Sergio Carpentieri 1956 - 2007

As is often the case at such times, we all realise that we have lost someone very special and important to us. Sergio Carpentieri has left us in a collision on the start of the first round of the German Grand Prix of the Sea in  , a talented powerboat racer. Always a huge sports fan, Sergio Carpentieri, born in his beloved Naples on 20 October 1956, embarked on his sports career at a very early age. Rowing was his first love, a sport to which he was very much committed and in which he achieved outstanding results, winning two Italian junior championships and taking part in two world championships. With his indomitable spirit, at the age of sixteen he became captivated by water polo. Again the results revealed the champion in him and he immediately won an Italian junior championship. He was however attracted by speed and at eighteen threw himself into the world of rally driving, although as a true Neapolitan and fanatic of the sea, he soon moved on to offshore and powerboat racing. The first inshore races were in the shadow of that great champion Antonio Gioffredi and in 1975 came the first participation in the Class 3C trophy competition at Naples. From then onwards he concentrated on water sports and in an incomparable career spanning over 30 years he won four Italian offshore titles in the 3 litre, 4 litre and 6 litre categories. He also won three European offshore titles in the 6 litre class and was ranked third three times in the world offshore 6 litre class and in Class 2. In 1985 he won the Bastia-Viareggio-Bastia event. He took part five times in the Venice-Monte Carlo event and won it once alongside Michael Reagan (son of Ronald). In 2006 he finished fourth in the P1 SuperSport class on the FB Design Sunracer 38 boat. He was competing this season as constructor of the Shipworks Carpenter 38 boat with two Yanmar 480 engines, a boat made to a design by the engineer Angelo D'Ettore. He died suddenly yesterday, leaving an enormous void for all those who appreciated his smile, joie de vivre, cheerfulness and the sunny nature that is the birthright of the place where he was proud to live, Bacoli, the small town facing Pozzuoli. The world of Italian powerboat racing has lost one of its greatest representatives. A great man.

Powerboat P1 - German Grand Prix of the Sea, Tragic Accident on Day One

Sergio Carpentieri Team Carpenter

Teams pay their respect to Sergio

The first leg of the Powerboat P1 German Grand Prix of the Sea was cancelled following a racing incident at the start of the race in which pilot Sergio Carpentieri suffered fatal injuries following a start-lap collision with Fainplast. The Italian throttleman and owner of Team Carpenter was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The crew of Fainplast and Sergio's co-pilot, Luca Nicolini were unhurt although Nicolini was taken to hospital, suffering from shock. The tragic accident was captured by an on board camera placed on the Carpenter boat and shows that this was a racing incident. The sequence of events is as follows: - Fainplast ( Number 64) made a very quick start - Carpenter (Number 03) was running behind to the starboard side - Fainplast then suffered a mechanical failure resulting in a broken propeller and causing a rapid de-acceleration - The collision then occurred with Carpenter hitting Fainplast, the momentum causing the Carpenter boat to barrel roll. At this point Sergio and his co pilot, Luca Nicolini were thrown from the craft. Nicolini, who was admitted to hospital suffering from shock, has now been discharged. 

With Day One overshadowed by the death of pilot and team owner Sergio Carpentieri, Powerboat P1 Management in consultation with the teams decided to race Day 2. The race will be dedicated to Sergio Carpentieri following yesterday's tragic accident. As a mark of respect for the much-loved Italian, a representative of each team layed flowers into the sea ahead of the race. In the Evolution Class King of Shaves continued there domination in this class as they won the German Grand Prix. This gave a narrow lead for the Fountain powerboat in this class. Wettpunkt.com had arrived in Germany as championship leader and looked certain to finish in second until a blown turbo midway through the race ended it's challenge and the team limped home in fifth place. OSG took advantage of this mishap to move into second but were robbed on the line by Outerlimits Powerboats or so it seemed! Infact, Outerlimits were disqualified for straying from the race course when the engines lost power, handing the runners-up place to OSG with Searex Germany third. The disqualification was a bitter pill to swallow for Outerlimits Powerboats who provided the crowds with a superbly enjoyable chase as Nigel Hook and Mike Fiore re-fired the engines and started to reel in the leading boats. In the early stages of the race this all-American boat had looked evenly matched for speed with King of Shaves, and more enthralling battles between these arch rivals look inevitable. The lone German entry, Searex, proved to be one of the stars of the show, much to the pleasure of the large crowds. The Fountain 42 piloted by Kurt Prufert and Siegfried Greve gave an impressive display in its debut race in the prototype class as did Limmi from Belgium who finished fifth. The Metamarine boats of Fainplast and Kiton made the decision not to run the race following the death of Sergio Carpentieri, who tragically lost his life during yesterday's first round of the Grand Prix. In the production Supersport Class Roscioli Hotels Roma posted another dominant performance. The win strengthened the Italian teams championship challenge although it was Buzzi Bullet that crossed the finishing line first, with Chinese entry, Sun Lik Beer, no more than a few boat lengths behind. Time penalties then demoted the British pair to second and Sun Lik Beer to third. Buzzi Bullet led from start to finish. 

The result means that Championship leaders Roscioli Hotels Roma have extended their lead with the 2006 champions ExtremeBoat losing ground, having struggled with a propeller problem. Buzzi Bullet moves up into second place. Until the penalties were introduced for breaking safety speed limits, the third place battle between Sun Lik Beer and Chart Leader Roscioli Hotels Roma had provided the large crowds with excitement throughout. On the straight, the Chaudron 41 of the Italian's had a clear advantage but in the turns the tables were reversed. Behind them, VoomVoom.com was starting to show the true potential of the Yanmar powered Hustler Slingshot closely followed home by the Maltese entry Chaudron 2. The competitiveness in the production class is emphasised when the Sunseeker XS 2000 cleverly took sixth place from Extremeboat in the final lap.
www.powerboatp1.com

Monthly News - June 2007

- Picture of the Month - Pershings in Venice 

Aicon Yachts in Valencia

In the weekend of 9 and 10th June Aicon Yachts together with the Spanish Ferrari Club animated the city of Valencia, the passion for the Cavallino with the Yachting experience of Aicon Yachts. In occasion of the gathering on Saturday 9th June the Spanish Ferrari’s gathered on the circuit of Cheste and gave a show with important races against each other. On the 10th the Ferrari’s where welcomed in the America’s Cup Harbour on board the Aicon 85 Fly, flagship of the Sicilian builder range. The guests where also awarded a special branded T-shirt Aicon Ferrari dedicated to the event.


Azimut Benetti Yachting Gala

The Azimut Benetti Group has successfully celebrated with it’s first yachting gala on Saturday 16th June. To keep this extraordinary event alive a full a web section with videos and photos will soon be updated.


Absolute announces massive investment in new shipyard

Absolule Yachts Srl recently unveiled plans for a huge 20 million euro investment in a new shipyard near to their current yard. The new state of the art manufacturing facilty will not only boost much needed production capacity but also allow the company to continue with its incredible new product development program at an even greater pace. The new yard will come on stream in the part of this year in September 2007 with second phase following later.


Baia Wins Viareggio – Monte Carlo – Viareggio

Roy Capasso and Alessandro Conti with Vittorio Fogliamanzillo, on Aris a fast Baia 63 Azzurra, won the 4th edition of the “Libero Viareggio –Montecarlo- Viareggio”. The 260 miles powerboat rally saw in Aris a winner already on the 1st leg, Viareggio – Monte Carlo, that succeeded and won the Stefano Casiraghi Trophy. In the 1st leg with difficult conditions and high waves, the Baia 63 Azzurra showed her superior sea capabilites, maintaining the route and navigating with good stability at an average speed of 30 knots compared to 24 of its competitors. The course time was 4 hours. Same story for the return leg where the Roy Capasso team, confirmed the victory of the Angelo Moratti Trophy.


Cerri Marine launch 6th hull for the 86 Flying Sport

On 7th June, the sixth unit of the Cerri 86’ Flyingsport was launched in Marina di Carrara’s harbour. As the Cerri Style's philosophy, this 6th version for this motor yacht is a product made as usual looking after every detail, elegance, comfort and vanguard in design and materials choice.


Fairline and Sebago a stylish match

The british boat builder is proud to bring, the latest range of merchandise for this season, a number of exciting new Sebago lines that are sure to be very popular with owners, their families and crew. Ranging from soft-to-the-touch yet practical, weatherproof jackets, to shirts, shorts and trousers, and all available in both gentlemen’s and ladies’ styles, the Fairline by Sebago line-up provides the perfect casual dressing solution, whether you’re about to step on board or go ashore.


Ferretti Custom Line reaches Finals at New York Festival International Advertising Awards

The Ferretti Custom Line Advertising Campaign is a finalist in the short list of the New York Festival International Advertising Awards. Selected by the Jury of the Festival for the refinement and elegance of a timeless shot, the Ferretti Custom Line campaign reveals how a Ferretti Custom Line yacht is created by the owner, who chooses it and fashions it after his image, so as to ensure that every cruise is a work of art bearing his signature.


Ferretti Craft and Mochi Craft obtain ISO 9001 Certification

The shipyard voluntarily applied for this certification, with the objective of guaranteeing its compliance with quality standards and its focus on customer satisfaction. The whole Ferretti Yachts and Mochi Craft production site in Forli was recently awarded ISO 9001 certification, issued by the Registro Italiano Navale (RINA), certifying the excellence of the shipyard management systems.ISO 9001 certification is a sought-after objective in the yachting market, but is still not very widespread. In fact, this certification is difficult to obtain due to the large number of production processes subjected to examination.Achieving ISO 9001 means certifying the companys overall reliability, as well as its ability to develop products and services in keeping with specific standards agreed upon with a view to continuous quality improvement thanks to constant process controls.

Fiart Mare receives prize from Osservatorio Marketing Nautico

For the second consecutive year, Fiart Mare received from Osservatorio Marketing Nautico (Observatory for Nautical Marketing) in collaboration with Italian Nautica magazine the Nautical Marketing Award 2007 for the best nautical event. Fiart mare won for the event presentation for the new Fiart 50 Top Style Genius, held in Capri in September 2006.


Atlantis 50, cover girl of the year

Right from her debut, the Atlantis 50 has always seen herself as a true star and wasted no time in conquering the cover page of magazines specialized in luxury yachting. Carenes Moteurs were quick off the mark in naming the Atlantis 50 “bateau de l’année”, while Neptune has described her as “la plus sophistiquée”.Atlantis 50 currently appears on the cover page of the May issue of Yachting. The American magazine has headed the page “Ciao Bella” in honour of the Atlantis Jewel and has announced that this new luxury yacht may well become the link to a new and distinctive style.


Grand Banks University Gives Dealers New Tools and Tactics for Success

A team of top managers and training personnel from Grand Banks Yachts gathered here today to launch the second in a series of dealer-training seminars known as Grand Banks University, or “GBU.” This three-day session, for the company’s East Coast dealers, follows a similar West Coast event the company hosted near its Seattle headquarters in late May. Following the Baltimore event, the GBU team will travel to Malaysia to host dealers from Europe, Asia and Australia for a third session at its factory there. The program will be repeated on a regular basis, adding using special sessions and online seminars to supplement the curriculum.


Hatteras claims two wins

Hatteras won two important big game fishing challenges. The first is the shoot out which goes against the ever ending nemesis for the North Carolina brand, which this year has managed to win with a great come back from behind and winner in Overall and Indivual categories. The other win for Hatteras was the new inaugural competition The Big Four, which puts competing against each other the 3 most renowned sport fishing boats builder plus custom builds against each other.


Itama Power Circle

The Itama Power Circle is back. Created to offer Itama lovers and yacht experts the chance to fully experience the world and style of these distinctive yachts, this exclusive event combines the ultimately authentic pleasure of open yachting with truly extraordinary locations. After the success of its 2006 debut in the fabulous setting of the island of Capri, the 2007 edition chose the antique magic of Venice. As with last year’s Power Circle, the heart of the event was the sea trials with noth the Itama Forty and FiftyFive at guests disposal from Friday to Sunday. Itama style is also sunny vitality and sober elegance, and as such, this edition offered numerous opportunities for refined relaxation and entertainment. On Friday, guests were invited to a party at the Hotel Excelsior, on the esplanade of the Venetian Lido. This very special evening included a performance by the international opera star, Katia Ricciarelli, who together with tenor Francesco Zingariello and a 15-piece orchestra, enchanted the guests. On Saturday evening, guests enjoyed both a dinner and after dinner entertainment in the picturesquely elegant salons of the Ca’Vendramin Calergi, the prestigious home of the Venice Casino. And it is the Venice Casino, together with Mastro Raphael, Porsche and Poltrona Frau, that constituted the group of partners who joined together to ensure that the second edition of the Itama Power Circe was a total success.


Menorquin Yachts Infusion Process

Given Menorquin Yachts’ constant desire to provide the highest construction standards, the shipyard has decided to use the most advanced laminating system; that is a vacuum assisted resin infusion process. This very modern technique provides a long list of advantages, starting with allowing the hull to be built in a single piece instead of having to join two parts, as is necessary when using the usual system. In addition, the fact that the resin is homogenously applied means greater stiffness and ruggedness and material saving, which in turn means weight saving, which affects the dynamic qualities of the boat. Let’s not forget that, thanks to this system, we will avoid the undesirable bubbles, which is impossible to do if the resin is applied on an open mould. But there are many more arguments in favour of infusion, for example it also has a favourable impact on the environment and especially on workers’ health given that it reduces styrene emissions to zero. And speaking of the environment, it is also worth mentioning the reduction of residuals as an additional advantage of infusion. Whilst as far as time saving is concerned, it is worth saying that with this system the subsequent sanding of the hull is no longer necessary. The first steps are actually similar to the old process; that is preparing the mould, painting and applying the first layer of vinylester resin to protect against osmosis. The differences begin once this first stage is over, in fact, the various layers of fibreglass are dry-applied; that is without intermediate resin.Once everything has been arranged, the valves are opened, allowing the resin to penetrate and saturate the fibre. This takes about an hour and a half. Thanks to the vacuum effect, that is the absence of air inside the created space, the fibre spreads over the whole surface evenly avoiding any sort of bubble. The process ends by subjecting the boat to a 12 or 16 hour tanning at 41ºC with the aim of achieving an excellent fusion of fibreglass and resin.It could seem a complex process at first glance, but once mastered it is infinitely more convenient than the usual system for all the advantages already listed and especially for the peace of mind it gives to know that state-of-the-art technology is being employed to provide customers with the highest possible standards.


Mochi Craft Spring Polo Gold Cup 2007

Winner of the last Porto Cervo edition and finalist at the last winter edition in Cortina, Mochi Craft once again confirms its presence at the spring stage of the Polo World Cup and turns its focus to a favoured setting such of that of the Costa Smeralda. Mochi Craft has demonstrated the close link between the brand and polo. At the Spring Polo Gold Cup on the Costa Smeralda, Mochi Craft, Ruinart (a sophisticated champagne label) and Calvisius (a producer of delicious Italian caviar) proposed a new definition of hospitality and style in Porto Cervo, with a wonderful initiative. In fact, at sunset, the Dolphin Mochi Crafts welcomed their guests at the Porto Vecchio quay for an exclusive aperitif in a worldly and glamorous atmosphere, enhanced by the most sophisticated pleasures in life. On the sports front, the Mochi Craft team performed well again this year, coming first in the Sardinian Cup Trophy 2007, the prestigious tournament held at the same time as the Polo Gold Cup, on the last day of the trials, beating the home team, Cala di Volpe, by 9 to 1. The team, in sky blue shirts, captained by the Austrian Phillip Maeder, held the field against the red team, led by the aggressive captain Tom Barrack, which had to settle for second place.


Pershing Sea Show 3rd Trip a mirror as big as a lagoon

The third leg in the prestigious tour that has witnessed Pershing yachts and style drop anchor in some of the most spectacular marinas in the Mediterranean.From June 14 to 17, following on from Split and Majorca, it was the turn of Venice to welcome customers, aficionados, dealers, press and special guests to the latest stopover in the Pershing Sea Show, an event designed to offer an exciting preview of the shipyard’s latest model, the Pershing 72’. And certainly this location succeeded in enhancing the tight bond between the brand and the world of design, partly thanks to the fleet being moored in the Venetian Arsenal. The “global” nature of the Venice leg of the Sea Show was further reinforced by the Pershing Dealer Meeting, the most important opportunity for meeting up, sharing experiences and getting up-to-date in the shipyard’s worldwide sales network calendar. From Thursday to Sunday, the main attractions at the Sea Show were the sea trials, with intense cruising experiences taking place against the unique colours of the Ventian lagoon. This 3rd Sea Show and the Pershing Dealer Meeting event had a genuinely international flavour created by over 70 journalists from all around the world. Now Athens awaits the Pershing yachts to celebrate the fourth and final leg of this very special tour.

Pershing on the Olympus of the Best

The Pershing 90 wins Best of the Best Award 2007 in the production yacht category, awarded by Robb Report publications, responsible for a wide range of worldwide magazines and on-line portals dedicated to the luxury market. Winning this award is of great importance for Pershing and a prize for it’s continuis insistence on perfection and the consistent to develop state of the art style futures.

Pershing wins prestigious Yacht in Venice 2007 Award

The Italian Shipyard received the prestigious YachtinVenice 2007 award for it’s outstanding contribuition to the promotion of yachting and Venice as the ideal location for an unforgettable cruise.


Riva Prancing Horse gallops towards Sarnico and La Spezia

It was a week full of visits at Riva shipyards, the one from 18th to 23rd June. The Ferrari Club Luxembourg and the French "Ecurie Rouge" club, in fact, chose the Sarnico and La Spezia yards as destinations of their Italian tours. 12 and 16 cars respectively, representatives of the Prancing Horse past and present production, had the chance to enter in the “factory of dreams”, normally not opened to public. The lucky guests visited the shipyards and the production lines, giving themselves up completely in the Riva atmosphere and having the chance to admire how and where the jewels of the sea, are finished.


Riva presents its collection at Pitti Imagine Uomo 2007

The 72nd edition of Pitti Immagine Uomo, held in Florence from Wednesday 20th to Saturday June 23rd, was in fact chosen by Riva to officially present all the brand extension projects that let Riva play once again a major role in the luxury field. In the exclusive stand facing the Cortile del Cavaniglia, the lovers of the historic brand, worldwide leader in luxury pleasure motorboating, had the chance to admire until Saturday 23rd the new Riva Clothing collection Spring Summer 2008, the Riva Jewels presented last year, the perfumes Follia di Aquarama and l’Altra Follia, the Kiade’s miniatures and two brand new projects previewed on this occasion: the watches “Riva Timed by Hamilton” and the pens realized in cooperation with Tibaldi. The fil rouge characterizing all the collections is obviously the classic and timeless elegance proposed in a modern way that had made the success of Riva boats since ever. The products, realized in cooperation with selected partners leaders in their own business sectors, immediately enjoyed an amazing success among Pitti’s visitors, who appreciated their excellent quality as well as the pure and refined style.


Riva Myth comes together in Liguria

The annual Riva meetings planned for the summer of 2007 have finally started. Dedicated to a passion for the sea and organized in stunning Italian and international resorts, these exclusive events will accompany Riva owners for the entire duration of the season. Traditional events, Riva Trophy Italy and Wooden Boats Meeting, have in fact already taken place from 31st May to 3rd June 2007. Now regular appointments held in the most exclusive resorts along the Italian coasts, they were joined together for the very first time this year to form a single event held in Santa Margherita Ligure in the splendid Ligurian coast. Both traditional wooden motorboats and more recently built yachts took part in the Ligurian event, representing Riva production from its origins to the present day, proof of the shipyard’s history which dates back over 160 years. Despite the bad weather of the first day, during the four day event a programme full of interesting activities cheered up the participants, among which a long cruise that took owners to visit the new Riva Shipyard in La Spezia, where they admired how the jewels are completed. As always, there was the exclusive gala dinners, while the Reliability Trials were appeased by the merriness of the Elegance Trial. During this later competition, owners fitted out their yachts with the yellow and black colours of La Grande Dame Veuve Clicquot, Riva’s partner, as indeed were Audi, Hamilton, Crédit Suisse and Starwood’s Luxury Collection. The next few appointments planned for Riva owners are the Riva Trophy Monaco – Saint Tropez, from 5th-7th July, and the Riva Owners Gala Dinner, which will take place on August 8th in the attractive setting of the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Porto Cervo.


Sunseeker completes first Super Yacht in new establishment

The first superyacht to be built at Sunseeker International's new base at Osprey Quay, Portland, UK, has rolled off the production line this week. Sunseeker acquired the site last March and started production just 10 weeks ago. The first boat to be completed is a 108 Predator. The team working on the site is made up of a mixture of new recruits and local workers who previously commuted to the Sunseeker sites in Poole. There are currently 45 skilled staff employed in the new establishment and this number is expected to increase to 500 in the next four years.

Sunseeker Managing Director Robert Braithwaite receives Queens Birthday Honour

Founder and managing director of Sunseeker International, Robert Braithwaite received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours this month for his charitable and business achievements. Mr. Braithwaite also received an MBE in 1992 in recognition of building Sunseeker International into one of the world’s largest-privately owned yacht builders. Earlier this year, the company was honored with a Queen''s Award for Enterprise, the UK's most prestigious awards for business performance.

Sunseeker Wins Prestigious Croatia Boat Show Trophy

Sunseeker International’s Predator 62 has been awarded the Croatia Boat Show Trophy for best motoryacht on display at the event. Recognised for the excellence and high quality of its fleet, the company’s Manhattan 60 was also awarded best in the flybridge category between 60 and 70 feet confirming the flybridge motoryacht design with luxury and performance in mind.

Sunseeker backs cycling in aid of charity

Sunseeker International is sponsoring the 19th Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride on Sunday 1 July 2007 for another year. Once again, the company has contributed £1,500.00 and a number of employees have entered into the event to help raise more funds for the charity. This year’s event aims to raise over £50,000 and top last year’s total of £47,211. According to the event organiser Peter Smith-Nicholls, 100% of the money raised by cyclists goes directly to Macmillan projects. The event is organised and run by volunteers and depends on the generosity of all the supporters. Cyclists can enter individually or as a team of four, with prizes for the top fund raiser as well as certificates for completion.


Tecnomar on the small screen

Italian famous network Canale 5 transmitted a service on there weekly aired program Nonsolomoda on the famous motor and super yacht builder. The product presented the new 120 Velvet colored in Red which is a first for the yard, but also the customization disponibilty of the shipyard for all of the models ordered.

Powerboat P1 - German Gran Prix of the Sea Preview

Sunseeker Challenger in Naples

Once a small fishing village, Travemunde is now one of the most popular and fashionable seaside resorts on the Baltic Coast. With beautiful sandy beaches stretching 4.5km, reputably the best on the German Baltic, it is today an internationally acclaimed tourist destination. For many centuries Travemünde was almost exclusively known for its fishing industry and shipping. However, during the 18th Century, it became fashionable with the aristocracy as a summer retreat and its waters fast developed a reputation for their healing qualities, attracting visitors from wide and far. Tourism was born! Today it continues to enjoy a reputation for its therapeutic bathing, although exclusive health resorts have largely replaced the traditional bathing houses.

The Powerboat P1 German Grand Prix of the Sea has become one of the most popular events of the P1 calendar, and provides an opportunity for the German public to experience at first hand the exciting spectacle and fast competitive racing of P1. In 2006, over 80,000 people lined the shores to watch the racing action and this year promises to be another action-packed festival of international sport, glamour and entertainment, on and off the water.

This third way point of the 2007 season, will be a confirmation test for King of Shaves and Roscioli Hotels Roma who both dominated the 2 races in Naples on there respective Evolution and Super Sport Class. Other favorite teams will need to show that they still can compete for this season, such is the case of Italian OSG, winner of the 2006 Evolution Class, but also Fainplast in the same category who won the first Grand Prix of Malta but was disqualified for missing a course buoy during the race.

In the Super Sport class other awaited but struggling team seems to be Sunseeker Challenger who with a similar competing package to a Formula One team still seems not have made the desired impact on the competition yet. Will the German Grand Prix prove the right spot for them? This coming weekend in Germany will for sure answer some of these questions, as for those still remaining one will have to wait for the legendary Cowes Grand Prix in England scheduled for the end of August.

www.powerboatp1.com

Project: Ferretti 510

Ferretti present the project for the new 510 scheduled to be presented the coming autumn. A space-saving V-drive engine configuration, will make the 510 one of the most spacious 15/16 metres flybridge motor yachts featuring a central, full-beam owner's suite plus two guest cabins, with no one having to sleep in a bunk. Standard fitted engines are two 730hp engines but a more powerful 800hp option is available.

www.ferretti-yachts.com

Boat Review: Italcraft 95 Maxi Drago

Presentation

The 95 Maxi Drago is the first new model from the legendary Italcraft brand, presented under the belts of the new owners, the Inrizzardi Group. Italcraft is the nautical brand which in it's history in the seventies and eighties presented some of the most important technical innovations for motorboats, which to this day have become standard design fixtures. Innovations like tunnel propellers, surface drives and the variable deep vee hull where some of the most popular inventions which look very common in today's crafts but are all credit to this legendary Italian builder, who was never afraid of pushing the limits. The 95 Maxi Drago model which at this time is the biggest from the yard, continues to shout performance with classic design touches for the South Lazio region marque and is a success in an ever increasing competitive market segment.

Accommodation

The standard layout for the 95 Maxi Drago is a 4 cabin offer all with independent en-suite shower head for a total of 8 berth sleeping accommodation for the owner and his guests. A full beam owners cabin is located mid ship, VIP cabin forward and 2 guest cabins in between. Surprisingly also for a 4 cabin offer there is a lower saloon to port and a home size galley to starboard. Crew quarters are located further aft with a total of 4 berths and a separate entrance, concluding the standard form of the lower deck.

The upper deck is the heart for the Maxi Drago with a spacious bar area to port which creates a spacious entertainment area thanks to the C-shaped saloon settee to starboard. The helm station is located in the centre and an L-shaped settee is located to port in order for the guests to enjoy the trip and views during the navigation of the yacht. A spacious deck and outside entertaining area compliments the interior saloon.

Performance

Based on the Corrubbia Class Military vessel, which has already been delivered in 20 models the Maxi Drago has as safe a ride as you can get and one of the best sea handling super yachts available to the market today. Hull Designer Gianluca Caputi designer for the hull and superstructure for the Maxi Drago and for all models of the current Italcraft range says it best, when declaring a superior standard which guarantees superior sea keeping quality of the hull, performance levels and a top construction standard present in the Italcraft yachts. Noting that all models are usually tested in the Military field before going to the recreational sector, he has a point as very few yachts in the market do perform such a solid testing before going to the market.

Positive

sea keeping qualities

deck arrangement

Negative

not complete high bulwark

Competition

Competition in the open hard top super yacht 27 to 30 metre segment is ever increasing, which apart from the under mentioned alternative offers to the Italcraft, three other important projects from different builders are in line for future presentation. Add to that the other projects from the custom builders and you come with a much bigger list, seeing the big competition in this market segment today. Here is what you should give a look before deciding:
AB Yachts 92 - jet propulsion with superb handling and performance, 56 knot top speed
Arno Leopard 27 - classic timeless hard top design by Paolo Caliari
Canados 90 Open - innovative ultra modern glass hard top with wide body saloon area

Couach 2800 Open - also a military derivation hull, good sea keeping

Overmarine Mangusta 92 Open - the best seller model for this size range

Pershing 90 - the silver bullet, benchmark in innovative design and style

Tecnomar 90 Velvet - tailor made for the client

WILD CARD: Azimut 98 Leonardo - a flybridge sport coupe now in it's second generation

Conclusion

The 95 Maxi Drago is a superb open hardtop super yacht which brings together a timeless innovative design but with a big open eye to what regards safety and superlative sea keeping capabilities derived directly from unstoppable military testing. If your aim is to have a comfortable yacht when the going gets tough there is no doubt the Maxi Drago will be on the top of your list, still this is only one of the reasons, as the finishing standard, luxury comfort and a full customization tailor made for the clients makes this fast super sport yacht as one of the best in it's class.

Technical Data

L.O.A. 28.40 metres (93.1 ft)

Beam. 7.56 metres

Displacement. 80 t

Fuel Capacity. 10000 litres

Water Capacity. 1500 litres

Berths. 8 + 4 crew

Engines. 2 x 2400 hp MTU.

Propulsion. Arenson Surface Drives.

Max Speed. 43 knots. Cruising Speed. 36 knots.

www.italcraft.it

Picture Copyright Italcraft. Data Italcraft.

Projects: Absolute 52, Absolute 47

The project for this new Absolute 52, from the young Tuscany boat builder founded in 2002, which continues to present fresh innovative models. This new Sport Yacht is testimony of the progress for the young constructor in a little time period. The visiting ticket for this model is impressive and are the following: three spacious cabins, mid ship master stateroom, saloon galley up solution, patio door separating inside / outside, and the speed and economy of the new Inboard Power System (IPS) by Volvo. This should be one of the most successful models in the fifteen metre range in the months to come.

The other new Absolute is the 47 communicating style and privacy. Like it's bigger sister power will be provided by Volvo's innovative IPS drive and engines, for the best relation in space and performance. This new Sport Cruiser puts precious details at the service of technique and design and a more versatile way to live the sea thanks to the Hard Top, which is becoming ever so popular in sub fifty feet models. Interior layout is a two large cabins offer, one forward and a full beam middle cabin.

www.absoluteyachts.com

32nd America's Cup Preview

After a four year wait the final match of the oldest trophy in the world has arrived. Can Alinghi Defender of the Cup, match the superb skills shown by the Kiwi's in the Louis Vuitton, it is only a few hours and we can have a reply to this question and finally see the real match.

The other match of politics and drama which as old as the Cup itself, have taken place on the shore of Valencia in the days before the match. Among the duels off the race course surrounding the cup was the much mentioned about future nationality rules the real Kiwis of Team New Zealand seem to want to introduce if they win the Cup, something Alinghi boss and the other Kiwis of the Swiss Team seem to not to have liked. Other friction was about the boat change and what is considered a damage to consent this. Third and most important was the Measurement Committee acceptance and then neglecting to Alinghi regarding the backstays and topmast backstays which now seems was decided have to stay permanently attached to their fixing point. Finally now the real racing is close and the boats from the teams have been announced, with both team's choosing there latest construction NZL92 for Team New Zealand the boat used in the successful run of the Louis Vuitton Cup by the Kiwi's and SUI100 the last constructed America's Cup Class series battle machine of the defender. The other endless tele novel which finally finished as the rumors where suggesting for a long time was the helmsman choice for the Swiss defender, which will be American Ed Baird, who will have the difficult task of replacing three time America's Cup winner Russel Coutts. Now it's all for the real competition on the water to decide the champion for the Sport's oldest trophy.

www.americascup.com

Project: Intermare 50

The young and dynamic yard situated in Pisa famous for quality construction with a mind always to the family cruiser presents this project for it's future flagship the Intermare 50. This motor yacht which will be the jewel of the builder is a spacious three cabin 15 metre motor yacht, with full beam mid-ship master cabin, VIP cabin forward and third guest cabin with bunk beds. A single crew cabin aft is also available. Also worth to note is a spacious flybridge area that complements the package with an L-shaped dinette and a spacious sun pad for 2 to 3 people to port next to the helm station. The exterior design theme focuses for the usual all round design of Intermare but with big side windows for the VIP and master cabin. Engine power in order to push this 19 Ton displacement 15 metre motor yacht is a pair of 575hp Volvo shaft driven diesels.

www.cantiereintermare.com

New Model: Feadship 44.65m Hull. 796

Feadship has launched hull. 796, a 44.65 meter super yacht what is the first in the F45 Vantage semi-custom series.  Built by Royal Van Lent, the 44.65m hull. 796 has been named m/y Space, what is a new concept designed for owners who require a more compact size of super yacht without having to pay the significantly higher costs associated with a fully customised project. A three-year research and design project preceded the launching and construction of the yacht and is the aim of the prestigious Dutch Feadship to compete in the semi custom medium size super yacht range, with a more competitive price as opposed to a custom built Feadship in the 35 to 45 meter price bracket. A wealth of options and styles is available for owners to shape the interior to their individual taste and four design themes created by Sinot Design Associates.

Technical Data:

LOA - 44.65 m (146.6ft)

Beam - 9.20 m

Draft - 2.70 m

Fuel - 40,000 l

Water - 10,000 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, 

Engines - 2 x MTU 12V2000M70 1055hp

Speed - fourteen knots

Range - transatlantic

Project - Sinot and De Voogt , De Voogt naval architecture, Donald Starkley interior

www.feadship.nl