New Model: Itama 62S

Ferretti Group give a little love to the Itama brand by presenting the new 62S. The Itama 62 was presented in 2011 as evolution of the FiftFive model which was launched in 2006. The S in the Itama 62 stands for the updated windshield which is now centrally opening and serves two functions. Function one will be that to allow more air circulation in the cockpit, second usage is that to serve as a passage to go on the fore-deck. Here the engineers build retractable steps and another step moulded forward. The opening windshield is not new in the Itama's as this detail was introduced by Mario Amati in the 46 model in 1995 and later on evolved in all the other models. The Amati version was not fully open and only served as a window to fresh the cockpit deck under way or on anchor.  Even though this was a simple gadget, everyone appreciated this detail, as it really made the cockpit deck fresh in Summer.  For example to this day I am still surprised how this solution is not used more in hard-top boats, which do become hot in the peak Summer season.  A couple hard-top boats did use this solution in the early 2000's as the Tiara Sovran and Cayman 43 WA models, but I am not aware of any particular new hard tops which have used it today or in the recent past. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.03 m (52.5ft)

Hull Length - 17.2 m

Waterline Length - 15.4 m

Beam - 4.75 m

Draft - 1.70 m incl props

Displacement - 25920 kg unloaded, 31500 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3250 l

Water Capacity - 700 l

Max Persons - 14

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, optional one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 40 knots max 37 knots cruise

Range - 255 nm at fast cruise

Project - Marco Casali

www.itama-yacht.com

Flybridge Cruiser on the Rocks in Favignana

A flybridge cruiser of about fourteen meters in length ended on the rocks in the Egadi island of Favignana, on the late morning of Sunday 20th September. The accident happened in Cala Previto on the South-West part. No injuries where reported with passengers being rescued by nearby boats, and the Piantoni flybridge boat was salvaged there after and led to safety. The accident is reported that the Piantoni flybridge cruiser was running when it hit an unmarked submerged reef, and then there after was beached in order to avoid total sinking.  One of three and the largest Egadi islands in the archipelago, located on the Western part of Sicily, Favignana is also the closest, distancing less to four nautical miles from the main land of the largest island in the Mediterranean. 

The flybridge cruiser in this accident is a Piantoni 45 Fantasy, which was presented in 1985 and produced till 1992 due to the bankruptcy of the company.  The Piantoni 45 Fantasy was popular for being a flybridge cruiser sub fourteen meters in length with three double guest cabins and two heads, and was powered by Cats 375hp and 420hp for later models.  The 45 Fantasy is still researched nowadays for having good seakeeping qualities and a strong construction. With the company re-opening its doors in around mid nineties to then close again before the end of the decade, the 45 Fantasy eventually evolved to a 48 Fly produced 93 to 95, with modified extended stern and a crew cabin aft.  Piantoni started life in the sixties founded by Pietro Piantoni and sons first building boats of wood, and then making the switch to fiberglass.  The company then became the Piantoni Brothers until it bankrupted in 1992/93.  Eventually the company opened again as Lombardi shipyard in 1999/2000 with a life span which lasted some years. 

Project: Ocea Commuter 50

Since 2003 when Ocea launched the Commuter 130 as designed by Michel Joubert, the French yacht builder became the name for these super yachts inspired to the early 20th century sleek boats owned by New York’s billionaire class, designed to ferry them across the East River to Manhattan with speed, elegance and maximum class. Since then Ocea has launched six more Commuter super yacht and now it presents the project for a Commuter 50 model, designed in-house and featuring a triple deck layout.  The Ocea Commuter 50 which goes further in size to the 155 launched in 2011, will feature a six guests cabin interior sleeping twelve guests, with an owner stateroom on the main deck.  Crew space is for ten persons in five cabins. Ocea Commuter 50 is to be powered by twin 1700hp engines which allow her to reach top speeds up to nineteen knots, a cruise of sixteen and a range of 5000 nautical miles at eleven knots.

www.ocea-yachts.com

New Model: Cantiere Delle Marche Flexplorer 40m

Cantiere delle Marche has launched its first Flexplorer 40m, titled M/Y Aurelia this is an explorer super yacht designed by Sergio Cutolo and as the title says with flexibility of usage in mind.  In ten years time Cantiere delle Marche from an unknown new name, shaped itself as the shop for custom explorer super yachts.  What is a fact is that the Cantiere delle Marche success was widely imagined by its management and how it evolved the type explorer super yacht into various versions starting with the rugged looking Darwin, and into the first evolution that is the Nauta Air without forgetting the sea-ability and toughness in each yacht build.  This new Flexplorer 40m characterises itself for the novelty of the A-frame crane which when not in use hides itself into the deck.  But the other novelty for Cantiere delle Marche Flexplorer 40m is the collapsing bulwarks which increase deck space to 115 square meters.  The interior designed by Francesco Paszkowski and as per owner wishes is of a four double cabins layout, with an owner apartment style stateroom forward on the main deck, and three guest cabins on the main deck.  Crew accommodation is for six persons in three cabins.  Flexplorer 50 m is power by twin Caterpillar 1000hp engines which allow for top speeds up 14 knots, and a cruise speed of 10 knots which allows for a range over 5000 nautical miles.

Technical Data:

LOA - 39.37 m (129.1ft)

Waterline Length - 38.2 m

Beam - 8.60 m

Draft - 2.60 m at full load

Displacement - 392 t approx

Fuel Capacity - 60,000 l

Water Capacity - 8500 l

Accommodation - nine guests in four cabins, six crew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Cats C32 1000hp

Propulsion - line shaft with ZF gearboxes

Speed - 14 knots max 10 knots cruise

Range - 5000 nm at 10 knots

Hull Shape - displacement with bulbous bow

Project - Sergio Cutolo Hydro Tec exterior and naval architecture, Francesco Paszkowski

www.cantieredellemarche.it

PowerYachtBlog Best of the Year 2020

Hurricane Sally

Hurricane Sally is the seventh hurricane of 2020, and the eighteenth named storm.  Sally formed as a Tropical storm on the Bahamas on September 10, and on September 14 it was classified as a Category One hurricane and in the evening reached Category Two, only to be declassified back to C1 a few hours later.  On September 16 and upon reaching Alabama state Sally surprisingly reached again Category Two.  Sally destructive power was centred between the areas of Mobile, Alabama and Pensacola, Florida. With Orange County just in the middle of this area being one of the worst hit, damaging hundred of all types of boats and yachts.  Hurricane Sally killed two persons with one missing, and the damages caused are estimated to be of at least five billion US$.  Sally is the first hurricane to have arrived in Alabama, since Ivan in 2004.  Sally landing coincided exactly sixteen years later on the same day.  Hurricane Sally ended on 18 September.

Project: Wim Van Der Valk 26M Pilot

Wim Van der Valk shipyard announces the addition of a new concept to its existing line of premium Dutch motoryachts. The Pilot range combines the rugged exterior evocative of an explorer vessel with the superlative comfort, quality and equipment of the very latest contemporary yachts. Designed by Cor D Rover this 26-metre crossover yacht combines a rugged explorer-like exterior with the comfort, quality and equipment of a premium contemporary super yacht, with lots of outdoor space as well as plenty of interior volume.  Interior design has been awarded to Italian firm Hot Lab which created two style revolving around turquoise and yellow colours.  The 26M Pilot blends a modern overall appearance with subtle classic touches. The raised pilothouse layout means the wheelhouse is elevated and the forward main deck area set free for other purposes. There’s lots of space particularly on the aft deck for sunbathing as well as the storage of tenders, Jet Skis and other toys.  A wide range of adaptations are possible to the highly versatile design. The 26M Pilot feature two accommodation plan choices of four or five guest cabins, both with owners suite forward on the main deck, and this depending on whether you want a crew lobby or just cabins.  On the main deck is also two options which revolves a more traditional layout with central dinning table for eight, and a more social version with bar style galley.   The Wim Van Der Valk will be powered by triple Volvo 800hp engines with IPS pod drives which will give her top speeds up to 21 knots and a cruise of 17 knots.  A smaller 23 meter unit is also on plan, and this might be another range for the ever expanding custom Van Der Valk.

www.vandervalkshipyard.com

Sea Ray Sport Cruiser Lost to Fire in Porto Pozzo, Sardinia

 A Sea Ray sport cruiser was lost to fire on the afternoon of sixteen September, just outside Porto Pozzo in the North East of Sardinia.  The fire was turned off by the marina crew of Porto Pozzo harbour with an assistance from a jet ski water bike. No one was injured in the accident, tough the Sea Ray sport cruiser was totally lost to the fire, with only the hull remaining afloat.   

The boat in the fire is a Sea Ray 250 DA Sundancer 1989 to 1992 model.  The Sea Ray 250 DA Sundancer offered a four berth accommodation in an open cabin layout, with a galley and shower head opposite.  Sea Ray 250 DA Sundancer are powered by single Mercruiser 200hp, but twin engine options also existed.  The unit in the fire was powered by twin engines.  

New Model: Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht

On the Friday evening of September 4 Australia’s Riviera hosted a spectacular online launch for the world premiere of its new 50 Sports Motor Yacht.  The Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht is the latest addition to Riviera’s growing Sports Motor Yacht collection following the popular 64 Sports Motor Yacht which premiered in June this year.  For the well being of guests, dealer representatives and staff, Riviera unveiled online on all its platforms the new 50 SMY to a worldwide audience, live from its Gold Coast production facility.  Hosted by Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst, the live launch will be among the many highlights of the company’s forty years of evolution in 2020 that have driven the superior design and engineering refinements of today’s Riviera’s motor yachts.  The 50 SMY takes her cues from her highly acclaimed and popular sister ships the 72, 68 and 64 Sports Motor Yachts which are now cruising the waters of the world. The 50 is a spacious motor yacht with extensive water sports capabilities and designed for extended coastal passages or weekend escapes that can easily serve as a luxurious family, entertainer or adventure yacht.  The launch featured the very first reveal of the motor yacht followed by a tour of the 50 SMY. Part two of the premiere was streamed on Saturday, September 5, demonstrating the performance and sporting pedigree of this outstanding new model.  Accessed from a generous, optional hydraulic swim platform via dual transom doors, the rear cockpit boasts 6.5 square metres of outdoor living space and accommodates a barbecue/wet bar and fridge/freezer compartment, along with ample storage.  Wide and deep walk-around side-decks safely connect the fore-deck, which in turn offers both an entertainment and lounging zone and can transform to carry a tender. A walkway beneath the windscreen allows easy washing or attaching covers.  The bowsprit integrated into the flared hull enhances functionality and reflects a contemporary design.  In the fully covered alfresco deck are two comfortable day lounges either side – the starboard lounge can also convert to a sunbed. There is simply no better place to relax, enjoy a meal, take in the view or all the cockpit action.  Convenient access to the engine room is via a large hatch in the alfresco floor with a stainless-steel ladder beneath.  Joining the alfresco deck with the galley and saloon are a tinted glass sliding door and servery window set in a superior stainless-steel frame. A gourmet galley resides immediately to port, while the internal staircase to starboard, incorporating beneath a large freezer, liquor cabinet and glass storage.  As one of five luxury living zones, the saloon also offers two opposing lounge areas that can seat six to eight guests in total comfort.  4D Designs, in collaboration with the Riviera design team, has also excelled with the accommodation plan with a full-beam master suite bathed in natural light from large hull windows, a queen-sized island berth, chaise lounge, walk-in robe and ensuite. Guests are afforded a VIP stateroom with ensuite/day head forward and twin bunk cabin, all in exceptional luxury.  The three-sided enclosed flybridge offers superb all-round visibility and indulges its occupants in complete comfort. There is a supremely comfortable lounge opposite the main helm to starboard, perfect to stretch out, relax and chat to the skipper whilst underway. With an extended awning, the Flybridge is open at the rear and strata glass clears can then fully seal this area. An optional aft helm is available for convenience when fishing or docking.  The main helm station offers twin pedestal-mounted leather seats and places controls, screens and switches close to hand and in clear view.  From here, the captain can command the choice of two highly efficient power and drive options, being twin diesel Volvo 725hp, or Man 800hp.   With Man 800hp the Riviera 50 Sports Motor Yacht delivers over 30 knots at wide open throttle, and  has a range of 336nm at 22 knots with 10 per cent reserve fuel.  The official launch of the 50 Sports Motor Yacht will be followed by her world premiere tour which will include Australia and the United States. The first 50 SMY is now being shipped to the US.

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.01 m (55.9ft)

Hull Length - 15.43 m

Beam - 4.96 m

Draft - 1.71 m incl props

Displacement - 25500kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 3300 l

Water Capacity - 460 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp, Man I6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft, or Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Speed - 30 knots max 22 knots cruise

Range - 336 nm at 22 knots

Project - 4D Designs

Certification - ISO8666 for dimensions

www.rivieraaustralia.com

Classic Benetti on Fire in La Spezia Boat Yard

A classic Benetti super yacht went on fire on the morning of September 15, in La Spezia. the Benetti super yacht was dry docked at the Muggiano shipyard. The cause of the blaze is unknown, and the fire fighting squad was quick to intervene to control and turn off the fire. No spread to nearby yachts was reported.  Muggiano Shipyard is located at the East part of the large La Spezia basin bordering with Lerici, founded in 1883, and since 2004 owned by Fincantieri shipyard.

The Benetti in the fire is the 34 meter super yacht Hidalgo, which was custom built in Viareggio in 1968 to an in house design and naval architecture.  This Benetti 34 meter offers accommodation for eleven guests in five cabins, with five crew berths.  Power comes from twin GM 590hp which give top speeds up to 14 knots and a cruise of eleven knots for a range of four thousand nautical miles.  Hidalgo was last refitted in 2008.

Project: Garlington 71 Flybridge

Garlington present the project for a 71 Flybridge, its largest model in the current line up which features five models from 44 upwards.  Hull one of the Garlington 71 which is sold and has an owner waiting is nearing completion.  The Garlington 71 is designed by Applied Concepts Unleashed, a popular name among the custom sportfish aficionados.  The 71 Flybridge features a traditional sportfish layout of a living main deck with galley, saloon and dinette, with a lower deck offering four double cabins three heads layout; master cabin to port side at midships, a forward berth with three berths, and two double bunks berths to starboard for the fishing buddies.  

www.garlingtonyachts.com