May 16, 2008

Project: Baia One Hundred

A project for a new model from this builder is always a bit of a news, as it is on the conservative side of things in presenting additions to it's range, having on average added models every 2 years. Expected but also challenging is the important size of the new Baia which will be a hundred footer Super Sport Yacht or as the title for the project says One Hundred. It will be the new Baia flagship, but not the biggest built by the Naples builder as it did deliver a one off 105 footer flybridge yacht in the nineties. The renderings for the new One Hundred follow what this builder offered in the last decade, that of improving its classic design into new borders of innovation and comfort, without boundaries, transforming and joining areas as the client would wish at the moment. Among the most interesting practical innovations for the Hundred looks to be the forward deck area, which is connected to the interior through an innovative opening at the bow. The new big Baia will be powered by latest generation twin MTU 16V2000 M93 delivering 2450hp each with Arneson Surface Drives propulsion, of which this builder has a special experience for using and taking out the best potential from. At this stage it is just about the wait to see the new Baia flagship for real, which as a passionate I hope very soon.

May 15, 2008

New Model: Viking 60 Enclosed Bridge

The Enclosed Bridge version for the 60 Viking, adds luxury to this model and more. This highly respected USA builder has been building Enclosed Bridges Sport Fisherman yachts from 1995, launching in that season the first of the series with the 58 EB and now spanning all the range from 56 to the 74 models. The 60 Enclosed Bridge version in respect to the Convertible adds comfort and an extra luxury fully climate controlled upper saloon. In fact this luxury appointed helm station has some important bonuses like the internal staircase, a luxury appointed L-shaped saloon to port and a small settee to starboard for the helmsman guests. Useless to say that the upper bridge makes much sense as an extra luxury appointed upper station but also a fully upper saloon fit out for threatening the guests at anchor and underway. Viking also make the possibility of fitting an option called the skybridge, a cozy flybridge sitting on top of the Enclosed Bridge. If it's a high helm station you are looking for, it can be assured that the New Jersey builder has all the answers.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.49 m (60.8ft)
Beam - 5.72 m
Draft - 1.55 m
Weight - 41413 kg Gross
Fuel Capacity - 6132 l
Water Capacity - 1136 l
Accommodation - 3 cabin 6 berths, 4 cabins 8 berths
Engines - 2 x MAN CRM 1550hp, Cats C32A 1825hp

May 14, 2008

Project: Sogica 47 Openbridge

An innovative young Italian yacht builder with a modern futurisic design presents it's second model, which follows the themes shown for the first of a fast fully enclosed hardtop model. The Sogica Openbridge series is the Performance Motoryachts range of Sogica, proving quite a success with the 55 model. As the 55 Openbridge the new 47 Openbridge shows an open layout full of space and accommodation which the shipyard promises will be hard to beat in this size and length. The new Sogica 47 Openbridge is powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 600 engines, giving estimated top speeds of 35 knots, 29 knots cruising and a good range of 350 nautical miles.

May 13, 2008

New Model: Ferretti Custom Line 112 Next

Presented during the Ferretti Privilege days held in April, is the new version for the planning Ferretti Custom Line 112 model, now added with the title Next. As the title suggests the Zuccon designed motor yacht heads into the next dimension of a modern Super Yacht, helped with the adding on the exterior of big side windows for the main cabins, but also for a stylish hard top on the upper deck, which really integrates with the design in a perfect stylish way. Something to accept from this respected top Super Yacht builder! The new 112 Next follows the modernisation also inside with a 5 cabin interior layout, featuring a spacious full view owners suite on the main deck. Top speed is an estimated maximum of 27 knots, with latest MTU 2040 kw engines.
Technical Data:
LOA - 34 m (111.7ft)
Waterline Length - 29 m
Beam - 7.08 m
Draft - 2.00 m
Displacement - 132 T loaded
Fuel Capacity - 18000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Max Persons - 20 guests + 4 crew
Accommodation - 5 guest cabins, 6 shower heads
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V4000 M90 2400hp
Construction - Multi Axial Fiberglass, Composites
Design - Zuccon, Ferretti Engineering
Certification - RINA 100-1-1.1 "Y"

May 11, 2008

Powerboat P1 - Italian Grand Prix, Fountain Worldwide VoomVoom.com Set The Pace


Pulses have been racing during an action packed weekend of world championship power boating with the sun drenched resort of San Benedetto del Tronto providing perfect race conditions for the opening two rounds in the 2008 Powerboat P1 season. With 22 teams competing for the prestigious UIM Powerboat P1 World Championship title, the VoomVoom.com and Fountain Worldwide racing took overall victory to take the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea in the SuperSport and Evolution Classes.
Evolution
What could have been a nightmare weekend turned into a dream weekend to remember for the 99 Fountain Worldwide reigning Evolution champion as they took victory in Sunday’s Sprint race and secured the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea trophy. Fountain Worldwide crew faced a nerve-racking wait as transport problems meant their Ilmor-powered Fountain boat was delayed in the USA. Despite the boat arriving in the San Benedetto del Tronto harbour at 06:00am on Saturday morning, the duo fought back in the Endurance race to start their title defence in superb style. It was a return to their dominant winning ways of 2007 in today’s Sprint event, establishing a clear lead on the opening lap and were never headed as they completed the run to the chequered flag. But that doesn’t mean their win was easy. Finishing second in the sprint was local hero in the Veneta Marina Metamarine Corse-run 60 GFN Gibellato. The diesel Seatek-powered entry was the only boat able to keep up consistently with the 99 Fountain Worldwide entry, and the podium finish was a perfect way to celebrate in the harbour where his Metamarine team is based. In third came the 77 Lucas Oil boat, after briefly dropping back behind the 53 Pignolo 53 Skater Racing Team entry in the early stages, the pair fought their way past on the final lap to cap a perfect debut weekend for the new team. With another podium added to their second place in the Sprint race, they finished second in the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea standings. After the Endurance race of attrition, the Sprint event proved equally trying for some of the other leading boats in the class. Of particular note was the 88 Kiton Outerlimits entry of 2006 champion, which was forced out with engine failure in an almost-near repeat of their steering problems in the Endurance race. But Cangiano summed up how many of the entrants felt about the typical early-season first-round blues. But with just two weeks to the next round of the 2008 Powerboat P1 championship in Marseille, France, all the teams have a lot of work to do to catch the 99 Fountain Worldwide crew.
Supersport
The 07 VoomVoom.com crew had the perfect surprise ending to their Italian Grand Prix of the Sea weekend, inheriting the SuperSport Sprint race win after the Endurance race-winning 44 Conam Yachts boat was handed a two-minute penalty for jumping the start. The Sprint victory, allied to the 07 VoomVoom.com team’s second place in the Saturday Sprint race gave the overall victory in the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea weekend. On the course, the 44 Conam Yachts crew led the way from 59 Saho Offshore Rana’s team and the 07 VoomVoom.com boat, but the two-minute penalties that were ultimately applied to the 44 Conam Yachts and 59 Saho boats dropped them back down the order. A second victory of the weekend would have given Ciantar and Tedeschi a clear lead in the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea and a crucial early-season lead in the standings after their home event, but sadly it wasn’t to be. It only became clear to the 44 Conam Yachts crew of their narrowly missed win when they reached the harbour.
Evolution Class Sprint Results
1 60 GFN Gibellato 41m13.13s
2 77 Lucas Oil 43m24.67s
3 53 Pignolo 53 43m37.97s
4 64 Metamarine 44m20.92s
5 57 Centaurian Yachts RET
6 69 honeyparty.com RET
7 66 Cranefields Wine RET
8 88 Kiton Outerlimits RET
9 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com
DQ 10 10 The Fantastic 1 DNS
Evolution Class Endurance Results
1 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com 1h07m30.78s
2 77 Lucas Oil 1h07m59.61s
3 66 Cranefields Wine 1h09m13.11s
4 57 Centaurian Yachts 1h11m10.57s - 1 lap
5 88 Kiton Outerlimits RET
6 60 GFN Gibellato RET
7 53 Pignolo 53 RET
8 69 honeyparty.com RET
9 10 The Fantastic 1
DQ 10 64 Metamarine DNS
SuperSport Class Sprint Results
1 07 VoomVoom.com 40m53.71s
2 38 Baia High Performance 41m12.58s
3 44 Conam Yachts 41m48.89s
4 08 Phoenix TV 41m50.76s
5 59 Saho 42m42.45
6 11 Sunseeker Challenger 44m26.35s
7 22 The Big Sergio 45m14.54s
8 05 Special Team Guido Abbate 41m08.83s - 1 lap
9 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet 46m18.67s - 1 lap
10 46 The Spirit of Portomaso DNS
11 50 Allufer 3S Verifici DNS
12 18 Di Cesare Riscaldimenti DNS
SuperSport Class Endurance Results
1 44 Conam Yachts 1h07m29.30s
2 07 VoomVoom.com 1h08m20.39s
3 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet 1h08m32.67s
4 59 Saho 1h10m30.54s
5 11 Sunseeker Challenger 1h11m13.21s
6 05 Special Team Guido Abbate 1h08m14.24s - 1 lap
7 22 The Big Sergio 1h10m25.28s - 2 laps
8 46 The Spirit of Portomaso 1h12m03.59s - 2 laps
9 18 Di Cesare Riscaldimenti 1h19m18.70s - 2 laps
10 38 Baia High Performance 1h08m01.01s - 3 laps
11 08 Phoenix TV RET
12 50 Allufer 3S Verifici DNS

May 9, 2008

New Model: Sunseeker 34 Metre Yacht

The new Sunseeker 34 Metre Yacht was previewed World wide to the public during the London Boat Show. Boasting a broad beam and a most spacious and sophisticated interior, this new Super Yacht from the renowned British builder provides luxurious accommodation for up to ten guests plus crew. The open plan living areas include a large saloon and dining area adjacent to a fully equipped galley and servery including crew mess which form a natural divide from the forward master stateroom, raised wheelhouse and crew quarters. The lower deck includes two generous double VIP cabins and two twin cabins, all offering en suite facilities and individual entertainment systems. The spacious main deck master stateroom is a duplex design which gives 180-degree visibility with a walk-in wardrobe on the main deck. Stairs then lead forward to a private toilet room and then down to an open plan en-suite with twin wash basins, bath and separate shower cubicle. The flybridge affords plenty of seating and sunbathing space with a fully equipped wetbar and the option of a large spa tub, and depending on the owner's requirement, the stern garage offers enough space for a tender. To achieve optimum performance, the 34 Metre Yacht is based on Sunseeker's proven deep 'V' hull design. A choice of powerful twin diesel engines provides up to 4800hp, enabling this yacht to achieve top speeds of 26 knots. Performance, complemented by leading-edge technology throughout, such as computerised engine management systems and the very latest navigation and communication equipment, makes island hopping or extended cruising equally effortless. There is also the option of fitting TRAC-STAR, a system that provides optimum stabilisation while at rest and when underway. The 34 Metre Yacht will be built to meet the requirements of regulating authorities including the Marine Coastguard Agency (MCA) dependent on owners' specifications.
Technical Data:
LOA - 33.91 m (111.3ft)
Waterline Length - 26.62 m
Beam - 7.39 m
Draft - 2.28 m full load
Displacement - 119700 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 14450 l + 5050 l optional long range
Water Capacity - 4000 l
Engines - 2 x 2434hp
Speed - 26 knots max
Range - 1250 nautical miles @ 12 knots economical cruising
Certification - RINA 2007 C Hull Mach Y Unrestricted Navigation

May 8, 2008

Powerboat P1 - San Benedetto Del Tronto, Italy Preview

And here we are at the start of the prime offshore performance boat competition which this year makes the first way point in Italy, on the Eastern Adriatic Coast in San Benedetto Del Tronto. This year competition will have some important rule changes aimed at improving the competitive side of this ever growing motor, water sports. Of the new changes without going too much on the technical side of things, is the separate racing for the two classes, with Supersport starting late morning and the faster Evolution class in the afternoon. Another important change is the speed limit which for the prime Evolution Class is non existent having been removed from the previous season, and the Supersport having a limit of 85 mph. The 2008 Season has so far 11 Teams in the Evolution Class and 9 in the semi production Supersport Class, that is the teams confirming a yearly participation and excluding the single venue wild cards.
The legends of the Evolution Class return more competing then ever and champion Fountain Worldwide will have a heavy task defending the title. Starting with never ending OSG Team who for this season will race with a new official Outerlimits boat, which means the 2006 winner wants his title back. There is also some important new teams in this class, starting with a really welcomed surprise of which I am amazed to announce myself, of the Cigarette European Team, the legendary American Powerboat brand who has written history for this sports. Another return is renowned Italian fast yacht builder Italcraft Inrizzardi Team, who written history for its hull design and propulsion innovation in the past and also raced in 2006 with 2 boats in the Supersport Class and won Evolution title in 2003. This year they return in the much demanding Evolution Class, but in the hands of experienced driver Adriano Pannatta. Other important confirmations are the return of Searex who achieved good results since competing in half of the season, last year. Italian Metamarine Corse will be at home in this venue and will want to prove that the negative 2007 season was only a track error for title conquest. 2007 season third classified Nigel Hook Racing has kept the engines of the 2007 season and gambled for a new Skater boat. After a difficult 2007 season Skater, are back again in 2008 but with new engines, in this case Ilmor power which supplied the 2007 title winner. Another team which might give some surprises is the all British HoneyParty.com, who before competing in P1, did race in the USA with very good results.
In Supersport class we also have much returns from the 2007 seasons, first of which we mention defending champion Racing Project with there Chaudron boat who for the 2008 season have the sponsor support of renowned yacht builder Conam, but also a new co-driver with Aaron Ciantar of Chaudron family joining in the squad. Sunseeker Challenge also return again, with the same outfit of the not so special 2007 season, but may be the little tweaking can do the difference here. Eternal runner up team Bullet Racing who came second in 2004, 2005 and 2007 will try again to win the title this season, is this the one? Another renowned brand who will sponsor and compete is Baia High Performance OSG, with Roy Capasso marketing manager of the renowned Yacht Builder part of the crew. Seems he got addicted after winning last year the Viareggio - Monte Carlo - Viareggio with a 63 Azzurra and now gets to compete in the P1 with the Donzi boat, winner of the 2006 and runner up 2007 in Evolution. Team Al & Al compete with The Big Sergio boat, a boat dedicated to the memory of Sergio Carpentieri who sadly lost his life in the 2007 season in Germany. Spirit of Portomaso Chaudron 33, while not in the hands of the Chiantar Chaudron family will still compete, but with new Belgium owners and Mike Shelton from Extremeboat joining in as navigator.
So this is it for the presentation of the first round for the 2008 season. Powerboat P1 has just updated its website for the new competing season and as a viewer and follower, I gladly inform that thanks to the partnership with Virtual Spectator, the one famous for it's use in the Americas Cup it will be possible to view all racing directly from the comforts of your desktop. With the Radio addition this will make some very good racing viewing! As a final criticism to Powerboat P1 I hope the TV coverage section gets improved, as still I have no idea which channel to look, what time and if any give the races directly on TV on one of the many broadcasters listed in the official site.

May 6, 2008

New Model: Pershing 64

The new Pershing 64 follows the DNA for this World renowned Italian boat builder: avant garde design, innovation, technology and ultimate comfort. This new model from the Marchese boat builder, which has become a symbol of Made in Italy yachts, follows the roots of the Moving Idea concept as launched with the 72 model, by top designer Fulvio De Simoni, who has grown his name around this brand having designed all of it's models. Unveiled in a wonderful promotional event called "thisismorethan" which saw the Pershing 64 first official presentation moored in the heart of Milan, the World Fashion Capital but also Italian Financial Center, the 64 continues to explore new concepts for making live aboard more comfortable, creating an incredible sense of space transformable on the upper deck to suit once needs as desired. The 64 also follows the 72 Poltrona Frau exclusive use, for the soft furnishings, but also adds new concepts to its portfolio among the most striking is the windshield constructed from a single pane of glass and the exclusive oak finished foldaway deck table. Interior layout follows a conventional layout, that is for a Pershing with a VIP cabin forward, third guest cabin and full beam owner cabin mid ship. Crew cabin is located mid-ship with a separate entrance from the cockpit. Performance, which has always been one of this yards priorities, is from twin 1550 hp MAN engines with Arneson ASD 14L surface drives, giving peak speeds of 46 knots and all time cruising of 40 knots. Striking for the new Pershing is the comfort and space which match those of flybridge yacht, but with the added bonus of ultimate performance of 40 knots plus and the transformation to an open boat which makes it also better for the hot climate user.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.04 m (65.7ft)
Waterline Length - 15.05 m
Beam - 5.00 m
Draft - 1.32 m
Displacement - 42.1 t (loaded)
Fuel Capacity - 3500 l
Water Capacity - 900 l
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 1550hp
Propulsion - surface drives Arneson ASD 14L
Speed - 46 knots max, 40 knots cruising
Range - 285 nm
Hull Shape - vee shape monohedron with spray rails 17 degrees deadrise aft
Design - Fulvio De Simoni
Certification - CE A

May 5, 2008

Powerboat P1 - 2008 Season Preview


Powerboat P1 enters the 2008 season on full throttle as a record number of competitors prepare to embark on 14 rounds held across three continents. New events in France, Tunisia, Spain and Bahrain join familiar favourites in Malta and Portugal, while the Italian season-opener on May 9-11 moves to a new home in San Benedetto del Tronto on the Adriatic coast. The Powerboat P1 teams will also line-up for a non-championship challenge in the returning Cowes-Torquay-Cowes race on August 22-24. The line-up of Powerboat P1 teams entering the championship in 2008 is also stronger than ever before, with 12 Evolution class teams and nine SuperSport crews confirmed for the first round. A number of new technical regulations have also been introduced to make the racing closer than ever.

May 2, 2008

New Model: Nordhavn 86

With the unparalleled success of the Nordhavn 76 with its sophisticated systems and construction features, Pacific Asian Enterprices design, engineering and manufacturing team was ready for a larger vessel and at 86 feet, this new Nordhavn represents a firm entry into the megayacht market. With a 24-foot beam, she is more than impressive at first sight, however her full load displacement of over 148,000 kgs allows her to compare with many vessels of bigger size. Building on the experience of hundreds of thousands of ocean crossing miles and applying a form follows function rule, the new offshore passage maker was designed with in an aft wheelhouse configuration, for maximum comfort and visibility at sea. This arrangement cannot be beat and with her long foredeck forward she can accommodate tenders up to 20 feet. Taking advantage of the hull volume, the new Nordhavn 86 offers accommodations that is nothing short of remarkable with the saloon and galley measuring 36 feet in length, a full beam master cabin consuming the whole forward section and an upper section of the vessel featruing a masterful combination of wheelhouse, captain’s cabin and sky lounge measuring almost 30 feet in length. In addition to the master stateroom and captain’s cabin, the vessel includes three guest staterooms, all with private ensuite heads and an additional crew cabin and head aft with an interior and exterior entrance. A laundry and utility room is also provided. The luxurious and functional interior is finished with fine hardwoods, beautiful moldings and raised panels combined with stone floors, granite counter tops, lighting and fixtures. Construction of the new 86 is conventional fiberglass, built to extremely heavy scantlings using beautiful constructed female molds for the entire hull and deck forming a flawless structure, with a highly detailed gelcoated finish, receiving a complete Awlgrip paint job prior to assembly. Designed and built to the latest international standards, each new Nordhavn 86 can be built to ABS certification with +A1 Yachting Service rating for the hull and AMS rating for machinery and installation as an option. Twin MTU Series 60 engines rated at 600 hp each spinning 48-inch propellers allow a transatlantic cruising speed of 12 knots. With over 26,000 litres of fuel aboard and throttled back to the 10 knot range, this new design can run roughly 4,000 miles before refueling. The advanced high-pressure, common rail, electronically injected engines are fitted with wet exhaust, commercial rated transmissions with large reduction gears and offer efficiency and reliability never before possible. An extensive list of standard machinery details gives little to add to the Nordhavn 86 except electronics and tenders.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.57 m (87.2ft)
Hull Length - 23.75 m
Beam - 7.32 m
Draft - 2.33 m
Displacement - 148,569 kg (full load)
Fuel Capacity - 26,498 l
Water Capacity - 3,407 l
Engines - 2 x MTU 60 Series 600hp
Range - 4000 nm @ 10.5 knots