July 31, 2012

Project: Princess V62-S

Princess presents a project for a new V62-S which will be presented in September at the Southampton boat show.  This new model brings a list of specification improvements and cosmetic enhancements to the 2008 launched original V62. The aft cockpit has been increased in length to provide an even greater space in which to entertain or relax with generous seating around a detailed teak dining table. New hull glazing enhances both her exterior styling and interior ambience with large midships windows now angled to complement the sleek and sporty profile of the V62-S.  Also note the new radar arch on the aft part of the hard top. Inside more light, and contemporary finished materials have been added. The main deck saloon looks even more pacious thanks to the panoramic windows, low level furniture and a large sunroof.  Slim framed sliding doors connect the saloon to the cockpit to create one beautifully large entertaining space. With the doors closed however, this space becomes the perfect escape from the heat or rain of the day. The lower saloon features a dining area for more formal entertaining serviced by the galley opposite which is equipped to cater for an extended stay on board and large enough to accommodate a full height fridge/freezer. Owners and guests are equally well catered for in the three well appointed cabins including a spacious midships full beam en-suite owner’s cabin. 

Monthly News - July 2012

-pic of the month- Wider Takes Flight

Benetti and Rihanna in Sardinia

After working and playing hard recently, taking her recording sessions, Rihanna is now hard at work enjoying herself as she relaxes on a sunny break in Sardinia. She's spending the majority of her time aboard a 52mt Benetti yacht with some of her friend in her current Costa Smeralda, North East Sardinia coast holiday.


Bertram Yacht Welcomes Robert Ullberg

Bertram Yacht has appointed Robert Ullberg as Vice President of Engineering and Product Development. Ullberg brings over 20 years of experience in the design, engineering and development of high performance sportfishing and motor yachts. Beginning his career with Tom Fexas Yacht Design in Stuart, Florida, Ullberg quickly became the project manager for many of the firm’s sportfishing designs. In 1996 he left Fexas to establish Ullberg Yacht Design, an engineering based design firm that focused primarily on the design and development of custom sport fishing boats. Ullberg’s portfolio includes designs for world class custom sportfish builders such as Willis Marine, Whiticar Boatworks, Merritt Boat and Engine Works, Garlington-Landeweer Marine, Mike Rybovich, Bayliss Boatworks and Lyman Morse Boatbuilders. Over the past 16 years Robert has designed and engineered state of the art custom sport fishing boats in the 40-90ft range. Most recent is his launch of one of the largest and fastest express style sportfishing yachts in the world at 65 feet. In his new role, Robert will lead the Engineering and Product Development organization for Bertram Yacht at the new facility in Merritt Island. He will initially concentrate on the new 2013 Bertrams that will be built in Merritt Island, followed by the development of a series of new Bertram Sport Fishing models. Robert will report directly to the President of Bertram Yacht, Alton Herndon. He will also work closely with the Vice President of Manufacturing, Ken Beauregard, and the new Bertram Sales organization led by Don Smith.


Fairline UK Buisness Conference

Fairline Boats welcomed 36 of its international dealers from across Europe and the US to its annual business conference at the Fairline Boats headquarters on Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th July. The meeting, which was hosted by CEO Alistair Schofield, provided dealers with a full business update on the company’s future plans, the new products scheduled for the next three years, and included presentations from various elements of the business, including sales, customer service, design and marketing. In attendance were representative dealers from Mallorca, California, Florida, Italy, Norway, Germany and the UK, amongst others. At the end of the conference all attending dealers were given a tour of the new Squadron 60 and Targa 62 Gran Turismo, which will both make their world debuts this autumn.


Hinckley Service Sets Higher Standards

Hinckley service yards set the bar high for customer satisfaction. Dear Bob; Had it not been for your initiative and (I assume) the gentle twisting of several arms, our Parisian guest may well have spent the balance of her vacation sweltering on a dock in Vineyard Haven while we waited for someone to resolve Ransom's alternator and generator issues. Sending Phil and Al out in a Picnic Boat on such short notice to Tarpaulin Cove is something that few yards would have done. I can't thank you enough. I am cc'ing the attached not to garner you a (well deserved) pat on the head, but to share my gratitude and observe that it is through this type of customer focus that Hinckley will raise the service bar. It also explains why Ransom exclusively uses Hinckley yards for repair and service. Best Regards, Tim King


Horizon Group Largest Open House in Taiwan

The Horizon Group hosted a 2012 Open House at the Horizon Premier shipyard in Kaohsiung from June 27th to June 29th to celebrate Horizon’s 25th anniversary as a luxury yacht manufacturer – the Open House also debuted new Horizon models as well as mark the official launch of the brand-new EP148 Horizon Polaris. On display at the Open House on Thursday night were nine new Horizon yachts valuing over $74M USD for guests to view: the EP148 Horizon Polaris, which is destined for a U.S. debut at the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with Horizon Yacht USA; the RP120 Muses, currently owned by a Chinese client; the E88, also destined for the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with Horizon Yacht USA; the P105 in length of 110ft which will be delivered to Australia; the CC80, delivery set to Horizon Motor Yachts Australia for the Sydney Boat Show; the E84 Virginia in 89ft, which currently owned by a Hong Kong owner; the PC58 La Manguita, which will deliver to a client in Mexico; the E54 Windy 8, which will deliver to a client in Japan; and the SC23 100% solar-powered catamaran. Each yacht showcases Horizon’s quality, flexibility and commitment to defining the details in yacht building. The evening events were spectacular with live bands, modern and traditional dancing and light shows highlighting the new Horizon Yachts on display. The weather cooperated in every way with warm temperatures, a slight breeze and no rain, after the previous two weeks of rain this was a very welcome turn of events. The Horizon Group are pleased to announce the sale of four new build Horizon yachts all signed at the recent Horizon Open House event at the shipyard in Kaohsiung Taiwan June 27th – June 29th, with hopefully more sales to follow.


Overmarine Mangusta New Offices in the Balearics

Great party on the 5th July in Marina Ibiza for the official opening of the Overmarine Group Mangusta offices. Many people and Mangusta lovers attended the event, celebrating together with the managers of the company the new, important and exclusive location. The new office is strategically located in the luxurious marina of Ibiza. All guests had the opportunity to admire the several Mangusta Yachts that were docked infront of the office. Organizer of the event was Michl Marine, Overmarine Group's partner in promoting Mangusta in the Balearic Islands and in assisting customers who regularly visit the area. Michl Marine Ibiza S.L. was founded in 1997 by Manfred Michl starting with maintenance services of boats throughout the year in Ibiza. Over time, the firm has represented several names in the world of yachting until in 2011 it signed the agreement with Overmarine Group Mangusta. With fourteen years experience in Ibiza, MichlMarine Ibiza s.l. is able to offer an excellent and rapid service 7 days 7 to existing and new customers.


Princess Finances Show Solid Performance 

Princess Yachts International plc has posted yet another strong set of financial results for the year ended 31 December 2011, reinforcing its position as one of the strongest company’s operating in the luxury yacht market. In recently released accounts, the Company reported Profit before Tax of £15.1 million (2010: £21.2 million), on Turnover of £207.8 million (2010: £206.3 million), underpinned by a strong, debt free, Balance Sheet with Net Assets totalling £88.9 million (2010: £82.1 million). Although Turnover was marginally ahead in 2011, profit before tax was held back by costs associated with the development and introduction of significant new products to the Company’s range, including the largest motor yacht the Company has ever developed, the Princess 40M, together with the smallest produced for some years, the V39. There has also been significant investment in new facilities, including the purchase of a 20 acre site which was formally part of the Devonport Dockyard and where larger yachts will be developed and built in the future. With new territories continuing to emerge into the international yachting arena, new distributors are continually being added to the existing network. Notable among these new markets are those based in the Far East, Central and South America.


Riva 170th Anniversary

An intense and extraordinary adventure, in a marvellous setting, for one of the most famous yacht market. Riva, a Ferretti Group brand, has played an important role in a number of events that took place from June 29th to July 1st. These events aimed at celebrating its history and pointed out future development strategies, through the exclusive preview of the 63 Virtus, the latest model of the open range. The new model results, as always, from the cooperation among Officina Italiana Design, the team which is in charge of the design of all the models of the Riva range, AYT - Advanced Yacht Technology, Ferretti Group’s research and naval design centre, and the Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, a skilful team of architects and designers. The events dedicated to Riva started with the presentation of the boat to the international sales network and to the customers of the brand. On Friday 29th the guests of the gala dinner had the opportunity to admire, during an amazing world preview, the 63 Virtus at the St. Tropez dike, the same location of the sea trials of the following day. All guests had the opportunity to discover the details of the new open range. Riva 63 closed the Aquarama Parade in Montecarlo on the 30th June. This event symbolically represented the union between the past and the near future of the brand. The parade was organized by the Monaco Boat Service, the historical Riva dealer in the Principality of Monaco, with the objective of tracing the 50 years of the model that made Riva a world icon. The press conference was held in the marvellous setting of the Monaco Yacht Club on 2nd July. On this occasion, the new model has officially been presented and tested by a lot of journalists. There have been many unforgettable moments, such as: the “Riva Trophy”, an annual competition dedicated to Riva owners, that took place on the Montecarlo - St. Tropez route on 29th and 30th June and the evening party to celebrate the 90-year-old engineer Carlo Riva, who remembered some of the most important stages of the Riva brand.


Rivera Secret Model to be Revealed at Sydney

All will be revealed at the 2012 Sydney International Boat Show as Riviera launches the first model in an exciting and unique new model series. Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder has remained tight lipped during the development and construction of this new model, which is neither a flybridge boat, sport yacht or offshore express. Riviera’s director of brand and communications Stephen Milne said this new series was like no other ever produced by Riviera. This new model will lead a stunning line-up of impressive new boats with a retail value of $12.8 million, including from the Sport Yacht range; the 5800 with IPS or Zeus, 5000 with Zeus, 4400 Series II with IPS and the 3600 with IPS; and from the Flybridge range; the 63 Enclosed Flybridge with shaft drive, 53 Enclosed Flybridge with Zeus or IPS and 43 Open Flybridge with IPS. Two models never before seen at a boat show are the stunning new 63 Enclosed Flybridge and the exciting new 5000 Sport Yacht that boasts a whole host of new design enhancements. The 63 was originally a customisation of the 61 Series II for a New Zealand client where by extending the waterline length, Riviera’s designers were able to increase the cockpit size making this vessel extremely versatile for both long range cruising, entertaining and fishing. The Riviera display will be located on the southern end of the Cockle Bay Marina, Darling Harbour from August 2 to 6.


Sanlorenzo Crosses the City at Night

Sanlorenzo made an amazing night-transportation for the launch of Achilles, a wonderful steel yacht of 46 meters (46Steel), that travelled across the city of Massa-Carrara (which is where the third Sanlorenzo shipyard in addition to Ameglia and Viareggio is located). This move from the shipyard to the marina was a short, yet spectacular sight. A specialist team drove Achilles to the Carrara Marina, across a road that rarely sees yachts of this size. It took a huge deployment of forces to block off the road’s night time traffic, in order to allow the transit of this 151ft steel giant. Once the yacht was at the marina, she was launched thanks to a special floating metal platform that supported the yacht, whilst gently lowering her into the sea. The 46Steel Achilles is the fourth unit that has been delivered in the 46 metre line, from a total of six that have been sold. Each yacht has been delivered by Sanlorenzo to the owner with the utmost reliability and technologically advanced features. Most notably however, is that for over 50 years every Sanlorenzo yacht has been Made-to-Measure: reflecting each owner’s personal taste and requests, like a bespoke suit.


Sunreef Close to the Big Launch

We have the pleasure to announce that the superstructure of the 60 Sunreef Power was mounted on the hull two weeks ago and that the yacht is now being prepared for its big launch scheduled for the beginning of August. With Sunreefs own CNC machine, the massive flybridge was cut in house, next infused in onepiece and custom painted. At this moment final works are being completed. The 60 SunreefPower is a new 2012 model which will be displayed as a world premiere at the Cannes International Boat Show in September.


Sunseeker Stars in Science Museum Exhibition

Sunseeker International Ltd will take a starring role in the Make it in Great Britain exhibition at the Science Museum, which was opened this morning by Business Secretary Vince Cable and Business Minister Mark Prisk. The exhibition runs from 24 July until 9 September and will demonstrate the very best of British manufacturing. Sunseeker, based in Poole, beat competition from hundreds of UK companies to a place at the exhibition, which aims to dispel the myth that Britain 'doesn't make anything anymore' and educate visitors about the value of manufacturing to the UK economy. The exhibition is the culmination of the Make it in Great Britain campaign; an initiative launched by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills last year which aims to challenge outdated opinions of the UK manufacturing industry, worth approximately £137bn to the UK economy each year and employing 2.5 million people. A Truly Global leader in the design and build of luxury motoryachts, Sunseeker International exports to more than 61 countries and is widely recognised as the pre-eminent marine brand in the world today. Creating a range of craft from 40ft to 155ft across 22 different models, Sunseeker prides itself on continous design, innovation and style.

Sunseeker Spain A Resounding Success

Sunseeker Yachts Spain SL, the new exclusive distributor for Sunseeker in Spain, Portugal and Angola, held an introductory press conference on the 13th of June 2012 for approximately 20 of Spain's most influential journalists and media. Sunseeker London and R&P Empuriabrava Inversions are 50/50 joint partners with the Head Office of this new business 'Sunseeker Yachts Spain SL' based in Empuriabrava. Other office locations in the group are based throughout Spain and Portugal. Christopher Head, Sales Director of Sunseeker London, explained how excited he was about the new partnership and of their objective to cover sales and service for all areas and all nationalities. Carlos Roig, President of Sunseeker Spain delivered a presentation regarding the facilities that Sunseeker Spain can offer, such as storage, servicing and the recent agreement made with Eric Zobel for Sunseeker Sitges. The one-day press conference was held at Sunseeker Spain's Empuriabrava office.


Tiara Retools for the Future

Leon Slikkers, sixty-six year veteran of the marine industry and chairman and founder of S2 Yachts, which encompasses the Tiara Yachts and the Pursuit Boats brand, has announced that he will be taking a step back in the day-to-day operations of the two divisions. Instead, he will continue to focus on his role as advisor, consultant for S2 Yachts, which is now being run by three generations of Slikkers. In so doing, Leon Slikkers has announced that Tom Slikkers, President of Pursuit Boats, will now be S2’s C.E.O. and President. Robert Slikkers will continue to oversee Tiara’s manufacturing process in addition to focusing on Energetx Composites. Energetx builds composite wind blades, nacelles, and other composite components for the alternative energy market. As Tiara Yachts and Pursuit Boats look to streamline redundancies within the two companies, Tom Slikkers has announced that George Hetzel, Pursuit’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, has been promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing for S2 Yachts. Mr. Hetzel will also coordinate S2’s international sales expansion plans with Pursuit’s Paul Perry, and Tiara’s Graham Nisbet. Mr. Hetzel’s first decision was to hire industry veteran, Nick Bischoff, to serve as Tiara’s Business Development Manager for the northern region of the United States and Canada. Bischoff, as recently as 2009, served as Tiara’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. In addition, Bischoff will also serve as the company’s Special Projects Manager, with an emphasis on facilitating new product development, and leading Tiara’s much respected sales training program, Tiara University. Mr. Hetzel has also assigned the Latin American and Caribbean region for Pursuit Boats to John Armbruster, who currently handles the Southern Region for Tiara Yachts. Randy Jernigan has been named Business Development Manager for Pursuit Boats for the Northeast and Eastern Canada. Randy brings over 25 years marine industry wholesale and retail experience to the Pursuit brand. He graduated with honors from Western New England College, followed by duty in the Coast Guard then naturally moving into the marine industry with such companies as OMC, Bombardier and HydraSports. In addition to the direct sales responsibilities outlined, Pursuit Marketing Director, David Glenn has been promoted to Marketing Director, S2 Yachts. David will be responsible for shaping both brands, Pursuit and Tiara, as the company moves forward. 


Wider Takes Flight

Italian nautical company Wider, founded on a project designed by Tilli Antonellli, celebrates the launch of its tenth 42 footer. This important goal has been achieved just over a year after the company, which registered a turnover of 6 million Euro for the 2011-2012 nautical year, was founded. What makes Wider 42 no. 10 particularly memorable is the unusual way in which she was delivered. Indeed, the shipyard arranged for her to be transported by air, an extraordinary event on the luxury nautical scene, considering motoryachts are normally transported by land or sea. The exceptional transportation occurred last week aboard an Antonov An-124, a four-engined freight plane and one of the largest cargo aircraft in the world, which landed in Falconara-Ancona specially to pick up Wider 42’ and transport her to her destination, in the Near East.

New Model: Vivante 43 Hard Top

Vivante presents the 43 Hard Top model, which is based on the lines of the previously 2009 launched and HISWA winner Cabrio Cruiser with a different upper structure.  This entry level to the Vivante range of steel and alloy cruisers and yachts continues the influence of classic lines, mixed with a more modern upper structure.  Designed by A.R. and Vripack the Vivante 43 Hardtop has various choices to suit owners needs and tastes.  The most important choice is between an alloy or steel construction, with the later meaning a bigger engine and more speeds.  The 43 Hard Top is also offered with a choice of seven different main and lower deck layouts, two of which available for the lighter alloy constructed model.  In these versions one gets to choose a two or three cabins, and a lower or upper galley.  The owners suite is always located to fore. Power are single Volvo 150 or optional 170hp with shafts for steel, or 370hp with forward looking IPS pod drive.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)
Beam - 4.40 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 16 t steel, 11 t aluminum
Fuel Capacity - 800 l steel, 1400 l aluminium
Water Capacity - 500 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, or 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 1 x Volvo D3 150hp steel version, D3 170hp, Volvo D6 370hp aluminium version
Propulsion - line shaft for steel version, forward looking dual prop IPS pods for alloy version 
Hull Type - hard chine with flared bow
Project - Vripack, A.R. Design
Certification - CE B

July 30, 2012

Project: Absolute 55 Fly

Absolute presents the project for a 55 Fly model, which continues the modern attitude of the cruisers and yachts presented by this North Italian builder.  With the 55 Fly, Absolute will use a layout where the lower deck is fully dedicated to the sleeping area, here featuring three double cabins and two shower heads; one of which en-suite for the full beam midships owners cabin.  Interesting is also the concept of the aft deck with a sports vocation, featuring a sun pad for three persons to aft, and U-shaped settee.  Inside will also be an astern galley located to port side in the entrance to the saloon, with a settee opposite.  This galley will also surprise for its spaciousness and the home size of its appliances see the 250 liters of the fridge freezer.  The helm continues Absolute research into window innovation with a side door which allows direct access to wide walk way.  Absolute will also present a 55 STY, hard top sport yacht version which will feature sleeker lines and an opening hardtop in lieu of the spacious flybridge. The 55 Fly will have Volvo IPS pod drives propulsion, used or available on all Absolute models minus the 40 STC.  

Improve-it = Pantera 28 SR

Pantera has recently finished production of a new Pantera 28 SR which will be power by a larger single powered Mercury Racing SCI 600hp.  In this new 28 SR, Pantera also fine tuned the two stepped 24 degrees deep Vee hull which should add an extra ten per cent in high end performance.  This latest Pantera sold to a Michigan client also impresses for its top quality finishing from full stainless steel rub rail, and AWL Grip hull painting.  Another feature in this Pantera 28 SR is also noise reduction of twenty per cent, which was also made due to the legal requirements coming in Michigan sound laws.  The interior accommodation features a Vee shaped berth to fore, U-shaped lounger, and unit with wash basin to starboard. Performance in the first tests with the Mercury Racing engine 600hp  is a so far a max of 71 knots / 82 mph speed, although with a different prop set up Pantera thinks to reach four extra nautical miles in top end.  

July 29, 2012

Web: Garlington New Web Site

Garlington from Florida US presents its new virtual web showroom.  Garlington is a US custom sportfish builder, founded and located in the South East Florida area.  The custom builders in this area are not even a handful today, as the majority of these are indeed located in the Carolina's.  Richard Garlington founded the company in the eighties when not satisfied with what he was seeing,  built his own custom sportfish with the help of designer Dan McCarthy a famous submarine architect in the sixties and seventies. Unlike other custom sportfish builders Garlington today builds its boats with cored composites of Glass, Kevlar, Carbon Fiber, and Corecell.  Garlington current line up features five Sportfisherman models from 44 to 80 with the 49 designed by Ullberg being the latest news to come from the Florida company, and is currently in completion phase.  Garlington new web site takes you around with the following buttons; Home, About Us, Models, News, Contact Us, and Construction. 

July 28, 2012

New Model: Vicem 46m Vulcan Tri-Deck

It was two years ago, when the Turkish Vicem announced the Vulcan line of three decked yachts, further expanding its range into larger eighty feet plus super sizes.  Designed by Frank Mulder outside, and built with Core Cell fiberglass this also represented a new step for the Turkish builder, who is more known for going into classic lines, and building in cold molding epoxy wood method.  Of the three presented projects Vicem started up by launching the biggest 46m Tri-Deck model put into the water in late Spring.  Interior designers Art-Line for Vicem 46m Vulcan Tri-Deck choose an open atrium layout for the main deck, with guest accommodation in six cabins.  The owners stateroom is located on the forward wide body part of the main deck.  A captains cabin is located on the top deck to port side of the pilot house.  Power is from twin 3650hp MTU with twin 3650hp engines which give a 25 knots max speed, 22 cruise. Range is 1000 nautical miles at 22 knots, or 4000 at a 12 knots maximum efficiency cruise. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 46.08 m (151ft)
Hull Length - 44.6 m
Waterline Length - 39.45 m
Beam - 9.07 m
Draft - 2.30 m
Displacement - 196.8 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 48000 l
Water Capacity - 7500 l 
Accommodation - 12 berths in 6 guest cabins
Max Persons - 18
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v4000 M90 3650hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 25 knots max, 22 knots cruise, 12 knots economic
Range - 1000 nm at 22 knots, 4000 nm at 12 knots
Hull Type - hard chine Vee planning
Project - Frank Mulder hull, Art-Line Studio interior
Certification - RINA Class Hull and machinery, MCA LY-2 unrestricted navigation

July 27, 2012

Project: Fairline 60 Squadron

Fairline presents the project of the 60 Squadron which as we show it here in rendering hull number one is actually being launched and tested.  This model is again a design of long time since the eighties collaborator Bernard Olesinski, and the Fairline team.  Although not much details are shown, the 60 Squadron looks to be much based on the 58 which most probably it will replace, who in turn was a bathing platform extension of the 55.  Even the interior layout and exterior window profiles seem to be the same as the current 58 Squadron. The interior layout will offer a full beam owners stateroom, VIP suite to fore, and guest twin cabin with optional sliding berths to become a double in between.  An optional crew cabin is available to aft.    

July 26, 2012

Project: Queens Yachts 50 Fly

Queens Yachts from Italy presents its first full flybridge motor yacht model with the introduction of the 50 Fly project.  Designed by TDF Studio of architects Locarno and Vienna the 50 Fly characterizes itself for some important aspects; IPS pod drives power, astern galley looking on the aft deck, and a three double cabins layout which features no bunk beds and a full beam midships owners room.  To surprise there is also a small dinette for four persons below decks suited for quick launches to the guest or the owner.  This is located in between midships and the guest head to starboard.  The Queen 50 will be powered by twin not so large Volvo 435hp engines, with IPS 600 pods.  Queens Yachts is think of a displacement of 16.5 tons, and a fuel capacity of 1200 liters.  World presentation will be in La Rochelle boat show in September.  

July 25, 2012

New Model: Wider 42 Cote D'Azur

Wider 42 just recently celebrating its important number ten delivery presents a new version named distinctively the Cote D'Azur.  This name symbolizes a lot of things for the Wider team, but the most important meaning comes from the fact that the changes found in the Fulvio De Simoni designed 42 are suggestions of its South of France dealer.  The evolution of the 42 Cote D'Azur are characteristics of a new layout and include mostly the central interchangeable area.  These new solutions now add a larger central dinette which seat up to twelve persons, and an exterior wetbar or optional galley have been fitted.  The galley can be fitted with hob, and a fifty liters fridge on request.  The dinette can also be transformed to a chaise lounge, or a sundeck.  Another less noticable change is also the central console helm which now has been added a space where one can put small items; as mobilphone, sun cream, wallets etc.  The Wider is a two cabin sport cruiser with a day use vocation but thanks to a spacious double berth inside can sleep a couple in good comfort for a weekend trip.  Speeds are up to fifty knots plus with the large Cummins 480hp engines choice.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.9 m (42.4ft)
Beam - 3.50 m
Beam with opened configuration - 6.60 m
Draft - 0.88 m
Displacement - 6.2 t unloaded, 9 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 1000 l
Water Capacity - 250 l
Max Persons - 12
Accommodation - 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8LV 370hp, Cummins QSB 5.9 480hp
Propulsuon - Arneson surface drives
Speed - 44 knots max with Yanmar 370hp, 53 knots with Cummins 480hp
Hull - two steps deep Vee
Project - Fulvio De Simoni, Wider, Mark B. Wilson hull
Certification - CE B, standard safeties for six persons

July 24, 2012

INBUILD ~ Galeon 430 HTC Part 5 of 5

The last phase of the Galeon 430 HTC inbuild journey comes to an end in its part number five, with nine workers preparing the final touches before this much waited sport cruiser model hits the water for full sea trials, and after this heads for the fall 2012 boat show season in the Med sea.  As for many recent hull number ones, Galeon choose again an aggressive color.  As said the 430 HTC is based on the already fully tested hull of the 420 Fly launched a year ago and designed by British Tony Castro.  So minus some weight and less air resistance thanks to the lower profile of the hard top this should make little to no difference in the 430 HTC performance.  The interior will have a living on the main deck with a split level saloon dividing the C-shaped settee from the galley and helm station. Down below is space for three cabins sleeping six in three separate cabins, with two spacious shower heads serving guests.  Obviously the most important novelty in the 430 HTC is the modular settee serving the aft deck, which transforms in various utilities for the moment.  

July 23, 2012

Project: Beneteau 50 Swift Trawler

Created in 2003, Beneteau Swift Trawler range has seen good support from boaters who look for a more gentle to run Explorer Cruiser and Yacht.  This new Swift Trawler 50 project designed by Joubert Nivelt exterior and hull, and Frutschi for the interior layout will feature some important novelties for the range which with second large addition will feature five models from 34 to 52.  The Beneteau 50 Swift Trawler will be the first in the range to use Volvo pod drive units in this case the twin IPS600 units with 435hp six cylinder engines.  In the renderings and video footage show the 50 Swift Trawler to feature a welcoming and cozy split level saloon with the classic relax area in the entrance, and a galley dining and helm to fore.  The flybridge looks also particularly spacious especially if you include the aft area where the tender is located. But worth to note is that the flybridge area looks particularly safe thanks to the all around fiberglass protection sides.  Below will be an owners room located to midships, a VIP suite to fore, and a choice of a third cabin or office by the companion way. A crew cabin is available to aft.

Powerboat Endurance - Roma Offshore Speed Race 2012 Metamarine Winner

Metamarine number 60 shows again in 2012, as it had done in pure dominance in the 2010 season that it is the powerboat to beat in this series.  Mr. Pennesi definitely has built a machine developed in a time of five, six years which showed itself again its power.
The race started at 09:45 AM with the powerboats leaving the Ostia harbour.  After a few nautical miles Magnum Marine OSG had to retire due to one engine failure soon to be followed by the other motor to have problems.  Metamarine completed the race in a couple seconds short of one hour and twenty minutes.  Searex completed the Offshore course of 135 nautical miles from Rome Ostia Yacht Marina to Ponza and back in ten minutes more to the Italian Metamarine. 
In Class C which is a back to the past return of the Supersport designation, the Italian Albatro Venice built Jolly Drive did the race in just some seconds short of one hour 35 minutes.  Jolly won the race in this category.
From here PowerYacht hopes to see the Rome Offshore Speed Race back again next year, and may be followed by a couple more similar races across the Mediterranean sea and create again a championship series.
RESULTS
Pos - Team - Drivers - Time
1 - Metamarine Italy - Marco Pennesi, Murizio Schepici - 1 hour 19 minutes 57.9 seconds
2 - Searex Germany - Verbanck, Greve, Podolosky - 1 hour 30 minutes 48.1 seconds
3 (1) - Jolly Drive Italy - Zanardo, Montanari, Battista - 1 hour 34 minutes 54.3 seconds (1st place in Class C i.e. Supersport Class category)
RETIRED - Magnum Marine OSG Italy - Cangiano, Sheppard, Sardellitti

July 22, 2012

Web: Merrit's New Web Site

Merritt Boat Works from Pompano, Florida in the United States of America presents its new virtual web showroom.  Founded in 1948 after a move from Long Island by Franklin Roy and Ennis Merritt who bought a land with the primary objective of maintaining their charter fleet, and yachts and drift boats in the area.  Boat building for Merritt started in 1955 when Buddy supervised the build of a 37 foot cruiser with the primary aim of catching Tuna fish.  Today Merritt builds among the finest sportfish yachts, and a name very much know with the connoiseurs of the yachting circle.  Its current latest builds are an 86 which is the largest Merritt ever build, a 72, and a 66 currently in construction phase.  Merritt still stays true to its tradition wood building heritage, with a wise look into the future by building in the cold molding method. Merritt's new web site takes you around with the following buttons; About Us, Brokerage, Boat Yard, News, and Contact Us.

July 21, 2012

New Model: Princess 40M

It is always an important step when a boat builder presents a new flagship, with major investments sometimes coming as ten years before the first project is launched.  Announced three years ago the Princess 40M continues the Plymouth boat builder pursuit into larger sizes, following the 32M fifteen months later and seven hulls being sold.  But apart this the Princess 40M puts a couple of important headlines on itself; as being the current largest resin infused hull, and the biggest production super yacht built in Britain.  The 40M is also Princess first full three decked yacht and for having a full body in the forward part of the main deck. This particular wide body feature makes it also look very much a custom, build in Holland or Italy, and less a part of the Plymouth's builder line up.  Depending on chosen layout the 40M sleeps twelve guests in six staterooms, with the owners room on the main deck, located in the wide body area for maximum space.  Power is from twin MTU 2985hp which give a 22 knots top speed.  Hull one was named Imperial Princess, and two other hulls are currently in building stages.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 40.16 m (131.7ft)
Beam - 8.05 m
Draft - 2.28 m
Displacement - 180000 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 29345 l
Water Capacity - 4000 l
Accommodation - 12 guests in 6 cabins, 8 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 12v 4000 M73L 2985hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 22 knots max
Hull Type - modified deep Vee with spray rails
Construction - resin infused moulding

July 20, 2012

Project: Fjord 56 Open

Fjord presents the project of the 56 Open, which follows on the modern angular lines of the smaller 36 and 40 models, with the benefit of the larger size giving huge advantages and marrying day boat practicality to yacht accommodation.  Designed as the smaller new Fjord's by Allseas the 56 Open  will be a fully walk around sports yacht, with huge space dedicated for outside entertainment.  Aft sun lounger, three opposites looking settees, exterior wet bar galley, and center console are what makes the main living area outside with only two steps dividing the fore from the aft deck, and here is also space for another sun pad.    Fjord says the new 56 Open, which was actually born as a 54 project, will sleep six, but so far no details are given for the interior layout.  Standard power is twin Volvo 435hp with IPS pods, with the alternative of three units of the same engine and propulsion being available.  Speed estimates are max of 45 knots.

July 19, 2012

Powerboat Endurance - Roma Offshore Speed Race 2012

It's good to see some interest returning in Powerboat endurance racing come back to us.  The Rome Offshore Speed Race 2012 is a huge challenge for the participants, and most of all for the event organizers, specially considering the current economic climate Europe finds itself in at the moment.  None the less the organizers managed so far to involve six participants to the race which involves a 135 nautical miles course.  The Rome Offshore Speed Race contrary to recent Endurance class races of the Evolution and Supersport classes, aims to emulate past legendary formats as the Cowes Torquay, Viareggio Bastia, Miami Nassau, and the Venezia Monte Carlo, that is of a more distant course which is a more typical of a cruise.  That is pure offshore racing at its best. Interesting is also that in the participants we have the return of a few two times World Champions; from Cangiano, to Marco Pennesi one of the latest winners in 2010, and Rizzardi a past winner in 2002 and 2003.  Again Italy has been a great supporter to this sport since the sixties, not only in participants but also in organizing an interesting event in mid Summer season.  Definitely the South Italian peninsula has made great records in the past from its designers, boat builders, engines, and drivers but continues to do so in the present and future.  I also remind that the recent very successful format of Powerboat P1 has also been started by the Italians in 2002, that championship won by Rizzardi in a Fabio Buzzi designed Diesel powered hull, which was built and designed in Italy. Same also for the recent champion in 2010 Metamarine who had full Italian stamped to it from the design, engine makers, boat builder, drivers, and propulsion units.        
PARTICIPANTS:
Team - Drivers - Nationality
Magnum Marine OSG - Cangiano, Sheppard, Sardellitti - Italy
Searex - Verbanck, Greve, Podolsky - Germany
Metamarine - Marco Pennesi, Murizio Schepici - Italy
Jollydrive - Zanardo, Montanari, Battista - Italy
Class V63 GDF - Rizzardi - Italy

New Model: Grandezza 39 CA

Presented at the start of the year, Grandezza 39 CA clearly shows the Finnish builder intention to compete internationally with other builders in this segment.  The Grandezza new flaghship has clearly a clever design, with interesting looks and practical features which should bring attention not only in Scandinavia where it is built, but to a whole global market.  The Grandezza 39 CA has it all from looks, practicality and a well conceived layout with a full beams owners stateroom, and a fully four door part patio door enclosed upper internal deck.  Interesting features in this size are surely the side helms door, and the deep side walk to starboard.  Other features inside are also the forward VIP, and a lower L-shaped galley located to port side.  The dinette is located on the main deck, with an entertainment unit, and helm opposite.  Power is Volvo options from 300 up to 400hp in stern drive set.  Good 40 knots max speeds are reached with twin Volvo 370hp. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.95 m (39.2ft)
Beam - 3.95 m
Draft - 1.50 m
Displacement - 9000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 920 l
Water Capacity - 275 l
Accommodation - 5 + 2 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp, D6 400hp
Propulsion - Volvo dual propeller stern drive
Speed - 40 knots max, 31 knots cruise with D6 370hp
Hull Type - Vee shape
Construction - Infusion sandwich with Divinycell core
Certification - CE B

July 18, 2012

Project: Cranchi 54 Fly

Cranchi starts to show its new projects which will be the hallmark of the important fall 2012 boat show season.  The Italian builder will show four new models in this period, of which among them is also a new outboard line up called Panama of which Cranchi will present a 24 and a 32 feet model. Here today PowerYacht gives the first exclusive rendering of the 54 Fly model, a news which expands the Yacht Class range.  I am so excited about this new Cranchi 54 Fly that without full details I still decided to show it up for you PowerYacht readers! Definitely to like is the very sport looks for a flybribdge motor yacht.  As many would think, but it is not the 54 Fly will feature a new hull, which is ten centimeters less beam to the Fifty 6 Soft Top.  As the rendering shows, Cranchi design team led by Aldo Cranchi presents a very sports flybridge shape.  The flybridge by the looks of it and its extension aft, looks also to be of a large size at least in length.  The saloon should also offer the same feature, notice the not so long fore deck.  Lower deck is also not yet announced but again the large central windows to midships indicate a full beam owners cabin, which is also more aft then usual, definitely benefiting from the stern location of the engines with IPS pod drives.  Power which is one detail given to me is twin Volvo 600 or 700hp units, with the IPS 2; 800 or 900 drives.

July 17, 2012

New Model: Sessa 40 Fly

Launched at the end of the 2011 year, the new Sessa 40 Fly follows the hallmark of what some previous months earlier the North Italian builder showed with the 45 Fly model.  Designer Christian Grande followed many similarities from the 45 in this smaller flybridge motor cruiser, with a low profile flybridge which does not give up space up top thanks to a well laid clever layout.  Down below space offers two double cabins, with a galley being in a space between the cabin area and living upper saloon.  Two spacious shower heads serve the two cabins, with one being en-suite for the forward owners room.  Other interesting features of the 40 Fly are an up down hydraulic bathing platform, Miele oven, 160 liters fridge capacity, and Sony entertainment systems.  Another unheard feature in this size is also a space provided to put a washer dryer of six kilograms capacity. Standard power is twin Volvo 300hp with IPS pod drives which give max speed of 30 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.3 m (40.3ft)
Hull Length - 10,88 m
Beam - 3.90 m
Displacement - 10.5 t
Fuel Capacity - 900 l
Water Capacity - 360 l
Accommodation - 4 + 1 berths in 2 cabins
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS400 forward looking dual propeller pod drives
Speed - 30 knots max, 26 knots cruise
Project - Christian Grande
Certification - CE B

July 16, 2012

Project: Bavaria 420 Virtess Coupe

Waiting for the official introduction of the 420 Virtess Fly, a second model in the luxury motor boat line is now underway, with the Coupe version of the same model.  The Bavaria 420 Virtess Coupe follows in many the Fly version but adds features as the panoramic sunroof, and a comfortable roof reclining area.  Bavaria has again collaborated once again with Italian designer Marco Casali and his Too Design to create an innovative and stylish coupe. The generous living areas and deck layout provide full comfort for all on board, and copy those of the Fly version. Like a bigger sport yacht the 420 Virtess Coupe has stair-access to its upper deck, which has been specially designed to provide the perfect area to relax with full view all around.  A further highlight is the wide panoramic sun roof, which when opened, allows the helmsman to see over the windshield and ensures that face in the wind feeling. The interior layout with a living with saloon and galley on the main deck, and a lower three double cabins plan, below with owners room to fore follows the plan as the Fly version.  Power options are three Volvo engine choices which start from 370 up to 435hp available in stern drive, and forward looking IPS pod units.

July 14, 2012

New Model: Wally 26M Ace

A much awaited Wally concept, the 26M Ace finally takes it to the water.  Starting as builder of fast sailing yachts in the nineties, Wally quickly got high attention with the one off 2002 launched 118 Power in the motor yachting World, which was followed with smaller sized units, and a lot of copies from other builders which are still born to this day. Will the 26 M Ace have the same affects on the market.  The number for it to surprise are surely there thanks to its efficient hull design, high level sandwich construction with double thickness to Class requirements, an extra ten per cent of beam to similar sized yachts giveing one third of more volume, and an innovative hull design featuring the new Wallybow bulb shape.  Other surprises are also the layout of the interior which takes an unusual shape thanks to the centre forward location of the engine room, which moves all the guest accommodation from midships to aft.  The choice here is for two layouts, a three cabins with large queen sized owners stateroom, or a four cabins version with three near identical sized VIP suites.   The two crew cabins sleeping four in bunk berths, plus galley and lazarette, crew lobby is located in the forward part.  Power is from twin 600hp Cat engines which give a max speed of 12 knots, and a cruise of 9 knots which give an estimated 5000 nautical miles range.
Technical Data:
LOA - 26.23 m (86ft)
Hull Length - 23.95 m
Waterline Length - 25.5 m
Beam - 7.75 m
Draft - 1.75 m half load
Displacement - 94 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 14000 l
Water Capacity - 3000 l
Accommodation - 6 guests in 3 cabins, 8 guest in 4 cabins, 4 crew berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C12 600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 12 knots max, 9 knots cruise
Range - 5000 nm at 9 knots
Project - Wally, Allseas

Class 1 - Tragedy in Gabon Grand Prix

Officials of the UIM are deeply shocked and saddened to announce the tragic news of the death of pilot William Nocker from England following a racing accident during race one of the Gabon Grand Prix, round 2 of the Class 1 World Powerboat Championship.
Co-pilot Kurt Olsen from Norway remains in a critical condition in intensive care.
The pilots of boat number 9, Welmax, representing the Welmax Offshore Racing Team, were involved in a high-speed crash on lap four of the race taking place in Libreville on the estuary of the Gabon River.
The race was red flagged as safety personnel immediately attended to both pilots at the scene.
They were subsequently transferred by ambulance to Omar Bongo Ondimba Military Hospital, where all efforts to resuscitate William Nocker were in vain.
The Welmax Offshore Racing Team and officials of the UIM and H2O Racing pass on their deepest condolences to the family of William Nocker.
As a mark of respect to the pilots and families, the event organisers have cancelled tomorrow’s race and all event activities.
The UIM has launched an immediate investigation into the accident.

July 13, 2012

Project: Galeon 390 HTC

Showing its pursuit forward and the renovation to all Galeon's into its third generation looks, the Polish builder presents an upcoming project of the 390 HTC, Hard Top Coupe which is based on the early this 2012 year launched and very well received 380 Fly.  As it is expected the 390 HTC offers a distinguishable, sporty exterior and excellent performance thanks to the British designed Tony Castro hull.  A huge glass roof will be the 390 HTC most prominent feature, which fills the main deck living area with natural light and can be opened over the helm with a touch of a button. With the roof, aft patio door, along with side windows open the main deck gets a very open feel to the breeze and sunshine while cruising along. Another clever feature is again in the aft cockpit deck thanks to the alternative arrangements the multifunctional modular aft settee can offer.  This in fact can be turned into a dining area or even a specious sundeck, complemented by an automatic glass roof system above.  As is usual to Galeon plenty of custom design interior lines and a long list of optional equipment will allow to fully customize this model to suit all needs. The interior should also mimic the impressive three cabins of the 380 Fly with the third cabin being  the much appreciated open set up to port side.  A wide variety of engines will please both sport enthusiasts and fans of more relaxed cruising of which I expect a similar line up as the 380 of all Volvo's from 220 up to 435hp available in shafts and stern drive set up.

July 12, 2012

Improve-it = Hunt 44 Express Sedan

Hunt yachts has recently delivered hull number two of its 44 Express Sedan, and in its second built the US builder already shows its flexibility to customise its models to clients demands. While both of the first Hunt 44 Express Sedan's where powered with Volvo 435hp engines and IPS 600 pods drives, there was some important differences in the second launch.  The owner of hull two for example opted for more modern raked express side windows, instead of the standard port holed on the bridge deck and used the space opposite the galley for a convertible settee; with a clever sliding bulkhead that mates with a hinged door allowing this space to be closed off when guests are aboard overnight and this is transformed to a double berth.  Another difference was the open space aft of the engines which is in standard form is a tender garage, and allows for a small extra cabin to be located beneath the bridge. In hull one this space is an utility room with wine cellar, trash compactor and storage lockers; in number two here was the location for a single berth sleeping cabin.  Hull three of the Hunt 44 Express Sedan is currently in completion phase to be finished in August of which will be the boat show model to be shown for the fall of this year. 

July 11, 2012

Class 1 - Gabon Grand Prix Preview

Championship leader’s Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri will be looking to continue their winning ways as the UIM Class 1 World Powerboat Championship opens a new and exciting chapter in its 49-year history when the fleet lines up in Libreville 12-14 July for the first Grand Prix to be held in the Republic of Gabon, which will be attended by the country’s President, Ali Bongo Ondimba.
Victory’s multi World Championship winning pairing will also be aiming to capitalise on the absence of arch-rivals Spirit of Qatar, but know they will face a fierce onslaught from a handful of outfits as the focus of attention switches onto Team Abu Dhabi to see if they can step up to topple them, or indeed if any of the V8 runners, Spirit of Gabon [Poliform], Fendi Racing, Zabo Racing or either of the Welmax boats can challenge to try to break the V12 dominance.
Victory and Spirit of Qatar 96 shared the spoils in the season-opener in Doha, Qatar, taking a win a piece and share top spot in the title race on 32 points, but the Victory duo edged the trophy haul, courtesy of their win in official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position.
Al Zafeen, the four-time and defending Champion, is enjoying his enforced pairing with two-time Champion Al Marri and proving to be a formidable partnership, taking three race wins from four starts and qualifying twice in top spot in two outings. And had it not been for a bizarre number of penalty laps incurred whilst taking the ‘penalty lap’ in race 1 in Doha – dropping them to third – the Dubai duo would hold a perfect record together.
But now all eyes will now be on Team Abu Dhabi’s exciting pairing of Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori who may well be the duo to unsettle their UAE cousins, and who sit just two points behind them in third place in the title race.
The Dubai and Abu Dhabi residents started their 2012 campaign strongly and ran both Victory and Qatar 96 close in Doha finishing second in both races. They have now finished on the podium three times from six starts since joining forces in Norway in 2011 and a repeat showing in Libreville will leapfrog them above their Middle East rivals in the overall Championship standings.
With V12 power-plants locking out the top four places, Fendi Racing fly the flag as the highest placed V8 runner after picking up seven points in race 2, despite an excursion into a sandbank in practice which excluded them from race 1, albeit in Qatar it was their Italian rivals Poliform who looked,  momentarily, the most likely to achieve race success.
Fendi Racing’s challenge for honours has taken another twist this year, with the team lining-up in Libreville in a new boat - the multi-championship winning hull, Fazza 3, bought from Dubai’s Victory Team.
The move into the Michael Peters-designed, Victory-built hull, is a third change in direction by the Italian outfit; team owner-driver Luca Formilli Fendi and throttleman Giovanni Carpitella starting their campaign in 2011 in a leased Victory hull, finishing third in race 1 in Abu Dhabi, then opting to run an Outerlimits hull-engine package in Norway, but immediately switching to SCAM power-plants for the remainder of the year.
In Doha this year they dropped in Sterling V8s and have confirmed an upgraded set will now power their new purchase. For Fendi Racing’s crew chief and team manager, Marco Bonomo, it is an emotional reunion with a boat he says he knows every single scratch, screw and bubble of and who rigged the team’s new acquisition from scratch when she left the mould in the winter of 2006.
DAC Racing’s Guido Cappellini will resume his partnership with the experienced Giampaolo Montavoci who will mark his return to racing after sitting out the 2012-opener with a 98th Grand Prix start in Libreville in the V8 Mercury-powered Spirit of Gabon.
Cappellini and Montavoci have lined up 13 times together since teaming-up in Class 1 for the first time in 2010, taking their first podium in their debut Grand Prix, finishing third in race 2 in Brazil and repeating the feat at the end of the year in Dubai.  In 2011 they grabbed their first win on Cappellini’s home waters in the Italian Grand Prix in Cernobbio on Lake Como.
In Qatar, Cappellini, racing alongside the rookie Gabbiani, was impressive and gave the now joint title leaders much to ponder, winning the drag race to the first turn with an impressive turn of pace and led race 2 for four laps before a technical problem ended his charge and race challenge.
The team has since carried out further modifications to the boat, including extending the length by several centimetres, and before leaving for Gabon tested off the coast of Monte Carlo in conditions similar to those they hope for in Libreville.
Zabo Racing is another outfit hoping for a less torrid time in round two, as the Turkish-Norwegian duo of Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski look to realise the potential of their Victory-hull, Mercury V8 package.
A catalogue of technical problems in Qatar – torque sensor related and seemingly beyond their control – frustrated the team and prevented them from posting points.
After Qatar they shipped the hull to Turkey for an overhaul, a re-spray and to drop in the latest specification Mercury engines. Team boss Jan Zaborowski is optimistic that the considerable weight saving that they gain from the new engine package will convert to an overall improvement in pace and performance.
The second of the Norwegian outfits, Welmax Offshore Racing, is also looking to kick-start their season and will be looking to avoid a repeat of their self-inflicted zero points tally in Doha, after Paul Gaiser and Bjorge Jacobsen tipped over the Maritimo hull in practice, ruling them out for all but a short cameo role in race 2.
The team will run a second boat in Gabon with team principal and throttleman Jorn Tandberg returning to racing and teaming-up with Class 1 debutant William Nocker in the European and Edox Pole Position Championship winning MTI hull.
D’Alessio Racing has confirmed an all-Italian line up with Luca Nicolini pairing with Class 1 rookie Gian Maria Gabbiani.
Nicolini is now fully recovered from a knee injury he suffered in a motorbike trials accident that forced him to sit out the season-opener in Qatar and will take the throttles of the Victory built, SCAM V12 powered FA.RO ACCIAI to make his 17th career Grand Prix start – his third for Team D’Alessio Racing.
Gian Maria Gabbiani takes the wheel for just his second Grand Prix outing, following an impressive first start in Qatar alongside Guido Cappellini in March.
The Team entered the Championship last year at the Italian Grand Prix in Cernobbio, with Nicolini grabbing an impressive set of fourth place finishes - their best results in their six starts - and will be hoping for a less eventful time in Gabon than they endured in Qatar when FA.RO ACCIAI was engulfed in flames during practice.
Teams can expect rough conditions in Gabon with the 5.07Nm circuit, which runs in front of the Presidential Palace, set out in an open bay and subject to variable and unpredictable weather conditions.
First Practice takes place on Thursday, 12 July from 11.30-13.00hrs (local) and is followed by official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 14.30hrs with Race 1 of the Gabon Grand Prix at 15.30hrs on Friday and Race 2 at 15.30hrs on Saturday.
UIM CLASS 1 WORLD POWERBOAT CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1= 3 Victory - 32pts
1= 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
3. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 30pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
5. 10 Fendi Racing - 7pts
6= 91 Relekta - 0pts
6= 74 Poliform - 0pts
6= 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - 0pts
6= Welmax - 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1. 3 Victory - 20pts
2. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 15pts
3. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 12pts
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 9pts
5. 90 Welmax - 7pts
6. 74 Poliform - 5pts
7. 91 Relekta - 4pts
8. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - 3pts
9. 10 Fendi Racing - 0pts

Project: Rivera 5000 Sport Yacht Series II

Riviera presents its next generation 5000 Sport Yacht, with a series of design enhancements including new hull windows to the aft stateroom with opening circular portholes, additional storage cabinets, LED lighting throughout, new entertainment systems and folding backrests to the foredeck sun pad to name just some of the new features.  So far delivered in fifty units, the 5000 Sport Yacht powered with ZF Zeus pods has been one of Riviera's success stories, with global sales activity.  This model replaced the 4700 Sport Yacht.  The 5000 Sport Yacht features a choice of a three double cabin lower deck layout, or an option to have the twin bunked third cabin to starboard replaced by a small saloon settee.  Its owners cabin is located to midships and can sleep three, with a single located to port side.  Power is from twin Cummins 600hp with ZF Zeus pods propulsion being a much approved features from the customers of the 5000 Sport Yacht.  Top speed is 31 knots.

July 10, 2012

New Model: Fairline 50 Squadron

Looking at this new much awaited 50 Squadron it certainly takes the prize for looking the most modern of the current Fairline line up.  There is something distinctive futuristic in the lines of this London boat show presented novelty, which will have a task to challenge the much praised 50 Phantom, and its average sales successor 48 model.  Sharing hull and dimensions with the one year previously presented 50 Targa GT, the 50 Squadron sums latest novelties introduced by Fairline; forward huge owners stateroom, innovative tender launch system, and a new astern galley serving both aft deck and interior saloon.  Fairline is so far the first of the Brits to make use of this galley type layout which I personally like for its practicality especially in warmer climate conditions, where dining is usually always done in the aft deck.  Two identical guest cabins to midships serve guests, with a guest head to starboard.  A crew cabin with single berth is located to aft. As the latest Fairlines much respected hull designer Bernard Olesinski chooses a medium 12.5 degrees Vee deadrise aft, which is helped by a fine deep entry to fore.  Power are three engine choices from Volvo and Cat starting from 575 up 710hp.  
Techical Data:
LOA - 15.55 m (51ft) inc gunwale
Hull Length - 14.97 m
Beam - 4.47 m
Draft - 1.21 m incl props unloaded
Displacement - 18.8 t dry
Fuel Capacity - 2288 l
Water Capacity - 550 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D9 575hp, Volvo D11 670hp, Cat C12 710hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 28 knots max with 575hp, 30 knots with 670hp, 31 knots with 710hp estimates
Hull Type - Vee shape with medium 12.5 degrees aft
Construction - hand laid with Isophtalic gel coat and resin, power bound mat, unidirectional, biaxial woven rovings
Project - Fairline Design Team, Bernard Olesinski for hull and structure

July 9, 2012

Project: Nordhavn 52 SC

Nordhavn is excited to offer a new optional layout for its full-displacement 52 footer, by showing the project of 52 AC, these two letters meaning for aft cabin which features a configuration that puts the saloon, galley and wheelhouse all on one level. This customer-driven option meets the needs of clients who are looking for modern, open-concept living that allows the watch stander to mingle with guests. The Nordhavn 52 AC requires a different deck from the traditional standard 52, which features a segregated pilothouse. The current 52 also has its accommodations more forward with obviously differentiated master suite and guest suite. Instead, the N52 AC concept offers two VIP staterooms with en-suite heads.  Another major difference between the two full-displacement Nordhavn 52s will be in outdoor living space. Whereas the flybridge on the current standard 52 is split from the boat deck, the plans for the 52 AC call for a huge combination of  flybridge and boat deck, which offers cruisers plenty of space for sunbathing when the tender is launched. Meanwhile on the lower deck, the Nordhavn 52 AC cockpit will also include a separate lower “fishing” aft area. The engine room will also get a boost in space, complete with a handy work bench.  The N52 AC will have a propulsion option of single or twin engines, and will offer the same fuel capacity as the Nordhavn 47 of just over 5500 liters.

July 8, 2012

New Model: Vicem 107 Classic Cruiser

Vicem from Turkey has launched the new 107 Classic Cruiser the new flagship in the Vintage line build in the cold molding method. Named M/Y Momi and delivered to its European owner, the 107 Classic Cruiser will now head to the central Mediterranean sea before going to its official public debut in September at the all important Cannes show. Build in the hybrid traditional high technology cold molding method, with mahogany laminates covered in epoxy and glass, this new Vicem 107 Classic Cruiser surprises for the its contemporary modern interior, reflecting the opposite of its traditional exterior lines. Accommodation the 107 Classic Cruiser will offer five double guest cabins; with an owners stateroom to midships, and two identical VIP suites to fore. Other interesting details is the exclusive Gaggenau kitchen having being of large dimensions, three crew cabins sleeping six members, and a seventy squared meters huge flybridge area. Power is from twin Cat engines 1550hp each which give a top speed of 21 knots and a crusie of 17.
Technical Data:
LOA - 32.5 m (106.6ft)
Hull Length - 30.5 m
Waterline Length - 28.4 m
Beam - 7.3 m
Draft - 1.90 m inc props
Displacement - 115,000 kg
Fuel Capacity - 14500l
Water Capacity - 1940 l
Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 guest cabins, 5 crew in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 1550hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 21 knots max, 17 cruise
Construction - cold molded Mahogany laminate with epoxy
Hull Type - semi displacement with 17 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Vicem Yachts Design Team
Certification - RINA C Y Pleasure Class, Malta Pleasure Yacht Code

July 7, 2012

Improve-it = Cerri 86 Flyingsport

Cerri launch hull number twelve of its ground breaking 86 Flyingsport series presented for the first time in 2004.  The semi custom 86 Flyingsport so far features an impressive feat of having all of the twelve made models tailor made to its owners, and all having different internal layouts and fittings.  There is 86 Flyingsport with five cabins, and there is with four, and the variety of layouts used is impressive. 86 Flyingsport hull number twelve named Pachamama, went for a four double guests suite, with two en-suited crew cabins layout.  Living is made of the two split level saloon which is still a very unique Cerri feature, which is joined by a dining area, galley, and the lower helm station.  Cerri 86 Flyingsport number twelve also diverse from previous models for being the first to having the ZF Searex surface drives in lieu of the legendary Arneson.  Engines are twin MTU 1950hp which give a 40 knots wide open throttle, and 30 knots cruise.

July 6, 2012

New Model: Azimut 55 S

A new Azimut is always a lot of talking from the professionals to passionate people alike.  Rightly so as this Italian builder has in the last two decades pushed the border of yachting design to new heights, and its constant research and development is something to admire.  The new 55 S started to make it to the news more or less three months ago, when a rendering was shown on the official web site along with the novelties coming with it; triple pod propulsion, new transom pivoting system, integrated garage, and carbon fiber reinforcements.  Obviously my biggest surprise was to see Azimut going the Volvo IPS pod propulsion route in the 55 S.  Yes the Azimut-Benetti Group has flirted with pods on its models, officially on the 43 S in 2005, and Atlantis 50x4, plus testing a 50 and 55 in Volvo's base in Sweden, and the 62 S was also the bench mark for the ZF Zeus pod much acclaimed large 4000 unit.  But after this there always seemed to be a pause in launching models with pods. Still I am as at today surprised by this choice in the new Azimut 55S.  But what is a fact is that the triple pods set up has obviously made extra space available to interior designer Carlo Galeazzi who presents a three double cabins layout; with a full beam midships owners stateroom which would not look out of place even in a sport yacht ten feet larger.  The living of the 55 S is on the main deck with a galley to starboard, and a C-shaped settee which join up with the aft cockpit settee when patio door is open.   There is also a choice here to port side for a unit or a small lounger.  Back to the past is the single person crew cabin located to fore, and also giving sound insulation from wave splash to the forward VIP suite.  Other interesting details in the 55 S; are the fore deck settee, transformation of the aft deck to a large sun pad, and how the bathing platform area feels like that of much bigger yacht.  In the technical department Azimut again with the 55 S go to carbon fiber reinforcements; also used in the latest 64 and 60 of the Flybridge series, although to what extent this is done is not officially communicated.  Needless to say at 22 tons loaded for seventeen meters is a very low displacement compared to similar sized vessels.  So three to four tons are definitely saved.  The three Volvo 435hp with IPS give a 36 knots max speed, and 31 of cruise.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.29 m (56.9ft)
Hull Length - 15.35 m
Beam - 4.65 m
Draft - 1.14 m
Displacement - 22 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 1600 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 3 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS 600 pods
Speed - 36 knots max, 31 knots cruise
Construction - Vinilester resins vacuum infusion, Carbon fiber reinforcements
Hull Type - Vee shape with medium 15,6 degrees deadrise aft
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Carlo Galeazzi interior
Certification - UNI ISO 8666