June 30, 2010

Monthly News - June 2010

-pic of the month - Ferretti Group Designer Gianni Zuccon Awarded at Satec

Azimut Benetti Group Fourth Yachting Gala

Azimut-Benetti Group goes to Cannes for the fourth Yachting Gala, the most exclusive and prestigious private boat show. 25 boats from the three Group brands; Azimut Yachts, Atlantis and Benetti available for the one thousand plus guests arriving from all over the world, both for sea-going trials and an exclusive cruise to the Lérins Islands. During this unique event Azimut also presented the first preview of the new Azimut 64. After Varazze and Viareggio, Azimut-Benetti Group has chosen the international charm of the Cote d'Azur for the fourth Yachting Gala, the now traditional event that attracts over one thousand visitors from every corner of the world, every year. They're drawn by the amazing opportunity to take part in a real private boat show: two days jam-packed with surprises and events. This year, the event programme was inspired by the atmosphere of the most exclusive yachting clubs: dream boats on course for islands set in crystal-clear waters, elegant breakfasts on the beach, candle-lit dinners just a stone's throw from the sea. Additionally there will be a gala evening with night-time yacht parade, a Gloria Gaynor concert and, as a finale, a dance party right on the beach. It's in this wonderful context that the company has chosen to present its latest addition: the Azimut 64, a yacht over 20 metres in length, the natural successor to the Azimut 62, a model that has had unprecedented sales success, with 200 sold across the world. The Azimut 64, probably the most complete flybridge in its category, is distinguished by its stylistic innovation, exceptional safety levels and excellent sailing qualities. In Port Canto, the guests of the Yachting Gala, which this year sees a significant number of visitors from Brazil, the emerging luxury boat target market, had a fleet of 25 boats at their disposal for visits and sea-going trials. There was also a romantic cruise towards the Lérins Islands just off the coast, where a visit was planned to the famous Cistercian monastery of Notre Dame de Lérins. The luxurious, exclusive atmosphere of this year's Yachting Gala was further enhanced by the top level partners who have chosen to contribute to the success of the event: BMW; Damiani; Lavazza; Montblanc; La Perla; Pratesi; Wills, the luxury car hire firm; artists Serge Van de Put and Rodolfo Viola; Foglizzo, creator of luxury leather furniture; Cantine Scrimaglio; haute couture stylist Marco Contiello; MTU, manufacturer of advanced diesel engines and the Private Banking division of Intesa Sanpaolo. Azimut-Benetti is the leading and most prestigious builder of mega yachts in the world. The Group, which owns the prestigious brands Azimut Yachts, Benetti and Atlantis (each targeting a specific area of the nautical market) as well as Fraser Yachts, a leading brand in the services sector, operates in 67 countries worldwide via a sales network of 138 offices.


Carver Receive State Loan

The state of Wisconsin said it would loan Carver and Marquis Yachts up to US$1.5m to help create 315 jobs at its facility in Pulaski, Wisconsin. The facility currently has 275 workers. Former Genmar brands Carver and Marquis were acquired by J&D LLC during the Genmar bankruptcy assets sale. Former Genmar chairman Irwin Jacobs and John Paul DeJoria are the principals in that company. Jacobs told the paper that he is optimistic that the company will grow beyond the 315 employees. Pulaski Village president Keith Chambers argued against the loan because of the Genmar bankruptcy proceedings. Jacobs said he was "hopeful" he could pay many of the suppliers back by doing business with them.


Chris-Craft Search for Swimsuit Model

Chris-Craft and Boating Magazine is looking for the next Swimsuit Model. This new fun initiative by the pleasure boat inventor gives the chance to take part in a professional photo shoot on a beautiful Chris-Craft boat in Southwest Florida, and also be featured in a national magazine, on the web, and on a calendar. The winner will also get the chance to join Chris-Craft at the Fort Lauderderdale Boat Show to sign autographs on her calendar page.


Fairline New Welsh Dealer

Fairline Boats has appointed Blue Water Marine as its official dealer in Wales and the North of England. Trading as Fairline Wales, the company will offer sales and after sales services, including boat maintenance and park and launch from its Hafan Pwllheli Marina location in North Wales. Blue Water Marine also runs an on-site chandlery and parts department. The company has been in operation for 15 years and recently announced plans to expand its existing showroom to include additional sales offices and an all-new customer lounge.


Ferretti Group Designer Gianni Zuccon Awarded Yacht Pioneer 2010

In the frame of UCINA – SATEC’s annual meeting held in Genoa the 28th and 29th of May, the “Boating Pioneer 2010” award was awarded to Gianni Zuccon, well known designer of many and famous yachts. UCINA, the association of Italian yacht and pleasure boat builders, presents this annual award to an individual within the recreational boating and yachting sector for their leadership and contribution to the global growth and development. Gianni Zuccon’s awarded was accompanied by the following quote from UCINA: Giovanni Zuccon was born in Rome in 1944. In 1984 with the wife, the designer Paola Galeazzi, he founded the Zuccon International Project, industrial and yacht design company. Since then he has been working with the best Italian shipyards. He has been awarded prestigious prizes in Italy and abroad for his career in the yachting sector and for his important role as professor who, every day, transmits the love for yachting to future ship designers. Giovanni Zuccon, an architect and designer, is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at the Faculty of Architecture "Ludovico Quaroni" of the University of Rome “La Sapienza”. His professional activities are focused mainly on planning and designing industrial products for the yachting and transport industries. For almost thirty years he has been designing the superstructures, compartments and interior furnishing of yachts for pleasure boating (both custom and for industrial production). In 1976 he started working in the Posillipo shipyards in Sabaudia and later moved to the Baglietto shipyards in Varazze. He has been working with the Ferretti Group since 1990, designing models for the Ferretti Yachts, Custom Line, CRN, Bertram and Mochi Craft shipyards and with the Apreamare shipyard. In the past few years his career and projects have earned him important awards in Italy and abroad. He is also a professional architect working in the field of civil architecture for the service sector and for support facilities.

Ferretti Group Presents Yacht Squad

TheFerretti Group a world leader within the sphere of the design, construction and sale of motoryachts, with a unique portfolio of some of the most prestigious, most exclusive brands in the nautical world, presents the innovative Yacht Squad project. Said project has been established through the working relationship between Everything Marine, the well-known Venetian company providing yacht with provisions and supplies, and the CRN and Ferretti Custom Line brands. Devised to satisfy the requirements of the most demanding Owners, Yacht Squad guarantees a top quality service, ranging from catering to sourcing a particular gastronomic product, from supplying specific furnishings for interiors and/or exteriors to sourcing a cashmere counterpane or latex pillow, from china crockery to silver cutlery, flowers to candles, personalized bathrobes to lamps. Each and every wish an Owner may have can be satisfied by the team of Yacht Squad professionals, and all parts of the yacht can be personalised, including salons, the galley, cabins, the gym, heads, external deck and swimming-platform. The painstaking attention Yacht Squad pays to Clients continues over the years, with an assistance service covering all the products supplied. Said service has the incomparable advantage of being offered by a single supplier, one who knows CRN and Ferretti Custom Line yachts perfectly, and can guarantee excellent levels of quality regards both its work and its staff. The Yacht Squad project, which combines, the quality and expertise of CRN and Ferretti Custom Line, two of the most prestigious brands on the international nautical scene, with the professionalism and creativeness of Everything Marine, is presented to Clients during the stage in which the yacht is personalised, in order to integrate onboard supplies and accessories even before the yacht is effectively used. Owners are subsequently provided with a manual, containing the answers to all the requirements which may arise when they are actually using the yacht or ship. Information includes how to restock the supplies necessary for life onboard, for example, that of the owners and crew and, of course, the yacht itself . Besides this, Everything Marine staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Ferretti Group has chosen to offer CRN and Ferretti Custom Line Clients a five star service, one which has been added to the Group’s already extensive range.


Jarrett Bay Line Up at Big Rock Pig Pickin

Jarrett Bay is co-hosted the Pig Pickin’ on Sunday, June 13th at Jaycee Park. Great food by McCall’s was offered and tours on the latest Jarrett Bay 64, and the 34 semi production model. From the Big Rock festival onwards to the end of this month Jarrett Bay also offered the following discounts 10% for haul outs, 20% for labour, 20% on Jarrett Bay apparel, and big savings on docking and fuel.


Heesen Yachts Receives 2 Neptunes at 2010 World Super Yacht Awards

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce that on May 22nd in London’s Guildhall their yachts Celestial Hope and Blind Date were each awarded with a Neptune trophy, the highest recognition a yacht builder could hope to receive. The 47-metre Heesen, Celestial Hope wins the ‘Semi-displacement or Planing Motor Yacht of over 40-metre Length’ category. The 46,7-metre Heesen Blind Date takes the prize for ‘Displacement Motor Yacht Below 500 Gross Tons’.

Heesen Signs Two Contracts in One Week

Heesen Yachts proudly announce the sale of two contracts: a 50-metre fully custom semi-displacement motor yacht and a 47-metre full displacement motor yacht, hull number seven for this semi custom line. These are the third and the fourth contracts to be signed at Heesen since the beginning of 2010. Heesen’s order book now consists of fourteen yachts currently in construction, which will be delivered to their owners by the end of 2013. These figures confirm the strength and financial reliability of this world-renowned company.


Princess New Morocco Distributor

Princess has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for Morocco with Akwalys International, operating under the commercial title Princess Yachts Maroc. Akwalys is based in Mohammedia on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Plans are underway for a showroom in the Moroccan capital Rabat and for another on Morocco's Mediterranean coast. Managing director Frédéric Chauvin and marketing director Philippe Bouis manage Akwalys International.


Riviera Exits Administration

Riviera has received written notification on Friday June 25, 2010 from the company’s Deed Administrators that the Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) established in conjunction with Riviera’s creditors on January 22 this year has now been completed and thus Riviera has now officially exited from Administration. Following the withdrawal of the business for sale previously announced on April 9, 2010 and the finalisation of the administration, Management and the Receivers are now planning Rivieras’ exit from receivership later this year. Under the terms of the DOCA, all current and former employees have received all of their unpaid wages, superannuation, annual leave and any relevant redundancy payments. Current Riviera employee’s entitlements will continue to accrue and be available to those employees in the ordinary course of business. Unsecured creditors have also received a dividend payment under the terms of the DOCA. The payments to employees and unsecured creditors have effectively cleared all pre-administration appointment unsecured claims against the company enabling it now to trade in its own right, outside of the formal administration process. This move also paves the way for the business to prepare to exit Receivership.

Riviera Praises Staff

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder commended the efforts and commitment of its entire workforce during the 2010 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show by treating them to a spit roast lunch yesterday. About 300 staff celebrated at the company’s Coomera manufacturing facility after taking a tour of the newly released 43 Open Flybridge and receiving an update briefing from the company’s Chief Executive Officer on the business’s recent successes at the boat show. Riviera CEO John Anderson said so many staff had given their all in the lead-up to the show -finishing boats, completing the new 43 Open Flybridge and physically preparing the company’s massive 12 boat display that their efforts deserved special recognition.

Riviera to Excite at Sydney Boat Show

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder will showcase for the first time in Sydney, the much anticipated new 43 Open Flybridge and will announce the company’s next exciting new model at the Sydney International Boat Show starting on July 29. Hard on the heels of the successful launch of the 43, Riviera is about its next model release which will be announced at the Sydney International Boat Show. Riviera CEO John Anderson said Riviera’s latest models had been well received and the market eagerly anticipates what our next new model will be. Veteran blue water sailor and Melbourne businessman, Ian Reynolds will be the guest of honour at the Riviera display with his 56 Enclosed Flybridge, Investigator IV, the vessel he used to circumnavigate Australia, which will be on display and open for inspection. You will have the chance to meet Ian and discuss with him his voyages and learn from his immense experience. Mr Reynolds, at the age of 79 embarked on the challenging task of circumnavigating ustralia, some 9,000 miles, clockwise from the Gold Coast returning home in October 2008.


Sea Ray Aquapalozza Final Line Up

Sea Ray Boats has released the final lineup of musical acts to perform at the AquaPalooza 2010 Signature Event, which is scheduled for Saturday, July 10, at The Reserve at Lake Travis near Austin, Texas. As announced previously, the event, hosted by Sea Ray and its local dealer Sail and Ski Center, will have Brad Paisley headlining in front of a crowd of thousands of concert-goers on boats. The opening acts will begin at noon on Saturday and will continue until Paisley takes the stage at 5 p.m. Following is the list of performers in order of appearance: AquaPalooza Battle of the Bands Winner, Matt Stillwell, Joanna Smith, Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, and Brad Paisley. Lake Travis is located in the beautiful Texas hill country, a short drive from both Austin and San Antonio. Lake Travis is a gem among Texas lakes, with approximately 19,000 acres of crystal clear water and 250 miles of shoreline with countless unspoiled coves and creeks to explore. The lake offers 15 marinas and 11 public boat ramps, as well as numerous powerboat, houseboat and PWC rental facilities. The Signature Event will be held at Mile Marker 22 at The Reserve at Lake Travis, a new waterfront resort between the Pace Bend and Point Venture areas of the lake. The Reserve encompasses one of the nicest and most pristine points of land on Lake Travis, which will be perfect for an on-water event of this magnitude, Watkins explained. When completed, The Reserve’s facilities will include a world-class marina restaurant and equestrian center, making it one of the premier home and boating resort areas in the Southwest.


Sessa New Designations

Sessa turns to the future with optimism and determination with fresh ideas for the upcoming season backed by strong industrial management, as has been in place for the past two years. Having been lead for over 50 years by Raffaella Radice who has been a key asset to the yard and who has no doubt contributed in making Sessa an industry leader, today the yard is being newly reorganized, reaching for improvement and growth of our entire industry. Therefore, Raffaella, although still remaining president, will support Massimo Radice as the newly nominated CEO and Riccardo Radice as the new Vice-President. Having been Sessa Industrial and Product Director, for many years, 44 year old Massimo Radice’s role will be to create and follow up on our vision for the future, to promote development and fulfill our ambitious financial goals. The new Vice President, Riccardo Radice, will continue in his key role leading the marketing team along with be in charge of the “product style”. At the same time, he will lead the expansion of Sessa in Europe, our core market, along with be in charge of the “product style”. At the same time, he will lead the expansion of Sessa in Europe, our core market, along with new markets across the world. Our reorganization plan means that Sessa can also proudly announce the arrival of Alfredo Cofano into the group and who will lead our industrial management. Having been for many years at the renowned Riva shipyard, where he developed a precise system of industrialization, Alfredo Cofano is proud of his wealth of experience in the industrial sector at both the national and International levels. His skills and unique approach to organization mean that he is the perfect candidate to guide and push forth Sessa’s, into more competitive sectors, as was seen with last year’s launch of the flagship C68 and of the first Fly-Bridge model. The arrival of Cofano further confirms Sessa’s goal to continue with a management strategy started two years ago with the arrival of a new management team: Andrea Loro, who was previously the Commercial Director of Yamaha Motors Marine Italia; Sophie Dupuy, who comes from leading French Yacht builder, as the Communications Manager; and last year, Paolo Maggioni, as the Administrative and Financial Director, whose experience comes from working with multinationals in the industrial and media sector. 2010 also will see the launch of new products, once again highlighting the strong investment that Sessa has and continues to put into practice. This strategy remains so even during times of economic hardship, where quality and innovation still represent the key for the next few years to allow for growth and expansion. The six new products are part of Sessa Marine’s three ranges, from the Key Largo to the cruiser range with the launch of the highly successful C35’s successor as well as two new yachts of 48 and 54 feet. Our forecast for next year, starting in September at Cannes, is positive and foresees an economic growth due in part to the launch of six new models and the expansion into new markets in developing countries. In the near future, work in Catanzaro will begin to expand the production facilities. There will be an area for technical and logistic offices (400 m2) and a new plant of 2500 m2 dedicated solely to fiberglass lamination. This plant will be equipped with a pressurized painting booth for applying metallic paints, along with hi-tech technologies for infusion and vacuum laminating processes.


Sunseeker New Partner

FL Partners has bought a significant majority stake in Sunseeker International, one of the world's pre-eminent luxury motor yacht manufacturers. Sunseeker exports globally from its base in Poole in Dorset, employs over 2,300 people, and has specialised in the design and manufacture of luxury motor yachts for over forty years. Sunseeker is a world class brand and is renowned for quality, speed, style, grace, space and luxury - attributes that make Sunseeker boats instantly recognisable in any marina worldwide. FL Partners (owners of the Racing Post) together with a number of UK and Irish investors have provided £25 million of new capital to Sunseeker, whose management have also co-invested with FL. This new capital follows on from a period of significant capital investment as the Company invested £40m plus in successfully expanding its manufacturing facilities and product range in Poole to deliver yachts of up to 40m in length, with plans and capacity to expand to 50m yachts. The strength of its brand and the consistent release of innovative and exciting new models across its range has allowed the Company to continue to generate strong revenues through the downturn. Sunseeker's global brand is now supported by its youngest ever product range, leading market positions and a strong balance sheet. FL also refinanced Sunseeker's current debt with a long term package provided by Macquarie Bank and Haymarket Financial. Co-founder Robert Braithwaite remains the largest single shareholder outside of FL Partners, and will be President and non-executive Chairman of Sunseeker International (Holdings) Limited. Stewart McIntyre, currently Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed Managing Director. Joining the board with Peter Crowley and Neill Hughes of FL will be Andy Macfie of Souter Investments LLP; Souter Investments is transport magnate Brian Souter's personal investment vehicle.


Sunseeker Team Gear for Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride

A team of engineers who work on the Predator 130 are getting ready for the 38 mile cycle route on the Dorset Macmillan Bike Ride which takes place on Sunday July the 4th. The team are aiming to raise as much money as possible that will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support who improve the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support.

June 29, 2010

Improve-it = Tiara 3500 Sovran

Tiara Yachts presents a special version of its successful 3500 Sovran model with the just presented LE version. This special 3500 Sovran will feature a full optional as standard package with the words LE meaning for Limited Edition and Luxury Equipped. The LE version will add this four berth eleven metre hard top sport cruiser with a full list of standard equipment usually available as optional. You get full Raymarine electronics package, helm air conditioning, teak cabin sole, LCD television with DVD, and interior air conditioning. Power is from twin Volvo IPS400 300hp D4 engines giving a 30 knots max speed, and an optimum range of 240 nautical miles at a 28 knots cruise.

June 28, 2010

New Model: Mochi 74 Dolphin Cruiser


Mochi Craft presents the launching of the new 74 Dolphin Cruiser, replacement of the 2004 presented 74 Dolphin of which it is based on. This latest Mochi is also the new flagship of the Dolphin line and second in size to the 23M Long Range of the Adriatic sea builder part of the Ferretti Group family since 2001. Designed as all the range by one of the most renowned design studios in Europe that of Brunello Acampora Victory Studio, the 74 Dolphin Cruiser builds on the old flagship by adding a more Italian Mediterranean extended flybridge, a larger superstructure, and more space below. This last emphasized with the four double cabins all with a personal head, and bigger crew quarters aft having two cabins and three berths. Traditional looking is key for the Mochi Dolphin range although the super structure does deliver modern themes on top of the classic hull, here in blue color for hull number one. Having a Vee shaped hull with variable geometry and spray rails, which give an average of nineteen degrees dead rise the 74 Dolphin Cruiser powered by twin MAN 1550hp engines reaches top speeds of 31 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.58 m (74.1ft)
Hull Length - 22.43 m
Waterline Length - 20.18 m
Beam - 6.85 m
Displacement - 49.5 t unloaded, 57.5 loaded
Fuel Capacity - 5650 l
Water Capacity - 990 l
Accommodation - 8 guests in 4 cabins, 3 crew in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x MAN v12 1550hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Hull Shape - Vee hull variable geometry with spray rails, 19 degrees average dead rise
Construction - multi axial fiberglass
Project - Brunello Acampora Studio Victory Design, Ferretti AYT

June 27, 2010

Projects: C.Boat 27-82 Pilot, C.Boat 27-82 SC, C.Boat 35-82, C.Boat 48-82

The Sicilian Yacht builder C.Boat which launched its first model the 27-82 in 2009, continue to present more projects in order to expand its range of Super Yachts to a wider audience. The first of these new project is the 27-82 Pilot. This new C.Boat features a pilot house on the flybridge, characterized by having the control cabin moved to the fly so that the living room on the main deck expands in size. The C.Boat 27-82 SC is the third version for this designation model. The character of the SC which means Sport Cruise is for offering a larger fore deck with the flybridge reduced slightly in size to fore. A more expanded flybridge will also offer a bigger deck up top then to the standard version. The deck house will also have more vertical mirrors adding to more views from the inside. This solution also offers the biggest fly of its category.
The new C.Boat 35-82 will be designed by Jennifer Puzzo and as all the range will be a steel made yacht, with an alloy superstructure respecting this builders style in full. C.Boat continue its solid structure construction typical of work boats, or, better saying, of tugs. C.Boat 35-82 offers spaces that are unique for its category thanks to its eight meters plus of beam, and an availability of up to six guest cabins.
C.Boat the company from Palermo, Island of Sicily does not stop and expands its size to larger bigger projects with the 48-82, a 48 plus meters of length Super Yacht. Future flagship of the C. Boat range, the 48-82 model is constructed of steel and aluminum, and is born with the imprint of its designer, Mauro Corvisieri and is developed with the expert collaboration of the Inzerillo & Albeggiani office from Palermo. A mega yacht which wants to follow the made in Palermo philosophy concept of this builder. C.Boat emphasizes that the 48-82 is a true ocean-boat, designed to challenge the seas and will be classified to RINA or Lloyd's 100 A.1 standards.

June 26, 2010

New Model: Diano 31.20mt

Diana shipyard a company part of the Inrizzardi Group, has recently launched the largest boat ever built from its historical Riva Trigoso, Genoa premises. This latest Super Yacht launch is a 31.20 meters, hardwood built on an individualized custom basis as in Diano’s tradition. An epitome of Italian style, Diano latest launch is named M/Y Crowbridge and is a project with input from the La Spezia studio of Proship who continue the usual sober, elegant, contemporary and straight lines that create a tension of slender surfaces with the wide, soft curves that give dynamism and a sense of continuity to this 1980 founded yacht builder. Construction for the one hundred feet plus Crowbridge is hardwood, and mahogany marine plywood hull to superstructure. Interiors finished in cherry wood with blue leather feature details of a striking refinement showing Diano’s unique woodwork capability and tradition. The layout offers a five staterooms lower deck, including one central full beam master suite, twin guest cabins forward with aligned beds, and two guest staterooms. Each room has private facilities, air conditioning, telephone, stereo systems, and LCD television. Two crew quarters are located aft and have air conditioning, television, stereo systems, and separate facilities. Deck heads finishes are precious fabrics and white lacquered woods. The galley area features a spacious African black marble top and white teak slat flooring. Bathroom vanity tops are statuary marble. The opening aft hatch and accommodation ladder on the starboard side are also distinctive features. Power for the Diano 31.20mt is from twin MTU 2400hp giving wide open throttle speeds of 29 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 31.20 m (102.3ft)
Waterline Length - 25.69 m
Beam - 7.00 m
Draft - 2.10 m
Displacement - 105 t loaded, 88 t empty
Fuel Capacity - 11500 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation - 5 guest cabins, 2 crew cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 H93 2400hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 29 knots max, 27 knots cruise
Construction - hardwood, mahogany marine plywood
Project - Proship, Diano
www.cantierediano.com

June 25, 2010

News: H4 Marine June 2010

MARITEX BEARINGS WINNER AT SEAWORK 2010
Maritex 1-50 grade bearing material was awarded winner of the marine materials category at the innovation showcase awards, Seawork exhibition 2010. This competition is open to Seawork exhibitors who are introducing and promoting products, vessels, services or projects to their key commercial audience. Each year at the Seawork Gala Dinner, the 'Spirit of Innovation' trophy is awarded to the overall winning entry to publicly reward the very best in innovation. Maritex new material has been developed to replace white metal bearings and adds further strength to the comprehensive range of plain bearing materials. The 1-50 grade has very high levels of MoS2 to give the lowest possible dry friction properties but mechanical strength that can support high pressure loads.
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Project: Gamma 20

It is surprising that in these difficult times new brands keep coming challenging over a decade old brand or makers with a new line of yachts. The Italians have been fluent in this stream of new builders cropping up, but seeing them born in this slowing economy time is always impressive. Gamma Yachts was founded in 2008 and the Gamma 20 is the first of its projects of a four model line up which will start from a sixteen metre and go up to a one hundred feet plus Super Yacht. The Gamma 20 looks a bit like the Ken Freivokh and Bill Dixon designed Azimut 74 Magellano presented on the fall of 2009, but unlike the other Italian this project which is currently under construction will be built of steel. Design is by the Dutch Vripack who also introduce to this new model a unique more production orientated method of steel assembly called Smart Constructions which should reduce building times. Accommodation for the Gamma 20 is for a three guest cabin with aft owner suite and VIP cabin to fore, and a two berth crew quarters. Standard power is from twin Yanmar 650hp, with three other options available going up to a max of 900hp, which should give a max speed of 18 knots.

June 24, 2010

New Model: Galeon 700 Raptor Skydeck

Skydeck is the new sport flybridge version for the Galeon 700 Raptor introduced a year ago. A must request accessory which follows what designer Nuvolari Lenard offered first on the Palmer Johnson in 2002. So far the British Tony Castro designed Galeon 700 Raptor Skydeck is one of the smallest Sports Yachts which offer the combination of a second helm and a hard top. Only Sunseeker do in fact offer this option on a smaller model with the 64 Predator introduced in the fall of 2008. Clever in the design thanks to Polish genius the ladder to go for the Skydeck retracts in the extended flybridge aft becoming invisible to the eye and freeing the main deck. The 700 Raptor Skydeck offers a central helm with two J-shaped loungers sunpads to both sides. While in the project of the 700 Raptor Skydeck Castro and Galeon engineers also tweaked the original lower deck plan, now offering also a two person crew cabin with head aft, an option also offered on the standard 700 Raptor version.
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.7 m (71.3ft) Length Hull - 19.7 m
Length Waterline - 17.2 m Beam - 5.25 m
Draft - 1.16 m
Displacement - 37 t light
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1750 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Max Persons - 16
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths opt
Engines - 2 x MAN 1224hp, 1550hp optional
Speed - 34 knots max with 2 x 1224hp MAN
Design - Tony Castro
Certification - CE B

June 23, 2010

Project: Riva 33ft Aquariva by Marc Newson

In a unique collaboration, Marc Newson has partnered with Riva and their official designers, Officina Italiana Design, to reinterpret the Aquariva speed boat. 'Aquariva by Marc Newson' will be launched as a limited edition of 22 units in September 2010, available worldwide through Gagosian Gallery. Newson's design for the Aquariva vessel is unique in its conception, as well as the materials chosen. A wood-like, textile-based laminate (phenolic composite) was used for the deck area and instrument panel. This material was developed in the first half of the 20th century, and was a precursor to fibreglass. While having an ostensibly organic feel and aesthetic, it is significantly more durable than wood. To give the exterior a more high tech look, Newson utilized anodized aluminium, a material not generally associated with boats; this lightweight material is used in lieu of stainless steel and chrome brass, yet remains contextual among Riva’s glamour and classical design. Respecting the DNA of the original project created by Officina Italiana Design was paramount to Newson's design for Aquariva. With this in mind, some of the changes he makes are truly innovative: the re-imagining of the transom, the wrap-around, laminated glass windscreen, the split cabin door entry, the functionality of the lounge and dining area, and the re-introduction of separate driver and passenger seats. Aquariva by Marc Newson's simplicity and functionality are what make the boat truly extraordinary. The end product of Newson's design is an uprated Riva complete with a bow thruster and state-of-the-art electronic transmission.
www.riva-yacht.com

June 22, 2010

News: Menorquin June 2010

SLOW YACHTING CHARTER
Travel light because almost everything you could need will be on board, forget about time, or rather allow yourself a decent amount of time to fully enjoy the sea, to sail from cove to cove without any rush, to be captivated by a magnificent sunrise, to relish the first swim of the day before enjoying a lazy breakfast, to feel the sea breeze and salt on your skin. Just some of the infinite sensations Menorquin proposes for your next holiday, sailing the Menorquin way: Slow Yachting. The main ingredients needed to make this sailing holiday plan a reality start with the boat. Chartering is an ideal formula, it is important to choose the right boat for the true Slow Yachting experience; it must be comfortable, safe, and have everything to make your voyage unforgettable. Menorquin, an emblematic company with international presence and headquarters in Menorca, whose boats are distinguished by their exclusive personality, classic style and their seafaring designs inspired by the traditional Menorquin Llaüt. The shipyard offers a wide range of boats for charter from its Menorquin Yachts range, with models of between 10 and 18 metres in length, each with different capacities for both the number of people able to sail on board and the number of berths. Spaces designed for sea living and equipped with everything necessary to make life on board complete. Menorquin Charter service, which has its base in the port of Mahón, Menorca, from where you will set off to navigate the segment of Balearic coast you choose. All you have to do is describe your requirements to the Menorquin staff: how many people want to sail, whether you will be sleeping on board, how much time you will have available, and the company will take care of everything. Menorquin has its own highly qualified professional skippers at their customer’s disposal. Menorquin will also organize transport for the customer, if he wishes, and those accompanying him on this sailing adventure from Menorca airport to the port of Mahón.
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New Model: Maxi Dolphin MD53 Power

Maxi Dolphin launches a new Sport yacht the MD53 Power, what is a further evolution of the MD51, the first power yacht produced by the Italian shipyard and designed by Roberto Starkel. The high level of customization, allowed by the sophisticated construction skills of the boatyard, allowed to make significant changes to the basic MD51 Power model. The transom in the MD53 has a round shape, with a consequent two feet extension of the hull, the carbon fiber hard top features a new design, with side sliding windows, and the cockpit has a pantograph opening door. The interior layout reflects the day cruiser concept of the MD 53: one cabin, two heads and a dinette with galley. The MD 53 is a high tech Sport Yacht with a large tender feel use which stands out for the level of comfort offered in navigation and for the refined design details.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.02 m (52.5ft)
Beam - 4.26 m
Displacement - 10,500kg
Fuel Capacity - 1250 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking dual propeller pods
Construction - sandwich prepreg vacuum bagging with Corecell core
Design - Roberto Starkel
Certification - CE B
www.maxidolphin.it

June 21, 2010

Project: Marex 320 Holiday Cruiser

After the acclaim that Marex received with the 370 Aft Cabin Cruiser launched in Dusseldorf 2009, this famed Norwegian builder follows it with a smaller similar 32 feet project set to launch at the end of this year. This new project will fit in Marex current model line up between the 350 Scandinavian and 300 Sun Cruiser. Named as the 320 Holiday Cruiser this Marex Sport Cruiser will offer the intelligent ideas as featured on the 370 but in a lightly smaller package. Just as the 370 the 320 Holiday Cruiser will give you the galley social area on the main deck under the hard top, a spacious aft cabin with two berths, and a forward owners room. A single Volvo 300hp engine with in line shaft using the Seatorque system will power the new Marex 320 Holiday Cruiser to estimated top speeds of 30 knots.

June 20, 2010

New Model: Arcadia 85

A new Italian yacht builder Arcadia attacks the market with a totally modern concept where innovation is featured in every aspect of the design for this Super Sport Yacht which also gets to confusion where to categorize it. You can call it sports for its lack of flybridge and large open spaces, or explorer for its green attitude and semi planning hull, or may be the Arcadia 85 which is the first of a three model line up is just a way of expressing modern design and cross over styles taking it much further then the others do. The Arcadia 85 will also offer more spaces then conventional similar sized yachts: it can be configured in a five or four cabin layout below, and if desired can also have a day head on the main deck. The galley, dining area are all on the main deck, while the innovative helm is located to the fore peak of the living area. Not to forget that the aft deck of the Arcadia 85 is as spacious as ever and may be not even a yacht double its size offers as much space in this area. Power for the Arcadia 85 is from twin MAN 720hp engines, and other smart intelligent ideas are a good number of solar panels which recharge the batteries, and zero speed stabilization by Rodriguez Marine.
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.90 m (84.9ft)
Hull Length - 23.97 m
Beam - 7.15 m
Draft - 1.65 m
Displacement - 55 t
Fuel Capacity - 8000 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Engines - 2 x MAN R6 720hp
Hull - NPL Series semi planning hull
Project - Guida Engineering, 3f Technologies
www.arcadiayachts.com

June 19, 2010

Web: Hunton New Web Site

British Hunton Powerboats presents its new virtual showroom following its ownership change by Arkle Partners LLP as January of this year. Hunton Powerboats was founded by Jeff Hunton in 1979 trough passion and dedication on the race course. A boat enthusiast Jeff Hunton started his work experience as an engineering apprentice, and moved on to head of systems and design with Hi-Flex International in the 1960s. In 1975 he enters boat racing, and in his first full season he becomes UK Offshore Boating Association Champion in Class II with a Levi designed hull, which he stripped, re-decked, and completely refitted himself. With this success comes confidence and following this in 1979 Jeff starts Hunton Powerboats with the first model the 23 Gazelle, which a year later takes the crown as Cruiser Class A champion in the 1980 British Offshore Powerboat Championship. The success on the race course is followed in the eighties decade with various races win, till the sports decline in the nineties which forces Hunton for a switch of strategy but none the less a prideful one taking contracts for Royal Gibraltar Police, and the Abu Dhabi Defence Force. Today the new Hunton ownership keeps Jeff Hunton as Head of Design, Martin Paye as Head of Sales, and new recruitment Michael Moriarty as Managing director. The current Hunton line up has three models the 43 XRS flagship, 37 XRS, and the new model 1005 Rib scheduled for launch in this year fall. The company has also two further concepts at work the 38 XRS, and the Project Barracuda. Hunton's new website takes you around with the following buttons: Home, The Boats, Heritage, Press, Boat Shows, Brokerage, Agents and Distributors.
www.hunton.co.uk

June 18, 2010

Project: Sessa C35 Sport Coupe

Sessa present the project of the Sessa C35 Sport Coupe. This is Sessa third announced project out of five promised new models for the 2010 fall. A hard top sport cruiser which follows on the exterior looks of the fall 2009 introduced 38 footer with the same designation, the C35 Sport Coupe will also be the replacement for the C35 from the Cruiser Line, Sessa most successful model delivered in over five hundred units. Designer Christian Grande follows striking hard top looks as shown on the C38, in a one metre smaller size. The C35 will also have a modular interior allowing the owner to decide on the spot if desiring two separate cabins fore and aft, or one aft cabin. Great attention has also been given to the head, which should deliver more space similar to that of the C38 and will feature a separate cubicle shower. Sessa will also offer a designer version for the galley, with this option finished by renowned kitchen specialist Boffi. This galley will have a steel working top, and ivory lacquered cabinets. Power for this seven tons and a half hard top sport cruiser will be from twin Volvo 220hp up to 260hp engines propelled with economic stern drive propulsion, and easier to manoeuvre in harbour joystick control.

June 17, 2010

New Model: Princess V52



Thanks to one of our dedicated readers we feature first shots of Princess new V52. A waited model which continues the French management over haul of this renowned British marque. The new V52 is so far the smallest in the V series range to be available with today's most wanted enclosed patio door and hard top system combo on a Sports Yacht. Considering that some of the Southern Europe and Scandinavian builders offer this on ten metres boats may be the British builder is a bit late here. A bonus of the V52 is that thanks to the patio door it features three dedicated socializing saloons; aft, inside, and below. This last will be lost if one decides to go with the optional three cabins version. Hull number one pictured above was a two stateroom format, and our friend also thinks that the third cabin replacing the lower deck L-shaped sofa will be a smallish affair. Nothing new here as many sub sixteen metres full beam cabin boats do in fact have small third cabins. The other cabins are the full beam midship being the owners suite, and a VIP double to fore with a scissor function which makes it a two single berths in a beat. Below you also get a good sized nicely planned L-shaped galley. For tender stowage the V52 has a high low bathing platform aft. Power will be from twin Volvo 670hp engines which give top speeds of 35 knots. The new V52 is also proof that Princess don't wanna mess with pod propulsion, as this model was suited to the use of latest generation drives. Construction is not announced in the site although Princess have been tooling all latest new models to vacuum bagging infusion method. Considering a not so heavy thirteen tons weight this just might be the case for the new V52.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.61 m (54.6ft)
Beam - 4.45 m
Draft - 1.14 m
Displacement - 13.2 t
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 364 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 670hp
Propulsion - line shaft with integrated U-drive shaft
Speed - 35 knots max
Project - Bernard Olensnki, Princess

June 16, 2010

Project: Sunsation 36 Dominator

Sunsation powerboats present the project for the 36 Dominator which is set for launch in the coming days. Second in size from the Sunsation fleet following the 43 feet F4 model, the 36 Dominator will be available in the four formats from this US powerboat builder: S, SS, SSR, and XRT. The hull design by Tres Martin will have a 24 degrees dead rise and feature two full Vee smooth steps from mid ship onwards, an unusual small step on the bow chines, and light eleven degrees transom drop box aft. The first hull will be powered by Mercury 502s 430hp with estimated top speeds of over 90 mph. Accommodation is the usual powerboat plan with a vee shaped double to the fore peak a U-shaped settee, small galley and head.

June 15, 2010

Interview - Neil Young from H4 Marine

PowerYacht gets to chat with H4 Marine boss Neil Young. Based in the United Kingdom, Britain in Devon H4 Marine is the European dealer for three of the most innovative and efficient drive line products around, which are the Seatorque Shaft Boss System, Quickutter rope cutters, and Maritex composite bearings.
Questions PY. PowerYacht, Reply NY – Neil Young

PY. Hello Neil Young good to have you here, tell us more about H4 Marine your company and what kind of services you offer to the boater in the UK and in main land Europe?
NY – Over 4 years ago H4 Marine was set up to source and supply new technologies to boat builders, operators and users. We supply three core products to boat builders, operators and owners: The quicKutter rope/line cutter, Maritex bearings and the Seatorque shaft system. However we will be adding new products in the future so keep an eye on our website h4marine.com!

PY. Get into details about the brands you represent for Europe and the UK.
NY – QuicKutter™ started it all, and it is now proven on commercial as well as high performance vessels, as the most effective and robust debris protection cutter on the market. The RNLI have been using it for 4 years and are now removing a scissor cutter on the Severn class lifeboats to fit the quicKutter. QuicKutter is fitted as standard on all Christensen yachts, and Aqua Star 40’ and 80’ models. We have also supplied them to new Sunseeker, Hardy, Princess, Sessa and Grand Banks boats, as well as many more commercial vessels. Seatorque shaft systems came to work with H4 as the result of them looking for a cutter that would protect the seals from fishing line, without disturbing the smooth water flow achieved by putting the shaft in a tube. The Seatorque system is a complete shaft system with integral thrust bearings allowing the engine to be isolated from thrust forces. It runs the shaft in oil on needle roller and plain journal bearings. The result is more hp at the prop and a very clean water flow delivered to the prop. The user will see a quieter boat with less vibration and also lower fuel burn or engine loads at the same speeds as with a conventional drive. (Having a spinning shaft actually spins the water so that when it arrives at the P bracket it is traveling in a spiral causing some turbulence off the side of the P bracket leg.) Maritex bearings, developed in Perth by the owner of the quicKutter technology, offer a number of advantages in rudder, stern tube and stabiliser applications. For example, Maritex Aquarius is the only bearing material which resists marine growth and helps remove marine growth from the shaft. When vessels are not used for a few weeks in warm waters marine growth can leave abrasive particles which rapidly wear the bearings or shafts. You might also find Maritex bearings in superyacht crane systems where it offers low friction and a longer life whilst working at very high loads. We can machine and ship bearings 7 days a week as is often required in the commercial sector.

PY. Visiting the H4 Marine website it is easily felt a big involvement from your company and products with the professional boating world more then to the leisure one. Why is this so?
NY - I decided to target the commercial boating world with these new products first, as this is where they could really prove how effective, and more importantly how robust they were. If you have a system that is effective and easy to maintain or needs very limited maintenance when the vessel is operating for over 2000 hours a year, you know it will have no problems in a leisure boat for many years.

PY. Do you think this is a problem of cost, marketing or something else?
NY – There is something in that, however, the commercial customers provide a solid base which does not seem to be suffering any downturn, and we are slowly but surely moving into more leisure boat applications. You can expect to see more familiar names using Seatorque and Maritex over the next 12 months, either as an option or as standard fittings. And despite not having targeted the leisure boat market, we have sold several hundred quicKutters to individual owners. Part of this is due to being a supplier to the RNLI, we think.

PY. Which of the brands you represent are you most excited about?
NY – That’s a difficult question; Seatorque will be fitted to some new names in the coming months, giving the opportunity for some more good press and boat trials, which will show how efficient it is. But we are also involved with development trials for a new bearing material that could have applications in several hundred high performance ships. This is effectively a new material. We’ve recently introduced a similar material to the carbon spar makers for use as thrust and sheave bearings on very large carbon rigs for yachts over 100’.

PY. Who are the brands World wide and in Europe using Seatorque so far?
NY – So far in Europe we have Marex, which was reviewed recently by MBM, Van der Heijden a Dutch luxury steel yacht builder and Drettman. Commercially, the Port of London have ordered more pilot boats to be built by Alnmaritec with Seatorque shafts. They are also specified on another pilot boat design for Egypt that will be built in the UK. World wide we have Fleming, Dean Catamarans, Donzi yachts, Ocean yachts, Egg harbour, FandS, R and R. Many of these are US East coast builders as this is where Seatorque was developed.

PY. Which of these brands have used H4Marine knowledge to install the system?
NY – Our knowledge of vessel types and duty cycles as well as the detailed requirements of the system is there to pick up any issues that arise in the early stages. The installation itself is so simple that the standard install manual covers everything boat builders need to know. We can also draw on the experience of Peter Stolper (the inventor) who developed the system when he was building boats. He is able to give detailed technical advice on grp and aluminium construction.

PY. Considering its advantages I am still surprised to see none of the major production boat builders using this. Why do you think is this so.
NY – I think there are three reasons. Firstly, we don’t have the marketing budget of the big green engines and their pod drive options, which on paper look very attractive to customers as well as builders. Secondly, the recent downturn, which has meant a slow down in new product development, and thirdly, I honestly think that some builders want to save money in this area of the boat, as it isn’t seen much and customers have become used to the standard perception of what a smooth quiet boat is. Seatorque sets a new bench mark in terms of smooth, quiet and efficient performance.

PY. Did some of the major most renowned European or British powerboat building brands ever contacted you or expressed interest in Seatorque?
NY – Yes, they’ve also been showing a lot of interest in builders like Fleming - who had visits at Southampton boatshow from other builders looking at the installation.

PY. What efficiency ratings does a Seatorque system versus a standard line shaft drive?
NY – This is a difficult area to give figures on as it is affected by a wide range of factors. Our clearest evidence is when back to back trials were carried out on a twin 2000hp MTU set up. This showed around 5-7% reduction in fuel burn and engine loads on the same props. On the British Motor Boat Monthly test of the Marex, their figures on fuel efficiency are 25% saving over the Fairline Targa 38 at 31knots 30% saving over the Sealine SC35 at 31knots 38% saving over the Nimbus 365 Coupe at 24.5knots 50% saving over the Corvette 320 at 25knots It’s always difficult to compare different boat and drive options but these were boats MBM felt were representative in the current market against a 7 tonne 11.37m aft cabin cruiser.

PY. And versus the modern pods how do you compare?
NY – We should have some figures soon, but on paper the mechanics say we have a more efficient way to get the drive to the prop, and in terms of hydrodynamics very similar as the legs are quite thick on pods.

PY. Can Seatorque be fitted to an existent boat? And is this complicated to do?
NY – Yes we have had Seatorque retro fitted. The amount of work very much depends on the drive set up and boat design. It’s something any boat yard should be capable of doing though.

PY. How much would a system on a twin 400hp twelve meter motor boat cost?
NY – The cost is, of course, dependant on a number of factors such as length and gearbox reduction as well as hp but as a guide price a recent quote for a 14m boat with twin 575hp D9’s running 2” shafts was just over $14,000 US per boat as a one off. To a production builder fitting them as standard equipment this would be less. In a production environment there will be savings of a few thousand dollars in man hours on the shop floor. There are also savings over the warranty period as boats will not need shaft realignment or checks in this area.

PY. Are also the Maritex bearings easy to install on an existent boat?
NY – Maritex shaft bearings are a straight replacement for rubber or elastomeric shaft bearings and rudder bearings. We use a fitting system that beds the bearing on epoxy rather than press fitting it. This allows you to confirm the alignment of the carrier and stern tube. With the shaft supported you should be able to spin the bearing in the carrier on the shaft. You then simply coat the bearing in epoxy and slide in. Removal is equally simple as the type of epoxy we use softens with heat. Recent trials on some fast 56m vessels with over 6,000hp have shown noticeable reduction in noise and wear.

PY. Now tells us something more about yourself and how you happen to work in the Professional and Leisure marine industry?
NY – I trained as an Engineer back in the late 70’s in Plymouth and always had an active interest in boats and the sea, with yacht racing, windsurfing and surfing. Following a pretty good career in electronics and then telecoms - which meant I spent too much time commuting to London, Paris or Amsterdam, I took some time out and sailed my own yacht on the Atlantic circuit for a couple of years. I had considered running charters and putting my feet up somewhere hot, but I missed working with technology and new innovations (I was involved with some of the latest telecoms technology around 2000 as H4 consulting). So with all that time on my hands exploring new anchorages and covering many ocean miles I started looking for some new developments that were genuinely different, but most importantly were needed, and worked. I discovered the quicKutter™ shaft line/rope cutter and immediately bought one and set up a test rig. The cutter worked and had many advantages over the existing approach to the problem of debris caught by props. This was what started H4 and we have since added Maritex and Seatorque to our product range.

PY. What events does H4 Marine participate and how can one contact your company?
NY – We attend Seaworks in Southampton, which is in June. This year it starts today the 15 June and goes till after tommorow the 17th. You will find us on the quay side at Q6. We also attend METS in Amsterdam.
Email or phone sales@h4marine.com +44(0)1822 852466. Email any urgent requirements as these are picked up or forwarded 7 days a week.
Thank you for your time Neil and best of luck with spreading the message of your unique propulsion products.
www.h4marine.com

June 14, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Endurance Race Round 4


Calm Mediterranean sea and a misty sky was the backdrop for Malta's second Grand Prix race, which despite the not so difficult conditions saw four boats retire one of these with a terrible accident at 90 mph, and two which did not make it to the course. This means that the Endurance race followed its title, challenging the ultra fast powerboats and the drivers to extreme testing. A spectacular accident at 90 mph involved 17 Spirit of Belgium from Super Sport Class throwing driver Patrick Huybreghs over one hundred feet away from his cockpit. The fourth round of the Grand Prix of the Sea series ended with two teams in the respective class take a good leadership for the 2010 title. Next Grand Prix in a months time, starting on 9th July in Poltu Quatu in Sardinia, Italy.
Evolution
The 53 Metamarine Forest&Sguardi finally managed to clinch the Malta Grand Prix placing first in the Sunday Round 4 Endurance race. The Adriatic diesel powered mono hull made a brilliant start and continued its leadership to the end. Metamarine driver Marco Pennesi surely leaves the Island with a fantastic reminder then to last years accident during sea trial. In the sixth lap a fast 88 SNAV-Kiton was getting closer to the Italian mono hull before the Outerlimits SV43 had to retire. This was a weekend to forget for the OSG team, which started well by taking Powerpole on Friday, but ended in no points for the 2009 Champion. Second place for 66 Cranefields Wine who made well to hang out in the last parts of the race. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ended the race in a third place which was not so bad considering they broke a shaft in the last three laps and had to limp it in to get some points. Saturdays winner 33 Furnibo who where assisted for the Malta Grand Prix with 2007 and 2008 Champion Craig Wilson retired past the middle of the race. At this time the Belgian team where placed second and at about 45 seconds distance from the leaders. Another no race day for 47 Silverline and the new Fountain 43 feet Silverline engined boat. During the morning sea trials the boat looked running quite well, before stopping and going in harbour at a slow pace.
Supersport
The 90 mph speed limit class had important chapters for race four of the 2010 season which are the leadership from start to finish of 38 Baia Attolini, the good recovery of 26 Team 26, the dominion of the Donzi 38ZF hull, and a terrible accident by Spirit of Beglium. Team 26 rounded the first mark in fourth place, but ended the last three laps with a tight nerving battle against the other older Donzi 38 of 38 Baia Attolini. Baia Attolini won the race with only a two seconds lead showing again the good defending skills from the Italian team. Both Donzi teams actually deserve the admiration, 38 Baia for defending its first place from the attacks of Team 26, and the British team for making it up to the second spot. Third place for 43 Seagull Chaudron which saw the Maltese built Supersport 2009 Champion boat taste back some of its past glory, and take second overall for the Malta Grand Prix. Fourth for 22 Big Sergio which had a replacement driver in Benjamin Van Riet part of the 2B1 Racing Team after the SV40 Outerlimits spun out on Saturday leaving helmsman Alfredo Amato injured. Benjamin Van Riet competed in the 2008 championship in Supersport Class with the Chaurdon 33 Spirit of Portomaso. Retirement for 17 Spirit of Belgium on the eleventh lap, and 81 Karelpiu on the ninth. Spirit of Belgium had a terrible 90 mph accident which saw throttleman Patrick Huybreghts fly hundred feet in the air, while the Italian Karelpiu Fountain winner of Saturdays race reached an impressive third from last before retiring. Same fate to Saturday for the o6 Jolly Drive Italian built diesel powerboat, which did not make it to the race course.
EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 17 laps 59:44,00
2. 66 Cranefields Wine = 1:02:04,00 -1 lap
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:01,09 -4 laps
4. 33 Furnibo = RET 11 laps
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 6 laps
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 38 Baia Attolini = 16 laps 01:02:05,00
2. 26 Team 26 = 01:02:07.07
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 01:02:51,41
4. 22 Big Sergio = 01:03:00,49
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium = RET 11 laps
6. 81 Karelpiu = RET 9 laps
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
2010 Championship After Round 4
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL (incl engine bonus 5 pts)
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 16 + 20 = 74 (2 bonus)
2. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 53 (1bonus)
3. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 45 (1 bonus)
4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7 + 16 = 35 (1 bonus)
5. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandiavian Offshore Challenge ~ 12 + 12 = 29 (1 bonus)
6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0 + 0 = 0
7. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0 + 0 = 0
SUPERSPORT:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Round 3 + Round 4 = TOTAL
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 7 + 20 = 77 (2 bonus)
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 16 + 0 = 49 (1 bonus)
3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 6 + 7 = 44 (2 bonus)
4. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 12 + 12 = 42 (1 bonus)
5. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 20 + 0 = 32 (0 bonus)
6. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 5 + 16 = 21 (0 bonus)
7. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 0 + 0 = 18 (1 bonus)

June 13, 2010

Projects: Filippetti 30 Navetta, Filippetti 980 Evo, Filippetti 26 Navetta

Italy's Filippetti Yacht challenges the market with three important new projects all of a 24 metre plus Super Yacht size. Two of the projects also represent the new Navetta range with full displacement hulls from Filippetti. Pictured above is the largest of these projects the 30 Navetta. Little details are so far given accept for the fact that it is a design from Italian architect Pietro Mingarelli. The 30 Navetta is also the latest project by Filippetti Yacht and will have a five guest cabins accommodation plan. It will be powered by twin Cat 1.450 horsepower engines. The Filippetti 980 Evo is a further evolution of the Biarritz model from the Evo Marine brand. Evo Marine has now been acquired by Filippetti. The 980 is a 29 meter Super Yacht designed by Fulvio De Simoni who presented a two and a half deck layout with options of a main deck reserved for entertainment with four cabins below. Alternative a five cabin version is available with the owners master stateroom moving to the fore part of the main deck. Power will be from twin 2435hp MTU engines with line shafts giving 28 knots of speed. A more powerful jet propulsion version will be available. Construction will be to RINA cross of Malta class.
The 26 Navetta is the smallest of this new range from Filippetti Yacht and will be a four guest cabin full displacement Super Yacht. The owners master stateroom will be a main deck affair. Power will be from twin Cats 1015hp engines. which will give a 14 knots wide open throttle, and a 12 knots cruise. Range will be a 2500 nautical miles at an economical cruise. Construction will be in fiberglass to RINA CE A standard.

June 12, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Sprint Race Round 3


Light Seas, leadership from start to finish, and three rudder fins damages characterized the first race of two for the Malta Grand Prix. The Round Three race was also characterized by a dominant run by two Fountain Powerboats in both the Evolution and Supersport classes.
Evolution
The no limits class saw a dominant performance display by the Fountain of Belgium Team 2B1 33 Furnibo. which lead the race from start to finish. Second place for 60 Metamarine who started last of the Evolution group but where quickly third on the first run, and second half way on lap 2. Just when the 60 Metamarine surpassed the 2009 Champion 88 SNAV-Kiton the Outerlimts SV43 made a spectacular spin out, and had to retire after this. While the 88 SNAV-Kiton is normal to spinning the case for today's was a hit to a hard object as both drives had the rudder fins cut off. In the middle of the race the Metamarine boat seemed closing the gap on Furnibo with the loss reduced to only ten seconds. But the leading team sprang its throttles again to dominate the race and end with an advantage of over one minute. Good race and first points for the new Vector 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Challenge which placed a podium important third. Fourth place for 66 Cranefields Wine what was a very good run today for the German team and boat. The Fountain 47 Silverline made it to the course just in time, but just at the starting run had to abandon racing hopes due to engine problem.
Supersport
The new Italian team RG87, 81 Karelpiu made another display of leadership from start to finish in the limit class what was another Fountain boat dominant performance. Second place for 17 Spirit of Belgium. Third place for a reborn 43 Seagull Chaudron which made all remember that this is a Supersport champion hull for three years in a row. 43 Seagull rounded the first turn in fourth, but overtook 38 Baia Attolini after the first mark in dirty water which gave the Ukrainian team Malta boat a deserved third place podium finish. Fourth place for 38 Baia Attolini which made the last part of the Sprint race defending itself from the Outerlimits 22 Big Sergio which ultimately finished fifth wth a less to four seconds gap. A slow and disappointing run for the Donzi of 26 Team 26, which like the SNAV-Kiton from the Evolution Class was the expense of a damaged rudder to the port side Arneson surface drive. 06 Jolly Drive the diesel powered Albatro boat tried to make it to the course in the last minutes but did not manage to start the race.
EVOLUTION CLASS
1. 33 Furnibo = 11 laps 37:25,68
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi = 38:27,06
3. 77 Lucas Oil Scaninavian Offshore Challenge = 40:06,98
4. 66 Cranefield Wine = 52:34,70
5. 88 SNAV-Kiton = RET 1 lap
- 47 Silverline = RET 0 laps
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
SUPERSPORT CLASS
1. 81 Karelpiu = 10 laps 38:46,82
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 39:20,86
3. 44 Seagull Chaudron = 40:00,71
4. 38 Baia Attolini = 40:26,73
5. 22 Big Sergio = 40:30,62
6. 26 Team 26 = 39:08,59 -1 lap
- 06 Jolly Drive = DNS
www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 2 of 3

Second day in Malta and the obligatory official practice has just concluded. By view alone I would say the speeds are very much in line with yesterdays Powerpole. The speeds are similar to last year although I still think the margins that Cigarette Smash Poker, and the Outerlimits Lucas Oil where reaching had an extra number. Conditions are calm although they are not the flat sea we had in last years race. Forecast is for a moderate Force 3 to 4 SE. Race time is 1700 CET time.
SNAV-Kiton showed good speed this morning, and Furnibo was very close behind it. Metamarine looked lightly slower of the first two. Lucas Oil looked faster to the Searex boat, and Silverline which did the test was also performing well before going back to the pits what looked like on one engine. We hope Silverline will manage to fix the bugs and race later on. I think now it is official that the 55 Ukrainian Spirit team will not complete the full engine change, so no Malta GPS for the new Evolution contender.
In Super Sport class I was impressed by the yellow Fountain Karelpiu, which looked among the faster boats in the trials, along with the Al and Al Outerlimits boats. Nor-Tech and Baia Atollini also looked performing well, as was the diesel powered Jolly Drive. The Seagull Chaudron looked slow again, and I wonder what happened to this so well performing boat who is the 2009 Champion.

June 11, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Powerpole


A sunny sky, hot weather and a light South East breeze was the recipe of today's day one of three from the Malta Grand Prix. The Powerpole held in Marsamxett harbour was truly a spectacular affair for viewers.
EVOLUTION
The no limits class had two boats missing in the pits the Outerlimits Carconnex, and Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit. Silverline on the other hand did not make it to the Powerpole lap, altough the #47 did do the official practice in a sort of suffering, two hours before the timed lap. 88 SNAV-Kiton confirms its leadership taking the Powerpole with a third of a second advantage on second placed Furnibo. Five seconds distance for the diesel powered Metamarine, which was followed in fourth place by an improving performance from the German Cranefields Wine. Last position from the competing boats for the still disappointing 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge.
SUPER SPORT
The 90 mph limited class again showed the potential of Team 26 who took Powerpole with a one second advantage from the always more promising Spirit of Belgium. Third place with three seconds away for Yalta Grand Prix winner 38 Baia Attolini. The new Outerlimits of Big Sergio placed fourth, with only a distance of .2 of a second from the Fountain of Italian team Karelpiu. Sixth place for the diesel Jolly Drive. While the 2009 Champion 43 Seagull Chaudron continues its run in negative waters placing last with an eleven seconds deficit from the first place.
Evolution Results:
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 01:45,99
2. 33 Furnibo = 01:46,35
3. 60 Metamarine = 01:50,87
4. 66 Cranefields Wine = 01:51,58
5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 01:52,53
- 47 Silverline = DNS
- 55 Ukrainian Spirit = DNS
- 01 Carconnex = DNS
Super Sport Results:
1. 26 Team 26 = 02:04,92
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium = 02:05,94
3. 38 Baia Attolini = 02:07,92
4. 22 Big Sergio = 02:09,28
5. 81 Karelpiu = 02:09,30
6. 06 Jolly Drive = 02:10,16
7. 43 Seagull Chaudron = 02:16,58
www.grandprixofthesea.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 1 of 3

Today around the Globe is all about the opening of the World Cup of Football, but for us Powerboats fans the attention turns into the second Grand Prix of the season, the classic round of Malta. Yesterday while at sea I had a glimpse of the Vector Powerboat Lucas Oil Evolution Ilmor powered sea trialling in force four seas with four feet wave height and ESE direction. Forecasts are for a Force 5 with Easterly direction. So it seems the rough sea Classic will keep its usual characteristics again this year. All participants are present in Malta in the pits minus the two Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit boats from the Evolution and Supersport Class. Powerpole is scheduled at 1800. Testing is for 1030 - 1200 and official testing from 1500 to 1600. Updates coming later on. You can also join other Powerboat GPS fans on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115197361850528
www.grandprixofthesea.com

June 10, 2010

INBUILD ~ Galeon 385 HT Part 1 of 7

Galeon has five lined new models for this years fall and this means a hard pick choosing which to dedicate for the special INBUILD section. Apart the important new flagship 780 Crystal which we are following, now you will also see construction updates for the 385 HT model. Designed by British Tony Castro the 385 HT will be an important new model for Galeon and those who are looking for the perfect eleven metres sport cruiser, offering a hard top, flush main deck, and a two cabins two head interior plan. Only the Sessa C38 released in the fall of 2009 which is the first of this latest generation eleven metres can combine these amenities. Picture above is the tooling of the mould of the 385 HT hull, here being shown in its refined stages. Worth to note that unlike some other builders Galeon produces all the tooling in house. While this can be of little importance to the end product, it is to the manufacturer which makes things easy if updating and improving a model will be needed in the near future.

June 9, 2010

Improve-it = Sabre 40 Sedan

Sabre launches the first with flybridge option of the 2008 presented 40 Sedan model. Originally a traditional hardtop down east cruiser with patio door saloon, Sabre present a flybridge option for those who like to helm from up top. On standard form the 40 Sedan is already an all year cruiser, but the flybridge option does give more to it in nice weather. The flybridge of the 40 Sedan has an L-shaped settee to port side, and a single person helm station to starboard. The ladder for going up to the flybridge is located to starboard, and for this you loose the mezzanine settee lying on this side versus the standard hardtop version. You still get a mezzanine settee to port side. For the rest this new flybridge option keeps the plan of the standard 40 Sedan with its two cabins, single shower head interior, and twin Cummins 380hp powered with Zeus pods giving it a 31 knots top speed.

June 8, 2010

Project: Fairline 50 Squadron

Fairline is adding to the latest generation Squadron range with the introduction of a fifty feet model, scheduled for launch during summer 2011. A cleverly designed interior layout arrangement, with three cabins, three en-suite and no full beam owners cabin characterizes the 50 Squadron living space. A fore master cabin provides sizable accommodation that would normally be expected on a sixty feet yacht. This cabin includes panoramic hull windows and overhead glazing which natural light the room, further contributing to the feeling of spaciousness. The two guest cabins each feature their own en-suite with full sized shower. An optional fourth-crew cabin with feature window is also available aft, with easy access from the cockpit. Fairline's design trend towards spacious and light-filled living areas continues into the large saloon with its huge panoramic windows, available with optional powered opening section. Offering a new layout arrangement from Fairline, the galley has been positioned aft in the saloon, allowing easy access for Al fresco dining in the sociable cockpit area. The glass patio door features an optional opening window ideal for serving guests in the cockpit. A class leading flybridge which is a symbol of Fairlines last decade models continues the larger than previously seen on a boat of this size, providing plentiful areas for entertaining and relaxing. The upper helm position has been located port side to enable an even clearer view of the rear platform when mooring. Other key features of the Squadron 50 include the innovative, patent-pending, concealed mechanised tender launch option at the stern platform for either a Williams 285 or 325 Jet RIB. Since the first 62 Squadron was launched in 1991 the passion to offer an exceptional level of luxury continues today with the latest generation flybridge models from this range, which provide sophisticated and spacious living areas. The development of the 50 Squadron follows the success of the award-winning 55 and 65 Squadrons, which were introduced to great acclaim in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

June 7, 2010

Powerboat GPS - Malta Preview

The Malta Grand Prix is in its sixth year running having started to take part in the Powerboat P1 renamed as GPS for this year since 2004. This has made the making of a classic for the central Mediterranean event, and be it for the exception of last year race, was always performed in rough seas. The drivers call the Malta Grand Prix as the Rough Sea Classic.
This years event will start on Thursday 10 June, and will continue up to the 13th. Some important changes are in place for this year event and that is for the position of the pits, which will be in the tourist mecca city of Sliema, looking to the West of capital city Valletta. The Powerpole which is to be held on Friday will also be taking part in a different area being run for the first time on Marsamxett Harbour, the West side of Valletta. The races which will be held on Saturday for Round Three Sprint Race, and Sunday Round Four Endurance show a similar course to that of last year.
The Malta Grand Prix is a favorite with 2006 and 2009 Evolution Champion OSG Racing Team Giancarlo Ciangiano, who won three Malta Grand Prix from 2007 till 2009. It is also the home race for Arron Ciantar and the Chaudron Powerboats stable. Ciantar won the Malta Grand Prix for the Super Sport class in the very rough 2008, and in last year flat calm editions.
EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points
1. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 40
A good start for 2009 Championship, although they did spun too much on Round 1.
2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 28
The diesel boat showed power and nearly won a race. Fast more then to 2008.
3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 28
Took Powerpole and with a bit of luck placed well. New faster props for Malta.
4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7
Looked out propped on the Saturday race. Still managed some points!
5. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0
Showed potential in rough seas race one, and nearly won it. New Mercury engines for Malta.
6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0
New Fountain hull. Hope to see more of it in Malta. Showed more speed then the old Cougar.
7. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 0
Big disappointment in Malta for one of the most expected boats.
8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ 0
The old smaller Outerlimits SV40. Did not perform so bad.
SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 40
Total domination in Malta for the Italian team Donzi boat, second placed in 2009.
2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 28
A good run from this new very good looking Nor-Tech. Can they compete for the title.
3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 21
A new Outerlimits hull which show good speed. Another good looker.
4. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 13
The only diesel power in SS class. Showed good speed and can challenge podium places.
5. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 13
2009 champion hull with new crew. Nearly sunk in end of race 2, but saved.
6. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 12
Good to see a Fountain in SS Class. A podium on round 2 showed potential.
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0
Trouble first weekend for 26. But if the gremlins are fixed will be a big challenge to all.