January 3, 2011

Benetti New Web Site

Renowned status symbol super yacht builder Benetti updates its web virtual showroom to a new platform. Benetti was founded in 1873 by Lorenzo who acquired a Darsena Boatyard near Lucca. He managed the yard for forty years till 1914 when after Lorenzo's death, Gino and Emilio renamed the business as Frattelli Benetti. 1927 sees more of the Benetti family getting involved in the business with Giuseppe and Virgilio Gino's two sons succeeding him, while Maurizio and Bertani, Emilio heirs also join the company. 1941 is an important date for Benetti with the company launching Maria the first diesel powered steel hulled ship. In 1954 the yard is split into two parts; Fratelli Benetti concentrating on sailing and motor boats, and M & B Benetti yard which is dedicated to commercial vessels. 1963 sees Emilio's nephew Giuseppe take the helm helped by his son Lorenzo who will be an important figure to create the Benetti yachting heritage. In 1978 Benetti launches Vanina designed by American architect Kauffmann to win the Admirals cup. This launch is followed a year later by the largest Benetti in length to ever touch the water the 86 metres Nabila designed by Jon Banenberg for owner Adrian Kashoggi. After a couple difficult years Benetti is acquired in 1985 by Azimut chairman Paolo Vitelli, who two years after this launches the steel built Rima to a design of Terrence Disdale. In 1988 a big feat surrounds Benetti with the building of the 27 meter Azimut Atlantic Challenger, which makes a failed attempt to win the Blue Ribbon for the fastest Atlantic Crossing. After this Benetti makes it progress with the launching of the 45 meter Ambrosia designed by Zuretti and Natucci, with the same duo following this a year later for the first 50 meters Golden Bay series. 1998 sees an important strategic move with the partial purchase of the Moschini yard fully completed in 2002, and the launching of the first fiberglass built Benetti 35 metre Classic. More semi custom fiberglass follow the 35 Classic, 2003 30M Tradition, 120 Classic in 2004, and in 2005 the Benetti 24 Legend project is presented. Year 2000 represents an important launch of the 70 meter Reverie in 2000, the second largest Benetti ever built. Benetti's current range is divided into two ranges; Class and Custom. The semi custom Class launched in 2009 offers seven models starting with the 93 Delfino, up to the 164 Vision Supreme. The Custom range can build from 43 meters up to 70 meters, and current New Proposals are six models which start from the alloy constructed 47 Imagination, to a 68M steel super yacht. Benetti new web virtual showroom is available in English and Italian language and takes you around with the following buttons; Brand, Yachts, Events & Media, Captain's Bridge, and Owners Lounge.
www.benettiyachts.it 
Production History (only semi-production series showing) 
Delfino 18M 1960-64 (21) *includes Super Delfino
Tirreno 22.40 m 1962-66 (6)
Super Delfino 19 m 1964-71 (21) *includes Delfino
Mediterraneo 28M 1965-66 (2)
Gabbiano 22M 1966-69
Mediterraneo 33M 1967-70 (3)
Super Gabbiano 23m 1969-73
31,50 1969-73 (5)
26 D 1973-77 (5) *25D project
26 1974 (1) 
26 md 1974
25 S 1974-76
26 S 1976-83
27 mtr 1976-81
23 S 1977-83 (8) *22 S project
21 D 1979-83
45 M 1987-88 (2)
Allseas 40 1989-91 (2)  Azimut ownership
45M (ii) 1991-94 (2)
Golden Bay 50m 1997-2008 (7)
Classic 115 1998-2006 (27)  Benetti enters fiberglass semi-production series
Vision 140 2002-10 (14)
30M Tradition 2003-2009 (20)
56M 2005-12 (4)
59M 2006-11 (6)
Classic 120 2006-10 (20)
85 Legend 2007-2009 (6)
Class 105 Tradition 2010-13 (5)
Class 93 Delfino 2010-16 (14)
47M 2010-14 (3)
Classic 121 2011-17 (10)
Crystal 140 2011-18 (9)
Vision 145 2011-14 (3)
Supreme 132 2012-20 (13)
Supreme 108 2014-17 (5)
Fast 140 Veloce 2014-19 (7) *Azimut Grande 140 project
Fast 125 Vivace 2015-21 (11) *Azimut Grande 126 project
FN800 50m 2015-18 (3)
Mediterraneo 116 2016-21 (10)
Delfino 95 2018-21 (11)
Diamond 145 2020- (8
Oasis 40M 2020- (23
Oasis 34M 2022- (13
B.Now 50 2022- (15
B.Yond 37M 2022- (9
Motopanfilo 37M 2021- (9

January 2, 2011

New Model: Arno Leopard 43M

Continuing its aim into bigger sizes Arno shipyard launches its second current large model the 43M, which follows the 46M presented in 2008. The 43M continues the Super Sport Yacht philosophy, with exterior design entrusted to Andrea Bacigalupo, and the interior to Cristiano Gatto. The 43M apart being luxurious wants also to present a practical design helping living elements join with those of the open sea life. Worth to note the incredible space of the main deck having a length of eighteen meters, which offers comfortable living areas. The lower deck offers four double guest cabins; owners to mid ship, VIP to fore, and twin guest room. Crew accommodation located to fore peak is for seven berths, and this area includes a lobby with saloon and galley. Interesting notes of the 43M are the Jacuzzi bath on the invisible sport flybridge, and a tender garage with space for three personal water crafts, including a RIB up to 5.65 meters in size. Performance is from a standard three MTU 2399hp engines giving 34 knots max, or plus four knots to this with the additional booster.
Technical Data:
LOA - 43.12 m (121ft)
Beam - 8.45 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 190 t
Fuel Capacity - 23000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Accommodation - 9 guest berths, 7 crew
Engines - 3 x MTU 16V2000M93 2399hp, optional Booster MTU 12V4000M93L 3411hp
Propulsion - water jet
Speed - 34 knots max 30 knots cruise MTU 2399hp, 38 knots max 34 knots cruise with alternative booster
Project - Andrea Bacigalupo exterior, Cristiano Gatto Design Team Interior
www.leopardyachts.it

January 1, 2011

Best of 2010

2010 has continued the market turmoil, of the previous 09 year.  It's been a challenging year for most yacht builders.  Yet in all this yacht builders always find the energy to re-invent themselves and entice the boat and yacht buyer.  Here is the 2010 favourite boats and yachts.

The PowerYacht 2010 favourite is the Arcadia 85. There is a big challenge coming in this new super yacht from this freshy founded Naples Italian brand, not only for presenting itself in one of the most ever difficult economies in recent times, but also for coming with an un-edited design language thanks to Francesco Guida.  In this comes also a very environmental conscious 25 meter super yacht like we have never seen before.  Going Green is the big challenge of the first century of the second millennium Anno Domini.  

The others.

Atlantis 48. Atlantis re-invents itself with a new design language coming from the young Neo Design firm of Salvetti and Biaggi.  While still hard-top this new direction is also very open, something Atlantis started showing in 2008 with the 54 model. 

Baia B50 Cinquanta. Baia looks at its past into the future with the new full open high performance B50 Cinquanta.  The previous B50 produced from 1983 to 93 represented an important success story for Baia in both sales, and offshore racing winning the Venezia - Monte Carlo rally in 1990.

Cabo 44 Hardtop Express. Sportfish express with three part hard-tops are like non existent for whatever unknown reason.  This Cabo 44 Hardtop Express will change all that, because apart the practical side looks already a classic.

Fairline Targa 58 GT. This new seventeen meter Targa brings evolution and the future to come for the sports cruiser and yacht line of the British builder.  For change it brings a new modern design language outside, and re-invents the layout with a lower deck fully dedicated to the cabins.

Monte Carlo Yachts MCY76. Announced in 2007 the wait is finally over for Beneteau's Group luxury motor yachting brand.  With Carla Demaria at the helm the French giant entrusted top tier Italian designers Nuvolari and Lenard who came with an original design for its first model. 

Salpa 30.5 GT. Walk around centre console look to be the next big thing in North America and the Italians are noticing this.  Neapolitan builder Salpa presents this 30.5 GT which apart featuring a full nine meter of deck space, offers a two plus two accommodation cabin area below.

Sunseeker 48 Portofino. The Sunseeker 48 Portofino started with a blank sheet fully dedicated to Volvo IPS propulsion and its advantages.  The result is one of the best full beam midships cabins in this size, and two options for the aft cockpit deck.

Windy Dubios SR52 Blackbird. Big day cruisers and yachts are a growing thing in the Mediterranean.  Norway's Windy takes a note and makes a collaboration with super yacht famous designer Ed Dubois.  The result is fifty feet of outside space and two berth accommodation below deck.   

Biggest ever. Bertram 800. In 1960 Bertram was the start, the big bang of what the pleasure boating industry would become.  The 800 is the American Eagle biggest ever build and the first entry into the super 24 meters plus size.  Sportfish above 24 meters are a bit hot and cold, but there is a feeling the demand is increasing, with the Bertram being one of two current production super sportfish over eighty foot available. 

PowerYacht wishes to all its followers, friends, readers, and visitors a Healthy and Prosperous 2011 year.

December 31, 2010

Monthly News - December 2010

-pic of the month- Formula Eight Thousand Hull

Azimut Benetti Group Barcelona Show Confirms Eco Success

Barcelona welcomed the Azimut Magellano 50 enthusiastically. In a short time, this star of the Genoa Boat Show has become a benchmark for sustainable boating throughout the world. Constructed in line with eco-standards and materials and capable of providing a 13% saving in fuel costs thanks to a hybrid engine and the particular shape of its hull, the Magellano 50 has a green soul. Visitors attending the event in the Catalan city expressed a special interest in the HNOS Berga stand which was showcasing a total of nine yachts from the Azimut and Atlantis range, six of which were being presented for the first time on the Iberian peninsular. Particularly popular was the Azimut 48, which boasts one of the most spacious and well-equipped flybridges in its category, as were the three new Atlantis models: Verve 36, 40 and 48, perfect examples of the grit and dynamism that characterize the most sporty brand in the Group. Ignition sparks at the Barcelona Boat Show indicate ripples of a revival running through the yacht market. A revival that will reward only those companies, like Azimut-Benetti Group, who have chosen to invest in new products, an essential strategy, in order to maintain a competitive and central position on the international horizon.


Bavaria Present New Merchandise Collection

Bavaria has planned a huge portfolio for the 2011 ´boot´ in Düsseldorf: The complete sailing yacht and motorboat fleet will be presented on a new, high-end boat show stand. To round up the large repertoire, the shipyard will launch a brand-new Bavaria Merchandise Collection. The modern collection, which was designed and created by Sportswear Connection in Munich, offers a little bit of everything for the watersport enthusiast: alongside chic T-Shirts, Shirts and Jumpers for Men and Women, there is also a large selection of jackets. In addition, the collection features basic accessories, such as key chains and baseball caps. The entire sample collection will be presented at both Bavaria show stands at Düsseldorf 2011 and first orders can be placed directly at the stand for the first delivery towards the end of March 2011.


Ferretti Group Ranks First in 2011 Orderbook

The Ferretti Group, a world leader in designing, building and marketing of luxury motor-yachts with a unique portfolio of the most prestigious, exclusive brands in the nautical world, ranks first in the 2011 Global Order Book 2011. The 2011 Global Order Book is noted as the most thorough and accurate analysis of the global nautical industry, issued every year by authoritative international nautical magazine ‘Showboats International’, published by Boat International Media. The rating for the Global Order Book is drawn up in the United States each year and lists all of the yachts under construction, measuring 24.38 metres (80 feet) or over, in each shipyard throughout the world as of 1st of September. Now, in its eighteenth year of publishing, it has crowned the Ferretti Group as the top producer of luxury maxi-yachts worldwide. In particular, as of September 1st, the Group can boast an order portfolio of an impressive 76 mega-yachts, with an average length of 104 feet, split between the Ferretti Yachts, Pershing, Riva, CRN and Ferretti Custom Line brands. This brings the overall size of the yachts, currently produced, to a length of 2,401 metres (7,877 feet), thereby setting the Ferretti Group in first place amongst world producers of yachts measuring over 80 feet. Therefore, 2010 comes to a close marking a new milestone for the Ferretti Group, whose leading position is an important acknowledgement for the entire Italian nautical industry and further confirms growth of the Group after over 42 years of successful activity.


Formula Celebrates Hull Number Eight Thousand

Formula Boats celebrated a 1,000-increment milestone Wednesday, November 10, with hull number 8,000. The factory sent off the 350 Sun Sport with a Formula Family goodbye. The entire factory was invited to sign the boat and celebrate to mark the occasion before it left. ith every 10,000 boats Formula produces, the serial number resets. So this boat, with hull number TNRD8000I011, is the 8,000th boat manufactured since the numbers were reset in 2002. Now into model year 2011, reaching this milestone is the perfect reason to celebrate. This particular boat is headed to Missouri. Thomas Edwards, the proud owner of the 350 Sun Sport, resides in St. Louis and plans to enjoy his boat at Lake of the Ozarks with family and friends. Edwards and his son Andrew even came to visit the factory November 1st to monitor the progress on their boat. This 55 mile per hour 350 Sun Sport boasts twin Volvo 8.1 GXi DP EVC engines with a Captain’s Call exhaust system. The Black Imron accents the sleek lines of the boat. With features like air conditioning, a chartplotter, upgraded stereo system with entertainment package, fiberglass arch and a swim platform with vinyl teak decking, the entire Edwards family is sure to enjoy their time on the water in the 350 Sun Sport.


Fountain Revamps Sales Strategies

Amidst renewed interest from marine industry dealers, Fountain Powerboats is implementing new sales strategies and is discontinuing its factory-direct “Fountain Factory Superstore,” the company announced today. Previously, potential retail customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia were offered the option of purchasing boats directly through the factory superstore, via its website and dedicated factory sales staff. Fountain has announced that it will discontinue this practice effective immediately. Since 1979, Fountain Powerboats has established itself as one of the most significant names in offshore powerboats, amassing offshore racing titles, fishing tournament championships, and accolades from boating publications; while building a loyal, worldwide customer base. Virtually all Fountain components are manufactured in-house at a modern 250,000 square-foot facility on the Pamlico River in Eastern North Carolina.


Hatteras and Cabo New Senior Vice President

Hatteras Yachts and CABO Yachts are pleased to announce that John Ward has accepted the position of senior vice president, global sales & marketing. Ward was most recently president of Boston Whaler. Reporting to Ward will be Karl Kempainnen, vice-president of sales and marketing for Hatteras Yachts; Don Smith, vice president of Sales for CABO Yachts; and Luca Brancaleon, director of sales for Hatteras and CABO in Europe and the Middle East. As a senior member of the leadership team, Ward will report directly to Jim Meyer.


Mulder to Build Second Yard

Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands has announced that construction will soon start on a new yard just ten kilometres from its current facility. This second yard in Zoeterwoude Rijndijk will cover an area of 7000 square metres and focus on the maintenance, refit and new build of yachts between 18 and 40 metres. It should be ready to start operations in 2012, with the first new yacht launching in 2013. The existing facilities in Voorschoten will remain open and be dedicated to yachts under 18 metres. Both Mulder yards are within 20 minutes of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. One of the reasons for this major expansion is the difficulties experienced at the current yard with moving and launching large yachts, which are increasingly in demand from Mulder Shipyard. There is also a shortage of storage space. The construction of a new yard will considerably increase Mulder’s flexibility and product efficiency to accommodate the very healthy order portfolio. It also gives the yacht builder the opportunity to deliver more yachts, and meet the future demand for larger yachts and refit projects. The final permits for the new facilities have been issued and construction will get underway in early 2011. The first hall of the new yard will be equipped with two dry docks of 55m x 13m. The second hall can accommodate the simultaneous construction of four yachts up to 30 metres. The projects in this hall are accessible via three work floors. The ground floor will be used for working on engines, generators, propulsion systems, bowthrusters, sternthrusters, stabilisers and similar equipment, and include a store room. The first floor will facilitate the assembly of the interior, service installations and electrical systems, and house Mulder’s interior department and spraying facilities. The new yard will also include a 100-tonne boat lift and a modern office building. Although the expansion requires a substantial investment, it will eventually lead to major cost synergies. In addition to new builds and refit activities, the new yard will also provide services for the growing Mulder fleet. The Voorschoten location will focus on the construction of the Mulder Favorite and the Bellagio, while also being used for the storage and maintenance of smaller yachts.


Ranger Tugs Rendezvous

Ranger Tugs hosted the second annual Owners Rendezvous event for Ranger Tugs owners and their crew at the Port of Bremerton Marina in Washington. The company welcomed 42 boats in September which was 10 more than last year’s inaugural event. With over 1,000 Ranger Tugs owners in the U.S. and Canada, the Owners Rendezvous is a growing event and a testament to the camaraderie and lifestyle that the trailerable, fuel-efficient boats offer. Based on the popularity of the event, Ranger Tugs is already planning for 2011 and the event will again be in Bremerton, Sept. 9-11, 2011; registration is available on the owners group website. David and Maureen Baker served as the 2010 event’s volunteer organizers and are owners of the Ranger 29 Karma. Ranger Tugs owners and enthusiasts in attendance traveled from across North America and from as far away as Virginia; many brought their boats by trailer, then launched locally for the short cruise to Bremerton. With boats ranging in size from 21 to 29 feet, the event’s Tug Crawl is an open house that allows owners to see models of all sizes, share insights and ideas on equipment, décor or other personalized touches. In addition to the social aspects of the rendezvous, the weekend included several education opportunities. A service seminar presented by Mer Marine, an area MER Yanmar service center, featured a demonstration of fluid and filter changes and the local power squadron from Port Orchard, WA, was also on hand to perform courtesy exams and safety checks. At the close of the rendezvous, the Bakers and Ranger Tugs staff announced that next year’s rendezvous will be held Sept. 9-11, and immediately began booking reservations from several owners in attendance. The 2011 goal is to welcome 75 boats and their owners and crew to the event.


Riviera Asia Pacific Dealer Awards

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder has recognised outstanding achievement in sales and service at the annual Asia Pacific Dealer Conference held this month on the Gold Coast. Premium Nautical was named Riviera Asia Pacific Dealer of the Year. This award recognises overall excellence in dealership operations and performance. Riviera Service Dealer of the Year was presented to Lee Marine in Thailand. This award recognises exceptional after sales customer service. Kingsway Marine in Hong Kong was presented the Riviera Brand Loyalty Award in recognition of their dedication to the Riviera brand in their local market and the in roads they are making in the emerging China market. As Singapore’s exclusive Riviera dealer, Premium Nautical takes pride in offering the highest level of personal and professional service and general manager James Purves said it was an honour to receive the esteemed award. Lee Marine managing director Joshua Lee said they were proud to win the Service Dealer Award. Kingsway Marine general manager Joseph Zhao said the brand loyalty award recognised the team’s dedication and hard work over many years. Riviera CEO John Anderson said all of Riviera’s Asia Pacific dealers had demonstrated fierce loyalty to the Riviera brand and had done a fantastic job over the past 12 months during very challenging times but Premium Nautical, Lee Marine and Kingsway Marine had excelled in all their efforts. The Asia Pacific Dealer Awards have been running for 16 years and were created to recognise outstanding achievement and dedication to Riviera’s loyal owners and brand. Dealers are judge on their ability both to operate with the highest level of integrity, service customer needs and boats, conduct client events and professional representation at boat shows, overall boat sales, co-operation with the factory’s business guidelines and communication with dealer support services, dealership presentation and customer satisfaction.

Riviera Staff Raises for Movember

It was a hairy situation for Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder, when 19 of its production staff entered the best ‘Mo’ competition to raise funds for men’s health during the annual Movember fundraiser. Every year during the month of November thousands of Australian men grow a moustache to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, including prostate cancer and depression in men. Riviera hosted a sausage sizzle to raise funds for Movember and awarded prizes to the best and worst ‘Mo’. About 400 staff and contractors gathered for the barbecue lunch and voted for the best ‘Mo’ via a decibel metre. There were black mos, blonde mos, red mos, brown mos and grey mos, as well as a range of styles including the biker mo, handlebar mo, Hitler/Charlie Chaplin mo, pencil mo, and French mo but the overall prize for best ‘Mo’ went to Bruno Kishtoo while the prize for worst ‘Mo’ was awarded to Peter Davies. Riviera’s general counsel Cherriee Ludemann said the Riviera team raised $3,244 through online donations plus a further $450 was raised at the sausage sizzle held last week.

Riviera New South Australia Adelaide Dealership

R Marine South Australia celebrated the opening of its new Adelaide dealership in Riviera style with an afternoon of fun and festivities at the Holdfast Shores, Glenelg dealership, which was officially opened by long time Riviera owner Rod Rebbeck on November 28. Riviera’s latest model, the spectacular 43 Open Flybridge with IPS was on display at the official opening. R Marine South Australia has one of these best selling new models in stock now and available for delivery. The 43 Open Flybridge with IPS which has taken the Australian boating market by storm was launched at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May this year has already been ordered by 25 lucky owners who have embraced the latest technology and Riviera’s award-winning quality. R Marine South Australia brings together an experienced team of professionals with a wealth of marine industry knowledge. Managing director Ross Almond is a multiple Riviera owner and knows first-hand the pleasures and advantages of owning a Riviera. Dealer principal David Light has extensive experience in the prestigious automotive and aviation industries. Qualified mechanic with 20 years experience, Diego (Dee) Bueti will lead the service department while full-time skipper Tim Arthurson will prove invaluable to Riviera owners as he holds Master 5 and Med 1 qualifications and has spent the past five years working full-time on Riviera boats. Tim is available for maintenance and service advice, owner tuition, and Riviera deliveries anywhere in Australia. R Marine South Australia’s managing director Ross Almond brings with him extensive boating experience and product knowledge. Having created a very successful service focused business in the highly competitive office photocopier industry, Ross is now putting his enormous energy into Riviera and he has not wasted any time in bringing together a team with individual expertise that will give Riviera’s South Australian owners a unique and unrivalled level of care. Riviera owner Rod Rebbeck said it was an honour to officially open Riviera’s new dealership. Rod has owned three Rivieras having bought his first in 1998 and he currently owns a 51 Enclosed Flybridge.

Riviera Melbourne Summer Boat Show

Riviera, Australia’s most awarded pleasure boat builder will showcase some of its latest designs at the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival February 4-6, 2011. Riviera’s Victorian dealer R Marine Jacksons Vic will showcase six of the company’s most popular designs including, never before seen in Melbourne the 5800 and 5000 Sport Yachts. The Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Show is the largest outdoor lifestyle event in Victoria sprawling from Docklands’ NewQuay down to the festive piazza at Waterfront City, the event will entertain children and adults with a range of activities such as gourmet food, wine, fashion, sailing and canoeing, boat rides, live music and giveaways. R Marine Jacksons dealer principal Stuart Jackson said Riviera had held a strong presence at the Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival for the past six years. Riviera Syndication will make their Melbourne debut at the boat show with the launch of a new 5800 syndication. Riviera Syndication will launch sales of 10 shares in the Melbourne based 5800 Sport Yacht at the boat show with shares costing $245,000 each plus ongoing fees. There are only three shares remaining in the Hamilton Island 5800, which will be delivered in September 2011. These shares will also be for sale at the boat show and cost $210,000 per share with 12 shares in this boat. Owners of the Melbourne 5800 will have 33 days usage per year with popular time such as public holidays and weekends shared evenly between owners, while owners of the Hamilton Island 5800 will have four weeks usage per year and can be taken in a combination of the owners choice for instance one week four times per year, two weeks twice a year, three weeks and then one week or four weeks once a year.

Riviera Syndication Boast Sales

Every economic condition produces a positive climate for certain sectors of the market and luxury boat syndication is one of the industries that has actually prospered during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The Marine Industry is often an accurate indicator of which industries at a given period of time are prospering. The purchase of a luxury boat is generally the reward of a successful business and according to Marine Industry stalwart John Russell of Brisbane’s John Crawford Marine and Riviera Syndication, this has proven to be an accurate guide during 30 odd years of selling boats. Mr Russell said at any given point in time he could report on the industries that were doing well in the marketplace because it was those industries that were buying boats. During the late 1990s and in the early days of syndication, this form of boat ownership was generally associated with time share and was largely overlooked by the market. With the passage of time, the syndication market became more professional and was introduced by major manufacturers such as Riviera. Sophisticated clients began seriously considering the merits of buying an equity share in a luxury boat. Riviera Syndication also have syndicated Rivieras in most major centres around Australia where an owner of a share in a new Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht in Perth can exchange usage with an owner of the same boat in Sydney, Sanctuary Cove or Hamilton Island.

Riviera Jacaranda Experience

A colourful display of dancers and entertainers paraded through Grafton’s tree-lined streets for the 76th annual Jacaranda Festival where 58 Riviera enthusiasts enjoyed the festivities. A fleet of 15 Rivieras ranging in size from 33 feet to 56 feet made the 130 nautical mile journey from the Gold Coast south to Grafton on November 4, for R Marine Queensland’s annual five-day Jacaranda Experience. R Marine Queensland event organiser Melinda Jones said ‘with a decent swell, ocean wind and overcast sky looming around the Gold Coast Seaway walls it was onward bound for day one's destination Yamba. The next morning, the fleet wound their way up the Clarence River, passing under the landmark Harwood Bridge and heading for their final anchorage, Grafton, which is about 42 nautical miles up the Clarence River. The following morning it was time to up anchor and leave Grafton. The fleet returned back down the river to Yamba where they berthed for the night and visited the well known Pacific Hotel for dinner. Riviera CEO John Anderson said Riviera dealers around the world organised these experiences to encourage Riviera owners to explore new waterways, meet new friends and gain confidence in their boats. In 2011 our R Marine dealers in Australia and New Zealand have a full and fun packed calendar of events planned for Riviera owners.


Viking Sea and Truck

Persistent northwest winds draining the Bass River have made navigating to Atlantic City a little more challenging lately, limiting departure times from the factory to full flood tides. Frigid temperatures have created a layer of skim ice most mornings contributing more issues, but nothing could stand in the way today of delivering Norby, hull number 16 in the Viking 82 Convertible series. While 82016 will travel on its own bottom to southern climes, our first 42 Open at the end of the production line awaits its windshield glass, which will be installed in the morning. Upon completion of this task, the 42 Open with its Cummins diesels and Zeus pod drive propulsion system will cruise south at average speeds of 50 knots on a flat-bed truck to the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach, Florida, for its tower installation by Palm Beach Towers.

December 30, 2010

New Model: Salpa 30.5 GT

Salpa headed to this years fall Genoa boat show with an important novelty that of the 30.5 GT. The latest Salpa gets a lot of interest first for its today hard to find legendary Renato Sonny Levi hull shape, and second for being another sport cruiser which offers a good mix of a day and cabin boat. Interesting is that many of the Sport Cruiser who are going for this new trend are from Naples, or have the design team which comes from the area. What strikes in the 30.5 GT is the nice glassed hard top which covers the double seat helm station. Outside of the 30.5 Gran Turismo is in fact a full day boat which makes use of all the length with a centre console served by a wet bar behind, a sun pad to fore reached from both sides with a walk around style staircase, and two L-shaped dinettes aft. An extended aft bathing platform reached with a central passageway from the cockpit competes the exterior fit out. Inside is a well laid space which considering the outside is quite spacious offering four berths, an L-shaped galley, and a separate shower head. The sleeping area is in fact a convertible V-shaped dinette to fore, and double berth located to mid ship. Power is for twin 300hp petrol gas engines, or 220hp diesel both with stern drives propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.90 m (32.4ft)
Beam - 3.35 m
Draft - 0.90 m
Displacement - 5500 kg loaded, 4000 kg unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 500 l
Water Capacity - 200 l
Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x 300hp Petrol, 220hp Diesel
Propulsion - stern drive
Construction - vaccumm infused resin
Project - Renato Sonny Levi hull
Certification - CE B
www.salpa.com

December 29, 2010

Project: Huckins 44 Sportfisherman

The new Huckins 44 Sportfisherman dovetails classic styling with the most modern materials and technology. Huckins have drawn upon 75 plus years of custom yacht building experience to achieve style and comfort without compromising the serious amenities that blue water fishing requires. The 44 Sportfisherman is the first project for this line, but lengths up to 90 feet in a similar line are to be available. The Sportfisherman features a sleek, low-profile flybridge under a half-tower, with panoramic views from the helm maximizing the captain’s ability to spot birds, bait and weed lines. Like all Huckins custom yachts, the Sportfisherman is underpinned by the Quadraconic hull renowned for its ability to overcome rough seas, and high fuel prices while delivering outstanding performance and a smooth, dry ride. Accommodation is a twin cabin lower deck, with owners room to fore, and second guest bunk cabin to port side. A saloon with two sofas, and a practical second day head by the entrance to the cabin area is found on the middle living deck. Power is from twin 380hp engines with speeds estimates being a 30 knots max.
www.huckinsyacht.com

December 28, 2010

New Model: Princess 64

An update of the 62, this is the Princess 64 which got most of its success from big families or the charter friendly four cabin layout. But if this not your take Princess still can change the twin bunk fourth cabin to a private study office. The Princess 64 enlarges all windows of the 62 from those of the main living deck which serve the saloon, to those below in the cabin areas. An extension of the aft bathing platform now with up and down movement for easy tender launching and recovery has also been made. The aft deck has also been made larger and now features two way entrance from the bathing platform, and a central settee served with a teak table. Three engine choices power the 64 from standard 900hp Volvo, or optional Cats 1015hp, and 1150hp. This last option gives a max speed up to 34 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.70 m (64.9ft) Inc pulpit
LOA - 19.45 m ex pulpit
Beam - 5.03 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 30000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 3409 l
Water Capacity - 909 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 900hp, Cats C18 1015hp, Cats C18 Acert 1150hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 34 knots max with 1150hp Cats
www.princessyachts.com

December 27, 2010

Projects: Linssen 430 Range Cruiser Sedan Wheelhouse, Linssen 430 Range Cruiser Sedan Variotop

Linssen presents two projects based on the same hull that of new 430 Range Cruiser. Pictured above is the Sedan Wheel House version which offers a full covered twin level all weather main deck living area. Below accommodation is a two cabins plan, with master stateroom to fore, and two single beds guest room to port side. A shower head is to starboard side. Engine options are a single 120hp, or twin 90hp Steyr engines.
The 430 Sedan Variotop of this cross over traditional cruiser features the praised convertible soft top opening from Linssen. Power is the same as is the lower deck layout of twin accommodation. The 430 Range Cruiser Sedan Variotop is ideally suited for those who cruise mostly in Summer and would like to enjoy the sun more.

December 26, 2010

New Model: Mondomarine 41 Meters Semidisplacement

The new Mondomarine 41 Meters Semidisplacement super yacht which follows as some of the latest projects of the renowned shipyard design by Cor D. Rover for the concept design and exterior styling, Luca Dini for the interior, and Mondomarine for the naval architecture. The interior decor, taste vaguely Art Deco, is characterized, in the common spaces, by the contrast between the dark woods and white tissues while the cabins are made warmer by the presence of leather details as the base and the headboard of the beds. The layout includes the main salon and the Owner’s suite on the main deck, a lounge on the upper deck and four guest’s cabins on the lower deck; the bow and the stern are VIP full beam, while the center are one twins and one double. Twin 2255 hp MTU engines push the 41 meters Semidisplacement RINA classified Mondomarine at a max speed of 19 knots, cruise at 17, and a range of 3000 nautical miles at 12 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 40.5 m (132.9ft)
Waterline Length - 33.80 m
Beam - 8.50 m
Draft - 2.15 m
Displacement - 270 t
Fuel Capacity - 50000 l
Water Capacity - 8500 l
Accommadation - 1 owners room, 4 double guest cabins, 3 double crew room, 1 captains cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU 12V396TE94 2255hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 19 knots max, 17 knots cruise, 12 knots economic
Range - 3000 nm at 12 knots
Project - Cor D.Rover exterior, Luca Dini Interior, Mondomarine naval architecture
Certification - C Hull, Mach YCH MCA Unrestricted
www.mondomarine.it

December 24, 2010

New Model: Sessa C48

Sessa presented the new C48 at the Genoa show, which is based on the C46 hull. As is known the C46 launched in 2007 has been one of Sessa's most press praised models being awarded Boat of the Year by British IPC media i.e. Motor Boat and Yachting, and Motor Boats Monthly in January 2008. Considering the success of the C46, Sessa tweaks and upgrades the C48 in numerous departments but still keeps the same successful formula. The changes are a new hard top super structure design from Christian Grande now looking more similar to the new recent models from Sessa, a hydraulic up and down bathing platform aft, larger cockpit aft deck, more spacious tender garage with space for a tender or Jet-Ski up to 2.85 meters in length, and scissor moving forward stateroom which changes the double berth to a two singles format. For the remaining the Sessa builds on the model it replaces with a full beam owners stateroom, two galleys one down and a comfortable one outside, two heads, and power from Volvo IPS600 with twin 435hp engines performance.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.90 m (52.1ft)
Hull Length - 15.8 m
Beam - 5.50 m
Displacement - 18000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1000 l
Water Capacity - 2 x 300 l
Accommodation - four berth in two cabins, plus two convertible berths in saloon
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking dual propeller pods
Project - Christian Grande 
Certification - CE B