Motor Yacht Beached in Birdie Beach

A seventeen meter Trader motor yacht finished beached on Birdie beach, to the North West of Sydney in Australia in between the night and early morning of Saturday 27 May.  The yacht was being towed after it developed problems to its engines South East of Birdie Island.  Ultimately because of the damage sustained, and problems in salvaging the yacht, reports are coming in that she will be chopped and wrecked.

The yacht in this beaching is a Tarquin Trader 575 Sunliner, an evolution extended in length of the 535 presented in 1997.  The Tarquin Trader 575 Sunliner was produced from 2000 to 2008 and offered an interior with three double cabins, and was powered by twin Cats 450hp which give 22 knots top speeds.  The 575 was replaced by the slightly longer 585 Sunliner in 2008.  Tarquin Trader was a British company with boats produced in Taiwan.

New Model: Galeon 560 Fly

During the 2023 Miami boat show Galeon presented the World premier for the 560 Fly model.  A seventeen meters flybridge motor yacht, the 560 Fly is designed by British Tony Castro, Galeon's main designer for the last twenty or so years.  The 560 Fly replaces the 550 after ten years of production into that highly competitive segment of the market, especially in between European builders.  As is usual to Galeon the 560 Fly comes as a unique offer, and although its not a novelty as it was once, Galeon opening side bulkheads as presented on the 500 Fly in 2015 are still unique, especially if onboard entertaining with friends is ones priority. These drop down bulkheads apart expanding beam by two meters are unique and with the opening sliding glazed surfaces in the galley and the other side, they join the inside with outside in a unique manner which surprisingly has not yet been copied in the market today.  The Galeon 560 Fly also features some hard to find features in its size, like the side door by the helm station to starboard and the single peace forward windshield serving the lower helm.  The 560 Fly is part of what Galeon calls its fourth generation series which debuted with the 640 Fly in 2018 and to the swing extendable bulkheads adds more glazed surfaces, the Heptagon bow which increases space below moving beam further forward and on deck. The Galeon 560 Fly is standard powered by twin Volvo 725hp with line shafts propulsion and an option for twin 900hp units available.  Top speed is up to 29 knots with the standard power.   

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.82 m (58.6ft)

Hull Length - 16.2 m

Beam - 4.82 m

Draft - 1.05 m (ex propellers), 1.40 meters with propellers

Displacement - 27621 kg unloaded, plus 5.4 tons loaded

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 1100 l

Water Capacity - 700 l

Max Persons - fourteen

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D11 725hp, D13 900hp

Propulsion - line shafts

Speed - 29 knots max 23 knots cruise

Range - 223 nm at cruise

Project - Tony Castro

Certification - CE B

www.galeon.pl

Collision in Sorrento Gulf Leaves One Injured

A collision between a fourteen meter Azimut flybridge cruiser and a twenty meter motor yacht happened near Torre Annunziata in the Sorrento Gulf, to the South of Naples, Italy on the afternoon of Tuesday 23 May left one injured.  The dynamics of the incident are not reported, with the fourteen meter Azimut flybridge cruiser doing engine sea trials at the time of the collision.  What is certain is that both boats where at planning speeds with the Azimut flybridge cruiser receiving extensive damage to starboard, punctured inside in the upper part.  The larger yacht had damage on the bow, with the forward bulwark twisted by the impact. 

The boats in this collision is the popular Righini designed Azimut AZ46 Quartantsei a model which debuted in the fall of 1996 and was produced till 2008, sold in a record five hundred plus units, including the updated Evolution version of the last three years.  The 21 meter motor yacht with the bow damage is a Benetti Sail Division 72 from 1999 refitted in 2020.  

New Model: Majesty 72

During the 2023 Dubai boat, Gulf crafts Majesty yachts flagship brand launched the new 72 model. Designed inhouse this new 21 meters flybridge motor yacht sits as second in size Majesty model, in between the current entry level 62 and 100 model which enters into the super yacht range.  Interesting to note that Gulf Craft seems to have trimmed Majesty Yachts line by not little in recent years, although in this size the Nomad explorer yachts does fill the gap with a high volume 75 and 95 models.  The Majesty 72 is a sporty design with an interior designed by Dutch firm Phathom yachts offering a main deck with central galley layout dedicated to the living area, and a lower deck with four double cabins and three heads. Two crew cabins are located aft and are accessible from the bathing platform and include direct access to the engine room. The Majesty 72 is standard powered by twin Man 1200hp, and or optional larger 1550hp with direct line propulsion.  Speed estimates are for thirty knots with the standard power.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.99 m (72.2ft)

Beam - 5.91 m

Draft - 1.23 m 

Displacement - 45.3 t approx.

Fuel Capacity - 5678 l

Water Capacity - 1060 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, two/four crew in two cabins

Engines - 2 x Man V8 1200hp, 1550hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - thirty knots with twin 1200hp Man *estimate

Project - Phathom Studios interior, Gulf Craft exterior

www.majesty-yachts.com

New Model: Galeon 440 Fly

During the Dusseldorf 2023 boat show Galeon unveiled its new 440 Fly model. Designed by since the noughties Galeon designer Tony Castro, the new second generation 440 Fly pushes the Polish builder design forward offering the latest details in space gaining design.  By the layout and details the new Galeon 440 Fly is a replacement to the 2016 launched 460 Fly.  As has been Galeon high selling point in recent years the 440 Fly offers Galeon expandable main deck option which extends entertainment space when at anchor by a couple meters. A new details in these drop down balconies is window inserts which when closed will give side views, and when open will give sea views.  The main deck offers a central galley layout, located to port side of the helm station, while the lower deck is offered in two or three double cabins option.  In the three double cabins layout, the third cabin with two bunk berths is located to port side, with this space taken by a large en-suite for the forward VIP cabin in the two cabin option.  The Galeon 440 Fly is to be powered by twin Volvo 440hp or 480hp engine in IPS pod drives or line shaft option.       

Technical Data:

LOA - 13.97 m (45.8ft)

Hull Length - 12.5 m

Beam - 4.2 m

Draft - 0.8 m excludes propellers and or drives

Displacement - 17700 kg light +3005 kg in load

Fuel Capacity - 2 x 850 l

Water Capacity - 225 l + 170 l

Max Persons - fourteen

Accommodation - six berths in three cabins

Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 440hp, D6 480hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward dual propeller IPS pod drives, or V-drive line shafts

Speed - thirty knots max

Project - Tony Castro

Certification - CE B

www.galeon.pl

Project: Van Der Valk 21.27 metre Project Micamo

Van der Valk Shipyard in the Netherlands is taking its fully custom approach to the next level with the 21.27-metre Project Micamo. This bespoke flybridge motoryacht has been ordered by a client with precise requirements in terms of range and led to new rules being set by the Japanese flag state authorities. With a sophisticated exterior and interior by Guido de Groot Design, Project Micamo is set to showcase the finest Dutch craftsmanship to Japan in a unique way when delivered. It also confirms how far Van der Valk is prepared to go to meet custom demands. The owner of Project Micamo is keen to sail on his own keel to the Ogasawara Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site located some 500 nautical miles south of the main Japanese archipelago. A 24-hour ferry service runs to the archipelago from Tokyo and the maritime authorities have strict rules in place for commercial vessels that are equivalent to those applied to container ships. No regulations were in place, however, for a 20-metre pleasure craft making such lengthy passages so these had to be specifically adapted for Project Micamo. Months of dedicated engineering, careful calculations, stability booklet updates and more have underpinned construction of the hull.  Van der Valk Project Micamo will feature a four double cabins layout with an owners stateroom at midships, while the main deck will offer a more a more traditional central galley plan.  Project Micamo is to be powered by twin Volvo 1000hp with IPS pod drives for estimated top speeds up to 29 knots.

www.vandervalkshipyard.com

New Model: Cheoy Lee CLB65

Cheoy Lee presents the CLB65, a flybridge motor yacht which represents a new entry point into CL Yachts’ line-up, with luxurious features inspired by her larger sister-ships. With standard twin 800hp Volvo engines with IPS pod pro propulsion the CLB65 can hit an impressive top end of 27 knots and cruise at a very respectable 21 knots. CLB65 comes fitted with multiple helm stations, one on the main deck and on the flying bridge, so that owner-operators have a choice of staying protected or fully enjoying the marine environment around them. Additionally, two wing control stations to either side of the aft deck are incredibly helpful when getting in and out of marinas. The CLB65 features an aft galley on the main deck layout, the first Cheoy Lee yachts with such a layout. With a hinged door and flip-up glass, the main deck can be fully opened. It’s an exciting development that makes food service to the salon or the cockpit equally easy, and helps make CLB65 an excellent entertainment platform. The salon has multiple seating options, including a large U-shaped settee forward and to port that will be a focal point for conversation. The CLB65 was imagined with volume and comfort in mind, to that end she is built on the same hull as the larger CLB72, with the same beam but shorter. The benefits of this choice are obvious to anyone who steps aboard, particularly in the full-beam en-suite midships master stateroom with extraordinary volume and remarkable natural light, followed by forepeak en-suite VIP with island-queen berth. A spacious guest stateroom to port has twin berths that are perfect for guests. All staterooms on the lower deck have opening port lights to enhance ventilation. Throughout the interior which can be finished in either walnut or hickory oiled veneers and a neutral color palette mean the CLB65 is effortlessly cool and timelessly stylish. As for outdoor entertainment spaces, the CLB65 has an expansive flybridge with everything needed for alfresco cruising, including multiple settees, a barbecue and wet bar at amidships, with a hardtop to provide shade for the whole proceeding. A foredeck lounge with a sun-pad provides a further entertainment area, and one which will provide much welcome privacy when this motor yacht is moored stern-to.

Technical Data:

LOA - 19.70 m (64.8ft)

Beam - 6.05 m

Draft - 1.50 m

Displacement - 40,900kg at full load

Fuel Capacity - 3200 l

Water Capacity - 950 l

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 800hp

Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS1050 pod drives

Speed - 27 knots max 21 cruise

Construction - resin infused with strategic use of carbon fiber

Certification - RINA, CE

www.cheoylee.com

New Model: Ferretti 580

At the first appointment of 2023 in Dusseldorf Germany Ferretti was full guns blazing, launching its awaited 580 model, announcing the new InFYnito range, and also showing project details for the sister CustomLine brand.  The Ferretti 580 continues the design transition as started by Filippo Salvetti in 2018 with the 670, and replaces the seven years successful 550 model. Like the 550, the 580 is Ferretti in its preferred size, where its design really excels to give something different and unique, thanks to the sporty low profiled flybridge which gives a distinctive line. The Ferretti 580 is a totally new yacht to the 550; longer in length, beamier, and will also feature bigger engines and fuel capacity.  With the 580 Ferretti also return to the disappearing patio door window, a distinct feature of the brand since the eighties up until the 2015 launched 550.  The Ferretti 580 offers an astern galley layout main deck, with a three double cabins lower deck, including of which is a large owners stateroom at midships.  The 580 features a few options, from an aft single berth crew cabin, to a hardtop on the flybridge, and third head layout choice. Power from the Ferretti 580 comes from twin standard Volvo 900hp and or optional 1000hp, which give top speeds of 28 and 32 knots respectively.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 18.24 m (59.9ft)

Hull Length - 16.9 m

Beam - 5 m

Draft - 1.5 m

Displacement - 35,500 kg loaded, 29,500 kg loaded

Fuel Capacity - 3250 l

Water Capacity - 700 l

Max Persons - fourteen

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D13 900hp, D13 1000hp

Propulsion - V-drive line shaft

Speed - 28 knots max 24 cruise 900hp, 32 knots max 26 cruise Volvo 1000hp

Project - Filippo Salvetti, Ferretti Group engineering

Certification - RINA CE A modules B+F+A1 

www.ferretti-yachts.com

New Model: Cayman F580

Cayman has launched its F580 flybridge motor yacht model.  Designed by Ferragni the Cayman F580 is a modern flybridge motor yacht with all the latest amenities; astern galley layout on the main deck, hi/lo bathing platform, and fore deck dinette. The Cayman F580 is a bit rare cause it is one of the few flybridge motor yachts in the seventeen meters segment which offers three cabins and three bathrooms.  As quoted on the website the Cayman F580 is powered by twin Man 800hp with line shafts, but hull one was powered with twin Volvo 600hp engines and IPS propulsion which gave an interesting 32 knots performance. 

Technical Data:

LOA - 17.60 m (57.7ft)

Hull Length - 16.2 m

Beam - 4.74 m

Draft - 1.40 m

Displacement - 24000 kg 

Fuel Capacity - 2000 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

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

Engines - 2 x Volvo D8 600hp, D11 725hp, Man I6 800hp

Propulsion - line shaft, or IPS pod propulsion

Speed - 32 knots max 23 cruise with Volvo 600hp and IPS pod drives

Project - Ferragni

Certification - CE B

www.caymanyachts.it

Project: Galeon 560 Fly

Galeon present the project for a new 560 Fly flybridge motor yacht, replacing the 2012 launched 550 and bridging the gap the 500 and the highly innovative 640 and 650 models. The long-awaited premiere is expected to directly address the needs of customers who appreciated the technical prowess of the 500 Fly yet desire more space on board and the bespoke luxury of the 640/650 models while still maintaining a manageable crew less size. The exterior is highlighted by the abundance of space on both decks and a plethora of windows that promise a well-lit interior. On the top deck guests will find two U-shaped, opposite facing rest and dining areas which can be combined for a perfect alfresco dining. Up front is a seating area and the upper helm station with the wet bar and grill moved back. The large overhang area comes with uninterrupted space for leisure and activities and can be occupied by two free-standing sun loungers. This flexible approach to space distribution allows for respite during the day and entertaining guests in the evening. The main deck comes fitted with everyone’s favourite Beach Mode that greatly increases the usable cockpit area and helps it to seamlessly to blend with the saloon and even serve refreshments to the port and starboard bars. Bow area is divided between the sundeck and a bench with proper backrest which comes in handy if for forward uninterrupted views. A large hydraulic platform helps with hoisting water toys and allows for easy access to the water and to the twin crew cabin located aft. Inside, the upscale, fully customizable interior is a mixture of modern design trends and handcrafted luxury fittings with a wide variety of woodwork, fabrics and details. The main deck offers a generously appointed aft galley with the entertainment and dining area moved forward. The Galeon 560 Fly is all about maintaining the fragile balance between practicality and internal volume while pushing the boundaries of design and high-end detail finishing. Down below three cabins and two bathrooms await the passengers for a total of six berths. The owner’s quarters are located midship with plenty of space for storage and a private head and shower. The bow VIP area offers a well-sized double bed, proper closet and an overhead skylight for natural illumination. Starboard guest cabin holds twin beds and is kept bright by hull-side windows.  The Galeon 560 Fly is to be powered by standard twin Volvo 725hp with optional going up to 900hp engines.

www.galeon.pl

New Model: Pearl 72

Pearl Yachts presented the new 72 to the public for the first time at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale boat show at the end of October, approximately a year after the announcement of the project in Cannes 2021.  The 72 offer to the market is still unique in her class with Pearl design of exteriors from Dixon and interior from Kelly Hoppen CBE now doing all the four model line-up from the 62 to the 95 flagship super yacht. In terms of layout the Pearl 72 makes a unique introduction in this size-class with two master staterooms; one forward with a private entrance as typically seen on larger yachts, and the second for a full beam amidships. In addition to providing an ideal solution for co-owners who enjoy the yacht together, the innovative layout allows owners to enjoy a beautiful view even when moored stern-to in a marina. There are two further en-suite double cabins plus accommodation for the crew, in addition to an exceptional garage with space for a three meter and a half plus tender or jet ski. Fold down balconies at water level also create a beach club for those who enjoy spending time on or close to the water.  The Kelly Hoppen interior show her ever-evolving style, defined by a subtle fusion of clean lines and neutral tones, intuitively balanced with an opulent warmth, honoured with numerous prestigious awards.  The Pearl 72 carries another premiere on board: Kelly’s new “Indulgence” interior design theme. The design intent of this yacht is to capture New York City urban living on water, while enhancing and working with the incredible mechanical features that have been achieved. An array of materials including timber veneers, stone and contrasting metal detailing used and layered throughout to set up enchanting reflections and luxurious tones that fuse the ocean and interiors together.  The Pearl 72 is powered by twin Man 1400hp as standard with optional 1600hp MTU available.  With the later big engines the Pearl 72 has a 32 knots top speed and a cruise of 25 knots.

Technical Data:

LOA - 21.99 m (72.2ft)

Hull Length - 20.7 m

Beam - 5.75 m

Draft - 1.70 m

Displacement - 50 t light

Fuel Capacity - 4250 l

Water Capacity - 950 l

Accommodation - eight guests in four cabins, two crew in one cabin

Engines - 2 x Man V12 1400hp, MTU 10V2000 M96L 1650hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed -32 knots max 25 cruise

Range - 250 nm at 25 knots cruise speed

Project - Bill Dixon naval architect and lines, Kelly Hoppen interior

www.pearlyachts.com

Yacht Burns and Sinks in Rio de la Plata

A twenty meter motor yacht titled m/y Azimut III with three crew onboard burst into flames and eventually sank in Rio de la Plata, Argentina at about 06:45 hours of 27 December.  The motor yacht departed San Fernando at 05:15 bound Punta dell Este Uruguay, and one hour and half into the trip it went ablaze.  The crew was assisted by nearby yacht Le Plus.  Victor Silveira the captain who was given this duty for the yacht for the coming two months told the story and how in three minutes the yacht was ablaze and eventually burned down and sank.  

M/y Azimut III is a Segue 62 a model produced from the late nineties up to the early 2000s.  Founded in 1974 Segue yachts is an Argentina yacht builder popular in South America, though recently it has also been entering into the North American market.  Today Segue builds twelve cruisers and yachts from 32 up to 94 feet.

Project: Majesty 72

The latest project from Majesty Yachts the 72 will boast an exquisite design with distinguished engineering aiming to bridge the gap between the 62 and the best-selling 100 superyacht. Gulf Craft’s in-house design team has successfully re-defined the exteriors and individual accents drawing inspiration from the existing award-winning superyachts in the Majesty Yachts collection, the Majesty 72’s exterior entertainment areas are relatively larger within the segment with ample space on the fly-bridge. With an optional hydraulic swim platform and comfortable crew quarters, the Majesty 72 is an elegant fly-bridge motor yacht with a large fun factor and true cruising ambitions. Marking the latest collaboration between Majesty Yachts and Netherlands-based Phathom Studio, the interiors have been crafted with a seamless blend of luxurious, intrinsic beauty with Gulf Craft’s design philosophy in terms of luxury, practicality, comfort and technology. Powered by a Twin MAN 1200hp engines, the Majesty 72 is capable of achieving a top speed of up to 30 knots and is able to comfortably navigate shallow waters at a draft of under two meters, Thanks to its cleanly modelled surfaces and composite-hull that provides a smooth and dry ride, the Majesty 72’s opulent design will be a steppingstone for other models in the range.

www.majesty-yachts.com

Sunseeker Saved from Sinking in Haulover

A sixteen meter Sunseeker flybridge yacht with twelve passengers aboard was saved from sinking in the famous Haulover inlet Miami Dade, Florida at 1420 hours of twelve December.  The event was fully filmed by YouTube channel Wavyboats.  The immediate positive reaction of the crew was to transfer the woman and children from the yacht to a safe location with the yachts tender.  The yacht was first assisted by TowBoatUS and later ITowBoats, with Miami Police and Miami Dade Fire Rescue coming to the scene.  ITowBoatUS in the end assisted the yacht and followed it back to a safe marina.  According to reports the Sunseeker yacht had a broken hose pipe in the engine room.

The Sunseeker yacht in this accident is a Manhattan 52 second series model.  Debuting in the fall of 2016  and replacing the 55, the second generation Manhattan 52 was a huge sales success thanks to one of the best full beam midships staterooms in its size.  Sunseeker sold 131 Manhattan 52 in a four year production run, and evolved the model with minor design tweaks into the 55 in the fall of 2020.

Classic Hatteras Yachts Hits Reef in Alcatraz

A classic sixteen meters Hatteras yacht hit the reef off Alcatraz island in San Francisco bay on the morning of Saturday 26 November at about 0955 hours.  The Hatteras had two people and three dogs onboard who where assisted and rescued by the the San Francisco Fire Department and US Coast Guard.  The impact left the yacht hard on the reefs with the owner working with the coast guard for recovery.  No one was injured in the accident. Once the most famous federal prison in the World, today Alcatraz island is a tourist attraction managed by the National Park Service.  

The Hatteras yacht in this accident is a 53 Yacht Fisherman series I produced from 1977 to 1981.  Based on the 53 Motor Yacht released in 1969, the Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman series I designed by Jack Hargrave offered an interior with two cabins, and or optional three double cabins, with an aft master cabin. The Hatteras 53 Yacht Fisherman series I was powered by twin Detroit's 450hp as standard with a top speed of about twenty knots. Due to demand Hatteras re-released a near identical 53 Yacht Fisherman series II in 1987 produced till 1990. 

Project: Absolute 52 Fly

Absolute present the project for a new 52 Fly, which follows the basis of design as launched by the 47 Fly model in 2019, followed by the 60 Fly in 2021, and the 56 Fly in 2022. The 2023 Absolute 52 Fly is the second generation 52 following a same launched model in 2013, with this new project being based on a completely new hull which is some twenty centimetres wider, and about sixty centimetres longer to the mark one. The Absolute 52 Fly follows all the latest concepts of the Italian builder, from a glass cockpit aft deck, to fore-deck lounge dinette, and the shear line drop which creates uninterrupted views from the interior of the main deck.  The interior of the second generation Absolute 52 Fly sees an astern galley main deck layout, with a lower deck offering three double cabins of which is a largest in the category owners stateroom forward, and a guest VIP suite at midships.  All of this comes without sacrificing a third guest cabin as even this comes with standard two in line berths.  The 52 Fly is to be powered by twin Volvo 600hp with IPS pod drives, Absolute propulsion of choice since 2007.  

www.absoluteyachts.com

New Model: Princess F65

During the 2022 Southampton boat show Princess have launched its awaited new F65, a replacement of the 2017 launched F62.  Designed by Pininfarina with Olesinski taking care of naval architecture the F65 is the flagship of the F for flybridge cruisers and yachts range which has characterized the British builder line up since ever, and today offers four models upwards of fourteen meters.  The F65 also completes the Pininfarina circle in this range with all the models now receiving the Pininfarina exterior design treatment.  A modern motor yacht which strikes a conservative balance with the exception of the large glazed hull window, the F65 has a main deck with an astern galley layout, dining area opposite, with one step up taking you into the lounging saloon to port side and helm station.  Down below the F65 is a four cabins layout, with a bunk fourth cabin plus two crew cabin aft.  The interior of the F65 can be finished in four wood finishes; three in different oak tonalities, or Walnut.  The Princess F65 is powered by twin Man 1200hp giving speeds up to 33 knots.  

Technical Data:

LOA - 20.30 m in pulpit (66.7ft), 20 m without pulpit

Beam - 5.10

Draft - 1.63 m

Displacement - 40,177 kg

Fuel Capacity - 4100 l

Water Capacity - 800 l

Accommodation - eight berths in four cabins, two crew in one cabin

Engines - 2 x Man V8 1200hp

Propulsion - line shaft

Speed - 33 knots max

Project - Pininfarina exterior, Olesinski naval architecture  

www.princessyachts.com

Princess Yacht Runs Aground in Tybee Island Georgia

A twenty meter Princess flybridge motor yacht titled m/y Grace ran aground on the Savannah river jetty, in the Port of Savannah in Tybee island, Georgia on the early morning of Tuesday eleven October.  The  yacht was reportedly running with two crew onboard, when it literally went atop the Savannah river jetty at planning speeds.  The following day on the afternoon of twelve October, a SeaTow salvage crew was emptying the fuel, and making preparations to float the yacht and take it to a shipyard when the tide rises. 

Motor yacht Grace is a 2003 Princess 65 mk.II, with four double guest cabins plus crew cabin interior and powered by the large twin Man 1050hp engines option which give her a top speed up to thirty knots.  Designed by Bernard Olesinski the Princess 65 mark. II entered production in 1998 and was replaced by the 67 in the fall of 2004.  The Princess 65 was a replacement to the 20M which never sold as expected, though the slightly larger unit was left in simultaneous production till 2002.

Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian is the ninth named storm and fourth hurricane of 2022.  Ian originated from a tropical wave which formed on 19 September on Windward Islands before moving to the Caribbean sea where it brought wind and heavy rain to the ABC Islands, Trinidad and Tobago, and North coasts of Venezuela and Columbia on September 21-22 where it became a storm.  As it neared the Cayman Islands Ian reached hurricane grade three hitting Cuba, Southern East gulf of Mexico, and Dry Tortugas.  As it entered into Florida on 28 September Hurricane Ian hit high end grade four status, causing tremendous damage to South-West Florida especially to the cities of Fort Myers and Naples. After this damage Hurricane Ian returned to the Atlantic Ocean where it weakened for a couple of hours to a tropical storm, where it has returned to a Hurricane Two status touching the Carolinas on October one.  Hurricane Ian dissipated on second October. Hurricane Ian has killed at least 88 people, and has displaced over forty thousand.  Ian is considered the fifth deadliest storm to have hit the United States of America mainland, with sustained 75 gusting to ninety, and peaking 134 knots winds, with its heavy flooding and storm surge causing billions of US dollars in damage.

Hurricane Ian caused damage to over a hundred of boats and yachts, to what is the most boat and yacht rich state in the United States and the World; Florida.  Pictured above is the Legacy Marina in Fort Myers, so far the worst reported extensive single area damaged.  Other damage is also reported in Venice, Florida and all the canals and small marina around the area of Fort Myers. 

Project: Dominator Ilumen Performance P66

Dominator returns where it started in building planning flybridge motor yachts and presents the project for the Ilumen Performance P66.  Dominator was founded in 1999 on the remains of the original Mochi-Craft yard founded in 1960 launching its first 65 model to this.  This new Ilumen Performance P66 looks based on the Dominator 620, which is one of the Austrian owned Italian builder best sellers and based on the Mochi 19 Sonic designed by Nuvolari Lenard.  Dominator is saying P66 hull one will have a trendy dark grey metallic paint with seductive orange design elements complementing the exterior furniture.  This theme continues inside by pairing shades of grey in different textures with modern orange tones to achieve an impression of timeless chic. Exquisite grey marbles with artistic orange veins transform the bar into the center of attention in the salon while the grey oak gives a touch of classic yet contemporary look and feel.  Dominator advises that the Ilumen Performance is a new range of motor yachts blending the best of both worlds with futuristic features like full carbon hard-top, full length hull windows for light filled interior spaces, and a flybridge that can convert into a private sunbathing area, all with planning hull advantages of speed and smooth performance in any kind of sea.  Based on this I think we will see some of the previous Dominator flybridge models redesigned, rebadged, and returned into production as is the case with 620-P66.    

www.dominatoryachts.com