December 31, 2012

Monthly News - December 2012

-pic of the month- Back Cove 500th

Back Cove 500th Launch
Back Cove Yachts is proud to announce our new tagline, "Practical Elegance, From Maine." during the 500th Launch Celebration that took place last Thursday (12/5/12). The celebration for the 500th Launch took place at the yard with 100 employees and their families, our Back Cove Yacht dealers, members of the surrounding Rockland community and members of press and media. The origin of the brand dates to 2003 when a group of Sabre dealers approached the company with a concept for a less costly, smaller and more abundant range of boats to fill the gap they felt existed below the smallest Sabre model. The "Manchester Six" (the original dealer body) ordered all of the Back Cove 29's to be built in the first year and asked that they remain exclusive for at least that first year. The company agreed and a brand was born.


Belize Named Best of Best by AIM
The new Riviera Australia owned and designed luxury marque, Belize Motoryachts, has been named the ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards. AIM is a growing media company that publishes a prestigious stable of boating titles including, Power & Motoryacht magazine, Yachts International, Sail, PassageMaker, Soundings, and Soundings Trade Only. The awards for the ‘best of the best’ in boating were announced at a special gala presentation during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the judges commended the new Australian owned and designed Motoryacht line. Belize Motoryachts spokesman Ryan Hanson said this achievement was testament to the superior quality and design of this bespoke new Motoryacht line. The new Belize 52 is fully air-conditioned and features three cabins, including a full beam master stateroom with ensuite and opening port lights on either side to provide cross ventilation. The functional and modern galley is adjacent to the spacious saloon, which overlooks the enormous cockpit with aft dining area and breakfast bar with swivel stools to port, creating the ultimate alfresco experience. Combining traditional European panache with Australian practicality gives the Belize 52 a blend of tradition and contemporary elements, which has created a very attractive, powerful, technically advanced, versatile and sought after new vessel. Not only are the design features impressive but so too are the twin aft-facing Cummins Zeus 3000 bronze pod drives mounted into tunnels delivering a top speed of around 30 knots, 25 knots cruise speed and a comfortable range at 22 knots of 400nm and leaving 10 per cent reserve fuel. The editors of AIM’s respected publications were asked to nominate who they thought were the ‘best of the best’ in production and semi-custom yachts. AIM Marine Group’s editorial director and editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, George Sass Jr, said the awards reflected renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers. AIM asked 15 editors from individual magazines to nominate the best product in various categories. Armed with precise selection criteria, the editors nominated boats that were solid, well designed, built to high quality and performance. As the AIM Marine Group Editors’ most innovative new builder, the Belize Motoryacht line has well and truly exceeded all expectations since the launch of its first model in May of this year.

Burger Sponsoring 8th Annual Captains Briefing
Burger is pleased to announce its sponsorship for the United States Superyacht Association (USSA) 8th Annual Captains Briefing to be held January 16 and 17, 2013 at The Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten. Burger representatives will be on hand to meet with captains to enumerate the many positives of working with Burger and to discuss its on-going support of the USSA and its Come Sea U.S. campaign. Highlights of the program include security presentations on Wednesday, January 16, including exercises with a certificate of completion. On Thursday, January 17, there will be briefings to inform attendees about US Entry procedures for foreign flagged vessels, the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), flag state audits and more. The annual event will also include nightly cocktail parties with captains and senior officers. Burger, founded in 1863, is renowned for its quality vessels which can be found in ports around the world. Since its founding, Burger has built hundreds of custom yachts and commercial vessels in various sizes to 260' (80m) at its Manitowoc, WI shipyard


Cigarette Featured on Nightly Business Report
When PBS TV news program, Nightly Business Report, decided to report on the state of US marine manufacturing, they chose Cigarette Racing Team as a key indicator of the luxury boat market. Anchorman Tom Hudson and his crew interviewed Cigarette President and CEO Skip Braver at the 2012 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show where the company, as the anchor of the Hi-Performance dock, displayed a range of models including the new 42' Huntress performance center console. Hudson then visited the Cigarette factory to see first-hand how the custom boats are built. Braver explained how when the economy got tight and most of the marine industry contracted, Cigarette invested in new tooling, new models and kept its factory and employees busy to grow the company, preparing for the better times ahead. The strategy worked for Cigarette as the company has continually enjoyed excellent sales. Hudson reported on the process of custom boat building at Cigarette and Braver explained that the company's loyal customers are "lifestyle addicts" who enjoy the premium luxury lifestyle brand which has expanded and refined under his 10-year tenure. Braver led the industry in introducing center consoles to the performance line, including the new 42' Huntress which combines a full luxury cabin, high technology instrumentation, and room for dozens of passengers. With up to 1,750 HP, depending on the choice of Mercury Marine or Mercury Racing engines and options, the boat retails for between $750,000-$1 million.


Outer Reef Best in Class in AIM Awards
Outer Reef Yachts made some waves at this year’s Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Outer Reef 700 pilothouse long range motoryacht was awarded the AIM (Active Interest Media) award for excellence, for best in class long range cruiser in the 70'-80' category. This year’s AIM awards acknowledge the industry’s leading builders for cutting edge design and their contribution to the yachting industry.


Overmarine New Sales Partner in China
The Overmarine Group continues with its expansion strategy in the East, signing a working agreement with Martello Yachting at its offices in Viareggio, the world capital for luxury boating, on 8th December. This new agreement involves promotion of the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceano brand in China and Singapore. China is a growing market for the nautical industry, in terms of both clients and services, marinas and infrastructures. Indeed, an out and out nautical culture has begun to spread. Today's Chinese clients are more mature and aware than those of the past, hence ready for a brand like Mangusta, which has been a leader in the sector of cutting-edge maxi open yachts for over 30 years. Innovation and technology, high quality, luxury and artisan skill, a top performance, high levels of safety, spacious environments and on-board comfort, Italian style and bespoke interiors blend together perfectly on Mangusta yachts. Martello Yachting was founded in 2009 and specialises in superyachts, backed by its team's 30 year experience. With four Asian offices: Beijing, Hong Kong, Xiamen and Singapore, and over 25 employees offering consistent assistance to clients before, during and after they purchase their yacht. Martello Yachting shares the same values and approach to clients as the Overmarine Group, and is an ideal partner for strengthening the Mangusta brand on such a strategic market.


Riviera Drives Into 2013 with Strong Orders
Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder is looking forward to 2013 as its forward orders continue to grow, and the company welcomes three new seasoned professionals to its senior lead team. The past nine months have been both hectic and productive for Riviera as the company has undergone an extensive re-structuring since the business returned to private ownership in March of this year. Riviera’s popular and proven current models including the 43 and 53 Flybridges and the 5000 and 5800 Sport Yachts have continued to excite boating enthusiasts around Australia and around the world, resulting in forward orders stretching into mid 2013. The launch of several key new models in 2012 has been a strong contributor to the growth of the company’s forward order book. These models have included the 63 and 75 Flybridges resulting in six sales, and the release of a whole new range of boats in the SUV series, which has also achieved six sales to date. The acquisition of the Belize Motoryachts line in April has certainly been welcomed by the Riviera global dealer network and has resulted in eight sales. The announcement of further new models for release in 2013 including the 50 Flybridge and a larger SUV model have further contributed to the forward order bank placing Riviera in a strong position going into the New Year. As 2012 draws to a close, Riviera is firmly focused on 2013 and the opportunities that lie ahead. To help steer the growing company forward, the lead team has been further strengthened with the appointment of several key personnel. New head of design Stephen Ford, new chief financial officer Richard Appleby and new general manager, Scott Cumming all have a wealth of experience, have previously worked at Riviera and have recently returned to the company. They will join the highly experienced and skilled lead, which comprises CEO Wes Moxey; long serving International Sales Director Chris McCafferty who is based in Florida, USA; general counsel Cherriee Ludemann; IT, supply and warehouse manager Kirk Starr; and director of brand and communications Stephen Milne. CEO Wes Moxey said returning to Riviera was a very easy decision for him having watched from the outside how conclusively the Riviera brand retained its integrity and global support during the past four turbulent years. English born Stephen Ford, brings a wealth of knowledge to Riviera’s award-winning design team. Stephen studied marine engineering at Southampton University and has more than 15 years boat design experience. Stephen was the senior designer for Sunseeker for 10 years before relocating to Australia in 2007 to manage and develop the acclaimed Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht. His love of the Australian culture and outdoors lifestyle gave Stephen the motivation to further his skills in marine design and he seized the chance in 2011 to work on the Belize Motoryacht project with Wes Moxey before returning to Riviera earlier this month to take up the role of head of design. Stephen said he felt honoured to be leading such a talented and well-respected design team. Chief financial officer Richard Appleby is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has worked with KPMG and Coopers & Lybrand before embarking on a career in commerce. He has worked with a diverse range of multi-national and privately held companys in the wholesale, retail, hospitality, technology and manufacturing sectors. When Richard learned the business had been purchased by Rodney Longhurst, he wanted to return to Riviera and Queensland. General manager Scott Cumming also recently returned to Riviera following a stellar career in Malaysia, where he oversaw the development and design of new Grand Banks models. Scott began his boat building career with Riviera as an apprentice in 1990 and went on to complete his Masters in Business Administration in 2001. During his time at Riviera, Scott worked in various roles within the organisation including, boat building, lamination, stainless steel, engineering, electrical, and new product development. Scott said he was pleased to be back in Australia and felt honoured to have the opportunity to return to Riviera as general manager. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said Stephen, Richard and Scott were all strong leaders in their own right and given their international experience, they have the drive and determination to take their teams to an even higher level. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst is proud to be surrounded by such a high calibre and motivated team.


Sealine New Lebanon Dealer
Sealine is delighted to announce that it has appointed Sarto Marine as their new dealer for Lebanon. Based at Saad Zaghloul Street, Beirut Central District, the company will be providing comprehensive sales and after sales services for the region and is an important appointment for opening up sales opportunities for the growing Middle East market. Sarto Marine, which was established in April 2011 by the Khayat family, has very quickly established an excellent reputation for providing outstanding customer service. Sarto Marine will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Beirut Boat Show with Sealine product. Both Omar Khayat, CEO and Maher Ghandour, Managing Director will be at the show which takes place from 22nd to 26th May 2013.


Sea Ray Wins Marine Group Award
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce it was awarded an Editor’s Choice Award from Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group during the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Specifically, the award was given to the Sea Ray 510 Sundancer for being selected as the Best Domestic Motoryacht 50-60 Feet. The award was presented to Parmentier during the AIM Marine Group Editor’s Choice Awards Gala on Friday, October 26, at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. AIM is the parent company of Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, Yachts International and PassageMaker magazines, among others. According to AIM, the awards reflect the renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers.

Sea Ray Named Boat of the Year
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce that its new and innovative 370 Venture has been named “Boat of the Year 2012” by the editors of Boating magazine. The award was presented in the January 2013 issue of Boating magazine, on newsstands now. “Boating’s Tech Team tested more than 100 boats in 2012. In addition to performance data and commentary, Boating boat tests assess how a given boat compares to the other in the same category,” said the article announcing the award.


Sunreef Celebrates Christmas at the Shipyard
On December 17th 2012, annual Christmas celebrations took place at the Sunreef Yachts shipyard combined with two important occasions: the 10th anniversary of the shipyard and the 20th anniversary of the arrival of its founder and President, Francis Lapp to Poland to settle down and run his business. All Sunreef employees, local officials, VIP's and media came together to raise a toast to Francis Lapp and Sunreef Yachts. During the ceremony special awards were given to the company's most loyal and supportive friends such as former President of Poland Mr Lech Walesa, the President of Gdansk Mr Pawel Adamowicz and famous Polish sportsman, Dariusz Michalczewski. Some of the best shipyard workers were also rewarded for their loyalty, determination and hard work during the past year. 2013 is expected to be another successful year full of challenges for the company.


Wider Announces Partnership with EXA Ltd
Wider announces its partnership with EXA Ltd., a company that refers to Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Genting Group, a top South Asian entrepreneurial corporation. The operation provides for an increase in capital, which means founder partners, Tilli Antonelli and Paolo Favilla, and new partner EXA Ltd. will each hold 50% of Wider. The additional resources resulting from this operation will aid the development of the company's strategic plan, according to the guidelines set down by Tilli Antonelli. Two years after it was founded, and after having launched its 42' yacht, Wider is currently working its way through the steps of its strategic plan. The next stage in its development of high performance, high technology, medium-sized day cruisers is the 32’ and the company entered the displacement sector by launching the 150’ at the end of 2011. Moreover, presentation of a range of yachts measuring 30 to 50 metres has been planned for spring 2013. The Wider evolution provides for products created for an exclusive, highly demanding clientèle with extremely high standards of quality, both regards the layout and design design. The team flanking Tilli Antonelli will also involve architects and engineers who have made Italian goods famous all over the world. The new units will all be built in Italy and respect the highest tradition of our shipbuilding industry. A fundamental part of the agreement is the synergy between Wider's expertise - in terms of product and of managing international distribution networks – and the resources of the Genting Group, which operates mainly in the tourism and leisure sectors. The Group boasts a capillary presence on Asian markets, manages 5 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong stock exchanges and capitalises around 35 billion dollars, employing 52,000 people. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also controls the third most important company in the world in the cruise liner business, with Star Cruise (South Asia) and Norwegian Cruise Line (Caribbean). Whilst Wider was assisted in this operation by KT Finance and Mazzoni & Associati, EXA Ltd. was assisted by Clyde & Co.

December 30, 2012

Project: Ferretti 960

Ferretti presents a new flagship for its Yachts line the 960, which will also mark the largest yacht ever built in the Cattolica establishment.  The Ferretti 960 shows clever measures thanks to an over-all length of 95 feet and still being under 24 meters in the water line, allowing helm duties to be made without the need of a professional captain license.  Designed by the usual Zuccon and the Ferretti design and engineering studios, the 960 is characterized by two and half decks raised pilot house profile, and the known Italian brand says all the latest novelties in ergonomics as shown in the recent 720, 830, and 690 models are to be featured. The accommodation plan is for four double VIP cabins below, and an owners stateroom in the forward part of the main deck.  One of the innovations of the 960 will seem to be the space for an extra large tender, and a sundeck area on the aft bathing platform.  Speed estimates are for a max of 31 knots with the large MTU 2683hp engines pushing this 99 ton super yacht.  Alternative smaller MTU 2435hp give a max of 2 knots less, and a cruise of 25.    

December 28, 2012

New Model: Aquastar 42

The Aquastar 42 is the result of a long study in this market sector. An all round, family aft cabin motor cruiser, with great picture side windows to the Master cabin. The class leading VIP forward cabin presents a cunning swing apart double bed to create twin single berths. The secure aft deck offers unrivalled privacy for marina dining with enclosed seating for family and friends to relax with a wet bar and BBQ option. Well equipped with quick deploy canopies over helm and aft seating and an endless degree of choice, from single or twin helm the option if for an interior jockey station, and a second layout which replaces the VIP fore cabin with twin scissor berths. Other options include hydraulic stabilizer fins something very rare in this size, which will decrease rolling to a bare minimum at slow speeds, and on anchor.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.8 m (42ft)
Beam - 4.26 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 681 l 
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x 370hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Hull Type - semi displacement shape
Project - Design Unlimited interior

December 26, 2012

News: Nord West December 2012

OPENING TIMES
During the Christmas break Nord West showroom will be open on 27-28 december, and 2-4th January 2013. As usual Nord West welcomes you to come and discuss a new boat or look at the many second hand brokerage boats, cruisers, and yachts available.
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MOTOR BOAT OF THE YEAR
Nord West 430 Sports Top has been nominated to the Motor Boat of the Year 2013 in the category powerboat up to 45 feet. If you missed the test of the Nord West 430 Sports Top in the December issue of the magazine Motor Boats and Yachting we suggest you to check it out.  
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BOAT SHOWS IN WINTER 2013
Nord West and its sister sailing brand Najad will be present at the following upcoming boat shows.  The World class Dusseldorf boat show in Germany from the 19 to the 27 January with a Nord West 430 Sports Top, and a 370 Coupe.  Gothenburg on the 2 till the 10 February with a Nord West 430. Frederica in Denmark during the weekend of 22 till the 24 February with a Nord West 430 Sports Top. Alvsjo in Stockholm on the 2 to the 10 March also with a Nord West 430.  Indoor show in Oslo, Telenor starting the 13 till 17th March with a Nord West 430.  Book your dates.  
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December 24, 2012

New Model: Azimut 54

Azimut yachts new 54 is a further tune up of the 53 model launched in 2009, with the main differences coming from a redesign of the profile windows, and an improved interior with a more luxurious decor.  Another important difference will be the galley which now features a complete redesign allowing for better layout.  For the rest the new 54 keeps the clever layout of the 53, which features the much appreciated three double cabins layout, and a full beam midships owners stateroom.  Power is twin MAN 730hp engines with a max speed of 33 knots. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.7 (54.9ft)
Hull Length - 16.6 m
Beam - 4.74 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 27 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2340 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x MAN R6 730hp
Propulsion - V drive with line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Azimut yachts
Construction - fiberglass,vacuum infused resin
Certification - CE UNI ISO 8666

December 22, 2012

Class 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

RACE 1
Dubai’s Victory Team is celebrating a remarkable twelfth World Championship success after a convincing win in race 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri.
The Victory duo seemed unfazed after finding themselves in third place after the start and played a waiting game, coming from behind to take their sixth win of the season to seal a fifth World title for Al Zafeen and a third for Al Marri.
Today’s win also secures a sixth Middle East Championship for Victory after dropping just eight points in five starts, with Al Zafeen winning both titles for the last four years.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella raced to their third podium of the year bringing LFFendi10 home in second place, with Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath, running under the Victory Australia banner, producing yet another outstanding performance to make it three podiums from five outings in their short end of season stint in Class 1, finishing third.
From the green flag Al Zafeen and Al Marri watched as the Italian duo in LFFendi10 came from sixth place on the line and raced into a comfortable lead on the rough 2Nm start run outside Lulu Island to lead by five seconds at the end of lap1.
Nicholson and McGrath were up into second ahead of their adopted teammates Victory, with Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci in Spirit of Gabon-Poliform in fourth and Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori in fifth.
LFFendi10 extended their lead after opting to run their two mandatory short laps immediately, to open up a 17 second gap but now over Spirit of Gabon-Poliform and Zabo-Isiklar who also went for the short laps early.
But by the end of lap 5 with all boats having run their short laps, Victory hit the front to lead by 9 seconds with LFFendi10 second and Victory Australia third.
The leading trio remained line astern for the remaining 5 laps with Al Zafeen and Al Marri running out the comfortable winners by 34 seconds. “It was always our plan to take it easy at the start and not to take any risks,” said Arif Al Zafeen after his 29th career win.
A third podium in six outings since they switched into their Victory hull has now moved Fendi and Carpitella up into third place in the overall Championship standings, with Luca Formilli Fendi understandably pleased with the result.
Nicholson and McGrath’s short time on the tour just gets better and better, the Australian-New Zealand pairing now boasting two race podiums and one from yesterday’s qualifying.
Team Abu Dhabi’s hopes of a podium finish on home waters disappeared after dropping a place at the start, but Al Tayer and Al Mansoori regained the place on lap five to finish in fourth and secure the runners-up slot in the World and Middle East Championship standings.
Spirit of Gabon-Poliform and Zabo-Isiklar battled it out in the latter stages and enjoyed a six lap tussle for fifth and six spots, Cappellini and Montavoci winning the duel to finish in front by just four seconds, with both FARO ACCIAI and Subseapilot going the distance and picking up valuable points.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, RACE 1 – Results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) 00.29.49,34
2. 10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.34,39
3. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) + 00.38,39
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 00.52,72
5. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 01.25,00
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 01.29,00
7. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 LAP
8. 8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) + 1 LAP
RACE 2
Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri completed their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix treble after cruising to a comfortable Victory in race 2.
Today’s win, their seventh of the season, ends a near perfect season for the Champions, claiming top spot in the World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Championships.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella maintained their impressive run of form to finish on the podium for the second time in two days bringing LFFendi10 home in second place, with Zabo-Isiklar’s Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski ending their season on a high with a well-deserved first podium of the year and clinching fourth place in the Championship.
The newly crowned Champions were in a league of their own and took the initiative from the start and led the race from flag to finish and at no time came under any pressure.
By mid-race Al Zafeen and Al Marri had eased out to a 30 second lead and were in cruise control and able to back off in the closing stages to win the 14 lap, 70.17Nm race by 12 seconds.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella completed their hat-trick of race podiums to round off a very strong second half the year, but had to hold off a strong challenge from Zabo-Isiklar in the closing stages.
Zabo Racing’s habit of ending their seasons on the podium continued, with Isik and Zaborowski’s strategy of taking their second short lap late paying dividends, moving them up from sixth place at the end of lap six into third spot a lap later.
For the remainder of the race they piled the pressure on and chased down LFFendi10 closing the gap too under five seconds.
For the first Grand Prix this season Team Abu Dhabi missed out on a podium finish, with Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori again finishing in fourth.
Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini did not have the pace to run with the others but did have the reliability, ending a positive weekend for the team picking up their best result of the year finishing in fifth spot.
There was disappointment for Victory Team Australia’s Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath who were running in second place when their race came to an abrupt end after a broken torque sensor forced them to stop on lap seven.
Subseapilot lasted just two laps with Yngve Bratland and Bjorge Jacobsen returning to the pits with an engine problem, Poliform-Spirit of Gabon’s Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci following them in on lap 10, also with an engine issue.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, RACE 2 – Results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) 00.42.31,12
2. 10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.11,71
3. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 00.16,97
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 00.24,16
5. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 03.10,71
6. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) dnf
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) dnf
8. 8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) dnf
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 8
1. 3 Victory Team - 177pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 127pts
3. 10 Fendi Racing - 87pts
4. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 63pts
5. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 53pts
6. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 37pts
8. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 34pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 22pts
10. 8 Subseapilot - 7pts
11. 90 Welmax - 5pts
12. 9 Welmax - 0pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 6
1. 3 Victory Team - 112pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 75pts
3. 10 Fendi Racing - 52pts
4= 91 Zabo Isiklar - 33pts
4= 7 Victory Team of Australia - 33pts
6. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
7. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 23pts
8. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 7pts
10. 8 Subseapilot - 3pts
11. 90 Welmax - 0pts
www.class-1.com

December 21, 2012

Web: Dalla Pieta New Web Site

Dalla Pieta from Venice, Italy presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  This firm story starts in 1949 when Bepi Dalla Pieta builds his first boat, but it will be ten years later to this when the first establishment is opened on the Giudecca island in Venice.  The first steps of Dalla Pieta the builder are outboard boats from four to seven meters named; Rio, Laguna, and Ionio and these are soon followed by other inboard models; Adriatico, Tirreno, and Pacifico.  Thanks to its Hunt inspired deep Vee hulls various Dalla Pieta models have success in many competitions and soon the name is associated with good sea keeping, so the company launches the revolutionary Manta a boat fully dedicated to racing.  In the seventies Dalla Pieta due to more clients demand moves its premises to Marghera where it can build larger craft up to 14 meters.  In the eighties comes the transfer of ownership to the sons of Bepi; Gianni and Giorgio who expand to a new production facility in Fusina-Malcontenta and also begin an expansion period of the yard with the 28 and 37 Altair open sports cruisers, the 52 Asterion flybridge motor yacht, and the very revolutionary for the early nineties 43 and 55 Al Na'Ir hard top models.  Both the Al Na'Ir where in fact both featured with a patio door and an opening hard top capsule which even in today's standards was well ahead of its time.  The period from 2002 till 09 sees a growth of 700% to Dalla Pieta, and important organizational changes with Michele Cazzanti head of the company along Giorgio, and Engineer Fausto Colombi coming from Riva and Sarnico yards taking responsibility of building. This growth is soon stopped due to recession hitting the World and Dalla Pieta is in liquidation for a year in 2010 purchased later by a big multi national company who gives the helm to Franco Nocera and Giovan Battista Penzo, both part of the Venice brand recent history. Today Dalla Pieta builds six models from fifty to eighty feet starting with the  DP50 HT, up to the DP80 HT.  Its latest model is this year 2012 launched DP70 Fly sold on plan to a dedicated client.  Dalla Pieta new web site is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Company, Yachts, Preowned, News, and Contacts.  Dalla Pieta has also its social network hubs; Facebook, and Youtube with a direct link available on the top right corner of the new site.    

December 20, 2012

New Model: Starfisher 290 Cancun Cabin

As it happens today in most models over forty feet, but very less sub thirty size Starfisher from Portugal was clever enough to present a hard top version for its 290 Cancun, renamed in this new upper structure version as Cabin.  The new Starfisher 290 Cancun Cabin presents itself with an enclosed hard top covering a huge portion of the exterior aft deck which features a sun pad to aft, L-shaped settee to port side, and helm with behind a well sized wet bar to starboard. Alternatively one can also order the sun pad replaced by a C-shaped settee.  Inside the 290 Cancun Cabin presents the usual layout in this size with two areas sleeping four people, plus a galley and a separate head.  Power is single or twin engines in stern drive propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.13 m (29.5ft)
Hull Length - 7.98 m
Beam - 3.00 m
Displacement - 4/76 t
Fuel Capacity - 500 l
Water Capacity - 110 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 1 x 250hp, 350hp, 2 x 160hp, 260hp
Propulsion - single or twin stern drives
Certification - CE B

December 19, 2012

Class 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview

Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri will make the short journey from the team’s headquarters in Dubai for the final Grand Prix of the year in Abu Dhabi (19-21) with the title all but won, and needing just a handful of points to win a remarkable 12th World title for Victory Team.
The Champions elect need to finish ahead of their neighbours Team Abu Dhabi who can still mathematically win the Championship should Victory suffer some kind of monumental meltdown – which is highly unlikely.
With the Edox Pole Position Championship already won Al Zafeen and Al Marri will now be looking to complete the season grand slam. After five wins and two further podium finishes they sit at the top of the World Championship standings with 137 points, 32 clear of Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori and lead them in the Middle East Championship by 15 points.
Victory Team’s trophy haul began back in 1993, winning the World title in their debut season. Over the last two decades they have won 91 races from 167 starts en route to 11 World tiles, winning the European Championship seven times, the Middle East Championship five times and picking up eight Pole Position titles.
With Sheikh Hassan disappointingly calling time on the Spirit of Qatar Team’s Class 1 campaign after boycotting race 2 in Dubai, the door is left open for a clutch of teams to battle it out for podium honours, with Team Abu Dhabi and LFFendi10 looking to carry the fight to Victory.
Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Mansoori have pushed their UAE cousins hard all year and have enjoyed their best season since teaming-up in Norway in 2010, picking up six podium finishes and will be looking to close out their year with a win on home waters.
Despite boycotting race 2 last weekend LFFendi10 will line up in Abu Dhabi, with Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella all set to secure third spot in the World Championship standings but they may well have to stave off a challenge from Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath - who were impressive in their first outing in the Championship in Dubai running in the latest generation Victory hull with a fourth and a podium finish - in the fight for a top three finish in the Middle East Championship.
Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski matched their best performance of the season in Dubai with a fourth place in Zabo-Isiklar and will be intent on maintaining their top six status despite being limited in their choice of set-up, with FARO ACCIAI’s Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini looking to build on their double points finish last time out.
After just one points finish from seven starts Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci will be hoping to close out a frustrating year with a trouble free run in Spirit of Gabon-Poliform, with Subseapilot's Yngve Bratland and Bjorge Jacobsen hoping for their first points of their UAE campaign.
First Practice takes place on Wednesday from 11.30-13.00hrs (local) with official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 15.30hrs. A second practice session on Thursday morning at 10.30hrs is followed by Race 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - 10 laps / 49.97Nm at 15.30hrs, with a final practice session on Friday morning at 10.30hrs and Race 2– 14 laps / 70.17Nm at 15.30hrs.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 7
1. 3 Victory Team - 137pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 105pts
3= 96 Spirit of Qatar - 53pts
3= 10 Fendi Racing - 53pts
5. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 42pts
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 21pts
8. 23 Fa.Ro Acciai - 19pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 13pts
10. 90 Welmax - 5pts
11= 9 Welmax - 0pts
12= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 4
1. 3 Victory Team - 72pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 57pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
4. 10 Fendi Racing - 22pts
5. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 21pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 16pts
7. 23 Fa.Ro Acciai - 12pts
8. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
9= 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 0pts
9= 90 Welmax - 0pts
9= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 4
1. 3 Victory Team - 75pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 45pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 35pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 31pts
5. 10 Fendi Racing - 24 pts
6. 90 Welmax - 16pts
7. 9 Welmax - 12pts
8= 74 Poliform - 9pts
8= 91 Zabo Isiklar - 9pts
10. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 7pts
11. 23 Fa.Ro. Acciai - 5pts
12. 8 Subseapilot - 3pts

December 18, 2012

Project: Steeler NG65 Classic

Its very interesting seeing the Dutch more in the small sizes, and it is more curious to see even more steel used in the sub super yacht sizes.  The Dutch have a tremendous quality name and it seems now that boaters are looking for this in the smaller sizes.  Steeler is one of the handful Dutch builders who are creating a stir in the small sizes and today we present you its new flagship the NG65 Classic.  Interesting this new Steeler will come with a very competitive starting price attached to it which makes it similar to that of most sixteen meter planning fiberglass competition.  Although I am sure if you spec more to this the NG65 Classic price will rise significantly, example in this is that the standard engine is a single Yanmar 320hp.  Standard accommodation plan is for a four double cabins layout.