August 31, 2007

Monthly News - August 2007

- picture of the month - Itama 55 Fiftyfive following the Copa Del Rey

Abacus R.I.N.A. contract

Abacus Marine S.p.A. has agreed with RINA for the release of certificate F no.25 for the yachts Abacus 62 and 70. This certificate consists for supervision inspection by the Italian classification society on a selection of the constructed yachts, from the start of construction till completion and delivery to the proud owner, in order to give a higher safety value to the yacht.


Bruno Abbate Primatist Trophy 17th Edition

The 17th edition of the Primatist Trophy, took part from the 30th July to the 3 rd August of what was a new racing formula compared to the previous editions. In fact this year’s edition want be based on a single race, but a series of rounds that will take the crews doing many miles North and South of Sardegna. This will be a lot more difficult competition, compared to the previous ones with the most difficult round, Porto Ottiolu to Arbatax a 60 mile non stop race. Arbatax will also be the protagonist of the event, as is the place of the new Bruno Abbate Primatist factory, and where most of the new models will be built and designed. Other events in this trophy will be a race on the Bixy bicycles as well as a photographic “I Love 17” competition, an idea of Marco Abbate. In this edition visitors could also admire the new offshore powerboat "Terribile", a laboratory boat realized with cooperation from Isotta Fraschini which looks at the competition world thanks to the experience of Bruno Abbate and his Class 1 Offshore racing in the past.


Burger lays off 44 workers

Burger Boat Company has laid off 21 staff employees and 23 contract workers, according to the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter. Burger Boat Company's co-president told the paper that the Wisconsin-based shipyard is awaiting decisions from owners of two 42.7m (140ft) yachts it is building regarding modifications. The majority of laid-off workers are metal ship fitters. The layoffs will reduce Burger's staff workforce to 375. The yard currently has six yachts under construction, with ongoing sales efforts to acquire additional clients. Two launches are scheduled for this fall.


Fiart Mare sponsors Uto Ughi concert in Capri

Fiart Mare participated as a sponsor to the event organized by the Tourism and Culture Authority of the city of Capri. Uto Ughi in concert with the philharmonic orchestra of Rome – The Four Season of Vivaldi. The event of absolute prestige for the presence of the violinist, considered among the best of our times, happened in the magic surroundongs of San Giacomo in Capri.


Intermare school with Carlo Conti

The TV Presenter Carlo Conti, could easily be observed while teaching his female colleagues of famous Italian national TV show L’ Eredita as part of signed photo shoot for TV Sorrisi E Canzoni magazine on board an Intermare. The famous TV presenter showed great professionalism also by answering to questions to curious passers by. The magazine was out in the second week of July and was realized in Rosignano.


Itama participates in Copa Del Rey

Itama, had the honor to participate, with the unmistakable white and blue yachts, in the prestigious Copa del Rey at Palma de Mallorca from July 29 until August 6. Itama FiftyFive, the last vessel of the new Itama range, was the support yacht for the press.


Pershing Cup 3rd Edition

The 2007 Pershing Gold Cup Tournament, took place over two days (Saturday 28 July dedicated to the 2nd and 3rd Stableford categories and Sunday 29 July for golfers of the 1st Medal play category) and saw 105 golfers competing. Medal play, which is adding up all the strokes played for each hole, was used for the first category. The Stableford formula, which awards 2 points for every hole completed in the correct number of strokes, was used for the second and third category. The weekend was rounded off with the awards ceremony with the President of Riviera sport, Giampietro Ticchi, and the Pershing communications manager, Virginia De Carlo.

August 30, 2007

Class 1 - Constanta Romania Preview

Class 1 leader Victory 77 has an easy task taking Euopean championship in Romania
Mamaia, Romania’s largest Black Sea resort, is the setting for this weekend’s Romanian Grand Prix, round 4 of the WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Championship. The third new venue on the calendar this season, the outcome of the 2007 European title race will be settled in Romanian waters.
Spirit of Norway’s much needed win in Oslo has reignited the battle in the world championship title race, which at one point looked like becoming a runaway fight between the might of the Middle East, Victory and Qatar. But Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis proved in the last race, that when they are dialled-in, they are still the team to beat, and have no intention of conceding their world title without a supreme fight. But they are resigned to the fact that their European reign is over, with Victory the odds on favourites to regain the crown they have held four times and was last won for them by Ali Nasser and Ali Al Qama in 2004. For Spirit of Norway the focus now is setting about reducing the 22-point deficit between them and the championship leader’s. But it is Victory 77, the overall championship leader’s, who head into the race weekend poised to lift the first silverware of the season, and whilst both Qatar 96 and Victory 7 are still in with a mathematical chance, needing the win with Victory 77 to finish outside the points a scenario which seems unlikely but not impossible.
The rivalry amongst the top four, all running V12 power-plants, is fierce, with little separating them in terms of performance. Qatar 96 is enjoying their strongest start to a season since joining the championship back in 2003, looking to be real title contenders, currently lying in second place. Just off the pace of the front-runners Qatar 95, the strongest of those outfits running V8’s, and after making steady improvement to performance over the last couple of races, the team feels it is now all about optimising set-ups, before they too join the battle at the front.
The middle-order battle is intriguing, and once again likely be a dog-fight between Foresti & Suardi’s Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Penessi and Class 1 rookies, Spirit of Norway 20 the youngsters losing out in Arendal but winning the duel in Oslo.
Further down the order, VM Foresti & Suardi and Giorgi and SeveneleveN have struggled with reliability and they will be looking to at least finish and grab points in Mamaia. Jotun and Negotiator have had agonising starts to their seasons, both failing to post points. However have shown on occasion, that when they have trouble free runs, they are very quick, especially Jotun in Oslo, who came from the second row start line to be up with front runners at the first corner before crashing out.
The European title may well be heading to Dubai, but the outcome of the first WPPA Class 1 World Powerboat Grand Prix to be staged in Romania is wide open, and for the teams, a third different type of course and conditions to come to terms with this season, the 97.76Nm, 21-lap race being run on the usually calm waters of Mamaia’s Lake Siutghiol.

August 29, 2007

New Model: Tecnomar 92 Nadara

The 92 Nadara from the Tuscany yard is a redesigned and enlarged 28 metre flybridge motor yacht which follows and updates the 26 Nadara model. The new yacht features an unusual arrangement of the environment with a very original style following the design of its younger sister. Apart from the dimensions of plus 2 metres the new Nadara has some significant changes like a new and additional access to the crew area directly from the bridge, two flybridge access areas from the inside and outside and lastly an entirely redesigned stern area which is more rounded and wider. The hull of the new Nadara has also been extended, and gives among the best performance to power levels for a yacht this size.
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.20 m (92.5 ft)
Beam - 6.50 m
Displacement - 75 T
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew cabins with 4 berths
Fuel Capacity - 8000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Engines - CAT C 32 ACERT 2 x 1825 HP
Speed - max 30 knots, cruising 28 knots (half load)

August 28, 2007

Boat Review: Fiart 34 Genius

 
Presentation
The Fiart 34 Genius is the latest new model from the famous Naples, Bay of Baia boat builder who is credited for building the first GRP boat in Europe. This new model was presented in October 2006 during the Genova boat show and replaces the 32 previously 30 Genius, after 15 years of production. The lines of this new model continue the evolution of the latest Fiart style which started in 1998 with the 40 Genius and include the usual design which is a bit unique compared to competing brands, thanks to the flush deck, huge cockpit and spacious bathing platform. The 34 follows many themes shown on the Genius models and is a very spacious boat with a sportive low profile hull line for what is a 10 metres sports cruiser, hence the title Genius for Genie.
Accommodation
The interior for the 34 Genius is a comfortable offer featuring 2 separate double cabins, separate shower head, convertible settee dinette and well sized galley. Both cabin berths are in longitude position to the hull of the boat, offering better accommodation especially when the boat is anchored and going with the direction of the wind and waves. The interior finish is light colored wood furniture which give a greater sense of space to the already spacious volumes.
Cockpit space offers a dual 2 helm seat, a complete wet bar to port and a big C-shaped settee aft. Which if desired can convert to an 8 person + dining area or a huge sunbed. What is nice about the outside cockpit is the airy environment which feels a lot spacious then what actually is.
Performance
Fiart boats are renowned for there comfort in all senses, and the performance handling area is no exception. The variable deep vee hull with a very generous deep forward entry calls for a very solid boat in demanding conditions. Performance levels are also very good with the average sized Volvo D4 2 x 225 HP engines giving 37 knots of maximum speed. Cruising speeds stands at 30 knots with 3000 RPM but a superb economic cruising speed of 21 knots is available at only 2500 RPM. The boat gets on the plane at 2000 RPM doing 13 knots of speed.
Positive
interior layout
spacious cockpit
Negative
cockpit
bathing platform transom connection
Competition
If you are looking for a 10 metres sport cruiser the market has plenty to offer. The ever going American builders offer over 10 models on there own. Cut the list for a 2 separate cabin interior request and the list reduces itself to only European builders, showing the different mentality of boating across the ocean in the size type of craft.
Airon Marine 345 - spacious 3 berth cabin aft, comfortable cockpit, well refined
Arturo Stabile 33 Stama - well sized cockpit and platform, refined interior
Bruno Abbate Primatist G 36 - fast hull, cockpit with separate sunbed
Elan Power 35 - hard top, good bathing platform but small cockpit
Atlantis Gobbi 35 - nice modern light oak interior, practical cockpit, electric bimini
Ilver 34 Thesi - in production for 10 years +, well refined especially exterior fittings
Innovazioni Progetti 34 Mira - wide beam, spacious cockpit and interior
Jeanneau 34 Prestige Open - good deck cockpit platform connection
Rio 35 Cruiser - huge platform, good cockpit and interior, also available with shafts
Sealine S 34 - spacious interior, will be replaced by new SC 35 coming fall
WILD CARD: Portofino 10 Spider - classic lines with modern deck, alternative but timeless
Conclusion Choosing a Fiart? If you ask this question to a Neapolitan the answer would be a so easy yes. And it is very easily understood that if you boat in the med, it is hard beating a so much good overall sports cruiser as the Genius. The 34 in fact is spacious but most of all feels so thanks to its extreme airy and spacious environment. Something which is so missing in today's boats especially the medium or small sized entry level offers. The Genie has it all, good performance from not so big engines and space in every part weather it is inside, outside or the engine room, makes sure it is a winner in its class.
Technical Data
L.O.A. 10.89 metres (35.7 ft)
Length. 10.58 metres
Beam. 3.50 metres
Displacement. 5700 kg
Fuel Capacity. 625 litres
Water Capacity. 330 litres
Person Capacity. 10 persons
Accommodation. 4 + 2 berths in 2 cabins + convertible saloon
Engines: 2 x Volvo D4EVC 225hp, D4EVC 260hp
Speed. 37 knots max, 30 knots cruise with D4 225hp
Propulsion. Volvo DP Sterndrive
Certification. CE B
Picture Copyright Fiart. Data Fiart.

August 27, 2007

New Model: Fjord 40 Cruiser

The twelve meter Fjord 40 Crusier is the new Flagship of the new Fjord line. Patrick Banfield and Jim Wilshire of Allseas Design are responsible for the new Fjord design. The new Fjord Cruiser demonstrates this expertise and skill with a thoroughly thought out hull design with a beam ration of 3:1 that moves easily through the water and navigates quickly, quietly and economically, is a testament to their advanced know-how. These features on the Fjord 40 Cruiser were optimised in wind tunnel tests with the aid of a well-know automobile manufacturer. The new Fjord design looks also at the future for it's exterior looks, with massive glass surfaces allowing light to infiltrate the boat with a feeling of roominess in the sheltered salon. Mark Tucker from Design Unlimited designed the matching interior with a discreet and unpretentious touch, showing that noting is left for the case by Norwegian company.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.99 m (39.3 ft)
Bea - 3.99 m
Displacement - 8.0 T
Fuel Capacity - 1000 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Engines - 2 x 260hp
Propulsion - in line shaft
Speed - 30 knots (estimated)
Design - Allseas Design Exterior, Interior Mark Tucker Design Unlimited
Certification - CE B

August 26, 2007

Powerboat P1 - British Grand Prix of the Sea, Outerlimits and Extremeboat double win

Outerlimits make a double and secure important points in the fast Evolution Class
Extreme boat also make a double and take lead in production Supersport class
In a weekend of flat calm seas the British Grand Prix of the Sea, held in the legendary set up of Cowes, considered as the classics of the races for offshore powerboat racing again ended in a double for both classes. The repeat of the double seems to be a standard result for the 2007 season in the P1 circuit, what always seems to differ is the boat which gains and taking the much important 1st place.
Race 1
Outerlimits took the chequered flag in today's first leg of the P1 British Grand Prix Evolution Class, the historic Round the Island race, followed just a half boat-length away by its arch rivals King of Shaves, with Italian's OSG in third. With calm waters making for high speed racing around the Island, these high-speed racing craft were able to drive flat-out which put many above the average top-speed limit, implemented for safety reasons. As a result, the racing spectacle became somewhat confusing as the lead boats slowed before the chequered flag to avoid time penalties. The unusual ending just added to the drama of a race that had been intensely competitive throughout. The early series of circuit laps, before the boats embarked upon the circumnavigation of the island, had seen King of Shaves take the lead. Wettpunkt.com were forced out early with a blown turbine leaving Outerlimits, OSG and Fainplast to contest the lead, and they did in thrilling fashion. At St Katherine's, the halfway point, three boats, the British King of Shaves, American Outerlimits and Italian OSG passed almost in a dead heat - a stunning sight by the World's fastest mono-hulls and further proof of the competitiveness of the Evolution class. Italians Fainplast were first to take the chequered flag but a time penalty, imposed for exceeding the top average speed limit demoted them to fourth.
In Supersport it looked that the Sunseeker Challenger took its first win when the FPT-powered craft crossed the line in the first leg of the P1 British Grand Prix but the win was denied by a subsequent time penalty. The winner, timing its race to perfection, was ExtemeBoat piloted by Jackie Hunt and Mike Shelton with a photo finish for second, third and fourth places. As was the case in Evolution class the unusual calm waters had made for high speed racing around the Island, with the boats able to drive flat out, putting many above the average top-speed limit, implemented for safety reasons. As a result, the racing spectacle became somewhat confusing as the lead boats slowed before the chequered flag to avoid time penalties. The race for the coveted production class win was typically intense and competitive with Southampton based VoomVoom.com, the Yanmar-powered Hustler the first to show. The impressive performance would eventually lead to a photo finish for second place with SunLik Beer and Buzzi Bullet, SunLik being awarded second, with Voom Voom third and Buzzi Bullet fourth. Roscioli Hotels Roma was disqualified for missing a marker.
Race 2
Outerlimits, secured its maiden Grand Prix victory in the British Grand Prix of the Sea, winning today's second leg to complete a weekend double. Under intense pressure from King of Shaves they twice re-took the lead from their arch rivals with the gap rarely more than five seconds throughout the 54 nautical mile race. Tight circuit racing may not favour all the P1 muscle machines, and in particular those with diesel engines, but it certainly suited the two American craft whose neck and neck racing was captivating for the huge audience packed along the Cowes Esplanade and on the hundreds of craft lining The Solent. Behind these two, another titanic battle was being fought out for third place between Wettpunkt.com and OSG, with OSG finally winning it at the last buoy to take third on the day and in the two-legged Grand Prix. Behind them, both the German Searex and Italian Kiton team secured valuable championship points and Kiton rounded off a strong weekends racing with fourth place overall. Fainplast decided not to race today, in protest against recent decisions that they feel have unfairly undermined their cause.
Extremeboat, secured an emphatic victory and won the British Grand Prix for the second consecutive time and with it the British SuperSport championship. Now they move on to the season's penultimate Grand Prix as championship leaders. In a fiercely fought production class encounter, Sun Lik Beer moved through the field, overtaking VoomVoom.com on lap 4 to take second place and put pressure on Extremeboat. Behind them the previous Championship leaders, Roscioli Hotels Roma, were building up trying to make up for a disappointing result in Friday's first leg and eager to secure valuable championship points. Buzzi Bullet also performed well throughout the weekend, just missing out on third place over the two legs from VoomVoom.com, who had undertaken major development work in the build up to this event, including two new engines. The hard work has started to pay as they followed up an impressive performance on Friday to claim a Grand Prix podium place.
Now the Powerboats P1 circus escalates to its penultimate stage as the championship moves to Zeebrugge, Belgium, over the weekend of the 8/9 September.

August 25, 2007

New Model: Ferretti Custom Line 26 Navetta

Presented as a project last January, the new Navetta 26, is the smallest at 85 feet in the Ferretti Custom Line fleet of large yachts. Zuccon Design styled the new yacht continuing the evolution of the Ferretti and the Navetta line by creating a design with curved and soft conservative looks. Standard interior decor calls for a modern classic approach with light colored Oak and Teak woods and an interior accommodation featuring 5 cabins in standard form, with master cabin on the main deck and 2 identical VIP cabins in mid ship. An alternative 4 cabin version is also available. The pilothouse is raised on the upper deck in a closed and comfortable environment. As usual from Ferretti Yacht, technology is on the highest levels thanks to exclusive systems like the Gi8 control and monitoring system and the Mitsubishi ARG stabilizers. Performance is an estimated of 17.5 knots top speed with cruising of 14 knots with the optional big MAN 1100hp engines option.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.10 m (85.8 ft)
Beam - 6.93 m
Draft - 2.16 m
Displacement - 95.2 t
Fuel Capacity - 12400 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Cabins - 5 or 4
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 900hp, MAN V10 1100hp
Hull - semi displacement
Project - Zuccon International Project
Certification - R.I.Na. 100 -A-1.1"Y"

August 24, 2007

Project: Grand Banks 41 Heritage EU

After launching the first in 1964 of what would then become the successful Heritage series, in 2008 Grand Banks will again do a revolution with this new model, which for the first time has designed a boat without traditional inboard shaft drive. In fact the new 41 Heritage EU features Cummins Mercruiser Zeus innovative POD drive, which will deliver great control, superb speed efficiency, pin point dock accuracy manoeuvring and best fuel range economics. Grand Banks also designed a newly modified deep-vee Hull design in order to take the best from the new propulsion which should deliver unseen levels of efficiency at both planning and semi-displacement speeds, from 10 up to 24 knots. Rest also assured that as all Grand Banks, the new 41 EU will not only surprise for its below under water technology but also for it's superior comfortable accommodation thanks to the less space used by the innovative POD drives, which I am sure will be made to good use.

August 23, 2007

New Model: Absolute 47

Previewed over a month ago in our blog as a project, the new Absolute 47 is the second new boat coming from the young Italian builder in a few weeks time. Showing that at Absolute designs and projects are there to happen. This new hard top coupe sports cruiser features interior accommodation of 2 staterooms, one forward VIP cabin and a mid-ship cabin for owner, both featuring private en-suite shower heads. In between the cabins you have the galley and a c-shaped saloon dinette. Third model in the hard top coupe series from Absolute, it follows the use as it's larger sisters, of Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion giving superior handling, great marina manoeuvring with the optional joystick and superior fuel economics. It is worth noting that Absolute have been among the first to project yachts around the new innovative IPS propulsion technology and the 47 is the third model in it's range after the larger 56 and 52 models.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.61 m (47.9 ft)
Length - 14.31 m
Beam - 4.20 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 470 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - Volvo Penta IPS 500 2 x 370 HP, IPS 600 2 x 435 HP
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duoprop pod
Project - Absolute Research and Development Lab
Certification - CE B

August 22, 2007

Projects: Jongert 2900 MY, Jongert 30 MY, Jongert 35 MY, Jongert 3800 MY

Jongert 2900 MY is the second project offer from the Dutch builder for a new line of semi-displacement hull designs. This motor yacht is designed by Guido De Groot together with the Jongert Design Team with classification by Lloyd's. Hull construction is of Aluminium. Projected speed is for a 25 knots max and an economical cruising of 12 knots which should give a range of 1250 NM. Two interior versions are available both with 4 cabins, but with crew cabins forward for the standard versions and aft for the USA version.
The Jongert 30 MY is a full displacement three deck motor yacht designed for world service with a 4,000 NM range at cruising speeds of 10 knots. The Jongert Design Team have projected a yacht with classic lines, 4 double cabins interior accommodation and very comfortable social and entertaining areas on the main deck and the upper deck. Hull construction is of steel, with superstructure in aluminium, classification is by Lloyd's. The Jongert 35 MY is the bigger offer from the displacement series by the Dutch builder. Designed by the Jongert design team, this three deck super yacht project offers 5 double cabins with the master cabin on the main deck for superior comfort. Range is an estimated of 4,400 NM with cruising speeds of 10 knots and 2 x Caterpillar C18 600 HP engines, calling for what is a real world yacht. The Jongert 3800 MY is a 3 deck semi displacement motor yacht from the new line from the Dutch builder and offers 4 double cabins accommodation. Design as it's younger sister is by Guido De Groot and construction is to RINA class and MCA compliant standards. Power is provided by 2 x 3650 HP MTU engines with speeds for 28 knots top, 25 cruising and a comfortable 12 knots passage making speed which should give a range of 1800 NM. Construction for the biggest and faster super yacht ever constructed by the famous Dutch builder should start the coming October with delivery scheduled for May 2009.

August 21, 2007

New Model: Couach 3000 Fly

The first example of the brand new 30 metre Couach 3000 Fly has been launched in Gujan-Mestras. The design of this motor yacht draws on the successful features of the new line from Couach Yachts featuring sleek deckhouse profile, vast side windows and streamlined air inlets. Another trademark which is something the French yacht builder is proud for, is the superior range for it's yachts, which in this model is estimated to cover 1000 nautical miles in mid-range cruising speeds, thanks to 20,000 litres fuel tanks which gives an almost double autonomy compared to it's rivals. Hull construction is Kevlar with a slender stem for optimum smooth navigation. The exterior design calls for huge bay windows and a dynamic roof design. An intelligent outdoor lounge is situated forward on the bow while a comfortable sheltered sundeck is situated forward at the front of the fly. Accommodation calls for 4 or 5 double cabins as per clients request.
Technical Data:
LOA - 30.40 m (100 ft)
Beam - 6.60 m
Draft - 1.80 m
Fuel Capacity - 20,000 l
Water Capacity - 2,000 l
Accommodation - 4 or 5 cabins + 2 crew cabins
Engines - from 2 x 2000 HP to 2 x 2400 HP
Speed - max 34 knots

August 20, 2007

Powerboat P1 - British Grand Prix of the Sea preview

Happening on the Isle of Wight, renowned for its cultural and sporting events and entertainment, the UIM Powerboat P1 World Championship return in 2007 as the headline act of the Cowes Powerboat Festival, one of the most prestigious annual events in world powerboating. The P1 British GP of the Sea is once again set to attract tens of thousands of fans to the island's shores over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Up to 100 of Europe's finest powerboats will descend upon Cowes for the festival, which includes the historic 'Round the Island Challenge', guaranteeing spectacular action and entertainment on and off the water. Cowes has a rich nautical heritage and its ability to host major marine events is demonstrated each year when the Cowes Regatta and Powerboat Festival come to town and the public and competitors mingle in the pleasant surroundings of Cowes and take in the traditional pubs, restaurants and cafes that are a feature of this historical venue.
Sail gives way to power on the Isle of Wight over the August Bank Holiday weekend when the Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea roars into life. Building upon the 47 year heritage of the Cowes Powerboat Festival, this entertainment-packed event has been extended to four days, a reflection of its growing popularity. More than 120 craft are expected to assemble in Cowes, including many of the world's top racing craft and crew, and organisers predict spectator numbers will exceed last years estimate of 70,000. The racing starts in earnest on Friday 24th following a day of testing, with the highlight of the Friday programme Round 7 of the Powerboat P1 World Championship, the P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea. The race incorporates a lap of the Island, one of the most prestigious and demanding challenges in powerboat racing with a history that dates back to 1968. Shortly after the high-powered P1 craft 'blast off' at 2pm, the competitors in the 'Round-the-Island' challenge will assemble off Cowes for one of the most popular events of the weekend. Open to all pleasure and race craft, crews race against the clock in a range of class categories following the same circuit as the P1 'muscle machines'. When last run in 2005 it attracted 36 entries from across Britain. On Saturday and Sunday racing will revert to a spectator-friendly circuit where the public can enjoy the close-up spectacular action the shores between Cowes and Thorness. A packed programme over both days includes Thundercats, International RIBs, Class 3C and V24s, a Jet Bike endurance race and the Honda 4-stroke Series comprising 150s and 225s. The headline act on Saturday 25th will be the two-race Honda 4-stroke Series, the UK's leading domestic championship, whilst on Sunday the star attraction is undoubtedly the final leg of the Powerboat P1 British Grand Prix of the Sea with 20 of the worlds finest racing boats and pilots competing for World Championship points and the glory of winning in Cowes, the 'mecca' of world powerboating.
The questions surrounding the British P1 Grand Prix is the domination of King of Shaves and Weetpunkt.com shown so far in the Evolution class. At this stage of the championship apart from the Malta race, weather has been fairly good so a change in conditions can really turn the tables in the chart standings. This might really be what the teams at the bottom of the chart are hoping for, having decided for a more sea worthy hull for there campaign.
In the Supersport production class someone will try to stop the successful Roscioli Hotels Roma who have shown a superb pace in the first half of this season. Even tough Buzzi Bullet III who won in Germany and Sun Like Beer who placed second in the same race, have shown they are not going to stay and watch Angelo Tedeschi and Fabio Magnani dominate.

August 19, 2007

New Model: Marquis 420

The Marquis 420 is the combined result of Italian Naval Architects Nuvolari-Lenard who have brought to life a combined vision of an open boat that looks amazing and is built to perfection but also provides its operator and passengers with thrilling performance. Built around Volvo's innovative IPS propulsion system the Marquis 420 will deliver an exhilarating ride at speeds expected to exceed 40 mph. The addition of the IPS Joystick allows the operator to confidently maneuver the yacht in tight quarters and while docking. The open-air salon and adjoining cockpit is designed for maximum access to the yacht's ocean side environment. The salon entrance doors open to create one large environment combining the salon with the cockpit. The innovative transom lounge easily glides aft with a push of a button to create more than 60 square feet of cockpit space. The yacht's salon features quality treatments such as exotic African Zebrano hardwood cabinetry with Steinway® quality lacquered trim, wooden cabin sole and designer selected fixtures and appointments. The interior of the Marquis 420 compares in materials, style, fixtures and quality to the interiors of mega and super yachts that are cruising the world.
Technical Data:
Length - 12.10 m (39.6 ft)
Hull Length - 11.6 m
Beam - 4.2 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 12,701 kg estimated and loaded
Water - 530 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp, IPS600 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking pods with duoprop

August 17, 2007

New Model: Alfamarine 72

Presented as a project two years ago, the new Alfamarine 72 is the smaller sister for the successful 78, which won Best Boat between eighteen and 24 meters in the 2005 World Yachts Trophies in Cannes. Architect Andrea Bacigalupo projected this boat as an easy to use fast Sport Yacht with minimum crew needs. Interior layout calls for an innovative and functional approach for this type of yacht, for this reason the galley, in a separate area with connected dinette lunch area is situated below deck at mid-ship. Main saloon is at the main deck level and can be completely closed off with the stern door. The guest and master cabin are adjacent to the dinette while the VIP guest cabin, in order to assure privacy has a a separate entrance directly from the main saloon. Crew quarters entrance is from the external cockpit or from the engine room and a second berth is available on request. Power is from twin 1550hp Man with Arneson Surface Drives which allows a maximum speed of 43 knots. In the meantime other versions are being studied with KaMeWa water jets and more powerful engines for speeds up to 50 knots, keeping the renowned Alfamarine name for high performance yachts.
Technical Data:
Length - 22.30 m (73.1 ft)
Beam - 5.44 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 31.946 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 4.790 l
Water Capacity - 1.000 l
Engines - 2 x Man 1550hp
Propulsion - Arneson Surface Drives ASD14
Speed - max 42 knots, cruise 34 knots
Project - Arch. Andrea Bacigalupo, interiors Consuelo Izzo
Certifcation - CE A

August 16, 2007

Class 1 - Oslo Norway Scandinavian Grand Prix

Jotun 90 capsizes in the first corner of the Scandinavian GP
Spirit of Norway wins Scandinavian GP
Spirit of Norway won the Scandinavian Grand Prix, round 3 of the WPPA World Powerboat Championship, and put their world title defence back on track, with Victory 77 the championship leader’s, finishing second ahead of Qatar 96. But it was the first corner of the start lap that produced a spectacular incident, with the all Norwegian crew of Jotun, Jorn Tandberg and Christian Zaborowski, crashing out after taking evasive action to avoid hitting Qatar 95. Both pilots emerged unscathed from the incident with the boat suffering some damage. For Gjelsten and Curtis a win was essential to keep them in the title race, with the Anglo-Norwegian pairing also looking to complete the double in Oslo, after winning Saturday’s Edox Pole Position. Spirit of Norway pushed from the flag and despite a poor start, eventually won the drag-race down the straight to lead into the first corner ahead of Victory 77 and Qatar 96. And with clear water in front of them, were able to gradually build a solid lead, going on to complete a comfortable flag-to-finish win. Second place for Victory 77 keeps them 15 points clear in the race for the world title and now makes them odds on favourites to clinch the European title at the next race in Constanta, Romania. The battle for top six places behind the leading trio was headed by Victory 7, with the new partnership of Nadir Bin Hendi and Talib Al Sayed, making his Class 1 race debut, producing their second very credible performance of the weekend, finishing fourth ahead of Qatar 95, who despite seeing some improvements in the boats performance this weekend, still lacked the pace needed to match the front runners. Behind Qatar 95, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen enjoyed a second consecutive race-long battle with Foresti & Suardi but this time Spirit of Norway 20 young pairing won the battle to take their second top sixth finish of the season. But there was disappointment for VM Foresti & Suardi, heading the list of retirees, stopping on lap 11, with SeveneleveN going out on lap 7. More frustrations for Negotiator failing to make the start. Class 1 now heads to Constanta for the Romanian Grand Prix on Sunday, 2 September, where the European title will be decided, which, barring a disaster looks destined to go to Victory 77. But today’s win for Gjelsten and Curtis, posts notice to their rivals, that the defending World Champions, Spirit of Norway are back to their best and still very much in the hunt for the world title.
Race results
1. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) + 00.00,00
2. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) + 00.09,52
3. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) + 01.04,29
4. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) + 01.33,18
5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 LAP
6. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) + 1 LAP
7. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) + 2 LAP
VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Olsen (NOR) – dnf
SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) - dnf
Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – dnf
WPPA CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP – after round 3 of 8
1. Victory 77 – A Al Zafeen(UAE)/JM Sanchez (FR) – 58pts
2. Qatar 96 – H Al Thani (QAT)/M Nicolini (ITA) – 43pts
3. Victory 7 – T Al Sayed (UAE)/N B Hendi (UAE) – 40pts
4. Spirit of Norway 10 – B Gjelsten (NOR)/S Curtis (GB) – 36pts
5. Qatar 95 – A Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 20pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/G Montavoci (ITA) – 17pts
7. Spirit of Norway 20 – T Barry-Cotter (AUS)/P Nilsen (NOR) – 12pts
8. SeveneleveN 18 – T Polli (ITA)/N Giorgi (ITA) – 8pt
9= Negotiator 50 – B Eker (NOR)/C Parsonage (GB) – 4pts
9= VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli (ESP)/K Olsen (NOR) – 4pts
Jotun 90 – C Zaborowski (NOR)/J Tandberg (NOR) - 0pts
(championship points include bonus points allocated to teams running engines for two
consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

August 8, 2007

New Model: Italcraft 105 Maxidrago

PowerYacht is proud to show the new flagship of the Italcraft range of fast sports cruisers and yachts, the new 105 Maxidrago. As it's smaller sister the 95 Maxidrago, the hull of this new super yacht is developed on the Corrubia Military vessel, already delivered in 27 examples and testimony of the superb seakeeping standards to be achieved by the new flagship on a proven hull shape. The lines of this new yacht show elegance together with an aggressive sporty character. A master suite along with three spacious guest cabins leave creativity for a personalized owner interior layout. Power is provided by twin 2400hp MTU with surface drives which should give an estimated 40 knot top speed performance and 35 knots of cruising.
Technical Data
LOA - 31 m (101.7 ft)
Beam - 7.56 m
Draft - 1.15 m
Displacement - 82 t
Accommodation - 8 berths + 2 crew berths
Fuel Capacity - 10000 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Engines - 2 x 2400 HP MTU
Propulsion - surface drives
Speed - 40 knots max, 35 knots cruising (estimated)
Project - Caputi

August 6, 2007

Project: Azimut 58

Azimut 58 is the latest project from the world famous Italian boat builder. To be presented Autumn, this new model continues the style Righini introduced with the 43 and 47 in the last two years, creating a more aggressive sporty look outside with the usual workable function of his designs. Interior architect Galeazzi should also continue the theme shown in the latest introduced models with a clean modern approach. This new model features plenty of space outside, on the flybridge and in the aft deck. The inside layout features three cabins with two heads, with the usual Azimut full width mid-ship cabin. Power comes from twin 800hp MAN R6 diesels which should give an estimated top speed of 32 knots.

August 4, 2007

New Model: Absolute 52

Poweryacht is proud, to be among the first showing the pictures for the Absolute 52, the new model from the young but highly successful Italian builder founded in 2002. This Absolute 52 should be among the most successful fifteen metre hard top model in the coming months, due to a superb 3 cabin 3 head interior arrangement and a very economic performance thanks to Volvo revolutionary IPS600 twin 435hp engines, which the builder is estimating should give 33 knots of top speed. We thank UK Absolute sole distributor OceanNautic for this first preview exclusive!
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.90 m (52.1 ft)
Length - 15.50 m
Beam - 4.65 m
Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta IPS 600 435 HP
Propulsion - Volvo IPS Pod with forward looking duoprop
Certification - CE B

August 2, 2007

Project: Riva 56 Sportfly

After announcing this new project on Poweryacht Blog in April, finally we can have some more detailed information of this new concept by Riva. The new 56 footer by Riva has a name what will be called the SportRiva 56' "sportfly", a yacht which integrates the flybridge concept with the sporty lines of an Open, whilst still maintaining Riva's inimitable style, designed by the skilful hand of Mauro Micheli together with the team at Officina Italiana Design. The new motor yacht follows what is a "Sporty glamour" philosophy and sets between the 52 and 63 feet of open models 52 Rivale and 63 Vertigo and is the first in a new line called SportRiva, whose models will be defined by their length. This new collection has been studied to satisfy the demands of owners who, while not wishing to renounce to the lines of an Open, prefer the convenience of a closed, air-conditioned upper salon, ideal for countries with a tropical clime. The sporty character, outcome of an original concept, is underlined by aggressive and gritty lines that give the boat a strongly dynamic appearance which, together with a number of highly innovative solutions, such as the wide external living area and the central stairway providing easy access to the fly makes this yacht a true jewel of modern design. Her style, luxury, the valuable materials used and painstaking care taken over detail balance out the "futuristic" attributes. This results in a yacht, like all the shipyard's models that exudes the taste of Riva's many year tradition, and her beauty is destined to last.