of Italy’s House of Genovese.

Over the centuries, France and Italy continued to fight for control of the small country, but the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861 granted full sovereignty to Monaco. French is the country’s official language, followed by the ancient language of Monegasque spoken by its locals.

The Grimaldi family marked 700 years of rule in 1997, and today Prince Albert II acts as its head of state after taking over from his father, Prince Rainier III, who died in 2005.

Once an elusive bachelor, Albert has been in the news lately thanks to his multi-million-euro wedding in July to former South African Olympic swimmer, Charlene Wittstock. Those nuptials, and the sensational gossip surrounding the couple’s relationship, made headlines around the globe and brought more attention to the prince’s homeland.

The city boasts a number of French and Italian cafés and restaurants for lunchtime. There are pizzerias throughout the city catering to the American tourists. But if gastronomy is what you’re after the country offers several renowned restaurants in La Condamine and Monte Carlo. Dining in any area of Monaco will cost you a pretty penny so eat a light lunch so you can splurge on dinner.

If you’re going to stay in Monaco overnight, then the Fairmont Monte Carlo is probably the best hotel in the principality. The hotel’s rooftop pool overlooks the city, and its series of bars and restaurants offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The fact that the hotel’s entrance is at the well-known “hairpin” turn of the Grand Prix race course only ups the ante.

If shopping is your thing, Monte Carlo’s Le Centre Commercial is home to more than 80 boutiques, while the stories around the Cercle d’Op and the Galerie du Park Palace are home to top designer brands.

If you’re looking for souvenirs, then the small shops in Monaco-Ville are the best, as is the open-air market in La Condamine at Place d’Armes.

But it’s not just shopping and people-watching in Monaco. Some of its top attractions are also some of its oldest and most storied, including the Chapel of Mercy in Monaco-Ville, which dates to the 17th century, the Prince’s Palace atop the “Le Rocher” of Monaco-Ville and on the site of the Genovese fortress, and the grandiose Monaco Cathedral, which dates to the late 1800s and houses the tombs of Rainier III and his wife, Princess Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress who died tragically in 1982. She is the mother of Albert and his two sisters.

Tourism and gambling are Monaco’s biggest economic bases; Monte Carlo Casino is perhaps Europe’s most well-known casino.

The casino, famed for its appearances in James Bond films, and the adjacent Opera House were built in the late 1870s by architect Charles Garnier, who designed the famous Paris Opera House. Daily tours are available of the casino’s Salon Europe with its roulette and Punto Blanco tables and Salle des Amériques with its Black Jack and Craps tables. Access to the casino is prohibited to anyone 18 or younger or anyone without proper attire — so dress up.

The pristinely cultivated gardens surrounding the casino are also worth a visit.

Gardens run aplenty in the tiny country of 32,000 people. The Roseraie or Rose Garden of Princess Grace with its 150 varieties of roses honour the life of the garden’s namesake. The Jardin Japonais near Larvotto Beach is a zen oasis.

For any soccer lover, the Champions Promenade is a must-see. The boulevard running along the Mediterranean has footprints of some of the greatest soccer players in history.

Monaco’s tiny pebble beaches offer inviting dips in the sea. Monte Carlo Beach and Larvotto Beach are the top two with both locales and tourists swimming, sunbathing and participating in water skiing, windsurfing and jet skiing.

For the nautically minded there is also an Olympic-sized pool facing the harbour, and the nearby Monaco Yacht Club where multi-million-dollar yachts rest in Port Hercule.

Monaco is home to a number of museums for such a small country. The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium on Avenue Saint-Martin offers glimpses into what lurches in the Mediterranean, while the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs at the Prince’s Palace and the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology offer peeks into Monaco’s past.

JUST THE FACTS

ARRIVING The closest airport to Monaco is Côte d’Azur International Airport in Nice, France. There is no direct flight from Toronto to Nice, so the best bet is to fly first to Montreal then to Nice.

Monaco is accessible by train with connecting lines to several French and Italian cities. There are daily train rides to Milan and Genoa, overnight trips to Paris and Rome, and several daily trains to the towns on the French and Italian rivieras.

STAYING The Fairmont Monte Carlo (+377 93 50 65 00; www.fairmont.com/montecarlo) offers sea views, a series of cafés and restaurants and an excellent concierge service. The hotel offers over 600 guest rooms and private suites. Prices start at 259 euros a night for a standard room.)

The oldest hotel in Monaco is Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo, which dates to the 19th century and is near the designer shops of Chanel, Prada and Hermes. Prices range from 440 euros a night for a standard room and go up to 2,000 euros for a night in one of the opulent suites. (+377 98 06 30 00; www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com)

SIGHTSEEING Given its small size you can walk from one district in Monaco to another in no time. The only drawback of strolling around the principality? The steep streets. However, the problem is solved with 24/7 escalators and elevators around the downtown.

SHOPPING Monaco has it all in terms of luxury ware. Don’t expect to score a deal here. The main shopping districts are around the casino in Monte Carlo and in La Condamine.

DINING The majority of the restaurants are located in Monte Carlo and along the harbour overlooking Port Hercule.

The Quai des Artistes (+377 97 97 97 77; www.quaidesartistes.com) overlooks the stunning Port Hercule, and is mirrored after a Parisian bistro. Fresh fish, including oysters and lobster are its top sellers. Diners can expect to hobnob with the glitterati as the restaurant is popular among the VIPS who visit Monaco. A three-course meal with a bottle of wine will cost you at least 350 euros for two.

La Salle Empire in the Hôtel de Paris (+377 98 06 89 89) in Monte Carlo offers a Mediterranean cuisine including Monegasque soup, fresh fish and vitello tonnato, a cold veal served with tuna-flavoured mayonnaise and capers. A three-course meal with wine will cost you roughly 200 euros.

Another people-watching favourite is La Brasserie du Café de Paris at Place du Casino (+377 98 06 76 23, www.montecarloresort.com). A meal for two will run you around 150 euros with wine.

TIPPING Like in other parts of Western Europe, service at restaurants and hotels is already included in your bill, so if the service is exceptional — and trust me it will be — you can add more euros on top of the bill.