February 10, 2020

Project: Sunseeker Manhattan 55

Following the phenomenal success of the Manhattan 52, having delivered a staggering 131 yachts since its introduction in autumn 2016, Sunseeker has today unveiled details of its latest flybridge model, the stunning, new Manhattan 55. Exemplifying the latest in Sunseeker’s exceptional design capabilities, the Manhattan 55 has been meticulously designed to enhance comfort and cruising whilst providing owners with a vast array of social spaces usually only seen in larger yachts.  Building on the highly successful Manhattan series, this beautifully proportioned, new addition to the range has been designed to offer exceptional levels of comfort and luxury throughout.  The exterior styling incorporates unparalleled amounts of curved glass and stainless-steel detailing to emphasize its prowess, whilst exclusive images reveal the innovative design and attention to detail that has gone into this new flybridge model.  The layout of the main deck makes this the perfect boat for entertaining and socializing in style; with a strong focus on ambient lighting and interior detailing. From the generous saloon and aft galley, through to the social seating at the helm, this exceptional layout allows the owner and guests to move effortlessly between entertaining spaces.  A key feature that truly sets the Manhattan 55 apart from its peers is the innovative powered glass cockpit/galley window that can be lowered at the touch of a button and which, alongside the open cockpit door, creates a truly exceptional inside/outside environment. The fully-equipped aft galley has been designed as a raised breakfast island with optional stools or a lowered worktop with wine cooler. Comfortable seating for six in the saloon has been enhanced by a modular ottoman which is stowed beneath the helm, ideal for creating additional seating, when needed.  The interiors boast exquisite attention to detail with a new palate of upholstery that provides a cool and contemporary look, undeniably a Manhattan. There is also beautiful use of wood throughout utilizing a sublime blend of finishes such as satin Wenge, silver Oak, smoked Eucalyptus and Walnut. The saloon is drenched by light thanks to the extensive glazing and clever use of materials. The lighting design has been exceptionally well considered throughout and includes concealed lighting within ceiling panels and furniture. Owners can select from two lighting schemes with one-touch activation from a central ‘MySunseeker’ app. The different scenes create a distinct ambiance depending on the time of day and mood.  The flybridge features a large forward sunbathing area, a wet bar and an area aft with fixed u-shaped seating that can be specified with a large dining table, all below an integrated hard-top option. The bar has been designed for multiple uses and includes built-in storage, grill and refrigeration options. New Manhattan exterior upholstery options are available for customers to provide an additional level of tailoring for this beautiful outside social space.  Thanks to the galley being situated on the main deck, there is space for three large cabins below. The en-suite master cabin is a real standout feature for a boat of this size, with full height headroom all the way around the curved king-size bed demonstrating yet again the attention Sunseeker has given to creating exceptional living spaces. To starboard, owners can choose from a chaise sofa, breakfast table or a second sideboard with storage. The master en-suite has been carefully created with new fittings, recessed lighting and stowage. Interior fabric and décor selections unique to the Manhattan range remain peerless, delivering a quality that is unprecedented.  The Manhattan 55 enables its owner to enjoy the sumptuous space the open layout provides, showcasing the wonderfully well-equipped bathing platform and Beach Club. This area offers an inviting space for family and friends to enjoy the optional built-in barbeque, overhead shower and fold down transom seating.  Powered by Volvo 800hp engines, the Manhattan 55 can cruise comfortably at 25 knots with a range of 250 nautical miles or achieve in excess of 30 knots at full throttle.

February 9, 2020

Web: Evo Yachts New Web Site

Evo Yachts from Italy presents its new World Wide web showroom. Evo Yachts was founded in 2014, from a fortunate meeting between Blu Emme Yachts and yacht designer Valerio Rivellini. When launching its first model, the Evo 43 at the Cannes show in 2015, the Italian company took the boating World by surprise for the innovation this transforming modular day sport cruiser featured on its aft deck. Today Evo offers four models; the new R6 flagship launched in 2019, R4 the evolution of the original first 43 model, R4 WA, and R4 CC concept. Evo Yachts new web site is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Who, Where, News, and Press while a side buttons takes you to the three models of the R-Line, and that for the new concept. Evo Yachts is also present in social media with bottom page link buttons to its Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube pages. 

February 8, 2020

Project: Baglietto 40 meter Abaco

This idea of living and fully enjoying the sea is also the main inspiration of Abaco, a new Baglietto project signed by Santa Maria Magnolfi.  Ideal for sailing in shallow waters, Baglietto 40 meter Abaco is a super yacht to enjoy the warm crystal waters of the Bahamas, from which she takes her name. The Abaco project is a tribute the Italian shipyard and designers wanted to make to the people of one of the islands most affected by Hurricane Dorian.  Baglietto, as part of a humanitarian initiative, will give a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the first project to the reconstruction of the Abaco island.  Innovative, modern, and robust lines, open spaces, and the proximity to the sea, as well as generous volumes for the interior, are some of the main features of this yacht.  The main deck can boast over 120 square meters of outdoor spaces, harmoniously stretched towards the stern where the cockpit and the beach club join in a single space in direct contact with the sea. In this ample space, there is an infinity pool and a comfortable sunbathing area. Behind it, a conversation area can become, if necessary, a dining area for 16 guests. Going forward, there is a real “winter garden” occupied by a bar and living space, which can be fully opened if required thanks to floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. The connection between the interior and exterior continues in the main saloon, which was designed with the same logic of opening both aft and in the large side windows. This extreme modularity makes it possible to get 150 square meters of outdoor spaces on a single bridge.  The owner’s suite has an office and a his and her bathrooms. The accommodation area is located in the lower deck, occupied by four large cabins. On the same deck, at the bow, the crew mess and crew area are found.  The upper deck, sundeck, and bow area add 170 square meters of open space, offering different areas for long conversations, gratifying lunch, or relaxation in the sun, satisfying every guest’s needs. The interior design was created as a continuity of the exterior, using natural materials and bright tones such as teak, straw, raffia, linen, and tropical woods, which give an exotic touch, freshness, and elegance.  The 40 meter Abaco is equipped with a garage capable of accommodating a tender of six meters in length, and a forward garage that can fit a rescue tender or yacht toys.  The motorization comes two Cat 1800hp engines capable of bringing the boat to a maximum speed of 17 knots and a cruising speed of 12 knots, but a hybrid solution is also envisioned.

February 7, 2020

New Model: Azimut Grande S10

When announced as a project in early 2018, the Azimut S10 signaled the entrance of Alberto Mancini in the famous Italian yacht builder stable.  Since then Mancini has already designed two other models for Azimut, the slightly smaller S8, and the 78 Flybridge.  The Grande S10 is the new flagship of Azimut S for sport yacht series which since presented in 2003 with the S68 has revolutionized these type of yachts.  Offering a four double cabins layout with two VIP staterooms, one forward and one to starboard, the Azimut Grande S10, presents itself as a super sport yacht with an edge in comfort.  The living dining on the S10 is all located on the main deck, while the galley and crew quarters and lobby are at midships in between the engine room and the midships owners stateroom.  The standard version of crew accommodation offers two cabins sleeping three including a double berth for the cabin, but here you have an option to add a fourth cabin to starboard side.  The Grande S10 also features a sport bridge with a central ladder entrance, the layout of the bridge is very socializing and offers three area points, a C-shaped lounge with two coffee cocktail tables to starboard, a forward sunpad, an L-shaped settee, and helm station to port side.  The Azimut Grande S10 is also full of latest tech from heavy carbon use in all super structure and bathing platform, glass cockpit helm station, intelligent LED lightning trough out, Electroglass Chromis skylight hard-top, and Humphree active trim control.  The Azimut Grande S10 is powered by twin MTU 2600hp which allow for top speeds up to 35 knots. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.72 m (94.3ft)
Beam - 6.34 m
Draft - 2.03 m incl propellers
Displacement - 97 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 9500 l
Water Capacity - 1750 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, three or four crew in two or three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU M96L 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 35 knots max 28 knots cruise
Construction - resin infused fiber glass with carbon fiber for super structure and bathing platform
Project - Alberto Mancini exterior, Francesco Guida interior
Certification - UNI ISO 8666 for data

February 6, 2020

Project: Galeon 400 Fly

Galeon 400 Fly is one of the smallest models to offer a stern beach mode and has been designed to offer the highest tier of maneuverability and stability while on the waves. The yacht’s dynamic shape is a clear extension of Galeon’s characteristic design, with large windows merging with the hull form under acute angles.  The interior comes in a few possible modern variants, with additional options available upon request.  Below deck, the guests will find two full-sized cabins, one of which, the owner’s cabin, is situated in the aft. Two separate bathrooms offer extra comfort to the guests. All the cabins allow the guests full standing height and additional storage space, ideal for longer cruises.  The yacht’s dynamic shape is a clear extension of Galeon’s fourth gerneation characteristic design, with large windows merging with the hull form under acute angles. The upper deck is accessible by a comfortable staircase. The flybridge, the yacht’s entertainment centre, puts a minibar and a helm at the disposal of the guests and crew. It also comes with a table and sofa that can be easily converted into a sunbathing area.  The aft cockpit provides functional and well-planned space, with the sofa and table convertible into a sundeck. The front cockpit is a recreation space, with a large suntanning mattress. The Galeon 400 Fly is powered by twin Volvo 225hp, with optional engines going up to 440hp units.

February 5, 2020

New Model: Hatteras GT65 Carolina

With the new GT65 Carolina, Hatteras signals a new design direction, enhanced performance, and custom features for clients seeking an alternative to either a custom builder or other competitors ordinary off-the-shelf boats. The GT65's sleek profile refreshes the look of the GT Series while still maintaining its core Hatteras DNA. Its new flybridge arrangement features an ergonomically-designed console that puts all the controls within easy reach.  The GT65 Carolina’s added volume is evident in its large cockpit, which is designed for ultimate fish-ability. The mezzanine incorporates optional integrated seat back air conditioning for all-day comfort and large stainless steel built-in storage boxes.  The Hatteras GT65 Carolina offers a four-stateroom, three-head interior layout maximizing the boat’s additional volume in both living and storage space. The ensuite master stateroom is the largest in its class, but guests billeted in the forward VIP will not feel slighted in the least. Two big bunk rooms allow owners to bring along a big team of anglers and crew.  But the GT65 Carolina’s key advantage over the competition lies in its new hull and tunnel design. Utilizing high-tech Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis, Hatteras’ team of engineers optimized hull form to ensure superior performance, handling and seaworthiness. In addition, the hull and stringer system are infused as a single part, an industry first, to reduce weight and increase strength. The GT65 Carolina incorporates an all-new layout of the engine room for ease of maintenance and serviceability. For owners seeking additional comfort, there is also an optional twin Seakeeper 9 installation, without compromising fuel capacity.
Technical Data:
LOA - 20.77 m (68.2ft) with bow bulpit
Hull Length - 19.8 m
Waterline Length - 17.5 m
Beam - 6.10 m
Draft - 1.53 m
Displacement - 46270 kg
Fuel Capacity - 7192 l
Water Capacity - 1022 l
Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32-A 1622hp
Propulsion - line shaft with propeller tunnels

February 4, 2020

Project: Ferretti 500

The new Ferretti Yachts philosophy is here, and it has so much to offer to anyone looking for an unparalleled thrill. The traditional Italian luxury yacht brand, a global nautical leader, is indeed announcing a complete style revolution.  This challenge will be taken on by the Ferretti 500 project, based on the “Just Like Home” philosophy, expressing a life at sea that is the perfect combination between style and comfort. The revolution begins from the strategic fifteen meters segment, but it will sweep through the entire range, including the fleet’s new flagship.  With a completely updated design, both projects are the result of the partnership between the Strategic Product Committee, the Ferretti Group’s Engineering Department, architect Filippo Salvetti for the exteriors and the design studio Ideaeitalia for the new interior concept.  It is precisely in the interiors that the souls of the new Ferretti Yachts models will be represented by two different moods. A classic line with warmer, more enveloping tones and another more contemporary one, with intense tones, both designed to suit the tastes of international customers.  The Ferretti 500 project stands out due to the spaces designed to offer an enveloping sense of well-being, through carefully selected, high-quality furnishings with an Italian flair. Owners will be able to choose from two different layouts on the lower deck. The first features a spacious master cabin and a VIP cabin, both with their own bathrooms, in addition to a small laundry area. The other layout includes a master cabin, a VIP cabin and a double with two single beds, and two bathrooms with a separate shower.   A yacht inspired by an advanced vision of sailing, in which nautical adventure and the domestic realm fuse together in the comfort of volumes and features generally found on larger yachts, within a familial environment that makes guests feel right at home.  The new Ferretti 500 will make its official debut at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2020.

February 3, 2020

New Model: Windy SR44 Blackhawk

Following the success of the Windy SR52 Blackbird, the Norwegian boat builder is now introducing the new just a bit smaller SR44 Blackhawk.  Designed by Dubois as her larger sister the new Windy SR44 follows similar solutions, what is a twin cabin sport cruiser with full on day boat characteristics from bow to stern outside.  The SR44 Blackhawk is also part of Windy custom program and is offered in a variety of options.  The lower deck interior of the SR44 sleeps four persons in two cabins, two single berths cabin at midships, V-shaped double berth cabin forward.  A shower head to starboard and a bar unit to port side are located in between the two cabins.  The Windy SR44 is powered by twin Volvo 400hp or optional 440hp engines, IPS pod propulsion or stern drives. An outboard version with two or three engines is currently in the works and should launch this 2020 year.
Technical Data:
LOA - 14.03 m (46ft) incl pulpit
Hull Length - 13.3 m
Beam - 4.96 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 10 t
Fuel Capacity - 900 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 400hp, D6 440hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pods, or Volvo DPI dual propeller stern drive
Speed - 45 knots max, 34 knots cruise
Range - 300 nautical miles at cruise
Construction - Vinilester resin with infusion method
Project - Dubois exterior, Windy Desig Team, Hans Jorgen Johnsen naval architect
Certification - CE B

February 2, 2020

Project: Wider 135

During the fall of 2019, Wider announced two new projects.  We spoke about the Wider 180 some time ago, now we speak for the 135, the second project unveiled by the Italian team, a 41 meter superyacht entirely constructed in aluminum, and an evolution of the 125 announced in 2015 which evolved into the 130 project in 2017 and at some point was even announced to have been sold and to have started production but as at today seems to have never been completed.  The Wider 135 remolds the 130/125 in the stern area with a beach club that completely unfolds creating a ninety squared meters multi-use platform at water level, and also an option to fit an infinity pool. Wider style department, headed by Michele Lubrano Lobianco designed modern and dynamic lines, always maintaining the focus on the direct contact with the sea, even in an large three deck super yacht.  The Wider 135 will offer accommodation spaces for up to ten guest berths in five staterooms including an owners room in the forward part of the main deck.  The Wider 135 as all models of the Italian builder will be powered with a hybrid propulsion set up of electric diesel power and can reach speeds up sixteen knots, cruise at twelve, and be used electric only at six knots.

February 1, 2020

Regulation Storm Ahead

There is a huge storm ahead for super yachts with load line length above 24 meters, with the International Maritime Organization’s Tier III NOx regulation, which is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2021, requiring the installation of heavy, bulky and potentially dangerous Selective Catalytic Reduction systems in the engine rooms of yachts.
What is interesting that so far Viking seems to be the only yacht builder concerned about this, as they have been opposing and trying ways to solve this new regulation.  Viking 92 Convertible and 93 Motor Yacht models will be the models affected with this regulation in the New Jersey yacht builder portfolio.  The first has sold twenty units in a production run of about five years and a price tag of plus ten million US$.  
What remains strange is that other production super yacht builders as Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group, Sanlorenzo, Sunseeker, and Princess who have models in this size, do not seem concerned or anything at all.  
This new systems will increase the price of any new yacht in these sizes, add weight, operating costs, and hinder serviceability in the engine room, and also reduce space in the accommodation area.  2021 is less then a year ahead so action really needs to be taken, and in this case I suggest boat builders unite to solve this very delicate issue.