September 12, 2008

New Model: Riviera 43 Offshore Express

The Riviera 43 Offshore Express is the second in a new line of models from the Australian builder joining the 48 launched during the 2007 Fort Lauderdale boat show. As the 48 the new 43 is a sport utility vessel, that is equally at home as a game fishing machine or a family entertainer. The Riviera 43 Offshore Express is the first in this line to utilise Volvo Penta efficient and responsive IPS propulsion. Purpose-built for this system, the 43 Offshore Express has a spacious interior which includes a full-beam aft cabin, as well as a double master stateroom forward and a single bathroom. The boat has a rugged sophistication while maintaining the luxurious and functional interior typical of all Rivieras. The hydrodynamics are exceptional, with running surface and chines optimised for a soft, dry ride. The helm deck features skipper and companion chairs, an L-shaped lounge with GRP hi-low table and an aft-facing mezzanine seat. This boat is also the first Riviera equipped with a cutting edge digital switching system. Based on industry proven CAN network technology, this system offers DC switching and over-current protection to 100 milliamps accuracy. Full systems monitoring and alarms includes AC voltage, current, frequency and kilowatts, DC voltage, current and battery capacity remaining, along with tank levels and systems in operation indications. The 43 Offshore Express is offered in three distinct configurations. First option is an Open boat without a targa or coverings to the helm and deck area suited to an after-market fishing tower. Second version is a stylish, forward-raked radar arch with removable bimini creating an open boat feel for great entertaining under the Sun, with the addition protection from the weather thanks to clears on the sides and rearm with aft storm curtain are included. The last third option and also our favorite, the three-sided hardtop with a rear curtain to enclose the helm deck forward of the mezzanine.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.4 m (49.4ft)
Length Hull - 13.7 m
Beam - 4.72 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Weight - 12.500 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 460 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS500 370hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS forward looking duo prop pods

September 11, 2008

New Model: XL Marine 51

A young shipyard XL marine founded in 2005, by people who used to be part of the Itama design team before the Ferretti take over. While the good period of the sector brings many new companies forming out nowadays, PowerYacht selects those who show a vision for the future and we think XL Marine is one of these. It presented it first model the 43 in 2006, which as beginning 2008 was delivered in nine hulls and now last July in Naples it presented to its clients and friends this new 51 model. The 51 is an interesting offshore sport yacht, based as all XL Marines on a deep vee hull with 22 degrees aft and pure classic timeless lines which never get out of fashion. Another interesting feature of the XL marine is the accommodation, which is really impressive considering the lines outside offering a two cabin two head plus crew with head interior as was for hull number one, or a three cabin two head option, with the third cabin replacing the crew cabin. Performance by twin 800hp MAN engines is a 38 knots top speed, with a 32 knots cruising. An alternative more powerful 900hp units are available, but data for this option is so far not available. XL marine sold two from design renderings of the 51, being a young company this is an impressive result. The 51 has also a hard top available as optional, completing it with this extra as a stylish all weather boat.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.54 m (50.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.35 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Fuel Capacity - 2200 l
Water Capacity - 500 l
Displacement - 18 t
Accommodation - 2 cabins with 2 heads plus crew cabin with head, 3 cabins with 3 heads
Engines - 2 x MAN V6 Crm 800hp, V8 Cr 900hp
Propulsion - integrated Vee drive line shaft
Speeds - 38 knot max, 32 knots cruising with Man 800hp
Hull Shape - deep vee with spray rails 22 degrees dead rise aft
Design - Antonio di Mennato
Certification - CE A for 12 persons

September 10, 2008

Powerboat P1 - Vigo, Spain Preview

The 2008 Powerboat P1 championship is gearing up for a thrilling climax as teams head to the west coast of the European continent for the Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea in northern Spain on the southern Mediterranean coast. In the Evolution class, the reigning champion 99 Fountain Worldwide 1st4boats.com team have a strong 220 point lead in the standings, but struggled to return to their early-season winning ways in the last two rounds in Malta and Tunisia. A couple of poor results, allied to wins for the 88 Kiton Outerlimits and 60 GFN Gibellato teams, could dramatically turn the balance of the title tide in the closing rounds. There’s an incredibly close battle for fourth place to seventh place, with the 53 Pignolo 53, 10 Fantastic 1, 66 Cranfields Wine and 77 Lucas Oil crews all looking for a solid finish to the end of the year. The 57 Centaurian Yachts, 76 Italcraft and 69 Honeyparty.com teams will also be looking to end their year on a high. In the SuperSport class, the reigning champion 44 Conam Yachts Racing Project team have a healthy 190 point lead, but just like in Evolution a sudden bad run of form could hand the advantage to the perfectly poised 07 VoomVoom.com team. The 38 Baia High Performance crew, who are 120 points further back, look set to take at least third place in the standings, but the 47 Silverline Buzzi Bullet team will have to work hard to defend their 60-point lead over the 08 Phoenix TV crew. The 59 Saho squad will be looking to take sixth place in the standings in the absence of the 11 Sunseeker Challenger crew, while the 22 Big Sergio and 46 Spirit of Portomaso teams will be looking to end their year on a high. The Vigo Grand Prix of the Sea will takes place this weekend of September 12-14. As ever we’ll have all the inside news and analysis direct from the dry pit, with live race coverage on Virtual Spectator and P1 Radio.
www.powerboatp1.com

September 8, 2008

New Model: Numarine 78 Fly

Numarine, the yacht builder from Istanbul delivered its new model, the 78 Fly in August. The yacht, essentially a family oriented model that is also muscular and luxurious, has been built with state of the art technology and cutting edge design that has become trademarks of Numarine. Designed by Can Yalman, Tommaso Spadolini and Numarine’s in-house Design Team, a sharp profile defines the 78 Fly. Her stability, resistance and hydrodynamics are by Umberto Tagliavini. Structural engineering is carried out by High Modulus. The yacht has been built at Numarine’s 35,000 sq meter large production facility that has a capacity of producing 50 yachts per year between 55 and 102 feet. The 78 Fly’s most prominent feature is the row of elliptical portholes that are punctuated with a three up configuration. Each porthole opens up to bring in light as well as cool breezes. It’s expansive flying bridge is also among the striking features making it a joyful place, with it's sunbathing cushions, a full size dining table, wetbar, icemaker and barbeque, it is no wonder that the helmsman finds himself in delightful company during the cruise. Innovative design solutions made it also possible to place an additional dining area on the foredeck. This feature combined with the sunbathing cushions creates a completely new area to spend time or entertain small groups in. The radically modern interior reflects the contemporary design principles that make the 78 Fly a far cry from its peers. The living quarters are awash with natural light. The large windows bring the light in as well as connecting the inside with the surroundings. Uninterrupted spaces from the living past the galley and dining area leads all the way to the helm. The abundant natural light, the open space and the light colours make the 78 Fly a yacht feeling much larger than its actual size.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.98 m (78.6ft)
Hull Length - 21.66 m
Beam - 5.80 m
Draft - 1.61 m
Displacement - 45 t full load, 37 t light
Fuel Capacity - 5000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Engines - 2 MAN V12 1224hp
Speed - max 32 knots, cruising 25 knots
Range - 400 nautical miles
Design - Can Yalman, Tommaso Spadolini and Numarine Design Team

September 6, 2008

New Model: CNL Admiral 40

The morning of 13 August, the new planing 40 metre Admiral flagship, M/Y 'Aqua' put out to sea. No official ceremony, but an emotional transfer between the entire CNL Management, in the person of Annamaria Jaselli Ceccarelli, president, Laura Ceccarelli, vice-president and Francesco Ceccarelli, managing director and the ship-owner, who then left on board her 'dream'. This yacht represents an important goal for the shipyard, as it is the biggest built to date but this limit will shortly be overtaken: in fact, in less than a month a 42 metre will be launched, and a 44 metre which represents the top of the range of production, will follow by the end of the year. Another two 42 metre yachts are at present being built for 2009. Now the Admiral production is heading in the direction of yachts above 40 metres, a success for the brand and a confirmation of the process of growth of the Lavagna Shipyards. Peculiarities of the Admiral 40, the distinctive characteristics for the 42 and 44 metres too, are the stern hatch which opens as a platform onto the sea, the garage that hosts the tender on one side and the central instrument carrying mast which increases the space on the sun deck.This planing 39.75 metre maxi-yacht built in light 5083 aluminium, distinguishes itself for its clean and elegant lines, for its performance, 31 knots maximum speed thanks to two 3,650hp MTU, and for a layout which has the signature of Luca Dini, rich in innovative solutions. The arrangement of the interior foresee a main deck with its spacious and luminous saloon and dining-room, the central kitchen and the ship-owner’s suite; a lower deck with the stern which, thanks to the hydraulic-opening hatch, becomes a bathing platform with a sitting-room over the sea, the side garage, the engine room, the four guest cabins and the seven person crew quarters; an upper deck with the bridge and a huge sun deck with a spacious relaxation area. The yacht was built under the surveillance of the American Bureau of Shipping to obtain the 'Maltese Cross A1 Yachting Service, AMS' certification.
Technical Data:
LOA - 39.25 m (128.7ft)
Beam - 8 m
Draft - 2.8 m
Displacement - 174 t
Fuel Capacity - 30000 l
Water Capacity - 5000 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six crew berths in three plus captains cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V4000 3650hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruising
Range - 800 nautical miles at 28 knots cruising
Designer - Luca Dini with CNL Tech Dept Engineering
Construction Material - Aluminium Alloy 5083 for hull and superstructure
Certification - ABS Maltese Cross A1 CYS AMS

September 5, 2008

Projects: Sarnico 43 Spider Perla, Sarnico 60 Gran Turismo

To round off the success of the Spider, Cantieri di Sarnico presents a new “PERLA” version at the Genova Boat Show characterised by a provocative livery and exotic furnishings. The model is complete with an unprecedented white body but as with true pearls, the value is not merely measured by how bright they are, but by the shape, the lustre and the many translucent layers. In order to highlight the sporting nature of the boat, it's sides are complete with a dark brown line realised with a very special painting. The same dark and brilliant tones are used for the upholstery on deck and illustrate the exclusivity of the boat and the modernity of its styling. The light and the colours give the boat its lines as much as the fiberglass structure does, adding great value to the shape designed by Nuvolari and Lenard. In addition, the colour of the accessories, furniture and bridge are painted in order to give a chromatic contrast. The cockpit deck of the "Perla" is realised with large and impressive teak strips separated with white lines. The layout of the lower deck is the same as the original version but uses carefully selected bamboo in order to distinguish it from the standard version. Other stylistic changes include polished ebony wood in the kitchen, leather floor and white polished overhead lockers. The hull is conceived by Victory Design considering all their racing experience making the boat agile and extremely light to optimize its trim without any need for corrections by the pilot. With twin Volvo Penta D6 Turbosiesel Common Rail 435 hp engines, the maximum speed is nearly 40 Knots and because of the new Joystick system the Spider is very easy to moor regardless of the conditions. The Genoa Boat Show will also see the arrival of an upgraded Sarnico 60 “Gran Turismo” dedicated to those clients who want to use a boat in all seasons. The new model is closed at the rear of the cockpit with a central glass overlapping door, which can be fixed in the open position to allow access to the main deck. Closing the rear of the boat allows for the cockpit to be heated or cooled according to the external temperature and the requirements of the owner. The living area has been decked out in bleached oak with a leather floor and the dark brown pilot chairs up front catch the eye as does the bronze underside of the hard top. The ample table, long sofas and the 40'' LCD TV and Bose stereo system were created so the space could be used to look after guests in the finest surroundings which is principally what led to the changes to the internal layout. The below deck has been dedicated to an ample kitchen, in order that the owner can cater for a large numbers of guests and the galley top means guests can enjoy the experience altogether. The kitchen is equipped with a 244 l fridge, a 101 l freezer and there is a wine cellar in order to keep precious bottles safely. In addition there is four burner electric hob, a large oven and a double sink which would not be out of place at home. The sleeping arrangements include the owners cabin which is centrally positioned and a completely separate guest cabin at the rear and the sleeping quarters for the staff which complete the cabins aboard the vessel. The style and class of the furniture and finishing are clear examples of the workmanship of skilled artisans and an indelible imprint of their care and attention to detail. The care and craftsmanship is present in every aspect of the boat, from all its hidden parts to every detail and component. Propelled by twin turbo diesel Man common rail engines of 1100 HP, the Sarnico 60 can reach maximum speeds of 39 knots and achieve high cruising speeds even in the choppiest of waters. This is thanks to its extraordinary adaptable hull and the central positioning of the engines which grant great stability to the boat. This new version breaths life into the Sarnico 60 as a grand cruiser of the seas, able to match the performance of the original in perfect comfort.

September 4, 2008

New Model: Aicon 58 Flybridge

Presented as a surprise in begining July, during the Aicon dealer meeting, the new 58 Flybridge is the new symbol for luxury and elegance from the Sicilian yacht builder. The Messina company, planed the new 58 to be the new top seller of it's range, and to become an important and successful motor yacht under 18 metres, following the success, the first Aicon launched model the 56 enjoyed in over 6 years of production. Based on the 56 Flybridge, which the new 58 will go on and replace the new Aicon is a motor yacht of style, elegance and refinement, making it extremely livable and comfortable. Aicon say the new 58 Flybridge was planned like a small Super Yacht, applying huge spaces and luxury in a flybridge yacht measuring less then 18 meters, with an important space organization creating great fluidity between outside and inside. Of extreme elegance and comfort is the flybridge area, with a spacious C-shaped settee located aft of the fly, and the saloon area with a luxurious open space feel joining itself with the aft deck. Other important design notes for the 58 is the big windshield, and the Aicon trademark rounded center big port hole view windows for the master cabin, which unlike similar design also open up to allow air. An other important selling note which was also part of the 56 success, is the 3 cabin 3 head layout, making the Aicon the only yacht of under 18 metres with a full beam owner cabin offering an en-suite head for all three cabins. Double Caterpillar C15 of 800 hp, power the 58, giving top speeds of 29 knots, and a 25 knots continues cruising, but as is the case with the 56 I believe bigger double 1000 hp engines for higher speeds lovers will be made available as optional.
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.61 m (57.7ft)
Length - 17.40 m
Beam - 4.80 m
Draft - 1.38 m
Displacement - 31 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2670 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins with 3 heads, optional single crew cabin with head
Engines - 2 x CAT C15 800hp
Speed - 29 knots max, 25 knots cruising
Construction Material - GRP Fiberglass
Design - Aicon Style Center
Hull - vee shape with 17 degrees deadrise aft
Certification - CE A

September 3, 2008

Project: Dalla Pieta DP 70

Dalla Pietà Yachts signs the art of living in pure Italian style and with the new DP 70 project reduces the distance between the sportive open and the cruising flybridge yacht. The DP 70 model, will combine aesthetics, functionality, fine materials and handcraft details in a mix made up of comfort and high technology. Entirely designed by the shipyard's technical team, and placed beside the DP 59, the only fly in the current line, which with this new 70 feet model, Dalla Pieta aims to build and enrich. The DP 70 is a fly in all effects but revisited with an open style, proposing itself as a unique model. This new project from the Venetian builder seduces due to the widening of the conviviality area, which starts aft. Here there are a broad sunbathing area which transforms into a comfortable sofa facing the sea and two steps which lead to the horizontally pivoted aft bridge which can be experienced as a small private beach or it can accommodate water scooters or large-sized tenders. At bow there is a second relax area with a broad sofa, a mini-bar and a sunbathing area serviceable also during navigation. On the Fly the sportive spirit is expressed by the helm station: central and slightly rear warded compared to the traditional post, leaving space in front of the dashboard for a dinette which easily transforms into a solarium area. Behind is a small area for the deckchairs. In the interior layout plan, Dalla Pieta wanted to offer the owners the possibility to choose where to position the master's cabin, in the centre or bow, maintaining the same dimensions. Planned in two versions, with 3 cabins 3 bathrooms or 4 cabins 4 bathrooms, the new Fly proposes some interesting architectural solutions also for what concerns the crew area which can be equipped with 1 cabin, 1 bathroom and a storage area that can be converted into a second cabin. Last, the utility area access has been designed not to disturb life on board. Inside, furniture design and customization. Outside, interesting concept with broad relax areas. A perfect mix between concepts of space, volume and movement, in order to surprise and satisfy the most demanding owners, who want a fly with the taste of an open.

September 2, 2008

New Model: Franchini 74 Emozione

A new model extending Franchini Emozione line of Motoryachts, this time to a model of 74 feet making it the current biggest construction of the Italian builder, having build a great fame in the past with it's extensive range of raised saloon sailing boats. The Franchini Emozione line was introduced a few years back with a very nice looking 55 model, offering traditional lobster boat looks, making the Italian builder return back to motor boat building after an absence of over 10 years. The success of the 55 model now also available as a flybridge version, made Franchini follow it in a new 74 Emozione model, which in a lobster style design and a modern element going into it, offers impressive unrivalled comfort, with spacious 4 double cabins and a double crew cabin aft. The 74 Emozione also performs impressively with top speeds of 33 knots thanks to double 1550 hp diesel engines. When you see the class of the lines at anchor or in harbour, one would never imagine such a speed!
Technical Data:
LOA - 22.57 m (74ft)
Beam - 5.80 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 40.000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 6000 l
Water Capacity - 1500 l
Engines - 2 x 1550hp
Speeds - 33 knots maximum
Range - 400 nautical miles

September 1, 2008

Class 1 - Jotun Wins and Takes European Title

Jotun’s Inge Brigt Aarbakke and Jorn Tandberg were celebrating the team’s first major title in over a decade, after winning today’s Romanian Grand Prix to clinch the European Championship by one point from the unlucky Victory 1 crew, with Qatar 95 finishing second and Victory 7 coming home in third place.
Despite a good start, the Mercury V8-powered Jotun trailed Victory 1, the championship leader’s and pre-race favourites, into the first corner and could not match their extraordinary pace for the first quarter of the race, as Victory 1 opened up an 18 second lead. But on lap 8, Jotun stormed passed Victory 1, who had slowed to a crawl after breaking a propeller, to take the lead, going on to win the race by 23seconds, completing the 21-lap, 92.27Nm Romanian Grand Prix in a time of 58m 00.65s.
For Victory 1 it was the cruellest outcome, as they saw their European title hopes fade, loosing four laps limping back to the pits. Despite a quick propeller change and a desperate attempt to make up places and points, an eventual seventh place meant they missed out on the title by one point.
In contrast to the disappointment felt in the Victory camp, Qatar 95 celebrated an impressive and trouble-free second place on its debut race-outing running the Sterling V8 engines, and moved into third place in the World Championship standings, one place and three points ahead of their team-mates.
Despite losing his European crown to Jotun, Victory 7 seemed satisfied with their afternoon’s work, making up two places from fifth place on the start line to take third spot and their fourth podium of the year, which now puts them just 10 points behind their team-mates in the race for the World title. For Qatar 96, after qualifying in third place but finishing fourth, and dropping down to fifth in the overall points standings, the day was summed up by Sheikh Hassan’s comment - good morning bad afternoon – with Curtis simply acknowledging that they just messed up, making some very basic errors that cost them a very probable podium finish and a chance to make up ground on Championship leaders, Victory 1.
Foresti & Suardi 8 record for reliability remains intact after producing yet another very solid top six finish, with the pairing ending their weekend on a positive note, taking fifth place. SevenEleven 18 was also back in the points, taking their second sixth place of the season. But there was a disappointing end to Roscioli Hotels Roma’s race, retiring on lap 15 with technical problems, but the all-Spanish pairing picked up three points having completed 70% of the race distance.
Today’s win for Jotun, their second in as many races, has put them right back in the fight for the World title, with the all-Norwegian crew now viewed by their rivals as real title contenders. And with Victory 1 dropping points, the championship standings have taken on a completely new complexion with just 21-points separating the top four boats.
Class 1 now heads to Porto Sokhna for the Egyptian Grand Prix, on October 24, one week later than originally scheduled.
ROMANIAN GRAND PRIX - results
1. Jotun 90 - IB Aarbakke (Norway) / J Tandberg (Norway) - 00.58.00,65
2. Qatar 95 - A Al-Sulaiti (Qatar) / M Nicolini (Italy) + 00.23,33
3. Victory 7 - A Al Mehairbi (UAE) / JM Sanchez (France) +01.01,39
4. Qatar 96 - H Al-Thani (Qatar) / S Curtis (England) + 01.48,75
5. Foresti & Suardi 8 - K Selmer (Norway) / G Montavoci (Italy) + 1lap
6. SeveneleveN 18 - G Manuzzi (Italy) / N Giorgi (Italy) + 2laps
7. Victory 1 - M Al Marri (UAE) / N Bin Hendi (UAE) + 2laps
8. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 - S Carrasco (Spain) / D Cirilli (Spain) + 7laps
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 5 of 8
1. Victory 1 – 81pts
2. Victory 7 – 71pts
3. Qatar 95 – 63pts
4. Jotun 90 – 62pts
5. Qatar 96 – 60pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 41pts
7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 – 19pts
8. SeveneleveN 18– 14pts
9= Negotiator 50 – 4pts
9= Qatar 9 – 4pts
EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 4 of 4
1. Jotun 90 – 54pts
2. Victory 1 – 53pts
3. Victory 7 – 51pts
4. Qatar 95 – 46pts
5. Qatar 96 – 41pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – 26pts
7. Roscioli Hotels Roma 88 – 11pts
8. SeveneleveN 18 – 5pts
Qatar 9 – 0pts
Negotiator 50 – 0pts