August 18, 2016

Project: Sasga 68 Minorchino

Sasga presents the project for a new 68 Minorchino flagship.  Continuing its venture with Barracuda Design, responsible for all the models of Sasga, the Minorchino flagship follows as all the range the traditional Spanish fishing boat lines transformed into a yacht.  The 68 Minorchino will offer choices for a three or four cabins interior layout.  The three cabin layout offers a large full beam midships owners stateroom.  Interesting details will also be a saloon fully dedicated to entertainment with a galley located at midships by the crew quarters, and that the four cabin version will still offer a four shower head arrangement.  Power options will come from twin engines from 600 to 900hp, with estimated top speeds up to 24 knots with the large option.

August 17, 2016

New Model: Prestige 630

When the market is giving you a lot of feedback it is normal that you attack more and try to increase your share. This is what Prestige has been doing in recent years and the 630 comes as an expected surprise new model for the 2017 season replacing the 60/620 after six years production. Designed as all the range by Garroni, the Prestige 630 mimics the exterior style of the larger 750 and 680 sisters in a smaller size.  Inside the 630 also continues with recent practical elements as a spacious astern galley, large galley wet-bar on the flybridge, and a separate entrance for the owners midships stateroom. Other interesting elements of the Prestige 630 will also be the large well laid out flybridge and a big yacht feel all around especially when compared with the replacing 620.  The Prestige 630 will be powered by twin Volvo 725hp with IPS pod drives which give it a 28 knots max speed and 24 cruise, possibly these medium average speeds being its Achilles heel versus it major competition.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.02 m (62.4ft)
Hull Length - 16.8 m
Beam - 5.15 m
Draft - 1.5 m
Displacement - 23800 kg light, 33000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2700 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 + 2 berths in 4 cabins
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives
Speed - 28 knots max 24 knots cruise
Range - 305 nautical miles at 24 knots cruise, 335 nm at 18 knots cruise
Hull Shape - modified Vee with 16 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Garroni Design exterior and interior, J and J for hull
Certification - CE B14, C16

August 16, 2016

Project: Fairline 62 Targa GTO

The Targa 62 GTO is the first of the new generation of models from Fairline featuring the design of Italian Alberto Mancini, with naval architecture by renowned Dutch firm Vripack.  The Sport Yacht is currently in the final modelling stages with production set to begin coming autumn 2016 and customer deliveries expected in the summer of 2017. Mancini’s influence is clearly evident in the Targa 62 GTO, resulting in a sleeker look for Fairline and an evolution of the recent British builder styling.  The Targa 62 GTO is designed to suit Fairline’s varied global client base, offering complete flexibility of layout with a multitude of options to suit each individual customer. For example, there are three different galley arrangements, allowing clients to choose the best configuration to suit their needs. A choice of long cockpit or saloon variants, the former offering large outdoor space, the latter for those where air conditioned interior space is more important. Maximizing space and comfort are the key features of the Targa 62 GTO with every centimeter optimized. Regardless of specification, owners will find a large saloon and cockpit as well as an impressive full-beam master cabin with adjoining full-beam en-suite. The boat features a large sliding, glazed sunroof and powered patio doors that disappear through the cockpit floor transforming the main deck and adding to the overall sense of space and light.  As well as ensuring the sea-keeping and handling qualities that Fairline is known for, Vripack focused heavily on minimizing noise and vibration levels throughout the boat. This, in conjunction with Fairline’s proven monocoque construction, maximizes on board comfort for all.  More details for the Fairline 62 Targa GTO, as engine choices, and exact layout details will be given during the fall 2016 boat shows.

August 13, 2016

New Model: Filippetti F93

Last June 2016 Italian yacht builder Filippetti launched the F93 a pocket size super yacht part of its Flybridge line and designed by genius Fulvio de Simoni.  The Filippetti F93 hull one has a lot going for to what regards performance, as it is equipped with the large engine option of twin 2638hp MTU and surface drives propulsion, giving top speeds of 41 knots and a cruise of 38. This solutions echoes some other one off Italian builds from the past. A slower more traditional 31 knots max with line shafts propulsion and twin MTU 1948hp option is also available.  The F93 has other interesting numbers going for it; as the large flybridge of 43 squared meters, forward dinette, and aft sofa measuring four squared meters.  In the F93 Filipetti and Fulvio de Simoni went for a flybridge super yacht with an interior echoing sportier solutions.  For example the galley for the F93 is located below adjoining with the crew quarters, for this the interior living main deck is a huge entertainment with bar area taking the place of the usual galley spot.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.36 m (93ft)
Hull Length - 23.8 m
Waterline Length - 22.1 m
Beam - 6.8 m
Draft - 1.4 m
Displacement - 75 t unloaded, 84 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 8300 l
Water Capacity - 1600 l
Accommodation - 8 guests in 4 cabins, 3 crew in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MTU 12v2000 M94 1948hp, 16v2000 M94 2638hp
Propulsion - line shaft, or Arnesons ASD Surface drives
Speed - 41 knots max 38 knots cruise with MTU 2638hp and surface drives, 31 knots max 25 knots cruise with standard MTU 1948hp
Range - 315 nm at fast cruise
Project - Fulvio de Simoni
Certificaion - RINA CE A

August 11, 2016

Project: Cruisers 60 Fly

Cruisers present the project for a new 60 Fly, a model based on the 60 Cantius platform with the added flybridge deck. Beglian designer Facheris did an incredible job in creating an additional entertainment area up top.  Access to the flybridge will be from a staircase to starboard. The flybridge will feature a layout of U-shaped settee aft, central wet-bar and helm station, and three forward chaise lounges. Interior options and engines in the 60 Fly should mirror those of the 60 Cantius, with two or three cabins choices below deck, and Volvo 725hp engines with IPS pod propulsion giving speeds up to 35 knots.        

August 9, 2016

New Model: Storm X-65

Storm yachts from Holland continue to turn its projects into reality and after building its first X-53 model, launches it's second the X-65.  Again a project of Frank Laupman for exterior and interior with Van Oossanen responsible for naval architecture and the patented Fast Displacement Hull Form, Storm X-65 offers a three cabins, three heads layout with an owners stateroom located at midships.  Living is all concentrated on the main deck with a living saloon on entrance, galley to starboard, and dinette to port side.  Helm station is located in a central position.  X-65 also features a fly bridge, although hull one of the series has used this purely for sunbathing purposes.  Standard power is twin Volvo 800hp with IPS pod propulsion, or optional line shaft and slower Cats 375hp units.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.4 m (66.9ft)
Waterline Length - 19.9 m
Beam - 5.6 m
Draft - 1.45 m
Displacement - 45,000 kg unloaded, 50,000 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 6000 l
Water Capacity - 2000 l
Accommodation - 5 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp, 2 x Cats C7 375hp
Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller forward looking IPS1050 pod drives, line shafts with Cats option
Speed - 24 knots max with Volvo 800hp, 16 knots max with Cats 375hp
Hull Shape - Round bilge Fast Displacement Hull Form
Construction - aluminium 7 mm thick for hull, 5 mm for super structure
Project - Frank Laupman Omega architect for lines and interior, Van Oossanen naval architect

August 7, 2016

Project: Cantiere Delle Marche 105 Accaio

Cantiere delle Marche has had a very busy Summer season, with new orders continuing to fill the books of the successful Italian builder who is currently dominating the explorer super yacht market in between 24 to 35 meters sizes.  In July alone Cantiere delle Marche received two new orders and following another 102 Darwin, the Italian builder got commisioned for a fully custom 32 meter full displacement order which is to be called 105 Accaio.  Little details have been given so far to the full custom 105 Accaio.  We know due to the design above that it will be a three deck super yacht, and that it is a design of Hydro Tec, the same studio responsible for all the Darwin class line.  In the 105 Accaio the owner wanted a more modern exterior look then the Darwin range, along with a large tender garage aft, which will be an interesting challenge for Cantiere delle Marche due to the seamanship first nature of its builds.  

August 5, 2016

New Model: Riva 76 Bahamas

Riva continues to be very active and at the start of Summer 2016 season launched an event which presented two new models, the anticipated Rivamare, and the surprise 76 Bahamas. A lot of history again going on with the name used for the new Bahamas which was the open sport yacht flagship of Riva in the early nineties, launched as 58 in 1991 and modified to a 60 from 1996 onward and delivered in 21 units in its life span.  The 58 Bahamas was also the start of a legacy, that of designer Mauro Micheli of Officina Italiana who designed all new Riva models since then.  The new 76 Bahamas is build on the very well received Perseo platform launched in the fall of 2015, and also uses the open invisible hard-top solution as used on the 88 Florida.  It is primary an open model which in need can fast become a hard-top coupe.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.2 m (76.3ft)
Hull Length - 22.7 m
Length Water Line - 19.5 m
Beam - 5.75 m
Draft - 1.98 m
Displacement - 52,300 kg unloaded, 60,500 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 5600 l
Water Capacity - 840 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths in 1 cabin
Max Persons - 16
Engines - 2 x MAN V12 1550hp, V12 1800hp
Propulsion - V-drive with line shaft 
Speed - 37 knots max, 32 knots cruise with Man 1800hp
Range - 315 nm at cruise
Project - Officina Italiana

August 3, 2016

Project: Austin Parker 74 Fly S

Austin Parker presents the new project for a 74 Fly S, a model which is also launching the motor yacht line from the Italian builder  start at 23 and going up to 31 meters. The new Austin Parker 74 Fly S is elegant and large, with innovative and superb fore deck spaces, and wide walk-around side decks. The flybridge of the 74 Fly S also follows tradition and will have a double access: from the aft deck or from the main saloon. A jacuzzi pool on the flybridge testifies the elegant design and spaciousness of the new Austin Parker flagship. 74 Fly S also features a hydraulic bathing platform and large hangar for tender, jet-ski and other toys. Great brightness for the custom made interiors made to owners request and all having superb attention to detail. Layout will be for an owners stateroom located at midships for max space and comfort, with three other guest cabin, and a crew cabin berth for two.  Power is twin Man 1400hp engines with max speed of 33 knots, and a cruise of 28.  An alternative slower longer range version with twin 800hp engines will also be available.

August 1, 2016

blogger - Accidents 2016

The standard web media news feeds have been pretty busy with yachts in Summer 2016 with two accidents making quite a few headlines around the web and both of which happening in Ibiza.  While no causalities where reported in both of these accidents, in my opinion they should raise a few industry question marks regarding safety at sea.
The first accident happened to a Ferretti Custom Line 124 with a 30 feet rib tender crashing into its starboard and onto the large hull windows serving the VIP suite at a 30 knots plus speed. Apart destroying the window the interior damage as shown in one of the photos was huge. To make it short all the cabin will need to be redone.
Second accident was the Peri 37 m who anchored off the coast in Ibiza starting to embark water into the opened stern beach bathing platform.  Fortunately and thanks to the work of the crew M/Y Fusion was just saved from sinking.
Both accidents should see classification societies and safety organizations raise alarm bells and go more into detail what is happening here. The accident of the tender is an interesting one, with side hull windows becoming much larger each other year, it is interesting to see the level of tolerance and flexing properties these windows have versus fiberglass and or other construction materials.  The second accident is a repeat to a similar event in September 2012 involving a Baglietto 43m off the coast of St.Tropez.  
While sensationalism and innovative gadgets in yachts are cool at the boat show, safety behind it should not be an option and has to be of paramount importance. If it is not safe then you cannot do it, simple as that. Are designers and boat yards missing safety in order to impress and generate more interest to there yachts.  Side hull windows are become larger by the year, and the same is happening to the bathing platforms who in recent years have doubled in size and are being called beach clubs. 
The pleasure boat building industry should be careful to not become victim of its own innovative success, and not forget that the first reason to build a boat is for it to be safe at sea.