June 30, 2013

Monthly News - June 2013

-pic of the month- Beneteau Barracuda Tour
 

Azimut Yachts and Bulgari
Azimut Yachts and Bulgari: iconic brands that are a byword for luxury around the world. The recently-signed partnership between the two companies, who use their creativity and manufacturing talent to create inimitable objects, is one based on undisputed product and service excellence. From 20 to 22 June, top clients from all over the world came to Italy and were welcomed by ‘personal jewellers’ who showed them jewellery from the new collections and helped them make purchases. It was an exclusive event in the setting of Portofino, another of the Italian luxury lifestyle’s favourite names. For the entire duration of this magical experience Azimut yachts were made available for the exclusive use of guests, taking them on excursions exploring the breath-taking sights of the Cinque Terre and to transfer them to the gala dinner on 22 June. What better setting could there be for this targeted, high-level, private event to show guests Azimut’s jewels and let them try them for themselves, and to convey the pleasure of the Italian way of life.


Beneteau Barracuda Tour First Edition
The first Edition of the Barracuda Tour of Brittany 2013 ended on Saturday 18th May in Saint Malo. This tour of Brittany on board two 7 and 9 metres Barracudas, braving the harshest of sea conditions, is a real achievement for BENETEAU and its partners. 500 nautical miles – 8 days – 60 engine hours… the Barracuda Tour: more than an adventure – a real Tale of the sea! From 10 to 18th May 2013 tour of Brittany Saint Gilles to Malo in eight stages. Saturday 11th May saw the start of an 8 stages Tour of Brittany, leaving Saint Gilles Croix de Vie with a Barracuda 7 and a Barracuda 9 to eventually reach Saint Malo. Conditions out at sea would be fierce throughout the adventure; headwind, 3 metre swells… the Barracuda Tour soon turned into a real challenge! Would the Barracudas succeed to complete their Tour of Brittany in such conditions? Every stage raised the same question and none more so than the tricky crossing of the Raz de Sein. The adventurous, thrill-seeking clients and journalists and fishing experts on board would test the Barracudas in all conditions, both in the harshest navigation conditions as well as during regular stops in legendary fishing grounds.  The first day defined the adventure when the team crossed the path of a 6 metre long basking shark just off Port Joinville. This magical encounter lasted almost half an hour. The boats then followed the stages, from port to port, up the coast of Brittany, stopping at Beneteau dealers: Massif Marine in Saint Gilles, Marine Ouest Service in Pornic, Armorique Diffusion in Quiberon, Cornouaille Nautique in Port La Forêt, Audierne, Rolland Yachting in Brest and in Roscoff, Cras Nautique in Paimpol and finally Chantier Naval De La Ville Audrain in Saint Malo. The legendary 5th stage of the Raz de Sein, famous crossing for sea bass anglers fishing in very strong currents, proved quite challenging three metre swells, strong currents, large whirlpools… A real adrenaline boost for the crew who returned with tanks full of fish and heads full of the most amazing images. A “No Kill” policy was adopted throughout the Tour; each catch, primarily sea bass and pollock, being measured, photographed before being eventually returned to the sea. The Barracuda Tour was an event organised by Beneteau, its dealer network and its partners. Each partner had an important role to play in this adventure to allow this exciting project to get off the ground. Beneteau’s contribution was the Barracuda range of performance-hull boats. Thanks to the Honda Marine 200 HP engine for the Barracuda 7 and 2x150 HP engine for the Barracuda 9, they reached top speeds in excess of 30 knots. They rose to the event and completed the challenge despite very difficult conditions. Almost the entire distance was covered in 35 knots headwind and very strong currents such as those in the Raz de Sein crossing. During all fishing stages, the boats showed great sea-faring qualities and particularly perfect stability, suited to sport fishing. The Barracuda 7 and 9 optimal interior layout allowed a crew of 4 and 6 respectively on board the boats. Official partner MC Technologies fitted the electronics on board. Equipped with the latest Lowrance 12’’ and 7’’ HDS touch screens, HD transducers and structure scans, the Barracudas benefitted from the best chart material currently available on the market. And to ensure top quality fishing materials and equipment were on hand, Beneteau opted for Illex's Element Rider fishing rods, Daiwa reels, Fiiish baits and Henri Lloyd clothing. The very best coming together to take on the extreme challenge!


Bertram Heads to the West Coast
Bertram Yacht, the legendary American manufacturer of luxury sport-fishing yachts, is pleased to announce that San Diego-based Kusler Yachts, Inc. is the newest dealer in the Bertram family, servicing California and the peninsula of Baja California. The introduction of a California / Baja California dealer is the newest in the signing of sportfishing focused dealers representing Bertram in the United States. Bertram Yacht was also present at the Progressive Insurance San Diego International Boat Show from June 20th through June 23rd. Please stop by and visit Kusler Yachts in-water display.


Cheoy Lee Expresses Interest in Racing
How do yachting and racing mix? Ideally, when powerboat veteran Gene Weeks, his wife, Paula and yacht builder, Cheoy Lee Shipyards, join the Powerboat P1 Superstock Series. When the venerable Cheoy Lee Motoryachts took advantage of the market evolution from super-yachts to smaller, sleeker Express Yachts, they tapped the expertise of Gene Weeks who had helped build brands like Donzi and Statement and raced such boats to test their tenacity and speed. Weeks and his wife, Paula, a mechanical and motorsports-savvy woman, moved to Doumen, China for two years to help design and build Cheoy Lee's new Alpha Series. The 76' and 87' Express Yachts are part of a new genre of luxury performance boats, designed for power-seekers, who still enjoy the creature comforts of sumptuous salons, cabins, galleys and en suite state rooms. Cheoy Lee delivers that and more, with a range of power from twin 1200 MTU with pod drives to C32 1900 HP Caterpillars with ZF V-Drives, to boost its sleek styling to high speeds. Appealing to this market segment, Weeks looked to racing's Powerboat P1 Superstock series, which races identical racing/recreational vee-bottom boats, powered with single Evinrude 250HO ETEC engines; the "race on Saturday, play on Sunday" concept fueled the former APBA Factory Series to years of success. The CL-Alpha.com boat, with the Weeks husband-wife at the helm, raised awareness at the series' first race in Stuart, Florida, and the company decided to continue the sponsorship through 2013 to complement its Fort Lauderdale sales/marketing office.

 
CRN and Riva Yachting Art
CRN and Riva, two luxury yachting brands of the Ferretti Group, will be shown as part of a selection of works from Berlin-based artist Christian Jankowski at exhibition Heavyweight History at the Centre for Contemporary Art in Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw. Curated by Ewa Gorzadek, ‘The Finest Art on Water’ will be part of the artist’s presentation of pieces created during 1992 - 2012. Jankowski aims to engage directly with the idea of sales and exchange and the value of luxury goods. The Finest Art on Water is not only a yacht but also an artwork; an exclusive, ready-made art piece that implicates, involves and engages the spectator. According to Jankowski, "The yacht is the perfect sculpture, a perfect self-contained vessel of information. When you see the yachts lined up at Venice it is an exhibition in itself." Visitors to the installation will play the part of prospective buyers, as they view the interior and listen to the description of the boat. Jankowski’s work encompasses film, video and performance in which, consciously or subconsciously, viewers become active participants. Jankowski collaborated with yacht builders CRN, featuring a 68m vessel, whose exteriors and interiors lines were designed by Officina Italiana Design, and have been produced by the shipyard in the contemporary artwork. The Aquariva Cento, a limited edition boat, also designed by Officina Italiana Design, that is available as a tender for CRN superyachts, will also be sculpturally displayed as part of the installation, simultaneously challenging an art audience and yacht lovers alike. “Following the success of Frieze in 2011, we are really excited to be showcasing our collaboration once again at Christian Jankowski’s exhibition and to have the opportunity to engage with people in this unique way. Our yachts combine cutting edge technology with stunning designs, premium materials and the finest craftsmanship. This project with Christian Jankowski allows us to work in an environment which transcends a yacht from an object to a piece of art,” comments Luca Boldrini, CRN Sales & marketing Director. CRN specialises in the construction of fully customised steel and aluminium displacement megayachts ranging from 40 to 90 metres, and a displacement line made of composite (43 metres long CRN Navetta 43). This is an important year for CRN, celebrating its 50th Anniversary and marking its resilience and success despite its position in a complex market, which has seen the loss of many established brands.


Gulf Craft Looks at Indonesia
Gulf Craft, a global manufacturer of luxury yachts and fiberglass boats, is continuing its strong push into the South East Asian market with a presence at the upcoming Indonesia Yachts Show, which takes place from June 8-9 in Jakarta. Indonesia, which is home to one of the world’s fastest-growing pools of private wealth, is expected to see a sea change in coming years as the number of HNWIs witnesses a significant increase. According to the “Wealth Report: Asia” released by prominent Swiss private banking group Julius Baer last year, the number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in Indonesia is set to increase to 104,000 in 2015, from a mere 33,000 in 2010. Bamps added that Indonesia has an avid appetite for consumer goods and that this extends into the luxury goods market. 


Horizon Unveils New Interior Design Center
A brand-new Interior Design Center, located at the Horizon shipyard, will expand the build experience for clients who wish to work directly with Horizon's in-house design team on customizing the interior of their new yacht. The center houses a variety of décor samples - from granite and marble to chrome shower heads - and offers the same luxury found on Horizon's yachts, with granite floors and countertops and hand-crafted wood furniture. Additionally the Interior Design Center is equipped with conference rooms and access to Horizon's extensive build database that houses full details on previous yacht builds starting from 2002. Horizon is very excited to offer this new level of customer service to our yacht owners and looks forward to working with owners in creating their dream yacht.


ISA Yachts New Partner with Nauteka
ISA recently entered an agreement with Nauteka Ship Yard Amador SA in Panama to be its new dealer in that territory for all ISA products including new builds and brokerage yachts. Being the southernmost country of Central America, situated on the isthmus connecting North and South America, Panama is the second most competitive economy in Latin America and is a key geographic location, so Nauteka will be a premium channel to represent ISA’s Italian quality. The agreement with Nauteka represents a sales strengthening for ISA in the specified territory. With a highly skilled professional team, Nauteka is able to offer high quality service to the most demanding owners.


Jet Tern a Yard in Motion
Selene Trawler Yachts are built by Jet-Tern Marine Group, established in 1998 by Howard Chen of Taiwan, who remains the owner today. Jet-Tern Marine has production facilities in Zhuhai and Dongguan in China. The yard has built more than 400 robust trawler yachts for proud owners all over the world. In collaboration with Guido de Groot design, Jet-Tern Marine developed a new line of Ocean Explorers, namely the Selene 78, 92 and 128 Ocean Explorer. The Selene 78 and 92 are currently being developed and will be introduced in 2014. Despite the economic downturn, Jet-Tern Marine is thriving. The yard delivered 24 boats in sizes from 40 to 82 feet (12 to 25 metres) in 2012, and will deliver more in 2013. It also currently has an 82-foot (25-metre) Catamaran sailboat designed by Greg Young, a Selene 78, a Selene 92 and a Selene 128 (designed by Guido de Groot and Howard Chen) under construction and slated for delivery in 2013 or 2014.

 
Moonen Exploring
Moonen was delighted to recently welcome journalists from around the world to our yard as part of the HISWA Holland Yachting Group press tour. It’s been a rainy spring here in Holland but the weather was perfect on the day of this visit, which allowed us to offer the journalists a good mix of business and pleasure. After enjoying lunch in the centre of Den Bosch, the party went for a cruise onboard Moonen MD Emile Bilterijst’s lovingly restored tug Oude Waal III. Everybody was given a small set of binoculars with a hint that they would be doing some exploring of their own during the tour. As the tug sailed around a bend in the river, the journalists suddenly saw the Moonen 100 Explorer floating on a small lake. They were then welcomed aboard for a tour as the first members of the press to see this recently launched superyacht. Emile gave a presentation about the project and the shipyard, thereby ensuring that the assembled group would have plenty to write about upon their return home.

Moonen Completes Major Refit Project
Moonen Shipyards in the Netherlands has successfully completed the refit of the Moonen 84 Etoile d’Azur. The five-month project has included some complex upgrades to the stabilisation system plus a smart extension to the flybridge that offers both practical and aesthetic benefits. Launched in 2007, the 26.25-metre Etoile d’Azur is still in the hands of her original owner. He has thoroughly enjoyed his years of sailing onboard this sturdy displacement motoryacht from the boards of René van der Velden, which was the seventh of the eight Moonen 84s built. Etoile d’Azur has crossed the Atlantic twice on her own bottom and is one of the most used Moonens in the fleet with almost 5000 hours on her engines. The owner and his captain Tristan le Brun had spent the summer of 2012 exploring Spain and initially looked for a yard in the Mediterranean region to carry out the refit. After a Moonen engineer visited the yacht in Spain to make a proposal, the owner decided to change his plans for 2013 in order to incorporate a refit in Holland. The refit project included a comprehensive paint job and the installation of an electrical zero speed stabilisation system in place of the existing hydraulic system. The electrical system requires approximately half the power of its hydraulic zero-speed alternative. Moreover, as it does not require a larger generator, no synchronisation was required. This offers considerable cost savings. Another major part of the refit was to extend the flybridge to cover the main deck aft area, creating even more shading for alfresco dining. In addition, the enhanced flybridge deck space meets the owner’s wish to carry more watersport toys onboard, including scooters, in addition to the tenders and jetski already stored in this location while underway. Various cosmetic changes were also made to Etoile d’Azur‘s interior and systems, and the electrics were updated where required. The yacht is now on en route to Scandinavia where the owner will enjoy an extensive cruise of the Norwegian fjords and beyond.

 
Nordhavn Shipping its 500th Unit
It seems only fitting that hull 68#26, Thetis II, should be the 500th Nordhavn to be planned, constructed and shipped in the 24 years since Pacific Asian Enterprises, Inc., (P.A.E.) began producing the innovative line of passagemaking motoryachts. It’s because Thetis II embodies so much of what Nordhavn has come to represent a near quarter-century after Naval Architect Jeff Leishman drew the lines of the first 46.


Riviera Celebrates New R Marine
Long time Riviera owner Carl Segreto never in his wildest dreams imagined he would be opening his own Riviera dealership, but on May 11 he celebrated the official opening of R Marine Mandurah with more than 100 Riviera owners. It was a cocktail party to remember for those who joined the new team as they ran through the football style banner to mark the occasion before raising their glasses of Moet in a toast to Riviera’s newest dealership in Western Australia. Riviera 47 Enclosed Flybridge owner Clint Jakovich lead the team through the banner and said it was a real privilege to be part of such a momentous occasion. Carl said there was a real need for a Riviera presence in Mandurah, which is located 75 kilometres south of Perth, and he hoped to offer a new level of service and knowledge to his owners through a host of functions, events and owner experiences. Carl said it was a proud moment when long time Riviera owners Bill and Waverley Treby officially opened the R Marine Mandurah office. Bill said it was an honour to open the new R Marine Mandurah dealership. As a multiple Riviera owner, Carl understands what Riviera owners want and need and with the support of his team; Paul Cotton in sales, Kate Martin in reception, Amanda Collins in administration, Sharron Segreto in events, and Veronica Wools in marketing, Carl looks forward to hosting many more functions and events. A diesel mechanic by trade, Carl has spent 27 years in the transport industry. He bought his first truck upon completion of his apprenticeship and his fleet and transport business grew from there. In his 27 year career he has clocked up more than three million kilometres travelling the highway between Perth and Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and Perth and Brisbane. When he is not on the highway, Carl enjoys spending time on board his Riviera 47 Open Flybridge with his wife Sharron and son Chevy. He enjoys cruising up and down the Western Australian coast clocking up about 120 to 140 hours a year on his boat. His favourite anchorages are Rottnest Island, Busselton, and Mangles Bay.


Sunreef Begins a Series of Luxury Events
On June 7th 2013 at the Hilton Hotel Gdańsk at its waterfront, Sunreef Yachts organized the first edition of the luxury event Pomorskie Rendez Vous. It was a unique opportunity to get to know the best of luxury goods present on the Polish market. The evening began with the Christening of the new Sunreef 70 Sail, Roleeno, which was definitely the center of attention throughout the whole night. The program also included the presentation of the Polish yacht shipyards: Sunreef Yachts with its luxury catamarans, Galeon with its range of sport and cruising power boats and Delphia Yachts with its range or sailing boats, luxury car brands like Ferrari and Mercedes Benz and a fashion show of the latest collection Autumn/Winter 2013-14 of the polish fashion house LA MANIA. Additional attractions were provided by the other event sponsors and partners presenting their best products such as luxury bags, champagne, cigars, helicopters and many more. This first edition was just the beginning of a series of Pomorskie Rendez Vous to be held in Gdańsk every year.


Viking 2013 Dealer Meeting
The 2013 Viking Yachts Dealer Meeting, just concluded at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, was an upbeat affair with a pair of new boat introductions for 2014, as well as updates on another pair slated for the 2015 model year. First up was the new Viking 52 Convertible with a custom Viking Lady Yellow hull, looking very smart indeed with its teak cockpit accents. With a top speed of 42 knots this ride is built for speed. Our domestic and international dealers were equally enthused with the style and performance of the new Viking 42 SC, after an afternoon of non-stop sea trials. The business portion of the meeting began with updates about the new Viking 75 Motor Yacht and the Viking 92 Convertible, which are slated to appear at the 2014 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show next October. The rendering image of the 75 Motor Yacht's aft deck (left) brought out a lot of bright smiles, while back at the Viking plant in New Gretna later in the day, dealers saw the five-axis profiler shaping the plug for the 92 Convertible's mezzanine with its dual staircases.

Viking One Two Three
For the first three days of the Treasure Cay Championship, Cruiser Crews' Viking 61 Cowpoke waged a seesaw battle for first place with the 2012 Bahamas Billfish Champion Frank Rodriguez and his team on Fa La Me. When the Committee Boat called lines out on Day Three, both Cowpoke and the Fa La Me were tied. The final battle was on Day Four. The Viking 70 Fa La Me jumped into the lead when angler Steve Butcher released a blue marlin. Christy Crews on Cowpoke countered with a white and blue marlin release in the afternoon. Cowpoke added another tally mark when Tony Huerta released a white marlin to win the event. During the four-day tournament Cowpoke released three blue marlin, six white marlin and one sailfish. Team Fa La Me finished second with two blues, seven whites and one sailfish. Fa La Me edged out the third place finisher, the Viking 61 Blue Eagle, by a mere 100 points

Viking Five Minute Engine Swap
Well, not exactly. But a five minute conversation is all it took Kevin Lang and his family to realize there is no better place to take their 17 year old Viking 43 Convertible with a blown engine than back to the folks who built it in the first place. So last fall he reached out to Kenny Pontari general manager of the Viking Yachting Center, which is adjacent to the Viking factory on the Bass River. The Yachting Center is a full service family marina with all the amenities plus a team of Viking trained technicians, mechanics, and fiberglass and wood specialists who master any boat project from soda blasting a bottom to total structural renovations to pristine paint jobs. It is for this reason that the Viking Yachting Center is a favourite with insurance adjusters looking to best serve their clients with super storm Sandy issues, as well as accidental damage requiring professional repairs and restorations. In the case of the Alyssa, named after the Lang's daughter, the owner was so happy with the new Cummins engines installation, a new generator, a teak helm pod and a few other projects all completed in time for summer fun that he has already lined up for a top to bottom, bow to stern paint job this fall. In summing up his experience with the Viking Yachting Center.

June 29, 2013

Project: Monte Carlo Yachts MCY86

Flagship motorboat line of the Beneteau Group, the announcement was made since the founding of the company back in 2009, that Monte Carlo Yachts will venture into super yacht size over 24 meters with this line and finally the project doing this comes from the fourth model, its upcoming MCY 86.  The Monte Carlo MCY86 flagship follows the family feeling Italians from Venice designers Nuvolari Lenard created with the previous 76, 65, and 70 models. An original design which sets a lot of hybrid from other genres creating a unique fresh look outside which gets more imposing and sporty in this new flagship.  That is at least what the above rendering transmits, thanks to a longer then usual fore deck, and a flybridge which looks lower due to the bigger size.  Inside although no layouts seem to be shown as yet Monte Carlo will take a flexible semi custom approach; with choices for a three, four or five cabin versions being available.  That is definitely very super yachts standard. The finishing of the interior will also come from highly regarded design firms with choices coming from Armani, Frau, Hermes, and Pierre Frey, this being added with the use of exquisite details as Venetian mosaics, cedar stone marbles, and Moka cream limestone.  But other super larger yachts technical elements also are part of the MCY86 some coming as optional others as standard; like the Jacuzzi spa on the flybridge, the must have carbon made T-top with opening soft top, to the main deck large venetian doors, opening side bathing platforms, and the Portuguese bridge.  Power is twin MAN 1800hp engines with estimated top speeds being at about 29 knots.         

June 28, 2013

New Model: Grand Banks 50 Eastbay SX

Grand Banks 50 Eastbay SX is finally in the water!  This new Grand Banks 50 Eastbay SX represents a more modern approach to the Down East lobster boat offer from this renowned boat builder, see new pilothouse side windows.  But that only tells a small part of the 50 Eastbay SX and what it brings to the customers.  Knowing well of the current market, the 50 Eastbay SX offers a lot of versatility to customers with five options for the main deck, and another same number coming to the lower cabin area.  With all these offers you can nearly say the Grand Banks is nearly a custom boat.  The 50 Eastbay SX standard plan is a two cabins with owners stateroom to fore, and U-shaped galley located below.  But if this is not to your taste the different versions go on from moving the galley astern on the main deck, and also having an owners amidships stateroom replacing the fore.  There is also a three cabin versions, with the third cabin being a bunk twin located to port side.  As in newer Grand Banks and Eastbay models the 50 SX is fully designed around pod drives, but this time Grand Banks is using the Volvo IPS version with the 600 or 700hp units. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 17.04 m (55.9ft)
Hull Length - 15.26 m
Waterline Length - 14.18 m
Beam - 5.03 m
Draft - 1.24 m
Displacement - 22,750 kg half load
Fuel Capacity - 3028 l
Water Capacity - 618 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 600hp, D11700hp, MAN D2876 R6 800hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS800 or 900 forward looking pods
Speed - 32 knots max 24 cruise with IPS 900 Volvo 700hp
Project - C.R. Hunt Associates Hull

June 27, 2013

Project: Clipper 39 Hudson Bay

Seems Clipper has received some nice reviews on the 50 Hudson Bay, and now the down under boat builder aims to follow this with smaller models.  The 39 Hudson Bay like its bigger sister is a down East lobster design, offered in a fully enclosed hard top and patio door layout.  Clipper main aim in this model was to create a one area between the aft deck and the interior of the pilot house.  Below is an accommodation for four person with a master double berth to fore, and two bunk cabins located to port side.  A shower head is located to starboard.  A nice feature in the 39 Hudson Bay will be the L-shaped astern galley located by the patio door.  Power is twin Yanmar 370hp engines with line shaft propulsion.

June 26, 2013

New Model: Albatro 45

Albatro presents a new model in the Rib series the 45.  This new model continues the expansion of the Rib range from Albatro which features nine models which go up in size up to seventy feet.  The 45 is an interesting rib cruiser which as other Lake Como builders follows the high performance heritage of Albatro, a winner in some important endurance championships.  Albatro in-house design team in this 45 followed the family feeling shape coming from the 50 model.  Performance boat but also a comfortable outside thanks to a huge central sun pad aft, and a dinette with opposite facing seats and a central table which from the floor.  Inside is a cabin with a galley shower head, double Vee berth to fore, and two sofas which can sleep four persons.  Engines are twin FPT 560hp units with surface drives propulsion, but choices start from twin 320hp units.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (50.1ft)
Beam - 3.90 m
Displacement - 6 t
Fuel Capacity - 900 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x 320hp, FPT N67 560hp
Propulsion - Jolly drive surface drives, or stern drives
Top Speed - 55 knots max 45 cruise with twin FPR 560hp and Jolly surface drives
Construction - infusion build with vinilester resins and Kevlar reinforcements
Certification - CE B

June 25, 2013

Project: Back Cove 41

I never expected Back Cove to present a new flagship mostly because of its single engine ideals, but considering all why should not they do it.  The 37 has been a success, and now the Rockland builder goes on to show a new 41 feet flagship. On the layout arrangement plans the Back Cove 41 offers a fully enclosed main deck with an aft cockpit having two L-shaped settees.  Inside is a C-shaped dinette, with opposite galley and L-shape settee which will work well as a passenger lounge during trips or quiet area for reading at anchor.  Below is a two cabins twin heads arrangement with the owners suite to fore.  As with all the smaller Back Cove the 41 pays tribute to the down East designs with its single engine power, a predominant feature of most lobster boats from the past.  The 41 is to be powered by a Cummins 600hp engine with line shaft propulsion.

June 24, 2013

New Model: Ilver 42 Mirable Open

It is always difficult to touch a born classic, and this is basically the story of the Mirable from Ilver, presented as 39 in 1991, reworked to 41 in 1999, and now after two decades of its productions becomes the 42.  Few models have lasted so much as the Ilver Mirable and interestingly the same hull has always been used; extended about a foot with the 41 version below, and the super structure also changed next to little.  This latest 42 version actually presents the biggest changes up top of the trio created in the past two decades plus, with some neat touches happening on the foredeck, restyled windshield which still respects the original, and changes to the radar arch which now seems more upright. The Ilver Mirable can actually taunt other models for being pretty much unchanged in twenty years plus, and not many builders can make such a claim in any of there models.  The 42 Mirable Open comes from Ilver after the company presented the HT version a couple of years back, due to demand coming from the customers, and now the company presents these changes in this version.  For the rest the 42 Mirable Open keeps the properties of its predecessors of a three double cabins lower deck still impressive considering the not so much beam, and a cockpit which would not look out of place in much more sports orientated boat. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.87m (42.3ft)
Length Waterline - 10.00m
Beam - 3.62m
Draft - 0.63 m ex props
Displacement - 10 t
Fuel Capacity - 1000 l
Water Capacity - 250 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 11
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 330hp, 370hp, 435hp
Propulsion - line shaft, stern drive
Speed - 28 knots cruise
Construction - solid fiberglass bottom, with balsa core for sides and upper structure
Project - Sabrina Landoni and Gianni De Canio Design Group
Certification - CE B

June 22, 2013

Project: Numarine 105 HT

Numarine presents the project of the 105 HT, its sixth sport yacht and the largest to date.  As is normal today the 105 HT will feature an invisible from the outside sport bridge with a central jockey helm surrounded by relaxing areas.  Designers Tommaso Spadolini, Can Yalman, and Umberto Tagliavini make the best use of the exterior areas on the 105 HT, but below deck accommodation is also very interesting offering four large double cabins.  Also spacious is the crew area with three double cabins all served with private heads, an L-shaped saloon and a large galley to starboard.  The inside guest living offers a large saloon area served with two large sofas, and a central dining area located centrally to fore.  Other interesting layout details is the L-shaped wet bar located by the patio door on the main deck, a day head, and an L-shaped mezzanine settee featured on the aft deck.  Power is twin Cat 1825hp or optional MTU 2400hp.  Top speeds estimates is a max of 30 knots with the standard engines. 

June 21, 2013

Classics - Bertram 54 (1981 - 2001)

Picking a classic is always hard, and this becomes near to impossible when you mention a company like Bertram.  The company Dick Bertram created, made waves in 1960 its start, thanks to the Ray Hunt designed 31 model.  In those years Bertram and Hunt invented the Deep Vee hull, and also created production boat building as it is known today.
One can easily say that most of the models Bertram build up until the nineties can be regarded as classics nowadays. Still the 54 is one of Bertram's most iconic and admired models.  In the people's mind the 54 is challenged only with the smaller and more affordable 31 sold in over 1800 units in its various versions for a production run lasting 23 years.
David Napier designed every Bertram from 1972 till 1998, with his first design being the 28 which was very much an inspiration to the Ray Hunt 31 which started the company. Born as a 53 project, for the Bertram 54 Napier set the trends in the sport-fish category creating the modern era of the genre, but also in yachts over fifty feet.  Important note that since its launch the 54 is highly regarded as one of the most sea worthy yachts of its size and class even today thirty years plus after its launch. Considering that any sport-fish has to be a good ride that is high testament to the status the 54 has among this genre aficionados.
For the Bertram 54, designer David Napier followed what he started with the 46 a decade earlier with a modified Vee shaped hull featuring a deep entry and lowering itself to a medium aft dead rise of seventeen degrees.  Napier and Bertram again made school and while the Hunt deep design was revolutionary in the 1960's, the 46 from Napier invented a more cruising approach to the Vee shape ideal suited for high cruise speeds and larger yachts of over fifteen meters and around the thirty knots range.
Accommodation wise the Bertram 54 was offered with three interior layouts all having three double cabins, and two or three heads. In a long term production run many make up changes were made over the years both inside and outside, with the most notable modernized fix coming in 1997 from Italian design firm Studio Faggioni.
The Bertram 54 had a production run of twenty years from 1981 till 2001, with the last decade being a start and stop situation build due to the luxury tax of 1993, and the negative effect this had on the North American boating industry in the period and the aftermath it left after.   
Specifications: 
LOA - 16.46 m (54ft)
Beam - 5.16 m
Draft - 1.57 m
Displacement - 35 t
Fuel Capacity - 4500 l
Water Capacity - 950 l
Accommodation - Three different layouts. 6 berths in 3 double cabins, two or three heads version
Engines - 2 x GM 850hp, Cats 1400
Propulsion - direct line shaft
Speeds - 37 knots max with the later builds equipped with Cats 1400hp units
Hull Shape - modified Vee shape with forward 45 degrees entrance, and 17 deadrise aft
Project - David Napier hull and design, 1997 Studio Faggioni interior and exterior make up changes
Variations - forward windscreen option was possible in early models, later versions 1985 onward had no central pillar in side windows and produced in one peace, in 1997 studio Faggioni also changed the interiors and softened the design around the corners of the topside.  The 1997 version is referred as the second series by the followers of the 54.
Production Run - 1981 to 2001
Builds - over 135 
Developments - 1990 Bertram 60, and 2002 570 both use the David Napier hull of the 54 with some modifications.  570 had a complete new topside designed by Zuccon and renewed engine position.
What Is Awesome
+ Broken Shear-line
+ Flybridge and main saloon size
+ Hull Lines
What Looks Dated
Small aft deck for a 16/17 meter recent sportfishing yacht
Square profile windows, especially the two parts of earlier models
COMPETITOR - Hatteras 52 Convertible produced from 1983 till 1990.
* Please note that some Specifications are not from official sources and may not be accurate

June 20, 2013

New Model: Prestige 450 Flybridge

Prestige has released some interesting new models in the past years showing some clever layout arrangements, a design stint which started with the project of the 58 launched as 60 and continued to evolve with the 500 series.  The 450 Flybridge here follows the layout of the S of the same designation we presented a couple of weeks ago here on PowerYachtBlog with the added bonus of the helm and entertainment area up top.  In the 450 Flybridge the fly deck is reached via a ladder to port side.  The layout up top offers a helm to port side, C-shaped settee to aft, sun pad to fore, and a wet-bar to starboard, a conventional layout on most flybridge cruisers in this size nowadays.  Inside the 450 Flybridge offers a nice main deck layout with the astern galley, while below is a two cabins with two separate entrances for the owners suite amidships, and guest cabin to fore.  Power is twin Volvo 370 or 435hp engines with IPS pod drives which give a max speed of 33 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.96 m (45.9ft)
Hull Length - 12.56 m
Beam - 4.3 m
Draft - 1.1 m
Displacement - 11000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 1200 l
Water Capacity - 520 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, + 2 in convertible dinette
Max Persons - 9
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 370hp, D6 435hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS500 or 600 pod drives
Speed - 33 knots max, 24 cruise
Range - 295 nm at cruise
Project - Garroni Design, JP Concepts, Prestige Engineering
Certification - CE B9, C10

June 19, 2013

Project: Viking 52 Open Bridge Convertible

Viking presents the project of a new 52 Convertible, another impressive addition to its world renowned stable of blue-water tournament contenders. As you would expect from Viking, this model evolves from recent introductions before it including like the 42, 55 and 62. The new Viking 52 will be built with a resin infused hull boasts a sophisticated matrix of composite materials including end-grain balsa coring, DuPont Kevlar, and knitted fiberglass laminates. The one-piece deck house assembly stretching from the bow pulpit to the inner transom liner features carbon fibre in its composite structure. A moulded fiberglass fore peak liner forward of the engine room sheds weight by incorporating the outer walls and floor, the lower port bunk, the sink base module and the shower pan for both heads, and the forward starboard bunk base. Maple lined interior hanging locker doors and cabinet and drawer fronts utilize a lightweight honeycomb core material. Continuing along its evolutionary trail, the forward entry is sharpened to knife through head seas. The convex hull shape adds buoyancy and moulded strakes on the bottom provide lift for planning efficacy. As a whole, these hull and the V-bottom features and the 11.8 degree transom dead rise, utilize horsepower most efficiently for better speed and faster throttle response in keeping with the theme of recent Vikings. The three-stateroom, two-head layout offers a choice of sleeping arrangements in the bow. The standard layout features crossover berths with the lower a double bunk and the upper port side berth a large single. This will be the stateroom layout on hull number one. A second plan is available offering a custom queen berth. On both versions, the master is fitted with a walk-around queen bed and is served with a private head and shower. A third stateroom to port has upper and lower berths. The port and forward staterooms are separated by a shared head and shower. Ample stowage is provided in the three staterooms with large maple-lined hanging lockers, credenzas, and deep drawer space, as well as beneath each bunk. A laundry centre in the companionway is standard. The salon is inviting and the area is well proportioned thanks to a five meters plus of beam for relaxation and entertainment with an L-shape lounge, a home theater system, a dinette, and an L-shape galley complemented with Amtico flooring, and an island fronted with a pair of bar stools. Rich Juno teak joinery and furniture throughout the yacht, custom designer furnishings and dry good create a spectacular aura of refinement and luxury. The large cockpit offers the convenience and comfort of our exclusive observation mezzanine, while the flying bridge showcases our exclusive centre console helm station arrangement with flanking lounges and forward seating.  Engine choices include MAN V8 and V12 packages. Hull number will be powered with the large MAN 1400hp diesels providing a cruise speed of 35 knots and a top end of 40 plus, depending upon load, sea conditions and other environmental factors.

June 18, 2013

Improve-it = Sunreef 60 Power

In 2013 Sunreef Yachts together with Volvo  engineers, the company's in-house engineering department installed the acclaimed IPS system installed on the new 60 Power. IPS systems make manoeuvring of the boat much easier with the possibility of side cruising and easy turning just with one joystick. Despite being widely used on regular motoryachts, they are very uncommon on catamarans, especially large-sized yachts in which Sunreef specializes in.  The shipyard decided not to build a completely new hull, dedicated for IPS propulsion, but to modify the existing hull of the 60 Power model. There were several challenges associated with arranging placement for IPS units in the engine rooms and with the correct positioning of IPS units in relation to water level and hull position. This task is rather simple for wide mono hulls but requires much more planning on catamaran narrower aft sections. The research resulted in success and the positive results have even surpassed the owner and Sunreef/Volvo engineers’ expectations.  The shipyard is already considering some further improvements on the hull shape that could allow for closer turns hence giving better manoeuvrability in very small spaces, like crowded marinas. From now on the IPS system will be therefore offered on all power catamarans available at Sunreef Yachts.   The engineering department is already working on the new motor yacht model, the 90 Power and doing a lot of hull optimization calculations to enhance the performance, motion at sea and savings on fuel. The hull had originally been forecast with a standard shaft line. The company is now working on the IPS version of this boat so that 2 propulsion systems can be available on the same hull shape, according to the demand. Sunreef Yachts keeps working closely with Volvo to foresee the further development on their IPS range for that size of Superyacht catamarans.

June 17, 2013

Class 1 - Istanbul Turkey Grand Prix

RACE 1
HUB Team Australia’s Darren Nicholson and Ross Willaton produced a spectacular performance in testing conditions to win a dramatic and incident-filled race 1 of the Isiklar Turkish Grand Prix.
Starting just their third race together in their second Grand Prix in Class 1, Nicholson and Willaton mastered the choppy and tricky seas that spectaculary caught out defending World Champions Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri, spinning out early in the race to bring out the red flag and force a re-start.
Turkey’s Ugur Isik and Norway’s Christian Zaborowski repaid their team’s efforts to repair Zabo-Isiklar in time after their crash in race 2 in the season-opener, taking a brilliant second place after initially starting in eighth place, to finish ahead of Class 1 newcomers Miles Jennings and Alfredo Amato in LFFendi8.
After winning the drag race to the first turn, pole-sitters Al Zaffain and Al Marri led the Australian duo and LFFendi10’s Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella at the end of the start lap, but at the second turn of lap 2 hooked the boat and spinning out.
Luckily the boat suffered little damage and the Championship leaders’ were able to line up for the re-start.
HUB Team Australia led from the re-start and traded places with LFFendi10 and Victory after the intial bout of short laps, resuming the lead on lap 4, only to be passed by Victory a lap later, with LFFendi10 now third.
But on lap 6 Victory hooked and spun out again and stopped, but this time were unable to get one engine re-started, retiring from the race.
The Australians swept into the lead and for the next four laps were able to maintain a comfortable 10-second lead over LFFendi10, when on lap 11 their [Formilli Fendi and Crapitella] hopes of a certain podium ended, a damaged torque sensor ending their race.
Nicholson and Willaton were able to ease up and close out the race in 40mins 2.83s, becoming the first Australians to win since 2002.
Behind the battle at the front, Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski steadily moved up and through the field, moving from eighth to fourth before the red flag. A poor re-start saw them down in fifth, then move up to fourth on lap 6 after passing Team Abu Dhabi and LFFendi8.
The exits of Victory and LFFendi10 elevated the Turkish-Norwegian duo to second place and a well deserved podium.
After a frustrating debut outing in China, Miles Jennigs and Alfredo Amoto produced a more than impressive performance, maintaining a middle order position throughout the race, keeping a hard charging Team Abu Dhabi behind them in the closing stages, to complete the podium.
Despite taking the chequered flag in fourth place, Team Abu Dhabi’s Faleh Al Mansoori and Rashed Al Tayer were later disqualified for re-passing a turn mark after hooking the boat and spinning out, their disqualifaction elevating Class 1 debutant, Tarik Oktem, and Giampaolo Montavoci in Poliform to fourth place ahead of Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini in FA.RO ACCIAI.
Today’s win moves HUB Team Australia’s Nicholson and Willaton to the top of the Championship standings on 44 points, with Victory in second place and Zabo-Isiklar in third.
TURKISH GRAND PRIX – RACE 1- results
1. 7 HUB Team Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / R Willaton (AUS) – 40.02.83
2. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) + 51.45s
3. 8 LFFendi8 - Miles Jennings (GBR) / A Amato (ITA) + 02.10.00s
4. 74 Poliform – T Oktem (TUR) / G Montavoci (SUI) + 02.48.00s
5. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 lap
- 10 LFFendi10 - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) - dnf
- 3 Victory - A Al Zaffain (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) - dnf
- 5 Team Abu Dhabi - F Al Mansoori (UAE) / R Al Tayer (UAE) - dq
RACE 2
Victory's Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri banished all memories of yesterday’s early exit in race 1 and produced an emphatic start-to-finish win in race 2 of the Isiklar Turkish Grand Prix.
The Dubai pairing led from the flag and were pulling away from race 1 winners’ HUB Team Australia and LFFendi10, when the race was red-flagged after Team Abu Dhabi’s Faleh Al Mansoori and Rashed Al Tayer hooked and turned over on lap 2, forcing the second restart of the weekend – both drivers emerging from the upturned boat unhurt.
From the restart the defending Champions were immediately in control. They took their short laps immediately and by mid race had opened up a 20-second lead which they maintained for the remainder of the 16-lap race, going on to take their third win of the season and move back into the Championship lead. “Yesterday was not our day and today was. The target was to be in front all race and we were,” said Al Zaffain. “We had the perfect set-up today and were able to concentrate on what was in front of us and not what was behind us.”
The fight for the remaining podium places was between HUB Team Australia and LFFendi10, and despite a poor restart the battle was won by the Italians Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella as early as lap 5, opening up and maintaining a 10-second lead to the chequered flag. “Nothing broke this time but still we had a problem with the exhaust at the start and initially lost time to seven, but Victory was already gone so we had no chance to try and catch them,” said Carpitella. “We have to resolve this problem before Terracina but it was good to get on the podium after yesterday.”
For yesterday’s victors and briefly the Championship leaders’ there was to be no repeat win, but a second podium puts them in second place just two points behind Victory. “We had hoped it was going to be rougher than that,” said Willaton. “It was my mistake. It looked like it was going to blow up so we went down a gear set, but it wasn’t to be. But all in all we have had a good weekend.”
Behind the front runners a three-way dice ensued between LFFendi8, Poliform and FA.RO.ACCIAI, with Poliform’s Tarik Oktem and Giampaolo Montavoci enjoying a brief spell in the spotlight in third place, then holding fourth before technical problems ended their race on lap nine.
Poliform’s woes allowed LFFendi8’s Miles Jennings and Alfredo Amato in to move up into fourth spot and round off a good weekend for Fendi Racing, with Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini again able to maintain their consecutive run of points finishes with fifth.
There was disappointment for Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski after yesterday’s podium-second, failing to make the restart with engine problems.
TURKISH GRAND PRIX – RACE 2- results
1. 3 Victory - A Al Zaffain (UAE) / M Al Marri (UAE) – 50.10.19s
2 . 10 LFFendi10 - L Formilli Fendi (ITA) / G Carpitella (ITA) + 00.22.45s
3. 7 HUB Team Australia - D Nicholson (AUS) / R Willaton (AUS) + 00.31.67s
4. 8 LFFendi8 - M Jennings (GBR) / A Amato (ITA) + 02.25.00s
5. 23 FA.RO. ACCIAI - G M Gabbiani (ITA) / L Nicolini (ITA) + 1 lap
- 91 Zabo-Isiklar - U Isik (TUR) / C Zaborowski (NOR) - dnf
- 74 Poliform – T Oktem (TUR) / G Montavoci (SUI) - dnf
- 5 Team Abu Dhabi - F Al Mansoori (UAE) / R Al Tayer (UAE) - dnf
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 2
1. 3 Victory Team - 62pts
2. 7 HUB Team Australia - 60pts
3. 10 FFendi10 - 48pts
4. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 34pts
5. 23 FA.RO ACCIAI - 30pts
6. 8 LFFendi8 21pts
7. Team Abu Dhabi - 18pts
8. 74 Poliform 14pts 14.

June 15, 2013

Project: OceanClass 88

OceanClass showcases the project for a new 88 flagship model.  Part of the Seaway Group who follow on the wake of success Greenline has achieved, now this brand sets its sight on bigger sizes.  One of the most interesting detail of the OceanClass 88 is that it will feature five cabins with an owners suite to fore, located in a semi elevated position between the main and lower deck.  Below deck offers four double cabins, all having ensuite heads and with two VIP rooms located to starboard.  To make it short that is basically the layout you find in the one hundred feet size.  A double crew cabin is located to aft behind the engine room and in front of the storage toys room.  Power for the OceanClass is from twin 1150hp MTU engines giving a top speed of 25 knots and a cruise of 17.

June 14, 2013

New Model: Pearl 75

An important new flagship from Pearl which was presented last September at the Southampton boat show, this is the 75 extending this small volume British builder founded in 1998 size by fifteen feet.  Needless to say the 75 which was announced as project a couple of years ago is an important new model.  Pearl also take new challenges with the 75, the first is that it goes for full Mediterranean motor yacht looks instead of its usual British aft cabin design all its previous models offered, the second is that the 75 is powered by pod drives.  Considering it only needs 1150hp Cat engines to cruise 25 and peak 30 knots that is a huge bonus.  Most motor yachts this size will actually need about an extra 1000hp to reach those speeds, think about the fuel costs this gives.  Inside designer Kelly Hoppen also worked out a wonderful layout with some nice touches; like the main deck which presents itself with a free area on entrance, and a nice VIP suite in the fore cabin.  By the looks of it the Pearl 75 presents itself a real challenge to most production builders in this size, with some nice innovative touches showing it not only wants to be another 23 meter motor yachts but also offering something different.       
Technical Data:
LOA - 23 m (75.5ft)
Hull Length - 21.37 m
Beam - 5.98 m
Draft - 1.75 m
Displacement - 55 t
Fuel Capacity - 5800 l
Water Capacity - 1800 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x Cat C18 1150hp
Propulsion - ZF 4000 aft looking dual propeller pods
Speed - 30 knots max, 25 cruise
Range - 350 nm at 25 knots cruise
Project - Bill Dixon hull, Kelly Hoppen interior

June 13, 2013

Class 1 - Istanbul Turkey Grand Prix Preview

Fifteen years after the Jolly Motor crew of Massimo Lippi and Lamberto Leoni won the first Class 1 Grand Prix to be held in Istanbul in 1998, the Championship returns for the UIM Class 1 Isiklar Turkish Grand Prix, the second event of the season, and this time to race across the Bosphorus in Pendik on 14-16 June on the Marmara Sea.
All eyes will be on the Turkish-Norwegian duo of Ugur Isik and Christian Zaborowski to see if the repairs carried out on their Victory built, Mercury powered Zabo-Isiklar will give them the same firepower and opportunity to continue where they left off in China, and carry the fight to Victory and go one better than their second places in qualifying at race 1 in Sanya past March.
With the ship carrying the boats from China only arriving in Istanbul at the end of May the team has faced a race against time to repair the extensive damage sustained in their dramatic first corner crash in Sanya's race 2, and be ready for driver Ugur Isik’s home Grand Prix.
However, team principal Jan Zaborowski is confident that with the comprehensive pre-repair work and preparation that they carried out in Norway, and with the time that they have spent on the boat in Turkey, they will be in good shape to build on what was the team’s best overall performance since Isik and Zaborowski teamed-up in 2011 in Abu Dhabi.
Lining-up as race favourites will be Arif Al Zaffain and Mohammed Al Marri who will be looking to extend their lead in the Championship standings and try to emulate the successes achieved by previous Victory pairings in Turkey; Ali Nasser and Randy Scism taking the chequered flag in Istanbul and in Bodrum in 1999 - Nasser winning again in Istanbul the following year with Khalfan Harib - Mohammed Al Marri winning with Saeed Al Tayer in Marmaris also in 2000.
The last event to be held in Turkey was in Izmir in 2002 and won by Spirit of Norway’s Bjorn Rune Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, and of the present day class of 2013 only Mohammed Al Marri, Giampaolo Montavoci and Ugur Isik have raced on Turkish waters.
The defending Champions are on a six-race winning streak, are unbeaten in their last four outings in qualifying and following their Sanya Grand Prix win-treble in the season-opener in March, sit 24-points clear of LFFendi10 and HUB Team Australia.
Al Zaffain and Al Marri top the Victory Team’s all-time winners table with 34 and 24 wins respectively, with five-time World Champion Al Zaffain now equal with Bjorn Rune Gjelsten and closing in on Steve Curtis’ longstanding record of 42 wins.
Two outfits who will be looking to challenge Victory and Zabo-Isiklar in Pendik-Istanbul are Italians Luca Formilli Fendi and Giovanni Carpitella in LFFendi10 and Australians Darren Nicholson and Ross Willaton in HUB Team Australia.
They enjoyed a herculean scrap and podium success in Sanya, both outfits running Victory built boats - the Italians running SCAM V12 power-plants the Aussies Victory V12s.
In race 1 the Aussies attacked and the Italians defended for six of the 10 laps - the gap never more than five seconds - but the LFFendi10 crew hung on to finish in third and take revenge on the Australian crew who had knocked them off the podium in qualifying.
They continued their dice in race 2, but the Australian duo was able to turn the tables on their Italian rivals to go on and take their second podium of the weekend - the Fendi crew settling for another third.
Formilli Fendi and Carpitella will start their 13th Grand Prix together looking for their first win from 20 race starts, with Carpitella starting his 50th race.
The team has also confirmed a revised line-up in their second boat, LFFendi8, with Italian Marco Pennesi, who made his Class 1 debut in Arendal in 2007 and last raced in Brazil in 2010, joining countryman and series newcomer Alfredo Amato who made his Class 1 debut in Sanya alongside Miles Jennings.
Team Abu Dhabi’s recent driver reshuffle takes another twist in Istanbul with the team confirming a revised line up, recalling Class 1 regular Rashed Al Tayer to resume race duties alongside rookie, Faleh Al Mansoori.
Al Tayer missed the season-opener in China but returns to start his 14th Grand Prix and for the first time in 24 race starts in Class 1 will switch over to take the throttles as he looks to add to his tally of three wins, eight podiums and one pole position.
In Sanya newcomer Al Mansoori partnered Giampaolo Montavoci in qualifying to finish a very credible fifth and then went on to race with Tomaso Polli to take fifth and fourth spots and put the team into fourth place overall in the points table.
Team D’Alessio-SCAM has yet to confirm their line up and whether or not they will stay with Gian Maria Gabbiani and Luca Nicolini for a sixth Grand Prix start together.
The duo enjoyed a solid season-opener last time out picking up five points in qualifying and matched the position with sixth in race 1. They enjoyed a solitary run and untroubled race 2 maintaining fifth place throughout, and once again proved their reliability completing their sixth straight points finish in FA.RO. ACCIAI.
DAC Racing has revealed that Turkish driver Tarik Oktem will make his Class 1 debut in Istanbul alongside Giampaolo Montavoci in Poliform.
Montavoci, a veteran of 102 Grands Prix and 113 race starts, showed and proved his versatility in Sanya, jumping in and out of two different boats to guide two rookies on their Class 1 debuts, racing with Al Mansoori in Team Abu Dhabi in qualifying and with Salim Al Adidi in races 1 & 2 in Poliform, picking up points with both.
The action on the water starts with first official practice on Friday 14 morning followed by official qualifying in the Edox Pole Position in the afternoon. Two further practice sessions are followed by races one and two on Saturday and Sunday at 15.30hrs local Turkish time.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1. 3 Victory Team - 40pts 
2= 10 LFFendi10 - 24pts 
2= 7 HUB Team Australia - 24pts 
4. 5 Team Abu Dhabi - 16pts 
5. 91 Zabo-Isiklar - 15pts 
6. 23 FA.RO.ACCIAI - 12pts. 
7. 74 Poliform - 5pts
EDOX POLE POSITION CHAMPIONSHIP - after round 1
1. 3 Victory Team - 20pts 
2. Zabo-Isiklar - 15pts 
3. HUB Team Australia - 12pts 
4. LFFendi10 - 9pts 
5. Team Abu Dhabi - 7pts 
6. FA.RO.ACCIAI - 5pts
7. LFFendi8 - 4pts
www.class-1.com

June 12, 2013

New Model: Galeon 430 Skydeck

With its 420/430 series Galeon was clever to offer a three different combination model using one hull.  The 430 Skydeck is the latest of this series and stands in the middle of the offer between the 420 Fly and 430 HTC, presenting a flybridge with a sports attitude.  A trend very common in seventy plus feet yachts but less so under this size, and I think the first time that this concept is introduced in a twelve meter cruiser.  The flybridge of the 430 Skydeck also follows its sports form offering an interesting central helm, with seats which can become two sun pads or co-driver thanks to its moving back pad.  Below the 430 Skydeck as its other sisters offers a three double cabins layout, with a galley and living located on the main deck.  Power is seven engine choices from Volvo, Cummins, and Volkswagen starting at 260 and up to 400hp with stern drive, line shaft, and IPS pod propulsion options.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.25 m (43.4ft) with optional extended bathing platform
LOA - 12.20 m without extended bathing platform
Hull Length - 11.79 m
Beam - 4.16 m
Draft - 0.80 m ex props
Displacement - 12000 kg light
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 600 l
Water Capacity - 450 l
Accommodation - 6 berths in 3 cabins
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 260hp, D4 300hp, D6 370hp, D6 400hp, Cummins QSD 4.2 350hp, QSB5.9 380hp, Volkswagen TDI 265hp
Propulsion - line shaft, Volvo forward looking IPS 500 pods, Volvo DPH Stern drive
Speed - 31 knots with Cummins 380hp and shafts
Project - Tony Castro
Certification - CE B

June 11, 2013

Project: Absolute 52 Fly

Italy's Absolute yachts continues to present interesting new projects, with this updating its range to the latest trends.  Now Absolute presents a project for a 52 Fly which in my book should replace the 53, a further evolution of the 50, which in last year's fall also evolved as 55.  On the outside this new 52 Fly does not follow the design of these models but goes to a similar look at what Absolute is showing with its bigger 72, and soon to be launched 64.  That is a more motor yacht look with a flybridge also looking higher, mostly thanks to the more upright angled radar arch.  Inside the 52 Fly will offer three double guest cabins, with an en-suite bathroom for the full beam amidships owners room, and a guest shower head.  The main deck goes with a single step split level saloon with the forward part being dining and relaxing areas, and the entrance having the L-shaped galley to port side.  The outside of the 52 is full of spaces and interesting solutions, from the aft deck this continuing Absolute principle of offering a sun pad, and the flybridge which in my book at least on plan looks to be one of the most spacious in this size, at least to what seating and sunbathing areas are concerned.  That is saying something nowadays, would be interesting to match the square meters area of the models and what they offer.  Engines have not been announced by I can imagine it to be twin Volvo with IPS pod drives.
www.absoluteyachts.com

June 10, 2013

New Model: Delta 33 Open

In early March 2013, Delta unveiled its second model of the Open family the 33, what the Swedish yacht builder calls a cross over offer of day cruiser, walk around and family boat. The 33 Open is again a design to Ted Mannerfelt who was also responsible for the 26. Delta 33 Open offers great social spaces outdoors in a well-tailored cockpit. Inside the 33 offers an owners cabin in the bow with plenty of stowage space, a toilet with separate shower located on the starboard side, and aft we find a generous mid cabin with two berths. Up on deck we find a well-planned and space efficient longitudinal kitchenette. Aft is dining space for up to ten people. Same seating folds easily into a sun bed and then measure the entire 6 square meters. Delta 33 Open is built with the most modern vacuum technology with vinylester and divinycell using Diab core infusion technology and carbon fibre reinforced floors. In combination with cross step hull shapes Delta is promising low fuel consumption; estimated at 1.6 l nm at 30 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.7 m (35.1ft)
Hull Length - 10 m
Beam - 3.10 m
Displacement - 3800 kg
Fuel Capacity - 550 up to 800 l
Accommodation - 4 berths
Engines - 1 x Volvo D6 400hp, 2 x Volvo D3 220hp
Propulsion - single or twin Volvo duo prop stern drive
Max Speed - 43 knots
Range - 250 nm 
Construction - Infused resin with DIAB core, vinylester resin
Project - Ted Mannerfelt

June 9, 2013

Improve-it = Pershing 115

The tenth hull of Pershing 115', flagship of the brand's fleet, who is among the leading manufacturers of high performance open motor yachts from 15 to 35 metres, was launched in the last few days at Marina dei Cesari, in Fano, Italy. The new launch represents an important result for the historic seat of the brand, the Mondolfo shipyard: the super sport yacht of 35 metres, representing the brand at its best, is characterized by refinement and performance. As a mark of the tradition which has made Pershing 115 a timeless model, hull number ten is characterized by sinuous, but decisive external lines with extraordinary performance, thanks to the collaboration between the architect Fulvio De Simoni, Advanced Yacht Technology and& Design, and the team of engineers and designers of the Ferretti Group.  Among the technological innovations it is worth mentioning in particular the highly innovative on board entertainment and domestics system, which can manage the audio, video and lighting systems directly from connected Apple devices – such as the iPad and the iPhone – and also makes it possible to monitor the utilities and the systems on board. Pershing 115 hull ten is a unique yacht of its own kind and it is worth noting the innovative slide in the stern garage that facilitates launching manoeuvres and the storage of a tender and the new type of opening from the bow hangar, which is in line with the family feeling of the Pershing ships: characteristics that contribute to making this new 115 a perfect balance between the traditional elements and some of the new innovations of the most recent models. Pershing 115 hull ten has a layout with four cabins; an Owner's suite and three guest cabins, which can host a total of ten people, and three crew cabins with five beds. A distinctive feature of every Pershing 115 is the personalisation that contributes to making the flagship of the fleet a unique product, varying from one model to another and which can be customized according to the Owner’s needs.  The peculiarity of this model is the elegance that distinguishes its interior design, characterized by the essence of a texture with grey tones, which combines well with the classic metallic outdoor areas and the hull, creating continuity among the various areas of the yacht. Distinctive are also the numerous Alcantara fittings, with sandy and ecru tones, present in the roof, wall and door finishes, which make Pershing 115 hull ten a vessel with an extremely contemporary style.  The boat is motorized by two MTU 3510 mhp engines combined with the applied thrust of two Kamewa hydro-jets.
www.pershing-yacht.com

June 8, 2013

New Model: Azimut 80 Flybridge

Reinventing the wheel how cruisers and yachts look and function has always been part of what Azimut does, and this is why this large private owned builder still as at today even in these hard times creates trends which other builders will eventually follow.  The Italians are inventive in there nature but Azimut clearly deservers a big recognition for what it did in the motor boating world in the past thirty plus of years.  The Azimut 80 for its length brings a fresh new approach turning what other builders do, making a big boat look more compact without it being smaller.  Take a picture of the 80 from a distance and many would tell you she is a sixty footer, or that it is the Azimut 64.  Go close to it and you will say different, as indeed the Azimut 80 has an overall length of over 25 meters.  On the layout terms the Azimut 80 Flybridge offers a traditional four cabins layout with a large full beam owners room amidships, VIP to fore and two double cabins in between.  Two crew cabins sleeping two and sharing a head are located aft.  Still Azimut brings nice features in this size from a Jacuzzi bath on the flybridge, to a day head on the main deck.  Azimut is also offering two stabilization options on the 80 from Seakeeper Gyros, or active CMC fins.  Hull one was build with the CMC fins.  Power is from twin MAN 1550hp engines which give a top speed of 30 knots max.   
Technical Data:
LOA - 25.2 m (82.8ft)
Hull Length - 23.7 m
Beam - 5.96 m
Draft - 1.67 m including props
Displacement - 61 t loaded
Fuel Capacity - 6000 l
Water Capacity - 1100 l
Accommodation - 8 guest berths in 4 cabins, 2 crew berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x MAN CR V12 1550hp
Propulsion - line shafts
Speed - 30 knots max, 26 cruise
Hull Shape - planning Vee with 16.6 degrees dead rise aft
Project - Stefano Righini exterior styling and concept, Salvagni Architetti interior
Certification - CE A

June 6, 2013

New Model: Mulder 1300 Cabrio

Mulder Shipyard in the Netherlands has delivered a new member of the renowned Favorite range. This latest Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is the first convertible model in the series as well as paying tribute to be completed at the brand-new shipyard in Zoeterwoude. The classically lined Mulder 1300 Favorite Cabrio is based on the successful line reintroduced by Mulder Shipyard in 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this cruisers line which brought so much success in the past. The new entry level in all the Mulder and the Favorite line, the 1300 Cabrio was developed in close cooperation with Guido de Groot Design and Vripack Naval Architects. Characteristic features of the modern classic include the nearly straight bow and the sloping transom stern. The 1300 Favorite Cabrio is a distinctive yacht with recognizable retro lines, designed for family sailing. The custom-built 1300 serves as the perfect day-cruiser but is also very suitable for longer stays on board. The elegant 1300 Favorite Cabrio has a functional layout and provides the highest level of luxury and comfort. With her spacious cabins, light saloon, large open cockpit and subtle tender storage making it a true all-rounder.  The electrically operated convertible roof of over twelve square metres creates a unique ‘open experience’. The raised seating area in the saloon, elongated windows on both sides and glass sliding doors with electrically operated sliding windows provide unobstructed views all around. The Favorite 1300 Cabrio has an aluminium hull and superstructure.  Hull one was powered with standard twin 110hp Volvo engines and features a round-bilged hull with propeller shaft propulsion.  Optional power up to twin Volvo 330hp is available.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.5 m (44.2ft)
Beam - 4.30 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Displacement - 14 t
Fuel Capacity - 1500 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D3 110hp, D6 330hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 12 knots max with Volvo 110hp
Hull Shape - round bilge
Construction - full aluminium
Project - Guido de Groot, Vripack Naval Architects
Certification - CE B

June 5, 2013

Project: Viking 42 SC

Creating a model within a model has been a successful path for Viking as demonstrated by the 42 Convertible and Open, which share the same hull with uniquely different deck and interior arrangements. The popularity of these new models has encouraged Viking to expand this theme with a pair of new 42s with striking profiles and special features that showcase Viking’s ability to broaden the appeal of this versatile hull.  Using its five-axis profile, Viking designed and built a plug and a female mold to create a rakish fiberglass deck house module, fully open to the cockpit while incorporating stylish convertible window lines, and the roof overhang and cabin trails. Here comes the 42 SC which has a distinctive New England flavor and includes a choice of a custom fiberglass mast for the radar and other antennas, or a customized radar arch. Each model can be further personalized with dramatic paint schemes to add ones own signature.  The 42 SC sport the familiar twin mezzanine cockpit of the 42 Open, along with the practical and feature full bridge deck and a center console station with the available teak finish helm pod, flanking lounge seating, and an inviting interior with teak joinery, a master stateroom forward, and twin berths aft separated by the salon, the head, and galley. The Viking 42 SC is powered by 600hp Cummins diesels with ZF Zeus pod drives.

June 4, 2013

New Model: VanDutch 55

For the its new flagship VanDutch 55 made its course of action very simple, follow the lines of the much praised 40 model. Designed again by Frank Mulder the office of the Dutch naval architect follows the silhouette of the smaller VanDutch inspired by classic sport boat lines; see the straight bow inspired by the U-boat, or the flash fore deck.  Benefiting from the extra size now at 55 feet, the new Van Dutch flagship offers many more amenities, including its immense sun bathing area in the aft exterior deck, an exterior retractable dining zone perfectly protected by the expansive windshield, and the new addition of an electric bimini.  The extra size of the VanDutch 55 versus its smaller sisters also transforms into an open yacht  able to accommodate four or six guests for a couple of weeks cruise.  Power is from twin Yanmar 900hp engines which give max speeds up to 38 knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.76 m (54.8ft)
Waterline Length - 15.5 m
Beam - 4.50 m
Draft - 1.10 m
Fuel Capacity - 2500 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Yanmar 8SY 900hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 38 knots max, 24 knots economic fast cruise
Range - 400 nm at 24 knots cruise
Project - Frank Mulder, VanDutch interior
Certification - CE B

June 3, 2013

Project: Prestige 720 Yacht

It was a question of when it will happen, that Prestige launched a new flagship and extend the size from what its current largest model the 620.  The Prestige 720 extends the French brand part of the Beneteau Group by ten feet and presents also a new set of looks and an innovative interior layout.  From a certain point of view designers Garroni, and JandJ try to keep modern classic in the 720, a Prestige teem since the brand was part of Jeanneau, but then the side view window just under the shear line give a touch of current times.  Who knows may be this window will also give a new position to the owners room in the 720?  The main deck layout of the 720 follows what Prestige is also doing in its smaller models following latest trends of locating the galley, and also dining area in this case astern.  Forward to this is a more relaxing area, and a helm to port side just as in smaller yachts comes in front to this, with no dividing partition. Below the design team and Prestige get creative putting the owners stateroom in an unusual position in this size and a higher altitude to fore, with the rest of the three guest cabins located behind it and to a lower level.  Unusually the VIP suite in the 720 is a full beam amidships cabin.  A crew cabin sleeping two is located to aft.  Power is from MAN engines and start at 800, 1000, or 1200hp options.  Max speeds estimated are 28 knots.       

June 2, 2013

New Model: Overmarine Mangusta 94

The first unit of the brand new Overmarine Mangusta 94 model was launched on Sunday 26th May, during the morning. The event took place at a private ceremony in the presence of the owner and his wife, the shipyard management team and all those who played a part in building this new super sport yacht model in the renowned Overmarine fleet.  Mangusta 94 measures just under thirty metres in length, respecting dimensions of standard European marinas and it’s a completely new model. She is the natural next evolution in the Righini designed status symbol Mangusta maxi open yachts, perfectly combining traditional but sport lines with new features that allow greater usability of the external areas and even more comfort.  Said features include a flybridge with large cushions and a bow cockpit, where besides the sundeck, there is also a dining area with a table and divan. Another important new feature is installation of the gyroscopic stabilizers. Natural light on board is of primary importance and comes in both through the four skylights in the ceiling of the main saloon and the large window in the part of the hull by the owner area where there are also two portholes which can be opened. The side windows in the hull will become a distinctive feature on all future Mangusta models. The interior layout featuring just two cabins and the style and decoration perfectly represent the shipyard’s personalisation philosophy having been made to measure according to the Owner’s instructions and requirements. The timeless elegance of the interiors has been created by prestigious New York architect Peter Marino: the decorative abundance of rosewood, the ivory tones and the brown shades of the coverings and furnishings create a truly unique atmosphere. The second unit will already be in water in June. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 28.72 m (94.2ft)
Beam - 6.6 m
Draft - 1.6 m
Displacement - 90 t half load
Fuel Capacity - 8800 l
Water Capacity - 1400 l
Accommodation - 2 guest cabins sleeping 4, 3 crew cabins sleeping five
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M94 2600hp
Propuslion - Kamewa 56S3 water jets
Speed - 36 knots max
Range - 280 nm at cruise speed
Project - Sefano Righini exterior, Peter Marino architect PLLC interior, Overmarine Group Design Department