New Model: Prestige F4

Prestige has launched in the midst of Summer 2023 its new F4 model, a flybridge cruiser just under fourteen meters in length, with an important beam to size ratio.  Prestige F for flybridge bread and butter range has in recent times seen little novelty, with its last new model the F690 coming in 2021.  Looking at the details the Prestige F4 seems based on the 2017 launched F520, identical beam but also a similar layout, with a one meter shorter length. It will be interesting what the F4 will replace in the Prestige range, so far both the 460 and 520 are present in the website, but I do think that in the long run this replaces the 520 so expect a new F5 model in 2024 which goes in the fifteen to sixteen meter size and a similar styling to this new model. Many reviewers are giving the Prestige F4 top marks and calling her a segment re-inventor for its spaces and important beam to length ratio, which re-imagines the space inside by the width. Probably Prestige here has got a couple of lessons while developing its power catamaran range in the last two years, but I also think that it looked at the Absolute 470 which has an identical beam and a similar layout below with owners suite forward.  Still thanks to the important beam the Prestige F4 offers probably a best in class main deck layout here offering a spacious L-shaped dinette and galley on the main deck.  Down below the Prestige F4 offers a three double cabins layout, with an owners cabin forward which is in a mid high level area giving similar space to that of a midships level stateroom.  Also thanks to the beam the two guest cabins at midships offer more space then usual with the starboard cabin being particularly spacious, and offered with moving berths which become a double.  The F4 can also be fitted with an optional crew cabin aft.  Other details in the Prestige F4 are the near bulkhead free flybridge, protected by stainless steel railing, and the option to have a vertical seating on the aft deck for an open view aft, in lieu of the standard L-shaped lounger.  The Prestige F4 is powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drives for top speeds up to 28 knots and a cruise of 22.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.18 m (49.9ft)

Hull Length - 13.4 m

Beam - 4.49 m

Draft - 1.17 m

Displacement - 15100 kg light, 19700 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 1300 l

Water Capacity - 586 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, optional one crew cabin berth

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS650 pod drives

Speed - 28 knots max 22 knots cruise

Range - 250 nm at 22 knots

Project - Garroni exterior interior, Valentina Militerno de Romedis interior, Michael Peters hull, Prestige engineering

Certification - CE B

www.prestige-yachts.com

New Model: Riviera 46 Sports Motor Yacht

Riviera has proudly launched its new 46 Sports Motor Yacht at a special event on Australia's Gold Coast. The 46 is now the new entry level of the Sports Motor Yacht line up that began in 2017 with the launch of the 68 and now includes the 50, 64 and 72 models. The Riviera design team in collaboration with 4D Designs have created a special yacht, with the 46 Sports Motor Yacht offering similar amenity to her larger siblings including multiple entertaining spaces that stretch from the long boarding bathing platform to relaxing foredeck sun lounges and a generous open flybridge that can accommodate eight guests in great comfort. The covered alfresco deck forward of the cockpit expands the saloon living space through a sliding glass door and large awning window that seamlessly connects guests with the galley immediately forward. The yacht's accommodation deck offers three double staterooms and two generous bathrooms. The master stateroom and en-suite bathroom are forward while two guest staterooms are at midships. Luxuriously appointed with premium fabrics, designer lounges and plush carpet underfoot in the staterooms, the 46 SMY features superbly crafted timber cabinetry throughout. Power for the Riviera 46 Sports Motor Yacht is provided by twin Volvo Penta 600hp as standard with optional 725hp available and both units being IPS propelled.

Technical Data:

LOA - 15.90 (52.2ft)

Hull Length - 14.3 m

Beam - 4.76 m

Draft - 1.44 m includes drives and props

Displacement - 21,920 kg dry

Fuel Capacity - 2500 l

Water Capacity - 500 l

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 600hp, D11 725hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives

Project - 4D Design

Certification - ISO8666 for dimensions

www.riviera.com.au

Project: Galeon 440 Fly

Galeon present the project for a new 440 Fly, featuring a sleek exterior which marks another collaboration from the Polish boat builder with British designer Tony Castro Design, who sets out a recognizable line it following the trends set by the fourth generation Galeon yachts. A unique combination of a dynamic silhouette with sporty accents throughout is complimented by the large windows on both decks that liven up the interior. A clear focus was placed upon practicality and versatility and easy access of the exteriors, with the top deck featuring a helm station with a settee to port side for a companion, and the main rest area moved back. The L-shaped sofa wraps around the elongated table and will seat six in comfort, while a wet bar will hold refreshments and help to keep things tidy. The main deck holds two separate leisure areas with the bow easily accessible by the starboard sliding doors next to the helm. Guests can choose to prop-up the foldable bimini and front facing seat for extra protection from the elements. The cockpit allows for boarding from all sides thanks to the full-sized hydraulic stern platform and Beach Mode with semi-glazed panels. Drop down bulwarks to both sides extend the usable space during mooring, with the bathing platform functions as a lift for all your water toys and allows easy access to the stern-facing grill area. Inside, a classic layout can be found with the rest area moved back, divided from the cockpit only by the sliding glass doors. Galley and helm station are moved forward with two or three cabins located on the lower deck. The two cabin option will accommodate four guests in style, as both the mid-ship master and the forward VIP offer significant volume and storage space. For larger parties a choice between two different, three cabin layouts is available with bunk beds or twin cabin setups. Both bathrooms down below are fitted with a head and shower with standing height.  The Galeon 440 Fly is to be powered by twin Volvo 480hp with possibly a propulsion option of shafts and or IPS pod drives.

www.galeon.pl

Classic Trojan Runs Aground in Hampton Bays

A nine meter flybridge cruiser with one person onboard ran aground to the West of Shinnecock inlet in Hampton Bays, on the morning of Saturday eighteen June.  The cruiser had a mechanical failure while on the route from Freeport to Hampton Bays, and while the captain was assessing the issue without dropping anchor the boat ended beached. The captain unharmed abandoned the boat when it beached, which later on that day was salvaged by a crew from Suffolk County Parks Department.  Southampton Town Bay Constables and New York State Department of Environmental Conversation found no sign of fuel spill.

The flybridge cruiser in this accident is a Trojan F32 Sedan, a successful top selling model from the US builder sold in over 2700 units from 1973 till 1992, with 20% of theses being the Express with open main deck, and three dozens in the different top-structure Sports Fisherman.  The accommodation in the F32 offers a forward double Vee berth, a galley to port, and a convertible dinette to starboard sleeping a total of four.  The F32 was powered by standard twin 225hp or 250hp Chryslers with line shaft propulsion, giving top speeds of just over 25 knots. 

Sea Ray Flybridge Cruiser Sinks in Santa Maria, Cabo San Lucas

A fourteen meter Sea Ray flybridge cruiser sank in Santa Maria, Los Cabos at around 1630 hours of Friday 27 May.  The yacht had some mechanical problems and could not turn the engines on, with it drifting to the rocks, and with the impact and rubbing damage which opened the hull, making it sink.  The flybridge crew of the flybridge cruiser where rescued by Zofemat staff, with the Navy and Port Authority taking two hours to arrive.  The boat had a fuel leak during the incident with the beach closed and a black flag indicating for fuel pollution raised.

The Sea Ray in this accident is a 480 Sedan Bridge model, produced for six years from 1998 till 2004.  The 480 Sedan Bridge was a fully cored build, and offered an interior with three double cabins sleeping six.  The 480 Sedan Bridge has a medium-Vee hull shape with propeller tunnels and was powered by twin GM 535hp or optional Cats 660hp engines, with these large units giving over thirty knots.  The 480 was replaced by the 500 Sedan Bridge in 2005.

Flybridge Cruiser Sand Beaches in Malta

A ten meter Draco flybridge cruiser broke from its swing mooring and ended up sand beached on the morning of 27th May, in Mellieha beach in the North Western part of the Island of Malta.  The cause of beaching looks a failure of the swing mooring ropes from the seabed, caused by the moderate Eastern winds of about twenty knots.  The flybridge cruiser ended up beached in a sandy part of the beach, with damages being unknown.  Swing moorings are popular in Malta in the Summer season, for the reason they are cheaper to a marina mooring and offer lesser distance to the Northern part of the Island.  For example Mellieha is protected to most winds with the exceptions of the Eastern quadrant ones, which show up very little in the Summer months.

The Draco in this beaching is the 3400 Opal, presented in late 1990 on the Zircon platform presented earlier on the same year but with a flybridge super structure and different interior.  Designed by Hans J. Johnsen the 3400 was and is still today Draco largest ever made model.  Johnsen for the 3400 did a deep Vee design with a twenty degrees deadrise, and in the shaft V-drive version as available for the Opal featured shaft tunnels.  The Draco 3400 Opal offered a two cabins interior, a shower and a galley, with a saloon on the main deck.  Power options was twin Volvo 230hp with stern drives, or V-drive line shaft.

Two People Escape Boat Fire Near Moreton Island

A fourteen meter Riviera flybridge cruiser with two persons onboard went ablaze ten miles to the South of Moreton Island, off Brisbane on 0700 hours the morning of seventeen May.  The flybridge cruiser was under way and ten nautical miles from Moreton island when it took fire, with the two crew; a 62 year-old man and 57 year-old woman forced to jump into the sea.  The two crew where dispatched by another craft, which had been called by a cargo ship alerted by the fire.  The crew where first taken to the Brisbane Water Police, and later to Mater Hospital for smoke treatment.

The Riviera in this fire is a 45 Open Flybridge model produced from 2007 till 2021 in 77 units.  The Riviera 45 Open Flybridge offered an interior with three double cabins, and is powered by twin 670hp Cummins as standard, or optional Cats 715hp engine in line shafts, with the big engines good for 34 knots wide open throttle speeds.

Flybridge Cruiser Burns in Lavagna

A Ferretti flybridge cruiser of twelve meters in length went ablaze while in its mooring in Lavagna marina, to the South East of Genova in Italy at around 1430 hours of 22 January.  A fast call and immediate moving to the Ferretti cruiser from its berth to the under wing of the Eastern Lavagna marina break water caused no damage to any other boats.  With four fire fighting squads, including additional teams from nearby Chiavari and Santa Margherita saved the Ferretti cruiser from going total ablaze and becoming a total loss, with pump assistance saving it from sinking.  The cause of the fire is not reported.

This Ferretti model is the 39 Altura launched in 1989 and produced till 1993 to a design by Antocio Pusceddu, Ferretti first generation designer.  Replacing the 40 Altura which launched in 1986, the Ferretti 39 Altura came on the hull lines of the 40 Roadster an innovative fully enclosed hard-top cruiser which launched a year before in 1988, and was replaced by the 120 Fly in 1993.  The Ferretti 39 Fly featured a standard two cabin interior layout, with an optional three cabin version moving the galley on the main deck, and was powered by twin Cats 380hp, with 1992 or later versions being possible to option with the larger 420hp engines.  A total of 71 hulls are reported to have sold of the Ferretti 39 Fly and 40 Roadster units in a five year production run.  

Azimut Cruiser Sinks in Ischia Island

An Azimut flybridge cruiser of twelve meters in length, sank while in its mooring at the marina in Casamicciola Terme, in the Island of Ischia, in the night between the twelfth and thirteenth January.  No one was onboard at the time of sinking. The cause of the sinking are not reported, but in most cases when a boat sinks this way, berthed in its mooring, it would be a failed water-cock of sorts.  Casamicciola Terme is located on the North part of the Island of Ischia, the largest of the three Naples gulf Islands, the other two being the famous Capri, and less famous but pretty Procida.   

The boat in this accident is an Azimut AZ36 TrentaSei model, designed by Bernard Olesinski and inhouse by the Italian yacht builder.  The AZ36 was a replacement to the long standing and popular John Bennet designed 37 and was produced from the fall of 1993 till 98.  The AZ36 has a two cabins two head layout, and was powered by twin Cats 306hp or Aifo 300hp reaching top speeds up to thirty knots.  The AZ36 followed a family feeling design to the AZ43 presented in the fall of 1991, and AZ40 in the fall of 92.  This trio of models characterized Azimut entry level line sub fifteen meters from 1992 to 98 in extending the Italian builders international success.  Over one hundred AZ36 where made in a five year production run as the model was replaced by the 39 in the fall of 1998.         

Project: Sessa Fly 47

Sessa present the Fly 47 project a natural evolution of the 45 Fly, and part of its Flybridge Line. Rather than calling it a simple Flybridge, Sessa introduces the concept of the advanced open yacht for its Fly 47, with the ability on the main deck to fully open the area. In fact, this fourteen meter flybridge cruiser, offers three comfortable and liveable cabins, with two bathrooms having separate shower stalls.  The main deck offers spaciousness in a split level arrangement with an ergonomic galley located to port side and a brightly living area.  The flybridge offers space of more than twenty sqm able to comfortably host eight-ten people. The qualities of navigability, derived from the experience of the 45 Fly of which this model is a natural evolution. 

www.sessamarine.com

Flybridge Cruiser Partially Sinks Near Venice

A flybridge cruiser of about fourteen meters in length was found partially sank in the morning of nine September in Coarle, Darsena dell' Orologio which translated to English means the Quay of the Watch.  The flybridge cruiser was floated again on the morning of September 11, and according to unconfirmed reports the boat sank for a failure to a raw water tube, which takes water to the engine sea-water pump. Darsena dell'Orologio is located further North East from Venice, and is a marina which offers just short of five hundred berths.

The flybridge motor cruiser in this accident is a Solcio Biondi 44 Fly which was released in 1989 and produced till about the mid nineties.  The 44 was designed by Dall' Abaco and was also offered in Open version.  Solcio was the Italian dealer of Norway's Fjord boats in the eighties and having success with the range of Norwegian cruisers up to 39 feet in length, decided to enter production in collaboration with the Biondi boat yard for cruisers above that size.  The Solcio Biondi 44 first released as Open and then as Fly, had a good success with about thirty units being built in both Open and Fly versions, with the later being more popular to the previous.    

Flybridge Cruiser Aground in Volga River

A Beneteau flybridge cruiser of about ten meters in length ended aground and then listed to its starboard side, in Togliatti on the Volga river, in Russia on the morning of 29 August. The causes of the accident are unknown. The Volga river is the longest water stream in Europe stretching from Central to Southern Russian and into the Caspian sea.

The Beneteau in this accident is an Antares 30 model produced from 2010 till 2016, to an inhouse design and interior by Sarazin.  The Antares 30 has interiors with two cabins, forward main cabin, second cabin with two bunks to port side, with a living all on the main deck.  The Antares 30 was standard powered by single 370hp engines with line shaft propulsion.  The model was also offered as the Antares 32 with twin 200hp engine installation, weighing about half a ton more, but being practically identical in exterior and interior layout. 

Flybridge Cruiser Gets Knocked Off Its Stacks

A Fed Express van backed and collided with a dry stacked ten meter Bayliner flybridge motor cruiser on the morning of 27 August in a boat yard in Vancouver, British Columbia.  Thankfully this accident had minor consequences as the flybridge cruiser rear stacks just managed to hold the boat.  This could have been a much worse scenario if the collision would have been just a bit stronger and the boat dropping off its stacks and then hitting other boats creating a domino affect.  The Bayliner boat damage received a couple minor fiberglass cuts at the bottom of the hull with the collision. 

The Bayliner in this accident is a 3258 Avanti Flybridge model produced from 1995 to 2000.  The Bayliner 3258 Avanti Flybridge offered a lower deck sleeping four with a single head, and was standard powered by twin Mercruisers 250hp and optional 310hp gas engines with sterndrive. 

Flybridge Cruiser on Fire Near Elba Island

A fourteen meter Raffaelli motor cruiser with three guests onboard went on fire some nine miles from Isola Elba and nineteen miles from Pianosa island on the morning of Friday 16 July at around 0700 hours.  As reported the Raffaelli flybridge cruiser which had departed from Scarlino yacht harbor in the early hours of the morning, had the fire start out from the engine room.  A VHF call was made to the coast guard, with the Porto Ferrario, Isola Elba section responding immediately to the call and saving the three passengers, who in the mean time led themselves to safety onboard the tender. A fire fighting squad was deployed to save the Raffaelli flybridge cruiser, unfortunately with no success, which dominated by the fire ended in sinking.  

The flybridge motor cruiser in the fire is a Raffaelli Storm S,  a 14.50 meter flybridge cruiser presented in 1990 and produced till 1996.  The Storm S was an evolution of the Storm model launched in 1986, adding fifty centimetres in length and with this expanding the main cabin for more space in the saloon and aft deck, and now featuring a sloop stern.  The Storm S was a popular flybridge cruiser for the most part in the Italian market and a discreet success also coming in France, thanks to its three cabins layout and its seakeeping qualities, this being a Raffaelli trade mark.  The Raffaelli Storm S was powered with Cat engines; 380hp at first and newer units having the 440hp engines.  Top speed was 28 with the lower powered engines and 31 with the 440 units.  The Storm and Storm S sold over sixty units in a ten year production run, and are still popular used boats and a common sight in most Italian marinas.  Raffaelli has always been famous for producing honest boats with seakeeping and strong construction qualities, and till the entering of the CE rules in 1998 built its boats to A1 Class Nippon design standards, something rare in sub 24 meter plus yachts in that time. 

Princess Flybridge Cruiser Aground in River

A twelve meter Princess flybridge motor cruiser with three persons onboard ran aground on the 28th May 2021 in the Caloosahatchee River, Florida, USA.  Assistance was immediately provided by TowBoatUS Lake Okeechobee who upon arrival noticed the three persons suffering injuries.  The TowBoatUS captain took the passengers immediately to a nearby marina for medical assistance.  Salvage operation started the same day and took 24 hours to complete.  Cause of the accident for this Princess flybridge cruiser are unknown.

The Princess 420 was launched in the fall of 94 and as all new models onward from the eighties is a design of Bernard Olesinski.  The Princess 420 offered a two cabins two heads layout and was powered by twin Volvo 370hp or Cat 355hp engines with line shaft propulsion.  The model was produced till 97 after which in that year it was renamed as 430 with the change being that of an extended bathing platform, and produced like this for another year.  Following the 440 launched in 1993 and the 53 earlier in the same year, the 420 was Princess third model into a more Mediterranean Italian style of flybridge cruiser; see extended more spacious flybridge, windows that wrap around into the coach roof, and larger aft-deck for outside entertainment.

Classic Flybridge Cruiser Sinks in San Benedetto del Tronto

A thirteen meter wooden flybridge motor cruiser sank in the Tronto river just around half a nautical mile away from the coast of the Adriatic sea, on the morning of tenth April. The seventies build Italian motor cruiser was boarded by two persons who according to some reports purchased her a couple of days before and where taking delivery of the vessel.  Apparently the motor cruiser hit a tree trunk and suffered hull damage, which led to its sinking.  The two persons called an SoS and while a rescue was deployed by the coast guard, they where rescued by a pleasure vessel who was in the area at the time of the sinking.

The thirteen meter motor cruiser which sank in this accident is an Itama 145, built up until the end seventies.  The Itama 145 was the entry level model of Mario Amati wooden flybridge motor cruiser and yacht range, prior to him changing to the fiberglass open sport cruiser and yacht line in the eighties which proved to be a successful move.  The wooden custom range featured two other larger models, the 160 and 180, with the smaller 145 proving to be the most popular of the line up.  

Project: Cayman F450

Cayman are presenting a project for the F450 a fourteen meter flybridge motor cruiser.  Designed by Modo design the Cayman F450 looks to be very much based on the S450 which re-started the brand in 2017.  Cayman F450 will feature a two double cabins interior, with a full beam owners cabin, and forward VIP cabin.  In between the cabins is also a lower deck saloon, and a galley.  Standard power for the Cayman F450 will come from twin Volvo 380hp and IPS pod propulsion.  Optional 480hp engines will be available.

www.caymanyachts.it

New Model: Galeon 400 Fly

Galeon has in early 2020 launched its new 400 Fly model.  Another model of what the Polish builder calls its fourth-generation family, the 400 Fly is one of the smallest flybridge cruisers to offer the innovative beach mode. Designed by Tony Castro the 400 Fly offers maneuverability and stability on the waves, while the interior comes in a few possible modern variants, with additional options available upon request.  Below deck, the guests will find two full-sized cabins, one of which, the owner’s cabin, is situated in the aft. Two separate bathrooms offer extra comfort to the guests. All the cabins allow the guests full standing height and additional storage space, ideal for longer cruises.  The 400 Fly dynamic shape is a clear extension of Galeon’s characteristic design, with large windows merging with the hull form under acute angles. The upper deck is accessible by a comfortable staircase. The flybridge, the yacht’s entertainment center, puts a minibar and a helm at the disposal of the guests and crew. It also comes with a table and sofa that can be easily converted into a sunbathing area. The aft cockpit provides functional and well-planned space, with the sofa and table convertible into a sundeck. The front cockpit is a recreation space, with a large suntanning mattress. The Galeon 400 Fly is standard powered with twin Volvo 225hp with options going up 440hp engines.

Technical Data:

LOA - 12.50 (41ft)

Hull Length - 11 m

Beam - 4 m

Draft - 1.35 m

Displacement - 12060 kg unloaded

Fuel Capacity - 1000 l

Water Capacity - 450 l

Max Persons - 12

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 225hp, D6 440hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives, Volvo dual propeller stern drives, line shafts

Project - Tony Castro

Certification - CE B

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Jeanneau Merry Fisher 38 Fly

Jeanneau present the new Merry Fisher 38 Fly, a line shaft powered two cabin family thought flybridge motor cruiser. Designed by renowned British naval architect and designer Tony Castro the Merry Fisher 38 Fly offers interior around increased window area, offering bright living spaces inside with all around views.  The communication and safety features of the Merry Fisher 38 Fly deserve a mention from a side door to starboard by the helm station, recessed side decks, an open cockpit sheltered by the extended flybridge, and double doors to the large bathing platform.  True to the original concept, the Merry Fisher 38 Fly offers three living spaces; interior saloon, aft deck, and flybridge.  Down below, the Merry Fisher 38 Fly has a spacious owner's cabin forward, and an attractively twin berth guest cabin to starboard. The head compartment includes a separate shower stall, with the toilet outside.  The Merry Fisher 38 Fly is standard powered by twin Volvo 300hp, with optional 370hp engines being available.

Technical Data:

LOA - 11.43 m (37.6ft)

Hull Length - 9.98 m

Beam - 3.84 m

Draft - 0.83 m

Displacement - 8271 kg

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 400 l

Water Capacity - 330 l

Max Persons - 10

Accommodation - four berths in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D4 300hp, D6 370hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Project - Tony Castro

Certification - CE B10, C12, D12

www.jeanneau.com

Project: Galeon 400 Fly

Galeon 400 Fly is one of the smallest models to offer a stern beach mode and has been designed to offer the highest tier of maneuverability and stability while on the waves. The yacht’s dynamic shape is a clear extension of Galeon’s characteristic design, with large windows merging with the hull form under acute angles.  The interior comes in a few possible modern variants, with additional options available upon request.  Below deck, the guests will find two full-sized cabins, one of which, the owner’s cabin, is situated in the aft. Two separate bathrooms offer extra comfort to the guests. All the cabins allow the guests full standing height and additional storage space, ideal for longer cruises.  The yacht’s dynamic shape is a clear extension of Galeon’s fourth gerneation characteristic design, with large windows merging with the hull form under acute angles. The upper deck is accessible by a comfortable staircase. The flybridge, the yacht’s entertainment centre, puts a minibar and a helm at the disposal of the guests and crew. It also comes with a table and sofa that can be easily converted into a sunbathing area.  The aft cockpit provides functional and well-planned space, with the sofa and table convertible into a sundeck. The front cockpit is a recreation space, with a large suntanning mattress. The Galeon 400 Fly is powered by twin Volvo 225hp, with optional engines going up to 440hp units.

www.galeon.pl