April-May 2006
04/01/2006

  • Azimut-Benetti recently opened a new service and warranty base in Fort Lauderdale to be managed jointly by Federico Ferrante for Azimut and Bill Leonard for Benetti. The Azimut service team will oversee the management and technical support of the dealer network in Canada, the United States, South America and the Caribbean. The team also handles the warranty and technical support for all Azimut yachts in the area. Benetti’s division comprises the same responsibilities for the Benetti fleet when in the area. This team is the U.S. contact for owners, captains and crew, and liaises with the shipyard’s project management department in Viareggio. Additionally, Benetti appointed Merrill-Stevens Dry Dock Co. as the preferred service provider in the United States. Merrill-Stevens will send members of its Miami staff to Italy for the training necessary to service the yachts and their systems. Visit www.benettiyachts.it, www.azimutyachts.net

  • A new general manager joined the Burger Boat Company executive team. Bill Bitner will serve in the joint role of vice president/general manager for the Manitowoc, Wisconsin, builder. Bitner’s reputation for management leadership precedes him, having worked in a similar capacity with Allied Signal-Honeywell Aerospace and Rolls-Royce Aerospace. Burger’s new VP/GM holds an MBA in global management, Lean Manufacturing Certification and executive MBA certification. His goal is to increase efficiency and make ongoing refinements to Burger’s processes via constant training and strong communication techniques. Visit www.burgerboat.com

    Burger’s VP/GM Bill Bitner. (Click image to enlarge)

  • Maurizio Magri was chosen as the new sales and marketing director of Admiral Mariotti Yachts, the joint venture between Cantieri Navali Lavagna and Cantieri Mariotti Genova. Magri will oversee the new line of steel-displacement megayachts—ranging from 125 to 207 feet. Four builds are already under way. He will also be responsible for the sale and commercial development of large steel and aluminum motor yachts. Visit www.cnl.it, www.mariottiyard.it

  • Gulf Craft, one of the largest yachtbuilders in the Middle East, acquired GC Marine in an effort to strengthen its product range, increase market share and augment its number of manufacturing facilities. Both companies are located in the United Arab Emirates. Gulf Craft has grown from building outboard fishing boats in the eighties to 120-plus-foot yachts presently. The company will now operate five production facilities including the GC Marine yard. The latter will allow Gulf Craft to continue building smaller vessels under the GC brand, which already has a loyal following in the Persian Gulf. Visit www.gulfcraftinc.com

  • Uniesse Marine recently opened its U.S. headquarters in Fort Lauderdale. As part of its global strategy, the Chiuduno, Italy–based manufacturer of high-performance luxury yachts from 42 to 100 feet is seeking to enlarge its presence in North America and the Caribbean. Uniesse Marine U.S.A. will provide clients with direct access to the factory and will also oversee coordination of warranty and after-sales service. Visit www.uniesse.com