Riva Debuts 'Royal Member Of The Family' At Cannes

For the opening of the nautical year 2008/09, Riva presented itself at the Cannes boat show with a display of its entire range. From Aquariva Super to 115’ Athena, the 10 models currently in production at the Sarnico and La Spezia shipyards are on show in a parade to celebrate the debut of the “royal” member of the family – the Duchessa. This 92 footer flybridge, presented as a preview to Riva owners during the annual gala dinner in Porto Cervo in August, will grace the stage at the 31st Festival de la Plaisance for the very first time, in the brand new setting dedicated specifically to megayachts.



Revealed to the international press during the press conference held on September 11th, the new 92' Duchessa immediately achieved great success among the visitors come to see her, thanks to her exclusive design that marks another step forward in the history of the shipyard. Moreover, besides the eleventh pearl of the Riva collection, those visiting the boat show had the chance to admire Aquariva Super, Rivarama, Rivale, SportRiva 56’, 63’ Vertigo, 68’ Ego Super (another new model for 2008), 75’ Venere, 85’ Opera Super and 115’ Athena.


Riva’s latest full size yacht, the 92 Duchessa, takes cues from the 115 Athena Flagship as well as incorporates design cues from the legendary Aquarama. The yacht sleeps eight guests in four cabins with a separate section of the boat containing the galley and crew cabins. The entire interior has been designed so that every room and cabin receives plenty of sunlight, the yacht features a room in the bridge deck to stow a 4.2-meter tender and a jet ski. The yacht is powered by two 2200 horse power diesel MTU engines which give it a top speed of twenty nine knots.


The novelties are numerous, both in the exterior design and in the interior layout and fittings, that won't miss to match the requests of the most demanding owners!





For more exciting images of the eleventh pearl click here...
Read more...

40th Southampton Boat Show! - From the 12th - 21st September 2008

The PSP Southampton Boat Show is going to complete its no.40 boat show this September. Its going to be one exciting boat show as the show is returning back to the Mayflower Park. The boat show is going to take place from 12th - 21st September 2008 and is associated with ITV Meridian. The show also includes Europe's largest purpose built on-water marina!


The show will be the 6th largest consumer exhibition in the UK. Whether you are boating/ sailing enthusiasts or day trippers, this show will make your day worth while. 135,000 people are expected to visit the show and enjoy an array of activities on the water. This year, National Boat Shows (NBS) is taking the Show back to its roots, by honouring the heritage and history of the past 40 years.

Its going to be the most exciting Show on the South coast where there will be 600 exhibitors and 700 boats on display. There will be a lot to explore on the show whether its power boats, sailing yachts or smaller dinghies. The show wont only display water crafts but also products like deck equipment, clothing, holidays, charters and much more will be exhibited.


For the 40th Show, the Hydropool Marina will be bigger and better than ever before. The impressive on-water feature will allow for nearly 400 boats for visitors to explore, as NBS once again promotes a hands-on Show through its Come On Board campaign. For the 40th Show there's more boats than ever before, so whether the visitor is a bold beginner or a sailing veteran, they can choose from a more varied selection of the latest RIBs, powerboats and yachts to enjoy getting out on the water for free! Read more...

Luxurious Canoes... That’s Right. Canoes!

It isn’t unusual to come across luxurious means of transport for water like yachts, submarines, and personal cruise liners. But a luxurious canoe seems to be the first of its kind to find its place here. Just recently at Paris Boat Show, Lancel and Ostréa Marine presented a canoe that is called Le Nantucket.

Epitomizing the concept of ‘French lightness’ of the French luxury style, the Nantucket is a small boat of 7.7 m long. However it is capable of attaining a speed of 25 knots through its 120 horses. And in the middle of the lake you can groove to some hi-tech entertainment as it comes equipped with an LCD display, a Bose sound system and an integrated Ipod. Offered in a limited number of 25 only, this elegantly subtle French luxury is up for €150,000 ($236,000).


In step with Le Nantucket from France, there’s a little less expensive option for $11,000 (rather much more affordable) than the French beauty. Luxury boat builder, Cailou, has exclusively crafted a limited edition designer canoe, only 5 of them, for 20ltd only. This beautiful black fiberglass sailing canoe features a fiberglass deck with mahogany trim, molded fiberglass seats with floatation cushions, carbon fiber mast, and a Dacron sail rig with carbon fiber batons. Impressively blending time-honored form with contemporary style and materials, this unparalleled water vehicle renders performance without sacrificing ease…ease of function, ease of transportation, ease of handling.

Weighing just 100lbs, this sleeker, lighter kayak version can comfortably accommodate two full sized adults. Also the sitting furniture is movable so you can arrange it as per your convenience. Featuring a retractable centerboard and a carbon fiber mast, the sail can be reefed for those blustery days. There is plenty of stowage on board the boat – so day trips can even become overnights for the more rustic amongst us.

Read more...

BOAT ASIA 2008 - Beacause Life Is Perfect!

Boat Asia 2008, one of Asia's premier leisure boat and luxury waterfront lifestyle events, is set to make a splash at a brand new venue - the recently opened world-class Marina at Keppel Bay in Singapore, from April 24 - 27, 2008.


For the first time this year, specially invited High Net-Worth Individuals will be treated to door-to-door limousine service with special ambassadors on hand to provide personalized tours of the show. They will also enjoy exclusive access to The Island Suite at Marina at Keppel Bay.
Specially equipped with Miele appliances, The Island Suite will offer all-day first-class service and fine cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs. Another first will be a fashion-show on the 'high-seas' which will see models sashaying along floating platforms showcasing the latest creations from the Island Shop.


Visitors to Boat Asia 2008 will be privy to an exciting array of boating products and merchandise as well as high-end luxury products. Boating enthusiasts and potential boat owners will get to view the latest on-water displays of luxury motor yachts, sail boats, keel boats, catamarans, mega yachts and super yachts by more than 80 exhibitors from Thailand, Hong Kong, Australia, Italy, Japan, Denmark and France who will showcase world-class brands including Ferretti, Grand Banks, Horizon, Princess and Sea Ray amongst others.


Those who prefer to stay on terra firma will also be treated to a showcase of speed boats, jet skis, sailing yachts, marine equipment and accessories, luxury resorts and properties as well as high-end consumer lifestyle products from brands such as Audi, Miele, Island Shop and Philips Consumer Lifestyle, to name just a few. There will also be special programmes tailored for children as well as a child-minding service which will ensure the younger ones are well taken care of.


In addition, distinguished guests and VIPs will be invited to partake in a Charity Gala Dinner at the swanky new St Regis hotel, replete with champagne, live music and fine cuisine. A charity auction will also be held during the Gala Dinner with all proceeds going towards the Mainly I Love Kids (MILK) fund which helps chronically ill, disabled and disadvantaged children.


"The response we have received from both exhibitors and sponsors has been extremely positive and we are confident that attendance to this year's Boat Asia will be the best yet. We expect particularly strong interest from overseas visitors from markets such as Dubai, Mumbai and Shanghai, where the waterfront lifestyle is increasingly gaining popularity," said Herman Ho, managing director, TMX Show Productions. Read more...

China International Boat Show 2008

The 13th China International Boat Show (CIBS) took place from the 10th to 13th of April 2008 at Shanghai Exhibition Center. CIBS occupied all six main halls and four outdoor areas of the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. With up to 400 participants, CIBS 2008 hosted about 50 exhibitors more than its previous edition..

China represents one of the most promising markets for recreational boats in the world. China's recreational boat industry grew 40% from 2005 to 2006. With a GDP of USD $1.3 billion, China expects a demand of 550,000 boats. CIBS 2008 provided the industry with an exhibition with more real boats on display and more suppliers of equipment, a larger area and more brands.


CIBS represents the entire manufacturing chain of the industry, from basic materials to ready-to-sail luxury boats. About half of the exhibitors, mostly luxury yacht-builders but also high-end equipment and technology providers for domestic boat yards, will came from overseas. Local exhibitors showed small to mid-sized boats, and mid-range technology and supplies, creating an ever increasing market for international sourcing experts.


CIBS is recognised by the world’s best builders of pleasure boats and luxury yachts as a driver of the newly developing market. Over 350 builders, brokers, suppliers and service providers have joined the show to create the biggest event for the yachting industry in Asia. Located in China’s trend-setting city of Shanghai, the show welcomes over 23,000 buyers from China’s richest provinces. Visitors at CIBS represent the rapidly growing middle- and upper-class, keen to adopt new lifestyles.

17 countries and regions were represented including Europe, USA, Southeast Asia & Australia. Few of the major brands that participated were Ferretti, Benetti, Princess, Sunseeker, Farline, Auzimut, Volvo Penta etc.


Interest in yachting and increasing boat ownership have not only sparked a boom in marina construction, but have become beneficial for marinas and charter companies in Southeast Asia, welcoming an increasing amount of Chinese looking for maritime pleasure. Increasing skills in manufacturing at over 150 boatyards have led to additional business opportunities, be it for manufacturers who are shifting production to China, be it for suppliers selling their products..! Read more...

Croatia International Boat Show 2008

The greatest boat show in South-East Europe and one of top ten nautical events in the world, Croatia Boat Show this year celebrated its tenth anniversary..

The Split show, which in the past ten years has grown into a respectable nautical event, every year attracts numerous shipbuilders from Europe and other countries of the world, manufacturers of nautical equipment and clothing, as well as providers of various nautical services. This rich economic event has proved itself to be the best place for making business contacts, so it is reasonable to expect some of the most successful enterprises of the nautical industry of Europe and the world.


The visitors and the exhibitors of the 10th annual Croatia Boat Show from April 5 to 13 this year enjoyed a spectacle on the recently renovated Split promenade – the exhibition space both at sea and on land was significantly larger than last year, and all participants have been treated to various product presentations, contests, promotions and other entertaining events.


Last year the show attracted 50.000 visitors who all came to admire products of over 1300 exhibitors, displayed a record number of 425 vessels – 271 at sea and 154 in water – other nautical products and luxury vehicles. Judging on those records and a record number of applications for participation in this year's show, the 2008 show saw 30% more exhibitors from both Croatia and the world.


Other than the best that the Croatian shipbuilding industry has to offer, the show featured the world's most influential groups and brands like Ferretti, Azimut-Benetti, Sunseeker, Princess, Fairline, Aicon, FIPA, San Lorenzo, Uniesse, INRizzardi, Drettman, Rodman, Elegance, Doral, Sea Ray, Bénéteau, Jeanneau, Elan, Hanse, Dufour, Absolute, Bavaria.


The Croatia Boat Show is an attractive and important nautical event perfectly suitable for 'the little man' – a great place to see family yachts and fishing boats, and a place of glamour on international level, with spectacular races, presentations of luxury hotels and fashion shows. In its tenth edition the Croatia Boat Show has once again prove that its impeccable organization justifies the top ten spot the show boasts. Read more...

Regatta / Boat Show Update - March '08

March is one busy month for the International Yachting with as many as 14 boat shows happening within a span of 30 days - including the most prestigious ones like the Dubai International Boat Show (11th to 15th) and the Madrid Boat Show (12th to 16th).


Meanwhile, regattas and boat shows go hand-in-hand nowadays in order to hype-up a upcoming boat show - and thanks to the corporate backing nowadays, there is a lot of participation and awareness surrounding these.

BOAT SHOWS THIS MONTH

1) Mar 1-9 Stockholm International Boat Show (Stockholm, Sweden)

2) Mar 4-9 HISWA Amsterdam Boat Show (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

3) Mar 5-9 Yacht Vision ’08 (Auckland, New Zealand)

4) Mar 6-9 Austrian Boat Show (Tulln, Austria)

5) Mar 6-9 Japan International Boat Show (Yokohama, Japan)

6) Mar 6-9 Auckland International Boat Show (Auckland, New Zealand)

7) Mar 11-15 Dubai International Boat Show (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

8) Mar 12-16 Madrid Boat Show (Madrid, Spain)

9) Mar 13-16 Wind and Water Boat Show (Warsaw, Poland)

10) March 19-23 World Match Racing Tour (Vitoria, Brazil)

11) Mar 27-30 Palm Beach Boat Show (West Palm Beach, Fla., USA)

12) Mar 28-30 International Rolex Regatta (St Thomas, US Virgin Islands)

13) Mar 28-30 Swan Maxi Trofeo Aurora Regate di Primavera (Portofino, Italy)

14) Mar 31-Apr 6 BVI Spring Regatta (Tortola, British Virgin Islands)


REGATTAS THIS MONTH

Two major Regattas - the Clipper Round the World Race, and the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race are this month.

While another sailboat got dis-masted in the Clipper Race, Durban 2010 and Beyond, one of the ten yachts competing in the Clipper 07-08 Round the World Yacht Race has been dismasted during the race from Qingdao, China, to Hawaii.


Durban 2010 and Beyond’s dismasting is not thought to have been caused in the same manner as westernaustralia2011.com’s rig failure on Wednesday 5 March.

Meanwhile, challenges will come from several quarters for the eight Mooloolaba Yacht Club boats racing in this year’s 308 nautical mile 60th anniversary Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.


The fleet of up to 90 monohulls and multihulls will meet on the two start lines at 11am on Easter Friday for the coastal dash to Gladstone.

A very important development in world sailing events is the annual Lion of Africa’s Yacht Race. South Africa’s women sailors are given an opportunity to take part in the only race of its kind in Africa at the Royal Cape Yacht Club on Saturday, March 15.


Only female skippers and crews are allowed to enter the race, which is a fairly familiar concept internationally but in its sixth year in South Africa, this has become a fixture on the local sailing scene.

If necessary, the yacht owner or their representative (even if it’s a man) will be allowed on the boats to observe only.

Watch this space for further updates and final results on the above events. Read more...

Mumbai Opens It’s Gates: Luxury Yachts Make Their Entry As The Ultimate Lifestyle Asset !

Sailboats, Ferries and Ships have always been on the horizon, coupled with a few speedboats. With the Mumbai International Boat Show 2008 around the corner, Team Giira catches up with the new entrants. The excitement is building up and the enthusiasm is spilling over as Luxury makes it’s presence felt! The Gateway of India is the most famous monument of Mumbai and is the starting point to explore the city. Located on the waterfront in South Mumbai, it was built as a triumphal arch to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. Even today, the Gateway is traditionally the first thing that visitors notice in Bombay. The Gateway steps also lead down to the waterfront, where boats of all shapes and sizes used for various purposes is a common sight.

India is on the leisure yacht map today. The day is not far, when people will travel on their personal boats and yacht to breathe fresh air in the middle of the sea. With this idea Mumbai is the first step where international boats and yacht manufactures have put down their anchor to explore the opportunity in the leisure segment in India.

India is one of the countries with the largest coastlines and if they explore this route it will help the economy to grow faster and can also ease congestion on roads. What India needs is a strong infrastructure. India accounts for only 25,000 to 30,000 boats, yacht (less than one per cent), while America accounts for 70 per cent, Europe 26 per cent and Gulf 1.5 per cent.

The Mumbai International Boat Show will bring in some of the best brands in the market. Be it pleasure boats or Luxury yachts, India is turning a new chapter next weekend. However one must love the sea in order to truly appreciate and explore the various possibilities that are floating about just off India’s magnificent coastline.

Read more...

Kuwait International Boat Show - The Dates Are In

The Kuwait International Boat Show is scheduled for launch on the 29th April to 3rd May 2008, it is one of the biggest boat shows in the UAE and attracts a large audience.
About the boat show –
The 2008 Kuwait boat show is being organized by Knotika Holding.They plan to attract over 10,000 people globally. This show is aimed towards the Boat and Marine enthusiasts, trade buyers, consultants etc and anyone else who is concerned with boats. Everything from yachts, boats, and marine engines, tools, equipment and accessories will be on display.


WHY YOU SHOULD NOT MISS KUWAIT BOAT SHOW?

• HIGHEST GDP IN GCC ($88 BILLION, Est. 2005 - Per Capita $29,566)
• 30.000 REGISTERED LEISURE BOATS COMPARE TO 10.000 IN THE REST OF GCC
• RELIABLE YACHT FINANCING STRUCTURE
• ICONIC WATER FRONT AND ISLANDS IN DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
• POLITICAL STABILITY AND SAFE WATER WAYS WITH NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
• KBSI ORGANIZED AS THE LATEST MARINA INAUGURATED IN THE REGION (AL KOUT , FAHAHEEL WATERFRONT)
• SHARING BOARDER WITH SAUDI ARABIA
• HIGH DEMAND FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES

At 60 local exhibitors and over 200 us/European companies who are participating in the boat show, demonstrates the power and strength of the boat show and its only ones guess at imagining the kind if affluent people visiting the Kuwait show.

The only problem according to Sheikh Mubarak Al Jaber in 2007 was “the Kuwaiti people face a problem which is the number of berths and we are all aware of this problem. His Highness the Emir is really concerned with this issue and is encouraging the authorities and companies to work on solving this problem and building more berths to fulfill the market needs. We hope this will happen very soon, insha’a Allah…”

Kuwait International Boat Show 2007 - 03/06/2007
More than 16,000 visitors
Sales exceeding USD 35 million Read more...

The New England Boat Show

The 52nd annual New England Boat Show sails back to Boston with a new arrival date, January 12 – 20. As the premier boating event in the Northeast, the 2008 New England Boat Show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.


One of the most acclaimed boat shows of our time, the New England Boat show is to be held at the new Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

HERITAGE

Each year, boat owners, lovers and dreamers await the arrival of the New England Boat Show, the largest and most prestigious boat show in the Northeast. Typically held in February, this year’s 52nd annual New England Boat Show will set sail for Boston with a new arrival date. This 9-day event will feature more than 1,000 fully-rigged boats and 500 exhibits showcasing the latest powerboats, sail boats, engines and marine electronics and accessories for the 2008 boating season. Daily interactive seminars and demonstrations will help visitors learn about the boating lifestyle and enhance time spent out on the water.

“The New England Boat Show is the oldest, largest and most respected boating marketplace in the Northeast,” said Joe O’Neal, Managing Partner of North American Expositions Company. “Now in our 52nd year, the annual Boat Show has become the premiere event for boat-industry manufacturers and dealers to introduce new products and kick-start sales for the upcoming season. The New England Boat Show not only provides a boost to the boating industry, it also brings to the area an economic impact of over $10 million in gross sales and wages.”

Last year, the Boat Show moved to its new berth at the BCEC on the waterfront. Because of the enormous breadth and height of the palatial hall, the Boat Show now is able to feature twice as many boats as in the past and bigger vessels than ever before.

“With 500,000 square feet of exhibit space and ceiling heights souring to over 90 feet, the New England Boat Show is now among the few boat shows in the world with the ability to display the biggest and the tallest boats indoors,” said O’Neal. “The 2008 show is expected to be the largest show ever in Boston, with nearly $80 million of boats and accessories on display.”

Among the 1,000 vessels on display will be a complete range of power boats to 50 feet, sport fishing boats, ski boats, family cruisers, pontoon boats, and personal water craft. For both the serious and novice sailors alike, there will be sailboats of all types and sizes, from optis and day sailors to fully rigged luxury cruisers, along with a wide variety of services like sail and canvas makers, yacht maintenance, yacht interiors, insurance, and financing. Sailors can also check out the latest in clothing and accessories such as foul weather gear, lifesaving and safety equipment, outer wear and gear for dingy sailing, rigging and rigging services, and sailboat hardware.

In addition, over 350 companies will unveil and demonstrate the latest in nautical products and services, including marine electronics, new quiet economical diesel inboard power, air conditioning and refrigeration, bow thrusters and fighting chairs.


SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS

Along with many daily features and special events, the New England Boat Show will provide an array of free seminars and interactive demonstrations. All levels of boaters, from novice to serious sailors, will learn the latest information techniques to enhance their experiences on the water.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW

• How to read a nautical chart
• Massachusetts state boating laws
• GPS chart plotters
• Requirements for getting a captains license
• Leave the shore behind

SPONSORS & REGIONAL COMMITMENT

The New England Boat Show is produced by Boston-based North American Expositions Co. and continues to be proudly sponsored and endorsed by the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Inc., a non-profit entity whose mission is to further the interests of the marine trades and the boating public. Through its diligent work and commitment, the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association assures high standards of professional and ethical conduct by its membership of 1,200 marine-related businesses in Massachusetts, which collectively employs 35,000 men and women and generates over $2 billion in economic activity each year in the Commonwealth. Read more...