April 29, 2025

Sportfish Cruiser Destroyed by Fire in Pittwater Sydney

A sportfish cruiser of eleven meters in length went ablaze in Morning Bay, Pittwater, Sydney, just after 08:00 morning time of Tuesday fifteen June 2021.  The sportfish cruiser was reported to have two persons onboard, and was tied with two other boats, when an electrical fault is reported to have caused an onboard fire.  The two boaters evacuated the boat while the two nearby boats dropped the lines to avoid any damage.  NSW Police Marine Area Command and Rural Fire Service West Pittwater Brigade intervened for the blaze which ultimately saw the boat destroyed and semi-sunk.  Following this a Hazmat team from Fire and Rescue NSW Forestville Station was called to the scene to assist with securing booms around the vessel to prevent fuel leakage into the surrounding waterway. The cause of the fire is being investigated by NSW Police.
The sportfish boat in this fire is a Luhrs 41 Convertible as produced from 2004 up to 2009.  The 41 Convertible came out as a replacement to the bit bigger 44 Convertible and ultimately was not replaced as Luhrs went bankrupt in 2010.  A Luhrs return have been announced in 2012 and 2017 but so far none ever materialized.

New Model: Tesoro Yachts T50 Speciale

Tesoro Yachts continue to expand and present the T50 Speciale, its new flagship of its now four model range.  Designed inhouse and styled to what regards furnishings by Armani Casa the T50 Speciale follows the trend of modern European walk around sport yacht with bow to stern full length exterior spaces and lower deck accommodation for four.  One of the special details of the Tesoro T50 Speciale is the one peace hard-top, fully vacuum bagged and made of carbon fibre to reduce weight.   The exterior spaces of the T50 Speciale is the usual European walk around layout; aft sun-pad, dinette, helm station, and fore-deck sun-pad with a a wide walk around deck connecting all the areas.  The Tesoro T50 Speciale brings some differences here though, as the galley is located under the hard-top to port side of the offset central three seater helm station, in a more convenient protected area which will make cooking easier in those fresher days, and the fore deck sun-pad which is inside the deck rather then on top of it, again in a more secure place.  Inside the T50 Speciale offers a four berths two head accommodation layout with a midships full beam owners stateroom.  There is some options to what regards the forward cabin, this available as an open area with U-shaped convertible dinette, and also a choice for a galley inside the cabin area.  The Tesoro T50 Speciale is offered in two propulsion choices Inboard with Volvo IPS and standard powered by twin 480hp with options going up to 600hp, and Outboard which comes from triple Mercury 600hp petrol gas engines.  With the Volvo 600hp and IPS pods the Tesoro T50 Speciale reaches a top speed up to 36 knots and a cruise of 28. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.25 m (53.4ft)
Hull Length - 14.9 m
Beam - 4.62 m
Draft - 1.23 m 
Displacement - 18 t
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 390 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp, D8 550hp, D8 600hp, 3 x Mercury V12 600hp outboards petrol gas
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS pod drives, or triple Mercury outboards
Speed - 36 knots max, 28 knots cruise with Volvo 600hp
Project - Tesoro Yachts, Armani Casa interior and décor
Certification - CE B

April 28, 2025

Frans Heesen 1940 - 2025

It is with deep sorrow that Heesen Yachts announces the passing of its esteemed founder, Frans Heesen. Frans passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, aged 85 years old in his hometown of Oss, and is survived by beloved wife Petra, his children, and grandchildren.  A mechanical engineer Frans founded Heesen in 1978, when he purchased the Dutch subsidiary of US Striker boats.  With the purchase of Striker Boats, Frans sees the potential of building aluminium boats rather then the Dutch standard of steel, and will enhance the material even further and into larger sizes over the years.  Proof of this comes in 1979, a year later to the Heesen founding as its launches its first 20 meter yacht as designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder and build of aluminium.  This first build will be proof of Frans spirit of innovation and what will be the defining of Heesen’s future, which is followed again when he decides to embark on the challenge of building the ground-breaking 38 meter hull #7038 titled m/y Octopussy as commissioned by American millionaire John Staluppi, with naval architecture by Frank Mulder, and Gerhard Gilgenast and Cor D. Rover taking care of design.  Frans will take the order for Octupussy, risking the shipyard’s demise, but ultimately hull #7038 is a triumph for Heesen that will propel the Dutch name to global status among yacht connoisseurs. Octopussy will indeed be the fastest yacht above thirty meters in the eighties reaching a top speed of 53 knots during sea trials. High risks involved the building of Octupussy as Staluppi will include penalty clauses if the yacht will not reach fifty knots, $100,000 for each knot below the targeted speed, and a right of refusal if does not do 48 knots.   Frans Heesen will show his spirit of innovation again in 1996 when he will build a new record breaking yacht, as he delivers the 38 meter hull #10137, m/y Obsessions, which will be the largest sportfish yacht of the time.  Courage, exceptional ability, and visionary leadership and instinct to identify and nurture talent have been fundamental to Frans success, which has made over the years Heesen Yachts a story of growth. Frans dedicated his entire life to Heesen, fostering an environment that felt more like a family rather than a business.  Frans will sell Heesen in 2008, although he will stay in the board till 2012, guiding and solidifying the Dutch semi-custom and custom super yacht builder to solidify its success into the future.  Frans’ contributions have left an indelible mark on the yachting industry and everyone who had the honour of working with him.  Frans presence will be profoundly missed, with his spirit and vision being the backbone and the guiding force of Heesen Yachts today and into the future.

Project: Four Winns H33

Four Winns present the project for a new H33, a bow rider with cuddy cabin sport cruiser.  The H33 will be offered in both inboard or outboard OB powered versions and will feature the latest amenities, from folding down side bulwarks, to an extended bathing platform, and optional T-Top.  Being a fore to aft deck use bow rider, the Four Winns H33 is all about its exterior with the L-shaped settee with opposite L-shaped galley being the center focus of the H line flagship cockpit space.  For the small cabin the entry will be to starboard, which will feature a private changing room, and a shower head.  The Four Winns H33 can be powered up to twin 350hp engines, with the outboard version being able to be powered up to win 400hp. 

April 27, 2025

New Launch: Cantiere delle Marche One-Off 148.34

Cantiere delle Marche announces the launch of the custom explorer super yacht 148.34 titled as motor yacht Tremenda, and formerly known as Project T. After careful consideration, a very experienced Owner chose Cantiere delle Marche to bring his unique vision to life: Cantiere delle Marche 148.34 has been crafted precisely to his wishes and specifications and the beautifully designed and built explorer yacht touched the water in Ancona under the eyes of the owners and their family. Cantiere delle Marche 148.34 is designed by Giorgio M.Cassetta with naval architecture from Sergio Cutolo and his firm Hydro Tec. It's difficult to capture the full impact of of this 45 meter super yacht who brings a bold, striking design in a simplicity, with geometric lines that are both rigorous and refined. This balance of minimalism and elegance commands attention, leaving a lasting impression with her confident and sophisticated presence. Stepping aboard this 34th Cantiere delle Marche super yacht, you're immediately struck by its thoughtfully designed layout. Each space is carefully proportioned, with expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the sense of openness and connection to the surroundings. The yacht's layout optimizes guest and crew circulation, ensuring seamless movement throughout. This design not only maximizes comfort for Owners and guests but also streamlines service, enabling the crew to operate with ease and efficiency. The yacht will host eight guests in four large suites located on the Lower deck. The Owners have reserved for themselves the forward section of the Main deck where a full beam apartment with his and her bathrooms, dressing and adjoining lounging area provide them with an area to relax in total privacy. Smart naval architecture and engineering solutions by Sergio Cutolo/Hydro Tec makes the most out of Tremenda's full displacement hull. Powered by twin Man 1400hp engines, giving a top speed up to fourteen knots, a range above four thousand nautical this fourth fully custom Cantiere delle Marche One-Off build asserts herself as a beautiful and highly efficient explorer yacht.
Technical Data:
LOA - 45 m (147.6ft)
Hull Length - 43.8 m
Beam - 8.60 m
Draft - 2.55 m full load
Displacement - 412 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 53,000 l
Water Capacity - 11,500 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, nine crew in five cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp
Propulsion - line shaft with ZF gearbox
Speed - fourteen knots max, eleven knots cruise, ten knots long range
Range - 4300 nautical miles at ten knots
Project - Giorgio M.Cassetta exterior and interior, Sergio Cutolo Hyrdo Tec naval architect
Certification - Class of Malta hull, Mach Y

April 26, 2025

Project: GX Superyachts 34 RPH

GX Superyachts has unveiled the project for an upcoming GX34 at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2025. With sleek, timeless design and fantastic exterior spaces, it is proof positive that responsible design need make no compromise on comfort or functionality. The announcement of the new model comes hot on the heels of news that building work has already begun on the brand’s GX42 flagship. There has been such a clamour of interest around the debut of this exciting new sustainable super yachting business, that it made sense to proceed quickly with a second model. Like its bigger sister, the heart of the GX34 project is the tantalising promise of the full superyacht lifestyle without the full CO2 emissions that usually accompany it. Under the banner of the Responsible Yachting movement, GX Superyachts is spearheading a revolution in the way that even large yachts can maximise electrical power and reduce their reliance on traditional diesel. The result for the GX34 is emissions that are 30% lower than the standard. Through sister company Greenline Yachts, GX Superyachts can draw on decades of experience in hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. The solution combines twin 200kW electric motors with up to 2132kW of diesel power, for the best of both worlds. There is silent and vibration-free electric propulsion over short distances with powerful, efficient internal combustion engines for greater speeds and distances. A vast lithium-ion battery bank of up to 800kWh permits optimum power management. With the option of up to 46 solar panels for. The GX34 RPH set into the superstructure and hard top, the GX34 can generate up to 30MWh of solar energy per year to spend long periods at anchor without the need to switch on the generators. Even with the air conditioning turned right up and the help of the very efficient battery, the yacht can run hotel systems in silent electric mode for up to 48 hours, ensuring guests get a comfortable night’s sleep. And with a greater reliance on natural ventilation, that silent period lengthens considerably. When battery levels fall too low, super-efficient generators start up automatically for rapid three-hour charging. And for longer, faster passages, the twin diesel engines take the strain. In this mode, the electric motors can serve as battery chargers as well, utilising energy ‘wasted’ by the engines. This ensures that the GX34 reaches its destination with full batteries. The GX34 delivers impressive performance, boasting an oceanic range of 10,000 nautical miles in hybrid mode at six knots. It cruises comfortably at twelve knots and can reach a top speed of sixteen knots, depending on the chosen performance package, which includes the option of twin 749kW engines. Larger engine configurations and "Hybrid Sport" packages are currently under study. To create an exceptional product takes exceptional design, so GX Superyachts has assembled a team of internationally prominent designers. Marco Casali is responsible for the exterior looks and the interior styling, while Francesco Rogantin of NAMES has tuned the naval architecture for maximum efficiency and stability. The yacht unveiled at Palm Beach is the raised pilot house RPH variant, with a low-profile flybridge crowning the superstructure. But like all GX Superyachts, there is a Fly and an even slicker Coupe version available, where the roof of the superstructure forms a single elegant convex curve. All models feature a generously shaded guest cockpit aft with dining space and comfortable lounge seating. A sensational entertaining and relaxing space is centred on the lower aft deck, which grows to more than 50 square metres of space when the two side wings are lowered.  There’s the option of a saltwater pool integrated into the aft platform, which has been designed to lift and store a tender up to four meters long. On the GX34 RPH version, the generous flybridge deck can be configured according to the owner’s wishes. Informal dining, epic lounging space and a bar are all part of the vision, and the designers have also studied the option for a Jacuzzi, positioned aft with an unbeatable view. Proportions for the interior are equally grandiose. There are five guest cabins, the jewel of which is naturally the owner’s stateroom, occupying pride of place forward on the main deck. From the owner’s king-size bed, there are sweeping 270-degree views of the horizon through deep glazing. Naturally enough at this scale, the owner is welcome to bring their own designer to the project, but Casali has imagined an interior that perfectly complements the clean, aerodynamic lines of the exterior. It’s all about natural woods, leathers and stones that create a comfortable, calming oasis. These are carefully selected for their sustainability, closing the circle on this yacht’s philosophy of Responsible Yachting.

April 25, 2025

New Model: Sanlorenzo SD132

In a private ceremony held in Monaco on the first week of April Sanlorenzo presented its new SD132. Coming from a design of Zuccon, the SD132 is the largest ever to come from Sanlorenzo SD line, replacing the SD126 as the flaghsip, but is also the Italian builder largest fiberglass build to date.  Debuting in 2007 with the Paszkowski designed SD92, the SD line was the first initiative of Massimo Perotti new ownership to branch Sanlorenzo in other areas of motor yachting, beyond the offer of modern conservative looking planning motor yachts the respected Viareggio builder was known for at the time.  The SD line proved a winner for Sanlorenzo which as at today has delivered over a hundred hulls, in a total of seven models from 27 to forty meters in size.  This first SD132 was titled m/y Andiamo, which translates in English to Lets Go and also featured interiors designed by the same Zuccon.  While featuring the same classic inspired design the SD132 is full of modern amenities like an expandable beach area with drop down bulk heads which is also connected to the aft deck, and features a bar area with TV, but also a side tender garage, and a second garage on the bow deck.  The Sanlorenzo SD132 unlike other SD models is also asymmetric with it being wide body to starboard of the main deck.  The Sanlorenzo SD132 is powered by twin Man 1650hp or Cat 1622hp for speeds up to seventeen knots, a cruise of thirteen, and maximum range up to 3200 nautical miles.  The Sanlorenzo SD132 has already gone off to a flying start with five other hulls already signed before this first unit was completed.
Technical Data:
LOA - 40.70 m (133.5ft)
Beam - 8.47 m
Draft - 2.58 m
Displacement - 420 gt*volume
Fuel Capacity - 42,000 l
Water Capacity - 8000 l
Accommodation - ten/twelve guests in five cabins, eight crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Man V12 650hp, Cats C32 1622hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - seventeen knots max, thirteen cruise
Range - up to 3200 nautical miles at best cruise
Hull Shape - semi displacement
Project - Zuccon exterior, and interior for hull one

April 24, 2025

Classic Aft Cabin Cruiser Partly Sinks in Marsascala Malta

An unattended classic aft cabin cruiser of ten meters in length started sinking in Marsascala, to the South East of the Island of Malta at around 21:00 of Friday twentieth May 2022.  The classic aft cabin cruiser was moored to a swing mooring, in the bay of Marsascala.  By about 23:00 local time about eight persons are seen on the spot trying to save the cruiser from sinking, with a pump also being used.  Ultimately the boat was seen partly sank and secured to numerous ropes.  According to local news outlet Lovin Malta which covered the sinking, the incident was not Police reported.  
The aft cabin cruiser in this sinking is a first generation Moonraker 36 with the flybridge option.  The Moonraker 36 was replaced by the 350 in the end seventies.  Moonraker was founded by Colin Chapman a British car designer famous for founding sports car maker Lotus in 1952, and then involved in Formula One from 1958 to 1994.

Project: Anvera 200s Racing

Arriving in 2016 with the 55 model Anvera has been one of the most growing brands of recent years and now its presents a new twenty meter flagship with the 200s project. Expanding its current largest offer by three meters the evolutionary new Anvera flagship is to be fully built in carbon fibre, in a statement of excellence and innovation, a hyper yacht which preserves the company's philosophy of sustainable performances.  At twenty meters in length with a six-meter beam, which becomes near to seven meters with the side terraces open and expanding the area to a space of forty square meters, the Anvera 200s offers an exceptional combination of speed, efficiency, and sustainability while maintaining great attention to guest comfort on board.  The Anvera 200s will be a semi-custom special series, with only a few units build each year, with each vessel fully customizable to meet the unique needs of the lucky owner.  Anvera as it does in its smaller models is committed even more with the 200s to delivering a tailored experience that ensures each units reflects its owner’s vision. With excellent interior space and liveability, it will be possible to configure a 200s with up to three cabins, thus tailoring each environment to the unique needs of each customer.  The Anvera 200s is to be standard powered by twin Man 1300hp with surface drives for top speeds up to fifty knots and a cruise of forty. Want more performance the 200s Racing version powered by twin Man 2200hp paired with Top System surface propellers will cruise at fifty knots, and give a maximum speed of over seventy knots.

April 23, 2025

One Woman Dead in Yacht Fire on Stella River Udine Italy

One German woman was killed, and a man was grievously injured as a yacht of seventeen meters in length went ablaze at Marina Stella, in Palazzolo della Stella, on the Stella River, province of Udine, to the North East of Italy on 03:00 early hours of Wednesday 23 April.  The fire was reported first by onlookers who launched the alarm, with the Vigili del Fuoco of Latisana and Lignano Sabiadoro taking the call.  The couple, the man explained in the late morning, were surprised in their sleep, after hearing some suspicious noises and had gotten up to check.  Then, however, he was no longer able to return below deck to help his wife, and in an attempt to reach her was seriously burned and inhaled smoke.  When the flames reached him, he jumped into the water.  The man was urgently transferred by helicopter to an emergency room at the Santa Maria della Misericordia hospital in Udine for treatment.  The search for the body of the dead woman is still ongoing, as the Carabinieri of Latisana are investigating the fire.
The yacht in this fire is a Horizon Elegance 57 as produced from the late nineties till 2004. The Elegance 57 was replaced by the Horizon Elegance 54.  Elegance was a brand created by German Yacht brokerage firm Drettmann bringing the design input and Horizon in Taiwan building the yachts, with this collaboration lasting from 1993 till 2010.