Powerboat GPS - Siracusa Powerpole

Sadly we are at the start of the final buoy of the 2010 Powerboat GPS Season, and just like 09 we finish the races in the magnificent Siracusa setting, what is a natural harbour. The weather looks nice and sunny, but winds are force four with gusts of five meaning waves of an average height of a one metre and a half. This final setting finds itself with World title already taken for grabs in Bacoli for both the classes, but there is still a European, and Italian championship to take for some. The pictures shown on the Facebook GPS fan page show also some teams who missed from Bacoli returning to race in Siracusa. Which is good news for the spectators. But I also think that these teams will use the fifth Grand Prix of the Season to fine tune the boats for the coming 2011.

EVOLUTION

Furnibo won its first race here last year, and a power pole was also taken. So how about starting to think for the missed title by doing whats best for the Belgian team Fountain which is going faster to all by a margin of more to fourteen seconds. Second for the 2009 and 2006 Evolution champions of OSG Racing Team with the Outerlimits SV43 88 SNAV-Kiton. A third for 2010 World Champions 60 Metamarine which surprisingly missed a Power Pole this year, and in this occasion was late by 27 seconds. Surely they are not bothered about this, having in replacement taken a title. A good fourth for the 43ft Chaudron 55 Ukrainian Spirit, with only a gap of a bit more to two seconds from Metamarine. A fifth for the Vector 77 Lucas Oil with over a second distance from 55 Ukrainian Spirit, and 31 seconds from the first. Sixth place for the returned other Fountain of 47 Silverline, which had a similar time but twenty five decimals of a seconds slower to Lucas Oil. Surprisingly the Fountain, and 88 SNAV-Kiton separated the followers by quite a distance in this Powerpole. Another headline for this class was also the separation of Luca Fornelli Fendi from Cangiano and his OSG Racing Team. Luca used to run the fast Cigarette Fantastic One in Evolution class in 2008, and 09 so my mind is already thinking of the return of this very fast boat for 2011. We will see!

SUPERSPORT

38 Baia Attolini 2010 World Champions and there 38 feet Donzi had a miss hit of a few points for a title here last year, so how about making for this by taking the Powerpole of day one in Siracusa. Less to a second late and surprise second place for the diesel Albatro 06 Jolly Drive which is showing improving results and performance in the last part of the season. Third but a whisker from the fore runners for the always fast open cockpit Super Sport class Fountain 81 Karelpiu. I am sure the Neapolitan team after a very good rookie first season will start to think for a championship strategy for the coming year. Return to racing after Poltu Quatu for hull one of the 41 feet Chaudron 44 Kenon Cafe which has two written titles, placed fifth a two seconds plus delay. Another return also after Poltu Quatu for the Italian made very interesting diesel powered ZL build 18 F. Di Cesare Riscaldamenti which placed last with a 31 seconds delay. No start for two fast boats; the Outerlimits 22 Big Sergio, and Chaudron 2009 champion 43 Seagull Chaudron.

Evolution Resuts:

1. 33 Furnibo = 3:16,86

2. 88 SNAV-Kiton = 3:30,54

3. 60 Metamarine Foresti & Sguardi = 3:43,82

4. 55 Ukrainian Spirit = 3:46,00

5. 77 Lucas Oil Scandinavian Offshore Challenge = 3:47,29

6. 47 Silverline = 3:47,54

7. 66 Cranefields Wine - Carconnex = DNS

Super Sport Results:

1. 38 Baia Attolini = 4:12,25

2. 06 Jolly Drive = 4:13,22

3. 81 Karelpiu = 4:13,82

4. 44 Kenon Cafe = 4:15,71

5. 18 F. Di Cesare Riscaldamenti = 4:43,21

6. 22 Big Sergio = DNS

7. 43 Seagull Chaudron = DNS

www.grandprixofthesea.com

Improve-it = Menorquin MY 160

Menorquin presents an improved edition of the MY 160 to which the firm has introduced some new features. The interior has been updated with a new line of furnishings, in keeping with the classic aesthetics and nautical theme which distinguish Menorquin traditional yachts; as well as incorporating considerable improvements such as the installation of independent showers in each of the two bathrooms, and more ample adult size beds in the third cabin. The exterior of the MY 160 2011 edition stands out with a renewed stylized design of the hardtop, which accentuates the harmony and elegance of the yacht; one piece lateral windows with improved closing mechanisms have also been installed. All of these attractive improvements extol the extraordinary habitability and comfort of this craft. The improved Menorquin MY 160 goes also in line with the recently signed collaboration agreement Menorca builder did with Simrad. The first MY 160 unit – 2011 edition has been fitted with a complete marine electronic system, with the latest technology from Simrad Yachting: a NSE 12 navigation system, BR24 Broadband Radar, AP24 Autopilot, VHF RS82 radio, WR20 remote commander and the recently launched SonicHub sound system.

www.menorquin.com

New Model: Riva 33ft Aquariva Gucci

Riva continue to present exclusive limited Aquariva versions, and after the Cento which marked the first hundred build models, and the just launched Marc Newson, the builder from Sarnico adds another unique jewel with the surprise presentation of a Gucci version. Founded by Guccio Gucci in Florence in 1921, Gucci is in the last decades one of the most renowned global made in Italy fashion houses. The Aquariva Gucci is a celebration to the fashion house ninetieth birthday and was desired for this occasion by the company's Creative Director Frida Giannini. The Aquariva Gucci will be a limited production model and represents the original version with some added details which mark the exclusivity signature. The details are paramount to this new version; the fiberglass hull painted in Gucci's unique hue white color, waterproof fabric which covers the seat and sundeck will have the Guccissima print, bed upholstery in Gucci white cotton, Gucci green-red-green web detailing which edges the floating line, unique green crystal windshield, and last is a series of Riva by Gucci accessories. Power for the Riva by Gucci is twin Yanmar 380hp which give a top speed 41 knots and a range of 150 nautical miles on a 36 knots cruise.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.07 m (33ft)
Hull Length - 9.92 m
Waterline Length - 8.40 m
Beam - 2.80 m
Draft - 0.96 m
Displacement - 6.69 t loaded, 5.35 t empty
Fuel Capacity - 480 l
Water Capacity - 130 l
Accommodation - 2 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 6LY3 UPT 380hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 41 knots max, 36 knots cruise
Range - 150 nautical miles
Hull Shape - Vee monohedron with 16.5 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Mauro Micheli Officina Italian Design exterior lines, Frida Giannini Gucci Creative Director detailing
Certification - CE 2003/44 B
www.riva-yacht.com

Project: Beneteau 44 Swift Trawler

Beneteau replaces the model which premiered its Explorer Cruiser range the 2004 launched 42 Swift Trawler with a new 44 feet project. The 44 Swift Trawler builds on the attributes that made the range a popular choice for couples or families who are passionate about boating. As a symbol of escapism this latest model concedes nothing of the range’s proven performance, but adds a new concept of space: with more spacious environments, and natural light. Apart the greater and leaner windows the 44 also adds more space inside, and outside with the interior now having a two cabins twin shower head lower deck. The living main deck is also distinctively more spacious with its single step split level format offering a larger C-shaped galley, and lounge. The flybridge while seemingly similar in space and format to the old 42, also offers an extra co-driver seat, as the does the aft deck now offering an L-shaped settee to port side. Power is from twin 300hp engines. www.beneteau.com

New Model: Azimut 64 Flybridge

Presenting itself as a surprise unveiling during the Azimut Yachting Gala in house boat show at the start of Summer which now is in its fourth edition was the 64 Flybridge. This new model will replace the since 2002 produced 62, which in its eight year production run was produced in an impressive two hundred plus units. A hard to beat success, but none the less not impossible. The 64 takes a lot of the features of the 62 and improves on them, adding modernity more glassed surfaces, and a leaner profile. The squared off bow, and extended bathing platform with high low movement introduced on latest Azimut's since 2004 has also been included. Interior wise the 64 offers a three double cabins all with en-suite lower deck. A two person crew cabin with shower is located aft. A split level saloon offers the usual Azimut layout with C-shaped sofa upon entrance, dining table, and galley to fore. Azimut keeps also evolving its exterior spaces, with the aft deck C-shaped settee which converts to a sun lounger, a free astern part on the flybridge ideally suited for free deck chairs, and the usual sun worshippers area to fore. On the technical part the 64 improves with a carbon fibre reinforced infusion resin construction, and a CE A certification. Power for the Azimut 64 is twin Cats 1150hp which should give a 33 knots top speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.15 m (66.1ft)
Hull Length - 19.25 m
Waterline Length - 16.28 m
Beam - 5.23 m
Draft - 098 m excluding props
Displacement - 35 t loaded, 28 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 3900 l
Water Capacity - 980 l
Accommodation - 6 guest + 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Cats C18 1150hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise at half load
Hull - Vee shape with 17 degrees dead rise aft
Construction - infusion gross reinforced plastic with carbon fiber reinforcements
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - CE A
www.azimutyachts.com

Powerboat GPS - Siracusa Preview

We arrive to the last turn of the 2010 season for the Powerboat Grand Prix of the Sea, in the traditional atmosphere of Syracuse on the largest island of the Mediterranean that is Sicily. Unlike 2009 the stakes of the World title have already been decided, but that is not to say there is no remaining prices and competition to be held in the last way point, with European and Italian Championship still at stake.

60 Metamarine Forseti&Sguardi in Evolution, and 38 Baia Attolini in Supersport decided the 2010 World championship two rounds and a Grand Prix in advance, thanks to always consistent results and reliability. Now the two teams who also lead the European and Italian championship will head to this last round hoping to make a complete hat trick of the 2010 season, which will make it for them a year to remember, and surely a hard one to beat. But I am sure that the close competition of the other following fast boats in both the classes will make it all hard for them so that they also can celebrate the last round of the season with a celebration of there own.

EVOLUTION:
Pos. Boat Name - Team Name ~ Points
1. 60 Metamarine Foresti&Sguardi - Metamarine Corse ~ 151
An impressive season with reliability and a worst third place. Unstoppable.
2. 88 SNAV-Kiton - OSG Racing Team ~ 86

Sfortune moments for 2010 champions. But 010 challenge was more difficult to 09.

3. 33 Furnibo - 2B1 Racing Team ~ 79
Again shows speed in Bacoli. But for a title fast is not enough. Ask Metamarine in 2008!

4. 77 Lucas Oil - Scandinavian Offshore Challenge ~ 57
A good third in round 7. But still not consistent enough. Work to do for 2011.

5. 66 Cranefields Wine - Searex Racing Team ~ 56
Another second in Bacoli. Surely an improving performer for 2010.
6. 55 Ukrainian Spirit - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 48
Rough seas in Bacoli make it close to less then 10 secs. Missed buoy spoiled a result.
7. 47 Silverline Racing - Silverline ~ 6
After finishing a race and collecting six points they missed Bacoli.
SUPERSPORT:
1. 38 Baia Attolini - Baia Attolini ~ 146
Consistency and four wins with a worst fourth place, this is how you take a title.

2. 43 Seagull Chaudron - Ukrainian Spirit ~ 95

The 2009 Champion won a race, but problems on Sunday stopped the challenge.

3. 81 Karelpiu - RG87 Racing Team ~ 81

For a rookie to take two wins is very good. Shows the quality of a Fountain.

4. 22 Big Sergio - Al &Al Racing Team ~ 80

Takes Powerpole and leads half the first race, but then a mishap stops all.
5. 17 Spirit of Belgium - Spirit of Belgium ~ 49
After the terrible accident in Poltu Quatu it was expected not to see them.

6. 06 Jolly Drive - Jolly Drive Racing Team ~ 48

Diesel and Albatro show good bad weather handling. Can they repeat a podium.
7. 26 Team 26 - Team 26 ~ 21
They missed Bacoli. Hope to see them soon, for what is a fast boat with title chances.

8. 08 Asia 2011-15 - Ocean Dragon Racing Team ~ 5
After a good 2nd in the UIM Endurance in Cowes, have to see more of the new Pantera.
www.grandprixofthesea.com

New Model: Wayachts 66 Wake

Wayachts follows its first model the 46 and 48 Wake, with the launching of the 66 Wake which in this exclusive we are showing you in sea trials in the bay of Naples, preparing itself before going for its World debut at the Genoa boat show in October. Just as the 48 Wake, the 66 Wake is designed by Francesco Rolla for the lines and Stefano Milanesi for the technical part, keeping in line with the family feeling of this Italian builder which has a plan of launching three more models in the near future. The 66 Wake follows some basic concepts we saw on the much acclaimed 46/48 model, like the all around deck, and the use of Volvo IPS pods propulsion. The main deck is full of new concepts especially to what regards the living part inside, and its unique plan with side entrances, a lounging aft, and central pilot station to fore. Another innovation here is in the glassed surfaced of the hard top and the sides which can be adjusted to let or block the sunlight completely. Below a choice for a three or four cabins lower deck, plus an optional one person crew cabin is available. Standard power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS pods which give a 36 knots top speed, and a cruise of 32 to this loaded but still light 27 tons Sport Yacht. A more powerful twin 900hp Volvo should give top speeds of around 40 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.20 m (66.2ft)
Waterline Length - 15.70 m
Beam - 5.25 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 25 t light, 27 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 700 l
Accommodation - 6, 8 berths
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS900 700hp, IPS1200 900hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS 2, IPS 3 forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 36 knots max, 32 knots cruise with IPS900, 40 knots with IPS1200
Project - Francesco Rolla lines, Stefano Milanesi from Navaldesign and Consulting technical
Certification - CE A
www.wayachts.it

Project: Metamarine TNT48 Replica

After years of announcing it Metamarine boss Marco Penessi finally presents the production version of his TNT46 Corsa, with the TNT48 Replica. A machine which comes from his yard in San Benedetto del Tronto in Italy, and is build around winning diesel power which just a couple of days ago gave the World Evolution title to the Corsa version against the very challenging and renowned US petrol powered units. This is the second time Metamarine takes the title, after doing so in 2004 for the speed limited Super Sport class. Now comes a first in Evolution class, after five years of hard work and improvements on the 46 Corsa hull. Something rare in recent years from a European boat builder, but the TNT48 Replica brings the baggage of experience of the competition from the top Evolution class, with a fast diesel powerboat offering cruising amenities for four persons. The hull shape is a two step with the last of these flowing air to the aft in order to help lift the boat. Another rare detail is the transmission which is also build in house by Metamarine, what is a surface drive with a unique combination of turning and trimming shafts, and a central single rudder similar from a certain point of view to the old Levi Drive Unit. Construction is of sandwich Kevlar type, guaranteeing the best strength to weight combination. Also marking a return to production units are the engines which will be from twin Isotta Fraschini of 850hp. Isotta Fraschini was a legendary name for light weight high powered diesel units in the eighties. These twin diesel units should give a top speed of 80 knots, and a 280 nautical miles range.

www.metamarine.it

34th Americas Cup - New Class AC72 and Protocol Announced

The reading on the Americas Cup website says that the World's oldest Sports Trophy has always pioneered yacht design, so this time it is to move on from the mono hulls, to the cats we have seen in the beginning of this year 33rd Deed of Gift Challenge.

Must admit that I have confused feelings about this. My inner soul still misses the mono hulls, and the races we have seen from 1999 to 2007, in the 30th to the 32nd edition races. Another note is that mono are used for all match racing events all over the globe. But, it is fair to say the speed of the cats in the Deed of Gift race was very impressive, and may be with two similar craft things will also be closer then to what we saw from the BMWOracle dominated 33rd edition race.

Here is some specification for the new AC72 Class as outlined on the Americas Cup web site:

34th Americas Cup AC72
LOA - 22.0 meters (72 feet) Beam - 14.0 meters (46 feet) Displacement - 7,000 kilograms (15,500 pounds) Wingsail area – 300 square meters (3,229 square feet)

Ease of assembly: The AC72 can be assembled in two days and disassembled in one to accommodate the shipping schedule for the America’s Cup World Series events. Platform configuration: Either a conventional layout catamaran, one with cockpits and helmsman stations in both hulls, or teams will have an option of designing a central pod to centralize all the wing and sail-handling controls. Wingsail or soft sails: The AC72 class rule allows for wingsail and soft sail options to promote racing through a broad range of conditions. Power source: Engines are banned but electrically driven valves to control the wingsail might be permitted. Rudders and daggerboards: The rule limits a maximum of four underwater appendages, two rudders and two daggerboards. To reduce costs, standardized, one-design daggerboards are being considered. Construction materials and methods: Limits on high-modulus carbon-fiber have been put in place for hull construction. The class rule outlines a minimum outside skin weight of 600 grams per square meter, similar to other racing boats of that size. Core materials may either be foam or honeycomb. High-modulus carbon will be allowed in the wingsail, to add stiffness and strength. Onboard cameramen will be carried during racing.

*********

The protocol drafted by Defender; Golden Gate Yacht Club, and Challenger; Clud Nautico di Roma was also announced.

Highlights include:
- New, exciting class of boat, the AC72 wingsail catamaran
- New annual World Series starting in 2011
- New Youth America’s Cup from 2012
- Transformed media for television broadcast and online
- Shorter, action-packed race format
- Race delays minimized
– new boat and venues with reliable wind
- Independent race management and fully empowered International Jury to avoid show stopping disputes
- Effective cost cutting measures
- Branding freedom for teams
- One global website for all team and racing content

www.americascup.com

New Model: Sessa C 54 Sport Coupe

Basing itself on the hull and water lines of the 54 Fly introduced in the fall of last year, Sessa and designer Christian Grande presents the C 54 Sport Coupe, what is an amazing glass filled open views new model. I might be biased saying this as I just saw a couple days ago the flagship C68, and that is a good looking flagship Sessa introduced last year. This model is very similar to it on the looks department, and this surely includes the wow factor and unique color scheme. There is also a detail which I particularly like and Sessa brochure and press release does not tell, which comes from much bigger boats that is the joining of the hull and upper structure coming by the shear line. This apart giving a more bigger boat looks, gives also a much neater approach unheard in most production boat of this size, unless these look traditional. The C 54 Sport Coupe follows modern trends of a fully enclosed hard top Sport Yacht with a three cabin, two heads accommodation, and a very spacious L-shaped galley located below. The owners suite is to mid ship, VIP to fore, and a double bunk is in the middle of the lower deck. An optional crew cabin for one is available to mid ship. The main deck is a single level and here you have an L-shaped sofa, dining table to port, and helm station. The exterior is all about enjoying the nature, sun and nice weather. I particularly like the aft sun pad which extends as if on a float, the spacious aft deck, the fore peak lounger, and not to forget the all around deep side decks which again feel of a much bigger yacht. Tender launching is also made easy thanks to a bathing platform with high low hydraulic movement. Power is from twin Volvo 700hp with IPS second generation larger pods, which gets you on the plane at 15 knots, cruises you at 25 knots, and reaches a 34 knots max speed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.20 m (53.8ft)
Hull Length - 14.70 m
Waterline Length - 12.70 m
Beam - 4.70 m
Draft - 1.40 m
Displacement - 21 t dry and unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l
Water Capacity - 566 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo IPS900 700hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS900 forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 25 knots cruise, 34 knots max
Hull - Polledric Vee with 14.5 degrees dead rise aft
Range - 11 hours @ 25 knots
Project - Christian Grande
Certification - CE B
www.sessamarine.com