May 14, 2009

New Model: Queens Yachts 62

Queens Yachts presents its fourth model with the much waited 62, second bigger model in its current produced range. The Italian Queens, here competes in a tight market spot with all the major builders offering similar themed and sized boats. Queens Yachts major advantage seems to be big spaces, spacious three double cabins all with private head, private crew cabin aft, and not so large engines with twin 900hp MAN pushing this 29 toner Sport Yacht. Wondering what the performance will be as this is a very small choice for this size, but if this manages thirty knots plus I am sure those who choose the Queens Yachts 62 will smile a lot at the pump. In the interior the new 62 has a three cabins heads layout, with a spacious full beam owners cabin. There is also a fairly spacious crew cabin aft. The galley is located on the main deck to the fore port side and down two steps of the main deck bridge area, aimed at creating a separate area. Aft of this there is also a dining table and L-shaped saloon settee.
Technical Data:
LOA - 19.54 m (64.1ft)
Hull Length - 17.95 m
Beam - 5.25 m
Draft - 1.30 m
Displacement - 29 t
Fuel Capacity - 3500 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth  
Engines - 2 x MAN V8 900hp
Speed - thirty knots max
Project - Alessandro Inno

Improve-it = Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Series II

As announced a few weeks back Riviera is offering new IPS propulsion option to the 51 model, but this is not only available to the Open Flybridge but also to the Enclosed Flybridge Series II. Following extensive testing, the Enclosed Bridge version of the 51 is now available with triple Volvo Penta IPS drive systems. The same 51 Enclosed Flybridge Series will continue to be offered with shaft drive. With more than 150 of Riviera 51 Flybridge delivered this classy three cabin Sportfish Yacht, now has the option of Volvo innovative front looking IPS pod drives offering additional space amidships. Standard engine room area is now used for storage, stowing diving, fishing gear, and an optional crew’s quarters including bunk and a fully-equipped bathroom. Access to the space is via a door from the cockpit but there is also an option to provide a second access via a hatch in the saloon. This space also includes the boat’s gen set, air conditioning units and battery banks, offering very easy servicing. It is also used to access the front of the three Volvo Penta IPS engines. Main access to the engines is via the hinged cockpit floor that lifts on an electric actuator. The fuel tank is forward, immediately behind the accommodation bulkhead, offering noise protection to the accommodation area. The IPS propelled option features an entirely new hull, developed by Riviera’s design team in consultation with Volvo Penta senior designers. Dead rise at the transom is now 15 degrees. The new propulsion option builds on the features of the Riviera 51 Enclosed Flybridge Series II model launched at the 2008 Sydney International Boat Show.

May 13, 2009

Project: Bruno Abbate Primatist B62 Aerotop Pininfarina

Bruno Abbate Primstist continues the collaboration with Pininfarina presenting more detailed renderings for the fourth model to be designed by the famous Italian firm for the renowned Italian builder. Announced a couple of months back first as the G62, the B62 Aerotop Pininfarina project is an important step for the Lake Como company, and will be its second bigger model after the G70, this last also being the first to be styled by Pininfarina. By these renderings alone I would say this will look bigger to the G70 and offer also a different space environment with a fully enclosed main deck hard top. The B62 seems also to be having fuller rounded upper bow sections, something introduced by another Italian firm in 2004 and why it looked trendy at the time this solutions seems to be more used by more builders the more time passes. Now it will be curious to see how this looks on the Primatist aggressive bow! Another interesting detail is also the windscreen which will go as far as the forward part of the deck, this area forming part of the lower accommodation deck and I am led to be believed to be also glassed, which if it is so will let natural light to flow in the cabins.

New Model: Marquis 720 Tri-Deck

The new Marquis 720 Tri-Deck is the enclosed bridge version to its flagship model introduced in the fall of 2008, offering a third deck usable in any weather conditions. Enclosed bridges while not so popular in Europe are very much requested in the US mostly on Sportfisher Yacht, but later trends have made this request be added to Motor Yachts too, mostly for the advantage they give in comfort. Still Italian designers Nuvolari Lenard managed to make a great looking affair to the Marquis 720 Tri-Deck enclosed bridge. Apart the third deck enclosed bridge in the 720 Tri-Deck this new model keeps all the Flybridge model specification like a three or four cabins choice, crew room aft which can also be outfitted as a sea side cabana complete with shower, and lastly high standard CE A Classification rating something standard in all models of this US builder from the smaller 420 SC up to this flagship.
Technical Data:
LOA - 22 m (72.1ft)
Hull Length - 20.6 m
Beam - 5.5 m
Draft - 1.5 m
Weight - 54.5 t loaded, 49.4 t empty
Fuel Capacity - 4921 l
Water Capacity - 757 l
Accommodation - 3 cabins 6 berths + 1 crew berth, 4 cabins 8 berths + 2 crew berths
Engines - 2 x MTU 10v2000 1360hp, 10v2000 1500hp, CAT C32 1421hp, CAT C32 1676hp
Project - Nuvolari Lenard
Certification - CE A

May 12, 2009

Improve-it = Fairline 52 Targa Gran Turismo

A consistently successful model since her launch, the Fairline 52 Targa Gran Turismo benefits from a number of new improvements, introduced in line with the British boat builders latest generation style. Features included a revised helm design, Recaro seats on electric pedestals, new saloon table, newly styled head arrangements, and the provision of an external bar unit with refrigerator, coolbox and sink. The superb layout of the 52 Targa Gran Turismo remains the same, but the interior was re-created adding new materials and woods, including the latest teaks and interior fabrics as seen on the latest introduced 44 and 64 Targa Gran Turismo. The 52 Targa Gran Turismo will continue to feature the elements which had made it a popular chosen sport yacht like three spacious double cabins, and the benefit of a large cockpit ideally suited for relaxing and entertaining. As one of Fairline’s Targa Gran Turismo models, the 52 also features a fully retractable powered hardtop roof, which allows the cockpit to be converted into a cosy deck saloon at the flick of a switch. Powered by twin Volvo 775hp engines, it can reach top speeds up to 36 knots.

Project: Scarani 25 Cruiser

Spanish Scarani boats which is part of Italian company Rio Yachts presents the project for the 25 Cruiser. The 25 Cruiser projects follows on the modern design the 35 and 31 Cruiser represent, and in this smaller package Scarani wants to make entry level boaters appreciate the joys of boating in a size abandoned by many manufacturers in the last decade. As shown in the latest generation Scarani cruisers, the 25 Cruiser makes an excellent combination of outside and inside spaces. For example a rarity on a 7 metre boat is the large sunbathing platform. Inside the 25 Cruiser will incorporate all the comforts needed for life on board such as a separate bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, a mid ship double berth, and a convertible vee berth which converts to another spacious twin berth. Outside we find the cockpit with its double helms man seat, and an L shaped sofa which can be converted into a sunbathing space for two. Engine package are petrol or diesel stern single stern drive choice starting from 160 up to 270 hp.

May 11, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP SNAV OSG Seagull Chaudron Win

While the traditionally rough waters surrounding Malta never materialized, the Powerboat P1 season opening Malta Grand Prix of the Sea still provided exciting offshore racing and saw seasoned veterans capture the checkered flag in both Evolution and SuperSport classes, and an impressive showing for American boat and engine manufacturers.
Saturday's Sprint Race and Sunday's Endurance Race culminated in a Grand Prix Evolution victory for the Italian #88 SNAV OSG, a Mercury Racing powered Outerlimits and a SuperSport win for the Italian 43 Seagull Chaudron, the Maltese made hull powered by Ilmor Performance Marine engines. All this after a number of penalty situations which can only be attributed to first race weekend jitters by those involved. Following an impressive Evolution win on Saturday, The Italian #10 Cigarette Smash Poker jumped to an early lead on Sunday, only to see the race end after a violent spin out in the fourth lap that filled the engine compartment with water. The American #77 Lucas Oil/Budweiser, a Chief-powered Outerlimits moved into the lead, but unbeknownst to them, broke a water pick-up line that started filling their bilge. As the water rose, the boat slowed, allowing Saturday's third-place finisher SNAV/OSG to move into first, and ultimately take the checkered flag, followed by Britain's #47 Silverline, a Sterling-powered Buzzi, and the #77. In the end, Lucas Oil/Budweiser and Silverline had a second and third place podium appearance for the Grand Prix. In SuperSport action, Team 26 Racing, following impressive wildcard finishes in 2008, picked through the pack on Saturday, moving from 7th place to second, and finishing first following speed limit penalties imposed on both the #38 Baia Atollini and #43 Seagull Chaudron. On Sunday, Seagull Chaudron, and the #44 Iko Case, another Chaudron hull with the female team of Shelly Jory and Adrienne Ciantar, whose family manufacturers the Chaudron hull and whose brother Aaron pilots the Seagull, left the pack at the green flag, but could not hold on as Team 26 made an move on the outside at the mid-way point in the race and never looked back. Team 26 was followed across the finish line by Seagull/Chaudron and Baia Atollini, a Donzi/Mercury package. However, the rookie team of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins fell victims to the same rule that moved them up on Saturday and were penalized four minutes for violating the speed limit. After penalties, the endurance race win to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atonelli finishing second and the ladies of Iko Case taking third.
After all the sorting out was completed, the Supersport Grand Prix of the Sea ultimately went to Seagull Chaudron, with Baia Atollini taking second and Team 26 Racing finishing third. The World class racing of the Powerboat P1 Championship next move is to the historic new venue of Istanbul, Turkey, June 19-21 before moving on to Sweden, Italy and Bahrain. Additional good news for P1 also came during the opening race confirming San Benedetto del Tronto for the Italian Grand Prix of the Sea on the 3 to 5 July, and if the racing in September in Sicily will be confirmed this will make it for 12 total races in six different venues for the 2009 season, hoping this serves to encourage more teams to participate in both classes.

New Model: Estensi 500 Goldstar C

Estensi new 500 Goldstar C is another of the new models unveiled by this Italian builder during the Genoa Show. Second large in the more C for classic Goldstar lobster yacht line up, the new 500 Estensi just crosses the border to enter yacht territory, and is also fourth largest model from this quality appreciated Italian boat builder. As told in the project preview of the same model before its launch last year, the 500 Goldstar C shares much in common with the more modern looking 480 Goldstar S, like the ever important hull shape, and also the interior layout offering in fact an identical three cabin two head layout, with a crew cabin with head. The main difference is basically for the classic looks of the upper structure, the patio door in this case more traditional with wooden inserts, and the stern is also a squarish affair again calling to the past times. The squarish stern solution also gives a major cockpit space compared to the slightly smaller 480 Goldstar S, and the bathing platform is also more detached although still being an integrated design in its traditional ways. Power is from a standard option of twin 550hp, with performance data so far not being communicated.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.2 m (49.8ft)
Hull length - 14.85 m
Waterline length - 12.8 m
Beam - 4.5 m
Displacement - 19900 kg full load, 16000 kg empty
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 800 l
Max Persons - 12
Engines - 2 x 550hp
Designer - Maurizio Zuccheri
Certification - CE A

May 10, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Endurance Race


Maltese hero Aaron Ciantar was the hero of Valletta on Sunday night after the 43 Seagull Chaudron hull triumphed in Sunday’s second round Endurance Race to earn the new Ukranian Spirit Team its first Grand Prix of the Sea trophy. Cheered on by a great number of local fans, the pair continued their dominance of the SuperSport Class following Team 26 Racing’s four-minute penalty for over-speeding. The raw British pair of Daniel Cramphorn and Kim Collins were inconsolable at the post-race presentation having to look up to the home favorites instead of celebrating a debut Grand Prix series win. Benefiting from Team 26 Racing’s over-eagerness on lap four (twice) and lap six, 38 Baia Attolini were promoted to second spot in the race and ultimately in the overall standings. Aaron’s sister and co-pilot Shelley Jory took the bronze medal in the Endurance race, in their 44 Iko Casa P1’s first all girl team.
In the Evolution class 88 SNAV OSG proved to be the model of consistency as the crew of Giancarlo Cangiano and Hannes Bohinc claimed the Endurance race honors. Profiting from 10 Cigarette Smash Poker’s third lap retirement, courtesy of the Italian team’s crazy spin-out at the East end of the course, SNAV OSG romped home ahead of 47 Silverline and mid-race pacesetters, 77 Lucas Oil Budweiser, even affording the unusual luxury of dropping their speed to around 70mph with two laps to go, safe in the knowledge that victory was assured. Engine problems meant 66 Cranefield Wines failed to make the starting line whilst the 53 Metamarine Pignolo 53 did not race also today after Friday’s incident in practice.
SuperSport Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #43 Seagull Chaudron 1:04:40.70
2. #38 Baia Attolini 1:05:44.27 includes 1:00 penalty
3. #44 Iko Casa 1:05:49.43
4. #22 Big Sergio 1:07:11.14
5. #17 MasForce 1:08:03.89
6. #26 Team 26 Racing 1:08:14.19 includes 4:00 penalty
7. #28 Blue Shaft 59:06.10 retired after 10 laps
Evolution Endurance Race Classified Results:
1. #88 SNAV OSG 1:00:25.15
2. #47 Silverline 1:04:47.00
3. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser NO TIME retired after 11 laps
4. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker RETIRED after 3 laps
5. #66 Cranefield Wines DID NOT START

May 9, 2009

Powerboat P1 - Malta GP Sprint Race

It was the opening race of the 2009 Powerboat P1 Season, and the eight months of waiting could have not been more gratifying for the millions of fans of this motor sports. First lets start with the winner of today's race in Malta which was of super domination in the Evolution Class, by the 10 The Fantastic 1, and full of surprises in Supersport with 26 Team 26 Racing finding themselves in first thanks to a four minute penalty handed to 38 Baia Attolini. The Evolution Race really finished as it started, with the 10 The Fantastic 1 looking more like doing a race with its own. Thinking that yesterday they did not even participate to the Power Pole because of problems to one of the engines all what was shown by Cigarette Racing Team Europe was impressive. In second 77 Lucas Oil did a good performance following there same place at the super pole yesterday. Nigel Hook Racing looked close to offer a fight in the early stages of the race with the winning number 10 boat, but the speed of the Cigarette was over whelming. 88 SNAV OSG settled third, 47 Silverline fourth, and 66 Cranefields Wine placing fifth. As expected the damaged 53 Metamarine Corse Pignolo 53 did not participate after yesterday accident during sea trials. Supersport Class, was back again to competitive edged racing. There was some nice racing here, with the first half of the race having a tight fight for first place between 38 Baia Attolini and 43 Seagull Chaudron. Still impressing and racing as if there is no tomorrow and climbing up four places was the new 2009 entry 26 Team 26 Racing who running its first lap as fourth ended up in second place, and lastly a four minute three time speeding penalty to 38 Baia Attolini gave them the first place. To appreciate the comeback of Team 26 Racing one has to see the racing. Big disappointment for sure to the 38 Baia Attolini after defending a number of attacks from the the 2008 Championship winners in 43 Seagull Chaudron and finishing officially in fourth place, after receiving over speeding penalties. The penalty to the Baia Attolini team gave to the 2008 title winners with the new 43 Seagull Chaudron second place after ending the race in third. Same story for 17 Mas Force Spirit of Belgium who will sure be happy of there third place. Also a 4:30 of penalty to the 2007 and 2008 title winning Racing Project 44 Iko Casa now all female driven boat, which put them back to only one step in fifth position. Team Al & AL Racing two boat entry finished both at the end of the line up with a retirement for the old 22 Big Sergio boat and a fifth place to the new 28 Blue Shaft.
Evolution Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #10 Cigarette Smash Poker 34:02.00
2. #77 Lucas Oil Budweiser 34:44.00
3. #88 SNAV OSG 35:14.94
4. #47 Silverline 35:08.23
5. #66 Cranefield Wines 35:26.75
SuperSport Sprint Race Classified Results
1. #26 Team 26 Racing 37:20.65
2. #43 Seagull Chaudron 37:25.98
3. #17 MasForce 38:57.98
4. #38 Baia Attolini 41:09.00 includes 4:00 penalty
5. #44 Ikocasa 43:49.00 includes 5:30 penalty
6. #28 Blue Shaft 38:50.33 retired after 9 laps
7. #22 Big Sergio RETIRED