December 31, 2012

Monthly News - December 2012

-pic of the month- Back Cove 500th

Back Cove 500th Launch
Back Cove Yachts is proud to announce our new tagline, "Practical Elegance, From Maine." during the 500th Launch Celebration that took place last Thursday (12/5/12). The celebration for the 500th Launch took place at the yard with 100 employees and their families, our Back Cove Yacht dealers, members of the surrounding Rockland community and members of press and media. The origin of the brand dates to 2003 when a group of Sabre dealers approached the company with a concept for a less costly, smaller and more abundant range of boats to fill the gap they felt existed below the smallest Sabre model. The "Manchester Six" (the original dealer body) ordered all of the Back Cove 29's to be built in the first year and asked that they remain exclusive for at least that first year. The company agreed and a brand was born.


Belize Named Best of Best by AIM
The new Riviera Australia owned and designed luxury marque, Belize Motoryachts, has been named the ‘most innovative new builder’ at the inaugural AIM (Active Interest Media) Marine Group Editors’ Choice Awards. AIM is a growing media company that publishes a prestigious stable of boating titles including, Power & Motoryacht magazine, Yachts International, Sail, PassageMaker, Soundings, and Soundings Trade Only. The awards for the ‘best of the best’ in boating were announced at a special gala presentation during the recent Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, where the judges commended the new Australian owned and designed Motoryacht line. Belize Motoryachts spokesman Ryan Hanson said this achievement was testament to the superior quality and design of this bespoke new Motoryacht line. The new Belize 52 is fully air-conditioned and features three cabins, including a full beam master stateroom with ensuite and opening port lights on either side to provide cross ventilation. The functional and modern galley is adjacent to the spacious saloon, which overlooks the enormous cockpit with aft dining area and breakfast bar with swivel stools to port, creating the ultimate alfresco experience. Combining traditional European panache with Australian practicality gives the Belize 52 a blend of tradition and contemporary elements, which has created a very attractive, powerful, technically advanced, versatile and sought after new vessel. Not only are the design features impressive but so too are the twin aft-facing Cummins Zeus 3000 bronze pod drives mounted into tunnels delivering a top speed of around 30 knots, 25 knots cruise speed and a comfortable range at 22 knots of 400nm and leaving 10 per cent reserve fuel. The editors of AIM’s respected publications were asked to nominate who they thought were the ‘best of the best’ in production and semi-custom yachts. AIM Marine Group’s editorial director and editor-in-chief of Power & Motoryacht, George Sass Jr, said the awards reflected renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers. AIM asked 15 editors from individual magazines to nominate the best product in various categories. Armed with precise selection criteria, the editors nominated boats that were solid, well designed, built to high quality and performance. As the AIM Marine Group Editors’ most innovative new builder, the Belize Motoryacht line has well and truly exceeded all expectations since the launch of its first model in May of this year.

Burger Sponsoring 8th Annual Captains Briefing
Burger is pleased to announce its sponsorship for the United States Superyacht Association (USSA) 8th Annual Captains Briefing to be held January 16 and 17, 2013 at The Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten. Burger representatives will be on hand to meet with captains to enumerate the many positives of working with Burger and to discuss its on-going support of the USSA and its Come Sea U.S. campaign. Highlights of the program include security presentations on Wednesday, January 16, including exercises with a certificate of completion. On Thursday, January 17, there will be briefings to inform attendees about US Entry procedures for foreign flagged vessels, the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW), flag state audits and more. The annual event will also include nightly cocktail parties with captains and senior officers. Burger, founded in 1863, is renowned for its quality vessels which can be found in ports around the world. Since its founding, Burger has built hundreds of custom yachts and commercial vessels in various sizes to 260' (80m) at its Manitowoc, WI shipyard


Cigarette Featured on Nightly Business Report
When PBS TV news program, Nightly Business Report, decided to report on the state of US marine manufacturing, they chose Cigarette Racing Team as a key indicator of the luxury boat market. Anchorman Tom Hudson and his crew interviewed Cigarette President and CEO Skip Braver at the 2012 Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show where the company, as the anchor of the Hi-Performance dock, displayed a range of models including the new 42' Huntress performance center console. Hudson then visited the Cigarette factory to see first-hand how the custom boats are built. Braver explained how when the economy got tight and most of the marine industry contracted, Cigarette invested in new tooling, new models and kept its factory and employees busy to grow the company, preparing for the better times ahead. The strategy worked for Cigarette as the company has continually enjoyed excellent sales. Hudson reported on the process of custom boat building at Cigarette and Braver explained that the company's loyal customers are "lifestyle addicts" who enjoy the premium luxury lifestyle brand which has expanded and refined under his 10-year tenure. Braver led the industry in introducing center consoles to the performance line, including the new 42' Huntress which combines a full luxury cabin, high technology instrumentation, and room for dozens of passengers. With up to 1,750 HP, depending on the choice of Mercury Marine or Mercury Racing engines and options, the boat retails for between $750,000-$1 million.


Outer Reef Best in Class in AIM Awards
Outer Reef Yachts made some waves at this year’s Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. The Outer Reef 700 pilothouse long range motoryacht was awarded the AIM (Active Interest Media) award for excellence, for best in class long range cruiser in the 70'-80' category. This year’s AIM awards acknowledge the industry’s leading builders for cutting edge design and their contribution to the yachting industry.


Overmarine New Sales Partner in China
The Overmarine Group continues with its expansion strategy in the East, signing a working agreement with Martello Yachting at its offices in Viareggio, the world capital for luxury boating, on 8th December. This new agreement involves promotion of the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceano brand in China and Singapore. China is a growing market for the nautical industry, in terms of both clients and services, marinas and infrastructures. Indeed, an out and out nautical culture has begun to spread. Today's Chinese clients are more mature and aware than those of the past, hence ready for a brand like Mangusta, which has been a leader in the sector of cutting-edge maxi open yachts for over 30 years. Innovation and technology, high quality, luxury and artisan skill, a top performance, high levels of safety, spacious environments and on-board comfort, Italian style and bespoke interiors blend together perfectly on Mangusta yachts. Martello Yachting was founded in 2009 and specialises in superyachts, backed by its team's 30 year experience. With four Asian offices: Beijing, Hong Kong, Xiamen and Singapore, and over 25 employees offering consistent assistance to clients before, during and after they purchase their yacht. Martello Yachting shares the same values and approach to clients as the Overmarine Group, and is an ideal partner for strengthening the Mangusta brand on such a strategic market.


Riviera Drives Into 2013 with Strong Orders
Riviera, Australia’s largest and most awarded luxury boat builder is looking forward to 2013 as its forward orders continue to grow, and the company welcomes three new seasoned professionals to its senior lead team. The past nine months have been both hectic and productive for Riviera as the company has undergone an extensive re-structuring since the business returned to private ownership in March of this year. Riviera’s popular and proven current models including the 43 and 53 Flybridges and the 5000 and 5800 Sport Yachts have continued to excite boating enthusiasts around Australia and around the world, resulting in forward orders stretching into mid 2013. The launch of several key new models in 2012 has been a strong contributor to the growth of the company’s forward order book. These models have included the 63 and 75 Flybridges resulting in six sales, and the release of a whole new range of boats in the SUV series, which has also achieved six sales to date. The acquisition of the Belize Motoryachts line in April has certainly been welcomed by the Riviera global dealer network and has resulted in eight sales. The announcement of further new models for release in 2013 including the 50 Flybridge and a larger SUV model have further contributed to the forward order bank placing Riviera in a strong position going into the New Year. As 2012 draws to a close, Riviera is firmly focused on 2013 and the opportunities that lie ahead. To help steer the growing company forward, the lead team has been further strengthened with the appointment of several key personnel. New head of design Stephen Ford, new chief financial officer Richard Appleby and new general manager, Scott Cumming all have a wealth of experience, have previously worked at Riviera and have recently returned to the company. They will join the highly experienced and skilled lead, which comprises CEO Wes Moxey; long serving International Sales Director Chris McCafferty who is based in Florida, USA; general counsel Cherriee Ludemann; IT, supply and warehouse manager Kirk Starr; and director of brand and communications Stephen Milne. CEO Wes Moxey said returning to Riviera was a very easy decision for him having watched from the outside how conclusively the Riviera brand retained its integrity and global support during the past four turbulent years. English born Stephen Ford, brings a wealth of knowledge to Riviera’s award-winning design team. Stephen studied marine engineering at Southampton University and has more than 15 years boat design experience. Stephen was the senior designer for Sunseeker for 10 years before relocating to Australia in 2007 to manage and develop the acclaimed Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht. His love of the Australian culture and outdoors lifestyle gave Stephen the motivation to further his skills in marine design and he seized the chance in 2011 to work on the Belize Motoryacht project with Wes Moxey before returning to Riviera earlier this month to take up the role of head of design. Stephen said he felt honoured to be leading such a talented and well-respected design team. Chief financial officer Richard Appleby is a qualified Chartered Accountant and has worked with KPMG and Coopers & Lybrand before embarking on a career in commerce. He has worked with a diverse range of multi-national and privately held companys in the wholesale, retail, hospitality, technology and manufacturing sectors. When Richard learned the business had been purchased by Rodney Longhurst, he wanted to return to Riviera and Queensland. General manager Scott Cumming also recently returned to Riviera following a stellar career in Malaysia, where he oversaw the development and design of new Grand Banks models. Scott began his boat building career with Riviera as an apprentice in 1990 and went on to complete his Masters in Business Administration in 2001. During his time at Riviera, Scott worked in various roles within the organisation including, boat building, lamination, stainless steel, engineering, electrical, and new product development. Scott said he was pleased to be back in Australia and felt honoured to have the opportunity to return to Riviera as general manager. Riviera CEO Wes Moxey said Stephen, Richard and Scott were all strong leaders in their own right and given their international experience, they have the drive and determination to take their teams to an even higher level. Riviera owner Rodney Longhurst is proud to be surrounded by such a high calibre and motivated team.


Sealine New Lebanon Dealer
Sealine is delighted to announce that it has appointed Sarto Marine as their new dealer for Lebanon. Based at Saad Zaghloul Street, Beirut Central District, the company will be providing comprehensive sales and after sales services for the region and is an important appointment for opening up sales opportunities for the growing Middle East market. Sarto Marine, which was established in April 2011 by the Khayat family, has very quickly established an excellent reputation for providing outstanding customer service. Sarto Marine will be exhibiting at the forthcoming Beirut Boat Show with Sealine product. Both Omar Khayat, CEO and Maher Ghandour, Managing Director will be at the show which takes place from 22nd to 26th May 2013.


Sea Ray Wins Marine Group Award
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce it was awarded an Editor’s Choice Award from Active Interest Media (AIM) Marine Group during the 2012 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Specifically, the award was given to the Sea Ray 510 Sundancer for being selected as the Best Domestic Motoryacht 50-60 Feet. The award was presented to Parmentier during the AIM Marine Group Editor’s Choice Awards Gala on Friday, October 26, at the W Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. AIM is the parent company of Power & Motoryacht, Soundings, Yachts International and PassageMaker magazines, among others. According to AIM, the awards reflect the renewed vigor, confidence and innovation among builders and manufacturers.

Sea Ray Named Boat of the Year
Sea Ray, the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats, is pleased to announce that its new and innovative 370 Venture has been named “Boat of the Year 2012” by the editors of Boating magazine. The award was presented in the January 2013 issue of Boating magazine, on newsstands now. “Boating’s Tech Team tested more than 100 boats in 2012. In addition to performance data and commentary, Boating boat tests assess how a given boat compares to the other in the same category,” said the article announcing the award.


Sunreef Celebrates Christmas at the Shipyard
On December 17th 2012, annual Christmas celebrations took place at the Sunreef Yachts shipyard combined with two important occasions: the 10th anniversary of the shipyard and the 20th anniversary of the arrival of its founder and President, Francis Lapp to Poland to settle down and run his business. All Sunreef employees, local officials, VIP's and media came together to raise a toast to Francis Lapp and Sunreef Yachts. During the ceremony special awards were given to the company's most loyal and supportive friends such as former President of Poland Mr Lech Walesa, the President of Gdansk Mr Pawel Adamowicz and famous Polish sportsman, Dariusz Michalczewski. Some of the best shipyard workers were also rewarded for their loyalty, determination and hard work during the past year. 2013 is expected to be another successful year full of challenges for the company.


Wider Announces Partnership with EXA Ltd
Wider announces its partnership with EXA Ltd., a company that refers to Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Genting Group, a top South Asian entrepreneurial corporation. The operation provides for an increase in capital, which means founder partners, Tilli Antonelli and Paolo Favilla, and new partner EXA Ltd. will each hold 50% of Wider. The additional resources resulting from this operation will aid the development of the company's strategic plan, according to the guidelines set down by Tilli Antonelli. Two years after it was founded, and after having launched its 42' yacht, Wider is currently working its way through the steps of its strategic plan. The next stage in its development of high performance, high technology, medium-sized day cruisers is the 32’ and the company entered the displacement sector by launching the 150’ at the end of 2011. Moreover, presentation of a range of yachts measuring 30 to 50 metres has been planned for spring 2013. The Wider evolution provides for products created for an exclusive, highly demanding clientèle with extremely high standards of quality, both regards the layout and design design. The team flanking Tilli Antonelli will also involve architects and engineers who have made Italian goods famous all over the world. The new units will all be built in Italy and respect the highest tradition of our shipbuilding industry. A fundamental part of the agreement is the synergy between Wider's expertise - in terms of product and of managing international distribution networks – and the resources of the Genting Group, which operates mainly in the tourism and leisure sectors. The Group boasts a capillary presence on Asian markets, manages 5 companies listed on the Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Hong Kong stock exchanges and capitalises around 35 billion dollars, employing 52,000 people. Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay also controls the third most important company in the world in the cruise liner business, with Star Cruise (South Asia) and Norwegian Cruise Line (Caribbean). Whilst Wider was assisted in this operation by KT Finance and Mazzoni & Associati, EXA Ltd. was assisted by Clyde & Co.

December 30, 2012

Project: Ferretti 960

Ferretti presents a new flagship for its Yachts line the 960, which will also mark the largest yacht ever built in the Cattolica establishment.  The Ferretti 960 shows clever measures thanks to an over-all length of 95 feet and still being under 24 meters in the water line, allowing helm duties to be made without the need of a professional captain license.  Designed by the usual Zuccon and the Ferretti design and engineering studios, the 960 is characterized by two and half decks raised pilot house profile, and the known Italian brand says all the latest novelties in ergonomics as shown in the recent 720, 830, and 690 models are to be featured. The accommodation plan is for four double VIP cabins below, and an owners stateroom in the forward part of the main deck.  One of the innovations of the 960 will seem to be the space for an extra large tender, and a sundeck area on the aft bathing platform.  Speed estimates are for a max of 31 knots with the large MTU 2683hp engines pushing this 99 ton super yacht.  Alternative smaller MTU 2435hp give a max of 2 knots less, and a cruise of 25.    

December 28, 2012

New Model: Aquastar 42

The Aquastar 42 is the result of a long study in this market sector. An all round, family aft cabin motor cruiser, with great picture side windows to the Master cabin. The class leading VIP forward cabin presents a cunning swing apart double bed to create twin single berths. The secure aft deck offers unrivalled privacy for marina dining with enclosed seating for family and friends to relax with a wet bar and BBQ option. Well equipped with quick deploy canopies over helm and aft seating and an endless degree of choice, from single or twin helm the option if for an interior jockey station, and a second layout which replaces the VIP fore cabin with twin scissor berths. Other options include hydraulic stabilizer fins something very rare in this size, which will decrease rolling to a bare minimum at slow speeds, and on anchor.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.8 m (42ft)
Beam - 4.26 m
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 681 l 
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x 370hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Hull Type - semi displacement shape
Project - Design Unlimited interior

December 26, 2012

News: Nord West December 2012

OPENING TIMES
During the Christmas break Nord West showroom will be open on 27-28 december, and 2-4th January 2013. As usual Nord West welcomes you to come and discuss a new boat or look at the many second hand brokerage boats, cruisers, and yachts available.
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MOTOR BOAT OF THE YEAR
Nord West 430 Sports Top has been nominated to the Motor Boat of the Year 2013 in the category powerboat up to 45 feet. If you missed the test of the Nord West 430 Sports Top in the December issue of the magazine Motor Boats and Yachting we suggest you to check it out.  
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BOAT SHOWS IN WINTER 2013
Nord West and its sister sailing brand Najad will be present at the following upcoming boat shows.  The World class Dusseldorf boat show in Germany from the 19 to the 27 January with a Nord West 430 Sports Top, and a 370 Coupe.  Gothenburg on the 2 till the 10 February with a Nord West 430. Frederica in Denmark during the weekend of 22 till the 24 February with a Nord West 430 Sports Top. Alvsjo in Stockholm on the 2 to the 10 March also with a Nord West 430.  Indoor show in Oslo, Telenor starting the 13 till 17th March with a Nord West 430.  Book your dates.  
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December 24, 2012

New Model: Azimut 54

Azimut yachts new 54 is a further tune up of the 53 model launched in 2009, with the main differences coming from a redesign of the profile windows, and an improved interior with a more luxurious decor.  Another important difference will be the galley which now features a complete redesign allowing for better layout.  For the rest the new 54 keeps the clever layout of the 53, which features the much appreciated three double cabins layout, and a full beam midships owners stateroom.  Power is twin MAN 730hp engines with a max speed of 33 knots. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.7 (54.9ft)
Hull Length - 16.6 m
Beam - 4.74 m
Draft - 1.35 m
Displacement - 27 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 2340 l
Water Capacity - 590 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins, 1 crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x MAN R6 730hp
Propulsion - V drive with line shaft
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Project - Stefano Righini exterior, Azimut yachts
Construction - fiberglass,vacuum infused resin
Certification - CE UNI ISO 8666

December 22, 2012

Class 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

RACE 1
Dubai’s Victory Team is celebrating a remarkable twelfth World Championship success after a convincing win in race 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri.
The Victory duo seemed unfazed after finding themselves in third place after the start and played a waiting game, coming from behind to take their sixth win of the season to seal a fifth World title for Al Zafeen and a third for Al Marri.
Today’s win also secures a sixth Middle East Championship for Victory after dropping just eight points in five starts, with Al Zafeen winning both titles for the last four years.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella raced to their third podium of the year bringing LFFendi10 home in second place, with Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath, running under the Victory Australia banner, producing yet another outstanding performance to make it three podiums from five outings in their short end of season stint in Class 1, finishing third.
From the green flag Al Zafeen and Al Marri watched as the Italian duo in LFFendi10 came from sixth place on the line and raced into a comfortable lead on the rough 2Nm start run outside Lulu Island to lead by five seconds at the end of lap1.
Nicholson and McGrath were up into second ahead of their adopted teammates Victory, with Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci in Spirit of Gabon-Poliform in fourth and Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori in fifth.
LFFendi10 extended their lead after opting to run their two mandatory short laps immediately, to open up a 17 second gap but now over Spirit of Gabon-Poliform and Zabo-Isiklar who also went for the short laps early.
But by the end of lap 5 with all boats having run their short laps, Victory hit the front to lead by 9 seconds with LFFendi10 second and Victory Australia third.
The leading trio remained line astern for the remaining 5 laps with Al Zafeen and Al Marri running out the comfortable winners by 34 seconds. “It was always our plan to take it easy at the start and not to take any risks,” said Arif Al Zafeen after his 29th career win.
A third podium in six outings since they switched into their Victory hull has now moved Fendi and Carpitella up into third place in the overall Championship standings, with Luca Formilli Fendi understandably pleased with the result.
Nicholson and McGrath’s short time on the tour just gets better and better, the Australian-New Zealand pairing now boasting two race podiums and one from yesterday’s qualifying.
Team Abu Dhabi’s hopes of a podium finish on home waters disappeared after dropping a place at the start, but Al Tayer and Al Mansoori regained the place on lap five to finish in fourth and secure the runners-up slot in the World and Middle East Championship standings.
Spirit of Gabon-Poliform and Zabo-Isiklar battled it out in the latter stages and enjoyed a six lap tussle for fifth and six spots, Cappellini and Montavoci winning the duel to finish in front by just four seconds, with both FARO ACCIAI and Subseapilot going the distance and picking up valuable points.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, RACE 1 – Results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) 00.29.49,34
2. 10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.34,39
3. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) + 00.38,39
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 00.52,72
5. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) + 01.25,00
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 01.29,00
7. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 LAP
8. 8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) + 1 LAP
RACE 2
Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri completed their Abu Dhabi Grand Prix treble after cruising to a comfortable Victory in race 2.
Today’s win, their seventh of the season, ends a near perfect season for the Champions, claiming top spot in the World, Middle East and Edox Pole Position Championships.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella maintained their impressive run of form to finish on the podium for the second time in two days bringing LFFendi10 home in second place, with Zabo-Isiklar’s Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski ending their season on a high with a well-deserved first podium of the year and clinching fourth place in the Championship.
The newly crowned Champions were in a league of their own and took the initiative from the start and led the race from flag to finish and at no time came under any pressure.
By mid-race Al Zafeen and Al Marri had eased out to a 30 second lead and were in cruise control and able to back off in the closing stages to win the 14 lap, 70.17Nm race by 12 seconds.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella completed their hat-trick of race podiums to round off a very strong second half the year, but had to hold off a strong challenge from Zabo-Isiklar in the closing stages.
Zabo Racing’s habit of ending their seasons on the podium continued, with Isik and Zaborowski’s strategy of taking their second short lap late paying dividends, moving them up from sixth place at the end of lap six into third spot a lap later.
For the remainder of the race they piled the pressure on and chased down LFFendi10 closing the gap too under five seconds.
For the first Grand Prix this season Team Abu Dhabi missed out on a podium finish, with Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori again finishing in fourth.
Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini did not have the pace to run with the others but did have the reliability, ending a positive weekend for the team picking up their best result of the year finishing in fifth spot.
There was disappointment for Victory Team Australia’s Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath who were running in second place when their race came to an abrupt end after a broken torque sensor forced them to stop on lap seven.
Subseapilot lasted just two laps with Yngve Bratland and Bjorge Jacobsen returning to the pits with an engine problem, Poliform-Spirit of Gabon’s Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci following them in on lap 10, also with an engine issue.
ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX, RACE 2 – Results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) 00.42.31,12
2. 10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.11,71
3. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 00.16,97
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 00.24,16
5. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 03.10,71
6. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) dnf
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) dnf
8. 8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) dnf
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 8
1. 3 Victory Team - 177pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 127pts
3. 10 Fendi Racing - 87pts
4. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 63pts
5. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 53pts
6. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 37pts
8. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 34pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 22pts
10. 8 Subseapilot - 7pts
11. 90 Welmax - 5pts
12. 9 Welmax - 0pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 6
1. 3 Victory Team - 112pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 75pts
3. 10 Fendi Racing - 52pts
4= 91 Zabo Isiklar - 33pts
4= 7 Victory Team of Australia - 33pts
6. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
7. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 23pts
8. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 7pts
10. 8 Subseapilot - 3pts
11. 90 Welmax - 0pts
www.class-1.com

December 21, 2012

Web: Dalla Pieta New Web Site

Dalla Pieta from Venice, Italy presents its new World wide web virtual showroom.  This firm story starts in 1949 when Bepi Dalla Pieta builds his first boat, but it will be ten years later to this when the first establishment is opened on the Giudecca island in Venice.  The first steps of Dalla Pieta the builder are outboard boats from four to seven meters named; Rio, Laguna, and Ionio and these are soon followed by other inboard models; Adriatico, Tirreno, and Pacifico.  Thanks to its Hunt inspired deep Vee hulls various Dalla Pieta models have success in many competitions and soon the name is associated with good sea keeping, so the company launches the revolutionary Manta a boat fully dedicated to racing.  In the seventies Dalla Pieta due to more clients demand moves its premises to Marghera where it can build larger craft up to 14 meters.  In the eighties comes the transfer of ownership to the sons of Bepi; Gianni and Giorgio who expand to a new production facility in Fusina-Malcontenta and also begin an expansion period of the yard with the 28 and 37 Altair open sports cruisers, the 52 Asterion flybridge motor yacht, and the very revolutionary for the early nineties 43 and 55 Al Na'Ir hard top models.  Both the Al Na'Ir where in fact both featured with a patio door and an opening hard top capsule which even in today's standards was well ahead of its time.  The period from 2002 till 09 sees a growth of 700% to Dalla Pieta, and important organizational changes with Michele Cazzanti head of the company along Giorgio, and Engineer Fausto Colombi coming from Riva and Sarnico yards taking responsibility of building. This growth is soon stopped due to recession hitting the World and Dalla Pieta is in liquidation for a year in 2010 purchased later by a big multi national company who gives the helm to Franco Nocera and Giovan Battista Penzo, both part of the Venice brand recent history. Today Dalla Pieta builds six models from fifty to eighty feet starting with the  DP50 HT, up to the DP80 HT.  Its latest model is this year 2012 launched DP70 Fly sold on plan to a dedicated client.  Dalla Pieta new web site is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Home, Company, Yachts, Preowned, News, and Contacts.  Dalla Pieta has also its social network hubs; Facebook, and Youtube with a direct link available on the top right corner of the new site.    

December 20, 2012

New Model: Starfisher 290 Cancun Cabin

As it happens today in most models over forty feet, but very less sub thirty size Starfisher from Portugal was clever enough to present a hard top version for its 290 Cancun, renamed in this new upper structure version as Cabin.  The new Starfisher 290 Cancun Cabin presents itself with an enclosed hard top covering a huge portion of the exterior aft deck which features a sun pad to aft, L-shaped settee to port side, and helm with behind a well sized wet bar to starboard. Alternatively one can also order the sun pad replaced by a C-shaped settee.  Inside the 290 Cancun Cabin presents the usual layout in this size with two areas sleeping four people, plus a galley and a separate head.  Power is single or twin engines in stern drive propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 9.13 m (29.5ft)
Hull Length - 7.98 m
Beam - 3.00 m
Displacement - 4/76 t
Fuel Capacity - 500 l
Water Capacity - 110 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Max Persons - 8
Engines - 1 x 250hp, 350hp, 2 x 160hp, 260hp
Propulsion - single or twin stern drives
Certification - CE B

December 19, 2012

Class 1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview

Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri will make the short journey from the team’s headquarters in Dubai for the final Grand Prix of the year in Abu Dhabi (19-21) with the title all but won, and needing just a handful of points to win a remarkable 12th World title for Victory Team.
The Champions elect need to finish ahead of their neighbours Team Abu Dhabi who can still mathematically win the Championship should Victory suffer some kind of monumental meltdown – which is highly unlikely.
With the Edox Pole Position Championship already won Al Zafeen and Al Marri will now be looking to complete the season grand slam. After five wins and two further podium finishes they sit at the top of the World Championship standings with 137 points, 32 clear of Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori and lead them in the Middle East Championship by 15 points.
Victory Team’s trophy haul began back in 1993, winning the World title in their debut season. Over the last two decades they have won 91 races from 167 starts en route to 11 World tiles, winning the European Championship seven times, the Middle East Championship five times and picking up eight Pole Position titles.
With Sheikh Hassan disappointingly calling time on the Spirit of Qatar Team’s Class 1 campaign after boycotting race 2 in Dubai, the door is left open for a clutch of teams to battle it out for podium honours, with Team Abu Dhabi and LFFendi10 looking to carry the fight to Victory.
Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Mansoori have pushed their UAE cousins hard all year and have enjoyed their best season since teaming-up in Norway in 2010, picking up six podium finishes and will be looking to close out their year with a win on home waters.
Despite boycotting race 2 last weekend LFFendi10 will line up in Abu Dhabi, with Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella all set to secure third spot in the World Championship standings but they may well have to stave off a challenge from Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath - who were impressive in their first outing in the Championship in Dubai running in the latest generation Victory hull with a fourth and a podium finish - in the fight for a top three finish in the Middle East Championship.
Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski matched their best performance of the season in Dubai with a fourth place in Zabo-Isiklar and will be intent on maintaining their top six status despite being limited in their choice of set-up, with FARO ACCIAI’s Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini looking to build on their double points finish last time out.
After just one points finish from seven starts Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci will be hoping to close out a frustrating year with a trouble free run in Spirit of Gabon-Poliform, with Subseapilot's Yngve Bratland and Bjorge Jacobsen hoping for their first points of their UAE campaign.
First Practice takes place on Wednesday from 11.30-13.00hrs (local) with official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 15.30hrs. A second practice session on Thursday morning at 10.30hrs is followed by Race 1 of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - 10 laps / 49.97Nm at 15.30hrs, with a final practice session on Friday morning at 10.30hrs and Race 2– 14 laps / 70.17Nm at 15.30hrs.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 7
1. 3 Victory Team - 137pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 105pts
3= 96 Spirit of Qatar - 53pts
3= 10 Fendi Racing - 53pts
5. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 42pts
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 21pts
8. 23 Fa.Ro Acciai - 19pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 13pts
10. 90 Welmax - 5pts
11= 9 Welmax - 0pts
12= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 4
1. 3 Victory Team - 72pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 57pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
4. 10 Fendi Racing - 22pts
5. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 21pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 16pts
7. 23 Fa.Ro Acciai - 12pts
8. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
9= 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 0pts
9= 90 Welmax - 0pts
9= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 4
1. 3 Victory Team - 75pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 45pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 35pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 31pts
5. 10 Fendi Racing - 24 pts
6. 90 Welmax - 16pts
7. 9 Welmax - 12pts
8= 74 Poliform - 9pts
8= 91 Zabo Isiklar - 9pts
10. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 7pts
11. 23 Fa.Ro. Acciai - 5pts
12. 8 Subseapilot - 3pts

December 18, 2012

Project: Steeler NG65 Classic

Its very interesting seeing the Dutch more in the small sizes, and it is more curious to see even more steel used in the sub super yacht sizes.  The Dutch have a tremendous quality name and it seems now that boaters are looking for this in the smaller sizes.  Steeler is one of the handful Dutch builders who are creating a stir in the small sizes and today we present you its new flagship the NG65 Classic.  Interesting this new Steeler will come with a very competitive starting price attached to it which makes it similar to that of most sixteen meter planning fiberglass competition.  Although I am sure if you spec more to this the NG65 Classic price will rise significantly, example in this is that the standard engine is a single Yanmar 320hp.  Standard accommodation plan is for a four double cabins layout.

December 17, 2012

New Model: Absolute 40 STL

Absolute's 40 STL presents a new chapter for the North Italian boat builder who presents a large open cruiser with a nice comfortable interior, and a walk around style deck space.  When the rendering was presented and looking into some Italian forums many boaters said they did not enjoy much this new Absolute 40 Sport Line, but personally I see it as a nice offer for those looking for a day cruiser with capability of to making a cruise.  The deck space of the 40 STL presents itself as a center console with both the side decks, to port and starboard allowing free undisturbed passageway from the bathing platform to the fore tip.  The accommodation plan here resides in the middle with a central sun pad, C-shaped settee, wet bar, and a two seat helm station.  Below is an accommodation plan sleeping a total of four with the layout consisting of a convertible Vee shaped dinette to fore, shower head, galley, and a full beam separate owners cabin to midships.  Power is twin Volvo engines; diesel 300 or 330hp, and petrol gasoline 270 and 320hp units. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.9 m (39ft)
Hull Length - 9.97 m
Beam - 3.99 m
Fuel Capacity - 780 l
Water Capacity - 190 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Max Persons - 10
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 330hp, Petrol Gas Volvo 5.0 GXi 270hp, 5.7 GXi 320hp 
Propulsion - Volvo DPH or DPS dual propeller stern drive
Project - Absolute Research and Development Lab
Certification - CE B  

December 16, 2012

Class 1 - Dubai Grand Prix

RACE 1
Sheikh Hassan Bin Jabor Al-Thani and Steve Curtis produced a brilliant tactical drive in rough conditions off the Mina Seyahi to come from behind to take their second win of the season in race 1 in Dubai of the Emirates-Dubai Duty Free and Skydive Dubai Grand Prix.
The pole-sitters and 2012 Champions elect, Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri saw their hopes of victory disappear in the latter stages to finish in second place ahead of Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella in LFF10.
The decision by the Spirit of Qatar 96 crew to take their two mandatory long-laps early after a poor start dropped them to third place behind LFF10 and the early race leader’s Victory, paid off.
They began their fight back as the front two runners went for their long laps and on lap six passed LFF10 and then set about overhauling the 40-second deficit to Victory.
By lap eight they had cut the gap to ten seconds, passing the Championship leader’s two laps later to go on and take the win by 14-seconds, completing the 12 laps/53.76Nm in 38:03.77s.
Despite a brilliant start by Al Zafeen and Al Marri and easing out to a comfortable lead in the early stages of the race, an engine issue in the closing laps and second place means their hopes of trying to close-out the Championship in front of their home crowd now depends on them winning race 2 and Team Abu Dhabi, who finished in fourth place, finishing outside the top six.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella mirrored their performance in official qualifying, but a ballast issue mid-race prevented them from holding off the Spirit of Qatar charge to the front, costing them a possible second spot.
Peter McGrath and Class 1 newcomer Darren Nicholson survived one or two nervous moments in the new Victory hull, running as Victory Team Australia, coming home in fifth place despite being given a time penalty for missing a turn buoy, ahead of Zabo-Isiklar and FA.RO Acciai.
A 360 spin-out on lap two ended Guido Cappellini and Giampaolo Montavoci’s race, with Yngve Bratland and Bjorge Jacobsen’s Subseapilot stopping on the same lap with a technical problem. Ali Al Neama and Matteo Nicolini failed to make the start after damaging Spirit of Qatar 95 in qualifying.
EMIRATES/DUBAI DUTY FREE and SKYDIVE DUBAI GRAND PRIX, RACE 1 – Results
1. 96 Spirit of Qatar - H Al Thani (QAT) / S Curtis (ENG) - 00.38.03,77
2. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) + 00.14,72
3. 10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.35,56
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 02.46,00
5. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) + 03.57,00
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 1 LAP
7. 23 FA.RO. Acciai - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 2 LAPS
8. 8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) dnf
9. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) dnf
10. 95 Spirit of Qatar - A Al Neama (QAT) / M Nicolini (ITA) dns
RACE 2
Arif Al Zafeen and Mohammed Al Marri cruised to a somewhat hollow victory in the Skydive Dubai Grand Prix, following extraordinary scenes before the start with three boats boycotting the race and returning to the pits.
The decision by Spirit of Qatar’s team principal Sheikh Hassan bin Jabor Al-Thani and Luca Formilli Fendi to boycott the race hinged on the fact that they [teams] were informed of the decision to change the course 45 minutes before the start of the race, and that Victory were late to the race pontoon because they were changing their set-up.
Despite all teams being given the opportunity by UIM Race Commissioner Gordon Sutherland to return to the pits to change set-ups, only Darren Nicholson and Peter McGrath of Victory Team Australia took up the option.
Not for the first time over the race weekend the weather was the powerful dictator, forcing race officials to shorten the course for the mornings practice and then reduce it considerably further and run a ‘storm course’ due to the extreme conditions on the outside leg.
With Subseapilot already side-lined after losing their escape hatch and damaging the boat in the morning session, and the withdrawal of both Qatar boats and LFF 10, six lined up for the revised 13 lap 42.14Nm race with officials opting for a rolling start with the boats running line stern.
The absence of yesterday’s race winner and third placed boat handed the advantage to Al Zafeen and Al Marri who disappeared into the distance from the green flag and were unchallenged throughout, and cruised to their fourth win of the year to extend their lead in the Championship standings to 30 points.
Team Abu Dhabi’s Rashed Al Tayer and Majed Al Mansoori added to their podium haul with an untroubled second place to keep them insight of their UAE rivals in the title race.
Class 1 newcomer Darren Nicholson and Class 1 returnee Peter McGrath took full advantage of the situation to celebrate their entry into the Championship finishing in third place in Victory Team Australia, with Zabo-Isiklar and FARO ACCIAI picking up valuable points coming home in fourth and fifth spots, but there was frustration for Spirit of Gabon-Poliform who stopped on lap 1.
EMIRATES/DUBAI DUTY FREE and SKYDIVE DUBAI GRAND PRIX, RACE 2 – Results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zafeen (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) 00.28.16,28
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - R Al Tayer (UAE) / M Al Mansoori (UAE) + 00.08,77
3. 7 Victory Team of Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / P Mc Grath (NZL) + 00.48,36
4. 91 Zabo Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 01.28,00
5. 23 FA.RO. Acciai - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 2 LAPS
6. 74 Poliform - G Cappellini (MON) / G Montavoci (ITA) dnf
96 Spirit of Qatar - H Al Thani (QAT) / S Curtis (ENG) dns
95 Spirit of Qatar - A Al Neama (QAT) / M Nicolini (ITA) dns
10 Fendi Racing - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) dns
8 Subseapilot - Y Bratland (NOR) / B Jacobsen (NOR) dns
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 7
1. 3 Victory Team - 132pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 102pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 73pts
4. 10 Fendi Racing - 50pts
5. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 40pts
7. 7 Victory Team of Australia - 19pts
8. 23 FA.RO. Acciai - 18pts
9. 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 13pts
10. 90 Welmax - 5pts
11= 9 Welmax - 0pts
12= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after race 4
1. 3 Victory Team - 67pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 54pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 52pts
4= 7 Victory Team of Australia - 19pts
4= 10 Fendi Racing - 19pts
6. 91 Zabo Isiklar - 14pts
7. 23 FA.RO. Acciai - 11pts
8. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
9= 74 Spirit of Gabon - Poliform - 0pts
9= 90 Welmax - 0pts
9= 8 Subseapilot - 0pts

December 15, 2012

Project: Couach 2600 Fly

After presenting its much awaited flagship the 5000 Fly, Couach yachts from France has gone into an ambitious project set to renew all its line to a new generation design statement.  PowerYacht has already showed some of the project in this new important project Couach has taken.  This new Couach 2600 series which will also feature an Open version sister model, represent the French builders entry level super yacht.  Considering that Couach now offers super yacht up to fifty meters what this model presents will be very important for making clients growing up the ladder size with you.  The 2600 Fly will present a four double cabins traditional layout plan with a four double guest cabins, and the owners room to midships having a separate staircase entrance.  The living on the main deck will be a split level separating the entrance with saloon followed by dining, to the galley, pilot house plus a small dinette to Port side of the helm divided by two steps up.  Crew cabin is aft having two cabins, both with private shower heads.  Standard engines are twin MAN 1800hp with estimated max speed of of 31 knots. 

December 14, 2012

New Model: Prestige 620

Prestige 620 is a further evolution of the 60 launched in 2009, presenting also the French builder new yacht line series.  The Prestige 620 is a tune up of the much well received 60, which thanks to its well planned lower and main deck layouts, and economic to run fuel consumption thanks to IPS pods has received amazing reviews globally.  The tune up in the 620 comes from a new extended larger bathing platform also available with hydraulic up and down movement, and a redesign of the flybridge deck.  For the rest the 620 keeps its well received interior plan mostly appreciated for its astern galley on the main deck, for the large cabins below, and a full beam owners suite which would not look out of place in a yacht five feet larger.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.5 m (63.9ft)
Hull Length - 17.3 m
Beam - 5.12 m
Draft - 1.32 m
Displacement - 23000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2800 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - 6 guest berths in 3 cabins, 2 crew berths in 1 cabin
Max Persons - 14
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 700hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS900 pod drives
Speed - 30 knots max, 25 knots cruise
Range - 325 nm at cruise
Project - Garroni exterior and interior, Michael Peters hull, JP Concept, Prestige Engineering
Certification - CE B-14, C-18

December 13, 2012

Class 1 - Dubai Grand Prix Preview

Victory Team will line-up for this week’s Emirates-Dubai Duty Free and Skydive Dubai Dubai Grands Prix looking to close out the title race on their home waters at the Dubai International Marine Sports Club as Dubai celebrates 21 years of hosting the Class 1 World Championship after staging its first two Grands Prix in 1992.
Wins in Qatar, Gabon and Italy puts the defending and four-time Champion Al Zafeen and two-time Champion Al Marri 21-points clear of their Emirati rivals, Team Abu Dhabi, at the top of the World Championship standings on 95 points as they look to win a remarkable twelfth World title for the Dubai based Victory Team 20 years after entering and winning the Championship on their debut in 1993.
To secure the title in the penultimate Grand Prix of the year before the season finale in Abu Dhabi the Dubai-duo, who completed the win-double in Dubai last year, must again win both races but need second placed Team Abu Dhabi to trip up and finish off the podium in both.
That will be a tall order; Team Abu Dhabi is on top form and enjoying theirs and the team’s best season to date and have missed out on a podium finish only once in their five starts in 2012 and will be looking to pick-up their first win together – the team’s last win coming in 2010 in Abu Dhabi when Al Tayer paired with American, John Tomlinson.
Ten boats will line up on a slightly revised course running off the Mina Seyahi and inside the Palm Jumeirah, with two new outfits on the start line and two new drivers set to make their Class 1 debuts.
New Zealander Peter ‘muddy’ McGrath, who last raced in Class 1 in 2009, makes a return to the Championship following his success in the USA in November winning the Supercat World title, and teams-up with Australian Darren Nicholson in a Victory hull running Victory V12s.
Norway’s Bjorge ‘bj’ Jacobsen will lead out a second Norwegian entry, Subseapilot Racing, alongside countryman Yngve Bratland in the Outerlimits hull owned and debuted by Fendi Racing in 2011, but opting to run Mercury V8s.
For Spirit of Qatar’s two-boat attack the world title, barring a complete technical or otherwise meltdown by the two front-runners, looks to be beyond their reach. But despite not contesting all rounds this season, opting not to go to Gabon, they sit in third and fourth spots, picking up two Grands Prix and an Edox Pole Position win.
Sheikh Hassan and Steve Curtis, who also enjoyed the spoils of success in the USA winning the Superboat Unlimited title, sit 42-points adrift of the leaders and 21 shy of Team Abu Dhabi in third but hold a nine-point advantage over teammates Ali Al Neama and Matteo Nicolini.
They took their first win together in Class 1 in Doha earlier in the year, adding two third placed finishes in Doha and in Italy, where they also grabbed their first pole position of the season, and are in the hunt for the Middle East title and sit joint top with arch-rivals Victory.
Al Neama and Nicolini have proved to be a strong partnership since finishing on the podium in their debut outing together in Abu Dhabi in 2010, winning twice and taking five podiums and a win in qualifying from their 11 starts. They produced one of their best performances last time out to upstage their teammates with a brilliant flag-to-finish win in race 2 in Italy - their second in Cernobbio - and will be looking for more of the same this weekend.
Team LFFendi10 completes the top half of the points table and has been a different outfit since running out for the first time in their ex Championship winning Victory hull and switching to SCAM engines in Libreville, Gabon in July.
Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella have shown that they can run at the front and are genuine podium challengers after finishing second in Gabon. They then went on to qualify in fourth in Italy and looked to be on track for a second podium finish before incurring a penalty lap for missing a turn-buoy, eventually finishing down in fifth place.
Norwegian outfit Zabo Racing will be desperate to turn their fortunes around and will be targeting a repeat of the podium success they enjoyed in Dubai last year.
The team is well overdue a strong run out, as well as some luck, and with three races under their belts and the much needed time out on the water with their latest specification Mercury engine package, Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski may well find form and deliver strong performances in the UAE.
Another team looking to put it all together over a race weekend is DAC Racing and they will be hoping to mark Giampaolo Montavoci’s 100th Grand Prix appearance with a more than possible podium finish.
Team principal and driver Guido Cappellini has reworked the former Championship winning Tencara and their performances at times have shown that the boat can be very competitive and quick. But reliability has been their ‘achilles heel’ and has cost them several podium opportunities.
If luck has deserted any team this year it is Team D’Alessio-SCAM who has suffered a catalogue of bad luck from season start and will be hoping for a trouble free run in Dubai.
A fire gutted the boat in the season-opener in Qatar, but the team managed to all but rebuild her in time to make the race start in Gabon where their new pairing of Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini picked up seven points in fifth place.
An all new look FA.RO ACCIAI rolled out in Italy, but last minute issues prevented the boat getting out onto the water until race 1 - albeit momentarily - with Gabbiani and Nicolini tipping it over at the first turn. Hopefully lady luck will be with them in the UAE.
First Practice takes place on Thursday from 11.30-13.00hrs (local) with official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position at 15.00hrs. A second practice session on Friday morning at 10.00hrs is followed by Race 1, the Emirates-Dubai Duty Free Dubai Grand Prix - 11 laps / 54.78Nm at 15.30hrs, with a final practice session on Saturday morning at 10.00hrs and Race 2, the Skydive Dubai Dubai Grand Prix – 14 laps / 68.37Nm at 15.30hrs.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 3
1. 3 Victory Team - 95pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 74pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 53pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 45pts
5. 10 LFF10 - 38pts
6. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 22pts
7. 74 Spirit of Gabon-Poliform -9pts
8. 23 FA,RO ACCIAI - 7pts
9. 90 Welmax - 5pts
MIDDLE EAST CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1= 96 Spirit of Qatar - 32pts
1= 3 Victory - 32pts
3. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 30pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 9pts
5. 10 LFF10 - 7pts
6= 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 0pts
6= 74 Spirit of Gabon-Poliform - 0pts
6= 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 0pts
6= Welmax - 0pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 3
1. 3 Victory Team - 55pts
2. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 36pts
3. 96 Spirit of Qatar - 35pts
4. 95 Spirit of Qatar - 19pts
5. 90 Welmax - 16pts
6. 9 Welmax - 12pts
7. 10 LFF10 - 9 pts
8. 74 Spirit of Gabon-Poliform - 5pts
9. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 4pts
10. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 3pts
www.class-1.com

December 12, 2012

New Model: Azimut 43 Magellano HT

Offering different versions to the same model has been an important element in the last couple of years since the crunch hit the World at end of the past decade.  Business wise this make a lot of sense since offering a hard top version of a flybridge model can usually attract a different set of customers to it.  The Azimut 43 Magellano HT wants to do purely this, attract a younger customer seeing that this hard top model of the entry level explorer line from the famed Italian builder shows a  more aggressive profile.  For the rest loosing the extra helm and entertainment area up top, the 43 Magellano HT keeps all the same as the flybridge model with the very clever main deck area with its well laid astern galley, and its spacious lower deck.  Speed is a max of 22 and a cruise of 18 thanks to twin Cummins 355hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.63 m (44.8ft)
Hull Length - 12.8 m
Beam - 4.4 m
Draft - 1.2 m inc props
Displacement - 17.4 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 1680 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 4 or 5 berths in 2 or 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cummins QSB5.9 305hp, QSB5.9 355hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 22 knots max, 18 cruise with 355hp
Project - Cor D.Rover styling, Bill Dixon hull
Hull Shape - semi displacement dual mode

December 11, 2012

Project: Aquastar 49S

Aquastar presents its latest development the new 49S model.  The first 49S is already in build, and should launch in coming Spring 2013.  Exterior wise the new 49S captures a lot of the features of the latest 42 launch mixed with those of the bigger Aquastar models, see big view windows for the owners aft cabin and a more higher profile for the second.  Is also interesting how Aquastar wants to make this pure British aft cabin cruiser a bit more of an all around see hard top covered aft deck, and more lean profile in the lines.  I am sure taking note from requests of the bigger models which usually have a more global influenced audience helped here. Aquastar so far is not giving much details both for the interiors and power performance choices.  It will be interesting to see if the layout will follow that of the 48 which offers two cabins and a larger saloon, or go for something more unedited.  At this stage we have to wait for more news from Aquastar.

December 10, 2012

New Model: Formula 350 Crossover Bowrider

Formula presents the 350 Crossover Bowrider, new flagship of the open fore deck line from the US builder which starts at 24 feet and with this latest entry features six model. Conceived by since long time Formula head designed John Adams at 35 feet the new Crossover Bowrider presents itself with a trend coming from the US, who recently offer a cabin together with a full deck space environment for 30 feet plus full deck open boats.  The 350 Crossover Bowrider shares hull with the same designated Supersport model and along a full deck space offering endless seating and sun pad ares to the full length of the sport cruiser model, it also offers a lower deck sleeping four including a galley and a head.  Interesting the space offered is more to that of some other performance orientated boats of the same size.  Power is from four engine choices; three Mercruiser and one Volvo and starts at 320 and go up to 430hp. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.67 m (35ft)
Beam - 3.28 m
Draft - 0.99 m
Displacement - 6109 kg
Fuel Capacity - 651 l
Water Capacity - 113 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 377Mag ECT 320hp, 8.2 Mag ECT 380hp, 8.2 Mag High Output 430hp, Volvo V8 CE 380hp
Propulsion - Mercruise Bravo Three or Volvo DP dual propeller stern drive
Hull Type - deep Vee 21 degrees dead rise
Construction - Imron graphics, Perma-panel structural hull matrix, foam full hull cavities
Project - John Adams
Certification - NMMA Yacht

December 9, 2012

Improve-it = Pershing 108

Presented at the Cannes show there was  a  more customized version of the three engines Pershing 108 described by the Italian firm as new edition.  The Pershing 108 is a 32 metres long super sport yacht that maximizes the concepts of personalization and versatility thanks to its layout that allows the owner and his guests to be the protagonists of the experience on board. In fact this new edition of the Pershing 108 has various new details that distinguish it from all the competitors in the same category. The chosen internal layout has four guest cabins; a full beam master suite amidships, a large VIP cabin forward and two guest cabins, one with twin beds and one with beds that can be used as single beds or a king size bed, and 3 crew cabins. The windows of the lower hull are also an original idea, since they have been enlarged at the bottom end so as to capture more natural light. The fabrics used are also innovative. Pershing 108 custom is the first yacht on which a special version of Alcantara was used for the exterior: in fact, all the sun beds and the sofas of the cockpit and the sun-deck are covered with this exclusive material which is particularly resistant to water.  The interiors are also prestigious, bearing the best designer names of the Made in Italy: Poltrona Frau, Armani Casa, Ernestomeda, Antonio Lupi, Penta Light and Zanotta.  Versatility and elegance are the strengths of this model, without underestimating its high level of performance the Pershing 108 New Edition has three MTU engines of 2638hp and thanks to the three surface propellers it reaches a top speed of more than 42 knots.
www.pershing-yacht.com

December 7, 2012

New Model: Bayliss 80 B15

Bayliss Boatworks is proud to deliver B15, 80 titled by her owner Dream Time, the largest completed sportfishing hull the company has delivered to date. All Bayliss hulls are built custom from the keel up, and are triple-plank cold-molded using epoxy resin. Bulkheads, cabins and bridges are built with Okoume plywood and Core-Cell A500 foam, designed to be lightweight, while still delivering maximum strength.  Her bridge layout is nothing short of impressive. At the helm, there are four monitors and an actuated drop down radio box. Moving forward, the bridge has the capacity to seat twelve adults, and contains four refrigerator freezer compartments, all concealed into flybridge cabinetry. A collaborative effort finished off the bridge details; tower from Palm Beach Towers, bridge enclosure by Costa Clear, electronics from IMS American and custom upholstery from C-Worthy.  In the cockpit, once again there are four freezers refrigerators, giving the boat a total of eight exterior boxes. There is also a huge in-depth fish box, which makes the overall storage capacity surprisingly large even for a Super Sportfish this size. Additionally, there’s a cockpit grill station, tackle storage, lower mezzanine bait station with adjustable trays, cockpit air-conditioning and air-actuated TV monitor. The wood for her teak aft bulkhead, mezzanine and transom were obtained from two single boards, providing perfect grain and color match. Her toe rail and cover boards came from handpicked old growth teak. But her striking exterior teak is just a prelude for what’s inside.  Everything inside; the cabinets, bunks, sofas, showers, doors, trim, etc. was crafted in the Bayliss Interior Carpentry shop. As always the veneers were derived from a single teak log. The salon galley has two levels, with a day head port side aft and a large L-shaped sofa with a convertible coffee table and additional dinette table as the centerpiece. Two barrel chairs, with an air-actuated bar storage compartment located between them, sit just in front of the TV. In the galley, there is an L-shaped dinette accented by a Kent Ullberg bronze sculpture, and opposite in the U-shaped galley there are three custom bar stools. Additional galley features include an induction cooktop, speed oven, icemaker, trash compactor, and three Sub-Zero refrigerators. A spacious portside walk-in pantry accommodates a wine refrigerator, A/V equipment and overflow storage area that support the crew and their guests all behind custom teak cabinetry. A starboard side electrical closet houses a floor to ceiling control panel.  Following the curved companionway forward, there are two guest VIPs port and starboard and the master stateroom forward. As you face aft, there are two steps down to crew’s area with a double bunk room to port, head in center and captain’s stateroom starboard. There are quite a few air-actuated elements in each of the staterooms, including TVs, a gun locker, and two Pullman bunks. The stereo systems can be controlled by iPhone.  Access to the pump and engine room is available through a custom watertight door located in the captain’s stateroom. Mechanical features include a 12-zone chilled water air-conditioning system, a water maker with provision to process dockside water, a redundant raw pump system, two shore power converters, Brownie’s dive compressor, heavy duty commercial refrigeration compressors, tool storage drawers, two icemakers, two 2600hp MTU main engines, two 38 kw Northern Lights generators, and an air-conditioned pump room. Although it’s all hidden, Bayliss 80 B15 maintains a well-stocked tackle shop worth of fishing gear. Rod and reel storage is cleverly concealed in weather tight secure locations from bridge to captain’s quarters.
Technical Data:
LOA - 24.3 m (80ft)
Beam - 6.47 m
Draft - 1.72
Displacement - 54431 kg
Fuel Capacity - 12113 l
Water Capacity - 1703 l
Accommodation - 10 guests in 5 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU m94 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 34 knots cruise
Construction - cold molding; wood, fiberglass and epoxy with jig method. Core cell used for upper structure.
Project - Robert Ullberg

December 6, 2012

Project: Metamarine TNT 51 Magnum

Metamarine from Italy is a very interesting young boat builder, and here it presents a new flagship the TNT 51 Magnum, its third production model.  Founded by the passion of Marco Pennesi who went on to race in the Endurance series with great success; first winning the Supersport championship in 2004 and then taking the prime Evolution series in 2010 with the 46 model.  This new model TNT 51 Magnum continues to represent Marco's tribute in racing of a fast diesel powerboat, with yacht comfort, high technology, and impressive sea keeping abilities.  It will feature a large cockpit deck able to seat eight persons, with an interior having two separate cabins sleeping four, plus two extra berths in the convertible dinette.  Power will be twin 950hp engines with Metamarine home made surface drives rudder system, trim tabs, and propellers.  Performance which is the prime motivator of the TNT 51 Magnum will be a top speed of 70 knots, and a cruise of 50 knots which gives a range of eight hours or 400 nautical miles. 

December 5, 2012

New Model: Vismara 56 My Navetta

Following what was a very well received launch the My Navetta 68, Vismara presents its younger sibling the 56.  Based on the concept of the larger sister in all, the 56 My Vismara also synthesizes whats this custom high technology builder has always delivered, light weight and performance orientated sailing and motor yachts.  The 56 My Navetta is Vismara fifth motor boat and is a big hybrid in everything, from hull design and speed parameters.  In the first unit delivered with no guarantee of a second the My Navetta 56 was presented with a two cabins lower deck layout, featuring two big suites for the owner, and VIP guests. A crew cabin is located to aft by the engine room.  The living is featured behind the pilot house on the main deck which joins easily with the aft cockpit.  Power is twin Volvo 435hp with IPS reaching a top speed of 28 knots with a cruise of 22.  The Vismara 56 My Navetta gets on the plane at only 12 knots.    
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.74 m (58.2ft)
Beam - 4.79 m
Draft - 1.20 m
Displacement - 20000 kg
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS600 forward looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 28 knots max speed, 22 knots cruise

December 4, 2012

Project: Viking 62 Enclosed Bridge

As Viking has always done with models at 60 feet plus, it now presents the Enclosed Bridge model of the upcoming new 62.  This new Viking will replace the 60 model featuring the latest clean cutting lines from the New Jersey boat boat builder.  As any Enclosed Bridge model the 62 will increase all year round cruising capabilities, has a fully air condition helm, and adds an extra entairtainment area inside. Boasting a lower deck with four double cabins of which is a midships owners stateroom, the 62 Enclosed Bridge will have a centre stair case connection located to starboard, this leading to the top helming deck.  The enclosed bridge will have a central helm, with a side companion settee, and an L-shaped sofa dinette to starboard with an opposite entairtainment unit.  An aft exterior deck will complete the enclosed bridge, this featuring a small helm station for mooring and sport fishing activities, and small mezzanine settee for two persons to starboard.

December 3, 2012

New Model: Grand Banks 55 Eastbay FB

Grand Banks presents a new important addition to its fast traditional down East lobster boat looking Eastbay series, the 55 FB flagship. This new Grand Banks builds on the lines above and below the waterline of the 55 Eastbay SX version, but adds a nice flybridge up top.  The top helm deck features a central Stidd seat, L-shaped dinette, and a wet bar to port side.  Access to the flybridge is from a wrap around stair case to port side of the cockpit.  The flybridge is also available with an optional layout which adds two  Stidd co-pilot settees to the sides of the central helm. The lower deck below is available in three plans; with the standard being a twin cabin and a below galley layout.  The two optional deck plans defer a lot.  One offers two large cabins taking a bit of space from the galley but still keeping it in the lower deck.  The third lower deck option which is my preferred moves the galley to the main deck, in order to offer the three cabin two heads layout.  Power is from three Cat engine choices from 885 to 1150hp, and an MTU 835hp.
Technical Data:
LOA - 18.24 m (59.9ft)
Hull Length - 16.7 m
Waterline Length - 15.49 m
Beam - 4.98 m
Draft - 1.56 m
Displacement - 31524 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 3785 l
Water Capacity - 681 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, or 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat C18 Acert 885hp, 1015hp, 1150hp, MTU S60 835hp
Propulsion - line shafts with props in semi tunnels
Speed - 32 knots max 25 knots cruise
Project - C.R. Hunt Associates hull shape 

December 2, 2012

Project: Azimut Grande 140

A lot of production builders who have build a reputation and an image in the mid sizes have in the last decade entered the super yacht market of eighty feet plus, now Azimut one of the front runners in this race since the eighties presents a new flagship project, which expands the Italian builder size by 20 feet, the triple deck Grande 140.  But the new big Azimut does not want only to be a new flagship and also reinvents itself with a new hull shape called D2P Displacement to Planning, and a new propulsion system made in collaboration with Rolls Royce the Carbon Azipull 65C. This new 140 Grande project is to be the largest Azimut ever build, taking honors away from the recently launched 120 SL.  An important entertainment focus will be of three huge sun spa areas; fore deck, flybridge, and aft in the beach bathing platform.  It's standard interior layout will be for five double guest cabins, and a huge owners stateroom on the main deck.  Three crew cabins sleep six on the fore peak of the lower deck, plus a double captains cabin on the upper floor behind the pilot house.  Power is from twin MTU 3460hp with speed estimated being a max of 21 knots and a cruise of 16.

December 1, 2012

Outboards

In the last decade thanks to the advent of silent, clean, and fuel efficient four strokes engines, outboard powered boats have increased there size dramatically.  It was and still is a high performance young market but the sizes have increased and is not unusual to see a forty feet plus center console with four, five big outboards in its back.  That was till 2012!
Now this year Sea Ray rewrites the rules and presented the 370 Venture.  This 2012 sport cruiser model from Sea Ray breaks the mould in one most important feature, the outboards practically are hidden and do not disturb the lines, and the aft part of the cockpit deck.  How many times have I heard people not interested in an outboard boat because of this.  Fast forward a couple of months and S2 Yachts outboard Pursuit brand comes with a response presenting the SC365 project, which should launch by years end.  Pursuit also says that they have a patent pending for its invisible outboard system. 
Europe seems also catching up on this outboard bug and Italian Cranchi did this year present an outboard line presenting two models with the 24 and 32 Panama, this last being an outboard version of the Zaffiro which is about 25% cheaper to the Diesel inboard stern drive version.  It is still not what the two American builders are doing, but considering Italian, European flare how long before we see something like that from the Old Continent. 
It will be interesting what the Sea Ray 370 Venture will give to the market, will it be a niche, or a new growing trend.  The case in favour of four strokes outboard is that they are clean, silent, reliable, and also fuel efficient which could make the premium of a diesel engines less popular. If the engines are not visible and they are not wasting exterior deck spaces, that is another bonus!