New Model: Ocean Alexander 32L

Ocean Alexander never stops innovating with its designers and engineers dedicated to constantly recreating designs and elevating them to a new level of luxury.  Enters Ocean Alexander’s new 32L super yacht which comes with a magnificent open flybridge or a spacious skylounge choice up top. This five-stateroom yacht is a luxurious entertaining spot where sunsets and sunrises can fill the huge windows and immerse the owner and his guests in the wonders of nature. An on-deck master provides the owner with an oasis uniquely their own. For the Ocean Alexander 32L the company used an inventive aluminium-beam engineered to bring the most impressive window view of any yachts in this size. The 32L also scales up living space upward using design solutions found in larger super yachts.

Technical Data: 

LOA - 32.13 m (105.5ft)

Waterline Length - 26.9 m

Beam - 7.01 m

Draft - 1.68 m, 1.96 m with propellers

Displacement - 100,000 kg

Fuel Capacity - 15141 l

Water Capacity - 2461 l

Accommodation - ten guest berths in five cabins, four/five cew in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1900hp

Propulsion - line shaft

www.oceanalexander.com

Project: Bluegame BGX60

In 2019 I considered the BGX70 as boat of the year, and possibly also of the decade spanning 2010 to 2019.  So after the success of BGX70, Bluegame and the team of Luca Santella and Zuccon follow it a year later with a smaller BGX60 project. A smaller three meter yacht the BGX60 is what the BGX70 stands for in a more compact size.  When Bluegame launched the BGX70 in 2019, the explorer yacht surprised everyone due to its mix of exterior living spaces with those of a cosy home like interior.  So following success, it was simple enough for Bluegame to quickly follow it with a smaller yacht that offers everything from the BGX70 in a slightly smaller package.  The Bluegame BGX60 is available in two or three cabin versions, with a total of three interior layouts to choose from.  Power for the Bluegame BGX60 will come from twin Volvo 800hp standard, or optional 900hp engines, both units propelled with IPS pod propulsion.   

www.bluegame.it

New Model: Cayman S520

Cayman Yachts is pleased to present a preview of the first images of the new S520, the 2020 novelty which will be officially presented as a world premiere at the Genoa boat show in October 2020.  This sport yacht is born on the basis of the F520 Fly Bridge, presented by the shipyard to much success in 2019.  The Cayman S520 is a hard-top with sporty and modern lines without giving up the matrix that has distinguished the shipyard shapes and design, innovative and futuristic features joined to sober lines that have always distinguished the spirit of this Italian builder.  The Cayman S520 is just under sixteen meters long overall, equipped with twin Volvo 480hp engines and IPS propulsion as standard. and optional of Volvo's 600hp again with IPS pod drives, and shaft line engines up to 685hp.  Two propulsion choices give versatility and can be customized according to the navigation style of each customer.  Inside, the boat offers three very comfortable cabins. The owner's cabin is arranged full beam amidships with a comfort comparable to that of larger yachts, with separate bathroom; the VIP cabin forward is equipped with a large double bed and two wardrobes as well as its own bathroom. In addition, a third guest cabin to starboard offers two single beds that can be converted into a double bed through a sliding system of the central bed, with comfort and volume unique to this boat segment; the three cabins are served by two bathrooms with all facilities and with separate shower.  The saloon on the upper deck ensures comfort and liveability; the saloon area has opposing sofas and a retractable TV cabinet, while the kitchen area, equipped with every appliance and necessary services, is located adjacent to the patio door that opens completely into the cockpit creating a unique living room and a trade-union between saloon and external cockpit, for use without compromise.  The Cayman Yachts S520 can be equipped with an optional crew cabin with bed and separate bathroom and shower, with direct entrance from the stern platform to ensure maximum privacy for the owner and his family. The engine room has a perimeter layout for all utilities, designed for maximum visibility and ease inspection and control, thanks also to the generous internal volume, that allows maintenance without particular sacrifices in spaces that are anything but narrow.  No less interesting is the layout of the external deck both forward and aft: in the bow, in addition to the sundeck, there is a very comfortable aperitif sofa to enjoy the view in front both at sea and at anchor; at the stern, the cockpit space can be customized according to the needs of each customer, a sofa with cushions and folding table is proposed, while the rest of the space can be set up according to client needs. Cayman also offers a an aft sun-pad version.  The IPS engines, equipped at request with an electronic stability control system, ensure high comfort navigation, low noise and interesting consumption: just think that the boat, at cruising speed, consumes around 5.8 litters per mile, at a cruise of 19 knots. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.93 (52.2ft)

Hull Length - 14.1 m

Beam - 4.40 m

Draft - 1.30 m

Displacement - 18500 kg

Fuel Capacity - 1400 l

Water Capacity - 430 l

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp, D8 600hp

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

Speed - 27 knots max 19 knots cruise with Volvo 480hp

Project - Ferragni

Certification - CE B

www.caymanyachts.it

Project: Greenline 45 Coupe

At Düsseldorf boat show 2021 Greenline Yachts will launch the 45 Coupe. Based on the hull, drivetrain and layout of the celebrated 45 Fly, the Coupe offers year-round usability thanks to its electric sunroof and, with a reduced air draught, is well suited to cruising on inland waterways as well as offshore. Without the flybridge in place there is increased surface area on the boat’s roof for the installation of solar panels. There are eight panels in totalling 2.4kW, which on a sunny day can produce a charge of over 15kWh,  more than enough to run the boat with four people on board without resorting to a noisy generator. Sharing its DNA with the 45 Fly, the Coupe Botswana architecture by JandJ Design and an interior by Italian Marco Casali of Too Design. As well as a range of twin shaft drive engine options with or without Hybrid Drive, the boat is available with Volvo Penta twin 440hp and IPS pod drives for a top speed up to thirty knots.

www.greenlinehybrid.com

New Model: Hylas M49

Hylas Yachts is delighted to announce the delivery of the new M49 cruiser. This is the third motor yacht model built by the family-owned yard famous for sailing yachts. Driven by the tremendous success of the Hylas M44, the M49 was developed to meet the desires of existing owners for a larger model offering more room in the aft lounge, an increased capacity to carry water toys such as kayaks and paddleboards, and enhanced stowage for the dinghy. The M49 is built in collaboration with globally renowned New Zealand yacht builder, Salthouse. The Salthouse family has a tradition dating back over 65 years designing and building the finest quality motor yachts in the Southern Hemisphere. Dean Salthouse has designed the yacht for demanding lifestyle, from the spacious luxurious interior to the practical and secure aft cockpit, delivered with high-quality Hylas finish throughout. The original M44 design from Salthouse, on which the M49 is based, has an enthusiastic following. In New Zealand its applications vary from customs patrol, police patrol, commercial fishing to deep-sea game fishing. It has gained a reputation for strength and integrity that is second to none. The Hylas M49 features a lengthened aft cockpit over the M44 on which it is based, adding over one meter to the LOA. In addition to the performance and handling advantages, the new Hylas M49 offers many options for customization, such as larger guest accommodations, a second head, more extensive interior and exterior storage compartments and lockers, and more. One of the best features afforded by the increase in the aft lounge is the additional entertainment area, which extends between the galley and outside seating area. This space can be customized with additional pull-out refrigerator drawers, wet bar, combination washer, and dryer, or used as extra storage. Also, beneath the sole in the aft lounge is an additional storage locker for fishing gear, dive equipment, or any water toys. The M49 features an airy interior layout, which offers two large accommodation cabins and two heads, Master and day heads. The forward owner’s cabin can be configured with a conventional island double or with five single bunks. The guest cabin position just aft to port comes as standard with a twin berth with infill and a further bunk berth above and outboard, which can be converted to storage space. The large lower deck heads compartment features an electric head as standard, acrylic stone counters, and a dedicated shower cubicle. The forward end of the pilothouse features the helm station to starboard. There is a double helm seat and a large instrument console capable of accommodating twin plotter/radar screens. A stainless steel framed sliding door allows access to the side decks. Opposite the helm station is the dinette featuring a large U-shaped settee and a large dining table, which is height adjustable. An infill to create a daybed or occasionally double berth is included as standard. Aft of the helm station is a further lounge settee followed by cabinetry containing the twin stainless steel drawer fridges and the pull-out pantry. Opposite the pantry is the U-shaped large galley with cooker, microwave, freezer and twin sinks set into the acrylic stone counters. Access to the cockpit is granted via a stainless steel framed sliding door. Ventilation in the pilot house is a notable feature of Hylas Motor Yachts. In addition to the cockpit door and the helm station deck access, there are also two larger sliding ‘sunroof’ deck head hatches, a further sliding window adjacent the dinette and a fantastic opening stainless steel framed window aft the galley which allows the pilot house and cockpit areas to be joined together with no visual interruption. The cockpit consists of an L-shaped settee to port with a height adjustable table, which can be turned into a sunbed or occasional outdoors double berth using the infill supplied as standard. Opposite to starboard is a linear sofa. The extended cockpit in the M49 allows for fitment of a wet-bar, further locker space and “pop up” grill for alfresco dining. The aft end of the cockpit can be opened out to allow a tender to be brought up into the cockpit area, there are also dedicated dinghy tie-down points on the pilothouse roof. At the stern is a large bathing platform area with stainless steel guardrails. For those transiting inland waterways, the antenna mast can be hinged to reduce air draft to just over three meters. Powered by twin Yanmar 370hp diesels, the M49 has proven a fast and seagoing yacht, reaching a maximum speed of 31 knots. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 15 m (48.9ft)

Waterline Length - 14 m

Beam - 4.12 m

Draft - 1 m

Displacement - 11.5 t

Fuel Capacity - 900 l

Water Capacity 720 l

Accommodation - five berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8LV 370hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 31 knots max

Project - Dean Salthouse

www.hylasyachts.com

Project: CRN 52m hull. 142

CRN, the historic shipyard and Ferretti Group brand, is delighted to announce the signing of a contract for a new custom 52-metre full-aluminium yacht, the yard’s hull number 142. The sale was brokered by Eduardo Cury, President of Miami Yacht Access, and the client was represented by Antonello Vittorio Meloni, Director of the Luxury Assets Department of Finakey SA, multi-family office based in Geneva. This new pleasure yacht project has been developed by the CRN Technical Office with design and architecture studio Omega Architects helmed by Frank Laupman, who created the concept, and designers Massari Design for the interiors. CRN’s passion and consummate skill unite with the talents of the two partner studios to shape an absolutely unique masterpiece that mirrors the owner’s personality to great effect.  A low-profile vessel with flowing lines that glisten with sporty spirit, this new fully custom yacht has been designed with truly harmonious proportions. She combines extensive outdoor areas and airy indoor spaces with large windows for constant direct contact with the sea.  This 52-metre beauty is the third successful collaboration with Omega Architects, following on from the iconic 73-metre Yalla delivered in 2014 and the fabulous 62-metre hull number 138, currently under construction. CRN is four fully custom yachts: from sixty to 72 meters spanning hull number 138 to this new 142.

www.crn-yacht.com

New Launch: Benetti 70 meter FB273

 

The Benetti shipyard in Livorno has launched FB273, the elegant 70-meter custom yacht with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. The exterior design was developed entirely by Benetti, working in close collaboration with the Owner, while the interiors are by Laura Pomponi and her Team. The yacht extends across six decks and has a futuristic stern area featuring two side doors and a variable geometry swimming pool, a vertical bow with a “touch and go” helicopter landing area and a Jacuzzi on the Sky Deck. Construction work for FB273 was supervised on behalf of the Owner by Bureau Veritas Solutions MandO. Perhaps, the most striking of the many unusual features of this superyacht is the stern area which has a variable geometry swimming pool with a special system that varies the depth for use by both adults and kids, installed on a Benetti yacht for the very first time. The bottom of the pool becomes an integral part of the Main Deck when fully raised and the Beach Club opens out with two side terraces over the water. The indoor and outdoor spaces on the Main Deck are very generously spaced and feature big sunbathing areas. Moving forward from the stern, a light-filled living area with full-height glazed surfaces, furnished with sofas and armchairs, is followed by a dining room with a balcony on the starboard side that amplifies the sensation of contact with the sea and eliminates the boundary between interior and exterior. On the Lower Deck, guests are accommodated amidships in 6 double cabins. The crew quarters are in the bow area. The Upper Deck is dedicated entirely to the owner, with access both from outdoors and up the impressive interior stairway. In the bow, the private cabin occupies over 120 sqm and has a 180-degree view of the horizon, offering a bathroom with shower and sauna, a walk-in his and hers wardrobe, and a big, bright night area where the bed is flanked by the vanity table and breakfast corner. There is also a private lounge with loose furniture that looks out over the yacht’s majestic bow, reserved for the Owner’s exclusive use, and a touch and go helicopter landing area at the tip of the bow. On the same deck as the Owner’s suite, moving forward from the stern, are an outdoor lounge area with sofas and a sunbathing area, the interior lounge area, and a living space with a home theatre system. The office has a big monolithic glass wall that looks out over the interiors and is connected to the big lobby with a private balcony. On the left side is the gym, complete with a massage room. The Sun Deck features a big en plein air dining area connected to an interior veranda through a sliding door. Forward, the captain’s cabin is next to the bridge. The top Sky Deck is completely open, with a Jacuzzi, sunpad and loungers offering a prime vantage point to enjoy the sea view. FB273 is fitted with two 2,400 hp Caterpillar engines that drive the yacht to a top speed of 17 knots and give it a range of 5,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 12 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 70 m (229.6ft)

Beam - 10.60 m

Draft - 3 m

Displacement - 1245 t

Fuel Capacity - 125000 l

Water Capacity - 21500 l

Accommodation - fourteen guests in seven cabins, 22 crew in eleven cabins

Engines - 2x Cats 3512HD 2400hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 17 knots, 12 knots cruise

Range - 5000 nautical miles at cruise

Construction - steel hull aluminium super structure

Project - Benetti Yacht exterior and naval engineering, Laura Pomponi interior

Certification - Llyods LY3

www.benettiyachts.com

Ferretti Custom Line Burns Down in Loano Marina

A 2002 Ferretti Custom Line 94 named M/Y Lady Vanilla, a super yacht of 28 meters was burned down and totalled at Loano Yacht Marina, in the Western Liguria region at around noon of Friday October 2.  This was an isolated damage thanks to the quick response of the Loano Marina staff which acted fast to remove nearby yachts, before the fire expanded.  No one was injured in the accident, and some rumours are suggesting the fire started from exploding batteries.

Launching in 1998 to a production run which lasted eight years the Ferretti Custom Line 94 model, designed by Zuccon is a 28 meter two and a half deck super yacht, and features a four or five cabins accommodation layout with an owners stateroom forward on the main deck or at midships below.  The Ferretti Custom Line 94 was powered with twin MTU 1800hp or optional 2280hp engines, with speeds going up to 33 knots with the larger option.  

The Ferretti Custom Line was what started unknowingly the Ferretti Group multiple brand project, the idea being that this was a Ferretti Yachts extension into larger 24 meter plus super yachts, and was announced in the fall of 1996 with three projects, a 94, 104, and a 112, with the 31 meter 104 actually never being produced.  The 94 was the first Ferretti Custom Line which launched the brand and was followed by the 112 model, and the Navetta 30.

Project: Viking 54 Convertible

Following Viking's mantra to build a better boat every day, the New Jersey boat builder has consistently brought new and exciting yachts to you for 56 years.  That proficiency is particularly strong in the 50-to-60-foot sportfish boat genre, where Viking has introduced 10 models in the past two decades. This legacy fleet consists of more than 600 Vikings and includes ground-breaking models such as the 60 and 55, two renditions of the 52 Convertible and the first-generation 54. Now, the New Jersey boatbuilder reaffirms its domination of the mid-size convertible with the new Viking 54. The three-stateroom, two-head open bridge yacht pushes the owner/operator convertible to the highest levels of engineering, performance, accommodations and sportfishing capabilities. The Viking 54 Convertible will make its world premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in end October 2020.  The Viking 54 sets new milestones of innovation while integrating ideas garnered from sales and owner feedback, as well as thousands of hours logged by our Viking demo teams on the tournament trail. The 54 presents an eye-pleasing profile that’s unmistakably Viking, with signature design traits such as a gently sloping unbroken S-shaped sheer, aggressively raked stem, double chines, hull-side vents and deftly placed exterior feature lines.  Using Computational Fluid Dynamics software, the Viking Design and Engineering Department has optimized the 54’s running surface for maximum performance. Now an integral part of the design process, our in-house CFD allows us to run numerous virtual sea trials to fine-tune the shape of the hull bottom for increased efficiency. The hull is built with an engineered composite of fiberglass fabrics and coring that’s vacuum-infused with vinylester resin.  The 54’s business end offers more space than any other boat in its class. The fourteen square meters unobstructed cockpit comes to the fishing wars with the ammunition to put you in the winner’s circle, starting with moulded non-skid on the cockpit sole for grippy footing and large scuppers to drain water quickly.  A walk-through transom door with a lift gate takes the work out of boating a trophy catch. And when you’re release-fishing, a three-foot reach to the waterline means you can quickly turn a billfish loose. Anglers will appreciate Viking’s signature rounded cockpit coamings and toe-kick for those lengthy stand-up battles. Flush rod holders, recessed stainless-steel hawse pipes and cleats keep the cockpit clear.  Multiple insulated fish-boxes of various capacities increase flexibility. The raised transom box can be used as a live well, fish-box or general storage. A full-length in-deck fish-box spans the starboard side, while the port side holds two storage compartments with the forward serving as an optional live well. A mounting plate laminated into the sole will anchor the mightiest of fighting chairs, and you can also opt for a rocket launcher or table. A single centerline lazarette hatch opens nearly 90 degrees for full viewability and access to the available Seakeeper as well as the steering, trim tabs and drain pumps. Guests will be enamoured with the raised observation mezzanine (pioneered by Viking) as they watch the action in comfort, shaded by the flybridge overhang. Smart storage solutions abound, with freezer and cooler space under the mezzanine for baits and drinks and a tackle cabinet on the starboard side. The inboard portion of the mezzanine provides access to the engine-room. An anodized aluminium ladder with nonslip treads (and a handrail at the top) provides secure egress to the flybridge. A streamlined walk-around centre console provides 360-degree sightlines. Touchscreen electronics displays and a row of Bocatech switches with power status LED rings are flush mounted in the helm dash. Their installation and positioning heighten viewability and ease of access.  A stainless steel steering wheel and single-lever electronic controls are mounted on a raised teak helm pod. Optimus Electronic Power Steering delivers precise manoeuvrability and finger-tip control. The console itself is designed with toe-kick all around for better balance and increased walking area. The helm and companion chair supply ample comfort for those long rides to the canyons, and guests can take it easy in the port or starboard lounges or forward console seat.  The 54 can be outfitted with a custom designed and fabricated Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and equipped with navigation, communication and entertainment systems from Atlantic Marine Electronics. Making full use of the five meter plus of beam, the 54’s layout accentuates the impressive size of her interior. The key to the configuration is the uninterrupted companionway that stretches from the starboard-side salon door all the way to the forepeak. The lounge area and galley are to port, while the dinette is to starboard.  High-gloss teak or walnut is offered for the 54’s interior, and a satin finish is optional. Premium wall-to-wall carpeting and furnishings can be found throughout the climate-controlled living area. Air conditioning flows quietly from valances for comfortable cooling and thorough distribution. A hi-lo mappa burl cocktail table joins the L-shaped lounge with storage below. A 49” HD TV is nested on the forward starboard bulkhead above the dinette, which is appointed with a high-gloss mappa burl table and wraparound seating for four. The galley’s peninsula countertop features engineered stone with an overhang and two convenient bar stools. The galley is feature-packed with a pair of under-counter Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer units and storage under the peninsula counter. The opposite counter is home to a stainless steel sink with garbage disposal and an electric cooktop.  The three-stateroom two-head layout includes a master suite to port with a walk-around queen berth sided by night stands and a credenza to port. There’s a large maple-lined storage area beneath the mattress, accessed via a gas piston-assisted lift-up top, and two drawers are integrated into the foot of the bed. A 32-inch HD TV is mounted above a second credenza. A generously proportioned maple-lined hanging locker accommodates a sizeable wardrobe.  The forward stateroom comes standard with a queen berth, but also is available with a crossover berth arrangement. Both plans offer plenty of storage along with a 32” HD TV. The starboard stateroom has upper and lower berths along with a hanging locker and storage under the lower berth. Each stateroom is fully carpeted, with dedicated temperature and stereo controls, speakers and overhead LED lighting.  The heads feature custom Amtico flooring, a lower vanity, a medicine cabinet with mirrored doors, exhaust fans, air conditioning and electric heads with holding tank and overboard discharge capabilities. Both also boast very large walk-in one-piece fiberglass showers with an expansive glass enclosure and door. Below the detachable shower head, you’ll find a convenient storage cabinet as well as an integrated fiberglass seat.  The optional Man 1550hp diesels power hull No. 1. With this propulsion package, the Viking 54 Convertible will have an estimated cruise speed in the mid-30-knot range with a top end of 40-plus knots depending upon load, sea state and boat condition. A pair of Man 1440hp diesels are standard. All mechanicals and equipment are installed with great attention to detail in an immaculate engine-room painted with Snow White Awlgrip for visibility and ease of maintenance.

www.vikingyachts.com

Medicane Has Arrived

Each time we have a strong storm in the Mediterranean towards the end of Summer and Autumn the word Medicane has started to pop up. Medicane meaning for Mediterranean Hurricane is how the media has started to call these storms. But is this a new phenomenon or are we looking at media sensationalism. Was Rapallo 2018, and Ionian Greek Islands 2020 a blip, or we will be seeing more of these in the near future. 

Due to the particular layout of the Mediterranean, Atlantic type Hurricanes are very difficult to happen. The reasons are two, not enough open sea space for the storm to gather energy, and the global depth of the Mediterranean sea. Enters global warming, the rise in temperatures, which equals a more refined fuel for the storm to gather energy faster, making a stretch of water of couple hundred miles enough.

Yes and no. Late Summers and Autumn storms are nothing new in the Mediterranean. Even the same Rapallo had a very bad one in year 2000. Then someone decided later to that to redesign and lower the breakwater so that from the water front the Portofino hills can be seen. Enters the storm of 2018 which was stronger to that of 2000 and there you have the result. Past months Greek storm and damage caused most of the mayhem in the Summer semi-protected marinas, which are protected to various winds minus that one direction. 

Going a bit back in time and out of my mind we had other similar storms which did a lot of damage; Mallorca in around 2011, South of France a year or so after, and also one in the Eolian Islands in 2004 around end July. All these storms had winds beyond sixty knots meaning that in the Atlantic they would have been classified as a hurricane. So the reality is that Medicane or end of Summer Mediterranean storms have always happened and will continue to happen. It is possible that due to the rise in sea temperatures towards the mid-end Summer season they have that extra power in the present or near future. 

So if you are still at sea during these months watch out a bit more and when the forecast is called try and go to the safest possible harbour.