Phuket Post - A Different Kind of Newspaper
Simpson Marine News Update
Simpson Marine News Update
March/April 2008
(2008-04-09 14:24:51)
Press Release:

BOAT ASIA 2008


Popular Cruising Models ON DISPLAY

Press Release: Simpson Marine will display some of the most sought-after models in the region at Boat Asia 2008, including an Azimut 55, Beneteau Oceanis 50, Lagoon 440 and Sea Ray 44 Sundancer � all top sellers in Asia.

The Azimut 55 is the most successful mid-size motoryacht in Asia and the best selling model from the Azimut range with Simpson Marine selling over 15 units around the region. In true Azimut style, the 55 provides style, elegance, functionality with the use of intelligent space.

The Beneteau Oceanis 50 is the flagship yacht of the Beneteau �Oceanis Range� - one of the latest-generation fast cruising yachts from the world�s largest sailboat builder, awarded �Best Sailing Yacht� (under 100ft) at the Christofle Asia Boating Awards 2007.
The Lagoon 440 model is a popular design, with over 250 units built in the past three years, confirming Lagoon�s leadership in the world of cruising catamarans with more than 260 catamarans built last year � an unmatched world record in the construction of cruising catamarans.

Sea Ray has a strong presence at Boat Asia 2008 with three models on display; including the Sport Yacht Sea Ray 44 Sundancer, a model which also provides the optional Zeus pod drive, an innovative new engine product that is obtainable on many Sea Ray 2008 models. Faster top-speed, better cruise-speed, improved fuel economy and easy handling for novice owners are some of the benefits of the Zeus.

Simpson Marine will display:

  • Azimut 55

  • Beneteau Oceanis 50

  • Lagoon 440

  • Sea Ray 44 Sundancer

  • Sea Ray 290 Sundancer

  • Sea Ray 230 Select


Azimut


AZIMUT SPARKLES AT EXTRAVAGANT ITALIAN OPERA NIGHT


Friday 21 March, Thailand - Azimut took centre stage at the Royal Phuket Marina recently for an Italian Opera Evening �Illuminare� which put the three newly arrived Azimut models � 50, 55E and 43S � in the spotlight. Over 150 distinguished guests attended the Italian-themed evening which featured the prominent Opera Singer Claire Cornielje, who was accompanied by the lilting tunes of the Nova Siam String Quartet.

Grant Saunders, Thailand Country Manager for Simpson Marine, says the extravagant Opera event was a complete success drawing in an impressive number of guests from around Southeast Asia. �Azimut has gained a considerable following in Asia in recent years with a number of models already berthed at various marinas in the Far East. These luxury yachts are in hot demand and are being purchased for both private and charter activities as they meet the needs of the boat buyers incredibly well. I strongly believe we will continue to see a growth in the purchase of Azimut as it is an outstanding brand with stunning features and reputable nautical capabilities.�

In addition to the three new Azimut models in Thailand � 50, 55E and 43S � the team in Phuket is awaiting the arrival of the first Azimut 47 to the country in April.

NEW ARRIVALS TO Hong Kong & Singapore


In additional to three new models in Thailand, three Azimut�s have also been delivered to Hong Kong recently, including a 43S, 47 and 62S. In Singapore, an Azimut 68E is scheduled to arrive in May 2008 and an Azimut 86S is now on order for a local owner.

New AZIMUT Models - 2008


Azimut has several new models on the market, including the Azimut 70 and Azimut 82, both to be launched at the 2008 Genoa Boat Show, the Azimut 82 replaces the 80. Both yachts have all the distinctive Azimut styling and stunning Italian interiors. An Azimut 70 has already been purchased by a Hong Kong buyer.

Beneteau


CHINA CUP SIGNS UP TWENTY NEW BENETEAU�S


Following the successful launch of the China Cup International Regatta (CCIR) in Shenzhen last October, Simpson Marine is pleased to announce the CCIR organising committee has signed a historical five year sponsorship agreement.

Mr David Zhong, CEO of the CCIR has confirmed Beneteau as an official �Global Partner� sponsor of the China Cup for the next five years and the sole supplier of new yachts to the new sailing event. The announcement, which followed the official signing of the Sponsorship agreement in Paris on March 7th, was attended by media from all over Europe as well as China.

As official sponsor of the CCIR, Beneteau will supply twenty more Beneteau First 40.7s in time for the next regatta which is scheduled for 24th � 27th October this year. The Beneteau First 40.7 One-Design fleet will now see over thirty yachts at the start line in 2008 � Beneteau are also slated to supply a number of additional yachts over the next five years; including Beneteau Farr designed First 40s and other more exotic racing machines. Beneteau will also be title-sponsor for two CCIR sub-regattas.

Mike Simpson, Managing Director of Simpson Marine, says the long-term partnership with Beneteau is exciting as it will help establish a yachting culture in China and support the development of the wider industry in this young sailing market. �As a sponsor of the China Cup, Beneteau will make a significant contribution to the development of yachting in China as the sponsorship programme includes training in yacht handling and racing as well as boat maintenance support from the International Media and recruiting of top sailors from around the world to compete in this exciting new regatta.�

Simpson Marine, which negotiated the Beneteau sponsorship, is also an official sponsor of the CCIR over the next five years and will provide a range of services, from crew training to Beneteau fleet maintenance at a new base at Longcheer Marina in Shenzhen.

FIRST BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER � NOW IN HK


The classic Beneteau Swift Trawler 42, which impressed international critics at its launch in 2005, is a dependable long-range cruiser that is now turning heads in Asia, with the first unit which has just arrived in Hong Kong. The Swift Trawler has a true yacht-like flavor, from the sizeable flybridge to the spacious, well-engineered engine/generator spaces. It has been designed to take the serious yachtsman to new destinations, in traditional style � cruising all day at 20 knots without straining her engines, structure or systems.

MONTE CARLO TO BRING �MEDITERRANEAN SPIRIT� TO SINGAPORE


The Singapore office is awaiting the arrival of the first Beneteau Monte Carlo to local waters when a striking Monte Carlo 32 arrives in April. The 32ft motorboat is from the new range of Beneteau open �Monte Carlo� yachts � a range which which was launched at the Paris Boat Show in 2006. Since its launch, the Monte Carlo range has won much acclaim for its striking design and innovative use of technology.

Lagoon


LAGOON � THE CATARMARAN WORLD LEADER


Lagoon has confirmed its leadership in the world of Cruising Catamarans with more than 260 catamarans built last year - an unmatched world record in the construction of cruising catamarans!

In January 2008, Lagoon launched the 500th Lagoon 380, on which production first started nine years ago, in 1999. The Lagoon 380 has been a popular model in Asia, with five units in local waters.

  • 500 Lagoon 380 units have been built in 8 years,

  • Over 250 units of the Lagoon 440 model have been built in 3 years,

  • Over 1500 Lagoon catamarans are now sailing all over the world

  • New models to come are the Lagoon 400 and Lagoon 620

  • In Asia, Simpson Marine has sold eight L500 models in the last 18 months!


LAGOON UNVEILES NEW LAGOON 400


The Lagoon 400 will be launched early 2009, and represents the start of a new generation of Lagoon catamarans. Two versions: 3 or 4 double cabins.

Designers: VPLP
Overall Length: 11.97m
Beam max: 7.24 m

Sea Ray


NEW ARRIVALS


A huge number of new Sea Ray Sport Boats and Sport Cruisers have arrived around the region over the past couple of months, including a 240 Sundeck, 260 Sundancer and 310 Sundancer. In addition to the smaller yachts, Simpson Marine is preparing for the arrival of the first Zeus Sea Ray 44 Sundancer in Singapore which will be on display at Boat Asia in April.

SEA RAY RENDEZVOUS WILL MAKE A SPLASH IN 2008


Diary Note: Sea Ray Rendezvous Weekend � 26 / 27

Sea Ray is taking its international rendezvous� to a new level this year by attempting a new Guinness World Record - hosting the World�s Largest Boating Party around the globe on 26/27 July! The goal for the 2008 is to gather more than 50,000 boaters in over 50 states and provinces and 15 countries, setting a record within the �Mass Participation� category of the Guinness Book of World Records. Last year Sea Ray Rendezvous were held in 125 locations around the world.

In 2007, the team at Simpson Marine organised and led over seven Rendezvous around the Asia region, with Singapore successfully leading the first ever international convoy from Singapore to Peninsular Malaysia�s East Coast. The inaugural international Rendezvous saw a fleet of ten boats cruising in convoy for four-days, visiting a number of spectacular destinations in Malaysia, including Palaus Aur, Tioman and Rawa. It was followed by a second international Rendezvous to Nikoi in Indonesia, three months later.
This year, Simpson Marine is looking forward to hosting even more Rendezvous around Asia, with several already planned for Sea Ray and Beneteau clients in Hong Kong; and a variety of day, weekend and international adventures in the pipeline for Singapore clients.

For more information contact:


Ailsa Angua
PR Marketing Manager, Simpson Marine Hong Kong
+852 2555 8377
ailsa.angus@simpsonmarine.com

Michaela Cole
PR Marketing Executive, Simpson Marine Singapore
+65 9873 2536
michaela.cole@simpsonmarine.com

Vince Lau
Sales & Marketing Assistant, Simpson Marine Hong Kong
+852 6020 0723
vince.lau@simpsonmarine.com