Powerboat GPS - Malta Day 1 of 3

Today around the Globe is all about the opening of the World Cup of Football, but for us Powerboats fans the attention turns into the second Grand Prix of the season, the classic round of Malta. Yesterday while at sea I had a glimpse of the Vector Powerboat Lucas Oil Evolution Ilmor powered sea trialling in force four seas with four feet wave height and ESE direction. Forecasts are for a Force 5 with Easterly direction. So it seems the rough sea Classic will keep its usual characteristics again this year. All participants are present in Malta in the pits minus the two Chaudron Ukrainian Spirit boats from the Evolution and Supersport Class. Powerpole is scheduled at 1800. Testing is for 1030 - 1200 and official testing from 1500 to 1600. Updates coming later on. You can also join other Powerboat GPS fans on the Facebook page here:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115197361850528
www.grandprixofthesea.com

INBUILD ~ Galeon 385 HT Part 1 of 7

Galeon has five lined new models for this years fall and this means a hard pick choosing which to dedicate for the special INBUILD section. Apart the important new flagship 780 Crystal which we are following, now you will also see construction updates for the 385 HT model. Designed by British Tony Castro the 385 HT will be an important new model for Galeon and those who are looking for the perfect eleven metres sport cruiser, offering a hard top, flush main deck, and a two cabins two head interior plan. Only the Sessa C38 released in the fall of 2009 which is the first of this latest generation eleven metres can combine these amenities. Picture above is the tooling of the mould of the 385 HT hull, here being shown in its refined stages. Worth to note that unlike some other builders Galeon produces all the tooling in house. While this can be of little importance to the end product, it is to the manufacturer which makes things easy if updating and improving a model will be needed in the near future.

www.galeon.pl

Improve-it = Sabre 40 Sedan

Sabre launches the first with flybridge option of the 2008 presented 40 Sedan model. Originally a traditional hardtop down east cruiser with patio door saloon, Sabre present a flybridge option for those who like to helm from up top. On standard form the 40 Sedan is already an all year cruiser, but the flybridge option does give more to it in nice weather. The flybridge of the 40 Sedan has an L-shaped settee to port side, and a single person helm station to starboard. The ladder for going up to the flybridge is located to starboard, and for this you loose the mezzanine settee lying on this side versus the standard hardtop version. You still get a mezzanine settee to port side. For the rest this new flybridge option keeps the plan of the standard 40 Sedan with its two cabins, single shower head interior, and twin Cummins 380hp powered with Zeus pods giving it a 31 knots top speed.

www.sabreyachts.com

Project: Fairline 50 Squadron

Fairline is adding to the latest generation Squadron range with the introduction of a fifty feet model, scheduled for launch during summer 2011. A cleverly designed interior layout arrangement, with three cabins, three en-suite and no full beam owners cabin characterizes the 50 Squadron living space. A fore master cabin provides sizable accommodation that would normally be expected on a sixty feet yacht. This cabin includes panoramic hull windows and overhead glazing which natural light the room, further contributing to the feeling of spaciousness. The two guest cabins each feature their own en-suite with full sized shower. An optional fourth-crew cabin with feature window is also available aft, with easy access from the cockpit. Fairline's design trend towards spacious and light-filled living areas continues into the large saloon with its huge panoramic windows, available with optional powered opening section. Offering a new layout arrangement from Fairline, the galley has been positioned aft in the saloon, allowing easy access for Al fresco dining in the sociable cockpit area. The glass patio door features an optional opening window ideal for serving guests in the cockpit. A class leading flybridge which is a symbol of Fairlines last decade models continues the larger than previously seen on a boat of this size, providing plentiful areas for entertaining and relaxing. The upper helm position has been located port side to enable an even clearer view of the rear platform when mooring. Other key features of the Squadron 50 include the innovative, patent-pending, concealed mechanised tender launch option at the stern platform for either a Williams 285 or 325 Jet RIB. Since the first 62 Squadron was launched in 1991 the passion to offer an exceptional level of luxury continues today with the latest generation flybridge models from this range, which provide sophisticated and spacious living areas. The development of the 50 Squadron follows the success of the award-winning 55 and 65 Squadrons, which were introduced to great acclaim in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

www.fairline.com

Powerboat GPS - Malta Preview

The Malta Grand Prix is in its sixth year running having started to take part in the Powerboat P1 renamed as GPS for this year since 2004. This has made the making of a classic for the central Mediterranean event, and be it for the exception of last year race, was always performed in rough seas. The drivers call the Malta Grand Prix as the Rough Sea Classic.

This years event will start on Thursday 10 June, and will continue up to the 13th. Some important changes are in place for this year event and that is for the position of the pits, which will be in the tourist mecca city of Sliema, looking to the West of capital city Valletta. The Powerpole which is to be held on Friday will also be taking part in a different area being run for the first time on Marsamxett Harbour, the West side of Valletta. The races which will be held on Saturday for Round Three Sprint Race, and Sunday Round Four Endurance show a similar course to that of last year.

The Malta Grand Prix is a favorite with 2006 and 2009 Evolution Champion OSG Racing Team Giancarlo Ciangiano, who won three Malta Grand Prix from 2007 till 2009. It is also the home race for Arron Ciantar and the Chaudron Powerboats stable. Ciantar won the Malta Grand Prix for the Super Sport class in the very rough 2008, and in last year flat calm editions.

EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points

1. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 40

A good start for 2009 Championship, although they did spun too much on Round 1.

2. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Suardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 28

The diesel boat showed power and nearly won a race. Fast more then to 2008.

3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 28

Took Powerpole and with a bit of luck placed well. New faster props for Malta.

4. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 7

Looked out propped on the Saturday race. Still managed some points!

5. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 0

Showed potential in rough seas race one, and nearly won it. New Mercury engines for Malta.

6. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 0

New Fountain hull. Hope to see more of it in Malta. Showed more speed then the old Cougar.

7. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 0

Big disappointment in Malta for one of the most expected boats.

8. 01 Carconnex - Carconnex ~ 0

The old smaller Outerlimits SV40. Did not perform so bad.

SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 40

Total domination in Malta for the Italian team Donzi boat, second placed in 2009.

2. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 28

A good run from this new very good looking Nor-Tech. Can they compete for the title.

3. 22 Big Sergio - Al & Al Racing Team ~ 21

A new Outerlimits hull which show good speed. Another good looker.

4. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 13

The only diesel power in SS class. Showed good speed and can challenge podium places.

5. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 13

2009 champion hull with new crew. Nearly sunk in end of race 2, but saved.

6. 81 Karelpiù - RG 87 Racing Team ~ 12

Good to see a Fountain in SS Class. A podium on round 2 showed potential.

7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 0

Trouble first weekend for 26. But if the gremlins are fixed will be a big challenge to all.

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Project: Roscioli Donzi R-92 Tournament Sportfish Convertible

Roscioli Donzi R-92 presents the project of a new bigger super sportfish, what will be the new flagship overtaking the R-80 model. In this new bigger model Roscioli Donzi continue to combine performance, styling and speed, appreciated virtues in any sportfish boat. The R-92 will feature a broader hull, sleeker flybridge and sportier design demonstrating the vision of this newest addition to the Roscioli family, uniting the best attributes of this Florida Sporfish Yachts builder. Built in cold molding the R-92 embodies the ultimate in style, substance and engineering and represents the pinnacle of Roscioli evolution. With more space to fish, better fuel range, bigger flybridge, larger staterooms, crew quarters and salon. Her standard lower deck plan will feature a three double guest cabins, with one of these being a full beam stateroom for the owner. Crew quarters are located to midship featuring a twin cabin, and a captains room.

www.donziyachts.com

New Model: Sanlorenzo 46 Steel

After making its first move to Alloy in 2008, Sanlorenzo does another important step going into steel construction officially with the launch of its biggest ever built 44 Steel model. This Viareggio builder now has a history of building yachts with all known materials from wood, fiberglass, aluminium, and now steel. The Sanlorenzo 44 Steel flagship is a three deck Super Yacht which will have five double guest cabins, with an owners suite on the main deck. Crew accommodation is for nine persons including captain. Constructed to a steel hull, and alloy superstructure the 44 Steel features a full displacement hull. An innovation for the 44 Steel is the called under lower deck area, which is a central tunnel in the far bottom of the hull from bow to stern featuring technical equipment as bow stern thrusters, stabilizers, and extra space for freezers and washing machines. The 44 Steel is powered by twin Cats of 2040hp each which deliver a 17 knots max speed, 15 knots cruise, and a 12 knots long range performance giving up to four thousand nautical miles before needing to refuel.
Technical Data:
LOA - 44.00 m (144.3ft)
Beam - 9.00 m
Draft - 2.50 m loaded
Displacement - 345 t
Fuel Capacity - 45000 l standard / 60000 l optional
Water Capacity - 17000 l
Accommodation - 10 guest berths, 9 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Cat 35128 2040hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 17 knots max, 15 knots cruise, 12 knots long range
Range - 1900 nm @ 15 knots, 4000 nm @ 12 knots
Construction - high tensile steel, 5083 Aluminium Alloy

www.sanlorenzoyacht.com

Improve-it = Formula 400 Super Sport

Formula has recently launched the first version of its 400 Super Sport featuring Volvo's stern drive joystick. This improved 400 Super Sport was the first stern drive Formula featuring the joystick option, which makes marina manoeuvring easier to the standard practices of twin stern drive engines and bow thruster. It is also the first to use the Volvo joystick in combination with the largest diesel engine option of twin D6 370hp. This option adds easy to drive combination to the 400 Super Sport list of features. The 400 Super Sport has a lower deck with forward vee saloon which converts to a double berth, galley, shower head, and a mid ship located double berth. The main deck features a spacious area with an aft sun pad, C-shaped settee, wet bar, and dual seat driving position. As is its sports heritage the 400 Super Sport has a two stepped hull with a deep Vee of 22 degrees deadrise aft, which with the twin 370hp options gives a 40 knots top speed.

www.formulaboats.com

New Model: Riviera 43 Open Flybridge

Australia's largest production boat builder Riviera follows its out of receivership status as of beginning this year with the innovative newly presented 43 Open Flybridge. Launched for the first time in the recent Sanctuary Cove boat show, down under Riviera continues crossover looks joining masculine Sportfish with those of a euro flybridge cruiser. In real terms it is a Sportfish ideally suited for cruising where fishing is possible. From a certain point of view the 43 Open Flybridge tells Europe design. Look into the big view windows of the three berths midship cabin, and the main saloon opening up to the aft deck. But other parts as the aft located helm station on the fly, free aft deck, hardtop, and no lower helm also call for a Sportfish Cruiser identity. The 43 Open Flybridge will also feature a full wrap around windscreen, recently getting back into fashion into Sportfish boats. Other cool optional extras are the scissor double berths in the midship cabin. Another clever element is the flybridge which while this again shows Riviera sportfish heritage for its no extension aft, it is a very well laid out area featuring a small galley wet bar, and L-shaped settee to fore. Below accommodation offers two well sized cabins with two heads and sleeping a total of five berths. Another two berths can also be gained on the main deck in the convertible C-shaped sofa. Power is from twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pods drives giving a 31 knots max speed, and 28 knots of cruise.
Technical Data:

LOA - 14.46 m (47.5ft)

Hull Length - 13.61 m

Beam - 4.57 m

Draft - 1.20 m incl props

Displacement - 14,550 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 1800 l

Water Capacity - 460 l

Accommodation - 5 + 2 berths

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp

Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking dual propeller pods

Speed - 31 knots max, 28 knots cruise

Range - 340 nm

Project - Riviera Design Neil McCabe

www.riviera.com.au

Summer

The season that the many boat owners wait for is finally here. The official Summer is just around the corner and the hot nice weather season brings up plans for a long cruise, new boat delivery to some, and upgrade tuning to others. Some will also be filled in works to making their pride and joy back to good condition. Summer is also a reminder to some boaters they actually own a boat and these usually remember of it on the first hot day and see how they abandoned what was nine months before clean perfect. Yes Winter can make one forget of the sea and the hobbies one does in the hot season.

For me Summer started to the usual end of April, when I launched my sport cruiser back to the water. The first weekend was great doing local Malta Islands cruise in fairly good weather, but after this it was two weekends of gale storm winds. Meaning you stay tied to your marina berth, or how the US call it, to your slip. Then last week I could not resist stay inside and finally it was for another trip in moderate choppy Force four seas, coming from stronger winds the day before. This cruise is usually a truth factor in my opinion as you can see what is wrong and right in this kind of weather. Navigating in nice calm seas is flat, meaning that it is also boring. Then over here we actually cannot afford that luxury to wait for nice weather. If I wait for that I would make a big part of the season actually tide up in a marina.

Wishing a perfect peaceful Season to all boaters. Enjoy!