November 30, 2016

Monthly News - November 2016

-pic of the month- Heesen New 85m Dry Dock


Back Cove Martial Arts

This month the Back Cove Blog featured Brandon who, in addition to his usual hard work as a member of the Back Cove Production Team, also recently completed an internship with Back Cove's Design and Engineering Department, and finished second place in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu martial arts tournament!


Baglietto Mannequin Challenge

Baglietto didn’t escape the latest viral trend; Mannequin Challenge as the shipyard launched its personal challenge from its latest construction, the Baglietto 46m FAST. “We wanted to play with our daily working activities and tell our product in a different and funny way, freezing it in that special moment that fore runs the delivery of a yacht" states Raffaella Daino, Baglietto’s head of communications and marketing.


Bavaria Hunt for More Awards

Winning one of the much sought-after awards is a great honour for every shipyard. But Bavaria has been nominated at the same time for no fewer than six awards for its new Bavaria E40 and R40 motor yachts and the catamaran Nautitech 46 Open.  Boat and Fun Berlin therefore has twice the excitement for Bavaria.  Two of the Giebelstadt-built motor yachts are among the nominations for the Bob Awards which will be revealed on the gala night of the Berlin exhibition on November 23. The specialist international jury placed the R40 Fly among the best seven motor yachts in the "Best for Family" category. Its sportiness, elegant design, excellent quality and the enormous amount of space on board this yacht left the jury with no option but to include the Bavaria R40 in the nominations.  The Bavaria E40 is nominated in the new "Best for Travel" category. This revolutionary motor yacht has astounded boating enthusiasts with its new layout concept which places the helm stand in the middle of the panorama salon.  Both new motor yachts are on show from November 24 to 27 at Boat and Fun. The R40 Fly is also celebrating a genuine first in Berlin as this will be the first occasion on which the boat is on show at a German exhibition.  The new Nautitech 46 Open was unveiled at its world première in France last spring and is already collecting nominations for yacht and design awards. The decisions of the American jury members are expected before the start of the New Year. The Nautitech 46 OPEN and the 46 FLY has been nominated for three awards in the USA. The decision on whether Nautitech 46 Open will be hailed as the “European Yacht of the Year” will be taken at the "boot Düsseldorf" show in January.  The Bavaria E40, too, has a very good chance of becoming "Power Boat of the Year" in Düsseldorf. Back in October the jury once again submitted the E40 Sedan with a hybrid drive to a rigorous test regimen in the Bavaria Test Centre on the River Main.

Bavaria Sales Team Grows More

Bavaria Yachts sales team grows again. The two new sales managers, Marian Scheer and Simon Claxton, will be supporting dealers in Northern Europe, Great Britain, Spain as well as North and South America.  Marian Scheer has been the new sales manager at Bavaria for Scandinavia, the Baltic states, Poland, England, Ireland and Spain since November. The qualified export merchant joins Bavaria from HanseYachts. The 31-year old is not only passionate about water sports and an expert in the marine industry for professional reasons. Marian Scheer can also look back on a successful sailing career. He has been at home in international regatta courses since he was five and has won numerous trophies and medals at the World Championships in different dinghy classes. Nowadays, Marian Scheer is to be found more often on big boats at regattas.  Simon Claxton will be responsible for Bavaria Yachts dealers in North and South America. One of his first main tasks will be to expand and organised the dealer network in the USA. The qualified electrical engineer is very familiar with his markets having worked in the yacht industry for more than 20 years. The 42-year old Brit had previously been the sales director at Navico. Be it for work and with his family, Simon Claxton, as an enthusiastic sailor and motor boater, is always on the water.  “By appointing Marian Scheer and Simon Claxton, the Bavaria sales team has gained two more top people from the industry and we are now perfectly positioned in all markets,” Stefan Klaassen, Head of Sales at Bavaria Yachts explains.

Bavaria Strengthens Presence in North America

Bavaria Yachts continues to strengthen its presence in North America with its Motor Boat, Sailing Yacht and Catamaran model ranges.  Bavaria is pleased to announce its attendance for the fourth year running at this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and continued presence in the United States Motor Boat market.  Stefan Klaassen Global Head of Sales said “The US will continue to be a pivotal market in the Growth and Development plans of Bavaria and we will make big investments to increase our presence in building a strong Dealer and Service network to implement this plan. This strategy will enable us to develop our presence locally across continental US and have a much closer relationship with our customers on both Service and Sales”.  In addition to the existing dealers Yacht Sales West and Horizon Yachts, Bavaria has already appointed Performance Yacht Sales based in Miami as their new Motor Boat and Sailing Yacht Dealer. Following on from the Fort Lauderdale Boat show this new partnership will showcase three new yachts at the St. Petersburg Boats Show, as well as launch the new Bavaria E40 Sedan and E40 Fly models in Miami in February 2017. This launch will be the beginning of an exciting venture of new models which include the new revolutionary sailing yacht C57 that is ushering in a new era at Bavaria Yachts.


Benetti Wins ISS Design Award

The Benetti Vivace 125 M/Y IRONMAN just won the 26th ISS Design Award, promoted by the International Superyacht Society.  At the International Superyacht Society (ISS) Annual Gala for Design and Leadership, held on November 2nd 2016 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Benetti was one of the evening’s main protagonist.  The shipyard’s new 38-meter Ironman, in fact, won the Best Power Design Award, in the category 24 to 40 meter yachts. Ironman is the first of five Class Fast Displacement Vivace 125’ yachts sold; a 38 meter semi-wide-body with three decks plus the sun deck. The yachts is characterized by a modern design and packed with high-tech content. The Award is a recognition of the amazing collaboration between Benetti and designers Stefano Righini who developed the exterior design, and interior designer Alfred Karram Jr in charge of all the internal design. Sold to a young owner, Ironman interiors were inspired by the famous cartoon hero, an inventor in love with technology, hence a very modern style, aesthetically innovative.  The yacht’s technical performance is excellent too: the D2P Displacement to Planing hull form with wave piercer is also equipped with an innovative series of Azipods developed by the shipyard in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, that allows the boat to cruise both in low consumption displacement mode for leisurely voyages, as well as at faster speeds, up to a maximum of 24 knots, without compromising on comfort.

Benetti Yacht Master Event with Three Faces

The 17th A|B Yachtmaster got underway on November 22 and 23, 2016 with the Hong Kong event, reserved for Asian crews, before returning to Europe for the Italian event scheduled on February 1-3, 2017, and then coming to an end in America with the event organised on May 3-5, 2017. After the last year experiment, with three international events rather than just one in Italy, the shipyard is implementing a similar format this year.  This year events will draw on almost twenty years of experience, offering conferences, workshops and team building activities designed to strengthen the network within the Yachting industry.  A|B Yachtmaster is a unique event, one that over the years has become an opportunity for everyone involved to meet, to find out about novelties and to network with like-minded professionals at the top of the Yachting industry. Now in its 17th year, it continues to be one of the biggest gatherings of superyacht industry professionals organised by a private player, providing an opportunity to exchange opinions and forge lasting professional relationships.  Attending A|B Yachtmaster aren’t just Captains of Benetti yachts, but also project managers, surveyors and the representatives of owners who have worked with the shipyard during 2016. The invitation is also extended to Captains and other industry professionals who have worked with Lusben (the Azimut Benetti Group shipyard dedicated to refit projects) as well as representatives of larger Azimut yachts. This substantial group of qualified professionals is joined by several selected suppliers, plus a prestigious panel made up of top experts in the industry.  Another distinctive feature of the event is the participation of industry professionals, who organise panel discussions and workshops about yacht and crew management issues that are relevant for the attendees’ professional activity.  Alessandro Gallifuoco, Benetti’s Quality and After Sales Manager commented: “We are enthusiastic with last year’s innovative format, and believe holding A|B Yachtmaster in three different locations around the world was a true success. In the 2016/2017 season, we will make an extra effort so that each event will be richer and even more interesting and appealing”.


CRN Awarded in North America

CRN, the historical shipbuilder and Italian brand part of the Ferretti Group specializing in the construction of fully-custom steel and light aluminium alloy pleasure vessels between 40 and 100 meters in length, received yet another important international acknowledgement at the International Superyacht Society Awards with M/Y Atlante, against the magnificent setting of the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.  In front of a wide audience of experts, CRN’s iconic 55-metre superyacht was awarded the “Best Power Design Award 2016” in the category between 40 and 65 metres thanks to her strong stylistic identity which makes her a unique and aesthetically innovative vessel in international yachting.  The outcome of the joint efforts of CRN’s Engineering Department, in charge of naval design, design firm Nuvolari Lenard, who took care of her exterior profile, and of architecture and design practice Gilles & Boissier, who the interiors, M/Y Atlante conquered the Jury with her crisp and bold exterior lines, which express a strong masculine identity, reflecting the Owner’s wishes and taste.  CRN Chief Commercial Officer Stefano De Vivo commented the award: “Besides making us extremely proud, this award is a powerful sign of the strong brand awareness of CRN in the American Market. With Atlante, CRN Atelier has conceived an unprecedented vessel, which goes beyond conventional paradigms and constraint. The “Best Power Design Award 2016” pays tribute to the great versatility of the Ancona-based shipyard, a strategic hub for all Ferretti Group superyachts and megayachts. Special thanks go the Owner, who, with his great passion, allowed us to build one of the most original pleasure vessels ever, and to the architecture and design firms that have contributed to this outstanding yacht. Our gratitude goes also to the enthusiasm and expertise of the entire CRN team and to our workers - without them, we would not have been able to achieve all that we are celebrating today".  Besides M/Y Atlante, two other CRN yachts were among the finalists of the International Superyacht Society Design Awards, confirming the brand's great popularity also on the other side of the Atlantic: 46 m M/Y Eight in the “Best Refit” category and 73 m M/Y Yalla in the “Best Power” 65 m plus category.

Ferretti Group Boat Builder Awards 2016

The strong efforts in Research and Development allowed Ferretti Group to defeat its competitors once again, conquering a new prestigious prize to add to its important history. The Group won the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement in the Innovative On Board Design Solution category, one of the eight competing areas of the prestigious event organized by Metstrade and IBI International Boating Industry magazine. The ceremony took place in Amsterdam last Wednesday evening, during the Marine Equipment Trade Show. The prize, sponsored by Fusion, a leading company in the production of stereo systems, speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers designed specifically for the marine use, recognized Ferretti Group for its new float-in garage and stern opening system developed in collaboration with H + B Technics. The Submersible Hatch can be found on the new Ferretti Yachts 850. It allows the stern garage door to open and tilt down onto the beach area, creating a larger beach club at water level. Once the door is over the platform, it automatically aligns and then lowers diagonally under the water together with the central part of the platform. In this way, the garage is flooded to launch the tender and jet-ski. The platform can then be submerged to various depths, allowing guests to prepare for sea activities or simply relax in the water. This successful solution not only enhances the owners’ enjoyment of their boats but presents outstanding engineering and design elements. It has been registered as a patent of the Ferretti Group and will be featured on future model, starting with the new Riva 100’ Corsaro. This approach made it possible to implement several other technologically advanced and patented solutions, such as the Convertible Top on Riva 88’ Florida and 76’ Bahamas and the Dual Mode Transom system, installed on board all the latest Custom Line maxi yacht. 


Hatteras Successful 2016 Fort Lauderdale

The recent Fort Lauderdale International Boats Show delivered everything that South Florida is famous for; warm sunshine in November, sparkling waters, large yachts, and thousands of yachting enthusiasts from all over the world who came to walk the biggest in-water boat show on the planet. Show Management, which organizes the boat show, reported that attendance was up 5% this year compared to the 2015 event.  The Hatteras Yachts display was a highly successful hot spot at the heart of the Fort Lauderdale show. Over a thousand fans of our famous American boat brand streamed through from Thursday through Monday to tour the innovative new models we have introduced in recent years, from the nimble 45 Express to the elegant 100 Raised Pilothouse. Many customers greeted the Hatteras team members like family, and the feeling was mutual on our side.


Heesen New 85 Meter Dry Dock

On November 11, 2016 Heesen officially opened the 85m dry dock and its 90m accompanying shed. Previously announced during a press conference in June 2015 at the Heesen shipyard, the new dry dock and its accompanying shed have now been completed in just 15 months.  This infrastructure development at the Heesen facility in Oss is Heesen’s investment in the future and our response to the market’s request for bigger yachts.  The initial results of the outstanding success of Galactica Star, and now that of Galactica Super Novam Heesen's largest yachts to date have generated great interest in the shipyard.  Heesen is now ready to expand the size up to 80m.  Heesen's new 90m shed is equipped with the latest technology resulting in an efficient and ergonomic working environment. Controlled atmosphere and temperature is possible thanks to central-heated floors and even in the dry dock along with special air filters and humidifiers. The new shed is conceived to reduce unwanted impact on the environment. In order to save energy it is installed with automatic sun-tracker lights and dimmable LED lights that enable flexible lighting options.


Jarrett Bay Celebrating Thirty Years

Breaking ground on the 63rd hull, launching the 61st Grander, and continuing to innovate with hull 60 Blank Check and the composite-laden hull 62 Project Ireland, and servicing hundreds of boats, Jarrett Bay 30th year of business has been loaded with excitement.  The strength of the Jarrett Bay name is unrelenting, and work continues to gain appeal and recognition throughout the world. We are deeply grateful for our incredible team and business partners who have worked tirelessly throughout the years to help propel Jarrett Bay to where it is today.  In honor of 30th year in business, a Jarrett Bay Day celebration on Saturday, Dec. 3, where we'll offer generous discounts on nearly all merchandise both online and in-store.


Moonen Part in Amsterdam

Blue was very much the colour at last week’s SuperYacht Night in Amsterdam as over 750 guests packed the iconic Escape venue for an evening of fun and entertainment.  As silver sponsor of the event, Mooned had its very own branded private lounge which served blue wine to invited guests. This particular beverage has been a big hit on the terraces of many Dutch cities over the past summer and it was good fun to see people’s reactions as they realized the unusually colored wine tasted as good as it looked!  As well as its own lounge and bar, Moonen also had a great spot on the balcony overlooking the dancing and entertainment below. The organizers from SuperYacht Company publishers of the SuperYacht Times partnered with the sponsoring partners to put on a splendid show for an audience comprised primarily of people in Amsterdam for the METSTRADE Show.


Mulder Build Refit and Brokerage

Mulder Shipyard is a “one-stop-shop” for her clients. With the recent sale of the Mulder 76 Flybridge “Dutchess” the synergy of her three key pillars – new build, refit and brokerage – is once again underlined.  "Dutchess" is an elegant, timeless yacht from the hand of Guido de Groot Design, and Mulder Shipyard was commissioned to build her, at the end of 2004, by very experienced owners from New Zealand. The owners were thoroughly involved with the build of the yacht, even though they lived 12,000 miles away. "Dutchess" was delivered “on time & on budget”. After a build period of over two years the extremely solid and seaworthy motoryacht was delivered to her first owners, who transported her to New Zealand following an inaugural season in the Mediterranean.  After years of sailing Oceania, including a journey of 1,200 miles over the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to Australia, "Dutchess" returned back to the yard in the Summer of 2015 for major maintenance. The yacht was fully repainted and offered for sale in excellent condition, berthed under cover at Mulder Shipyard in Zoeterwoude.  "Dutchess" has since been sold through the brokerage division of Mulder Shipyard.  During the winter of 2016/2017 "Dutchess" will be thoroughly refitted according to the wishes of her new owner. She will be extended from 76 foot to 80 foot, a Seakeeper stabilization system will be built in for “zero-speed stabilization” and a large aluminium bimini will be added to the flybridge, similar to that on the earlier Mulder 73 Flybridge “Boonooroo II” and the Mulder 98 flybridge “A Squared”.  The sustainable build facility of Mulder Shipyard in Zoeterwoude provides all facilities and disciplines to build yachts up to 45 metres in a very efficient manner. Mulder Shipyard is presently working on 25 yachts, including eight new builds ranging from 15 to 36 meters.


Princess Team with Musto

Princess Yachts, the Plymouth-based luxury motor yacht brand, is delighted to announce its newest partnership with Musto –for a new performance yachting collection. This capsule collection includes mesh-lined and fleece-lined water resistant jackets along with fast drying caps, and will soon include polo shirts. 'Musto was the perfect fit for this partnership as a British brand focused on exceptional design and performance – both core attributes of any yacht from Princess' says Kiran Haslam, Marketing Director, Princess Yachts.


Riviera Family in South Australia

The weather gods were certainly smiling upon the Riviera Family at the Adelaide On Water Boat Show – with skies clearing and winds abating as guests gathered for a fun-filled evening to celebrate the Riviera luxury life.  The fully catered Riviera overnighter event hosted by R Marine South Australia enjoyed fantastic support from Riviera owners and their invited guests, with over 130 people in attendance for an evening featuring a delicious seafood barbecue buffet, premium refreshments, first-class entertainment and, of course, the highly valued Riviera Family camaraderie.  As the evening marina party switched into gear, guests also enjoyed refreshments served from a bar in the cockpit of a Riviera 4400 Sport Yacht, while the band played from the cockpit of a Riviera 63 Enclosed Flybridge.  Don Wilkey was attending his first Riviera Family event and was very impressed with the effort from the R Marine South Australia team.  Glenda Hausler has been to many Riviera Family events since she and husband Rick bought their 34 Open Flybridge, Group Therapy, about 10 years ago.  Riviera and R Marine South Australia regularly conduct social, educational and cruising-in-company events for the enjoyment of the Riviera Family.

Riviera Great Sandy Straits Experience

For the 500-strong team at Riviera Australia, it’s always very satisfying to see new families being introduced to the relaxing and rewarding Riviera luxury boating life.  It’s inspiring to see them developing their sea legs, gaining new skills and confidence, making new memories and, of course, forging lasting friendships.  And so it was for two families on the Great Sandy Straits Experience, hosted recently by R Marine Jones.  Now in its tenth year, this popular Experience cruising event again attracted a strong line-up of participants, in fact a total of 18 yachts for a week-long adventure exploring the southern anchorages of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.  R Marine Jones dealer principal Randall Jones and his team organised a fun-filled adventure from Queensland’s Gold Coast to Peel Island, on to Garry’s Anchorage, Bundaberg and picturesque Lady Musgrave Island.  Emma Weel who had twice been a guest of Randall and Melinda Jones on previous Experience events took delivery of her ‘dream boat’ just two weeks before this year’s Great Sandy Straits Experience.  In fact Emma, husband Paul and children Mila (4) and Abby (6), purchased their Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht Satisfaction specifically for the cruise.  Emma said that the cruise provided her first opportunity to drive Satisfaction, and she enjoyed the learning experience just as much as learning how to prepare a fresh meal of crab.  Emma says her favourite aspect of the 4700 Sport Yacht is the layout; the galley being ideally positioned to ensure the host is an integral part of the entertainment, inside and out. These comments were echoed by fellow Riviera 4700 Sport Yacht owner Ben, who took delivery of Seashaw just four weeks prior to the Experience trip.  Ben said the adventure had also reaffirmed the family’s decision to purchase their 4700 Sport Yacht, which handled the longer distances with ease. Riviera and R Marine Jones regularly stage social, educational and cruising-in-company events for the enjoyment of the Riviera Family.


Sabre and Back Cove Honoring Veterans

November 11, 1918, 11:00 AM - the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month - marked the end of fighting between the Allied and German forces in the first World War. Armistice Day was first celebrated one year later, and would later be renamed Veterans Day. 98 years later in 2016 there are more than 18.8 million veterans in the United States, of which roughly 7.2 million are in the country's labor force. Every year Sabre's and Back Cove presents the veterans with a gift card as a token of appreciation for their service and sacrifice to the country.


Sanlorenzo On-board Exhibition

Sanlorenzo the atelier of the nautical market founded in 1958 and today second shipyard in the world in the construction of made‐to‐measure motoryachts above 24 meters in partnership with the historical Tornabuoni Arte gallery, takes part to the preeminent international modern and contemporary art show in North America: Art Basel Miami Beach 2016 on December 1st to 4th. On that occasion, Tornabuoni Arte will curate the exhibition onboard the Sanlorenzo SD112, an installation art dedicated to the Italian monochrome, one of the essential pictorial theme in the 1900s, that developed in the same years as the Cantieri Navali Sanlorenzo foundation. Hence the name of the exhibition “1958, the birth of two legends: Italian monochrome and Sanlorenzo shipyard”. A significant number of important artworks by the main exponents of this movement will be on display onboard the motoryacht: Lucio Fontana, Enrico Castellani, Alberto Burri, Paolo Scheggi and Agostino Bonalumi. For the occasion, Sanlorenzo SD112 will be moored at the splendid “Casa Clara” villa, on the Venetian Islands, located between Downtown and South Beach, just a few minutes away from the Convention Centre, where Art Basel Miami Beach will take place. This union between boating and art gave life to an exhibition of inestimable value, highlighting Sanlorenzo’s always deeper involvement in the artistic world. Sanlorenzo, in fact, has always displayed a keen sensibility for high‐value artistic themes, also related to the world of architecture and design , especially during the project and furnishing phases of each model, built according to the style and requests of every single owner.


Sea Ray Awarded Best Retail Marketing Initiative

In a ceremony held at Amsterdam’s National Maritime Museum on November 16, Sea Ray earned the first accolades of the night, winning a Boat Builder Award for Best Retail Marketing Initiative. The award was given in recognition of Sea Ray's highly successful SLX series launch, a multi-faceted campaign featuring Virtual Reality technology.  Like the luxurious SLX sport boats themselves, Sea Ray was determined to produce a launch campaign that was stylish and compelling. It also had to be widely accessible for maximum awareness of the new product. “We sought a way to give boaters an immersive taste of the SLX experience that could be enjoyed anywhere, anytime,” said Sea Ray Director of Marketing, Shelby Kirby. “We found it in virtual reality.”  First, Sea Ray produced a video featuring the SLX 280, shot from three first-person points of view: driving the boat, relaxing in the cockpit, and being towed behind it on a wakeboard. That video was then converted into a fully immersive VR format, which could be enjoyed through a simple cardboard VR viewer paired with a smartphone. A person watching the video through the viewer would experience firsthand many of the boat’s key attributes: premium fit & finish, sleek style, cutting-edge technology and breathtaking performance.  Sea Ray then produced 10,000 SLX-branded VR viewers, formatted for cost-effective shipping and easy assembly. The viewers were available upon request at searay's website, where a dedicated landing page featured a prominent form to register by providing contact info and model of interest. Sea Ray handled the direct fulfillment and sent a follow-up email for every request. This proved to be a wildly successful lead capture opportunity and generated tremendous buzz for the company.  Additionally, two high-end VR headsets were sent directly to every authorized dealership in U.S. and Canada as part of an “SLX Launch Kit,” along with decorative SLX showroom materials, to further leverage the video and the technology.  “The judges considered this to be an amazingly innovative idea, which proved compelling for its target audience,” said Glenn Zelen, International Marketing & Regional Sales Manager for Sea Ray’s EMEA Division. “They felt that the ingenuity and bold scale of the investment helped to transmit Sea Ray’s marketing message clearly and effectively. Such innovation could well become an important marketing technique for all boat dealers in the future.”  Sea Ray was among just eight winners and seven honorable mentions awarded in this year’s Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement. More than 280 guests attended the gala dinner under the glittering dome of the museum’s central courtyard to hear the winners announced.  “It was a spectacular evening and an honor to be recognized in such esteemed company,” said Zelen. “Sea Ray is committed to pushing the envelope in all ways, from the design and manufacture of our boats to the marketing efforts that promote them.”  Now in its second year, the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement are organized jointly by Mets Trade, the world’s leading platform for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. Mets Trade is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international leisure marine industry. It is organized by Amsterdam RAI in association with International Council of Marine Industry Associations.


Sunseeker Wins Manufacturing Award

Britain’s biggest boat builder, Sunseeker International is celebrating winning the 'Champion of British Manufacturing' award at this year’s Walpole British Luxury Awards, which were announced last night at an awards ceremony at The Dorchester in London.  Celebrating the best in craftsmanship, innovation and design from all sectors of the luxury industry, the Awards are in their 15th year. Winners are chosen by an esteemed panel of judges, all of whom are decision makers and innovators from the worlds of luxury and business.  Commenting on the award win, Phil Popham, CEO of Sunseeker International says: "This award is a tribute to the skill and dedication of our 2,000 employees in Dorset where we have meticulously manufactured award winning luxury performance motor yachts for c.50 years. To be honoured amongst other prestigious British brands such as Jimmy Choo, Tate Modern, Stella McCartney and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a hugely rewarding experience for the whole team."  The Awards were created to honour those who demonstrate excellence in the luxury sector within Britain. Judges recognised Sunseeker as the champion of British manufacturing when considering its manufacturing base in Dorset, where it produces around 150 boats every year ranging from 50 to 155 feet. With demand for the company’s luxury models growing year-on-year, Sunseeker launched five new models in 2016 including the 131 Yacht, 95 Yacht, 116 Yacht, Manhattan 52 and Predator 68.  Sunseeker has also championed the benefits of developing apprentices over the last 35 years and currently supports over 90 apprentices on its programme. Working in partnership with Bournemouth & Poole College and its specialist Marine Technology Centre, Sunseeker is firmly committed to developing the high-level skills of young marine engineers and boat builders who will maintain its reputation as a world leader in luxury performance motor yachts.  The company recently announced that it will make a massive £50 million of investment in the next five years, spent across new products, improved shipyard facilities and the continued recruitment of people, with 225 joining the team in 2016. Multiple model launches are set to continue as part of a long term product plan that will see new model introductions across the size range over the next five years.


Vanquish 2016 Sales in Double Figures

Preparations are currently ongoing for the build of one VQ48, two VQ54s, one VQ48 DC, six VQ43 Mk2s and five Vancraft 16s. The use of highly efficient building processes, as well as the latest construction, particularly welding techniques will allow these boats to be completed relatively quickly and delivered in time for the 2017 season. Vanquish Yachts is currently negotiating contracts for two additional VQ48s, a VQ60 and a VQ75.  We are immensely grateful to our clients for the trust they place in us and confident that we can meet and exceed even their highest expectations.

Vanquish Ibiza Year

The year 2016 will be remembered as a record year for Vanquish in Ibiza. The long summer and stable weather, as well as the ever-growing popularity of Ibiza as a destination, have all contributed. The arrival of the new VQ48 certainly gave the Vanquish charter proposition a massive lift. This new model attracted a massive amount of attention from the general public and was rented every day from July on-wards, being an especially common sight between Ibiza and Formentera. The fact that the weather was lovely well into October was clearly reflected in the number of bookings.  The VQ43, too, remained a crowd favorite, being both ideal for day trips and relatively affordable. The Vanquish models are the most frequently chartered of all the boats on the island and especially appreciated for their sturdy design, freedom of movement, sailing comfort, and agility. Next year will see the Vanquish fleet in Ibiza expand with two more VQ43s, one VQ46 DC and one VQ54, improving our charter offer even further: in 2017, Ibiza is set to be Vanquish Island!


Zeelander Arrives in Singapore

A premiere, the first ever Zeelander a Z44 motoryacht has arrived in Singapore for the Singapore Rendezvous. Following the rendezvous the luxury yacht will be utilized for marketing purposes by soon to be published, newly appointed Zeelander partner in the region.

Zeelander Announce new US Representative

Zeelernad announce the appointment of Stotler Yachts as Official representative in the US.  Stotler Yachts, located in Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, is owned and run by Robert “Bobby” Stotler who, as Zeelander, consider a yacht to be an extremely personal investment and an emotional decision as well as a significant financial one. The passion, approach, resources and connections of Stotler Yachts are enveloped within thirty years of experience in all aspects of the yachting industry, strongly qualifying them, not simply as a broker, but as a complete yacht concierge.  

New Model: Jongert 1800MY

Jongert launch a new 18 meter sport yacht which marks a new step for the famous Dutch boat builder. Constructed following the specific wishes of her owner, the 1800MY named Tommy is a full custom build of aluminium, instantly recognized for her striking modern lines designed by Dutch firm Sea Level.  This new Jongert 1800MY is driven by two Hamilton water jets and powered by twin Man 800hp engines, able to reach a speed of 30 knots. Jongert 1800MY offers an interior with two large cabins sleeping four. An owners stateroom is located to midships, while to fore is another double berth.  A galley is located on the lower deck in between the cabins.  Living is all for the main deck with two dinettes serving  various activities during day and night time.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 18 m (59ft)
Waterline Length - 15.45 m
Beam - 5.4 m
Draft - 0.8 m
Displacement - 24 t unloaded
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Man R6 800hp
Propulsion - Hamilton water jets
Speed - 30 knots max
Construction - aluminium
Project - Sea Level

November 29, 2016

Project: Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht

For 2017 Riviera is preparing to launch a totally new range called the Sports Motor Yacht.  This new series which starts with a 68 model will soon be followed by a larger 72, and features Riviera usual mix of sportfish looks with amenities found in modern motor yachts.  Both models will use the same hull designed by Dutch Frank Mulder with an identical beam of six meters.  The new Sport Motor Yacht series offers an interesting equilibrium of entertainment and fishing areas. The Riviera 72 Sports Motor Yacht is an enclosed bridge type with an internal stair case leading up to this spacious area.  Accommodation is for a four cabin eight berth standard plan, or six bed large owners staterooms layout.  A crew cabin is located at midships.  Power options are for a standard Man 1550hp or optional 1800hp units with line shaft propulsion.  

November 28, 2016

New Model: Viking 72 Enclosed Bridge

As usual with Viking above sixty feet in length the New Jersey boat builder presents the Enclosed Bridge version.  Here comes the Viking 72 Enclosed Bridge which in many areas is a mirror for the Open Bridge with the addition of a circular internal staircase which takes you to the enclosed bridge helm, which serves as a second salon with an L-shape sofa, a cocktail table, refrigeration, and an entertainment center. The layout of the Viking 72 offers a main deck with open galley, L-shape sofa, and a C-shaped dinette, while the lower cabin area offers a forward stateroom with crossover berths, bunk guest cabin to port side, owners stateroom at midships, and an aft twin bunk cabin usable also as crew area. The day head which is a striking feature for a yacht measuring 22 meters, let alone a more performance orientated sportfish is standard on both versions.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.15 m (72.8ft)
Beam - 6.1 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 58829 kg wet
Fuel Capacity - 9819 l
Water Capacity - 1408 l
Accommodation - seven berths in three cabins, 1 or two crew in 1 cabin
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1550hp, Cat C32A 1925hp, MTU 2000 V12 M96L 1926hp, V16 M96L 2635hp
Propulsion - line shaft

Project: Med Yacht 38

Med Yacht from South of France for 2016 is showing more signs of expansions and things to come in the near future, and after launching a new 48 model presents the project for a new entry level 38. The Med Yacht 38 follows the bigger sister with a classic minimalist style integrated into a safe sport cruiser featuring a full walk around, and an all usable deck space from stern to fore.  Cabin details and power options are not advised for the Med Yacht 38, but the rendering above does show IPS pod drives fitted.

November 27, 2016

New Model: Westport 125

Westport is one of those rare to find conservative super yacht builders, and this new 125 model took a long time coming for the USA Washington state builder. Testimony of this is that for example its 112 launched in 1998 has been delivered in 55 units as at 2015, and this Westport 125 which started development in 2014 is its first new model since seven years.   This new Westport 125 is for a repeat client who upgraded from a 112 model.  Hull one of Westport 125 features a five double cabin arrangement with an owners stateroom on the main deck. Crew cabins are three including of which is a captains cabin with a french style double berth.  Power for the Westport 125 comes from twin MTU 2600hp which give a max speed of 25 knots, a cruise of 20, and a 12 knots long range giving up to 2500 nautical miles autonomy.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 38,1 m (125ft)
Beam - 7.98 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 147417 kg dry, 176,901 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 26744 l
Water Capacity - 3785 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, 6 crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M96L 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft with ZF reduction gearboxes
Speed - 25 knots max, 20 knots cruise, 12 knots long range
Range - 2500 nm at 12 knots
Hull Shape - semi displacement
Project - Westport

November 25, 2016

Project: Sundeck 850

Sundeck has been a yacht builder to watch since the launch of its first 550 model in 2015.  Built to order this model has been a success for Sundeck and since then the company has come with three other projects aimed at expanding the range in both directions, larger and smaller.  The Sundeck 850 is the largest project from the Italian builder and sees it enter super yacht territory with a size of 26 meters in length over all.  Designed as all the other Sundeck by Maurizio Zuccheri , the 850 has a family feeling to the other smaller models.  The Sundeck 850 will feature a semi planning hull, which powered by twin 1200hp engines can reach speeds up to 26 knots.  Cruising speeds can vary from 18 knots, to 14 knots or a long range 9 knots which should give a 2400 nautical miles distance.

New Model: Whitehaven 7000 Flybridge

Whitehaven from down under Australia has been slowly expanding and after the success of the 6000 model series now expands into larger sizes.  Here comes the Whitehaven 7000 Flybridge which incorporates a Euro cockpit design, with an astern galley.  The Whitehaven 7000 Flybridge will be available in a three or four cabin double cabin arrangement below deck. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 21.95 m (72.2ft)
Beam - 5.33 m
Draft - 1.67 m
Displacement - 50,000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 7000 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 8 berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1150hp
Propulsion - line shaft

November 24, 2016

Project: Silverton 4100 Sport Coupe

Silverton 4100 Sport Coupe is a new project by the USA boat builder.  Reminiscing the lines of a sportfish boat but being fully dedicated for cruising the 4100 Sport Coupe is aimed to boaters who go out all season and like a protected social environment.  The 4100 Sport Coupe will come with a living and galley all on the main deck, while below we have two cabins and two shower heads.  Owners cabin is located forward and will feature a queen central berth.  The Silverton 4100 Coupe is to be powered by twin Cummins 380hp in direct drive line shaft propulsion.

November 23, 2016

New Model: Sea Ray 460 Fly

Sea Ray present the new 460 Fly, sister model of the Sundancer with the addition of an extended flybridge up top.  The 460 Fly offers a spacious area for entertainment with a spacious C-shaped dinette being the center of attention. The flybridge will also offer a wet-bar, helm station to port-side, and companionway relaxing settee to starboard.  The flybridge can also be ordered with an optional hardtop.  The Sea Ray 460 Fly will still offer the lower helm station, but unlike the Sundancer variant seems to be offered only with the two cabin plan.  An interesting technical detail is the near to three tons of weight the 460 Fly adds to the Sundancer variant.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.22 m (46.8ft)
Beam - 4.32 m
Draft - 1.41 m
Displacement - 18,091 kg with line shafts, 19909 kg with ZF Zeus drives
Fuel Capacity - 1419 l, or optional 1638 l
Water Capacity - 530 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 550hp
Propulsion - line shaft with V-drive, or ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pod drives
Hull Shape - modfied Vee with spray rail and 17 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - ABYC, NMMA, CE
www.searay.com

Project: Rio 40 Spider

Rio continues to be pro active and presents the project for the 40 Spider. Again a design to Mario Alfani the 40 Spider is based on the 38 Parana, with an extended beam of five centimeters, and length by a couple of feet. The 40 Spider will feature a no frills type super structure, no radar arch or hard top, and is deck will be an amazing single level offering interesting entertainment spaces.  Her accommodation layout below will offer a four plus two plan, with owners cabin forward, guest cabin with french berth at midships, and a convertible sofa.  Standard power will come from twin Mercruiser 268hp stern drive propulsion engines.

November 22, 2016

New Model: Sunreef Supreme 68 Power

The Sunreef Supreme Range embodies a very specific philosophy of yacht creation. It is an audacious line of yacht catamarans designed to become the world’s most comfortable and spacious range of lifestyle-oriented boats.  The Sunreef Supreme 68 Power is a twenty meter power catamaran with a total living space of 302 sqm offering the surface of a superyacht on a unit below 24 meters.  The Sunreef Supreme’s architecture revisits the way catamarans have been so far designed. A new, radical concept of the superstructure allows to keep the saloon and exterior deck on the same level. As a result, the Sunreef Supreme 68 Power boasts an enormous main room surrounded with floor to ceiling glass - a smooth, seamless space opening onto the cockpit and giving direct access to the deck through sliding doors on both sides of the yacht. The exterior and interior surfaces of the boat merge into one panoramic lounging and dining area.  The design of the main deck and hulls offers a total versatility in the possibilities for a smart, individually tailored layout matching every single Owner’s lifestyle. With an infinite choice of materials for the décor of the saloon, cabins and bathrooms, each Sunreef Supreme 68 Power reflects her Owner’s style and personality.  The Sunreef Supreme 68 is equipped with an aft garage a truly revolutionary feature on a catamaran under 21 meters. This voluminous space allows to conveniently store a five meter tender, up to two jet-skis, diving gear and numerous water toys. The garage door, when lowered, creates a large aft platform that is perfect for water sports.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.5 m (67.1ft)
Beam - 10.5 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Fuel Capacity - 4500 l
Water Capacity - 1100 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 225hp, up to D11 800hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - Advanced composites
Project - Sunreef Yachts

November 21, 2016

Project: Sunseeker 66 Manhattan

Following the success of the Manhattan 52 which has so far secured £30 million worth of retail sales since its introduction this autumn 2016, Sunseeker today unveils plans to launch the new Manhattan 66 at the London boat show in January.  This important new model signals Sunseeker’s intentions to maintain its strong position in this critical segment of the market, and underlines its commitment to producing an unrivaled portfolio of luxury performance motor yachts upwards of fifteen to fifty meters.  The Sunseeker 66 Manhattan is designed to maximize entertainment options with exceptional panoramic hull and saloon windows providing light-drenched living spaces throughout. Throughout the main deck there is a strong focus on creating generous, usable sociable spaces. Her exterior lines flow effortlessly from the Portuguese-bridge bow seating and sunbathing areas to the expansive cockpit adjoining the well-equipped aft galley and saloon on the main deck. Optionally, the galley can be specified below creating even more entertaining space in the main saloon. The newly configured flybridge also creates the feeling that you are on board a much larger craft and has been designed with both entertaining and relaxation in mind with extensive seating throughout, large sunbathing areas forward and a well-equipped wet-bar. The sociable layout continues through to the wide bathing platform capable of launching tenders short of four meters, and transom ‘beach club’ where an optional barbecue, fold-away bench seat and overhead rain- shower truly set the Manhattan 66 apart from its peers.   The twin berth crew cabin, with private access through the transom, enjoys a dedicated en suite and ample stowage.  Thanks to the galley being situated on the main deck, there is room enough for four very spacious cabins below including two large twin cabins, a forward VIP suite and standout full-beam master cabin with its own private stairway access from the saloon; a first for Sunseeker in this size range.  The Sunseeker 66 Manhattan is powered by twin Man 1000hp or optional 1200hp engines on shaft drives.  An other optional is for Volvo 900hp coupled to IPS1200 pod drives.  Estimated speeds are 25 knots of cruise and 34 knots at full throttle.

New Model: Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht

World Premiered at 2016 Sydney boat show in July, the new Riviera 4800 Sport Yacht appeals to a wide spectrum of boating enthusiasts given her design an innovation, and most certainly will excite a new generation to enjoy Riviera’s luxury life afloat.  The 4800 Sport Yacht is a replacement of Rivera's first IPS pod powered boat the 4400, and features a two staterooms and two bathrooms internal layout.  Her European inspired external design takes cues from the Riviera 6000 and 5400 models.  The 4800 has all the Riviera Sport Yacht hallmarks sleek styling, leisurely single-level living on the main deck.  For the 4800 Sport Yacht, Riviera introduces a robust and responsive modified Vee hull that perfectly matches the Volvo 550hp or optional 600hp with IPS pod propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.23 m (50ft)
Hull Length - 13.9 m
Beam - 4.61 m
Draft - 1.18 m incl props
Displacement - 19055 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2100 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 550hp, D8 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 29 knots cruise, 34 knots max
Range - 302 nm at 29 knots

November 19, 2016

New Model: Riva 100 Corsaro

Last Wednesday, Riva launched the first 100 Corsaro at its facility in La Spezia.  The 100 Corsaro sees Riva back with a new flybridge two deck and half design superyacht with a semi wide body foward, and an owners stateroom on the main deck. The joint efforts of Officina Italiana Design, which exclusively designs the entire fleet of the brand, and the engineering department of Ferretti Group, result in a combination of sportiness, safety, elegance and fine design that is complimented by the unmatched style of this renowned status symbol shipyard in the world. The 100 Corsaro instantly joins the ranks of other legendary Riva yachts, following the myth of the 60 and 20 Corsaro from eighties and early nineties. With a size of 29 meters Officina Italiana blended perfect sporty looks with a sleek, almost arrow shaped profile, along with dark metallic colors, and broad expanses of crystal glass.  This first 100 Corsaro was in Asia and will reach Hong Kong for its worldwide debut in early 2017. For the first time in the both Rivas and Ferretti Group history, that spans more than a century and a half, a new yacht will make its debut outside of Europe. This marks the start of a new chapter in history.  This first 100 Corsaro features exclusive interior furnishings, selected by the owner himself, to compliment his own personal style, and fit the requirements for his intended use of the yacht.  The festivities surrounding the launch of the first hull celebrated the immediate triumph of the new model. With the entire scheduled production of 2017 already sold out, it is clear the Riva 100 Corsaro has attracted the interest of many future owners and is already an incredible success.
Technical Data:
LOA - 29.9 m (98.1ft)
Hull Length - 23.9 m
Waterline Length - 22.3 m
Beam - 6.7 m
Draft - 2.26 m
Displacement - 99000 kg unloaded, 110000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 9000 l
Water Capacity - 1320 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths in 5 cabins, 6 crew in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V 2000 M93 2435hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 27 knots max speed, 24 knots cruise
Range - 320 nm at cruise 
Project - Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group Engineering

November 18, 2016

Project: Cantieri di Pisa 42S Akhir

Taken over by Mondomarine in 2015 a new journey is awaiting one of the most important custom yacht and super yachts builder from Italy, the legendary Cantieri di Pisa.  The new owners have been fast going into buisness of things and after presenting the project of the 22 Kitalpha went a few months later to announce a new Akir 42 S.  For this three deck and half super yacht Cantieri di Pisa will use designer Luca Dini.  Previously the yard has been working with Galeazzi and before that it was the architect that was Pier Luigi Spadolini who gave the new direction with the Akhir series. Hull one of the Akhir 42S is under construction and will be build with light alloy to the best Classification standards.  Power for the Cantieri di Pisa 42S Akhir will come from twin MTU 2600hp engines giving estimated top speeds up to 23 knots. 

New Model: Fairline 53 Targa Open

Fairline launch the new Targa 53 Open, a sport yacht which features uninterrupted entertaining above decks with a single level teak floor from cockpit to companionway. The 53 Targa Open is a further development of the 50 Targa and Squadron hull with a complelete redesigned interior and extension to lenght aft.  The 53 Targa Open is very similar to the GT patio door enclosed hard top with the main difference coming on the all open main deck.  The Targa 53 Open is available as both a two or three cabins configuration.  The cockpit boasts a spacious three person sun bed above the tender garage this feature not feature on the GT, a large U-shaped cockpit seating with a wet bar opposite and spacious companion seating across from the helm. The Targa 53 Open is powered by twin Volvo 675hp engines in standard or optional 725hp units.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.92 m (55.6ft) incl pulpit
Hull Length - 16.3 m
Beam - 4.52 m
Draft - 1.2 m
Displacement - 19.1 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 2412 l
Water Capacity - 550 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, or 4 berths in two cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 675hp, D11 725hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 30 knots max with 675hp, 32 knots max with 725hp
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 12.5 degrees deadrise aft
Construction - Resin infused cored hull with isophtalic gel coat and resin

November 17, 2016

New Model: Prestige 560 S

With the update of the Prestige 560 Flybridge, the French builder also presents a new version for the S Coupe Line model.  The Prestige 560 S will feature the same subtle changes which the flybridge version received, extended bathing platform and new hull side windows serving the lower deck.  The 550 series has been a huge success for Prestige selling 140 units in a three year production period.  Impresive numbers considering the current economic form of the last five years.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.22 m (59.9ft)
Hull Length - 16.06 m
Beam - 4.79 m
Draft - 1.17 m
Displacement - 17450 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSC 8.3 600hp
Propulsion - ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 31 knots max 25 cruise
Range - 280 nm at cruise speed
Hull Type - Vee shape with 16 degrees dead rise aft
Project - J and J, Garroni, JP Design
Certification - CE B-12, C-14 

November 16, 2016

Project: Northwest 48

Northwest has in 2016 embarked on a project of totally revamping its line of explorer cruisers and yachts.  The Northwest 48 is a semi-displacement hulled explorer trawler cruiser featuring two staterooms and two heads. The master stateroom has a queen sized berth and is located at midships, while the guest cabin is to fore and can either be crossed over/under bunks or a queen berth. For the crossed over/under bunk version, the lower bunk may be fitted with a slide out for sleeping two. Due to the unique hull design, standing headroom is found in the engine compartment, something not found on many semi-displacement hulled boats in this size range.  Power is from twin John Deere 330hp engines with line shaft propulsion.

New Model: Canados Oceanic 76 GT

What an important year 2016 has turned out to be for Canados! Not only did Cantieri Navali di Ostia reopen its doors, the Italian yacht builder did a relaunch how it should be done and was one of the most active names of 2016 presenting an important line up of projects and making clients enthusiastic about its future. Props go to Michel Karsenti and his team at Canados. The Oceanic 76 GT was one of the first projects to be promoted in the new Canados.  Interestingly a sale immediatly came through and as promised on the brochure in six months the Oceanic 76 GT was in the water.  The Oceanic made by Canados explorer yacht line has been received with  a positive success, thanks to its work boat inspired design giving extra exterior space, and the unique displanning hull which reduces the hump at the planning speed of sixteen knots.  None the less the Canados Oceanic 76 GT can be ordered with a range of engines from standard Cats 1150hp up twin Man 1550hp, with this last optional choice reaching max speeds of 32 knots.  The Summer 2016 launched hull one was fitted with the standard Cats 1150hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.7 m (77.7ft)
Hull Length - 23.5 m
Beam - 5.8 m
Draft - 1.98 m incl props
Displacement - 56 t full load, 49 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 4800 l
Water Capacity - 1200 l
Accommodation - eights in four cabins, or six berths in three cabins, two crew beths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 Acert 1150hp, C32 Acert 1450hp, Man V12 1550hp
Propulsion - direct line shaft
Speed - 32 knots max 27 knots cruise Man 1550hp, 24 knots max 20 knots cruise Cats 1150hp, planning speed 16 knots
Range - 360 nm at fast cruise
Hull Shape - displanning
Project - Canados Design Office exterior, Christian Gatto exterior

November 15, 2016

Project: Rio 58 GTS

Rio presents the project for a new 58 GTS, a further development of the well received 54 and 56 Colorado models. The 58 GTS will have important notable differences to the 56 Colorado, and while the exterior is almost identical when looking from distance the top deck has recieved a subtle important redesign and is now higher and deeper.  This has been done in order to offer a fore deck lounge with a U-shape settee looking forward.  In the 58 GTS the stern area is also redesigned now having a larger settee and only one transom entrance to starboard.  From the intial renderings as shown on Rio Facebook page the 58 GTS should also offer space for a garage.  Other important notable differences will be the fuel capacity of three thousand liters, an extra of 750 liters on the 56.  Rio is labelling the 58 GTS as a custom product and hull one has started construction with a completion slated for middle 2017.

New Model: Med Yacht 48

Med Yacht is a young builder from South of France founded 2009, and producing its first model the full open sport cruiser 48 in 2011.  Med Yacht are produced by Galeon form Poland and so far the 48 has been its only model altough plans for bigger and smaller models are on the drawing board.  After selling ten plus 48 for 2016 Med Yacht updates the model for what is called the second Edition CJV series.  The new Med Yacht 48 2016 edition is 45 cm wider and 60 cm longer, and recieves the following updates; winshield with a squarish look, new hard-top design, updated deck with tender garage with over two meter of space, and last but not least a more comfortable interior with two cabins two heads layout.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.99 m (49.1ft)
Beam - 4.53 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Fuel Capacity - 1900 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp, D8 600hp, D11 725hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Project - Gilles Vaton
Certificaion - CE

November 14, 2016

Project: Sirena 56

Sirena presents the project for a second model for its anticipated explorer yacht range, the 56 that  following the good example of its bigger sister, will be more powerful than its direct competitors and equipped with updated engines to guarantee power, safety and excellent performances. The Sirena 56 will feature spacious external areas to fully enjoy the natural environment and bigger internal spaces both regarding the cabins and the saloon. Sirena 56 is expected to lauch in early 2017 with a World presentation for the 2017 Miami boat show.

November 13, 2016

Renato Sonny Levi 1926 - 2016

Certainly one of the pioneering boat designers ever to exist Renato "Sonny" Levi has died on Saturday 12 November 2016 at his home in the Isle of Wight.  Born in 1926 in Karachi, India, it is hard to find the right way to describe Renato Sonny Levi: designer, brilliant mind, certainly the father of modern fast boats. During the course of his long and prolific career, he has developed a wide range of innovations for the world of nautical engineering and naval architecture.  Among the most important are his planning deep Vee hulls, the "Delta" variable Vee hulls, surface drive propulsion, and tunnel for the propellers.  From the point of view of design, his boats are recognised as a functional elegance, innovation and sophistication. Levi is in this sense a figure able to manage the project as a whole, from its engineering aspects to the stylistic and aesthetic.  After more than sixty years since his early work, his contribution is a reference point from which all the boating industry continually draws inspiration for innovation and design. Important is also the publication of his two books; Dhows To Deltas and Milestones In My Design, and through numerous articles that have appeared in the most important industry publications.  The University of Genoa had recently awarded Renato Sonny Levi the Honorary Degree in Yacht Design Class LM34.  His known works are still as at today considered as a reference points in nautical design for comfort and rough sea conditions handling at high speeds. Among his production boats is the Italcraft where he developed a lot of his most extreme innovations in production and semi-production as the Drago series, Riva and the 2000 model which is possibly the most innovative model every made by the Sarnico boat builder where he developed the propulsion, the Alfamarine 40 Bronte what is a co-development with his friend Franco Harrauer, and a lot of the models for the boat builders of Fiumicino in Rome; Delta, and Canav.  His latest work is the Levi Boat 30'6 Corsair Classic, for the newly founded company of his son Martin Levi and Antonello Villa.  Obviously there is a long list of competing winning boats in Renato Levi's career and also some special custom projects for special clients as the Count of Agusta, Giovanni Agnelli, Roberto Olivetti, and last but not least the Virgin Atlantic Challenger for Richard Branson. 

Web: Marquis New Web Site

Marquis presents its new virtual World wide web showroom. Marquis was founded in 2005, as the luxury high end production line of the Genmar Group. Located in Pulaski in the USA, the company has since its early start collaborated with renowned yacht designers Nuvolari Lenard, who started up with what is considered Marquis most successful model the 420 SC. The Venice, Italian design team has since then made eight models for Marquis. Marquis current line up offers four models which start with the 500 Sport Yacht and go up to the 720 Tri-Deck. Marquis new web site takes your around with the following buttons; Yachts, Dealers, Construction, Owners, Contact Us, Company, News, Apparel, and Brochure. Marquis is also on social media with a link to its Facebook and Youtube pages located at the top of the page. 

November 12, 2016

Project: Couach 3800

It's big news at Couach who after some years in difficult waters now is back in full swing.  Now after the announced sale and currently in construction new 23 meter the French yacht and super yacht builder has released first details of a new concept from in-house designers Clément Carbonne and Diane Viboud, what is part of a fully revised product line. The inspiring new concepts is for an adventurous new 3800 model, a 38 meters super yacht explorer with a semi-displacement hull.  The Couach 3800 is also the largest super yacht design to come from the company’s own drafting table.  Couach choose to propose this super yacht with a semi displacement hull because boats are above all made for those who require made-to-measure services, absolute comfort and love navigation. 

November 11, 2016

New Model: Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht

Ocean Alexander has been a builder who has expanded gradually in recent years building bigger yachts but also in turn over.  The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht is one of its most recent launches and is a progression of the 90 model to a design of Evan K.Marshall.  Built of alloy the Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht offers a four double guest cabin accommodation and four to six crew berths in a lobby located aft.  The Ocean Alexander 100 Motoryacht is also available with sky-lounge as hull two pictured above, or with a hardtop flybridge as was the case with hull one.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 30.53 m (100.2 ft)
Waterline Length - 26.8 m
Beam - 7.01 m
Draft - 1.96 m with props
Displacement - 104,281 kg
Fuel Capacity - 15152 l
Water Capacity - 2461 l
Accommodation -  eight guest berths in four cabins, four/six crew berths in three cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 Acert 1925hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Construction - alloy
Project - Evan K.Marshall

Project: Wim Van Der Valk 600 Beachclub

Wim Van Der Valk presents this new innovative project designed by Cor D.Rover for a 600 Beachclub model.  Cor D.Rover presented an innovative unedited layout for the 600 Beachclub which will feature two living areas, one on the main deck by the pilot station, and the second astern which can open up to the sea and become a beach club.  The fore deck part of the lower deck will feature three guest cabins with the owners room to fore.  The Van der Valk 600 Beachclub will feature a semi planning hard chine Vee-shape hull and will be built of aluminium.  The 600 Beachclub will be powered by twin Volvo 725hp engines coupled to IPS pod propulsion which will give a cruise speed of 19 knots.  
www.vandervalkshipyard.com

November 10, 2016

New Model: Sea Ray 460 Sundancer

Sea Ray continue its wind of change as started in 2013 with the launch of the 510 Fly model.  Three years later the renovation to its upper sizes continues and this time around it is for a new 460 Sundancer, a project which was presented to the dealers as 450 during the Summer 2016 period.  With the new Sea Ray 460 Sundancer the famed USA boat builder takes customer choice to a new level with important options to the customer from five hull colors, interior layouts for two or three cabins, line shaft V-drive or ZF Zeus pod drives, and optional larger fuel capacity for an extra two hundred liters.  Putting all this togather the Sea Ray 460 Sundancer can really become a tailor made sport cruiser.  Design wise the Sea Ray 460 Sundancer is very much in many areas of its design European inspired, from the large hi-low lift bathing platform, to the astern galley, living located on the main deck, and last but not least a cabin area all located on the lower deck.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.22 m (46.8ft)
Beam - 4.32 m
Draft - 1.4 m
Displacement - 14,966 kg with line shafts, 16424 kg with ZF Zeus drives
Fuel Capacity - 1419 l, or optional 1638 l
Water Capacity - 454 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB 6.7 550hp
Propulsion - line shaft with V-drive, or ZF Zeus aft looking dual propeller pod drives
Hull Shape - modfied Vee with spray rail and 17 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - ABYC, NMMA, CE

Project: Rose Island 16.65 m Giano MkII

Rose Island add another project to its Giano series, what the Italian boat builder refers to MkII model.  Contrary to usual belief the Giano MkII, is not a newer version of the 12 Giano but a totally different bigger model measuring over sixteen meters in length.  The Giano MkII is based on Rose Island's 58 Pathfinder hull and will feature the same innovative semi planning with directional central keel bottom.  The design upwards of the main deck, pilot house is completely new.  The hull shape of the Giano MkII has some interesting numbers going on the plane at just eleven knots and reaching max speeds up to 25 knots powered by only twin 450hp engines.  Rose Island is not giving any layout details for the Giano MkII, still I would expect a three double cabins plus crew cabin on the development of the 58 Pathfinder.

November 9, 2016

New Model: Tecnomar Evo 55 Open

Sometimes a builder comes with a design which is out of the ordinary, and while all these innovative looking boats seem to get the input from the 2003 big Wally Power, recent new boats are going beyond the copy paste realm.  The new Tecnomar Evo 55 Open designed by Gian Marco Campanino is such a design. The Italian designer for the Evo series seem to have gotten inspiration from a sci-fi movie with the exterior of the Evo 55 Open looking like a chameleon coming out of the water.  Looking standstill the Tecnomar Evo 55 looks like it is looking at you.  Campanino has to be commended for an interesting out of the ordinary design, such it is that we forget that the Evo 55 sees Tecnomar returning to the smaller sizes sub 24 meter, something which the yard has not been doing for quite some time. Still important to note that Tecnomar returns to smaller sizes with its usual custom identity it had since founded in the mid eighties with the Evo 55 Open offering three lower deck choices, optional crew cabin and a different Hardtop model availability.       
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.5 m (54.1ft)
Beam - 4.7 m
Accommodation - 2 guests, or 2 + 2 berths in 1 seperate cabins, optional single crew cabin
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp, D13 900hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Speed - 40 knots max with Volvo 900hp units
Project - Architect Gian Marco Campanino

November 8, 2016

Project: Viking 48 SC

Viking continues to expand the 48 series and presents the range with more projects after the launch of the Convertible and Open models.  When the 48 series will be complete will be seeing a four model line up offer all catering to different clientele needs.  This time around Viking presents the project for the 48 SC, these last initials standing for sport cruiser. The 48 SC is very much the same to the Open in layout, with the difference of a three part hard top protecting the center cockpit of the main deck. The Viking 48 SC is on paper the most cruiser friendly model of the series, without forgetting that its DNA is still that of a sport-fishing machine, its aft deck is open, and the mezzanine settees are there.  

New Model: Riviera 575 SUV

Riviera presents the new 575 SUV what is a further development of the 565 with some technical differences. It is more or less the same size and the exterior and interior are not any different. Look skin deep though and you start finding a larger fuel tank; five hundred liters plus, a boat which displaces four tons more dry, and most important a choice for eighter IPS pod drives or line shafts propulsion. This last choice allows for a Cat 1000hp engines installation. So how do you recognize a 565 from a 575? The notable exterior design difference is the engine air intake to the side which comes in a more smooth profile on the new 575 SUV. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.5 m (60.8ft)
Hull Length - 17.2 m
Beam - 5.13 m
Draft - 1.55 m incl props
Displacement - 27,400 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 4000 l
Water Capacity - 750 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D 727hp, D13 900hp, Cats C12.9 1000hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives. or line shafts
Speed - 30 knots max, 25 knots cruise with Cat 1000hp and line shaft choice
Range - 437 nm at 25 knots