October 17, 2024

Classic Mochi Sport Cruiser Sinks Near Positano

 
A classic sport cruiser of about ten meters in length partly sank on the beach of Tordigliano, in the Vico Equense province, to the West of Positano on the morning of Thursday seventeen October.  According to unconfirmed reports of the event the sport cruiser was cruising with some guests on a charter departing from Positano, were for a not known reason it started to take on water.  At this stage the captain of the sport cruiser transferred the guests to another boat first, and then tried to stop the water ingress with no success, who at this stage decided to beach the sport cruiser on the beach of Tordigliano.  The Guardia Costiera of Vico Equense and Castellamare di Stabia were informed of this partial sinking.  No one was injured from this part sinking, although some pollution was reported from the event.  The owner of the sport cruiser is working on a plan to float and remove the vessel from beach.
The sport cruiser in this sinking is a Mochi Craft 33 Sedan as produced from 1987 to 1990 to a design of Fulvio de Simoni.  The 33 Sedan came out as an evolution of the Dominator 33 with a sloop stern design difference, and got a good name in the eighties for its large aft deck, and excellent sea keeping quality.  The 33 Sedan was also available in the 33 FB flybridge version.

Project: Outer Reef 780 Adventure

Outer Reef Yachts who is known for its fiberglass build semi-displacement long-range explorer yachts from seventeen to 28 meters is set to expand its portfolio with the launch of the new Adventure series, which is to debut with this first 780 Adventure. The 780 Adventure marks a trio of debuts for Outer Reef; its the first steel build from Outer Reef, the start of the recently announced collaboration with Dutch Lynx Yachts, and the debut of the new Adventure series.  The Outer Reef 780 Adventure, is actually an update to the Lynx Yachts Adventure 24 presented in 2023, as designed by Bernd Weel for exterior and naval architecture by Franz Ruiz. Currently in production in the Netherlands the Outer Reef Adventure 780 is an explorer yacht, and will feature a displacement hull design that maximizes onboard space, resulting in an expansive vessel designed for true exploration. The 780 Explorer will boasts large deck areas for relaxation, with a space dedicated for a rib tender up to six meters in size plus two jet skis on the fore-deck. Inside the standard 780 Explorer layout will offers a three double cabins layout, with two crew rooms forward. An additional option is for a four cabins layout, with the large owners stateroom, replaced by two suite at midships. The Outer Reef 780 Explorer is to be powered by twin Cummins 425hp engines for a top speed of twelve knots, a cruise of eleven, and seven knots for up to 3200 nautical miles of long range. The construction of Hull #1 is already in progress and will make its debut during the fall 2025 boat shows. The Outer Reef 780 Explorer is standard build to CE A regulations, with Ice Class and MCA Small Commercial Vessel Code being available as optional.

October 16, 2024

New Model: Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi 500 Regina

Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi continue to upgrade its sport cruisers and yachts range with the introduction at the fall 2024 boats shows for its new 500 Regina flagship model.  Designed by Alessando Lottici aLot studio for exterior with interiors by LDI, the FIM 500 Regina continues the interesting formula from the Italian boat fabricator to offer the cabin comfort of a sport yacht with the exterior spaces of a center-console walk around usable from fore to aft.  In a perfect World you can have it all, and Fabbrica Italiana Motoscafi has surely found a balance for offering all this in its new sixteen meter length over-all flagship.  If you might ask them, they might actually tell you it is easier to do this in a sixteen meter, rather then on the ten meter 340.  The FIM 500 Regina offers fore to aft exterior spaces, all united by the side corridors which start from astern and take you with two steps up to the bow.  The spaces are mostly concentrated in the aft end of the cockpit with a central sun-pad, C-shaped dinette, and exterior galley wet-bar behind the dual seat center console.  Further forward is fore-deck sun-pad, with forward settee.  Down below the FIM 500 Regina offers a two VIP suite forward and Master stateroom at midships layout, with a galley in between the cabins.  The FIM 500 Regina is powered by twin Volvo 480hp, with optional 600hp engines all powered by the IPS pod drives. 
Technical Data:
LOA - 16.10 m (52.8ft)
Hull Length - 14.4 m
Beam - 4.40 m
Draft - 1.40 m incl drives  and propellers
Displacement - 17500 kg unloaded
Fuel Capacity - 2 x 750 l
Water Capacity - 400 l
Max Persons - sixteen
Accommodation - four berths in two cabins
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp, D8 600hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking dual propeller IPS pod drives
Speed - 34 knots max 27 cruise with 600hp engines
Project - Alessandro Lottici aLot exterior, LDI interior
Certification - CE B

October 15, 2024

Project: Fiart Seawalker 39 Panorama

Fiart follows the introduction of the Seawalker 43 Panorama from 2023, with the arrival of the upcoming new Seawalker 39 Panorama set to arrive before the end of 2024.  The 39, is the second Seawalker to receive the Panorama version treatment, for an integrated T-top with the windshield which gives full protection to the helmsman and guests.  For the remaining the Seawalker 39 Panorama does not deviate much from the standard Seawalker 39 offering a sport cruiser full of day comforts from fore to aft, with the option of drop down balconies aft, and lower deck layout sleeping four in a forward double berth, and a twin berth at midships.  The Fiart Seawalker 39 Panorama is to be powered by twin Volvo diesels with stern drive propulsion from 320 up to 440hp, and or triple 300 to 350hp outboards from Mercury or Suzuki. 

October 14, 2024

Sea Ray Boat Goes Ablaze in Metedeconk River New Jersey

 
An unattended Sea Ray sport cruiser of nine meters in length went ablaze on the Metedeconk River, in Brick Township, New Jersey on the Morning of Monday fourteen October.  The Sea Ray cruiser was docked on her boat lift were for an unknown reason it went ablaze.  Brick Township Fire Fighters responded to the fire from the dock as Laurelton Fire Company came to the help with a fire boat, after reports of a burning plastic smell reached the fire station.  Brick Township Police also advised to avoid the area because of the burning plastic smell polluting the air in the vicinity of the fire.  The Sea Ray was reported carrying about 220 litres of petrol gas as it went ablaze with cause of the fire being under investigation.
The Sea Ray in this fire is the fourth version of the 300 Sundancer as produced from 2002 to 2007.  The 300 Sundancer came out as a replacement to the third 290 Sundancer version and was replaced by the 310 Sundancer in 2007.

Classic Chris Craft Beached In Milwaukee

A classic Chris Craft flybridge cruiser titled m/y Deep Thought ended aground in between Bradford Beach and McKinley Marina in Milwaukee on the afternoon of Sunday thirteen October.  According to US Coast Guard and Milwaukee Police officials the boat ended beached after it ran out of gas. The Coast Guard said that the vessel was a hard aground and no life or pollution threat existed, with a request to remove the classic flybridge cruiser sent to the ownership, who advised that it is working to do this with a salvage company.  Till Friday 25 October Deep Thought was still not yet removed.
The Chris Craft in this beaching is a Roamer 41 Regal produced between 1967 to 1970.  Chris Craft  build a total of 58 Roamer 41 Regals, 31 in steel and 27 in aluminium.  Chris Craft bought Roamer from Michigan in 1957, debuting a renewed Roamer line on that same year, which lasted till 1979 and a total of 1964 Roamers from ten to eighteen meters in size build.

Fire in Lake Grapevine Marina Damages Ten Boats Injures One Man

One man was injured as ten boats sustained totalled to moderate damage in a fire which broke out at Silverlake Marine, Lake Grapevine, Texas at 13:20 of Sunday thirteen October.  The fire is reported to have started on one of the boats as it was trying to start an engine which resulted in an explosion and then spreading to the other nearby boats.  Grapevine Fire Department responded to the fire, and were assisted in fighting the blaze by Flower Mound, Bedford, Lewisville, North Richland Hills, Colleyville, DFW Airport, Euless, and Hurst Fire Fighting agencies.  The injured man is reported to have a broken leg and head injuries as four of the boats were reported totalled in the damage, while six sustained some important damage.
One of the boats in this fire, first to left is a Regal 28 Express, which with the wind moving left to right in the picture probably is the boat which started the fire.  The second boat looks like an explorer type cruiser, similar to a Nordhavn of about thirteen meters.

New Model: Absolute Navetta 53

Absolute present the Navetta 53, its latest new model and a replacement to the Navetta 52 after a since 2016 eight year production run. The new Navetta 53 represents a leap forward in design and liveability, offering the comfort typically found in larger yachts. Its unique style is distinguished by elegant open gunwales and expansive windows that create a sophisticated profile while ensuring spectacular views. Each detail reflects Absolute’s artisanal craftsmanship, combining exquisite finishes and minimalist geometries in a color palette ranging from cream to hazelnut, with matte tones. These refined design touches harmoniously blend with the robust structure, providing an unparalleled visual and aesthetic experience. One of the main strengths of the Navetta 53 is its extraordinary liveability: spacious areas and large windows offer undisturbed view to the surrounding environment, while the carefully designed layout ensures ease of movement, with minimal steps, high ceilings, and space-saving sliding doors. The cockpit terrace is a versatile and spacious area, ideal for hosting guests from dawn to dusk. This space can be customized with modular furnishings, providing the freedom to adapt the environment to your needs. The glass aft parapet offers spectacular views, while the illuminated pathways at the bow enhance safety and ambiance. The flybridge, equipped with a central command post and comfortable sofas, offers breath taking views and an enriched sailing experience with a range of comforts, perfect for relaxing dinners and unforgettable moments. The main salon of the Navetta 53, with its 360-degree panoramic view, envelops guests in an embrace of light and space. The elegant environment features carefully curated furnishings and a well-equipped kitchen, seamlessly integrated with the cockpit. The modern and ergonomic command post offers a high level of technology and a convenient side door for autonomous manoeuvres. The full-beam master cabin, located amidships, features large windows, a queen-size bed, and ample storage options. The forward VIP cabin and the third central cabin, both generously illuminated by natural light, reflect the same attention to comfort and design, ensuring a pleasant and luxurious stay. The Absolute Navetta 53 is powered by twin Volvo 480hp with IPS pod drives propulsion.
Technical Data:
LOA - 15.98 m (52.5ft)
Waterline Length - 13.6 m
Beam - 4.65 m
Draft - 1.5 m full load
Displacement - 26,190 kg dry
Fuel Capacity - 2000 l
Water Capacity - 600 l
Max Persons - fourteen
Accommodation - six berths in three cabins, one crew cabin berth
Engines - 2 x Volvo D6 480hp
Propulsion - Volvo forward looking IPS650 dual propeller pod drives
Speed - 21 knots
Project - Absolute Research Lab
Certification - CE B

October 13, 2024

Project: Benetti B.Loft 65M

During the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, Benetti was full guns blazing as it presented three interesting future projects, two of which in the large fifty meters plus segment.  The three of these largest projects, is this B.Loft 65M, which also introduced the new B.Loft range.  Designed according to new architectural criteria, B.Loft is a project by Cassetta Yacht Designers for Benetti, one that brings a contemporary residential feel to a super yacht. The new B.Loft introduces the Cabana on the lower deck, a revolutionary feature that redefines the beach club concept. This panoramic area offers a 270-degree view, with fold-down wings that expand the space further. B.Loft combines the volumes of a villa with the luminosity of a loft. The interiors are characterised by ceilings that are about four metres high, while the immense outdoor areas, some of which can be converted into interiors that provide the ultimate in flexibility and customisation options. So far Benetti has not disclosed much details of the B.Loft 65M, but expect the usual steel hull aluminium super structure and a displacement hull with speeds in the mid teens.  

October 12, 2024

Hurricane Milton 2024

Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful and devastating Atlantic hurricane which became the second-most intense tropical cyclone ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico, behind only Hurricane Rita from 2005. Milton made landfall on the west coast of the U.S. state of Florida, less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the state's Big Bend region. The thirteenth named storm, ninth hurricane, fourth major hurricane, and second Category 5 hurricane of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, Milton was the strongest tropical cyclone worldwide in 2024 so far and the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Tampa Bay area since 1921. Milton formed from a long-tracked tropical disturbance that originated in the western Caribbean Sea and consolidated in the Bay of Campeche on October 5. Gradual intensification occurred as it slowly moved eastward, becoming a hurricane early on October 7. Later that day, Milton underwent explosive intensification and became a Category 5 hurricane with winds of 156 knots. At peak intensity, it had a pressure of 897 millibars, making it the fifth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. Milton fluctuated in intensity after an eyewall replacement cycle, re-intensifying into a Category 5 hurricane the following day. Increasing wind shear caused the hurricane to weaken as it turned northeast towards Florida, falling to Category 3 before making landfall near Siesta Key late on October 9. Afterwards, Milton rapidly weakened as it moved across the state into the Atlantic Ocean, and became extratropical on October 10 as it became embedded within a frontal zone. The remnants gradually weakened and passed near the island of Bermuda before dissipating on October 12. 
Ahead of the hurricane, Florida declared a state of emergency in which many coastal residents were ordered to evacuate. Preparations were also undertaken in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. The hurricane spawned a deadly tornado outbreak and caused widespread flooding in Florida.  Hurricane Milton killed at least 26 people: 23 in the United States and three in Mexico. Preliminary damage estimates are to be at least US$30 billion.
Marina 1 in Punta Gorda, was the most single hit marina with over a dozen yachts sank and or with important damage.
M/y Indigo a 2015 Marlow 88 seems to be the most high profile of the damaged yachts from Hurricane Milton.
Here is three grounded boats, a Chris Craft aft cabin and Hatteras sportfish in Manasota Key.  Two nearby boats a Sea Ray and Post sportfish also partly sank.
More damage from the storm surge at Manasota Key, above and below as boats end on the terraces of nearby homes.