Class 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011 Preview

Ten boats will line up off Lulu Island for next week's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 13-15 April, round 1 of the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship, for what promises to be an intriguing season-opener.

A raft of new technical rulings, a promise of strict enforcement of regulations, new teams and driver line-ups and the return of Spirit of Qatar all add spice to a season where the form book of previous years may have little bearing.

The season-opener sees the Class 1 Championship fielding one of its most competitive fleets in recent years; three Middle East teams take on six from Europe, seven of the ten outfits opting to run V12 power-plants over V8, with four World Champions lining-up in Abu Dhabi.

Reverting to running in the more familiar blue colours of Victory Team, Arif Al Zafeen and Nadir bin Hendi shoulder full responsibility as the Dubai team's sole entry.

The Champions have dominated the last two seasons and set-out in defence of their World, European and Middle East titles looking to add to their 21 career-wins apiece as they start their campaign to try to lift an eleventh world title for the team.

Team Abu Dhabi will be hoping to benefit from home advantage, with Emirati Rashed Al Tayer and American race-ace, John Tomlinson, who won the World and European titles in 1997, looking to kick-start their season with a repeat of last year's win on home waters.

Lining up in Class 1 for the first time in 18 months, Spirit of Qatar fields a two-boat attack; Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and eight-times World Champion Steve Curtis lead the team's assault as the Qatari outfit bids for its first World crown, and they in turn look for their first win in Class 1 since teaming-up in 2008. Matteo Nicolini, who won the European title alongside Sheikh Hassan in 2005 and grabbed the team's last win in the championship in Dubai in 2008, partners Class 1 rookie, Ali Al Neama. Spirit of Qatar 95 and 96 will both run Skema-Lamborghini V12s.

Norwegian hopes for success hang with Welmax and Relekta - both running Mercury-Class 1 V8s.

Welmax's all-Norwegian partnership of Kolbjorn Selmer and Jorn Tandberg will be aiming for the perfect start to the defence of their Edox Pole Position crown, and intent on taking their first outright race-win together to add to their ten podium finishes and five pole position wins since joining forces in 2009.

A revised driver line-up sees Zabo Racing, who made their championship debut in Norway last season, taking their first podium in Abu Dhabi, bring in Turkish driver Ugur Isik, back racing in Class 1 for the first time in over a decade, to partner race and pole position winner Christian Zaborowski in Relekta.

Of the three all-Italian pairings, two are new team entries but all three are experienced partnerships.

Fendi Racing's Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella - a double race winner in 2010 - have put their plans to run their new Outerlimits boat-engine package on hold for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and will unveil it in Norway, and run a Michael Peters-designed Victory built hull with Victory V12 engines.

GiorgiOffshore stay with the same boat-engine package and driver line-up that ended 2010, but with Nicola Giorgi, set to start his 75th Grand Prix, behind the wheel and Tomaso Polli taking the throttles in the Victory built, SCAM-Lamborghini powered MITI Tech Power.

DAC Racing's Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci maintain their partnership that began in Brazil last year with a podium and ended the year with a podium, running a Michael Peters-designed Tencara powered by Mercury-Class 1 V8s.

Plymouth based Chris Parsonage Racing also run a new driver line-up with Italian Giorgio Manuzzi starting a fifth term in Class 1 alongside his former teammate at Maritimo Racing, Norway's Pål Virik Nilsen.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix gets underway with first practice on Wednesday afternoon. A second practice on Thursday morning is immediately followed by qualifying in the Edox Pole Position with race 1 in the afternoon. A final practice session on Friday morning is followed by race 2.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi - UAE

Wednesday, 13 April

12.30 drivers course viewing on Class 1 rib

14.00-16.00 official practice

Thursday, 14 April

09.30-10.00 official practice

10.15-11.30 Edox Pole Position

15.30 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - race 1

Friday, 15 April

09.30-11.00 official practice

15.30 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - race 2

www.class-1.com

Projects: Benetti Sail Division 98 Logica, Benetti Sail Division 105 Logica, Benetti Sail Division 105 Logica Evolution

Benetti Sail Divsion continues to present projects of its innovative Logica range as designed by architect Luca Brenta.  The 98 Logica pictured above is the smallest model of this range, measuring just short of the one hundred feet mark.  Presented first as a 96 Logica project before being renamed as the 98 this Luca Brenta project follows other traits of the larger models of this range, as contemporary design which fuses early twentieth century looks with a modern minimal super structure filled with glass surfaces, and a two and half decks.  Interior guest accommodation is for four double guest cabins with owners stateroom located on the main deck.  Crew accommodation is four persons located to bow in two cabins and a seperate quaters which features a dinette and a second galley.  Power is for twin 1000hp MAN engines which give a 14 knots max, and a 13 knots cruise, and a 10 knots economic this last giving a 3200 nautical miles range. 

The Benetti Sail Division 105 Logica is the most classic looking of the models of this range mostly for its more standard traditional glass surfaces.  Altough just a couple of feet larger to the smallest 98, the 105 Logica adds an extra guest cabin in the seven plus feet of more lenght.  Power is for identical twin 1000hp MAN engines which give a similar 14 knots top speed, 13 knots of cruise, and a 10 knots of economic run which gives a 3700 nautical miles of range.

For the 105 Logica Evolution, Luca Brenta shows a similar looks to the rest of the range with the contemporary looks outlining a modern feel thanks to the large glass surfaces as used on the main, and the flybridge deck.  Accommodation is again to a similar layout with a plan which has five double guest cabins, with the owners state room located on the main deck in the forward part.  Power is again entrusted to twin MAN 1000hp engines which give identical estimated speeds as the standard more classic looking 105 Logica. 

www.benettisaildivision-ss.com

New Model: Heesen 49.80m YN 15250

Heesen Yachts is proud to announce that on Friday, February 25, YN 15250 was launched at the shipyard facilities in Oss, the Netherlands. The owner christened YN 15250 as Satori, a name that in the Zen Buddhist tradition refers to a sudden enlightenment that is considered the first step toward Nirvana.  With a Gross Tonnage of 499GT and a top speed of 24 knots she is among the world’s fastest 50 metre yachts. Built on the experience of launching seventeen 44 and 47 metre custom yachts, the hull of this new 50 metre is currently the most efficient on the market. In consultation with Van Oossanen Associates, Heesen’s in-house naval architects created a sophisticated and highly efficient hard-chine hull. When combined with Heesen’s acknowledged weight reduction expertise and a pair of high power-to-weight ratio MTU 2.720kW engines, Satori is able to deliver her excellent top speed as well as a very economical fuel burn and a particularly long range of 3.200Nm at 12 knots. Frank Laupman, from Omega Architects, designed the clean lines of this new 50 metre semi displacement.  The owner appointed the award-winning French designer, Rémi Tessier to create the elegant interior of his yacht. As a result the interior of MY Satori looks extremely simple at the first glance, but as soon as the eye dwells upon the detail the extreme refinement of every single element clearly stands out. Ten guests are accommodated between a master suite on the main deck and four guest cabins on the lower deck (two VIP full width and two twins). On the main deck the saloon is divided into three distinct areas and features a notable round dining table, which can be lowered to create a more informal dining style. Following this simple operation the atmosphere of the saloon is completely changed, transforming it into a magnificent open space ideal for lounging and relaxation. Guests are able to enjoy their life at sea in four different exterior social areas. These comprise a 20 metre long, split-level sun deck with a large custom Jacuzzi, sunbathing terrace and bar; the forward cockpit with U-shaped enclosed sofas facing a large sunbathing area; the al fresco dining area on the upper deck aft; and the aft cockpit.  Full delivery of Satori is scheduled by this month, after intensive sea trials in the North Sea.  Heesen Yachts has currently sixteen yachts under construction with a total length of 773m which will be delivered to their owners by 2014. In 2010 the Dutch shipyard signed seven contracts and has added a further order in early 2011.

Technical Data:

LOA -  49.8 m (163.3ft)

Beam - 9.00 m

Draft - 2.65 m

Displacement - 300 t half load

Fuel Capacity - 68800 l

Water Capacity - 16200 l

Accommodation - 10 guest berthins in 5 cabins, 10 crew berths

Engines - 2 x 16v4000M90 3646hp

Propulsion - Schaffran five blade fixed pitch propellers with line shaft

Speeds - 24 knots max, 12 knots economic cruise

Range - 3200 nm at 12 knots

Project - Heesen Yachts, Van Oossanen and Associates hull, Omega architects exterior, Remi Tessier interior

Certificiation - ABS, A1 Commercial Yachting service, AMS, MCA, LY2

www.heesenyachts.com

INBUILD ~ Galeon 780 Crystal Part 5 of 9

Galeon technical team continue with the work in progress of its future upcoming 780 Crystal  flagship model, and as an honour for PowerYacht we are able to show you bits of this wonderful journey.  From last time we are again seeing big progress and after having showing the main deck being fitted, now its next to see the super structure installed.  As in all construction works at each new part being fitted and shown here in the Inbuild section we get a better idea, and look of how the finished product will be in live appearance with the 780 Crystal looking more similar to the renderings.  The super structure along with the hull lines, shows the 780 Crystal modern design heritage as outlined by British designer Tony Castro.  Although built in North Europe Poland, the 780 Crystal is full of Mediterranean amenities such as extended bridge, large view windows in all areas from the main living deck to the cabins, jacuzzi bath on the flybridge, up and down bathing platform, and the must have fore peak deck settee.   

www.galeon.pl 

Project: Regal 35 Sport Coupe

Regal, present the project for the 35 Sport Coupe.  This new project is the entry level of Regal head lining Sport Coupe range which goes up to its biggest 52 model. Like her big sisters, the 35 Sport Coupe features a full width hardtop, and windshield walk-through which takes you to the fore peak deck to enjoy the sun. An optional air conditioner with reverse-cycle heat can be fitted to the fully enclosed cockpit.  Below deck, the Regal 35 Sport Coupe has the amenities fit for the most discerning tastes, featuring a US open plan layout with a large living area which can sleep a total of six.  A small galley and separate shower head make also part of the lower deck amenities.  Power is for five engine choices from Volvo and Mercruiser, with stern drive propulsion.  One of the options is also a twin Volvo 220hp Diesel fuel choice.

www.regalboats.com

New Model: Dominator 720

The new Dominator 720 is the fruit of the synergy created between the shipyard's Engineering Division and the Team 4 Design studio. With its sober, clean-cut contours and sleek, streamlined style concept, the Dominator 720 is the quintessence of all the distinctive qualities in the Dominator range. Linear and dynamic, this craft is the perfect balance between the elegance of longer vessels and the aggressive spirit of sports-style yachts.  The interiors stand out for the rationality of their spatial design as well as for their sleek, modern style. And the rich and refined materials used for the panelling and upholstery enhance every room with a sense of elegance and superior luxury. Here, as with all the other craft in the range, particular care has also been taken over the lighting systems, all of which have been skilfully designed to create evocative atmospheres both inside and outside this captivating yacht.  Three options make part of the lower deck from four to three double guest cabins.  A two crew berth cabin is located aft.  Power is twin MAN or MTU engines from 1360 up to 1550hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 22.17 m (72.7ft)

Beam 5.75 m

Displacement - 50 t

Fuel Capacity - 5500 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths

Engines - 2 x MAN 1360hp, MTU 1550hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Project - Team 4 Design lines and interior, Dominator engineering

www.dominator-yachts.com

Projects: Menorquin MY E43 Flybridge, Menorquin MY E43 Hardtop

Menorquin presents its new Efficient Line, which will start with the project of the MY E43 Flybridge.  This new Menorquin line of projects will be added with a 56 feet model later on, and takes inspiration from other models of the Menorcan Spanish island builder but will feature a more modern exterior, and innovative concepts.  Main technical novelty for Menorquin Efficient 43 is the use of Volvo IPS forward looking pods. Other new concepts are dual cockpit access, larger aft deck, a bow living area with settee, larger to usual master cabin, sea view windows, more natural light interior thanks to larger glassed surfaces in the cabins, and higher to the usual fuel capacity for the E43 being of 1300 liters.  Accommodation is a three double cabin lower deck, with an optional choice of larger owners suite with office, or a no office smaller shower guest heads and a galley bellow.  The main deck offers a C-shaped settee, L-shaped galley and helm station.  The E43 Flybridge will offer a helm station and C-shaped settee.  Power choice will be twin Volvo engines of 330hp.

The Menorquin MY E43 Hardtop will differentiate from the flybridge version for loosing the second helm station and lounging area up top, and change with a more low profiled sporty line.  For the rest this second model of the Efficient line will offer the same characteristics two choices for the six berth three cabin lower deck, and pod drives with engines up to twin 330hp power.

www.menorquin.com 

New Model: Beneteau 8 S Antares

Beneteau presents the baby of the inboard Antares range the 8 S model. Continuing the partnership of Beneteau Power and Sarazin design, the entry level 8 S Antares is an interesting hard top sport cruiser available only with a blue hull and single engine line shaft propulsion power. Inside the layout of the 8 S Antares offers practicality with a main deck having galley, saloon, and helm, with the two steps down lower cabin area offering a double berth, and shower head. Power is from a single Toyota Nanni 200hp engine.
Technical Data:
LOA - 8.36 m (27.4ft) with bathing platform

LOA - 7.74 m without bathing platform

Hull Length - 7.48 m

Beam - 2.95 m

Draft - 0.68 m

Displacement - 2785 kg light

Fuel Capacity - 300 l

Water Capacity - 100 l

Accommodation - 2 + 2 berths

Max Persons - 8

Engine - 1 x Toyota Nanni T4 200hp

Propulsion - direct line shaft

Project - Beneteau Power, Sarazin design

Construction - Monolithic hull construction with polyester resin, sandwich deck with balsa core

Certification - CE C, D
www.beneteau.com

Project: Mulder 98 Flybridge

Mulder Shipyard has received a new order to build a 98 Flybridge for a client from Russia. The all-new, all-aluminium yacht has been developed by the Mulder Shipyard design team with Guido de Groot and will be delivered in the second quarter of 2013.  The Flybridge yachts of Mulder Shipyard have been a major international success. The leading Dutch yard delivered a 92 Flybridge to a client from Egypt in 2010 and recently sold a Mulder 73 Flybridge to an Australian client. The latter had seen the Mulder 76 Flybridge Dutchess at the Auckland yacht show, a yacht that was delivered in 2007 to a client from New Zealand. Meanwhile, Mulder has also built several other projects for clients from Russia, Spain, Germany and Italy.  The new Mulder 98 Flybridge has a length of thirty metres over all, and a beam of 6.90 metres. It is powered by twin Caterpillar C32 1600 hp each of engines, offering a maximum speed of 22 knots. The yacht has a fuel capacity of 17,000 litres, which gives it a range of 4,500 nm at a speed of ten knots. The hull will be built in accordance with Lloyd’s classification.  The interior of the new Mulder 98 Flybridge includes a spacious saloon, with a starboard dining area for eight people, The galley on the port side gives direct access to the gangway and a day head. The owner’s stateroom includes a large walk-in closet and three elliptical portholes on both sides. The yacht also has a VIP suite and two guest cabins, each with their own shower and toilet. The interior will be finished in walnut.  The aft ship contains the crew quarters with two twin cabins with a shower and toilet. These quarters can be reached via the swim platform, and give direct access to the engine room. The tender can be stored either on the swim platform or on the flybridge. Additionally, the flybridge is equipped with deck chairs, two roomy U-shaped sofas and a wetbar with grill, icemaker and refrigerator.  The new Mulder 98 Flybridge will be the first yacht to be built at the new facilities of Mulder Shipyard.

www.muldershipyard.com

Improve-it = CRN 60m hull. 130

CRN has privately launched the CRN 130, a 60 meter steel and aluminum super yacht, in Ancona.  The owner’s family, the management and workers of CRN, who celebrated the completion of the seventh pleasure ship of 60 metres produced since 2005, were present at the shipyard. This is an important achievement in this particular market. The elongated streamlined profile and the imposing cream-colored hull strongly characterize this 60 metre leisure boat, hull number 130 of the shipyard, made of steel and aluminum, and commissioned from CRN by a European ship owner.  The slim and sleet bow and the imposing volumes with wide spaces overlooking the sea characterize this mega yacht, whose external lines bear the signature of Zuccon International Project Studio, which worked in close collaboration with the technical office of CRN, while the interior design was taken care of by the architects Alexandre and Cristina Negoescu.  Hull 130 was built on a naval platform of 10.20 meters, the same used for other famous boats such as the CRN; 126 "Blue Eyes" and 128, both of 60 meters. The same philosophy and technological innovations are found in the open spaces that distinguish CRN: the terrace in the master cabin and the beach club at the stern and the stern hatch that turns into a big beach close to the water which will be equipped as a solarium.  The Zuccon International Project designers created the super yacht with great attention to spatial quality, making it elegant, timeless, and thus increasing its value for both the owner and the shipyard.  Circular patterns prevail in the interior design, giving it a new image of on board comfort, with fluid spaces, which open up and extend to all the other areas. There is also a minimal style and an art deco spirit that fuse with elegance and sophistication, representing “modern style”.   Its minimalist décor, its monochromatic interiors and its sinuous forms, create a new contemporary habitat of extreme pleasure.  The new vessel can accommodate 12 guests in 5 guest cabins, the master cabin and 14 crew members. The yacht is equipped with two Cats 1950hp engines that cruise at a maximum speed of 15 knots and a cruising speed of 14 knots.

www.crn-yacht.com