Weekly Update : 29th Sept ~ 5th Oct

STOP PRESS !!!

The Mumbai Harbour has opened...all the energy and buzz in the air has returned. Boat-owners are out on their boats enjoying their evenings on their prized-possessions.

Charters enquiries are on the rise...with people demanding their slice of the waters.


Last week this year on GiiraYachts.com is all about -


29th September, 2008 - All you can do this season on the waters for your company...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/yacht-charters-corporate-affair.html


30th September, 2008 - A glimpse into the next level of boat-manufacturing facilities...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/factoreef-future-of-boat-making-is-here.html


1st November, 2008 - Fun when you want it to be fun and practical when you want it to be practical...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/my-jet-ski-seats-upto-6-people.html


3rd November, 2008 - Check out the new HOT CAT on the prowl...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/future-catamaran-porsche-studio-design.html


4th November, 2008 - Water-rafting, anybody?...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/white-water-rafting-rapid-grades.html


5th November, 2008 - Another attempt by the automobile industry towards the lifestyle of yachting...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/10/volkswagen-introduces-caddy-with-boat.html

See you on the waters soon... Read more...

Pershing : The Cannes Super-Star...

The SILVER LIGHTNING of the seas is at it again...it's time to proudly parade that long Rooster-Tail once more...


...and we have a WINNER !

Pershing...the best performance yachts of all time...has up-ped its marque by winning 3 awards...and in the process created a furore when the Pershing 64 won 2 back-to-back awards at Cannes in the 'The 2008 World Yachts Trophies Gala Dinner'.

...an incredible three awards at the 31st edition of the Festival de la Plaisance!


THE CANNES PARADE

On 13th September 2008, a splendid parade of yachts crowned the 31st edition of the Festival International de la Plaisance in Cannes, one of the most elegant and eagerly awaited events in the worldwide yachting calendar.

For a while a cloudy sky threatened to spoil the atmosphere of the closing gala celebrations, but in the end the dinner and the Yacht Parade all went off perfectly, even surpassing expectations. And for the Pershing yachts the evening was a momentous triumph.

As usual, the Cannes Boat Show closed with the World Yacht Trophy awards. Organised by Yachts Magazine, these awards are presented to the craft the magazine considers to be the best in the yachting world for that particular year. And this year Pershing’s distinctive combination of class and refinement swept the table with no less that three trophies.


In the Open Yacht Under 24 Mt category the Pershing 64' carried off awards for both Best Design and Most Functional Design, raising the Italian shipyard’s enviable prize record to even greater heights.


Then the Pershing 80’ won the trophy for the Most Innovative Boat in the Open Yacht Over 24 Mt category. This trophy was awarded after an appraisal of the craft’s structural design that guarantees superior overall performance and therefore a more luxurious onboard lifestyle for the owner.

It is no coincidence either that the two Pershing models received nominations in almost all categories, including Best Design, Most Functional Design, Best Decor (best internal layout) and Most Innovative Design.


WHY A WINNER...

These yachts boast numerous elements that make them stand out in this increasingly innovative segment.

First and foremost they are constructed using advanced techniques, such as the special Scrimp System fibreglass vacuum moulding process.


They also include a series of refined features that enhance every moment of life onboard, like the slideaway glass partition designed in collaboration with Besenzoni, the extendable and retractable hard top with its twin electric drive mechanism and the Genius gangplank that doubles as a swimming ladder.


And lastly, these craft boast highly original design elements, such as the special open-view maxi window in the Master Cabin, situated in the centre of the boat, which is a remarkably light and airy feature, thanks to the openable porthole set into the glass.


ADVANCED ENGINEERING

The Pershing 80’ and the Pershing 64’ demonstrate how Pershing insists on adopting only the most advanced technology and providing owners and their guests with new ways of surprising the future. This is the spirit that matches these new yachts perfectly with the brand’s new communication campaign: only the greatest ideas come true.


POWER, SPEED, INNOVATION...

A vision that focuses on the new, the unexplored, the yet to come and the need to improve and put oneself constantly to the test. Pershing is all this. Because ideas only become great when they are transformed into concrete actions. When they prove their brilliance by facing reality.


A GALA WITH A SPECIAL CAUSE

'The 2008 World Yachts Trophies Gala Dinner' ceremony was held in the splendid setting of the Hotel Carlton Inter-Continental beach terrace and the spectacular event was attended by some of the most famous celebrities in the world of international yachting.


The Pershing President, Tilli Antonelli, yacht designer Fulvio De Simoni and CEO Fabio Fraternale collected the awards personally, in front of an audience of a thousand invited guests.


This year, the gala evening, organised once again by Michel Karsenti’s Lux Media Group team, included a major new charity initiative. This involved introducing a subscription fee for every boat taking part in the parade, a move that succeeded in raising 41,500 Euros which the Yachts Magazine Group then donated to the ELA (European Leukodystrophy Association), an institution specialised in helping children suffering from muscular dystrophy .

80 AND 64

Pershing chose to enrol its leading models, the Pershing 80’ and Pershing 64’ at Cannes, as the French Salon is a natural continuation from the success enjoyed by the two craft during the Pershing Sea Show, this summer. This highly original event, in its second edition this year, moored in a number of prestige locations including the Milan Furniture Show, Portorose and Palma de Majorca.


At each of these stopovers the spectacular design and features of these splendid yachts succeeded in attracting attention and enchanting yachting experts as well as the press and the general public. Cannes was therefore the ideal place to continue the cruise.

And once again this year the Festival proved to be a not-to-be-missed opportunity for attracting worldwide attention and sizing up sector competitors. After all, this is an event that Pershing has created a very special bond with over the years and this, combined with its unique, prestigious atmosphere makes it the natural choice for celebrating the opening of the yachting season in style.

For more of our coverage on Cannes 2008...click here.
Read more...

Weekly Update : 15th~21st September, 2008

Mid-way into September, and we all are slowly getting excited about the new season coming up...

Europe wakes up from it's siesta with the Cannes Boat Show that happens this week...and the Monaco Boat Show coming up soon....



15th September, 2008 - Feel the passion of rafting down the whitest of waters with our coverage on the Brahmaputra...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/brahmaputra-river-puts-india-on.html


16th September, 2008 - Villas on the seas? Not really...get to know what a 'Flotilla' is...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/flotillas-summer-camp-on-seas.html


17th September, 2008 - Every Riva is an ecstatic mix of passion, glamour and glory...with the 92 Duchessa it just gets more involving...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/riva-debuts-royal-member-of-family-at.html


18th September, 2008 - Here's the countdown to the BIGGEST Boat Show...

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/monaco-yacht-show-2008-get-ready-for_18.html


19th September, 2008 - Not sure whether the boat he captained in the movie was his own?...NO PROBLEM...this one is surely his own!

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/celebrity-yachts-johnny-depp.html Read more...

Cannes International Boat Show 2008 : 31derful

Three days into the one of the world's favourite boat shows...and things seem to be getting only better in France.


With the Mediterranean brimming buzz and activity after waking up from its Summer Slumber...the Cannes Boat Show sets the ball rolling for the yachtsmen and yachting in this region...


CANNES 2008

In what can be considered another epitome of a festival following the Cannes Film Festival...the Cannes Boat Show is able to draw in people from all over the world who feel it is the perfect venue (the scenic French coast) for viewing the most spectacular yachts from all over the world.

Visitors will be flying in from countries near and far to delight in discovering the latest models and outstanding second-hand yachts all aglow in the magical atmosphere that reigns in these two warm and sunny ports.


Situated on the French Riviera the Cannes show offers an enchanting panorama of luxury. In it's 31st year, more than 750 of the world’s finest yachts are expected to be displayed in water this year, with 250 of them being unveiled here for the first time ever.

In fact, when it comes to the number of boats exhibited in water Cannes is one of the three largest shows in the world.


MAGNATE-MAGNET

The Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show is an exceptional business event that brings together exhibitors (boatbuilders, service providers, equipment manufacturers, interior designers, marinas, the press...) and visitors from around the planet. Among the event’s many advantages, exhibitors and visitors alike quickly learn to appreciate the opportunity to try the boats out on the open sea.


This year’s event will see further improvements as the organisers expand the show yet again in their never-ending quest to bring onboard new exhibitors both on land and in the water.

For the first time, the Quai Croisière is being called into service to accommodate more than fifteen lovely huge yachts each stretching over thirty metres, such luxurious maidens as Wesport 130, Broward 120, Riva 115 and 90, Pershing 115...and their will be exhibitor tents to visit on the quay as well. Located just 100 metres from the extension for Super Yachts, a sea shuttle will ferry you there with ease.

Quai Pantiero will be even larger this year thanks to a new pontoon for boats 11 to 17 metres long. Twenty new boats have already registered to exhibit here.

Last but not least, the brokerage section located at Port Pierre Canto is to welcome twenty additional yachts over 25 metres next to the main entrance, on a new quay 72 metres long. A total of 80 yachts, 25 to 60 m will be displayed there.


HIGHLIGHTS 2008

The highlights of the Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show will be updated till the opening of show the next 10th September :-

Wednesday, 10th September

10h00: Opening of the 31st Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show.

Thursday, 11th September

15h00 : Inauguration of the 31st Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show.

Friday, 12th September

20h00 - 22h00: The Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show late evening opening (exhibitors reception opened this year for the visitors with a ticket or an invitation).

Saturday, 13th September

20h00: For the fourth year, the World Yachts Trophies organised with Yachts Magazine will take place on Saturday 13 September at the Carlton Beach and will propose a show of the most beautiful yachts in the world.

The yachts will go out from the Old Port from 9:30 pm and will sail alon the Cannes Croisette : an authentic presentation of the 2008 most beautiful yachts from the greatest shipyards in the world...

60 boats will be nominated in each one of the 15 categories, production and custom, with a classification of the best yachts out from July 2007 to July 2008, by style and by size.

Three special awards will also be given to:

- Interior Decoration
- Design & Innovation
- Jury Special Award

The Jury will be made of 5 journalists from various yachts international newspapers so as from professionnals of the marine industry.

Monday, 15th September

18h00: Closing of the 2008 Cannes International Boat & Yacht Show.


BOATS GALLORE

The number of boats is the best way to measure the credibility of the show...and can you guess the number of boats expected in these 5 days at Cannes...?


757...that's 150 boats a day that you would need to check out incase you want to have a look at every beauty of a boat there...

Enjoy our coverage of last year's show by clicking here.

And to get to know more about this year's FESTIVAL click here.

See you at Cannes today...
Read more...

Weekly Update : 1st~7th September, 2008

September's kick-started with a bunch of posts on topics from all over the globe! Right from budget boating on the opposite ends of the world to the boats described in the superlatives! Here's a weekly update on the range of topics with their specific links to show you at a glance all the action that was covered, just incase you missed out on the daily updates.


1st September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/budget-boating-usa-going-india-way.html


2nd September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/worlds-largest-maxi-trimaran-launched.html


3rd September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/couach-yachts-metre-by-metre-of.html


4th September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/darwin-lions-beer-can-regatta.html


5th September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/virgins-daredevil-branson-to-attempt.html


6th September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/fort-lauderdale-venice-of-america.html


7th September, 2008 -

http://www.giirayachts.com/2008/09/smooth-sailing-in-times-of-global.html Read more...

Olympics Sailing 2008 : Summary

Tomorrow, the Olympic flame will be extinguished simultaneously at the National Stadium in Beijing and the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, officially ending the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and bringing to a conclusion a remarkable journey for the sport of sailing.



SOME STATS

1) The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Sailing Competition brought together 400 of the world’s finest sailors racing in 272 boats representing 62 nations.


2) They demonstrated their talent to the world over the course of 117 races during 13 days of competition in 11 sailing events.

3) After years of dedication and training, competition for the ultimate prize in sport came down to 11 Medal Races, where the winners of the 33 sailing medals of the Beijing Games were decided.

REFLECTIONS OF THE ULTIMATE

Reflecting on the Games, ISAF President Göran PETERSSON said, “I’d like to offer my congratulations to everyone involved in the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition who contributed to making it such a fantastic success. To the 400 sailors who have competed in Qingdao, congratulations on representing your nation and showcasing our sport to the world. To the medal winners, what more is there to say? You have reached the very pinnacle of sporting success; savour your triumph - you are all heroes of our sport and your success will inspire the sailors of the future.

“Our hosts in Qingdao have provided a magnificent venue, a warm welcome and shown great dedication. A huge thank you to the Sailing Committee and to the thousands of volunteers who have shown true Olympic spirit in their efforts and their enthusiasm for our sport. Your dedication has ensured not just a great Games, but a great legacy for sailing. China won its first ever Olympic gold medal in sailing this year, but I am certain it will not be the last.

“To all of those who have followed sailing at the Games, whether it be watching on the television, via the internet, newspapers, radio, magazines or any other medium - thank you for showing your support of our sport. I hope sharing in the passion, the excitement and the spirit of the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition has inspired your own sailing dreams.”

SUCCESS TO THE SPORT OF SAILING

1) In many ways this was a landmark Games for sailing. It was the first time the Medal Race format, featuring the top ten competitors competing in a final double-points race, was used at the Olympic Games.

2) China won its first ever gold medal in sailing.


3) Alessandra SENSINI of Italy became the first female sailor to win four Olympic medals.

4) British sailor Ben AINSLIE won his third consecutive Olympic gold medal, a feat International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques ROGGE called “equally fantastic” to the recording-breaking performances of American swimmer Michael PHELPS and Jamaican sprinter Usain BOLT.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

In total 18 nations won medals, including the first ever sailing medal for Lithuania.

With 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal, Great Britain topped the sailing Medal Tally for the third consecutive Games.

Other gold medals went to Australia (two), Spain, the USA, China, Denmark and New Zealand.

GOLDEN MOMENTS

There have been many remarkable and memorable moments: the roar of the crowd as China’s Jian YIN fought her way back into a gold medal winning position in the Women’s RS:X Medal Race; the nail-biting second beat in the Star Medal Race; and of course, the incredible 49er Medal Race are just three.

You can relive the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition by clicking here or the ISAF Olympic Games microsite www.sailing.org/olympics. (Source)

OLYMPICS AT THE NEXT LEVEL

The 2008 Paralympic Games takes place from 6-17 September, with Qingdao hosting the Paralympic Sailing Competition from 8-13 September.

The next Olympic Games takes place in London, Great Britain in 2012. Weymouth and Portland will host the Olympic Sailing Competition.

GiiraYachts.com hopes that all our viewers enjoyed the Olympics 2008 Sailing events and the coverage...and hope to see you in the waters soon.
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The Vasco Da Gama Yacht Rally : Forts of India - The Bombay to Goa Regatta 2008

IT'S HERE AGAIN...

The prestigious bi-annual regatta is back! With more sailboats, more sailors and more spirit!!


The RUN down to Goa from Mumbai, with a spectacular overnight stopover at Jaigarh - THE ORBIT FORTS OF INDIA REGATTA - is the Last Leg of the World-renowned multi-class Vasco Da Gama Yacht Rally.

The Vasco Da Gama Yacht Rally is a 4500 Nautical Miles endeavour that starts from Kekova (Turkey) and commences at the Holiday Haven of Goa. Attracting more than a 100 boats of various classes and 250 sailors, the race is a visual treat for its participants - charting the most beautiful coastlines of the best seas of the world.



THE VASCO DA GAMA YACHT RALLY

The Vasco Da Gama Yacht Rally, is a regatta with a social purpose - it aims to break boundaries and set new benchmarks for everyone involved, by touching them on a personal front and bringing-out the sailor in them.

A completely non-profit endeavor, the rally puts full onus on the sailors' navigational and safety skills, by putting those responsibilities in their hands.


The purpose of the Rally is :-

1) To make an international chain of friendship, understanding, dialogue and co-operation amongst yachtsmen and the communities of host countries.

2) To promote an openess between the yachting community and the countries we visit.

3) To enjoy sailing as a way of life; combining pleasure, comfort and experience, without incurring great costs.

During the Rally :-

1) Sailors will share the experiences of interesting excursions to see some of the greatest sights in the world. (Piramides, Cairo, Luxor, Sinai, Petra….)

2) The open character of the rally makes it possible for each yacht to make their own way at any point.


The Rally provides an opportunity to experience :-

1) Spending a winter in a region with excellent weather conditions (no rain or storms).

2) Swimming, snorkelling or diving on wonderful coral reefs.

3) Fishing and enjoying the fun of catching big fishes.


ORBIT FESTIVAL OF SAILS

The Orbit Festival of Sails 2008 is being conducted from 12 – 17 Apr 2008.

The Festival this year consists of two main sailing events - a multi-class regatta on 12 Apr in Mumbai and the Forts of India Cup which is a sailing race from Mumbai to Goa. The Festival of Sail 2008 is being promoted by the Orbit Corporation Ltd.

It is anticipated that over 100 sailing boats and around 250 sailors will participate in this event.

It is a sailing race from Mumbai to Goa in yachts having a minimum length of 19 feet.

The race is in two legs :-

LEG 1 - Mumbai to Jaigarh

LEG 2 - Jaigarh to Goa

The race will culminate off Fort Aguada in Goa.

This international offshore race was conceived and introduced last year by Marine Solutions, in its sincere effort to promote the yachting lifestyle in India and this is the second edition of this race.

SPECTACULAR AND SPONTANEOUS

The race culminates passing through some of the finest seas of the world - Eastern Meditterenean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.


The route to Goa will see the sailors sampling the visual treat of the splendid Konkan coast, replete with historical forts, islands and virgin beaches. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) have thrown in their mite to show case this golden heritage and have facilitated a two day halt for the yachts at Jaigarh jetty. The participants will spend their time there at the lovely Ganapatipule beach resort before sailing for Goa. The foreign yachts will sail on later to Cochin where they will shelter for the duration of the monsoons.

THUS THEY SPOKE

General S. Dutta, Marine Solutions - "We also want to highlight to the Governments of Maharashtra and Goa that there is a crying need to develop proper yachting infrastructure like marinas in order to realise the tremendous potential of the coastline of India as an international yachting destination."


Gautama Dutta, Marine Solutions - "What is exciting for the yachting community in India is that we are going to see some big boats in some big time action on the high seas."

Pujit Agarwal, Orbit Corporation Ltd - "The Orbit Festival of Sails 2008 will introduce the Indian audience to the joys of adventure at sea and familiarize them to the world of yachts and yachting, a leisure sport that has the potential of being enjoyed by many more sea loving, sporty people. This event will give a huge boost to the nascent leisure boating industry in India"

Watch this space for live updates and results...BUT at the end of the day...there is only one true winner...the Indian Yachting Industry!

Read more...

Oceanco's ALFA NERO wins MegaYacht of 2007 !

According to monacoeye.com, it would be an interesting fact to know which 60+ meter yacht the people loved the most for 2007 - in a very generalized, non-scientific, fun survey.



The results are in... Alfa Nero managed to hold on to an early lead and finished top in the Monacoeye Reader's Choice Most Liked Yacht of 2007 Poll !!

But Kismet made up considerable ground despite a slow start and come a very honourable second. Silver, 778 and Martha Ann missed the first day of voting (!) but it was very much a two horse race. At the bottom of the table came the Lurssen twins Saint Nicolas and Martha Ann - clearly non-unique yachts are of far less interest to the discerning reader than one-off builds.

HERE'S WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAVE A GREAT, SAFE, 2008. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR VISITING IN 2007 WITH AN ESPECIALLY BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE TAKEN THE TIME TO SEND IN YOUR PHOTOS, EMAILS AND COMMENTS. LOVE YOU ALL!

GOD BLESS... Read more...