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!
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