As we start a shiny new year, we'd like to look back at the highlights of 2016 as a way to celebrate past accomplishments and feel confident for the year ahead. 2016 was a very exciting year for us at InterMarine and for the boating industry in general. Although we lost some dear friends, we also saw a lot of great growth and new beginnings. Without further ado, we present you with InterMarine's Best of 2016.
1. InterMarine's Grand Opening Celebration
On January 30, 2016 we celebrated the Grand Opening of our beautiful, state-of-the-art showroom in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. After being in a temporary office for many years during the recession, the construction of this new facility was very much overdue. We cannot tell you how thrilled we were to finally move into a permanent, beautiful structure that is well equipped to handle our business and our customers' needs.
2. Bayliner VR5 won the NMMA Innovation Award
Bayliner has continued to launch several amazing boat models that bring affordable boating to a huge segment of the population. One of these new releases, Bayliner's VR5, won the NMMA Innovation Award at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show for their BeamForward™ and AftAdvantage™ design (among many other notable features). We're proud to represent such an innovative boat builder.
3. InterMarine launched a new website
InterMarine's website got a huge facelift and was made much more modern, functional, and user-friendly. The new site features many different ways to browse our inventory, stay on top of news and events, and browse our event photo galleries. Be sure to look around all the different sections where you can find new boats, trade-ins, new yachts and brokerage, high-end luxury yachts, ultra-luxury yachts, photo galleries, team pages, Escapades calendar, and news.
4. Amazing new product releases
During 2016, our manufacturers presented consumers with new boat choices that greatly enhance their time on the water and cater to specific hobbies. Chaparral launched new outboard versions of the H20 bowriders and added Malibu Surfgate technology to several popular models. Bayliner presented us with the F-Series center consoles, the larger E21 Element option, and ultra fun HeyDay tractors. Jeanneau launched a larger, 34' version of the Cap Camarat and renamed it Leader 10.5 WA. And Prestige Yachts launched the elegant 630 luxury yacht. Without a doubt, 2o16 was an exciting year for new boats.
5. InterMarine won another Best of Dania Award
InterMarine won yet another Best of Dania Award in the Best Dealer category. We were also awarded this honor in 2015. The Dania Beach Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional success in their local community and business category, enhancing the positive image of local business through service to their customers and the community. We're really proud of this award.
6. The annual summer Grand Escapade was positively sublime
Our summer tradition, the InterMarine Grand Escapade, takes place every summer in late July. We have been doing this for many years, but we never tire of it, and every year brings new fabulous adventures. The 2016 trip was no exception. The Grand Escapade is most definitely one of the brightest highlights of the year. View the gallery here.
7. Nuova Jolly came to America
Nuova Jolly, Europe's most seaworthy rigid inflatable boat, came to North American shores in 2016 and InterMarine is proud to be the distributor on this side of the pond. Nuova Jolly made its official North American debut at the 2016 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
8. The 2016 Cannes Yachting Festival
The Cannes Yachting Festival, a Club Prestige exclusive, was an absolute highlight in 2016. InterMarine Yacht Group (more on this in a minute) hosted a high-end, four-day tour for select Club Prestige members who received access to private launch parties, sea trials, and soirees. This was most definitely one of the most exquisite Escapades we have ever conducted. See the photo gallery here.
9. InterMarine Yacht Group was officially launched
In 2016, we launched InterMarine's official luxury division, InterMarine Yacht Group. The new division focuses on the luxury market and represents DL Yachts, Prestige Yachts, and high-end yacht brokerage. There is also a curated list of featured brokerage yachts in this division. In addition to the inventory selections, InterMarine Yacht Group facilitates luxury lifestyle social profiles promoting the finer things in life. See it on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
DL Yachts, builders of the custom-made Dreamline Luxury Yachts, took the European yacht market by storm since their first launch two years ago. The company has proven to be quite successful and their quality work has garnered them several industry awards. DL Yachts selected InterMarine Yacht Group to be their distributors in the Unites States and Canada due to our extensive experience and knowledge in the yacht sales industry and advantageous location in the Yachting Capital of the World.
There you have it, folks: InterMarine's Best of 2016 highlights. We thank everyone who's been a part of this exciting journey. We're looking forward to the new adventures that await us in 2017. We wish all of you a very happy and successful new year!