Belize Motoryachts named ‘best of the best’ at AIM Awards

by Stephen Milne on 18 Dec 2012 The new Riviera Australia owned and designed luxury marque, Belize Motoryachts, has been named the ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards.

AIM is a growing media company that publishes a prestigious stable of boating titles including, Power & Motoryacht magazine, Yachts International, Sail, PassageMaker, Soundings, and Soundings Trade Only.

The awards for the ‘best of the best’ in boating were announced at a special gala presentation during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the judges commended the new Australian owned and designed Motoryacht line.

'Not only does the (Belize) 52 stand out in a sea of fibreglass, but the thought and attention to detail will win over any serious cruiser. It’s a true testament to these visionary gentlemen that their first design was indeed a number one hit,' said AIM Marine Group’s editorial director George Sass Jr.

Belize Motoryachts spokesman Ryan Hanson said this achievement was testament to the superior quality and design of this bespoke new Motoryacht line.

'Belize Motoryachts are available in two models, the Belize 52 Sedan and the Belize 52 Daybridge, both launched this year and have already achieved eight sales across both models,' Mr Hanson said.

'The Belize Motoryacht line is inspired by classic timeless style, incorporating traditionalism with Australian practicality and is superbly crafted at the highly regarded Taiwanese boat building yard, Kha Shing.
'Such is the quality of a Belize Motoryacht and the confidence in the brand, a five year structural warranty is offered by Belize, and it is a great honour to be recognised as the most innovative new boat builder, which I believe is a true reflection on our confidence in the quality of the brand.'

The new Belize 52 is fully air-conditioned and features three cabins, including a full beam master stateroom with ensuite and opening port lights on either side to provide cross ventilation. The functional and modern galley is adjacent to the spacious saloon, which overlooks the enormous cockpit with aft dining area and breakfast bar with swivel stools to port, creating the ultimate alfresco experience.

Combining traditional European panache with Australian practicality gives the Belize 52 a blend of tradition and contemporary elements, which has created a very attractive, powerful, technically advanced, versatile and sought after new vessel.

Not only are the design features impressive but so too are the twin aft-facing Cummins Zeus 3000 bronze pod drives mounted into tunnels delivering a top speed of around 30 knots, 25 knots cruise speed and a comfortable range at 22 knots of 400nm and leaving 10 per cent reserve fuel.

The editors of AIM’s respected publications were asked to nominate who they thought were the ‘best of the best’ in production and semi-custom yachts.

AIM Marine Group’s editorial director and editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, George Sass Jr, said the awards reflected renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers.

'One undeniable trend in the current marine marketplace is that new product is back in force,' he said.

'Walk down any dock or through any tent at this boat show and you’ll see innovative products that weren’t present not so long ago. These are the companies that are keeping this industry alive and vibrant.'

AIM asked 15 editors from individual magazines to nominate the best product in various categories. Armed with precise selection criteria, the editors nominated boats that were solid, well designed, built to high quality and performance.

As the AIM Marine Group Editors’ most innovative new builder, the Belize Motoryacht line has well and truly exceeded all expectations since the launch of its first model in May of this year.