33rd Americas Cup - Valencia 2009

22 days after Alinghi succesfully defended the cup in the Spanish city, the Defender confirmed the host city again for the defending of Yacht's most prized trophy, yesterday late afternoon. The estimated cost for hosting the cup for the second time is 150 million EURO. 

Already four teams have announced there challenge so far, being the following: Challenger of Record, Club Náutico Español de Vela - Desafío Español, Royal Cape Yacht Club - South African Team Shosholoza, Royal Thames Yacht Club - TeamOrigin, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron - Team New Zealand. The new class rules of yachts will feature bigger sloop yachts of 90 feet and the new rules will be published on 31st October along with the event regulations. The Cup will be held in 2009 between May and July, two Acts pre-regattas have been announced, one to be held in Valencia on July 2008 and the other in Autumn in a disclosed location in Europe. 

On the other front, the legal battle saga of the USA Team Oracle represented by the Golden Gate Yacht Club and headed by software billionaire Larry Ellison continues in it's battle against the Defender new set of rules and the illegitimate role of Challenger of Record Desafio Espanol. Legal proceedings have already started in the supreme court of New York. 

On the sport front the American Team has just announced the guaranteed services of three times Cup Winner Skipper Russel Coutts. The legendary Kiwi skipper signed both as Skipper and CEO for the US Team.

www.americascup.com

Project: Apreamare 32 Open

The new Apreamare 32 Open from the Sorrento shipyard designed by Victory design continues the new traditional style. Joining the classic lines of the tradition Gozzo with modern features has been the focus for the project of this new model. Much detail has been taken to blend the harmonious deck with soft lines, creating a muscle traditional modern look. Outside a large cockpit with it's 2 aft settees and open space layout make the best use of space, while on the forward deck a spacious sunbed completes the exterior arrangement. Inside is an open plan layout, with double berth forward, C-shaped dining area, galley and separate head arrangement. Interior finish is characterized of precious mahogany wood. The new 32 Open is conceived with modern solutions joining the traditional lines of the Neapolitan Gozzo.

www.apreamare.it

Class 1 - Victory wins Arendal second GP, Qatar 96 takes important second spot

Top European Team in the Arendal GP, Foresti & Suardi from Italy taking 4th place

Victory 77’s Arif Saif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez took their second consecutive win of the season in the Norwegian Grand Prix to move 11 points clear in the overall world championship standings. Qatar 96 took second spot ahead of Victory 7 third place and now making two podiums in two races. Starting from second spot on the front row, Victory 77 were second into the first corner behind Spirit of Norway 10, but trailed the defending champions for four laps, making little impression. Then on lap five, Spirit of Norway hit trouble and slowed, with 77 grabbing the lead and gradually extending their lead over Qatar 96 over the next eight laps to win the 12-lap, 95.72nm Norwegian Grand Prix in 53mins 59.42secs. Important second consecutive podium for Qatar 96 very much in the title hunt and moves them into second equal place in the championship with Victory 7 and in a good position to challenge Victory 77.

The first of the European teams was Foresti & Suardi, with Giampaolo Montavoci and Marco Pennesi taking an important fourth place in their first race together and on Pennesi’s Class 1 debut. Also producing an impressive showing was the youngest pairing in Class 1, Tom Barry-Cotter and Pal Nilsen in Spirit of Norway 20, finishing fifth.

Outside of the top five, there was a trail of disappointment. Bjorn Gjelsten and Steve Curtis, looked to be in control of the race on the opening laps and on course to put their title challenge back on track, when Spirit of Norway suffered a broken water hose, forcing them into the pits and despite returning to the race, were able to salvage only five points when engine problems forced them to stop. Negotiator’s miserable start to the season continued, leading the long list of retirements; SeveneleveN, Jotun, VM Foresti & Suardi and Qatar 95 all stopping with technical problems. Victory team now head to Oslo for the Scandinavian Grand Prix on August 12, leading the title race, with Arif Al Zafeen and Jean-Marc Sanchez looking to make it three wins out of three.

RACE RESULTS:
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR)
2. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) + 00.43,98
3. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) + 01.06,28
4. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) + 02.41,39
5. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) + 04.01,81
6. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) + 3 laps
Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – dnf VM
Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) - dnf
Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - dnf
SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – dnf
Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) - dnf
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS – after round 2 of 8
1. Victory 77 – Al Zafeen(UAE)/Sanchez (FR) – 42pts
2=. Victory 7 – Al Suwaidi (UAE)/Hendi (UAE) – 31pts
2=. Qatar 96 – Al Thani (QAT)/Nicolini (ITA) – 31pts
4. Spirit of Norway 10 – Gjelsten (NOR)/Curtis (GB) – 16pts
5. Qatar 95 – Al Sulaiti (QAT)/L Nicolini (ITA) – 13pts
6. Foresti & Suardi 8 – M Pennesi (ITA)/ Montavoci (ITA) – 9pts
7=. SeveneleveN 18 – Polli (ITA)/Giorgi (ITA) – 7pt
7=. Spirit of Norway 20 – Barry-Cotter (AUS)/Nilsen (NOR) – 7pts
9. Negotiator 50 – Eker (NOR)/Parsonage (GB) – 4pts
10= Jotun 90 – Zaborowski (NOR)/Tandberg (NOR) - 0pts
10= VM Foresti & Suardi 2 – D Cirilli/K Olsen (NOR) – 0pts
(Championship points include bonus points allocated to teams for running engines for two consecutive races - one point, per engine, per race)

www.class-1.com

New Model: Tecnomar 120 Velvet

The latest Tecnomar Velvet 120 luxury yacht is the result of the shipyard’s long-lasting collaboration with architect Luca Dini. Its modern, dynamic and powerful lines combine with luxurious and sumptuous features. The interior design for the first 120 draws inspiration from the 14-15th centuries and imitates the Boulle technique, which takes its name from Andrè-Charles Boulle, the famous cabinetmaker who invented this distinctive style by decorating furniture with metal, brass and tortoiseshell inlays. Outside, the Velvet 120 yacht shows sharp and aggressive lines. Bright red hull and metallic gray superstructure add a modern contemporary touch to the entire yacht. The exteriors appear to be simple and stylish without frills or extra fittings, so that everything seems to create more space and allow freedom of movement. The cockpit is spacious and roomy with a comfortable sundeck placed at the end of the stern. Teak beams cover the deck, the side gangways and the forward deck house, which has been custom-converted into a landing pad for an Augusta 109 helicopter. The inside of the yacht can be accessed from the cockpit through a large glass door with dim crystal windows. The Pilot House is designed to allow the captain to access the bridge without necessarily passing through the guest area, there is also a separate stairway leading to the kitchen and to the crew cabins. As all Tecnomar a full custom design process making for the original taste of the owner both inside and outside is included.
Technical Data:
Registered length - 37.00 m (121.3 ft)
Beam - 7.20 m
Weight at half load - 115,000 kg
Fuel capacity - 11,000 liters
Water capacity - 2,000 liters
Speed - 29/33 knots estimated
Engines - 2 x MTU Series 396 2880hp

Project - Luca Dini

Construction Material - GRP

Certification - R.I.N.A. A 100 1.1 Y. Class certification: Maltese Cross

www.tecnomar.com

New Model: Baia 70 Italia

Presented as a project two years ago the Baia 70 Italia is the open evolution, without divisions. The patio saloon glass door completely disappears, joining the cockpit to the saloon and creating a single vast environment. When the door is closed, an integrated sliding door stands between the exterior and the interior. The large windows and roof that can be opened give the saloon light and an extraordinary feel of open space. A warm welcome is guaranteed with a mini bar, two comfortable sofas and a dining area. Undercover, light flows everywhere thanks to big rectangular sidelights perfectly integrated in the line of the hull. Surprisingly spacious is the master cabin boasting a wonderful panoramic view. The galley is fully fitted with 4 burners, 2 sinks and a full-sized fridge. The Italia 70 is a new sport yacht studied around comfort and freedom.

Technical Data:
LOA - 21.68 m (71.1 ft)
Beam - 5.65 m
Draft - 1.05 m
Displacement - 40 t

Fuel - 5500 l
Fresh water - 800 l
Engines - 2 x MTU 10V2000M93 1523hp, 1822hp, CAT C32ACERT 1825hp

Propulsion - Arneson surface drives

Project - Galeazzi

www.baiayacht.com

PowerYachtBlog Best of 2007 Nominated

Class 1 - Arendal Norway Preview

The street circuit of powerboat racing, that is Arendal's Norway race which will take place this weekend. Over 200,000 people will gather in the fjords surrounding the race track hoping for a Norwegian win in what is the 10Th Anniversary for the town as a Class 1 venue.

Local's Jotun or Spirit of Norway will be the home favorites, but I am sure that UAE Dubai team Victory will have other ideas for the result of this race. The Victory team has a very successful record in Arendal, with former world champion Saeed Al Tayer taking 5 wins out of the 9 races held so far. This year started in a superb manner for the United Arab Emirates teams with Victory taking 1st and 2nd in Athens and the Qatar team taking 3rd and 4th.

The competition between locals Spirit of Norway and Victory Athens winner has already started off the course. The yellow card to the Dubai team over a squeeze start to the damage of the Norwegian team in the Athens race is pushing for further rules enforcement.

This weekend Grand Prix will take matters at it's place in the race course for the real competition.

www.class-1.com

New Model: Menorquin MY 145

Menorquin Yachts extends its range to include the new model MY 145, which fills the gap between the MY 120 and the MY 160. The MY 145 has been designed by renowned Italian Designer Tommaso Spadolin to have its own new personality and distinguished character whilst retaining all the range’s classic values and attributes for safety and family orientated product. The MY 145 incorporates new technologies that position it at the forefront of the nautical industry, the hull and deck are manufactured by a process of infusion which enables a very precise quality lamination of fibreglass and resin, the result is completely uniform without air bubbles and extremely robust. It is also designed to incorporate safety features with category A or Oceanic certification which is exceptional for a 14 metre size cruiser.
Technical Data:
LOA - 13.99 m (45.8ft)
Beam - 4.45 m
Displacement - 16.5 tons
Fuel capacity - 1.695 l
Water capacity - 665 l
Berths - 6
Engines - 2 x 310hp max

Certification - CE A

www.menorquin.com

Project: Marquis 420 SC

The Marquis 420 SC is the next model for the US marque with a design by Italian naval architects Nuvolari-Lenard. Head turning modern lines are the theme for the new model by the US builder and will feature a wide variety of color selection and a sport hard top with optional power sun roof. Interior accommodation is a 2 cabin spacious stateroom offer. Hull design is around Volvo's innovative new IPS and a 40 knots plus performance is estimated.

www.marquisyachts.com

New Model: Carnevali 68

New model for the Carnevali Custom series the 68, is a 20 metre luxury motor yacht boosting performance and superior interior accommodation. The new Carnevali 68 is a natural evolution for the 65, and like the model it replaced is a custom construction where the client can personalize the yacht to his taste and purposes. Hand made construction but always in evolution to future market trends as is tradition for the Italian Adriatic sea yacht builder. In the external design the new 68 has been modified to the previous 65 footer, with the hull lines now more of a stream line design thanks to new large panoramic tinted side windows, adding light, privacy and superb views from the main cabins. The internal accommodation features 4 spacious cabins all with private en-suite. Crew cabin is situated aft. Studied to answer all queries, with the best in comfort, performance and personalization that a real custom needs to offer, the 68 promises to satisfy all owners request to what regards personalization with a variety of options offered. Innovation and style are the visiting ticket for the new Carnevali yacht, which produced a spacious yacht with superior seakeeping qualities and superb functionality.

Technical Data:

Length - 20 m (65.6 ft)

Beam - 5.4 m

Draft - 1.05 m

Displacement - 38,000 kg

Fuel - 4000 l

Water - 1000 l

Accommodation - 4 cabins, 8 + 1 berths, 1 crew cabin

Engines - 2 x 1015 HP Caterpillar

Speed - max 29 knots cruise 24 knotsft

Hull - variable vee with 15 degrees ad

Design - Max Design

Certification - CE A

www.carnevaliyachts.com

New Model: Diano 22

Diano has launched its latest 22, a 22 metre custom motoryacht. The Riva Trigoso Genova shipyard launched the new M/Y named Lux, which as the shipyard tradition is entirely constructed in wood. As all Diano yachts the interior, furniture, fabrics, components and accessories were all chosen by its owner. The yacht has four cabins featuring an owner's suite amidships with adjoining bathroom, a forward VIP cabin, also with private bathroom, and two guest cabins. Crew quarters are located aft. Power is supplied by two MAN 1360 HP common rail engines and can reach a maximum speed of 29knots, cruising speed is at 26knots.

Technical Data:

Length - 22 m (72.1 ft)

LOA - 23.50 m

Beam - 6.04 m

Displacement - 65 t

Fuel Capacity - 7000 l

Water Capacity - 1500 l

Engines - 2 MAN 1360 HP Common Rail

Speed - maximum 29 knots, cruising 26 knots

Hull - planning

www.cantierediano.com