February 28, 2015

Monthly News - February 2015

-pic of the month- Benetti Commercial Achievements 2015

Arcadia Expands in USA

Arcadia Yachts is pleased to announce that, as part of development plans for extra-European markets targeting sales expansion, brand awareness and reputation, Mr. Alessandro Diomedi will now be in charge of operations for the Americas. The appointment is due to the renowned capabilities and expertise of Mr. Alessandro Diomedi, who held the position of Ferretti Group Manager for approximately ten years, first for the Asian, and later the American markets, with excellent results. This appointment coincides with the presentation of the Arcadia 85 at the 2015 Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show, beginning next February 12th, and with the important signing for a new Arcadia 85, destined for the South American market. Ugo Pellegrino, Arcadia Yachts Ceo, warmly welcomes Mr Diomedi to his new position. 


Bavaria Takes More Awards

The sailing and motor yachts of Bavaria are still on track to win. In Warsaw, the Sport 360 won in the category motor yachts bigger nine meters the ‘Polish Boat of the Year’ award. In the category sailing yachts the Nautitech Open 40 took the award and won against other catamarans. In Croatia, the Cruiser 46 got the ‘Croatian Boat of the Year’ award her second award this year after winning the ‘European Boat of the Year’ award in January. The Sport 360 had already been awarded with the ‘Best of Boats’ award in Berlin before the turn of last year. 

Bavaria Strengthens Position in China

The German renowned boat builder Bavaria announces a major investment into the Chinese market effective to start in 2015. Bavaria is one of the major players on the boating market for sailing and power boats ranging from 30 to 56 feet and recently added a catamaran range following the purchase of the French Nautitech brand. Established in 1978 and delivering every year around 1200 boats to the market, Bavaria has successfully developed a strong dealership network in 52 countries. The Chinese market is certainly one of the most promising markets for the company which currently possesses a regional office in Shanghai, managed by the Asia-Pacific Sales Director, Mrs. Reanna Wang, and a strong dealership network within the country. With the currently presence in China, the company sees a need to further develop the market which represents a huge potential for this size range of boats and is also very catamaran-friendly. Having all three types of yachts it its portfolio, a strong German know how and engineering background, Bavaria is on the right path to enjoy its part of success in the Chinese market. With the new investment that the company has injected into China, a large number of stock boats from the whole range will soon be available from different locations nationwide which mean quick delivery time for Clients and more effective work for the dealers. Bavaria Yachts China in Shanghai will also establish an After Sales department in the South of China which will serve as a support and training base for all dealers and clients. This base will be operated by the shipyard experts and their Chinese team. The Chinese middle upper class segment is quickly growing and hence Bavaria’s conviction in the brand and the right time to reinforce its position on this challenging but promising market. After 3 years operations in China, sales results and increasing interest in the brand allow Bavaria Yachts to expect that it will become, as on other international markets, one of the top boat builders of choice for the local buyers. With a regional office in Shanghai with its own marketing and sales team supporting the dealership network and the after sales department in the South of China, the company will be able to quickly increase visibility and sales within the world’s most vibrant marketplace, China.


Benetti Commercial Achievements 2015

Benetti, the world's top builder of over 24m yachts for 15 consecutive years, confirms their ongoing commercial success with sales of 9 super yachts from September 2014 until now, including a full-custom 65m, 7 Displacement Class and one Veloce 140' Fast Displacement Class, the latter confirming the strong appeal of this new line following its introduction in 2012. This commercial success follows the news – see previous Press Release issued during the Cannes Yachting Festival 2014 – regarding the sale of two over 100m mega-yachts. The Benetti production line is working at full speed on 19 yachts, all to be delivered in 2015, including seven Custom projects 50m and larger and twelve Class semi-custom units. With 45 yachts under construction in Livorno and Viareggio, and thanks to the constant attention paid towards clients and the yard's solid financial situation, Benetti is riding a wave of commercial success, confirming the market's interest for all the yard's models and new designs throughout the world. Encouraged by these positive results and previsions for the future, Benetti, with an eye towards satisfying the continuing requests for their yachts, has decided to begin production of a 63m on spec. This will assure that even clients with short delivery constraints will have the possibility to own such a large yacht in a relatively short time.


Bertram Letter of Intent by Gavio Group

Argo Finanziaria, holding of the Gavio Group, announces it has undersigned a Letter of Intent with Ferretti SpA regarding the takeover of Bertram, one of the leading yachting brands in the United States and all over the world. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by 31 March 2015, following appropriate due diligence of Betram’s assets, the definition of the conditions, guarantees, and commitments required for this type of transactions, and after obtaining all the necessary authorisations pursuant to the applicable laws and regulations. Established by Richard Bertram in 1960, Bertram is a true icon of US yachting. It is the legendary brand of the famous Moppies, thousands of which were built between the 1960s and the 1990s. Bertram yachts have always been a synonym of performance, outstanding seaworthiness, reliability, excellence, and style. The acquisition of the Bertram brand follows the takeover by the Gavio Group of two other important yachting brands – Cantieri Cerri, in September 2011, and Baglietto, in February 2012. The latter is the symbol of international yachting and is currently the oldest Italian shipyard still in business. By including Bertram into its yachting brand portfolio, the Group will further extend the range of boats it produces. It will also create a prestigious ‘hub’ in the luxury yachts segment, capable of creating strong synergies by sharing resources, optimizing costs, integrating sales networks, and further promoting its chances to successfully operate on the fast-growing US market. 


Elandra Sales Success

Australian luxury motoryacht builder Elandra Yachts has achieved multiple sales of its Elandra 53 semi-custom sports yacht following its unveiling in September last year. The first two Elandra 53s were sold to New South Wales buyers. Elandra 53 No.2, with a gleaming gold hull colour, is in build at the company's yard in Queensland and is scheduled for completion in May. A white gelcoat-hulled Boat No.3. will be completed in August. Elandra Yachts has also announced the appointment of Chris Hills of Australian Boat Sales to represent the company in Sydney Harbour. The dealership has operated from offices on the Harbour for the past 11 years.


Filippetti Receives Two Successes

Two major awards arrived for Filippetti Navetta30 M/Y Gatsby by Boat International Media. M/Y Gatsby is one of the finalists in two of the most important and prestigious industry awards: the World Superyacht Awards and ShowBoats Design Awards. The impressive group of finalists includes the best super yachts built and delivered to the owner in the last twelve months. The World Superyacht Awards recognize, from more than 10 years, the best superyachts newly built, delivered to their owners during the last year. The jury, arranged by eighteen superyacht owners and two high-level professionals, has visited the boat during the Cannes Boat Show, where it was presented in a world premiere. The Filippetti Navetta 30 M/Y Gatsby was named as a finalist in the category "Displacement Motor Yachts of below 500GT - 30m to 42.99m." The awards ceremony will take place in Amsterdam in May. While the World Superyacht Awards recognizes superyachts in their entirety, the ShowBoats Design Awards focuses directly on the fundamental design aspects of superyacht design such as naval architecture, exterior design and interior layout. The Navetta 30 Gatsby has been nominated in the category "Environmental Protection Award". Two major awards for the first Filippetti Navetta 30 M/Y Gatsby that further confirm the high quality of the founding principles of this “green boat”. This 30 meters, like the other vessels of the line Navetta, has been entirely designed according to environmentally sustainable criteria: displacement hull, soft, rounded lines, low emissions and consumption. Thanks to the fuel tank capacity of 27,000 liters and the low power consumption, Filippetti Navetta 30 is able to travel long cruises without the need for intermediate supplies. In addition to the attention for the environment, great importance has been given to the comfort and the large spaces on board. The interior of M/Y Gatsby were completely customized by the owner to maximize comfort. M/Y Gatsby has six cabins and a deck fully dedicated to the owner, an unusual layout for boat of this size.


Overmarine In Singapore

The Overmarine Group is continuing to develop its strategy to make Mangusta an international brand, focusing strongly on new areas of the globe that are aimed at integrating the traditional European and American nautical markets. Over the past few years, the company has paid particular attention to Asia Pacific. Singapore is the financial and economic centre for the entire area and exactly where the Group is now concentrating its efforts. After careful assessment, the Overmarine Group chose to appoint Henry Goulding to promote the Mangusta and Mangusta Oceano brands in Singapore. Despite being young, Henry Goulding is a Commercially Endorsed Ocean Master, having built up considerable experience sailing in Europe, the USA and most importantly, Asia, where he now lives and works. Having spent time working on chartered yachts, Henry knows exactly what Owners want, how to make a yacht experience truly unforgettable, build up an excellent relationship with crews and manage a yacht, ensuring the very highest standards of maintenance and presentation. This kind of experience is a key sales feature in Singapore where a full service and customer care is essential. The UHNW population in Asia is growing steadily and Singapore is considered to be a pole both financially and for luxury, in short Asia’s Monaco. A substantial part of the wealth of the entire area is concentrated here, coming mainly from Indonesia, Malyasia and China. The nautical industry is also involved in this growth trend, both in terms of clients and services and infrastructures and a nautical culture exists here, too. The area offers interesting destinations near-at-hand which is perfect for fast yachts. This makes Singapore a strategic market for an iconic brand like Mangusta, which has been a leader for cutting-edge Maxi open yachts for over 30 years, featuring a perfect combination of innovation and technology, high quality, luxury and artisan work, a top performance and safety, large spaces and onboard comfort, Italian style and customised interiors. The Overmarine Group and Henry Goulding, will be present at the upcoming Singapore Yacht Show 2015 held in end April.


Princess Double Show Success

Princess Yachts has enjoyed a record start to their 50th anniversary year following a successful winter boat show season. Beginning at the CWM FX London Boat Show, Princess unveiled a new stand design and featured a stunning 10 yacht line-up. The Princess 68 made her show debut alongside the new Princess S72 which picked up a 2015 Motor Boat Award during the show. In addition the V48 Open, also on display, fought off tough competition to scoop another Motor Boat Award for the Sportscruiser over 45ft category. In the wake of London's success Princess also enjoyed a record show at boot Dusseldorf. The Princess 98 Motor Yacht was once again the largest yacht at the show and impressed visitors to the stand with her Art Deco inspired interior, Armani Casa fabrics and accessories including lamps by Porta Romana. The 98 was part of a seven yacht display which also included award-winning models such as the Princess 43 and the V39. 


Riviera Festival of Fun and Boating

The dates are now set for the 4th annual Riviera Festival of Boating so mark 21-24 May 2015 to experience a truly unique event that will once again bring together Riviera global family of owners and enthusiasts and assist them in achieving ‘the ultimate boating experience’. With over 70 educational seminars, practical workshops and social events over four days, the Festival is always popular with those looking for practical knowledge and skills development from the fundamentals of anchoring, line-tying, charting a journey and handling boats in challenging conditions, right through to harnessing the full power of the latest technology and advanced marine navigation systems aboard new Riviera and Belize models. The Festival is part of Riviera’s commitment to helping people to stretch their sea legs and experience the pleasure of blue-water cruising. it is about building confidence to a global family of owners who is able to use their boats to their full potential. Realise that, in this respect, knowledge truly is power. But the Festival is also far more than that it is also a chance to inspect the latest luxurious range of new Riviera and Belize yachts at a $15 million red-carpet on-water showcase at the state-of-the-art, 14-hectare facility at Coomera on Queensland’s Gold Coast. And it is an opportunity for people from around the world to come to Australia’s Gold Coast and catch up with friends, to share experiences and to plan new adventures.


Sanlorenzo New Office in Arabian Gulf

Sanlorenzo is delighted to announce the further expansion of its brand representative network in the United Arab Emirates and Middle East, with the appointment of motor yacht specialists ACE Marine L.L.C., trading as Sanlorenzo Middle East. Sanlorenzo Middle East will operate from new offices in Dubai, serving the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. It is a sister company of Alkhalil Trading L.L.C., trading as Sanlorenzo Egypt, based at Abu Tig Marina in the resort of El Gouna, on the Red Sea coast. Both dealerships were established by Managing Director Tarek Khalil who, for the last 6 years, has been successfully representing and distributing luxury motor yachts in Egypt and Lebanon. Sanlorenzo Middle East has ambitious plans to grow awareness of the Sanlorenzo brand in the Arabian Gulf region, building on the success of the company in Egypt. Sanlorenzo Middle East will showcase some of Sanlorenzo’s newest models at the 2015 Dubai International Boat Show from March 3rd to 7th, including the 40 meter superyacht 40Alloy, in exhibition courtesy of the Dubai Royal Family, that bought it in 2013.

Sanlorenzo Showroom in Shanghai

Sanlorenzo opens a new embassy in the Shanghai “Bund”, the heart of the most populous Chinese city that recently reached 20 million people and that represents the most important financial and commercial center in China. Today the “Bund” area is one of the main touristic destination of Shanghai. Sanlorenzo is directly present on the Chinese territory through Sanlorenzo China, its Brand Representative that, since 2014, has been managing the promotion and the sales of the Italian-built Sanlorenzo motoryachts from 22 to 62 meters on the Great China region (China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). The new showroom, with the unmistakable Sanlorenzo style, was designed in Italy and reflects the sophisticated and refined atmosphere of the other Sanlorenzo offices and showrooms located all over the world. From this new location among the colonial-style buildings and the international fashion and jewelry boutiques, the emerging Chinese class – always more attracted by the Made-inItaly artisan excellences – will have the opportunity to directly get in touch with the Sanlorenzo top-class motoryachts. The strategic position of the new Showroom, right near the big Yangzi river, will also allow the Asian owners to visits and to sea trials the Sanlorenzo motoryachts moored at the river docks. The natural tailor-made approach of Sanlorenzo – based on the production of few, madeto-measure units per year, each one designed according to the style and the requests of every single owner – allows the creation of motoryachts specifically designed to fulfill the cultural and stylistic demands of the Asian customers. The SL96 and SL106, both Special Edition, are the first Sanlorenzo models currently visible in China and represent the best answers to the requests of the emerging nautical market of the Great China. In addition to the distribution of the exclusive Italian Sanlorenzo motoryachts, Sanlorenzo China is also offering a post-sales service on the whole Chinese territory, yacht maintenance and charter service, a financial consultancy about the transport, import and the registration of the boats in the Great China region.


Viking Miami Montage

Some 5,333 visitors came through Viking impressive 14 boat display at the 2015 Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show last week. Activity was good with a pair of 62 Convertibles, a 55 Convertible and a 52 Convertible contracted during the five-day run and complemented eight other Vikings sold during the VIP Boat Show Preview at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach late last month. 

Viking Annual VIP Preview

The 19th Annual Viking VIP Boat Show Preview was a rousing success as more than 700 Viking family members gathered for our exclusive private showing of the 2015 Viking fleet from 42 to 92 feet complemented with a venerable vendor village of marine accessories, electronics, engines, fishing tackle, services and equipment at the Viking Yacht Service Center in Riviera Beach. Framed with blue skies, a fresh Florida breeze and superb ocean running conditions, the popular event this past Friday and Saturday provided our dealers and their clients with nearly a hundred sea trials displaying time after time why Viking leads the world today as the champion builder of luxurious sportfishing convertibles and elegant, leading edge motor yachts. In addition to our award winning fleet Viking also earned the accolades of the Parker Hannifin Corporation, which manufactures Racor Fuel/Water Separators and Sea Recovery water makers as company representatives Steven Theus, Raffaele Invrea and Greg Newman presented Patrick Healey, President and Bill Healey Co-founder of VIking with its prestigious OEM Manufacturer of the Year Award. Throughout the festivities of both days the pulse and commitment of the company to build a better a boat every day was apparent to all in attendance and making waves for the next big Viking Yachts showcase at the 27th Annual Miami Yacht & Brokerage Show, February 11-16, 2015 in Miami Beach.


Zeelander Appoints New President 

Zeelander Yachts B.V. announced today the appointment of Michele Allen to President of Zeelander USA, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her responsibilities will include overseeing day-to-day operations as well as executing key strategic growth initiatives. Ms. Allen brings 30 years of diversified experience providing strategic, tactical and financially responsible leadership. Allen has a long track record of building value and maximum revenue growth for both product and service organizations, most recently as General Manager of Bradford Marine Yacht Sales. Prior to that, she served in pivotal roles including Director of Product Development for QVC, Vice President of Operations for Teslar Watches, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hotels.com and Vice President of Marketing for Sky Limo Air Charter. Zeelander Yachts also announced today a company restructure which includes the addition of a yacht sales division in preparation for growth and new products. This new division led by Chris Holtzheuser as President, will provide an improved experience for those buying and selling their vessels. Former Zeelander USA President, John Slate, will move to the sales division to drive new business and ensure a successful launch.

February 27, 2015

New Launch: Feadship 46.40m Hull. 689

Feadship launched the 46.40-metre, hull number 689, titled M/Y Kiss on Saturday 14 February in a ceremony that made the most of the Valentine’s Day spirit. Having recently unveiled two of the largest superyachts in the global fleet, the 101.50-metre and 83.50-metre Savannah, this launch proves how Feadship can also embrace its roots size-wise within the highest standards of custom super-yacht building. Designed by Dubois, hull. 689 also showcases Feadship's ability to optimise the efficiency of the engineering processes involved in creating a bespoke superyacht. This latest Feadship is based on previous launch Como, with a more conservative twin 1800hp Cats engines giving a max speed  of 16 knots.  Interior design comes from Redman Whiteley Dixon who presented five guest cabins, plus an owners stateroom on the main deck, 
Technical Data:
LOA - 46.4 m (152.3ft)
Beam - 9 m
Draft - 2.28 m
Displacement - 
Fuel Capacity - 51000 l
Water Capacity - 16000 l
Accommodation - twelve guests in six cabins, eight crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x Cats C32 1800hp 
Top Speed - sixteen knots
Project - Dubois naval architect and exterior lines, Reman Whiteley Dixon interior

February 26, 2015

Project: Queens Yachts 58 Hard Top

Queens Yachts presents the project for a new 58 Hard Top. It will be interesting to see if the 58 will be a replacement of the current 54 model or it will be an additional model in the Queens line up. Apart the renderings above no further details have been given so far for the 58, but the new project seems to continue the next step in Queens Yacht design philosophy as shown with the 50 model. See windows profile. Important note that the 50 model showed Queens change designer duties from Alessandro Ino, to the TDF Studio of Laverna and Vienna.  As shown in the rendering, the Queens 58 should be a line shaft propulsion yacht but the Italian builder did show that it always offers other options to its buyers.

February 24, 2015

New Model: Carver C37

Carver label its new C37 as the most spacious and comfortable eleven meters currently available on the market. As expected the Carver C37 follows the design which was introduced with C34 a couple years ago, and which since has had a huge impact on the famous North American marquee. The C37 as the smaller C34 is also an all season boat, featuring a fully enclosed hard top which makes rainy days a cozy experience inside. The C37 follows Carver latest ideas in making best use of length thanks to a very full bow, a long water-line, and a very wide beam for it size, usually found in boats more or less one meter longer. Inside the Carver offers a four plus two accommodation plan, with two cabins below deck, and an extra double berth coming from the convertible saloon on the main deck. A shower head is located in between the cabins, and the galley is on the main deck to starboard. Power choices are a standard Mercruiser 320hp petrol gas, and optional Volvo 300hp units. Propulsion is stern dive.
Technical Data:
LOA - 11.28 m (37.8ft)
Beam - 3.96 m
Draft - 1.07 m
Displacement - 8165 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 846 l
Water Capacity - 341 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Engines - 2 x Mercruiser 377 Magnum 320hp gas, Volvo D4 300hp diesel
Propulsion - dual propellers Mercruiser or Volvo stern drive
Construction - resin infused
Certification - US Coast Guard, NMMA, CE

February 22, 2015

Project: Wider 125

Wider boss Tilli Antonelli, and renowned designer Fulvio de Simoni present the new 125 project a further evolution of the 122 offered more or less about a year ago. Innovation, and latest technology comes with all the Wider range and the 125 like its bigger 150 and 165 sisters will be a diesel electric powered yacht.  Accommodation will feature six guest cabins, with an interesting owner style apartment located forward of the main deck offering two rooms, a master stateroom and children's room.  Crew cabins will be seven; three of these located forward of the lower deck, and a captains room by the pilot house on the top deck.  With the crew quarters is also included a lobby with a C-shaped settee, and a large separate galley. Performance numbers are very interesting in the Wider 125 and will feature top speeds up to 14 knots, a cruise of 12, and an economic 10 knots which gives a range of 3600 nautical miles.      

February 20, 2015

New Model: Bayliss 77 B18

Bayliss Boatworks is proud to announce the delivery of hull number B18 the 77 feet Clean Sweep. Her owners previously owned Bayliss Hull 8, which was completed in 2007. They were ready for an upgrade and collaborated with Bayliss and naval architect Robert Ullberg to design a larger, faster sport-fish yacht, maintaining the features they loved about B8, and incorporating modern technology, additional power and length as well as various customization. Upon first glance, her breathtaking lines, ice blue hull and cloud white cabin set off the teak toe rail, teak bridge trim and cockpit mezzanine. The cockpit area has four stainless refrigerator freezers that can be individually temperature controlled depending on the crew’s storage requirements. There is a cockpit grill center to starboard, with tackle storage drawers underneath, and a couple of more drawers outboard to the port side. There is a large in-deck ice bin, and a custom live well supply box that will deliver huge amounts of raw water to either the transom live well, tuna tubes, or on-deck boxes. The gaff lockers pocket forward via stainless steel air-actuators, and the huge mezzanine sofa is kept comfortable by the hidden air-conditioning vents in the bulkhead. Her bridge layout is an adaptation from recent boats and has some really cool new features. The forward area of the bridge has wrap-around seating for up to twelve people, a table that doubles as a refrigerator/freezer, all with teak trim and a beautiful teak deck. Just after the forward seating area are two more rod lockers that are also air-actuated, and in the center, is the extra large helm console with some of the recent improvements from the finest electronics suppliers available. From the helm, the captain can view the four 21 inch monitors, and have the ability to mix and match his screens to select anything from navigation/sounder/sonar information to television to the on-board camera system. Another neat feature that’s become part of these larger boats is an additional screen in the overhead to view the same information, but while facing aft. So now the captain can be watching his baits and view the sounder and plotter while looking back, and it comes in very handy for docking as he changes his screen to the bow facing camera while he is backing in the slip. As you might expect with a bridge this large, there is a ton of storage available and Bayliss worked hard with the owners to subscribe a place for everything, and everything in it’s place.  Bayliss 77 B18 will feature four stateroom / four heads layout, and this particular layout is where a lot of joint collaboration really paid off. Each Bayliss boat is built for a specific purpose, and this one is no exception. As you enter the salon, it’s easy to tell that all the interior veneers came from a single teak log to ensure perfect color match throughout. One of the most stunning features of the boat is the beautiful leather finish granite. The stone selection blended perfectly with the teak and fabrics to make this one of the most beautiful interiors the BBW crew has put together.  There are a number of air-actuated parts throughout, including the salon TV lift, captain stateroom Pullman bunk, and companionway stairs. All these components were designed and built in Bayliss own in-house Heavy Metalworks department. Interesting and going against recent trends Bayliss 77 B18 owners went for a master forward stateroom design. The master is spacious and private, and features a beautiful wooden hand-carved marlin piece of artwork over the headboard. There is a crew stateroom to starboard, and a VIP to port. On the level lower are the captain’s stateroom, washer/dryer, and an inside entrance to the pump room/engine room. B18 is powered by a pair of 2600hp MTU, delivering top speeds of 43 knots and cruise of 34 knots. Building custom sport-fish boats since 2002, Bayliss has been one of the most admired builders which comes from the Carolinas, and has also three other yachts in construction which include a new ninety feet flagship.
Technical Data:
LOA - 23.46 m (77ft)
Beam - 6.09 m
Draft - 1.60 m
Displacement - 4985 kg
Fuel Capacity - 10599 l
Water Capacity - 1703 l
Accommodation - 8 berths in 4 cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU M94 2600hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Spped - 43 knots max, 34 knots cruise
Construction - Cold molded, jig method. Wood, with fiberglass, and epoxy resins.
Project - John Ullberg

February 18, 2015

Project: Sanlorenzo SL76

After showing the SL86 project as outlined in Dusseldorf, PowerYacht today shows you the other important future model announcement which came from Sanlorenzo in Germany the SL76.  This new Sanlorenzo project will replace the popular 1997 launched 72 model, and should follow the same novelties as in the bigger sister; improved hull ergonomics, floating floor to reduce vibration and noise, and vacuum resin infused construction. Expect to see these changes in all future SL line Sanlorenzo models from now onwards. The SL76 shows also the recent Sanlorenzo design team change now in the hands of Mauro Micheli's Officina Italiana Design team, who takes over from the long experience which came with Francesco Paszkowski. Micheli's take on both the SL76 and 86 is for conservative modern looks in line with what Sanlorenzo has been trough the years.   

February 17, 2015

Propulsion: Volvo FWD

A revolutionary new concept in marine propulsion, the first Volvo Penta Forward Drive (FWD), debuted at an exclusive event at the Miami International Boat Show. Opening up a new realm for recreational water sports, the Volvo Penta FWD begins with forward-facing dual counter-rotating props with an adjustable-trim drive. This patented and innovative design pulls the boat through the water rather than pushing, with an undisturbed water flow to the propellers. This clean and efficient propulsion system delivers superior responsiveness, acceleration, fuel economy and versatility, allowing for an array of activities behind the boat, including wakesurfing and wakeboarding. Drivers will also be able to customize the wake for different ability levels and feel the difference in tighter high-speed turns, as well as more responsive slow-speed maneuvering and docking. Additionally, the forward-facing DuoProp, with counter-rotating propellers, offers a unique and industry-first symmetrical wake-boarding wake and equally shaped wake-surfing wave on your side of choice. FWD also reduces noise and vibration, and virtually eliminates annoying fumes on deck since engine exhaust is expelled underwater beneath the boat. The adjustable tilt makes it easy to trim the boat for optimum fuel efficiency and comfort when cruising. When at rest with the drive trimmed down, the forward-facing propellers are inboard of the boat making activities like fishing and swimming more practical astern of the boat.  The Volvo Penta FWD, coupled with the new-generation marine gas engines, is an unbeatable combination for boat builders, providing higher speeds and better performance with a smaller, lighter engine. The engine and drive system are proven and feature accessible service points for easier maintenance.  Dealers and boat owners will also benefit from the commonality of parts across the full range of engines and drives. Most importantly, the builder, dealer and customer have the peace of mind that comes with a fully integrated helm-to-prop solution designed, built and supported by a single manufacturer with an unmatched reputation for customer satisfaction and after-the-sale customer service.  The new Volvo Penta FWD and gas engines are covered by Volvo Penta’s warranty with five years of factory protection. The Volvo Penta FWD has been tested and developed with several key boat-builder partners. New boat models featuring FWD will be available starting in 2015.

February 16, 2015

New Model: Sealine S330

The S330 is the first Sealine to come totally new from the hands of Hanse, the owners of Sealine since the middle of 2013. The S330 is Sealine's current entry level model what is an interesting hard top sport cruiser which reflects the next step in the brand's identity outside and also features the important signature of naval architect Bill Dixon. As usual to Sealine the S330 is a spacious sport cruiser sleeping four plus two in a usual internal layout of forward Vee berth, midships double cabin, and a convertible L-shaped saloon dinette. If you are looking for a cruiser at ten meters in length, the accommodation of the new S330 is a challenge to any boat builder.  But apart all this the Sealine S330 is a practical sport cruiser with important wanted features as the hard-top, and the single level of the main deck.  Sealine also shows that's its targeting a vast client base with single engines as enjoyed by Scandinavian customers, or twin propulsion options also being available.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 10.31 m (33.9ft)
Waterline Length - 9.9 m
Beam - 3.5 m
Draft - 0.89 m with twin engines, 1.09 m with single stern drive
Displacement - 6.7 t
Fuel Capacity - 570 l
Water Capacity - 220 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths
Max Persons 8
Engines - 1 x Volvo D6 330hp, D6 400hp, 2 x Volvo D3 170hp, D3 220hp
Speed - 32 knots max with Volvo 400hp or twin 220hp
Project - Bill Dixon
Certification - CE B

February 14, 2015

Project: Tankoa 50m S501

Tankoa Yachts and Yacht-Ology, Michel Karsenti's company are glad to announce the sale of the first S501 to an experienced French client. Construction of this first 50 meter will start early April 2015 for a delivery in mid 2017. S501 will be entirely built in aluminium light alloy 5083. According to Michel Karsenti and Tankoa's CEO, Euro Contenti, this is a true recognition of the "boutique shipyard" values and power that irrevocably consists in building yachts with clients, not for clients.  Tankoa S501 is the new 50 meter project that was officially introduced to the public and press last September on the occasion of the 2014 Monaco Yacht Show.  Project S501 was one of the first initiative resulting of the partnership between Tankoa and Yacht-Ology right after Karsenti contracted S693 that will be delivered this summer. She represents the quintessence of the result between a high quality builder and a marketing and sales organization that is in daily contact with yacht owners, captains and surveyors. Tankoa’s management team and Karsenti worked in close collaboration with Francesco Paszkowski to design the project in order to reach important goals of balance, circulation on board, minus 499 gross tons package, and a visual contact with the sea.  Interiors, as per client's request, will be the work of Francesco Paszkowski Design Studio in cooperation with Margherita Casprini and should reflect a "modern but warm" atmosphere. This first model of project S501 will be in its full displacement version offering a range of 5,000 Nautical Miles at 12 knots and 16 knots top speed. Another variant of S501 is available to the market with a semi-displacement hull shape capable of a 27 knots top speed.

February 12, 2015

New Model: Tiara 50 Flybridge

The Tiara 50 Flybridge builds on the modern design and product evolution started with the introduction of the exciting 50 Coupe. The open layout adorned with solid hardwoods, contemporary furniture, finishes and hardware are all part of the new 50 Fly. What sets her apart is the new bridge deck layout thoughtfully executed with entertaining in mind. Highlights include a center helm station, secure coming heights, all inclusive seating and a convertible sun-pad allowing all guests to be part of the cruise. The open step system to the flybridge makes for easy ingress and egress, and keeps the aft cockpit deck open and airy.  Twin Volvo 725hp power the 50 Flybridge to a cruising speed of 28 knots, with a 33 knots top end. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.6 m (54.6ft)
Beam - 4.85 m
Draft - 1.34 m
Displacement - 20613 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2460 l
Water Capacity - 569 l
Accommodation - 4 berths in 2 cabins, or optional 6 berths in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp
Propulsion - Volvo IPS950 forward looking dual propellers pods
Speed - 33 knots max, 28 knots cruise
Range - 270 nm at cruise
Hull Shape - planning Vee with 14.8 degrees dead-rise aft
Construction - premium resins with gel-coat outer layer, and balsa cored hull sides
Certification - USCG, NMMA, CE 

February 9, 2015

Project: Fairline 53 Targa GT

Fairline announce its latest Targa model, the 53 Targa GT which is currently in the middle of its development program. The new second size Targa is the next step forward in the long tradition of the Fairline sport cruiser and yacht design series, and is a further development of the current 50 series with a totally redesigned lower deck moving the master cabin from fore to amidships. The mid-ships master stateroom is complemented by a double guest VIP forward, and a versatile twin cabin to port. The cockpit and saloon accommodation has also been well thought through offering the choice of C or J style cockpit seating. An optional continental galley in the saloon compliments the main galley below and together with the glass entrance design delivers the perfect alfresco dining experience.  The Targa 53GT offers a choice of two shaft driven engine options from Volvo and Caterpillar as well as an optional crew cabin with its own window. The opportunity for stabilisation systems has not been forgotten either with a choice of either gyroscopic or fin stabilization providing another opportunity to customize your boat.

February 7, 2015

New Model: Bilgin 147

Turkish super yacht builder Bilgin has launched its second largest and most modern model to date, the futuristic looking 147.  Designed by the studio of H2, the Bilgin 147 was launched in the second half of 2014 and features a semi-displacement hull shape.  The interior of 147 offers six guest cabins this including a very spacious VIP suite, and a master stateroom on the main deck. Crew accommodation is for six persons.  Bilgin 147 was built with Iroko wood and epoxy resins cold molded construction method, this making it one of the recent largest super yachts to be built in this manner.  Power comes from twin 1915hp Cat engines which gives max speed of 19 knots.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 45 m (147.6ft)
Waterline Length - 43.5 m
Beam - 8.9 m
Draft - 1.85 m
Displacement - 285 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 25000 l
Water Capacity - 6000 l
Accommodation - 12 guests in 6 cabins, 6 crew in 3 cabins
Engines - 2 x Cat C32 1915hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 19 knots max, 15 knots cruise
Hull Shape - semi displacement
Project - H2 Yacht Design
Construction - cold molded Iroko with epoxy resins 
Certification - RINA, MMA

February 5, 2015

Project: Marlow 49 Explorer

At the October 2013 Fort Lauderdale boat show Marlow announced that it started project plans for a new 49 Explorer model. In this new creation which took about two years in the making Marlow listened with special ears to its customers who have expressed a great interest in an exploror cruiser of this size range. Plans were unveiled at each owners party and the order for hull one finally arrived with a debut set for Miami 2015. Like all Marlow yachts the 49 Explorer will feature construction techniques with the finest of materials. It will exhibit the same grace, dexterity and reliability in performance and provide the quiet luxury, overstated volume and outstanding fit and finish that Marlow yachts share. The 49 Explorer will be constructed with Marlow's third generation radius transom, thus providing a significant gain in lazarette storage and cockpit areas. There are three lower deck options for stateroom configurations creating either two very large staterooms or adding a third with twin bunks for very comfortable accommodations. Power comes from twin 461hp Cat engines.

February 3, 2015

New Model: Casa 38 HT

It's been a long time coming for this project to arrive into reality but the new Casa entry level model, the 38 is finally here.  The new Casa 38 HT reduces the South of Rome, Gaeta located builder entry size by ten feet.  The 38 HT is also an entry level model which is suit to purpose and can be as for Italian law, registered under the ten meters legislation as a small boat craft. The Casa 38 HT number one had an interesting red hull color, which outlines more the classic influence of the design as the long fore deck and a nice level free board. Not to high nor low! The interior of the 38 Casa is available in two cabin variants; with the option of having a larger galley to starboard and a more spacious L-shaped settee to port, but this coming at the expense of losing the second shower head.  The exterior deck follows the usual Italian ideology of an aft sun-pad and C-shaped dinette to port, and helm station with wet bar behind to starboard.  Power will come from twin 300hp Volvo engines with stern drive propulsion which should give top speeds of around 38 knots in light medium load conditions.
Technical Data:
LOA - 12.2 (40ft)
Hull Length - 9.98 m
Beam - 3.66 m
Draft - 0.96 m 
Displacement - 7 tons medium load
Fuel Capacity - 888 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Accommodation - 4 + 2 berths 
Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp
Propulsion - Volvo DPH dual propeller stern drives
Speed - 38 knots, 33 knots cruise
Range - 300 nautical miles at best cruise consumption
Certification - CE B

February 2, 2015

Project: Galeon 500 Fly

Galeon presents an important project for a 500 Fly model. This new Galeon will feature a totally new hull design and fills a long standing gap of the line between the 430 series of models and the 550.  The Galeon 500 Fly renderings show the profile a very modern flybridge motor yacht and a fly deck being at the fore front for its size and spaciousness.  Below will be a three double cabin plan with an owners stateroom located amidships.  Two shower heads, one of which en-suite for the owner and both to port side serve the guests. A fully equipped crew cabin is located aft.  The living is all on the main deck, and will feature an astern galley, and a C-shaped settee to port side.  Intelligent solutions on the 500 Fly will come from the integrating of the helm seat merging into the starboard settee which becomes an L-shape sofa, and the movement of a section on the fore deck to make this become a more open area. Power of the 500 Fly will come from twin diesel engines from 625 up to 725hp engines.

February 1, 2015

blogger - Those Oil Prices

It is an interesting time for fuel prices, no one could have made a forecast that in a cold Winter as this we would have these going at under fifty US dollars a barrel.  Oil prices have been stable at around one hundred US dollar for a few years, and the forecast for these was that eventually a small upward trend was in-line for the short term future. 
Alternative resources has grown in the last years, eating about a point from oil every two years, but the dominion of black gold for the energy needs of humans still continues. We should be around 80% of oil dependence from about 85% about a decade ago. Never the less research for alternative energy and creative fuel production is moving full speed ahead. Energy creation will soon have its own decade similar to that of telecommunications in the first ten years of the second millennium. Solar, wind, fuel creation from different solutions are some of the alternatives grabbing the attention of mindful investors in recent times. 
Why I am saying all this in a motor boating blog? Cause low fuel prices have always been a good catalyst for the motor boating sector and a nice boost for both used and new boat sales.  The fact that your one hundred nautical miles trip will cost less is always a good incentive to return or to start boating.  At this stage caution is advised but I am sure the North American market will benefit the most of the recent oil dip, since in that part of the World pump prices have a better reflection of the market indexes.  Something which does not happen much in the old European continent.