February 15, 2008

Project: Viking 60 Enclosed Bridge

Viking has been building enclosed bridge convertibles for over 11 years, delivering the first model, a 58 EB in the summer of 1995. As the design has evolved over the years, Viking now offers enclosed bridges on the 74, 68, 64, 56 and now the new 60. Although the size of the enclosed bridge varies depending upon the model, each one shares a commonality of luxury and convenience features. To maximize visibility, the helm is moved forward on centerline and each of three tinted windshield sections is fitted with a wiper and washer. The dash is wrapped in black ultra-leather to reduce glare and serves as the ideal location for electronic displays and the flush-mounted compass. Overhead, a bank of accessory switches controls various systems. Single lever controls supplied by the engine manufacturer and a vertical destroyer-type wheel with power assisted hydraulic steering deliver instant response. An adjustable Stidd helm chair provides plenty of comfort for long range excursions and on most models is flanked with upholstered companion seats, each with a sturdy footrest. Abaft the helm is essentially a second salon with similar amenities found below. A plush J-shaped lounge with stowage underneath on a raised platform allows guests panoramic views through the forward, side and aft windows, which totally eliminates any sense of confinement. A cocktail table adds a nice, convenient touch. Opposite the lounge, the hand-finished teak cabinetry houses a refrigerator with space available for bottle stowage and a sink. For entertainment, a flat-screen television, stereo and CD player are standard. The enclosed bridge is fully air conditioned and in reverse cycle mode, the system can supply heat for those chilly days at the beginning and end of the season. In fact, it is this feature of the enclosed bridge that many owners appreciate because it allows them to extend their boating season and enjoy more time on the water. On those in-between days, you can open the overhead hatch and the weatherproof exterior door to invite plenty of fresh air aboard. Another useful benefit of the design is it provides for an interior staircase from the salon so that during inclement weather, there is no need to travel outside to reach the flybridge. For docking ease, each enclosed bridge model is equipped with an outside aft docking station. The controls and wheel fit neatly into a fiberglass helm pod with room to add some electronics if desired. Opposite the outside helm, there is a molded fiberglass seat topped with a plump cushion for comfort and plenty of stowage below. On enclosed bridge models, all of the flybridge railings, including the bridge ladders are powder-coated to blend in nicely with the surroundings. Even the quartz lights, which illuminate the cockpit, are ensconced in fiberglass pods for a totally finished look. Viking also offers an option called the skybridge. This feature is a cozy open flybridge that sits atop the enclosed bridge roof. If it is extra height you are looking for aboard your next new Viking, it’s safe to say the sky is the limit with this accessory. Viking’s Enclosed Bridge Convertible line-up is one more example of our commitment to build a better boat everyday. They are the consummate cruising yacht, yet are fully capable of fishing alongside our Open Bridge boats.

February 14, 2008

New Model: Numarine 55 Hardtop

Turkish builder Numarine presents the much awaited 55 Hardtop model, a fast offshore boat based on the aggressive lines of the successful 55 Open model. With the 55 Hardtop, Numarine adds another addition to the 55 feet range, now being offered in 4 different versions including this new much requested hard top design. The Turkish builder did not stop on the outside and also redesigned the interior space now offering a minimal design approach with a spacious 3 cabin layout, featuring a wider VIP cabin located mid ship and a modern integrated saloon area with galley wet bar located to port and a c-shaped saloon settee to starboard. Engines options are latest Caterpillar of 575 and 715hp each, giving a very respectable top speed of 38 knots with the most powerful units. The new Numarine 55 Hardtop is also certified with latest CE B rules and has an interesting price quality offer.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.90 m (55.5ft)
Length - 15.81 m
Beam - 4.48 m
Draft - 1.31 m
Displacement - 18.000 kg (with smaller CAT C9 engines)
Fuel Capacity - 2385 l
Water Capacity - 380 l
Engines - 2 x Caterpillar C9 575hp, C12 715hp
Speed - 38 knots max with Caterpillar C12 engines
Certification - CE B

February 12, 2008

New Model: Jeanneau 38 Prestige S

The Jeanneau 38 Prestige S launched during the 2008 London boat show has been among the most expected new boats in this size offer. Italian designers Garroni present a real class leader in this size with innovative hardtop outside lines, big mid cabin window and a very versatile modular cockpit area. The main deck outside cockpit area is really the heart of any sports cruiser especially in the 11 meter size. Jeanneau really had a global thinking offering a versatile transformable outside with 2 different options as the circumstances may require. if you use your boat in the North colder climates a 2 shaped settee is the one for you, but when the sun gets going the aft part can easily transform in a spacious sun deck for the aft area. The French builder has also found the space to include a tender garage under the sundeck or settee as it is at the moment. The inside of the Jeanneau continues to surprise as it is a spacious versatile 2 cabin layout with a huge wardrobe for the forward located owner cabin and a transformable 2 singles or double guest cabin mid ship. Hull design for the 38 Prestige S is by offshore winning designer Michael Peters and propulsion is a pair of latest Cummins QSD 4.2 at 320hp each.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.92 m (39ft)
Length - 11.67 m
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 0.95 m
Displacement - 7500 kg
Fuel Capacity - 920 l
Water Capacity - 320 l
Accommodation - 4/6 berths, 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSD 4.2 320hp
Designers - Garroni, Michael Peters hull
Certification - CE B

February 8, 2008

New Model: Elan Power 48

The long awaited Elan Power 48 was launched at the Boot Dusseldorf, Germany to a huge response from brand fans and from clients looking at this size and type of sports cruiser. New flagship of the Elan Power range the new 48, is an elegant and stunning hard top sports cruiser with luxury interiors setting new standards in this size and range. Tony Castro designed a much diversified hard top model for the Slovenian builder, with options of 2 or 3 cabin interiors, with the 3 cabin version having a single saloon up top under the hard top. Engine options are latest shaft driven Volvo engines of 500 or 575hp each.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.63 m (48ft)
Length - 13.88 m
Beam - 4.30 m
Weight - 16.4 t (dry)
Fuel Capacity - 1800 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Maximum Passengers - 10
Accommodation - 2 cabins 4 berths 2 heads, 3 cabins 6 berths 2 heads
Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 500hp, D9 575hp
Designer - Tony Castro

February 7, 2008

Project: Riviera 38 Open Flybridge

Aussie builder Riviera announces the new Riviera 38 Open Flybridge, a two-cabin, one bathroom model, developing the millennium styling introduced in 2000. The saloon on the new Riviera 38 continues the sense of light and space seen on latest Riviera flybridge models with a conveniently low located galley in the saloon lounge area, ensuring flow of natural light. With a low profile flybridge hardtop Riviera uses light RTM (Resin Transfer Moulding) manufacturing techniques, ensuring light weight combined with strength. Up top on the flybridge a comfortable high-back helm seat is inboard with companion seat outboard and set slightly back with plenty of room behind the helm chair for easy access. A new style dash console has been integrated into the helm station offering a clean, robust look with complete engine monitoring displays and navigation instruments. A lounge stretching in front of the helm easily accommodates three adult guests. Externally, the new Riviera continues the evolutionary styling, with tinted glass windscreen panels fitting together in front of the windscreen mullions to give a modern all-glass look. Below decks accommodation includes two cabins: a master stateroom forward with walk-around queen double bed, a two doors entrance bathroom one from the master stateroom and one from the companionway and the second guest cabin with two spacious bunk berths. The spacious bathroom features satin chrome fittings and shower pole as well as a solid surface bench-top. Twin Volvo turbo diesel engines rated at 370hp each are the standard power on the new Riviera 38 Open Flybridge.

February 6, 2008

New Model: Doma 3 Avante

The Alicante Shipyard presents the 3 Doma in the new Avante version. Avante in this case meaning for a hard top offering an alternative all weather sports cruiser, but still retaining the rounded sporty lines which have made this models a success for the young Spanish builder. This new hard top version for this 39 feet of length overall sports cruiser shows the versatility the Spanish builder wants to make, not only by offering a huge range of colors and interior options to the future owners but also by creating another alternative model to the 3 Doma in the Avante version. The Alicante Doma 3 Avante retains the spaciousness of the normal version of a spacious 2 cabin interior with a nice L-shaped saloon to port, a well sized L-shaped galley also to port and a very spacious shower head. Outside it retains the very alternative cockpit with loads of seating space, 2 spacious sun beds aft and another solarium forward on deck. Performance is a fast 41 knots with the big double 370hp Volvo D6 option.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.17 m (39.9ft)
Length - 11.92 m
Beam - 3.90 m
Draft - 0.75 m
Displacement - 9 t
Fuel Capacity - 800 l
Water Capacity - 340 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo Penta D6 330hp, D6 370hp
Speed - 41 knots max, 34 knots cruising with 370hp
Range - 210 nautical miles
Hull Shape - monoedric vee 18 degrees dead rise aft
Certification - CE B

February 5, 2008

Project: Riva 92 Duchessa

The new Riva 92 Duchessa project follows the successful 115 Athena, flagship of the fleet since 2005. Riva continues its adventure in the mega yacht segment, with a new, refined model with curved, racy lines with a harmonious design of the profile. The new mega yacht encloses all the elegance and inimitable Riva style, as always in a solution featuring a unique, original design. Mauro Micheli's pencil, the work of his team at Officina Italiana Design and Riva's Engineering Department have once again managed to sketch a winning yacht. The novelties are numerous, both in the exterior design and in the interior layout and fittings, that won't miss to match the requests of the most demanding owners. The new, refined jewel has been added to the Riva collection, which currently features twelve models, and will be on display in September at the 2008 Cannes Boat Show.

February 4, 2008

New Model: Maxi Dolphin 51 Power

Launched in Summer 2007 this picnic styled power boat was brought to my attention in the lively web forum at YBW.com. Maxi Dolphin is a renowned sailing yacht builder who decided to build its first power boat, a fifteen meter size sport yacht with classic and elegant lines. Its clean design disguises its apparel, designed to reward maximum sailing comfort and enjoyment. With the 51 Power, Maxi Dolphin offers a day cruiser but also a stylish maxi tender for the mega yacht, suited for day-outings at sea with family and friends or for brief cruises of a day or two. Below decks there is a large owner’s suite with private bathroom and shower, plus an adjoining spacious dinette, saloon and small day head. Power is provided by latest twin Volvo 370hp or the optional with 435hp units with same six cylinder block, with this last option giving a maximum speed of 38 knots and a cruise of thirty.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.42 m (50.5ft)
Beam - 4.26 m
Displacement - 10.000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 1.800 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking duoprop pods
Speed - 38 knots max, thirty knots cruise
Project - Roberto Starkel
Certification - CE B

January 31, 2008

Monthly News - January 2008

- pic of the month - Riviera Wins Gamefish Tournament

Alicante Doma 4 Acclaimed Barcelona Beauty

The prestigious British magazine “Motor Boat” has selected Doma as one of the most impressive new launches at the past International Barcelona Boat Show. Is in that way how the Doma 4 has been defined as the “Barcelona Beauty”. The new launch from Astilleros de Alicante clearly shows the international expansion strategy of Doma. As Motor Boat has pointed out, one of the evidences of the Boat Show is to confirm the evolution of Doma, the “Spanish growing marque”. According to this publication, the Barcelona Boat Show has unveiled the new and “thrilling” Spanish launches, which “much temp the British buyers”, among which the Doma 4 has shown to be one of the stars. This recognition from Motor Boat adds to the acclamation that Doma 4 has received since its world premier last November. And the passion for design that Doma represents has been again remarked by a prestigious publication.


Azimut Show 2000 Metres Above Sea Level

From the extraordinary beauty and elegance of the Azimut 43 S amid the islands of the Mediterranean to the glossy luster of its bordeaux color, characteristic of the “S” line to which it belong, against the snowy backdrop the French Alps. The Azimut 43 S is in these days the star and the symbol of this exclusive prestigious resort, an Olympic site during the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics and a holiday destination for French and Russian high society and Europe’s biggest tycoons. The Azimut 43 S is choreographically included in the Alpine context: the yacht’s wake has been made by snow artists and sculptors to create the fascination of a yacht plowing through the waves of the sea... amid splendid snow-covered peaks. In the sixteen days of the show the yacht is being visited by the exclusive guests of Courchevel 1850, who will be able to dream about their next summer vacation aboard one of Azimut’s prestigious yachts, symbols throughout the world of contemporary elegance, comfort and distinction.


Bertram Yacht New President

Legendary U.S. sport-fish manufacturer, Bertram Yacht, has appointed Mike Myers as its new President. Myers will report directly to Giovanni Vacchi, Executive Chairman and CEO of Bertram Yacht. We are very pleased to have Mike joining our team, stated Giovanni Vacchi, Executive Chairman and CEO of Bertram Yacht. He comes from an outstanding background, including 20 years in the marine industry, with extensive operations experience. He is a quality driven manager who will contribute significantly to Bertrams reinforcement as the worlds leading sport-fish manufacturer. Previously President of Boston Whaler and Brunswicks Saltwater Boat Group Division, he joined Bertram Yacht in its Miami headquarters on January 7th, 2008. Myers holds a degree in Industrial Engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and has 28 years of managerial experience, including 8 years at General Electric and 20 years in the marine industry.

Bertram Winterfest 2007

The Bertram 630 Moppie cruised through Fort Lauderdale as part of the 36th annual WinterFest Boat Parade on December 16, 2007. Bertram Yacht teamed up with Kids in Distress, a community supported agency providing services for the prevention and treatment of child abuse in South Florida. Identifiable by the Kids in Distress’s signature rubber duck on the bow, the Moppie drew plenty of oohs and aahs from the thousands of people on shore along the parade route.


Fairline Present Apprentice Of The Year Award

At this year's Collins Stewart London Boat Show, Fairline Boats will present the 'The Apprentice of the Year' award to the apprentice that has shown the most promise during 2007. The award, which will be presented by Derek Carter, Fairline's CEO, took place on the Fairline stand on Thursday 17th January. Samuel Carver, who turns 20 on 12th January, has been selected as the Apprentice of the Year from over 25 apprentices that are studying towards NVQ's at Fairline. Samuel, from Market Harborough works on the Phantom 50 line and was nominated by both his mentor and foreman because of his excellent work ethic, time keeping, manners and attitude


Ferretti Wins Best of The Best Award

Ferretti Yachts has once again played a starring role in this year's prestigious "Best Of The Best Award", presented by the "Hurun Report" magazine. The prize is awarded on the basis of the results of interviews with 660 Chinese businessmen, who are invited to nominate the best product from a select range of luxury companies from all over the world. The survey was carried out between May and November 2007, reflecting the opinions of entrepreneurs and operators in this market, which currently has the largest growth rate among the world’s economies. During the ceremony, the "Hurun Report" magazine awarded Ferretti Yachts with the "Best Luxury Cruising Yacht Award 2008", recognizing for the second year running the yard's leading position in China.


Hatteras Moves Production To New Bern

Hatteras Yachts has announced that over the next several months it will gradually shift production from its Swansboro plant to its larger New Bern facility to take advantage of productivity gains there. Though Hatteras is forecasting a double-digit growth in sales for 2008 versus 2007, Hatteras management is confident that improvements in its manufacturing process at New Bern will allow consolidation of its boat building activities there to satisfy production commitments. Upon completion of manufacturing Hatteras product in June, the Swansboro facility will be available for manufacturing of other Brunswick boat brand yachts. Over the course of this production shift by Hatteras, 200 positions will eventually be eliminated at Swansboro. Those employees with necessary skill sets may be given an opportunity to possibly transfer to New Bern. For those employees who do not stay with the company, Hatteras will offer appropriate severance and other assistance.


Pershing Wins Bert Performance Yacht 2008 In China

On Thursday, January 10th at an award ceremony held in Shanghai, Pershing, the Ferretti Group brand and famous Italian shipyard specialized in the production of luxury yachts, was presented with the prestigious Best Performance Yacht 2008 award, on the basis of the statistics established in the “Best of the Best” survey. This demonstrates for the second year running that the Chinese market and its rapidly expanding class of entrepreneurs see the Marches-based company as one of the most prestigious “Made in Italy” brands.


Riva Hits St.Moritz Ski Runs

If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain. Following this principle, Riva celebrates the beginning of 2008 reaching his owners and lovers who, in winter, leave the sea for the ski runs in the most exclusive locations of Europe. In December the first Riva Corners were inaugurated, giving brand lovers the chance to admire miniatures of the famous yachts and photographic panels running through images of the Riva history. Two special corners can be admired at the renewed Carlton Hotel, former summer residence of tsar Nicholas II built in 1913 and facing the St. Moritz lake, and in the exclusive Corviglia restaurant, which, placed at 2500 m, is one of the highest Yacht Club in the world. This new project couldn’t miss to include also the Queen of the Dolomites. Cortina, the Italian ski resort par excellence, hosts in its famous Cristallo Palace Hotel & Spa a miniature of the Rivale and three panels of the Riva Historical Archive, telling the evolution of the shipyard from the origins in 1842 until today.


Riviera Scoops The Pool In Gamefish Tournament

Riviera scooped the pool at the Riviera Light Tackle Masters game fishing tournament held off the Gold Coast over the month of January. Rivieras took out both first and second team places. Overall Champion Boat went to Reel Deal, a Riviera 37 owned by Les Corby. Les took delivery of his boat on the Thursday before the event started, just in time to complete registration. Runner up boat went to the new Riviera 48 Offshore Express, Freelance, in its very first tournament. A fleet of 56 boats, from trailer boats of less than 20 feet up to an 85-foot cruiser, competed through the three-day tournament in often difficult sea conditions. A total of 15 marlin were tagged and released. According to Gold Coast Game Fish Club President Craig “Grinner” Newton, it was one of the most successful events ever run by the club.


Sarnico Group Logo

Four companies working in the nautic field are gathered under one sole logo: the starfish, the most charming among the marine creatures with its typical pentamerous symmetry which represents an advanced example of geometry in nature. A perfect symbol for those who design and build boats, right through the refinement of the shapes create a great “feeling” between man and sea. The five typical arms, that in some specimens may reach the number of fifty, symbolize activities of expansion and extension and depict notably the link among the different companies through the centre that sets the policy of progress and direction, as well as the starfish wraps its vital organs. Presently Sarnico group is composed by Cantieri di Sarnico, builders of prestigious yachts, Giacomo Colombo &C, producing speedboats and day cruisers of first class since 50 years, Sarnico II, a company located in Campania, dealing in moulding and assembling fiberglass manufactured products, Yacht Service Rapallo charged to give assistance and storage to the clients. The star, symbol of the sea and ideally the farthest point in the universe, represents the nautic identity of Sarnico group and points out the purposes of research and development beyond every aim.

January 29, 2008

New Model: Astondoa A76 GLX

The world renowned Spanish builder Astondoa, continues to update its range with Italian designer Christiano Gatto which presented a modern and spacious 23 metre 4 cabin motor yacht. The new A 76 GLX follows the trend shown by the latest presented models and aims to capture the success the A 72 GLX enjoys in a slightly smaller dimension size. It's exterior design follows a futuristic modern theme with huge windows and an aggressive look, all this without loosing a classic motor yacht feel thanks to deep side decks, allowing for a safe passage around the main deck but also the clean hull lines. Interior accommodation is a 4 cabins, 8 berths layout with a VIP cabin forward and full beam owners cabin located midship. Crew cabins are 2 for 3 members. The interior design follows a minimal approach with a huge research giving a spacious environment finished with oak and wenge woods. An optional hard top is available up top allowing for sun cover during the hot Summer months. Performance is an estimated top speed of 34 knots with a cruising speed of 27 knots powered by latest twin MAN 1550hp engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.50 m (77ft)
Length - 23 m
Beam - 6.00 m
Draft - 1.60 m
Displacement - 55 T
Accommodation - 8/10 guest berths in 4 cabins, 3 crew berths in 2 cabins
Fuel Capacity - 5800 l
Water Capacity - 1200 l
Engines - 2 x MAN CRM V12 1550hp
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruising
Project - Christiano Gatto
Certification - CE B