August 31, 2022

Monthly News - August 2022

-pic of the month- Jarrett Bay Tournament Trails

Bayliss Carolina Boat Builders Tournament Support

While the 62’ Tarheel (Bayliss) is spending some time in Costa Rica, the 44’ Tarheel (Scarborough) is holding down the summer tournament scene in North Carolina. This past week, the Tarheel team competed in the Carolina Boatbuilders Tournament out of Pirate’s Cove. We are honored and grateful to be a part of the North Carolina boat building community, and we look forward to supporting this tournament every year. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation . Last year the organization awarded $106,000 in scholarships to local high school, college and graduate students.

Bayliss at Bermuda Big Game Classic

Pescador had a strong run in the Bermuda Big Game Classic this past month! The team boated a 534 lb. blue marlin landing them 2nd place in the largest blue marlin category. The team placed 5th overall in the tournament, releasing three blue marlin, one white marlin and one wahoo.


Bering Choice from Nautistyles

Victoria Chalaya & Rico Stoll, the hosts of the most watched US-based yacht YouTube channel NautiStyles, have chosen a Bering 75 as their next boat. It took them three years to pick a manufacturer! A new YouTube channel, NautiGuys, will document every step of designing and building their dream yacht. NautiGuys will take viewers behind the scenes of producing a long-range steel explorer yacht. Follow to see them mulling over every option, every deliberation, and every decision. This exclusive yacht-building journey is the next best thing to purchasing a yacht of your own.
With the gross tonnage of 174 tons, an impressive 4,000+ nautical mile range, and a top speed of 11 knots, this B75 will be an interesting vessel to build. Add the six-cabin layout, unique for a yacht of this size, accommodations for ten guests and two crew, and other design and nautical architecture challenges – this quest will definitely be worth following!


Ferretti Group Approves 2022 Half Year Results

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Ferretti SpA today reviewed and approved the Group’s H1 2022 consolidated financial results. Mr. Alberto Galassi, the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, stated: ”The market is at an extraordinary point, although our strong growth owes particularly to our hard work. We are investing in continued innovation and consistently unveil new models. Every aspect is painstakingly considered, from its design to the technology, while continually looking to reduce our environmental footprint. We are confident that we bring the best of Italian boating to the world and achieve tangible results for our shareholders”. Order intake: Euro 641.9 million in H1 2022, up 30% on H1 2021 (Euro 493.6 million), thanks to strong global market demand. Order backlog of Euro 1,218 million at June 30, 2022, up 20% on December 31, 2021 (Euro 1,016 million), thanks to the winning of a significant number of orders in the period and up 49% on the same period of 2021. Order backlog by segment: Composite yachts reached Euro 389.0 million at June 30, 2022, equal to 32% of the total order book (from Euro 366.0 million, equal to 36% of the total order book at December 31, 2021). Made-to-measure yachts reached Euro 400.7 million at June 30, 2022 or 33% of the total portfolio (from Euro 299.0 million or 29% of the total portfolio at December 31, 2021). The Super yachts segment: Euro 370.5 million at June 30, 2022, equal to 30% of the total portfolio (from Euro 293 million, equal to 29% of the total portfolio at December 31, 2021). Other businesses remained stable at Euro 57.8 million, equal to 5% of the total portfolio at June 30, 2022, while at December 31, 2021 they were equal to 6% of the total portfolio. Net revenue of Euro 534.9 million in H1 2022, up 17.0% on H1 2021 (Euro 457.2 million), thanks to the significant number of orders won in 2021. Revenue by segment: Composite yachts report revenue of Euro 233.7 million, accounting for approx. 43.7% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 236.4 million, accounting for approx. 51.7% of total revenues, in H1 2021). Made-to-measure yachts report revenue of Euro 201.3 million, accounting for approx. 37.6% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 126.9 million, equal to approx. 27.7% of total revenues, in H1 2021). The Super yachts segment reached Euro 48.9 million, accounting for approx. 9.1% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 39.1 million, equal to approx. 8.5% of total revenues, in H1 2021). Other businesses, including ancillaries, totalled Euro 51.0 million, accounting for approx. 9.5% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 54.9 million, equal to approx. 12.0% of total revenues, in H1 2021). Revenue by region. The AMAS region reached Euro 171.3 million, accounting for approx. 32.0% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 180.0 million, equal to approx. 39.4% of total revenues, in H1 2021). The EMEA region reached Euro 225.6 million, accounting for approx. 42.2% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 154.2 million, equal to approx. 33.7% of total revenues, in H1 2021). The APAC area reached Euro 38.1 million, accounting for approx. 7.1% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 29.0 million, equal to approx. 6.3% of total revenues, in H1 2021 2021). Other regions and the Super yachts segment reached Euro 100.0 million, accounting for approx. 18.7% of total revenues, in H1 2022 (from Euro 94.0 million, equal to approx. 20.6% of total revenues, in H1 2021 2021). Adjusted EBITDA of Euro 69.0 million in H1 2022 grew 30.2% on H1 2021 (Euro 53.0 million), with a margin of 13.5% in H1 2022, up 110 basis points on H1 2021 (12.4%). This strong performance is due to three main factors: Commercial: a longer waiting list due to the extensive order book, which means greater pricing power. Strategic positioning: a stronger presence in the most profitable segment, such as Made to measure. Industrial: economy of scale in procurement and more efficient absorption of fixed costs. Net Profit of Euro 29.9 million in H1 2022, growth on H1 2021 (Euro 23.4 million), with a margin of 5.9% in H1 2022, increasing 40 basis points on H1 2021 (5.5%). Capex of Euro 37.0 million, of which Euro 15 million for Product Development in H1 2022. Net financial position improved from Euro 93.3 million of net liquidity at December 31, 2021 to 183.1 million of net cash at 30 June 2022, generated by the business. Adding up approx. Euro 232.7 million from the IPO Proceeds, the Group reached Euro 415.8 million of net liquidity. The increase in cash generation is mainly attributable to the improvement in working capital, which went from (88) million euros at 31 December 2021 to (161) million euros at 30 June 2022. Significant events in H1 2022 Riva, the Group's historic brand, celebrated its 180th anniversary with an exclusive event at the La Fenice theatre in Venice and the presentation of "Anniversario", a limited-edition Riva model (18 pieces at launch) to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the historic Aquarama model. The 18 units are produced exclusively for selected Riva customers, demonstrating that in the luxury yachting sector Riva is the only brand able to leverage its brand and a model recognized by all as iconic, to create a limited edition. In addition, Riva presented the 102' Corsaro Super, a stunning flybridge restyling and successor to the 100' Corsaro, one of the most warmly-welcomed best sellers of recent years.  Wally unveiled its latest model Wallypower58 in Venice in June for the first time at a boat show, expanding its range. Ferretti Yachts unveiled the new 580, a new flybridge model that replaces the Group's historically successful Ferretti 550. Ferretti Yachts also unveiled the new 860, a new flybridge with cutting-edge design that replaces the previous 850 model. CRN presented the second alloy superyacht of the period; CRN M/Y 142, 52m “Ciao." Custom Line officially unveiled the Custom Line 140', the largest ship ever built in composite by the brand.

Ferretti Unveils Infynito

Ferretti Yachts presents Infynito, the new range of yachts created to complement the current flybridge offering and explore the essence of the sea. The project’s aim is to develop iconic trendsetters designed to propel the brand into the future. Infynito introduces extraordinary features that innovate the yachting experience and a style that gives shape to owners’ new needs: seamless contact with the surrounding environment, even more sustainable materials and navigation, plus custom detailing, where minimalism and representation make way for harmony, essence, sophistication and a direct link with the sea and the sky. The key innovation is visual continuity between interiors and exteriors, connecting the boat to the horizon as never before. This is how the experience becomes infinite: with no more limits and boundaries, the view sweeps far and wide and navigation is purer, more personal and more introspective. The understated design is clean and balanced, expressing new values that point the way to the more natural and sustainable approach to cruising increasingly embraced by owners. Infynito styles itself as the range inspired by explorer vessels, boats designed for long voyages and to welcome guests in total comfort, giving the owner that “just like home” feeling in the intimacy, safety and relaxing atmosphere of a space that embodies this concept. It also introduces F.S.E.A. (Ferretti Sustainable Enhanced Architecture), a package of environmentally friendly cruising solutions. They include a solar roof that generates electric power to charge the onboard batteries, and hotel mode operation, a technology that creates an atmosphere of total relaxation on board, with zero emissions thanks to a special lithium battery pack. Finally, the crucial choice of greener materials: ecological paints, sustainable teak, recyclable fabrics and leathers. Another key point is the development of the Main Deck, where the view sweeps seamlessly from interior to exterior and from bow to stern. The design of this space, one of the new range’s most distinctive and iconic features, includes FY’s ground-breaking “all season terrace”, a spacious and atmospheric area that is hidden from prying eyes when the yacht is moored on the quay and functional at sea in all weather conditions. Ferretti Yachts Infynito is the result of collaboration between the Strategic Product Committee led by Mr. Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The exterior design and hulls are by Filippo Salvetti, while the interiors are the work of Ideaeitalia.


Gulf Craft Appoints Exclusive Dealer in France and Monaco

A strategic move to further expand its footprint on the continent and meet the significant growth in demand for its superyachts and adventure-type yachts. The appointment marks another important milestone for Gulf Craft as it celebrates 40 years of excellence in innovative and high-quality world-class boats and yachts.  Mohammed Hussein AlShaali, Gulf Craft’s Chairman, said: “France and Monaco hold a distinctive position in the global yachting community and are home to Europe’s marquee boating events – the Cannes Yachting Festival and Monaco Yacht Show. Over the last 40 years we have built a reputation as a global manufacturer known for its innovation in yacht and boat building; selecting the right partner to represent us in one of our key territories is therefore crucial. We are certain that Aqua Marine, with its stellar reputation and experience of more than 25 years in the maritime industry and understanding of the yachting scene in these two very important markets, is the ideal partner to represent our Majesty and Nomad brands to our European clientele.”  “Gulf Craft is one of the industry’s leading manufacturers so it’s an honour to join the family as its exclusive dealer and support the company as it further expands its footprint around the world,” said Nicolas Bochno, Aqua Marine’s Manager. “The Majesty and Nomad ranges are highly sought after amongst our clientele of marine lifestyle enthusiasts and so there is great potential for even more success. We are very much looking forward to embarking on this journey together and to propelling Gulf Craft’s position as a leading boat and yacht manufacturer to even greater heights.”  With established sales success, Aqua Marine has already brokered the sale of two Majesty 120 yachts and two Majesty 100 yachts – the latter of which was Gulf Craft’s best-selling vessel in 2021. It joins the company’s 28 distributors around the world, eight of which were added to its network last year across twelve new European countries with distribution channels set up in key territories such as Germany, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.


Jarrett Bay Tournament Trails

Congratulations to team Stella June aboard their 46' Jarrett Bay for winning over $1.2M and top honors at the 2022 Bisbee's East Cape Offshore Tournament!  Evie Medico won the Lucy B. Gaddy Junior Angler Scholarship Award fishing aboard hull 13, Carolina Girl after she boated a dolphin and released a sailfish during the Alice Kelly Lady Angler Tournament.  Hull 11, Bill Collector claimed 2nd place at the Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, releasing a blue, white and 4 sails for 750 points overall. Their success was awarded over $150,000 in prize money!


Kadey-Krogen New West-Coast Sales Manager

Kadey-Krogen Yachts and Summit Motoryachts continues to build on its success and momentum by adding marine industry veteran Jonathan Cooper to its management team. As West Coast Sales Manager, Jonathan will run the company’s new Seattle sales office and focus on hiring and overseeing a dedicated sales team in this key market, while managing the customer experience from initial interest to delivery and beyond. The opening of a West Coast office is a vital component of the company’s strategy to sell direct to the customer to ensure the company delivers the best customer experience for all of its Krogen and Summit Motoryachts customers. In addition to the initial Seattle area sales office, Jonathan will be tasked with identifying opportunities throughout the North American West Coast. Employing the right person to oversee this undertaking is paramount. “Having someone like Jonathan take a lead role in our strategic expansion is extremely exciting,” said Tucker West, CEO of Kadey-Krogen Yachts. “His prolific background adds a complementary level of experience to our team and will be key in leading our sales expansion efforts. We’ve worked together before, and I’m thrilled I get to do so again in this capacity.” Prior to joining Kadey-Krogen Yachts and Summit Motoryachts, Jonathan was the art director of PassageMakermagazine, where he was the Editor for four years as well. Before joining PassageMaker, Jonathan had multiple roles at Grand Banks Yachts, including Director of Brand & Marketing and Creative Director and played a key role in facilitating the sale of new boats. Within all these roles, Jonathan developed unique insights to the luxury cruising and bluewater markets and deep personal relationships that will be key to fostering future growth. Jonathan has also travelled the world photographing cruising boats and destinations. "As someone who has spent most of their career in this market, I am very excited to work with Tucker and the team at the company that essentially pioneered long-distance powerboat cruising,” says Jonathan. “The dedication to new product for both the Krogen and Summit series and the attention to quality will certainly help make my job easier.”


Mimi Gozzo Record Demand

The stylistic revolution introduced by the yard continues to deliver results: the fast, modern gozzo boats produced in Naples and sold all over the world are increasingly popular, with demand at an all-time high. Italy clearly continues to be an important market for the gozzo boats produced in Agnano, Naples, the increase in demand on foreign markets is much higher than expected. About 70 boats will be delivered by early 2023, while the sales campaign being launched in the coming days will result in 40 more deliveries by the end of next summer


MJM Partners with Dimillo

DiMillo's and MJM are expanding together in the Chesapeake!  “DiMillo's is amongst the finest yacht sales and service organizations on the East Coast. In just over a year, they have done an outstanding job in the NH and Maine markets. Their West River, and Oxford, sales & service yards will offer unmatched attention and responsiveness for the MJM Chesapeake family. We are thrilled to have them expand their role within the MJM family.” - Peter Johnstone, 2nd Gen MJM.  As MJM continues to innovate with new models, and grow its new facility in North Carolina, we are dedicated to further building a world-class partner network to provide our owners the highest level of service and care possible for MJM and its extended family.


Sunreef Expands in Turkey

Sunreef Yachts, the world’s leader in sustainable luxury catamarans, is expanding and opens its sales office in Istanbul, Turkey in August 2022. With two shipyards & offices in Gdansk, Poland and one shipyard and office that opens soon in the UAE and a sales office in Fort Lauderdale, US, Sunreef now opens its sales office in Istanbul, Turkey. Sunreef Yachts has been experiencing tremendous growth in the past years and has big ambitions to further grow. Francis Lapp, the founder and visionary behind the success of Sunreef, sees a great opportunity in Turkey for its luxury catamarans. While Italy, France and Monaco remain yachting hubs of significant importance, Turkey, Greece, and Croatia continue to draw increasing attention. Turkey is a strategic choice for the company due to its economy, yachting tradition, location, and perfect environment for sailing. The Turkish economy has shown the fastest economic growth among the G20 countries in 2021 and it is one of Middle East’s top countries for wealth hosting >100.000 millionaires and seeing strong growth in HNWI’s living in Turkey in the next 5 years. Turkey is fostering an ambitious program of marina expansion, attracting major developers to the country. Turkey is an emerging powerhouse at an important regional crossroad between West and East which has 8.000 km’s of coastline and having some of the most beautiful pristine bays and beaches in Europe. Besides, it has a vibrant boating culture and an ancient seafaring history. More than 20 marinas with 6,530 berths are located all around the coast. Sunreef has opened its sales office this month and has a focussed plan for the next 6 months in place. Besides hosting clients and press on its boats in the month of August and September during different events, one of them being the 21st Bosphorus Cup in Istanbul, Sunreef will participate at the Avrasya Boat Show in December. This underlines the strong ambition of Sunreef in Turkey. Having recently joined Sunreef Yachts’ Sales Team, Beril Sümen will be taking care of the shipyard’s new Istanbul office.
For any sales-related inquiries, feel free to reach out to Beril directly.


Sunseeker Ultimate Twenty-Two Vol.2 The Balerics

On Saturday 20th August 2022, Sunseeker invited over 260 VIP guests and yacht owners to Port Adriano, Mallorca, for a spectacular celebration in the heart of the Mediterranean. Adorning the trendy quayside was a glistening display of the world’s finest Sunseeker yachts. Recognised as a renowned yachting hotspot, Port Adriano was the perfect location to host one of the biggest parties of the pre-show season. Invited guests enjoyed live music from two bands, a captivating performance of acrobatics and dance, a gourmet menu curated by Coast by East chef, Gustavo Martin Moreno, and a party that carried on until sunrise. Positioned in the heart of the marina, an entire fleet of Sunseekers surrounded the event, including a 116 Yacht, 90 Ocean, Predator 74 and 65 Sport Yacht, all lit by a cleverly curated lightshow. Andrea Frabetti, Chief Executive Officer at Sunseeker International, commented: “We were honoured to welcome our guests, and celebrate the upcoming boat show calendar in true Sunseeker style. The return of the now legendary Sunseeker Ultimate party, located in the stunning Port Adriano, Mallorca, signifies our brand strength and passion to deliver world-class experiences to the Sunseeker family. Special thanks go to Sunseeker London Group and our event sponsors for helping deliver an unforgettable night of entertainment for our customers.” Chris Head, Sales Director at Sunseeker London Group, added: “After a challenging couple of years, being able to spend this time celebrating our collective passion for Sunseeker, reminiscing and sharing our dreams for the future, showcases everything that is so special about the Sunseeker family.”


Viking at Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational

Fifty-three sportfishing beasts battled it out at the Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational. And Mike Smith’s Viking 76 Code Blu took the win! With Captain Bobby Dunn at the helm, the team released three blue marlin to claim Most Billfish Points.  Second Place Billfish Points was awarded to the Viking 64 Big Oil with a pair of blue marlin releases. Big Oil’s Doug Allen weighed the Top Dolphin (16 pounds) and 2nd Place Dolphin while Lindsey Allen was the Top Lady Angler with a blue marlin release.  Top White Marlin Release Points went to the Viking 62 Lovin’ Life with a pair of releases. The boat also recorded the 3rd Place Dolphin.

Viking at Texas Legends Billfish Classic

Miss Catherine released three blue marlin for Top Blue Marlin Points at the Texas Legends Billfish Classic. Captain Reid Low and the team aboard the Viking 48 also took 3rd Place Overall Billfish Points.  The Viking 68 Mine Time (above) was the 2nd Place Overall Blue Marlin team with three blue marlin releases. Tom Wheeling’s Viking 70 Double E weighed the 2nd Place Yellowfin (55.5 pounds) and the Heaviest Dolphin of the tournament at 31.5 pounds. The Heaviest Wahoo was weighed by the Viking 45 True Story at 47.5 pounds and the 2nd Place Wahoo was 31.5 pounds – caught by the Viking 68 Suthern’s Pride.

Viking at 49 White Marlin Open

The 49th annual White Marlin Open (WMO) saw a slow week of fishing for the 408 battlewagons vying for a piece of the $8.6 million prize money. Tournament Director Andy Motsko said that 1,504 billfish were taken in 2019 compared to this year’s 59 blue marlin and 155 whites – which is 1,290 fewer fish! But the fifth and final day saw $6 million change hands. And Vikings rose to the occasion! Keeley Megarity, fishing on his Viking 66 C- Student, weighed one of only four white marlin brought to the scales - a 71.5-pound fish. The white was caught on Day 4, and by the end of the five-day event claimed 2nd Place White Marlin. Captain Ken Blackman was at the helm. Frank Sinito Jr. had a strong tournament while fishing on his Viking 62 Irene. Not only did Frank land the Top Dolphin (59.5 pounds) he also released three white marlin earning him 10th Place Angler, a stellar job considering the enormous field of anglers. Third Place Wahoo went to Patrick Brown with a 51.5-pound fish. Patrick fished on the Viking 55 Irish Twin. Over 1,000 pounds of fresh tuna, mahi and marlin were donated to the Maryland Foodbank. Not a fish was wasted! The Superbowl of Sportfishing always brings plenty of thrills to the dock. It also brings a heck of a lot of anglers! Given the 408 registered boats, we figure there were 2,448 anglers*. Normally we cover places 1st through 3rd but the top 20 finishes at the WMO are the upper echelon of sportfish – we’re talking the top 5%! So, let’s take a look at the crème de la crème of the WMO. Fifth Place Top Boat (top 1.22%) and Fifth Place Release Boat was Michael Jordan’s Viking 80 Catch 23. Patrick Field released a blue marlin, Jimmy David and Trey McMillan released a white marlin, Nick Ewald and Anibal Moya released a sailfish. Trey also boated a 76-pound tuna. Captain Stetson Turney was at the wheel. Sixth Place Angler (top 1.47%) was Chad Moss fishing on his family’s Viking 72 SandboB. Chad released a pair of blue marlin. Colton Richardson added a white release to boost SandboB to Ninth Place Top Boat and Ninth Place Release Boat. 11th Place Angler was George Robinson on the just-delivered Viking 64 Polarizer. A blue and a white marlin were released for the honors. Another white release was recorded by Greg Robinson clinching a 17th Place Release Boat finish and 18th Place Top Boat title. The boat was captained by Bill Davis. 12th Place Top Boat and 12th Place Release Boat was the Viking 80 Krazy Salt’s. David Anderson – 17th Place Angler - released a blue and white marlin for the boat while Dan Pettit and Jeff Theil each released a white. Krazy Salt’s had WMO veteran Keith Greenberg at the helm. 17th Place Top Boat was Thomas Healy’s Viking 58 Elizabeth Ann. Thomas and Ted Rubberti each released a blue marlin. Jimmy Bunting was the captain and Chip Graves mated. 19th Place Angler was Andrew Confotini with a blue marlin release on Chip Caruso’s Viking 70 Pipe Dreamer. Next year is the 50th edition of the White Marlin Open – and we can’t wait! Mark your calendar for August 7-11, 2023 for the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament.

Viking at Bermuda Triple Crown Championship

Auspicious, Joe Rahman’s Viking 80, claimed second Place in the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship. With captain Edward “Cookie” Murray at the helm and mate Carl Copeland in the ‘pit, the team logged a pair of blue and white marlin releases at the Bermuda Billfish Blast, the first event in the three-tournament championship. They added three blues and a white during the second leg, the Bermuda Big Game Classic. At the final tournament of the series, the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, Joe added four blue marlin to the tally while Carl released a blue and two white marlin. Auspicious’ final count of 10 blue marlin and four whites secured their 2nd Place finish in the series. A total of 43 teams fished at least one leg of the 2022 Bermuda Triple Crown. 

Viking at Cap May Marlin Tournament

Tom Byrne and his team on the Viking 56 Insure captured the title of Most Points Overall in the 56th Annual Cape May Marlin Tournament. Dave Deweese and Jim McCausland each released a white marlin for the honors. Vikings swept the Tuna Category, with the Viking 72 Quick Time taking the two top spots with Wayne Boyd’s 71-pound fish and Neal Dixon’s 68-pounder. Tracy Thatcher weighed the 3rd Place Tuna at 65 pounds. Tracy fished on the Viking 64 Judge.


Wajer Brings Parcom as Partner

Wajer Yachts has found a partner in investment company Parcom to support further growth. The Wajer family will remain the majority shareholder of the company and Dries Wajer will stay on as Managing Director. The rest of the board and management team will also stay on. The collaboration enables further investments in sustainability, the construction of a maintenance shipyard in the South of France and the expansion towards the United States, where in Miami Wajer Bay Marina just opened.  Parcom is a Dutch investment company that helps entrepreneurs and management teams achieve their ambitions and supports them in phases of sustainable growth or transformation. Parcom's partner companies include Bouwgroep Dijkstra Draisma and superyacht builder Royal Huisman. The Dutch entrepreneurial spirit and energy make Parcom the ideal partner to help expand Wajer's potential worldwide.  Dries Wajer: “Our company has experienced substantial growth over the last few years and we have ambitious plans to expand Wajer and internationalize even further. With Parcom as our partner, we have the power and additional expertise to realize our dreams.” The transaction is subject to approval by The Dutch Competition Authority (Autoriteit Consument & Markt).

Wider Announces Partnership with MarineMax

Wider Yachts and MarineMax have recently cemented a partnership that will be highly beneficial for both brands. The American dealer will now be the exclusive North American distributor for Wider’s production line of catamarans.  Wider’s catamaran division already has five units of the new WiderCat92 underway, all primed to splash in 2023 and 2024 — two of them for the American market. All of the models will have the much-celebrated Wider Serial Hybrid Propulsion System, which makes them highly efficient and eco-friendly. Importantly, distribution of the catamaran division at Wider will be separate from the company’s superyacht division, which includes the recently unveiled full custom project Moonflower 72 as well as some exciting upcoming projects.  “We are thrilled to be working with MarineMax,” says Marcello Maggi, who heads up W-Fin Sarl, the holding Company that owns 100% of Wider equity. “Their vast network of dealerships and deep experience with yachting and yachtsmen is unsurpassed in the American market. We believe that MarineMax will be able to make Wider a household name among American boaters. Furthermore, we were very impressed by MarineMax’s service capabilities as well as their aftercare, including after-sales assistance and spare-part services. We are confident that MarineMax will keep our catamarans running smoothly, and our customers happy, for many years to come.”  MarineMax Chief Revenue Officer Chuck Cashman comments, “Wider's cutting-edge technologies and luxurious Italian design style strengthen our ability to provide the best customer experience to boat and yacht owners around the world. Their unique offering fits perfectly in our brand lineup, and I know our customers, and team members for that matter, will be excited to get some hands-on interactions with the new WiderCat 92.”  With over 100 locations, MarineMax is one of the largest boat dealerships in the world. It wields unrivaled heft in the realm of boat sales, and makes for an excellent match with Wider, which is an industry leader in building ultra-luxe, green-friendly yachts unlike any the world has ever seen before.

August 30, 2022

Engine: Man V12X 2200hp

Man will present its new V12X engine series to a global audience at the Cannes 2022 boat show. With the newly developed V12 engine for yacht applications, Man Engines is for the first time offering its customers an output of 2200hp from 30 liters of displacement. The Man V12X achieves its output of 2200hp at 2300 rpm from a bore of 138 mm and a stroke of 165 mm. Compared with the previous most powerful yacht engine from Man, V12 2000hp the displacement of the V12X has been increased by more than five liters and the maximum torque from 6500 Nm to 7350 Nm. The MAN V12X is based on a completely new basic engine, incorporating many findings from the current V12 engine series, which continues to cover yacht outputs of up to 2000hp. As part of the new development of the next-generation yacht engine, the engineers at MAN Engines enlarged the bore of the MAN V12X to 138 mm and the stroke to 165 mm. Among other things, the wall thicknesses of the crankcase have been increased at significant points, its bolt connection between the upper and lower parts of the case has been optimized and a new crankshaft with larger bearing diameters has been installed. A great deal of attention is also paid to the findings from numerous test bench trials with correspondingly long running times and the experience gained from trials at customers on the water. In addition, findings from the E3872 stationary gas engine developed in parallel complement the development. This counterpart for power and heat generation is based on the same basic engine and was presented for the first time back at the end of 2021. The evolution to the next generation of yacht engines is reflected in the numerous further developments that the Man V12X features, which on the one hand are due to the significantly higher output, but on the other also play a major role in ensuring the durability of the product. For this reason, the Man V12X in the highest output for yachts is designed for a full-load share of up to 20%. A new coolant pump and a new thermostat housing provide the Man V12X with an optimized coolant supply for the usual long service life of the engine. The engine is also optionally available with an outer-skin cooling system instead of the closed coolant circuit. The new, distinctive cylinder head of the V12X, which has also been significantly optimized in terms of flow and cooling, is designed to meet the same development goal. In addition, the oil supply has also been modified by using new oil pumps and new oil coolers, as well as optimizing the flow. As an additional customer benefit, the V12X is the first marine engine using Man recently introduced Hydraulic Valve Lash adjustment as standard on marine engines for the first time, which eliminates the need for regularly checking and adjusting the valve lash. The new Common Rail injection system is another milestone that represents the excellence of this next generation of engines. With an impressive 2200 bar injection pressure, the basis is created for the low fuel consumptions and outstanding raw emissions typical of Man engines. The engine control unit is also new and opens up further possibilities for optimal engine design. In conjunction with the exhaust gas aftertreatment system, which has also been adapted, strict legal requirements such as IMO Tier III are met. The Man V12X is also available in combination with the hybrid system from MAN Engines, the "MAN Smart HYBRID Experience". The compact installation dimensions is almost identical to those of the Man V12 series with 24 litres, an advantage for new builds as well as for re-engine projects. Despite numerous measures to ensure the robustness of the new engine, the Man V12X with its 2720kg dry weight is positioned as a lightweight in the field of twelve and sixteen cylinder yacht engines over 2000hp, giving 0.81hp per kilogram of dry weight or 74.3 hp (54.6 kW) per liter of displacement. The V12X engine will be available from mid-2024.

August 29, 2022

Project: Filippetti Sport 65

Filippetti is still waiting for the first order for its impressive Sport 65, and while in this the Italian yacht builder has updated the project to include a sport bridge.  Designed by Davide Cipriani the Sport 65 with sport bridge will have a stair case to port side, and a layout offering a helm station to port with a C-shaped lounge settee opposite, and an small aft sun-pad.  For the rest the Filippetti Sport 65 offers a three double cabins lower deck, with three heads, while a lower a separate lower galley is located to starboard upon coming down to the cabin area.  A single berth crew cabin is located at midships in between the engine room, and the owners midships stateroom.  The Filippetti Sport 65 is standard powered by Volvo 1000hp with IPS pod drives, and optional Man 1550hp with Arneson surface drives.  Top speed is 34 knots with the standard Volvo, and 46 with Man surface drives optional.  The hidden number here is the unknown to many efficiency of surface drives which deliver a plus 75 of range to the IPS, up to 315 nautical mile range at a cruise speed of forty knots.  

August 28, 2022

Sasga New Web Site

Sasga Yachts presents its new World wide web showroom. Sasga is the creation of Juan Luis Sastre founded in 2010, but has roots which start much further in the past to that.  The start is in 1978 when Astilleros Menorca is founded, focusing on boat repair and the building of the Lluat traditional Balearic island fishing boat.  In 1997 a turn around happens when the Menorquin 55 a ten meter in length later renamed as the 110 is launched, this starts the way for the cruisers and yachts inspired range, and is followed by the 150 model in 1998.  In 2001 Menorquin becomes a family run company with Jose Luis Sastre taking the helm, which he will sell in 2006 to a private investment firm.  In 2010 following the ending of a clause denying Sastre to build boats for two years Sasga is opened, and as with the old continues the concept of the Menorcan Lluat traditional boat converted to a cruiser and yacht return. Sasga currently offers six models which start with the 34 HT, and go up to the 68 FB flagship. The Sasga models are designed by Ingo Toledo from Barracuda who gave a sense of modern looks to the traditional captivating lines. Sasga new website is available in English, Spanish, French, and Italian and takes you around with the following buttons; Models, About Us, News, Dealers, Contact, Brokerage, and Private Area. Sasga is also on social media with bottom buttons link taking you to its; Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedin, Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook pages.
Production History;
Menorquin 42 HT 2011-  *12 project
Menorquin 54 HT 2012-22  *16 project
Menorquin 54 FB 2013-22  *16 project
Menorquin 42 FB 2014-
Menorquin 34 HT 2016-  *32 project
Menorquin 68 FB 2018-
Menorquin 55 FB 2023-
Menorquin 55 HT 2023-

August 27, 2022

Viking Sportfish Burns in Jupiter Florida

A twenty meter sportfish yacht caught fire while in its berth at Johnathan's Landing, Jupiter, Florida at around 1730 hours of Friday 26 August.  The yacht was moored in its berth when the fire started, with fire fighting crew arriving both from land and water in order to control it.  The vessel was towed away immediately in order to stop the fire from moving to other boats and areas of the marina.  At some point the yacht developed an explosion from its stern area.  No one was injured in the fire, though the sportfish yacht is a wreck.
The yacht in this fire a Viking 65 Enclosed Bridge Convertible from 2001 name m/y Talk N' Thrash which had a repower in 2008 and an electronics upgrade in 2013.  Viking first generation 65 Convertible was produced from 2000 till 2005 in about eighty units, and offered a layout with three cabins sleeping six or seven with an optional crew cabin for two.  The 65 was replaced by the Viking 68 Convertible in 2006.

New Model: Sanlorenzo SL120 Asymmetric

Sanlorenzo continues the Asymmetric philosophy a concept as introduced by Chris Bangle in 2018 with the SL102, and now this finds its way to the new flagship of the SL line the 120 model.  An evolution and replacement to the SL118 delivered in eleven units, the SL120 Asymmetric uses the same hull as the previous SL flagship produced till 2020, with a total overhaul of space usage on the main deck.  Like the small 90 to 106 feet sister the new SL flagship features a semi-wide body to port side adding space in this area by about 30%, with the SL120 different to the smaller yachts by a full wide body on the forward part of the main deck, this giving more space to the owners stateroom located here.  Four VIP suites are located on the lower deck, while the forward part here features the crew lobby with a galley and four cabins.  The aft area is fully dedicated to a huge garage with water toys and the openable beach club with bulkheads which flip to the sides to double the bathing area.  For those looking into detail, there is also a redesign of the fore-peak of the main deck, which now features a C-shaped dinette and another large V-shaped sun-pad.  The Sanlorenzo SL120 Asymmetric hull one launched in the second half of 2021 is powered by the twin large MTU 2637hp engines good for 27 knots max, and a long range speed of ten knots allows to cover about 1900 nautical miles.  The Sanlorenzo 120 Asymmetric has already proved a success with fourteen hulls reported on order and delivery dates entering 2025.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 36.92 m (118.1ft)
Beam - 7.60 m
Draft - 2.05 m full load
Fuel Capacity - 19900 l
Water Capacity - 4200 l
Accommodation - ten guests in five cabins, six or eight crew in four cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16V2000M96L 2637hp, Cat C32B 2400hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 27 knots max with MTU 2637hp, 25 knots with Cats 2400hp
Range - 486 nautical miles at max speed, 1900 nautical miles at ten knots 
Project - Bernardo Zuccon exterior, Martina Zuccon interior (hull #1), Chris Bangle concept

August 26, 2022

Sport Cruiser Explodes in Villasimius Leaves Two Injured

An eight meter sport cruiser with two persons onboard exploded while on its berth at Villasimius, Sardinia on the morning of Friday 26 August.   Both two persons where injured with a 56 year old woman being in grievous condition and taken to hospital for attention.  According to initial reports from the Italian coast guard the explosion started from a short circuit to the water pump, which coming in contact to petrol fumes generated the explosion.  The quick start of the fire fighting equipment put off the fire right away, saving the boat from further damage and it expanding more in the marina.  The sport cruiser was later in the day taken to a boat yard for further investigation and repairs.
The sport cruiser in this accident is a Regal 270 Commodore. Produced in the early nineties the 270 Commodore offered an accommodation sleeping four in an open cabin layout which included a galley and a separate shower head.  The 270 Commodore was usually powered by twin Mercruiser 205hp with stern drive propulsion.

Project: Ocea 108 Commuter

Ocea shipyard in Les Sables d’Olonne is following the construction of the 108 Commuter, a fresh custom order for a 32 meter super yacht ordered in 2021 and designed by Pierre Frutschi, who also designed the previous last build the Commuter 90 launched in 2016. Ocea 108 Commuter will be the tenth yacht build by the French yacht builder and fourth 108, last of which hull number five launched in 2008 and shares hull dimensions with this new build and hull number four. The first 108 which launched in 2004 was a bit shorter and slimmer to the following units. Like previous Ocea, hull number ten is a custom build meeting the owner’s expectations in terms of equipment and space configuration, while relying on a time-tested design and proven solutions. In the spirit of all Ocea yachts, this alumimium ocean-going yacht will also be capable of circumnavigations in optimal comfort and safety. The Ocea 108 Commuter will also reduce the yacht's environmental footprint, in particular its greenhouse gas emissions, was the guiding principle behind the entire design. As a result, this will be the first Ocea with engines that meet IMO Tier III emission standards, allowing it to sail in Emission Control Areas defined by the International Maritime Organization. The yacht will also be equipped with the latest generation of batteries to keep the main on-board comfort features running at night without the need for generators. Ocea 108 Commuter will offer accommodation for eight guests in four staterooms, with crew accommodation for four in two cabins. Power will come from twin MTU 600hp engines, good for about fifteen knots max, twelve knots cruise, while an economic ten knots will give a range of four thousand nautical miles.

August 25, 2022

New Launch: Jarrett Bay 56 Open Convertible Hull #67

Since the launch of Hull #57 the 46 Sportfisherman in 2011 Jarrett Bay has taken an innovative approach in some of its custom builds which break the standard mold of the sportfish cruiser or yacht.  This recently launched fully custom Jarrett Bay 56 Open Convertible Hull #67 titled m/y Renegade is again following to that approach which I am sure comes from a challenging clients request, which the Carolina boat builder is ready to make for a happy customer.  Hull #67 for example may look your traditional sportfish convertible with flybridge, but upon closer inspection, you’ll find an additional lower helm station and convertible bulkhead that makes her a unique hybrid with the ability to transform and open its main deck.  This layout changes how the interior works with a main galley located on the lower deck, while a dinette and smaller galley is located on the main deck.  Accommodation is for four, with a master cabin forward, and a guest cabin with twin bunks to starboard.  Jarrett Bay’s ride characteristics and performance are complemented by twin MTU 1600hp which give the 56 Open Convertible top speed up to forty knots.
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.91 m (55.6ft)
Waterline Length - 15 m
Beam - 5.33 m
Draft - 1.37 m
Displacement - 27669 kg unloaded,  31751 kg loaded
Fuel Capacity - 4542 l
Water Capacity - 946 l
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 10V2000 M96 1600hp
Propulsion - line shaft 
Speed - 40 knots max 34 cruise 
Construction - cold molded wood with epoxy in Jug method
Project - Jarrett Bay

August 24, 2022

Project: Italyure 35

Following the success of the Allure 38, sold in eight build to order custom units in less then a year from its debut, and the presentation of the 45 project in January 2022 for an upcoming flagship, the Neapolitan south Italian builder come following with the presentation of a new entry level 35 model.  Designed as the bigger sisters by Maurizio Marzocca, the Allure 35 is a walk-around sport cruiser, with a central T-top covering the helm station.  Like many center consoles the symmetry of the walk around deck along with two central aft and fore-deck sun-pads, dinette and helm station plays an important role in its profile.  Down below the Allure 35 will offer an open layout with double Vee-berth with head and shower.  The Allure 35 is available in three propulsion choices; outboards, shaft, and sterndrives with power options for the Allure 35 starting from twin Yanmar 250hp up to FPT 370hp diesels on shafts, with gas Mercruiser 270hp and Suzuki 350hp outboards in between.   

August 23, 2022

New Model: Otam 58 GTS

Otam presents the new 58 GTS, an evolution of the 55 Millennium launched in 1999 and with this hull number 26 shows it is here to stay and evolve.  In reality this is the fourth evolution and version of the 55/58 hull with the 58 Open being the second, and a lightly changed 58 HT being the third. Designed by Giuseppe Bagnardi from Rome the new 58 GTS is a full custom design from the layout inside to the new open but protected hardtop exterior.  For the layout below the owner of Bad Boys, the name given to the first 58 GTS opted for two spacious staterooms a galley and no lower deck saloon. A crew cabin to starboard with a separate access from the technical room to port side is also located at midships. The first Otam 58 GTS is powered by the large option of twin MTU 1822hp with Arneson surface drives, good for about 55 knots wide open throttle and 48 knots cruise, or Portofino to Porto Cervo in just about four hours.  Two other smaller engine options including the first for Otam for an IPS pod propulsion choice are available.  
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.20 m (64.7ft)
Waterline Length - 16.75 m
Beam - 4.68 m
Draft - 1.29 m
Displacement - 30 t full load
Fuel Capacity - 3000 l
Water Capacity - 300 l
Accommodation - five berths in three cabins, or four berths in two cabins plus one crew cabin
Engines - 2 x MTU V10 M2000 1622hp, 1825hp, Volvo D13 900hp *IPS
Propulsion - Arneson ASD14 surface drives, or Volvo IPS1200 forward looking pod drives
Speed - 55 knots max 48 cruise MTU 1825hp, 53 knots max 1622hp, 38 knots with Volvo 900hp IPS
Hull Shape - deep Vee with 21 degrees deadrise aft  
Construction - Aramat fibers with Kevlar and DSM gelcoat
Project - Giuseppe Bagnardi BG Yacht Design, Umberto Tagliavini naval architect hull shape
Certification - RINA CE B

August 22, 2022

Mangusta Collides with Li Nibani Reefs

A 21 meter Mangusta sport yacht named m/y 7 Zero collided with Li Nibani reefs outside of Porto Cervo in Sardinia on the early evening of 21 August.  The yacht was reported under charter duty, and sustained damage to its hull bottom area and to port side.  This yacht follows the tragic incident with one man being killed which happened on the 31 July in the same spot.  The Mangusta sport yacht was on the afternoon of Monday 22 August taken for repairs.  Li Nibani which means seagulls in Galluran language is a reef archipelago located to the North East of Porto Cervo and Sardinia.
M/y 7 Zero is a 2007 Overmarine Mangusta 72. Produced from 1999 to 2013 to a design of Stefano Righini and build to order with a custom made lower and main deck.  Always with surface drive propulsion Mangusta 72 where first powered by twin 1200hp or 1300hp Man engines good for speeds up to 36 and 38 knots respectively, while newer units had the 1550hp reaching up to forty knots.  Overmarine sold about fifty Mangusta 72, which makes it its second all time best seller following the longer produced Mangusta 80 which sold in 73 units.

Project: Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is pleased to announce an all-new Targa 40 project set to launch in the summer of 2023. This new twelve meter sport cruiser is the latest addition to the popular Targa range, with some big shoes to fill, being the natural replacement to the previous Targa 38 which sold 313 units from 2006 till 2015 and the first generation Targa 40 selling 299 from 2000 till 2007.  Designed by the Fairline design team guided by Christian Gott the Targa 40 embraces innovative and bold design directions from a modern bluff-bow hull, to being the first Fairline with a folding side bulkhead.  Beyond the folding starboard bulkhead the cockpit will offer an interesting layout, bridging a gap from easy day-boat use to that of a sport cruiser there is a lot of things to like here from the flash cockpit floor, to the twin sunbeds with floating backrests converting into sofas for guests to enjoy throughout the day and night, and a large C-shaped seating  dining area and companion seating to port, and a wet bar nestled behind the two individual helm seats. The beautifully proportioned and ergonomically designed helm console fitted with latest Garmin touch screen display enhances the experience with a simplified and intuitive user interface allowing integrated control of all essential systems. Moving to the foredeck, the expansive sunbeds dominate, and the addition of a forward-facing sofa at the bow enables guests to enjoy the views whilst cruising.  A contemporary interior with four berths in a two-cabin layout, replicates the sophisticated furnishings and flawless design on the main deck. The roomy master cabin is located forward with a headroom just shy of two meters and direct access to the en-suite which features a jack-and-jill door arrangement. In the mid-ship’s guest cabin, the twin beds with 1.5m height, slide to convert to a double. The integrated garage under the ports side sun-pad will have room for a 2.3m tender with electric outboard.  This new Targa 40 unlike the previous Targa 40 and 38 which used the 1993 Targa 38 Olesinski hull will feature a new bottom shape with a four meter beam, and is to be powered by twin Volvo 340hp or 380hp with stern drive propulsion, good for 32 and 36 knots max speed respectively.

August 21, 2022

Boats Explosion in Daytona Beach Injures Four

A ten meter sport cruiser exploded and burned injuring four at Halifax Harbor Marina, Daytona Beach on the afternoon of Sunday 21 August.  Fire fighters where called to assist to the boat fire on 1315 hours, which injured four, of which one woman age fifty in critical condition air lifted to Orlando hospital.  The sport cruiser exploded when the owner after refueling went to ignite the engine.  The explosion is reported coming from vapors build up in the engine room, a common occurrence in gas powered boats.  The owner of the boat did report of having them on before igniting the engines.
The sport cruiser in this explosion and fire is a Wellcraft 3200 St.Tropez.  A successful model from Wellcraft the 3200 St. Tropez was produced from 1984 to 1989 and offered a comfortable open layout interior sleeping four.  Usually powered by twin gas engines from 260 up to 330hp, the 3200 St.Tropez had a design update for a sloop integrated bathing platform bolted in the stern to models after 1987.

Picchiotti New Web Site

Picchiotti presents its new website, which comes following the new ownership of The Italian Sea Group in 2022. Founded in a historical date of 1575 on the limits of the Arno river in Pisa, Picchiotti later moved at some time in the late nineteen century to the Viareggio sea-side town.  Coming under Perini ownership Picchiotti was moved again in 2010 to La Spezia with the sail yacht builder taking the place of the Viareggio yard from the early nineties.  Now under this new ownership of The Italian Sea Group, Picchiotti will return to Marina di Carrara where in 1982 it build its largest 103 meter build to date.  The Picchiotti family is one of the reasons why the seaside Village of Viareggio became known as the Yacht City of the World since the eighties. In its four century history Picchiotti did nearly build everything from wooden sail boats, Iron Italian Navy vessels, and race craft. The yard has also a unique record of building yachts being one of the first to do it with the 15 metre Espria of 1905, and then followed by the famous 36.5 metre Kon-Tiki from 1947, and the 1982 delivered 103,85 meter Al Said now Al Mubrikah which was for a long time the largest super yacht ever build in Italy. Picchiotti was also the first for building semi-serial motor cruisers and yachts in wood from 1955 to 1980.  This started with the 13,30 to 17 meter Versilia in 1955 sold in eleven units, and was followed in 1961 by the 10.25 meter Giglio its best seller with 52 units sold.  The Picchiotti semi production series continued till 1975 with the 1962 Giannutri and 1965 Giraglia both selling 28 units each to make them second best seller.  Other models of the semi-production line which came where the 1963 Gorgona, 1965 75, the 1966 Mistral 55, 1968 with 90 series which was made in four units following the launch of Sunny Dream and the Lampuga 42, 1969 Cariddi 55, and last the Poalo Caliari designed series from the revolutionary Tiger at first in 11,20 then expanded to 12,30 meters and available in three versions N, S, and F, to the Lupo di Mare and Progetto 68.  In the early nineties a historical turn came for Picchiotti with the newly founded Perini Navi first leasing the yard premises for the construction of its unique sail boats, and later on purchasing the whole area and the brand. In the year 2010 Picchiotti returns to the scene with the launching of three custom super yachts from the Phillipe Briand Vitruvius Explorer series, the 50m in 2010, a 55.7m in 2012, and 73m in 2014 this being also Picchiotti second largest build to date.  Picchiotti new web site is available in Italian and English language and takes you around with the following buttons; Brand, Heritage, Fleet, News, Archive, Sales, Contact, and TISC.

August 20, 2022

Flybridge Cruiser Goes on Fire in Hudson River

A fourteen meter Jeanneau flybridge cruiser with seven persons onboard caught fire on Saturday 20 August just before 1530 hours off West 72nd street on the Hudson River.  A nearby boat rescued the seven occupants of the flybridge cruiser before the New York Police Department boat arrived to the scene.  The  marine and lands fire fighting units arrived later to the accident trying to extinguish the fire, to no avail with the flybridge cruiser ending sinking.  According to initial reports the fire started from the lower cabin deck area.  No one was injured in the fire with the yacht being recovered three days later.
The Jeanneau in this fire is a Prestige 46 Flybridge, a model the French boat builder produced from 2002 to 2009 and designed by Garroni.  Flagship of Jeanneau Prestige range at launch the 46 offered three double cabins accommodation with an optional crew cabin aft, and was powered by twin Volvo 430hp, with optional 480hp and or Cummins 500hp coming in 2006.  The Jeanneau Prestige 46 evolved and was replaced by the Prestige 50 in the fall of 2008, although these models did make a year sharing production.

Super Yacht My Saga Sinks in Gulf of Squillace

M/y My Saga a 39 meter super yacht with nine Italian crew onboard sank in the Gulf of Squillace, eight nautical miles from Catanzaro Marina on 1300 hours of Saturday 20 August.  The crew reported a water intrusion in the early morning of Saturday, after evacuation a team of four remained whilst a tug boat from Crotone came to tow the yacht to safety, which ultimately did not succeed. Before sinking the yacht tilted heavily to starboard while under towing. The crew and yacht where assisted first by a Romanian patrol boat on behalf of Frontex, and a Guardia Costiera boat CP321 from Crotone second.  The yacht was traveling from Gallipoli on the Adriatic sea to Milazzo in Sicily, after arriving from Turkey.  The Italian Coast Guard released a statement that rough sea conditions did not help in saving and towing the yacht to Crotone with My Saga sinking at 1300 hours.
M/y My Saga previously named Yuko was build by defunct commercial ship builder founded in 1999 Cantieri San Marco from La Spezia, to an exterior design by Tim Heywood and naval architecture by Alberto Acenzi.  Monaco Yacht and Technologies inherited the project of the 39.4 meter yacht and with an interior design by Jean-Marc Achy sold it in 2007.  Twin Cats 503hp engines powered My Saga to a fourteen knots speed and a cruise of eleven will give a range up to 4000 nautical miles. This 39.4 meter is the only super yacht build by San Marco, known for building Tug boats with some commercial ships in between, though when Monaco Yacht and Technologies took over the yard they had two yachts, a 72 and 74 meter of about 1500GT of volume inbuild.  My Saga is owned by Russian coal magnate Gennady Ayvazyan who is reported as owning at least another super yacht.

New Model: Riva 102 Corsaro Super

In the brand’s 180th anniversary year, Riva confirms its extraordinary creative vitality and incomparable style by launching the new 102 Corsaro Super, a dazzlingly beautiful three deck super yacht with a completely rethought design and spaces to enjoy in comfort and conviviality. Entering the water in Riva La Spezia shipyard where models in the 76 to 130-foot range are built, the new yacht is the magnificent successor to the 100’Corsaro, one of the popular sellers in recent years sold in a reported sixteen units in a four year production run. With peerless originality and class, the new Corsaro Super has even more impressive dimensions: 102 feet of majesty and new style accents that breathe life into an unprecedented masterpiece of yacht design, ready to leave a glorious mark in the history of the flybridge range. The new features of the Corsaro Super are once again the work of since 1992 Riva designers Mauro Micheli and Sergio Beretta of Officina Italiana Design, working in partnership with the Strategic Product Committee led by Mr. Piero Ferrari and the Ferretti Group Engineering Department. The many new features include the design of the superstructure and the hull, which have both been completely renewed based on a contemporary sport concept that sees direct contact with the water as the supreme pleasure of going to sea. The new Riva 102 Corsaro Super is over thirty meters in length overall and has a beam of almost seven. Her distinctive silhouette reaches out like an arrowhead, giving the yacht a sleek and assertive profile. Aft, new glass fashion plates improve the vessel's aerodynamics. New dimensions and optimized spaces revolutionize how time is spent on board. Functionality, maximum livability and ever more direct contact with the water are the guiding principles behind all the new features, such as the option to install special gunwales that swing out on either side of the main deck to create exclusive terraces with a panoramic view, increasing the volume of the external walkways without affecting the vessel’s elegant profile. With three decks and five cabins for ten guests, the promise of the new Corsaro Super is to dominate the sea, not only from almost one hundred square meters of livable open-air spaces, but also from the interiors, thanks to over 140 square meters of magnificent glazing and glass surfaces that reduce the barriers to visual contact with the natural world. In more detail, the glazing in the owner suite has been redesigned and extended to two meters in length from the 100 Corsaro, amplifying the sense of space that is a distinctive feature of the widebody configuration and offering a breathtaking view on both sides of the yacht. One of the highlights of the 102 Corsaro Super, is the complete redesign of the stern area on the main deck. This entire space will be configured as an extended 35-square-metre beach club dedicated to conviviality and comfort. The interior design also features some major innovations. In the main living area, two different layouts are available for the owner to choose from. The first has a focus on the dining space, with a table seating eight in the stern area, while the lounge is central and maintains visual contact with the outside world through extensive windows that open onto the lateral walkways. In the second layout, the lounge and large sofas are in the area first encountered on entering the saloon, while the dining space is central. The interior décor juxtaposes original textures that express the yacht’s unmistakable personality and appeal. The dominant wood is Canaletto walnut. Its warm tones are set off by the innovative pairing with satin effect titanium ceilings or, alternatively, by the introduction of glass surfaces and cool colors. The new Riva 102’ Corsaro Super is powered by twin 2435hp for a top speed of 26 knots, while optional 2638hp give a bump of plus two knots to reach 28 knots. Aldready five units of the Riva 102 Corsaro Super are reported sold with the model set to debut in September at 2022 Cannes boat show.
Technical Data:
LOA - 31.09 m (102ft)
Beam - 7 m
Draft - 2.30 m
Displacement - 
Fuel Capacity - 9000 l
Water Capacity - 1320 l
Accommodation - ten guest berths in five cabins, five/six crew in three cabins
Engines - 2 x MTU 16v2000 M96 2435hp, 16v2000 M96l 2638hp
Propulsion - line shaft
Speed - 26 knots with MTU 2435hp, 28 knots max 24 cruise with 2638hp
Range - 320 nautical miles at 24 knots
Project - Mauro Micheli and Sergio Berretta Officina Italiana, Ferretti Engineering naval architecture
Certification - CE A

August 19, 2022

Project: Heesen 57m Project Akira

Heesen has started the construction of YN 20457, Project Akira, beginning at the Oss shipyard on February 9, formally witnessed by the American Bureau of Shipping surveyor. Project Akira is the first in a new class of high-speed alumimium yachts by Heesen. At 57 meters, with an enclosed volume of approximately 780 GT, she sports a lightweight ultra-efficient FDHF hull that will give her a top speed of 22 knots with twin MTU engines.  The all-alumimium hull is the latest refinement of the patented Fast Displacement Hull Form, devised by Dutch hydrodynamicists Van Oossanen and further engineered by Heesen’s naval architects. Thanks to her low-drag underwater body, Akira is fast yet highly economical, needing less power and using up to half the fuel of a conventional steel displacement yacht of the same size. Thanks to her shallow draft of just 2.3 meters, she is also a go-anywhere yacht, perfect for the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas or shallow inshore anchorages in the Mediterranean.  For this new breed of yacht, Heesen appointed long-term partner Frank Laupman of Omega Architects for the exterior design. Her lines are characterized by a shapely profile, a gently raked bow, and bold fashion plates. A standout feature is the distinctive scalloped transom to increase the size of the large fixed swim platform, which will make her instantly identifiable in any marina.  When it came to Akira’s 400 sqm of luxury interior space, Heesen's engineering department worked with Harrison Eidsgaard from the very beginning to develop the general arrangement – a decision that led to a step-change in the way the design was approached.  The interior décor allows Akira’s owners to express their taste and customize the yacht to fit their lifestyle. Twelve guests are accommodated in six suites. The 63 sqm owner’s stateroom occupies the main deck forward and comprises a study, the bedroom with his-and-hers closets, and a full-beam bathroom with bathtub and shower stall. Four double suites are found on the lower deck, while the VIP cabin is up on the bridge deck. All decks are served by the glass elevator. Outdoor spaces are carefully conceived to offer the ultimate experience of life at sea. Large windows create connectivity between indoors and out. From dining al fresco on the upper aft terrace, to the vast sundeck with its jacuzzi, and from the forward seating area on the bridge deck down to the beach club, owners and guests will always find the perfect place to relax.  Project Akira is scheduled for delivery in Spring 2024.

August 18, 2022

Medicane in Corsica 2022

A fierce storm with hurricane strong winds hit Corsica on the morning of Thursday eighteen August.  The worst hit was the West and Northern part of Corsica with winds reaching record speeds of 121 knots, this recorded at Marignana to the West of Corsica.  The same storm also hit the North Tyrrhenian sea particularly the region of Tuscany couple hours later.  Over five hundred boats and yachts received some damage, with about one hundred of these receiving extensive damage which made them unusable to use before repairs are done.  Some of these unusable boats and yachts also ended up beached or sank and are a wreck.  Six people where reported dead in Corsica with three dying in Italy because of the storm with one of these being related to boating. 
The 2022 Mediterrean Summer season was particularly hot, with sea temperatures reaching thirty degrees at the beginning of August, result is that a medium strong cold front ends turning in a Medicane, a Mediterrean Hurricane.  Storms like this has happened in the past, possibly of lower intensity, but it is also important to note that our weather reading has become much more precise and sophisticated in recent years.  Being in high season and Corsica a popular destination created the right dooms day environment for all this chaos to happen.  
A Mondomarine Arrow 50 is seen before sinking outside the Saint Florent marina.  Designed by Cichero the Mondomarine Arrow was released in 1984 first as 52 and then rebadged as 50.  The model was produced till 1992 with an Open version released on the same hull in 1987.
This eighties Raffaelli Middle Flying mt 12 was a lucky one at Saint Florent who ended starboard side on the South West breakwater of the harbor, while a sail boat unknowingly pulled him to the middle of the marina before the boat suffered further damage, and possibly a sinking. 
A Princess V53 is seen beached in Calvi the worst hit area with tens of boats, most of which sailing yachts finishing beached.  In Calvi most of the swing moorings failed with boats ending up hitting each other, with the end result being tens of boats and yachts damaged.
Another Calvi victim here a Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 ended in a difficult beaching, in between rocks and extensive damage to its bow.
Possibly this was the worst damage in a beach near Calvi where this Cranchi E52 F Evoluzione has separated from its upper deck and had its hull split in two.  Forward to this was also a beached Beneteau Antares 9.80.
An Absolute got some damage to starboard stern side when a classic sailing yacht broke its moorings in Marina di Carrara in Tuscany.  Important damage in Carrara also happened to dry stacked racing sail yachts, which flew off there cradle.  The World beating Maserati trimaran of Giovanni Soldini also sustained damage in this storm.

Yacht Aground in Ses Illetas, Formentera

A 22 meter Astondoa motor yacht finished beached on the morning of eighteen August, in Ses Illetas, Formertera.  The cause of the beaching are unknown but a storm hit the island between the night of seventeen and eighteen August morning, and with this the anchor being down I suspect the yacht dragged.  Located on the North of the Formentera, Ses Illetas is rather unique open beach with sand and view uninterrupted to East and West.  
The yacht in this accident is an Astondoa 72 GLX designed by Nuvolari Lenard and produced from 1998 to 2007.  Astondoa sold over forty first generation 72 GLX before the model was replaced by the 76 in 2008.  This is the third Astondoa 72 GLX reported in an accident this Summer, with a sister-ship burning down in Costa Rica in early July, and another having control troubles in Girona and hitting boats and the jetty earlier in August. 

New Model: Fjord 53 XL

Fjord has just launched its new 53 XL flagship model, currently undergoing final testing in Port Adriano in Mallorca.  The Fjord 53 XL is a development of the 52 Open launched in 2019 which is also a further evolution of the 48 Open presented in 2015.  The Fjord 53 XL is recognizable from the 52 Open by the larger hull glazing, but is also longer with some layout changes both outside and inside.  A walk around sport yacht full of day boat attributes from fore to aft, the 53 XL offers nonetheless a spacious cabin lower deck accommodation layout with two cabins and single en-suite head, with the optional choice for a second head and for a crew cabin replacing a void storage room to port side.  Choices are also available for the exterior with the option to change the bench style dinette, with a C-shaped layout version.  The Fjord 53 XL is standard powered by twin Volvo 550hp, and or optional 600hp with IPS pod drives.     
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.70 m (54.9ft)
Hull Length - 14.5 m
Beam - 4.79 m
Draft - 1.37 m
Displacement - 17.8 t
Fuel Capacity - 2150 l
Water Capacity - 390 l
Max Persons - eighteen
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins, optional one berth crew cabin
Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 550hp, D8 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS700 or IPS800 pod drives
Speed - 34 knots max with Volvo 600hp, 32 knots with 550hp 
Construction - vacuum infused Vinylester resin with Isophthalic gelcoat skin
Certification - CE B