France

Rodriguez Group

You’d expect an automotive designer to design cars – not superyachts. But one young Citroën designer in the late 1980s had his mind out at sea, far from the asphalt, sketching yacht designs in his free time, and with more than 50 yachts, 24-metres and larger to his name, we’re all grateful for it.&nbsp;“My entry into yachting was actually a coincidence,” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a> reflected. “I was on vacation and happened to befriend Bieb de Vries of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a>, I must have only been 20 years old at the time. I didn’t know anything about superyachts but we got talking and he invited me to visit his shipyard. I was blown away when I saw what he was building.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291738/image/large-a75f55c2429d340627fe134ce04dcef8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291738">That fateful visit was in the mid-80s and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a> was one of the first to chance a look at the 49.47-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2094" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Highlander49.47m (162'4&quot;)Feadship1986">Highlander</a> (at the time she was 45.8-metres), designed by Jon Banenberg and commissioned for the media mogul Malcolm Stevenson Forbes. “She was the first superyacht I had ever seen and I remember thinking just how cool she was,” de Groot said. Citroën was about to lose one of its budding designers.&nbsp;“I was still following my career as a designer but each time I sketched a good yacht design after hours, I would share them with Bieb. He started giving me small assignments, illustration works for some of his boats. I had been at Citroën for around six years by that time.”&nbsp;But the real challenge was in the mid-90s when de Groot received a call from Bieb asking for ‘fresh ideas’ and a full yacht design. The result was the 48.2-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tasia48.2m (158'2&quot;)Feadship1997">Tasia</a> (originally called Katrion), built on speculation and delivered in 1996. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/252" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Tasia48.2m (158'2&quot;)Feadship1997">Tasia</a> was pivotal. “Soon after her launch, I formally resigned from Citroën and started travelling to shipyards and boat shows looking for clients as a yacht designer.”&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/293" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mulder Shipyard (Company)">Mulder Shipyard</a> was to be de Groot’s first official client, soon followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cantiere Navali Leopard (Company)">Cantiere Navale Arno Shipyard</a>, a member of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1486" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodriguez Group (Company)">Rodriguez Group</a> which produces <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/362" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard Yachts (Company)">Leopard Yachts</a>. After curating the interior of the 24-metre motor yacht Crazy, de Groot left such an impression that led to a further five custom interior projects. It also left his hallmark in Italy, which soon garnered the attention of brands such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1205" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="AB Yachts (Company)">AB Yachts</a>.Even from those very early days <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/234" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Guido de Groot Design (Company)">Guido de Groot</a> was proving himself as diverse and unorthodox; he was designing everything from large displacement yachts in the Netherlands to fast motor yachts in Italy and nearly every design in between. “I love variation and have as much fun designing a very classical sailing yacht as I do a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish Yachts (Company)">Vanquish</a>; I would find it terribly boring if I was doing the same type of design over and over again.”&nbsp;The process remains the same though and every yacht starts life as a simple line drawing sketched in graphite from a HB pencil. “It’s from that first sketch that the idea is born – it’s as true for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish VQ80 SportFish24.4m (80'1&quot;)Vanquish Yachts2023">Vanquish Sportfish</a> as it is for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10811" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Jeans33.74m (110'8&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2022">Blue Jeans</a>. Once that first sketch has been drawn out, I start adding details and growing the design.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254053/image/large-99b69c5688fa683870b8faac4ed9e332.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254053">A perfect example of Guido’s design style is the 112.3-metre concept Project One 123, based on an <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/64" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oceanco (Company)">Oceanco</a> platform. Aimed to create the maximum interior and exterior, without losing a lightness to her exterior lines, the yacht is an elegant example of Guido’s design capabilities, with flowing, integrated lines and a timeless aesthetic.The 24.4-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish VQ80 SportFish24.4m (80'1&quot;)Vanquish Yachts2023">Vanquish VQ80 SportFish</a>, the support vessel for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/54" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Heesen Yachts (Company)">Heesen</a>’s 60-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/8982" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ultra G60.0m (196'10&quot;)Heesen Yachts2023">Ultra G</a>, was originally designed with outboard engines and intended as a stand-alone vessel. “We changed her a lot as the original design didn’t allow for the power that her owner needed. But that initial sketch remained the same.“She was the first sportfisher yacht that we designed and the challenge was thrilling; we had to learn everything about this style of yacht, yet we still had to deliver a Vanquish. She has a totally different base to typical sportfish yachts as a result. We’re really proud of her.”&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish Yachts (Company)">Vanquish Yachts</a> is as disruptive as de Groot – and together, they’re making waves. The shipyard has seen great success with its lightning fast and aggressive VQ series, and the 35-metre flagship VQ115 has had three orders before the first unit even hit the water (happening later this year).&nbsp;Less than 200 kilometres south of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5752" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vanquish Yachts (Company)">Vanquish Yachts</a> is one of the few remaining custom builders in the 20 - 40-metre segment: <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk Shipyard</a>. “It’s a great client for us as we have so much freedom and need to design such a variety of yachts. They also build quickly. “It’s such a good team and the speed that we can move is quite amazing,” de Groot smiled. “The 34-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL34.0m (111'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">LL</a> was delivered within 22 months from my initial sketch.” And speed in no way impares quality or innovation. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/219769/image/large-5d793e67fbd8dbfd44b10a90ab24fcef.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/219769">Working regularly at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk Shipyard</a> with Guido de Groot are world-renowned architects and engineers <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/285" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ginton Naval Architects (Company)">Ginton Naval Architects</a> – both were involved in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL34.0m (111'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">LL</a> and the former also engineered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10811" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Jeans33.74m (110'8&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2022">Blue Jeans</a>. At 33.74-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10811" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Jeans33.74m (110'8&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2022">Blue Jeans</a> is the third largest and has innovation at every turn. “The client wanted a sleek design that disguises the high ceilings, natural materials throughout and for the yacht to remain unpainted. We opted for an Asian-European fusion design language and a general arrangement that is suited to a family of all ages,” de Groot explained.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10811" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Jeans33.74m (110'8&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2022">Blue Jeans</a> is incredibly versatile and adaptable to needs. But what she isn’t is raw, unpainted. “It wasn’t a practical request, so we left the tender unpainted instead to still respect their wishes. We also had a lot of fun with the lighting and presented a large element hidden underneath a white panel that spans the entire ceiling of the main saloon. It was a challenging design that needed a lot of research and we’re really pleased with how well it turned out.” <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/254027/image/large-08b73415ea756804f7e2c93ba8ea2f8a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/254027">Guido and his team are continuing to produce world-class projects, with two new orders announced in June, also alongside Dutch yard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a>. The 34-metre Project 111.11 and the 35-metre Project Samba both feature platforms based on the multi-award winning <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10158" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="LL34.0m (111'7&quot;)Van der Valk Shipyard2021">Lady Lene</a>, but will be highly customised for their owners. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/291993/image/large-2a20e213ff56811ea044c06e96374bcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/291993">Project 111.11 showcases expansive windows and an arch rising diagonally from the main deck to the hard top, in a single straight line. The explorer yacht features an asymmetrical semi-full-beam skylounge and a sidewalk from the bridge to aft deck to avoid crew going through the lounge. While Project Samba is characterised by her large aft deck, which includes a relaxation area with a large aft-facing sofa and a formal alfresco dining table. Her central staircase with a single large column from the lower to bridge deck also serves as a piece of art and optimises freedom of movement.In addition to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2948" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Van der Valk Shipyard (Company)">Van der Valk</a> projects, Guido is working on a yacht featuring innovative hydrogen propulsion systems. “Designing a yacht for the future is interesting because it's complicated, we thrive on the challenge. We’re also seeing a lot more clients who are willing to think outside of the box. Shaping what’s possible is the role of the designer; it’s our job to drive change with our conceptual designs and challenge conservatism.”&nbsp;This article is featured in the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a> to receive your copy straight to your door and never miss another issue.

At the studio with Guido de Groot

From automobiles to superyachts, SYT sits down with Dutch designer Guido de Groot.

If you picked up a glossy brochure about a new sailing yacht and read about its “modern underwater profile with a fin keel incorporating a trim tab and a low VCG bulb keel with a balanced spade rudder”, you would be forgiven for thinking that it was the result of extensive innovation and the latest design thinking. It is actually a contemporary description of the 38-foot yacht Dilemma designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Nathanael G. Herreshoff</a> and launched 130 years ago. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/23943/image/large-5b6d84cdb7fa55934bdba508308adc3c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/23943">“The combination of modern materials and improved sail plans have allowed some of the most innovative ideas of the late 19th century to finally become a reality,” says Mark Small, a naval architect at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3009" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rob Doyle Design (Company)">Rob Doyle Design</a>. &nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/29" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Feadship (Company)">Feadship</a> unwittingly caused a bit of a stir in 2015 when it described 83.5-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5598" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savannah83.5m (273'11&quot;)Feadship2015">Savannah</a> as “The world’s first hybrid superyacht.” <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman</a> shot back with the reminder that in 2008 it had launched 58-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ethereal58.04m (190'5&quot;)Royal Huisman Shipyard BV2009">Ethereal,</a> the ketch-rigged sailing yacht noted for her pioneering hybrid propulsion that could draw on 500 kW/h of stored energy in her Li-ion battery bank. &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/26772/image/large-300157fb6a5726426fb4bf052068b75e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/26772">The first diesel-electric (DE) ship was the Russian tanker Vandal in 1903 and hybrid-powered submarines have been around for well over a hundred years. Modern advances in AC drive technology and power management systems largely derived from the commercial and military sectors, together with demand for low emissions and noise levels and increased flexibility and redundancy, is driving DE and hybrid solutions for yachts. &nbsp;Pods able to rotate through 360 degrees gave rise to Dynamic Positioning (DP) systems for automatically controlling the position and heading of a vessel. Once limited to semi-submersible drilling platforms, oceanographic research vessels, cable layers and cruise ships, the popularity of the compact and user-friendly <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5350" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Volvo Penta (Company)">Volvo Penta</a> IPS system with individually steerable thrusters has meant DP capability is now available for smaller yachts under 30 metres in length. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/193496/image/large-b26d15d3df27b2557f09da4d17658e8e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/193496">The principles of hydrostatic stability for floating bodies, the basis of modern naval architecture, were first outlined by Archimedes around 250 BC. Boat builders have been looking for ways to enhance the stability of hull shapes ever since.The German engineer Otto Schlick was the first to suggest using a gyroscope to supply torque to oppose rolling motions and his system was installed on a torpedo boat in 1906. The concept was improved upon by the American inventor Elmer Ambrose Sperry and the naval transport vessel USS Henderson was the first large ship with gyro stabilisers in 1917. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/172811/image/large-ba5bf0ed552be640c1e308b4f7c85abb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/172811"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/187257/image/large-b7f6824988cd06a33da374517487549f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/187257">Significantly, all these innovations were introduced first on naval or passenger ships. Indeed, modern specialists like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/964" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Naiad Dynamics (Company)">Naiad Dynamics</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Quantum Marine Stabilizers (Company)">Quantum Marine</a> pioneered stabilisation solutions in the military and commercial sectors long before applying their know-how to superyachts.“Although stabiliser fins originated with the military, they are now standard on every superyacht,” says Erik Spek, Director at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/37" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Azure Yacht Design & Naval Architecture (Company)">Azure Yacht Design &amp; Naval Architects</a> in the Netherlands. “What gets me every time is that the order form of one particular supplier still asks us to specify the type of combatant vessel!” &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/32355/image/large-f0dd19709e818107561bcd791e0a3fbb.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32355"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/32349/image/large-cdce2d5b197edb51960eb79d0dec871c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/32349">There are very few technical innovations that have migrated from leisure yachts to other sectors. Water jet propulsion is a rare example. The Italian inventor Secondo Campini unveiled the first functioning pump-jet engine in 1931, but it never became a commercial product. The first person to achieve that was the New Zealand inventor Sir William Hamilton in 1954. Hamilton never claimed to have invented jet propulsion, crediting Archimedes and his screw turbine, but he did refine the concept enough to produce the first modern, commercially viable jet boat. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79583/image/large-594b4e721e8f5e6805676c14f626d707.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79583">When scaled up in size, the performance, manoeuvrability and shallow draft of waterjets made them ideal for fast patrol boats and high-speed ferries. At this point, the flow of knowledge was reversed and any developments in the military and commercial fields were quickly picked up by superyacht builders. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1181" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hydro Tec S.r.l. (Company)">Hydro Tec</a> founder Sergio Cutolo, for example, began his career as a naval architect developing naval and passenger vessels, as well as fast yachts, for <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/375" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baglietto S.p.A. (Company)">Baglietto</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1486" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodriguez Group (Company)">Rodriquez Group</a>.&nbsp;Even current trends in aesthetics seem to have trickled down from other sectors. The exterior lines of yachts such as motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/11" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="A 119.0m (390'5&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH2008">A</a> designed by Philippe Starck and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6018" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bold85.0m (278'10&quot;)SilverYachts2019">Bold</a> by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/82" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Espen Øino International (Company)">Espen Øino</a> were inspired by military designs, and modern explorer yachts take their styling cues from research and supply vessels. But it seems the tide could be about to turn.This article was originally published in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/brexit-latest-in-superyacht-times-newspaper" target="_blank">Spring 2021 issue of The SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To receive all future issues straight to your door, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/" target="_blank">subscribe to the newspaper here</a>.

Yachts vs Ships back to the future 

Innovation is a big deal for yacht builders. Defined as the introduction of new ideas, we take a look back at to the past.

Yachts vs. Ships: Back to the Future

The 33.48-metre motor superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Four Friends33.5m (109'11&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2003">Four Friends</a> is available for sale after going on the market. Built in 2003 as part of the Mangusta 108 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/YachtModel/895" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mangusta 10833.5m (109'11&quot;)">series</a> from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/473" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Overmarine Group SPA (Company)">Overmarine Group</a>, she features exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Stefano Righini Design (Company)">Stefano Righini Design</a> and interior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1486" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rodriguez Group (Company)">Rodriguez Group</a>.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65330/image/large-ee7c207ba1faaec2060546b8afac9424.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65330">Powered by two MTU engines harnessing 2,735hp, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Four Friends33.5m (109'11&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2003">Four Friends</a> cruises at 35 knots and reaches a top speed of 40 knots. At 181 GT, her sporty nature combines speed and high performance without compromising the comfort of a larger motor yacht.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65352/image/large-d9c8d3a9be486e73809505242cbf8a02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65352"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Four Friends33.48m (109'10&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2003">Four Friends</a> is equipped with a saloon which provides open views toward the aft deck with floor-to-ceiling windows letting in sunlight during the day. The saloon also comes accessorised with plush, cream and grey furnishings to match her white decor. The waterproof furniture makes for low maintenance cleaning and the ability to venture in and out with ease.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65353/image/large-65fc301445828d4902db39f64ce85aee.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65353">Should you wish to spend time in the sun, there is a cushioned space on the foredeck for relaxing. The aft deck contains another seating area, which complements the timeless, soft colours found inside and is ideal for al fresco dining. Her retractable roof also opens up the interior spaces, extending the feeling of being outdoors and creating a light and airy atmosphere.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/65349/image/large-2a3507a74bde656b373bb11b9b8ba369.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/65349">Superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/942" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Four Friends33.5m (109'11&quot;)Overmarine Group SPA2003">Four Friends</a> accommodates up to eight guests across four cabins and also contains a large owner’s cabin.

New to the market: Superyacht Four Friends for sale

New to the market: Superyacht Four Friends for sale! She is a 33.5m Overmarine built in 2003.

Superyacht Four Friends on the market

Merle Wood &amp; Associates has announced the addition of Eric Lepeingle to the team. Joining as a European sales broker for the US brokerage firm, Lepeingle got his start working in the yachting industry as a consultant to the Rodriguez Group, and soon after became one of their sales directors in the US.

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/165942/image/large-113aaf091a99a05c549482579700510d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/165942">

In his nearly two decades of yachting experience, Eric was the sales director for the Sunseeker Superyacht Division in France, and collaborated with Wally Yachts in sales and business development. Eric had sold and delivered approximately 2,000 feet of yachts between 2005 and 2011. During his time with the Rodriguez Group, he was responsible for selling most of the Leopard production line of 31 to 46-metre vessels from 2006 - 2009.

Eric said, “I am very excited to have joined the team at Merle Wood &amp; Associates, and look forward to many successes working alongside one of the most recognized names in yacht brokerage.”

“We are very pleased to welcome Eric Lepingle to our team of yachting experts, and are proud to bring aboard someone with the caliber of business and build experience with which he complements our company,” said Merle Wood.

New European addition to the Merle Wood team

Built by Italy’s Rodriquez yard in 2005, 37.80 metre Babylon was designed by Franceso Paszkowski and refitted in 2012.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148265/image/large-fa9a122ff38b87a5a0b0ab637ffe6e02.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148265">With a chic, minimalist interior by Mauro Micheli, she accommodates 10 guests in five staterooms, and seven crew in four cabins. All staterooms have en suite facilities, built in entertainment systems and Samsung LCD television screens.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148266/image/large-6d7d30f81607a8049ef98a7e88f34bd5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148266">Twin 2,130hp Caterpillar engines and a planing hull give Babylon a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles at 11 knots.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/148267/image/large-2f77da9e5aa2410e16a2f3ab67682caa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/148267">Babylon is available to view at the Palma Superyacht Show 30th April to 4th May 2014 and is offered for sale from Fraser Yachts at €8,900,000.By Gemma Fottles

Live from Palma: Closer look at superyacht Babylon

The Rodriguez Group has announced another sale of a Cerri 102’ Flyingsport line. This 31‐metre yacht is equipped with four cabins, including a master cabin aft and a VIP cabin forward. THe model sold is able to accommodate eight guests and four crew, in a sober and stylish interior based on white, grey and chocolate tones.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145188/image/large-3d7d61dd253e20fe81022bdc23da33a9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141526">The layout is completed by the garage, accessible through the aft door, which can host a 4.30‐metre tender and 2 jet‐skis.

Rodriguez Group sells another Cerri 102’ Flyingsport

The year 2012 ended in the best possible way for Rodriguez Group, with the sale to a Russian owner of hull number 3 in the Cerri 102’ Flyingsport line. The Cerri 102’#3 Flyingsport represents a true revolution in the open yacht sector, where innovation and modernity have always been core values and guiding principles.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142480/image/large-87d3d499e972f787be37a488e425fcb4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142480">While this yacht's outer lines are the same of her sister’s ‐ launched last August and successfully presented at Cannes Boat Show ‐, the concept of this new version is extremely innovative and takes to extremes the "FlyingSport" philosophy thanks to the owner's innovative ideas and its flawless interpretation by the creativity of the Rodriguez Group and Cerri teams.The FlyingSport line introduced the concept of a fly bridge in open crafts as back as in 2004: the latest Cerri 102’ now embodies the ultimate evolution of such a philosophy, no longer featuring two pilot stations, but only one on the fly bridge and replacing the second, on the main deck, with an innovative owner area that continues below deck with a really impressive private wellness area.From the highly panoramic cabin with opening sunroof, an internal staircase leads to the spacious wellness area, conceived as an "open air" circular “glass tube”: a magnificent relaxation area with Turkish bath with chromotherapy and a sauna. Adjacent to the spa is the warding robe and children’s room with, which thus completes the master suite.The underdeck night area, aft of the spa, has also been thoroughly rearranged following the wishes of the owner: it now features two more VIP cabins with double bed and private head, which can be accessed via the staircase from the main deck salon. This night area is characterised by very spacious volumes and large windows offering a beautiful panoramic view.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142481/image/large-7a1aff1c033438d79405ecf19c6574ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142481">The pilot station and the dining room are located on the fly bridge and are sheltered by a hard top especially designed to allow to close the sides and including an electronically operated sunroof. A Jacuzzi, located aft of the dining area, adds the final touch to the main deck.Besides her innovative fly bridge, this yacht can also boast two pleasant outdoor areas: the aft cockpit on the main deck includes a comfortable sunbathing area and a dinette, while at the bow the wide lounge area with circular sofas is ideal to relax and chat while enjoying the utmost privacy.Two crew cabins with separate access and a galley fitted with all necessary equipment make up the service areas, while 2 MTU 2600 HP engines and the ZF Searex surface drives push the yacht to a cruising speed of approximately 30 knots with peaks of 40 knots.The layout is completed by the garage, accessible through the aft door, which can host a 4.30‐metre tender and 2 jet‐skis.The yacht is stabilized and is classified MCA.

Rodriguez Group sells Cerri 102’ Flying Sport to Russian clients

The Rodriguez Group is pleased to announce the delivery of the Italyachts 34/01 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phoenician34.14m (112'0&quot;)Ital Yachts SRL2013">Phoenician</a> which joined its owner in Cannes. With its sporty design and generous amenities, this exceptional yacht expresses once again the qualities of Italian design, thanks to the work of naval architects Cristiano Gatto and Andrea Bacigalupo. Elegance and simplicity are the key words aboard. Every detail has been considered with care: the walls are in polished walnut and white leather, while the floors have been laid with walnut and thick carpeting.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142401/image/large-ccdafc890582f42ca970de9494fb48fb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142401">On the top deck the saloon opens onto a lounge area on the starboard side with a large sofa in deep blue and sandy tones and on the port side two tables which convert into a dining area for 8 persons. In the center, the bar covered all in leather is the ideal place to have a cool drink and enjoy the sun thanks to the electric sunroof. In the bow, there is a bright spacious double VIP cabin, bathed in natural light under panoramic overhead windows.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142402/image/large-8877ed81cd9bf925f1ff2752be6626c9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142402">A staircase leads to the lower deck where there are 4 beautiful cabins. The master cabin, located in the center, is very spacious: it has huge clothes cabinets, a large sofa and a vanity, as well as big portholes providing beautiful views of the outside.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142403/image/large-ed768b3005666f7bf1949166f1633047.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142403">A few steps separate slightly the second VIP cabin from the other cabins. Located in the bow as well, it has plenty of storage and a separate bathroom for the complete comfort of its guests. The double and twin cabins each offer the same sensation of well‐being in a warm and coordinated decor.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/142404/image/large-ffb6127f532d8af3b07da09dccde732b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/142404">The Italyachts 34m is especially appealing as well for its outstanding performance: the three MTU 2400 hp engines enable this impeccably seaworthy vessel to reach a top speed of 40 knots. With its 5 cabins and ingenious outdoor amenities, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4877" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Phoenician34.14m (112'0&quot;)Ital Yachts SRL2013">Phoenician</a> is an ideal yacht for charter. She will be available moreover for the 2013 season, exclusively through the Rodriguez Group.

 Italyachts 34/01 Phoenician launched

The Rodriguez Group ended the fourth quarter of its financial year 2011/2012 on 30 September 2012, marked by the sale of its new 50-metre megayacht, the 165’ Azul. Barely two months after delivery, in July 2012, of the 40 Alloy Sanlorenzo and the 43-metre Italyachts, the success of the new range of large Rodriguez Group yachts materialized with the sale of this all-aluminium yacht. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141796/image/large-374284518dcbe63402bff1e86da2e4fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141796">Created in the summer of 2010, the project was conceived and developed by the Rodriguez Group sales teams, in collaboration with the Italian naval architect Andrea Bacigalupo, to whom the boat owes its streamlined shape and the perfect mix between living capacity (five cabins, including an owner’s suite with access to the main deck, an upper deck opening onto a large terrace equipped with a bar, solarium and Jacuzzi) and sailing speed. Powered by Rolls Royce hydrojets and two MTU 2600Hp engines, this exceptional yacht can reach 30 knots with a draught not exceeding 1.75 metres: a feat for a unit of this size. With three large units delivered or sold during the summer of 2012, the Rodriguez Group confirms the pertinence of its business plan, which aims to anticipate, and even create, the needs of its customers. The turnover for boat sales thus came to € 29.9 million in the 2nd half of 2011/2012 (period from 1st April to 30th September 2012), an increase of 4% compared to the 2nd half of 2010/2011 where the boat sales generated a turnover of € 28.7 million. For the financial year 2011/2012, boat sales recorded a total turnover of close to € 50 million, compared to € 70.8 million the previous year. This drop in turnover calls for two comments: - it is partly a consequence of the drop in turnover linked to the sale of second-hand yachts, going from €17 million in the financial year 2010/2011 to €8.4 million this past year; as announced by the Rodriguez Group, the policy of clearing stock and limitation of trade-ins was successful, with the sale of the last large vessels from the old stock; - The Rodriguez Group now favours the generation of a turnover that generates margin, by focusing on the design and sale of large new units with longer production times (the first 165’ Azul will be delivered in 2014) rather than volume. Today, sales of new boats represent 83% of the boat sales, compared to 76% for the financial year 2010/2011. For the management of the Rodriguez Group the improvement of this ratio is the concrete materialisation of strategic directions taken by the Group over the past two years, organized around two important mainstays: - the development of the range toward very large yachts, while keeping the technical and design features of the very first Rodriguez Group models; - the development of the key factors to the Group’s success, deployed in a variety of forms through the numerous services provided to its customers and potential customers. Consequently, the Services business confirms its strong performance of previous years, by generating a turnover of € 28.3 million for the financial year 2011/2012, in line with the € 29.2 million recorded for the year 2010/2011. The 11% decrease recorded for the fourth quarter of 2011/2012 (€ 8.6 million turnover, compared to € 9.6 million the previous year) is only the result of the anticipated start of the 2012 season. More than ever, the good health of the Services business--which includes the brokerage transactions carried out by CNI affirms the Rodriguez Group as a major player in all the occupations of the yachting business. Ultimately, the overall consolidated turnover of the Group amounted to € 77.9 million for the financial year 2011/2012. The Rodriguez Group is particularly pleased with the good performance achieved in second half of the year, where the consolidated turnover reached € 47.7 million, in line with the level achieved in the second half of 2010/2011. Rodriguez Group +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:finance@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Rodriguez%20Group%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">finance@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a>

The Rodriguez Group sells 50 metre superyacht project

At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last week, Cerri Cantieri Navali presented the Cerri 102’ FlyingSport, the 2nd hull in her line, launched on 24th August. The yacht was on display in the stand of the Rodriguez Group, which has signed an exclusive worldwide sales and marketing agreement with Cerri Cantieri Navali.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141526/image/large-671442f3a13293be1fb7226044176e9d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141526"> A gray hull and sleek and aggressive outer lines characterises the second hull of the Cerri 102’ FlyingSport, Cerri's flagship. The yacht combines the comfort of the flying bridge and the sportiness and speed of large open yachts and flawlessly blending elegance and style, functionality and onboard liveability.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141527/image/large-fb2a7a1728bae3dc502a1cb80bea0712.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141527"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141528/image/large-95b9c5affde45b2242647fe8005c51a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141528"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141529/image/large-8b8d8e3540d6bee297e9eea8213e4453.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141529">The yacht features a roomy salon, featuring a conversation area with sofas, a large hidden television and a central dining area seating 10 people. The pilot station is equipped with three seats and all necessary electronic equipment and engine controls. The large windscreen ensures excellent visibility. Just above the dining table are the opening roof and two large glass surfaces, one of which can be opened to reach the fly bridge.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141530/image/large-1c6a38e248bf6497b6cf320771f38c37.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141530"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141531/image/large-f2df00de6e6408be72008baaac6ba4f3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141531"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141532/image/large-9cb962a5937168e98bc624f80c89e3b5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141532">Belowdeck there is the full-beam master stateroom in the stern and a full-beam VIP cabin in the bow, as well as two more guest cabins<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/141533/image/large-86fd065c37408a671473a51c1f3f64f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/141533">Outside, the 28 square-metre fly is a highly flexible and customisable area and hosts a second pilot station with hiding console, an extendable dining table to stern, a barbecue set, and a large sunbathing area. Besides her roomy fly bridge, this yacht can also boast two lovely outdoor areas: the cockpit, located aft on the main deck - which includes a comfortable sunbathing area and a dinette furnished with a multi-purpose table – and a living area at the bow with a huge round sofa that can easily seat up to 20 people.

On board the new Cerri 102 Flying Sport

The Rodriguez Group ended the third quarter of the financial year 2011/2012 on 30 June 2012, culminating with the success of the new range of large new builds. Boat sales (new and secondhand) are up 158% as of the third quarter of 2012 compared to the third quarter 2011 (€15.6M at Q3 2012 compared to €6M at Q3 2011), thus confirming the business forecasts for the Group announced at the start of activity, particularly the sale of new builds, in the run up to the summer season. Thus, sales of new units generated a turnover of €13.6M in Q3 2012, compared to €4.7M in Q3 2011. This strong performance confirms the relevance of recent strategic orientation that favours the building of large units ready for delivery in early summer, as well as the commercial success of new products designed and developed by the RODRIGUEZ GROUP, in collaboration with its partner shipyards. Furthermore, sales of secondhand units reached close to €2M in Q3 2012, compared to €1.4M for the same period in 2011. As of 30 June 2012, total turnover generated by secondhand sales amounts to €5.5M, compared with €11M at the same date in 2011. Sale of secondhand units from the old stock continues, thus enabling the Group to achieve the objectives set at the start of the year: improve the rate of stock rotation and the reconstitution of a quality stock, made up uniquely of new and/or recently-built units. The fourth quarter of 2012 should confirm the success of the destocking policy thanks to the sale of the last large units from the old stock. The Rodriguez Group also anticipates for the present quarter the signing of new orders for new builds to be delivered in 2013 (units from 43 to 46 metres) and 2014 (units of 50 metres), which make it possible to prepare for the coming seasons at the same time as the autumn boat shows (in particular the Festival de la Plaisance de Cannes and the Monaco Boat Show this September) where the Group will be one of the major players. New units now represent 85% of the boat sales, while the proportion amounts to 77% on the previous year. Rodriguez Group is satisfied with this growth, which marks the fulfilment of the policy of renewing the range and revitalising of the sales force. Finally, Services generated equivalent figures for the period (from €9.4M for Q3 2011 to €9.2M for Q3 2012), confirming the stability of the activities of the Camper &amp; Nicholsons Group (€19.7M turnover for Services as of 30 June 2012 compared to €19.6M for the same period in 2010/2011). Ultimately, the consolidated turnover of the Group reached €55M as of 30 June 2012, compared to €67.7M as of 30 June 2011. Parallel to business development, Rodriguez Group has undertaken a new approach to reduce fixed costs (down by about 15%), an automatic consequence of setting up a more efficient functional organisation. By reducing and revitalising its teams and by concentrating its resources again around its historical core occupation, the Rodriguez Group has placed operational efficiency at the centre of its priorities and accelerated the prospects of a return to a balanced operation by a dual action: improved margins through the sale of large units and lower expenses by reducing operating budgets. Through the limitation of capital expenditure and the careful management of working capital requirements, made possible by advantageous terms in financing production, the Group’s net liquid assets have increased from €23.2 M on 30 September 2011 to €29.3 M as of 30 June 2012. Moreover, the complete fulfilment of commitments made under the restructuring programme has made it possible to stabilise financial debts as of 30 June 2012 in comparison with 30 September 2011.Rodriguez Group +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:finance@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Rodriguez%20Group%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">finance@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a>

The Rodriguez Group closes 3rd quarter of the year 2011/2012 

The half-year financial statements of Rodriguez Group and the related financial reports, as approved by the Supervisory Board on May 25 and certified by the statutory auditors, are available on Rodriguez Group’s website. As the Group announced in its May 15 press release, revenue was down 42% over the period (€ 30.2 million in 2011/2012 compared to € 52.3 million in 2010/2011), as a result of the Group’s focus on producing new, larger units. Moreover, because of its policy of inventory reduction and limiting trade-ins, established in 2010/2011, the sale of pre-owned yachts is intended to become a secondary business. Rodriguez Group expects a significant increase in sales over the 3rd quarter of the 2011/2012 fiscal year, mainly thanks to transactions involving new, larger units (40 to 50 meters) that are completed or under construction. Despite limited revenue from the sale of new yachts over the period, and thus a reduced gross margin, Rodriguez Group has managed to limit the decline in operating income from recurring operations thanks to the maintenance of its fixed and variable operating costs. Therefore, the operating loss from recurring operations has gone from € 5 million in 2010/2011 to € 12.8 million in 2011/2012. Over the second half of the 2011/2012 fiscal year, Rodriguez Group expects to implement a drastic new program to reduce its fixed costs, with the objective of further lowering its break-even point and freeing up additional resources to finance its growth. This cost reduction plan will be implemented in three parts: - reduction of payroll, focusing resources on the Group’s core business and improving the efficiency of its operational organization; - streamlining of its overseas presence by implementing partnerships instead of running offices; - strict management of overhead costs. This will accompany the current effective and rigorous management of working capital requirements, facilitated by advantageous credit terms negotiated with its shipyard partners. Rodriguez Group hopes to benefit from the virtuous effects of these measures before the end of the 2011/2012 fiscal year. For the year ended March 31, 2012, the Group reported a net loss of € 17.2 million, compared to a loss of € 10.2 million for the year ended March 31, 2011. Management has stated that Rodriguez Group is doing everything possible to make the 2012 summer season a success, backed by the quality and innovativeness of the products developed by the Group’s shipyard partners - Sanlorenzo, Italyachts and Cerri - and the effectiveness of a business policy that is structured around and adapted to market constraints.The increase in net debt over the period, amounting to € 3.8 million, mainly comes from the adjustment of bond debt for € 1.4 million and the adjustment of bank loans for € 0.6 million, which have translated into an increase in their balance sheet value. In addition, the decline in cash and cash equivalents, which went from € 25.8 million as of September 30, 2011 to € 22.2 million as of March 31, 2012, is simply an immediate consequence of the seasonal nature of the business and the investments carried out by the Group for the construction of new units. Rodriguez Group has entered the season on a sound footing and hopes that the 2nd half of 2011/2012 will confirm the suitability of the strategic direction taken by the new management, under the leadership of Eric de Saintdo.Rodriguez Group +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:finance@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Rodriguez%20Group%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">finance@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a>

Rodriguez Group publishes results for the 1st Half Year 2011/2012

In line with other business agreements signed since the arrival of Eric de Saintdo as chairman of the executive board, the French Rodriguez Group is pursuing its development strategy and announces a partnership with the Cerri – Gruppo Baglietto shipyards, recently acquired by SIAS, Italy’s second largest highway maintenance and management group, quoted on the stock exchange, headed by the industrialist Beniamino Gavio. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138205/image/large-8dca0f8099160954d4e1d66f680e6e55.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127715">Starting 2012, two composite units, an 86’ and a 102’ from the Cerri – Gruppo Baglietto shipyards, are going to be filling out the range of fast sportfly yachts distributed by the Rodriguez Group. In 2013, these units will grow to 90’ and 110’. They will benefit from the contribution of the most important international designers, combined with the knowledge and standards of the Rodriguez Group teams, and offer optimized capacity for even greater levels of performance. For 2014, a 130’ has already been announced, presenting itself as one of the fast Opens among the largest of the world fleet. All of these units will be distributed worldwide exclusively by the Rodriguez Group The Cerri and Baglietto shipyards were recently acquired by the Italian industrialist Beniamino Gavio, president of the SIAS group (Societa Iniziative Autostradali e Servizi), Italy’s number two highway maintenance and management group (managing nearly 18% of the Italy’s highway network) and a major player in construction, transport, logistics and shipyards. Already very involved in the world of yachting, Beniamino Gavio finds in the Rodriguez Group a first-rate partner for expanding into the world of luxury yachting. Rodriguez Group Stéphanie Willemain +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:swillemain@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">swillemain@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a> Cerri – Gruppo Baglietto +39 02 76394484 <a href="mailto:info@cerricantierinavali.it?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@cerricantierinavali.it</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cerricantierinavali.it/">www.cerricantierinavali.it</a>

The Rodriguez Group joins forces with the Cerri Gruppo Baglietto

On December 31, 2011, the Rodriguez Group closed the 1st quarter of its 2011/2012 financial year. 1st quarter consolidated sales,concerning the period from October 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011, were € 13.9 million € 9.7 million from Yacht Sales and € 4.2 million generated by Sales of Services, including transactions carried out by the Camper &amp; Nicholsons Group. Even though the Group’s overall performance reflected a 45% decline in sales compared to the 1st quarter of 2010/2011, the Rodriguez Group points out that this is an automatic consequence of the change in its business model. By steering production towards the development of large yachts, with Italyachts’ 50 metre and the Alloy Sanlorenzo’s 40 meter as flagship products, which take longer to build (an average of 18 months), the Rodriguez Group has decided to consider the 1st quarter of the fiscal year as a period where it prepared for the coming season and showcased its models to customers. Rodriguez Group currently does not anticipate the new yacht sales business to take off before the 2nd or even the 3rd quarter of its fiscal year. The Group’s commercial ambitions for these products will focus on these periods. Furthermore, by putting a cap on the number of trade-ins and accelerating its destocking policy, the Group intends to significantly reduce the volume of Pre-Owned Yacht sales, hence the 42.6% decline between the 1st quarter of 2010/2011 and the 1st quarter of 2011/2012. Lastly, the Services business remained stable, with an immaterial decline of 13% compared to the 1st quarter of the previous year.Rodriguez Group +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:finance@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Rodriguez%20Group%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">finance@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a>

Rodriguez Group closes the 1st quarter of its 2011/2012 financial year

The Rodriguez Group closed the 4th quarter of its 2010/2011 financial year ending September 30, 2011, and informed us that the sales target set out at the beginning of the financial year has been reached. 4th Quarter sales, concerning the period from July 1st, 2011 to September 30th, 2011, were € 32.3 million, 20.3% lower than in the 4th quarter of 2009/2010, and were distributed as follows: - Yacht sales reached € 22.7 million, i.e., 26.7% lower than in the 4th quarter of 2009/2010; - Sales of services went up to € 9.6 million, up by 0.6% compared to the 4th quarter of 2009/2010. Even though sales of new yachts lagged in the 4th quarter of 2010/2011 with respect to the preceding financial year (€ 16.7 million in sales in Q4 2010/2011 compared to € 28.3 million in sales in Q4 2009/2010), the Rodriguez Group has recorded a very satisfying annual performance since new yacht sales generated total revenues of € 53.9 million for the 2010/2011 financial year, compared to € 32.6 million in the 2009/2010 financial year (up 62.5%). In particular, the summer season brought about the sales of two new units coming from Italian shipyards: - the 32 meter sport fly new model, designed and built in collaboration with ItalYachts - and above all the SD 92, the first yacht that has come out of the Sanlorenzo shipyard since the signing of the exclusivity contract between the two groups in December 2010. Ultimately, yacht sales (new and pre-owned) generated total revenues of € 70.8 million for the 2010/2011 financial year: consequently, the sales target of € 70 million for the Rodriguez Group’s core business has been achieved. At the same time, the Services business generated sales of € 9.6 million in the 4th quarter of 2010/2011, compared to € 9.5 million during the same period in 2009/2010. For the whole year, this division recorded total sales of € 29.2 million, compared to € 32.5 million during the preceding financial year, reduced to € 28.7 million excluding non-recurring events linked to agreements made during the safeguard period (i.e. an increase of 1.7%). Overall, the Group’s total consolidated sales recorded an increase of 14.8% during the financial year, going from € 87.2 million in 2009/2010 to € 100 million in 2010/2011.Rodriguez Group +33 4 97 21 81 81 <a href="mailto:finance@rodriguezgroup.com?subject=Rodriguez%20Group%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">finance@rodriguezgroup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rodriguezgroup.com/">www.rodriguezgroup.com</a>