December 10, 2021

Robert T. Healey 1929 - 2021

Robert T. Healey Sr., the co-founder of the Viking Yacht Company who helped build the company into an industry leader and led the fight that repealed the Federal Luxury Tax on yachts in the early 1990s, passed away nine December at the age of 92.  Bob Healey Sr. and his brother Bill established Viking Yachts in 1964, and the company went on to become the largest manufacturer of sport fishing yachts in the world. But that success may have never been achieved without the determination and perseverance of Bob Healey. When a federal 10 percent luxury tax was imposed on yachts in 1991, thousands of people were laid off and hundreds of companies went out of business. Viking nearly went bankrupt, closed a plant in Florida and laid off all but 65 of its 1,500 boatbuilders.  Bob was instrumental in organizing a national, grass-roots campaign to fight the tax. He took the industry lead, organizing busloads of out-of-work boatbuilders to converge on Capitol Hill for demonstrations, and setting fire to a boat on a barge in Narragansett Bay as a highly effective symbol of protest. The tax was repealed 20 months later in 1993.  With Bill’s help, Bob privately funded the company out of his own savings, allowing Viking to tool up new models. The company came out of the gate running when the tax was finally repealed – and they never looked back.  Bob graduated from Camden Catholic High School, attended St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, graduating with a B.S. in Political Science, and earned a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He practiced law in Camden County, N.J., for 25 years before retiring as a senior partner in the firm of Healey, Mueller and Tyler to devote himself full time to business interests.  In the 1950s, his brother Bill joined Bob in the real-estate development business. Among other projects, the two brothers acquired and developed the Bass River Marina in New Gretna, N.J. In 1964 a small, local builder of wooden boats, Peterson-Viking, was having financial trouble, and the brothers agreed to buy the company, changed the name to Viking Yachts, and relocated the business to their property adjoining the marina. The boatbuilding business soon occupied much of their time, so the brothers sold the marina and concentrated on building yachts. Bob was the company lawyer, moneyman and Chief Executive while his brother built the boats.  Committed to their mantra to build a better boat every day, Bill and Bob pushed Viking to the pinnacle of their industry with more than 5,000 boats delivered. They successfully steered the company through the ups and downs of economic cycles. As Viking's Chairman of the Board for 57 years, Bob Healey Sr. diversified their financial interests into multifamily, industrial and commercial real estate, oil and gas exploration and development, and the financial management of the Healey family assets.  Together, Bill and Bob Healey achieved many milestones. In 1996, they founded the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA), a non-profit organization formed in 1996 to promote sustainable fisheries and a healthy marine environment. Viking has contributed well over $1 million to the RFA. In that same year, the brothers established Viking Sport Cruisers, a company that has been highly successful distributing British-built, high end cruising yachts, built to Viking's specifications, through its dealer network in North America. Bob, Bill and Pat received the Ernst and Young 1998 New Jersey Manufacturing Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Fifteen years later, the family would earn a second award from Ernst and Young. Ironically, the Healeys bought back Bass River Marina in 2002 and reopened it as the Viking Yachting Center.  They were inducted in 2003 into the National Marine Manufacturers Association Hall of Fame for their outstanding contributions to the marine industry.  In honor of their service and commitment to the marine industry for more than a half a century, Bill and Bob were honored with the 2019 IBI-METSTRADE Boat Builder Lifetime Achievement Award, which was accepted by his son, Bob Jr.  Bob received many more awards for his achievements, including induction into the NJ Marine Trade Association Hall of Fame and the Rowan University Milestone Award. Bob also channeled his financial success into philanthropic interests, which included building schools in impoverished areas of Mexico, and providing housing, medical assistance, education, food and clean water to the people of war-torn Sierra Leone through the Healey International Relief Foundation. A devout Catholic and product of Catholic school education, Bob brought his business skills to the challenges facing Catholic schools in the U.S. and formed the Healey Education Foundation and the Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden.  With his wife Ellen, Bob founded the Gleneayre Equestrian Program for at-risk youth. The program uses the powerful connection between horses and people to support learning, growth and healing.  For his philanthropic  efforts, Bob received the Lewis Katz Excellence in Education Award, the Beacon of Light Award, the Catholic Charities Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio Award for Leadership, an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Scranton University and the Shield of Loyola Award from St. Joseph's University.  Beloved husband of Ellen J. (nee Baldino), loving father to his seven children: Lizanne H. Jenkins (Thomas), Christine L. Healey, Caroline H. Adillon, L. Toland Sherriff (Robert), Robert T. Healey, Jr. (Bobbi), M. Alexis Iaccarino (Jonathan) and Leigh H. Hughes (Gabriel), and adored grandfather of his sixteen grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Louise L. (nee Lucas), and his two brothers, Patrick J. Healey and Edward J. Healey. He is survived by his brother William J. Healey, and many nieces and nephews. 

Super Yacht Fire in Portsmouth Yacht Yard USA

A thirty meter Ocean Alexander super yacht went ablaze on Friday 10 December, while dry docked at the Hinckley Yacht Services yard in Portsmouth, Rhode Island USA.  The fire aboard the 30 meter super yacht Drinkability which was at the time of the fire in the boat repair area of the yard.  The fires then jumped to the neighbour 32 meter sail yacht.  Fire fighters ran quickly to the scene which took several hours to take off, and at its peak had seventy man fighting it.  A man was injured in burns during the fire, while the travel lift of the boat yard also sustained damage.
The thirty meter m/y Drinkability is an Ocean Alexander 100 launched 2017 in Taiwan, designed by Evan K Marshall and offering accommodation for eight guests in four cabins, and five crew in three cabins.  The Ocean Alexander 100 is powered by twin MTU 1970hp for a cruising speed of sixteen knots.  Drinkability was bought used by the current ownership in 2019, replacing the previous 2016 Marlow 88 Explorer of the same name.
The 32 meter super sail yacht in the fire which received extensive damage is Danneskjold a Southern Ocean 105 build 2009 in New Zealand to a design of Dixon.  Danneskjold was refitted in 2018.

Project: Castagnola Zattera 24m

The new Zattera 24m that is currently under construction at Castagnola Yacht in Lavagna, Italy began with an idea from Renzo Piano and Olav Selvaag. Nauta Design and Francesco Rogantin gave shape to that idea and Siemens Energy created its propulsion system. Inspired by the dream of being able to live life at sea in spiritual silence and in harmony with the natural environment, Zattera, which in Italian means raft, is more a means for enjoying life at sea than a proper yacht. Built in sustainable yet durable wood, its design is pared down and modern with clean and simple hull lines. Purity and simplicity are the words that best define Zattera’s inspiration. These are achieved through a design that features a raft-like low freeboard and wide beam. The hull’s clean lines are given extra emphasis by a light and transparent glass superstructure that almost seems to float and that allows for direct, unhindered visual contact between Man and Nature. The feeling aboard is one of lightness, being immersed in Nature, flying free. Fundamental aspects of the project were increasing serenity to the maximum and reducing noise pollution to a minimum. A vessel that by philosophical choice is made for enjoying the natural soundscape of the sea, moving slowly in Nature and living immersed in peaceful anchorages has to move silently and with reduced fuel consumption. The idea behind Zattera is following the sound of the sea, sailing slowly: the dimension of serenity and peace at sea. The main choices of the project derive from this idea: first of all its pure and simple look. Zattera is relatively lightweight with a displacement hull that can navigate at up to twelve knots with a ten knot cruising speed. CFD testing allowed for an optimised bow shape with good sternwards flow and reduced resistance. Siemens Energy’s hybrid propulsion system was fundamental in reducing emissions and careful attention was dedicated to eliminating vibration and sound pollution in the surrounding environment. Zattera has lithium-ion batteries and can navigate in silent mode under electric power only. The propulsion system and the craft’s hotel functions run on two 180kW variable RPM diesel generators and a 95kWh battery pack connected to a 700 Volt continuous distribution system. Zattera has a traditional shaft drive run via twin 135kw permanent magnet motors that are directly connected to the shafts without the use of inverters to increase the efficiency of the system, and to further reduce sound and vibration produced by rotation. The diesel generators were purpose-developed by Mase Generators for Siemens Energy with Volvo Penta 300hp motors using variable speed technology with permanent magnet alternators in order to minimize consumption and emissions. The generators are installed on a double anti-vibration pad, an unusual measure that was taken on this vessel and one that underlines its calling to reduce noise pollution. The same care and attention was dedicated to soundproofing the cases that the generators are mounted in and entire engine room. Even the underwater exhaust system is undergoing painstaking soundproofing testing. Solar panels will also be mounted on Zattera to create a zero impact and no cost renewable energy source. All of these systems were purpose created to allow Zattera significant autonomy both while navigating and during use in hotel mode.  The Castagnola shipyard has constructed the hull, the deck and the superstructure in solid wood that have been treated with silica-infused epoxy resin for optimal adherence, and marine grade plywood. The unusual hull shape called for a keel beam and a counter keel in cold-moulded iroko wood that get larger towards the bow. Given the particular shape of the bow all of the wood planking in that area is crafted using five different layers laid cross grain to each other. All frames are in solid ash while hull planks are in marine grade plywood. The deck is in lightweight marine grade okoune, while the interior structural bulkheads are in wood lined with rubber and cork for insulation from vibration and sound.  The interior layout sees the owners and two guest cabins fore with the galley, crew area and the engine room aft. The styling is understated, clean and simple while ceiling heights are generous throughout.  The saloon in the lower deck is directly connected to the coachroof via symmetrical stairs. Natural light floods in from a large skylight placed at the centre of the saloon. The floor is at the same height as the waterline so you feel as if you’re walking on water while inside the boat.  Renzo Piano and Nauta Design have years of experience sailing and are sailors at heart. Aboard Zattera they have incorporated sailboat features such as masts and derricks that will be used to load and unload the tender and to set up awnings fore and aft. While functional, these elements will also recall sailing, an approach to the rapport between man and nature that is close to this team’s hearts. 

December 9, 2021

New Model: Silent 60

Silent has increased its fleet of innovative oceangoing solar electric catamarans introducing the new 60 model that has been launched  at the production facility in Thailand. This first unit of the Silent 60 is followed by eight more hulls currently under construction, with seventeen under order. The Silent 60 hull one was ordered with an optional kite wing, a special system that in contrast to conventional sailing yachts, does not require a big mast and the kite sail generates much more power per square meter than a conventional sail. Silent offers the optional available kite-sail system for all their models. The Silent 60 offers interior with a four double cabins layout, with a choice to have large owner suite at midships in between the hulls.  The Silent 60 reaches speed up to twenty knows, and can cruise at eight knots for an Atlantic ocean crossing range.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.99 m (59ft)
Beam - 8.99 m
Draft - 0.93 m
Displacement - 29 t
Fuel Capacity - 1600 l
Water Capacity - 1000 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins
Engines - 2 x 340 kw electric motors
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - twenty knots max, eight knots cruise
Certification - CE A

December 8, 2021

Project: Sessa C3X-IB

Sessa have a new class leader in the segment of eleven meters sport cruiser, with the new C3X project.  The C3X characterizes itself for being available in three options; cruiser with three part hard top, open, and the T-top version as pictured above.  A dynamic project made by three different souls, for different type of owners, with a unique, elegant design and a sophisticated style that follow the main brand concept.  The new open version presents a wide scenic windshield and a T-top option with electric-stern bimini, that helps to protect the cockpit area, to better enjoy the day in the shade from the sun.  The design of the cockpit, completely re-designed, presents a modular back sofa that can easily become a sun deck, by folding down the table. The options in the Sessa C3X do not stop as below she is also offered in two layouts, both of which offering two cabins, and distinctive for a galley or no galley choice.  The galley option will reduce the size of the C-shapped dinette which becomes of L-shape with an L-shape galley taking half the space.  The Sessa C3X is powered by twin Volvo 300hp diesel engines with stern-drive propulsion.  A C3X OB outboard version with power up to twin 300hp will also be available. 

December 7, 2021

New Model: Absolute 60 Fly

Absolute present its new 60 Fly model, an innovative flybridge motor yacht which shows a new way of interpreting the aft deck, designed with the principle of open verandas which leave the owner and his guests to enjoy the view.  Absolute has called this concept Prisma and thanks to the glazed parapets balustrades give an open view on both the aft deck and the flybridge.   But the innovation on the Absolute 60 Fly does not stop on the outside as even the layout of the lower deck is totally re-invented with an owners stateroom located forward.  The master stateroom is a redefinition of space and design with the double bed looking aft, and the shower head located forward.  The other two cabins offer a VIP suite located at midships to starboard, and third guest cabin with twin berths located to port side.  A third guest head is located to port  side before the third cabin.  As all Absolute the 60 Fly Prisma is powered by twin Volvo 725hp with IPS pod drives which deliver a top speed of thirty knots and a cruise 23 knots with a consumption of 9.5 litres per nautical mile.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.66 m (61.3ft)
Beam - 4.94 m
Fuel Capacity - 2800 l
Water Capacity - 730 l
Max Persons - sixteen
Accommodation - six guests in three cabins, two crew in one cabin 
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 30 knots max 23 knots cruise
Project - Absolute Research Labs
Certification - CE B

December 6, 2021

Project: Beneteau Swift Trawler 48

Beneteau present the project for a new Swift Trawler 48, replacement for the 47 model. The Swift Trawler 47 focuses on practical easy living and circulation and is built to seek new horizons. This mid-range explorer cruiser has a strikingly stylish profile which features the new stainless framed teak slat fashion plates, aligned with those seen on the Grand Trawler 62. The mobile app Seanapps and its onboard smart box on the Swift Trawler 48 lets you track your boat’s condition, plan maintenance operations and access the integrated maintenance logbook 24/24. Enjoy the delights of the sea thanks to the generous Swift Trawler 48 exterior spaces. The aft cockpit can fit a folding table and two directors chairs which together with the large bench seat maximise the indoor/outdoor living space. The transom double gate opens onto a large swim platform with an optional hydraulic lifting system. The twenty sqm flybridge is a fantastic space for panoramic views. The transform backrests either side of the pilot seat allow plentiful forward facing seating during passage making. Aft there is a great area to eat and relax with a large dining table and a wetbar. On the foredeck the optional sun-pad with lift up sections creates forward seating. The asymmetrical deck layout allows for a wide and well-protected starboard side-deck. Andreani Design totally revisited the interior design and layout. A large fully-equipped L-shaped galley offers plentiful capacity for extended cruising. Forward of the galley a spacious raised U-shaped dinette provides seating for up to eight with great views all around. To starboard the professional helm station has an adjacent side door for easy docking and circulation. In the lower accommodation, the forward owner’s cabin features a double berth and plenty of storage. The en-suite bathroom includes a separate shower cubicle. The port guest cabin has two single berths with an infill to make up a double berth. This cabin also features an en-suite door to the portside day head. The starboard guest cabin has two portlights, a transverse double berth and a double door wardrobe that is large enough to take an optional washer/dryer in the base. The hull windows and overheard hatches flood the cabins with natural light and cross ventilation. The hull has been optimised to provide a boat that is both comfortable and efficient. The slender bow is remarkably seaworthy, which reduces fuel consumption and makes sailing safer, offer over 600 nautical miles of range at nine knots.  The Beneteau Swift Trawler is powered by twin 380hp or optional 425hp engines.

December 5, 2021

Web: CBI Navi New Web Site

CBI Navi presents its new virtual world wide web brochure showroom. CBI Navi started operating in 1984 building metal yachts of steel and alloy, in the global yacht capital Viareggio. In 2005 the company was took over by FIPA Group with the aim of building larger yachts up to seventy metres in length. This strategy from Fipa Group also had the aim to keep clients coming from a smaller Maiora or AB Yachts brands in the family of the Tuscany Group. Since CBI Navi became part of FIPA the company has delivered several custom Super Yachts all different to each other from 24 up to 50 metres, with the 50m Aifos being so far the largest build to date by the Viareggio yacht builder. Size capacity at CBI Navi is up to a size of 70 meters. The new CBI Navi website is available in English and Italian language and takes you around with the following buttons: Company, Steel and Aluminium, Services, Yachts, and Contacts.  A link at the bottom of the page takes you to CBI Navi Fipa Group YouTube page.

December 4, 2021

New Launch: Van Der Valk 34.00m Hull no. WV0127

Van der Valk announce the launch of the 34-metre Explorer super yacht Lady Lene, which took place on 15th October. Van der Valk 34m Explorer features exterior design from the drawing boards of Guido de Groot Design, naval architecture by Ginton Naval Architects and Diana Yacht Design, and interiors penned by Carla Guilhem in collaboration with Guido de Groot Design.  Commissioned by a repeat Van der Valk client represented this 34m is fully wheelchair accessible thanks to an elevator connecting all decks. Her sophisticated interior has been designed with accessibility as a top priority: all floors in the yacht are flush, and the design is characterised by round corners and a lack of sharp edges and angles. Accommodation is comprised of two owner’s cabins; one on the bridge deck, and one located midships on the lower deck as well as two VIP cabins and a bunk for children on the lower deck. A crew of seven is housed on board across four cabins.  The main deck is home to an airy, open-plan lounge and dining area perfect for relaxing in all weathers. As a focal point of the super yacht’s design, the aft entertainment space offers various zones perfect for lounging and dining, as well as an alfresco bar and swim platform.  Performance-wise, Van der Valk 34m Explorer  leaves nothing to be desired with its all-aluminium superyacht sporting a round bilge fast-displacement hull, which with twin MAN 1650hp engines enable her to reach a top speed of eighteen knots and cruise comfortably at fourteen.
Technical Data:
LOA - 34 m (111.5ft)
Waterline Length - 30.80 m
Beam - 8 m
Draft - 1.80 m
Displacement - 175 t
Fuel Capacity - 30000 l
Water Capacity - 4000 l
Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, seven crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1650hp
Propulsion - line shaft with five blade Nialbr propellers
Speed - eighteen knots max fourteen knots cruise
Hull Shape - round bilge fast displacement
Construction - hull in aluminium 4.5mn h321 and h111 for super structure
Project - Guido de Groot exterior, Carla Guilhem and Guido de Groot interior, Ginton and Diana naval architect 
Certification - Rina Cross of Malta Mach Y+ pleasure unrestricted

December 3, 2021

Classic Benetti Ends Aground in Eboli

A 24 meter Benetti yacht named m/y Mensh II under Polish flag with a French national Spanish resident ownership ended beached on the beach of Campolungo, in Eboli following a storm on the night between second and third December.  Mensh II was reported travelling from Marina di Camerota, South West of the Italian Tyrrhenian sea returning to Spain on the night when it hit the storm, first stopping in an emergency at Foce Sele, where with the help of the Agropoli Coast Guard dropped its passengers to safety, for it and some hours later ending up beached in Campolungo.  The cause of the beaching was reported to be loss of power to both engines.  
As at Summer 2022 Mensh II was still beached, and looted of anything of value, with the Eboli local council looking for the ownership to organize and or pay for the removal of the Benetti 24 meter motor yacht from the Campolungo beach.  
M/y Mensh II is a Benetti 23M S build in 1983 with accommodation for nine guests in four cabins, and four crew in two.  Benetti sold eight 23S, a project which was presented as 22S in 1975, with the first unit delivered in 1977 and the last one in 1983.  Build of steel with an alloy upper structure the Benetti 23S is powered by twin Man or GM 550hp as standard or optional 650hp.  Mensh II was reportedly last sold in December 2017, after a thirty year ownership. The Benetti 23M S shared its hull platform with FB 22, which while still featuring two and half decks, offered classic looks outside.